As I brought Wilhelm back to the conference room, everyone was eagerly waiting for Subaru’s return. Reinhardt looked at Wilhelm, welcoming him with a nod as a grandfather would to his grandson.

With both of them standing by the wall, Subaru sat down next to Otto, who was at the round table.

“I’m sorry for being late. So, what happened with the discussion?”

“I’ve received a thorough explanation, and it just wrapped up. How about you, Natsuki? How’s… Crusch-sama doing?”

“Not great, to be honest. But it’s not like there’s no hope. First, we need to deal with the Witch Cult, and after that, we might figure something out.”

“I see. That’s at least good news.”

Otto let out a sigh of relief, and the others, who had been listening to the conversation, also felt a sense of relief. Seeing their reactions, Subaru’s heart was filled with apologies.

It wasn’t a lie, but it was far from the truth. The methods that might save Crusch could also be quite risky for Subaru. If there were others with the same conditions as him, the chances would surely increase significantly.

“Either way, Crusch’s return to the front line is impossible during this battle. Felix probably won’t want to leave her side, and it seems like keeping the medical team at City Hall is the best plan. No matter where we go, the possibility of being unable to respond is there.”

“The plan for simultaneous attacks on the four locations hasn’t changed, so using City Hall, which is central from the Control Towers, is the best bet. Then…”

Anastasia clapped her hands and glanced around at everyone’s faces.

“Well then, let’s finally get to the main topic. — The configuration discussion for tackling the four Control Towers and the four Archbishops of Sin.”

On Crusch’s side stood the “Sword Demon” Wilhelm.

On Felt’s side was the “Sword Saint” Reinhardt.

Anastasia’s side had the “Greatest Knight” Julius and the “Iron Fang Leader” Ricardo.

Emilia’s side consisted of the “Spirit Knight” Subaru and the “Shield of the Sanctuary” Garfiel.

Then on Priscilla’s side—

“It’s just me and Al.”

“I hate to say it, but… are you really going to fight? You’re a candidate for the Royal Selection, after all?”

Checking the fighting strength of each faction, Priscilla boldly included her own name. Subaru raised an eyebrow, and she snorted derisively.

“It’s precisely because I am a candidate for the throne. Do not lump me together with inept fools who have become useless before a great matter, or weaklings who have no fighting power to begin with. Whether with sword or stage, it’s precisely because I stand above all that I am who I am.”

“I can’t just ignore that. You cannot possibly mean to refer to my lord as a fool, right?”

“You react because you have some recollection of truth, old soldier. Such roundabout phrasing as that does little to impress. Withdrawing over trivial matters before a crucial point is not the conduct befitting one chosen.”

Right from the start of the discussion, an ominous atmosphere was palpable between Wilhelm and Priscilla as they exchanged barbs. Usually, this would be brushed off, but for various reasons, Wilhelm found himself lacking in composure. For Priscilla, her usual self was so frustrating it left him speechless.

“Alright, alright, we don’t need to discuss the weak or the fools; let’s move on. No need to fire up.”

“Hoh, that’s dull. I’m not so easily handled as to quietly listen to the tales of the weak.”

“It’s a different story that one who is weak can’t win, though. You need to show some generosity, or no one will follow you. Everyone’s on edge. Just be a little patient.”

“Hmph.”

Anastasia’s observation hit the mark, and Priscilla merely snorted, failing to offer a counter. Seeing her lower her weapon, Wilhelm also retracted his fierce aura.

Though from different factions, they certainly weren’t a harmonious bunch.

“Then, Priscilla’s faction consists of just Priscilla and Al… Are you really not expecting any power from that boy?”

“Can such a fragile, weak child achieve anything? He is but a pet I’d brought along solely for my amusement. Of course, he’ll stay here with me.”

“I understand. Then, we’ll strategize with these eight for our four locations.”

Priscilla’s servant boy—Schult stepped back, neatly dividing the round table into combatants and non-combatants.

Aside from the eight fighters, the non-combatants included Anastasia, Schult, Liliana, Otto, and upstairs, Crusch and Felix, making six in total.

“Before we divide our forces, let’s re-confirm what we know about the Archbishops of Sin. Hmm, it seems the only face I recognize here is… Natsuki-kun’s.”

“Yeah, I figured as much. It annoys me that they say I’m the leading figure of the Witch Cult, but let me explain what I know about their abilities.”

Subaru stood up, capturing everyone’s attention as he began speaking.

About the Witch Cult that attacked this city and the worst of the Archbishops of Sin who lead them.

“First is ‘Wrath.’ This is the one who goes by Sirius, a guy all wrapped up in bandages. You can’t tell just by looking, but I assume he’s a woman. She wraps her arms with chains and attacks using them. And it seems she can also use fire magic.”

“That seems weak enough. However, is she quite skilled?”

“When you say it like that, it makes it hard to answer no matter who we’re up against, Reinhardt… In terms of pure combat power, Wilhelm or Julius could certainly hold their own. Emilia was also trading blows relatively well. But, there’s the powers of ‘Wrath.'”

“Powers…?”

Reinhardt placed his hand on his chin, his brow furrowed in thought.

Subaru nodded back to him.

“The most disgusting part of the Archbishops of Sin is their powers, which are their unique abilities. They’re neither magic nor curses—just wild forces that completely defy comprehension. No matter how powerful they are, successfully countering them is the key to overcoming the Archbishops.”

“Wasn’t it you, Subaru, who defeated ‘Sloth’ in the past? Did he not possess such powers?”

“He did. The Archbishop of ‘Sloth’ had both ‘Invisible Hands’ and ‘Laziness.’ The former is the ability to extend numerous incredibly powerful, invisible arms. If one gets grabbed, it’s easy to have your body rent asunder.”

“I confirmed that horror through his eyes myself. The moment it brushed past, it held enough power to tear flesh, which adds credibility.”

Julius chimed in support of Subaru’s explanation.

He had witnessed Subaru’s collaboration with Petelgeuse, having been granted sight of Petelgeuse’s ‘Invisible Hand.’ He was in a prime position to reinforce Subaru’s narrative.

“The other ability of ‘Laziness’ forcibly robs the actions of those within a given area. Whether or not that was indeed its designated power is a gray area, but we countered it since it wouldn’t work on those with the ability of a Spirit User. The fact that only I and Julius managed to endure it is key.”

“What we can say about either power is that no matter how terrifying the authority of the Archbishops of Sin, it isn’t a foe we cannot face with the right personnel deployed.”

“You said something surprisingly wise there, Julius. That’s how it is.”

Subaru offered his commendation, and Julius looked back at him as though gazing at a warm object. Feeling a hint of discomfort from that gaze, Subaru cleared his throat.

“Now, back to the powers of ‘Wrath.’ So far, we understand that ‘Wrath’s ability includes the sharing and propagation of emotions and sensations.”

“Sharing of emotions and sensations?”

Most faces tilted in confusion, not quite grasping Subaru’s explanation. This was a complicated topic, and he needed to choose his words carefully.

“It means that ‘Wrath’ can unify the emotions of those within a given vicinity. One person’s anger could become everyone’s anger, and one person’s sorrow could turn into everyone’s sorrow.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? What significance does that hold?”

“Admittedly, that sounds like a mere force to compel people to read the room, but it isn’t that simple. The scary part about this is that it can also unify hostility. What I mean is, ‘Wrath’ can transmit hostility toward what she considers the enemy to anyone nearby.”

“Are you saying that the people of the city can turn against us?”

“Exactly.”

As Subaru pointed that out, Otto reacted with a grave expression, but the concern did not end there.

“Fool, earlier you mentioned that Wrath’s power entails the sharing of emotions and sensations, yes?”

The first to grasp the implications was Priscilla, who lounged in her seat.

With her crimson eyes, she pierced Subaru with a gaze, concealing her mouth behind her fan.

“If the sharing of emotions is what you explained, then the sharing of sensations must be a different matter altogether. And if that aligns with my imagination, it sounds like a rather vile power, doesn’t it?”

“I don’t know if your imagination is correct, but it’s certainly horrendous. ‘Wrath’s’ ability enables the sharing of wounds of those present in the area. This does include ‘Wrath’s’ own wounds as well.”

“So what you’re saying is… the person themselves isn’t an exception?”

“Seriously? You can’t be telling me that if we kill ‘Wrath,’ the others would also die!?”

It was a horrific scenario that had once been realized through Reinhardt’s hands.

Even if they defeated Sirius, the source of malice, they would still create wounds in the surroundings that would remain unhealed. The question of how many would be taken along just to kill her was still uncertain.

“—How interesting.”

Faced with such desperate information, all fell silent, unable to devise countermeasures.

Amidst this, only Priscilla wore a cheerful smile as she twisted her lips in amusement.

“Very well. I shall rip the head off this ‘Wrath’ creature. Rejoice.”

“Wait, wait, wait! I have no clue why you’re suddenly so pumped up, but it’s not as simple as that! Were you even listening?”

“I certainly was. And it’s precisely because I listened that I declared I would do it. What a truly despicable and abhorrent opponent. Perfect for me to cleave down.”

Ignoring Subaru’s attempts to halt her, Priscilla snapped her fan shut and surveyed everyone.

Her sharp gaze, laced with heat, overwhelmed even the gathered personalities.

“If what you’ve shared is the entirety of the abilities, then I can foresee what lies behind it. How utterly rude to think to control the commonfolk while disregarding me. All fools exist for my sake. Any filthy little insect that dares lay a hand on what belongs to me shall be disposed of immediately.”

“H-Hime… that’s a bit much, isn’t it?”

“What nonsense, Al. I know well how cowardly you are, but to shy away from the provocateurs who annoy me is unacceptable. With me and that singer, we have nothing to fear.”

“Well, I wasn’t saying that I’m scared… A singer?”

Al attempted to interrupt his master’s outrageous assertions but was momentarily halted by an unexpected comment. With an easy nod at his surprise, Priscilla pointed her fan at Liliana, who sat at the edge of the table.

Suddenly thrust into the spotlight and faced with a fan, Liliana’s eyes widened.

“W-Wait, are you picking me!? Why suddenly out of nowhere?!”

“Have you forgotten what transpired on the way here? Your song shook the hearts of countless commonfolk. It’s the same as before; just do the same.”

“All I did was encourage some worried people a bit, okay? This is an exaggeration, and, honestly, I’m a weak little girl when it comes to pressure…”

“Oh? So you’re saying you’ll painfully acknowledge the defeat of the song passed down through generations, will you?”

Priscilla’s disdainful words made Liliana’s expression shift.

Her polite smile cracked, and the forced mask of humility was gone, replaced by seriousness.

“What do you mean by that…?”

“It’s obvious. The song you’ve treasured could not rise to the call of those seeking salvation in these times; it only shrinks back to display its weakness? That’s what a loser’s howl sounds like. Even a dog’s bark that doesn’t sing of selfishness is better. How about considering that? An anthem for the downtrodden, perhaps?”

“Ah—! How dare you say that! You’re really going there!? Fine! Bring it! I’ll show you! Of course! You just wait! I, the Bard Liliana, won’t be silenced! Even the dead Kiritaka would be rolling in their grave over this!”

As Priscilla provoked her immensely, Liliana blew up in response. Her face flushed red, she began playing her instrument roughly in her lap.

“Shall I sing a requiem to comfort the soul of Kiritaka, who scattered on the water’s surface of this city? Forget that! We’re doing emotions? Bring it on! The song that I inherited cannot be defeated by nonsense like that! The power of song is also nonsensical! Mugi!”

Fully excited, Liliana flopped onto the table while she played, and Schult and Otto scrambled to pull her down from atop the round table. From the corner, they could only watch as she began rocking out.

Meanwhile, Subaru turned his gaze back to Priscilla.

“Regardless of how easy it is to manage her, what’s your winning strategy? Not just for you, but throwing everyone into a situation with no chances…”

“I don’t lose fights, you see. Everything in this world bends to my will. Besides, I was the one accompanying that singer until arriving at City Hall. I acknowledge her value, which is why I make the decision to bring her along.”

“So you think Liliana has the strength to counter Sirius?”

“If she did not possess that power, then I would lose. And I do not lose, here or anywhere. For that reason, I trust in that singer. Do you need any further explanation?”

Subaru had almost reached his limit with the vague statements with no specifics. However, before he could express his frustration, it was Schult who raised his hand in support.

“Um, um… It’s a fact that Liliana-sama’s songs hold special power. It’s true that her songs released me from feelings of anxiety and frustration… I noticed this while visiting a few shelters before arriving here.”

“You had her singing at the shelters?”

“Didn’t I tell you so?”

“Did not!”

What utter lack of communication…

While holding his head at Priscilla’s attitude, Subaru turned back to Reinhardt.

“Hey, Reinhardt. Can’t you see what kind of latent power someone has just by looking at them? Right, the blessing. Can you, like, see blessings or something?”

“I’ve heard that one who possesses the ‘Blessing of Judgment’ can see another’s blessings. While not in Lugnica, it is found in Volakia. Ah, I see—you’re trying to figure out what kind of blessing Liliana possesses. That indeed would hold some weight.”

Understanding Subaru’s intent, Reinhardt fell deep in thought.

Since he was merely asking in desperation, Subaru knew he was asking something unreasonable. As the red-haired youth pondered, Subaru shook his head, indicating it was nothing to worry about.

“I’d heard a bunch of awesome stuff about you, so I expected something great, but it’s not all that convenient, huh? No problem. For now, let’s see if Liliana’s singing can negate ‘Wrath’s’ powers, then…”

“You don’t need to worry, Subaru. — I’ve just received it.”

“Huh?”

While Subaru was about to propose the singing experiment, Reinhardt tapped his shoulder and gave a laugh. Then he narrowed his blue eyes, focusing on Liliana, who was playing in the corner.

And then…

“I’m amazed. Liliana-sama possesses the ‘Blessing of Mind-Sending.'”

“Blessing? I’m shocked at you, not the blessing! What? Did you just say ‘received’? How does one receive something like that, a boon of children?”

“Subaru, this isn’t the time for jokes. I’ve confirmed that Liliana-sama’s blessing is ‘Mind-Sending,’ which essentially lets her communicate her thoughts to others. Normally, it’s just a way to share a thought with someone deeply connected—but through song? I never considered that.”

Reinhardt was expressing genuine interest in Liliana, but Subaru was aghast, unable to close his mouth as he processed the revelation.

He’d previously called Reinhardt a cheat and a superman, but this was a bit too much divine favor.

A desired blessing was coming to him as he wished for it.

“———?”

As this thought struck him, Subaru felt a nagging sensation.

Receiving powers you wished for. At least, the events unfolding with Reinhardt could only be described in those terms. While it was an immensely reassuring and enviable power,

something about it felt like it could lead to a grave error, and Subaru found himself unable to articulate his thoughts.

The group to confront ‘Wrath’ was finally set—Priscilla, Al, and Liliana.