I gaze off into the distance and see the castle the Royal Selection will take place. How interesting.
"Emilia, are you ready?"
She grins, "Yesss I am."
Crusch gave us our carriage to take to the Royal Selection... perhaps to avoid people realizing we have allied? Well, whatever, it doesn't matter.
Emilia, myself, and Beatrice will be the Emilia camp members, and the Dragon will be our sponsors. This is going to be a fun argument.
"Beatrice, you ready? You will soon be known as the Great Spirit of Yin. No spirit has ever had the title."
Beatrice smiled, "Yes, I suppose that title would be suitable."
Suitable? She can't wait for this.
We approach guards, Emilia shows them her insignia, and we are let through. The castle was giant. I already believe I spotted one of the candidates. Judging from the way she looked, she was definitely nobility. She looked almost like a monarch from another nation... how strange.
The giant doors to the area the Royal Selection would take place openly. I could see two groups, a group of knights and a group of what looked to be nobles. If these two demographics are who I should consider in appealing my arguments, then that is already good to know from what I know about the Sage Council. There is a group of advisers that previously advised the king before the king died. The Prime Minister holds the majority of authority now.
I sit down with the knights next to the one I saw earlier. I forgot his name... and I don't think I ever told him mine, either.
He looked at me strangely but quickly changed his attitude with a smile. It was genuine, however. How weird... I could only imagine he viewed me suspiciously and then changed his mind?
I should introduce myself and ask his name. From the looks of things, nothing is happening yet. I told Emilia to enter a bit later when I do so I can scope out the area. Beatrice will accompany her. From what I see, the knights follow the same procedure.
Before I could speak, the red-haired knight said, "You are the same person I saw the day the Capital was attacked. My name is Reinhard Van Astrea. What is yours?"
Reinhard is an interesting character, he seems like a genuinely kind guy, but he, too, is wearing a mask. Hiding something he either regrets or wants to forget...
"My name is Subaru Nakamura," I reply with a smile.
"So I can only assume your Lady Emilia's knight... where is Roswaal? I heard rumors that Lady Emilia's sponsor was Roswaal L Mathers."
Odd how he didn't question how I became Emilia's knight and asked about Roswaal instead... this is a tricky situation depending on his response, or I lie. I don't know this man's rank, so lying may be the best option, or I could handle it how I handled Crusch...
"Reinhard, may I ask your ranking or standing within the Kingdom?"
He looked at me, confused. Another knight with purple hair came up to me.
"Are you disrespecting Reinhard? Everyone knows he's the sword saint," the man said.
Reinhard looked annoyed when the purple-haired man said, sword saint. Another clue, I guess...
From what I remember, Beatrice told me that the sword... I am an idiot. I forgot that detail of Reinhard being the sword saint... how could I overlook something like that? Well, I guess when Beatrice is teaching you the history of a world you've never been to in one hour, it's a bit hard to keep up with...
"No, I simply asked since the answer to his question could be considered a danger to the Kingdom of Lugina itself," I stated with confidence, but at the same time also humility. Conveying the importance and the dire situation of what I was referring to.
Reinhard's eyes widened a bit when he heard that. The purple-haired knight is... laughing?
"How odd, making sure bold statements. Not to mention your Emilia's knight, correct? What exactly have you accomplished to gain that title?"
Before I was about to state, 'Killing a Sin Archbishop, preventing a possible coup d'état and giving the Kingdom a new Great Spirit, ' Reinhard interjected.
"Julius, please excuse yourself from this conversation," Reinhard demanded.
Julius looked at him, confused but also... scared.
He quickly moved back to his seat and returned to speaking to me.
"The timing of telling me something of this importance isn't best, but would rather know now than not know, and something happens due to my lack of knowledge," Reinhard states, implying he wants to know.
Well, this area isn't exactly the best place to tell someone an important secret. Even if I whispered, I have no idea what powers people have here.
"Yes, the setting is bad, not to mention someone could easily overhear what I'm telling you. Do you have any idea for a solution to this?" I ask him with the intent to dodge the entire issue.
Reinhard looked as if he was thinking for a moment before his blank facial expression turned into a smile.
"I now have the Divine Protection of Telepathy. Hold out your hand and place it above mine. We will be able to talk telepathically while maintaining contact."
What the hell? What the fuck just happened? Divine Protections are rare, I was told... how the fuck did this guy just say he has one now? What is going on? I doubt it's a trap. He has no intention of using this against me.
May as well comply.
I hold out my hand and test this 'Telepathy.' If it's based only on thoughts, then I must only think of the answer without revealing anything about Pandora. If it's simply communication via telepathic words, then that issue resolves itself.
After hearing Subaru state a threat that could endanger the Kingdom of Lugnica, I could not ignore such a claim. I wished for the power to speak to someone secretly and instantly gained this new Divine Protection... the Divine Protection of Telepathy.
When Subaru held out his hand to enter it, I heard.
'Hello?'
It works well.
'Good, it works, ok Subaru, tells me exactly what you wanted to tell me before. Now that I can speak more freely, I can respond to you honestly as well'
A few moments went by of silence... is this failing?
'Alright Reinhard, the story is long, so try remembering what I'm about to tell you. Roswaal L. Mathers and Puck, the Great Spirit of Fire, contracted to Emilia we're killed by the Sin Archbishop of Lust.'
What? That explains why I didn't see Roswaal present. Even if the rumors we're false, he's the strongest mage in the Kingdom. He would most definitely be here for this event.
I can't wonder how they managed to cope with such a tragedy. For now, I need to know the rest.
'Subaru, I assume there's more?'
'Correct. Me, Emilia, and Beatrice are the only survivors that we know of. The attack was premeditated and organized. If it were not for Beatrice, the spirit I contracted that day, Emilia and I would no longer live.'
I was both shocked and terrified at what he had just stated.
'I already assume you will ask how and who organized the attack, so I will cut to the chase to that as well. The man who orchestrated the events that took place was Roswaal L Mathers himself. The Sin Archbishop, whose name was Capella, referred to the person who hired her as a client. My only guess is that Roswaal attempted to kill me, Emilia, or even both of us, neglecting to realize the danger he put himself in. The other possibility is that he wasn't aware that he was hiring a Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult. That is the more likely option, as I don't think witch cultists are those who reason.'
This is terrible news...
He was correct in his assessment. If he simply stated that even if he whispered it to me, the possibility of anybody overhearing could be mysterious. I can tell Subaru is intelligent, understanding the severity of the situation and the importance of not letting it be public knowledge.
I was about to remove my hand, stopping the telepathy, but Subaru pushed his hand down to continue it. He must have something else to tell me.
'I need to tell you a few more things, one. I already found a solution or replacement for the Kingdom losing the Spirit of Fire. I have contracted a spirit who is either equal or stronger than the Spirit of Fire and also specializes in Yin magic. The only reason we were able to defeat Capella was due to her ability to send any target into an alternate dimension, the highest form of yin magic and considered to be impossible for both any human or spirit. Secondly, I'm sure you're aware of the sponsor issue, I have a solution, but if it fails, if you can assist me in any way, it would be appreciated. Lastly, I am from beyond the great waterfall. I arrived in this world the day the assassin attack took place. If that is of any importance'
What? Beyond the great waterfall?
Assuming that's true, then... Subaru has managed to understand this world he was sent to within two weeks... and form both political and military-based assessments on actions and situations that happened. I don't know what even to think...
Before I could respond, Subaru removed his palm, stopping the connection. The telepathic thoughts acted strangely, almost engraving the words into my brain so I wouldn't forget—an amazing function to have, considering the amount of information I was given.
I will honor his request, he only asked for assistance if his reason for Lady Emilia's legitimacy to be a candidate is valid regardless of whether her having a sponsor or not then... I will argue to support him and Emilia.
But I still don't understand... if I was in his situation, being sent to another world and dealing with assassins, political issues, and countless other conflicts in a world he knew nothing about...
It's remarkable.
That worked out well. It seems I've gained yet another ally. Now let's see how these speeches play out...
The first person to speak was Crusch, I told Emilia specifically to talk last. In terms of politics, if the last speech is better than the one already given it should give an edge. I wonder what she came up with. I gave her tips, but honestly, I'm no expert... it's funny that I stole quotes from a show I watched when I was younger. But the concepts do work and are applicable. I have no doubt Emilia's speech will breathe taking.
Rather than me giving counterpoints, I told Emilia to include them in her speech herself. If she can dismiss every argument presented by the other candidates within her own speech, then she wins...
It's odd. That knight named Julius keeps giving me some weird look...
I watched as the five candidates slowly made there a way to the front. Wait, there is... one missing?
"The Sage Council shall now enter," I heard a voice say as a group of elderly men entered.
These guys look pathetic. Truly pathetic. A bunch of old men running a nation is always a great fucking idea!
The first to speak was... Crusch, of course.
Let's see what she comes up with... wait what?
She figured out what I had in mind to dismiss her speech without the speech even mattering... her false masculine tone.
She was wearing a scarlet red dress, which signifies power. Great, she is a republican, I guess? How does she even know that color shows power? What the fuck?
I will admit her outfit complemented her demeanor and body quite well. Obviously, Emilia is a goddess compared to her, but Crusch is beautiful I'm both surprised and impressed that she figured it out.
I noticed her staring at me almost as if trying to ask if she was right.
I could deny her that both giving her anxiety and wondering what the real reason was, but considering her generosity, I suppose I'll let her have her moment.
I gave her a thumbs-up, and she regained eye contact with the audience.
"What was that about?" Reinhard whispered to me, noticing the interaction.
"I'll tell you later," I reply
I noticed another man next to me. He was missing an arm and had a helmet on.
"So, your Lady Emilia's knight?" The man questioned.
"I guess I am," I reply with a blank face.
Something about this guy feels off. Not bad, but just off.
I noticed him staring at something. It was a tattoo on my hand. It was small and was a Japanese reference to the cycle of death of being reborn.
But to everybody that has seen it so far, they had no idea what it was or meant... why does he look like he does?
"So you from the same place as me, huh? That's cool." the man said to me...
Wait... what the fuck? Is he implying that he was sent to this world from Japan as well? How is that even fucking possible? Well, I guess, considering the fact I was sent here, but I thought this was some dimension or universe-related fluke... I thought the reason could be explained by some science we're not aware of. Yet another person? Here? What the fuck?
"You okay?" the man asked before continuing, "My name is Aldebaran, but you can call me AI."
That confirms it. Aldebaran is a star in the zodiac constellation... the first thing I did when I got here was realize that the stars we're both differently named and in different spots than earth. There's no doubt... unless he can read other's minds or something, he has to be from earth.
I thought the great waterfall was an excuse people developed to get out of situations, a form of changing their identity. Since there's no way to prove if someone is or isn't, it's a fairly good way to do so. However, now that I confirmed it myself... it only means there are others we're sent from earth.
This changes everything. So many ideas, concepts, theories, fucking everything going through my head. I need to calm down. I can theorize how the fuck any of this happened later.
"So your from beyond the great waterfall too? I wouldn't believe it, but considering your name is a star from our world, and you recognized the Japanese symbol which only someone from Japan would know of... I guess I can't argue with you. How long have you been here?" I asked with both curiosity and interest, as I wanted to know more about this...
Whatever the fuck I can't even call it something other than straight fantasy. Maybe this is all a fucking simulation. That would make more sense.
I noticed Reinhard also seemed to be a bit shocked, I don't blame him as I'm much more shocked, just better at hiding it...
Odd, he's not responding. I can't tell anything about him due to that mask, and his body language is not revealing much either. Great, my worst nightmare of an enemy.
Time went by as I sat in boredom, waiting for this stupid fucking election to start. Eventually, Crusch finally started her speech.
"Greetings, esteemed citizens of Lugnica. I am Crusch Karsten, a Royal Selection candidate, and I am here today to share with you my vision for the future of our kingdom.
As a leader, I believe in the power of unity and collaboration. I know that no person can solve all the problems facing our kingdom alone. That is why I am committed to working closely with each and every one of you to build a better future for our people.
I have dedicated my life to public service, and I have proven myself time and time again as a capable and trustworthy leader. As the head of the Karsten family, I have overseen the growth and success of our territory, and I have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our people.
But my ambitions extend beyond the borders of our territory. I believe that as King of Lugnica, I can bring about positive change on a larger scale. I have a clear plan for how we can strengthen our economy, improve access to education and healthcare, and ensure that every citizen has a fair and equal opportunity to succeed.
I am not motivated by personal gain or a desire for power. My only goal is to serve our people and ensure our kingdom thrives. I know that with your support, we can make this vision a reality.
I ask for your trust and your vote in the upcoming Royal Selection. Together, we can build a brighter future for Lugnica. Thank you."
I'm impressed. She not only changed her entire speech in a matter of a day or two and also found her weakness I never even hinted to, or more, what was holding her back. The feminine demeanor combined with the speech is...
Good.
The room clapped in awe at Crusch's speech, but she once again seemed to be staring at me for approval. I clapped, and she got the single.
Did she do all of this to see me praise her? Like, what the fuck? The first thing she pays attention to after giving her speech isn't the important people but me... fucking hell.
"That was... insane," I heard some random knight say.
"I didn't expect this at all, but it was undeniably brilliant," another random noble said.
Is it not even that good? Why is everyone surprised? What the fuck...
After the celebration of someone doing a speech correctly, the second person, named 'Priscilla Barielle' came to the front.
"All of you... people. I do not need to speak to you, commoners, but I shall as the world will bend to my will and grant me anything I desire. If I win, I will turn this country into a Kingdom ruled by me and me alone. My luck will lead this Kingdom into a bright future as only I can do such a thing."
Is this a joke?
What the ACTUAL FUCK IS SHE ON? ARE THERE DRUGS IN THIS WORLD? WAS SHE LACED? NO FUCKING WAY...
I look around, and people are clapping. WHAT THE FUCK? I overestimated this thing way too much, Jesus fucking Christ.
'Beatrice, was she drugged, or is this her actual speech?'
'She doesn't seem to have anything controlling her, so yes, that was her speech, I suppose.'
Fucking amazing...
The next woman came to speak, 'Anastasia Hoshin.'
"I'm a greedy gal, so I want this Kingdom, and eventually, the whole world will belong to me."
Clapping? Do I hear fucking clapping? I can't take this... I just can't. WHY EVEN COUNTER WHEN THEIR CLAIMS ARE DUMBER THAN AMERICAN'S POLITICAL ARGUMENTS?
Well, without a fourth candidate, I guess someone stole my idea. Let's see how Emilia handles this...
Emilia got up to the stage wearing a hot, I mean beautiful dress, she looked like an angel.
But now, here comes the debate.
Standing in front of all these people... I would've been scared, but I feel invincible. The only good speech I heard was Crusch's, and I already agreed I wasn't going to counter her address within mine. Subaru decided to deal with any objections to my validity, and I'd deal with the other candidates.
I also had the newly named 'Great Spirit of Yin' with me. Nobody has a clue what I'm going to do.
This is going to be great.
I walk up to the front, ready for the impending argument.
"Why is a half-elf able to even be in this thing?" a random noble yelled... but I was waiting for the Sage Council to bring up the sponsor issue...
I hear countless more threats, but they don't even affect me. I almost want to laugh... but I'm still waiting for someone-
"SILENCE! Allow this candidate to say her speech" Miklotov yelled to the crowd... but why? Does he not notice Roswaal isn't here? I have no sponsor...
I think I'm getting the hang of how Subaru reads people or maybe like learning how to do it at all. There's another guy in this council who looks... angry at me?
"Mikotov, I seem to see that this half-devil doesn't have a sponsor... I assume that means instant disqualification?" Bordeaux says with both anger and almost humor in his voice.
But Mikotov looked... furious. What the fuck is going on?
"The dragon recognized Lady Emilia as a candidate of the Royal Selection. So I assume your interjection with the dragon's decision suggests you either don't care about the dragon or think the dragon's judgment is wrong? The very same dragon who has protected the Kingdom for centuries? As the highest-ranking member of the Sage Council and the Prime Minister of Lugina, Bordeaux, you are to be removed from this gathering. Guards take him away... and that's an ORDER!" Mikotov declares as I watch the entire room be stunned, silent, and shocked at his display...
I don't get what is going on. I had no idea the Prime Minister would actually agree and side with me. Or is there more to it?
"ARE YOU JOKING?" Bordeaux yells, but a red-haired knight appears in front of him... Reinhard.
"I will take you outside if you reenter I will use force" Reinhard states as I watch in an instant he's taken outside and the door is shut. I blink again and Reinhard is back in his seat next to... Subaru.
I'm soooooo lost.
"My apologizes Lady Emilia, please continue with your speech," Mikotov says as the entire room becomes dead silent.
I notice Subaru and... he looks like he understands what happened. Good. Now I will give my speech.
"Greetings, citizens of Lugnica. My name is Emilia, and I stand before you today as a candidate for the position of King.
Many of you may know me as the candidate with silver hair and violet eyes or perhaps as the half-elf who has faced discrimination and prejudice throughout her life. But today, I want to share with you who I am beyond those labels.
I am a leader who believes in the power of empathy and understanding. I have faced many challenges, but I have never lost sight of my commitment to helping others. As King of Lugnica, I would work tirelessly to ensure that every citizen is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.
I have a deep love for our kingdom, and I know that we have the potential to achieve greatness. But to do so, we must work together. I believe in the power of collaboration, and I would work closely with all of you to develop solutions to the issues that face us.
I also believe in the importance of education and opportunity. As King, I would prioritize investing in our schools and providing resources to help every citizen reach their full potential. I believe every person has something to contribute, and I would work to create a society where everyone can thrive.
But most importantly, I am committed to doing what is right. I have faced difficult decisions throughout my life, and I have always chosen the path that aligns with my values of kindness, compassion, and justice. As King, I would continue to make those tough choices, always with the well-being of our kingdom in mind.
I have no interest in becoming King for the intent of having it as a trophy, nor do I think I am a goddess whose luck will protect all. However, I will commit to not only killing all seven Sin Archbishops and destroying the Witch Cult, but I will also slay all three beasts, lastly, I will give the Kingdom another military asset today. My knight has a contract with a spirit that has mana reserves equal to the Great Spirit of Fire. Not only that, but her magical affinity is Yin making her the first Great Spirit of Yin in the history of not only the Kingdom of Lugina but the other three nations as well."
I don't know how to finish it... Hmmm
Clapping? Did I not even need to finish it?
I look around the room, everybody is applauding. I never thought this day would come... and I did it myself. Subaru guided me, but I created this speech myself.
I didn't even need Subaru to argue against the Sage Council... it's almost to perfect.
I walk off, but I'm not sure who the fourth candidate even is... Subaru told me to make sure I was the last, but I didn't see her anywhere.
I look over in the distance and see Reinhard move upfront as I was walking off the platform.
"Now, I Reinhard Van Astrea, would like to announce the completion of my both mission and duty. The fifth candidate for the Royal Selection has been found, and who I believe will be the future queen... Lady Felt" I hear Reinhard stay as I make my way back to the area of the other candidates.
A blonde-haired woman walks in, she's... the same girl that stole my insignia?
How did this even happen?
Emilia's speech was good, but honestly, I overestimated the entire thing way too much.
Not to mention, the Prime Ministers' actions we're not something I accounted for... what am I even thinking how the fuck could I account for that?
I watch the blonde-haired women I saw before walk up to the stage, she seemed a bit angry.
Reinhard also looked stressed out, standing right next to me.
"Hey aren't ya tha guy that I met the day the Capital got attacked?" Felt asked a bit confused.
"Yes, my name is Subaru Nakamura," I say without bowing, she doesn't seem to like formalities.
She stared at me for a moment before turning to Reinhard, "Why am I even here again?"
Reinhard sighed, "You look beautiful in that dress Lady Felt"
Idiot. I honestly feel bad maybe I should help.
Judging by her personality, and the knowledge I remember from that loop at the start, she most likely was in the slums, and now is recognized by the dragon. Reinhard wants her to care but she doesn't it doesn't hurt if I do nothing, but if I do something it may help me later on.
As I watch Felt kick Reinhard I decide to speak.
"Felt. You don't care about becoming King do you?" I ask with a voice loud enough to reach her and Reinhard but not as if I was whispering.
"No not at all why do ya care?" she asked walking up to me most likely to kick me.
"If you were king, you could not only help the people in the slums but remove the policies and standards that exist within Lugina to insure it never happens again," I say suggesting the concept to her.
She looked at me like she was conflicted.
"You're right!" she says as she walks up to the stage.
Ok, let's see what she says...
Reinhard thanks me but I doubt Felt had a speech planned, so I wasn't expecting much.
Felt begins speaking, "If I become King of Lugina I will burn it to the ground. Before creation, there must be destruction. I will create a brighter and fairer world for Lugina. I don't care about dragons or the military or any of that. I care about the well-being of everybody. Nobody should have to sleep in a shed, or on the streets in Lugina. The fact that is a common occurrence within this Kingdom only proves how far this Kingdom has fallen."
Before creation, there must be destruction... she's oddly enough third place behind Crusch and Emilia being first. What a weird fucking day.
"Subaru, thank you so much. I don't think she would've said such a marvelous speech without your encouragement" Reinhard says as he bows.
"No need to bow, relax. I just noticed wasted potential if she didn't voice her beliefs" I replied in a calm kind manner.
This was, easy. To easy. Everything went well, and I didn't even need to defend Emilia... how boring.
For fuck sake writing some of those speeches was fucking hard.
Anyways Royal Selection is OVER. Now comes the good shit. I hope you liked my Subaru POV as I thought it was fairly funny.
Yes, I'm laughing at my own writing :)
Where do you want to see the story go next?
Also, is the POV swapping getting better / details or no? Working on that, so feedback is always welcomed.
For those wondering why Miklotov and Reinhard acted the way they did... FORESHADOWING.
The best thing about writing first-person POV stories is this aspect. But trust me, it makes sense... I think.
How do you want to see join Emilia's camp? Not sure who the members gon be yet so open to ideas