After Subaru’s laughter had echoed for a while, Otto, finally confirmed, was released from his bindings.

Rubbing his swollen wrists and the corners of his mouth, still red, Otto shot a resentful glare at Subaru.

“Thanks for saving me… though I don’t really feel like saying it honestly.”

“Hey now, what kind of attitude is that towards the people who saved your life? If you get known as an ingrate, it’ll make future dealings tough and only worsen your situation, you know?”

“Ah! So you fully know the whole situation now! Thanks a lot! I owe you my life! I didn’t feel like I was living at all back there!”

Subaru jested in a way that suggested he understood Otto’s background, prompting Otto to offer a loud apology, almost recklessly.

The conversation mirror they had taken from the infiltrator indicated two concealed locations—one assessed to be the cave where Petelgeuse was hiding, and the other where Subaru had long been unaware of the last fingertip’s location.

Thus, alongside guiding Emilia and the others to safety, they had instructed the beastmen mercenaries to launch a surprise attack and eliminate risks beforehand.

As a result, Witch Cultists, who received false reports due to Felix’s magic, were completely oblivious of their movements and were ambushed, leading to their destruction—successfully rescuing a few captives and, for some reason, Otto who had been caught by them.

Moreover, further good news was that among the captives brought back by Ricardo and the others was a familiar woman.

“She’s the woman Petelgeuse possessed twice. So far, his possession rate with her is a hundred percent.”

Whether it was out of preference or not, it turned out that a high-risk target for Petelgeuse’s potential next host was among the captives.

Since she was currently restrained and unconscious, the possibility of Petelgeuse choosing to possess her next would have likely diminished.

Furthermore, the other potential targets, where they had identified the locations, were already within their reach—this greatly indicated that they were drawing closer to victory.

With the blank letters and the last fingertip coming together, Subaru felt he could shape the fragments of the future correctly.

It could be said that this time, the fact that they managed to save Otto was part of that.

From the forest emerged a group of mercenaries along with Otto’s Earth Dragon, equipped with the dragon carriage. It was understandable that with his possessions seized and his life at stake, he probably felt quite uneasy.

If things had proceeded as before, it was not hard to imagine what Otto’s fate would have been. If Subaru had passed that point last time, he felt they would never have had the chance to reunite like this, making the mess he made feel worthwhile.

“Well, let’s leave it at that. Spit.”

“What’s with that reaction! Did I do something to you?!”

Otto shouted, his embarrassment spilling out as he spat in retort, but Subaru casually dismissed it, saying, “That’s that,” and changed the topic.

“Now, how did you get caught? It doesn’t make sense for you to be alone.”

“Well, um, there’s a bit of a tricky situation behind it, you see.”

“Nowadays, most who come to this territory are merchants drawn by the announcement from the Royal Capital to gather at Roswaal’s mansion for some shiny new business—”

“You’ve already mostly figured it out, haven’t you!? Yup! Just as I thought, everyone jumped at that chance to get rich and sped off down rough paths, only to run right into the dens of those lurking in the forest and got caught! So, go ahead and laugh!”

“Honestly, you’re telling me such a greedy story and expect me to laugh? That’s a bit much…”

“I’m not pleased, you know!!”

Brushing off Otto’s lame attempt to laugh it off, Subaru couldn’t help but smirk at his ludicrous state that screamed of unreasonable frustration.

Apparently, it seems he hadn’t changed much regarding that merchant mindset and reckless side, which was rather comforting. Savoring their conversation after quite a long while, Subaru took a moment to assess his figure.

—Checking for any suspicious behavior or odd hostility within his demeanor.

Ricardo, observing from a distance, seemed to have the same sense of caution.

Given how particularly sensitive their situation was, one could say the doubts had nearly been cleared at that moment, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

Considering the merchant leader, Ketty, had been an infiltrator, even though he had somewhat built a fair relationship with Otto, he couldn’t afford to trust him recklessly.

Each time such doubt crossed his mind, he couldn’t help but loathe the way it was hardening his heart.

No matter how many times this world repeated for him, Subaru could never truly know the real intentions of people or their feelings, or their pasts. Thus, he could do nothing but remain suspicious, struggling to earn their trust while never fully believing in anyone.

“I guess I’m becoming a nasty person too…”

“What was that?”

“I was just saying I’m glad you’re alright. For now, being in this village means you’re safe, so just hang tight. Sorry to hear about the lost money-making opportunity, though.”

Feigning cheerfulness to cover his self-deprecation, Otto looked around in surprise, and belatedly noticed that what he desired wasn’t among the villages.

“W-wait, could it be… was it already—”

“You missed your chance to profit. Well, it’s better you’re alive to work another day. Just make sure you handle things properly.”

Patting Otto’s shoulder, who now had a pale face, Subaru then scanned the scene, where preparations were being finalized. Ricardo caught his eye and, having given Otto a once-over, nodded in approval before merging back with Mimi and the others.

Feeling relieved he had received the approval of a seasoned mercenary, Subaru exhaled softly and quickly explained the situation to keep Otto from getting any more reckless.

While Otto seemed slightly distant, he finished explaining everything with gestures.

“Anyway, regarding the forest bandits—you probably already know this, but the party gearing up to take them down includes us. During that time, we’ve been gathering merchants to evacuate the villagers since it could very well become a battlefield. Sorry for the misunderstanding, but since you’ve arrived too late, you’ll have to stay put until things are settled. Got it?”

“Uh, okay?”

“Glad to hear you’re taking it well. A few will stay behind, so please stick close to them. Once everything is done, we’ll talk again.”

Having said just that to the dazed Otto, Subaru then shifted his attention toward the now assembled hunting party, calling out to Julius and Ricardo, who appeared to be managing things.

Upon turning around, Julius looked at Subaru and then glanced at Otto from a distance.

“Seems like you had a reunion with someone you know? Have you warmed up your old friendships enough?”

“We had a laugh, shared some foolish banter, and I couldn’t help but pry into any hidden motives behind their smiles. I feel like I’ve become too malicious with my own nature, you know?”

“It looks like you are satisfied then. If you no longer need to suspect someone you don’t want to, then that is good enough. —What about him?”

As Julius soothed him with his own self-deprecating remark, he inquired about Otto’s treatment. In reply, Subaru gestured toward the village, spreading his arms.

“We’re keeping him in the village. Either way, there’s supposed to be a standby team there, so he can help protect it. I really don’t want to send any more trouble chasing after those who evacuated.”

“That seems to be the best course. In that case, too much time wouldn’t make for a wise choice. Shall we be off soon?”

Julius nodded at Subaru’s answer while narrowing his eyes thoughtfully, dropping a question about their combat readiness. The knights standing in formation tightened their expressions in response to Ricardo’s body language.

The atmosphere around them began to heat up with a palpable fighting spirit.

Subaru raised his chin, casting his gaze upon the sky, allowing some of his worries to float away into the ether.

Despite some uncertain elements, he was confident he had managed to eliminate as many risks as possible. He had fulfilled every personnel duty he needed, and now all that was left was to wait for fate to smile upon them.

Thus, extending the time any further would be nothing but foolishness, extinguishing their fighting spirit.

“—Let’s go, I’m counting on you all.”

Lowering his gaze, Subaru quietly rallied everyone.

In response, the knights nodded in agreement and began mounting their Earth Dragons and the Ligers they had kept ready.

Close beside Subaru, Patrasche, who had been anxiously awaiting his turn, nuzzled against him. After stroking his firm skin, Subaru climbed onto his back.

Next to him, both Julius and Ricardo stood ready, their gazes firmly set as Subaru took a small breath, saying:

“Alright everyone, let’s do this. I’m counting on you all—let’s give it our all!”

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

Reflecting on his experience from the previous battle, Subaru established a theory about Petelgeuse’s “possession.”

Firstly, Petelgeuse’s “possession” operates by transferring his consciousness into another body once the current body ceases to function.

Secondly, the host he possesses is not arbitrary but is limited to a body referred to as “fingertip,” which belongs to Petelgeuse’s subordinates.

Thirdly, by the term “finger,” it can be inferred that there are likely a total of ten spare bodies assigned to various hiding places, ready to be switched to in emergencies.

Fourthly, even if Petelgeuse is rendered unconscious without being killed, if any remaining fingertips sense this, they would force his current body to commit suicide, triggering the possession phenomenon.

Fifthly, if all “fingertips” are lost, Petelgeuse will possess Subaru’s body as a last resort. This possession is overwhelmingly powerful; no matter how strongly one tries to maintain consciousness, it cannot be resisted. —That is the summary.

“Putting it into bullet points like this reveals it’s not just a first-level kill but a serious problem. If he also possesses the powers of the ‘Invisible Hand’ and ‘Sloth’—that’s just malicious to an absurd degree.”

The invisible deadly grip known as the “Invisible Hand.”

Mental pollution termed “Sloth,” which undermines the combat morale of those who lack resistance, driving them to lose their sanity.

And even after taking lives, the “possession” that cannot be completed in a single attempt.

In a single life—one shot deal, it would make sense to throw in the towel facing such overwhelming odds.

If he were to confront this blindly without any knowledge, Subaru would be confident he would die countless times, trying again and again. Yet, after preserving these memories and repeatedly trying, finally, he glimpsed some light—a hint as to why the Witch Cult had held power for four hundred years.

Petelgeuse possessed such a particularly lethal ability designed to take advantage of first encounters.

Thinking in terms of universally effective lethal patterns, it made sense that he would be so well-known and utilized within the Witch Cult.

That’s precisely why Subaru was essential in confronting Petelgeuse.

For someone who can easily kill on first contact, Subaru was an existence capable of taking him on with the exclusive experience of knowing him.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Natsuki Subaru was Petelgeuse’s arch-nemesis.

——Passing through a thicket of dense trees, Subaru headed toward the cave he had visited multiple times.

The view became entirely green, threatening to erase his sense of direction. Yet, there were no hesitations in his steps; he had been on this path too many times with a specific purpose. His senses, his feet, guided him toward it like tracing the marks of memories.

Not once had Subaru headed toward that place with the intention of combat.

Neither last time nor the time before that, Subaru had perceived his role merely as a decoy to buy time, focusing solely on fulfilling that duty as he faced the situation.

Previously, he was drowning solely in murderous intent and a self-destructive feeling of finality along with those negative emotions.

But this time was different. This time, he had come here with a resolve to fight.

To mark an end to the long, unending connection, to settle the battles he had repeated.

“—Welcome back, beloved disciple.”

As the forest opened up, exposing him to sunlight and firm ground underfoot, looking ahead revealed a high cliff blocking his view with a slender figure standing before it, arms outstretched in welcome.

Was this the fifth time they’d meet?

Meeting someone repeatedly tends to stir a somewhat positive impression in most people. Yet with this man, that didn’t seem quite possible.

“I am the Archbishop of Sin, ‘Sloth,’ Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti…!”

With both hands pointing toward Subaru as he proclaimed his well-rehearsed introduction, the eccentric in the black robe fluttered, baring his yellowed teeth, gazing at Subaru with a sprightly demeanor.

“What a great day this is, a splendid day indeed! I never expected to receive such a new darling of love on this fateful day just as I was about to execute the trial…! I am overwhelmed with emotion, joy, and admiration that my heart may burst from it!”

Before his chest, he placed a hand and began swaying in a manner reminiscent of embracing himself. Trying hard to hold back any disgust toward the madman’s antics, Subaru inhaled deeply.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Archbishop. I greatly appreciate being able to join just before the trial takes place. It is an immense honor to me. However, if you would accept this body and soul as part of the congregation conducting the trial, I would know no greater honor.”

Bowing and kneeling, Subaru expressed maximum respect toward Petelgeuse. Watching it, Petelgeuse’s eyes filled with tears as if overwhelmed once more and he sobbed, wetting his cheeks with tears.

“Oh, oh! What a magnificent aspiration! What a pure reflection of love! I’ve never cursed my own laziness as much as I have now! A devout believer of love like YOU! The fact that I failed to embrace such a kindred spirit until now is nothing but a result of the Witch Cult, my own sin of Sloth! Oh, please forgive me! Forgive me for the sin of overlooking even a single drop that you, who pours love into the world, should shed—!”

In response to Subaru kneeling, not to be outdone but rather to express the depth of his own emotions, Petelgeuse threw his limbs onto the ground, smashing his forehead into the rocky surface while inflicting punishment on himself—a brutal action that made his skin crack and blood flow.

While he had deemed Petelgeuse to be someone who indulged in self-harm before, now that the chance had arisen that this body might not even belong to Petelgeuse himself, it didn’t seem right to simply label it self-harm anymore.

But regardless, if that self-harm were to go too far and take his life, that would really become a problem.

Their unspoken plans were still in progress below water. They needed to buy time and steer situations toward a planned outcome.

“Archbishop, please stop. Such actions would not please the Witch.”

“Oh, but but but but but but but but! My laziness! My foolishness! How could I repay love without punishing myself?! There’s no other method!”

“That is not the case. The Witch would want you to proceed with the trial without harm to beloved believers.”

Walking over to stop Petelgeuse, Subaru conveyed this. In an abrupt halt, Petelgeuse stopped his frenzied movements, his eyes widening as he gazed up at Subaru. Feeling a chill creeping up within at the sight of his dry gaze, Subaru barely managed to nod silently.

Suddenly, a skeletal grip clutched at Subaru’s arm with an unexpected force.

“—Everything you say is true.”

“—!?”

“Ohh, I have been mistaken! I was wrong! I could not be as I should be! So! The trial, right now, what I ought to do isn’t self-punishment, self-harm, or self-destruction! It’s the trial! To respond to the love of the Witch, it is my mission to engage in this trial at all costs! How foolish to forget that and take pleasure in self-pity! Oh, your words have opened my eyes! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderfully wonderful!!”

Grabbing Subaru’s arm roughly, Petelgeuse shook it up and down violently, pouring out one-sided gratitude as he stood up. Wiping the blood cascading from his forehead with the sleeve of his robe, Petelgeuse declared with a mouth full of his own wounded fingers.

“My life as a Sloth has no value! Being diligent is the most noble thing in this world, while Sloth is the vilest vice! Therefore, I’ll use my diligence to eternally distance myself from this Sloth! Oh! You, certainly an industrious person! Being able to welcome you as a new believer, it is an immense joy!”

His behavior was utterly devoid of consistency, with logic falling apart at the seams.

Petelgeuse, who had one moment expressed self-harm while biting his fingers, flipped into a joyful laughter of forgetting everything in the next.

Subaru thought he understood that Petelgeuse’s emotions and actions had collapsed, but no matter how much he tried to acknowledge that, he couldn’t quite keep up with the insanity that surfaced.

Trying to keep the conversation going with the intention of buying time, Subaru found himself speechless in the face of glimpses of Petelgeuse’s frenzied humanity.

“—Let’s talk about the trial,” Subaru said, holding his breath and closing his eyes as he suppressed those incomprehensible emotions and spoke up.

The topic was the “trial,” which the madman repeatedly mentioned in connection with the purpose of the assault against them. To Subaru’s knowledge, there had never been a discussion concerning the specific content of this trial that Petelgeuse would so frequently mention.

Petelgeuse referred to this assault as a “trial,” saying he would test Emilia. But what was the true intention behind all that?

How would one know what would be required to overcome the “trial” posed by Petelgeuse? Although Subaru didn’t ever wish to understand a madman, he wouldn’t be able to face him unless he firmly believed that there was a rationale behind these actions.

At the very least, he had to understand what they sought to achieve through their absurd endeavors.

“I would like you to share the objective behind this operation—specifically the details of the trial, Archbishop.”

“—The trial.”

Petelgeuse suddenly spoke that word softly, as if all prior emotions had been wiped away.

Feeling tremors run down his spine at the calmness he showed, Subaru barely contained a reaction while awaiting further words.

Previously, when attempting to divert the topic into the trials, he had been asked for the gospel, leaving the conversation unfulfilled. What might come of it this time?

Choking back a particularly rough gulp, he sensed a burning in his stomach as silence stretched on.

Just when he felt beads of sweat begin to collect on his forehead—

“The trial! Yes, it is the trial! I must conduct the trial! If I do not test, if I am not tested, then I have come for nothing!”

Petelgeuse’s face lit up suddenly as he began bouncing around in jubilation.

His sudden, raised, loud voice caught Subaru off guard, whose tension had momentarily slipped away, leaving him aghast. Petelgeuse, maintaining a high-pitched voice, continued significantly.

“I must test! This new half-demon whose existence has recently come to light—whether she is worthy of harboring the Witch! If her vessel is worthy, I shall secure her! If not, she shall pay the price of her impudent birth!”

“A vessel? To harbor the Witch? …a price?”

“Loneliness! Distrust! Such negative feelings must elevate the vessel! To lift it worthy to the Witch! Therefore, this lazy body, my will, and my fingertips must be fully devoted! Oh! Love! I must reciprocate the love!”

Extending his fingertip toward the heavens as if to grasp the divine, Petelgeuse’s gestures and words crystallized what Subaru felt was an inevitable answer.

If the words vessel and descend were to be interpreted correctly, then—

“If, as a result of the trial, if it determines that the half-demon is a worthy vessel… she’ll harbor the Witch…”

“The Witch of Envy, Satella shall re-emerge to the world—! That day, that time, that moment! How eagerly I have awaited it! If I can be of help, a contribution, a foundation… there would be no greater joy than that!!”

Petelgeuse’s voice overflowed with joy filled with tears, and while listening to him, Subaru felt a revulsion at the fact that the true objectives of the Witch Cult were more nefarious than he could conceive. In other words, they had acted in such brutal ways, committed murder beyond measure, relentlessly hunted Subaru down—again and again.

“So, they see Emilia as nothing but a vessel for the Witch’s soul.”

Before the Witch’s soul enters, the virtue of the vessel’s original owner, how noble and earnest they are, how deeply they are loved—none of that holds any significance to them.

That alone was an infinite humiliation to Emilia, representing an intolerable insult directed towards Natsuki Subaru, who was deeply affected by her existence.

In pursuing their goals, they would burn entire villages to the ground without second thought, indifferent to such heinous acts as though lives taken held no stories or dreams.

How else could they nonchalantly undertake such deeds with a calm demeanor, treating them as trivial?

“—Monster.”

For a fleeting moment, a single utterance sparked Subaru’s hostility, and yet, Petelgeuse remained oblivious.

With incomprehensible thoughts, an ideology utterly alien, a conception eternally unshakeable—a monster that was Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti.

“Archbishop, I have enjoyed listening to your doctrine. The ethos of the Witch Cult, truly more than I could have imagined. I will accomplish this trial without fail.”

“Ah! You are indeed remarkable! Yes, just as it should be! We must come together, wholly devoted and single-minded, to engage our true purpose. My fingers, my feet, my eyes, my nose, my mouth, my tongue, my blood, my bones, my flesh, my soul—they are all to be sacrificed to the Witch! Since the moment I was blessed with her love, since I recognized that I have been loved, my existence has been reduced to mere filth… oh! How lazy it is!!”

Petelgeuse, who seemed to receive compliments with relish, took Subaru’s words at face value.

He spoke proudly of a selfish faith overflowing from deep within himself. Reaching into his robe, he pulled out a black book, the Gospel, and began turning its pages.

“The words inscribed in the Gospel tell the story of love! They make me resolve to act! To uphold love, to accomplish the deeds; obstacles are essential! Obstacles must be present! Obstacles are part of the inherent existence…! Therefore, my daily diligence shall be tested, the faith that opposes Sloth shall be tested, as will the trials bestowed upon me—!”

Following the text with his fingers while bubbling at the mouth, the bloodshot-eyed Petelgeuse’s excitement flared.

Having successfully once taken the gospel from Petelgeuse, to Subaru, the book in his hands was filled with indecipherable scrambles of letters.

But it was evident that Petelgeuse understood the text.

His cheeks flushed with crimson as he read the writings, excitement coloring them, simultaneously exuding delight and fervid madness.

And finally—

“—The Gospel, the proclamation.”

Tilting his head at a sharp angle, Petelgeuse curved his waist, moving around to face Subaru.

Swinging around a bit more, he brought Subaru’s attention back to him.

The moment that phrase came out, Subaru felt the unwelcome familiar thought creeping back—it was that infamous line that always disrupted the flow of a conversation.

Every Witch Cultist received the Gospel, or so it was rumored.

There was still no understanding of how it was distributed nor the beings from which it originated—presumably the darker aspects of the Witch Cult only a few were aware of, including Wilhelm.

But even without touching on such unknowns, possessing the Gospel was an absolute necessity for all Cultists.

“Please, might I ask for your Gospel? I would very much like to know what gift the Witch has granted you.”

With a vigorous nod, Petelgeuse turned his head back and forth, watching Subaru intently with movements that could make one nauseous.

That posture suggested that he had not yet received the response Subaru was eagerly awaiting. The role of buying time continued—collecting his breaths, Subaru spoke again.

“Unfortunately, regarding the Gospel…”

“Indeed, the Gospel. If you are recognized as one of the faithful, then it should already be in your hands—”

“As it happens, I haven’t received the Gospel at all due to some misunderstanding.”

Interjecting before Petelgeuse could voice his agreement, Subaru revealed he was without the Gospel. Petelgeuse’s eyes went wide, but before he could form any words, Subaru fiercely held up a palm and interrupted, saying, “Wait!”

“Indeed, I do not possess the Gospel! However! My love for the Witch is certainly within me, overflowing in this heart! Even without the tangible Gospel in my hands, if this intangible longing is not my soul’s lament in order to repay the love gifted to me, then what would you say that it is?!”

“—You are.”

“In a different form! I too, just like you, am but a leaf enamored by the Witch. I shall wholeheartedly assist in this trial. I pour everything into loving the Witch. Nay, my very essence has already been wholly surrendered to her!”

With a cascade of words, he piled them onto Petelgeuse before he could converse back. Raising his fist, pressing his foot to the ground as he strained his face with passion.

“Or are you saying, Archbishop! Are you saying Petelgeuse, that you’d deny this lament of my soul?!—You would mock me for clinging to a love without form, that I’m pitiful and foolish?! That is acceptable! Perhaps I might excuse such treatment! However! Nonetheless! No one can shatter my faith! Love! Love is everything!”

Lifting his fist skyward, Subaru bellowed at length, having finally let it all out.

Petelgeuse, in contrast, listened intently to Subaru’s words with ears wide open, and as his cries wound down, he could only exclaim, “Hoh!”

“What a refreshing, delightful murmur of love…”

Petelgeuse lost the hardness in his expression, as though struck by lightning.

The madman, now deeply moved by Subaru’s statement, began shedding tears, overwhelming joy coloring his face.

“Forgive me for doubting you, my Sloth! You are magnificent, indeed! Unquestionably magnificent! Unlike me, who cannot take pride in announcing my love without a form or Gospel, you shine with confidence! The essence—deep and rich love I can communicate without words—You, are precisely the one who embodies it!”

With utmost reverence, Petelgeuse knelt and placed a hand on his chest to express respect towards Subaru’s faith. At that moment, he certainly appeared as a devout man of religion.

Subaru couldn’t help but experience a strange feeling of reflection as he watched Petelgeuse’s attitude. It was—

“This guy is so simple-minded.”

“What was that?”

“Please raise your head, Archbishop. I am not a being so grand as to be treated like this. Above all, we are here as ones who have been loved by the Witch—united to share and repay that love!”

Creating a polite smile to distract from the truth, Subaru extended his hand to Petelgeuse. Blinking in surprise, Petelgeuse nodded and took Subaru’s hand before rising to his feet once more.

Closing his Gospel with a sound, Petelgeuse spoke, “Even though I call myself an Archbishop of Sin, I seem to have had such a narrow perspective. I’m ashamed. On that note, I thank you for your kind consideration. I swear to reciprocate this encounter with the utmost diligence to the love brought to us by the Witch!”

“Absolutely! That is just the case! Let’s continue to grow through hard work together!”

“Ohh, those are such wonderful words! Even without the Gospel, having such a commitment within you is truly admirable—A strong desire, perhaps you are indeed ‘Pride’? If that is so, you must possess the Witch Factor.”

“Witch Factor—?”

With the unfamiliar concept that sounded somewhat familiar, Subaru tilted his head in confusion.

At his question, Petelgeuse responded, “Yes.”

“The believers receive the Gospel, and those such as myself, an Archbishop, receive the Gospel alongside the Witch Factor. Without the Witch Factor, speaking of trials will—”

Suddenly, Petelgeuse interrupted himself mid-sentence. Noticing the shift in demeanor, Subaru raised an eyebrow.

He then tucked the Gospel away, pulling out another item from within his robe.

In his palm rested a hand mirror that glowed softly—

“—!”

“Forgive me! My fingertips have made contact… it seems there’s been a shift in the situation. Hopefully something favorable.”

Distracted by the dialogue mirror, Petelgeuse didn’t notice the brief change in Subaru’s expression. Regardless, he opened the mirror, glancing over the surface to reveal himself.

“This is me. Is there an anomaly—”

“Well then, meow, what’s going on. Oh, right! Toradora Tora!!”

“Huh?”

His expression froze at the sight of that figure and statement reflected in the mirror.

As Petelgeuse stood flabbergasted, Subaru gradually realized what the mirror image was revealing.

The displayed figure was shaking its cat ears, waving, and sticking its tongue out with a rehearsed phrase.

“You mean—this is how I got your attention? I’ve succeeded in the ambush!”

“What? What? I can’t possibly…”

Listening to Petelgeuse bewilderedly express confusion made Subaru smile with an exuberant grin, different from his earlier forced laughter.

It was an authentic smirk, twisting his mouth into something resembling a mischievous, toothy smile.

“I’ve managed to initiate the ambush—that’s what it means!”

“You… what?! I cannot understand the context!”

“You don’t get it? Don’t worry.”

Doing his best to explain the significance of their code while nodding emphatically, Subaru found himself completely at ease. And then,

“Honestly, what you said was just as incomprehensible to me!!”

With a powerful right hook, Subaru landed a solid strike against the crazy man’s face—his long-stuffed frustration exploded at last, sending Petelgeuse careening away.

Crashing as he rolled over, Petelgeuse’s eyes flickered in astonishment, unable to suppress the shock of such a violent onslaught.

Looking down at that pitiable man, Subaru loosened his clenched fist and pointed at him sharply.

Then he declared, “I’ve held myself back for too long, but my limit has finally hit. So, let’s put an end to this, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti!!”