Chapter 24: Subaru's head start.

Author's note: we finally get to one of the main points in arc 3, with Emilia staying behind at the mansion, things will really start to diverge now. I don't know how I managed to forget but I mistakenly wrote that it was Reinhardt that helped Emilia when I wrote it as Juulius. I somehow mixed those two up so thank you to the person in the reviews that pointed that out. By the time this chapter is out I will have fixed that mistake in the previous chapter.

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"Looks like we are finally here." Subaru announced, poking his head out of the window and seeing the city gates open to receive them.

"In fact. Betty needs to stretch her legs, I suppose. All this sitting down has got her stiff." Beatrice voiced, having been well tired of the carriage ride due to how cramped it was for her.

"But Beatrice-sama, I thought that spirits didn't need to stretch. And even if, won't you be riding on Barusu's shoulder the whole time?" Ram inquired, since Beatrice didn't have a biological body, she should not need to stretch, to which Roswaal promptly answered.

"You seeeeeeee~ Ram, despite spirits not needing to do things like stretching or eating, they still do those things so that they can feel them. No doubt, Beatrice-sama must find the feeling of stretching quite niiiiice~. You should see how Puck acts after having woken up from a nap."

"If Bubby heard you say that, you would be in a world of hurt, in fact." Beatrice reprimanded Roswaal, however he seemed to not pay attention to her words.

"Better stretch your legs properly then, once we are inside the royal palace, we'll be there for at least a few hours so you won't be able to move around freely." Subaru recommended. He didn't want Beatrice to voice complaints in the middle of the meeting.

The rest of the carriage ride was uneventful, however they arrived a couple hours before the royal selection as planned. They found a place to stay just for today and began moving towards the palace, where they would bring themselves before the council of wise men and state their claim for the throne.

Ram would not accompany them for this, as she had other duties to fulfill, so the trio composed of Subaru, Beatrice, and Roswaal headed there via coach and stopped outside the palace gates where they were to be greeted. At the front gate, a knight with purple hair, one that Subaru was familiar with due to them both being spirit arts users.

That knight was Julius Juukulius, the spirit knight. He was currently greeting a purple haired woman, giving her a kiss on the back of the hand and bidding her inside. Her white dress and fur accessories were easy to distinguish, considering that no one else in the whole kingdom wore the same style. That style belongs to Anastasia Hoshin.

It seems like Anastasia got here before us. a merchant is always early, huh? Subaru thought, walking towards the gate and catching Julius' attention. Julius, unlike Reinhardt who treated Subaru as a superior despite being friends, treated Subaru as something akin to a rival, someone who he wanted to surpass in terms of his skill as a spirit arts user.

While they are rivals, there is no strong hatred for one another, it is in fact somewhat friendly. He did act somewhat hostile towards Subaru, when Elsa had attacked, however that can be pointed at the rule they had to follow during the period before the royal selection, which existed to guarantee that there is no collusion. Two candidates and the members of their camp not being allowed interaction, or at least very limited interaction. That is why now, since it is the day of the royal selection, Juulius is free to drop his demeanor now that there is no rule binding him.

"Subaru-sama, it is great to see you doing well." Julius bowed, then reached his hand out to shake Subaru's hand, which Subaru accepted. It has been weeks since they had last met and it was in less than ideal circumstances.

"What, no kiss on the back of the hand, Julius? Aren't I a royal candidate too, or perhaps preferential treatment?" Subaru joked about Juulius giving unequal and preferential treatment to Anastasia considering the fact he serves her. He didn't actually expect Juulius to do anything of the sort, however because of what his whole campaign is about, it would be a shame not to joke about it.

"My apologies, however it seems we have just given out the last one." Julius entertained Subaru for just a bit before turning to Beatrice, who upon being seen decided to hide herself behind Subaru's head. "I hope you are doing well too, Beatrice-sama."

Juulius said this, then his face became serious. "Subaru-sama, I heard what had happened at Arlam. Thousands of Mabeasts, a stampede like nothing this kingdom has ever seen before. People died."

"So you heard." Subaru replied.

"Yes, if I had known earlier, I along with many other knights would have rushed to get there immediately. Maybe then, we would have been able to prevent unnecessary deaths." Juulius scowled at the fact. He is a knight sworn to use his sword for the people of the kingdom, however when the people were in true danger, he could do nothing.

"Maybe, but regardless of how regretful anyone feels about it, we are still here. We can handle ourselves just fine without the help of the knights. We stopped the city from being overrun all on our own, it's proof of our resilience." Subaru said this, proud of how hard everyone fought. It wasn't for nothing.

"I see, quite admirable then. Speaking of which, Is the girl that you took under your care alright? I hope that nothing has happened to her." Juulius spoke, referring to Emilia, who he only met briefly while she was in the capital.

"Emilia is just fine, actually, more than fine. Without her, we would have never found out about a second stampede of Mabeasts which was going to hit the city from behind. Thanks to her and two of our other maids, that whole group was taken care of." Subaru puffed out his chest in pride.

"There wasn't just one, but two? And all by herself? I can definitely see that she is someone with spirit, though it is a little strange that she was able to find that out all on her own." Juulius was surprised that Emilia found herself in yet another dangerous situation, only to turn it around and come out unhurt.

"Quite intuitive isn't she. I've been recently teaching her in magic and spirit arts, she seems to have a knack for it, but she does have trouble visualizing things. Regardless of that though, I can see her becoming something great in the future. I would have brought her along to thank you for helping, but due to important business, I can only relay her thanks to you."

"She need not thank me, I only did as was expected of me as a knight of the kingdom." Juulius was humble when it came to gratitude from others, only pointing to his feats as only doing what he is meant to, that is one of the reasons he is so popular.

"Speaking of things becoming greater in the future, how are the girls?" Subaru asked about the state of Juulius' contracted spirits after explaining Emilia's current status.

"They are doing better than ever, it feels as if they have become stronger as well. Maybe they will transform sometime in the future." Juulius said, taking out his six spirits which danced in his palm.

"That's good, if they ever become proper spirits, we'll have to make some introductions after." Subaru said. With Juulius' spirits not being fully fledged, it is like they have the cognitive abilities of a baby, able to react to the world but unable to retain much in terms of memory.

"That would be great." Juulius said, then ended their conversation to let them into the castle.

With that, they went into the walls of the palace. A well decorated palace where the king of the country would reside in, now vacant for a new ruler to step up. Subaru intended that person to be him, because he believes that he is the only person that can truly help the people of the kingdom.

Subaru was being led by some knights to the room where they would gather, which was a straight walk from the entrance. It was a relatively long hallway, leading to a large room that had the council of wise men.

"Subaru… are you alright, I suppose?" Beatrice whispered to Subaru, now walking with her hand in his. She wanted to gauge how he felt, to see if he was any bit uncomfortable with the circumstances. Subaru has a heavy dislike of the council, ever since he was taken under Roswaal I Mathers' care, he was always subjected to being treated as an outside threat, especially by the council.

It didn't help that he had shadow magic, the same magic that was used by the Devil. They wanted to banish him at first, but were convinced otherwise. When Subaru began to demonstrate that he was a powerfully capable magician, they tried to imprison him. When he was proven to be innocent again, they let him be for a few decades.

Then the war happened, and he was suspected of helping the rebels due to agents of the rebels being spotted leaving the mansion. In reality they had asked him for help, and he turned them away because he didn't believe that their methods were correct. Wilhelm was sent to dispatch him but was beaten. The final straw was Reinhardt after he was sent to Arlam due to Subaru saving the Oni clan, which made them suspect he was building an army. After which, he asked Reinhardt for help in getting the council to stop trying to get rid of him.

Yes, he hated the council, but now, things are different. Because he is a royal candidate, he can't be gotten rid of. He has authority to the council, and by him existing as a royal candidate, it will be a reminder that they are incompetent. He could use this as leverage for real change once the throne is his.

"Beako… I feel better than ever. Big changes are coming, ones that we have been waiting on since forever." he locked his eyes with Beatrice's. "I'll become king, and be the best king this country has ever had, you could even say I was destined to be."

That look in Subaru's eyes, a fiery determination to see things through, caused Beatrice to be reassured. Things can only get better from here.

"You could even say it's guaranteeeeeeeed~. Unlike Subaru-sama, many of the candidates don't have such a long and clean track record. In every Scandal Subaru-sama was in, he was proven to have been completely clean and that it was the council that arbitrarily decided that heeeeee~ was guilty, not a good look for them, but a good look for you."

Roswaal spoke on how Subaru has a better chance than he realized, and continued. "Meaaaaaanwhile~, we have a merchant that is known for being voracious in business and only cares for money, a baroness with a grating personality, and not to mention the fifth and final candidate. The only one as clean as Subaru is the duchess, which we already intend on making an alliance with. Victory is practically already in our hands."

"Ros, while I appreciate your enthusiasm, I'm still a half-elf. Even if my track record is clean, that will still be an issue. Though I don't disagree that our odds aren't so bad, we still have to work for it." Subaru made sure that they don't get too cocky. What they need is results, otherwise it won't be a free win.

"Yes, you are aaaaaabsolutely right, Subaru-sama. We mustn't count our chickens before they hatch. Certainly there are obstacles, but aaaaaanything~ can happen in three years, especially a black haired half-elf becoming king."

"Or a black haired half-elf attempting to become king, but instead fading into obscurity after losing. We can't get confident, not unless we have a solid lead. Right, Beako?" Subaru did not want to fall behind because he decided to sit back and not act once he found himself ahead, and he turned to Beatrice to see if she felt the same.

"Betty hates to agree with Roswaal, but Subaru should be a little more confident in his ability to run, in fact. A hundred years might not seem to matter if it is in reference to you, but the people will always know that you have never been a threat, that matters. If you were a threat, then Arlam would never have statues of you, I suppose."

Beatrice rarely agrees with Roswaal, not unless what he says is something very true. Maybe they both have a point, that Subaru is playing things too safe and that he should have more confidence in himself. When it came to looking after Arlam, he paid attention to all its people and their needs, and improved upon all their lives until that tiny village turned into a bustling city. That was Subaru's rule, that is his claim.

"No, you both are right, thanks for helping me figure out how to run my campaign. I have every tool I need to win this whole thing, and not a single person will be disappointed." With Roswaal and Beatrice at both his sides, he placed his hands on the double doors and pushed, revealing himself as the third person to enter the room where the royal selection would begin.

Everyone in the room turns to see the newcomers, realizing that it is Subaru, some sneer while others attempt to not let anything show. The council of wise men, which presided conspicuously in the front and center of the room, kept a straight face, no doubt to make themselves appear to be innocent despite how much they have persecuted Subaru.

The two candidates who arrived before Subaru also looked, however neither of them showed him any outward disdain that many others in the room did. Crusch Karsten, who was the first to arrive, did not smile at Subaru, rather, her gaze was hardened. She saw him here and now as an opponent, someone she has to beat in order to make the throne hers. Even if she intended on having talks later, since there was no such treaty between them yet, she was reserved in giving hospitality.

On the other hand, Anastasia Hoshin was all smiles, her reasoning for this is enigmatic. Whether she saw Subaru as a potential ally, or someone who wasn't even worth considering as an opponent, not showing any form of the careful assessment towards Subaru that Crusch was showing. It is the sign of someone who was extremely confident in winning, so much so that there was no reason to take enemies seriously.

The doors closed behind Subaru and his party, and they each separated to their places. Beatrice gave Subaru one final look before walking off to the side where Roswaal is meant to stand, which he returned. Beatrice tried to move a little bit away from Roswaal, being this close made her uncomfortable, however her appearing to be out of line made her begrudgingly stand close.

"Looks like the next person to show up is none other than Ellior-san. You kept the both of us waitin' long enough." Anastasia spoke up, peeking out from behind Crusch who was between both of them to look at him.

"Waiting? We got here right behind you. And we aren't even late in the first place, if anything, we're early." Subaru defended himself. He wasn't going to pretend that they were waiting when they not only arrived early, but that so did he.

"My my, it was only a little joke to liven things up around here. Speakin' of which, I never got the chance to, but I would like to thank you for your help a while back in getting my insignia back for me. It was a great deal of help and if it wasn't for the rule, I would have liked to thank you sooner." Anastasia placed a hand at her chest and bowed her head in thanks.

"Subaru-dono." Crusch interjected. "You would help an opponent retrieve their insignia back, despite that making your running much more difficult? I cannot say I would agree with your actions when they seem to serve against you." Crusch was someone who does not treat her enemies with a fair competition, she was in it to win and would have not even considered helping Anastasia had she been in Subaru's position.

Her words were logical. Why help an opponent when it is guaranteed that they would be an obstacle later? However, Subaru's reasoning was simple as to why that is. "Well, at the time of helping her, I wasn't even a candidate yet. I only found out after the fact." He stated clearly for the record.

"Oh? So based on what Ellior-san is sayin', he wouldn't have helped had he known he was a candidate? I myself can't hide that I'm wounded by those words." Anastasia faked a tear by wiping her eyes with the back of her index finger.

"Wait, wait, stop! I never said that, you're just putting words in my mouth. I probably would have still helped." Subaru denied any claim that he would not have helped in retrieving her insignia, however he would have done it differently.

"Don't ya worry, I get what you mean. As payback, I'll give you a one time discount at one of myself's prestigious stores. That should make things even." Anastasia was in a good mood, this made Subaru sigh due to the way she acted as if nothing was an issue. And with Subaru now standing in the center with the other candidates, all that needs to be done now is to wait for the other arrivals.

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The three candidates waited until the starting time for the royal selection for them to begin to inquire about the locations of the missing two. Everyone seemed to have gotten impatient waiting for them, and that was when the doors opened to the room, revealing a woman wearing an aristocratic red dress which showed off her form, fiery blonde hair, and crimson eyes.

The fourth candidate to take the stage, fashionably late, Baroness Priscilla Barrielle. Behind her was a man wearing several clashing bits of clothing, his face covered in a full metal helm, no doubt Priscilla's appointed knight. He stood off to the side of the room along with the other knights.

Priscialla herself did not show an ounce of nerve, carrying herself pridefully and displaying herself as someone of a higher position than everyone else. She stood on the right side of Anastasia, which placed her on the opposite end of Subaru. Was that because of her opinion of him? Subaru did not bother to seek that answer.

"You sure know how to make an entrance, Barielle-san." Anastasia decided to make conversation while they waited for the fifth candidate. It seems that she is keen on starting all the conversation today.

"What would someone of my status be if they didn't know how to captivate the room when the people are bored, for only at that moment can they shine the most. However, only someone who shines as brightly as me could grab the eyes of everyone around, anyone else's tragic attempt would at worst, be a hideous imitation, or at best, flattery."

Priscilla's words were harsh, prideful, and judgemental. Yet, despite her words, they had a strange ringing to them that lured people into them. Was that what made her rule over her domain seem so beneficial for the people living there? Those words which held gravity of their own, despite how sharp they were, led people to peer into them closer.

"I couldn't care less for the type of entrance you made, Priscilla Barielle." The words came from the person between Subaru and Anastasia, Crusch. She was glaring at Priscilla, a frown presented on her face. "Have you no respect for the selection? Showing up late and proclaiming that you captivated the room, is that your reasoning for being late, so that you can make yourself appear better?"

"Your attitude reeks like rotten meat, girl. Even if you are someone with status, I shan't hesitate to strike you down. In the end, you are a mere stepping stone for my taking of the throne. Know your place." Priscilla was vicious with her words, placing the fan of hers over her mouth, perhaps to hide her facial expression, though it does not hide the glare in her eyes.

"The royal selection hasn't even started yet, don't you think it's a little early to-" Subaru started, however Priscilla snapped her fan shut to break through his words.

"Silence yourself, half-devil. You do not possess the right to even look in my direction. Should you continue to forget where your position is, the privilege I lent you of breathing in the same room as me will be revoked, and the selection for you will end as soon as it starts." Subaru started to try and calm down the room before things escalated further, however his words were struck down by Priscilla's razor-like words.

"Don't think you have the ability to act as if you have the power to follow through on your words, brat, out of the all other candidates here, your authority ranks in the bottom half." Subaru wasn't going to let Priscilla off now, she was going to get berated. "Where do you get off on leveraging power you don't even have to threaten people, it's a good way of ensuring you lose the selection if anything."

"It seems that you suffer from a brain injury if you think I don't stand a chance to win, the world exists to cater to me, works in my favor, obeys my orders. All that I covet ends up in my hands, one way or another, all which I have a right to, rather than the judgment of a devil who seems to think it can decide deserving and undeserving. If anyone should stop acting like they have authority, it's you."

The room was at a halt, now that the candidates, save for Anastasia, were at each other's throat. However, as if it was on purpose, Reinhardt came into the room to save the day. Something he has a knack for, is coming in at the exact time he is needed, which could be because of one of his many blessings. Upon entering the room, the air cooled down and people began to behave themselves, even Priscilla.

"It was starting to get a little heated in here, huh?" Reinhardt broke into the atmosphere.

"You sure took your time, Rein." Subaru greeted him, silently giving his thanks now that he doesn't have to deal with Priscilla's rotten attitude.

"I know, it took a lot to bring her here." Reinhardt placed a hand on his chest and bowed. "I, Reinhardt Van Astrea, beg for the attention of everyone in the room. I would like to introduce the fifth and final candidate of the royal selection, and whom I will support throughout it. Felt-sama, the rightful heir to the throne."

At Reinhardt's call, the young girl entered the room. Wearing a dress that she found no comfort in wearing, and appearing annoyed by the situation she is in. she huffed, and walked towards the center where she would make her name known. She looked back at Reinhardt who was smiling and scowled at him.

"The name's Felt, don't forget it."

She said this and walked to stand next to Subaru, a short greeting, but at least the royal selection can start. The wisemen made a speech, which highlighted the dragon prophecy, and that only someone selected by the dragon himself could rule this kingdom. It can only be one of the five people brought here today, who's fates are intertwined with that of the kingdom's future. Subaru would rate this speech as a two out of five, considering that every candidate except for Crusch and Anastasia had already written it off.

Subaru wanted the council to stop talking in their dreary and self-important voice, and Priscilla didn't care for the council since she already believed herself to have won. Felt most likely didn't even know the kingdom had a council nor of their importance, and even if she did, she had no respect for them.

After the conclusion of that speech, someone barged into the room, a man with a large build. He appeared to be of giant ancestry, with long eyebrows and wearing ragged clothes. He tried to go after Felt, but was brought down to the ground by the knights standing by. During this commotion, Felt demanded that he be let go of and stated that he was family.

The man was let go, however this fiasco brought scrutiny to Felt's character. Subaru pitied her. The man, who came here out of worry for her unintentionally caused her trouble, and now she would have to deal with all of the judgment from the noblemen. It was revealed that Felt was born in the lower caste of society, and Subaru predicts that it will be an uphill battle for her.

The final moment before the royal selection is officially started, the stance that every candidate will take for their three year campaign. With all five gathered, it started with Priscilla. "Is it not obvious? Once I am sitting on my rightful throne, the whole kingdom along with everyone in it will belong to me alone."

"And you truly believe that the people will happily show fealty to you and lick your feet? No one wants to be owned, the people have a right to live for themselves, not for the sake of someone who claims to own them." Crusch karsten was the first to show disagreement to Priscilla's stance, her reasoning that people's free will should be for themselves.

"I fully agree with Crusch-san." Subaru chimed in. "no one person belongs to another, even more so if it is because someone else has status over them. The whole reason the demi-human war started was because that was not the case, are we really so keen on that repeating on an even larger scale?" Upon Subaru's words, the people in the court looked over at one another, hesitant to agree with Subaru for who he is, and yet finding no wrong in his words.

Priscilla answered him clearly, with her fan covering her mouth so that only her eyes could be seen. "For the record, mineself treats my belongings with the utmost care. All those that swear to belong to me and me only will have all their dreams come true. And mineself cannot make it happen for those who are not loyal."

That is Priscilla's stance on how she will run the kingdom, now it is time for the next candidate to make her position. That next person being Anastasia Hoshin. "I myself only have one reason for running for the position of ruler, because it would be great for my business. I believe this would be a most interestin' venture in my path to becoming the best merchant in the world. Though, it is not without reward. I duly promise to bring endless wealth and prosperity to the people, where not one person would be poor."

Sweet words from Anastasia, however her selfish reasoning could be a weak point that could be brought against her. While honest, that could prove fatal for her running. The next candidate who stepped forward was Crusch Karsten.

"I, Crusch Karsten, vow to unite the kingdom and make it into a powerful nation. Everyone will have the right to fight, and we will defeat any enemy that dares threaten the kingdom. We will no longer have to hide behind the dragon's protection, no longer needing to make contracts because we can't defend ourselves. When I am the ruler of the kingdom, I will end the contract with the dragon."

With that proclamation, an uproar was raised from the noblemen witnessing this. No one among them was keen to abandon one of the strongest forms that the kingdom has, and for good reason. The dragon protected the kingdom throughout the last bloodline of royalty, wanting to abandon that now would seem like a bad move for anyone, especially with the alternative being a strong military that will need bodies.

Crusch had nothing more to say. She had already made her point, that was her stance on what she believes the kingdom should be run. Her belief in the people being for themselves is strong enough that any assistance from outside forces is seen as the people not relying on themselves. Which is why she intends on changing the order of things.

The next person to speak is Subaru. "It is no lie that I despise this place and the way it is run, by incompetent geezers who have a bias against someone who did nothing wrong to them. But, that is exactly why I have to run, because I saw the ugliest this kingdom has ever been and I know that it can be something great. When I am king, the first thing I will do is kick your bum asses off those comfy seats!"

Subaru shoved his finger forward towards the council, causing a gasp to ring out throughout the room. The noblemen went into silent shock and several of the council stood up from their seats in outrage. "You ungrateful fool, does letting you go about freely mean nothing to you!?" one of the wise men shouted, but was held back by a calm hand from another of the council. "And you so believe that we are of no use to you? We are the advisors to the king, we exist to ensure that they make the correct decisions."

"So does making plots to get rid of an innocent person count as advising correct decisions, rather than going behind your boss' back to meet your own goals? Face it. Neither I, nor anyone with a functioning mind, need advisors that go behind the back of the king. But getting rid of you won't just be it, the people are divided, demi-humans and humans separate. I will make this country a place that treats everyone with respect, privileges that weren't accessible will become rights. The council spent decades trying to get rid of me out of fear of what I can do, well here I am, and I'm here to bring the end of Lugunica as it is and as its rebirth. Subaru Ellior, the next king of Lugunica."

With Subaru's stance, the room fell silent. The things Subaru said were beyond serious, they were a complete change in the structure of the government. No council will put more responsibility on the king, and thus requires a smart king that can look at things from different angles. Subaru could install a new council, one that was more trustworthy and does its job properly, however if he does not, succession could be where issues arrive.

The last person to speak was Felt. who didn't even wait to consider what she would say, putting her hands on her hips, she spoke words which would make her the third candidate that intended on fully altering the course of the kingdom. "I hate the kingdom, I hate what it did to me and Rom-ji. When I'm king, I'll tear the whole kingdom down until there is nothing left. I don't care about ruling it, what I want is to destroy this kingdom that looks down on everyone and everything!"

Again, the aristocratic crowd made yet another uproar, and Felt's stance was refuted by the other candidates. "You cannot be serious if this is your running statement. "Tear it all down?" you may as well be waiving any chance you have of winning. Not one person believes in the complete destruction and displacement of hundreds of thousands of people." The first to argue was Crusch, who looked at Felt the same way one looks at an ignorant child.

However, Felt herself wasn't having it. ""Not one person?" Well that makes sense considering those in the slums aren't looked at as people. Is it fun talking out of your ass, because you have a real talent for it, lady." Her words cut into Crusch, with an undeniable truth that those who dwell in the slums of the kingdom, far in its shadow, are not treated with the same respect as a person would. The people there are mistreated, starving, and poor, all of these qualities which beget more mistreatment.

Crusch became silent, instead, Priscilla spoke up. "Oh please, becoming silent at nothing more than a little girl's tantrum? It is to be expected that a low-born piece of gravel would have no vision of the ideal future. It is practically insulting that she was even qualified for the running, most likely a malfunction of the insignia, or maybe an oversight from the sword saint. Whatever the case is, this mere child has no place here."

"Oh yeah? I don't belong here, but some stuck up orange bitch does?"

"Watch your tongue..!" Priscilla had a vein popping on her head from Felt's response, forcing Subaru to step in yet again. But, before he could even put in a word, he was immediately assaulted by Priscilla's words. "Did myself not say to not get in the way again, half-devil, or do words go from one pointed ear and out the other?"

"Maybe, but regardless of her vision for the kingdom, we don't have the privilege to fight here. Since everyone made their point already, I think it is safe to end the meeting here so that the selection can finally start." Subaru clapped his hands, diffusing the situation from becoming uncontrollable, which was backed up by Anastasia.

"I myself couldn't agree more with Ellior-san. I myself have some business to attend to later, so I think it's safe to begin now. We can't start off with something as bad for business as a fight, now can we?." Anastasia said and Subaru nodded. This caused the head of the council to clear his throat and begin the closing speech.

"A time of great change is upon us, with the old royal bloodline now extinct, these five candidates will step up to replace it. They are first and foremost enemies, and anything can happen to sway the opinion of the people. Whatever the case is, we must not forget, this is all for the sake of the kingdom. May the dragon grant you strength, now, and the future in your greatest need."

Every one of the candidates turned to leave, with Priscilla saying "hmph. We won't need it, we all know who is going to win in the end." They each joined with their respective groups and left at their own time. Subaru said some goodbyes to Reinhardt and Juulius, and then he spoke with Crusch. "I can expect to meet you tomorrow, Subaru-dono." Crusch spoke, referring to the meeting time for negotiations.

"Of course, I'll be there." he replied, then left with Roswaal and Beatrice to meet up with Ram in the room they chose. Currently walking down the street, they spoke about the events of the royal selection meeting. Beatrice was making disparaging comments about each of the candidates, saying that they are not capable of leading a kingdom. Roswaal, on the other hand, was saying that the candidates as they are now are no threat, however they can gain a following if Subaru is not careful.

As they were walking, Roswaal suddenly brought up that he needed to attend to some important business and went off, leaving Beatrice and Subaru to walk back by themselves. The light was taking on an amber hue as the sun was preparing to set, they decided to take the more scenic route considering that Ram will be fine waiting.

As they walked, the inseparable duo passed multiple buildings, as well as a demi-human-only bar. The bar doors opened and out walked a lizard-man, who upon sighting Subaru was startled and shouted back into the bar. "Look! It's our king, he's out here!"

"Eh?" Subaru was surprised. First at what the man said, then at what happened next. Multiple bar patrons went outside and were whooping now that he was here. "What's going on here!? Why are you calling me king when the selection just started?"

"Ain't it obvious? We're having a party in your name, boss. Celebrating the fact that with you as our king, we might have a chance at living that equal life we've always been dreaming about! Haven't you seen the poll results yet? Come look." one of the patrons answered Subaru and bid him inside. Subaru was wondering about the poll himself, so he went after Beatrice prompted him as well.

There were many pats on the back for him, the atmosphere was making him feel like celebrating too. The people in the bar pointed at a poster on a wooden pillar, and he peered at it, only for his eyes to widen greatly. On the poster was him and every candidate as well as the percentage of people who voted for them, the popularity vote.

"Subaru?" Beatrice asked, now on the ground next to him. She could see his facial expression full of shock. She was then surprised when his shock turned to joy, a wide smile spread across his face.

On the poster was Felt in dead last, with a miniscule 3% of votes. Priscilla was next, with 21% of votes. Crusch was third, having 23% of votes, and Anastasia was fourth with 25%. That leaves…

"I have 28% of the votes. Im… the most favored candidate…" Subaru didn't know what to say, sitting down so that he could comprehend what seemed so impossible. That piece of paper showed him that he did have a chance, he could actually prove himself. "I can't believe it…"

"Subaru." Beatrice grabbed his hand and made him look at her, at her smile. "Good work, in fact. We all believe in you."

"Beako, thank you." Subaru picked up Beatrice and put her on his shoulder as he stood up, looking at the people of the bar. "A round for everyone, on me!" The whole bar roared out Subaru's name and the celebration kicked up. Subaru thought Ram could wait a little longer.

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After a little bit of celebrating, Subaru came out of the bar and said goodbye to everyone. Now he was walking back to the room with a pep in his step with Beatrice in tow. "You seem excited, in fact." Beatrice said to Subaru.

"How could I not be. Beako you were right, all of that work did pay off. I'll have to work hard, but at least it's realistic for me to win after all." Subaru answered. Right now, it feels as if nothing can go wrong, as if everything is about to fall into place. He and Beatrice headed back to the room, greeting Ram who had her arms crossed.

"You're late, Barusu. Do you have absolutely zero respect for the time of others? Actually, why do I even bother asking." Ram turned around and began walking to her room. "By the way, dinner is cold, if you want to complain then maybe you should have eaten outside."

Subaru and Beatrice didn't have the heart to tell her that they did eat outside, they did still eat but because it had gotten cold it wasn't incredible. They ate a good portion of their meal before calling it, that was when Ram came back out of her room.

"Barusu, where is Roswaal-sama? He should have been here a while ago."

"Ros apparently had some business to deal with, though I couldn't know what it was. He pretty much told us to head to the Karsten estate without him." Subaru replied to Ram while he and Beatrice were cleaning up.

"Of course Barusu would wait until someone asked to talk about it." Ram sighed, placing a hand on her forehead in agonized disappointment.

"If anything, Roswaal not breathing Betty's air is a good thing, in fact. Though I suppose we may need him for certain things, in the end Subaru has enough authority to make concessions without Roswaal overseeing it." Beatrice was glad that Roswaal won't be around her much longer, however she is right that Roswaal does come in handy at times.

"Beako is right. I don't need Roswaal since this is a deal made between two candidates. I have my cards, Crusch has hers, and I can guarantee that mine will get me an alliance. It's a win-win." Subaru agreed with Beatrice, Roswaal is not necessary and Subaru has things he can give up which he can't make use of. Having allies early is the best strategy, and Crusch is someone who he can align with.

"Well, I hope so, otherwise, there would have been no purpose to any of this." Ram said, then returned to her room to turn in for the night. Followed by Subaru and Beatrice who went to sleep soon after, comfortable and excited for tomorrow, where their long uphill battle will begin. Tomorrow they will go to the Karsten estate, where they will make an alliance of mutual benefit as the first step in climbing that hill.

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Author's note: I was originally going to have the start of the royal selection and Subaru's more in-depth dialogue with Crusch be in the same chapter, but as I was planning it, it just didn't feel right. I'll leave that up to the next chapter, where it will feel more natural as its own dedicated chapter. It'll also be more effective in showing Subaru's experience as someone who has lived for over a hundred years when compared to Crusch.

Chapter end.