――Crashing down, crashing down, collapsing beneath my feet.

Losing sight of the solid ground that should have been there, Subaru felt like he was falling from a great height.

In reality, Subaru stood frozen in the middle of the room, his eyes wide open.

Yet the illusion was so powerful because the shock of Roswaal’s confession was far too great for Subaru to handle.

“Things that are out of reach…”

“The answer has already been decided. When two important things are simultaneously at risk, one is forced to choose. To choose which is more important and to lose the one that isn’t chosen, living that kind of life. Thus, the completion of you, the chosen one, involves trimming away everything else except for the one truly important thing.”

“That’s absurd!! A completed existence!? All I can see is a battered, ridiculous fool standing alone in an exposed wasteland!”

“However, the important existence can be embraced in a lush, green place, maintaining its pure beauty. Is that priority greater than ensuring that you yourself are unhurt?”

As he regained some composure, Roswaal’s question stunned Subaru into silence.

It wasn’t that he was at a loss for words or that he couldn’t find a counterargument.

It was simply that the overwhelming surge of emotions was too great for him to articulate.

—Never before had he felt the expression of being speechless out of sheer exasperation.

Is that nonsensical theory, piled high with selfish circumstances, the reason for the tragedy at that mansion?

Frederica, Petra, even Beatrice—are they all going to die because of such self-indulgence?

Just for that ridiculous objective of “completing Subaru,” they are to be betrayed by the master they trusted and lose their lives?

“Roswaal… you’ve really lost it, haven’t you…?”

“Indeed, I have long been out of my mind. Ever since I was captivated by those eyes four hundred years ago, I have continued to lose my sanity.”

“Four hundred…?”

Unable to grasp the meaning of the casually tossed-out words, Subaru frowned in confusion.

Once again, it’s about four hundred years—yet, it feels completely unnatural for Roswaal to bring that up. There’s no way he could know about four hundred years ago. His current way of speaking suggests he has existed since then—

“Natsuki Subaru.”

Suddenly, a voice called to Subaru from close by, shaking him from his daze.

Upon looking, he found Roswaal standing much closer than he had realized. The tall figure was nearly close enough to breathe on him, causing Subaru to stutter, moving his feet back—but he couldn’t escape as a hand grabbed his collar, pulling him closer until their foreheads bumped.

“You called me insane. I shall agree with you. There’s no question about it—I am indeed out of my mind. I lack sanity. Long ago, my heart was taken from me.”

“Uh, uhh…”

“Why is it that you are not insane enough? You should be even more out of your mind than I am. To not be insane is to not be able to challenge the realm that you must face. The place you seek is far higher and more distant than what I seek. Humans do not need a heart to walk a path of loneliness that no one understands or can comprehend. You must harden your heart to be strong, solid, as steel—wouldn’t you agree?”

“Ah, ugh… shut up!”

With every one of his words sinking into Subaru’s mind, Roswaal’s voice carried a power that threatened to pull him into the depths of despair. Subaru shook his head in defiance, pushing against Roswaal’s chest at their close proximity.

As the tall figure stumbled back, Subaru jabbed a finger at him, his voice trembling with false bravado as he declared,

“Whatever it is, your plans have already crumbled from the moment I lost my qualifications! The schemes you set in motion in the mansion and everything else are meaningless sacrifices! If you realize that, put an end to this foolishness right now!”

“I refuse. —Seeing your lack of resolve, I’ve only gained a stronger understanding of the necessity. You do not need to be human at all. I will push you to your limits, injure you, and make you dependent on Emilia. Emilia, too, will drown in love only out of necessity for you, making you both a relationship where only each other is enough. I will take control of your path as you flounder desperately—this is the only way my purpose will be fulfilled.”

“W-what meaning does that have…!? No matter how much I’m diminished, the lost qualification won’t come back! It’ll be a wasted effort, and I won’t gain anything!”

“Deep down, you know whether or not that’s your true feeling.”

With Subaru’s shout, Roswaal’s icy voice struck back.

A sudden thud echoed in his chest as Subaru finally grasped the true meaning behind Roswaal’s words. It was a simple matter, really.

As he had previously considered—if he genuinely reevaluated and sought help, Echidna would reach out to him.

If it came down to his back against the wall, the way forward was still available to Subaru.

And that realization was,

“If you were to return, Echidna would gladly reissue your qualifications. Given her nature, that much is obvious, even to me.”

“…”

“Don’t be conceited, Natsuki Subaru. You are not the sole person who understands Echidna.”

Roswaal’s voice had an unusual tone, filled with resentment and malice.

Feeling his body tense up in response to the raw emotions thrown directly at him, Subaru processed the meaning and finally grasped Roswaal’s true intention.

“The reason you prioritize the liberation of the ‘Sanctuary’…is it because it’s Echidna’s wish?”

“…”

“You want to clear the trials set in the grave and liberate the ‘Sanctuary’…Does that lead to her rest or something like that?”

“…In her life, Echidna cared about how this place would come to a conclusion after her death. That’s why she left mechanisms in the grave and imbued it with her soul. However, the conclusion she sought hasn’t yet arrived here, even after four hundred years.”

Four hundred years have passed since the barrier surrounding the ‘Sanctuary’ was erected, and during that time, it has never once been breached.

The end that Echidna desires, the end she wishes to see, has yet to come. Is it true that Roswaal seeks to show that ending to Echidna and rest her soul?

While I can’t say I don’t understand that line of thought—I never believed in such things as spirits in my original world, but having interacted with Echidna and the other witches in this world has made me feel something.

If their lingering attachments are still tied to this land, then I have a degree of gratitude that brings me close to wanting to fulfill those wish.

But to live in the present and neglect the other important people for that is simply unacceptable.

“That and this are two separate matters. Roswaal, I can arrange another opportunity for Echidna’s rest. I promise to put in the effort for that. —So please withdraw from the mansion for now.”

“I refuse. I will fulfill my wishes and Echidna’s desires. I will take the necessary actions. I will push others down and hurt you as necessary to make it happen.”

“Don’t involve others in your self-satisfaction! If you have something to say to her, bring it yourself! Don’t sacrifice those who have tried to create a future, who still have futures ahead of them, especially not those girls who can’t believe in the future!”

Frederica, Petra, Beatrice—none of them deserve to be sacrifices in such a plan.

There’s no justification for being dragged into Roswaal’s selfishness, especially if it’s without any ties to their humanity to inflict harm on Subaru as well.

“I refuse. If I consent, it would be solely under the condition of following Roswaal’s orders. Everything else will be blocked. The sacrifices of those girls are inevitable.”

“Don’t joke around. I could expose whatever scheme you have and what will happen as a result if I wanted.”

“Think before you act. What meaning would that serve? Even if you publicly declare my crimes, the situation surrounding the ‘Sanctuary’ won’t change one bit. Emilia will lose her backing to challenge the Royal Selection, and more than that, the relationship with the refugees and inhabitants of the ‘Sanctuary’ will undoubtedly worsen. Do you really think Emilia can take on the ‘Trial’ carrying a bomb of ill-will on her back? How many times have you seen Emilia collapse?”

“Ga, Garfiel would never let it slide if he heard that Frederica… that his sister is becoming a sacrifice for your plan!”

“If you’re counting on him, your vision has become even cloudier. Garfiel would never jump out to help Frederica from outside the ‘Sanctuary.’ He’s too busy being trapped by a nonexistent threat, fearing what might happen in the ‘Sanctuary’ during his absence. A pathetic fool, narrow-minded and stubborn, with little intellect, yet enough to be concerned about the risks of what would happen if I were lost from the ‘Sanctuary.’ —That’s why he cannot function to benefit you. He’s just a child desperately trying to protect his fragile, weak world.”

The phrase “a desperate child” struck home.

That was the same judgment the witches made during the tea party when they saw Subaru recklessly trying to sacrifice himself. And it seemed that to Roswaal, Garfiel appeared in much the same way.

Oblivious to that thought or perhaps knowing it yet still, Garfiel pressed on relentlessly toward his rooted purpose.

“Garfiel won’t side with you. I have no intention of stopping this scheme. You just need to be worn down by circumstances beyond your grasp and sharpened, and that’s all that’s needed. Anything beyond that is unnecessary. Make peace with it, Natsuki Subaru. —Come to terms with the fact that it doesn’t matter who dies, as long as it isn’t Emilia!”

“Don’t screw with me! I will not become like you! I will never share your way of thinking… That’s not human!”

“…”

“I am a human. No matter what incomprehensible power is given, no matter how painful or distressing the experiences I endure, that will not diminish it. —I am human. I will remain that way.”

Declaring that to the silent Roswaal, Subaru stepped back to create distance from him. Roswaal briefly showed a complex emotion on his refined face, then shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, it doesn’t matter. As long as you have infinite opportunities, it’s the same for me. This time, I’ll give up on persuading you. I’ll leave it to the next me.”

“Even if this time fails… Even if there are chances next time or the time after that, I will never nod along to your proposal. I will not become you.”

“—Leave my presence. I no longer have any meaning in living this life.”

Returning to his bed, Roswaal pulled his covers over him, stating nothing but that, turning his awareness away from Subaru.

His attempt to sleep, shutting his eyes to refuse communication with Subaru, spoke volumes.

Opening his mouth to respond to Roswaal’s posture, nothing came out,

“――――”

Subaru, silent, left the room feeling a sense of defeat.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

Exiting Roswaal’s quarters, Subaru staggered under the moonlight.

“――What should I do?”

The question about the uncertain problem escaped his lips, repeating within his chest with the same sentence, only to echo back to him like an empty shell lacking an answer.

The question thrown away reached no one and evaporated into the void, leaving nothing but emptiness nestling in his throat like a burden.

Literally, it was like being backed into a corner, in every way imaginable.

Roswaal’s cooperation and Echidna’s are now both unattainable.

Echidna’s cooperation was physically impossible, and Roswaal’s was emotionally impossible.

As a possibility, the thought crossed Subaru’s mind.

Could it be that Roswaal, being the employer of Elsa, orchestrated the ‘Trial’ against Emilia—the ‘Trial’ intended for Subaru?

Elsa, appearing just as Subaru reached the mansion, knowing about Frederica’s potential demise, hidden passages, and Beatrice’s Forbidden Library; when thinking over those points, the only suspects that emerge are either Ram or Roswaal.

And since Ram, being under Roswaal’s admiration, would have no reason to act against him, that leaves Roswaal as the only possible culprit. Though Subaru hoped otherwise, he tried not to consider it outside the corner of his mind.

“If Roswaal is Elsa’s employer…”

Could it mean that what happened on the day he was summoned—the theft of Emilia’s insignia in the Royal Capital—was also orchestrated by Roswaal?

If the Gospel prophesied the emergence of Subaru, a being with the ability to ‘Return by Death,’ claiming it was essential for Emilia’s victory, then the chaos of that day would’ve been necessary to bring Subaru to their side.

Every frantic dash that day, each of the three deaths to save Emilia, even learning her name with her smile—all of that turned out to be within Roswaal’s scheming grasp.

“Everything is just as predicted… If that’s the case, then everything from Rem losing her existence to being cornered like this in the ‘Sanctuary’ is all according to someone’s plan…?”

If so, is Subaru’s desperate will to keep pushing forward merely a string pulled by someone else?

Is the only answer for the future to cut off everything except Emilia and move forward? With the path leading to that cut off now, is it truly a dead end?

“Am I an idiot? No, that’s right—I’m an idiot. Taking a stance of thought stopping is exactly what led to Roswaal. What’s wrong with me getting sucked into that too?”

Subaru understood better than anyone that the Gospel held no ultimate truth, given he had rewritten the contents of the Gospel held by Petelgeuse.

The Gospel detailing the path to the future is not infallible. In fact, when things happen contrary to its words, Roswaal abandons hope in the world, looking forward to the next loop—

“—Huh?”

Wait, there had to be something strange in that sentiment.

As he slowly mulled over Roswaal’s Gospel, Subaru sensed an undeniable sense of discomfort. What was it? The snag seemed too elusive to pin down.

“What is it? What? Something feels off… but what could it be…!?”

In a state akin to being presented a riddle with no answer, Subaru searched through the haze for a light.

Roswaal’s Gospel. Actions reflecting its records. Beatrice’s Gospel. The Witch Cult’s ‘Gospel.’ A prophecy without a future, where the bearer is dead. Blank pages. Results as predicted. Results that don’t align with predictions—things having deviated from their writings now.

“Damn it. —Just one more step, but nothing is coming together.”

Feeling hints of connection between several scattered pieces, none concretely formed but all dissipating. Yet this feeling of connection should not be overlooked.

In every instance of feeling blocked in the past, each time they extracted answers from small beginnings to carve a path forward.

Surely this time, each fragment must lead toward an answer—

“—Subaru?”

“Eh?”

Suddenly called by name, Subaru’s thoughts were pulled from the depths of his mind.

When he surfaced from the quiet depths, under the dim moonlight, stood Emilia, her shimmering silver hair glinting as she gazed at Subaru.

The unanticipated encounter caused a pang in Subaru’s chest, and he struggled to hide his surprise as he raised a hand.

“Ah, Emilia… why are you here? It’s pretty late already, you know?”

“That should be the same for you, Subaru. If you keep staying up too late, you won’t grow taller, you know.”

“I think I’ve probably just missed my growth spurt, so that concern is a bit late…”

Emilia, bringing up a slightly off-topic discussion as usual, helped Subaru regain his calmness, prompting him to naturally walk closer to her.

They were in a small square in the center of the ‘Sanctuary,’ leaning against a moss-covered, stone fountain structure. Emilia let her silver hair sway in the night breeze, casting glances at Subaru beside her.

The worry-laden violet depths of her eyes sparkled, igniting a sweet ache in Subaru’s currently weary heart.

“I can’t sleep, so I’m taking a little walk… What about you, Subaru?”

“Well, I’m kinda in the same boat. I can’t settle in when the pillow’s different, and Otto’s snores are unexpectedly loud.”

“I can’t believe Subaru has such delicate sensibilities. That surprises me!”

Covering her mouth, Emilia chuckled softly. As he watched her sideways glances, Subaru realized it was the first time he had encountered Emilia again after returning that very night of his ‘Return by Death.’

Generally, despite the resets, others’ actions usually trace a constant flow. Meaning Emilia always took a solitary nighttime stroll after attempting the ‘Trial’ on that initial day.

While Subaru was involved at tea parties, targeted by Garfiel’s violence, learning about the true identities of Ryuzu and others deep within the forest, and uncovering Roswaal’s dark nature, changes also happened for Emilia.

“…You seem out of sorts, Subaru.”

“Really? I didn’t think I was doing that poorly…”

“No, it’s a lie. The usual Subaru would be much more… chaotic, don’t you think?”

“It’s not a word I’ve heard much these days…”

As Subaru responded, relieved and smiling, Emilia pointed to his cheek and noted,

“You finally smiled! You usually try to show me your smiles, but right now you weren’t able to do that.”

“――――”

“Is there something difficult… going on? If there’s something troubling you… I’m here to listen if it’s okay.”

Realizing Emilia had pointed out his stiffened cheek and offered words of concern, Subaru felt heat welling up behind his closed eyelids and struggled to hold it back.

The gentle, nurturing words washed over him warmly. At a dead end, with no way to solve things and even the light he had seen flickering away, he felt like he could fall into the tender hands that reached out to him.

It was pathetic, the wavering convictions he had just solidified moments before breaking under the weight of their sweetness, and he felt a mix of regret and anger.

“This is… my problem. I can’t burden Emilia with it.”

“…”

“More than anything, you must have it tougher, right? You were in such a frenzy during the ‘Trial’… Are you all right now?”

“Yes, I apologize for causing you trouble back then. I embarrassed myself, I’m sorry? …It felt like I was thrown against a problem for which I was unprepared mentally.”

Turning away, Subaru deflected, and Emilia responded with a weary smile.

She leaned back against the object and gazed toward the night sky as she said,

“I really felt like I had no preparation at all. It made me realize that I’ve been running away from several things I needed to face to get to this point.”

“I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. What’s wrong with running away from unpleasant things? If I keep confronting what I dislike, will I eventually overcome it? Should I be forced to overcome it? What if running away leads me to find a different path and I choose to take that?”

“Subaru…?”

As Subaru spilled out words at high speed without solidifying his thoughts, Emilia furrowed her pretty brows. Confused Emilia, but unaware of her own reaction, Subaru continued,

“Echidna set the ‘Trial’ in the grave, Roswaal dragged me here knowing about it, and Garfiel interferes knowing we must all overcome it—everyone’s being so selfish. How come we have to be tossed around while they do as they please? When we try to manage things in our own way, they complain when it doesn’t go as they wish… What am I supposed to do here?”

“――――”

“It’s like my head’s going to burst because everything just keeps piling up like this… And in the end, it turns out it’s all my fault—don’t screw with me! Don’t screw with me. Screw—”

In a moment when emotions surged and dizziness overcame him.

A gentle hand snaked around the back of his head, pulling him down suddenly. As he pressed his head toward a soft sensation directly in front, Subaru instinctively held his breath.

It felt unbearably hot, and a soft texture enveloped Subaru’s face.

From the warmth touching him, he could hear the heartbeat resonating, slowly bringing his white-out thoughts back to the present—he realized he was being held against Emilia’s chest.

“Ah, ah—?”

“Slowly, quietly. Just listen to my heartbeats.”

“—Mm.”

“Let your body align with the rhythms, inhale quietly, exhale… and repeat. When you settle, just tap my back. This is fine for now.”

Whispers in his ear sent thrills racing down Subaru’s spine, causing his breathing to come out in hitches. The emotional surge exploded, yet it fizzled out in shock as the boiling sensation surged through him.

What caused him to find himself in a situation like this? Listening to Emilia’s calm heartbeat, he felt the contrasting racing rhythm of his own heart hammering against his ribs.

However, that rallying heartbeat which had been spiraling out of control began to settle gradually with Emilia’s breaths and the gentle strokes at the back of his head.

Following her instructions, he inhaled deeply, exhaling and repeating until he found his breath and heart in balance.

Then, slowly, he tapped Emilia’s back. That signal led to the hand at the back of his head releasing him, Subaru pulling away regretfully as he sat back up.

“Are you calm now?”

“…Somehow.”

Before the shimmering violet hue right in front of him, Subaru let out a small sigh.

Emilia’s smile of relief at his answer made Subaru’s face flush with an awkward embarrassment, yet he shook his head softly.

“I’m sorry for falling apart. I didn’t want to inconvenience you like this.”

“I don’t think of it as inconvenient at all!”

“But you must be dealing with far more than I am. That’s true… I wanted to help you even as you suffered, you know…”

“Subaru…”

Before Emilia, Subaru always wanted to appear cool and composed.

Yet truly, he felt pathetic and weak, selfish, always trying to maintain the part of himself that he thought was enough to stand beside her.

“It’s just been nothing but circumstances that haven’t worked out, and I was… just now arguing with Roswaal, you know? Trying desperately to find a way to escape the ‘Sanctuary’ without having to deal with the ‘Trial.'”

“Eh?”

“Honestly, it would have been best if I could have taken on the ‘Trial’ for you… But that doesn’t seem possible now. So at least, I was trying desperately to find a way out, but that too ended up being difficult. I just… I’m sorry for being so useless.”

“Subaru—”

Bowing his head, it was humbling to think that, regardless of how many chances he had to ‘Return by Death,’ he couldn’t find a solution that seemed to shine.

If only he could’ve managed things better, then there would have been countless scenarios where a sad world, like the second ‘Trial,’ wouldn’t have come to be.

Surely, there must be a way to turn this despair into something manageable—

“But I’ll definitely do something about it. I’m going to make it so that you don’t suffer, or have to deal with anything unpleasant. So please trust me.”

“…Subaru.”

“Yeah.”

Looking up at Subaru with glistening eyes, Emilia’s gaze was filled with promise.

Subaru returned her gaze, resolving that the part of his heart that mattered the most would not waver.

He would protect Emilia, overcome the ‘Sanctuary,’ save the mansion, and reclaim everything.

There was not even a glimmer of light in sight, but somehow—

“I’m truly grateful for Subaru’s feelings. I’m really happy. —But I can’t accept that kindness.”

Yet somehow, the resolve he’d hoped to firm up was outright denied by the beloved girl’s strong conviction.