A/N: This week's chapter has arrived! Big thanks to my two proof readers who are helping me combat the things my eyes seem to always miss. As well as those who comment when they see spelling or grammar errors. For those of you that know, I write the entirely of this on my phone, so odd auto-correct issues are plenty. Thank you all for your continued support and kind comments! I read them all and adore them!
Chapter 82: The Royal Tyrant Selection
Entering into the ornate and open room with a stage, there was enough chatter going on in the area to mask the sound of the door YN and Rem had opened from drawing all attention to themselves. While a few towards the back noticed them, they quickly went back to whatever discussion they were having previously, keen on the fact that these two weren't who they were waiting on.
Taking YN by the sleeve, Rem immediately sidestepped from the door and led him down the side of the room to avoid drawing further attention to themselves, her maid instincts kicking in.
The room was already divided into two seating arrangements, one with what appeared to be nobles and other dignitaries, and the other being full of knights, all wearing the same cloak and regalia that Julius had been adorned in. Flanking the side of the noble's, Rem quickly spotted Roswaal, who in his clown outfit, stuck out like a sore thumb.
Rem: Roswaal-sama, Emilia-sama.
Turning to his maid's greeting, Roswaal raised a brow at them, while it was Emilia who addressed them back.
Emilia: Rem? And YN? I thought I had asked you two to—
Clearly seeing what appeared to be betrayal in Emilia's amethyst eyes, YN stepped forward, and bowed while doing so.
YN: Emilia-sama, I'm terribly sorry to come here against your wishes, but we only did so to retrieve Subaru.
Understanding their motive, Emilia leaned back slightly in shock, her eyes opening wider.
Emilia: Subaru? He... isn't here...
Rem: Emilia-sama, we have very good reason to suspect Subaru-kun was either already here, or is currently on his way. We returned to the inn to see he was missing, and Rem was able to follow his scent up until the guard house.
Roswaal: Hmm, that is almost too close for comfort if he's truly obeying Emilia-sama's request to stay awaaaay.
Emilia: I didn't ask him to stay away! I only asked him to focus on getting better and not to push himself...
Not willing to accept that Subaru had broken her trust, Emilia defended him.
Emilia: At most, maybe he's only trying to keep a close eye on things, but still stay in line with my request...? That's like him, isn't it?
Giving YN a look of questioning, he could only weakly return it to the half-elf.
If you knew Subaru, you'd know it's exactly like him to do this.
Roswaal: I find it very unlikely he could make it past the guaaaard house, especially with security ramped up for the Conference.
Looking at YN with his blue eye closed, Roswaal leaned in towards him.
Roswaal: —Which begs the question, how were you two able to get by?
Rem: Umm, well, Rem and YN-kun... we—
YN: I ran it.
Figuring there was no point in lying, trying to make excuses, or trying to lay an equal blame with Rem, YN bluntly explained.
Finding that amusing however, Roswaal leaned back with a hearty laugh.
Roswaal: Perhaps it is better if Emilia-sama doesn't have the endorsement of a Royal Knight. If they cannot even stop a maid and a groundskeeper, perhaps either of those two professions would make a better Knight for her.
Eyeing YN for only a moment, any further thought on the comment was cut short by Emilia's protest.
Emilia: Roswaal, now isn't the time to be joking. Subaru is missing.
YN: He's not missing, he's on his way here.
Rem: Rem must agree, it is very evident that Subaru-kun has an intention to arrive much like we did.
Emilia: Well, until then, you two can be dismissed. I appreciate both of your concerns and know you only came because you felt it was necessary, I don't consider that a breach of trust at all, given the circumstances. But as for my trust in Subaru, I trust that he won't show up and—
With the sudden sound of the double doors YN and Rem had just entered through swinging open fully, most of the room's attention went towards those who now stood in its frame, including those of Emilia's party and herself.
In the doorway stood three familiar figures.
YN: Hey, aren't those—
Noticing the first two, it was the same orange haired women and one armed knight from the day before. While YN contemplated why those two were suddenly present, it was Emilia who focused on the third person, exclaiming their name with a sharp pain of wounded trust in her voice.
Emilia: S-Subaru... —Subaru!
Stepping out slightly into the walkway that divided the room's two groups, Emilia blankly stared at the black haired boy with her amethyst eyes.
Immediately making eye contact with her, Subaru tensed up with a nervous face, clearly seeing how distressed she was at his presence here.
Jeez, Subaru... you really have done it this time.
Squeezing YN's hand, Rem reluctantly watched on, equally as off-put as YN was by Emilia's trust in Subaru being destroyed before their very eyes.
With most of the room once more going back to minding their own business, very few looked on as Emilia walked over to the three entering into the room, and letting the door shut behind them.
Emilia: Subaru.
Halting halfway between them, while YN couldn't see Emilia's face, he could imagine the discontented frown she was probably wearing, a look that did not suit her.
Emilia: Why are you here?
Subaru: I—!
"Princess": May I ask what you're doing gawking at my servant?
Coming up behind him, the buxom orange haired woman in red from the day before wrapped her arms around Subaru, holding him like one would a possession to be prized.
Subaru: Gah—! You're going to give Emilia-tan the wrong idea doing this—!
With more pain in her eyes, Emilia watched on as YN and Rem could only see an aura of displeasure of the highest degree radiating off her.
This is just getting worse and worse to watch.
With Rem's hand becoming clammy, YN turned to see her other hand covering her mouth.
"Princess": Come closer, I'll permit it.
Pressing her busty chest onto Subaru's back, it appeared as if this woman was actively antagonizing Emilia.
Trying to shed himself of the woman in red's bear hug, Subaru thrusted a finger out in the direction of YN and Rem, standing several rows back from the display currently going on.
Subaru: A better question is why are they here? Didn't you tell YN not to come too?!
Answering Emilia's question with a question, a sharp emotion entered into her voice as she replied.
Emilia: They came here looking for you! Because you left! They told me that they thought you were going to show up here... and I didn't want to believe them. But here you are...
Starting with anger and ending in sadness, Emilia's voice trailed off before a new voice could enter the conversation.
Roswaal: To think my humble butler caused such a headache for Priscilla-sama! I must express my thanks for helping after he became lost.
Priscilla-sama? If Roswaal is referring to her that way, that must be mean she's—
Priscilla: It was mineself who picked up this peasant. What evidence do you have to prove otherwise?
Smiling at the girl, Roswaal mimicked opening up jacket on himself and pointing inside.
Roswaal: I'm sure you'll find my family's crest woven inside his jacket.
Releasing Subaru, Priscilla stepped around him and popped his jacket open.
Priscilla: Hmph. How boring.
Pushing Subaru by his back as if discarding a broken toy, Priscilla caused him to stumble forward until right in front of Emilia, who only turned her head away, refusing to acknowledge the boy before her.
Looking back to YN, Roswaal winked at him. Reflexively, YN looked on the inside of his own clothes, and found a similar crest.
When the hell did—?!
?: All have arrived! Everyone, make way for the Council of Sages!
With a guard in large plate armor yelling out commands, the room's two groups became more organized as people found their spots of choice for the events to come.
YN: 'Council of Sages?'
Looking to Rem, she looked onward to the line of elders walking across the stage before them, all dressed in ornate robes, and many sporting long, white beards.
Rem: They are all venerated and esteemed members of Lugunican nobility that rule in place of the deceased Royal family.
Recalling something he had heard in his very first loop, upon arriving at the mansion and first learning of Emilia's candidacy, YN confirmed his knowledge to Rem.
YN: The Royal family recently all perished, right? That's why this Selection is going on?
Rem: Correct. According to a Prophecy, a new Dragon Priestess must be selected from the people to rule Lugunica. It predicted five candidates, and Emilia-sama is the fourth. Those who are eligible are able to make the specially created Royal Insignia glow.
YN: Wait, the one that was stolen from Emilia?
Rem: Yes. Its effect from her holding it is proof of her legitimate claim to the Throne.
YN: So that's why she wanted it back...
Thinking more, YN had always found it odd that someone like Emilia might have cared so much for some piece of jewelry. But since it was a key item to allow her to be a Candidate, YN understood better now.
YN: Hey Rem, is there any reason why someone would want to steal that? That bowel hunter lady... Someone gave her a lot of Holy Coins to buy it off of Felt after she was hired to steal it.
Thinking for a moment, Rem put her hand to her chin.
Rem: Rem can only guess it was because there was someone who very much disliked the idea of Emilia-sama participating.
YN: But wasn't Emilia supposed to announce her Candidacy in Saluzzo? This is supposed to be her first public appearance, right?
Not sure if she should nod, or shake her head, Rem's brow furrowed and her soft pink lips squirmed, looking puzzled.
Rem: Not quite. Emilia-sama has been confirmed to the Council and the other Candidates for more than half a year.
YN: — — —
Rem: YN-kun?
Looking at YN, who had remained silent, a bad thought ran across his mind, of which Rem could tell he was troubled.
YN: If only the other Candidates —and the Sage Council for that matter too, knew Emilia was the fourth Candidate, and if Elsa was hired by someone who had a lot of money to steal Emilia's proof of legitimacy—
Putting a hand over his mouth, Rem halted his words. Pulling down on his shoulder, she cupped her hands to whisper in his ear.
Rem (whisper): YN-kun is correct, but amongst wolves, the sheep should not bleat.
Stepping back, Rem spoke in a more hushed tone, but kept her words vague.
Rem: Rem sees what YN-kun is saying, but had he not noticed that and said something... she is unsure if she would have ever come to the same conclusion.
With YN-kun uncovering what felt like too large of coincidence to Rem, that she herself had failed to see, their time to talk about it prematurely drew to a close.
Roswaal: Emilia-sama, Priscilla-sama, will you both move to the center of the roooom?
Priscilla: Mineself will not be told what to do.
Proceeding to the center of the room anyway, the helmeted man, Aldebaran, moved to the opposite side of the room, where the rest of the knights stood.
He sure sticks out like a sore thumb over here.
Turning to also move to the center of the room, Emilia headed away without a further word, until—
Subaru: Hey, Ros-chi, where should I go now? Next to YN or—?
Roswaal: You will join the helmeted man with the knights over—
Emilia: Roswaal! Wait a sec—!
Roswaal: Emilia-sama, we spoke of this at last night's dinner—
Emilia: —If anyone should go over there... It's YN!
Pointing at himself, YN tried to catch Roswaal's or Emilia's eye, but was unable to, and only caught Subaru's, who looked at him equally as puzzled as he was.
Why is this coming back to me?!
With both of them being unsure of what the significance of standing with the knights meant, Roswaal pinched the bridge of his brow, doing his best to conceal his frustration like his makeup did to his face.
Roswaal: Then why not have them boooth move over there then.
Moving next to where Rem and YN stood, Roswaal walked past Emilia, and leaned over slightly to whisper to her, out of earshot of everyone else.
Roswaal (whisper): Perhaps seeing how they each handle being over there will prove which one has the stronger resolve to help accomplish your goals.
Standing next to YN and Rem, Roswaal turned to address them now.
Roswaal: YN-kuuuun would you please join Subaru-kun over there? And Rem—
Rem: Yes, Roswaal-sama?
Roswaal: This venue only allows so many guests per party, and given we will have a carriage of our own to return in, would you please go return the carriage you and YN-kun used to arrive here in?
Rem: As you wish, Roswaal-sama.
Bowing to her master's request, Rem turned and held a hand out to YN.
Rem: YN-kun, the keys please.
YN: O-Oh, are you going to move it?
Rem: Rem would like to prove her skills to her YN-kun that he so patiently taught her.
Knowing that not only was she trying to follow a direct order from Roswaal, but also prove herself to YN in her abilities to learn and understand the things from his home world, he could see the determination in her single visible azure eye.
Roswaal: Ahh, I had forgotten about your... machine. Rem, please feel free to disregard that request—
Rem: Rem shall diligently carry out the task that was asked of her.
Placing the keys in her soft hand, Rem turned back to YN with a bright smile.
YN: I trust you, Rem.
In rare form in front of Roswaal, Rem leaned her head against YN's chest as she held the keys in her hands.
Rem: Rem is very happy to be trusted with this, and she will not let her YN-kun down.
With that, Rem bowed once more to Roswaal, who only returned a nod, excusing her from the room. Quickly and silently, Rem departed.
As YN went to join Subaru on the other side of the room, Roswaal joked one last time with him.
Roswaal: Just as a forewarning, despite my utmost faith in my head maid's abilities, I can't be held responsible for any damage she may cause to your machiiiiine.
Shaking his head smiling, YN answered the man dressed as the court jester.
YN: My faith in Rem is strong enough to trust her with that. She'll do just fine.
Acknowledging YN's feelings for Rem's aptitude in being able to operate the exotic machine, Roswaal gave him one final nod.
Reaching Subaru' side, he was already in the midst of a conversation with several familiar faces.
Felix: Oh! YwN! You're here nyow too!
Seeing the familiar cat-like demihuman that he had last seen at the Mansion, Felix had "Nyan"-ified his name.
YN: Felix-san? Correct?
Ferris: Yep! But feel free to call me Ferri-chan if you'd prefer~.
YN: Ferris it is then. It's good to see you again. I had no idea you were a knight as well as healer.
Ferris: Pretty cool, huh?!
Gesturing to the outfit he wore, it was the same knight's regalia that everyone else besides YN, Subaru, and Aldebaran wore on this half of the room.
?: Ah, YN, you're here as well too. I hope you've recovered since our last meeting?
Turning to speak to YN next from having just spoken to Subaru, a young knight with fiery red hair addressed him.
YN: Reinhard! I guess I shouldn't be surprised to see you here. I don't think I got to thank you properly for your assistance in the loot house.
Bowing to the Sword Saint, YN was met by a nervous smile and weak wave.
Reinhard: There's no need to be so formal, is there? I'm just happy you remembered my name.
Jeez, this guy is way too humble!
Reinhard: I do have to apologize as well, I've never had my abilities cause harm to a bystander like that... Had I known something like that might have occurred, I would have done something else.
Putting his hands up now, YN shook his head.
YN: Everything is fine now. I've never had anything like that occur before so it's not like anyone could have predicted it. And besides, it got that bowel hunter to retreat, right?
Reinhard: That it did. Well, I'm just glad to hear there's no permanent damage then.
Subaru: Wha—? Wait a second—
Breaking from the conversation Subaru was in the middle of, he interjected into YN's.
Subaru: —wasn't Emilia-tan pretty sure you stretched your Gate and that was affecting your Od or something?
YN: —hk!
Seeing a worried look go over Reinhard's face as he looked over to Felix for answers, the person Subaru had been speaking to also now interjected.
?: A 'stretched Gate'? I can't recall ever hearing of such a condition before.
Adjusting his pale periwinkle hair, the knight Julius spoke in question of YN.
Julius: Am I to understand that this is what Ferris will be treating you for? He has a wounded Gate, something that isn't entirely uncommon of those who push themselves in a haphazard manner—,
Gesturing to Subaru as he said that, he continued to shoot him a side eye glance as Julius's more respectful tone returned as he moved back to YN being the main topic.
Julius: —but your condition must make controlling mana very difficult, does it not?
Putting an arm around YN, Subaru pointed at him as well while giving Julius a face of mockery.
Subaru: Oh, man, you'd be surprised what—
Julius: I am very sure YN does not need to have himself put on airs.
Reinhard: It would seem Subaru does this to make those around him feel more at ease.
Subaru: I'm not that underhanded!
Julius: Anyway, I am Julius Juukulius of the Royal Knights. It is a pleasure to formally meet you three.
Referring to even Aldebaran who continued to stand next to YN and Subaru both, he had remained silent.
Turning his helmeted head towards them now though, he rubbed the back of his neck.
Aldebaran: Sheesh, to know the greatest healer, the hoity-est, toity-est knight around, and the Sword Saint? You two are some real socialites.
With the conversation breaking down, all those present around YN and Subaru fell back in line as two new figures approached the center of the room with Emilia and Priscilla.
Four people now... Rem did say Emilia was the fourth candidate, which can only mean—
?: Heeey, how much longer are you gonna make us wait, huh? We got a sayin' in Kararagi and that's 'time is money!'
As one of the two newcomers spoke up, she voiced her displeasure with the waiting.
Adorned in a white dress complimented by a regal looking white cap and snow white fox fur around her neck, her voice at first did not suit her appearance.
Subaru: No way, that accent...
YN: Hmm?
With YN standing to one side of Subaru's immediate flank, he could hear him speak under his breath. But to both of their surprise, Aldebaran had also heard on the opposite side of Subaru.
Aldebaran: Yeah, they all speak like that over in the west.
?: I must agree. If the Council of Sages has convened, why have we not begun?
Also speaking up, was one of the other newcomers.
Dressed as if she were a Royal military officer of some kind, her disposition and voice struck YN's ears as one that commanded much discipline. With long, dark green hair, she was also the only Candidate present that had pants on, rather than a dress of some kind.
Priscilla: It is quite rude to make mineself wait.
?: I apologize, but I've been informed we are currently waiting for the final Candidate to show up.
Replying to Priscilla was the same knight in heavy plate armor that had addressed the floor only moments ago. But with each of the Candidates raising a brow to what he had just said regarding the "the final Candidate," YN recalled what Rem had said.
Rem mentioned there were five total candidates in the Prophecy, but Emilia was the fourth. Does that mean they found the final one?
Looking around for the reactions of the knights to this information, YN noticed Reinhard's was the most out of place.
YN: You look like you know something.
Reinhard: Who, me? I might.
Smiling in an almost smug manner, Reinhard kept a bit of it in his teasing response.
Subaru: Well, are you gonna spill the beans or not?
With even Subaru joining in, Reinhard looked over to the door of the assembly room in reply.
Reinhard: I believe everything will be explained... right about... now.
At his word, the doors to the room swung open, revealing a recognizable face neither YN or Subaru had expected to see.
Stepping through, was an all too familiar young woman with short, blonde hair. In a long dress that she certainly was uncomfortable in, its long hem was carried by a pair of young twins, much like Rem or Ram might have, to the young woman's flank.
Before YN could whisper to Subaru if he had the same idea of who this young woman was, he blurted out the correct answer.
Subaru: Felt?!
While she had proceeded calmly down the middle aisle towards the other Candidates, Felt stopped with an annoyed look on her face. At first seeing Subaru and YN, she quickly saw another face nearby to them, the one responsible for all her recent troubles.
Felt: Tch!
Ripping her dress from the twins on her flank, Felt snatched the length for herself to carry as she bounced forward, leaping to make the distance.
Old habits die hard I guess.
Screeching to a halt, Felt's dress shoe's heels dug into the ornate tiled floor.
Immediately pointing an accusatory finger at the one she intended to blame, Felt began a verbal barrage against none other than Reinhard.
Felt: Is there any reason you dragged me all the way to the Royal Palace?!
Grabbing her dress's hem again, she waved it around in her closed fist.
Felt: —in these stupid, frilly clothes no less!
Reinhard: On the contrary, Felt-sama, you look very refined in such garments.
Replying calmly, Reinhard smiled as a stipe of red flashed over her face, causing Felt to look down at her clothes, clearly unused to hearing such things said about herself.
Felt: W-Wha-huh? R-Really?
Shaking her head quickly though, she regained her conviction.
Felt: T-That's not important!
Looking around to all the nobles and knights around her, Felt began pointing again and again at Reinhard.
Felt: Does anyone here think it's fine for esteemed knights to go around and kidnap young women off the street and imprison them?!
Reinhard: If it is for the prosperity and continuation of the Kingdom, then yes.
Again replying in a way that tried to sooth the situation, Felt had clearly had this bout with Reinhard before.
Turning to YN, Subaru wanted to confirm if they had a similar understanding of what was going on.
Subaru: So Reinhard had Felt this entire time? He was holding her prisoner—Gah!
Having noticed and remembered them both, Felt had seen any further qualm with Reinhard as futile and instead had locked in the other two faces she had known just prior to being taken away.
Greeting Subaru with a swift punch to the gut, Felt jeered at him.
Felt: Good to see you're still alive, nii-chan.
Regarding Subaru with a harsh, but positive greeting, Felt seemed to be genuinely happy that he was still okay, especially after his injuries sustained at the loot house.
Grunting through the pain, Subaru returned the kind words.
Subaru: They can doll you up as much as they want, but you're still the same old Felt under all that. I'm just relieved you're okay. Ya know, Old Man Rom was—
Felt: —And if it isn't you as well!
Disregarding Subaru's weak words as he recovered from his gut punch, Felt turned to YN, fist bumping his shoulder.
Felt: YN, right? You're the guy who tried sucker punching that bowel hunter and then passed out from having your mana screwed around with.
YN: Yeah, that's me.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he was yet again remembered as "the guy who passed out."
Recalling those moments before passing out fully after Emilia had healed Subaru, he had remembered Reinhard taking Felt off.
Ya know, it would make sense Reinhard had taken her. She was holding Emilia's pendant and must have made it glow, like Rem had said it does when someone who's qualified holds it. That's why Reinhard had decided to take her away as 'Punishment.'
Thinking that was quite underhanded of the Sword Saint, YN was given no time to dwell on those thoughts as Felt continued.
Felt: Yeah yeah, I thought I recognized that, uhh, 'c-har' I think you called it? Anyway, I saw it outside and knew it had to be yours.
Taking a step back, a wry smile ran across Felt's face as she twirled a pointed finger about.
Felt: I was more surprised to see you got yourself a girlfriend.
Leaning back in, closer to YN, Felt held her same hand up as if trying to whisper, but still spoke loud enough for all around them to hear.
Felt: I never took you for the kind of guy to be into maids~! Is that why you decided to help out nee-chan over there~?
Gesturing towards where Emilia stood with her thumb, Felt's words wounded YN.
YN: —hk!
It's not like that!
Looking to his immediate left and right with his eyes, Reinhard could only offer a weak smile in moral support, while Julius simply closed his eyes with a slight smile of his own, finding the exchange to be amusing in the very least.
YN: O-Oh, uhh, y-you must have run into Rem then I take it?
Felt: Yup. I thought I had recognized her too, but I guess that was her twin sister who was there when I stole nee-chan's insignia.
Afraid she might make another jab at him for potentially going after twins, Felt instead folded her hands on the back of her head and leaned back finally.
Felt: Real funny how all these things work out.
Instead choosing to note just how all these strange events seemed to be linked back to one another and made the world feel rather "small", before YN could respond, the booming voice of the plated knight sounded out once more.
?: Felt-sama!
Felt: —hk!
Jumping from the voice, the knight continued.
?: Reunions with old friends is fine and well, but please proceed to the center of the room with your fellow Candidates.
With the two twins once more taking up Felt's dress hem, they escorted her to the side of the other Candidates as Felt was forced to comply.
Turning back in one final display of defiance though, Felt barked back to Reinhard.
Felt: I still haven't agreed to any of this I'll have you know.
Reinhard: I'm sure you'll do amazing, Felt-sama.
Responding to her in a way that disregarded her complaint, Subaru and Reinhard went on to talk about his happenstance of finding out Felt was a Candidate.
I should be thankful to Reinhard for saving us from Elsa, but with the way he handled finding out about Felt leaves me a bit uneasy...
While YN listened in on Subaru and Reinhard talk as he thought, the plated knight from before spoke up once more.
Marcus: With all five Candidates now present, I, Marcus, As Knight Commander of the Royal Guard, shall now oversee this Conference between the eligible Dragon Priestesses and the Council of Sages.
'Dragon Priestesses'? I thought this was a selection for who will become the next King. Or Queen is it? I'm so lost.
Unaware of the gravity of what this was all about, YN simply stood at attention between Aldebaran and Subaru.
Doesn't help that the three of us stick out like sore thumbs!
Marcus: Let the motion now follow that the Candidates shall all present their Qualification to rule!
With each of the five presenting an insignia like the one that was stolen from Emilia, they all glowed a radiant shade of orange.
Going on, Marcus briefed the audience of what they most certainly were all aware of, but at the least reminded them of their purpose here today.
Explaining how the Royal Family had recently all perished, that the Throne sat empty, and that the Kingdom's convenient with the Dragon, and hence the name "The Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica" had long protected the nation from tragedy.
He continued to outline that the Dragon Stone, an oracle for which the Kingdom sought guidance from, had given them a prophecy of what to do now that the Royal Family was now gone, and had itself announced the candidacy of five new potential rulers, highlighting that they would serve as Dragon Priestesses and reinvigorate the Covenant.
After Marcus had concluded, the acting chairman it would seem of the Council had spoken up.
Further reiterating the Prophecy's words, the Councilman, Miklotov McMahon, addressed the Candidates directly now.
Miklotov: With the guidance and instruction of the Prophecy clear, let us begin our determination of who shall lead the Kingdom. First, we shall hear of each of the Candidate's ambitions, and just how far they are willing to go for the right to rule.
Turning to the candidates, Marcus bellowed out his words once more to them.
Marcus: We would now ask that each Candidate come forward, address the Council, and state their motives.
Seeing as this was basically a statement of conviction, YN had been waiting for this moment.
I guess we'll finally see who else is running besides Emilia.
Fully aware of the sort of person Emilia was, YN's curiosity of the others would finally be answered.
Ultimately, over anything else I maybe might want to see in any of them, I would want someone who can make the Kingdom a safe place for me and Rem to live.
Pulling it out from under his undershirt, the necklace around him that was the other half to the one Rem also wore, still shined from its polished pewter finish.
I'd hate to be in Emilia's camp but secretly be rooting for another camp. Wouldn't that be a conflict of interest?
Contemplating the ramifications of who would end up ruling the lands he now considered "home," the positions he now occupied, and the obligations he had in his current camp, YN watched as the first of the Candidates to speak took the stage.
?: Ferris, to my side.
Felix: Okie-doki!
Moving out from behind YN, Felix suddenly was called upon by this Candidate. Taking her flank much like YN and Subaru had done so with Emilia in Saluzzo, the realization of Felix's role was now apparent.
Ferris is this Candidate's 'second', isn't he?
Looking over to where Emilia and the other three Candidates still stood, YN surmised who might be who's second here.
Ferris is with this one, Priscilla's must be Aldebaran, although I find it unlikely she'd need one... I have no clue who that girl dressed in white's would be. Felt must have Reinhard as hers. And Emilia—
Thinking for a moment, YN had come up with nothing.
While Marcus and Ferris bickered over how he should be introduced, either "Ferris" or "Felix," YN's mind was more occupied with Emilia's situation.
It can't be either me or Subaru... We weren't invited. Could it be Julius? She did seem pretty familiar with him, and she did say each Candidate was supposed to have a knight.
Trying his best to remember more, YN recalled the conversation he and Emilia had the night before.
It can't be Julius actually, she said he was the knight to a rival Candidate, which would only leave that girl dressed in white.
Putting the piece together, YN began to get a better picture of who was with who here.
While I guess Aldebaran isn't a 'knight' like Reinhard, Julius, or even Ferris, he does seem to fill the role of one, even if he seems more like a hedge knight or mercenary.
Trying to think more, YN had remembered one key thing Emilia had said.
She did say she had someone in mind, but was waiting for an answer...
Looking around the half of the room that he was in, the one that hosted all the Royal Knights, YN couldn't picture anyone here it could be.
She clearly doesn't intend to choose Subaru, as she asked him to stay behind. And she said she didn't want Roswaal to do it...
Try as he might, YN couldn't come up with an idea. Replaying the conversation in his mind trying to find any clue he could, only a few words of Emilia's hadn't been flagged by his brain as being potentially relevant information.
The only other thing she said last night was that she originally wanted me to come. And that would—
Recalling those words, a shiver ran down YN's spine.
She's not going to ask me to be her second again is she? We already had this happen in Saluzzo...
With the truth of the matter just on the other side of YN's thoughts, his attention was pulled away by the Candidate up on stage introducing herself.
As she bellowed out her name, "Crusch Karsten", YN gave the Duchess and the speakers after her his undivided attention, keen on finding out what Emilia's competition was like.
Being left more shocked than informed, YN felt an air of dread was out on the horizon. A long standing anxiety of far off, but certain and expected worries filled his chest with interpretation.
How? You'd expect things to be taken much more seriously here.
With his throat dry, the display of speeches before him had left him now feeling more uncertain about the future than ever before.
First up had been Crusch Karsten, the Duchess of a prestigious and long-serving Royal House in the Kingdom.
While YN had contemplated who was who's knight, Reinhard and Subaru had spoken about this House's history somewhat, and because of it, she was now an early frontrunner in the Selection.
And truth be told, YN at first liked how she carried herself, until—
Even that Sage Council member lashed out against her.
Boldly proclaiming her ambitions, all that which YN knew in his limited capacity of the foundation of the Kingdom, would be undone by her.
Given YN was only a resident of this Kingdom for less then a half of a half of a year, he had already picked up just how deeply ingrained the knowledge and values of the Dragon Covenant was. With that single thing being such a pillar to the way the entire Kingdom was run, from its policy to its very culture, what sort of effects would its disappearance have on the stability of the place YN and Rem called home?
If all that were to be undone overnight, what sort of effects would that have on the young couple's future?
I can maybe find some merit to her motivations, but what if she's wrong? What if, without the protection of the Dragon, Lugunica enters into a conflict it can't win and succumbs to outside powers?
Fearing what an occupation would mean for him and Rem, YN's chest compounded its worry.
What if whoever is in charge hates demi-humans? That was something this Kingdom just fought a civil war over...
Knowing just how close that reality was, and having in his short time here been a victim of it, YN had cemented his opinion on her.
Life under Crusch would be too uncertain. She can't promise me and Rem a happy future.
After Crusch had finished her statement, the Council, the Nobles, and the other knights all agreed on one thing. She had caused quite the stir.
While the lady in white, Anastasia Hoshin, had been due to speak next, she had been cut off by the woman in red YN had originally known just as "Princess."
Priscilla Barielle.
After the shake that was Crusch's speech for YN, Priscilla's was a true after-shock of a quake.
Demanding that it was only her that was fit to rule, and that others should simply obey her, YN as well as many others were shocked by her choice of words.
Is she serious? She isn't controlled opposition? Or even a troll? She's actually serious about this?!
While YN would not have believed this couldn't be an act, he was already familiar with her.
She did act a lot like this when we tried saving her...
Remembering further, YN heard in his mind Emilia's reactions to this woman. She had been apprehensive of YN and Subaru even being around her, and now, he could see why.
Echoing in his mind were Emilia's words; "She doesn't need saving."
And while her achievements were there with her supposed success in turning around the decline of some lands she had inherited as a widower, it was Aldebaran who had to bring that up and speak of it in a way it seemed Priscilla herself couldn't.
He had even gone on to say she was capable of making every correct guess when it came to ruling.
With her platform being nothing more than "Choose me because I'm right and will win anyway" being all she had to show, YN was struck that someone could even be considered eligible to rule by anyone other than a magical glowing rock.
She might get results, but with an attitude and methodology like that... that poses the largest direct risk so far to me and Rem living happily.
Rationalizing it as if one of these "guesses" Priscilla was "right" about could adversely, and potentially directly affect his and Rem's future in a negative way, YN had formed his thoughts on the lady in red.
Without a doubt, she's the least likely to give me and Rem a happy life.
While she had liked to go second, the third to speak before those that were gathered was the lady in white with her fur scarf, Anastasia Hoshin.
Introducing herself as the President of the Hoshin Company, YN immediately was wary of her.
It was the Hoshin Company that had tried to force Julio to shut his trading business down with blackmail...
YN was well aware of the possibility that it wasn't Anastasia herself who directly ordered it, but there was no way she didn't know it was going on, and even still if she didn't, she at the very least tolerated having those underneath her who thought those actions were acceptable.
That just feels like a ripe opportunity for someone who's a corrupt minister or advisor.
And from her speech, YN only felt his bias grow.
She obviously cares the most about results, damn the consequences. —And she keeps outright saying she's 'greedy...'
Proclaiming that she intended to take the Kingdom as her own personal possession, Julius stepped in to elaborate more on what she meant by that. While his words did seem to hush many of the words being whispered throughout the room, to Julius, Anastasia's 'greed' was more so only a personification of her desires and that mixed with her business experience. All of which Julius said were "the makings of a fine statesman."
However, these words meant very little to YN, who knew what her "greed" had caused.
I'd fight tooth and nail to keep her as far away from the Throne as possible. Julio can't be the only one who was screwed over by her...
As the two returned to where they originally stood, as Julius left Anastasia's side, he and YN exchanged a brief look, one that Julius could tell that YN now harbored a dislike for the one he endorsed.
While the Finest Knight didn't say a word in reply, YN's mind buzzed with curiosity at how a knight that was so chivalrous could back what was so clearly a stark contrast to his own values.
But not being given the time to dwell on that, next up was none other than the Candidate YN knew the most of.
Taking her steps up to the stage was Emilia, and as she did, whispers and murmurs flooded the room.
?: That silver hair—...
?: Those ears too...
?: She isn't— right?
Facing those that were gathered, Emilia's face was flushed with anticipation and anxiety. But to YN's side, Subaru was just as, if not more so than Emilia was.
Reinhard: Subaru, have faith in Emilia-sama.
Placing a hand on Subaru's shoulder, the Sword Saint knew what he was feeling.
Subaru: I really shouldn't be worried, I have every reason to believe in her.
Tightening his fist, Subaru rationalized it to himself.
Subaru: Emilia's been studying hard, every single day, all day, waiting for this moment. I know she has what it takes.
As someone who tried to spend all his free time with her, Subaru had bared witness to how studious the half-elf's efforts were. Any time YN had spent with Rem, Subaru had spent that same time with Emilia. So while YN hadn't seen any of Emilia's efforts, he at least knew—
—She has a stronger and purer conviction than anyone else that's gone up on that stage so far.
Feeling a similar confidence in himself for her that Subaru also felt, YN recalled his brief talk with Emilia outside the Guard House just the day before.
Emilia said she understood why there was a Guard House for just the nobles, but she also understood the troubles that the common people also faced. She genuinely cares about their strife, but is planted in reality of what her options are.
Feeling his own fists tighten, YN's mind raced on.
She isn't some big grandiose visionary like Crusch, Priscilla, or Anastasia. She sees the issues before her and treats them as the real problems they are. She's not sugar coating anything, but she's also not letting a persona of her own creation overshadow them like the other three are.
Watching as Emilia readied herself, YN summarized it to himself.
Even back in Saluzzo, she never lost her will when it came to facing a crowd we told her would be hostile. She saw it as another hurdle she had to face, even if it was unsolvable because of the multi-armed beast.
As YN contrasted the differences between Emilia and the other Candidates now, she didn't even need to give her statement here for him to draw all the conclusions he needed to know. Smiling to himself, and lightly shaking his head, he found his previous opinion of her humorous.
To think, I thought of her as a 'bleeding heart' before and figured she'd have a long way to go in this Selection. I even thought I might end up supporting someone else in the back of my heart.
Remembering the worries he felt about that, and the possibility of "conflict of interest" rising up in his position in this Camp based on his feelings, all those trivial matters were melted away as YN cemented his realization, his epiphany on who he believed in for securing a safe future with Rem.
Emilia is the only candidate here I'll be safe with.
While YN might have come to other opinions, and ultimately side with other Candidates had this been some narrative in a book or other piece of fiction, his real, tangible priorities being set to involve a safe, happy future with Rem took priority. With this being his "real life" and the consequences that resounded around that, he couldn't force himself to draw any other conclusion.
YN (whisper): Emilia-sama... Do your best.
With only Subaru hearing YN speak under his breath those words, it startled him to hear such a sudden conviction from him, yet, any thoughts he had on that were halted as Emilia herself was set to speak.
And taking her flank, was Roswaal.
Roswaal: I do feel quite out of plaaaaace being the only one who isn't one of Lugunica's most esteemed knights.
Marcus: The Fourth Candidate of the Royal Selection, Emilia, and her Sponsor, Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers, please address the Council and this chamber!
With the brash order of operation given out by the Knight Commander, Emilia's nerves were struck by the loud, booming voice.
Emilia: H-Hello— Greetings everyone! My name is E-Emilia... Just Emilia! No family name...
Hearing what was all too reminiscent of her failed speeches in Saluzzo, YN felt a bead of sweat run down his forehead as he watched her continue.
She's got this! Emilia, don't let the others out class you here! Me and Subaru both know just how much better you are!
Wishing he had some way of channeling his and Subaru's confidence to her, another booming voice called out.
Bordeaux: Roswaal!
Calling out, was the same member of the Council who had spoken up before when describing the Royal Selections prophetic origins.
Bickering between himself and Roswaal, the topic of the Great Witch of Envy came out, no surprise in relation to Emilia's appearance. With venom being spouted by the Councilman, Roswaal made no effort to reprise the accusations launched against his own sponsored Candidate.
Roswaal: Your apprehension, and may I also go as far to say, your feeeear of her is perfectly understandable, Bordeaux-sama.
Bordeaux: What? What do you mean?
Expecting to be retorted, he was rather affirmed in his derogatory words.
Roswaal: It may be uncouth to say, but you are correct in your assumptions of her appearance. Such an image would be hard for the people to accept. So because of that, you may think of her as a sacrificial pawn on your gameboard.
Seeing Emilia's expression go flat, she slowly turned her head to Roswaal in utter dejection.
As YN heard Subaru beginning to audibly grind his teeth at what was being said, he didn't feel as if things were lining up correctly.
There's something going on here...
Miklotov: In simpler terms, you are saying by having her as Candidate that stands no real chance, we, the Council of Sages, need only apply our attention to, and treat it as such, that this selection only has four Candidates.
Bowing as if he'd just done a great service, Roswaal swept his arm across his chest, a wry smile accompanying it.
Roswaal: It is precisely as you say.
While YN felt a sudden spur of anger as his employer said this, the boiling pot next to him that was known as Natsuki Subaru finally burst.
Subaru: Roswaal!
Charging the stage before him, Reinhard and YN both had failed to grasp him before he leapt forward.
Reinhard & Emilia: Subaru!
YN: Damn it!
Subaru: Don't give me that crap!
Going in full force, it was unclear what Subaru intended to do to Roswaal, but as he approached, Marcus, clad in his shiny plate armor, moved to intercept him, but not before—
Roswaal: It seems even I have failed to realize just how foolish you are!
Reaching back with his hand, YN recalled this motion of Roswaal's, and what followed it.
No, he wouldn't! Not in here! Not against Subaru!
Roswaal: Now, feel the most powerful fire magic—!
Casting forth his gloved hand, his mana took shape, and with it, so did a heat even YN felt upon his face at the distance he was
Roswaal: Al Goa!
Closing the distance in only fractions of a second, YN could see the projectile, a dense ball of magical fire, dance its way towards Subaru in near slow motion.
Unsure if he should ready mana in his own palms, it seemed futile, what could YN hope to achieve against that? Even if not for his own delay in speed, his ability was nothing against that, possibly even Emilia would be powerless to stop it had she been prepared.
Damn it! Don't tell me we're going to reset now?! And over this?! How will I tell Rem?! Where's the Respawn point going to—?!
While his mind had already given up on the current loop, given what was about to unfold, his reality was forced to hold out in this loop longer.
*SIZZLE*
Bursting into a cloud of steam, the fireball, and Subaru for that matter, vanished into the expanding mass of hot water and steam that had suddenly formed.
Reminiscent of dropping an ice cube into a pot of hot oil, YN, and many others in the first row, spare Reinhard, shielded themselves from the wave of heat being disbursed.
?: All of you humans... Acting this way in front of my precious daughter. Have any of you considered how this is making her feel?!
Sounding out following the hollow silence that had formed in the wake of the fire and steam, an androgynous voice that was all too familiar to YN and Subaru was heard.
Subaru: P-Puck?!
Clearing away the residual steam, the little gray cat emerged from the mist, a serious tone on his voice from when he had spoken.
But before anyone else could get a word in—
Emilia: That is enough!
From having her hand bracing herself on her chest, Emilia cast down her hand as her voice also now turned serious. Gone was the timid, anxious girl of only a few minutes prior. Now, who spoke was someone worthy of being called a proper Candidate for the Throne.
Emilia: I will not permit any further violence in my presence.
Speaking with peace on her lips, but a might to enforce it if need be, Emilia's amethyst eyes looked sharply at Subaru and Roswaal alike. Retreating from Subaru's side, Puck floated to his contractor's side and voiced his own conviction as well.
Puck: I am prepared to wield my power in any way my beloved daughter would ask of me.
Seeing such a definitive display of power, the entire chamber room was left speechless, from the knights to the other Candidates themselves, with only members of the Sage Council daring to use their voice.
Miklotov: You... You're one of the Great Spirits of land. The subjugator of Melakuera, and the current Great Spirit of Fire...
Turning to the Council member, Puck returned some of his jovial self to his tone as he playfully winked at the elderly man.
Puck: Aren't you well informed for a youngin'. Some do call me that, that's true.
Nodding his head as he finished, YN gulped down a lump in his throat.
No one else here knows just what Puck is capable of...
Hoping no one would dare try and call a bluff against the cat, YN was the only one present there that could recall memories of what happened when the little gray cat unleashed his true power.
While his mind began to linger on the struggle that was the events in Saluzzo, Roswaal now speaking shuttered his recollection.
Roswaal: As you can surely surmise, Miklotov-sama, the Great Spirit of Fire currently present here is Emilia-sama's contracted spirit.
Standing up from his seat suddenly, Bordeaux pointed his wrinkled finger at those before him, namely at Puck himself.
Bordeaux: Absolute falsifications! The Great Spirit of Fire, one of the current Four Great Spirits of the Apocalypse would never serve a half-devil as a contract—!
Puck: If it were not for my beloved and kind daughter's wishes, I would have turned this entire Council into a block of ice.
Booming out his words similarly to how he had when speaking to Leo, YN shuttered at the reminder. With there being a brief, and sharp silence to Puck's words, a small, horsed chuckle was heard.
Miklotov: Hhmm, it seems the goal of your ploy was successful, Margrave.
Bowing to the elder council member, Roswaal replied.
Roswaal: It seems the point has finally come across. As expected of you to realize, Miklotov-sama.
Catching YN, Subaru, Puck, and Emilia off guard by such a statement, the Councilman summarized it as well as he could to all those present of the important revelation.
Miklotov: This has all been done to demonstrate that Emilia-sama wields considerable power over all of us, has it not?
Changing his composure entirely, Roswaal wiped what appeared to be a nervous sweat from his forehead.
Puck: Roswaal, surely you know this is overdoing it.
Roswaal: I had to be confident that this would work. After all, Emilia-sama is not one to boooooast about her power.
While Emilia looked on, dumbfounded as she was, Subaru spoke under his breath, only loud enough for YN to hear.
Subaru: He played me like a damn fiddle...
With a small silence growing, the sound of a squeaking chair being pushed across an un-agreeing floor rang out.
Bordeaux: Do any of you—!?
Pointing out with a finger trembling in anger, the bald Council Member had stood up to yell out his words, which were struggling to come out due to his very same rage.
Bordeaux: This Council will not bow to such tyranny! We cannot allow this to go on!
In the split second of break between his words, YN felt an air of firm determination fill his chest. With a wind of confidence, the silent confidant of Emilia spoke up.
YN: If it truly was tyranny, you wouldn't be saying that right now.
With all eyes coming to him from, YN felt their stares dug into him. While Bordeaux looked at him and gritted his teeth, Roswaal wryly grinned. But having said what he said, he locked eyes with Emilia.
I guess if I want Emilia-sama to win, I have to start helping her somewhere.
Giving the half-elf a solemn nod, he saw her whole demeanor change as Bordeaux had finally found the words to reply through his clenched teeth.
Bordeaux: Is that a threat...?
Snapping his gaze over to Roswaal, as if not seeing YN worthy of responding for himself, Bordeaux questioned the groundskeeper's master.
Bordeaux: —Is it?!
Giving the Sage Council member a look of contempt, Roswaal answered with a flatness to his tone, indicating his seriousness.
Roswaal: Yes. We are.
Shouldering YN's words as a statement shared by the entirety of the camp, Roswaal had caused Bordeaux to stagger backwards a step.
Bordeaux: —!
While nothing further was said, all in attendance knew that the esteemed Council was powerless to thwart this threat. Bordeaux's bluff was being silently called.
But just as it seemed everything was at an impasse, Emilia once more took center stage. Turning to Roswaal and Puck, she nodded her head.
Emilia: I'm sorry. Roswaal, Puck, I'm fine now.
Now turning to YN, Emilia smiled with a renewed hope, and nodded to him as well, silently mouthing the words "Thank you." Looking up though, Emilia re-addressed the chamber.
Emilia: Please, allow me once more to state my conviction to the Council of Sages.
Speaking with a stern voice, full of confidence and as solid as a rock, Emilia began to sound like a real contender for the Throne.
Emilia: My name is Emilia. I do not have a family name. Call me Emilia, nothing more.
With her carefully chosen words, Emilia backhandedly announced she would not tolerate being referred to as anything derogatory. No more would she entertain being called "half-devil," "Witch," or anything else of the sort.
Seeing her speak so powerfully, a streak of red washed over Subaru's face that YN could see, still standing out in front of everyone else where Puck had stopped him from being incinerated.
Emilia: —And while yes, I am threatening you all, it's because I only have a single demand.
Placing her hand over her chest, Emilia readied her declaration as the entire chamber waited with baited breath to hear it.
Emilia: Fair treatment!
Somewhat surprised to hear such a simple, and yet also innocent demand from the uproar of only moments ago, all those in attendance wished to hear further elaboration.
Emilia: Fair treatment is extremely important to me. Fair treatment for all.
Turning to the Council once more, Emilia continued her roll of words.
Emilia: And because that is so important to me, that is why I will swear to not use my contracted spirit to usurp the Throne unjustly.
Boldly declaring her full intention to compete on fair and even grounds with the other candidates, Emilia had not only demonstrated her power, one which could crush those who opposed her, she had also demonstrated she had restraint. To those present, this was a more powerful, yet vastly less flamboyant statement of conviction than any of the other candidates.
Emilia is turning others to her side before her very eyes.
Seeing such a stark contrast when compared to those who came before her, YN's feelings were only cemented further.
Emilia is the only one who should have the Throne... A stable and happy future with Rem is contingent on that.
Thinking more on it, YN knew that since Rem was a demihuman, and he wasn't, the things Emilia was willing to make a priority would be paramount to the future. Having already suffered a potentially bad interaction from the divide between demihumans and humans, YN recalled that time.
If Daniela hadn't been as kind as she is, me and Rem might have gotten into a lot of trouble just for being in the wrong part of town.
Proclaiming her goal of equality for all, Emilia's statement drew to a close, but before she could finish, Bordeaux stood once more.
Bordeaux: Emilia-sama—
Greeting his call with suspecting gaze, Emilia's determination did not waver.
Bordeaux: —while I cannot promise my opinion of you, or what I think your participation means to this Kingdom will change... However—
Keeping a stern look on at the half-elf, his eyes softened slightly, before coming to a bow.
Bordeaux: —I do humbly apologize for rude comments earlier.
Silently accepting his apology, Emilia's look only slightly softened. Before she could say anything in reply, the only other Sage Councilor that already had, spoke back up.
Miklotov: Though this was by the far the most... interesting Statement of Conviction yet, do you have anything else you wish to proclaim?
Shaking her head and bowing, Emilia answered.
Emilia: No, I do not.
Miklotov: Very well then.
Gesturing to Marcus, the plated knight bowed and gestured to Emilia and Roswaal.
Marcus: Emilia-sama, Margrave, thank you very much.
As the two departed the stage, Miklotov spoke up once more.
Miklotov: If you do not mind answering, Emilia-sama—
Emilia: Yes?
Somewhat caught off guard by a delayed question, the half-elf quickly turned around to answer.
Miklotov: Who is this other confidant of yours?
Emilia: —Eh?
Dropping any seriousness and conviction she had held, Emilia was suddenly forced to deal with interpersonal relations once more. Namely, Subaru.
Emilia: O-Oh, he's uhh—
Subaru: It's okay Emilia, I'm ready for this too.
Adjusting the cufflinks on his butler suit, Subaru did his best to imitate the same conviction Emilia had just moments ago.
Emilia: S-Subaru! Please hold on a—
Subaru: I am terribly sorry for the late greetings, oh Lord's of the Sage Council.
YN: Subaru—!
Taking a step out from where he stood in hopes of yanking Subaru back by the cuff of his suit's neck, YN had stopped as now all eyes were on him as he ceremoniously got down on one knee.
Oh this is gonna be bad.
Feeling a wave of second hand embarrassment fill his chest, YN watched on in near horror as Emilia did as well.
Subaru: My name is Natsuki Subaru, a butler at Roswaal's mansion, and—
Yet, what YN felt was nothing compared to what came next.
Rising to his feet, and giving his signature "victory pose" with a snap of his fingers, followed by it pointing straight up in the air, Subaru uttered the worst possible combination of words.
Subaru: —Emilia-tan's knight!
With a long pause of silence, not a sound was made by those in attendance. All except for YN, who only spoke as softly as he could under breath.
YN (Whisper): You damn chuuni.