Chapter 63 — Volume 4, 15 [Qualifications And Trials]

――On the morning of the next day, trodding on grass still adorned by the morning’s dew, Subaru was looking up toward the entrance of the ruins he had visited the day before.

Yesterday, having been restricted by time, he didn’t get a chance to take a good look at the exteriors. But looking at it now, it all actually seemed to have been surprisingly well maintained.

Although the callously sprawling ivy had spread to cover the entire exterior of the entrance, the plants surrounding the Tomb have been neatly attended to, and he could discern on the Tomb itself signs of restorations of broken walls that had deteriorated over the ages.

[Subaru: Not really sure what kind of relationship those guys here have with the Tomb]

Touching his hand to the walls that were showing strange colors under the light of the Sun, Subaru mumbled this under his breath.

He thought back to the conversation with Garfiel and Lewes in the previous night inside the room in which Roswaal was confined. They all wanted Emilia to take the Trials, and hoped, as a result, she would be able to liberate them from their imprisonment within the Sanctuary.

[Subaru: Judging from what they said, for Garfiel and the others, the Witch is just something of a nuisance, isn’t it? So why are they maintaining the Tomb like it’s so important to them……]

[Otto: Maybe it’s the opposite. The Tomb is the reason that the people here are all bound to this land, right? So until someone passes the Trials, they mustn’t allow the Tomb to get damaged. Since if demolishing the Tomb would set them free, Garfiel would have already done it a long time ago, wouldn’t he?]

The one who followed up on Subaru’s deductions was Otto, who was wandering behind him, looking all around the Tomb.

Early in the morning, Otto, who had been sleeping inside the dragon carriage just as he declared he would, got woken up and was bullied by Subaru into coming along to the Tomb on a scouting mission. Naturally, Otto grumbled about it at first, but…

[Otto: Then again, it’s rare to get a chance to visit something like the Tomb of the Witch of Greed….. maybe coming along would be worth it after all. There’s no knowing whether we’ll find some treasure belonging to the Witch of Greed along the way. We could make a fortune!]

[Subaru: If you go around announcing that you’re selling some Witch-related stuff, won’t the over-obsessive guys from the Witch Cult come hunt you down? Sorry I woke you up, that was my bad, gees, but don’t go broadcasting it and bring a sea of flames here]

Saying this, trying to save the merchant-souled Otto from himself, Subaru turned back to the Tomb once again. Silence fell all around, and the only sounds remaining, filtering through the trees, were the chirping of insects, and the rustling of leaves caressed by the wind.

A crisp air was flowing through the Sanctuary in the dawn, it was perfect for a morning stroll.

[Otto: Say, we didn’t come out here just to breathe the air and go right back, right? If you wanted to enjoy a stroll in the morning, you’d probably have brought Emilia-sama instead of me]

[Subaru: Surprisingly, Emilia-tan’s no-good in the mornings. Even though Emilia-tan being groggy after just waking up is dangerously adorable…… it’ll have to wait until everything’s settled down. She’s probably still stressed out after the conversations yesterday, I’ll let her sleep for a little longer]

[Otto: So, you’ve got the men together for your skullduggery while the Princess is asleep. You, sir, are a wicked one]

Sensing Otto gleefully squinting his eyes at him, Subaru only shrugged. But still, Otto’s reading was dead-on. The truth is, it was in order to do something he wouldn’t want Emilia to see, that Subaru came to the Tomb.

[Otto: Then, what are we doing? I’m not too confident with my magic abilities, but if it’s using Wind and Water magic to stifle the sound of footsteps or to suddenly hide myself in a flash…… ah, and I can also transfer my footsteps to a completely different location]

[Subaru: Your magic, sounds like it’s incredibly useful for cat burglars, doesn’t it?]

[Otto: Well, people usually take it the wrong way. But I wouldn’t use it for stealing. I have no qualms about using it to listen-in on conversations, though]

Seeing Otto bragging this with eyes narrowed and his white teeth all showing, Subaru sighed.

Then, lifting up a finger in front of the high-spirited Otto, Subaru pointed it toward the Tomb.

[Subaru: I want to take a look inside the Tomb for a bit. If my predictions are correct, the lights inside the Tomb will send me blessings for my future endeavors. If I’m wrong, then I’ll probably keel over and won’t get up, in that case, if you’ll be so good as to pull me out…]

[Otto: What kind of person would just say “Alright, I got it” after listening to that explanation!? Keeling over and won’t get up, what’s that supposed to mean, please stop right there, I’m getting scared now!]

In reaction to Subaru’s super-important announcement, Otto started wailing. But hearing Otto’s complaint, Subaru looked over as if watching an unreasonable child, and,

[Subaru: Listen up, this is the Tomb of the Witch of Greed. Simply put, if you set one foot inside the place without the Witch’s permission your consciousness will be snatched right out with its roots. I got done-in like that yesterday. So this place is dangerous, don’t you be going in there]

[Otto: If it didn’t work out yesterday, Natsuki-san shouldn’t be going in either, right? If you know you’re going to keel over why do you still want to go in, it’ll only make a mess of things, let’s not do that. Besides, if it really ends up that way how will I get Natsuki-san out?]

[Subaru: Always questions, questions, coming out one after another…… If you keep believing there will be an answer to everything, you’ll be getting into a spoiled mentality, you know]

[Otto: Please stop trying to gloss things over with sophistries just because it’s too bothersome to explain!]

Having been completely seen through, Subaru smacked his tongue and scowled. Seeing how in the short time they’ve known each other Otto has already grasped all the tricks in dealing with him, Subaru shook his head dejectedly,

[Subaru: Here, I borrowed some rope from the dragon carriage. I’ll tie this around my waist, so if I collapse inside, you can gently, calmly, lovingly pull me out]

[Otto: No matter how gently, calmly, lovingly I pull you, you’ll still be getting mud and cuts all over I think]

[Subaru: Well I can’t be picky considering the circumstances. Just think of it as repaying a favor]

[Otto: You’re the one who owes me a favor, right!?]

While Otto was raising his objection and putting on his grumbling-face, Subaru had already tied the rope around his own waist and handed him the other end. Unwillingly accepting it, Otto carefully inspected the loop around Subaru’s waist, and yanked on it just to be sure it was safe.

However much he might be complaining, he was still a conscientious person.

[Subaru: Despite being a merchant, you seem really easy to fool…… is it really alright for a guy like you to be doing business?]

[Otto: You know, you seem to have completely forgotten how I’m literally holding your life in my hands right now]

As Subaru looked at him with a motherly gaze, Otto squinted his eyes, tugged on the rope and grumbled.

With a wry smile, Subaru gave him a slight bow on the spot, and in the same breath he turned round about, toward the entrance of the Tomb.

A foul, earthy air was quietly flowing from the Tomb. The morning light of the sun, like the twilight of yesterday’s, lit only several meters into the entrance before vanishing entirely. The other end of the tunnel was shrouded in absolute dark, and nothing seemed to have changed from the path that had collapsed the moment he set his foot inside.

[Subaru: Well, it wouldn’t actually collapse anyway, I’d just go splat on the first step, so that’d actually make it easier to pull me out, I guess]

[Otto: Natsuki-san, you can go in whenever you’re ready, just give me a signal when you’re going in]

[Subaru: Alright, I’m going in!]

Subaru had no hesitations in making that decision.

In the worst case, he’d faint and get called by the Witch to another tea party. Although he wasn’t especially looking forward to getting his arm ripped off, punched into healing, and drinking body fluids again――

[Subaru: But compared to all the brink-of-life-and-death stuff so far, it’s not all that baaaa――d!]

Declaring this, Subaru nimbly jumped-off into the entrance of the Tomb.

The threshold――or whatever that might be called, crossing over that boundary between the sunlight and the shadow of the Tomb, Subaru gingerly opened his eyes.

Whereas yesterday, his first step had been met instantly by the torment of that weightless sensation――

[Subaru: The ground is solid. I didn’t fall in]

It’s an improvement from yesterday, and while it was subtle, it was nonetheless a reassuring change. Taking a deep breath, he took another step. And with his second step into the Tomb, Subaru’s body was completely swallowed by the shadows of the ruins.

To Otto, waiting outside, Subaru’s figure must have become obscured or perhaps even lost to sight altogether.

[Otto: Natsuki-san, are you alright? If you’re going to faint, please give me a signal like “I’m gonna faint!” while you’re fainting]

[Subaru: That’s a bit difficult isn’t it… And I wouldn’t want to admit it if I’m going to faint, I’d probably shout something like “I don’t wanna faint!”]

[Otto: What’s with the unnecessary pride in a situation like this!]

Along with their usual exchange, they took some small comfort in confirming each other’s positions through their voices. And, reassured by that sense of relief, Subaru took a third step, and then a fourth.

[Otto: ――Oh]

[Subaru: Ah…….]

The next moment, the scene spread out at once in front of Subaru’s eyes.

Rather, in an instant, the shadow was banished from the ruins, and its interiors bared itself for the intruder’s eyes to see.

Upon the walls on both sides of the corridor, at about the height of Subaru’s shoulders, lined up in equal and even intervals, the lamps lit up, and with faint, swerving luminescence, lighted the path.

It was a corridor constructed of the same material as the exterior walls, about the width of Subaru’s outstretched arms, or two people walking side by side. The height was such that he might bump his head if he jumped. Or, if that giant balding old man was here, there would probably be sparks flying from his scalp scraping against the ceiling as he walked if he doesn’t bend down.

[Otto: ……There’s light coming from inside. Is that some kind of condition being met?]

[Subaru: This is a welcoming for someone who’s qualified to take the Trials of the night, or so they say…… I thought in the worst case I might’ve been just spacing out and daydreaming all of this]

Once again trying to make sure that what he saw was real, Subaru held up his palms and stared at them. Then, touching himself on the forehead, Subaru recalled the sensation of the touch he had received from her fingertip within the dream.

[Subaru: Looks like I’ve received your souvenir from the tea party all well and good. Even though you pretty much charged me a price for it without my permission… I wasn’t planning on telling anyone for the time being anyway]

[Otto: Hey I can see inside as well, so then what’ll happen if I come in with you? Can we pillage the Witch of Greed’s Tomb now?]

[Subaru: All I know is that there’s an evil wizard whose whole body got split open when he tried to go in and he’s still recovering from his wounds. What’ll happen to you though, I’m too not sure]

[Otto: Isn’t that incredibly scary!?]

Listening to Otto getting frightened behind him, Subaru confirmed once more that he had achieved his objective. Although he should be able to venture deeper inside like this, there was a chance that Otto might want to follow in behind him, so Subaru had to abandon that idea for now.

Either way, all that Subaru wanted to do was to confirm that he was qualified for the Trials, and to verify that the words Echidona said to him within the dream could be believed.

In any case, if he could step into the Tomb, then the knowledge and conditions Echidona had given him, along with the payment she extracted, must all have been real. And the same, then, would go for all those Witches that Subaru had met inside that daydream.

[Subaru: If that’s true, then 400 years ago, those “GOING-MY-WAY” Witches would’ve been going HYA-HA all over the place, wouldn’t they. What must that have been like, at the end of that century…… good thing I got transported into this Age, I guess]

Just the thought of an age wrought by chaos by the Witches of Sin and the Witch of Envy, makes the present Age seem pretty reasonable in comparison. Although the atrocities of the Sin Archbishops would offset this somewhat.

Still, what a pain in the ass those Witches must have been, every last one of them.

[Subaru: Anyways, all the preparations on my end are O-K. Now it’s just waiting for nightfall, and seeing how Emilia-tan’s Trials turn out. Then let’s maintain a high degree of flexibility, and be ready to adapt to the situation]

Although it sounded nice, that pretty much meant he had no plans whatsoever. Saying that, Subaru looked back at the Tomb’s entrance once more as he left.

Returning to a worried-looking Otto, Subaru untied the rope around his waist and left it next to the entrance.

[Subaru: It might come in handy again, besides, maybe I’ll need it tonight, so I’ll hide it here for now. And sorry for dragging you along, Otto]

[Otto: No, that’s alright, as long as you came back safe…… but more importantly, aren’t we going back empty-handed? You went in the Tomb but didn’t bring anything back, what did you even go in for?]

[Subaru: I’m having a really hard time figuring out which part of what you just said I should take seriously, but maybe I’ll just take that as your artistic style. I’m not religious or anything, but grave robbing is still not something I’d do you know?]

It’s not easy to understand why Japan, being an otherwise the irreligious country, manages to revere eight million gods without actually believing in any single one in particular. One could even say it’s the homebase of the hodgepodge-approach when it comes to religion. Or, it might be just as accurate to call it a collection of cowards being overly-wary of ghosts just in case they actually exist.

[Otto: Of course all that was just joking around. But if that was all, you didn’t really need me here, did you? Why’d you bring me along?]

[Subaru: Actually, it was somewhat of a gamble whether I could go in or not. So whether it was getting confused at seeing me falling on my face, or getting traumatized for life after witnessing my body exploding, it’d be best if the victim of that was you……]

[Otto: What kind of selection criteria is that!? And I got more than just a little hunch that was by the process of elimination!]

[Subaru: Dummy, you were the first person that came to mind when I thought about who to trouble. Don’t make me say it out loud, it’s embarrassing]

[Otto: Any human being should be embarrassed to make that kind of decision!]

Hearing Subaru’s shamelessly dished-out explanation, Otto’s high-pitched retort echoed outwards. Throughout the forest in the morning, reverberating against the ruins, and lingering there, like a regretful conversation with itself. Usually, one would expect the only audience, besides the people present, to be the insects and the animals hidden within the trees, but――

[???: Already so loud so early in the morning, oy. Makin’ a racket right above where a Witch’s sleepin, it’s like “Yohororoi only crows in th’morning”, y’know]

[Subaru: Such a pain in the ass, that Yohororoi. I’ll give him a talking-to next time I see him]

Saying this, turning his gaze away from Tomb’s entrance, Subaru saw, coming from the forest beside him, the one who had cut into their conversation―― scratching his short, golden hair, baring his white fangs, it was Garfiel.

And roughly rubbing away the sweat on his forehead,

[Garfiel: I’ll say this first, runnin’ into ya was a coincidence. Every morning I do a run around the outskirts of the Sanctuary so I just found you guys here. Don’t gimme that leery look]

[Subaru: It’s not that I’m being wary. Besides, we didn’t say anything we can’t let other people overhear. Right Otto? Totally, nothing that we can’t let other people overhear]

To that feint, or whatever Garfiel’s words were supposed to be, Subaru shurgged, and proceeded to violently pat Otto on the shoulder. As if utterly confused at being slapped around, Otto let out a [Uuuehh?]

[Otto: E-eehh, yeah that’s right, nothing especially troublesome or suspicious or anything like that? Just a little rehearsal for grave-robbing later, just a little rehearsal, that sort of thing!]

[Subaru: Amazing, Otto. I’ve never seen a man dig his own grave this happily right in front of another grave before]

Seeing the high spirited Otto suddenly looking like he had no idea what he was saying, Subaru quickly cut him off and stole a glance at Garfiel’s reaction. But, judging from Garfiel’s expression, it seemed like Otto’s confession-of-sorts had completely went in one ear and came out the other.

[Garfiel: What is it, comeon, I won’t snitch or get angry or anything. Long as you aren’t breaking stuff or doing something that’s bad for the Sanctuary, I won’t have to do anything]

[Subaru: Is that, so. Then I sincerely thank you for that guarantee. It’s too bad even if I want to fight it out I don’t think I stand any chance of winning]

[Garfiel: Eesh, I already feel sorry for ya before even fightin ya…… kinda wanna say that, but nevermind. It’s the same thing whatever opponent I’m lookin at. I am the strongest, after all]

His eyes beaming, Garfiel said this full of self-satisfaction.

In reality, after having seen first-hand what he was capable of, only an idiot would raise an objection here. But, because he knew Reinhardt, whose existence was of an entirely different dimension, he still had the urge to say a word or two about it.

But swallowing back what he had wanted to say, Subaru slightly raised his hand with a [Al~~right then],

[Subaru: It should be about time Emilia-tan woke up now, I want to keep her company for her morning studies so I was just thinking of heading back. You’re in the middle of your morning run too, right? So let’s just……]

[Garfiel: You’re heading to the Cathedral, huh. Then I’ll accompany ya]

As Subaru was hurriedly trying to say goodbyes and go their separate ways, he was cut off by Garfiel’s unexpected proposal. Surprised, Subaru was just about to refuse with a [Naaah], when,

[Garfiel: Frankly, you should listen to my advice. Besides, you shouldn’t be wanderin around the Sanctuary with just you two guys in the first place. There’s no knowin what could happen]

[Subaru: ――? What does that mean. That’s an odd way to put it. You made it sound as if it’s dangerous here]

[Garfiel: That’s why I’m tellin ya, isn’t it]

Seeing Subaru looking confused as if not understanding his words, Garfiel clacked his teeth with [What’m I gonna do with ya], and then, drawing near, he continued in a lowered voice,

[Garfiel: Pisses me off to be talking about family troubles, but the residents of the Sanctuary are not all in the same basket]

[Subaru: What’s, that supposed to mean?]

[Garfiel: If we follow the village-chief granny’s plan, it’d be taking Roswaal and the humans as hostages and forcing Emilia-sama to take the Trials and break the Witch’s contract or somethn like that. But in reality, only about half the guys are on board with the old hag’s plan……and then there’s also a bunch who aren’t]

Coming to this point, Garfiel lowered his tone even further.

[Garfiel: For the guys who want to stay holed up in this Sanctuary, you guys being here is a bit of a nuisance. To prevent Emilia-sama from takin’ the Trials, who knows what kind of trouble they’ll stir up]

[Subaru: Unless you mean…… there’s a chance they’ll be turning their fangs on Otto and me?]

[Garfiel: There’s a chance they’ll even use violence on Emilia-sama, I think. Well, it’s like “Even the snorting becomes rough in front of th’hole” y’know? But long as I’m with ya, I won’t let them do anything to bother ya]

Even though Garfiel said this lightly, Subaru was starting to worry about leaving Emilia behind.

Or rather, he was hating himself for not having thought of this possibility earlier.

There was a rift within their mutual understanding between the residents of the Sanctuary headed by Garfiel, and the villagers of Arlam. In that case, why wouldn’t there be internal factions within each of the camps as well?

It’s not like every single one of them would have just raised their hands in agreement with the Sanctuary’s plans. The situation would never progress as one expects them to. Subaru himself was all too aware of that fact.

[Subaru: I have to get back right away…….!]

[Garfiel: Aah? I scared ya too much didn’I? There’s no need to be panickin, those guys won’t fight among themselves in broad daylight, besides isn’t Emilia-sama in the Cathedral? Who’s gonna do that kind of thing with all those humans runnin around? If they wanna get ya, it’ll be picking off someone like this noisy lil’bro here who keeps straying from th’herd]

[Subaru: Mmu…… That, makes sense. If they go against the will of the majority outright they’ll only be worsening their own position, won’t they, so they won’t do anything rashly yet]

His agitation calming down a just little, Subaru breathed a sigh of relief and tried to bring his heart rate under control.

Then, suddenly noticing something, he raised his brows once more.

[Subaru: Unless, you thought it’d be dangerous for me and Otto to come out alone, so you came along with us?]

[Garfiel: …….Aah?]

Seeing Subaru bending his neck asking this, Garfiel was stumped a moment before he could react. Then, he quickly turned his back so Subaru couldn’t see his expression.

[Garfiel: There’s no way it’s like that. Coincidence. Told ya it was a coincidence!]

[Subaru: See, Otto? That’s the proper example of Tsundere. Yesterday on our first meeting we got to see the fiery and magnificent Tsun, and now, isn’t the embarrassed and adorable Dere just as captivating?]

[Otto: Enn~~, actually, having personally gotten a taste of the Tsun on my forehead yesterday, it’s still a little hard to accept, but surprisingly somehow I get the feeling he isn’t a very bad person, I can’t deny that it feels as if my manly heart is being deceived]

[Subaru: Uwa, you’re really easy to trick you know]

[Otto: I’ve been set up!!!]

As Otto’s ludicrous wail resounded through the forest in the morning, the frightened birds spread their wings and took to the sky.

The noisy Otto on the one hand, and the really hard-to-hate Garfiel on the other. Being together with these two like this, for the first time since coming to this parallel world, Subaru felt like he’s acquired some bad companions he could actually be with as equals, in the trues sense of the word.

[Subaru: Well, I’m pretty easy as well]

And, relaxing his cheeks, Subaru ever so slightly smiled.

※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

Awaiting the coming of night, standing in front of the entrance of the Tomb, Subaru now felt a dark wind upon his skin that was very different from the crisp wind of the morning.

[Emilia: Now that it’s night, it really does feel like a Tomb. It’s even more ominous than yesterday]

Staring at the tomb’s entrance as she said this, her silver hair swaying in the wind, it was Emilia. Playing with the end of her three-stranded braid, she stole a glance at Subaru,

[Emilia: Do you think it’s, ok to go in now?]

[Subaru: If they had stuck a sign on the entrance that said “We Open at 7-o’Clock” then it’d be easier to tell, but looks like they didn’t do that… If the Trials just start roughly around nightfall, once it’s dark all around that should be a good enough range I think]

[Emilia: Yeah. Alright, I’ll go in then]

With a light sigh, even as she was saying this, Emilia still seemed unable to make up her mind. At her side, waiting for her to gather up her courage, Subaru turned back his head to look behind him.

There were four other people besides Subaru who came to send Emilia into the Trials. There was Garfiel and Lewes of the Sanctuary-team, there was Roswaal’s representative, Ram, and then, there’s the not-quite-sure-why-he’s-here, Otto. But then, if we add him to Emilia and Subaru of the Emilia faction, they would be considered the largest faction here.

[Subaru: But on the other hand, if we count the whole Sanctuary, then we’re easily the smallest faction here. Come to think of it, life could be getting a lot harder from now on]

[Emilia: What are you mumbling about? It’s reeeaally getting to me]

[Subaru: Oh I’m just talking to myself. Emilia-tan you just focus on getting ready for what’s ahead. Although, to be honest, since I wasn’t able to find out about the contents of the Trials it’s getting me really worried……]

[Emilia: Not knowing the contents, it’s the same for anyone who challenged the Trials so far, right? I shouldn’t be sneaky and start cheating when it’s my turn. Even with the same conditions, I’ll try my best]

Seeing Emilia tightening her little fist, pumping herself up, Subaru quickly held up a hand in front of his eyes like he’s shielding it from a radiant light. Now, the way he was trying to get a Witch to help him cheat right off the bat was really coming off as sneaky in comparison.

Because, compared to himself, how pure and noble Emilia is.

[Subaru: E?M?K !(Emilia?Major?Knighto)! It’s too much!]

[Emilia: Oh, it’s been awhile since I heard Subaru say that]

Starting with a small giggle, Emilia’s expression broke down as she heard Subaru’s old catchphrase. Seeing her smile, Subaru decided that the joke was still worth keeping around after all, and nodded,

[Subaru: Anyway, I don’t know what kind of things are in there, but if you sense any kind of danger just cry out. If you call my name, I will fly right over to your side]

[Emilia: If you come in, won’t you go PA-TAN right away?]

[Subaru: It’s been awhile since I heard someone call it going PA-TAN……](*Pa-Tan is the sound of falling over)

Seeing Emilia pouting up her lips, just as Subaru started objecting and scratching his face, [But], Emilia continued,

[Emilia: Thank you for worrying about me. Puck still hasn’t shown his face at all, so I am reeeaally getting worried. And I feel like I’m completely relying on Subaru now]

[Subaru: Then you can rest your ultra-dummy weight against me, you know. Emilia-tan is light as a feather, and if I don’t touch you from time to time to make sure you’re still there I’ll get really worried]

[Emilia: But somehow I get the feeling that wiggly thing you’re doing with your fingers is really gross]

Seeing Subaru endlessly wiggling his fingers, Emilia smiled wryly. And, with her nervousness unraveling, she did a little stretch that made herself seem a little taller.

[Emilia: Somehow, I feel like my shoulders have gotten a little lighter. Ever since the first time we met, that was what Subaru had been aiming for, wasn’t it?]

[Subaru: If I had that kind of first-rate THERAPEUTIC abilities, I wouldn’t be the kind of lonely boy who spends his time learning origami to such mastery as to be able to make “Rindougurumas”]

He took a certain pride in having reached the extremes of that art that flows out of ones fingertips. Although, there was really no one he could show it to other than his parents.

Listening to Subaru’s drab remarks about his past, Emilia adorably tilted her head a little to show her non-understanding. But seeing her alright now, and so completely cute, Subaru crossed his arms and nodded.

And with that expression of not-understanding still on her face, Emilia turned toward the Tomb.

[Emilia: ――This time, I’m really going. So pray for my safe return]

[Subaru: I’ll be praying until the Buddha’s ears bleed]

Sending her off with these words, he watched Emilia’s back vanishing into the Tomb. Then, beginning from the entrance, one by one the lights lit up, just as it did for Subaru when he entered in the morning.

And just like this, Emilia’s footsteps trailed on, into the depths of the Tomb. It seemed that the Trials would be taking place deep within that corridor. Even further than what Subaru could have seen in the morning when he strained his eyes trying to see the end.

[Lewes: Worry’s written all over your face, kiddo]

Then, walking up beside Subaru, who had worry all over his eyes, it was a little girl――or the full grown adult living inside what looked like one: Lewes, who called out to him. Unbefitting of her cute and childish features, what was adorning her face was a somehow aged and ancient smile,

[Lewes: It’ll be alright, there’s no need to worry. The Trials, or whatever exaggerated name you call it, is not life-threatening or anything]

[Subaru: You know about the contents of the Trials, then?]

[Lewes: I have taken part in it myself. Being half-blood and qualified, it was only natural. Although in the end, I did not pass…… see, I’m still well and kicking about]

Lewes did a little hop on the spot to show that she was still healthy. And seeing her trying to use that almost adorable gesture to wipe away his anxiety, from deep within his heart, Subaru appreciated her consideration, and,

[Subaru: Then, is that how you got to become a Loli on the outside and an acceleratedly-aged Granny on the inside? If Emilia-tan becomes loli Emilia-tan it’ll be really cute too, but would Emilia-tan really like that?]

[Lewes: I must have been stupid to have taken you seriously enough to not expect a reply like that. You know, Su-bo, you’re just like Gar-bo, and don’t know how to respect your elders at all]

[Subaru: What gave you that idea? Actually, I feel much better now. I made you worried about me there, sorry about that]

Seeing Subaru lowering his head, Lewes sighed shaking her head [Why didn’t you just say that in the first place], and pretended to wipe away non-existent tears with her long, wrist-less sleeves.

Waiting, and watching all this from the side, Garfiel crossed his arms with a grossed-out expression, then quietly turned, to gaze at the Tomb. Surprisingly, Otto and Ram seem to have struck up a conversation about something, and seem to have established a certain degree of friendly understanding.

For Subaru, who had very little experience in friendly conversation with Ram, witnessing this sight was actually an extremely big deal.

“I’ll need to do something about this. I better ask Otto to teach me the specific techniques of talking to Ram without setting her off.” Subaru quietly swore to himself in his heart, before turning his attention to the Tomb once again.

Without realizing it, he had found himself with his hands in front of his waist, rubbing his thumb against each other as if he was praying.

It was painful, not to be able to do anything but wait. Compared to being left behind and waiting like this, it would have been easier if he just took the Trial himself.

But just as this conceited notion flashed across his mind, along with it, a change came about before him.

[――――!]

Seeing this change, in the same moment everyone present gasped.

Repeatedly blinking, like a conditioned response adjusting to the darkness after losing the only source light, in any case,

[Subaru: The Tomb’s lights went out!?]

[Lewes: While the Trials are still ongoing the lights should stay on……]

[Subaru: You mean they’re not supposed to go out!?]

Looking toward Lewes who was supposed to know everything, even her wise little eyes seemed confused at this. It was more than enough to tell him that the situation wasn’t within their expectations.

Whether it was Garfiel, unfolding his arms and running over, Ram, who was furrowing her brows, or the panicking Otto, it seemed no one had any advice to offer.

In that case,

[Lewes: Su-bo!? You don’t have the Qualification, it won’t let you in……]

[Subaru: I’ve been paying good attention to the lectures, so I got the Qualifications too, you know. ――Now let me have look inside. No matter how Emilia-tan is, I’ll pull her out!]

He will not stand by and wait.

The same moment when Subaru fearlessly stepped into the entrance, the lights of the corridor lit up once more just like when Emilia had entered.

Sensing Lewes and Garfiel gasping behind him, before they could say anything to stop him, Subaru had already dashed into the Tomb.

The corridor was still filled with dust, and a single breath was enough to bring discomfort to the lungs.

His echoing footsteps striking loudly upon the floor, Subaru charged into the depth of the corridor―― into the depths of the Tomb.

[Subaru: Damnit, I messed up. Why did I keep myself back like some trump card until something went wrong, I should have just went in together with Emilia…..aaaaaaAA]

With regret pouring out of his lips, Subaru ran.

Then, suddenly, as he saw the light reaching the end of the corridor, he had arrived inside a small room.

Sliding to halt his steps, Subaru looked around the little chamber. While it could be called a room, it was more like a grotesque rectangular space with four corners carved out. Without any furnishing, there was only a single door adorned by cyan-white lamps.

――And, on the floor in front of that door, was a silver haired girl lying there.

[Subaru: ――Emilia!!]

Crying out, Subaru dashed over to her fallen body.

Holding up her delicate form in his arms, no matter what, he will take her out of here――

{――First, you must face your past}

The next moment, a sensation of something whispering beside his ear struck his consciousness.

What could that voice be, there was no time for that thought.

Falling on his knees, unable to move, Subaru’s body collapsed like a doll. Rolling onto the floor from the momentum, he sprawled out upon the ground at Emilia’s side.

Then, lying beside the unconscious Emilia, Subaru’s consciousness too, was dragged into oblivion――.

※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

――Beginning to wake from his slumber, Subaru sucked in the breath as if sticking his head out of the surface of the water. It was that sensation of emerging out of an ocean of sleep, yearning for reality like a body yearning for air――

[???: GUMMMMMOOOOOーーーーーーNINGU, SON!!]

[Subaru: WaaAAHMMURABI HO-TEN!!] (*”Code of Hammurabi” >_<)

This poetic morning greeting struck him with an all-destructive impact.

Tasting the pain of a weight pressing down on him and squeezing all the air out of his gut, Subaru’s just-woken-up body jumped itself out of bed along with all of that weight, before descending into a vicious bout of coughing.

[???: Oyoyoy, what’s this what’s this. It’s only the usual DIVING-PRESS-of-love to wake you up. Your carelessness is BURNING this time!]

[Subaru: Gahk, ehk, what did you expect…… from a sleeping opponent……come on]

What on earth has happened, he lifted up his face with tears in his eyes. And there, the person standing in front of Subaru’s half-stuck out body turned around his head,

[Dad: What’s that now. You look like you’ve just seen your middle-aged dad fully-naked first thing in the morning, you!]

That man, saying this while striking out a POSE, was Subaru’s middle-aged father half-naked in the morning――Natsuki Kenichi, heartily laughing, blessing his son out of his slumber.

-=Chapter 15 End=-