"Absurd! Do you even understand what you're saying?" Bordeaux's composure and dignity, cultivated from years in high office, finally shattered.
His chest heaved as he stood there flustered, his trembling finger pointed at Emilia.
"She's a half-devil! How could a mere half-devil ever become ruler of the Kingdom of Lugunica!"
Seeing this, Adam's brows furrowed slightly.
He vanished from his spot, materializing before Bordeaux in an instant, sword drawn to strike!
The target — the finger pointing at Emilia!
It was blocked. By Reinhard!
"This is the Assembly Hall. You're being too impulsive. Why would you do this, Adam?"
"As expected of someone who could rush over from such a distance to block my sword." Adam praised, then explained, "When one's lord is insulted, it's a Knight's duty to deliver punishment, isn't it? Especially when someone speaks disrespectfully to their better — they should face severe consequences. I'm sure Commander Marcos would agree."
Then he addressed the shaken Bordeaux.
"Just as Miklotov keeps reminding you — mind your words, my lord! Next time, there might not be anyone to save you."
His words carried both warning and threat, killing intent unconcealed.
"Ugh...!" With the cold gleam of the blade so close, Bordeaux turned pale and fell silent.
Just like the minister who had been overwhelmed by Roswaal's powerful presence earlier.
"Well then, let me answer the Council of Wise Men member's question." Adam sheathed his sword and turned to say, "To you all, my words must sound like the ravings of a madman, the dreams of a lunatic. But hear this: Emilia will become ruler — she absolutely will! You need only listen quietly and accept the orders of the ruler I serve!"
The man on the platform defied common sense.
With his willful, arrogant demeanor and seemingly mad behavior, he shattered everyone's preconceptions about Emilia, disrupting the dark atmosphere that had surrounded the half-elf girl.
Yet this display only lowered their opinion further, deepening their contempt for Emilia.
However, as a certain god of conquest once said:
[Even negative affection, under specific conditions, can be reversed into an equal amount of positive affection.]
{T/N: In other words, "Whether praised or criticized, what matters is being talked about. Once someone's image is firmly planted in people's minds, it becomes easier to turn their feelings positive, regardless of their initial impression."}
And Adam had already laid plans for these specific conditions.
The White Whale, the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, the Sin Archbishop of Greed, the Great Rabbit — all these world-threatening calamities would be eliminated. Through praising Emilia's achievements, she would gradually win the people's acceptance.
Just like Natsuki in the Pride route, transferring all these accomplishments to Emilia!
Though caution was needed — forcing growth too quickly would create a gap between her abilities and her position.
"Interesting, interesting, truly interesting, Al!" Priscilla licked her red lips, thoroughly enjoying Adam's performance.
Arrogant and confident, he spoke his mind freely, ignoring others' opinions and forcing submission through his unyielding attitude.
Most importantly, she sensed something in this man that mirrored her own nature.
— It was exactly the same as the Divine Protection she herself possessed!
"Well well, that was quite the shocking statement, brother... Being targeted by The Princess isn't exactly a good thing."
Al's words made it clear — more than the Council of Wise Men's difficult attitude, he worried about his princess's malicious interest in Adam.
This man showed not the slightest respect for Lugunica's ruling powers.
"Hmm, I sense no lies in his words." Crusch had the ability to easily detect if someone was lying.
This meant Adam held absolute confidence in Emilia becoming ruler — or rather, in his mind, it was an inevitability.
"Felix, you know him, don't you?"
"Yes, nyaa." Felix twitched his cat ears, pressing a finger to his lips thoughtfully. He whispered in Crusch's ear, "I met him before with Old Man Wilhelm, nyaa. Old Man Wilhelm spoke highly of him, saying he's a powerful and ambitious swordsman. I sensed vast holy power within him, equal to mine, though he's not skilled in Gate healing. That's all I know, nyaa."
"I see, thank you for the information, Felix." Though Crusch hadn't learned much, Adam's words had certainly caught her interest.
"What's with that guy, being so full of himself when I've never even heard of him before?" Anastasia blinked her large eyes, her gaze fixed on Adam with unmistakable desire.
Her boundless appetite for acquisition had been stirred by his presence — she radiated an aura of wanting to possess him completely.
Julius stood behind her silently, studying the man's imperious bearing.
"Yahaha, well said!" Felt threw back her head and laughed without a trace of ladylike behavior, clapping her hands, "I see you in a new light, mister. That's right, give these people a good slap in the face!"
"Adam..." Reinhard's face showed concern. He could sense the man's determination and knew he had preparations in place, but he couldn't help worrying about this arrogant display before the nobles.
"Emilia, step forward! Once again declare your position and aspirations! Make sure everyone here can hear your voice!" Adam called out to the somewhat dazed silver-haired half-elf girl.
Emilia remained silent for a moment, remembering what he had told her and their experiences together. She no longer ran away.
Coming to the center of the hall and worried some might not hear, she deliberately used Magic.
"I, Emilia, will build a peaceful and equal nation! Whether they be slaves, mixed-bloods, or half-elves, I will create a country without class discrimination!"
Her cool voice echoed throughout the royal hall, reaching everyone's ears clearly as she proclaimed her ideals once more.
"Well, that's how it is. Though they may look alike, Emilia is worlds apart from that witch. I hope you all won't rush to conclusions. Peace and justice have always been her wish! That concludes the statement from the lord I serve."
Adam finished his closing remarks.
At this moment, the entire Assembly Hall fell silent — so quiet that even the slightest footstep would create a harsh scraping sound.
Everyone maintained their silence, watching the two figures before them.
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