“Clang—!”
In an instant, as the dazzling light burst forth from the dragon pattern behind the throne, a series of brilliant light points appeared within the radiance, gradually gathering in front of the throne on the high platform.
Before long, the light points slowly condensed, forming into a stone tablet.
Everyone in the hall gazed upon that stone tablet with a sense of reverence and faith.
Fang Li could sense an intangible force emanating from the stone tablet and wondered.
“So, that’s the Dragon History Stone?”
The Dragon History Stone is said to be the stone tablet that displays the Dragon’s Will.
Its function is to communicate the Dragon’s Will to the kingdom when significant calamities arise, providing guidance on how to resolve them and preventing disaster for the kingdom.
When the extinction of the royal family occurred, the prophecy to seek out the five Dragon Maidens and begin the Royal Selection appeared on the Dragon History Stone as an indication of the Dragon’s Will.
Thus, the kingdom embarked on the quest to find the five Dragon Maidens and start the Royal Selection.
“The Dragon History Stone is here, much like the Dragon’s Will is here. The noble dragon must be watching us from afar through the Dragon History Stone.”
Marcos, the captain of the Royal Guard, turned back around to face everyone.
“So, in the name of the captain of the Royal Guard of the Kingdom of Lugnica, I report to the members of the Sage Council and all present that we have fulfilled our quest. All five Dragon Maidens have been found. Let the Royal Selection begin so that the one we must pledge our loyalty to may be revealed and lead the kingdom to prosperity.”
With Marcos’s declaration, all the knights dressed in white uniforms on the right side of the hall simultaneously took a step forward, placing their hands over their hearts in a formal salute.
Only Fang Li and Al stood still in their places, seeming out of place.
Marcos glanced at the two of them briefly before continuing his announcement.
“We of the Royal Guard are the King’s direct forces. Therefore, despite differing beliefs, we serve as supporters, recommending suitable candidates for the throne.”
“Now, I ask the knights of each candidate to step forward.”
With these words, Marcos began summoning.
“Reinhard von Astrea!”
“Yes!”
Reinhard stepped forward, positioning himself behind Felt, unsheathed the Dragon Sword from his waist, and struck the ground with a loud thud.
“Reinhard von Astrea, as Felt Sama’s knight, pledges to assist Felt in ascending the throne!”
The unwavering declaration earned the respect of everyone present.
“Humph.” Felt only snorted coldly, showing disdain rather than gratitude for Reinhard’s allegiance.
It was clear that Felt still held a grudge against Reinhard for keeping her confined.
Marcos continued the announcement.
“Julius Juukulius!”
“Yes!”
Julius stepped forward, similarly placing himself behind Anastasia, unsheathing his sword and striking the ground with a composed expression.
“Julius Juukulius, as Anastasia Sama’s knight, also pledges to assist Anastasia in ascending the throne!”
His voice, though not as forceful as Reinhard’s, was filled with firm resolve.
“Hehe.” Anastasia laughed melodiously with her back to Julius.
However, Anastasia’s tone carried a unique Kansai dialect.
“Then, I’ll be looking forward to your performance, Julius.”
That particular accent is characteristic of those from Kararagi, making their manner of speaking easily recognizable.
Marcos proceeded with the announcement.
“Next, Felix Argyle!”
“Yes, yes, yes~~~”
Unlike the formal demeanor of Reinhard and Julius, Felix responded lightheartedly, yet obediently approached Crusch from behind, smiling mischievously.
“There is no need for Ferris Chan to take a formal oath since Crusch Sama already understands my heart.”
Hearing this, Crusch smiled.
That smile, unlike Anastasia’s, carried a sense of heroism and regal bearing.
Crusch then spoke.
“Because I’ve heard your oaths since childhood, and they have long been ingrained in my heart.”
Her words carried trust in Felix, without any doubt.
It is worth mentioning that Crusch and Felix are childhood friends, having grown up together.
“So then…” Marcos’s voice continued.
“Aldebaran!”
This time, Marcos’s summoning did not receive a response.
“Tsk…” Al made a rare, outright tongue-clicking sound, showing his displeasure, and said, “To be called by my full name, which I hate, really annoys me.”
Despite his complaint, Al stepped forward, positioning himself behind Priscilla, and spoke with some displeasure.
“I am not as formal as other knights, so don’t expect me to take this oath seriously.”
These words were met with only Priscilla’s arrogant laughter.
“It doesn’t matter,” Priscilla said confidently. “I never needed any knights or supporters. The throne belongs to me alone. Even if I were the only one in my faction, the throne would still fall to me. All you need to do is amuse me.”
Such extreme confidence caused the other Royal Selection candidates to frown, and whispers began to circulate among the other attendees.
Marcos ignored Priscilla’s comments and continued with the announcements.
By this point, Emilia had already closed her eyes.
As the only one of the five Royal Selection candidates without a supporting knight, her status as a Half-Elf already made her controversial. Now, without a knight to support her, she knew she would become a laughingstock.
However, Emilia had mentally prepared herself for this, and she held back her feelings of disappointment, quietly waiting for the blow.
What Emilia did not expect happened next.
Marcos’s voice echoed through the hall.
“Fang Li!”
Emilia’s eyes flew open in shock, her face expressing pure disbelief.
Everyone in the hall turned their gaze to one person, evaluating him.
Only Fang Li lifted his head, showing no surprise at the announcement. He whispered quietly to himself, “As expected.”
Fang Li turned his head to look in one direction.
There, Roswaal also stared at him, a smile on his face.
And it was a particularly satisfied smile.
…
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