Garfiel stands there defenseless, his arms hanging loosely at his sides.

Seeing him blocking the path, Subaru instinctively turns his alert gaze to the surroundings, fearing that someone else might be lurking nearby.

However, given that Garfiel is the one in front of him, he half-judges that such caution is unnecessary. After all, if he was coming, it would definitely be alone.

As expected, there are no other figures in Subaru’s field of perception surrounding Garfiel. Once he confirms that this worry was unfounded, Subaru breathes out a sigh, gently stroking Patrasche’s neck who is still on high alert.

“So you came here without any pretext, and yet you’re already trying to sweet-talk my partner?”

“I can’t lie or flatter even if I wanted to. I just say out loud what I think. Sure, I get scolded by the old hag and Ram on occasion, but still.”

With a light quip of banter, Garfiel bares his fangs, then lifts his gaze to meet Subaru’s, suppressing the hint of a smile.

“It’s rather unnatural for you to be here—care to explain?”

“It ain’t such a big deal. I’m the ‘fang’ of this ‘Sanctuary’, and you lot can’t escape the gaze of this ‘Sanctuary’. That’s all there is to it. Consider it an unfortunate prize.”

Subaru frowns at Garfiel’s casual dismissal of the situation. If Garfiel’s ‘gaze’ really refers to hidden synonyms like ‘grass,’ then ‘gaze’ would imply a sort of overseer. However,

“I haven’t heard anything about such things being in the ‘Sanctuary’… not even from Ram.”

“Do you really think everyone outside knows all about the ‘Sanctuary’? There’s plenty of stuff that bastard Roswaal doesn’t know either. It’s just one of the many things.”

Garfiel’s words are ruthless towards Subaru, who is left speechless. Garfiel snorts at Subaru’s silence and then shifts his gaze towards the line of carriages behind him.

“…All those folks over there, are they all fleeing?”

“Y-Yeah, that’s right. Hey, Garfiel. I know I shouldn’t have come out like this, but can’t you overlook this just this once? It wouldn’t hurt you either, would it?”

“Huh?”

Garfiel glares at Subaru with a fierce expression, but Subaru continues pointing behind him.

“Right now, letting those people who’ve been taken hostage escape from the ‘Sanctuary’ is to avoid more conflicts inside. I’ve heard that some small skirmishes have already begun, but we need to act before that escalates.”

“———-”

“You want to free the ‘Sanctuary’ just like Ryuzu, don’t you? Keeping the embers of conflict burning inside is clearly bad for you. It’d be more beneficial for you to turn a blind eye.”

With a calm voice, Subaru attempts to persuade Garfiel. In fact, what Subaru says is not just a temporary excuse. Given Garfiel’s stance, this evacuation should be largely beneficial.

Though excluding the part that it was done silently and in secret—

“Whether you can personally accept that or not, just for now, swallow it…”

“Oi, you might be mistaking something here.”

“Mistaking?”

“Seems you’ve got the idea that I came here to get in your way right from the start. But you’re right—I’ve got no reason to hinder this evacuation. I’m saying all those excuses and sweet talks are a waste of time.”

Cutting off Subaru’s attempt to further explain, Garfiel mocks Subaru’s assumptions. The response leaves Subaru speechless. He had been feeling uneasy about Garfiel’s sudden appearance, but logically, Garfiel’s statement holds water.

“If that’s the case, then what on earth are you doing here…?”

“Just seeing you guys off. You can do as you want, but someone from the ‘Sanctuary’ has to be there to witness it—otherwise, it’d be no different than sneaking away in the dead of night. If I can say I witnessed you leaving, I can silence the others too.”

“…You’ve really been thinking about a lot more than I imagined.”

Surprised by the coherence in Garfiel’s reasoning and intellect, Subaru nods along, acknowledging Garfiel’s point while snickering at his slightly rude manner.

“Of course. Since I’m not only strong but I can also be thoughtful… I’m a real gem of a guy, right?”

“Oh, that reply brings some relief. On that note, let’s agree to not mention this right eye of mine.”

“Huh? Oh, right. You must’ve figured it out once you took off the blindfold. There are some obnoxious people around here, you know. Hey, now.”

Garfiel, self-satisfied, points at Subaru’s lost eye. He shifts his focus from Subaru to Otto, who is sitting at the driver’s seat of the carriage at the back, trying to make himself as small as possible, avoiding Garfiel’s sharp gaze.

With a crack of his neck, Garfiel continues,

“Surprisingly calm considering you’ve lost one eye. Honestly, I was prepared for you to spit out some grudge or vengeance.”

“I have a lot to say that would spill over into dawn, but time is of the essence, and if I throw a punch, I’d end up losing my left eye too. I’d rather not have that double whammy.”

“What’s that about? I don’t like it. Hey.”

Garfiel shows dissatisfaction with Subaru’s quick comeback. However, Subaru thinks any further exchanges would be pointless and gently pats his right eye with his palm.

“I could just ignore you and let everyone return to the village, right?”

“Yeah, I just wanna clear up the bad optics of sneaking off, you see. So do as you like.”

“In that case, I’ll be taking your word for it…”

“—But.”

As Subaru moves to leave the line of carriages, Garfiel interrupts him, leaning just slightly forward. He levels a sharp glare at Subaru perched atop Patrasche.

“You, however, are not allowed to go. The hostages can pass through. That loud bothersome brother can pass too. Ram can… well, I’ll let her through. But you’re out of luck.”

“…What’s the reasoning behind that?”

“Well, it’s got to do with Emilia’s motivation for the ‘Trial’, but the main issue is your existence. Just letting this witchy-looking guy out without a second thought seems like a terrible idea.”

“I can’t believe we’re back to that again…”

Flicking his finger against his nose, Garfiel glares at Subaru. Growing increasingly used to Garfiel’s demands, Subaru feels exasperated, but if that’s the condition, he nods in agreement.

“The condition is my ‘Sanctuary’ stay. No objections, right?”

“Being straightforward and understanding is a fine trait. If you draw it out too long, I won’t be able to comprehend or remember it anyway.”

“Honestly, it’s refreshing how you’re so forthright… Got it. I’ll go tell everyone in the back, so just wait a moment.”

Once the main discussion gets underway, the negotiation wraps up quickly. However, it doesn’t feel like much of a negotiation at all. Subaru swallows his words, turns around, and passes the message on to the prominent members—the drivers, Otto, and Ram.

“So, here’s the situation: if I stay behind, everyone can pass through without issue. It feels foolish to argue against that, so I plan to go along with the proposal…”

“If it can be done without a hitch, I’d like to say that’s a splendid condition, but will everyone back there agree to that? After all, those individuals were adamant about refusing to leave without Natsuki-san.”

“Ah, yeah, convincing them will be a bit of a challenge. But still, given that we’ve started to move and everyone’s probably hoping to return to the village, I doubt they’ll oppose a small setback just for me.”

Regarding Otto’s concerns, Subaru contemplates with his hand on his chin.

Reality states that those evacuees must be very eager to return. While he might be happy about that, gauging whether the balance can be struck at this stage feels difficult.

“Natsuki-san…”

“Well, considering their mental state, I think convincing them shouldn’t be that hard. But I likely need to talk to them myself. I’ll be right back, so please get ready to move out with the carriages right away…”

“Doesn’t sound great.”

Just as Subaru is about to issue directives, Ram suddenly cuts him off.

Combined with Otto’s concerned gaze, Subaru feels as if his momentum has been disrupted, and he looks at her, scratching his head.

“I just had Garfiel mention this earlier, but don’t keep speaking in a way that drains people’s morale…”

“Barus, are you really unaware of what you are saying right now?”

“What are you talking about?”

Subaru tilts his head at Ram’s words, but he can’t pinpoint what she means. He’s lost, and his confusion reflects on his furrowed brow.

Seeing that, Ram lets out a disappointed sigh.

“If you don’t understand, that’s fine. It explains what Lord Roswaal has said. In that case, all of Ram’s efforts will go to waste.”

“Wait, what are you saying? Do you know something? You’re here, but…”

“That doesn’t mean anything to Barus right now. It’s just a waste of time.”

“You…!”

Subaru grinds his teeth at Ram’s know-it-all attitude. Just as the atmosphere turns tense between them, Otto interjects with, “Hey, hey, hey!”

“Let’s not argue, you two. Just like Ram-kun said, it’s a total waste of time. A waste of time means a wasted opportunity to make money. Let’s just settle this for my sake. Sound good? Alright, done!”

“Tch. Anyway, I’m off to explain.”

“Tch. I have nothing left to say after Ram.”

“Can you two stop clicking your tongues at me like that?!”

As Otto expresses his usual discontentment, it’s just how it is given his role. Thanks to Otto, the group manages to avoid breaking apart, and Subaru faces each of the carriages, providing an explanation of the earlier conversation.

The villagers of Araham Village show reluctance at the notion of Subaru staying behind, but with his insistence and their concern that returning would prolong their evacuation life, they begrudgingly agree.

Grateful for their understanding, Subaru wraps up persuading everyone. Upon returning and sharing the news with the earlier group, he then faces Garfiel while mounted on Patrasche.

“We’re done discussing our side. I agree to your conditions. Everyone is allowed to pass.”

“Except you. Let them go, now. Is that earth dragon going with them?”

“It’d be rough on foot. I can’t have Patrasche carry too much for too long; it’d be a tight fit.”

As he pats his partner’s back, Patrasche shakes her head, almost in a manner of saying, “It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

Interpreting her move that way, Subaru continues alongside Garfiel, watching the carriages that are following the path out of the ‘Sanctuary.’ He waves and smiles at the villagers looking down at him, their expressions hinting at things they wish to say.

“Otto, when we return to the village, don’t go near the mansion. If possible, just come right back.”

“…? That’s an unclear directive. Why not? Surely, you need to report to Frederica about this by now.”

“It’s for a reason. I think we’ll probably reach the village by tomorrow morning but… just to be safe, please don’t show your face until after midday at the latest.”

Subaru orders, and Otto shows a bewildered expression at the lack of a clear answer. Unable to properly respond to Otto’s doubts, Subaru jerks his chin in a motion to carry on.

Tonight is the fateful fifth night—which means it’s the final dead line for actions from Elsa against the mansion. Following the events of the first time, the timeline suggests something has already begun to unfold.

Even if Elsas acts indiscriminately, appearing in the village killing villagers would likely not happen. As long as Otto and the others do not enter the mansion, they shouldn’t remain in any danger.

Of course, that also includes Frederica, Petra, Beatrice, and Rem who are within the mansion too.

“This time, I’ll focus entirely on determining what’s going to happen in the ‘Sanctuary.’ I’ve resolved to do that. If I greedily try to take something without knowing, there’s no purpose in ignoring it.”

Feeling guilt over overlooking the worst-case scenario brewing within him, Subaru forces that sentiment down with a sense of duty and obligation, chastising his cruel state of mind.

Steel. He must become a heart of steel. In order to seize the best future, he must use every possible means at his disposal. Even with the acceptance of potential sacrifices on his road forward, he must steel his heart against any toll it might take.

“As long as I can laugh in the end, that’s my… our victory.”

So he shoves down any uncertainty in the face of sacrifice.

He mustn’t hesitate to lay the groundwork for all he will eventually reclaim. There should be nothing worth lamenting at this point.

“——–”

After all carriages pass and vanish into the depths of the forest, Subaru exhales heavily.

With that, they’ve managed to ensure that only the original residents of the ‘Sanctuary’ and those connected to Roswaal’s Mansion remain. Next, he just has to wait and see what happens in the ‘Sanctuary’ tomorrow, and that’s how he can consider the objective of this loop complete.

“It’s just going to keep getting worse if I linger; I should head back. Keeping an eye on you isn’t pleasant either.”

“Don’t give orders to me. By the way, regarding Emilia’s ‘Trial’ tonight, you didn’t ask anything about it.”

“Given that you’re here, I took it as the answer. Also, I believed it’d likely be tough this time; can’t really say I was expecting anything else.”

At the very least, like the hostages, Subaru cannot afford to use the anxieties surrounding his safety as a motivation. For Emilia to overcome the ‘Trial’, a more fundamental change is required. Or perhaps it’s because of the urgency in addressing the issues of the ‘Sanctuary’, it might not be an avenue open to him.

“That’s why, regardless, I need to see whether we can afford to wait for Emilia to pass the ‘Trial.’ There’s no way to even consider it without first confirming what’s going to happen.”

Looking ahead with uncertainties about what’s to come, Subaru reflects on the choices he’s left with this third world.

He’s died up to four times in just one loop. If he’s to aim for a breakthrough in this fifth world, he only has one more chance to die.

“There are a million things I want to find out…”

—He’s already thinking of his ‘death’ as merely a stepping stone to reach that breakthrough.

Unaware of the distortion in his own sentiment, Subaru turns to instruct Patrasche into returning to the ‘Sanctuary’, where Garfiel is looking up at him from behind.

“…You’re talking like you understand everything. How much do you think you know?”

“Garfiel?”

Seeking the direction of the barely audible mumblings, Subaru turns back on the dragon. Right before Subaru’s eyes, it suddenly unfolds.

Garfiel leaps towards Subaru on Patrasche, his hand knife drawn for a horizontal slash aimed at his neck.

As he locks the sights of his eyes on the slicing tips that are racing toward him, Subaru is stunned in disbelief at the sudden approach of an unreal ‘death.’

While he was not unaware of Garfiel’s potential for an attack, he never imagined he would be physically harmed here and now.

“――――!”

The sound of the blade cut through the air rings sharply, followed by a searing pain as his flesh tears, blood cascading from his neck.

Instinctively clutching his throat, he feels the tips of nails having grazed lightly below his Adam’s apple.

As he feels the blood dripping through the space between his pressed palm, Subaru desperately pulls on the reins to issue directions to Patrasche.

“Garfiel! What the…!”

“Are you getting in the way now? What’s your reasoning behind this, huh?!”

While Subaru raises his voice at Garfiel’s sudden and violent actions, Garfiel, blood-soaked fingers in hand, shouts elsewhere.

Wincing at the pain, Subaru turns to glance and sees a small girl with a staff—it’s Ram, her pink hair flowing as she glares fiercely at Garfiel.

“Ram?!”

“With a bad feeling, I stayed back, and look at this play that unfolded just as I thought! Barus, you should thank me for the fact that your head is still attached to your body.”

“If the wind hadn’t redirected that, my head would’ve popped off, you know!”

Garfiel acknowledges Ram’s intrusive remark with a shake of his head. As Subaru stands there, almost speechless from what he’s seeing, he pain in his wound boils his thoughts.

“What’s the meaning of this, Garfiel?! Were you just trying to kill me?!”

“I messed it up, sure. But if you’re asking what I was going to do, I can only answer that’s exactly what I was hinting at.”

Garfiel, casual about his murderous intent. At those words, Subaru opens both eyes in wide disbelief, trembling under the incomprehensible behavior from Garfiel. Because,

“If that’s the case, you could’ve killed me at any time. When you had me locked up—or even before that—if you just neglected to heal me I would’ve been dead!”

“If I had done that, those hostages inside might have blown up. It was only after those guys were gone that I could finally get to you.”

“That’s…!”

Subaru felt a surge of crimson rage surging through his mind, crashed down by Garfiel’s words.

If Garfiel was waiting for an opportunity to strike out at Subaru when the circumstances satisfied him, then the notion of letting them go makes sense. However, if that’s the case, there are still other unnatural things about it. That is—

“What happens to Emilia’s ‘Trial’ if you kill me here? Since I’m the one who is sustaining her motivation, if I die, her ‘Trial’ will undoubtedly never conclude, surely?”

That would surely entail a significant disadvantage for Ryuzu’s faction, who wish to free the ‘Sanctuary.’

Even if Garfiel had some doubts stemming from Subaru’s witch-like scent, it would be a concern too substantial to turn a blind eye to.

If this was rage clouding his judgment, then it would be a fitting reason for him. But looking at him right now, conversing calmly, it was apparent he was not in a state of mind so consumed by anger.

In other words, Garfiel was attacking Subaru with a composed calculation. What kind of significance does that hold—?

“Garf, you see…”

“Listen. It’s pointless to hear me out or to try and persuade me, Barus.”

But as Garfiel attempts to mutter something, Ram intercedes, cutting through the space between them with a sharp tone. With an annoyed clicking sound aimed at Garfiel, she directs the tip of her staff at him.

“Quit hiding your true feelings behind plausible reasoning, Garf. That’s unbecoming of you.”

“H-Hey, Ram…”

“Step back. Ram will speak now. —In any case, Garf seems intent on killing Barus.”

Hearing someone else affirming the intent to kill, Subaru finds himself without words.

Ram approaches, glaring at Garfiel with a cautious gaze as she reaches out a hand, lightly brushing the area beneath Patrasche’s neck.

“Good girl. Just do what you must. Your master above seems terribly dull to both himself and others.”

“――――”

In response to Ram’s gentle and almost affectionate words, Patrasche simply licks the offered fingertip before lowering her head, lumbering forward, heading into the woods of her own accord and without Subaru’s command.

“Wait! What are you all doing…?”

“Just don’t let go of the reins. As long as you stick to that, that earth dragon will do its utmost to protect Barus. Now that’s quite the honor for you, isn’t it?”

“Listen! No, tell me! What do you both know about all this?!”

“I don’t have time to talk, and it’d be pointless even if I did. Like I said, Barus. —Ram will buy you a minute, so use that time to escape as far as you can. That’s the only resistance I can give you.”

Ram’s response is frustratingly vague, and yet, there’s no time to interrogate her further.

Before Subaru can grasp the conclusion of Ram’s words, Patrasche snorts and bolts into motion. On the dragon’s back, Subaru can feel the protective aura being activated again as he clings tightly while they crash into the bushes.

“Ram—!”

He shouts, but receives no answer.

With his vision obscured by the thicket, Subaru bites down on his lip, feeling powerless as he gets left behind yet again.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

Patrasche, carrying Subaru, races through the woods, leaving behind the troublesome entities as the two face each other.

Pointing at the disappearing Subaru in the forest, Garfiel accuses Ram.

“You let loose some unnecessary words. Now it’s making me not wanna follow after him.”

“Do you honestly think I’d just let you?”

“Do you think you can stop me? If you think the balance of power is still the same as back then, you’re dead wrong. Being in love and subduing me aren’t the same.”

With a crack of his knuckles, he issues another threat. However, Ram is no ordinary girl who would flinch at such intimidation. Indeed, her face reflects no signs of change. Scratching his short blonde hair in frustration, Garfiel sourly demands,

“Ram, what are you thinking? What do you hope to achieve with these antics? I know Roswaal has not ordered you to do this.”

“…Unfortunately for you, Garf, I’m here of my own will, and Lord Roswaal’s orders mean nothing to me at the moment.”

With a firm tone, Ram stands her ground, and Garfiel’s question echoes the same confusion that Subaru had asked before. He furrows his brows, reflecting that same incomprehension.

Garfiel’s face grows bitterer and bitterer as he says, “I don’t get it, Ram. If you’re not following Roswaal’s commands, what reason could you possibly have for doing this?”

“Really?”

“Uh-huh?”

“Really, do you not understand why I’m doing this?”

Her calm and uncaring expression doesn’t betray anything that she feels. But hearing her question and encountering her gaze stirs a change in Garfiel’s expression.

Confusion. Doubt. Shock. And then, rage.

“You…!”

Taking a step closer, Garfiel tramples the earth violently, expressing unbearable anger by grinding his teeth as he glares at Ram with narrowed pupils.

“Don’t tell me you’re doing this because of…!”

“—Frederica and for you, Garf.”

“Don’t say the name of that traitor from your lips!!!”

Roaring in rage, Garfiel slams his foot down into the earth, causing a crater to form with a thunderous boom.

As the dust cloud rises, nearby trees lean away from the shockwave that shakes the forest, the atmosphere thick with his seething hostility.

But encountering such rage head-on doesn’t phase Ram; she remains collected.

“Do you think intimidating me like that will make everyone submit? Garf, how long are you going to keep running around in this narrow forest?”

“Don’t talk like you know what you’re saying! How the hell can you and Frederica understand anything those who abandoned the ‘Sanctuary’ went through, huh?!”

Ram’s words echo like those meant for a child, but they fail to reach the enraged Garfiel. Unlike before, where he lunged with ferocious intent, now he simply digs up the dirt beneath him as he fumbles through his thoughts.

“For me? For me? There’s no chance I’m believing that. How can you say something like that to me, of all people…?”

“Garf…”

“Pity and sympathy? I never asked for that from you. Just how condescending can you be? Neither I nor the old hags want to be pitied.”

Covering his face with his palm, Garfiel gasps as he squeezes the words between his teeth.

The tragic sight he displays makes him appear far smaller than his actual stature.

He takes deep breaths, slowly removing his hand from his face,

“Enough already. I don’t want to hear a thing. Turn around now, go back to the ‘Sanctuary.’ If you do, I’ll let this slide. I’m going after that bastard.”

“I refuse, Garf. If anyone’s turning back, it’ll be you, not me. Even if I return, I won’t be able to dodge the impending collapse. You know that, right?”

“Just turn back already. I won’t say it again. Turn back, and just wait until the ‘Trial’ has been settled.”

“No, I’m not turning back or waiting. Staying in place will give rise to nothing. All it brings is the remnants of things that I mistakenly thought I had pursued. Why would I settle for such weak and vague remnants…?”

“Even so! It’s infinitely better than having nothing left!!!”

Garfiel claps a hand over his mouth to stifle more words. Shouting, he lifts his head as visible anger, envy, and sorrow flash across his face.

“What collapse? So what if that happens? I’ll take care of everything! This time, I’ll handle it all…!”

“Garf, you’ve been saying this for a long time. —That’s merely compensatory behavior.”

In response to Garfiel’s brutal explosion of emotion, Ram meets him with unwavering calmness.

Their opinions remain parallel, each standing resolute against the other, refusing to yield. And yet, at no point does a compromise or a moment of concession arise.

Perhaps it’s dawning on him. Garfiel looks down, closing his eyes tightly.

“Turn back, Ram. This is my final request. With all the feelings I’ve built up over time, I’m asking you. So…please…”

“If that’s the case, Garf. —Will you relinquish everything but Ram?”

“——-”

In Garfiel’s pained silence, his response comes as exceptionally simple, yet it yields an unbearable weight on the heart of anyone listening.

Garfiel’s features harden, his lips tremble.

Seeing it, Ram gently lowers her gaze.

“Choose Ram from everything that exists in this world, focus only on her, love only her, dedicate yourself to her, let only her love you, allow only her to forgive you, and devote everything only to her—can you do that?”

“I-I can…”

“Ram can do that.”

Placing a hand against her chest, Ram makes her affirmation towards Garfiel.

Calm and steadfast, she lifts her face.

“—Ram can do that.”

To Garfiel, it’s a final ultimatum.

Suddenly, a flicker of understanding flashes across Garfiel’s expression, and he loses his posture for a brief moment. Only Ram can witness the sort of expression that appears in that moment.

Immediately, he shakes his head, veiling any sign of weakness behind a fierce demeanor.

“I knew it all along, that stubbornness of yours!”

“Likewise for you. —If you don’t genuinely make me one of the most important things within you, then Ram won’t sway for you. Ram doesn’t belong to anyone.”

“Is that so?”

They exchange gazes, their eyes locking together.

Confirming their conclusions, they assure each other of their respective intransigence. The two murmur quietly,

“Goodbye, Garf.”

“Farewell, Ram.”

Those are their last exchanged words, emblematic of their past camaraderie.

—

The forest trembles.

And then the roar echoes through the air.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

“Patrasche! Stop! I said stop!!!”

Desperately yanking at the reins, Subaru pleads to Patrasche, who’s barreling through the forest.

But the earth dragon pays no heed to his words, as it forges ahead, distancing itself from the danger.

He’s heard tales of horses going wild, ignoring commands out of surprise or fear, but Patrasche is not acting that way.

Her demeanor stays unchanged; she purposefully disregards Subaru’s commands, maintaining a sense of rationale.

That implies that she doesn’t acknowledge Subaru as a commanding figure worthy of seeking guidance from.

“So all this time you were just indulging me, hmm!”

“———”

Patrasche continues to forge ahead, neither throwing off her unease nor disobeying her rider. For Subaru, held captive on her back, it’s met with a mix of gratitude and embarrassment that nearly brings him to tears.

This isn’t a sweet interaction of mind and beast; he’s even being coddled by his earth dragon, and it seems he’s been blind to the way she has been caring for him all along.

And with this realization, Subaru begins to sink deeper into self-disappointment,

“Ram is in danger! I don’t want to believe Garfiel will do anything too reckless, but… right now!”

To have Garfiel decide he wishes to kill him is one thing, but to have Ram step forward against him must be a miscalculation. Just what kind of resolution will Garfiel find regarding that miscalculation? The mere thought terrifies him.

In a way, Subaru has resigned himself to the idea that he cannot save the people of the mansion, allowing himself to accept the need for sacrifice this time within the loop. But with Ram involved, that changes everything. If what he had previously accepted falls apart, the unsteady ground of Subaru’s heart would crumble and display its ugly side.

“As for me, getting hurt… I can manage that. But if it’s Ram…!”

His own voice sounds soaked in desperate longing. Nevertheless, Patrasche remains unperturbed.

The dragon gallops through the woods, disregarding Subaru’s shouts. Away from him lies Ram and Garfiel. Tragedy unfolds at a distance just out of reach.

Thinking of this, again Subaru’s heart is battered under the tumultuous feelings. Why is it that his heart feels so weak and is incapable of being strong enough?

—And thus, focused on his inner turmoil, Subaru repeats the mistakes he’s made time and again.

“—Eh?”

Suddenly, the scenery opens up as Patrasche bursts through the tangled trees. Stumbling over the obstacles, Subaru’s mouth falls open in shock at the sight ahead.

“What’s going on, Natsuki-san? Why the rush?”

That question, filled with surprise, comes from Otto, whose expression mirrors Subaru’s astonishment.

The evacuation group has reached them unexpectedly. Subaru had thought he was racing through the woods without any clear goal, so Patrasche’s sudden move is more than surprising.

“Weren’t you trapped? What happened to Garfiel?”

“I-I’m not really sure myself… But Ram and Patrasche…”

While attempting to gather his breath, Subaru glances at Otto, wiping his brow with the back of his hand.

—A tremendous roar shakes the very air around them in that next moment.

“What—!?”

“Yagh!?”

Both Subaru and Otto rotate simultaneously toward the source of the sound, their wide eyes reflecting disbelief.

The booming cry reverberates through the atmosphere and rattles the very soul, even causing distress to the earth dragons as they show signs of panic.

If anyone here seems unaffected, it’s surely Patrasche carrying Subaru.

Thus, she is the first to make a decision.

“Ah, Natsuki-san?!”

“Hey, Patrasche!”

Tilting her head, she shifts direction towards the front of the line, kicking off the ground as she runs. Not toward the lead carriage; rather, further ahead. Racing straight toward the exit of the ‘Sanctuary.’

Leaving Otto’s voice behind, the earth dragon charges forward, incorporating the protective shield around Subaru again. He has no clue as to the reason for it, growing desperate to call out and halt her movements.

“—――!”

In the next instant, a shockwave rattles the ground as Subaru hears a scream behind him.

Suddenly gasping, he rotates his neck to peer back toward where Otto and the others had been.

With only one eye left in his field of vision, he beheld the dark forest, blurring before him, and then he saw it.

A dragon carriage, bursting apart. It’s engulfed in a violent shockwave, scattering the evacuees it carried into the air, screams and blood painting the forest with a hue of tragic red.

“—Ah!”

Subaru, witnessing that horrific scene, catches sight of a single beast beneath the wreckage of the dragon carriage.

—Covered head to toe in golden fur, it resembled a gigantic tiger to Subaru.