“——–”

In the shabby mirror, the reflection of Natsuki Subaru—no, the existence that once called itself that—narrowed its eyes and checked itself meticulously again and again.

Dark eye shadow and carefully curled eyelashes. The most prominent point distinguishing males from females was made flawless with powder, and a vibrant red added to create plump lips.

The costume was quite a challenge, but by wrapping myself in plenty of fluttering fabric, I could mislead about my physique while also struggling to achieve a style suited for the southern climate.

After all, this time I wasn’t going as a noble’s daughter; I had to play the role of a traveling entertainer instead—a much more precarious position. Therefore, regardless of my gestures, I had to push the “woman” concept further to match the theme.

“Next, I’ll stuff my chest with whatever I can and gather every bit of fat I have…”

Utilizing every trick in the book, I envisioned all the encounters I’ve had so far.

Starting with Emilia, then Felt and that annoying Elsa, along with my meetings with Ram and Rem. Beatrice and Petra, along with Meily, were temporarily set aside. Following them were Priscilla and Crusch, Anastasia, and lastly, the one I consider my mentor, Felix. I brought to mind Frederica and the annoyingly perfect-looking witches—drawing inspiration from the beautiful girls and beauties I encountered in this other world, gathering all the “beauty” imagination I could.

—I envision my always most beautiful self.

There’s no need to think about unnecessary things. The answer I seek lies beyond this.

I played the best possible hand with the cards I have and arrived where I needed to be.

And so—

“—This is me.”

After stepping away from the mirror, I took a slow, deep breath and turned around.

Having finished my solitary battle, I finally pushed open the door. On the other side, my companions anxiously awaited the success of our operation, holding their breath.

They directed their gazes toward me, who had just opened the door.

“——”

A silence fell, and I could feel the air tense up.

What emotion was behind that silence? A sudden anxiety refused to let me grasp it. Surely, the hand I had to play was missing several cards. If only I had this or that, regrets came rushing in without end.

But what of it? Hadn’t I just resolved to press on regardless?

You can’t always fight at your best. In life, you must fight with the cards dealt to you.

At that moment, it was as if a string of excuses for a lost battle trailed through my mind.

“—Brilliant.”

A faint sound of bursting air caused me to look up.

It turned out that the sound came from hands coming together, creating applause. It was a sound of celebration, admiration, and respect combined.

“Mi…”

Just as I was about to call out to the one applauding me, I hesitated.

I wasn’t quite finished yet. I lightly touched my throat, letting air hum slightly there. Once the gears in my mind meshed together, I smiled and said,

“Mizelda-san.”

“—Huh, so it’s true, I can hear your voice? How far, how far…!”

“Once I decided to do this, it became my duty to give it my all. There are lives depending on my commitment to not hold back. Therefore, my duty is clear.”

“Oh…!”

I erased my smile and stuck a finger upward.

Though the sun peeked through the towering trees, what I needed to showcase wasn’t some heavenly presence, but rather the many comrades gathered here.

Look from your head to the tip of your toes.

It doesn’t matter whether you view me from the front, back, right, or left.

—I envision my always most beautiful self.

And if I could successfully trace that image, if I could reproduce my ideal, then there was nothing left to fear.

Here, I declare my authority—

“—Natsumi Schwarz, I have returned!”

So boldly—nay, gracefully announced Natsumi Schwarz.

Before her, Mizelda, who had paused her applause, nodded deeply. She then joined me by my side, supporting me with her hand.

“My world seems rather narrow. Just as you said, Subaru… It’s fine, Natsumi.”

“I’m glad you understand, Mizelda-san.”

“Ah, it’s frustrating, but I get it. —Beauty can indeed be crafted.”

With her eyes drooping and a gentle smile, Mizelda returned Natsumi’s smile.

Witnessing that beautiful sight, the gathered people of Shudrak exchanged glances. Then, applause rained down as a delayed blessing for Natsumi’s emergence.

The continuous applause blessed Natsumi’s manifestation.

And then—

“What is this?”

“What the—”

Those who couldn’t quite process the scene stared, their cheeks twitching.

—————–

“So, there you have it, Natsumi Schwarz has been born! I was quite baffled by how different the makeup tools were, but I managed to get it to this extent.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Huh!?”

Back in the assembly hall, Natsumi—no, Subaru’s words were met with Rem’s icy glare and tone.

Even after showcasing my results, Rem’s attitude remained unwavering; I pointed to my own face and said,

“I knew I absolutely needed false eyelashes… The wig was cobbled together using the black hair of the people of Shudrak…”

“We’re not discussing that. I think the makeup and wig look fine. However, there’s no need to continue speaking in such a feminine manner.”

“That’s true… but don’t feelings matter? If I’m not careful daily, I might slip up unexpectedly. Plus…”

“Plus?”

“If I relax about being a man, the goddess of beauty will turn her back on me… Ouch, ow, ow!”

Just when things were getting serious, Rem yanked my ear rather harshly.

Tears sprang to my eyes, and I hurriedly pulled away from the scene. Subaru, noticing Mizelda observing from a distance, snuggled close to her.

“Mizelda onee-sama, Rem is scary…”

“Hey, don’t cry, Natsumi. …Strangely enough, even knowing you are Subaru, you look cute. Talitta, take notes.”

“Onee-chan!?”

While Mizelda softly patted Subaru’s head, Talitta was wide-eyed at Mizelda’s ruthless demand.

However, Talitta’s expression was much softer than usual. It was no wonder, as what Subaru had arranged had turned out to showcase her beauty through a stronger makeup style resembling the more warrior-like “People of Shudrak.”

While portraying beauty from a perspective of valor and might as Shudrak, what was now required was to strike a balance of elegance and danger—a charm that would drive men mad.

If I decided to steer the beauty policy that way, it was a delightful task to apply makeup on Talitta and Kuna.

“Talitta onee-sama looks much younger than I expected. The makeup blended well too, so it’s wonderful to push for cuteness sometimes.”

“Don’t make fun of me! Firstly, I can’t look as cute as you!”

“Well, lacking confidence makes you rather adorable. Right, Mizelda onee-sama?”

“That’s right, you lovable child.”

As they huddled together and secretly conversed, Mizelda’s expression softened. Talitta, feeling shy, hung her head slightly, her brown skin slightly obscuring her blush but making the rosy cheeks and lips stand out, highlighting her cuteness.

“How long are you going to keep messing around?!”

With that, Rem shattered the garden of joy with a sharp shout.

The harsh gust caused Subaru and Talitta to shrink back, and Rem glared at them with her pale blue eyes, then turned her gaze towards Kuna at the edge of the room.

Kuna, having also been beautified and styled, fidgeted nervously.

“W-what’s with you? Just saying that feels…”

“Kuna-san, you’re the one we’re relying on. As you can see, these two are quite… and you’re the only sane one here… Are you seriously going to carry out this operation?”

“I know I’m the only sane one, but…”

With her twin tails styled, Kuna looked at Subaru and Talitta with uninterested eyes.

Despite their wretched assessment, Subaru was composed enough to observe. Unlike Talitta, who was shivering out of shock from being called insane, he felt secure in himself.

Noticing their reactions, Kuna sighed softly.

“This operation can’t proceed if there’s no reason to. Natsumi… Subaru is no issue. She is clearly more feminine than the village chief.”

“I think that’s a bit disrespectful to Mizelda-san, though…”

“Anyway, I don’t see any problems. And what about their performance?”

Just when Kuna was concluding her conversation with Rem.

“–Looks like everything is ready.”

“Oh, I just heard that rumor…”

A proud, unapologetic voice enveloped the assembly hall as a new figure appeared.

As Kuna and Rem turned their gazes that way, so did Subaru, Mizelda, and the others.

“——”

At that moment, time froze for everyone.

—No, to be precise, it was only for the figure that appeared and all except for Subaru in drag.

“I entrusted the fine-tuning to you… but you’ve done quite a marvelous job, haven’t you?”

“I’m surprised you’re praising how adept I am at cosmetic tricks. Still, your skill is astounding. The final form is transforming. It’s better than I imagined.”

“Ugh, the arrogance of a winner…!”

Saying this, Subaru bit his little finger in frustration.

Of course, he held no doubts about the power of beauty. He believed he himself proved that by making the most out of the limited cards he had with his own body.

Yet, the difference in innate material did exist.

That—

“Are you, Abel-san?”

“Who else would it be? Don’t ask foolish questions. If you’ve changed that much, your surprise is proper reference.”

Responding to a trembling Rem, the white, slender fingers tightened into a fist belonging to Abel—nay, a being that rose from the dressing, wig, and wardrobe change, Bianca.

Her raven-black hair shone brilliantly, framing her beautifully sculpted face, creating an exquisite harmony with her elongated, captivating eyes. Not overly exposed, yet enticingly revealed skin was white and her dancer’s costume reached up to her abdomen and the root of her legs.

Standing there was the elegant dancer—a highly attractive card in this operation that embodied extreme beauty.

“——”

The sheer perfection of Bianca left even Mizelda speechless.

This wasn’t a shock in the same manner as the dramatic transformation Subaru-Natsumi experienced; this was a pure shock from the level of beauty completeness in Abel’s—Bianca’s—presence.

The dancer’s costume and the adorned jewelry of Shudrak served merely as accents to highlight the genuine beauty.

A special beauty was recalled when Mizelda had lent it to me, and the memory brought a little pang to Subaru’s chest. However, he couldn’t afford to slack off with Mizelda and the others counting on him.

How could he ruin this creation himself?

Such a thing would not be permitted by Subaru’s ego as Natsumi Schwarz.

“I was also surprised you didn’t have any resistance to the makeup…”

“What’s this? You think of pretending to be a girl as disgraceful? Allow me to clarify, I’m no novice at this. I’ve done it countless times since childhood.”

“Did you do it when you were a child?”

“Yes. Given my position, it’s wise to have a wide range of strategies to protect oneself.”

The beautiful Abel, now stunning as Bianca, folded her arms without an ounce of cuteness, causing Subaru to frown.

It seemed the experiences he referred to were probably related to the underhanded arcane dealings before he claimed the imperial throne, long before he became the emperor.

It was easy to imagine that in Volakia, where the succession battles were far more brutal than in Lugnica, underhanded assassination scandals had erupted concerning the next emperor’s seat.

To survive through those harsh days, one may have hidden their appearance and even occasionally disguised their gender.

Abel’s unyielding posture—where he included others as sacrifices—seemed to form his character long before the throne.

That was what transformed into the current appearance of the demurely beautiful Abel, now dressed as Bianca.

“Still, it annoys me that you’re aware of your own beauty…!”

“That’s utterly absurd. I have to assess my nation broadly, so how could I not hold a self-perspective? While you’ve distorted your objective assessment through cosmetics, I find no such tricks necessary.”

“Ugh…”

“Do you know why the tiger is strong? It’s strong because it’s a tiger.”

That was a reasoning Subaru had heard from Garfiel before—it left him floored.

Why is the tiger strong? Because it’s a tiger. It was an argument that dissolved everything, reducing all back to the conclusion that Abel’s beauty came from being Abel. It was a cruel exercise of sheer logic.

“Surely Flora thinks the same, doesn’t she?”

“Why does the blame shift to me, young master!?”

Behind Abel, Flora—Flopp—exclaimed in astonishment.

She, too, with her own innate beauty shone brilliantly when it came to embracing her features; in contrast to Subaru and Abel, she simply made minor adjustments to her naturally long hair, showcasing her innate brilliance.

Standing together, she wouldn’t appear significantly inferior. She was confident in that—however—

“The amount of time and effort you put into it is completely unfair… such favoritism from the gods!”

“I wonder why someone is lamenting from afar, but wow, young master, you look amazing now! You’ve truly transformed! At this point, you’re no longer a young master but a husband!”

“…I’m not satisfied with words of praise like that, you know.”

“Were you just complimented? I couldn’t tell.”

Flopp remained straightforward even while donning Flora’s persona. Regardless, that simple trait suited him just fine. He would likely require some guidance to ensure he acted according to the strategy.

In this case, the most crucial part fell to Abel.

“Flo and I can play instruments. So your role is…”

“Dance, right? You don’t have to tell me; I have the plan down. I’m also aware of the importance of my role. Besides…”

“Besides?”

“I may not be as adept as my deceased sister, but I’m fairly skilled at dancing myself.”

With a proud grin that nonetheless radiated beauty, Abel drew his face in a triumphant smirk.

His confident demeanor inspired Subaru while burning with anticipation in his chest. In fact, Abel had showcased his charms flawlessly, completing Bianca.

If his self-assessment was accurate, then there were expectations for his dance, too.

“—That’s fine. If you’re that confident, I’ll be looking forward to it. Just don’t choke on your own spit.”

“Choke on my spit… Well, that’s poetic- I’m all ears. Let me teach you something.”

“——”

“This is the bare minimum tribute I owe the one who proposed this plan.”

Was Abel impervious to self-doubt? Even in a dress, his arrogance didn’t waver.

Feeling a mix of fortitude and menace from that, Subaru gently glanced at Rem. Unfortunately, he couldn’t bring her along for the plan.

Yet still—

“I hope you’ll be safe. I’ll push myself for you.”

“—.—.—.—.—. Yes.”

“It’s taking you quite a while to pray, isn’t it!?”

The slow response from Rem, who wore a very serious expression, prompted Subaru to exclaim.

Hearing that, Lua next to Rem recoiled slightly. It seems she, too, hadn’t realized that Natsumi was Subaru.

For the moment, that reaction seemed to provide a momentum for the plan.

—————–

—“The Kumao Takeru Operation.”

That was the name of the scheme targeting Ziqru Osman, one of the “Woman-Loving” Imperial generals.

The name, inspired by the “Chronicles of Japan,” was Subaru’s proposal, and thankfully, no one voiced any objections.

Whether it was out of respect for Subaru, the planner, or simply because no one cared much for the operation’s name, it was unclear. However, the lack of chaos was a good omen.

This was because, inevitably, a certain fortune factor was woven into the plan.

Naturally, the effort to increase those odds would be substantial, but accumulating good luck was no simple feat. Thus, experiencing any favorable wind, however small, wouldn’t be a bad thing.

—Leaving Badheim Forest, the group set its course for Gwararu.

Determined as the active team were Subaru=Natsumi, Abel=Bianca, Flopp=Flora, Talitta, and Kuna, the remaining group under Mizelda was designated as a separate unit. Rem, Lua, and Medium were also included here.

Those who would lurk away from the city would need to be prepared to assault the walls of the castle city and act as a diversion should things go south. But that was merely a backup plan.

If the scheme failed, it could very well function as an ineffective insurance policy. If the operation failed, Subaru’s band would likely be in dire straits as well.

At any rate—

“Personally, the initial checkpoint is the stage fright for me.”

Looking up at the grand front gate, which loomed tall and intimidating, Subaru muttered.

Even if days had passed since they had forcibly breached it once before, now they faced it again. Naturally, due to previous events, the alert level would be heightened from last time.

In anticipation of the return of troublesome individuals, they were being particularly scrutinized—the dragon carts, cow carts, and vehicles that could conceal people were especially targeted. Crates were being overturned, and straw was methodically poked through with swords, as merchants and travelers lamented the disordering of their goods.

Honestly, I felt bad for them. Just considering the chaos that awaited in the city, it might be wiser to turn back right here.

Of course, I couldn’t advise them to safeguard themselves—

“—Next, who are you folks?”

A gruff male voice snapped Subaru from his thoughts.

Looking up, a burly, bald-headed guard beckoned them over. As their group stepped forward, Subaru bowed his head graciously at the front.

“We are a troupe of entertainers traveling from the north to this city.”

“Oh, entertainers…”

With curiosity, the guard raised an eyebrow and looked at the group behind Subaru.

Flora waved her hand with her instrument on her back, Talitta bowed with her luggage, and Kuna held an umbrella over the person next to her, whose face was veiled, concealing their expression.

The guard appeared impressed, taking in the striking group.

“——”

Meanwhile, while keeping a friendly smile, Subaru’s insides were taut with nervousness.

He recognized the guard. He was one of the very guards who stood at the gate when Subaru first met Flopp and entered Gwararu.

In other words, he was without question the perfect person to serve as the first obstacle.

“But coming from the north must have been tough. I heard the land of the ‘Scorching Duke’ is lively right now. A swarm of flying dragons is making the rounds.”

“Yes, yes, indeed. That’s why we can’t linger too long… and regarding that, this city is well-protected by its sturdy walls, safe right?”

“Uh, well…”

As Subaru put on an act and smiled, the guard’s expression turned awkward.

The reason for that response probably stemmed from knowing that the Imperial soldiers, who had captured the city, were lingering on their heels. Moreover, due to the ruckus created by Subaru and the others recently, the soldiers on the ground might be on edge, increasing their vigilance.

That was likely why the guard hesitated to speak.

If that was the case, then it was an opportunity I couldn’t let pass.

“…Could it be that there’s something unsettling in this city?”

“No, well, let’s see.Can’t hide it now; the Imperial forces are stationed here, apparently having some issues with the tribes to the east. So…”

“Well! That must be distressing for the townspeople.”

“That’s right.”

He seemed to have a lot of pent-up frustration, for the guard leaned into Subaru’s words.

In the realm of formalities, he must distinguish between his position and regular soldiers. The guards of the city ultimately belonged to the city, while soldiers belonged to the nation—in this instance, the Empire. Their command chain fundamentally differed.

The guard standing before me occupied a role to defend this city as one of its own.

However, currently, they were being high-handedly ordered about by the Imperial troops who had occupied the city hall—so he wouldn’t find that amusing. He had no reason to be treated like a servant by the imperial soldiers.

“In addition, those guys have taken over the taverns under the guise of night patrols. When they’re stingy with payment, the taverns can’t do business. It’s pure misery.”

“My, my, that’s dreadful! I sympathize with you. Here’s a secret; we’ve had our fair share of woes with the arrogance of the Imperial soldiers too!”

“Really, is that so?”

The guard’s demeanor softened dramatically as Subaru once again sympathized rather openly.

Despite the lack of any direct ties, one could easily tell the difference between a guard and soldier; the guard stood as a local who contributed to the city.

It wasn’t surprising that someone like this guard would be fed up with the Imperial soldiers who occupied their home and raised orders.

“Truth be told, these guys would purposely trip us and then treat us like trash while holding knives to us…”

“Unforgivable…!”

**The guard, driven by anger, clenched his fists.**

Seeing the man’s ears turn red with rage, Subaru muttered softly, “You’re quite kind, aren’t you?”

“No, no, it’s not that I’m kind. It’s just that anyone would feel the same way as you.”

“Then, oh dear guard, if you feel pity for me, please let me inside. If you do so…”

“If I do so?”

“I will refresh this atmosphere that’s become grim thanks to these imperial soldiers.”

Her voice was small, but the fervor behind it was palpable.

Upon hearing this, the guard’s stern face turned to one of surprise, focusing his gaze on the traveling troupe lined up behind Subaru.

“What… might you ladies be showcasing as your performance?”

“Of course, we’ve traveled far and wide to learn various arts. I myself dabble in singing, playing, and a bit of magic tricks. However…”

“…Gulp.”

“Above all, the highlight is undoubtedly the dance of our troupe’s star, the Dancing Princess.”

With that, Subaru pointed to a figure amid their group protected by a parasol. That individual, face veiled, radiated an air of grace and was the troupe’s main attraction.

At the gaze from behind the veil, the guard’s eyes widened in shock, paralyzing him with surprise.

“——”

It was only natural that one would be left mesmerized and unable to move.

That was a masterpiece that would make anyone envious, claiming, “Beauty can be crafted,” yet genuine beauty was the creation of the divine.

Ultimately, Subaru was merely adding a bit of flair to that.

But even that touch was enough to hone the captivating allure further.

“In addition to the Dancing Princess, we will sing and play as well. Please allow us to stay in Gwararu.”

“——”

“Oh dear guard?”

“Uh, yeah, that’s right. It seems like you don’t have any suspicious items, so…”

The guard was poked gently on the shoulder, snapping out of his stupor as he murmured. Then he placed a hand on his chest as if checking his heartbeat and scanned the troupe.

Consciously trying not to be ensnared by the magical beauty, he averted his gaze and said,

“You’re allowed to enter. If you’re going to perform, it’s better to stay away from the main gate. The main street in the center of the city is recommended. Keep the City Hall off your list; there are too many soldiers there.”

“How kind of you. By the way, dear guard, when will you have some free time?”

“M-me? I’ll switch shifts around sunset to grab a bite…”

“Then please tell me where that place is. I’m sure your comrades would join as a thank-you for treating us kindly.”

Leaning in a bit closer, she whispered into the guard’s ear.

When the guard’s eyes widened in surprise, Subaru smiled and stepped back. She then turned to her eager companions waiting for the inspection.

“Alright, everyone, let’s go brighten up this town’s grim atmosphere!”

With that, she rallied the halted crowd and slipped past the guard.

The guard, still stunned and holding his ears, watched them pass by, and Subaru and the troupe walked boldly through the gate and into the city without any issues.

Watching this, the guard quietly exhaled and murmured,

“…Today, I’ll wrap up work quickly.”

“Wow, that was impressive, sir! I can’t help but think you might have more merchant talent than I do!”

After passing through the main gate, Flora, also known as Flopp, sparkled with excitement, praising Subaru for her performance at the inspection.

There was no deceit in his candid words, and Subaru nodded in high spirits.

“I’m honored by your praise. But I assure you, I’m no merchant. I have things I must do.”

“Things you must do? What might those be?”

“Naturally, as a lady… no, to support someone important to me.”

“——”

Hearing Subaru’s words, Flopp’s eyes widened slightly. However, he quickly loosened his expression and nodded, saying, “I see, that’s right.”

“Then we must hurry to ensure our plan succeeds and put your wife at ease.”

“Flora, too, shouldn’t worry Miss Medium.”

“Hahaha! My sister wouldn’t be worried about me at all. I’m confident my sister is a tough cookie, both in spirit and body. I can’t even imagine her getting down!”

Flopp’s cheerful laugh resonated, and Subaru echoed his sentiment.

Neither Flopp nor Medium seemed like the sort to get down. The two siblings must have supported each other and weathered many storms together.

That was why Subaru felt a responsibility to the two who got caught up in this.

“I absolutely can’t fail now.”

“Wait, Subaru… or should I say, Natsumi?”

A weak voice called to Subaru from behind, pulling her focus.

It was Talitta, who was carrying the troupe’s luggage. Unlike her usual self, once out of the dense jungle, Talitta wore a different outfit with added fabric, giving off an exotic, ethnic dancer vibe instead of her Amazonian look.

In fact, it revealed less than her usual attire, but Talitta blushed shyly, glancing around.

“I-isn’t there a lot of attention on us? Is there something strange about me or Kuna…?”

“Don’t drag me into this. If we’re talking about strange, no one is weirder than Natsumi. Seriously, about that inspection earlier, your handling of the men was way too slick!”

Next to the flustered Talitta, Kuna replied in her usual low-energy tone, referring to Subaru’s earlier demeanor. Upon hearing this, Subaru placed her hand on her cheek and exclaimed,

“It’s not my first time interacting with gentlemen. And rest assured, Talitta, you and Kuna aren’t the ones standing out. We all are… because we’re beautiful.”

“Because we’re beautiful, huh?”

Flopp nodded deeply, agreeing with Subaru’s statement.

Talitta could only respond, “B-beautiful…?”

“W-well, coming from you, it’s not about an older sister, you know…”

“What are you saying, Miss Talitta! Your charm is different from that of your older sister. Besides, using compliments meant for you won’t diminish those meant for Miss Mizelda. They are separate things, you know!”

“——!”

Flopp suddenly took hold of Talitta’s hand, beaming as he proclaimed that.

Taken aback, Talitta began to open and close her mouth in surprise as her cheeks turned brighter. Subaru placed her hand over her mouth and said, “Oh dear.”

“C’mon now, Talitta is really close to the chief, so she’s practically never been out of the forest. That’s probably why she has zero resistance.”

“Well, how adorable. But you seem rather composed.”

“I tend to slip out of the forest quite a bit, and I didn’t have a scary, impressive big sister around… I have a troublesome little sister, though.”

Kuna likely pictured Holly in her mind, recalling an adorable closeness resembling that of sisters or even a parent-child dynamic. Still, Talitta’s words were not to be overlooked.

“——”

Indeed, attention was being drawn to Subaru and the others in unusual attire walking through the streets after passing the inspection.

With their unusual clothes and the tense atmosphere in the city caused by the imperial soldiers, it was only natural the citizens would scrutinize outsiders more harshly.

And it seemed—

“—A golden opportunity.”

“This is just the curiosity of the crowd.”

Under the parasol, a sharp gaze wrapped in a veil pierced into Subaru’s profile.

Being chided for foolish comments, Subaru pouted, replying, “Okay,” yet agreed that this was indeed a golden opportunity, resonating with the Dancing Princess as well.

Hence—

“Following the guard’s advice, let’s debut in the main street!”

“Yes! That’s the spirit, my dear… uh, Natsumi!”

Determined to conduct a performance right here, Subaru announced with enthusiasm, prompting Flopp to follow suit.

They shed parts of their costumes, revealing their shoulders, bellies, and backs while setting up instruments along the edge of the main street.

Then—

“Come one, come all! Allow us to present to you, from the far eastern grand waterfall, songs and dances inherited through time and across worlds! Today, we present to you a traveling troupe that has arrived in this city!”

With a loud voice, Subaru sang the introduction, and Flopp, in sync, began to strum the lyre he held.

The cheerful sounds combined to create music, captivating even more people around them.

“What’s happening?”

“A traveling performer! Music, music!”

“Huh, they sure have some beauties among them…”

As people strolling down the street stopped to listen to Subaru’s declaration and Flopp’s music, they stepped out from the buildings to take in the sight of the troupe.

Subaru and Flopp played the main instruments, while Talitta and Kuna participated as light percussionists, akin to clappers.

Even so, it was gladly accepted, and Flopp’s skill was unexpectedly proficient, making the musical aspect problem-free. What’s more, their trump card was standing right in the center.

“Next, we will sing and dance a tale from a distant, different world! A story woven between people, dragons, fiends, and bizarre beings that cannot even be described with words! Everyone, please enjoy to your heart’s content until the very end!”

With an eager smile and uplifting announcement building excitement, Flopp’s playing alongside Subaru approached its first climax.

The audience was enchanted by the musical skill and the beauty of the performers, yet the main attraction was about to arrive.

Just as the music reached its peak—

“——”

A black-haired dancer delicately began to shed her gossamer fabric, gracefully stepping into the street.

As she lifted her veil, revealing her features, the captivated crowd’s eyes turned, and they felt a jolt as if struck.

Yes, yes! That reaction, that face, that shock was precisely what they desired.

“How infuriating.”

While playing the instrument, Subaru couldn’t help but express her inner feeling of having been outdone.

Inside her chest flickered a sense of defeat. Yet, considering how grand the accomplishment was, it was almost pleasurable. No, it was a true defeat; that feeling of defeat was genuinely frustrating.

However, that silence preceding the shift to excitement was essential for the plan.

So, let that dance enchant the people of Gwararu.

“Now, it’s your turn, Bianca—!”

“——”

After a casual glance, Bianca—Abel, slowly raised her arm.

It was merely a single gesture of raising her arm. Yet, that action carried a grace emanating from the very essence of her being, seeping into the air and dominating the main street in an instant.

The elegant, beautifully solemn dance commenced.

That dance, performed in tune with the music, was a blend of what Abel had initially mastered with Subaru’s flair added to it, likely appearing unprecedented to all eyes.

Although, such small tweaks would hardly be necessary.

With mere decoration, what was once solid became something even superior.

“——”

Transfixed by the lovely dance, the audience held their breath.

Not allowing themselves to glance away even for a moment—such was a primal appeal of beauty’s shout. In exaggerated terms, they had been created solely for this purpose.

Abel’s dance exuded an aura of pride, confronting all with that notion.

——Look at me, it commanded.

Subaru, as the architect of this, experienced a chilling sensation watching the dazed audience.

If a thief were among them, the spectators standing rapt in attention could be easily robbed of their belongings without a hint of awareness. —Actually, that premise wouldn’t hold true; even a thief would be unable to pull away from Abel’s dance.

“——”

A brief piece, lasting merely five minutes, concluded.

While those performing concentrated hard to avoid mistakes, it was doubtful anyone would notice any slip-ups. Frankly speaking, Subaru held serious doubts.

As the performance wrapped up, Abel lowered both heels and toes to the ground.

Seeing that stance, the audience finally seemed to grasp that the dance had ended and that Abel merely stood there.

Then, as if a dam had burst, thundering applause and cheers enveloped the main street.

As expected, as intended, absolutely an overwhelming success.

However, unlike Flopp, who responded by raising his instrument to the applause, Subaru wore a complex expression while maintaining a smile for the crowd.

After all—

“——”

Abel wore a victorious grin, and not a single retort rose to Subaru’s mind.

**The reputation of the troupe within Castle City Gwararu was solidified by the initial success of their dance.**

The performance in the main street served as a sort of demonstration that far exceeded expectations, making subsequent activities of the troupe much smoother.

However—

“We mustn’t forget that it’s all merely the novelty of the situation. In the end, our skills are merely hastily acquired… For now, we’re simply drawing in curiosity.”

“I see! So, diligent technical skill improvement is what’s needed, huh, my dear boy?”

“Indeed. That’s why ceaseless effort and mindfulness every day is essential!”

With a determined fist, Subaru declared firmly, leading Flopp, who was sitting upright, to nod energetically.

Flopp, loud and attentive, was truly an attentive listener. Thanks to that, Subaru’s discussion flowed with more momentum, but that was simply endearing.

Of course, the one Subaru truly needed to address was not Flopp at all.

“Hey, you two over there! Don’t let your guard down!”

“Wh-what? It’s flying…!”

“Wait, is it us!?”

Abruptly pointed out by Subaru, Talitta and Kuna both wore expressions of disbelief.

Inside the inn, the two had tossed aside their fancy outfits, returning to near-underwear versions of the Shudrak style. While they properly attired themselves when performing as a troupe in public, they switched back to these unsightly looks as soon as they entered the privacy of the inn.

“You two have grown lax.”

“Can’t exactly say I’m not, but what about you…?”

“What do you mean by what? Conversations without subjects are bothersome.”

“Why does Natsumi pretend to be someone else even where no one can see her? It doesn’t make sense for me or Kuna. Is it unnecessary?”

“Pretend…?”

As Subaru questioned herself with no self-awareness, Talitta and Kuna gasped.

Of course, Subaru quickly deflected them, saying, “That’s just a joke.”

“Nevertheless, that line of thinking is unacceptable. Mind you, they say the devil’s in the details, and it’s the especially petty obsessions that bring about authenticity. So, especially in private…”

“…It’s important to remain diligent and not slack off, huh? That’s what you mean! Yeah, yeah, as expected from you, dear boy… no, Natsumi! I’m learning a lot here!”

Flopp’s response was top-notch, and he became quite the attentive student.

Still, no matter how much she tried to rectify it, the fact that Flopp referred to himself as “I” remained unchanged, and Kuna directed a reproachful gaze toward Subaru, which she simply smiled at.

——At present, Subaru and her traveling troupe were staying in an inn in Gwararu.

Three days had already passed since their infiltration into Gwararu, during which they had conducted a total of ten performances, each garnering positive responses.

Originally, they had no money issues thanks to the sale of Elgina’s horn, and the impressive tips received from each performance suggested they were doing just fine.

“However, we’re starting to desire our next big action, aren’t we?”

Subaru gently traced her jaw with her fingers, hoping for a change in their stagnant situation.

Indeed, things had been progressing unusually well—each performance was booming, and the approval ratings among citizens, including the guards, were incredibly high.

This was thanks to the high quality of Bianca’s dance and the communication skills of Natsumi and Flora.

Mystique being one of Bianca’s selling points, she typically kept her face hidden, which naturally left Natsumi and others in charge of gathering information.

Since Bianca, who couldn’t produce a woman’s voice, couldn’t be allowed to speak, the responsibility fell to Natsumi—Subaru—and Flora—Flopp.

“Isn’t it strange though, how Flora doesn’t get viewed with suspicion by anyone? Even without altering her voice.”

“Hahaha, I don’t possess special skills like Natsumi. But I’ve been on the road with my sister for so long; maybe her habits rubbed off on me, lending me femininity.”

“From Miss Medium, huh…?”

Flopp joyfully proposed a new theory, but the image of Medium that floated into Subaru’s mind was one of beauty, with adorably shifting expressions, yet insinuating Flora’s quality relied on her presence felt dubious.

“——Chatting frivolously is quite a relaxed space.”

“Mhm.”

Suddenly, a cold, icy voice interjected into Subaru and Flopp’s chit-chat.

This came from Abel, who sat in the chair by the window, having not engaged in any of their discussions, her head uncovered by the usual wig.

Day after day, she performed as the main attraction, hiding any semblance of weariness beneath a facade of strength.

Though Abel would never admit it, staying in Gwararu was a massive strain on her psyche. She always had to be wary in enemy territory. Even Subaru, acting as Natsumi, repeated those self-restricting behaviors for the sake of vigilance.

Letting their guard down in such danger could lead to unimaginable tragedies.

Initially perceived as antics by Rem and Mizelda, Subaru seriously proposed this plan, striving to raise its success rate through extensive discussions. She wasn’t the type to be ready to give up face with “Well, sorry, it didn’t work out.”

And that was why—

“Bianca, don’t you think it’s time for a little rest? I definitely have never seen you sleeping.”

“Eh? What are you saying, Natsumi? Don’t be silly… huh? If I think about it that way, I can’t recall ever seeing Lady Bianca sleep.”

While Flopp tried to laugh off Subaru’s comment, he realized the truth behind it as he stared incredulously. Meanwhile, Abel sniffed disdainfully, refusing to engage.

Abel retained a significant degree of wariness, barely trusting even Subaru and the others.

Of course, she would find it difficult to trust others in her position.

Still, witnessing the lack of relaxation exhibited even around comrades embroiled in this life-risking operation was feeling increasingly draining.

She didn’t even blink, not wanting to miss a single thing. Even though simply closing both eyes would not trigger a reaction from anyone here.

“Isn’t that exhausting? That way of living?”

“—Are you the one to say that?”

Subaru candidly conveyed her thoughts, causing Abel to scowl in response.

What she heard left Subaru baffled. It was clear that Abel’s life was stifling, but Subaru’s was not.

“Having no self-awareness is far sadder. But I shall forgive you. Keep doing your best.”

“I intend to live on regardless. What about you…?”

“To close one’s eyes, you are entrusting one’s life and death to the other. I do not underestimate myself to allow such a thing.”

“——”

“You told me before not to lose focus, right?”

Subaru wanted to shoot back something but was at a loss for words.

Frowning at Abel with bitter feelings, she found she no longer warranted a response.

Having shed her wig and ornaments, Abel set her attire in a way they would allow her to transform back into Bianca at a moment’s notice. Even in her current state without a wig, she carried a striking appearance.

Presumably, this was precisely a display of her “constant state of readiness” in the mindset Subaru had impressed upon Flopp and the others, giving her that taut elegance.

As she reflected on Abel’s cold profile, she—

“—Movement is happening.”

“Huh?”

As she murmured that, Abel stood from her chair and walked toward the bed. She swiftly put on her wig lying there, leaving Subaru astonished.

However, the meaning behind her actions made sense instantly.

A loud, brazen thudding of feet ascended from below, accompanied by a robust knocking sound that echoed at the door to their room.

“Is the traveling troupe here? Open up; I’m a messenger from City Hall.”

“Uh, w-wait just a moment, please!”

“Hah, don’t make me laugh, why would I wait? I’m a soldier, remember?”

A coarse voice mocked Subaru’s flustered response as the door swung wide open. Entering the room with no concern was a man clad in red and black soldier’s uniform.

Two swords hung from his back, and the gleeful malignance displayed on his face was one Subaru recognized—Jamal.

“——”

“Don’t jump; I won’t eat you.”

Jamal clicked his teeth sharply, sending Subaru’s breath hitching, his one-eyed gaze sweeping over the interior, and then he gleefully remarked, “Heh heh.”

Within the room, Talitta and the others caught off guard remained in their almost undressed state, and the situation was agonizingly unfortunate for them.

Behind him were four more soldiers, seemingly led by Jamal, and none dared interrupt his harsh treatment.

Nodding to himself, Jamal finally said, “I see, I see. Quite a lovely bunch here. When I heard from the staff officer, I thought he was just being dramatic…”

“W-wait, soldier, what business do you have… ugh?”

“—I’m speaking right now, girl.”

As Subaru hastily interrupted the rising tension, Jamal swiftly seized her by the neck.

His grip was not meant to crush, rather it was a soft, yet firm grip designed to silence her, leaving her feeling the immense strength difference.

Just as expected, Jamal was not all bark and no bite, contrary to his looks and brutish attitude.

At present, he was undoubtedly the strongest of the imperial soldiers Subaru had witnessed. —Though it was important to note that being frightening and strong are separate matters.

“You’ve got a rebellious glint in your eye, don’t you? I like that. The fact that you have a bad expression only adds to my liking.”

“Oh, to be honored by your praise…”

“You’ve got a lot of sass too, huh? How about this—how about you spend the night with me?”

前を寝所に呼んで……」

Jamal leaned in closer, gazing at Subaru with a lustful look in his eyes.

Despite being this close, he didn’t seem to notice Subaru’s true identity. While that was helpful, it appeared to have stirred something in him for the opposite reason.

Of course, there had been advances, but Subaru had deflected them so far with a smile and his way with words. However, when it came to the Imperial soldiers, dodging wasn’t quite so easy—

—At that moment, a strong wind blew in.

“—Oh”

Unexpectedly, a strong gust blew into the room, lifting Subaru’s black hair and tickling Jamal’s cheek. Jamal, briefly annoyed, turned his gaze toward the window, where he spotted a figure standing.

Resuming her wig, the black-haired Dancing Princess stood elegantly, resting her elbows. Captivated by her presence, Jamal astonishingly whistled.

While most people are entranced and can’t move, he sure has some guts.

“Ha, so this is the rumored Dancing Princess. No wonder they insisted on bringing her in.”

“Wha—”

Breath escaping in surprise and awe, Jamal released Subaru and marched directly toward Abel. He brazenly grabbed Abel’s face with his palm, forcing him to look straight ahead.

Without realizing it, he was gripping the Emperor’s face, grinning unrefinedly.

This was truly a case of “ignorance is bliss,” and Subaru was left momentarily speechless.

“—-”

“Unlike those over there, she’s quite the bold woman. Well, that’s fine.”

With his jaw still held, Abel quietly stared back at him. Ignoring Subaru’s panic, Jamal huffed in while brazenly disrespecting the Imperial top tier.

Then, still holding Abel’s chin, Jamal turned and announced,

“Rejoice, traveling performers! You lot will be invited to a feast at City Hall. The esteemed Ziqru Osman demands it!”

“Ziqru’s demand…!”

“Yeah, isn’t it an honor? Being summoned by one of the Empire’s two generals.”

—Gotcha, Subaru clenched his fist inwardly.

Jamal’s pompous proclamation transcended the scene’s disrespectfulness, bringing both surprise and excitement to Subaru.

Ziqru Osman, he had indeed hooked the intended fish.

“There’s no way you’ll refuse, traveling performer.”

“Well…”

“Of course not! We want to bring our songs and dances to the Imperial soldiers! That’s our ultimate goal!”

“Good response! I like it!”

Subaru’s prompt reaction was overshadowed by Flopp’s equally swift reply.

Nevertheless, Flopp’s charm, which often made people open up, shone through with Jamal, too.

Taking a liking to Flopp’s bright answer, Jamal suddenly released Abel’s face and marched toward the entrance of the room.

And then—

“Get ready quickly. We’re taking you to City Hall.”

“What!? If you’ve called for us, we should be the ones to…”

“Hah, don’t worry about it. We’re explicitly told to bring you along. This is part of our job. Just change how you like; the guys behind will carry your stuff.”

“——”

“Tonight’s feast is just for the ‘Generals.’ As for us lowly soldiers, we can only hope for leftovers from tomorrow. So…”

His filthy gaze swept across the room’s occupants.

It seemed that they couldn’t afford to offend him. Fortunately, Subaru, Abel, and Flopp had already completed their minimum level of cross-dressing.

Talitta and Kuna, who were most at risk, were legitimate women; their lack of preparation wouldn’t compromise the plan. Still—

“Take your time; it’s all good.”

Being watched while they changed and tidied up was a humiliation that wouldn’t easily wash away.

However—

“Understood! Now then, everyone, let’s get ready! We shouldn’t keep the soldiers waiting! Let’s move efficiently!”

“Flora…”

“You don’t sound like yourself, Lady Natsumi! You don’t look like someone who boasts both blood and tears!”

“——”

A smoldering anger dissipated with Flopp’s cheerful tone.

His last remark seemed deliberately crafted to remind Subaru of a ‘bloodless surrender.’

“—Yeah, that’s right. Come on, Bianca, let’s get ourselves ready! Especially you, Bianca, since you can’t do anything other than dance!”

“——”

Seizing the moment when Abel couldn’t speak, Subaru delivered a scathing review of Bianca. Abel’s piercing gaze shot toward Subaru, but he brushed it off.

Then, swiftly tidying up the room’s belongings, he prepared for changing so they could head to City Hall, all while playacting as Jamal wished.

Just enjoy the view while you can, maybe blow a whistle or two.

If this operation succeeds, he would surely face the most shocking regrets of his life.

That’s why—

“No! I don’t think Lady Natsumi needs to shake her rear, right?”

△▼△▼△▼△

Even to the untrained eye, there were no military defenses to be found in City Hall.

Since this building was generally used for city administration during peacetime, it was natural that there wouldn’t be defenses here. Nevertheless, with over three hundred Imperial soldiers and more than five hundred counting the guards inside the city, there was ample military power.

However—

“We’ve successfully infiltrated deep into enemy territory.”

Inside the building, Subaru chuckled to himself while sketching a map in his head.

Operation ‘Kumasotakeru’ was progressing more smoothly than expected. If a troupe of beautiful traveling performers became the talk of the town, the ‘womanizer’ known as the ‘General’ was bound to take an interest—ultimately inviting them to a banquet and capturing them with an iron grip.

And now, having been invited directly to City Hall, the opportunity for realization had risen rapidly.

Yet at the same time, another issue emerged.

“We need to contact the outside for tonight’s operation…”

There hadn’t been a moment to inform the separate squad of Mizelda about it.

Jamal, who came to pick Subaru and the others up at the inn, strictly prevented them from communicating with the outside due to his lewdness rather than any cautious motives.

He might have poor instincts but was quite formidable; Jamal was undoubtedly a troublesome character.

Even inside City Hall, Subaru and the others were being monitored, and since they couldn’t find any excuse to act separately, they still hadn’t relayed tonight’s plan to the separate squad.

Thus—

“We need to establish contact from inside City Hall.”

While it served as a safety net in case of failure, if Subaru and the others succeeded, they’d also need to disarm the Imperial soldiers present within the city.

This meant that having sufficient military force was essential, so no matter what the outcome of ‘Kumasotakeru,’ they needed to be in a position where they could communicate with the outside.

To do that, various attempts were being made.

“What is Bianca thinking? She’s utterly unreliable…”

She might be preparing for the nocturnal banquet, which sounds acceptable, but since arriving at City Hall and being confined to the so-called waiting room, Abel had remained silent.

Naturally, he would understand that the lack of communication with the outside was a condition affecting the success or failure of the plan. Still, in response to Subaru’s inquiries, there were nothing but stone-cold silences from him.

Flopp very supportive and honestly helpful, but he was far too inappropriate as a discussion partner for planning the operation to capture City Hall. Besides, Subaru didn’t want to burden him even more.

In other words—

“I have to figure this out myself.”

Clenching his fists tightly, Subaru steeled himself in the restroom he was shown to.

Though Subaru and the others had been ordered not to leave the waiting room, they certainly shouldn’t have been interfered with when it came to the restroom. However, any suspicious action would immediately draw Imperial soldiers to their location, making reckless conduct impossible.

Glancing at the window, unfortunately, the bars were embedded securely and the waiting room was on the third floor of the building, meaning venturing outside recklessly wasn’t an option.

No doubt they weren’t particularly on guard against Subaru and the others, but the idea of leaving them entirely unwatched wasn’t in their line of thinking. That was the manifestation of imperialism.

At worst, if tonight’s banquet resulted in a reconsideration of the operation, that thought crossed his mind,

“…Even if I could fake being sick for the banquet, I can’t avoid their invitations afterward.”

A troupe of beautiful traveling performers.

After all, considering that they’d come to lure away the ‘womanizer,’ it was easy to imagine their aims were to have dances, entertainments, and, ultimately, a night of fun.

While Subaru could avoid citizen invitations with ease, it would be tough to turn down a general’s request. And if he was brought into a bedroom, he would have no means to respond.

In the end, cross-dressing was still cross-dressing, and there was no universal strategy for the challenges beyond.

“And if that actually happened, I’d be facing a game over from poor choices.”

In any case, it was imperative to make a decision tonight.

Furthermore, even if a miracle unfolded and he could avoid tonight’s invitation, if Jamal’s assertions held true, tomorrow there would likely be a feast open to ordinary soldiers that was attended by the very person Subaru did not want to see.

The common soldiers—without a doubt, that included the very person Subaru wished to avoid above all others.

“——”

Honestly, when Jamal barged into the inn, it felt like his heart had stopped.

He was relieved that Jamal hadn’t noticed Natsumi—Subaru’s true identity—but that didn’t mean the danger completely evaporated. He could have easily died from an arrow.

“I wouldn’t call that overly optimistic.”

It was a complicated mental state.

He never wanted to see that person again. Yet, he didn’t want them dead either. It was infuriatingly complex.

Subaru knew there was evil in this world that shouldn’t be allowed to live. The Archbishop of Sin is one, they all represent despicable vices that can’t be forgiven.

So, if it were an Archbishop of Sin, Subaru wouldn’t hesitate to wish for their death.

However, he wasn’t one. For Subaru, he was merely a target of fear and not a personification of evil.

First of all, if they were to discuss that, what about the Archbishop of Sin, Lui, who Subaru had continuously overlooked?

“—I can’t do this. I have to focus on the plan in front of me.”

Panting and ruminating over the damage to his own foundation was foolish.

Truth be told, if he started analyzing, Subaru was crumbling all around, not just at his foundation. Right now, he was fully dressed up, but he was a wreck overall.

Using his scant resources effectively was Subaru’s strong suit.

“I can’t linger here any longer.”

After thoroughly searching the restroom, he was disappointed to find nothing that could be useful. For contacting the outside, he needed to explore other methods.

The soldiers standing guard outside—monitoring to ensure that no one wanders too far without their permission; he wanted to avoid raising any unnecessary suspicions.

It’s time to reset the situation. Should things grow dire, perhaps Abel might even display a willingness to come a little closer to him.

“I’m sorry for the wait. I got a bit nervous.”

“Ah, don’t worry. I was just talking to someone.”

“Someone to talk to?”

As Subaru quietly exited the restroom, the sentinel soldier echoed back. It seemed he had conversed with someone who passed by, and following his nod, Subaru turned to see—

“—Huh? You’re the dancer summoned for tonight’s performance?”

—There stood a face that he absolutely didn’t want to see, freezing Subaru’s heart.

“Ah, uh…”

“What’s with the surprised face? Don’t worry, I won’t bite.”

This amusing remark made Subaru’s throat tremble. That a joke he’d heard from Jamal earlier was now reemerging was surreal. Unlike Jamal, it wasn’t something he could simply ignore or dismiss; there was indeed a genuine motive behind it.

He actually might be contemplating things like eating him.

“What? Did you do something, Todd?”

“Me? Don’t be ridiculous. There was nothing I could do. I’ve been bedridden due to a severe injury. I’ve only just started walking around.”

“That’s certainly true. So, did you just dislike my face on a physiological level?”

“That kind of hurts a bit…”

A man who was exchanging friendly banter with the sentinel soldier—Todd.

For being someone who made Subaru the most anxious, wishing for his death more than the Archbishops of Sin, Todd was bantering casually before him—a nightmare.

“—Ah.”

Something, something had to be said. Subaru’s brain was whirring at high speed.

Silence wasn’t acceptable. He couldn’t show any hint of suspicion. Todd was quite perceptive and would seize any opportunity to launch an attack.

He didn’t need evidence or confirmation. If there was any inkling of doubt, he would try to crush it.

So—

“What’s wrong with you? Did something happen with me…?”

“I’m sorry… it’s just…”

“Just what?”

Just repeating the same word made his heart flip.

He wanted to claim he was simply feeling ill and end the conversation there. However, just before voicing it, doubts about whether that was truly acceptable surfaced.

“I’m feeling unwell,” is a pretty standard excuse, but it was a lie. He felt that Todd might see through deceit.

When Subaru, who had ‘returned from death’, sought to exploit that knowledge, Todd sensed Subaru’s inner struggle and then thrust a knife into it. Lies would get exposed. They would be.

Lies had to be avoided.

It wasn’t that he felt unwell at all. What made Subaru feel uneasy now was—

“I’m just a little scared…”

“Scared? Of me?”

“Of you too. I really don’t want to say this… but I was kind of dragged here against my will.”

Avoiding Todd’s gaze, attempting not to meet his eyes.

Every single action brewed questions confirming success or failure within Subaru. If Todd’s gaze met his, he feared his lies would be seen through. If he lied, he felt he would be found out.

It’s not a lie. The fact that Todd is frightening is true, and he wasn’t misrepresenting that.

Hearing this desperate answer from Subaru, Todd squinted an eye.

“Dragged against your will? Who brought you and the others here?”

“Uh, I think it was Corporal Aureli?”

“Oh, Jamal. That makes sense. Sorry for scaring you.”

“Eh…”

Gaining understanding from the conversation with the sentinel, Todd apologetically spoke to Subaru.

Subaru’s eyes widened in surprise at this unexpected attitude from Todd, who smiled as he scratched his cheek.

“He’s not a bad guy… but I wouldn’t say that for certain. Jamal has a bad mouth and character, and he’s not too bright. But he doesn’t mean any harm; that’s just how he is.”

“R-right…”

“If you could, please forgive him with an open mind? Despite his appearance, he’s going to be my brother-in-law. My fiancée is a total angel who looks nothing like him.”

Although Todd spoke with a sardonic smile, Subaru felt increasingly baffled.

By appearances, Todd seemed sincerely unconcerned with Subaru’s behavior. In fact, he appeared to sympathize with Subaru’s experience with Jamal, displaying an air of worry.

In this moment, Subaru was taken aback by being saved by his higher-than-expected cross-dressing skills, as well as the rough, troublesome nature of Jamal.

Those days spent pursuing beauty, which felt pointless, hadn’t been in vain after all.

The harassment received from Jamal was unexpectedly beneficial here.

“—Oh, crap! Hey, Todd, what are you doing out here?!”

But amid Subaru’s emotions, a loud voice boomed through the hallway.

With heavy footsteps and an angry shout, Jamal approached. Noticing Jamal’s presence, Todd waved his hand to his forehead, muttering “Uh-oh.”

“Looks like I’ve been spotted…”

“Spotted?! Those with holes in their bellies need to be resting! You’re thinking you must see it with your own two eyes to trust it, huh?!”

“No, no, I do trust you. Surprisingly, you’re diligent, and you do your job well. But the fact remains that no matter how serious you work, some people still mess up!”

“That’s what I’m saying…!”

Raising his hands, Todd shrugged in response to Jamal’s annoyance.

But when Jamal, huffing and puffing, saw Subaru standing beside Todd, he said, “Oh,” and his expression shifted from anger to a grin.

“A performer, huh? You were the one I liked the most among them. Hey, if you hadn’t been invited tonight…”

“Ah, sure, sure, stop right there.”

With lustful eyes, Jamal reached out to grab Subaru’s shoulder. However, it was Todd who stopped Jamal’s hand.

Grabbing Jamal’s wrist, Todd glared at him with a pained expression before asserting, “Hold it!”

“With that kind of attitude, you’re frightening her. This poor girl has been scared silly by meeting you for the first time. What are you going to do about it?”

“What will I do about it? I mean, why the heck are you butting in? …Could it be you and that girl…!”

“Cut it out with the jokes, Jamal. I’m only after your sister. You know that, right?”

“If you say you’re only after your sister, it gets a bit complex for brotherly relations…”

Mumbling that filler seemingly sapped Jamal of his anger, he shook off Todd’s grip.

Taking a glance at Subaru, he seemed to get the message, dropping his harassment on the spot.

It seemed, surprisingly enough, Jamal knew some boundaries. Or perhaps he had a heart that got hurt when someone he liked was frightened.

In any case—

“Whatever the case, let’s move on. Either way, we can’t partake in today’s banquet.”

“Just because, keeping an escape route in mind is growing tiresome.”

“Doesn’t matter the case, it’s all about insurance. — It’s definitely coming from there.”

Chuckling, Todd’s sharp remark snagged at Subaru’s chest.

It was certain that the notion of using an escape route was being seen through; he mentally commended his decision. Stopping there, he—

“By the way, what’s your name?”

“——-”

Had he shown that he’d let down his guard, the question felt as if it could send Subaru’s consciousness spiraling.

He was being asked for his name. Why was that? Why, indeed, it blasted through his head like a hurricane.

It’s normal to ask for a name. …But no, Todd wouldn’t care. He wouldn’t be interested. Rem had been suspicious of Todd for that very reason. This time, Subaru hadn’t shared names with him since he had a bad history with him. Should he reveal it, or shouldn’t he? What to do?

“Please tell me.”

Being asked again, Subaru inhaled sharply.

Steeling himself, he forced a smile, attempting to keep calm, “I… I am Natsumi Schwarz.”

Thus, he introduced himself.

There was no other choice but to proceed this way. Now all he could do was pray that this would turn out to be the right decision, eagerly anticipating the reaction from the other side.

Hearing that answer, Todd nodded while stroking his chin, “Oh, so that’s it, Jamal. Glad I got to know your name.”

“Shut it! Let’s get going already!”

“Got it, got it… hey, can I tag along outside?”

“You’re such an untrustworthy guy… do whatever!”

Hearing Jamal’s loud yell, Todd shrugged.

That was the last Subaru saw of them, as they disappeared from sight without looking back. They rounded the corner of the hallway and vanished. Vanished.

“…Was that really?”

“Are you serious? You look horrible!”

Watching the two as they left without turning back, Subaru let out a long breath. No matter how desperate he had been, the last remaining guard soldier noticed Subaru’s pallor.

He had no room to respond.

As he crafted a facade, he accompanied the guard back into the waiting room to rejoin Flopp and the others waiting inside.

“It took a while, didn’t it, Lady Natsumi! …Are you okay? Your face looks…”

“I’ve already been through that… For now, the storm has passed. But the issues remain.”

Returning to the waiting room, he saw Flopp’s worried face, and finally felt the easing of his heartbeat and the chaos of his breathing.

Calmly engaging in deep breathing helped steady his frantic biological reactions while Subaru collected himself.

So, he had escaped the storm they’d stumbled into.

He couldn’t let his guard down until the very end, but for now, the storm had likely passed.

Yet, the crucial obstacle initially on the table had not been crossed.

“We need to establish communication with the outside, lest all our planning comes undone…”

“Ah, in that case, you can rest easy, Natsumi. Ku… Kuna and I sent signals so the older sisters understand.”

“Wha?”

Surprised by the unexpected resolution to the problem he had been bearing, Subaru’s eyes widened.

The slightly guilty-looking Talitta and the indifferent Kuna were in attendance. Asking them what they meant, he shot them a questioning look.

“That’s because after you led the guards away, we distracted the rest, allowing you to finish your business— that’s what Bianca told us.”

“N-no, no…!”

Opening his eyes wide, Subaru looked over at Abel, who was in the corner of the room.

Noticing his gaze, Abel squinted and slowly shook his head.

“I merely used you as a natural decoy instead of revealing unnecessary instructions. Thankfully, it seems you did your job adequately. I commend you.”

“How dare you! Do you have any idea what kind of nightmare I—!?”

“Calm down, Lady Natsumi! Your pretty face is going to be ruined!”

“Shut it!”

Subaru instinctively lunged at Abel, but was promptly restrained from behind by Flopp.

Even though he sincerely wanted to punch that arrogant face, he could only remain calm, knowing that the operation depended on that face.

To use his visage as a hostage was a truly wicked move.

“I swear, once this is over, I’m going to hit you!”

“You seem confident to think about what happens after the fact. Quite the confidence you have. So, I expect you to perform without erring.”

“Flora! We’ll revise until the appointed time!”

“Y-yes, yes, understood!”

Flora’s banter heightened Subaru’s frustration.

Once he had contacted the outside, all they had to do was wait for the timeframe.

At the very least, just at the least—

“—If the plan fails, it’ll be awful.”

Muttering something akin to a parting shot, Subaru, however, had already made up his mind after the past few days that this would not simply end in a bitter defeat.

It was truly frustrating, but he believed there wasn’t a soul who wouldn’t be captivated by the arrogance of that Dancing Princess unless they were an Archbishops of Sin.

 

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