――The Great “Sage” Flugel.

　With a proud chest and an open smile, Shaula’s statement made Subaru and the others exchange subtle looks, enveloped in a delicate atmosphere.

　”Hey? What’s with that reaction? Did I say something weird?”

　”Well, you see…”

　Taken aback by Subaru’s and the others’ unsavory reactions, Shaula blinked her eyes in confusion. It’s unfortunate for her, who appears so full of confidence, but the sentiments Subaru and the others attach to the name “Flugel” are quite complicated.

　The “Great Sage” Flugel.

　While the crown on his head is unfortunate, Subaru does recognize that name.

　It’s the name of a person with whom he has crossed paths only once since being summoned to this other world. However, there’s no acquaintance here, just a one-sided “debt” of sorts.

　After all, it was thanks to his achievements that Subaru was saved.

　”The Great Tree of Flugel… is it Flugel-san we’re talking about?”

　At the keyword spoken by Subaru, everyone aside from Shaula frowned. It seems Meily didn’t know either, as she tilted her head in question, “What’s that?”

　”I’ve never heard of it. Tree, is it about trees?”

　”That’s right. Uh, there’s an incredibly large tree growing in the Leafaus Plain of the Lugnica Kingdom, and it was called the Great Tree of Flugel. It was so big that it seemed like it reached the clouds; it really tickled a man’s heart.”

　”Oh, I see! If it’s as impressive as that, I want to see it!”

　”Sorry, I cut it down.”

　”Big brother, you’re so mean!”

　Immediately crushing Meily’s wish, Subaru was treated as a non-human.

　To be precise, it wasn’t solely Subaru’s responsibility to cut down the Great Tree. However, since it was Subaru who first proposed cutting down and utilizing the tree, it would ultimately land him with the greatest weight of the responsibility.

　――The Great Tree of Flugel was the trump card during last year’s “White Whale Subjugation.”

　In defeating the beast known as the White Whale, the existence of a huge tree that surpassed the beast’s size was incredibly useful. Ultimately, they cut down the tree, pinned the White Whale underneath it to immobilize it, and that was how they landed the final blow. A sure kill, one could say.

　”I felt bad for Flugel-san, who planted that… but I never thought I’d hear that name in a place like this.”

　”After the reward discussions of the White Whale subjugation, we went to see the stump afterward. I heard that the cut wood was used for various things…”

　”Currently, only the “Ruins of the Great Tree of Flugel” remain. It’s preserved as an important historic site, but it will likely take hundreds of years before it returns to its former glory.”

　In response to Subaru’s admiration, Emilia and Julius spoke of subsequent events.

　Immediately after the White Whale subjugation, the subjugation of “Sloth,” along with the Great Sin Archbishop’s attacks involving Rem and Crusch, all piled up. Moreover, Emilia’s faction was in complete disarray following the uproar around the “Sanctuary.”

　While discussions centered around the achievements against the White Whale and “Sloth,” naturally, there were also discussions about compensations for the damages incurred. Effective utilization of the felled Great Tree and protection of the remaining stump were among those discussions.

　By the way, the White Whale had no practical use, and a sizable team was dispatched to burn its colossal body, with only the skull being offered as proof of subjugation to the royal castle.

　Regardless of how the Great Tree’s condition is treated, the important matter is Flugel himself.

　”Speaking of which, I remember hearing that ‘Sage’ Flugel is indeed called that.”

　”But, it’s also unclear what he actually did to earn that title of ‘Sage’… I suppose it’s a bit odd he’s being treated as a ‘Sage’ to begin with.”

　”If you just consider his achievements, it is indeed a fact that his name ‘Sage’ doesn’t quite hold up. He must have been quite adept at promoting his own accomplishments… like Balus, perhaps.”

　”When did I ever exaggerate my own achievements?!”

　Subaru became quite irritable due to the unfair evaluation. Meanwhile, Ram appeared unfazed.

　Amidst their exchange, Anastasia seemed to nod in understanding, stating, “I get it now,” while pondering alone.

　”Indeed, as far as the legends say, it might be lacking for Flugel to be called a ‘Sage’… But with Shaula being treated as a ‘true Sage,’ perhaps that says something.”

　”What do you mean by that?”

　”The achievements conveyed might be opposite… Hm, no, instead of opposite, they’re quite skewed. I’d say there’s a high possibility it’s being intentionally blamed on someone else.”

　”So you mean Flugel has been passing off things he did as things you did?”

　In response to Anastasia’s speculation, Emilia widened her eyes in surprise. Upon receiving her understanding, Anastasia nodded and turned to Shaula again.

　”So, I’m looking at this from one angle, but what do you think Shaula? Do you think your master would do something like that?”

　”Well, that’s a difficult question for me to answer…”

　”You…”

　”Wait wait wait! That was a misunderstanding! There’s more to it, really!”

　As Subaru narrowed his eyes at her untrustworthy response, Shaula shook her head apologetically. She then raised both hands, opening and closing her palms in a meaningless manner, saying,

　”Honestly, I don’t quite understand what my master is thinking, but he wasn’t really one for a lot of attention. So I think it’s characteristic of him to shift the focus of troublesome rumors onto me.”

　”I think someone who doesn’t want to stand out wouldn’t plant a tree named the Great Tree of Flugel…”

　”Subaru, that’s a misunderstanding. Even the Great Tree of Flugel didn’t start out as such; it grew to greatness over the years. It wouldn’t be strange if the name of the person who planted it remained, and people began to call it that over time.”

　”…You got a point.”

　Subaru pouted in response to Julius’ correction, realizing it made sense.

　If something was simply part of a tree planting initiative at one time, it could have ended up growing into a magnificent tree over the long passage of time. It’d make perfect sense for gardens of people to later start identifying it that way, enough to make them think of the individual who planted it.

　That in itself makes it feel like a slip on Flugel’s part.

　”If he wanted to hide, he should have gone to the effort of erasing Flugel’s name in the first place. Is he perhaps surprisingly careless?”

　”I once read that the reason they found out Flugel’s name was because… up high on that tree, it was carved, ‘Flugel Has Arrived’?”

　”Whoa, that’s beyond careless! Were you a field trip student or what?!”

　Subaru was taken aback by an episode of self-importance that exceeded his imagination.

　While he remembered wanting to do something similar when he got near the Great Tree, taking such action was a different matter altogether. To begin with, at the time he left those marks, the Great Tree was likely not the Great Tree at all.

　”That name walked out on its own, and as a result, ‘Sage’ Flugel ended up being passed down only as a mysterious great figure who planted trees aside from that.”

　”So, they were never even sure if it was actually Flugel who planted it?!”

　”Through time, it became correct as validated through another ‘Sage.’ When you think about it… hmmm. It’s quite thrilling to witness a gap in history being filled.”

　”Don’t start talking like a history nerd or anything…”

　Knowing the unsung facts of hundreds of years of history, Julius seemed somewhat sentimental.

　Unlike his deep insights about magic, he tended to be quite loquacious when explaining things; it made Subaru wonder if there was a bit of knowledge-geek in him.

　Having harbored some doubts about him previously, they were only amplified, making Subaru feel even more put off.

　”But just because we now know that ancient ‘Sage’ was actually Flugel… doesn’t mean anything major is going to change, right?”

　As they reached an understanding about Flugel, Emilia scanned everyone’s faces with a hint of uncertainty. Noting this, Subaru nodded in agreement.

　Just as Emilia had said, the fact that the real benefactor of the past achievements was, in fact, Flugel held little significance regarding their current situation.

　”Not by any means.”

　”Eh?”

　”But think about it, after all. Our original goal was to gain knowledge from the supposedly omniscient ‘Sage.’ But if the rumored ‘Sage’ turns out to be someone else, and the one left behind here is clearly a dim-witted person…”

　”Ah, Master! Please stop shaking your head, it’s making a rattling sound!”

　As Subaru shook Shaula off his shoulder, she made a goofy reaction.

　To put it frankly, she was not at all remotely omniscient.

　”Our initial objective can’t be achieved. If there’s no ‘Sage’ here, it means our trip has been for nothing.”

　”――――”

　At Subaru’s conclusion, Emilia and the others fell silent.

　Seeing their reactions, Subaru bit down on his inner cheek, confronting his own conclusion.

　Having spent more than a month on this, Subaru would say he had already died four times.

　And after overcoming all that difficulty, what awaited them at the Pleiades Watchtower was only a warden who barely qualified as a “Sage.” This meant they couldn’t achieve any results to take back with them.

　The truth is, historical facts, and the essence of the “Sage.” Such things held no value for Subaru at all.

　What he desired was simply a way to save his important person.

　”Shaula. It may be unlikely, but I have to ask this. Your master… the genuine ‘Sage,’ where is Flugel?”

　”Right in front of me… but if I answered that, I might get scolded! However, I’ll tell you! Right in front of me is my master, Flugel!”

　”I figured you’d say that.”

　Subaru could only sigh at Shaula’s intent, which was both deflated yet indomitable.

　In truth, having a lively Shaula to lash out toward was a testament to how chaotic Subaru’s inner mind was at the moment. The lead was slipping away, so one might as well say the situation had become that desperate.

　It felt like the light of the “Sage” had vanished, returning to the exploratory stage once again—however, returning to the darkness after once seeing a dazzling light changes the weight of the dimness.

　Hope gives the strength to move forward, yet when that hope is obscured, the darkness can profoundly overshadow one’s sight, more so than continuously lingering in that black void.

　Yet, someone spoke to Subaru—

　”Subaru, listen. About that, it’s not exactly dead-end.”

　”Eh?”

　With her hand placed on Subaru’s shoulder, Emilia spoke up as he hung his head. Turning his face toward her, he noticed that Emilia’s indigo eyes held firm hope.

　Lowering her chin while touching Subaru’s shoulder, Emilia continued, “Just now, you didn’t talk about much, but with how you are now, I think you can tell us a little more, right?”

　”Sure! I don’t want to keep my master feeling down. Plus, I’ve been alone for so long, I want to chat!”

　In response to Emilia’s meaningful prompt, Shaula maintained her cheery demeanor. Sitting cross-legged, she swayed her body back and forth, raising her right hand toward the sky, pointing above her head.

　”I’ve only shared a little bit with my master, but this is the bottom of the tower. The sixth layer, ‘Asterope.’ Above it are the fifth layer ‘Kelaeno,’ the fourth layer ‘Alcyone,’ and at the very top is the first layer ‘Maia.'”

　”They named each layer one by one? Isn’t that a hassle?”

　”My master named them!”

　”Not exactly my cup of tea, but it’s not why I’m here right now. So what about—”

　Emilia’s eyes shone with hope, and fueled by that flow, Subaru’s feelings quickened. Noting the change in his expression, Shaula’s face lit up cheerfully.

　She then pointed left, opposite of where she had been directing upward, showing her five fingers.

　”The fifth layer ‘Kelaeno’ is right above. That one has a layer that connects to the outside. The sixth layer ‘Asterope’ is right beneath it, so it’s technically underground. You better not break the walls, as that might get you buried alive.”

　”By the way, even though it looks like stone, the walls and floors have an extraordinary strength. I’m going to say it early, but neither me nor Emilia-sama’s magic can so much as blemish them.”

　While he hadn’t intended to destroy anything, Subaru nodded in understanding as Julius supplemented Shaula’s explanation.

　”So, layer five is the entrance, but what about above that?”

　”The fourth layer ‘Alcyone’ is accessible and pretty much my living space. It’s such a mess of my own making that I’d be embarrassed if you looked too closely!”

　”――――”

　”My master has a serious look. It’s scary. Normally, from here I keep watch over the dunes. So whenever someone approaches the tower, I shoot them down without hesitation!”

　”That was totally you, huh.”

　While Subaru half-expected it, confirmation from the person herself was reassuring.

　The blinding light emanating from the Pleiades Watchtower, which had resulted in Subaru’s two deaths and had been partly responsible for the team division—indeed, the one behind it was none other than Shaula.

　”You’ve put me through a hell of a time because of that. What are you going to do about it?”

　”I didn’t do anything; I was simply following my master’s orders, so if you keep mentioning it, you’re only criticizing what I’ve been doing for hundreds of years.”

　When Subaru glared at her with a serious voice, Shaula grimaced playfully. There was no ill will in her expression, and frankly, there seemed to be no sign of remorse.

　It was not a matter of lacking emotion; rather, it was simply a complete detachment from the concept of guilt.

　Subaru knew that all too well—this wasn’t about emotional deficiency or such matters, but—

　”Subaru, it’d be futile to say anything. Accepting orders comes with no guilt or remorse. It’s simply what I was commanded to do… questioning how I was used, is pointless.”

　”That’s right! I’m my master’s tool! You’re right on the money, kiddo!”

　In response to Beatrice’s grim outlook, Shaula brightened up, showing a wide grin.

　With her constantly changing demeanor and her understanding of her current state—it was clear her values differed greatly from Subaru’s. This disconnect in communication might just be due to that reason.

　In short—

　”Talking to you wears me out.”

　”That’s something I’ve often been told! It’s been a while!”

　”Is that so? I guess I was often told that in the past.”

　Subaru still felt that it was something he was told once in a while.

　Nonetheless, even learning that the blinding light from the watchtower was caused by Shaula, he understood that nothing warranted her any apology or repentance.

　Therefore, there was no point in halting the conversation. He simply needed to urge the discussion to continue.

　”So, the fourth layer is where you live… which is a confusing way to put it, but your living space. Then, what about above that?”

　”The third layer ‘Taygeta’ is where the examination takes place. —It’s to test if you can enter the library.”

　”…Library?”

　At that sound, Subaru furrowed his brows as he questioned back. Without paying attention to Subaru’s change in attitude, Shaula replied breezily, “That’s right.”

　”The library! Above the third layer ‘Taygeta,’ there are exams and corresponding libraries. As long as you meet the conditions to enter the library, you should be able to read the books in there freely.”

　”What kind of things are written in those books?”

　”Who knows?”

　”Who knows!?”

　After this buildup of vague discourse, being met with a “Who knows” was absolutely unacceptable. Subaru’s lips curved in ire as Shaula shook her head and said, “Well, I can’t read books. I was just told to guard the tower; I don’t know more than that.”

　”That’s also something from your master… Flugel, right?”

　”Yes!”

　Even when presented with her proud declaration, Subaru felt he had no response.

　However, the expressions of Emilia and the others remained serious. The light of hope she held in her eyes did not wane.

　”Subaru, the books in the library, are they knowledge?”

　”Knowledge… you mean not just the literal meaning?”

　Subaru asked in surprise at Beatrice’s comment.

　Most of the time, what is inscribed within books tends to either be stories or knowledge. What one obtains from a book must either incite feelings or fulfill one’s wisdom.

　And, the essence of what Beatrice meant was not in that regard.

　On his lap, Beatrice shook her head.

　Her long ringlets moved accordingly, and Subaru instinctively followed the motions in silence.

　”This is the resting place of the knowledge written by the ‘Sage’ known for omniscience; Pleiades Watchtower is just the name given to the outside.”

　”That’s right. If my master has returned, then this place will return to its original role—a grand library of knowledge where anything you wish to know or desire to discover can be sought—Pleiades.”

※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

　”So, in the third layer, you can access basic info. In the second layer, intermediate info. And by the first layer, you can access advanced info. So, the exams are qualification tests to receive clearance?”

　”Oh, you’re the best, master! Even I’m getting lost in this! But I think that breakdown is okay!”

　――The Great Library Pleiades.

　Now that the name of the watchtower had transformed from something quite befitting to something deceptively pleasant, Subaru and his companions left the sixth layer and began climbing the stairs toward the top layers.

　The spiral staircase wrapped around the circumference of the tower, lifting Subaru and the others to the upper levels; however, without any handrails, it felt quite chilling as they reached the higher sections.

　”Wow, that’s scary.”

　”Subaru, if you’re scared, should we hold hands? You just got over being sick, and there’s no telling if you’ll get dizzy and fall…”

　As the sixth layer’s ground receded, and the Giant and the dragon vehicle became considerably smaller, Subaru, peering down, was met by Emilia’s concern.

　Truth be told, as much as he wanted to grasp that hand and savor the feel of her soft white fingers—

　”Thanks, Emilia. But I’m okay for now. The path’s wide enough that I don’t think I’ll fall, plus, I’m feeling kind of impatient now.”

　”I see… but if you feel any strain at all, make sure to tell me, alright? If it comes down to it, I can carry you on my back.”

　”Yeah, uh… that’s pretty much a visual nightmare.”

　Having Emilia carry him up the stairs seemed far too tragic a scene for Subaru.

　Making such a vile display would be worse than simply creating a favor with Julius.

　”What’s up?”

　”That’s a terrible last resort; I just meant it’s nothing. Just go ahead.”

　Noticing his gaze, Subaru gently waved a hand toward Julius, who shrugged and took hold of Anastasia’s hand to resume leading the way up the stairs.

　Currently, Subaru’s party was moving toward the tower’s upper layers by foot. There was no rush to their pace, so somewhat contrary to their feelings, they maintained a moderate speed.

　Leading the way were Julius and Anastasia, with Ram and Emilia closely behind, followed by Subaru and Beatrice, while Shaula and Meily brought up the rear.

　”Yikes! Big sis, don’t sway too much while you’re naked!”

　”Hey, it’s not my fault! It’s just ‘cause you’re up there whining, little brat!”

　”Well, I’m tired! I’ve been walking non-stop, and I can’t handle climbing all these steps!”

　”Just because doesn’t mean I have to carry you… Ah! Don’t pull my hair!”

　While their exchange was noisy, there was nothing sharp in the words being exchanged.

　The dynamic between Shaula and Meily was quite strange, with Shaula joyfully carrying Meily up the stairs. Initially, when the notion of moving up came about, it was Meily who whined about her tired legs. Unexpectedly, it was Shaula herself who offered to carry her, so that aspect was left to her self-promotion.

　”In terms of physical strength, Shaula’s definitely the toughest one here…”

　”That much is clear. —Subaru, don’t you let your guard down. As nice as she seems, you can’t be sure when she’ll show her fangs.”

　”That one? From her vibe?”

　”Once they discover you’re no longer Flugel, you can’t guess how she’ll react.”

　”That’s…”

　In response to Beatrice’s quiet caution, Subaru hesitated to reply.

　It wasn’t that he hadn’t thought of it; it was just not a matter to place on the forefront of thinking. For the very fact that Shaula’s current friendliness towards Subaru and the group was fundamentally built upon her misunderstanding of him being her master.

　And they all were well aware that this connection was a complete misunderstanding. They had verbally denied it countless times before, yet Shaula simply laughed it off. Or rather, it struck her as irrelevant; she simply ignored them with no hurt done, nothing registered.

　Thus, Shaula’s attitude remained unchanged, which was a form of reassurance.

　”One never knows when it might crumble.”

　”If she turns hostile, it’ll become troublesome. The backlash will fly back hard; it’ll come down to Emilia and that knight… with Julius, Beatrice, and Subaru all combing in.”

　”Shaula’s strength.”

　With a glance over her shoulder, Subaru observed Shaula frolicking with Meily.

　Her appearance was disarmingly naive and relaxed—whether her initial meeting and subsequent exchanges caused this disparity in judgment.

　For the moment, Subaru found himself undecided on his stance towards Shaula. Yet, the real, honest feelings within him held little animosity toward her. Though she hugged him while mistaking him for someone else, being treated so openly made it more challenging to feel anything negative.

　That said, the emotion of human connection and the lack of a sense of crisis should never be juxtaposed.

　”———”

　While scrutinizing Shaula’s demeanor, Subaru focused on her defenselessness, beginning to contemplate.

　The bright beams cast down upon Subaru and the others from the tower were indeed Shaula’s doing, as admitted. The rapid-fire nature of those lights and their exact targeting conveyed an extraordinary level of skill belonging to her.

　At present, Subaru wasn’t even certain if it was considered magic or not.

　Furthermore, he recalled the finale beneath the sandy region.

　Right before consciousness faded, he could distinctly remember a figure colliding with that ghastly centaur.

　That monstrous embodiment of injustice or absurdity had been utterly trampled and obliterated with utter ease.

　Subaru hesitated to articulate it, but he couldn’t foresee a scenario in which he’d personally triumph over Shaula.

　He’d much rather face opponents like Regulus or Petelgeuse; they felt far more bearable.

　”…Thinking back to those guys just gives me the creeps. Not that it’s surprising, it just feels uncomfortably close.”

　”I’m not sure what’s on your mind, but be careful.”

　”Yep. At this point… better to ask.”

　”Huh, for what?”

　Both the startled yelp from Beatrice and Subaru pivoting his entire body occurred simultaneously. While placing his feet carefully on the stair, Subaru faced Shaula and Meily directly.

　Shaula halted upon noticing Subaru staring, tilting her head, “What’s wrong, Master? You’re not tired, are you? It’s totally fine to carry you. I can princess carry you!”

　”That would totally create a vile image on its own, so I’ll pass. Sorry to interrupt your lovely time frolicking with Meily…”

　”That’s not a ponytail, it’s a scorpion tail!”

　”————”

　”Scorpion tail!”

　As if pressing the matter, Shaula persisted despite Subaru’s silence.

　Holding her own scorpion-tailed lock with her hand, Shaula pressed her face forward.

　”Scorpion tail…”

　”Fine! What’s with that fixation?! Anyway, even though you’re having a pleasant time with Meily, I’ve got something I want to ask.”

　”Sure! I’ll hear whatever Master wants to say! I’m so happy that Master has decided to talk with me this much!”

　As Shaula cheerfully waved her scorpion tail around, it dealt a gentle tap on Meily’s back, leaving her submerged in the aftermath as it was unexpectedly soft and sensational, a shared experience that Subaru recognized from his own life, yet…

　”Hey, if what I say goes, you’ll listen, right?”

　”Anything dirty is off-limits!”

　”Let’s clarify that before anything else, huh? You’re killing me here.”

　”Isn’t that you being ridiculous first? It’s a mutual thing.”

　Increasingly mixed in her responses, Shaula veered Subaru from his intended pace. Normally, most of his exchanges saw others oscillating from his conversational rhythm, and from there he would hunt for a random thread to tug on. However, this was difficult.

　This unique sense of discomfort differed from the abnormalities seen in the Great Sin Bishops. In their cases, the challenge lay in whether or not one could even carry on a conversation. However, it was different with Shaula.

　There was a sense of a disheartening setback knowing that she’s familiar in a way he wasn’t.

　It felt eerily similar as if she and Flugel shared more commonalities with Subaru than he liked.

　”Regardless, I have both a request and a question. Please try to answer honestly and straightforwardly.”

　”Requesting is not like you! Just order me around.”

　”I can’t come off egotistical like that. So, herein lies my question… you fired upon us from the tower. What was that all about?”

　”It was sniping to keep the tower from being disturbed by intruders. Hell’s Snipe!”

　”…What?!”

　”Hell’s Snipe!”

　As she joyfully pronounced the foreign term, Subaru’s face twisted in disbelief.

　Quite frankly, he understood the disassociated title it belonged to.

　”Well, thinking about it now, I’m grateful Hell’s Snipe didn’t happen to hit you, Master. If the Dimension Gate hadn’t been deactivated, I might have been bombarding you with attacks until I hit you.”

　”Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on! New vocabulary here! Dimension?”

　”Dimension Gate! It was a little trick to prevent anyone from getting to the tower.”

　From her verbal descriptions, Subaru understood that the Dimension Gate referred to the spatial distortions caused by the “sand winds” that interrupted the path to the flower garden, compounded by the eventual effect of the E.M.T. (Environmental Manipulation Technique) deactivating it.

　”But, because of that, I figured out that you are indeed my master, so it worked out after all. Had I hit you, even you might have gotten angry with me, right?”

　”Ah, well, who can say? If I hit the mark twice, I’m not sure anger would be in my hand.”

　It would be quite the strange thing to feel anger meeting his comment after being killed by her directly yet again. Some part of him understood that it had all been an accident, thus it wouldn’t be fair to blame Shaula.

　”By the way, if I had been hit, would that’ve flooded me to death? You might still get angry, but then again, that’s not even the point.”

　As Subaru spoke in half-acceptance, Meily peeking over Shaula’s shoulder interjected, “Wait! That means you would’ve died!”

　Subaru’s stern warning aimed at her as her words rang out. This possibly resonated with Meily’s nature as a monster collector; she would grasp buying opportunities to catalog such beasts regardless of danger.

　Shaula nodded in agreement to Subaru with a thumbs up.

　”I wouldn’t mess with them. The Hell Horse Monster, whose horns will regrow without end, causes other monsters’ rules not to apply. You see them, they immediately become actions of righteousness.”

　”Pfft. Understood.”

　Pouting her lips, Meily withdrew her curiosity, performing the gesture envisioned for her age.

　Witnessing this, Subaru felt relieved, resuming the previous dialogue with Shaula.

　”That’s about everything I need from you?”

　”Yep, I’m ready!”

　”—”

　While still tilting her head, Shaula was already ready to embrace the coming queries. Yet, even with her openness, the threats posed to them weighed heavily on Subaru’s mind.

　Simply putting forth one word could shift the very balance, and he would need to steel his heart for it.

　”Shaula, this is my ask. Please do not harm me or my comrades.”

　”――――”

　”As per your master’s command, you’re instructed to attack those approaching the tower, yeah? Given we’ve entered, we are exempt from that. So, there’s no need to attack us, do not harm us. Absolutely.”

　”――――”

　With Subaru reinforcing his statement, Shaula squinted her eyes.

　Glaring back at those green hues now intensely scrutinizing him, his anxiety tripled as he witnessed Shaula’s vibrant demeanor fade into contemplation.

　A brief silence ensued, and as Subaru was enveloped in a strange tension, his breath shuddered before he finally exhaled.

　”Mm, okay! I’ve properly remembered your new order as my master~!”

　”――――”

　Upon accepting the command without hesitation, Shaula’s face broke into a big smile, before nuzzling her face close to Subaru’s.

　Their gazes crossed in a distance that intruded upon the very space between them; there were no signs of deceit or distrust in her deep green eyes. At least, none that Subaru could perceive.

　”Is that alright?”

　”Is it even a question of being okay? It’s my master’s words. Plus, it’s not even something difficult. Non-violence, non-submission!”

　”If you’ll obey the orders, this feels awfully close to submission.”

　”Even if my body is free, I’ll not surrender my heart!”

　”Geez…!”

　Giving Shaula a flick to her forehead, she took a step back, resulting in a cry of “Ouch!” as Meily underwent the sudden commotion.

　Regardless, it seemed that Subaru’s wish had been easily fulfilled. Still, the limits of that privilege remained unclear, yet at the very least—

　”So long as I don’t betray expectations, that promise will be kept, huh?”

　”That alone would suffice for sure. You might betray predictions, but I believe you wouldn’t let go of the expectations.”

　”I appreciate the high praise, but doesn’t it feel like the part of expectations I shouldn’t betray is a bit too unclear? What am I, Flugel, supposed to do? Wing it or something? Maybe sprout some wings, like some German entity?”

　In fact, the term Flugel meant “wing” in Subaru’s eyes.

　Even if he didn’t think it would be the holy grail, it was still suspect. After all, this Flugel, including Shaula’s name, seemed overly suspect.

　”Right, Shaula. One final question before I’m done.”

　”What is it?”

　With her totally relaxed look, Shaula stretched up and plied Meily’s cheeks.

　Meanwhile, keeping his back turned to Shaula, Subaru switched over to an air of casualness, muttering:

　”Maia, Electra, Taygeta, Alcyone, Kelaeno, Asterope.”

　”…Subaru?”

　After tongues twisted around the words exiting his mouth, Beatrice, who was nearby, cast an odd look.

　As for just the sounds isolating into words, they didn’t particularly seem to signify anything familiar.

　It was no surprise that four of those names had only recently been mentioned, yet the idea of memorizing them hadn’t been as facile. —Especially if one of them were unfamiliar.

　”Each layer labeled successively corresponds to Pleiades Watchtower… or rather, the Great Library Pleiades.”

　”Yes!”

　”Then, where’s Melopé?”

　”――――”

　This prompted Shaula to fall into stunned silence once more. This silence differed from earlier contemplative moments; this was one steeped in reactionary astonishment.

　As the faint sound of breath was held, Subaru perceived that he had indeed struck some chord of truth.

　”Subaru, what are you referring to? What is Melopé?”

　”The name of one of the seven sisters. If it’s Pleiades, there should be seven in total.”

　From layers one to six, they had named out six layers and their functions. But originally, they had been built around the motif of seven sisters—the seventh surely inspired a title that had to be there as well.

　”If there isn’t a seventh layer… then perhaps there’s a zero layer.”

　”A zero layer? Your master named it, so that’s expected… However, that space came to be only after my master had left, I believe, so I shouldn’t be knowing its location.”

　In response to Subaru’s casually-transmitted guess, Shaula offered her answer in a muffled tone. There was a hint of surprise from Beatrice, yet Subaru licked his parched lips and narrowed his eyes.

　This sense of accomplishment was not one born from the discovery of its hidden secret. After all, in truth, this was about as much hidden from Subaru as possible.

　”If the first layer is considered advanced, then zero layer would be super-advanced? And how to access it?”

　”——That’s a no-no.”

　As Subaru tried to inquire about entry into this hidden layer, Shaula promptly cut him off with a quick tone filled with refusal. Glancing back at her subtle strength, Shaula showed no signs of wavering.

　Her smile and the trusting gaze remained unbroken, but there was a trace of subtle sadness glimmering around her eyes.

　”The conditions to access it aren’t yet satisfied. My master was merely traveling along the way and returned to meet me, so that is what brings me joy. Therefore, zero layer access is a no-go.”

　”――――”

　While her pronunciation stayed on course, there toild a peculiar firmness within her tone.

　Therein lay a subtle wall steeped in rigidity; it posed the danger of shaking the roots of the very promise laid a few minutes ago, drumming into Subaru that persistence was perilous.

　Hence, he resolved to refrain from probing further into the matter.

　”Understood. It’d be reckless to be overly insistent. Just reminding you about that prior agreement will suffice.”

　”Got it. I’ll remember! I’ll keep my end of the deal—extra securely!”

　Instantly, Shaula blossomed with joy, brightening up as though they’d never exchanged those recent words.

　Hearing her melodious voice behind him, Subaru sighed lightly.

　”Subaru, if you find it tough, say so, alright?”

　”Mhm, I’m okay. There’s a lot on my mind, is all.”

　Subaru smiled thinly in response to Beatrice’s concern. He gently ruffled her hair, leaving her speechless. But it doubled as a soothing mechanism for Subaru himself.

　In the conversation with Shaula, the abnormality of Flugel had been highlighted.

　Nothing major was questioned. He too was just like Subaru.

　Subaru, Al, Hoshin, and now Flugel.

　With a boastful display of knowledge that shouldn’t logically exist in this reality, proudly established in his wake, there was no doubt left: Flugel was a person from Subaru’s point of origin.

　”Several centuries past…”

　Subaru scratched his head in reflection over the passage of time that felt agonizingly long.

　What had he felt, thought, aimed for, and sought after during his existence in this other world?

　What had motivated that man, the one who forsook the title of “Sage” merely to plant a tree?

　What had he desired while surviving in this world, he pondered that intently.

　In that moment, a voice held in familiarity called out to him—

　”Master.”

　”Huh?”

　Playfully, Shaula’s voice poked into his comfort bubble. Subaru did not cease his movements but simply turned slightly to gaze toward her, who looked up and shyly smiled.

　That expression was genuinely joyful, her eyes twinkling, and she said:

　”Welcome back, Master! I, Shaula, have been waiting for the return of ‘Sage’ Flugel all this time. …Truly!”

“`

 

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