Live Strongly, Felt... The Future Surpasses Even Cheater Reinhard

In the spacious and bright drawing-room, Reinhard was explaining in detail what had happened when Felt touched the Royal Selection insignia, how it had glowed, and her identity as the fifth Royal Candidate.

"So, you're saying Miss Felt... she's also a candidate for the throne?" Emilia's amethyst eyes widened, her silver hair swaying gently with her surprised movement.

"Yes," Reinhard nodded in confirmation. "Lady Felt, as the fifth qualified Dragon Priestess, is a Royal Candidate whom I have personally recommended."

"So that's how it is. What a surprise!" Natsuki Subaru feigned a look of sudden realization.

The fact that Felt was a Royal Candidate meant she would become Emilia's rival. But given Felt's personality, she probably had no desire to participate in any Royal Selection.

"Indeed, I'm quite surprised myself," Emilia nodded lightly.

"But speaking of which," Natsuki Subaru suddenly turned to the sullen Felt, a playful smile on his lips. "Felt, I never thought you'd turn out to be such an important big shot. Looks like I underestimated you before."

"Who the hell knows!" Felt wrinkled her nose and glared resentfully at Reinhard. "Let me make this clear, I passed out after the loot house incident was over, and when I woke up, I found myself locked up in this damn place! Is this something a knight should be doing?"

"If it is for the future of the kingdom, I would gladly bear Lady Felt's resentment," Reinhard responded calmly, a glint of determination in the blue eyes beneath his red hair.

"Wow, that reason is just too powerful," Natsuki Subaru said, placing a hand on his forehead, unable to hold back his commentary. That kind of grand, righteous excuse, paired with Reinhard's just and upright face, was simply impossible to refute.

"Just as Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers has nominated Lady Emilia for the selection," Reinhard paused slightly before continuing, "I am also preparing to recommend Lady Felt as a candidate."

Then, he turned to Natsuki Subaru and Emilia, bowing slightly. "When the day of the Royal Selection arrives, we will be rivals. At that time, I ask for your mercy."

"Uhh... to be asked for mercy by you of all people..." Hearing this, Natsuki Subaru glanced at Reinhard's perfect profile, his own mouth twitching slightly.

Does this guy, Reinhard, really think he's the one who'll need mercy?

"But speaking of which, Reinhard, shouldn't you properly confirm Felt's own intentions?" Natsuki Subaru said, pointedly looking at Felt, who was currently rolling on the sofa in protest. "After all, you can't force a horse to drink."

Felt had grown up in the slums, surviving by stealing. She held a deep-seated resentment for the nobility and the kingdom, feeling they did nothing but indulge themselves without doing any real work. To suddenly ask her to participate in the Royal Selection to become the country's king was like taking a stray cat used to roaming free and suddenly putting it in a golden cage as a pet. How could she possibly obey?

"Yeah! That's right, that's right!" Hearing this, Felt immediately sprang up from the sofa, revealing her sharp little canines. Her wine-red eyes sparkled with excitement as if she had found a kindred spirit, and she flashed a brilliant smile at Natsuki Subaru. "Well said, bro! Now that's more like it."

"You hear that, Reinhard?! Even bro says so!" Felt placed her hands on her hips, shouting triumphantly at Reinhard.

"I admit, my previous methods were indeed too simple and crude." A hint of apology flashed in Reinhard's crystal-clear, sky-blue eyes as he spoke slowly, "Therefore, I have made an agreement with Lady Felt. As long as she can..."

Sputter!

Natsuki Subaru's mouth twitched uncontrollably. He stole a glance at the smug-looking Felt, then at the composed, smiling Reinhard, and felt completely speechless for the naive girl.

Doesn't this mean it's utterly hopeless...? To escape from right under the nose of the Sword Saint, who possesses hundreds of Divine Protections... the difficulty of that is just absurdly off the charts! It's like asking a rookie fresh out of the starting village to solo a max-level final boss. What other outcome could there be besides getting stomped into the ground?

"Poor Felt..." Natsuki Subaru looked at the golden-haired girl's triumphant, victory-is-mine expression and couldn't bear to shatter her illusion with the cruel truth. He could only mourn for her in his heart for three seconds. "This silly child still naively thinks she can escape this mansion, completely unaware of what kind of monster she's up against."

"I have always firmly believed," Reinhard said, his gaze fixed on Felt, his tone unwavering, "that Lady Felt possesses the temperament and potential to be a ruler. She simply needs some time to adapt."

"If Reinhard says so, then Miss Felt must really have something special about her," Emilia said softly.

Ugh... I really can't see that at all. If you told me Felt has the potential to be a gang leader, I'd believe it 100%.

Thinking this, Natsuki Subaru looked at Reinhard and said nonchalantly, "It seems, Reinhard, that you believe in Felt's potential to be king. I guess that makes us proper rivals now."

"As you say." Reinhard nodded slightly, his red bangs swaying with the movement. "I look forward to a fair contest with you, Subaru, on the stage of the Royal Selection."

"Hey! Don't just ignore me!" Felt stomped her foot in frustration, her small leather boots making a clopping sound on the floor. "I'm not the future of some kingdom! I'm just a thief who grew up in the slums."

"Lady Felt, the class you were born into and the past you have experienced are of no consequence," Reinhard said, bowing slightly, his expression gentle as he spoke to Felt. "What truly matters is that you are one of the Royal Candidates favored by the prophecy of destiny. You possess the decisiveness and courage to lead the people to a bright future. And..."

"Stop, stop, stop..." Felt clamped her hands tightly over her ears, her brow furrowed in utter annoyance. "Here we go again, here we go again, with your cringey, goosebump-inducing lectures."

Watching the composed and elegant Reinhard and the irritable and impatient Felt, Natsuki Subaru was amused and couldn't help but interject, "Seriously, Reinhard, have you practiced that speech in front of a mirror?"

"Indeed, I have." Surprisingly, Reinhard nodded with a completely straight face. "In order to better convey the importance of the Royal Selection to Lady Felt, I have repeatedly deliberated on my wording."

"Aaargh! I can't take it anymore!" Felt completely lost it, grabbing her own short, golden-draped hair and pacing back and forth before suddenly whirling on Natsuki Subaru. "Bro, you have to help me think of a way to get out of this hellhole! I'm going to go crazy if I stay here any longer!"

"Sorry, Felt," Natsuki Subaru spread his hands in a helpless gesture. "This time, I can only stand on Reinhard's side."

Besides, with my current strength, you want me to get you away from Reinhard? Are you kidding me?!

"I think..." Emilia said in a soft, quiet voice, "Reinhard is surely doing this for Miss Felt's own good."

"That's right, that's right." Natsuki Subaru immediately chimed in, looking at the two with a grin. "Emilia-tan is right. Since it's an agreement between you two, then you can do as you please."

It was worth mentioning that Reinhard's insistence on Felt was likely not just about the Royal Selection. It probably had something to do with Felt's lineage. Her unique golden hair and red eyes were a perfect match for the deceased members of the royal family, making it highly probable that she was connected to the infant who went missing from the royal family fourteen years ago.

As the heir to the Sword Saint family, which had served the royal family for generations, Reinhard must see this as the arrangement of fate—to protect the last royal bloodline, help her ascend the throne, and fulfill the Astrea family's generational mission of guarding the crown.

While Emilia, Crusch, Priscilla, and the others were also prophesied candidates by the Dragon Tablet, they ultimately lacked royal blood. From the perspective of the Kingdom of Lugnica's succession laws, Felt's lineage was truly indisputable. The blood of the direct royal line flowed in her veins, a fact that had already been verified when the insignia resonated with her. Reinhard's sharp eyes would never mistake it: this girl who grew up in the slums was the last legitimate heir to the kingdom.

Thinking of this, Natsuki Subaru couldn't help but marvel at the strangeness of fate. If he hadn't insisted on helping Emilia find her insignia that day, if he hadn't thought to seek Reinhard's help, if the Bowel Hunter Elsa's attack had been even a moment later... a deviation in any one of these links might have caused the crucial moment of Felt touching the insignia to happen without Reinhard's witness. Without the testimony of the strongest Sword Saint of the modern era, this lost princess might never have been discovered.

"Hey! Bro, you're just gonna leave me hanging like this?" Felt shot up from the sofa, her wine-red eyes wide and round. She grabbed a throw pillow and chucked it at Natsuki Subaru, forcefully breaking his train of thought.

"Honestly..." Coming to his senses, Natsuki Subaru deftly caught the pillow and shrugged helplessly. "I don't have the confidence to win an argument with Reinhard, either. Besides, this is someone else's family business, so it's not really appropriate for me to get too involved."

Seeing Felt's face instantly fall, Natsuki Subaru smiled and couldn't resist adding another line.

"Anyway... stay strong and live well, Felt. And remember to eat well every day."

"You guys... every last one of you is so annoying!" Felt flopped onto the sofa like a deflated balloon, letting out a dissatisfied grumble. "I'm definitely going to escape and show you all!"

Reinhard smiled and poured her a cup of black tea.

Watching this scene, Natsuki Subaru couldn't help but sigh internally: This looks exactly like a strict tutor trying to discipline a rebellious problem child.

"But Felt almost slipped away today, you know," Natsuki Subaru said, looking at Felt and Reinhard, deliberately teasing them. "Is it really okay for the security of the esteemed Sword Saint's home to be so lax? Shouldn't you be tightening the watch?"

Of course, he knew perfectly well that it was impossible for Felt to escape from Reinhard.

"Because I knew that just as Lady Felt was about to step out the main gate, Lady Emilia and Subaru would arrive. I was very clear on this," Reinhard said with a calm expression. "I couldn't very well keep our distinguished guests waiting, so I was planning to personally accompany Lady Felt to greet you."

"You lost, so just admit it!" Felt glared at Reinhard, puffing out her cheeks. "Damn it, one day I'm going to slip away right under your nose and say goodbye to this stupid house!"

"Which is why I will be on my guard with my full attention every day," Reinhard replied with a gentle expression.

Hmph.

Felt turned her head away, her lips pouted in discontent.

Just then, Emilia gently tugged on Natsuki Subaru's sleeve and whispered in his ear, "Subaru, their relationship seems surprisingly harmonious, doesn't it?"

"Ah, so Emilia-tan thinks so too," Natsuki Subaru said aloud, as if in a sudden moment of realization. "You're right, it really does seem that way."

"Hey... you over there! I can hear you!" Felt protested, leaping up like a cat with its fur on end.

Reinhard tactfully changed the subject. "Speaking of which, Lady Emilia and Subaru, is there an important matter for your visit today?"

"On one hand, I am here as a knight to accompany Emilia for matters concerning the Royal Selection," Natsuki Subaru said, looking at Reinhard, and continued, "On the other hand, I wanted to formally thank you for your help in fending off Elsa last time. To be honest, if you hadn't arrived in time back then..."

"It was my duty," Reinhard replied gently and humbly. "Protecting the people of the kingdom is a knight's responsibility."

"Even so, I must convey this gratitude to you formally," Natsuki Subaru said with a sincere expression. "Not just for me, but for the safety of Emilia and everyone else."

In all honesty, if he hadn't found Reinhard in time that day, he, Emilia, and the others would have likely fallen to the Bowel Hunter. He absolutely had to thank him in person for saving their lives.

"I understand." Seeing how serious Natsuki Subaru was, Reinhard nodded gently. "Then, I shall accept this thanks with gratitude."

For the rest of the time, the four of them discussed the Royal Selection. Reinhard explained the procedures and important points in detail, while Emilia listened intently, asking questions from time to time. Although Felt said she wasn't interested, her ears were pricked up, and she would occasionally interject with a retort.

"It's getting late. We should be going," Natsuki Subaru said, looking at the sky outside the window as he stood up.

"Lady Emilia, Subaru, please allow me to see you to the door," Reinhard also stood, gesturing gracefully.

"Well then, see you later, Felt." Natsuki Subaru turned and waved to the golden-haired girl, deliberately drawing out his words. "Stay strong and keep on living~!"

"Hmph, I'm living just fine!" Felt crossed her arms and turned her face away with a huff.

At the mansion's entrance, the setting sun stretched the trio's shadows long. A gentle breeze drifted by, carrying the fragrance of roses from the garden.

"Looking at the situation," Natsuki Subaru said to Reinhard, "when the Royal Selection begins, Felt will have no choice but to participate, right?"

"Precisely." Reinhard nodded slightly, his red hair like a burning flame in the sunset. "However, as I said before, Lady Felt truly possesses the qualities of a ruler. When that day comes, we will surely meet again."

"Well then, farewell," Emilia said, giving an elegant curtsy.

"See you next time!" Natsuki Subaru waved.

"Lady Emilia, Subaru, goodbye." Reinhard watched them leave.

On the way back, Natsuki Subaru thought to himself: But speaking of which, with Reinhard recommending Felt as a candidate for the throne... with a backer like him, Felt is going to be a formidable opponent in the Royal Selection. After all, that guy Reinhard's strength is just ridiculously cheat-like. With my current power, how could I possibly win against a monster like that?

But... the Royal Selection isn't decided by military force alone. There's no use in overthinking it.

With that thought, Natsuki Subaru muttered under his breath, "In terms of my own strength, I'm not worthy of being his opponent yet. I'll leave it at that for now—but just you wait, Reinhard."

"Subaru, are you going to fight with Reinhard?" Emilia, walking beside him, sharply caught his muttering.

"Ah, no, no! It's not like that at all!" Natsuki Subaru quickly waved his hands.

"You shouldn't. Fighting is not good, especially with Reinhard," Emilia said, looking at Natsuki Subaru with a serious expression. "That's not something that can be solved with just a few injuries."

"Uhh... I meant I want to become a man strong enough not to lose to him! I'm actually on pretty good terms with the guy, so don't worry!" Natsuki Subaru patiently explained to Emilia.

Although I really do want to spar with Reinhard, I'd probably be killed in an instant. One day, I'll definitely surpass him!

"Is that so? Even if that's the case, I still think... it will be very, very difficult."

"Having a lofty goal is a good thing, Subaru," Puck said, poking his head out from Emilia's silver hair. "But remember, the path of a true warrior is paved one step at a time, you know~"

"I never thought such wise words could come from such a tiny body, Puck." Natsuki Subaru laughed and poked Puck, a fighting spirit igniting in his heart. "But you're right—one day, I will surpass that guy. Just you wait!"

And I'll do it by relying on my system's ability to level up alone! As long as I keep getting stronger, surpassing Reinhard in the future isn't impossible!

___

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