When Subaru opened his eyes, the first thing he felt was something dusty in his mouth.

Unconsciously savoring the form of it with the tip of his tongue along with the saliva pooled in his mouth—at the moment he sensed the earthy and gravelly taste, he spat it out with all his might. Then he sprang up as if bouncing,

“Ugh! Ptooey! What kind of weird stone was in my mouth… Ugh!”

Gagging and brushing off the dust from his body, Subaru strained his eyes in the dimness as he turned his head.

The place filled with chilly air where the light source had vanished—he recalled that this was the Graveyard, a place that sorted what could enter. At the same time,

“Right, I underwent the ‘Trial’…”

Inside the Graveyard, Subaru had been suddenly robbed of consciousness and engulfed in the world of dreams. There, he faced the past—though whether that could truly be called the past was uncertain, it represented an unshakable bond for Subaru, bringing him face to face with what he had left behind. He was exposed to the reality that all of this was at the Witch’s whims and sent back.

Counting the events that occurred while he was unconscious, Subaru confirmed that his memories were clear. In the dream, he had apologized, expressed gratitude, and bid farewell to his parents, whom he would never see again.

It instilled in him a powerful sense of nostalgia and sadness, replaced instead by resolution and courage.

“It’s alright. I haven’t forgotten. Everything I told them—I remember it all.”

Considering that there was a possibility of his memory being peeked at and misused, it was fortunate that he could recall the entirety of the ‘Trial’.

After confirming his body’s condition, Subaru’s awareness shifted to,

“Right…! I came here for Emilia!”

Chiding himself for his slow judgment, Subaru spotted Emilia lying sideways in the back of the room, just like him.

He rushed over, and the silver hair and fair skin stood out even in the darkness, where he could sense the breath of life from her, bringing him a moment of relief. Yet, that was only until he confirmed her expression.

“…Huh… No, stop…”

“─────”

Emilia’s face twisted in agony, sweat pooling on her forehead as she struggled.

However, against her suffering, it seemed she had been denied the freedom to move her body, her limbs stiff as if paralyzed and only the pain was evident on her face.

If she was undergoing the same ‘Trial’ as Subaru,

“Confronting a past she doesn’t want to see… No, is it that she has to face something that needs resolution…?”

The passage of time was unknown, but Emilia entered the Graveyard over thirty minutes before Subaru. Even so, since Subaru returned first, it meant her ‘Trial’ was exceedingly tough.

The expression of anguish on her face spoke volumes about that.

Normally, he should wait faithfully for her to finish the ‘Trial’—

“Looking at that face, anyone who could say something cool would be having a hard time.”

As he reached out towards Emilia, who looked as though she might start crying at any moment, he thought of easing even a tiny slice of her pain. But just as his fingertip touched her cheek,

“──────”

Emilia’s stiff limbs suddenly quivered. The expression twisted in pain hardened, and Subaru, startled, hastily supported her head with the hand that had been on his cheek. Cradling the still trembling Emilia in his arms,

“Emilia!? Hey, stay strong… Emilia!”

Rubbing her back, he desperately called her name.

Feeling a terrifying chill at her intense convulsions, he watched as the shaking in her body gradually settled.

“—U, Bal?”

“—! Ah, yes! Are you alright? Do you remember me? I’m Natsuki Subaru, who swore a future with you!”

“I didn’t talk to you that much…”

He shook her awake, confirming that her consciousness and memories were intact. Once he let go of her body, she slowly focused her indigo eyes on Subaru.

“Uh… huh? Why… am I…”

“Take it slow, Emilia-tan. Let’s put complicated things aside for now and take a deep breath. Then try moving your limbs to see if they’re numb; if you can stand, give it a try.”

“Ah, um, okay…”

With a voice as if waking from slumber, Emilia took a deep breath as Subaru instructed. Then she moved her arms from her fingertips to her shoulders, using Subaru’s outstretched hand as support, and stood up. Surrounded by darkness, she curiously looked around.

“In a dark place… just the two of us with Subaru…”

“Extracting that, it sounds like quite the romantic situation, but given the place, it’s a bit sacrilegious, huh?”

As Emilia hurriedly grasped the situation, Subaru chuckled, indicating with a finger on his cheek. After all, this was the Witch’s Graveyard. For a secret rendezvous between a man and a woman, the mood and setting were terribly lacking.

However, as Subaru spoke, Emilia suddenly embraced her own shoulders. Startled, Subaru was filled with dread, wondering if he had gone too far in his teasing.

“Y-yeah… I underwent the ‘Trial’ and then…”

“Ah, yes. That’s right. This is inside the Witch’s Graveyard. This is troublesome. Just after you entered, the light in the Graveyard suddenly went out. So I hurried to follow you inside, but…”

“Uh… no, it’s not— I didn’t intend to—”

“Emilia?”

Subaru was about to continue, relieved that her body showed no abnormalities, but he finally noticed the change in Emilia’s tone, trembling still.

She was still clutching her shoulders, shaking like she felt cold, turning her head side to side in denial and saying,

“I’m… I’m not… It’s not…! I’m not… that… please don’t leave me alone!”

Subaru’s call echoed through, and Emilia covered her face with her palms before collapsing to the floor. Her voice was mixed with tears, and the sobs were filled with heart-wrenching pain, piercing to the heart of anyone who heard.

Looking at Emilia crumpled on the floor, Subaru was dumbfounded and lost for words. All he could do was,

“It’s alright. It’s alright. I’m here for you. I’m not leaving you alone. It’s alright.”

He held her tightly as if to soothe, protect, and cherish her, continuing to softly stroke her back.

During this time, Emilia still covered her face with her palms.

“Dad… help… Pack, Pack… Pakkun…”

Calling the name of the spirit that failed to show before the man who was most worried for her side.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

“——Right now, she’s calmed down and resting.”

To Subaru, who gazed at her with a questioning look as she left the room, Ram said, as if looking at a poorly trained dog.

Unable to respond to her condescending gaze, Subaru merely replied in a small voice, “Is that so?” Ram let out a small sigh.

“You don’t look yourself, Balus. Even though your face is usually so unrefined, it’s become even harder to look at with that shadow over it.”

“Stop meddling. I’m sorry to make you worry.”

“…Since when did Balus become so perceptive about other people’s concerns?”

Sticking his tongue out at Ram, who appeared genuinely surprised, Subaru held back his gratitude. While the first half had likely been a nudge at Subaru, the latter half was just her showing her true self.

Avoiding Ram’s gaze, Subaru’s eyes landed behind her—toward the door of the room she had just exited. Emilia should be lying in there now.

“By the way, I’m really sorry for causing trouble for two consecutive days. Ryuzu must have been inconvenienced as well, huh?”

“Speaking of inconvenience, you need not worry about that. After all, we are the ones who selfishly wished for you to face the ‘Trial’.”

Turning back, Subaru replied to Ryuzu with her even tone. This room, connecting to the bedroom, could be called a living room; Ryuzu’s house was composed of these two rooms and a library containing books.

Although she held a village chief-like position in the ‘Sanctuary’, Subaru thought her lifestyle was quite modest. After all, this kind of space was more than sufficient for her simple life, sipping from a small teacup in the corner.

“Ha! You really care, don’t you, old woman? Honestly, I’m feeling like ‘homeless based on Gound’s delusions’.”

“I’m not sure what that feeling is about, but I can sense it’s not a good one.”

Sitting directly across from Ryuzu, Garfiel grinned as he spoke. Once again, it was a phrase that hardly resonated—however, Subaru assessed that it likely inferred something like being let down. He then guessed the intent behind Garfiel’s remark.

“Just so you know, if it’s any slander against Emilia-tan, I’ll take it on myself. You can start with me as the manager.”

“I have no interest in gossiping behind anyone’s back. I won’t do something so malicious. If I have complaints, I’ll hit you directly. With my fist, if needed.”

Waving the hand that wasn’t holding the teacup, Garfiel deflected Subaru’s provocation with a feral grin. He maintained a tense atmosphere, while Otto, who had silently been observing, raised his hand and said, “Um…”

“Can I ask what happened after all? Frankly, I’m not looking to get too involved, but this ongoing sourness seems unnecessary, so I can take the role of mediator.”

“Sorry about that. You’re the best candidate for it. You’re the one in this situation who shares a deep connection with none of us and has no stake in it, so you don’t have to bear any responsibilities. I’m leaving it to you.”

“Is that how you can just say something like that after draining my will to cooperate!?”

Subaru’s comments elicited a shout from Otto, but he quickly silenced himself when Subaru raised a finger, indicating ‘quiet’. Yet, with a puzzled look on his face, he turned his head.

“Ah, this isn’t settling my stomach at all, but let’s get back to the topic. First, Natsuki-san, can you tell us what happened inside?”

“Even if you ask what happened…”

When prompted first, Subaru placed his hand on his jaw, gazing at the ceiling.

He recalled the events within the Graveyard—what had taken place during the ‘Trial’ and Emilia’s recent condition after returning. Her sobs, murmuring apologies and calling for the spirit.

“It’s for certain that the ‘Trial’ was underway in the Graveyard. I followed Emilia-tan inside and faced the same ordeal. For now, I managed to get through the ‘Trial’, but Emilia-tan seemed to be struggling. She looked so pained that I instinctively called out to her… And then I woke up, and when I came to my senses, she was in that state.”

“No, no, no, no, wait a minute!”

Subaru swiftly answered Otto’s question with urgency, and Otto leaned forward, his hands raised in exclamation. When Subaru raised his face, Otto repeated, “No, no, no, no.”

“Your phrasing managed to gloss over the vital parts I almost nodded to… Wait? Did Natsuki-san take the ‘Trial’ together?”

“Ah, yes, I did. I had no choice since a friend signed me up.”

“You definitely don’t have any friends, Natsuki-san. Be serious here.”

“Hey, there are things you shouldn’t say!”

If that remark were followed up with war, Subaru glared at Otto in front of him. Then a hand interjected between them, cutting off the two, as Ram looked up at Subaru.

“So, Balus underwent the ‘Trial’, right? No doubt?”

“Ah, yes. No doubt. Once I entered, I was forced to join. There wasn’t even a level for refusing or the like.”

“Regardless of how it started, that’s fine. The real issue is… Balus has passed the ‘Trial’.”

Ram pondered this as she pressed a finger against her lips. After a moment, she turned to look at Ryuzu and asked,

“Although this household’s cleaning lady says so, did you notice any changes? If Balus truly completed the ‘Trial’, then the restrictions of the ‘Sanctuary’ should no longer be in effect.”

“…No, I don’t feel anything special about it. However, it might be a different story if I actually try to leave the ‘Sanctuary’.”

“Very well. In that case, let’s not waste time. Come with me, Ram. Let’s test if we can exit the ‘Sanctuary’. If we can…”

“Hey, hold on a second. You’re getting ahead of yourself. And don’t jump to conclusions too quickly. I’m lacking in explanation, but your hastiness is excessive.”

Grabbing Ram’s shoulder as she looked ready to drag Ryuzu away at any second, Subaru turned her around, hurling his words back at her. Ram narrowed her brows at his statement, looking annoyed, but quickly refocused, asking, “What do you mean?”

“If Balus has finished the ‘Trial’, confirming whether the inhabitants are released according to the covenant is essential. If Balus’ words are true, then, tomorrow, the villagers from Araham Village can return home, and Roswaal-sama’s recovery will be…”

“The urgency of your genuine self is transparent in the latter part. Plus, I don’t mean to be overly hopeful, but we can’t exit the ‘Sanctuary’ yet. The ‘Trial’ isn’t finished.”

Subaru’s words drew a faint widening of Ram’s eyes. Then, she seemed to contemplate the meaning of what he said, nodding as if reaching some conclusion.

“You’re deceiving us, die.”

“The conclusion and judgment were quick!!”

Ram instantly drew her staff, preparing for punishment. Showing a position of surrender with both hands raised, Subaru hurriedly shook his head.

“And I’m not deceiving anyone! It’s true I passed the First ‘Trial’! But there are still two ‘Trials’ remaining! The ‘Trials’ in the Graveyard are a total of three. So, sorry, but it’s not time for Ryuzu and the others to be released yet.”

“Stop with the absurd bullshit… How do you even know that?”

“Well, it’s because the ‘Trial’ was considered by—”

Subaru was about to blurt out ‘the Witch’ when he suddenly felt a chill run down his entire body.

The chill that assaulted him felt like lead filling his limbs, a heaviness weighing down his head as if he was submerged in mud, and a coldness like ice water was injected into his veins.

Simultaneously, an embarrassingly silly blank arose in Subaru’s mind.

He remembered the content of the ‘Trial’, that two more ‘Trials’ awaited ahead, and who taught him about them. The Witch. Yet,

“What kind of person was she… I can’t remember at all…”

Touching his temple, Subaru became aghast at the void in his memory.

He remembered the conversations exchanged with his father and mother. The warmth of the tears he shed, and the kind words given at parting—he remembered them all.

Yet only the memory involving the Witch herself was absent from his mind.

As Subaru sat there dumbstruck, Ram, who had previously presented a forceful demeanor, relaxed her stance. She inserted her staff back into her waist and sighed as she glanced at Subaru, silent.

“Uh? I thought something interesting was about to develop here. I was looking forward to seeing Ram go wild for the first time in ages.”

“A refined, delicate Ram wouldn’t act in such a primitive manner. Besides, I can tell from Balus’ current demeanor that it’s unnecessary.”

“What do you mean by understanding?”

The playful quip from Garfiel and Ram’s dismissive stance failed to fully register in Subaru’s mind. Yet, upon Subaru’s questioning, Ram tilted her head slightly and replied,

“That Balus isn’t lying, that’s all. If that’s the case, then for now, it’s fine. Balus, continue answering Otto’s questions.”

“Ah, uh, okay…”

While feeling slightly unsatisfied, Subaru nodded reluctantly at Ram’s strong tone. Otto, who had been watching their exchange, coughed and prefaced,

“Well, it got a bit off-topic, but let’s get back to the point. We’ll discuss the details of the ‘Trial’ later, but regarding Emilia-sama’s outburst, Natsuki-san, do you have any idea?”

“…I do. It’s likely that the content of the ‘Trial’ was the issue. The specific details of the ‘Trial’ I underwent may differ from Emilia-tan’s, but I think the main points were the same.”

“The content, huh… Is that something we can discuss openly?”

Otto expressed his concern, but Subaru waved it off with his hand. Nodding as Ram and Garfiel stared at him with pursuing eyes, he continued,

“The First ‘Trial’ was about facing the past. Frankly speaking, it’s about confronting regrets and attachments and putting an end to them.”

“I-I see… That’s why the details differ.”

Of course, everyone has a different past.

For some, this ‘Trial’ might not have been so challenging. It just happened to hit Subaru right in the feels, and for Emilia, she happened to take a critical hit.

“However, considering the qualifications, I feel the content of the ‘Trial’ has a sinister tinge to it.”

After all, the special qualification bestowed upon Subaru should not normally be granted to one who is not a “Half.”

Although the true intention of whoever devised the ‘Trial’ was unclear, a certain stereotype is attached to being a “Half” within the narrative.

It inherently implies persecution from others of the same or different races or, in turn, evokes fear, emphasizing isolation. The one chosen to undergo the ‘Trial’ would thus likely hold deep wounds in their past.

“There’s bound to be a gathering of those with hearts heavy enough that passing the ‘Trial’ would be exceedingly difficult. That’s pretty dark.”

“Right now, it won’t advance us to curse the character of the examiner. More importantly… I hate to bring it up, but we need to address the circumstances behind Emilia-sama’s distress…”

Otto stumbled, glancing at the room where Emilia lay, the intent behind his words was clear, and despite his silence, his consideration offered some relief.

–Emilia’s appearance. The numerous similarities to the ‘Witch of Envy’, her origins as a half-elf. From those points, one could grasp at the unwarranted scorn and persecution she had faced.

Yet, for Subaru and the others, who were not in her exact position, they could only sense hints of that reality.

And that’s why they wouldn’t bring it up lightly. Otto’s judgment was profoundly humane, and in other terms, rather fatal for a merchant.

“You’ll definitely never make it as a successful merchant, but I appreciate it.”

“Why are you smashing my dreams all of a sudden!?”

“I’m a shy guy who can’t say thank you unless there’s a bit of banter mixed in; figure it out.”

“Can’t you notice the depth of my emotional wounds just a little bit!?”

Otto raised his voice with a stomp, and everyone in the room put their fingers to their lips, gesturing ‘quiet’. Seeing that, Otto hastily shut his mouth, but it was already too late.

Initially, it was just a small sound.

With Otto’s silence, a slight hush fell across the house, but the small sound that struck the floor echoed loudly. All gazes turned toward the source of the sound—and that was toward the bedroom.

Before anyone could speak, the door swung open slowly,

“Um… I’m sorry for causing trouble.”

With an apologetic demeanor and flowing her silver hair behind her, Emilia appeared.

Upon hearing her first words, Subaru was relieved to observe that she seemed free of the influence of the earlier turmoil. He quickly dashed over to her.

“I’m so glad you’re up! Emilia-tan, are you okay? How’s your health?”

“Ah. Yes, I’m fine. My body is perfectly okay. I’m sorry for worrying you.”

“That’s good to hear. You see, when you first collapsed, I couldn’t be by your side, so I was worried you might have hurt yourself. After all, we need to stay close for each other’s peace of mind.”

“—Yeah, that’s right.”

“Hmm?”

Subaru readied himself for a response to his lighthearted banter, but Emilia’s reaction was unexpectedly serious, causing him to furrow his brow. She gazed down, staring at Subaru’s hand.

“What’s up? Did you miss the feel of my palm? I could hold your hand all night if you want.”

“Eh, um… no, I’m fine. It’s not like that. Just a bit sleepy…”

Just as Emilia was about to touch Subaru’s extended palm, she seemed to rethink it at the last second, shaking her head. The next girl to step in was one dressed in maid attire.

“Emilia-sama. First of all, I’m glad you woke up safely. I’d appreciate it if you could tell Ram how you are without putting on a brave front.”

“Hey! That wording makes it sound like Emilia-tan was hesitant to be honest with me!”

“Women sometimes can’t be open in front of another woman, especially if trying to maintain a facade. Show some consideration and step outside.”

“While I’d like to show that consideration, it’s…”

Under Ram’s sharp gaze, Subaru dropped his eyes, trailing off. Noticing Subaru’s words, Ram narrowed her brows and followed his gaze, and her expression turned contemplative.

Reflecting in her eyes were Subaru’s powerlessly lowered hand and Emilia’s delicate fingers, which were hesitantly grasping Subaru’s.

“Eh, huh!”

Having realized the meaning behind Subaru and Ram’s exchanged glances, Emilia hurriedly released her hand. Her cheeks flushed red, and she flustered, as though her recent actions were instinctual.

“N-no, that’s not it. It’s strange. I didn’t mean to do that… I was trying not to touch you just a moment ago.”

“You did back away, but ultimately, you reached for my hand again, didn’t you? I didn’t say anything because it was a nice perk, but are you truly okay, Emilia-tan?”

Still lingering hesitantly by the remove of her fingers, Emilia resolutely nodded.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m really okay. I just felt a bit disoriented, but I’ve fully woken up now, so I’m perfectly fine.”

“‘Perfectly fine’? We don’t hear that phrase nowadays…”

“Ugh, stop that, Subaru.”

When Subaru poked fun at her usage of words, Emilia pouted adorably, puffing her cheeks. Watching her, Subaru felt reassured, thinking perhaps he had worried unnecessarily. But,

“Emilia-sama, even though you just woke up, regarding the ‘Trial’…”

“—!”

Although it was likely not deliberate, Ram spoke in a businesslike tone, and for a moment, Emilia’s side profile stiffened. Subaru, who had been staring at her, noticed that fleeting change, but it was quickly concealed beneath her smile.

“Right… Um, about the content of the ‘Trial’, everyone already knows.”

“I’ve heard it from Balus. Of course, I haven’t delved into the finer details. Emilia-sama might have things she wouldn’t want to disclose.”

“R-really? What did Subaru… What? Why would Subaru know? You can’t take the ‘Trial’ because you aren’t a Half!”

Surprised, Emilia directed her gaze at Subaru, and the same question lingered in the eyes of those around. A natural question, Subaru thought, as he bore their inquisitive stares, contemplating how to proceed.

“As I mentioned before, I was granted the qualification. Who I got it from is ambiguous, but where would be… probably in the Graveyard yesterday evening.”

“Evening means when you passed out and we brought you here, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right. I can’t confirm why I received it, but maybe… It’s like once someone without the qualification enters and undergoes that baptism or whatever, they can enter. Oddly enough, even Roswaal may be able to get in?”

“It’d be amusing to see if trying that might blow Roswaal away. It’d confirm ‘the droplet of Purimpa has the same color as blood’!”

Garfiel laughed openly. However, upon catching Ram’s cold glare, his playful demeanor faded quickly.

As for Ram, her expression showed dissatisfaction, though it was directed toward Subaru’s answer.

“In any case, it’s a fact that Balus stepped into the Graveyard and brought back Emilia-sama. Additionally, during that time, Balus underwent a ‘Trial’ of a similar nature to Emilia-sama and, if not a delusion, he claims to have succeeded.”

“Delusion? That’s a harsh way to put it!”

Subaru pressed back against Ram’s relentless words, but Emilia was unaware of the latter exchange. With trembling eyes, she gazed at Subaru.

“Did you really pass it, Subaru? The… past?”

“The past we saw was different, but I, well… I didn’t just get through it by my own strength.”

After all, he had relied on the utmost support from his father and mother, who stood guard against him. Above all, from the beginning, it was as if he already had the answers to face in that place.

It was unfortunate for Emilia, but Subaru had been in a different state even before challenging the ‘Trial.’

“Merely achieving a good outcome doesn’t lead to false bragging. The problem now is about Emilia-tan. Given the way she acted, I think it didn’t go well for her during today’s ‘Trial’…”

“Y-yeah. That’s right… I tried hard, but it suddenly cut off midway…”

“I think that’s because I accidentally woke you up, so I’m sorry about that… Plus, isn’t it the case that you can retry the ‘Trial’? I didn’t take the Second ‘Trial’, after all, since I returned early.”

Ryuzu, previously quiet, touched her cheek, pondering.

“While it’s not very common, I believe facing the challenge can happen as many times as one wishes. I personally couldn’t get past the First ‘Trial’, but I’ve tried it twice. More importantly, I’m concerned about you, Subaru.”

“Me?”

“It’s exceptionally rare for someone to suddenly receive a qualification. As far as I know, it’s never happened since the Graveyard was created… Though I suspect I can make a guess.”

Ryuzu lapsed into silence thereafter. Feeling a sense of dissonance from her statement and demeanor, Subaru temporarily set that aside and redirected his gaze to Emilia.

“Anyway, you’ve received the assurance that retrying is possible. The remaining issue revolves around you, Emilia-tan.”

“M-me…?”

“Yeah, that’s right. Let me ask—are you prepared to tackle the ‘Trial’ again, Emilia-tan?”

“――────!”

At that question, Emilia froze, her eyes wide open with surprise.

If the challenge to her resolve yielded anger or was tainted with shame, Subaru was prepared to face the brunt of it or take the mud for her.

But within her trembling indigo eyes resided such fleeting anxiety and fear.

This implied that negative emotions had deeply infested her mind to the extent she couldn’t answer immediately.

“In the case that you cannot undergo the ‘Trial’, I’ll take the ‘Trial’ instead.”

“——!? But Subaru, that…”

“At the very least, I cleared the First ‘Trial’. As for the remaining two trials, it should be proven that they’re not insurmountable. If, knowing all this, you still hesitate to confront the ‘Trial’, then I’ll proudly take it on for you. I’m here specifically for that.”

“F-for that…?”

“Yeah.”

Subaru declared firmly as he observed that Emilia appeared to desire a contradiction, wanting to deny him.

Stepping back slightly from the growing fury in Emilia’s gaze, Subaru met her eyes directly and continued,

“I’ll do that for you, if what you fear is the ‘Trial’. Roswaal might insist that Emilia-tan should liberate the ‘Sanctuary’ as her own achievement, but if the outcome of my actions is praised, I’ll dedicate all of it to you. I don’t need to keep anything for myself.”

“Why… would you go that far for me…?”

“I told you, didn’t I? Because I like you. I like you a lot.”

Emilia gasped, and the other faces in the room reflected various reactions to that declaration.

Unaware of their responses, Subaru pondered as he looked at a flustered Emilia, shrugging his shoulders.

“Thus, I’m thinking of challenging the ‘Trial’. What’s your answer, Emilia-tan? If it feels too painful, you can stay home and rest.”

“────Subaru, you idiot.”

As a smirk formed on Subaru’s lips, Emilia muttered softly.

She raised her face, rubbed her eyes firmly with her sleeve, and then broke into a smile that brightened her expression.

“After hearing that, there’s no way I can just lock myself in my room waiting around. It’s really… extremely horrible. Super, really, stupid. Super… thank you.”

“Eh? What? I didn’t catch that. Did you say you really like me?”

“Not even close! I said super thank you…”

“Got it. I heard you, but say it again!”

“You idiot, Subaru!!”

As Subaru played up his antics, Emilia shouted that in a loud voice.

Her clear, bell-like tone struck his eardrums like a sonic weapon. While Subaru felt dazed, he gazed at Emilia who was dramatically shaking her shoulders with laughter.

“Now that’s more like it. So, let’s keep at it. I’m headed from Stage 2, Emilia-tan will start from Stage 1.”

“Humph. I’ll catch up to you in no time, then overtake you, and leave you behind for good. Not a single achievement of yours will remain.”

“Better leave at least one if you don’t want Emilia-tan to have a chance to ask for a reward.”

Emilia stuck her tongue out at Subaru as she puffed her cheeks.

With such banter taking place, Subaru pondered whether he managed to assist her in her recovery.

Regardless, the real ‘Trial’ would begin right here.

“With our love power, let’s easily tackle the ‘Trial’!”

Snapping his fingers and flashing a grin, Subaru declared his resolution.

To that declaration of Subaru, all Emilia could do was stick out her tongue and retort,

“I’m more than enough by myself. I’ll prove to you by tomorrow that I can do this without Subaru’s protection!”

And so, she put on a brave front.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

Watching Subaru and Emilia encouraging each other in a playful manner, Ryuzu raised a teacup of cooled tea to her lips.

As her tongue tasted the thin warmth, she cheerily observed the banter between the silver-haired half-elf and the black-haired boy.

“I wonder how this will turn out… Will everything align with the Witch’s plans?”

“Ha! I don’t care either way. Whichever way it goes, it’s just a wretched affair for me.”

Hearing that murmur, Garfiel didn’t hide his displeasure as he spoke.

Casting a glance at the young man’s profile, Ryuzu let out a small sigh, unnoticed by anyone else.

“Burdening these sweet children with additional weight. How hopeless we are… I truly don’t want it to end this painfully.”

As she sipped her tea, her words went unheard, rippling only across the surface of the lukewarm tea, before fading away.

“`

 

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