This was the first time Emilia had heard someone praise her beauty.
Her appearance was identical to that of the Jealous Witch Satella, both being silver-haired, purple-eyed half-elves.
These facial features caused people to feel fear and disgust towards Emilia, viewing her as a potential threat.
Many people shunned, feared, and rejected Emilia simply because of her appearance, unwilling to interact with her.
As a half-elf, Emilia's perception was extremely sharp, and she could tell that You Te was not lying and was praising her from the bottom of his heart.
It was… just so embarrassing.
If there weren't so many people around, she would have wanted to crouch down with her head in her hands.
"Emilia, where are you planning to go?" You Te did not know the thoughts in the young girl's heart and asked with a smile.
"I… I'm planning to go to the Sage Council," Emilia said softly.
The Sage Council is a group that manages the country in place of the King when the Lugnica Kingdom's royal family is present or absent; nominally, it is an advisory body, but the actual operation of the country relies heavily on the Sage Council.
"What is Lady Emilia going to see those old men for, meow?" Felix's cat ears twitched, looking very adorable.
Emilia hesitated for a moment but still said, "Because of some matters concerning the Royal Selection."
"I see, meow."
You Te subtly glanced at Felix, who was asking despite knowing the answer.
He knew Felix was trying to gather information for Kuerxiu.
"It's still quite a distance from here to the inner city. If Emilia doesn't mind, we can give you a ride," You Te said with a smile, and though he said so, he had already stepped aside, making a gesture to invite her.
"This… that's too much trouble." Emilia initially wanted to refuse, but seeing how polite he was, she found it hard to decline.
You Te's smile did not fade:
"No trouble at all, it's only right to help each other when out and about."
"Then… alright." Emilia bowed slightly, then smiled and said, "I will repay you if I get the chance in the future."
"Mm-hmm, it's a deal." You Te chuckled and nodded.
Immediately, the three of them boarded the dragon carriage.
Under Felix's command, the guards drove towards the inner city.
Inside the dragon carriage.
You Te and Felix sat together, while Emilia sat alone opposite them.
"Emilia's hair is truly beautiful," You Te exclaimed, admiring Emilia's long silver hair with appreciative eyes.
Felix blinked his large, sparkling eyes and glanced at You Te, who had a slight smile on his face.
No one in the entire Kingdom would think silver hair was beautiful.
This was the innate fear people had of the Jealous Witch, who had almost destroyed the world.
But Lord You Te seemed to really like Lady Emilia.
He had been praising her ever since they met.
"Tha… thank you." Emilia felt her cheeks getting hotter, as if two burning flames were on them.
A warm current flowed into her heart.
Ever since she was unfrozen from the ice, she had been subjected to the world's disgust.
She had endured countless cold stares.
But all girls have a love for beauty.
Especially a pure, beautiful young girl like Emilia, who hadn't had much contact with men.
A few compliments were enough to completely captivate her.
You Te carefully observed Emilia's subtle changes in expression, thinking to himself that this was definitely the most innocent and easily deceived female lead.
If only all girls in the world were so easy to coax.
You Te then began to change the subject, not praising her too much, as that might backfire and make him seem insincere.
As the three conversed, the dragon carriage arrived at the inner city gate.
This dragon carriage belonged to the Karsten Dukedom, and its emblem was prominent and majestic.
Upon seeing this familiar dragon carriage, the guards immediately stood at attention and respectfully let it pass without much scrutiny.
The dragon carriage moved smoothly on the even road, its wheels rolling with a soft sound.
Soon, the dragon carriage stopped in front of a magnificent building.
This building was tall and grand, with solemn pillars like giant arms supporting a majestic portico.
Golden carved decorations glittered in the sunlight, showcasing nobility and luxury.
"Emilia, please be careful when getting off," You Te's gentle voice sounded. He was the first to step out of the dragon carriage, his posture tall and elegant.
Then, he extended his hand, very gentlemanly assisting Emilia as she disembarked.
During this process, the two inevitably had some physical contact.
You Te felt Emilia's body was soft, as light as a cloud.
And a captivating fragrance wafted towards him.
"…Thank you." Emilia was flattered, a slight ripple appearing in her heart, and her good impression of You Te grew stronger.
Unlike the Border Earl Roswaal, You Te was the first male who was genuinely kind to her.
The innocent Emilia didn't think much of it, only that he was a very good person.
Felix, who was usually talkative, remained mostly silent throughout, instead observing the two with a scrutinizing gaze.
He felt a subtle unease.
You Te wouldn't be joining Emilia's faction, would he?
This would undoubtedly be the worst news.
Emilia's referrer was Border Earl Roswaal L. Mathers, one of the Kingdom's most powerful mages, serving as the Chief Court Mage.
If the Sword Holder You Te were added to that.
It's no exaggeration to say that unless the Sword Saint Reinhardt intervened, their combined strength would be enough to walk unhindered throughout the Kingdom.
But Reinhardt seemed uninterested in the Royal Selection, remaining indifferent to the olive branches extended by the other three Royal Selection Candidates besides Emilia.
His reasons for refusal were always differing ideologies.
After politely thanking the two, Emilia walked into the Sage Council's office building.
Her figure appeared exceptionally elegant in the spacious and bright hall, with sunlight streaming through the large windows, as if draping her in a golden glow.
Emilia walked slowly along the long corridor, her footsteps softly echoing in the quiet space.
The decorative paintings and exquisite sculptures on the walls seemed to speak of the solemnity and sanctity of the place.
Finally, she reached the innermost office.
Pushing open the door, a simple yet dignified space came into view.
Sitting in the office chair was a kind old man with a white beard, his face amiable, his eyes revealing a gleam of wisdom.
"Lord Macrotov," Emilia bowed slightly.
"Emilia, you've arrived," Macrotov's eye wrinkles slightly lifted, smiling with particular kindness.
After they exchanged pleasantries for a while, Emilia asked:
"May I ask why Lord Macrotov sought me out?"
Upon hearing this, Macrotov stroked his beard: "Does Emilia know about the new prophecy on the Dragon Calendar Stone?"
"Roswaal told me," Emilia replied softly. "The Dragon Calendar Stone prophesies that there will be five Royal Selection Candidates in the Kingdom, but currently there are only four."
"Indeed, let's set that aside for now."
Macrotov nodded: "There is a very important matter now."
He paused, then said gravely, "The contemporary Sword Holder of the Sword Holder Family has appeared."
"Sword Holder Family? Sword Holder?" Emilia was confused.
Macrotov immediately recounted the history of the Balk Family and its connection to the Kingdom.
Finally, he said somewhat seriously, "The first King of the Lugnica Kingdom was able to establish the Kingdom precisely with the help of the first Sword Holder."
"Therefore, you can try to recruit this Sword Holder."
Emilia listened attentively and nodded heavily, but then asked in confusion, "Why is Lord Macrotov helping me?"
Upon hearing this, Macrotov smiled without speaking, showing no intention of answering.
Seeing this, Emilia did not dwell on it, but instead asked, "What is this Sword Holder's name?"
"You Te."
"You Te · Balk."
"You Te?" Emilia was surprised to hear the name.
Wasn't this the knight who had just praised her beauty?
Felix said You Te was Kuerxiu's older brother.
What was the relationship between their two families?
Could it be that he had already joined Kuerxiu's faction?
Thinking of this, Emilia felt inexplicably upset.
It wasn't that she was upset You Te had followed another Royal Selection Candidate… how to put it, it just felt uncomfortable.
She had finally met someone who didn't look at her with colored glasses, someone who could become a friend…
"What's wrong, Emilia?" Macrotov asked curiously, seeing her expression of anxiousness.
"Nothing… nothing…" Emilia shook her head, forcing a smile.
After thanking Macrotov again, she turned and left.
Stepping out of the office, Emilia let out a breath.
She had talked with Macrotov for about an hour.
You Te and the others should have left by now.
Shaking her head slightly, Emilia walked straight out.
Then her face showed surprise.
At the entrance.
You Te was alone, waving at her.
"Emilia, it's time for lunch. Want to join?"