The awakening was torn from darkness, beginning with the painful sensation of sunlight burning my eyelids.

“—S-subaru?”

The sensation of my body, which I thought was gone, returned. Warm blood coursed through my fingers and toes, and I could feel my shattered lower body firmly planted on the ground.

The instant my lost functions returned in an instant after I blinked, it mercilessly slammed a barrage of information into my freshly rebooted brain, making me literally dizzy.

I suddenly noticed that the world, which had been dominated by the ringing in my ears, was disturbed by the noise of human activities.

People bustled along the dusty streets, skillfully dodging my immobile body, casting me slightly annoyed glances that strangely resonated with my ragged heart.

“Hey, hey! Are you listening?”

A rough voice, mixed with a click of the tongue, pierced through my proximity, and I turned my gaze. In front of me stood a tough-looking guy, his face marred by vertical scars.

He towered over me by a head, lightly tracing the white scars with his finger.

“Cut me some slack, bro. Quit spacing out.”

“Eh, a?”

“What’s with that vacant reply? Whatever. More importantly, what’re you gonna do?”

The guy released an exasperated sigh at my hollow response and pressed for a conclusion.

In his hand was a large, red fruit precariously perched in his palm—a wildly mismatched combination with his tough appearance that felt surreal.

As I blankly stared at it, I remained silent. My ability to comprehend the situation had glaring flaws. However, I had no means to express my concerns to this intimidating person.

“Quit joking around, alright? I’m just asking if you’re buying the Ringa or not. Answer me right.”

Leaning in, his outstretched arm gripped my shirt. I was roughly pulled forward, my body colliding with the counter. The sheer force made the shelf that held the products tremble, and items teetered on the brink of falling, causing him to panic.

“W-what are you doing?! Stand properly! Don’t just let your legs go limp like that…”

“Legs…?”

“Two perfectly good ones are right below your waist! Did you imagine you lost your legs or something?”

He circled a finger at my head and then pointed it down to my lower abdomen. Following his finger down, I saw my own legs trembling slightly. Those shaky legs couldn’t support my body and I was desperately leaning on the counter.

“Please, just stop with the bad jokes already. I’m already in a state where nothing like this should be happening.”

The guy sighed, staring at my slumped figure with a look of disbelief. Engaging with me like this in public could reflect poorly not only on him but also on the people nearby, but my body didn’t react even a sliver.

I couldn’t recognize reality. A hazy sensation wrapped around me, giving rise to a strange feeling of alienation, like having a thin film covering everything, causing all information to trickle out of my mind.

What am I doing?

What happened?

I felt like something must have happened, but what was it?

What was, what was, what was—

My fragmented thoughts lost their escape, endlessly meandering through the narrow labyrinth of my skull, wearing down my spirit. If I could only erase it all and vanish, perhaps that would bring me peace.

Yet, that solitude’s absence was suddenly eclipsed by—

“—Subaru-kun?”

A girl’s voice that suddenly made my eardrums vibrate pushed aside the chaos.

“———”

Without a voice, I jolted, slow yet steady, shifting my gaze upward. Behind the towering figure of the man blocking me, someone was rearranging items that had been knocked askew from the collision.

Dressed in an apron dress with a white apron over a black base, a petite and delicate figure bustled around. She turned towards me with an adorable expression upon realizing my gaze, her blue hair dancing with her movements, further accentuating her serene impression.

Tears welled up.

“—Hey?”

“Subaru-kun?”

A sob escaped as my vision blurred.

Fearing the girl who just moments ago had been vividly present might fade away, I desperately rubbed my eyes, yet she distanced herself, the commotion around me growing louder.

Before I knew it, my body lost its support from the counter and collapsed onto the street. Strength and willpower failed to reach my toes, and I couldn’t help but lay there, tears streaming down my face, struggling to breathe.

No, that wasn’t breathing.

“Fuh… heh, haha. Hehehe… hihihaha…”

It was laughter.

I could sense the commotion swelling around me, attentions increasing exponentially.

Someone was looking at me. They recognized me. I wasn’t lonely. I wasn’t isolated. Just knowing that affirmed my battered form rolling in the dirt.

“What’s wrong, Subaru-kun? Are you okay? Pull yourself together…”

The girl jumped over the counter in a hurry, kneeling beside me. As she moved to lift my fallen body, I—

“Eh?”

Embraced her with reckless abandon.

The girl stood there, momentarily frozen in shock at my embrace. Her fleeting breath brushed against me, and that warmth felt incredibly soothing, causing me to clutch her tighter, burying my face in her shoulder.

“W-what… Subaru-kun? Uh…”

She tried to say something. Each word she uttered, every syllable, felt like a divine revelation delivered to me with each passing second.

I wouldn’t let go of the arms that wrapped around her. The girl, slightly shifting, silently accepted my embrace, making no attempt to break free.

With that warm body, the heartbeat of life, and the presence of another so close, I—

“Hiha… uhihah, hihihihi”

Natsuki Subaru—the madman—simply continued to laugh quietly.

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“I honestly can’t say anything other than I’m at my wit’s end…”

Sitting in a leather chair, Felix mused, resting his chin on his hand.

The cat-eared beauty with chestnut hair twitched her ears while glancing at Subaru lying on the bed, her gaze drifting pityingly towards the girl standing by the bedside.

“If it’s just the physical wounds, I can help with that. I can handle whatever’s on the outside or inside, but… the heart is beyond my reach.”

“… Thank you for your efforts.”

In response to Felix’s apology, Rem bowed her head. However, her voice lacked the usual tone, drained of emotion. It was an unusual detachment, stemming from her internal turmoil.

Felix averted his eyes from Rem, who was bowing her head. He turned his attention back to the figure lying on the bed.

Sprawled out was a black-haired boy—Subaru.

Despite the attention being on him, his body showed no signs of reacting to anyone addressing him.

He wasn’t sleeping; his eyes were wide open, fixed seriously on the ceiling above him. Occasionally, a twisted smile would flicker across his lips, only to have him break down into tears moments later. His unstable state persisted.

Rem didn’t understand the cause.

Up until this morning, or more accurately, right before noon, he had been wandering around the lower district of the Royal Capital, behaving as usual. There may have been some effort to maintain a facade despite his strained attitude, but Rem had engaged with him in the same way, maintaining their usual rhythm.

Yet, his heart shattered without warning.

There didn’t seem to be an incident that triggered it.

When Subaru’s demeanor abruptly changed, regrettably, Rem hadn’t been right next to him. However, while helping out at the shop, she must have overheard the conversation between him and the shopkeeper.

He had suggested buying Ringa for Crusch’s residence, and the shopkeeper, unaware that it was headed to a noble estate, was readily willing to engage in business. It was during this negotiation that Subaru’s heart had suddenly crumbled.

As he collapsed on the bustling street, tears streamed down his face while he alternated between joyous and sorrowful laughter, his lungs spasming as he emitted that crooked laugh.

Having left that scene while knowing it would be disruptive, they carried him to Crusch’s mansion, explaining to Felix that he might have encountered some magical interference.

The result wasn’t promising. If the issue lay beyond Felix’s capabilities, it meant it was an insurmountable challenge for even the greatest mages in the Royal Capital.

Magic had no regard for the state he was in. It was merely that his heart had abruptly lost its equilibrium.

“I really don’t want to say this, but what do we do?”

“We can’t take action unless we know the cause… I apologize for troubling you, Felix.”

“Nah, that’s fine. In fact, given how weirdly quiet things have been, it is somewhat convenient for me to treat the situation, right?”

Largely unresponsive, Felix continued to glance down at the bedridden Subaru, and trailed off, “But still…”

“Is it okay to keep treating him?”

“… What do you mean by that?”

Raising her eyes, Rem finally turned her gaze toward Felix, who then prefaced with, “Please don’t get mad at me, but…”

“The treatment for Subaru’s condition is meant to ensure he can lead his daily life afterward, right?”

“Yes.”

“Since he can’t live a normal life anymore, isn’t it pointless to only treat his body?”

“—! Subaru!”

“Are you saying he’s finished? Just look at him! Seriously? It’s true that some events transpired, but someone whose heart shatters over something like that… Even if he recovers, he’ll still be beyond saving.”

At Felix’s words, Rem nearly erupted with indignation, yet Felix maintained a skeptical attitude. His condescending gaze towards Subaru held unmistakable contempt.

For one who was known as the premier water mage representing Lugnica, such a cold attitude seemed rather uncharacteristic.

Amidst Rem’s silence, Felix shook his head with a bittersweet smile, “Don’t misunderstand me…”

“It’s not that I have any personal animosity towards Subaru-kun; I simply dislike people who lack the will to live.”

He pointed at Subaru, cutting off Rem’s attempt to retort.

“What Felix can do is heal wounds and such. I’m reasonably busy using this ability to help various people. Everyone’s struggling to survive, and helping them isn’t a bad thing, right? I don’t hate being thanked, and it helps me gain favors from influential people like Crusch.”

“—”

“But I won’t spend my strength on healing someone unwilling to live. Those people will squander their lives regardless of their bodies being healed. If that’s the case, they should just end it. They’ve already ended!”

With a definitive tone, Felix declared, turning his face away.

Underneath that obstinate attitude, Rem sensed a profound sincerity regarding the countless lives Felix had witnessed. Though his words held a veneer of levity, they reflected a perspective on life and death molded by his experiences.

And against someone with such firm beliefs, it held no meaning for her, as an outsider, to respond with mere emotions.

Rem could only look at Subaru, feeling an unbearable emotion echo within her heart, silent and restrained.

To tarnish Subaru’s dignity or Roswaal’s authority would simply betray the feelings she’d harbored herself.

“I think Felix’s opinion is a bit too harsh,” a voice suddenly rang out resonantly, breaking the awkward silence that had settled in the room.

Lost in her thoughts, Rem snapped up her gaze, startled by the arrival of that figure. Meanwhile, Felix, who had noticed the knock before entering, maintained a composed demeanor, though a silent heat glimmered in his eyes.

“Crusch.”

“I wouldn’t say weakness is a sin. But I do agree that accepting weakness as a norm and becoming complacent with the status quo is indeed sinful.”

Crusch, having entered, raised her palm towards the standing Rem, her long green hair swaying as she approached the bedside. She regarded Subaru, whose face remained twisted in a wicked smile.

“I see. This is indeed a serious situation. Do you know the cause?”

In response to Crusch’s inquiry, Felix shrugged, raising his hands.

“According to Rem’s account, he collapsed without warning. I’ve thoroughly examined his body, but there doesn’t seem to be any peculiar magical interference.”

“Is there a possibility he was affected by the north’s… sorcery? It’s not out of the realm of belief that there were influences targeting royal selection participants from the Gusteco side, or that there was demonstrative action from another faction.”

“Both are difficult scenarios to entertain. The timing is too off for such actions, and who exactly would benefit by targeting Subaru-kun? It’s common knowledge to those involved how he has been perceived. There are no signs of magical interference, including sorcery.”

“Or perhaps,” Felix quirked an eyebrow playfully, leaning towards Crusch while snuggling up to her side, “Are you doubting my abilities?”

“Preposterous. There’s no way I could ever question your abilities, your character, or your loyalty. Even if you were to plunge a dagger into me head-on, that thought would never waver.”

“Wow, Crusch, that’s such an unbelievable compliment… I’m practically floored.”

Felix swayed and squirmed, but Crusch turned her gaze back to Rem. Rem met her sharp gaze and stood tall to meet it.

“Felix says he cannot help Subaru. If he cannot provide assistance, then there is no one in our household who can heal Natsuki Subaru. I apologize for our inadequacy.”

“—No, I should be the one expressing my gratitude for your generosity.”

In response to the master’s apology, Rem respectfully bowed her head.

She genuinely felt indebted for the immense kindness they had shown her, regardless of what words may come.

Rem did not believe for a moment that Felix had been negligent. Nor did she think Crusch would make arbitrary judgments against Emilia, a political opponent.

Rem herself had some involvement with water magic and understood Felix’s capabilities and their absolute futility in remedying Subaru’s recent shift.

Regarding Crusch’s character, though they’d only met a short while ago, she was undeniably sincere and straightforward. With the ability and responsibility to lead the duke’s household as a woman at a young age, she certainly possessed the qualities befitting a noble.

Any blame to be assigned to either of them was nonexistent.

This current state was simply a circumstance beyond anyone’s control, and—

“—The Witch.”

Rem clearly recognized that the increasing stench suffusing Subaru’s presence was its true cause.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

The presence of the Witch enveloping Subaru—some noxious miasma around him was growing thicker.

Whether it was directly responsible for his collapse was uncertain, but it remained true that it had swelled immediately before Subaru fell.

Other people failed to sense the foul odor that only Rem could detect.

Thus, she couldn’t fault them for feeling helpless to help Subaru, nor could she blame herself for not pointing it out further.

The only person capable of detecting the Witch’s miasma was Rem, who had developed an ability that surpassed even her sister following that fateful night when their family was slaughtered.

She supposed she had become somewhat sensitive; previously, when she had still possessed her horns, she could already differentiate the mana’s intricacies permeating the atmosphere, tracking scents through the mountains.

However, it was her newfound power, birthed from not forgetting that night’s memories, that let her perceive the Witch’s presence.

The cause was unknown. Perhaps her body had mutated to retain the memory of that night under conditions of extreme duress.

And Rem had never told anyone about this peculiar sense. Since then, she had paid stronger attention to anyone leeching such miasma.

A physiological aversion coursed through her.

That said, it was easy to pay too much attention to preconceptions; that assumption would soon be demolished by the boy who, all along, reeked of the Witch’s miasma.

Nevertheless.

Nevertheless, Rem was acutely aware that this miasma did not herald anything benevolent.

The Demon firmly recognized that.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

“Thank you for your care. I’d like to extend my gratitude for today’s kindness on behalf of my master.”

With a deep bow, Rem expressed her gratitude.

Before her stood Crusch and Felix, and the three were having their farewell conversation in the entrance hall of Crusch’s mansion.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of help. Ideally, it wouldn’t be appropriate to receive any compensation without providing assistance.”

“No, it’s our circumstances that caused the interruption. Crusch-sama has shown us the utmost consideration. Compensation is certainly warranted.”

As Crusch slightly dropped her gaze, Rem firmly raised her face in response.

Accepting that, Crusch once again murmured, “I apologize,” and refrained from offering further words. She too understood that conversations would soon turn formal.

“Well, it does feel a little unfinished, but I suppose that’s how it is. Take care, Rem-chan. As for Subaru-kun, should I wish him a speedy recovery?”

With that, Felix was the next to speak on behalf of his master.

Winking cheerfully at Rem, he leaned back against the door, where Subaru remained standing in a lazy pose, still rather half-conscious.

His reactions had reverted to sluggishness, making it questionable whether he even recognized her, but he would follow if she tugged his hand and could remain upright without wobbling. Still, he randomly burst into laughter or tears, which was equally troubling.

“We can’t overwrite our house’s rudeness, no matter how much we apologize. Thank you for treating us so generously.”

“This pact we formed was based on shared conversations. There’s no way I could disregard it. It may be a challenging time for you going forward.”

“Yes… That’s something I’ve braced for.”

While maintaining a tight grip on the edges of her apron, Rem expressed her determination as she glanced sideways at Subaru, whose figure was unsteady and wore a faint smile.

Rem had not forgotten the words he once said to her. She repeated that moment again and again in her mind, recalling it through reenactments.

Thus, in taking action equal to what he had done for her, she needed to reciprocate him.

“I regret that I can’t fulfill your offer.”

When Rem was seemingly lost in thought, Crusch squinted her eyes, prompting those words.

Though they were vague, she understood that they related to the contents of the secret discussions she’d held with Crusch.

Lowering her chin, Rem shook her head in response to Crusch’s lowered gaze.

“It’s entirely our lack of capability. Although this has led to unfortunate results, I wish for your continued success in the future, Crusch-sama.”

“Please convey the same to Emilia. May we, together, undertake battles that deserve our souls.”

Through those exchanges, Rem recognized that she had fulfilled her role in this place. The treatments for Subaru had been left half-finished, along with the directives given to Roswaal.

Neither of those could continue given Subaru’s condition. In this location, potentially hostile territory, she couldn’t keep ushering around an unguarded Subaru.

“Returning to the mansion is one thing, but do you have somewhere to go?”

“At the very least, if I can meet Emilia-sama…”

Despite the frustration bubbling within her, Rem responded to Felix’s inquiry.

No matter how many times she called out, regardless of how attentively she treated him, Subaru didn’t return to his usual self.

Even in his current state, he occasionally uttered meaningful words.

And those words were,

“Name…”

“Hmm?”

“Sometimes, he says names. Rem’s name, and Sister. Also…”

On one hand, there was happiness that her name was among them. On the other, the stark reality of Subaru not reciprocating her efforts weighed down her joy.

Yet, the name that appeared most frequently was—

“If I can meet Emilia-sama, there might be some change.”

“But… you said you parted ways harshly, right? Only about three days have passed since then. It might be better to give it more time… but that’s not possible, is it?”

“I’m aware that it isn’t a commendable method. However, Rem can no longer manage this situation by herself. I must return for further guidance.”

While masking her true feelings under the matter of caring for her master, Rem was acutely aware of her own longing.

It troubled her to recognize how insufficient she was for the task at hand.

“—Vilhelm has arrived.”

Looking up, Crusch squinted her eyes.

Following her gaze, Rem turned to see a dragon carriage pulling up at the edge of the estate. A familiar elderly gentleman was seated in the driver’s seat.

“That’s the last long-distance dragon carriage we have at our residence. It’s fortunate I didn’t nearly send it out on unrelated business.”

“Lucky indeed. If we cut across the Leafhaus highway, we should reach the mansion before the date changes.”

As she gazed at the arriving dragon carriage, Rem narrowed her eyes at the brightening sun.

The time was nearing noon, and if they rapidly proceeded with the dragon carriage, she would indeed arrive at the mansion in about half a day. With that looming arrival, she could transmit an inkling of her intentions through her empathic ability to her sister.

“Stay safe.”

“Do your best!”

As they bid farewell, Rem performed one last deep bow and then took Subaru’s hand, stepping away from the Carsten estate.

At the gate, she accepted the reins from Vilhelm, exchanging a word or two before climbing into the driver’s seat.

“Subaru-kun, come sit beside me.”

“… Uh, a?”

Pulling his arm, she set Subaru beside her. Though it felt quite cramped for both sitting together, she wrapped one arm around his waist and firmly grasped the reins with her other hand.

For the long journey ahead, they had to keep running in that state.

She worried about the burden on Subaru, and after they reached the mansion, she had to protect him. Surely, Roswaal and others would not welcome Subaru.

She had to remain Subaru’s ally, even if he found no other supports.

If not, if not—

As Rem tightened her grip on the reins, the earth dragon leaped forward.

Slowly, then progressively faster, the wheels began to move.

It felt as though the rhythm of those wheels reflected Rem’s heart, giving her a sensation that mirrored her current emotional state.