The Knights' Battle

In a vast training ground.

The spectator stands were already packed. When word spread that the vice-captain was going to put a newcomer through his paces, knights had flocked over to watch.

Several Royal Selection candidates were among them. Learning about a rival's guardian knight was valuable intelligence.

In a quiet area that had been cleared for them.

Priscilla wore a magnificent red dress. Her vivid orange hair was pinned back, and her chest was full enough to tuck the folding fan in her hand between her breasts.

Proud and imperious, she raised the red fan to cover her alluring lips and studied the two people facing off below.

"Heh! So that's the knight the silver-haired half-elf found? There's nothing special about him at all!"

"Your Highness! You can't judge someone by appearances. That young man might have strengths we can't see!"

Priscilla snapped her fan shut.

"Al! Do you think I need to look for other people's strengths?

"The whole world revolves around me. I am its sun, and every mortal depends on my light to see!"

Al tapped the solid helmet covering his head. It gave a hollow thud.

He had known she would answer like that. It was what made her Priscilla.

Meanwhile, Crusch Karsten watched Subaru Natsuki with sharp eyes. Her long dark-green hair, narrow amber eyes, and dignified bearing made her a striking beauty in men's clothes.

"There's something off about that boy."

She was one of the Dragon Kingdom's five candidates for the throne.

As head of the ducal House of Karsten, she also commanded considerable influence throughout the kingdom.

Called a born leader, she had become head of her house at a young age. Her charisma made her the strongest contender in the Royal Selection.

Crusch prided herself on her eye for people,