What is causality? Every effect has a cause; everything has a beginning and an end.
On Earth, there's a saying: "You reap what you sow." Every event has a cause and effect—a seemingly irreversible process. But in the Re:Zero World, irreversibility isn't absolute.
The power bestowed upon Subaru by the Witch of Envy, "Return by Death," essentially reverses causality and twists time. Another known force is the Witch of Wrath, whose healing warps causality: injuries revert to their pre-wounded state, but each healing accelerates global disasters.
Thus, if the Divine Dragon's prophecy is real, it too is a form of causality manipulation. Like a fortune-teller revealing too much, provoking the heavens' backlash… why wouldn't the Dragon's actions cause disasters?
Lillian thought darkly: Prophecies can be manipulated. Say I announce a monster attack tomorrow, then secretly release monsters, I predict rain tomorrow. If it's sunny, I rewind and retry—repeat a few times, and people revere me as divine.
Marcos continued: "…The Dragon Insignia's prophecy continues: five candidates will emerge as potential national leaders. One among them will be chosen as Dragon Priestess and form a covenant with the Divine Dragon."
"Five candidates?"
Most of the people present, including the four already known candidates, furrowed their brows in confusion.
Who was the fifth person?
"Yes," a voice explained. "The reason the royal selection has not yet begun is because we have not been able to locate the fifth candidate. This is a responsibility we cannot shirk."
"..."
The assembly could understand this. In a nation with tens of millions of people, finding five suitable candidates was no small task. Sometimes luck would allow four to be found quickly; sometimes, the last one might remain elusive for five or ten years. The thought of such a delay caused the candidates to frown—none wanted to wait that long.
"However, today shall go down in the history of the kingdom."
The wise sage Miklotov suddenly spoke. His solemn expression had a palpable effect on the audience. One by one, the people straightened, sensing that something significant was about to occur.
He nodded slightly to Marcus, who lowered his voice: "Knight Reinhard von Astrea, step forward."
"Yes!"
Reinhard stepped out steadily, walking behind the candidates. After bowing to them, he dropped to one knee and reported, "Honorable wise council, this is Reinhard von Astrea of the Royal Guard. Mission completed: the Dragon Priestess—the fifth candidate—has been found."
The hall erupted instantly. The candidates' expressions varied—some eager, some confused, some indifferent, some quietly pleased.
Before anyone could dwell on it further, the palace doors swung open. A young girl in a pale yellow gown appeared, flanked by two maids.
Lillian observed the golden hair glowing in the sunlight and her delicate, refined features. He had to admit that Reinhard had truly transformed her appearance, turning a slum thief into someone resembling a princess, leaving everyone present stunned.
"I nominate her as king—her name is Felt-sama," Reinhard declared.
Reinhard's words carried weight. Felt was the one to whom the Sword Saint had pledged loyalty. From that moment, this girl—previously unknown to anyone in the hall—would become the greatest adversary to those who had sworn allegiance elsewhere.
Lillian watched her pass by and felt a pang of nostalgia. She no longer recognized him.
Had the accident not occurred—had Subaru not been killed by Elsa—they might have been friends now.
Fate was fickle. Even though their meeting had been erased, Lillian had encountered other opportunities. Perhaps in a timeline where he and Felt became friends, he would not have interacted with Elsa, nor would he have forged a friendly relationship with Priscilla. There was no "better" or "worse" path—once chosen, it must be followed to the end.
Felt approached Reinhard and executed a high kick without mercy. Though surprised, Reinhard gently caught her ankle without the slightest difficulty.
Nearby, Emilia stared in shock, recalling that this was the child who had once stolen her insignia. The realization slowly dawned on her.
Reinhard, momentarily gentle, handed over the Dragon Insignia to Felt. The gem emitted a dazzling white light that everyone could see.
"The Divine Dragon has recognized Felt as the Dragon Priestess. The royal selection may now truly commence."
With all five candidates gathered, the knights' efforts earned recognition from the council. Yet the proceedings were far from smooth. Doubts raised by the civil officials cast a tense atmosphere over the hall.
"—Are there perhaps issues with the candidates?"
A hunched official stepped forward, stroking his beard and scanning the candidates with a severe gaze.
"Recognition by the Divine Dragon is indeed important, but becoming king itself should not be overlooked."
"What do you mean?"
"To rule is to be responsible for the people. Therefore, the necessary qualities, awareness, knowledge, and abilities… not every candidate possesses them."
His words ignited agitation among the audience. Many joined the discussion, creating a noisy debate, with knights weighing in as well.
"What do you two think?" Al asked Ferris and Julius, who both turned to him.
"It doesn't matter to Ferris meow—my loyalty belongs to only one person meow," Ferris replied.
"Not exactly like Ferris, but I feel the same," Julius said. "I've already dedicated my sword to Anastasia-sama."
"..."
Subaru looked at the two, then at Al, and finally at Reinhard, who was crouched in front of Felt, adjusting her gown. His gaze eventually settled on Emilia, standing slightly alone in the center.
They all had devoted knights—but his loyalty to Emilia would not be inferior to anyone else's. To fulfill her wish, he would not waver in the slightest. As a knight, he would not be outdone.
Lillian noticed Subaru's determined gaze and the rising agitation among the civil officials, sensing that the situation was deteriorating. He then glanced at Roswaal, who had been standing at a distance, wearing a marble-striped suit and a faint smile.
You've been waiting for this moment, haven't you… Roswaal.
Because the Gospel book mentioned someone who could reset things around them to their desired state, it seemed the two were deliberately being pushed into every possible abyss. Truly ruthless.