.....
~Inside, the Theater~
Following Subaru's roar within the screen, a hush descended both within the viewing space and on the screen itself.
"It looks like... he's causing quite a stir,"
Otto said with a wry smile.
"Yeah, it's so awkward, I feel awkward for him."
Felt scratched her head.
"As a clown, I concede he possesses the necessary qualifications,"
Priscilla commented with a smile.
—
[ [ "I didn't expect you to be so oblivious to social cues—. Now is not the time for someone— in your position to interrupt— when. Apologize quickly, and then leave.—"
Roswaal said coldly.
"I've already stated my opinion, what a joke. And I intend to continue speaking. You are the ones who should apologize."
"Even more surprising—you're risking your life. If you beg for mercy now, you'll only be driven out.— But if you continue to stubbornly insist on your pointless opinion..."
Roswaal circulated a vast amount of mana and stared directly at Natsuki Subaru. ] ]
.....
~Inside, the Theater~
"Hey, hey, this doesn't seem right, does it? Roswaal wouldn't do something like this, no matter how absent-minded he is?"
Garfiel was confused.
"Actually, Roswaal-san deliberately steered the situation like this. But considering what happened before... I feel there's a deeper reason."
Anastasia pondered.
According to her memory, the next development was a tense standoff that would lead to Puck's appearance, showcasing immense power.
But considering what came before, Roswaal had personally admitted to hiring Elsa the Gut Hunter, making it seem like things weren't that simple.
It was as if...
"Intentionally pushing Subaru into a corner time and time again... Then, Count Roswaal L. Mathers, can you provide a reasonable explanation for this matter?"
Yuriusu, with a serious expression, looked directly at Roswaal, hoping for an explanation.
He would not allow his friend to be toyed with like this.
"Oh—my, don't be in such a hurry. I've said it many times—the answers you seek will be provided in the subsequent scenes."
"However, up to this point, everything was orchestrated by you, is that correct?"
Yuriusu narrowed his eyes and questioned.
"..."
Roswaal remained silent, not denying it, and then spoke:
"The Gut Hunter at the beginning was hired by me. It was also I who instructed Ram to be wary of Subaru at the mansion. And the magical beast that cast the curse on Subaru, its master was Meli, whom I also hired. Including the current situation, it was I who wanted Subaru to participate in the Royal Selection and provoke him."
Roswaal responded seriously, without drawing out his words.
He then continued:
"But—I had two purposes in provoking Subaru here. The first purpose I just mentioned, and the second—as is in the person's memory, is to bring out Puck and demonstrate power."
—
[ [ "...That's enough. You are not allowed to continue acting recklessly in front of me. If you still intend to..."
Roswaal feigned an attack with a high-powered fire magic, but Emilia immediately intervened.
"Then I can only comply with my daughter's request and resort to force—a mere human, how dare you speak ill of my daughter?"
Puck appeared.
Thus, under the dual display of force by Roswaal and Puck, the Royal Selection Committee was finally made to showcase their ideals, rather than simply denying them. ] ]
.....
~Inside, the Theater~
"That's right, perhaps the Emilia camp is unpopular, but at least they have strength. Since others refuse to listen to me speak properly, then put a knife to their throats first. A simple and effective strategy."
Anastasia spoke in the image.
"Wow, there's this move too?! So cool, I gotta remember this, it might be useful later!"
Garfiel suddenly realized.
—
[ [ "Displaying power and declaring demands. Truly, the way of a witch. Then, what do you, the Ice Sorceress, wish to threaten us with?"
Miklotov, on the screen, asked Emilia.
"I have only one demand—fairness. Fairness is an extremely important matter to me. I will never use my contracted spirit as backing to forcefully seize the throne or engage in unfair behavior. I am not mature enough, and I have my shortcomings, but my sincere effort towards the throne is undeniable. This resolution will not lose to any other candidate. Therefore, please look at me fairly, not as the Ice Sorceress, nor as a half-elf with silver hair, but as Emilia, who has no surname."
Everyone fell silent.
And everyone in the hall looked at Bordeaux, who strongly opposed.
Bordeaux sighed:
"My opinion will not change. Your appearance reminds people of the 'Witch of Envy,' which will undoubtedly cause a bad impression on the citizens. Because of this, you will be at a disadvantage, and that will not change. However..."
Bordeaux knelt on one knee:
"Interfering with people's hearts is a realm that no one is allowed to enter. Therefore, it is impossible to decide how others will see you. But even so, I must apologize for my rudeness just now—no. I apologize for my rudeness, Lady Emilia." ] ]
.....
~Inside, the Theater~
"Mmm..."
Wilhelm bowed his head slightly and smiled.
A dashing warrior wielding an axe appeared in his mind.
This was the captain of the Zergev Squadron, Bordeaux Zergev, who was no longer reckless after Pivot's death.
—
[ [ "You could have turned me, who displeased you, into ice. But you didn't. Instead, you demanded fairness—that is a noble act."
Bordeaux in the image continued.
"Although there was a slight disturbance, it can be said that it was sufficient, right? Lady Emilia and Count Roswaal have nothing more to say, correct?"
Miklotov inquired.
"Yes."
Emilia stated she had nothing more to say.
"I—still have more to say, but how should I in this situation..."
"...Then, thank you both for your statements."
Although Roswaal wanted to say something more, the conversation was forcefully ended by a member of the Royal Selection Committee.
"By the way, who is that gentleman to you?"
Miklotov asked, looking at Natsuki Subaru. ] ]
.....
~Inside, the Theater~
"I hope I'm mistaken. But according to my memory, the next thing that happens is..."
Felt immersed herself as if watching a drama.
Subaru's roar just now had already made her very embarrassed, and now, according to her, something even more embarrassing was about to happen.
Felt couldn't help but cover her eyes with the index and middle fingers of both hands, then slowly opened the two fingers and looked at the screen—
[ [ "Ah, uh, that, that person is, my... uh..." Emilia in the image was stammering.
And Subaru, as if feeling a sense of mission, placed a hand on Emilia's shoulder.
"It's alright, Emilia—because I've already made up my mind..."
"What do you mean by 'made up your mind'... Hey, Subaru. What are you trying to do? Wait..."
Subaru looked at the members of the Royal Selection Committee, imitated the knight's bow like a cat painting a tiger, and then shouted:
"Nice to meet you all, members of the Royal Selection Committee. First, please allow me to apologize for the late greeting. My name is Natsuki Subaru! I am a male servant at the Roswaal mansion, and the first knight of this King candidate—Emilia-Sama! Please remember me and give me your proper consideration." ] ]
.....