After that, perhaps because the situation had never truly settled—and because the Shogun had previously struck the royal palace with heavenly lightning—the meeting, which should have proceeded smoothly, became exceedingly difficult. The participants broke into arguments at the slightest provocation, wasting more and more time.
In the end, the council members had no choice but to temporarily adjourn the session, allowing everyone to calm down. That would be enough for today. Each of these people was stronger than them—if someone lost control in a moment of agitation and blew up the palace, it would be a disaster.
The ministers cast annoyed and disdainful glances at the five standing there, especially at Emilia and the Shogun. Yet after the Shogun's earlier show of force, they could only harbor their rejection in silence, not daring to voice it again.
After all, they valued their lives.
Just as the assembly was about to disperse, Emilia, out of pride, stepped forward once more to clarify her true identity.
"I'm very sorry, everyone, but there is something I must make clear. Please, hear me out—"
She swept her gaze across the room before finally settling it on the elder councilors in front of her.
"My name is Emilia. I am a silver-haired half-elf accompanied by the Great Spirit Puck, who governs fire magic. I am not a half-demon as you call me, nor am I a witch. On this point... on this point alone, I ask that you understand clearly."
"I know that as a half-elf, I suffer prejudice because I share the Witch's appearance. But! I do not wish for all possibilities to be denied solely because of that!"
With that, she did not wait for their reaction before taking the Shogun's hand, intending to leave.
"...!!" ×N
"She said Great Spirit?!" ×N
The moment those words registered, the expressions of those present turned complicated.
"Wait. Who exactly is the one beside you? Why can she summon heavenly lightning?!"
One of the elder councilors wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and called out to her, deliberately glancing at the purple-haired woman whose hand she was holding.
"Yes, exactly!" ×N
The ministers echoed in agreement.
"..."
The Shogun intended to speak, but Emilia stopped her with a small gesture, indicating she would explain.
"The Shogun is a princess from a distant kingdom. That land is shrouded in thunder all year round, so she possesses the special ability to wield the power of lightning. You may consider it her form of magic."
Emilia phrased it in a way these old conservatives could understand. If the Shogun explained herself, it would likely sound far too fantastical for them to believe.
The Shogun felt slightly awkward at being introduced as a princess. It sounded strange to her—but after thinking about it, it was not entirely wrong.
"A princess?!" ×N
The hall instantly filled with murmurs.
Why would such a figure assist a half-elf? And the mention of a Great Spirit earlier had already shocked them. Those who once looked down on Emilia now began to regard her seriously. Anyone could understand that someone capable of commanding such powerful companions could not be simple.
"Haa... I see. So this is your capital, half-elf."
The elder smiled knowingly.
"I have no intention of showing off. I am merely introducing my companion fairly."
Emilia shook her head. She had said everything she needed to say. Gently tightening her grip on the Shogun's slender hand, she prepared to leave.
"Let's go, Shogun."
She reminded her softly.
"...Mm."
The Shogun glanced at her and nodded, allowing herself to be led away. Emilia's palm was warm and soft—like cotton. After a moment, their fingers interlaced naturally.
Watching Emilia's back, the others also prepared to disperse. Under such circumstances, the meeting could not continue. The remaining four Royal Selection candidates felt the same.
"Adjourned! We will continue the remaining matters tomorrow."
Bang!
The elder struck the table as he announced it.
Rustle! ×N
The once-tense palace instantly filled with sounds of relief. Tightened nerves finally loosened. Ministers and knights alike began moving toward the grand doors.
"Lady Crusch..."
Felix called softly to his master.
"Mm. Let's go."
Crusch nodded and led him in the direction Emilia had departed.
"..."
Nearby, Julius continued staring at the spot where the two had left, brows tightly furrowed. His fists clenched gradually at his sides.
"Is something wrong, Julius?"
Anastasia noticed her knight's unusual demeanor and approached him with concern.
"Lady Anastasia... there is something I must request your permission for..."
His eyes gleamed with stubborn determination as he stared at the doors, voice low as though he had made up his mind.
"Eh? What is it?"
It was the first time Anastasia had seen her knight like this. Could it have something to do with the Raiden Shogun? He had seemed unsettled ever since seeing her.
"Allow me to duel that woman—the Raiden Shogun."
...
"Emilia..."
Being led along as though she were a child, the Shogun glanced at their joined hands and quietly called her name.
"Hm?"
The silver-haired girl paused and turned back in confusion.
"My hand... may I withdraw it now?"
She lifted their joined hands slightly, causing Emilia's arm to sway as well.
"Your hand... ah—sorry... I forgot."
Emilia flushed and quickly released her. Perhaps she had held too tightly—her palm was damp with sweat, which embarrassed her.
[Hmm—For someone as pure-hearted as you, Shogun, this sort of thing is still overwhelming, isn't it?]
Ei teased at just the right moment.
...
My being pure-hearted is hardly a crime!!'
She complained inwardly.
An awkward silence fell between them. Ministers and knights passing by merely cast brief glances before continuing their conversations. The corridor was crowded after the adjournment.
"Shogun..."
"Mm?"
She met Emilia's gaze.
"Are you... angry?"
Emilia asked cautiously.
"Why would I be angry?"
She blinked in confusion. The sudden question left her puzzled.
"Haa... that's good. I was worried you might be..."
"I don't mind those things."
"Oh..."
Emilia gave an awkward smile and lightly pinched the edge of her skirt.
"Heeey~ Raiden dear~ Lady Emilia~! Wait up!"
At that moment, they heard Felix calling from afar. Both turned toward the corridor on their left, where the cat-eared knight approached at an unhurried pace alongside Crusch.
"Finally caught up to you—I'm exhausted, meow~"
Felix bent over with his hands on his knees and let out an exaggerated sigh.
"Um... may I ask what this is about?"
Seeing that the two had clearly come looking for them, Emilia asked in confusion.
"I was wondering—aren't you two staying at the Mathers mansion?"
Crusch asked.
"Yes, that's correct."
In social matters like this, Emilia handled everything while the Shogun simply stood beside her, quietly observing.
"Then where are you staying tonight?"
Felix continued. They still had meetings tomorrow. Surely they would not return all the way to the mansion each time?
"We've rented a room at an inn for the next few days. It isn't expensive, and the environment is quite nice."
Emilia replied.
"An inn, huh..."
Felix instinctively glanced at Crusch.
"Actually, I would like to invite the two of you to stay at the Karsten estate. What do you think?"
Crusch voiced her proposal.
"Eh?... At Lady Crusch's estate?"
"Yes. My residence is quite close to the palace district, and the environment is pleasant. More importantly, it would be more comfortable. We have several guest rooms available."
Crusch explained calmly.
"Mm..."
Emilia hesitated. She was not naïve. In this situation, she had to consider carefully. Instinctively, she looked toward the Shogun.
"Why invite us?"
As expected, the Shogun voiced the very question lingering in Emilia's heart. Emilia smiled faintly to herself in relief.
"N-no, don't misunderstand! We don't have any ulterior motives, meow! We just want to talk with you a little."
Felix waved his hands hurriedly in explanation.
"To be honest... haa... I would like to speak with you, Lady Emilia, about the Royal Selection. Perhaps we could form a temporary alliance."
Crusch spoke plainly.
"An alliance..."
Emilia lowered her eyes in thought before glancing at the person beside her.
"..."
The Shogun met her gaze. Their eyes locked briefly.
"Alright... we would be happy to, if you don't mind the inconvenience."
In the end, Emilia nodded in agreement. She understood Crusch's character well enough. The woman would not resort to underhanded tricks. They had been in contact before—Crusch was upright and possessed the bearing of a true ruler. Perhaps she was even more suited to be king.
And since the other party had extended goodwill, refusing outright would be discourteous.