Facing the witch looking at her from the mirror, Emilia let out a sigh.

The “Witch of Greed,” Echidna, adorned in nothing but black and white.

In this dream world, which recreated her own room, Emilia realized this was indeed a place born from her own mind.

A gentle world where peaceful days spent in the forest had continued.

A world where Fortuna, Juice, Arc, and everyone in the forest could laugh together.

“But such a world doesn’t exist anywhere…”

“That’s right. This is a transient world created from your memories and wishes. However, the world-building ability of the magic that governs the ‘Trial’ transcends human wisdom. The people living in this world would have actually breathed in such a way with just one misstep of a button.”

The truth of that frozen day in the Erior Forest came back to Emilia.

If that disaster had not been brought about and the forest could continue to enjoy tranquility, could everyone have smiled and welcomed today?

Fortuna and Juice, seated together at the table, their joyful figures etched in her mind.

That was nothing other than the scene young Emilia had last wished to see from the depths of her heart, and now revived in her memory.

“After seeing an unthinkable present, didn’t you want to sink into this world?”

With words seemingly peering into Emilia’s heart, Echidna cast a sweet temptation.

As Emilia lifted her face, she was met with Echidna’s cold gaze, unchanged in tone. She stroked her snow-white hair back, cascading it behind her.

“You saw the happiness of your mother and her husband, didn’t you? Didn’t you wish for them to remain just as they were? Didn’t you dream of living each day, finding the behaviors of the forest’s inhabitants and the attitudes of friendly friends to be heartwarming?”

“…What are you trying to say?”

“It’s just a little jealousy. The fact that you found me means you’ve already answered the scenery of this world. And I know that answer is to choose reality over dreams, how boring. If it’s going to follow a path with a clear outcome, then I thought I’d leave even a subtle mark of my claws behind.”

“——–”

“You choose the unhappy reality of their unfortunate end over the happiness of your mother and the people close to you. Ultimately, the result of the ‘Trial’ shows you’re a pitiful woman who prioritizes yourself above all else.”

Echidna’s sharp criticism pierced into Emilia’s chest like a spear.

The cutting edge of her words was so painful that Emilia instinctively took a step back, even though it wasn’t like a blade was being stabbed into her.

Seeing Emilia’s reaction, Echidna softly sniffed from her shapely nose.

“It seems you’ve gained some self-awareness. And the ‘Trial’ does not consider the challenger’s character. Those who are qualified will equally accept any personality disorder, be it narcissistic or self-centered. So don’t worry, your goal will soon be achieved.”

“You’re really hitting where it hurts… Is that how you treat everyone?”

“Of course not,” Echidna shrugged at Emilia’s desperate words.

“I only harbor malice toward you and two others in this world.”

“Knowing I’m one of only three chosen in the whole world doesn’t exactly make me happy… I don’t recall ever speaking with you to the extent of being so disliked.”

“You don’t have to look so anxious. My dislike for you has nothing to do with you being a Half-Elf. I don’t question the validity of your origins. Regardless of blood or qualities, I simply dislike you. Well, that might not even be entirely accurate.”

“……?”

As Echidna’s latter words caused her to frown in confusion, Emilia shook her head softly, unable to just walk away after being so reprimanded.

Above all, there were many parts of Echidna’s words that she needed to refute— not just for her own sake, but for the honor of everyone in the forest.

“I understand that you disliking me is unavoidable. It’s hard to be liked by everyone. I know that well. I’ve been told I was hated many times.”

“Then all the more reason you should have kept to the forest.”

“I can’t do that. I just said it during the last ‘Trial.’ I’m going to melt the ice of the forest and rescue everyone. I will proudly tell everyone that the world has become a more walkable place.”

“‘Walkable’ isn’t exactly a bold claim. Prejudice between races still looms large, and people’s hearts don’t easily accept those who are different from themselves. That’s precisely why places like the ‘Sanctuary’ still maintain their functions. In this world you speak of, the victims of misunderstandings continue to increase endlessly, don’t you think?”

“…You’re not wrong.”

Against Echidna’s harsh words, Emilia nearly lowered her gaze.

Her slender body still remembered the days spent in the forest with Pack. The hours filled with the fear and malice expressed by the nearby villagers.

Echidna’s relentless attitude made Emilia recollect those days. Even if she attempted to forget, the wounds would not heal, always insisting upon their pain like an unhealed scab.

“But I think I can change that.”

“——–”

With the pain of her wounds in mind, Emilia strongly rebutted Echidna.

Seeing Echidna narrow her eyes, Emilia bit her lip and concentrated her gaze.

“Being different sometimes brings about painful misunderstandings. Whether more or fewer people might sometimes define the differences between victims and perpetrators.”

“History shows this has always repeated. People cannot accept those who are different. And the number of people directly relates to the difference in power. Those in the majority persecute those in the minority. Even if one comes to understand the natural order, what’s the point? Will you gather the few and create a paradise for the weak? Isn’t that the very essence of what the ‘Sanctuary’ is?”

“One choice among many, I suppose. But I want to choose a different path. Even if we can’t change being victims or perpetrators, can’t the future be different?”

The moment she mentioned the word ‘future,’ Echidna’s expression froze.

Emilia thought it was as if Echidna was angry at her for speaking that phrase, which she wished only Emilia could keep quiet about. Yet, she continued.

“While advancing through the Royal Selection, I will definitely do a variety of things. I might even receive more malice and scorn than before. But I want to keep speaking without stopping. What’s wrong with being different from myself or others? Why is it so frightening that someone beside you is different from you?”

“I don’t want to keep repeating this, but that’s the way of the world. People cannot accept the differences between themselves and others. Basically, creatures wish for others to be the same as themselves. They like the same things, love the same things, hate the same things, and loathe the same things—finding reassurance in that sameness, they love understanding. Your claims will be rejected as the delusions of the weak.”

“That’s just a thoughtless dismissal! How lame!”

“Lame…?”

Echidna opened her eyes wide in shock at Emilia raising her voice.

And facing the flustered Echidna, Emilia declared, “That’s right!”

“How lame it is. I don’t like the idea of someone being different from me, so I shut myself away… That’s such a childish way of thinking. If I am forbidden from such a reason, then I will keep saying it repeatedly. Rather than closing one’s ears and screaming ‘I don’t like it’ after ceasing to think, isn’t it simpler to just put some thought into quieting me down for the sake of discussion?”

“Such selfishness. What a self-deceiving attitude. You push your opinions on others while brushing aside their desires to not hear them.”

“I’m not brushing them aside. Whether the person keeps their hands on their ears is up to them. I’m simply confident that it’s not me who is being stubborn.”

With her hands on her hips, Emilia expressed her determination to Echidna.

Listening to this, Echidna made a face as if biting into a sour bug and averted her gaze from Emilia. Then she remarked,

“Regardless of your claims, it’s undeniable the world hasn’t changed yet. The people living in the forest, those locked in ice—if they still have lives, bringing them out to a melted world isn’t something the world is prepared to accept. You’re simply throwing those who were kind to you into turbulent seas—all for your superficial desires.”

“…”

“I want to free my companions as soon as possible. But if they are freed, they will suffer under the wall of the world’s rejection. To live is to suffer; to die is to suffer. How will you, with just your mindset, change the way the world exists? How will you transform it? How will you become different?”

That was truly querying the significance of Echidna’s inquiry toward Emilia.

Through the past and the impossible present, it was the two ‘Trials’ that tested Emilia’s resolve. On that foundation, she questioned Emilia of her determination’s future.

The vision that lies ahead once resolve is upheld.

A route toward reaching the envisioned future.

What solid foundation will you build that road upon.

To that questioning, Emilia nodded and then declared.

“I will think about that once the ‘Trial’ is over!”

“—Huh?”

“Focusing too much on what is to come would be absurdly careless. I must say I’m rather clumsy. If there’s a wall I must overcome in front of me, worrying about what’s beyond that would lead me to fall into a hole before the wall.”

Having gone through her experiences with the ‘Trial’ and arguing with Subaru, Emilia believed she had finally learned to view herself somewhat objectively.

She also thought she had given herself an honest assessment of her current self.

She wasn’t a skillful person capable of handling many things alone.

It is only by working her utmost and with her full effort on the things before her that she might achieve results.

There is hope for the future; there is a vision.

First, she decided to aim there, to take the first step toward that goal.

What she must carve here was that first step.

“I’ve been reminded of how futile it is to discuss with you. I can’t believe I did something so foolish.”

“You may be smart, but I think it’s quite sneaky how you try to dismiss your opponent’s opinion.”

“Do you think we were having an exchange of opinions? To my mention of the issue, you merely lined up pretty words. I had forgotten. You are a child who, simply put, is utterly hopeless, a weak woman whose reliance on others has rendered her unable to stand on her own.”

“That’s right…I do think I’m weak.”

Lowering her gaze at the cruel remarks, Emilia shook her head softly.

However, she immediately lifted her face and returned Echidna’s stare, adding, “But…”

“I don’t think being weak is inherently bad.”

“…What?”

“A person who has taught me something important would likely say this: Being weak isn’t the problem. The problem lies in clinging to that weakness.”

The image of a dark-haired boy with a bad attitude came to mind.

A person who lamented his powerlessness yet, being kind-hearted, spent their days rushing to bear the greatest pains for others.

Standing at the most painful place while receiving help from everyone, that person would answer exactly like that.

“That’s just making an excuse.”

“Yeah. I’ve been slow to make excuses.”

With a smile even illuminating her face, Emilia left Echidna with no room for argument.

Going beyond being positive, there was no stopping the ever-forward Emilia for Echidna.

Especially since further interference would impact Echidna’s dignity as a ‘Witch.’

“…Enjoy the remaining ‘Trials’ as much as you can. Once that’s over, a reality far harsher than the ‘Trials’ awaits you. There, you’ll come to understand just how hard it is to uphold the pretty words you’ve lined up.”

“Thanks for that. I’ll be sure to remember your words. And…”

Most likely, she was about to disappear from the mirror.

Seeing Echidna’s form begin to blur in the mirror, Emilia continued, peering through the divide. Echidna’s furrowed brow reflected in the glass. Emilia stated,

“Thank you for showing me this world.”

“——–”

“Even if this was an impossible world, it’s still the world I wished for. I never thought I could see those two smiling side by side, my mother and… Father Juice. So, thank you.”

The acknowledgment that this was an unrealized world brought about a pang of pain.

However, even if it was an impossible world, Emilia saw a scene that could have been.

What lay there was a definite happiness and surely love, making her feel a mix of joy and sorrow.

She could genuinely think how glad she was to have encountered this sight.

“…You…”

Dwelling in that gratitude, Echidna’s expression changed.

The prior look of distaste, the attitude of suppressing dissatisfaction as she spoke, the condescending demeanor judging Emilia’s actions—those varied expressions she’d shown thus far were not in play anymore.

Echidna merely looked at Emilia, her face almost like she would cry.

“Echidna…?”

“I hate you. I simply hate you.”

Echidna, still looking down, replied in a constricted voice.

The reflection of her figure in the mirror then distorted, as the witch with white hair disappeared in an instant. Instead, what emerged in the reflection was a girl with long silver hair—

“—!”

Sorrow pierced through Emilia’s heart, and she instinctively averted her gaze from the mirror.

Her heartbeat quickened, breaths coming in short gasps.

Even though she had made up her mind, the reality that she saw herself reflected in the mirror frightened her.

“——–”

Having been trapped in the ice along with the Erior Forest, saved after a hundred years by Pack—Emilia had never seen her grown-up self in a mirror.

The reason was simple: she found it terrifying.

Having spent a hundred years sleeping, Emilia the girl remained mentally young, while her body had grown into that of a woman.

When her consciousness returned, noticing she couldn’t quite control her own body caused her to feel an illusion that her body didn’t belong to her, prompting her to cry for many nights.

What further aggravated the trauma she’d experienced was the townsfolk’s reactions.

Those with physical traits similar to the “Witch of Envy” feared Emilia like a demon. Even upon realizing she meant no harm, their attitudes remained unchanged.

The moment Emilia finally settled into doing nothing, what awaited her were days of persecution riddled in scorn and malice. In those moments, it became ingrained within her mind, at least subconsciously, that their hatreds were due to her appearance being the same as that of a “Witch.”

It was therefore that she began to reject the mirror, behaving to avoid seeing the form of herself that others disliked.

Once Pack recognized Emilia’s mental afflictions, he eliminated anything that might reflect her figure. Even when scooping water, he would call upon her, ensuring she remained unaware of her reflection in the surface.

—The clause of their contract that allowed Pack to handle Emilia’s daily grooming was, in reality, a means to protect her from that trauma.

Pack concealed Emilia’s trauma behind the guise of a contract, all to shield his beloved daughter from the mirror.

“…How many people have I been protected by, I wonder?”

How long had she been oblivious to the feelings of so many, sulking solely by herself?

The time during which she could remain ignorant of what she had received was now over.

“—”

Taking a deep breath, Emilia paused.

And then she lifted her face, making a determined resolution to glare at the mirror.

What filled the mirror was a girl with long silver hair and deep violet eyes.

Her expression seemed to welcome the world’s end as she concentrated on glaring at the reflection.

“—What’s this?”

A voice of surprise slipped from her lips.

Upon seeing her grown-up self in the mirror, Emilia sighed, unraveling her thoughts.

“Disappointingly, I don’t look much like Mother Fortuna…”

As soon as she mumbled this like a sulky child, the world shattered into countless pieces with a loud crash.

The dream world, happy and precious, yet one she had to part with—came to an end.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

“—Ah, huh.”

Emilia, regaining consciousness, noticed she had been leaning against the wall, half-asleep.

Crouched down on the floor, she felt utterly reliant against the wall marked with Subaru’s carved message. Smoothing her disheveled hair with her hand, she imagined the last time she had seen herself.

Was that the appearance of someone so feared as a “Witch” by many, and someone whom Subaru would often refer to as “cute” or “adorable”?

Which perception of her was correct? Emilia, lacking understanding about beauty and ugliness, couldn’t discern.

However, in Emilia’s mind, Mother Fortuna symbolized the most beautiful and cool person. So, she didn’t see the boy’s bad attitude as an undesirable thing, nor did she particularly dislike Subaru’s bad attitude.

“I really shouldn’t be lost in these strange thoughts right after returning.”

With her palm on her cheek, Emilia pressed pause on her thoughts.

It was far too lethargic. She had safely returned from the ‘Trial’ and seen Subaru’s handwritten message, yet she was floating in such frivolity.

“But… the second ‘Trial’ has ended now, right?”

Murmuring without addressing anyone, Emilia rose as her mind wandered regarding the outcome.

Based on Echidna’s attitude at parting, the ‘Trial’ must indeed be over. Unlike the first ‘Trial,’ where she had felt a solid belief of overcoming it, she held no definite sensation of success.

Yet still, it was true that she had managed to break free from the shackles that sought to imprison her.

“——–”

Remembering the happily bonded figures of Fortuna and Juice made her heart ache.

But pressing down that melancholic feeling, Emilia turned her back on the ‘Trial.’

If there was a third ‘Trial,’ like the second ‘Trial,’ it would require entry and exit.

With this momentum, she would tackle the third ‘Trial’ and free the ‘Sanctuary.’

For Subaru’s sake, for Ram’s wishes, and to execute the promise Emilia herself made to Roswaal, her action was now demanded.

“It’s so dark now…”

Emerging from the passage of the dark ruins, Emilia noted the faint light filtering in from the entrance of the graveyard, causing her to squint her eyes.

Was that moonlight obstructed by clouds or faintly illuminated starlight?

In the ‘Sanctuary,’ which practically extinguished all sources of light at night, the only means to slice through the night was that natural light spilling from the sky.

“—Eh?”

While thinking this way as she walked, the moment she stepped out of the graveyard, a multitude of gazes pressed upon her.

“Ah, you’re finally here!”

As someone exclaimed, a commotion rippled through the surroundings.

In front of Emilia, that turmoil quickly surged, and the awareness of the numerous people there concentrated solely on her.

—Those were the residents of the ‘Sanctuary.’

Apart from Garfiel and Ryuzu, these were the people living within the ‘Sanctuary.’

Emilia had managed little more than minimal contact with them up until now. That was partly due to her mental state not allowing for much interaction, as well as the fact that they had not approached her proactively.

She felt a sense of resignation toward the eyes directed at her, just like before.

And the residents held a mix of disgust toward Emilia’s true nature and yet an expectation for her role in liberating the ‘Sanctuary’—and more than anything, a doubt over whether she was fit to stand before them.

Thus, while she believed it impossible for them to gather like this until she produced results in freeing the ‘Sanctuary.’

Emilia had firmly believed that her dialogues with them could only take place after she bore the results of her endeavors.

So why, in this moment, were they gathering here?

And the eyes cast toward her—filled not with disgust but a newly intensified expectation.

“It seems a rather spiteful story,” said one girl stepping forth from the crowd.

The girl with long pale pink hair was Ryuzu.

As the representative of the village, she stepped up in front of the other residents, smiling at Emilia.

“Those present here have been indecisive. They wondered what sort of answer you would produce for the ‘Trial,’ and… after the ‘Sanctuary’ is released, what paths they should take themselves.”

“…That’s understandable. But how does that connect to it being spiteful?”

“It’s quite simple. Everyone in the ‘Sanctuary’ has been sharing bits and pieces about Garf’s and Subaru’s quarrels, and about the exchanges between you and Roswaal… well, in various other scenes too. We’ve spread those details here and there…”

“Huh, you shared that!?”

Seeing Ryuzu awkwardly scratch her cheek, Emilia felt her face grow hot.

While it was fine that they were privy to the clashes between Subaru and Garfiel, the ensuing argument she had with Roswaal afterward was also just her immature imposition of opinions.

Although she had resigned herself to the fact that it wouldn’t be embarrassing no matter who heard it, learning that someone had indeed listened to those moments turned her feelings awkward.

“But how exactly did you hear it, Ryuzu?”

“Well, you see… despite how I look, I have quite the keen ear. Here in the ‘Sanctuary,’ it’s somewhat impossible to keep secrets.”

“Is that so… Wow.”

Emilia’s thoughts drifted toward Ryuzu’s declaration of eavesdropping. Rather than feeling anger, she found herself impressed.

Not noticing the old woman with the appearance of an adorable girl sticking her tongue out, Emilia nodded as though confirming why so many had gathered.

Then, addressing Emilia, a man appeared among the residents.

“Uh, Emilia-sama.”

“Y-yes?”

“You entered as if it were an arranged meeting, didn’t you?”

One of the residents—a man, likely another half-human living in the ‘Sanctuary,’ stepped forward with slightly elongated canine teeth and slit pupils. Seemingly around Roswaal’s age or a bit older, he appeared somewhat anxious.

“I… no, we honestly haven’t made our minds up yet.”

“——–”

“Should we trust you? What does knowing about the world outside of the ‘Sanctuary’ entail? Frankly speaking, everything about the outside world is daunting and unknown. We have all been born and raised here. Knowing nothing of the outside.”

This reflected Garfiel’s claims regarding the nature of the ‘Sanctuary.’

The binding barrier that had persisted for four centuries forced its inhabitants to adopt traditions over generations. Without means of venturing outside, they might have never needed to realize that predicament.

Yet now, the means to step out lay before them in a clear form, about to be undone by Emilia, whom none of them were related to or connected with.

It was impossible for them not to feel anxiety or resentment about that. Especially not about being able to stride boldly into the outside world.

Deep inside, Emilia feared that Garfiel’s apprehensions would echo the desire of the ‘Sanctuary’ itself.

And indeed, that was being exemplified in the words of the man before her.

“Even if we could be under Roswaal’s care outside, then what’s the difference here? To put it bluntly, our trepidations outweigh our expectations. Change is frightening.”

“…Yeah.”

“But,”

The man, lowering his chin just slightly, had to be halted by his own following words as Emilia almost looked down when he began to speak.

The man straightened his posture and continued with a tense expression.

“Garfiel’s… that boy’s voice resonated with everyone.”

“…………”

“We knew what that hardworking boy was thinking, how he felt… also, we heard all about your struggles with that black-haired older brother of yours, and your subsequent exchanges with Roswaal-sama and you, Emilia-sama.”

The man continued to stand tall, his face twisted in sorrow.

A remorseful, tear-filled expression began to swell in his heart, causing Emilia’s chest to constrict.

“I realized how pathetic it was. To have such a fourteen-year-old worried about me, and to have a not even twenty-year-old bark at me. And then to hear what you said, Emilia-sama, even when Roswaal-san said otherwise, you did not bend. So, Emilia-sama.”

“—Yes.”

“Whatever the outcome may be, and what comes after that, I think your attitude toward challenging the ‘Trial’ is remarkable. It deserves respect. Not everyone shares that sentiment, nor have I completely acknowledged you yet. Therefore, please allow me to witness.”

No need to vocalize “what to.”

Baselining in the potency of determination behind his steadfast gaze, Emilia held her chin up to meet the men’s expressions, nodding to the townsfolk standing behind him.

“I understand. I will surely bring it to a close… and I will have you listen.”

“Yes. I promise. It is not right to evaluate someone based solely on hearsay without so much as interaction… truly, that is not how we should behave.”

“Urgh!”

The man sulked as Ryuzu unexpectedly pinched the back of his waist from behind.

The startled man turned around, pleading in protest, only for Ryuzu to laugh it off.

“You’ve been long winded and serious; besides, at one point there you switched from ‘I’ to ‘we’. It’s probably because you’re not used to that sort of behavior.”

“…I-I apologize.”

“Either way, our position is exactly as stated now. We’re sorry for being meddlesome.”

Sharing light-hearted banter, Ryuzu ushered the now-embarrassed man to take his leave.

Drawing a deep breath, Emilia expanded her chest with a mixture of oxygen and something else.

Thanks to Ryuzu’s arrangements and the people of the ‘Sanctuary’ who came to witness her, she found immense strength in it.

“Thank you, Ryuzu. I feel ready to try even harder now.”

“I see, I see. Then I’m relieved. …Next should be the last ‘Trial.'”

“Yes, indeed—I’m aiming to tackle it soon.”

With the support she’d gained, Emilia turned to face the graveyard.

Yet, midway, she paused briefly, casting her attention toward Ryuzu with a thoughtful expression.

“Oh, um… Have you seen Ram? I want to make sure she knows that I’ve completed the second ‘Trial.'”

“…Ram appears to have some duties to attend to, so she isn’t here. However, she specifically wanted me to say she wishes you well. ‘Emilia-sama has her things, and Ram has hers. Let’s get those done.'”

Even understanding it was a message from Ram, Emilia found it amusing and chuckled slightly.

What tasks was Ram to perform where and with whom?

A flickering unease stirred within her chest, but Emilia pressed it down with determination.

Ram believed in her. Therefore, Emilia would believe in Ram.

Just as Subaru and the others had crafted a path for her, Emilia wished to forge her own road forward for them as well.

“I’m going.”

With Emilia’s declaration, Ryuzu nodded, and the murmurs of the residents lent her encouragement.

Emilia stepped forth into the graveyard, with a determination stronger than it was before.

And then—

“Face the calamity that is to come.”

The final ‘Trial’ awaited her.

“`

 

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