Chapter Text
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A past of isolation, and torment.
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A past of not wanting to see the next day.
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Before being sent to a new and wondrous world the girl named Natsuki Subaru lived an entirely different life.
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In a world where she felt that she only ‘existed’ not ‘lived’, as she was certain that even if she died not a soul besides her parents would know or care.
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So instead she drowned herself in every bit of comforting media she could.
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Otome games, and novels to where she gushed and gleamed over the beautiful idealistic romances.
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Then into fanworks where she could pour all her love for each series into her own pieces.
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It was during this time when she would truly wish every night that she’d be in one of these beautiful fantasy worlds.
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A chance to be not the loner girl Natsuki Subaru but a noble princess or hero who feel deeply in love with a picture perfect ‘Male Lead’.
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“THE ROYAL SELECTION EVENT”
Reward: Upon Event Completion +3% Relationship Points with REINHARD
Current Status: 50%
Additional Reward: *Secret*
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It was a beautiful evening. The sun dimmed warmingly during its soft descent toward the longing horizon. The soft dazzling orange rays mixed into Reinhard’s soft hair causing Subaru’s eyes to become entranced at the sight. Dashing forward with her arms now encasing the Knight who snapped out of his daze and returned the affection.
“Ooo! I-I know what your hair reminds me of!! It’s like a beautiful rising sun!“
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Reinhard couldn't help but feel a warmth spread soothingly through his chest, a type of warmth that he had not felt in many years.
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Looking down now at her bubbly excited face he felt his lips curl into a smile. But not the fake cordial smiles he always put on for his duties. For once it was a true smile that gave him memories of days long ago.
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“Even tho I-well I use to hate the sun… hehe I would only creep out at night when there were less people…but now… as long as i’m with you this sight will always be d-dazzling!”
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Giving herself a triumphant hmph* with a big sparklingly smile She gave herself a pat on the back for being able to get through all her self chosen compliments for the one she loved! And all without stammering off once!
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Her head felt in the clouds as her eyes fell longingly onto Reinhard’s as she looked up at him.
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“Subaru…truly for every loving compliment you give to me it makes me wish to savor every moment we share together!”
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These words caused the girl to gulp and teeter back and forth excitedly.
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"heh* hehe well~ so would-ya say I get some bonus points for the 'Reinhard' romance route?"
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With the pair continuing their walk to retrieve Felt for her surprise introduction as the final Royal Candidate. Subaru had became increasingly more anxious as the crowds in the street grew denser and denser, with more and more curious eyes falling on the Sword Saint and the strange girl by his side.
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But Subaru steeled herself! She knew that Emilia would not expect her to attend at all as she knew full well how anxious the girl got in crowds. However Subaru had hoped that she could at least see her friend's speech partly...even if it could give Emilia the little boost she needed knowing that she was there in support!…
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Entering the final gate before reaching the grand entrance of the Palace, the guard gave a questionable look at the girl by Reinhard's side but elected to stay quiet allowing them to pass.
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Subaru looked around in awe at her surroundings of the Palace's courtyard's and attached buildings which housed elaborate decadent shops clearly catered toward only the richest of the rich.
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"Wow! Now this is exactly like how I imagined it!"
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However her joyous mood was quickly cut short as she noticed the sight of her Arch-Enemy stepping out of a carriage being parked near the main Palace entrance in front of them.
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Orange hair... Red eyes... that shit-head smug expression of self righteousness!
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The woman that Subaru considered her 'destined rival' or as she liked to refer to as 'that Evil BITCH'.
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Despite having only interacted with the woman once Subaru hated her guts. Everything about her reminded her of the horrible people back from her own world that bullied her relentlessly and made her feel isolated.
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With her grip tightening around Reinhard's arm she tried to quietly lead him away from the carriages on a different route but it was too late!
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Subaru accidently looked up and found the menacing red eyes of Priscilla locked directly onto her own.
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Feeling her body lock up unable to move from sheer anxiety at the new confrontation that she wasnt ready for.
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“Well look at this~ so that poor pathetic deranged dim witted girl had managed to subvert the odds after all ha~.”
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As Priscilla gave a mock laugh she gestured from her companion to Subaru who now took a hesitant step back. With her body slowly shrinking behind Reinhard who frowned in confusion.
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“Mmm I wonder what fun he~ gets out of this little deal you must have begged him into hmm?"
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Now giving Reinhard a mocking glance she smirked.
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Reinhard felt an deep pit in his stomach...was it anger? Contempt? Feelings that he was taught to always repress and never let out...escaped for but a single moment.
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"I'll have to ask you to refrain from-"
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Before Priscilla's much more dominant voice spoke directly over him cutting him off with a smirk plastered wide.
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“However its not as if the broken tool of the Kingdom is much of a prize anyways~”
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Subaru who shrunk away from the barrage of insults not stepped back out with her trembling fist clenched in anger by her side with her quaky voice finally beginning to bubble out.
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“L-listen here you bit-”
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But Priscilla noticed the intent immediately, and let out a loud obnoxiously fake laugh. Interrupting the girl’s attempted comeback in its track. Now spinning around she made sure to get the last word in just to dig the knife in deeper.
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“Well you misfits I have a Royal Selection to attend, ~naturally I could not even show up and still win but I do so wish to see all the lords who will be serving me~”
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Curtly walking away before Subaru could so much as raise a finger of protest the girl now hung onto Reinhard’s arm who looked utterly confused.
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“My apologies Subaru…as she is a Royal candidate it would have been entirely inappropriate for me to have halted her in any way… but I do wish for you to know that her insults toward you are entirely unfounded and in no way true.”
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But it wasnt the word's directed at herself that caused her so much stress. It was how she couldnt even stand up to her bully even now...even when she was also saying horrible things about Reinhard...
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It was too much, the crowd, the noise, and the insulting words by Priscilla. Her anxiety that she was so carefully trying to stave off had boiled over. With her eyes increasingly panicked she clunch to Reinhard’s hand
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The soft dull background noises from the rolling of wheels on the street to even the laughter of children now seemed to be amplified 100 times over!
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With her face grimaced she tried to do a breathing technique that her mother taught her for calming down.
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“Subaru!”
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Reinhard asked in confusion but his face softened as he held her hand a bit tighter.
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“S-sorry its just the crowd…sorry I just needed to hold on”
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Whether her face red from embarrassment or stress, Reinhard didnt know but he knew that Subaru was vulnerable at this moment and need his aid.
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Making their way toward the Palace where they would meet up with Felt and Carol. Reinhard was oblivious to the stares from all around which focused on the girl who was clinging to his arm with her face winced and eyes closed.
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Finally reaching the gate where he saw an angry Felt running full speed at him ready to hit him with a flying kick but instead her eyes fell to the panicked girl on Reinhard’s arm.
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“Big Sis… whats wrong? Did he do some weird shit to you!?!”
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Felt yelled practically jumping on the girl.
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“I-Im fine…. Just got a bit overwhelmed… hehe I kinda feel guilty though for playing the ‘scared maiden’ trope to advance the romance plot hehehe*”
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Her joking remark doing little to distract Felt from the horribly pained look on her face.
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Not understanding half of the strange girls insane words Felt just looked weirded out and instead backed up a bit.
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“Right…”
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With her gaze finally passing up to Reinhard's who gave her a bow with his free hand to his chest
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“Lady Felt, the dress that Carol chose is most suiting! Its about time we head inside for your introduction.”
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Felt let out a sigh but with a pout finally agreed with only one question.
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“Well what about Big Sis… is it really alright for you to have her clinging to your damn arm??”
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Reinhard’s face frowned a bit as he pondered the question for a moment before having his face light up in realization.
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“I see! She was clinging to my arm because she was nervous, but if I comfort her more she will feel better!"
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Right…I must take to heart what Felix once said. ‘When a maiden is in duress sweeping her off of her feet should calm her’
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Felt's mouth fell agape at what her Knight just blabbered out...With her eyes widening in shock at the sight...
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With Reinhard turning to the girl who was clinging to him so desperately. Subaru seemed to not fully understand what he had just proposed and give a simple nod of confusion. But then in a beautiful single motion swept the panicked girl into his arms bridal style before she could even react.
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“Eep!”
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Subaru could feel her heart wildly thumping in her chest. ‘W-w-wWHA?? Is this really happening?!?”
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With her breathing rapid, and her face bright red she stammered out.
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“D-did I r-really reach su..such a high romance score already?!”
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With his lips curling at her cute comment Reinhard suppressed the guilt that built in his chest. A guilt that he was secretly carrying her like this since because it makes him happy aswell... and not solely for her own sake. However for once he pushed aside those dark thoughts for just this moment he enjoyed the sweet noises, and the small shifts of her warm body as her carried her toward the door.
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Felt panicked in embarrassment at his side, calling him dozens of horrible insults with her face bright red.
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“YOU DAMN LECHEROUS, PERVERT, SHIT HEAD KNIGHT!”
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Rushing off ahead of Reinhard to the door she just wanted to get this over with, but in an instant Reinhard was behind her. Making it just in time for the crowd’s first sighting of Felt.
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From her view the crowd was larger than Subaru ever could have imagined. There must have been a thousand Nobles alongside hundred's of Royal Knights. With matters made worse by the trio being the last to enter...
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Subaru's was completely socially shut down at this point and instead sought comfort from the countless eyes now staring at them as Reinhard announced Felt as the final candidate. Burying her head deep into Reinhard's coat, resting her face against his chest.
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But his announcement went off without any problems as everyone... from Knights to Nobles... to even the other candidates just stared with mouths slightly agape.
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Staring… everyone was staring with unbelievable shocked expression’s on their faces. If not at Felt who was just announced as the final candidate, it would be at the red faced girl currently tucked in the Sword Saint’s arms.
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Felt took this moment to break away from Reinhard, closing the last of the distance and taking her place besides the other candidates.
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With Subaru giving Emilia a small embarrassed wave she couldnt help but notice the bright red face of Emilia who was peaking through her fingers at what she must have thought a most lewd sight!
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Julius looked back as his friend was clutching that strange black haired girl in his arms so casually during such an important event. With the Purple-Haired Knight letting out a deep sigh of pure stress, roughly pinching the bridge of his nose noticing the completely at ease expression on Reinhard's face.
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“Oh Reinhard…”
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