Natsuki Subaru said with a smile, unable to help but recall the first time he saw Beatrice in the Forbidden Library. A small figure, curled up in a corner piled high with books, clutching a heavy, ancient tome, her eyes filled with an aloofness that didn't match her age.
This seemingly willful and proud spirit had been alone in that dim room for four centuries, waiting day after day for the arrival of "that person." It wasn't until she formed a contract with him that she finally stepped through that tightly shut door.
"Seriously, it's good for you to come out and see the world. At least it's better than being cooped up in the Forbidden Library."
At this thought, Natsuki Subaru's tone softened, and he reached out to ruffle her golden hair again. This time, Beatrice didn't pull away, only turning her face aside as the tips of her ears quietly flushed a faint red.
"Once this is all over, I'll take you to the markets in the Royal Capital. They sell all sorts of little trinkets, and there are sweets you've never tried before."
"What was that..." Beatrice's ears twitched, clearly intrigued by the word "sweets," but her words remained sharp. "Who would want to eat such cheap sweets... But since you're treating, I suppose Betty will deign to accompany you for a look."
"I know, I know. Whatever you say."
Natsuki Subaru agreed with a smile.
Thinking to himself: Such a tsundere spirit who can't be honest with herself. But she's pretty cute.
Just then, Crusch and Felix approached from the mansion.
Crusch was still dressed in her signature, well-tailored men's attire, looking gallant and heroic. Every gesture exuded an air of nobility.
And Felix, following behind her, wore an exquisite off-the-shoulder dress, its lace trim and hem swaying gently with each step.
Hmm... He looks incredibly cute, with absolutely no trace of masculinity.
As the two drew closer, Natsuki Subaru's gaze couldn't help but linger for a few extra seconds on the charmingly dressed Felix, silently remarking to himself:
That Felix... he's really getting better and better at this. He doesn't look like a boy at all. I guess when it comes to cross-dressing, it's either never or always. With this level of skill, he's probably better at dressing up than many actual girls.
"Lady Emilia, Sir Natsuki Subaru."
Crusch greeted them with a smile. When her gaze fell upon Natsuki Subaru, a trace of imperceptible respect and gratitude flashed in her eyes.
She would always remember that it was this seemingly ordinary black-haired boy who, at a moment of life and death, had saved her from an invincible foe. It was a debt she had never forgotten.
"Hello, Miss Crusch, Felix."
Emilia, standing to the side, offered a polite greeting.
"It's been a while, you two."
Natsuki Subaru responded with a smile as well, meeting Crusch's amber eyes with a candid grin of his own.
Speaking of which, the brutal battle against the Magic Beast White Whale and the Sin Archbishop of Greed, Regulus, had long since become a thing of the past. Now, they were not only clear competitors in the Royal Selection but also comrades who had once fought side-by-side, sharing life and death. This complicated relationship imbued every reunion with a certain special significance.
"Indeed, it has been a long time, Sir Natsuki Subaru, Lady Emilia, and..." As she spoke, Crusch's gaze shifted to Beatrice, who was holding Natsuki Subaru's hand. She paused for a moment, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
This young-looking girl emanated an extraordinary magical fluctuation; she was clearly no ordinary person.
"My name is Beatrice."
Beatrice introduced herself, her tone carrying the unique pride of a Great Spirit, yet not lacking in etiquette.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Beatrice."
Crusch responded politely, performing a proper noble's curtsy.
Although she didn't know the girl's specific identity, she could sense the remarkable aura about Beatrice.
"A polite little girl is hard to dislike, I suppose."
Beatrice said, lifting her chin slightly.
Just then, Felix noticed Natsuki Subaru's attire and couldn't help but say: "Suba-kyun, are you really planning to wear that to the merits ceremony? That's the Sage Council, you know? A ceremony held specifically to honor the heroes who subjugated the White Whale and killed the Sin Archbishop of Sloth. If you dress so casually, those old-fashioned nobles are definitely going to gossip behind your back, you know~"
"You don't have to tell me. I'll change into something formal in a bit."
Natsuki Subaru replied to Felix.
In truth, in his luggage was a knight's uniform that Rem had specially prepared for him. It was made of snow-white silk, with an insignia symbolizing a knight's honor embroidered on the collar, and was paired with a silver-gray cape.
But that overly flamboyant outfit really didn't suit his style; he felt like he'd look like a walking decoration if he wore it, so he had never taken it out.
"Is that so? But then again, this outfit really does suit your style, Suba-kyun~" Felix couldn't help but lean in closer, his pair of cat ears twitching, before patting Natsuki Subaru's shoulder affectionately, "Casual and carefree, just like you."
"What do you think you're doing? Don't touch Subaru. Subaru is Betty's."
Beatrice immediately stepped between them, shielding Natsuki Subaru like a protective kitten. Her azure eyes were filled with vigilance.
She wasn't used to seeing others being too familiar with her Subaru.
"Is this Miss Beatrice a friend of Suba-kyun's?"
Felix asked curiously, looking at Beatrice who was blocking his way.
He could sense that this petite girl held immense magical power within her.
"More than just a friend, this kid is my super-duper cute partner!" Natsuki Subaru beamed at the sight of Beatrice shielding him, a wide, happy smile on his face. He lifted Beatrice high into the air and announced loudly to everyone, "The Great Spirit, Beatrice!"
"D-Don't just lift me up all of a sudden! Put me down!"
Beatrice was startled by Natsuki Subaru's sudden action. She hastily grabbed his collar, her small feet kicking gently in the air, while her cheeks turned red against her will.
Although Beatrice complained, she didn't truly struggle.
"Haha, what's there to be afraid of? You're so light, it's no effort at all to lift you," Natsuki Subaru said with a laugh, before setting Beatrice back on the ground. "Besides, our Lady Beatrice is so cute. What's so embarrassing about lifting you up so everyone can get a good look?"
"Nonsense... B-Betty is not embarrassed!"
Though she said this, her flushed cheeks betrayed her true feelings.
The Great Spirit was being a tsundere again.
Natsuki Subaru noted silently, but he didn't point it out. He was already very familiar with Beatrice's inability to be honest with her feelings.
Felix blinked his big, round eyes and curiously leaned in toward Beatrice: "Meow? Is this the legendary Great Spirit who has always been at the Roswaal Mansion? What a rare sight~ I heard you haven't left the mansion in a very long time?"
"That's right, she is the Great Spirit Beatrice." Natsuki Subaru ruffled Beatrice's hair and nodded. "I brought her out today to see the world. She can't stay cooped up in the library forever, you know."
"Oh, so that's how it is, meow~"
Felix nodded in understanding.
"It is my honor to meet you, Lady Beatrice." Crusch smiled and turned sideways, making an inviting gesture. "Please, everyone, follow me inside. Refreshments have been prepared. We can talk over tea."
And so, after some lighthearted conversation, the group entered the mansion's magnificent guest hall.
Beatrice curiously examined the surrounding decor. This was the first time in over four hundred years she had formally visited another noble's mansion, and everything seemed fresh and interesting.
Natsuki Subaru noticed her expression and couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. Bringing Betty out to see the world was definitely the right decision.
The Royal Capital, the Throne Hall.
Inside the solemn and majestic Throne Hall, a vast space covered with a deep red velvet carpet stretched out before them.
The gold-trimmed walls were adorned with portraits of past monarchs and exquisite reliefs, while brilliant crystal chandeliers hung from the high, vaulted ceiling, casting a warm glow. The entire hall was filled with a grave and solemn atmosphere, yet a subtle current of restlessness and anticipation flowed within it.
In contrast to the spacious interior, the hall's furnishings were rather simple and symbolic.
The most striking feature was the eleven chairs arranged on a slightly elevated platform at the far end of the hall—five on each side, with a particularly dignified main seat in the very center.
Behind that centermost seat was a massive relief of the Divine Dragon, its gilded scales shimmering under the light as if the one seated upon it was under the dragon's protection.
That was the throne of Lugunica, a symbol of the covenant between the kingdom and the Divine Dragon. Of course, as the Royal Selection had not yet concluded, the throne remained empty, waiting for one of the five candidates, including Emilia, to be chosen as its successor.
Standing on either side were three rows of fully-armed Royal Guards. Clad in shining silver armor and holding longswords, their gazes were fixed intently on the black-haired young man in the center of the hall.
The knights' expressions were complex, a mixture of reverence, admiration, worship, and disbelief.
Members of the Royal Knight Order, along with nobles and civil officials in formal attire, were arranged neatly on both sides of the hall.
Familiar figures like Reinhard, Felix, and Julius could be seen at the front, and the Royal Selection candidates—Emilia, Crusch, Anastasia, and Felt—were also present.
At this moment, everyone's attention was focused on the black-haired young man standing before the royal dais.
"This is my second time in this hall, I guess. Still not quite used to it."
Natsuki Subaru stood calmly in the center of the hall, dressed in a formal white knight's uniform, muttering to himself.
He still remembered the last time he had accompanied Emilia to the Royal Selection announcement. In this very hall, he had stepped forward to publicly refute the Sage Council's doubts about Emilia.
He never expected that, after such a short time, he himself would become the main character of this grand event. Truly, the world works in mysterious ways.
Just then, a representative of the Sage Council, the white-haired Old Man Miklotov, stepped forward and spoke in a voice that was aged yet resonant: "Honored guests, we gather here today to recognize an extraordinary achievement."
"For four hundred years, the Magic Beast White Whale has loomed over Lugunica like a nightmare." Miklotov scanned the room and continued, "It appeared and vanished without a trace, not only causing countless casualties but, more terrifyingly, completely erasing the existence of its victims, leaving their loved ones with no one to mourn. This suffering far exceeds that of a normal death."
"The kingdom organized numerous large-scale subjugation campaigns against the White Whale. Even the elite army led by the revered previous Sword Saint, Lady Theresia van Astrea, ultimately ended in a crushing defeat, and she herself tragically fell in that battle."
At these words, the nobles and knights present all wore grave expressions, remaining silent.
For centuries, humanity had lacked an effective means of combating the White Whale.
Countless subjugation attempts had failed due to the White Whale's overwhelming power and unique abilities.
After all, the White Whale was a negative creation of the Witch of Gluttony, possessing the terrifying Gluttony Factor. Its very existence was closely tied to a Witch's Authority, far beyond what conventional methods could handle.
Miklotov turned to Natsuki Subaru in the center of the hall, his old, clouded eyes filled with a glimmer of respect: "However, just a short while ago, under the heroic leadership and brilliant strategy of Sir Natsuki Subaru, we finally succeeded in subjugating this demon beast that has plagued us for four hundred years!"
As his voice fell, a wave of gasps and whispers rippled through the hall. Many nobles nodded, casting looks of admiration toward Natsuki Subaru.
At that moment, an old general in military uniform stepped forward and gave Natsuki Subaru a solemn military salute: "Sir Natsuki Subaru, please allow me to express the deepest respect on behalf of the kingdom's military. Your heroic deed has not only rid the kingdom of a great scourge but has also saved countless human lives."
"You're too kind. It was a group effort that finally brought an end to the White Whale."
Natsuki Subaru replied humbly to the old general before him.
After all, in his view, the subjugation of the White Whale was not the work of one man. Crusch and the others had all contributed immensely.
Although he was the one who ultimately delivered the killing blow to the Magic Beast White Whale, he absolutely could not negate the contributions of his comrades.
Just then, the Sage Council's representative, Miklotov, took another step forward, his voice now even louder and filled with an irrepressible excitement as he announced: "And that is far from all! Shortly after successfully subjugating the White Whale, Sir Natsuki Subaru also killed the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Betelgeuse!"
The entire hall instantly fell into a shocked silence.
The nobles exchanged incredulous glances, and even the worldly members of the Sage Council could not hide their astonishment.
All eyes once again focused on the black-haired young man standing in the center of the hall, their gazes filled with an unbelievable reverence.
"I've really stolen the show this time, haven't I? I feel like I'm even overshadowing Emilia. What a pain..."
Natsuki Subaru, the center of everyone's attention, remained outwardly calm, but a trace of helplessness stirred in his heart.
He could feel the scorching gazes from all directions, which left him feeling somewhat inexplicably exasperated.
It wasn't pressure, but rather a discomfort with such grand occasions.
Besides, most of what he had done were choices he had been forced to make for survival, not as grand as everyone claimed, even though he did end up saving many people.
______
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