Early the next morning, Shendu brought Natsuki Subaru and Felt with her as they headed together toward the noble district where Reinhard resided.
As someone who not only held the title of knight but also possessed noble status, Reinhard lived in a residence lavishly decorated—far more captivating than Roswaal's territory.
When they arrived, they found fragrant herbs planted all around, their scent drifting through the air. In some places, vibrant roses bloomed brilliantly.
At every stretch of road, stationed knights conducted inspections. Only after carefully checking travel permits would they politely allow people to pass, fully embodying the spirit of chivalry.
"This place is pretty luxurious. Are we going to live here from now on, Big Sister?"
Felt gazed at the scene before her and asked thoughtfully.
"Of course. You will become the fifth royal candidate."
Shendu gently stroked Felt's head, looking into her innocent eyes as she explained in detail.
"Uh... Lady Shendu, why did you bring me here too?"
Natsuki Subaru wore a strange expression, unable to figure out her purpose in bringing him along. Could it be that he was also just another chess piece of this silver-haired girl?
"You have value here as well, just like Felt. I have something I need your help with."
Shendu narrowed her red eyes slightly as she gave a meaningful explanation.
Well, whatever.
Hearing this, Natsuki Subaru felt no anger at all. Instead, genuine joy welled up inside him.
Aside from the first time, when he had managed to help Shendu a little, he had been unable to contribute much afterward. Even being a chess piece could be considered his good fortune.
After that, the group of three wasted no time and approached the inspection checkpoint. The knight on guard merely glanced at them before decisively allowing them to pass.
Perhaps Reinhard had already given notice, because they encountered no obstacles along the way and soon arrived at the Astrea family's estate where he resided.
It had to be said, Reinhard's residence was even more magnificent. Aside from a single knight standing at the entrance, there were no maids in sight nearby.
"Are you Lady Shendu?"
The knight at the door looked at her and greeted her respectfully.
"Yes. I have come to fulfill our agreement."
Shendu's expression did not change as she answered calmly.
"Very well. Please follow me."
The knight remained courteous and led them into a garden. Flowers bloomed in clusters, butterflies and bees fluttering through the air. Amid this vibrant scene stood a handsome red-haired man.
"Lord Reinhard, they have arrived."
After delivering this message, the knight turned and left, leaving Shendu's group of three facing him.
"We meet again, Miss Shendu. Have you come to honor our agreement?"
Reinhard smiled as a gentle breeze stirred his fiery red hair. His blue eyes were both warm and dignified, and the silver longsword at his waist exuded an unmistakable pressure.
"Yes. As you can see, the final royal candidate—I am willing to entrust her to you."
A faint smile curved Shendu's lips as she spoke unhurriedly.
The moment she finished speaking, a surge of pressure radiated from her body—her unique draconic aura spreading outward.
Buzz!
The Dragon Sword at Reinhard's waist began to tremble, as though sensing Shendu's strength and yearning to leave its sheath.
Noticing the sword's vibration, a hint of surprise flickered across Reinhard's face before his smile deepened.
"Incredible. The Dragon Sword Reid has actually reacted. Miss Shendu, you are far from ordinary."
Reinhard was genuinely astonished. A woman capable of provoking a response from the Dragon Sword was far more mysterious than he had imagined.
"Oh? Perhaps it is merely coincidence."
Shendu smiled without elaborating. She had no intention of revealing her true identity, and if she could avoid fighting, she would.
...
As the officially recognized strongest combatant, if Shendu were to fight him, even victory would come at a heavy price. That would hardly be worthwhile.
Besides, it was not a battle to the death. There was no need to waste unnecessary strength.
"Haha, you are quite interesting, Miss Shendu."
Reinhard chuckled softly. Then, shifting the topic, he turned his gaze toward her again.
"May I ask Lady Felt to change into a new outfit first? I have already had the maids prepare suitable clothing."
After speaking, Reinhard lightly clapped his hands. Two maids emerged from the estate and bowed respectfully.
"Big Sister!"
Faced with Reinhard's suggestion, Felt did not answer immediately. Instead, she looked into Shendu's eyes, seeking her decision.
"Go on, Felt. You are the new royal candidate. Put on a beautiful dress and let me have a proper look at you."
Shendu pinched Felt's cheek and patted her shoulder, giving her an encouraging look.
Reassured by Shendu's gaze, Felt happily followed the maids toward the estate, her expression bright and carefree.
Soon, only Shendu, Natsuki Subaru, and Reinhard remained.
As the master of this residence, Reinhard judged that the time was right. Since this silver-haired woman had not stated her request first, he could only take the initiative.
"Very well, Miss Shendu. Please tell me what you require of me."
"The premise of agreeing to your conditions is that they must not endanger the kingdom, nor can they force me to violate the principles of a knight."
Reinhard's attitude was serious as he looked at Shendu with a strong sense of justice. As the renowned strongest Sword Saint, he had his own unwavering code.
"Naturally. My first request is that you grant Natsuki Subaru the status of a knight—and publicly bestow upon him a title."
A glimmer of light flashed within Shendu's crimson eyes as she pointed at Natsuki Subaru and voiced her first demand.
The one being pointed at stood there blankly. He had come prepared to watch the show, yet somehow the spotlight had fallen onto him.
"Only that?"
"Why?"
Learning of her intention, Reinhard was deeply puzzled. He had expected Shendu to make an outrageous demand, yet this silver-haired girl had proposed something so simple.
"Very simple. Natsuki Subaru is an old acquaintance of mine—someone I happened to pick up along the way. Out of consideration for that connection, I wish to help him. If I am no longer in the royal capital one day, he will still be able to live well."
Shendu smiled mysteriously as she stated her first request.
"No problem. I fully agree to this first request. Tomorrow, I will publicly conduct the investiture and grant Mr. Natsuki Subaru the status of a knight."
Though surprised, Reinhard quickly composed himself and agreed without hesitation.
To bestow knighthood within the Royal Guard normally required examination and assessment. After carefully observing Natsuki Subaru, Reinhard found nothing particularly troubling about him. He certainly did not resemble a villain.
Although his aptitude and strength required further evaluation, with Reinhard's authority, granting him the title would surely meet no opposition.