After Crusch, the other Royal Selection candidates each delivered their own declarations. The second to appear was a woman named Priscilla. She had long brown hair, wore a bright red formal gown, and carried herself with arrogant self-importance. She believed she could become King because of her divine protection. Thanks to Priscilla's protection, she would forever be a victor beloved by the world, so anyone standing at her side could obtain victory. Therefore, those who desired victory should follow her... or at least, that was what she herself claimed.
In Fang Zheng's view, though, it sounded more like the female version of, "I have the protagonist halo, so hurry up and bow before me."
Compared with Crusch's ideals and Priscilla's arrogance, the reason given by the third candidate, Anastasia, was much more practical—she was an outstanding merchant, and the Kingdom of Lugnica's finances had long since developed problems. (It was absolutely not Fang Zheng's fault for helping himself to some of it.) To replenish the kingdom's treasury, letting Anastasia, who possessed a merchant's talents, inherit the throne was clearly the best choice.
At least, that was true for the moment.
Next came Felt.
Holding up the elaborate-looking hem of her skirt, she strode forward, glanced around, then clasped her hands and apologized to Emilia.
"Sorry, Emilia. I have to break my promise."
"Huh?"
Emilia froze at Felt's response, but Felt had already turned to the others and continued speaking.
"To be honest, before I came here, I planned to give up on the Royal Selection. After all, the position of King didn't appeal to me at all, and it didn't mean anything to me... But..."
At that point, Felt clenched her teeth, baring her sharp little fangs as flames burned in her scarlet eyes.
"But my mind has changed now!