Chapter Text
Subaru walked into the grand dining room with Elsa by his side, feeling the tension in his body build with each step. The room was vast and elegant, decorated in a style befitting the mansion’s grandeur. It gave off an air of dignity that made him feel like he didn’t quite belong, especially with Elsa hovering just a little too close.
As they entered, Subaru’s eyes scanned the room. The first person he noticed was, of course, Emilia. She sat at the head of the table. She smiled warmly at him, though her gaze briefly flickered toward Elsa with a hint of concern. However, she didn't comment on it. Perhaps choosing to trust Subaru for now.
Standing beside Emilia was Ram, the maid who had shown Subaru to his room last night. She was the one with the pink hair and the sharp tongue, looking as uninterested as she was last night. Her twin, however, caught Subaru’s attention. The girl with blue hair looked nearly identical to Ram, but there was something softer in her expression, a certain calm that contrasted with her sister’s sharpness.
Then there was the little girl seated at the table, her blonde hair styled into elaborate drills that seemed far too fancy for someone her age. She was playing with Puck, giggling softly as Puck floated around her. The sight was oddly endearing, but Subaru had a sinking feeling this girl was not as harmless as she looked.
Subaru moved toward the table, and without hesitation, Elsa followed, her movements as graceful as ever. He could feel the weight of her presence, and though the staff didn’t seem to react to her, Subaru knew that it was only a matter of time before things got awkward.
He took a seat, trying to act casual, and Elsa, of course, sat right next to him, far too close for comfort. She smiled serenely, as if this was all completely normal.
Nobody, except Emilia, seemed to think anything of it. The staff didn’t know who Elsa was, and they didn’t know him either so they probably saw nothing strange in this new guest. Ram, her usual expression of indifference, glanced briefly at Subaru and Elsa but didn’t say a word. The blue haired maid gave a quick glance and resumed her duties. The little girl at the table was too absorbed in playing with Puck to notice much at all.
“Good morning, Subaru,” Emilia greeted, her tone soft and kind as always. Her eyes lingered on Elsa for a brief moment. “I see you’re… um, both up early.”
“Good morning, Emilia,” Subaru replied, forcing a smile despite the growing awkwardness in the room. “Yeah, just, uh... ready to start the day, I guess.”
Elsa’s presence next to him made every muscle in his body tense, but she merely gave Emilia a polite nod. “Good morning, Lady Emilia,” she said sweetly, her voice betraying none of her darker nature.
Emilia nodded politely, but Subaru could see the confusion and unease hidden in her eyes. Subaru tried to give her a reassuring look, but he knew they would have to talk about this eventually. Elsa's behavior was too unpredictable, and Subaru still wasn’t sure how to explain to Emilia that Elsa really was serious with the whole marriage thing.
The silence hung in the air for a moment before the little girl with the drill hair finally spoke up, her voice casual but sharp. “So, Betty takes it we have some new guests this morning, in fact?” She shot a glance at Subaru, then at Elsa, her eyes narrowing slightly with curiosity.
Subaru scratched the back of his head. “Yeah, uh, I guess you could say that.”
“And who might you be, I suppose?” the girl asked, her tone qustioning but serious.
Subaru hesitated. “I’m Subaru Natsuki,” he introduced himself, trying to keep his voice steady. “I helped Emilia in thr capital yesterday.”
The girl smiled, leaning back in her chair. “Interesting, I suppose. Bubby was telling Betty about you.” She gestured casually toward herself. “And, naturally, I can tell there’s something off about you.”
Subaru flinched slightly but tried to keep his cool. “Well, I can tell you that I mean no harm...”
Beatrice’s gaze shifted to Elsa, and she gave her a glance. “And you, I assume, are the reason the air feels so heavy in here, in fact?”
Elsa smiled at her, completely unfazed. “I’m Elsa,” she said softly, her voice almost purring. “I’m here with Subaru. It’s a pleasure to meet you, little one.”
Beatrice raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Elsa’s sweet tone. “Quite the strange pair we’ve got here, I suppose.”
Subaru gulped, silently praying the conversation wouldn’t escalate into something dangerous. He quickly turned back to Emilia, desperate to steer the topic to safer ground. “So, Emilia how has your morning been?”
Emilia, ever the peacekeeper, smiled gently. “It’s been pretty nice, I'm just glad that you're safe and okay.” Her gaze flicked back to Elsa briefly. “We could also... talk about how things are going with your new, um... companion.”
Subaru forced a grin, though inside he was dreading the inevitable conversation. “Right. Sounds good. We’ll... definitely need to talk.”
As everyone began to eat, Subaru couldn’t help but feel the growing weight of uncertainty. How long could he keep things peaceful with Elsa around? And what was he supposed to do when everyone eventually found out who she really was? He glanced at Elsa, who was eating calmly beside him, as if nothing in the world could bother her.
As the residents continued their quiet breakfast, a new presence entered the room, a tall man, draped in luxurious attire with mismatched eyes that seemed to twinkle.
Subaru’s attention snapped to the newcomer, who carried an undeniable aura of authority. Emilia straightened in her seat, greeting him with a polite nod. “Good morning, Lord Roswaal.”
“Good morning to all of you~” Roswaal replied, his voice lilting with an almost musical quality. His gaze flickered to each person at the table, taking them in. Finally, his mismatched eyes landed on Subaru, and then on Elsa, the infamous assassin he himself had hired.
For a split second, a glimmer of surprise crossed his face, but it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by a look of amusement. His painted smile broadened as he took in the scene before him, the assassin seated beside the boy he needed, with an expression bordering on affection. He had consulted the gospel for every possible outcome, every potential twist in the path, yet this was a development it hadn’t accounted for.
Still, if Elsa was able to contain her murderous instincts and channel her bizarre affection towards this boy into something less destructive, it could be advantageous. After all, if this boy was truly the key to fulfilling his ambitions, this twist was, at worst, an odd but manageable anomaly.
“Ahh, so this must be our guest of honor, Subaru,” Roswaal said, a knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he inclined his head in Subaru’s direction. “And I see you’ve found yourself in rather... intriguing company.”
Subaru gave a hesitant nod, still trying to gauge the eccentric man’s intentions. “Yeah, that’s me,” he replied cautiously. “Emilia said your Roswaal, right?”
“Indeed I am,” Roswaal replied smoothly, his voice practically dripping with theatrical charm. “Roswaal L. Mathers, lord of this humble abode~ Welcome, Subaru. I do hope your stay has been comfortable.”
Roswaal’s gaze drifted over to Elsa, who met his stare with a cool smile. He tilted his head, his eyes glinting with a hidden question, though he seemed more amused than displeased. “And you,” he said, his tone laced with amusement. “I trust your stay has also been... suitable?”
Elsa returned his smile with one of her own, her tone dangerously sweet. “Quite. I’ve found myself rather... taken with your young guest here.” She ran a delicate finger along Subaru’s shoulder, a gesture that made him shift uncomfortably in his seat.
“Is that so?” Roswaal chuckled, though his eyes held a calculating glint. “Well, as long as you can keep those... special inclinations of yours in check, I see no issue with you staying. Consider it a... reward for your adaptability.”
Elsa inclined her head, acknowledging his veiled warning. “Of course, Lord Roswaal. I am... committed to staying by his side.” Her tone was soft, almost reverent, and the look she shot Subaru was unsettlingly affectionate.
On the inside, however, Roswaal’s mind raced. This development hadn’t been part of any prophecy, hadn’t been detailed in the gospel he relied upon so religiously. Yet, for some reason, Subaru seemed to be drawing in variables that no prediction could account for. Was this part of his potential? Was this strangeness exactly what made Subaru suitable for his ultimate goal?
Roswaal watched the boy with renewed interest. Regardless of how Subaru had managed to entangle himself with this assassin, his role in the grand scheme had not changed. The boy was the key, the one who would ultimately bring about the result Roswaal so desperately sought.
Subaru glanced uneasily between Roswaal and Elsa, sensing that there were layers to the conversation he couldn’t fully understand.
Roswaal’s gaze lingered on him a moment longer, a glint of something inscrutable in his eyes, before he turned his attention to the rest of the table, resuming his usual mannerisms.
As breakfast continued, Subaru couldn’t shake the feeling that he was in deeper than he’d ever realized.
As the breakfast conversation began to settle, Roswaal finally turned his gaze toward Emilia, a subtle pride in his expression. Sensing the shift, Subaru straightened in his seat, noting the importance in Roswaal's tone as he addressed the group.
"Ah, yes, Subaru," Roswaal began, his voice carrying a theatrical weight, “There’s something very important you should know about Lady Emilia here.” He gestured toward Emilia with a flourish, as if presenting a rare treasure. “Our dear Emilia is, in fact, a candidate for the throne.”
Subaru blinked, taken aback. "A candidate? You mean... like, for the kingdom? The whole kingdom?"
Roswaal gave a satisfied nod, his smile widening. "Precisely, my young guest! Lady Emilia is one of the select few who may become the ruler of Lugnica. The royal selection will decide who is best suited to guide this kingdom into its next chapter."
Emilia glanced away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She looked both proud and nervous, as if the title still felt too grand to fully wear. "It’s… well, it’s a complicated situation," she said softly, tucking a strand of silver hair behind her ear. “But yes, I’m one of the candidates in the selection. My goal is to bring peace and prosperity to everyone in the kingdom. That’s why I’m here, training and preparing for what lies ahead.”
Roswaal nodded approvingly. “Exactly. And as her sponsor I have taken it upon myself to ensure Lady Emilia has everything she needs to succeed in this endeavor~”
Subaru processed this, his mind racing. This explained the grandeur of the mansion, the staff, and the resources surrounding Emilia. Everything was in service of her ascent to the throne. She wasn’t just a kind stranger he had met by chance. Emilia was someone with the potential to shape the entire kingdom.
"So... you’re going to be queen?" Subaru asked, a hint of awe in his voice.
Emilia smiled shyly, her gaze meeting his. "If I win the selection, yes. But more than that, I want to be someone who can make a real difference for everyone. The people of Lugnica deserve a ruler who genuinely cares about their wellbeing."
Roswaal continued, leaning forward as if imparting a secret. “It’s no small feat to stand as a candidate, Subaru. Only five individuals are chosen for this honor, each one having the hopes and ambitions of changing the kingdom in their image~”
Subaru’s gaze drifted to Emilia, his respect for her deepening. He could see the weight of responsibility in her expression, a mix of hope and worry.
“I had no idea,” he admitted, feeling a new layer of admiration for her.
Emilia nodded, her violet eyes filled with determination. “It’s a lot to take on, but I believe in what I’m doing. And I’m grateful for Roswaal and everyone else who’s supporting me along the way.”
Elsa, who had been silent until now, observed the conversation with mild amusement, her eyes flicking between Roswaal and Emilia. Though she seemed uninterested in the kingdom’s politics, Subaru could tell she was noting every detail.
"Well then," Roswaal added with a mischievous glint in his eye, “it seems our young guest has landed in the company of royalty-in-the-making. A fortuitous position, wouldn’t you agree, Subaru~?”
Subaru managed a sheepish smile, his heart pounding with excitement and a hint of nervousness. “Yeah... guess I’ve got some high expectations to live up to." He jokingly said.
Roswaal leaned forward, his mismatched eyes glinting with interest as he studied Subaru. "You’ve done a great service to Emilia by returning her insignia, Subaru. As a candidate for the throne, she is an invaluable person in this kingdom, and anyone who supports her endeavors deserves my gratitude."
His tone was warm but purposeful, his words laced with meaning. “So, Subaru, I find myself in your debt. Tell me, what would you like as a reward? I am willing to grant you anything within my power.”
Subaru felt a jolt of excitement mixed with uncertainty. The offer was tempting. Anything within Roswaal's power… That was a dangerous level of freedom. For a moment, a dozen possibilities swirled through his mind, each one more ambitious than the last. But then his gaze drifted toward Emilia, who was watching him with a hopeful, open smile.
He knew what he wanted.
Taking a deep breath, Subaru looked Roswaal in the eye and spoke with newfound resolve. “I want to stay here. I want to live and work at the mansion... by Emilia’s side.”
Roswaal’s smile broadened, his amusement evident in the slight raise of his painted brow. “Ah, I see,” he purred, nodding thoughtfully. “A noble choice, indeed. I believe you will find yourself most welcome here~”
But then, Roswaal’s gaze flicked to Elsa, who sat beside Subaru, her presence casting a shadow over the otherwise light-hearted exchange. “And what of your companion?” Roswaal’s voice was smooth, but there was a subtle edge of curiosity. “Will she be staying as well?”
Subaru turned to Elsa, unsure of how to answer. Her expression was as unreadable as ever, though her intense gaze never left his face. He swallowed, the weight of the situation dawning on him. “Well… um, Elsa... what do you want to do?”
Elsa’s lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile. “Wherever you go, I go, my dear Subaru,” she replied, her voice soft but laced with possessive warmth.
Subaru felt his cheeks heat up, his heart hammering in his chest. He managed a weak nod before turning back to Roswaal. “Uh… would it be okay if Elsa stayed and worked here too?”
Roswaal’s eyes gleamed with something unreadable, a mixture of intrigue and dark amusement, as he nodded slowly. “Of course, Subaru. If she is to be part of your life, then I am sure we can… accommodate her as well.” He maintained his outward professionalism, but Subaru could sense an unusual intensity behind his words. “The more, the merrier, wouldn’t you agree?”
The truth was, on the inside, Roswaal’s mind raced. The gospel had meticulously predicted so many outcomes, and yet Elsa’s unexpected allegiance to Subaru wasn’t one of them. She had been a rogue piece on the board, someone who was supposed to play her deadly role and disappear. But now, she had attached herself to Subaru with a dedication that was both alarming and unpredictable. It could mean trouble, or, with any luck, an advantage he hadn’t foreseen.
Beside him, Emilia’s smile brightened, her eyes softening as she looked at Subaru. “I’m really happy to have you around, Subaru,” she said warmly, her voice full of sincerity. “It’ll be nice to have someone like you here.”
Subaru, still a bit flustered, grinned back. “I’m just as happy to be here. I’ll accompany you anytime you need me.”
As they shared a smile, Elsa’s gaze shifted between the two of them, studying the warmth in Subaru’s expression and the way his focus lingered on Emilia. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a knowing look crossing her face. Subaru’s feelings for Emilia were as clear as day, and though it didn’t bother her exactly, it was something she would have to address with him at some point. After all, she wasn’t accustomed to sharing what she’d claimed as hers.
For now, however, she kept her thoughts to herself, content to let things play out. The mansion was to be her home now as well, and Subaru would be by her side. That was enough for her… for now.