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At that moment, even Fang Li was almost captivated by Emilia's smile.
The beauty of her expression was undeniable.
In the original settings, Emilia was described as the most beautiful character in this world.
Despite her status as a half-elf leading to rejection from others, Emilia's purity and beauty still won over many people.
Moreover, Fang Li had a natural fondness for 2D characters, including Emilia. If he hadn't already been in a relationship with Sylvie, he might have truly fallen for Emilia.
Even Fang Li, who rarely showed strong emotions, found himself momentarily affected. It's no wonder that those watching around them were equally stunned.
Then, a voice broke the silence.
"All present, please assemble. The members of the Sage's council will be entering shortly."
As the resonant voice echoed through the hall, everyone began to react.
The voice belonged to the same knight who had been standing at the entrance and he now stood on the platform at the end of the hall, looking stern and commanding.
"All Royal Selection candidates, please gather in the front."
His formal announcement prompted everyone to start assembling.
The knights, dressed in white uniforms, gathered on the left. The high-ranking officials, dressed in black, gathered on the right. The Royal Selection candidates formed a line at the front of the platform.
"I..." Emilia hesitated.
She still felt uneasy about Fang Li's presence.
She worried that he might disrupt the proceedings.
Ultimately, it was Fang Li who provided her with the reassurance she needed.
"I'll just stay out of trouble."
That was not the most comforting answer. But Emilia knew that once Fang Li made up his mind, he would follow through.
So she could only ask him one more thing.
"Please, be careful and don't cause any trouble."
With that, Emilia walked forward to join the other candidates. Meanwhile, as Fang Li began to move, a hand suddenly appeared on his shoulder.
"I knew you would be here."
The voice belonged to Reinhard. Reinhard's arrival was not unexpected. If anyone could approach Fang Li without detection, it would be him.
"Reinhard, I see you're here," Fang Li responded.
"I was expecting you, but I never thought you'd arrive with Priscilla. I assumed you might be with Emilia or even Felt."
"Felt?" Fang Li turned his gaze forward.
The five Royal Selection candidates had gathered at the front of the platform, standing in a line.
Emilia stood furthest to the left, appearing composed and determined.
Priscilla stood beside her, holding her fan with her usual confidence and arrogance.
Next were two candidates Fang Li had yet to meet in person.
One was dressed in military attire with a long sword at her waist, sporting dark green hair, exuding an air of authority and order.
The other was dressed in a pink and white gown, with a bag slung over her shoulder, displaying an energetic and lively demeanor.
Looking at these two candidates, Fang Li spoke softly.
"So, those are Crusch-Karsten and Anastasia-Hoshin."
Crusch-Karsten.
The name was known throughout the kingdom and it was not just because she was a Royal Selection candidate.
Even without the title, this authoritative woman was one of the most renowned figures in the kingdom.
She was the Family Head of the Karsten family.
Karsten is a ducal family, ranked highest among the noble families in the entire kingdom. They have a close relationship with the royal family and have worked together to govern the kingdom. In this current era, without a royal family, the Karsten family holds the highest noble status in the kingdom.
At the young age of just over twenty, Crusch took over the position of Family Head of the Karsten family and was granted the title of duke. This alone is a testament to her high reputation and esteemed status.
As for Anastasia-Hoshin, she is less renowned in comparison. Anastasia is not originally from the kingdom but hails from a neighboring nation called Kararagi, known for its free-trade city.
In Kararagi, Anastasia founded her own trading company, and, starting as a low-level merchant, she climbed the ranks to establish a significant business presence. Her business acumen and success have earned her a name as an exceptionally talented merchant.
These two individuals, along with the support of Margrave's household in Emilia, and the leadership of Priscilla of the Barielle family, make up the four previously known Dragon Maidens.
As for the final Royal Selection candidate, that is none other than Felt.
Perhaps sensing Fang Li's gaze or having been watching him from the start, Felt and Fang Li locked eyes. Felt appeared somewhat nervous and unsure.
Seeing Felt in this state, Fang Li shrugged.
"So, Felt came after all?"
This suggests Fang Li's earlier words had an impact on Felt.
"You played a big part in that," Reinhard sincerely stated to Fang Li. "If it weren't for your influence, Felt might not have chosen to participate in the Royal Selection."
"Well, the famous 'Sword Saint' doesn't seem like someone who would know how to coax a young girl, so I just said whatever seemed fitting," Fang Li remarked, then turned his attention to another direction with a slight smile.
"I take it you two agree?"
In Fang Li's line of sight, two people dressed in the same white uniform as Reinhard's were approaching.
"Hello again, meow," Greeted the familiar catgirl, whom Fang Li had met at the mansion.
As for the other individual, he was a handsome young man with a thoughtful expression, his eyes fixed on Fang Li with a scrutinizing gaze.
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