――Castle City “Gwararu”.

This is the name of the first civilized city that Subaru and his companions have reached in the Empire.

Having spent their time until now in nearly primitive conditions, alternating between the encampments of the Imperial soldiers and the settlements of the People of Shudrak, the sight of civilization stirred deep emotions within them.

That said, it wasn’t a time to rejoice unreservedly about the advancements of civilization.

Because—

“――Checkpoint.”

With his gaze fixed on the checkpoint being conducted at the entrance of the city, Subaru wet his lips with his tongue.

Surrounded by walls, Gwararu restricts entry and exit through two gates located to the east and west. The checkpoint is set up at the main gate, where strong guards can be seen glowering sternly, their fierce eyes glinting even from a distance.

“We’re going to stand out as People of Shudrak right away. As long as we have nothing suspicious, we should be okay.”

“Just don’t hesitate, stand tall. Remember to protect Rem and Lui.”

These were the words from Kuna and Holly before they parted ways with Subaru and the others.

Though they were meant to ease the tension, the suggestion to forget their anxiety felt rather impractical.

After all, they were foreigners in an Empire where they had no identification or established status.

“Besides, it’s not exactly welcomed for a Lugnica person to be wandering around inside Volakia right now. I can grasp that even as a clueless otherworlder.”

If they naively revealed their identities, they’d undoubtedly earn the displeasure of the guards.

If they were merely turned away at the gate, that would be one thing, but if they happened to be captured, it would be an absolute disaster. They had already faced that scenario while in the Imperial soldiers’ camp.

—Once again, it would be utterly unacceptable for many lives to be lost due to Subaru’s mistakes.

“――――”

“…If you continue looking so troubled, you’ll draw suspicion from those around you.”

Subaru, who had been frowning in reflection of his complicated feelings, turned his wide eyes toward the voice that chided him.

The voice was coming from behind him — it belonged to Rem, who was riding on his back. Due to the structure of the carrying frame, they were facing back to back, so Rem shouldn’t have been able to see Subaru’s face.

“Yet how did you know that I was frowning?”

“Even if I can’t see you, I can hear your breathing. Since we’re back to back, I can also hear your heartbeat… It seems that your tension is rather infectious.”

“Ugh… I’m sorry about my frown and my noisy heart.”

“Yes. Please keep it down.”

“That’s not what I meant by calming down! You’re not telling me to stop my heart, right?”

In response to his confirming question, Rem fell into a silence, letting out a sigh without further comment.

Her sigh seemed to hold a blend of exasperation and apathy, but lacking any clear animosity or hostility towards Subaru, he felt a small sense of relief.

Now, if someone were to say his resolve was low, he would have no words to retort.

“Ugh, ugh?”

“…I understand, so don’t rush me. You’re one of the troubles I’m dealing with, you know.”

Yanking on Subaru’s sleeve, pointing towards the line, was Lui, who had tied her long hair back.

Carrying the beast’s horn wrapped in white cloth entrusted to her by Kuna and the others, it seemed she couldn’t comprehend why Subaru wasn’t joining the queue.

However, it would be reckless for them to thoughtlessly join the line like Lui did.

“At this moment, we have no way to prove our identity or any bribes for the guards. That means going through the front isn’t going to work.”

“Can’t we line up and just talk to the guards?”

“Honestly pleading could be an option, but there’s a possibility of irrecoverable consequences if we fail… right now, we have no one we can rely on.”

After hearing Subaru’s concerns, Rem quietly swallowed, understanding where he was coming from.

For Rem, whom the concept of “memory” was void, it could be hard to imagine, but given the context, it was better to be cautious.

—Unexpectedly, it was already approaching ten days since Subaru and the others were transported from the Pleiades Watchtower into the Empire.

The initial confusion had faded significantly, and while the tensions between Rem and Lui had temporarily calmed down, it was still hard to say that the situation had entirely improved.

The fact that Subaru, Rem, and also Lui were acting only as a trio was due solely to a brief encounter with the hunter and Ergina right when they were transported.

Aside from that, during their travels, they had always been accompanied by someone familiar with the Empire, whether it was within the Imperial soldiers’ camp, the settlements of Shudrak, or during their journey to Gwararu.

Not everyone among them had formed friendly ties, but at the very least, it didn’t feel as lonely.

“But from here on out, it’s different.”

Having become adversarial with Todd, taken separate ways from Abel, and parted ways with the People of Shudrak, now the three of them must tread the uncharted territory of the Empire without aid.

Whether they liked it or not, they had to be more cautious with their own judgments.

“What are we going to do then? Even if we hesitate or waver, our goal remains unchanged, right? It’s not like we can just pass through this city—”

“If we give up at this checkpoint, we can’t assume the other cities won’t be doing the same thing. If this were Lugnica, it wouldn’t be this guarded… no.”

Shaking his head, Subaru took the state of the Empire into account.

Abel had mentioned being ousted from the throne, suggesting that the Empire was likely in the midst of internal conflict.

While Abel claimed that the lack of an emperor was concealed from the common folk, there was no way to entirely stop the rumor mill, and the very atmosphere tends to infect people casually.

In fact, even Todd was visibly uncomfortable with their current deployment.

“If that’s the case, the strictness of this checkpoint is because of Abel, huh? Damn it, I hold a grudge against that guy!”

Despite having also been saved by Abel, the cumulative negative feelings he had towards him managed to creep up.

Given his personality and demeanor, he could completely visualize how he might have been betrayed by his subordinates.

“The kind of king that has no understanding of men’s hearts…”

“…Aren’t you seriously pondering something trivial to waste your time on?”

As Subaru muttered while stroking his chin, Rem’s voice coldly and firmly interjected.

It was a tone that exceeded mere exasperation or indifference, tinged with outright anger, prompting Subaru to panic and explain, “Wait, wait, wait!”

“Calm down, I’m fine. Sure, my roundabout sentiments are somewhat of a waste of breath, but I’m not just standing here with no ideas, you know? I have a proper plan!”

“Do you not feel ashamed of lying so casually as a person?”

“Is it too much to at least trust me a little!? Quick judgment without any evidence isn’t what one should rely on!?”

As Rem’s trust in him diminished, Subaru desperately sought to regain it.

In fact, he hadn’t concocted an outright lie; he did have an alternative plan to breakthrough the checkpoint. It was just that he couldn’t do it by himself.

“If it’s about not going solo…”

“That’s right! Natsuki Subaru’s 108th specialty—’Reliance on Others’ in full effect!”

With a thumbs-up and a big grin, Subaru proudly declared.

Hearing that, despite not being able to see his face, Rem seemed to scowl, and he could sense it on his back.

△▼△▼△▼△

Having successfully navigated the tense checkpoint, they passed through the enormous main gates.

As they emerged into the open, a stone-crafted street bustling with foreign charm lay in front of them. Subaru couldn’t help but raise both hands in triumph.

“I made it through!”

“Ah-woo!”

Hearing Subaru’s exuberant voice, Lui beside him raised her hands in celebration.

While his behavior had a kind of camaraderie in it, for now, the joy of overcoming the first hurdle to enter the city washed all other considerations away.

It was admittedly vexing, but the truth remained that Lui’s presence had indeed helped them get through the checkpoint.

“But then again, it’s definitely nothing like Lugnica. Even in the royal capital or Pristella, there were always slight differences, but…”

As he surveyed the street’s atmosphere, Subaru began to compare it with those of the Lugnica Kingdom he had seen before.

The most memorable for him was the street of Costur near the new Roswaal Mansion, but the shifts in culture felt immense, marking it as a different nation altogether.

The kingdoms he’d seen had similarities, a typical fantasy atmosphere spread throughout the royal capital, Costur, and Pristella. Unlike that, Gwararu drew no such feeling.

Compared to the typical fantasy kingdoms that embodied an otherworldly quality, the streets of the Empire felt more rugged and subdued. They seemed far more concerned with practicality than embellishment.

Instead of radiating flamboyance, the entire city reflected strength and sophistication, with the rugged earth exposed underfoot enhancing this impression.

“If Lugnica had cobblestones, this seems like the basic here.”

Given its size and population, Gwararu was likely considered an above-average city in the Empire.

In general terms, it appeared to serve as a provisional measure to compare against other regions of the Empire.

“Well, since I don’t want to stick around too long, it’s probably best to avoid needing that measure.”

“—Um, could you please put me down now?”

“Oh, sorry about that!”

Feeling the prompt from Rem on the carrying frame, Subaru slowly knelt down, apologizing to her.

Once he unclipped the hooks from his shoulders and let Rem descend, she stood firmly on her own feet.

During their long travels, she wanted to walk by herself upon entering a city. With the urgency removed, it was only right to honor Rem’s wish.

“This is…”

As Rem leaned on her staff and turned around, she finally beheld the same scenery as Subaru and the others.

With her eyebrows slightly raised, her light blue eyes radiated both surprise and a subtle hint of admiration, causing Subaru to gently soften his expression.

“So, what do you think? Surprised?”

“Well… yes, I’m surprised. It was the same in the queue, but… this is also my first time seeing so many people and a proper city.”

“Oh, that’s right. For Rem, this is her first encounter with a real human settlement.”

As previously mentioned, what Rem had experienced until now were only exceptional places and services.

Due to her lack of “memory,” Rem had no recollection of living with anyone. All the experiences she had were limited to her time with Subaru, Lui, and the People of Shudrak.

“――――”

Subaru closed one eye, observing Rem as she narrowed hers in contemplation.

For now, he folded up the carrying frame he had used to carry her and waited for her emotions to settle down.

—As a city, Gwararu was not exactly teeming with energy.

The checkpoints they had to line up at, and the stark and dull colors of the streets gave an overall impression far from vibrant. It seemed the scale of the city only counted in the thousands.

Yet still, the depth of emotion reflected in Rem’s eyes surely held its worth and significance.

“Would it be fine to explore a bit?”

“—No, that’s quite alright. I don’t want to take any more unnecessary time.”

“For you, there’s no such thing as an unnecessary exploration…”

Shaking her head, Rem replied, while Subaru scratched his cheek in response.

In truth, if brighter prospects reached Rem’s heart, sightseeing in the city wouldn’t be a problem. Though if this were an urgent situation, one would prefer to refrain, for now, the forecast stood at least.

It was all thanks to Rem’s cleverness that they had been so fortunate.

“Without Rem, we’d have never managed to get along with Flopp and the others. So a little bit of selfishness from you would be well justified.”

“…I’m just saying, it is not right to keep them waiting. We’re already taking advantage of them as it is; how much more debt do you want to incur?”

“Ugh… When you put it that way, well, yes, I’m sorry…”

At Rem’s sharp gaze aiming back at him, Subaru held his chest.

While this exchange occurred behind Subaru, a heavy sigh signaled the approach of a single ox cart—the “Bauru” being pulled by the brave bovine.

The “Bauru” refers to animals that are used for labor, like the Earth Dragons and large hounds known as Riger.

They often draw carts, commonly used for transporting heavy loads. Due to their slow speed and lack of protective status like that of the Earth Dragon’s “Windshield Protection,” they are mostly operated within urban borders.

And then—

“Hey, hey, hey, sorry for the wait! I spent a bit of time checking the cargo. Goodness, dealing with officials can be a hassle.”

From atop the driver’s seat of the Bauru cart, a young man with long bangs shrugged as he said this.

His bright golden hair and fair complexion, clad in loose garments, belonged to the person who had made an effort to help Subaru and the others as they entered the city.

Upon seeing this young man from the Bauru cart, Subaru nodded, “Thank you for your hard work.”

“Sorry for putting you through all of this, Flopp.”

“Doesn’t matter! It’s just that inspecting cargo is terribly dull work. Nothing worth engaging with was there anyway.”

Flopp waved Subaru’s apologies away while shaking his head gently.

With his elegant gestures, his long bangs swayed like a mane, and one might think sparkles appeared around him. He was quite the quirky person, but his responses were fairly grounded, a significant gap in his demeanor.

After smoothing his bangs again, he added,

“Yeah, it’s just boring work. That’s something you can leave to me or better yet, my sister!”

“Hey, big bro, I can hear you!”

“Hahaha, I’m not saying anything loud enough for you to hear, my dear sister. Never underestimate the volume of a brother!”

The somewhat hazy-eyed Flopp said these words loud enough for his sister to hear, who was walking alongside the slowly progressing bullock cart.

This long-legged woman shared the same hair color as Flopp, possessing a similar face. Clad in revealing garments that boldly displayed her shoulders and legs, her flamboyant hairstyle was styled with multiple big curls.

While her distinct appearance caught the eye, what stood out the most were the two curved swords she carried on her waist.

It was clear these were not faux or mere flashy items given their worn condition.

Her name was Medium, and she journeyed with her brother Flopp, forming the close-knit O’Connell siblings.

While they had met during the line at the checkpoint, Flopp and Medium were now deserving allies, having lent themselves to helping Subaru and the others navigate through the checkpoint when it came to identifying themselves or providing a bribe.

Of course, they hadn’t assisted out of sheer kindness. In fact, Subaru had initially set his sights on the O’Connell siblings to get through the checkpoint.

For Subaru, who had no money or connections, the help of others had become a necessity.

Thus, he thought Flopp and Medium could be negotiable.

The reason for Subaru’s consideration was—

“Wow, big bro! Did you see through all my ideas?”

“Of course! You can’t win at business without foresight. Our O’Connell Merchant Company operates on my brains and your muscle!”

“Wow! What are you even talking about, I don’t understand at all!”

“Hah hah hah! It’s so great having such a fun sister!”

The O’Connell siblings puffed up in pride, laughing heartily. Their trade was that of traveling merchants.

Strictly speaking, Flopp was in charge of the business deals as a merchant while Medium took care of guarding the goods and her brother along the journey and in the city.

—Merchants.

This was the expectation that Subaru chose to rely on as he sought help to break through the checkpoint.

“Talking with Otto and Anastasia helped a lot…”

Having traveled with Otto and Anastasia, both of whom were family to him — the latter actually being Echidna in disguise — he supposed he had learned a lot from their knowledge.

Based on the lessons these two provided, Subaru had a degree of trust in merchants.

Regardless of crossing borders, he felt merchants often tend to heed propositions offered to them.

With a mindset of “Hit or Miss,” he made bold advances, failing to entice four groups of merchants before encountering the O’Connell siblings.

Thus, with a family-like quirk, he had managed to persuade them, successfully getting their aid in getting through the checkpoint.

By presenting their unique interest, he had drawn their attention effectively—

“Really, I wonder if this carrying frame was indeed an adequate offering? It’s true that it was cleverly designed, but it feels extremely handmade, you know?”

“It’s undeniably rustic. However, its build and structure that allows for easy carrying intrigued me. It will surely aid in transporting heavy loads, right?”

“Well… if Mr. Flopp is satisfied with that, then I’m okay with it.”

Tendering the folded-up carrying frame to Medium, Subaru felt slightly apologetic.

As she accepted it, Medium took a curious look, tilted her head and stuffed it on the cart’s loading area, indicating she didn’t see much value in it.

To be fair, Subaru had no clear understanding of what Flopp appreciated in it either.

The agreement for their assistance came with the condition of giving the carrying frame to them.

When Flopp saw the unique and amusing design of the carrying frame with Rem on it, he found it interesting enough that, upon exchanging it, they promised to help them break through the checkpoint.

Honestly, Subaru had foreseen they might propose the beasts’ horns as collateral, so this condition felt surprisingly light for him.

“Once we reach the city, I plan to remake it with better materials; worst-case scenario, Rem won’t ride it anymore.”

“She is correct; I do wish to walk as much as possible on my own. When I ride the carrying frame, your unpleasant smell drifts through on the breeze.”

“Sorry…”

While leaning on her staff, Rem gently reminded Subaru about the lingering scent of the witch.

Yet, he appreciated that even amidst the travel, she had endured it and only mentioned it after their arrival, showing consideration.

As this exchange occurred, Flopp shrugged, reflecting how he felt in jest. His actions seemed to carry a weight to them.

“Make sure to get along better, you two. A husband and wife should support each other. You supporting each other just moments ago was beautiful to witness.”

“Well, it was solely because you took my carrying frame!”

“Precisely! Which mouth am I saying this from, I wonder!”

Placing his hands on his forehead, Flopp, alongside Medium, began laughing loudly.

Matching their laughter, Subaru hesitantly glances sideways at Rem, who remained completely unmoved, still clinging to Lui.

Feeling her demeanor, he timidly asked, “Um, Rem-san? Are you mad?”

“Huh? Why would I be angry? Do you have something weighing on your conscience?”

“No, I meant in terms of the story, saying we’re married must be unflattering for you…”

Joining his fingers together anxiously, he voiced his apprehensions for Rem’s feelings.

In the eyes of Flopp and Medium, he and Rem were considered a married couple.

This misrepresentation arose after Flopp and Medium inquired about their relationship when proposing the checkpoint arrangement, and he had muddled through the response on that instant. —It’s not that he had been at a loss for words.

He had an answer ready, but it was a precarious one that sounded suspicious.

“Who’d have thought that even the sibling travel arrangement wouldn’t be believed…”

“Since Mr. Flopp and Ms. Medium were in the same situation, you both are quite alike. Given that Rem and I, as well as Lui, all together seems forced.”

As a merchant, to deceive someone who navigates the world of lies and truths would require greater craft than what Subaru possessed.

Nevertheless, the one to discern the siblings’ guise was none other than Medium, who remarked, “There’s no resemblance whatsoever, big bro!” with a loud voice.

Yet again, he had surrendered to her gaze and had strayed away from the sibling-in-arms story of abandoning a cursed ring in the mountains far from home.

Following that shocking realization, he struggled against their questions. What saved him was Rem’s quick-thinking response, simply stating, “She’s my wife.”

“Basically, the talk was that Rem and I are married, and that this child here is entrusted to me by Rem’s older sister…”

“Is it true that I have an older sister, or did you not say that? You mentioned we were twins, so it’s hard to picture me having a child so tall…”

“Ugh?”

As Rem patted his head, Lui let out a tiny, ticklish murmur.

This seemingly harmless gesture and demeanor from Lui contributed to keeping Flopp and Medium from being wary.

Ignoring his menacing gaze, the helpless-looking Rem and defenseless Lui formed a trio that even Flopp and Medium didn’t perceive as troublemakers.

“Why…”

“Hmm?”

“Why did you have trouble answering back there? You seem to babble casually most of the time?”

“That feels like a complaint disguised as a compliment…”

Nonetheless, Subaru’s inadequacy had nearly imperiled Rem.

Without Rem’s quick wit, it was likely that they’d still be stuck standing outside that gate, staring at the line.

“――――”

Jokingly deflecting would only get him so far.

Wanting to avoid losing Rem’s trust any further, Subaru glanced away from her scrutinizing expression and quietly murmured, “Ugh.”

“I was genuinely taken aback. The moment my lie got called out, my entire body froze up. Maybe it’s a trauma from having my shoulder pierced back in the encampment when I said something careless.”

“Ah…”

“If I speak poorly and Flopp and the others suddenly turn on me, well, that’s just pathetic. It turned my thoughts completely blank until I merely stood there, so sorry about that.”

Subaru confessed his pitiful self-analysis, bowing his head to Rem in honesty.

His few but sharp wits and smooth tongue were among the few traits that distinguished Natsuki Subaru from others. Yet, if his mind and mouth ceased to function together, he would become nothing more than dead weight.

He held Rem’s life in his hands. —He shouldn’t let it turn out wrong.

“—I see. I understand. I think it’s unpredictable.”

“…Really? I acted like such a fool?”

“Everyone gets tense when they feel pain in their bodies. At the very least, that’s how I feel.”

Surprised at Rem’s unexpected reaction, Subaru felt a warm sensation within him.

Of course, it was Rem’s inherent kindness that allowed her to be accommodating towards others. It was remarkable that she had chosen to extend that kindness toward him.

“…Are you not angry?”

“I’m not angry. Just speak to me beforehand next time. I can’t always make excuses flawlessly either.”

“A-Ah, I understand. …You’re really not mad?”

“I’m not mad.”

“Really really?”

“I said I’m not angry, didn’t I…!?”

Worrying too much ended up inciting Rem’s irritation instead.

Holding his head in frustration under Rem’s piercing gaze, Subaru shrank back and conceded his plea for forgiveness.

With that, Subaru and his companions finally made their way into Gwararu.

△▼△▼△▼△

“Finally, I feel at ease!”

With that, Subaru flopped down on the inn’s bed, extending his arms and legs in joyful freedom.

The room was of decent quality with a good bed and sheets, an ambiance that suggested cleanliness—it was a quality somewhere in the middle of the road, reflecting its pricing.

Given their circumstances, they weren’t expected to indulge in luxury while treating it as a necessary expense for safety.

“If you’re going to stay somewhere, it’s better to eliminate options like cheap inns or camping. Not everyone possesses self-defense skills like Emilia-sama or Garfiel. People like myself and Natsuki are ideal targets for those up to no good,” he had once remarked during a previous discussion while in Otto’s room.

Looking back, such vigilance seemed only natural, sometimes it was easy to disregard personal safety when low on funds.

But reflecting on Subaru and the others’ current situation, that expenditure counted as necessary.

Still—

“Though the arrangement for the rooms caused quite the fuss…”

He muttered, lying sideways on the bed, glaring at the wall.

On the other side of that wall, Rem and Lui should be in the same room. —After they acquired lodging in Gwararu, it was determined that they would split the rooms by gender, which left Subaru with an unsatisfactory outcome.

Though it should’ve happened much earlier, he still found himself suspicious and distrustful towards Lui. He was resistant about leaving the two of them together where he couldn’t see what was happening.

That being said, Rem had never agreed to the idea of the three of them in a single room, leaving them no choice but to settle into this arrangement—

“Oh dear, oh dear, the young master seems utterly pampered. Quite, quite!”

As he mulled these thoughts, Flopp, who had just entered the room late, exclaimed as he threw his belongings onto the other bed.

Flopp appeared completely at ease, yet he hadn’t simply barged into the room.

This room was reserved with the understanding it would be shared among him, Subaru, and naturally, Rem, while Medium was meant for the other side.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”

“Not a problem at all! You’ve used your wits to protect yourself. The saying ‘Imperial Citizens must be strong’ doesn’t apply solely to brute strength!”

“…Hearing that makes me feel more relaxed.”

Crossing his legs atop the bed, Subaru chuckled at Flopp’s words.

Not only did Flopp assist them through the checkpoint, but he and Medium had also provided enormous help to Subaru and the others afterwards.

They had come through with a safe lodging recommendation, yet the most significant contribution was regarding the beast’s horn.

“Had it been just us, I can only imagine how closely we would have been watched.”

The horn of the beast had already left their hands.

Following advice from Kuna and her group, they had exchanged it for Imperial currency at a shop in Gwararu. Surprisingly, Flopp had decided to accompany them for the price negotiation.

The intense bargaining that transpired between him and the shopkeeper felt reminiscent of a courtroom battle for someone without legal knowledge.

Anyway, they managed to successfully convert the beast’s horn into imperial coins.

The heavy pouch of coins had now transformed into a vital fund for the trio’s journey through the Empire. These coins would cover their travel expenses, making it crucial for them to handle this resource with caution.

“I can’t afford to be their next meal if I keep going like this.”

“Hah hah hah! In every matter, the first order should be to carry yourself with confidence. If you walk with your chest out and spine straight, others will hesitate to confront you. In time, even baseless confidence may turn into something credible. Now wouldn’t that be a bonus?”

“Hmm, it’s compelling when it comes from someone who’s living it…”

Good or bad, Flopp was brimming with confidence.

Though occasionally transparently candid, his manner of speaking might invite unnecessary conflict, but after all he’d achieved so far, his approach seemed to ring true.

In fact, it was thanks to his demeanor that Subaru’s own perspective found a bit of admiration within himself.

“But you’ve had a long journey back, carrying your wife on your back, right? You should rest up and we can discuss what we talked about earlier tomorrow?”

“That’s a tempting offer, but… I’ll pass. We need to arrive at our destination as soon as possible, so wasting time wouldn’t be an option.”

Lured by the soft bed’s invitation, Subaru tried to resist its allure.

Having made that declaration, he stepped off the bed, drawing Flopp’s approval.

“That’s the spirit! At times like this, you must move your heavy feet for someone important. Just like how I do for my sister, and you do for your wife.”

“Flattery will only make me blush! …So, could you guide me?”

“Of course! This is something I offered, after all!”

With a loud pat on his chest, Flopp cheerfully accepted.

With that response, Subaru reinvigorated his focus from the bed, accompanying Flopp toward the adjacent room.

He knocked on the door and called for Rem inside.

“Rem, is everything alright in there?”

“Yes, everything is fine. Right now, we are discussing whether to let Lui sleep in my bed or Medium’s…”

“…I see.”

“You just suggested putting her on the floor, didn’t you?”

“I didn’t say anything like that because I thought you’d get mad…”

Considering Lui’s potential risks, sharing a bed with Medium wasn’t advisable.

To be perfectly honest, the best thing would be for Subaru to keep watch throughout the night. But in his current condition, he’d likely pass out after just a few hours of vigilance.

In these ten days, relying on nothing but trust.

—Trusting that the Archbishop of Sin won’t betray him may seem utterly foolish, but isn’t that the reality he had to accept?

“I told you earlier, I’m going out with Flopp for a bit. I’ll return with some food for dinner, let’s eat together.”

“Understood. …Thinking it over, since there are so many people here, I don’t have to rely solely on you anymore.”

“Why do I suddenly sound like I’m hard to part with?!”

“…Who knows? I was just expressing a thought.”

After reluctantly enduring Rem’s parting words, Subaru prioritized staying true to his original intent.

While waving at Medium, who was still playing with Lui, he said,

“Medium, I’m counting on you for the two of them. If there’s any trouble, feel free to smack them.”

“Are you serious? My punches are super painful!”

“Yeah, but they won’t learn without a sting.”

That said, if anything were to occur, Subaru trusted Rem to intervene beforehand.

With Lui assisting Rem’s mental stability, this arrangement proved both frustrating yet also appreciative. To earn even a modicum of acknowledgment for his role in bringing along Lui was essential for Subaru.

“It sounds like quite the arduous journey ahead, young master.”

After leaving Rem and Lui at the inn, Flopp clapped Subaru on the shoulder as they stepped back onto the street.

When he brought up the hardships of the journey, Subaru impulsively felt like collapsing into a heap.

But doing so would only trouble Flopp further.

He already depended a great deal on Flopp and Medium.

He wanted to avoid imposing additional worries and burdens on them.

“No matter how much I may have my 108th talent of ‘Reliance on Others,’ there’s an extent to that.”

“As long as it doesn’t turn into piggybacking, relying on others isn’t an error. My sister and I travel together, complementing each other’s shortcomings. Otherwise, either of us could easily perish due to individual issues. It’s just how the Empire works.”

“Empire’s ways…”

Flopp waved his hands dramatically and ran them through his bangs, causing the term “Empire’s way” to weigh heavily on Subaru’s chest.

Most likely, this was the root of the intangible fear Subaru had— the clash of values.

When viewed in that light, Flopp’s perspective remained relatable to Subaru, yet strikingly different from the overall impression he carried of the Volakia Empire thus far.

“Not everyone is adept at adapting to a life of might or a philosophy of power. What matters is finding a way to coexist within the frameworks handed to you.”

“Finding a.compatibility, huh?”

“As I mentioned earlier, both my sister and I have many noticeable flaws as individuals. But when combining our strengths, we become just a little stronger by masking those weaknesses. Indeed, it could be said our lives thus far have been tied to that very success.”

“———”

“Keep in mind, young master. The reason both my sister and I, as well as you and your wife, have survived to this point is that we’ve triumphed in each battle laid before us. How does that resonate? I, too, am a man of the Empire, you see?”

With a grin hanging on his face, Flopp sought the significance of praise.

As he gazed at Flopp’s profile, Subaru felt as though he had unexpectedly received a revelation. Thinking of mutually reinforcing shortcomings was no different from Subaru’s own values.

Although he also wondered if those beliefs would hold no weight in the Empire.

“Then, it doesn’t always have to be about despair, right?”

“Even so, it’s common for most folks’ understanding of the imperial style to revolve around strength! The way I think could very well be seen as ‘the sound of a coward.’ It’s not necessarily common thinking.”

Having procured some level of understanding, Subaru reflected on Flopp’s caution against overconfidence.

Yet with that, he continued, “That’s why,” and further elucidated,

“This belief conceptually establishes value by pricing those skills. Much like the idea I want to introduce to you.”

“Ah, that helps us out.”

Nodding, Subaru offered Flopp his gratitude for his proposal.

This included not just their intentions for getting through the checkpoint and the lodging arrangements but also the current project at hand— securing escorts and means of transport to ensure smooth passage for Subaru and the others.

Much like how Kuna and Holly had offered their protection during the journey to Gwararu, it was necessary to have capable escorts along the way to defend them from dangers.

Carrying Rem in the frame only allowed Subaru limited mobility. The dream would be an Earth Dragon; if that proved too difficult, they’d require either a Bauru or a big dog—essentially, they needed animals to facilitate movement.

Both those options would need to be managed under the constraints of their limited resources.

“Honestly, it’s such a relief that you could help me out with this, Flopp…”

“I know some taverns where such mercenary types frequent, at the very least. As for beasts, I can assist in consulting you about it. —Like with the Bauru!”

“You really seem to push for the Bauru, huh…”

“I can’t deny it’s not an exaggeration to say that I was raised on Bauru milk; I’m a committed fan of them!”

Laughing loudly, Flopp elaborated on his enthusiasm for Baurus.

Truth be told, while their capacity for heavy-hauling was one thing, such a method hardly aligned with Subaru’s longing for long-distance travel. Its speed was woefully slow, thus a last resort.

“In any event, taking precaution during travel is advisable… Here’s a little inside information: things have gotten rather noisy in the imperial capital. That commotion could spill over here at any time.”

“—The imperial capital is noisy…”

Subaru raised an eyebrow at that, but it seemed Flopp hadn’t noticed his reaction as he replied, “Indeed,” while crossing his arms.

“Year-round, there’s always potential for trouble smoldering somewhere within the Empire, and folks are starting to worry that those sparks might catch fire. I’m sharing this with you, solely to keep your wife from worrying.”

“Thank you for your concern. …By the way, does that have anything to do with the Emperor?”

“With His Majesty, Vincent Volakia?”

Flopp’s eyes widened in surprise as if he had been hit by unexpectedly delicate news. He quickly shook his head, “No, no, no,” in response.

“Nothing of the Emperor’s nature was ever brought up. Regardless, His Majesty has successfully quelled domestic affairs thus far.”

“Yet, you mentioned earlier that sparks were igniting?”

“That’s just how it seems. His Majesty’s skill has quelled what might have escalated, thus far, serving to contain the unrest related to noble clashes. You see, it’s been about seven to eight years since His Majesty succeeded to the throne; prior to that, the Empire was far more tumultuous.”

“———”

“This latest uproar has grabbed His Majesty’s attention directly. It won’t be long before those sparks resurface in our hometown once again.”

“Eh?”

As Flopp schmoozed about sparking unrest being the backbone of their homeland, Subaru couldn’t shake the worry fluttering at the back of his mind. Flopp’s statement that the Emperor was personally orchestrating matters resonated with him.

“Does that mean the Emperor is trying to handle the dissension in the capital?”

“Exactly, if it’s right in his territory… if it truly means his territory, he will take action. There’s been announcements stating he will not spare any opportunists who try to take advantage of this moment.”

“The Emperor’s announcement…”

Subaru could feel no lies within the flat delivery from Flopp.

First of all, he had no motivation to deceive Subaru regarding the matters pertaining to the issues in the capital, so at the very least, he was presenting factual information as he perceived it.

Yet, should that be the case, Subaru felt entangled in a contradiction.

“If Abel’s truly the Emperor, then he’s somehow made that declaration…?”

—No, there was something about that timing that felt off.

Of course, an Emperor’s declaration could be made even in their absence, a situation where “an aide could have made it.” Assuming Abel was right, those who had remained in the Emperor’s castle were none other than those who had ousted the Emperor himself.

They would trample all over any respect for the Emperor and use his name however they pleased.

However—

“Let’s keep open the possibility that Abel is nothing but a lunatic, just in case.”

Believing in everything one observes wouldn’t help one survive in the turbulent open sea.

Although this world wasn’t necessarily a stormy sea, it did reflect the stance Subaru wanted to uphold towards the Empire.

Nonetheless, having faced Abel in person, and having shared words with him, Subaru felt there was no gravitas to what he claimed to be an Emperor.

“—Young master, that frown won’t do!”

As Flopp interjected this focusing on Subaru’s state of mind, he had planted himself right in front of him.

Subaru halted in his tracks instantly. Flopp pointed at his forehead,

“Smile! Without levity, good luck stays away! You’ll be looking to find fellow travelers on your journey now, wouldn’t you? In that case, you need to search for fruitful connections!”

“That’s…”

“In that case, soften those frowns and give a gentle smile to exude confidence. That’s how a man should carry himself!”

Flopp pushed against his forehead and cheek with his hands, opening and stretching them.

Right before his eyes, he was reminded of this very act. Venturing a memory from just a few moments ago.

Having exchanged that same dialogue a scant few minutes prior seemed simply bizarre now.

“Hey, hey, hey, wait a minute…”

Sweat cold from an unexpected emotional weight, Subaru blankly covered his face.

As Flopp exclaimed, “Don’t hide, release it!” Subaru couldn’t find it in him to comply.

And when he looked around, the surroundings were all too familiar.

Despite stepping into a street he had never walked before, he could clearly remember glimpses of the place. The old visual perception of Gwararu was still fresh in his mind, firmly tethered to memory.

Thus――

“Did I just… ‘Return by Death’?”

Muttering this in a plain voice, Subaru quivered, his expression suddenly stiffening for entirely different reasons than before.

 

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