Chapter 4 - Chapter 4

"-And then Elsa slashed me while I was trying to protect my wife," Subaru concluded. Emilia sat next to him, her hand wrapped firmly around his.

Miklotov McMahon, an old man with a long gray beard who had presided over the Sages' Council for decades, had flown to the manor on a wyvern to investigate claims of Emilia's disqualification.

"You met this girl only two days ago and you immediately asked her to be your bride?" McMahon asked with profound skepticism. "Isn't that rather rushed?"

"Love is never done untimely, it occurs precisely when it is meant to," Subaru answered with aplomb.

"Why not wait until you knew each other longer? You don't seem so irrationally reckless as to marry a woman on sight," He asked.

"Actually, I am pretty reckless," Subaru admitted. "Besides, the longer we went un-engaged the longer we would be rivals. What kind of courtship would that be?"

This gave McMahon pause. "She is a half-elf," McMahon pointed out.

Subaru scowled and forgot his manners. "She is beautiful, brave, and noble hearted and anyone who insults Emilia insults me! Remember that!"

The words hung there in silence.

Subaru mentally played his words back to himself and immediately wanted to cry. You idiot! Yeah, you have great odds to convince him now. You never think before you act. I need to live in Reason and Judgment's slow time. Maybe if it took me five hundred years to say each word I could at least make certain I picked the right one!

However, the Sage's face appeared suddenly thoughtful. "Proposing to a half-elf on your first meeting and then daring to chide a member of the Sages' council for rudeness. I take it back. Clearly thinking things through before acting is not your dominant trait."

Subaru coughed. McMahon's statement was clearly an insult but at the same time the Sage appeared to be reconsidering whether Subaru was lying to him or if he was just hopelessly impulsive. "My wife is attempting to train me," Subaru replied. "There is, of course, scarce hope for her success although we may all pray for a miracle."

McMahon stroked his beard. "You did not know you were a selection candidate at the time, correct?"

"Initially I was planning to join Lady Emilia's camp and offer my full support to my wife," Subaru lied smoothly. "It was only when I touched her insignia that we realized there could have been a problem. Luckily our engagement prevented what would have been an awkward incident."

"And what of the girl… Felt, you said?"

"I have engaged her to perform certain services for my wife and myself. She can rightly be considered part of my camp."

"Hm," McMahon muttered. He turned to Roswaal. "Lord Roswaal, do you have any testimony to add?"

"I was not present for most of these events, your Excellency. I can only confirm that their engagement was made and, as Lady Emilia's sponsor and guardian, I have given my permission," He replied.

"If they did not have your permission initially, was not the engagement invalid?" McMahon asked.

"My permission was only a formality, your Excellency. As a royal candidate, Lady Emilia far outranks me, it would have been unthinkable for me to refuse. She simply made her wishes clear and I have complied," Roswaal replied easily.

McMahon glanced at Reinhard. "Sir Reinhard, do you have any testimony to offer?"

"Like Lord Roswaal, I was not present for the original engagement between my Lord and Lady. I arrived only in time to rescue my Lord Subaru from the Bowel Hunter," Reinhard answered.

"Did you meet this girl, this… Felt?" He asked.

"Yes, your Excellency."

"What can you tell me of the relationship between her and Lord Subaru? Did it seem like one of master and retainer?" McMahon asked.

Reinhard looked at McMahon for a long moment. "There are many forms of retainer relationships. I was present when Lord Subaru offered Miss Felt a bag of gold."

"Did he tell her what this was for?" McMahon asked sharply.

"He told her that it was 'a business investment' and said he was going to use her for future tasks involving himself and the Lady Emilia. He said in exchange he would assist her in escaping the slums," Reinhard finished.

I was joking that the gold I gave her was in exchange for helping me to play pranks on Emilia! Damn, Red, you should have been a lawyer! Subaru thought.

McMahon was silent for a time. "Lord Roswaal, this attempt they are making to unify two camps is unprecedented," McMahon complained.

"Much of this situation is unprecedented," Emilia interjected. "Lagunica has never chosen a king in this manner before. We have agreed to merge our claims for both personal and political reasons. We are convinced that together we can do a far better job of leading Lagunica than either of us would alone."

Nicely done, Emilia! Subaru squeezed her hand with a smile and received a shy smile in return.

McMahon looked at everyone carefully. "Very well," He said finally. "Since there is no clear evidence of wrong doing…," McMahon gave Subaru and Emilia a suspicious look. "I will not be confiscating Lady Emilia's insignia at this time. Tomorrow night we will have a full meeting of the Sages' council to make a final determination regarding Lady Emilia's suitability to engage in the selection. Lord Roswaal and Sir Reinhard, I ask that you be in attendance to provide testimony."

Both men bowed obediently.

McMahon snorted and swept from the room.

Subaru leaned over to Reinhard. "How quick could we get back to the capital?"

"I can get there in just a few hours if I leave the carriage here and go on foot," Reinhard whispered back.

"Wait, really?"

"It's one of my Divine Blessings," Reinhard explained.

"Damn, dude, you're like an army of one."

"Thank you, but I am concerned about leaving you alone with the blue haired maid," Reinhard said.

Subaru shook his head. "Don't worry. I don't think Rem will try anything and, to be completely honest, I think I could probably handle her if she did."

Reinhard stared at him for a moment, considering before nodding.

"The other problem," Reinhard continued, "Is that traveling by wyvern, McMahon will get there well before I can. He'll try to find Felt and question her before we can explain the situation," Reinhard replied.

"That shouldn't be an issue. I think it will take McMahon a week to find her," Subaru snorted.

"What are you saying? McMahon is the head of the Sages' Council. In the King's absence he controls the royal guard. He will immediately send an army down there to flush her out," Reinhard replied.

"That's exactly why it will take him forever to find her. If he sent a guy down there with a bag of gold he'd find her in an hour but I'm sure he'll do just what you said and send in the guard. The folks down there don't have much use for the guard and they're not going to talk to them unless they're forced to. But they will warn Felt that people are looking for her and Felt will go underground. Go find Rom. Rom will listen to you, he knows that you're OK. Tell them we need to talk to Felt and it's serious. He'll take you to her," Subaru said.

"That is… actually a very good strategy," Reinhard said.

"Also," Subaru continued after a moment. "Ask them if they'll really be in my camp. I want them to help me tear down those slums. I want to find homes and jobs for everyone down there. Ask them if they're willing to help me do that."

"Subaru," Reinhard said wide eyed. "That is an enormous undertaking."

"Got to go big if I'm going to save this kingdom and I think that's a perfect place to start!" Subaru said with a wild grin.

Reinhard grinned at Subaru in return as he stood up and simply disappeared from the room in a blur almost too fast to see.

Roswaal had retreated to his office to take care of some correspondence and the maids were busy cleaning. This left Subaru and Emilia alone.

The two sat together on a couch in a nearby sitting room. Ram had left them some tea. They each felt like they were waiting for the other to say something.

"Have you given any thought to your platform?" Subaru asked, mostly just to escape the quiet.

"Platform?"

"Yeah, you know: why should you be the one on the throne?" Subaru explained.

"I need to cure my people," Emilia replied in confusion.

Subaru blinked. "I get that, Emilia," He replied slowly. "I know why you need the throne. The question is why should anyone give it to you? How will you make people's lives better because frankly, I don't think that curing your forest is high on most people's wish list or else they would have done it already."

Emilia thought about it for a moment. "I want to create a kingdom where everyone is equal," She said firmly.

"Sounds good," Subaru approved. "That will at least bring the the demi-human population solidly behind you, and of course the fact that you're a demi-human will help too. Of course they are a minority in the kingdom," Subaru paused. "Wait, can they even vote?"

Emilia hesitated. "I'm not sure."

Subaru sighed. "Well, that's the first thing we need to figure out. We need to know who we're trying to appeal to," Subaru closed his eyes for a moment.

"So what's your 'platform' going to be?" Emilia asked him.

"Well, I think we should really have one shared platform but you've been doing this longer than I have so I just assumed that you'd have one already put one together," Subaru replied. He paused a moment before answering. "I want to destroy those slums. I don't know if that will win me any votes but that's really what I want to do. I want to ensure that everyone in the kingdom has a job, food in their bellies and a roof over their heads."

"That sounds good!" Emilia approved.

"Well, maybe," Subaru admitted. "We need to figure out who we're trying to appeal to. If the only people who get to vote are the nobility, which would be a serious social problem for the kingdom all on its own, then anything that doesn't directly benefit the nobility won't get us any closer to the throne."

"That's just wrong!" Emilia complained.

"No argument here but the Sages' Council set the rules to this game and we just have to play along unless you brought along another set of dice," Subaru replied.

"Dice?"

"Metaphorically speaking," Subaru clarified. "They have the dragon blood and, unless we have another way of getting some, we need to convince the Sages to give us access to it." He paused. "Is slaying a dragon out of the question?"

"Can you fight a dragon?" Emilia asked in surprise.

"I wouldn't want to bet on it, no." Subaru admitted. He scratched his chin. "Do you know if there's a library around here? I mean, besides Beako's library since I doubt she'd let us in?"

"Oh yes. I spend most days in there studying," Emilia said.

"Nice. Maybe we can go do some research and figure out how these selection things work. That should help us come up with a strategy," Subaru suggested then he frowned. "Of course I can't read the language here so I guess I won't be much use in a library," Subaru sighed.

"That's fine. I can read it to you," Emilia said a little shyly.

Subaru smiled. "I like that idea."

Reinhard returned to the city shortly before sunset. He avoided the Astrea estate, not wanting to encounter his father right now, or any royal guards really. Reinhard hid in the shadows and walked through alleys as he carefully made his way to the slums.

Upon arrival, Reinhard saw far more guards in the slums than usual. They were all walking around and asking questions of the locals. Reinhard had never had much practice at sneaking but he learned quickly and managed to get to the loot house unseen. The giant Rom was cleaning his bar with a damp rag. A tarp was covering the sizable hole that Reinhard had made in the roof during his fight with Elsa.

"Master Rom," Reinhard said quietly.

"I haven't seen her," Rom said in a bored voice before Reinhard could continue.

"Master Rom, I'm not here for the guard. I'm here as Lord Subaru's personal knight," Reinhard replied.

Rom frowned. "Lord? Wait is he why everyone is looking for Felt?" He growled.

"It's not unrelated," Reinhard admitted. "Subaru sent me here to talk to Felt. It's very important that I find her before the guards do."

Rom glowered at him.

Reinhard heard a sigh. "What do you want?" Felt asked, stepping out from behind a hidden door.

"Miss Felt," Reinhard said with a bow.

"Save it," Felt said with a weary wave. "Why are the guards turning the city upside down looking for me?"

"It's because you took Lady Emilia's insignia," Reinhard explained.

"She got it back!" Felt protested. "What? Does she want blood? It was only jewelry."

"These guards aren't doing Lady Emilia's bidding," Reinhard shook his head. "And the insignia is much more than jewelry. Holding one marks the bearer as qualified to compete in the royal selection to be king."

Felt's eyes widened. "Wait, Emilia is going to be King?"

"Possibly," Reinhard allowed.

"Felt," Rom moaned with his head in his hands. "How many times have I told you not to get mixed up in this kind of business? Big money always means big trouble."

"I didn't realize I was stealing from a potential King," Felt said in dismay.

"Please, listen carefully, Miss Felt, we don't have much time. Lady Emilia is trying to save her people from a horrible curse. To do so she must become King or at least gain access to the Sacred Dragon Blood that only the royalty of Lagunica possess. However, her claim has been jeopardized because the Sages' Council is aware when any hands other than the appointed bearer touch the insignia. The Council knows that you and Lord Subaru held her insignia and that is enough to disqualify her from consideration."

Felt's eyes widened. "I didn't mean to cause that!"

"I know," Reinhard said calmly, "And Subaru and Emilia forgive you. However, they are both trapped in a tight pinch because of you and they need your help."

Felt bit her lower lip and debated for a moment. "What do they need?" She asked finally.

"Felt," Rom objected in a low voice.

"We owe them, Gramps!" Felt said with sigh. "If they hadn't come to find us, do you really think the Bowel Hunter would have just taken the insignia and left? I think she would have stuck around long enough to play with us. We both would have died!"

Rom glowered but he didn't say anything.

"The only way to allow Lady Emilia to continue in the selection is to clarify that the insignia never left her control. Unfortunately, Lord Subaru has also acquired an insignia and that complicates things."

"Subaru is a potential king?" Felt asked incredulously.

"There goes the kingdom," Rom muttered, taking a drink.

"Yes," Reinhard said. "And that means he is unable to join Lady Emilia's camp."

"So what's going to happen?" Felt asked.

"Subaru has… stated that you joined his camp before you touched the insignia," Reinhard said awkwardly.

"Yes, I remember that event. The event happened exactly as you described," Felt said woodenly. She blinked. "So what does it mean to be in someone's camp?"

"It means that you support his right to be king," Reinhard explained.

"The Gods know that we don't have much to lose no matter who becomes King," Felt shrugged. "But how does that get around us touching the insignia if we're not part of Emilia's camp?"

Reinhard coughed. "To create a loophole in this situation, Lord Subaru is… stating that before you took the insignia, he asked Lady Emilia to marry him."

Felt laughed. "Go for it, Subaru!"

"So the guards are looking for you to see if you can confirm or deny Lord Subaru and Lady Emilia's claims," Reinhard concluded.

"So all I have do is tell them that I knew Subaru and Emilia were engaged and that I agreed to support Subaru and the guards will go away?" Felt asked.

"That is the hope," Reinhard replied.

"And how does this benefit Felt?" Rom asked.

Reinhard looked up at the towering old man. "Subaru tried to get you both out of the slums. He told me before I left that one of the reasons he wants to recruit the two of you is because he was hoping that you will help him get everyone out of here."

Felt's eyes widened.

"Is he a liar, crazy, or stupid?" Rom asked seriously.

Reinhard's eyes narrowed. "Be cautious in how you speak of one who has earned my profound respect, Master Rom. Regardless, I am convinced that Lord Subaru means what he says. He might well fail but he is resolved to try and that's more than most would do," Reinhard said, staring directly into the giant's eyes.

Rom snorted but nodded his head.

"Well, what you're asking sounds easy enough," Felt shrugged. "Can't act like I don't owe them one. I'm really good at coming up with alibis, you know."

Rom looked grim but he didn't say anything. Rom craned his neck and peered out the door. "You'll get a chance to perform soon, Felt. Some guards are coming this way."

Reinhard put his hand over his heart. "Don't worry, Miss Felt. I'll be at your side throughout this ordeal. As you are a member of my lord's camp, I am sworn to your safety."

"No," Felt said dismissively.

Reinhard blinked. "Excuse me?" He said in confusion.

"You being here screams collusion," Rom grumbled. "You might as well have Felt tell the truth if you're going to stand next to her while she talks. No one would believe her anyway."

"Gramps is right, you need to go," Felt said.

"I can't simply leave you here," Reinhard protested.

Felt sighed in exasperation and seized Reinhard by the hand. She dragged him over to the hidden door she had emerged from. "Stay in here and stay quiet!" She ordered.

Reinhard took a breath and nodded. "You have but to summon me at your need. No matter what occurs," He said firmly.

Felt held his gaze a moment and then nodded before closing the door.

Reinhard could see out into the tavern main room through a narrow slit and he sat down trying to be as quiet as possible. Felt moved behind the bar and acted like she was cleaning up as three guards entered the tavern. Reinhard's eyes narrowed. Two of these guard were his father Heikel and his lapdog Fein.

"Are you, Felt?" Heikel asked without preamble.

"Sure am!" She said cheerfully. "Here for a drink? It's the best in Lowtown!" Reinhard watched Rom continued to wipe up the bar. If nothing else the massive giant would make the guards a little more polite.

Heikel hesitated but Reinhard knew only too well that his father had never turned down a drink. He wasn't sure if Felt knew that or if she had just gotten lucky.

Felt poured the bottle into a small glass and Heikel downed it in one shot. Then his face turned red and he started to choke. Fein pounded on his back.

Reinhard was slightly impressed. He'd never seen his father react this way to alcohol.

"What is that poison?" Heikel demanded in a hoarse voice.

"Poison?" Felt asked in surprise. "That's Rom's own brew. Best stuff south of the market district," She held out her hand. "Three coppers please?"

Heikel looked ready to refuse but then he snorted and dropped the coins in Felt's hand.

"So," Heikel said, leaning on the bar. "You probably don't see many nobles down here."

"Not many," Felt agreed. "But there were two the other day."

"Two?" Heikel asked in a low tone.

"Subaru and Emilia. They wanted me to show them around the slums. They asked if I'd help them figure out a way to clean up the area," Felt explained.

Heikel glowered for a moment. "Did they tell you what their relationship was?"

Felt snorted. "It was hard to miss! Those two were sickening! 'I love you, Emilia,' 'I worship you, Emilia,' 'I can't wait for our wedding day, Emilia.' Was she the first woman he'd ever met?"

Heikel drummed his fingers on the bar. Reinhard knew the look on his father's face. It didn't bode well.

"You're a slum child," Heikel said in an insulting tone. "You live down here eating dirt and drinking dust."

"I see you're familiar with my life story," Felt said with a wry smile.

"The nobles ignore you and abuse you so you ignore and abuse them right back. You don't have any interest in politics, do you?"

"I sure didn't. Until I met Subaru and Emilia that is," She added. "They said they were going to try to get everyone out of the slums. I'm totally down to help with that. They even gave me some money so I could get out of here and try to make a real life for myself while we're doing it! This is the first time I've ever gotten involved in anything. I think I'm excited!"

Heikel glared at Felt. "Well, I think you're a lying little bitch."

Felt blinked and pointed at herself. "Me?" Her large red eyes were a study of total innocence.

Heikel snorted. "Maybe we should take a walk together. See if I can sharpen your memory."

Heikel reached across the bar for her but Rom was suddenly in between them wiping the bar right in front of where Heikel stood. His expression was blank but still intimidating.

Heikel stepped back and reached for his sword hilt. Reinhard prepared to intervene, desperately trying not to think about the long term consequences of threatening his own father, but Fein grabbed Heikel's hand.

"Don't!" Fein whispered.

Heikel whirled on him in a fury.

"Boss, you can't just rough up a member of a royal faction!" Fein hissed.

"Even if that idiot kid that Reinhard is watching is a royal candidate, something I doubt you could successfully argue, you can't tell me that he would care enough about this dust rat to do anything about it! And even if he did complain who would care?" Heikel spat.

"Wake up, boss! He'd make a complaint to the Sages' Council!" Fein explained as if speaking to a child. "The Sages' Council has hated you for years! If they're given an excuse to get rid of you, they won't care who made the complaint!"

Heikel made a fist, staring at Felt for a long moment. Finally he shook his head. "You are both called to the palace tomorrow at one hour past sun's downing to give testimony. Fail to appear and I will drag you in myself," He snarled.

"Thank you, come again!" Felt said cheerfully.

"Don't get too cocky, dust rat." Fein smirked, "One day I'll meet you alone late at night. Just one more pretty little girl gone missing from the slum."

The three turned around and stalked out of the tavern.

Reinhard sat still and waited. A minute or two passed and then Felt came to the door and let him out.

"Pretty good, right?" Felt asked with a smile.

"That was obscene!" Reinhard said with heat.

Felt blinked. "Well, excuse me!" She said, sounding offended.

"Not you, them! Guards threatening innocent civilians? Nearly drawing a weapon on an unarmed girl? Disgusting! This is an affront to every true knight in the kingdom!" Reinhard snarled.

Felt folded her arms across her chest. "You don't come down here much, do you?" Felt asked in an amused tone.

"No, I rarely have the need," Reinhard admitted.

"That was nothing. Fein wasn't joking about making girls disappear. Most of the guards down here have a bad reputation," Felt said.

Reinhard's jaw dropped. He could tell that Felt wasn't lying but the thought of the guard… of qualified knights acting like this with impunity shook his world to its foundation.

"So we need to go to the castle tomorrow right?" Felt asked.

Reinhard nodded. "Yes. And this time I will be with you. I have also been summoned to give testimony. No one will dare threaten either of you. You have my word," Reinhard said firmly.

Felt flushed a little. "Well, thanks. Are you going to head home now?"

Reinhard flinched. "I thought perhaps I would remain here tonight if it wouldn't be an imposition."

Felt smirked. "Don't worry about it, Reinhard. Gramps and me can take care of ourselves."

"You never what could happen. You might encounter other threats. I'd prefer not to leave you alone tonight."

Felt squinted at him. "OK, what's really going on? You have an estate in this city. Why the hell would you want to sleep here instead?"

Reinhard flushed. "I'd rather avoid the estate currently," He admitted.

"Why?" Felt challenged.

Reinhard sighed. "The man who questioned you… is my father."

Reinhard expected that Felt would explode at him and kick him out but instead her eyes just narrowed a bit.

"I suppose I can dig up another sleeping pallet. Assuming you don't mind Gramps's snoring," Felt said, walking away nonchalantly.

Reinhard found himself following her with a smile.

Emilia and Subaru had searched through the library for most of the day. They'd gotten a vague idea of how the royal selection would work but a lot of details remained fuzzy and that made it hard for them to make plans.

After sunset, Emilia stepped outside to speak with the spirits and Subaru decided to go wandering to give her time to do so properly.

On a whim, he decided to look for Beatrice and triggered Reason and Judgment.

Subaru had to search two floors with Reason and Judgment before he found the special door. He opened it and found Beatrice seated on a stool, reading a book almost as big as she was.

"Hm. Why would you come back to Betty's library, I suppose?" She asked, not bothering to look at him.

Subaru stepped inside and sat down, leaning against the wall.

"I don't know," Subaru said. "I felt like we got off on the wrong foot so I figured I'd see if we could be friends."

"Betty doesn't have friends, I suppose," Beatrice sniffed at him dismissively.

"Well, that sounds kind of lonely," Subaru observed.

Beatrice stiffened and then glowered at him from over the top of the book.

Subaru shrugged. "Hey, you said it, I didn't!" He said matter-of-fact.

Beatrice slammed the book shut with an audible thump. Subaru tried not to flinch at the sound. Beatrice, being Puck's sister, could likely very easily 'thump' him as well. "What is it that you want, I suppose?"

Subaru scratched his chin. "I don't really want anything from you. I just thought we could be friends."

Beatrice stared at him for a long moment. "Are you that person?"

Subaru frowned in confusion. "Um. I don't know. Who is that person?"

Beatrice sniffed and opened her book again. "You are not that person."

"OK," Subaru said agreeably. "That's fine. Just out of curious who is that person? And how would you recognized them if you met them?"

Beatrice slammed her book shut again and glared at Subaru. She raised her hand and sent him flying out of the library with a great gust of wind. Subaru barely activated Indomitable before he crashed into the opposing wall.

Subaru looked up and saw that the library was gone. He looked behind him and saw huge cracks in the wall, radiating out from his point of impact.

Subaru rubbed his head uncomfortably, wondering what would have happened if he hadn't triggered Indomitable when he did.

"Well, that seemed like a bit of an overreaction," Subaru muttered to no one.

The next morning, Roswaal left for the capitol shortly after breakfast. Subaru watched him literally shoot up into the sky and fly off. It was a memorable way to start the day.

Emilia was going to do a bit more research today. They'd come up with some ideas for the selection but Roswaal hadn't had time to discuss them before he left so Emilia was planning to spend more time reading about the selection. Subaru wouldn't be very helpful in this regard but he was planning to spend the morning in the library with Emilia. That way she could at least discuss her findings with someone.

However, a chance encounter during their walk to the library changed his plans.

"Sister, I will be unable to accompany you to Arlam to get supplies today," Ram informed her. "Lord Roswaal is expecting an important delivery and I must be here to receive it."

"That is not an issue," Rem said calmly. "I will manage on my own."

"Would you like another pair of hands?" Subaru offered. "I can help you move supplies."

Rem turned and looked at him. Her gaze wasn't as hostile as the other night but there was no friendliness in it.

"Good idea," Ram interjected. "This way you will at least have been of some use during your stay."

"Hey, that's mean," Subaru whined to Ram.

Rem looked at Ram as if to object but simply bowed her head and walked away. She didn't look back to see if Subaru was following her.

"Subaru," Emilia whispered, looking nervous. "Are you sure about this? Rem tried to kill you. You'll be all alone with her."

"I can take care of myself, Mili," Subaru said with a cocky grin.

I hope.

"Besides, if I'm going to be around here for any amount of time, I'll need to make peace with Rem. If I want to earn her trust, I need to extend my own," Subaru explained.

Emilia did not look convinced but she nodded and Subaru gave her a brief hug before hurrying after Rem who was already attaching an earth dragon to a small wagon in the stable.

"Need any help?" Subaru asked.

Rem did not respond so Subaru simply sat down in the passenger seat and waited.

Rem finished her preparations and then sat down beside Subaru without looking at him. She took the reins and the wagon rolled out of the stable and began trundling down the road.

Subaru sat there patiently while the first mile of the trip passed in silence.

"So," He finally said. "I guess we're not talking?"

"I have nothing to say to you," Rem replied calmly.

"Not even an 'I'm sorry I tried to crush your skull the other day?'" Subaru asked.

"Did you come on this journey to get revenge?" Rem asked, sounding as if she was inquiring about the weather.

"Yes. I'm going to torment you with annoying blather during every passing mile," Subaru yawned. "Mwa ha ha. My evil plan is coming together perfectly."

"You are not fooling me," Rem said. "I am well aware that you are a Witch Cultist."

"No, you think I'm a Witch Cultist. You are not aware that I am a Witch Cultist because I'm not and you can't be aware of a delusion," Subaru replied.

"Whatever your plan is for my sister and Miss Emilia, I will stop you."

"My only plans involve helping Emilia. You and your sister don't feature in any of my plans," Subaru said.

"Then you plan to get rid of me?" Rem asked calmly.

Subaru sighed. "Sure, Rem. That's exactly what I'm doing. I made sure everyone knows that I'm taking a trip alone with you so I could put you out of the way. What would I say when I go back to the manor without you? When Ram asks 'Subaru, where is Rem,' what do you suggest I say? 'Who's Rem?'"

"You are not nearly as funny as you think you are."

"And you're not nearly as intimidating. I could have shattered your skull last night instead of just disarming you," Subaru replied, getting frustrated. The thought of intentionally breaking another human being's head made Subaru cringe but the point was still valid. Honestly, it was a minor miracle that he hadn't killed Rem last night completely by accident. "If I'm so evil, why didn't I kill you?"

"Because you knew it would make people suspect you," Rem replied.

"Suspect me of what?" Subaru laughed. "I didn't sneak into your room looking for you. You came looking for me in the dead of night and attacked me with a morning star right outside my bedroom door. In what scenario would killing you have not looked like self-defense? What, do you think they'd conclude that I lured you to my bed and you just happened to bring your mace along and then I killed you? What would have made anyone think that I was the bad guy in this situation?"

"You must have thought of something or you would have killed me," Rem replied.

"Or, and I'm just spit balling here, maybe I don't like killing people. I'm just saying, it's a theory," Subaru said.

"You are a Witch Cultist."

"And our conversation starts over again from the beginning," Subaru sighed.

While Rem negotiated with the shop keeper, Subaru played with the kids; especially Petra and Meili. The boys seemed more interested in Subaru now that the amazing Sword Saint wasn't around. They were especially interested in jumping on him and driving him to the ground.

It was a good thing Subaru was paying attention to the shop and noticed when it was time to start loading the supplies because Rem had no intention of informing him.

I wonder if she would tell me when it was time to go back to the manor or if she would have just left me here without a word.

Subaru was impressed by Rem's strength and, just to keep pace, he tried triggering Indomitable. Unfortunately, Subaru quickly discovered that it didn't actually enhance his strength. It might let him hit far harder than he should be able to but this didn't translate into the ability to lift heavy loads. Subaru wasn't sure he understood the distinction and right now he decided not to worry about it.

After they finished loading the wagon, Subaru paused to say a final farewell to all the children.

Subaru then had to run after the wagon as Rem pulled away from the store without him.

I guess that answers whether or not Rem would warn me that she was leaving. Subaru thought as he struggled to haul himself into the moving wagon.

Rem didn't even look in his direction.

"Thanks for waiting for me, Rem. I really appreciate it," Subaru grumbled.

"Why should I want you to be at my home?" Rem asked.

Subaru sighed. He guessed trying to earn Rem's friendship was a pipe dream. He would have accomplished more today if he'd gone to the library with Emilia and volunteered to be her chair.

Actually, that sounds kind of like fun! Subaru mused.

As the wagon trundled slowly up the road Subaru began to hear something. It sounded like someone calling his name.

"Rem, stop," Subaru said, trying to listen.

Rem ignored him.

Subaru grabbed the reins and pulled hard. "Stop!" He yelled, bringing the carriage to a halt.

Rem glared at him.

"Listen!" He hissed.

"Subaru!" A faint voice yelled from behind them.

Subaru and Rem turned around and saw Petra running up the road looking exhausted.

"Petra!" Subaru jumped out of the cart and ran over to her. "What's wrong?"

"Gusteko soldiers!" She said almost falling into Subaru's arms. "They're capturing everyone! I think they're going to kill them!" Petra's body trembled from exhaustion. "I need to find Lord Roswaal!"

"Roswaal isn't here," Subaru said with a sinking feeling in his stomach. "He went to the capitol this morning."

Petra's face twisted in newfound terror.

"Calm down, Petra. We'll help," Subaru said.

Oh good. How the hell do you plan to pull that promise off?

"Rem, we need to go back to Arlem," Subaru told her.

"When did you have time to set this incident up?" Rem asked Subaru. "Are these soldiers Witch Cultists in disguise?"

Subaru glared at Rem. For a moment, Subaru almost regretted not killing her last night. "Rem. If you're not going to help, then go back to the manor and tell Ram and Emilia what's going on. Or don't. I can't make you do anything," Subaru spat.

He turned to Petra. "Come on. Let's go back to Arlem," He put the exhausted Petra on his shoulders and took off at a jog.

"But without Lord Roswaal, what can we do?" Petra asked.

"We'll think of something!" Subaru yelled back.

I hope.

Subaru didn't look back at Rem as he ran away or he would have seen her face briefly crease in doubt before she started driving the wagon back to the manor.

Subaru and Petra crept through the bushes near Arlem. The villagers were all tied up in the village square and a troop of at least forty soldiers were mocking them as they set up small wooden stakes. It looked like they were going to decorate those stakes with heads. Towering over the soldiers was a one-eyed giant that stood at least twenty feet tall.

"What the hell is that thing?" Subaru asked in a whisper.

"I think it's a troll," Petra whispered.

Subaru triggered Reason and Judgment and scanned the soldiers.

Hm. The captain appears to the tall blond one with the scar on his cheek. The soldiers are well armed but they appear to have no ranged weapons. That might be useful to know.

Subaru left the frozen moment.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my men and I are here to bring the fond greetings of Gusteko to our dear friends in the south," The captain proclaimed. "It is our fervent hope that small get togethers like this will lead to a new spirit of cooperation between our nations and provide the Dragon Kingdom of Lagunica a reminder of how much we value our southern neighbors. We look forward to establishing closer ties with the kingdom in the near future. Much closer. But in the meantime we are proud to leave the kingdom a gift to remind them of our fond feelings," The captain ended with a smirk.

The soldiers laughed.

Oh great. How the hell do I handle this? There's forty of them, plus a giant troll, and one of me. My magic lets me be invulnerable for five seconds and then I'm a pane of glass for thirty. Maybe I could ask them to give me breaks in between fights?

Subaru triggered Reason and Judgment again.

Hm. Normally I'd be feeling supremely confident right now. But I suppose reality is intruding on that.

Look at it logically, Subaru, He thought to himself, The bad news is that you can't win this fight. The good news is that you don't need to win this fight. If they know that Indomitable only lasts five seconds, you're dead. But they don't know that. They're not going to see a scared little boy pulling a massive bluff. They're going to see an invincible juggernaut pronouncing their doom.

Subaru, these soldiers are playing for the same stakes as you: their lives. They're loving going after unarmed women and children. Show the soldiers that they can die as effortlessly as the villagers and those soldiers will start having long gloomy thoughts about mortality. They will hesitate. They will try to plan and strategize. No one wants to attack a deadly opponent whose capabilities are a complete mystery.

This is the exact same bluff you pulled on those thugs the other day. In some ways, this time you're better off because you have Indomitable now. All you have to do is frighten them. Position yourself so only one of them is going to attack you at first. Then prove how dangerous you can be.

It's all about confidence. About machismo. Keep triggering Reason and Judgment to keep the confidence flowing.

If you need more convincing, imagine how backing down here would affect the royal selection. You want people to make you King? Or to make Emilia King? Well, a King has responsibilities. First and foremost among those responsibilities is to protect his people. If this massacre happens, good luck convincing anyone that you can keep the people safe. You couldn't even protect a small village within walking distance of your house.

Subaru ended Reason and Judgment.

Is this really the best plan that I can come up with? Bluff them and hope that they hesitate?

Well yeah, they might hesitate. They might also laugh at me and chop off my head before I can blink.

This is a crazy idea, do I really want to do this? This has got to be a thousand to one shot.

Subaru looked at little Petra who was staring up at him with wide crying eyes; desperately hoping that Subaru could do something, anything to help her family.

Shit. Right now, I'd give a mountain of gold for Petra to look just a little less adorable and helpless. It's not like I can just tell her 'There's nothing I can do,' and make her watch her family die. I really am such an idiot.

"Petra," Subaru whispered. "I have a plan. Wait here. If I get… killed," Subaru choked a little on that word. "Go up to the manor and look for Emilia. She can help you."

Petra nodded.

Subaru took a deep breath.

Damn. Wish I had kissed Emilia while I had the chance. Now I'll never know what her lips feel like.

Subaru marched out of the woods boldly and with purpose. He walked as if he thought of the soldiers as ants.

OK, Subaru; bluff. Bluff like you have never bluffed before. Be one of those shonen protagonists who only lets enemies exist because they give him something to fight.

Try to be the Subaru you are inside Reason and Judgment's frozen moment. You are fearless. You can handle anything. These human insects deserve to be punished simply for wasting your valuable time.

Keep stepping in and out of Reason and Judgment. Keep the confidence coming.

The soldiers saw him walking toward them and laughed. Their laughing faltered as he kept approaching them, some warning instinct telling them that anyone who was not afraid of a clearly powerful foe might be more than he seemed.

Subaru continued to approach until he was almost close enough to touch them. "I am the great Lord Subaru Natsuki," He proclaimed. "But please, call me Subaru."

The soldiers seemed baffled.

"I have something of a relationship with these villagers," Subaru continued.

The captain snickered. "Have you come to beg for their lives or just yours?"

"I'm afraid you misunderstand me," Subaru corrected with a faint smile.

Petra was watching wide eyed from the bushes. Mister Subaru was so brave. He wasn't afraid of those wicked soldiers at all.

Petra almost screamed when the bush near her was disturbed until she saw it was Miss Rem and Miss Ram. They were accompanied by a pretty girl dressed all in white. Miss Rem was carrying a morning star.

"What is going on here?" Miss Ram whispered.

"Subaru is going to save my family. He said he had a plan," Petra said with a child's confidence.

Ram peered through the bushes and saw Subaru standing there unarmed, surrounded by forty men and a giant troll.

"He's either crazy or a fool," She muttered.

"Subaru," Emilia whispered.

Subaru made his face go cold. "I overheard you talking with the villagers. You really have a lot of balls, don't you? I devote my precious time and energy to protecting these people and you brazenly declare your intent to massacre them. I can't imagine anything more offensive."

The soldiers all looked confused by this statement.

Subaru pointed at the ground directly in front of him. "Prostrate before me and beg my mercy. Do this and I shall offer you a quick death. But," Subaru took a step closer to the soldiers. He was now inside the group and he deliberately placed himself next to the biggest soldier. He was a giant like Rom but this man was young and wearing full armor. "If you refuse my magnanimous generosity, I swear here and now that you will all die slowly and painfully."

Subaru spoke with such conviction that the captain blanched but he quickly recovered himself and looked angry.

"Kill this fool!" The captain ordered.

The Rom sized soldier drew his sword and swung at Subaru's face.

Subaru activated Indomitable and caught the blade in his bare hand.

The soldiers all gaped in astonishment.

"Didn't you hear me?" Subaru asked quietly. He pulled back his fist and punched the Rom-sized soldier in the chest. The armored giant almost exploded and went flying back like speeding train, smashing into eight other soldiers and driving them to the ground. The eight soldiers' screams of pain cut off abruptly. They lay beneath the giant's corpse their armor broken and crushed. They were no longer injured and bleeding humans but smashed corpses leaking fluids all over the village square. The giant's corpse was by far the worst. His torso had all but been ripped in half vertically by the force of the blow. If he'd been struck any harder his, body would have been torn apart.

Oh my god. I killed them. Oh my god! I killed them! Holy shit, his blood is on my face! Subaru wiped it off quickly. Oh God. What's that pink glop on my hands? Never mind! Don't think about it! Keep playing the part! Sell the bluff! They're scared! Keep them scared! Later on, you can go back to the manor and curl up in a ball and cry like a little girl. Right now, sell the bluff! Twenty five seconds until I can trigger Indomitable again!

Subaru triggered Reason and Judgment bringing the world to a halt.

Stop it! That is enough, Subaru! Subaru's own thoughts cracked inside his mind like a whip. Enough sniveling about weeping and crying. You are better than that. You are not the same loser that you were back home. These fools are all terrified. He who gives into fear is lost. And they should fear you. They have crossed the great Lord Subaru Natsuki and that is always the shortest path to the grave. Keep going. Teach these fools the meaning of fear!

Subaru restarted time.

"I told you to offer up your lives to me without resisting," Subaru growled. "By the time I'm done with you, you'll all wish you had listened!" He roared.

"What is this?" A soldier demanded.

"It's a trick! It has to be!" Another cried.

Subaru spread his arms as if preparing a spell and the soldiers cringed.

Eighteen seconds!

"Why did you worms come here? Were you simply ignorant of the fact that this land is under my protection or was it your intent to insult me!" Subaru demanded.

Ten seconds!

Subaru shook his head. "It matters not," He proclaimed. "Arrogance or ignorance might explain your actions but nothing shall ever forgive them! You came to this land bringing blood and death and you shall atone for your foolishness!" Subaru roared.

Ready!

The captain was trembling. "Gruu!" He yelled at the troll. "Attack!"

The massive troll stomped forward, holding a massive double-sided axe. The blades were each bigger than wagon wheels and haft was probably fashioned from a whole tree. The drooling troll grinned at Subaru, probably too stupid or too well-trained to even wonder if following the captain's orders was wise.

The troll raised its monstrous axe high over its head and swung it down in a blow like a thunder bolt.

Subaru caught the axe blade in one hand.

The soldiers gave a collective gasp. The troll looked puzzled and bent down closer to Subaru as if to investigate. "Oh my. I suppose I really should fight back," Subaru mused.

Subaru punched the axe and it flew out of the trolls hands embedding itself in the troll's skull and nearly bisecting it.

The troll's roar of pain trailed off in a whimper as it staggered back a step and crashed down ontop of the nearby soldiers crushing several.

About twenty five soldiers left. Still hopeless if I lose control of this situation. Twenty five seconds until I can use Indomitable again.

"So," Subaru asked conversationally. "Do you have any other trump cards left to play?"

He paused and let the soldiers stammer and argue among themselves. Reason and Judgment's confidence was fading rapidly.

Hang in there Subaru! Focus on the captain. Don't look at the blood and gore and the shattered… bodies… Focus! They're scared. Keep them scared. You can freak out later. Just don't start screaming.

Seventeen seconds left.

"Well," Subaru sighed. "If you're truly out of means to entertain me, I suppose it's time to finish this. You came here for a massacre. You'll get one," Subaru promised grimly.

Eight seconds.

"Wait!" The captain said, putting up his hands.

"Hm?" Subaru raised an eyebrow.

"Forgive me, Lord Subaru!" The captain begged. "Spare my life! Kill my troops if you wish but spare me!"

What a piece of shit! Subaru thought grimly. Doesn't look like his troops are too happy about that offer either. Then again, sparing him is probably a good idea. If I took him as a captive I bet he knows a lot about what Gusteko is planning. We'd know if more attacks are coming…

Indomitable is ready!

"I'll tell you what, Captain," Subaru said after a moment's thought. "Your words have moved me to such an extent that I'm prepared to offer you and your men a deal."

A desperate hope flamed in the captains eyes. "Of course, Lord Subaru! I'll give you anything, anything you wish, just name it! I will do whatever it takes to appease you!"

"Splendid," Subaru replied with a grim smile. "Here is my offer, soldiers: Surrender your captain as my prisoner, and I will spare your lives."

"Wait, what?!" The captain squawked.

"That is my offer, Captain. I was originally going to kill all of you. But I am the great lord Subaru Natsuki and my benevolence knows no bounds. Offer me your life and I will spare twenty others. Truly, this would be a sacrifice worthy of a great leader, would it not?"

The captain staggered back in terror, drawing his sword. "Don't you come near me! Rush him, men!" He ordered.

The other soldiers didn't move.

The captain snarled at his troops. "What are you-"

A heavy blow hit the captain's head from behind and another soldier wrenched his sword away. A moment later the captain was trussed up just like the villagers.

"Our captain, great one!" One of the soldiers said with a cringingly respectful tone. The soldiers were all standing well away from the tied up captain.

OK. Almost done. Big finish now. Sell the bluff today and hopefully you won't need to prove it again anytime soon. That's going to be valuable to you. Be Subaru Natsuki the Invincible. Then you can go back to the manor and scream until you pass out.

"A fine gift," Subaru commented on the bound captain.

"Let me go, you idiots! I'll see you all hanged for this!" The captain thrashed.

Oh god. There is a literal pool of blood spreading across the square. I'm about to have a nervous breakdown. Can I just like stop this now? I'm freaking out. I think I'm going to cry. Or throw up. Or I need to use the bathroom. Possibly all three at once. I need to end this quick.

Subaru triggered Reason and Judgment.

Actually, is a little gore really worth getting worked up over? Subaru sighed to himself. Granted, the corpses and blood are disgusting but is it really that much worse than any other rotten meat you've ever seen? Man's horror at a human corpse is because he sees himself in that corpse. You have absolutely nothing in common with these fools. There is no comparison to be made with those bodies. These deaths should trouble you no more than crushing an annoying fly.

Subaru deactivated Reason and Judgment and time resumed.

"Tell me, do you plan to see this offering delivered to me, or must I fetch it for myself?" Subaru said with an edge in his voice.

Two of the soldiers went pale and they looked at each other in terror. They each swallowed hard and grabbed hold of their captain. They dragged him up to Subaru and dropped him at Subaru's feet. The soldiers then leapt away, panting. The captain rolled around on the ground screaming incoherently but unable to move anywhere.

"Wonderful," Subaru said grandly. "Your offering has pleased me and in consideration of your obedience, I shall spare your lives."

The soldiers all looked relieved as they stood there panting for breath.

Subaru raised an eyebrow. "Why are you all still here?" He asked.

The soldiers looked at each other and then took off running and screaming.

Subaru stepped around a house to watch the soldiers escape and to ensure they didn't try to circle back.

Wow. For guys in full armor, they sure can run fast. Oh God. Am I standing in blood? No, don't look down. I don't want to know for sure. I am going to scream… I am… I am OK. At least for another few minutes.

Subaru heard running footsteps behind him and spun around but it was only Petra. She ran to her tied up Mom and embraced her tightly. "Momma!" She wailed.

Subaru smiled at Petra who was embracing her mother. It helped put the mountain of carnage rotting nearby out of his mind. He reached down and plucked a dagger from the bound captain's belt. Then he walked over to the Village chief who was bound and gagged nearby.

The Chief's eyes grew wide as hen's eggs and he began to thrash in his bonds. Subaru realized somewhat belatedly that the chief thought he was about to be tortured.

"One moment," Subaru muttered to him as he began slicing his bonds. "One moment," Subaru said in frustration as the struggling Chieftain refused to stay still. Eventually, Subaru managed to cut through the last of the ropes.

The Chief tore off his gag and jumped to his feet, staring wide eyed at Subaru and panting heavily.

Subaru reversed the knife in his hand and offered it, hilt first to the Chief.

In spite of being presented with the hilt, the Chief still cringed when it came near him. "Chief, would you be so kind as to help me release your people?" Subaru asked mildly.

The Chief blinked and stared at Subaru for a long moment. It finally penetrated his thick head that he was being rescued not being dragged off to torture and death. The chief quickly took the knife, bowing and making incoherent words of gratitude before starting to free the other villagers.

"Subaru!" Emilia's voice came from behind him.

He turned around just in time for Emilia to throw her arms around him and bury her face in his shoulder.

"I was so scared," Emilia whimpered.

"Yeah," Subaru said, rubbing her back. "Me too."

"You dummy," Emilia whispered.

Subaru was nearing complete exhaustion. His tears, and various other fluids, threatened to break loose but he suppressed them through sheer will power.

Just a few more minutes. A few more minutes and we can all go back to the manor and I can scream and cry and throw up in private. This is important to the royal selection. You need to establish who Lord Subaru is. He can't be some pussy who cries after a battle. Not if you want to have any chance of getting the blood for Mili.

Subaru looked over Emilia's shoulder and saw Rem and Ram standing there.

The twins never show much emotion and they're certainly hard to read but it feels like Ram is actually impressed. Rem looks like she's doubting herself and her theory about me and that cult. That's a huge improvement compared to her previous absolute certainty that I deserved to die. Maybe I can take advantage of her doubts to make a small connection with her.

"Rem, would you do me a favor?" Subaru asked, still holding Emilia against him.

The blue haired maid hesitated. Rem didn't respond but she did look at him questioningly. Subaru took that as a very good sign.

"Would you watch him?" Subaru said, pointing at the tied up Captain who was slowly trying to inchworm his way out of the village. "I want to make sure he stays alive and intact until we can question him."

Rem nodded and walked over to the Captain who saw her coming but had no hope of escape. Rem grabbed the captain by the legs and casually dragged him on his face back to the middle of the square. She then dropped him and pinned him down with a stomp that made the Captain howl in pain.

"Lord Subaru," The Village chief said.

Subaru finally separated from Emilia and turned to face the Village Chief.

Emilia slipped her hand into his.

The entire village was on their knees before him, faces down and both palms pressed into the earth. "Lord Subaru," The Village Chief continued. "We all owe you our lives. You have our village's eternal gratitude for your selfless heroism," The chief paused. "I bitterly regret my treatment of you-"

"Think nothing of it, Chief," Subaru said dismissively. He knew what the chief was going to say. "I was traveling incognito by design. I wanted to see how people really lived out here so I would discover how best to help them. I even brought along the Sword Saint as a distraction. You ignored me just as I wished you to, so an apology is not necessary."

Hey, that's actually a pretty good story. Wonder if anyone buys it?

Emilia was looking at him in wonder and Subaru ruefully realized that he had convinced of his lie the one person that he didn't want to lie to.

Subaru saw the villagers still kneeling and belatedly realized they were waiting for him.

"Please, rise," Subaru said, trying to sound both lordly and kindly at the same time.

God, I hope this won't take much longer. I can feel my hands shaking. I really need to get somewhere I can freak out! Why the fuck am I the only one freaking out in the first place? All of these villagers almost died just now and the village looks like a slaughterhouse. Am I really the only one being affected by all this?

The villagers got to their feet, all of them looking at Subaru in awe.

"Lord Subaru, you will forever have our village's loyalty. It was Lord Roswaal's responsibility to protect our village but since he has been derelict-"

Subaru heard a hiss from behind him and recognized Ram's voice.

Oh, crap. I better head this off or Ram will totally blame me for the village's divided loyalty even if I didn't do anything to encourage it!

"Apologies, good Chief but I fear you are misinformed," Subaru said. "Lord Roswaal is currently in the capitol on urgent business related to the royal selection. He left me to ensure the safety of the region in his absence."

Not technically true but it ought to get Roswaal out of trouble and prevent Ram from poisoning me, Subaru thought.

"If there is blame to be had, it is mine and mine alone," Subaru said. "If I had suspected that these knaves would try to cross the border and seek to make mischief in the region, I would have been watching much more closely. As it is, I am grateful to have been able to come to your rescue in time."

Talking this hyper formal way is actually kind of fun! I think could get used to it. I know I sound kind of silly but the villagers seem to be lapping it up!

"The true hero of the day is Petra," Subaru said, glancing at her. "She managed to get away from the village and came to find help. That was clever thinking, Petra."

Petra went bright red and buried her face in her mother's apron.

Well I was trying to be nice, Subaru thought.

"We should be getting back to the manor soon," Subaru said. "I need to ensure that there has been no trouble anywhere else. However, before we depart, I would ask you for a service, if you're willing, Chieftain."

"Anything you ask for is yours, my lord," The chief said with a low bow.

"Do you have any means of sending messages rapidly to the capitol?" Subaru asked.

"There is a guard outpost an hour from here by earth dragon," The chieftain said. "They have magical means of sending priority messages to the capital instantaneously."

"Splendid," Subaru replied.

OK, talking like a lord or whatever you call it may be fun but it's also very draining. Am I almost done?

"I would request that you send an immediate message to the capitol by this means. Inform them that hostile forces from Gusteko have crossed the border with malicious intent and all villages in the north must be made aware of the threat and be vigilant against it."

"Excellent suggestion, my lord," The chief bowed again. "I should have thought of it myself."

"Also," Subaru continued, "I would like you to present this prisoner to the guards. He may have valuable information about his army's future plans."

"It will be done before nightfall," The chief swore.

"One final thing: If possible, would you have the capitol be informed that it was the royal camps of Subaru and Emilia Natsuki who are the ones responsible for repelling this intrusion from the north?"

The village started murmuring in wonder.

"My lord, are you…" The chief trailed off, "Are you a candidate for the throne?" He asked almost in awe.

"Just so!" Subaru exclaimed.

OK, this is the moment! Ham it up, Subaru!

"One day my beautiful bride and I," Emilia turned bright red, "Will reign over this land. As we all know the primary responsibility of any lord is to ensure that his people may lead peaceful lives; free from want and free from fear. The Lady Emilia and I are proud to have taken the first step in proving that all who show us loyalty need fear no foe! We will hound them to the ends of the world until they sue for peace and leave our people to prosper!"

The village broke out in wild cheers.

Felt sat in the witness chair while five Sages sat behind a tall bench looking down on her. Other palace functionaries and a few important nobles sat in the audience chamber.

Reinhard seldom felt ill but today he was struggling with a painful headache. He and Roswaal had been at the castle all day being questioned, except for a brief interlude when Reinhard had begged to be excused in order to escort Rom and Felt to the palace. He was glad he had insisted on it. On their way to the castle, they had encountered a large group of guards waiting on the only path from the slums. The guards had glowered at Reinhard and grudgingly given way. Reinhard had no evidence that they had meant Felt and Rom harm, else he would have formally challenged them to combat on the spot, but he had his suspicions.

The questioning this day had been entirely circular. Reinhard and Roswaal knew very little about the matter at hand since they had only been present for small moments of it. Thus the questions were repetitious and after a while Reinhard's answers became rote. Rom was briefly questioned and then dismissed.

Now Felt was enduring the same treatment as Reinhard and it was clear she didn't much care for it.

"If you knew that they were engaged, why did you not inform the Sages' council?" Minister Byrd asked.

Reinhard rolled his eyes heavenward. A ridiculous question if it was meant to be serious, Reinhard thought, rolling his eyes. This entire hearing has been absurd. Why would Felt or anyone else have decided they would be obligated to inform the Sages' council of an engagement? My grip on civility is beginning to slip. If I was asked again to provide testimony, answering the same questions for the twentieth time, I would struggle to maintain courtesy. Each time I was asked the same question I had to suppress the urge to make a snide comment.

Felt, on the other hand: "Who are you?" Felt asked the minister. "What is your position in the kingdom? If I wanted to inform you of anything who would I talk to? Where would I go? Do you want to be informed of any marriage I hear about or just the ones involving these two?"

The council grumbled. Reinhard sighed. Miss Felt's attitude isn't doing Lord Subaru any favors and yet it is hard to blame her for being angry. Several of the sages have done everything but openly accused her of lying. They have no evidence but apparently the ministers do not consider lack of evidence a stumbling block in accusing a commoner of wrongdoing.

"I think we have heard enough evidence," Minister McMahon said wearily. "Miss… 'Felt,' you may step down."

Felt left the witness stand with relief and sat down in the audience seats next to Reinhard.

"It is time to vote. Minister Dore?" McMahon called.

"I see no evidence that contradicts the camps' claims. In the absent of any clear and convincing evidence, I vote that the Emilia camp be permitted to continue."

"Thank you, Minister Dore. Minister Byrd?"

"Even taking this case in the manner most favorable to the Emilia camp, her argument does not hold water. It is marriage that joins interests, not mere engagement. The fact that they were engaged at the time Subaru Natsuki had custody of her insignia is irrelevant. I vote that the Emilia camp be disbanded."

"Thank you, Minister Byrd," McMahon sighed. "Minister Choi?"

"I must disagree with my esteemed colleague. This council has ruled several times that engagement can represent unity of interests. This is the precedent that the Emilia camp cites and we should all follow it," Choi said.

"Those incidents were decided based on political expediency, not on good law!" Byrd objected.

"They are precedent regardless and we, as keepers of the law, are required to respect and uphold them regardless of if we think they were wrongly decided. Due to this, I vote that the Emilia camp be permitted to continue."

"Thank you, Minister Choi," McMahon yawned. "Minister Agart?"

"This entire situation is ridiculous and the witnesses have assembled here to regale us under oath with transparent fictions. They should all be brought up on charges-"

"You are out of order, Minister Agart!" McMahon said, slamming his gavel. "Unless you have proof, you will not pursue this line of thought further!"

Minister Agart fumed for a moment. "The Emilia camp is disqualified and I would further move that the Subaru camp be disbanded for treasonously supporting this fabrication-"

"That is not the question before this body, Minster Agart! You have cast your vote. Now be silent!" McMahon ordered.

McMahon sighed. "Since the vote is split two to two, I will cast the deciding vote," He paused for a long moment. "Taking into consideration all the evidence I feel I have no choice but to rule that the Emilia camp was indeed-"

"Excellency!" A young functionary in an elaborate hooded robe ran up to the bench carrying an envelope.

McMahon looked down at her coldly. "We are in session, Adjunct. I trust you justify your intrusion with news of profound value."

"Yes, Excellency! I believe it has direct barring on the matter under consideration! That is why I dared to interrupt!" The functionary handed McMahon the letter and then bowed her way out of the room.

McMahon read the letter and his eyebrows rose. "Interesting," He said.

"What does it say?" Byrd asked.

"It appears that the village of Arlem in Master Roswaal's domain came under attack this afternoon by forces from the Kingdom of Gusteko," McMahon read. "They crossed the border with forty men and a large trained Troll and attempted to slaughter the villagers."

The court room murmured in concern.

"Dire news to be sure but how is this relevant to the matter at hand?" Agart asked.

"According to the Chieftain of this village, Subaru Natsuki took on these forces singlehandedly," McMahon continued.

Reinhard gasped in horror, picturing his friend's body lying bloodied and broken on the ground.

"Dead?" Choi asked.

"No. Apparently, Subaru Natsuki managed to defeat all of these forces by himself, including the troll."

Gasps ran through the room.

Felt's jaw was on the floor. She turned to look at Reinhard and saw his eyes shining in wonder.

"The chieftain further informs us that Subaru Natsuki managed to capture a Gusteko captain who is being transported to us for questioning," McMahon read.

Reinhard could tell that the sages were impressed. Capturing enemies of any decent rank alive was always difficult but the strategic information they could supply to the kingdom was invaluable.

"The chieftain concludes by saying that his village is eternally in the debt of Subaru Natsuki and Lady Emilia. He is proud to declare that their village has unanimously voted to pledge their complete support in the upcoming selection to the the rightful rulers of this land: Subaru and Emilia Natsuki."

The entire room erupted in confused chatter.

Reinhard felt that if his smile widened any further his head would break. This was it. This was the sign he'd been looking for. A man possessed of incredibly power and yet true kindness and greatness of spirit. The world hadchosen Subaru, it had chosen him to be the guardian of this dark power; a power that he could turn to good causes. The world had recognized Subaru's great potential and elevated him accordingly. The 'rightful ruler' of this land indeed.

Reinhard began to see visions of a renaissance, a golden age ushered in by a king truly ordained by fate.

"Order!" McMahon cried, gaveling for silence.

The room eventually settled down.

"Why did we even need to read that?" Byrd asked. "It is completely irrelevant to the matter at hand."

"Defeating a foreign incursion and capturing a high ranking prisoner?" Choi asked with a raised eyebrow. "That seems worthy of some consideration."

"Even if those actions were true, which I doubt-" Agart interrupted.

"Do you truly believe that a village chief and the commander of the local garrison who sent this message would have misrepresented themselves and declared there was a prisoner when in fact there was not?" Dore asked skeptically.

"My point," Agart growled. "Is that even if all this were true, I fail to see how it impacts the Emilia camp. In this letter I have heard about this Subaru Natsuki's supposed heroism but the only thing I have heard about Emilia is that she happened to be engaged to him when he accomplished it."

"For my part, I am not suggesting the report is false or even exaggerated," Byrd murmured. "However, such a claim is very hard to believe. I do not think that even the Sword Demon in his prime could face such odds with confidence."

"Sir Reinhard," Choi called.

Reinhard got to his feed and bowed. "Your Excellency."

"Are you familiar with your lord Subaru Natsuki's abilities?" Choi asked.

"I have no first hand knowledge of any special abilities-"

"You are being evasive!" Agart interrupted.

Reinhard's face darkened. "Lord Subaru Natsuki has no Divine Blessings. However, I am aware that he possesses an enormous reservoir of power of a type and nature unfamiliar to me. I have no clear understanding of its applications or limitations."

"Lord Roswaal, could this strange power be related to Subaru Natsuki's claims to being from beyond the Great Waterfall?" McMahon asked.

"Possibly, your Excellency. I have noooo knowledge to draw upon in analyzing this matter," Roswaal replied.

"Sir Reinhard, where do you place this Subaru Natsuki's power relative to your own abilities?" Dore asked.

"I am uncertain, your Excellency. I have never encountered a person whose abilities I was unable to probe before," Reinhard replied.

"One of these candidates wears the face of the Witch," Agart spat. "The other is clearly a monster from beyond this world. They should both be-"

"Enough, all of you," McMahon graveled for silence. "You have cast your votes. Mine shall decide."

Reinhard held his breath. If Emilia was pushed out of the selection, might not Subaru abandon it as well and seek other means to cure her people? If Subaru simply went into seclusion with Emilia, the potential loss to Lagunica and the world at large would be incalculable!

McMahon hesitated, drumming his fingers on the bench for several moments. "Taking into consideration all of the factors and testimony presented, I do not find clear and convincing evidence that the Emilia camp was in violation. Therefore by three to two it is so ordered that the Emilia camp shall remain in the selection at this time," McMahon said.

The audience burst out in a babble of excited conversation and there was even scattered applause from the back.

Felt put her fingers to her lips and blew a whistle which Reinhard hastily silenced.

McMahon gaveled for silence but then he turned around and walked away, perhaps sensing that he would need to send in the guard if he truly wished to restore order.

Roswaal departed the castle without a word, smiling in self satisfaction.

Reinhard noticed his father glowering near the entrance. He then turned and stalked away.

Felt followed his gaze as Heikel left. "So," She drawled. "You headed home tonight?"

"If it would not be an imposition, Miss Felt, I would humbly ask again for your gracious hospitality," Reinhard said with a smile and a low bow.

Felt grinned at him. "Sure, it gets lonely over there when Gramps is passed out drunk."

After dark, Emilia, Subaru, Ram, and Rem finally returned to the manor and all were weary but none more so than Subaru.

I feel like this forced smile is going to fall off my face any second and the rest of my face might go with it. I have a piercing headache and my body is begging to lie down. Why the hell did that take so long? Did we really need to organize a vote on the spot? I'm grateful for the support, of course, but did I really need to supervise the vote? And then they ask me to give a speech! I didn't know I was going to need to give a speech! Do nobles in this world just walk around with spare speeches in their pockets on the off chance they're asked for one? Jeez, I don't even know what the hell I said to the villagers!

Remember when you really wanted to be a hero and a lord among men? Remember when you thought it would be easy? Kind of ironic, huh? A lot can change in four days. Subaru thought to himself.

After they entered the manor, Ram abruptly turned to face him. "Lord Subaru," She said with a slight bow. Subaru's eyes widened at this honorific coming from Ram. "You have my deepest gratitude for protecting the name and reputation of Lord Roswaal M. Mathers. I will concede that you are not completely useless."

"Coming from you, that's high praise, Ram," Subaru said with a tired smile.

"One other matter: Now that your engagement is official, do you and Miss Emilia wish to move into the same bedroom?" Ram asked.

Subaru and Emilia both turned bright red. "Ah… I think… maybe we need to work up to that one, Ram," Subaru said weakly.

"Of course," Ram said, turning away with a sly smile on her face.

Damn you, Ram! You are mean! Subaru thought.

"Dinner, of course, is not prepared," Rem said, looking intently at Emilia and ignoring Subaru, "But if anyone is hungry my sister and I will provide it."

"Nothing for me, thanks," Subaru sighed. "I just want to get up to my room and collapse!"

Subaru took a step and his leg gave way underneath him. He would have fallen to the floor if not for Emilia catching him.

"Or maybe I'll save time and just collapse now," Subaru mused as Emilia helped him up.

"No dinner for me either, thank you," Emilia replied. "I ate at the village," She looked at Subaru. "Subaru, let me help you get to bed."

"Oh, that's OK, Mili. You don't have to do-whoa!" Subaru gasped as Emilia effortlessly picked him up and carried him up the stairs.

Subaru was a little weirded out by the situation of being carried to his room but being this close to Emilia, and even being cradled by her, certainly felt nice.

Emilia brought Subaru up to the room which he had shared with Reinhard and gently placed him on the bed. She leaned over him and gently stroked his head. "Subaru, do you, um" She blushed and looked away. "Do you need any help getting undressed tonight?"

Man that sounds awesome! Too bad I'm too tired to enjoy it, Subaru thought.

"Nah, thanks, Emilia. I think I'll manage," He smiled at her.

"Goodnight, Subaru," Emilia smiled back. She moved as if to kiss his cheek then lost her nerve and pulled back but she was smiling as she went out the door.

Subaru took several deep breaths, letting his body sink bonelessly into the bed. He took one last deep breath, rolled over and placed his face in his pillow.

And then he cried.

Subaru wept, sobbed, and whimpered like an infant.

Oh my god, I was so freaking scared! I thought I was going to die! One wrong move and they would have torn me apart! It would have been my blood pooling in the village square! It would have been just like Elsa all over again!

Subaru kept sobbing and the tears kept coming. Deep, wrenching sobs that he felt would rip his body apart. Subaru let himself remember the horrible, twisted corpses he had created: murdering men he had no quarrel with aside from them following orders written by evil commanders.

Could he have saved them? Could he have spared them like he had Rem?

In his heart, he knew the answer was simply no, but the weight of all those lives ending, all that potential cut short, it still hurt. Subaru had never killed anyone before and he fervently hoped he would never have to do so again.

The bodies. There was something so horrible about those bodies. How they had broken open like rotten fruit, all their innards exposed. Seeing someone naked without their permission was thought to be a violation but seeing their corpses ripped open felt like a far deeper one. It meant that their personhood had been stripped away, no longer living beings but simply raw meat and rotting juices pooling on the ground.

Did I look like that lying on the floor after Elsa ripped into me? No, no, don't think about it.

Subaru cried for almost twenty minutes and then he felt himself beginning to calm down. He didn't rush it. He had earned this catharsis. He just lay there sobbing letting the fear slowly work its way out of him like the ache out of a sore muscle.

Finally, Subaru settled down and quickly striped down to his shorts.

He was about to go to bed when he heard a knock on the door. "Come in," He called, before he wondered if it could be Rem coming to settle the score.

Emilia poked her head in, wearing her purple nightgown.

"Hi, Emilia," Subaru said, his mouth going dry.

"Subaru," Emilia twisted her hands together in her gown nervously. "Um, since Sir Reinhard is in the capitol, could I sleep in his bed tonight? I thought it might give us a chance to talk," She blushed furiously.

Subaru smiled. "I'd like that."

Emilia smiled back at him then came over to sit next to Subaru.

Subaru absently took Emilia's hand in his own and they just sat together for a moment, both looking at their knees, their shoulders almost touching.

"Subaru, you were very brave today," Emilia whispered.

Subaru chuckled. "Brave or stupid? Man, I still can't believe I survived that."

Emilia shook her head. "You're much too modest. You were a hero! You saved those people's lives. They all really admire you and… so do I," Emilia glanced away.

Subaru turned bright red.

Emilia… admires me? Is she serious?

Subaru was about to make another joke to break the tension and then he thought better of it. If Emilia might really be his wife someday then…

Subaru sighed rubbing his face. "Emilia, I was so scared," Subaru admitted in a ragged breath. "I was sure that I was going to die," He buried his face in his hands.

"Subaru," Emilia whispered, wrapping her arms around him and drawing his head to her shoulder.

Subaru cried again. Not the same wracking sobs as before but a calmer cleaner kind of weeping.

Emilia stroked his head. "It's alright, Subaru. It's alright. Just let it all out. It's over now."

He wept for a few minutes and let the warmth of Emilia's body calm him before sitting up again.

"Subaru, why were you so scared?" Emilia asked softly. "I saw the whole thing. They could never even scratch you. Your magic seems to make you invincible!"

Subaru stared at Emilia in astonishment. Then he began to smile. Then, unable to help himself, he started to laugh. He laughed until he fell over on the bed curling up in a ball and clutching his stomach while Emilia just stared at him in shock.

Finally he calmed down and grabbed a very confused Emilia's hand bringing it to his lips and kissing it gently.

"Subaru," Emilia asked awkwardly. "What was so funny?"

"You said my magic makes me invulnerable," Subaru whispered with a smile.

"Well…yes, it certainly seemed to," Emilia nodded.

"For five seconds," Subaru clarified.

Emilia blinked. "What?"

"My magic makes me invulnerable for five seconds. Then I can't use it for thirty," Subaru giggled.

Why the hell do I think this is funny?!

Emilia's mouth moved but no words came out.

"That whole thing was one massive bluff!" Subaru said, sitting up. "Scare them and then hope I can keep them talking until the cooldown timer ends!"

"Subaru!" Emilia gasped. "Do you realize how easily you could have died out there?!"

"What?! Are you kidding me?!" Subaru demanded, grabbing both of her hands. "Fuck, yes! This was freaking insane! That was sheer luck out there!" Subaru said, pointing out the window toward the village. He covered his eyes with his hand. "I was not in control of that situation at all."

Emilia buried her face in her hands and shook her head. "Oh Gods, I am marrying a crazy person!"

"Yeah, pretty much!" Subaru said, somewhere between laughing and crying. He reached out to pull one of Emilia's hands away from her face. "I am glad I didn't die though."

Emilia raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any other obvious statements you want to make?"

"I'm just saying. I realized when I was standing down there that I couldn't afford to die. There was something very important I hadn't done yet," Subaru smiled.

"What's that?"

"I haven't kissed you yet."

Emilia turned scarlet. "Oh," She replied. Her eyes darted around the room almost as if looking for an escape.

"It's OK," He told her gently. "I'm in no rush. It's just a moment I'm really looking forward to. When you're ready, I'll still be here."

Emilia smiled a little embarrassed. Subaru turned away for a moment to rub his eyes. "Are you ready for bed?" He asked.

"Mm-hmm," Emilia agreed and while Subaru had his eyes closed, Emilia darted in to kiss him on the cheek.

Subaru looked at Emilia with a broad smile.

Emilia was blushing furiously but she still looked rather pleased with herself. "Goodnight Subaru," Emilia said, getting into the other bed.

Subaru slipped under his own covers and smiled at Emilia as she laid there smiling back at him.

Emilia's eyes fluttered closed and she began to quietly snore. Her face was fixed in a soft smile.

Subaru sighed. This was not going to work. He didn't want to close his eyes, even to sleep, if she was there.

Subaru nestled deeper under the covers and looked across the room at the sleeping princess he might marry someday.

And then he was asleep.