Chapter 228 — Arc 5 44 [Nothing Left Unsaid]

Otto raised his hand and dropped that bombshell, plunging everyone in the room into a state of shock.

The unverified existence of the “Book of Wisdom” was just confirmed, not by anyone else but by one of their own. It was only natural that they’d be shocked―― with Subaru being the most shocked of them all.

[Subaru: Wh-why would you have the Book of Wisdom?]

[Otto: Before you misunderstand, let me explain. I was indeed the one who brought the so-called Book of Wisdom into the city, but the book isn’t mine. I was pretty shocked when I heard the Witch Cult’s request as well]

[Anastasia: “So-called”? That’s a curious way to put it. What do you mean?]

As Otto’s answered the shaken Subaru, Anastasia picked up on that descriptor and asked. At that, Otto looked around at the others, and,

[Otto: You guys all know about the Book of Wisdom, right? Simply put, it’s like the Gospels… those suspicious-looking books of prophecy that the Witch Cultists have…… except it seems to be the original. I heard that the difference in accuracy is huge]

[Anastasia: The Gospel’s original…? It might be a stretch, but that reminds me of the prophecies of the Dragon Annal Stone. Though of course, their credibility, reputation, and standpoints are nowhere near the same]

[Otto: I’ve never seen the Dragon Annal Stone and the Gospel’s prophecies in action so I can’t say anything about their reliability…… and the same goes for the Book of Wisdom, I’m afraid. By the time I got my hands on it, the book was already nothing more than mostly-burned remains]

[Subaru: Burned remains……]

Otto’s description matched the fates of both volumes of the Book of Wisdom in Subaru’s mind.

One belonged to Beatrice, and was lost in the flames of the burning Forbidden Library. The other belonged to Roswaal, and, according to Ram, was lost in the burning Sanctuary.

It was hard to say how much of its creator, Echidona’s testimony could be trusted, but if her words were to be believed―― then both volumes should have been burned.

In that case, what Otto obtained must be its charred remains.

[Anastasia: I see. I think I know why Otto-kun brought the book into Priestella now. It’s to seek the help of Restoration Master Dartz, isn’t it?]

[Otto: ……That’s correct]

With that simple reply, Otto nodded to Anastasia’s conclusion. Though both Julius and Reinhard appeared to accept this with an air of understanding, Subaru seemed confused by the term he had never heard before.

[Subaru: Hey don’t all suddenly go “Ahh” and leave me out of the loop here. What’s a Restoration Master?]

[Anastasia: Just as the name implies, they are Light Magic specialists who can restore objects to their original forms. Dartz, who lives in this city, is quite a famous member of their circle. Even books that are more than half damaged can be restored with pretty good results, if given enough time]

[Otto: I managed to make contact with Master Dartz and give him the remains of the Book of Wisdom. So the book should be in his workshop at the moment]

With Otto’s testimony, the Book of Wisdom’s whereabouts has finally been revealed.

[Garfiel: But then, when did Otto-bro meet that guy?]

[Otto: Yesterday, after the negotiations with Muse Company fell apart. Once everyone went their separate ways, I paid a visit to Master Dartz. We had a chat in private, and he seemed pretty enthusiastic about taking on the job…..]

Subaru could just imagine Otto going pale in the face when he heard “Book of Wisdom” come up during the upheavals today.

That explains how the burned Book of Wisdom survived and why it was brought to this city, but Otto’s motives were still unknown. Just why would he want to restore the Book of Wisdom?

Honestly, Subaru had no good impressions for the Book of Wisdom.

It was an ominous book not only associated with its creator, Echidona, but with the Gospels in the hands of the Witch Cult. It was the reason Beatrice was bound in the Forbidden Library for four hundred years, and the reason Roswaal’s plots wrought violence upon the Sanctuary.

The truth is, Subaru was relieved when he heard that the books were destroyed.

[Otto: I won’t go into the details of how I acquired it or why it’s here to be restored. I only intended to clarify the Book of Wisdom’s existence and its current location. Anything beyond that is an internal matter within our faction]

[Julius: But now we have the Witch Cult listing the Book of Wisdom as one of their demands. Whose responsibility do you think that is?]

[Otto: I don’t think anything the Witch Cult does can be blamed on anyone other than the Witch Cult. But if you insist on it, I’ll have to make some unfriendly remarks of my own]

Otto stood his ground in front of Julius’ protests. And, seeing Otto turn his gaze to Anastasia, Julius quickly shook his head.

[Julius: My apologies. I said something useless just now. Naturally, I have no intention of laying the blame on you. The Witch Cult’s crimes will be properly repaid when we exact punishment upon them]

[Otto: Agreed]

Otto nodded to Julius’ determined words while stealing a glance at Subaru. But, seeing that secret gaze, Subaru couldn’t say a word.

What was Otto thinking? Even if Subaru had no intention of suspecting him, he still had no idea what he was up to. Seeing Subaru like this, Otto quietly moved his lips,

{Otto: Let’s talk later}

The message got through.

He’ll explain everything, then. In that case, they better put the matter on hold for now.

[Reinhard: Now that the Book of Wisdom’s existence has been confirmed, we can’t be so sure that the part about Artificial Spirits is just delusional ramblings]

With that settled, Reinhard started off with the new topic.

Though it was only going with the flow of things, now that Otto has already revealed something potentially disadvantageous to himself, there was no reason for Subaru to continue withholding his.

[Subaru: Anastasia-san]

[Anastasia: I know I know. Well, this won’t be easy]

Seeing Subaru seeking her consent, Anastasia took off the scarf around her neck. She spread it out on the table, while everyone else tilted their heads at her determined expression.

But, what she did next turned all their tilted heads straight.

[Anastasia: ――No need to play possum anymore, Echidona. You can speak up now]

[Scarf-fox: In my case, rather than “playing possum”, wouldn’t “playing fox” be more appropriate, Ana?]

[――!]

Following Anastasia’s call, the white fox scarf stretched out its limbs with a will of its own. Seeing this, the same expressions of shock washed over Julius and Ricardo’s faces.

It seems Anastasia had hidden Artificial Spirit Echidona’s existence even from the members of her own faction.

[Ricardo: Hey Miss… I dunno that thing. The hell is that thing……]

[Anastasia: Sorry for hidin’ it from you, Ricardo. Julius too. ――This child would be the Artificial Spirit we’re talkin’ about. Her name’s Echidona, and she’s been my partner in crime for a long, long time]

[Scarf-fox: Hey Ricardo. It’d be pretty awkward to introduce myself like we’ve just met when I’ve technically known you for ages. We can be all buddy-buddy just like usual if you want]

Echidona was exceptionally friendly to a Ricardo who looked like he was looking at something creepy. And, as off-put as Ricardo was by the white fox’s attitude, Julius’ face looked even more shocked.

Faced with the secret his master had hidden from him, his pupils were wavering with a rare and unconcealable dismay,

[Julius: ……then that means, Anastasia-sama is also a Spirits-Arts User?]

[Anastasia: Nnnn~ not exactly. There is no Spiritual Contract between me and Echidona. I just don’t have the knack for it. And also, unlike ordinary spirits, Echidona can’t fight at all]

[Scarf-fox: That’s right, I’m as incompetent as it gets. I’m afraid I might even be the weakest spirit there is. So weak that even the Spirit-Knight couldn’t sense my presence]

[Julius: Is that, so…… no, but then……]

Julius’ suspicions were dismissed by Anastasia and Echidona in turn. But, rather than being assured, he turned his gaze toward Subaru, who was standing at the sidelines.

There was a certain sharpness in the yellow gaze he directed at Subaru.

[Julius: Why does Subaru look like he already knows? When I… as your Knight… didn’t know, how could he…]

[Anastasia: It’s not like that. It’s…]

[Subaru: It’s because she’s an Artificial Spirit, just like my partner, Beatrice. After we heard the Witch Cult’s demands, Anastasia-san explained it to me. ……So I only found out really recently, not much different from you]

[Julius: She’s an Artificial Spirit……? Anastasia-sama, is this true?]

Cutting Anastasia off, Subaru explained to the stupefied Julius. Seeing Anastasia nod to his question, Julius muttered [Is that so…] and briefly closed his eyes as if to take it all in before exhaling a deep sigh.

[Julius: I’m sorry I interrupted you. Please forgive me for any displeasure I might have caused you, Anastasia-sama. I am deeply ashamed]

[Anastasia: I’ve no right to chastise you when I’ve been keepin’ it secret all this time. I should be askin’ your forgiveness instead]

Julius gave Subaru a nod and apologized to Anastasia. But, seeing Julius’ apology from the side, Ricardo grabbed Echidona off of the table.

[Ricardo: Still, that’s really mean, Miss! How long have we known each other? Why’d ya keep somethin’ like that from me? I’m kinda hurt! Is that all we are to each other?]

[Scarf-fox: I’d appreciate if you don’t handle me so roughly. Even in this form, I’m still quite finicky about my hair. And we wouldn’t want to damage Ana’s adorable appearance, now would we?]

[Ricardo: Pretty glib-tongued, ain’t ya. Ugh, nevermind. I’ll let it go this time]

After pulling and squishing it to his heart’s content, Ricardo seemed satisfied and let the white fox go. Landing on the table, the white fox quickly scuttled over to Anastasia, wrapped around her neck, and became inanimate once more.

Having resided there for long, it was impressive how quickly it could return to its lifeless state.

[Anastasia: And so, the Artificial Spirits exist as well. ……That said, just like Otto-kun’s Book of Wisdom, I’ve no intention of handing this child over to the Witch Cult]

[Subaru: Sorry for keeping it secret. But, it’s the same with me. Beako is my partner. I won’t even let her hold hands with those lunatics]

Anastasia and Subaru both asserted their decision to refuse the Witch Cult’s demands.

Hearing this, Reinhard nodded, and,

[Reinhard: I know. Of course. We cannot accept a single one of their demands. Although, perhaps the one about wedding their bride could be overlooked]

[Subaru: Absolutely not! Because the bride those assholes are talking about is Emilia!]

[Otto: Pff!? Emilia-sama’s been taken!? And here I was wondering why I haven’t seen her around, so she’s in trouble!? Couldn’t you have brought it up sooner!?]

Reinhard widened his eyes, and the shocking news sent Otto’s eyes spinning. Subaru clenched his teeth in front of those two’s reactions and continued with [Sorry…],

[Subaru: It was all my fault, I watched her get taken away. But, since they’re talking about a wedding, they shouldn’t have done anything to hurt her. So we have to go over there, kill them, and bring her back. Absolutely, absolutely…]

[Reinhard: ――Yes, we will. We absolutely cannot allow this]

Just the thought of Regulus sent rage boiling within Subaru’s mind, and, in support of that indignation, Reinhard burnished his intent to fight.

It was an aura so dependable that it was terrifying. Without a doubt, his presence was tremendously reassuring.

And, at this thought, Subaru turned his gaze to the corner of the room―― toward the man who had stayed out of the conversation thus far.

Sitting there, leaning against the wall, his expression was hidden behind his helmet.

[Subaru: Hey, Al. You should join the conversation too. You haven’t said a word since the end of the speech. Our most lethal weapon got held up all because of that guy you brought. You better do something to make up for that, you know]

Walking over, Subaru called to the downcast Al.

And, sighing at the lack of a reaction, Subaru brought up Reinhard’s father―― Heinkel.

Heinkel had taken Felt hostage and effectively pinned Reinhard in place.

This clear-cut betrayal by turning a weapon on a Royal Selection candidate was not only a crime of lese-majesty, but fell nothing short of treason. Normally, there’s no way an offender could escape the death sentence after committing such a heinous crime, but just how will Reinhard handle this?

At least, Subaru couldn’t glean it from the side of Reinhard’s face.

[Al: ――I’m sorry, but I’m out]

[Subaru: ……hah?]

Perhaps distracted with his thoughts on Reinhard, Subaru didn’t react until Al had already stood up. Taking his back off of the wall, Al looked like he was about to walk right past Subaru. Realizing this, Subaru quickly grabbed Al’s shoulder, turning him around.

[Subaru: W-wait! You’re out? What’re you talking about? We need every fighter we can get right now, and you want to leave us? What’re you, crazy?]

[Al: Crazy or whatever, you’d be crazy to count me as a fighter to begin with. Any random guy you pull from the shelters who’s been in a fight’ll be better than me. So it doesn’t matter if I go]

[Subaru: The hell is that! Don’t give me that moody bullshit! What’s going on all of a sudden? If you got something to say, say it!]

[Al: ――You’re the only person I don’t wanna hear that from, bro]

Shaking off Subaru’s arm, Al’s penetrating glare pierced into Subaru from inside his helmet.

That indiscernible gaze and uncharacteristic tone sent a chill crawling up Subaru’s back.

It was unlike hostility or murderous intent, but a fiery emotion all the same.

Subaru felt as if he had seen that inexplicable emotion from somewhere before, but he couldn’t remember where or what it was.

And he went without understanding as they continued their standoff, when――

[???: My inspiration is flashing! Listen if you please: ――Your gaze makes heat swell in my chest~]

[Subaru: Shut up!!]

[???: Pyiichi!?]

Subaru reflexively lashed back at the happy-go-lucky voice that came out of nowhere. The target jumped at that shout and tumbled flamboyantly over the table behind her.

Rolling around, moaning and wailing, it was a girl with auburn skin――

[Subaru: You’re… Lilianna!?]

[Lilianna: Uugyaouu! My elbow! My knee! Every bone that can be called a bone in my body is shattered! All six of my ribs are broken! There’s no mistake about it!]

The one energetically rolling on the floor in front of Subaru was the Bard, Lilianna.

Seeing her the same as ever, Subaru didn’t even bother pointing out that humans had more than six ribs but only patted his chest in relief.

[Subaru: I was pretty worried after we got separated, but I’m glad to see you safe. That’s a relief]

[Lilianna: Safe!? Can’t you see I’m on the verge of death here!? How can you pat your chest in relief in front of a damsel in distress, what kind of sick humor is that!? My inspiration is flashing! Listen if you please: ――Fingers! Ears! And eyes~!]

[Subaru: You’re still pretty lively, aren’t you?]

Sitting up cross-legged on the floor, she strummed her Lullyleigh, suddenly a picture of health. Although the abruptness of her recovery was rather unsettling, Subaru was just glad that she was alright.

[Subaru: But, how did you get to the City Hall? It must’ve been dangerous wandering around outside……]

[????: Naturally, isn’t that for me to decide? Commoner]

[Subaru: Gh]

Before he could ask Lilianna how she got here safely, an arrogant voice answered the question in her place.

With the ringing of high-heeled footsteps, a woman in resplendent red stepped into the meeting room. Adorned in rouge from head to toe, she swept her blood-red eyes across the room.

[Priscilla: Looks like all the actors are gathered. It was good of you rabble to have gotten ready for the star to arrive. Be sure to keep it up in the future]

Smiling in a good mood holding a spread fan over her lips―― it was Priscilla.

Her sudden entrance surprised everyone including Subaru, but the first to react was none other than her servant, Al.

[Al: P-Princess-san! So you’re alright… I was worried when I couldn’t find you]

[Priscilla: Mm, is that Al? What is the meaning of you dallying with these peasants instead of serving me? Is it not your duty to look upon my figure, listen to my voice, inhale my scent, and obey my commands? And Schult, making me have to look for him myself, there should be a limit to your insolence]

[?????: P-please forgive me, Priscilla-sama……]

While Priscilla mercilessly berated her worried servant, a little boy in butler’s uniform peeked out his head from behind her, timidly clinging to her dress. It seems that Priscilla not only saved Lilianna but her butler as well while strutting around a city overrun by the Witch Cult.

[Subaru: What kind of crazy audacity is that……]

Subaru spilled a sigh at the fine line between exceeding bravery and recklessness. Hearing this, Priscilla turned her glare to Subaru. Snapping close her fan, she briskly walked over to him, and,

[Priscilla: You there, don’t move]

[Subaru: ――hk]

With a swoosh of wind, she held the tip of her fan to Subaru’s throat.

As usual, moving with inconceivable speed, she reached him before his eyes could even register her motion. But, since Reinhard did not intervene, Subaru figured he was in no actual danger.

[Subaru: What’re you doing? We’re having an important conversation here, we don’t have time for……]

[Priscilla: Good. ――So that clumsy broadcast earlier was your voice, then?]

[Subaru: ……Yeah, what about it?]

As pathetic as it was to rely on Reinhard’s lack of movement as his indicator, Subaru chose to huff back at the huffing Priscilla. At that response, she narrowed her eyes,

[Priscilla: Decidedly, I will not tolerate anyone getting more attention than myself. So, I’ll prove how obviously superior I am to the likes of you]

[Subaru: Huh? Ow!?]

Flicking up the fan at Subaru’s neck, it snapped against his chin so hard that tears came pouring out his eyes. With this, Priscilla left him, and imperiously sat herself down in one of the seats at the round table.

[Priscilla: Such a worthless chair. I can tell how cheap it is just by sitting on it]

Making that scalding remark about the quality of the furniture, she swept her gaze across the faces seated at the table. Then, opening her red-painted lips, a splendidly gruesome smile rose on her face.

[Priscilla: Come now, I will allow you to tell me everything about the current situation. Be good slaves and fulfill your responsibilities to your utmost. As reward, I will lend you my help. Remember to be grateful]

[Al: Wait, Princess-san! Now that we’ve found each other, there’s no reason to stay here, right? We should get out of this dangerous place and……]

[Priscilla: Are you suggesting I run away, Al? If so, then you are gravely mistaken]

Seeing Priscilla reclining into her seat as if intending to participate in the conference, Al hurriedly protested. But Priscilla shot back a glare, instantly freezing Al inside his metal helmet.

[Priscilla: Are you listening? I am the one who decided to stay in this city. And I will be the one to decide whether to leave it. I do not accept instructions from anyone. Besides, you want me to turn my back on these rabid fools and shamelessly run away? Who do you take me for?]

[Al: …………]

[Priscilla: Everything in this world works in my favor. So why should I leave and allow this obnoxious mess to continue? If you wish to call yourself my servant, then know this, Al. I am favored by divine providence, and thus, my actions are divine providence]

Priscilla’s will could not be swayed.

Everyone present, most of all Al, knew this. Seeing Al slump his single shoulder, the young butler―― Schult, quietly snuggled against him. And, wryly smiling at his consoling gesture, Al made up his mind as well.

[Subaru: Otto, you have a minute?]

[Otto: Yeah, let’s go]

As the round table began briefing Priscilla on the current situation, Subaru whispered to Otto. Apparently having anticipated this, Otto complied without a hint of surprise.

[Subaru: Garfiel, let me know when they’re done]

Leaving this instruction behind, Subaru left the meeting room with Otto.

And as soon as they were outside, they turned and faced each other in the hallway. Meeting Subaru’s gaze, there was no confusion in Otto eyes. He knew exactly what they needed to talk about.

[Subaru: Why the hell’re you trying to restore the Book of Wisdom? No, before that, when did you pick up its remnants?]

[Otto: It was a year ago, after we’ve settled the problems in the Sanctuary. After Emilia-sama’s snow disappeared, I was wandering around the premises when I…… well, it wasn’t exactly by chance. I heard what happened from Ram-san, so I was actively looking for its burned remnants as well]

[Subaru: So then, the one you found was Roswaal’s Book of Wisdom?]

[Otto: Yes. I was unusually lucky since that happened to be the place I wanted to check out]

“Unusually lucky” must be a jab at how usually unlucky he was. Although Otto was wryly smiling, Subaru was in no mood to share that sentiment.

Because Otto’s reasons for doing this was still a knot inside Subaru’s chest.

[Otto: Tell me honestly, Natsuki-san, what do you think of Margrave Mathers?]

[Subaru: Roswaal?]

As Subaru sank into silence, Otto posed him this question. It sounded both somewhat relevant to the topic at hand, and yet not relevant at all. For a moment, Subaru pondered on the question,

[Subaru: Well… I think we definitely can’t let down our guard about that guy. Not after everything that happened a year ago. But, since that guy’s goals are clear now, and assuming they haven’t changed, I don’t see him as an immediate threat. In fact, now that we understand each other, I kinda feel like an accomplice]

[Otto: I don’t trust Margrave Mathers at all]

Otto declared, pointing out how naive Subaru’s thinking was.

Hearing this, Subaru widened his eyes at the sharpness of that statement.

[Otto: You mentioned what happened a year ago. Yes, that’s true. But he has been plotting long before what happened in the Sanctuary. You and Emilia-sama seem to be awfully forgiving about that]

[Subaru: ……It’s not that we forgave him. Everything that guy does makes me want to scream “What the hell”, and I’m still super pissed off. But, the fact is, we need that guy’s help. So there’s not much we can do, and Emilia has the same considerations]

[Otto: That’s called being forgiving. ……Though I’m not saying that’s a bad thing]

Otto shot an impatient gaze at Subaru, conveying his sense of urgency.

In other words, Otto was telling him that he wasn’t nearly wary enough. Of course, Subaru knew that it was something he had to keep eye on, but,

[Otto: It’s fine. The way you’re approaching it is fine. There’s no need to change that. Since I’ll be seeing to the necessary precautions]

[Subaru: Precautions?]

[Otto: As the Internal Minister, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to interact with Margrave Mathers. From what I’ve seen over the past year, I didn’t notice any signs of scheming or strange behaviors. But, that’s not to say he couldn’t have already laid his plans before that. He could easily have put some sort of delayed-activation in place]

[Subaru: ――――]

Subaru closed his mouth. Otto’s wariness and concerns got through.

He had every reason to distrust Roswaal. It was just the natural consequence of that man’s actions, be it good or bad. Though in this case, mostly bad.

[Otto: If he follows the Book of Wisdom’s every word and believes that it foretells the future, then one look inside the book will let us know everything that he is planning. That way we can take the necessary measures to guard against any betrayals in the future]

[Subaru: You mean, you want to restore that book…… because you don’t trust Roswaal?]

[Otto: ……Quite the opposite. It’s precisely because I don’t want to distrust my allies that I want to make sure. At least, I want to know for sure that nothing unfortunate is going to happen. So I kept the Book of Wisdom in hopes of restoring it. ……I didn’t consult you before doing this, sorry about that]

With this apology, Otto lowered his head.

But, in front of him, Subaru couldn’t say a word. He did not feel like he had the right.

Otto’s concerns and the actions he took to resolve them――

They were all things that Subaru and Emilia should have noticed. In fact, the pains he took to do this were entirely for Subaru and Emilia’s sake.

Now that he realized how Otto had been silently helping him, Subaru felt at once ashamed, remorseful, and incredulous that he hadn’t realized this earlier.

And why would Otto do this for him? Was it just because they are friends?

[Otto: I won’t tell you why, though. It’s pretty boring anyway]

As if having read Subaru’s thoughts, Otto replied.

Being beaten to the punch by the smiling Otto, Subaru breathed a deep sigh.

[Subaru: Somehow, it’s like you’re always bailing me out, you know]

[Otto: That may be, but I think you’re good just the way you were when you made that broadcast, Natsuki-san]

Otto scratched his head, while Subaru clicked his tongue and dropped his shoulders, a bit embarrassed by his considerations.

[Subaru: I understand. I’m on board about the Book of Wisdom. But the problem is, those assholes are still looking for it. So what do we actually do?]

[Otto: Regardless of whether it’s successfully restored or not, I think we better get it back. There’s a great chance that Master Dartz could get hurt, and that’d be the last thing I want]

[Subaru: But we’re going to simultaneously attack all four Control Towers. We don’t have any forces to spare for that]

[Otto: I may be a non-combatant, but I can more than handle myself if I travel by the waterways. I may not look like it, but duping animals like water dragons is one of my top strong suits, you know]

Putting his hand beside his mouth, Otto must be boasting of his Divine Protection of Anima Whispering.

In fact, when it comes to running away, Otto’s Divine Protection would actually be quite handy. Besides, the enemy’s main forces were concentrated at the Control Towers. Assuming they didn’t bring any extra Witch Cultist lackeys, Otto shouldn’t be in too much danger.

[Otto: Rather than worry about me, you should be thinking about the assault-teams. You have to save Emilia-sama, after all. That’s quite the responsibility]

[Subaru: Understood. I’ll take that Greedy asshole’s head myself]

That white-haired monster who took Emilia flashed across his mind.

That, and the fact that he was a Sin Archbishop, meant that he was an enemy that must be defeated.

[Otto: Shall we head back? They must be about done with the debriefing]

Seeing the invigorated Subaru, Otto turned his head to the meeting room. But, just as Subaru nodded and was about head inside with him,

[??????: Subaru-dono]

He was stopped by a call from the stairway.

There was no mistaking who that voice belonged to. The person upstairs, watching him with his stern blue pupils―― was Wilhelm.

[Subaru: Otto, you go on ahead]

[Otto: Alright. We’ll continue this later]

Otto went back into the meeting room while Subaru walked up the stairs to meet Wilhelm, waiting on the upper level.

Then, as soon as they were at the same height, Wilhelm lightly bowed his eyes.

[Wilhelm: Sorry I could not join the conference. I apologize for the inconvenience]

[Subaru: With the situation as it is, no one would think to blame you, Wilhelm-san. So, um…… how is Crush-san?]

He heard she wasn’t well. Or, not just unwell, but in quite a terrible state. As a woman, she probably wouldn’t want anyone else to see her like that, either.

Thinking back on the wretched state of his leg, he could imagine what kind of damage Crusch must have sustained. And that thought alone made him regret imagining it.

To Subaru query, Wilhelm softly cast down his eyes.

[Wilhelm: Crusch-sama has asked to speak to you, Subaru-dono. May I trouble you to come with me?]

[Subaru: Crusch-san asked for me? No, of course I’ll come, but…… is that really alright?]

[Wilhelm: It is her sincere wish. Though Ferris will not be happy about it]

[Subaru: ……I guess not]

Ferris would probably have some bitter words to say to Subaru.

After all, the only two who faced off against Capella on the top floor of the City Hall were Subaru and Crusch, and Subaru alone should have protected her.

[Wilhelm: If Ferris says something disrespectful, please do not mind him. And please forgive him, if possible. Deep down, he does understand. It’s just that he is facing emotions that he could not process]

[Subaru: Watching the person most important to him suffer… I can understand why he’d want to curse the people around him, if only just to take his mind off of the one he’s worrying about]

If venting his rage could ease some of his pain, then who could blame him?

And so Subaru was prepared to take on some of his abuse as well.

[Wilhelm: This way]

Without remarking on Subaru’s reply, Wilhelm led Subaru towards the place where Crusch would be waiting. Tick, tack, the regular rhythm of their footsteps echoed through the hallway.

And on the way,

[Wilhelm: Subaru-dono, there is something else I need to tell you]

[Subaru: What is it? Is it something other than Crusch-san……?]

[Wilhelm: It’s about the two swordsmen accompanying the Sin Archbishops]

Unwittingly, he stopped his breath.

It should have been so obvious, how did he let it slip his mind? Mimi’s unsealable wound, inflicted by the “Divine Protection of the Death-God”.

The true identities of those super-class swordsman should――

[Wilhelm: One of them is “Eight Armed” Kurgan. A formidable swordsman who had been a general of the Vollachian Empire, a man who should have died ten years ago]

[Subaru: A man who… should have died? Uhm, Wilhelm-san…]

[Wilhelm: And the other…]

Wilhelm cut Subaru off just before he could ask his question.

He stopped his steps, and Subaru followed suit. Then, Wilhelm turned his back, and sank into a momentary silence. Subaru took a step forward to peek at the side of Wilhelm’s face―― but instantly regretted it.

He should not have seen it.

[Wilhelm: ――The other, is the Previous-Generation Sword Saint, Thearesia Van Astrea. My wife…… who should have died in battle against the White Whale fifteen years ago]

[Subaru: ――――]

The fact that he could have kept his voice so steady must be a testament to the strength of his will.

But when Subaru saw the wrenching agony that twisted the side of Wilhelm’s face, all that impression fell away.

Chewing his lips, with rage and grief interwoven within his eyes, a crazed passion contorted his wrinkled face beyond recognition―― one look at that expression, and all his emotions were clear as day.

[Subaru: Your wife… and a general of the Empire? Unless… they’re actually still alive……?]

[Wilhelm: If that’s…… no, that isn’t possible. Whether it’s my wife or Kurgan, both of them are dead. That cannot be overturned. The dead are still dead, but being defiled]

[Subaru: If they’re still dead, then…… it’s something like Necromancy?]

Necromancy―― magic that manipulates the dead, is quite common in fictional universes. Of course, as far as fiction is concerned, magic that can return the dead to life is quite common as well. Although, nothing so convenient exists in this world.

This was something Subaru had painfully come to understand in the year-and-several-months he had spent here.

[Wilhelm: Magic that manipulate the dead are forbidden. Though I do know of someone who once used it. In the Demi-Human Wars―― the civil war in Lugnica between Humans and Demi-Humans decades ago, she was one of the three enemies of the Kingdom fighting on the Demi-Humans’ side]

[Subaru: Three enemies of the Kingdom……?]

[Wilhelm: The Demi-Human Hero, Libre Fermi. The Great Strategist, Valga Cromwell. And……]

After pausing for a moment,

[Wilhelm: The Witch, Sphinx. The abominable existence who, without batting an eye, ruthlessly spilled the blood of Human and Demi-Human alike. The only Witch besides Satella whose name remains in the History of the Kingdom]