"..."
The dining room fell into silence, save for the faint crackle of flickering candlelight.
After a long while, Beatrice slammed her palm onto the dining table and said, "Betty is going to rest with her brother."
She then gave Roswaal a meaningful look before leaving the dining room without looking back, holding Puck in her arms.
Roswaal sighed softly and turned his gaze back to Subaru. "Now then, let us return to the original topic. Subaru, how much do you know about the current situation in the Kingdom of Lugunica?"
Subaru was about to answer when she felt a gentle tug on her sleeve.
Emilia leaned in close to her ear and pleaded in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Please don't let Tsukasa-san speak anymore."
Seeing Emilia's worried expression, Subaru nodded gently in agreement.
Meanwhile, the culprit, Tsukasa, remained sitting leisurely in his seat.
The silence just now had been his way of testing Roswaal. Although he hadn't managed to find the man's bottom line, he had at least confirmed one thing.
Judging by his aura, Roswaal and Reinhard were not on the same level at all.
"I know a little about the current state of affairs."
Subaru carefully chose her words. "The Kingdom of Lugunica is currently in a power vacuum. After the King passed away, the Council of Wise Men took over the administration temporarily, and a new King must be chosen from among five Dragon Priestesss."
Seeing that Subaru wasn't completely ignorant, Roswaal flashed his signature smile again. "Very good~ Then, do you know exactly who those five candidates are~?"
"Unfortunately, I only know there are five candidates, but I don't know the specific names." Subaru answered truthfully.
Emilia's explanation earlier had been interrupted just at this point.
Roswaal simply smiled and continued his explanation, "The first is Anastasia Hoshin from the Kararagi Merchant Guild. The second is the head of the Karsten Family, Crusch Karsten. The third is Priscilla Barielle of the Barielle family. As for the fourth..."
Emilia suddenly stood up, placing her hand over her heart. "The fourth Dragon Priestess is me."
"?!"
Subaru's eyes widened in surprise.
Lia was actually a candidate for the throne? Good grief, a Dragon Priestess was right beside her?
"I-I'm sorry." Emilia's voice grew softer, her eyes darting around. "I didn't tell you before because I was worried you'd be afraid once you knew who I was."
Seeing he4 anxious look, Subaru couldn't help but chuckle. "Why would I hate you for something like that? But you have to tell me sooner next time. Otherwise..."
She intentionally lowered her voice. "I'll have Tsukasa dress up as a monster and go to your room in the middle of the night to scare you."
Emilia nodded quickly. "Eh?! I-I understand."
After comforting Lia, Subaru quickly realized the implication behind Roswaal's words. During such a sensitive time, the sudden appearance of an unknown but powerful entity at the mansion of a Margrave who supported a candidate would inevitably draw the attention of various factions.
Sensing Subaru's wariness, Roswaal waved his hand with a smile. "No need to be so tense~ None of this is a secret anymore~ Well then, let me tell you the whole story~"
Meanwhile, Tsukasa slightly lifted his blindfold, cursing inwardly, 'Old fox... trying to take control of the conversation?'
Unaware of Tsukasa's insults, Roswaal continued in his peculiar tone, "Originally, the throne should have been inherited by the royal bloodline~ However~ things go back to half a year ago~ At the same time the King passed away, a strange plague began to spread in the Royal Capital~ and its target was very specific—only the royal offspring~ Therefore..."
He deliberately dragged out his words, leaving a meaningful silence.
But clever as Subaru was, she already understood what followed—a new King had to be chosen from the five candidates according to the prophecy of the Divine Dragon.
But one question lingered in her mind: Would the Council of Wise Men truly be willing to hand over power? Even if a new King were chosen, who would be the true ruler of this country?
Subaru's gaze drifted between Roswaal and Emilia, finally settling on the Emilia's innocent face.
She couldn't help but sigh inwardly—this was practically the perfect template for a puppet king.
Realizing she hadn't latched onto a powerful protector but likely a hot potato, she suddenly felt a wave of mental exhaustion.
"Now~ though we've strayed a bit from the topic~"
Roswaal broke the silence with his characteristic tone. "But let's continue our chat~ Subaru, are you ready?"
By now, Subaru was complaining wildly in her head: Are you serious, dude? You're still going?
However, she soon got her answer.
"Subaru~" Roswaal elegantly folded his hands.
"Not only did you help Emilia-sama recover the insignia that symbolizes her candidacy for the throne, but you also saved her life~ To me, you are a great benefactor~ Therefore, you may make one request of me~ As long as it is within my power, I shall grant it."
"Huh?"
Subaru had expected a harsher interrogation, but to her surprise, it was a reward phase.
She instinctively looked at Emilia, only to see her tilting her head with a confused expression. This action made Subaru even more certain—this girl was a complete airhead.
Emilia, mistakenly thinking Subaru was doubting Roswaal's abilities, quickly whispered an explanation, "Even though Roswaal is a Margrave, he is also the Head Court Mage, the most powerful Magic Caster in the kingdom."
Just as Subaru was about to speak, Tsukasa suddenly flickered into existence beside her.
"Have Roswaal fight me."
"Rejected."
"Hey!"
Tsukasa protested indignantly. "Since he's the kingdom's number one Magic Caster, if I win, your value will skyrocket too."
"Rejected. You're talking about the bounty on a 'Wanted' poster, aren't you? If an unknown person like you defeats the kingdom's top Magic Caster, I'll definitely be framed for some trumped-up crime."
Looking at the determined girl, Tsukasa pondered for a moment and tried a different angle.
"Then stay by that girl's side. You're actually quite worried about this adorably foolish girl, aren't you?"
"...I am not. We could just ask for some money and leave, there's no need to get involved in these power struggles."
Tsukasa looked at the girl who was being dishonest with herself and sighed helplessly.
He understood Subaru's concerns—it wasn't just her decision, after all, they were sharing a body now. But more importantly, he could feel Subaru's genuine desire to help Emilia.
"Go for it."
"In the struggle for the throne, we might encounter even more powerful people. This way, I can help you fulfill your wish while achieving my own goals. It's not a bad deal."
"Really?"
Tsukasa placed his hand gently on Subaru's head. Although he couldn't touch her physical form, the gesture startled Subaru slightly.
"I trust your judgment."
Having said that, he made a motion as if ruffling her hair. Though her hair didn't move an inch, Subaru felt as if she could sense a warm touch, and her gaze gradually became firm.
(Note: Now Subaru can choose to speak with Tsukasa in her Consciousness Space.)