Chapter 53: Roaring Subaru
[ [ "...It seems everyone has arrived. Next, the members of the Sage Council will enter."
With this clear announcement, the ceremony officially began. ] ]
.....
~Inside, the Theater~
"It's Lord Miklotov."
Yuriusu uttered the name of this elder, who, in a sense, was the highest leader in the Kingdom of Lugunica before the appearance of the next king.
"Miklotov…"
Wilhelm whispered.
He remembered that back then, his status could not be called low; he was an assistant to the prime minister.
They had met several times, and he had helped him a few times.
It was thanks to him that he was able to return to the Royal Army.
—
[ [ "...We must have a good talk later."
As the ceremony announced its start, Emilia left this sentence for Subaru before walking into the line of the Royal Candidates.
As for why it was an announced start, because the audience outside the screen knew that one person was still missing—
"...Knight Reinhard van Astrea! Step forward! And please begin your report."
"Yes! Next, I, Reinhard van Astrea, belonging to the King's Guard Knights, will report that the mission has been completed. The Dragon Girl, the final fifth candidate for the throne, has been found. Please bring her up."
Then Reinhard paused before continuing,
"She is the one I support for the throne—her name is Lady Felt."
Felt walked over, wearing a large skirt that she disliked very much.
She was accompanied by two young girls with pink hair. Although most people didn't recognize them, Felt did. They were Flamand Grassis, the granddaughters who served her, her grandparents' granddaughters.
Now, the ceremony officially began. ] ]
.....
~Inside, the Theater~
"Hmph, putting on airs."
Felt said from outside the screen.
Packaging me like some noble lady's debut. Nobles, the upper class, I hate them the most.
"I am deeply sorry that this manner of entry has displeased Lady Felt, but it is necessary."
Reinhard bowed his head.
"Ah, I know. You always have so much to say."
Felt said with dissatisfaction.
But seeing Flam and Grassis reminded her of her grandparents. Although they weren't her real grandparents, she was satisfied.
Although they were strict with her, she also respected them. There was just one thing she was still unhappy about… why did they treat Rom so badly?
Felt couldn't help but glance at Rom.
"..."
Wilhelm could probably guess what she was thinking. The image of that old comrade holding a shield and the swordswoman with a sword appeared in his mind.
"Crusch-sama…"
On the other side, Ferris stared intently, her face filled with sadness as she looked at the memory of the dashing head of the Karsten Duchy in the picture: Crusch Karsten.
"This is… me with memories…"
Crusch, who had lost her memory, was also captivated by the handsome Crusch Karsten.
—
[ [ Next, in the picture, each royal candidate began to present their ideas for governing the country.
Midway through, Priscilla's nominal ex-husband, "Leip Barielle," was mentioned. ] ]
.....
~Inside, the Theater~
"Speaking of which, I've heard of Lord Leip. According to what's shown on the screen, he suddenly became senile and died. What happened?"
Otto asked curiously.
"Who knows? Maybe because of this… Ah, because the ceiling is blocking it in the theater, you can't see it."
Al shrugged and pointed at the sky with his finger.
It was unclear what he was hinting at.
"Leip Barielle, huh…"
Wilhelm found the name somewhat familiar.
He remembered that he had once been his commander, a commander who made him angry.
That guy even punched him back then, using his position.
—
[ [ Next, it was finally Emilia's turn in the picture.
"Now, please welcome the next candidate—Emilia-sama."
"Yes."
Emilia walked forward solemnly.
"It's nice to meet you all, members of the Sage Council. My name is Emilia, and I have no surname. Please just call me Emilia."
"Hmm. Your recommender is not a knight of the guard, but you, who serve as the Court Mage. Can you explain the circumstances regarding this? Also, please introduce her background."
Miklotov stroked his beard and asked Roswaal.
"Understood. Although I believe everyone is well aware, allow me to begin by speaking of Lady Emilia's background— her silver hair and translucent snow-white skin, her amethyst eyes that can capture the viewer's heart, and her bell-like voice. Such bewitching features, as you all know, prove that Emilia-sama inherits the bloodline of an elf."
"Half human blood—a half-elf? Filthy. Don't you realize that such a silver-haired half-demon makes people fearful, even to let them enter the throne hall."
From the Sage Council seats, a tall, blue-haired elder stood up and glared at Emilia with disgust.
This person was— ] ]
.....
~Inside, the Theater~
"Bordeaux, even at this age, your personality is still so impulsive… What did Pivot teach you?"
Wilhelm quietly chided his old captain.
—
[ [ "You must understand that just your appearance and background alone can make many tremble. With such a look, you intend to ascend the throne? Unimaginable. We would be called mad by other countries and our own citizens. Not to mention, this is the Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica—a country where the Witch slumbers!"
Bordeaux shouted.
"Lord Bordeaux, have you—finished speaking?"
Roswaal spoke.
"If by 'finished speaking' you mean I've spoken enough, then I am far from done. Do you truly understand the gravity of your actions, Chief Court Mage?"
"But— are you perhaps forgetting? The parts that Lord Bordeaux considers problematic have nothing to do with the king/election at all— do they?"
"Hmm. In other words, you mean to say that. You mean to say that what's important is that Lady was chosen by the Dragon Stone, and whether she truly has the qualifications to ascend the throne is not an issue."
Miklotov narrowed his eyes and asked.
"A nominal candidate. It may sound unpleasant, but please think of it this way. Emilia-sama's facial features are very distinctive. No one sees her and doesn't think of the 'Witch of Envy.' For us, this can become an obvious pawn."
"Filthy woman!"
"Enough of your crap!!"
Subaru roared.
His voice echoed through the hall and then reverberated. The hall fell silent. ] ]
.....