Hello and Welcome Back To Exploring Other Worlds, Yada Yada Yada. You get the gist of it so let's not waste any more time.
"Talking"
"Lide or Yelling"
"Spells/Magic"
Chapter Five:
Re:Zero Arc 3 Part 1
~Mansion, Afternoon~
"Man, what a slow day." I complain to myself while sweeping one of the upstairs hallways.
'The day of the Royal selection is coming soon. I've been progressing quite well in magic, I finally learned El Goa. I've also learned healing magic through self injury. Hope my hand can ever forgive me. I've also made a couple spells, nothing too fancy of course.' After finishing the sweeping, I head to the closest closet to store the broom and start mopping the floor.
Having finally reached one of the many storage closets, I opened the door expecting a room filled with boring supplies. Instead I am greeted by the very familiar Library housing the Great Spirit of Yin.
"Hm?" The little girl at her desk, turning her head from her book to my direction. "It's you, I suppose."
"My apologies Lady Beatrice, Entry by mistake." Bowing my head to be respectful and to avoid eye contact. "If you'll excuse me, I shall return to my duties."
"Hold it, I suppose." My exit is quickly interrupted.
"What can I do for you, Lady Beatrice?" Putting on my fakest butler tone of voice.
"You can start by speaking naturally, I suppose." Her tone clearly was not amused.
"Oh? What is it now?" What does she want now? You never know with this girl.
"During the attack on the village, your contracted spirit informed me of your death. A lesser spirit wouldn't dare lie to a Great Spirit. So, how is it possible you're still alive?" Her signature 'I suppose' is missing from her sentence. 'She truly is interested in me, guess I've got Subaru beat on the spirit side of things.'
"If you really want to know, I'll tell you. It's up to you, if you believe me or not." Lide did say to surround myself with those stronger than me.
"Go ahead, I suppose." Her response was short and straight to the point.
"Leave the questions for after I finish speaking. Alright, I'm not from this world. More specifically, I was transported to this world. The transportation gave me infinite mana along with immortality. The man that brought me here, leaving me with one mission. My sole mission? Put this world back to its original state." I leave my explanation short and as uninformative as possible.
"...You can't possibly think Betty would believe such a ridiculous story like that."
"Is it really that far-fetched? This world has books that can tell the future, Literal sea animals that can fly and multiply. I'd like to think that my story is a little more believable." My mentioning of the book of wisdom surprises her, but she stays quiet.
"How about this then? While it doesn't prove that I'm from another world, I can prove to you that I hold future knowledge. In around 2 week's time the Mathers Domain will be attacked by the Witch's Cult. The one leading them? Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti, Former Earth spirit turned Archbishop of Sloth."
"Geuse... I don't see how this matters to Betty, I suppose."
"It's about what happens after that. After the defeat of Sloth, Half of Irlam Village gets trapped in The Sanctuary. Once we're there Emilia will attempt the Trials of the Sanctuary and ultimately fail. Three to Four days after her failure the mansion will be attacked by assassins, Their targets being two maids and one shut-in spirit. The Great Rabbit will also attack the Sanctuary, All of this orchestrated by Roswaal L. Mathers. Or maybe you know him better as Roswaal A. Mathers." I surprise her once more with knowledge I shouldn't know.
"Here I am telling you everything, and I haven't even told you my offer. Ahem! Listen closely as I'll only say it once." I'm taking a big risk here, here's hoping it pays off. "Travel the world with me, I'll show you what you can't see from here. We'll find new things that we've both never seen or done before."
"How can you say that when you said you weren't 'That Person'. I suppose."
"I did say that, but that's only because I want you to make me 'that person'! or would you rather wait another Four hundred years for someone that doesn't exist?"
"How would you know?!"
"I'll tell you what I know, Your mother abandoned you. Leaving you here in this library with a book that decided your fate. Once the book stopped producing your fate, you stagnated. In some library where no-one will remember you. A fate worse than death, only because you let a book decide your fate."
"What could I have done differently? I suppose."
"I couldn't tell you... but now? Make a choice without the book's guidance, Come with me or stay here for eternity. I'll give you a week to decide." I finally exit the library only to find that I had taken longer than expected. With the sun already starting to set, I just head back to work.
'Was what I did right? Should I've stuck to Canon? ...Who knew that it would be so damn exhausting trying to convince her. Oh well, I've made my decision, here's hoping she'll make her own.'
~Next Day, Mansion Training Area~
"Murak." Alright, up we go. Balance, no sudden movements. Stay calm. Now onto using wind. Oh shit, not good. "OH SHIT!"
"Um, Ren? What is it you're doing?" I hear Rem's voice from above me.
Lifting my body off the ground I reply with. "I've been trying to replicate Roswaal's flying magic in my own way, as you can see it's failing quite miserably. My gate can't handle the strain of two different elements at the same time, so instead of allowing two special to appear it completely interrupts the flow of mana. Shutting off all active spells."
"I see... but Rem knows since it's Ren doing it, Ren will get it done!" Her words of encouragement filled with love, Love I'm not quite sure how to respond towards.
"Thank you Rem, I appreciate the encouragement, but that's enough about me. How have you been? Slept well?" I know for a fact she hasn't slept well, considering the fact she's been watching me sleep for the past few days. Perks of being a light sleeper, Actually I'm not sure you can even call that a perk. I honestly don't mind it, it's not like she'll strangle me while I'm asleep… at least I hope not.
"Rem is fine. Rem has to wake up early everyday for work, so Rem isn't bothered by her lack of sleep." While her response may sound unhealthy, we are talking about an oni here, and not a human.
Doesn't mean I won't scold her for it, though. "Idiot… you should take better care of yourself, there are people who care about you." I give her a flick on the forehead.
"Well, whatever. I'm going to start training again, you can do your own thing." I dropped the issue as fast as I picked it up.
"Murak." Back to training, I go.
~30 Minutes Later~
One more time. "Murak." Ok… balance it, no sudden movements. "Now, Fura. " Envisioning a breeze all around my body, I start to make experimental movements. Left, right, Left again, right again, up… After a while I start to get the hang of the movements, I start flying around the training area.
I spot Rem and Ram working on the bushes in the courtyard. Heading towards them I fly at a moderate pace, as to not crash into the mansion. Once above them, I yell down to them. "Rem! Ram! Look up here!"
"Huh? Is that idiot…" Ram starts but is cut off by. "He's Flying!" Rem being my number one fan, exclaims happily.
"WooHoo!" I do tricks in the air, like barrel rolls and flips. I stop after my stomach starts to disagree with said tricks.
"Now how do I land? Do I just… Oh Crap. Not again!" Down I go, this time injury being a definite possibility.
I continue falling, the ground getting closer and closer… Until I feel a cold chain wrap around my waist. The chain pulling me towards … "Rem!"
The chain from her morning star pulling me towards her, until she finally catches me. 'She just had to catch me in this position.' Said position being the bridal carry.
"Can you let me down now? My pride as a man depends on it."
"It's just like you, to need the help of others, Fujiren." I forgot she was here. I would've preferred the injury, if I knew this was going to happen.
~Inside The Mansion~
Here we see a lonely princess walking down the hall, as she looks out towards the courtyard, she notices the servants of the mansion having fun.
"Ren…" She mutters under her breath.
"Lia? You should head back to study." Her contracted spirit reminds her.
"Right…" Her current feelings, foreign and confusing.
~Afternoon, Irlam Village~
"Alright everyone, say it with me now! Woo-Hoo!" I announce, once everyone is done with their stretches.
" WOO-HOO!" It was normally the kids who would join me on my morning stretches, but there were some adults who joined in every now and then.
"I've got to go now, don't forget to do this everyday in the morning, so that all of you grow big and strong." Bidding my farewell to all the kids and villagers who joined.
~Scene~
"A carriage? That can only mean.." My thought process is cut off by an old gentleman in a butler outfit.
"Good morning young man, my apologies for parking in front of the mansion." So this is Wilhelm… He's built for his age.
"No, No, it's fine. Lord Roswaal wouldn't mind."
"I see." He continues staring at me.
"If you'd like, I could prepare some tea for you." I offer the old man.
"No need, I don't believe this visit will take long." He denies my offer but continues staring at me.
After a while of uncomfortable silence, Felix finally exits the mansion. "I'm back, old man Wil! Oh? Are you the fabled hero of Irlam, I've heard about?" He says that observing me from all angles.
"Hero? That's too big of a title for me, I'm just your ordinary butler."
"Lady Emilia was telling me all about how Nyou saved the Village children and such. …Well, see you at the Capital." And with that, they leave.
'See you at the Capital? They shouldn't have any reason to believe I'll be there… unless.'
~Roswaal Office~
"Lady Emilia, you shouldn't have."
"I-I just felt like you should've been rewarded for your actions." Her face forming into a pout.
"No, like you literally shouldn't have done that. My gate is functioning just fine."
"W-Well, it's always good to get a checkup to make sure." Is she trying to convince me to come with her? Shouldn't it be the other way around?
"I appreciate it nonetheless, Thank you Emilia. Just try and ask me before you do anything drastic, ok?"
"...'Ok'? What does that mean?" Oh right, she's a bit sheltered.
"Are we clear on that?" I rephrase the short 'Ok' into a five word sentence.
"Yes! We're 'Ok'!" She completely butchered the meaning, but that's fine.
~Lugnican Capital~
"So, why is it that you're holding me?" I ask the silver haired princess that's currently holding onto my coat sleeve.
"It's only because you're so inconsiderate to everyone around you! You jumped off the carriage!"
"That was only because I knew I would be fine, also I wanted to test how fast I can fly. Even if something were to happen, I know you or Rem would save me." The answer as to how fast I fly is double the speed of a normal dragon-drawn carriage.
No use arguing. "I'm sorry Lady Emilia, I'll be more considerate next time."
'Honestly… To be scolded by what is basically a child, how embarrassing.'
"Good… Now follow me." Her frown turning into a small smile.
Seeing the sights as I follow behind her. "Where exactly are we going?" I ask, I'd rather not walk around the whole Capital.
"The guard station, you can wait outside while I do my business."
"Wasn't the whole point of bringing me along, to keep an eye on me? It seems kind of pointless if you're just going to leave me alone."
"Just stay where I tell you. Honestly, you act like such a child." Pot meet kettle.
"Sure, if I get kidnapped, I'll know who to blame for leaving me alone."
"You shouldn't joke about that, but if anything happens the guards will see it." Despite her statement, I could tell she was holding in a giggle.
"I won't have to worry ab-" An unfamiliar voice cuts me off.
"If it isn't Lady Emilia, I hope you've been doing well, since we've last met." Ahh… Julius Juukulius, the Spirit knight, the Knight of Knights, and whatever other ridiculous titles he holds.
"I've been well, I could say the same for you Julius."
"The fact that you even remember me is an honor. I can see you've only grown more beautiful than the last time we met." He says taking her hand and as Subaru would say 'slobbers all over it'. I don't necessarily mind it, I'm not in love with Emilia after all.
"I'm sorry for requesting you on such short notice, I needed a guide for my business in the Knights station." Despite what I said, I almost feel like a third wheel.
"It is my pleasure to be your guide, I can presume that your business has to do with the unassuming boy beside you?"
'Unassuming? It'd be hard not to dislike you if you treat strangers like that.'
"Ren Fujimura, it's very nice to meet you." I extend my hand for a shake. He just stares at my hand in confusion, until I retract it. '...Awkward.'
"It's nice to meet you as well, I shall inform the others of your arrival, Lady Emilia." He leaves as fast as he comes.
"Thank you Julius… Now Ren, be a good boy and wait for me here, Ok?" From butler to pet dog? At the very least she's using 'ok' correctly.
"Yes Ma'am." I somehow get the feeling there's going to be a random encounter.
~Break~
'A woman being pulled into an alley? That's as random as an encounter can get.'
"Just cough up whatever you got, lady!" I honestly never understood what that meant, like is the person supposed to just cough and out comes a gold bar? Ahh… the English language is so needlessly complicated… I should probably help her now.
"Hey idiots, you should probably stop talking to her like that, unless you want to die of course."
"Huh? Who the hell are you?!" The one in the middle speaks up. Wait hold on, aren't these the guys who mugged Subaru in Arc 1?
"Me? I'm a nobody." Despite the people I'm surrounded by, that doesn't change the fact that I'm a nobody. "The woman behind you, however, is Priscilla Barielle. Also known as the Bloody Bride, even just being near her might cause you to have an untimely end."
It seems the intimidation worked, considering they're stumbling over themselves just to get away from her.
"Hehe, idiots." I can only chuckle as they leave.
"You are quite brave to call me that, and not plead for forgiveness." Now I have to deal with her. I kind of regret even getting involved already.
"Lady Barielle, it's quite the pleasure." Putting on my butler attitude, I try and play it off
"Despite your manner of speech, your tone does not reach your eyes. How interesting." Damn she's observant.
"My apologies Lady Priscilla, but I must get going now." If I just leave, I won't have to deal with her. That way I meet up with Emilia on time.
I'm suddenly grabbed from behind. Despite her looks, she's pretty strong. "And where do you think you're going?" Scary…
"Me? Nowhere in particular." Man, what happened to my pride as a man.
"Good boy, Now I've taken quite an interest in you. So I have decided, you are to be my knight!" What?
"Knight? I'm sorry but I'll have to decline your offer, I already work as a butler under Lord Ros-"
"Hey you kid! Have you seen a Blonde haired girl named Felt anywhere?" Isn't that…
"Old man Rom!" Lo and behold, the old giant in the flesh.
"Huh? Do I know you kid?" Oh right, he was unconscious at the time.
"Not personally but Felt asked me to heal the wound on your neck."
"So you're the one that healed me? I appreciate it, kid, really saved my bacon."
"About Felt, last I heard she's on her way to becoming queen, with Reinhard backing her." I make sure to speak loud enough for Priscilla to hear, but now that I think about it, she probably couldn't care less about the other competitors.
"The Astreas? It just had to be them." He fought Wilhelm during the war, so it only makes sense he wouldn't trust them. "Thanks kid, I'll be seeing ya."
"Yeah Later, old man Rom." After waving goodbye I turn back to my previous conversation. "Sorry about that, but like I was saying, I can't become your knight, I already work under Lor-" I'm cut off again. 'Let me finish my sentence, for the love of God.'
"Ren! There you are!" Emilia, you couldn't have come at a better time.
"Lady Emilia? I'm sorry I-" I try to explain what happened, but I get cut off, Again.
"Ren, why can't you wait for me like a good boy?" Emilia I don't appreciate you treating me like a lost puppy.
"Oh? This is your master? It matters not whether you have one or not, you're still mine." You're not helping.
"..." Emilia's gone quiet on me, is she really that uncomfortable around the other candidates?
"Lady Emilia? Are you alright?"
"We should get going." …Okay, she's acting really weird now.
"Um… right."
"Leaving already? I shall await your arrival in my estate." Even if I were to go, I wouldn't know where that is.
~Break~
'Now that I think about it, where is Al? He should've been with Emilia… Right? No that's not possible unless he actually was him. Oh man, this just got a helluva lot more complicated. Why can't things just be simple for once.'
"Ren, where do you know that girl from?" So she finally decided to speak again.
"I just met her, but I knew of her from before. Priscilla Barielle, a noble woman who's territories started to flourish after the death of her husband. She is also one of the competitors for the throne, meaning she's your rival."
"Then you see the issue with associating with her?"
"Issue? Hold on, just because we're friends doesn't mean I'll just support you. In fact, I don't even know what you plan on doing if you do become queen." I probably still will end up supporting her, the other candidate's goals aren't all that great in my opinion, maybe Felt's but that's kind of pushing it.
"Oh…" I can't say no to a face like that.
"Don't worry Emilia, I'll support you as long as you don't make any laws that force people to sacrifice their first born to you."
"What?! I wouldn't ever dare do something so horrible!" I can't help but chuckle at how serious she took the joke. "Mou… You should stop teasing me, I'll get mad, you know."
"I-I'm sorry Lady E-Emilia, I couldn't help b-but laugh at it." I say between chuckles.
"Ren, You're such a dunderhead." She's pouting now.
"Emilia, no one says 'dunderhead' anymore."
"Mou… stop teasing me!" Now she's looking away.
The whole way back we laugh at jokes and tease each other… When we had finally arrived back at our temporary home.
"Thank you Ren, I needed that and I… Nevermind."
"Uh, Yeah, no problem. Anything for a friend, and if you start to feel down again, you know where to find me."
"B-Bye!"
'There she goes… honestly, that girl.' I can only sigh at her childish antics.
~Break~
Emilia Pov
'Oh no! I ran away from him! I just suddenly felt really embarrassed.'
'Don't worry Lia, Ren is a pretty understanding guy. I'm sure he doesn't mind.' I hear Puck speak out telepathically.
'Do you think so? I wouldn't want my only friend to think I'm strange.'
'I know so. So stop worrying so much and head to bed, it's gotten pretty late and you already know what tomorrow is.'
'The Royal Selection…'
'Yup, that's why you should head to bed and be prepared for it.'
'Right!'
I head to bed, going to sleep with foreign feelings once more. This time the feelings are different from before.
~The Next Day~
Ren Pov
"...So be a good boy and stay here with Rem, ok?"
"Could you please stop treating me like a puppy? And don't worry about me, you should be more worried about yourself… Fine, I won't do anything reckless while you're away."
"Promise me." I can see how little faith she has in me.
"I promise to stay with Rem the whole day."
"And?"
"And I promise not to do anything reckless, happy?"
"Very." Cheeky little… *sigh* whatever. "Rem, please make sure to watch over him."
"Yes, Lady Emilia." Small hints of excitement showing in her voice. 'At least try to be less obvious.'
~Break~
'Now it's just me and Rem, alone… I'm bored.'
"Reeeem. I'm bored." I complained to my coworker.
"Lady Emilia ordered me to keep an eye on you."
"Alright then, how about this? We go explore the Capital, this way we have fun and you can keep an eye on me at the same time."
"Like a d-date?" Whoa, calm down Rem, you'll overheat from how much you're blushing.
"Um, sure. Like a date."
"Rem and her Hero on a date…"
"Rem, please calm down, you're going to faint at this rate."
"Ren is right, Rem must stay awake, so that I can experience the date." That's not what I meant at all.
"Let's get going then! …Which way are we supposed to go?"
Rem, having been to the Capital before, takes us to where all the restaurants are. Rem, being in front of me, points out different restaurants we can enter. One thing I notice about all of these restaurants is they all are catering to couples. One of them even had a hotel built in on the second floor.
'She couldn't be any more obvious, from calling this a date to practically taking me out to dinner, and it's still the morning!'
Exasperated, I followed her lead. "Anywhere's fine, I don't have a preference."
She takes a second to choose but when she does, I'm unable to see it. Why? Well it's because I'm being kidnapped at the moment.
"Mmh!" I feel a delicate but strong hand cover my mouth, preventing me from speaking. 'This is bad, I can't cast my spells without an incantation.'
My kidnapper dragging me further and further from Rem, who still hasn't noticed my disappearance.
"Rmm!" My muffled cries falling on deaf ears. My kidnapper dragging me into a carriage and closing the carriage door. Having finally been freed from their hold, I look up to get a good look at them. Instead of some hooded or masked person, all I find is… "Priscilla?!"
"Must you struggle so much my knight?"
"I'm sorry Lady Priscilla, but I thought I was getting kidnapped… Actually, why did you drag me here?"
"You are my knight, you are to be beside me at all times. Not some maid." Is she jealous? No way, I'm overthinking this too much. We barely even know each other.
She hands me a high quality black sword with a very beautiful design, along with a very nice crimson scabbard of the same quality. "Here, a reward, you can thank me by calling me Goddess Priscilla from now on." Yeah, how about no.
"Thank you Lady Priscilla, but I don't deserve something as fine as this. Please take it back." I try to give it back before I end up indebted to her.
"Nonsense! You are my chosen knight, meaning you are better than the rest. Being better means you deserve better as well, so only the finest for my knight. I can tell you have only just started, but you shall accomplish great things by my side." Wow, she makes being prideful look beautiful.
"Thank you Priscilla."
"Oh? I'll allow it. Now we must be heading off."
"Where to?"
"Where else? The Royal Selection."
'I guess I couldn't keep my promise, sorry Emilia. And sorry Rem for leaving you behind.'
~Break~
We finally made it to the Royal Castle, after 10 minutes of Priscilla treating me like her prize pet in the carriage. I'm honestly sick and tired of being treated like this, it's demoralizing.
"Come along." She suddenly links arms with me. "You mustn't be so stiff, walk with elegance. You must always look good no matter what." Easier said than done.
"Yes Ma'am." She pinches my arm. "Yes Priscilla."
"Much better." We continue walking, my stiffness wearing off after a few seconds. We both walk like supermodels, Maybe not me considering I now have a sword on my hip.
We finally arrive to where they're holding the Royal Selection, right outside is a knight.
"Lady Barielle, you're here… and this is?"
"My knight, Ren." I don't think I ever told her my full name.
"Your knight?...Please go on ahead."
'Oh man, all of this is happening too fast, I can't even think straight.'
We enter through the double doors into the Royal Selection. On our left are the Knights. On the right, the nobles. And right in front, are the other candidates, including Emilia.
"Ren? What are you doing here?" Emilia asks once we're close enough.
"So the half-devil is your previous master? How amusing. And to answer your question half-devil, he is my knight, so he must be at my side at all times."
"Ren, you promised me you would stay with Rem. Why are you here?" Emilia completely ignores Priscilla.
"I'm sorry Lady Emilia, I never meant to break the promise. And Priscilla, I never said I wanted to be your knight."
"Your choice on the matter matters not. Mineself has declared you as mine knight. Now be good and line up with the rest." Despite her smile, I can tell she isn't happy one bit.
"We'll be talking about this later Ren." My problems seem to just keep on piling up.
Not responding, I head towards where all the Knights are. I spot a familiar red haired knight, so I choose to head towards him.
"Ah, Ren. You seem to have been well." Rein, you're too nice of a guy, my life would've been more simple if I had gone with you.
"The same could be said about you. How has Felt been?"
"You shall see for yourself, soon enough." Guess I was right, she's still one of the candidates.
"I guess so…"
'Should I help Emilia? Or should I leave her to the wolves? If I stick as close to Canon as possible, nothing should be too different. But if I were to keep my mouth shut, how different would the future be?'
"...en…"
'What to do? What to do? What to do?'
"..en, Ren." I feel my shoulders being shaken. I look up and see Rein looking at me with a concerned expression.
"..Rein? What's wrong?"
"Are you alright? You started breathing rather heavily and your hands are shaking, is something the matter?"
'He's right… My hands won't stop shaking. My self-doubt is eating me from the inside out. I know what I must do… so then why can't I?! …Deep breath in… and out…' I start calming myself before I have a full on panic attack.
"I'm fine… just needed a second. I'm fine now, trust me." I try to assure him that I'm actually fine.
"I believe you, just try and stay calm." His tone soothing.
'Rein you're just so nice, that I might just cry from how happy I am to have met you.'
"...aid was, 'Maybe it'll be a drinking party'." I hear a familiar feminine voice ring out.
'When did Felix get here? …Actually, since when has the event started?! Everything seems to be the same, I guess me being really hasn't changed anything. That's good.'
"Just cause she backed out, doesn't mean I have too." Now Anastasia's talking… I should probably start paying more attention. "There's no point in explainin' the Royal Selection now, we already know. Right?"
"I think we should try to hear the-" Oh Emilia, you naive girl…
"I wasn't askin' for your opinion." Guess I should step in for those who don't know.
Here goes nothing. "Excuse me! I'm new to Lugnica so I'd like to hear the rest of your story." Man, just this was embarrassing. How the hell am I supposed to embarrass myself even further?
"I am told this boy is your Knight, Lady Priscilla." One of the Wise Sages? Speaks up. "Have you not explained the selection to him?"
"Whether I have or haven't doesn't matter, you shall still explain it regardless." Wow, Priscilla has balls of steel talking to the old dude like that. Or maybe it's her confidence, either way I applaud her mentally on such a decision. "Go ahead, Marcos."
Marcos, the Knight captain, starts to announce the prophecy. "The reason we have you all who are qualified to be the dragon priestess is because a new prophecy has been engraved in the Dragon Stone."
"It says 'From the five capable of becoming the nation's new leader, choose one priestess to enter into a covenant with the dragon'."
"Knight Reinhard Van Astrea, Come forward."
"Yes, sir."
Once in place, Rein starts his announcement. "Honored members of the council of Wise men, I, Reinhard Van Astrea of the Imperial Knights, would like to announce the completion of my mission."
"The Dragon's priestess, the fifth and final candidate for the throne, has been located." The door opens revealing Felt in a yellow dress with two little maids holding the back of the dress up. "The one I, myself, revere as queen, her name is Lady Felt."
'Wow, she doesn't look half bad, it's ten times better than the thief outfit. The thief outfit is just prison bait.'
She walks down the room, closer to Rein.
"Lady Felt, thank yo-" Poor guy isn't even able to finish speaking before getting kicked.
"Reinhard you Bastard! You practically dragged me with no explanation! What the hell is this?! Stop blocking my kicks you asshole!"
"Hey kiddo, what's with all the cursing? Aren't you a little too young to know these words?" Felt's face suddenly forms into a surprised expression.
"Big bro? What are you doing here?" She starts getting closer to me. 'I can already tell she's gonna try the same thing.'
Woosh. The sound of her foot missing my head by a couple centimeters, is honestly horrifying. 'If that had hit me, I probably would be on the floor taking a nap.'
"Whoa! Kiddo, what's all the hostility for? I thought we were good friends."
"I thought that too! Until you decided to just let me get kidnapped!" Another kick.
"Well I'm sorry, I can't really tell the Sword Saint to not do something. And even if I tried to stop him all I had at my disposal were two lesser spirits to my name. One being a Water spirit, the other a Yin spirit. So not much I could really do, and for what it's worth, I'm really sorry." She stops trying to kick me and suddenly goes for a hug.
"I thought Old Man Rom was going to die, and then you came and healed him. I was so happy that you did that, I thought you were different from all the others. But then when I was being taken you only told me to trust Reinhard and practically left me to my fate." I can feel the tears on my coat, but all I do is hug her back.
"Sorry Felt, I would have explained it better, but that day was pretty stressful." We finally split up so as to not make it awkward.
"Yeah it was, wasn't it?" A happy smile on her face.
"Ahem. Lady Felt if you have finished rekindling old relationships, please step over here."
Felt wipes at her eyes and steps towards where all the candidates are. "What is it you want me to do?"
Rein steps forward, next to Felt. "I'd like to say, 'Act more ladylike', but for now, hold this." Placing the insignia on her palm.
The glowing insignia surprising most of the Knights and Nobles. "As you can see, the dragon gem has recognized Felt as a priestess. Now that her participation has been approved, I believe it is time to begin the Royal Selection in earnest." All the Knights start bowing in unison. 'That was kinda creepy, but also cool.'
"Even if the dragon stone has recognized her, isn't her selection a bit problematic?" Nobles always got something to say.
"Do you believe that we, the Imperial Knights, have committed an error?" Now the atmosphere is a bit tense, always got to have a word in, huh? Nobles and their Damned pride.
Murmurs from the Noble crowd are silenced by one of the wise men. "Knight Reinhard, could you explain to us what led to her discovery?"
"I took custody of Lady Felt around one month ago, in the slums."
"She's a damn gutter rat from the slums!?" Even more loud murmurs are heard from the Noble's side.
"Well sorry for being a gutter rat! You guys were the ones who brought me here against my will!" Felt is seriously out of the loop here, just what did Rein even tell her?
"All of this long winded blunder could not be any more tedious. Of course, I suppose you have lived as a gutter rat your whole life, it'd make sense for you to handle such tedious conversations."
"Eh? You tryna' pick a fight? Cause you got one."
"Oh? Such insolence. Who do you think I am?" Uh oh, blonde on blonde action and not the good kind either.
"Many pardons, Lady Priscilla." Whoa, Rein you beast!
"What are you thinking? In a hallowed place like this?" Emilia, I think it's for the best if you don't get involved.
"I was only trying to teach the undisciplined little bitch her place." Priscilla, please stop making things worse.
"You won't apologize to her?" Lady Emilia, please…
"Then, will you apologize for being born? You silver-haired half-elf."
"I-I am not connected to the witch at all…"
"Priscilla, I believe you've gone too far."
"Hmph, I shall only stop out of consideration for my knight."
'Wait, she actually listened to me? Hold on… How the hell? Shouldn't she be y'know, more prideful? …There's so many differences that I'll just stop questioning it.'
"Are you all finished?" Seems the old guys have gotten a little impatient.
"Then, will the Royal Selection Candidates please come forward?" Priscilla motions for me to stand next to her. "Baroness Priscilla Barielle and her Knight."
"This selection is pointless, I am most fit to rule this nation! All you people have to do is grovel at my feet and I shall lead you all to prosperity!" And here I thought you had gotten less prideful.
"Duchess of the Karsten Family, Crusch Karsten, and her Knight, Felix Argyle."
"Should I become ruler, I will make the dragon forget the covenant it demanded. The empire of Lugnica belongs to it's people, not the dragon." Quite the controversial thing to say.
"Founder of Hoshin Company, Anastasia Hoshin, and her Knight, Julius Juukulius."
"I'm a greedy girl, so I want most things. No amount of success will satisfy me. I want my own Nation." Not much to say really. Girl just wants her own nation.
"Lady Emilia, and the man backing her, Roswaal L Mathers."
"I have only one wish, for all to be equal! I desire to create a nation where all citizens are treated the same no matter what they are." Nice one Emilia.
"Still, after the introduction of all those Knights as attendants, I feel terribly out of place here!" I'd believe you, if you weren't staring in my direction, Lord Roswaal.
"And finally, Lady Felt and her Knight, Reinhard Van Astrea."
"Hold it! Don't get it twisted! I never once said I wanted to be the next ruler!" C'mon kid, don't blow it.
"Are you saying you withdraw from the Selection?"
"Damn right I am!"
"This is utter rubbish! I've overlooked it because the situation is dire, but to drag it out this long is senseless." It's that same noble, talk about annoying.
"He's right. The Astreas offer us a gutter rat, while the Margrave endorses a half-devil? What utter foolishness!"
"It's not very nice to call a half-elf, a half-devil." Wow, even the bare minimum seems disingenuous when coming from you Roswaal.
"That silver haired half-elf matches the description of the Witch of Envy, as has been described for centuries! Even allowing her to be here is dreadful! Filthy Elf!"
It's time for the second embarrassing moment. "Wise men? I think most of them are more senile than wise. Like seriously, who the hell makes themselves the enemy of a possible ruler? I'd probably start apologizing soon, if I were him." I made sure to speak loud enough for most to hear me.
"Ren… Ahem! Allow me to introduce myself properly to you, Honored council of elders. My name is Emilia, I am accompanied by Puck, the Great Spirit of Fire." Loud mutters are heard throughout the room.
"I understand that my half-elf lineage and other similarities to the witch subject me to prejudice. However, I refuse to let all my potential be wasted for that reason."
"By the way, what is your relation to Lady Priscilla's Knight?" The more "wise" of the wise men asks.
"That is…" Emilia is unable to respond quickly enough before being interrupted by yours truly.
"Allow me to introduce myself, My name is Ren Fujimura, I am the current knight of Priscilla. I am also a butler working under Lord Roswaal and Lady Emilia."
"A butler is he…"
"Forgive him, he knows very little of our kingdom." Thank you Lord Roswaal, for making me look worse.
"Forgive me for interrupting, but there is something I must ask him… If you truly proclaim yourself to be Lady Priscilla's Knight."
"Oh? And what do you mean by that?" The smirk on my face irritating Julius by the looks of it.
"You declare yourself a knight, and right in front of the Knights of Lugnica, no less!" With that declaration the Knights brandish their swords holding them in front of themselves.
"And? What of it? Think that I'll back down just cause they're here?"
"Then you are saying, you have the resolve to become a knight."
"No I don't, and to be honest with you I couldn't give a rat's ass about becoming a knight. I won't uphold some code infringed upon me by this disaster you call a country. My goal is to grow stronger, not to become one of this country's many dogs."
"Then why continue standing here? Why not leave and stop shaming us, the Imperial Knights?"
"Why? I stand here because I'd like to confirm something."
"What would that be?"
"Whether the title 'Finest of Knights' holds its weight or not."
"You wish for a duel?" I can tell my demand for a duel shocked him, his face a clear indicator. It probably shocked everyone else, but I don't really care right now.
"Of course. It'd make for quite the debut, it'll also show me if you Knights are really what you're made out to be." The last statement earning the ire of the Knights. "Ah. My apologies, Council of elders and Candidates. I promise not to interrupt anymore." My apology in the fake butler tone along with a deep bow.
Once back in place, I hear giggling to my side. Priscilla is as happy and entertained as can be. "My… you truly are quite the interesting boy."
I can also feel a stare coming from my left, whether it's Emilia or Roswaal, I don't even care anymore.
"..Right, Let us discuss how the Royal Selection will proceed." Marcos starts once again, this time being interrupted by smoke coming from the ground.
"Fura." I use a low-power Fura to clear most of the smoke near the candidates. I see Rein clear the rest. Behind the smoke is a familiar giant carrying Felt.
"Old Man Rom!?" Rom is quickly surrounded by knights. Having been apprehended, Felt is held back. I'm not able to hear much considering they're on the other side of the room, but the fact they're letting Rom go now probably means Felt is probably joining the Selection.
Once done with that little interruption, Felt and Rein go up to state their goals.
"Miss Felt and her Knight, Reinhard, may we assume you have decided to join the Royal Selection?"
"Yeah I'm in, but before anything else let me say one thing, I hate the Nobility! I hate the Knights! I hate this Country! Everything about it pisses me off! …So I'm planning on tearing it all down!" Quite the anarchist, and judging by the reactions, she isn't all that well received.
"If I become the next ruler, I'll destroy everything! I'll take down every last one of you, and bring something new to this dragon forsaken country!"
"Yes, well in any case, all of the candidates are all here at last. The Royal Selection will now begin!"
Knights Arena
It's finally begun, this is where I get completely humiliated. I'm sorry Priscilla, but despite my looks, I'm an amateur magic user. Let's not even get started on the fact that I've never even wielded a blade before.
"Ren, you should take back what you said, I'll try and smooth things over with Julius."
"Do you have that little faith in me, Rein? And I can't take it back, Sorry." I know you don't mean anything by it, but I need to do this.
"Nyou should probably forfeit, Julius is pretty strong, nyou knyow." Now it's Felix?
"Like I said, I can't. I have to do this." I don't elaborate and head towards the center of the arena, where Julius stands with his own wooden sword.
"Are we going to start this? Or are you going to continue standing there, looking pretty?"
"If you forfeit now, I might just forget what you said about the Imperial Knights."
"Sorry can't do that, I've got a debut to make. And you're just one of the many obstacles in my way."
"Haah… Have it your way, I warned you." He sighs and gets into position. I do the same, the only difference is, I hold my sword more loosely.
"Reinforce, Reinforce." I cast my new Yang enhancement twice, on both myself and my sword.
"The Duel between the Knight of Anastasia Hoshin, Julius Juukulius and the Knight of Priscilla Barielle, Ren Fujimura will now begin shortly!" Cheers are heard throughout the crowd when Julius' name is announced.
'For me? Complete silence. Who doesn't love an underdog story?'
"Fighters at the ready! …Begin!"
To Be Continued
~~~~~~
That was something… if you couldn't tell most of the Royal selection is copy paste. Ren's presence in the world hasn't had that much of an effect for anything to be too different. Expect differences in the subjugation of the Whale and Sloth though.
Priscilla wants our boy Ren? Talk about rotten luck or would it be good luck? Who knows? Let's see how this develops...
Very boring chapter overall but the next few? Oh they'll be quite entertaining to say the least.
That's enough of that though, See ya! Leave a review!