The Royal Selection
We are waiting in the hall of the royal castle, soon we will have to go to the center where the event will take place. Marco gazes out the window with a pensive look, seemingly unbothered by the current situation.
I have to admit, the sense of security I feel is due to all the plans we've made.
Felix went to greet some colleagues, so it's just Marco, Wilhelm, and me.
"The important thing in this meeting is to discover who our potential enemies are. Wilhelm, do you know anything about a similar situation in the past?" Marco asks Wilhelm, though we have already gathered all the possible information. "I know I asked you before, but I'd like to know if it's normal for the whale to appear during the royal elections. Do you remember anything in particular?"
Wilhelm thinks for a moment, and I understand Marco's logic. It's true that the cult's movements are rare, but the fact that it happens right at the announcement of the candidates for the throne is suspicious.
Marco and I have been trying to find an answer, reading and gathering information about it.
"Perhaps, the Great Sage Miklotov can give you a better answer than this old man could."
Wilhelm's dismissal shows Marco that there will be no way forward with the information we have. I asked my father if there are records, but he says many of the records were lost during the demihuman war. They were stolen.
We look at each other for a moment and then smile, realizing that, as we suspected, someone is probably directing us towards Miklotov. All sources of information have been erased.
The only person who can help us is him.
Marco places his hand on my shoulder, smiling at me. Somehow, I can see that a bit of his burden has been lifted, but something still seems to linger within him. I sigh, recognizing that what he wants is for me not to worry.
'I'm more worried about what he's going to do during the selection.' I already know he's going to cause problems, but I can't stop him. Whatever he does, we need to find out who can be part of us.
"Maybe I should put into practice what you've taught me." Marco looks at Wilhelm, who looks at Marco slightly, and I can see his lips curve a bit.
Wilhelm and Marco had never interacted much before, only recently, when Marco asked him for training. Wilhelm, with all his heart, taught him.
"It will be good for you. You'll be able to see your mistakes in a real fight." Wilhelm seems to know part of Marco's plan. It surprises me that he hasn't opposed it.
I close my eyes for a few seconds, feeling the excitement of the moment in my heart. This will be the first real step, the first step that will open the competition. I look at Marco, thinking about what he told me. I cover my face, unable to accept his words.
'I'd die of embarrassment if I said it, was a party.' Honestly, I don't know how I could say something like that. Marco says it was Felix's fault, but I decide not to dwell on it.
"Let's go." I look them in the eyes, and they nod, ready to move forward.
We walk without saying a word, Marco just glances around the place with enchanted eyes. Our mansion is luxurious, but I really don't like to exaggerate; this is more opulent, which seems to captivate Marco.
We walk until we see Felix, who trots towards us with a smile. Excited, he positions himself behind me. The best way to handle this is to stay quiet; I need to concentrate on analyzing everyone.
'If I want to change the future, I first need to recognize which parts to change.' Marco's words are a mantra, a guide I need to consider at all times. The mere fact that I know about the future already changes it; however, there are things that must happen.
"The entry of the candidate to the throne, Crusch Karsten!" exclaims Marcos Gildark from the other side of the door.
With that, the giant wooden doors open. Despite it being daytime, I can feel how the crystals illuminate the room even more. The mana flows throughout the place, and the winds feel tense.
The air is thick, but I flow easily.
I walk upright, looking ahead without fear. I take quick glances at the people around us, knights and nobles, all looking expectantly at my entrance. Every step I take, every gesture I make, everything is being unconsciously analyzed.
I am not perfect, but I must do my best. Recognizing that I can make mistakes is no excuse to do everything without worrying about doing it well.
I smile calmly, noticing that someone had already arrived before me. Our main rival, aside from Priscilla, is her. Her outfit makes her look like a doll, truly taking advantage of her delicate features to make herself stand out.
Despite her small size and childlike appearance, the person in front of me is similar to the one walking behind.
She is a viper subtly seeking to leave her venom.
Anastasia and Marco pursue the same goal, "Absolute Monopoly." That small objective makes them incompatible. Marco wants everyone to have the opportunity to grow. He won't be affected by the growth of others.
His monopoly is only to protect the future, while Anastasia does it for pleasure. It's her goal, and it's respectable.
She smiles when she sees me, and I smile back.
I know I should appear serious, but I need to throw her off balance. The best way to know someone is by breaking the perception they have of you.
Marco and Felix stay behind, along with the knights. Wilhelm won't enter; he just accompanied me to the entrance. His job is to get the information we need; we need to know if there are any strange movements.
"It's a pleasure to see you, Miss Crusch." Anastasia breaks the silence between us. She looks at me with a smile, and I can feel those eyes.
They are similar to Marco's; both scrutinize the person, their expressions, their gestures, their tone.
I smile slightly, looking her straight in the eyes. If she is like a snake, then I will be a lion. I'm not afraid; instead, her challenge fills me with confidence.
"The pleasure is mine, Anastasia Hoshin. I wanted to talk to you, but it was impossible before this meeting." I will subtly let her know the reason for this meeting, making her see that her information network is not entirely accurate. "I have a business proposal that you'll like. After the congress, we could meet to talk. Only you, among the other three candidates, could be part of this."
Anastasia's eyebrows move slightly. Meanwhile, I feel confident and calm in my heart. After seeing how Marco speaks and acts, I realize that his way of reading people is very methodical.
Clearly, there are people more experienced than Marco, but the way he does it with the experience his world has is, in part, better. That, combined with my divine blessing.
"She won't be able to take control." Anastasia must be wondering why I said that. Why did I say three and not two. No one would think that at this moment, the last candidate has been found, and if she, with her vast information network, couldn't find her, then she must assume my information network is superior.
However, pressuring her like this will only make her more cautious.
'It will be an interesting act, an act that will let us capture Anastasia Hoshin.' Marco's words are etched in my mind. He didn't tell me exactly what he was going to do, but I understand his plan.
Once all the candidates are gathered, a discussion breaks out. It's really unexpected, but from what I talked about with Marco, I understood one thing.
'This girl might be a survivor of the royal family.' If that's the case, it means she's related to Fourier and is proof that the family's illness was not really an illness, but a planned act.
Marco told me that, in the context of what he's read in my books, she doesn't appear anywhere, but the probability is the highest. Her features are exactly the same as the royal family's. I'm sure Miklotov and the sages have realized it too.
Even so, they don't stop the altercation.
"Half-devil with silver hair." Priscilla throws out harsh words, especially for the person they're directed at.
Emilia looks at Priscilla, and by looking at her, I can see she wants to say something, but seeing her makes me feel a bit of pity. Her attitude is due not only to her deep isolation but also to the fact that her mental age doesn't match her physical age.
It's life experiences that make you grow. She has suffered a lot but hasn't lived enough to face those sufferings.
It's complicated, especially for Marco, who hasn't been able to help her as he would like. I glance at Roswaal, seeing that the winds remain calm and serene.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't insult the person, I support like that." Despite his words, I can see his happiness. The joy of seeing her crumble.
Emilia stays silent, and then each candidate starts stating their proposals. First Priscilla, then Anastasia, and Felt. Now it's my turn. It shouldn't be too long, but it must convey my intentions firmly.
I place my hand on my chest and look at everyone with determination. I see Marco, who smiles, seemingly disinterested in everything.
"When I become queen, I will make this a world where humanity can develop without limits. I will prove that we can protect ourselves!"
With those words, I begin my campaign, and with that, I'm done.
Now it's Emilia's turn, who seems nervous to speak. She steps forward when called, but quickly sighs. Her eyes shine, and her aura changes; now she looks determined. I can see what Marco means: her potential, she's someone who only lacks experience. But that means she can become anything she wants.
'I'll definitely have her as an ally.' I'll help her, I'm curious to see how great she can become.
"My aspiration is to create an equal world, a world where everyone is treated with the respect they deserve. Where no one is judged for being different!"
Then, after that silence, a mockery is heard. Everyone turns their gaze to that ugly-looking noble. I don't remember his name, but seeing him, I realize he's truly horrible.
"What kind of stupidity is this?" says that noble, looking like a goat. I keep calm, watching what Marco is going to do. "It's obvious this is getting out of hand, first a rat from the slums, and now a half-devil. What is this!?"
The noble's words trigger a chain reaction, everyone insulting and talking uncontrollably. I analyze each face, seeing who stays calm or smiles. I need to recognize them all, after all, alliances will begin immediately.
Emilia keeps listening with her head down. Then, from within her, I feel the wind starting to get colder. Roswaal smiles, and inside her, her spirit is about to emerge.
'I guess it will happen as Marco said.'
"Idiots!" Marco shouts, unleashing his mana with all his might. In the blink of an eye, the wind heats up. The air becomes heavy and thick, making it hard to breathe.
I open my eyes slightly, and now I can see his plan as clearly as day.
"Who are you to insult a noble!?" Silence flourishes, as that noble completely falls into Marco's trap.
Marco puffs out his chest with a smile and, looking at everyone, points to the sky.
"I am the hero who defeated the Archbishop of the Witch's Cult, Petelgeuse Romane Conti!" Marco's exclamation is accompanied by murmurs everywhere. "And you nobles should be ashamed to act like this."
'There goes the hero image he had planned.'
"Get this clown out of here!" the noble exclaims, but the knights do not move.
Marco gives me a look, and I nod in response.
"They'll take me out when I haven't done anything, but not those who have insulted the candidates for the throne. Everyone deserves the same respect!" Marco looks at everyone, and although his words are true, the way he says them makes them go unnoticed.
Emilia looks at Marco with wide eyes, not understanding what is happening.
"I am a hero! I won't allow you to disrespect them like this!" Marco tries to approach, but the knights move, surrounding him.
The situation is getting tenser, and the sages seem just as confused. Since no one here knows him, they can't understand Marco's behavior. Only those in the army or the knights under our command know what he's like. That's why Marco can be whoever he wants here.
"Are you an enemy of the cult? Ah! Supposed noble." Marco points at him, while being held by the knights.
"I am not a cultist!" The wind of the lie blows across his face, his murderous intentions overflowing in his gaze. The nobles with him look the same way, a truly strange wind.
So, he is a cultist.
"Am I the only sane one?" Marco asks, and he frees himself from the knights' grasp. "I was the one who stopped an archbishop, while you wasted time, I did it. I am a true knight!"
If I didn't know he was acting, I would have silenced him long ago.
I grimace, clenching my hands slightly.
"Seems like you have someone interesting with you. Can't you control him?" Anastasia's words hang over me, and her look trying to make me lose control makes me laugh.
Although something is true, 'I can't control him.'
"It's... No, I have nothing to say." Saying something would go against who I am. I'm not going to lie. It's unnecessary, after all, the con artist here is him.
The knights draw their swords, and Marco raises his hands.
"Does the truth hurt?" Marco asks, looking Emilia in the eyes. "Tell them, Emilia, tell them what you wanted to do!"
Emilia clenches her hands; she walks slowly towards Marco until she stands in front of him. They look at each other and then Emilia says coldly.
"Sorry, I know I'm disrespecting one of the candidates, but I'd like you to get him out of here." The wind of deceit looms over Emilia, and I realize Marco planned too much. Now that they've seen Emilia's character, by removing the person defending her, they might consider listening to her proposal.
"But I...!" Marco tries to touch Emilia, but in that instant, she unleashes her mana. A wave of icy wind invades my heart, I open my eyes wide, and immediately understand Marco's words.
'It's monstrous.' Her mana surpasses that of anyone I've ever seen. Without a doubt, in terms of mana, she could easily be the strongest person I've known. I grab Anastasia's shoulder, protecting her from Emilia's mana.
"Are you alright?" I ask, looking at Anastasia, who gazes at me in confusion. 'Being born without a gate must be tough.' Anastasia probably didn't expect me to know this, but thanks to future knowledge, it was easy to predict.
Julius rushes to Anastasia, but she stops looking at me to focus on Marco. Her emotions are varied, but I can see she has undoubtedly taken the bait.
I have a clear vision now. Although I can't tell if the sages are involved, with the information I have from the nobles I've seen, we've made significant progress. Marco looks at Emilia, and a tear rolls down his face.
'Ugh, he even practiced that.' If it weren't for my ability, I would have fallen for his lies. In fact, if someone from my campaign did such an act, I would have taken them down on the spot.
I look at Felt and Priscilla, seeing that Felt seems inclined to help Marco, while Priscilla enjoys the spectacle.
"Great Sages! You who allow this injustice are equally guilty! It's because of you I had to flee my land and become a hero!" I look at the sages, trying to detect variations in the wind. Miklotov is calm, Tristan seems pleased to see someone defending what he believes is right.
"You, Bordeaux! How much disgust do you have?! You should look in the mirror. You only want to insult the candidates to hide that you're the enemy. I've figured it out, you vile man!"
"She's a disgusting half-devil! And you're just another pauper!" Bordeaux exclaims. He has always been, in my eyes, an honest man, whether saying good or bad things. I've never seen him lie, but somehow this doesn't seem like the Bordeaux I know.
"I didn't fight for this kingdom to be called an enemy by a nobody! Execute him!" Bordeaux stretches out his hand, and a knight is about to cut Marco's throat. "I'm not a disgusting cultist; instead, you should speak to me with the respect I deserve."
I keep watching, and it's Emilia who intervenes, stopping the sword with her hand. Emilia looks at me, but I really don't plan to do anything. I shouldn't intervene, even if my dignity is at stake; it's true we need this.
With this, it's clear. 'Bordeaux is the cultist who was hiding.' This information is enough; anymore and they might start to suspect. If what I know about Reinhard, plus what Marco told me, is true, his abilities range from mind-reading to detecting lies.
The problem is that even if he wants to, he can't do anything. He can help, but the act of doing so would politically destroy the entire kingdom. That's why we need to amass power, gain a monopoly, and be able to withstand without these people.
The people shouldn't suffer the misdeeds of a few, so we must do this the best way possible. Marco looks at me, and we both know what's going to happen.
"I am...!"
"MARCO LUZ!" I shout firmly, making him stop and look at me with a feigned surprised expression. The path he has chosen is difficult, but thanks to him, I can identify who the enemies are and potential allies. He's a complete con artist, but his methods work.
"Stop now! Leave this place immediately!" I command forcefully, and the entire room falls silent at my words. Marco tries to say something, but I shout again, "IT'S AN ORDER!"
Marco clenches his hands, trembling, and turns his back to me. He runs out, leaving us with the tension of the situation. Immediately, I turn and bow slightly to the sages in front of me.
"I apologize. I brought him to announce the cult's defeat and bring some peace to the kingdom." I remain bowed, showing respect. "His rude behavior will be punished, but it's true he was the one who defeated the Archbishop of Sin, Petelgeuse Romane Conti. His body was frozen as proof of it."
Marco defeated Petelgeuse by somehow destroying his soul. He didn't want to tell me how, but the inert body served us for this moment.
"Even so, it doesn't justify his behavior, so please allow me to manage his punishment." I am a duchess; clearly, they won't get into trouble with me now that I show favor towards him.