"You're truly impossible to figure out."
Having realized that Priscilla was not someone easy to deal with, Ana also sighed, looking slightly surprised.
Perhaps because they were all Royal Selection candidates, subtle conflicts had gradually formed between them. Priscilla was clever enough not to leave behind any leverage, giving Ana no opportunity to threaten her.
In comparison, Shendu had entered the situation of her own accord to resolve the Witch Cult's problem. The remaining candidates had come to Watergate City more or less because they were tempted by the conditions Ana had proposed.
"By the way, is this uncle Reinhard's father?"
After learning that this detestable drunk was Reinhard's father, Felt's expression became somewhat unnatural, tinged with faint amusement.
"Yes. I've heard that the head of the Astrea family isn't Reinhard, but rather his father, who controls all the family's wealth and connections."
As a soldier, Crusch naturally knew quite a bit and spoke everything she understood.
"Hmph, that's right. The position of head of the Astrea family rests in my hands, and I have no intention of returning it to Reinhard. As the strongest Sword Saint, why would I hand that position to someone else?"
Heinkel, flushed with petty triumph, wore a mocking expression. To him, Reinhard supporting a slum girl like Felt was nothing short of disgraceful.
"My apologies, Lady Felt!"
Reinhard bowed his head apologetically toward Felt, clearly troubled and pained by his father's unreasonable behavior.
"It's nothing. Don't forget, I haven't borrowed even the slightest bit of power from the family behind you."
Felt's confident words swept away the complex gloom lingering in Reinhard's heart.
"I understand."
Reinhard straightened his posture and fell silent.
"I've come today to announce something. I intend to present the Astrea family as a gift to Lady Priscilla."
All his life, Heinkel had been mediocre. His parents were both renowned swordmasters, and even his son Reinhard was the strongest Sword Saint.
Only he himself had always been ordinary. Yet in order to control Reinhard, the kingdom constantly sought to curry favor with him. That made him both pleased and resentful.
This time, Heinkel had pledged allegiance to Priscilla. Though her attitude had been somewhat arrogant, and though he had felt angry for a moment, he had not forgotten his true purpose.
"How noisy."
The moment Heinkel uttered her name, Priscilla's eyes filled with open mockery. With a snap, she closed her folded fan and casually tossed it outward.
Thud!
Caught completely off guard, Heinkel was struck by the folded fan and sent flying, crashing heavily onto the floor and losing consciousness on the spot.
He had already been disciplined once by Shendu earlier. Now, after receiving another lesson from Priscilla, he was knocked out entirely.
"Hmph. What a mediocrity."
"The only thing of value you possess is your usefulness. A mediocrity does not deserve my respect."
Priscilla showed no mercy whatsoever. Just as she lifted the tip of her foot, intending to step on Heinkel, Shendu grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
"That's enough, Priscilla. Know when to stop. No matter what, Heinkel is Reinhard's father and Wilhelm's son."
If it were an ordinary nobody, Shendu would have felt nothing about killing him. But this man had a rather powerful backing. Sparing his life was acceptable.
Hearing Shendu's request, Priscilla gradually regained her composure and returned to her usual elegance.
"Very well. Since Miss Shendu says so, I'll spare him. Otherwise, I would truly have killed him."
Priscilla extended her hand, and a deep crimson sword materialized within her grasp. Ripple-like patterns flowed across its blade, radiating powerful yang magic.
Clearly, Priscilla's control over yang magic was formidable. No wonder she was called the Sun Princess. The sword itself was impressive as well.
"As my best friend, you chose to support that half-baked girl. I won't comment on that. But that man was disrespectful toward you. This is his punishment."
Holding the blazing sword, Priscilla dispelled its magic, and the weapon vanished from her hand.
Al, standing nearby, let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Only after confirming that Priscilla had no intention of escalating things further did Al finally relax. Though he was her knight, he truly could not defeat her.
In terms of magical ability, Priscilla was no weaker than Emilia—perhaps even slightly stronger. Her overall strength surpassed even that of a Phoenix.
Her usual arrogance and conceit served as a disguise, causing others to underestimate her. Yet her true power was unfathomable.
Only Shendu and Reinhard could steadily overpower her. The others simply did not possess that level or qualification.
"Alright, the entertainment is over. Schult, take that man away."
Having finished disciplining Heinkel, Priscilla appeared quite satisfied and turned toward the doorway.
"Yes, Lady Priscilla."
A red-haired, adorable-looking boy stepped in respectfully, bowed to Priscilla, then lifted Heinkel effortlessly with one hand and carried him out.
Thus, the not-so-small farce came to an end.
"Miss Shendu, as my best friend, you always have privileges. Since you dislike that man, I will discipline him severely for you."
Priscilla gazed at Shendu, clearly pleased.
"Thank you for your kindness. Thanks to you, that mortal fly has finally been dealt with."
Shendu's crimson eyes met Priscilla's as she chuckled softly.
"Listen well. Even if I do not become queen, as long as it is someone Miss Shendu supports, I will show them respect. As for the rest—there is no such courtesy."
Priscilla remained as arrogant as ever. Sweeping her gaze around the room and receiving no reaction, she let out a cold snort.
Soon after, the disturbance naturally settled. Priscilla had matters to attend to and temporarily departed.
The other factions gradually dispersed as well. Seeing that Crusch was about to leave, Shendu stepped forward and smiled at the dark-green-haired girl.
"Come speak with me privately. Do you have the time?"
"I do."
A barely perceptible delight flashed in Crusch's eyes upon hearing Shendu's words.
The two walked one after the other toward the courtyard. With the farce concluded, the various forces once again fell into quiet tension.
"Crusch, what kind of person is Heinkel?"
From Shendu's first impression, that man was petty, reckless, and extremely selfish.
"Mediocre, dull, and exceedingly selfish. He has many flaws. Yet he is someone the kingdom is most eager to win over."
Crusch answered frankly, her tone tinged with resignation.
"By rights, Heinkel should have at least some backbone. But he gives off the impression of a petty villain. That likely has much to do with the kingdom's courting of him, doesn't it?"
Shendu said thoughtfully.
"Exactly. The kingdom seeks to win over Heinkel. Neither Wilhelm nor Reinhard is truly trusted by the kingdom. Though they possess immense power, they also inspire fear."
"If Reinhard wished it, changing the dynasty would likely be quite easy."
"Therefore, the kingdom has no choice but to focus on Heinkel, using this mediocre man to balance the two of them. Judging from the results, it has worked."
Crusch clearly understood the situation and explained why their relationship had grown so strained.
"Also, twelve years ago there was a kidnapping case involving a missing royal family member. Based on my deduction, that person was Felt."
"In that matter, Heinkel played an indispensable role."
Crusch revealed even these hidden details, allowing Shendu to fully understand the man.
"I see. He truly is a detestable fellow."
Shendu narrowed her eyes, undisguised disgust flickering within them.
...
Watergate City, inn.
After finishing her conversation with Crusch, Shendu returned to her room and found Emilia, directly extending an invitation.
"Emilia, would you like to go out for a stroll? We can enjoy the full scenery of Watergate City."
Shendu smiled as she spoke without hesitation.
"Really? If Sister Shendu is taking me out, that makes me so happy!"
Emilia's eyes lit up at once, her joy evident.
"Wait, we want to go too. Big Sister, you can't play favorites."
Inside the room, upon hearing that Shendu was taking Emilia out, Beatrice pulled Akane along and walked over, protesting with slight dissatisfaction.
"We too. We want to look around as well."
Even Natsuki Subaru and Garfiel from the neighboring room stepped out, their faces filled with expectation.
"Alright then. What are we waiting for? Let's all head out together."
Shendu waved her hand. The group left the inn, hired a dragon carriage, and headed toward the park.
Naturally, that was the territory of the minstrel Liliana. Shendu's purpose in going there was simply to pass the time.
Besides, the girl's singing was quite pleasant. Staying a little longer posed no problem.
Before long, they arrived at the park once more. As soon as they approached the fountain, a melodious voice drifted through the air—Liliana's distinctive singing.
As lively as ever, the atmosphere remained intoxicating. Walking within such an environment, Shendu found that a casual stroll like this was rather enjoyable.
The deeper they went, the more crowded it became. Shendu, Beatrice, Akane, and the others stepped forward and saw that besides Liliana singing, there was another unusual figure present today.
One of the Royal Selection candidates—Priscilla, famed for her arrogance and pride.
Dressed in a deep crimson gown, Priscilla moved like a dancing red butterfly. When she finished a piece, thunderous cheers erupted.
"Amazing! Lady Priscilla is so beautiful!"
"Liliana's singing is wonderful too! Together it's absolutely stunning!"
This time, more than just dozens had gathered—over two hundred people filled the area, making it exceptionally lively.
When the song ended, the surrounding citizens burst into applause. One danced, the other sang, and together they drew countless eyes.
"Hehe, today has been most delightful. Your performance is quite commendable. A fine level indeed."
"I'm honored by your praise, Lady Priscilla. Your dancing was marvelous as well. Didn't you see how none of them could take their eyes off you?"
Liliana and Priscilla exchanged mutual flattery. For their first collaboration, they displayed remarkable chemistry.
"Tell me, would you consider becoming my maid? Accompany me in performance from time to time and relieve my boredom. What do you say?"
Recognizing Liliana's talent, Priscilla immediately moved to recruit her, eager to secure a singer of such caliber.
"No, thank you. You know who I am. As a minstrel, my duty is to wander endlessly, seeking inspiration wherever I go."
"If I were to remain by your side, I could no longer pursue my dream. That is something I cannot agree to."
Liliana refused without the slightest hesitation.
It was clear she cherished her freedom. If she were bound, she would likely never compose songs worthy of legend.
"How heartless, rejecting me so directly. Very well, I forgive you. If you ever change your mind, come find me in my territory."
Priscilla did not press the matter.
Regardless, she held a favorable impression of Liliana and simply wished to have her sing by her side.
Once the performance concluded, the gathered citizens gradually dispersed. Shendu led her group forward.
"Hmm? Where are your attendants, Priscilla? As a candidate, you're alone?"
Seeing no one around Priscilla, Shendu approached with Emilia and teased lightly.
"I didn't bring them. They're nothing but a nuisance, always restricting where I go. Besides, I am strong enough on my own. Do I require protection from those weaker than me?"
Recognizing her best friend, Priscilla raised her folding fan to cover half her face and laughed softly.
"Fair enough. You are indeed quite strong."
Shendu replied calmly, acknowledging the girl's power.
Not only was Priscilla formidable—at the level of a great mage—but her political skills were impressive as well. The fact that she had rallied the nobles near her territory to her side spoke volumes of her ability.
"See that, half-baked girl? You still have much to learn. Miss Shendu's continued care for you is your good fortune."
Priscilla looked at Emilia with undisguised dissatisfaction.
"I understand. And I will always remain by Sister Shendu's side."
Emilia met Priscilla's gaze stubbornly, clearly sensing the faint jealousy within it.
It was difficult to imagine how Shendu had managed to earn such regard from someone as arrogant and proud as Priscilla.
"Sigh, how dull. We've already heard the song once. Lady Shendu, can we go somewhere else? Perhaps look for some local specialties."
Suddenly, Natsuki Subaru spoke up, looking somewhat bored.
"Oh? You want to head out?"
Shendu asked thoughtfully, a hint of surprise in her eyes.
"Yeah. I heard there are plenty of local products near the plaza. Lady Shendu, why don't we let them chat while we go take a look?"
Natsuki Subaru smiled, clearly hoping for a chance to be alone with her.
As fellow transmigrators, he felt an instinctive closeness toward Shendu. Any opportunity to stay by her side was precious to him.
"Very well. Beatrice, Akane, you two stay and protect Emilia. Garfiel and Natsuki Subaru will come with me to buy some local goods."
Shendu had not yet visited the city plaza. This was as good an opportunity as any.
"No problem, Big Sister!"
"Understood, Master!"
The two girls readily accepted the order. Though Emilia also wanted to visit the plaza, she was caught in continued conversation and remained behind.
Taking one last glance at the lively scene, Shendu turned and led Natsuki Subaru and Garfiel away toward the plaza.
The local specialties were indeed interesting—snacks reminiscent of those from her original world, along with dried goods and pastries.
Shendu casually purchased a few items but did not buy much. After making a wide circle around the area, she suddenly felt something strange.
It was as if something was about to happen.
"Natsuki Subaru, do you feel anything unusual?"
After a moment of thought, Shendu asked him seriously.
"A little... It feels unsettling."
Natsuki Subaru pressed a hand to his chest, discomfort flickering across his face.
"That is the Authority of Return by Death warning you. Before long, trouble is likely to come. You may need to use that power."
Shendu spoke gravely. Natsuki Subaru's expression shifted before he nodded firmly.
"I'm prepared. If something irreversible happens, I'll be ready to die. Even if it means death, I'll use that power to correct everything."
He clenched his fists, determination filling his eyes.
"Heh, that's some spirit. I'll be watching how you handle it."
Garfiel laughed heartily and clapped Natsuki Subaru on the shoulder in encouragement.