Life is a game where you can only play the cards you were dealt.

Whether it’s your birth, appearance, talent, skills acquired through effort, or the virtues you’ve cultivated, they all mean the same thing in the end.

Subaru is all too aware that he lacks all of these things.

By some fluke, only Rem wholeheartedly accepts him, but he knows full well how far he falls short of the ideal image of Natsuki Subaru that she sees.

Comparing himself to the ideal Natsuki Subaru, the cards in Subaru’s hand are fewer in number and of far lesser quality.

However, when facing the battleground, no one will lend an ear to such laments.

Everyone must challenge the game with the cards they have been dealt.

What remains are the timing of play, how to play the cards, and how to bluff.

“—White Whale”

Among the hidden cards, it’s a hand that could potentially have the greatest impact. Upon hearing that word, the faces of those present in the room shifted drastically.

Crusch narrowed her eyes thoughtfully and murmured, while Felix cast a concerned glance sideways at her. The merchant Russell expressed his disgust with a furrowed brow at the name, and above all—

“—!!!”

In an instant, a dark, thick aura of pressure swept through the room.

Crusch, who excels in martial arts, Rem, belonging to the Oni race, and Felix, from the royal guards, all felt the overwhelming oppressiveness that brushed against their skin, as did Subaru and Russell, who had little ties to combat.

And from the source of it—

“My apologies. I’m still rather inexperienced, it seems.”

Wilhelm, who had previously kept his eyes shut, opened one eye without changing his expression as he apologized. The old swordsman, brushed by the sharpened aura that filled the room, touched the hilt of his sword as if to conceal his shame from the gazes directed at him.

“I apologize for interrupting the discussion. I would not mind leaving this place, but…”

“No, you should stay. I want to hear your opinion.”

Crusch rejected Wilhelm’s quiet suggestion and sent a meaningful look towards Subaru.

She propped her arms on the armrest, rested her cheek on her hand and said, “So?” and added,

“The White Whale is quite a sudden term that just popped up. Are you referring to the ‘Mist Beast’?”

“Yes, that’s correct. It is the giant whale that scatters fog while swimming through the sky. I know the time and place of its next appearance. I would like you to consider this information as a bargaining chip for the alliance.”

How about it? Subaru tilted his head toward Crusch, entrusting her with the decision.

Crusch put her hand on her chin, as if deep in thought for a moment. But before she could reach a temporary decision—

“May I ask something?”

It was Russell, who raised his hand inquiringly, seeking the right to question.

When Subaru nodded in recognition to allow him to ask, Russell held up a finger and said, “If you would allow me to interrupt, there’s something fundamental I must confirm… Do you, Subaru-dono, properly understand the value of being able to know of the White Whale’s appearance in advance?”

“…At the very least, it should reduce the number of merchants caught up in its appearance. If we can anticipate the schedule for transporting goods, we can minimize human casualties.”

“That perspective is far too shallow.”

Russell cut across Subaru’s timid response with an increased tone.

He dramatically waved his arm towards the large windows of the hall, showing the outside as he continued, “Are you aware of how many lives have been lost to the White Whale, created by the Witch’s hand? Merchant caravans that have fallen victim to the whale’s fog, the knights of the kingdom who sought to slay it, only to be devastated partway through their journey. The White Whale is not merely a giant and terrifying existence.”

Russell spoke passionately about the horror of the White Whale. It was clear that he sought to share the burden of negative emotions, a manifestation of his own struggle against weakness.

When confronted with a ‘foe’ of such overwhelming might, people often try to praise that very ‘foe’ to protect their fragile hearts.

“It is vital to avoid encountering it if at all possible. If we can foresee the appearance of the White Whale, a symbol of disaster for merchants, that alone would be worth its weight in gold!”

Clenching his fist, Russell articulated the value of the information Subaru held with enthusiasm.

However,

“But,” he said suddenly, the fiery glint extinguished from his gaze, as he waved his unfurled fist.

“The value of that gold is only valid if the reliability of the information can be proven. You claim to know the place and time of the White Whale’s appearance, but if you lack proof, then it’s just mere chatter designed to keep us interested.”

“Essentially, what they just stated mirrors what Russell Fellow has just expressed. I am interested in the basis for your claims.”

Following Russell’s unpretentious smile, Crusch posed her questions regarding the authenticity of the information Subaru had provided.

In response, Subaru felt a cold sweat trickle down his back.

Yet, he managed to stifle his weak feelings in front of his audacious smile. Cautiously, he resolved to play the next hand he had kept hidden.

With great care and precision, just as he had prepared beforehand.

“I’m able to know about the White Whale’s appearance because of this.”

He declared, pulling out from his pocket and slamming it onto the table.

As it slid to the center of the table that everyone surrounded, all their expressions barely shifted. Moments later, bewilderment arose in their eyes.

“Natsuki Subaru.”

“Yes.”

Responding quietly to Crusch, Subaru stood tall without hesitation.

Without referencing Subaru’s rather brazen attitude, Crusch pointedly gestured toward the object resting in the center of the table.

“What is it?”

The object was a shiny black device that resembled a modern item from another world.

—A mobile phone, which Subaru had pointed out first.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

Subaru had come to know the precise time of the White Whale’s appearance by a series of fortuitous coincidences, a twist of fate.

Events orchestrated by fate often create life-threatening situations for Subaru, but this time it played out favorably.

During his third encounter with the White Whale, Subaru happened to have his mobile phone in hand.

Looking for light to check a map on the darkened dragon carriage’s driver seat, he had successfully fished it out from his baggage at that very moment.

The phone, with barely any remaining charge, illuminated the dark and satisfactorily achieved its purpose.

Although shortly afterwards, he encountered the White Whale, and checking the map became a futile endeavor, alongside securing a means of transportation.

“That moment, right then…”

As the dragon carriage next to him vanished, Subaru raised the phone to peer into the darkness.

In that instant, those massive eyes emerged on the other side, staring back into him.

Immediately after, thanks to Rem’s precognitive strike, they plunged straight into combat, but amidst the chaos, the White Whale’s roar and its tail’s blow sent them flying into the void, etching scenes in a fragmented, slow-motion image-like fashion into Subaru’s mind.

Amid the confusion of images, a shot of the mobile phone held in Subaru’s airborne hand could be seen — with the screen displaying clearly, “3:13 PM.”

Given that time has shifted drastically since his summoning into this other world, it could not purely serve as a time indicator in a conventional sense, but considered as a stopping point for a new scene, it held significant meaning. Above all,

“It’s no wonder you wouldn’t know. This is a magical tool of sorts unearthed from my hometown. It serves as the evidence behind my claims.”

—The mobile phone, whose origins remain ambiguous, could be potentially useful in negotiations.

Eyes widened in surprise at Subaru’s words, the first to reach for the phone was Russell. Just before his fingers touched it, he appeared to realize he was becoming too eager and asked Subaru for permission, “May I touch it?”

Nodding and watching him carefully take hold of it, he stated, “This is quite a strange substance, isn’t it? It resembles metal yet it isn’t. The surface is smooth… Can it open?”

As Russell unfolded Subaru’s flip phone, light gushed forth from it, causing him to let out a small gasp of surprise.

The screen typically displayed a character from an anime, but it had been changed to an ordinary clock face just before this meeting started. Any random interactions would only lead him to an underused contact screen.

“It lights up, and the images switch… No, but I can’t tell what it says. It’s some letters I’ve never seen, or rather… Are they pictures?”

The display produced an animation showing the movement of a second hand, yet for people in this world, whose concept of time did not match, the clock depicted was meaningless to them, and the numbers indicating the time looked like confounding geometric patterns.

Naturally, Subaru experienced the same curiosity day by day.

“Those are special characters, so I doubt anyone can read them, right?”

“But, you can still use it… is that what you mean?”

“I can’t operate every single function with ease.”

In response to Crusch’s inquiry, Subaru chose his words with great precision.

In the context of his opposition against Crusch — no, within the scenario of Crusch being present, there was one condition he must strictly avoid.

In order to sidestep that landmine, Subaru’s mind was fully devoted to carefully selecting his words.

“In other words, you’re saying this… this magical device serves a role similar to a ‘warning stone’ that alerts you when the White Whale approaches.”

“I don’t really recall this warning stone, but I would assume so.”

Based on the name, it likely served as a type of magical gem that functioned as a warning system in this world.

Attuned to sound, presence, or mana fluctuations, it can emit light or sound alarms, making many assumptions about its purpose.

“A magical tool notifying us of the White Whale’s approach… Russell Fellow, what do you think?”

“Truthfully, I’m drawing a blank here. Magical tools vary greatly in characteristics, and it’s rare for identical ones to be unearthed. Devices like dialogue mirrors that have established replication methods are just exceptions among exceptions… Therefore, it’s difficult to prove the utility of this magical device.”

Asked about determining a tool outside his knowledge, Russell avoided speaking baseless assumptions. His current position did not lean toward either Subaru or Crusch, remaining as a benevolent third party.

The proceedings of negotiations would greatly influence his own standing. Naturally, his gaze assessed which side to ally with for his own benefit.

As a result, finding himself rejected by Crusch, she frowned with concern, “That means we have no way to verify the truth of your claims. It will be difficult to take your word at face value. So, what shall we do?”

“Indeed, it’s a troublesome situation. It would be nice if there was at least some proof.”

Opening both hands as if to express surrender, Subaru turned to Crusch with a gesture. Pondering over this, she narrowed one eye and then exhaled softly, “How about we try getting close to the magical beast and alert it? Or is there anyone to confirm that this magical device reacts to the beast?”

“Correction!”

Raising one finger, Subaru shook his finger back at Crusch with a playful glint.

“It doesn’t actually react to the beasts themselves. Otherwise, it would ring every time we encounter monsters all over the place.”

“—So, does it only react to the threat posed by the magical beasts?”

Crusch responded to Subaru’s caution, continuing, “What a convenient proposition,” she hinted at a laugh.

But prior to her, someone muttered, “—Aha.”

Recognizing a sound of agreement reminiscent of understanding was Rem, who still had her fingers pressed against Subaru’s sleeve.

Cautiously, Rem went to cover her mouth, seemingly embarrassed to interject her own will into the conversation, but before her apology could escape—

“You reacted there, Rem. Do you have an idea?” Crusch pressed her.

Rem briefly turned her gaze towards Subaru’s profile, featuring an expression that concealed gratitude and concern. So, noticing this, Subaru nodded in reassurance.

“If you have something to say, feel free to tell us.”

“—Yes. If Natsuki-kun says so.”

Feeling encouraged, Rem took a step forward to face Crusch and gestured toward the phone on the table.

“Since it’s concerning matters within our territory, I can’t provide too many specifics, but… Recently, there was a commotion involving magical beasts. Among those who reacted swiftly to contain the situation was Natsuki-kun, as Master Roswaal has also recognized.”

“Concerning the incident involving magical beasts—did you sense it through this magical device?”

“It was far too uncanny to have sensed it without a reason.”

Guardedly, Rem tilted her head slightly to gauge Subaru as if contemplating how he sensed the occurrence of the Juggernaut incident.

Her nagging doubts, rather than mere curiosity, were slowly being resolved thanks to the ‘magic tool’ that Subaru presented.

“—”

Hearing Rem’s response, Crusch directed her piercing gaze at her.

That keen glare seemed to delve deeply into Rem’s bright eyes, lending one the impression she was examining it thoroughly.

Though the few seconds became a span that drained energy as if time itself conspired against them, it eventually passed by.

“—You aren’t lying.”

Crusch recognized a level of understanding and trust within Rem’s reply.

As her words sank in, Subaru did his best not to show the relief that washed over him, clenching his fist tightly, holding back a celebratory gesture within.

In truth, every word regarding the capabilities of the magical device was merely a tall tale fabricated through layers of deception.

It was a farce composed of bluffs upon bluffs, and knowing the truth muddied with dishonesty could have thrown the negotiations into utter disarray.

Nevertheless, Subaru managed to conflate this dire situation through the careful selection of language and steering the conversation.

In answering Crusch’s question, Subaru never spoke a single falsehood.

The phone was not a device that indiscriminately rang at the existence of magical beasts, and Subaru, who had even neglected the messaging function, did not possess mastery over it either.

He avoided direct confrontation with his dishonesty through silence and shifting topics, and the most daunting hurdle he dreaded was the acknowledgment of “magic items” by a third party.

He achieved that by subtly steering Crusch’s interest toward Rem, who had unconsciously spoken out favorably as a solid ally.

By suggesting that “the magical device reacts to the threats posed by magical beasts,” he predicted Rem would link it to the Juggernaut incident. In fact, she did manage to connect the two matters and effectively piqued Crusch’s curiosity profoundly.

As Rem spoke plainly the truth of her beliefs, it didn’t equate to it being understood in its entirety.

“It sounds like you can ascertain whether someone’s lying or telling the truth.”

“When it comes to that, yes, you’re right. To see the wind—makes it seem sensible; however, in reality, it involves perceiving the invisible judgment factors.”

In reply to Subaru’s casual remark, Crusch delivered an unexpected answer.

Subaru had merely attributed making sound judgments about the powers to her perceptive abilities.

“To see the wind means relying on what is unseen as the basis for judgment. As such, the ‘wind’ surrounding me can be perceived. Naturally, those who speak falsehoods will have a particular wind blowing underneath them. —Rem showed none of that.”

“Wow, you really have no clue about that, huh?”

Subaru gasped in amazement as Crusch’s faith in her skills was unparalleled.

In a negotiation setup, her ability to discern truths from lies was decisive. Not backing down, Subaru felt his own anxiety rise to battle her prescience at a crucial point of the negotiation.

Regardless,

“Whatever your stance may be, with no deception present in Rem’s words, at the very least, it will support your assertion that you have some means to determine the threats posed by magical beasts.”

Holding faith in Rem’s response, Crusch sought to overlook Subaru’s contrived exits.

Though he felt guilt from deceiving a noble soul, he knew he couldn’t reveal the pain roiling beneath the surface that did not amount to mere jest. His fundamental intent wasn’t to instill falsehood; instead he grasped the delicate balance of these negotiations.

They should solidify their positions clearly and maneuver effectively within the negotiating realm.

Thus, he should select the best playing cards to show up fearlessly. There was no need for guilt, especially since showing weakness would be highly disrespectful.

“Do you think you’ll believe in the power of this magical device?”

“That’s a bit hasty. While I may perceive the connections, I can still gauge them without a previous tie. Given the ongoing ramifications for the Royal Selection—and by extension, the future of the Kingdom—precipitous decisions are not advisable.”

If he could seal the deal right here, Subaru’s plan would have failed spectacularly.

The information regarding the White Whale’s emergence—though it has garnered the necessary credit—remains at a level low enough to sustain casual conversational mention.

To heighten that trust and elicit the desired responses from Crusch—

“—About the negotiations on this magical device, may I also partake?”

Suddenly, a voice that did not belong to anyone present rang out in the hall.

Startled, Subaru turned around, shocked to see a figure leaning against the opened large hall doors, making a gesture as if to knock on the frame with the back of her hand.

“Isn’t it ridiculous that the very person who summoned you is the one who’s most surprised?”

When she caught sight of Subaru, who had an expression of astonishment, her warm demeanor shifted into a teasing smile as she swept her flowing lavender hair with her fingers.

The soft waves of hair reached down to her waist, and her tranquil expression effortlessly conveyed a sense of calmness to others. However, the spark in her eyes was keen and scrutinizing, hiding a world of economic strategy within her intellect.

“—Anastasia Hoshin.”

Crusch spoke quietly in a low voice, recognizing the visitor.

In response to having her name called, the one named Anastasia flashed a smile and expressed, “Thank you,” before adding,

“How is it fair to begin discussions without me, having been called here in a hurry? If it’s a money-making story that seems to pique interest… may I join in?”

She spoke playfully, moving to the center of the hall.

As she approached, Subaru momentarily felt a wave of anxiety wash over him, glancing back towards her, only to find the open doors closing slowly behind her and the other visitors—

“Don’t worry, Julius won’t be coming, so you can relax.”

“—!”

Her remark hinted at Subaru’s looming anxieties as she passed by him, assuring him without hesitation.

Receiving his shocked gaze, she shrugged apologetically, remarking, “Well, you see, Julius is under a suspension order from the commander. He’s in the midst of a punishment for trespassing where he shouldn’t have without his Lord’s command. Quite the troubled knight.”

“Suspension…”

Learning a fact he had not known of, Subaru stammered, amazed by the revelation.

He had assumed that the incident at the training ground had veered safely into obscurity, buried without becoming public due to the collective approval of the royal knights.

Glancing sideways at Felix, he found him with an innocent smile, and if he were aware yet chose not to divulge that information to Subaru, it would be exceedingly harsh.

In previous days, Subaru would surely mock and revel in Julius’s predicament, dismissing any thoughts that could serve as a lesson for himself. Perhaps that royal knight understood that well.

In any case,

“You were summoned… So does that mean Natsuki Subaru called for you?”

“The one who sought me was the cute girl by your side. Ordinarily, I would have been turned away at the gate… but since I heard the story that someone in the Royal Selection was selling information about the ‘White Whale’, it seemed I had to show up.”

In answer to Crusch’s question, Anastasia’s gaze fell on Subaru.

As he nodded slightly, he felt the momentum of the negotiations shifting dramatically.

—With that, all the allied forces he wanted had gathered at this negotiating table.

On equal footing was Crusch. To contend with her, there was Russell, representing the merchants of the Royal Capital; and then, adding Anastasia, who not only opposed Crusch but also held her own against Russell, it established—

“Excuse me, I have a question, Subaru-dono.”

“Yes? What is it, Russell-san?”

Raising his hand, Russell brought his attention back to Subaru, glancing at Anastasia.

As Subaru nodded, Russell touched his chin, “I hate to ask, but I would like to know the true intention behind bringing Lady Anastasia here,” he prefaced.

“In assessing the candidates for the Royal Selection, the Hoshin Trading Company has the possibility of being a new force in the Royal Capital’s merchant guild. For me, it’s preposterous not to ask, particularly given this gathering can influence our standing.”

“Would it anger you if I were to say I’m weighing the situation?”

At Subaru’s word, the atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically.

Russell’s displeasure was evident as he paled at the realization of his concerns coming to fruition, while Crusch’s expression seemed earnestly heavy. Only Anastasia remained unaffected, her predatory gaze unchanged since she had come as a visitor.

“Are you implying this? —You intend to pit the Hoshin Trading Company against us to see who values the ‘White Whale’ information more, and then decide whom to align with?”

“—”

“If so, that’s an overly rash choice, Natsuki Subaru.”

Energy surged in Crusch’s voice as she stood from her seat to confront Anastasia.

The natural height differences meant that Anastasia had to look up at Crusch, but—

“Ah, it’s quite something, Crusch-san. The look on the person above is of one who fears the encroachment from below… it sends a chill down my spine.”

“That’s not a compliment. I suppose it’s merely a sound judgment from someone who relies on their greed to find the righteous path. But just know, my character remains unchanged.”

As she remained collect, Crusch redirected her fierce sights back toward Subaru, her eyes sharp as daggers.

“Listen closely, Natsuki Subaru. If you are under the impression that a competition is about to begin between us and the Hoshin Trading Company, you’ve miscalculated. We have no real reason to cling to the information about the White Whale. Thus, there is no incentive to partake in your schemes.”

“Come on, we’re jumping too far ahead! Calm down, both of you!”

Subaru hastily interjected as he saw the negotiation on the brink of collapse.

The urgency and tension in the air rose palpably.

“Look,” Subaru exclaimed, nervously waving his hands toward Crusch, “it’s not like I could pull off trading secrets about the White Whale on a whim. My hands are tied, I know that!”

Russell tilted his head, quickly connecting the dots, “The implication is that you’re not attempting to manipulate candidates against each other for elevating prices, then?”

“Yeah! I believe people shouldn’t let someone swim circles around them so easily. I’m too small-handed for those kinds of deals.”

As he waved his empty hands, they were enveloped by Rem’s warm touch.

In a gentle motion, her hand enveloped his trembling fingers, and when Subaru turned to see her blushing cheek beside him, he felt momentarily invigorated by her presence.

“Y’know? And in this manner, grasping hands is the best I can manage…”

“Yes, yes, thank you very much! So, what comes next?”

“My apologies. So…”

While he stumbled over his thoughts at the warmth growing in his palm, Subaru focused on the hefty weight of the ongoing predicament.

“Bringing up the ‘White Whale’ card to draft in two merchants from the Royal Capital, I’ll suggest something grander!”

Snapping his fingers, he drew everyone’s attention and bared his teeth in a fierce grin.

In an assertive demeanor, showcasing no signs of weakness or shyness, Subaru slowly extended the fingers lifted toward Crusch and said—

“Can we take a hunt? Let’s slay the White Whale.”

Together against that abominable, nightmarish symbol of colossal monsters, that was the calamity known to merchants and a harbinger of traumatic memories for Subaru. The proposal to vanquish the Mist Beast was laid bare before Crusch.

“I would like to ask you a single question.”

Crusch looked down at Subaru’s extended hand and raised a finger towards him.

That inquiry would be the last barrier to crossover, Subaru instictively understood.

Up to this point, he navigated around Crusch’s “Wind Watching” divination. Even now, he was about to extract the critical negotiation at this precise moment.

What will her question be? Subaru held his breath, apprehensive of—

“Are you certain that you’re aware of the White Whale’s forthcoming location and timings?”

—Ah, no, no!

He uttered a small sigh inwardly, admitting, “Yes, I genuinely do know.”

—This time, there’s no way to lie.

“I assure you that the location and timing of the White Whale’s appearance are things I can guarantee. I’d stake my life on it.”

Given the fact that he paid with his life back in other worlds to acquire the information, without any room for doubt, he couldn’t back down.

“—There are some lingering concerns, but your intuition has proven magnificent,” Crusch remarked softly, inhaling.

However, initially, Subaru bent to understand exactly what she meant. But as her words seeped into his thoughts, forming a clearer image, it paved the way for—

“Then…”

“There are doubts, there is skepticism. There are many points that don’t add up, making it difficult to give you an immediate affirmation. However,”

With a clenched fist, Crusch grasped into her response as her fingers slowly slid around Subaru’s hand.

“Let us place our trust in both this situation you’ve created and in your vision.”

The negotiations had been established.

Seeing the handshake between them, one individual exhaled as if the weight of the world had lifted off his shoulders—Russell. He took a grand sigh, nodding with relief while shaking his head.

“I’m relieved to see that things have finally come together after quite a tense moment. Subaru-dono, you lived up to the promise before this meeting.”

“Yeah, I really am sorry for causing so much trouble, Russell-san. Once we drop the White Whale, I’ll make sure to hand over the phone as promised.”

Rustling arms together in a camaraderie, all while grinning slyly, Subaru rejoined in banter as Crusch grimaced at them.

“So, it was as I suspected.”

“I summoned this gathering, right? So after the impasse between you and Crusch-san this evening, I held a good portion of the conversation with Russell-san.”

“Please don’t take this the wrong way. Truth be told, we did not mean to be overly biased in favor of anything. Our relationship was established with a mind toward what comes next after the alliance is struck.”

Nonchalantly spoke Subaru and Russell, as Crusch closed her eyes, exhaling heavily.

After the information transfer before negotiations with Rem, Subaru reached out to Russell next.

When their discussion had faltered, he seized on the moment right as he was set to return home after visiting Crusch. Thus, he initiated this critical dialogue.

Subaru strategically leveraged the mobile phone and its intended use as a magical beast alert system beforehand. However, Russell was not informed of the phone not fulfilling its role as a genuine alarm device.

Listening to their exchanges, Crusch pennethe inquiry towards Anastasia, who smiled serenely back.

“What’s the matter, Crusch-san?”

“I understand the connection between Russell Fellow and Natsuki Subaru. But that leaves your role obscure. What drove you to summon me here?”

“Well, for one it shows some persuasive weight, I suppose.”

Looking around the room playfully, Anastasia brushed her hand over her fur collar, “When two candidates for the Royal Selection are present alongside a leading merchant from the Royal Capital, gathering so many related individuals in this setting makes it significantly hard for me to casually share loose information or opinions. So, just by being here, it adds weight to this one’s utterances, wouldn’t you say?”

Her eyes darted toward Subaru, whose internal response could only remain covert due to his pressure.

In actuality, that was indeed the intention behind his invitation.

If two candidates from the Royal Selection were brought forth, the presumed notion should insinuate that lies wouldn’t spill forth so vulgarly. If they had believed even a fraction of that, the intentions should have satisfied him. With such a keen mind, Anastasia exceeded the confidence of what they believed was true.

“In that case, what is the other reason?”

“That one is quite simple. —After all, I’m a merchant!”

Holding her mouth while grinning smugly, Anastasia bounced ahead.

Afterward, she gently placed both of her palms on top of the still clasped hands of Subaru and Crusch, announcing, “I’ll be cheering immensely for the White Whale’s subjugation. The existence of the White Whale is a life-or-death problem for us merchants; if you take it down, it would be a tremendous blessing. And in return, if you happen to consider favoring the Hoshin Trading Company with supplies and whatnot, it’d be perfect.”

“Hold on. In that regard, the Royal Capital’s commercial union should take precedence. Anastasia-sama must remember that the rules of engagement dictate accordingly.”

Russell interjected to challenge Anastasia’s merchant spirit as the two merchants locked eyes, their rivalry shimmering beneath the surface.

Hearing this conversation, Crusch cast a questioning look toward Subaru as she bore a hint of skepticism, leading her to scrutinize him further.

“Wait. Listening to what you two are saying, it seems there’s no time to lose?”

“It hasn’t all been articulated yet, but the manner in which this information has been presented lends to that expectation. Are you feeling the urgency, perhaps?”

Under the narrowing gaze, Subaru gasped slightly, faced with unexpected intensity.

Yet, at this juncture, maintaining further secrets might provoke complications. It was better to make the decision to cut loose and—

“Yeah, that’s right. —According to the magical device, the White Whale will appear in approximately thirty-one hours. The location… The Great Tree of Flugel, nearby.”

“In thirty-one hours…!”

“The Great Tree of Flugel.”

Crusch bit down on her dissatisfaction, while Anastasia tilted her head at the anticipated location.

Indeed, time was of the essence. Information regarding the White Whale’s appearance would remain valuable only until the moment it emerged.

If we aim to hunt down the White Whale,

“Then we have to mobilize the extermination squad along the Leafaus Highway within thirty-one hours, striking the White Whale the moment it reveals itself.”

“And what will we need for that…”

Quickly catching the situation together, Crusch turned to survey the room. It was Wilhelm the old swordsman who emerged next.

He broke the long silence, saying, “First off, the assembly of the extermination squad. This has already been in motion for several days, running smoothly. In fact, if memory serves correctly, the timing of the White Whale’s emergence coinciding nearly perfectly with the Royal Selection is merely a stroke of luck on your part, Crusch-sama.”

“Now we’re getting somewhere! So you’re saying there’s a pattern to this…?”

Expressing his surprise, Subaru inquired.

In the worlds he had previously explored, the consensus indicated that the emergence of the White Whale was entirely random, leading to it being feared as a monster who appeared without announced locations, and seasons merely as happenstance.

“The crazy obsession of old man Vil. It’s been fourteen years, and that’s all he’s ever thought of and worked toward.”

Felix spoke up, standing beside Wilhelm, his arm resting on the broad shoulders of the elder.

“The morale will be ensured because the old man’s around, but we’ve got to acknowledge that we’re underprepared,” he added. “Crusch-sama came to the Royal Capital with her army, which made quite a hubbub back home, hence the need for caution in gathering everyone.”

“Certainly. While weapons and tools aren’t yet at peak readiness…”

Acknowledging Felix’s remark, Wilhelm nodded. Yet, he shifted his piercing gaze towards Subaru and then at Anastasia and Russell.

“That brings us to your presence here. Subaru-dono.”

“Well, I guess, I had anticipated a scenario might arise?”

Scratching his head, Subaru replied defensively as Wilhelm’s words made him slightly shy.

In faulting Subaru’s meager reassurance, Russell scratched at his chin and remarked, “We’ve already begun mobilizing the guild, making preparations. By tomorrow afternoon, we will have gathered what we require from the shops throughout the Royal Capital.”

“The Hoshin Trading Company will do likewise. As for stores outside of the guild’s affiliations, it falls squarely into our expertise, and we have plenty of stock for sale, so rest assured!”

Following Russell, Anastasia proclaimed strong and clear support.

Afterward, with a mischievous look directed toward Crusch, her faint smirk suggested, “Merchants make it a point to seize opportunity. The moment we hold the cards, it’s exhilarating to sell it to others.”

“Thanks for your cooperation today, but to say it bluntly, it’s truly terrifying!”

Exploded Subaru, alarmed. Anastasia laughed heartily, “It’s all good fun!”

Witnessing their engaging exchange, Crusch let out a faint breath, ameliorating some of her tension, “I see now. I’ve better understood what blocked the negotiation path. This moment brought a realization that it was my lack of resolve. I have come to admire Natsuki Subaru.”

“Just chalk it up to a solid study session. Honestly, I’m head over heels relieved right now.”

Having completed a significant hurdle in negotiation, notably the wall that had to be overcome.

Even knowing that it was the outcome of meticulously arranged preparations, he only felt grateful to have walked away with narrowed results. The irregularities that played in his favor should be categorized as a blessing too.

“Somehow, I’ve managed to retain a glimmer of dignity for the Royal Capital, right, Rem?”

“—Yes. As expected, Natsuki-kun is splendid.”

With those words, Rem clasped the hand that wasn’t extended out toward Crusch, reciprocating their triumph in negotiations.

Upon reflection, she’d be the one who was likely happiest about the negotiation’s success.

During their time left in the Royal Capital, Rem had kept her grievances of concern to herself before the negotiations with Crusch began. She approached her challenge with all the powers permitted, yet she was still troubled by the possibility of securing an alliance. If it had not been reached, Emilia’s faction would still face dire circumstances, and there would remain uncertainties regarding Subaru’s own treatment.

The various anxieties must have drained her physically and mentally as they accumulated.

At this point, had he been able to return to her some reassurance, there had been some alleviation of that anxiety?

If so, to him, that brought a singular joy.

And then—

“—Subaru-dono.”

As Subaru exchanged joy with Rem, he was unexpectedly addressed.

Turning to see Wilhelm standing nearby with a serious look, Subaru straightened up, feeling the weight of pressure lining his spine as he returned Wilhelm’s gaze closely and took a breath.

“My gratitude.”

Wilhelm proclaimed stoutly, suddenly kneeling in reverence before Subaru.

Taken aback by the abruptness, Subaru stammered in surprise. Yet, to his astonished reaction, the others bore expressions of comprehension, revealing collective acceptance of Wilhelm’s gesture. Even Rem and Anastasia carried an understanding.

“I extend my gratitude just as deep toward Master Crusch. To you who’ve granted me an opportunity for revenge against the beast that stole away my wife.”

“Umm, uh, wait, what?”

“You’ve already noticed an astute perception, and yet still…”

Wilhelm ignored Subaru’s confusion, unsheathed his sword from his waist.

Setting down the sheathed weapon on the floor, he respectfully placed a hand over it as a show of deep, sincere respect, continuing,

“The name I mentioned earlier, Trias, refers to my former house name. I married the former Sword Saint, Tereshia van Astraea, sullying the lineage of Sword Saints—this is I, Wilhelm van Astraea.”

Taking a breath, Wilhelm’s eyes sparkled with vigor as he added,

“I thank you for the compassion you’ve shown in granting this frail body the opportunity to vanquish the loathed monstrosity that has stolen my beloved wife.”

The heartfelt words of Wilhelm resonated throughout the room, capturing the attention of all present, now waiting for Subaru’s response.

Prompted by their expectant gazes, Subaru inhaled deeply and responded.

“Oh, uh, yeah, I’ve of course heard about it. I figured Crusch would join to take down the White Whale as well, I just—”

“Natsuki Subaru.”

Crusch interrupted Subaru’s somewhat awkward response.

Fixing her gaze on him, she remained where she stood, hand-in-hand, and softly remarked, “A breeze of falsehood lingers around you, doesn’t it?”

Using that phrase, she effectively illustrated the potency of her “Wind Watching” ability.

The words weighed heavily, and viscerally, against Subaru’s feigned confidence.

 

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