"This... this is the Royal Palace?"
Subaru stood in the center of the magnificent hall, unconsciously holding her breath.
Tall domes were adorned with dazzling crystal chandeliers, and sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the floor. The hall was bustling with people. Nobles and civil officials gathered in small groups, conversing quietly. The air was filled with the faint scent of incense and leather. Although there were many people present, the vast space kept everything orderly, without any sense of crowding.
Most striking were the neatly arrayed Royal Guard Knights, wearing the same white Royal Guard Knight uniforms as Carlisle. The emblems on their shoulders shone brightly under the light. Subaru secretly glanced at Carlisle beside her and noticed that he was standing tall and straight, his gaze calm and composed. He looked completely different from his usual gentle demeanor at the Mansion.
In the center of the hall, five groups of people stood distinctly apart.
Not far away, Felt was impatiently tugging at her dress, while Reinhard leaned slightly toward her, whispering something in her ear.
On the other side, Felix and Wilhelm stood beside a woman with a cascade of green hair. Her heroic brows conveyed an intimidating aura even without her expressing anger.
"Oh my, oh my~ Isn't this our 'Perfect Knight' Sir Carlisle?" A playful voice came from the side. "How surprising. After some time away, you have actually become the Knight of a Royal Selection candidate~"
A purple haired girl approached with graceful steps. The pure white skirt of her gown rippled like waves with her movements. Beside her walked a knight with equally purple hair, the sword at his waist gently swaying with each step.
Carlisle placed his right hand over his chest and performed a standard knight's bow.
"Lady Anastasia, it has been a long time. I trust you have been well since our last meeting?"
"Hehe, Carlisle-kun does not need to be so polite with me~" Anastasia chuckled softly, covering her mouth. She winked meaningfully.
"But I am not here to talk about business today, you know." She suddenly turned and tugged at the sleeve of the knight beside her. "Look, my knight has been restless since this morning, just waiting to see his friend~"
Julius stepped forward at the perfect moment. He first greeted Emilia with a respectful bow, then turned toward Carlisle.
"Carlisle, long time no see. After the meeting, would you like to go for a drink at our usual place? I have some ideas about swordsmanship that I would like to discuss with you."
"Julius..." Carlisle nodded with understanding, a smile appearing in his eyes. "Coincidentally, I also have a few techniques that I would like to ask for your guidance on."
Anastasia lightly tapped her chin, interjecting as if by coincidence.
"Oh, speaking of swordsmanship..."
"Speaking of which, the new training ground built by my merchant guild in the Royal Capital was recently completed." She looked toward Carlisle as if unintentionally. "It is equipped with the latest training golems imported from Vollachia. If Carlisle-kun is interested, you are welcome to come and guide our knights and mercenaries anytime~"
Julius immediately agreed.
"It would be a great honor if you could come and guide us."
Carlisle smiled gently.
"Thank you for the kind offer. However, matters regarding the Royal Selection are quite busy at the moment. I am afraid that..."
"Oh, no rush, no rush~" Anastasia interrupted with a smile. "I heard that Roswaal-sama also has quite a few properties to manage in the Margrave's territory?" She winked suggestively. "For a talent like Carlisle-kun, gaining more exposure to business operations would surely benefit his future development..."
"Lady Anastasia is truly thoughtful~"
Roswaal suddenly appeared from behind, his long hair gently swaying as he walked forward.
"However, my knight is currently assisting me with some... special magical research projects, so he might not be able to spare the time~"
A glint flashed through Anastasia's eyes, but she quickly smiled brightly.
"I was being presumptuous. But..." She looked toward Carlisle meaningfully. "The doors of the Hoshin Merchant Guild are always open for you, you know. After all, an excellent knight deserves a broader stage~"
Julius nodded to everyone present, then quietly whispered to Carlisle as he departed.
"Next time we will talk."
After the two of them walked away, Roswaal smiled charmingly.
"Oh my, oh my. Our 'Perfect Knight' is truly popular, is he not? Even that shrewd merchant guild president personally came to recruit him."
"Roswaal-sama flatters me. Since I have already pledged my loyalty to Lady Emilia, I naturally will not betray that trust." He hesitated for a moment before asking, "However... what was that special magical research you just mentioned?"
"Hehe~" Roswaal chuckled while covering his mouth. "If I had not said that, how would that meticulous merchant lady have given up so easily?"
"Please, all distinguished guests, take your seats! Now, may the members of the Council of Sages please be seated!"
Suddenly, a loud voice echoed throughout the hall, and the softly conversing crowd immediately fell silent. Subaru was startled by the sudden quiet and unconsciously moved half a step closer to Carlisle.
The curtains of the side hall slowly parted, and several elders gradually emerged, taking their seats at the front.
"It is an honor to have all of you distinguished guests present. I, Marcos Gildark, Captain of the Lugunica Kingdom's Royal Guard Knights Order, will humbly serve as the master of ceremonies for this Royal Selection meeting."
The Captain of the Knights Order stood tall and straight at the front of the hall.
"Today, we have gathered to discuss the selection of our nation's next monarch."
His voice was calm and steady, yet every word clearly reached the ears of everyone present.
"Since the unfortunate passing of the previous king, our nation's fortunes have declined. Fortunately, the Dragon Stone has shown its favor by selecting five noble Dragon Priestesses and bestowing upon them the Dragon Emblem as proof of their qualification."
At this point, he bowed slightly and gestured toward the five candidates.
"Now, may the five Priestesses acknowledged by the Divine Dragon please present their Dragon Emblems for all present to witness."
Emilia, standing beside Carlisle, took a deep breath and slowly stepped forward. Her slender fingers retrieved an exquisite emblem from within her clothing. In an instant, a crimson light blossomed like the rising morning sun.
At the same time, the other candidates within the hall also stepped forward.
Five brilliant red lights intertwined and ascended, forming the crest of the Divine Dragon beneath the grand dome of the hall.
Marcos bowed solemnly, his voice grave yet gentle.
"As you can all see, these five noble ladies are indeed the successors personally chosen by the Divine Dragon Volcanica."
He bowed respectfully to each candidate in turn.
"Lady Crusch Karsten."
The woman in military uniform placed one hand over her chest.
"Lady Anastasia Hoshin."
The purple haired girl winked playfully.
"Lady Priscilla Barielle."
The noblewoman dressed in red nodded arrogantly.
"Lady Emilia."
The silver haired half elf nervously clutched her emblem.
Finally, he turned toward Felt.
"And the last one."
"The fifth Dragon Priestess, recently discovered by a member of my Knights Order, Carlisle Eltheran."
"Her name is..."
"Lady Felt!"
...
Read advance chapters on p@treon
[email protected]/guilt_free_daoist
Join disc0rd link in synopsis.
GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.