26 Chapter 26: Royal Selection (4)

Chapter 26: Royal Selection (4)

~Third POV~

Upon the appearance of Puck, many people panicked and mixed about the situation occurring in the Royal Selection.

The knights likewise had mixed reactions as Emilia cleared her throat and took a step forward expressing determination unlike her faltering self-expressed prior, "I will be straightforward. I, like my predecessors, have a vested interest in the throne. I wish to use the dragon's blood to thaw the Elior Forest. But I wish for something beyond that."

She pointed towards her ears and continued in a determined tone feeling confidence brimming within her, "As you can see, I am a half-elf, one that you would say resembles the Witch. But I am nothing like her! I wish for a world where things like the prejudice I experience don't exist! A world and country where all are equal!"

But before she could continue, Bordeaux tried to interrupt her with clear disdain in his voice managing to regain his composure, "Bah! A half-elf demon with silver hair is brought before the throne?! This must be some sick joke – "

*FWOOOSH*

The temperature in the room suddenly plummeted in an instant and Puck turned to the bold man, who now began sweating as Puck responded in a cold tone "I would suggest you retract those words, human. You all should thank Lia... all of you here haven't been iced simply because of my daughter's petition… though I'm not as patient as Lia is…"

Bordeaux was left stunned by this turn of events occurring as Miklotov ran his hand through his long, white beard, before laughing catching everyone off guard, "Hohoho! You have quite the life-shortening taste there, Mr. Roswaal… by showing us the power of a Great Spirit you're proving that Emilia-sama has considerable power herself. That was just accomplished by Emilia-sama's resolve."

Emilia seeing this shows a neutral expression eye darting towards Mash giving her a thumbs up and exhaling before turning her attention to the Sage Council, "Sigh… I'm sorry Puck, Roswaal I'm fine now. I'd like to address the members of the prestigious sage council once more. My name is Emilia I don't have a family name please call me Emilia. And… I'm going to threaten you I have one request I wish for this election to be fair!"

Turning her attention around to the audience she proclaims her goals in a serious tone affirming her confidence extending her arms, "I wish for the election to be fair! It's important to me for the election to be fair. Because of that, I won't do anything unfair like attempting to steal the throne using my Contract Spirit as a shield. I'm still inexperienced compared to the other candidates there's still a lot I don't know… and there's still a lot I need to learn. That's why I'll continue to do my best."

Putting down her arms she explains her goals causing the nobles to frown or glare while Mash smirks seeing a ruler in the making along with Reinhard in a determined tone, "I've realized here today the peak that I should be aiming for! I don't know if my efforts are worthy of the throne however my feelings won't be lost to the others! Please view me fairly me, Emilia, with no family name."

Nobles and Knights all remained silent as Bordeaux stared down Emilia as he began to respond in a stern tone but showed his respect bowing lightly to her, "Emilia-sama… my opinion will never change. If we consider, the effects your image will have on the people it doesn't change the fact that you're at a disadvantage! However… please forgive my disrespect just now… Emilia-sama!"

Mash smiled lightly closing his eyes as Miklotov suddenly spoke out eyeing Mash curiously, "By the way Emilia-sama who is that person over there?"

At this, she blushed a bit stunned by his request, but Mash beat her to it by responding in a respectful tone bowing to him taking a knee, "No need Emilia I got it. I'm Mash Bastion sir. I'm an invited friend of Emilia wishing to see the historical moment of a King or I guess Queen in the making before my eyes. I'm merely here to wish moral support to my friend in her difficult challenge sir."

Miklotov nodded at the answer as Mash in a respectful tone. Mash soon spoke to Felt tempting her to join getting her attention, "So Felt you still want to quit on this Royal Selection?"

She was annoyed by his question ignoring the people in the room interrupting the event, "I already said I don't want too why –"

Interrupting her Mash responded as Reinhard looked at him in a different light as he responded, "In that case are you willing to abandon your family for this new life or are you going to help them by aiming for the top."

His words stunned Felt as she growled at him ignoring the commotion his causing, "What the heck is that supposed to mean? How can I be happy if I abandon my family?!"

Mash merely closed his lips turning around to his spot and replying to the short-tempered girl waving back, "Then simply take your family with you. Doesn't sound too hard for mister Miss Brat here? After all, you'll need to be more greedy than the rest and do what the hell you want since the Nobles won't help you in the slightest. After all aren't you after your dream you seek to escape the slums with your family in tow? Do you bend or bite miss thief brat?"

Felt was extremely annoyed as she declared to return to the royal selection much to everyone's shock out of pure spite, "YOU!! HA! Like hell I'll let you go after saying those fighting words! I'll do it! I'll participate in the royal selection aiming to be the King just to spite you bastard!!"

Mash merely flashed a light smile towards Reinhard realizing what he did as he spoke out in a calm tone, "You owe me one friend. And good luck with her I know you'll need it if she's anything like my little sis it will be hell for you."

Reinhard's eyes briefly widened before calmly thanking Mash muttering to him as he took his place, "I see… it simply fates that I would be her Knight in the end. I suppose I shall thank you again in your debt sir Mash."

Julius and Felix both looked at each other realizing what just occurred to them as did the candidates Felt responding a fire ignited towards her anger at the nobles with her small speech in a fiery passion, "And speaking of bastards… Mash was right about you nobles. And being King means I'll be the one in command, right? Then I know the first thing to do is turn everything into ashes bringing fresh air into the country!"

The nobles trembled and outcried at the sudden turn of events as Reinhard scratched the back of his head for his friend earning the ire of the nobles, "Well… seems like you quite disliked what you did Mash? But I'll have to thank you later for helping my lady find her goal."

Mash merely shrugged grinning widely as the Nobles cursed at him whispering at Reinhard causing Julius and Felix to freeze at his idea, "In that case how about allying with the Emilia Camp? Felt and Emilia could be good friends and allies to rely upon in the future. They could both learn from each other."

Reinhard merely hummed at the idea as he proposed it to Felt later whispering in a calm tone, "I would think it would be a good idea considering how Felt seems to like Emilia and her saving my lady in the past. But let's see what the future holds till then."

Julius and Felix both glanced at each other concerned that an alliance between the two would form already as the other candidates eyed the commotion between the Knights as Miklotove declared getting everyone's attention, "I HEREBY DECLARE THE START OF THE ROYAL ELECTION!"

With that everyone soon left leaving the Royal Candidates left to explain the rules as Mash followed the Knights Reinhard and Felix. Julius showed his disdain from behind glaring at Mash in a new light…

/////

Once they left outside the main room Mash couldn't help but ask in a curious tone towards the two knights, "Say don't you guys have to be with your masters? Isn't the whole point of a Knight to be with them or am I missing something…?"

Confused Felix explained in an upbeat tone placing one hand over Mash's chest, "You don't need to worry about that! Crusch-sama is far stronger than I after all."

Raising an eyebrow confused he asked the question in a curious tone the qualifications of a knight, "Really? Isn't the knight supposed to be stronger than their Master? And what's the qualifications to be a Knight to a candidate anyway?"

Listening to his question Reinhard explained with his carefree smile lifting one of his arms and explaining to him, "To be a Knight to be King there are requirements for a Knight to follow. Loyalty towards their Masters. Strength to protect their Master. And a special something to carve a path for their master."

At his words, Mash leans on the wall openly responding summing up a point to Reinhard's answer, "You mean like a special ability? Like a Divine Protection? And I do apologize if this offends you an Authority. Something along those lines."

Felix seemed surprised but Reinhard replied shrugging at Mash's answer correcting him, "I suppose something like that. I'm a bit surprised you knew of Authorities."

Mash nodded his head explaining himself earning a nod of understanding from Reinhard affirming his words truthfully, "Yeah… Been in this land for a few days and learned under Roswaal's home what to watch out for. Especially about the Witch Cultist and Witches. I've been educated on the dangers."

Felix raised an eyebrow surprised as Reinhard agreed giving Mash a light warning to be wary of them in a serious tone catching him by surprise, "I would recommend being extremely wary Bastion-san. At the very least you're informed of dangers. Despite managing to hold your own against the Bowel Hunter the cultist and Sin Archbishops will make you feel powerless against them with their Authorities."

Mash sighed nodding in understanding but soon got interrupted by Julius standing behind Felix and Reinhard in a harsh tone, "Instead of lamenting your powerlessness I would think you now have a choice which you need to make."

Surprised to see Julius Mash remained neutral as he explained with the other two listening to his words, "I have some business with you, Mash Bastion… come with me to the parade grounds."

Seeing this Mash raised an eyebrow at Julius seeing what irked him made him ask in a confused tone, "Sorry if I seem like an idiot saying this but could I have offended you or something?"

Julius merely gazed at Mash with a cold glint in his eyes responding in a neutral tone, "If you did something stupid? Of course, you did. You dishonored the Royal Selection causing an uproar that I can't overlook being a Knight. If you are truly Lady Emilia-sama's friend then don't miss this or else you dishonor her merits."

Turning around Mash narrowed his eyes seeing Julius wasn't saying no for an answer clicking his tongue and sighing out loud, "Man what a major pain… sigh… better see what he wants."