7

It had only been a single day before Reinhard was back to being different again, but it never came as a surprise to Leo. Even since he had seen his friend the following morning, he couldn't help but continue to think about the various possibilities that would have been so important for Reinhard to spend the whole day tending to.

Even as they were sparing it hadn't left his mind as he quickly realized that he was pushing Felt harder than ever into the realm of nobility and etiquette, much to her vocal outrage as she continued to resist more than ever whenever the opportunity revealed itself.

It was more than enough to fully catch the attention of Leo and his spirits as they could tell that something and thereby, they weren't nearly as shocked as Felt as they stood side by side in the hallway as Reinhard addressed them.

"Hey, why the hell do I have to dress up like this again?! What's the big deal with everything going on, you've just made everything more insufferable than before!" Felt shouted out as she stamped on the spot in the same dress that she had worn on their first day in the manor.

"I could guess that we're paying a visit to nobility and you need to be presentable for it." Leo sighed as he understood just how Felt was feeling. He himself was back into wearing an attire that resembled Reinhard's own with his own mixed opinions on how his own clothing felt. It wasn't quite as 'free' as he would have liked, as he felt some of his movements slightly restricted by the clothes yet at the same time, he likewise couldn't deny his fondness for the appearance that it portrayed.

"You would be correct about that Leo, we will in fact be making our way to the royal castle today and so I hope that you are willing to put on your best behavior," Reinhard answered the two whilst Felt clicked her tongue in response.

"And why the hell are we going there, what's going on!" Felt snapped at the news, her confusion only further driving the rage that filled her.

"I assure you Miss Felt that everything will be clear upon arriving at the castle, for you will be present for the announcement as well." Reinhard calmly replied with his ever-present gentle smile, not at all phased by the teenager's furious state.

"And you can't tell us here because?" Leo questioned.

"I understand your curiosities but I believe that it would be best revealed with everyone else present," Reinhard replied with a sympathetic smile, giving Leo the sense that he understood how much he himself had already guessed about the events whilst Felt remained oblivious to the two's multileveled conversation.

"Well, if you say so, I'll take your word on it." Leo sighed as he shook his head in response.

"But Leo, there is something that I would like to request of you, alongside wishing Flam and Grassis to assist you with it." Reinhard then said, making Leo refocus with a confused and curious look in his eyes that silently prompted Reinhard to continue. "When we arrive at the castle, there will be a time that I must separate from you for a bit, during that time I would be appreciative if you would remain by Miss Felt's side as an attendant and guard."

"Wait, are you making big bro my babysitter or something?" Felt angrily questioned.

"Not at all Miss Felt, Leo will merely be staying by your side whilst I cannot and serving as your protection." Reinhard quickly replied before turning away to grab a sheathed blade that was resting beside him, offering it to Leo who was stunned for a few moments. "You can consider this another step towards the goal of becoming a knight, and to that end, you can consider this sword your own now, I believe that you are more than trustworthy with carrying and properly using this blade."

"Thanks, and don't worry. I suppose I can keep an eye on Felt." Leo replied as he accepted the blade from his hands, quickly feeling its weight in his own as it was far heavier than any of the training blades that he had previously wielded, yet it still remained suitable for one-handed combat.

"There's no need to make it sound like I'm some sort of problem, and I don't need to be looked after, I'm plenty fine on my own." Felt snapped again as Leo took the time to fasten the simplistic yet fancy scabbard of his new sword to his waist, adjusting it slightly until he was comfortable.

"Mm, think of it for appearance purposes," Leo replied as he refused to meet her gaze. In his opinion there likely was little to no reason for Felt to need a guard within the royal castle, but rather someone to prevent her from running off or causing issues, and it was no doubt one of the factors that Reinhard had been considering. "But can Cecily tag along as well? If she can't then I'm going to have to start thinking of a way to make sure that she stays behind."

"Of course not, we would never keep a great spirit from their contractor, and I believe that it would be most beneficial for appearances as well." Reinhard quickly replied to Leo's relief. Yet despite the fact knowing that he could have Cecily by his side, he likewise couldn't help but wonder just how the spirit would have reacted should she have been told otherwise. "We shall be leaving shortly, if she wishes to attend with you may I ask that you go and find her as soon as you are able to?"

"There's no need, there's no need!" A cheery voice called out as Leo quickly felt a wight attach itself to his back as he stumbled forward slightly from the impact. "We're going to the castle, right?" Cecily said as she rested her head on Leo's shoulder.

"That is correct, Lady Cecily. We would be honored if you were to come with Leo and be by Miss Felt's side." Reinhard said with a small bow towards the spirit as she dropped back down to the ground.

"Wherever my contractor goes, I shall follow," Cecily replied as if it was the simplest thing in the world.

"Yeah, and whilst we're there do you think you could keep to referring to me along the lines of contractor? Or just my name? Because if you call me the wrong thing before everyone there and I'll be in hot water for a long time…" Leo said, gently holding onto Cecily's shoulder as he looked her in the eye.

For a few moments, the spirit remained silent, almost as if she was examining Leo for all the seriousness that he possessed in his request or thinking about just whatever danger he was potentially speaking of. "Ok, I can do that!" she eventually replied as a smile returned to her face.

"What's wrong? Don't you want to flaunt that you're a great spirits master?" Felt said with a knowing smirk.

"You know the first kind of that would enter people's minds considering Cecily! And proclaiming yourself a master of a spirit isn't exactly a good thing either! I would be scorned!" Leo shouted back in frustration but it didn't faze her behavior in the slightest.

"I am most certain that the knights will see you in a positive light and respect you, and it is within the knight's code to respect a great spirit, as a contractor to one I am most certain that ill-treatment will not befall you," Reinhard replied but Leo only shook his head in response.

"Maybe they will have to respect but that doesn't control their opinion of me, and I don't think you understand what the first implication of Cecily calling me master is…"

Despite the ruckus that had occurred that morning, Reinhard had made certain there was no delay with hurrying the whole group into the dragon carriage that promptly took off through the streets of the capital rushing towards the castle.

As they rode along it was easy for Felt, Leo, and Cecily to notice how the people all spied the dragon carriage as he continued on its way to the castle. The Astrea estate was something that naturally existed within the noble district of the capital and thus it was only nobility and those related to them yet even still the sight of the Astrea carriage quickly moving towards the castle was something that they couldn't ignore.

It wasn't a long ride for them in the slightest and despite the intense security of the castle, it hardly any time at all transpired as Reinhard was able to easily escort the group through the castle without any single person in the castle raising any word against him.

The castle was beyond grand as even Felt, despite her huffy mood, couldn't help but look around at the surroundings, trying her hardest to suppress her amazement at everything. Only Reinhard, Flam, and Grassis remained calm despite it all as they briskly made their way deeper and deeper into the castle…

"For now, I will have to part from you all, however soon enough you will be summoned forth to meet with the council of wise men where I will be eagerly awaiting you. I entrust Miss Felt's care to you now Leo." Reinhard explained with a hand on his chest after having led the group to a room that was the closest thing to what they had seen so far to be leisurely or for guests.

Aside from numerous sofas that were around the walls and the room and the grandiose paintings, there was little else filling the marble room aside from the odd small table with a vase full of flowers. For Leo, even after living with Reinhard for so long, he still couldn't help but feel the room was so empty that it was almost pointless for the room to exist.

"Someone's fetching us huh? Out of summons or some divine blessing of perfect timing on your part?" Leo couldn't help but quip with a grin at the thought of whatever events would lead to their eventual reveal.

"I guess you could call it something of that nature." Reinhard smiled back. "All I request is that when the guard comes for you that you willing follow. Correct timing allows for one to maximize their impact after all."

"It really is about that isn't it?" Leo sighed with a weak smile. "Don't worry, I'll look after everything till then."

"What do you mean it's about that? What even is that? Why the hell are you keeping secrets from me now?" Felt said in a huff as she glared at Leo almost with a sense of betrayal as she plopped herself down into a seat.

"See, my contractor is super smart, of course, he has worked out why we're coming here!" Cecily then cheered, puffing out her chest whilst placing her hands on her hips in pride as the group could only briefly admire the spirit's absolute confidence in Leo.

"Actually, considering how much evidence has been built up to this point I think it's kinda obvious, but I'll gladly take the compliment." He replied with another grin whilst both Felt and Cecily practically recoiled with red faces upon hearing the fact.

"Wait, those two don't know about it do they?" Felt desperately asks as she frantically pointed at Flam and Grassis who could only awkwardly and silently smile back at her in unison, their reactions being more than enough to convey their knowledge on the subject as Felt grit her teeth in frustration. "Why does everyone but me know? I mean aren't I the one most affected by this crap?!"

"You know she has a point, why are you holding out on telling her for so long?" Leo asked as the whole group turned their attention toward Reinhard.

The blazing-haired knight could only awkwardly smile in response to the numerous stairs from all the children and his friend until he finally lowered his head, either out of a sense of shame or defeat. "Very well, I cannot raise an argument against your points. In fact, it may now be of benefit so that Miss Felt may appear her best in her presentation. However, it is high time that I leave for the great hall, so may I leave the explanation to you?"

"Sure thing, but I think you owe her an apology later, ok?"

"Yes, if that is what Miss Felt wishes for," Reinhard said with a bow with a refreshed smile. "Now if you're willing to excuse me." He said with a curt bow, turning on his heels as walking back the way they had come with smooth, flawless movements that quickly carried him out of sight, leaving Leo alone with the girls.

"So then, what kind of crap am I being dragged through?" Felt asked the moment that Reinhard was gone.

"Well, how well do you know the current political scene? And nothing to do with how your previous life was just the opposite." Leo immediately replied as he sat down on the other side of the sofa which was the little bit that remained unoccupied by how Felt was mostly laying down.

"Why the hell would I keep up with any of that crap? The only thing I'm aware of is the dam royal selection because all the royals kicked the bucket." Felt snapped back.

"Well, how do you feel about taking the position of those royals?"

"What?! Why the hell would I want that?! The king is like the noble to end all nobles!" Felt shouted out as she now shot upright, looking at Leo as if what he had said had been truly ridiculous.

"Oh, I dunno, money, power, fame, and practically anything you want?" He nonchalantly replied "If you want negatives then I believe that most important figures like that always have work to do though I suppose that you would also have the power and means to make sure that you're never drowning in it with alternatives…"

"No! I don't want to be anything like those stinking nobles! If this is the crap that I'm being dragged into then I'm leaving!" Felt said as she got to her feet, but Flam and Grassis were quicker with getting in her way, preventing the feisty blond from escaping.

"We're sorry for this but under no circumstance can we allow you to leave Miss Felt." Flam quickly explained whilst the older girl continued to approach them in the aim of making it to the doorway behind them.

"Yeah yeah, sorry but I don't care! Tell Reinhard that I'm sick of the idea that he tried to trick me like that!" she exclaimed as the twins made sure to keep getting in her way. It didn't take long for Felt to change tactics to attempt to push through the girls yet to her and Leo's surprise, neither Flam nor Grassis budged in the slightest. "What the hell?! How strong are you two?!" Felt said as she finally backed down.

"I imagine they're well trained in circulating their mana throughout their bodies to enhance themselves, compared to you," Leo replied as he got to his feet with a sigh. "Look, don't you believe there is a simple answer to all of this, you'll be free to go wherever you want by the end of the meeting."

"Oh yeah, and what would that be?"

"Just publicly refuse to participate, then the royal selection would just continue without you. No one can force any differently of you then." Leo answered, making it sound like it was the simplest thing in the world.

"I… that's!" Felt groaned to herself as she desperately thought of anything to counter the way that she was being treated until she finally relented with a sigh. "Fine, I'll go meet all the big jerks, but that better be it!"

"I don't get it. Who wouldn't want to rule?" Cecily asked as she tilted her head in confusion. "You would be able to do anything~ you want if you won!"

"A lazy man wouldn't want the job," Leo replied as he patted the spirit. "I doubt that Felt would be like that though, it's out of grudge, right?"

"Hmph, that's close enough," Felt replied, refusing to look at the two until the large doors of the room began to open as a lone guard carefully entered the room, tapping his spear against the ground as if to announce his presence for the attention of his superiors in the room. "Oh, are you here because Reinhard mentioned it?" Felt immediately questioned in a huff, her behavior immediately striking some hesitation in the guard.

"That is right, I was sent on behalf of the knight, Reinhard Van Astrea, for the summoning of Miss Felt to be introduced to the council of wise men as the time requested. Please may I request that you follow me to the royal throne room?" He asked, doing his best to maintain his composure.

"You could have just said yes and not all that bravado, but fine. We'll go." Felt said as she walked out of the room whilst Leo and the rest made sure to keep up with her. It wasn't a long walk at all until they were back into the main hall of the castle as they saw their destination so clearly in front of them, as huge doors lay just up ahead, doors large enough that it was clear that it would require a whole person to just push open one of them, and as they approached a familiar voice became clearer to hear.

"-would like to announce the completion of my mission." They faintly heard the knight's words from the other side of the door as they finally began to draw near. The guards on either side of the door merely nodded in response to Felt as they began to reach for the doors whilst Leo could feel his space begin to quicken.

"The fifth contender, the final candidate mentioned in the prophecy, has been located!" Reinhard's voice was heard loud and clear as the doors began to open for them, quickly revealing the sight of all the nobles and knights that stood within and were likewise looking back at them with shock and curiosity.

None of the group allowed it to strike any hesitation in them however as they calmly walked down the luxurious red carpet toward Reinhard who was eagerly awaiting their presence. It was no exaggeration to say that the attention of every last person in the room was focused on them as they walked through the divide of people.

Whilst Felt took the central lead, Leo was close to her side whilst walking hand in hand with Cecily as Flam and Grassis had quietly made sure to discreetly pull away from them as they remained near the doorway of the throne room.

Seemingly the only one to look at the three with an openly positive expression was Reinhard as he continued to wait for them with a smile, further up the carpet. "The One I myself revere as queen; her name is Miss Felt!" Reinhard proclaimed with pride.

His words only seemed to snap people out of their initial dazes as the sound of murmurs could be heard among both of the crowds of nobles and knights, each of them no doubt exchanging their thoughts over the matter of affairs but it didn't both any members of the group in the slightest.

From his slight distance behind Felt, he could best guess that she was in a slight daze as she walked forwards towards the rest of the royal candidates that were at the end of the carpet whilst Cecily continued to smile away with innocence and seemingly blissful unawareness of everything happening around her. In the spirit's own mind, she was merely glad that they had an impact as desired.

Leo however didn't pay the crowds nor any of their words any attention, for him there were far more important and interesting things to catch his attention. 'So those would be the wise men… and they are the candidates…' he thought to himself in the evaluation of the elder men that were each sat down at the tables on either side of the throne. 'And the candidates seem… about what I guessed…' the thought as his sight drifted over the four women that were primarily looking at Felt.

Among the four faces was one that particularly stood out to Leo and Cecily, none other than Emilia as she looked at them with an expression of complete shock. It wasn't hard for anyone to guess just by looking at her that she had never expected them to make an appearance at all.

"Thank you for gracing us with your presence Miss Felt. It's wonderful to see you." Reinhard said, giving Felt a small, respectful bow as they finally stood beside the knight. While for Leo who had long seen the knight, it was seemingly something that snapped Felt out of whatever daze she was experiencing as she realized and acknowledged the presence of the knight.

"Ah, Reinhard," Felt replied with a smile and all too graceful voice for what Leo knew, quickly taking the chance to approach the knight.

"And 3… 2… 1…" Leo whispered to himself under his breath, already knowing what was going to happen next despite all the onlookers.

"You bastard!" Felt shouted out, immediately aiming a kick to Reinhard's head only for the knight to effortlessly catch it. "Why the hell did you drag me to this dam thing without explaining anything before?! You could have at least mentioned something beforehand! And don't just catch my kick like it's nothing!"

"That surprised me. And what could have brought on such aggressive behavior?" Reinhard questioned as he continued to hold onto Felt's boot.

"You're kidding me, right?" Leo couldn't help but ask with a defeated expression.

"Oh, would you happen to know Leo? Did Miss Felt tell you before?" Reinhard asked as he gently set Felt's foot back down the ground, as she glared at him all the while.

"I've completely had it with all your bloody surprises is what's wrong!" Felt shouted back.

"It's not so easy to change somebody at their roots, I'm glad to see that it's not just me." A familiar voice spoke up from beside Reinhard, quickly gaining the attention of the group to notice that it was none other than Subaru standing with Reinhard, despite all the questions that arose in Leo's mind with his presence.

"Whoa, what are you doing here?" Felt said with shock, now turning her attention to the butler.

"Yay, it's the funny guy again!" Cecily cheered with a smile, rejoicing for their reunion.

"Care to explain why you're here? I wouldn't have expected a butler to be slotting in with knights…" Leo asked with a skeptical gaze whilst Subaru began to proudly smile in response to the question, almost as if he had been wanting to have been asked such a question.

"Well naturally." Subaru began but he didn't get any further before Felt landed a kick to his side to the sole shock of the butler as everyone else merely watched.

"Well, it seems like that stomach wound from before is all healed up huh?" Felt happy said as she watched the older boy's reaction to her kick, pleased with the sight of the lack of blood.

"If you were worried about that then kicking someone isn't the way to go about it!" Subaru exclaimed back but Felt showed little sign of caring about his complaints as she happily grinned at his frustration.

"Wait, so is that a way of caring about others as well?" Cecily asked as she looked up to Leo for answers to his shock.

"Only for Felt, please don't go picking up behavior patterns like that from her." He hastily answered to her hesitation.

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Felt said, turning around with a challenging grin.

"Miss Felt, if you are done rekindling old friendships, may I ask that you please step up here." A burly and armor-clad knight spoke up, preventing the conversion from continuing any as Felt remembered where they were currently situated.

"Fine, is this what you want?" Felt replied as she complied with the request, having walked up to stand by Emilia's side in a huff.

"If you were asking me then I would request that you act a little bit more like a lady, but this is of greater importance. If you wouldn't mind, please hold onto this." Reinhard replied as he approached her again, taking her hand and placing an insignia into her palm. Immediately the stone reacted as a crimson light shone forth and the crowds of people reacted one more in response. "As you can see, the dragon stone has recognized Miss Felt to be the fifth and final of the royal candidates, and now that she had been approved by the powers that be, I believe that it is time to begin the process of the royal selection."

In response to the words of Reinhard, all the knights in unison quickly raised their hands to their chests as they quickly and briefly lowered their heads in recognition of the final candidate, yet it wasn't the only reception that was received.

"I'm sorry to mention, but don't you find it a bit problematic for her participation in the royal selection?" A man amongst the nobles suddenly spoke up.

"Do you believe, we the imperial knights, have made a mistake?" the burly knight at the front immediately questioned as his words went followed by the unified glares of all the knights cast over to the group of nobles that likewise glared back in response. It didn't take long for more discussion to take place among the two groups, and it wasn't hard for anyone to tell that few people had anything positive to speak of the final candidate.

'What a surprise there…' Leo couldn't help but think to himself, unimpressed with their behavior. It wasn't that he held them at fault for seeing something wrong with Felt as he could easily point out several things about the girl that made him wonder about what kind of ruler she would be. Instead, he couldn't help but find issues with just what their arguments were. 'Grace? Appearance? Feral? I get that she doesn't look the part but not everyone was going to be noble like them, and none of those affect her ability to be a good ruler…'

'It's no doubt, that they just want the next ruler to be just like them…'

"Silence." The elderly yet firm voice of one of the wise men spoke up, with everyone quickly following the instruction as they gave their full attention. "Knight Reinhard, would you begin by explaining just what steps you took that led to her discovery?"

Slowly, Reinhard got to one knee as he laid his sheathed sword on the ground before looking up at the wise men. "Of course, I first took custody of Miss Felt about one month ago when I was in the slums."

The moment that Reinhard had uttered these words there was shock and outrage throughout all the nobles once more as they seemed completely aghast at the news that they had just heard. "You mean that she a gutter rat from the slums?!" One of them even exclaimed aloud in their shock.

Hearing this, Felt gripped fists in irritation from the reaction as she turned in frustration towards them. "Well sorry for being a gutter rat! You're the one's that dragged me here! I didn't sign up for any of this!"

"All of this long-winded and pointless blather could not be more tedious." The red-headed candidate spoke up as she continued to hide the majority of her face behind her folding fan. "But then again I suppose it's quite possible that you were living that way because you could only manage tedious conversation!"

Upon hearing the scarlet princess finish her words there was no need for any confirmation that Felt was close to genuinely losing her cool as she looked back at her follow princess with absolute disdain. "What? If you want a fight, you've got one." She replied with one of the coldest voices that had been heard from her yet.

"What insolence, who do you think I am? You little urchin." The scarlet one replied with a glint of excitement flashing through her eyes as a surge of power could be felt coming from her. There was little in Leo's senses telling him that the woman wasn't about to attempt something ugly, and yet despite his feeling, there was never any need for him to intervene.

"Princess, that's not a…" Once large helmeted individual began to casually speak up in response to the flaring behavior of the princess but he didn't get to finish his sentence as she swung out her fan in the direction of Felt, only for Reinhard to already be in the way of her actions.

"A thousand pardons, Miss Pricilla." Reinhard calmly replied, his light blue eyes piercing as he looked up at the lady.

"Just what are you thinking?! In a hallowed place such as this?" Emilia interjected as she stood before Felt in her defense, aghast at the attempt that had been made before everyone.

"Oh, calm down would you, I was only trying to teach that undisciplined little bitch her place," Pricilla replied as she returned to her previous prideful pose, again hiding her face behind her fan whilst there seemed to be nothing curving the viciousness of her words.

"you're not apologizing for that?"

"You're kidding, right? Actually, why don't you try apologizing for being born you half-devil."

"I've told you that I'm not connected to the witch at all!" Emilia replied whilst faltering in her place.

'The queen of arrogance this one… in fact she could be a genuine psychopath with her personality traits so far. Emilia, you shouldn't try to be reasonable with her… and a ruler certainly shouldn't falter either…' Leo thought to himself, trying to conceal his scowl at the blatantly horrible woman as he observed the interactions.

"Well then, are you all quite finished?" The elder man of the wise men finally asked.

"May the royal candidates come up in turn and state their introductions at this time." The burly knight added on.

There was no hesitation from Priscilla as she walked up the small number of steps before turning and facing everyone else that was in the room, whilst the most oddly dressed individual in the room had left formation to join her.

"Miss Priscilla Barielle and her attendant Al." The knight introduced the pair as all eyes fell upon her.

"This selection process is pointless, I'm the only one suited to rule this nation, all you people need to do is grovel before my feet and serve me!" She proudly declared to everyone in the room, to the horror of Leo and Cecily who flinched to his side at the display of her horrible personality.

"The head of the Karsten family, Crusch Karsten, and her attendant, the knight Felix Argyl." The knight announced again as a green-haired, general-looking woman took the stage instead of Priscilla.

"Should I become the new ruler, I vow the dragon will forget its demanded convenient, the dragon's empire of Lugnica belongs not to that beast but to it's people." Crusch confidently declared whilst she had her moment in the spotlight, completely unwavering with her words.

'Cutting off the dragon and calling it a beast? She's more political but she sounds like her ideas are against the majority of the kingdom with how everyone makes out to revere the dragon.' Leo thought until his eyes drifted to her cat-eared attendant as the two stepped down from the attention whilst a purple-haired woman took the place, 'And Felix? Is he the Blue that Reinhard spoke about? I can't tell if he's a man or a woman though…'

"Miss Anastasia Hoshin of the Hoshin company, and her attendant the knight Julius Juukulius."

"I'm a greedy little gall so I want everything, no amount of commercial success can satisfy me, I want to have my very own nation!" Anastasia cheerily proclaimed with a sweet smile whilst her statement left Leo feeling a sense of shock.

'At least unlike many politicians she's open about it… a shame that's the personality to accompany a cute face but, that's who Julius serves huh?' Leo thought as he watched the pair leave as Julius ever so dutifully took his place amongst the knights again, all while Emilia and Roswaal took the stage.

"Miss Emilia and the man that's endorsing her, Margrave Rosswaal L Mathers."

"I have only one wish, equality for all! I desire to create a nation where all citizens are equal!" Emilia declared before giving a bow.

"Still~, after the very formal and official-sounding introduction of all those knights as attendants, I must admit that I'm feeling terribly out of place here!" Roswaal chimed on with his usual accent before he and Emilia began to descend the stairs back to their positions.

'Just like back at the margrave's manor. But how well is appealing to nobility like that going to work?' he worriedly thought until something else sprung to mind. 'And wait, am I attending with Felt or…'

"And finally, Miss Felt, and her attendants the knight Reinhard Van Astrea and his apprentice, Leo."

Upon hearing this announcement, the hall once again erupted into talk as every individual in the room immediately focused on Leo at the reveal of his placement, and he could feel it. The nobles look on in shock but it was the knights in particular who appeared to be inspecting every trace of him whilst unable to conceal the shock on their faces.

"Wait, hang on, don't get the wrong idea. I never said I wanted to be the next ruler of this stupid country! Who would want to be in a royal selection!" Felt shouted out, taking back the thunder from Leo as curious and upset gazes settled upon her, yet nearly every knight didn't fail to continue looking at Leo.

"Miss Felt, do you actually wish to withdraw from the selection?" The leading knight asked as he looked down at her from his position.

"Dam right I do!" She snapped back.

"What a joke! I've overlooked this because the situation was urgent but to drag it out this long is senseless!" The same noble called out again.

"He has a point, the Astrea family offers a gutter rat to rule us, whilst margrave Mathers endorses a half devil?! Utter foolishness!" Another member and presumably a lower-ranking member of the wise men joined in on the parade.

"Now, let's mind our manners, it's not nice to call a half-elf a half-devil." Roswaal chimed back as Emilia continued to walk off the stage, not paying any attention to the harsh words thrown her way.

'Come on Emilia, you need to stand up for yourself a little here…' Leo thought as he felt the grip on his hand tighten, looking down to see Cecily just as displeased as himself.

"They don't know what they're talking about…" Cecily grumpily mumbled to herself until she felt her hand being squeezed back in response, looking up to see her contractor looking just as troubled as herself.

"That silver-haired half-devil matches the appearance of the witch of envy as it has been described for many generations now, why do you not realize that even allowing her in the throne room is dreadful!" the council member argued back in disdain. "Filthy woman!"

"That's enough of your crap!" a lone individual shouted throughout the throne room, as a lone butler stood down the carpet whilst Emilia's eyes went wide with shock.

Subaru stood alone in the middle of the room as all eyes moved towards him. He was shaking, gripping fists in frustration, and barely able to stand tall as he glared at the council, but his actions were already more than enough to get the room talking once more.

Only one individual was smiling at the event, and another caught him so.

"Subaru, it's alright, stop this!" Emilia frantically asked as her face began to cloud over.

"No, I can't do that!" Subaru declared, not even looking at her as he remained fixed on the wise men. "You people should be ashamed of yourselves, apologise to her!"

"Subaru!" Emilia shouted, making him flinch in response.

"This isn't good…" Leo mumbled as Cecily looked up in concern.

"Is something going to happen to him? He was speaking the truth, they're meanies! Emilia's being too kind!" She replied whilst sounding all worked up, and Leo couldn't blame her, as he was feeling his other hand ball up into a tight fist, tight enough that he could hear the faint sound of friction between his skin and nails from his fingers and thumb.

"I know, honestly they are likely enough in the wrong that with enough diplomatic speech, you could shame them in a way they can't refute but Subaru's going about it all wrong with blind emotion… he's going to get punished for speaking out of line." Leo quickly explained in a hushed voice, hoping that Cecily was the only one capable of hearing him at the moment.

"Can't we do something?" Cecily whispered.

"I would need to think of something diplomatic enough to refute the slander against Emilia first, and then even more of a miracle to protect Subaru…" he mumbled in response. 'And any wrong word and I'm in the hot pot as well… I need something solid.'

"Allow me to formally introduce myself to the honored council of elders," Emilia's voice soon filled the hall again as both the spirit and contractor intently listened to her words. "I am accompanied by Puck, the great spirit of fire, and I'm a silver-haired half-elf."

"I understand that my half-elf lineage and other similarities to the infamous witch subject me to prejudice. However, I adamantly refuse to let all my potential be plucked out for that reason. I will not falter." She firmly finished her speech, having made sure that it was clear she was addressing every person in the room.

"That's better if she can stand for herself, it's just Subaru, but I imagine Emilia can keep him safe," Leo whispered to his spirit with a faint smile, earning one back from her. It was clearly effective as even the members of the council seemed to have a sense of hesitance in their expressions as they looked at Emilia which added all the more to her success.

"By the way," The leading figure of the wise men then spoke up. "What exactly is the position of the young man speaking out?"

This was enough to send Emilia back into hesitation as words escaped her, to the worry of her two silent supporters, and even more to their horror when they realized Subaru making his own moves once more. "It's ok Mili, I've made up my mind too." He calmly interjected, to the increased concern of Emilia as she already moved to stop him.

"Made up your mind to do what? Hold on, what do you think you're doing Subaru?" Emilia frantically asked yet Subaru pressed on, making sure he was well presented before the council.

"This will not end well; I can see something unbelievably foolish is about to come about." Kou's voice filled Leo's head as he could see the small blue light hovering within his clothes.

"You're not the only one feeling that way… this is definitely a red flag…" Leo replied to the spirit as he felt himself swallow, only able to wait for whatever performance Subaru was likely to put on.

"It's nice to meet you, members of the council of elders," Subaru stated as he did his best to assume a respectful pose for them, yet it only came out questionably so. "My name is Subaru Natsuki, a manservant at Roswaals mansion. And I serve as this candidate's, I mean Miss Emilia's best knight!" he declared to the whole room, pointing to the ceiling with pride.

"And now he's done it… I think…" Leo mentally conversed with his two spirits, neither of which responded but he could merely feel the sensations of worry and agreement from Cecily and Kou respectively. But it wasn't the only thing he felt, his attention having been claimed by the knights.

"A knight, is he?" a council member repeated with interest.

"Ah, he continues to show us how little he knows of our world." Roswaal happily commented, far too cheerily compared to the rest of the room.

"Please forgive this interruption, council, my apologies. But there is something I feel I must ask him." Julius's voice was heard as he stepped out of line, once again making his way calmly down the carpet until he was standing down Subaru who in turn began to show some hesitance at the confrontation. "What exactly are you saying when you proclaim to be Miss Emilia's knight?"

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Subaru replied with a challenging voice, collecting up his confidence again.

"You just declared before everyone that you're a knight, and you did so here… audaciously and without reserve before the royal knights of Lugnica!" Julius replied with a firm, agitated voice whilst all of the knights stamped their feet and brandished their swords in perfect unison.

"Oh wow, that was a pretty well-coordinated move, did you practice that just for this little meeting or what?" Subaru retorted without a hint of shame, much to the dismay of those that were on his side.

"Of course we did, to make known the dignity of our empire we are highly conscious every day of who we are. Tell me, do you feel you have the resolve to match that?" Julius said, pressuring Subaru down with a simple glare that rendered him in visible discomfort.

"I want to make Miss Emilia the next ruler, no, I will do it!" Subaru desperately replied.

"And do you think you have the resolve and strength that of which you boldly claim?"

"I don't have anything as grand as resolve, and I'm well aware that I'm lacking strength. Either way, Emilia will be the ruler of this land. I'm going to make her wish come true!"

"What a foolish answer," Kou said to Leo, "I'm struggling to understand the fool's performance but his spiritual affinity makes it easier, not that it makes him more respectable. He should have simply said no."

"Do you not feel your answer is far too arrogant?" Julius asked with a shake of his head. "You spoke of weakness, that's something to be ashamed of. It's not something for you to take pride in!"

"And here we go, the point of no return…" Leo announced to his spirits, the pair of them already knowing that he was correct.

"Have you worked enough to stand there as a champion? Have you performed enough service to shame us, the imperial knights? Answer me!" Julius continued to demand whilst Subaru looked visibly worse by the moment.

"Whatever, I'm still going to make Emilia the ruler."

"I don't understand, after being so denied why do you continue to stand there and defy us?" Julius asked in confusion, something that Leo found himself interested in, ready to attempt to gather any more potential information on the enigma that was Subaru.

"That's simple… it's because she's special!"

"I understand and accept your reason for standing here, but I cannot stand idly by your claim as a knight when I know it's not true," Julius said, now walking back to his position, making it clear that he no longer sought any reason to continue.

"What do you mean?!" Subaru said with a scowl.

"Anyone inspiring such an expression on the face of the one they wish to stand beside is not a knight." True to Julius's words, the Emilia that was standing behind Subaru bore an expression that could only be viewed as complete betrayal and all Subaru could do was a grunt to himself in frustration, unable to turn around to face her. Yet all it took was mere moments until absolute desperation set in…

"So what is being a knight that big a deal?! You just happen to be born into the job, it's the luck of the draw! Don't use your daddy's name to act like a big shot!" Subaru suddenly burst out, saying anything that came to mind without shame or hesitation, and it brought a sense of pain to others' ears.

'Is he… is he really the same Subaru that I first met?' Leo couldn't help but ponder to himself as he looked at the disgraceful appearance of Subaru. 'What would make him become someone like that?' he thought, turning his gaze away and making sure to redirect Cecily's gaze as well.

"Subaru Natsuki. That is not a good look on you." Was all Julius said in reply as Subaru went silent, completely defeated, and the most shamed in the room…

It seemed like he wanted to be able to do or say something, anything more, but he was no longer given any chances. "Quiet Subaru, that's enough," Emilia said without emotion, finally managing to put an end to his behavior. "I am deeply sorry to waste the council's time, I'll make him stand down." She said, briefly turning towards the council with a bow before hastily dragging Subaru to the door.

"Please do not be sorry, he has shown that you are not one to fear Miss Emilia. You have a fine attendant." The council leader replied as Emilia continued to drag Subaru away.

"Thank you very much, however," Emilia replied, still without emotion. "He is not my attendant."

For Subaru, her words were a devastating final blow that left his will shattered, whilst for everyone else, they held little emotion. It was more than simply reasonable behavior; it was completely expected…

'But still… I'm sensing some real bloodlust from the knights… he certainly just raised an army against himself.' Leo thought with a sigh, his thoughts finally coming to an end as the grand doors of the throne room closed shut, firmly sounding Subaru's removal from the situation. It didn't immediately dissipate the lingering mood, but the returning seriousness certainly helped.

But barely a few seconds managed to go by before another disruption occurred. No one could tell where from, but it only took moments for the room to be filled with smoke as coughing and unrest quickly began to ensue, the sound of swords at the ready was immediately heard alongside the thumping of heavy feet.

Heavy feet sounded to be getting close and closer by the second.

Wait a moment…

"Cecily." Leo calmly called out to his spirit with his mind whilst unsheathing his own sword for the first time, doing his best to focus on where he was hearing the noise of footsteps.

"Akra!" Cecily chanted immediately causing a small glimmer of light to appear within the smoke, outlining his figure. Quickly the sound of the footsteps, whilst still heavy changed their rhythm at the same moment but it was enough to give way that the individual was closer to him than he would have liked.

'But at the same time, I'm standing right by Felt and the other candidates, so that means…'

"That's close enough." Leo calmly stated as he jumped towards a large hazy figure in the fog, a figure far too large to have been anyone that was supposed to be in the room. In only a few moments and with little effort there was the sharp sound of a grunting man as Leo felt himself firmly planting his knee into the criminal's chest before striking them with the hilt of his sword, managing to muster enough strength it sent them sprawling on the ground.

Upon hearing the sound of his friend clearly engaging in a fight, there had been no hesitation from Reinhard as he swung the sheathed dragon sword above his head before swinging it down with enough force that all the fog vanished in seconds. The resulting sight was the reveal of none other than Old Man Rom, laying on his backside whilst a shimmering Leo was standing on his chest, pointing a sword at his neck.

"Wait, Old Man Rom?" Leo and Felt immediately exclaimed as they realized just who they were looking at whilst the rest of the knights quickly moved to surround the intruder, all of them quickly pointing their blades and subduing the elder giant.

In no time at all his hands were tied as he was put before the council and pinned down the knights whilst a frantic Felt was held back. "I don't know how you are, but for sneaking into the castle you must be executed." The head knight proclaimed, only making Felt struggle more and more whilst two other knights continued to hold her back and a conflicted Leo stood near her not knowing what to do.

"Stop it! Let him go!" Felt frantically cried out as she fought against the grasp of the knights.

"Unfortunately, I cannot comply. Let me remind you that you have publicly declared that you have no intention of participating in the royal selection, thereby I am not obligated to obey your orders." The knight calmly explained to her horror, unable to do anything but look at Rom in dread as the old man still managed to crack a strained smile at her. A smile that managed to light an unintentional fire in the girl as she smirked an evil grin much to the attention of everyone that noticed her.

"Alright, fine! I'll do your stupid selection! You just want me to try to be the next ruler, don't you?" Felt triumphantly proclaimed as the room went silent, turning back to the knight commander's response.

"Wait, hold on Felt, what are you saying?" Rom struggled to ask, shocked at the sudden declaration the girl had made, no doubt for his sake alone.

"That old man is my family, so let him go right now. Treat him with care!" She continued to order.

"Very well." Came the answer, and the instant release of Rom as the swords was sheathed and his bonds removed.

"I'm really sorry Felt…" the old man struggled to say.

"Don't worry about it, we'll talk later, ok?" She said with a cheerful grin, happy at what she had accomplished before he was swiftly guided out of the castle by the guards. "Pretty sneaky Reinhard, I didn't think you had it in you." She then said, jabbing at the knight beside her.

"I didn't do anything at all, I merely think this is something guided by fate."

"Oh, so you're a slave to fate now?"

"Not at all, from now on, I am your knight." Reinhard calmly stated, one more getting to one knee as he faced his liege.

"Ok, fine then. I'll work you to death!" Felt replied whilst looking the most pleased as she ever had towards Reinhard. "Alright then, let's get this over with. Oh, and big bro, you too! You said you'd stick with me until this is all over already, didn't you?" she said pointing out Leo who seemed taken back at being pointed out before he sighed, resigning himself to his fate.

"I didn't think things would go like this when I made it, but I'm not breaking my word." Leo nonchalantly replied as he followed her and Reinhard past the candidates with Cecily energetically keeping to his side.

"So, would that be the identity of this individual? You are Miss Felt's elder sibling?" The leader of the wise men asked as Leo finished walking up the small number of stairs, leaving him standing directly before the council with only Cecily, Felt, and Reinhard at his side.

"Yeah, he's to be treated like that! You've got a problem?" Felt interjected before he had the chance to speak.

"Not at all, we merely take an interest in the various identities that he already lays claim to, as the sword saints apprentice nonetheless."

"She could have easily ordered him to train her brother with her authority over him as her knight." Another council member injected with a heavy voice.

"I assure you that my training of Leo was purely of my own offer and decision, he is an individual that caught my eye and I'm honored to be able to call him a friend." Reinhard injected as he stood closer to his friend with a relaxed smile as more murmurs overtook the hall.

For a few moments, Leo was once again the center of attention as not a single person failed to look at him, even the previous wrath of the knights seemed to temporally dissipate as they re-examined the young man who stood before them all.

"I feel that I ought to simply make my own introductions at this point if it is of no issue," Leo spoke up as a wave of silence began to follow, something that he could only interpret as the room's collective interest in himself. "My full name is Leon Aries, a knight in training under Reinhard Van Astea and secondary attendant to Felt."

"And what of the girl beside you? She most certainly seems quite attached." The council member asked with a soft smile as he spied the girl looking back at him.

"My name is Cecily; a great spirit of yang and I'm honored to share a contract with him!" she declared with pride as she happily clung to him with a smile. There were many different reactions to the news, whilst Reinhard and Felt happily smiled at the declaration, Emilia warmly smiled in contrast to the other candidates that looked at him with shock. The knights with the exception of a smiling Julius continued to scrutinize him whilst the nobles were in disbelief at what they were hearing, only Roswaal among them slyly smiling to himself.

"A great spirit?" The council member repeated with interest whilst all the others were taken back, watching the small girl before them begin to glitter with light as she exuded some of her mana from her being. "Please accept our apologies for not realizing sooner."

"No offense was taken!" Cecily happily replied as she relinquished her mana.

"I see that you most certainly aren't a book to be judged by its cover, Leon Aries, I imagine you must be quite the character to gather the interest and companionship of a great spirit and numerous close relations." The council member said with a respectful nod toward Leo.

"I'm glad to hear it," Leo replied with a relaxed smile.

"Now, may we make the final official entry to the royal selection." The head knight interjected, his words signaling for the group of four to take their positions, as Reinhard and Leo stood on either side of their lady whilst Cecily remained glued to Leo's side.

"Miss Felt, her knight Reinhard Van Astrea and her attendant Leon Aries, alongside his contracted spirit Cecily." The head knight announced as everyone waited for whatever the blond would say for her introduction.

"You can count me for this stupid selection, but let me say one thing to you clowns!" Felt declared making sure that her voice was clear for all to hear. "I hate the nobility, and I hate knights! And I hate this entire stupid kingdom! I hate every last thing about this damn place, so, I'm planning on tearing this whole dam place to the ground! How's that?"

"What are you saying?!" An alarmed member of the nobles cried out in shock and confusion.

"That if I become the next ruler, I'll destroy everything!" Felt shouted out, leaving the hall completely stunned at her declaration. "You think I'm kidding? I'll take down every last single one of you and bring a little fresh air into this country!"

'So does she mean she's aiming for a revamp of the kingdom or is she just a plain anarchist?' Leo pondered to himself as he let her speak her desire to everyone. 'Either way, she's the one I'm roped into serving…'

"Your lady is quite the intense lady, Reinhard." The council member calmly commented.

"Miss Felt speaks with conviction, soon her words will be heard by all." Reinhard calmly replied.

"I see, in any case, all of the candidates are here, at last, the royal selection will now begin!"

"You aren't coming? I would have thought that you would like to meet with Subaru with me, I admit I am concerned for him after what happened before." Reinhard asked Leo as the crowds of the knights and the majority of nobles made their way out of the throne room. With the meeting had begun to reach its climax and the remaining reasons for the gathering pertaining to the candidates only, leave had been granted to everyone else with many except the curious few nobles choosing to stick around.

"Sorry but, I'll try and meet with him later. Right now, there is something important that I want to think about, do you mind if I stick around for a bit Felt?" Leo replied with an apologetic smile before looking back at their lady for her permission.

"Yeah, whatever. Do whatever you want." Felt nonchalantly replied as she waved him off with little care, not even taking the time to face him as she stuck with the other candidates with a semi-bothered expression.

"Very well, I shall leave Miss Felt in your care then for now. I hope to meet with you soon." Reinhard replied as he then took his leave, joining Felix who had been waiting for him before they left the room together alongside all the other knights. Before long the doors of the throne room closed once more, leaving the room far emptier than before.

"What did you wish to think about instead of visiting Subaru?" Grassis asked as she and her sister approached after having been silently standing against the wall the whole time, making sure to keep their presence minimalistic. "Is it not something that you wish to have more privacy about?"

"No, this is just some speculation on my part, and it's something I want to make sure I get right before I see Subaru again," Leo replied as they moved into a more open space of the hall, making sure to keep their voices low enough that they wouldn't disturb the royal candidates at the very least. "It's about the way that he acted just now, it's simply not normal."

"Yes, he made a very poor showing of himself. He didn't seem to not understand how to conduct himself when we visited the Margrave's mansion but even so, I would not have expected that from him." Flam replied as she reflected back on the previous events all too vividly.

"He didn't feel right, is something wrong with him?" Cecily worriedly asked.

"This might be another major part of his rapid decline in mental health, there's been something horribly wrong for a while but I have no idea what's causing it." Leo thought aloud, "He's unwilling to talk about it, despite it only getting drastically worse."

"He is blindly loyal to the elven woman. The more he was rejected of her the more desperate he became, he might even be dependent on her" Kou chimed in as he floated out from Leo's clothing, revealing himself to the group.

"You have a point, and for him to become dependent on Emilia might be because she's given him comfort before? It's only speculation but she did give him comfort that one time…" Leo added on.

"Um, excuse me Sir Leo but what are you talking about? Did your other spirit say something?" Flam asked as she glanced at him in confusion, her eyes flickering between him and the blue light that hovered beside him.

"Ah, yeah, its name its Kou. But it mentioned the fact that Subaru might be dependent on Emilia because of his mentality, it's a bit of a guess especially since we're no experts." He explained as the twins nodded in response.

"He has been a butler in the Mather's estate, so I hold my doubts that he would have experienced many different things without someone noticing." Flam mentioned.

"I would have to be something major as well, something traumatising for example, and the only thing like that which he could have experienced until something new has happened since we last saw him, was the fight with the bowel hunter." Leo explained.

"A single traumatising fight would not make his mental health continue to decline at a rapid rate over time as you make it sound." Kou mentioned. "For it to continue to get worse, he would need to continue having more experiences."

"What if there's someone in the background affecting him?" Cecily wondered.

"It's either that, something magical, or he's living a second life none of us have a clue about." Leo sighed in response, "I guess we're not going to get anywhere unless I get the chance to talk with Emilia about it again, it'll be amazing if we can get Subaru to talk."

"But the people in the mansion can't affect his mind though, it can't be because of water magic." Cecily pointed out, "The only thing that he's encountered that would effect his mind would be…" she started to say before her voice died out with hesitance whilst everyone turning to the great spirt, trying to read her troubled expression to attempt to understand what she was thinking.

"What would it be, Lady Cecily?" Grassis asked, but Cecily didn't answer as she merely peered up at Leo with a troubled gaze, but it was enough for him to understand.

"Ah… me, huh?" He said with a hushed voice. "But surely my miasma can't be that strong already… can it? I can't already be having that kind of affect on people, and why only him?"

"No! I'm certain that it's not because of you!" Cecily hastily replied, "But it still could be miasma affecting him…"

"Miasma…" The twins gasped at the thought as their moods rapidly sunk, "But how could that be the case, Lady Cecily? When you previously spoke of it, you said that it belonged to witches or witch factor possessors…"

"Does that mean there's something malicious following Subaru without others' knowledge?"

"Maybe… he always smells of the witch despite not having an authority…" The spirit worriedly answered.

"So… potentially a serious issue? That might be worth talking to him about…" Leo replied before collecting himself. "But right now, there's something more imminently dangerous to him, however…"

"What would that be?" Cecily worriedly asked.

It was then that the throne room doors suddenly burst open again as a lone guard hurried into the room as all eyes fell upon him for his intrusion. "Reporting!" The hurriedly said as he came to a stop. "The knight Julius and Mr. Subaru Natsuki are having a mock battle with wooden swords in the training ring!"

"Something like that…" Leo muttered under his breath, "I doubt it's actually a mock battle, more a demonstration…"

No one but Emilia was phased upon hearing the news from the knight as she turned around in horror of the news. "But how could something like that have happened? I have to-" Emilia said to herself as she tried to take her imminent leave until they were interrupted.

"Wait just a second, there is one thing I would like to know. Which one of them issued the challenge? Do you have any idea?" Anastasia asked with a calm smile, seemingly already aware of who had made the challenge.

"I believe that it was the knight Julius, Mr. Subaru Natsuki accepted the challenge." The guard promptly answered to the delight of Anastasia.

'Of course, he did…' Leo thought to himself.

"Kinda figured, well I'm against stopping them then," Anastasia replied, waving her hand dismissively, no longer possessing a care in the world about the news.

"Wait, hold on a minute. Your knight and my, um, friend are fighting. Aren't you the least bit worried that something might happen?"

"Worried? Seriously? About what? That I'm going to have to pay for your boy's medical bills?"

"I don't think it's medical bills you should be worried about paying for." Leo interjected as he turned to the candidates with a grave expression, "I believe the reason the guard came here… is because you might be paying for his funeral instead. You would say it's a strong possibility, right?" he asked as all attention promptly returned to the guard.

"Well… it was just so horribly one-sided that… if it doesn't end soon then, I fear you might be correct Sir Leo." The guard replied as Emilia gasped in horror.

"But, why? Why would they go that far?!" Emilia exclaimed in horror as tears began to form before she ran off. "I need to stop it immediately!"

"I don't have anything against the two of them fighting but why the hell are the knights trying to kill someone else again?" Felt said as she clicked her tongue in irritation as everyone watched Emilia run off.

"You don't mind if I tail her? There are two things of my own business that I would like to talk to Emilia about if she's willing." Leo asked.

"Sure, just make sure that they don't end up hurting bro too much, I'm having enough of the knights just trampling over other people so much already," Felt replied to which Leo merely nodded in response before turning back around to the three girls beside him.

"Flam, Grassis, can you stay with Felt for now? If things do go my way, then things might spiral on for a bit." Leo told the twin maids who quickly bowed in response.

"Please take care, Sir Leo, Lady Cecily." They said in unison.

"We'll be fine, but Subaru likely isn't… come on Cecily," Leo replied as he turned around to begin hurrying after Emilia, trying to catch up to her before she completely vanished from sight.

"Right!" Cecily happily cheered as she chased after, quickly beginning to glow with magical power in order to keep up with her contractor, overcoming the distance in speed from leg length with Akra instead.

The remaining four candidates just watched them leave as the doors shut behind them with a slam, shutting them out and leaving them on their own once more. Yet they didn't return to what they doing before as two of them remained in thought for a few moments.

"What's up with you two? It's not like your caring about the situation now, are you?" Felt snappily asked both Anastasia and Crusch as she noticed their behavior, putting a smile back onto Anastasia's face as she resumed her usual attitude.

"Of course not, I'm sure that Julius would go that far, and paying for whatever medical treatment for that fool of a boy is nothing," Anastasia replied with a sweet smile that contrasted the words that she had just uttered. "If there's something interesting it's that other one, Leon, that just ran off. For someone who likely knows little about the knights, he's surprisingly quick to accurately read the full weight of the situation. Julius spoke quite highly of him before, not that we realized he was Reinhard's student, it's just that he's someone to keep an eye on."

"Truly, I believe that it is as Anastasia says. I believe that he managed to perceive a lot more about those around him than others in the time of the announcement of the royal selection. I haven't seen much of him but I believe to see some potential merit in him, not that I have any planning because of it, however." Crusch sternly replied whilst Felt glared at the pair of them.

"You two better leave him along, he's in my camp and he's my big bro you hear! Messing with him means messing with me!" She shouted back but Crusch remained calm.

"Please do not mistake my words so, I mean for an even and fair competition, I would not think of interfering with your camp in any way."

"That better be the case," Felt replied as she turned away from them, signaling that she was done with the talk, yet underneath her fierce mask was concern that filled her. 'Now that I think about it, there's a lot more attention, and people are more aware of big bro than before. Doesn't that mean there're more people to find out his secret? But they can't find out about it unless…' she continued to think to herself as she maintained her mask.

The odds of the secret getting out were likely slim, but no longer could they be called impossible with Reinhard's stupid, abusive father. With even the other candidates beginning to take an interest if ever the secret got out…

Just what would happen now?

Emilia was running along nearly in a full sprint as she made her way down a stony corridor and she could easily tell that she was being followed by two others, she had momentarily seen Leo and Cecily chasing after her before.

They didn't stop for one another, however, and nor did they talk as they were all very much on a determined mission for their friend. Without magic, Leo could feel his stamina beginning to wane but he still forced himself to keep up with Emilia as she continued to lead the way to the training coliseum where light shone from the end of the tunnel.

Forcing himself to run for a few seconds more it didn't take long to reach it as the world lit up around them, revealing the sight of countless royal knights all filling the spectator's seats. Some of them had either hard or pleased expressions as they looked down into the pit, but the vast majority that have previously exuded bloodlust was now looking almost put off from the display before them.

Emilia and likewise himself and Cecily practically threw themselves against the stone railing to stop their momentum and look down into the pit to witness just what the knights had been watching the whole time.

It was none other than Subaru and Julius, just as the guard had described, whilst Julius stood pristine without the cape or coat of the royal guard's attire, he stood with sword in hand and completely untouched. Something that couldn't be said in the slightest for Subaru.

In contrast to the perfect knight, he was a bleeding, pummelled mess of a man who barely had the strength to stand. His face was badly swollen and swollen whilst it was clear he had even been coughing blood yet he continued to force himself to stand and fight, rushing towards Julius for what was likely the umpteenth time.

"Subaru!" Emilia had immediately cried out, only praying that he would listen to her and stop. Yet, whilst she had earned the attention of every knight present, her words fell death upon Subaru's ears as he merely saw an opportunity as even Julius looked away from him.

"SHAMAK!" Subaru shouted out as a black cloud quickly burst from his being. For a few moments, that was all anyone was able to see as they silently watched, many with expectancy whilst Emilia alone showed anxiousness.

"Come now, this was the ace up your sleeve? Your skill level is far too paltry, such low-level magic will only work on unintelligent beasts, boy!" Julius shouted out; his voice infuriated whilst his face depicted a calm rage as he effortlessly dispersed the dark cloud. There was no time for anyone to say anything as Julius shot forwards, Subaru's eyes widening with shock as he realized the situation but there was no time to act. With a single definite strike to his stomach, Subaru was sent flying backward, his form rolling across the ground before coming to a stop, limp as could be.

"You are irredeemably powerless; you are not worthy to stand at her side." Julius coldly remarked as he looked down at Subaru's form, watching his eyes close as his consciousness finally left him.

"Subaru!" Emilia cried out in desperation as she panicked on the spot before making up her mind to simply jump down from the stand into the area, hurrying over to check on his condition whilst Leo picked up Leo with one arm as he followed after.

"Ah, Leo, you arrived with Miss Emilia?" Reinhard called out as he walked over in surprise.

"Yeah, there was a guard that had been watching what was going on and got concerned so he ran to inform the candidates, I thought I'd follow after. I left Flam and Grassis with Felt though." Leo replied, "But as much as he brought this upon himself, did it really need to go that far?" he asked as he turned back towards Subaru.

"Ah, I had told Julius that whilst I agreed that Subaru had said too much, he had said went too far, Subaru merely needed to be conformed to the usual disciplinary practices," Reinhard replied as he likewise looked over Subaru with a concerned expression, the two watching Emilia hastily checking over Subaru and doing her best to begin to heal him. "You know, I think it surpassed merely needing to subject him to whatever the usual practices are."

"You mean you also wanted this?" Cecily worriedly asked. "But that guy is horrible! He only said a few bad things but they went way too far!"

"Oh no, he did go too far, but some of Julius's actions were necessary for Subaru's safety."

"His safety? But what about his mental health?"

"No doubt that's taken another blow again, but if this didn't happen then I don't think the bloodthirst would have left the knights…" Leo replied as he looked around the stands at the various knights. No longer could he see the hate-filled glares that the knights before as at the very least they looked to have settled whilst many had already left the coliseum or appeared to be shocked at what they had witnessed.

"If it hadn't been for him being an attendant of Miss Emilia then things would have ended quite differently," Julius mentioned as he walked past the pair without giving them any particular attention. "I wish that this wasn't how we had to meet for the second time and that there might be a chance to be seen in another light later."

"Wait, Julius!" Reinhard called out but it was to no avail as the lavender knight didn't react to him as he walked off, exiting the hall. "You have already met one another before?" he then asked, turning to Leo with his surprise.

"Yeah, it was after attempting the spiritual arts in a forest, when returning home, we briefly ran into him. He was plenty nice then, nothing like he was just then."

"Please don't think poorly of him, I know that it wasn't the best showing of him however he feels to carry the pride of the knights and often is the one to act on the behalf of many of us. He is strong to his principles but he usually would never do something like this." Reinhard pleaded to his friend with a worried expression. "But I must admit that he certainly went too far, I hope that I am able to later make amends about the situation."

"Man, your kind…" Leo sighed in response, "But maybe that's a bit more natural if you view them both as good friends of yours."

"I don't like him anymore; we're definitely going to beat him and whatever spirits would want to contract with him!" Cecily pouted as she scorned the fading figure of Julius. "All the knights are so bad if they needed to witness something like that to start feeling better, couldn't they have just ignored his mistake?"

"Likely because of testosterone, or the exact scale of their pride." Leo chimed back, making sure to smooth the spirit again.

"Um, apologies but I do not follow on either of the concepts that you spoke of. Would you mind explaining what you mean?" Reinhard asked in confusion alongside Cecily that likely had the same kind of questions floating throughout her mind.

"Uh, maybe not right now because of Subaru but long story short, testosterone is a chemical substance produced in the male body and one of the effects of having a lot of it is violent tendencies. As for pride, for a vague scale, if you have too little pride then you don't care, have some pride and you think that you need to defend it and punishing those who shame you. But if you have all the pride in the world then you just overlook everyone and think you're a god among men, with those aforementioned men just not understanding what true glory is…"

"I believe that I understand where you are coming from, can I take that this knowledge on testosterone is from your homeland?"

"Yup, we learned nearly everything about the human body and how it functions. The brain however is a bit complex that we're still working on it, however…"

"That kind of knowledge is amazing! There's nothing like it in this world, and people don't try to gain it either! All we do is develop magic or cures without trying to completely understand why!" Cecily said with amassment.

"I wonder what your methods are when it comes to learning such things… but I suppose that it isn't the time for such talk." Reinhard pondered to himself before shaking off the thought as they returned their attention to Subaru, Emilia, and Felix that had approached the two, seemingly having given Subaru some basic care to the gratitude of Emilia.

"He'll hang in there just fine now!" Felix said, "I should be returning to Lady Crusch now, I'll see you later Miss Emilia!" he said before making his own exit from the coliseum, taking the same path that Julius had also taken.

"I would ask how are you feeling, but I think it's obvious enough already," Leo asked as they approached Emilia, who was getting ready to lift Subaru up herself. "Do you want some help with him?"

"Ah, thank you for the offer but you shouldn't have to be troubled because of any of this," Emilia replied with a troubled expression. "And I'm sorry for his behavior Reinhard, I hope that you didn't feel offended by anything that he did."

"No offense was taken, I merely worry for his wellbeing, Miss Emilia." Reinhard said with a graceful bow, "But may I insist on the offer that Leo made, it would be of little trouble for us and for a candidate such as yourself needing to carry someone…"

"That you Reinhard, but I will be just fine. There's something that I need to address with Subaru alone for now anyway."

"He'll still take some time to wake up, and there's something else. Something really important that I need to talk to about so I could help you out at the same time." Leo replied, pressing his request on the elf.

"Something you need to talk about? What is it?" Emilia replied, not understanding just what Leo could want from her.

"It's not something that we should talk about in public spaces, and it's about Subaru. You know the talk we had last time at Roswaal's place, about his… health."

"Oh!" Emilia explained with realization before briefly glancing back at Subaru with a troubled expression. "So, did you manage to figure something out about him? Do you think you could explain why Subaru was acting the way he was today?"

"I really might, depending on how you answer a question of mine… would you mind if I helped bring Subaru to your lodgings and talk about it there?"

"Not at all, not if it's something concerning that." Emilia said with a determined voice as she rose back to her feet, "Um, if you don't mind then. We can head straight to where I'm staying."

"Don't worry about it," Leo said as he bent down, quickly tossing Subaru's body over his shoulder before standing ready to follow her, "Right, I can make it back to the manor myself so I'll try to make it home before dinner then, Reinhard? Felt should already have an idea that I've gone off with Emilia."

"I see, well I hope to see you soon and for Subaru's swift recovery," Reinhard replied with a troubled smile that Leo merely nodded back in response before turning to Emilia who understood that he was now ready to leave, quickly leading the way as he and Cecily followed…

"That should do…" Leo said as he finished putting Subaru into the bed whilst Cecily made sure to pull the covers over his body.

"Thank you very much for that, and for giving so much effort to Subaru's condition," Emilia said whilst lowering her head apologetically from the bedside seat she was sitting in.

"Don't worry about it, honestly, it's more like some speculation that holds a noteworthy amount of weight to it. Besides, I'll call him a friend." Leo replied as he settled down in another seat whilst Cecily hopped up onto his lap with a smile.

"Right… but, what did you find out about him? Is there something wrong with him?" Emilia asked with a serious voice whilst delicate concern was etched onto her features whilst Leo's hardened in response as he thought about the subject.

"Well, it's mental health and it's certainly not something he was born with so yeah, there's something wrong with him," Leo replied with an unenthusiastic voice as he held onto Cecily. "We don't know what's causing his decline but… we have a worse-case idea."

"And what would that be? Is there a way to prevent it?"

"You should know that Subaru apparently carries the scent of the witch, yet as far as we're aware he doesn't have an authority… which means the witch herself might have something to do with him."

"The witch?!" Emilia explained in horror, falling back into her seat after having started to lean forwards.

"As I said, it's a worst-case scenario!" Leo frantically tried to calm her down, but she continued to look at Subaru with a sense of dread.

"But why would that be the case? What would Subaru have done to get her attention or upset her like that? Isn't she supposed to be sealed away?"

"Well… I'm not exactly a witch expert…" Leo awkwardly replied.

"But the witch is super powerful, and she's already done a lot of horrible things, and the scent on him can't be denied." Cecily calmly mentioned, "But if it is the witch or something like her, then it might be because of miasma."

"Miasma?" Emilia repeated with concern.

"If someone is exposed to too much miasma for too long then it can cause some horrible effects on a person and it might be how the witch is affecting him if it is because of her…" she continued to explain. "The only known person that he's interacted with that has miasma simply produces too little, too weak for effects like that, however…"

"Wait, Subaru's interacted with a witch?" Emilia asked in horror.

"No, he hasn't! It's… me…" Leo revealed in shame that he hid with hardened expressions. "Since I have an authority, it means I passively produce miasma… but since my authority isn't really strong, I don't produce a concerning amount."

"Ah, I see…" Emilia replied as she dipped back into through. "I don't hold anything against you, I understand that you're also in a very unfortunate position that you didn't want. It's almost like you bear a curse of your own… but that is only a worst-case scenario, right?"

"That's correct. There is every chance that something else is constantly happening to Subaru that we're not aware of. Is there anything potentially traumatizing that you're aware he experienced recently?"

"Well… just after you left there was an incident with mabeasts and Subaru got mixed up in the middle of it all to try and save everyone… he ended up getting rather badly bitten by several beasts and received plenty of cures as well but since all of the mabeasts then were killed none of them activated. Subaru acted like everything was fine, but I guess that might have been a damaging experience for him…"

"In all likelihood, yeah… being mulled to near death by savage animals can have that effect…" Leo replied. "Either way, due to his declining mental state, there's something that he's found to offer him respite from it, but that's only gone and made him disparately hooked onto it as a result…"

"Huh? There is? What is it? I'm sure that I can get more of it if it will help him." Emilia immediately replied, completely desperate for his answer.

"It's you, he's formed a dependency on you." Leo bluntly answered to her shock, "The reason why he acted the way he did today, was all likely because of sure dependency that he has from you that he's become attached. And anything that attempts to potentially distance him from you he'll get incredibly upset at."

"Wait, are you suggesting that the reason that Subaru fought with Julius is because…"

"Because Julius made some comments that Subaru felt were to increase the divide between you two, and he became frantic to not be forced away from you. Honestly, his mentality from his dependencies is becoming rather ugly… and I mean that in more ways than one…"

"I… see…" Emilia replied with a shaky voice, her eyes completely fixed on the sleeping boy. "Is there anything that you suggest to do? Can you heal him, even if it's your authority?"

"No! You won't use your authority again! The last time you tried to heal someone you nearly died yourself!" Cecily frantically cried out as she clung to Leo with all the strength that she could muster. "You're too kind, or you don't understand the importance of od, but you can't do something like that so lightly again, I won't allow it!"

"You nearly died because of your authority?!" Emilia exclaimed in horror, "Why would you think of using such a sacrificial power? I mean, I didn't know that it was like that!"

"No, it's not quite like what you think." Leo replied, "I can take od and add to my own, or I can use up my od to do things like to heal others or increase lifespans. Or at least, that's what I've managed so far… If I don't get too carried away then I can always take od from something else to recover, even something like a tree is enough."

"I still don't think that you should be using od so lightly! I don't think that's a power you should be using at all unless you absolutely have to!" Emilia continued to cry out.

"Yeah, you don't understand the nature of your power yet do you?" Cecily added on.

Leo was completely frozen at the sight of the two girls seemingly on the verge of tears at the news of his authority, unable to think of anything to respond to them as they kept him pinned through their sheer concern alone until at last, he uttered the only thing that came to mind. "Alright, I'm sorry for worrying you… I admit it wasn't a pleasant experience but it only happened with my recklessness. I'll only use my od if it's an absolute must, is that good enough?"

"It's better than nothing I suppose…" Emilia sighed as she returned to her chair.

"It's not good enough! I don't want you to have to use that power at all…" Cecily sulked on his lap, "I'll just have to make sure that you never need to, even if I can't heal…"

"I'll just learn water magic, then I'll be able to heal just like any other water magic user instead, the more I learn and improve, the less and less I'll ever need to think of using it again." Leo replied as he tightly hugged the spirit, "It's not like I'm suicidal or would give my life over just anything you know."

"Mm… then you'll just have to become the best at it like everything else…"

"Why do I feel you have a lot of unrealistic expectations for me?"

"Either way, I feel better hearing that. I hope that you can continue to become an exceptional knight for Felt!" Emilia said, recomposing herself with a smile whilst Leo began to deflate at her words.

"Yeah, thanks… and sorry about that offer you made. When you initially made it I already had an inkling about what Felt's role was to be but even then I didn't know if she would go ahead. I mean you saw what her initial response was before…"

"Please don't worry about it. You made a promise to her before I even made the offer and I'm glad that you're keeping it. In fact, I might have held it against you a bit if you had actually broken it." Emilia said with a smile, "Right now, all I could ask for is a healthy competition, may we both do our best in this competition."

"Likewise, and I'm sure that Felt and Reinhard share the sentiment." He replied, regaining the energy to smile back at her for a brief moment of lifted spirits. But the moment was just that, brief, as it hadn't taken long for their gaze to return to Subaru as concern overtook Emilia once more.

"So, is there anything that you would suggest to try and help Subaru? At least assuming that the witch has nothing to do with this…"

"Well, I'm not an expert…" Leo replied but Emilia shook her head in denial.

"There is little to no care for things like mental health in Lugnica, in fact, I don't think that there are many who have any kind of knowledge in the subject… There is the blue, Felix, but he's mostly a water magic user. I don't think even he knows a lot about mental health like you do. So, I would value your opinion despite what you would think about yourself."

"Well…" Leo hesitantly replied.

"Have some more confidence, I'm sure you'll find some way to help him," Cecily added with a happy smile.

For a few moments, Leo remained quiet as he caved into the request of the girls, doing his best to think about Subaru's mentality and any psychological knowledge that he possessed. "Well… right now he's forming a dependency on you and you can see how that's turning out… I would say that he needs to try and become more dependent again…"

"I might be hard for him, but I think you need to separate yourself from him for a while. And during that time, he needs someone else who will be able to support him, someone he won't mind being open to… he should be able to talk about his issues and make sure that there are plenty more people that he can come to for help. Or at least, that's the best I can think of… But I'm really not a professional so someone has to keep an eye on how he's been affected over time…"

"I see… I don't think anything you said sounds illogical at least so I'm willing to try it. To be honest, I was already thinking that there might be a need to begin to distance myself from Subaru…" Emilia replied with a downcast expression.

"I don't blame you after what happened today…" Leo replied. "Either way, I'll make sure to talk to him tomorrow or when I can about this and maybe things might start getting better."

"I hope so…" Emilia said before she looked back up with a focused expression. "Thank you for telling me all of this, and thank you for helping him. I think that I'll make sure to head back to Roswaal's mansion tomorrow and leave Subaru behind with Rem so he can get his gate treated. I hope that when we see each other again he'll be doing better…"

"That would be ideal, albeit quick development…" Leo chimed in.

"I want him to go back to how he was before…" Cecily finished as the three of them watched Subaru's sleeping form, yet unbeknownst to them, the boy hadn't been quite as unconscious as they had thought…

'Is that… Mili? And Leo? What the hell… are they doing… together?! Talking alone… like that…' Subaru thought to himself through blurry vision before he exhausted his strength, his world fading to dark once more…

"I hope that things go well for you when Subaru wakes up," Leo said as he and Cecily stood outside the lodgings, whilst Emilia and Rem were standing in the doorway.

"I hope so too, and thank you once again for everything. I hope that we get to meet again soon, and I wish you a safe trip home!" Emilia replied.

"I thank you also for taking care of Subaru for me, Sir Leo. I hope that you have a safe trip home." Rem added on with a smile, taking the chance to give him a curt bow as Leo and Cecily waved the girls goodbye before finally taking their leave, turning down the road to begin making their way back to the noble district.

"Well, today's been a hell of a day and I'm sure that Felt's still not gonna let me go…" Leo moaned to himself as he walked hand in hand with Cecily.

"Mm? I'm sure that she'll be super understanding!" Cecily grinned back.

'Understanding? When has she been like that?' Leo thought to himself in disbelief, until a highly unexpected voice completely snapped him out of him.

"Hey, want to tell me what you're thinking right now?" Felt called out to him much to his shock.

"Felt!" Cecily and Leo called out, the former being far more excited that the troubled latter. "What are you doing here? And there's nothing wrong with my thoughts!"

"Sure, that's what everyone says!" Felt replied with a blatantly displeased attitude. "But Reinhard mentioned that you ended up going with Big Sis for a bit so I thought that in the meantime I would try testing out just how much he would listen to me, and turns out he'll do nearly anything I say!"

"What did you make him do?" Cecily asked.

"A certain sword had caught the attention of Miss Felt, and after asking if the gentleman was willing to sell it, and they were willing to make a deal with me," Reinhard replied with his usual smile as if he truly had thought nothing about what he had done for his lady.

"Yeah, they asked for some stupid ridiculous price but he still paid for it without caring. I don't know if he's just that stinking rich or what but I'm just glad that he's finally listening to me." Felt cheered.

"It was more than just any sword Miss Felt, the blade you purchased was- "Reinhard tried to explain but the blond showed no care.

"Yeah, I don't care about any of that! It's just some fancy sword." Felt interject without any care, the only thing that had seemingly managed to put a small frown from his lady's dismissal of his words. "Anyway, you know you count as my knight as well!"

"Oh, but did you also not call me your big bro? That means I either get to play the role of an annoying elder brother, or I do whatever is for your own good. Siblings don't just obey every little word of the younger!" Leo happily countered the mixed irritation and amusement of his 'sister'.

"Are you sure you want to treat me like that!" Felt shot back as Leo nonchalantly approached.

"Well, it depends on whatever you start asking for…" he happily replied, patting the top of her head as he passed by to her irrigation as she aimed a kick for his leg yet unlike times before, Leo was prepared as he dodged it.

"Hey!" She shouted out, hurrying after him with another kick intended for him despite her dress.

"Same old surprises won't be surprises forever…" Leo replied as they continued making their down the streets together as Reinhard followed behind with a smile as Cecily ran past him, aiming to keep up with her contractor and the feisty princess…