The garden within the grounds of the **Water’s Feather Robe Inn** was designed like a gravel-laden Japanese garden, exuding a traditional ryokan atmosphere.

While it might be asking too much to have a pond or shishiodoshi, the arrangement of stepping stones and the planting of bamboo-like plants were certainly commendable.

“Still, it seems **Wilhelm** didn’t come down after all.”

Sitting on the wooden veranda overlooking the garden, **Subaru** fiddled with the gravel with his toes.

The image that floated in his mind was that of the elderly man with white hair and a remorseful expression. What could **Wilhelm** be doing in his room at that moment, having turned down Subaru’s invitation?

He must be quite bored waiting until dinner.

“But then again, he doesn’t seem like the type to simply come for the sake of passing time.”

“That makes it sound like we came here out of sheer curiosity just because you invited us.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s a very refined hobby, would you? And I’m also included in that, you know.”

Subaru shot sarcasm at **Julius**, who was elegantly sitting next to him with his legs crossed on the same veranda.

Julius laughed and nodded in agreement with Subaru’s words, but the one who couldn’t honestly agree was the person sitting across from Subaru, opposite **Julius**.

“Oh come on, that’s mean! **Felia** didn’t come here because she liked it, okay? It’s just that **Subaru-kun** called me because he thought it would be trouble if something happened!”

“Well, I felt bad about it, you know? I figured if something went sideways, having you here would allow for some reckless options. Although it turned out to be unnecessary.”

As **Felia** pouted, shaking her cat ears, Subaru winked with one eye in response. The opened eye gazed straight ahead at the duel taking place in the garden.

Frankly speaking, it was at a level of skill that was barely manageable for Subaru—yet there was one thing he could state definitively.

“That guy **Reinhardt** is a freaking monster.”

“It’s hard to deny that, which makes it a tricky descriptor for friends too.”

“I can’t deny it, and that’s the tough part.”

Before the three could share their certain impressions, a scene unfolded before them that affirmed their conclusion.

Facing each other in the gravel garden were a blonde boy baring his fangs and a red-haired hero continuously fending off his ferocious assaults with exquisite finesse.

The challenger, **Garfiel**, utilized the springs in his body, literally moving in all directions to attack **Reinhardt**. But **Reinhardt** evaded every claw, fang, foot, elbow, and knee effortlessly, continuing to avoid his strikes with a calm demeanor.

“Seriously, that guy hasn’t moved an inch from where he started, has he?”

“According to the initial conditions set, there’s no way **Reinhardt** would deviate from that. More than that, not being able to force him out of that position must be humiliating for **Garfiel**.”

Up and down, **Garfiel** tried to exploit gaps as he mixed up his attacks. Yet, none could find a gap in **Reinhardt’s** defensive stance, and instead, he was easily sidestepped, leaving him off balance at every turn.

**Reinhardt** remained firmly planted at the position where this reckless challenge began.

His two feet were fixed to the spot as he expertly fended off **Garfiel’s** relentless assaults.

When **Garfiel** boldly revealed his challenge to **Reinhardt**, Subaru had deemed it reckless from various perspectives.

First of all, he never thought **Reinhardt** would respond to **Garfiel’s** provocation.

It was clearly **Garfiel’s** selfishness; after all, **Reinhardt** had no benefit in engaging in such a duel. The notion of which of them was stronger or weaker seemed like a childish fixation that **Reinhardt** wouldn’t entertain.

Considering **Reinhardt** was a knight and political rival, **Garfiel’s** challenge could have potentially sparked unnecessary conflict. Of course, Subaru believed that **Garfiel** wouldn’t scheme in that way, but there were countless negative aspects that could deter him from accepting the challenge.

Given these perspectives, Subaru had half given up hope that this challenge would ever transpire.

However, deep down, he had a desire to see it come to fruition.

**Garfiel Tinsel** was undoubtedly the pinnacle of individual combat power within **Emilia’s** faction. Naturally, the outcome of battles depended on various conditions and matchups, and an undefeated record was no easy feat. **Garfiel** had his share of weaknesses.

Even so, within the group that had been formed over the past year, he was the backbone of their military.

That was something everyone acknowledged, and **Garfiel** himself likely held pride over that. He had continuously produced results and achievements worthy of such recognition.

Yet, at the same time, **Garfiel** faced a complex issue.

Since he left the **Sanctuary**, he had only faced an opponent of comparable strength just once.

The only one who had engaged him in a fierce battle was the serial killer **Elsa**, who attacked the former **Roswaal’s Mansion**. While **Garfiel** ultimately overwhelmed her, he hadn’t faced any particularly tough battles since then.

While Subaru and the others had pooled all their strength to overpower **Garfiel**, it had merely been a victorious strategy reliant on underhanded tactics.

In terms of outright contests, **Garfiel Tinsel** had never known defeat in his life.

Thus, despite knowing how cruel it was, Subaru longed for the clash between **Reinhardt** and **Garfiel** to happen.

If one could reach the pinnacle without ever tasting defeat, so be it.

However, it would be overly uncertain for one to remain at the top while only fighting those weaker than themselves.

That’s why Subaru resolved to believe in the strength of the hero—**Reinhardt Van Astraea**—whom he had only seen fight once before.

“I wanted to believe, but… I never imagined the gap would be this vast.”

While things progressed according to his unexpected expectations, Subaru could only react with exasperation at the results.

When he followed **Garfiel** excitedly to **Reinhardt’s** room, he had pleasantly agreed to their rude request. It was so anticlimactic it felt like a letdown.

Then, while **Garfiel** consulted about moving outside the city to avoid collateral damage, **Reinhardt** smiled and replied, “The garden itself is wide enough. I’ll talk to the inn staff to avoid damaging the grounds.”

While it was likely harmless words from **Reinhardt**, it was the epitome of provocation toward **Garfiel**.

In fact, after accepting **Reinhardt’s** suggestion, **Garfiel** radiated an aura so fierce next to Subaru that it made him uneasy, continuously driving his anger toward **Reinhardt**.

Having touched down in the inn’s garden, they established several rules—including no weapon usage, no inflicting injuries during the bout, and banning dangerous privileges—and the duel was set to take place.

In the meantime, Subaru called for **Felix** just in case someone got injured, and reached out to **Julius** and **Wilhelm** as commentary for the fight. Unfortunately, **Wilhelm** declined as soon as he learned the gist of the situation, but **Julius** and **Felix** were there to watch the battle unfold. By the way, **Otto** had yet to return.

“I didn’t call the women or **Mimi’s** brothers, though.”

“I think that was wise. **Anastasia** would have been merciless about this. If she knew we were staging something like this, she’d have turned it into a full-fledged spectacle. If it reached the ears of **Hetero** and the others, **Mimi** would definitely create a ruckus.”

While keeping his gaze on the fight, **Julius** agreed with Subaru’s words. However, his focus was entirely on the battle before him, as there was an evident thrill in the air.

With a small audience gathered, the battle commenced.

Initially, **Garfiel** must have thought the following.

“I’ll make him regret getting cocky and transfer him to a spot where he has to get serious.”

Even though the inn’s spacious garden was indeed considered an aesthetic place, it certainly wasn’t adequate for a full-blown battle.

Hence, it was reasonable to expect that there would be no room to maneuver around, especially with **Reinhardt** imposing the condition of “not damaging the grounds.”

To think that was perceived as a comfortable situation—how amusing was that?

So it’s only natural for a boy to think he would make **Reinhardt** regret his overconfidence.

But now that the moment had arrived, what was the actual outcome?

“Hey, **Julius**, can I ask just one thing?”

“Feel free to ask anything, but whether I choose to answer is a different story.”

“Don’t use such a sarcastic tone! That’s why I dislike you.”

As they exchanged their usual banter, **Subaru** leaned on his hand and gazed forward.

After a moment of searching for words, he finally posed the question.

“What do you think of **Garfiel**, from your perspective?”

“—He’s strong. I had heard the rumors, but the title of the twin pillars who protect **Emilia** is no idle boast. I had my expectations set low since one of them was you.”

“Hey, I might launch you into the air with a punch!”

“He’s strong. His skills are genuine. Still, if he was told to rely solely on swordsmanship, I would say it’s uncertain if I could win. I see plenty of room for improvement. Without a doubt, if he breaks through his shell, he will rise to the peak of martial prowess.”

There was a slight excitement behind **Julius’s** emphatic statement, having recognized such potential. From his point of view, **Garfiel’s** hidden talent was authentic.

Moreover, there was an unbearable envy in seeing that potential in someone else.

Naturally, it was to be expected since **Julius** was also embroiled in the path of martial arts, being a man himself.

“But still, even with a future so bright ahead, **Garfiel** is sadly getting toyed with in this manner right now.”

After saying this, **Felix** voiced the cruel reality.

However, no one denied those words. Everyone watching knew the truth. And no one knew better than **Garfiel** himself.

**Garfiel**, who might someday reach the pinnacle of strength, was currently being endlessly toyed with in front of the world’s strongest fighter.

“—No way.”

**Garfiel** was evaded as his wide swing created an opening that **Reinhardt** slipped into.

**Garfiel’s** body was flipped upside down, sending him crashing down onto the gravel without any mercy.

Dust rose up, and **Garfiel**, breathless from the shock, lay back on the ground.

As **Reinhardt’s** hand pressed against his forehead, **Garfiel** found he was unable to move as though his entire body had been pinned down, and he let out a long, lingering sigh.

“I’m defeated.”

Even before someone could say it and embarrass him, he was able to admit it himself.

The fact he could accept this much allowed **Garfiel** to preserve his pride significantly.

At least, he could only hope that would serve as some form of consolation.

――**Garfiel** did not make an appearance at the dinner table.

“Why would you go off without telling us and do something so interesting?”

**Anastasia** lamented as she glanced at the gathered men in the tatami room.

Today, she was not in her usual white fur dress but rather clad in a gracefully flowing yukata, her purple hair cascading down her back. Her fair skin was slightly flushed, giving her juvenile appearance an unexpectedly alluring charm.

“I figured you might say something like that, which is why I chose not to invite you this time. It seemed like you were all deepening your bonds as well.”

With that early welcoming remark, **Julius** sat down next to her with a wry smile. The men had just finished cleaning up from the earlier sparring in the garden.

With a cute expression, **Anastasia** grinned mischievously and said,

“Well, well! Our knight is still so eloquent. I’m not one to connect everything to profit, you know? Just the spirit of **Kararagi** makes me want to get everyone excited over fascinating things. That’s all!”

“Please refrain from making our strongest shield’s emotional wounds deeper. I believe if he sulks for just one night, he’ll return to his usual self, so let’s keep that in mind.”

In response to **Anastasia’s** words, **Subaru** pleaded, taking **Garfiel’s** feelings into account.

Everyone present nodded in agreement. However,

“Let’s be real. Isn’t it the case that this dim-witted knight is just bullying his opponent without holding back again? Sorry about that, bro.”

Concluding the main point of the story, **Felt** flashed her fanged smile toward **Subaru**, playfully hitting **Reinhardt** on the shoulder. The red-haired knight managed a sheepish grin.

“**Felt**. Remarks like that may cause misunderstandings. Besides, I wouldn’t say that the recent sparring was merely me bullying him. I had my share of tense moments; it was quite a fulfilling experience.”

“Considering the way you train **Gaston** and the others, that’s not very convincing. You never hold back with them.”

“Showing any leniency would be disrespectful to anyone at all. I also do not overestimate my abilities to think that I could achieve results by slacking off.”

**Reinhardt** responded firmly, and **Felt** scoffed, losing interest entirely.

To be honest, it was an exchange rife with doubts about whether their master-servant relationship was functioning smoothly, but more than that, **Reinhardt’s** words struck a chord deep in **Subaru’s** heart.

Given that he had witnessed the fight in the garden firsthand, it was patently clear that his comments had been considerate of **Garfiel**. However, to interpret those words as mere lip service felt convoluted, as there was no trace of hypocrisy in his tone.

It could be that **Reinhardt** was simply expressing his sincere feelings. Despite the potential for it being taken as arrogance, there was a certain authenticity that made it hard to perceive otherwise.

Perhaps that sincerity was his most precarious trait.

“Speaking of which, that outfit of yours, **Felt**.”

“What? You got a problem with it? I just came from a big bath with the other girls, so we all changed into these. You didn’t mean to say that this is inappropriate or something, did you?”

“No, that’s not it. I just wanted to say it looks good on you.”

“Shut it!”

Unlike her usual persona, **Felt** shrugged off the compliments from the knight revered by many in the Kingdom while begrudgingly waving away the praise.

The way she carelessly wore her yukata in a rough manner gave off a strong impression of her casting away any semblance of being a woman.

It turns out that the women were supposedly in the public bath during the time when **Reinhardt** and **Garfiel** sparred.

As a result, all the women present at the dinner were dressed in yukatas.

Not only **Anastasia** and **Felt**, but also **Mimi** and **Crusch**. Moreover, for some unknown reason, **Beatrice** was also in a yukata.

“**Beatrice**, when did you take a bath…?”

“After you left me behind in the yard, I was wandering around the inn when **Emilia** got me. I told her I was fine, but she forced me.”

Just like that, **Beatrice**, who averted her gaze, was dressed in a light blue yukata.

Even with her Western-style beautiful girl allure, the functional beauty of the yukata suited her curiously well. Speaking of curious, **Beatrice’s** hair was still slightly damp but still held the usual curls. When tugged gently, it bounced back heavier than usual.

“As **Beatrice** attests, but what’s the true story?”

“Eh? **Subaru** came to me looking forlorn, saying I was being cold, so I asked if he wanted to take a bath together since I was invited. I think **Beatrice** was having fun too…”

“That’s a lie! That’s a complete fabrication! Which one do you think **Subaru** would trust, me or **Emilia**?!”

“Well, that’s practically a confession,” **Subaru** pointed out.

The simple-minded **Beatrice** and overly honest **Emilia** combined their opinions, leading to the obvious conclusion.

**Beatrice** sulked, her head downcast in her discontent, while **Emilia** let out a cheerful laugh at her expression. And she, too, was in her yukata, her long silver hair tied back into a single ponytail.

Just a glimpse of her pale neck left many in awe of her beauty.

“**Subaru**, are you breathing heavily? Do you have a fever or something?”

“I just have a mild case of love fever. **Emilia**, can I braid your hair?”

“Sure, but I think dinner will be ready soon, so maybe after that?”

As **Subaru** reached for her bound hair, **Emilia** gestured toward the dining table. Reluctantly, he withdrew his hand as the others started looking at him with strange expressions.

Bewildered, **Subaru** tilted his head and addressed **Felt** in front of him, asking, “What’s up?”

“Is there something odd going on?”

“Between you two? Your closeness is still weird, but it ain’t steamy at all. Besides, last time I saw you guys, it was a terrible relationship.”

“What do you mean there’s no romance between young men and women? And please don’t bring up what happened at the castle! It hurts to remember that!”

Understanding **Felt’s** sentiments, **Subaru** nodded along, though he couldn’t help but agree.

Over the past year in the role of **Emilia’s** knight, he had felt incredibly close to her, but it did not seem to have bridged any gap in terms of romantic distance.

In fact, if anything, he felt the awareness of being male and female had diminished further than before the establishment of their master-servant relationship.

This was largely because **Emilia’s** emotional maturity had become remarkably apparent.

Her understanding of **Subaru’s** feelings had not yet reached the capacity to accept them as romantic feelings. Thus, **Subaru** found himself acting naturally around her.

His affection remained, yet the way he faced her had changed. Unless **Emilia’s** awareness shifted, that would likely remain constant.

At the very least, **Subaru** understood that rushing ahead wouldn’t help.

“If anything, it might feel somewhat similar to my connection with **Crusch**.”

“Our relationship, you say?”

Hearing **Subaru’s** vague mutterings, **Crusch** tilted her head in confusion.

Naturally, she, who must have been among the women in the bath, was also in a yukata. The feminine form that was previously hidden during her boyish attire was now more assertive through the light fabric of the yukata.

Her beauty intact, a regal air diminished, now made **Crusch** look somewhat vulnerable, as her yukata had been properly tied under **Felix’s** guidance.

As **Crusch** directed those pure eyes toward him, **Subaru** rubbed his nose and said,

“Exactly. **Felix** is adorably attached to you, but when it comes to romantic feelings, he knows when to hold back. I don’t know for sure, but my affection for her came from a very different angle.”

“Being put like that, it’s a little embarrassing. Hehe. Right, **Felix**?”

“**Felia** absolutely has mad vibes for **Crusch** though!”

“——”

For a moment, the atmosphere in the tatami room froze due to **Felix’s** unexpected words.

**Crusch’s** face, rigid from her previous smile, froze, while **Felix** looked on with a wide grin. Incidentally, **Felix** had somehow also changed into a yukata, not trailing behind the other women in style.

Regardless, such considerations were not the priority right now.

“Sorry for uncovering unnecessary secrets. Well then, shall we move on to dinner?”

“Don’t just drop a bomb and try to escape like that!”

As **Subaru** attempted to call for the meal, a teary-eyed **Crusch** clung to him.

It might have been an unexpected revelation, but **Subaru** had no desire to find any unexploded bombs. As he searched his mind for what to do,

“**Felix**. You really shouldn’t startle **Crusch** like that. I feel like your mischievous streak has really amplified lately.”

It was **Wilhelm** who spoke up, changing the mood of the room. The elderly figure was the only one in the tatami room wearing a yukata.

It seemed he had shared a bath with the women at the same time, radiating an overwhelming Japanese presence that harmonized even in his yukata.

If he had even one sword by his side, he would be perfect.

“Wow, are you really saying that, **Wilhelm**?”

“Affection, love, and camaraderie. If we’re all here together as master and servant, it’s natural to hold warm feelings for one another. Scattering confusion while obscuring the truth just isn’t cute for anyone in the spirit of youth. If there’s no sign of reflection, I fear I’ll have to be a bit harsher, you know?”

“Geez, you’re so strict!”

In response to **Wilhelm’s** heavy lecture, **Felix** pouted and conceded.

He leaned against **Crusch**, who had a troubled expression, and said,

“There’s no need to be wary. It was all a joke. If **Felia** really had those kinds of feelings for **Crusch**, then there would be all kinds of terrible complications!”

“Th-that’s right. Phew, that did surprise me. I haven’t mastered controlling my privileges just yet, so I misread **Felix’s** various feelings.”

“——That’s not the case at all.”

**Crusch** sighed in relief, but **Subaru** noticed a fleeting glance of complicated emotion in **Felix’s** eyes.

That complex emotion might be a glimpse into the uncertainty he typically kept hidden.

For a year, **Felix**, just like **Subaru**, hadn’t managed to support his master’s recovery.

During that time, he surely struggled and felt the same impatience without his master’s memories anchoring him. He had to support someone who had lost their memories.

“Dinner is ready to be served. May I bring it in?”

Just then, the staff of the inn, who had been quietly waiting on the edge, asked for permission. When **Joshua**, who had been lingering to the side, gave the go-ahead, the staff began bringing in dish after dish.

Everyone looked stunned as an array of dishes began appearing before them.

However, the amazement each person felt was distinct from **Subaru’s** surprise.

While **Emilia** and the others were astonished by the unfamiliar dishes and cooking methods, **Subaru’s** shock stemmed from seeing familiar foods in an unexpected setting.

Given that this world lacked any oceans, there were no surprises like a fish sashimi serving, but—regardless—seeing a platter of raw sashimi was an undeniable shock.

“Wait, am I supposed to eat this raw?”

“Not a habit you’re used to, huh? You can only experience this kind of dish near water. It’s considered a signature dish at the **Water’s Feather Robe Inn**.”

The unconventional culinary experience did not just stop at sashimi; many dishes reminiscent of Japanese cuisine were showcased as well. Amid everyone’s bewilderment, **Anastasia** took the lead and began tasting the food—right before **Subaru** sprang into action.

He dipped a mysterious fish sashimi into a soy sauce-like condiment and tossed it into his mouth.

**Emilia** and **Beatrice** both exclaimed “Ah!” at the same time, but it wasn’t any major issue. The thought of parasites only struck him after he had eaten, but in such an inn, given the profile of the clientele and the host’s consideration, it would be absurd for them not to keep such things in mind.

In other words, all **Subaru** had to do was enjoy this flavor.

“Yum! Ah, this sashimi is nostalgic! Just amazing! I’ve been given something fantastic!”

“Is it really tasty?”

“Tasty or not, it’s exquisite! It might just be because it’s so fresh, but against all that I know, this taste ranks very high. If only I had sushi vinegar and rice here, I could show you the skills I honed while training in making Edo-style sushi!”

“Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. But, I see. It’s delicious then.”

While **Subaru** rambled rapidly, **Emilia** imitated him and sampled the sashimi with the soy sauce. Immediately, her purple eyes widened as she gleefully pumped her fist, “Mmm!”

Witnessing their earnest reactions, the others soon began to dig into their meals.

Only **Anastasia**, whose spotlight had been stolen, looked a bit displeased, but seeing **Subaru’s** and **Emilia’s** reactions that were so ideal made her expression soften, and ultimately she conceded, letting a light-hearted “Alright, I guess I’ll dig in too.”

While the dinner party was tinged with the trepidation of secrets and disqualification, all the participants could genuinely enjoy this gathering filled with camaraderie.

――On this night, it felt as if the moon and the world were allowing for a peaceful time to unfold.