The journey to the Council Hall was not long, yet almost everyone who saw Emilia wore expressions of terror.
That was hardly surprising. The story of the Witch of Envy was widespread throughout this country. Even people in the remote place where Emilia lived knew what the Witch of Envy looked like, so naturally, the people here could not possibly be unaware.
In the past, those stares might have made Emilia uncomfortable. But now, although her expression was still somewhat stiff, she was able to walk forward without hesitation.
Of course, everyone's reaction to Emilia was not solely because of her. It was also because of Fang Zheng behind her. Fang Zheng was not dressed in his usual noble attire today. Instead, he wore the armor of the Undead Legion, with the Pitch Black Greatsword strapped to his back and the Silver Dagger hanging at his waist. A triangular hat sat on his head, while a bright red scarf covered half his face. That bizarre outfit naturally drew everyone's attention as well.
Then, the doors opened.
As the doors swung open, the civil and military officials in the Council Hall turned around one after another. When they saw Emilia and Fang Zheng, they could not suppress their astonishment.
"What is this...?"
"Why is a half-demon here?"
"Reinhard, what kind of joke is this?!"
"This is no joke, everyone."
Facing the furious questioning of the civil officials, Reinhard remained calm.
"This is the final candidate for the Royal Selection that I mentioned."
"Stop spouting nonsense! A half-demon—how can a half-demon be a Royal Selection candidate?"
"This is blasphemy against Lugnica! Blasphemy against our ancestors!"
"First you brought in that brat from the slums, and now you've dragged in a half-demon? Reinhard, have you lost your mind?!"
The civil officials began accusing