Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The full moon reigned over the clear sky, casting a silver light that caressed the roofs and streets of Lugnica. Shadows danced between the deserted alleys, creating ghostly figures that seemed to come alive with every step. Subaru walked through the empty streets with one hand resting in the pocket of his jacket and the other holding a small bag. Being out so late made him uneasy; he was well aware he should have returned to the mansion before sunset. However...

“—Barusu, I need you to buy this,” said Ram, handing him a yellowish piece of paper with words written on it. Perhaps she took advantage of Subaru’s intention to visit some acquaintances in the city. “And don’t forget it like you did last week. I assure you, you’d rather face death than my wrath.”

Ram’s menacing tone might have sounded like a joke, but the intensity in her gaze and the clenched fist at her side proved she was serious. Come on! It wasn’t Subaru’s fault that he forgot some things. Ever since the incident at the sanctuary, his sleep schedule had been a mess. Nightmares were a frequent visitor, and the dark circles under his eyes continued to grow, draining his energy and leaving him distracted. Thankfully, Beatrice had been helping him cope, but the young man knew he needed time to return to normal.

—Sometimes Nee-sama is scary —he murmured, letting out a tired sigh and rubbing his eyes.

The delay had been unavoidable. He stayed late while visiting Reinhard and Felt, who offered him a place to stay as the evening fell. He nearly forgot the errand imposed by Ram but quickly bid farewell to his friends and ran through the city to gather the items. Luckily, he came across a kind vendor about to close her shop, who helped him get everything he needed.

With the items in a small bag, Subaru headed toward where he had left Patrasche and his carriage. He knew Emilia would likely scold him for being late, but at least he would arrive at the mansion by dawn.

The echo of his footsteps reverberated against the stone walls, breaking the night’s serenity. Subaru decided to take a shortcut through a random alley. However, as he walked, a bad feeling settled in his gut, halting him at a crossroad. He cautiously looked in both directions, his breathing heavy, as though the air was laden with oppressive tension. That was when he felt it.

A presence. He couldn’t describe it, but it was there, somewhere among the shadows. The air grew denser, and a chill ran down his spine. Before he could react, a figure emerged from the darkness. It was neither human nor beast; its form distorted under the faint moonlight. Subaru’s heart pounded wildly, and a primal instinct screamed at him to run or fight back.

Unfortunately, he had no chance. The attack came suddenly, as fast as lightning. The pain was overwhelming, and Subaru fell to the ground, unable to move. As darkness enveloped him, his last vision was of the figure retreating, and his mind sank into shadows.

Wilhelm walked with firm steps through the tranquil streets. Although his glorious years on the battlefield were behind him, his posture and gaze still radiated authority. That night was no different from so many others, but his mission—a simple favor for Felix—had led him to traverse Lugnica in search of an item the healer urgently needed for a patient he was tending to at nearly midnight. It wasn’t difficult; the demi-human had given him clear instructions on where to find the product, and it only took a few minutes to acquire it. He was now on his way back.

The swordsman turned into a narrow alleyway, his senses ever alert, even amidst the apparent calm. A faint sound stopped him immediately. It was a cry—sharp and heartbreaking—coming from somewhere ahead. Wilhelm narrowed his eyes and followed the sound, advancing through the shadows.

Finally, he found it. Among abandoned crates and barrels lay a small bundle wrapped in a worn-out blanket. Wilhelm knelt, and as he moved the fabric aside, he discovered a baby. Its tear-filled eyes and desperate cries tore at the heart of the veteran warrior. The blanket was stained with dark patches, clearly dried blood, although the child appeared unharmed.

Wilhelm carefully lifted the infant, scanning the surroundings for any signs of the parents or clues about what had happened. But he found nothing—only the emptiness of the night and an endless string of unanswered questions. He observed the baby again, its small and vulnerable face, as his mind tried to piece together how it had ended up there.

Seeing the chubby, tear-streaked face, Wilhelm made a decision. With determination, he cradled the child against his chest and headed for the alley’s exit. Leaving it there was unthinkable—not while life still pulsed in its tiny body. For the moment, he would take the baby to Felix to ensure its health. After that, he would decide what to do next.

Chapter Text

—Meow? Wilhelm, I know I asked you to get me a product, but I don’t remember asking for a baby too.  

Felix’s tail swayed from side to side as he attentively observed the infant wrapped in a dirty blanket. The little one clung to Wilhelm’s uniform with tiny hands, his brown eyes curiously watching the feline ears of the demi-human that moved in sync with his tail.

—Oh, could it be... Nya! Our dear Reinhard-kyun finally—  

—Felix, once you’re done with your patient, I’d like to discuss this with you. —Despite Felix's subtle teasing, Wilhelm didn’t flinch, causing the cat-boy to huff softly before breaking into a playful grin.  

—Yeah, yeah, I saw this coming. Give me a few minutes to heal our guest, and you can tell me what happened. I’ll also do a quick check-up on that adorable baby you’ve got there. —Felix didn’t need an explanation; he already knew Wilhelm had come mainly for the latter. If it had been solely about the first matter, they would have gone straight to Crusch.

Felix kept it to himself, but he found it amusing that, despite family troubles and his age, Wilhelm still carried a paternal instinct. It was evident in how delicately he held the little one. With a slight shake of his head, Felix returned to the room where his last patient of the day was waiting and got back to work, preparing to attend to the mysterious infant later.

Wilhelm watched Felix leave and sighed, still holding the black-haired baby close to his chest. The little one had taken to trying to chew on the buttons of Wilhelm’s uniform and tug at the bow tie. Wilhelm gently removed the non-edible object from the baby’s mouth, only for the infant to grab his fingers with surprising strength and attempt to bring them to his mouth instead. It wasn’t difficult to stop him, but the child was stubbornly persistent.

After a few minutes, the elderly man decided to sit down. He picked up a small cloth from a nearby table and began cleaning the baby’s face. He started with the corners of his mouth and chin, which were sticky with drool that had started to bubble up—a bit gross but strangely endearing. He then moved on to the baby’s round, rosy cheeks, streaked with dried tears from his earlier crying fit—and likely much longer before that. Lastly, he cleaned the baby’s forehead, which bore only a few smudges of dirt, probably from being in a dark, grimy alley. Lifting the baby’s bangs to wipe the area, Wilhelm thought he briefly recognized a familiar face. However, he dismissed the thought when the baby leaned forward, arms extended, seeking to hug him.

A wave of nostalgia bloomed in Wilhelm’s chest as he remembered his younger days when he had held his own son. The child had been just as chubby and adorable, and equally affectionate and attached to him. (Wilhelm even avoided recalling how Reinhard had been the same.) But those times were long gone, before his hatred and rage blinded him, destroying the last bonds he had with his small, remaining family. For so long, he had pursued vengeance, only to realize that even after achieving it, he was alone—and it was entirely his fault.

Just then, the baby babbled and snuggled closer to him. Wilhelm decided it was time to stop lamenting over past mistakes (which still lingered in the present) and instead focus on his current task: ensuring the health of the abandoned infant he had just found.

When Wilhelm heard the door to the room Felix had entered open, he knew it was time. Carefully holding the baby, he walked to where his companion waited.

—Are you still awake?  

Otto frowned, seeing Beatrice, Ram, and Emilia waiting at the mansion’s entrance for Subaru, even though it was already late. He bit his lip and furrowed his brow, sensing that Subaru’s delay was unusual. Maybe he had stayed over with his friends, or perhaps the unpleasant-eyed boy was traveling at night because it had gotten late. They hoped for either of those options, knowing the third—something worrisome—was probable, given Subaru's persistent bad luck.

—That stupid Barusu, always worrying Emilia-sama and Beatrice-sama. When he gets back, I’ll make him do all my household chores. —Ram clenched her teeth. Still, even Otto could tell that behind her annoyed façade lay hidden concern for the boy she hated to admit had become like a little brother to her.  

—I suppose Betty should have gone with him... —Beatrice, one of the most anxious ones, murmured. Subaru had convinced her to let him go alone earlier that day, promising he wouldn’t take long. Though Emilia had asked her for a favor that morning, and Beatrice initially planned to refuse in order to accompany Subaru to the city, his insistence had persuaded her otherwise—thinking it wouldn’t hurt to give him some space. Yet here she was, in the middle of the night, waiting for the boy to return home.  

As for Emilia, she remained quiet, though her worried expression spoke volumes. It was no secret how much Emilia cherished Subaru. The half-elf held him dear and always checked in on him whenever possible, asking about his day or simply spending time together. It was only natural for her to feel equally concerned for her beloved knight.

—Girls, I know it’s concerning that Natsuki-san hasn’t returned yet, but it’s probably just that it got late. This isn’t the first time it’s happened. —Otto tried to reassure them, despite knowing his words wouldn’t ease their worries. —Besides, if he doesn’t come back by morning, we can head to the city to check on him. He’s probably staying at the Astrea mansion.  

For a moment, none of the girls moved from their spots, despite Otto’s words. Finally, Emilia sighed and looked at the other two.  

—Ram, Beatrice, Otto is right. There’s nothing we can do for now, but tomorrow we can go look for him. For now, let’s get some rest, okay? —Emilia spoke in a soft, serene tone, trying to calm the others. Her words eventually convinced Ram and Beatrice, who reluctantly agreed and followed her back into the mansion.

If Subaru still hadn’t returned by morning, they would set out at first light to find him.

Chapter Text

‎—Alright, I'll need you to hold him for a moment.  

‎

‎Even while Felix was meticulously organizing vials on the shelf with almost feline precision, his voice sounded clear and authoritative as he issued the instruction.  

‎

‎Wilhelm, used to acting promptly, obeyed immediately. He sat down on a nearby chair and carefully cradled the small child in his arms. With steady and attentive movements, the elder made sure to keep him calm. Fortunately, the baby, although occasionally fidgety, seemed fascinated by the shiny buttons on Wilhelm's uniform. He devoted himself to exploring them with his tiny hands, leaving a trail of drool in the process.  

‎

‎When Felix finished his preparations and turned to face them, the elder immediately caught the change in his expression. The demi-human puffed out his cheeks, biting his lower lip to avoid bursting into a giggle.  

‎

‎—Awww, he adores you. Maybe he thinks you're his dad… or his granddad.  

‎

‎—Perhaps… —Wilhelm replied calmly, ignoring his companion's teasing. His sole focus was preventing the baby from continuing to chew on the buttons of his uniform.  

‎

‎—Mhm, you're no fun. —Felix pouted in mock annoyance at Wilhelm's lack of reaction.  

‎

‎For a moment, silence settled, broken only by the faint sound of breathing and the baby's babbling. Felix, shrugging his shoulders, finally placed his hands delicately on the baby's bare back. The examination shouldn't take long—or so he thought. At first glance, the little one appeared to be in perfect condition. But then…  

‎

‎—Mmm… —Felix's brow furrowed noticeably, drawing Wilhelm's immediate attention.  

‎

‎—Felix? —Wilhelm's voice, usually firm, revealed a hint of concern.  

‎

‎—This is… really unusual. —Felix murmured as the water, his tool for diagnosis, fluctuated irregularly around the child. —His energy… it's unstable, chaotic. And his structure… it’s different. It doesn't resemble any baby I've ever seen before.  

‎

‎Wilhelm felt a shiver run down his spine. The intuition he had experienced upon finding the child in the alley surged back with intensity. This baby was no ordinary child, that much was clear.  

‎

‎—What does that mean, Felix? —The gravity in his tone was unmistakable.  

‎

‎—I can't say for sure —the demi-human replied, thoughtfully stroking his chin. —It's as if his body is trying to adapt to… something. Something that shouldn't be there. Also… his gate… it's in terrible condition. How can a baby have such a damaged gate?  

‎

‎The unease on Felix's face was palpable. Though he couldn’t pinpoint the source of the issue, he was increasingly convinced that this small child held something extraordinary.  

‎

‎—That means… —Wilhelm let the sentence trail off as he struggled to process the information.  

‎

‎—I’ll need to treat his defective gate —Felix said. Though concerned, he offered a smile to lighten the atmosphere. He gently pinched one of the baby’s rosy cheeks. —But, putting that aside, he's healthy. Look at him, he's adorable and chubby!  

‎

‎Felix couldn’t resist pinching both cheeks this time, causing the baby to let out a faint, annoyed babble. —And that black hair—it’s unusual. Maybe we have a clue about his origins. However… —His gaze shifted to Wilhelm, and his tone grew more serious. —We need to speak with Crusch-sama. Memory or not, she has the final say.  

‎

‎Wilhelm nodded solemnly. Although a part of him felt an inexplicable connection to the child, he was loyal to his duty and Crusch's orders. If she decided the baby should be handed over to the knights, he would obey, even if it unsettled him.  

‎

‎His thoughts were interrupted by the peculiar expression forming on the baby’s face. —Eh… Felix… —he murmured, a mix of warning and resignation in his tone.  

‎

‎—Nya? —Felix’s confusion turned to alarm as he noticed the baby’s increasingly red cheeks, trembling lower lip, and tear-filled eyes accompanied by a furrowed brow. Unfortunately, this expression was a clear harbinger of an inevitable storm.  

‎

‎They didn’t have time to react.  

‎

‎The cry resonated like thunder through the room, sharp and piercing.  

‎

‎—NYAAA! Wilhelm, make it stop! —Felix frantically covered his sensitive ears while Wilhelm attempted to soothe the child by humming an improvised melody and bouncing his leg gently. But it was futile.  

‎

‎Wilhelm couldn’t help but recall the cries of his own son as a baby. His beloved Theresia had always handled such situations, and now, amidst the chaos, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was some sort of karmic retribution.  

‎

‎—What is going on here?  

‎

‎The firm and authoritative voice of Crusch cut through the scene, forcing both men to turn toward the doorway. The green-haired woman stood there, her expression a mix of confusion and mild irritation.  

‎

‎Wilhelm and Felix exchanged alarmed glances. Now they would have to provide many explanations—especially Wilhelm.  

‎

‎

‎

‎— I see…  

‎

‎Crusch’s calm voice filled the room, though it carried an inherent firmness. With natural grace, she rocked the baby on her shoulder, wrapping him in a soft cloth she had found among her belongings. The desperate crying from moments earlier had been replaced by an almost palpable serenity. The little one’s eyes were closed, and his slow, steady breathing indicated he had finally fallen into a deep sleep.  

‎

‎Wilhelm, standing silently by the door, observed the scene with a mixture of respect and apprehension. Crusch-sama seemed not only to have an innate ability to calm the child but also radiated authority and decisiveness.  

‎

‎—Wilhelm, I need to ask you something —she said, her tone firm but not accusatory. Her green eyes locked onto the elder with an analytical gaze. —Why didn’t you take the baby directly to the knights? That would have been the expected course of action in a situation like this.  

‎

‎Wilhelm opened his mouth to respond but no sound came out. The question, though fair, caught him off guard. Not because he hadn’t considered it but because, deep down, he knew his reasoning wasn’t entirely rational.  

‎

‎Crusch noticed his silence and offered a slight smile, one that combined understanding with a hint of playfulness. —You don’t have to answer me. While I’m confused, I can imagine why. There’s something about this baby that resonates with you, isn’t there? Maybe it’s intuition or a protective instinct, but I can see you’ve connected with him in a special way. —As Wilhelm’s mouth hung slightly open, the woman shook her head with a knowing smile. —And don’t try to lie to me—I’ll know.  

‎

‎Wilhelm lowered his gaze, feeling the weight of her words. It was true. From the moment he found the strange child, he had felt a mix of curiosity and responsibility stir within him.  

‎

‎—Since we haven’t had any serious incidents in a while, I have no problem with you taking care of the baby. —Crusch adjusted the cloth around the child and looked at him with unexpected warmth. —You’ll take good care of him, I’m sure of it. If he turns out to be someone important, we’ll figure it out in time. For now, he’s your responsibility.  

‎

‎Wilhelm felt almost palpable relief at her words. Though he knew it would be a challenge, he also understood that, in some way, it was a task he had accepted the moment he picked up the baby in that alley.  

‎

‎—Thank you, Crusch-sama —he said, his voice low but filled with respect.  

‎

‎—Nyahaha, Wilhelm, who would’ve thought a great swordsman like you could be defeated by a baby? If I didn’t know better, I’d think it was your first tantrum as a father.  

‎

‎Wilhelm cleared his throat, trying to ignore Felix’s words, but the feline, as expected, had no intention of stopping.  

‎

‎—Come to think of it… who would’ve guessed you’d look so natural with a baby in your arms? If word gets out, you might find yourself getting special requests, Wilhelm. You could become an official babysitter on your days off. What do you think, nya?  

‎

‎At this, Crusch hid a small laugh behind her hand. Finally, with a mix of formality and warmth, she intervened, addressing Wilhelm.  

‎

‎—Felix, stop tormenting Wilhelm —she said. Though her tone was soft, there was an implicit authority in her words.  

‎

‎—As you wish —Felix replied, his mischievous smile still adorning his playful lips as he decided that was enough teasing—for today.  

‎

‎Crusch simply shook her head, smiling as she continued rocking the baby on her shoulder. Her gaze drifted to a distant point as if already strategizing for the future. The child let out a small, satisfied sigh in his sleep, and silence filled the room, leaving the three of them enveloped in a soft calm under the starlit night.

Chapter Text

The faint morning sun, still young and without the scorching strength of midday, filtered through the large windows of the Karsten mansion. Golden rays danced on the dust motes suspended in the air, softly warming the room where Wilhelm had spent the night. In his calloused arms, accustomed to the weight of a sword and not the delicate fragility of newborn life, he cradled a sleeping baby. He felt the light weight of the small body pressing against his chest, an unusually tender sensation that contrasted with the hardness of his inner armor.

The conversation with Crusch still echoed in his mind, her words firm and her gaze filled with an unusual trust in him for this task. Félix's jokes, though light and full of his usual mischief, had not completely dispelled the surprise and magnitude of the responsibility that now rested on his shoulders. He had retreated to this guest room, an impersonal space that now felt intimately linked to the small life he held. And of course, the baby had to be with him. Crusch-sama's words, clear and direct, resonated with the authority he had always respected: he would be the one to take care of it.

The baby stirred slightly, a small tremor running through its tiny body. Its minute lips, still soft and unblemished, puckered in a silent yawn, an action so simple that it awakened in Wilhelm a mixture of curiosity and a pang of something that could only be described as tenderness. It was an almost forgotten emotion, buried under layers of duty, loss, and the relentless march of time. His hard heart of stone, forged in countless battles and marked by tragedy, felt strangely vulnerable before this small creature. He couldn't remember the last time he had held a baby so close, the memory blurred by years and distance. The feeling was both strange, almost foreign, and vaguely familiar, like a distant echo of a life he thought he had left behind forever.

A soft knock on the door, barely audible in the morning silence, pulled him from his deep thoughts.

—Wilhelm-sama, it's me, Mary. Crusch-sama asked me to bring you this —said the kind voice on the other side, a soft and respectful tone he knew well.

With deliberate slowness, each movement calculated not to disturb the child's sleep, Wilhelm rose from the plush armchair. The baby's light weight was barely felt as he held it with a gentle firmness. He walked carefully to the door and opened it, revealing Mary with her usual sweet smile, an expression that always radiated warmth and kindness. In her hands, she held a wicker basket, filled to the brim with essential baby items: soft cloth diapers, small garments neatly folded, a glass baby bottle, and a wool blanket that looked incredibly soft to the touch.

—Crusch-sama thought this might be useful to you —Mary explained in a low voice, her dark eyes casting a quick glance at the sleeping baby in Wilhelm's arms—. It's adorable. Have you named it yet?

Wilhelm shook his head, his gaze still fixed on the child's serene face. —Not yet. I know nothing about it, not even its age for certain. Félix only did a quick examination last night, and his conclusions were… ambiguous.

—I see. Well, if you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask me. Crusch-sama is very interested in this little one's well-being. Its arrival has been… unexpected, but she is determined to make sure it is well cared for.

Wilhelm nodded, a deep gratitude filling his heart for Crusch's consideration and Mary's willingness to help. After Mary left, closing the door with the same gentleness with which she had arrived, Wilhelm examined the contents of the basket. The clothes were simple but of undeniable quality, woven with fine and soft fibers. The blanket, of a pale cream color, looked so delicate that he feared unraveling it with his rough hands. It was evident that Crusch took her decision to leave him in charge very seriously, providing him with everything necessary for this new and unusual task.

—Huh? Big brother didn't come back last night?

Felt's question, tossed out with a genuinely confused frown that wrinkled her small nose, landed like a bomb in the morning atmosphere of the Astrea mansion. All the blood seemed to drain from Otto Suwen's face, leaving his skin as pale as parchment. The nervous smile that barely clung to his lips trembled and vanished completely, replaced by an expression of growing alarm. Emilia, at his side, felt a shiver of worry run through her at the absence of her loyal knight. Her amethyst eyes narrowed with unease, searching for an answer in the others' faces. Beatrice and Ram, for their part, shared a frown of displeasure and impatience. Without exchanging a single word, understanding the gravity implied in the young governor's question, they began to leave the Astrea mansion at a rapid pace, their movements decisive and filled with a silent urgency.

It took Otto a few precious seconds to compose himself, his mind working at full speed to process the information. When he finally reacted, he turned around, alarmed, towards the figures who were already reaching the threshold of the Astrea mansion entrance.

—H-hey, wait! You can't leave yet, we need to ask more things! Maybe… maybe he was just delayed for some reason.

—What else can you expect, I suppose? —Beatrice directed a piercing gaze at the merchant, her voice laced with her usual disdainful tone. However, despite her annoyed frown, a shadow of anguish could be perceived in her delicate features at not knowing the whereabouts of her contractor—. That child knows nothing about Subaru's whereabouts, so we must start looking for him ourselves.

—Emilia-sama —Ram performed a slight bow, her movement precise and elegant, before directing a determined gaze at the half-elf—. Beatrice-sama and I will cover ground. Perhaps Barusu was delayed by some mishap in the city. In the meantime, talk to Felt-sama to try and find a clue while we search the capital.

Emilia, her face etched with deep worry and a pang of anguish in her chest, adopted a serious expression, her usual sweetness veiled by uncertainty. With a calm voice, though with a slight tremor barely perceptible, she spoke, —Alright, you two go ahead. Otto and I will talk to Felt. Keep me informed of any news.

And after Beatrice and Ram withdrew, their silhouettes quickly disappearing down the path leading to the city, Otto and Emilia turned towards Felt. The young governor, despite her initial confusion, had grasped the gravity of the situation. Subaru Natsuki's disappearance was not something to take lightly, and her youthful face hardened with a seriousness unbefitting her age.

—Come in —Felt said, her voice firm and decisive—. Reinhard is inside. We'll see if he can help us, he was the last one to see him last night.

Otto and Emilia wasted no time and accompanied the blonde girl through the long hallway of the Astrea mansion. The richly embroidered tapestries and portraits of ancestors seemed to watch them sternly as they advanced. Finally, they arrived at a room where Reinhard, tall and upright as always, was conversing with some servants. Noticing the presence of the guests, he turned around, and upon seeing Emilia and Otto, his face lit up with his usual kind smile. He bowed slightly in greeting.

—Emilia-sama…

—Hey, Reinhard, big brother is lost, no one has seen him since yesterday —Felt interrupted her knight at the beginning of his greeting, her voice urgent and her expression serious, leaving no room for formalities.

Despite the fact that his smile remained intact, a shadow of confusion crossed Reinhard's face. His slightly inclined posture tensed imperceptibly, and he slowly raised his head again to look uncertainly at the other three.

—Subaru… didn't come home? —Despite his usually unwavering countenance, Felt noticed a spark of genuine concern in her knight's blue eyes at the others' assertion of his friend's disappearance.

—You were the one who said goodbye to him last night —Felt insisted, her gaze fixed on Reinhard—. Don't you know if he mentioned doing anything else or going anywhere before returning?

—Actually, yes —Reinhard returned to his usual straight posture, although his previous smile had completely vanished, replaced by a pensive expression—. He told me he was going to run an errand before leaving the capital, he was just going to buy some things and leave. I offered to accompany him, but he flatly refused, saying he wasn't a child and could go alone. —Reinhard shook his head, a slight frown creasing his perfect brow—. I should have insisted more on going with him… Maybe…

—Reinhard, we've already talked about this —Felt put a hand to her face and sighed with exasperation, before looking at Emilia and Otto—. This is really worrying, and knowing how often big brother gets into trouble, this doesn't look good to me.

—Subaru… —Emilia showed a sad expression, her lips trembling slightly. Her hand moved gently to her chest, where a knot of anxiety was beginning to tighten her heart. Oh, that silly knight of hers will give her a heart attack one of these days with all the scares he gives her.

—Don't worry, Emilia-sama —Otto turned to the half-elf and offered her as comforting a smile as he could, although worry still shone in his eyes—. We'll find him, you know that even though Natsuki-san gets into a lot of trouble, he always comes out of it unscathed. We just have to find him.

Emilia looked at Otto with her expression still marked by worry, but then sighed deeply and looked at him with newfound determination. —Yes! We will find him.

—We'll help too —Felt spoke immediately, her voice full of conviction, and Reinhard at her side nodded firmly—. I know the entire capital like the back of my hand, if anyone can search every corner, it's me. Besides, Reinhard is very fast and will shorten the search.

Emilia and Otto exchanged a meaningful glance, a tacit understanding between them. Then they nodded to Felt and Reinhard before the four of them left the Astrea mansion, the worry about Subaru's whereabouts driving them to begin the search.

In the relative quiet of the Karsten mansion, far from the growing panic that was beginning to brew in the capital, Wilhelm found himself immersed in the unexpected challenges of being a caregiver again, even if only for a short time. The ghosts of his youth danced in the corners of his mind, evoking memories of his own son's early years, a time marked by difficulty and the constant need to rely on Theresia's help. The baby, oblivious to the worries of the outside world, had awakened with a hungry cry that echoed in the silence of the room. Wilhelm, following the instructions Mary had provided, took the bottle filled with warm milk and brought it to the tiny lips. However, the small being seemed more interested in chewing on the silicone nipple than in sucking the nutritious liquid.

—Come on, little one —Wilhelm murmured with surprising patience, his deep voice softened by the tenderness of the moment. He tried tilting the bottle in different ways, searching for the right angle that would encourage the baby to feed. Finally, after several failed attempts that tested his stoic composure, the baby began to drink, its small eyes closed with childish concentration.

A warm and strange sensation washed over Wilhelm as he watched the child feed. It was an unexpected responsibility, imposed by circumstances and Crusch's trust, but he could not deny the growing connection he felt towards this helpless creature. It was unusual for him, a man hardened in battle and accustomed to the coldness of steel. He had seen babies before, in his years of service and in fleeting encounters, but none had ignited in him this protective instinct with such force.

After feeding, the baby burped with an adorable little sound and then began to fidget, moving its small arms and legs with surprising energy. Wilhelm cradled it carefully and gently walked around the room, humming an old lullaby that he barely remembered from his beloved Theresia. The notes, rough at first, softened as his memory returned, bringing with it a flood of forgotten emotions. Surprisingly, the baby calmed down almost immediately, its eyes closed and its breathing became slow and regular, indicating a deep and restful sleep.

With a delicacy uncharacteristic of his large and strong hands, Wilhelm placed the baby in the crib that Mary had prepared, a simple but cozy bed. He stayed watching it for a few moments, the morning light illuminating its serene face.

—Nya! You seem to be taking this very seriously, Wilhelm. The little one seems to be in good hands —Félix's playful voice echoed in the room as the young knight entered with his usual lightness. His feline eyes shone with a mixture of surprise and amusement at witnessing the scene—. Oh, Wilhelm, you're giving me so much material to tease you with for days.

—I am merely doing what I must —Wilhelm replied with his characteristic stoicism, although a slight shadow of discomfort crossed his face.

—Well, Crusch-sama has asked me to check on the baby again. Just to make sure it has woken up well and that its peculiar condition hasn't worsened.

Félix approached the crib and examined the child carefully, using his healing magic to assess its physical state and Od flow. After a few minutes, he nodded, although his expression still reflected some uncertainty.

—Its gate seems to be responding to last night's treatment. Its energy is still… peculiar, as if something is blocked or distorted, but it seems stable for now. There are no signs of deterioration.

—It's still not improving? —Wilhelm asked, his concern for the baby's well-being increasing with each passing day.

Félix shrugged with a gesture of helplessness. —It's difficult to explain. It's as if there's something else there, something latent, that influences its Od flow. But I can't identify exactly what it is, only that it doesn't seem like it will change easily.

The conversation was interrupted by a soft sound coming from the crib. The baby had begun to babble, its small brown eyes fixed on Wilhelm. Suddenly, a smile spread across its tiny face, revealing pink and innocent gums with a few small teeth just starting to emerge.

Wilhelm felt an unexpected jolt in his heart. It was a pure and innocent smile, devoid of any malice or pretense. For a fleeting instant, he forgot all his worries, his responsibilities, and the harshness of the outside world, and simply smiled back, a genuine smile that illuminated his face weathered by time and battles.

—It seems it likes you a lot, Wilhelm —Félix commented with an even wider smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief—. Perhaps this little one has come into your life for a reason we don't yet know.

—Perhaps —Wilhelm murmured, his gaze fixed on the baby as he reached out a hand and gently grasped the small hand that had extended towards him. The skin was incredibly soft and warm beneath his touch.

Perhaps it was karma, a retribution for past sins. Perhaps it was a second chance, an unexpected blessing in the darkness of his existence. But in that moment, Wilhelm only knew one thing for certain: he would be willing to protect that small, helpless being from any danger that dared to threaten it.