"I am Julius Juukulius, of the Royal Guard Knights." The purple-haired knight bowed slightly, his amber-like eyes first looking at Natsuki Subaru, then turning to Al. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, and yours as well, esteemed knight."
"Natsuki Subaru, Lady Emilia's knight," Natsuki Subaru introduced himself briefly.
"Al," came the muffled reply from beneath Al's metal mask.
"SoS..." (Subaru's internal abbreviation for "Subaru on Subaru," a self-deprecating thought about his past self).
Natsuki Subaru sized up the knight to his left, his upright posture stirring complex emotions within him.
It's known that Julius, as Anastasia Hoshin's exclusive knight, is also a close friend of Reinhard and Ferris.
Affiliated with the Royal Guard Knights, his family background and actual achievements have earned him the de facto second seat.
He's a diligent knight, proficient in both literary and martial arts, hailed as "The Finest," and even Reinhard envies his outstanding knightly virtues.
But what Natsuki Subaru remembered most vividly was—in the original story's plot, Natsuki Subaru was utterly crushed by this "Finest Knight" Julius, completely unable to fight back.
Although they later reconciled and became friends, that experience of being pinned to the ground and thrashed was truly unbearable to recall.
However, things are different now.
After multiple enhancements and attribute boosts from the system, my strength is a far cry from what it used to be, vastly different from the pathetic Natsuki Subaru in the original work.
"If I were to really fight Julius now, the outcome would be uncertain."
At this thought, a glint of confidence flashed in Natsuki Subaru's eyes.
Just then, Knight Commander Marcos ascended the high platform and announced to everyone present in a resonant voice:
"—The esteemed members of the Sage Council and all Royal Selection candidates have arrived. Allow me, Marcos, Commander of the Royal Guard Knights, to preside over this council."
"We appreciate your efforts." Miklotov clasped his hands and nodded slightly.
After a solemn bow, Marcos spoke gravely, "The chain of events began half a year ago—with the successive passing of the former king and the royal bloodline. A kingdom without a monarch, for the Dragon Kingdom of Lugnica, is a matter that concerns the ancient covenant made with the Dragon..."
"The covenant, huh..."
Natsuki Subaru silently mused.
He was quite familiar with this piece of history.
This sacred contract, forged four hundred years ago between the last Lion King and the Divine Dragon Volcanica, not only bestowed upon the kingdom treasures like the Dragon Stones but was also celebrated in fairy tales as an oath to watch over the nation's peace until the pact's end.
This covenant was indeed the cornerstone of Lugnica's prosperity, allowing the kingdom to receive the Divine Dragon's protection in times of crisis.
"Precisely because of this, maintaining the covenant is intrinsically linked to the kingdom's survival. However, it is truly deplorable that the royal bloodline was afflicted by illness." Knight Commander Marcos paused briefly, then continued, "Therefore, the next Dragon Miko must be decided upon as soon as possible..."
"May we cut to the chase?"
The serious proceedings were interrupted by a gentle voice.
The speaker was Anastasia, a purple-haired young woman in a white dress.
"What is it, Lady Anastasia?" Marcos asked, puzzled.
"I understand Commander-san wishes to conclude his speech efficiently, but my affairs are also quite pressing. In Kararagi, there's a saying: 'Time is as precious as money,' you know." Anastasia's tone was calm, her expression gentle, yet she directly stated her request. "Rather than repeating words we are all too familiar with, I would prefer to hear the core reason for our summons."
"This..." Marcos was a bit flustered by Anastasia's request, summarized in her unique dialect.
"She has a point." Just as murmurs of surprise spread through the throne hall, another woman's dignified voice rang out.
It was Crusch, the green-haired young woman, who nodded in agreement with her arms crossed.
"Lady Crusch, for the head of the Karsten family to say such a thing, isn't it a bit..."
Marcos started to speak but then swallowed his words.
This scene inexplicably reminded Natsuki Subaru of school assemblies.
The principal would get on stage and drone on and on with empty platitudes, making it really hard to stay interested.
Thus, he deeply sympathized with the two girls' straightforwardness.
"Valuing propriety is certainly important, but it's also true that time is of the essence. I believe the true purpose of our summons should be stated promptly, although I have already guessed the general reason." Crusch said calmly, her arms crossed.
"As expected of the head of the Karsten Duchy. It seems you have already discerned the meaning of this summons?" Miklotov said to Crusch with admiration.
"Mm, Lord Miklotov, is it to hold a banquet? Although we are destined to compete one day, we are not yet familiar with each other. By simply sharing a drink around a table, we can naturally come to know each other's character..."
Crusch, with a solemn demeanor, concluded that this was preparation for a banquet, however—
"No, that is not the case," Miklotov quickly interrupted.
That rebuttal came way too fast!
Witnessing this, Natsuki Subaru almost burst out laughing.
Crusch's brow furrowed slightly, and she turned to look at Felix. "Ferris, this is different from what you told me."
"Meow~ How mean!" Felix playfully stuck out his tongue. "Ferris just said there might be a banquet, that's all~"
This guy is definitely doing it on purpose.
Looking at Felix's feigned innocence and cuteness, Natsuki Subaru was convinced he had intentionally misled Crusch.
"I see, I was too presumptuous." Crusch took a deep breath and faced the assembly again. "My apologies, please allow me to retract my previous statement."
"Even if Miss Crusch retracts her statement, my stance won't change, oh~" Anastasia clapped her hands lightly, looking around at the other Royal Candidates. "At this point, everyone is well aware of the superficial circumstances of the Royal Selection, aren't they?"
"Indeed."
Crusch, in her smart military uniform, crossed her arms and nodded in agreement.
"Hmph~" Priscilla lazily toyed with the fan in her hand, her scarlet skirt swaying like flames.
She arrogantly lifted her chin. "Even if I say nothing, you garrulous lot would be eager to proclaim it, no? I am merely saving myself these pointless steps. Lengthy nonsense is no different from dream talk, and dream talk is best kept for when one is asleep."
Amidst the dialogue of the several arrogant Royal Candidate girls, Emilia timidly raised her hand. "Um... I, I think we should hear him out..."
"Excuse me, but I wasn't asking for your opinion."
Anastasia rudely cut off Emilia's statement.
"They're really not giving Emilia any consideration at all."
Witnessing all this, Natsuki Subaru frowned slightly but quickly adjusted his expression.
After all, this is the first time these Royal Candidates are meeting.
They are unfamiliar with each other and are competitors, so it's somewhat understandable for them to be confrontational.
Thinking this, Natsuki Subaru suddenly raised his arm and shouted in a louder voice, "Hey, hey! I completely don't get what this Royal Selection is all about! Can someone give a clear explanation?!"
The entire council hall instantly fell silent, and everyone's gaze turned towards him.
"Oh my, oh my~" Natsuki Subaru immediately switched to a playful expression, scratching his cheek. "Although I know I'm handsome, being stared at by so many people still makes me shy. After all, for an outsider like me, this Royal Selection of yours is truly a complete mystery."
He deliberately clowned around, secretly planning to at least share some of the pressure on Emilia and make everyone pay some attention to what Emilia had to say.
"Lady Emilia, is this your knight?" Miklotov asked, looking at Emilia.
"Yes, Subaru is indeed my knight," Emilia nodded and replied softly.
"Hmph~" Priscilla waved her fan lazily, speaking with great arrogance. "I have deigned to grace this place in accordance with heaven's will; you all should be grateful. Marcos, continue. Let this ignorant commoner understand how I shall reign supreme."
"This self-righteous woman, she talks about ordering people around as if she's bestowing a favor." Natsuki Subaru inwardly clicked his tongue.
Anastasia, seeing this, merely sighed helplessly, clearly abandoning any intention of arguing with the arrogant princess.
Seeing that the situation had finally stabilized, Marcos cleared his throat and continued, "Although the previous discussion strayed somewhat from the topic, please allow me to reiterate the main point. The reason all you Dragon Mikos have gathered here is because a new prophecy has appeared on the Dragon Stones: 'When Lugnica's covenant is broken, a new leader of the dragons shall guide the nation forward.'"
"That person is naturally me." Priscilla opened the gilded fan in her hand, covering half her face, revealing only a pair of eyes filled with an arrogant smile. "Such a heavenly decree, can you mortals not understand it?"
Marcos ignored Priscilla's comment and continued in a businesslike tone, "According to the newly inscribed prophecy on the Dragon Stones: there are a total of five candidates for the new national leader. We shall select one Miko from among them to re-establish the covenant with the Dragon and become the new ruler of Lugnica."
These words, like a stone thrown into a calm pond, instantly caused a clamor of discussion in the great hall:
"Five candidates?"
"There are only four present now, so one is still missing?"
"The entire country has a population of fifty million! To find four candidates within half a year is already quite astonishing efficiency."
Natsuki Subaru looked at Emilia and the others, pondering inwardly.
Finding people in another world where communication methods haven't yet spread nationwide is an overly harsh condition.
To find four candidates in such a short time, that alone deserves praise.
However, speaking of which, the fifth candidate has actually already been found; it's Felt, from the slums.
"—Knight Reinhard van Astrea, step forward!"
Marcos suddenly raised his voice, his powerful and resonant tone echoing through the hall.
"Yes!"
Reinhard, who had been waiting quietly by the side, immediately responded and stepped out.
Marcos stepped back to make way, and Reinhard, under the gaze of everyone present, walked to the front of the platform, his expression humble as he faced the members of the Sage Council.
"Esteemed members of the Sage Council, Reinhard van Astrea, of the Royal Guard Knights, now reports to you all that the fifth Dragon Miko, a candidate for the throne, has been successfully found."
With a heavy creaking sound, the main doors of the great hall were slowly pushed open.
Everyone's gaze involuntarily turned towards the entrance.
Felt, dressed in a gorgeous gown, slowly walked into the hall, supported by two maids.
The hem of her light gold dress was embroidered with exquisite patterns, swaying lightly with her steps.
Her small feet, clad in crystal high heels, stepped somewhat awkwardly on the carpet, clearly unaccustomed to such attire.
Her ruby-like eyes, full of stubbornness, warily scanned the hall.
Paired with her signature small canine tooth, she exuded a wild yet noble aura.
Although meticulously dressed, her untamable personality was still evident.
"I never expected Felt to look quite good in a dress." Natsuki Subaru's gaze swept over Felt, finally resting on her flat chest, and he couldn't help but make a silent, retort remark in his mind, "It's just that this figure... isn't it a bit too barren? The design of the upper part of this dress practically emphasizes this flaw."
"Allow me to formally introduce to you all," Reinhard solemnly announced to everyone present. "This is the Royal Candidate I have found and recommended—Lady Felt."
Then, he turned to Felt and bowed respectfully. "Lady Felt, I am deeply grateful for your trouble in coming here."
"Reinhard."
Felt lifted her chin, her tone unfriendly.
"Yes," Reinhard responded cheerfully.
Their eyes met, and in the next second—
"You bastard! What the hell do you think you're doing, dragging me here without explaining anything?!"
Felt abruptly hiked up her skirt, her slender leg drawing a sharp arc.
"Well, this is quite a surprise. What might you be doing?"
Reinhard easily caught the kick aimed straight for his chin, a gentle smile still on his face.
"Felt is still the same as always. That's a relief."
Seeing this scene, Natsuki Subaru chuckled inwardly.
Then, thinking about how Felt became a Royal Candidate, the sheer coincidence of it all made him marvel at the wonders of fate.
Initially, it was because Felt stole Emilia's insignia that I brought Reinhard in to deal with the Bowel Hunter Elsa, which led to this encounter.
If I hadn't intervened back then, Felt's candidacy might never have been discovered, and Reinhard wouldn't have become Felt's knight; instead, he might have become Emilia's protector.
"Stop putting on an act! This damn place, these clothes, these people, and you! I've had enough of all of it!"
Felt, balancing on one foot, roughly smoothed down the hem of her dress, her face full of anger.
"Are you dissatisfied with this dress? I believe it suits your temperament quite well."
Reinhard still maintained his polite smile.
"Hmph!" Felt impatiently turned her head away.
Her gaze suddenly lit up when she spotted Natsuki Subaru nearby. "Little bro, you're here too?"
"Didn't I tell you before? I'm Emilia's exclusive knight now." Natsuki Subaru shrugged, his gaze falling on Felt, who was dressed in a magnificent gown. "But seriously, Felt, you actually look quite the part in this outfit."
___
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