Breathless, Subaru barged into the room, attracting surprised gazes.

Neither of them looked like they were particularly surprised. Feeling a sense of satisfaction from their reaction, a wicked grin spread across Subaru’s face.

“—A bet?”

Subaru murmured, narrowing his mismatched eyes at Roswaal, who lay on the bed.

His face, usually adorned with clown makeup, was now free of it, revealing the rare sight of his bare face. It was something Subaru had only seen once before in this looping time.

Beneath the white makeup, Roswaal’s pale skin seemed more innocent than shrewd, a stark contrast to his calculated and dubious demeanor when made up. With the makeup discarded, he transformed into a seemingly pure and good-hearted young man.

“Good looks require no effort,” Subaru thought to himself as he assessed Roswaal’s bare face, before responding to Roswaal’s whisper.

“Yeah, a bet. You and I will make a wish… a serious, one-time showdown!”

“——–”

With a single finger raised, Subaru declared confidently to Roswaal. Roswaal squinted, contemplating Subaru’s proposal, but before he could say anything, another figure intruded between their gazes—Ram, the pink-haired maid.

With Roswaal behind her, Ram’s gaze fixed on Subaru was undeniably stern. Usually sharp to scold Subaru at any chance, her gaze now felt like a completely different level of intensity.

“Wait a moment, Balus. You barge into the room out of the blue and what do you have to say? Are you planning to burden Roswaal-sama, who is currently recuperating? That’s just too disrespectful!”

“A sick person is not a good enough excuse to cut corners right now. That doesn’t matter when it comes to the slippery tongue and the black heart… I expect some effort, even if it’s a bit much.”

“Balus—”

“No matter what anyone says!”

Ram’s eyes brimmed with a mix of frustration and danger, but before she could move, Subaru stomped his foot loudly. Pointing at Ram, who hesitated in caution,

“I have no reason to stop or hesitate here. There’s surely enough between us to warrant that, Roswaal.”

“—Hmm.”

“Or are you feeling all sulky just because your diary got a little divergent? Do you not have the motivation to try a bit harder for your successors?”

“… That’s an interesting point of view. For a successor like me, huh?”

Subaru crafted his words to convey the idea without directly touching upon “return by death,” though Ram furrowed her brow in confusion, Roswaal seemed to grasp it.

A slight flush returned to his previously lifeless expression, and Roswaal called out to Ram standing before him.

“Ram, step back… well, could you just come a little more into view?”

“… But, Roswaal-sama.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Just because we’re alone doesn’t mean Subaru-kun would recklessly attack me. It would be easy to turn the tables on him. Right?”

“Oh, how pathetic it is that I wouldn’t have the confidence to drag you off the bed if it came to using force.”

As Subaru waved his empty hands in affirmation, Ram grimaced in frustration and then looked at Roswaal with concern again.

“—Please, don’t push yourself too hard.”

Saying just that, she bowed solemnly and headed for the exit. Just before passing by Subaru, she glanced at him sideways.

“—If anything happens to Roswaal-sama, I won’t forgive you.”

“I’m more worried that the reckless one over there might do something.”

Watching Ram shrug as she left, Subaru turned back to Roswaal after the door closed. Roswaal gazed thoughtfully, closing one eye, reflecting Subaru in his yellow eyes.

“You are quite different from the face you showed last night when we parted ways. Did something change in just a few hours?”

“Yeah, I mean, that’s not wrong. I got lectured, and it’s like we had a fight, or… no, it wasn’t really a fight, just felt more like an uneven confirmation.”

Subaru touched his cheek, recalling the faint sting left from being punched by Otto this morning.

Surprisingly, despite his apparently slender physique, Otto had impressive stamina. It was probably because of the difference in the number of tough situations he had faced. Since coming to this world, Subaru felt he had been through his fair share of tough spots, but it seemed he still couldn’t stack up to Otto.

“What a hellish world that is…”

“I see, I see. Well, I did confirm yesterday that my pressure might not have been enough, but if your recovery is this quick, I’m glad to see I wasn’t mistaken.”

“I was pretty pushed to my limits, though… It’s not just that I’m simple-minded.”

Subaru felt that his twisted spirit had been forcibly straightened out by Otto’s words and fists.

It was rough and straightforward. Getting your path corrected by your friend’s punch was painfully youthful, and if it wasn’t him, he would’ve likely scoffed at it.

“But still, I think it’s not so bad. It’s nice to find a way through the dead end by borrowing the strength of a friend.”

“You’re naive. Young and green. Ultimately, the suffering in this world can only be solved by oneself. Relying on friends is a weak mindset you’ll not need.”

“Is it bad to rely on people, on ties, on feelings…? Is that so wrong?”

“It is indeed wrong.”

“I see. —Then there’s only one thing left to do.”

Roswaal’s expression changed. Subaru stepped closer to Roswaal lying on the bed, snapped his fingers, and pointed directly at him.

“Like I said, let’s make a bet. The chips are our wishes, and this bed is a one-time deal.”

“Well then, let’s hear what you have in mind.”

Noticing Roswaal hadn’t outright rejected the proposal, Subaru pointed his finger at the ceiling, setting the ground rules.

“I won’t be able to grant your desires this time. In fact, I don’t plan to do so in the future either… But as it stands, you and I are drawing parallel lines. Therefore, let’s set a deadline.”

“A deadline?”

Subaru nodded at Roswaal’s question.

Moistening his lips with his tongue, Subaru stared straight into Roswaal’s twin gazes.

“This loop, I’m going to do things my way. If I screw up… next time, I’ll act as you wish. That’s the deadline.”

“—Are you saying you’ll renounce your right to redo things?”

“You said it yourself. I haven’t been pressured enough, and I agree with that. —The result of me thinking I could do anything because of ‘return by death’ ended up being that.”

Of course, he had no intention of completely dismissing that thought.

In this cruel world, what could Natsuki Subaru do without “return by death”? He wasn’t denying the benefits he had gained from it, nor was he going to engage in shameless acts.

He just changed his mindset. If ‘return by death’ came after he had fully done everything he could, he would accept that. But if he were to die before living his life to the fullest,

“That would be a disgrace to those who cry for me. That I shall not do again.”

“So, it’s a limitation on yourself… That’s a condition I might say is quite favorable for me, but is there any guarantee you’ll uphold it?”

“Guarantee, huh?”

“Yes, a guarantee. That is significant, you know? Because you, who can redo things, could just disregard this promise. You could fail, redo, return to last night, and just casually try another method…”

“Roswaal.”

When Roswaal voiced his concerns, Subaru called his name in a calm tone.

Roswaal paused from speaking, slightly widening his eyes in surprise at Subaru’s gaze. Subaru continued without changing his tone.

“Do you think I would do that?”

“——–”

“If you think I would do that… then there’s no point in this discussion. Simple as that.”

Roswaal squinted at Subaru’s words, then raised his hands slightly and sighed.

“Alright, let’s hear the rest of the story. We can decide afterward.”

“… Sure, do that. As I said earlier, I’m setting a deadline. I’m pouring everything into this one shot this time. If I fail, I’ll do as you say. Either way… if this method doesn’t work, then I probably have no way forward.”

“You’re not saying you’re confident, just that you’re prepared. … In that case, I must respond to that. Now, you’ve set the deadline, saying this is the last time. So, what do you want from me?”

Roswaal’s tone began to return to his usual style.

By negotiating and exchanging their wills, Subaru clapped his hands together.

“My demands are simple. Should my way resolve the situation this time, the future that unfolds will differ from your desires. You might lose the will to live in a world that differs from the Gospel… but that’s off the table.”

“Off the table, meaning don’t lose your motivation? … But that’s a hard demand to place. Of course, I might look good on the surface, but internally even I…”

“Listen, Roswaal. I don’t want to be in constant opposition with you.”

“—Huh?”

Not understanding Subaru’s statement, Roswaal tilted his head.

Noticing Roswaal’s demeanor, Subaru rubbed his nose with his finger.

“I get that you’re averse to a future that diverges from the Gospel, but I’ll still be by Emilia’s side, causing a ruckus to make her the queen in that very future, even if it’s different from the Gospel. There’s a chance I’ll need to rely on the power of ‘return by death’ too. —Regardless of the process, in the end, the results will likely align with your goals.”

“——–”

“Roswaal, my demand is simple. If I manage to open a future that diverges from the Gospel… then you’ll toss that Gospel aside and come with me. Make Emilia the queen. For that, I’ll need your strength.”

No matter how unfathomable Roswaal’s actions seemed, his power was essential for Emilia’s goal. While Subaru personally wanted to feel disgusted and unable to understand him, allowing his scheming to continue unchecked would undoubtedly lead to irreparable situations. —But those situations would be stopped by Subaru’s hand, avoiding a decisive rift.

Roswaal let out a deep, long breath at Subaru’s proposal.

He closed his eyes and thought deeply, his fingers tapping his chin as his lips slowly parted.

“Is that… the final settlement you seek?”

“It’s an attractive offer, you know. I love an attractive deal. Emilia works hard to become the queen, and I’ll be there cheering her on, while you too become one among those surrounding her.”

“For someone who has adhered to one way for as long as I have, that’s a difficult proposal. And trying to move someone like me… the conditions would have to be strict, wouldn’t they?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Subaru nodded at Roswaal’s closed eye and raised two fingers.

As Roswaal’s gaze focused on the tips of those fingers, Subaru waved one of them lightly.

“There are two conditions. You said that it’s impossible, that it can’t be done. If those two conditions are met, I win the bet.”

“And if the conditions aren’t met, then I win. You’ll have to abandon your humanity.”

With a low, heavy tone, Roswaal spoke and looked at Subaru with both eyes. Nodding, Subaru bit his teeth once, then began.

“First, the first condition. —Get Garfiel to join us and lead him out.”

“——–”

“You said it’d be impossible to bring someone like him, who’s obsessed with the ‘Sanctuary,’ outside. I think so too. But his power will still be needed moving forward. Considering the feelings of the people of the ‘Sanctuary,’ I can’t just leave that brat alone. I’ll manage to convince Garfiel, whom you said was impossible to persuade.”

“—The second condition?”

The moment Roswaal heard the first condition, dark emotions flickered behind his eyes.

Yet, without addressing that, he asked about the next condition. Subaru nodded.

“—Emilia must break through the ‘Trial.’ She is the one who will overcome the ‘Trial’ in the graveyard and release the ‘Sanctuary.’ That’s not my role.”

“Impossible!”

Raising his voice, Roswaal slammed his palm onto the bed.

The dry sound echoed as Roswaal’s face twisted in rage. He narrowed his shoulders and pointed at Subaru.

“I told you last night. She cannot overcome the ‘Trial.’ And Garfiel can’t shake off his attachment to the ‘Sanctuary’!”

“Then we can’t know unless we try.”

“That’s right, it can’t be known unless tried. And you’ve gone through this countless times, so that’s why you were so downtrodden in front of me, isn’t it!? Your position, along with your conviction this time, proves that those two are not worthy of hope!”

Roswaal shouted, taking deep breaths and shaking his shoulders. Nevertheless, Subaru remained utterly unfazed.

“Wow, you’re really fired up over this.”

“What did you…?”

“You might think my conditions are too harsh and advantageous for you, but getting angry over that is a bit unreasonable, don’t you think?”

“This is a matter of whether the bet can stand. If the balance is too off, the outcome of the wager itself would be compromised. It’s only natural for me to raise such concerns.”

Roswaal appeared skeptical about Subaru’s overly adverse conditions, but Subaru smirked at Roswaal’s reaction, his grin growing more sinister.

“Roswaal, it looks like you’re misunderstanding something.”

“………”

“You think I’m too disadvantaged? Sure, on the surface, these conditions seem tough. But it’s not like I began thinking this way just to establish credibility for your long-term plans. Not completely, but… it’s something else.”

With Roswaal silent, Subaru kept smiling.

“You said it, Roswaal.”

“———”

“When I’m pushed hard, I become the strongest card. —Your opponent is someone different from the shape you desired, but that’s without a doubt the strongest card. So, are you still unsatisfied?”

Subaru’s bold declaration left Roswaal speechless.

He simply stared at Subaru, tightly controlling his breath. Then, after calming himself down, Roswaal raised one finger.

“—Let’s establish our contract.”

“———–”

“Alright. I’ll accept the conditions you’ve put forth. —The liberation of Garfiel from his constraints and the release of Emilia-sama from the ‘Sanctuary.’ When both are fulfilled, I’ll abandon my plans and follow the path you lay out. Let’s make this contract.”

A faint light ignited at the tip of Roswaal’s raised finger.

The concentrated mana, resembling a rainbow-like glow, was similar to the multi-attribute light Julius had created when defeating Petelgeuse.

“Through the gate, we’ll inscribe each other’s contract upon our souls. No matter who can be deceived, one cannot deceive one’s own heart. —A contract inscribed in the soul continues across distances, time, and even worlds. It should also affect your retries.”

“Huh? So you have means to do something about it… Well, that’s also convenient for me. If we bind each other through contracts, I won’t even need to waste time knocking you back in case you throw a tantrum if you lose the bet.”

“It seems you’re not viewing it lightly… but that’s fine.”

As Subaru accepted the contract, Roswaal didn’t say much more.

The light at the tip of his finger was directed towards the center of Subaru’s chest, where he felt something seep into his body. Right after that, a wave surged from within, almost as if all the pores in his body opened, making Subaru exhale.

“Ah…”

“Similarly, let’s inscribe it on my soul. —When the contract of Natsuki Subaru is fulfilled, so too shall the contract of Roswaal L. Meiastars.”

A rainbow-colored light burst forth over Roswaal’s chest.

In an instant, the light radiated throughout Roswaal’s body, and as he blinked, he returned to his former state.

“Is that it?”

“That’s it. … There’s no turning back now.”

Confirming they had set an irrevocable line between them, Subaru took a small breath.

Then Roswaal placed his hand over his chest and said,

“I’ll do my utmost to fulfill the conditions you’ve set, as I’ll also ensure the Gospel’s description comes to pass. Is that acceptable?”

“—In five days, I’ll recreate the snowfall scenario as well.”

“… If Emilia doesn’t bring the snow, then I’ll have to take care of that.”

Thus, the deadline had been set.

In five days, the Great Rabbit would attack. Until then, Emilia had to release the ‘Sanctuary,’ and Subaru needed to free Garfiel from his constraints.

“Well, with that settled, time is of the essence. Let’s get this show on the road.”

“Subaru-kun.”

As Subaru moved away from the bed, ready to begin action, Roswaal called out to him.

Turning back, Subaru noticed Roswaal slightly turned his gaze away.

“The same day for the mansion too. —I wish you the best of luck.”

“Because if I screw up and end up failing, you might actually show me the moves you want from me next time, huh?”

“———–”

In response to Subaru’s remark, Roswaal fell silent.

Subaru chuckled at that attitude before finally pointing at Roswaal.

“Roswaal, don’t forget to put on your clown makeup again, or you might throw off the vibe.”

“Hmm, speaking of which… was this our first time interacting without makeup?”

“In this world, yeah.”

Feeling Roswaal’s startled reaction behind him as he said something with a hint of mystery, Subaru began to walk away.

“It’s a showdown between you and me. Clowns pulled by fate—let’s do this fair and square.”

With that parting shot, he exited the room.

The conditions of the bet had been established.—And thus, it all begins here.

Natsuki Subaru’s last challenge for the liberation of the ‘Sanctuary.’