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Chapter Text

“Woah! It’s been a while since I came to the capital! Also… Emilia-tan… can you stop holding my hand? It’s in public and all.” Subaru held their hands up around eye level, waving them around as he tried to tell Emilia to stop.

“No, Subaru. I can’t let you wander off. Don’t you remember the time you were walking around the Arlam village and got cursed by a Mabeast?” Emilia scolded him, though her face remained red and bright as she kept holding his hand.

“Of… of course. I remember. If it wasn’t for Beatrice and Puck I would have been dead.” Subaru reminisced, the loops in the mansion flashing back to haunt him.

He had died once after coming to the mansion, the curse taking his life in his sleep, forcing him to redo his relationships from almost zero again. Thankfully, his distress after waking up made Emilia decide to act, asking Puck to help him. This led to Beatrice recognizing the curse on his body the second time he went into the village, and Puck convincing her to help—though Beatrice insisted she would have saved him anyway without Puck’s words. She never admitted this in front of Subaru, however.

After finding out about the curse, Emilia and Puck easily dispatched it before it was too late—the Mabeast was going to attack the village at night. If it weren’t for Emilia’s efforts to help Subaru, things would have gotten much worse.

“Don’t say things about death and stuff like that! Jeez! You are such a dummy sometimes… no, maybe almost every time. Don’t even talk about how close to death you are… it’s already twice now!” Emilia pouted, her distaste for her inability to keep Subaru safe growing even more.

Of course, she had to be mad at herself. She had a crush on him after all. Ever since he saved her from the loot house that day—offering kindness and love to someone as disgusting as a half-elf like her—she had fallen for him. Yet…

Subaru might be the densest person she had ever known. She tried everything: holding hands—he thought it was just a sweet gesture; complimenting him—he brushed it off as her being too nice; she even pushed him into a wall, dominating him to see if he’d react… it didn’t work at all. Subaru just assumed she was low on blood and falling.

She had used every tactic and strategy she knew. From what she saw in other couples, from books, from experience, even from pure guesses, she even had to ask Ram, Rem, Beatrice and Roswaal for even an idea… None of it worked on Subaru.

The only time he was genuinely embarrassed was when the old lady in the village smacked his butt.

No! I can’t do something like that… it’s too sultry… Would Subaru think I’m weird if I did it? Although, I must say his rear is…

She snapped out of her perverted thoughts when Subaru suddenly shouted.

“Woah Emilia-tan! The guy selling appa! I know him, let’s go greet him.” Subaru pointed at the grumpy man speaking to his daughter, a smile on his face.

“Huh? Subaru? You know him too?” Emilia remembered helping his daughter when she got lost, but she didn’t expect Subaru to know him as well.

“Yeah! He was the one who told me about Felt’s location. He even mentioned you too! He talked about some broke kids who helped his daughter. I knew it was you.” Subaru explained as the two walked toward the fruit seller.

“Woah! That’s a really fascinating coincidence, Subaru! But… how did you know about me before the loot house? I hadn’t met you before at all.” Emilia tilted her head in confusion.

“UH! UH! HEY! Hey appa man, nice to see you here!” Subaru quickly changed the subject, making Emilia a bit frustrated—she’d ask him later.

“What kid? Who the heck are ya?” the appa seller replied bluntly.

“You don’t remember me? You wound me, checkpoint man.” Subaru hugged his chest with a mocked hurt expression, making the man chuckle and his daughter giggle.

“Jeez Subaru! Stop using words people don’t understand. Plus, he’s a fruit stand seller, he meets thousands of people. Of course he doesn’t remember you.” Emilia pulled his ear lightly, scolding him while Subaru jumped in place trying to escape her grip.

“Ouch! Emilia-tan! But I have the talent to be very memorable! He even called me a broke kid too! He has to remember!” Subaru whined, trying to convince Emilia to stop punishing him.

“Huh… I think I remember now, kid. You were the one with no money asking where you could find stolen loot, right? I thought you were just a petty thief with no experience. But with those new clothes of yours, I guess that’s not the case.” The man pointed at Subaru’s butler outfit. Emilia’s heart swelled with pride—of course her crush had chosen the most splendid and elegant clothes.

“Huh? Really? Do my clothes make me look different, Emilia-tan?” Scratching his head, Subaru asked shyly.

“Yes. I think your butler outfit greatly enhances your charm, Subaru.” She tried to slip in a compliment, though she knew it would fly straight over his head. Every time she said something like this, she just hoped—hoped he would at least blush.

“Really? I think that even if I wore a potato sack I’d still be Subaru.” His monotone answer crushed Emilia’s fragile hope.

“Really now kid? You gotta work on your self-confidence. Also, high lady, are you this guy’s girlfriend or something?” With her cloak on, the appa man didn’t recognize her, but his words warmed her heart.

Girlfriend…

“Nah! Haha. Don’t say that about Emilia-tan, old man. She’s just a friend of mine.”

Her brief happiness was instantly shot down by the one she loved most.

“Ouch! Emilia-tan! Too tight! You’re holding my hand too tight!” Subaru complained, patting at her hand as he tried to escape her firm grip.

“Let’s go, Subaru. Sorry about that but… hmph!” Emilia pouted, dragging him away from the merchant stand, fuming.

“Did I make her mad or something? I didn’t even do anything!” Subaru muttered.

Arriving at the Noble District, the two were walking down to the Royal Castle when they spotted someone with purple hair.

“Huh! Oh! Julius. Nice to meet you.” This was it—Emilia’s chance. She knew Julius always kissed a lady’s hand as a formality when greeting. For someone lacking common sense like Subaru, it might come across as flirting. Maybe, if Subaru thought he had competition, he’d finally react.

“My dearest greetings, Emilia-sama. You still have your radiance, just as when we first met.” Julius bowed and kissed her hand. Emilia immediately looked at Subaru, wishing for the best.

Subaru just stood there, staring at Julius.

When Julius stood upright, he didn’t acknowledge Subaru’s presence. This made Emilia even angrier.

Look at my super cool crush, you knight! How dare you ignore him like that!

Unable to let such insolence pass, Emilia quickly introduced Subaru so he wouldn’t feel irrelevant.

“Here is Subaru, my personal butler who will be attending the Royal Selection on my behalf.” Emilia gestured to Subaru, who remained strangely quiet.

“Oh! I see. How ill-mannered of me not to notice you there… Subaru. I am Julius Juukulius, the Finest of Knights.” He spoke his name and title with pride as he shook Subaru’s hand.

The way Julius talked irritated Emilia to no end.

What do you think you are? Subaru is the coolest knight around! He just doesn’t want to be one!

But opposite to her expectations, Subaru’s eyes lit up as he shook Julius’s arms with renewed vigor.

“Woah! So you’re a knight! A real royal kind of guy? That’s so cool! The way you hold your sword and your posture too!” Subaru looked like an excited puppy. Emilia giggled at his cuteness—but it was directed at Julius, not her.

“Do you go out capturing villains and killing Mabeasts? Or are you the kind of guy who trains others to get stronger? Both are super cool!” Subaru rambled, flailing his arms around.

Julius laughed softly at Subaru’s reaction—it reminded him of children in the capital whenever they saw him on patrol.

“Indeed. I’m a Royal Knight of the Lugnica Kingdom, one who wields the sword with pride and dignity.” Julius straightened his posture with knightly grace, making Subaru gush even more.

Emilia was jealous of Julius. How could he so easily make Subaru jump around like a child with just his boring knight etiquette? Unforgivable.

Deciding that when they attended the Royal Selection, she would show the entire country just how cool Subaru really was.

Chapter Text

Reaching the Royal Castle and entering the room, Subaru was in awe at the building structure.

"Woah... what a fantasy world." Subaru muttered, impressed by how this was even built with no modern technology.
"Magic of course, but that’s still cool."

Glancing at the people around, they were knights and nobles who stood on two sides, with the Sage Council as the representative of the country.

Subaru tried to look for the Royal Candidates, who could become heavy competitors in the way of Emilia becoming queen. He wished Emilia could achieve what she wanted ever since she saved him that day. Her kindness and selflessness made him want to befriend her. Subaru never had a real friend when he was on Earth. So maybe getting teleported here could allow him to find some friendship.

Looking around the place, Subaru came across Reinhard—someone who had saved Subaru and wished to be his friend.

"Reinhard! So you're here! I couldn’t find you anywhere, it seems like the Sword Saint has a lot of duty, right?" Subaru came near the lane of the knights and greeted Reinhard.

"Oh Subaru. When I saw Emilia-sama coming here, I knew you would come. It seems you are in great health." Reinhard smiled warmly, glad to see his friend around here.

"Also... what happened to Felt? Emilia-tan said that she was taken by you. Did you do anything?" Subaru asked, worried about what Reinhard could do to her.

"Don't worry, my friend. It will be revealed soon, so just wait." Reinhard’s reply confused Subaru, but he decided to just let it go.

The Royal Selection started soon after, and the candidates were all revealed... even Felt. As the others went up and gave their speeches about their goals and candidacy, soon it was Emilia's turn.

"I wish for equality to all demi-humans and others, including half-elves," was basically what she wanted to convey. This didn’t earn her any favour from the Royal, however.

"Who even allowed her here?"
"Why did the Margrave endorse a half-elf?"
"Get out of here, you Witch!"

The nobles began to doubt the knights’ work when it came to finding out the one who would become queen. They criticised Crusch Karsten for being treacherous, Anastasia for being greedy and superficial, Priscilla for being an arrogant and prideful woman, Felt for being a slum dweller, and Emilia.

For only Emilia, all of them looked at her with distaste and disgust, their desire to get rid of her easily interpreted just through the atmosphere. Enduring through many insults and disdainful looks, Emilia tried to be strong, but her anxiety started to seep into her posture.

She didn’t care about these old men’s thoughts. What Emilia feared the most was how Subaru thought about it; she didn’t want to embarrass herself in front of her crush. She was also afraid that Subaru might explode and insult the nobles in the Castle, which might lead to complications that could endanger his life.

Unbeknownst to anyone except Reinhard, Subaru's head started spinning to evaluate the situation.

"Sorry! But I wish to ask something!" Suddenly, in the middle of the chaotic cries, there was a hand raised up in the middle of the knight lane—it was Subaru.

Surprised by how accurate her assessment and fear were, Emilia tried to stop him from talking.

"Subaru! No! Please—" but was quickly shut down by Priscilla, who shut her fan and pointed it at Emilia.
"Half-wit. Don’t. Let that jester talk." Was all that she said.

Miklotov, seeing Subaru’s action, decided it was a great chance to stop the chaotic scene in the Royal Room.

"Dear stranger. If you have a question, you may rise and ask." Subaru put his hand down, eyes glimmering to Emilia.

"Dear Sage Council. I'm just a foreigner to this country, who only heard some feeble stories about this information. Yet I know how important the dragon’s vow and decision was to the kingdom." Subaru glanced at the obnoxious noble with blue eyebrows.

"But for someone to try and discriminate against the candidate that the divine dragon itself chose is nothing short of treachery. And y’all really criticised Crusch about that?” With a mocking stare at the nobles, all of them suddenly became more defensive.

“Insolent! You’re nothing but a peasant and dare to even talk in the holy ground of the Divine Dragon?” Bordeaux pointed at Subaru, eyes glinting with fire.

“Dear Sage Council. I accept that I am just a peasant—unfit to even speak about what the Divine Dragon truly thinks… then why must you all seem to decline even the dragon’s will?” Easily manoeuvring through sheer force, Subaru easily made Bordeaux shut up.

“I see. Very well said, Mister?” Miklotov decided to chime in, asking for Subaru’s name.

“Natsuki Subaru, dear liege. Private butler of Emilia-sama, the Royal Candidate.” Subaru gave Miklotov a formal bow, doing as best as he could to the only decent Sage Council.

“Just a damn butler! What do you know about handling the country to even talk?” Bordeaux still hadn’t given up, trying to use the excuse of Subaru being a butler to snap back.

“For what I see from the other Royal Candidates, I can understand their motives and what they could bring to the country. That’s why the Royal Selection requires the citizens’ votes after all.” With logic and common sense, Bordeaux shut up again.

This didn’t stop Subaru, however.
“For me, what the Candidates offer all bring good to the country in their own way. For example..." Subaru’s eyes moved to Crusch.

“Crusch-sama wanted to break the contract with the divine dragon. Although this decision will be paid by blood, all she wants is independence and a brighter future for the country in case the Divine Dragon no longer heeds Lugnica’s words.” This earned a smile from Crusch and a giggle from Felix.

“Anastasia-sama is a merchant, with excellent finance power and strategy. Although she said she was doing it for her own good, this doesn’t mean Anastasia-sama doesn’t bring benefit to the country with her talent in negotiation and finance. She could easily bring forth a prosperous era for the kingdom.” Anastasia nodded her head in contentment, while Julius was silent.

“Priscilla-sama… although I must admit that her speech was the most unique. I believe in Al’s words—her knight—about her achievement. Her dignity and nature befit a queen.” Priscilla used her fan to hide her smile, amused by the jester that she had decided not to let the half-elf chime in to stop the fun. Al gave Subaru a thumbs up.

“Felt… Felt-sama. She was honest and straightforward with her intent. With many potential and talented people that were shot down due to their own condition and position—mostly affected by poverty—Felt-sama can bring them up and use them to their fullest potential, making the country more developed and prosperous.” Felt excitedly crossed her arms with a smug smile, Reinhard had a heartwarming smile directed at Subaru.

“And for Emilia-tan. One who seeks equality for all that were abused and discriminated. She shall bring forth a new era for the kingdom. A place where race and birthplace no longer bind others. Allowing the Lugnica kingdom to reach a brighter future. With her kindness and the ability to seek the best for others, I believe in Emilia-tan. And I shall support her to the very end. To see her becoming queen.” Subaru finished his speech and bowed down in respect. The halls grew more silent.

“Hoho! It seems like the jester does bring out a good show. I must admit, seeing these fools’ expressions was the best way for entertainment.” Priscilla flicked her fan around, amused by both the nobles’ and knights’ reactions.

While this was happening, Roswaal was ready to fulfil his plan with Puck.
“Although you did bring great assessment, Subaru-kun, your insolence to the country cannot be bypassed. To pay for your words. Die.” Roswaal tried to scramble for an excuse to attack Subaru, his finger pointing at him.

“Al Goa.” A fireball was conjured under Roswaal’s fingertip. But before it hit—
“Huma.” The fireball was frozen solid—yes, the fireball turned into an ice cube and dropped to the floor.

Emilia was there to stop it, with her eyes filled with intention that feel the she’s going to kill everyone in the castle.

“What did you just do? Roswaal…” Cold, silent, and emotionless, her words made the entire room shiver in her wrath. The nobles staggered back, the knights unsheathed their swords… while Reinhard was just standing there… uncaring toward Emilia’s attitude.

“Hmph! Seems like the half-wit has guts, I’ve to give her that. At least she seems competent to protect her servant.” Priscilla waved her hand and summoned a thin line of fire, a glimpse of the Yang Sword could be seen if looked at carefully.
The thin line of fire melted down the fireball-shaped ice cube and returned the room to its original temperature.

Deciding that he was not built for this, Miklotov ended the meeting as fast as possible while Bordeaux was fuming under his seat.

Thus, the Royal Selection officially began.

*

“Hey friend. I understand that you are Felt-sama’s knight right now. But why didn’t you stop Emilia-sama from attacking the entire room?” Julius, who was walking alongside Reinhard, asked, seeming worried.

“Huh? Why, Julius?” Reinhard’s confused expression landed like a punch on Julius’s face.

“What do you mean? Emilia-sama’s outburst could have endangered everyone in the castle!” Julius snapped back, genuinely surprised that his friend didn’t even catch that.

“Oh. I see. It must be misleading if you don’t have the Divine Protection of Empathy. The feeling Emilia-sama had then was just simple protectiveness and… love for Subaru. I could also feel the mana around her and made sure that her output never reached any significant danger levels.” Reinhard calmly replied.

“Hahhhh...I see… I wish to meet Natsuki Subaru and have a talk with him later.” Julius muttered as he kept walking with Reinhard out of the Royal Room.

*

“Huh?” Subaru, who was sitting in the waiting room, glanced at Julius.
“Your action toward the royalty was reckless and disrepectful. For that, I wish to duel with you to repent your action,” Julius repeated, pain seeping deep into his words.

Looking at Julius’s face, Subaru sighed and started lying down on the chair.
Julius was confused, wondering why Subaru did that. Was that just boredom? Or a sign of taunting?

“You can stop making that face, Juli. I know what you intended to do, but don’t worry. I need some sleep here before Emilia-tan comes back with Roswaal’s head.” Subaru turned his back against Julius, genuinely trying to go to sleep.

“I didn’t catch what you mean, Subaru. I request a duel to clear the honour of the knights and make you regret your actions.” Julius tried his best to be stern, yet the lingering thought that he had already been figured out was still there.

“Woah woah. You’re worried that the other knights and royalty might attack me after this, so you have to prepare a mock duel so others won’t touch me, right? I know already, Juli. Don’t worry. They won’t touch me after seeing what Emilia-tan did.” Subaru was genuinely surprised in the Royal Room where Emilia lashed out at Roswaal for trying to hurt him. He heard that it was all part of his plan, but Emilia refused to listen. Both of them had been talking for over an hour now.

“Really… It seems you already figured everything out. Although with how you performed a few moments ago, I’m not surprised that you didn’t catch what I tried to do.” Julius smiled back, the atmosphere seeming to ease more at Subaru’s assessment of Julius’s action.

“Nyah! I gotta admit, Subaru-kyun. That speech of yours was really good. Thank you for helping those boring old men see how cool Crusch-sama was, by the way.” Felix chimed in from behind the couch, tail wiggling in excitement.

“Ragh!! Don’t remember it! It was embarrassing! Why did I do that!” Subaru hugged his face and squirmed around on the couch, earning a hefty laugh from Felix.

“Although I must admit, your assessment and evaluation of Anastasia-sama, whom I supported, was really accurate and did her justice. Thank you, Subaru.” Julius bowed, thanking him.

“Okay! Then teach me about those flowery knight etiquettes like you did!” Subaru waved around, excited to be someone as cool as Julius and Reinhard.

*

After finishing her talk with Roswaal—which resulted in Puck getting put in a timeout, Roswaal taking a punch to the gut, and Rem… having no reaction—Emilia returned to the Noble District with the rest of her camp, including Subaru.

At first, when she saw Subaru raise his hand in the council, she was absolutely terrified. She even got stopped by Priscilla. Emilia had just wanted to give that woman a piece of her mind after that…
But now? She wanted to become Priscilla’s bestie. She was so glad that the fiery lady stopped her right there.

Subaru snapping back at the bald noble was so cool! He looked so handsome doing that, and his speech was impressive—shutting down all those arrogant nobles who spouted nonsense about dignity for the country, when half of them barely cared about the citizens.

Subaru’s analysis of each candidate had been so sharp that Emilia herself had to listen closely to learn from it. But when he talked about her, she simply couldn’t stop blushing.

“With her kindness and her ability to seek the best for others, I believe in Emilia-tan. And I shall support her to the very end, to see her become queen.”

Emilia couldn’t stop gushing at him after that. He looked like an official knight standing up for his lady. It was so cool and romantic—just like those novels she always read.

Ever since, Emilia couldn’t stop imagining Subaru in a royal knight’s outfit. He would easily surpass Julius if he ever joined.

Still, her mind was troubled after hearing about Roswaal’s plan with Puck—an elaborate scheme to introduce her as powerful yet “willing to compete as an equal.” No way was she letting that happen. She just wanted to be treated like everyone else—except Subaru. He could treat her like a royal princess for all she cared.

Deciding she’d had enough of Puck’s overprotectiveness, she gave him the silent treatment until she deemed it appropriate to call him back.

Walking to her bedroom with too many thoughts swirling in her head, Emilia just wanted to fall asleep imagining Subaru in a royal knight’s uniform, Emilia was towering over him at his bedside.

Suddenly, a knock at the door broke her fantasy.

“Hey, Emilia-tan! Mind if I entered for a moment?” Subaru’s voice echoed through the room, snapping her out of her daydream—like always.

“Yes. Come in, Subaru. What do you need?” Emilia walked to the door and opened it…

Only to see a Subaru dressed in a white and blue knight’s outfit. His left shoulder bore a light-blue pauldron with white feathers, he wore pale blue gloves, and at his hip hung a makeshift sword scabbard.

“Dear my liege, Natsuki Subaru—your knight—has arrived. I shall follow your orders at any time.” Subaru tried his best to imitate Julius’s lessons, his heart swelling with pride at looking cool like a knight. It had always been his fantasy. In fact, the outfit had been chosen by Julius and paid for by Priscilla—who had strolled into the shop randomly and tossed the money at him for some inexplicable reason.

But Emilia was silent. Too silent.

“Did she like it? Was my acting weird or something?” Subaru thought nervously, trying to read her expression.

Emilia, meanwhile, was stunned. His posture, his outfit, even his face and voice—he looked every bit the knight. Her mind went haywire.

Subaru in a knight outfit. Subaru in a knight outfit. Subaru in a knight outfit. Oh my god, he looks just like a knight. He’s so cool!

She couldn’t stop gushing. Her face grew redder, her body hotter. She looked at his face, his smile, even the little sword on his hip. She imagined him kissing her hand, bowing down, escorting her… and at night, she slowly taking off his clothes and then—

“Hey, Emilia-tan! You’re bleeding! You got a nosebleed! Are you alright?!” Subaru suddenly panicked as he saw a thin streak of blood drip from her nose.

“Huh?! N-No! Subaru, I—I—!” Emilia slammed the door shut before he could say more, rushing to the sink to stare at her reflection in the mirror.

Her nose was bleeding, her face flushed, her eyes filled with a love-struck expression. It was too embarrassing. She had imagined him in so many different situations, she’d gotten completely mesmerized.

She crawled back onto her bed, writhing in agonizing embarrassment.

The two waged a silent war for nearly a day before they finally spoke again.

Chapter Text

Waking up from her slumber, Emilia suddenly smiled as she remembered what day it was.
Today was the one-year wedding anniversary between Emilia and Subaru.

They had been married for over a year now and today would be their first mark of it. Emilia couldn’t help but feel excited—she had waited for over a month ever since she realized it was coming up.

She snuggled closer to Subaru—who was sleeping soundly next to her—feeling his warmth emanating from his muscular body. Emilia loved a lot of things Subaru had: his body, his smile and antics, even his knowledge and stories about stars.

Her smile grew even brighter when she felt a soft kick inside her stomach. She had been pregnant for over four months now—the best part was that it was going to be twins according to Felix. Emilia should start thinking about names.

At first there was this hidden impulse to name a girl “Chocorina.” Emilia thought that was such a ridiculous and odd name. No way she’d name her precious daughter like that.

Subaru wanted to name the children after his mother and father—whom he had lost when he arrived here long ago—to honor them. Emilia thought that was so sweet. But she also wanted to name their children. So the two decided that each of them would pick one name for the babies.

She considered a few choices like Subaru too—naming their children after people who raised them and were precious to them. Puck, for example—although she would never forgive him for what he planned with Roswaal, so that was a pass.

How about… ? She tried to recall someone who taught her about keeping promises… Who’s that?

Emilia thought she should just start the day with Subaru. As much as she wanted to think about baby names, she should wake Subaru so he could prepare for the day and, of course… set up their anniversary.

“What if he forgets about it?” another thought popped into Emilia’s mind. Well—she did admit that Subaru had been extremely dense the first time they met, but that was okay because after many continuous efforts Subaru finally confessed… Although Emilia admitted that she went far too fast after his confession—basically took him to bed the same night.

But like… no way Subaru is that dense now, right? He’d been quite a gentleman after they became a couple, and he was very mindful about her moods. Of course he might find something weird about her even if he didn’t remember everything.

Deciding she didn’t want to dwell on that atrocious time when he was so dense that Emilia developed psychological trauma hearing the words “friend” and “she’s my…” in the same sentence, she decided to wake him up.

“Subaru~ wake up, hubby.” Slowly, from beneath the warm blanket, Subaru stirred.

“No way… Emilia-tan woke up before me… today’s gonna rain…” Emilia giggled; Subaru was always funny to her—her husband had a great sense of humor.

“That’s slander, hubby. I can wake up soon from time to time.” Emilia pulled the blanket off Subaru, making him roll in her arms.

“The only time you wake up before me is when neither of us slept the night before…” Subaru muttered in defeat, enjoying Emilia’s scent under the embrace.

“Let’s start the day then, Subaru.”

“All right.”

After finishing breakfast, Emilia went out to meet the chief of the elven village. Emilia herself represented the whole village, but hearing the chief’s opinion about matters always worked best—according to Emilia and Subaru.

The result after the Royal Selection was the best one in Emilia’s opinion. Although she didn’t win the race, Felt had given her some dragon blood for the camp’s contribution to the kingdom. As a matter of fact, Emilia didn’t want to be queen.

As much as having the power to change the kingdom for the better, Emilia put her faith in Felt to do that. Someone like Felt would never lead the kingdom astray…and Emilia also wanted to spend more time with Subaru.

If she became queen, he would be a king of Lugunica as well. Although someone as amazing as him would deserve such a title, that would also mean he’d be bombarded with the kingdom’s work and have less time to spend with her. That’s why Emilia preferred their current situation: just the two of them living a happy, simple life.

“Ah, Emilia-sama. I do wonder where your husband is?” The chief was holding one of the elven kids, asking about Subaru.

“Oh… I think he’s preparing for something. Do you want me to go fetch him?” Emilia struck a thinking pose; she did want to see if he was doing what she expected.

“Please do, Emilia-sama. I want to talk to him about what Duke Felix is dealing with in the Capital. He said Subaru’s innovations have increased survival rates and medical quality a lot.” The chief answered, still holding the child.

“I will!” Emilia was glad the people in the capital acknowledged Subaru. He always had very detailed knowledge about topics people didn’t expect him to be an expert on—truly her husband’s style.

Running toward her house, Emilia saw Subaru talking to his friends—a merchant of some sort. She felt like she shouldn’t know his name because this is the beginning of Arc 3 and he didn’t appear yet.

“So that’s basically it, Otto. I’m glad you helped with the preparations.” Subaru crossed his arms; beneath him were several boxes of various decorations.

“Don’t worry about it, Natsuki-san. I’m glad I can help you prepare for the wedding anniversary for Emilia-sama.” Otto patted Frufoo’s head; the ground dragon’s back was full of trinkets and stuff.

“Also… I wanted to ask you this, Otto…” Subaru’s face suddenly grew serious, making both Otto and Emilia flinch.

“It’s about… love advice…” Subaru’s words made Otto fall silent, while Emilia staggered—her eavesdropping might lead to the thing she feared most.

“Was that about someone else? Is he cheating on me? He doesn’t love me anymore?” Emilia rambled—she realized what his words might imply, and it scared her.

“Uh… Natsuki-san. I don’t like what this implies.” Otto’s words snapped Emilia back to reality. She felt like a tragic heroine from a romance novel that was a cheap spin off fan written for pure angst.

“…I know it might sound surprising…but I think Emilia-tan likes me.”

“…”

“…”

“Ouch! What the hell, Otto!” An empty box landed straight on Subaru’s head. Otto looked at him with pure frustration.

“At first I thought you were cheating on Emilia-sama! Now it’s even worse! YOU MARRIED HER! FIVE MONTHS LATER YOU’LL HAVE TWINS WITH HER! WHAT DO YOU MEAN EMILIA-SAMA MIGHT BE INTO YOU?” Otto shouted, making Subaru flinch back.

“Well… I do love her—I love her a lot. But I didn’t think she liked me back or something.” Subaru scratched his face in awkwardness; Otto stared straight into his soul.

“Then explain why the day you confessed, Emilia-sama had already planned her wedding vow. Then she took you to bed the same night. Are you ignoring everything she did before you confessed? And now both of you are going to be parents…” Otto leaned against Frufoo for moral support; he thought finding someone this dense was rarer than finding a person as strong as Reinhard.

“Uh… I thought she was being nice to me… like telling me she loved me and married me and all…” Subaru said. Emilia swore she might faint—her legs actually gave out.

“Natsuki-san, I swear if the dragon carriage had a sword I would have stabbed you this instant… then why are you only realizing it now?” Otto’s defeated sigh was echoed by Frufoo’s discontented huff.

“Because we’re having children. I’m so excited to be parents. I didn’t realize that she might like me until now… I thought she was just being nice after hearing my confession; I didn’t expect her to answer back.” Hearing this, Emilia was glad Subaru hadn’t cheated on her but, dear God.
Emilia told him she loved him every single day—was the consistency too much that made him think she was joking? No way such passionate bedtime together and daily vows would be mistaken for jokes. Emilia fainted.

“Huh? Emilia! Emilia!” Subaru rushed to Emilia’s side, trying to lay her down in panic…

“No! Please don’t!” Emilia shot up from the bed; her consciousness slowly returned as she realized—it was a dream.

“Huh… huh. It was another dream…” Emilia muttered, as much as she was glad it was a dream. This had happened for two days now.

“Dreams don’t mean anything, right?” Emilia tried to convince herself. Tonight nightmare was even worse than the first: she dreamed of Subaru having a friends-with-benefits relationship because he didn’t understand what love was—the worst part? Emilia didn’t even realize it until she woke up after Subaru asked Ram if Emilia loved him.

Emilia swore this was just her anxiety about his density in love that was causing the nightmares. Totally not prophetic.

“I’m not gonna give up…” was all Emilia said after stepping out of bed, prepared for another day—a date in the Capital with Subaru.

“I’ll make sure I don’t make the same mistake as in the dream. Never trust Subaru when it comes to understanding love.”

Chapter Text

Waking up and being ready for the day, Emilia went through her wardrobe to choose the best outfit she could find without Puck's help. That cat could stay in her crystal till the end of time if she wanted... although she might release him soon, Emilia had started to miss him now. But that didn’t matter, for today was one of the most important days of operation “HDS” (Helping a Dense Subaru Figure Out His Own Feelings).

A perfect plan for a date in the Capital — to make Subaru finally realize and see Emilia as more than a friend. She didn’t need him to fall in love with her just yet, but she at least needed to make him flustered first so she could move on to the next part of her plan. Choosing the outfit that was pretty much familiar to her — the simple white and purple dress that Emilia wore the first time they met. Although she wasn’t sure if this was the best choice, the day the two first met meant a lot to her.

She needed to choose her conversation wisely, however. Yesterday she was too excited and ended up embarrassing herself in front of Subaru. She couldn’t let it happen again. Though now, thinking back on it, she couldn’t get the image of Subaru in a knight outfit out of her head. She didn’t know who told him to wear it, but she must send them her thanks after this.

After finishing her preparations, Emilia opened the door. The sunlight shining through signaled a new day was about to start. Emilia wanted to go back to the mansion at first, but staying in the Capital was the perfect destination for a “date.”

Something that was explained by Beatrice when Subaru rudely barged in, ranting about some special tradition in his old town. It seemed to be a ritual of some sort that happened between two lovers and often deepened their relationship. Emilia thought a place with so much to do like the Capital would be the perfect chance — unlike the boring mansion with nothing to do.

Emilia had kept silent for a day whenever Subaru was around out of sheer embarrassment, but she needed to focus and try to get Subaru’s attention now.

“Subaru! Nice to meet you here!” Emilia called from behind Subaru, who was very surprised considering how she had acted yesterday.

“Oh, Emilia-tan! It seems like that time has ended, right?” Subaru jokingly said in relief, but it made Emilia confused.

“Uh, Subaru… what do you mean?” Emilia asked. She didn’t expect Subaru to find out about her feelings—not really, not today.

Oh no… Emilia swore she might pass out again. Subaru was very attentive to anything but romance. And Emilia knew exactly what he meant by this.

“Uh… it’s kinda embarrassing for both of us to say this but… I understand being in a period might make you uncomfortable. I’ve been taught by my family about how to treat others well, after all.” Emilia was glad that his family taught him well, but please, in Od’s name she wished his family knew how to understand feelings too.

“Huhh… you know what, Subaru? It’s nothing, forget it. Let’s have breakfast now.” Emilia sighed as she dragged him to the dining room, while Subaru was still confused, wondering if he did anything wrong like yesterday.

“Maybe she doesn’t like my knight cosplay? Maybe I shouldn’t do that after all,” Subaru whispered, yet the enhanced senses of elves allowed Emilia to hear every word he muttered.

“No! Don’t ever think about it!” Emilia blurted out in panic. She couldn’t let her fantasies that were so close to coming true slip away like this.

“Uh, Emilia-tan? Did you just hear what I—” Emilia interrupted as she shushed him with her finger.

“Never. Think. About. It. Again.” Subaru had no choice but to nod his head, to which a content Emilia gave a smug smile and continued pulling him to the dining room.

“Damn, she do be scary sometimes” Subaru thought, not noticing even the slightest clue.

*

“Also, Subaru. Would you like for us to hang out in the Capital today? It’s not like you’ve been to the Capital your whole life too,” Emilia asked during breakfast.

“Sure! The day when I came to the Capital I met Elsa, so that’s not the best first impression for me. I’d love to accompany Emilia-tan on a trip to see what the place has now!”

Emilia sighed softly at his words. The very thought that he met the Bowel Hunter the day he arrived at the Capital was baffling, but she—and even the residents—were too used to his shenanigans by now. Even Rem didn’t bat an eye during these insane story drops anymore.

“My~ how interesting. A squire and a Royal Candidate accompanying each other to the Capital… how lovely,” Roswaal chimed in, instantly earning a glare from Emilia. She still hadn’t forgiven him after what happened at the meeting, along with Puck.

“No need to stare at me with such intensity, Emilia-sama~ I truly apologize for what I did… but now I have to leave. Some business I need to finish at the Sanctuary is coming up. You can enjoy staying at the Capital until you wish to leave~” Roswaal wiped his mouth and stood up, ready to leave.

“We wish you a safe travel, Roswaal-sama,” Rem said, glaring at Subaru, who was still enjoying his bread.

“Um!... We wish you a great travel, Roswaal-sama,” Subaru choked on his food under her scary stare, trying to say the same thing.

“Well~ thank you for such hospitality. I shall leave… Rem. Just remember what I said.” Roswaal stepped out of the doorway as Rem bowed, while Emilia silently observed.

“Now I’m finished! Let’s go, Emilia-tan,” Subaru said excitedly, his mouth still leaving breadcrumbs.

“You’re not finished until you clean the place up. Rem still has other things to attend to,” Rem ordered, pulling Subaru back, which made Emilia absolutely furious.

“Aww… just wait a bit for me, Emilia-tan. Your amazing butler will finish the job with haste,” Subaru said as he waved Emilia goodbye before heading off to clean the kitchen.

Emilia stood around the nobles’ district for a while waiting for Subaru to finish preparing. She thought she should scout around to find some good places for the date.

She walked through various shops while fantasizing about how the date would go—imagining Subaru holding her hand, walking down the street as the two talked and laughed, maybe even buying new clothes for both of them.

“Hey, half-wit. What are you thinking about to even drool in the middle of the street? Such frivolous acts are not worthy of my expectations for you,” a voice suddenly called out, making Emilia snap back to reality. The tone was quite familiar…

“Priscilla?” Emilia realized she had just shown such an embarrassing face in front of another Royal Candidate. Panicking, she tried to step back but bumped into someone.

“Woah, Princess, no need to scare her. You gotta let a lady in love satisfy her fantasies and all,” a joking voice echoed from behind Emilia. She turned around and saw Al, who was holding a bunch of clothing bags.

“Oh, it’s you and Priscilla. Nice to meet both of you!” Emilia smiled. At first, she didn’t have a good impression of Priscilla, but now she was Emilia’s favorite candidate due to the best support she could ever have—and she was also responsible for one of Emilia’s newest fantasies as well.

“Hmph! So how was the jester’s clothes? I merely gave him the sufficient funds for his childish wish.” Emilia didn’t catch what she meant at first. The only outfit Subaru wore outside his tracksuit and butler clothes was the knight outfit. Although it wasn’t the same as the Royal uniform… wait—

“Huh?! Did you pay for his clothes too? I’m so sorry! I’ll make sure to repay you—Mmph!” Before she could say anything more, Priscilla silenced her with a finger.

“When the jester came with the chivalrous-looking knight, he looked like a kid on his birthday. What I did was merely a charity act. The kid humored me, so I rewarded him. Such things are common sense, right, Al?” Al laughed—whether at her excuse or not—and nodded along, reassuring Emilia not to be nervous about it.

“Just take it! Princess might be a bit erratic sometimes. Just accept what she gave; it’s a rare thing for her to do so after all.” Al gave a thumbs up, and Emilia smiled. The man in the helmet reminded her a lot of Subaru’s eccentric behavior as well.

“Thank you so much then, Priscilla! Subaru looked dashing in his outfit!” That was it. Emilia officially solidified Priscilla as her favorite candidate now. Not only did she make Subaru look totally cool, but she was also the one who gave him the money to buy the outfit. She also mentioned a “chivalrous-looking knight,” which Emilia thought referred to Julius. Another person to thank later.

The two candidates started talking about fashion—half the time, it was Emilia gushing about how good Subaru looked and which parts of the outfit highlighted his handsome features. It made them both realize what was going on. Only Al was surprised, since Priscilla had seen it coming from a mile away.

“Then Subaru started posing like a knight, and then—” Suddenly, a voice called out behind a very enthusiastic Emilia.

“Emilia-tan! I’m done! What are you doing… wait... is that Priscilla Barielle and Al? Nice to meet ya.” Subaru ran to Emilia’s side with a smile, waving his hand to greet the other two.

“Hi pals! Energetic today, ain’t you?” Aldebaran waved back, excited to meet Subaru.

“Yeah! Me and Emilia-tan are hanging around today! Do you have any suggestions? You seem to know more about the Capital than me and Emilia-tan. Hell, the first time I met her, she was lost because she was too excited walking around the Capital.”

The embarrassing memory made Emilia flustered. She didn’t need Subaru reminding others of her eccentric behavior before they met.

“Stop, Subaru! Or I’ll stop talking to you again.” Emilia pouted, and the threat made Subaru jump—now scared he’d done something wrong again like yesterday and the day before.

“Can both of you stop quarreling? I hold no interest in pointless romance.” Priscilla said, though her tone betrayed her words—it was filled with clear amusement.

“Alright, pal. Enough flirting for today. Let’s pick out a destination for your date and get it over with, alright?” Al followed along with Priscilla. As much as he wanted to enjoy this romcom moment like the manga he used to read, he’d better not piss off Priscilla right now.

“Oh! Don’t make it weird for Emilia-tan. She’s just a friend of mine.” Subaru casually waved his hand around, denying both the fiery lady and the guy in the helmet’s statement.

“Hrghh!” Emilia clutched her chest like she was having a heart failure… actually, she was having one ever since the mansion. Every time the words “friend” or “she’s my” appeared, Emilia had a conditioned reflex toward it, no matter the context or who said it.

Priscilla and Al exchanged silent looks—the two instantly understood what was going on. Al gave a tired, deadpan sigh, while Priscilla used her fan to hide a very obvious laugh.

“Damn… that’s rough for you… So, pal! You should head to the nobles’ district to look around for clothes and other stuff in the market. Maybe tonight they’ll host a festival or something! A celebration for the start of the Royal Selection. You should definitely go!” Al offered his advice as he signaled his lady to leave, not wanting to make things more awkward.

“Wait, you foolish jester. My divine self will grace you with the presence of the sun on this journey.” Priscilla pulled on the cloth around Al’s helmet and dragged him back where he belonged.

“Huh? Didn’t you seem annoyed at first, Princess?” Al steadied himself before asking, his head spinning from being dragged.

“You don’t understand, Al. A romance story’s best part is when they aren’t together yet. Plus, it’s much more entertaining than anything I’ve ever read. Those two shall humor me for a bit longer.” Priscilla huffed as she waved her fan with pride.

Aldebaran didn’t expect her to act like that—but that was to be expected from the princess… Wait, did he just make a paradox? Never mind…coming to this world, he admitted that most books were kind of trash, and the duo in front of him was the perfect premise for a romcom manga. Maybe this would be the first time the princess experienced the romantic comedy genre.

“Then I guess you might find something interesting watching the two. Reminds me of the old days,” Al said, acting like an old man reminiscing about his memories. Priscilla paid no heed as she started hurrying the duo to continue their date.

“You two buffoons should start going to the nobles’ district. Entertain me!” Priscilla used her fan to poke Subaru’s head, forcing him to walk faster.

“Ouch! Ouch! Alright! I’ll go! No need to force me like that… although thank you, Al, for the support!” Subaru gave a thumbs up as he started holding Emilia’s hand.

“Eeep!” Emilia’s face blushed red as her mind went into overdrive. Did Subaru just take the initiative? This was a moment of history!

“Let’s go, Emilia-tan! To the nobles’ district we go!” Subaru shouted excitedly, followed by a very shy and red-faced Emilia—along with the fiery lady and her knight, who were laughing inside.

“Hey, Subaru! Check this out!” Emilia pointed at the makeshift cat ears being sold by a street vendor.

“Huh… I didn’t expect cosplay stuff to be sold in this world too… strange,” Subaru muttered as he observed the cat ears, imagining someone wearing them. Emilia would look hella cute. Beatrice would look good in them too.

“Y’know, pal, considering how the demi-human war ended, many started to grow accustomed to demi-human customs and festivals. That’s why these are sold. It makes the barrier grow lesser and all. Just like Earth, eh? When in Rome, do as the Romans do, after all.” Al giggled behind them after explaining to Subaru the history of these supposed cat ears.

“Woah… that’s actually kinda cool. Emilia-tan! Maybe you should try this?” Subaru ignored the Earth talk—Al had just explained to him a while ago that he was from Earth as well, which for Subaru was very surprising, but he needed to focus on Emilia-tan’s hangout right now.

Putting the cat ears on a very excited Emilia, Subaru realized that she looked super cute in them. The way the ears enhanced her features reminded him of the cloak she used to wear—although she had taken it off now, for some reason he didn’t know.

“Oh! That looks great, Emilia-tan! You look super cute!” Subaru grinned and gave her a thumbs up, not noticing the damage he had just caused with that sentence.

“Subaru called me cute! Subaru called me cute! Subaru called me cute! Subaru called me cute! This is my best day ever!” Emilia flushed beet red at Subaru’s compliment. She knew it wasn’t what he meant, but being praised by him always made her go completely airheaded.

“Uh, Emilia-tan? Earth to Emilia-tan?” Subaru called out, starting to notice a pattern. There was a specific condition he hadn’t figured out yet, but it made Emilia a bit absent-minded for some reason. Maybe he should pay more attention.

“Ah! Subaru! You should wear it as well!” Emilia blurted out, taking the accessory off her head and clumsily putting it on Subaru.

“Uh, okay? Does it look good on me?” Subaru flicked the fake ears around in curiosity while Emilia stayed silent after accidentally putting them on him.

“Sir, we would love to buy this. And this. And this as well. Maybe give us all the ears that you have.” Emilia turned her head toward the shopkeeper, who currently had a shit-eating grin thanks to Emilia buying everything.

“Uh, Emilia-tan… why do we have to buy the dog ears and other stuff as well?” Subaru pointed at various accessories, which included cat ears, dog ears, and bunny ears.

“Shh, Subaru… this is a very important purchase befitting of the Royal Selection.” Emilia tried her best not to let her fantasies seep out of her thoughts again. She might get a nosebleed if she kept imagining Subaru in a butler outfit along with bunny ears. He looked too cute—fatally cute for Emilia’s daily dose of Subarism.

“Alright… I guess? Where should we head next then, Al?” Subaru glanced toward Aldebaran, who was enjoying some sweets he had begged for from Priscilla.

“Oh! Y’all should totally head to the clothing shop—great stuff there. Me and the Princess already did a shopping spree, so we’ll just follow you then.” Aldebaran waved around while Priscilla gave the two a final look before walking toward the place, content with what she saw.

“We should go then, Subaru. I really want to try out new clothes with you too!” Emilia said, now holding his hand as they continued on their journey.

“Woah! So this is the Hoshin Company? I did expect Anastasia to be a big merchant, but such a luxurious shop in the middle of the Capital is insane.” Subaru watched in awe at the huge fashion store standing proudly in the center of the street, highlighted by its size and crowd.

“Yeah! Even I was surprised! I heard that Anastasia has many large businesses in Kararagi, but it seems like her work has spread far into Lugnica too.” Emilia had already researched Anastasia’s business, but seeing a shop with this much effort and scale still baffled her.

“It seems like Anastasia wants to join the Royal Selection for more opportunities and a stronger base of operation in Lugnica,” Subaru commented. But that only made Emilia glance at him with a not-so-forced smile.

“Why do you know so much about her, Subaru?”

“Oh… it’s just that Julius talks a lot about her when I was in my knight etiquette cosplay training,” Subaru replied, brightening Emilia a bit. Now she could confirm Julius was the one who taught Subaru about knightly behavior, while Priscilla was the one who bought him the clothes. Emilia didn’t have a good impression of Julius at first… well, not when she first met Subaru with him. But she was still happy someone had helped Subaru discover new “materials” for her bedtime thoughts.

“Oh my~ A gal like me doesn’t like being gossiped about, you know? Natsuki-kun and Lady Emilia.”

Anastasia and Julius suddenly appeared behind the shop door, clearly content at catching both of them off guard.

“I’m glad to meet both of you again so soon, Lady Emilia and Subaru.” Julius gave another bow and took Emilia’s hand — but she quickly pulled it back. Not because she disliked Julius, but because that wasn’t the strategy she wanted right now.

“Juli! Nice to meet you here! Just like you said, the place is huge! Can we take a look around?” Subaru leaned closer to a display box that contained a wedding dress — and that was enough to send Emilia’s thoughts spiraling.

She had dreamed last night about a married life with Subaru. But the memory of the dream focused only on how dense Subaru was — which perfectly matched her first impression of him. That needed to change.

The wedding dress in the display was utterly beautiful; it entranced her, lulling her into a daze of love. The way the frills enhanced its form, the way she imagined it fitting perfectly with the flowers in her hair, the way it would highlight her “silver beauty” — as Subaru jokingly called it — all made her want to look at it more and more, drowning in daydreams of wearing it herself.

It might cost a lot, Emilia thought. Subaru might not even like me that way, she thought. He could be stolen by some man or woman thief! And yet… she couldn’t make enough excuses to stop herself from wanting it.

“Uh, Lady Emilia? You seem to be zoning out there…” Julius’s words drifted past her ears like water. She didn’t catch a single one of his words as she continued her inner battle — whether to spend all her savings on the gown or not.

But with how he acts toward me… would he ever realize my feelings? What if he falls for someone else before I can say anything? I can’t stand that thought… but buying the dress feels pointless too… No, I can’t think like that! Seeing Emilia still lost in thought, Julius approached and gently shook her shoulders.

“Emilia-sama! You’re zoning out… Are you alright?” But it didn’t work. Emilia was still swirling inside her own storm of doubt and insecurity left from that dream.

I need to hurry and confess already! But if I rush, it’ll be awkward — and if I wait too long, he’ll move on! I should plan it out soon… Subaru… I—

Her imagination filled with Subaru’s concerned voice — soft, warm, like during a wedding scene — and before she knew it, the words escaped her lips.

“Subaru! I love you! I love you, Subaru!”

“…”

“…”

Everyone froze. Silence spread like wildfire. Julius gave Subaru a baffled look. Priscilla had to hold her fan in front of her mouth to hide the biggest grin she’d ever had. Her shoulders shook as she tried not to laugh. Anastasia watched with open intrigue. Subaru looked… surprisingly normal.

“Hehhhh???” Al’s voice broke the silence. “This is too fast for my liking! Wouldn’t it be better to confess somewhere private? What was the half-elf thinking!?”

“Ehhh! Subaru! Forget it! Forget what I just said!” Emilia flailed her arms, realizing she had just messed up big time.

“Woah, Lady Emilia. This gal didn’t expect you to hold such feelings for your butler… but it’s interesting nonetheless,” Anastasia said with an approving nod, glancing slyly at Julius.

“…Emilia… Uh—” Subaru started, but before he could continue—

“Sorry Emilia-tan… What did you just say?” Subaru turned around, fiddling with something that Al instantly recognized as an earplug.

“Sir! What do you think of our newest product? The up-and-coming earplugs! Perfect for the best sleep of your life! Only 10 silver coins!” shouted a marketer from the Hoshin Company. Subaru nodded, clearly impressed.

“Wow! These earplugs are great. I can’t even hear the conversation between you and the others! Also, what did you say, Emilia-tan? I just heard my name. Did you call for any request of this humble manservant?” Subaru bowed jokingly.

Emilia stood there pouting, her eyes wet with tears as she held back her frustration. At first, she was relieved he hadn’t heard her, but now it just felt cruel. The world was clearly conspiring against her, ruining every confession attempt.

What if next time ended up just as awkward? In front of everyone, and Subaru being the only one who didn’t notice? She might just lose it at this rate.

“My condolences to your dignity and pride, half-elf girl… Wait—Oi! Knight!” Al, who had been praying for Emilia love life, suddenly pointed at a very silent Julius.

“Knight! I’m just saw your face, why are you trying not to laugh? Bro, that’s disrespectful as shit, bro!” Al pointed at the barely contained smile on Julius face, who was holding it with every fiber of his being. Indeed, Julius was barely holding it together, his polite mask twitching at the edges.

“Subaru… I’m telling Roswaal to cut your pay after this.” Emilia huffed and stormed out of the shop, fuming.

“Wait! Emilia-tan! I’m sorry! What did I do?!?!” Subaru ran after her, leaving behind two Royal Candidates and their knights.

“Julius, raise that employee’s salary by 30%,” Anastasia said calmly.

“It will be done, Anastasia-sama,” Julius replied, exhaling deeply as he struggled to maintain his composure, while Al gave him the coldest side-eye imaginable.

“I know what kind of man you are.” Al muttered — though his words didn’t escape Priscilla’s sharp attention.

“Cease your foolish antics, Alderbaran. I’ve had enough fun for today. We’re leaving until the festival begins.” Priscilla smacked his helmet with her fan, making him stagger and fall.

“Ouch, Princess… alright, alright! But don’t call me that name. You know I don’t like it.” Al grumbled as he got up, following her out of the Hoshin Company shop.

“Haiz… a bit sad that I couldn’t sell the wedding dress to Lady Emilia. It cost a fortune, y’know.” Anastasia sighed at the missed opportunity. Yet the sugar rush of romance today was enough entertainment for her.

“It is unfortunate, Anastasia-sama. But I’m glad Emilia-sama seemed interested in our products. Perhaps she’ll visit again next time.” Julius smile softly, the romance between the two remind him of those books he used to read.