"Are all Knights such perfect beings?" Felt's gaze shifted between Reinhard and Carlisle, her brows slightly furrowed. She did not know why, but when looking at Reinhard she always felt that the two of them were very similar. That dazzling radiance, formidable strength, and humble attitude. Just from her first impression, she had already noticed many similarities.
"Hey, Carlisle," Felt said with a hint of dissatisfaction and teasing in her voice, "what's your relationship with the Sword Saint? Could it be that you are siblings? I don't know why, but seeing her makes me as annoyed as when I see you."
Carlisle was taken aback, while Reinhard burst into hearty laughter.
"No, little girl, it would be more accurate to say older sister and younger brother. I am a few months older than Carlisle."
"Is that really the point?!"
Carlisle replied with a playful smile, "If possible, being related to the Sword Saint would truly be a blessing earned over three lifetimes."
Reinhard nodded, her gaze gentle as she said, "Yes, if Carlisle were my younger brother, I would be very happy."
Subaru's gaze remained fixed on Carlisle and Reinhard. Standing together, they looked incredibly well matched. However, Subaru quickly noticed some subtle differences.
During their conversation, she observed Carlisle's eyes whenever he looked at Reinhard. They were filled with admiration. It was the unique adoration a young man held for a powerful figure, mixed with sincere friendship.
Reinhard's attitude toward Carlisle consistently showed the care of an elder toward a junior, and it also contained genuine friendship.
"Between them… there's no romantic feeling."
A ripple of quiet joy spread through Subaru's heart, and the self deprecating mood she had felt earlier disappeared completely. Her eyes flickered slightly as an indescribable anticipation and determination welled up inside her.
"Which means… as long as I work hard and stay by Carlisle's side, I will have a chance to enter his heart."
Subaru's lips curved slightly, her eyes filled with determination and confidence.
She took a deep breath and silently made a vow in her heart.
"Carlisle, I will definitely make you notice my existence and make you understand my feelings."
Everyone present was focused on Reinhard. After all, the Sword Saint herself was present. No one noticed the girl quietly making her firm resolve.
Felt stood to the side watching the two Knights smile at each other, and her irritation only grew stronger.
"What's with this overly cheerful personality?! The light you two are emitting is going to blind the eyes of a poor slum kid like me!"
Hearing Felt's complaint, Reinhard showed a hint of apology on her face and spoke with sincere honesty.
"I apologize. Please forgive me. I have not chatted with a friend for a long time, so I became a little excited."
"Hey! Carlisle, don't tell me the entire Knights Order is full of people like this, otherwise I'll really die from excessive inferiority!"
Carlisle looked at her helplessly and gently advised, "Felt, you should be a bit nicer to the Sword Saint."
"I won't! Having just one of you with this personality is already more than enough for me! Don't you know that being overly humble is a form of arrogance? Argh, why do I feel like I'm the unreasonable and jealous one here?!"
Felt's voice was filled with frustration and helplessness. She was annoyed at her own emotions. She did not realize that the reason she was so irritated was actually her strong competitive spirit. Having grown up in the slums, she had always been prejudiced against nobles and wealthy people. She believed they were simply born into better circumstances and were nothing special.
However, these two individuals, Carlisle and Reinhard, made her feel an indescribable sense of frustration.
Their sincere, humble, and polite attitudes gave her no reason to dislike them.
It was precisely this perfection that made her feel a deep sense of shame.
"I am sorry. This personality of mine might be the result of my rather special family background. I live almost every day under the crushing weight of expectations, which is why I am like this."
"Why are you apologizing?!"
Old Man Rom stood nearby and muttered softly, "She really is just as the rumors say. She is hailed as the Knight among Knights. If I entrust Felt to her, I can rest assured."
Reinhard's gaze shifted toward Elsa, who was sealed within the ice sculpture, and a hint of admiration flashed in her eyes.
"Carlisle, did you come to me because you captured the kingdom's wanted criminal, the Bowel Hunter?"
"It really is you. Even though you never admit it, that title suits you perfectly."
"Title? Does this guy also have some exaggerated title?"
"That's right. Carlisle probably hasn't told you, but he stands at the pinnacle among Knights in magic, swordsmanship, and character. Within the Royal Guard Knights Order, he has effectively achieved the second position in both strength and achievements. The Kingdom has granted him the title of 'Black', and he is known as the 'Perfect Knight'."
After speaking, Reinhard clapped Carlisle on the shoulder and laughed heartily.
"Hahaha, Carlisle, don't be too humble!"
"Why does your tone sound so proud? Could it be that you are first place? And you are the last person here who has the right to tell others not to be humble!"
Upon hearing that title, Carlisle's face unexpectedly turned red. A trace of embarrassment appeared in his gaze.
"Please don't tease me. I don't believe I deserve such a title."
Subaru's attention was immediately drawn to Carlisle's slightly reddened face. Her eyes nearly froze in place as countless thoughts flashed through her mind before forming a silent cry in her heart.
"Amazing… a beautiful boy blushing is truly a sight to behold!"
"Thank you, God, for allowing me to witness such a scene."
Carlisle shook his head.
"You give me too much credit. You know that I have always been striving with you as my goal."
The conversation between the two was filled with humility and praise, as if they were engaged in a mutual compliment session. However, anyone who truly knew them would understand that their words were sincere and heartfelt, without even a trace of pretense.
Felt walked forward impatiently and lightly kicked Carlisle's shin.
"Alright, get to the point already. If you two keep talking like this, it will be morning soon."
"Oh, right. My apologies. I got a little carried away."
Carlisle gently pushed Felt forward so that she stood in front of Reinhard. His tone was solemn, as if entrusting an orphan to someone.
"This child is Felt. She is around fifteen years old and an orphan with no surname."
Reinhard was caught off guard by Carlisle's sudden action and asked in confusion, "Carlisle, what is this supposed to mean?"
Carlisle did not answer immediately. Instead, he turned toward Emilia.
"Emilia, may I borrow your insignia?"
"Remember to return it to me."
When Reinhard heard this, she immediately realized something. Her eyes widened slightly as she stared intently at Felt, as if confirming a suspicion.
Carlisle took the insignia and gently placed it into Felt's palm.
The moment the insignia touched her hand, it emitted a dazzling light.
"The insignia… it reacted!" Reinhard's voice was filled with shock and excitement. "This child is the final Royal Selection Candidate!"
Carlisle nodded.
"That's right, Reinhard. I came to you hoping that you would become her First Knight. Please."
After speaking, he bowed deeply, sincerely asking Reinhard for her help.
Seeing this, Reinhard quickly stepped forward and helped him stand up. Gratitude filled her eyes as she spoke.
"Carlisle, you don't have to do this. Even if you had not asked me, I would still become her Knight. This country can finally choose its King."
"Actually, I should be the one thanking you. I will report this matter to the Council of Sages. Lugunica owes you a favor."
"There is no need for favors. I am a Knight of the Kingdom. This is my duty."
"Please do not refuse. These are two separate matters."
Reinhard's tone was firm, leaving Carlisle no room to decline again.
She then turned toward Felt.
Reinhard knelt on one knee and performed a solemn Knight's salute. Her voice was steady and respectful.
"Lady Felt, I swear in the name of the Sword Saint that from this day forward I will protect you with my life. I pledge to become your Knight and serve you faithfully."
Felt watched as the famous Sword Saint suddenly knelt before her. She was startled and jumped aside like a frightened cat, her face filled with panic and confusion.
"Hey, hey! Don't do something like that to someone you just met! I don't remember doing anything that deserves that kind of respect from you!"
She frowned irritably.
"You know, before stepping into Old Man Rom's house tonight, I was making a living by stealing and getting caught by a certain Knight who made me sweep the streets. Is it really just because I was chosen by that Divine Dragon that I suddenly became someone important?"
Reinhard maintained her respectful posture.
"Yes. As a Royal Selection Candidate chosen by the Divine Dragon, your status in Lugunica cannot be denied. And I, as your Knight, will always obey your commands."
Felt listened quietly, biting her lip as her expression filled with mixed emotions.
"Tsk… just a prophecy can pull someone out of the slums?"
"What was all my past effort for? Struggling just to survive… only to find out it is not as valuable as a dragon's approval?"
"What a cruel fate!"
...
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