1
The first thing Subaru felt when he woke up was someone's fingertip against his forehead.
[Subaru: Judging from the delicate softness and the really considerate contact, it's: Emilia-tan's!]
[Emilia: ――Even though you got it right, I got a reeeeaally spooky feeling about it, maybe it's just my imagination]
Opening his eyes, Subaru's field of vision was covered by the palm which was touching him. Through the gaps between her fingers, Subaru got a peek at a fragment of her beautiful face, and he loosened his lips, smiling.
[Subaru: Well, because only Emilia-tan would go to the trouble of taking care of me at a time like this, so I got the feeling it was you. It's not like anyone could actually tell who it is just by the touch of a fingertip, you know?]
[Emilia: Oh, I see. I guess feel a bit relieved now... your body, can you sit up on your own?]
[Subaru: One way or another... yeah, I'm fine]
Answering with a joke as he woke, Subaru sat himself up from the bed. Briefly looking around at his surroundings, he found himself in an unfamiliar building.
The bedding he had been lying on was crudely made, and couldn't compare at all with the beds of Roswaal's Mansion that he had gotten so used to. In any case, Subaru tried to remember what had happened before he lost consciousness.
[Subaru: Up to where did reality end, and from where did the vision begin...]
The Tomb ―― setting one foot in that place, and immediately being swept into a state of falling: that was the last thing he remembered about real world. Then after that, his meeting with the girl playing-innocent inside the Tomb――with the "Witch of Greed", if a Witch's words could be believed, would have all happened inside her dreams.
It was all too vague. Frustrated by his indecisive memories, Subaru held a hand to his forehead and looked toward Emilia. Beside the bed, seated in a chair, she seemed to be quietly waiting for Subaru to sort out his thoughts. Seeing her there, Subaru began with [Well then...],
[Subaru: There are loads of things I want to ask and and talk to you about... but, first there's something I have to say]
[Emilia: En, what is it?]
Tilting her head a little, Emilia waited adorably, listening. ――but, her eyes weren't smiling.
Under the light gleaming from her clear, violet pupils, Subaru shrank his shoulders,
[Subaru: I'm sorry I made you worry again. I got a bit too carried away there]
Having thought that he should, at the very least, be able to clear the path ahead of Emilia, he had somewhat overestimated his ability.
And the situation, as it turns out, was that on the first step he took he fell on his face.
Receiving Subaru's apology, Emilia let out a little sigh through her lips.
[Emilia: You know. I was really really worried. The moment you went in, you let out a shriek and passed out]
[Subaru: Putting the shriek aside for now… I passed out?]
[Emilia: The white of your eyes were turned up, and you wouldn't stop convulsing. We really didn't know what to do. There weren't any wounds and it didn't look like there had been any strange magic cast you...]
Seeing Emilia hesitating with her words, Subaru got an idea of what an embarrassing display he had made.
So that's what happened… Apparently, immediately after he stepped into the Tomb, when the floor collapsed――or by the time he sensed himself falling, he had already been summoned into the Witch of Greed's dreams.
And in reality, Subaru fell asleep the moment he walked in, and basically gave Emilia an uncalled-for amount of worry while she looked on, unable to do anything.
Scouting ahead for dangers for the sake of Emilia―― his determination back then was now looking really stupid at this point.
Thinking that, Subaru scowled up his face in self loathing, when,
[Garfiel: ――Oh? Hey, he's awake isn'he? Lookin' pretty good there, oy]
Saying this, pushing open the creaking door, the blond youth―― Garfiel walked in.
Taking a passing glance at Subaru on the bed, he then turned his gaze toward Emilia.
[Garfiel: Told ya didn'I? Nothin' wrong with his body, see?]
[Emilia: ...But still, I still couldn't help but get worried. Not knowing why and seeing him suddenly collapsing like that. Even though I've kind of gotten used to it by now, getting used to something like that really isn't a good thing, is it?]
[Garfiel: Hah, c'mon, toughen up a bit. Panicking and getting all teary-faced as soon as y'saw this little buddy go down…. Like "yer face's more blue than Aomiguro" as they say]
[Emilia: Wha――!?]
Listening to Garfiel's thoroughly boorish retort, Emilia pouted up her lips as her face turned bright red.
And as soon as he brought that last part up, Emilia jumped up from her chair with a squeal.
[Emilia: I-I wasn't teary-faced! I was worried and panicking, sure, but I wasn't...]
[Garfiel: A-ah, rightright. It's a secret, a secret. Sorry sorry. But, it's not that bad… There's no need to hide it or anything]
[Emilia: It is that bad. I'm really worried that.... if he heard I was going to cry....]
Trailing off in the middle of her rebuttal, Emilia sneaked a side-glance at Subaru.
Up to now, Subaru had been silently observing their conversation. In front of her gaze, what would the speechless Subaru say――
[Subaru: Hn? Ah, it's good, keep going. Please, please, eheheh. Is that so, ehhh, is that so. Emilia-tan was so worried about me that she was crying… is that so, eheheh]
[Emilia: ...somehow, I got a feeling Subaru would react like that]
Emilia slumped down her shoulders dejectedly. In front of her, Subaru was still breathing heavily with enlarged nostrils. To know that the girl he has a crush on had been worried about him from the bottom of her heart, even if this was indiscreet, he couldn't hold in his glee.
Seeing Subaru's immodest indulgence and Emilia's reaction, on the side, Garfiel let out a [Ohhh so that's how it is] and then, with deep feeling, muttered,
[Garfiel: This time's my bad. Yikes, it's pretty rare. To see me ownin' up to my mistakes so straightforwardly, ain't it?]
And, in self-reflection, Garfiel admitted something he's not all too proud of.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
[If properly trained, even dogs can exercise enough self-restraint to not eat before being given permission]
Chilling, it was a voice instilled with such sharpness that one might be cut in half if one were to touch it.
Echoing out slowly, there was a pause between each word, but the space in between was filled with such dreadfulness that no room for objection was permitted from the other end.
[That is to say, following an instruction the way even a dog is capable of, should have been the least you could do]
*Kuts* *kuts*, were the high pitched sound of footsteps striking the wooden floor.
The rhythm of the steps were constant, walking left and right, back and forth in front of him.
The evenness of the gaps between them reflected the calmness of the footsteps' owner's mind, all the while knowing full well that they were mercilessly chipping away at the mental composure of the other person.
[Now――]
The voice and the footsteps, and those eyes devoid of emotion, all shot toward Subaru――
[Ram: A creature that can't abide by instructions that even a dog can abide by, what do you even call such a thing? Barusu, do you know?]
[Subaru: I'm so sorry I didn't follow your advice――!!]
Toward the small girl standing opposite him, Subaru fell to his knees on the spot and bent his head all the way down as he cried out in apology.
However, against the wailing from the bottom of Subaru's soul, girl only slightly tilted her head.
[Ram: "I'm so sorry", did you hear me asking for an apology? Not only did you not hear the question, it seems you didn't hear anything at all so far. I think Ram's advice didn't even enter your ears in the first place, because it's not like it was something you couldn't have understood]
[Subaru: Can you please not use such a roundabout way to express your distaste!? I repent, I totally know I was wrong, but it feels like my heart is getting crushed! A straightforward scolding would've been easier on me!]
[Ram: It'd be better if you died]
[Subaru: Too straightforward!!]
Receiving the girl――Ram's merciless rebuke, Subaru hugged his head on the floor. But actually, considering his conduct, he could only receive all her abuse with resignation.
He had flat out gone against her especially delivered warning, and caused trouble for everyone around him as a result.
[Roswaal: Tha~~t's alright. Ram should forgi~ve him there. A~~fter all, Emilia-sama must have already given him the exact same lecture, no? Going over it again wo~n't do much good, except making Subaru-kun's masochist tendencies exci~ted]
[Subaru: I don't have masochist tendencies. Stepping on landmines just happens to be my natural instinct!]
It was just him not being able to read the mood very well, he was thinking.
Seeing Subaru puffing up his chest boastfully, Ram gave up in the bottom of her heart as she let out a deep sigh, and then, without a word, she turned her back to him, to face toward Roswaal.
And Roswaal, shifting his body to face everyone waiting silently by his side as he lay on the bed, continued, [Well~ then],
[Roswaal: Fir~~st of all, that you all came back safe is the most important thing. These stumbles before the Trials had sent all kinds of pla~ns into disarray. Even though Subaru-kun's action was a nothing but a simple blu~nder]
Having been tossed an all-too-meaningful smile, Subaru crossed his arms and made a small snort. And, as if with a reproachful attitude, Emilia, who was standing beside him, pinched Subaru under his ribs.
[Subaru: Ow. Hurts, Emilia-tan]
[Emilia: Even though I always defend you, today it's Subaru who's been bad... If I had known that Ram had said something like that I would have…]
….stopped Subaru from going first, as if trying to continue like this, Emilia's words trailed off. Smiling wryly back at her, Subaru muttered [That's why I couldn't tell you…] in his heart. If she knew about this warning beforehand, Emilia would never have allowed Subaru to take on such a dangerous task.
But on the other hand, if it weren't for Ram's warning, Subaru wouldn't have made up his mind about trying to clear the way for Emilia in the first place. So then…
[Subaru: Your advice didn't make anyone happy, Ram]
[Ram: Saying all of this was because of Ram, only a dog would do that... No, I should change that to lower than a dog, otherwise it would be insulting to dogs]
Seeing Subaru trying to pass off responsibility, Ram shot back with a look of ultimate contempt. He couldn't help but admire the maid's undissipating venomous attitude. And, at the same time, the other side probably held a similar opinion of Subaru as well.
Leaving the two's irrelevant sparring aside, Roswaal rearranged his legs on the bed, and,
[Roswaal: By the way, Emilia-sama... How did you like the Tomb?]
[Emilia: ...With what happened to Subaru, I didn't get a chance look around. But, there was a terrible stench in the air and I felt this unpleasant stinging feeling on my skin]
Emilia furrowed her brows as she put her impression of the Tomb into words.
Basically, bad impressions took up most of her overall appraisal of the place. And hearing this unreservedly negative appraisal, Roswaal let out an [Is that so…], and slighty smiled.
Then, his mismatched eyes set upon a corner of the room―― toward Garfiel, who had been observing their conversation, leaning against a wall.
[Roswaal: Garfiel. Has the Qualification been confirmed?]
At the word Qualification, Subaru raised his brows, and looked toward Garfiel.
The blonde youth roughly scratched his short hair, and revealed his sharp canine fangs.
[Garfiel: I didn'go further than the front of th'entrance but...the lights in the Tomb turned on alright. Emilia-sama's got the "Qualification", there's no doubt 'bout that]
[Subaru: Lights in the Tomb?]
Hearing something he hadn't heard of before, Subaru tilted his head as Garfiel flapped his hand around irritatedly.
[Garfiel: There's a bunch of candle-things in the Tomb. While the Sun's up, if a guy with Qualification walks into the Tomb, some stuff in there'll make the fires light up. A guy who gets this welcome without any problems will be qualified to take that night's Trials]
[Roswaal: Conversely, if someone without Qualification forces his way into the Tomb, it would be ju~st like what happened to Subaru and myse~lf]
Finishing off Garfiel's words for him, Roswaal spread out his arms. It was to show off his body, which was still painfully wrapped in blood soaked bandages. ――That is, to show off the punishment for forcing one's way into the Tomb.
[Subaru: I feel like the severity of the punishment is pretty different between what you got and what I got… Compared to just going in like me, what you did must've been quite a lot worse, right?]
[Roswaal: Worse, su~ch as what?]
[Subaru: Illegally peeing beside the entrance or something. That'll really piss off the Tomb manager]
[Roswaal: If that were the ca~se, Subaru would have fallen ri~ght where my puddle had be~en, it se~ems]
His sarcasm being countered by another sarcastic reply, Subaru showed a disgusted face as he quickly patted himself off all over his clothes. Seeing Subaru's reaction, Roswaal relaxed his cheeks, and said [Bu~t], shaking his head,
[Roswaal: The fact that we suffered different damages despite being similarly rejected...I~'m impressed you noticed it. It's true, my i~njuries are quite a lot greater than Subaru's. But, the reason is very simple]
[Emilia: ...Mana …Gate rampage]
Roswaal's words were interrupted by this answer.
Turning to the voice, it was Emilia, who had been covering her lips with her fingers. She was thinking with downcast eyes, and playing with the tips of her silver hair.
[Emilia: When I entered the Tomb, I felt a reeeaally unpleasant air about the place. It felt like my Gate was being interfered with or something. Maybe because I met the requirements, it decided to let me go...but if it's someone who doesn't meet the requirement, the interference would bare its fangs]
There was a change in the certainty of her words, and little by little, her tone became imbued with strength. Emilia lifted up her face, and those violet pupils took in Roswaal's pitiful form.
[Emilia: The interference strikes at its targets through their gates...Which means, the greater the number of gates the person has, the greater the interference they will receive]
[Roswaal: Perfect answer. Wi~th someone like myself...that I didn't blow up is a mi~~racle]
Casually saying something scary again, Roswaal flashed a glance at Subaru with a single eye, and said [It's a good thing you have no talent], rather annoyingly.
[Subaru: So basically, magic users or any talented people would almost die from that. But all I got was loss of consciousness, so it's a good thing that I'm so totally inept as a magic user, huh…]
[Emilia: T-that's true but...describing yourself like that, doesn't it sting a little?]
[Subaru: I've gotten pretty used to knowing that there are things I can't do and things I can't reach. It's alright, I'll just use the things only I can do to show my love for Emilia-tan. For now, how about we start with some rustic love whisperings?]
[Emilia: After the Royal Selection's finished and everything's settled down, maybe I'll consider it]
[Subaru: At least 3 years later!?]
Even then there's no guarantee whether she will listen…
At the cruel Emilia, Subaru shriveled his shoulders. Then, with a [But,] he continued,
[Subaru: Putting the qualifications and whatnot aside, a space that kills magic users… I don't know who's behind it, but it sounds like pretty asshole thing to do… don't know how else to describe it]
[Roswaal: Considering it has been managed by generations of the Mathers family, the one who assembled the ma~gical mechanism must have been one of my a~~ncestors]
[Subaru: Ah, that's not good... is it. But then, wait… then doesn't that mean you're a way-too-accurate impression of your ancestors? Like it's reincarnating through Ros-chi's family-line or something]
What if when one generation dies, the next generation gets possessed by the asshole consciousness of its predecessor, and so on and so on like a puppet family-line…
Just the thought of it was too frightening, and Subaru quickly shook his head to put it out of his mind. But hearing Subaru's words, Roswaal laughed as if having heard quite a joke,
[Roswaal: There are families who researched that kind of ma~gic, a~lthough, they have been defeated, and extinguished lo~ng ago... And also, while you could call it a "space that kills mages", there is a more accurate name for it]
[Subaru: Which… is?]
[Roswaal: Simply put ――that place is filled with the Witch's Miasma. A nightmarish environment, that passes Mana through the trespasser's Gate, and drives him to madness. That, is what is ca~lled Miasma]
2
Miasma, Subaru furrowed his brows at the appearance of this word, as if searching for a memory of something he had heard before. Indeed, he had heard that word from――
[Subaru: The story of the Witch of Envy… The place where she was sealed, is covered in that Miasma, or something...]
[Roswaal: Yo~gu, you know about that, don't you. We~ll, it is a very fa~mous story. Even now, the Sealing Stone Temple where the Witch of Envy is sleeping is covered in Miasma so thick that it distorts everything in one's view. If that Miasma rejects those who do not meet her Tomb's conditions, the Miasma invades the minds of anyone it touches, annihilates their flesh, and corrupts their soul, a phenomenon of true and genuine malice. Even the faithful adherents of the Witch Cult who seek to revive the Witch of Envy, are not able to approach it, or so the sto~ry goes]
[Subaru: Even the Witch Cult guys can't go in huh...Then again, of course they can't. If they can just walk right in and plonk the seal off with everyone watching they'll win, won't they]
The Witch's resurrection――he remembered Petelgeuse, screaming that supreme objective.
Even that madman, single-mindedly crying out his conceited love, could take no direct actions to actually save the Witch. It was probably out of consideration of the fact that his true form was a spirit also meant that he would be powerless in the face of the Miasma.
[Roswaal: A~nyhow, because of that, the Witch's Seal is made unapproachable by the Witch's own Miasma. And on top of that, if one wishes to approach the Temple, one would have to be sneak past the watchful eyes of the Sage Shaula in the Wa~tchtower]
[Subaru: I've heard of that name, the Sage Shaula. That's the second Sage I know of… Flugel, and then there's Shaula]
How did they come to be called by this title, Subaru wondered. Perhaps there was something about them that was different from everyone else? Seeing Subaru's doubts, Roswaal lightly smiled,
[Roswaal: Flugel, you mean, tha~t big-tree Flugel? Whi~~le it's true he's also called a Sage, comparing him with Sage Shaula wo~uld be a little harsh]
[Subaru: Why's that? They're both Sages, you shouldn't be playing Sage favourites. I owe Flugel-san quite a bit you know, so don't go insulting Flugel-san in front of me now]
No matter what, that Sage lent him a pretty big hand when they were battling the White Whale.
Flugel-san probably never imagined that 400 years later the tree he planted would come in handy for defeating monsters. Whether he'd be happy about it though would be a different matter.
[Subaru: With a tree that huge, the broken off part could probably used for all sorts of things...well, there's a chance it got blown up by the time bomb though?] ***In the WN Subaru woke up in a dragon carriage on the way to the Capital, instead of a grassfield like in the Anime, so he didn't see what happened to the tree
[Roswaal: I~ get the feeling that's not the only bro~ken thing we'll need to de~al with. Anyway...Emilia-sama]
Shifting his gaze from Subaru, who had been holding his chin in his hand, Roswaal turned to Emilia, as he this quiet call. Hearing this, Emilia lifted her face, and answered [En],
[Roswaal: To return to the topic at hand, more than anything, it is go~od that you are Qualified. That means Emilia-sama may take the Trials of the Tomb. In that case, there is just one thing I have to ask]
Solemn and low, the mischievous tone had vanished from Roswaal's voice. Taking this in, Emilia also looked back with a serious gaze, watching him in return,
[Roswaal: Simply put―― Are you willing to accept the Trials?]
As the short question fell into the room, Emilia's pressed together her lips and became silent.
Of course, this was only natural. Whether she had the Qualification to take the Trials had already been confirmed. So naturally, it would be followed by this next question. But,
[Subaru: Before she answers, I just want to ask. The Trials, are they something that she absolutely must take?]
Before Emilia could voice her answer, one step ahead of her, Subaru raised his hand. Hearing this question, at Roswaal's side, a dangerous emotion settled within Ram's pupils, but Roswaal lifted a hand to stop her.
[Roswaal: I thought this was so~mething you would a~sk. Without taking the Trials, those with Qualification will not be able to leave the Sanctuary. This much, you must have already heard from Ga~rfiel?]
[Subaru: So I've heard. But, that's not really a reason Emilia-tan must take it, is it? The Gravesite of the Witch of Greed is a foul place, there's no knowing what kind of dangerous things could happen in there. Sending an important Royal Selection candidate, Emilia-tan into such a place, just what are you thinking?]
[Roswaal: O~mu. We~ll, as fair arguments go, it is a fair a~rgument. If we simply needed someone to take the Trials the~n, there are others who are qualified... If that was all, it'd be just as well if Garfiel di~d it]
[Garfiel: Hah? Me? I'm good with that. I'd challenge the Trials and break right through, it'll be like "Barubarumoa-right-right-left" and I'm passed yeah?]
Like stirring water, Garfiel gestured toward himself with his thumb with a smile that bared his teeth. Seeing how Garfiel only seemed to have heard the second half of what was said, Subaru ignored his simple-minded remarks and tried to focus on the more reliable aspects of his statement.
Actually, it would be nice if the Trials was something anyone can beat, because then there would be no need for Emilia to do it. Then, it'd be nice if someone qualified and more dependable could challenge it.
――In the worst case, having been granted Qualification to challenge the Trials, it'd also be fine if Subaru did it.
[???: ――Nyaa, that'd be a lil problematic]
It was a sudden voice from the entrance of the house that didn't belong to anyone present.
With his back to the door, Subaru jerked around his head in surprise as he heard the unfamiliar voice. Now taking Subaru's gaze, Garfiel, who was leaning against a wall beside the door, slightly waved his hand in front of his face.
[Garfiel: Wasn' me, 's that old hag over there]
Saying so, he gestured with the hand he was waving with toward his side. Setting his sight there, Subaru saw beside Garfiel's scrawny body an even smaller shadow standing there.
[???: Who's an old hag. Never at a loss for words, what a rotten kid I've raised]
With pink, long drooping hair, a tiny little girl said with a very grown-up attitude.
With perfectly formed features, it was a little girl with a cute face. Her age seemed to be around Petra's, about 11 or 12 years old. Her pink hair had waves in them, and its soft texture gave off a light and fluffy impression. Wearing a loose, white robe that grew larger the lower down it got, with long dangling sleeves that left no place for her hands to come out, she had an impish look about her.
Above all, judging from the way she was addressing Garfiel…
[Subaru: Even though I always thought it would show up one day, I didn't think it'd show up here, the Loli-Granny...!]
[???: Wha's that, I get the feeling I've just been called something totally against my will, or is that just me?]
[Emilia: Umm, I often hear Subaru use "Loli" on Beatrice...so it means "little", right?]
Seeing Subaru's astonishment, the little girl looked up at him with a displeased expression on her face.
Just from Emilia's mumbles, her modern day knowledge was proof of how high her experience-points in her interactions with Subaru had been. Listening to this, Subaru raised up a finger.
[Subaru: Yep, Emilia-tan's correct. More specifically though, it means little children outside of my conquest-range. Combining this Loli together with Granny, we have what looks like a little girl on the outside but containing a granny within, completing a miraculous COLLABORATION! Even though I don't really go for Lolis in the first place, I do understand the subtleties of the Gap-Moe!]
[Emilia: Gyappumoe?]
[Subaru: A girl who's usually like an awe-inspiring older sister but in some places really childish and lacking some really common knowledge or just straight-up being easy to trick would also be considered Gap-Moe!]
Listening to Subaru's string of words in rapid succession, Emilia, with [So there are girls like that...], brought a finger to her lips with an expression as if she was taking this in. While Emilia being unaware of how the characteristics were referring to herself was unbearably adorable, the other person being addressed by these words was looking annoyed,
[???: Then? I don't know what this Loli is, and what's with you keep calling me granny granny? For a first meeting, you're a guy who's even ruder than Ros-bo here] *-bo is like when an granny refers to a grandson with endearment
[Subaru: Oooo, that was rude of me, Mademoiselle. My name is Natsuki Subaru! Currently a heart-throb Mabeast-Hunter. Well, even though it usually isn't me dealing the last-hits]
High-spiritedly announcing his name with a thumbs-up, the self-introduction tapered off a bit toward the end. And then, extending a hand toward the girl with the distrustful face, [And you are?] he prompted,
[Subaru: Now that I've told you my name I hope you can introduce yourself as well. A simple PROFILE, interests x special abilities. Mentioning some of your CHARM-POINTs as well would be great] *With words like "charm-points", Subaru is speaking English
[Lewes: ...Lewes Meyer. In a way, I am a representative of this Sanctuary]
Listening to Subaru's jests, the Loli-Granny――the one who called herself Lewes, extended a finger through her sloppy sleeves and scratched herself on her forehead,
[Lewes: I didn't notice it when you were sleeping, but more than just rude you're a poor lil rascal. I get the feeling like I shouldn't have bothered lending you the bed]
[Subaru: The bed, the one I was sleeping on just now?]
[Emilia: Yes, that was Lewes-san's house. It was close to the Tomb, so Garfiel carried you there... really, thank you so much for earlier]
Then, seeing Emilia lowering her head, Lewes shook her head slowly. Judging from that exchange, the two of them seemed to have already met while Subaru was unconscious.
Either way, it was true that she had helped him out.
[Subaru: I didn't know it was like that, sorry for the rude things I said. The bed, lending it to me helped me a great deal. I've been late to say this, really really sorry!]
[Lewes: ....Wha was that, scared me. Gar-bo never apologizes straightforwardly like that. Natsuki...Subaru, was it? It'll be Su-bo then]
[Subaru: That sounds a bit like the beginning of a Weather Forecast, but that's ok. In turn, let me call you Lewes-san then] *ヤン坊マー坊天気予報 "Yan-bo Ma-bo Weather Forecast" was a cartoon shown before weather forecasts in Japan that ran from 1959-2014
After he had expressed his thanks, Lewes's annoyed expression was cancelled. As they peacefully decided on what to call each other, Subaru continued with [So then…]
[Subaru: So Lewes-san, just now you said there'd be a problem, what was it? Garfiel taking the Trials would be problematic?]
[Lewes: You sure changed your tone quickly. Aah, that. It'd be a problem, quite a big one. Basically, if those who originate from the Sanctuary challenge the Trials, it would violate the Contract] ***聖域の出身者 is like "someone with a background of the Sanctuary", it's meant to be vague here
[Subaru: Contracts again...]
With all the Contracts and Pacts popping up, restricting this and that, Subaru shot a sickened look at Roswaal. And, receiving that look, Roswaal shrugged,
[Roswaal: U~~nfortunately, this Contract has nothing to do with the Mathers family... well I shouldn't say no~thing to do with, but we were no~t the main culprit. I~~ mean, my family had something of a suppo~rting role in it]
[Subaru: Your defense statement is all good, now cough it up. The detailed contents of the Contract, in three sentences]
[Roswaal: So stri~ct. We~ll to put it simply, the condition for the liberation of the inhabitants of the Sanctuary is to pass the Trials, but the Trials may only be challenged by someone from the o~utside who possess the Qu~alifications. Tha~t is to say, the situation right now is...]
[Emilia: I am the only one who can do it, is that right?]
Understanding at the end of Roswaal's explanation, Emilia finished off his words. Roswaal nodded in confirmation, and turned to look toward Lewes.
[Roswaal: I~n fact, this is the understanding of the inha~bitants of the Sanctuary. They expect that Emilia-sama would challenge the Trials, and hope that Emilia-sama could overco~me it]
[Emilia: I don't want you to think I am hesitating when I ask this... but, hypothetically, if someone other than me challenges the Trials, what would happen?]
Emilia's violet pupils turned to Garfiel, and asked this hypothetical question. And, it was Lewes who replied, saying [As for that],
[Lewes: Up to now, at least for as long as I have been alive, no one has ever challenged the Trials. So there is no way to say. Residents or outsiders alike, no one has yet challenged it]
[Subaru: No one, up to now? I'm afraid to ask but, Lewes-san… how old are you?]
Judging from the common setting of Loli-Grannies, the answer to Subaru's question just now could be something really scary. But actually, Lewes said [Not like that], and then, as if looking toward something far away,
[Lewes: At least I don't know of the time when this place was first created. But at most, I think, it would be a hundred and ten-odd years]
[Subaru: Too much! At least, that's the oldest out of everyone I've met so far]
Well, if you put Spirits and the spiritual-bodied Witch aside.
Taking in that side note, Subaru turned a worried look at Emilia. But even under that gaze, the tinge of darkness in Emilia's expression did not leave her.
[Emilia: In any case, I understand now. Either way, if I don't pass the Trials I won't be able to leave the Sanctuary. So I will accept]
[Subaru: Emilia-tan's heroic look when making a resolve is super-captivating, but maybe it's better if we look into some more cautious strategies? Find some shortcuts or loopholes first, and it won't be too late to do the challenge then, I think]
[Emilia: You shouldn't pour water on someone just when they've got so pumped up and all, it's reeeaaaally inappropriate I think]
But, while Subaru was just trying to place her far away from any possibility of danger, Emilia pouted up her lips with a look of disapproval. And receiving her reproachful gaze,
[Subaru: Come to think of it, isn't there something fishy about how we got taken along for a ride like this? I can't get rid of the feeling that something's off, actually. This whole situation just seems too well set-up, like everything along the road's been arranged and now even the traffic police is in on it]
[Emilia: I totally can't understand that. Subaru says some reeeaaally befuddling things sometimes]
[Subaru: I haven't heard anyone say befuddle in a while...]
Seeing Emilia sharpen her gaze at the customary exchange between them, Subaru hurriedly flapped his hands around saying [No no no],
[Subaru: Nevermind that part, I meant I got a really strong feeling that this whole situation has been prearranged somehow. The half-bloods not being able to leave, and then nominating Emilia-tan to step-up and all. And then to say that it's all already understood and agreed upon]
[Emilia: Prearranged, by who?]
[Subaru: Who, it could only be one person]
At Emilia's question, right then and there Subaru did a sudden spin. And at the end of the rotation his finger pointed toward…
[Subaru: You, wasn't it?]
[Garfiel: Huh? Me?]
[Subaru: Ah, wrong one, sorry, turned too far. This one this one —— You, wasn't it, Roswaal]
[Roswaal: Nothing could have been slo~ppier]
Smiling bitterly, Roswaal gave his assessment of Subaru's movements. But immediately he closed a single eye, and projected Subaru within his yellow pupil,
[Roswaal: Ho~wever, your observation is good as usual. It's true, I had ho~ped for this situation and bro~ught it about. Of course, I didn't have a hand in the sta~ge itself, though]
[Subaru: I get the feeling, I understand now]
Raising up his brows at Roswaal's words, Subaru seemed to have grasped his intentions. Kept out of the conversation, Emilia showed a confused expression, and tried to listen for what was happening behind it all.
[Subaru: First, I think it's odd that Roswaal got injured. In the first place, you must have known that you weren't Qualified for the Trials. This should be obvious considering this place is managed by the Mathers family, and that you are acquainted with Garfiel]
[Roswaal: That is...right. En, correct]
[Subaru: If that's the case, Roswaal would know what would happen to him after he is rejected from the Tomb. In spite of this, why did Roswaal go in? Was it rage against the world for no particular reason? Or has he finally reached the limits of holding back his Masochist tendencies? Even though both of these are pretty persuasive, I don't think it was either of them]
[Roswaal: O~~ay O~~ay. Is that the kind of impre~ssion Subaru-kun ha~s of me?]
Seeing Roswaal intentionally ignoring the main point with that reaction, Subaru lifted up a finger with [In other words],
[Subaru: Getting wounded like this was in accordance with Roswaals intentions, and had some kind of significance. And that significance would probably… be connected to the Royal Selection, I think]
[.....]
[Subaru: But I was hoping to ask… The villagers of Arlam village, they are gathered in some kind of a Cathedral right now, right?]
Subaru suddenly changed the topic, and turned to Ram, who was standing beside Roswaal. Keeping her silence, she lightly drew in her chin in a nod, and then,
[Ram: En, yes. The villagers are gathered in the Cathedral….. being confined by the residents of the Sanctuary]
[Subaru: Is that so, confined. Earlier, our conversation got cut off because we had to go visit the Tomb, but... just what kind of confinement is it. And why was it necessary for the Sanctuary guys to place Roswaal along with all the villagers under house arrest?]
The one Subaru turned to next, was Gafiel, who was still leaning against the wall. His eyes narrowed, and grew sharpened at Subaru's question, and followed it with [It's obvious ain't it]
[Garfiel: Telling ya, this here ain't us grabbin onto a way out'a troubled times. But we ain't exactly in a good mood when the Lord-sama and his tag-alongs just comes like it's fine to set our problems aside and use this place as they like y'know?]
[Subaru: By your problems you mean of course...]
[Lewes: That it is impossible for us to leave this Sanctuary for the outside world]
Continuing from Subaru's words, Lewes finished his sentence. A dark and burdened expression unbefitting of her youthful face descended, as she cast down her eyes, and continued in a thin voice,
[Lewes: As I have said before, I have been alive for a hundred and some-decades. But, never once have I gone outside this Sanctuary. Anyhow, adhering to this contract since the time of my birth, I have been bound by this land. And precisely for that reason, it was half giving up...and half refusing to let go of hope] *The first time, Lewes's age was百十数年 meaning 110-119, and in this sentence Lewes said百数十年 meaning 110-199. This may have been intentional, so I will keep it same as the Japanese
[Garfiel: Granny'd like to get to see the outside world for a bit. Th'others too. Just to get chance to, it's something worth biting onto yeah? Having the weakened Lord-sama, and villagers that we could take as hostages falling into our hands, 's gotten pretty convenient]
With Lewes and Garfiel's words, the atmosphere in the room suddenly turned.
In short, they have just told Subaru the reason for the confinement―― that is, confessed the motive of their crime. The aspect that Subaru had not noticed up to now, was that the relationship between him, and them, had been that of a prisoner, and jailor. A relationship between the victim, and the perpetrator.
[Subaru: So it's, like that. You guys, are holding the villagers hostage...in order to free yourselves from the Sanctuary]
[Lewes: You can think of it any way you like. And then, the one who can fulfill that condition is...]
In an instant, Lewes's words clouded over, as she looked toward Emilia.
Taking in the meaning of that look, Emilia once again realized her position.
[Emilia: Me. ――That's what you mean isn't it?]
Understanding the flow of the situation, Emilia closed her eyes once more. And when, after several seconds, she opened them again, there were no longer any confused emotions in her eyes. There was only resolve, for she had made her decision.
[Emilia: The villagers, you haven't done anything terrible to them, have you?]
[Garfiel: 'Course not. If I treat them roughly I'd be taking my anger out on them. I'd rather die before I do something like that, sorry]
Just like that, Emilia's ability to place others before herself was beyond estimation. Even after deciding to face the unknown dangers of the Trials, she was already worrying about the villagers and the others.
It was her strength, and her fragileness, when she is like this, that made Subaru so drawn to her.
[Roswaal: That's an unsatisfied look on your face, i~~sn't it?]
[Subaru: ...That should be obvious. In the end, we still got taken along for the ride. Since we didn't notice it when we got on, now that we have noticed it we still have no choice but to keep riding]
Grinding his teeth holding in his vexation, Subaru put up a smiling look to bicker with Roswaal. But then, quietly remembering, he turned back again,
[Subaru: I forgot to mention, the reason you got wounded]
[Roswaal: En en, go on. I won't be marking you on it]
[Subaru: PERFORMANCE. Or rather, it was an opening gambit]
Seeing Subaru scratching his neck as he said this, Roswaal's expression slightly congealed. This reaction was all taken in by Subaru's single open eye.
[Subaru: Being placed in a state of confinement, the people of Arlam village probably didn't take it well. Naturally, they must have objected. So I think you had to show that something was being done. Being the Lord, it would've been great if you could just go nuts and chase Garfiel away or something... But the people of the Sanctuary are your subject as well. So you couldn't really do that]
[Roswaal: Fumu. So, wha~t happened then?]
[Subaru: You could only swallow Garfiel and the residents' condition. That is, liberating the half-bloods of the Sanctuary. But this couldn't be done without Emilia-tan's assistance. Yet, the villagers and the residents wouldn't just accept that. So, the rest is simple―― You challenge the Trials, showing that you've accepted their requests, and that you intend to liberate them from their confinements]
[――――]
[Subaru: I don't know how well you could have predicted how much damage you would take from the Miasma, but if you predicted it wouldn't kill you, then it's not really that much of a gamble. The greater the damage you take, the more serious it looks and the more sympathy you get. And, it sets up the expectations for the final act that will be coming after you]
So in the end, everything about Roswaal getting wounded had been a performance to further his intentions.
As their lord, the magnitude of Roswaal's power was well known to his subjects and the villagers of Arlam. If the Trials can injure a person like him so severely, what will they think of a person who then appears and overcame such a trial to save them?
[Subaru: That, was what I imagine happened judging from my impression of your malicious prejudiced opportunism, so how's that for an answer sheet?]
[Roswaal: ――Ee~ya~~, I~'m surprised. That was actually, really, re~ally astonishing. It's only been a few days, bu~t just wh~at on earth has happened to yo~u]
Roswaal laughed from the depths of his throat at Subaru's words, showering praises at him.
And, clapping his hands, with a smile clear as day pasted over his face,
[Roswaal: I~~mpressive indeed. Almost a perfect a~nswer. I can't imagine how you could have read this far. A~fter all, I was right to have pi~cked you up]
[Subaru: The sky~~. I'm going to puke]
Seeing the thankful-looking Roswaal, as his deductions was being confirmed, Subaru looked away unable to hide the revulsion in his chest.
At Roswaal's intentions, at himself who had read into those intentions, at the fact that those intentions were for Emilia's benefit… and, the thought that, somewhere deep down, he himself approved of it, was all too revolting.
Oblivious to Subaru and Roswaal's skullduggery, Emilia was still occupied with Lewes and Garfiel and the topic about the Trials.
Watching her from behind, Subaru was determined that he would not let her hear these words, no matter what.
It would be enough if she just looked ahead.
Pristine, and noble, he would not want her to know of the dark intentions behind her.
If Subaru had to cover himself in mud so she could be showered with praise, it would be all be worth it.
In the Royal Selection, she hasn't done anything of note so far, and had no solid footing to stand on.
If her Royal Selection begins at this Sanctuary, he will do everything in his power to aid her.
With renewed determination, and firm resolve, Subaru decided.
Then, as he was clenching up his fists, behind Subaru, entrusting all his weight onto the bed,
[Roswaal: ...Almost, correct. Though that wasn't the only reason I e~ntered the Tomb]
Quietly whispering, it was in a voice that only the peach-colored haired maid beside the bed could hear, and, listening, only she alone cast down her pained gaze in reaction.