It’s a bit late to say this, but the Roswaal Mansion, which serves as Emilia’s faction’s headquarters, has moved from the previously burned-down estate to the main residence of Meisars Territory.

That said, the layout of the mansion remains almost the same, centered around the main building, flanked on both sides by the West and East wings—a familiar setup. The size of the mansion is also nearly identical, so wandering around the interior hardly ever leads to confusion.

However, because everything looks somewhat too similar, it’s easy to forget that Araham Village is not nearby. Subaru, for instance, has attempted to do his morning exercises towards the village a few times in his sleep-deprived state, only to realize halfway down the long road that he was hopelessly lost.

Each time, Beatrice would race after him and scold him fiercely.

In any case, having returned to the Roswaal Mansion, greeted warmly by Petra and Ram, Subaru and Emilia entered the reception room where the master, Roswaal, was waiting.

“Ah, welcome back! I’m so glad you’ve returned safely!”

Roswaal sat on the sofa in the reception room, clapping his hands to welcome them back. His beaming face took both Subaru and Emilia by surprise.

Seeing Roswaal’s overly friendly smile, the two exchanged glances.

“…Emilia-tan, did you write something odd in your letter or something?”

“I-I didn’t! Besides, didn’t you do something weird to him, Subaru? You know, sometimes you two whisper together…”

“Come on! If I was gonna give Ros a gift, I’d rather spend that time and money thinking of ways to express my gratitude to Emilia-tan, Beatrice, Petra, Frederica, Patrasche, and well, Ram too!”

“Too many girl names there, huh?”

“Gifts for guys like Otto and Garfiel would be too embarrassing, right?!”

In response to the sulking Beatrice, Subaru flashed a wry smile at Emilia’s reproachful gaze.

By the way, the omission of Rem was intentional—to avoid making anyone worry. Nevertheless, watching the banter, Roswaal shrugged.

“Well, really now, how ungrateful! What’s so strange about me being worried about your safety and being happy about your safe return? It’s only natural!”

“That’s true, but… Roswaal, you haven’t really shown us that side of yourself before…”

“In this past year, I’ve had my fair share of changes in perspective! Surely, my cooperation should be something Emilia-sama finds delightful, no?”

“Hmm, I guess so…”

With Roswaal casually stating this change, Emilia accepted it with her usual grace. Watching her nod and gently wave her hand, Subaru couldn’t help but feel a slight distrust of his motives—

“Even if I try to understand that thought process, it’s just too far removed from normal human logic! Subaru is… well, even Subaru is a bit strange too, but that guy’s level of ‘strangeness’ is just off the charts!”

“Dude, your vague references are getting out of hand.”

Ruffling Beatrice’s hair for the overly vague comment, Subaru followed Emilia into the reception room.

Roswaal was in high spirits—though suspicious, Subaru had a general idea of what Roswaal was thinking.

The truth is, Roswaal genuinely felt joy that both Subaru and Emilia had returned safely.

With the “Book of Wisdom” lost, Subaru’s actions to overcome current obstacles were the best way for Roswaal to reach his still unspoken goal.

“If that’s what you think, it would help if you could be a bit more cooperative, you know?”

“Regardless of whether I assist you or not, you will achieve your own objectives. I believe in that, which is why I offer my help—certainly an equal relationship, isn’t it?”

“It feels like I’m stuck with an overpowered side character who only shows up in an RPG’s story whenever they feel like it.”

At this point, the trope of the overly strong supporting character that only makes a cameo appearance is very much in play.

Roswaal’s refusal to participate in battle feels quite similar to that situation. In fact, the more Subaru is put in a bind, the more Roswaal would enjoy watching Subaru try to wriggle out, relying on his “Return by Death” ability to alter fate.

It’s enough to make one want to click their tongue in frustration.

“—So, can we finally get introduced?”

“Ah, sorry for the wait. Roswaal, we have guests. Please make space for them.”

“I’m listening. But what an interesting crowd we have here!”

During their conversation at the entrance, a girl waiting in the hallway called out. After offering a light apology, Subaru gestured for Roswaal, still seated on the sofa, to move deeper into the room.

Standing up, Roswaal settled himself into the high seat. He gestured toward the guest sofas for the two visitors, and Subaru and the others slowly took their seats across from him.

“Welcome from afar. It’s been a while since we’ve had a decent conversation since the rewards ceremony, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah, that’s true. And back then, we didn’t really get to talk much… so this feels like the first real conversation, doesn’t it?”

The mentioned rewards ceremony was a joint recognition event for the Emilia Faction, Crusch Faction, and Anastasia Faction after the successful subjugation of the White Whale.

It was a small-scale ceremony held in the Royal Castle, but since representatives from each faction were gathered, everyone who had participated right after resolving the “Sanctuary” issue attended.

Otto, pale from nerves, and Garfiel, eyes gleaming at the castle, are vivid in memory, but it’s quite remarkable that Roswaal attended so casually, having just been implicated in such an incident.

Well, to be fair, Emilia was equally flustered at that time, so it hardly mattered now. For Emilia, being praised for a deed she had no memory of was rather fitting.

In any case, after a round of greetings, they quickly dove into the main topic regarding the city of Pristella—

“—So, as you mentioned in the letter, Otto-kun and Garfiel are injured and unable to return. Ah, I see, understood. They did a marvelous job!”

After listening to the report, Roswaal let out an admiring sigh and announced with gleeful nods. Emilia raised an eyebrow and, in a slightly stronger tone, replied:

“They’re seriously hurt and won’t be back! How can you say something like that?!”

“Don’t jump to conclusions! Their injuries are certainly regrettable, and having them out of commission for a while is a setback. But on the flip side, no serious losses were incurred by the faction. To encounter multiple Archbishops of Sin while sustaining this result… it’s quite miraculous.”

“——”

“Of course, the aftermath of the Archbishop’s actions must be addressed swiftly. However, Emilia-sama and everyone who contributed to the city’s defense certainly acted to minimize damage that could’ve happened. I believe you deserve to acknowledge that to some extent.”

“…Thanks.”

In response to Roswaal’s smooth words, Emilia expressed her gratitude with a somewhat perplexed expression.

Indeed, his words carried an element of truth, but the impression of the speaker is crucial. It sounded fishy even to Subaru, so everyone must feel that way.

“Well, I suppose what you think of me doesn’t really matter at this point, let’s get back to the discussion. —By the way, it should have been Anastasia-sama who invited you to the chaotic city of Pristella, what do you think about that?”

“I feel really sorry for being pulled into such a mess. I’m prepared to properly apologize if asked.”

“Then you wish to avoid paying anything… Ahh, I don’t mind if you don’t apologize to me. Emilia-sama, you probably refused already, haven’t you?”

“Because if the Witch Cult acted poorly, the fault lies with them, right? There’s no way Anastasia, who only called us, holds any responsibility. Plus, we already achieved the purpose of being invited to Pristella…”

As Emilia glanced sideways at Roswaal, she touched the pendant at her neck.

Within it was a newly embedded large magic stone, quietly waiting for the moment to awaken the great spirit still in slumber. Since obtaining a high-purity crystal to serve as Pack’s vessel was the goal, indeed their faction’s objective was accomplished.

“Also, it’s possible that we managed to repel the Witch Cult just because we happened to be here. If you think about it, it could be considered Anastasia’s achievement…”

“I won’t delve that far; it’d be a bit too much for me to involve myself with other factions.”

Emilia’s positivity oddly seemed to lift Anastasia’s spirits.

Still, Roswaal was merely making a casual probe with his earlier claim. The truth is, a major portion of the Witch Cult’s targets may have been carried over by Subaru and others into Pristella. If that were to be pointed out, even if the Witch Cult was at fault, the mood would turn heavy.

Thus, it’s wise to solidify the opinion that the Witch Cult is the absolute worst!

“Regarding that matter, the other three factions have reached a consensus. One of the Archbishops of Sin has been killed, and another captured… so the Witch Cult should be in shambles by now.”

“Although, I’d question their organizational structure. They’re a lawless group wholly detached from words like cooperation or unity. Even if they were to become the last remaining member, the crazed mentality of the madmen wouldn’t just clear up.”

“…I agree with that.”

Roswaal’s understanding aligned with Subaru’s thoughts, and it seems that understanding was accurate.

The Witch Cult as an organization has become more of a gathering of lunatics than an actual structure. Even if it were to be disbanded, they wouldn’t simply consider sitting quietly.

The remaining “Gluttony” and “Lust” would definitely continue their havoc.

“That’s why, we need countermeasures. That’s what today’s discussion is about.”

“…Contact with the ‘Sage’ Shaula, then?”

“I know it seems difficult. But since we have no other means, we can only attempt what we can. If there really is a sage considered all-knowing—well, even if they aren’t truly omnipotent, it’d be worth hearing them out, right?”

“Trying to do that resulted in people losing their lives in the past few hundred years, though.”

When looked at from the perspective of common sense, it certainly counters the argument. However, we have our hidden cards ready for such a situation.

When Subaru met Anna’s gaze, she confidently tilted her chin and said,

“That’s where we come in! Fortunately, we possess the means to safely arrive at the ‘Sage’s’ watchtower. So there’s no need to worry about getting lost. Just relax, okay?”

“Even if you tell me to believe you for just your words, that’s tricky! Besides, if such a method exists, many would be willing to pay a hefty sum for it. Why are you the only one who has it?”

“I’m a merchant, and of course, money is important. But there are some things that money can’t buy. This is one of those things.”

With a hand placed against her slim chest, Anastasia—Echidna—declared boldly.

Even while disguised as Anastasia, those words held a peculiar strength. Even Subaru, who knew she wasn’t truly herself right now, felt overwhelmed by that power.

As Anastasia made eye contact with Roswaal, he squinted one eye. After scrutinizing her with just that yellow gaze for a moment, he said:

“Ahh, my, my. How difficult to handle those who’ve been through the fires of conflict and survived. This is also some sort of agreement with Emilia-sama, I suppose?”

“I’m sincerely sorry for moving on my own accord, though.”

“But I won’t stop moving on my own accord. That’s just how it is. You’re someone who chooses to tread a thorny path, and it’s there that he will follow.”

Roswaal’s attitude was nonchalant, yet his main interest ultimately led back to that point.

The more obstacles Emilia chose to tackle, the higher the hurdles Subaru needed to overcome. For Roswaal, that has now become hope in place of the “Book of Wisdom.”

“Anyway, we will cross the… um, what was it called? Augria Sand Dunes? It might take a few more days than expected.”

“Not ‘um,’ it’s the Augria Sand Dunes. You’ve been corrected multiple times; how about you try to remember already?”

Julius, seated next to Anastasia, interjected after quietly observing their earlier discussion, turning his intelligent gaze towards Roswaal.

“I imagine this is a rather painful request for Lady Roswaal. However, the city of Pristella is still facing the Witch Cult’s tyranny, with countless people hurt both physically and mentally. If our actions could aid in alleviating their suffering, I kindly ask for your consent.”

“That’s quite an elegant way of putting it. You seem to possess extraordinary talent, but it’s puzzling that I don’t recall you. So, that’s how it is, huh?”

“——”

Realizing that he had no recollection of Julius, Roswaal quickly grasped the situation. With a slight downward glance from Julius, Roswaal leaned against the armrest, supporting his chin.

Then, with a hint of amusement in his expression, he continued:

“The sense of impatience that arises from being forgotten by people, the fear of being left behind. You’ve pursued the ‘Sage’ Shaula seeking to break free from that predicament, correct? You don’t need to excuse yourself by saying it’s for someone else’s sake.”

“—I would never, for my own selfish reasons!”

“I’m not blaming you. In fact, I consider it rather natural. I find it preferable, honestly. People generally pursue their goals not because of others but for their own sake. Even if it leads to saving someone else, there’s no need to deny the sense of satisfaction in doing so.”

Hearing Roswaal’s continuous rhetorical questioning, Julius tightened his jaw.

Behind the mask of a jester, Roswaal’s smile deepened as he added:

“Especially since the current situation suggests that your salvation would likely bring salvation to others as well. With a righteous cause, you can act without feeling guilt.”

“I…”

“—Meisters Territory, let’s keep that for now, shall we?”

As Julius struggled to respond, Anastasia stepped in to face Roswaal instead. With a gentle smile, she tilted her head adorably.

“And honestly, I don’t remember much of anything either, but this young man is apparently my knight. Watching him get bullied without any recourse is just something I can’t stand.”

“Even lost from memory, the bond between a master and their servant… is that so?”

“I’m not really sure about that part, honestly. But it didn’t feel unreasonable for Julius to worry about me on the journey… And also…”

Anastasia pointed towards the opposite sofa with her raised finger.

“To ensure no unnecessary drama erupts and cause the factions to splinter, I’ve made it a point to be vigilant, see?”

“—Oh my, oh my.”

Roswaal shrugged at Anastasia’s observation—gazing at Subaru, who was on the verge of an outburst. Since he was on the brink of shouting, it was no surprise that Emilia and Beatrice felt the same tension.

Observing their setup, Roswaal raised his hands in surrender.

“Okay, okay, it was all my fault! I merely noted that aspect of it, you know?”

“That was completely uncalled for. Seriously, you’ve crossed the line!”

“Is that right? Regardless of whether or not people receive benefits from the outcome, biased opinions will always arise. There are always those who suspect and gossip. Since it seemed you were unaware of that, I thought I’d give you a heads up.”

Not doing things for someone else but for his own sake is something that struck a chord.

Subaru has his painful memories in that regard.

Once, in the royal castle, he was confronted by Emilia, who told him that his actions, meant for her sake, were actually for himself. The pain of that moment was unforgettable, and in the end, it probably held some truth.

However, even if that statement is factual or false, there are surely times where such words can hurt. But still—

“The worth of one’s actions doesn’t diminish just because fewer will correctly recognize it. How can he be like that? Give me a break!”

“Nothing can be done about that. Unlike you, I don’t know his character. …You don’t seem to only have traveled for a few days either.”

Faced with Subaru’s agitation, Roswaal’s expression became somber for a moment, his long eyelashes framing eyes that had momentarily descended into true despair.

“Once again, it’s evident that you are the only one who remembers. Just like with Rem.”

“For whatever reason, sure.”

“That indicates you have a unique existence, so cherish it deeply. —Many would wish for something they can’t attain.”

Roswaal’s sentiments seemed to echo, albeit it was something Subaru could hardly comprehend.

Still, recognizing that pressing him wouldn’t yield anything useful, Subaru decided to cut to the chase. He had conveyed what he needed to express.

The only thing left was—

“As mentioned in the letter, we will retrieve the ‘Sleeping Princess’ from the…”

“Ah, so you mean to take her out? That’s quite bold, especially since you seemed to despise touching her so much back then.”

“If I know how to wake her, then of course I’ll try it. Isn’t that only natural?”

“I didn’t expect you to test that method on her first. Though you’ve put on the facade of a selfish person, internally, you carry a self-punishing attitude. In your heart and mind, don’t you think you should be saved first?”

“——”

Roswaal’s words struck home, and Subaru instinctively fell silent.

When it came to heading toward the Pleiades Watchtower, Subaru had agonized over whether to bring Rem along as a case study of someone affected by “Gluttony” until he was almost at the estate.

It wasn’t that he was avoiding awakening Rem—it was the very fact that if there was even a chance Rem could wake up, he wished for her to do so as soon as possible.

However, the question of the morality of Natsuki Subaru being saved first was an entirely different matter.

So many people in Pristella had been afflicted similarly to Rem. Their families unaware of the ones they had lost, and those sleeping had their rights to be concerned unjustly stripped away.

The more he thought about it, the more a strange jagged pain pierced through Subaru’s heart.

The guilt of being saved before so many others.

Thus, he had genuinely hesitated until the last minute to bring Rem along—

“Don’t worry, I’ll ensure that Subaru is well taken care of. So it’s all fine.”

“…What?! That’s unexpected.”

In the silence, Emilia stepped in to address Roswaal while Subaru remained dumbfounded.

Roswaal squinted his eye at Emilia, who was standing tall, and replied,

“Though I don’t want to sound disrespectful, isn’t Emilia-sama’s awakening a bit inconvenient for you? After all, it’s clear that Subaru-kun feels strongly for that girl. If it comes to it, it might rival your own feelings for him…”

“Of course, I think so. If Rem wakes up, Subaru will probably be tied up with her for a while, and he might just disregard me.”

“Uh, that’s a bit…”

“No, that shouldn’t be the case at all!”

Emilia firmly declared, glancing at Subaru as if she meant it.

“Even if he turns away from me, I’ll just make sure to work hard so he’ll look back this way again. I can’t afford to lose Subaru now. No matter how adorable and infatuated he becomes with Rem, I’ll make sure to pull him back to me!”

“E-Emilia-tan?!”

“That’s my resolve, and it’s the choice I’ve made. No one would complain if Subaru is saved. —So it’s perfectly fine. Let’s wake up Rem.”

With resolute words, Emilia pushed Subaru’s resolve onward.

That somewhat confessional tone caused Subaru to be taken aback, trembling at the knees. Though he had received indications of her affection before, they always fell short of being anything more than friendly—

“For me, and for Rem, and for Beatrice, for Petra, for Patrasche, for Otto-kun and Garfiel! Subaru is truly, truly a lucky guy!”

“That last part had a dragon and two men mixed in there, you know?”

Oh, and a little girl had sneaked in there too.

In any case, hearing all this, Beatrice, seated beside Subaru, poked him with her elbow. As he turned to her with a startled “Ugh,” he was met with her usual nonchalant expression.

“I’m not gonna complain about your womanizing ways anymore. …But I expect you to always have one hand free. That’s for Betti’s exclusive privilege.”

“…You’re ridiculously adorable, you know?”

“Obviously. Betti’s cuteness echoes through the heavens and earth!”

As for how the gods of the world would feel about it, Subaru had no idea, but it resonated right through his heart.

Encouraged by Emilia and Beatrice, Subaru resolved to do everything he could to awaken Rem.

—At this point, he no longer felt any hesitation regarding his decision.

“That’s that, Roswaal. Sorry for being so loved. I’m going to take Rem away.”

“Emilia-sama and Beatrice too, have both surprised me with such changes. By all means, feel free. I never wanted to stop you from doing what you must.”

“Then what was all that back and forth earlier?”

“What I meant was to confirm if you understood the meaning of your actions. Just a precaution, you see, for the nameless knight over there as well.”

“No worries.”

Even at the end, Roswaal’s words were teasing. To this, Julius inhaled softly, then glanced back and forth between Subaru and Anastasia.

“I am Julius Euclius. Though I currently only exist in his memory, I am one of the knights of the Lugnica Kingdom. I am not so immature as to let something like this rattle my composure.”

He declared that resolutely and overtly countered the malicious mischief from the evil sorcerer.

“…Albeit a bit shaky.”

“Whose side are you on, anyway? I feel like I just got stabbed in the back.”

And so, I’ll just add that there was that little exchange at the very end.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

After the discussions concluded, Subaru and the others exited the reception room.

With the aim of crossing the Augria Sand Dunes, they were heading to the “Zashiki Prison” located in the East Wing of the mansion, which held a person of significant importance to their journey.

It was an existence that had been brought along at the same time the previous mansion burned down and the residents moved to this new estate, staying chained ever since.

Ordinarily, one wouldn’t be advised to make contact with such an entity, nor would it be safe—

“What kind of outcome will we bring back? To be held in anticipation like this, I’m probably being influenced as well, huh?”

Leaning back into the sofa and sinking deeply, Roswaal mused aloud.

Alone, in the reception room, the mage relished the lingering resonance of their earlier discussion, chuckling softly as if someone’s image floated in his mind.

“Does this mean I’m joining the ranks of those who favor him? What do you think?”

“…That sounds quite creepy. For you, it’d be scary if you actually meant it.”

“Of course, I have no intention of acting that brazenly in this body.”

“You used to be female, so I’ll remain watchful, just in case.”

As Roswaal continued to smile more playfully, the girl who replied—Beatrice—chewed on her own curl with a face that maintained a mix of sophistication and irritation.

“Subaru-kun should be heading to the Zashiki Prison, right? Aren’t you in danger without being by his side?”

“A toothless stray dog is less troublesome than a pet with sharpened teeth. So I think it’s best to prepare for anything.”

“That’s a horrible comparison. If it’s your teacher, then that’s what I want, most definitely.”

“You’re nothing but an incorrigible pervert. …Roswaal, don’t test Subaru too much. You won’t be spared your excesses; Betti won’t allow it.”

At her sudden delivery against Roswaal’s somewhat sleazy grin, Beatrice said firmly. Then, Roswaal immediately withdrew his smile, closing one blue eye and fixing his yellow gaze directly on Beatrice.

“Our positions are not the same. Unlike your frivolous nature, I’m devoted.”

“From the looks of it, Mom has had no influence at all. I’d much rather the privilege of holding Subaru’s hand than being infuriated.”

“Look who’s talking! You’re a litarily shallow girl pretending to be a librarian. Do try to find your own happiness.”

“Of course. Therefore, I’ll be making moves to protect that happiness.”

Roswaal, sitting casually on the sofa, and Beatrice, standing across from him, sparked a friction at the same height of vision. Roswaal narrowed his eyes at the girl with rounded pupils, trying to peer into her heart.

“You’ve now defeated one of the Archbishops of Sin. So by now, two should be counted among his arsenal.”

“…There should be others aside from Subaru.”

“However, none would overlap or ever come as close. It’s clear who would be picked—you can stop pretending to be concerned.”

“—I won’t permit you to go further than this.”

Reacting to Roswaal’s words, Beatrice replied with a tone resolute with decision.

The girl clenched her sleeve tightly and glared at Roswaal.

“Betty is Subaru’s. So Subaru should remain Subaru.”

“I have no intention of hindering your efforts. As for my stance, the fewer competitors there are, the better for me—that’s all there is to say.”

“——”

With a fierce glare at Roswaal, Beatrice turned towards the door.

This concluded the conversation for those remaining.

“Beatrice.”

Calling after the retreating girl, Roswaal saw her halt but not turn back.

“Honestly, I wish for you to find happiness. At least more profoundly than most others, given you’re like a sister to me.”

“—That’s unsettling. Not nearly as sincere as Mom’s affection.”

“That must be what love is, right?”

There was no reply.

Only the sound of the door opening and closing quietly echoed in the reception room.

Afterward, no further sounds followed in the reception room.