Felt, What Did You Steal from Reinhard?

After the interlude of meeting Mimi, Natsuki Subaru and Emilia continued their stroll through the bustling streets of the Royal Capital.

The banners of the shops lining both sides of the street fluttered gently in the breeze, and the air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and the fragrance from flower shops.

"Back in the Royal Capital again, it feels like nothing much has changed."

Natsuki Subaru relaxed his pace, his gaze sweeping over the familiar streetscape, a faint smile playing on his lips.

However, the only thing that might have changed was perhaps himself.

After all, with the system upgrade and attribute enhancements, his own strength was a far cry from what it used to be.

Importantly, he possessed knowledge of the future, which allowed him to plan ahead.

"First is the White Whale subjugation. I must ensure it's foolproof."

Natsuki Subaru quickly sorted through his memories.

According to the original work, this battle would unfold about a week after the Royal Selection began.

At that time, Emilia's faction would form a temporary alliance with Anastasia's and Crusch's factions to jointly subjugate the White Whale, one of the three great Mabeasts that had ravaged the world for four hundred years.

It's important to know that the White Whale was one of the three great Mabeasts, rampaging for 400 years and causing countless disasters.

According to the original records, the specific location where the White Whale appeared was near the Flugel Tree on the Lifaus Plains.

The subjugation members consisted of multiple factions, including Crusch's private army, former members of the Drozdov Squad, Wilhelm the Sword Demon, the Iron Fang mercenaries, Rem, and Natsuki Subaru, totaling over 200 people.

This battle heralded the demise of the Mabeast White Whale, made Natsuki Subaru famous overnight, and greatly changed the public's perception of Emilia's faction.

Of course, Crusch's faction and Anastasia's faction, who participated in the subjugation, also gained immense prestige.

Subjugating the White Whale would be very beneficial for Emilia as a royal candidate, so he had to participate in this battle and also establish alliances with those other candidates.

Yes, it's settled.

Natsuki Subaru mused to himself:

This time, I will definitely protect everyone's smiles.

"Subaru?" Emilia's gentle voice pulled Natsuki Subaru back to reality. "You've been spacing out since just now."

"Ah, it's nothing." Natsuki Subaru quickly adjusted his expression, revealing a relaxed smile. "I was just thinking about what to eat tonight."

"Is that so..." Emilia blinked her amethyst-like eyes with a hint of doubt.

The two continued to walk forward, and Emilia suddenly spoke:

"By the way, Subaru, what happened at the loot house last time is still quite concerning. Felt was suddenly taken away by Reinhard... Even though we had already agreed not to pursue their responsibility."

The real reason was that Reinhard discovered Felt was prophesied to be one of the king candidates, so he took Felt away to protect her and have her participate in the Royal Selection.

Natsuki Subaru thought to himself, but on the surface, he put on a puzzled look and said:

"Yeah, it was too sudden. Why don't we go visit Reinhard? We can thank him in person for last time and also ask about Felt's situation."

You know, this was a good opportunity to get closer to Reinhard.

After all, Reinhard was the strongest among all Sword Saints, possessing power at the pinnacle of this other world, capable of confronting the Witch of Envy, Satella, head-on, with their compatibility making it difficult to determine a winner.

If he could ally with such a powerful ally, it would definitely be of great help in the future fight against the Witch Cult.

Moreover, Reinhard had indeed helped him and Emilia a lot before, so it was only right and proper to thank him formally.

"Subaru's suggestion is very thoughtful." Emilia nodded lightly, then looked at Natsuki Subaru curiously. "However, Subaru seems to be particularly concerned about Reinhard?"

"Well..." Natsuki Subaru winked mysteriously at Emilia, deliberately drawing out his tone, "After all, Reinhard is the current Sword Saint, possessing the strongest power in the kingdom. It's never a bad thing to have a good relationship with him. And I always feel that things between him and Felt aren't that simple. Maybe we can find out some interesting inside information."

"Subaru, sometimes you're really like Puck, always so curious about other people's affairs."

Emilia couldn't help but chuckle.

"Emilia-chan, this is intelligence gathering." Natsuki Subaru waved his arms, speaking with a straight face. "As Emilia-chan's chief knight, of course, I must always keep track of potential rivals' movements."

"Oh, so that's how it is... I misunderstood."

"Mhmm, of course..."

As they spoke, the two had already arrived in front of a magnificent mansion.

The entire building was constructed from the finest white stone, emitting a soft halo under the midday sun.

The five-meter-high archway was engraved with intricate family crests, every detail showcasing the artisan's exquisite craftsmanship.

In the courtyard, meticulously trimmed bushes and elegantly shaped sculptures were scattered artfully. A cobblestone main path led straight to the mansion's main entrance.

"Wow..." Natsuki Subaru tilted his head up, unable to resist complaining, "This is too exaggerated! It's even more luxurious than that nouveau riche Roswaal's mansion. Looking at this scale, it's almost on par with the royal palace..."

"Subaru, it's true..." Emilia was amused by his reaction, her slender fingers gently covering her mouth. "The Astrea family is one of the oldest knightly families in the Kingdom of Lugunica."

"That's right~" A lazy voice suddenly came from Emilia's silver hair. Puck's fluffy little head poked out, stretching languidly. "His pink paw pads are sparkling in the sunlight. Their family has been a renowned noble house, passing down the name of Sword Saint for four hundred years. Their influence in the kingdom is second only to the royal family."

"Puck, I didn't expect you to know so much about these noble secrets."

Natsuki Subaru raised an eyebrow, secretly surprised.

Even this spirit who has lived for hundreds of years holds them in such high regard. It seems Reinhard's backing is even more formidable than I imagined.

But on second thought, it made sense.

With Reinhard's bug-like strength, it was only natural for him to have such a status.

Just as Natsuki Subaru was lost in thought.

A slight sound suddenly came from above the surrounding wall.

Swoosh—

A few leaves rustled down, followed by the soft sound of fabric rubbing.

"Hmm?"

Natsuki Subaru keenly looked up, only to see a golden figure flash across the top of the wall like lightning.

That petite figure flipped nimbly in the air, her short golden hair drawing a dazzling arc in the sunlight.

Then, she landed as lightly as a wildcat, without even stirring up a speck of dust.

"Isn't that Felt?" Natsuki Subaru's eyes lit up, as if he had thought of something, and he deliberately raised his voice to shout,

"Yo, Felt, long time no see! What are you... doing?"

"Waah—" Felt was startled by the sudden voice, her short golden hair even standing on end.

However, upon seeing Natsuki Subaru and Emilia, Felt visibly relaxed, then lowered her voice and said: "So it's you guys! Hey—don't shout so loudly, what if Reinhard finds out?!"

"Hey, hey, you're the one who suddenly jumped out of the wall." Natsuki Subaru looked at Felt's sneaky appearance and couldn't help but tease, "So afraid of being discovered... Could it be you stole something from Reinhard?"

Actually, he of course knew the real reason.

Felt was trying to escape again.

After all, she hated being confined to the mansion by Reinhard, let alone participating in the Royal Selection.

"Tch!" Felt pouted, speaking with a disdainful look. "Even if I were to steal something, I'd choose my targets, okay?"

"That's true." Natsuki Subaru nodded in deep agreement. "Trying to steal something from under Reinhard's nose? That's too difficult."

After all, that guy with hundreds of Divine Protections is practically a walking cheat. Stealing from his house? Isn't that just asking for death?

"Sorry, no time to catch up with you now." A hint of urgency flashed in Felt's ruby-like, brilliant eyes. She waved her hand impatiently. "I'm leaving, Big Bro."

"Wait!" Emilia suddenly stepped forward to stop Felt. "What did you steal from Reinhard? That's not right, you must return it properly and apologize sincerely."

"Ugh..."

Natsuki Subaru covered his forehead, somewhat speechless.

He had just been joking, he didn't expect Emilia to take it seriously.

"How many times do I have to say it, I didn't steal anything!" Felt stomped her foot in anger, her short golden hair practically standing on end. "On the contrary, I'm being locked up here, so I have to escape."

"Emilia, you misunderstood." Seeing the situation, Natsuki Subaru quickly spoke up.

"Hmm? What's going on?"

Emilia tilted her head in confusion, her long silver hair swaying gently with the movement.

"Regarding this matter, allow me to explain, Lady Emilia, and Subaru."

A voice as gentle as jade suddenly came from behind.

Natsuki Subaru turned around and saw Reinhard, who had appeared three meters behind them at some point.

His hair, as vibrant as flames, was particularly striking in the sunlight. His pure white knight attire was spotless, the well-tailored clothes perfectly outlining his upright figure.

His handsome face wore a perfectly appropriate smile, neither distant nor overly enthusiastic.

"Tsk, this guy..." Natsuki Subaru rolled his eyes, unable to stop himself from complaining wildly in his heart. "Even his entrance is so elegant and handsome, his posture while walking looks like it was meticulously designed... This damned Reinhard aura, it's really impossible to imitate."

"Eek! H-He appeared!"

Felt jumped up like a frightened cat, almost bumping into the wall behind her, haphazardly assuming a defensive posture, her wine-red eyes full of vigilance.

"Lady Felt, I've kept you waiting."

Reinhard performed an elegant bow, his movements as fluid as a dance, his red hair swaying gently with the motion.

"Who's waiting for you!" Felt put her hands on her hips, glaring angrily at Reinhard, her small face scrunched up. "Does my expression look like I'm waiting for you at all? It's clearly a 'don't you dare come' expression! Take a better look!"

"Reinhard..."

Emilia blinked in confusion, seemingly not yet fully understanding the situation.

"It's been a while, Lady Emilia." Reinhard bowed elegantly, his red hair glinting slightly in the sunlight. "Seeing you safe and sound is truly reassuring."

"Yo, Reinhard!" Natsuki Subaru waved at Reinhard in greeting. "The last time we met was... well, last time... Anyway, long time no see."

"Indeed, it has been a long time." Reinhard smiled warmly, his gaze lingering on Subaru for a moment, a hint of surprise on his face. "You look much more spirited than last time, completely different from when we last met. You must have grown a lot during this time."

This guy's perceptiveness is still as terrifying as ever.

Natsuki Subaru grumbled to himself, then deliberately puffed out his chest and said:

"Of course, I train every day. I'm much stronger now than I was!"

Although during this time, relying on the system to level up and add points on his own had indeed made him much stronger, when facing this cheat before him... there was still a bit of a gap.

You know, Reinhard, the world's strongest Sword Saint with hundreds of Divine Protections. Not only did he overwhelm with strength, but he also had heaven-defying intuition and eyesight, able to maximize weapon performance. Although his own mana content was low and he couldn't use magic, he could absorb atmospheric mana, directly countering spirit mages. What was even more outrageous was that he could obtain whatever Divine Protection he wanted, and when he got serious, even the mana in the atmosphere would blindly follow him. In a certain 'if' storyline, he even insta-killed Puck in two seconds.

How do you fight someone like Reinhard? Answer me!

Thinking of this, Natsuki Subaru secretly broke out in a cold sweat. Just thinking about those hundreds of Divine Protections was enough to make one despair.

Indeed, with Reinhard, it was safest to be friends.

"I can feel Subaru's progress."

Reinhard slightly narrowed his eyes.

"Uh... R-Really..." Natsuki Subaru scratched his head and quickly changed the subject. "But speaking of which, why is Felt here? This combination of yours is really... unexpected."

Although he already understood Felt's status as a Royal Selection candidate, he still feigned curiosity.

"Indeed." Reinhard nodded. "Although you would all find out sooner or LATER, since this is a rare opportunity, allow me to explain."

"Damn it!" Felt stomped her foot angrily from the side. "Reinhard, you just took advantage of my absence, using Big Bro and the others to stall me so you could catch me. This is basically cheating!"

"Regrettably, Lady Felt," Reinhard replied calmly, his voice as if stating the simplest fact, "this is still within the mansion grounds."

"You guys, this is... what's going on?"

Emilia blinked her amethyst-like eyes in confusion.

"Perhaps we should move indoors to discuss in detail?"

Reinhard made an inviting gesture.

"Sure." Natsuki Subaru readily agreed.

"Mm." Emilia nodded lightly.

"Damn it all—"

Felt angrily kicked a small stone by the roadside, watching it arc through the air and land in the distant grass.

Under Reinhard's gaze, she finally and reluctantly followed, muttering protests under her breath.

___

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