The Sun Prince - Re:Zero OC

Following behind Priscilla as she made her way towards the main hall, I sent another glance to the side, where the now nervous Subaru walked with his head pointed down.

"Are you regretting it?" I asked him as I turned my gaze back towards Priscilla. "While it would take some effort and convincing, I could get Priscilla to let you go and take you back outside."

"Uh… thanks for the offer… but no," he said, increasing his pace to match mine. "Even if Emilia doesn't want me there… I should be at her side."

Hmm… those were the exact words that I would use to describe my feelings towards Priscilla if I was in his situation, but for some reason, it seemed… different.

It was as if he was desperately clawing for something deeper than simple protection…

Recognition?

Love?

I wasn't sure… I just hope that nothing unfortunate will happen in the coming ceremony.

As our group reached the grand set of doors, the two knights bowed in respect to Priscilla before wordlessly opening it, revealing the familiar throne room to me.

Faint memories from my childhood flashed through my mind.

The dancing practices… the formal praises from my father after an accomplishment… when I chased Aurelia around as she had just discovered how to crawl… the bestowal of my ceremonial sword that I could only guess was now buried with my presumed death… it had all happened here.

But unlike in my memories, on either side of the red carpet sprawled up to the raised platform there was no longer an empty marble floor, but rather a grand procession of nobles and knights, with a set of chairs on the raised platform replacing the singular throne of the reining king.

And looking forward… there were three of Priscilla's fellow candidates who had already arrived.

Crusch Karsten, the most popular choice at the moment, with the backing of the kingdom's nobles, knights, and the trust of the citizens as she was already a powerful noble of the kingdom.

Anastasia Hoshin, the foreign merchant from the neighbouring nation of Kararagi that had made a name for herself by having every town that her company touched revitalize their economy.

And Emilia… the unknown half-elf with the protection of a great spirit… and who was currently looking at our group with a shocked expression.

But soon enough, that shock gave way to anger and… disappointment.

"Subaru? What are you doing here?" she said as she walked towards us with a frown. "Did I not tell you to stay at the inn? Why… why did you come here?"

Subaru looked away, a flash of guilt spreading across his face.

"Subaru… why did you break our promise?" Emilia pressed.

I expected Priscilla to have said something at this point, but looking over at her, I saw that she was wearing a satisfied smile as her eyes darted between the two, the same expression of amusement still present on her face.

Haa… truly, she was a troublesome woman.

"If the four candidates have arrived, then please step forward before the Council of Sages!" a tall man on the stage said, causing all of us to look at him. "This is no time for idle chatter!"

Priscilla then turned to me, giving me a curt nod as she began walking forward, with Emilia following soon after, but not before sending another disappointed glance Subaru's way.

"We'll talk about this after… but for now, just don't do anything, okay?" she said as she left.

Well, I guess we should move as well, rather than standing here in the middle of the hall.

"Let's go. While you're not officially a knight, you should be fine with me at your side," I said, grabbing Subaru's arm as we made our way to the left, where the royal knights were standing.

Thankfully, he didn't try to struggle.

"T-That didn't go so well… but at least I'm here," Subaru said as we got into formation, with him standing in front of me.

"Is that what you're worried about?" I asked. "Either way… Emilia-sama was right in that you shouldn't do anything. This is a meeting far above your standing."

"Why? Just because I'm not a fancy knight like you?" he asked, turning back to look up at me with a scowl.

"Precisely," I answered.

Clicking his tongue, Subaru turned around to face forward as someone suddenly poked his side, causing him to jump.

"W-What the hell!?" he exclaimed.

"Ahaha! Your reactions really are the best, Subaru-kyun!" a familiar voice said.

And turning to the side, I saw just who I expected to, with their demi-human cat ears twitching in amusement.

"Ferris… so you are here as well," I said.

"Of course I am! I get to see the lovely Crusch-sama as she cements herself as the greatest possible candidate, so why wouldn't I be here?" he said, placing his hands on his hips.

'He'… it was still hard to believe.

Just how many poor people had been led astray by such deception?

"And I am here for similar reasons, although it is for Anastasia-sama," the knight in front of us said, turning around as his eyes met mine. "Selian-dono… it is a pleasure to meet you once more. I see that you have become a member of the royal knights since our last meeting."

The knight in question was, of course, Julius Juukulius, and Subaru's tense posture only confirmed that.

"Yes, it is nice to meet you once again as well, Julius-dono," I said, nodding my head. "And I wouldn't say I am a member of the royal knights, exactly… I am simply Priscilla's knight, but with her being a candidate vying for the throne, it was suggested I become somewhat of an honorary member."

"I see… that certainly explains the incomplete uniform," he said, a look of understanding flashing across his face. "But… 'Priscilla'? I don't wish to question your loyalty, but is it alright to address your lady with such casual language?"

"Yeah… in fact, she is the one who demands it," I said, a smile growing on my face. "But luckily, that privilege is one granted only to me."

"I see… well, even if unofficially, it is nice to have you as an ally," he said, nodding to himself as he looked forward once more. "Though, I would advise you to be careful with your way of speaking of Priscilla-sama. Even if the two of you have such a close connection, others not in the know may see it as disrespectful."

"Thank you for the advice… but I believe it should be alright," I replied.

Considering all the other things I did that could be considered disrespectful towards Priscilla, the lack of honorifics was the least of my worries.

And if anyone took opposition to our closeness… well, I had a feeling that Priscilla would not allow that to stand.

"The Sage Council will now enter the room for today's proceedings!" the same voice from before said as a collection of old men walked across the raised stage. "Candidates, please stand before the Sage Council!"

The slight hum of murmurs quieted at this, while the four candidates stood in a line before the raised stage.

Yes… four.

Where was Felt?

Even though this was meant to be Priscilla's shining moment, it would be a lie to say I wasn't also excited to see my dear little sister.

And now that I noticed, I didn't see Reinhard here either.

Were they late? Or… maybe she was making things difficult.

The latter option was very probable.

"Markus… where is the fifth candidate? Is that not the reason we have been gathered today?" one of the councilmen said as they all took a seat.

"Indeed. As they say in Kararagi, time is money, so don't tell me ya called me all the way here for nothin'," Anastasia said, crossing her arms in annoyance.

Crusch nodded her head in agreement. "We do have our own duties to attend to, councilmen. I can only respect such traditions up to a certain point, so if you would please tell us the reason for this meeting, then please do so."

Priscilla, meanwhile, simply unfolded her fan as her eyes went over the council before her.

I really hope they would hurry up, as while Crusch and Anastasia had voiced their displeasure, their feelings would surely pale in comparison to the annoyance Priscilla had when faced with boredom.

The old knight that had been leading the announcement, the Knight Commander Marcos Gildark, nodded his head. 

"Of course. He should be here any moment," he said, looking at the large set of doors behind us.

He?

A moment later, those doors opened, revealing the red-haired Sword Saint, as well as Felt, who was dressed in a set of casual clothes that were similar to mine under my cloak, and her red scarf tied around her neck.

So Reinhard wasn't able to get her to wear a dress… not that such a thing would suit her anyway.

A moment after revealing herself, Felt's eyes scanned the hall, where her gaze eventually landed on me.

With her eyes widening along with her smile, she dashed towards me a moment later, fast enough that I nearly thought she had used her Divine Protection as she crashed into my chest.

"Felt… I'm glad to see you," I said, my arms wrapping around her.

This was likely to get some unsavoury looks considering her current standing, but we didn't care.

"Mmm… me too… even though you completely left me, you shitty brother," she replied.

Ouch.

"Either way, I'm glad to see that you're fine," I said, the two of us releasing our hug and ignoring the confused stares of the spectators. "And you seem to have gotten heavier."

"Yeah… it's good to see that you're fine too," she said, our eyes meeting again as we shared a smile as she then kicked my shin. "And don't call me 'heavy', you piece of crap."

Ah… right.

And then, a moment later, her face turned serious.

"Selian… become my knight," she demanded.

Huh?

"Uhh… why?" I asked.

"To get Reinhard out of my hair! Seriously, that guy is even more annoying than you were! Constantly nagging me and being a complete nuisance!" she complained as she stomped her foot in anger.

But seeing that, I couldn't help but smile a little wider.

It seemed that she was having fun even though I wasn't by her side… that was good.

"Is that so? Well, still, I'm glad to see that you came," I said. "And you even did up your hair."

"Tch. That bastard hardly let me go without wearing a shitty dress, so I had to give him this," she said as she crossed her arms. "Seriously, this princess stuff is all crap. Why the hell can't we just go back to living together?"

I released a small sigh as I gently patted her head, making sure I didn't mess up the braids that had been so thoughtfully done up.

"You know we can't really go back… and either way, even without the royal selection, we would need to part sometime anyway. We can't live our entire lives tied to one another," I said.

"I… know that, dammit. But don't you find this annoying? I know that I sure do," she replied with a huff.

Annoying… that was quite the thing to say in this place, especially since we were the centre of attention right now.

While I would love to talk with her more, any longer would probably make everyone here have negative opinions of us, and Priscilla by proxy of me being her knight, so we would have to continue this later.

But as it is now… Felt didn't seem to care much about the royal selection.

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she intentionally ruined her chances today, or even go as far as to officially drop out, just so she could live freely again.

It wouldn't be the worst outcome, considering the danger of the position… and for Priscilla, having one less opponent would only be a good thing.

But for some reason… I didn't want that to happen.

"Felt… listen to me for a moment," I said, gaining her attention with my serious tone. "Unlike those four up there, you have a different view of this nation… you know of the disgusting underside of Lugunica that the nobles try to hide… and you hate it, don't you?"

Her eyes twitched. "Yeah… but what's your point?"

"Then you should try to change it yourself, just like I have plans to with Priscilla," I said. "In fact, one could even say that I've already started."

The Barielle Barony had already begun changing for the better, after all.

To see the smiles of the common people, with no one left behind due to their unfortunate luck and circumstances… it was a much different, and happier, picture than the place I had seen when I first arrived.

And if such a change could be brought upon the whole nation rather than one small territory… that would be quite amazing.

And luckily, from the contemplating expression on her face, it seemed that Felt was in agreement.

"Hmph… fine. I get it. But! I'm still not gonna do all that princess crap! Instead, I'll do my own thing, got that?" she said, sending me a glare.

"That is more than fine. You have the strongest in the nation to support you, correct?" I said, looking over at Reinhard, who was standing a bit behind Felt.

"Of course, Selian… I share the same feeling as you, in regard to Felt-sama bringing great change, so I will support her with all my being," he said, bowing his head.

"Good… thanks, Reinhard," I said as I looked back down at my sister.

"And you aren't gonna support me too?" she asked, her eyes narrowing in annoyance.

"Uh… unfortunately, I already have… prior loyalties… but I will always be there if you're in danger," I said, lightly patting her head once more.

Felt's eyes darted towards the front of the room where the other four candidates were standing, likely looking at Priscilla, who was currently watching on in amusement.

"So… you'd still rather be with that boob lady?" Felt eventually asked.

"Uh… her name is Priscilla-sama, Felt," I said with a shaky frown.

Please don't call her 'boob lady'… for all of our sakes.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever! I'll do the princess crap and make a good nation from it, so just go have fun with your lady, idiot brother!" she spat as she walked away, a big frown on her face.

Idiot brother… 

Reinhard placed his hand on my shoulder as a small gesture of support as he passed by, the two walking to the front of the room where…

Oh no, Priscilla definitely heard that, didn't she?

"'Boob lady'… my, what an uncouth thing to say. Although I shouldn't expect better from a dirty slum rat," Priscilla said, shaking her head.

"You shut it! And my brother is a 'slum rat' just like me, you know?" Felt said.

"Oh, I know. But he has transformed into quite the loyal dog under my guidance. Enough that his presence is able to please me quite thoroughly," Priscilla said in a suggestive tone, causing Felt to freeze. "Perhaps that is why you spout such vile and disrespectful words towards one such as me? Are you not simply jealous of how I have completely captured that fool's heart, mind, and body? Ah, and these breasts that have earned me such a nickname from you definitely helped."

Heart, mind, and body… she wasn't exactly wrong, but people would definitely get a misunderstanding with those words, Priscilla.

But that was just what she was going for, wasn't it? All just to rile up my little sister.

And from the looks of things… it worked.

"W-Wha-!?"

But before Felt could blow up at her, one of the councilmen slammed his cane to the ground, the noise resounding throughout the hall.

"Silence!" he said as he then looked at Reinhard. "Now… who is this girl, Sword Saint? I assume you would not bring just anyone here on a day like this."

"That is correct, Miklotov-sama," Reinhard said, bowing his head. "This is Felt-sama, the fifth candidate of the royal selection that I have found, just as I was ordered to. And she… is the one I support as queen."

The hall erupted into a chorus of murmurs at Reinhard's proclamation as everyone turned to see the candidate in question, even those of the royal knights that had kept their gaze forward in their drilled formation.

I could already see some confused looks, most likely due to Felt's attire, as well as some shocked glances of recognition, which I could only assume to be…

"T-That… does she not look like the former Princess Aurelia? The lost child of the king's brother?" someone said.

"That hair, and those eyes… it could very well be. She also fits the age…" another added.

"But then… if that is the case… do we still hold the selection?"

"Of course we do! The Dragon Stone decided as such, and either way, we cannot prove that she is the lost princess…"

"But if she's still alive… then, do you think the fifth prince is as well? The genius of the royal family?"

"That could very well be… but it is not like we have a way of scouring the world to search for him."

I instinctively lowered my head at the whispers, as well as the knowing look Priscilla was sending my way.

Well… at least I kept dying my hair.

I could see a lot of trouble happening if I didn't do so.

But… why was Reinhard looking at me like that?

Ah… actually, I could definitely see why.

He likely connected the dots of Felt being Aurelia, and consequently… of me being Altair.

I had a feeling we would be having a talk very soon…

"I said silence!" one of the councilmen shouted, quieting the room as he then looked to Reinhard. "Now… that is quite the revelation, Sword Saint. While we have heard of your successful mission, which is why this meeting was called, we must be provided proof of her qualifications in order to confirm her as the final candidate, and officially begin the royal selection."

Reinhard simply bowed his head.

"Of course," he said.

He then passed Felt an insignia, and with him pushing her forward, she sent him a short glare before turning to face the council and raising her hand, revealing the insignia for all to see.

The very insignia that's red gem was glowing bright red…

"So she is… thank you, Sword Saint, Felt-sama," the councilman said, nodding his head. "Now that she has been confirmed as a candidate, I must ask… why are you dressed like a… forgive me for my words, but like a commoner, Felt-sama?"

Felt clicked her tongue as she positioned her fists on her hips.

Please don't mess this up, Felt…

"Does something like what I wear matter about how good I am as a candidate? No wonder this place has gone to shit. Maybe if you spent less time blabbering about dress codes, and more about the important stuff, you wouldn't have a section of the capital sectioned off and treated like a disease!" she stated, casting her gaze over to the nobles' section of the hall, no doubt with a big sneer on her face. "But don't you worry, you arrogant fucks… because I'll be changing all that soon enough!"

I instantly brought my palm to my face as I felt the anger emanating from both sides of the room, all of it driven towards my dear sister.

Felt… while I could agree with your wishes, as well as your frankness… this place was not where it should be voiced, nor was it the time, considering your lacking accomplishments…

But yet… I couldn't help but feel a smile grow on my face.

Really… that was just like her, wasn't it?

I would still swear myself for Priscilla, that hadn't changed. 

But maybe… if she ended up somehow losing to Felt… I could find myself helping my little sister as she became queen.

"Ahem… I see… regardless, please come forward, alongside the other candidates, for with all the dragon maidens chosen by the Dragon Stone present, we shall formally begin the royal selection," Miklotov said, raising his hand to quiet the nobles and knights before they could speak up. "Now… could all the chosen attendants for the candidates please make their way forward, and present their cause to those gathered here today!"

Uh… what?

Attendants?

I watched as Ferris and Julius stepped out of the formation, seemingly heading towards the other candidates, as I looked over to Priscilla in confusion.

She only gave me a sly grin of amusement before raising her finger and beckoning me towards her.

Priscilla… she definitely knew of this, and just wanted to hide it from me.

I could have dressed a little better if she had told me, dammit!

Wordlessly stepping out of line, I followed the other knights as I positioned myself behind Priscilla, who was standing at the centre, while Julius found himself behind the purple-haired candidate.

So he was supporting Anastasia Hoshin… how Julius became her knight, I didn't know, but I assume there was some sort of story there.

As expected, Reinhard was behind Felt, Ferris was behind Crusch, and also… there was a clown, who was standing at the back of Emilia.

Wait… no, that must be Roswaal L. Mathers, the greatest magician in the nation, and the holder of the titles Red, Green, and Yellow for his proficiency in fire, wind, and earth magic respectively.

I had heard that he was known for his eccentric appearance… but that was quite striking.

Regardless…

"Priscilla… was it that fun to hide it from me?" I whispered to her.

"It was indeed. After all, it is rare that I am able to see you so confused these days," she said with a calm smile. "But perhaps if you hadn't spent last night floundering with those peasants, I could have found it in myself to inform you."

So it was revenge… how petty.

Maybe I could find a way to get back at her later…

"Now, Duchess Crusch Karsten-sama, head of the Karsten family, and her attendant, knight Felix Argyle, please step forward!" Marcos' voice boomed.

Wait, so Ferris' name was Felix?

I… guess they were close enough…

"Understood," Crusch said as faced the crowd of gathered attendants. "I will keep this brief. Should I become the ruler, I will make the dragon renounce the covenant between it and our nation."

I widened my eyes in shock, as did much of the knights and nobles.

Even Priscilla bristled at Crusch's declaration.

That… was quite the shock.

In fact, if it hadn't been said by someone of Crusch's standing, it could even be said to be treasonous…

"The Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica belongs not to the dragon, but to us," she continued, silencing any complaints that were about to be brought forth with her voice that resounded through the hall. "So, it should be our duty to protect it against any foe, and if I am chosen as ruler, we shall not become reliant on one such being, which had led us to neglect our own shortcomings. Thank you."

And with that, she bowed before stepping back, her words no doubt causing many of the gathered people to think over them seriously.

Reliance turning into neglect… that has surely happened in the nation.

After all, when we were on the brink of war with Vollachia just a few months ago, it was not the dragon that resolved that conflict, but rather the actions of Reinhard as he forced a non-aggression pact between the two nations.

"Next… Anastasia Hoshin-sama of the Hoshin Company, and her attendant, knight Julius Juukulius," Marcos continued.

The purple-haired duo stepped forth, as Anastasia brought her hand to her chest.

"I'm a greedy gal, so I want everythin'. I already have all the commercial success a girl could want, so now I want my own nation!" she said with a smile.

What…?

"Ah, but don't worry! I've seen the state of this place, and y'all definitely need an influx of income! I've managed to build my company from nothin' to where it is now, so doin' the same for this place should be a breeze!" she said with the same flippant tone before shifting to a serious tone, an air of competence suddenly surrounding her. "Mark my words. If I become the ruler, I'll make this place a gem of commercial success. So great that not even the poorest of the former street rats will ever need to worry about goin' hungry. That, is what I can promise."

So she wasn't simply a greedy airhead… I expected it from the fact that she had the serious Julius' support… but it seems that Anastasia was a legitimate candidate as well.

There was the issue of her hailing from Kararagi, of course… but from what I knew, she was the only one that matched Priscilla in terms of pure results when it came to governing, as Crusch's household had already been build to where it is today before she became the Duchess.

And then… it was our turn.

"Baroness Priscilla Barielle-sama, head of the Barielle estate, and her attendant, knight Selian," Marcos said, prompting Priscilla and I to step forward.

Now… I hadn't helped Priscilla with this, as public speaking wasn't really my forte, but even she hadn't told me any of her plans.

So… how would she go about this?

"This selection is pointless!" she stated, her fan sweeping outward.

That was… one way to start things.

"I am the one suited to rule this nation, and the world shall make it so!" she continued, raising her chin. "All you people need to do is grovel at my feet and serve me! But do not worry your sorry little minds, for upon my ascension, I shall bring this nation to prosperity only written about in fairy tales!"

And with that… she turned back, giving me a proud smile as she lifted her brow.

"How was that, my dear fool?" she asked.

"How was that, you ask…" I replied, rubbing my forehead.

I would say that I was shocked that her arrogance was maintained even in front of the most powerful people in Lugunica, but then again… this was just like her.

The girl I loved was just that kind of woman.

And as for said most powerful people… they were definitely surprised, and some even angered at her words… but I could also tell that they felt it.

They felt the confidence of her voice, and the divine charm that she constantly exuded.

They felt the need to follow her, if only slightly.

Well… I just hope that they didn't get any ideas after falling for her.

She was mine, after all… or, well, hopefully was going to be…

Maybe I should make things clearer once more? Or would that simply be seen as pathetic?

Either way, with the three leading candidates having completed their speeches, it was now time for the most problematic one in Emilia…

And Subaru… I could tell that he wanted to be up here, but please… don't do anything stupid.

While my lady would be incredibly amused by it, I would prefer if you didn't embarrass yourself in this place.

"Emilia-sama and her sponsor, Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers-sama," Markus said as the half-elf stepped forward, causing an uproar of murmurs to begin.

They must have not noticed her distinct appearance beforehand… this could be troublesome.

"I have only one wish," she said, her voice quieting the audience. "I wish for all to be equal. I desire to create a nation where all citizens, no matter who or from where, can be treated with fairness… thank you for listening."

And with a closing bow of respect, she then stepped back, finishing her relatively short speech.

A respectful presence, and an earnest, kind wish.

It was the type of speech that would win the hearts of many of the common folk, especially those that had found themselves beaten down by the inequality and unfairness of Lugunica.

But… this place was filled with those who had only gained from that unfairness.

And more importantly, no matter what she said, when it was a half-elf with purple eyes and silver hair saying it… well, even the kindest of words would seem like the talk of a villain.

Luckily, the audience had the presence of mind to keep themselves to only disdainful stares and hushed whispers, at least for the moment, before it was the final candidate's turn to introduce themselves.

"Finally, Felt-sama, and her attendant, knight Reinhard van Astrea," Marcos announced.

And this… was the one I was most worried about, mostly because it was my little sister who was stepping forward, as well as her… beliefs, and lack of etiquette.

"Yeah, fine! I've already told you all, but if I get on that throne, I'll be changing all the shit that's infested this place!" she said, crossing her arms and she scowled at the nobles and knights. "Knights that do nothing but blabber with their 'righteous' words while not caring about the troubles of others… nobles that are the furthest thing from noble, only taking advantage of the people they're supposed to serve for their own interests… I hate it all! I'll change it all! And the best way to change something so fucked up…"

She then looked over at me, a smirk dancing across her lips, causing a memory of the past to begin to play in my mind.

A memory of a certain night, when she was but a six-year-old girl, where we would trace the clear night sky with constellations…

'Brother… what about those ones over there?' Felt said as she pointed to a cluster of stars, the brighter ones flaring out from the centre, almost like a leaf, or…

'Those ones? Hmm… it almost looks like a fire,' I said as I tapped my pencil against my notebook.

'It does… but what can we call a fire? Is there even a story behind it?' Felt asked, looking up at me from my lap.

Hmm… a constellation having to do with fire… there were a lot of possibilities, and a lot of myths to connect it to, in both my old world and this one, but I had just the idea…

'How about the 'Fire of Restoration',' I said with a smile.

'Restoration? But doesn't fire just destroy stuff?' Felt asked, tilting her head.

Aha! This was the perfect time for a lesson!

'That is true, but you see, Felt… fire can also restore things. Specifically, it can restore nature,' I said, patting her head.

Seeing that she was still confused, I continued.

'You see, in nature, a lot of plants can take over an area, making it hard for other plants to live in. The plants on the ground can't get the sun because of the towering trees, the nutrients in the soil are taken over by other crops… it can even lead to the forest or field dying completely,' I said, causing her to widen her eyes.

'Too many plants are bad… okay, but what does that have to do with fire?' she asked.

'Well, before it can get that bad, what you can do is set fire to the field or the forest, or perhaps a section of it. That way, new plants can get sun and nutrients, and the field or forest will grow,' I said with a smile as I raised my finger. 'Listen, Felt. Sometimes, the best way to restore something, or change something that has gone too far, what you need to do is…'

I felt my mind get sucked back into the present, as Felt finished the words of my memory for me.

"Is to burn it all down!" Felt said, turning back to face the crowd once more. "Knights? Nobles? Fuck all that shit! Maybe I'll keep it, maybe I won't, but no matter what, when I become the ruler, we're starting this place over again from scratch! So there ya have it, fuckers!"

And with that… most eloquent speech… the introductions of the royal selection candidates were finished.

"Hmph. Your dear sister truly is amusing, Selian. I may just have to add her to my retinue once I ascend to the throne," Priscilla said with a satisfied smile.

"Thank you, Priscilla…" I said as I rubbed my forehead in frustration.

Felt… while I love that you remembered my teachings, that… was not what I meant when I said it.

Much less to use while threatening the nobles right in front of their faces…

"That's it, I've had quite enough!" one of the nobles shouted. "I let this senseless farce play out long enough out of respect, but that does it! Just what kind of girl did you let into this hallowed place, Sword Saint? And Margrave Mathers… don't even get me started with you! Endorsing her? A half-elf with silver hair? How can we take this as anything other than a blatant disrespect of our nation!"

With him as the start, numerous other nobles began speaking up, while some knights showed their displeasure with stern frowns and glares that were centred at Emilia and Felt.

"He is right," one of the councilmen said from behind. "The Astrea family gives us such an uncouth and rebellious girl, while Margrave Mathers gives us a half-devil! This is utter foolishness!"

"Now now~ it's not nice to call Emilia-sama a 'half-devil'," Roswaal said, turning his head with an extremely fake smile. "She is a half-elf, after all~"

I briefly glanced at Priscilla.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Just… don't go too hard on her… please," I said, gesturing towards the half-elf.

Priscilla gave me a sharp glare before kicking my shin, causing me to wince in pain.

But thankfully, despite her disdain for the girl… she didn't use the moment to insult Emilia once more.

'Thank you,' I mouthed to her with a smile.

She simply scrunched her nose at me in disgust before turning away.

I was surely going to have to make it up to her later, but I didn't mind doing so.

I then looked back as the man disparaging Emilia slammed his hand on his armrest, his large eyebrows furrowed in anger.

"Same difference! That silver-haired half-devil matches the appearance of the Witch of Envy, the most heinous villain in all history! Forget the disrespect to our nation, if we allowed such a person the possibility to take the throne, the other four great nations would surely show the utmost hostility! Even allowing her into this room is dreadful enough!" he said, a vein popping on his bald forehead. "Filthy woman…"

A few other nobles spoke up at that, adding a multitude of insults as Emilia began walking down the steps.

I… didn't like this.

Even if I could understand the fear and worry of someone of her appearance, they should have the intelligence to know that Emilia wasn't the witch, but rather, she was a possible ruler chosen by the Dragon Stone, which earned her at least a modicum of respect.

But as I was about to move forward… I felt Priscilla grasp my hand.

"Just wait, fool," she said, pressing her fan to my lips as an incredibly amused smile danced across her lips. "The jester is about to begin his performance."

I was about to ask what she meant, but the next moment, my question was quickly answered.

"Enough of your crap!" a shout resounded throughout the hall, instantly silencing everyone else.

For it was Natsuki Subaru who decided to make his presence known.