“Let’s have a good long chat. Shall we settle down and discuss it, whether it takes a long or short time?”

Roswaal pierced the two standing at the entrance of the room with his yellow gaze, closing one eye.

Otto next to Subaru gasped as if drenched in magic under that sticky gaze. The dark hand reached for Subaru as well, but he maintained his position, having been tense from the start, merely clearing his throat.

“You’re all dolled up for our little meeting. I’m flattered.”

“Oh, don’t flatter yourself too much. After all, didn’t you tell me to do this? To put on this makeup again?”

“Oh, right, I did say that.”

After making the contract and placing the wager, Subaru had indeed told Roswaal this before stepping out of the room, never expecting him to take those words to heart.

“For me, this makeup on my face is like preparing for battle. To push things forward according to the Gospel, I have to stay on my toes and act accordingly. So, using makeup as a means of self-suggestion to keep my spirits up is something I’ve done.”

Upon hearing this unexpected backstory, Subaru couldn’t help but stare intently at Roswaal’s face.

A painted white face, suspicious eyeliner, lips rouged, marked with the signature of his distinctive left eye. All of it had a deeper meaning beyond just mocking his opponent.

“Are you just being suggestive, or do you actually mean it?”

“I wish you would just believe me. But well, it’s up to your imagination. After straying from the Gospel’s descriptions, I had given up on the continuity of the world, and that’s why I stopped using makeup… and now that I’m putting it on again, can you decipher what that means together with me?”

Subaru bit his teeth to hold back his expression at Roswaal’s roundabout way of speaking.

If Roswaal’s words about preparing for battle were true, then the reason he stood again before them, made up, was quite clear.

He had regained the motivation he once lost to live in this world.

Even if that motivation stemmed from the same type of backward hope that Subaru once held, to end this world and entrust his wishes to his next self.

“Wouldn’t it have been better for me if you were unmotivated?”

“Not really. Your name, lineage, authority, and power are all vital for Emilia to become king. I can’t have you turning into a mere shell. I’m going to motivate you and crush that down to show you a different hope and pull you out.”

“That’s reassuring. If you can, then go ahead and do it.”

When Subaru boldly declared his challenge, Roswaal twisted the corner of his mouth in amusement. He then maintained that smile as he looked at Subaru’s side.

“You’re standing next to that thick-headed Otto-kun, introduced to us the other day. Compared to the lively version I saw earlier, he seems to have wilted considerably.”

“Rather than wilted, he’s just scared outright. The person he thought he could get close to just suddenly got a clown’s makeup on his face. It’s only natural to be surprised, right?”

“What are you trying to say by making me look like a coward!? And don’t go around making it obvious that I was trying to worm my way in! That’ll just make me look worse!”

“Whether it looks bad or not, there’s no good impression to give when I’m engaged in clear opposition while cooperating with you. At least let’s be recognized as tough adversaries so we can rank higher when there’s a popularity poll.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about!?”

Seeing Otto’s usual fussiness, Subaru noted that Otto’s nervousness eased somewhat. Otto’s own complex expression suggested that he realized that the current exchange was meant to lighten his tightness.

Meanwhile, Roswaal, observing the eye contact between Subaru and Otto, traced a finger over his cheek with a meaningful smile.

“It’s rather adorable to see two fellows who can communicate just with their eyes. I should have been in the game longer than you two, and yet, I find myself jealous.”

“Don’t say creepy things. My heart’s number one and number two spots are always sold out. There’s no way you guys… especially not you, could ever squeeze in.”

“That’s unfortunate. But, should that be the case… it seems Beatrice will also end up unrewarded. I wonder what she’ll think about it.”

“———”

If it was meant as a measure of intimidation, that word had the most potent effect on Subaru.

He hadn’t expected Roswaal to mention Beatrice here and was struck with surprise as if he had been slapped across the face, mixed with discomfort at hearing someone acting so knowing.

“As for Beatrice…”

“She’s following the Gospel’s guidance in her own way. In that sense, we could say she’s a comrade of sorts. However, my proactive stance in regard to the Gospel’s description is quite different from her passive approach.”

“Just sitting there and waiting to receive results? You can say that’s convenient? I totally agree… but in her case, the curse compelling her to wait is far too strong.”

“That does seem to be the case.”

Under the command of her creator, Echidna, Beatrice was continuing to wait for “that person” who didn’t even exist within the Forbidden Library of Roswaal’s Mansion. For her, being obedient to an order was the only meaning of her existence.

In terms of obstinacy, Beatrice was similar to Roswaal.

Subaru remembered vividly the time she had desperately pleaded to be allowed to die.

He also recalled her expression when she had protected him during the later events at the mansion.

So then—

“I’ll break that curse. I’ll pull her from that musty room and dry her out along with her books and dresses. Whether she finds reward or not will be up to her from there.”

“———”

At Subaru’s clear proclamation, Roswaal narrowed his eyes as if he were looking at something dazzling. Then he let out a short sigh and turned his gaze to Otto, who had been waiting for his chance to enter the conversation.

“So? Looking at this and mixing it with our earlier conversation… you’re thinking that Otto-kun is one of your cards, right?”

“N-no, I’m just a kind of mediator to equalize the conditions. I have no intention of doing anything deceitful toward the Baron of the Border…”

“Why are you being so reserved now!? Cut the crap! Just say you don’t like the clown makeup and that if I win, you’ll paint him all in red and white!”

“I don’t remember saying anything about that, and what’s this clown face even supposed to mean!?”

Subaru gave Otto a thumbs-up for being forced into a retort he never agreed to. However, Roswaal squinted thoughtfully, sending a meaningful look towards Otto.

“I can guess… that with the changed part of Subaru-kun’s enthusiasm, you likely have something to do with it. Isn’t that rather embarrassing?”

“I can’t deny that point… but if you consider it, relying on a guy character to revive me is sort of off the flow, right? Normally, this would be a scene where the main heroine helps me stand up again.”

“I wouldn’t have any words to say if you looked at me with a critical gaze.”

Responding to his rebellious look with hand gestures, Subaru resigned himself to the matter.

He had borrowed the strength to stand up from somewhere else. This time, it was Subaru’s turn to pull the main heroine up. At the very least, he had decided in his heart that it should be so.

After having closed his eyes once, Subaru opened them again. Seeing the sharpness of his gaze had shifted, Roswaal straightened his posture as the air in the room changed.

Roswaal intertwined his fingers while sitting on the futon and began to speak.

“Being isolated under the name of treatment like this leaves nothing to do and that’s inconvenient. I’m bored out of my mind. That’s why… I’m always eavesdropping.”

“What a tasteless pastime.”

“Speaking of which, you too don’t seem to be making any progress in your evil scheming… have you begun to feel the intricacies of how this ‘Sanctuary’ was established and the surrounding circumstances?”

“It’s chock full of complicated issues striking my head hard. With you and Emilia’s ‘Trials’ intertwining, it’s more than just wordplay to say I’m cornered.”

While honestly acknowledging the difficulty of the situation, Subaru had already factored in the low chances of success.

After confirming everything with Otto, he pointed at Roswaal, expressing that he still had no intention of giving up on improving the situation.

“The deadline for the contract and wager is in three days. I plan to make a significant movement within tomorrow and the day after… but don’t get in my way too much.”

“I can’t guarantee that. The fulfillment of the Gospel is my dearest wish. I don’t think this is something I need to explain to you multiple times, though?”

“In three days, I will have Emilia succeed in overcoming the ‘Trial’ and convince Garfiel. The strengthening of our camp shouldn’t be a bad thing for you as well. It’s much more bright a future I can guarantee than relying on the Gospel.”

“If you say so, that likely means you’re not dismissing that future entirely.”

With that, Subaru continued to press his arguments, likely sensing Roswaal’s unnecessary suspicion in disbelief.

Then, Roswaal briefly lowered his gaze, as if pondering, and next, he looked up with unwavering determination in his mismatched eyes.

“There’s no certainty—. The denial of the future you bring is reason enough for me to turn it down. Following the Gospel promises a desired future for me. I wouldn’t care less about how many sacrifices I need to make to obtain that future, as what I desire is just one thing.”

“You would abandon everything else you support, including those supporting your current position, and Ram, just for that one important thing?”

“Oh, come on, Subaru-kun. What do you expect by asking me that? My answer remains unchanged, and what you need to do remains the same.”

“———”

The results of a persuasion that was entirely predictable. The same words would surely drive him to refusal.

Roswaal essentially ignored Subaru’s words, just as Subaru had refused Roswaal’s proposal and Echidna’s contract; the “best” option already lay in his heart.

“… After all, I can never become you, Roswaal.”

“I see… Such a thing truly is regrettable, Subaru-kun.”

Leaning back against the pillow, Roswaal let out a quiet sigh. The slight touch of disappointment he felt seemed to stem from the expectations he held for Subaru.

If Natsuki Subaru, who was blocked from all possibilities, were to reach the same point, then Roswaal’s solitary fight into which he had cast his own life would be validated.

“Now, let’s return to our main topic. Is that alright, Baron of the Border?”

Then, just as silence was about to fall upon the room, Otto stepped forth to speak. Roswaal cast a yellow gaze toward the gray-haired young man, silently acknowledging him.

Otto slightly turned his neck to Subaru, nodding as he began.

“It seems we agree that we’ve set the disturbances of this ‘Sanctuary’ as our deadline within three days. You, Baron of the Border, will hold your cynical stance against Natsuki-san while watching that course of action as well.”

“Watching? I don’t recall giving any testimony allowing that.”

“But as you can see, I haven’t turned to ash here, so we can consider this as quite a declaration of intent, right? As the first court magician of the Lugnica Kingdom, Baron Roswaal L. Meiastars, it shouldn’t be a problem for you to turn me into mere fragments of mana. It’s the simplest way to thwart Natsuki-san’s purpose while keeping him from breaking our wager.”

“Hoh.”

With Otto’s eloquent reasoning, Subaru held his breath, watching his back. Going remarkably off-script, he was certainly on fire with his eloquence.

Roswaal, piecing together Otto’s intent, wore a surprised expression.

“You’re interesting. I feel like I’ve said something similar before… but I’ll amend that. —You’re more intriguing than I imagined.”

“Should I take that as flattery…?”

“It’s heartfelt praise devoid of any reservations. Ah, it’s splendid. By standing alongside Subaru-kun, you’ve risked your life to validate this level of logic. That’s certainly a worthy decision. Hardly something anyone could imitate.”

“Well… thank you.”

Though feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the compliment, Otto faced Roswaal without faltering. As he had stated himself, he stood against a demon who could reduce him to cinders with just a flick of a finger, under such conditions.

In fact, if Roswaal were serious about closing the deal with Subaru, he could just carry out the heinous act Otto had mentioned. Even apart from that, he could simply burn down the ‘Sanctuary’ in advance or summon the Great Rabbit early, and Subaru wouldn’t have a means to stop him. The bet would be guaranteed to end with Subaru’s loss.

Otto appeared to think that Subaru’s survival was essential to the wager’s success, but for Subaru and Roswaal who shared the common understanding of “return by death,” his existence itself was not an absolute condition. At that moment, the paramount focus for Subaru was if he would be incinerated from behind after entering the contract.

If Roswaal didn’t act on such a mold-breaking idea, it couldn’t be deemed anything other than a calculated restraint.

“Even so, I must receive a guarantee. Baron of the Border. You will not resort to extreme measures regardless of what we plan and execute until the deadline three days from now.”

“Demanding a guarantee is quite bold of you.”

“Worried about whether interference happens or not, I can hardly see a way to gamble if my back is exposed. If you’re confident of Natsuki-san losing, then keeping your hands off shouldn’t be a huge deal, right?”

“———”

With gestures, Otto maintained a smirk at the corners of his mouth, while Roswaal’s attention sharpened.

Breathless with anticipation, Subaru felt Otto had just thrown the gauntlet by making the challenge. Should Roswaal “take the bait,” their defeat would surely follow.

A thick, torrid silence hung in the air for some time. But then—

“Ah, I see. Subaru-kun, you’re quite lucky to have good friends.”

“… Yeah, that’s true. If I almost make a blunder, he’s the kind of friend who would slap me across the face to correct it.”

As Subaru responded to Roswaal’s transformed expression, he subtly seemed distant.

Suddenly, Subaru wondered. Had Roswaal not had anyone like Otto to slap him across the face when he made a mistake?

Someone, who would correct those stubborn, distorted thoughts of his.

“So it can’t be helped. —It may have come four hundred years late, but it’s our turn to do it.”

“———”

“Roswaal! That previously stated attitude… I can take that as your agreement!”

At Subaru’s insistence, Roswaal chuckled ruefully. Roswaal tilted the face he had made into a jester over to the side and then—

“I’ll do it. Either way, I need to gather mana to let it snow in three days. But remember, even with my level of power, manipulating the weather is quite a tricky endeavor, you know? Even temporarily, and within a limited area.”

“Then it’s meditation time for you. By all means, sharing what you wouldn’t want happening while you’re meditating would be useful.”

“I have no hobby of feeding salt to my enemies. —It’s just that I understand clearly that while I don’t need to do anything, your objectives cannot be reached.”

Yet on that front, he was unwilling to yield.

Snorting in irony, Subaru raised an eyebrow, while Otto sighed with fatigue.

However, a significant part of the reason they had come here had been successfully elicited.

To enter the heart of the wager, it was imperative to ensure that Roswaal’s interference wouldn’t occur.

Just getting that guarantee was a considerable gain. It was a massive bonus that Otto’s speech had entered into the realm of unexpected eloquence beyond their assumptions.

“By the way, Subaru-kun.”

“—Huh?”

“I heard that Great Spirit has left Emilia’s side.”

With a topic shift that hit like a hammer after his previously relaxed thoughts.

Straightening his posture, Subaru nodded to Roswaal’s question.

“Emilia’s contract with Pack had a flaw, and the bond was severed. From a spirit user’s perspective, Emilia doesn’t have the qualification to be called that now.”

“I heard she was substantially saddened by it… In a moment like this, is there a chance that afflicting her already troubled heart further could be dangerous?”

“… I wonder. At the very least, the ‘Trial’ tonight will have to be postponed. We won’t know what kind of impacts it will have until Emilia wakes up.”

As Emilia’s sorrow was pouring out, having been preemptively warned by Pack, he couldn’t help but wonder how much of a burden it would become yet again.

With only two days left, pushing Emilia in such a way was just recklessly stacking more wagers atop an already poor venture, narrowing their options further.

Yet the slight breeze through a hole was the only hope Subaru could believe in now.

“That said, I certainly have a heavy head. But regardless of what happens, I…”

“I’ve found it a little strange.”

Cutting Subaru off midway, Roswaal waved his finger back and forth. Subaru, unable to help but fall silent at that movement, then Roswaal continued, saying,

“When I look at the Subaru-kun of now, you seem intent on recovering Emilia, but… you don’t seem particularly surprised about the fact that Great Spirit has left Emilia’s side. What’s that about?”

“———”

Subaru paused for a moment at Roswaal’s seemingly casual query.

His being deemed less surprised stemmed from having been well-informed. Had he not received an advance caution regarding this situation from Pack, he would have been helpless in front of Emilia’s tears.

Though still, even in retrospect it might have changed little.

“You… already knew about this situation, didn’t you? The fact that Great Spirit left Emilia’s side. Though how you came to know might be another story.”

“If that’s the case… then you have no right to criticize how I act. I will expend my strength to win the wager. You have no grounds to blame me for that…”

“No, quite the opposite. —That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”

Raising a palm, Roswaal nodded with a face that was somewhat satisfied.

Subaru felt a lack of fulfillment rise within him that the previous words had been snuffed out in the manner they had.

“That said… if it was to be expected that Great Spirit has left Emilia’s side, that might mean it’s quite troubling for me.”

“… Really? From your perspective, wouldn’t that be a good sign?”

“Not at all. While it may fit the condition of your flames being ignited out of seeing Emilia being broken, this could mean that Emilia losing her powers as a spirit user means… she will no longer be able to bring snow to the ‘Sanctuary.’ This is quite a blow for me.”

“Ah…”

Roswaal’s words came to bear a contradiction with the Gospel.

In three days, snow would fall to summon the Great Rabbit to the ‘Sanctuary.’ Roswaal needed to cover the ‘Sanctuary’ with that snow to follow the written content.

However, that would mean—

“Roswaal, I’ve been thinking for a while now…”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“It’s about the defects in the complete version of the Gospel that you hold.”

“———”

As Subaru spoke, the smile fading from Roswaal’s face was palpable. The air surrounding them felt tense, starting from the demon’s gaze focused squarely on Subaru.

Otto beside them seemed to shrink slightly and Subaru felt momentarily suffocated by that heaviness. The demon, with those mismatched eyes, targeted him narrowed.

“Go on, Subaru-kun. You’ve mentioned the defects in this Gospel…”

Roswaal brought his hand from behind the cushion and into view, revealing a book bound in black— the Gospel. Just being present in the room, it emitted a formidable sense of intimidation.

“Initially… I found discrepancies in what you were saying based on the descriptions of the Gospel, but I had been too preoccupied to overlook those inconsistencies. Yet, after taking the time to calm down and contemplate you and the Gospel, I realized something.”

“Let’s hear it then.”

“The Gospel held by the Witch Cult, its incomplete version… though we might shove aside the unkind content, the problem is the decisive flaw in the Gospel you possess.”

“———”

At the term “flaw,” Roswaal’s eyebrows quivered slightly.

Despite this, he maintained his silence, his curiosity piqued by what Subaru was proposing. For Roswaal, the Gospel was literally the lifeline supporting his goals.

There was no reason for him not to be receptive to information regarding defects and flaws.

Taking a small breath, Subaru steeled himself against that pressure and focused his gaze on Roswaal.

“According to what you’ve said, the Gospel records the details of the incidents occurring in the ‘Sanctuary,’ along with the path to resolution. In your mind, that leads to ‘If Emilia fails to clear the Tomb, I will.’ In order to push Emilia toward the failure, snow must be made to fall in order to summon the Great Rabbit to attack the ‘Sanctuary.’ You’re cornering me to eliminate the ‘waste’ of my existence by trapping the mansion. —Am I correct?”

“That’s roughly the case. So, what’s the flaw?”

“…You would know that the result of summoning snow would entail bringing the Great Rabbit, right? Therefore, your Gospel does not record what happens as a result of bringing snow. It simply states, ‘it will snow,’ hence you carry it out as it holds necessary content— you’re merely a puppet of the book.”

“I’m aware of that. Even if being a puppet, following what’s in the book would let me attain my desired future. In that case, what hesitation can arise from being at the mercy of pages without body or shape?”

With a calm demeanor, Roswaal responded to Subaru’s hypothesis.

While he fumbled at what Subaru was getting at, it appeared his expressions were merely shifting. Meanwhile, Subaru was convinced that having received affirmation for his reasoning rendered his hypothesis relevant. —If so, then…

“You and I will turn out to be true jokers, won’t we?”

“—Hoh!”

As Roswaal narrowed his eyes, the atmosphere surrounding the room thickened even further. It felt almost like the temperature dropped, as if the mana in the air were lost owing to the quiet disturbance within the demon’s emotions.

In any case, discussing contradictions in the Gospel was necessary. It would serve to resolve Subaru’s questions— to cast doubt on Roswaal’s mind ensnared in that description.

“Let’s return to the topic. The Gospel states there will be ‘snow.’ Let’s assume it’s something only Emilia can create. If Emilia can’t or refuses to do it, then you are the one left to produce the snow if the Gospel says so.”

“It’s a redundant comment. Get to the point. What defect, what flaw is within?”

“That means if Emilia isn’t to bring about snow, without the Gospel, you wouldn’t be able to produce snow. It implies that the ‘Sanctuary’ would remain without snow, and that’s what it means.”

It was a fundamental conclusion.

Roswaal would create snow purely because it was written in the Gospel. If the Gospel didn’t record it or if the Gospel didn’t exist, there would be no reason for Roswaal to take such action.

As for the original Gospel, it was unclear why Emilia needed to bring snow to the ‘Sanctuary,’ but— if the Gospel were truly accurate, there had to be a reason that compelled Emilia to cover the ‘Sanctuary’ in snow. Ignoring that part while causing snowfall held not a bit of significance. Moreover, a history that wouldn’t exist without the Gospel—

“How is a prophetic book that cannot stand without a prophetic book supposed to be a prophetic book?”

“———”

“Regardless of how incredible or absurd something might be, it’s a prophetic book simply because it’s recorded beforehand. The Witch Cult’s incomplete version was merely appended; it could create text corresponding to different histories. But what about your complete version of the Gospel? That’s adorned with the illustrious crown of being the complete version.”

“———”

“The mere act of aligning the written text to match what has already been recorded ignores the myriad circumstances that led to that resultant event, indeed time would be inscribed as the book states. How can that be believed? An intelligent person like you must have realized something like that.”

“———”

“Your stance is simply thoughtless, Roswaal.”

Subaru pointed a finger, stating it as fact.

Upon receiving that statement, Roswaal remained silent for an eternal moment. Yet, the suffocating pressure that had weighed heavily on them vanished in an instant, with Otto hastily breathing to steady his heart.

Roswaal closed both his eyes, appearing to reflect quietly. It seemed that his painted lips trembled ever so slightly, a sentiment which Subaru wished indicated that his words had some impact.

However, he wasn’t given the opportunity to inquire about that.

“The existence of the prophetic book… and the Gospel itself are premised upon having something. The phenomenon of things moving forward should be made manifest by the contents within the Gospel, and this is the natural flow…”

“That may be so. I honestly anticipated such rebuttals. —Therefore, I’ve prepared my counterarguments as well.”

Roswaal, long-winded and uncharacteristically halting, tumbled out words that didn’t suit him. Hence they were blown away with surprising ease in the face of Subaru’s voice.

Closing one eye, Roswaal peered through with only the yellow eye remaining, something he had repeatedly showered upon Subaru with unsettling allure.

So, for the first time, that yellow gleam held such an air of fragility.

Subaru, vaguely aware of this shift, announced.

“Show me the Gospel you hold. If I can see the content that’s written, then I’ll be glad to understand your claims.”

“—I can’t do that. The Gospel never shows its contents to those it hasn’t recognized as owners. I am the owner of this Gospel. Even if you saw it, you wouldn’t comprehend its written content, and touching it as an unrecognized entity may even burn your brain…”

“That’s quite a longwinded explanation, Roswaal. Are you really that troubled about showing it to me?”

Seeing Roswaal stammer rendered Subaru’s eyes widen in surprise.

Though he couldn’t discern Roswaal’s face amidst the white makeup, the demon’s excessive rejection of Subaru’s offer reflected an overreaction.

In that sudden change, Subaru realized he had struck upon what might be a weakness far greater than he could have ever imagined.

Roswaal held something hidden within the content of the Gospel or regarding those writings, something that he could never allow to be known. His unwillingness to deviate from the predictions possibly stemmed from that conceit.

Otherwise, how could it be that someone like Roswaal wouldn’t notice the contradictions in the Gospel’s structure?

“Natsuki-san, let’s not go further than this…”

Seeing Roswaal’s abrupt change in demeanor and noticing the moment where Subaru seemed ready to launch another offense, Otto positioned himself close to intervene.

Subaru turned only his head to shake off Otto’s halting gesture but found himself deterred as he met the earnest gaze of Otto, which said this was not the moment to press too hard.

What Otto saw that Subaru had failed to notice was undoubtedly the intuition that told them this was the turning point of their negotiations.

There was no room for recklessness at this moment which could ruin all that they had strived to build in their previous discussions.

“—Roswaal, you have three days left. Tomorrow, the day after, and finally, the last day. I’ll resolve everything by then. You’ll seize those words I’ve spoken and contemplate them.”

“Are you intending to create a favor for me? —You ought to thank Otto-kun, my friend. He’s helped us discern a severe splitting point detrimental for both of us.”

With an expression wiped clean, Roswaal concealed the Gospel behind him once more. Then, unable to restrain himself, he turned to Subaru and remarked with a last statement.

“From now on, I will begin forming the spell needed to manipulate the weather. To make the contents of the Gospel true. —For me, this is the guiding principle.”

“Do as you wish. If you’re that determined to cling on to that stubbornness, then fine.”

Gripping the doorknob, Subaru turned around and glared at Roswaal.

He met the demon’s gaze head-on, and then summoned his voice in a show of resolve.

“When everything is settled, I’m going to splash ink all over your Gospel and black it out. —Only after that will you truly be able to see ahead with your own eyes.”

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

—A conversation with Roswaal, its meaning and significance hard to glean, concluded with Subaru parting ways with Otto before visiting Emilia’s quarters.

“—Balus, you’ve arrived.”

“Yeah, I’m here. Sorry for leaving it to you for so long.”

Seeing Subaru arrive, Ram, who had been watching Emilia in the room, showed a bored expression. The lack of emotion reflected on her face was the same as usual, but was there just a hint of stiffness in her profile within the darkness?

“The discussion with Roswaal has ended. I’ll be watching over Emilia, so you can leave this place.”

Not touching on the matter, Subaru pulled out a chair to take a seat where he could look at Emilia just like Ram could. As Subaru joined him, Ram sent him a sideways glance before finally saying quietly,

“I worry that Balus might do something indecent to sleeping Emilia.”

“I’d rather not think your trust in me is so low that you suspect I’d pull something under these circumstances.”

“That trust may very well default to being low. After all, your standing here is at odds with the lord, Roswaal, who has turned on his own head and in such a narrow ‘Sanctuary,’ you’ve put yourself in opposition.”

“…”

Of course, Ram appeared to understand the nature of the wager— the contract existing between Roswaal and Subaru.

Even until the very end, Ram exhibited an unwavering loyalty to Roswaal, willing to devote herself entirely to him. She could easily be utilized, already a pawn to make the contents of the Gospel an undeniable certainty.

“What do you think, then?”

“———”

Ram offered nothing in response to that question devoid of subject. Instead, she turned her body to face Subaru, waiting for the rest of his words directly.

In her posture, Subaru began to choose his words while sorting through the emotions he had held inside.

“I don’t know how much you understand about the contents of the Gospel. But if Roswaal follows that book, the ‘Sanctuary’ will be thrown into chaos. I don’t know whether Garfiel, Ryuzu, or anyone else will remain safe…”

“If you’re thinking of that to convince me, it’s a shallow thought, Balus.”

Subaru’s sentences were abruptly halted by Ram’s sharp retort. She caught Subaru’s gaze fixated on her, as she pierced him with a steady light from her pale red eyes.

“The only thing worth placing atop my highest priority is just one thing. And that will never waver. No other matter will shake that position. So expecting anything of my heart to waver is pointless.”

“…”

“And— my share of the problem has already been given up.”

As he regretted potentially choosing the wrong phrasing, Ram casually dropped her statement. Subaru lifted his face to ask for clarification, but before he could do so, Ram was already making her departure.

Brushing her knees free, Ram cast one last glance at Emilia’s sleeping figure before pivoting back toward Subaru.

“I leave Emilia in your care. I will come again in the morning to tend to her.”

“O-oh, I understand… What did you mean by those previous words…?”

“Who can say?”

Her refusal to answer served as her answer in and of itself.

After leaving those parting words, Ram departed the room without leaving a single shred of lingering intention. As Subaru attempted to part with a word, he found no words to grasp and was left only to watch her leave.

With the door shut, only Subaru and Emilia remained in the room.

As Emilia still lay in that bed, there was nothing Subaru could do except watch over her sleeping face.

It had been a little over ten hours since he had witnessed Emilia, distraught and wailing, fall unconscious in his arms.

The only solace he found was that her sleeping expression was free from the torment of nightmares.

Had she been suffering and haunted by the past even in her dreams, she truly would have nowhere to find peace of mind.

Even upon awakening, the reality awaiting Emilia was one where she had severed ties with Pack. Subaru could only wonder how long it would take her to face that truth.

He wasn’t sure how much he could help soothe that suffering. There was no denying that he felt a strong desire to assist her— but just how much could he really contribute?

“…”

“—Huh?”

Abruptly distracted from his ocean of thoughts, Subaru reacted to a faint call.

Peering over, he saw Emilia’s head slightly tilted, and her faintly opened purple-blue eyes gazing at him. —She had awakened.

“O-Emilia, are you okay?”

“—Subaru.”

“Yeah, it’s me. How’s your body? You’ve been sleeping for a long time… Just wait, I’ll go get you some water.”

“It’s fine.”

As Subaru began to rise to run outside, Emilia stopped him with her words.

Taking back slightly the forceful momentum, Subaru was astonished at her unexpectedly strong response and fell back into his chair.

“…Emilia?”

“It’s alright. I’m fine… just stay here.”

Emilia responded firmly to Subaru’s tone that had dropped quite low.

Given that he thought Emilia’s low blood pressure and struggles upon waking were common knowledge after the events of the last few days, her current calm demeanor was utterly incomprehensible.

But something about the clarity in her purple-blue eyes showed little sign of the long period of slumber she had just escaped.

“Do you understand the situation?”

“…Yeah. I slept through the entire day today. I was already keeping everyone waiting… What am I doing? I’m so sorry.”

“That means! No one is blaming you for anything! But what concerns me is…”

As Emilia’s words of apology hung in the air, Subaru hesitated to bring up Pack. He thought it would likely be the first subject of discussion once she awoke. Yet holding back his topic of conversation, he confided he was concerned she had suffered too deeply.

“Do not worry, Subaru.”

“Uh, huh…?”

“I haven’t forgotten that Pack has left me… I’m fully aware of it. I haven’t forgotten, nor have I tried to escape it.”

“So that’s how it is…?”

“Mn…”

After receiving her brief nod, Subaru understood that Emilia hadn’t forgotten that harsh fact. However, just why could she remain so composed on the surface?

To Subaru, having witnessed her grief-filled countenance immediately after learning of Pack’s absence, her calm manner seemed unreal.

But while Subaru struggled to comprehend, Emilia interjected.

“I’m sorry, Subaru. I’m sure there’s so much you want to ask and even things I want to share… but please, let’s wait until the morning. After that, I’ll be able to manage.”

“—”

“So, please, hold my hand and stay with me until morning, alright? If you do that then I’m sure I’ll be able to…”

Tentatively, Emilia’s white fingers reached out from beneath her blanket.

Seeing her extended hand, Subaru grasped it quickly without hesitation. Wrapping his fingers firmly around her frail, delicate hand he stated,

“If that’s all it takes, I can do that for sure. But Emilia…”

“I’m sorry, Subaru. I’m sure there are a thousand things that I want to say and want to listen to in return. But… please, until morning, just stay. That way, surely I will…”

“———”

Hearing Emilia’s pleading voice, Subaru could find no words to reciprocate.

Instead, he pulled his chair slightly closer to the bed, bringing her hand comfortably by her pillow.

Then, as he glanced into her trembling eyes that were locked onto his, he nodded gently.

“I understand. —Let’s do that, Emilia.”

“Mn… thank you.”

With only those brief words exchanged, Emilia’s eyelids descended once more.

Unlike the earlier loss of consciousness from the morning, this time she would rest her wings for the sake of her own choosing. Whenever she awoke from this sleep, Subaru wondered what words she would weave.

Having witnessed Emilia surmount the expected dire outcome entirely by her own strength, Subaru felt a sense of relief wash over him as he kept watch over her sleeping face.

“I trust you.”

Subaru caught a quiet mumble from Emilia blended with her gentle breaths and exhaled with a soft sigh.

—When morning arrives, the situation will begin to shift again.

The anticipated morning was just hours away.

And then—

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

“How did the discussion with Balus go?”

“I’d say it reached a stalemate. For both of us, it felt somewhat even. After all, it’s a situation I’d prefer to avoid tinkering with too much.”

In the dim room, the master and servant exchanged words too closely for comfort.

Cradling Ram by the bedside, Roswaal reflected on the earlier discussion, her head nestled against his chest.

Indeed, it was no regular feat to rattle the resolve built within Subaru. Although he still had no clear vision of what lay ahead, he felt a strong steel-hard resolve beneath the surface.

Otto’s presence beside him had also been a blow to Roswaal. He could grasp the situation objectively and effectively rein in Subaru at critical junctures, acting as a balance of sorts to prevent Subaru and Roswaal from overextending.

Had Otto’s presence not been there, Roswaal might have twisted his tongue to distort Subaru’s intent.

“I had thought my audience was solely with the audience on stage… yet there’s no denying that’s a capable hand. Subaru-kun’s made himself some good friends.”

“… Should they become a nuisance, I could have Ram take care of it.”

“I’d rather not. If I were to make such a decision, I should have had that talk at earlier negotiations. By not doing that, I have no justification for that choice. But more importantly… about what I asked of you?”

Roswaal squinted one eye and observed Ram with his yellow eyes. Ram, nestled within, brushed off the crop of her pink hair and lifted her gaze.

“Everything has gone smoothly. Just as you wished, Roswaal-sama.”

“I see. I’d thought to see if the timing aligned, so let’s see how this unfolds.”

Pleased by Ram’s acknowledgment, Roswaal nodded and stroked her hair with an open arm. Ram accepted it, looking intoxicated and dazed.

For a moment, Roswaal cast a glance of melancholy toward the girl who adored him.

“Don’t think ill of me, Subaru-kun. I promised not to take direct action, but… I hope you’ll allow me to manipulate these strategies from the bed as I’m entitled to.”

“———”

“What interesting results might sprout from learning that a prim girl overheard all the scheming talk we just had…? What kind of expression do you think Subaru-kun will have?”

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

—It was a dark room.

Within the dimmed space, shadows dwelled undisturbed, leaving the world outside only to be breached by the dawn.

The door was closed, and the room was isolated from the outside world, enveloped in profound silence.

In the middle of that room sat a bed, and on it, lay a solitary girl with her eyes closed.

The silence was so immense that not even the sound of breathing broke it— yet a sound suddenly shattered the tranquility.

That was,

“… liar.”

A faint, cracked voice whispered.

The girl lying on the bed molded a whisper of reproach regarding the boy who was not there.

“Subaru, you liar.”

Once again, that voice reiterated the grievance.

Tightening her free hand into a fist, Emilia, left alone in that room, scolded the absence of the boy who had not remained by her side.

—The much-anticipated morning was merely hours away.

 

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