The Day of the Royal Selection

Julius felt the Rasengan spinning above his head with a rushing wind. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something.

But after a long moment, a hint of acceptance appeared in his eyes.

He wanted to argue with Subaru Natsuki. He could have come up with a rebuttal easily.

But everything had happened too fast. Almost as soon as he was dragged into the ground, the glowing sphere in Subaru Natsuki's hand was pressed against his forehead.

If this had not been a trial, he was certain the sphere would have slammed into his head. He would have been gravely injured, if not killed. He had Subaru Natsuki's restraint to thank.

"I lost!"

Having thought it through, Julius admitted his defeat without hesitation. He was not a knight who could not bear to lose.

Acknowledging defeat gracefully and learning with humility were part of the knight's code.

When those two words rang out, the entire arena fell silent.

A moment later, cheers erupted.

"Whoa! Incredible! The newcomer actually beat the vice-captain!"

"That match had my head spinning! Dazzling magic and strange fighting techniques—I didn't want to miss a second of it!"

Excited comments rose from every direction.

"How interesting. Truly interesting!"

Priscilla hid her mouth behind her folding fan, a glint of interest in her eyes.

"Al! What do you say we go down and meet this newly appointed knight?"

"My lady, perhaps we shouldn't."

He was afraid she would say something outrageous again if they went down there.

The light in Priscilla's eyes faltered.

"Al, you truly are a dull knight!"

With that, she gathered up her skirts and stormed off.

Balan watched her go and shook his head with a wry smile. An unreadable look crossed his eyes beneath his helmet.

He looked down at Subaru Natsuki, who