In the Kingdom of Lugunica, from the very founding of the nation, the knight orders had represented the military aristocracy, enjoying treatment equal to that of the nobility.
Every recognized knight, once granted a title, bore the responsibility of defending the homeland and protecting the kingdom from infiltration by other nations.
However, due to the royal family of this country mysteriously dying out from an inexplicable disease, the Royal Guard likewise lost the sovereign to whom they owed allegiance and gradually split into various factions.
Nevertheless, relying on his own prestige, Reinhard managed to reunite the nearly fractured order into an organization that was, at least on the surface, harmonious.
Amid internal strife and external threats, Reinhard sought to support a proxy—someone who could gradually stabilize the kingdom and restore the knight order to the glory that rightfully belonged to them.
For this very reason, Reinhard selected the final candidate, hoping to grant Felt a proper identity and allow her to participate in the kingdom's election.
Meanwhile, Shendu walked unhurriedly toward the depths of the Royal Guard's headquarters. Knights assigned to receive them stood in line from the entrance all the way inside.
Each knight's face bore expressions of loyalty, confidence, and resolve.
It was Elsa's first time entering the headquarters of the Royal Guard, and she felt distinctly tense. She could sense the strength of these knights. Charging into this place would be like walking into a dragon's lair.
Fortunately, they were not enemies at present. Shendu had been personally invited by Reinhard as an important guest.
Before long, they arrived at the reception hall.
Upon entering, Shendu noticed portraits of previous Sword Saints hanging along the corridor. In other areas, various weapons once used by former Sword Saints were displayed.
Overall, the atmosphere of knighthood was overwhelming. As a place to visit, it was not bad at all.
"So this is the Royal Guard. It really does feel rather simple."
Natsuki Subaru glanced around. Compared to Roswaal's mansion, this place lacked extravagance. The furnishings were valuable, but not luxurious.
"Hmph. It looks kind of poor."
Felt snorted, clearly unimpressed.
If not for the task her Big Sister had assigned her, Felt would never have come here. Although Reinhard was handsome, he was nowhere near as beautiful as Big Sister.
During their time together, Felt's trust and reliance on Shendu had practically reached the maximum level. Whatever mission Shendu assigned, Felt would strive to complete it.
Unbothered by the complaints of those around Shendu, Reinhard maintained a gentle smile, as warm as a spring breeze. At first glance, it was difficult not to feel goodwill toward him.
As the strongest Sword Saint, Reinhard had his own way of dealing with people. He would not lose his temper easily. He simply upheld his knightly code.
After they took their seats, knights served red tea before each of them. The attendants then withdrew and quietly closed the door.
For a moment, the entire room fell silent. Shendu's attendants stopped speaking, all of them looking toward Reinhard, waiting to learn the purpose of his invitation.
Of course, aside from Natsuki Subaru, the others already understood Shendu's objective. They simply waited quietly for the negotiation to unfold.
...
"Then, Lord Reinhard, the renowned Sword Saint, why have you invited mere travelers like us?"
Shendu elegantly sipped her tea. A trace of puzzlement flickered in her crimson eyes. When it came to acting, she believed her skill was quite excellent.
"My apologies for interrupting your journey. However, there is indeed a matter concerning the kingdom's safety. I have conducted some investigations into the four candidates, yet I cannot fully agree with any of them."
"Each of them has selfish aspects. Entrusting the entire kingdom to them does not put my mind at ease. As a knight of the kingdom, I prioritize safeguarding the nation and resisting foreign threats. The other candidates lack such awareness."
Reinhard's sense of justice was evident. Ever since the royal candidates had been determined, he had conducted his own inquiries. The conclusion he reached was that none of them were suitable to shoulder the responsibility alone.
Thus, at that time, he made his decision—to personally support a candidate and fulfill his knightly ideals.
"Therefore, I intend to support a candidate—Felt, who stands beside you—to realize my knightly spirit."
In just a few sentences, the image presented before Shendu was that of a hero driven entirely by justice for the kingdom. He would likely be willing to sacrifice himself if it meant protecting the nation.
Admiration aside, if he wished to take someone from her, the price would not be small. Shendu was in no hurry.
"Is it truly that simple? Reinhard, do you have no personal motives at all?"
Shendu smiled casually as she asked.
"Of course I do. My motive is the stability of the kingdom."
Reinhard replied earnestly. His sky-blue eyes were unwavering in their knightly resolve.
"Very well. It seems I have no reason to refuse you."
Shendu narrowed her eyes and took another sip of tea, her tone carrying deeper meaning.
"Miss Shendu, does that mean you are willing to entrust Miss Felt to me?"
Reinhard was momentarily stunned before a faint smile appeared on his handsome face.
Knowing Shendu was far from ordinary, he had expected lengthy persuasion or some significant concession. He had not anticipated things progressing so smoothly.
"I can entrust her to you. However, Felt has lived with me for a period of time. She is like a younger sister to me, and we share deep feelings. For you to take her away so directly would not be appropriate."
Shendu maintained her smile. Felt grasped her hand silently, remaining perfectly obedient.
"Then what do you want? Money, status, or something else? As long as it is within my ability, I can grant it to you."
Reinhard spoke without hesitation. With the authority he possessed, granting someone status was merely a matter of a single sentence. In the face of absolute influence, many nobles in the kingdom would give him respect.
"Heh. I want none of those things. I want you to promise me three requests. If you can fulfill them, I will give Felt to you."
Shendu raised three slender fingers, her expression unchanged as she awaited Reinhard's response.
Hearing this, Reinhard fell silent for several seconds. His gaze then grew serious as he probed cautiously,
"I can agree. However, you must guarantee that your requests will not harm the kingdom and will remain within the bounds of what I can accept. If you can promise that, I will accept your terms."
When it came to a royal candidate, Reinhard was determined. He had long understood that he would have to pay a price. Yet the initiative rested firmly in Shendu's hands.
As a knight of impeccable moral cultivation and character, Reinhard would never resort to forcibly taking someone.
Of course, Old Man Rom in the original situation held an ordinary status. Shendu, however, was mysterious and powerful—and she had connections to the noble Roswaal. That was precisely why Reinhard was willing to agree to her conditions.