"Among the five Royal Selection candidates~ Emilia-sama's greatest disadvantage is that she reminds people of that forbidden existence—causing the populace to instinctively keep their distance~" Roswaal elegantly clasped his hands, then continued speaking to everyone,
"Therefore, we need to display some—special power—before everyone~"
"Power?"
Natsuki Subaru keenly caught this keyword, and understanding immediately dawned on him.
If I remember correctly, Roswaal intends to use Puck's power as the Beast of the End of the Eternal Frost to intimidate those arrogant members of the Sage Council.
"Sometimes, an appropriate display of strength—is the most effective language~" Roswaal meaningfully drew out his tone, his mismatched eyes turning to Puck on Emilia's shoulder. "For example~ letting those esteemed adults~ witness the might of a Great Spirit~"
"I understand." Natsuki Subaru looked at Roswaal and slowly began to speak, "You want everyone to witness the power of Puck, who is contracted to Emilia, to make them remember that she possesses strength beyond imagination. This is indeed one of Emilia's greatest advantages."
Frankly, this wasn't a bad move.
As the Great Spirit contracted to Emilia, Puck's title as the "Beast of the End of the Eternal Frost" was not just for show.
This immense power itself was the most potent political bargaining chip.
"Subaru-kun~ is indeed thinking seriously~ After all~ Emilia-sama is too focused on her ideals~ to the point of exhausting herself mentally and physically~"
Gazing at Natsuki Subaru, Roswaal's mismatched eyes twinkled with approval, and a meaningful smile touched the corners of his lips.
Initially, I just thought this young man was different.
Now, it seems his intelligence and courage far exceed expectations.
Roswaal couldn't help but recall the prophecy in the Book of Wisdom—a visitor from another world would correct the distorted world.
Such a young man is perfectly suited to be the child of prophecy.
Four hundred years of waiting, four hundred years of scheming, and finally, a glimmer of hope is visible.
At this thought, a flicker of fanaticism flashed in Roswaal's mismatched pupils.
"Eh? You want me to make an appearance?"
Puck, who had been lazily draped over Emilia's shoulder, suddenly perked up, his round eyes shining with excitement. "It's been a while since I stretched my legs, meow~"
Emilia's amethyst-like eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Roswaal. "Wait... are you saying you want Puck to... display his power in front of the Sage Council?"
"Precisely so, Emilia-sama~" Roswaal bowed elegantly, then looked at Puck floating in mid-air. "I wonder~ if the Great Spirit-sama has any objections to this?"
"None at all, oh~" Puck playfully did a twirl, but the sharpness in his eyes grew even keener.
He floated in front of Emilia, gently rubbing his furry head against her cheek. "As long as it's Lia's wish, even turning the entire Royal Capital into an ice sculpture is no problem... Of course, just kidding, meow~"
"But..." Emilia bit her lower lip, her silver hair flowing like water as she shook her head uneasily. "Having Puck display his power in front of everyone, wouldn't that be too ostentatious? I... I don't want to use such a method to..."
"Emilia." Natsuki Subaru softly interrupted Emilia, his deep eyes meeting hers directly. "Sometimes, people can only truly let go of their prejudices when they witness strength firsthand. This isn't a threat; it's about letting them recognize your true worth."
After all, in this world where the strong devour the weak, ideals unsupported by formidable strength are ultimately just empty talk.
Natsuki Subaru understood this principle better than anyone.
It's quite ironic, actually.
In the original story, Roswaal never intended to discuss Puck's appearance with Subaru, who was merely a servant.
And now, as her knight, I finally have the qualification to participate in decision-making.
"Subaru-kun's thoughts~ indeed align with mine~" Roswaal looked at Natsuki Subaru, his mismatched eyes casting a strange, flickering light. "Strength is often the most powerful language~"
"Lia, as long as it's your wish, I'll do my utmost to make it happen." Puck floated lightly in front of Emilia, affectionately rubbing his furry head against her cheek and winking playfully. "Besides, isn't it interesting to let those arrogant fools witness the majesty of the Beast of the End of the Eternal Frost?"
"Puck, Subaru..."
Emilia looked at the concerned gazes of her companions, a hint of wavering in her amethyst-like eyes.
Finally, Emilia nodded gently. "If... this is everyone's decision... I understand."
"Emilia, I will be your staunchest supporter. I will protect you whenever and wherever."
Natsuki Subaru looked at Emilia with a steadfast gaze, frankly speaking his heart's feelings.
When I first transmigrated to this world, my approach to Emilia might have been tinged with some selfishness.
Back then, I was just a stranger seeking shelter.
But now, looking at this silver-haired girl who always thinks of others, watching her persist in her ideals even in the most difficult circumstances, Natsuki Subaru's heart had long since changed.
He wanted to help Emilia participate in the Royal Selection, wanted to protect her by her side.
These thoughts were no longer out of any utilitarian purpose.
Instead, he simply wanted to protect this purity, to protect this kind soul who always thought of others.
More importantly, Natsuki Subaru had to prevent the tragic cycles from those memories from repeating.
Those past events interwoven with blood and tears, the pain of losing important people – he would absolutely not allow them to happen again.
"..."
Emilia's amethyst eyes quivered slightly, her cherry lips parting as if she wanted to say something.
"This is youth~ Such passion~ I no longer possess it now~"
Roswaal's face, adorned with clown makeup, showed a slight stunned look for a moment.
He gazed silently at Natsuki Subaru for a beat, then gently raised the corners of his lips.
When everyone looked at him again, his expression had returned to normal, but his gaze towards Natsuki Subaru seemed to carry a hint more of an inscrutable depth.
"Then~ it's settled, to increase Emilia-sama's chances of winning~" Roswaal stood up gracefully, a sharp glint in his mismatched eyes. "At tomorrow's Royal Selection council meeting~ let everyone witness~ the power of the Beast of the End of the Eternal Frost~"
"Puck."
Emilia called out softly, and the small grey cat immediately nuzzled her cheek affectionately.
"Don't worry, Lia." Puck's small, furry paw gently rested on Emilia's fingertips as he said tenderly, "I'll be sure to handle it properly. After all, fulfilling Lia's wishes is my most important task."
"Puck." Emilia smiled faintly, then turned to Natsuki Subaru, her amethyst eyes shining with a warm light. "Thank you both, for considering so much for me."
"Emilia-tan, as your chief knight, isn't this sort of thing a matter of course~?"
Natsuki Subaru looked at Emilia's smile and secretly made a resolution.
I must help this kind half-elf girl win the respect she deserves.
In this world where strength reigns supreme, Puck's existence is the most powerful proof.
Even if the Sage Council has doubts about Emilia, they will have to think twice in the face of such power.
The next day, the dragon carriage slowly drove through the main gate of the Royal Castle.
Inside the carriage, Natsuki Subaru, Emilia, and Roswaal were each lost in their own thoughts.
Today, Natsuki Subaru was dressed in a well-tailored white knight's formal attire, looking particularly dashing and handsome.
"Speaking of which, this is my first time participating in a national event," Natsuki Subaru couldn't help but remark as he gazed at the gradually approaching magnificent Royal Palace through the window. "Although this is another world, it's still a considerably important occasion."
Whether in the modern world or this other world, only a school sports festival could probably compare to such a grand scene.
And this was the first major event Natsuki Subaru had participated in since coming to this other world.
The dragon carriage slowly came to a halt, the wheels making a slight sound as they rubbed against the ground.
"We're here."
Natsuki Subaru looked through the carriage window and saw guards in armor lined up neatly like statues, their gleaming spears pointing towards the sky.
"..."
Emilia unconsciously clenched the fabric of her skirt, her silver eyelashes trembling slightly.
As a half-elf with an appearance similar to the Witch, she had rarely been in such solemn and grand formal occasions, let alone become the center of everyone's attention.
"Good heavens, this spectacle... is much more exaggerated than our school sports festival's opening ceremony."
After making this internal comment, Natsuki Subaru glanced at Emilia beside him and found her tightly gripping her skirt, her silver eyelashes trembling slightly, clearly extremely nervous.
As expected, even Emilia gets nervous at such a grand occasion.
But then again, Emilia rarely even attends village gatherings, and now she suddenly has to face the entire kingdom's nobles and knights; the pressure must be immense.
Thinking this, Natsuki Subaru deliberately leaned closer and gave Emilia a reassuring smile.
"Relax a bit, Emilia-tan. Just think of it as participating in a super-large sports festival."
"Sports festival?" Emilia tilted her head slightly, her silver hair cascading down like a waterfall. "What is this 'sports festival' that Subaru speaks of?"
"That, ah..." Natsuki Subaru chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "It's like the Royal Capital's liveliest harvest festival, with performances, competitions, and people everywhere... In short, there are a lot of people."
"I see..." Emilia's amethyst eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Does Subaru often participate in such activities?"
"Of course." Natsuki Subaru nodded, then suddenly lowered his voice and leaned closer to Emilia mysteriously. "By the way, let me tell you a secret. Later, when you're giving your speech at the Royal Selection council meeting, if you get nervous, just imagine everyone in the audience as round pumpkins. I guarantee you won't be nervous anymore."
"Pum...pkins?" Emilia was stunned for a moment, then the comical image of nobles with pumpkin heads sitting upright flashed in her mind.
She couldn't help but giggle, quickly covering her mouth with her delicate hand. "Subaru always comes up with such... interesting ideas."
"As long as it works." Seeing Emilia's tense shoulders finally relax, Natsuki Subaru said gently, "Remember, no matter what happens, I'll be by your side."
"Mm." Emilia took a deep breath, the anxiety in her eyes gradually replaced by determination. "With Subaru here... I really don't feel so scared anymore."
"Are you ready?" Natsuki Subaru gestured towards the window. "It's time to let those bigwigs see what the true style of a Royal Selection candidate is."
"Mm, I'll do my best," Emilia replied softly.
Afterward, Natsuki Subaru, Emilia, and Roswaal disembarked from the dragon carriage one after another and stepped into the long corridor leading to the Throne Hall.
The walls on both sides were adorned with precious paintings and works of art, and fully armed guards stood with swords at the ready, their sharp gazes constantly following them.
In front of the gilded main doors, a general of about forty years stood imposingly, his appearance more stern than rugged.
His rock-carved face carried a severe aura, conveying that he was a battle-hardened soldier.
"We have been awaiting you, Roswaal-sama."
The general stepped forward, performing a standard noble's bow, his gaze then briefly lingering on Emilia and Natsuki Subaru.
"This is the Royal Selection candidate I am recommending~ Emilia-sama~" Roswaal returned the bow gracefully, then introduced, "And next to her is her knight~ Natsuki Subaru~"
"Understood. Everyone is already waiting in the hall. Please enter as soon as possible."
The general stepped aside, and the heavy main doors slowly swung open.
When Natsuki Subaru and Emilia's party stepped onto the crimson carpet, the full view of the magnificent hall unfolded before them.
Gilded walls and dazzling crystal chandeliers complemented each other, but the most eye-catching feature was the throne on the high platform at the far end.
Eleven seats were arranged in a fan shape, and behind the highest throne in the center, a lifelike dragon relief guarded the majesty of royal power.
"So this is the Royal Palace... even grander than I imagined."
Natsuki Subaru looked around, sighing softly.
Although he was used to modern skyscrapers, the exotic architecture before him still filled him with a sense of novelty, like a tourist stepping into the White House for the first time with excitement and curiosity.
In stark contrast to the heavily guarded exterior, there were no fully armed soldiers in the main hall; instead, there were Royal Guards in pure white uniforms.
The swords at their waists gleamed coldly, and every standard military posture displayed the dignity of an elite force.
Further in, civil officials in ornate robes gathered in small groups.
Judging by their exquisite attire and composed conversation, these were all influential figures in the kingdom.
And in the deliberately cleared area in the center of the hall, several special figures stood out.
Especially that orange-haired young woman – it was Priscilla, who didn't even recognize an apple.
"Huh? It's him..."
As Natsuki Subaru's group passed through the doors, Priscilla's wine-red eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of amusement in them.
Before Natsuki Subaru could take a closer look—
"—All present have assembled. Next, the Sage Council will now enter."
A resonant announcement echoed throughout the hall.
___
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