――The situation where two important figures simultaneously vanish.

Naturally, facing an experience that had never occurred in the loops so far only fueled Subaru’s growing anxiety.

Rushing through the “Sanctuary,” Subaru heads towards the temporary lodging where Ryuzu lived. It was said that while he lent a house to Emilia, Ryuzu was using a hut on the outskirts of the village for living.

“……Did you come?”

As Subaru forcefully pushed the door open and stepped inside, he was greeted by Garfiel, who stood with arms crossed, glaring at Subaru with a wrinkled nose, revealing his irritation.

“You’re late. What’s with making someone wait, huh?”

“I-I rushed over… but more importantly, where’s Ryuzu-san?”

“It’s as you see.”

Garfiel pointed with his chin, indicating the cramped room. There wasn’t much space to look around. Ryuzu’s temporary residence resembled a makeshift shack, simply containing a bed placed in a small, cramped room.

And if Ryuzu wasn’t lying on that bed, it was undeniable she was absent.

Catching his breath, Subaru roughly wiped the sweat from his chin with his sleeve.

“I can see she’s not here… but isn’t saying she’s ‘missing’ a bit excessive? Ryuzu-san is an adult despite her youthful appearance. It’s not like we should make a fuss just because she’s out for a walk or something…”

“Don’t mess with me! What do you know, huh! That old lady has never once missed breakfast without giving a reason! I’ve never seen her oversleep or be bedridden with sickness, yet she’s out for a stroll? I’ll eat you alive!”

“Your tone is rough, yet you and Ryuzu-san seem to have quite a cozy relationship…”

Given the circumstances, the reason for Ryuzu’s disappearance sounded amusing, weakening his resolve. However, Garfiel showed no interest in Subaru’s relaxed demeanor.

He leaned closer to Subaru, baring his fangs as he continued.

“Something that has never happened before suddenly occurred this morning. If something unprecedented is going down in this village, it’s obvious you guys had a hand in it, even a fool can understand this. —You didn’t do anything unnecessary to that old lady, did you?”

It’s a baseless accusation, but this time, Garfiel’s suspicion hit the mark.

Ryuzu—θ was supposed to be today’s representative, yetθ’s disappearance was most likely caused by Subaru. Just like Emilia, it was hard to imagine that θ was carried off by someone.

She had left without even leaving a message for Garfiel. Like Emilia, she was trapped by the “Sanctuary” barrier, unable to escape. That meant θ’s goal was to hide away—something even more urgency than Emilia’s limited timeframe was at stake.

“If we can’t find θ by today…”

The roles would shift again, and tomorrow another Ryuzu—would change to α, β, or Σ. If that happened, it would likely become impossible to have a discussion with θ before the two-day deadline, leading to a complete halt in the “Sanctuary”‘s conquest.

“Have you called Ryuzu…?”

Subaru, calling out to Ryuzu, saw confusion flash across Garfiel’s face.

Feeling as though he wanted to ask for Garfiel’s help in searching for θ, Subaru suddenly hesitated at Garfiel’s expression.

A question bubbled up within him, momentarily choking the words in his throat.

“——”

It was a simple question, yet it was one he had never thought to confirm before.

—Did Garfiel actually know that there were four representative personalities of Ryuzu?

Garfiel knew about the abandoned testing grounds deep in the forest and Ryuzu Meier inside the crystal. He had challenged the “Trial” and encountered Echidna, qualifying as “Apostle of Greed.” Being the current possessor of the command rights over the replicas, Garfiel surely understood that Ryuzu was the original replica and that many identical existences existed.

But what about beyond that? Did Garfiel know about the existence of the four representatives—α, β, Σ, and θ?

“What’s with you? Why are you suddenly clamming up? If you have something on your mind, then spill it. There’s a saying—’Honest and simple-minded Ribririb will be happy even if deceived.'”

“That Ribririb stayed deceived until the end, didn’t he…”

While picturing a story akin to a charming prince, Subaru wrestled with how to respond to Garfiel’s pressure.

Confronting Garfiel was the final barrier to conquering the “Sanctuary.” Frankly, it was terribly unprepared to confront him without having the slightest grasp on what θ was truly thinking. However, it would inevitably lead to that topic being brought up depending on how the situation unfolded here.

—How should he respond? After much inner turmoil, Subaru finally mused,

“Hey, Garfiel. Can’t you summon Ryuzu-san if you really wanted to?”

“———!!”

As soon as he said it, Subaru saw Garfiel’s expression change drastically. Garfiel quickly closed the distance, grabbing Subaru’s collar and yanking him close.

With their foreheads almost touching, Garfiel’s golden eyes were ablaze with fury, burning with an intensity that could incinerate.

“What the hell are you trying to say? Not a single bit of it makes sense to me, you hear?”

“I-I don’t know what a ‘Muufuram’ is, but that’s definitely not the reaction of someone who has no clue about it… let go of me, you idiot.”

Fueled by anger, Garfiel grabbed Subaru’s collar, but then perhaps regaining his composure, Garfiel’s words became frantic and incoherent as he tried to hide what should not be revealed.

Subaru had struck a nerve, causing Garfiel to loosen his grip, giving Subaru a chance to wriggle free. Straightening his disheveled clothing and stepping back, he then said,

“I mean what I said, literally. You aren’t too dull to understand that. There’s a way. The quickest solution. So why not choose it?”

“You say that so casually…”

Garfiel grimaced out of frustration, still glaring at Subaru with genuine resentment.

However, even as his anger and hostility increased, a shadow of sorrow was evident in his dual-colored eyes, visible enough for Subaru to notice.

Upon realizing that sadness in Garfiel’s expression, Subaru’s own demeanor shifted, prompting Garfiel to click his tongue in annoyance, turning his face away.

“Those who hold qualifications are never to be underestimated. I can’t fathom what that malicious witch has whispered to him inside. Damn it, damn it.”

“———”

“You have that look that says you also know about the old lady’s experimental site. Then you must surely comprehend the situation regarding the granny who is inside the stone… and this won’t be easy to utilize.”

Garfiel crossed his arms, hiding his right hand within his chest as though to hide something. Although it wasn’t directly visible, it suggested he possessed unseen “command rights.”

Subaru interpreted his gesture that way, and Garfiel, still crossed up, added,

“I’m not like you or Roswaal. Even if I can see what’s right there, I’d never think of trying to take advantage of it.”

“…Garfiel.”

“I’m enough by myself. As long as I’m here, I don’t need anything else. This power, I won’t use it until the most desperate of times. —That woman is my granny.”

He let out that last sentence almost by accident.

Once before, he had called Ryuzu “Granny.” This time, however, he added it with an assertively proud tone of “I.”

What leaked out unintentionally, could that be Garfiel’s true feelings?

“——Tch.”

Realizing he had said too much, Garfiel kicked at the floor in vexation. The excessive force shook the entire makeshift house, and Subaru felt the dust raining down from the ceiling onto his head and neck as he waited for Garfiel’s next move.

Realizing he was the only one getting heated, Garfiel twisted his face in discomfort, roughly shoving Subaru aside as he stood near the door.

“Move. I have no more business with you. If you can’t figure out where that old lady has gone, then I’ll find her first. After that, you won’t get a finger on her.”

“Why are you so quick to pin it all on me?”

“It was peaceful here before you and your friends showed up. I’m taking back that time. I don’t need anything else, inside or outside. …I don’t need it.”

Leaving those weak words behind, Garfiel strode out of the hut. Once outside, he slightly bent his knees and with beast-like agility, he accelerated away—vanishing in mere seconds along the one road.

As the cloud of dust kicked up by Garfiel faded, Subaru checked the room one more time before following suit.

Ignoring the hasty conclusion Garfiel had come to, had Ryuzu truly left without leaving any traces behind? Perhaps she left a hint or two regarding her destination…

“If there was something like that, the ones who’ve known her longer would have noticed long before me. I don’t have a good eye or keen senses compared to those guys.”

After wandering for about five minutes and finding nothing, he let out a self-deprecating sigh. Then Subaru stepped outside, redirecting his gaze toward the village as he pondered.

“———”

Emilia and Ryuzu θ had both vanished almost simultaneously.

They were both likely to have left the premises voluntarily, hiding away from Subaru and the others. Was there even the possibility that the two of them were acting together?

“From what I’ve seen, I have no memory of Emilia and Ryuzu-san being particularly close…”

Emilia had been constantly worried about the issues regarding the Royal Selection and the “Trial” ordeal in the “Sanctuary.” She hadn’t shown signs of interacting with someone in a way that could be considered comforting.

At most, she might have exchanged careless chatter with Subaru, Ram, and Otto, but it seemed to him that she had shared few words with representatives from the “Sanctuary” like Ryuzu or Garfiel.

Looking back now, Subaru understood that the lack of her interactions with the outside world had likely contributed to Emilia feeling an isolated sense of duty, illuminating his own shortcomings. If only he had been more adept at managing the situation, maybe Emilia wouldn’t feel overwhelmed with her emotions and could’ve sought out clearer solutions instead.

“All of this is far too late to consider…”

Right now, it wasn’t the time to reflect on the causes and indirect reasons behind Emilia’s disappearance. More than anything, digging deeper would only lead to the reason being linked back to Subaru’s own self-denial.

As someone who often dipped into negative thinking, Subaru had no time to let such self-hatred consume him right now.

“It’s a fortunate coincidence that Garfiel didn’t find out Emilia was missing… He wouldn’t prioritize finding her over Ryuzu-san, but I can’t tell what he might say if he found out.”

However, that sense of relief would become meaningless if Subaru couldn’t promptly secure Emilia. Furthermore, the matter of finding Ryuzu θ was also pressing and shouldn’t be pushed aside.

If θ was captured before Subaru could reach her, she would be under Garfiel’s overprotective watch, making contact difficult.

In other words, here’s what Subaru needed to do clearly articulated:

“I need to secure Emilia and Ryuzu θ before Garfiel. And I must do it within half a day, and convince θ of the reasons against freeing the ‘Sanctuary’ while helping Emilia get back on her feet for the ‘Trial’… right?”

“…Natsuki-san, how far down the thorny path do you think you can walk before you’re satisfied?”

With that heavy realization, one that could only be described as utterly bleak, Subaru spoke just as Otto arrived at the hut’s entrance.

Otto, arriving a little late after Subaru had dashed out to leave a mess in the search for clues, frowned as he took in the state of the room.

“Even in house searches, one could wish for a bit more grace. So it seems your meeting with Garfiel went smoothly.”

“It went smoothly, but it was harsh to say there was much fruit to speak of. For now, I’ve been able to reevaluate the situation, and based on that, I just muttered a plan for our next move.”

“To me, it sounded as if new problems piled up before resolving any of the current issues, becoming a chaotic mess.”

“……”

Subaru could no longer muster a carefree response to Otto’s astute observation as his shoulders drooped.

Despite it all, he felt a bit better than before, perhaps because Otto’s presence reassured him that he didn’t have to carry his burdens alone.

“…It’s really troubling to see you look so obviously relieved.”

“——? What’s up?”

“It’s about me. You probably don’t realize it. No idea at all. If you do realize it and are doing this on purpose, then I’m just a complete fool in your game, oh dear.”

Subaru tilted his head at Otto, who was frantically raking his gray hair. Yet, Otto didn’t respond to Subaru’s questioning look, instead raising his voice as he declared,

“Without a doubt, the situation has worsened! What will you do? It feels like it’s going to turn into a free-for-all with conditions layered atop those you already wanted to escape. At this point, I feel like throwing everything away and running away might be forgiven…”

“Throwing away everything we’ve seen, heard, and interacted with? Neither of us can be irresponsible enough to do something like that.”

“…Perhaps Emilia-sama might have done just that.”

Otto glanced away, uttering those words with a sigh.

He likely had no malice in his heart, just needing to voice the frustrations he had bottled up. Subaru couldn’t find it in himself to reprimand him for that stance.

Still, he reflexively shook his head at Otto’s statement.

“Emilia wouldn’t run away from a problem on her back…”

“Can you truly say that without doubt, Natsuki-san? I’ve been meaning to tell you this for some time: you seem overly fixated on Emilia’s good side.”

“…What do you mean? Sure, Emilia is a breathtaking beauty, after all.”

“I admit that without reservation, but you surely know that’s not what I mean.”

The low-grade banter slipped by with ease as Subaru became aware of Otto’s scrutinizing expression.

Otto regarded him as if he were observing something pitiful and raised a finger, saying,

“You’re in love with her, so it’s natural to wish to see only her good side. That’s reasonable enough. There are times this happens. It’s not wrong to project an ideal onto someone.”

“———”

“But Emilia isn’t perfect. In fact, she has her own share of problems. This includes elements that are beyond her control. There are various constraints—origin, status, and many other hindrances associated with Emilia-sama.”

With an eloquent flow of words, Subaru could tell Otto had prepared a lecture similar to this for him.

Indeed, Otto’s words were composed of irrefutable logic that left no room for counterarguments.

“Of course, those external factors don’t detract from Emilia-sama’s inner integrity. We can admit her exquisite beauty is a virtue, too. But, Natsuki-san, Emilia is a human being… just an ordinary woman. She’s bound to possess ordinary troubles, weaknesses, and flaws too.”

“That’s something I can’t believe when it comes to Emilia…”

“I’m saying it’s absurd to think of her as a separate entity. You’ve seen Emilia’s shortcomings in this “Sanctuary” so many times, haven’t you? That’s not something that’s limited to here—it can happen in the future as well. Emilia’s desired place is in a realm far beyond that which ordinary people could ever reach.”

The throne. That high peak Emilia aimed for—Otto assessed it that way.

Subaru was familiar with others who were chasing that same summit.

Crusch Karsten, who was noble, sincere, and possessed both lofty ideals alongside sound execution.

Priscilla Barielle, brash and dreadful yet steadfast in holding her identity.

Anastasia Hoshin, greedy yet calculating, diving headfirst into all to fulfill her own dreams, achieving her current position with unmatched resilience.

Felt, who rose from a weak standing and showed a relentless ambition that defied her age.

Each of these candidates faced the Royal Selection with strong ideals and virtues that would not yield to others.

In light of standing shoulder to shoulder with such formidable foes, was Emilia indeed qualified for that role?

Just being gentle and kind-hearted; was that truly enough?

“At this moment, it’s clear that Emilia-sama is lacking in many ways. She’s still incomplete. With such a sensitive Emilia, there will surely be times when she feels intimidated by difficulties and wishes to escape. This might just be one of those times, and it makes one wonder how you can’t see that, Natsuki-san?”

“…Well, that. I mean, I just believe Emilia won’t…”

Expressing it turned out difficult for Subaru, unable to put into words just what he felt.

That sentiment for Emilia simmered powerlessly in his heart. The rebuttal he was supposed to have in this conversation with Otto was beyond how to articulate it sweetly.

“———”

“You’re quite stubborn,” Otto remarked.

Biting his lip, Subaru simply cast a determined glare, carrying an unwavering will of defiance.

In response, Otto sighed, raising his shoulders as if resigning and gazing up at the village.

“There’s no need to settle this discussion here. Nothing will develop while we’re at odds. Since we still must find both Emilia-sama and Ryuzu-san, the dire context remains.”

“…Sorry. I should’ve properly talked to you more about various things.”

“I’ll overlook it since we’re friends. —So, what now?”

Otto gestured outside—indicating the “Sanctuary” and leaving Subaru to decide on a course of action.

Whether to escape, resist, and which of the two missing persons to set out after. By throwing all those dilemmas onto Subaru, he showed unwavering trust in him.

Subaru didn’t consider it lightly, yet he couldn’t help but smile at this fortunate position.

And then,

“Garfiel doesn’t know that Emilia has gone missing. Even if Emilia was discovered by Garfiel, it wouldn’t alter the circumstances. —The worst-case scenario is if Garfiel secures Ryuzu-san first. If I can’t create an opportunity to talk with Ryuzu-san, it means the best ending will become further out of reach.”

“…So that means—”

“—We’ll search for Ryuzu-san. We must find her before Garfiel and talk to her!”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“—Emilia. Everyone has a very important discussion to hold. So please quietly wait in your usual spot.”

For the young Emilia, being shoved into the cave within the great tree—colloquially known as the “Princess Room”— was one of the most unsatisfying events that could happen.

In the forest village where elves reside, Emilia was raised with affection from everyone.

The adults would spoil her without frown even slightly when she was a bit selfish. Although she sometimes felt lonely that she had fewer opportunities to interact with children her age, she always adhered to the necessity of rules. It was something her mother-like caretaker, Fortuna, had emphasized firmly.

Fortuna was the one taking care of Emilia in the elf village, resembling a mother figure.

With silver hair and purple eyes, her physical traits mirrored Emilia’s, yet Fortuna had cut her long hair short as it was bothersome and bore sharp eyes— which greatly differed from Emilia’s.

Emilia couldn’t remember when she started living with Fortuna. However, she was made aware that Fortuna wasn’t her biological mother but rather her blood-related aunt.

“I am your father’s sister. Your brother… Emilia’s father and your mother are busy at the moment and can’t be with you… So, I’ll take care of you.”

When Fortuna explained that, Emilia was thrown into a state of shock. Not because it was a negative surprise though. For Fortuna insisted a lot that she wasn’t her real mother, Emilia had never doubted that she was undoubtedly her mother.

Despite having such a wonderful mother-like figure around, the fact that she also had a father and an actual mother made her mind whirl. Usually, a child should only have a father and a mother—it felt like an immense happiness to her that she had one father and two mothers instead.

“Emilia’s silver hair is inherited from your brother. The color of your eyes shows much of our family’s influence… But your gentle features come from your mother. We all have bad eyes.”

“…I like Fortuna’s eyes!”

Her strict, harsh gaze was usual for her. Whenever Emilia accidentally broke the rules and made Fortuna mad, that stern gaze would grow sharper, scaring Emilia quite a bit.

But apart from those instances, Fortuna was an ideal mother to Emilia. Even such a sharp look was filled with affection for her during warm interactions.

Fortuna was both strict and caring.

Although she issued discipline that seemed excessive to young Emilia, she understood from an early age that it all stemmed from love.

There was never violence in her discipline, nor had she ever been irrationally scolded or punished. Occasionally, when Emilia was naughty and received a scolding that made her cry, they would cuddle all night long in the same bed, reassuring each other afterward.

“There’s something I really regret. I wish I had been kinder to more people. If I had realized earlier, I’m sure my brother wouldn’t have hesitated to rely on me in the end.”

When she used the word “really,” a hint of sadness crossed Fortuna’s profile.

Because it strongly lingered within Emilia, she decided to imitate it. Not during sad times but rather when happy or laughing—she would use it.

It was Emilia’s childish wish to depict her mother’s symbolic phrase in a good memory, wanting to ensure herself that her mother wouldn’t bear sadness or loneliness.

“Ugh… this is boring.”

Returning to the story’s beginning, Emilia found herself trapped alone in the “Princess Room.”

Though she wasn’t fond of being called a princess, since everyone in the village called her that, she had grown accustomed to it over time.

She understood it was not intended as mockery but rather filled with affection, so she never asked anyone to stop. However, being dragged into a room meant to enclose her was one of the few grievances little Emilia had.

“I wonder what everyone is doing…”

Whenever Emilia was locked in the “Princess Room,” it was usually when someone visited the village. Emilia felt a sense of numerous people entering the forest to visit the elves’ hidden village.

In truth, that sensation was the result of Emilia subconsciously interfacing with the forest’s elementals, gathering information from beings not of this world—yet at that moment, she was blissfully unaware.

In the narrow small room, she hugged her knees while flipping the pages of a book given to help pass time or played with the poorly made doll Fortuna had crafted.

She had been told it was a secret meeting only the adults understood, but Emilia was increasingly irked knowing the other children seemed to be involved.

Fortuna had taught Emilia that lies and secrecy were wrong, and it puzzled her that Fortuna, with the rest of the adults, might be telling lies or keeping secrets from her.

Once every dozen days, this hour in the “Princess Room,” she would have felt grumpy about it, but up until now, she wasn’t a bad child often expressing it openly.

However, at this moment, having been imprisoned in the “Princess Room” countless times, combined with a small quarrel with Fortuna the previous night, and most importantly, forgetting to bring the doll Fortuna had given her into the room, it became the breaking point.

“I want to go outside.”

That was a mere murmuring, not meant to be heard by anyone.

Yet, what Emilia spilled from her lips was heard not by anyone she knew, but it certainly reached those “they” who were aware of her.

“——?”

A blue-white glow appeared in the cave, unexpectedly mixing with the white light of the Lagumite ores illuminating the room. Staring wide-eyed, Emilia found herself caught by that suddenly emerging glow.

The phosphorescent light danced just in front of Emilia’s eyes, enticing her curiosity, then began moving to one corner of the “Princess Room”—before vanishing into the wall.

“———”

Standing up, Emilia clumsily stumbled toward the spot where the light had disappeared. While a small amount of fear stung her, her overwhelming curiosity bloomed within the heart of the young girl.

Standing before the wall where the glow had been sucked in, Emilia felt around to ascertain the wooden texture, only to discover a perfectly-sized hole, just right for small arms to slip through.

That blue-white light had escaped from here.

The door in front of the “Princess Room” was secured from the outside, preventing anyone inside from opening it. Even if Emilia wanted to escape, the design ensured she couldn’t step outside.

In hindsight, this treatment was excessive and not something that should happen at normal times, but Emilia had no reason to question it.

Yet, at that moment, when she found a potential way to escape from a place that should be impossible to leave, Emilia’s heart wavered between her curiosity and her mother’s instructions.

She wanted to know what everyone was doing outside while she was away.

However, she had been strictly told by Fortuna to obey the rules. Until Fortuna returned, she must remain there.

But, perhaps if I secretly try to sneak outside and see what everyone is doing, I could come back without getting caught.

Moreover, it was the adults who initially broke the promises about lies and secrets.

If I broke the rules just this once, surely that would be a fair trade-off.

“———”

This was the small justification formulated in the head of the innocent young girl.

The hole she had pushed her arm into was one of the spaces intertwining tree roots. She could feel a grip as she exerted her strength, slowly managing to widen the gap bit by bit.

Following that tactile feedback, little Emilia was determined to push aside the roots and carve out a passage wide enough for her to crawl through. Sweating on her forehead and soiling her clothes in the mud, even if she could only shrug off later, it would be pointless to say, “Nothing happened.”

Somehow managing to widen that crevice between the roots, Emilia successfully crawled out of the cave.

“———ah.”

Feeling the wind once she stepped outside, Emilia was filled with a peculiar sense of achievement.

Even knowing she had done something wrong that could lead to a scolding if caught, her heart swelled with pride at the thought of running immediately to show Fortuna, declaring, “Look what I did!”

Of course, if she did so, she’d definitely receive an angry outburst, and so at the brink of dashing forward, Emilia halted herself. That was a close call.

Yet, Emilia also thought,

—Following this foolish conclusion, I should have gone to be praised by Fortuna, gotten scolded hard, cried and regretted it, and forgotten all about this hole in the roots.

If she had done that, perhaps the tragedies to follow could have been avoided.

—What is tragedy, anyway?

The question hung unanswered in the young Emilia’s mind as she sprinted toward where she hoped everyone would be after successfully escaping the “Princess Room.”

Knowing she had done something wrong forced Emilia into a stealthy approach, curious to spy on others. Thanks to the aid of the micro-spirits, she vaguely understood where everyone was.

Soon enough, she discovered the villagers gathered in the village square. She could also see a group wearing unfamiliar black attire alongside them.

“———”

Hiding behind a particularly large tree, little Emilia nimbly climbed up onto its branches. She had considerable agility for a small child, flitting from tree to tree like a small animal, often confusing the adults trying to catch her.

In that way, the acrobatics she developed permitted her to peek unobtrusively into the adults’ discussion.

About forty villagers seemed to be present in total, comprising everyone from adults to children, and all were gathered minus Emilia. The black-clothed group numbered perhaps around twenty.

A few of them spoke on center stage while the rest busily exchanged goods. It appeared that the people in black had brought cargo to be received by the villagers, whose expressions brightened, bowing their heads repeatedly in gratitude.

“—I’m so sorry for always bothering you.”

What are they doing? What are they talking about?

Just as Emilia found herself pondering and about to lean in closer, suddenly a voice felt as if it whispered near her ear.

Startled, Emilia froze, glancing around but finding no one nearby who seemed to fit the voice. Before that, though, she recognized the voice unmistakably as Fortuna’s.

And Fortuna was currently standing just below Emilia—facing one of the figures dressed in black, engaged in conversation.

“We’re all grateful that you’ve arranged for us things we cannot find in the forest.”

“That sentiment is appreciated. However, I regret that we could only assist in this manner. I always feel like we are burdening you, Fortuna-sama.”

“Oh please, it’s mutually beneficial, really.”

A vivid sense of mutual awkwardness flowed between the two as they shared a smile.

Emilia understood that the conversation she was now overhearing unfolded at this very moment. For whatever reason, it seemed she had developed the kind of “hearing” for which one would be envious.

In reality, the micro-spirits had eased that information to Emilia, yet the little girl remained oblivious to this assistance.

Facing Fortuna was a man with a ruggedly handsome face, clad in a black robe.

His muscular build stood out sharply amidst the often slight figures of the elves. Surprisingly, that imposing figure approached Fortuna with a surprisingly low bow.

Seeing the dignified man respectfully acknowledging Fortuna made Emilia feel strangely proud, even though the situation put her in a spying position.

“What a magnificent person to have as my mother!”

“Also, as always… how are things with the seal?”

As Emilia felt that misplaced pride swell in her heart, when the man touched upon that subject, it managed to scatter her feelings altogether.

In that one statement, the man laid a heavy, complex weight in his tone.

“I can’t quite laugh off my concern. Don’t worry; everything’s unwavering as always. It absolutely cannot be undone—if it were, I wouldn’t be able to face my brother and sister-in-law.”

“Regarding your brother and his wife, it’s a great shame.”

“…My brother, he should have been prepared for this. As for my sister-in-law, I still don’t know how she truly felt. But I understand the heavy responsibility entrusted to me. I refuse to relinquish or mishandle that. You feel the same way, right?”

“I have… nothing else to rely on. My circumstances are different from Fortuna-sama’s sense of duty or commitment. I’m more bound by attachment and lingering regrets.”

The man laughed as if letting out a breath, while Emilia noticed Fortuna’s gaze turned wistful.

But at that moment, Emilia grasped none of the meaning behind this exchange.

—What did it mean to lament her brother and sister-in-law?

Fortuna’s brother was Emilia’s father. And the lady, his wife, must refer to Emilia’s mother.

What could it possibly mean for both of them to be regrettable, and why hadn’t Fortuna bothered to ask for clarification?

Clinging to her branch, Emilia tilted her head, trying to eavesdrop on the group, hardly realizing that her efforts were futile with the micro-spirits actively granting her wishes.

“Your ambitions and actions are unrelated. Your deeds are worthy of pride before all people. It’s incredibly painful to not be able to shout this from the rooftops.”

“Uh, uh-huh. Your comforting words are quite moving. However, I dare say that’s difficult. If our true intentions reach the world, the renewed sense of peace will once again be drowned in chaos. You and I, more than anything, know that she doesn’t wish for this.”

“…Yes, I think so.”

Nodding her chin, Fortuna openly agreed with the man’s words.

After that, the topic seemed to veer from where Emilia desperately wished to listen, to mundane pleasantries instead.

While Fortuna and the man exchanged words, the exchange of goods between their groups seemed to conclude. An adult called out to Fortuna, who nodded in acknowledgment before turning back to the man.

“Thanks to the spirits’ blessings, though the changing seasons may not impact the forest greatly, things like clothing and bedding help us immensely. Thank you.”

“Truth be told, you and your folks should be honored with better treatment, given your many accomplishments. It’s unforgivable to force you to endure this sort of inconvenience.”

“Don’t call it that. We all love the forest.”

Chirping in jest, Fortuna wore a light smile. The man mirrored that smile, allowing a tranquil atmosphere to settle between them for a moment.

And then,

“Sir Bishop. The handover of goods and preparations for departure are ready. Please hurry.”

“Yes, I understand.”

When the figure in black called out, the man wistfully glanced back at the village one last time. He then bowed to Fortuna, and both she and the adults returned a gesture of respect with a hand placed on their chests with closed eyes.

As the black-clad group turned to leave, the man at the very back stopped,

“Ah, I must ask you this.”

“……”

Encouraging the man to go on with her silent gaze, Fortuna remained hunched over.

After briefly closing his eyes, the man looked into the forest as he asked,

“—Is Emilia-sama doing well?”

“——っ!”

Upon hearing her name from his lips, Emilia almost choked. What saved her from letting out a small shriek was the sheer luck bestowed to her as she inhaled just before speaking.

Fortunately, that faint voice went unheard and was passed off unnoticed, and receiving the inquiry, Fortuna slowly nodded at the man.

“She’s fine. Emilia is growing up well, being a good child to us. She’s too good of a child for us… But I’m sorry. I can’t let you meet her.”

“That’s more than enough. Just confirming Emilia-sama’s well-being is sufficient. To ask for more from these sinful hands of mine would be too much of a wish.”

“…………”

His self-mocking wasn’t different from self-denial.

Regardless, Fortuna maintained her silence rather than offering cheap reassurance.

The man seemed to take some comfort from her quiet reaction, lifting his head slightly. They exchanged a silent glance for a moment, then—

“Sir Bishop, what’s the matter? —Bishop Romanee-Conti, sir.”

A figure from the leading group returned, calling out to him. With arms open, the man responded.

“Oh, it’s nothing at all. Now, let’s be off. Fortuna-sama, until we meet again.”

“Thank you as always. …I’m sorry, Juice.”

The man named Juice smiled slightly at Fortuna’s final words before turning back to join the group as they left the forest.

Once their figure completely vanished, Fortuna let out a sigh as she dropped her shoulders. Then she clapped her hands to gather everyone’s attention.

“Alright, let’s hurry and move the packages inside for distribution. I’ll be heading out to fetch Emilia.”

“———!”

Following Fortuna’s instructions, observing the adults and children lifting and moving the boxes, Emilia rolled off the tree and sprinted back to the “Princess Room.”

In a small crevice made from roots that she used as a passageway, Emilia twisted her small body through, gaining scrapes and scratches across her body. However, as soon as she entered, she was met with the realization that her appearance did not resemble that of a child patiently waiting.

Until just recently, she had thought it was a harmless act that wouldn’t lead to scolding even if caught, as she would simply have to reflect and be forgiven quickly.

However, having overheard that discussion, it now felt impossible to view the situation so optimistically—especially since that conversation seemed to touch on matters she certainly didn’t want to have heard.

“What should I do? What do I do?”

With Fortuna expected to return and remove the bolt at any moment, Emilia felt a sense of urgency. If she stepped out into the light, the way she looked might bring all her previous mischief to light.

If Fortuna learned of her having overheard their conversation, it would seem less a childhood mischief and closer to calamity.

“If only I could hide my scrapes…”

Having caught scratches in several spots, some of which were even lightly bleeding on her knees and arms, she feared that Fortuna wouldn’t overlook them. The thought of it stinging in the bath frightened Emilia even more.

She became intent on finding a solution.

“—Eh?”

Therefore, when she once again witnessed that blue-white luminescence forming in the “Princess Room,” it felt as if that light could be her saving grace, guiding her.

That glow flickered in front of Emilia’s vision, teasingly dancing with curiosity before it began to envelop her body with its illumination.

“—Ah, yes.”

Just like that light was absorbed into the wall, the blue-white glow then enshrouded Emilia’s body. As it seemed to collectively confront the various marks and scrapes gained, it began to emit a soft shine over each wound until it faded—just like that, the lacerations simplified, leaving only a slight redness behind.

“———”

In shock from the strange occurrence on her body, Emilia froze in silence.

The little pains from her cuts that had been boldly asserting themselves were no longer there, leaving Emilia in the same state she had been in before her escape.

With this newfound sense of hope, Emilia stripped away the clothes she had been wearing and switched into a change of clothes that lay waiting in the “Princess Room.” As she grappled with what to do with the torn ones now stained with ink,

“With this…!”

She switched over an inkpot designated for her drawing—generously splattering color all over the torn clothes. Just as they transformed into a permanently stained mess, at that moment—

“—Emilia? Are you awake?”

Fortuna’s voice echoed from outside the door, snapping Emilia to full alertness.

With a racing heartbeat at the last-minute timing, she struggled to find her response, the first words evading her.

“Emilia? Have you fallen asleep?”

“I-I’m awake! I’m awake, Fortuna! But right now…”

“Ah, so you’re awake. I’m so sorry for keeping you waiting…”

Hearing Emilia respond seemed to ease Fortuna, who opened the bolt and entered the “Princess Room.” Fortuna wore a smile, but as soon as she stepped in, her expression shifted, her formidably pretty nose wrinkling.

“…What’s this? It smells strongly of ink.”

“Uh, I’m sorry. I spilled a lot of colors while drawing… It got all over my clothes.”

Emilia stood in the middle of the room facing off against the inkpot lying there, alongside Emilia’s forlorn expression. Examining them, Fortuna exclaimed, “Oh dear,” resting a hand on her face.

“Well, it can’t be helped. I’m glad we had spare clothes to change into; otherwise, I’d have to drag a naked Emilia back home.”

“Um, Fortuna…”

“It’s alright, Emilia. There’s no need to be so afraid. It wasn’t something you did on purpose. More importantly, you haven’t hurt yourself, have you?”

Matching her gaze with Emilia’s, Fortuna inspected her daughter carefully from head to toe. Sighing in relief at the absence of visible injuries, she gently hugged Emilia close.

“Mother?”

“No, it’s nothing. I just… really wanted to see you, Emilia. I’m sorry. Can you allow me this just a little longer?”

While still embracing Emilia, Fortuna leaned her cheek against her.

Given that Fortuna usually shied away from such gestures out of embarrassment, it felt particularly unique to Emilia and brought forth a contemplative thought regarding her mother’s apparent worry.

So then,

“…You’re spoiled.”

As Emilia stroked Fortuna’s short silver hair, Fortuna murmured in half-awake satisfaction.

However, interpreting that as a sign to cease, Emilia didn’t halt her slow, gentle caresses over her mother’s head.

There were so many questions she wished to ask.

Nonetheless, to express them all would yield far too many unknowns that young Emilia lacked vocabulary or knowledge enough to articulate.

“Hey, Emilia…”

“…Hmm?”

As Fortuna gazed down at the quietly purring Emilia, the warmth of her gaze narrowed. Suddenly, Emilia caught glimmering tears welling within her mother’s own violet eyes.

In the blink of an eye, the tears spilled down Fortuna’s cheeks but she didn’t wipe them away, instead offering a smile to Emilia as she said,

“—I love you.”

There were so many things she wished to ask, so many things she wanted to know.

—Yet right now, Emilia felt content to accept those one simple words from her mother.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dragging her feet along, glowing with a pale blue phosphorescence, Emilia walked through the dark.

The weariness drained her strength, leaving her draping along the ground, yet her will remained unwavering, compelling her to keep moving.

Memories from her childhood flickered across her mind.

Why was it now that she recalled such past memories?

The past Emilia saw during the “Trial” was slightly different from this recently resurfaced memory. It was from a time just before the events of the “Trial.”

If she could go back then—surely everything could be redone anew.

“Fortuna, mother…”

Kind, warm, and strong, Fortuna had always remained the ideal woman in Emilia’s eyes.

Desiring always to be like Fortuna, to embody her qualities; yet, Emilia found herself perpetually troubled by trivial matters, remaining indecisive and fearful, ultimately leading to irreversible consequences.

“Ugh… phew…”

In grappling with the unchangeable outcomes, a surge of unbearable pain washed over Emilia’s heart.

Surging emotions—bitterness, grief, remorse—all entwined with a sense of inadequacy, rendering Emilia near tears in shame for her foolishness.

It was always like this. All the times that were desperate and earnest—she felt driven with all her might—yet, her hands failed to reach the very things she craved, barely skimming past them.

Even things that once seemed tangible slipped through her fingers like grains of sand, vanishing like fleeting glimmers.

Fortuna, Pack, Subaru—everyone was like that to her.

“I’m the one… at fault. Because I’m a bad child who can’t even follow rules… everyone…”

Quietly sobbing, Emilia kept dragging her feet forward.

Through dense frames of green, she moved slowly yet determinedly.

“Thus, everyone hides from me… keeps things hidden… but that’s not right. Being kept in the dark, remaining uninformed… how I’d wished for things to stay that way. Yet…”

Through the forest’s trees. The pale blue phosphorescence. The men in black. Mother Fortuna. The large black serpent. The closed door. Snow. The white world. The silver world. A world that ends, ends. My father and mother.

“So, I…”

A whirlwind of phrases surged through her mind.

Amidst that flood, Emilia raised her head and pressed onward.

“———”

With a frail voice and faltering steps.

—Yet, within those eyes of hers, not a single tear was found.