In the mansion courtyard.
After Shendu agreed to the twin maids' request to stay a little longer, Felt quickly ran over and threw herself into Shendu's arms.
"Big Sister, why didn't you tell me you were going to the royal capital? I was really looking forward to traveling there!"
Felt beamed happily at Shendu, snuggling tightly into her embrace, looking especially delighted.
"Yes, I'm looking forward to it as well. But when we go to the royal capital, I'll have a task for you. If you accomplish it, I'll make you a noble—able to enjoy endless food and the most beautiful clothes for the rest of your life."
Shendu looked at Felt with her crimson eyes and spoke unhurriedly.
"No problem. As long as it's Big Sister's order, I'll do whatever you say."
Felt's gaze was firm. After spending some time with Shendu, the slum-born girl had already been completely influenced by her and chose to believe every word she said.
"It won't be long before we head to the royal capital. You'll meet Reinhard and obtain the qualification for the Royal Selection from him..."
With a faint smile on her lips, Shendu carefully laid out the plan. Hearing it, Felt felt a twinge of reluctance at the thought of parting from Shendu.
But since it was Big Sister's command, she might as well follow her advice and fulfill the promise they made when they first met.
"Alright, Big Sister. I'll listen to you."
After hesitating for a moment, Felt answered decisively.
After making a small additional arrangement, a silver-haired half-elf girl hurried over from not far away and stopped in front of Shendu, looking at her with a serious expression.
"Felt, you can leave first."
Noticing Emilia's arrival, Shendu gently patted Felt's head and spoke softly.
Very quickly, Felt disappeared after obeying Shendu's order, leaving only the two of them behind.
"Sister Shendu, I heard you're leaving tomorrow, but Rem and Ram stopped you. Why? I haven't properly repaid you yet."
Emilia sounded anxious. Among all the people she had met, Shendu was the only one who gave her such a strong sense of security. If Shendu left, she did not know what she would do in the future.
The silver-haired half-elf girl felt nervous and somewhat frustrated. Every day she was either studying or communicating with spirits, leaving her with little time to spare.
"There's no need to repay me. What I want is to see you become queen and rule this country. For that, I will pave the way for you. That's why I have to leave."
Shendu spoke indirectly, almost outright telling Emilia that she intended to help her ascend the throne.
"But I... I don't have anything to repay you with, except myself."
Emilia's voice was as soft as a mosquito's hum. Hearing Shendu's intentions, she felt deeply moved.
Even though Shendu was just a traveler she had not known long, she was willing to lay the groundwork for her future. Emilia's cheeks flushed red, and she even began to consider staying by her side forever.
Although she did not know exactly what Shendu planned to do, Emilia was certain that this silver-haired, red-eyed beauty was someone who always kept her word.
Still, she felt conflicted and did not dare to express her feelings directly.
"Hehe, Emilia, you're still just as adorable as ever."
Seeing the girl's cute expression, Shendu could not help but sigh softly.
...
After finishing their conversation, the two began strolling through the courtyard to pass the time.
Not long after they reached the entrance, they saw the mansion gates open. A dragon carriage rolled slowly along the road and came to a stop in the open space.
Judging by its luxurious decoration, it was no less splendid than Emilia's carriage—perhaps even superior. Clearly, a distinguished guest had arrived to visit Roswaal's territory.
From the carriage's opulence alone, Shendu could already guess that some noble had come to pay a visit to Count Roswaal.
"It seems this visitor is no ordinary person."
Shendu narrowed her eyes slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. She found herself somewhat intrigued.
"Yes, they're from the Karsten family. That's their crest."
Emilia looked at the family emblem symbolizing their status, and her expression turned tense. She clearly knew that family.
The Karsten family had endured for centuries throughout the kingdom. They were nobles second only to the royal family, controlling part of the kingdom's civil officials and military forces. Among the five candidates, their strength ranked in the upper middle tier.
With their sudden visit, trouble was likely. It was either a provocation toward Emilia or an attempt to form an alliance.
"Is that so? I've heard a little about them."
Shendu had already read the kingdom's history and various miscellaneous texts. She was well-informed about such matters.
As the dragon carriage came to a halt, an elderly man stepped down. He wore a black tailcoat, his white hair neatly combed, and his entire demeanor was as sharp as a drawn sword.
After alighting, he placed a gloved hand over his chest and bowed to Emilia in a gentlemanly salute.
"Forgive the intrusion, Lady Emilia, for arriving so suddenly."
"It's alright, Sir Astrea. May I ask your purpose in coming here?"
Emilia looked puzzled. Their sudden appearance must have had a reason.
"The specifics will be conveyed by the envoy to Lady Emilia. Please enter the mansion so we may discuss it further."
The old man spoke in a businesslike tone. At the same time, he glanced at Shendu and felt a sudden chill run through his entire body.
Silver hair, red eyes—small and cute in appearance, yet giving off an overwhelmingly dangerous presence.
"That woman is not simple..."
At the very first glance at Shendu, a glimmer of sharpness flashed in the old man's cloudy eyes.
"Hehe, I can finally meet the legendary Lady Emilia! Just as the rumors say, you're incredibly cute, meow."
Just as Emilia was about to respond, another figure stepped down from the dragon carriage.
The girl had flaxen hair adorned with two white butterfly bows on either side. Her brown eyes sparkled with curiosity.
She wore a blue-and-white blouse on her upper body and a sky-blue skirt below. Two decorative bows adorned her waist, making her look extremely adorable.
Even more charming was the fact that she had a pair of cat ears. She was undoubtedly a demi-human, though one with considerable status within the kingdom.
However, with Shendu's keen perception, she detected a faint sense of something unnatural.
Could it be that such an adorable girl was actually a boy?
For some reason, that thought suddenly surfaced in Shendu's mind.