Then came Emilia who arrived only.

The atmosphere in the room grew tense as some nobles and even Bordeaux hurled derogatory remarks at Emilia. Roswaal stepped forward to defend her, but Viu remained silent.

This unexpected silence from Viu perplexed those around him. Crusch, Felix, Wilhelm, Julius, Priscilla, and Felt all exchanged puzzled glances, wondering why he hadn't spoken up to support Emilia.

Emilia, standing in the center, took a deep breath. Despite the hateful glances and derogatory comments from the nobles, her voice was firm and steady.

- I, Emilia, seek the throne because I truly desire to bring change to Lugnica, she began. I want to unite people, to erase the prejudices based on appearance and origin, and to create a brighter future together.

As Emilia delivered her speech, Viu couldn't help but smile inwardly. He understood her dream and shared her vision of a better world. Despite the skepticism and mockery from the nobles, including Bordeaux, Viu continued to believe in Emilia's sincerity.

Meili, standing beside him, felt the same way. They both respected Emilia's determination to make a difference and chose not to intervene, giving her the space to express herself without interference.

The lack of intervention from Viu had not gone unnoticed. Those present in the room, particularly Crusch, Felix, Wilhelm, Julius, Priscilla, and Felt, couldn't help but wonder and question about Viu's inaction.

- Why isn't he doing anything? whispered Crusch, her eyes darting towards Viu, puzzlement evident on her face.

- It's strange, murmured Felix, a hint of concern in his voice. I wouldn't have expected Viu to stay quiet.

Wilhelm, his expression serious as always, regarded Viu with a thoughtful look.

- He must have his reasons for not intervening, I'm sure.

Julius and Priscilla, also intrigued by Viu's lack of action, exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and speculation.

Felt, now dressed in the elegant gown crafted by Viu, stepped forward defiantly, accompanied by Reinhard Van Astrea. Her status as Viu's adoptive sister and a candidate for the throne had silenced the derogatory remarks that would have once been aimed her way. True to her feisty nature, Felt was determined to assert herself.

As she stood in the center, her hands balled into fists, Felt prepared to deliver her speech with a defiant demeanor.

- I stand before you as a candidate for the throne, Felt began, her voice firm and uncompromising. Not because of my lineage or noble background, but because I have a vision for Lugnica.

Felt paused for a moment, scanning the room with determination in her eyes. Those present, including Crusch, Felix, Wilhelm, Julius, and Priscilla, listened intently.

- As a commoner, I have seen the struggles and hardships faced by many in our kingdom, Felt continued. And I vow, that if given the opportunity, she slammed a fist into her other hand with fierce determination, I will work relentlessly to improve the lives of all, regardless of their social status.

( For those who wonder why she doesn't say that she's going to destroy the royale, it's very simple: Viu told her that it's cooler to do it in action than in words to convince her.)

As Felt continued with her speech, Priscilla, true to her nature, attempted to stir up trouble. She provoked both Felt and Emilia, hoping to provoke a reaction from Viu.

Felt, quick to figure out the situation, had a realization. She understood that the reason Viu wasn't joining the exchange was because he had made a promise to allow her to face these challenges on her own.

With a mixture of determination and a hint of understanding, Felt addressed Priscilla, her voice firm but composed.

- Priscilla, you may have your own motives, but let me make one thing clear, Felt said, her eyes locking with the fiery Priscilla. I am not here to cause chaos or fight pointless battles. I will not be dragged into your games.

As Felt successfully diffused the tension and the situation settled, Viu's eyes met with Emilia's. He maintained his steadfast expression, communicating a silent message: 'I kept my promise. I didn't intervene.'

Emilia, understanding Viu's actions and the promise they had made, nodded subtly in response.

The subtle exchange between Emilia and Viu did not go unnoticed by those around them, including Anastasia, Julius, Crusch, and Wilhelm. Their watchful eyes caught the silent communication between the two, raising a few questions in their minds.

Wilhelm, in particular, observed this interaction with a mixture of curiosity and acknowledgment, understanding that there was more to their dynamic than met the eye.

Meanwhile, Crusch, Julius, and Anastasia all exchanged perplexed glances, silently wondering about the meaning behind Viu and Emilia's non-verbal communication. It was evident that something was going on between the two, something that went beyond the surface level.

With Roswaal signaling the start of the selection, Viu and Meili quietly rose from their seats. They moved away, their departure not going unnoticed by Roswaal, who seemed to have realized something in advance.

As Viu and Meili left, they found themselves under the watchful gaze of the Margrave, who appeared to have a deep understanding of the promise Viu had made to Emilia. The others, on the other hand, were left in the dark, still questioning the dynamics between Viu and Emilia.

Once they were safely in a secluded corridor, Meili turned to Viu with a hint of excitement in her eyes.

- She did great, Meili replied, referring to Emilia's performance. And she didn't have any knights by her side either.

Viu nodded, a proud smile forming on his lips.

- You're right, he agreed. It takes tremendous courage to stand alone in front of all those powerful figures and hold her own. Emilia is stronger than many give her credit for.

Viu raised an eyebrow, feigning interest.

- Well, well, if it isn't Julius, the 'finest' knight, he retorted with a touch of sarcasm. And what brings you here, interrupting our little conversation?

Julius, maintaining his composure, replied,

- Well, I couldn't help but notice the two of you leaving together. Is everything alright?

Viu chuckled softly, a small smirk on his face.

- Everything's fine, Julius. Just having a private discussion, nothing to concern yourself with.

Julius's gaze flicked between Viu and Meili, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

- I hope you're not up to something mischievous, he said, his tone light but with an undertone of caution.

Viu feigned innocence, placing a hand over his heart.

- Mischief? Me? Never, he said with a playful smile. We were simply discussing the selection. Isn't that right, Meili?

Meili chuckled and nodded in agreement.

- That's right, she chimed in. Just discussing the candidates and whatnot. Nothing out of the ordinary, I assure you.

- All the more so Julius, there is nothing wrong with father and daughter talking.

Julius acknowledged this, his expression soft.

- Of course, there's nothing wrong with it, he replied. It's just a father-daughter conversation.

However, Julius's eyes remained fixed on Viu, a hint of suspicion lingering in his gaze. The conversation might have satisfied his curiosity for now, but there was something about Viu that still intrigued Julius.

But he noticed this and then left the stage with Meili, saying:

- Your curiosity is admirable but it concerns me and Emilia.

They left before disappearing. Julius watched as Viu and Meili left the scene, a hint of annoyance in his expression. Viu's comment about his curiosity and its relation to Emilia left Julius with an uneasy feeling.

- It concerns Emilia, huh, Julius murmured to himself, his mind filled with questions. Just what is going on between them?