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The atmosphere surrounding Fang Li, Reinhard, Julius, Ferris, and Al became charged with an intangible tension.
The three knights wore polite smiles that masked their assertive presence, while Al's face, hidden beneath his helmet, revealed little emotion. Fang Li, on the other hand, maintained his composure, calmly enduring the scrutiny of the four knights.
Fang Li wasn't Emilia's knight, and the others had mistakenly assumed that he supported Emilia. However, if Fang Li were to choose a side, it would undoubtedly be Emilia's.
Furthermore, denying involvement in the Royal Selection at this moment would damage Emilia's reputation.
Emilia already faced criticism due to her status as a silver-haired Half Elf and her position was delicate.
If, at this moment, Fang Li, seen as a formidable opponent by the other Royal Selection candidates' Knights, openly declared he wasn't Emilia's supporter, it would greatly damage her reputation.
"I thought a formidable opponent had appeared."
"And he turns out not to be a supporter?"
"A silver-haired Half Elf truly doesn't deserve to have supporters."
"No one would want to be the supporter of such a person, right?"
"This Royal Selection candidate is just that."
Similar thoughts would undoubtedly occur in many people's minds.
Therefore, Fang Li couldn't allow Emilia to be looked down upon in this situation.
At this moment, a solemn atmosphere suddenly filled the audience hall.
At this moment, the room suddenly quieted as the group's attention shifted to the entrance of several elders entering the hall. The elderly figures walked slowly, their appearance commanding respect due to their distinguished status.
At the center of the group stood a bearded elder with long white hair. Reinhard leaned toward Fang Li and whispered an introduction.
"That elder is Sage Council's representative— Miklotov."
The Sage Council is the highest authority in the kingdom, acting as an advisory body to the King. Even before the disappearance of the royal family, the Sage Council held significant power, controlling the government's actual affairs.
The King's primary role was to maintain the covenant with the dragon, making the King more of a liaison than a true ruler. The Sage Council wielded more authority, explaining why the Dragon Maidens, or candidates for the throne, held such a prestigious position.
Miklotov's arrival symbolized the peak of authority in the current kingdom without a monarch. Thus, Miklotov held the most influential voice in matters of governance.
As the members of the Sage Council entered, Julius prepared to lead the group.
"Let's join the gathering," Julius said, brushing back his hair with a smile.
Ferris chimed in playfully, "Yeah, Ferri-chan doesn't want to upset those Grandpas."
"It could be troublesome," Al agreed, shifting his helmet.
Reinhard added, "We'll have plenty of time to talk in the future."
The four knights and Fang Li exchanged knowing glances. Then, with Fang Li's calm nod, they formed a line and moved toward their designated positions.
Their formation mirrored the arrangement of the Royal Selection candidates at the front of the stage, representing each candidate's supporters.
Once in place, the gathering fell silent as a middle-aged knight stepped onto the platform.
"I am Marcos, captain of the Royal Guard," He announced loudly.
The captain of the Royal Guard had previously stood at the entrance, ensuring order.
"Thank you all for attending today's gathering," Marcos continued. "We have assembled the esteemed members of the Sage Council here to discuss and announce the Royal Selection process to choose the next King."
Marcos's commanding gaze swept over the attendees as the proceedings continued.
"The situation began six months ago when the royal family, led by the late king, passed away one by one. This resulted in the near extinction of the kingdom's royal line, causing a crisis of unimaginable proportions. I don't need to emphasize how grave this situation is."
"A kingdom without a king is the greatest challenge any country can face. Moreover, for the Dragon Kingdom of Lugnica, the king's presence is integral to maintaining the covenant with the dragon. Without a ruler who can fulfill the role of Dragon Maiden, the kingdom will lose its connection with the dragon, a matter of utmost significance."
"Given this situation, to continue the covenant with the dragon and secure our agreement during the upcoming Dragon Ceremony, we of the Royal Guard have followed the Sage Council's orders to search for those chosen by the Dragon Stone to become Dragon Maidens and support them in taking up the throne."
"Now, all five Dragon Maidens have been found."
After stating this, Marcos turned his gaze to the five Royal Selection candidates standing at the front of the hall.
"Please present your Dragon Stones."
At this, the candidates simultaneously displayed their emblems.
"Clang!"
In the next moment, the jewels embedded in the center of their emblems shone with blinding light.
"Oooh!"
Exclamations and murmurs of amazement echoed through the hall.
Marcos maintained his solemn demeanor as he continued, "As you can see, these five candidates all possess the natural talent to become Dragon Maidens."
Marcos then turned towards the wall carved with dragons and bowed.
"Please reveal the Dragon History Stone!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the wall's dragon patterns began to tremble, emitting a brilliant glow.
"This is..."
From his position in the hall, Fang Li could sense the presence of a powerful and mysterious force beginning to emerge.
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