Looking back, the encounter with the fake Satella relied heavily on coincidence.

The first and third meetings happened in a similar manner, but the only thing they shared was the fact they occurred not far from this first Main Street (I’ve heard it’s referred to as the trade street by the turban shopkeeper).

It would have been nice if I had a habit of checking the time; however, I wasn’t exactly stalking the timings of my encounters with the fake Satella.

As a result, recalling the pattern from the third occurrence seemed the quickest way to go…

“I wonder how long I was sulking next to that vegetable shop back then?”

How long did I collapse and sit there, dizzy?

It felt like just a few minutes, but it could also have been around an hour of moaning and groaning. Whichever the case, I could only conclude that I simply “don’t know.”

“Guess I’ll just wander around and check the trade street… let’s hope for my beautiful girl radar!”

Or perhaps the silver-haired beautiful girl sensor.

It’s a skill that couldn’t possibly activate in my original world, but it should be useful in this one.

With both hands raised in front of my head, I made a “myon myon” sound while attracting strange stares, feeling somewhat compelled to continue my journey.

Gradually, the surroundings seemed familiar, and I thought to myself, “Hey, maybe my sensor isn’t too shabby!?” when I suddenly realized…

–It seems I’ve inadvertently strayed from the street and entered a narrow alley.

“Is this the place where I first met the fake Satella…?”

It looked like a similar alley, but I wasn’t entirely confident.

The Poor District’s paths don’t differ much in atmosphere, and ever since I passed through that alley during my first visit, I haven’t returned for a second time.

The second time, I clearly found myself in a different alley, and now recalling the third time, I think it was a different dead end as well. Even if it was predetermined for the fake Satella to have her badge stolen by Felt, the place where Felt scurried away afterward seems heavily dependent on the circumstances.

The first and second times might have been the same, but the third time was likely influenced by Subaru’s involvement, causing the fate to veer off ever so slightly.

Upon realizing that, Subaru suddenly became aware of the superficiality of his thoughts.

If I enter a familiar alley, I might encounter the fake Satella or Felt.

However, in a way, that also implies a different reunion. In other words,

“I’ve really seen enough of these goofballs.”

Dejectedly, he turned around, only to find the usual trio blocking the alleyway in front of him.

Their appearance, clothing, and demeanor were all the same. If their intentions were the same, their weapons would likely be identical too—no progress at all. It’s only natural since they were stuck in the same place.

“I can’t see the fake Satella or Felt to save my life…”

The inability to meet the fake Satella or Felt likely stemmed from their actions being heavily influenced by random elements other than Subaru.

Conversely, the repeated encounters with those goofballs occurred because they had marked Subaru as their target from the beginning.

So regardless of which alley they entered or where they changed locations, they ended up having to face off with them.

“Even if an entirely unexciting conclusion has been reached, what do you guys want?”

“What’s that loser mumbling about?”

“He probably doesn’t get it. Why not enlighten him?”

Their conversation followed the usual template, only serving to dampen Subaru’s mood. However, on the flip side, he felt a nagging sense not to underestimate them.

While encounters with the goofballs had relatively lax criteria for clearing them, that didn’t guarantee a 100% success rate. After all, he died in the third encounter because of them.

It was possible Felt might save him again, as she did in the first occurrence, or perhaps he could pull off a self-ambush, as he had in the second. But nothing was guaranteed.

The second time went exceptionally well, but that outcome couldn’t be relied upon again. Given the high probability of a major event lurking ahead, avoiding injuries was Subaru’s true desire.

“But then again, handing over my bargaining tools to escape is also out of the question.”

Ideally, he’d like to slip away without incurring any losses at all, just as he did in the second round.

Not to mention, it would be best if no time elapsed like it had during the first.

While pondering if he could somehow dodge them, Subaru crossed his arms and racked his brain.

Meanwhile, perhaps feeling ignored by Subaru’s attitude, the initially superior trio grew increasingly hostile.

He needed to determine his stance before they drew their weapons.

Despite lamenting the fragility of the goofballs’ patience, Subaru was already leaning towards ambush.

Suddenly, he remembered the moment of death from the third round.

In that life-or-death situation, Subaru kept picking up sounds.

What had the goofballs said right before it all ended? His earlier brain might not have grasped it, but he should be able to now.

–Surely, that’s it…

“Guards—!!”

The sudden distress signal startled the goofballs and made them jump.

That call shattered the silence of the alley, undoubtedly cutting through the noise of the Main Street as well. The absurdly sharp nerves honed from Kendo stripped Subaru of any shame about raising his voice.

“Someone—! Call a man—!”

“Y-you… what the hell!? Who suddenly shouts like that here!?”

“Given the situation, you all will get hurt if you don’t follow my orders! Normally, you don’t just do something like this without hearing my demands!”

“Shut up!! What’s normal?! It’s all outrageous and off-beat! I’m not in the mood to deal with you guys! I’m fully focused on having a good time with beautiful girls!”

Stomping the ground, Subaru shouted angrily at the enraged goofballs.

Though he attempted to act assertive while looking tough, beneath it all, he was filled with growing impatience. Calling for help stemmed from a rather precarious memory tied to the last moments in the third world.

Just before his consciousness had faded into darkness, someone among the goofballs had muttered “guard” and “run”—a trivial piece of information he leaned on for his clumsy strategy.

His scream surely reached the Main Street, but he found no actions in response. After all, he hadn’t harbored the highest expectations for this idea.

Even during the second encounter when he repelled the goofballs, he sensed an atmosphere where the folks out on the main street had chosen to ignore him despite knowing he was being robbed.

“Looks like it’s a bust…”

“You scared me… I was a little bit shaken up, you know?”

“Just a little bit!”

“Really just a tiny bit!”

They denied their small-fry nature in perfect sync.

Trying to regain their pace, the men took a deep breath to collect themselves, each beginning to grip their weapons.

A knife, a rusty hatchet. And then,

“What’s with that one guy who’s unarmed? Didn’t he have money to buy a weapon?”

“Shut up! I’m stronger without a weapon! If you keep running your mouth like that, I’ll seriously beat you to death, bastard!”

“I’d love to show you the VTR from the second round!”

Remembering his elegant counter from the first encounter, Subaru found himself admiring his own finesse. Yet at the same time, he couldn’t help but acknowledge, “Things are looking pretty dire.”

Since weapons had already been drawn, breaking through was going to be difficult.

Forget slipping away unscathed—the danger rates had now skyrocketed.

“Come on, give me a break… I really don’t want to get hurt.”

Having died three times already, Subaru knew well that no matter how many times you experienced death, it was never something you grew accustomed to.

Especially since all his deaths so far had involved excruciating pain from blades. The sharp agony was always fresh, and the sensation that stripped away his nerves was permanently sensational.

He was firmly against dying that way again, and more importantly—

“Just because I’ve been ‘resetting’ until now doesn’t mean I can do it this time…”

There’s no way to know if it’s limitless.

There weren’t any signs of numbers engraved on his body, but there’s a saying: “Even a Buddha’s face can be turned away thrice.” If that’s the rule at play, Subaru’s Continue count had likely hit its ceiling. Dying a needless death here would mean a BAD END to his isekai life.

“So, that means running away even if I’m hurt is the correct course of action.”

The weapons were obviously deadly, and reliable daggers often have a reputation. The hatchet seemed surprisingly rusted, and if he could dodge it using a plastic bag as a shield, maybe it would only leave him bruised. As for hand-to-hand, well, that was a classic skip.

Watching the goofballs draw closer, Subaru made up his mind immediately.

He would only be wary of the Chinski while starting the countdown in his mind to slip past them.

–Three, two, wait a sec, three, two…

“—That’s far enough!”

The voice sliced through the tension of the alley abruptly yet clearly.

The stern tone contained no trace of hesitation or mercy. It delivered an overwhelming presence to those who heard it, asserting its will with an almost innate force.

Looking up, Subaru saw the trio of goofballs turn to face the newcomer—a young man standing there.

What first caught everyone’s eye was his flaming red hair, fiery like flames.

Underneath were straight, brilliantly shining blue eyes, embodying nothing but valor. His extraordinarily handsome features complemented his valor, making it immediately clear he was someone of significance and stature.

Dressed in a stylishly tailored black outfit with a simple yet profoundly intimidating knight’s sword hanging from his waist.

“Regardless of the circumstances, I won’t allow any further insolence towards him. That’s far enough.”

As he spoke, the youth casually walked past the goofballs and stepped directly between them and Subaru. Both Subaru and the men were rendered speechless by his boldness.

However, it seemed their reasons for silence differed.

Subaru’s shock came from watching this unprecedented development with bated breath, but the men, whose faces were beginning to pale, had a different reason entirely.

“No way…”

Trembling lips turned a shade purple as Chins pointed an accusing finger at the youth.

“That flaming red hair and sky-blue eyes… and the knight’s sword engraved with dragon claws.”

Pointing out each feature, he finally gasped,

“Reinhardt… the ‘Sword Saint’ Reinhardt?!”

“It doesn’t seem I need to introduce myself. …Although that name may still be a bit too heavy for me.”

The youth known as Reinhardt muttered self-derisively but maintained an unwavering gaze.

The men, pierced by that gaze, took a step back, their composure slipping. They exchanged glances as if to gauge a moment to make their escape. But Reinhardt continued.

“If you intend to run, I will let you go from here. Just proceed to the street. However, if you choose to take forceful measures, I’ll engage.”

Placing his hand against the hilt of his sword, he indicated Subaru with a motion of his chin.

“In that case, it’ll be three against two. Numerically, you hold the advantage. I’m unaware of how much my meager strength may aid him, but as a knight, I’m obliged to resist.”

“N-no way! That’s not a fair deal!”

Reinhardt’s nonchalant dismissal plunged the goofballs into a panic, forgetting to hide their weapons as they scattered like mice into the Main Street.

Unlike the first encounter when they left behind a parting remark, this panic underscored the exceptional nature of the youth standing in front of them.

“I’m glad we both made it out safely. Are you uninjured?”

Once the men had fully disappeared, Reinhardt turned and smiled at Subaru.

Instantly, the oppressive atmosphere that had enveloped the alley vanished as if intentionally dissipated by Reinhardt. Experiencing that left Subaru utterly speechless. More than anything else,

“To be that refreshing after all that… this guy’s not just a pretty boy; he’s on another level!”

His face, voice, stance, and actions all reached a high standard for being handsome. If he excelled in personality and family background, he’d surely be guilty of some hidden crime to balance such perfection.

Nevertheless, setting aside those green-eyed feelings of jealousy, the fact remained he had been saved.

Subaru knelt, throwing his hands in the air. “Thank you for saving my life. I sincerely appreciate it. I, Natsuki Subaru, find your character truly admirable…”

“You don’t need to be so formal. It’s just that, with the numbers now three against two, the advantage was lost. Had I been alone, this would have ended differently.”

“Well, judging by how scared they seemed, they would have fled at three to one or even ten to one… Seriously, what’s with this handsome guy? His charisma and heart are both astonishing. The flags for my route are definitely raised!”

It’s a plot that can make you want to cry; a handkerchief is indeed necessary.

As he thought such silly things, Subaru took a moment to observe Reinhardt once more.

The more he looked, the more he felt that this was a man chosen by the gods, but judging by his attire, he didn’t seem to fit the soldier’s role. He looked no different from the numerous commoners he’d seen on the Main Street, outside of his impressive aura.

“Um, can I call you Reinhardt?”

“Please, feel free to omit my last name, Subaru.”

“Wow, that sure shrinks the distance quickly… Thanks again, Reinhardt. You’re the only one who reacted to my call. It’s really kind of sad.”

Given the crowd, it was hard to believe he was the only one to hear him. Lamenting the loneliness of humanity, Reinhardt averted his gaze slightly.

“I don’t mean to say this too bluntly, but there’s a valid reason for that. For many, opposing those fellows entails greater risks. In that regard, your decision to call the guards was wise.”

“Given that, are you a guard, Reinhardt? You certainly don’t appear to be one.”

“That’s a common remark. I just happened to not be in uniform today since I’m off duty.”

Reinhardt chuckled lightly, spreading his arms.

Meanwhile, Subaru’s inner voice contested him.

The principal reason Reinhardt didn’t resemble a guard stemmed from an aura distinctly distant from a mundane image. Would there be any plus factors?

“I think people referred to you as the ‘Sword Saint’…”

“My family is somewhat unique. The burdens of expectations placed upon me have made life rather challenging.”

He shrugged, exhibiting a casualness that suggested a touch of humor.

It was beyond a doubt that Hiroshi was a handsomely gifted individual. Astonished by Reinhardt’s fairness and awe, Subaru realized he was being silently scrutinized.

“Your unusual hair, attire, and even your name caught my attention… where are you from? What brought you to the Royal Capital of Lugnica?”

“That’s a tough question. I can’t really say where I’m from because my initial claim about a small country in the east didn’t fly… Maybe I could say further east?”

That felt almost like an excuse on Subaru’s part. However, Reinhardt’s response was unexpectedly pronounced.

“Further east than Lugnica… You’re not joking about the area beyond the Great Waterfall, are you?”

“Great Waterfall?”

Subaru scratched his head at the unfamiliar term.

He remembered waterfalls only from tales, but he was sorely ignorant about geography around this place. He had yet to grasp even the vastness of the Royal Capital. For Subaru, the extent of activity in this Lugnica was limited to the Main Street, the alley, and the Poor District.

It felt no different than his old world, where his everyday life revolved around home, room, and convenience store.

“So thinking about it, I’m kind of a recluse in this new world too. If that’s true, I’ve really got something going for me…”

“You don’t seem like you’re just skirting around the issue. That’s alright. But you must have a reason for being here? Things in Lugnica are a bit complicated at the moment. I’m happy to assist if it helps.”

“No way! It’s your day off, right? You shouldn’t have to put that on hold to help me. What you’ve done already was enough… But I do have something I want to ask.”

Shaking his head at Reinhardt’s offer, Subaru suddenly raised a finger as if remembering something. Reinhardt simply nodded, indicating he was open to any questions.

“I’m not well-versed in current affairs, so I can’t guarantee answers.”

“Nah, what I want to ask isn’t about that—it’s about finding a person. So, have you seen a girl with silver hair wearing a white robe around here?”

From observing the Main Street a few times, it was clear the fake Satella’s attire was highly eye-catching. Her hair color was as rare as Subaru’s black hair, and the falcon-embroidered robe similarly stood out. In retrospect, that white robe seemed rather expensive, especially considering her jewel-embellished badge which hinted at her potential noble status.

“A white robe and silver hair…”

“To top it off, a super ultra beautiful girl. And she’s got a cat… though she’s not showcasing it or anything. That’s about all I’ve got, so do you have any leads?”

If it matched up with a cat-like spirit, there’s no doubt it would be the fake Satella, but it seemed a bit too optimistic given how hidden her silver hair would be.

Adding the beauty description made Subaru think about how it would look if the ultra-beautiful Reinhardt and she were to stand side by side. He felt a strange twinge of jealousy creeping in.

“…What do you plan to do if you find her?”

“I want to return something she lost; I suppose it’s more about finding something in this case.”

That would currently remain out of Subaru’s hands, and she might not have even realized it was missing yet.

In response to Subaru’s answer, Reinhardt narrowed his sky-blue eyes, appearing to contemplate deeply for a moment before answering,

“I’m afraid I can’t help you. However, I wouldn’t mind assisting you in your search.”

“I won’t trouble you that much. I’ll manage; I can search one way or another.”

Raising his hands to decline Reinhardt’s offer, Subaru decided to take a detour back to the Main Street. If luck’s on his side, he might spot her again like in the third encounter.

Heck, seizing Felt at the moment of theft would stop the badge from getting taken altogether.

Considering the future, it seemed like the quickest way to go, which only served to heighten his sense of urgency.

“The key issue is how to catch Felt, who’s slippery as a fish… I’ll just have to surround her with zigzagging moves, creating a zone defense.”

“That sounds like an unusual tactic. What’s the meaning behind it?”

“It’s a defensive action aimed at pressuring opponents while snatching the ball. Even if it looks like it’s nothing, I have an outstanding reputation for defense. Also, I possess a talent for acting as if I’m participating without affecting the flow of the ball.”

Subaru could be seen standing along the side in a dodgeball game, uncertain of whether he was in the infield or outfield. It wasn’t uncommon for him to finish a match without getting hit by the ball.

“Anyhow, it’s crucial to go to the trade street first.”

“Are you heading there?”

“Yeah, I’ll go. I owe you one, Reinhardt. I’ll repay that debt someday… Do you think I could run into you at the guard’s station?”

“Yes, just mention my name and they should recognize it. Or, on days like today when I’m off, I wander about the Royal Capital.”

“Not like I have a habit of hunting down men while wandering around town… This isn’t some dating sim, after all.”

Joking back and raising his hand, Reinhardt cheerfully said, “Take care,” as he offered his farewell.

Spurred by those words, Subaru emerged from the alley unscathed, having dodged the danger without a scratch.

–Unbeknownst to him, those azure eyes were observing his retreat with scrutiny.