"That is basically the current situation of the royal family."
Emilia gave a brief explanation. Shendu had already formed some guesses, but she did not say anything further.
"Oh, I see! It sounds rather strange."
Shendu's delicate face filled with contemplation, though she quickly set the matter aside.
"Let's not talk about that anymore."
At this point, Emilia changed the subject and continued, "Sister Shendu, would you come with us to Roswaal's territory tonight?"
With polite sincerity, Emilia extended an invitation to Shendu.
Hearing this, Rem felt especially displeased. She stared intently at the woman before her, wondering just how much help this person had given Lady Emilia to earn such respect. That was something Rem was eager to know.
"Sure. It just so happens I can travel somewhere new."
Shendu agreed without hesitation, leaving Rem with little to say.
As a maid, she naturally understood that she could not overstep her bounds. No matter how kind Emilia was, certain proprieties had to be observed.
"Then, Rem, is the dragon carriage ready?"
After receiving Shendu's agreement, Emilia was in high spirits. She looked toward the blue-haired maid and asked thoughtfully.
"It is prepared. It is waiting in the central plaza of the royal capital. We may depart at any time."
Rem answered seriously, her gaze briefly sliding over Shendu before returning to Emilia.
"Then let's go, Sister Shendu!"
Emilia turned to walk forward, but suddenly stepped back instead. She came to stand before Shendu, cheeks faintly flushed, and extended her hand toward her.
"Alright."
Seeing the silver-haired half-elf reaching out like a child, Shendu naturally took her hand without hesitation. The two of them walked forward hand in hand.
Watching from the side, Rem felt even more displeased.
They had only known each other for a day, yet their relationship seemed as close as sisters. It made Rem extremely uncomfortable, but she still followed after them.
Meanwhile, Felt had already moved first. With a Divine Protection of Wind, she darted behind Shendu and followed along.
"Hey, what about me? I'm supposed to be the protagonist!"
Standing at the very back, Natsuki Subaru felt a chill run through his heart.
Clearly, these beautiful girls were supposed to be following him—so why had they all run off?
No matter how he looked at it, he seemed utterly insignificant. Even the blue-haired maid looked down on him.
Thinking this, Natsuki Subaru began comforting himself, telling himself that difficulties were only temporary and that he would one day become a great hero.
After a round of self-hypnosis, Natsuki Subaru activated the Rabbit Talisman's acceleration and quickly rushed to the front of the dragon carriage.
By the time he arrived in a blur, Shendu was already seated inside. Feeling the relatively comfortable environment, she was slightly dissatisfied with this tardy servant.
"Too slow, Natsuki Subaru. Keep up next time."
A trace of displeasure flashed in Shendu's crimson eyes. After issuing her warning, she waved her hand. The power of the Rooster Talisman instantly pulled Natsuki Subaru into the carriage.
Thud! He crashed down again, seeing stars and flopping onto the floor like a salted fish.
"Hehe, what an idiot."
Even Felt could not help but laugh at the sight.
"Sister Shendu's personality is truly unique. She's very charming."
Seated properly, Emilia watched the scene unfold and could not suppress her smile.
Thus, a world where only the protagonist was injured was achieved.
Next, the massive earth dragon let out a roar. Like a tank, each step it took caused the ground to tremble as it slowly began moving forward.
It was worth mentioning that although the ground shook, the interior of the dragon carriage remained extremely stable. The speed was also quite fast.
...
Shendu lifted the curtain of the carriage window and watched the distant scenery recede rapidly. It felt rather pleasant.
Emilia and Felt sat beside her, one on each side, both very close to her. Perhaps being near her gave them a greater sense of security.
Sitting inside felt much like riding in a car from her previous life—very stable, with hardly any noticeable swaying.
"How is it? Are you comfortable inside the dragon carriage?"
Emilia asked curiously, wanting to know how she felt.
"It's quite nice. But why is it called a dragon carriage?"
Shendu herself was a dragon. Although she had not yet released her full form, she still felt that dragons and dragons ought to differ.
"Hehe, then let me explain."
Emilia smiled sweetly and began explaining the origin of the dragon carriage.
In truth, the creatures pulling it were merely large lizards, domesticated to serve as transportation for nobles.
Because these lizards had gentle temperaments—much like horses in her previous world—they could be bred on a large scale and gradually became popular among the aristocracy.
Most importantly, these lizards also possessed a Divine Protection that kept the interior of the dragon carriage exceptionally stable, preventing excessive shaking.
Overall, they were quite valuable. Ordinary people could never afford to use them.
"Alright, Emilia. We've been through quite a lot together. Isn't it time you told me your true identity?"
Shendu looked at Emilia, hoping she would speak of it herself.
Noticing the question, Rem, who sat opposite them, grew even more vigilant. She looked toward her master but said nothing.
"Very well. Since Sister Shendu wants to know, there's no harm in telling you."
Faced with Shendu's question, Emilia only paused briefly before taking out the lost insignia from earlier. After organizing her thoughts, she began to speak.
"Actually, I am one of the candidates for the forty-second king of the kingdom. This dragon-shaped insignia is proof of qualification to participate in the Royal Selection. Only those acknowledged by the insignia can make it shine."
Holding the insignia in her hand, Emilia's gaze became especially resolute.
It was clear that Emilia was a girl with a story.
"It shines? Big Sister, I think it glowed when I touched it before."
As Emilia finished her explanation, Felt spoke excitedly. She reached out and touched Emilia's insignia. Instantly, it emitted a burst of light.
"How is that possible? You also have the chance to become a candidate?"
Rem felt her mind struggling to process it. Why had they suddenly encountered yet another girl qualified to become a royal candidate?
As they were speaking, one of the carriage drivers atop the dragon carriage twitched his ear. A faint smile curved his lips, as if he were brewing some scheme.
Clearly, he had heard that Felt also possessed the qualification to become a candidate for the kingdom.