"No problem, Reinhard. I agree to all your requests."
Hearing Reinhard's proposal, Shendu rose to her feet and spoke solemnly, "I am a person who values promises above all else. As long as you agree to these three matters, I will also help you realize your knightly spirit."
As a half-baked schemer, Shendu nonetheless understood Reinhard's aspirations well. She was in no hurry at all, gradually guiding him into the verbal trap she had carefully prepared.
"Very well. When will you hand Felt over to me?"
Reinhard asked seriously.
With the Royal Selection fast approaching, he had to seize the time to announce to the entire kingdom the candidate he supported.
Time was pressing. He did not have much to spare.
"Tomorrow morning. I will visit your residence. At that time, I will inform you of the first two matters you must accomplish."
Shendu remained entirely unhurried. A gentle breeze passed by, lifting her scattered silver hair. Paired with her shrewd crimson eyes, her expression carried the unmistakable look of someone whose scheme had succeeded.
Seeing the confidence on her face, Reinhard instinctively felt that something was amiss. It was as if he had already been calculated step by step, yet he had no way to refuse.
In terms of strength, if Reinhard were to unleash his full power and receive the blessings of the world's will, he might very well overwhelm even someone who relied on cheating advantages. But when it came to schemes, the strongest knight was certainly no match for her.
Even if she was only a half-baked conspirator.
"Very well. Tomorrow, I shall await you at my residence, Miss Shendu. It is settled."
Reinhard stood and performed a knight's salute.
"No problem. It's a promise."
Shendu also stood and returned a graceful lady's bow, answering readily.
With the conversation concluded, Shendu and her group slowly departed.
After they left, a man with purple hair dressed in a knight's uniform suddenly appeared from the corner.
This purple-haired knight was Julius. During their discussion just now, he had been concealed in the corner, quietly listening to everything.
Naturally, this had been done with Reinhard's consent, which was why Julius had been allowed to remain.
"Well, Julius, what do you think? Did anything about that conversation seem problematic?"
Reinhard walked over to his friend and asked for his impression.
"It was strange. Very strange. Those three matters she asked you to agree to—I have the feeling there's something wrong with them, but I can't quite put my finger on it."
Julius was no schemer either. He only felt that something was off.
Although Reinhard had placed restrictions on the conditions, Shendu's air of confidence made his scalp prickle.
"Is that so? I feel the same way. Well... forget it."
Reinhard shook his head and continued, "It should be fine. Somehow, I don't think her requests will be excessive."
That was Reinhard's intuition.
Shendu, however, thought much the same.
Three matters might sound like a lot, but they were interlocked—one ring binding the next. Once Reinhard stepped into the trap, there would be no escaping her control.
"You're right. All we can do is wait and see. There's no need to overthink it for now."
Julius nodded, unable to help but sigh that this Royal Selection would likely become far more interesting than anyone had imagined.
...
Elsewhere, on the streets of the royal capital, Shendu led her attendants as they continued strolling about, passing the time.
Once she had had her fill of amusement, she intended to head to the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild's headquarters to inspect its development and prepare for the next stage of her plans.
Speaking of which, the weakness of the strongest Sword Saint was glaringly obvious. With Felt in her grasp, Shendu possessed the foundation to negotiate with him.
Heh. As long as you understand someone well enough, setting a scheme is remarkably simple. Reinhard, do not disappoint me.
Gazing into the distance, Shendu had already formed a rough plan in her mind.
Next, she would make the Royal Selection even more interesting.
After making a full circuit of the streets, they headed toward the district where the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild was stationed.
When they reached the deepest part of the commercial avenue, Shendu discovered that it was exceptionally lively.
Guild members dressed in purple robes embroidered with a five-clawed dragon on their sleeves and backs were selling a wide variety of goods.
It was not limited to food and daily necessities. Even magic rings were being snapped up by nearby residents at astonishing speed, selling out within a short time.
As she walked, Shendu noticed that the guild's reputation was excellent. Since many of its core members had once been commoners, the prices were set remarkably low.
From time to time, nobles dressed in luxurious attire, along with elders from the Council of Wise Men, were invited inside to purchase rare items.
The guild had thoroughly squeezed the capital's existing market. The Hoshin Company would likely suffer a severe blow, and its losses were certain to grow.
The deeper they went, the more imposing a five-story wooden building appeared before Shendu, guarded by numerous personnel.
Without exception, they wore purple robes and sapphire magic rings, vigilantly watching their surroundings.
When Shendu's group reached the innermost area of the guild, two members raised their right hands, and more than a dozen wind blades instantly formed.
"Halt. Unauthorized individuals are forbidden beyond this point. Without an invitation, please leave."
The two long-haired guild members stared at Shendu's group warily.
"My name is Shendu. Akane is my attendant. I believe she has already informed you."
Shendu spoke calmly, quite satisfied with the guild members' vigilance.
"Shendu?"
The guards exchanged glances, shock flashing in their eyes.
Over the past two days, Acting Guild Master Akane had repeatedly instructed them that if they encountered a silver-haired girl named Shendu, they were to escort her inside immediately and show no disrespect.
"Lady Shendu, please follow me. Lady Akane is waiting for you inside."
Without daring to delay—whether the person before them was genuine or not—the guild member immediately dropped to one knee and offered a respectful salute.
"Good. Lead the way."
With a wave of her hand, Shendu proceeded inward.
Upon reaching the fifth floor, she found the grand hall covered with a red carpet, its surroundings lavishly decorated.
At the center stood a golden dragon throne. Akane sat there, handling affairs, with Old Man Rom and several guild strategists beside her, meticulously recording various matters.
"Old Man Rom?"
At the sight of him, tears welled up in Felt's eyes as she cried out.
"Uh... You're Felt!"
Old Man Rom, who had been working, trembled when he heard someone call him. He looked up in shock at the girl before him.
"That's right, it's me, Grandpa! I really missed you!"
Felt rushed forward and threw herself into Old Man Rom's arms, bursting into loud sobs—tears of joy mixed with longing.