"Both this brother and I have understood. Thank you very much for clarifying."
Al immediately straightened up and replied in his signature cheerful, slightly comical voice.
Beside him, Tsukasa simply waved his hand in distaste.
Al added after a thought, "And thank you as well to that kind Miss Kararagi over there."
Priscilla's gaze swept between Tsukasa's casual wave and Al's eager reply before she finally closed her folding fan and gave a faint response to Al's waving hand, "That's good then."
Watching the interaction between this comical master and servant duo, Anastasia raised a finger and rubbed her brow, as if nursing a headache.
Then, she looked up and gazed toward the seats of the Council of Wise Men.
Her voice regained its clear organization, carrying an unquestionable sense of pragmatism. "In any case, if there's anything else to say, please be quick about it. My time is precious, and I have a whole lot of things to deal with later. You old grandfathers who manage the national treasury should understand the principle of 'time is money' best, right?"
This almost arrogant bluntness caused a slight stir in the hall.
But Anastasia seemed to have grasped the situation perfectly—the elders of the Council of Wise Men, especially Miklotov, showed no sign of offense on their faces.
"We are deeply sorry for the busy Anastasia-sama."
Miklotov's voice rang out, deeper than before and carrying a heavy weight, "However, I implore you to endure a little longer and cooperate with the proceedings of the meeting. Because, today will surely be a day recorded in the kingdom's history."
These words were like a massive boulder thrown into water. The atmosphere in the hall, which had loosened slightly due to the interlude, instantly tightened again, becoming exceptionally solemn.
Almost everyone subconsciously straightened their backs, holding their breath in concentration.
Except for Tsukasa. Only he maintained that somewhat loose standing posture.
In this suddenly frozen silence, the first to break the deadlock was still that fearless orange-haired princess.
"Advancing history... is that what you old bones are saying?"
Priscilla's voice rang out calmly, her red eyes looking straight ahead. "Then, that means... what's coming next is 'that matter,' right?"
Miklotov on the platform did not answer directly, only giving a slight nod of his white-haired head.
Then, his gaze beneath thick brows turned toward Marcos, giving a slight look.
Receiving a clear instruction, Marcos gave a solemn salute and then turned to the front of the knight formation, shouting in a loud and clear voice, "Royal Guard, Reinhard van Astrea, step forward!"
Hmm?
Tsukasa's heart stirred.
Calling for Reinhard... it seems the fifth Royal Selection Candidate is about to appear, but... asking Reinhard to step forward?
A startling guess flashed through his mind.
No way? Could it be this guy...?
Marcos stepped back, yielding the central position in front of the platform.
Reinhard stepped out of the knight formation as ordered. His flame-like red hair was particularly striking under the lights. There was no trace of pride on his face, only his usual steadiness and focus.
He faced the seats of the Council of Wise Men, his voice clear and firm. "Lords of the honored Council of Wise Men, Reinhard van Astrea of the Royal Guard, reporting that the mission is complete."
"Good."
Miklotov nodded, his white beard moving slightly with the motion. "Then, let everyone present hear the result."
At the instruction of the Head of the Council of Wise Men, Reinhard turned around to face the entire hall. His gaze swept calmly over the crowd, finally landing in front.
"Dragon Priestess, Royal Selection Candidate—"
He paused slightly to ensure every word was clear, "The final fifth person has been found."
Tsukasa's brow twitched under his helmet.
It really is like this. Reinhard, are you seriously going to enter the Royal Selection yourself?
This thought felt somewhat absurd to him. With Reinhard's strength and reputation, would there even be a need for the other candidates to compete?
A wave of irrepressible low whispers instantly erupted in the hall.
Among the Royal Guards standing side-by-side, shock and discussion were being passed along.
The faces of the four Royal Selection Candidates also showed vastly different expressions due to this sudden announcement.
A sharp fighting spirit ignited in Crusch's eyes, a slight smirk as if watching a good show curled on Priscilla's lips, Anastasia gave an interested look, and Emilia... her face was filled with pure confusion.
The gears of the Royal Selection, which had been stalled for so long, finally began to turn at this moment.
Regarding this new candidate, Tsukasa already had a guess in his heart.
'Probably... it's that girl. But, can her background really be accepted by these old fogies?'
This doubt existed for only a moment before he overturned it himself.
'No. Since even Emilia can stand here, it seems the threshold for this Royal Selection isn't something that can't be crossed.'
"Please bring her in." Reinhard issued the instruction concisely.
The guards stationed at the door immediately saluted, and then, those two heavy doors were pushed open once more.
Accompanied by two maids, a figure walked in from outside, stepping onto the red carpet and walking toward the center of the hall step by step.
The moment he saw that person, Subaru, standing at the front of the formation, widened her eyes, her mouth falling open involuntarily, her face full of shock.
The newcomer wore a light yellow dress, the hem swaying lightly with her steps. Her high heels stepped firmly onto the carpet. Her long golden hair was meticulously styled, shining with a dazzling luster under the lights.
In those red pupils was a strong, untamed will, and her slightly bared canine teeth added a touch of unruly playfulness.
It was exactly the person Tsukasa had expected.
Reinhard stepped forward and announced to the entire room in a solemn voice, "This is the one who has requested the throne of her own accord—"
His voice echoed under the dome of the hall.
"She is Felt-sama."
Amidst the converging gazes of shock, scrutiny, or disbelief, the struggle for the Royal Selection that would determine the future fate of the Kingdom of Lugunica officially raised its curtains here.