"I want to break free from the dragon's control and establish an independent nation — one that doesn't rely on dragons!"
"I am the center of the world, born to be queen and destined to rule — nothing more."
"I'm greedy. I want a country of my own. That's why I'm here."
Crusch, Priscilla, and Anastasia, three distinctive Dragon Priestesses, each declared their positions and grand ambitions in turn.
The Knights, Ministers, and Council of Wise Men regarded the three with mixed expressions of approval and shock, acceptance and rejection.
But when the fourth Dragon Priestess, Emilia, made her appearance, everyone's expressions unanimously changed to disgust.
"Please! Lady Emilia, step forward!"
The silver-haired half-elf girl walked to the center of the hall, enduring waves of hostility in those few short steps.
"To think it's a half-demon..."
The ministers, Knights, and Council of Wise Men all knew of her existence.
Emilia's infamy had spread throughout the Royal Capital. Though she hadn't committed any wrongs, countless sins were heaped upon her, bringing her great suffering.
Pain showed on the girl's face. Yet she didn't back down, instead declaring her grand ideal with conviction.
"I, Emilia — without a family name, simply Emilia — I want to build a nation of peace and equality! Whether slaves, mixed-bloods, or half-elves, I will create a nation without class distinctions!"
Among the five Candidates, her ideal might be the most difficult to achieve.
"How could a mere half-demon possibly accomplish that?" One of the Council of Wise Men elders seated below the throne made no attempt to hide his contempt.
"Lord Bordeaux (Zellgef), mind your words."
"Mind my words? Don't you understand, Lord Miklotov? She's a half-demon with the same face as the Witch of Envy — the witch who destroyed half the world and drove all living beings to despair!"
"Her very appearance strikes fear in others — how could she possibly become Queen of Lugunica? Moreover, this is the nation where the witch lies sealed!" Bordeaux spread his arms wide, his agitated shouts clearly meant to stir up tension and chaos.
He was pressuring Emilia, just as Rickert had done to Felt earlier.
Emilia remained silent. But her silence didn't mean she stood alone.
"Don't be ridiculous!"
Just as Adam had predicted, Natsuki finally erupted, shattering the solemnity of the Assembly Hall.
"Witch this, witch that — Emilia isn't a witch, you bastards!" Red-faced with fury, he roared, channeling his indignation on Emilia's behalf.
This should have been Adam's role. But Natsuki had claimed it first.
Roswaal's gaze turned to ice as he spoke, "Apologize and leave. Otherwise, death awaits."
"I've made myself clear! Don't mock me! You're the ones who should apologize, you self-righteous bastards!"
"How surprising — Subaru-kun seems to have a death wish."
Dark mana surged around Roswaal like an abyss, his overwhelming magical power blazing behind him like a demon baring its fangs — a deadly warning to Natsuki.
"Now, kneel and apologize before leaving, and I'll spare your life. Otherwise..."
"You're the ones who should apologize! I've already said this!" Even facing Roswaal's threat, Natsuki wouldn't yield.
While he believed he was defending Emilia, in reality he was only bringing more trouble to the girl he sought to protect.
"Enough, that's all." Sensing the murderous intent in the air, Adam stepped forward, his face grave.
Roswaal would eliminate anyone who dared disrupt the Royal Selection. There was no choice but to intervene.
With an expressionless face, he addressed the red-faced youth coldly, "Stand down, Natsuki Subaru. Staying here only makes you look foolish, get out of the way."
Seeing this unfamiliar expression, Natsuki's jaw dropped — he'd never expected such words from Adam.
"My apologies to everyone present for this embarrassing display." He turned and bowed slightly, "I am Lady Emilia's Knight, Adam Carter. I deeply regret my cowardice in not stepping forward earlier, please forgive me."
With that single declaration, he extracted Natsuki from the situation of 'causing a disturbance at the Royal Selection'.
"To think a half-demon would have a knight?" Bordeaux frowned, turning toward Marcus.
The question carried both curiosity and rebuke for not reporting this earlier.
Marcus hurriedly explained, "He was recommended as a Knight by Margrave Roswaal a month ago, but since he hasn't reported to the Knights' Order yet, he's not officially considered a Knight of the Order."
"I see." Bordeaux nodded, his displeasure growing at Adam's intervention, "As expected of a half-demon — even her Knight is a nameless nobody unfit for proper society."
"My, being called a nameless nobody does get under my skin." Adam's voice carried a dangerous playfulness, "If reporting to the Knights' Order is what makes one important, then let me officially report right here."
"What?! What nonsense are you spouting!" Bordeaux's eyes widened in outrage, "Do you know where you are? This is the sacred Assembly Hall!"
"Oh my, so you do know this is the Assembly Hall. Then what of your constant talk of 'half-demon' earlier, trying to stir up everyone's fears? What do you call such contemptible behavior?" Adam's gaze pierced through Bordeaux as he continued, each word precise and cutting, "Your condescending attitude, showing such obvious bias against a Royal Candidate — are you dissatisfied with the Dragon Priestesses chosen by the Dragon, or perhaps expressing discontent toward the great and noble Dragon itself? To dare take such an attitude in this dragon-allied kingdom... you truly are arrogant."
"Ugh! You...! I'm simply—"
"Bordeaux, mind your words!" Miklotov swiftly cut off Bordeaux's response.
"Tch." Adam felt disappointed.
As expected of an experienced elder, to notice his trap so quickly.
If Bordeaux hadn't been stopped, whatever he said would have been twisted to show dissatisfaction with the Royal Candidates. Then others would have dealt with him without Adam having to lift a finger.
But this attempt at letting others do the dirty work had been seen through.
No matter. If we're going for excitement, let's go all the way!
Adam stepped forward, facing the entire assembly.
With Magic amplifying his voice throughout the hall, he sent shockwaves through everyone present.
"You keep saying Emilia has no chance of becoming Queen, but let me tell you this... This throne belongs to Emilia! Not even the Dragon can stop it! I declare it!"
The light shining upon him made him radiant.
In this moment, he became the focus of the world.
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