67) The Coronation Part 1
…
{3rd Pov}
Subaru let out a quiet sigh as he listened to Reina's decision. He had tried—truly tried—to help mend the shattered relationship between her and her family. But if she had now chosen to sever ties completely, he would stand by her without hesitation.
After all, she was the one who had endured the abuse—the one who had been belittled, insulted, and emotionally wounded by those she once called family.
He had no right to interfere in such a personal and painful choice.
As long as she could find happiness in her path forward, Subaru would accept whatever decision she made.
"Lord Zero... do you think I was wrong to end things with them?" Reina asked, biting her lower lip nervously, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
Subaru turned toward her, meeting her gaze with calm sincerity.
"No, Reina. I believe your decision was a wise one," he replied gently. "In fact, if I were in your shoes, I might have lashed out in anger. Compared to that, your composure was far more mature. And don't forget—you were the one who suffered. Not me. The final decision could only ever belong to you."
A flicker of happiness brightened Reina's face at his words, and for a moment, her uncertainty gave way to relief.
Subaru, however, couldn't help but sigh again inwardly. He had already noticed—Reina suffered from incredibly low self-esteem.
(A/N: He still hasn't realized she's a Yandere, now gradually evolving into a Goudere. lol)
She would bend over backward to fulfill any of his wishes, even if they went against her own desires. She would give everything for him, ask nothing in return, and he knew it.
But Subaru had no intention of taking advantage of her unwavering devotion. Instead, he resolved to help her grow—to help her find her own strength and independence.
Just as his own father once did for him.
…
Meanwhile, the Royal Castle was bustling with activity. Within two days the coronation ceremony was arranged, preparations were mostly done.
Nobles from the capital and distant regions alike were arriving in droves to witness the grand event. Even the Royal Knights had been summoned to participate in the ceremony.
As expected, all factions had gathered—except Anastasia's camp.
Among the political crowd, Heinkel, who had backed Felt in the Royal Selection, was clearly displeased by Reina's decision to become a knight under a foreigner's banner.
However, despite his dissatisfaction, Heinkel understood the precariousness of his position. That so-called "commoner" had slain the White Whale and defeated not one but two Sin Archbishops. The political scales were tipping, and he knew it.
Emilia, once the least favored candidate, had rapidly risen in popularity. Her standing now rivaled that of Anastasia and Crusch, much to the astonishment of the nobles.
Felt, on the other hand, had dropped to the lowest point in favorability.
'Thank the heavens she's a half-elf,' Heinkel thought bitterly. 'If even half of her accomplishments belonged to another camp, we would've been finished.'
The deeply ingrained stigma surrounding Emilia's identity remained the final barrier between her and absolute dominance in the Royal Selection. Were it not for her heritage, she might have already secured victory.
Crusch, meanwhile, waited quietly in the ceremonial hall, flanked by her loyal knight Felix. Wilhelm, her former Sword Saint and trusted companion, had chosen not to attend the coronation.
She had been informed of the falling out between him and Reina—his granddaughter—and though she hadn't spoken of it openly, it disturbed her deeply.
'To think that the Sword Saint would abandon his family so easily...' Crusch thought grimly. 'That Zero must be manipulating him. There's no other explanation.'
She couldn't bring herself to believe that Reina would cut ties with her grandfather and her family out of her own volition. The blame, in her mind, fell squarely on Zero.
She had come today not only to witness the coronation but also to observe Zero's demeanor and begin preparing a political strategy to counterbalance his rising influence.
Priscilla, on the other hand, stood watching the proceedings with a glint of amusement in her crimson eyes. Rather than being threatened by Zero's success, she found herself exhilarated.
His achievements did not daunt her—they intrigued her. Inspired her.
She had already formed her own plans, and they were bold.
She intended to make Zero her knight.
Soon, the ceremonial chamber was filled. One by one, the nobles, knights, and officials had arrived. Finally, the Emilia camp made its formal entrance.
The moment they crossed the threshold, all eyes turned toward them.
This time, Emilia walked at the front, exuding grace and quiet confidence. Behind her stood Zero—Natsuki Subaru—his hand gently clasping that of Beatrice. Walking just a step behind them was Reina, composed and regal.
At the rear of their formation, Roswaal followed, wearing his usual unreadable, neutral expression.
Geuse was absent from the gathering. Though he would have gladly joined them, his former identity as a Sin Archbishop made him a political liability. It had been deemed safer for him to remain behind—though had circumstances allowed, he would have accompanied Emilia alongside Echidna.
Rem, current Subaru's maid didn't come to attend this coronation either.
Rem, after all, was merely a maid. As such, she had no standing or entitlement to step foot inside the Royal Palace.
The nobles began murmuring among themselves, quiet voices growing steadily louder as glances were exchanged. The Royal Knights, standing at their posts, turned their watchful eyes toward Zero with suspicion and curiosity alike.
Even the Sages of the Council of Lugunica observed both Zero and Reina with the utmost solemnity, their expressions unreadable, as if attempting to discern their true motives and measure their presence.
The murmuring swelled in volume, a low hum of unrest threatening to overtake the chamber. Before it could descend into disorder, Miklotov stepped forward and raised his hand with authority.
"Everyone, please remain silent," he said firmly, and at once, the voices ceased.
"I understand that all of you are well aware of the reason we have assembled here today," Miklotov continued, his voice calm yet commanding, "but even so, I would like to remind everyone of the purpose behind this gathering."
He paused for effect, his gaze sweeping over the assembly.
"For four long centuries, the world has been plagued by the monstrous creations known as Mabeasts—creatures born from the hatred and madness of the Witch of Envy."
At the mention of the Witch of Envy, the room's attention instinctively shifted toward Emilia. She flinched slightly under their stares, but after a moment of visible discomfort, she took a steadying breath and composed herself with quiet dignity.
"We have, for generations, suffered devastating losses at the hands of these abominations," Miklotov resumed. "Most recently, one of the greatest of these threats—the White Whale—brought immense destruction to our lands."
He took a step forward, his voice rising with pride.
"But today, I am honored to announce that the White Whale has been defeated—slain in battle. And the one responsible for this monumental feat is none other than Zero, a proud ally of the Emilia Camp."
As murmurs of astonishment rippled through the hall, Zero stepped forward in response, calm and resolute.
Miklotov continued, "That is not the extent of his achievements. According to the Sword Saint herself, Zero also eliminated the Sin Archbishop of Sloth. This claim has been supported by verifiable evidence: the corpses of numerous Witch Cultists who attacked Arlam Village—territory under Lord Roswaal—were recovered and examined by the Knights."
The statement sent a jolt of surprise through the crowd. Gasps echoed across the chamber.
Roswaal stepped forward, his usual theatrical demeanor replaced by sincerity. "I can personally confirm that Zero valiantly defended my domain. He not only decimated the Witch Cult forces but also slew the Sin Archbishop of Sloth with his own hands."
Miklotov turned toward another figure. "Miss Crusch, may I ask you to verify this as well?"
Crusch's jaw clenched slightly at the request. What am I supposed to be? A living lie detector? she thought bitterly. Yet, despite her discomfort, she gave a small nod and stepped forward.
"He speaks the truth," she said clearly.
The audience collectively gasped, astonishment painted across every face. Crusch was not known for aiding her rivals. If even she vouched for Zero's accomplishments, then there could be little room left for doubt.
"Very well," Miklotov declared. "As for the White Whale, I trust there are no further doubts remaining. Its decapitated head was brought to the Capital several days ago and displayed for all to see. The proof was undeniable."
He turned to address the next matter. "Furthermore, Lady Reina has declared that her Lord—Zero—was also responsible for the death of the Sin Archbishop of Greed."
At this claim, murmurs once again surged through the crowd, this time louder and more incredulous than before. Tension thickened the air, and it was clear the audience could no longer restrain themselves.
A noble from the crowd finally stood up, his voice edged with skepticism.
"Lord Miklotov, if I may speak freely... Forgive me if this sounds discourteous, but are we truly certain that it was he who accomplished all these feats? And not the Sword Saint herself?"
The silence that followed was deafening.
All eyes were once again on Zero—and this time, the weight of the entire kingdom's judgment pressed down on him.
To be continued...
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