――How many times must my heart be shattered before I am forgiven?

“This is the end… it was quite an unsatisfying job.”

In the dimly lit warehouse, a woman in black gazes at the three bodies sinking in a sea of blood, tilting her head slightly.

Despite the blood-soaked scene, she bears not a single drop of splattered blood, showcasing her exceptional skills, maintaining a calm demeanor in the face of such brutality.

It was clear that this monstrous being was wearing the skin of a human.

Walking over the blood-drenched floor, the monster curiously inspects each fallen body.

A giant old man, his arms severed at the shoulders, spilling blood from his neck. A black-haired boy, his belly split open in a straight line, writhing in agony as he bleeds out.

――And the silver-haired girl, cleaved from her left shoulder diagonally to her right hip by a single strike.

――How many times have I resisted wanting to see this scene?

“Though the outcome of the request is the worst it could be… what should I do?”

With a finger against her red lips, the monster murmurs in a lazily inappropriate voice. In her opposite hand, she twirls a kukri knife, a weapon stained darkly with blood, a tool used to take the lives of three— no, four— individuals in this Thieves’ Repository.

“Oh?”

Suddenly, Elsa tilts her head and lightly jumps backward.

Immediately after, the spot where Elsa stood is pierced by an ice blade that emerged from below, and a chain of ice blades shoots up to chase after Elsa’s retreating feet, aiming to pierce and seize her.

“What is this…”

“How dare you—!”

Before the escaping Elsa, faint light gathers in midair, forming the shape of a small spirit.

The floating cat spirit—Pack—grimaces, anger thrumming through his androgynous voice.

“I’ll make you regret taking Ria’s life—”

“Ah, that child… she was a spirit user. How wonderful! I’ve never had the chance to see a spirit’s belly open before. –But…”

Before Pack, who hovers with ice pillars ready for battle, Elsa welcomes the impending conflict with an ecstatic smile. Yet, before she prepares, she squints one eye.

“Why didn’t you show up before that child died? A spirit user is a duo of a practitioner and a spirit—if you can’t enjoy it to the fullest, it’s a loss.”

“Keep blabbering, murderer. –If I weren’t bound by this contract…”

Shaking his head, Pack twists his expression with distaste.

“No words will be exchanged. I will freeze you in ice and dedicate you to Ria’s peace. After you, the kingdom, the world, the dragon, the witch, everything.”

“Ah, how lovely—entertain me, okay?”

Jumping, Elsa scuttles across the ceiling and walls like a spider. Ice pillars are shot out one after another, piercing through the walls of the Thieves’ Repository, freezing the air, and a high-pitched scream fills the atmosphere.

The view turns white and hazy, obscuring everything, including the bodies of Subaru and Emilia, who happen to intertwine their fingers on the floor.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

――How many times must the world betray me before I am rewarded?

“Rem only prevented the situation from worsening. By the time they found you, Subaru-kun was already in an irretrievable condition. –They must have wanted to deliver the finishing blow as quickly as possible.”

“Does that result… mean such a horrible end? Subaru was my benefactor, and I surely have many things to talk about with him from now on… yet…”

I hear the voices of two beloved girls arguing.

One voice evokes both affection and sorrow in Subaru’s heart.

The other voice has repeatedly wished to be heard, to cling to, to be gently touched, desperately longing each time they found themselves in peril.

The blue-haired girl and the silver-haired girl face each other, an uneasy atmosphere surrounding them.

They sit across from each other at a table in the mansion’s lounge, tension simmering at the edge of eruption.

“Now, now, Emilia-sama, don’t be so hot-headed. Let’s make sure to properly listen to Rem’s side of things.”

“Roswaal… do you even understand? Rem is… your servant, my benefactor, and you, well, you let Subaru die…”

“I understand perfectly. That’s why we must have a proper discussion. –So that we don’t miss each other’s feelings.”

Roswaal responds to Emilia’s words, narrowing his yellow eyes. The jester then directs his gaze at Rem, who is sitting next to him, and upon catching her eye, Rem lowers her chin.

“Last night, late in the East Wing… there was an intruder in Emilia-sama’s quarters. I learned of this thanks to the vigilance stone and hurried over, finding Subaru-kun crawling around.”

“At that time, Balus was already under the curse’s influence.”

“Yes, just as my sister said. Exhausted, Subaru-kun was in a critically weak state. I determined that due to the curse’s effect on his vitality, rescue was impossible…”

“So you bludgeoned him to death with a iron ball, huh…? After going to such lengths to hurt his body.”

“Emilia-sama—”

The one directing a sharp glare at Emilia is Ram, who was gripping her sister’s hand next to her. However, Emilia raises her resolute expression in response to Ram’s piercing look.

“The truth is the truth. …Subaru’s body was in an awful state. If the intent was merely to put him to rest, there were surely easier methods. Then why…”

“That’s…”

“………”

Rem falters at Emilia’s pressing inquiry.

Her inability to voice the next sentence stems from Rem’s inherent difficulty in lying and Emilia’s words striking at her true intent.

At this moment, Rem harbored a strong distrust toward Subaru.

After the second loop in the mansion—after killing Subaru within the mansion and failing to conceal that death—the setting of this discussion arose.

During that time, Rem had grown increasingly hostile toward Subaru for being affectionate with Ram, and it wouldn’t be remiss to say she had no resistance to taking action on her murderous intent.

――What crossed her mind the moment she raised the iron ball over Subaru?

It might be a matter that even Rem herself couldn’t fully comprehend.

“I wanted to hear an answer like… my hand slipped or I hesitated…”

“――――”

Rem’s face flinches as Emilia murmurs sadly, her eyes closed.

The depth of Emilia’s words grasping at Rem’s truth is ambiguous. And it will remain that way forever, unknown.

“Emilia-sama, where are you going?”

As Emilia stands and brushes off her hem, Roswaal questions her with a blank expression.

In response, Emilia smooths her long silver hair with her hand.

“I’m… leaving. Though it was a short stay, I’ve appreciated your hospitality. Without your support, I couldn’t have participated in the Royal Selection. But… I can no longer trust you.”

“Even if you don’t trust me, isn’t our relationship still useful as one of mutual exploitation? It’s hardly wise to throw a tantrum and walk away from this seat.”

“A tantrum…?”

At Roswaal’s remark, Emilia’s expression stiffens in shock. She strides toward him and—

――—

No one could stop the sound that crackled dryly.

The white fingertips that had been whipped swung sharply against Roswaal’s pale cheek.

Taking a sharp breath at the red cheek now swelling from a solitary slap, Roswaal doesn’t react, but Ram’s expression shifts and she begins to rise.

“Ram—”

“But, Roswaal-sama—”

“It’s alright. You can stay seated. Emilia-sama, Ram was rude.”

“Why is it that everyone always gets to do that… but says nothing to Subaru…?”

Biting her lip, Emilia glares at the composed Roswaal. Her violet eyes swell with anger, but Roswaal maintains an expression devoid of turmoil.

It’s as if to say the position from which they’re looking at one another is fundamentally different.

“Leaving the mansion, returning to the forest—what remains inside you?”

“I was the one who was wrong to have fallen for your tricks. There are much better ways to repent… and redeem myself than this. It’s because I got that wrong that Subaru lost his life.”

Closing her eyes at Roswaal’s question, Emilia speaks quietly.

Then she shakes her head gently.

“I’ll take his soul and let him rest peacefully in the forest. –For Subaru, for others as well, no matter how long it takes, I will dedicate my time for their requiem. And that’s where the story ends.”

She distances herself from Roswaal, clearly signaling her intent not to continue the conversation.

As she leaves, Roswaal watches her back with his mismatched eyes. Still seated, he stretches his hand toward the retreating figure, only to let it fall.

“If the record is to change, then here is… where my journey ends.”

“Roswaal-sama…”

To Roswaal’s feeble mutter, Ram reaches out gently, taking his hand. The jester turns to the girl who gazes at him with concern, and a feeble smile crosses his face.

“Ram, it seems the wager was won by you after all. My goals will probably falter here… therefore, the contract will be fulfilled.”

“…Yes. Yes, Roswaal-sama.”

As the two share their whispers, Emilia stands, making her way toward Rem, who is opening the door. Before passing by her, Emilia solemnly bows her head.

“Guide me to Subaru.”

“Emilia-sama, that is—”

“I know he’s in terrible shape. Bring him back to as normal as possible… I’m taking him to the forest with me.”

With a profoundly sad profile, Emilia moves on, and Rem’s expression tightens as she lowers her head, torn between regret and anger.

Surely she is grappling with why things have turned out this way.

――Why did it come to be this way? Neither one could say for certain.

“I’m sorry, Subaru— I couldn’t do anything for you.”

Thus, Emilia’s final murmured words fell silent.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

――How many times must I confront my foolishness before I comprehend?

“Death! Death! Death, death, death, death, death!!”

A cacophony of high-pitched laughter reverberated jubilantly.

A young woman, her long red hair wildly scattered, stands with her chest puffed out, mouth agape, drool pooling at the corners as she howls with glee.

Her behavior made it seem one might want to look away from her as a young woman, yet her bloodshot eyes widened in frenzy, displaying a lack of humanity.

“With love! Love! For love! Love above all! It is love that deserves recompense! Oh! Witch! The Witch of Favor! The destination of my love!”

Kneeling with both hands lifted to the sky, the woman tearfully declares her love, blubbering uncontrollably.

Around her, amid a sea of blood, numerous corpses lay splayed. Limbs severed, necks cut open, the desecrated bodies of humanity.

Among them lay the corpse of a black-haired boy who had pierced his own throat with a sword and taken his own life.

Pools of blood spread throughout Araham Village, and every member of the armed expedition lay face down, their lives having been thoroughly uprooted.

With the Sword Demon, the key force, having fallen to a surprise attack, the war’s outcome was effectively decided.

What remained was the slaughter by an “Invisible Hand,” and the chain of death cries reached its conclusion within minutes.

“My diligence—is this not to be called an act of love that has vanquished those who are lazy? Oh! My unwavering love! My faith! I wish to accept! To encompass it all!!”

Shouting of love, shedding tears, the woman howls amidst the blood-soaked backdrop— the monster known as Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti, who seizes bodies and plunders spirits.

Even now, the madwoman who ensnared the rescuing Subaru and the others relentlessly cries out her love.

And then—

“—What happened?”

A girl, panting, descends the road leading to the village.

Wiping away her silver hair that clings to her forehead, her purple eyes scan the scene in horror. –Emilia opens her eyes wide at the sight of her fellow village members, submerged in blood, and then she notices.

“Su…baru?”

Her familiar boy lies there among the carnage.

In that instant, what emotion flickered through Emilia’s mind? It was a whirlwind too complicated for anyone—herself included—to comprehend.

All she could do was tremble her lips, whispering aloud.

“Why… is Subaru, lying there… huh?”

“Ria—! This is bad, the Witch Cult! The Sin Archbishop… why now of all times?!”

Emilia, in shock, struggles to accept reality, and instead, Pack launches himself into action, filled with urgency.

He flits around Emilia, glaring at the lone Petelgeuse standing amidst the horror with deep caution and hostility.

“Ria! We need to leave—NOW! You can’t meet with that Sin Archbishop! The Trial is about to begin! If that happens, it’s going to get horrifying!”

“Pack…?”

“I remembered, just now! I finally remember! Meeting with that guy… makes all of this come rushing back! Why did I forget so much, and there’s still so much I don’t recall… Unless it happens like this, I couldn’t remember… if that’s the case!”

Tilting his small body upward and staring skyward, Pack screams.

“The story is different—Echidna!!”

His voice, laced with anxiety and hatred, booms across the scene, and Emilia looked on, lost for words at Pack’s sudden transformation.

Then the madman slowly stands, having heard that scream.

“Well now… it’s a pleasure to meet you! Death!”

Tilting his body sloppily, Petelgeuse yanks at his long hair brutally, tugging it out without care, making blood drip from his scalp.

Witnessing this self-inflicted carnage makes disgust and fear race within Emilia’s eyes.

“‘Witch Cult Sin Archbishop,’ responsible for ‘Sloth’—Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti, at your service!”

With a hideous laugh that resounds through the air, the madman sneers.

He then begins to leer at Emilia, walking slowly towards her, his head and body tilted like a grotesque statue.

“…how wonderful, indeed.”

He lets out a breath of admiration.

A dry sound, a clap. Petelgeuse claps his hands and sends applause toward Emilia.

“Wonderful! What a fitting form you’ve taken! What a visage reminiscent of the witch in her prime! To have such a fresh vessel prepared is nothing less than divine! The Trial! A Trial to see if the Witch Factor takes root—let’s commence!”

“Shut up, you madman! Try even a step closer to that girl, and I will make you regret being born—! I swear!”

“Before love, all pain and terror are merely offerings to be given… nothing will serve as a reason to stop, you see.”

Pack roars in response to Petelgeuse’s delusions, but the madman pays no heed. As the madman continues to come closer with a dragging gait, Pack trembles, helpless to do anything.

“What… Why at a time like this am I… no, this is different. I just remembered. This isn’t right; it must be different, different! No! I am… I…!”

“Pack! What… what should we do!? I… Subaru, but he’s lying there…!”

“Make the Trial! Choose the end point for the diligent soul, here! If the vessel is full, it will influence the soul poured into it! I don’t need any contents—!”

While clutching his head, Pack is besieged by Emilia’s desperate call. Yet Petelgeuse strides closer, perplexing both of them.

As his fingers wiggled grotesquely and he licked his tongue, Emilia’s internal alarm bells blared wildly.

With those unhinged eyes, Emilia gasps, her voice a mere whisper—

“Dad… I’m scared…”

A feeble whisper, a plea for help that might not reach anyone.

Petelgeuse flatly ignores it and extends his hand towards Emilia. From that hand, the unseen “Invisible Hand” of Sloth’s powers stretches forth.

Attempting to ensnare Emilia’s rigid body for his vile intent—

“――Don’t you lay a filthy hand on my daughter!!”

In the next instant, an astonishing density and height of an ice wall appeared before Emilia.

The barrier separated the space between her and Petelgeuse, rising upward and further widening the gap by splitting the ground beneath it.

Startled, Petelgeuse, who had been extending his “Invisible Hand,” leapt back.

“This is—!”

“I finally remembered the most important thing… To protect this, I no longer care about the contract, the obligations, or anything else. Even if I was bound by foolishness, I’ve just realized.”

With unusual agitation, Petelgeuse’s voice trembled.

The floating small cat coolly tells the crazed madman.

“I’ve finally recalled why I’ve become this way—I’ve done it to protect my daughter, finally, if that’s what the restrictions demand, then that sly witch…”

“Pack—!”

The face of Pack, ready to curse, freezes as Emilia is about to extend a finger toward him.

A glowing green crystal stone, serving as spirit Pack’s vessel and a vital connection between Emilia and Pack, radiates from her chest.

It suddenly shatters into a fine powder without having even been touched.

“Wait…why…?!”

“It’s because I… I broke the contract that the retribution has begun. Did I somehow know this would happen from the start? Even so…”

Turning, Pack matched his height to Emilia’s face.

Looking into the bewilderment of Emilia’s eyes, Pack’s gaze reflected something affectionate.

“Ria, it’s farewell…”

“Wait…!?”

Before Emilia could utter even a word, Pack forcefully pressed his small frame against her forehead.

Unable to withstand that unexpected force, Emilia staggered backward—at that moment, the tear in space engulfed her slender figure.

“Eh—?”

In an instant, Emilia’s presence disappeared from the village.

――Having observed that, Pack exhaled heavily.

“I’m sorry for putting you through this, Beatrice.”

He offers his gratitude to the accomplice of that sudden disappearance.

Then Pack turns around to look at Petelgeuse, who had been watching them intently.

“You’re quite the well-behaved zealot, just standing idly by.”

“If I were to intervene, it would mean I’m set on destroying you. Either way, if I drive you toward the mansion, it’d be the same thing. There’s no need to risk stepping on the tail of a tiger.”

“I see. Though he seems insane, his wit is surprisingly intact. –You scum.”

Spitting those words, Pack begins to make his way towards Petelgeuse, crossing over the ice wall.

Petelgeuse, too, refrained from the uncouth act of intercepting with his “Invisible Hand.”

Facing each other at a certain distance, they accelerate the discourse.

“There’s no time. –Let’s get this started and finished swiftly. I entrust everything to my capable little sister from here on out.”

“It feels like… things have changed. For a spirit, there’s a human-like scent.”

“—That’s right.”

Rubbing his pink nose with a small paw, Pack grins cynically.

“I may look like this now, but I was once longer in both arms and legs, and I had a rather handsome face. With a daughter as cute as that, it’s only natural, right?”

“…That statement defies comprehension.”

“Ah, that’s fine. It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand. You’re going to die here.”

As Pack’s hands point toward Petelgeuse, his body begins to whiten.

Mana is draining, making his physical form tenuous. This is due to the severing of the link with Emilia and perhaps the consequences of what he himself described as breaking the contract.

In any case, his shape blurs at the edges.

“I’m going to finish you off before I disappear. Having a psychotic accomplice—who would want that?”

“Sadly, even if my body perishes, I won’t cease to exist—”

“I will freeze you along with your soul. –What will happen then?”

Petelgeuse’s delightfully unhinged grin froze as those words landed.

With wide eyes, the madman looked upon Pack, who laughed with genuine glee from the depths of his being.

“Ah— I wanted to see that face, you fool.”

In that instant, as the outline of the spirit dissolved, a burst of white radiance erupted.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

――Having witnessed the collapsed world in succession, Subaru lay sprawled on the ground.

He had completely lost track of where he was.

Was he in reality or in a dream? Was he experiencing a repeated nightmare? Am I allowed to simply label that as a nightmare?

Is it merely a world of possibilities? Or was there genuinely something that occurred? Perhaps Subaru’s mind concocted a world convenient for himself once more. Then what on earth could be the flowing world laden with information unknown to Subaru?

Was it a world spawned from delusions? Or was reality encroaching upon an alternate reality? Regardless, the pain Subaru’s heart suffered was monumental.

He couldn’t stand upright at all, nor could he even raise his gaze.

So—

“Have you become unable to stand, Subaru-kun?”

Hearing a voice nearby, someone stands beside him as if they want to gently lift his heart.

That voice seemed to belong to someone dear.

“――――”

A line of hot tears, one that shouldn’t have flowed, traced Subaru’s cheek.

“`

 

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