Otto’s bombshell revelation shocked everyone in the room.

The existence of the “Book of Wisdom,” which had been doubted, was confessed by none other than a family member. The surprise was natural — among them, Subaru’s shock was the greatest.

“Why do you have the ‘Book of Wisdom’?”

“First, let me clarify to avoid misunderstanding. It’s true that I brought the ‘Book of Wisdom’… I should say it that way, to the city, but that doesn’t mean I own it. The demands from the Witch Cult caught me completely off guard.”

“‘Should say it’ is a suspicious way of putting it. What do you mean by that?”

As Subaru fidgeted, Otto answered, and Anastasia caught on to the end of his words, asking him that. In response, Otto looked around at everyone.

“Are you all familiar with the ‘Book of Wisdom’? To put it simply, it’s a gospel book owned by the Witch Cult… a dubious prophetic book that supposedly predicts the future. It’s said to be the original work, and its accuracy is supposed to be another level.”

“The original of the gospel book, huh? I might seem unsuitable for saying this, but it feels similar to the prophecies of the Dragon Stone. The credibility and the positions regarding what they handle are vastly different, though.”

“I haven’t witnessed either the Dragon Stone or the gospel book in action, so I can’t say for certain… But I can’t confirm the effectiveness of the ‘Book of Wisdom’. By the time I acquired it, a significant portion of it had been burned, leaving it in ruins.”

“Burned, in ruins…”

At Otto’s words, visions of two “Books of Wisdom” tragically overlapped in Subaru’s mind.

One that Beatrice possessed, lost along with the burning Forbidden Library. And the other that Roswaal owned, which was burned by Ram and lost in the “Sanctuary.”

How much can we trust the words of Echidna, the creator? If her words are to be believed, there were two “Books of Wisdom” — both of which should have been burned and lost.

What Otto acquired must have been the remnants.

“I see. That finally explains why Otto brought it to Pristella. You sought the restoration mage Darts, didn’t you?”

“…That’s about right.”

Anastasia seemed to reach a conclusion first while Otto nodded quietly. Watching that exchange, Julius and Reinhardt also showed understanding, but Subaru couldn’t grasp the details, only hearing unfamiliar terms.

“Don’t just understand without me! What’s this restoration mage about?”

“As the name suggests, he specializes in restoring things with Light Magic. Among them, the Darts in this city is well-known in that field. Even if the book is over half burnt, if given enough time, it should be recoverable to a considerable extent.”

“After contacting Mr. Darts, I entrusted him with the remnants of the ‘Book of Wisdom.’ Therefore, right now, the book should be stored at Darts’ workshop.”

With Otto’s testimony, the whereabouts of the “Book of Wisdom” were finally revealed.

“By the way, when did you meet such a guy?”

“After the negotiations at Muse Company fell through yesterday. After parting from everyone and going solo, I visited Mr. Darts. Since we had discussed it privately beforehand, he seemed quite eager to help…”

As a result, with today’s commotion, the name “Book of Wisdom” was mentioned, and Otto became anxious.

With that explanation, it made sense why the supposedly lost “Book of Wisdom” currently exists and why it was brought to the city. However, what didn’t make sense was Otto’s true intention behind his actions. Why did he consider restoring the “Book of Wisdom”?

Honestly, Subaru didn’t have a good impression of the “Book of Wisdom.”

Its creator is Echidna, and it’s a dark book associated with the gospel held by the Witch Cult. It is also the reason Beatrice was bound in the Forbidden Library for hundreds of years and the catalyst for Roswaal’s outrageous plans, including concerning the “Sanctuary.”

Upon hearing it had burned, Subaru felt a sense of relief.

“I’ll omit the details of how I came about it and the goal of restoration. I only wanted to clarify the existence of the ‘Book of Wisdom’ and its current whereabouts. Anything beyond that falls under the purview of my faction.”

“The Witch Cult’s group has at least listed the ‘Book of Wisdom’ as one of their objectives. How do you view the responsibility for this matter?”

“I believe the responsibility for the Witch Cult’s actions should not be held against anyone outside the Witch Cult. If I were to speak on that, I would have to take a harsh stance myself.”

In response to Julius’ probing, Otto maintained his steadfast attitude. Seeing Otto’s gaze shift towards Anastasia, Julius shook his head in dismay.

“My apologies for bringing up something futile. Naturally, I don’t intend to hold you responsible for that. The sins they committed should only be redeemed by punishing them.”

“I agree with that.”

Nodding at Julius’ strong words, Otto glanced at Subaru. That probing look rendered Subaru momentarily speechless.

He couldn’t grasp Otto’s true intentions. Though the idea of doubting him was out of the question, his purpose remained unclear. At this point, Otto silently mouthed to Subaru:

“We’ll talk later.”

That meant he would share his true intentions later. For now, that topic would have to wait.

“The existence of the ‘Book of Wisdom’ has been clarified. Then, I hesitate to dismiss the remaining artificial spirits as mere idle talk.”

After a brief pause, Reinhardt introduced a new topic.

It was a natural progression, but since Otto had revealed such potentially disadvantageous truths, it was pointless for Subaru to keep hidden either.

“Anastasia.”

“I understand. This really is a troublesome matter.”

Seeking agreement from Subaru, Anastasia removed the scarf around her neck. Spreading it out on the table, the gesture of resigned acceptance had everyone tilting their heads.

However, with her next action, those tilted heads quickly returned to an upright position.

“—Enough dallying, Echidna. Feel free to speak.”

“In my case, I feel it might be more like ‘fox sleeping’ than ‘tanuki sleeping,’ don’t you think, Ana?”

“—!?”

Following Anastasia’s call, the white fox scarf stretched its limbs with a will of its own. The awe spread throughout the room, even among Julius and Ricardo.

It seems the artificial spirit Echidna had managed to keep her existence hidden from the rest of the faction.

“My lady, I had no idea of this. What is this creature?”

“I’m sorry for keeping it hidden, Ricardo. The same goes for Julius. —This is the artificial spirit that’s been the talk of the town. Her name is Echidna; she’s my long-term accomplice.”

“Hello, Ricardo. It’s a peculiar situation to greet an old acquaintance as if we’re meeting for the first time. You can be as familiar with me as you usually are.”

Ricardo looked at the overly friendly Echidna with an expression of unease, but the one with the most shock was Julius.

Faced with the mysterious existence hidden by his partner, Julius, in disbelief, could not hide his agitation.

“…So, does that mean Lady Anastasia was also a spirit user?”

“No, no, that’s not it. There’s no spirit user contract between me and Echidna. I apparently lack talent in that area. Echidna, too, lacks fighting capability unlike regular spirits.”

“Right, she’s rather weak. She’s probably the weakest spirit there is. In fact, she’s so powerless that even your perception as a spirit knight wouldn’t pick her up.”

“Is that so…? I see, then…”

Anastasia and Echidna both denied Julius’ doubts. Still, he couldn’t back down at that moment and turned his gaze toward Subaru, who was somewhat excluded from the conversation.

His yellow eyes stiffened slightly as they scrutinized Subaru.

“What was with Subaru seeming to know about this?”

“That’s because…”

“That’s because my partner, Beatrice, is also an artificial spirit. When the Witch Cult made their demands, I confided in Anastasia. …I only found out a short while ago, so we’re not that different.”

“She’s an artificial spirit…? Lady Anastasia, is that true?”

Julius cut in, casting a nervous glance at Subaru as he quickly explained. When Anastasia nodded in affirmation, Julius accepted it with, “I see,” then closed his eyes for a moment to think before exhaling deeply.

“I’m sorry for my suspicious way of behaving. If Lady Anastasia was disturbed, I apologize for that. I deeply shame myself.”

“It’s not a matter of blaming me for staying quiet. I should be the one to ask for forgiveness.”

Julius bowed to Subaru, apologizing, while Anastasia offered apologies to Julius. As Julius expressed his remorse to Anastasia, Ricardo snatched Echidna from the table.

“Still, my lady, you’re quite the shady one! To hide something from me after such a long relationship—I’m a little bummed! Were we friends like that?”

“I would appreciate it if you handled me with a bit more care. Even I pay attention to my fur. To tarnish Ana’s delicacy would be unforgivable.”

“You’ve got quite the tongue! Well, fine. Let’s put it all behind us for now.”

Seemingly satisfied after pulling and fluffing the white fox scarf, Ricardo released it. The fox landed on the table and quickly returned to Anastasia, coiling back around her neck, disguising itself again.

Having spent so long there, it was impressive how swiftly its rawness faded.

“So, this means artificial spirits really exist. …That said, like Otto mentioned earlier, we have no intention of handing them over, just like with the ‘Book of Wisdom.'”

“Sorry for being silent. But, I’m the same way. Beatrice is my precious partner. I wouldn’t let those lunatics get their hands on her.”

Anastasia and Subaru had a firm refusal against the demands.

Hearing this, Reinhardt nodded, “I understand. That’s only natural. We shouldn’t entertain any of their demands. We might allow the wedding with the bride to be left unchecked, but—”

“No way, that’s absolutely not happening! The reason is that this jerk who says he wants to marry is Emilia!”

“Wait!? Lady Emilia’s been abducted!? I thought I hadn’t seen her, because they were evacuating her!? Why didn’t you say something sooner?!”

Reinhardt’s eyes widened in disbelief, and Otto spun in shock at the startling reveal. Subaru clenched his teeth, saying, “I’m sorry,” as he continued:

“I was ineffective and let her be taken right in front of me. But while they’re talking about a wedding, Emilia shouldn’t be harmed. So, I’ll smash them, beat them up, and take her back. Absolutely, definitely.”

“—Yeah, let’s do that. Such things should never be tolerated.”

As Subaru’s fury erupted at the image of Regulus in his mind, Reinhardt’s fighting spirit sharpened in agreement.

He radiated a terrifyingly reliable presence. Indeed, having him there felt reassuring.

Just as these thoughts filled Subaru’s mind, he turned to the corner of the room — at the man who had been present but not participating in the conversation.

Leaning against the wall, he was crouched down, his expression concealed beneath his helmet.

“Hey, Al. You better start joining the conversation. Since the speech ended, you haven’t said a word. Because of the guys you brought along, our lethal weapon has been put on hold. If you don’t recover from that, it’ll be counted as a major loss.”

As he approached and called out to Al, who was slow to react, Subaru let out a sigh, focusing his attention on Reinhardt’s father — Heinkel.

Heinkel had compromised Reinhardt’s movements by taking Felt hostage.

To aim a sword at a royal candidate was not just disrespect — it bordered on treason. Under normal circumstances, such outrageous acts wouldn’t go unpunished.

“What will the repercussions be?”

Subaru couldn’t perceive anything in Reinhardt’s profile to glean that.

“—Sorry, but I’ll be taking my leave here.”

“Huh?”

Perhaps preoccupied with Reinhardt, Subaru’s reaction to Al’s sudden rise was delayed. Al straightened his back and tried to weave through while looking even more confused than Subaru could manage. Subaru hastily grabbed his shoulder and turned him around.

“Wait! What do you mean you’re leaving? We need every bit of strength we can get right now. I’m not letting you go, you idiot!”

“Don’t care if I’m an idiot or not, counting on me for support is utter foolishness. You’d be better off bringing someone who’s used to fighting from some evacuation place than relying on me or the cat. So it’s fine for me to go.”

“That’s not fine! Don’t be so sulky. What’s up with you all of a sudden? You’re not a kid anymore. If you want to say something, just say it!”

“—I don’t want to hear that from my brother.”

Brushing off Subaru’s firm grip, Al shot a piercing gaze through his helmet.

The emotion wrapped within those unseen eyes and his unusual tone sent a chill running up Subaru’s spine.

It was not the hostility nor malice; just some intense, rough emotion.

That indescribable feeling was something Subaru thought he had sensed somewhere before, yet he couldn’t quite put it into specifics.

The standoff continued, and then—

“A spark has hit me! Listen! —Your gaze makes my heart pound!”

“Shut up!!”

“Pii!? What!?”

Subaru reflexively yelled at the suddenly cheerful voice cutting in. The moment he did so, the startled person stumbled back and crashed against a nearby spare table.

The ruckus and screams came from a brown-skinned girl—.

“You’re Liliana!?”

“Uggh! My elbow! My knee! All the bones in my body just shattered with pain! Six ribs just broke! No question about it!”

Before Subaru’s eyes, rolling on the floor was the “Songstress,” Liliana.

Seeing her unchanged self, Subaru was about to remind her that she must have had more than six ribs, but instead, he breathed a sigh of relief.

“I was worried about you after we parted ways, but I’m glad to see you’re okay. That’s a relief.”

“Okay!? Right now, are you looking at a woman on the brink of death and saying that? To see a beautiful girl writhing in pain and think you’re relieved — do you have some sadistic hobbies!? A spark has hit me! Listen! —Fingers! Ears! Next are the eyes!”

“You’re in perfect health.”

Sitting cross-legged on the floor while strumming her lyre, Liliana was the very picture of vitality. The normalcy was so pronounced that it felt downright unsettling, but their reunion was worth celebrating.

“But why are you at City Hall? It’s dangerous to be wandering around outside right now…”

“Of course, I’m here because I am the one who insisted, you lowly creature.”

“Ugh…”

Before Subaru could much ask why she was safe, the egotistical answer came forth from her lips.

With a loud clip-clop, a magnificently radiant woman decked in red strode into the conference room. She surveyed the room with her blood-colored eyes, now laughing cheerfully, lips parted behind a fan.

“It looks like everyone is gathered, huh? Lowly folk waiting for me, the star of the show, to arrive. Such a commendable attitude! That attitude should be maintained going forward!”

The elegantly dressed woman was none other than Priscilla.

All mouths in the room, including Subaru’s, fell agape at her sudden appearance. Yet, the one who regained composure the quickest was none other than her servant, Al.

“Y-Your Highness! Are you alright? We were worried because you vanished!”

“Hmph, Al. You’re playing around with lowly folk without serving me? You ought to see my figure, hear my voice, and smell my perfume, then obey my commands. As if the likes of Shult letting me search for you is anything less than sacrilege.”

“I-I apologize, Princess…”

Ignoring the worried servant, Priscilla scolded him. Behind her, a young butler timidly emerged, grasping onto her dress. Evidently, Priscilla hadn’t only retrieved Liliana but had boldly strutted through this city infested with the Witch Cult while ensuring her servant’s safety.

“What kind of reckless bravery is this…?”

Subaru sighed at this endeavor steeped in audacity, entering the realm of foolishness. As if on cue, Priscilla glared back at Subaru in response. She snapped her fan closed with a sharp noise and strode up to him.

“You there, don’t move.”

“—!”

With a quick slice through the air, the fan pointed directly at Subaru’s throat.

Her speed was as outrageous as ever. It was beyond Subaru’s ability to follow. However, judging by Reinhardt’s inaction, it seemed there was no ill intent.

“What’s this? We’re right in the middle of an important conversation, and I don’t have time to waste on you…”

“That’s fine. —Your hideous announcement earlier was definitely your voice, wasn’t it?”

“…So what about it?”

It seemed feeble to justify relying solely on Reinhardt’s stillness, but facing Priscilla’s assertive demeanor, Subaru adopted a stance of bravado. Her expression narrowed at his reply.

“It’s obvious. I shall not allow anyone to outshine me. Thus, I shall demonstrate that my actions, compared to your mere existence, are superior!”

“Ah!? Ouch!?”

Lifting the fan from his throat, its end flicked up and knocked Subaru’s chin, leaving him teary-eyed. The moment she stepped away from him, she nonchalantly seated herself at one of the conference table’s chairs.

“What a cheap chair. I can tell the level of those who used it before me.”

With a nasty remark about the seating, Priscilla surveyed the gathered company with a smile that somehow felt both beautiful and sinister.

“Now then, I permit you to tell me the current situation. Serve me well, and I shall grant you my hand in cooperation. You should be grateful.”

“Wait, Princess! If we can meet, there’s no need to linger here in the dangerous place…”

“Are you speaking of escape? If so, that’s an outrageous misunderstanding!”

Priscilla plopped down firmly, taking command of the meeting. Al reprimanded her, but she glared back at him instead, causing him to shrink back from her intensity.

“Understand this: I decided to remain in this city. I will also decide when to leave. I shall not heed the orders of anyone. Much less turn my back to those lunatics and escape foolishly! Who do you take me for?”

“…”

“This world bends to my convenience. Therefore, I cannot leave with uneasy reasons lingering behind. If you claim to be my servant, then know this, Al: If my decisions are divine purpose, then so are my actions.”

Priscilla’s will remained unyielding.

That was something everyone in the room understood, most importantly Al himself. As Al dejectedly slumped his one good shoulder, the young butler — Shult — quietly approached him. Encouraging gestures from the boy evoked a wry smile from Al, as if he had made up his mind.

“Otto, do you have a moment?”

“Yes, certainly.”

Otto began explaining the situation regarding Priscilla to the conference table.

During the interim, Subaru brought up his inquiry to Otto. It seemed he had expected this, for he exhibited no surprise as he complied with Subaru’s request.

“Garfield, when things progress, call him back.”

Having left that message, Subaru and Otto exited the conference room.

There was no need to fully depart from the room, so they faced each other right in the hallway. Otto’s unwavering gaze met Subaru’s eyes; it was clear what they needed to discuss.

“Why did you consider restoring the ‘Book of Wisdom’? No, more importantly, when did you pick up its remnants?”

“It was after the issues in the ‘Sanctuary’ were resolved a year ago. Once Emilia-sama’s heavy snow had cleared from the forest, I was wandering through the village and happened upon— no, I wasn’t ‘happened upon’ it. Following the issue, I heard from Ram-san that there should be some remnants left, so I actively searched.”

“So, the one you found must be Roswaal’s ‘Book of Wisdom’.”

“Yes. That was what I wanted to confirm, so it was quite lucky.”

“Quite lucky” was likely a self-deprecating remark about Otto’s usual misfortunes. He forced a wry smile, but Subaru couldn’t muster a grin in response.

The lingering distress in his heart compelled him to question why he made such a decision in the first place.

“Honestly, what do you think of Baron Meisars?”

“Roswaal, you mean?”

Otto tossed a question that seemed to lead into the matter spontaneously, causing Subaru to think it somehow related to the ongoing topic.

“Let’s see. I think he’s not someone to be taken lightly, considering what happened a year ago. But now that his purpose has become clear, I believe that as long as he doesn’t stray from it, he doesn’t pose a threat. Right now, it feels like we’re accomplices who have mutually understood each other’s ambitions.”

“I don’t fully trust Baron Meisars.”

Otto sliced through Subaru’s thoughts as if saying they were naive.

Subaru’s eyes widened at the abrupt sharpness of those words.

“You mentioned something about what happened last year, and yes, that’s true. There was that incident in the ‘Sanctuary’. It seems he had been scheming long before that too. Natsuki-san and Emilia-sama seem to be forgiving about these matters.”

“…It’s not that we’re forgiving. What he’s done is so outrageous I’m still irritated about it. But the truth is we need his power. It doesn’t help to stay in a state of distrust, and Emilia thinks along the same lines.”

“That’s what I’m hinting at as being naive… I’m not suggesting that it’s bad, but—”

“Otto, you’re implying that we’re not vigilant enough regarding the acts committed against us.”

He voiced what he believed to be understood, realizing why Otto harbored that feeling.

That was entirely justified distrust. Such acts ought to reflect back on the doer, that being an inevitable consequence, whether it’s good or bad. If anything, the bad should be more pronounced.

“If the Baron had been following the entries in the ‘Book of Wisdom’ and had adhered to its future descriptions, then by looking into that book, it should become clear what he was up to. It’s plausible that when critical moments arise, we will have preemptive measures ready.”

“So, you intended to restore the book… because you can’t completely trust Roswaal.”

“…It works the other way around. I don’t want to doubt my own family. Therefore, I sought reassurance. I wanted to ensure that neither Natsuki-san nor Emilia-sama would come to harm. At the very least, I wished to make sure there wouldn’t be any impending misfortunes. Hence, I decided to secure the ‘Book of Wisdom’ and sought its restoration. I’m sorry for acting on my own accord.”

With an apology, Otto lowered his head.

Yet Subaru was left speechless. He felt as if he had no right to say anything.

Otto’s anxieties and the steps taken for relief.

Both matters were something Subaru and Emilia had to grasp themselves. In fact, these trials seemed to be for their benefit.

Realizing that Otto was providing support beyond what could be seen made Subaru feel oddly ashamed and apologetic.

Why would Otto go so far for him? Was it simply because they were friends?

“The reason for that? I won’t say. It’s mundane.”

Reading a significant portion of Subaru’s inner worries from his expression, Otto offered his response.

As Otto relaxed his lips with a smile, Subaru released a deep sigh.

“Really, I’m just being supported by everyone around me, including you.”

“Is that so? Well, I feel like that’s what you were saying during your previous broadcast,” Otto reflected. “In this case, I think that’s fine too.”

As Subaru tore at his own hair in frustration, Otto spoke comforting words. His concern, rather than alleviating Subaru’s mood, only prompted him to click his tongue in reluctant acknowledgment.

“I get it. I understand the situation with the ‘Book of Wisdom.’ However, the problem lies in the fact that those people want it. What do we do about the actual item?”

“I think we should collect it, regardless of whether the restoration succeeds or not. There’s a high likelihood that Mr. Darts may be affected, which is something I also do not wish to see.”

“The matter currently seems to involve the simultaneous assault on the four Control Towers. We can’t spare any fighting power for that.”

“Although I’m a non-combatant, if we choose the waterways, it should suffice. I’m quite good at charming animals, including water dragons, you see.”

His gesture to cover his mouth implied he sought to showcase the ‘Blessing of the Word.’

Indeed, if the primary focus is on evasion, Otto’s blessing could be remarkably advantageous. Moreover, the enemy’s main forces seem concentrated around the Control Towers. Without the Witch Cult’s limbs being dragged into the fray, Otto’s contribution was looking better than anticipated.

“More importantly than my worries, the party aiming to conquer is what matters. Natsuki-san must rescue Emilia-sama. That’s a serious responsibility.”

“I know. I refuse to yield a single head of that greedy scoundrel.”

Subaru vividly envisioned the white-haired fiend. He whose name brought the wicked memory of taking Emilia away.

He was an enemy who must be defeated, being the Archbishop of Sin from the Witch Cult.

“Shall we head back? The explanations should be catching up by now.”

Upon witnessing Subaru’s renewed determination, Otto turned toward the conference room. Nodding in response, Subaru intended to follow him back inside, but—

“—Subaru-dono.”

A low call from the staircase brought him to a halt.

There was no mistaking who it was. Looking down from the stairs was the squinting blue-eyed figure — Wilhelm.

“Otto, you go on ahead and return.”

“Understood. I will advance the conversation.”

Upon seeing Wilhelm, Otto headed back to the conference room, while Subaru stepped up the stairs toward Wilhelm’s place.

Once they reached the same level, Wilhelm offered a bow.

“I apologize for not being able to join the discussion. I am deeply sorry for the trouble I have caused.”

“It’s circumstances, really. No one here would speak ill of you, Wilhelm. By the way… how is Crusch-san?”

I’ve heard the situation isn’t good. No, it’s worse than that; it’s bad. And as a woman, she might want to conceal it from the public eye.

Recalling the wretched state of his right leg made Subaru imagine how Crusch was faring under similar conditions. Just that thought caused a disgust that made him want to regret his imaginings.

Wilhelm gently lowered his eyes at Subaru’s inquiry.

“Lady Crusch has requested your presence, Subaru-dono. Would it be all right for you to visit her?”

“She’s requesting me? Well, I guess that’s okay, but… Is that really all right?”

“It’s a firm request. While Ferris is not wearing a good face…”

“…That’s true.”

Ferris must surely have quite a few grievances to voice against Subaru.

After all, it had only been Subaru who could protect Crusch at City Hall’s highest floor.

“Although Ferris may say something rude, please don’t mind it. And if possible, forgive him. He understands at heart, but he’s just overwhelmed by emotions he can’t help.”

“I understand the urge to curse those around you when a cherished person is suffering. I wouldn’t want their tantrums taken as the whole story.”

If venting a little could help soften their hearts, who could blame them?

Subaru steeled himself to accept verbal lashes without much thought.

“This way, please.”

In response to Subaru’s confirmation, Wilhelm silently led him to Crusch. The rhythmic sound of shoes echoed down the hallway.

Along the way, he spoke again.

“Subaru-dono, I have one report to give as well.”

“What is it? Anything apart from Crusch?”

“It’s about the two swordsmen who accompanied the Archbishop of Sin.”

Subaru instinctively gasped.

That was something he had anticipated yet somehow overlooked, feeling embarrassed himself. The unfinished wound bestowed upon Mimi by the “Blessing of Death.”

The identity of the top-tier swordsmen predicted to be nothing less than exceptional.

“One is the ‘Eight-Armed’ Kurgan. A tremendous master of the sword who had long held the position of general in the Volakia Empire. He was assumed to have died over a decade ago.”

“Assumed dead…? Wait, Wilhelm.”

“And the other one—”

Before Subaru could pry further, Wilhelm finished.

His feet stopped. Unsurprisingly, Subaru froze along with him. Wilhelm remained silent for a moment, staring ahead, and Subaru took a step closer to peek sideways — only to regret it.

That wasn’t something he should have witnessed.

“—The other one is the ‘Previous Sword Saint,’ Tereshia van Astraea. She was presumed to have been killed by the White Whale during the Great Extermination fifteen years ago; she is my wife.”

“———”

His voice appeared calm, yet it held a steady undercurrent.

However, all those words and strength faded when confronted with Wilhelm’s tortured expression.

With it, any firmness in his resolve shattered like glass.

His lip trembled slightly as he squeezed his eyes shut, feelings of rage and sorrow swirling together in his gaze. The wrinkles of grief etched deeply into his expression showed his heart’s truth.

“The missus and the emperor’s general. Both of them are alive, huh?”

“That would be… no, that’s not possible. My wife and Kurgan should both be dead. That cannot change. There are those who insult the dead by treating them as if they did not die.”

“Could it be similar to necromancy, the manipulating of remains?”

The fandom world knew well about Necromancy; manipulating corpses was quite common in fiction. Of course, even in fiction, resurrection spells aren’t exactly commonplace. But there were none of those conveniently powerful spells in reality.

If anything, Subaru had learned painfully enough about that in this past year or so.

Thus, the chance was more likely that it’s the former.

“Manipulating corpses is a forbidden art. There was once a presence that actively practiced such. During the Subhuman War — decades ago, a civil war occurred in Lugnica between the races of humans and subhumans, where one of three founding enemies allied with the subhumans.”

“The enemies of the kingdom…?”

“The subhuman hero, Libre Fuelmi. The master strategist, Balga Cromwell. And—”

He paused for effect before saying:

“The Witch Sphinx. The worst kind of existence that mercilessly spilled blood from both humans and subhumans, without showing an ounce of remorse. The only witch besides Satella to leave a notable mark on the kingdom’s history.”