Fine, I'll Do It Alone If I Have To.

The capital of Lugnica unfurled before them like a grand painting, vivid with life. The towering spires, bustling streets, and echoing sounds of commerce filled the air. Their cart, an old, rickety thing that Rosewall had chosen—likely to appear inconspicuous among the commoners—clattered along the uneven cobblestone. Inside the carriage, Suzune sat rigid in her knight-like butler uniform, a deep royal purple. The stiff collar seemed designed to remind her of her place, even as the fabric dug uncomfortably into her neck. Yet, despite her clear irritation, her expression was as stoic as ever.

Rosewall lounged across from her, wearing his usual smug grin, while Emilia gazed out the window, seemingly enchanted by the capital's sights. But Suzune's mind wasn't on the scenery or even Rosewall's smugness. Her focus was solely on Emilia-tan. In the previous timeline, she had watched helplessly as Emilia was humiliated in front of the entire kingdom. This time, Suzune wasn't going to allow that.

"Emilia-tan," Suzune began, her voice steady, devoid of any inflection that might betray her irritation. She leaned forward slightly, her arms crossed, her expression firm. "I've been thinking. You'll make a fine ruler. Far better than the others."

Emilia blinked, turning her head towards Suzune, her surprise evident. "Oh? What makes you say that, Suzune-chan?"

Suzune exhaled quietly, as though Emilia's question had been unnecessary. "Because you're sincere. Honest. You care about people more than they realize. That's rare." She paused, locking eyes with Emilia, her tone softening just a fraction. "You won't rule through fear or manipulation. That alone sets you apart."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, Emilia giggled, the sound light and musical. "Suzune-chan, that's really sweet, but I don't know if I'd go that far…"

Suzune's brow twitched, just slightly, at the laughter. She was used to people underestimating her—laughing at her serious demeanor—but it still stung. "I'm not joking, Emilia-tan," Suzune muttered, her tone cold but not unkind. "You need to stop doubting yourself. Others will tear you down if you don't stand firm."

Rosewall, lounging lazily with his chin resting on one hand, let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "Such looovely words from our dear Suzune-chan. Quite the pep talker, don't you think, Emilia-sama?"

Emilia nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's… refreshing. Thank you, Suzune-chan."

Suzune's face remained impassive, though her arms crossed more tightly. "I'm just stating facts." She paused, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face. "And stop laughing."

"Oh?" Rosewall's grin widened mischievously. "Did our dear Suzune-chan… pout just now?"

Suzune's expression hardened, though there was a faint flicker of embarrassment in her eyes. "I don't pout," she said flatly, her voice edged with cold finality.

At that moment, Ram, who had been driving the carriage, poked her head through the small window between the front seat and the cabin. "Suzune-sama," she drawled, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mockery. "You did pout. Everyone saw it."

"I. Don't. Pout." Suzune repeated, her voice clipped, as if that statement alone could erase the entire conversation. Her arms tightened further across her chest, her expression darkening like an approaching storm cloud.

Ram snorted softly, pulling her head back into the driver's seat. "As you say, Suzune-sama. But your true self is finally showing."

Rosewall let out another exaggerated sigh, his voice laced with amusement. "Oooh my, Suzune-chan. Such a heartwarming display of emotion. Are you feeling well?"

Suzune's glare sharpened, her eyes narrowing in silent rebuke. "Mock me again, and you'll find out." The threat hung in the air, quiet yet undeniable.

Ram's voice drifted back from the driver's seat. "Perhaps you should let the palace staff know. I'm sure they'd be thrilled to prepare for the arrival of the 'Pouting Butler of Lugnica.'"

Suzune's brow twitched again, but she refused to rise to the bait. She simply turned away, staring resolutely out the window. "Laugh all you want. When Emilia-tan takes the throne, you'll all owe me."

Emilia, trying to suppress another giggle, placed a gentle hand on Suzune's arm. "Suzune-chan, it's alright. You don't always have to be so serious."

Suzune didn't respond immediately, but after a moment, she exhaled sharply. "It's not about being serious. It's about making sure you don't end up humiliated." Her voice was quieter now, tinged with a rare hint of vulnerability. "You deserve better than that."

Emilia's smile softened. "Thank you, Suzune-chan."

Before any more could be said, the carriage came to a sudden halt. Suzune instinctively braced herself, her hand gripping the edge of the seat as the cart jerked forward. "What now?" she muttered under her breath.

Ram's head popped back into view. "We've arrived at the gate."

Outside, the royal guards approached, their polished armor glinting in the sunlight as they signaled for the carriage to stop completely. Suzune's hands clenched at her sides. This was it—the capital gates of Lugnica. Beyond them lay the royal courtyard where Emilia had once been scorned and humiliated.

Not again.

Suzune straightened, smoothing out the nonexistent wrinkles in her uniform. "We're going inside," she said calmly, her voice steely. "And no one's embarrassing Emilia-tan."

Emilia, sensing Suzune's determination, glanced at her nervously. "Suzune-chan, are you sure—"

"Correction," Suzune interrupted, her eyes flashing with resolve. "'We' are going to the capital. And no one's going to stand in your way, Emilia-tan."

Rosewall's eyes gleamed with intrigue as he watched Suzune. "Such determination. I do hope you're ready for what awaits inside, dear Suzune-chan."

Suzune shot him a glance that, if it had been any sharper, could have sliced through glass. "I'm ready."

Ram chuckled from the driver's seat. "Let's hope your determination holds, Suzune-sama. As long as you can stop pouting for five minutes."

Suzune didn't even bother replying. She stepped out of the carriage, her expression unreadable, but inside, her resolve burned bright. This time, she wouldn't fail.

As they approached the grand gates of the capital, Suzune's gaze hardened.

This was her chance to rewrite the story. And no one—not Rosewall's smirks or Ram's teasing—was going to stop her from protecting Emilia-tan.

o—O—o

The waiting hall was suffocatingly quiet, the kind of silence that creeps up on you and gnaws at the edges of your nerves. Suzune sat stiffly, her eyes narrowing each time the silence deepened. Every passing second made the air feel heavier, her fingers twitching against the smooth fabric of her uniform. Restlessness boiled beneath her calm facade. Her sharp gaze flickered toward Emilia, who was biting her lip, clearly anxious. The half-elf's hands wrung in her lap, her violet eyes darting nervously around the room.

Across from them, Rosewall leaned casually against the wall, the usual lazy smirk plastered on his face as if they were lounging in the manor instead of about to enter the jaws of judgment. "Now, now, there's no need to be nervous," he purred, voice dripping with his usual nonchalance. "All will unfold as it should, don't you think, Suzune-chan?"

Suzune's eyes cut sharply toward him. "You speak as if everything's under control," she muttered, her tone flat but laced with impatience. "But we know better than that."

Emilia shifted beside her, visibly uncomfortable. "Suzune-chan… maybe we should just—"

"Calm down," Rosewall interjected with a chuckle. "You're both too tense. There's nothing to worry about."

Nothing to worry about? Suzune thought bitterly. 'You did nothing last time.' She didn't respond, opting to glance toward Ram, who, as usual, was unbothered by the tension. She simply sat there, her face neutral as if none of this affected her at all.

A few agonizing moments later, the heavy wooden doors creaked open, and two guards stepped in. "It's time," one of them grunted, his voice cold and dismissive. His gaze swept over Emilia, lingering too long, with a cruel curl of his lips. "The Witch is ready, I suppose?"

Suzune's blood boiled instantly. The crack of her movement was quick—a blur—and before the guard could blink, her fist connected with his jaw, a sickening crunch echoing through the hall. The guard staggered backward, clutching his broken jaw as blood spilled from his mouth. His eyes were wide with shock, and the other guard froze in place, hand hovering over his sword but too startled to move.

Emilia gasped, standing abruptly. "Suzune! What are you doing?!" Her voice was laced with shock and anger, her hands trembling.

Suzune's cold gaze didn't leave the guard as he crumpled to the ground. She wiped her hand on her coat, her voice devoid of emotion. "Trash doesn't deserve a second chance."

"Suzune!" Emilia snapped, her frustration boiling over. "You can't just attack people like that!"

Suzune's jaw tightened, but she didn't respond. The truth was, Emilia's anger did bother her, but admitting that wasn't going to change the situation. She did what had to be done. She always did.

As the guards quickly composed themselves and led them toward the Grand Hall, Suzune could feel the tension simmering between her and Emilia, but there wasn't time to address it. Not here. Not now.

The Grand Hall was as imposing as she remembered—cold, echoing, and oppressive. The vast stone pillars loomed overhead, casting shadows that danced in the flickering torchlight. As they stepped forward, Emilia's name was announced with a ringing voice that reverberated off the stone walls. She walked beside Rosewall, her head held high, but Suzune could feel the nervous energy radiating off her.

The Great Sage Council sat in their towering thrones, eyes glinting with thinly veiled disdain. As Emilia approached, they leaned toward one another, whispering and snickering like schoolchildren. Suzune's ears caught the familiar, venomous word. 'Witch.'

Her jaw clenched, and without hesitation, she cleared her throat, the sound loud and pointed in the cavernous hall. "Ros-chi," Suzune began, her voice dripping with cold sarcasm, "are we in the right place? It seems more like a market than a council chamber."

The whispered snickering ceased instantly. The silence that followed was thick, and Suzune could feel their eyes on her now—sharp, scrutinizing. She didn't care. Let them look.

The doorman stepped forward, announcing the first of the King candidates. "Priscilla Barielle," his voice boomed, "accompanied by her knight, Al." Priscilla swept in, her head held high, her golden hair gleaming like a crown. She barely glanced at anyone, her expression smug as always, as if the world belonged to her. Which, in her mind, it probably did.

"Crusch Karsten, accompanied by Ferris," came the next name. Crusch strode in confidently, her strong presence filling the room, with Ferris trailing behind her, his usual playful smirk subdued in the tense atmosphere.

"Anastasia Hoshin, accompanied by her knight, Julius Juukulius," the doorman continued. Anastasia entered with a calculating smile, her eyes flicking around the room like a merchant surveying her wares, while Julius walked beside her with an air of dignity that Suzune found immediately grating.

And finally: "Felt, accompanied by Reinhard van Astrea." Felt marched in, her posture defiant, a stark contrast to the refined candidates before her. She didn't look like she belonged here—and she didn't care. Reinhard followed behind her, his calm, ever-watchful gaze sweeping the hall.

The Sages wasted no time, their condescending voices filling the room. They began to explain the purpose of this gathering—why the candidates had been chosen, what was at stake. It was the usual pomp and circumstance, all dressed up in grand words, but Suzune had heard enough. This was nothing more than a test of power, a political circus.

When it came time for the candidates to speak, Anastasia went first. She smiled, her tone sweet and business-like. "If I become ruler, I'll simply buy everything. Kingdoms are, after all, just businesses. Everything can be owned, for the right price."

Priscilla's voice rang out next, arrogant and dismissive. "It's irrelevant. Everything already belongs to me."

Crusch stood tall, her voice clear and unwavering. "I will restore honor and order to the Kingdom. Through discipline, strength, and fairness, I will lead Lugnica to prosperity." Suzune had read about this speech before—it was full of conviction, of duty. But it felt rehearsed. Empty.

Then Felt spoke, her voice cutting through the air like a knife. "I'm from the slums," she declared, her words blunt, shocking the audience. "I've seen what this Kingdom does to its people. If I become ruler, I'll destroy everything."

The room fell into stunned silence. Except for Suzune, she wasn't surprised. She had seen the fire in Felt's eyes before.

Finally, it was Emilia's turn. She stepped forward, her voice soft but growing stronger with each word. "If I become ruler, I'll do what's best for the Kingdom. I'll ensure justice, fairness—"

Her words were drowned out by mocking laughter from the audience, cruel whispers spreading through the room. Suzune's patience snapped. Without a word, she unleashed a suffocating wave of killing intent, the sheer pressure of it blanketing the hall. The mocking ceased instantly, replaced by the sound of retching as several people fell to their knees, their faces pale and drenched in sweat.

Emilia, oblivious to the terror unfolding around her, continued her speech, her voice steady. Suzune's gaze never wavered from the crowd, her presence looming over them like a dark shadow, daring anyone to speak again.

From the corner of her eye, Suzune noticed Reinhard and Julius exchange uneasy glances. Julius was the first to step forward, his voice calm but sharp. "Suzune, was it? I must ask—why are you causing such… widespread terror? Do you find that necessary?"

Suzune's cold eyes met his, unflinching. "I despise trash talk," she said simply, her voice low and filled with venom. "People who speak ill of others, even when it isn't true… I hate them. Just as much as I hate those who stay silent in the face of such injustice."

Julius's expression tightened, his eyes narrowing. "And just who do you think you are?"

Suzune's lips curved into a small, defiant smile. "I am Emilia-tan's Knight."

For a brief second, Emilia hesitated, her eyes wide, uncertain. But she didn't deny it.

Julius's eyes flickered with something resembling amusement. "A butler, you mean? Women can't be knights."

The insult hit Suzune like a dagger, a cruel reminder of the past timelines where this man had humiliated her. But she wouldn't bend. Not this time.

She stepped forward, her eyes locked onto his. "Then how about a spar?" Her voice was quiet, but the challenge was clear, reverberating through the hall.

Julius's face remained calm, but Suzune could see the flicker of pride in his eyes. He wouldn't refuse. He couldn't. Denying a challenge from a mere butler would be humiliating. And Julius Juukulius didn't do humiliation.

"I don't think that's necessary," he replied smoothly. "But giving up to a butler would certainly be... unbecoming."

Emilia stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tense silence like a blade. "Both of you, stop!" she commanded, her tone firm but laced with concern. She placed herself between Suzune and Julius, her violet eyes flicking between them. "This isn't the time or place for a fight. We came here to prove that we can lead, not bicker over pointless battles."

Julius raised an eyebrow, his ever-polished smile still present, though something in his eyes darkened. "Pointless? I beg to differ, Emilia-sama. A ruler must surround themselves with those capable of protecting them. If your… butler believes she is capable of matching a knight, then perhaps this is a lesson worth learning."

Suzune, fists clenched at her sides, took a deliberate step forward, ignoring the way Emilia's hand flew up to stop her. "I don't need lessons from a pompous windbag like you. I already know what I'm capable of."

Julius's smile wavered for a split second. "Strong words," he mused, his voice dropping a degree. "But are you prepared to back them up?"

Suzune's heart pounded in her chest, but her expression remained cold, detached. The memory of that previous timeline flashed in her mind—where Julius had humiliated her, leaving her on the floor, broken and beaten. That was then. This was now. She wasn't the same person, and she wouldn't let history repeat itself.

"I'll do more than that," Suzune said, her voice as sharp as the edge of a sword. "I'll put you on the floor where you belong."

"Enough!" Emilia snapped, stepping fully between the two, her arms outstretched as if to block them from lunging at each other. Her face, once so gentle and kind, was now taut with frustration. "I won't have this! Julius, Suzune, please—this is not the way. I came here to show that I can lead this kingdom with compassion and strength, and this… this ridiculous challenge is undermining everything we're trying to prove."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with desperation. Suzune felt a pang of guilt rise in her chest, but she swallowed it down, masking it with her usual stoicism. She knew Emilia was right. Fighting Julius here, in front of everyone, would only cause more trouble for her. And yet, the urge to settle the score, to prove that she wasn't the weakling Julius had once made her out to be, gnawed at her relentlessly. "What's your decision, Mr. Knight?"

Julius's eyes flickered with frustration, but his pride—always polished to perfection—wouldn't let him back down. He met Suzune's icy gaze with a calm, yet dangerous smile. "Fine," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "I accept your challenge."

The room buzzed with murmurs, the nobles and candidates whispering amongst themselves, their intrigue piqued by the unexpected turn of events. Even the members of the Sage Council, who had moments ago been addressing the candidates, seemed to be watching this new development with keen interest.

Suzune didn't flinch, didn't blink. She stood tall, arms still folded across her chest, her eyes fixed on Julius like a predator sizing up its prey. In the back of her mind, she knew this wasn't a good idea—fighting here, in the open, in front of everyone. But that didn't matter now. Julius had humiliated her before, and this was her chance to right that wrong.

But before anything could happen, Emilia rushed forward, her expression a mixture of frustration and desperation. "No!" she shouted, stepping between them, her hands raised as if to physically stop them from moving. "This is ridiculous! You're acting like children!"

Her voice echoed in the vast hall, but it did little to break the tension. Julius remained calm, his smile never faltering, while Suzune's face remained as stoic as ever, though her eyes flicked briefly to Emilia before hardening again.

"Emilia-tan," Suzune said softly, her voice cold but respectful, "this isn't about you. It's between me and him."

Emilia's eyes widened in disbelief. "Of course it's about me! You're doing this because of what happened before, aren't you? Because of what he said to me!"

Suzune didn't respond right away, her jaw tightening. Emilia was right, at least partially. But this was about more than just the insults thrown at Emilia. This was about Suzune proving something—to herself, to Julius, and maybe even to Emilia. She took a step forward, her hand brushing Emilia's shoulder gently as she guided her aside.

"I won't let anyone disrespect you, Emilia-tan. Not again. Not ever."

Emilia turned to Julius, her eyes pleading. "Julius, please! This is pointless. You're both going to regret this."

Julius, however, simply gave Emilia a reassuring smile, his golden eyes softening just slightly. "Emilia-sama, I assure you, there's nothing to worry about. This is merely a spar—nothing more. No harm will come to your... butler."

Suzune's eyebrow twitched at the word butler, but she stayed silent, already walking toward the center of the ground where there was enough space for them to fight. The other Knights gathered too in safe distance. The polished marble floor gleamed under the sunlight pouring in from the tall windows, casting long shadows across the room.

Emilia looked between them, her frustration bubbling over. "You're both impossible!" she shouted, stomping her foot, her usual calm completely shattered. But her words fell on deaf ears. Suzune and Julius had already made up their minds.

Rosewall, who had been leaning lazily against the far wall, watching the drama unfold with his usual amused expression, chuckled softly. "Oh dear, oh dear... this is certainly turning intooo quite the spectacle. How deeeelightful."

"Shut up, Ros-chi," Suzune muttered, her voice carrying across the place as she positioned herself in the center, already preparing herself mentally for the fight. She glanced at Julius, who was calmly loosening his shoulders, his movements graceful, almost elegant, as if he were preparing for a dance rather than a duel.

Ram, who had been standing by the door, rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Suzune-sama, I expected you to have more restraint. But this... This is just childish."

"I don't care what you think, Ram," Suzune said flatly, not even bothering to look at her. Her entire focus was on Julius now.

Emilia, seeing that neither of them intended to listen, let out a frustrated sigh and backed away, her fists clenched by her sides. "Fine," she muttered under her breath, her face flushed with anger. "Do whatever you want. But don't expect me to feel sorry for either of you when this goes wrong."

With that, she stormed off to the side, crossing her arms and glaring at the two of them, her frustration palpable.

Julius finally finished his warm-up and turned to Suzune, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Shall we begin?" he asked, his voice as polite as ever, though there was an unmistakable edge of superiority in his tone.

Suzune didn't respond with words. Instead, she slid into her fighting stance, her body tense but controlled, her eyes locked on Julius. The entire room seemed to hold its breath as the two of them squared off, the tension so thick it was almost suffocating.

Julius smiled that infuriatingly calm smile of his and drew his rapier, the gleaming silver blade catching the light. "I'll let you have the first move, Suzune," he said, his voice smooth as ever. "It wouldn't be fair otherwise."

Suzune's eyes narrowed, but she didn't rise to the bait. She wasn't here for his condescension. She was here to win.

Without another word, she launched herself forward, her movements swift and calculated, her fist aimed directly at Julius's chest. He moved to parry, but Suzune was faster than he anticipated, her fist narrowly missing his ribs as he sidestepped at the last second.

Julius's smile faltered for the briefest of moments as he realized that Suzune wasn't fighting like a mere servant. Her movements were sharp, disciplined—dangerous.

But Julius was a master swordsman, and he quickly regained his composure, spinning on his heel and bringing his rapier around in a swift, precise arc aimed at Suzune's side. She ducked under the blade, narrowly avoiding the strike, and retaliated with a quick jab toward his shoulder.

The two of them danced across the floor, their movements fluid and deadly, each strike met with an equally precise counter. Julius, despite his calm demeanor, was clearly impressed by Suzune's skill, though he would never admit it. He had underestimated her, and now he was paying the price.

But Suzune wasn't fighting for praise. She was fighting to prove something—to Julius, to Emilia, and to herself.

As the duel continued, the nobles and candidates watched in stunned silence, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife. Even the members of the Sage Council, who had been so dismissive moments ago, were now watching with rapt attention.

Emilia, standing off to the side, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, watched with a mixture of anger and worry. She knew Suzune was strong, but Julius was a knight—one of the best in the kingdom. This wasn't a fair fight, and she hated that they were both too stubborn to see it.

But there was no stopping them now. The duel had begun, and neither Suzune nor Julius had any intention of backing down.

And as the echoes of their clash rang through the grand hall, it was clear to everyone present that this fight was about more than just pride. It was about something deeper—something neither of them could put into words, but both of them understood all too well.

The real battle had only just begun.

o—O—o

Author Note: Are you excited? Well, I am!

In the next chapter, we'll see who trashes whom.

A question: In the 'Document Manager', it says my 200 document limit is finished. They are telling me to delete some documents. But I have almost no unnecessary documents. Thus, how will deleting an already used document effect the story? Do tell please.

Till next time!