After the Royal Selection ceremony, Emilia remained in the capital instead of returning to the Mathers domain.
She had good reason to stay — the proposed alliance with Felt and the 『 Sword Saint 』. This public proposal had sent shockwaves through the House Astrea!
Better yet, Felt herself had agreed to the alliance.
However, despite both Felt and Reinhard's approval, the final decision rested with House Astrea, not with them. Though Emilia was doing everything in her power, prospects remained dim.
The situation made perfect sense: Felt, being a royal descendant, commanded natural public Continue reading more chapters on NovelHub for the best experience. With the "Knight Among Knights" Reinhard as her champion, she held all the right cards.
Though the capital's ministers criticized her humble origins, they believed two years would transform her into the strongest candidate for the throne.
Meanwhile, the "Silver-haired Half-elf" faced universal scorn — an alliance with Emilia offered no advantages, only drawbacks.
Adam couldn't help but wonder if Reinhard had agreed to this alliance as a subtle rebellion against House Astrea, getting back at them for years of pressure.
Now Emilia, accompanied by Roswaal, was staying at the 『 Sword Saint 』 family residence to secure this vital alliance.
They'd expected Roswaal to depart early to prepare for the upcoming trial, but he too remained in the capital. Perhaps he saw the 『 Sword Saint 』 potential aid in dragon-slaying as worth the extended effort to recruit Reinhard to their cause.
That was the whole story — nothing to do with Adam whatsoever! Absolutely nothing!
All he cared about was another duel with Reinhard!
"One more match, just one more!"
"Adam, again?" Looking at Adam's gleaming eyes, Reinhard's characteristic cheerful smile now held a trace of weary resignation.
In the seven days since Emilia arrived at the House Astrea residence, Adam had been challenging Reinhard to sword duels every day. Dawn or dusk, regardless of time or place, whenever he caught Reinhard alone, he would pounce.
Though confident in his stamina, even Reinhard was becoming wary of these relentless demands. He found himself wishing he had a Divine Protection against Adam's pursuit.
If only Adam could be as composed and steady as Julius — but that was clearly impossible!
Right now, Adam was eyeing his target like a treasure trove, his eyes gleaming.
He had only one thought: This guy is a truck loaded with Divine Protections. All he needed was to flip him over and steal everything!
Reinhard possessed numerous Divine Protections, with some active at all times.
This proved fortunate for Adam. He explored them thoroughly, stealing them with immense satisfaction!
Initially, the bastard's overwhelming strength had deeply discouraged him. Even after mastering the Breathing Technique, Adam had hoped to at least put up a fight against Reinhard — if not win, then at least not lose in one move. Instead, he was easily defeated.
No, he was completely destroyed!
The defeat was so swift that Adam's newly built confidence nearly shattered. Thankfully, knowing Reinhard's unreasonable strength helped him recover.
Then he had an epiphany: He was a man with cheat abilities!
As the saying goes: If you can't beat them, join them!
He'd been eyeing Reinhard's Divine Protections for ages — this chance couldn't slip away!
So he kept pestering Reinhard, determined to steal every last ability!
Over these past few days, Adam had acquired many Divine Protections:
〘Divine Protection of Wind Evasion〙
〘Divine Protection of the Death God〙
〘Divine Protection of First Sight〙
〘Divine Protection of Second Sight〙
He'd learned all the combat-useful Protections, except for ridiculous ones like〘Divine Protection of Letting Someone Else Take the Spotlight〙and〘Divine Protection of Salt Reasoning〙.
But three protections remained stubbornly out of reach!
〘Divine Protection of the Phoenix〙
〘Divine Protection of the Phoenix: Next〙
And〘Divine Protection of Divine Protection Acquisition〙!!
{T/N: This last one doesn't actually exist, since the reason why Reinhard can obtain any and all Divine Protections he wants is still unknown. The most fitting name for it would be: Divine Protection of the Old Lagna Is My Bitch!}
This last one particularly frustrated Adam. Despite crafting numerous schemes to make Reinhard unconsciously use this protection, the man was simply too capable and had never needed to activate it!
Still, Adam refused to give up!
Just as he was about to challenge his living treasure chest again, Emilia emerged from the conference room.
"Adam, you're becoming a nuisance to Reinhard." She pressed her forehead and sighed deeply.
In Emilia's eyes, while Adam was certainly reliable, his compulsion to challenge every powerful opponent he met left her at a loss.
"My my~, Carter sure is persistent~, continuing despite losing every single time." Roswaal's teasing carried a hint of sarcasm.
"Alright, Adam, we're leaving now."
Before he could protest, Emilia firmly steered him away from the House Astrea residence.
"Hey, wait! Emilia, Emilia?!" Though confused by her sudden assertiveness, Adam allowed himself to be led away.
After all, he'd already stolen most of the Divine Protections — there was no reason to stubbornly persist any longer.
"Welcome back, Lord Roswaal, Lady Emilia, and Adam." Ram had been waiting at the hotel for their return.
"We're back, Ram." Emilia greeted her warmly.
"Um, what's wrong with Adam? Is he feeling unwell?" Despite her usually cold demeanor, Ram showed genuine concern at his gloomy appearance.
"...No, he's just sulking because he couldn't duel with Reinhard." Emilia explained as Adam slumped onto the sofa, visibly unhappy.
"Hmph." He let out a morose grunt.
Ram was momentarily lost for words at this explanation.
Finally, with a mix of mockery and playfulness, she said, "As expected of the famous 'Madman' of the capital, daring to raise his sword against the Sword Saint. Ram admires such courage."
"Hey, are you mocking me?" Adam fixed her with dangerous eyes.
If Ram dared say 'yes', he would definitely teach her a lesson!
Like pinching her cheeks!
"You're overthinking it. Ram simply admires you." She closed her eyes and tilted her head with a light snort.
"Now now, Ram is just concerned about you~, Carter." Roswaal intervened, then turned to Emilia, "I'll return to the earldom now to prepare for the alliance negotiations. The success of this alliance rests on your ability to persuade them, Lady Emilia. Know that you have my unconditional Continue reading more chapters on NovelHub for the best experience."
"Don't worry, Roswaal. I will make this alliance happen." Emilia nodded with determination.
"Well then~, Ram, take good care of Lady Emilia and Carter, I'll be taking my leave~."
"Yes, have a safe journey, Lord Roswaal."
With those parting words, Roswaal departed from the hotel, taking to the air.
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