The Royal Selection Conference should have been held long ago, but it had been delayed because the fifth Dragon Priestess chosen by the dragon insignia could not be found. Only after Reinhard discovered Felt and confirmed her identity were the five candidates finally assembled, allowing the conference to begin.
Except for Felt, who knew nothing about her four competitors, the other four had at least some understanding of one another. Thus, Emilia recognized Priscilla—and Priscilla recognized Emilia, despite her magical cloak.
As they approached the gate, Emilia removed her hood, revealing her silver hair and beautiful face. A visage that should have inspired admiration instead provoked widespread dislike among the citizens because it resembled the Witch of Envy. The cloak was simply meant to reduce trouble.
"So this is Emilia," Priscilla launched the first verbal attack, her domineering personality on full display. "Long time no see. Life in that barbaric region must be terribly dull."
"… "
Even Al and Schult, standing on Priscilla's side, felt somewhat speechless. Though Roswaal's territory, the Mathers domain, was somewhat remote, it was hardly a "barbaric region."
Emilia did not immediately respond, but Subaru beside her retorted angrily, "What are you talking about?! We're not from some barbaric place!"
Priscilla glanced at him briefly, then shifted her gaze away, covering her mouth with her fan and chuckling softly. "Emilia, your servant is rather rude."
"Subaru is not my servant," Emilia replied. "And the Mathers domain is peaceful and beautiful, with simple and kind people."
"Simple and kind?" Priscilla immediately responded with a faint smile. "Do you usually interact with those 'kind' people?"
Emilia's face instantly turned pale. Priscilla's words struck directly at her weakness. She had to admit a painful truth: although Roswaal supported her, the people of his territory did not. Because of this, she rarely—almost never—visited the villages.
"I've tolerated you long enough!" Subaru glared at Priscilla furiously. "Why do you keep insulting her?! Apologize to Emilia-tan right now!"
"…Oh?"
Priscilla exhaled softly and shook her head. "A glimpse reveals the whole picture. Emilia, if your subordinates are all such rash and mediocre individuals, I advise you to withdraw… You have no chance."
"You—!"
Subaru angrily stepped forward, but Al appeared in front of him at some point, quietly blocking his advance. He patted Subaru's shoulder with a friendly smile.
"Easy there, brother, calm down, calm down."
At the same time, another voice rang out, gentle and refined.
"I do not agree with Priscilla-sama's words. Emilia-sama most certainly has ample opportunity."
The speaker slowly approached from a distance. He possessed handsome features and elegant manners. Walking up to Emilia, he respectfully bowed before her, then knelt on one knee and lightly lifted her hand, placing a gentle kiss upon its back.
"Your beauty has become even more radiant."
In that instant, everyone could sense someone's resentment erupting violently.
Subaru immediately lost all hostility toward Priscilla and redirected it entirely toward this suddenly appearing purple-haired handsome man.
Watching Subaru's teeth-gritting expression, Lillian thought to himself that many parts of the story had already changed.
First, it seemed Subaru's encounter with Priscilla never happened—perhaps because Lillian had been visiting her frequently these past few days to learn magic. Secondly, Emilia originally should not have allowed Subaru to accompany her to the royal selection meeting, yet now they had come together to the gates of the royal castle.
Moreover, Emilia seemed to be looking at him with hostility. Was it because he was with Priscilla…?
Wait—could it be that she believed he originally belonged to Priscilla's faction, and that his earlier visit to Roswaal's domain had been some kind of espionage?
The more Lillian thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. If that were the case, then it was truly a misunderstanding. Emilia would likely assume that his identity as an "ordinary mercenary" was merely a disguise, and that his strength came entirely from belonging to Priscilla's faction, with access to abundant training resources.
Sigh… what a hassle.
To be honest, Lillian could not even be bothered to explain such a misunderstanding. He owed Emilia nothing, nor did he feel any desire to win the favor of the story's heroine. Why trouble himself with such matters?
"I was wondering who it might be—so it's the 'Finest Knight,' Julius."
Priscilla clearly had little fondness for the handsome man either, her words dripping with sarcasm.
"If your mistress, Anna, learned that you treated her enemy in such a manner, I wonder what she would think."
"Miss Anna would not be angered by my display of gentlemanly conduct. She is a lady."
"Hah? Hahahaha! Anna, that woman, a lady? Are you trying to make me laugh to death?"
"Lady Priscilla, your present behavior does not suit your own status either."
The atmosphere quickly became somewhat chaotic. Lillian, too lazy to listen any further, spoke up:
"Let's just go inside already."
Julius glanced at him, his eyes carrying a look of scrutiny and curiosity—clearly intrigued by someone he had never seen before. Since Lillian had arrived with Priscilla and carried a sword at his waist, Julius would certainly have recognized him if he were a renowned swordsman.
To be fair, Lillian could understand why Subaru was so angry. Julius might not have any ill intent, but his habit of looking down at others with a condescending air was undeniably irritating.
It was like Emperor Hui of Jin's infamous remark: "If the people have no grain to eat, why not eat meat porridge?" He was either deliberately ignorant or simply unaware why starving people would rather die than eat meat when they had no rice. One could argue that the blame lay with the corrupt officials who deceived him and concealed the truth—but anyone who had not grown up in luxury would feel an impulse to strike him upon hearing such words.
Julius's gaze had a similar effect.
The villains people hate most are never those who shout, "I hate you! I'll kill you!" What they hate most are those who destroy others with complete indifference—"I ruin you; what does it matter to you?"—that undisguised disdain and contempt. Of course, Julius had not reached that level; it was merely his habitual way of examining others.
"Very well. I also have no wish to continue speaking with the mediocre," Priscilla declared, stepping forward.
Al and Lillian followed behind her.
Julius exchanged a glance with Emilia, gave her another polite bow, ignored Subaru's hostile expression, and entered as well.
"Emilia-tan, let's go in too!" Subaru said as he started forward. After a few steps, he suddenly stopped, noticing that Emilia remained where she stood, looking at him with hesitation.
"What's wrong?"
"Subaru… perhaps it would be better if I attend the meeting alone."
"Why?" Subaru asked, puzzled. "Didn't we already agree that I'd accompany you?"
"Yes. But…" Emilia looked at him. What had just happened made her realize the danger involved. She feared Subaru's recklessness would create many enemies for him, which certainly would not be good for him. However, saying such things aloud would surely hurt his pride.
"Emilia-tan, no matter what you say, I'm going in with you!" Subaru declared firmly, staring at her. "That woman just insulted you! And that purple-haired guy too… Anyway, we already encountered enemies outside, so there will definitely be even more inside. I can't let you go in alone! I… I promised Roswaal I would protect you!"
"..."
Seeing his earnest expression, Emilia swallowed the words she had intended to say and nodded slightly.
"Alright… but later, you must absolutely not say or do anything reckless. Understood?"
"Don't worry! I definitely won't!"
"Mm."
The two then entered the royal castle together.
Inside the grand hall of the palace, more than a hundred people had already gathered. Some were officials dressed in ministerial attire, while others were knights dressed like Julius. The first royal selection conference was about to be held here.