Arc 5 – Chapter 7, "The Sinful Man Sets Sail"
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Subaru: "His heart was stolen by a Songstress… is that a nickname? It doesn't sound cool at all, but he's using it as if it is."
Upon hearing Subaru's response, Anastasia laughs before playing with the tips of her soft hair.
Anastasia: "You're right, it sounds more like a nickname than a title. But, that's what he claims. 'My heart was stolen by a Songstress.'"
Subaru: "Eh, what does that even mean?"
Anastasia: "His heart was stolen by a woman, and he proudly and publicly announces it— doesn't that remind you of what happened during the Royal Selection in the capital?"
Subaru: "Leave that dark, embarrassing history out of this."
Subaru's face twists just thinking of the humiliation at Julius's hands. It made him want to grab his head and roll on the floor. Even though he still believed he was in the right, his way of expressing his thoughts left much to be desired. Anyway,
Subaru: "I see what you mean though. Although I regret to admit it, I can actually relate. Then, what's he like?"
Anastasia: "The nickname is rather excessive, but the man himself is both responsible and flexible. Being named heir to Muse Company takes more than just being the eldest son. There's no need to doubt him as a businessman."
Otto: "I can also guarantee that, Natsuki-san. The young master of Muse Company… Kiritaka Muse, is famous indeed. His skill is astounding, even without Muse Company's already famous reputation for dealing with magical ore."
As a merchant, Otto also knew of Kiritaka. However, after agreeing with her appraisal, he cast a sharp glare at Anastasia.
Otto: "Indeed, Emilia-sama needs pure magical stones from a professional supplier, and we sent inquiry to Muse Company… but they weren't open to negotiation. It does make one wonder how and why Anastasia-sama is securing their aid."
Anastasia: "Perhaps it is a matter of trust? Maybe it is a matter of sincerity. Whatever the case, one side must be willing to approach the other in order to establish a working relationship, don't you agree?"
Otto: "…I guess you could say that."
Otto gave up on challenging the impassive Anastasia, who had been feigning a poor understanding of the situation. He moved on to discuss the magical stones themselves.
Otto: "First of all, do they actually have the rare magical stone we're looking for?"
Anastasia: "I can understand your suspicions, but I'm sure you realize it would be obvious if we were simply lying about a prominent trader."
Otto: "I see. Then, are there any other conditions, or is it alright for us to negotiate with him?
Anastasia: "You're quite worried, but it's fine. Remember, I was simply aware of the location of the magical ore that Emilia-san's faction was looking for, and I've already explained why I gave you that information."
As Anastasia had said, gratitude required no price tag.
Otto, understanding this, relented his questioning of Anastasia. Seeing their conversation draw to a close, Emilia raised a nervous hand.
Emilia: "Um, is it okay if I ask something?"
Anastasia: "Please, go ahead. Anything involving our business and personal relationships are a matter of trust. Clearing doubts will give us peace of mind."
Emilia: "It seems this doesn't have much to do with money, does it…"
Anastasia: "This is more than just a matter of hourly wages, after all. Well, that's to be expected. Don't you agree, Natsuki-kun?"
Anastasia smiled at Subaru, who gave an indifferent shrug in response. Emilia continued to ask her questions,
Emilia: "You've told us a little about Kiritaka-san, but I'm still curious about the Songstress you mentioned. Is she someone famous?"
Although it was a simple question, Subaru also wanted an answer. As far as he knew, Kiritaka's surname, Muse, was something like a Goddess of Song in his world's mythology. It was an odd coincidence, but it could simply have been his fate to fall for a songstress.
Subaru: "I wonder if she's supposed to be some kind of mythical figure. Of course, she's not as influential as Hoshin of the Wastes. Actually, if Hoshin had fallen for someone mythical, it would have probably been a disaster."
Julius: "Rest assured, the Songstress Liliana-san is very real and currently remains in Pristella. Having been taken in by Kiritaka-san… that's what her position is like right now."
Subaru: "Currently… is that different from her normal situation?"
Julius: "I heard that she was originally a poetic bard who sang and travelled. Kiritaka-san saw one of her concerts, and the situation became what it is now."
Listening to Julius' answer, Subaru pictured a bird caught in a birdcage. Birds were animals who could live freely until they caught the eye of a master who would entrap them. Was that what Liliana's situation was like? Did Kiritaka's paranoid affection keep Liliana trapped?
Subaru: "That's an unpleasant story. Her singing shouldn't be meant for just one person, she should do it freely."
Julius: "I do agree with that, but there may be a misunderstanding here. Although, given Kiritaka-san's obsession with Liliana, it may be an inevitable conclusion."
Subaru: "My opinion of this Kiritaka guy just lowered somewhat. Will the negotiation really be fine? It's hard to imagine communicating with someone like that."
A greedy and disgusting rich man comes to mind, one who was gluttonous and lustful. As Otto had mentioned earlier, it was strange of him to turn a blind eye to Emilia's seemingly innocent search for magical ore. Subaru's impression of the man was poor indeed.
Subaru: "I'm not looking forward to showing my pretty Emilia-tan to such a person."
Julius: "Him seeing Emilia-sama shouldn't be a problem. Kiritaka-san is a little difficult to handle, but he wouldn't be so indiscreet. However…"
Julius broke off, as if unsure how to continue, leaving Subaru puzzled at his rare hesitation. Finally, Julius sighed quietly and shifted his gaze from Emilia to Subaru.
Julius: "It might be best not to bring Beatrice-sama with you." Subaru: "What's that supposed to mean!?"
Anastasia: "Well, Kiritaka-san and I are on good terms, so I've spoken with him enough to imagine what he would think."
Julius's and Anastasia's words.
They lead to only one conclusion. Subaru stands up and,
Subaru: "… He's a lolicon!?"
Julius: "It's something that people can only speculate on. In other words, it's an unconfirmed rumor. In any case, his tastes don't change how charming Anastasia-sama is."
Anastasia: "Your words lack elegance."
Elegant or not, Anastasia didn't seem to mind what Julius said. Subaru's theory wasn't refuted and he accepted that it was true. Even so, he thought to himself, are you serious.
Subaru: "More annoying lolicons, as if Clind-san weren't enough trouble…"
Recalling the universally competent butler, Subaru wanted to bury his head in his hands. However, there was definitely a difference between Clind and Kiritaka's tastes. Clind would probably show no interest in Anastasia. What Clind sought was inner youth and it was reflected by his attitude toward Emilia. He saw her inner immaturity and respected her as a loli in spirit.
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—On the other hand, Kiritaka was a person who places emphasis on external appearances. Anastasia was probably around the same age as Subaru, but she looked significantly younger. Since her body has little potential for further development, she could be considered a legal loli. Kiritaka's inclination to like her was obvious. And Beatrice…
Subaru: "Our Beako is a versatile loli that can accommodate the tastes of both Clind and
Kiritaka…"
Beatrice: "I did not quite understand that, but I feel like it was a very rude comment, in fact."
Subaru: "Idiot! Ugh. I'm worried about you! You… you have have a dangerous appeal. You'll make me worry if you're not more aware!"
Beatrice: "I-, ah, mm… i-if you're that worried, then I suppose you're not doing anything wrong. Hehehe."
Although she didn't share Subaru's panic, Beatrice happily grabbed on to the hem of Subaru's sleeve. For the time being, Subaru was going to hold onto her tightly. As long as they were in this city, it would be a good idea to keep an eye on her.
Emilia: "So, um, does he just like short people?"
Anastasia: "Such an innocent response. No, it's more like he's the type of person who likes eating fresh, immature fruits…"
Subaru: "STOOOOOOP!! Don't say such dirty things to my angel! I understand now! No more is needed! Yes? Stop, stop!"
Subaru guarded Beatrice with his left hand and Emilia with his right. Anastasia laughed at Subaru's overprotectiveness while Julius showed a wry smile.
Otto: "Setting aside Natsuki-san's attitude, we accept your conditions. If possible, I would like to meet Kiritaka-san. Would I find him in Pristella's Chamber of Commerce?"
Anastasia: "That's right. Well, Kiritaka-san is pretty busy, seeing as he has to run many of the city's functions. I wonder which building you would find him in."
Anastasia responded to Otto's serious question with light teasing, who could only helplessly accept her answer. Otto brings his hand to his chin, then turns to Subaru.
Otto: "As expected, even the first step will be difficult. I would like to set up a safe place to calmly talk things through beforehand, but… where should we go?"
Subaru: "That's right… well, to be honest, I have no idea where anything is. So I was planning to just wander around."
From the main gate, Pristella didn't appear too large, but as an outsider, navigating the unfamiliar townscape would be a nightmare. Subaru is confident in his sense of direction, but how useful was that confidence in a town where travel was conducted by waterway?
Otto: "Perhaps, there are people giving tours along the waterway—after all, many tourists come here, and there are probably people who are giving tours to capitalize on that."
Subaru: "That wouldn't work, I'd definitely get seasick. Once in elementary school, I got so seasick crossing a lake on a field trip that people made fun of me for being drunk."
Beatrice: "I don't quite understand what that means, but you look like you have bad memories of it, in fact."
Looking at a reminiscing Subaru, Beatrice voiced her pity. In any case, Otto's suggestion was probably the best, so Subaru would have to accept it. When,
Julius: "Forgive me for interrupting your discussion, but that worry is needless." Emilia: "What do you mean, Julius?"
Emilia turned to look at Julius, who smiled faintly.
Julius: "It's simple. We've already sent messengers to correspond with Kiritaka-san."
Emilia: "Messengers?"
Julius: "My younger brother Joshua, of course. Ricardo is accompanying him."
Subaru was glad to finally know where those two were, but he was also somewhat annoyed. Although they were addressing a natural obligation,
Subaru: "It would have been nice if they we were here to welcome us."
Julius: "Since we invited you, it's our duty to handle these arrangements. You don't need to be worried about the finer subtleties. They're not worth mentioning."
Subaru: "Don't bring them up then!"
Their banter was the same as always. On one hand, Subaru's respect for Julius's faction grew, but on the other, he was deeply troubled by his own faction's lack preparation. Anyway,
Anastasia: "In that case, you're probably all anxious, but we should probably wait for the two of them to come back. Speaking of which, my personal bodyguard hasn't returned."
Subaru: "Oh, right."
Subaru assumes a more relaxed posture and sits down. He prepares himself to answer questions about the absent Garfiel. Anastasia immediately follows that lead,
Anastasia: "As you can see, Mimi is absent—what's she doing? That child accompanying her… the one named Garfiel. Tell me about him."
Subaru: "His name is Garfiel Tinsel. He's 15 years old, the age where kids dream too much. He's in the habit of biting things and snoring loudly. But, other than that, he's an honest, straightforward kid. Even if his feelings are battered, his naive way of looking at things won't change. He's that kind of pure youth."
Anastasia: "That's likely true."
'I don't want my cute little sister stolen from me,' seemed to be what Anastasia is desperately, but sweetly, thinking. Even without considering his potential relationship with Mimi, Subaru thought of Garfiel as a cute little brother, and believed in making his value known.
Emilia: "I wonder what Songstress-san's famous voice sounds like. I feel sooo anxious. I wonder if she'd perform for me if I gave her a request."
Julius: "Don't worry, Liliana is someone well-versed in social customs. So if she's present at your meeting with Kiritaka-san, I'm sure she'd be eager to perform."
Emilia: "Wa, that's right. It sounds fun."
—Meanwhile, Julius's words seemed to further Emilia's interest in the Songtress. Otto, seeing the dialogue between the two groups, sighed.
Otto: "Since we're in opposing factions, I thought relationships would be more tense… did I overthink things?"
Beatrice: "You don't need to be discouraged, in fact. You're not thinking too much, Subaru and Emilia aren't thinking enough, I suppose."
Beatrice's rare show of sympathy confirmed Otto's suspicions that he will be mentally and physically overtaxed during his stay in Pristella.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Joshua had returned, while Garfiel was soon to arrive as well.
Joshua: "Kiritaka-san is usually busy, but rather than being at the city hall today, he'll be at the his office in the Muse Company Headquarters, so this is an ideal time to visit him."
Anastasia: "That's that, then. Mm, you did well, Joshua."
Joshua, upon returning to his older brother and his lady, makes his report. After Anastasia nodded, satisfied, Joshua turned his gaze to Subaru.
Joshua: "…thank you for coming such a long way. I'm sure you've heard the story from Anastasia-sama by now, but we've established contact with Kiritaka-san."
Subaru: "Oh, thanks a lot. That saves us loads of time."
Joshua: "I do not enjoy helping you, I'm just following Anastasia-sama's orders. I really wanted to avoid having my brother meet you."
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Subaru: "You're honest, as usual."
Julius's eyes widened at Joshua's frank speech. He was apparently unaware of the animosity Joshua held toward Subaru.
Julius: "Joshua. Everyone present, including him, are here under Anastasia-sama's invitation. Being rude to our guests will hurt Anastasia-sama's reputation, so please refrain from doing so."
Joshua: "…my sincere apologies, brother." (uses –sama honorific)
Julius sighs at Joshua, whose gaze had turned sulky. He then turned to Subaru and said apologetically,
Julius: "Apologies. From both of us. Usually, my brother does not engage in this kind of behavior… it seems that it's being caused by the unfamiliar environment."
Subaru: "I don't mind if you guys do it separately, but being picked on by both brothers together in this environment is kind of scary for me, too."
Julius: "Heh. We'll keep that in mind."
Julius responded to Subaru's words with a mixture of humor and irony. Joshua looked unsatisfied, but when Subaru caught his eye, he turned away. Was the reason intense jealousy?
Emilia: "Well, thanks to your favor, we can go visit Kiritaka-san now. Can we consider the inn a place to stay afterward?"
Anastasia: "Feel free to do so. The Water Plumage Pavilion is a lodging with a great track record, both in atmosphere and comfort. Please look forward to dinner."
Emilia: "That's true. In that case, we'll look forward to it."
Emilia smiled at the confident Anastasia, running a hand through her long silver hair.
Emilia: "We'll be sure to speak properly with Kiritaka-san first so that we can enjoy a delicious dinner without any worries."
As Emilia finished talking, she stood up to leave the inn. Subaru followed behind her as they made their way toward the the ship that Joshua had secured for them, when,
???: "Oi, Captain! Wait there! I'm tellin' ya!"
Garfiel hurriedly leapt in front of the inn to intercept them. His shining blonde hair and clothes were slightly dirtied, and his expression was tired.
Garfiel: "Ah…h… foun'ya. Not fer th' dog faced guy, don't think I'd 'f survived."
Subaru: "By dog faced guy, do you mean Ricardo? Were you on a sweet date with Mimi, before her big, scary uncle interrupted?"
Garfiel: "A date? It's no joke! Soon's that midget dragged me 'way, 'nother midget same's her attacked me 'n nearly killed me. If I fought back, they'd prob'ly start cryin', so instead I jus' spent t'day runnin' away…"
From Garfiel's story, Subaru surmised that it had been Ricardo who had prevented that tragedy. Mimi, of course, had two twin brothers who could have caused it. Perhaps it was Tivey, whose calm disposition could have been hiding a sharper side. Or perhaps Hetaro, fearing that his sister would be taken away, had displayed his siscon tendencies for the first time. Whoever it had been, the situation seemed fine now.
Garfiel: "So, seein's I didn' want'b excluded'm yer plans, I rushed over here, Captain."
Subaru: "Ah, my bad. We were planning on meeting the guy who's selling the magical ore. Thinking on it, I guess we should've waited for our bodyguard."
Garfiel: "Th's obvious, ya?"
Subaru added the relieved Garfiel to his party and made way for the docks. The boat that Subaru's group was going to ride on had already been prepared. All of the boats were fairly small with only enough room for eight people, including the boat's sailor.
Sailor: "There's a city law about boat size. If the boats are too large, the waterways get clogged, and it's unsafe if boats get too close together."
The dark-skinned sailor steering their boat was happy to answer Subaru's questions. Dragon carriages on wide highways weren't much of a problem, but on waterways, traffic rules needed to be set.
Sailor: "If a collision happens and a ship sinks, that's usually regarded as the fault of the sailor's lack of technique. Besides, a lot of these ships have been passed down from generation to generation, so losing one would mean losing your reputation as well."
Subaru: "Of course. Regarding the ships water dragons… are there any conflicts between them?"
Sailor: "The water dragons live here and, in a way, they manage to be polite with one another.
Like land dragons, they have good instincts and can be trusted to handle a smaller boat. "You should try one out if you have the chance", Subaru remembered the way he felt the first time he saw a land dragon and was excited by the sailor's recommendation. Maybe his first ride with a water dragon would evoke the same sense of wonder.
Emilia: "This is my first time crossing water with a ship. I'm soooo excited." Subaru: "Is that so? Well, this does feel different than the sea."
Emilia: "What is the 'sea'?"
Subaru: "Imagine an endless pool of water. My hometown was right next to it." Emilia: "Hmmm… but, that would be nice when you felt thirsty."
Subaru laughs in response to Emilia's childlike answer. Unfortunately, drinking sea water when you're thirsty would lead to death. Regardless, he couldn't mention that sea water is saltwater without it raising more questions.
Otto: "Where there's a river there's usually a bridge, but if you need to smuggle without crossing a bridge, your only other option is going by boat."
Subaru: "Sure sounds like you're talking from experience."
Otto: "I-It's not like I've ever done anything like that! I-It's just, second hand knowledge! Stop casting such strange suspicions on me, really!"
Garfiel: "Otto-nii, ya really sweatin' over there."
As if ignoring Otto's suspiciously specific denial, the boat followed the sailor's movements as it turned to join the main waterway ahead. Incredibly, the current was flowing against the direction of the boats.
Subaru: "What, how is the water flowing like this?"
Emilia: "Hehehe. I actually know the answer to that. Look, see the city walls."
She lightly patted Subaru's shoulder and pointed into the distance with her free hand. Subaru cast his gaze in that direction and saw the great stone towers stationed on the city's walls. There were four of these towers, oriented north, south, east, and west of the city.
Emilia: "Those towers control the flow of water in the town. It uses a sophisticated magical mechanism that operates with the power of a magical water stone. It seems that the big floodgates in the city are also controlled by it."
Subaru: "Wow, that is incredible. This is even cooler than the travel laws."
Thanks to Emilia's explanation, Subaru more or less understood the mysterious mechanism behind the flowing water. Sure enough, the Watergate City Pristella was very different from the others, and Subaru still had much he needed to learn about it, including the city's laws.
Subaru: "The laws here are closely related to the operation of the city, right?"
Emilia: "Is this about Kiritaka-san? Like I said. I wonder what kind of a person he is… it would be great if he gave us the magical ore upon hearing our story."
Touching the pendant hanging on her chest, Emilia murmured her hopes uncertainly. While listening to her murmurs, Subaru placed his hands on his chin and closed his eyes. Then, he swayed his head along with the movement of the boat and whispered,
Subaru: "————."
Beatrice: "…I didn't catch what you said just now, I suppose."
Beatrice was probably the only one who could hear him. Upon hearing her loud voice, everyone turned to stare at him. Feeling their gazes fixed on him, Subaru smiled and said,
Subaru: "Crap, I'm gonna puke."
—In that moment, a fuss was created.