"How straightforward, Reinhard. Speaking with you is truly refreshing."
Shendu had not expected things to proceed so smoothly. She had assumed he would hesitate at least a little, yet he had agreed without the slightest pause.
"It is nothing. This is simply within my ability."
Reinhard was equally pleased. During his time interacting with Shendu, he had found that although the silver-haired girl appeared mysterious, she truly did not seem to harbor ill intent.
As the strongest Sword Saint in history and a bearer of the world's Divine Protection, Reinhard had always been able to discern good and evil at a glance.
When he first saw Shendu, a phrase had inexplicably surfaced in his mind—lawful evil.
His first impression of her was someone who strictly followed rules and would not stir trouble lightly.
That was precisely why Reinhard had been willing to agree to her conditions.
Had it been members of the Witch Cult instead, Reinhard would have cut them down in a few strikes, unwilling to waste words on them.
"Then, what is your second condition?"
Reinhard continued, seeking to hear her next request.
"Sign an oath with me."
Shendu spoke lightly, the smile at the corner of her lips deepening.
"Heehee, I'm back! Big Sister, and you—uh, Rein-whatever—what are you talking about?"
Just as Shendu raised this topic, Felt's cheerful voice rang out from afar.
Turning their heads, they saw her approaching in a light beige gown, small leather shoes tapping against the ground. Golden thread adorned the hem of her skirt, giving her an air of lively elegance.
The skirt was slightly too long, forcing Felt to lift it carefully as she walked straight toward them.
After arriving, she lifted the hem and spun in a circle, proudly displaying herself. She looked even more adorable now, radiating the aura of a true noble young lady.
"My name is Reinhard."
Faced with Felt's casual address, Reinhard could only respond with helpless correction.
"Same difference. Hmph."
Felt clearly disliked him and spoke with youthful stubbornness.
"It's nothing. I've arranged for Natsuki Subaru to enter the Royal Guard."
Shendu glanced at the young man beside her and explained casually.
"Hmph. Natsuki Subaru, aren't you going to thank Big Sister? You're such an idiot."
Felt shot him an unceremonious look.
"I won't stand on ceremony with Lady Shendu. Once I join the Royal Guard, I'll prove my worth."
Natsuki Subaru shook his head, his tone firm. With Shendu paving the way for him, he resolved to achieve something in return for that silver-haired girl.
"Hmph. At least you've got some backbone. Do your best."
Felt rolled her eyes at him. Natsuki Subaru looked embarrassed. After thinking for a moment, he decided to take a walk nearby.
"Lady Shendu, I'd like to look around for a bit. Since there's nothing for me here, I'll go explore."
He felt it might be awkward to remain. Everything on his end had already been arranged, and there was no reason to linger.
"Very well. Don't wander too far, in case you run into troublemakers."
Shendu gave him a warning. She had granted Natsuki Subaru the speed of the Rabbit Talisman. Under normal circumstances, he would encounter no real danger. As long as he ran fast enough, trouble would never catch him.
"Understood, Lady Shendu."
Deeply moved by her reminder, Natsuki Subaru waved before disappearing from sight.
...
After he left, Reinhard recalled what Shendu had mentioned earlier—an oath.
In this world, binding agreements with restrictive power were generally divided into three types: contracts, alliances, and oaths.
The first type, a contract, was similar to the agreement between Emilia and Puck. Once formed, it allowed the use of spiritual arts, turning one into a spirit arts user.
The second type was an alliance between allies. After signing such an agreement, it was best not to violate it, or the alliance itself would backlash against the offender.
The third type was an oath—sworn upon the will of heaven and earth, binding one to a specific promise that must be upheld.
"Miss Shendu, what kind of oath do you wish to form with me?"
A trace of curiosity surfaced in Reinhard's blue eyes as he looked at the silver-haired girl.
"I am Emilia's supporter—her knight. And you are Felt's supporter—her knight."
Shendu paused briefly before continuing,
"Therefore, the content of the oath is this: during the Royal Selection, you must not target Emilia, nor interfere in any matters arising from her actions."
She spoke lightly, but she was well aware that Emilia's identity would inevitably invite trouble. When the time came and Shendu stirred events from behind the scenes, Reinhard could not be allowed to intervene.
Reinhard hesitated slightly. Though upright and kind, he sensed something unusual beneath her request.
"Forgive my bluntness, Miss Shendu, but you truly will not cause any major upheaval... will you?"
He asked cautiously, instinctively sensing a hidden scheme.
"Heh. Then in return, I will swear that I will absolutely never endanger the kingdom. How does that sound?"
Shendu presented her counterbalance, her gaze fixed on him, confidence evident in her expression.
"So you stand with Emilia. That makes us competitors from now on."
"Very well. I accept your condition. We can form the oath now."
After a brief moment of contemplation, Reinhard agreed. If Shendu guaranteed she would never endanger the kingdom, then he could rest assured.
In Beatrice's library, Shendu had learned the method of forming an oath. She silently chanted a short incantation, and a violet six-pointed magic circle appeared beneath their feet.
"I swear upon this oath: I, Reinhard, will not target Emilia's faction, nor will I handle any incidents arising from Emilia's side."
"I swear upon this oath: I, Shendu, will never endanger the kingdom, nor disrupt its order."
As they completed their vows, the magic circle beneath them erupted with violet light that shot into the sky. Immediately after, the will of the world returned two marks, imprinting them upon their bodies.
Feeling the binding mark settle upon her, Shendu remained utterly unconcerned. She had no intention of truly harming the kingdom. She merely sought to elevate a kind half-elf to the throne.
"Then, Miss Shendu, what is your third condition?"
Reinhard hesitated briefly before asking once more.
Truthfully, her first two conditions had been so simple that they had improved his impression of her. Perhaps this mysterious woman was not a villain after all.
"As for that? I will keep the third condition in reserve. When the time comes and I require your assistance, you must help me without fail."
Shendu smiled mysteriously, offering no further explanation.