[User] Subaru somewhat regretted the loss of Old Man Rom's company. "—While I was thinking about all that, here we are.” Subaru saw the bright, western sun over the road. Subaru beheld the uninterrupted flow of people, relieved.

[Assistant] “Now that we’re out of there, we’re total strangers again. I have to look for my cutie-pie companion, so I don’t wanna get into any more trouble, like hanging around you. I’m sure your escort has been desperate to find you, so if you stay put I’m sure you’ll meet up with him soon.” Subaru vented out all the resentment that had built up.

[User] Subaru was simultaneously excusing his resentful words and lecturing her when she sneered back.

[Assistant] “Mmm, I think I pity you just a little. Whether you are aware of it or not, you so thoroughly play the fool. It is no virtue. It is merely a thin shell within which you conceal your weakness. It is as repellant to the eye as your face.”

[User] “The first part sounded serious, but that last part was definitely making fun of my looks, wasn’t it?”

[Assistant] “If you intend to maintain the game to the very end, it is no concern of mine…”

[User] With that in mind, Subaru gave up on speaking to the girl further.


[User] His expression brightened at their reunion, unexpected but eagerly awaited. “Ah, Emili—” But as Emilia let out a soft sigh, he felt that something was wrong. He began to call her name but stopped when he saw someone beside her—a male someone with a burly chest. “Wait, wait, wait! Don’t go flirting with Emilia-tan when I’m not around!” Subaru dashed forward to put himself between the man and Emilia. But his glare at the silhouetted man froze in the face of a torrent of sharp words.

[Assistant] “Hey, hey, lil’ missy. I think your guy here has a screw loose. Is he all right?” The chummy voice addressing Emilia was a bit hard to make out. That was only natural, since the speaker’s head was covered in a full-face helmet. The jet-black helm, meant to conceal his entire face, looked highly refined, but the headpiece alone wasn’t what made him stand out—though that description is misleading. He stood out because the helmet actually was alone. “More worried about an interloper than excited for your reunion? What a fascinatingly complicated sense of masculinity.”

[User] “Well, you’ve got pretty horrible fashion sense, don’t you? !”

[Assistant] “And you’ve got quite some lip toward your seniors. I’m an easy-going old man, so I’ll let it slide, but someone else might chop your head off.” Subaru gaped as the man tapped a finger against the nape of his neck in obvious amusement. Yes, the bare nape of his neck, for while the man wore a pitch-black helm over his head, beneath he wore only a shabby mantle and an open linen vest-and-shorts combo that made him look like some bandit. His “shoes” were sandals with split-toe socks. Behind his waist, he carried a handsome sword with a fat blade resembling a Chinese crescent sword. Everything clashed with everything else. Subaru’s tracksuit was no less out of place, but the man’s attire was surely the greater offense to common sense.

[User] “Emilia-tan, don’t tell me this guy’s outfit passes for normal here in the capital?”

[Assistant] “Don’t worry, Subaru. I’m as shocked by what he’s wearing as you are.”

[User] The man erupted into laugher and promptly divulged what he was doing with Emilia in the first place. “Oh yeah, she was really shocked. It was so cute. I said I was looking for someone, and I was pretty surprised when she said she’d come along, though.”

[Assistant] Subaru put a hand on Emilia’s shoulder and stared at where the man’s eyes probably were. “Emilia-tan’s kind-heartedness is a real virtue, but you still have to pick who you help. Why do you think a poisonous mushroom looks so bad? It’s saying, ‘I’m poisonous. Danger. Eat me and you’ll die.’ That’s to stop damage before it happens.”

[User] “You’re making it sound like I’m a dangerous guy.


[User] "That’s horrible."

[Assistant] "Back where I come from, one look at you and they’d bring all the local school kids together and tell them about kidnappers."

[User] Subaru blew off the man’s flippant comment and returned to Emilia. "Anyway, Emilia-tan, like I’m always telling you—watch out for men and cars. Men are wolves, so you can’t show them that defenseless, adorable, smiling face… Are you upset?"

[Assistant] "No, I’m just thinking that sounds more like something I’ve said to you than something you’ve said to me, Subaru. No offense."

[User] Subaru was tempted to cover his face, regretting that his slip of the tongue had only heaped more trouble onto him. But the coming lecture was mercifully interrupted by an outside party.


[Assistant] The orange-haired girl stepped forward and pompously declared, “Mmm. How perceptive of you to wait for me at my destination. Your loyalty is admirable, Al.”

[User] Her words made the man—Al—laugh out loud. "...To be honest, I want to say it was dumb luck I happened to be here, but that’ll just put you in a bad mood. I agree with you, Princess. Yep, it’s just like you said!" He stood beside the girl and ruffled her orange hair with the palm of his hand. "Apparently, by sheer coincidence, the person the lady here was looking for and the person I was looking for were together. Maybe you could call it fate?"

[Assistant] "So it’s like the saying, even chance meetings are the result of karma? No thanks, I don’t want any threads of fate except red ones with Emilia-tan."

[User] There was a momentary pause before Al’s reply. "—This guy’s got quite a mouth on him." But Al’s laughter and the light wave of his hand wiped Subaru’s doubts away. All his actions had been with his right hand the entire time—for the man didn’t have a left hand.

[Assistant] Subaru commented, "With Puck there as your guardian, I’m wondering why he let you go around with this guy…"

[User] "Lia spotted him looking in garbage bins on the side of the street as soon as she stepped out of the garrison. Her meddling happens at lightning speed, so I didn’t have any time to stop it.” Puck replied to Subaru’s question telepathically.

[Assistant] "Oh, come on…" Subaru’s reply couldn’t hide his exhaustion. True, Emilia’s soft-hearted nature was nothing new, but Al looking for his traveling companion in trash bins was completely off the rails. He wondered if the man had put any funny ideas in her head while they’d been alone.


[User] Subaru gave Emilia a look of concern when he realized that…

[Assistant] "—?" Without a word, Emilia slipped behind Subaru’s back as if to avoid the eyes of other people. She pulled down her hood to hide her face again, keeping her voice quiet as if that would erase her presence.

[User] Subaru dubiously raised his eyebrows and looked toward the orange-haired girl who seemed the cause of Emilia’s misgivings. "What, staring at me?"

[Assistant] "Drinking in the beauty you will dearly miss once I depart? Certainly, it is cruel that my beauty is so divine, but it is rude to stare in silence."

[User] "Sorry, my eyes are in perfect shape… Everyone found who they were looking for, so how about we break this up?" Subaru gave the girl—the one Emilia seemed to be hiding from—a dismissive reply as he directed the spotlight away from her and toward Al. He didn’t know why, but Emilia seemed averse to the attention. So Subaru did what he felt would serve her best.

[Assistant] "Well, that’s all fine… The decision to shift the talk to me instead of Princess included."

[User] “…I sympathize with you more than a bit… No, a lot."

[Assistant] Al shrugged at Subaru’s rather earnest words and looked down at the girl. "An adult with a broad mind can put up with a lot without gettin’ sick of it. Even a proud cat that’s never been housebroken. Maybe I’ve just gotten old enough to find it adorable."

[User] "Well, we’re gonna head this way… How about you?"

[Assistant] "Then I shall go that way as well."

[User] “…Then, we’re gonna head the other way."

[Assistant] "Then I shall go the other way as…"

[User] "Oh, good grief. Are you stalking me?! What, did you fall in love with me or something?!"

[Assistant] "I imagine that is a joke, and a petty one at that. Lackluster men die in lackluster ways, you know." With great pomp and ceremony, the girl, dispassionate to the bitter end, departed with her companion. Her hesitant steps proclaimed that even though she wanted them to part ways, she found it unamusing to do so.

[User] "Hey, arrogant chick, take this." So with all the invective remaining in him, Subaru said to the departing girl.

[Assistant] "What an insolent tongue to direct at me. With one command, Al could take that head off your—" As the girl turned around with some very menacing words on her lips, her red eyes widened. Her hands stretched and caught the pair of abbles lazily arcing toward her.

[User] "Take ’em. These are bonding abbles. In the end I may have won the bet, but the winner has the right to show mercy like a noble warrior.


[User] "Take care not to wander into bad guys like that from now on, okay?”

[Assistant] “I will have you know I did not become involved with those men by acting like some foolish child.”

[User] “…Incidentally, why did you get involved with them?”

[Assistant] “When I asked them if it was not inexcusable that they should live with such impoverished faces and attire, they became agitated.”

[User] “You’re the one in the wrong there! !” Subaru sympathized with Dumb, Dumber, and Dumbest all over again and turned his back to the girl, pulling Emilia along by her arm. The small measure of payback gave him some satisfaction.

[Assistant] Emilia kept her head down as she went along with him.

[User] “—Lil’ missy, thanks for comin’ with me on my search!”


[Assistant] “Hey, Emilia-tan, they’re gone now, so why don’t we talk finally?” Subaru asked. Parting ways with the arrogant girl and her guardian, Subaru and Emilia walked together for a while before stopping. He was worried that something he’d said had brought about Emilia’s sudden change in behavior.

[User] Emilia lifted up her face after a brief silence "Subaru.—About that girl from earlier… She… Where did… Why were you…?”

[Assistant] “Ehh, Emilia-tan! What, are you jealous? We’re at the point where you’re just burning with envy?”

[User] “—Subaru.” With one word, Emilia cut off Subaru’s typically glib reply. She had a solemn expression, and the tension in her cheeks told even Subaru that bad jokes weren’t going to cut it.

[Assistant] “Err? Emilia-tan, what’s with the really serious look…?”

[User] “Please, Subaru, don’t make light of this. Why were you with that girl…?” Emilia seemed to want to hear something from Subaru. It threw him off, but he sank into thought to try to give her the earnest reply she sought. But just as Subaru focused properly about things for once…his efforts were for naught as an angry, rough, and coarse shout interrupted their conversation.

[Assistant] “Finally found ya! You’re a lot of trouble, damn it! !”

[User] Subaru scanned the area, aghast. Roughnecks were on both sides, blocking the street to prevent their escape. Dumb of Dumb, Dumber, and Dumbest stood at the vanguard of the men, glaring at Subaru.

[Assistant] “I’ve been lookin’ for you and the woman to pay you back for makin’ fun of me before.”

[User] “…So you brought all your friends for payback over a war of words? No matter how much you resent an insult, a man with a spine wipes his own butt… That’s what I…always believed in…!”

[Assistant] “Hey, don’t try to make me feel bad! What do you know about me, anyway? !” Subaru listened to Dumb’s abuse, complete with spittle flying, as he quietly looked around. There were fifteen or sixteen men blocking the street.


[User] “Meaning, it’s pathetic, but the best thing I can do is rely on Emilia-tan and Puck, so…!”

[Assistant] Puck telepathically praised Subaru’s quick turn to the aid of others. "It really is pathetic, but I think it’s commendable you accept your helplessness so quickly.”

[User] Subaru felt sorry for Dumb and company, but Puck the Great Spirit could take on street thugs regardless of their numbers. It’d be WinterFest in Lugunica’s summer.

[Assistant] Puck sends a telepathic thought rich in meaning. “You have quite a disturbing image in your mind there… But apparently I’m not needed.”

[User] "—I came here tracking Subaru’s scent. What kind of disturbance is this?” Tumbling end over end as she descended, Rem held down the hem of her skirt and landed with a boom. She brushed the dust from her sleeves as everyone gawked at her.

[Assistant] Rem made an adorable little tilt of her head. “So, Subaru. Do you have something you wish to say to me?”

[User] Subaru pointed at her feet. “Let me start with, err… He’s ah, not dead, is he?”

[Assistant] Rem lowered her gaze.

[User] Head buried in the city street, the hoodlum said one last thing before he ceased to move altogether. “Not another…maid…”

[Assistant] Rem slowly nodded. “He is breathing.”

[User] “It’s all good, then!! That’s Rem for you, the all-purpose maid everyone wants in their time of need!”

[Assistant] “Oh no… Saying how you can do nothing without me, you are making me blush.” Subaru and Rem engaged in their daily routine, even as Rem’s violence had the thugs reeling.

[User] Subaru’s praised made Rem’s cheeks go red as she demurred.

[Assistant] “D-don’t toy with us here! You really think you’re gettin’ out of this alive…?” In the meantime, the men gradually regained their bearings.

[User] Rem’s voice lowered as she switched to her emotionless Work Mode. “I judge that these men are threatening Subaru and Lady Emilia’s safety.” The hooligans faltered at the change.

[Assistant] Subaru felt a pang of pity for them while raising a finger to Rem. “Rem.”

[User] “Yes?”

[Assistant] “Don’t kill them, okay?”

[User] “You are as kind as ever, Subaru—I shall half-kill them, then.” In a miraculous combination of equal parts violence and loveliness, Rem leaped into the mob. Some lunged at her only to be thrashed. Others turned tail and ran. Others still squatted down and cowered, unable to grasp what was going on—Rem heaped punishment upon them all impartially. Subaru gawked at the sight of people flying through the air like they weighed nothing.


[User] "Whoa, that’s amazing.” The impending end of the strife before his eyes filled Subaru’s head with tranquility, as if he were removed from the uproar. He never even noticed the violet eyes staring at him, nor the pleading murmur that accompanied them.

[Assistant] “—Subaru.”

[User] “So that’s why we’re gonna rough you up a little. Just a little, wee bit,” says a thug to the girl. The men blocking off the road and laughing lewdly included Dumber and Dumbest. Their group, separate from Dumb’s, had surrounded the girl and her companion. They didn’t need to put into words exactly what kind of payback they had in mind after capturing her. The vulgar lust in their eyes said it all.

[Assistant] “…Mm, bittersweet. It is indeed an abble on the inside. I am forced to conclude that the clown from earlier did not simply dye them red as some kind of joke. So abbles are indeed this color? I am shocked.” The girl paid the men around her no heed as she brought the slice of abble to her lips.

[User] “Hey, ah, Princess, you seeing what’s happening here?”

[Assistant] “Whatever you wish to say, speak it clearly. I dislike all this indirectness.”

[User] “Fine, I’ll come right out and say it.—There’s two abbles, so ain’t one of ’em mine?”

[Assistant] “Ha! How absurd. Now hear this, I caught both abbles that the clown tossed. Consequently, both are mine.”

[User] “It’s common sense that if you have two of something and two people, each of ’em takes one.”


[Assistant] The disregard of both master and servant drove the ruffians’ anger to its limit. With clear malice, each one drew his blade as they began to tighten the circle. Al asked her,

[User] “So, Princess. What about what the world around you wants?”

[Assistant] “My choice is the world’s choice. You should bear that in mind, Al.”

[User] “I try.”

[Assistant] The girl nodded with satisfaction at Al’s words and resumed nibbling on her abble. Her cheeks relaxed at the bittersweet taste, bringing an angelic smile over her beautiful face. And as if ripping off an insect’s wings with cherubic innocence, she stated matter-of-factly, "I am now in a very good mood.—Consequently, you may spare their lives.”

[User] Hearing those words, Al put his hand on the handle of the large sword sheathed horizontally behind his hip. There was a slow shing—the sound of a blade being drawn from its sheath. With that as background music, he stated,

[Assistant] “—Aye-aye, ma’am.” The smile under the pitch-black helmet was vivid and fierce.


[User] The boy raised a hand, his head feeling dizzy as he chewed over the implications. "Wait… Wait. Understand what I’m going… You’re, ah, really?"

[Assistant] "Can’t really blame you for doubting me. I couldn’t believe my ears yesterday. That stuff about how even chance meetings are the results of karma, the red threads… Haven’t heard those quotes in eighteen years."

[User] "Eighteen…? !" That outrageous length of time caused Subaru’s voice to catch in his throat. In real time, he had only been summoned one month prior. But if what Al said was true…

[Assistant] "That’s right, bro. It’s been eighteen years since I got summoned here. I lost my arm around the same time… Right around the age you are right now." Just like that, Al confessed to Subaru that he’d experienced the same situation. However, Subaru was far from overjoyed at having so easily found someone like him. Al had spent eighteen entire years in that place knocked the wind right out of him.

[User] "Did you ever find out…how, or anything…?"

[Assistant] "What, how I lost my arm, or the summoning? If it’s the arm, it was when I didn’t know right from left here. It was a plain, ordinary mistake. If you mean the summoning… I still don’t know."

[Assistant] "It’s not like I’ve looked under every rock for the reason I got called to this world… I’ve been working my ass off to survive." So Al truly had lived eighteen years in another world. Being blessed with a relationship like Subaru’s with Emilia wasn’t common. It really did hit close to home: He could very easily have lost an arm or spent his days desperately trying to live, forgetting all about the time. It was by good fortune that Subaru Natsuki was not walking a path quite that bleak.


[User] Priscilla’s haughty behavior shattered the gloomy silence that fell over the carriage. "You two men and your glum faces are dulling the luster of my dragon carriage. From what I have heard, ’tis all trifling issues of the past. Even those clownish tall tales about your homeland beyond the Great Waterfalls make for a more amusing conversation for me."

[Assistant] "Beyond the Great Waterfalls…?"

[User] "Do you not know? At the ends of the maps of the continent, the land ceases at the four corners of the world, with all washed away by great cascades of water—in other words, the Great Waterfalls. From time to time, there are rumors of people who have come from beyond them, such as you and Al. Most are simple nonsense… But Al is different."

[Assistant] "—! Why do you think that? Do you have some kind of concrete reason to think…?"

[User] "—Intuition." It wasn’t what Subaru expected, but the response fit Priscilla perfectly. "Understand? Nothing happens in this world that is not convenient for me. In other words, my intuition is not a reason, for I require none. It is an answer all by itself."


[User] "Al is a buffoon of a different breed than the other vulgar peasants and their nonsense. And…it would seem that you are, as well.”

[Assistant] “You’re unbelievable… Does it really benefit you for me, someone related to your political rival, to ride on the same dragon carriage as you?”

[User] “…How about this? I take you, someone related to my political rival, hostage and use you to blackmail her into abandoning the royal selection. Or, I deliver her your head and threaten her by telling her that she is next. Either way, ’tis a simple matter, is it not?”

[Assistant] Priscilla rolled her tongue around in delight at how Subaru’s eyes widened in distress. It was a possibility he had not even imagined until that very moment. The reason for this was simple: Subconsciously, he didn’t think he was valuable enough to capture as a hostage to bait Emilia.

[User] "Your face says that is beyond what you anticipated. That makes you an even greater buffoon, yes?”

[Assistant] Priscilla clapped her hands as if she were making sport of her own, hand-raised pet. “Judging from your eyes, you have taken the girl’s side for reasons of passion. Your mad emotions have clouded your vision, making you neglect what lies at your feet… No words exist to describe your foolishness.”

[User] Subaru was unable to even let out an ugh as he wilted before Priscilla.

[Assistant] “Hey, Princess, he’s from my homeland. Don’t tease him too much, okay?”

[User] Priscilla shrugged her shoulders as a look of tedium came over her. “I am not berating him, whatsoever. This peasant has realized his oversights and fallen into despair and gloom all by himself.—It bores me. You need not overthink things, commoner. Had I intended to use you in that manner, I would have had you dismembered in the street yesterday. That I have not done so, and invited you to ride within my dragon carriage, makes my intentions crystal clear, does it not?”

[Assistant] “…Whether you’re taking me hostage or not isn’t where my self-loathing’s coming from… I’m pathetic for not having thought of it.—And why did you get me to ride this thing, anyway?”

[User] Subaru couldn’t help but think that many of his actions had rebounded on Emilia. Priscilla’s declarations might have been hard to listen to, but they’d merely brought the facts to his attention. However harsh the lesson, it was the truth. When Subaru turned a questioning gaze toward Priscilla, she altered her position again, resting her chin on a hand.

[Assistant] “I have told you already. You are here for my entertainment.


[User] "I think it will be more amusing to bring you to the royal selection assembly than to use you as a hostage or for threats. That is my decision."

[Assistant] Subaru was taken aback by her completely unexpected thought process.

[User] "Everything in this world exists to convenience me. Furthermore, I shall decide the course of whatever I please. Whatever I decide, it shall be. Therefore, all I need to do is decide what will entertain me, and what will not. There is no inconvenience to me."

[Assistant] "—" Subaru is still dazed.

[User] The girl closed her eyes, declining to discuss the matter further. Judging from her posture and demeanor, she intended to nap until the time of their arrival.

[Assistant] Subaru looked Al’s way.

[User] The guardian raised one hand to indicate subservience to his carefree master again, sinking soundlessly into his seat.

[Assistant] Subaru was unsure whether he should do similarly and settle in for the long haul when Priscilla added,

[User] "If there is one reason beyond my amusement…"

[Assistant] "Eh—?"

[User] "The abbles."

[Assistant] After those two words to a thoroughly dumbfounded Subaru, Priscilla went silent entirely.

[User] Since her conduct made clear she would not permit him any questions or doubts, Subaru wracked his confused mind, finally coming up with a single possible answer. In other words, "The old guy at the fruit store saved my life, then…?" He recalled that, for whatever reason, the shopkeeper had been involved in a large percentage of his exploits in the royal capital. The thought of having survived thanks to something so banal and trivial provided Subaru a brief respite from his self-loathing.


[Assistant] As Subaru walked straight up the front stairs, he felt painfully aware of just what a little fish he was in that ocean. "Hey, um, am I all right here? To be honest, I’m so out of place it’s kinda scary…" Subaru looked down at his own outfit before glancing at Al, walking beside him.

[User] "Well, yeah. We’re basically party crashers. No question they aren’t rolling out the red carpet for the two of us." Al’s ever-aloof attitude suggested he had no qualms about looking far more out of place than Subaru. Apparently, his eighteen years in another world had washed away all concerns about dress codes.

[Assistant] Not only that, all eyes were on the girl walking before them—Priscilla—as she continued toward the central chamber. The corridor was decorated with paintings and other works of art, and guards in full armor lined it on the left and right, swords raised in salute. Subaru had difficulty breathing under the pressure even though he wasn’t the object of attention. In the meantime, they arrived at the end of the corridor. He raised his eyes to see an enormous pair of double doors before them.


[User] "Soldiers lining the corridor, huge doors…" The sight of the closed doors overwhelmed him with its grandeur. She felt himself standing straighter just from being in its presence, his discomfort reaching a fever pitch as she led the party onward.

[Assistant] A fully armored soldier in front of the door took a step forward, saluting her with his sword. He removed his great helm and looked over Priscilla and the others with an intellectual air. "We have been expecting you, Lady Priscilla." The man was around forty years old, give or take, with an expression that was not so much tough as stern. His face was as austere as an image carved into a boulder, giving off the air of a man who’d seen plenty of combat.

[User] She replied to his salute with a haughty nod and turned her head slightly toward Subaru and Al. "They are with me. One is my knight, and the other…my abble boy."

[Assistant] "Hey…!" He immediately started to refute Priscilla, but stopped very quickly when he realized that such a thing was impermissible in that place.

[User] His face didn’t even twitch. "—Abble boy, is it?"

[Assistant] "Yes, abble boy. He is a type of clown, bearing the exalted duty of providing me with red, bittersweet abbles. He is harmless. Surely you do not mind?"

[User] Without replying to the imperious Priscilla, the knight appraised Subaru and Al as his blue eyes faintly twinkled. "I cannot detect any dangerous magic. That sword is the only one you carry, sir knight?"

[Assistant] "………Oh, by ‘knight’ you mean me. Yes, yes, that’s right. If I see any dark-haired, mustache-twirling villains around, I’ll chop ’em in half with one hand."

[User] "Should an incident occur, please concentrate on protecting your master, Lady Priscilla, and leave the rest to us guards."

[Assistant] With his casual banter brushed off, Al halfheartedly replied, "Sure thing."

[User] The man dipped his head and shifted his gaze toward the huge doors, which slowly began to open. "Everyone is already waiting inside, so with all haste…"

[Assistant] "I am superior, so it is fitting that the masses wait for me. The reverse is impermissible, however." Entirely self-absorbed, Priscilla stepped through the door, all eyes still on her.


[User] It was a classical throne room of a royal palace. Meaning that chair had to be the throne of the King of Lugunica. After the throne caught his attention, Subaru timidly looked around the rest of the chamber. Unlike the exterior, he couldn’t see a single sword-carrying guard. Instead, he saw rows of elite troops dressed in white-themed uniforms with knights’ swords at their hips—the Knights of the Royal Guard. Farther within was a group of apparent civil officials in ceremonial dress, all men of high rank based on their appearance. Their dignified faces suited a throne room. And at the center of the room, removed from the cluster of knights and nobles, a small group of people stood in a line. And among them was— A silver-haired girl.

[Assistant] "—Subaru?" She calls out with obvious surprise, her wide-open violet eyes wavering with bewilderment, like she was unable to believe that Subaru was there.

[User] Inundated with Emilia’s shock and surprise, Subaru’s heart beat so loudly it hurt. Now that he knew Emilia was there, he felt joy, but also guilt at having betrayed her to get there. In spite of all the thoughts and feelings that had spurred him into action, he was at a complete loss for words in front of her quivering eyes. "Er, Emilia, I…"

[Assistant] "—" Even though this was what he had sought, words just wouldn’t come out. Emilia’s gaze wandered over Subaru as she, too, searched for words, but her lips were drawn tight.

[User] "What are you doing staring at my servant, you imbecile?" A touch against his back was frighteningly soft. The arms that wrapped around his chest and neck were outright bewitching. Priscilla, pressing against him from behind, rested her chin upon Subaru’s shoulder so that they gazed at Emilia together, their faces side by side.

[Assistant] "What are…! G-get off! Emilia-tan’s gonna get the wrong idea!"

[User] "The wrong idea? Do the bonds between you and I not form a deep and intimate relationship? I permit it. Come close."

[Assistant] "I didn’t give you those bonding abbles to have you use them for nefarious purposes!" As Priscilla teased, Subaru extricated himself from her and put distance between them.

[User] The apparent rejection prompted Priscilla to stomp a heel, narrowing her eyes in displeasure.


[User] "I have no recollection of such a thing. I picked up that peasant myself… And do you have proof that he is any servant of yours?”

[Assistant] Priscilla had a crafty comeback.

[User] “Fortuuunately, I do. I have looong been in the practice of marking that which is mine. My family crest should be sewed into the liiining of his uniform.”

[Assistant] “—” Priscilla’s face went blank. She looked at Subaru as if seeking confirmation of the tale.

[User] Under her gaze, Subaru turned up the sleeve of his coat and saw that there was indeed something resembling an embroidered hawk in the lining. He showed Priscilla the embroidery as well.

[Assistant] She responded with a short snort. “A cheap trick. Well, fine. Toying with the clown and the imbecile has driven away much of my tedium along the way—And besides, my vassal asked it of me.”

[User] “Princess, you promised not to mention that p…”

[Assistant] “Do not be concerned about little things. You’ll never grow taller otherwise.”

[User] “You shouldn’t expect a guy pushin’ forty to be growing anyway…”

[Assistant] Priscilla silenced Al with a glance before striding forward, not paying Subaru the slightest heed. She was heading toward the gathering at the center of the room near Emilia. Emilia stiffened when Priscilla walked close, but the orange-haired girl passed by without paying her the slightest heed. Emilia slumped her shoulders at being ignored before turning back toward Subaru.

[User] “But I must saaay, that you were found by Lady Priscilla along the way… Your jinx is truly quiiite something. I wonder what might have haaappened to you if she had not been the one to find you.”

[Assistant] “The hell? You’re not trying to tell me that peacock is famous for her vast benevolence and compassion, are you?”

[User] “Oh, nooo. I simply thought that the others might have haaad you imprisoned or cut down then and theeere. In that sense, Lady Priscilla gave you equal odds of survival, depending upon her mood.”

[Assistant] “Yeah, I get that I’m walking quite a tightrope here… You’re…not upset?” With Roswaal speaking to him like it was nothing, Subaru timidly posed the question.

[User] “Why would I be? After all, I was thiiinking that you might show up. And in truth, you have arrived. It would seem that the family creeest upon your uniform was of some value midway.”

[Assistant] “Midway…? Er, not really, I thought I was ninety percent likely to kick the bucket just now, but…” Subaru inclined his head at the odd choice of words.

[User] It was Roswaal’s face that registered surprise. “You were not stopped when entering the castle? Then just hooow did you get in to begin with?”

[Assistant] “That selfish princess picked me up outside the castle. Er, it’s a pretty long story…” They spoke past each other, each with a different understanding of the situation. But before Subaru could bridge the gap, he realized that Emilia was walking resolutely over to him.


[User] "Why…?" "—" With a single earnest word, Emilia conveyed the full gamut of conflicting emotions swirling inside her.

[Assistant] "How did you…? No, why. Why are you here, Subaru?" Her why, with the many doubts within it, made Subaru’s breath catch.

[User] "That’s…going to be a long story… I suppose I could sum it up in one word, but…"

[Assistant] "Don’t make light of this. Subaru, I told you. I told you, didn’t I? Don’t you remember…?" The way Emilia repeated her words for emphasis made Subaru shut his mouth and avert his eyes.


[User] A clear voice echoed from in front of the throne.

[Assistant] "—All have been assembled. The Council of Elders may enter." The great doors opened once more. The armored knight stationed at the door led a group of old men filing into the chamber. All the men wore robes identifying their station. Each solemn stride made plain that these were men of great dignity and experience.

[User] Subaru observed the silent procession, remarking to Roswaal with a whisper. "The Council of Elders, that’s the people running the kingdom in place of a king, right?"

[Assistant] "Formally they are an adviiisory body, but yes. Matters of state currently rest in the Council of Elders’s hands… But having said that, it is not reaaally much different from when the royal family still existed." Roswaal shrugged and stated with extreme disrespect,

[User] "It’s time, bro. We need to line up over there, not over here." Al, silent until that point, motioned with his chin toward a section with Knights of the Royal Guard neatly lined up.


[User] "Seems like it, but is it all right for me to line up over there?"

[Assistant] "The proper thing to do would be to immeeediately throw you out of the castle, but as this will be amusing, you may go with him."

[User] Her eyebrows shot up at Roswaal’s attitude. She approached to object. "Roswaal, wait a…!"

[Assistant] "Unfortunately, Lady Emilia, this is not the time or place for you to argue. If all the facts become clear, Subaru will be staying here…for a very, veeery long time."

[User] "But if we let Subaru stand over there, he’ll—"

[Assistant] "The time for argument is at an end, Lady Emilia. The conference is beginning. To the center…" Roswaal’s face tensed as he gazed at the seats around the throne, being filled by the Council of Elders that very moment. The only vacant seat left was the throne of the king at the heart of the chamber. And in front of the old men of the Council was a tidy line of people who had given off a special aura since the moment of their birth. The girl with orange hair was at the top of the list of three girls with magnificent posture, conspicuous and vibrant. Standing in the center, Priscilla put a hand on her hip and pushed her shoulders back, causing her skirt to sway slightly. Even before the elders that governed the nation, she still had that belittling look on her face. To Priscilla’s right stood a girl dressed in clothes resembling an army uniform. The color of her hair was such a deep green it nearly seemed black, but upon closer inspection, the glossy luster definitely reflected green. Her long hair was tied at the end by a white ribbon. Her beautiful, dignified face was trained straight ahead. She was tall for a girl, about the same height as Subaru, but their legs were very different lengths. On her hip, she wore a sword bearing a family crest with a lion baring its fangs. She looked like a beautiful girl disguised as a handsome man. And in contrast to the green-haired girl’s serious ambiance, the girl to Priscilla’s left with light violet hair exuded a serene image. Her wavy hair fell down to the middle of her back, looking cottony soft. She was short compared to the other two girls and wore a white dress made with generous amount of fur. Particularly eye-catching were the white fox muffler and the ridiculously large purse at her hip. All were beautiful, projecting a particular unique aura. They were clearly cut from a different cloth.

[User] Emilia bit her lip in regret, delivering Subaru a reminder before trotting back to the line of girls. "—We will discuss this later." When Emilia lined up with the others, her silver hair dancing about, her attire definitely seemed a step behind everyone else’s. However, the loveliness within excelled above all the others, at least according to Subaru.


[Assistant] "—So you did come, Subaru." He greets Subaru with a bright, friendly smile. He had flaming red hair and eyes as blue as if the very sky had been trapped in them. The only change was that he was wearing a formal royal guard uniform.

[User] "When I heard that Lady Emilia would be attending, I wondered if you might show up."

[Assistant] "That’s a crazy-high appraisal of me on your part, isn’t…? I thought the main image you had of me was pathetically crying for help and getting sliced open…"

[User] "I think you underestimate your own virtues. You, of course, protected Lady Emilia from a wicked blade, but you also made virtuous choices in other areas as well." He shrugged good-naturedly.

[Assistant] Subaru stood to Reinhard’s side, and Al to his.


[User] "Subawu, it is you!" A cat-eared girl says with a playful smile and a wave. She was dressed in a female uniform for the Royal Guard, complete with a skirt.

[Assistant] Julius gives Subaru a silent nod, standing by the cat-eared girl’s side.

[User] Subaru makes a scowl all of a sudden.

[Assistant] "Subaru, what’s with that scowl all of a sudden?"

[User] "In my homeland, they teach you to make this face when you look at an insect called archnemesis."

[Assistant] Reinhard attempts to smile as Subaru tried to hide the disgust making itself plain on his face. "I hope you don’t take this personally, Julius. It would seem Subaru does this to make a more humble first impression on people."

[User] "No, there’s no deeper meaning here. Can you not make me out to be sneakier than I am?"

[Assistant] "I do not mind, Reinhard. It is the duty of a knight to behave in a manner befitting his station.—I am Julius Juukulius of the Knights of the Royal Guard." Julius stroked his hair back as he said.


[User] "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance…and that of the good knight beside you.” After his pompous introduction, Julius tried to draw Al into the conversation.

[Assistant] “Aw, don’t get stuck on formalities, okay? Stop calling me good knight or sir knight or whatever. I’m, whatchamacallit—a common cutthroat. I’m not one of the high and mighty like you.”

[User] Subaru reflexively raised an eyebrow at his behavior. He’d thought Al was the type to get along with anybody, so his attitude toward Julius was unexpected. But unfortunately, there was no time left for a follow-up.

[Assistant] “—The gentlemen of the Council of Elders and the candidates have been assembled. If I may be so bold, I, captain of the Knights of the Royal Guard, Marcus, shall oversee these proceedings.”

[User] “Mmmm… Very well, please do.” Still at his seat, the one who crossed his arms and made a faint nod was named Miklotov.

[Assistant] Marcus, captain of the knights, nodded and presented a solemn expression to all assembled. “I have an important announcement to make to this assembly for the election of the next ruler…for the royal selection. It is for this purpose I have gathered the Council of Elders and called you all the way to the palace.” Marcus’s voice was not especially loud, yet it reverberated so that everyone in the throne room could hear. The captain of the knights had a voice fitting his title, one that marked him as a man destined from birth to lead others. “Half a year ago…beginning with the late king, the members of the royal family passed away in rapid succession. Any kingdom lacking a king is in crisis, but it is an especially grave matter for the Dragonfriend Kingdom of Lugunica, deeply related to the Covenant.”

[User] The Covenant—apparently this indicated the pact between the kingdom and the Dragon. He’d heard the term in fairy tales and in conversations at Roswaal Manor several times. However, just like the royal selection itself, there were numerous details that remained unclear to him. In that sense, Subaru was grateful for how the conference was unfolding.

[Assistant] “The kingdom’s relationship with the Dragon began several centuries prior. The king of that time, His Highness, Falseil Lugunica, and Holy Dragon Volcanica formed a covenant between them. Since that time, the kingdom has been rescued from crisis by the Dragon several times over, preserving it and its prosperity.”

[User] “Holy Dragon Volcanica is extremely faithful, with a deep sense of duty. Even many generations later, he has continued to protect us from beyond the Great Waterfalls far away.”

[Assistant] As Marcus delivered his solemn speech, Miklotov stroked his beard and nodded. “Mmmm. Furthermore, the continuance of the royal family is deeply related to maintaining the Covenant. This makes the loss of all members of the royal bloodline to plague an especially regretful matter.


[User] “A Dragon Maiden is required to begin the next era without a moment to spare.” “Renewal of the Covenant through the Dragonfriend Ceremony, a meeting of the minds with the Dragon, requires a maiden that meets select criteria. This duty was shouldered by succeeding generations of the royal family, but now we seek another to carry it.” Keeping the emotions in his voice as restrained as possible, Marcus faced the Council of Elders sitting on the dais and touched a hand against his chest. “For this purpose, we, the Knights of the Royal Guard, upon the command of the Council of Elders, have undertaken the duty of locating maidens selected by the light of the Dragon Jewels.” Marcus slid his hand into a pocket. Upon his palm, he raised up a gemstone with a tiny emblem upon it. It was one Subaru had seen many times, for it marked those qualified to participate in the royal selection. “Everyone, present your Dragon Jewels—”

[Assistant] The girls responded, presenting their own emblems. Instantly, the throne room was bathed in a vivid glow from the jewels bearing the insignia. The one in Emilia’s hand was red, and each other emblem dazzled the room with a different color. The knights sighed in wonder. Even the wrinkled faces of the Council of Elders showed a faint sign of relief.

[User] “As you can see, each of these candidates is qualified to become a Dragon Maiden. Having beheld this fact, we shall do as commanded by the Dragon Tablet and…” The solemn proceedings came to a halt at a soft voice.

[Assistant] “…Excuse me?” As Marcus’s breath caught, a girl in front of him bearing a twinkling blue Dragon Jewel inclined her head. She had violet-hair and wore a white dress. “I understand the captain wants to tell his story, but as folks say in Kararagi, time is money.” In contrast to her gentle tone and docile face, her request was as straight and to the point as a fastball. She put her Dragon Jewel away and smiled softly. “If you’re repeatin’ what we already know anyway, I’d rather hear more about why we’re here.” The demand by the girl with a peculiar accent seemed to rock Marcus back on his heels.

[User] But Subaru was rocked to a far greater degree. “Hey, wait a… No way, that’s Kansai dialect?”

[Assistant] Al, standing next to Subaru, could only whisper back in sympathy to Subaru’s murmur.


[User] "Oh, first time you’ve heard it, bro? Apparently they all talk like that in the Kararagi area to the west. I mean, I’ve never seen the place myself, but the way they talk sure stands out.”

[Assistant] To him, hailing from the same homeland as Subaru, Kansai dialect should have been familiar to him. The way he phrased things put Subaru off a little, but he suddenly became very curious about what this Kararagi land to the west was like.

[User] “She has a point.” The next girl over said, with a clear voice that echoed across the surprised occupants of the throne room.

[Assistant] As the violet-haired girl crossed her arms and tucked in her chin, the green-haired girl offered her agreement.

[User] “Lady Crusch, the head of the House of Karsten should not be…” Marcus appealed to her.

[Assistant] “Formalities may be important, but we don’t have all the time in the world. We should touch upon the reason for our being gathered as quickly as possible. In fact, I have largely guessed already.” Crusch closed one eye, surveying the Council of Elders with the others.

[User] Miklotov let out a sigh of admiration. "As expected of the Duchess of Karsten. So you already understand the meaning of this gathering?”

[Assistant] “Yes, Lord Miklotov.—A banquet, yes? We shall eventually be rivals, but there is still much we do not know about each other. By sitting us at the same table to exchange toasts, we may gain some understanding of the character of our competitors…”

[User] “No, that is not the case.” Crusch had decided the occasion was a particularly formal banquet when Miklotov interrupted.

[Assistant] The girl raised her eyebrows at his reply and slowly turned toward Subaru and the others. “Ferris, this is not what you told me.”

[User] “Oh no. All Ferri said was that they’re bringing lots of food and wine into the castle so maybe they’re going to have a banquet. Oopsie.”

[Assistant] “I see, I assumed too much. I’m sorry for doubting you.” It was an odd kind of master-servant banter, without much affection.

[User] Crusch faced the front again, letting out a small sigh as she put that brief conversation behind her. “And so, with some embarrassment, I take back my previous statement.”

[Assistant] “Oh my, Lady Crusch, you’re being way too manly…!” The girl named Ferris put a hand to her cheek with an air of concern. Apparently, she wasn’t particularly bothered that she’d leaked false information to her master. Given her current reaction, Subaru felt she’d done it on purpose.

[User] “Hey now. Just because Crusch backed off doesn’t mean my opinion’s changed. Everyone knows the gist of this royal selection thing by now, right?” The girl speaking in Kansai dialect clapped her hands in search of agreement from the other candidates.

[Assistant] Crusch nodded in reply to the question.

[User] Priscilla rudely blew it off with a small snort.

[Assistant] Emilia raised her hand a little.


[User] "I think th-that we should listen to the full story." But the girl’s treatment of Emilia was altogether too cruel.

[Assistant] "Sorry, but I’m not asking your opinion here."

[User] As if she had been struck by the hostility, pain ran across Emilia’s profile.

[Assistant] "Why, you, what’s with that attit—" As Subaru bellowed angrily, Al stepped in front of him from the side, raising his arm up high.

[User] "Yeah! I don’t know about this royal selection business, so I want to hear the rest and stuff!" As all eyes gathered on Al’s buffoonish behavior, he comically waved his hand to further establish his harmlessness.

[Assistant] "Hey, don’t look at me like that, I’m gonna blush. I know I’m really out of place, so don’t treat me like some suspicious intruder or something. You’re gonna drive a middle-aged man to tears."

[User] Marcus seemed to be the only one keeping his complete cool. "Lady Priscilla, your knight has requested it, but…would you like to hear the explanation about the royal selection?"

[Assistant] Priscilla fanned the flames in a grandiose tone. "Whether I desire it or not, you love your long-winded stories all on your own. It is a waste of time to me. Repeated words are no different than nonsense. I do not even speak nonsense in my sleep."

[User] "—That’s one you owe me. No, two now?" With Al holding up two fingers and tilting his head toward the younger boy, Subaru was grateful on the inside.

[Assistant] "By my grace, we shall follow the commoner’s view. Rejoice and dance upon my palm. Continue, Marcus. Tell my knight how I shall become monarch."

[User] The violet-haired girl slumped her shoulders and threw in the towel at Priscilla’s demeanor. "It’s really somethin’ how you pass the buck onto everyone else. I’m just gonna keep my mouth shut."

[Assistant] With a consensus seemingly forming, Marcus looked at Emilia and Crusch, with both nodding as well. "Very well, with that brief digression finished, I shall return to the topic.—You who are qualified to become Dragon Maidens are assembled here because of the prophecy carved into the Dragon Tablet. This prophecy states, ‘Should the Covenant of Lugunica lapse, the nation shall be guided by she who forms a bond with the Dragon anew.’"

[User] "Mmmm. The words on the tablet are providence itself. The Dragon Tablet, with a history at least as long as that of the Covenant, contains the words by which the fate of the kingdom shall be decided.


[User] "Considering the impact of these details upon subsequent history, surely it is our duty to obey them.”

[Assistant] The other members of the Council of Elders solemnly nodded in response to Miklotov’s words.

[User] “The Dragon Tablet, handed down by Holy Dragon Volcanica, has guided our kingdom’s path since the days of yore. They have provided the land with advance warning of various crises, from the Great Cuedegra Famine and the Nightmare of Blight Dragon Balgren, to the onslaught of the Black Serpent in recent years, enabling us to minimize the damage incurred.”

[Assistant] “Mmmm. There is no need to continue listing these achievements. They are known to all present.”

[User] In a quiet voice, Subaru raised a doubt he’d been harboring with Reinhard beside him. “I just thought of this, but if the problem’s just the Covenant with the Dragon, the Dragon Maiden doesn’t actually have to become queen, right? Can’t you have the ruler and the maiden be separate?”

[Assistant] The corners of Reinhard’s lips rose in a strained smile. “I think you have a valid point, Subaru. But it can’t be done.”

[User] “Mind if I ask why not?”

[Assistant] “Because the Covenant for the prosperity of the kingdom is formed between the Dragon and the king. The Dragon isn’t simply choosing someone able to communicate with. The pact is formed because that person is carrying a kingdom on his shoulders. In other words, the Dragon is very particular about his partners.”

[User] “But if that’s the case, won’t rushing a maiden into a monarch just annoy the Dragon more? It’s, like, I close my eyes for one moment and poof, the king is gone, and here’s a maiden to take the place of the king. Would the Dragon go for that?”

[Assistant] “That’s a fairly strong argument. But in the end, the Dragon Tablet upon which the fate of the kingdom is engraved takes precedence. That is what the Council of Elders has decided, and they have commanded us knights accordingly. I want to think that it was the right thing to do.”

[User] With one issue having been settled, Marcus’s voice echoed across the quieted gathering. “The prophecy continues thus: ‘There shall be five able to lead a new nation.


[User] Hearing that sentence from the prophecy, something tugged at Subaru’s mind and made him frown. “Five…?”

[Assistant] “Yes, five. Currently there are only four candidates—so the royal selection has not even begun yet. It is our shame that we have been unable to find a fifth.”

[User] “Your population’s, like, fifty million people, right? Finding four in half a year sounds downright speedy.”

[Assistant] Marcus finished his explanation, apologizing to the girl who’d raised the initial objection to his carrying on. “That summarizes the present circumstances. Lady Anastasia, please forgive my great rudeness.”

[User] “Don’t, don’t. This mess isn’t my fault. Happy now, Princess?”

[Assistant] “I wonder. Al, has your little head gained any new insights?”

[User] “Yeah, I’ve got it. Sorry for makin’ ya go through the trouble. Sorry to the lil’ lady from Kararagi, too.” As Al flippantly waved with his one arm.

[Assistant] “There you have it.”

[User] Anastasia—rubbed her forehead at the irresponsible master and servant and looked back up to the Council of Elders. “Anyway, if there’s still more, can we get on with it? I don’t have forever, and I got a lot to do later. You old men with the purse strings get what I’m sayin’, right?” The rudeness of Anastasia’s statement stirred the room up, and Subaru stiffened. But Anastasia seemed to have a very good read on her position, and the Council of Elders showed no sign of irritation.

[Assistant] Abruptly, Miklotov lowered his voice. “It pains me to take so much of your busy time, Lady Anastasia, but I must ask you to remain with the conference a little longer. After all…this day shall be marked in the history of the kingdom.” Though the room had gradually lost its original tension, the statement triggered an ambiance that compelled everyone to stand a little straighter.

[User] And moving the proceedings forward was Priscilla, pushing out her chest without a single ounce of shame. “So history shall move, you say, old fossils? In other words, you mean that, yes?”

[Assistant] Miklotov replied to Priscilla’s quiet question with a small nod from his perch. Then, the eyes under his thick eyebrows sought Marcus.

[User] The look was some kind of signal, as Marcus saluted and suddenly bellowed across the chamber. “—Knight Reinhard Astrea! Come!”

[Assistant] Subaru’s shoulders trembled out of the blue.

[User] Reinhard, seemingly having waited for the call, replied, “Yes, sir!” He advanced straight forward, saluting the four candidates before standing to attention before Marcus and the Council of Elders.

[Assistant] “Very well, Reinhard. Report!”

[User] “Sir!” Marcus took a step back and yielded the center of the platform. With all eyes upon him, Reinhard stepped forward and faced the Council of Elders without a single trace of timidity.


[User] "Esteemed members of the Council of Elders, I am Reinhard van Astrea of the Knights of the Royal Guard, here to report that my mission is complete."

[Assistant] "Mmmm. Say it so that all may hear."

[User] Reinhard turned around, looking over everyone in the room. "—We have finally found the fifth candidate to become Dragon Maiden, and monarch."

[Assistant] The ranks of knights stirred and formed a space between them. The expressions of the candidates changed, registering strong emotions: determination, delight, tedium, and bewilderment.

[User] "Bring her in." Reinhard curtly called. Receiving his command, two guards before the entrance saluted and slowly opened the doors.

[Assistant] Beyond them a girl, accompanied by ladies-in-waiting, was led into the throne room. When Subaru laid eyes upon her, his jaw instinctively dropped in absolute shock. The hem of her light yellow dress fluttered as her high-heeled shoes stepped upon the carpet. Her scrupulously arranged blond hair practically sparkled. The girl was remarkable for the strong determination in her red eyes and the impish appearance of her snaggletooth smile. He looked so different that he almost doubted what he was seeing. He couldn’t help but be lost for words.

[User] With Subaru paralyzed by surprise, the announcement seemed to echo against his eardrums several times over.

[Assistant] "This young lady who seeks the crown is called…Lady Felt.”


[User] “Hey meow, you got it wrong all on your own, Subawu. Ferri never said one word about being a girl.”

[Assistant] “Don’t mess with me, you bitch—correction, you bastard!”

[User] Ferris giggled, sticking his tongue out with a wink.

[Assistant] Seemed satisfied as she commented, “Everyone makes that face when they find meowt. It’s so amusing and never gets old.—Not many have such a big reaction, though.”

[User] This brought an uncharacteristic scowl to Miklotov’s face. “Mmmm. It is in poor taste to continue this, knowing what shall result, Lady Crusch.”

[Assistant] For her part, Crusch’s face firmed up again slightly as she shook her head. “It seems that you misunderstood, Lord Miklotov. I do not instruct Ferris to dress like this. All of it is of his free will.”

[User] Lodged an objection to Crusch’s words. “Though I believe it is a master’s duty to see that a vassal is appropriately dressed…”

[Assistant] Crusch’s eyes narrowed in response. “It is a master’s duty to see that a vassal is appropriately dressed, you say? In that case, I indeed desire that Ferris be dressed as he is now. Do you understand why?”

[User] "Why, I wonder?”

[Assistant] “It is very simple.—One should be attired in the manner that makes one’s soul shine the brightest. Ferris’s current attire suits him far better than knightly armor, just as I wear my own outfit because it suits me better than any dress.” Crusch pushed out her chest in a display of personal pride as she spoke.

[User] As Ferris stood beside her, he—or rather, he—smiled at the sight of his gallant master.

[Assistant] The sight of Crusch so poised made Rickert lose all stomach for an argument. As he kept his silence, Subaru too could not help but feel his chest stir in the face of Crusch’s composure.

[User] Remarked, in a voice that seemed rather loud considering the circumstances, “That is Lady Crusch for you… Among the candidates, she is the first to voice her opinion but also the one with the strongest support. Whatever she says, she speaks with a different sense of confidence than the others.”

[Assistant] “What do you mean?” Subaru asked Reinhard from the side.

[User] “The House of Karsten that Lady Crusch heads is a family of dukes and duchesses that have supported the Kingdom of Lugunica since early in its history. The house has proven its loyalty to the nation through many deeds. And the wisdom with which Lady Crusch herself leads as such a young duchess makes her the favorite of the royal selection.”

[Assistant] “So she’s… I see, the favorite based on early scoring.” Even Subaru, lacking detailed knowledge of ranks and titles, knew that she was only a few steps removed from the top of the pyramid. With the royal family wiped out, public opinion probably favored someone close to the late king. The faint murmur spread through the hall as people all around nodded to each other about Crusch’s superiority.


[User] Apparently, her being the favorite in the royal selection was something to accept as fact. However, it was Crusch herself who interrupted the murmurs. “It would seem many here harbor a minor misconception.”

[Assistant] As calm returned to the hall, she nodded with a composed look. “I strive to be fully aware of what everyone expects by having me take the throne. The House of Karsten is a house that has carried great authority and political influence for many years. Should I succeed as monarch, politics and national policy are guaranteed to continue without so much as a ripple… Correct?”

[User] Several people in the chamber nodded as they listened to Crusch’s eloquent speech.

[Assistant] “I regret to dash your expectations, but I can guarantee no such thing.”

[User] The throne room briefly fell silent, only to erupt in an earthquake several seconds later.

[Assistant] “What’s the meaning of this? !” several of those assembled exclaimed as Crusch looked up at the dais, her expression unchanged.

[User] She shook her deep green hair as her gallant gaze looked past them to a mural etched on the wall behind the royal throne. “The Dragonfriend Kingdom of Lugunica… This nation has remained prosperous by honoring the Covenant made with the Dragon long ago. Thanks to the Dragon, various crises have been averted, from war, to plague, to famine. The word Dragon has never vanished from the kingdom at any point through its long history.”

[Assistant] As everyone mulled over the meaning of her words, Crusch folded her arms and scanned the gathering.

[User] “For the most part, prosperity brought by reaching the Covenant with the Dragon has been a good thing. If war arises, the Dragon breathes and burns our enemies away. If there is plague, it employs its mana to heal people. If there is famine, soaking the soil with Dragon’s Blood grants the blessing of bounty. And so, the guidance of the Dragon has saved us from hardship and guaranteed our glory—”

[Assistant] In spite of the glowing details on Crusch’s lips, her face did not brighten.

[User] Under the silent attention of the entire assembly, she remarked, “Let me ask you.—Do you not think it is shameful?” The chamber returned to silence with an even greater sense of tension than before. But if one were to compare the emotions of its occupants, the most heated, raw anger was without doubt coming from Crusch, standing before the throne. “The Covenant guarantees we will be protected from any crisis and any hardship so long as we uphold it. And so, we have descended into softness and depravity, relying now upon a change of leadership for its continuation.


[User] "To think that you take this for granted.” Crusch’s stern lecture spurred one among the Council of Elders to rise, his voice shaking with anger.

[Assistant] “—You go too far, Lady Crusch! I cannot permit anyone to make light of the Covenant! Do you have any conception of the sacrifices the kingdom has been spared since the Covenant with the Dragon long ago…? Are you denying the weight of history itself? !”

[User] “I have already stated that this past prosperity is mostly a good thing. No words have passed my lips claiming that I myself have not been a beneficiary of its blessing. The House of Karsten was born with the kingdom and has shared in its glory. Had a crisis destroyed the kingdom, my house would have shared its fate. Whenever the Dragon has saved the nation, it has saved my house as well.” Crusch paused briefly. “However, the future is a different matter. Do you think nothing of the pathetic sight you make at this moment? Have you not ceased to use your minds because you cling to the Dragon and the Covenant? When war, plague, and famine assail the kingdom anew, is there nothing we can do but sing the Dragon’s praises?”

[Assistant] “That is—”

[User] “This nation has relied upon the writings of the Dragon Tablet for too long, becoming so soft and weak that it cannot stand on its own power. The nation takes for granted that the Dragon and prophecy will aid it whenever it is shaken. But can you argue that we have strived to avoid such matters from occurring to begin with? A number of calamities in recent years, including the failure of the Great Subjugation fourteen years ago, are things we courted through that weakness.” Everyone held their breath in shock, eyes wide at Crusch’s declaration. Bathed in gazes of shock and anger, she raised a fist and nobly declared, “If the kingdom is to crumble without the Dragon’s protection, then crumble it should. A nation too blessed stagnates, that stagnation courts corruption, and corruption brings about its demise. That is what I think.”

[Assistant] “Are you… Are you saying you will destroy the nation? !”

[User] “No. If the nation is to crumble without the Dragon, we should become the Dragon ourselves. Everything that the kingdom has relied upon the Dragon for until now should be borne by king, minister, and people. Furthermore…” Crusch took a deep breath. “When I become king, I will make us forget about the Covenant with the Dragon until now, come what may. The Dragonfriend Kingdom of Lugunica belongs not to the Dragon, but to us.”

[User] “Hard times await us. Perhaps they will be disasters we averted in the past due to the Dragon’s power, or perhaps even greater calamities. But I do not wish to live in a manner that shames my very soul.” Crusch’s voice dropped. She shook her head and lowered her gaze. “I have long harbored doubts about the state of the kingdom.


[User] "I believe that this course of events is a Heaven-sent opportunity to set it right.” In terms of loyalty to the late king, or lack thereof, it was a blasphemous statement for which one could be cut down on the spot.

[Assistant] Subaru took in all of Crusch’s words. “The nobles are right in theory, but…” A lot of what she said is hard to deny, he thought to himself. Looking around, he saw he wasn’t the only one; no one was willing to raise a voice against the girl’s boldly voiced argument. Here was a girl willing to smash the history of the kingdom—the very essence of what it took to be a monarch.

[User] Miklotov, having listened to Crusch’s claims to the very end, passed matters along to Ferris, standing beside her. “Mmmm. We understand Lady Crusch’s point of view. Now then, Sir Felix Argyle, is there anything you wish to add?” Apparently, it was the place of the vassal to advocate for the master.

[Assistant] “Thank you for asking, but I have nothing further to add. Lady Crusch’s thoughts are exactly as she says. And history will prove that Lady Crusch’s actions are correct.—I have no doubt whatsoever that it is my master who shall become king.” Ferris solemnly bowed at his slender hips as he expressed his immense trust.

[User] Then his face returned to its usual fawning expression as he smiled at Crusch. “Lady Crusch, you’re just as incredible as ever. Ferri’s swooning—”

[Assistant] “From time to time, I fail to understand what you are saying, Ferris.—But I forgive you. You would never do anything that costs me.” The warm regard for Ferris in Crusch’s eyes made the strength of their relationship plain.

[User] With the conclusion of that expression of trust in Crusch, Miklotov briefly set things in order. “Mmmm, we have finally heard from one person… Mmm, though it seems her opinions have created quite a stir.” To the Council of Elders and the civil officials, the plans of the candidate with the strongest backing were a thunderbolt out of the blue. It was evident the entire exchange had alienated many would-be supporters. But anyone hearing that speech would harbor no doubt that those who supported her held the highest trust in her possible.

[Assistant] “I still don’t know how they’re actually gonna pick someone, though…” Subaru remarked to himself. The whole point of this display was to determine how they would go about it. The lack of hard-and-fast rules meant that all he could do was keep watching the debate, mixed feelings notwithstanding.

[User] Marcus, having apparently regained his composure, proceeded. “Then, let us continue, following with the next in line beside Lady Crusch.”

[Assistant] The orange-haired girl stepped forward with an arrogant look on her face. “Hmph, finally. It’s Hyper Priscilla Time, then.”

[User] “Just now, did she say, Hyper Priscilla Time…?” Subaru was in complete shock at the strange combination of words.

[Assistant] Al walked over and stood at Priscilla’s side, giving her a thumbs-up like he was taking credit.


[User] "It would seem that the riffraff’s eyes are all upon my gorgeous self.”

[Assistant] “You used that pretty nicely, Princess. Totally nailed ’em with a big uppercut.”

[User] Ignoring the fact that the looks regarded her less as “amazing” than “bizarre,” Priscilla thrust her shoulders back in pride at Al’s off-the-mark flattery. “Very well, Lady Priscilla Bariel, if you please…”

[Assistant] “Though it pains me, I shall humor you. I need only demonstrate my majesty to the old fossils and establish that they should simply choose to obey me, yes? A simple matter.” As she spoke, she pulled a fan out of the yawning gap of her cleavage, loudly snapping it open and using it to conceal her mouth as she giggled. Her adorable looks clashed with her evil, sadistic laugh. “—The Bloody Bride. What gall.” Such words of deep, seething resentment ran across the entire chamber.


[User] Thanks to Crusch’s explosive declaration, the atmosphere in the hall was far from warm. The murmurs chilled the air frostier still. And the prologue of the royal selection had barely begun.

[Assistant] Without hesitation, Priscilla cut through the disquiet governing the chamber with a thoroughly wearied voice. “Such boring, insignificant jeers. I am so accustomed to them that they do not even serve as a lullaby.” She was no doubt referring to the reaction around her moments earlier, including boisterous jeers that called her the Bloody Bride. Priscilla did not let it bother her, nor did she make any attempt to refute them.

[User] Following Priscilla’s statement, Miklotov interrupted inquisitively. “This has been on my mind since well before. Bariel… As in, Mr. Lyp Bariel? Mmm. Now that I think of it, I have not seen any sign of Mr. Lyp. Where is he…?”

[Assistant] “That lewd old man suddenly went senile half a year ago. He remained unable to tell the difference between dream and reality, and passed away but a few days later.”

[User] “What, Mr. Lyp has…? Mmmm. Lady Priscilla, what does that make your relationship to Mr. Lyp?” With Miklotov expressing surprise, Priscilla dully commented on the death of her partner.

[Assistant] “I suppose it makes me his widow. He had not touched me with so much of a fingertip, so our relationship is, quite literally, in name alone.”

[User] Al promptly stated, “Princess, isn’t it just a little too harsh to put it that way?”

[Assistant] Priscilla paid him no heed, sweeping her gaze across the crowd as if daring anyone else to complain. “A meaningless death to end a worthless life. If the life of that old man had any meaning whatsoever, it is in the fact he transferred his entire estate to me. Accordingly, the House of Bariel is mine.” Her stare only increased the discontent in the hall, but no one actually lodged an objection. Even Rickert, having protested against Crusch with such vehemence, apparently lacked the courage to enter a war of words with an opponent immune to logic.

[User] And so, Miklotov replied, “Mmm. I understand, then.


[User] As Mr. Lyp was an acquaintance of many years, I regret to hear of his passing…

[Assistant] But I see that your claim is on firm ground, Lady Priscilla.”

[User] "But of course." Priscilla arrogantly nodded.

[Assistant] Though I would like to press for further details, does the knight beside you have anything to add?

[User] "Aahhh… Ah, me?" Al’s yawning reply did a splendid job of drawing the antagonism all around him. It was as if the servant was cooling off the heat that his master had brough to the hall.

[Assistant] "Yes, you. Your attire is highly unusual. I have not seen you among the Knights of the Royal Guard…and your helm?"

[User] "Oh, can you tell? This was made in Volakia down south. It was a lot of trouble getting it out of there. It’s tough, so it’s held up for a long while. Also, it looks cool, so it’s pretty important."

[Assistant] "A Volakia Empire…? Then, you are not assigned to the Knights of the Royal Guard."

[User] "I’ve cut all my connections to Volakia. Now I’m a wanderer who goes with the flow… So please, just call me Al. Also, you seem a little upset that I’m not showing you my face… Can you gimme a break on that?" Al’s profusion of rude statements drew even sharper glares.

[Assistant] Under so much attention, Al deftly slipped his one hand under the chin of his helmet and began to lift it up.

[User] "Urk—!" Out of the blue, someone let out a pained cry as the helm rose to about mouth level.

[Assistant] "So y’see, my face is a sorry sight. That’s why I hope you permit me the discourtesy of keeping my face covered in front of everyone."

[User] "This may be an even greater discourtesy… If you hail from Volakia with such wounds, were you a Sword Slave by any chance?"

[Assistant] "Hehhh, that’s the captain of the knights for you. That Empire likes to keep its secrets, but apparently you know a thing or two about the darker parts of it. Yes, I was a Sword Slave, a ten-odd-years vet at that." Murmurs spread across the chamber once again as the term Sword Slave was repeated on the lips of many a knight.

[User] "I take it you were in a battle or two, then?"

[Assistant] "That’s the size of it, bro. I messed up when I was young and lost an arm that way, y’see." Al, ever playing the fool, didn’t flinch from discussing the gruesome experience.


[User] Subaru was shaken by the impact even more than the rest. Back in the dragon carriage, Al hadn’t said much about his own body. He downplayed the cause of losing his other arm and dodged the subject of his helmet altogether. But Subaru had been subconsciously avoiding that subject, too. After all, just like him, Al had been summoned there from another world—in other words, his experiences hit Subaru very close to home. Losing an arm, having his face scarred up to the point he couldn’t show it to anyone else—that was a future Subaru, with countless scars already carved into his body, could easily have encountered for himself. If the icy chill running up his spine was any indication, Subaru would never have been able to endure it.

[Assistant] “Mmmm. Hailing from the Empire of Volakia… Is that why you came to stand at Lady Priscilla’s side?”

[User] “Not at all. It is the result of a little game of mine. From the beginning, my becoming king was as good as divine providence. The result will be the same regardless of my vassal. And so, I am free to select the vassal that I like. As a showpiece, this man is sufficiently amusing and then some.”

[Assistant] “How did you come to select him, then?”

[User] “What, you want to know?—I caught sight of him in a bodybuilding contest I held on my estate, with the winner to be offered the job of my vassal. It was an amusing sight.” Priscilla gave Al a glance rich in meaning as she replied to Miklotov.

[Assistant] “Mmmm, I see. So he was the winner of that contest, I ta…”

[User] “Nah, I didn’t win it. Life’s not kind enough for a one-armed guy to beat a pack of beefy bodybuilders. I was lucky to round out the top five at the victory ceremony.”

[Assistant] Miklotov’s face registered surprise that Al would interrupt even him. “My word. Then how did you become Lady Priscilla’s vassal…?”

[User] Priscilla straightened with pride as she gave Al’s back a hard slap. “I told you. I am free to pick whomever I please.”

[Assistant] Al yelped a loud, dry Ahhnn! audible to all.

[User] “To begin with, my keen eyes allowed me to discern that he is a physical wonder, far more than a collection of dim-witted louts overconfident in their muscle-bound arms. And more than that, only he boasted an escape from Volakia and a birth beyond the Great Waterfalls.” Priscilla briskly concluded her tale, loudly stomping with a high heel as all eyes fell upon her. “And so, I selected Al to be my vassal. It is providence that my selection of Al, and my path to become king, shall both shine in accordance with my glory.” She did not bear even the smallest molecule of doubt or hesitation. She was so full of confidence it was frightening.

[Assistant] “You say that…Heaven has chosen you…?”

[User] “But of course."


[User] "After all, nothing happens in this world that is does not benefit me. Furthermore, ’tis I who is worthy of becoming king, and no other. You need only bow before me and serve.” Everyone was agape at her insolent declaration.

[Assistant] The only one unaffected by her haughtiness was the man who called the girl his master. “Princess, what’s your basis for all that?”

[User] "’Tis very simple. Serving me means siding with the winner. You may have anything you desire; I allow it. But I shall not permit you to serve anyone else. That is all.” Priscilla brushed her orange hair back, raising her hand in a lofty wave toward the heavens. It was a gesture that meant, I have said all that there is to say. With that, she turned her back to the Council of Elders on the dais and walked away.

[Assistant] Before turning his back to follow, her knight looked up at the dais and said, “You might not like how she says it, but Princess is on the money. If she wants something, so long as she doesn’t change her mind, she gets it.—That’s because the heavens themselves have chosen Priscilla. I’m sure you’ve heard how the old… Er, Mr. Lyp’s lands have bounced back lately?” Al sent a meaningful look in Marcus’s direction.

[User] “We have already confirmed this for ourselves. Following the passing of Mr. Lyp Bariel, Lady Priscilla took control of policy within his lands…resulting in the region’s unprecedented prosperity.”

[Assistant] "Well, don’t mistake that as us working hard for the sake of everyone else or something, okay? Princess’s guesses are always on the mark like she’s a natural. She’s just right about everything, no ifs, ands, or buts.”

[User] "Well, if you’re under Princess, you can do whatever you want. If you’re gonna bet on the winning horse, I think it’s best to do it sooner rather than later, though.” It was as if both master and servant, so full of confidence, had forgotten their humility back in their mothers’ wombs. When they returned to their place among the candidates, the tension in the air relaxed as a matter of course.


[Assistant] "A cross-dressing guy and pretty-girl combo, a rich widow and a guy from another world, this is totally genre-breaking stuff here…” As Subaru murmured, the royal selection ceremony continued on.

[User] “Next, then, is Lady Anastasia, and her knight, Sir Julius Juukulius. Come forward!” The girl reacted elegantly, but Priscilla had left vestiges of feverish agitation hovering over the chamber.

[Assistant] That was when Julius lifted a hand up to the sky and swung it downward. The dry crackle echoed, forcing an inescapable change in the atmosphere.

[User] “Thank you kindly,” smiling pleasantly as she advanced. Julius stood at her side. —Thus the most conventional-looking master and servant advanced to the fore.

[Assistant] Faced with the next royal candidate, Subaru cleared his thoughts and focused ahead once more.


[User] “If y’all expect me to be as intense as those last two, I’m in a bit of a bind. I doubt you’d want me to come on too strong, so I guess my gimmick is that I don’t have one.” Her demeanor and pleasant smile relaxed some of the tension in the room.

[Assistant] “Now then, I—Anastasia Hoshin—will speak for a spell. I hope you’ll forgive my indiscretion, since I’m an outsider and all.”

[User] Julius strokes the front of his hair in an unnecessarily polished motion to draw attention to himself. “I am Lady Anastasia’s knight, Julius Juukulius. Please be gentle with her.”

[Assistant] Subaru finally reasoned that the talk about her “gimmick” was a high-level joke. But what he couldn’t get out of his head was the contrast of Anastasia’s accent.

[User] “With that peculiar accent, are you a native of Kararagi, then?”

[Assistant] “Exactly. I was born in Kararagi to the lowest class in the League of Free Trading Cities.”

[User] Miklotov’s eyes narrowed slightly at that. “Mmmm. The lowest class—then what is your connection to Lugunica?”

[Assistant] “I was born in the lowest class, but now I have a right proper mansion in the city. I have stores in a host of other cities… That’s how I first imposed on Lugunica.”

[User] “She serves as chairwoman of the Hoshin Company, the most influential company in Kararagi. For many years, this position in her nation was occupied by the Lushika Industrial Company, but thanks to Lady Anastasia’s personal commercial genius, it was reconstituted under a new name, the Hoshin Company.”

[Assistant] Standing beside Julius, Anastasia’s eyebrows peaked as if she were a little embarrassed.

[User] “Accompanying its vast expansion across Kararagi, there was talk of expansion into Lugunica as well. That was the impetus for my meeting Lady Anastasia for the first time.”

[Assistant] “Mmmm. So in spite of being born to humble beginnings, she established herself as a brilliant young merchant… I must say, this reminds me of the tales of the founder of Kararagi itself.”

[User] As Miklotov’s lips bent into a smile, Anastasia clapped her hands together, and her eyes sparkled. “Yes, exactly. I always looked up to that man, Hoshin of the Wastes. When the time came to establish my family name as a merchant, I decided to adopt the name Hoshin in his honor.”

[Assistant] “Hoshin is the name of a great man known across the entire continent, revered from ancient times to the present. To name yourself after him… I see, a splendid display of spirit.”

[User] Even Subaru had heard of Hoshin of the Wastes.


[User] “One of the great things about Kararagi is how it gave a gal like me a fair shot. It turns out I have a real knack for sniffing out the scent of gold, and it’s fun, too.” Subaru saw that these statements were creating a considerable stir all around.

[Assistant] “Lady Anastasia’s commercial genius is a divine gift… It is no exaggeration that she rivals Hoshin himself. My own lack of ability in this area leaves me envious of her.” Julius’s rhetorical flourish drew a generous nod from Miklotov.

[User] “My, my, she must be quite something indeed for ‘The Finest of Knights’ to boast of her so.”

[Assistant] "Did I hear wrong? Did he just call him ‘The Finest of Knights’…?” Subaru, unable to accept that last sentence, asked the man beside him.

[User] “That is what they call him. Among the Knights of the Royal Guard of the Kingdom of Lugunica, Julius is second only to Marcus, captain of the guard. There is a vice captain, but it is a ceremonial position that exists in name only, so it’s best to think of it as vacant. In skill with a sword, employment of mana, pedigree, and exploits, Julius fulfills all the qualifications of a knight and is second to none. He is without question worthy of being called ‘The Finest of Knights.’” Reinhard replied to Subaru’s question matter-of-factly.

[Assistant] “But when people in the capital talk about the ‘knight among knights,’ they’re talking about you, right? You’re really well known, plus you never denied it, right?”

[User] “The qualifications for that nickname are somewhat different. Certainly, in terms of strength with the sword alone, I’m stronger than Julius. I have yet to meet someone stronger than I am.” Just like that, he declared he was mightiest of all. Subaru wasn’t sure how to respond to that, but Reinhard wasn’t boasting. If anything, his eyes were filled with envy, his lips pursed taut.


[Assistant] “It is plain that relations between master and servant are very good. Mmmm. Lady Anastasia, there is something I wish to ask you.—You are a native of Kararagi. What is your purpose in seeking to be king?”

[User] “Ahh, so my birthplace really bothers you, doesn’t it?” It was a natural subject to raise. Nations existed in this world, too, meaning that borders existed between states and peoples.


[User] Subaru didn’t know how high the barriers were, but even in a state of emergency, the throne of your own kingdom was not something to hand to a visitor from another nation lightly. The entire chamber held its breath as Anastasia, surrounded by the tension, smiled wryly. “Y’all have such high expectations, it’s makin’ me nervous. Unfortunately, I don’t have any high ideals like Miss Crusch, or Miss Priscilla confidence that she’s been chosen for greatness.”

[Assistant] “Surely you are not saying…the Dragon Jewel responded to you purely by chance?”

[User] “Ah-ha-ha, if it was like that even I wouldn’t show my face here. ’Course I’ve got a goal of my own.—You see, I’m actually real greedy.”

[Assistant] The declaration, so at odds with what was expected, made most present doubt their ears. “I think I’ve been greedier than normal since I was teeny-tiny. The reason I became a first-rate merchant with a nose for gold is because I want it more than everyone else.”

[User] “You want it more?”

[Assistant] “As a maid at the first little company I worked for, I made a couple suggestions to the owner and they were big hits, so I got involved in bigger and bigger deals, and soon I was livin’ so large I forgot I what it was like to be low class. It should have been fun, but I found out I wasn’t free. I was even less free than before.” Anastasia, counting on her fingers the steps she had climbed, shook her head. “…Mmmm. And why was that?”

[User] “…Mmmm. And why was that?”

[Assistant] “That’s the scary part about greed. The more you get your hands on, the more you wanna get your hands on. ‘I want this. I want that.’ It’s not enough. It’s never enough—and that’s when I realized it.” Anastasia grinned as she pointed toward her feet. It was clear what she was indicating—the palace itself. “I’m greedy, so I want anything around. But I’m not satisfied yet. I don’t know what real fulfillment feels like. So I want a country of my own.”

[User] “You are saying, you want this kingdom to weigh your greed?”

[Assistant] Anastasia responded to Miklotov’s rebuke with a robust smile. “Hey, if that smashes my scale to bits, smash away. I’ll be real happy to have my fill and be totally satisfied.” In other words, she was announcing that she sought the royal throne out of her own avarice. “But if gettin’ my hands on the kingdom isn’t enough… I’ll probably use this country as a stepping-stone to get even more.”

[User] “And what shall become of the kingdom if you obtain it, yet it holds no value for you?”

[Assistant] “I told you, didn’t I? I’m greedy. So once somethin’s mine, it’s mine through thick and thin. And if I get an even stronger hankering, I use whatever I have to satisfy it."


[User] "My life in Kararagi, the Hoshin Company, and all the people who work there, they’re all part of my drive for fulfillment. I would never throw them away. So…" Anastasia swept her gaze over the faces of everyone in the chamber.

[Assistant] "—How about you just relax and become mine?" She looked across the chamber with the same warm, gentle smile she had initially worn. Her way of thinking was founded on desire, but that made her argument very simple. She wanted the throne for her own desires, and, from the day it was hers, she’d work tirelessly for the prosperity of the kingdom. She wouldn’t throw it away, given that her personality demanded she make anything she owned into something greater and grander than before. That was her message.

[User] "Mmmm. Lady Anastasia has surely pressed her claim sufficiently. Do you have anything to add, Sir Julius?"

[Assistant] With his master’s speech concluded, it was time for the vassal to make his case. Both had argued beforehand about the master’s fitness to be king, but Julius stepped in front and indicated Anastasia with his hand as he said, "Lady Anastasia used the word greed to express her desires, but put another way, this reveals the depth of emotion behind her ambition. On the other hand, from a business point of view, she is able to make any decision without emotional involvement, an indispensable quality in a statesman."

[User] "Mmmm. Certainly, it is as you say."

[Assistant] "Furthermore, as I stated earlier, Lady Anastasia is a brilliant businesswoman—something this kingdom desperately needs at this hour. Repeated, serious clashes with neighboring nations—in particular, skirmishes with the Empire—have drained our coffers; with the large famine last year, the finances of the Kingdom of Lugunica are in a precarious state." Faces went red as Julius abruptly touched upon the nation’s dirty laundry.

[User] "I believe such details ought not to be so lightly divulged in a public place, Sir Julius."

[Assistant] "The importance of financial reconstruction to the nation has been common knowledge for several decades now. I do not feel any reason to hide this from those assembled here. Do you not think that the very reason the affairs of the nation have stagnated is because we have averted our eyes from this difficult financial state for so long?"

[User] "So a mere knight speaks to us about political affairs beyond his purview…?"

[Assistant] "That’s right. These affairs will affect the House of Juukulius very little. Even if we avert our eyes, it surely will be nothing irreversible for my generation. However, even if my house will emerge unscathed, I cannot ignore the matter of the throne I serve falling into distress." With veins bulging from the foreheads of the Council of Elders, Julius looked back at Anastasia.

[User] "However, the Hoshin Company has connected us to the extreme prosperity enjoyed in Kararagi, bringing a fresh wind to Lugunica. I have seen for myself that Lady Anastasia is worthy to be king if we continue along this path.


[User] "What can you call this, if not fate?” Perhaps Julius had been overcome by fervor, for his tenor rose and his words quickened. “If Heaven chooses the king, then it has chosen Lady Anastasia. I, devoted to the Royal Family, having pledged my loyalty to the kingdom, hereby declare that Lady Anastasia is worthy of the throne.—I thank you for lending me your ears.” Julius behaved much like a stage performer as he summarized his address for the audience.

[Assistant] Yet, even then, Marcus’s calm expression did not waver. “Sir Julius, may I judge this sufficient?”

[User] “Yes, thank you very much,” Julius stated, probably accustomed to the attitude of his superior officer, and returned to Anastasia’s side.

[Assistant] “You were splendid, Lady Anastasia. It is indeed a place such as this where your flower may truly bloom.”

[User] “Yes, yes, you are very kind. Sheesh, you didn’t need to say that. It’s so embarrassing.” A red-faced Anastasia fanned herself with a hand as she returned with Julius to the other candidates.

[Assistant] After a brief silence, Marcus called the name of the silver-haired girl who had kept her silence to that point. “Then, the next candidate—Lady Emilia.”

[User] She was the only candidate lacking a knight of her own.

[Assistant] After her name was called, she raised her head. From the side, Subaru could see worry on her pale, beautiful face, but, with a look of strong determination, Emilia replied. “Yes.” She stepped forward. Her part in the royal selection had now begun.


[User] —That was when Subaru Natsuki had a thought. 5 The instant Emilia’s right hand and foot moved forward together in her first step to the center, Subaru thought…I’ve gotta do something.

[Assistant] On any normal day, he could fully appreciate how adorable she looked—E M P (Emilia-tan’s Majorly a Puppy)—but it boded ill under the circumstances.

[User] Somehow, even though Emilia’s hands and feet were moving at a normal clip, he noticed that her stride seemed strained just before she reached the center.

[Assistant] The Council of Elders gazed down at her as she stepped forward. And yet, the whispers did not stop. Repeatedly, Subaru’s ears picked up the word half-demon.

[User] Reinhard moved to soothe Subaru’s nerves, raw from the unpleasant atmosphere. “—It’s all right, Subaru. You need not worry.”

[Assistant] “Don’t read my thoughts like that. Am I an open book here?”

[User] “Foul words are overcome by seeing a person’s qualities before your very eyes. Believe in Lady Emilia.”

[Assistant] But Subaru should have been the one to assert this. Having Reinhard say them to him left a nameless disappointment in his chest.

[User] Following Reinhard’s statement, the chitchat receded like the tide as if to prove him right.

[Assistant] Roswaal had advanced to stand by Emilia’s side.


[User] Seeing Roswaal next to Emilia, Marcus, the master of ceremonies, bowed his head with a weighty look. “Then, Lady Emilia, and Lord Roswaal L. Mathers, if you please…”

[Assistant] “Yes, yeees. Myyy, following in the footsteps of all these knights, I feel so teeerribly out of place.” He prodded Emilia with an “Am I?”

[User] He earned no reaction. A normal response may have been too much to hope for given her tension from moments before. Roswaal’s insensitivity rubbed Subaru’s nerves even rawer. But he instantly set even those strong feelings aside a moment later.

[Assistant] “Members of the Council of Elders, it is my pleasure to meet you for the first time. My name is Emilia. I have no family name. Please, simply call me Emilia.” Her name, spoken with a voice clear as a bell, seemed to engrave itself upon the very hearts of all present. Her voice did not quaver, and she gazed forward, steady and strong. Subaru had to wonder where all that anxiety from a moment ago had gone. Emilia, stating her name before the Council of Elders, was not to be outmatched by the other candidates whatsoever.

[User] “And I am the humble man nominating Lady Emilia, Roswaal L. Mathers, bearing the rank of Marquis. We are grateful for the Council of Elders’ valuable time.”

[Assistant] Miklotov stroked his beard while directing where the conversation should proceed. “Mmmm. So she is nominated, not by the Knights of the Royal Guard, but by the Court Magician. I would very much like to hear the details of why this is so.” Miklotov gave Emilia a penetrating once-over.

[User] To Roswaal, he continued, “Please provide us details about the candidate Lady Emilia, including her lineage.”

[Assistant] “Understood. First, though I believe all present are well aware, I shall begin with the circumstances of Lady Emilia’s biiirth. As you can see from her lovely silver hair, her skin so pale one can nearly see through her, violet eyes that seem to capture the very soul, and her voice, like a silver bell, one echoing unforgettably in the ears, even in one’s dreams. As you well know, these enchanting qualities are proof that elven blood flows through Lady Emilia’s veins.”

[User] A bald old man sitting among the Council of Elders interrupted Roswaal’s explanation. “And the other half of her blood is human—in other words, she is a half-elf?” A vein bulged on the large-framed old man’s forehead, hatred in his eyes shooting through Emilia as he spat out, “How dare you. Have you no shame, bringing this silver-haired half-demon filth before the royal throne?”

[Assistant] “Mr. Bordeaux, your words go too far.”

[User] “Mr. Miklotov, do you not understand? A silver-haired half-demon with an appearance matching the Witch of Jealousy as handed down by the old tales! She once consumed half of the world; she leads all living things to despair, chaos, and annihilation!


[User] "Do not claim ignorance!”

[Assistant] “—” “How much do you think your appearance and lineage alone makes others tremble? You ask us to place such a being on the royal throne? Inconceivable. Even the commoners of other nations would call us a collection of madmen, to say nothing of the people of the Dragonfriend Kingdom of Lugunica—the nation where the Witch sleeps!” Bordeaux stomped his foot, his arms wide as he shouted, his tone and manner frayed. Even this act brought no reaction from Emilia. The atmosphere in the hall chilled at once.

[User] “Master Bordeaux, are quiiite finished?”

[Assistant] “If you ask whether that is all I have to say, then I have not said nearly enough. Do you even comprehend what you have done, High Sorcerer of the Court?” Bordeaux seemed like he was trying to cow Roswaal into submission.

[User] “I understand veeery much. Master Bordeaux, speaking on behalf of the Council of Elders, expresses that the reaction of the populace upon seeing Lady Emilia would be of conceeern, yes?” Roswaal raised a finger. “Howeeever, perhaps you have forgotten, Master Bordeaux? The issue of which you speak has no beaaaring upon the royal selection whatsoever.”

[Assistant] “…What do you mean?”

[User] Roswaal lowered his voice as he looked up at the Council of Elders. “If I may, it is preciiisely as Lady Priscilla stated at the beginning. Even if as a mere formality, there are five candidates, so the royal selection may begin. And if it begins, one need merely see it through, yes?”

[Assistant] “Mmmm. In other words, you are saying that what is important is that the Dragon Jewel chose Lady Emilia, and that her actual suitability to succeed as monarch is…irrelevant?” Miklotov’s eyes narrowed.

[User] “Though it might be a cruuude way to put it, think of her as a stalking horse. Lady Emilia’s appearance is very particular. Virtually no human being can look at her and not think of the Witch of Jealousy. She is easily employed as a pawn upon our chessboard.” And just like that, Roswaal denied all possibility of Emilia actually succeeding to the throne. The sheer shock of it was enough to make Subaru completely forget his anger at Roswaal’s earlier intemperate remarks. He was Emilia’s sponsor and backer, who knew just how hard Emilia was striving to be king, and yet he said that.

[Assistant] “So the royal selection between five candidates would in actuality be between four?” Bordeaux asked.

[User] “Do you not think that reducing the options reduces the possibility of dissolution? The current lack of a king invites other nations to intervene in our internal affairs. Should we not prepare countermeasures to dimiiinish this threat?” Roswaal’s suggestion sent Bordeaux into deep thought. The other members of the Council of Elders appeared ready to say, Well, if it’s like that… To decide to abandon all of Emilia’s hard work by the roadside to use her as the stalking horse of the race. An angry shout reverberated throughout the chamber.