After the shocking reveal, at least to him, that Felt was a Royal Candidate, it really put him in a weird position.
This technically meant they were rivals, but unlike someone else in his place, he didn't even try to change his behaviour.
He slumped into his seat and groaned. The subtle feeling of wanting to bash his head against a wall crept up.
Either way, it was too late. He's going to the castle and attending the Royal Selection. He could just leave, yet he found himself to be super lazy, so he just didn't.
Because, yes, leaving a carriage was more effort than attending something that affected the kingdom's future. His laziness sure did work in weird ways.
Xeno: 'You know what? Fuck it, we ball.'
And with that, he continued his journey with Felt and Reinhard.
After a short nap, they had finally arrived. Reinhard was the first to leave the passenger seat, lending his hand out to assist Felt's descent.
Felt refused his help and got out on her own. Reinhard softly sighed, not surprised by his lady's actions.
Reinhard opted to help Xeno instead, who gratefully took it, getting off safely.
The three stood ahead of the grand castle that would host the event. And it sure was a magnificent and imposing castle, all right.
He honestly had nothing to add.
Entering the castle, Xeno, Reinhard, and Felt went their separate ways. The reason for such was that Felt's candidacy had yet to be announced.
Reinhard planned to introduce her during the event. He and an unwilling Felt had to make some minor last-minute adjustments.
Xeno bid them farewell and wandered around the castle. He was given directions, ensuring he wouldn't get lost.
He was still wearing his butler clothes, meaning there was a chance he wouldn't be allowed entry.
Once again, Reinhard, being the smart guy he was, foresaw that and gave Xeno a badge, or something close. One given to important guests of the Astrea Family.
He glanced around, seeing nobody nearby. He used the chance to make a mirror using Envy in a quiet corner.
Xeno: 'I knew it. I don't look anywhere near as good as I'm supposed to. If only Rem was here to fix me up. Sigh... I guess I have to do it myself.' He took in his messy appearance.
Xeno: 'I could present myself as i butler...But what if I didn't?' His smile widened as an idea popped into his mind.
Xeno: 'It's time to give myself a makeover.'
He dispelled the mirror and hid inside a room, giggling to himself.
...
In the passageway of the central tower, on the upper floors of the royal castle, fully armed guards stood in rows along the corridor.
Their eyes were peeled open, not wanting to miss a single detail. The security was airtight. They couldn't afford any mishaps.
Clank.
Clank.
The guards straightened up even more at the sound of a cane echoing through the quiet corridor.
The knights couldn't help but show a hint of surprise at the person responsible for the sound. Upon seeing him, they could easily conclude many things about the guest.
The man was a young noble, which shouldn't have been a surprise. But what truly caught their interest were his clothes and eyes.
The nobles and candidates here had appropriately dressed for the occasion, but none were dressed as luxuriously and stylishly as him.
It was to the point of being excessive. Also, the man really liked the colours purple and red.
The young noble wore a pristine purple shirt. A sharp collar framed it, while a red tie hung freely. The buttons were small diamond-shaped gems, encased in gentle red rectangles. The cuffs and ends of his shirt were a very light shade of purple, appearing more white than purple.
His pants were such a dark shade of purple that they looked completely black if not examined carefully. At the centre of his belt was the same gem design seen on his shirt's buttons, except much larger. The pants too were much lighter at the ends, mirroring his shirt.
Draped over his shoulders was a long yet delicate overcoat reaching his knees. The outline of the coat was the same light purple, while most of it was the same strange dark purple. Soft red markings were etched onto the sleeves, cuffs and back of the coat.
The markings sharp and straight curving around from the back. A pair of enclosed gems hung from invisible strings on his cuffs.
The underside of the coat was primarily the white shade of purple, but multiple blends of purple were mixed in, with numerous red four-pointed stars scattered around. The underside was designed in such a way that it resembled the starry night sky.
In the young noble's right hand was a cane. It was primarily red, with dark purple as its secondary colour. Three purple gems lined downwards along it.
The cane softly touched the ground, helping the young noble walk.
Speaking of the young noble, he was a handsome young man. His build was athletic, his snow-white hair was organised, and his posture, while stiff, remained steadfast.
His right eye was entirely black, with his pupil shining purple and lacking the detail or depth of a regular pupil.
His left eye was covered by something that looked like a mix between a monocle and an eye patch. It too was dark purple, hiding the eye from view.
Overall, the man stood out completely.
He slowly walked over to the other side of the corridor.
In his way stood a pair of double doors. They were large enough that one had to tilt their head up to fully take them in.
An imposing figure stood guarding the door. The giant's sharp, intelligent eyes measured the young noble.
He appeared to be in his late thirties. His features more on the rough side than handsome. His eyes were blue, and his close-cropped green hair was cut into the shape of a square.
His appearance exuded the presence of a battle-hardened warrior.
"Greetings, young man. May I catch your name?" His heavy voice greeted him, gaving a bow.
"Why, my good sir, no need for pleasantries. Yet I can tell you have to. Then allow me to return it back." The noble spoke with an accent the knight was unaware of.
The noble respectfully curtsied.
"My name is Xen-off-a-knees. Please refer to me simply as Xeno." Xeno spoke in his best British accent. It was surprisingly convincing.
'Xen-off-a-knees? A name like his, accompanied by his appearance and accent. He must be a foreign noble.' The knight concluded.
"Forgive me for asking, Xeno, but where do you come from, and what business do you have here?"
Xeno: "Not at all, good sir. I hail from here. In fact, I'm here to attend the Royal Selection as a guest of Reinhard van Astrea." He showed him the badge Reinhard gave him.
The knight's eyes sharpened even more. He had never heard of anyone like him affiliated with Reinhard.
He took the badge into his hands. The knight carefully inspected it, checking every nook and cranny.
After a while, he confirmed the badge wasn't fake. The man opened the doors, allowing him entry.
He planned to question Reinhard about why he brought a foreign noble in later.
Xeno: "Thank you, good sir."
With that, the doors groaned open. A gust of cold air brushed against Xeno's skin. He could feel the atmosphere even from here.
Xeno: 'You got this, Xeno.' With a bit of self-motivation, he entered the throne room.
...
Gleaming golden decorations adorned the walls, while extravagant chandeliers cast light throughout the room.
Despite the chamber's gymnasium-scale size, its sparse furnishings made it seem almost deceptively empty. But given the purpose of this room, it made sense... somewhat.
At the very center, at the far end of the hall, there was a slight elevation. A throne sat atop the modest raised platform.
Behind it, the wall bore the carved insignia of a dragon, giving the impression of either bearing its power or being protected by it.
Within the wide expanse of the throne room, three sets of people were present, standing assembled before the throne.
On one side stood the Royal Knights of the kingdom. On the other stood the nobles and influential people.
Finally, standing before the steps leading to the throne stood four figures, two of which were familiar.
The moment Xeno stepped into the room, he could feel all eyes on him. He literally became the center of attention.
Xeno couldn't let them bother him. His antisocial nature meant he didn't like the spotlight. He was desperately trying to distract himself so he wouldn't feel nervous.
Upon hearing the commotion behind her, a certain half-elf couldn't contain her curiosity and turned around.
Halfway through just upon seeing his snow-white hair, she instantly recognized him.
But then her gaze landed on his clothes.
She could hardly believe what she was seeing.
She blinked, her eyes spiraling with confusion. She wasn't the only one.
There were others who recognized Xeno, and they too were shocked beyond measure.
Xeno: "Greetings, Emilia...-sama. It's a joyous occasion for us to meet once again." He curtsied.
Despite living in Japan his whole life, he never got used to their honorifics.
Emilia: "Xeno, what are you doing here!?" She approached him.
Xeno leaned in so the others wouldn't hear their conversation. Sensing his intent, she did the same.
Emilia: "What are you doing here? And why are you wearing these clothes?" she whispered.
Xeno: "Trust me, I didn't want to be here. After you and Ros left, I went to check on Rom and Felt. They were doing good. Then Rom asked me to take care of Felt, I naturally agreed. What I didn't know was that she's a Royal Candidate or where we were heading. When I found out, I wasn't about to go back on my word, so here I am."
Emilia: "Felt is a Royal Candidate!?" she hushed, shock painted across her face.
Xeno: "Apparently."
Emilia: "Okay... But that doesn't explain why you're wearing such extravagant clothes."
Xeno: "About that... I really wanted to wear fancy clothes, that's all. You have to admit, my drip is immaculate."
Emilia: "Drip? Forget that, Xeno, take this seriously. This isn't a joke."
She ignored the strange word and immediately began worrying that he might get himself into trouble.
Xeno: "Oh, Emilia, don't be like that. It's funny... after all, if I don't, then I'mgoingtohaveanervousbreakdownI'mnotbuiltforthisattentionandI'mveryscaredandnervous." His pupil vanished as he admitted the truth.
Emilia: "I understand. But... please don't go overboard, okay?" She softened in understanding.
Xeno: "Okay."
Roswaal: "My myyy, Xeno-kun, this is quite the surprise you brought." Standing behind Emilia, the Margrave smirked, looking at his clothes.
Xeno: "Trust me, it's a surprise for me as well."
Roswaal: "No matter. Emilia-sama, it's time to head back. The Wise Men are making their way here."
The two turned their attention back to a couple of old men, presumably the Wise Men, taking their appointed seats.
Emilia nodded, her gaze lingering on Xeno for a moment before heading back to stand with the other candidates.
Xeno: "What about me? Where should I stand?"
Roswaal: "A rather adept question. Given your appearance, standing with the nobles would be fitting, but given your position... I suggest standing where the knights are stationed. Ultimately, it's your choice."
With that, he also left.
Xeno really didn't want to linger around the nobles, as that would mean he had to basically cling to Roswaal to cover for him.
The knights it is.
...
The moment he went there, once again he all eyes fell on him. The knights were scrutinising him, making him regret even doing this.
This social pressure was something he was never prepared for or used to, causing him great discomfort.
Xeno: 'They're staring at me! Not in a good way. Oh! Reeem, why did I leave you? Why couldn't you be here too?' He whined, longing for Rem to comfort him.
"Xenophanes?" The confused call of Reinhard brought Xeno out of his moping.
He looked at Reinhard standing to his side, confusion etched onto his face. This was the last thing the man ever expected from Xeno.
Xeno: "Greetings, Sir Reinhard. To what do I owe the pleasure this time?" He once again said in a British accent.
Reinhard was thrown off even more by the accent.
Felix: "Xeno-kyun, you're here too? In such a fashion?"
Turning around, Xeno met the femboy, Felix, flashing a smile at him, and behind him was a displeased Julius, whose eyes analysed him before shortly afterward turning away.
Xeno: "Sigh... It's my fabulous coat that's making me stand out a lot, isn't it?" He pinched the bridge of his nose.
Reinhard: "All of your clothes are well designed, your coat even more so. You did an excellent job designing them." He complimented him, figuring Xeno had used his strange power to make them.
Felix: "Nyan, they fit you rather nicely." He winked.
Xeno rolled his eyes, taking off his coat, keeping it under his right arm.
...
The knight who had opened the door for him was now standing in front of the audience in attendance. His gaze fixed on everyone inside.
"Now, if I may be so forward, I, Marcos, leader of the Imperial Knights, will direct today's proceedings."
Marcos: "It all started about six months ago, when King Randohal Lugunica passed away along with his entire lineage, leaving the throne—"
"Now hold on a minute, will ya?" A gentle female voice interrupted.
It was one of the candidates, a short woman wearing a flowing white dress and a fluffy hat perched upon her long purple hair, which reached her hips. A red bag rested around her waist.
"I understand you want to put on a good show 'ere, but as we say in Kararagi: Time is money." She spoke in a Kansai dialect.
"I concur." Spoke the candidate beside her.
A woman in a military outfit. Her dark green hair cascaded to the middle of her back, tied neatly by a white ribbon.
A sword hung at her hip, complementing her purplish-blue outfit. She exuded a confident and commanding presence.
Marcos turned to the speaker.
"Crusch-sama, is it appropriate for the head of House Karsten to say such a thing?"
Crusch: "While formalities are important, it is imperative that we get to the point quickly and understand why we are gathered here."
She replied, then gave a slight smirk.
"Naturally, I have a general idea." She stated confidently.
"Oh? So you're already aware of the purpose of this meeting?" Asked one of the elderly men with a long beard.
Crusch: "Yes, Miklotov-sama. It's for a drinking party, right?"
Xeno staggered at her answer.
Crusch: "We'll be facing each other as rivals, but by sitting together and drinking, we'll get to know each other better."
Marcos: "...No, that's not it." He looked at her blankly.
Xeno: 'Pfff.' He barely suppressed his chuckle.
Crusch quickly turned toward the crowd. Following her gaze, it landed on a certain cat.
"Felix, this is not what you told me." She said, a bit flustered.
Felix: "Awww, come on. I said it was 'maybe a drinking party.'" He replied like a true mischievous cat.
"I see..." Crusch turned back to the front.
"Then, with a bit of embarrassment, I retract everything I just said."
The purple-haired lady, however...
"Hey now, just 'cause Karsten backed down don't mean that I will. There is no need t' explain the Royal Selection. We already know, right?" She turned to Emilia and Priscilla.
Emilia: "Well, I think we should listen—"
"Sorry, I wasn't askin' for yer opinion." The purple-haired lady rudely cut her off.
Xeno frowned. While he really didn't care if Marcos continued or not, what he did care about was how disrespectful that girl was being.
If she had been polite, he wouldn't have commented on it. But she crossed a line. In that case...
Xeno: "Excuse me, Sir Marcos, can I have your attention?" He raised his left hand.
Aldebaran: 'Wait? Is that a British accent?' Al, standing behind Xeno, was suprised.
Everyone, including the Wise Men, turned their attention to him.
Marcos: "Yes, Xen-off-a-knees-sama? Is something the matter?"
'Xen-off-a-knees?' The people who knew Xeno looked puzzled.
Xeno: "Sir Marcos, my memory is rather stiff on the matter. I would like a refresher." He respectfully requested.
Marcos: "Is that so, Xen-off-a-knees-sama? If that's the case, I shall oblige, if the others are okay with it." He turned his gaze back to Emilia and Priscilla.
Emilia: "Y-Yes, I think a refresher should be nice." Suddenly becaming the centre of attention, she stammered.
Priscilla: "Mine-self has grown tired of this rambling. Just explain how I will win the throne, Marcos." She ordered, fed up.
Marcos, accepting their answers, nodded and continued where he left off.
Even from here, Xeno could tell the purple-haired lady was irritated by how the situation had unfolded. His petty actions had worked.
Unknownst to him, Julius looked at him with a mysterious expression once again before turning away.
Marcos: "The reason we have gathered those qualified to be Dragon Priestesses is due to a prophecy inscribed upon the Dragon Tablet. It reads: 'From the five chosen to lead the nation, select one Dragon Priestess to form a covenant with the Dragon.'"
"Knight Reinhard van Astrea, please step forward." He instructed.
Reinhard complied, going down on one knee and placing a hand over his heart.
Reinhard: "Esteemed members of the Council of Wise Men. I, Reinhard van Astrea of the Imperial Knights, have completed my mission. The fifth and final Dragon Priestess has been found."
"This is the one whom I myself revere as queen. Her name is..."
As he said this, everyone couldn't hide their shock as the doors opened, revealing Felt, who was currently wearing a slightly different dress.
She was being escorted inside by two young girls, twins maids, to be exact, with pink hair.
"...Felt-sama."
Xeno: 'She really doesn't like dresses, does she?' He thought seeing her sneer.
Felt: "Reinhard." She called out. The knight smiled, failing to notice her expression.
With a swift motion, she lifted the hem of her dress and tried kicking Reinhard straight in the face. Which he blocked effortlessly.
Felt: "I told you I don't want to wear these stuffy dresses!" She shouted at him.
Reinhard: "If it's not to your liking, I could get you another one if you prefer." He said, obliviously.
Felt: "No! That's not it! You're completely missing the point."
Xeno: "Sigh... The sheer commitment you have to hating your current clothes is honestly impressive." His comment got her attention.
Felt: "Big Bro! Tell him to stop—!!!" Her words were cut off midway when she saw what he was wearing.
Felt: "What are you wearing, Big Bro!? And when did you get such nice clothes!?"
Xeno: "Hey, what can I say? I wanted to wear fancy clothes... so I'm wearing fancy clothes. If you want, I could whip you up some too."
Felt: "Please do, Big Bro! Anything is better than this." Her eyes lit up.
Reinhard: "That's... not necessary, Felt-sama. If you desire that, then I request you bear with it for a bit longer." He looked at Xeno, silently asking for help.
Xeno: "What he said. I can't do it now. But don't lose hope. Your Big Bro will make sure Reinhard refills your wardrobe with all the clothes you actually like."
Felt: "If you say so, Big Bro." She was downcast, but still took him at his word.
"Ahem!" Marcos cleared his throat.
Marcos: "Felt-sama, if you're done rekindling old friendships, please step forward."
Felt: "Fine, I'm here. Let's get this over with."
She replied.
Reinhard: "Felt-sama, I would suggest you act more lady-like, but this takes precedence." He handed her an insignia, similar to the one Emilia had.
It began to glow, proving her legitimacy.
Reinhard: "The Dragon Stone has acknowledged Felt-sama as a Dragon Priestess and, as a result, a candidate to the throne. I believe the Royal Selection can begin in earnest." He bowed, followed by Marcos and then the knights.
Xeno: 'Please tell me it's going to end soon. I really miss Rem.'
"I don't agree with this—" A noble interjected.
"Even if she was chosen by the Dragon, her appearance and behaviour are unfitting of a ruler."
Marcos was about to respond, but Felt interjected.
Felt: "What, you got a problem with me? Suck it! I couldn't care less what you think!"
"Why you—!"
Felt: "Hey, you old geezers, I don't want to stick around any longer than necessary, so let's wrap this up." She ignored him, addressing the Wise Men.
Miklotov: "Sigh... Alright then, shall we get started? Candidates, please step forward."
He looked at Marcos, who got the message.
Marcos: "Each candidate should have their own argument and stance on this Selection! We would like you to take this opportunity to share them with us!"
Crusch: "I see. We should declare what we believe in. In that case, to begin, I'll go first. Ferris, to my side."
Adhering to the call, the cat-eared knight stepped forward to his lady's side as both took centre stage.
Marcos: "We will now hear Crusch-sama's speech! Her knight is Felix Argyle!"
Felix: "Captain! I keep telling you, can you please call me Ferris?" He pouted.
Marcos: "I have no intention of giving my subordinates any form of special treatment." He said, unamused.
Crusch: "As introduced, I am the current head of House Karsten."
Felix: "And I'm her knight, Ferris."
Crusch: "Well then, I believe I know what you all desire of me when I succeed to the throne. House Karsten has had connections to the Royal Family and has had its influence on politics as well. You all assume nothing will change if I take the throne, don't you? However, I can't promise you all that. The Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica has grown and prospered under the protection of the Dragon's Covenant. I acknowledge the prosperity we have had thanks to the Dragon's Covenant. The Dragon will help us in our time of need. I ask you... Do you feel no shame!?"
Everyone gasped at her words. They were bordering on very dangerous territory.
"You're overstepping your bounds, Crusch-sama. It is unforgivable to make light of the Dragon's Covenant. Are you denying the kingdom's history?" one of the Wise Men accused.
Crusch: "Did I not say that I acknowledge our past prosperity, Council of Wise Men? The Karsten family has benefited from it as well. However, the future is a different matter! This kingdom has become too reliant on the Dragon's Covenant and has subsequently become weak! Can you say that we are prepared for events the Dragon History Stone mentions nothing of? Dependence gives birth to stagnation, stagnation gives birth to corruption, and corruption eventually becomes destruction. If we die out without the Dragon, then we must become the Dragon ourselves! When I become king, I will make the Dragon forget its covenant with us. Lugunica isn't the Dragon's possession, it is ours! There will be hardships, but I would like to live life the way I want to. If possible, I'd like the kingdom to do the same. That is all."
Miklotov: "I understand your opinion, Crusch-sama. Knight Felix Argyle, do you have anything you would like to say?"
Felix: "I have no words to add, Sir Miklotov. The truth of Crusch-sama's words will be proven through our future history and our own actions."
With that, Crusch and Felix stepped back and returned to their original spots. Xeno had to admit her speech was inspiring, buuut–
Xeno: 'I didn't understand most of it. The only thing I got was 'stagnation is bad', and she's going to break the Dragon's Covenant or something like that. But isn't that... counterproductive? We can have both, can't we? I don't think the two are mutually exclusive... or am I missing something?'
After thinking about it, he shrugged. Crusch knows what she's's doing. He doesn't need to ovethink it.
Xeno: 'Actually, since they're competition, shouldn't I use Gluttony on them?' He decided, why not, and used both Envy and Gluttony at once.
This being the third time he'd done so. And once again, it reminded him why he doesn't do this more often.
If his right pupil was still there, it would have turned red. Even then, it's hidden behind his monocle-patch. It took him five seconds of staring at Crusch for it to activate.
[Name: Crusch Karsten
Age: 20
Relation: Intrigued by you
Titles: Head of House Karsten, Royal Candidate, The Valkyrie
Has the Divine Protection of Wind Reading, allowing her to read falsehoods, invisible truths, and people's emotions.]
Miklotov: "It seems things have already started to become troublesome. Well then... let's move on to the next candidate."
Marcos: "At once!" He rested his fist over his heart.
"Anastasia-sama, you're next in line."
Priscilla: "Wait, I'm going next!" She ordered with a glint in her eye, much to Marcos' surprise.
Priscilla: "Al, come here, hype my time!"
While Marcos apologised to Anastasia, Xeno cringed the way she unironically said something like that with such a prideful look. Oof.
Meanwhile, Al, proud that the princess used something he taught her, stepped forward.
Aldebaran: "Are you alright, Princess?"
Priscilla: "I have to make these old men see my power and then obey me. It's simple. Hear me! I walk the path to royalty because the heavens wish for me to do so! The world is full of things that go my way, after all! Therefore, I'm the most suited to becoming king. No, no one else is competent enough! All you need to do is be obedient to me!"
Xeno: "..."
Absolute slience invaded the throne room how could it not? Priscilla just said one of the most insane things imaginable.
Xeno: 'The delusion is strong with this one.'
He silently waited for Gluttony to activate when she stepped up, wishing it would have activated sooner so he didn't have to hear her speech.
[Name: Priscilla Barielle
Age: 19
Relation: Amused and wants you
Titles: Baroness, Head of House Barielle, Imperial Princess of Vollachia (former), Imperial Selection Candidate (former)
Only a complete masochist would like her!]
Xeno: 'Really now.'
He turned to Aldebaran, who suddenly felt like he was being accused of something he wasn't.
[Name: Naksuki Rigel (Real name)
Current Name: Aldebaran
Nickname: One-Armed Wanderer
Age: 40+
Relation: Believes you're strange somehow
Titles: Priscilla's Servant, Priscilla's Knight, Echidna's Student, Echidna's Trump Card, Gladiator of Glnunhive (former)
The S̶O̶N̶ of Naksuki Subaru.]
Xeno's eyes widened at the information. That was a lot, more than he was expecting. But one detail stood out to him the most.
Xeno: 'Subaru... that name! I haven't heard it in months. Man, that brings back memories of high school.' He reminisced about the only part of high school he enjoyed.
'I wonder... how she is doing? Also, Naksuki?... I didn't know Natsumi had a brother. I hope he's taking good care of her... I'd rather not think whether she misses me or not.' He put the thought aside for now.
Miklotov: "Priscilla-sama, what would we gain by obeying you?" He recovered quickly.
Priscilla: "Simply, you would be joining the winning side. I'll allow you whatever you desire."
Aldebaran: "There might be a problem with the way she said it, but what she says is the truth. I'm sure you know about Mr. Leip, her former husband. He died not too long ago, and she has subsequently taken over all internal affairs, bringing unprecedented prosperity. Don't get it wrong, she's not doing it for others. She's a genius at guessing—that is her skill—and her guesses are perfect every time. I don't care who you side with, but wouldn't it be beneficial to join the winning side? That is all."
When Al finished, both he and Priscilla went back to their spots. Marcos spoke up again.
"Next up, Anastasia-sama and her knight, Julius Juukulius."
Xeno: 'Pff, really? Julius Juukulius? That's the equivalent of being named Robert Robertson.' He uncontrollably smiled.
Anastasia: "Well then, I, Anastasia Hoshin, will begin! Unfortunately, I don't have grand ambitions like Crusch-san, nor do I believe I am the chosen one like Priscilla-san. However, there is one thing I can say. I am a little greedier than others. I was once the servant of a small trading company. I scored one day when I voiced my opinion about how things were done. Gradually, I was put in charge of bigger deals, then eventually I started earning enough to forget about my poor past. I was supposed to feel relieved, but I felt poorer than before."
Miklotov: "Why is that?"
Anastasia: "Before I knew it, I was the chairman of the Hoshin Trading Company, one of the biggest powers in Kararagi. That still didn't satisfy me. I didn't have that sense of sufficiency. I wanted something bigger, much bigger than before. I want this country. What I obtain and what I own are a part of my passion. This is why..."
She placed a hand over her chest and said her next words with a sweet smile.
"You all will feel at ease and become mine."
Yet another silence ensued, everyone left speechless by her speech.
Xeno: 'Great, someone whose heart is a void that can't be filled. Wonderful. Seriously, did she and Priscilla collectively get brain damage?'
Miklotov: "Sir Julius, do you have anything you would like to add as her knight?"
Julius: "Yes. Anastasia-sama expressed it as greed, but look at it from a different point of view. One could say she is passionate and ambitious. Those qualities are vital for an administrator. In addition, her skills are something that the kingdom needs at the moment. I swear upon my loyalty to assert this: Anastasia-sama is most worthy to become King!"
Xeno: 'No offence, Julius... Actually, a lot of offence to you. I don't like your overly knightly attitude. That's even worse. Everyone with power is ambitious or passionate, even monsters. You didn't really prove anything.'
That was his completely, totally unbiased opinion.
Marcos: "Well then, the next candidate is Emilia-sama and the man endorsing her, Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers."
Next it was Emilia's turn. She was admittedly nervous, but you can't blame her. She, like Xeno, isn't used to something like this.
Emilia: "Y-Yes."
"A silver-haired half-elf?"
"She's a half-devil! How filthy!"
The moment she stepped up, insults were hurled at her. Xeno's grip on his cane tightened, anxiety running through him.
Just as he was about to get tense, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Startled, Xeno looked to see who it was.
Reinhard: "Xenophanes, don't worry. I don't like this either, but Emilia-sama can handle it. Just have some faith in her." He advised his friend with a soft smile.
Xeno: 'Right, he's here. He promised he would look out for her. And he's correct. Emilia can handle this. She has us by her side.' He exhaled, his body loosening.
At the same time, Emilia remembered one of Xeno's advice. They only have power over her if she lets them.
She had come too far to back down. Just like how Xenophanes believed in her, she should believe in herself too.
Her nervous expression turned into a serious one, which made Roswaal's smile widen.
"My name is Emilia. I don't have a family name, so just call me Emilia. I only have one request. I want this election to be fair. It's important to me that this election is fair, which is why I don't hide behind some shield or commit acts like stealing the throne. I'm still inexperienced compared to the other candidates. There's a lot I don't know, and there's a lot I need to learn. This is why I will continue to do my best. I've realized here today the peak I need to reach for. I don't know if my actions are worthy of the throne, but my feelings won't lose to the others. I, Emilia, with no family name, desire to create a nation where all are equal."
When her speech ended, she had a shy but confident smile on her face. The reason for it was simple.
During the end of her speech, she had glanced at Xenophanes. The man had helplessly sighed in disbelief, a smile on his face, proud of her.
Something he had done multiple times. In fact, she could even tell what he was thinking at that moment, which made it all the better.
'You really are hopeless, Emilia.'