(25) In The Assembly: 02

The grand carriage rolled to a stop in the bustling capital streets, its polished exterior gleaming under the midday sun. A soft murmur rippled through the crowd as onlookers caught sight of the passengers stepping out.

Subaru was the first to disembark, her striking red hair cascading like fire down her back. Her blue eyes scanned the crowd with an air of confidence, though her heart was beating a little faster than usual. Dressed in her gleaming armour, her crimson cape billowing slightly in the breeze, she cut an impressive figure.

"Who's that?" someone whispered.

"Is she a knight? Look at her armour!"

"Red hair and blue eyes? She's practically glowing!"

Subaru smirked to herself, adjusting her cape for dramatic effect. "Man, this hero thing is easier than I thought," she muttered under her breath.

Emilia followed, her silver hair and serene presence drawing her own share of admiring gazes. She stepped lightly, her violet eyes sparkling with determination despite the nerves simmering beneath her calm exterior.

Roswaal exited last, his flamboyant attire and painted face instantly drawing attention. He waved dramatically at the gathered crowd, who whispered in hushed tones about the eccentric lord accompanying the half-elf candidate.

At the palace gates, the guards stiffened at the sight of the group, their eyes narrowing slightly when they spotted Emilia. However, Roswaal's painted face leaned forward with a flourish, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Roswaal L. Mathers, here to escort my candidate to the assembly," he announced, his voice lilting like a song.

The guards exchanged glances before nodding and stepping aside. "You may enter, Lord Mathers."

The group proceeded through the ornate palace halls, their footsteps echoing on the polished marble floors. Every detail of the palace spoke of grandeur and authority, from the towering ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes to the gold-trimmed banners lining the walls.

Outside the assembly hall, Ram and Otto were instructed to wait. Ram accepted the order with her usual air of indifference, but Otto's face fell.

"Please, Lord Roswaal," Otto pleaded, clasping his hands together. "I've never seen such an important assembly before. It would be an honour to witness history in the making!"

Roswaal tilted his head, his mismatched eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Hmm… you make a compelling case, Otto. Very well. But only if you promise to stay out of trouble."

"Of course!" Otto said, beaming with gratitude.

Before they entered, Subaru turned to Emilia, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, Emilia-tan," she said softly. "Remember what I told you. You're not alone in this. You've got us, and more importantly, you've got yourself. You're going to show everyone why you deserve that throne."

Emilia nodded, her lips curving into a small but determined smile. "Thank you, Subaru. I'll do my best."

The enormous double doors to the Sage Council creaked open, revealing a vast chamber filled with towering statues and an air of undeniable gravitas.

"The first candidate of the throne, Emilia the Half-elf, accompanied by her sponsor Roswaal L. Mathers and her companion Natsuki Subaru, is here!" the doorkeeper announced, his voice echoing through the chamber.

As Emilia stepped into the grand hall, whispers erupted among the gathered spectators.

"Is that the half-elf?"

"She looks just like her… The Witch of Envy…"

"Why would anyone support someone with that bloodline?"

The oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on Emilia, and she instinctively shrank under the scrutiny. Her violet eyes flickered nervously across the room, each judgmental gaze cutting into her confidence like a blade.

Subaru, however, was oblivious. She had no knowledge of the Witch of Envy or the prejudice Emilia had endured her entire life. Instead, she strolled into the hall like she owned the place, her striking red hair catching the light as she flipped her bangs out of her face.

"Man, it's weird here," Subaru muttered, her sapphire eyes scanning the vast chamber. "Like the air is heavy or something. Did they forget to open the windows?"

The room froze.

Every single spectator turned their gaze from Emilia to Subaru, their whispers silenced in an instant. For a moment, the grand hall became eerily quiet, save for the soft hum of Subaru's voice and the faint rustle of Otto's notebook as he hastily began scribbling.

It wasn't just her casual attitude that captivated them—it was her presence.

Subaru stood there, completely unaware, radiating an aura so striking it practically demanded attention. Her fiery red hair glowed like embers in the dim light of the chamber, her cerulean eyes gleamed with confidence, and her posture—relaxed yet commanding—exuded an unshakable charisma.

The murmurs resumed, but now they weren't about Emilia.

"Who is she?"

"Her hair… her eyes… is she royalty?"

"Even her casual stance looks noble!"

"She doesn't even seem fazed by this room! Who is she?"

Otto took the opportunity to scribble furiously, the 13th page of his manuscript nearly complete. His quill scratched furiously across the paper as he whispered to himself, "The fearless hero steps into the heart of power, her aura eclipsing the sun itself—"

Emilia blinked, her nerves momentarily forgotten as she turned to Subaru. Even she was stunned by how Subaru seemed to draw everyone's attention without even trying.

"Subaru…" Emilia whispered.

"Hmm?" Subaru glanced back at her, completely unaware of the spectacle she had become.

Rosewall, standing at the edge of the scene, chuckled softly, his painted lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Oh my, oh my, what an… unexpected turn of events. Our dear Subaru certainly has a way of commanding the stage, don't you think?"

Before anyone could comment further, the grand doors creaked open once again.

A tall, regal woman with long, flowing purple hair strode into the hall. She was flanked by a knight clad in shining armour, his matching purple hair and sharp gaze cutting a striking figure.

The crowd's attention shifted, the spell that Subaru had unknowingly cast finally breaking.

As the focus returned to the assembly, Subaru tilted her head. "Huh. Guess the air's not so heavy anymore. Weird."

Emilia exhaled slowly, the tension in her chest easing just a bit. She stepped forward, her determination renewed. Subaru's unshakable confidence had given her just enough strength to face the judgmental stares head-on.

And so, the assembly was set to begin.

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