“Wow, you came back pretty early, huh?”

As Subaru and the others returned to the City Hall, Anastasia greeted them with a slightly stiff smile.

After making such a bold exit from the building, Subaru honestly didn’t want to run into her at this moment.

However, the situation didn’t care about either of their feelings.

“Yeah, I’m back. But once I finish my errands, I’ll be heading out again in no time. There are a couple of things I need to do at the hall.”

“What, did you think of something again? I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

“Well, yeah… For starters, the first evacuation center was in terrible shape. I’ve already shared that via the dialogue mirror, but I think the impact of ‘Wrath’ is showing in various places.”

“We talked about sharing emotions, didn’t we? I can feel that, too. Once feelings begin to sink, it feels like they keep sinking endlessly… Although it seems to vary a bit from person to person.”

Subaru nodded in agreement with Anastasia’s reasoning.

Honestly, he had felt that on the way back. The influence of Sirius’s power was sparse, likely because of the distance between them.

Whether or not they knew about the existence of that power probably played a role in how it affected them. Subaru’s previous ability to calm Garfiel and Al proved that.

“The state of the evacuation center… I’m not sure what the trigger was, but I can’t help but worry that the main forces gathered here might end up on the same path. I’d really rather not come back to a bloodbath.”

“That’s an unnecessary worry. Luckily, we have rational folks here, so we won’t be swayed so easily. I’d actually prefer if someone didn’t make a disruptive statement.”

Al, who had returned with Subaru, said this while surveying the first floor of the City Hall. Upon hearing this, Anastasia snorted and used sarcasm to silence Al’s loose tongue.

Once Al shrugged and fell silent, Anastasia turned back to Subaru.

“So, what are you planning to do? You came back with something on your mind, right?”

“Yeah… By the way, where’s Julius? Isn’t he with you?”

“I’m not too fond of questions piled on top of questions… But, you see, Julius is acting a little strange. I think it’s partly because Joshua still hasn’t been found, but there’s something more to it.”

“Strange… Now that you mention it, he did seem a bit off, didn’t he?”

After the failed assault on the City Hall, it was true that the way Subaru conversed with Julius had some noticeable awkwardness. He showed judgment and suggestions that were uncharacteristic and an air of lacking confidence.

He was a man with strong sense of responsibility. Subaru thought he was probably regretting letting ‘Gluttony’ slip away, but maybe it was not just that.

“Hey, General. It’s a bad habit to try to shoulder everything yourself. I get that you’re concerned about Julius, but don’t you have something to do?”

“Ah, yeah, you’re right. Well, he’ll manage on his own, I’m sure. But first, about our situation, Anastasia. That broadcasting magic tool on the top floor—it’s operational, right? It’s not broken or missing instructions?”

After being chastised by Garfiel, Subaru regained his train of thought and asked. Anastasia blinked her round eyes in response.

“It’s not broken, and I’ve handled the same kind before, so it’s fine. But to think you have business with it… what’s your scheme?”

With a suspicious expression, Subaru scratched his cheek.

He anticipated that there would likely be objections to his proposal, but it was the only idea he could think of. A strategy that would maximize effectiveness to mitigate damages.

“As I mentioned through the dialogue mirror, the current town is heavily affected by the power of ‘Wrath.’ The evacuation centers we visited… The cause of the bloody incidents was due to the spread of irritation and anger. Just a little bit of negative emotion can lead to the worst consequences. That’s what’s terrifying.”

“True. I think so too. The more people there are, the greater the anxiety that comes from not having a way to act. But as long as there’s a structure of evacuation centers… No, even without them, people tend to gather, right?”

In response to Anastasia’s inquiry, Subaru nodded silently.

The terror of Sirius’s power increases with more people around. And if the threat of the Witch Cult is made known through broadcasts, people will inevitably cling together in fear. It’s a terrible tactic that toys with the human heart in the face of weakness.

Whether the Witch Cult intended for such coordination is unknown, but the reality is that this vicious cycle exists, and it is threatening people even at this very moment.

“So you have thought of a means to counter it?”

“I might be able to pull it off. I think it’s worth trying. But…”

As Subaru’s words trailed off, he felt the weight of Anastasia’s expectant gaze while she squinted, trying to gauge his inner thoughts, prompting Subaru to exhale deeply.

“When we actually start this, the same news will reach the ears of the Witch Cult. So, there’s a chance of creating a different kind of danger by provoking them.”

“In exchange, there’s a high likelihood of pushing back the current latent dangers.”

“Yeah, that’s the gist of it. We’ve just reclaimed the City Hall and, other than Sirius’s power, the evacuation centers haven’t been interfered with yet, meaning it’s a tricky dilemma to weigh…”

It’s hard to imagine how the Witch Cult would react when we take significant actions on our side. The danger of bringing fire to a powder keg continuously looms over them. The issue is that this powder keg will explode sooner or later, regardless of whether we introduce fire or not.

“I get what you want to do, Natsuki.”

“Really?”

Anastasia, who had shown signs of deep thought, sighed heavily as she responded. Subaru raised his eyebrows in surprise at her reaction.

“When we were talking earlier and checked the broadcasting magic tool, if you didn’t get it from that, I’d be way more worried.”

“Well, that’s true. So, what do you think? You still against it?”

He had anticipated that there would be objections, so Subaru knew he had to somehow win the debate against the formidable wall that was Anastasia.

“Ugh, it can’t be helped.”

“…Huh, seriously?”

“It makes the most sense when you think about it. No matter how much I want to win, if we defeat the Witch Cult and leave behind a mountain of corpses, it’s going to leave a bad aftertaste.”

Subaru was momentarily taken aback by the unexpected answer.

During this time, Anastasia bit her lip, pondering how to deal with her complicated feelings, but it was Garfiel who interrupted.

“Hey, General and sis. So what are we doing here?”

“Seriously lacking in awareness, aren’t you? Even Ricardo would pick up on this much.”

Anastasia didn’t hold back on Garfiel’s lack of understanding. Garfiel showed his irritation by baring his fangs, but it was Al who patted him on the shoulder from behind. Al laughed as he turned to Garfiel.

“So, here’s the deal. Brother thinks that in order to counter the ‘Wrath’ authority that’s spreading throughout the town, the quickest way is to turn it against itself.”

“To turn it against itself? What do you mean?”

“The ability of Sirius is shared emotions. Right now, everyone is frightened and anxious, so their feelings are swelling, leading to irritation from little things escalating into explosions. So…”

“If we paint over that anxiety and fear with a different emotion… with hope, that shared feeling can work wonders.”

Al, Subaru, and Anastasia clarified Garfiel’s question.

Upon hearing this, Garfiel’s eyes widened, and he let out a knowing “Ah.”

“That’s what it means! If that’s the case, there won’t be any fighting. If we work this well, even those who’ve lost their fighting spirit will regain their motivation.”

“When someone gets swallowed up by the atmosphere, even those experienced in battle might find it hard to move. By freeing them from that anxiety, we could potentially counter the issue of lacking fighting power.”

“Sounds awesome! Let’s do it, General! We’ve got a magic tool, so we can start right away…”

“Wait, wait! It’s not that simple! I’m not saying I haven’t thought of this myself.”

Anastasia stopped the eager Garfiel with a clap of her hands.

In response, Garfiel bared his teeth.

“Huh? Then why’d you stop? You were totally on board with this idea earlier, don’t chicken out now.”

“I’m not flinching; I’m just stating I’ve been thinking this through. This plan has complications aside from the clear pros and cons.”

“The pros and cons are what you mentioned before, right?”

“The pros are the essence of this plan itself: to alleviate the anxiety of the people in the city and eliminate lingering worries. The cons are that by delivering voices throughout the city, it will also reach the ears of the Witch Cult. It’s completely unpredictable how they will respond.”

Anastasia responded to Garfiel’s biting remarks and the calm Subaru, crossing her arms as she added,

“However, regarding this con, I don’t think we should worry too much. During the time we demanded conditions from them, their broadcasts didn’t prohibit resistance. In fact, they probably don’t care at all about being interrupted or opposed.”

“Then again, when we attacked the City Hall, there was no penalty for that act, either. What happened to the people inside the hall was simply their sadistic hobby.”

“Hobby, huh. Well put. That definitely describes their good-for-nothing sense of fun.”

With a sigh, Anastasia lamented, and Subaru felt sick at the thought of the bishops of sin.

Yet, they all agreed that they did not consider the act of broadcasting itself to be dangerous. If so, what Anastasia found problematic was—

“The issue isn’t that we’re broadcasting. The real problem lies somewhere else… specifically, who is going to say what on that broadcast.”

“Who is going to say what…?”

Subaru frowned, confused by what Anastasia was getting at.

Beaconing hope for the people of the city through the broadcast and dispelling the anxieties lingering in their hearts; it seemed straightforward enough to him.

“That’s where you come in, Anastasia. You’re a candidate for the Royal Selection, with ample recognition. If you express the determination to fight, well…”

“I hate to say it, but I don’t expect that much impact from my words. It pains me to admit my own lack of strength.”

“—”

Anastasia shook her head, denying Subaru’s fast-paced suggestion.

Subaru could not grasp her meaning. After all, Anastasia was a candidate for the Royal Selection. Naturally, the people residing in Pristella knew publicly about the affairs of the Royal Selection.

Her recognition should far surpass that of ordinary people.

“Lack of strength? Why would you think that? Because you, Anastasia—”

“If you’re talking recognition, yes, that’s certainly me. And if things turned around because of that, I’d gladly do the broadcast. But it won’t be like that, you see. Right now, my name doesn’t hold the power to ward off the Witch Cult. If someone notable were to fight against them, perhaps there’s a glimmer of hope.”

“Even so…”

“That wouldn’t change a thing. What we need is hope. A hope that grabs the hearts of those dominated by anxiety and moves them in an instant.”

At Anastasia’s declaration, Subaru found himself at a loss for words.

To be honest, he wanted to criticize her for being weak-minded and correct her thoughts. Yet, it was none other than Anastasia herself who felt despair about her own opinion.

She wasn’t voicing those thoughts without thought; it was the opposite.

She had thought long and hard to conclude that she was unfit for this role.

“Sure, I can go around sweet-talking and deceiving people. I could fool five out of ten if it came to that. But that wouldn’t be a hope to cling to. It would merely be a flimsy line of support that could snap at any moment.”

“Then, how about Crusch? With her military reputation and being part of the Lugnica nobility, Crusch might—”

“…That’s true. Crusch’s words would certainly carry weight. But that was the Crusch of before. The current Crusch possesses no such power. Let alone encouraging someone, she’s on the edge of life or death.”

“Is it really that dire?!”

Subaru pressed Anastasia, overwhelmed by the worsening situation he had been told about.

With a height difference, Anastasia looked up at Subaru with a tight-lipped expression. Instinctively, Subaru glanced back at Garfiel, only to find him shaking his head with a frail expression.

“I don’t think that cat-eared sister will let herself die. With all that life force poured into her… but asking her to stand before the magic tool and talk? I’m against it too; she’s not in a position to do that. Her voice will give that away.”

“Damn it! Then what about Julius? He would have the qualifications to—”

“Julius is indeed an excellent knight of the royal guard. He’s even my pride, the finest knight in our kingdom. But how far does Julius’s recognition extend in the city? The success rate is about equal to mine, and in terms of persuasion, I’d actually be better.”

Subaru’s suggestion to bring Crusch was denied, and his idea to get Julius involved was also shot down.

So, of the remaining personalities at the City Hall, would Wilhelm or Ricardo have any potential to stir hope?

Ricardo didn’t possess the charisma or recognition for that type of role.

And could he even bring that up with the current Wilhelm? It’s uncertain how effective his title as a former commander of the royal guard would even be.

“If that’s the case, then what do we do? Who else can…”

“Well, you know…”

Just when Subaru thought he had found a promising countermeasure against ‘Wrath,’ the difficulty of finding a suitable candidate hindered the execution.

While Subaru was deep in thought, Al suddenly raised his hand in a casual tone.

“Why can’t it be me who does the broadcast?”

“—Huh?”

Caught off guard by his overly ordinary suggestion, Subaru took a moment to react.

He paused with his mouth agape, questioning what Al was even trying to say.

Making light of the situation was no laughing matter right now.

“Listen, Al. We’re in a serious discussion here. A discussion with no time to waste. I can’t keep up with your jokes!”

“Hey, hey, just wait! Sure, over half of what I say is frivolous, which is why I lost the hire from the princess! But I’m not joking around now.”

“If you aren’t joking, then why would you want me to do it? If you’re not joking, then are you out of your mind or completely bonkers?”

“Why would it be such a strange thought? Look around!”

Sticking to his frivolous nature, Al suddenly lowered his tone and jerked his chin.

Subaru’s gaze followed, shifting to the other two — Anastasia and Garfiel — expecting both of them to be exasperated by the exchange.

“…Hey, you two?”

“――――”

Their gazes were serious, showing neither frustration nor exasperation.

They looked at Subaru with sincere eyes, as if they fully supported Al’s opinion.

“You’re joking, right? How could my talking lead to anything? If Anastasia and Julius can’t reach them, how could I?”

“The thing is, brother, you were just talking outside, right? Everything that brother has accomplished until now, this is the culmination.”

“Garf said it too, didn’t he? ‘General, General’ he went on.”

“What does that have to do with this?!”

“Everything! You’ve shown enough to make Garf call you General. Having that trust is what it’s all about. Now, brother seems to think that what you’ve done is no big deal, but let me tell you. The title of defeating the Witch Cult’s ‘Sloth’ belongs to you alone in this city and even in this world!”

“——”

As Subaru raised his voice, Al closed the distance, bringing his face closer.

The cold metal of the helmet pressed against Subaru’s forehead, transmitting a hard sensation and chilly heat. From so close, a terrible intensity penetrated his vision, causing Subaru to gasp.

“A city occupied by the Witch Cult has a man who beat one of its bishops. Is there anyone else who can stir hope and expectations among the people based on that condition? If it comes to anyone, it’s either the Sword Saint Reinhardt or you, brother. And right now, you’re the only one here.”

“—”

After that intense forehead clash, Subaru leaned back slightly.

Rubbing his forehead, Subaru stepped back while Al shrugged his one-armed shoulder.

“I share the same opinion. If someone’s going to do this, it’s gotta be Natsuki.”

“Anastasia…”

Subaru turned back while still holding his forehead, and found Anastasia looking down.

She bore the expression of someone still grappling with what she had previously claimed — a lack of power. Yet, there was a sense of responsibility mingled with hope that she needed to assign to someone.

At this moment, staring at her face made Subaru finally realize the considerable expectation he was carrying.

“Garfiel, do you feel the same? Is that what you think?”

“I don’t know all the details about you taking down the ‘Sloth’ of the Witch Cult, General. But I’ve got the same idea.”

Garfiel scratched his short-haired head in response to Subaru’s low voice.

“If anyone’s voice in this city can become someone’s hope… then for me, that voice belongs to the General. If you say you’ll do it and ask for my help, then I feel like I can do it too. That’s how I feel about it.”

“——”

It was an overwhelmingly heavy trust.

Surprised, Subaru held his breath, clearly understanding the enormity of the expectations placed on him.

He turned to glance at Anastasia, who nodded.

Then he looked at Al next; he too shrugged in agreement.

Garfiel kept his unwavering gaze on Subaru. When Subaru turned back to him, he nodded.

“——”

Receiving those responses from the three, Subaru lifted his chin.

He squinted at the weak glow of the crystal lamps in the first-floor lobby and exhaled deeply.

—What a gross overestimation.

He felt this way about Wilhelm, Julius, and Reinhardt too.

They wildly misjudged Subaru’s very presence.

They’re far more magnificent, hardworking, and noble by far.

And yet, those ones who were so naturally and evidently friendly, praising Subaru and extending their hands toward him, tortured him endlessly.

Being recognized by those he respected, those he didn’t want to lose, and those he could never reach would not simply evoke joy.

He felt unease. The moment the real him was revealed, he would surely disappoint them.

When the true Subaru became clear — petty, weak, and utterly helpless — he would surely sadden them and make them regret their past behaviors.

He had always thought thus. And yet…

Al, Garfiel, and Anastasia continued to expect that of him.

As if threatening to crush him under that weight, they piled on the stones of expectation one after another, despite Subaru always giving it his all.

This was the path of Natsuki Subaru.

—Once, it was a road pledged to a single girl, to be her only hero.

Eventually, he could no longer remain just her hero, and what he had to carry was—

“If you’re gonna do it, brother. Then what you’re going to bear from now on is the fantasy of a hero.”

As Subaru stood in silence, Al unexpectedly uttered those words.

Lowering his gaze slowly, Subaru felt Al speak in a rather slackened tone,

“You can’t lose. You must win. Carry hope, shoulder expectations, and fight to demonstrate the future. If you decide this today, it must be so.”

“…It’s always been the case that I must not lose.”

“The stakes are different. If you lose, it won’t be just your loss.”

Al’s words puzzled Subaru.

His battles had always been like that. When Subaru lost, it was not just himself that was lost. All he wanted to protect, too, would vanish with Subaru’s defeat.

It had always been thus. There was never a time it wasn’t.

Because if it were possible to avoid loss by not fighting, he would not wish to do so at all.

Nevertheless, Subaru fought because there were things that must be protected through struggle.

And today, there were incomprehensibly vast and numerous things.

“What the, so things are just the same as always?”

“—”

Exhaling, he made up his mind.

The tumult in his chest, which had just been so restless, settled, and his vision became unnaturally clear.

In front of him, he could sense Al’s breath being held, staring in astonishment.

“Anastasia, I’ll do it. If it’s something I can manage with my voice, I’ll take it on.”

“…Are you sure? Once you choose to become a beacon of hope…”

“My duty doesn’t change. Being a hero is fine by me. Honestly, it’s a bit embarrassing, and calling myself that feels awkward… But—”

With a light touch of his finger to the tip of his nose, Subaru replied to Anastasia’s troubled expression.

“I decided long ago that I’d be a hero. Because if I don’t, I’d be embarrassed in front of those watching and wouldn’t be able to catch up with those who are looking up to me.”

“—I see. Well, that’s alright. Boys like to show off, after all.”

Anastasia laughed resignedly and lightly poked Subaru in the chest.

Surprised by that reaction, he thought it might have been the first time she showed such an unguarded expression.

That sentiment, however, he tucked away in the depths of his heart as Subaru raised his head.

“Thanks, Garfiel. Al. Because of you guys, I’ve come to this resolve.”

As he spoke to the two behind him, he followed Anastasia as she began to walk.

Standing before the broadcasting magic tool, he pondered what he should say.

Still, he had no clear thoughts on what to say or what should be said.

But it was odd that there was no confusion or anxiety lingering in him.

Perhaps it felt familiar, as he always sensed.

—As if he knew he must put on a brave front just like usual.

 

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