"Nya, Lady Emilia is truly fortunate to have a woman supporting her."
Felix spoke with a faint smile, glancing expectantly toward Crusch.
However, Crusch did not respond. She merely looked toward Shendu with a complicated expression, as though lost in thought.
"It's nothing. Perhaps there really is something shining within Emilia that earned that woman's help."
Crusch let out a soft sigh. If she wished to become queen, what she lacked most was precisely such a powerful aide.
Unfortunately, the other party had not chosen to join her camp.
Shendu possessed both strength and influence. In terms of strength, she could easily face so many opponents alone, and had even secretly formed a covenant with Reinhard.
In terms of influence, she was backed by the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild. Ordinary people simply could not afford to offend her.
"Hehe, I think Lady Crusch is wonderful too. If you moved her with sincerity, it shouldn't be impossible."
Felix turned his head toward Crusch and offered a rather questionable suggestion.
"We'll talk about that later. Enough of this for now."
Crusch said no more, merely gazing at Shendu with visible regret.
It was a pity. Shendu was a strong individual with a distinct personality. Trying to find an opportunity to recruit her would be far more troublesome than imagined.
For now, the best course was not to become her enemy and to wait for a future opportunity to see whether she could be drawn over.
"Very well. I will now announce the rules of the Royal Selection. All candidates, please listen carefully."
Seeing that the time was right, Miklotov stood and slowly swept his gaze over the candidates present before speaking gravely.
As his voice fell, the atmosphere grew quiet. All discussion ceased. Everyone simply looked at Miklotov, prepared to hear the rules of the Royal Selection.
Shendu's crimson eyes also fixed on him thoughtfully.
"There are five candidates chosen under the Divine Dragon's guidance: Crusch Karsten, Priscilla Barielle, Anastasia Hoshin, Felt, and Lady Emilia. The selection period for the throne will last three years. One month before the renewal of the covenant, the final decision will be made. During this time, the candidates must perform well and earn the recognition of both the kingdom and the Divine Dragon in order to become king."
"From this moment onward, the Royal Selection officially begins!"
After announcing the rules, Miklotov pushed the atmosphere to its peak. Everyone looked at the five candidates with anticipation, fully aware that the future king would emerge from among them.
After explaining the rules and recounting the experiences of the previous king, Miklotov concluded the Royal Selection meeting. As he departed, he noticed Shendu's calm expression and quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
The Council of Wise Men had been established four hundred years ago. Its members had changed generation after generation, all mortal elders incapable of longevity.
It was only after cooperating with Shendu that they began to harbor hopes of eternal life.
After all, even Roswaal, the court magician, could only achieve longevity through the method of soul transcription, transferring himself into his descendants.
Let alone ordinary people. The pursuit of eternal life was faint and nearly hopeless. That was precisely why some elders of the council had joined Shendu—to seek longevity.
Thus, the Royal Selection meeting officially came to an end.
During the proceedings, Priscilla had chatted with Shendu for a time, warmly inviting her to visit her territory.
However, Shendu directly refused, declining the girl's request.
Crusch, on the other hand, simply greeted her as an acquaintance and maintained a respectful distance.
The green-haired girl also discussed the kingdom's current situation with her. Shendu pointed out several of the kingdom's disadvantages, which only increased the girl's favorable impression of her.
After the meeting dispersed, Shendu and Emilia walked side by side toward the exit, while Akane departed directly with Elsa.
Naturally, Roswaal the clown followed behind them, as though he still had something to say.
"Miss Shendu, you truly stole the spotlight today. It won't be long before your deeds spread throughout the entire royal capital."
Roswaal looked at Shendu meaningfully as he spoke.
"It's nothing. I merely did a small thing. For Emilia, it was worth it."
Shendu stopped walking and looked at the clown with her crimson eyes.
When she said this, Emilia's face flushed slightly. She had always kept this girl's care in her heart.
With her by her side, Emilia no longer feared danger and instead felt brave enough to face everything.
"Hehe, what an interesting development. I happen to have matters that require me to leave my territory. I will be heading to the Sanctuary for some time. Emilia will be in your care."
Suddenly, Roswaal changed the subject and fixed Shendu with a meaningful gaze, as though he had already made his judgment.
"Oh? Why leave at a time like this?"
Facing the deliberately mysterious clown, Shendu had already seen through him.
No matter how deep Roswaal's schemes appeared, it felt as though everything was written plainly on his face.
"Naturally, it is the guidance of fate. I have great faith in destiny."
Roswaal chuckled softly, the light in his mismatched eyes growing brighter.
"Heh. Those who believe too deeply in fate may be led astray by it. I believe that my fate is decided by myself—not by heaven."
Shendu glanced at Roswaal, causing the strange clown's eyes to gleam even more intensely.
After parting ways, Shendu and Emilia arrived at the inn.
Upon entering, they saw Rem, dressed in her maid outfit, having just finished cleaning. The moment she noticed them, her eyes lit up with delight.
Her gaze lingered on Shendu as she hurried forward and bowed respectfully.
"Lady Emilia, Lady Shendu, welcome back. Did the Royal Selection go smoothly?"
Rem looked thoughtfully at Shendu, her eyes unwilling to look away. Clearly, the blue-haired maid had fallen for the silver-haired, red-eyed beauty.
"It went well. With Sister Shendu's help, I was able to resolve the trouble."
"Let's have a simple lunch, and then we can stroll around the royal capital."
After sitting through such a long meeting, Emilia felt a little hungry.
"Very well."
Shendu gently stroked the girl's silver hair and replied warmly.
"Rem, we'll leave lunch to you. Prepare the carriage afterward. I'll tell you what happened on the way."
Shendu smiled lightly at Rem, intending to recount the events to her during their return journey.
"Yes, Lady Shendu. I'll arrange it immediately."
Following Shendu's instructions, Rem promptly began preparing lunch.
It had to be said—the blue-haired maid was indeed quite charming, and her personality was pure and sincere. Ever since being saved once, she had kept that gratitude firmly in her heart.
Before long, a simple meal was prepared. They ate heartily, then headed to the royal capital's plaza and boarded a dragon carriage bound for the distance.
The scenery along the journey remained as pleasant as ever. Shendu did not go looking for Akane, as Akane still had tasks to complete. For now, it was better not to meet.
Time passed little by little. They visited many places within the capital, taking in a variety of sights.
As the sky gradually darkened and night enveloped the land, the scenery outside faded from view. Only then did Shendu withdraw her gaze.
"Sister Shendu, is it really alright if I don't personally thank Akane?"
"The Divine Dragon Merchant Guild has so many matters to handle. Is it really fine to leave everything to her?"
After Shendu turned back, Emilia fixed her violet eyes on her and asked with a hint of confusion.
Hearing this, Shendu's lips curved into a faint smile as she calmly explained,
"It's fine. Akane is very capable when it comes to handling affairs. Leaving things to her won't be a problem."
Shendu trusted her subordinate completely. Even without her saying it, Emilia knew that in certain aspects, Akane was indeed more capable than herself.
"That's good."
Emilia nodded. Then, as if remembering something, she continued,
"Then this time, Sister Shendu... how long will you stay by my side?"
Emilia looked at her expectantly, hoping for a definite answer.
As soon as she spoke, Rem—who was outside holding the reins—quietly perked up her ears, clearly interested in the conversation inside the carriage.
Shendu thought for a moment. Aside from forging the pseudo-divine artifact Amaterasu Sword and dealing with the possible appearance of the White Whale, there was little else demanding her immediate attention. She had plenty of time available.
"I should be able to stay with you for quite a while. There isn't much to do in the near future."
After brief consideration, Shendu gave her reply.
"Really? That's wonderful!"
Hearing this, Emilia immediately wrapped her arms around Shendu's arm, her face full of joy.
"You silly girl."
Shendu gently pinched the girl's cheek and smiled.
Their relationship was like an enhanced version of best friends. Emilia relied heavily on her, placing her trust in her for everything.
Before long, the dragon carriage returned to the inn where the royal candidates were staying in the capital.
After they disembarked, they were unexpectedly greeted by another maid—Ram—standing at the entrance with a solemn expression, welcoming the returning Emilia and Shendu.
"Welcome back, Lady Emilia, Lady Shendu. Dinner has been prepared. Let us dine first."
Ram first looked at Emilia, then offered Shendu a gentle smile.
After the previous incident, Ram's attitude toward Shendu had improved considerably. The suspicion and distrust she once held had largely disappeared.
Having come to the capital unexpectedly, she had hoped to surprise both Shendu and Emilia. Seeing their surprised expressions, Ram felt rather satisfied.
"Alright."
Emilia nodded with a soft smile, holding Shendu's hand as they walked toward the dining table.
In the spacious inn hall, Rem and Ram pushed in a serving cart together. Ram placed a tea set upon the table, pouring a cup with careful precision.
On the cart beside them were plate after plate of exquisite dishes, their rich aroma making even Shendu feel her appetite stir.
"Lady Shendu, it has been a long time since you tasted the tea I brewed. Please try it now and see whether my tea-making has improved."
Ram looked at Shendu earnestly as she offered the cup.
"Sister, you've just arrived in the capital and you're already clinging to Lady Shendu. That's too sly."
Seeing Ram's attitude, Rem felt a faint trace of dissatisfaction.
Rem believed that she liked Lady Shendu even more than her sister did. Naturally, she would not yield. She lifted the dishes one by one and carefully placed them on the table.
Drinking tea was important—but dinner was equally so.
Rem's affection for Shendu came from the bottom of her heart. She deliberately placed the tastiest dishes directly in front of Shendu, which left Emilia watching with a hint of envy.
Even though she herself was one of the royal candidates and had Roswaal's support, Shendu seemed far more popular. It only highlighted her unique charm.
"Alright."
Shendu had always trusted Ram's tea-making skills. After the tea was poured into the cup, she lifted it and took a sip.
"The flavor is excellent. It seems you've improved compared to before."
She gave a fair evaluation after tasting it.
"Is that so? As long as Lady Shendu enjoys it, I can brew tea for you every day."
Ram replied obediently. Gradually, her feelings for Roswaal had begun to shift. Little by little, her fondness for Shendu was growing stronger.
Just as Ram was trying to earn Shendu's favor, the pendant at Emilia's neck flashed, and a small cat emerged from it, floating before her.
Seeing Puck appear so suddenly, Shendu was slightly surprised. She had not expected this nine-to-five spirit to show up at night.
"Good evening, Lia. And Miss Shendu."
Puck hovered in midair, smiling as he greeted his daughter and Shendu.
"Hm? Puck, why are you out at night? Won't you get tired?"
Emilia raised her hand, and Puck landed on her shoulder, staring at her with wide eyes.
"It's nothing. I only came out to say a few words. I'll be fine."
Puck said confidently, then turned his gaze toward Shendu, as if he had quite a bit to say.
"Miss Shendu, thank you for protecting Lia and ensuring she was not harmed by others. I can now formally entrust Lia to you with peace of mind."
"In other words, Miss Shendu, you are the only person Lia can rely on from now on."
Puck spoke slowly and clearly to Shendu. His words, however, caused Emilia's face to flush bright red.
What was this?
Why did it sound so strange—almost like he was entrusting her to someone?
"Puck, you should go back! There's no need for you to worry about my matters with Miss Shendu."
Emilia hurriedly tried to stop him.
"No. My daughter Lia is the most innocent and pure girl in this world. With you taking care of her, I am completely at ease."
Ignoring Emilia's embarrassment, Puck continued thoughtfully.
"Hm? Puck, you trust me that much?"
Shendu looked at him curiously. She knew he could perceive the nature of her soul, yet he still placed such trust in her. It was rather peculiar.
"It's simple. In front of so many people, you were willing to stand out and help Lia. I have kept that in my heart. You are the only one I truly acknowledge."
"And Lia herself chose to rely on you. Being by your side can free her from her unease."
After saying this, Puck disappeared.
It had to be said that his appearance helped ease the atmosphere. His words left a faint smile on Emilia's face.
Once Puck left, Emilia's flushed state gradually subsided. However, when she looked at Shendu—who seemed lost in thought—her face turned even redder.
"Um... Sister Shendu, come to my room tonight. Let's have a proper talk."
Still slightly shy, Emilia voiced her request while looking at her.
"Of course. I'll come over a little later. For now, let's eat."
Shendu smiled at the girl, already forming her own plans.