Chapter 54 — Volume 4, 6 [Along The Road To The Sanctuary]

[Frederica: I will not be able to accompany you, so please take care during your journey. Also, if you would, please tell the Master that Frederica is watching over the estate]

It was the morning of departure, and the dragon carriage was parked outside the front of the mansion. Coming to see them off, with these words, Frederica bent the small of her back in a bow.

Her form in her bow was so beautifully refined, that anyone receiving it would be intimidated into naturally straightening their backs.

In any case, receiving this, Subaru and Emilia met each other’s gaze.

[Emilia: I am the one who should be sorry, I know how hectic things are right now… Roswaal is absent, and I really should be the one acting in his stead, yet……]

[Subaru: Anyway, Emilia and I are clueless when it comes to caring for the mansion. Even if I can handle routine tasks, everyone could see how much of an amateur I am when numbers are involved. I tried throwing Otto into all that to sort it out, but it’s like sprinkling water on hot coals]

Looking at the results over the past two days, Subaru could only smile wryly at how futile their efforts had been.

He and Otto wandered aimlessly through the cluttered office, and the only thing they learned was that “it’s impossible without any explanation from the one responsible” …That one statement pretty much summed up the extent of their progress.

Frederica seemed to have a rough idea, but it would take time to cover the discrepancy after her months of absence. Actually, thinking of how much work was involved in just maintaining the mansion, it wouldn’t have been right to increase her workload even further.

Emilia had attentively taken care of some of the simple tasks, but aside from that, she had no choice but to plug her ears to the rest of it, even though she knew they would start piling up.

[Subaru: It’s like that feeling when you put off doing your summer holiday’s homework, and then the next thing you know, it’s the first day of the new semester. But I was never the kind of guy who doesn’t hand in his homework, though]

[Emilia: I don’t really understand, but isn’t that a good thing? Right now, I feel the complete opposite, and my chest reeealy hurts. It’s not that I feel guilty, but I know it’s not good to leave everything neglected like this]

[Subaru: It’s not actually our fault, that’s how I would rationalize it, but it’s hard for Emilia-tan, isn’t it? Well, I totally understand how unpleasant it feels to just watch things go from bad to worse…]

It was vexing, to have to neglect things that really shouldn’t be put off. But while he could sympathize with Emilia’s sense of guilt, it was also true that there was not much he could do to help.

In the end, he was insufficient, so the only thing to do is to call someone more competent:

[Otto: The ground dragons are all ready to go. Even though it’s only been a few days since they exerted themselves, Natsuki-san’s Patrasche looks like she’s chafing at the bit to get going]

[Subaru: She’s a good hard-working girl, isn’t she? Her previous owner must have had an impressive character, unlike her current one… You think she can guide us there? It’d be horrible to get lost on the way and end up stranded]

The one who broke into their conversation was the man sitting in the driver’s platform of the dragon carriage, conversing with the two ground dragons, Patrasche and Furufu ―― Otto.

Since the Divine Protection of “Anima Whispering” only applied to Otto, to a bystander, he just looked like he had a screw loose in his head while he was talking to the ground dragons, but Subaru didn’t remark on it.

Not noticing that Subaru was sending him a heart-warming look, Otto only responded to his question with a straightforward [uh-huh], nodding.

[Otto: Frederica’s directions were good, and there doesn’t seem to be any problems. I’m sure we can make the trip in under half a day]

[Subaru: I see, I see……But, were you really planning on coming too?]

[Otto: Of course I am coming!!]

After Otto’s gave his seal of approval on Patrasche’s directions, Subaru nodded and moved on to his next question, to which Otto stomped noisily on the wooden platform, bulging his eyes.

[Otto: After all, this will be my first meeting with the Margrave. Sure, I was the one who asked you to introduce me, but imagining the kind of introduction you’d give if I wasn’t there……It’s too frightening, I can’t just leave it to you!]

[Subaru: Oy oy, I’ll get all flustered if you keep trusting me so much]

[Otto: Yeah, though we’ve only known each other for a short while, I already trust you 120% ——I can be certain that Natsuki-san will alway do exactly what I don’t want you to do!]

Subaru twisted his lips at these words, and Emilia, who had been listening silently up to now, let out a sudden burst of laughter.

The two men turned to the source of the laughter at the same time, and Emilia timidly raised up her hand,

[Emilia: Really, you two are such good friends. Whenever I see you together, you’re always bickering so affectionately, it makes me kinda jealous]

[Subaru: If you want, I’ll be affectionate toward Emilia-tan too, only I’ll be flirting instead of bickering. I’ll move Emilia-tan’s bickering time to Otto’s timeslot, and replace it with the affectionate time from Otto’s timeslot]

[Otto: If you do that, there won’t be anything between us except insults and fist fights!?]

Subaru was pretty confident in his skill with words and insults, but if it comes to fighting Otto in a melee, he’s not entirely sure he could come out on top. Otto looks pretty genteel, but Subaru knew personally how strong he was.

In a previous loop, after a harsh exchange, Otto had thrown him off a carriage. Knowing that his opponent wasn’t just a pushover, Subaru figured his chances were pretty slim if they ever ended up head-to-head.

[Subaru: Thinking about it like that, my combat abilities are crazy low. I knew that already, but it’s still depressing]

Like previously mentioned, Subaru would lose to Otto, and it goes without saying that he couldn’t beat Emilia, who knows magic. He had already been demolished by Frederica, and there was no need to mention the sleeping Rem or the shut-in Beatrice. In that case, the only one Subaru had a chance against in the mansion was——

[Subaru: Come to think of it, the only one I’ve got a chance of beating is Petra, and I don’t see her around. What gives?]

[Emilia: I’m scared to ask… but how did your train of thought shift to who you can beat? Anyway Petra has been in the mansion……oh, here she comes]

A bit astounded by Subaru’s futile efforts to gain victory by process of elimination, Emilia looked toward the mansion, her purple eyes faintly flickering. Being affected, and looking toward the same direction, he saw the form of a girl swinging her sleeves in her brand-new maid’s uniform as she ran up to where they stood.

[Petra: Wait, wait a minute. Suba-, Subaru-sama……!]

[Subaru: You don’t need to rush, I wouldn’t do something so heartless as leaving all of a sudden, only Otto would do something like that. Right, Otto?]

[Otto: Don’t you remember what you just said three seconds ago!?]

Smiling at the out-of-breath girl, who was resting her hands on her knees, Subaru pulled Otto into the conversation with some light-hearted teasing as he waited for the girl to catch her breath. Then, wiping her brow softly, Petra looked up.

Her flushed cheeks and her big, round eyes looked adorable. She let out a long breath, releasing her fatigue, and shifted her angelic face into a smile.

[Petra: I wanted to give you this before you leave. Please take it with you]

With that, she held out her hand, revealing a simple handkerchief that seemed nothing out of the ordinary.

The edges of the white cloth were laced with a golden-color, and the tips of his fingers told him it was made with meticulous workmanship. Receiving it, he turned it over to look at the other side.

[Subaru: It’s……embroidered. Oh, it’s really good]

Sewn into the surface of the white cloth, was an embroidery that was most likely hand-stitched by Petra herself. It was done with grey, pink and black colored threads, and the design was something Subaru was very well acquainted with. Just then, Emilia, who had been peeking over his shoulder, let out a small laugh [Aha].

[Emilia: It’s the same Puck you drew, Subaru. Oh wow, it’s really well done]

[Subaru: My disfigured Puck, yeah this is really well done. There mustn’t have been much time to study it either]

[Petra: I got the stamps after doing the Radeeo Calisthenics every morning]

Forgetting to speak politely, Petra pulled something out from around her neck. It was the stamp card Subaru had made and given out to the village children. ——Every morning when they participated in the radio calisthenics, he had stamped their cards with an image he’d engraved onto a sweet potato, in place of a real stamp.

She held in her hand the most recent stamp, the disfigured Puck’s “Gloomy Monday”. She must have worked hard, pricking her fingers as she sewed in the design.

[Subaru: It really is well done. As a Sewing Master, I can’t afford to lose here]

[Petra: Will you take it……Ah, no. Would you please take it?]

[Subaru: It’s actually, “Would you please accept this”. ——Of course, I’ll gladly accept it. It seems a shame to use it for wiping blood, sweat or tears, so I’ll just keep it close as a good luck charm]

Carefully folding the handkerchief, Subaru tenderly, and with great care, put it into his chest pocket before looking back towards Petra. Then, as gently as he could——he looked to the vicious, narrowed eyes and the sharpened fangs filling up the diabolical smile that was currently pointed at Petra. Hearing his words, Petra placed both her hands on her blushing face and looked away.

[Petra: I shall await your safe return. Oh, and big sister and the noisy guy too]

[Emila: It kinda seems like I’m just an extra…]

[Otto: Wait, wasn’t my assessment a little too harsh!?]

Emilia and Otto responded to Petra’s words in turn, a wry smile making its way onto their faces. Subaru couldn’t help but find himself smiling, as Petra seemed to think nothing of the dense pressure emanating from Frederica behind her.

He had no doubt that the moment they leave, Petra will be set upon Frederica’s harsh education. Petra, live strong!

[Subaru: Well then, while it’s hard to leave you all, we should be on our way]

[Emilia: If we spend too much time talking here, it’d have been meaningless to try to leave so early]

Subaru interjected, putting an end to the vibrant conversation, before hopping up into the cargo space of the dragon carriage. After that, he held out his hand,

[Subaru: If you would, Emilia-tan. Into my arms]

[Emilia: I’m sure it would be pleasant to see the scenery from the driver’s platform once in awhile?]

[Subaru: Ahh, heartless! E · M · K (Emilia-tan Major Koakuma*)! ——Oh, wah!] *little-devil

Being treated so cruelly, Subaru was almost about to withdraw his hand, when it was pulled so forcefully that he nearly fell out of the carriage as Emilia passed casually beside him.

Her silver hair brushed against his nose as she went by, until she landed inside the dragon carriage with a tiny sound. Softly sitting down across from Subaru, she tilted her head looking at him,

[Emilia: Something wrong?]

[Subaru: Nope—, nothing—?]

With these words, Subaru loudly stomped his way over to where she was, and plunked himself down beside her. Considering the inside of the carriage was very spacious, Emilia smiled at Subaru’s cramped use of it.

Otto, watching their exchange, grumbled [I can’t stand being associated with you] as he sat down in the driver’s seat, gripping the reins and looking up at the road ahead.

[Otto: Alright then, we’re off. Take care not to bite your tongues please]

[Subaru: Right back at you, don’t shake the carriage too much. And if you’re going to suddenly apply the brakes ——please use the signal we talked about before. Without that, it’ll be hard for me to time when to push Emilia-tan down]

[Emilia: You’re thinking of something like that?]

[Otto: I! I never heard that devilish plot in my life! Wait, when did I get turned into an accomplice!?]

Emilia turned a gaze of near-disdain upon both Subaru and Otto, and didn’t seem to acknowledge Otto’s outcry at the false accusation. Thinking Otto’s wailing at the injustice of it all suited himself well, as though that had nothing to do with him, Subaru lifted up his hand,

[Subaru: Alright. Destination: “Sanctuary”. Let’s be off——!]

[Otto: Who are you to say that!?]

Seeing Otto sulking in the driver’s seat, Subaru replied [You aren’t good at getting hyped, are you] complainingly, before sticking his head out the window to look at the two who were here see to them off,

[Subaru: Okay now, we’re leaving the place in your care. Also……I’m counting on you… to take good care of Rem]

[Frederica: Please, leave it to me. In return, I leave Emilia-sama and the Master in your hands]

[Petra: Take care, and come back safe]

Subaru’s voice held none of its usual playfulness, and as they prepared to depart, Frederica and Petra bowed in farewell.

After that stupidly formal exchange, this time, Subaru decisively ——well, unfortunately, not without some hesitation, severed his thoughts from the mansion.

[Subaru: Oy, we haven’t left yet Otto? You’re slo—w]

[Otto: I can’t understand this treatment!!]

This exchange blowing away the rest of the tension, they set off for the Sanctuary.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

[Frederica: It seems I’m going to have to teach you to speak more politely, and bow properly again]

[Petra: I’m so sorry. It’s just……I wanted to be cosseted, if only a little]

Petra quickly lowered her head, her gesture nearly perfectly imitating Frederica’s teaching. She was a fast learner, and could take things in quickly, and was certainly a student worth teaching.

The exchange from a moment ago was understandable given her age, so there was no reason to scold her over such a minor thing.

[Frederica: I know that you have been close with Subaru-sama and Emilia-sama these past few days. Still, it is not good to forget that your relationship is that of servant and employer]

[Petra: ——Yes ‘mam. I am deeply sorry]

The girl was conscious of the fact that her behavior had been selfish.

She could have behaved exactly as she had been taught, and seen Subaru and the rest off properly, but she had instead intentionally separated herself from her duties as a servant, and chose to see Subaru and the others off as just a simple girl… there must have been a reason for it, and perhaps the reason was small,but it was one she was unable to part with.

[Frederica: There is no propriety in discussing this further. Instead, as penance for what you did, you will be hand-copying extra texts this afternoon]

[Petra: Uuhh……Will the number of topics increase?]

[Frederica: You should have been prepared for at least that much. Then again, if you had already calculated this would be your punishment to make up for your actions, then I am quite looking forward to your future as my student]

Saying that, Frederica clapped her hands with a [Now then], continuing,

[Frederica: Even if Emilia-sama and the rest are out for now, Beatrice-sama is still in the mansion. We can’t afford to become lax with meals and cleaning. If we don’t finish quickly, there won’t be enough time for studies. So Petra, hurry up and finish your tasks]

[Petra: Yes, ‘mam. I’ll go finish them in no time!]

Watching the young girl run off, her clothes flapping, Frederica’s mouth softened ever so slightly, revealing her fangs. With a practiced motion, she covered the smile with her hand, and looked towards the direction where the no longer visible dragon carriage had gone ——towards Emilia and the rest who had departed from the mansion.

[Frederica: It is as you said it would be, Master. Whether they can overcome the “Sanctuary” or not, is up to Emilia-sama and Subaru-sama now]

Closing her eyes, she let the gentle wind wash over her.

[Frederica: Will Emilia-sama be able to overcome it? Bound with the Witch’s blood, that inescapable impasse that is the garden of paradise——]

[Subaru: So, Puck hasn’t shown his face yet, after all?]

[Emilia: No, he hasn’t. I do call out to him, and I still feel his existence inside the crystal but…… this is the first time he has gone missing for this long, so I’m kind of worried.]

In the smoothly galloping dragon carriage, sitting together, only Subaru and Emilia’s voices resounded in the car.

Under the Divine Protection of “Wind Evasion”, the sound of the wind and all the noises outside were almost completely cut off from the dragon carriage. Even while running with such great speed, the near absence of turbulence or sound all made it feel like being in something of a dream.

Perhaps, this was the same luxurious feeling that might be felt while riding in the premium seats of the Shinkansen Bullet Trains, but Subaru never had a chance to experience those seats, and not even the normal seats, for that matter.

Anyway, in the quiet interior of the carriage, the words exchanged between them can be heard crisp and clear. And here, the topic of their conversation drifted to the change that had been bothering them for the past few days —— namely, the absence of the one that was usually by Emilia’s side, that father-figure cat who was always thwarting Subaru’s advances on Emilia… Puck.

[Subaru: Now that I think about it, he had not shown up since before we returned to the Mansion… The last time we saw him was…]

[Emilia: For me was it in the Capital City, when we were in Crusch-sama’s Mansion. I thought everything was very normal, but I couldn’t meet him again after that morning. Even when I call him, he doesn’t show up…… I was worried if I had made him angry or something]

Looking down, Emilia played with the tips of her hair, trying not to show her face to Subaru. These few days, her silver hair had been fixed in a braid.

Seeing Subaru stare at her, as if understanding the intention behind his gaze, she nodded [Yes],

[Emilia: The final contract I made with Puck the last time I saw him was “Keeping my hair in a braid”. After that, I had not been told what to do, so I kept it as it is.]

[Subaru: Your hairstyle is your contract with Puck? Really? That’s really light…… isn’t it? Although, it’s said that hair is the life of a woman, so that’s as if Puck’s contract is holding a life…]

[Emilia: I think that is a reeally light price to pay. I didn’t know this until I got out of the forest, but for getting into contract with a spirit like Puck, conditions like this one are way too light. Roswaal was also very surprised. In reality, you apparently need to have humongous amounts of Mana or complicated terms]

Seeing Emilia loosening the corners of her lips as she said this, Subaru nodded as if thinking of something. But then, he quickly lifted up his jaw to shake Emilia off of her weakened smile,

[Subaru: Well, for restricting even a little bit of Emilia-tan’s time, for me, I would say that is a really heavy price]

[Emilia: Lines like that, if you keep saying it so lightly it would become superficial. If it was something important then it would be better to keep them for important timings, I think]

Emilia voiced her objections at how Subaru was finding more and more ways to flirt. On the other end, Subaru slightly raised both his hands and shook his head,

[Subaru: The secret lines reserved to tell Emilia-tan in important scenes are kept separately. This one was for daily life, one of the many lighter things to say to Emilia-tan]

[Emilia: Really, Subaru, you have a silver tongue. ……Oh no, maybe my face is red so don’t look!]

Seeing Emilia suddenly hold up her palms to cover her face, Subaru laughed, confirming he got what he wanted. And, trying to bring the conversation back on topic, he continued with [Well…]

[Subaru: Since Puck is absent, there are some serious concerns in the combat aspect of this trip. We can’t rely on Otto for fighting, and I’m obviously no good at all. And, Emilia-tan is also not as tough without Puck, right?]

[Emilia: Oh, you say things like that, huh. But I’ll have you know, I can still use magic when Puck’s not here. It’s not just Puck, I have contracts with micro-spirits too. I have no problem communicating with them, so I can fight. I will protect you no matter what happens.]

[Subaru: Oh no, so manly… That’ll mean I’m way too pathetic, aren’t I… Those words, I myself will eventually say them to Emilia-tan one day, so please wait]

[Emilia: I’ll be waiting without any expectations]

As if proving Emilia’s words, coming nearer, and gathering closer onto Emilia’s fingertips, the micro spirits appeared drifting, shining. While they looked like Julius’ demi-spirits, their existences seemed weaker in comparison —— and though their power was a world away from Puck’s, at least, they certainly didn’t appear to be a collection of defenseless beings.

The only girl in the group, and the one he has a crush on, no less… having to rely on her for protection would really be embarrassing…

[Subaru: That said, my reliance on other people hasn’t changed much since the battle with the White Whale. I was completely dependent on Rem then, and even before that……wait, was there never a time when I worked everything out on my own!?]

Of course, that was the story from his perspective, and it might have been too much of an undervaluation.

But in any case, since there was no one with enough information to find fault with this conclusion, Subaru’s horrified reaction upon realizing all this was just passed off.

[Subaru: Well, Sanctuary, huh. Actually, what kind of a place could it be…]

After a bit of self-reflection, he gazed out at the scenery outside through a little window, muttering this under his breath.

Right now, to Subaru, the Sanctuary was a place of absolute unknown. The sound of the name itself did not give off a very dangerous impression, but Frederica’s warnings as she spoke of the Sanctuary weighed heavily his mind. Out of those words,

[Subaru: “Beware of Garfiel”, huh]

[Emilia: You hadn’t met him yet either, right, Subaru? I have only heard the name too, and Frederica didn’t tell me in detail either]

As if following Subaru’s mutterings, Emilia’s neat eyebrows narrowed anxiously as well. The scene that emerged in her mind, was probably the same as the one in Subaru’s.

The scene of Frederica’s warning, to be wary of the man named Garfiel but refusing to say any more.

Even when Subaru voiced his dissatisfaction at the tiny amount of information he had been given, she only stubbornly rejected, saying [It is because of my Oath], and would not say another word. Emilia and Subaru, not knowing what to do, did not push her further.

[Subaru: I really should’ve gotten more out of her… Knowing full well he’s a dangerous character, she’s sending us there with only a name, it’s just too much]

[Emilia: It can’t be helped, it’s an Oath. Agreements are Holy and Inviolable, never to be breached. Contracts and Oaths and Pacts, though they vary in gravity, must all be kept equally]

Swinging her raised finger, Emilia recited this to Subaru as if instructing him.

Contracts and Oaths and Pacts, like a word-game they flew into his ears, and the question suddenly coming into his mind, he let it slip from his lips,

[Subaru: So, between Emilia-tan and Puck is a Contract. Between Frederica and Roswaal is an Oath out of moral obligation. And then, the agreement exchanged between the Dragon and the Kingdom, is a Pact…… am I right? Or did I get something wrong?]

[Emilia: It isn’t separated out so distinctly, but as I understand it, Contracts are between individuals, Oaths are made when one party swears to another, and Pacts are agreements that transcend individuals, and transcend even Time… That’s how I was taught, at least]

[Subaru: I see. It does fit that understanding of it…]

Nodding to Emilia’s explanation, Subaru proceeded to violently scratch his head, and continued with [But still],

[Subaru: It’s adorned with such lofty words, though… Agreements are Holy and Inviolable, right?]

[Emilia: Agreements…… Promises are important things. Of course, Oaths, and even Contracts have no force to protect them. It isn’t there, but still, we keep promises. We work hard to keep them, right? Even if no one is watching, or no one realizes it, Promises are kept. Whether it’s the other person or myself, we would do our best to keep it]

Holding her hands to her chest, Emilia locked her gaze on Subaru, who had asked the question so lightly. The tone of her voice was gentle, and there was no sense of blaming him… but his heart hurt all the more because of it.

[Emilia: Because we believe this, we give our word, and work hard to fulfill them. Because promises are kept to protect the trust between one another, right?]

[Subaru: About that… I am really sorry―― !]

In the interior of the carriage, without the slightest hint of turbulence, Subaru fell onto the floor and dropped his head straight in front of him.

Seeing him rubbing his forehead on the floor in a full DOGEZA*, for a moment, Emilia flapped her eyelids in astonishment, then a few seconds later, reflecting on what she just said combined with Subaru’s current movements, she seemed to understand.

(*Dogeza is falling prostrate and pressing one’s forehead and hands on the ground, for kneeling to one’s lord or when praying to a God. Tappei wrote DOGEZA in English in the Japanese text :3)

[Emilia: Oh, I wasn’t blaming you or anything. Well it is true that you didn’t keep your promise, and then didn’t even apologize, and instead turned on me, so it’s true that I had gone like “what’s this!”…]

[Subaru: Ow ow ow my ears hurt!]

[Emilia: But then, after thinking about it, I realized I was being unfair and was only seeing my side of things. I should have gone to reconcile with Subaru right after but I was so obstinate, that I didn’t, so it was also my fault. Really, sorry]

[Subaru: Ow ow ow my chest hurts!]

[Emilia: Agreements and things like that, maybe they are deeper and heavier for me… because I am a Spirit-Arts user, contracts are more vital to me than to normal people. Spirit-Arts users must honor our contracts with spirits above all else, and that’s why I’m over-sensitive when it comes to this…… Yeah, so promises are a reeeaally big deal for me. Now that I think about it, Subaru, reflect on what you did]

[Subaru: Ow ow ow my heart hurts!]

While she was blurting all this out, as if remembering everything Subaru put her through, Emilia started to pout. Sensing this, Subaru pressed his head down even harder.

It was clear now, why she was so infuriated with him in the Royal Palace.

It was not just anger due to a broken promise. For her, the promise in itself meant something far more, and far heavier. When Subaru had broken it so lightly, even a soft-hearted person such as herself could not stay calm.

Because, without realizing, Subaru had trampled on something very important in Emilia’s heart.

[Emilia: Did you, reflect on your actions now?]

[Subaru: I repent. Deeper than the oceans, higher than the mountains, wider than the skies, and more expansive than the cosmos.]

[Emilia: Alright, I forgive you]

Softly poking Subaru in the forehead as he looked up, Emilia then touched her finger to her lips, smiling lightly. Relieved that there was no hint of anger from her, and also because her next movement was so adorable, Subaru found himself unable to connect his words.

Not paying any mind to the way Subaru was moving his mouth like a breathing fish, Emilia turned to look to the road ahead, and,

[Emilia: The Sanctuary, and Garfiel. And Roswaal, and everyone from the village…… there are so many people to talk to, right now my heart is already pounding]

[Subaru: Don’t worry, I would never let Emilia-tan be put in any danger. Please trust your second shield, myself]

[Emilia: You’re the second? Then, who’s the first?]

[Subaru: Right now, he’s driving the dragon carriage and flirting with my Patrasche]

Looking at Subaru, who had just named Otto as a meat shield without his consent, this time, Emilia couldn’t hold it in and burst out laughing. Watching her breaking out in laughter, Subaru was content, and in his mind, he wondered how many obstacles will be waiting for them in their road ahead.

Ever since he came to this world, he had been presented with one problem after another without a moment’s rest.

Even along the road to the Sanctuary, worries and expectations of what lies in store in that unknown land were brewing within his heart. Anyhow, Frederica herself had instigated it, and Roswaal and the fact that the other villagers had not returned only added to his doubts, and there was Subaru’s own inability to get Puck to come out, and… what he left in the mansion… worried him to no end.

[Emilia: Were you, thinking about Rem-san?]

[Subaru: ……You can tell?]

Subaru had suddenly fell silent. Gazing at the side of his face, Emilia tilted her head.

Her silver hair slid off of her shoulder as she did so, and lifting the tip her braid with her fingers and swinging it side to side, she said, [I can], and,

[Emilia: Just like the way you always look at me, I’d think about Subaru the same way, too]

[Subaru: So that means, Emilia-tan, you are thinking about me all the time?]

[Emilia: Oh, actually take it as half of half of half of that]

[Subaru: That means 3 hours…..!]

[Emilia: Half of half of half of……]

[Subaru: I’ll get hurt if I hear the exact number, so no more!]

Calling out to stop Emilia, who had been trying to calculate the exact realistic number, Subaru dropped a small sigh and scratched his cheek, and,

[Subaru: I’ve entrusted her to Frederica and Petra, so there is no need to worry. There shouldn’t be…… but still, this anxiety that shouldn’t be welling up in me, I can’t explain it in words]

[Emilia: You worry because you are worried, it can’t be helped. It just means that’s how important she is to you. To be thought about like that, I’m actually a little bit jealous]

[Subaru: Let me say this right now, I feel just as strongly about Emilia-tan…… wait, you just tricked me into saying that, right?]

[Emilia: Yes, I was being mean. Sorry]

Sticking out her tongue, through that one act she forgave it all.

In front of Subaru, who couldn’t help but make gargle sounds with his throat, Emilia said [But…] looking up at him,

[Emilia: The one you’re even more worried about is Beatrice, right?]

[Subaru:……Unless, Emilia-tan, are our hearts connected to each other? The “GOOD END” is already in sight!]

[Emilia: Usually you would go “There’s no way I’m worried” even though you are, but today, you didn’t even say that. It must mean you are really worried]

Being hit right on the mark, Subaru almost let out a “Guu”, and bit his lips with a vexed expression on his face.

But he quickly snapped out of it, and

[Subaru: Worried? I’m not worried or anything. It’s just, breaking off with a fight like that, I couldn’t meet with her again afterwards. So leaving the Mansion without seeing her again left me with a bit of a bad feeling, that’s all. Yeah, just a little bit. Just that tiny bit, just the tip]

[Emilia: That sounded a bit dirty to me, maybe I’m thinking too much into it…]

[Subaru: You’re not imagining it, that was just me]

Hiding his happiness at getting the reaction he was aiming for, Subaru looked at Emilia, who tilted her head, still smiling slightly as if not understanding a thing, and

[Subaru: If Beako’s hikikomori problem gets worse, being originally a hikikomori myself, I’d feel some kind of responsibility…]

[Emilia: Hikikomori…… Subaru, you know a lot about that right? Beatrice, is she coming out?]

[Subaru: It’d be really hard, actually. Without finding a good opportunity, just pulling her out forcefully isn’t good, but then taking too much time would be indulging her too much. Those hikikomori are such a pain in the ass to…… Wait! I was one myself!]

After that stupid ending, he tried to correct the direction of the conversation again.

After all, since they were heading to the Sanctuary right now, it wouldn’t be something they’ll deal with until their return.

[Subaru: After I get back, I’ll have to talk over a lot of things with Beako. Last time, I couldn’t get her to tell me any of the things I wanted to know]

[Emilia: Beatrice and Puck, it feels like they know all sorts of things, and are hiding them from us]

[Subaru: I get the same feeling. Even with Frederica, but then, everyone associated with that Mansion has a habit of saying something suggestive and then leaving the answers out for later. It’s like a disease already. Not the good kind of disease, either. And that Beako, returning the Gospel like that, saying things that I still can’t get out of my mind…]

The Gospel, which Beatrice had thrown back at him along with her mystifying words, is currently safely in Subaru’s keeping. If it was just going to be a nuisance, he could have left it behind, but in the worst case, he could interrogate Roswaal about it, so he brought it along with him.

But because it was so creepy, he kept it at the very bottom of his bag, as if quietly hiding it from sight.

[Emilia: ――I think we’ve entered the forest]

Emilia, suddenly lifting her face, and brushing away the hair from her forehead, said this as she looked all around. Following her, Subaru also raised his head, but from inside the carriage he could not see it right away. Stepping toward the window and peeking out, it’s true that the colors outside had become deepened with green.

[Subaru: You didn’t even look outside but you could tell, huh]

[Emilia: Even though it’s mixed, it’s because I have Elf’s blood in me. They say that Elves are the race of the Forests, and so the Elves and the Forests have an inseparable bond――]

Then, just as Emilia said this with a fleeting smile,

A sudden, subtle sensation shocked Subaru’s skin, and he looked around to see what it was. But of course, the impact that surged through the surroundings, was not something his eyes could see.

Inside the carriage, the Divine Protection of “Wind Evasion” still separated out the rest of the world.

But,

[Subaru: –––!? Hey, hey!]

[––––––]

Emilia’s slender body was swaying powerlessly, and just like that, began to fall, and Subaru, sliding in, managed to catch her just in time.

Her momentum stopped by his embrace, lying feebly in his arms, Emilia’s eyes were closed, on her face was a pained expression as she lay faintly panting.

[Subaru: Wait, Emilia-tan!? What happened, Emilia!?]

Emilia couldn’t seem to reply. She looked as if she was in pain, but other than her shallow, accelerated breathing and her excruciating expression, there was no sign of fever or even sweating.

Lifting her up lightly in his arms, Subaru immediately realized he could not deal with this by himself. So, rushing to the front, he stuck his head through the small window connecting to the driver’s platform, and

[Subaru: Otto! Something’s wrong, Emilia suddenly collapsed! Do you have any medicine or……]

[Otto: Oh– Natsuki-san, sorry]

Subaru’s impatient words trailed off. Otto, at whom he had thrown these words, had sweat forming on his forehead. Turning to Subaru, he replied with a voice that seemed to have lost all strength.

Subaru noticed two things–– The first, was that the carriage had stopped. Patrasche and Furufu had halted their steps, and were standing still between the trees. So overwhelming was his emotion in the previous moments that had not even realized that the carriage had stopped, but now, there was another, even more serious problem.

That was the second thing he noticed,

[???: Just waltz’n in straight from th’front, y’got some nerve, stranger]

As if spitting out the words, unlike the literal content of what he was saying, there was not the slightest hint of friendliness in the way he said it.

With only this one sentence, one could almost grasp the character of the person who spoke those words.

True to that impression, the man flaunting himself in front of the dragon carriage looked exactly what he sounded like.

With spiky short blonde hair, a white scar prominent on his forehead, the sharp leer of his eyes did not lose to Subaru’s in their viciousness, and like that of a feline beast, the canine-teeth in his jaws peered out, exceedingly white. His curling, slouching back made him seem rather short for a man, but the darkly ferocious aura emanating from his entire body removed any inclination to underestimate him for his small stature.

[???: D’know where th’hell y’came from, but y’look like’a “stake goes through with’a brittle point” kind o’guy]

[Subaru: Huh, wha?]

Hearing a strange idiom he had never heard before, Subaru only let out a confused moan, but his opponent, listening, must have taken it for fear, and with a dismissing laugh [Hah],

[???: Oh? Y’scared eh. But’s true y’struck some bad luck. After all, th’place y’tried t’sneak into was’a place, an’what’s more, y’ran right into ME]

The man laughed viciously, clacking his fangs as he laughed, and, putting his fists together, he lowered his stance, ready for battle. And in that posture, he looked up with a glare at his silent adversary,

[Garfiel: Meet’n up with GARFIEL was th’end of y’luck. Now GET WRECKED like’a “PAZO-MAZO RIGHT AN’LEFT”!]

The punk who named himself, cussing incomprehensibly, thumped his foot into the ground.

And the moment after, the overwhelming impact, as if reversing the world, struck Subaru.

-=Chapter 6 End=-