Arriving at their destination, Viu entrusted Otto with the mission of waiting for them and in case there was any unforeseen event, he gave him one of the seals of the Irufurito house before leaving with Meili to their reserved place. On the way, they met Crusch Karsten, Duchess of the House of Karsten accompanied by Felix and Wilhelm. He knelt down and kissed her hand.

- Good morning! I'm glad you're doing well.

Crusch, Duchess of House Karsten, smiled warmly as Viu knelt down to kiss her hand. Her two companions, Felix and Wilhelm, stood beside her, their expressions respectful.

- Good morning to you as well, Crusch replied, her voice smooth and composed. And yes, I am doing quite well, thank you for asking. How about you, Viu ?

- Apart from a chaotic event in the Irufurito district and an unpleasant encounter with Miss Barrielle, fortunately nothing serious.

Crusch nodded, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

- I see. I heard about the disturbance in the Irufurito district. It's reassuring to know that it didn't escalate too much.

Felix, a small smirk on his face, chimed in :

- And encountering Miss Barielle? That must have been a real treat, I'm sure.

- To put it simply, she is unfortunately one of those people with high pride whose events give her reason to be like that, Ferris-chan.

Felix chuckled softly at Viu's words, nodding in agreement.

- Ah, you're spot on about that, he said, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. Miss Barielle does have a certain... haughty air about her.

Wilhelm, his gaze fixed on Viu, added,

- But I have to say, it's admirable the way you handle these encounters. With your cool demeanor, you seem to take it all in stride.

- You see me honored. I would just say-

Suddenly a knight led Viu and Meili to their place.

- Please excuse me and good luck with the royal selection, Crusch!

Once the two were seated, they waited for the candidates to gather in the center: Crusch, Emilia, Felt, Priscilla and Anastasia. Viu identified the knights of the latter: Felix for Crusch, Al for Priscilla, Julius for Anastasia, and Reinhard for Felt. Marcos now announces that the ceremony will take place. Then the wise men whose leader is Miklotov ask the 5 candidates as dragon maiden originally had to give the reasons why they should accede to the throne of Lugnica since a year ago, the royal family had been decimated by an unknown disease.

Miklotov, standing in front of the five candidates, addressed them with a serious expression.

- Candidates, we begin the ceremony by asking each of you to state why you wish to ascend to the throne of Lugnica. Please speak your reasons clearly.

The first to step forward was Crusch accompanied by her knight Felix Argyle. Crusch, her figure standing tall, began speaking with poised confidence.

- I, Crusch Karsten, seek to become the next ruler based on the merits of my experience, wisdom, and the strength of my convictions, she said, her voice projecting clearly though the room. I believe my leadership would bring peace and prosperity to Lugnica, and I will work tirelessly to protect its people and its future.

From his seat, Viu carefully observed Crusch, his gaze assessing her words and demeanor. He understood her intent to build a strong and independent Lugnica, but the idea of cutting ties with the Great Dragon, especially during a time of crisis, seemed imprudent to him.

Beside him, Meili, her sharp eyes taking in the scene, concurred with Viu's thoughts, her expression a mix of concern and agreement.

Priscilla Barielle stepped forward, her regal presence commanding immediate attention.

- I, Priscilla Barielle, seek the throne because, simply put, I am the most suited individual to lead and uplift Lugnica, she said, her voice tinged with arrogance and confidence. My beauty, elegance, and unique circumstances make me the most qualified to guide this kingdom into a new era.

Viu's clenched fists betrayed his mixed feelings as he listened to Priscilla's declaration. Indeed, he couldn't ignore the fact that she possessed great power and determination beneath her arrogant exterior.

Her past experiences in Vollachia had undoubtedly shaped her into a force to be reckoned with, and Viu couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at the thought of her ascending to the throne. Her drive and spirit seemed wasted in that role, in his mind.

Anastasia Hoshin stepped forward, her composed demeanor exuding a sense of confidence. At her side, Julius Juukulius stood silently, his expression serious.

- I, Anastasia Hoshin, seek the throne for two primary reasons, she began. I wish to bring economic growth and prosperity back to Lugnica, and I aim to make it stronger on the international stage.

( I wonder if I should say that she wants to own everything. Nah, already seen in other fanfics. )

Viu thought it was fortunate that a few days earlier he had found her speech of greed null, otherwise he could have had a heart attack. He had nothing against Anastasia's greed. No, the life of a merchant and trader was never easy but it was not a market but the future of the royal.

Viu felt a strange mix of emotions as he listened to Anastasia's declaration. While he had no issue with her greed, considering her profession as a merchant and trader, the thought of someone with such a mindset sitting on the throne was unsettling.

He couldn't help but think that leading a country required a certain degree of selflessness and the ability to make decisions for the greater good, rather than being solely focused on personal gain.

To be continued