――The series of events known as the “Witch Cult Incident” began in Watergate City Pristella.

The tragedies that befell the residents and the scars of battle that remain throughout the city. Many city functions are still not fully restored to replenish the lost personnel.

While many problems still linger, the situation is gradually coming under control, and it is beginning to transition into the next chapter of the story.

For Natsuki Subaru, the various issues facing the city weigh heavily on his heart.

Even so, as he gazes upon the streets after repelling the Witch Cult, he can’t help but feel a twinge of pride, thinking that perhaps he contributed to the outcome in some small way.

“There are still plenty of unresolved issues, though,” he mutters.

The scars left behind by the Archbishop of Sin, particularly those caused by “Lust” and “Gluttony,” are vast.

Due to the powers of “Lust,” many residents were physically mutated. Their bodies remain in a state of “suspended animation” thanks to Emilia’s efforts, waiting to awaken in a shelter deep within the city.

Meanwhile, those afflicted by “Gluttony’s” insatiable hunger lie in eternal slumber, robbed of the bonds that would allow them to genuinely hope for an awakening.

Emilia’s painful expression reflects the proposal to delay tackling the issue of the mutated residents.

Julius’s heartache, lost in his search for identity, is unimaginable.

It goes without saying that the hearts of the city’s people, who have become deeply embroiled in these issues, are also scarred.

Everyone has been wounded.

To heal those wounds is what Subaru must do.

And—

“There are still problems that need to be resolved.”

Nodding in agreement, Subaru resolved to address the final issue that had yet to be brought to light.

This is something that only he can do.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

“Julius is coming with us, he says.”

“Oh, that’s a relief for us then.”

Upon returning to the meeting room after various discussions, Anastasia greeted Subaru.

In the round table meeting room, only Anastasia remains. The discussions among the key figures had taken place several hours earlier.

Some had long since retreated to their inns, and others were busy preparing to leave Pristella. After a tiring day, there was no need to linger at the hard round table, wasting time in the shadowy shelter.

“—What’s up?”

Yet, she remained there, waiting for someone to arrive.

It wasn’t that she was certain someone would come. It was just that Subaru had a vague feeling she would be there.

After all, it must be true that nowhere felt comfortable for her right now.

“So, it’s going to be Emilia, me, and Beatrice heading for the Pleiades Watchtower. With you and Julius included, that makes a total of five.”

“That’s a manageable number, isn’t it? Also, it’s not five, it’s six. You definitely shouldn’t forget my adorable Echidna!”

Unwrapping the fox fur scarf wrapped around her neck, she spread it out on the round table to dance. The white fox scarf obediently complied with its master’s whimsical play, as if it were a doll.

Almost, but not quite.

“I haven’t forgotten. —That’s why I said five.”

“——”

Leaning against the door to the meeting room, Subaru spoke to Anastasia, who was holding the scarf high.

Her smile froze at his words. The gentle smile melted away, and she slowly tilted her head.

Bringing the scarf to her mouth, she asked, looking puzzled,

“Oh, that’s strange. How did you know it wasn’t Ana?”

Her tone shifted unmistakably, becoming incredibly friendly and familiar, yet the essential emptiness remained. Although her voice was the same as before, it was clearly different.

“If you want to hide, you should probably act a bit better. Sure, Anastasia is realistic and rational among candidates I know, but you were never this lacking in humanity or manner of speaking.”

“I thought I was keeping up a good imitation of Ana by observing her, but it seems I’m not as skilled as I thought. You’re the second person to figure me out.”

“The second?”

“I was also figured out by Al-kun. He called me a ‘Witch,’ which was rather rude of him.”

“Well, that’s…”

Subaru couldn’t help but feel impressed by Al’s perceptiveness.

Anastasia’s Echidna and the “Witch” Echidna are fundamentally different, yet not unrelated.

Is it Al’s insight, or is there something he alone can pick up on?

He too is a summoner from another world. If the “Witch of Envy” is somehow involved in the summoning to this world, it might mean Al is also connected to the witch.

Normally, they would need to discuss such matters more. However—

“Anyway, that’s neither here nor there. More importantly, the pressing matter is you trying to take over Anastasia’s body and make it your own.”

“The way you put it sounds a bit rough. While it does seem factual on the surface, that’s the tricky part of the current situation. It’s highly regrettable that it’s being misunderstood in such a manner. Truly, it’s quite disheartening.”

“That makes it sound as if it isn’t true at all.”

“Even if it looks that way, it doesn’t reflect the reality. I’m merely borrowing Ana’s body out of desperate necessity. Without it, both she and I would be dead. Staying like this in Ana’s vessel isn’t what I intended either.”

“Long story short?”

“I borrowed her body, but now I can’t leave it.”

I see, this Echidna of the scarf—let’s call her “Echidona” for now—though I’ve never thought Echidona was unrelated to Echidna, this conversation makes the connection quite clear.

Her indirect way of speaking feels just like the original.

“For the time being, let’s hear what you have to say.”

Stepping away from the door, Subaru put himself in a position to listen to Echidona.

Since his identity had been discovered, it seemed there was no imminent threat of her trying to harm him.

Subaru sat across the round table, on the opposite side of Echidona.

“First of all, what does it mean to borrow a body?”

“To put it simply, I’ve overwritten Ana’s ‘Od’ with my own existence, borrowing her freedom. In this state, Ana’s body moves as I wish, and technically I could use magic through Ana’s flawed gate.”

“What’s this flaw about?”

“You’re inquisitive. I won’t blame you for being curious, but when you want to know about other girls, Emilia might get jealous, and when you want to know about other spirits, Beatrice might too, don’t you think?”

“That’s more than I needed to know, and if they do get jealous, that’s also cute.”

Drumming his fingers in frustration on the round table, Echidona shrugged. Then, she neatly folded the scarf and began,

“Well, you know… Ana has a natural defect in her gate. I think you’re aware that a gate is the organ that takes in mana from the atmosphere and expels it from the body. However, Anastasia’s ability to take in mana doesn’t function properly. It leads to chronic mana deficiency. You can think of anyone with this inability to expel as someone you vaguely know, right?”

“I don’t quite understand how that’s problematic, and I have no idea who you might refer to.”

“Oh, really? That’s surprising. By the way, the person with an inability to expel is a descendant of the ‘Sword Saint.’ In their case, they might take in an excessive amount, which in turn seems to enhance their physical abilities, resulting in no practical harm.”

“Is it Reinhardt?”

Subaru raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit surprised by Echidona’s remark. It reminded him of something Reinhardt had mentioned earlier.

Reinhardt is useless when it comes to magic, but at least he excels at mana absorption—no wonder interactions with spirits go haywire.

“Well, not being able to use magic doesn’t mean you lack long-range attack options, and considering his case, I wouldn’t be surprised if he dies while flying sword pressure to cut foes apart; it hardly counts as a handicap. Now, back to Anastasia.”

“I don’t mean to evade the subject, but it’s my habit to want to share what I know. Speaking of which… it was about Ana’s condition. Her gate isn’t functioning well in taking in mana. Therefore, the only mana she can use is the reserve she already has within her. If that runs dry, it’s her life source—‘Od’. I wouldn’t suggest pushing it too far, would you? That’s why she can’t use magic.”

“But if you borrow her, that should logically still be a stretch. The amount of innate mana still stands the same. Are you suggesting you’re consuming the meager mana she has?”

“——”

“Don’t stay silent! Answer me.”

“If I want to keep my life, sometimes I have to pay with mine. However, Ana and I have already discussed this matter. You have no right to interfere. You wouldn’t want me poking into your contract with Beatrice either, would you?”

That hit close to home.

Subaru’s relationship with Beatrice and their contract is something solely between them.

He wouldn’t want outside influence to meddle in it, nor would he accept it if it tried.

Should Anastasia and Echidona make the same argument, Subaru would be rendered speechless.

That’s simply the absolute bond shared between a contractor and spirit.

“Brought on by a life-or-death situation, I borrowed Ana’s body, which coincides with her will. I told you about the Archbishop of Sin showing up at the City Hall, right? Al and I needed to act together to repel it. It was an option forced upon us.”

“What does it mean that you can’t return?”

“That’s the crux of the matter.”

At Subaru’s desperate inquiry, Echidona clapped her hands and smiled. Although she bore Anastasia’s appearance, it was a smile that clearly belonged to a different person.

Isn’t it a strange thing? Subaru thought but immediately cast the sentiment aside.

They had finally gotten to the heart of the matter.

In front of Subaru, Echidona touched the frail chest of Anastasia and continued,

“It’s not the first time I’ve borrowed Ana’s body like this. However, it’s not something that happens often. We’re not in an official contracting relationship. That’s primarily because of the gate issues. I didn’t want to impose any burden on Ana in the long term. I consider myself one of the more low-maintenance spirits. If I’m merely existing, I don’t require mana supplied from a contractor.”

“I see. My Beatrice would want to hold hands at least three times a day, though.”

“That’s probably because two of those times is purely wanting to hold hands. I’m glad you two have become close. —Anyway, about my matter, I haven’t had many experiences borrowing Ana’s body. It’s been at most four, maybe five times. Considering my relationship with her is nearing eleven years, that’s surprisingly few, right?”

“Let’s see. If I assume it’s once every two years, that’s roughly the rate of catching the flu, so it might not be too low.”

“That’s a harsh assessment.”

Echidona laughed in a way that was similar to the witch Subaru knew. Gradually, it even felt scary how Anastasia’s form began to overlap with that of Echidona.

The existence of Echidona left an indelible mark within Subaru. Considering matters with Beatrice, he wanted to avoid a second encounter at all costs.

Besides, if the real Anastasia were to end up in danger, that would create a significant wound for Julius. He wanted to avoid that too.

“So, how’s the troublesome Echidona doing with this flu you mentioned?”

“I don’t know what this flu is, but I certainly lack experience. Thus, there’s no prior example to explain why this happened to me… My consciousness has become unable to detach from Ana’s body. As a result, Ana sleeps deep within her ‘Od.’”

Echidona gestured to where the ‘Od’ should be in her chest, as if to offer proof.

Then, she glanced at the limp scarf lying on the round table.

Since Echidona’s consciousness resides within Anastasia, this scarf must truly be just a shell of a fox now.

“I thought I managed to achieve it quite effectively, like manipulating a doll, during the meeting.”

“Many were likely fooled by appearances alone. I’m sure there were a few, besides me, who sensed something was off.”

He suspected.

Perhaps it was merely Subaru’s unique sense of discomfort that was informed by his experience with artificial spirits.

“Even if they didn’t notice it, those deeply connected to Anastasia would catch on quickly.”

“Yet, it’s still only people with shallow connections like you and Al-kun who figured it out. I guess that’s due to how well I’m imitating Ana?”

“Ricardo and the kittens are currently busy with their issues too. So is Julius.”

“——”

At these words, Echidona squinted her eyes.

Subaru looked at her with a puzzled expression, but soon Echidona sighed,

“Indeed, it’s clear Julius is Anastasia’s knight. I thought so, from the flow of the conversation in the meeting room, but… the power of ‘Gluttony’ is dreadful. It can even rob me of my memories that should be exceptional.”

“What do you want with Anastasia?”

“——?”

“Truthfully, it doesn’t matter if you intended to take over Anastasia or not, so I won’t pry. To be honest, there’s no foundation for me to believe you if you say you’re different. But—”

Anastasia’s body not being returned is unthinkable.

For that noble knight, losing that one hope would be devastating.

The mental death of a candidate—having such a stain on the conclusion of the Royal Selection is something no one would want.

“Getting her back is something I cannot concede, Echidona.”

“Rest assured. I’m not so arrogant as to think I’d take over Anastasia’s body and live in her place.”

Subaru took a step forward, fully prepared for a backlash, yet Echidona replied with a jaded attitude. Holding Anastasia’s slender body in a sorrowful embrace, she said,

“You see, I like Ana. It’s not just out of mere curiosity that I’ve spent over ten years with her without a contract. I might not know whether this is accurate, but I genuinely feel a sense akin to that of a guardian or family. If possible, I want her to live well and, above all, to be happy.”

“——”

Echidona continued to speak in her usual smooth manner, but now as she touched the frail form of Anastasia, she spoke with a hint of genuine affection.

Just as Pack shows affection towards Emilia and Beatrice does towards Subaru, it seems Echidona has also developed that same feeling for Anastasia.

If that’s the case—

“The real reason you want to meet the sage is…”

“Right on the money. —Honestly, I don’t care about the human who bore the name of ‘Gluttony’ in my heart. I merely want to find a way to return Ana to her body. And for that purpose, I’ll make use of you all.”

“Do you have any guarantees that the sage knows how to do that?”

“There are no guarantees. But if we’re talking about a sage said to see all and know everything, there’s a possibility. I’m betting on the chance that he’s the one most likely to help us.”

At Echidona’s words, infused with a strong will, Subaru momentarily found himself at a loss for a counterargument.

While undeniably egocentric, self-serving conclusions, Echidona had her own purpose and the resolve to act on it.

In that case, what Subaru needed to confirm was—

“It’s true you know how to reach the sage at the Pleiades Watchtower?”

“Of course.”

“Wasn’t it mentioned that you have no memories of the past? How is it that you, who supposedly knows nothing, know the way to that tower shrouded in mystery? It doesn’t make sense.”

“Those who know, know. I can’t provide proof for that. But if I had to elaborate, it would be that it is fate for me to arrive there.”

“Who decided that fate?”

“The creator, I suppose.”

Echidona’s pretentious response was for Subaru, the worst answer.

If the creator she spoke of was Echidna, then it’s inconceivable that the perpetrator who imprinted the path to the Watchtower into the memory of the artificial spirit could be anyone other than Echidna.

In other words, it implies something connected to Echidna lies within the Pleiades Watchtower.

That engendered an uneasy premonition, along with a certain expectation for the sage’s knowledge.

“Did you comprehend the full implication?”

As Echidona asked this, Subaru, having paid his due, remained silent, arriving at one conclusion.

After a moment’s pause, he took a deep, long sigh.

“It’s not a matter of whether or not I’m convinced, but I do understand for now. You have your own objectives and purposes, which do not infringe upon ours.”

“Exactly. We both have things we want to ask the sage. That’s why we’re cooperating to reach the sage. There’s nothing unusual about it.”

“Stop that. When you say it that way, it suddenly sounds suspicious.”

“That’s quite harsh.”

Continuing the conversation with Echidona in the form of Anastasia felt increasingly bizarre.

In any case, the journey ahead to the Pleiades Watchtower would require a long-term partnership. The Augria Sand Dunes, where the tower is located, is at the easternmost tip of the world map—it’s a long journey.

“Gradually easing into it would be best. Give me some time to adjust.”

“You really don’t have to show that much reluctance. Really, with such a cute girl, I just want to be a bit more intimate. You’re hurting my feelings—oh my!”

Wrapping her scarf around her neck again, Echidona mirrored Anastasia’s mannerisms.

Sure enough, it was a well-crafted performance.

“Your intonation is off. Furthermore, your Kansai dialect is too smooth. Compared to the Kararagi folk I know, it lacks a certain inauthenticity.”

“Inauthenticity?”

It was a very subtle difference in a small range. Echidona dutifully cleared her throat as if to verify what Subaru pointed out, and eventually let out a sigh of resignation.

Subaru had nothing more to confirm with Echidona. As for the return of Anastasia’s body, that would depend on how the sage at the Pleiades Watchtower responded.

However—

“Don’t mention that you borrowed Anastasia’s body to Julius… or anyone else.”

“…I won’t mind, but it’s surprising you would want to keep that to yourself.”

“At a time like this, I don’t want to stir any unnecessary issues. Also, if they find out the real mastermind isn’t Anastasia but you, there could be backlash from Ricardo and others. It would also cause trouble for me as I need to reach the tower. I know it sounds selfish.”

Ricardo and Mimi might very well express concern for Anastasia and try to stop their journey.

Taking that into account, even an excellent method could compel them to give up on the path to the Watchtower. Even the desire to save the victims of the powers would be a problem for Subaru and the others.

“I’d prefer it if, at the sage’s, we could resolve issues surrounding the victims of ‘Gluttony,’ ‘Lust,’ and of course, your and Anastasia’s situation as well. If everything falls into place, Ricardo and the others won’t say a word. Well, even if they do, I wouldn’t listen.”

“Ah, the words of the Horcin saying, ‘As long as the accounts balance in the end.’”

“Now you’re speaking Horcin’s language!”

Evidently, that Horcin suspected of being from the same homeland is saying something wise.

“Well then,”

At this point, the discussion would reach a temporary conclusion.

In the worst-case scenario, a final battle could have unfolded here in Pristella, had Echidona harbored intentions to exploit Anastasia’s body. So he felt a wave of relief.

With that in mind, Subaru’s moment of relaxation let slip a sudden inquiry.

“By the way, Natsuki-kun.”

“Hmm?”

As he placed his hand on the doorknob to leave the meeting room, Subaru turned back.

Leaning against the round table, still resting her weight, Echidona tilted her head in what seemed an oddly cute manner.

“—You have others you want to ask the sage about how to return, don’t you?”

“——”

“No matter either way, aren’t there people in this Pristella exhibiting similar symptoms? To inquire about how to return them, it would be better to bring along at least one of those afflicted.”

Subaru’s throat froze, his breath hitched as he clung to the doorknob.

With tense expressions and wide eyes, he looked at Echidona.

“Hold on, what do you mean?”

“Either way, you plan on stopping by Baron Meisars’ residence, right? We have to prepare to cross the Augria Sand Dunes and inform them of our decision to head to the Watchtower. So, your sleeping beauty should be there.”

“——”

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Helping everyone means that she’d just be the first among them… Having that little luxury allowed for you, Natsuki-kun, wouldn’t be a crime, would it?”

Echidona’s calm, gentle voice inexplicably felt like a devilish temptation to Subaru.

He understood perfectly what she was implying. And while undeniably an urge to comply, Subaru was at a loss for words.

It undoubtedly stemmed from—

“Subaru!”

“——!”

Called by name, Subaru snapped his head up in surprise.

Right before him stood Emilia and Beatrice, their expressions perplexed at his response, asking, “What’s wrong?”

“Julius—he was saying he’d go to see Julius, but when I checked his hospital room, he wasn’t there, so I got worried. What happened?” Emilia asked.

“Oh, it’s nothing… You see, if you stare at him too long, his dreary face just strains. So I figured it was a good idea to get some fresh air—some energy back, you know?”

“Is that so? I thought he had a nice face…”

“Emilia thinks so too?”

“Oh, but Subaru, your face is fine too. The more you see it, the better it becomes, or something like that.”

“That’s a bittersweet compliment!”

Emilia hurried to clarify, but it was just a matter of phrasing. As Subaru sighed with a wry smile, he noticed that Beatrice, who had been silent beside Emilia, was casting glances behind him towards the shelter they had just left. It was as if she were recalling a conversation there.

“Subaru, if you’re going to do anything dangerous, call for Betty. Leaving her alone makes it risky, and Betty feels like she’s not even living.”

“That’s something I’ve felt about you for a while now. You’re just so cute that I keep worrying about when a kidnapper might take you away for the candy.”

“Betty isn’t a cheap spirit like that! Don’t underestimate me!”

Beatrice protested, puffing up indignantly as Subaru lifted her up. While holding the now startled Beatrice and walking alongside Emilia, he said,

“Just let me hold you for a bit! Ah, but drop you while still holding onto you, alright?”

“That’s a challenge! Let me down gently!”

“That’s tricky, so we’ll just stay like this for now.”

Beatrice’s body was light but oddly warm. They say children have higher body temperatures, and it seems that applies to the little girl spirit Beatrice as well, even if she is a spirit.

As Subaru chuckled at the thought, Emilia’s gaze was fixed on him. With her doe-like eyes looking up, she asked, “What’s up?”

“Is it that rare for me to be playing around with Beatrice?”

“Nope. In the past year, that’s not rare at all… But I think you look particularly troubled right now compared to the last year.”

“—Am I? While I can’t say everything is okay, the majority of issues have been resolved, so I feel a lot more relaxed at the moment.”

“If you say so, I’ll trust you…”

Emilia closed her long lashes as she quietly observed Subaru’s face, who moved his cheeks around playfully. Then, with a measured tone, she added,

“Whatever you decide to do, please tell me for sure. If you really can’t come up with an answer, then talk to me. As long as you promise that much, that’s good enough.”

“A promise, huh?”

“Yeah, it’s a promise that’s hard for you to keep. But you don’t have problems with making promises, do you?”

“Wow, that’s a rare moment of sass from Emilia.”

Given his past failures to uphold promises, Subaru could only blend his expressions by smiling.

While clutching Beatrice tightly to his shoulder, he laced his pinky with Emilia’s when she extended hers.

“Pinky swear, if you lie, I’ll jab you with a thousand needles.”

“I cut my finger!”

Their fingers parted.

Emilia held up her finger that had been cut and smiled at Subaru, asking,

“Subaru, how many needles is that in total?”

“Well, I don’t think it’s hit a thousand yet.”

“If that’s the case, make sure it doesn’t get to a thousand!”

At Emilia’s earnest words, Subaru could only respond with a concise, “Sure.”

With that answer, there would be no extravagant reassurance—something that was certainly out of reach for Emilia. She hadn’t intended to create the kind of promise she had given.

Therefore, the promise would serve as a reminder for Subaru.

“—Having that little luxury allowed for you, Natsuki-kun, wouldn’t be a crime, would it?”

Echidona’s last seductive suggestion echoed in his mind.

Would such a little luxury be permitted for Subaru? Would it really be allowed?

Who would permit Subaru, who was leaning on that?

“I’ll find the answer. —By the time I return to the mansion, I certainly will.”

After all, she is a relative of that “Witch.”

Truly, she’s an expert at exploiting the softest parts of a person’s nature.

“Just spiteful…”

“Did you say something?”

“No, I was just thinking how, being in this position makes it so easy to squeeze Beatrice’s behind.”

“Ngyaah! Wh-what are you planning! Let me down, slowly but gently, like you would cherish a flower!”

“Ha ha ha ha.”

As he shouldered the lively Beatrice, he followed after the slender figure of Emilia, who turned back occasionally, her expression begging to be included.

Despite being so blessed, and so saved.

He found himself reflecting on his own ‘Greed,’ wishing for just one more girl to be with him.

As Natsuki Subaru’s battle in Watergate City reaches its conclusion.

――Heading towards the next tale of the Tower of Sand, now, quietly.