A middle-aged man stepped out from the ranks of the Civil Officials. He was slightly hunched, with heavy dark circles under his eyes, looking dispirited.
As he spoke, he nervously twisted the beard on his chin with his fingers repeatedly, "In the significant matter of selecting a monarch, the efforts made by the Knights Order, led by the Royal Guards, are beyond reproach."
His voice was somewhat dry. "Without all of you, it would surely have been impossible to stabilize the situation to this extent in such a short time."
Marcos nodded slightly, his tone calm. "You are too kind."
"However…"
The middle-aged Civil Official shifted his tone, which became hesitant and heavy. "I really do not wish to say such things. Although we are acting in strict accordance with the prophecy revealed by the dragon tablet, regarding the candidates themselves, could it be that there are some issues?"
Marcos's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. "What do you mean?"
After all, Felt was originally targeted by Reinhard because she stole Emilia's insignia, so are the noble people taking issue with someone they consider lowly?
Tsukasa, listening silently from the side, offered his own interpretation.
"Everyone's attention seems to be overly focused on the qualifications of the Dragon Priestess."
The Civil Official's voice rose, carrying a certain suppressed emotion. "Yet they have forgotten that the kingly qualifications required to wear the crown are the true key. Has this aspect been neglected too much?"
He took a deep breath, as if having made up his mind and said, "The covenant with the divine dragon is undoubtedly important, as it concerns the survival of the Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica. Without the covenant, the foundation of the country will be shaken. But—"
He waved his arm forcefully. "If we prioritize the covenant with the divine dragon too much and disregard the well-being of the citizens and the virtue of a ruler, that is simply putting the cart before the horse."
Marcos's voice dropped, enunciating each word, "Do you mean that the Knights Order has been too focused on finding the Dragon Priestess, and as a result… perhaps we have mistaken the true monarch worthy of our allegiance?"
Listening to the increasingly sharp verbal confrontation between the civil and military officials, Tsukasa found it quite amusing and couldn't help but interject in a low voice, "Exactly. Some people work themselves to the bone searching, while others comfortably pick faults. Truly impressive."
This sudden, obviously mocking voice made the middle-aged Civil Official's face turn bright red instantly.
He looked around but couldn't find the speaker, so he had to excitedly refute the air, "The phrasing is somewhat off but the essence of the matter does indeed easily lead to that result."
He tried to recover with a more circuitous explanation, but it was too late.
The Knights Order, having faced nearly impossible tasks for so long and having worked desperately to achieve results, naturally would not be pleased to have their efforts criticized in such a way.
In the ranks of knights on the left side of the hall, a suppressed aura of dissatisfaction could be faintly felt.
"Hey, brother."
Al, in front of him, tilted his head slightly, gave Tsukasa a thumbs-up with his remaining right hand, and laughed in a low voice. "Your skill at stoking the flames is really something."
Tsukasa just waved his hand casually, acknowledging it.
At this moment, the cat-eared beastkin not far away, Felix, also turned his head and joined their "small circle."
He asked in his unique, slightly coquettish tone. "What do you two think of that bearded uncle's words? Ferris-chan isn't that petty but no matter what that bearded man says..."
Her smile became sly yet firm. "Ferris-chan's loyalty will only be dedicated to Crusch-sama alone. Nya?"
Alshrugged his shoulder indifferently. "That's a quite selfish yet pure way of putting it. But I'm not much different. After all, my loyalty to the Princess is also unwavering, clear to the sun and moon."
Tsukasa yawned, looking uninterested. "I'm just a casual person. Don't ask me such profound questions. Compared to that..."
He shifted his tone, with genuine anticipation in his voice. "I'm more interested in whether there will be delicious desserts served after the meeting today."
This response made Felix and Al simultaneously show an "I give up on you" expression, helplessly rubbing their foreheads.
At this moment, the situation on the field was clear: Felix was loyal to Crusch, Al followed Priscilla, and Julius served Anastasia. These three knights all placed all their trust and loyalty, without reservation, in their respective masters.
Compared to them, Tsukasa felt his current position was like an outsider. He had never formally said he would join Emilia's camp—it was Subaru who chose that place.
"Being both a Dragon Priestess and a monarch, perhaps some people simply lack the self-awareness of being a ruler."
"Even if the exterior is decorated, the inner essence will be fully exposed through their attitude."
"Lacking character, insufficient upbringing… can such a person really be supported as the monarch of a country?"
Facing the gradually escalating accusations from the group of Civil Officials, a voice with a unique drawl and a playful tone interjected.
"What is wrong with thaaaat? This way, the Royal Selection will become riiiich and joyful, right? Why not try thinking about it thaaaat way and see?"
"Roswaal-sama!" A Civil Official couldn't help but raise his voice. "Please do not interrupt as you please!"
What broke this wave of complaints was the look of worry Subaru cast toward Emilia and the others.
The Civil Officials were clearly focusing their firepower on Felt, who had behaved inappropriately just now, but no one could guarantee that these sparks wouldn't splash onto other candidates.
"Silence."
Miklotov's aged yet highly authoritative voice rang out, and the hall instantly became deathly silent.
The head of the Council of Wise Men, who had suppressed the commotion in the hall, narrowed his eyes and carefully examined Felt for a moment.
After a moment of silence, he slowly let out a breath.
"Hmm… just now, it was indeed somewhat lacking in decorum. I understand the concerns of Rickert-sama."
He looked around at everyone and proposed a suggestion, "Therefore, why not first briefly understand the past experiences of each candidate as a basis for preliminary consideration? What do you all think?"
"That makes sense." A stern-looking bald old man nodded in agreement. "Whether they are suitable might be judged from there."
Seeing the members of the Council of Wise Men nodding one after another, the leading male Civil Official, Rickert, had no choice but to step back half a step unwillingly.
Miklotov called out, "Knight Reinhard, could you introduce the process of finding this candidate?"