After returning from visiting Beatrice's library, and Rem's bedroom, he had now reached the end of his daily routine.
Subaru knocked on the room's door with a rap-rap-rap. Then there was a knock from the inside that returned the knock. Without replying, they knocked. Replying to it, Subaru once again gave another knock. And that was met by the other person immediately knocking back. Knock knock knock knock knock――
???: [――Jeez, how long are you going to do that for! It's making me reaaaaally anxious]
The one who who had lost their patience just a few moments ago was the one in the room. The door opened from the inside, and the face of a beautiful girl with amethyst eyes and silver hair could be seen―― she was the embodiment of supreme beauty that forever continued to encaptivate everything.
.
(Image)
.
If she showed her face whilst puffing her rosy cheeks, she would give an impression of tenderness rather than of beauty. Suddenly, Subaru started to laugh.
[Emilia: Ah, what are you laughing for? Ugh, Subaru's such a twit.]
[Subaru: Twit… no one says that word anymore these days. It was Emilia-tan that started to return the knocks just before. I just went with the flow.]
[Emilia: You say it like that. Hmph, whatever. Then if it's like that, I just won't let Subaru into my room.]
Emilia tried to close the door, her face etched with annoyance when she heard Subaru speaking through his laughter. Seeing that, Subaru became anxious and put his hand in between the door――
[Subaru: OWWW]
[Emilia: Ah! Subaru, are you okay!?]
Emilia jumped at Subaru's over-exaggerated shriek of pain after having had his fingers jammed in the door. Quickly jumping out of the room, she hurriedly grabbed Subaru's aching right hand, and,
[Emilia: *Nom nom nom*]
[Subaru: Ehh, Emilia-tan!? Isn't that a little bold!?]
[Emilia: Mmphphnn, mmhmhhmhpphhnomnomnomnomnom]
Whatever he was saying was muffled by Emilia's angered reaction, and by her sharp amethyst eyes. Emilia's soft lips wrapped themselves around the sore fingers of Subaru's right hand. In between her soft lips, he realised that Emilia's warm tongue was gently tracing the numb pain which racked Subaru's fingers.
A sensual shiver traveled up Subaru's spine.
[Emilia: Mhm….that should be fine I think. Subaru, it must've hurt…. Hey, why is your face bright red?]
[Subaru: I can't help acting like a young teen, or how should I put it… it was such an unexpected development… uhh, well, I'm okay. Thank you very much. This should be good enough for me.]
[Emilia: ――? I'm not sure if I understood that, but I should start using my healing magic, right?]
Emilia's face broke out in confusion as Subaru bowed down his head, sticking up his fingers which had been licked. However, she immediately changed her awareness, and began to heal Subaru's fingers with a light blue surge of magic. She completely cured the pain that had been softened by Emilia's tongue.
After that…all that remained for Subaru was how he would clean up his fingers which were drenched in saliva.
[Subaru: I'll wipe them on my clothes… Wait no, that would be gross. Having said that, I'm not advanced enough to lick them so majestically…!? But, if I let this chance escape…]
[Emilia: Ah, sorry. I got them covered in my drool. Yep, all clean now.]
[Subaru: Damnit――!? It was a choice with a time restriction――!?]
Not even taking note of the astonished Subaru, Emilia wiped Subaru's fingers with her handkerchief with great delight. And after that, she suddenly looked at Subaru's neck; her eyes blinked rapidly.
Beatrice's scratchmarks had been left there without curing them. Emilia had noticed them with her sharp eyes, she gently placed her white fingers on those wounds,
[Emilia: Subaru, that looks painful. What happened here?]
[Subaru: Ah, Aaaah, This? I just got my neck caught on something on the way here…]
[Emilia: Liar.]
She interrupted Subaru's words as he had been trying to smooth over the situation; Emilia spoke just that one word. She opened her eyes wide open and stroked Subaru's wounds with her fingers over and over again. And then, she muttered just one thing.
[Emilia: It was Beatrice, wasn't it?]
Suddenly saying that, Emilia's voice was frozen of all emotion.
In an instant, a large quantity of pure white strength surged from Emilia's body. It swept down the mansion's hallway in one fell swoop and Subaru's skin was caressed by a great burning cold.
The air froze, the chill caused the air to crackle, and Subaru said in a panic:
[Subaru: Emilia! Emilia, calm down! Everything is okay, everything is okay!]
[Emilia: …..]
[Subaru: Emilia! Look at me!]
[Emilia ――Ah]
He forcibly stretched his arms out and hugged the girl's trembling body as he called out to her. He called out Emilia's name many many times to her ear. He was pressed up right next to her as he shouted with his own reflection visible in her amethyst eyes.
To his voice, Emilia's eyes shifted out of focus and a small whimper leaked out of her voice.
In an instant, the cold air that was spreading out all around the mansion's top floor vanished. And even the overwhelming pressure surrounding everything vanished. Things went back to as they were before.
[Subaru: Th― That was dangerous. A little more of that, and Reinhardt would have come rushing in…]
[Emilia I… I… n-now… eh…?]
[Subaru: It's okay, it's okay. Emilia-tan is a good girl, a good girl, everything is okay.]
Rolling his eyes, Subaru sat down to face Emilia who had sat down on the floor. As she clutched her head, unable to digest what had happened, Subaru patted her on the back many times in an attempt to calm her down.
Gradually, Emilia's breathing regained its composure, and then she looked at Subaru's face timidly and said:
[Emilia: S-sorry? I.. acted weird again…]
[Subaru: It's alright. Because any troubles hoisted by Emilia-tan aren't troubles at all. That's the role I want to take. Don't worry.]
[Emilia: Y-yeah.]
Emilia nodded happily at Subaru's words. Subaru would not let go of her body until her heart truly settled down.
――Emilia's emotional instability was influenced by the fact that she couldn't surmount the『Trials』of the『Sanctuary』.
In the end, he didn't know what she saw in the First『Trial』which showed glimpses of one's past. Nevertheless, whatever memories she saw broke Emilia's heart into pieces and crushed her strength to stand up strong. And as she couldn't overcome the trials, Subaru completed them himself.
Therefore, Emilia's progress was probably still trapped in the graveyard even now.
But, no matter for how long she rejects everything, and no matter how long she mourns, time kept going on. And neither the world, nor her surroundings, nor anyone would let her off with her stagnation. That's why Subaru continued to take Emilia by the hand, even when she'd halted to a stop.
[Emilia: Sorry, Subaru. I'm still causing Subaru trouble…]
[Subaru: It's okay, it's no problemo, no problem at all. Rather, it makes me feel welcome.]
[Emilia: …hehe, aww, Subaru. Mhm, thank you. I'm okay, I've calmed down.]
With a brief hug, Emilia lifted her face from Subaru's chest. The girl's warmth left his chest, and Subaru stiffened his lips with a regretful look.
[Subaru: Damnit. I wanted to enjoy Emilia-tan's softness just a little while more.]
[Emilia: Huuh, would that be better? If Subaru says so, I will do so.]
[Subaru: Nononono, it's fine. You see, this is a trick I use quite often to cope with dissatisfaction. Gorging yourself until full is for cattle. I think rather than a pig in its sty, I'm more like a wolf who is chasing after its prey.]
Emilia: That may be so. I also think Subaru is closer to a dog than a pig.]
[Subaru: But, isn't it a whole different story when it comes to dogs and pigs!?]
Subaru calmed down Emilia with this absurd exchange. She now had a smile back on her face. Luckily, it seemed like she had forgotten the anger she had shown just a few moments ago at his wounds.
"Echidna: I can't bear to look at this."
[Subaru: Shut up.]
[Emilia: ――Huh?]
[Subaru: Ah, I wasn't saying that to Emilia-tan. Sorry, I was talking to myself.]
Subaru instinctively replied to Echidna's sudden thought waves, surprising Emilia. Naturally, the thoughts through the crystal stone reached only Subaru. Echidna's contempt and disdain, who openly expressed her dislike for the state Emilia was in, also only reached Subaru.
[Emilia: W― would it be better for me to shut up? If that's what Subaru wants, I will do my best to stay quiet…]
[Subaru: It's not like that! It's fine, so let's talk a lot, okay? It's okay if you talk.]
[Emilia: …Really?]
Emilia's amethyst eyes started to swell with tears. And when Subaru nodded, Emilia let out a sigh of relief, once again taking Subaru's hand.
[Emilia: Well then, tell me Subaru. ――What should I do today?]
[Subaru: ....]
[Emilia: Yesterday, I finished studying in my room as you told me to do. If it's something Subaru says, there's no doubt I will do it. So, can you tell me what should I do today?]
――She does what Subaru says, if it's Subaru she will make no mistakes, she believed in Subaru.
Subaru struggled to keep his fake smile from disappearing from his face when he heard those words slip out of Emilia's mouth. The efficacy of his smile which he had practised in front of the mirror was shown here. Thanks to that, Emilia didn't harbour any distrust or suspicion; she was just waiting with her eyes shining brightly for Subaru's response.
Emilia, who had been setback by the『Trials』of the Graveyard was trying to protect her heart by completely relying on Subaru.
It was quite natural.
By using the power of『Return by Death』, Subaru had completely eliminated all the obstacles that stood before Emilia. He had understood that Emilia had not contradicted how she had gained his trust―― he had gotten this far doing that. Emilia's heart clung to Subaru, and having recognised that she was in such a terribly unstable state he had tried to 『Return by Death』, but no matter how much he tried, he couldn't return back to the『Sanctuary』.
But still, Subaru didn't think this situation was the worst.
[Subaru: Well then, I'll please ask this of Emilia-tan. Today, just like yesterday, keep up your studies! If I do something important again, I'll let you know beforehand.]
[Emilia: Like in Pristella?]
[Subaru: Yeah, like in Pristella. Until then, you need to keep learning. Preparing for an emergency, and boosting your own morale, those are assuredly the most important things Emilia-tan can do now.]
[Emilia: Mhm, yup, understood Subaru-sensei. I will do as ordered. So could you――]
Emilia enthusiastically agreed with Subaru, who had put on this dramatic spiel. Emilia had accepted his command with something resembling a salute trailed off her words at the end…
[Emilia: So could you stroke my head, if I do that?]
[Subaru: ...]
Emilia said this with embarrassment and a trace of anxiety in her eyes which were peeking at Subaru. Subaru gulped seeing her figure, and just for a moment he stood stock still. If that moment continued for any longer, it'd be easy to imagine the despair creeping into her eyes.
But, luckily Subaru had put on a smile before that could happen.
[Subaru: Of course? But what if I ask for permission to touch Emilia-tan's silver hair?]
[Emilia: ――? If Subaru wants to touch it, he can touch it any time he wants…]
[Subaru: S―i―n―c―e! Since it mustn't come as a reward. When good things happen, then I can promise to. I will stroke Emilia-tan. Okay?]
[Emilia: Mhm, oookay]
Emilia awkwardly nodded to Subaru's confirmation as he gave her a thumbs up and smiled showing his brilliant teeth. And then, still holding Subaru's hand without wanting to let go――
[Emilia: Alright, I'll go back to my room.]
[Subaru: Aaah, since Petra will bring the food up, let's eat together.]
[Emilia: Yeah, I'll be waiting. Well, I'll see you later!]
Moving her hand away, Emilia went back into her room. ――Seeing her silver hair which had now been cut short which moved as one, Subaru resisted the urge to let out a long sigh. When the door shut behind her, Subaru and Emilia's connection was physically cut away.
"Echidna: Good grief, there are bounds even for ugliness."
[Subaru: ...]
As soon as Emilia's figure disappeared, Echidna started her abuse. Subaru does not deign to reply to her words smeared in revulsion. He had learnt to never say anything about it from the time he had entered this relationship with Echidna, it was a way to cope with how Echidna treat her.
Don't talk back, and she won't talk back to you.
By maintaining that stubborn attitude, the witch would perceive it as a waste to open her mouth and would stay silent.
Only when it came to Emilia could Echidna absolutely not be counted on. And when it came to the relationship between Subaru and Emilia, though it didn't seem as if it had changed from before, it was still different, and right now he didn't have time to fix it.
"Echidna: It would be more convenient for you if she was a doll who would just do what you said, isn't that right?"
[Subaru: ――hgh]
His throat clogged up at her cruel observation, Subaru regretted that he had shown a reaction to it. They were words he shouldn't give any reaction to, however, they were words that he wasn't able to deny.
Protecting their lives, protecting the future, protecting hope, and protecting the possibility.
That's why he was sacrificing Emilia's heart of『now.』Because Subaru was aware that he would not stop at just Emilia.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
He declined to join breakfast at the dining hall with the Emilia camp, Petra who had been on meal duty looked disappointed but, she carried the meals up to the room for Emilia and Subaru.
While they eat, Subaru followed up what the mentally unstable Emilia had been doing and when finally dinner came to an end, Emilia obediently headed to her desk as instructed by Subaru.
[Emilia: I need to do what Subaru says to become a good king.]
Saying that, Emilia psyched herself up, and Subaru left her room. Having delegated some of Roswaal's Official Work to her, Emilia's knowledge for the Royal Selection was a lot better than the first time he had met her. The fruits of her effort were proven day by day.
However――
"Echidna: For anything that happens, in the end she'll always come to seek your approval. An awfully interesting way to raise a king."
[Subaru: Shut up]
"Echidna: You're harbouring unease for it, allowing her to sit on the throne in that state, you know it'll always be turbulent. However, you have no other choice but to do so."
Having left Emilia's room, Echidna's words dripped poison into Subaru's ears as he walked down the mansion's corridors. It was true that Emilia's soul had become unstable, and the willpower she had at the start of the Royal Selection had been greatly shook. But still, she would definitely sit upon The Kingdom of Lugnica's throne.
And Natsuki Subaru will make sure he does that.
Repeatedly『Returning by Death』and removing every hardship that crop up in front of her, he will be able to dismiss any kind of impediments in her way and make it so that Emilia's ambitions are fulfilled.
And doing so is not just related to Emilia's desires, but also to saving Rem. Supporting Emilia, saving Rem, keeping the people close to him away from pain. ――Wasn't this exactly the very future Natsuki Subaru wanted when he made the contract with the witch?
――I'm sorry, Natsuki-san. This is farewell.
[Subaru …..]
Suddenly, a voice rang out, not within his eardrums, but within his mind. Subaru stopped in his tracks. Turning his head back, he saw no one in his surroundings. He thought it may have been the bad tastes of the witch, but that couldn't have been her thought waves. It was something far different, it was a call from his own memories.
The voice continued to speak.
――I uhm, Natsuki-san. Even though things are like this, I thought of you as my benefactor. I thought of you as a person I owed a great debt to which I wanted to pay as soon as possible.
The voice continued to speak.
――But, I saw your decision and I understand it. You don't want anyone's help, and on the contrary, you're going to try and somehow do everything by yourself, and you can do it.
The voice continued to speak.
――Therefore, this is my way of returning the favour. Since you probably will try to protect everyone who you are close to, I will take my leave.
The voice continued to speak.
――Well then, goodbye, Natsuki-san. Take care of yourself.
The voice continued to speak.
――I thought of you as my friend.
The voice continued to speak.
――You wouldn't have thought that though.
[Subaru: ――HK!]
Just as the last of his words resounded in his mind, Subaru punched the wall next to him with all his might. A dull clunking sound resounded throughout the corridor, and Subaru's hand cracked pitifully. As blood spread down his fist, Subaru breathed out a ragged sigh and put his other hand to his head.
Those were the words that Otto Suwen left behind that he would never forget. Subaru made it through the『Sanctuary』, chased away the Sizeable Hare Witchbeast, took Beatrice out of the burning mansion and overcame all of these events. And then Otto said that to him and left the mansion.
And even if more than a year had passed since then, his back in the moment he left never disappeared from Subaru's mind. It seemed as if he'd condemned Subaru for choosing to save everyone.
"Echidna: But, you didn't stop him. The fact that there were fewer people to protect would have been a blessing for you."
[Subaru: No. Such a motive spurn from just calculation wasn't the reason why I didn't stop him. It was just because I respected the guy's intention. From the start, he was a guy who had no reason to stay here.]
He was trying to repay him for purchasing his cargo and saving him from the Witch Cult. But, he had already repaid Subaru by having driven the Dragon Carriage to where Emilia was about to be blown up.
And when it came to the cargo, even when they had exchanged the right amount of money, it hadn't been a loan.
Otto Suwen had no reason to cooperate with the Emilia camp. If he had stayed here without reason, he wouldn't leave the place anymore, and would continue being a merchant only for himself here.
Therefore, he did not stop him when he decided to leave. Besides, even though Otto's『Divine Protection of Soul Language』was useful, it was not indispensable to win the Royal Selection.
In the first place, if he continued to be associated with the Emilia Camp, he'd still be in the danger from both the『Witch Cult』and the『Royal Selection.』It was better for Otto to have left here. After that, he didn't ever hear of him again. They had talked to each other only for two weeks, so it wasn't that that big of a deal.
Natsuki Subaru had others he had to protect by throwing away his life.
[Subaru: ...]
Stepping on the blood that was dripping down his shoes, Subaru shook his head and started to walk. Recently, a number of thoughts had been perturbing his thoughts. It was frustrating. It was irritating. More than anything, Echidna was taking advantage of it.
There were countless things to think about. He had no time to remain shut within his own mind.
He must choose the best, the very best, the ideal, the optimum choice.
And despite that he――
[Subaru: …..]
He came out of the corridor at a brisk pace, and found himself back at his own room. He couldn't let anyone see his face right now. Natsuki Subaru was calm, Natsuki Subaru was rational, Natsuki Subaru was optimistic, there was nothing different about him than usual. As things are, everyone in the mansion must believe these things. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to protect those he wanted to protect――
[???: Oh my, it seems like you came back in a hurry.]
He went into the room, and closed the door behind him. Subaru lifted his head up towards the voice that was coming from within the room. Gazing at Subaru, the『Dark-haired Woman』was sitting on his bed smiling sweetly. She gently brushed her hand across her long, braided black hair.
[*Dark-haired Woman*: I should have been back on time, seeing you here, it seems I'm in quite the pickle.]
[Subaru: ――Elsa.]
[Elsa: Yeah, that's right. The『Bowel Hunter』, Elsa Granhiert; I immediately came running, as Master ordered. ――I wonder, is there trouble?]
Saying that, the beautiful woman clad in a rather revealing black garment that exposed her feminine body alluringly tilted her head towards him―― It was Elsa, the alluring assassin whose figure emitted a poisonous aura.
Subaru easily accepted the woman who had entered the room without giving off any sounds or traces; he was not at all surprised. And that's because it was…
It was natural. She was not an enemy. Even though she wasn't an ally he could relax his guard around, she was still an ally.
In any case――
[Subaru: I helped you out of the burning mansion. I give you work because of that.]
[Elsa: I understand. I don't have any issues with you now that you're my employer. I request only that you chose things that don't go as far as being against my hobbies …but for now, I have no complaints.]
Pulling out her Kukri Knife holstered at her waist, Elsa burst out laughing, emitting a rather dark radiance. She was currently collaborating to provide information for the camp by working behind the scenes.
Emilia who stood as the head of the camp, an incorruptible symbol.
Reinhardt who was the『Sword Saint』, subject to unwavering public opinion.
And, Natsuki Subaru, who had surmounted and stopped many difficult situations with zero damage.
Unlike those three, who couldn't act freely lest they tarnish their reputation, Elsa had many opportunities to get her dirty hands dirty. Of course, although you could call it dirty work, the work she did wasn't necessarily evil――
[Subaru: So, how did it go?]
[Elsa: I'm sorry to report, but, it seems like『Gluttony』was nowhere to be seen at the place you sent me to. There was nothing but rabbles of ordinary Witch Cultists there… although, I did set them all free.]
[Subaru: Aah. You can do as you like. …But… In the end, it was a dud?]
Subaru frowned, and sighed at Elsa's report who had delivered it whilst licking her red lips. Again, he hadn't been able to reach the limit. Even if he was trying to capture the Sin Archbishop of『Gluttony』, he couldn't reach them no matter how much he tried.
[Subaru: In the end, only『Greed』has been killed.]
[Elsa: That, and『Wrath』was captured. I think that was a success, but I guess it might not be for you.]
[Subaru: …Anyway, I understood your report. For now, stay on standby until I need you again. I will get in touch with you from here once more when I want to request something of you again.]
[Elsa: Okay. ――Well, I suppose I'll have to wait.]
Without further replying to Elsa's words, Subaru quickly gave her his instructions. Receiving his instructions, she stood up without any particular care to them, and walked towards the window.
Since Subaru's room was on the third floor of the mansion, she had probably came in through the window. Subaru felt no surprise at her acrobatics――
[Subaru: Ah, wait, Elsa. There's one more thing I want you to tell me.]
[Elsa: ――? What may that be, I don't really know anything of much importance.]
[Subaru: This isn't anything too important. If you came from outside… how was the weather beyond the forest? Was it raining or was it clear?]
[Elsa: The weather? Eeh, there was no particular issue with it. Although there are clouds out, there's no need to worry about it getting worse. Is that all?]
[Subaru: No…]
Cocking his head to the side, Subaru gazed at the Magic Hour Crystal in his room. Right now, it was already the time of fire―― It had already gone past 7 O'clock Solartime and was now way past noon.
To make sure of this, Subaru walked towards where Elsa was, her feet placed on the windowsill.
[Subaru: I want to ask you to do something. ――Please lop off my head with that knife.]
[Elsa: ――Your head… I wonder… have you lost it already?]
[Subaru: Are you calling me insane? I'm just asking you to do something that has to be done.]
Elsa curiously widened her eyes at Subaru's remarks, and then let out a ferocious presence. But, Subaru's attitude remained unflinching as the sun's rays bathed him. Seeing that, Elsa shrugged her shoulders.
Elsa: As a rule of thumb, people who have their heads lopped off typically die you know.]
[Subaru: I suppose I also apply to that rule. I don't know about you though.]
[Elsa: I think I would also die if my head were to come off. …Are you sure about this?]
[Subaru: I should have said this when I helped you. ――I will ask for a single unrelated thing, so listen to what I have to say then. Right now's the time.]
All of a sudden, Elsa narrowed her eyes at Subaru repeating himself. And then, picking up her arme de guerre, she started to twirl the sharp blade of her Kukri Knife around the palm of her hand,
[Elsa: Any last words?]
[Subaru: Make it painless.]
[Elsa: …..]
[Subaru: Ah, also, after I die you can do whatever you want with my guts, but don't lay a finger on anyone in the mansion. Well in any case, that's why I have Reinhardt arou―]
Before he could finish his words, Elsa's arm cut through the wind. For a moment, Subaru's field of vision was toppled over. As the view around the room spun around, he saw blood splashing in the familiar room, and
――Aah, cleaning the room is going to be hard on Petra.
As he thought that, Subaru's life blinked out.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
――When he woke up from his empty dream, Subaru always experienced a suffocating sensation.
However, his release from there was too early. Perhaps, it was because Natsuki Subaru was reconstructed in a different way when waking from his sleep.
[Subaru: ...]
Subaru jerked up violently, placing his hand against his forehead which was drenched in sweat. It was colder than the sweat you get when sleeping, closer to the cold sweat he'd get when losing his life.
In any case, Subaru's body was on top of the sofa in his own room, and the sunshine was streaming in from the window.
[Subaru: Is it… morning?]
Touching his neck which should have been cut, Subaru rose slowly. Cocking his head, he checked to make sure that his head wasn't lolling about somewhere on the floor, he checked the time using the Magical Hour Crystal which was above his door.
The crystal was glowing a light green, showing that the time was was early morning. Then the question that remained was『Which』morning was it?
[Subaru: .....]
To find that out, Subaru touched the pendant he was wearing. The black crystal was fastened by a chain which connected Subaru's reality with the Dream Castle.
A warm sensation and a pulse streamed through the crystal which he held in the palm of his hand. When Subaru's pulse coincided with it, and when the white light appeared, it was proof that the world had completely changed.
[Subaru: ....]
When he opened his eyes, Subaru once again was standing in the middle of the vast grassy plain. When he turned his head back, the hillock was there. Right besides the flower garden, underneath the parasol, on the other side of the white table, he could see the witch garbed in black clothes facing towards the white table sipping from her cup.
Going up the hill, he headed down towards where the witch was.
[Subaru: Hey, what day…]
Echidna: ....]
Placing his hands on the table, he snarled this at the witch who was gracefully continuing her tea-time. However, she didn't say anything back, she simply silently pointed at the seat across from her. That chair was empty, and a cup of tea had been prepared for the visitor. That was the minimum condition for participating in her tea party presented to Subaru――
[Subaru: Damn it, I'll drink it, I'll drink it!]
Grabbing the cup whilst smacking his lips, Subaru gulped down all of his tea in one swig. And just when he opened his eyes wide open from the warmth of the freshly prepared tea,
[Subaru: Ghhhuaa――!?]
[Echidna: Whoaa―!? Just a second, just a second. You do know that you didn't really have to do that?]
[Subaru: Shut up! Playing the part of a witch that's difficult to please, this only happened because you insist on such problematic processes…. ――Ghha, ghhk gh]
Subaru was choking on his tea which had gone down his windpipe, even Echidna stood up from her seat in a rush. Then she put her hand on Subaru's back and continued rubbing his back until his cough subsided. Whilst spluttering, Subaru said,
[Subaru: Eh, what about the tea?]
[Echidna: Hh, it's fine this time. Also, the tea I worked so hard to brew, was puked out by you, I really can't put anything past you. And the table too, letting it stay dirtied like this is a pity.]
Echidna shook her head at Subaru trying to correct his transgression whilst he wiped his mouth. The witch looked at the table that had been stained by the tea Subaru spat out and lightly clicked her fingers. And then, the table started to come apart as if it was melting, until it vanished into dust.
[Echidna: Come now, you even dirtied the chair a bit. A man who'd dare to make me stand while talking is rare indeed… truly, you're a sinful man.]
[Subaru: Choking and spitting out the tea is no big deal! ――Compared to that, we have more important things to discuss.]
Casting aside his banter with Echidna who teased him, Subaru pointed his finger up. What he had to confirm was just one thing.
[Subaru: What day is it today? It must be.. The 14th of Kisdam, right?]
[Echidna: ….]
[Subaru: Echidna?]
[Echidna: I just wanted to make you a bit anxious. If you are too impatient, things will escape from you.]
[Subaru: ――Echidna]
He had no time for the witch's games. Echidna responded to Subaru with a shrug of her shoulders and said,
[Echidna: That's correct. Don't worry. Your『Death』brought you back to the morning of this day. It looks like your latest starting point was affixed to the morning of this day. Were you sure of that?]
Answering Subaru's question, Echidna counterattacked it from her own side. On the other hand, Subaru was relieved that he had confirmed it was the same morning that he had『Returned by Death』to. And with that peace of mind, he shook his head at Echidna's question.
[Subaru: No, I wasn't particularly sure. At the worst, I thought I'd gone back to the previous save point.]
[Echidna: Your previous one was set at two months ago. You did so many good things using your powers.]
[Subaru: Maybe. Even Elsa is surprised every time, what an unfathomable feeling.]
Nonetheless, even the assassin Elsa questioned the sanity of her employer, when he asked her to kill him. Even so, she immediately put aside her indecision and obeyed; she was an excellent means of using『Return by Death』in an emergency.
[Subaru: It's just that my『Return by Death』led back to this morning.]
Echidna: That's right. So it seems… If that's the case, it looks like problems may soon spring forth again.]
Closing her eyes, Echidna agreed with the frowning Subaru's remarks. The starting point of his 『Return by Death』, and the shift of his new save point. That was the harbinger of hardships ahead which couldn't be overcome without having『Return by Death』
In other words, that meant――
[Subaru: I'll still have to borrow your strength, right?]
[Echidna: It's nothing, that's our contract. Besides, to date, lending you my strength hasn't done much. ――At best, I can try and meddle for you from here with all of my might.]
[Subaru: With all your might… it'd be nice if you could help me with just that]
[Echidna: …A witch wouldn't fall under someone's palm. If I simply do as instructed, it'll set a poor example for the other witches.]
Averting her gaze, Echidna let out her words in with something like embarrassment as she streamed her fingers through her long white hair. Although Subaru didn't remember perceiving in her figure something like the ringing of her chest, he felt as if he had seen something nice before the eves of battle.
[Subaru: Anyhow, I will count on you,『Witch of Greed.』]
[Echidna: I am sure you will. I will wait here for you to affront the impending turmoil. If you are able to, being more cooperative in satisfying my endless curiosity would make me happy indeed…]
[Subaru: I refuse to do that. If I went along with satisfying your endless curiosity, it'd be just a matter of time until the human parts of me wither and die. Who would try to satisfy you in trying out infinite choices?]
[Echidna: Truly a pity.]
It seemed that, with Echidna's light-hearted gesture, the tea break before the upcoming battle had ended. The point of『Return by Death』had changed unexpectedly, but in a sense, this meant he had gotten a chance to give the first strike.
[Subaru: If I use『Return by Death』to make the first strike, could I make a surprise attack?]
Musing about this, Subaru went down the hill and moved towards the door that would take him back to reality. Echidna softly raised her voice to him, behind his back.
[Echidna: Come to think of it…]
[Subaru: Yeah?]
[Echidna: If you hadn't grasped that the point of『Return by Death』changed, why did you expressly use『Return by Death』?]
[Subaru: Aah, that was because――]
Because――
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Going through the dream world's door, Natsuki Subaru consciousness spiraled back towards reality.
[Subaru: ...]
Looking up at above the door, the time shown by the Magical Hour Crystal hadn't changed since before. As always, Subaru headed towards the bathroom. He washed his face, brushed his teeth, took the trouble to put on his fake smile, and finally quickly changed his clothes. And, just as he finished…
[???: … Subaru-sama, are you awake?]
The sound of a knock from outside his room reached him, and Subaru got up from the sofa on-time. Then, putting his hand on the door, he opened the door.
[???: I―]
[Subaru: Hey, good morning, Petra. You look cute this morning too.]
The door opened abruptly and Petra stood on the other side, her eyes wide open. But, after realising that Subaru was just teasing her, she laughed.
Petra: Jeez, please don't surprise me like that.]
[Subaru: I'm sorry I'm sorry. Well, Petra. Aren't you going to greet me?]
[Petra: Really, you can't regret it even a little? Hmph… okay, good morning, Subaru-sama. Today is once again a splendid morning you know.]
Without mentioning Subaru's frivolous attitude, Petra continued to give him her lovely smile. Her words were exactly the same as the morning before『Returning by Death』. That being so, the next things she would say be exactly the same.
[Subaru: I agree, it's a splendid morning. Today too, Petra looks cute, I don't even need to say it.]
[Petra: Subaru's still saying such things.… Ah, but there are clouds hanging over the sky beyond the forest, it seems that the weather may get worse this afternoon. I have plans to go shopping this afternoon, I hope it'll stay sunnyyyyyy]
He listened to the girl talk about what she wanted to do, speaking in a manner which befitted her age. Subaru started to laugh. Seeing that, Petra puffed out her cheeks, but Subaru hastily replied with a, [I'm sorry, I'm sorry] and continued to speak,
[Subaru: But, rest assured Petra. Today will stay sunny. The clouds give off a false impression and won't be a problem. I can say that for definite.]
[Petra: Huh? Really? That's super helpful. … But, how do you know?]
[Subaru: Well, that's because…]
Petra inclined her head in doubt and widened her eyes at Subaru's assertion. Giving her a full-toothed smile, Subaru answered the girl's query.
[Subaru: ――Because I just returned for this, putting my life on the line for it.]
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
A meadow of green, a garden's fragrance drifting through the hillock, a white parasol and white table in fixed position, a black dress as if in mourning, a girl with white hair elegantly tilting her teacup.
As she relished the warm taste of the tea, the witch allowed an insouciant sigh to escape.
[Echidna: Using one's own life, to save them, to protect them, to keep someone from them, contributing it thus. How virtuous, how noble, surely deserving of everyone's exaltation. Furthermore, not just the once, but challenging an endless cycle of hardships, is the impression it can't help but give.]
Pressing her hands to her chest, the witch considered the boy with whom she'd had a contract.
Desperately seeking his ideal, pressing onward despite being struck endlessly by reality. Possessing the most wretched power of『Return by Death』as his own, all in order to love someone.
[Echidna: ――However, dedicating life to『Return by Death』, to protect one's surroundings, is a double-edged sword. Too disdainful of one's own life, too stubborn about the value of other lives. Because the value of one's own life can no longer be seen, the lives of those precious others become too desperately consequential. This time, anything that isn't the lives of those precious others『aside』, is unseeable. That is, downright…]
No matter when, no matter where, that singular attitude of clinging to what could absolutely not be scoured, was downright foolish.
[Echidna: ——You truly are, someone who can satisfy me.]
Cheeks reddened as if a maiden in the throes of infatuation, the witch longed for the absent boy.
Through the crystal gemstone, he crossed the gate, bringing absolutely everything of the world into her palm. And when the afflictions and hardship shattered him, every time, he unconsciously came to rely on the witch.
To keep his spirit afloat, enduring the temptation of a witch, even if he became a marionette.
In order merely to check the weather, adapting a mentality which was unhesitating to use『Return by Death』, even that had gone unnoticed.
[Echidna: But, I want you to rest assured. The lives of those who you prize, I will also wholeheartedly gamble my very wisdom on protecting them. So, for this you too—―]
To satisfy this inexhaustible curiosity of a witch, I want to continue as your accomplice.
Suffering and unreasonable fate, from now forth would equally descend endlessly upon the boy.
Though the hardships be arduous, though the heights be insurmountable, the boy with the witch's aid, lending one another strength and wisdom, found themselves able to cross.
Presented by the『Witch of Greed』was that love of scorching flame.
[Echidna: Ah, even so――]
The boy crossed the grand gate, the boy sprinted to offer protection, the boy's guardianship bore fruit; feeling many scarred hearts resulting from the boy's protection, the witch sighed.
A proposition that would remain sempiternally unsolved, and yet an enigma that would eternally enthrall her, even in death.
Ah, even so――
[Echidna: ――Why does love, always fade?]
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