Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A/N: Hello, susintentions here! This will be my first ever chapter of my first ever story! This will hopefully be a longer story but I am not skilled enough yet to update as often as every day (like some amazing authors can)! I hope you enjoy the first Chapter!

"That'll be 750 yen."

Wordlessly reaching into his pocket, a young boy fished out a few coins and threw the money listlessly on the table.

"Thank you sir, please come again." The boy, donning black hair and dark, nasty eyes failed to look up at the cashier's face. He hadn't truly looked at someone in the eyes in what felt like months. Failing to verbally reply, he simply grunted in what could be construed as an affirmation.

The lack of sleep was really starting to take its toll on the boy. Insomnia is a bitch, he thought. As he walked outside of the convenience store near his home in modern day Japan, he tried to suppress a yawn. He failed, of course. Three days and only 6 hours of sleep between them will do that to a person.

The boy, Natsuki Subaru, yawned and rubbed his eyes.

When he opened them, he saw a sight that one would only see in an isekai manga or fantasy film.

Huge dragon-like lizards pulled wagons quickly across the cobbled streets. People and what could only be described as beast-people wore strange clothing. There was even a grand castle in the distance.

"What the hell is this… am I dreaming? Just a second ago I was at the convenience store… I'm even holding the bag of snacks I bought there…"

Subaru's thoughts were interrupted by a group of young children who pointed at him. They seemed to be these so-called beast people, or demi-humans you read about in Light Novels. More likely, they were probably just really detailed cosplayers with fake dog and cat ears. A young cat-girl, failing to be subtle, loudly "whispered" to a dog-boy near by, "Why is he dressed like that?"

The dog-boy lamented, "How should I know! I've never seen such strange clothing. Maybe he's a noble or a pervert. Probably a pervert."

Subaru felt like pushing the kid to the ground. "Hey, hey, hey I am *not* a pervert! I'm also not a noble-"

"Noble? Weird… why are these children cosplaying as animals in such a busy street? This isn't making any sense. I know I haven't been sleeping well for the past few weeks, but…"

Suddenly, it clicked.

"I think I'm starting to get what's going on." Like a faucet that hasn't been turned on in months, a slow, unsteady stream of happiness began to flow within Subaru's body. It grew more and more rapidly until the well of excitement made him shake.

Subaru struck his signature pose and shouted, "YES! How could I have been so dense? I've been summoned to a parallel world!"

Needless to say, the children who were gawking at him earlier looked at each other and looked back at Subaru with even more confused faces. After looking at Subaru for just a few seconds, they ran away crying for their mothers.

"Finally, I'm finally going to not be a shut-in NEET anymore. I can do whatever I want! I can be a hero or a king! I'll manifest all the OP abilities I've been blessed by the beautiful, kind goddess-sama that summoned me. Better yet, I can conquest all the hot girls, make a harem a-and…!"

"Okay, maybe that dog-boy from earlier was right. I am a bit of a pervert."

Subaru blurted out the more unscrupulous of his desires a bit louder than the beginning of his rant. He managed to steal the disgusted glances of several people nearby. Another child started to run away from him.

He froze, immediately noticing the group of onlookers, "Shit, why did I say that out loud…?"

Subaru closed his eyes and grimaced as he rubbed the back of his head. "Damn, that was awkward. I guess my social skills haven't leveled up yet." The silence was deafening and just as it started to become unbearable for him, he heard a most gentlemanly voice call out.

"Good afternoon, sir. May I ask if everything is alright with you? You were making quite a commotion a moment ago and saying some rather… peculiar things."

Subaru quickly turned around and saw a man with red hair and kind, but dim blue eyes. His aura could only be described as noble, powerful, and… a bit sad. He was wearing black gloves and a white overcoat adorned with a purple trim. Underneath his overcoat, he wore a simple but elegant black tunic. Subaru couldn't help but think, "what the hell is this guy wearing? He sort of looks like a knight, so I'll have to take notes from him when I start saving princesses. I think they'd like that outfit."

Just as Subaru was about to respond, the red headed man interjected, "Oh, forgive me. I realize I forgot to provide you with my name. I am the Legendary Sword Saint Reinhard van Astrea. While I typically am on duty during my stays at the Royal Capital, I happen to be off-duty today."

"Wow, nice guy alert! My good guy radar is off the charts."

Subaru waved and said with the biggest smile he could muster, "Yo, Reinhard, my name is Natsuki Subaru!" He began to list the oddities of his situation out loud as he counted them on his fingers.

"I'm 99% sure I'm dreaming, I'm completely broke, I have no idea where I am, I have no friends here, and…. Oh! I have nowhere to stay tonight!" He finished off the short list raising his fifth and final finger. Subaru's smile faltered a bit as he realized how pathetic he seemed.

Reinhard frowned. "I'm sorry, Mr. Subaru. That sounds like a difficult situation. While I can't help you with some of what you stated, I can at least tell you that you are in the capital city of Lugunica." Subaru didn't know if the knightly man frowned out of kindness or pity.

Subaru attempted to wave off Reinhard's concern quickly. "Nah, I know it sounds bad but the Natsuki clan is known for their resilience. I'll figure something out quickly. It's important to not give up even when faced with tough or unfamiliar situations. Besides, it'll be especially easy because as a freshly Isekai'd protagonist, I can do anything I want, heh." He said that last part too quietly for Reinhard to hear.

"While I don't understand some of the words you say, Mr. Subaru, I commend your confidence. I know I have a long way to go, even as a royal knight and as the Sword Saint, when it comes to emotional maturity and conviction."

Subaru tried not to laugh. He thought to himself, "Me? Emotionally mature? Never thought I'd hear those words be associated with me. This guy is nice but clearly his people skills aren't much better than mine." Subaru collected himself and began to speak, "Firstly, Reinhard, I would much prefer you call me Subaru. Mr. Subaru feels so wrong. Secondly, if I had even a fraction of the humility, assuredness, and will that you seem to exude, well, I think I would have had a much better life up until now…" Subaru trailed off.

Subaru shifted his weight, "A-anyway! How about this, let's both hold it to each other to improve ourselves and in a few weeks time if we meet again, we can see how far we got and help each other out as new friends!"

"Pathetic. I just met this guy, well, not a guy but a 'Sword Saint' and I'm already pleading to be his friend." Subaru began to bite down on the insides of cheeks, drawing a bit of blood.

Instead of laughing like Subaru expected, Reinhard simply smiled and repeated the words new friends quietly. For the first time since the conversation began, Subaru saw some brightness return to Reinhard's pale blue eyes. "I'd be honored to try to improve with you, my friend." It seemed Reinhard was grateful that Subaru didn't treat him as whatever the title "Sword Saint" meant, but instead as a normal guy.

He continued, "Listen, Subaru, I am busy today on my father Heinkel's orders but I would be happy to lend you a room in my mansion for a few days while you figure out your plans in greater detail. Of course you would owe me no debt, but unfortunately, I won't be able to escort you until sundown."

"Did I just make a friend?"

Subaru flashed his signature thumbs up and smile. With the happiness of making what seems like his first friend in many years, he gratefully exclaimed, "Reinhard, my man! Firstly, you gotta mansion? Wow, I'm extremely jealous. Secondly, that's an extremely kind offer. While I was planning on just wandering around until I found a few princesses and leveled up, I can't pass up the offer of staying the night at a new friend's house!" His voice softened a little, "Really, Reinhard… thank you."

"Subaru, again, I didn't understand a big chunk of what you said just now but my divine protections tell me that you were genuine and sincere. It is of no concern, Subaru. Oh, but do try to stay away from the Slums at night, they can be a bit dangerous. I'll come looking for you later tonight."

"Thanks for the tip, but how will you find me? I mean, this city seems gigantic!" Subaru was extremely grateful but how could a single person find him in such a big city. He wondered if Reinhard either knew parkour or had a screw loose.

"Well, the short answer is because as the Sword Saint, I'm afforded the luxury of having many divine protections that help me in everyday life as well as combat. The longer answer is…"

A few minutes into Reinhard's monologue, Subaru stopped listening. He thought to himself, Divine Protections? Blessings? How the hell do those even work. I'll have to ask Rein about it later… Maybe he's actually a prince and you train to receive "Divine Protections." A few more minutes went by and Reinhard finally wrapped up his speech on the 16 divine protections he could use to find Subaru in the city.

Feigning intense interest, Subaru nodded vigorously and gave a half-hearted affirmation to hopefully convince Reinhard he was listening the whole time.

Seemingly satisfied with his own explanation, Reinhard began to leave as the two new friends exchanged quick goodbyes.

"Now what should I do? It seems I have a few hours before Reinhard will pick me up. After a few minutes of thinking, Subaru screamed internally in triumph: Let's see if my Isekai skills are good enough to find some hot girls around the city!"

After strolling around the city for what felt like 30 minutes and failing to activate any of the OP "divine blessings" that Reinhard mentioned earlier, Subaru began to doubt his circumstances. "Maybe I'm really not some manga protagonist. Besides, if I was, I'm sure I'd be more powerful. I've embarrassed myself enough in the past 30 minutes trying to activate magic and these so-called divine blessings. I've only succeeded at looking like a freak. Well, I guess I've always been a bit of a freak."

As he thought to himself, Subaru failed to notice he'd been wandering down a dark alleyway in a more isolated part of the city. His thoughts were interrupted as he heard a searing voice just ahead of him.

"Hey Gaston, Camberely, it seems that we found ourselves a lost noble. An unarmed lost noble at that."

Subaru was interrupted by a lanky tall guy with nasty eyes like Subaru. He had blue colored hair and deathly pale skin. His eyes, devoid of kindness, narrowed and his lips twisted into a smile. He licked his lips with an inhumanly long tongue. His bony finger was pointing directly at Subaru.

There were two others with him, a short fat kid with dirty brown hair and an abnormally tall, buff guy with messy dark brown hair donning patchy facial hair. The short one snickered, "Looks like you're right, Rachins, we wouldn't want such an important noble getting hurt either. After all, it's rough around here. It'd be a shame if someone stole his bag and money."

Subaru immediately tensed up from the dangerous aura. "These guys are no good. I just need to comply and everything will be fine, there's nothing on me that's worth the trouble. Time to slide the mask on and fake some confidence."

Subaru struck his signature pose, "Ay, Ton, Chin and Kan! Whaddup boys?" Listen, listen, I think I catch your drift. Firstly, I'm not a noble but I appreciate your–

The tall, buff Gaston caught Subaru off guard when he interrupted him with a polite, "Shut the fuck up!"

Rachins continued with a hiss, "Here's how this works. You shut the fuck up, you give us your bag and anything valuable on you and we'll consider not breaking every bone in your miserable, pathetic body."

Subaru wanted to call out to Reinhard because he knew that it was possible for him to get his location, but he couldn't let his new friend see how pathetic and powerless he was. "Time to put the mask back on."

Subaru closed his eyes and sighed, "You're right, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so stupid just a second ago. I don't want any trouble with you guys-"

He couldn't even finish his sentence when he felt a fist connect square-center with the middle of his jaw. Subaru was blasted to the ground and hit the left side of his face on part of the cobblestone street. With a distinct cracking sound, he felt his back three molars and part of his jawbone was split. Searing pain radiated from the sight of impact as his blood started to pool in the back of his mouth.

The short kid Camberely looked annoyed, "What did we just say? You need to shut the fuck up."

Gaston walked towards Subaru who was still reeling from the pain on the ground and stomped on his pinky finger, instantly breaking it.

"Let's try this again. Give us everything you've got." Subaru didn't even know who said that. Nobody had ever hit him before and he certainly never broke a bone. Subaru just tried not to cry. As he was preparing to give his cellphone, a few Yen coins and his bag of snacks to the three thugs, he heard a pair of impossibly light footsteps approaching him from behind.

A girl's voice yelled out, "Move! Move! You guys! Out of my way!"

Subaru turned around and saw a short girl with medium-length golden hair running towards him. It was unkempt, but still tied together with a tattered black bow. Her black top barely covered her small breasts and brought attention to her ribcage sticking out. Subaru immediately suspected she didn't have a reliable source of food. Her black pants were worn and the left pant was completely torn off. Her vest, gloves and especially brown shoes were in reprehensible condition from being worn. Perhaps the best kept clothing item was the red scarf the young girl donned. It was suspiciously better kept than the rest of her outfit. She had a small blade attached to her belt. Despite it being dull, Subaru could tell that it hadn't been used. However, Subaru was most drawn to the young girl's eyes. They were in between a blood and crimson color. They seemed to sparkle with light and the fire of an unknown determination even in the darkness of the alleyway.

Despite her shabby clothes, which indicated to Subaru she must have been living in the streets, the girl was undeniably cute. His heart began to beat just a little bit faster as he came to the conclusion that perhaps she was the one that summoned him to this parallel world. Sure, she was no princess and she wasn't wealthy, but she really was beautiful. Wow, even when I'm being mugged I still have the energy to appreciate a pretty girl. I just wish her, uh... chest was bigger… but that can wait.

Subaru blurted out as she approached only a few feet away, "Is that the cute girl who summoned me?!"

The golden-haired girl slowed from a sprint to a jog, eventually to a stop right in front of him and the muggers.

She cocked her head to the side and looked confused, "Summoned? I dunno what you're talking about!" As if remembering what she was running from before, she broke out of her confusement at Subaru's question and put on a more frantic face.

She continued, "Sorry, I'm really busy, I gotta run. Live strong!"

"Live strong?"

The girl was about to start running again when Subaru instinctively grabbed her arm before she could escape.

"I can't let her get away. If she is the girl that summoned me, only an idiot would let her out of his sight. Besides, I'm being mugged, she has a blade, and it's not like some beautiful silver-haired half-elf hottie is gonna come to the rescue or something."

"Listen, I really need your help."

A/N: Well, that does it for my first ever story and first ever chapter. I truly hope you enjoyed. Please review but as it is my first ever stab at writing, I hope you will be nice :)

Commissioned for Crimson Eyes by @CinnDVL:

Chapter Text

A/N: Wow, I was overwhelmed by the positivity after Chapter 1 was released! It meant a lot to me when I read your reviews, especially as this is my first story. I hope you enjoy this slightly longer chapter just as much as Chapter 1!

"Listen, I really need your help."

Subaru stood up and grabbed the golden-haired petite girl by the arm, right before she was about to continue fleeing down the dark alleyway. He noticed her skin was surprisingly smooth, at least for someone who likely slept in makeshift lodgings around the city, anyway.

Meanwhile, the three thieves kept silent. "Ton," "Chin" and "Kan" seemed enraged that Subaru and the girl began conversing. They didn't take their eyes off of the black-haired boy or the increasingly confused girl for even a second.

At any rate, Subaru knew that in order to get out of his current predicament, he needed the cute summoner girl's help. After all, she was armed and the thieves were standing back in her presence, due to what Subaru postulated was either from fear or respect.

Subaru resolved that, no matter what, he would convince the beautiful summoner girl to help him. In order to accomplish that, all he needed to do was explain that these three idiot muggers were dangerous to the both of them. Together, with her blade and his…

"My… what? What the hell can I do? It's obvious I'm useless and powerless right now. I don't have magic or Divine Blessings." Subaru bit his tongue in frustration. Reluctantly resigning to the reality that he probably wasn't the OP isekai protagonist that he wanted to be, he accepted he was the same weak boy back in Japan.

Subaru despised being weak. While he had excelled in school and athletics up until elementary school, his peers began to surpass him in middle school. He sank from the top to the bottom over the course of a few years. No one called him strong, smart, or fast anymore. He had hoped to reclaim those words as his own.

In this resignation, Subaru started to ponder the next best alternative. "If I can't aid in combat, I can still at least offer my assistance with whatever she's dealing with now. After all, she does seem a bit frantic and a pair of extra hands never hurts. I can probably help her."

Subaru sighed. Usually, he'd keep his true emotions from being shown on his face. He'd particularly hide the negative emotions that could even be seen through his eyes. Over the years, he'd grown used to it. Hiding his emotions became easier day-by-day. However, this time, Subaru knew that he had to be sincere. He slowly took off his emotional mask.

Subaru's eyes began to water and his expression turned into a deep frown. If his eyes could physically speak, they would have screamed at the girl to save him. Narrowing her crimson eyes, the petite blonde returned his pleading gaze with a more cautious one.

He could tell that she was about to lose her cool at any moment now, so he quickly started to speak, "My name is Natsuki Subaru! I'm broke as hell and I'm kind of in some trouble! Look, I'm being mugged by these three guys and as pathetic as it is, I can't fight back and I don't want my friend to see me in this condition… Can you please help me?"

The petite girl's red scarf fluttered in the wind as she silently moved her gaze from Subaru to each of the three thugs. After seemingly examining the situation to her satisfaction, she finally settled her gaze back upon his dark, nasty eyes.

"Pffffft hahahahaha!" The girl's small nose scrunched up as she burst into laughter. She placed her right hand on her exposed ribs and struggled to breath. "Man, you're killin' me here, bro!"

"Damn, cute laugh… but why the hell is she laughing in the first place? A kind, beautiful summoning goddess shouldn't laugh like that! Suddenly, the girl yanked her arm that Subaru was holding out of his grasp, and spoke in a rather annoyed manner."

"I dunno what the hell you're talking about, but you gotta work on your bullshittin' skills! Firstly, even though I do have a good head start on the job I'm runnin', I seriously do not have the time to 'help' a shady lookin' guy like you."

Subaru's hope in the feistier-than-expected blonde was immediately voided. She continued in a more matter-of-fact tone, almost like she enjoyed being analytical.

"Like I said, this is the job of a lifetime. It's gonna get me and Gramps outta poverty! Sorry, bro, but you're not more important to me than Gramps is." She looked at him with a hint of amusement. "Also, you said you were broke? Well, welcome to the fuckin' club! You don't look like any of the slumrats I've seen around here, especially with that smooth hand of yours and all. It's obvious that you bunch are running the shittiest scam of a lifetime!

The girl narrowed her deep crimson eyes at Subaru. They had a dangerous glint in them and her aura became more pressurized. Her voice was icy, yet despondent, "Do you know who I am and what I've been through to get to where I am today?"

Suabru could tell that she must have lived through hell, based on her physical condition and clothing on their own. Her eyes also clearly shone with deep passion; the sort of passion that one could only obtain by overcoming the most challenging obstacles in life. Subaru himself simply had too much experience, which was why he was easily able to see the loneliness and sadness that accompanied it. Most would have missed it, but not him. He knew those feelings all too well, after all..

The currently not-so-cute "summoner" stopped her calculated analysis of Subaru's situation and immediately lost her patience, "Look, man, I basically invented this scam! Stop wasting my time and get out of the way… before I make you!" Suddenly, the blonde brandished her blade towards the three thieves and Subaru.

"Shit, I fucked that up! This girl is definitely *not* who summoned me. Why does she think I'm running a scam with those three assholes? I'm bleeding from my goddamn mouth and my finger is broken! Who the hell would go so far just to run a scam?"

The ever-present fire in the girl's crimson eyes seemed to grow even larger as her patience ran thin. Subaru knew by now that his words had failed to convince her, and he was nearly out of options. In fact, he actually managed to make his situation worse.

Thinking fast, Subaru thought back to what the girl had said when she first came down the alleyway, "Like I said, this is the job of a lifetime. It's gonna get me and Gramps outta poverty! Sorry bro, but you're not more important to me than Gramps is."

Her bony rib cage and tattered clothes were already more than enough proof for Subaru, but hearing her basically confirm that she was impoverished really hurt him.

The only thing he could do is to offer something of high value to her, but he didn't have anything except… Subaru felt idiotic for not thinking of it earlier.

While he's only been in Lugnica for probably an hour or so, he'd seen enough to know that technologically the country was basically Medieval. He still had a bit of his world's technology, something that was essentially from the far future: his cellphone. He knew from earlier it was useless as a communication device, considering that he had no signal, but it did have enough battery for a few hours of use and it could still take pictures!

"This is my ticket out of here!"

Subaru quickly reached in his pocket and fished out his silver flip phone. Ordinarily, he'd be embarrassed to even bring it out in public, given that most people in Japan had smartphones. However, Subaru had been the one to convince his parents that he didn't need such a thing, under the false pretense that smartphones were too difficult to handle. In truth, he just wanted to save his parents' money because it's not like he had anyone to text or video call, anyway.

Now with his phone in hand, Subaru made a last ditch effort to avoid getting beaten up, or worse. He pleaded his case, "Look, I realize that I seem suspicious but I swear I'm not with those guys!" He wore a pained expression as he pointed to the three thieves, trying to emphasize his point.

Subaru refocused his attention and continued, "If it's money or something valuable you're looking for, this phone will definitely fetch a good price! If you can get me out of here, I'll verify that it's in stellar condition and I'll show you what it does and how it works!"

The blonde girl slightly lowered her blade. She developed a confused expression, muttering to herself "Self… own?" She cocked her head, trying to decipher what the dark-haired boy had said. "Maybe it's a metia of some kind…"

"This is the second time she's cocked her head like that. Heh, kinda cute. Ah, this isn't the time for that. Besides, she still might not believe me!"

Subaru went on, " I- I promise! Listen, if it seems like I'm lying to you, then you have my full permission to stab me with that cool knife of yours! But please, I'm telling the truth! This thing does have value and I really would rather not get all the bones broken in my body by the three stooges over there!"

The girl's eyebrows furrowed while she looked at the device, before looking at him again. She seemed as if she was ready to reject Subaru, but then he heard an exaggerated sigh.

"Ahhh, shit, fine! But if I think for even a second that you're lying to me, I'll rip you to shreds, man! Even though I'm pretty, I'll have you know I can handle myself with a blade better than most knights can!" She pouted, proudly puffing her small chest. Subaru meanwhile stifled a snicker, doubting the little blonde was that good. "Besides, Old Man Rom will know for sure if you're lying!

"Old man who?-"

Out of nowhere, the girl grabbed Subaru's arm and dashed into an inhumanly fast sprint. She ran in-between the three thieves as they stood dumbly, shocked that a victim of theirs actually escaped.

Subaru felt like his arm was going to get ripped off from his shoulder joint, but he still couldn't help yelling one last insult to thieves, "See ya later, assholes!" The short, fat thief looked like he was gonna explode while the other two bore a murderous expression.

"By the way, what's your name, blondie?"

As they moved, he could feel his legs get more tired. Through the intense wind which blew in his ears, he heard the girl say, "Felt. Just Felt."

Subaru genuinely smiled when she told him her name.

"Felt saved me. I'll… I'll make sure I can save her one day, too. For now, I'll make sure to get her some money so that she and her Grandfather can get enough food!"

The last thing Subaru saw was a young woman with long, silver hair entering the alleyway, before he was too far away.

Any other day, he would have been head over heels for a silver-haired girl. After all, most of his favorite girls in manga and anime back home had silver hair like that. However, this time, the sight of unkempt golden-blonde hair flowing through the wind controlled– no, dominated his attention.

Felt showed no signs of slowing down. The two had been running for the past half hour towards a location that Subaru had already forgotten, due to his extreme fatigue. Every individual muscle fiber in his legs were burning like they'd been doused in acid. His nerves were screaming in pain, pleading with him to stop and breathe, and, while he had resisted his body's warnings up until now, he could no longer ignore it.

Panting rapidly, Subaru finally gathered enough oxygen to croak out a few words, "F-Felt… please! My legs… they can't take much more of this. I-I need to rest!"

Subaru knew that the crimson-eyed girl was extremely stubborn, based on their interactions in the alleyway. He honestly doubted that she would actually slow down, but, after a few seconds, Subaru heard her speak, her voice fully conveying her annoyance.

"Tch, you're this tired already? Man, I knew you were weak, but I didn't know you were this weak, Surobu!"

"It's Subaru!"

"Pffft. Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Fine, Subaru, if you're so tired we can take a bit of a rest. I doubt that scary witch look-alike will catch up to us at this point, even if I'm being slowed down by you."

Subaru was beginning to suspect that Felt was either physically inhuman, or had some sort of Divine Protection that gave her an unusual amount of stamina. He figured that no one with a lack of reliable meals could be in such good shape.

"We can stop by my den. It's just a few minutes away."

At this point, Subaru actually didn't care where they went, he just needed to rest his legs. "Okay, blondie. That sounds good to me! Thanks!" He flashed his signature thumbs up, smiling at the girl.

The girl frowned when she heard Subaru call her a blondie, retorting with disgust,"Bleh, don't call me that. There's also no need to thank me. I need to check out your metia or whatever before we go further, anyway."

Subaru had never heard that word before. He quizzically asked, "Metia?"

Felt turned around and looked at him like he was an idiot. "Yes, genius. Remember? You swore it was in 'stellar' condition and that you'd show me how it worked! C'mon, you gotta work on both your athletic muscles and your mental ones! Anyway, that metia… I think you called it a 'self hone'?"

"Oh, my cell phone!" He exclaimed in realization. "How did I forget so quickly? I mean, I'm exhausted, but still… Damn, I'm not making the best impression on her, am I?"

As the unlikely duo approached Felt's so-called den, Subaru sped up a bit to walk side-by-side with her. However, he could've sworn that she instinctively moved her body away from him when he got physically closer to her.

"Am I making her uncomfortable?"

Annoyed, Felt turned away from Subaru and exclaimed, "Yes, that! Just show me the damn thing already!"

Subaru obliged and took out his phone from his pocket. He started to explain its basic features, the ones that still worked in this world, to Felt. "Well, this little device is a one-of-a-kind item. It can basically capture and freeze a moment in time. Think of it as something that can instantly create a perfect painting of whatever it's aimed at. All you have to do is point and press, then the picture will appear on the device!"

Subaru demonstrated by opening his phone's camera application and aiming it towards Felt. He told her to look at the device, then once he was satisfied with the angle and her positioning, he pressed the 'capture' button. Smiling at his strangely good photography work, especially since it was done on an old flip phone, Subaru turned the phone around and showed Felt the result.

Displayed on the small screen was a picture that beautifully captured Felt's appearance; at least, Subaru thought so, anyway. Her unkempt, golden hair was in mid-sway from the wind and her small lips were curved ever so slightly upwards. Even the slight stains on Felt's small black top that barely covered her breasts were present in the picture. The only thing that the phone failed to capture was the passion in Felt's eyes. While the crimson color was there, it was lacking the fire that seemed to fuel her.

Felt's eyes widened slightly at seeing her own face staring back at her in such vivid detail. "Well, you don't seem to be lying… But is that supposed to be me? I look much prettier than that!"

Subaru replied without thinking, "Actually, I think the phone did a great job of capturing your natural beauty. You're already cute, and, to be honest, I wasn't sure if a small camera like this would do you justice… but it totally does! You look like a model or something! Though I guess you're right, nothing can beat the real thing. But still, it's damn close! Between you and the picture… the much prettier one is the one standing in front of me. "

Felt's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, almost to the point where her face was as red as her eyes. She immediately looked away from Subaru and practically shouted, "Wh-What are you saying?! That was a rhetorical question!"

Subaru blushed even more deeply than Felt after realizing what he'd said out loud. Rapidly waving his hands back and forth, he quickly uttered, "Sorry! I got a bit carried away there!"

"A bit?" he thought. "That basically sounded like a confession!"

"You see, uh, back where I'm from, I used to admire pictures in my spare time. I was always very detailed with art, especially photography. My dad used to take me every year as a kid to take pictures near Asakusa… so I've always really loved photography."

"I-I don't know what the hell you just said, but just shut up and stop talkin' for a sec!" Felt's blush didn't let up, nor did Subaru's.

Subaru simply nodded quietly and thought it was best to be silent until they reached Felt's den.

After a few minutes of silent walking, the two approached a dilapidated wooden shack near an abandoned brick building. There was an overturned table, a broken bucket, and a makeshift clothesline with a few hung up blankets scattered around the front yard. Using the word "yard" was a stretch, considering its miniscule, run-down condition. A stench of garbage flooded Subaru's nose.

The shack itself was no better, as the wooden planks comprising the structure had begun to rot away, slightly impacting its upright integrity. It required two wooden posts on either side to remain fully upright. The wooden post closest to the shack's entrance also had a tattered blanket tucked behind it, which was held up with three rocks on the roof, overgrown with weeds. Subaru didn't know if the blanket was covering a hole on the roof, or if it simply served to create some makeshift privacy. Only a patchy, muted green couch fit inside the shack. It had a single dirty brown pillow on top of it.

"Felt… do you live here?"

"Uh, yeah? I told you that we'd stop at my den since you were so tired. Don't tell me we could've kept on runnin' to Old Man Rom's place!"

"No… I did need rest, but that's not important now. Are you… okay?"

A bit confused, Felt cocked her head. "Whaddaya mean, do I not look okay?" She turned her gaze away from Subaru's nasty eyes and rubbed the back of her head sheepishly with a blush. "I mean, after all that embarrassing stuff you said about my appearance earlier…"

"No, that's not what I meant."

Subaru failed to blush in return. Right now, he was seriously concerned for the girl. Her clothes, her visible ribs, and her "den" all pointed to a truly difficult life; a life that Subaru couldn't relate to. Sure he was lonely, but at least he was afforded many other comforts in his life.

"I thought my life was so hard, but I never stopped to consider that the life I complained so much about would be a dream for others."

"It's just… I don't know. I see your clothes and your house, and I can't help but worry about you. You mentioned you and your Grandfather had nothing back in that alleyway… you even seem used to to scamming and stealing from people. I just don't think that anyone should have to live this way! You shouldn't have to live this way."

"Your concern helps none of us living in the slums, and your belief that life is unfair for peasants is just one of thousands. I'm not some prissy noble girl who's been served everything she'd ever wanted on a silver platter. I've had to fend for myself my entire life. Besides Gramps, I've been alone and did what I had to do so that I could survive. If it weren't for stealing, I'd be forced to sell my body. Those bastard nobles deserve getting their shit stolen!"

Felt's crimson eyes burned with an inextinguishable fiery passion.

"The nobles don't even see us as people! We're practically just slaves to them! The kingdom doesn't give a shit about any of us! There's a reason why the slums are so big. The job I had today is gonna be life-changing for me and Gramps. We aren't gonna be livin' this way for much longer. That's the difference between me and the other slumrats. I refuse to continue living like this. The silver-haired noble's insignia is gonna fetch at least a few holy coins, and if your metia-cellphone thing can fetch a few gold coins on top of that, then all the better!"

Subaru was left speechless at the girl's tenacity. In the past, Subaru never would have condoned stealing, but he felt disgusted by what the girl had said. If the nobles of this kingdom forced so many people into abject poverty and suffering, then they deserved to rot in hell. Subaru practically spat, "Fuck the nobles."

Felt's eyes widened a bit in what looked like surprise. "Huh? Didn't expect that comin' from your mouth, to be honest. I had you pinned for some lower noble down on his luck."

Subaru couldn't help but smile, "Where I come from, there are no such things as nobles and commoners. Instead, everyone has the same standing and can even vote equally in elections. While it's true that there are still social and class inequalities, it's nothing like this kingdom as you describe it. Honestly, there are very few active monarchies even left in the world."

Felt's eyes beamed with passion and, for the first time, Subaru saw a genuine smile come from the girl. He thought Felt's smile was beautiful and couldn't help but blush a little.

"No such things as nobles and commoners… that's what I want to see for this country. I hate the nobility! I hate knights! I hate this kingdom! I hate everything about it! I'd tear it all down if I could." Felt's passion was palpable to Subaru. However, a frown replaced Felt's sweet smile as quickly as it appeared. "But that's a pipe dream, isn't it? I've never heard of any country in the world that exists as you described it. It's not nice to get a girl's hopes up, Subaru."

Just as Subaru was about to correct her, Felt abruptly clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Okay! Enough rest. I gotta get back before my client shows up! And we need Gramps to take a look at that metia."

Felt took his hand once more and dragged him into a fast run. He smiled, feeling her soft touch.

Felt knocked on one of the two wooden doors deep in the slums. A gruff, deep voice boomed, "For a rat…"

"Poison."

"For a whale…"

"A harpoon."

"To the noble dragon lord…"

"We're bags of shit. Sorry to keep you waiting, old man. I had to deal with an unexpected annoyance along the way." Felt shot her eyes towards Subaru with a slight smile.

Subaru shot back an offended, "Hey!"

"Who the hell is this, Felt?"

Striking his signature pose, the dark-haired boy proudly declared, "I'm Natsuki Subaru! Not only am I clueless, but I'm also broke! Nice to meet you… Old Man Rom I presume?

After a brief, but intense, interrogation by Old Man Rom, who was under the impression that Subaru was trying to get with his granddaughter, the giant, Felt and Subaru finally calmed down. Felt ushered Subaru to show Old Man Rom his cell phone, how it works, and Felt's picture."

"Amazin'..."

"Old man, how much d'ya think it's worth?"

"Tellin' me I look like an old man at my age is the most savage thing anyone's ever said to me. Based on what that metia can do, I'd say it's probably worth fifteen… no, twenty holy coins. Actually, I'm guessin' there're people out there who'd be willin' to pay even more."

Felt's eyes widened when she heard just how much the phone was worth. "Shit, no way! I didn't think for a second it'd be worth close to that amount… That means I can get away with overcharging for it! Yay!"

Heh, what a cute cheer. I don't know how currency works here but based on Felt's reaction, I'd say it's worth a ton!

Old Man Rom smiled at his granddaughter's glee. He slid a glass of milk down to Subaru who quickly took a sip. He still was parched from what felt like his marathon run earlier. "Bleh, did you water down this milk or what, Old Man Rom? There's definitely something wrong with it."

"I give you somethin' outta the goodness of my heart, and you call it gross?"

"Heh, sorry."

Excitedly, Felt exclaimed, "Even if I only get a fraction of what it's worth from ya, Subaru, this is gonna help me reach my goal much sooner!"

Subaru was confused. "Huh? I don't understand, Felt. What do you mean by a fraction?"

"Eh? You're not tryna back out of our deal, right? You promised me in the alleyway I'd get to profit from your metia in exchange for savin' your butt! Don't think I work for free! Old Man Rom and I aren't gonna let that happen!"

Subaru waved his hands quickly trying to dispel Felt's anger and Old Man Rom's confusion. "N-No, that's not it at all. I wasn't planning on making you take just a fraction of it, I was planning on letting you keep the thing. You saved me back there and you're my friend. Most of all, I don't want you going back to sleep in that hellhole you call a 'den.'"

It was the first time since Subaru met Felt that he rendered her speechless. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, she was interrupted by a knock on the door.

Old Man Rom gruffed, "Seems the client is here."

"R-Right. She's my client, so I'll get the door." Felt walked over and opened the door to the loot house.

A woman with jet black hair and eyes licked her lips. She entered, "Good evening, I'm Elsa Grainhert." Locking her eyes on Subaru, she asked "and who might I have the pleasure of meeting with tonight?"

Subaru didn't know why, but he had a bad feeling about this woman. A really bad feeling.

And that does it for Chapter 2! Please leave a review and let me know what you think so far. It made me really happy reading your thoughts and feedback last week!

I'll see you all for Chapter 3 :) – susintentions

Chapter Text

A/N: Thank you for waiting so long for Chapter 3! The positivity from the last chapter was incredible! This community is by far amongst the best out there! Anyways, without further delay, enjoy Chapter 3!

Subaru was uneasy. Felt's client, who introduced herself as Elsa a few moments ago, had just walked through the front door of the loot house. She was a very tall and beautiful woman, with jet black hair and even darker eyes. They seemed devoid of all light, except for a slight glint of emotion that Subaru couldn't quite identify. However, perhaps her most noticeable feature besides her eyes was her breasts. They were extremely voluptuous and practically popped out of Elsa's scant, skin-tight outfit, which also exposed her navel. Subaru would've been in awe at the woman's figure if she hadn't been radiating such an intense aura.

"Good evening," the lady said with a thin smile, "I'm Elsa." A chill went down Subaru's spine as Elsa's soothing, almost motherly voice rang out to him, Felt, and Old Man Rom. Her eyes locked straight onto Subaru's, like a viper tracking its prey. Subaru couldn't help but shudder at the sight.

Licking her lips, Elsa asked, "And who might I have the pleasure of meeting with tonight?"

"Uh, h-hi there… Ms. Elsa. I'm Felt. Just Felt." Felt flashed a small smile towards the woman. She was clearly a bit nervous but still clung to her confidence defiantly. After all, a scary woman wasn't enough to extinguish Felt's fiery spirit, nor get in her way of making a large profit.

Felt pointed at the old giant behind the bar. "That's my Gramps." Old Man Rom crossed his arms and gruffed affirmatively in response. Felt then turned towards the dark-haired boy with nasty eyes. "And this is just…" Felt stopped and seemingly thought about what word she should use to describe Subaru. He was more than a stranger, but Subaru didn't know if she trusted him enough to call him anything beyond an acquaintance. He hoped she would, though.

After some silence, Felt finally continued. "This is my friend… Natsuki Subaru." Felt blushed ever so slightly as she pointed at her new friend.

Subaru couldn't resist smiling, his heart skipping a beat. "Yeah! That's right, I'm her friend! Damn, I made two friends in one day! I'm killing it! "

Now a bit more confident after making his second official friend in Lugunica, Subaru struck his signature pose and yelled at the dark woman, "Good evening, Elsa! Yep, I'm Natsuki Subaru and I'm completely broke. But, now I have two friends in this world so life's looking up for me!"

Elsa narrowed her eyes and flashed her creepy, thin smile. "Ara, is that so? Well, nice to meet you all. Especially you, Natsuki Subaru."

Subaru held his breath when Elsa said his name. Something inside of him screamed to get as far away as possible from the lady, but he couldn't abandon Felt when she finally was going to get her payday.

Noticing Subaru's discomfort, Felt ushered for Elsa to come inside and sit at the wooden table adjacent to Old Man Rom's bar. Felt took her seat and looked at Subaru. She tapped on a nearby chair, beckoning Subaru to sit next to her, much to his delight. The two took their seats across from Elsa at the head of the table while Old Man Rom stood in between everyone at the middle of the table.

"Now, onta business, Miss Elsa! Let's start the negotiations."

Elsa took a sip of the watered-down milk that Old Man Rom placed near her seat. She once again licked her lips, only this time it was to rid the film of milk on her face.

"Gladly… But, I do believe I have the right to know more about who I'll be negotiating against. After all, my employer gave me strict orders to come back with the insignia… and I don't plan on failing."

Subaru was confused. "Insignia?" he wondered.

Felt, also confused, asked, "Huh, whaddya mean, Miss Elsa? There's no one else here to negotiate for it… It's just you."

Ignoring Felt, Elsa stared at Subaru. "What do you intend to do with that insignia should you outbid me?"

"Uh, nothing?" Subaru pointed his index finger up, matter-of-factly. "Firstly, I don't know what you're talking about. Like at all. I don't have any need for some noble's insignia, trust me. Secondly, I'm broke! The last thing I'd be spending my money on if I had any is some piece of jewelry. I'm not sure why you want it, but I do know that Felt needs this deal to come through so I don't intend on getting in the way."

"Hmm? Is that so… It seems I was mistaken, then."

Felt was starting to get annoyed. "Enough with the pleasantries! I just wanna make my profit so what's your offer, Miss Elsa! I ain't takin' less than what it was worth to retrieve. Savin' Subaru's butt was practically worth another 30 holy coins on top of what ya owe me for, 'cause of how annoyin' he was!"

Old Man Rom snickered while Subaru pouted, crying out, "Hey!"

Elsa hadn't stopped smiling the moment she walked inside the loot house. Subaru thought this was creepy, but his thoughts were interrupted when Elsa took a bag of coins from in between her cleavage and plopped it on the table. "These are the holy coins my employer sent with me with."

"What price is your master putting on it?" Old Man Rom seemed to echo Felt's impatience. Subaru posited that they were both the kind of people to get down to business as quickly as possible.

"Hmm, ten exactly."

Felt's crimson eyes widened at the bag of coins. Subaru knew she never had seen anywhere close to that amount of money before, and it clearly showed on her face. As if confirming that she wasn't dreaming, Felt cautiously asked, "Ten… holy coins?"

Her smile unchanging, Elsa confirmed that, indeed, ten holy coins were on the table.

Felt whispered, "Holy shit, I did it…" More loudly, she spoke, "Holy shit! Gramps, I did it! We're gonna get out!" Tears filled Felt's eyes as the years of hardship and danger finally had a chance of disappearing. Never again would she be forced to do the nefarious in order to ward off selling her body. Jumping up and down as tears streamed down her face, she yelled, "Deal, lady, deal! You have a fuckin' deal!"

Old Man Rom seemed pleased, "Felt-chan, y'make this old man proud." Subaru swore that he even saw the smallest tear well up in the giant's eyes.

Subaru, meanwhile, was relieved that the blonde had made out with such a good deal. After experiencing the den that Felt "lived" in for himself, he, more than anything, wanted her to have a better life. If Subaru couldn't stand being at the den for just a few minutes, he could barely imagine how difficult it was for Felt to live there for years.

He doubled down on his earlier resolve at the loot house. He would save her no matter what. The cellphone was only the first step. He didn't know how exactly, but he'd become her hero. If only he was as powerful as the protagonists in isekai manga…

Seeing Felt jump up and down, pumping her fist in celebration, Subaru felt another emotion besides relief and envy. A deep thumping erupted in his chest. It was similar to when his heart pounded quickly from anxiety whenever he went to school. Only this feeling was more pleasant. Much more pleasant. Despite the girl's brash attitude, he appreciated her company so far. Actually, he found her to be quite adorable. Her golden hair, her small nose, petite frame, and, of course, her deep crimson eyes all enraptured Subaru. Subaru couldn't stifle the blush on his face as he looked at Felt.

"Well, it seems my employer didn't underpay after all. At any rate, before we continue Felt-chan, would you please be a dear and hand over the insignia?"

Felt, who was still cheering, barely registered Elsa's request. "Huh? Oh yeah, sure! Let me just get it from my hidin' spot."

Felt reached down her small black top and started fishing around for something. Subaru, of course, immediately noticed this and instinctively turned away, blushing even deeper. Incredulously, he asked, "Uh, Felt, what the hell are you doing?"

"What! It's the safest spot I've got! Nobody in all of Lugunica would ever get their hands on it this way... Especially not you!"

Old Man Rom shot a grimace at Subaru that would make even the finest knights shudder.

"Anyway… here it is!" In her hand, Felt held a dark violet ornament with an intricate golden trim. The golden trim created a beautiful contrast on the insignia that seemed to be in the design of a winged dragon of some kind. In the center lay a single red jewel. Subaru wondered if it was a ruby, but the way the gem was brightly glowing in Felt's hand was much too unnatural to be any stone that he was familiar with back on Earth.

Felt slid the insignia down the wooden table to Elsa. "Here ya are, Miss Elsa. I don't know why it's worth so much to ya and your employer, but honestly, I don't really care as long as I get my profit."

Subaru, feeling a sense of relief from the completed exchange, closed his eyes and let out a big sigh. "Damn… Now I can finally relax for a fucking second. It's been nothing but mayhem since I got here!"

Unfortunately, fate did not intend to let Subaru relax. Right before Elsa picked up the insignia, the door to the loot house was kicked open. A beautiful, young woman with long silver hair stood in the doorway. She was wearing an intricate white and purple trimmed top and short skirt and bore a single, emerald-like pendant around her slender neck.

With open palms pointed toward them. two icicles materialized from thin air, quivering as if pent up with a ridiculous amount of energy.

"Stop, thieves! Give me back my insignia!"

Subaru, Felt, and Old Man Rom were clearly surprised, but Elsa was unfazed. It was almost as if she was expecting the young woman to barge in. Smiling, Elsa tenderly looked at Felt and Subaru. "Ah, I see. So you're with them, then."

Before Felt and Subaru could tell what was going on, Elsa practically teleported in front of Old Man Rom, plunging an ornate black dagger into his chest. Blood spurted onto the negotiating table as Rom crashed down to the floor. His blood entirely coated Elsa's face and hands.

Looking at her stained fingers, Elsa brought her fingers to her mouth. She sucked every drop of blood that stained them. Licking her lips, she seemed grateful. "Thank you for that nice glass of milk, though. I much prefer this."

Felt's eyes darkened in horror. "H-how dare you put your filthy hands on Gramps, you bitch!" Felt pulled her knife out as the silver-haired girl began shooting icicles at Elsa. The small, floating cat was behind, assisting the girl, shooting yellow crystals.

Subaru remained seated, paralyzed. He nearly regressed to an infant-like state, unsure if he witnessed Old Man Rom's death or not.

"S-she's drank his blood. He's dead. The silver-haired girl is going to die. I'm going to die. Felt's going to die… Felt…"

The golden-haired crimson-eyed girl was going to die if he didn't do something. He had to save her. After all, he just resolved to save the girl that saved him back in the alleyway. Most importantly, though, they'd become friends.

He thought back to Felt's introduction to him, "This is my friend… Natsuki Subaru." Letting her die was not an option.

But what could he do? He was weak, powerless. How could he save her if he couldn't even save himself back in that alleyway?

Subaru desperately searched for an answer as the fighting continued in the background. Felt had been knocked down on the floor and the silver-haired girl and her floating cat were losing ground. He knew that time was running out.

Unfortunately, Subaru's mind was too foggy from anxiety to come up with a plan. Instead, he decided the only thing he could do was improvise in order to buy more time.

Standing up, Subaru yelled at the top of his lungs, "Reinhard! I still wanna see that mansion of yours, so hurry the hell up and find me!" He shifted his attention to Elsa, pointing a finger at her. He was scared beyond belief, but still managed to spit out his vitriol for the black-haired woman. "As for you, psychopath bitch, don't you lay a fucking finger on Felt!"

Still on the ground, Felt yelled at him with worry and anger. "Idiot! You'll die!"

Subaru ignored her. No matter what happened, he refused to die here. He etched that refusal deep into his soul, rejecting the possibility of leaving Felt, Reinhard, and Old Man Rom behind. He'd already abandoned his parents. He'll never leave behind anyone he cares about again.

Defiant, Subaru shot a quick thumbs up and flashed Felt a small smile. "Don't worry, Felt! I'm not planning on dying today."

Reaffirming his desires, Subaru summoned all of his courage and charged Elsa with a piece of broken glass from his watered-down milk.

"Ara? Seems you have more courage than I thought. Well done, it'll make seeing your bowels so much sweeter."

Elsa turned towards him and closed the distance between them in under a second. Subaru, having no time to react, could only brace himself for the knife's impact.

However, the knife's impact never came. Instead, it bounced off of Subaru's stomach as if it had slammed into solid rock. Visibly confused, Elsa swung again. This time, she aimed for his neck, but once again, the knife failed to pierce through Subaru's skin.

"Whoa! Huh? That must be a weaker knife than I thought, lady!"

Elsa smiled at Subaru. "Hmm? I'm surprised. Rarely do I underestimate my opponents." For the first time since he'd been summoned, Subaru felt like he finally started to have some control over a situation.

Elsa, meanwhile, was quite irritated; she still hadn't seen Subaru's bowels yet. Once again she lunged at Subaru. However, this time, he felt a sharp pain radiating through his heart. It was as if thousands of hot needles pierced his heart simultaneously. Whatever had been protecting his body before had faded.

As a result, instead of the knife bouncing off of his skin harmlessly, Elsa managed to plunge her knife deeply into his bowels, creating a wide gash. Crimson blood began to pour out of Subaru's stomach at a ridiculous rate, while a small section of his intestines was slightly hanging out of the gash. Subaru's knees buckled and he fell to the ground near Felt, vomiting up the contents of his stomach.

The pain was too much. "It hurts! It hurts! It hurts! It hurts!"

The last thing Subaru saw was a red-headed man bust through the loot house door.

Felt looked on in horror as Subaru collapsed to the floor, staining it with blood. Sure, she had only met him today, but the young man still put his life on the line for her and her Gramps. Most importantly, he had seen her as a person, not just as another slum rat…

Unfortunately, Felt herself was slightly incapacitated as Elsa stabbed her thigh just a few minutes ago. Still, she persevered. The boy… her friend, Subaru, was bleeding out on the floor because he foolishly tried to save her. He was weak. He had no power. But, he still tried to save her. Why did he save her?

She couldn't help but wonder how Subaru had survived Elsa's first two assaults. "How'd that knife bounce off of Subaru's skin like it was nothing?" She knew that Subaru and Rom wouldn't survive if a healer didn't come quickly.

Thankfully, her "buyer" was now distracted by the man just bust down the door, the half-elf, and her floating cat.

"Emilia-sama, Felt-san, please step away from this villain."

Felt immediately knew who the regal man was. "Reinhard-sama…"

"Ara, it seems like I'll get the pleasure of fighting the Sword Saint. Rarely do I get the opportunity to see such loved bowels." Elsa licked her lips. "Mmm, I'm looking forward to playing with them."

Reinhard's stoic expression remains unchanged. "It seems like I don't need to introduce myself. Though, to be honest, that nickname is a bit much for me. I don't know how much help my modest strength can be to my friend Subaru and these young ladies, but if you wish to resort to extreme measures, let me warn you. As a knight... I will have to fight back."

"Now, do you honestly expect a starving predator like myself to resist the temptation of such delectable prey?

Reinhard reached for a rusty sword leaning against the loot house bar. "It appears I won't be using the Dragon Sword today."

"Ah, a pity. The bowel hunter, Elsa Grainhert, would love to play with your insides…"

"The Sword Saint, Reinhard van Astrea. Face justice."

Elsa rushed towards Reinhard with two knives, aiming to stab him in the neck. However, Reinhard was too fast. He swung the rusty blade onto Elsa, dissolving the world into blue flame. There was an explosion, forcing Felt and the silver-haired girl to keep their eyes shut.

When Felt opened them, Elsa was gone. Only Reinhard and the silver-haired girl remained. The floating cat seemingly disappeared during the commotion. But, that wasn't important to Felt right now.

"Gramps! Subaru! Shit, this fuckin' insignia isn't worth the price it demanded so far…" She turned to the girl clad in silver and white.

"Lady… I'm sorry for stealin' your insignia. I never realized how serious it'd be and it's brought me nothin' but trouble! Just get the fuckin' thing out of my sight! But first… please, Reinhard-sama, Lady-sama! Help Subaru and the old man before it's too late!"

The silver-haired half-elf, who Reinhard called Emilia, asked Felt, "So this old man is part of your family, I take it?"

"Y-Yeah, something like that, I guess. Old Man Rom's the only person I have in this world. I suppose he's like my grandpa."

"I see. I only have one family member, too. He's always asleep at the most important moments, though. 'Course, I wouldn't say that out loud when he's awake. I'd never hear the end of it. At any rate, I'll do my best to stabilize them. Unfortunately, I can't guarantee anything given the severity of their conditions, though…"

Felt looked sullen but nodded. "Subaru… you idiot." She noticed his blood pooling on the dark wood floor.

Reinhard noticed the bloodied Subaru too. He grimaced. "Hang in there, my friend…" Turning towards Emilia, Reinhard expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Emilia-sama. Please do your best to heal them while I leave momentarily to fetch Felix."

"Mhmm. I can't let a debt go unpaid. That boy bought us time, after all. With that in mind, I suppose I shouldn't let them get arrested for my sake. Reinhard, I'd be glad to take the boy home as a guest, at least while he's healing. Besides, I need to obtain as much information as possible about the situation. As for the girl and the Old Man… what will become of them?

Reinhard shifted his weight, turning to the small blonde. "In an official capacity, I cannot overlook what they've done here." He paused for a moment. With a regal smile, he continued, "However, as luck would have it, I just so happen to be off-duty today."

Emilia chuckled, "Well, aren't you a bad knight? At any rate, young lady, please return what you stole."

Complying, Felt reached for the insignia. "If it's so important, Emilia-sama, I suggest you keep it hidden so no one can steal it again."

"I appreciate the advice, though, it's a little strange to hear it from you."

Meanwhile, Reinhard moved towards the loot house entrance to retrieve Felix, but before he could leave, he noticed the insignia's crystal was glowing a bright red as Felt held it. Gasping, he sprinted towards Felt, tightly grabbing her arm.

Felt yelled, "What're you doing? Hey! You're hurting me! Let go of my arm!"

Reinhard looked mortified. "This can't be possible! What's your name?"

"Huh? It's Felt, why do you...? Family name? Look, I don't have anything fancy like a family name. Just let me go and get Subaru help!"

"Emilia-sama, I'm afraid I won't be able to keep my promise to you at this time. I'll be taking this girl with me for further questioning.

"May I ask you why? If it's just for stealing my insignia, then…"

Reinhard shook his head. "That theft alone is no small crime, certainly. But if I overlook what's unfolding before me at this moment, I know it would be the greatest crime of them all. I'll need you to come along with me. I'm sorry, but I simply can't allow you to refuse."

"Get over yourself! I'm not leaving without Gramps or Subaru!"

Judging from the regret in Reinhard's pale blue eyes, Felt knew that her request would likely go unheeded. Subaru would be taken back to Emilia's mansion and Old Man Rom would remain in the slums. She had no idea where she'd end up herself…

But, just before Reinhard replied, there was a faint voice that came from nearby.

"F-Felt… Thank God... You're okay." After verifying Felt was okay, Subaru's eyes went dark.

Darkness. Everything in his field of vision was darkness. He, alone with his thoughts, didn't know where he was or why he was there. He didn't even have a body. Only his soul remained.

He could have been in the darkness for minutes or millennia. it didn't matter, for there was no such thing as time. Nothing else existed save the concept of thought itself.

Yet, in this infinite darkness, one shadow began to separate itself. A shadow, unlike the boy or the rest of the darkness, possessed more than mere thought. It had a consciousness, a body, and mind… feelings. Intense feelings.

Wrath. Kindness. Hatred. Sadness. Joy. Terror.

These feelings reached the boy and consumed him. His thoughts became wrathful, kind, hateful, sad, joyous, terrible.

Yet the shadow had begun to emit another emotion; an emotion that overrode all others. Love.

It was not a pure sort of love. It was a violating love. A love that forced itself into the boy's consciousness, body, and mind. Over and over again, the shadow's love etched itself onto the boy's soul. His own thoughts became full of love.

But his loving thoughts were not towards the shadow. They were for another.

For who? He didn't know. He couldn't know. There was only the shadow and him. No one else existed. Did they?

Noticing the boy's thoughts, the shadow stopped. It began to take shape into a young woman with flowing, silver hair. She approached the small bubble of darkness that made up the boy.

A new emotion reached him. It was envy. An impossibly deep, infinite envy. Toxic envy, hateful envy, obsessive envy, sick envy, regretful envy.

She spoke.

"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you."

Her words penetrated his soul. While the boy without a body had no physical sensations, it would have felt as if a jagged knife was repeatedly stabbing his two open eyes. She repeated herself over and over and over again.

Yet, still, the boy's thoughts of love were not for the shadow. They remained steadfast. They would not change. They could never change.

The shadow, desperate, begged him.

"Love me. Love me. Love me. Love me. Love me. Love me. Love me. Love me."

"Subaru, love me."

The formless boy had no mouth to reject her. But still, he mustered all of the strength in his being. It took everything he had, but he managed to construct a single word from the shadows.

"No."

Subaru woke up drenched in cold sweat. He had just awoken from a nightmare that felt like it spanned years and years. He was surprised it was even possible for him to wake up from such a terrible dream, yet here he was. Despite being safe, the memory of the shadow would never leave him. Her feelings of "love" traumatized him. Never again did he want to meet this shadow, even if she wasn't real.

Realizing he wasn't in immediate danger, Subaru rubbed his eyes and stretched his legs. Where the hell was he? He seemed to be in a very comfortable bed. "Huh? Where the hell am I now? I'm sick of opening my eyes just to find myself in strange, unfamiliar places."

Looking around, Subaru examined the red, ornate room he was in. The furniture was all velvet with small crests adorning them. He couldn't make out what the writing on the crests meant, though. There was also a beautiful golden chandelier directly above him. Lastly, there was a girl with crimson eyes and beautiful golden hair, fast asleep in a small chair right next to his bedside–

"Eh?! F-Felt! Why are you so close!"

Felt didn't respond. In fact, she didn't move a muscle. Subaru surmised that based on her snoring and the slightly ridiculous position she was in, she must have been in a deep sleep. Despite her funny sleeping position, Subaru still thought she was gorgeous. Her lips were a full, natural rouge color. Even though she'd be living on the streets her whole life, her skin was still fair and healthy. He couldn't help but blush at the sleeping girl. Subaru had only felt similar when reading about his favorite waifus and characters back in Japan, but this was different. Whereas in Japan, it was a purely physical infatuation, he now felt a mental longing towards the girl. He wanted to be close to her and…

Subaru was interrupted when he heard a knock on the white door in his room. A knightly man with red hair and a kind face– no, Reinhard, proceeded to enter. He seemed relieved.

He signed, "Ah, Subaru, my friend! You're awake, thank goodness!"

"Reinhard! Wh-where am I? What happened to Elsa? Why is Felt asleep on a chair next to me?"

"Well, it's a bit complicated… where should I begin?"

A/N: That does it for Chapter 3! Yep, Subaru's Authority of Envy manifested differently this time!

Special shout out to everyone on FF, Reddit, and AO3 who told me to take it easy and enjoy the writing process. This chapter was unusually difficult and time consuming for me to write, so I'm glad I took the time and didn't get burnt out.

Also, thank you to everybody who reviewed the last chapter! I read each review and honestly your kindness and interest in the story is what keeps me writing.

Lastly, leave a review and let me know what your thoughts and what you think so far!

Anyway, I truly hope you all enjoyed :)

See you all for Chapter 4, it's gonna be crazy! –susintentions

Chapter Text

A/N: Hey everybody! Chapter 4 is here a bit early and you may notice it's extra extra long. I just had too much fun writing this chapter! Without further delay, enjoy Chapter 4!

Subaru had just awoken from a nightmare. It was a terrible nightmare; he felt like he had been trapped in it for years. But try as he might, he couldn't remember even one detail. Frustrated, he shifted his inward focus outward towards his surroundings.

Subaru did not recognize the room he was in. It was a large, lavish room with velvet, red and gold-trimmed furniture. Whoever arranged it paid significant attention to the room's design. While its beauty could be appreciated by even the least trained eye, it emanated a subtle unfamiliarity that made Subaru uncomfortable.

Attempting to shake off his discomfort, Subaru sat up and began to look around. He quickly noticed he wasn't alone in the quiet, regal room. Next to his bedside was a spread-out, passed out Felt. She was completely spread eagle in a chair. Despite her unmaidenly sleeping position, she looked cute when she slept.

Subaru started to stare at the sleeping girl. He was relieved that she didn't look hurt, or for that matter, he was relieved that she wasn't dead. Felt easily could have been killed at the loot house and it would have been all over right then and there. In that moment, he wanted nothing more than to embrace her.

After realizing he was smiling like an idiot at her, Subaru snapped out of his trance. He blurted out, "Eh?! F-Felt! Why are you so close?!"

She didn't answer. She was out like a log. Subaru wondered how long she had been there for, but he couldn't even remember how he arrived in the storage room.

Subaru could remember the main details, such as Elsa practically slicing him open at the loot house, Old Man Rom being stabbed, and Felt's puncture wound in her thigh. The image of Elsa sucking Old Man Rom's blood off of her fingers was burned into his brain. His stomach churned.

Subaru swore in that moment he'd get revenge on the sick, lying bitch who hurt Felt and Rom. He'd kill her one day…

Just as his anger was beginning to boil over, a soft knock reverberated from the door, as if it were attempting to quell his hatred. Subaru took a deep breath, recollected himself, and managed to stow away his anger.

A stoic, knightly man with bright red hair and caring, pale blue eyes entered the room. It was his friend, Reinhard, who seemed relieved to see Subaru awake.

He sighed, "Ah, Subaru, my friend! You're awake, thank goodness!"

"Reinhard! Wh-where am I? What happened to Elsa? Why is Felt asleep on a chair next to me?"

"Well, it's a bit complicated… where should I begin?"

"I suppose I'll start from the beginning. Firstly, the lady that you were negotiating with was quite untruthful with you all. In reality, she was the notorious Bowel Hunter, Elsa Grainhart. She had been on the knight corps' watchlist for years due to her insidious crimes, but she proved to be terribly evasive. But fortunately, I was able to sense your location in time and dispatched her."

Reinhard wore an expression of scorn as he recalled more details from the loot house.

"However, I was nearly too late. Elsa had sliced you cleanly across the stomach and truthfully, your chances of survival were almost certainly nil. Had Emilia-sama not intervened right away, you and Felt's Grandfather certainly would have been dead. Luckily, my dear comrade, Felix Argyle, was able to assist in time and saved you both from near-certain demise."

Reinhard's eyes lightened up as he spoke about one of his dearest friends. "He is the best healer in all of Lugnica, so you should consider yourself most fortunate that he was able to assist us."

A feeling of guilt began to well in Subaru's chest. If it weren't for him, Felt and Rom probably would have never been in such a dangerous situation, to begin with.

"Reinhard… How long have I been here?"

Smiling, Reinhard answered as if he was admiring his dark-haired friend. "Only two days. Felix thought you would be unconscious for longer. Your vitality is most impressive, Subaru."

"Eh?! Only two days? W-well thank God Felt and everyone else is okay." Subaru looked at the troublesome, feisty blonde next to him and couldn't help but smile. Felt was safe and she'd have another chance to reach her dreams. He vowed to never let anything or anyone threaten his friends again.

"A-anyway, Reinhard, who exactly is this 'Emilia-sama' that was in the loot house with us?"

"Ah, she is one of five royal candidates in line to be the next king of Lugnica. Lady Felt had stol–" Reinhard took a moment to think over the phrasing of his next remark.

He carefully continued, "Lady Felt had misappropriated Emilia-sama's royal insignia, which was an indicator of her qualification to be king. In all honesty, Subaru, that was a most serious crime. Fortunately, Lady Emilia had opted to forgive you both and instead offered to provide you with temporary residence. "

"Temporary residence?" Subaru was confused. Why would a complete stranger offer the people who robbed her a place to stay? No one could be that nice… or naive.

"Indeed. Meanwhile, Lady Felt has been by your bedside for the past two days, refusing to leave. She had forced herself to remain awake, but it seems that in the past few hours, sleep has finally caught up to her."

Subaru was overjoyed at this development. He had always wanted a pretty girl to stay by his side if he ever got hurt. Although, he wished he didn't need to get stabbed as a prerequisite for such an event.

Refocusing his attention, he continued to press Reinhard for as much information as possible. "Reinhard, where exactly are we? If Emilia offered us residence, are we at her mansion?"

"No, you're in my mansion here in the capital of Lugnica. I'm sorry if you would have preferred to stay there, but I was forced to ensure that Lady Felt would not stay with Emilia-sama. With her newly acquired position of status, it would have looked quite suspect if anyone found out she was staying at another royal candidate's mansion. Fortunately, Lady Felt kindly 'requested' that you were to stay with her at my mansion and to pass on some vital information to you if she were unable to."

"New position of power…? And wait, if Felt hadn't intervened, were you gonna just stick me at Emilia's place? Rein, my heart going to break!" Subaru wiped a fake tear from his eyes. Reinhard, meanwhile, looked ashamed.

Subaru couldn't help but think to himself, "Damn, I'm really gonna have to teach Rein what sarcasm is." Not wanting to hurt his friend further, Subaru quickly changed the subject. "At any rate, what information does Felt want me to know?"

"Subaru, it is of the highest confidentiality and you mustn't tell another soul until our first meeting with the Sage Council. If you do, it will put Lady Felt and me in a most complicated situation."

"Don't worry, my lips are sealed!"

"Well, in truth, Felt is the fifth and final royal candidate for king of Lugnica."

Subaru was bewildered. "Whoa, does that means she's actually nobility or something? Damn, I guess I fulfilled my goal of finding a princess, after all!"

"She's not technically, nobility, Although, she is now eligible to virtually lead all of the nobility. The insignia Lady Felt took was an indicator of a qualification to be the next king of Lugnica. I noticed the central jewel glowing on Emilia-sama's insignia when she held it in her hand. The jewel only glows if the one possessing it has the right to be king."

Thinking back on it, Subaru had noticed the jewel glowed brighter than he thought possible. He also noticed where Felt stored the insignia: down her top. Turning beet red, he thought, "I suppose I'll have to ask her if she's keeping anything else important down her top…"

Reinhard sighed. "Subaru, I'm not sure what you're thinking exactly but my Divine Protections tell me that they are not very wholesome."

"Ack! You can read my mind, Rein?" Subaru quietly muttered to himself, "Damn that's OP…"

"Uh, don't worry, though, I wasn't thinking anything dirty!"

"I was totally thinking something dirty! Note to self: Don't do that around Rein."

Clearing his throat, Reinhard continued, "Lady Felt had instructed me to tell you all of this in case she was unable to. It is her hope that you will become part of her camp in support of her royal ascension.

Subaru was deeply grateful that Felt ensured he would be together with her and Reinhard. Sure, it was nice of Emilia to offer him residence at her benefactor's mansion, but there was no way he would've accepted.

"Wait, Reinhard… since when did you take orders from Felt?"

"Ah. I have since sworn to be Lady Felt's benefactor for her candidacy. I will also be serving as her royal knight. I believe that she shall be the one to ascend to king; Fate has willed it so. In order to secure such a vision, I have pledged my royalty to her. However, that is not to suggest that she has been amenable to her newly acquired position. She is, in fact, most stubborn and seems to despise the nobility altogether."

Subaru remembered the fire in her eyes when they first talked about the nobility. Felt's hatred for them ran deep and she even convinced Subaru that they were terrible people.

"Stubborn? Hating nobility? Yeah, that sounds like her."

"Indeed. It seems she has only accepted her role as if it were a temporary position. Due to Lady Felt's upbringing, she will not be well-received by many nobles. She knows this, and she'll resultingly face many unique hardships throughout her ascension. Aware of this fact, she has only accepted my role as benefactor and agreed to take residence in my mansion to aid you and her grandfather. However, I am still hopeful she shall fulfill her grander duty to the citizens of this country."

"At any rate, Subaru, I need you to take think about your decision to join Lady Felt's camp. I realize that such decision warrants time, perhaps a week or two–"

Subaru immediately interrupted Reinhard. "I accept."

Reinhard momentarily looked shocked, but his expression changed into an admirable smile.

Subaru continued, "My goal right now is to assist Felt with her dreams any way I can. If tearing down the nobility from within is what she wants, then how could I say no?"

Standing up, he patted Reinhard on the back. "Besides, buddy. I think she'd be too much work for you to handle alone."

Reinhard stifled a chuckle.

"Anyway, you said you're her royal knight. I'm kinda jealous about that one. Will I have an official title as a 'camp member,' too? Maybe Camp President? Or better yet, something more powerful. Something like the Grand Sage of the Felt Camp?

"Hmm... how about Reckless Idiot!" A cute, groggy voice came from Subaru's right. It was Felt. It looked like she was trying to hide the worry on her face by masking it with an angry expression. However, she was failing rather miserably.

With a quivering, angry voice, Felt cried out, "What the fuck were you thinking?! Are you insane, charging into the crazy bitch like that?! It's a miracle you didn't die within two seconds!" Looking at Subaru with angry, misty eyes, she began lightly hitting him repeatedly in protest.

In a moment of sincerity, Subaru let down his guard and answered the crimson-eyed girl honestly. "I couldn't stand the thought of Elsa hurting you. You're my friend. I guess I just wanted to protect you in my own way…"

Felt was visibly confused. She turned away from him. With angry tears still clouding her eyes, she asked, "Wh-what are you saying? Why go so far to protect someone you just met…?"

"I don't know why… but I do know that it felt right and I'd do it again. Besides, I'm not gonna let you die until you've reached your goals."

Wanting to lighten the mood, the dark-haired boy attempted to change the tone in an authentically Subaru-like manner. He flashed a wide smile at the girl and struck his signature pose. "I'll make sure I become the best camp member outta everyone else, even you Reinhard!" With a wave of his hands, he proudly declared, "I can see it now: 'Natsuki Subaru, The Great Sage of the Felt Camp.'"

Reinhard chuckled and Felt kicked him in the shin. "Ow! What the hell was that for?! Here I am declaring my loyalty to you and you decide to kick me!"

Crossing her arms, Felt huffed, "You deserve it! Don't ever do something like that again, idiot. Promise!"

Subaru put his hands up in defeat. "Okay, okay! I promise. It's not like I'm exactly looking to die…" He decided to push his luck and tease the already fuming girl.

"Oh, and thank you, Felt."

"Huh? For what?"

"Well I heard that you stayed by my side for the entire two days I was asleep. I didn't realize how strongly you felt about me. We just met after all…"

Felt turned bright red. "Idiot! I did not!" As if to confirm she was telling the truth, Felt punched him square in the stomach and declared she was leaving. She stomped out of the room.

"Guess she doesn't like being teased…"

Reinhard nodded his head in assent. "No, it seems she does not."

Subaru couldn't help but laugh. He was looking forward to spending time in the mansion with Reinhard and Felt.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Lugnica's Court Mage sat in his study alone. His long, blue hair was disheveled, his clothes wrinkled, and he was without his typical clown makeup. The mage was in a state that he hadn't been in for years.

It was nearly pitch black in the study, save for a sphere of mana, which dimly illuminated the book in front of him. Roswaal L. Mathers, the margrave of the Mathers territory, had not felt even a rumbling of hunger in days. The only emotion he felt was fear, a fear he hadn't experienced since his encounter with a certain warlock of old.

Roswaal flipped through the pages of his book rapidly. In a cold, low voice, the margrave quietly cursed the nasty-eyed dark-haired boy. "Natsuki Subaru…"

"The Book has never deviated to such an extent before. It was expected the assassin would fail, but you failed to directly meet Emilia-sama, fall for her, and subsequently reside at the mansion indefinitely. This is all wrong. I will not let four centuries of careful planning fail because of a single boy. If the future will not line up with the book, then I must correct it myself."

"Natsuki Subaru, just who are you?"

Clutching his book tightly, he thought of his beloved, the one he would do anything and everything for. "Sensei…"

Roswaal, shaking from a mixture of fear and anger, instinctively closed his eyes. He truly could not grasp why his, the true copy of the gospel, was failing him. He had to act before it was too late.

He had but one idea to correct the events to fit the prescription of his gospel.

In a flamboyant voice full of inflections, he called out to his most loyal pawn. "Ram, pleeeease come here. You are neeeeeded."

A feminine, curt voice answered, "Yes, Roswaal-Sama." There was a courtesy knock on the door and shortly after, someone entered. "Please excuse me."

A slender, beautiful girl with short pink hair stepped inside the study. She was wearing what Subaru would call a french maid outfit back in Japan. The maid outfit complemented her relatively small breasts and slim figure. Her white, thigh-high stockings covered up all skin below her waist, as was expected of a modest maid. She was truly emblematic of unassuming beauty.

The maid, Ram, was bowing to her master Roswaal. She kept her eyes glued to his, but for a split second, her eyes darted away from him and she spotted the black book on the desk. Her eyes narrowed dangerously, but imperceptibility, even to her master.

"Ahhhh~ Ram, thank you for coming so promptly.

"Of course, Roswaal-sama. A maiden like me will never be too far from her master when needed." There was a small hint of affection in Ram's words, a slight tenderness, but Roswaal either ignored it or didn't notice.

"Hmm, yesssss~ At any rate, I need you to fetch me some parchment and ink so I may write a missive. When I am done, I'd like you to send it for meeee~"

"Of course, Roswaal-sama. Who will I be sending this missive to?"

"Their identity must be kept strictly confidential~ I'm afraiiiiiid I cannot disclose it to you. However, rest assured, you should have little problem delivering it to their locationnnnn~ I will provide more detailed instruction to you later."

With a bow, Ram accepted her master's request. "Yes, Roswaal-sama."

As Ram left to retrieve the parchment and ink, Roswaal narrowed his eyes and reverted back to his original voice. With a thin, devious smile, he whispered, "Prepare yourself, Natsuki Subaru. I will not fail this time."

It had been a few days since Subaru arrived at the Van Astrea mansion. It would be a gross underestimation to say that his time there wasn't chaotic. There were several logistical challenges facing the newly organized Felt Camp that forced everyone to take on a large amount of work.

Reinhard himself seemed as if he were under the most pressure. He was responsible for sourcing personnel to serve in the Felt Camp's several vacant positions, though Felt always had the final say. Her stubbornness was proving to be a bit problematic for the camp, given that she had rejected nearly everyone Reinhard had introduced her to. However, Subaru overheard from one of the maids that some gray-haired merchant was one of the few that Felt hadn't outright rejected yet. Interested, Subaru resolved to meet this merchant at some point and see what the fuss was about.

Felt, meanwhile, was reluctantly seeing a tutor nearly every day. Reinhard had made it clear that she needed to become well-versed in multiple subjects for the upcoming royal selection, including diplomacy, Lugnican history, and economics. At first, Felt vehemently protested. After all, she was a prideful girl and viewed the royal selection as a temporary obligation because of her debt to Reinhard. She finally relented after Subaru told her he'd withhold his cell phone if she didn't agree to tutoring.

Despite her initial lack of motivation, Subaru came to realize that Felt was an exceptionally analytical and bright girl. Unfortunately, she was hindered as a result of her upbringing. Her previously impoverished lifestyle never allowed her to receive any formal education.

Because of that upbringing, she could only read the most basic glyphs, i-glyphs, in the Lugnican alphabet. Reinhard was quite frantic about her completing reading comprehension as quickly as possible.

Subaru also didn't know how to read. Unlike Felt, though, he couldn't understand any of the glyphs in the Lugnican alphabet. He had no problem with the verbal language as it was almost identical to Japanese, except for a few Western words and modern phrases. Unfortunately for him, Subaru was nowhere near as fast of a learner as Felt, though he was very dedicated to learning because his position, Chief Advisor, in the Felt Camp required him to be able to read.

Felt and Subaru's shared illiteracy necessitated them to take reading comprehension courses together. It was these two-hour sessions that Subaru looked forward to most:

"Excellent work, Lady Felt. At this rate, you'll be able to master ha-glyphs in no time." The Van Astrea's head tutor, Freya, had been thoroughly impressed with Felt's quick learning in her subjects. She was an exotically pretty, young woman in her early 20s with emerald-colored hair and eyes. Subaru couldn't help but be distracted by her impressive figure, complete with full, large breasts and perfectly proportioned thighs which were highlighted by the thin, white fabric she wore. She was one of the few in the camp who knew of Felt's new status as Royal Candidate.

With a deceptively sweet voice, Freya continued, "Subaru, perhaps one day you'll learn half of the i-glyphs necessary to read children's books."

Felt snickered, "Hah, oh man, I don't know how you're gonna be my Chief Advisor. We're totally fucked!"

"Hey! I'm trying my best here, I've never even seen these characters before I arrived in this world!"

Felt playfully began to tease Subaru. "There ya go again about not being from this world. If I would've known how crazy you were, I never woulda stopped to rescue you in that alley!"

Pretending not to enjoy their banter, Subaru protested, "Words hurt you know… But really, I'm not from this world. Maybe one day I'll convince you to believe me."

Felt laughed, shooing him away, "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say."

Freya wasn't as dismissive as Felt. She was more curious if the words the dark-haired boy spoke had any truth behind them. "Well, Subaru, can you provide us any proof? It's difficult to believe something like that without any evidence. Lots of people claim they're from beyond the waterfall."

Subaru thought for a moment. "Hmm… Oh, I know! Let me write you some kanji!"

Felt cocked her head in confusion. "Con-gee?"

Subaru began furiously writing.

[ナツキスバル]

Subaru Natsuki.

"What the hell are those scribbles?"

Subaru flashed a toothy grin. Pointing to himself, he proudly declared to Felt, "It's my name!"

"No, I'm pretty sure those are scribbles."

"They're not!" Sighing Subaru tried again to convince the two stubborn girls. He began writing more.

[私はあなたが好きです]

I like you.

Freya was curious what he wrote. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Realizing what he wrote, Subaru turned a deep crimson. He scratched the back of his head with a fake smile, "Uh, nothing! This one actually was just scribbles."

Felt was unconvinced. "You took meticulous detail in writing each character. There's no way it's just scribbles! Also, why are you so red?"

To avoid explaining what he wrote to the girl, he decided to tease Felt to distract her, "Oh, I just wrote that you look really pretty today, Felt!" Whenever Subaru would tease her, Felt always got flustered and didn't know how to respond. This time was no different.

"H-huh?! Idiot, you always say things like this!" Felt smacked Subaru on the back of the head. "I'm gonna go visit Gramps!" She stormed out of the room. Old Man Rom had refused to live with the upper echelon of the mansion, instead taking residence in the servant's quarters outside of the mansion. It was still nearby the mansion, though, considering it was a few minutes walk across the Van Astrea property.

Freya shot Subaru a smug look, "Say, Subaru, what did you really write? It wasn't a confession to Lady Felt, was it?"

"What? N-no! We don't have a relationship like that, we're just friends."

Just friends. Was that all he wanted them to be? Was that all they could be? Subaru didn't know why he wrote a confession, it was just the first thing that came to his mind when he thought of Felt.

From the moment he saw her for the first time in that alleyway, Subaru knew that she was special. Her golden hair and her deep, crimson eyes never failed to ensnare him into a hypnosis. Nothing could eclipse her sweet, sometimes scary, smiles. All he wanted was to stand by her and protect her, although admittedly, she could probably protect him much better. Maybe she wasn't his summoner goddess like he originally thought, but she was still special to him. One day he'd get that coveted lap pillow all those manga MCs got in his old books. Although he wouldn't mind a kiss from her either…

Freya pressed Subaru for more, "Just friends? Hmm, is that so… You seem quite close with Lady Felt."

"Yeah… I guess we are."

Subaru hadn't realized it before, but Freya was right. He and Felt were getting really close, closer than he'd ever been with anyone else back in Japan. In fact, ever since he woke up in Reinhard's mansion, the two had seemingly been spending most of their free time with one other. Granted, Felt had far less free time than he did because of the tutoring she was forced to undergo, but still, the two always managed to hang out. Usually, they bantered with each other, and Subaru especially enjoyed teasing Felt despite the physical punishment he would receive.

But, they talked about more serious topics too from time to time.

Subaru thought back to the conversation they had late last night after dinner:

…

"Ahhhh, man, I hate these prissy nobles and this stupid mansion, but I gotta give 'em credit for their food. It's freakin' delicious! Don'tcha think, Subaru?"

"Yeah, I love Western food! But I didn't really eat it all that much back in my hometown. I didn't get outside often, so I mainly just ate at home."

"I've told you before, dummy, this isn't 'Western' food. We're the easternmost nation in the world so how can it be Western food! Anyway, why didn't you go outside a lot in your hometown? Only nobles would have the luxury to stay indoors all day."

Subaru scratched his forehead. "Well, it wasn't exactly a choice I intended to make. It just sort of… happened."

Felt tilted her head in confusion like always. "Huh? Whaddaya mean? I don't get it."

Momentarily weakened by her cute head tilt, Subaru didn't feel like faking an answer. "You really want my life story?"

Nodding her head, she proudly reaffirmed her desire, "Yeah, I do. Well, only if it's a good one, anyway!" Felt teased Subaru, but didn't give it her all. Perhaps she sensed Subaru was feeling a bit downcast as they brought up the past.

Subaru chuckled, "Well, okay, I'll do my best for you."

"I guess it started because I felt… I feel like I'm an unbelievably small person; like an idiot who's never good enough."

"I've always had this way of somehow managing to squeak through anything, y'know? Like in schoolwork and sports: even if I didn't put in a lot of effort, I'd still be a fast runner and earn strong grades. When I actually did try, I'd even be at the top of the class."

"I don't really know when it started, but slowly I was no longer the best at the things I used to be the best at. What used to be my 'best' grew smaller and smaller."

"I started thinking that it all made no sense. I put more effort than I used to, but the results were getting worse. Working my hardest at school seemed stupid. And why was being fast something to brag about? Making everyone laugh seemed way cooler to me, and I was way better at it."

"But over time, it became clear that I'd always have to do something bigger and crazier next time. I just… didn't want people to think I was boring. I thought I could do anything. I made everyone think I would do anything. And so the things I did got dumber and dumber."

"Looking back, I was completely out of control. I knew everyone was a bunch of idiots, but, I wanted them to think that they couldn't have this much fun if they weren't with me… that they could regret whatever they wanted, as long as we spent the boring times doing pointless crap for fun."

"But the next thing I knew, I was looking around and there was no one left but me. That's when I finally realized that there was nothing special about me at all."

"From then on, I just spent all my time trying not to stand out. That's how I got through middle school, but when I got into high school... I gotta say, I really blew my high school debut. But it was bound to happen, I'd never had any real relationships up to that point. High school wasn't gonna be any better."

"And then it occurred to me... I just... didn't want to go to school."

"It all snowballed from there."

"One day a week of skipping school turned into one in every three days, then every other day... It didn't take even a couple months before I stopped going at all."

"But no matter how pathetic I was, Dad and Mom still treated me the same as always. That's what scared me most of all. I wanted them to say, 'I don't love you.' 'I despise you.' 'You're not my son.' I wanted them to tell me that and throw me out. I wanted them to beat than into me and make me give up. But, they never did… and I never got the chance to talk to them before I came here. I really want to see Mom and Dad one last time."

Tears welled up in Subaru's eyes. He looked down to avoid Felt's gaze. "I'm pathetic, aren't I?"

"Yeah. You are." He slunk down further when he heard Felt's answer. He had hoped that she would never see him the same way he saw himself.

"But, I don't care if you're pathetic. I don't know the Subaru you described to me, nor do I want to. I only know the funny, kind, idiot Subaru crying his eyes out right in front of me. Sure, you drive me a bit crazy, but ever since we met, my life has improved so much. Without you, I could've been stuck in the slums, dead in the loot house, or something worse."

"What's pathetic is that you don't see your value, your potential. If you dedicated yourself to a goal, there's no way you wouldn't reach it. But, most importantly, you don't need to be some ideal guy that everybody else loves or respects."

"Of course, not everyone will like you if you're not the ideal guy, but the people who truly matter will. Just be yourself."

Subaru finally unburied his head and noticed Felt softly gazing at him. Barely above a whisper, she finished, "I like the Subaru in front of me and I know your parents did too. That's why you should like yourself more."

"Felt…"

"Now stop cryin', idiot. You're makin' me doubt if the guy between us is actually you." Snickering, Subaru nodded and wiped his eyes with his tracksuit sleeve.

As if that were her queue to leave, Felt hopped off of her chair and began to walk out of the kitchen. "Alright, I've had enough of this mushy crap for the night. I'm outta here."

He called out to Felt before she disappeared from the room. "Hey, Felt?"

She stopped in the doorway but didn't turn around.

"Thank you for, y'know… listening. And for what you said. I'll do my best from here on out. Sleep well."

He failed to hear her whisper, "You're welcome… G'night, Subaru." With a slight blush, Felt quietly scurried away.

…

After reminiscing about last night's conversation with Felt, Subaru realized that he was lying. He was lying to Freya, he was lying to Felt, and he was lying to himself.

He finally let it out. "I don't want to be friends, I want more. I don't want to be the ideal guy she talked about, I want to be her ideal guy. I like her so much… But, I know she doesn't feel the same way. Who would want to be with someone like me?"

Subaru searched his conscience deeper, hoping to find a small voice that could convince him he was wrong.

He didn't find it. Answering his own question, he thought, "Nobody, that's who."

Over the course of the next few weeks, Subaru became accustomed to his life in the Van Astrea mansion.

He was proud that the Felt Camp began to take its form. Most of the important positions were filled, tasks were running smoothly, and even Reinhard was able to spend less time in a panic. Though Reinhard still had to smoothe over Felt's crude behavior whenever she prepared for the upcoming first meeting of the Royal Candidates. Unfortunately, the meeting was fast approaching, and Felt still hadn't made much progress on her inaugural speech to the Sage Council and the nobility.

Subaru and Reinhard both believed that they needed as much time as possible to refine Felt's temperament to that of the other royal candidates, which is why they decided to keep Felt's identity strictly confidential to the public.

There was also the issue of Reinhard's father, Heinkel. If Subaru could put it eloquently, he would describe Heinkel as a total piece of shit alcoholic. In fact, his alcoholism was so bad that Subaru didn't even know he lived at the mansion until a week into his stay. Heinkel had apparently been on a major binge and wasn't able to leave his quarters because he literally couldn't stand.

Needless to say, Felt and Subaru's first introduction to Heinkel was not a pleasant one. Heinkel hurled orders and insults to Reinhard, threw an empty bottle at Subaru, and called Felt a "filthy slum whore."

Reinahrd managed to stop Subaru from rushing towards his father, but Felt used her Divine Protection to move so quickly that Subaru couldn't even see her when she delivered the fastest, hardest kick to his genitals in response.

Heinkel now avoids most interactions with Felt.

The same could not be said for Reinhard, though. Heinkel seemed to berate his son whenever he had the chance. Subaru wanted to have a long conversation with Reinhard about it. After all, he couldn't stand seeing his friend look so miserable yet be unable to push back on his father. He promised himself that he'd sit Reinhard down and slap some sense into him the next time they were alone.

However, he had a meeting with Felt and a merchant named Otto in a few minutes. The Felt Camp still had a vacant position for the Head of Internal Affairs and Felt still hadn't outright rejected him for some reason. Subaru was supposedly wanted at the meeting to help Felt decide if they should bring the merchant into the camp or not.

Before he left to attend the meeting in the foyer, Subaru managed to work up the confidence to ask Reinhard a question.

"Hey Rein?"

"What is it, my friend?"

Without making eye contact, Subaru scratched the side of his head. Timidly, he asked, "So, uh, are there any rules or whatever about relationships and the royal candidates?"

"I'm not sure I follow what you mean."

Subaru wanted to smack his friend for being so dense. He tried again, "Well, are royal candidates allowed to y'know… to start a committed relationship during the royal selection?"

"Ah. Well, there's certaintly no rule that I'm aware of which restricts who royal candidates can be committed to during the selection.

Subaru sighed out a breath of a relief. "Oh, that's good to hear–"

Interrupting Subaru, Reinhard continued. "However, it would be most ill-advised for a royal selection candidate to become betrothed before she were to ascend to king."

Subaru's heart dropped. "It would? Why?"

"Well, for one, the Sage Council and upper nobility would certainly be opposed to such an arrangement. After all, the selection is for our new king, not for a new king and her husband. It would easily give the other candidates who have no engagement commitments a boost in popularity while reducing the betrothed ones'. For another, it is an entirely risky move. The man in question would be under intense scrutiny. If he failed to be amongst the highest of echelons, the negative attention he would receive would all but erase any positive momentum the candidate has made on her own. It's better if there's only one person to focus on from each camp, I believe."

Subaru cursed Reinhard for being so logical. Even he thought it sounded like a terrible idea now.

Raising his eyebrow, Reinhard questioned Subaru. "Why do you ask? Is Lady Felt perhaps interested in someone?"

"N-no! That's not it! She's definitely not. I was just curious, I guess."

"I see. Well, yes, it's not a good strategic move, but I suppose it couldn't be helped if the candidate were to be betrothed prior to the selection. Certainly Lady Barielle would have had a husband if he were still around…"

"Prior to the selection?"

"Well, prior to the first meeting of all five candidates, at the least."

He was not a noble nor did he have enough time. It was probably pointless.

"Well, thanks Rein. I gotta get to a meeting downstairs but I'll see ya around!"

"See you, Subaru!"

Turning around, he yelled one last time, "Oh, and you and I are gonna have a nice long chat about family soon!"

"Family? Curious… Even with my divine protections, I can never tell what you're thinking."

Subaru ran down the main stairway and burst through the foyer doors. Panting, he yelled, "I'm here! Sorry, I'm late!"

A high-pitched yelp pierced his ears.

"Heh, sorry Felt, didn't mean to scare ya."

Felt ground her teeth in anger. "That wasn't me, idiot." She turned to the boy sitting across from her. With a murderous expression, she seethed, "That was our guest, Otto."

Felt's threatening aura further weakened Otto's composure. He continued timidly, "N-nice to meet you Natsuki-sama! I'm Otto Suwen of the Suwen Trading Company. I'm sorry, your sudden entrance frightened me and I–"

Subaru broke out in a deep laughter. "Pffft, hahaha! Oh man, Felt, where the hell did you find this guy?"

Looking embarrassed, Felt responded more curtly than usual. "I didn't 'find' him, he was recommended! Look, it doesn't matter! What's important is that he has the connection to the dealer who wants to buy your metia! That's why we're here!"

Otto's shoulders slouched. "I thought I was here for an Interior Affairs position…"

"Oh, yeah… you are! Your final test is to hook us up with the guy who wants to buy Subaru's self-own! If you pass, the job's yours!"

"It's a cellphone. How many times do I have to tell you…" Subaru walked over and sat next to Felt on the couch, ignoring the adjacent empty armchair that was brought specifically for him. She shot him a sideways glance but Subaru didn't seem to notice.

Otto sighed. "Well, it's obvious you forgot about the meeting's original purpose, but I don't mind. As long as I get the job, I can deal with being forgotten."

Subaru became a bit curious at Otto's apparent apathy about being forgotten. "Why do you want the job so badly, anyways?"

"Well, Natsuki-sama–"

"Please man, none of that '-sama' crap."

"Alright, Natsuki-san. Well, truth be told, I made a bit of an investing oversight. I poured almost all of my savings into oil thinking the market was going to become ripe, so now I've got far too much of it Unfortunately, the oil market crashed so the barrels I've got are practically worthless. If I don't find a way to sell the oil back and recoup my losses, I'll have to deal with Russell Fellow. Eventually, I'd probably end up as a debt slave…"

Subaru nodded. "Otto, I don't know much about negotiating, but isn't it usually a bad tactic to be so transparent?"

"Well, considering that I'm clearly here to help you sell your metia rather than discuss the intricacies of the open position, I thought I'd skip all the back and forth and simply lay everything out there."

Subaru thought that Otto may be smarter than appearances would indicate.

Turning to Felt, Otto continued. "So that's my situation. I can get you a meeting with the buyer but only if I have a guaranteed position in your camp afterwards."

Felt closed her eyes.

After thinking it over for a moment, she smiled and accepted Otto's offer. "Deal, bro!"

"Wait, Felt! Aren't there like a hundred buyers who would buy the cellphone for 20 holy coins? Do we even need him?"

Otto had taken offense to Subaru's tactless question. It looked as if his face had started to droop. Protesting, he began to explain, "Natsuki-san, while it's true that there's a highly profitable market for metias, I happen to have a connection to a noble who will pay far above market price for rare items!"

"Ah, let me guess. Felt wanted to maximize her profit as much as possible, which is why you made it this far into the interviews."

Puffing her chest, Felt smiled cheekily and pointed at herself with her thumb. "I'ma greedy girl, what can I say?"

"Should've seen that coming…" Turning to Otto, Subaru asked, "Well, when do we meet this guy?"

"I'll set up the meeting with Count Reedback as soon as possible and will return here once I have a date. I'll have you both meet me that day in the South Market Square and we can travel together to his mansion. As the broker for this trade, I'll be required to be with you to serve as witness for the transaction."

Felt groaned "Eh, you mean we're gonna have to meet with you again so soon?"

Otto hung his head. "Am I really that bad to be around?"

Subaru smiled and slapped Otto hard on the back in an apparent attempt to make him feel better. "Don't worry buddy, you're not totally insufferable!"

"Somehow that makes me feel worse…" Otto fiddled with his hat. "Gah, if this goes wrong, it'll be my head…"

Staying true to his word, Otto returned to the mansion one week later with a date for the Count Reedback meeting. Felt and Subaru were to travel to the South Market Square in three days to link up with Otto and the Count.

Felt was practically bouncing with excitement on the day of the meeting. While she and Old Man Rom were living in a much nicer environment than the loot house and the slums, Felt still had little money of her own. She was determined to change that and had been looking forward to this opportunity since Subaru and her first met.

After finishing a quick breakfast, Subaru was waiting for Felt by their carriage in front of the Astrea estate. He had been waiting for much longer than usual, but as he saw the golden-haired girl approach him, he immediately thought it was worth the wait.

Typically, Felt wore a proper variation of the outfit she wore when Subaru first met her. There were no longer any holes in her skin-tight black bottoms. Her red scarf, brown jacket, and shoes were all repaired, too.

However, today, she was not in her signature apparel. She instead donned a gold and white trimmed dress with a black and orange bodice. The bodice served to accentuate her svelte figure, highlighting her small waist and breasts. Several orange bows adorned the dress from her breast line down to the bottom of the bodice. One orange bow sat atop her golden hair, complementing the black bow she wore every day.

Subaru resolved to ask Felt why she never parted with her black bow.

However, perhaps the most striking of Felt's appearance was the red jeweled necklace she wore. While the necklace would have been stunning on its own, it made her already otherworldly eyes even more enrapturing. Subaru felt himself getting lost in Felt's eyes, his favorite feature of hers. He couldn't help but think about how gorgeous she looked in that moment.

"Dammit, I hate this frilly fancy dress! I can't move in it and I look like a freakin' noble bitch! Bleh!"

Felt raised an eyebrow at Subaru. "Why are you starin' so much? Do I've got somethin' on my face?"

"N-no! Uh, I just thought you looked nice, that's all!"

The blonde blushed slightly. "O-oh. Well, thank you I guess." Reverting back to her previous excitement about meeting the Count, she quickly scurried into the carriage. "C'mon Subaru! Let's get goin' to the market!"

Before she closed the door, Subaru heard her squeal, "Ahh, I'm gonna make so much freakin' money today!"

He chuckled and followed her into the carriage.

The two met up with Otto in the South Market Square as planned and traveled another few hours to the Reedback Mansion. However, the carriage driver informed them the was likely to be a heavy storm later in the evening due to a flurry of ominous dark clouds in the distance. He suggested they complete their business as quickly as possible to avoid any delays in returning to the Astrea Estate.

In agreement, Otto decided to assist in negotiations with the Count's representatives. He proved quite useful, as he and Felt together managed to score a whopping thirty holy coins for the cellphone. Considering that Old Man Rom initially appraised its value at twenty, give or take a couple of coins, Otto really did come through with his connection.

Subaru found it odd that the man who was supposedly addicted to buying rare trinkets and metias wasn't present in the negotiations, but he didn't think too much into it. To be honest, he didn't really care; He was too happy for Felt that she once and for all would never need to reside in the slums. He hoped one day nobody had to.

As the three were leaving the Reedback Mansion, Felt jumped and nearly tackled Subaru.

"H-hey! What are you doing?!"

Practically squealing with joy, Felt smiled from ear to ear, "Subaru! Subaru! Subaru! I couldn't have done it without you I'm so glad we met! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

Feeling her small breasts against his chest, Subaru turned beet red. "Y-you're welcome! Ah, just get off!"

Felt cycled through smiling cheekily at Subaru, staring at her sack of holy coins, and bouncing up and down on the carriage seat in happiness as she, Otto and Subaru finally returned to South Market Square in the city.

"Otto-bro, thanks again for hooking us up! The job's definitely yours so come around to Reinhard's soon!"

With a sigh of relief, Otto thanked Subaru and Felt. "I'm truly honored to be welcomed into your camp… and most importantly, not be a debt slave."

Snickering, Subaru slapped his new friend on the back. Something told him that he and Otto would get along well throughout the Royal Selection. "You're welcome, buddy. Now get back home before the storm hits. The sky's already black!"

"Alright, alright, Natsuki-san! I'll see you both soon."

After Otto was out of sight, Felt bolted out of the carriage towards a market stall in the square.

"Hey! Felt! Where are you going? It looks like the storm's about to hit any second now."

"Just c'mere, idiot! You see those paintings over there?"

"Yeah, what about them?"

"I'm gonna show you my hagglin' skills. Stay here and watch the master!"

Subaru watched as Felt slightly struggled to walk towards the vendor. Her poofy dress slightly inhibited her range of motion, forcing her to move much slower than usual.

He smiled. Today had been a good day.

The carriage was finally returning to Reinhard's mansion for the evening. It was good timing, too, as the storm had just begun as they departed from the market square. It was raining heavily.

Felt beamed at the artwork she purchased after managing to haggle down the price. "Ah, my discount painting! It's so pretty."

She had bought a beautiful large painting of a sunkissed view of the slums. It was quite rare to see artwork of the slums as it was not usually an aesthetic scene, but the painting Felt bought truthfully brought it alive. Violet and amethyst mixed with red and orange to create a truly beautiful sky above the slums.

Subaru nodded his head in ascent. He asked the giddy blonde, "Where are you gonna hang it?"

She smiled at him. "I'm not. You are."

Subaru chuckled. He teased, "Oh, you want me to hang it for you? You better hope word doesn't get around the camp that you needed me to help you hang a picture."

"No, you're going to hang it in your room."

"Hah, yeah right."

Felt lightly hit Subaru's shoulder. She protested, "I'm serious!"

Subaru's smile disappeared, followed by a few moments of silence. Intrusive romantic thoughts about Felt creeped into his mind, threatening to hijack his composure. He needed to sate his curiosity.

"Why?"

"Well, because it's to capture the moment. It'll be a constant reminder, not just of today, but of our introduction, the building of our friendship…" Felt briefly paused and smiled, "... of everything. Make no mistake about it my friend, this is a gift from me to you so that you'll always remember us."

Subaru stared at Felt, his face becoming contorted. It was as if he had accepted defeat. He stuck his head out of the carriage door and spoke to the driver.

"Pull over."

The carriage slowly rolled to a stop in the middle of the dark street.

Subaru brought his head back inside the carriage. It was wet from the heavy rain, causing his typically upright hair to fall down on his forehead. He settled his gaze outside the carriage door's window, opposite from Felt.

The crimson-eyed girl titled her head. "Uh, why are we stopping?"

Subaru remained silent.

Felt tried again. Calling out to the dark-haired boy, she cautiously asked, "Subaru?"

She heard him sigh, followed by a pained voice. "Because I can't take this anymore."

Her patience starting to evaporate, Felt furrowed her eyes in confusion. "Can't take what? You're acting weird! If you have something to say, then say it."

Subaru turned around and peered into her eyes. It seemed as if he were searching for something.

"Look, Subaru, I don't know what's wrong, but the storm is getting worse and we need to–"

"I like you."

A roar of thunder loudly boomed across Lugnica.

Felt, hesitating, repeated his words as if she had never heard them before. "You… like me…?"

Subaru nodded. "I like you, and not– not in a friendly way, although I think we're great friends. And not in a misplaced affection, puppy-dog sort of way."

"I like you. Very… very simple. Very truly. You are the epitome of everything I have ever looked for in another human being. And I know you think of me as just a friend, and crossing that line is the furthest thing from an option you'd ever consider, but… I had to say it."

"I just… I can't take this anymore."

"I can't stand next to you without wanting to hold you. I can't look into your eyes without feeling that… that longing you only read about in trashy romance novels. I can't talk to you without wanting to express my love for everything you are."

Felt simply stared at him, not breaking her silence.

Taking this as a queue to continue, Subaru went on. "I know this will probably ruin our friendship… but I had to say it; I've never felt this way before…"

"And I don't care. I like who I am because of it."

"Look, if bringing this to light means we can't hang out anymore, then that hurts me. But, I just– I couldn't allow another day to go by without getting it out there, regardless of the outcome… which by the look on your face is to be… the inevitable rejection."

"And, you know, I'll accept that. But I know– I know some part of you is hesitating for a moment, and if there is a moment of hesitation, then that means you feel something too. All I ask, please, is that you just– you just not dismiss that, and try to dwell in it."

"Felt, there isn't another soul on the planet who's ever made me half the person I am when I'm with you."

"And I would risk this friendship for the chance to take it to the next plateau, because it is there between you and me. You can't deny that."

"Even if, you know… even if we never talk again after tonight, please know that I'm forever changed because of who you are, and what you've meant to me. Which, while I do appreciate it, I'd never need just a painting of the slums to remind me of that."

Felt had not taken her eyes off of Subaru's for even a second throughout his confession. She was completely expressionless. Whether that was from disgust or disbelief, Subaru didn't know.

As the seconds passed in silence, Subaru became increasingly uncomfortable. "What the fuck was I thinking?"

Incredibly nervous, his heart started to sink. What little hope he had of Felt returning his feelings vanished.

Each second felt like infinity as her expressionless face remained unchanged.

He needed a response. He couldn't take it anymore. Desperate to break the silence, Subaru opened his mouth to speak. Before he could though, Felt turned away, opened the door, and exited the carriage. She slammed the door behind her, not looking back.

Subaru knew he whatever relationship they had up until that point ended. With a dark expression and teary eyes, he softly laughed at himself.

But, as pathetic as he was, he still needed her answer. He opened the carriage door and stepped into the heavy rain to chase after her.

Subaru ran fast to catch up to Felt. She was soaking wet and her golden dress was becoming muddy and ruined.

Asking with a raised voice so she could hear him over the heavy rain, Subaru called out. "What are you doing?"

Quickly turning around, Felt looked at Subaru with an expression he had never seen on her before. At least not an expression ever directed at him. She was enraged. Her hair was dripping wet and her eyes were slightly red and puffy. Subaru couldn't tell if she was crying or it was the rain. Yelling at him, she cried, "Get back in the carriage and get out of here!"

"What? Are you just gonna walk back to Reinhard's? It's too far–"

Felt interrupted him. "Yes!"

Subaru became frantic. "Well, aren't you at least gonna comment on earlier?"

"Here's my comment: Get away from me!"

"Why?"

"That was so unfair! You know how unfair that was!"

Subaru couldn't hold back his emotions anymore. He allowed himself to get angry with Felt. Putting his hands up, he yelled back. "What, it's unfair that I like you?!"

"No, it's unfortunate that you like me! It's unfair you felt the need the fuckin' need to unburden your soul about it! Do you remember for one second what position I'm in right now?!"

She was right. Subaru knew that, but he chose to disregard it when he confessed. He knew he was being selfish. Even Reinhard had said that it would be basically impossible for a royal candidate to begin a new relationship during the selection process. It would attract unwanted attention and he wasn't a noble, anyway. They'd have to get married before the campaigns officially started while they both still had their anonymity. Obviously, that was not an option.

Despite a relationship with Felt being practically impossible, Subaru's feelings for the girl overrode his logic. He continued to try to convince her to see it from his viewpoint.

"Listen, it doesn't matter if we both like each other! That's every relationship! There's always a period of adjustment. We can figure it out together!"

"'Period of adjustment?' It's not that simple! I can't just respond to your feelings without throwing my whole world back into upheaval. I'm only doing all of this to repay my debt… It's all been for Gramps and you…"

Subaru wanted to protest further but he had no fight left in him. Everything she was saying was the truth. He had been far too selfish in his desires. He felt like the most pathetic being in the world.

Felt took her eyes off of him and spoke to him quietly. "Just go home, Subaru."

She began to walk away from him once more, leaving him alone.

Subaru was numb. There were no thoughts to think about and no emotions to feel. He was just numb. Lifelessly, he began to walk back to the carriage alone, thoroughly soaked from the rain. The only sense that registered with him was the sound of rain hitting the cobblestone road.

As he approached the carriage, he noticed the sound of the rain change. The pattering of rain hitting the ground became faster and louder. He didn't care enough to look to see if that were the case. Nothing mattered anymore. Still, the pattering grew more loudly and seemingly closer to him.

He reached for the carriage door handle but was suddenly interrupted. It was a crying Felt. She jumped into Subaru, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulled him into a hug. The teary-eyed golden-haired girl let out a weak cry as she let herself succumb to her suppressed feelings of love. She leaned into his lips, passionately kissing him.

Subaru didn't have the time to speak or even be confused. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist and returned her deep, loving kiss in the rain. The weeks of his desire to feel her touch were finally satiated. Her lips felt soft and supple. Her hands were delicate, but firm as Felt held him.

Their tight embrace made them both forget all of the world and its problems. For just those few brief moments in the vast sea of time, it was only Felt and Subaru.

A/N: Whew! There were some cringe moments there that we all had to get through, but we did it!

Thank you to everybody who reviewed last chapter! I read every review and that's what keeps me writing this story!

Leave a review and let me know what your thoughts are for this chapter!

I truly hope you all enjoyed :)

9/6/24 Update: Wow, its been awhile. Story is not dead. Hope to update soon :)

Chapter Text

A/N: Susintentions here! New Chapter after 2 years!! Thank you everyone for your support, your patience, and your comments. You’re all the best!

Please don’t be too harsh as my writing skills might be a bit rusty. But I’ll get back in the hang of it!

As Felt jumped into Subaru’s arms and her lips brushed against his, it was as if time itself slowed to a near standstill. Every sensation became heightened to a level neither the svelte golden-haired girl with crimson eyes nor the dark-haired boy with nasty eyes had ever experienced before.

The soft touch of their lips joining over and over, the gentle brush of warm breath that condensed into a white fog around them due to the cold, stormy atmosphere. However, it was perhaps the electrifying feeling of their chests touching that was most powerful, as the symphony of the pair’s heartbeats synchronized into one.

The emotional turbulence of the past hour had truly transformed into a thrilling, but comforting dance of affection as the two finally gave into their repressed desires.

Subaru unconsciously felt something shift inside of him. Whether that was his desire, goals, or something else, this special moment in time could never be stolen from him.

The consequences of their actions would have to wait, for just as the moment felt like it would last forever, Subaru heard a new sound he’d never soon forget: “Achoo–!” Felt sneezed. 

“Uh, that may have been the most adorable sneeze I’ve ever heard, Felt.”

Felt couldn’t help but laugh softly, “You’re a strange guy, Subaru. That’s the first thing you say to me after everything?”

She continued breathlessly, “I don’t even know what the hell just happened, and honestly, I don’t have the energy to even think about it. My dress is ruined; I look like a wet mop, and I’m gonna get hypothermia if we don’t get the hell back in the carriage!”

She was right. The two were completely soaked through after standing out in the storm for so long.

“I’m sorry about the dress, Felt. You looked so stunning.”

“Subaru, I hate dresses. To hell with the dress. Also, aren’t you supposed to say I don’t look like a wet mop, ya jerk?” Her crimson eyes narrowed, and Subaru flinched involuntarily.

Exhaling softly and seemingly satisfied with Subaru’s recoil, Felt stuck out her tongue and smiled. 

“I’m gonna take the dress off so I don’t feel as heavy as a ground dragon and then we can get out of here back to Reinhard’s. We’ll talk about whatever the hell just happened literally in any other place and time except tonight in this frickin’ storm, kay?”

Subaru's heart skipped a beat. “W-wait… You’re gonna take off the dress here? Now?”

“No dummy! You stay outside while I change inside! You didn’t think I’d let my Chief Advisor stare at me while I changed, did ya?” Felt stuck out her tongue again and flicked Subaru’s forehead. 

Subaru turned beet red but courageously put on a coy attitude. “W-well… maybe just a peak?” That response earned him a harder than usual punch in the arm.

“See ya in a second, bro! Eh, bro doesn't feel right anymore... See ya in a second, Subaru!” The golden-haired girl looked up at Subaru with such a cute smile – another rare showing of affection – that he had no choice but to relent.

Subaru smiled back. A true smile, one that he hadn’t experienced since he was a kid. “Yeah, see you in a second, Felt.” 

Several minutes had passed, and the carriage driver began to get impatient. 

“Subaru, we truly must be going. The storm is getting worse, and it’s nearly pitch black outside now. I’m afraid I must insist we begin to move.” 

Rubbing the back of his head like a sheepish grade schooler who accidentally forgot his homework, he gave a thumbs up and a grin. “Oops, yeah! Forgot about you… Darren? Yeah, Darren. Uh, I’ll go see if we can leave now, just gotta check with Felt.”

The bushy-bearded carriage driver muttered under his breath, “It's Samuel, jerk. Last time I’m pulling over for that brat...”

Subaru cautiously approached the carriage door and knocked. “Felt, are you done? You’re taking sort of awhile. I mean I guess I don't know how long it takes to remove a medieval-style dress and all, but the Carriage Driver guy is ready to go! And he’s right, we really should.”

No response.

Subaru knocked again, harder. “Felt?”

Silence.

Getting impatient and slightly concerned with the lack of the usually boisterous Felt’s response, Subaru made a decision. Steeling his resolve, Subaru decided to take a massive risk and open the carriage door, regardless of the consequences. Covering his eyes with both hands, he called, “Felt I’m coming in! My hands are over my eyes; I am not looking, and, uh, yeah, I’m just not looking, okay?”

He opened the carriage door and slowly opened his eyes, but no one was in the back seat. In fact, there was barely any evidence anyone had been in the carriage at all. It wasn’t wet, nor was there a sopping wet dress to be found. All that remained was the painting Felt had bought earlier that day at the market.

“Shit! Felt!?” Subaru screamed out frantically searching, but with Felt’s speed, she was probably long gone by now.

Running up to the carriage driver, Subaru desperately yelled, “We gotta go! We gotta find Felt! I don’t know where the hell she went! Should we go back to the market? If she’s not there, we’ll need to check each district. Hurry!”

Darren, or rather Samuel, looked utterly confused. “What are you talking about, this is crazy! We must go back to the Astrea mansion immediately!”

Subaru shot the bushy haired carriage driver a warning look. Quietly, he threatened, “This is an order, not a request. Fucking do it.”

The Noble’s District.

Empty.

The Commercial District

Empty.

The Commoners’ District.

Empty.

“Fuck, she must be back in the slums…” Subaru swore to protect Felt. He swore to himself he'd find her and bring her home. For the past three hours he was stuck between thinking she was kidnapped and the possibility of her realizing she made a terrible mistake and hated him for ruining her life. He scratched his arm in guilt, drawing blood as he secretly hoped that it was the former.

“I will not go to such a dangerous part of Lugunica at night! I utterly, positively, undoubtedly refuse! In fact, I will be going back to the Astrea’s regardless of my punishment. This is lunacy!! You are not my employer! Sir Heinkel is! I'm sure he'll be most interested in your delusions!!”

Subaru cursed the nameless driver to hell. “Fine, fuck you! I don’t need your help anyways! I know exactly where she is… it's gotta be either the Den or the Loot House!”

Subaru ran towards the slums, a place of both nostalgia and fear for Subaru. He hadn’t been back since the incident with Elsa. Shuddering at the thought of having his guts ripped out again, he hoped to get out of the district as soon as possible. It was nearly sunrise yet the rain had not abated in the slightest.

After what felt like hours of running, and just as he nearly collapsed from exhaustion, he finally approached the dilapidated wooden shack and took in his surroundings.

However, what he saw was different than last time.

Felt’s Den was in a far worse state than when the pair had originally taken a break from running endlessly from Emilia, Ton, Chin and Kan.

The overturned table, broken bucket and clotheslines with stringy blankets were gone, replaced with mold and mildew.

The shack’s rotting wooden planks lost their remaining integrity, with most of the planks caving inward into the ground. However, perhaps the most striking difference was the stench forcing itself into Subaru’s nostrils. Whereas it was simply a smell of garbage a few weeks ago, now it smelled of something purely disgusting... something reminiscent of death.

Confused as to how Felt’s den went from a run-down barely liveable hideaway to a truly inhospitable place of disrepair so quickly made no sense to Subaru.

“It's only been a few weeks… why is the den like this?!”

Hopeful that Felt wasn’t here and was instead back at Rein’s mansion, he tepidly called out her name, wishing her soft voice wouldn’t answer. “Just be at Reinhard’s… please.”

“Felt? Are you here?”

Silence.

"Felt...? Please! Are you here?"

A tired, almost uncaring voice called back, “Hm? Here to arrest me again? I didn’t do anything this time…. Go away….”

Dismayed that the voice he instantly recognized as Felt’s called back, Subaru approached the den slowly.

Looking up and noticing it was Subaru rather than a guardsmen, her voice softened. 

Her Crimson Eyes became teary. A moment of quiet passed until she finally whimpered softly.

“Oh, it's just… you. Whatever it is, Subaru… please... just say it quickly.”

Subaru quickly got down at eye level with the defenseless girl, who was laying against a dead piece of wood and garbage. No longer wearing her signature black tights, red scarf and tiny top, she instead donned filthy rags that rippled in the storm's wind. 

“Felt!! Thank God I found you! What the hell happened here?!” Subaru’s jet black eyes narrowed and scanned Felt from top to bottom with a deep concern. He inspected her for injuries or perhaps for magical interference, though he of course would have no possibility to discern if something paranormal occurred.

Pressing for a response, he continued, “Felt… please. What happened? During the storm and our–”

Frowning, Felt interrupted. “What do you mean ‘what happened?’”

Speaking in an almost song-like tone, a tone which Subaru had never heard from Felt before, she continued, “You were there. I was there. Gramps… Gramps was there. We were all there~” 

Confused at the incomprehensible situation before him, Subaru knew something was deeply, deeply wrong. He began to speak in a shaky voice “Wh-what are you talking about? Why are you wearing these clothes? Where’s your black bow and your wet dress… you never part with that bow….”

Confused, Felt cocked her head slightly. A trait Subaru normally found insanely cute but not this time. This time it was different.

“Subaru, how could what I’m wearing possibly be relevant to anything? I'm just livin' fuckin' strong as always.”

“I– I don’t…” Subaru let out a nervous chuckle. Felt wasn’t the type to seek attention in this way. He resolved himself to end this truly fucked up situation with the one thing the pair always connected on: humor. “C’mon Felt, don’t you think you’re just overreacting to everything? I know tonight was really confusing for both of us, but still. You’re stronger than this, let's get outta here and stop messing with me already!”

Felt slowly, with tears streaming down her face, finally looked up at Subaru in his eyes for just a moment. She still hadn’t moved an inch. “Fine,” she relented, “I am overreacting.”

Subaru breathed a sigh of relief. “Look, I know I complicated things by my confess–”

Ignoring him, Felt continued. Looking back down and putting her head on her knees, she sighed, “It wasn’t your fault I stole the insignia. I certainly got my karma for it, seeing that Gramps– my only family in this fucked up world– is dead. At least you and that girl were relatively unharmed after all that happened.”

Before Suabru could interject, the golden-haired girl pressed on with a forced smile. “But, reaching the final straw in this life has been a good thing… because its made me realize that I really am a worthless slum rat. It also made me understand that you and I not only don’t have a personal relationship; We never could… So please leave. Please?”

Her eyes were hardly crimson anymore. There was no fire, drive, nor courage in them right now. They were barely a pale red.

“Felt, what are you even…” Subaru’s brain suddenly felt searing with a white hot pain. It was as if his brain was being sawed through over and over and over again. He still didn’t understand what the hell Felt was talking about.

Ignoring his pain and assembling all the courage he had left, he attempted to complete his train of thought, “Felt… what are you saying? Your family isn’t dead. We’re all here for you back at Rein’s. Come home… please? We can prank Otto and Gramps like we were planning to do...”

“SUBARU! Elsa killed Gramps. I was left alone. My life- my clothes- everything is in literal tatters. Although, I guess everyone leaving me behind isn’t something new. It's not like it hasn’t happened a hundred times before. But Subaru, you were fucking there! Stop fuckin’ with me! Leave me alone!” 

“No. No. That is not true, Felt. We… We survived Elsa together. The insignia… you have one now. We all live at the Astrea’s mansion together! Gramps, too! The painting of the slums, I was going to hang it up in my room, remember? Its still in the carriage the asshole driver is bringing home now!” 

“Please, just remember…”

Felt opened her mouth only to break down crying again. The sight of Felt crying in despair etched itself into Subaru's heart. It was something he never, not once, wanted to see.

Subaru thought back to the moment he met Felt in the alleyway during the first hours of his new life in Lugunica.

He remembered getting his ass kicked by the three nimrods and Felt running inhumanly fast. After a quick conversation with her, he grabbed out towards her slender arm. 

But he was too slow to grasp it. She escaped and he was alone in the alleyway again.

Subaru’s eyes darkened. “No. No, no, no. That's not what happened...” His voice breaking, he couldn’t help but panic.

His eyes darted around with a hint of madness and a plea; a plea to return both Felt and himself to reason. “I grabbed you, you helped me! We’re building your camp with Rein…  I like you so much… you were my first kiss, my first real glimpse of a future!! You're the only reason I have to live. You give me purpose, Felt.” 

Felt finally stood up and approached Subaru cautiously. "None of that happened, bro. None of it. I barely even know you. Are- are you okay…?”

Intrusive, unwanted memories began to flood back into Subaru's broken mind like a rupturing dam.

After being left by Felt in the alleyway, a silver-haired elf approached him. “Emilia.”  

They caught up to the loot house together after hours of searching for the insignia. A fight ensued. Old Man Rom was slaughtered. 

Barely holding out against Elsa, Reinhard finally found them. Elsa died.

Felt returned the insignia to Emilia, though its red jewel did not glow. She was not chosen.

Emilia returned to the Mathers domain and Reinhard took the injured Subaru to his mansion.

Felt was left to grieve alone over her dead grandfather.

Weeks passed, and although Subaru met Freya and Otto, Felt was nowhere to be found in any of his memories after the Loot House fight.

“Subaru… Are you okay? I told you… it's not your fault. I didn't mean to upset you... Please, just let me waste away in peace.”

At that exact moment there was a shift in the atmosphere. The world became blacker than what should be possible. The city became quiet. The rain was frozen in midair.

There was only one final thing Subaru could check; one last way to recover his sanity. With a shaky hand, he reached into his jacket’s pocket, expecting to pull out a bow he secretly bought at the South Market Square earlier that day.

What he pulled out was not a bow. In fact, what he saw him instantly vomit bile all over himself.

It was his cellphone. It fell onto the muddy ground.

In other words, it was indisputable proof that his mind had really broke and his happy memories with Felt were false.

Felt’s eyes started to overflow with a broken worry. She looked rapidly back and forth into Subaru’s black soulless eyes, as if she were trying to rein him back to reality with all of her might. For a brief moment, she looked like the Felt he thought he knew.

If one were to observe this from afar, it would have looked like Subaru was looking back into the slender girl's eyes too. But he wasn’t. He was looking past her, past everything, all the way into nothingness. 

Time had frozen.

For him, only one thing remained. She appeared in the periphery of his vision. 

Walking towards him, she slowly leaned into his ear. 

Whispering seductively, her smile grew wider with each word to the point of becoming inhuman.

“So... This is the story you made up about who you are. It's a nice one.” 

Another girl… no, Emilia leaned into his other ear. Her face had been gouged and mutilated like it was half eaten. 

Emilia looked sad. “Too bad it isn’t true…”

She giggled. “To think that with such a slightly different start to your journey in this world would result in such a drastically different reality…”

Subaru said nothing. His mind couldn’t tell what was real anymore. Everything was frozen. His memories were inextricably strung together. All he could do was laugh. 

She continued with a small smile ignoring his now maniacal laughter. “Now Subaru, this is not to suggest that different is all that interesting. In the infinite paths- the infinite choices- you could have pursued, you chose this. You chose this boring poor scrawny little slum girl. In fact, you chose to see yourself as someone who could overcome anything and everything… even your own flaws, despite the absurdity of such a thing, as long as she was by your side.”

Her smile instantly turned into a frightening, hideous frown. “How boring.”

She quickly shifted back into a neutral expression. “Well, I suppose it's better than that disgusting silver-haired whore you were ordained to love.” 

She spat on Emilia’s mutilated face and smacked her lips.

“Unfortunately, it's time to end this disgusting falsehood of a story for you, my dear Subaru.” 

With a single tilt of her head, Felt’s body and face contorted into itself and became one mass of flesh and blood, mixing together until she was dragged somewhere beyond. It was as if Felt had been removed from reality itself.

She softly caressed Subaru’s blood stained face. “I’ll see you soon, my dearest. Don’t worry, it’ll be quick… for you, at least”

Singing in what could only be described as a melody of pure malevolence and hatred, “For the slum whore, well, I’m excited to have some girl time together before I release her from the excruciating pain of dying over and over again and again. Ad Infinitum is what they call it in your world, yes?” 

Subaru hated her. He directed his hatred towards her with all his might. 

A single scratch appeared on her face, drawing the faintest amount of blood, only to disappear instantly after. 

She touched her cheek, blushing deeply at the brief pain. “Ah, has it awakened already?”

It was now Subaru’s turn to withstand the pain of his skin, muscles, and bones being ripped one by one. Before his consciousness faded into the beyond, he felt only one thing: Wrath.

Hateful Wrath. Envious Wrath. Loving Wrath. Fearful Wrath. Prideful Wrath. Sinful Wrath. Guilty Wrath. Gluttonous Wrath. Disgusting Wrath. Pure Wrath. [[[[ ]]]] Wrath.

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“I love you.”

“Go to hell."

Subaru awoke in the carriage. Hyperventilating and trembling, he brought his finger to his cheek, closing his eyes before he touched it. 

There was no sign of exposed gum, teeth or blood. To confirm his safety, Subaru rolled his sleeves to check for any open muscle or bones. There were none. He sighed in deep relief. It was just a dream. That means Felt-

“Felt!!!!” Subaru stood up and hit his head on the carriage’s ceiling. “Ow, shit!” He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

A grumbling Felt gritted her teeth in response. “Shut the hell up Subaru I’m tryna sleep, dummy!” The barely awake, still soaking wet Felt was lying on Subaru’s shoulder. She repositioned herself and held Subaru’s chest tighter. No longer wearing a soaking wet dress, she had returned to her usual outfit. Though it was still wet.

Subaru didn’t notice Felt's deep blush because he himself was flustered beyond control at the sight of a girl he liked holding him so tenderly.

He had never, not even once, gotten himself in an even remotely similar romantic situation with a girl back in Japan. Before he could apologize for waking her, he heard a small, cute snore.

Subaru wouldn’t have believed it if he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, but the golden-haired crimson eyed, svelte girl on his shoulder fell back into peaceful sleep just 5 seconds later.

He chuckled softly to himself, “Does she have a divine protection for falling asleep anywhere ? Weirdo…” 

Felt must also have superhuman hearing given that she playfully hit him in the chest while still snoring. 

Subaru smiled warmly at Felt. 

Taking a moment to recollect himself, he remembered where he was and the life-changing event that had just transpired. Subaru was riding in a carriage with Felt back to the Van Astrea estate. They had finally sold Subaru’s cell phone earlier in the day thanks to Otto’s connection, and managed to secure quite the large sum of holy coins from it. On the way back to Reinhard’s mansion, a jubilant Felt had surprised Subaru with a gift, a painting, in a rare expression of gratitude and affection. This drove Subaru beyond rationality, and his feelings for the golden-haired girl no longer could be suppressed. Despite the challenges it would present for her, and inevitably her candidacy, he selfishly confessed his feelings to her.

Subaru’s head spun when he thought about what happened. He confessed to Felt, was rejected by her, and then kissed her all in the span of only a few minutes. What the hell had even happened? She must have changed her mind… but why?

More questions popped into his head the more he thought about it.

Was Felt his girlfriend? Subaru felt a well of excitement erupting inside him that he hadn’t felt since he was a young child. He quickly calmed himself back down as he realized that they hadn’t actually discussed their relationship after the kiss, let alone anything meaningful. Felt basically sprinted back into the carriage and fell asleep shortly after. Besides, Reinhard had explained that a relationship would be practically impossible because of Subaru’s standing and the unspoken rules of the selection. The risk of distracting from Felt as a single candidate would destroy the already-slim prospects Felt had to ascend to the throne. Did they just ruin their one chance to rid Lugunica of its dreadful inequality between nobles, common folk and the poor?

He sincerely hoped not.

Subaru’s head began to hurt. They clearly had transcended being “just friends,” but they also weren’t anything official, even in secret. What were they? Hopefully he could figure that out when there was a better chance to talk about what had happened. 

Frustrated, Subaru flicked his forehead. “Gah! I can’t think about this now!” 

To distract himself, Subaru looked over at the girl who had stolen his heart. She was now nearly upside down on the carriage floor. Subaru chuckled; The crimson-eyed girl always slept in the craziest, unguarded positions. Because of her vulnerable position, Subaru was able to get an extended look at her slender thighs. “ Holy shit, I want a lap pillow so badly… and to take an ever closer look.... How can a girl’s thighs look so incredibly soft and warm…” 

Instinctively, he reached out to touch them, but at the last moment, he pulled his hand away.

Blushing, Subaru turned to face the other side of the carriage. It wouldn’t be proper to look at the girl he just confessed to when she was so unguarded. Besides, if Felt ever found out, Subaru would probably – definitely –  be murdered. 

He took a moment to collect himself, resting his head against the window as he listened to the rain. Subaru felt a deep happiness, a certain pride, that Felt seemingly returned his affection. However, their relationship and shared goals felt very fragile, as if any external force could change or even break them, if they weren’t careful.

As the storm continued in full force, Subaru closed his eyes again, hoping he wouldn’t have another bad dream. 

Even if he couldn’t remember most of what happened in his nightmares, they still inflicted scar after scar on his mind and heart.

A/N: I sincerely hope you enjoyed this chapter :) Please leave a review/comment if you enjoyed, have helpful feedback or any questions. I’ll reply to as many as I can! See you for Chapter 6!

A celebratory return to the Felt x Subaru ship train:

Chapter Text

Subaru was abruptly startled by a thunderous slam of his door. Otto marched in with purpose, his face a mix of annoyance and determination. He flung open the main drapes, letting a flood of sunlight pour into Subaru’s lavish red room on the top floor of Reinhard’s opulent mansion.

“Oh, dude! Please close the drapes... They’re shut for a reason,” Subaru muttered groggily, pulling the sheets tighter around him in an attempt to block out the blinding light.

Otto, however, was unmoved by Subaru’s plea.

“Natsuki.”

“Shh… I’m sleeping,” Subaru grumbled, though the truth was far from it. He had barely slept in the past three days, not just because of the haunting nightmares he kept having of her, but also due to the ever-increasing distance between himself and Felt. Since their kiss on that stormy night, he had barely seen her. 

Each encounter was short and awkward, with Felt offering flimsy excuses to escape each time. The latest escape was yesterday during Freya’s daily tutoring session. Subaru tried to make a joke but before he could even get out two words, Felt cut him off.

 “Hey….. uh, sorry I’m so busy with the, you know, royal meeting coming up. Yeah, the royal meeting! I gotta prep sooooo… gotta go! Nice seein’ ya!!” she stammered before disappearing.

Worse, they weren’t even being tutored at the same time anymore. They only met occasionally in passing. 

Subaru’s growing frustration and confusion led him to the inevitable conclusion that she was actively avoiding him. In response, he had retreated to his room, consumed by "work." He spent his days writing missives, drafting plans for the Felt Camp’s first meeting of the royal candidates, and sketching out modern inventions from his homeworld that he thought might be revolutionary.

Otto’s tone was disapproving. He peered at the scattered sketches completely covering a resolute wooden desk. “Please tell me you weren’t up all night again drawing these so-called inventions. I’ve barely made sense of the first seven—they’re so crude and hard to understand!”

“I wasn’t, man! Just a lighter, a pen, a steamboat, and three types of RPGs. What does RPG stand for again, Otto? Rocket-propelled grenade? Or was it—”

Otto sighed deeply, holding up a steaming cup of “coff”—the world’s version of coffee, imported from Vollachia. Due to the tensions between Lugunica and Vollachia, coffee wasn’t exactly cheap. However, it did share the same caffeinating properties that Subaru was used to, though it tasted muddier here than it did in Japan. 

Otto dangled the cup in front of Subaru’s face, which was partially hidden beneath the sheets. “Natsuki....”

“It’s Subaru,” he mumbled, annoyed but intrigued.

Otto swirled the cup enticingly, making a show of savoring the aroma. “It’s coff… your favorite.” He exaggerated a contented “mmm” sound to coax Subaru out.

Subaru inhaled the rich, aromatic scent and finally relented. He pushed the sheets aside and reached for the cup. Otto, satisfied but remaining relentless, continued his campaign to get Subaru out of his room.

 “C’mon, you need to get in the bath and we’ve got to head to the market district.”

“I took a bath yesterday—”

“No, you didn’t.”

“Okay, I took a bath the day before yesterday,” Subaru retorted, sounding like a petulant child.

“Just come downstairs, Natsuki. The maids are preparing breakfast for you.”

“Nooo,” Subaru grumbled, burying himself back under the sheets.

“Subaru, you need to eat!”

“My body will tell me when it needs to eat.”

“Just like how your body is telling you to take a bath?”

Subaru sat up, frustration evident. “Do you not see what’s going on here?”

“Yes, you’re wallowing,” Otto replied bluntly. “You’ve been wallowing since you came back from that stormy night with Felt last week. Enough is enough, Natsuki. Start fulfilling your responsibilities as our Chief Advisor!”

“No, I’m not wallowing, Otto. I’m agonizing. There’s a vast difference.”

Otto began pacing around the room, feigning interest. “Oh really? Do enlighten me.”

“See, wallowing? That’s like lounging around, eating instant ramen, and watching sad anime.” Subaru stated with conviction.

“But agonizing?” Subaru continued, “Agonizing is like playing a new visual novel you’ve been waiting for, trying to uncover each route before it gets published online. It’s no frills, Otto. It requires discipline, days of no sleep, no food—”

Otto interjected, pointing upward, “No bathing.”

Subaru pretended not to hear. “You’re just sitting there, thinking and wondering hour after hour about each route and if Felt doesn’t—”

Otto cut him off sharply, “Don’t.”

“Doesn’t like me and is avoiding me, and—”

Otto sighed deeply. “And you did. Amazing!”

“Otto, I’ve seen her for like 30 minutes combined in the past week. She barely speaks to me, but she still talks to Freya, you, Reinhard, and Carly. So how can I not wonder if she hates me after what happened?”

“Because it’s pointless. You can obsess about it for the rest of your life and never really know. Or, you can take a bath.”

Subaru, realizing Otto’s point, nodded slowly. “Yeah, yeah, I know... You’re right. I have to let it go. She’ll come to me when she’s ready because there’s no way I’ll ever know…

“...Unless I ask Felt directly.”

“What?” Otto looked puzzled.

“Yeah, it came to me last night while I was sketching RPG number two! See, it’s the uncertainty that’s killing me, Otto.” Subaru said, wagging his finger in a gesture of revelation.

“It won’t be the uncertainty that’s killing you if you ask Felt.”

Subaru, still wagging his finger dismissively, said, “No, see—”

Otto raised his voice, cutting through Subaru’s ramblings. “No, Natsuki. You can’t ask her. It’s weird and it’s creepy and it’s none of your business. She’ll come to you when she’s ready. Don’t force it.”

Subaru’s face fell in defeat as he sighed. “You’re right. I don’t know what I was thinking, hah! It’s just the lack of sleep or something.”

Standing up with renewed energy, Subaru declared, “I’ll ask Freya!”

Otto face-palmed.

“Nope, you’re coming with me to take a bath, eat breakfast, and go to the marketplace so we can get your stupid fire crystals for your so-called ‘lighter,’” Otto said firmly. He dragged Subaru out before he could protest further, like a parent leading a reluctant child to school.

“Okay, okay, I’m clean and ready to go to the frickin’ market, Otto! Happy now?” Subaru asked, adjusting his slightly ruffled tracksuit.

“I’m never happy, Subaru,” Otto replied dryly. 

The two exchanged a glance and burst out laughing, their camaraderie evident. Over the past week, their friendship had solidified, and Subaru felt Otto had earned a spot among his small list of friends.

One would be Reinhard, Two would be Otto. Old Man Rom wasn’t really a friend, though Subaru had a soft spot for him. Three would be Freya, Four would be… Felt. Subaru sighed, missing Felt, but he closed his eyes and gave his cheeks a hard slap, as if trying to banish her from his mind.

“Eep!” A sudden squeak made Subaru snap his eyes open. 

He punched Otto in the arm with a chuckle. “Otto, I told you to stop screaming like a girl all the time!”

“Th-that wasn’t me, Subaru! That was Flam and Grassis!” Otto stammered.

“Oh, those creepy twins?” Subaru teased.

“Subaru!” Flam and Grassis protested in unison, their faces flushed with indignation. 

“I know, I know, I’m just joking! You two are a valuable part of our camp and the Van Astrea estate, blah blah. Reinhard mentioned something about your grandmother, Carol, and how you both are much stronger than you look. I’m sure you girls can really pack a punch.”

However, Subaru didn’t know how – nor why – the peach-haired pink eyed twins were so short and tiny-framed, whom no older than 11 or 12, had such a fearsome reputation. 

Feigning fear, Subaru continued, “Please don’t beat me up! I’m a lot weaker than I look, y’know?”

Flam’s irritation was palpable, while Grassis looked genuinely concerned.

“We wouldn’t hurt you, Subaru-sama! True, we could probably break you quite easily, but we’d never!” Grassis exclaimed earnestly.

Flam added, “As my sister said, we could break you.”

Subaru, taken aback, felt a twinge of concern. “Ehh, I know everyone in this frickin’ house seems to have a divine protection except me, but really, don’t beat me up, you two.”

Grassis smiled reassuringly, while Flam’s lips curled into a self-satisfied smirk. Flam continued, “Well, perhaps this once we’ll forgive you since you’re in such a sorry state over who knows what this past week.”

“And what a surprise, you don’t smell like garbage anymore. What a good Chief Advisor you’ve become.” Although Flam’s words intended to cut, she played with the hem of her peach skirt.

All of a sudden, Grassis’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Flam, are you going to give it to him?”

“Grassis! I…” Flam sighed and turned away, her cheeks flushed red with an angry blush. “Fine.”

She retrieved a small, well-worn plush doll from her maid’s bag and handed it to her twin, Grassis.

“What’s that, you two?” Subaru asked, intrigued.

“This is our doll, Judy! We’ve had her since we were four. We thought, since you seemed so sad this past week, that holding onto Judy for the day might make you feel better…” Grassis explained, her voice gentle.

Subaru’s heart melted, and he fought to keep his emotions in check. He dedicated all of his energy into maintaining a cool demeanor. “You guys… I’ll take the best care of Judy! Really, I promise.”

“We trust you, Subaru,” Grassis said with a warm smile.

“I don’t trust Otto, though,” Flam chimed in with a chilling tone. “I’ve seen him talking to birds before. Creepy!!”

Otto’s face flushed. “H-hey! I–”

Subaru waved Otto off. “Thanks, you two. This means a lot. We’ll return her once we’re back from the market, okay? I’ll bring you something nice as a present as a thank-you.”

Grassis nodded with a shy blush, while Flam, trying hard to hide her own blush, turned away so Subaru and Otto couldn’t see her expression. “Very well, then. I shall be expecting something worth no less than one holy coin.”

“Flam, that’s way too much!” The twins began to argue, their voices fading as they headed back to the maid’s quarters, leaving Subaru and Otto alone.

“Aww, that was pretty sweet, right Otto? Look at this lil’ doll. It’s pretty cute, too!” Subaru admired the doll as he turned it over in his hands.

Just then, a sound of fabric ripping broke the moment.

“Uh, what just happened?” Subaru looked alarmed.

“Subaru, you just ripped part of Judy’s head off!” Otto exclaimed.

“Dude, don’t call it Judy when the twins aren’t here! That’s creepy!” Subaru retorted.

“Well, that’s its name, isn’t it?! Let me hold it before you do any more damage.”

Otto tried to grab the doll from Subaru, but the dark-haired boy stubbornly held on. “No, it’s fine. I can actually sew it, no problem. It’s an easy fix! Let go!”

~Rrrrrrrrip~ 

The head of the doll came off completely.

“Shit!” Subaru and Otto said in unison.

“Damn, Otto, you idiot!” Subaru snapped.

“Me?!” Otto protested.

“Ugh, it’ll be fine. Just put the doll’s body in my room for the day. I’ll hang onto the head to see what materials I’ll need to fix it with when we get to the market.”

“Why do I need to go to your room when you—” Otto sighed. “Fine, let’s just get you out of the house and get moving, okay?”

Otto sprinted up the stairs while Subaru prepared to leave on Otto’s carriage.

As Subaru was getting ready to depart, Felt and Reinhard walked through the main entryway.

Subaru exchanged a quick glance with Felt, who responded with the briefest nod. His heart felt heavy. She still would barely even look in his eyes.

“Subaru, my friend!” Reinhard’s voice echoed, brimming with the warmth and kindness of a true friend. “It has been too long. I truly apologize, our schedule has been absolutely rigid, and we cannot afford to miss any appointments before the inaugural—”

“What the hell are you holding, Subaru?” Felt’s gaze fixed on the doll’s head.

“What?” Subaru glanced down and realized what Felt was staring at.

“Oh. Oh this?” Subaru held up the doll’s head awkwardly.

“Yeah, Subaru, that.” Felt said.

“Most peculiar…” Reinhard muttered, his eyes twinkling with intrigue.

“Oh, well, the thing is…”

“Look, I gotta go! Otto is waiting for me in my room—I mean, in the carriage! Ahh, just don’t ask why I have this thing!”

Subaru darted to the carriage, with Otto following soon after.

“What just happened?” Reinhard asked, puzzled.

“I don’t frickin’ want to know Rein. I don’t even want to frickin’ know.”

“Lady Felt, what did I say about using slang?”

“Shuddup Rein!”

As Felt and Reinhard disappeared from Subaru’s sight, Otto finally made his way onto the carriage.

“Hurry up! Let’s just go to the market before I embarrass myself any further,” Subaru mumbled, shaking his head as he climbed into the carriage.

Hours later, Otto and Subaru stumbled through the grand archway of the Van Astrea mansion property, the echoes of their laughter from a successful day at Lugunica's bustling market district still ringing in their ears. Their spirits were high, their arms loaded with purchases and their minds swimming with the day’s victories and plunder.

“Man, these fire crystals are gonna be perfect for this lighter idea I have. Trust me Otto, with my wits and your connections, we’re gonna get filthy rich.”

“Ahhhh, well, we’ll see I suppose... But I do like the sound of getting rich. I’ll have you know the Suwen Trading Company is one of the foremost firms in all of–”

The cheerful atmosphere was abruptly shattered when Jenella, a younger maid with a reputation for being perpetually frazzled, hurried up to them. Her lips were pouted, her voice barely above a conspiratorial whisper. “Otto-san, Subaru-sama, she’s here and she’s angry. Like, really angry. You might want to go around the back!”

Subaru, with his trademark nonchalance, waved her off dismissively. “What? It’s fine, it’s fine. How bad could it be? Besides, who are you even talkin’ about? I’m Chief Advisor, remember?” 

He grinned, oblivious to the storm brewing inside. But Otto’s face turned ashen. His pupils dilated in horror as if he had just remembered a critical detail that could spell their mutual doom. Something happened earlier in the day when they were bugging the Felt Camp’s signature twin peach-haired maids, Flam and Grassis. 

Something Subaru clearly forgot.

“Subaru– quickly, let’s go around the back!” Otto’s voice was frantic, his arms flailing as he tried to steer Subaru away from the front entrance.

“Nah, Otto. If I’ve learned anything from my time in Lugunica with you, Reinhard, and Felt, it’s that confidence is key.” Subaru puffed out his chest and struck his signature pose. With a determined slam, he threw open the mansion door, dragging a reluctant Otto into the breachway. “Onward, Otto! Onward!”

The instant Subaru’s confident grin met the reality of the situation, his expression melted faster than butter in a burning pan. “Oh no, oh shit, oh shit” he muttered, his bravado completely disappearing.

“Subaru, you daft idiot —just stay cool and say nothing,” Otto hissed, his own nerves stretched thin. “We’ll fix it later!”

“Fix what?” Subaru hissed back. Then it dawned upon him. “Oh shit the twins’ doll!”

It was too late. Their fate was sealed.

And there she was, standing in the foyer with the fury of a hurricane personified: Carly. 

Carly was Felt’s emerald-haired demihuman friend from the slums, a jubilant 19-year-old, now working as a maid after Felt’s insistence. Despite her rough and likely criminal past, Carly managed to balance her responsibilities with a particular flair. Her emerald green hair cascaded in waves, always managing to reflect light with a rich, vibrant sheen. The only clear sign of her demihuman heritage were the large, gray rabbit-like ears perched above her head, blending seamlessly with her hair. 

However, her sparkly pink eyes were one of her most striking features, brimming with sharp intelligence and a mischievous glint. These eyes moved constantly, alert and curious, reflecting her street-smart edge and exuberance. 

Carly’s demeanor often betrayed her beauty, however, as she was constantly holding back anger and defiance. Her laughter was loud and infectious, and her temper, when roused, was fierce.

Otto maintained that her figure, particularly her breasts, was certainly nothing to scoff at either. While not the largest, they had a perfect shape to them as he once muttered to himself in passing.

Though she wore the standard Van Astrea maid uniform, Carly also added personal touches such as a rotating collection of colored ribbons and brooches.. When she smiled, she was truly a beautiful girl.

But she wasn’t smiling. She was fuming.

Her arms were crossed in a no-nonsense manner, her scowl more menacing than any thunderstorm. She looked ready to kill.

As if a gong had been struck to announce the impending slaughter, Carly’s eyes locked onto Subaru and Otto with a gaze that could curdle milk. They shuffled forward like two deer frozen in headlights, taking a step with the caution of penguins walking on thin ice. 

If Subaru had to describe what Carly sounded like, it would be that of a thick New York accent, almost fake like you’d hear in Western movies or TV. It wasn’t usually a pleasant or soft voice unless she was speaking to Felt, Freya, Reinhard or to the other maids. It was an accent that he not heard from any of his interactions since arriving to Lugunica weeks ago.

Carly’s voice sliced through the tension like a serrated knife. “Where’s the head?”

Subaru and Otto stood there, panicking and completely paralyzed. Their faces feigned utter confusion.

“I know you took the doll’s head. Where is it?” Carly’s tone was dripping with accusation.

Silence.

“Where’s the frickin’ head?!”

Subaru’s eyes darted to Otto, who returned the look with equal parts fear and helplessness. Otto, breaking under the pressure, muttered quickly in a monotone, avoiding eye contact and shuffled helplessly. “I– I– I don’t know.”

Subaru nodded vigorously, clearly agreeing with Otto’s statement of ignorance.

Carly had enough experience living in the slums to know when she was being lied to, though even a child would have no issues seeing right through their dishonestly.

“Flam and Grassis are in the maid quarters hysterical — HYSTERICAAAL —  because their favorite doll Judy has been decapitated! And you two SICKOS took the head for GOD knows what reason—whatever fuckin’ voodoo black magic shit you’re workin' on! Where is it?!” 

Carly’s arms were flailing and her movements grew wild with agitation. With every movement of her hands the wind seemed to split into two. 

Despite undergoing continuous and intensive maid training from the Van Astrea’s head maid, Aurielle, her background of growing up in the slums mixed with an unhealthy amount of anger issues caused her to get rather crossed, from time to time.

Sighing, Otto removed the merchant glasses he donned specifically for his outings to Lugunica’s commerce district and rubbed his eyes to try to escape from the scene in front of him.

“Stop rubbin’ your beady little eyes and tell me where it is!!” Carly’s patience was beyond gone.

Silence.

Seeing no way out of this predicament, Carly threw her hands up in exasperation. 

“Alright, just get me the fuckin’ head so I can sew it back on, okay? Alright?! Get me the fuckin’ head, both of you.”

“Because I’ve had it up to here with you—you four-eyed fuck,” she snapped, pointing an accusatory finger at Otto. “And you– you too you twig piece of shit!” she added, directing her ire at Subaru.

Subaru and Otto raised their hands in a universal gesture of surrender, their faces pale as they backed away towards the door. Every step they took was cautious, as if they feared that turning their backs on Carly would invite some unspeakable retribution. As they slowly exited, Carly’s voice continued to trail after them, a final crashing echo of frustration in the grand hall.

“Get me the head!!”

A young butler-in-training, Pip, watched the entire events unfold and couldn’t hold in his laughter anymore. “Pfffft! Hahaha! Ahhh those idiots!”

The young butler would not soon forget the punishment coming his way that evening.

The last thing Otto heard as he and Subaru retreated to the back of the mansion was, “C’mere you little shit!” and a high-pitched scream.

A misty-eyed Jenella lowered her head repeatedly, “I told you two! Oh, what am I going to do with you both and Carly? Ever since Reinhard-sama invited you all to live here my life has been nothing but chaos!”

Coincidentally, The doll’s head mysteriously reappeared sewed back on to its body less than 30 minutes after the incident. 

After reuniting with their doll, Judy, and seeing the 2 wrapped presents Subaru bought respectively for each twin, Flam and Grassis finally calmed down and went to bed for the night.

Otto and Subaru were about to head into their respective rooms for the evening too, but before they went up they saw the emerald-haired girl sitting alone at the main kitchen counter. 

Noticing the pair, the previously enraged maid beckoned for them to come over. “It's okay… I won’t bite. This time…”

Sighing, Subaru and Otto approached with extreme caution. 

Carly looked genuinely remorseful, a rare sight for Otto and Subaru. Her usual confident demeanor was replaced by a sheepish expression that made them both raise an eyebrow.

“I’m sorry I have these… blackouts where I get really angry,” Carly began, looking like she was about to confess to a major crime. “When I saw the twins nearly crying, I sort of lost it.” She paused, then her emerald eyes lit up with excitement. “But! I was rummaging through that asshole Heinkel’s junk and found this Metia! I thought maybe we could see if it works!!” She held up a golden box with a single ornate button, looking as though she had just found the Holy Grail.

“Think of it as my way of apologizing!”

“Carly! We could get into serious, serious trouble if we’re caught with this. That thing is probably worth a load of holy coins!” Otto exclaimed, his alarmed eyes wide as saucers.

“Damn, is it?” Carly replied with a mischievous grin. “Well, once a thief, always a thief, I guess,” she added proudly.

“Hey! I’m just kidding. I’ll put it back. I just wanted to test it with you guys as my way of saying sorry for, well, getting a bit mad earlier.”

Subaru boldly chided her with a smirk, “A bit mad? I’d hate to see you genuinely angry then” 

Carly gritted her teeth, her patience wearing thin. “Okay, okay, I’ll accept that. But shut up already and let’s see if the thing works.”

“What do you want to test it on?” Subaru asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Well, we need to repair that beautiful golden dress you made Felt ruin in the frickin’ rain, ‘Master’ Subaru. So I need to visit the shitty nobles' district tomorrow to see if we can get it fixed in time for the inaugural royal selection event.”

“Oh… right, sorry,” Subaru said, suddenly reminded of how important the matter was. He felt he was really slacking off in his duties as Chief Advisor to the Felt Camp lately.

“Okay, now watch this!” Carly said with a dramatic flair. Otto bit his fingernails in anticipation, his anxiety barely masked. Carly noticed and flicked him on the forehead. “Oh, just relax, would ya, Otto?”

“Y-yeah… okay.” Otto was definitely not relaxed.

Carly pressed the ornate button and in her best mystical voice, proclaimed, “Oh magic box thing~ please give us your wisdom and provide directions to Lugunica’s finest dressmaker, Fox Glenn’s Emporium.”

The box responded in a feminine robotic tone, something Subaru was shocked to hear in this world with such basic technologies: “Directions to Great Fox Lodge. From your location—”

Carly frowned and hit the button again. “Maybe I need to speak more normally.” She leaned in and enunciated, “No, magic box. Directions to Fox Glenn’s Emporium.”

The box again stated, “One option I see: Woven Lochs’ Hair Supply. From your location—”

Carly hit the button harder, her patience wearing thin once again. “Metia! Fox Glenn’s Emporium! In Lugunica’s Noble District!”

“One option I see: The Fox’s Tavern in Vollachia is known for its daiquiris and—”

Carly threw her hands up in exasperation and slammed them down on the granite counter, creating a crack in the marble. “No, no, no! You’re not listening to me!” She was close to yelling at the box now. “I said FOX GLENN’S EMPORIUM in Lugunica!”

Otto and Subaru exchanged worried looks, their amusement eroding by the second. Carly’s temper was reaching its boiling point.

“A Fox’s Den is a habitat that provides foxes with protection and—”

“No, you stupid fucking idiot! It’s FOX GLENN’S EMPORIUM in LUGUNICA. THE DRESSMAKER’S STORE?!”

“One option I see: J Fox’s Suit Alteration–”

“You FUCK!” Carly was now hitting the counter with full force, her frustration palpable. “It's Fox Glenn's Emporium!!”

“Voice detection error.”

“Oh my god, you fucking moron, it’s Fox Glenn’s, you cunt!”

“A Bundt is a type of baking cast that one can—”

“Not bundt! I said cunt! You're a cunt!! I called you a cunt!!”

“One option I see: Hunt—”

"Shut the FU--"

…..

…..

…..

“Excuse me, I uh, I got carried away again it seems.”

“I must be going now…” The flustered Carly quickly scurried off to return the Metia from wherever she found it, her face burning with embarrassment.

Subaru chuckled, watching Carly’s retreating figure. “You know, I think I’m starting to like Carly!”

Otto, still trying to compose himself, added, “You know, I think I just peed a little.”

A/N: Did you hate Carly or find her funny? I actually had loads of fun writing her!! Let me know your thoughts in a review :) I always read them! And don't worry, I promise we'll learn more about Subaru's authority, what Roswaal is up to, and some action soon!!

Also, I hope the tone shift wasn't too drastic this chapter! If it was, I guess let me know. I'm not feeling super confident lately with the story or my writing abilities because its been so long. Anyway, For the AO3 readers, here's Carly:

Chapter Text

With anticipation bubbling inside him, Subaru rubbed his hands together, his expression twisted in a mix of excitement and anxiety. He jogged up the steps to the terrace café in the Noble's District, a serene retreat above the city's central square. The café was a lush garden terrace, its tables nestled among vibrant flowers and ivy-covered trellises. Lanterns with flickering flames cast a warm, inviting glow over the scene, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Subaru's attire was far from different from what he was typically comfortable with. Instead of his signature tracksuit and unkempt hairstyle, he donned a meticulously tailored black suit adorned with intricate white lace at the cuffs and collar. His matching black tailored breeches were held by a silver-embroidered belt complemented by a simple white dress shirt and a black neck tie.

Even his hair was tousled sideways with a light gel.

And he absolutely hated how he looked.

"God, I can't stand looking like this! I feel so out of place and this outfit is so uncomfortable I'd almost rather wear my school uniform and attend class… I'll never let Freya and Carly dress me again! Unless this works, I guess..."

As Subaru opened the dark wooded door, the murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses filled the air.

Subaru ignored the diners around him and immediately approached the hostess stand, where a young woman was waiting with a friendly smile.

"Hi, I'm, uh, looking for the Astrea party. Table for three?" Subaru asked, his voice uneasy.

Apparently satisfied by Subaru's noble-like appearance, she paid no mind nor suspicion to his request. "Of course! We have Astrea for three. Right this way, milord."

"Okay…"

The hostess bowed her head and gestured Subaru over to the main dining room before promptly returning to her station, ready to meet the next guests.

Subaru scanned the restaurant and immediately spotted Reinhard. It was difficult to miss such striking red hair. He was at the last corner table. Next to him was Felt and someone unfamiliar; a young man.

The young man stood out like a beacon amongst the crowd, his slender frame and flowing blonde hair catching many noblewomans' eyes. His green eyes sparkled with impossible clarity, and his outfit—an elaborate white robe trimmed with ornate gold—was emblematic of esteem and intention. Even amongst the other nobles at the restaurant, this man's adornments truly stood out.

"Who the hell is that noble next to Felt…"

Then it clicked.

"Is this an arranged marriage meeting?! What the hell is going on?" Subaru finally had enough of Felt and Reinhard. The feelings of getting sidestepped over and over again from Felt and Reinhard's obliviousness to the situation wore him out. He was truly upset.

He had specifically asked Reinhard if a relationship with a royal candidate was possible, and while indeed it was possible, it was highly unfeasible. The only workaround was if the candidate was betrothed prior to the inaugural meeting of the candidates. Even then, if that man was not amongst the highest of echelons and grandeur of Lugunican nobility, it could be detrimental to the candidate's success in the elections. After all, if that man even proved to be a slight negative distraction, he'd surely drag down the candidate with him. However, this man– this noble – did not seem the type to drag down anyone at first glance.

Regardless, Subaru didn't care right now. Felt knew Subaru's feelings. He clearly likes her– a lot. And from Subaru's perspective, she had reciprocated most of those feelings because of the kiss, despite her recent avoidance which he chalked up to confusion.

But perhaps he was wrong; a possibility that Subaru believed more and more by the second.

He was incredulous, in pure disbelief that Felt could betray him by entertaining the possibility of what seemed like a marriage arrangement meeting. He didn't understand. "Why? What did I do wrong… I thought you were my summoner goddess, then my friend, then my…

… Who are you, Felt?"

This picturesque scene Subaru was witnessing went against everything he thought he knew about Felt. She hates dresses, fancy places, and most of all, wearing big frilly dresses and stuck up nobles like the blonde-haired stranger.

"Fuck it! I can't take it!"

As Subaru rolled up his sleeves and prepared to stomp towards the table, inevitably to create a huge scene, he stopped as he watched his friends and the noble's expressions.

The nobleman said something he couldn't quite make out, but whatever it was, it made Felt laugh and give him a light nudge on the shoulder—an action that tugged at Subaru's heart.

Her crimson eyes twinkled and she was ever so slightly flushed. Reinhard smiled softly, apparently approving of whatever was going on.

Despite Subaru's close proximity to Reinhard, Felt and this stranger, they didn't seem to notice him standing at the edge of their happy gathering.

Feeling like a shadow in their midst, Subaru turned towards the rest of the café. Couples shared tender moments and the colorful, oasis-like atmosphere was blinding. It was a stark contrast to the brewing darkness inside him.

Subaru's chest tightened with the realization that despite his position as Chief Advisor, he was an outsider to the camp; a mere observer in a world that had moved on without him.

His heart broke at that moment.

With a silent nod of resignation, Subaru tugged at his neck tie and slowly walked towards the exit. The warmth and laughter of the café slipped away as he stepped back into reality, alone once more.

As Subaru left, Reinhard's eyes shifted towards the now closing door. He was no longer smiling.

Four Hours Earlier:

It was early morning. The sun had barely begun to rise on the capital. The sky, mixed with purple, pink, and hazy blue, illuminated slowly. Otto had made it a habit to get Subaru out of bed every morning, as the toll of not knowing Felt's answer to his confession, their relationship status, nor why he was being ignored was eating away at him. Subaru was truly trying to wait and let her come to him.

However, Otto did not find Subaru in bed. Worried, he scurried quietly outside, the cool morning air brushing against his face.

Fortunately, Otto spotted Subaru sitting close to the Astrea Mansion's entryway on its recently cut grass. The dew on the blades shimmered faintly in the early light, and Subaru looked small and solitary against the vast, open lawn.

Otto approached Subaru, who was sitting on the freshly cut grass at the Astrea mansion.

"Natsuki-san, are you okay?"

"Hey," Subaru replied without looking up.

The two friends sat in silence for a few minutes, the only sounds being the distant chirping of birds and the occasional rustle of leaves. Otto normally would have tried to banter with Subaru or to break the silence, but something told him that today was different. Today, he should sit quietly, supporting his friend who had left his room on his own willpower—a first in several days.

Finally, Subaru sighed, his breath visible in the cool morning air.

"I'm okay. Let's go back to the mansion," Subaru said, rising from the grass and brushing himself off.

"Natsuki… I wish you'd stop being so pitiful," Otto said softly, his voice tinged with concern.

But Subaru was already walking away, the distance between them growing. Otto's plea fell into the wind, barely reaching Subaru's ears as he disappeared around the corner of the mansion.

As Subaru approached the main entryway, he noticed an ornate carriage approach.

Nearly tumbling out of that carriage was Heinkel, who stumbled clumsily through the meticulously trimmed hedgeway leading to the grand entrance of House Astrea.

His appearance was a near-opposite to the mansion's grandeur; his once-splendid attire now a wrinkled mess, stained and crumpled. His face was deeply flushed from overindulgence, and he gripped a half-empty wine bottle with comical ineptitude, the neck precariously held between his thumb and index finger, threatening to drop at each unsteady step.

Subaru watched with a mix of disdain and irritation. Heinkel's boorish behavior and his cruel treatment of Reinhard and Felt had left a bitter taste in Subaru's mouth. His eyes narrowed, shooting Heinkel a cold and piercing look, shaking his head in silent reproach.

"Hmph," Heinkel grunted, his voice thick and slurred with inebriation. "Got something to say, you fuckin' freeloader?"

Subaru's frustration boiled over. "I've got nothing to say to a drunkard, Heinkel. Nothing at all. Besides, Reinhard's been carrying your dead weight for so long that I wouldn't call me the freeloader. We all know it's really you." A sardonic smile twisted at the corners of Subaru's mouth, his words intended to sting as sharply as Heinkel's insults to Reinhard

However, Heinkel's response was unexpected. With a series of harsh, raucous laughs that echoed through the courtyard, Heinkel scoffed, "Heh, heh… I'd worry less about me and more about yourself, 'Chief Advisor.'"

Subaru's gaze flicked toward Otto, who was strategically positioned around the corner, out of Heinkel's sight. "What's that supposed to mean? What are you scheming!"

Heinkel's drunken state had clearly loosened his tongue. "Heh, check your little schedule. Looks like your Lady Felt and her knight are out today, hmm?"

"Actually, no," Subaru snapped, his voice edged with rising frustration. "Tomorrow is the inaugural meeting of the candidates at the palace. They're not going anywhere today! I made sure the schedule was clear so Felt could finalize her entrance and speech."

"Are you sure about that? Heh…" Heinkel's grin widened, his bloodshot eyes filled with malicious glee.

"Yes, I'm sure!" Subaru's voice cut through the air, taut with anger. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Hmmph. That Oasis is a piece of shit anyway. I hate flowers." Heinkel muttered under his breath, seemingly forgetting the conversation as he swayed slightly, the wine bottle nearly slipping from his grasp.

With one final look towards Subaru, Heinkel looked ready to throw up all the alcohol he'd consumed during the night.

"I'm going back to my room. Fuck off."

"Wait, Heinkel! What's the Oasis?" Subaru demanded, his voice sharp and insistent.

Ignoring Subaru, Heinkel stumbled into the mansion's entryway.

Gearing up to follow him, Subaru was about to dart inside the mansion himself, but was interrupted. "Natsuki, let him go. He's not worth it," Otto said, placing a steadying hand on Subaru's shoulder, his voice calm but firm.

"Well, then do you know what the fucking Oasis is? Get me the schedule right now and find Felt and Reinhard!" Subaru's tone was urgent, his eyes darting with anxiety.

Otto sighed deeply, his expression a mixture of resignation and weariness. "No, I don't know what it is. And Felt and Reinhard should be finalizing the remaining touches of Felt's speech, just like you said."

"Fine."

"Come on, Natsuki. Let's go inside."

Subaru followed Otto, who asked a maid to retrieve the Camp's written itinerary. Without pausing, Subaru continued towards the west wing's Library, where Freya typically held her lessons for Felt and Subaru.

The library was a sanctuary of scholarly tranquility, its air heavy with the rich scent of aged paper and polished wood. The towering bookshelves, crafted from dark mahogany and adorned with intricate carvings, rose majestically to the ceiling. Each shelf was meticulously arranged, the leather-bound volumes gleaming softly under the warm light of the ornate chandeliers.

Subaru disrupted that perfect tranquility as he burst into the library, his frustration palpable.

Freya, the head tutor, jumped at the sudden slam of the doors.

"Ahh! Subaru, don't scare me like that! I was in the middle of preparing your ha-glyph lesson for next week." Her voice, high-pitched and smooth, was filled with genuine surprise.

Carly, who had been dusting the tops of the towering bookshelves, shot Subaru a look of deep irritation. "What's with the door slamming? I just cleaned the entryway! If I find even one extra speck of dust, you're helping me polish for the rest of the day!"

Subaru's gaze was intense, his usual goofy composure replaced by a desperate urgency. "Where's Felt and Reinhard? They should be here right now according to the itinerary!"

Carly's retort faltered as she noticed the unusual desperation in Subaru's eyes—an expression she had never seen before.

Freya's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, Subaru? We wrapped up tomorrow's speech preparations last night."

Subaru's face contorted with a mix of confusion and anger. "No, the schedule we had clearly listed that—"

At that moment, Otto burst in, breathless and disheveled. "Natsuki! The itinerary! It looks like it was updated yesterday!"

"What? Nobody should be changing that itinerary! What does it say? Where are they?" Subaru demanded, his voice a taut wire of urgency.

"It seems there's only one event listed now. It just says 'lunch reservation.'"

"For Felt and Reinhard?" Freya asked, her brow knitting in perplexity.

"I don't know. It just says "three" under the attendees list.

"For three?" Subaru's voice grew sharper, edged with suspicion. "Who else in the camp would be dining with them at a time like this!"

"I'm not sure," Freya said.

Carly added, "Yeah… I've seen all the usual suspects—Flam and Grassis are here, and most of the staff is still around."

"Otto, are you absolutely certain you don't know anything about Felt and Reinhard and this mysterious third person?"

"Natsuki, yes, I'm sure."

"Then find out!"

"What do you mean, find out? You may regret overstepping their boundaries. Besides, we don't even know where they went!"

"Can't you use your merchant connections to find out?" Subaru pleaded, desperation lining his voice.

"Well, yes, but for something like this? I'd rather not owe anyone a favor over a reservation!. And we don't have any clues. They could be anywhere in the noble district!"

"What about the Oasis?!"

Subaru's frustration was a storm raging within him, his mind racing to piece together the clues. The room was filled with tense silence as everyone absorbed the mention of the mysterious "Oasis."

"Oasis?" Carly and Freya asked in unison, their voices merging in puzzled curiosity.

"That's what Heinkel said," Subaru explained, his voice tight with urgency. "He mentioned something about an Oasis."

"Yeah, but Subaru, Heinkel is notoriously unreliable," Freya pointed out, her skepticism evident. "He was likely completely drunk. Who knows what he's talking about?"

Subaru's gaze hardened as he turned to Otto, desperation etched in every line of his face. "Otto, are you going to help me or not?"

Otto hesitated, caught between the pressure from Subaru and the piercing stares from Freya and Carly. The intensity of their scrutiny was almost palpable, like a physical force pressing down on him.

"Eep! Okay, fine!" Otto relented, his voice a mix of reluctant resignation and determination. "I'll check with my contacts to see what this 'Oasis' could possibly have to do with a restaurant. What a waste of a favor," he muttered under his breath, already turning to leave the library.

The exact moment Otto left, Freya and Carly exchanged a glance, their eyes gleaming with mischief. A silent, conspiratorial agreement seemed to pass between them, and they turned their attention back to Subaru, their expressions brimming with playful scheming.

"Wh-why are you looking at me like that?" Subaru asked, his tone tinged with concern.

"Subaru, are you really so clueless that you'd show up to potentially one of the most elegant, exclusive restaurants in Lugunica dressed like that?" Freya chided, her voice filled with mock disapproval as she gestured at Subaru's tracksuit.

"Wh-what? What's wrong with my tracksuit?" Subaru protested, looking down at his comfortable but decidedly informal outfit, his brows knitted in bewilderment.

Carly added with a smirk, her amusement barely contained. "You look like a mess, but…"

"But! But what?" Subaru pressed, his unease growing as he shifted nervously.

Freya eyed Subaru with a critical gaze, her expression thoughtful as she assessed his appearance. "Black, definitely. But hmm… white or gold Carly?"

"You think Subaru can pull off gold? Hell no," Carly replied with a scoff.

"Yeah… okay, let's take him to the main closet," Freya decided with a nod, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"Uh, no. Don't I have a say in this?" Subaru asked, his voice rising in alarm. "I'm heading back to help Otto—"

Before Subaru could finish, Carly made a swift, decisive slashing motion with her hand. A strong gust of air slammed the library doors shut with a resounding thud, effectively cutting off Subaru's escape.

"Ahh, what the hell!" Subaru shouted, his hands banging against the closed doors, but it was clear he was trapped.

With playful, devious grins, Freya and Carly approached Subaru, their eyes alight with the excitement of their impromptu fashion project. They seized him, steering him toward the main closet—a treasure trove of luxurious fabrics and elegant garments—preparing for an unexpected makeover.

Subaru's protests were swallowed by their laughter and the soft rustling of fine clothing as Freya and Carly eagerly rifled through the wardrobe, selecting outfits fit for the high-society.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

After a couple of hours, Otto burst into the library, his face flushed and slightly out of breath.

"Eh?"

His eyes darted around, taking in the sight before him. Subaru, now dressed in an impeccably tailored suit thanks to Freya and Carly's efforts, stood near the entrance. His formerly disheveled look had been replaced by a polished and dignified appearance, though Subaru's discomfort was evident.

"What the hell happened here?" Otto exclaimed, his gaze sweeping over the transformed Subaru, who was trying his best to look composed. Carly and Freya, standing nearby, wore expressions of smug satisfaction, their pride in their handiwork clearly visible.

"Don't ask," Subaru replied tersely, his tone a mix of embarrassment and resignation. He adjusted his newly acquired neck tie, which seemed to be a bit too tight.

Otto shook his head, still processing the scene. "Uh, okay… Well, the restaurant's name is the Garden Spring. It's actually quite interesting– only insiders who are enmeshed in Lugunica's fine dining scene actually refer to it as an oasis due to its unique–"

"Otto. We don't care. Show us where it is!"

"Gah, why do I bother?"

Otto pulled out a map of the noble district and tapped a specific location with a finger. "It's located here." His voice held a note of both exasperation and relief as he provided the crucial information.

Subaru glanced at the marked location, nodding in understanding. He began to head for the door, eager to leave.

Carly, with a mischievous glint in her eye, called out, "Don't fuck it up, Subaru!"

Subaru paused, turning back with a confused frown. "Fuck what up?"

Freya, her voice low and serious but still laced with amusement, leaned closer to Subaru. "Listen, as my friend and someone who lives in the same mansion with both of you… if you do confess, just please do it tactfully and don't embarrass the poor girl."

Subaru's eyes widened in surprise. "What?! I don't like… well, maybe a little... I wasn't planning on doing anything—I just want to find them! How did you figure out I liked her?" he whispered quickly, clearly embarrassed.

Freya smirked, her tone dripping with the confidence of someone who had seen it all. "Because I have the cognitive and emotional understanding of someone older than two years old, Subaru. Now go!"

"Erm… okay? Wish me luck?" Subaru asked, a hint of desperation in his voice.

"Hurry up! Go!" Freya and Carly shouted in unison, their excitement barely contained.

"G-go!" Otto raised his hand up to try to join in the excitement.

Carly immediately stared him down as to say, "Don't you ever do that again."

Subaru, now fully motivated and slightly overwhelmed by his friends' enthusiasm, made a hasty exit. As he left the library, he could still hear Freya and Carly's laughter echoing behind him.

Subaru, despite his nerves, couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope that today might turn out better than he anticipated.

However, it didn't.

As Subaru trudged away from the restaurant, he fought to keep his emotions at bay.

His eyes were blurred from a small welling of tears that, despite his constant attempts to wipe them away, seemed to have made a home in his lashes, returning constantly with relentless persistence.

His trudge turned into a run through the winding alleys of the noble district. Each turn and corner seemed to blend together as his mind couldn't formulate any coherent thoughts, he was lost in his mind's fog.

However, he wasn't angry. It was what he had come to expect, much like the loneliness he had known back in Japan.

Instead, he was jealous, and the bitterness of seeing Reinhard and Felt smiling back in that restaurant with the stranger stung deeper than he could ever admit. Subaru couldn't shake the feeling that he was always the outsider, the one who never quite fit in, no matter how hard he tried. At seventeen even in another world, he was still a NEET dropout, a failed attempt to ascend into adulthood, whose only interaction with the world was through the safety of his own isolation.

Friends came and went like fleeting shadows, each one abandoning him as if his very presence was a burden. He had spent countless nights clinging to the hope that someone, somewhere, would finally accept him. Yet here he was, once again the fool who had hoped for more than he deserved. The ache of his loneliness seemed as unshakable as ever, a cruel reminder of his perpetual failure to connect, to be seen, to matter.

Jealousy was threatening to turn into a different emotion.

In fact, it was festering within Subaru; a seething, corrosive force that threatened to pull him under. His thoughts swirled with self-recrimination and regret, each step a bitter reminder of his perpetual isolation. But before he could completely succumb into his toxic feelings, a sudden, brutal jolt yanked him from his misery.
A massive, fur-covered hand gripped him by the collar, lifting him effortlessly off the ground.

"Ahchk–!"

Subaru's blood-curdling scream pierced the quiet alley, his voice raw with a mix of shock and terror. The Wolf Man's claws dug into his neck, the sharp tips slicing through flesh and causing a fiery, excruciating pain that made Subaru writhe and gasp. His mind raced, struggling to process the abrupt shift from his personal anguish to an unknown immediate, physical threat.

Blood started to dribble down Subaru's neck.

As his vision cleared from the blinding agony, he tried to take in the figures surrounding him.

A Wolf Man towered above, his large presence casting a massive shadow over him. His fur bristled with barely contained aggression, and his yellow eyes gleamed with a cruel, animalistic light.

Accompanying the Wolf Man were three others.

The first was a small-framed woman. Her pink tangled hair framed her face, accentuating the deep, dark circles underlining her hollow eyes. Her petite, emaciated frame looked fragile and almost skeletal, while a sadistic smile curled on her lips.

The second man was older, his brown hair tousled and flecked with gray. Weathered skin, etched with scars, spoke of a life steeped in battle. His deep-set, hollow eyes held an unsettling stillness. He wore a dark vest over a simple tunic, both frayed and faded, and remained resolutely silent. An aura of quiet intensity surrounded him.

The third was a blithe young man with an unnervingly pale complexion that glowed with an unnatural sheen. His dark red eyes reminded Subaru of molten embers, complemented by ashen gray hair that fell neatly around his head. Donning both a jet black robe and tri-pronged wand with a casual grace, his cold, unsettling calm struck fear into Subaru's heart.

"What's going on?! I– I don't have any money. I don't want any trouble with any you!"

Blood continued to trickle down Subaru's neck, in increasing volume as the Wolf Man's claws dug deeper into his skin.

The girl's laughter was a chilling sound, filled with mockery. "Money? MONEY?!" she cackled with cruel delight. "Oh, sweetie, even if you had 40 Holy Coins on you right now, you'd be halfway to nowhere. We don't want your money!"

The young blithe man remained impassive, his expression unchanged as Subaru continued to squirm in distress. "I must apologize for my three companions, Natsuki Subaru."

"How the fuck do you know who I am?!" Subaru choked out, his desperation rising.

The young man's voice was cold and detached. "They are in the collecting business for their own sadistic pleasures. It's truly revolting, isn't it?"

He continued, his gaze unyielding. "Unfortunately for me, I have no choice but to participate in collections with these three for this assignment. My motivation, however, is purely financial. It truly isn't personal. I take no pleasure in death nor torture."

"It feels personal! Are you going to kill me?!" Subaru's barely managed to spit out. His eyes were turning bloodshot red from the Wolf Man's grip.

The young man's eyes remained as cold as ever. "Kill you? Of course not. That would go against our employer's directives. If that were to happen, not only would we forfeit our payment, but we'd also likely return to our own deaths. As skilled a magic user as I am, I couldn't hope to match our employer's power. Rather, our orders are to kidnap you. What happens to you after that, who could say?"

"W-wait, Martin!" protested the pink-haired girl, "He didn't say we had to leave him unharmed, did he? Let us have some fun with him!" The girl's eyes sparkled with malicious excitement.

The Wolf Man growled, licking his lips. His voice rumbled in anticipation. "His blood… it smells salty."

The older man breathed in sick anticipation as his eyes were focused on Subaru squirming.

The young man, Martin's, gaze flicked briefly to his companions. "You three sicken me. Do as you please. You have thirty seconds. If you injure him beyond recognizability, I'll kill you all where you stand."

The girl clapped her hands in delight, her voice high-pitched with glee. "Eeeeeh, yay! Yay! Yay! Did you hear that, big guy? We've got thirty seconds~"

"That's not much time. Let's make it quick then," The Wolf Man said with a growing smile.

The girl stuck out her tongue playfully, "You've got it!"

The third man continued to remain silent, his breathing growing heavier.

In an instant, the girl brandished a fine scimitar. The blade shimmered ominously as she examined it with a glint of satisfaction. With a deliberate, almost sensual motion, she licked the hilt, savoring the sharpness before dragging the cold, metallic side down Subaru's arm.

"Hk!" The burning sensation was unlike anything Subaru had ever experienced—an excruciating, searing pain that felt as though molten lava was being poured into his veins. The girl's giggle rang out with a sickly sweet inflection, her tongue trailing along Subaru's arm to taste the blood that pooled from the wound.

Subaru's mind reeled in agony. He tried to cry out, but his voice was stifled by the intense pressure of the Wolf Man's grip. The Wolf Man's claws dug relentlessly into Subaru's flesh, each movement of his grip adding to the suffocating pressure on his throat.

"It hurts! It hurts! It hurts!" Subaru's internal scream echoed in the depths of his mind. The pain was so overwhelming that it overshadowed everything else.

Yet beneath this agony, something else was awakening—something dark and powerful.

This newfound force wriggled and squirmed within Subaru, an unfamiliar sensation that seemed to surge with a life of its own. It was as though this power had been waiting for the right moment to emerge, and now, in the throes of his torment, it was making its presence known. The dark, pulsating energy coiled through Subaru's body, making its first desperate cry for freedom. In a sudden manifestation, a single dark hand burst forth from Subaru's chest, reaching out with a sinister purpose towards the girl.

The girl, preoccupied with her sadistic pleasure, was apparently unable to notice the dark hand's approach. She was poised to strike again, her blade glinting with malevolent intent. But the hand moved with surprising speed and strength, wrapping around the girl's neck with a vice grip.

"Hkk!" Her pink eyes widened in shock as she felt the choking force tightening around her throat. Her blade fell from her grasp, clattering to the ground as she clawed frantically at her neck. Her breaths turned into desperate, wheezing gasps as her face flushed red with panic.

The Wolf Man, seeing the dire turn of events, growled fiercely. "Martin! This man's dangerous. I'm not going to let him kill 'er!" His voice was a low, menacing rumble, and his eyes burned with a fierce protectiveness.

Martin's voice cut through the tumult, a threat laced with panic.

"Stop! I'll slay you as you stand, beast, if you kill–"

But the Wolf Man was beyond placation. His focus remained on Subaru, his grip tightening as he prepared to snap Subaru's neck.

Just as the fatal blow seemed imminent, the world around them froze.

Subaru was enveloped by an overwhelming coldness. It was an intangible, almost palpable presence—an embodiment of envy so profound that it felt as though the concept itself had fused with Subaru's very essence. This icy presence whispered into his soul with a chilling intimacy.

"I love you."

Subaru's consciousness was paralyzed, unable to react to the disembodied voice. The whispered declaration grew louder, an incessant chant that filled his mind:

"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you."

As if the voice suddenly realized the dark hand emanating from Subaru's chest, her chant changed.

"It's wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong."

"It's broken. I'll fix it."

"I love you."

The cold darkness seemed to envelop Subaru's heart, cradling it as if it were both its lover and child. He could feel its presence shifting, moving away from Subaru's body towards the Wolf Man. Instead of a soothing cradle, the hand turned malevolent. It invaded the Wolf Man's chest, wrapping around his heart. With a single squeeze and a crush, his heart turned into smithereens.

The presence continued its relentless path, moving to the girl. Her eyes were still; wide with terror, her face a mask of impending dread as she sensed the encroaching doom. The force sliced through her heart with the same merciless precision it had shown the Wolf Man. The girl's heart was severed in a bloody, visceral cut from top to bottom, splitting it open in a grotesque display.

Finally, the presence returned to Subaru. "Soon, we'll meet. I love you."

Subaru, unable to respond, could only wrestle with the emotions stirred by the omnipresent whisper. He was left in a state of numb bewilderment, caught between hatred and longing.

The dark force then receded back into the shadows, leaving Subaru in a void of eerie silence.

As time unfroze, Subaru violently retched, his body convulsing as if something vital had been wrenched from within him. The dark hand retreated back into his chest. It felt as though his very soul had been ripped apart by the toxic envy that had touched him.

Gasping for breath, Subaru glanced around. The once menacing young girl and the Wolf Man now lay cold and lifeless on the ground, their mouths smeared with blood. The silent third man was also dead, but not from Subaru or the presence, but from a blade.

Martin had vanished, fleeing in the wake of the chaos. Panic gripped Subaru as he struggled to make sense of the scene.

As Subaru felt madness encroaching into his mind, he was interrupted by a lackadaisical, muffled voice.

"Hey there, brother. Looks like you've landed yourself in some trouble. I might have handled things differently, but everyone's got their own style. Honestly, most folks wouldn't have managed it the way you did. That was pretty intense."

Subaru looked up to see a man with his head completely covered by a jet-black steel helmet. The man was adjusting the helmet's joints as he spoke. His outfit was bizarre and eccentric.

He wore only the helmet for protection above the neck, leaving his well-built torso exposed. His rugged clothing had a pillager-like quality to it. His feet were encased in leather boots, and a worn cloth draped from his shoulders, covering his neck. A rough, wide-bladed sword was slung horizontally behind him, dripping fresh blood.

The collection of odd features was striking, but the most notable detail was the man's missing left arm, which ended just below the shoulder. The combination of his unusual attire and the loss of his arm gave him an unsettling and distinct presence as he stood over Subaru.

"Wh-who are you?"

"Al."

Rubbing his neck and shielding his face from the terrible scene in front of him, Subaru was enraged, "Why the hell didn't you help me?!"

"Well, I did help ya. I killed that quiet pervert for ya. Though, I wouldn't have done it at all if it weren't for the way you killed the other two. That was unnatural, brother. Real unnatural. Like, they died in a way that violates order. You're a dangerous guy, aren't ya?"

Al's presence began omitting an aura. A dark aura that felt similar to the power Subaru had just emitted.

"Now, you gotta understand that my role here is to protect Princess at all costs. You wouldn't happen to be a user, would ya?"

"A what...?"

"A user." Al replied back, continuing to emit a powerful aura.

"I don't know what the hell you're talking about! I almost died and these three… theyre fuckin' dead!"

Subaru threw up a bit in his mouth as he tried to look away from their still warm corpses..

"Well yeah, we killed 'em."

Before Subaru could internalize Al's words and the weight of taking a life, even if indirectly or in defense, an angry, inpatient voice interjected.

"Al, you're late."

The dark aura Al had been emitting quickly dissipated as the footsteps grew closer.

A striking woman walked confidently down the alleyway, ignoring the dead in her path. Her fiery orange hair, held up with an ornate clasp, seemed to radiate like the sun. Her curvaceous figure was enveloped in a crimson dress that generously exposed her. Her lips curled into a scarlet frown, and her fiery red eyes stared back with intensity.

Even her fan was red, making her a vision of crimson from head to toe. Despite her flamboyant appearance, her presence was commanding and immediate. She was clearly someone amongst the pinnacle of nobility.

"Sorry, princess, ran into some trouble here—and this guy."

As if he were nothing more than a piece of trash, she shot Subaru a furious glance, her eyes smoldering with disdain. "This imbecile?"

"Yeah, he took out two mercenaries in no time. Quite an interesting guy, actually. Has some weird ability. By the way, I didn't catch your name."

"Subaru… Natsuki Subaru," he managed, still reeling from the chaotic events.

Al's tone shifted. "Hmm… I didn't expect to hear a name like that in this world. Subaru, huh?"

"Y-yeah. I'm a protectorate of the Astrea Estate, so if you harm me, there will be consequences!" His voice trembled slightly, the trauma of what had just transpired was still raw in his mind.

Previously uninterested, fanning herself with a delicate red fan to cool her off, the woman suddenly detected an opportunity. "Ah, you must be the Chief Advisor to the slum girl. That drunken sword-swinger mentioned you in one of his ramblings. While I believe all lives are equal—except my own of course—his life is less than that of the smallest ant. No, it's a mere insignificance, not even worth the life of the smallest ant."

"You know Heinkel? And wait, how do you know about my position? That slum girl's identity should be a secret!"

"Well, of course I know that pig. And that pitiful slum rat. Besides, Heinkel's backing the one destined to become king, of course."

"So you do know about Felt!"

The woman laughed heartily, a sound both melodic and menacing. "Nay, not that pitiful gutter trash. The drunken fool supports the one destined to be king—myself, of course. I have every confidence that I am the greatest in this world. This world operates in a way that serves me. I shall be your king soon enough."

Normally, Subaru would have scoffed at such haughtiness, but there was an undeniable charm in her words that captivated him, pulling him in against his better judgment.

Instead, realization hit him like a cold wave. "That bastard! He's a traitor! He's been leaking information to you, hasn't he?!"

"My eyes and ears extend everywhere, boy. The Astrea Estate is no exception." Her tone was confident, and her presence radiated an air of authority that demanded attention.

Those words hung in the air, a declaration so bold it should have been laughable, yet somehow it resonated deeply within Subaru, leaving him feeling small and exposed.

"Princess, we should probably—"

"Al, do not dictate my schedule. I am not finished with Natsuki Subaru."

"No, I think we are done here! You've been spying on us!"

"You'd be lesser than Heinkel if you refused to hear my generous offer. Based on Al's intervention, you clearly have some unique ability. Perhaps you may hold some value, after all. Prove that value to me by replacing Heinkel as my eyes and ears."

"What?! I'd never betray my camp or Felt!" Subaru exclaimed, indignation flaring in his chest.

"Heinkel mentioned you were struggling. You lock yourself in your room while your candidate doesn't even glance your way. It seems she—of all people—views you as trash, as someone useless. Your loyalty, while admirable, is misguided. Work for me, and you will be rewarded. I'll ensure you're valued, and your loyalty recognized."

Subaru's heart sank at her words. He wanted to argue that wasn't true, but after weeks of Felt's avoidance and seeing her smile alongside that noble, doubt gnawed at him.

Before he could respond, Al interjected again. "Princess, it's time."

Enraged, the orange-haired beauty turned her gaze toward Al, a flash of irritation in her eyes. "Hmmph! Consider my offer, Natsuki Subaru." She fanned herself in contempt.

"See ya, brother. I'd really think about this as an opportunity you shouldn't throw away," Al added.

As they departed in their lavish carriage, Subaru watched, feeling the weight of their conversation settle heavily on his shoulders. He turned to follow them out, leaving the bloody alleyway behind, still grappling with the shock of everything that had transpired.

"Natsuki!"

It was Otto, rushing toward him.

Otto's gaze flicked to the claw marks and blood on Subaru's neck, concern etched on his features. "Wh-what happened?"

"I don't want to talk about it… I'll catch you up on the way back, but first– Heinkel. He's a rat. He erased the schedule and has been leaking information—everything. Some orange-haired noble—I'm guessing another candidate—seemed to know it all."

"What?! Another candidate… orange hair… Priscilla Barielle?"

"I didn't catch her name, but her eyes were red as blood and she had a… unique temper," Subaru replied, recalling the intensity of her gaze.

"That's definitely Lady Priscilla! She's—"

"Otto! I don't care! Let's go back to the mansion now and confront Heinkel! We need to expose him before it's too late!"

* * * * * * * * * * * *

After gathering the core members of the Felt Camp still present at the mansion—Freya, Carly, Flam, and Grassis—they began their search for Heinkel. Unfortunately, he was nowhere to be found, nor was there any trace of Felt or Reinhard.

"Natsuki, he's not here. He's probably out drinking."

"That drunk bastard!" Subaru's hatred for Heinkel grew, boiling over in his chest.

"It's already late, Subaru." Freya spoke gently, trying to soothe his rising anger. "If Felt is with Reinhard, we have nothing to worry about."

Subaru sighed, frustration coursing through him as he balled his fist, digging his nails into his palm until he drew blood. "Fine! But what about the noble that was with them?!"

"Natsuki, we told you. We don't know anyone who fits that description. We'll need to wait until tomorrow morning to ask Felt and Reinhard before we all depart for the Royal Selection meeting."

"This is so messed up! How can none of you be concerned?!"

"We are concerned! But what can we do right now?! Staying up all night won't solve anything! You, more than anyone, need to save your energy and rest before the meeting. You have to ensure everything runs smoothly tomorrow!" Carly snapped back, her tone sharp.

Subaru sighed, relenting. "Fine… but I'm staying up a bit longer first." He stormed off to the guards' outpost near the front of the mansion, intent on finding her.

Carly was about to retort again, but Freya placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, shaking her head as if to say no.

"I'll stay with him," Otto declared, concern etched on his face.

The tension hung thick in the air as they all worried for Subaru's mental state in that moment.

"Should you really be drinking? You're the first stop to guard the mansion when Reinhard is gone," Subaru asked angrily, his gaze fixed on the skinny guard, Deatrich.

Subaru and Otto had been waiting in the guards' outpost for what felt like hours, the dim light flickering from a single lantern casting long shadows on the walls. They were accompanied by two guards—Arnold, a stocky man with a no-nonsense attitude, and Deatrich, whose unsteady stance and flushed cheeks underscored his drunkenness.

Deatrich clumsily threw an arm around Subaru's shoulders, nearly pulling him off balance. "Listen, nothin' ever happens to the estate. Everyone knows not to mess with Reinhard… or Heinkel for that matter."

"Besides, Arnold over here isn't drinkin'. He's the responsible one…" Deatrich chuckled, giving Arnold a playful nudge.

Arnold, his muscular frame and sharp features presenting a stark contrast to Deatrich's loose demeanor, crossed his arms. He remained silent.

As minutes turned to hours, Subaru's frustration bubbled over. To pass the time, he decided to explain the situation involving Felt, Reinhard, and the mysterious blonde noble from earlier in the day, desperate for confirmation of his fears. However, even in desperation, he knew better than to reveal their exact identities so he used pseudonyms.

He needed someone to share in his incredulity and to validate him, but after giving the guards as much context as he could, Deatrich merely shrugged it off, seemingly uninterested. Arnold remained expressionless.

"Natsuki, they aren't coming back yet, and this is unproductive. Please, let's go to bed," Otto suggested, his voice laced with concern.

"Fine…" Subaru muttered, feeling the weight of unease settle over him.

Just as they prepared to leave, Arnold placed a heavy hand on Subaru and Otto's shoulders, halting them. "Eep!" Otto yelped, his voice pitched high in surprise.

"Brooke," Arnold stated, his deep voice echoing in the small space.

Subaru and Otto exchanged bewildered glances. "Huh?" Subaru asked, confusion evident on his face. "What did you say?" The sound of Arnold speaking startled the pair.

Arnold spat out his toothpick, his expression casual. "Your girl is like Brooke." He shrugged, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Deatrich scowled, waving a dismissive hand at Subaru. "Don't be so shocked, man? Big bastard does this all the time. He thinks just because he don't say nothin' usually that it'll have some kind of huge impact when he finally does open his mouth."

Ignoring Deatrich, Arnold continued. "I went through somethin' like what you're talkin' about a couple of years ago with this girl."

"Well, what… does she live in Guesteko or somethin'? Why don't I remember this?" Deatrich questioned, his curiosity piqued despite his inebriation.

Again, ignoring Deatrich, Arnold continued.

"We were inseparable." His expression softened, recalling a time when happiness seemed effortless.

"Then six months down the road, I pry into her past. She starts telling me about a former flame. How they fell in love, how they traveled the world for a couple of years; how her mother liked me better. And I was fine."

"But then she continued. It seems that a couple of times, while we were goin' out, she was still seein' this guy."

"I called her a whore. Told her she was used."

"She kept trying to tell me that nothing happened, they were just saying goodbye for good, he was going off to wander the world alone… that he didn't mean nothin' to her in that way anymore." He paused, frustration spilling out with every word.

"And she didn't think she should apologize because she doesn't feel she did anything wrong."

"I didn't buy it. I looked at her one last time and told her it's over… I walked." Arnold's face hardened as he relived the moment.

Deatrich, still somewhat attentive despite his drunken state, patted Arnold's back. "Fuckin' hell, man."

"No. It was a mistake. I wasn't angry with her. I was afraid. In that moment, I felt small—like I lacked something I didn't—like I'd never be enough for her or somethin'."

"But what I didn't get then was she wasn't lookin' for that guy anymore. She was lookin' for me— for Arnold. But by the time I figured that out, it was too late. She'd moved on."

"And all I had to show for it was some foolish pride that gave way to regret."

After a contemplative silence, Arnold concluded, "So I've spent every day since then chasin' Brooke… so to speak."

"Do what I didn't do. Put aside your ego and be a real man."

Before Subaru could process Arnold's advice, Deatrich finally ran out of patience.

"Enough of this fuckin' melodrama. My advice? Forget her. There's tons of girls out there. Move on." Deatrich stated coolly.

With that, Arnold released Otto and Subaru and returned to his post, Deatrich stumbling behind him. "H-hey man, wait up…"

As he and Otto returned to the mansion, Subaru was lost in thought, the weight of Arnold's words lingering in the breeze.

Subaru pondered, "Did I jump to conclusions about Felt and the blonde noble too quickly…?"

He resolved to confront her tomorrow, determined to uncover the truth no matter the cost.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter! It was a bit longer than normal, but I had a lot of fun writing it. I hope you had fun reading it too!

Chapter Text

After hours of waiting for Felt and Reinhard’s return—a wait that had stretched late into the night without any sign of them—Subaru finally trudged upstairs to his room. Exhaustion was weighing heavily on him. His mind had become a tangled mess of frustration, worry, and gnawing doubt. Each passing minute without their return only deepened his anxiety, but there was nothing more he could do but lay down.

As Subaru collapsed onto his bed, he couldn’t shake his unsettling thoughts—his place in the camp, his growing distance from Felt and Reinhard, and what Prisiclla had told him about Heinkel. 

Eventually, however, fatigue succeeded in overtaking him. Sleep came reluctantly, but it was no escape. 

Instead, unease followed him into his dreams, where reality and nightmares intertwined.

Subaru could only hope that she didn’t join him in his sleep again.

A hooded man sat within the shadows of a dimly lit office, his feet resting upon a desk. The air was thick, suffocating in its stillness.

A man opened the door out of breath. “Sorry I’m late everyone! But I think I finally found a lead on Sub–”

The man was cut off instantly by a vitriolic voice.

“Good evening, Reinhard. I love the new office.” The man gestured to the room, the flickering candlelight casted unsettling shadows on the walls. 

A shadowy presence emanated a darkness that wrapped around the cloaked man like a shroud. Though Reinhard, nor anyone else, could not see her, the man had grown accustomed to her silent companionship, accepting her love as a part of his life. Her presence felt both empowering and disquieting, and as the man glanced sideways, he sensed her approval lingering just beneath the surface. 

It was an approval he yearned for.

“Subaru… is that you?” Reinhard asked.

The hooded man removed his hood, revealing dark eyes that gleamed like the dying embers of a fire. His disheveled appearance was immediately striking to Reinhard. He was marked with scars and burns.

Reinhard instinctively stood on guard, his chest thumping with a mix of relief and concern. “It is you, Subaru… Thank heavens! Where have you been? We’ve heard horrible rumors since you left the camp—rumors I won’t believe.”

The presence beside him pulsated, a constant reminder of the choices he had made—choices fueled by the envy that had consumed him. With every breath, she was there, whispering softly in his ear, feeding the bitterness that had taken root in his heart.

Reinhard continued with unease, “Subaru… where is everyone else? I can’t sense Felt, Otto, Father, or anyone in the mansion… They’re all gone, except for Mother.”

The shadowy figure beside him seemed to lean in closer, her presence radiating satisfaction through the darkness. Her presence was growing stronger, feeding on Subaru’s growing resentment. 

They never cared about you, her voice whispered, unheard by Reinhard. 

Felt’s ambition… Reinhard’s duty… they were always distractions. You see that now, don’t you? Her voice was a murmur, like venom seeping into his thoughts. You were just a tool for them, Subaru. But not anymore.

Subaru’s lips curled into a faint smile, a flicker of dark amusement crossing his face as if he recalled a joke. “Who knows where they are…? But I’m sure there’s plenty more where they came from,” he replied, his voice oozing malice that hung in the air like a heavy fog. 

“Subaru. What have you done…?” Reinhard searched Subaru’s face, desperate for any hint of the friend he once knew. The flicker of hope in his heart dimmed with each passing second.

“We were just having a little fun, Reinhard. You shouldn’t worry yourself.” Subaru’s tone was unnaturally light, like a child. 

His voice shifted, sharp and laced with resentment, echoing with a sinister undertone. “ Besides , you’ve never had trouble finding someone willing to give their life for you.”

Reinhard’s breath hitched as the realization struck him like a cold wave. He tensed, grappling with the horror that Subaru may have done something unspeakable. Still, he pressed on, clinging to the remnants of their friendship. “Hurting our camp—our family—doesn’t prove you’re the best! You know that!”

“...Do I?”

“Subaru, you were never able to accept that this camp is about teamwork. We’re a family! We–”

Subaru began mouthing Reinhard’s words mockingly, his gaze indifferent, as if he were merely an audience member to a play he no longer cared for. The shadowy figure beside him smiled in a way that seemed to encourage his descent.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. ‘Live strong forever.’ I’ve heard the sales pitch.”

“It was very seductive… once.” Subaru drew a knife from his coat and slashed through a painting that had been taken down from the office’s wall—an image of him surrounded by the Felt Camp, their faces joyful and vibrant. The blade cut through smiles and symbols of love and friendship, tearing the canvas into strips that fluttered to the ground. With each slice, she smiled wider, reveling in the destruction.

Her unseen hand curled around Subaru’s thoughts and heart. She taunted him. What did they ever do for you? They abandoned you. Don’t you see it now? Felt has Reinhard. She’s had him all along, Subaru. You were always a distraction. But not to me. I’ll never leave you.

Reinhard raised his voice unnaturally, evident that he had only done so seldomly throughout his life. “Subaru! You deliberately went rogue at the Selection Ceremony and put everyone in danger! When we finally got you out, you were wounded so badly… we thought we might lose you!”

“You did lose me. You see, supporting Felt wasn’t fulfilling my destiny; it was keeping me from it.”

“Then the rumors are true… Your destiny is yet to be written! Don’t do this… please. Taking the lives of innocent people is not the answer!” Reinhard pleaded.

Subaru turned, his movements deliberate and cold, and began walking toward the front entrance of the office, each step echoing in the silence. The once-familiar surroundings seemed to close in on him, the memories heavy and suffocating.

He didn’t look back at Reinhard, who stood frozen in the adjacent doorway, his face leaden with desperation and sorrow.

Still, Reinhard pressed on, clinging to hope one last time.

“Subaru, there must be something left in you that’s still good.” Reinhard’s voice cracked, struggling to hold back the torrent of emotions as he witnessed his friend’s descent into darkness, an unnatural darkness that seemed to engulf the very essence surrounding them.

Subaru paused, slowly turning around. His expression was a mask of emptiness, though tears streamed down his cheeks, each one a testament to his internal struggle—an agonizing war between the person he once was and the monster he had become. The shadowy figure beside him smiled as if she was feeding off their mutual despair.

“I was never good.”

Reinhard’s heart sank as the weight of Subaru’s words settled over him like a dark cloud.

With that, Subaru turned his back on Reinhard and the camp he had once called home. He extended his hand, using an unseen force to rip apart the remnants of the painting. The fragments of canvas fluttered to the floor, stark reminders of his departure—each piece a shard of their shared history, forever lost into the abyss.

Subaru strode out of the office, the heavy front door closing behind him with a final, resounding thud. The silence that followed was deafening, an oppressive void that left Reinhard alone amidst the shattered remnants of their past—a past now engulfed in shadows.

Subaru jolted awake, his heart racing as the nightmare he had escaped from clawed at his mind. He was no longer in that dimly lit office. Rather, the opulent ceiling of his room at Astrea’s mansion came into focus which provided a sense of familiarity, but the horrors of his nightmares continued to terrorize him.

His dreams of her—of doing dark, terrible things to his friends—had grown more vivid over the days. Worse, they intensified dramatically after the traumatizing events of yesterday. It was as if she sought to twist his every thought towards hating those he trusted most.

His mind had nowhere to go but to either relive his nightmare of her again and explore its meaning or relive the traumatic events of yesterday. His mind unconsciously chose the latter.

Subaru shot up gasping for breath as the images of the dead mercenaries seared themselves into his memory. The Wolf Man’s claws digging into his throat, the girl with her sadistic smile, the twisted excitement in her eyes as she brandished that cruel scimitar. He had been helpless, pinned by the beast’s grip, and then… the power surged within him. It felt unreal, a dark force awakening inside him in response to pure terror. In an instant, he had become the instrument of their demise.

“No, no, no…” he muttered, burying his face in his hands, fingers trembling as he fought to keep the memories at bay. Each breath felt heavy with guilt. The echoes of their last moments clawed at his mind—the girl’s face, wide with terror as that dark hand gripped her throat, the Wolf Man’s growl of fury, the chilling silence that followed. Blood had stained the ground, and he could still hear the sickening sound of life being extinguished.

“Why didn’t I just run?” he choked out, his voice cracking under the weight of despair. Panic gripped him as he recalled the chaos, the moment he realized he wasn't just a victim, but a killer. The thought twisted in his gut like a knife, a bitter truth he couldn’t shake. He had been so desperate to survive that he had unleashed something monstrous—something that had taken control and ripped their lives apart without a second thought. 

And then… her. The woman that had been tormenting him in his dreams… and apparently now in reality. Subaru wondered if it was she who controlled his power or if it was he who controlled her. But ultimately, it didn’t matter. He was still responsible for their deaths.

He could feel the remnants of that unnatural power slithering within him, awakening something he could barely comprehend. It felt alive, a pulsing energy that thrummed in the back of his mind, whispering to him in the silence. 

“I love you.” The phrase echoed in his thoughts, a haunting reminder of what it had touched and what it had taken from him.

“Who are you?” Subaru wondered aloud.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Otto stumbled into the room, his face a mix of concern and urgency. “Subaru! Are you okay? You need to get downstairs now! Felt and Reinhard never returned…”

Otto trailed off softly as he noticed his friend in disarray. His gaze flicked over Subaru’s face, and a chill ran down his spine. The usual light in Subaru’s eyes was missing, replaced by a haunting emptiness. Sweat glistened on Subaru’s forehead, and his hands trembled as they gripped the sheets, knuckles white. Otto took a step closer, a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach.

“Subaru,” Otto said lightly, trying to coax him back from whatever abyss he had fallen into. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Just breathe. It’s okay.”

But Subaru’s breath came in shallow gasps, and his eyes darted around the room as if he were still trapped in that nightmare. The shadows cast by the rising sun through his curtains made him flinch, each movement echoing the deaths he had witnessed. Otto could see the lines of stress etched deep into Subaru’s face.

“I’m— I’m okay. It was just a dream…”

Although they really didn’t have time to dive into Subaru’s consciousness, Otto felt an obligation to extend his support to a close friend.

“What was it about? Whatever it is, Natsuki, it's just a dream.”

Subaru’s gaze flickered to Otto, but it was vacant, distant, as if he were looking through him rather than at him. The weight of his silence was palpable, pressing down like a heavy fog. Otto took a deep breath, fighting against the unease curling in his chest. He needed to break through, to pull Subaru back from this dark place.

“Subaru,” Otto continued, “You’re not alone in this camp. No one can help you if you don’t let them in.”

For a fleeting moment, a flicker of recognition passed through Subaru’s eyes, but it was quickly swallowed by the turmoil churning within him. Otto’s heart sank, the realization hitting him like a tidal wave: his friend was trapped in a torment far deeper than he could understand. 

While the familiarity of Otto’s voice partially cut through the cold grip of his panic, it didn’t fully eliminate it.

A few moments of silence passed before Subaru attempted to speak.

“I—” Subaru started, his voice shaky. “I don’t know, man. Like I said, it  was just a dream.”

Otto took a step closer, eyes wide with worry. “It doesn’t look like just a dream; you look like you’re in excruciating pain.” 

Subaru shifted nervously, glancing around as if expecting shadows to leap out at him. 

“What happened, Natsuki?”

Subaru hesitated. How could he explain the darkness that had consumed him yesterday… that power that emerged from his chest? There was no way he could tell Otto about the figure in his dreams, how she had whispered to him, urging him to turn against his friends? He felt the weight of the nightmare pressing down on him, but something held him back from telling Otto everything.

“I can’t drag him into this,” Subaru thought. “He wouldn’t understand. I don’t even understand.”

Still, he tried to say something—for Otto’s sake. His mind defaulted to the mercenary’s attack yesterday. At least that was easier for Subaru to understand, if not equally as painful to live through again.

“Okay… but it was just a dream, like you said right?” he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. 

“Right…”

“It was about an attack,” Subaru lied.

His breath hitched again at the memory of yesterday’s events, and he clenched his fists tightly, the cool air around him suddenly feeling stifling.

“I don’t want to think about it too much,” he managed, but his voice trembled, betraying the facade he tried to maintain. “But what happened… in my dream… It was sick. It makes me sick right now.”

He paused, the images flooding back with vivid clarity—the guttural growl of the Wolf Man, the sickening thrill in the girl’s laughter. “There were mercenaries, Otto. I thought I could handle it, thought I could talk my way out, but… they didn’t want money. They wanted to hurt me… and take me somewhere.” His voice broke, the weight of those words dragging him back into the nightmare.

“They were toying with me, like I was some sort of game,” Subaru continued. “The girl… she was so twisted, so happy about it. I could see it in her eyes. I thought I was going to die.” His gaze dropped to the floor, shame washing over him. “And then, something inside me snapped. I couldn’t control it. I—I…”

Subaru stopped himself, biting his tongue before he revealed too much. The dream—the way he had felt about Reinhard and Felt, her voice, his envy—it all lingered in the back of his mind. 

“No. I can’t say anything about that… It's too much” he thought. 

Subaru forced himself to smile, though it felt heavy, unnatural. His lips curled awkwardly as he tried to laugh off the remnants of the dream. “I guess I’ve just been overthinking things… It’s nothing,” he said, his voice uneven, as if he were trying to convince himself more than Otto.

But even as the words left his mouth, the strain on his face was obvious. Subaru’s smile faltered, and his eyes still held the haunted look of someone who hadn’t fully escaped the nightmare. His laugh was short and hollow.

Otto noticed the crack in Subaru’s attempt at normalcy, his friend’s forced levity doing little to hide his worsening mental state. His concern only deepened.

He could tell that something wasn’t adding up. Subaru was holding something back, but Otto knew now wasn’t the time to press him on it. 

“He’s hiding something ,” Otto thought, but for now, he wouldn’t push. There were other things they needed to deal with first.

“Look, Subaru,” Otto said, his voice softening but still steady, “whatever happened in your dream, it wasn’t real, okay? But right now, we need to stay focused. Felt and Reinhard are still missing, and we have to find Heinkel. Let’s deal with that first, alright?”

“Felt… Reinhard… They’re still not back?”

Otto shook his head. “No, Natsuki. They never returned. The entire camp has no idea where they went.”

Subaru and Otto exchanged a quick glance, both knowing they had no choice but to go downstairs and continue their chat later.

Without another word, they made their way down the grand staircase, the echoes of their footsteps mingling with the oppressive silence that permeated the mansion.

As they reached the lower level and stepped into the main hallway, the soft sound of murmured voices drew their attention. Ahead, two figures stood at the far end of the room—Freya and Carly. Freya’s posture was rigid, her usual grace replaced with a tension that suggested she had been waiting for them. Carly, on the other hand, seemed more relaxed, her arms crossed and a slight frown playing at the edges of her lips.

“There you are,” Freya said, her voice soft, but edged with a note of urgency. “We were beginning to wonder if you were going to come down at all.”

Subaru took a deep breath, trying to suppress the flurry of emotions underneath. “We were... delayed,” he replied, his tone clipped.

Carly stepped forward, her eyes locking onto Subaru’s. “What’s the plan, Subaru? You gonna storm off again like a child, or are you actually going to try and fix things this time?”

Subaru flinched at the bluntness of her words, his mind flashing back to the events of last night—of Heinkel, of the darkness he had felt clawing at his soul. He clenched his fists, willing himself to stay in control.

Freya stepped in, her voice calming but firm. “We don’t have time for this. Felt and Reinhard are still missing and they’re clearly not at the mansion. If we don’t move quickly, we’ll lose whatever advantage we still have to find them.” She glanced at Subaru, her eyes softening slightly. “Whatever’s going on with you, we’ll deal with it later. Right now, we need to act and see if they left behind any clues.”

Subaru nodded, though the unease inside him was far from gone. “Fine. What do you need from us?”

“Let’s split up,” Freya replied. “Otto and I will search the outskirts of the estate. Carly, you and Subaru take the inner corridors. At the very least, if Heinkel is anywhere nearby, we’ll find him.”

Carly gave a quick nod, but not before throwing one last glance at Subaru. “Try not to lose your mind while we’re at it.”

Without another word, the group split, each pair heading in opposite directions. As Subaru and Carly moved deeper into the mansion, the silence between them grew heavier, only broken by the occasional creak of the floor beneath their feet.

“So,” Carly began after a long stretch of silence, her voice low. “Are you going to tell me what’s really going on, or do I have to drag it out of you?”

Subaru didn’t respond right away. His thoughts were jumbled, still grappling with the nightmares, the power, and everything that had happened. 

Finally, he sighed. “It’s... complicated.”

Carly stopped walking, turning to face him directly. Her expression was serious now, all traces of her earlier sarcasm gone. “You’re not the only one dealing with complicated things, Subaru. But if we’re going to get through this, we need to be honest with each other.”

Subaru met her gaze, the weight of her words settling heavily on his shoulders.

He resigned himself to be more honest, not just with Carly but with himself if he could. 

“I... I don’t know if I can control this… certain side of me. Its something I don’t understand, and frankly… I’m scared of what it might make me do.”

Carly’s eyes softened, and for the first time, she looked at him not with the usual mocking disdain, but with genuine concern. “Then we’ll figure it out together. But right now, we need to stay focused.”

Subaru nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over him. Whatever was coming, he wouldn’t face it alone.

After searching for some time unsuccessfully, Carly and Subaru met back with Otto and Freya in the main hall.

As they returned looking hopeless, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall.

Heinkel appeared, emerging from the opposite wing of the mansion. His disheveled appearance and the scent of alcohol clung to him as he strode toward them, yet he was still donning his most elegant attire. A small bag slung over his shoulder as he had prepared to leave.

“What are you fucks so worked up about?” Heinkel sneered, casting a glance over the group.

Subaru’s face darkened at the sight of Heinkel, anger swelling within him. “Heinkel, you bastard! Where’s Felt and Reinhard?!”

Mockingly, Heinkel pretended to put on a thinking face, furrowing his brow in exaggerated contemplation.

“Hmm… well, they should just about be walking into the royal palace right about now.” His voice dripped with condescension, each word laced with venom that slithered through the air.

“But the schedule for weeks has said—”

“The schedule, the schedule, the schedule.” Heinkel made a mocking gesture as he repeated the word, each repetition grating against Subaru’s nerves.

“Do you not realize how simple it is to switch a damn schedule? We have dozens of blank duplicates for all of the Astrea House members’ schedules! All you gotta do is rewrite some shit and spread the word.” Heinkel smirked, reveling in the chaos he had caused. “Not that hard when you have loyal servants that do as they’re told.”

Subaru’s eyes narrowed, but this wasn’t a surprise. He already knew Heinkel had been up to something—Priscilla had outright told him back at the alleyway.

"So, you rewrote the schedules and spread disinformation? That’s how you messed everything up?” Subaru’s voice was laced with barely controlled fury.

Heinkel let out a low chuckle, nodding proudly. “This is my fuckin’ mansion! You think I don’t have a whole network of servants working quietly in the background, making sure that everything goes according to plan? Just had to tweak a few details here and there—move lessons around, adjust meeting times. Nothing big. But after a while? You’re all dancing to the wrong tune and none of you even noticed.”

Otto, his expression tightening with realization, cut in. “So that’s why we were always off balance… It wasn’t just a coincidence. You were sabotaging us the whole time.” His voice was edged with disbelief and anger.

“Right again.” Heinkel’s smirk widened as he took another swig from a flask. “Splitting you all up, causing confusion—it was easy. And it worked beautifully. Think about it. Why do you think Subaru and Felt stopped taking their lessons together, Freya? I made sure the times were switched. Couldn’t have those two getting too close now, hm?”

Subaru’s heart dropped as the weight of Heinkel’s words hit him. “You… you deliberately kept Felt and me apart?” His fists clenched tightly. “All those times we missed lessons together, all that time we missed—”

"All me,” Heinkel interrupted, grinning maliciously. “Got to watch you fumble around like a fool while your ‘camp’ fell apart. Every missed meeting, every misunderstanding, every time you questioned whether Felt or your friends were still on your side—yeah, that was me. And you bought into it, hook, line, and sinker.”

Subaru’s pulse quickened, but this wasn’t just Heinkel’s doing. He already knew this went deeper.

"Yeah, you did the dirty work, but we both know this wasn’t your idea,” Subaru growled, his voice filled with controlled anger. “Priscilla’s been pulling the strings the whole time.”

Heinkel’s grin faltered for a brief second, but he quickly recovered. “Priscilla? Priscilla Barielle? Ha! Don’t give that spoiled brat too much credit,” he scoffed. “I don’t take orders from her.”

“You’re lying. You might’ve carried out the sabotage, but the plan? That was hers. She said so herself to me yesterday.”

Heinkel’s smirk widened again as he took a swig from his flask. “You really think I need her to tell me how to fuck with you lot?”

Otto, who had been silent up to this point, furrowed his brow, piecing things together. 

“Subaru’s right. There’s only one rival candidate you could be working for. Crusch Karsten wouldn’t associate with someone as unreliable as you. Emilia’s camp is too far removed to pull off something like this without anyone noticing, and Anastasia Hoshin? She’s a shrewd businesswoman who surrounds herself with trusted, handpicked allies—people she can manipulate to her advantage, but who are fiercely loyal to her. She wouldn’t waste time on an outsider like you. The only candidate who thrives on chaos and would use someone like you to stir the pot is Priscilla Barielle.”

Heinkel glanced at Otto, his face hardening slightly. “You don’t know what you’re talking about, merchant.”

But Otto wasn’t deterred. “I think I do. Priscilla’s no fool. She’s been using you to gather information and sabotage us from within. And you’ve been feeding her everything—schedules, intel, whatever you could find.”

Subaru’s glare intensified. “Face it, Heinkel. You’ve been nothing but her pawn. You might’ve thought you were calling the shots, but Priscilla’s been the one pulling your strings all along.”

Heinkel’s grin finally faltered, his eyes narrowing as he stepped closer. “I don’t take orders from anyone.”

Subaru didn’t back down. “Well, whether you like it or not, you’re working for her. You’ve been playing her game the entire time, and now Felt and Reinhard are the ones paying for it.”

Heinkel’s expression darkened, but he didn’t outright deny it this time. His silence was enough.

Freya, her voice cutting through the tension, added, “You’re Reinhard’s father. How can you be so willing to betray your own son for your own gain?”

Heinkel’s face twisted in disgust, his voice filled with venom. “I’m no father to that monster.”

Subaru leaned in, matching Heinkel’s intensity with a fierce glare, his pulse quickening. “So you’re low enough to reject your only son, yet you have no problem working for a rival candidate?”

“I don’t take orders from Priscilla,” Heinkel spat, his voice a low growl, dripping with contempt. “I work for myself.”

Subaru shot back with venom, “Well, your boss sucks.”

The atmosphere crackled with tension, an electric charge pulsing between them like the build-up before a storm. Subaru radiated an aura of impending conflict and darkness, his anger boiling just beneath the surface. The desire for that dark power to manifest again began to brew within him. He shifted his stance openly as if to invite the hand and her to appear.

Heinkel chuckled, a twisted smile creeping across his face as if he were savoring an old memory. “Ah, the weakling’s ass-kicking pose. I have to admit… seeing the lot of you like this does give me this little tinge of nostalgia for the old days. But back then, things were a little bit different. Y’see, when I was yer age, we fought to kill.”

Just before any physical fighting could start, Otto and Freya stepped in, their bodies acting as shields between the simmering anger of Subaru and Heinkel.

“Subaru, stop! Lord Heinkel is untouchable and is better with a sword than most! And think… is this what Felt—what Reinhard—would want you to do?”

“Hk! No… I guess not…”

“Wise move,” Heinkel taunted. “But you’re too late. The candidates’ meeting is about to begin, and you’re nowhere near Lady Felt. I’ll be eagerly awaiting your slum bitch and the monster’s failure.”

With one last glare full of hatred, Heinkel pushed past them, exiting the mansion with an air of arrogant triumph, the door swinging shut behind him with a resounding thud. Subaru’s rage didn’t dissipate, but the power that had been brewing within him began to recede.

“Fuck!!!” he screamed, the sound reverberating through the grand hall.

“Natsuki…”

Subaru dug his fingernails deep into his palms. The skin broke beneath the pressure, and thin, crimson lines welled up, staining his hands. The sharp pain was a brief release, but it wasn’t enough to drown out the storm of emotions raging within.

Subaru quickly shoved his hands into his pockets, hoping to conceal the marks before anyone noticed.

“Natsuki, calm down.”

Carly, who had been lingering in the background, stepped forward, her sharp eyes catching the faint movement of Subaru’s hands. She noticed the tension in his posture, the way his fingers had curled into fists, and the quiet struggle he was trying to hide. Without making a scene, she moved closer, her voice low and steady.

“Subaru,” she whispered softly, her tone firm. “You don’t have to do that to yourself. We’ll figure it out.” Her gaze briefly flickered to his hands, a silent acknowledgment of what she had seen, but she didn’t call attention to it. Instead, she placed a hand on his arm, her presence grounding him. “Take a breath. We need to stay focused.”

Subaru hesitated, the storm inside him still raging, but Carly’s calm, steady presence began to pull him back from the edge. He unclenched his fists slightly, the sting in his palms fading as he forced himself to breathe.

Carly’s eyes flicked towards Otto and Freya, who were still watching them closely. She knew that if they caught on to Subaru’s distress, things could escalate. Her expression hardened, a fiery determination replacing her previous calm.

In an instant, her tone shifted, becoming sharp and authoritative. She crossed her arms and raised her voice, redirecting attention away from Subaru. “Idiots! All of you! It’s fuckin’ simple!” Carly snapped, masking her concern for Subaru with a sudden burst of anger, her voice reverberating through the hall. The fierceness in her words made it clear she wouldn’t tolerate any distractions, and the tension in the room shifted from Subaru to the urgent situation at hand.

“Freya, get Subaru’s outfit ready! Otto, you get the carriage ready!” she commanded, pointing decisively at both.

“Subaru, you and Otto need to get to the palace as soon as fucking possible! Let’s go; we’re on borrowed time already!”

Otto started to protest, disbelief written across his face. “But we’ll need you and Freya with us! We—”

Freya jumped in, her tone unyielding. “No. We should stay here and keep an eye on things to make sure Heinkel isn’t up to anything else. Carly’s right.”

Subaru grumbled, the fire within him still smoldering but now tempered by their resolve. “ Fine . If we hurry, we might be able to get there before anything too important begins…”

“The fuck you mean you won’t let us inside?! I’m Chief Advisor to Lady Felt and this is her head of Interior Affairs! Let us in!” Subaru yelled.

A sole guard was standing resolute outside of the grand gateway to the palace. The gate guardian, for the past several minutes, refused to let Otto and Subaru inside.

“Again, regardless of whatever position you think you may have, which by the way, neither of you are on the list of attendees, I have strict orders to not let anyone in after the ceremony has started unless they themselves are a royal candidate.”

“God damn that conniving… argh!” Subaru yelled.

“Natsuki… I don’t think he’s gonna let us in. Who knows how much Heinkel… and for that matter, Lady Barielle, has set up for us.”

“Otto… Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“No, no I don’t think I am.”

“Let’s rush him!”

Subaru attempted to rush the guard but was promptly kicked under by the guard’s feet. The guard finally ran out of patience and called for backup.

The backup guardsmen picked up Subaru and Otto, almost like cats holding their kittens, by the neck and threw them right to the outside of the noble district’s outer gate, bordering the commerce district.

“Well, that didn’t go as planned.” Subaru lamented

“Oh, really? Thanks, I didn't realize that.” Otto sarcastically replied.

The gentle rumble of ground dragons pulling an ornate carriage was the only sound cutting through a quiet day in Lugunica. The beasts’ scales shimmered faintly under the daylight as they trudged forward with smooth, heavy steps. The grand carriage they hauled was as extravagant as one would expect from a certain peculiar clown, with intricate patterns and rich fabrics adorning its exterior. Inside, however, tension was simmering. 

A maid held the reins firmly, her expression cold and focused as her short blue hair fluttered slightly in the breeze. Though calm on the surface, she was alert. Sitting next to her, a peach-haired maid who looked nearly identical to her except for her bust and eyes, exuded a starkly different attitude than her sister. While the blue-haired maid’s body language was rigid and attentive, the peach-haired maid leaned back lazily, her sharp eyes half-lidded with boredom but always searching for something to criticize.

“Nee-sama,” the blue-haired maid started quietly, her tone neutral but hinting at mild frustration, “we would have been on time if we left when I suggested.”

The peach-haired maid snorted in response, crossing her arms with an air of annoyance. “Yes, Rem, Emilia-sama seems to think time bends to her whims, as if we should wait on her every impulse.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm, and the use of Emilia’s title came across more as mockery than respect.

Rem’s gaze flickered ahead and she said nothing. It wasn’t her place to openly insult Emilia, but her tardiness had clearly frustrated her.

The peach-haired maid continued, undeterred. “Imagine having the luxury of time and still managing to waste it. If Emilia-sama wasn’t so determined to be late for her inaugural appearance as a royal candidate, we might have actually made a respectable entrance.”

Rem’s lips tightened and she stifled the smallest nod of assent in agreement with her sister, but she didn’t openly agree. Ram, however, had no such reservations.

In the carriage, Emilia shifted uncomfortably in her seat as though she could feel the weight of their conversation. She had been staring out the window at the passing streets, her violet eyes shadowed with uncertainty. Meekly, she protested, “H-hey… Ram, Rem… I’m sorry I made us late… it didn’t feel right to leave until we found the missing child and her pet in Arlam. It still feels wrong that we left at all since we couldn’t find her anywhere…”

Across from her, Emilia’s backer and the maids’ master, Roswaal, remained characteristically unbothered, his painted face adorned with an exaggerated grin. His vivid garb clashed sharply with the simple whiteness of Emilia’s outfit. He glanced at her from beneath heavy lids, his mismatched eyes glinting with amusement.

“Emilia-sama~” Roswaal hummed, his tone light yet playful, “thoroughness is an important quality in a leader... But perhaps this tardiness will cost us something moooore than just a few side-eye glances, hmm?”

Emilia didn’t meet his eyes, her hands resting tensely in her lap. “I just… I just had a strong feeling we needed to find her. I’m sorry it’s causing trouble.”

Ram’s voice echoed from the front of the carriage, clearly loud enough for Emilia to hear. “It’s more than trouble, Emilia-sama. You’re Roswaal-sama’s choice of candidate for King, but I wonder how long you’ll hold that title if this keeps up?.”

Rem, sensing her sister’s sharp disavowal, finally chimed in with a more tempered voice, though still critical. “Being late for the most important meeting of the Selection is a sign of disrespect.”

Emilia’s grip on her dress tightened, but she said nothing, her gaze distant as she looked out at the palace’s lights flickering in the distance.

As the ornate carriage came closer to the gate of the Noble’s District, Rem’s nose twitched and scrunched as if something putrid had violated her very essence. The scent—something foul, something wrong—hit her senses like a gust of wind. Her blue eyes sharpened.

“Rem is going ahead to check everything is in order,” she announced, her body already moving before anyone could object.

Ram’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly, her senses immediately heightened. “Rem, you shouldn’t leave Roswaal-sama or the carriage, especially if any cretins appear.” Her voice, though calm, carried a warning note that reflected her usual disdain for anything that might interfere with their master’s plans.

“Understood, nee-sama,” Rem responded evenly, her voice soft but resolute. “Rem simply wants to ensure there will be no delay with the guards at the gate, given that we are already late.”

Rem turned briefly, offering a calm, reassuring smile to her twin that softened the tension. “Don’t worry, nothing is amiss, and Rem will return promptly.”

Ram’s expression remained unreadable, as it often did, but the faintest flicker of resignation crossed her eyes before she gave a firm nod. “Be quick,” she muttered, her tone more composed now as she shifted her focus back to the road, reins steady in her hands.

Emilia looked out, concerned. “Hmm, is everything okay out there?”

Rem didn’t answer, already disappearing ahead at an almost inhuman pace. Roswaal simply smiled, amused as always, as the carriage doors creaked behind them.

As the carriage continued its approach toward the palace, Emilia felt the tension in the air thicken. The grand buildings of the noble district loomed ahead, casting long shadows that danced against the merchant district’s industrious structures. 

Emilia shifted in her seat, staring out the window with growing unease, her thoughts still lingering on the missing child from Arlam.

Meanwhile, further down the road, the atmosphere was far less dignified.

A few blocks away, Subaru and Otto were still recovering from their unceremonious ejection by the palace guards. Subaru rubbed his back, groaning. “Man, this is ridiculous. How are we supposed to get back in now?”

“Otto, I have an idea.”

“What is it, Natsuki?” Otto replied, practically drained of energy, not wanting to hear his friend’s inevitably terrible idea.

“What if we rush these gate guards?”

“Oh, yeah? Hmm… okay, yeah, you go ahead and do that, and I’ll just stand here and enjoy watching you get your ass kicked again. Brilliant plan, really. I’ll even take notes!” Otto clapped sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

“Hey, at least I’m thinking of something!” Subaru shot back, puffing up his chest slightly, but even he couldn’t hide the hesitation in his voice.

“Well, think harder, Natsuki. We’ve already tried your ‘brilliant’ plans, and my bruised ribs are starting to form a fan club.”

Subaru scratched his head, searching for another strategy. “Alright, alright, what if we, uh… I don’t know, pretend to be really important? Maybe they’ll think we’re some kind of nobles or something.”

Otto stared at him, unimpressed. “Yes, because two dirt-covered idiots wandering around outside the gates definitely scream ‘high society.’ You’re practically royalty.”

Subaru shrugged. “Hey, it’s not the worst idea I’ve ever had.”

“Oh, trust me, it's up there.”

Before Subaru could fire back with a retort, an eerie silence settled over them. Neither noticed the shift, too busy bickering, when suddenly—a faint metallic jingle broke through the air.

Subaru paused, his argument cut short by an odd, sinking feeling. “Do you hear that?”

“Hear what?” Otto grumbled, still focused on their conversation.

“That… jingling sound. Did you bring a bell or something?”

“Why the hell would I bring a bell?” Otto snapped, irritation in his voice.

But then, before either of them could say another word, the air around them seemed to grow colder. The sudden presence of someone—or something—loomed right behind them. They hadn’t seen or heard her coming, but the heavy, unnerving sense of calm was unmistakable.

Slowly, both Subaru and Otto turned, and there she was. A blue-haired maid, her cold, piercing eyes staring them down, stood just inches away, her expression unreadable. The soft jingle of something ominous hung in the air, sending chills down their spines.

Subaru blinked in confusion. “Where did you come from?”

Before Otto could get a handle of the situation, a maid exuded an aura that could kill stopped abruptly before them, her face filled with a quiet, cold fury.

“ You ,” Rem’s voice cut through the air like a blade, her piercing blue eyes locking onto Subaru with a quiet, dangerous intensity. “I could smell it from blocks away—the stench of something foul.”

Subaru blinked, completely taken aback. “What? Stench? What the hell are you talking about?”

Rem took a slow, deliberate step forward, her gaze unwavering, as if peering into his very soul. “Don’t play dumb with Rem,” she said, her voice cold and restrained. “You reek of something vile… something unnatural. The miasma surrounds you.”

“M-Miasma? What the hell is that?!” Subaru stammered, glancing nervously at Otto for help, but Otto seemed just as clueless, frozen in place.

Rem’s eyes narrowed, suspicion deepening in her gaze. “Don’t pretend you don’t know,” she said softly, yet there was no warmth in her tone—only distrust. “You’re lurking outside these gates, drawing attention with your suspicious behavior, and now this stench clings to you like a curse… it’s unmistakable.”

Subaru took a step back, hands raised in defense, his mind racing. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, lady! We’re just trying to—”

“Lies,” Rem interrupted, her voice sharp and unforgiving. She stepped forward again, her presence growing colder with every word. “I won’t allow you to deceive anyone here. Whatever your intentions, you won’t be given a chance to harm this place or its people.”

Otto raised his hands nervously, trying to calm the situation. “Maid-san, I think there’s been some kind of misunderstanding. We’re not involved in any—”

“Misunderstanding?” Rem’s voice barely rose above a whisper, but the chilling authority in her words silenced Otto. Her eyes flickered with suspicion and conviction, as if she had already reached her conclusion. “People like you… who bear the scent of the Witch…” Her gaze darkened. “You’re dangerous.”

Subaru’s eyes widened in disbelief. “W-Wait, what? The Witch? I don’t even know who—”

“Do you think Rem is a fool?” Rem’s grip tightened, the faintest jingle of metal ringing out from beneath her maid’s uniform. Subaru’s heart stopped when he noticed the massive spiked ball hanging from her waist, almost hidden by her skirt. The sight of it made his blood run cold. 

“Rem has seen this before. The scent that clings to you… it’s a curse . And curses bring only death and ruin.”

Subaru’s mouth went dry. “C-Curse? What are you talking about?! We’re not here to cause any trouble, I swear!”

Rem’s gaze remained fixed on Subaru, her eyes narrowing as she observed every slight movement, every twitch. “I’ve heard enough,” she said, her tone final. “People who carry that scent bring only suffering. If you won’t explain yourself properly…” She paused, her eyes gleaming with resolve. “I will eliminate you before you can harm anyone.”

The words hung in the air, heavy and final. Subaru’s breath caught in his throat, his mind scrambling for anything that could defuse the situation. His gaze flickered to Otto, who was pale and trembling, clearly overwhelmed by the sudden escalation.

“Wait, wait, wait!” Subaru said, hands still raised in a desperate attempt to calm her. “Look, I swear we don’t know anything about a curse or miasma or whatever you think is going on! Please, just listen—”

But Rem wasn’t listening. Her expression remained calm, but her eyes spoke of a cold, calculated determination. “This isn’t a matter of listening anymore,” she said softly, her fingers curling around the chain of her weapon. “It’s a matter of ensuring no harm comes to those Rem must protect.”

Otto’s voice trembled as he finally found the courage to speak. “N-Natsuki… I think we’re in serious trouble.”

He could feel the sweat on his palms, his heartbeat thudding in his ears. Every part of his mind screamed for him to run, but his legs refused to move. Then, without a word, Rem shifted her stance. The subtle jingle they had heard earlier returned, and in a fluid motion, she revealed what had been hidden beneath her maid uniform—a massive metal spiked ball attached to a long, thick chain.

The weapon was nearly the size of Subaru’s torso, its heavy spikes gleaming ominously in the light. The sheer weight of it was unmistakable, a tool designed for destruction, capable of smashing through stone—or bodies—without effort. Subaru’s breath hitched at the sight, and Otto’s face turned pale.

“W-What the hell is that?!” Subaru stammered, taking an instinctive step back. His mind raced, picturing the weapon swinging through the air with devastating force. He could already feel the terror of it, a force designed to obliterate anything in its path.

Otto, standing frozen beside him, managed only a faint whisper. “N-Natsuki… I think we’re in trouble.”

Rem’s eyes never wavered from Subaru, her grip on the chain firm and practiced. In her hands, the weapon seemed more like an extension of her body, a harbinger of destruction controlled with deadly precision.

However, before the situation could escalate, the familiar sound of ground dragons approaching caused all three to turn. The ornate carriage rolled to a halt behind them, and from its plush interior, Emilia emerged, her violet eyes filled with concern.

“Subaru?” she called out, stepping forward. “What’s happening here?”

Rem’s posture relaxed slightly, but her eyes remained fixated on Subaru. “Emilia-sama,” she began, her voice calmer but still filled with vitriol, “this man reeks of something foul—something dangerous . We cannot ignore it.”

Emilia’s gaze flickered between Rem and Subaru before she stepped forward, placing herself between them. “Rem, stop. I know Subaru, and he’s not our enemy.”

Rem’s lips pressed into a thin line, her reluctance clear. “But, Emilia-sama—”

“I trust him,” Emilia said firmly, her voice steady and unyielding. “We should focus on getting into the palace. Subaru isn’t a threat.”

“Eh, Emilia?! What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be inside the palace by now?” Subaru asked, his surprise evident, his voice cracking slightly with disbelief.

Emilia smiled softly, her chuckle light but reassuring. “Shouldn’t I be asking you the same question?”

“Eh…”

Subaru rubbed the back of his head, an awkward grin forming on his face. “It’s… it’s a long story.”

“I’m sorry, Emilia-sama,” Rem interjected sharply, “but I cannot obey this order. I believe these two are extremely dangerous men who wouldn’t hesitate to kill everyone in the palace! We need to end them now!” Her hand hovered over the chain at her waist, fingers twitching as if eager to unleash her fury.

Before Emilia could respond, a voice cut through the tension, high-pitched but theatrical. 

“Now, now, let’s not jump to conclusions, Rem,” came the voice as a soft glow blinked into existence near Emilia. A cat-like spirit materialized from her crystal, his small form floating in the air. His eyes gleamed with mischief, but his tone was calm, like a parent about to settle a quarrel. “You’re really going overboard, aren’t you?”

Emilia, not expecting the spirit to make an appearance, was confused. “Puck?” She asked quixotically.

“Holy shit it's a talking cat!” Subaru thought to himself.

Rem’s expression tightened, her grip on the chain growing firmer. “Great Spirit-sama, with all due respect, these men bear the stench of something dangerous. The scent around them is undeniable. We can’t just ignore that.”

Puck hovered lazily in the air, his tail swaying behind him as he tilted his head to the side. “Oh, I don’t deny the scent. It’s there alright.” His eyes flicked over to Subaru, but there wasn’t an ounce of hostility in his gaze. “But that scent alone doesn’t tell us everything, now does it?”

Rem’s eyes narrowed. “I know what it means.”

Puck sighed softly, drifting closer to Subaru, who was standing frozen, trying not to tremble. “It means a lot of things, sure. But… I don’t detect any malice from this guy. That much is clear.”

Rem’s brow furrowed in frustration, clearly unwilling to let her guard down. “But it truly is a sign of danger. He’s hiding something, Rem knows it!”

Puck twirled in the air, casually flipping upside down as he spoke. “Oh, he’s definitely hiding a lot of things.” He grinned playfully. “But I’d wager that whatever he’s hiding, it’s not about hurting anyone here. He’s a bit too clueless for that.”

“Hey!” Subaru yelped, but his protest was weak, lost in the intensity of the situation.

Puck chuckled lightly before continuing. “Rem, you’re a good judge of character, but sometimes you’re a little too quick to rely on scent alone. The world isn’t that black and white.”

“Perhaps our little friend is right, Rem~”

Roswaal stepped down from the carriage, his figure draped in lavish, multicolored robes that trailed behind him. His painted face, mismatched eyes and unsettling smile, disturbed Subaru. He moved with exaggerated grace, each step slow and deliberate, as if performing on stage for an unseen audience.

“Roswaal-sama…” 

Roswaal waved a pale hand dismissively, his long fingers trailing in the air like the stroke of a paintbrush. “Let us truuust in Emilia-sama’s and Puck’s judgment, hmmm? We wouldn’t want to cause any unnecessary scenes, would we now?” His voice dipped into a playful lilt, but there was a strange edge to it, a lingering darkness that made the words seem more ominous than comforting.

Ram, who had been watching the exchange with discontent, obediently proclaimed, “We’re already late. We cannot afford to lose more time and make Roswaal-sama lose face. ”

Subaru, sensing the moment, jumped in quickly. “About that—can you help me and Otto get inside the gate and into the palace? We really need to see Felt and Reinhard.”

Emilia opened her mouth, clearly ready to offer her support, but before she could speak, Rem cut in, her voice sharp yet respectful. “That decision is not for Emilia-sama to make.” Her gaze remained fixed on Subaru, unwavering and cold. “It’s up to Roswaal-sama.”

Rem’s certainty was palpable, as if she already knew what Roswaal’s answer would be. Surely, he would refuse and see the same threat she did.

Roswaal tilted his head slightly, his pale hand still elegantly hovering in the air. His long fingers tapped lightly as if orchestrating a silent melody. “Hmmm, quite the dilemma,” he mused, his mismatched eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Tell me, Subaru-kun… if you were truly part of Felt’s camp, wouldn’t you already be by her side? Why, pray tell, are you loitering outside the gate?”

Subaru felt the weight of the question, sensing Rem’s suspicion hanging in the air like a blade. He exchanged a quick glance with Otto before stepping forward. “It’s a long story, but… you know Priscilla Bareille, right?”

Roswaal’s eyes twinkled with sudden interest. “Priscilla-sama? Quite the memorable individual… How could I ever forget?”

Subaru exhaled sharply, glad that Roswaal seemed to understand the situation. “Yeah, she’s the reason we’re stuck out here. She caused some trouble, and because of that, we got excluded from the event. But I really can’t go in too much more detail… but let’s just say she clearly intended for Felt’s position to be weakened as much as possible at the event.”

Otto nodded in quick agreement. “Exactly. It was all a big misunderstanding!”

Roswaal’s lips curled into a delighted grin, his voice lifting in amusement. “Ohhh, this sounds far too entertaining to ignore… Why didn’t you say so earlier? Such mischief in the royal selection! You must come along then, Subaru-kun, and….”

“Otto Suwen!” 

“…Otto-kun.”

Subaru blinked, momentarily stunned by Roswaal’s sudden enthusiasm. “Wait, really?”

“Of course,” Roswaal purred, waving his hand as if it were the most obvious decision in the world. “I wouldn’t want to miss out on something this… entertaining. Come along, come along. Let’s see where this takes us.”

“Well, thank you Roswaal, Puck!” Subaru exclaimed enthusiastically.

Roswaal chuckled lightly, his voice lilting with a strange, playful darkness. “Oh, don’t thank me just yet, Subaru-kun. This is just the beginning.”

Upon hearing Roswaal—and, to a far lesser extent, Emilia and Puck—accept the situation, Rem glared at Subaru with piercing blue eyes, unwavering and burning with quiet suspicion. She didn’t need to say more; her gaze alone communicated more than enough.

Her lips barely parted as she spoke, her tone low and controlled. “Yes, Roswaal-sama, Emilia-Sama.” Rem’s words hung in the air, filled with a cold, simmering fury that sent a shiver down Subaru’s spine.

Rem didn’t raise her voice, but there was no mistaking the message in her eyes. They spoke volumes—” one wrong move,” they seemed to say, ‘ and you won’t live to regret it.”

Subaru swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her unspoken threat. He tried to muster a weak smile, but it faltered quickly. Otto, standing beside him, stiffened, suddenly very aware of the deadly intent lingering in Rem’s calm exterior.

“Don’t worry,” Subaru muttered, “We won’t cause any funny business.”

Otto’s voice was barely a whisper. “We are so dead.”

Rem’s gaze lingered a moment longer, her eyes still filled with icy resolve, before she turned and resumed her silent vigilance. The tension in the air remained thick, making it clear that her watchful eyes would follow their every move.

Ram cast an indifferent glance at Subaru and Otto, her gaze as icy as her demeanor. She turned away without a word, as if the matter was far beneath her concern.

Roswaal, meanwhile, clasped his hands together, his painted smile stretching wider.. His voice dripped with theatricality. “Pleeaaase, do join me in the carriage, Natsuki Subaru.”

Subaru blinked, his surprise evident. “How do you know my full name?”

Roswaal’s lips curled further, his gaze fixed on Subaru with a knowing look. “Ohhh, you seem to be quite the popular individual. Word travels fast in this world, does it not? Besides, I’ve allllways been fascinated by people who… stand out.”

The carriage ride to the palace was tense and filled with an awkward silence. Puck had disappeared back to wherever it was a cat-like spirit goes. Subaru and Otto sat awkwardly across from Emilia and Roswaal, with Rem sitting rigidly beside the door, her hand never straying far from the concealed morningstar at her waist. Her eyes remained fixed on Subaru, as though she were daring him to make a mistake.

Roswaal, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease, lounging across the plush seats with his legs crossed, humming softly to himself in a strange, tuneless melody. His eyes gleamed with amusement, as though he found the entire situation delightful.

Subaru fidgeted, casting nervous glances toward the eccentric figure. Roswaal’s presence, with his exaggerated movements and unsettling grin, was enough to make the hair on the back of Subaru’s neck stand upright.

He also wanted to ask Emila more about this “Witch” but decided it was probably not the best time as even Emilia, sitting quietly by the window, seemed tense, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

As they arrived at the palace gates, the carriage slowed to a halt. Subaru peeked out of the window and spotted the guard who had unceremoniously kicked him and Otto out earlier. The man’s expression was as stern and impassive as ever, but Subaru couldn’t resist.

With a mischievous grin, Subaru stuck his head out the window, pulling a childish face—tongue out, eyes crossed. It was a defiant, if immature, gesture, but it filled Subaru with a strange sense of satisfaction.

The guard blinked, clearly infuriated.

Otto, let out an exasperated sigh. “Really, Natsuki…”

Subaru pulled his head back in, grinning. “What? The guy had it coming.”

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Let me know your thoughts or if you have feedback. Frankly, I’ve been waiting two years to write the next chapter. I can’t wait for it! Stay tuned!!

Also, thanks to my friend for helping me with parts of this chapter!