As Marcos's words fell, Crusch Karsten, dressed in a dark green military uniform, strode confidently onto the stage, followed closely by Felix Argyle. The cat eared boy, for once, had put away his playful smile, and his expression was solemn.
"Esteemed wise ones, my colleagues." Crusch's voice was clear and firm, echoing beneath the grand dome. "The path of kingship that I wish to present today may very well overturn your long held beliefs."
"I propose that once I ascend the throne, the contract with the Divine Dragon Volcanica will be terminated."
This statement struck like a bolt of lightning, and the hall immediately erupted into an uproar. Elderly civil officials whispered in shock, and several conservative nobles even stood up in agitation. Yet surprisingly, despite the spreading dissatisfaction, no one dared to openly object. This alone demonstrated that Crusch's iron fisted authority in the Karsten Duchy was already widely known.
Crusch raised her hand, signaling for silence. Gradually, the clamor subsided.
"For the past four hundred years, we have indeed weathered countless crises under the protection of the Divine Dragon. Natural disasters, plagues, famines, foreign invasions." Her voice was calm and steady, yet every word carried tremendous weight. "But have you ever considered that this very reliance is making Lugunica weaker?"
Felix stepped forward at the appropriate moment, unrolling the parchment scroll in his hand. It meticulously recorded the solutions used to overcome past crises.
"Please look at this data. Since the contract was established, our nation's independently developed magical technology has stagnated. Our military defense system relies heavily on the Dragon's protection, and even agriculture."
Crusch continued seamlessly.
"If one day the Divine Dragon were to suddenly withdraw this protection, do you believe Lugunica would still stand strong?"
Her words caused everyone present to fall into deep contemplation. Even the most conservative nobles had to admit that her argument struck a meaningful point.
"My goal is to establish a Lugunica that can stand proudly among nations even without relying on the Divine Dragon." Crusch's voice suddenly rose as her right fist pressed firmly against her chest. "This will require growing pains. It will require sacrifice. But I firmly believe."
She slowly surveyed the entire hall, her gaze sharp and unwavering.
"A truly powerful nation must hold its destiny in its own hands."
After this powerful declaration, the hall fell into an eerie silence. Those who disagreed exchanged glances, yet no one dared to challenge the authority of the iron blooded Duchess. Meanwhile, the younger generation of knights and officials looked on with thoughtful expressions.
Subaru gazed intently at the valiant Crusch standing on the stage. The Duchess's determination for reform reminded Subaru of the reformists described in the history books from her previous life. Although the proposal to terminate the Dragon's covenant was radical, the patriotism and foresight behind it filled Subaru with admiration.
After Crusch concluded her speech and gracefully stepped down from the stage amid scattered applause, the second candidate stepped forward. It was the utterly arrogant lady in red, Priscilla Barielle.
She walked onto the stage with a lazy yet elegant stride, followed by her knight, Al Dibarun. The one armed man wore a helmet that concealed his face and ragged leather armor instead of a formal knight's uniform, making him look exactly like a wandering mercenary.
"Finally, it is my turn." Priscilla half covered her vermilion lips with a gilded folding fan, her crimson eyes slowly sweeping across everyone present.
Her speech, as expected, was just as arrogant as before.
"Why are all of you making such a fuss? The outcome of this Royal Selection has already been decided." She lazily waved her fan. "Because everything in this world revolves around me."
Al shrugged helplessly behind her, clearly accustomed to his mistress's personality.
"Whether it is a natural disaster or a man made calamity, events will always develop in a direction favorable to me. This is the fundamental truth of the world." Priscilla suddenly closed her fan with a sharp snap and pointed it toward the grand dome above. "Just as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, just as the seasons change in cycles, my ascension to the throne is a destined outcome."
She lifted her chin proudly.
"Those so called governance strategies and reform proposals are nothing more than the futile struggles of ordinary people. In my opinion, instead of wasting time pondering such boring matters."
"Why not kneel now and pledge your loyalty to your future Queen."
Subaru could not help sighing while rubbing her forehead. Such an exaggerated declaration sounded like something from a dramatic fantasy story. The fact that it could be spoken openly during a Royal Selection meeting left Subaru momentarily speechless.
"Next, please welcome Lady Anastasia Hoshin and her knight, Julius Juukulius."
As Marcos announced, Anastasia stepped forward elegantly while Julius moved in perfect coordination beside her. Both wore primarily white attire, their purple hair shining with noble brilliance beneath the lights. Their synchronized steps created an impression of natural harmony in every movement.
Anastasia's lips curved into the shrewd smile of a seasoned merchant.
"My method of governing is simple. I intend to treat the kingdom as a commodity to be managed."
At these words, the entire hall erupted into an uproar.
"Now, now, there is no need to be so surprised." She narrowed her eyes while maintaining her smile. "Since it is a commodity, it naturally must become immensely valuable. My company can turn one copper coin into ten. If I were to manage the kingdom."
She deliberately paused, causing everyone to hold their breath.
"Lugunica's commercial prosperity would increase to at least three times its current level."
Julius stepped forward at the appropriate moment, unfolding a parchment scroll filled with detailed trade records from the Hoshin Trading Company.
"My plan is quite simple. We will open more trade routes, reduce tariffs, encourage technological innovation, and even."
She paused meaningfully while her gaze swept across the members of the Knights Order present.
"If conditions allow it, the idle combat strength of the Royal Army and the Knights Order could be outsourced to allied nations in exchange for significant financial returns."
"Outsourcing the army?"
The nobles exchanged uncertain glances. Some appeared shocked, some frowned deeply, yet several officials with merchant backgrounds looked visibly excited.
Anastasia observed their reactions with satisfaction and continued speaking.
"Of course, the prerequisite for all of this."
She suddenly dropped her smile.
"Is that I must first become the shop owner."
Julius spoke at the perfect moment.
"Lady Anastasia's policies are not empty promises. The success of the Hoshin Trading Company itself is the greatest proof."
Her speech ended, and the hall fell into a brief silence before erupting into intense discussion.
When the conversations finally subsided, everyone's attention turned toward the fourth pair stepping onto the stage. Felt and Reinhard.
Felt's golden hair shone brightly under the lights, but her expression was extremely grim, her red eyes burning with suppressed fury.
She stood upon the stage, took a deep breath, and then spoke.
"I hate this kingdom."
"I hate these arrogant nobles."
"And I hate your hypocritical faces even more."
The entire hall fell silent. Everyone was stunned by her sudden outburst.
"If I become King." She gritted her teeth and spoke each word clearly. "I will drive all of you pigs out of the Royal Palace and finally let this rotten place breathe."
The nobles' faces darkened with anger, yet Reinhard still stood calmly behind Felt. Her red hair resembled blazing flames, and her expression remained serene, as though her liege had simply delivered a completely ordinary speech.
Reinhard understood the complexity of Felt's emotions at that moment. From an orphan in the slums to suddenly standing upon the Royal Selection stage as a princess, the shock alone would have shaken anyone's mind.
Even if Felt's criticism of the nobles included Reinhard herself, Reinhard's gaze remained gentle. She had already decided that no matter which path Felt ultimately chose, she would accompany her until the very end.
After finishing her speech, Felt breathed heavily, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She glared fiercely at everyone before turning to leave the stage.
"Lady Felt."
Reinhard softly called out to her while extending her hand, palm upward in silent invitation.
Felt hesitated briefly, then grasped her hand and walked away from the podium.
Marcos quietly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve before taking a deep breath to regain his composure. A sharp sound echoed through the hall, gradually calming the murmuring crowd.
"According to the Royal Selection agenda," his voice returned to its usual steadiness as he gestured forward with his right hand, "we now invite the final candidate. Lady Emilia."
"And her sworn knight."
"Carlisle Eltheran."
T/N- it's funny, how no one can trashtalk Felt, one wrong move and ur done.😹
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GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.