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Nobility's desire to bring their Quarters to perfection wasn't a secret to anybody. That was, after all, one of the few things that they had in common with the regular populace of the kingdom. Nobody wants to live in an uncomfortable environment, and everybody would like to impress their guests. But the tranquil environment that Roswaal mansion's greeting room provided was broken by the occupants of the room.
“While Subaru-dono's stance can seem truthful at his age. The fact remains that his idea is simply incorrect.”
“What old man Wil says might have been true for his wife, but won't work on Anastasia-san.”
Yes, the situation did quite unexpectedly get out of control. Despite Julius's intention, his guests, and supposed advisors, had got into a heated argument. While he was thankful for them taking his concerns so seriously, it nevertheless brought him great discomfort to see these two people he respected get into such an argument. Not to mention that this wasn't getting him any closer to his goal.
Julius Juukilius, the greatest of knights, and the most virtuous knight in the kingdom, found himself in an unexpected dilemma. He doesn't know how, but it somehow happened. One day, he just woke up and realized that he was in love with his lady. That went against the knight's code and all that he stood for, but it was still true. So naturally, he coveted advice from the people more knowledgeable about this.
Who better to give advice on such matters than Wilhelm van Astrea and Subaru Natsuki? Two highly meritorious knights who were quite famed for their love stories. Such thinking seems to have proven wrong if the current situation is anything to go by.
“If you like to get with Anastasia-san, you must kill a Sin Archbishop.” Subaru as calmly as possible explained before adding another incentive to take his advice, “We can find Capella together and have you kill her. Easy as it gets. I mean, killing an authority user is never easy… But you get what I mean.” He bumbled a little before being cut off by Wilhelm.
“Don't listen to Subaru-dono when it comes to this matter. The only way to court Anastasia-sama is to beat her in a sword duel. The bloodier, the better.
Subaru didn't intend to let this fly, so he immediately challenged,” A sword duel! Anastasia is weaker than I! It wouldn't be a duel but abuse. “
Sarcastically he commented, “What Old man Wil, you support pre-marital abuse.”
Wilhelm, clearly offended at this statement, quickly defended himself, “Abuse? I will forgive this insult because of your actions and age, Subaru-dono. But you seem not to know what abuse is, since it is not abuse if she is holding a sword too.”
“ The thing is, Old man Wil, your wife was a master swordsman, Anastasia isn't, she will just get beaten. “
To this, Wilhelm reasoned, “Neither is she a target of the witch cult, like Emilia-sama. So your idea will have no effect either. For all the faults of my proposal, at the very least, this is an activity only between them--”
Before he could argue further, Subaru cut him off, “And Felix when Anastasia inevitably gets to the death's doorstep.
Yes, the situation did quite unexpectedly get out of control and is getting only worse. Those two seem to be getting more and more heated as each second goes by. If he doesn't interfere, who knows what might happen. But before he could process what the two men were talking about, let alone try to calm them down. Subaru came to an idea.
“Yeah-- Yeah. That is perfect. There is no need to argue.”
Somewhat tense from his interaction with this grandson he never had, Wilhelm curiously inquired, “Why Is that.”
Not missing a beat, Subaru answered, “If I would split the Greed Witch Factor and give the other half to Anastasia-san, everything will be solved.” With a less beaming voice, he added.” If Julius would to fight Anastasia after that, he would both be beating a Sin Archbishop and Anastasia-san in a sword duel. “
Somewhat shocked at this, Wilhelm remained unresponsive for a few seconds, “This is ingenious, as expected of Subaru-dono.” He spoke as his voice clearly carried the pride this man had for his non-blood-related grandson.
As soon as he was able to process what he had heard, Julius inquisitively asked, “What is a witch factor?”
“Those are the things that give the Archbishops their powers. The authorities, you remember?”
The moment he heard this response, Julius barely contained his impulse to shout, “And you want to give such a thing to Anastasia-sama? Wait, How did you even get such a thing?”
Fully ignorant of the gravity of what he just said, Subaru answered, “They take me as their host when Sin Archbishops die. They are quite annoying, but the authorities they give me can be quite useful.”
In a state that can be most accurately described as shock, the best knight spoke, "
Authorities? You not only have one but multiple! Does Emilia-sama know of this?”
Ignoring his speaking partner's emotional distress, Subaru merely continued, “Ah, don't worry. The Greed authority I have is not a combat one, so you won't be too badly hurt.” Subaru stopped to think for a second before speaking again, “Now that I think about it, while this is not a normal occurrence, the Authority will probably hurt you as much as you hurt Anastasia-san. Purely because of your relationship.
The clear disregard for his thoughts caused Julius to be speechless. But Subaru, true to himself, didn't care and simply continued.
“Although, it is possible for Anastasia-san to be given her authority by the Witch Factor. In this case, I have no idea what could happen. She might get a non-combat authority like myself, or a super powerful authority that could kill you in a second.” Desiring to finish his explanation with a trinket of wisdom, Subaru added, “But that wouldn't be too bad. After all, you can't get yourself a girl without losing your life at least once.
Turning to Wilhelm in hopes of getting a like-minded individual in his confusion, Julius was left down, “Subaru-dono is wholly correct in what he has to say. I agree with him that this is the best way to proceed.”
Subaru, not desiring to waste time, added, “When do you think we should kidnap Anastasia-san-- you know, so we can start with the plan?”
Julius just sat, emotionless in his chair and thought. His speaking partners were somewhat confused at his demeanour, but didn't particularly mind. He is in a scary situation for him, it is only natural that he is acting weird. But their confusion only increased.
“ I think I will ask Crusch-sama for advice instead.”
To this, Subaru carefully spoke, almost like he was talking to a distressed child. “ But, she doesn't even know what love is.”
Julius rose from his seat as he spoke, “I know.”
Following his curt words, the knight simply turned around and walked out.
Subaru tried to stop him but was prevented by a gentle hand on his shoulder. “ Sometimes Subaru-dono, you must let those dear to you make mistakes.”
Subaru sighed and answered, “I suppose you are right, Wilhelm-san.”
Seeing Subaru's saddened demeanour and being genuinely curious, Wilhelm proposed, “Why don't you show me that authority of yours? You said it wasn't a combat power, so it shouldn't be dangerous to demonstrate it here.”
With a mood noticeably improved and desiring to show off to his role model, Subaru answered,
“Of course, Wilhelm-san. Why don't you stand there.”
It is unknown what advice Crusch gave to Julius, but one thing is sure. It was better than anything these two lunatics could ever offer.