――Utilize what can be used, and reclaim the throne of the Emperor of Volakia.

　Of course, I will utilize the Castle City of Gwararu, the People of Shudrak, Generals Ziqru Osman, and none other than Natsuki Subaru himself.

　Yes, it was just as Abel had nodded in confirmation of Subaru’s assessment.

「――It seems the story has come together.」

　Priscilla, seeing the conclusion of the meeting, murmured as she hid her mouth behind her opened fan.

　As she said, the meeting had reached some conclusion. They shared the victory conditions, decided on future policies, and set their next destination and goals.

　All that was left――、

「If you’re heading to Chaos Frame with a select few, what else do we do? Currently, it’s just me, Abel, Talitta-san, and Medium-san, four of us…」

「――About that, can I throw in one good idea?」

「Al?」

　As Subaru was about to decide the final members for their next destination, the Magic City Chaos Frame, Al chimed in from the side.

　He raised a hand with his single arm, scratching the back of his neck with it as he continued,

「Hey, Princess, can I let go of the reins a bit? I wanna stick with my brother.」

「Huh!?」

「Whoa, your voice cracked there, bro. Is it that surprising?」

　Receiving an unexpected proposal that made Subaru’s voice crack, Al trembled with laughter.

　Still, despite how casual it was presented, Subaru couldn’t just nod along and say, “Yeah, that sounds good.”

「W-Why…？」

「Why, you ask? Didn’t I say I’d help my brother? Even a shabby old man like me can be useful somewhere.」

「You were that serious about it?」

　Al shrugged his robust shoulders to Subaru’s astonishment, recalling their prior exchanges before the meeting, where Al seemed to genuinely adhere to their conversation.

　It was indeed uplifting, encouraging, and it pushed him forward.

　However, he never thought Al would sincerely say he wanted to help.

「Heh, what’s with the freeze? Did my offer really move you that much?」

「…No, after overcoming the initial shock, I’ve never heard that Al is particularly strong, and the battle force ratio with me and Abel makes it quite lopsided.」

「Sorry if expectations were high, but I’m way weaker than that Amazonian sister over there!」

　Pointing assertively at Talitta, Al graciously accepted his shortcomings.

　Indeed, Talitta’s strength was among the best of the People of Shudrak, but after witnessing the fight with the Nine Divine Generals, adding Al to their ranks didn’t seem like a significant boost.

　Nevertheless――、

「Still, I appreciate you saying that. I’ll accept your feelings.」

「Hah, don’t worry about it, bro… Wait, huh? Just feelings? You rejecting me politely here? Are we calling it a day on our connection?」

　Al’s unending questioning came from Subaru’s response, but it was definitely taken the right way.

　While he truly appreciated the offer, this was the Volakia Empire. The fact of the matter was that Al’s involvement was contingent on how things unfolded—

「――Al.」

「Yes, Princess.」

　As Subaru concluded his thoughts, Priscilla’s beautiful voice unexpectedly called Al’s name.

　The voice belonged to none other than Priscilla Barielle, who elegantly sat at the round table, narrowing her crimson eyes and casting a discerning gaze on Al.

　Al had declared his intention to accompany her to the Castle City, and now he planned to leave her to frolic with clownish companions instead?

「Was it you who proposed to accompany me to the Castle City? And now you’re thinking of leaving me behind to entertain yourself with those fools?」

「I’ll probably not enjoy myself that much, but that’s what I’m intending. Or are you feeling lonely without me? If you wanna hug me to keep me here…」

「Fool.」

「Right, I figured.」

　Al’s hopes were dashed as Priscilla swiftly cut him off.

　With a soft sigh, Priscilla glared at the top of Al’s helmet and muttered,

「――You best keep dancing well.」

「Oh, I got this covered. You keep yourself healthy too, Princess. Your beauty is the beauty of the world.」

「I do not require reminding of that. Do you know whom you’re talking to?」

「Of course, the world’s center, my princess, Priscilla Barielle.」

　With a playful tone and pompous words, Al bowed insincerely in front of Priscilla. Turning around, he waved his hand at Subaru with a renewed “Nice to meet you.”

「Eh, is that it for the final resolution? What about our opinions!?」

「What’s with all the whining, bro? You sound down. Or is it that you’re just not aware of how bad your aging scent is? Is being around me too rough for you?」

「That’s not what I was saying. More like, why do you get the decision-making power…?」

「Of course, you’re free to refuse! But, can you actually refuse here? It’s the Princess, you know?」

　Al pointed his chin, indicating Priscilla who was fanning herself.

　That confident demeanor was the overwhelming evidence backing Al’s words. To overturn something Priscilla decided—how terrifying would that be?

　However, since refusing might lead to future worries, how could he resist?

「Priscilla, I…」

「――I don’t mind. If necessary, you may come along.」

「Abel, don’t treat me like I’m just a strategist!」

　However, just as Subaru attempted to voice his opinion, he was ambushed once again from behind.

　Glaring at Abel, who had interjected, he found Abel standing firmly, arm crossed, facing Subaru. Just like Priscilla, he intended to resolutely carry out his will.

　Still, Subaru had no choice but to plea, asserting that he shouldn’t have to sign on to different employment terms.

「If my opinions aren’t taken into account, what’s the point of being a strategist?」

「Don’t get too cocky. If it’s an opinion worth listening to, I’ll hear you out. However, the authority to make decisions lies with me. There’s no way I’d entrust that to you.」

「Ugh, what a nuisance of a boss to steal the fruits of my labor…？」

「Don’t make me repeat myself. The results belong to you. They must.」

「――――」

　――An unwitting sage aligned himself with the dethroned emperor.

　What Abel desired was someone like Subaru, whose reputation held weight. To that end, he was prepared to yield some credit and even stretch the truth a bit, so it seemed.

　Yet, that would mean fabricating something rather than confronting reality.

「Fakes won’t do. Only the genuine will help reclaim what’s lost.」

「――Well then, convince both yourself and others. Until you achieve that, it’s merely a naïve dream of vanity awaiting fulfillment.」

「Damn it, I’ll get it done! No matter how bad the assets may be, I’ll make use of them!」

　Clenching his jaw, Subaru fixated on Abel’s cold black eyes as he answered.

　Even if they faced a common goal, their relationship was not so easy. It wasn’t just a discrepancy between the Kingdom and the Empire; something far greater felt like the true barrier.

　As long as that stood, he might very well find himself at odds with Abel during critical moments.

　And when that happened, Natsuki Subaru would――、

「…Does this mean I’m the bad asset here, Princess?」

「Fool.」

　With his shoulders drooping, Al muttered this under his breath, while Priscilla merely gave a curt reply.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　△▼△▼△▼△

　――The expedition team for the Magic City Chaos Frame was decided, and things began to move.

「Before I return, gather the troops in the Castle City. Soon, I’ll be sending signals.」

「I shall see to it, even if it costs my life.」

　Upon receiving Abel’s order, Ziqru knelt gracefully, pledging his commitment.

　Unexpectedly, Ziqru found himself in a position to oppose a powerful empire, and though he had no flicker of doubt within him, not all the city’s soldiers shared that sentiment.

　To unify their will into a singular force—a general’s effort was absolutely essential. In that respect, Ziqru’s presence was a lucky find.

「Ziqru-san, this must be quite a challenge for you…」

「No, this is the role I, as a general, must fulfill. Compared to a “bloodless surrender,” this is but a trivial issue.」

「――――」

　With his chest out proudly and a robust smile, Ziqru’s words caused Subaru to lower his gaze.

　After all, “bloodless surrender” was something Subaru had boasted about only to fall flat on his face. Consequently, he had betrayed Rem’s expectations, leading to disappointment.

　But, despite Subaru’s demeanor, Ziqru narrowed his eyes and said,

「Don’t look so dejected. You proposed the “bloodless surrender,” and the lord sanctioned its execution. Indeed, thanks to you, fewer soldiers need to fall in battle for the lord’s cause.」

「Fewer soldiers falling, you say… that’s… not…」

　His expression faltered when confronted with Ziqru’s exaggerated claim, as he glanced at the bandages wrapped around Ziqru’s injuries. Yet, Ziqru, smiling, ripped off his bandages with no concern.

　His bloodstained bandages fell away, revealing wounds on his arms, but――、

「Such injuries are but scratches for a soldier. More importantly, you must take pride in what you’ve done: your efforts have helped ensure that soldiers continue to fight for the lord.」

「――――」

「Now, it’s your duty to fulfill. ―Lady Natsumi.」

　Ziqru’s encouragement left Subaru at a loss for words.

　While the results weren’t wholly praiseworthy, the fact that Ziqru found commendable aspects made him feel positively toward the man. He considered it a success that they had saved Ziqru from death.

　And then――、

「――Are you really going?」

「――――」

「I’m sorry for asking something so strange. Just forget it.」

　The one who shook her head, hiding her exhaustion, was Rem.

　Leaning on her staff, she stood at the entrance of City Hall. Her attire was not travel gear but rather light clothing for a healer as she went around tending to the injured.

　Rem would remain in Gwararu.

　She temporarily parted ways from Subaru, who was heading to Chaos Frame.

　Just before their separation, Subaru couldn’t help but be bitter at Rem’s lingering remark. Even knowing her sentiment, it was just impossible.

「What a load of trouble! Asking me to forget your situation is too much!」

「Ah, that wasn’t my intention…」

「Every time you squeezed my neck or broke my fingers, those memories are all irreplaceable to me. They’re precious memories.」

「Huh?」

　He hadn’t meant to tease, but Rem pierced him with her cold gaze.

　Thinking back to the events since being sent to Volakia, the impactful and painful memories bubbled to the surface, but of course, the hopes and joys of leaning closer to Rem and her care were buried deep within.

　――The most painful memories were tucked away in the same corner.

「You’re so carefree… Are you really going to be okay?」

「Being tense all the time is exhausting… As for whether I’ll be okay, well, there are various concerns. Honestly, I want to stay by your side the whole time.」

「Hah.」

「That’s such a nonchalant response! Though I’d prefer not to be ignored at all…」

　Feeling injured by her indifference, Subaru candidly expressed his true feelings.

　Until the last moment, he had wrestled with whether to leave Rem in Gwararu. In truth, even now, he wanted to retract his statement and pull her along with him, grasping her thin arms.

　If Natsuki Subaru could shield Rem from the hardships, sparks of adversity, and all sorts of misfortunes that might befall her, how wonderful that would be.

「Honestly, I wish to bind our fates together with an unbreakable string.」

「Are you serious…？」

「Pretty much.」

「――――」

　At last, he had reached a point where he could no longer even get a “Huh?” out of her.

　Of course, he knew if he voiced it, he would be rejected; he said it more out of futility. Binding their fates so they could always know each other’s safety was ideal.

　Depending on the circumstance, he wouldn’t hesitate to use the power he awakened at the Pleiades Watchtower――、

「Because “Cor Leonis” is still rather uncertain in its usability…」

　The newly manifested power of Subaru’s, “Cor Leonis”—a force that allows him to vaguely grasp the positions and situations of allies centering around himself. Additionally, it could alleviate the burden on his companions, keeping everything in check.

　Perhaps using that power could lessen the burdens of Rem’s troubled feet, making her sprightly move across fields and mountains.

　Yet, if that meant she would venture too far from him, that would be a dilemma.

「――――」

「W-Why the sudden downcast look?」

「It’s self-loathing.」

　With Rem’s pointed observation, Subaru pressed his hands to his face and sighed.

　He realized he had thought: thanks to Rem’s troublesome feet, she had been unable to leave his side. That predicament had kept their relationship from ending.

　He felt fortunate that Rem wasn’t going anywhere, due to her own struggles.

「It’s because of this that Rem can’t trust me.」

　As always, Subaru found himself wrapped up in self-reflection.

　He yearned to become gentler. To be kind, clever, and a strong presence. He had worked hard with the thought of everyone in mind, but now at the tower, he had come to see that he wasn’t enough.

　――Unable to retrieve the Natsuki Subaru that Rem believed in.

「Um…?」

「Sorry, I got a bit sentimental there.」

「Sentimental, you say?」

「Don’t mind it. It’s just a phrase that resonates only with my hometown… and Al.」

　Shrugging in response to Subaru, Rem furrowed her brow slightly. However, she rubbed her eyes and smoothed away her wrinkles, as if postponing the emotions that sprouted within her.

　Subaru could tell that Rem was dealing with a struggle of her own. Just her showing up here to see him off must’ve had her own thoughts.

「I won’t be gone long. If you’re not here, I won’t be able to stand it.」

「…Again with those words.」

「Uh, that’s just how I feel… If it bothers you, I’ll try to tone it down.」

「You don’t plan to stop saying it, do you?」

　With a narrowed gaze, Subaru slumped his shoulders in a sign of reflection.

　Of course, he didn’t want to upset Rem or make her uncomfortable. But, given his strong feelings for her, that was difficult to suppress.

　However, whatever Subaru said wouldn’t erase the disappointment he caused Rem.

「I’ll do my best and come back soon. I plan to bring good news.」

「…Yes. I look forward to Abel-san, Medium-san, and Talitta-san.」

「As for Al, well…」

「――――」

　Though he checked just to be sure, Rem’s gaze hadn’t warmed at all.

　However, something must have inspired such a sad look upon Subaru’s face. After a moment of silence, Rem let out a small sigh, as if resigned,

「When it comes to trusting or mistrusting you, at least I’m a bit better off now.」

「I didn’t talk about trusting or mistrusting…」

「Your evil scent is still faint, but that’s not the issue here.」

「It’s not the issue…?」

　Continuing with her words, Rem’s pale blue eyes held onto a lingering gleam of distrust.

　They were about to part, even if temporarily. His relationship with her had been marred by past failures, and he wanted to relieve at least some of her anxieties.

　Not just for himself, but for Rem’s sake, who awaited him back in the city.

「Tell me, Rem. Whatever you need me to do, I’ll strive for it. How can I alleviate your anxiety?」

「…Then, why are you still dressed that way?」

「Eh!?」

　When Rem looked at him with that color in her eyes, Subaru glanced down at his own attire.

　He wore a long black-haired wig, powdered to cover his wounds, dressed in attire that concealed the lines of his body, adorned in overly extravagant decorations――、

「Is there something off about it…?」

「It’s strange in that it’s not strange at all. The key point is, you’re still wearing that getup while leaving the Castle City. How are you going to explain that?」

「But I told you this is necessary!」

　Watching Rem’s scornful expression, Subaru raised his voice in a way that sounded desperate.

　He never imagined that this outfit would contribute to Rem’s distrust of him, but he had assured her there was a good reason behind it.

「Rem, just as we talked before, we’re people from the neighboring country. If my true identity ends up getting known, it could cause trouble that crosses borders. So it’s necessary. The existence of Natsumi Schwarz, who isn’t the real me…!」

「Ah, I see.」

「That’s not a convincing answer at all!!」

　Rem’s gaze remained indifferent, perhaps even intensifying her distrust.

　All of the reasoning that Subaru built in earnest regarding his situation and role was met with indifference from her.

　――In this Volakia Empire, selling the name “Natsuki Subaru” was impossible.

　Natsuki Subaru was already a key figure in the Lugnika Kingdom, the knight serving the all-important Emilia. This endeavor was tantamount to significant internal meddling in the affairs of a neighboring nation.

「Though, meddling might not even adequately describe it…」

　Regardless, what mattered was that Subaru’s actions wouldn’t just affect himself.――Simply put, they could trouble Emilia as well.

　As her knight, and after swearing to aid her on her path to becoming monarch, behaving in ways that would impede her was absolutely intolerable.

「So here we are, Natsumi Schwarz. Under that name, I can be as popular as I need without any issues. As Natsumi, I can just be a mysterious black-haired beauty who suddenly appears in the Volakia Empire.」

「Is it over?」

「Not yet! And as for calculations… If it’s the name Natsumi Schwarz, there’s still a chance that my family in Lugnika might notice me.」

　The primary reason for restricting his alias to “Natsumi Schwarz” lay precisely in this fact.

　Subaru dressing as a woman and adopting the name Natsumi Schwarz was not a first-time occurrence in the Volakia Empire; he had had occasions that required cross-dressing before at Roswaal’s Mansion, even if it was not simply for theatrics. Everyone except Emilia knew his true identity.

　If the name that spread within the empire was “Natsumi Schwarz,” there was the possibility that Emilia’s group could deduce that Subaru and the others had been transported to the empire.

　Thus――、

「I’m forced to dress this way, that’s why.」

「――――。――――。――――――――. Understood.」

　Though it took a considerable amount of time, Rem seemed to arrive at an understanding, eliciting a relieved sigh from Subaru.

　In any case, this was the situation wherein Subaru intended to maintain his current attire for a while longer. He didn’t want to prolong it and risk undermining Rem’s trust, but that also depended on circumstances.

「Rem, if you encounter any problems, consult with Flopp or Ziqru. If it’s something difficult for a man, there’s also Mizelda. Please don’t shoulder everything alone.」

「It’s odd to be told that by you, but I’ll keep it in mind. …You, on the other hand, don’t make things difficult for Abel-san or Medium-san.」

「I’ll just be careful in the back!」

　Though he had no qualms concerning Medium or Talitta, he wouldn’t hesitate to impose a burden on Abel.

　Once in a while, the man should struggle while sweating the good sweat of his labor.

　With that, as they exchanged various parting sentiments, it was nearly time to embark.

　Suppressing the difficulty of parting, just before setting off――、

「Rem, where’s that one?」

「You mean Lui-chan? She’s probably with Utakata-chan right now…」

「I see.」

「…You don’t expect me to call her over, do you?」

　Having lowered her voice, Rem looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze.

　In a manner that discerned Subaru’s intentions, her tone was not one of warmth but carried notable annoyance.

　Since the conflict at City Hall, they had hardly interacted amidst the rush, yet Subaru’s wariness towards Lui remained intact. In fact, it was likely that it would not fade.

　No matter how well she got along with Rem and Utakata, it was impossible to predict when she would reveal her true colors.

　In that sense, leaving Lui behind filled Subaru with unease.

　But――、

「Well, you didn’t take your eyes off the plan to capture Gwararu at all.」

「――――」

「What’s with the sudden comment.」

　With those words directed at her, Rem silenced him.

　If Lui was going to make a move, it should have been a chance that had already been available to her many times. If that’s the case, maintaining this endless vigilance over Lui might be a waste of effort.

「For now, I told Kuna and the others to stay alert.」

「Stubborn…」

　Listening to that whisper, Subaru paused for thought.

　Initially, he hadn’t informed Rem about Lui’s true nature or the risks associated with her powers due to the lack of any grounding for her to believe him. Given the situation, he wanted to avoid losing precious trust by revealing Lui’s circumstances.

　Yet now, was it the right time?

　Their relationship had improved, and despite the chill, she was still willing to listen to him. Perhaps if he conveyed the truth about Lui, she wouldn’t simply dismiss his claims.

「…No, that would be a foolish act.」

　Shaking his head, he dismissed the half-formed idea that had emerged in his mind.

　While it might be possible she’d believe him, that would do little to make any solid change. Lui hadn’t exposed herself yet; it was unlikely that her true nature would emerge immediately upon mentioning it to Rem. The situation wouldn’t change.

　Simply put, it was best not to increase the burden of anxiety on Rem in exchange for his own relief.

　There was absolutely no need for such antics.

「…What’s with that face?」

「Ah, I was just thinking how I hope only happy things will fall upon Rem’s life.」

「Huh?」

　As the hope welled up within him, Subaru restrained himself at Rem’s suddenly stern stare.

　Yet, no matter how he tried to word it, his thoughts never ceased to spill forth.

「――Brother! Let’s get moving soon!」

　Al called out as he leaned against a carriage, waving.

　Behind him was a massive creature similar in size to the carriage itself—a beast known as the Wind Horse, which would pull their travel in this journey.

「A rare creature in Volakia, only given to Generals, I heard…」

「Ziqru-san lent it to us. It’s a female, too, so it all fits together.」

「Fit together…?」

　Rem tilted her head uncertainly in response to Subaru’s comments.

　With this dynamic going on, Rem had begun to react to him, for better or worse. Sadly, such moments of happiness would have to be delayed for now.

「Hey, brother?」

「Ah, Al is calling you, Rem.」

「Yeah, I know. I recognize that…」

「――？」

「I can’t get my soles off the ground near you…痛い痛い痛い!」

　Feeling pressure on his back from the tip of Rem’s staff, Subaru suddenly found himself forced forward two or three steps, widening the distance from Rem.

　At that moment, the distance between them solidified.

「Rem, I’ve said this a million times…」

「I’ll heed your warnings, remain cautious, and rely on someone if there’s trouble. Farewell.」

「Ugh…」

　With a cursory dismissal of their parting words, Subaru slumped his shoulders in deflation. Observing him, Rem sighed dramatically.

「Please take care. I will await your return.」

「Ah…」

「I will not suddenly disappear. …I trust others, aside from you.」

　With her additional comments, Subaru absorbed her understanding like a sponge.

　After nodding repeatedly, while watching Rem scowl discontentedly, he shouted,

「I’ll be back!」

　And with a grand wave, he was sent off by her.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　△▼△▼△▼△

　――The carriage receded into the distance, passing through the main gate of the Castle City and vanishing far away.

　The carriage headed southeast towards the Magic City, Chaos Frame—the focal point being whether or not he could win over one of the empire’s top-tier individuals.

　To be honest, there was lingering doubt in bringing Subaru along should it turn to persuasion.

「…Surely, everyone can agree this is wise…」

　As she leaned on her staff, Rem squinted against the previously noticed path of the disappeared carriage.

　Subaru, right until parting, had shown a carefree demeanor, spouting excuses for his attire, yet Rem sensed that he secretly wished to retain the dress.

　While Rem didn’t consider all that with ringing conviction, she couldn’t shake the feeling.

「They’ve left, haven’t they? Once the noisy ones are gone, this city might breathe a bit easier. I don’t know if the news they’ll bring back will be good or if it’ll be Abel’s head…」

「――Priscilla.」

　Suddenly, a voice rose from behind the frozen Rem.

　Without turning, the stunning woman dressed in lavish red—a striking beauty, Priscilla—stepped forward with a confident aura.

　Since being saved from the tyranny of Arakia, Rem hadn’t exchanged meaningful conversation with her.

　Thus, Priscilla’s sudden address left Rem in confusion and bewilderment.

「…Thank you.」

「Hmm? Thank you for what?」

「For yesterday, for the events at City Hall. You saved me from that woman Arakia. Not just me, but for everyone else too.」

「So it’s that many lives you saved, is it? In my opinion, it is those who saved their lives through your efforts. You used your talent and training to save those on the brink of death. I expressed no intention of that mercy on my part; don’t twist my actions to suit yourself.」

「That was not my intent…」

　Or so she wanted to say, but the sting of self-reflection struck Rem.

　Jumping to hasty conclusions about their thoughts and actions, attempting to judge them through her narrow lens, was not her best trait. Not but a fortnight after her memories vanished, she’s all too familiar with this behavior.

「――――」

「Well, now. What’s this? You have no retort? This dull response is utterly unexciting.」

「…I apologize. I think you’re right. But the fact that I am grateful towards you cannot be twisted.」

「Oh?」

　Priscilla expressed her interest as she pulled out her fan from her cleavage and opened it with a flutter.

　She covered her charming lips with it, but the glint of delight and opportunity glimmered in her still-visible eyes.

「I heard you have lost yourself… but don’t you dare speak back to me with such audacity.」

「The phrase “lost myself” isn’t quite accurate. It’s just my memories are lost, not that I have ceased to exist.」

　Pressing her hand against her heart, Rem pushed back against Priscilla’s wording.

　If she had truly disappeared, that would mean blending into oblivion—a dream that couldn’t be grasped at all. Nevertheless, Rem’s lost memories hadn’t evaporated; even if they were absent from her, Subaru’s efforts to recover them were still very much alive.

　If what Subaru said was true, there must be a twin sister who exists as well.

　The question remained whether her sister still held memories of her past self. Within those allies and family members that Subaru spoke of, could there be traces of her?

　If Rem could entirely erase her past self, perhaps it would ease the ache in her heart.

「…If I could shed the weight of that pain.」

「――――」

「I’m constantly reminded of my failures every second, every moment. Whenever I see that person, I think I’m continuously betraying his expectations.」

　Of course, Subaru never intended for that to be the case.

　At one point, he had been nearly impossible to look at, wrapped in a thick cloud of negativity. Yet even then, his face was always full of genuine desperation.

　And that desperate essence was directed at the part of Rem that had vanished in the forefront of her mind.

「How selfish am I? I can hardly believe it myself…」

　Thus, she couldn’t voice how relieved she felt to be separated from Subaru, nor address the ugly feelings that bubbled within her heart.

「――What is your name?」

「Eh?」

「Your name. Pray tell, did you lose your name along with your identity? One would think you’d not have lost both as you have been called by name. That much is clear…」

　Priscilla’s gaze lifted, as if searching for an answer in the air.

　Most likely, she recalled Rem’s name. Even within this short time, her superior intellect had been evident, and at the same time, she had displayed a knack for ruthlessness.

　Thus――、

「――I am Rem.」

　Before Priscilla could wrongly guess her name, Rem introduced herself firmly.

　Her memories may have disappeared, with no signs of revival, but for these two weeks, identifying and being recognized solely as this name was unquestionably real.

「Interesting.」

　At that response, Priscilla murmured softly.

　Closing her fan with a snap, she gently lifted Rem’s chin with its edge, locking eyes with Rem as crimson pupils bore down on her, igniting something deep within.

　Though Rem couldn’t verbalize it, she returned that gaze with the intensity of unspoken intention.

「Rem. I shall keep you by my side for a time.」

「…By your side?」

「You inquire, though you have talent and ambition; your abilities fall short. That graceless healing magic will be refined under my hand. It stands to reason your abilities will tighten up.」

「――! You’ll teach me healing magic?」

「Fool. I possess no talent for healing arts myself. I merely have an eye for aesthetics; I can see what you are lacking.」

「――――」

　The reply that returned was not what she had anticipated; yet, in a sense, it transcended her expectations, deviating greatly, nevertheless.

　However, if the only skill Rem had—her healing magic—could be utilized, then it was worth trusting Priscilla’s word.

　Given her recent reflections on the desire for improved strength, she found herself at a crossroads of hope.

「But, Priscilla, you’re going back to your base, aren’t you?」

「Cease, lass. Abel’s got Al in tow now. Therefore, it shouldn’t be long before the conditions I imposed will be met. I’ll remain here. It may be burdensome to wait, but I shall summon Schult to come and resolve the inconveniences.」

「I-I understand. We will prepare right away.」

　Even with a commanding tone, Rem found herself unable to rebel against Priscilla.

　Be it a charisma that forced others to submit or her own lack of resistance to following commands, Rem felt no urge to resist such instructions given the circumstances.

　Hurrying back to City Hall with her staff tapping with every quickened step, she wondered how she could consult Ziqru about Priscilla’s arrangements and her temporary quarters.

　Since the People of Shudrak weren’t accustomed to operating in the city, it made Rem uneasy to continually depend on Ziqru, yet he wasn’t the type to refuse when a woman asked for assistance.

「Ah, Utakata.」

「Utakata-chan!」

　As Rem moved along the corridor on her way to the office where Ziqru would likely be, she stumbled upon the girl who had been gazing out of the window.

　Upon noticing Rem, Utakata’s innocent face broke into a radiant smile. Rem couldn’t help but break into a warm smile in return.

「I’m sorry for being so hectic.」

「Uu is fine, no biggie. I’m more worried about Ta. She looks wobbly.」

「Talitta-san is, yes…」

　Having recently been assigned as the clan leader, Talitta followed along on Subaru’s journey.

　It seemed Utakata, even as a child, found Talitta’s sudden responsibilities overwhelming, as she noticed how she faltered. Nevertheless, for her part, she had taken a step forward in search of confidence.

　As Rem curled up in despair, sulking about being powerless, everyone else moved on, leaving her behind.

　She was absolutely determined not to stoop to a curse on the world nor drag down their efforts.

「I’m sure Talitta-san will be just fine. So, we will help protect the place she returns to, okay?」

「Yup! I’ll help, Rem!」

「Well, that’s nice to hear. Saying it like that gives me a small boost of confidence.」

　With Utakata’s straightforward words, Rem’s demeanor softened.

　Suddenly, however, she sensed something amiss and scanned her surroundings. Standing there viewing the outside, Utakata was alone, without any adults around her.

　It seemed unwise to have a child wandering alone in this environment. She didn’t mean to criticize Utakata for not having a guardian but something struck her as fundamentally wrong.

「Utakata-chan, are you here alone? What about Lui-chan?」

　Having left Loi in her care too long, Rem’s concern grew since Lui had become rather fond of Utakata.

　It seemed that their same-age friendship forged an unguarded relationship, but that atmosphere made Utakata being alone feel all the more concerning.

　Of course, she thought she was overreacting…

「Is Lui-chan not with you?」

「Yup! Lui followed! She helped me get into the carriage!」

　With brave resolve, the Shudrak girl proudly announced this to Rem without any hint of guile, her bearing as straightforward as ever.

“`

 

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