When Fang Zheng came knocking early the next morning, Reinhardt was speechless.

And after hearing Fang Zheng’s purpose, he was even more speechless.

"You’re not just messing with me, are you, Your Excellency Fang Zheng?"

"I honestly wish I were..."

Fang Zheng was frustrated; he just took the person away yesterday, and now he has to bring them back today. What a mess! It’s not like he wanted this, but destiny works in mysterious ways. What else can he do?

"So... this is the fifth Royal Selection Candidate? How did you find her? Honestly, this is incredible."

"The little girls picked her by accident while playing games."

"......???"

"Anyway, it’s an accident, so don’t ask too many questions."

Fang Zheng was too lazy to explain further to Reinhardt.

"I’m just here to tell you that we’ve found all the Royal Selection Candidates, and neither of them wants to participate. So, let’s leave it at that."

"Hmm......"

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s reply, Reinhardt stopped dwelling on how Fang Zheng found the Royal Selection Candidates and instead scrutinized the girl behind Fang Zheng.

"Miss, could you please lower your cloak?"

"......"

Upon Reinhardt’s request, Emilia hesitated for a moment before lowering her cloak. Upon seeing her face, Reinhardt was momentarily surprised and then nodded softly.

"I see... I understand. For precautions, Miss, would you please pick up this badge?"

Saying this, Reinhardt pulled out a badge from his pocket and handed it over—are these things really wholesale now?

Emilia took the badge, and soon, the badge began to glow again.

"Indeed, it’s confirmed. This lady is certainly the last Royal Selection Candidate."

At this point, Reinhardt carefully examined Emilia.

"I didn’t expect it to turn out like this."

"What do you mean by that? Could you stop being so vague?"

"My apologies. What I meant was... this lady does indeed resemble the Witch of Jealousy, Satella."

"Oh, are you all that afraid of that witch?"

Fang Zheng looked at Reinhardt, puzzled. He had heard the stories about the witch, but honestly, compared to the likes of Dragon King Gabu and Shabranigdo, the Witch of Jealousy didn’t seem that dangerous. At least she didn’t manage to destroy the world and was sealed by three legendary heroes. To Fang Zheng, the Witch of Jealousy is at best an upper-middle-tier boss in this world, not comparable to Phibrizzo the Deathlord, let alone the Golden Nightmare King.

At least the Deathlord governs the life and death of mortals, and the witch is at most on par with one of his Four Heavenly Kings.

Stories of the Witch of Jealousy are spread throughout the world. For example, Megumin said the Red Demon Clan has records about her, and Meiyin remembered her mother telling her bedtime stories about it. But no one is as neurotic as the people of the Kingdom of Lugnica.

In fact, for most countries, the story of the Witch of Jealousy is just like those other stories about evil bosses trying to destroy the world before being sealed or defeated. There’s nothing particularly special about it. If Emilia hadn’t brought it up, even Megumin wouldn’t initially think about the Witch of Jealousy.

"Your Excellency Fang Zheng, you may not know, but four hundred years ago, Lugnica was attacked by the Witch of Jealousy. It was here that the Three Heroes fought their final battle against the Witch of Jealousy and sealed her. Because of this, the people of this country are somewhat sensitive about the witch."

"Oh... I see."

Fang Zheng said "Oh" and didn’t ask further.

"So how are you going to solve this problem? You already know Felt doesn’t want to participate in the Royal Selection, and you’ve guessed why Emilia doesn’t want to. Then what?"

".......Sorry, it’s not up to me."

Reinhardt paused for a moment and then replied.

"Only the Sage Association can make the final decision. However, I will immediately report that all Royal Selection Candidates have been gathered to the Sage Association. Then, I believe they will summon all candidates to announce the official start of the Royal Selection. If the two wish to forgo, I think declaring it at an official venue is better."

"Makes sense, after all, you need solid ground for the word."

Fang Zheng could also predict Reinhardt’s thoughts. Even though Reinhardt is the strongest knight of Lugnica, he couldn’t go and say to the Sage Association, "We found five candidates, but two don’t want to compete, so let’s choose among the remaining three..." just like that.

"So we just have to wait for the gathering time and then head to the Royal Palace?"

"Pretty much, but..."

"But what?"

"Each Royal Selection Candidate needs to have their own Guardian Knight. To be honest, the other three candidates already have their knights."

"Really?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Zheng became curious.

"By the way, who is Crusch’s knight?"

"It’s Felix."

"Felix... oh, Felis, huh..."

That cat-eared crossdresser? A knight? Are you kidding me? If you ask me, Crusch feels more like a knight. The cat-eared crossdresser should put on a gown and be a Young Lady instead.

This is really quite chaotic.

Just as Fang Zheng was letting his thoughts wander, he saw Reinhard approach Felt once again, then knelt on one knee.

"I ask to become Lady Felt’s knight and seek Lady Felt’s permission."

"Eh?"

"I mean, why did you choose Felt?"

Looking at the bewildered Felt, Fang Zheng curiously asked.

"Are you a lolicon, or do you have some issue with Emilia? There are two candidates here, you just picked one directly?"

"No, it’s not that I have any issue with Lady Emilia, but as a knight loyal to the Empire, I will only pledge to Lady Felt."

"And why is that?"

".........

This time, Reinhard paused for a moment before answering.

"Your Excellency Fang Zheng, you should be aware that the royal bloodline is currently severed, yes?"

"I’ve heard about it, which is why there isn’t even a king."

"But that’s not actually the case. In fact, fourteen years ago, a thief invaded the Royal Palace, abducted the daughter of the previous King’s brother, Lord Frode, and successfully escaped, leaving the daughter’s whereabouts unknown."

"So you’re suggesting that Felt is the kidnapped daughter of the royal family?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Yes, blonde hair and red eyes are characteristic of the Lugnica royal lineage. Although it’s not a definitive judgment, that’s what I believe."

"Well... actually, there is a way..."

Of course, there’s no way in this world, but that doesn’t mean Fang Zheng was helpless. After all, it’s just a DNA test; he could simply scan with a personal terminal. However, Fang Zheng ultimately decided not to stir up extra trouble. After all, if it were confirmed that Felt is of royal descent, Reinhard certainly wouldn’t let go. By then, whether Felt was the Royal Selection inheritor wouldn’t matter; the royal bloodline must not fall into the wrong hands.

In that case, Felt would be truly unlucky.

"Forget it... Felt, what do you think?"

"No choice, I’ll just endure it."

Looking at Reinhard, Felt wore a face as if she’d just drunk a bitter herbal medicine.

"I accept you as my knight, but only until the Royal Selection meeting. Once I give up my candidacy, stay away from me, and don’t let me see you again."

"Understood, Lady Felt."

Thus, Felt and Reinhard formed their knightly bond.

Now, only Emilia was left. With that being the case...

"Then I’ll just step in."

"Eh?!"

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s words, both Emilia and Felt yelled.

"Bu- But Lord Fang Zheng, wouldn’t that trouble you?"

"Not at all, not at all. You’re a guest, I’m the host. When a guest is in trouble, naturally, the host should help resolve it. Plus, for me, it’s just a minor effort."

"Wait a second, aren’t you a noble?"

"I never said I was a noble. In fact, strictly speaking, I’m considered a knight."

And a Paladin, at that.

"Wait! How come I’ve never heard of this? Emilia, switch with me! I want him as my knight!"

"Lady Felt, you’ve already agreed, so there’s no way to change that now... Please come with me, I’ll prepare your attire for the Royal Selection..."

"Wait, no, I want to switch, help, Fang Zheng......!!!"

With Felt’s cries, Reinhard dragged her away, and Fang Zheng could only shrug helplessly. After all, he was only one person; he couldn’t be the Guardian Knight for two candidates at once. And leaving Felt to Reinhard, Fang Zheng felt quite assured. This knight was genuinely upright, so there was no worry about any ill intentions.

Conversely, Emilia looked rather uneasy, clenching her fists tightly.

"Wouldn’t this be troublesome for you?"

"No worries, rest assured, it’s just a small matter."

Facing Emilia’s worried inquiry, Fang Zheng grinned.

"Relax, don’t be so tense. I’m not sure how things were for you before, but you’re not alone now... you have a whole bunch of friends."

"I-Is that so..."

Hearing the word "friends," Emilia’s expression became slightly somber.

"Then, I’ll leave it to you, Lord Fang Zheng."