“House arrest, huh… that’s quite an unpleasant word to toss around…”

Facing Roswaal, who lies on the bed, Subaru struggles to find the right words as he weighs the implications of what he has just been told. Under normal circumstances, he might have laughed it off as a boring joke, but the current situation held an unsettling degree of truth. After all,

“Don’t tell me that Roswaal’s injuries are from the villagers?”

Emilia, echoing Subaru’s troubling thoughts, voices the possibility aloud.

Roswaal, wrapped in bandages, looks painfully bruised with faint traces of blood seeping through. His condition serves as a stark reminder that there’s no room for laughter.

“There can’t be anyone in the village capable of injuring Roswaal this badly… which means things are more serious than they seem…”

With his hand resting on his chin, Subaru imagines the power dynamics at play, and a sense of urgency ignites within him.

The very existence of Roswaal L. Meiastars is not only that of Subaru’s guarantor in this other world but also conveys an image of a uniquely skilled magician within very limited parameters.

In fact, as the head court mage of the Lugnica Kingdom, Roswaal’s abilities are such that even if there were a hundred of Subaru, they wouldn’t stand a chance against a horde of Juggernauts he could effortlessly eliminate without breaking a sweat. And now, to see him like this—

“Oh, I think there’s a misunderstanding, but I got injured all on my own, so don’t worry about it! No need to act all cautious or seek revenge for me, okay?”

“Relax, I don’t have enough goodwill towards you to recklessly throw my life away… Wait a second, what does that even mean? That contradicts the earlier discussion. You said you’re under house arrest…”

“Given that I’m injured like this, there’s no denying that I’m confined, right? It’s not that I was injured for the sake of being confined; it’s just that I got injured *and* now I’m confined. … To clarify further, well, that’s a different story.”

Roswaal’s convoluted wording sends question marks spinning over Subaru’s head. Trying to decipher it all, he finally concludes,

“So, you’re saying the people in the ‘Sanctuary’ have nothing to do with your injuries?”

“It’s not that they’re completely unrelated, but if you ask me if they were the direct cause of my injuries, I’d say no. So that’s what I’m implying.”

“In other words, you’re saying that, indirectly, they’re connected.”

Roswaal tilts his head at Subaru’s deduction, blinking in surprise. Then he lets out a small sigh, teasingly adding, “It feels like watching a child grow up.”

This prompts Subaru to feel that he’s stumbled onto some crucial understanding. He mustered his words carefully to inquire further into Roswaal’s situation, yet—

“—Balus, shouldn’t you be a little kinder to Lord Roswaal?”

The interjection comes from Ram, who hadn’t participated in this conversation until now. The girl in her apron sways gently as she crosses the room and sets a steaming cup of tea onto the table.

The fragrant aroma fills the room, reminding Subaru that he has been too focused on the situation at hand. He also notices the poor state Roswaal is in with renewed clarity.

“Are you really going to pester Lord Roswaal, who’s injured like this, with questions? Does it satisfy you to see him in pain while he’s struggling to keep it together?”

“Don’t word it like that; it makes me not want to care. This pain he’s in doesn’t look like something for someone like him to cry over.”

“Oh, it hurts! It’s so painful! Your thoughtless words are piercing through my wounds!”

Subaru snaps back at Ram’s complaints, while Roswaal theatrically begins to act out his discomfort as if he were the world’s greatest actor, causing Subaru’s frustration to rise even more. Just then, Emilia clears her throat to regain the focus of the room.

“Anyway,” she starts, gathering the gazes of the three, “it’s clear to me that Lord Roswaal is not in good condition, so we better wrap up this conversation quickly! Haven’t you cast any healing magic yet?”

“Ram knows nothing of healing magic…”

Despite saying it with a blank face, Ram still seems a little disappointed, while Emilia looks at Roswaal with a glimmer of hope.

Roswaal, waving his hand slowly, remarks, “I’m also focused solely on destruction. I can do just about anything in the fields of breaking, invading, or confusing, but when it comes to healing, I’m utterly useless.”

“What kind of messed-up story is this? You should at least refine the techniques for defense instead of just offense!”

Yet, Subaru’s own growth strategy leans heavily towards attack-focused skills, so criticizing Roswaal wouldn’t hold much weight.

While Subaru grimaces at this odd understanding, Emilia sighs, “Well, it can’t be helped. I’m not at my best without Pack here, but I can still use healing magic for you. I’ll need you to listen closely as I cast it, though.”

“Lady Great Spirit?”

Emilia’s casual mention raises Roswaal’s eyebrows, and he squints slightly, the coldness emanating from his expression oddly contrasting with his usually relaxed demeanor, making Subaru shrug and murmur, “Wow, a serious face—rare sight. Is Pack’s absence really that shocking? I had no idea you were a hidden fluff enthusiast…”

“Unfortunately, the only time I got close enough to the Great Spirit to touch was when I was sharing mayonnaise… She’s a bit scary. But, well…”

Ignoring Subaru’s light banter, Roswaal’s brow furrows in thought. Then, with his yellow eyes trained carefully on Emilia, he asks,

“Lady Emilia, have you noticed anything amiss with your condition or behavior differently than usual?”

“…? Other than Pack not showing up? That started just before coming to the ‘Sanctuary’… Oh, but there’s one thing.”

Emilia raises a finger, then briefly glances around—as if she were looking out across the ‘Sanctuary’ beyond the walls—before lowering her voice.

“This ‘Sanctuary’… well, perhaps since entering the forest, the spirits seem less responsive. Plus, when I was outside just now, I felt something… strange watching me.”

“Strange, watching?”

Subaru tilts his head at this unexpected statement, and Emilia nods, confirming, “Yes.” She explains the unusual pressure she felt right before parting with Garfiel.

“It felt like someone was staring at me. It was very unsettling… I didn’t tell you because I thought it might just be my imagination.”

“Both your senses are not wrong. This place is uncomfortable for the spirits, and the residents here hold uncomfortable emotions towards you, Lady Emilia, after all.”

While attempting to be mindful of Emilia’s feelings, Roswaal’s words disregard those sentiments altogether. Subaru instinctively opens his mouth to scold Roswaal but finds himself interrupted as Garfiel intervenes.

“—Hey, you should show some care for Lord Roswaal!

In the chaos of the conversation, Garfiel, who had been silent until now, pipes up with a fierce look directed at Roswaal, pressing his point as he shifts his focus to the injured figure on the bed.

You haven’t even finished your story yet? If it was just you in pieces, it would be a laugh, but now that the half-elf is… Lady Emilia is present, it changes everything, doesn’t it?”

“—Huh?”

Garfiel’s frustration spills over as he not too subtly points a finger at Roswaal, now irked that his name has even come up in this exchange.

“When Lady Emilia stepped into this ‘Sanctuary,’ the issue escalated to involve us too, you know? That’s what I’m telling you! You haven’t even dived into the pressing matter yet. Are you here for a stroll?”

His anger spills not only over Roswaal but also over into Subaru and Emilia, who are left in silence. The depth of Garfiel’s rage becomes evident in the way he glares at Emilia when he says her name, causing her to shrink back slightly.

“Wait a second. I get that you’re angry, but you’re not even clear on why you’re mad at us over here. It’s pointless to get frustrated with someone you can’t even understand, right?”

“That’s why I can’t stand it! The involved parties act like that…”

“You’re ignoring the very parties in question that are moving forward, and Roswaal there is doing the same. If you want to see the issue dealt with properly, then fulfill your obligation to explain. You can’t just expect us to understand without saying anything; that’s way too self-important!”

Facing off, the pressure from Garfiel amps up even more, pressing down on Subaru. Garfiel may be shorter than Subaru and is even seated, but he doesn’t give off any indication of being small or easy to dismiss. In fact, when faced with his intensity, Subaru feels as if Garfiel is a boulder.

Knowing how timid he can be, taking a step back or glancing away would be completely understandable.

But—

“…Subaru?”

Feeling delicate fingers gripping the hem of his clothes, Subaru hears a faint voice call his name. The timidity in Emilia’s voice invigorates him, giving him strength against the weak knees that want to give way.

He can feel Emilia standing behind him, looking to him for support, and there’s no way he’s going to bow down before this situation.

“—Tch.”

They exchange silent glares for what feels like an eternity before Garfiel is the first to look away. He clicks his tongue and leans back against his chair before roughly ruffling his short blonde hair.

“Ahh! Okay! I know I just blew up at you all earlier! I’m sorry! I just lost my temper!”

“I didn’t hear you say sorry! Honestly, doesn’t someone call you a pain in the ass or something?”

Subaru found himself painfully amused by Garfiel’s abrupt change from anger to self-awareness. Garfiel sighed, “Ugh, just keep talking while I’m quiet. The moment I step in, things tend to stall.”

“You’re so self-aware of your own pitfalls but don’t change? That’s something else.”

“Sweet talk like that won’t get you far. I’m low on understanding.”

With a mixture of admiration and frustration, Subaru couldn’t help but chuckle as Garfiel huffed out a sigh. Suddenly, Ram, having returned from outside with steaming cups of tea, steps in.

“Here’s your tea.”

“You’re supposed to be a bit more humble when offering a drink, you know?”

Ram lays the cup down with a straight face, and Garfiel, unbothered, downs the hot beverage in one gulp as if he could handle it, proving he’s not sensitive to temperature like some.

He clears the cup and Ram lets out a deep sigh,

“Another case of no worth in brewing for this guy. He doesn’t suit my tastes.”

“It just tastes like leaves, right? If it satisfies thirst, it’s all the same as water!”

“While I agree that it only tastes like leaves, I still resist agreeing with such blunt reasoning. Ram, why not give him the other cup too?”

As Subaru points this out, Ram offers Garfiel the other cup she had in her hand. Subaru already had a hunch about the leaf-like color but chooses not to stop her, even encouraging her instead.

“What’s this? You’re considerate? You definitely understand that one cup isn’t enough for me… gah! Huh!? Hey, this is just leaf juice!”

“If it quenches your thirst, water, tea, or leaf juice would work the same. Once you take a sip, you drink it all—leave some, and I’ll twist your ear.”

Ram does not specify where but glares at Garfiel’s lower region directly, and Subaru instantly feels his instincts scream for him to not get anywhere near that. Grudgingly, Garfiel guzzles the bitter liquid.

Meanwhile, Roswaal, who had been observing, suddenly bursts into laughter, “Haha. Are you all worried about my condition enough to try and rest me? Or do you intend to make me laugh until I bleed out? If that’s your goal, then you’re succeeding.”

While saying this, Roswaal presses down lightly on the bandages over his chest with a wry smile. The sight of fresh red beginning to spread from underneath frightens the normally buoyant atmosphere.

At that moment, Ram approaches Roswaal with a paler complexion and gently places her hand over his hand that’s pressing on his wound. “I’m so sorry, Lord Roswaal. With me here…”

“Actually, you’re the one who pushed me to drink your tea, aren’t you!”

Subaru waves his hands defensively as Ram’s sharp glare turns towards him, silencing him as they observe Roswaal’s condition. Although bleeding, it seems that the situation isn’t dire—likely a case where he just needed to rest. Presumably, it would have been best if he had kept his injuries tended to.

“Roswaal, we should definitely heal you…”

“No need for that, Lady Emilia.”

Emilia, having come to the same conclusion, steps forward surrounded by hovering spirits, ready to heal him. Her approach is halted by Roswaal shaking his head, the ethereal spirits wavering in response to their master.

As Subaru watches Emilia’s white profile, realization dawns on him.

—Garfiel is glaring at her with a strangely frozen emotional gaze, one that feels devoid of warmth.

“Right now, what I need is less important than what’s actually at stake. My injuries are not life-threatening; please prioritize that over me.”

“We can’t just ignore someone injured. It’s impossible to just leave someone hurt to their own devices while dealing with another issue…”

“Is it still necessary to prioritize stepping toward the throne?”

Emilia’s usual tone flares, freezing what was about to be a conversation about healing before it could start. Startled, her face tightens and her purple eyes widen in astonishment at what’s just been said. In contrast, Garfiel meets her expression with a sharp gaze of his own, glowing ominously.

“This ‘Sanctuary’ is simply land that the Meiastars family has kept over generations, but it holds significant… yes, significant meaning for you, Lady Emilia. So one way or another, I intended to invite you here eventually. Though, it seems like this visit has come a bit sooner than planned.”

“Necessary for me…? What does that mean…?”

“The issues surrounding this ‘Sanctuary’ are closely tied to those you face, Lady Emilia. Thus, perhaps it is in this location that you may find your anchor.”

“—What?!”

Subaru witnesses Emilia’s expression change suddenly, and it appears Roswaal looks on, taking her response as he intended. Yet the dynamic of feelings exchanged between the two is lost on Subaru, leaving him feeling irritated and restless.

But before that unease can turn into words, Roswaal points to Garfiel.

“You’re up, Garfiel. You need to guide these two—no, take them to the graveyard.”

“—Oh? Is it alright?”

With his cup empty, Garfiel swings his fingers on its handle, chuckling deeply under his breath. To this, Roswaal nods, lightly patting Ram’s pink hair as she prepares to change his dressings.

“It’s important that they understand the situation. We can explain the rest even after the sun sets, but the graveyard isn’t going to wait.”

“Oh, true enough, it’s getting dark. From that point on, things wouldn’t be too straightforward. Okay then, I’ll guide you.”

With that, Garfiel stands up, placing his cup back on the table and turning to Subaru and the others, raising an eyebrow as he notices them still lingering without a clue.

“Quit looking so dazed! If you don’t want to end up with something embarrassing happening, let’s get going.”

“Wait wait wait! I’m not even caught up with what we’re discussing! We haven’t resolved anything with Roswaal here! Can’t we at least finish that first…?”

“You’ve torn something open…It’d be better to change those bandages and get you some peace first. Just go with these two to the graveyard, following Roswaal’s orders.”

Ram cuts through Subaru’s protest with her resolute voice, the cold stare she levels at him making him pause.

“Just calm down. We’ll talk once night falls. Lord Roswaal isn’t going anywhere. However, the graveyard will vigorously ‘run’ away if you don’t hurry before sunset.”

“Never heard of an active graveyard before.”

Scratching his head as he responds, Subaru feels Emilia’s gaze pressing into him from the side. It seems she entrusts him with the decision of their next move.

Should he stay to settle matters with Roswaal? Or follow Garfiel’s lead to the graveyard? Decisions, decisions…

“Got it. I’ll head to the graveyard, then. If that’s what’s needed, I’ll follow suit! I’ll definitely get back and have a proper talk after this.”

“Sorry you had to deal with this mess. But let’s talk about a lot of things once night falls.”

Subaru’s declaration visibly relaxes Emilia, and Roswaal nods, satisfied. Garfiel and Ram look agreeable as well, and they all begin to move forward with their respective tasks. However, before they proceed, Subaru raises a finger.

“I’ve got one thing I need to ask before we get to the graveyard.”

“Sure, go ahead. If it’s something I can answer easily, throw it at me.”

“Alright, making the most of that offer—have you heard the name Rem before?”

With the pause, Subaru slyly layers on the real question. The first to react isn’t Roswaal but Ram, who tilts her head as if hearing an unfamiliar word.

Feeling deflated at Ram’s lack of recognition, Roswaal ponders the name quietly, repeating it softly.

“…What now?”

“Well, I’m sorry, but I can’t say I recall that name. It sounds reminiscent of Ram, but there’s no way I misheard it.”

“Is that so… Well, never mind. If you don’t remember, it’s no big deal.”

With his head down, Subaru accepts their answer, shaking his head.

Seeing that both Ram and Roswaal have no recollection of Rem leaves Subaru’s heart heavy with disappointment. These two, probably the closest ties to Rem, have forgotten her entirely.

The realization strikes deep within him.

—In this world, it appears he is the only one who still remembers her.

“Subaru, are you alright?”

Softly, Emilia touches Subaru’s sleeve with concern in her voice. Letting her gentle touch sink in, Subaru closes his eyes for a moment, then forces a smile back up.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s not like I was expecting anything—just figuring it’s a thing that happens. But it solidifies my resolve—this is something I’m going to tackle.”

“Right. We’ll figure it out—count on me to lend a hand.”

With Subaru’s determination shining through, Emilia nods along, pledging her support. As her kindness soothes his weary heart, Subaru shrugs lightly.

“If Rem comes back, that means my affections for Emilia-chan will be divided… but you won’t get jealous, right?”

“If my feelings toward you lessen, maybe that’ll be the case. But that’s not how it works, right? You said you planned to get things ready for both me and Rem.”

Caught off guard by Emilia’s playful retort, Subaru stumbles, struggling to find words, while she blushes slightly before breaking into a satisfied smile.

“Let’s go, Subaru. I want to make sure Ram and Rem get to meet as soon as possible.”

“Y-yeah, exactly.”

Even if she was forgotten, sharing those reunions with the twin sisters is essential. Maybe those encounters will evoke feelings that ripple through the love that has somehow been lost.

If even that slender hope is something he can lean on, then—

“Balus.”

Emilia calls out, following Garfiel as he heads out, and as Subaru turns to follow, a voice halts him from behind.

He turns to find Ram, now close, her eyes fixed on him intently, holding a fresh set of bandages for Roswaal.

“What’s up? If you’re into bandage play, we can… after I leave, of course…”

“The only one to enter the graveyard will be Lady Emilia. Balus, you must promise not to step inside.”

Ram’s sharp voice cuts through his jest, surprising him even more.

She leans in closely, her voice softened so Roswaal wouldn’t hear, setting a serious tone Subaru hasn’t witnessed before.

“You must not enter the graveyard, especially if you don’t wish to fall prey to the witch’s lingering emotions.”

She repeats it with a firm reiteration.