"An invitation from Crusch?"
Emilia took the letter, broke the wax seal, and carefully read the paper within.
As her eyes moved down the lines, a look of surprise gradually appeared on her face. As she reached the end, she couldn't help but read it aloud:
"A special invitation is extended to Lady Emilia and her knight, Natsuki Subaru, to travel to the Royal Capital tomorrow. On this occasion, the Sage Council will formally express its gratitude and present a commendation for Knight Natsuki Subaru's prior deeds in eliminating the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Betelgeuse, and exterminating the Great Rabbit…"
"I see…"
After hearing Emilia's summary, Natsuki Subaru gave a slight nod, a thoughtful expression on his face.
He had long anticipated that his subjugation of the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Betelgeuse, and the Great Rabbit would inevitably attract the attention of the Sage Council.
After all, these achievements were too dazzling to completely avoid official notice.
But as someone from the modern world, Natsuki Subaru maintained a fundamentally pragmatic attitude and didn't much care for such honors and titles.
Of course, Subaru didn't deny the practical benefits these accomplishments brought.
The Sage Council's recognition would undoubtedly provide many conveniences for his activities in the Royal Capital, giving him a stronger voice within aristocratic circles.
At the same time, this acknowledgment would also put Emilia in a more favorable position in the Royal Selection, winning her more support.
However, in Natsuki Subaru's view, these were all just added bonuses. What he cared about most had always been the tangible improvement of his own strength.
"No matter where you are, only power is the true path to kingship!"
This belief had supported Natsuki Subaru all along, allowing him to maintain a clear-headed perspective in this dangerous world.
"Subaru, Crusch didn't just invite me, she invited you too." After finishing the letter, Emilia looked up, a glimmer of joy shining in her amethyst eyes.
"And the Sage Council wants to specially commend you for everything you've done. This is wonderful."
"So that's how it is," Natsuki Subaru nodded, taking the letter and reading it over. "I thought she was just inviting you to discuss matters of the Royal Selection. I didn't expect I'd be included. Still, eliminating Betelgeuse and resolving the Great Rabbit crisis weren't my achievements alone."
"Without the full support of Crusch, Wilhelm, and Felix, I couldn't possibly have done it by myself."
"But Subaru was always the most crucial person," Rem, who was standing nearby, said, her blue eyes filled with adoration.
"If it weren't for Subaru's skillful command and perfect battle plan, it would have been difficult to achieve such a brilliant victory, no matter how many people assisted."
"Rem is right," Emilia added with a nod.
"If you hadn't found the Sloth Archbishop's weakness, we never would have been able to completely defeat him. And when dealing with the Great Rabbit, it was you who came up with the winning strategy. It's only right that the Sage Council specifically mentioned you."
"I just did what had to be done."
In Natsuki Subaru's mind, these achievements were largely thanks to the System's help and his own luck.
As an ordinary person from the modern world, he always maintained a practical attitude and didn't think there was anything special about himself.
His increase in strength was primarily dependent on the System's assistance, and his multiple escapes from peril had a component of luck to them.
"Subaru is always so humble." Rem gazed at Natsuki Subaru with her azure eyes, her voice filled with sincere admiration.
"You might not know it, Subaru, but your deeds are being sung throughout the kingdom. Many children see you as their idol, dreaming of growing up to be a hero like you. There are many stories about you circulating in the city, and some taverns even have bards singing of your accomplishments."
"That's right, Subaru," Emilia chimed in, nodding in agreement.
"You might not understand what these achievements mean for the kingdom. The threats of the White Whale and the Great Rabbit have existed for centuries, and generations have lived under their shadow."
"Many families were torn apart by these Magic Beasts, and the entire kingdom was shrouded in fear. But Subaru accomplished what no one before him could. It's truly incredible."
It was worth noting that, from everyone else's perspective, this black-haired boy from a foreign land, Natsuki Subaru, had accomplished in just two months a great deed that others had failed to achieve for centuries.
These accomplishments caused a huge stir not only in the Lugunica Kingdom but throughout the entire other world.
As time went on, news of Natsuki Subaru's deeds quickly spread to neighboring countries, including the Kararagi City-States and the Vollachia Empire.
Rulers everywhere were paying attention to this suddenly risen young hero; some admired him, while others were wary.
"I don't think of myself as a hero. I just did what I had to do to protect the people I want to protect."
As a transmigrator, Natsuki Subaru didn't care about these honors.
To be honest, titles and honors meant nothing to him. In this world, strength was the most important thing; everything else was just empty fame.
When Natsuki Subaru first crossed over to this world, he simply didn't want to die. He wanted to increase his strength to survive in this world and protect the girls worth protecting.
Both the White Whale and the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Betelgeuse, were just obstacles on his path that had to be cleared.
Most of his actions were for his own survival; a portion was for Emilia.
Natsuki Subaru had never thought about becoming a hero, nor did he care what others thought of him.
"That's what's so amazing about Subaru." A glint of admiration shone in Rem's eyes. "You never seek fame or fortune, you just quietly protect the people and things that are important. That quality is more precious than any amount of force."
"Subaru's kindness and courage are what truly move people," Emilia said, nodding in agreement.
"I remember when we first met, Subaru stood up to protect me without any hesitation. I knew right then that you were someone special."
"You two are going to make me blush with all this praise."
Natsuki Subaru felt a bit embarrassed by their words.
At the end of the day, he was just an ordinary high school student who was lucky enough to get some special abilities.
In truth, he didn't think he was anything special; he just acted according to his own principles.
In this dangerous other world, the only thing Natsuki Subaru cared about was protecting the people around him. Fame and honor were secondary.
Perhaps in the eyes of others he was a hero, but in his own, he was just doing what he had to do.
In fact, Natsuki Subaru had not yet fully realized the profound significance of his actions.
The White Whale, a disaster-class entity, had caused the destruction of numerous caravans and the erasure of memories. Its elimination completely removed a long-standing ecological threat to the Lugunica Kingdom, allowing caravans and residents to no longer suffer its ravages, leading to the recovery of public welfare and the economy.
And the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Betelgeuse, was a core combatant of the Witch Cult. His death directly weakened the Witch Cult's infiltration of the Lugunica Kingdom, and the security situation in the Royal Capital improved significantly.
It is worth mentioning that Natsuki Subaru's multiple victories led to his recognition as a hero by both the officials and the people of the Lugunica Kingdom, earning him a particularly high reputation in the border regions.
"Subaru is always like this, so indifferent about these things, even though he's given so much…" Emilia's purple eyes gazed at Natsuki Subaru as she spoke. "But you might not know, Subaru, that it's precisely this quality that makes so many people respect you from the bottom of their hearts."
"Alright, thank you for saying so." Seeing Emilia's earnest expression, Natsuki Subaru felt a little helpless and opportunely changed the subject.
"We're going to the Royal Capital for the gathering tomorrow, so we should prepare properly."
Emilia nodded in response.
"Well then," said Natsuki Subaru, "I won't disturb you any longer, Emilia."
With that, Natsuki Subaru nodded at Emilia and Rem and quietly exited the room.
Emilia and Rem were left alone in the study.
Rem asked softly, "Lady Emilia, would you like Rem to help you prepare a dress for tomorrow's gathering?"
"Thank you, Rem. I'd appreciate that."
Emilia said gratefully.
"You are too kind, Lady Emilia," Rem said with a slight bow. "This is part of Rem's duties."
Just then, Emilia suddenly asked,
"Rem, you're fond of Subaru too, aren't you?"
"…Yes. Subaru is Rem's hero." A faint blush appeared on Rem's cheeks, but she admitted it readily.
"Subaru not only saved Rem's life, but he also showed Rem the meaning of being alive. In Rem's heart, no one is more worthy of respect than Subaru."
"I understand that feeling." Emilia smiled gently. "Subaru is certainly special. He always manages to change the people around him without even realizing it."
"Lady Emilia holds special feelings for Subaru as well, doesn't she?"
Rem could, of course, see how Emilia felt about Natsuki Subaru.
Emilia's face flushed slightly, but she still nodded and said,
"Yes, I'm grateful to Subaru, and I… like him. It's just that sometimes I don't know how to express these feelings."
"Lady Emilia, did you know? Sometimes Rem feels like we've fallen for the same person, yet neither of us is willing to be the first to say it." As she said this, a trace of a helpless smile touched Rem's lips. "Subaru can be surprisingly dense about these things."
"Don't you think… it's strange, Rem? Both of us feeling this way about Subaru…"
A light blush dusted Emilia's cheeks, and she looked down, speaking shyly.
"How could it be?" Rem immediately shook her head, her gaze warm. "Subaru deserves to be loved by many people. Besides… Rem understood long ago that in Subaru's heart, Lady Emilia is a special existence. But even so, Rem will continue to watch over Subaru. That feeling will not change."
"Thank you, Rem." Emilia reached out and gently took Rem's hand. "Being able to talk so openly with you puts me at ease. Actually… sometimes I'm quite envious of you, being able to express your feelings for Subaru so naturally."
"Lady Emilia has her own way of showing her feelings," Rem replied, squeezing Emilia's hand with an understanding smile. "Subaru can surely feel your sentiments as well."
The two looked at each other and smiled, a warm and tacit understanding filling the air.
Although they both loved the same person, their candid conversation at this moment created a special bond between them.
Meanwhile.
After leaving the study, Natsuki Subaru unconsciously slowed his pace as ripples spread through his heart:
"The way Emilia looked just now, like she wanted to say something but couldn't… Don't tell me she was about to confess to me?"
The thought made Natsuki Subaru's heart beat a little faster, but he quickly shook his head.
"No, that can't be it. I must be overthinking things. Emilia is so innocent, she probably just wanted to express her gratitude… Forget it, I won't dwell on this stuff."
Natsuki Subaru took a deep breath, pulling his thoughts back to reality.
For the time being, he preferred to focus on increasing his own strength and protecting the important people around him.
After all, in this dangerous other world, strength was the most important guarantee. Everything else could be put on the back burner.
Night deepened, and the mansion fell into a tranquil silence.
Natsuki Subaru sat alone on the edge of his bed. The moonlight outside was like water, spilling a silvery glow on the floor through the window lattice.
"These peaceful days are the best."
Natsuki Subaru let out a soft breath, murmuring to himself.
Ever since coming to this world, he hadn't enjoyed such a peaceful night in a long time.
No life-or-death struggles, no conspiracies, just the occasional chirping of insects outside and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.
However, Natsuki Subaru knew very well that many unresolved threats remained.
The Witch Cult and the Sin Archbishops had not yet been eliminated, and their obsession with Emilia was particularly strong.
All of this stemmed from Emilia's half-elf appearance, which was so similar to the Witch of Envy.
In the eyes of the Witch Cult's fanatics, Emilia's very existence was a blasphemy against the Witch of Envy, and thus they would stop at nothing to eliminate her.
"Ultimately, someone has to face these problems… and that someone can only be me."
As Emilia's knight, as someone whose fate was intertwined with hers, Natsuki Subaru was keenly aware of the responsibility on his shoulders.
As long as the Witch Cult and the Sin Archbishops existed, Emilia would always be in danger.
"Fortunately, the Witch Cult and the Sin Archbishops are not good people. I have no psychological burden in eliminating them," Natsuki Subaru continued to muse.
"With my current abilities as a Level 64 Shadow Monarch, as my level continues to rise, dealing with these enemies should become easier and easier. With each new level, my control over shadow power becomes more profound, and the Shadow Soldiers I summon become more numerous and more powerful."
At this thought, Natsuki Subaru's gaze grew firm.
No matter what, he had to protect Emilia and would never let those fanatics harm a single hair on her head.
This was not just because of his duty as a knight, but a choice from the heart.
Just then, Natsuki Subaru suddenly remembered something:
"Right, I still haven't opened the blessed random box the System gave me when I completed the Job Change Quest."
He had been so busy lately that he had completely forgotten about such an important reward.
______
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