The Boundless Journey, Starting From Bofuri

Later, Takeru intentionally tested Beatrice's Nen Capacity. He found she could maintain Ken for over fifty minutes from the start, far more than when Takeru first activated Nen.

Looking at the somewhat tired little girl, Takeru shook his head with amusement. Nen was one's life energy, and using too much caused fatigue. But Beatrice also had mana and, as a spirit, she wouldn't lose combat ability outright, recovering relatively quickly.

Looking at Beatrice, Takeru felt some emotion. Compared to Takeru and others, beings like Beatrice had significant advantages. If Puck activated Nen, his ability might become even stronger, perhaps even rivaling Ram in his full form.

Of course, Takeru wouldn't help Puck activate Nen. He'd prefer to help Ram and Rem, but not now.

It wasn't that he worried about their control, but Ram's horn just recovered. Focusing on magic was better for now.

Additionally, Takeru hadn't manifested Ram and Rem yet. He wasn't sure how much their base stats would increase after Nen activation. If it's too high, he might not easily bring them to the main world...

Beatrice had a contract with him, and the evaluations and points were already deducted, so Takeru didn't worry. But for Ram and Rem, it could wait.

Then, Takeru had Beatrice test her Nen Type. The result was Transmutation, which Takeru had somewhat expected.

…

As time passed, two more days went by.

On this day, while Takeru was helping Felt and Beatrice practice magic or Nen in the courtyard, he sensed a dragon carriage approaching.

"Well, it seems we have guests." Sensing this, Takeru spoke thoughtfully.

Soon, the dragon carriage crossed the long courtyard, stopping before the mansion.

"My apologies for the intrusion. We come today with important matters for Roswaal-sama and Emilia-sama. Please inform them." Stopping the carriage, the elderly driver first nodded to Takeru and the others, then spoke directly to Ram, who was dressed as a maid.

They didn't know Takeru's identity but assumed he was connected to Roswaal.

Hearing him, Rem first glanced at Takeru, who lightly nodded.

"I understand. Please wait here." With Takeru's acknowledgment, Rem went to inform Roswaal.

Ram remained obediently behind Takeru.

Seeing Rem and Ram's actions, Wilhelm van Astrea and Felix Argyle realized the girls weren't Roswaal's maids but Takeru's.

Seeing Takeru, clearly of unusual status, at Roswaal's mansion, Felix was puzzled. He hadn't heard of Takeru and was meeting him for the first time.

While the two were puzzled, Takeru looked at the third visitor… Sakurajima Mai. He hadn't expected her to join Crusch's faction, and it seemed she had gained her trust.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have been sent here. Though Takeru knew her, she had no impression of him.

"Very rude, but is there something wrong with our companion, nya?" Seeing Takeru staring at Mai, Felix said, acting cute.

Seeing Felix's deliberate cuteness, Takeru just lightly shook his head. He knew this crossdresser… though cute and feminine in behavior, he was undoubtedly male.

"No, just sensing an unfamiliar power within her." Hearing him, Takeru evasively replied.

But to Mai, this was shocking. The power inside her was indeed different from this world… she trained Chakra. She hadn't expected Takeru to see through her at a glance.

Hearing Takeru, Felix wanted to ask more, but Ram emerged with Frederica.

"Apologies for the wait. Please follow me. Roswaal-sama awaits." Frederica respectfully spoke and gestured.

Hearing this, Felix and Wilhelm exchanged glances. Felix then led Mai into the mansion.

Beatrice, however, noticed something odd about Mai's shadow… traces of Nen.

Takeru was surprised to encounter Mai here, but they were in different factions now.

For some reason, Takeru didn't intend to greet her.

As for Mai, since she was unfamiliar with Takeru, she naturally wouldn't greet him either.

Shaking his head, Takeru took Beatrice and the others back to the courtyard to continue training. As for Wilhelm's group's purpose, Takeru knew it was about the Royal Selection.

Compared to the original work, Felt was now Takeru's sister, and he had no intention of letting her get involved in such messy affairs.

So, this Royal Selection would likely lack one candidate.

It seemed despite Felt's absence, the Royal Selection proceeded as usual due to plot inertia.

Noticing Takeru's group training, Wilhelm polished the dragon carriage, occasionally glancing their way. Takeru and the others paid no mind.

After about half an hour, Felix and Mai left the Roswaal Mansion under Frederica's farewell.

"Mai, do you know that man?" In the carriage, Felix asked Mai curiously.

"No, it's our first meeting." Hearing him, Mai quickly shook her head.

"I see. So, he truly saw through your special power, nya?" Hearing Mai, Felix said softly.

"That young man's strength shouldn't be underestimated. And the girl beside him, even that maid, gave me a sense of pressure." Suddenly, Wilhelm spoke softly.

"What? Even you say that, Gramps?" Hearing him, Felix said in surprise.

"Yes. If they belong to Emilia-sama's faction, it could be troublesome." Wilhelm added.

Hearing him, Felix realized the seriousness. Though appearing as a driver, the old man was the butler of the Karsten Household, Crusch's swordsmanship instructor, nicknamed [The Sword Devil], husband of the previous Sword Saint… Theresia van Astrea.

His strength was formidable. If Mai fought him, Wilhelm might kill her before she could react.

One reason was Wilhelm's true strength and another was his swordsmanship countered Mai, who wasn't even proficient with hand seals.

Of course, if they fought in a forest with distance, Mai might hold out briefly, but she'd likely lose to Wilhelm. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

…

Back at the mansion, after the three left, Takeru had Beatrice and Felt continue training. He took Ram and Rem inside.

They found Roswaal and Emilia discussing the Royal Selection. After being controlled by Takeru, Roswaal no longer intended to save his teacher Echidna, so he wasn't following the Gospel's guidance.

But Takeru had him continue supporting Emilia's candidacy.

Takeru's feelings towards Emilia were complex. He pitied this girl who wanted to become king to save those frozen in the Elior Forest.

He couldn't dislike such a gentle girl, nor could he interfere with her chosen path. This Royal Selection might help her grow.

"Lia, you're going to the capital tomorrow, right?" Looking at Emilia, Takeru spoke softly.

"Mm-hmm, yes. I've been summoned for the Royal Selection." Hearing Takeru, Emilia didn't hide it.

"I see. I understand. I'll go too." Hearing her, Takeru directly stated.

"Eh? But..." Hearing Takeru, Emilia became nervous.

"What's wrong? Don't you welcome me, Lia?" Hearing her, Takeru asked, puzzled.

"No, it's not that. You've already helped me so much. Getting you involved in the Royal Selection now..." Hearing Takeru, Emilia spoke anxiously.