Captain Cyril caught Cerulean's gaze and it seemed that from the start he never thought I would win.
If that's the case, then what on earth could it be that he wants? I tilted my head in wonder.
"What do you want from me, Captain Cyril?" (Fia)
Captain Cyril put on a serious expression and stared at me.
"I would like you to use the Sacred Stone to surpass Saint Rose in just one of the three tests. If you were raised under the Queen Dowager, you should have grown into the type of person who would never consider losing, no matter what the challenge. Therefore, if you are defeated even once, I hope that Saint Rose will be shaken by this fact and will not be able to perform at her usual strength." (Cyril)
I see. It's a psychological strategy that focuses on the idea that if I, who have no track record, were to suddenly use some amazing magic, Rose would be surprised and unable to use magic properly.
"Of course, in that case, in order to avoid any inconvenience to your future, make sure that everyone sees you using the Sacred Stone except Saint Rose." (Cyril)
That's good. Furthermore, if Saint Priscilla or the other saints were to see my power, they might become shaken or intimidated, not realizing that it was the power of the Sacred Stone after all. It would be counterproductive if, as a result, they were no longer able to perform at their usual level.
"There probably isn't a big difference in the abilities of Saint Priscilla and Saint Rose. Therefore, if there is a clear difference even once out of the three times, that should be the final difference." (Cyril)
"Well, to come up with such a plan, Captain Cyril is quite a schemer, right?" (Fia)
As expected of Captain Cyril. It's not flashy, but he's thinking of a way to make sure wishes come true. While I was impressed, Captain Cyril continued with a gentle suggestion for me.
"If all goes well, you may withdraw at any time. This will, as Cerulean requested at the beginning, let the Queen Dowager and Saint Rose know that there is a powerful and threatening saint in this world, so it should act as a deterrent to them." (Cyril)
Hmm, that's the problem, right?
"I understand Captain Cyril's wishes. However, I don't know if Saint Rose is suitable to become a First-ranked Saint. I don't know whether it's right to interfere in the impartial First-ranked Saint selection meeting like this." (Fia)
Was it possible that Saint Rose was a truly fine saint? Or, even if Saint Rose was a powerful saint, should she not still be chosen as First-ranked Saint since she is descended from the Queen Dowager? If that is the case, shouldn't the selection method be changed in the first place so that ideology and faction are also checked at the First-ranked Saint selection committee?
Many questions began to arise in my mind, and even though I expressed opinions that completely rejected Captain Cyril's plan, the captain didn't show any signs of discomfort, but rather a troubled look appeared on his face.
"...That's a very fair point of view, huh?" (Cyril)
Then, Captain Cyril continued speaking, seeming to think deeply.
"Fia, I am aware that I lack a fair and dispassionate perspective on this matter... but as you say, perhaps the act I am about to carry out is itself unforgivable." (Cyril)
The amazing thing about Captain Cyril was that even when he heard an opposing opinion, he didn't immediately reject it, but instead he first thought about it and considered it. And if he thought it's right, he would try to accept it, so it's not an easy thing to do.
While I was admiring this, Captain Cyril stared into space and seemed to be thinking about something. However, he immediately shook his head slightly and made a new suggestion, saying, "In that case."
"How about leaving it up to you to decide how Fia will act in the selection meeting? If you feel that you should not interfere in the selection meeting, you can simply abstain without using the Sacred Stone. I would like you to participate in the selection meeting with the mindset of just observing." (Cyril)
"Huh, is that okay?" (Fia)
Thinking that that was quite an extraordinary offer, I asked again, and Captain Cyril nodded with a serious expression.
"Fia, I respect your opinion on the saints. Your opinion that no artificial actions should be brought into the Selection Committee is also perfectly reasonable. You are probably the calmest person in this situation. ...I act because I believe that my thoughts are in the best interest of the country, but perhaps I am not thinking hard enough and am not making the right decisions." (Cyril)
In other words, judging from what had been said so far, it seemed that Captain Cyril had some kind of conflict with the Queen Dowager and that this was influencing his thinking.
"Am I participating in the selection committee with the intention of just observing?" (Fia)
For me, it's just a fun event.
"In that case, I won't be known as a saint in the future, and I'll be able to continue working as a knight, right?" (Fia)
If only the selection committee members could see the selection meeting, it would not be seen by the general public. Furthermore, if I could make arrangements so that the other saints besides Saint Rose don't see me using magic, then only a very limited number of people would ever see me.
It was what Captain Cyril meant when he said earlier that "Even if Fia participates, her abilities will not leak out."
"When you participate in the selection meeting, only your name will be publicly known, so no one will associate you with the knight. On the other hand, when the selection meeting is over and the rankings are decided, the appearance of the saints will also be made public. However, if you withdraw midway, there will be no way to rank you, so no one will be able to see your appearance." (Cyril)
It's times like these that I could trust Captain Cyril's competence. There's a proven track record, and if the captain was firm in saying so, I could be sure that he'd keep his promise.
"That's very good! By the way, just to confirm, I understand that the saints cannot see me using the Sacred Stone. Can I see the saints' magic?" (Fia)
Captain Cyril nodded seductively with a big smile on her face.
"Of course, Fia, you can look at it as much as you want." (Cyril)
I heard that the First-ranked Saint selection meeting was held once every few decades. If that was the case, it would be some time before we would see some of the most powerful saints in our country gather together in one place, and we would probably never again have a chance to witness their powers from a special seat. In other words, this offer was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me.
"I see, I understand." (Fia)
I let out an emotional voice and nodded vigorously.
"If Captain Cyril and Cerulean are in such dire straits that you want me to join them, it would be cold of a friend to turn my back on their wishes!" (Fia)
Yes, I was friends with two of them. And friends were there to help each other. In front of Captain Curtis, I tried to keep a straight face, but a grin just kept creeping up my face.
"Lady Fi!" (Curtis)
Seeing me like that, Captain Curtis let out a cry of despair, but I continued speaking without replying.
"I'll be at the selection meeting!" (Fia)
The moment he said that decisively, I saw Captain Curtis staggered.