The entire throne hall instantly fell into a deathly silence.
This sudden turn of events left everyone holding their breath, finding it hard to believe.
An unremarkable knight had dared to threaten an elder of the Sage Council with a blade during a Royal Selection meeting.
This was a horrifying scene unprecedented in the history of the Kingdom of Lugnica.
"Heavens! Is he insane?!"
"This... this is simply blasphemy against the Sage Council..."
"To dare act so rudely towards Lord Bordeaux..."
After a brief silence, the hall instantly erupted.
Clang, clang, clang—
The members of the Knightly Order also reacted, drawing their swords in unison.
The sound of metal scraping against metal rose and fell, yet no one dared to act rashly.
Because the dagger pressed against Bordeaux's throat could take his life at any moment.
"All of you, halt!"
Miklotov, the leader of the Sage Council, hurriedly stood up and shouted, his white beard trembling slightly with agitation, raising his hand to stop the knights behind him who wanted to intervene.
This weathered old man was currently experiencing a maelstrom of complex emotions.
He knew better than anyone that if a conflict erupted during the Royal Selection meeting and resulted in a fatality, not only would the sacred Royal Selection be interrupted, but it could also shake the very foundations of the Divine Dragon's covenant that had sustained the kingdom for four hundred years.
The political earthquake it would trigger could utterly destroy the prestige of the Kingdom of Lugnica.
Thinking this, Miklotov cursed inwardly: "That fool Bordeaux, for his own selfish desires, has actually placed the entire kingdom in jeopardy."
In the Royal Candidates' line.
"Hahahaha... Little bro, that was incredibly satisfying!" Felt pumped her arm vigorously, her short golden hair flying with her movements. "Someone should have taught these stubborn old fools a lesson long ago!"
"Oh my? That young man actually laid hands on a member of the Sage Council..." Priscilla snapped her fan shut with a 'pa,' a hint of surprise flashing in her ruby-like eyes, the smile at the corners of her lips deepening somewhat. "Such boldness does make me see him in a different light."
"This time... things have really gotten out of hand." A sharp glint flickered in Anastasia's purple eyes.
"Although his methods were excessive..." Crusch crossed her arms, her brow furrowed slightly, yet her eyes showed admiration. "But such courage to fight for justice is indeed worthy of respect."
All discerning individuals present knew very well that the instigator of this turmoil was the loose-tongued Bordeaux.
And Natsuki Subaru's previous accusations of three great sins against Bordeaux were all, by any measure, well-founded.
Although Natsuki Subaru's rash actions were improper, the truth was indeed on his side, and Bordeaux's arrogance and prejudice were the true roots of today's farce.
At the front of the Knightly Order.
"Subaru, such determination... is truly moving." Reinhard's hand had already rested on the hilt of his Dragon Sword, but ultimately, he did not draw it.
A complex emotion flickered in his azure eyes.
He asked himself, if Lady Felt had suffered such an insult, what would he have done?
The answer was obvious.
He too would have stood up, just perhaps not as decisively as Natsuki Subaru.
This realization made Reinhard feel an unprecedented respect for Natsuki Subaru.
"To confront injustice as a knight, such resolve is indeed rare. Perhaps... we have all been bound by so-called rules for too long." Julius looked at Natsuki Subaru ahead, a hint of self-reflection in his eyes.
"Subaru-kyun, you're being way too reckless, meow~" Ferris's pair of cat ears stood tall, his fluffy tail wagging excitedly from side to side, completely unable to hide his excitement. "But... but it was really cool, meow~"
"Oh dear, causing such a big commotion again..." Al scratched the back of his metal helmet with his hand, making a clattering metal sound, then felt a trace of doubt. "But that speed just now, it was a bit unnaturally fast..."
On the other side, Roswaal's mismatched eyes gleamed with an eerie light in the shadows, and he chuckled meaningfully. "Hehe, this is truly~ getting more and more interesting~"
...
Meanwhile, Miklotov, leader of the Sage Council, gazed at Natsuki Subaru with a solemn expression and said, "Knight Natsuki Subaru, your current actions have severely violated the knight's code."
"My apologies for that..." Natsuki Subaru sneered, the dagger in his hand unwavering. "I don't understand any noble knight's code. I only know one simple principle. As Emilia's guardian knight, anyone who dares to insult her must pay the price."
In his eyes, things like knightly ethics and noble etiquette were not as important as one simple principle: protect those important to him, and never back down.
He wasn't some knight who rigidly adhered to dogma, just an ordinary person willing to give everything to protect those he cared for.
"Then have you considered the consequences of doing this?" Miklotov questioned gravely.
"Of course." Natsuki Subaru replied with a cold smile.
He knew the consequences better than anyone.
If he truly killed Sage Council Elder Bordeaux here, what awaited him would undoubtedly be a point of no return.
At best, imprisonment; at worst, death on the spot.
But so what?
The worst-case scenario was simply activating Return by Death.
Death, for ordinary people, was an end.
For him, someone favored by the Witch, it was merely the beginning of another loop.
As they say, treat life and death lightly; if you're not convinced, just fight!
"So, Knight Natsuki Subaru, what do you want?" Seeing Natsuki Subaru's resolute gaze, Miklotov sighed deeply, his wrinkles etched with helplessness.
Natsuki Subaru didn't answer Miklotov but turned his gaze to Bordeaux, his tone ice-cold. "Apologize, or die!"
"..."
Fine beads of sweat appeared on Bordeaux's forehead.
The entire hall was silent; everyone held their breath.
The expressions of the Royal Candidates varied, but all were intently watching this black-haired young man who had broken all conventions.
"Choose!" Natsuki Subaru's voice was like frost.
The Kasaka's Venom Fang dagger in his hand was steadily pressed against Bordeaux's aged throat.
Just another inch, and this Sage Council elder would be splattered with blood on the spot.
"I..." Bordeaux's Adam's apple bobbed with difficulty under the cold blade; he could clearly feel the aura of death.
He had never imagined that someone would dare to draw a weapon on him at the Royal Selection, in full view of everyone.
The dark pupils of the young man before him burned with a chilling killing intent—this wasn't a threat, but a death sentence.
This young man would actually kill him!
Cold sweat rolled down Bordeaux's wrinkled forehead, soaking his luxurious silk collar.
His legs trembled uncontrollably, and the hem of his expensive gold-embroidered robe was already wet.
As a Sage Council elder who had been pampered for decades, this was the first time he had truly experienced the fear of death.
This madman... he really dares to kill someone at the Royal Selection!
Faced with a very real threat of death, Sage Council Elder Bordeaux's usual arrogance and dignity instantly crumbled.
"I... I apologize..." Bordeaux finally squeezed out these words through gritted teeth, his voice trembling uncontrollably.
"Haven't you eaten? Louder!" Natsuki Subaru said coldly, the tip of his blade inching forward.
"I APOLOGIZE!" Bordeaux turned towards Emilia, practically roaring, his voice filled with unprecedented humiliation. "I-I'm sorry... Lady Emilia! Please forgive my rudeness!"
The entire throne hall instantly erupted in an uproar.
The nobles looked at each other, none of them having expected that a dignified Sage Council elder would actually be forced by an obscure knight to bow his head and admit his mistake in public.
"Hmph, remember today's lesson." Natsuki Subaru slowly sheathed the Kasaka's Venom Fang dagger, but the sharpness in his eyes did not diminish in the slightest. "If I ever hear anyone insult Emilia again..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but his icy tone made everyone understand the unspoken meaning.
In those dark pupils, Bordeaux saw a chilling determination and couldn't help but shiver.
Turning towards Emilia, Natsuki Subaru's stern face melted like snow, instantly replaced by a warm smile. "Sorry, Emilia, for making you witness such an unpleasant scene."
"No... Thank you, Subaru." Emilia's amethyst-like eyes trembled slightly, her silver hair swaying gently as she shook her head, an indescribable emotion surging in her heart.
"This farce ends here." Miklotov, leader of the Sage Council, struck his scepter heavily.
His aged yet dignified voice resounded through the hall.
His gaze swept over everyone present, finally resting on Emilia. "Lady Emilia, please continue your previous address."
"Looks like this storm has passed..." Natsuki Subaru thought to himself.
It's known that Miklotov deliberately brushed off the conflict between him and Bordeaux as a 'farce,' clearly not intending to pursue the matter of him threatening Bordeaux.
After all, if they were to really make an issue of it, not only would Bordeaux's public insult of a Royal Candidate continue to ferment, affecting the entire Royal Selection process, but it would also cause the Sage Council, the highest authority, to lose face.
So, this is already the best possible outcome.
Emilia took a deep breath, straightened her back, and once again faced the members of the Sage Council, her clear voice echoing in the hall. "Please allow me to introduce myself once more to the esteemed Sages—"
Pausing slightly, Emilia's amethyst eyes shone with unwavering determination, unflinchingly meeting the gazes of the elders on the high platform who had previously cast disdainful looks upon her.
"My name is Emilia. I am a silver-haired half-elf contracted to the Great Spirit Puck, who governs fire mana, and I reside in the eternal frost of the Elior Forest."
At this moment, Emilia's posture was dignified and confident, a stark contrast to the girl who had lowered her eyes in humiliation just moments before.
This sudden courage and determination—
It was the strength bestowed upon her by the black-haired knight standing behind her.
"Well said, Emilia. Just like that, let everyone see the real you." Natsuki Subaru crossed his arms, a gratified smile playing on his lips.
This silver-haired girl, who was always doubting herself, could finally hold her head high in front of these arrogant nobles.
"This... how is this possible?"
"Great Spirit Puck?!"
"Could it be... she's really contracted to the legendary Beast of the End?"
Hearing that Emilia was contracted to the Great Spirit Puck, a wave of astonished cries immediately swept through the hall.
Although, due to Natsuki Subaru's earlier warning, no one dared to openly insult Emilia anymore, their faces were still filled with doubt.
"Although it's a bit different from the original plan, now is the perfect opportunity for Puck to display his power and awe the entire assembly." Natsuki Subaru stroked his chin, pondering.
It's worth mentioning that the original plan Subaru and Roswaal had discussed was for Emilia to gradually reveal her identity while giving her speech, followed by Puck's grand entrance.
But who would have thought that old fool Bordeaux would not only rudely interrupt Emilia's speech but also publicly insult her, even attempting to revoke her candidacy for the Royal Selection.
This was what forced Subaru, unable to bear it any longer, to threaten him with a dagger to apologize.
Just then—
"Since it's my dear daughter's request, I suppose I don't need to hold back anymore."
A neutral-sounding voice suddenly spoke up beside Emilia.
While everyone was still puzzling over the source of the voice, a chilling coldness, like a tidal wave, had already swept through the entire hall.
"Mere humans, daring to be impudent in front of my daughter Lia."
A small, grey-furred cat, arms crossed, pink nose huffing in dissatisfaction, slowly descended from mid-air.
Its large, bright black eyes were now condensed with an unprecedented chill, as if capable of freezing one's very soul.
Puck surveyed his surroundings with a disdainful gaze, which immediately drew a fierce reaction from the guard knights.
They instantly raised their swords, directing intense vigilance towards Puck, who floated above their heads.
"Puck, this guy really knows how to show off..." Natsuki Subaru thought, watching the shocked and fearful expressions of the people due to Puck's appearance, and couldn't help but grumble internally.
Usually, when Puck is around Emilia, he's either acting cute and spoiled or clowning around, looking for all the world like a harmless little kitten.
But this imposing appearance now, it really looks the part.
After all, this guy Puck is known by humans as the Beast of the End of the Eternal Frost, a Great Spirit who governs fire.
Although in some IF routes of the original work, Puck is usually insta-killed by Sword Saint Reinhard with two strikes, being worthy of making Reinhard draw his Dragon Sword is proof enough of Puck's strength as a Great Spirit.
"—The Beast of the End of the Eternal Frost."
A hoarse whisper caused a silent shockwave to ripple through the hall.
The whisper came from Miklotov.
"Oh? I didn't expect anyone in this era to still remember that title." Puck twitched his ears, turning his gaze towards Miklotov, a semblance of a smile on his face. "It seems there are still some somewhat sensible young people around."
"To be called a young man at my age is quite a rare and valuable experience," Miklotov replied with a wry smile.
Among all those present, whose faces were stiff with tension, only this experienced elder could maintain his composure.
"Call me whatever you please." Puck lazily swished his tail, but his cat eyes glinted with a dangerous light. "But you all should be well aware of exactly what kind of existence I am."
___
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