"Takeru-san, are you Emilia's knight?" Subsequently, Felix curiously inquired.

"We're... more like good friends." Hearing his words, and the surrounding gazes turning his way, Takeru replied calmly.

Hearing this answer, not just Felix, but even Reinhard was taken aback. They found it truly hard to imagine someone would befriend a silver-haired half-elf, even coming here to support her. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"Then, allow me, the Captain of the Royal Guard, Marcos Gildark, to be presumptuous and take the lead in hosting the proceedings. The matter occurred approximately half a year ago, beginning with the successive deaths of the former king and the royal family..." At that moment, the green-haired knight who had been guarding the main gate earlier spoke loudly, drawing everyone's attention to him.

However, he hadn't spoken more than a few sentences before being interrupted.

"I understand the Captain wants to proceed smoothly, but I am also very busy. In Kararagi, there's a saying: 'Time is money'!" Anastasia Hoshin said seriously.

Then, Crusch also expressed not wanting to hear useless explanations and hoped to get straight to the point.

The well-behaved Emilia suggested it would be better to listen to everyone's explanations, but Anastasia showed disdain for Emilia, which made Takeru frown slightly.

Finally, after some discussion, the Guard Captain briefly outlined the matter. The important reason for convening this meeting was none other than the fact that the fifth person, who might become the new ruler according to the newly inscribed prophecy on the Dragon Tablet, had still not been found.

But because the Royal Selection had been delayed for too long, it was decided to forgo the fifth candidate and formally begin the Royal Selection from now on...

Without Felt's inclusion and Subaru's interference, this Royal Selection proceeding proceeded quite smoothly.

"All Royal Selection's candidates, please come forward. Priscilla Barielle-sama and her attendant, Al." The Guard Captain first looked at Priscilla.

"The Royal Selection is meaningless. I alone am fit to be king. You need only kneel and follow me," Priscilla said arrogantly, half-hiding her mouth with her fan.

"The head of House Karsten, Crusch Karsten-sama, and her knight attendant, Felix Argyle!"

"When I become king, I will have the dragon forget the old covenant. The Dragonfriend Kingdom of Lugnica does not belong to the dragon!" Crusch stated seriously.

"Anastasia Hoshin-sama of the Hoshin Trading Company and her knight attendant, Julius Juukulius!"

"I am greedy, so I want everything. No matter how successful I am in business, it doesn't satisfy me. I want a country of my own!" Hoshin said, acting cute.

"Emilia-sama and her recommender, Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers of the border territory!"

"My wish is only one: fairness. To create a country where all people are treated equally." Emilia quickly stated her platform, true to her kind and sincere nature.

As the proceedings continued, Takeru could see that among all present, Emilia was at an absolute disadvantage.

Takeru himself understood that Emilia's personality was not suited to be a king. In comparison, among those present, the one Takeru viewed most favorably was Crusch!

The head of the Karsten Ducal House, with considerable prestige in the kingdom, coupled with her own talents and ability to recognize talent, and additionally possessing the Divine Protection of Wind Reading, allowing her to easily discern if someone is lying, she could be called a natural-born leader.

However, her platform of severing the kingdom's contract with the Divine Dragon, abandoning dependence on the dragon, and establishing a self-reliant, strong nation might be difficult for some citizens of the Dragonfriend Kingdom of Lugnica to accept.

Of course, Takeru didn't care about these matters, as he was not a retainer of her faction.

Soon, as time passed, roughly three hours later, the proceedings concluded. Afterwards, Emilia immediately sought out Takeru and, seeing he hadn't acted rashly, breathed a sigh of relief.

"Takeru-kun, I hope next time we meet, you'll agree to my sparring request." Upon parting, Reinhard said to Takeru.

Hearing his words, Takeru calmly shook his head without further comment.

"Takeru-kun, you're welcome to visit the Karsten estate sometime. Crusch and I will receive you well!" Felix also said with a light laugh.

"Perhaps, given the opportunity." Hearing his words, Takeru replied indifferently.

"It's you. So, now that you know my identity, if you've changed your mind, I can give you a second chance." Soon, Priscilla, accompanied by Al, came before Takeru and said to him.

"..." Hearing her words, Takeru felt helpless. But recalling her earlier statements before everyone, Takeru could only give her a look that seemed to say, 'bless your heart'.

"Hmph, your gaze is disrespectful!" Noticing Takeru's look, Priscilla instinctively sensed something off and directly said.

"No, no, that's just your imagination." Hearing her words, Takeru dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

"Alright, Lia, it's time for us to go. Felt and Rem must have been waiting." Hearing his words, Takeru spoke softly, even taking her hand as they left the royal castle.

As for Roswaal, he wisely left on his own...

Having her hand held by Takeru made Emilia somewhat shy, but due to the stirring in her heart, she didn't try to pull her hand away.

The others, seeing Takeru and Lia holding hands as they left, had various thoughts.

Soon, two days passed.

During these two days, Takeru and the others thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the royal capital. Not lacking money, they nearly sampled all the delicacies the capital had to offer. Moreover, they left their footprints in most areas.

Over these two days, their relationships deepened quickly. Of course, besides the happy times, there were also some less pleasant matters.

Due to the announcement of the Royal Selection's candidates, unsurprisingly, Emilia became the prime target. Most citizens directly criticized the Council of Wise Men for being mad to allow a half-elf to become a candidate...

Although the words were unpleasant, Emilia silently endured them. Seeing this, Takeru could only comfort her.

Simultaneously, with the announcement of the candidates, undercurrents began to surge...

Today, Takeru and the others were preparing to return. Of course, after returning to the mansion, Takeru informed them about the movements of the Witch Cult, instructing Ram, Roswaal, and others to guard the mansion or the village.

Then, Takeru took Beatrice, Rem, and Felt to the Flugel's Tree area.

It wasn't that Takeru couldn't handle the White Whale alone, but simply that the others didn't want to wait idly at home.

Confident in his own strength, Takeru didn't refuse their company and let them follow.

Arriving there, Takeru looked at the super-tall tree and felt a sense of awe. Using his telekinesis to sense, Takeru could also feel the immense vitality contained within the tree.

After a moment of admiration, Takeru directly used earth magic to construct a building quickly. Soon, a two-story house appeared before everyone's eyes. Upon entering, they looked curiously at the interior decor, which also seemed quite nice.

Only the black-grey color was somewhat unappealing, but with illumination spells, it wasn't dark.

Having such a house in the wilderness was quite luxurious.

After preparing everything, everyone played and trained in the vicinity. Thus, under Rem's attentive service, even in the wilderness, Takeru's comforts were not diminished in the slightest.

Amidst the fun, time flowed into the next day. As night fell, Takeru could sense a certain foreboding, a feeling that something special was approaching.

"Takeru!" Beatrice was the first to find him.

"Don't worry. In a moment, you protect them. As for the White Whale, leave it to me." Hearing her words, Takeru gently stroked her golden hair and said softly.

"Mmm, be careful." Hearing Takeru say this, Beatrice could only nod obediently.

Subsequently, Takeru directly used earth magic to create a high wall and brought everyone to the top. Takeru held Beatrice, while Felt and Rem nestled close to him on either side. They all gazed at the moon.

As time passed bit by bit, Takeru felt the peculiar scent becoming increasingly distinct. Then, under the moonlight, a massive shadow blotted out the moon.

Merely two minutes later, the huge phantom quickly descended near Takeru and the others.

As the White Whale drew close, Takeru allowed a slight smile to appear on his lips.