Summary
Re:ZEROhas returned to mass critical acclaim and popularity thanks to the start ofseason 3 of the Isekai anime. As one of the most-watched animes of recent years, the show has to thank its array of intriguing and unique characters that offer a lot of personality for its success. In particular, the famed series has seen the Royal Selection candidates become integral characters in proceedings as the fight for the throne of Lugunica heats up as the story progresses.
In total,Re:ZEROhasfive candidates vying for the crown, each having distinctive personas that make some more suitable for the role than others. In the anime, as of season 3, each candidate has shown their potential, with their actions in the show offering a glimpse into their potential leadership skills as they aim to rule a kingdom and its royal subjects.
5Priscilla Barielle
An Evil And Vindictive Candidate Who Fails To Respect Others
While only appearing in a few episodes so far, Priscilla Barielle has shown to be a monstrous individual who lacks the goodwill and integrity to rule the land of Lugunica. At the start of the Royal Selection process, Priscilla stakes her claim for the throne, declaring that her enemies and royal subjects should grovel at her feet, with the princess showing no regard for the wellbeing of others. While operating as vile, vindictive, and a bully, Priscilla holds a lot of power,ranking as one of the strongest candidateswhen it comes to combat.
When Subaru Natsuki finds Priscilla in a back alley, the princess shows a total lack of respect for the protagonist, with Priscilla hurling insults all the way to the Royal Castle. Despite having the knight Al by her side, Priscilla’s unpleasant demeanor towards everyone she interacts with makes the potential of her ruling a frightening prospect for the nation.
4Felt
A Brash Thief Who Has Little Care For The Throne
Despite being the furthest thing from a stereotypical royal candidate, Felt happens to be one of the many contenders for the throne of Lugunica. Initially starting as a low-level thief lurking in the slums, Felt has seen a prominent rise throughout society despite much being against her will. Found to be a contender through Emilia’s insignia, Reinhard van Astrea, the strongest knight in the land,plucked the young girl from obscurityto the heights of the royal capital.
When presented at the Royal Selection process, Felt made it abundantly clear her objection to taking the throne, showing no interest, although she qualified as a candidate. When putting out her mission statement, Felt declared her intention to destroy the nation and wreak havoc. However, considering her age, the newly found candidate would likely change her evil declarations as she matures. If Felt were to rule, the girl would have the valued sword of the honorable Reinhard by her side, who may be able to knock some sense into the young girl, altering her destructive thinking.
3Anastasia Hoshin
A Greedy Entrepreneur Aiming For The Top Spot In Lugunica
Becoming a senior member in Season 3 ofRe:ZEROis Anastasia Hoshin, an entrepreneur who seeks total power. Accompanied by the loyal and traditionalist knight, Julius Juukulius, Anastasia has mass support in the Royal Selection race, although her ruling ideology may cause issues for many. Possessed by greed, the candidate states that her goal of running the nation is to control everything she possibly can. Although Anastasia’s greed is apparent, the character has shown a welcoming attitude to gain what she wants.
After the Royal Selection process, Anastasia invites Subaru to a meeting. However, the character out-maneuvers the foreigner by extracting information that will benefit her, leaving Subaru lost as he gets outsmarted in negotiations. In terms of smarts, Anastasia ranks as one ofthe most intelligent candidates, with the successful businesswoman planning more deals in the latest season. As a result, Anastasia invites many of the candidates to her residence by offering information that piques their interest, highlighting her persuasion and negotiation skills, a hallmark of a strong ruler.
2Emilia
A Kind Half-Elf Intent On Saving Her People
As one of the anime’s main protagonists, Emilia’s story is the front and center of the narrative, with her goal of becoming the monarch being no secret. When Subaru discovers Emilia, the main protagonist fails to understand the public perception that comes with being a half-elf. However, Emilia has come a long way in overcoming the stigma of looking like the Witch of Envy, Satella. As a candidate, Emilia has the kindest heart, as she is sincere and caring towards others throughout her journey, despitethe negative attention she receives in return.
ThroughoutRe:ZERO, Emilia has shown development that has made the character more prepared for the role she wishes to inherit, with her growing party bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to help her rule. While Emilia strives to be the ruler to free her people who became frozen in the Elior Forest, Emilia has learned to care for the citizens of Lugunica, with her care and affection towards the people of Arlam Village and the Sanctuary being apparent. Those citizens Emilia saved at the end of season 2 begin to see the heroine in a more positive light.
1Crusch Karsten
A Heroic Leader Who Leads With Confidence And Experience
As far as leaders go, Crusch Karsten stands out entirely in her time in the anime, acting as House Karsten’s custodian and key decision-maker. In events thus far, the Duchess has demonstrated the intangibles needed to lead, particularlyduring her adventures with Subaruas they eliminated the White Whale and a section of the Witch’s Cult. The battle against the White Whale saw Crusch lead hundreds of warriors into combat, with the leader showcasing her willingness to lead as she even took up arms against the vicious beast, a key aspect a leader should possess.
In negotiations, Crusch appears shrewd and wise beyond her years, as Subaru initially found their alliance hard to come by, with Crusch doing the best she can for her people. Despite her overwhelming qualifications to rule Lugunica,Crusch suddenly loses her memoriesalongside Rem to the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, Lye Batenkaitos, in a sneak attack. Although the event leaves Crusch with limited memory, the leader of House Karsten still proceeds with her leadership, with her right-hand commanders Wilhelm van Astrea and Felix Argyle being there to aid in any potential leadership role.
