“I’ll tell you, the place where me and big bro were, it was simply terrible!”

That night, as we gathered around the campfire for our campsite, Medium said this in her usual cheerful tone.

Always bright and bubbly, Medium didn’t seem to know the meaning of speaking softly. What she shared was a story about the facility where she and Flopp used to live, which I had heard once before.

From Flopp, I had also heard about how the two of them grew up in a poor environment.

The siblings grew up in an orphanage where they were beaten every day. Moreover, Flopp had once vowed for revenge, enraged at the world where unfortunate adults struck down unfortunate children.

“I don’t fully understand everything big bro is saying, but when he walks with his chest puffed out and struts, I want to cheer him on.”

“Even if that entails revenge on the world, does it?”

“Exactly! Although I’m not really sure how to go about it.”

With a shy smile, Medium crossed her legs and gently stroked Rui’s hair from behind, who was resting on her lap.

The conversation about her upbringing started because of her nurturing demeanor toward the younger ones.

It might be strange to say, but I had an impression of Medium as someone who tended to handle things rather roughly, so seeing her take such care of Rui was surprising.

When I asked about her experienced touch, that’s how the conversation took this path.

“There were other kids in the facility besides me and big bro. Some of them were even smaller than me and didn’t seem to enjoy it too much, so I wanted to let my hair down a little, you know?”

“And with that, your skills in handling younger ones are quite impressive. It makes sense, given how kind you are, Medium.”

“Hehe, really? Then I’m glad I could be of help!”

Under the warm glow of the campfire, Medium’s beautiful blonde hair shimmered. Rui, who shared that same hair color, looked just as lovely—these two appeared almost like sisters.

If we included Flopp, they could arguably be called three beautiful sisters.

“…This isn’t good. I shouldn’t be thinking about pushing such debts onto Flopp and Medium.”

“—? Natsumi-chan, did you say something?”

“No, it’s nothing. I was just reflecting on how much I truly feel helped by you, Medium.”

Setting aside the questionable relationship between the Okonel siblings and Rui, my attempts to deflect were nonetheless earnest.

Both physically and emotionally, having Medium and the others around was a massive support.

If Flopp and she hadn’t been here, Subaru’s imperial journey would have been far darker.

“In that case, you should express more gratitude, shouldn’t you?”

“—”

As I spoke, my eyes squinted towards Abel, who was seated by the campfire.

After dinner, during our leisure time, Abel didn’t immediately retreat into the carriage but continued to sit there in silence. I doubted he was engaged in casual conversation, making my comments seem more like mere jabs or teasing.

“Medium, where are you and your brother from?”

“Eh?”

Although he didn’t respond directly to Subaru’s comment, Abel posed the question to Medium.

The question stemmed from the flow of their earlier conversation.

Caught off guard, Medium opened her large eyes wide, mouth agape in surprise, seemingly astonished that Abel was talking to her, much less listening.

“Abel-chan, you knew my name?”

It appeared her surprise went beyond just that.

In any case, Medium called him in a way that could annoy even the Emperor, prompting a small sigh from Abel.

“I remember names at least. Don’t waste time on trivial admiration. Answer my question. Where are you and Flopp from, and who led the facility?”

“Led? You mean the director? I forget the name, but Big Bro and I were at a small town called Averyque.”

“Averyque… a town on the west side. I’ll remember that.”

“—? What are you going to do with it?”

“It’s a necessary response. I might handle it directly, or I might not.”

Though Abel’s reply was brief, what he truly meant seemed lost on Medium.

With confusion obscuring her expression, Medium appeared to delve deeper into her uncertainties. Meanwhile, the unhelpful Abel made no effort to unravel the mystery.

Subaru, too, didn’t fully grasp Abel’s thoughts but mused, “Are you planning to hear the voices of the citizens and immediately implement those into national policy?”

“Not that magnanimous. I already stated:—‘Reward and punish appropriately.’”

Reward for work, punishment for foolishness.

That seemed to be Abel’s creed as a ruler—a firm stance.

Thinking back to the “Ritual of Blood” in the Shudrak village, he had urged Subaru in his desperate state to express his wishes. That desperation hid the same creed behind it.

In other words—

“You have no tolerance for others being empty-handed, do you?”

“Many are born with nothing. What they grasp and what they carry to their deaths defines their lives. To gain such a privilege only to forsake it is unacceptable.”

“When the Emperor himself speaks of being born with nothing, it’s rather unpalatable.”

Most humans are born without advantages, struggling with their lack of talents and strength. Though we understand that’s life, when someone privileged speaks about it, it feels quite patronizing.

However, as Subaru felt this was a bitter twist of fate, Abel didn’t even meet his gaze.

“I am no exception.”

“—? What do you mean?”

“Your position carries corresponding responsibilities. If one bears an insurmountable burden, a fool simply crumbles. Virtue and pride can only be polished through daily acknowledgment.”

As Subaru inquired further, Abel’s gaze slowly shifted to meet his.

He scrutinized Subaru, taking in his black hair and clothing flickering against the fire.

“Fabricated façades will eventually expose their true nature. You seem quite adept at donning a mask, but that only means the remedying of your exposure will take more effort.”

“—”

“If you can produce results, I won’t meddle in your personal preferences. That said, it’s unbearable to rely on a false image as your foundation. Eventually, it will collapse along with the base.”

Bathed in the warm breeze, Abel’s gaze was as penetrating as the cold night.

His choice of words bore no consideration for others, devoid of the leisure to seek comprehension. As a result, Subaru could barely absorb half the meaning behind them.

Instead, he was left with only the painful impression of having been brutally stripped bare.

“…I’ve spoken too much. I’ll leave the rest to you.”

Having said this, Abel got up and disappeared into the carriage.

The sound of the thick door closing left behind only Subaru, Medium, and a blissfully unaware Rui around the campfire.

“…What is with that man?”

Subaru blurted this out, a bitter expression forming on his face.

He felt like a defeated villainess whining in a fit of spite. Natsumi Schwartz, the iron-blooded female tactician, should have been more resilient.

Subaru yearned for that steely resolve, the image of the strongest woman embodying it.

“Natsumi-chan, are you okay?”

As such inner turmoil wrestled with his thoughts, Medium gently patted Subaru’s head.

Still seated cross-legged, she deftly shifted closer, her large hands equipped for her height seemed like they could easily cradle Subaru’s head.

With that enormous hand, she wrapped Subaru’s heart in warmth.

“Yes, I’m alright. Honestly, that man was so cryptic… Medium-san, do you understand what he was trying to say?”

“Hmm, not at all! But I could tell that Natsumi-chan looked troubled, so I thought this is all I could do.”

“That’s not—”

“Don’t worry, I get it! I’m here to put in my best effort with this big body, leaving the tricky stuff to big bro and everyone else!”

Flashingly cheerful, Medium continued to pet Subaru’s head, her expression genuine.

While she was aware of her shortcomings, her outlook was so positive, akin to those Subaru admired.

“You’re very grown-up, Medium.”

“That’s the first time anyone’s said that to me! I’ve been told I’m a good big sister or that I share food and it makes me feel nice, though.”

“Those are wonderful traits about you, Medium.”

“Uwehehe~”

No matter how much Subaru expressed his gratitude and praise, he felt inadequate, but Medium cheerfully absorbed his compliments.

Curled up on her lap, Rui seemed to reflect that lively spirit, appearing joyful as well.

At this moment, they were detached from all struggles and anxieties.

The tranquility of this moment was so profound that it paralleled a dreamy illusion.

△▼△▼△▼△

As time drifted slowly, I glanced at the flickering firelight.

“—”

Amid the sound of wood crackling and popping, everything felt eerily calm.

I used to despise this aimless, idle time. If one just sunk into a stupor, a nameless dread would gnaw at them, making one feel pursued.

Did they think it was permissible to just doze off aimlessly?

A formless black shadow lurked behind, creeping in close with its persistent grip.

Closing my eyes and muffling my ears wouldn’t repel the nightmare that followed—anything to escape, Natsuki Subaru threw himself into various distractions.

I was sometimes praised for my hobbies or my crafty nature.

But in truth, these were all excuses I concocted to evade responsibility and guilt.

A façade built upon an accumulation of excuses—that was Natsuki Subaru—and—

“I’m somewhat relieved it didn’t end as just one more excuse.”

“R-right…”

As Subaru finished sharing his thoughts, Talitta bobbed her head, glancing downwards.

Beyond the dancing flames, she knelt, her face bathed in the warm glow. The flickering light flattered her sun-kissed complexion beautifully.

Speaking of which, it was fitting that she donned attire to hide her Shudrak heritage.

Having erased the white patterns they tattoo on their skin, Talitta wore civilized clothing, and with her slender figure, she authentically embodied a stunning young man in disguise.

However, standing guard for the night shift, she had shed her outer garment and rolled up her sleeves, coming across as more rugged than sophisticated.

“—”

In the hush that fell, Talitta seemed lost in thought.

The topic of Subaru’s past—his original world—had been somewhat sketched, with its darker, heavier portions omitted. Yet how it affected Talitta remained a mystery.

It all started when, seeing Subaru tending to his nails, Talitta had asked, “Where did you learn your makeup skills?”

Makeup, including dressing as a woman, was hardly an exciting trigger.

Having endured a dreadful middle school era, Subaru merely attempted to blossom in his upcoming high school life as a whimsical challenge.

“I might have had a slight obsession with doing things well… so I thought, if I’m going to do it, I’d better go all out and make sure it’s not embarrassing.”

In any field, there stands a vast effort by predecessors to hone technical skills.

Striving to mirror that effort, Subaru’s high school life hit a wall. Having resolved to avoid cross-dressing ever again, he found himself in this situation.

In life, one never knows what will be useful until the end. For Subaru, even at the end, it felt like an open loop.

“That’s not so amusing–”

“—I envy your posture, Natsumi.”

“W-what?!”

Talitta’s expression revealed how stunned she was by this unexpected compliment.

Yet Subaru’s heart throbbed with the shock of holding a fake bust. Objectively, he didn’t view his position as deserving of envy.

Considering things from his perspective, ever since arriving in this world—no, even longer—Subaru had faced a cascade of failures and disappointments.

Honestly, he wondered if he’d had a chance to turn things around without Emilia’s presence.

He was convinced that all the encounters and happiness stemmed from Emilia saving him when he was being kicked around by thugs in that alley.

—Though that memory had faded from Emilia’s mind by now.

“I’ve been hiding behind my sister since I was little. Everyone knew my sister would become the clan chief, as you might expect, with no doubts. Even I did.”

“Talitta-san…”

Quietly, Talitta began to narrate her story.

Initially, Subaru intended to stop her if he thought she was sharing something she didn’t want to reveal in reciprocation for his confession. Her inquiry about makeup and cross-dressing stemmed from Subaru’s storytelling approach, demanding no forced sharing.

But as he listened to Talitta speak, glancing downward with teary eyes and trembling voice, he sensed an earnest desire to share.

“The age gap between me and my sister is just three years. Still, I find my sister feels much older, which isn’t just due to those three years. It’s more profound, wouldn’t you agree?”

“—”

“What she could accomplish at ten, I still couldn’t manage by the time I reached the same age. It’s not simply an age gap but something much different. I just don’t know what it is.”

Talitta’s words pierced deep into Subaru’s heart.

It felt uncomfortably familiar, simultaneously resonating with him in revealing untold anguish.

The feeling of inferiority compared to a superior older sister—that was something Rem had grappled with.

And his own sense of inferiority towards the back of someone he admired—that was what Subaru had been tortured by.

“Why do you view me as the clan chief? I can’t see myself doing it at all.”

‘—Indeed, you’re that person’s child.’

Disappointment towards himself and guilt regarding the expectations from someone dear.

Crushed beneath these feelings yet still, Talitta decided to join this journey. With Mizelda, the clan chief, vowing her assistance in Abel’s quest for the throne.

This journey represents not only a chance for Talitta to reevaluate herself but also a way for her to escape the burdens of the expectations leveled upon her.

“She must find an answer to her inner struggles by the end of this journey. Yes, she must resolve her determination.”

“Determination… that means the resolve to take over as clan chief, right?”

“—”

Upon Subaru’s inquiry, Talitta nodded, tucking her chin in.

More accurately, “determining” felt inappropriate; “making a resolve” is the proper term— it reveals how Talitta sees her role as the next clan leader entrusted by Mizelda.

Talitta thought succeeding as the clan chief was unavoidable.

She believed she had no right to refuse it. That was the duty of a sister nominated by a great elder to lead the next generation of the clan.

“Even if I ran away…”

“Eh?”

“I think it’s okay to escape. I wouldn’t blame you for it.”

Talitta’s eyes widened, showcasing shock at the unexpected words.

Regardless of the conversation flow, Talitta had chosen to share her inner heart. The circumstances she faced, the anxiety she carried, and the weight of responsibilities resting on her slender shoulders became evident.

It was clear that her strong sense of responsibility, as well as her self-punishment, were challenges she was striving to bear.

Perhaps, at this moment, what Talitta sought from Subaru was supportive encouragement to solidify her determination—she might hope to gain some advice from someone who boldly engaged in cross-dressing without a hint of shame.

Yet what Subaru uttered were words that strayed from her expectations.

“If someone feels that they have someone better suited than themselves, it’s permissible to just pack your things and leave the carriage—we wouldn’t blame you. At least, I wouldn’t.”

“B-but, if I leave, our fighting power…”

“Of course, that concern is valid. Still, we can manage somehow.”

“—”

If chasing after other desires leads one away, Subaru internally sneered at his own thoughts while keeping a calm exterior.

If Abel were to hear this, he would certainly be appalled. Just as Talitta said, her presence was vital to their currently insufficient combat power.

That perspective applied not only to their entire group but was broadly evident across this quest.

And here he was, casually saying it’s okay to let go.

“I don’t need it…”

“No, that is a grand misunderstanding. I, too, wish for you to stay with us, Talitta, both for your character and your capabilities. But that’s my selfish wish, isn’t it?”

“Selfish…”

“I’m asking you to kill your heart for my sake of survival.”

As someone equipped with experience and belonging to the same species, Subaru couldn’t force that upon Talitta.

She, older than him, likely had her own share of burdens in mind. With the privilege of having receive an opportunity to escape that dark space from her, Subaru chose to act in a mentor-like manner.

—He couldn’t lose the essence of being himself.

Regardless of whether it’s through blood relations or close companions, no one could ever become something else, no matter how envied, envied, or painfully branded the essence of their presence was.

“We can only be ‘ourselves.’”

Thus, even if they could determine a version of themselves they could like, believe in, and have confidence in—much like a butterfly undergoing metamorphosis, repeating disappointment and a fleeting taste of accomplishment.

“…That stings a bit.”

He mumbled quietly, not loud enough for Talitta to hear.

What he had tasted as he spoke echoed the principles Abel had expressed only hours earlier around this very campfire. So many who have nothing grasp for what they can hold with empty hands in life’s scenes.

That essence seemed to resonate with what Subaru was trying to convey.

“—”

Listening to Subaru’s words, Talitta’s eyes wavered, her uncertainty deepening.

However, where that confusion would lead her was a decision only Talitta could make; regardless of what she chose, it should be respected.

Though Subaru had fled from the weight of expectations and the accompanying guilt.

In truth, he sometimes questioned that perhaps being summoned into another world stemmed from someone’s meddling in his desire to escape.

Of course, he still never parted ways with his true parents, but—

“Escaping was a form of salvation too.”

At the very least, had he remained cooped up in his room, caught between the expectations and guilt, he wouldn’t have been able to achieve what his current feelings suggested of Natsuki Subaru.

With his hands too full to care for someone else, he would have stuck to himself.

Until he was prepared to fight, running away wasn’t necessarily bad.

Maybe even refraining from fighting should be something people get to choose.

“Confidence and determination…”

“Eh?”

“Both confidence and determination were insufficient. But that’s not all…”

Upon hearing Subaru’s first-hand account, Talitta trembled.

Her voice, thin enough to be swallowed by the popping flames, held emotions far more earnest than when she previously spoke about her own experiences.

“Suppose I were to commit a grave mistake… how could I atone for it?”

“A mistake and atonement… are you talking about you, Talitta?”

“—”

Upon this questioning, Talitta exhaled softly.

In her wide-open eyes shone regret, akin to the larger mistake she’d referred to earlier—and it spoke of how this very moment became a regret for her to open up to Subaru.

It appeared that Talitta wrestled with a significant guilt regarding an error she seemed to bear.

Not only the feelings of inferiority comparing herself to her sister but that very existence seemed a factor that made it difficult for her to reach a decision.

“Please, forget something absurd.”

Ultimately, what followed was the conclusion to not share untold stories.

Aware that Talitta recognized she hadn’t reached an answer yet, Subaru comprehended that forcing her to open up more would be futile.

Whenever she felt like talking about it, he hoped to be there at her side—but—

“—Brothers, it’s time to switch shifts.”

Just as Subaru came to this conclusion, a voice called from the direction of the carriage.

Neck craned, he saw Al slowly approach the campfire. The night watch was set for three-hour rotations, and it seemed like Subaru’s shift was up.

“I’m displeased that Abel and Rui are excluded from the rotation…”

“Just drop it. If ‘Abel-chan’ is sentenced to execution for having you on night watch when he returned to the Emperor’s throne, that would be a problem, right?”

“If we start talking about resentments, I doubt I’d be able to count how many heads I’d be responsible for.”

“Then have some self-awareness, would you? It’s a little nerve-racking when you’re around.”

Hearing Subaru’s grumbles, Al echoed a perfectly reasonable complaint.

Still, it seemed like Al would have an indomitable attitude regarding any issues he had with Abel. It was precisely because no one had spoken up that Abel had become such an arrogant tyrant.

It was essential to correct Al’s character just a bit before reentering a realm with no actual authority.

“If we don’t, even if we manage to regain our standing thanks to our contributions, who knows if another rebellion could cross our fates?”

“Yeah, I’ll leave that to you. Just like the princess, I basically stick to a non-intervention hands-off policy.”

Waving dismissively, Al waved off Subaru’s thoughts.

Sighing at Al’s unreliable demeanor, Subaru turned back toward Talitta. Calling to her as she pored thoughtfully over the flickering flames, he added, “Talitta-san,”

“I will back down now. If Al’s sexual harassment or silly jokes become intolerable, please let me know immediately.”

“Sexual harassment…?”

“I’m not going to act like a princess, you know! I adjust my distance and closeness accordingly—what they call TPO, you know?”

“Now that’s the part I’m not so good with,” Talitta replied in a soft voice as she engaged in banter with Al, who defended his innocence loudly.

Comparing the two, Subaru stood up, brushing off his clothes and dirt, and quietly whispered to Al.

“Maybe Talitta-san might seek advice about life. If that happens, please guide her as an experienced senior.”

“Do I seem like an experienced senior? I’d say that’s a far cry from the truth! I’ve been keen to avoid taking responsibility for anyone’s life.”

“Think of it as a chance to overcome your troubles. Just like with Pimal.”

Emilia and Beatrice, who struggled with their dislike of Pimal, determinedly faced challenges, attempting to conquer various forms of adversity.

So far, both had yet to achieve a singular victory, but Subaru believed that as long as they continued fighting, they might one day prevail.

“So, Al, please do your best.”

“I feel like that didn’t resonate with me at all…”

At the very least, what he had spoken fulfilled the criteria to uplift Subaru’s spirit, so he concluded that the issue lay with Al’s perspective.

“Natsumi, see you tomorrow… okay?”

“—Yes, see you tomorrow.”

Having yielded the space near the campfire to Al and preparing to retire to the carriage, Talitta called out to Subaru.

That faint yet firm vow of tomorrow felt like a short bridge to understand that despite receiving Subaru’s encouraging words, she still hoped to meet him again the next day.

Running away wasn’t inherently a bad thing. There was power to be gained even from fleeing.

However, resolutely deciding to fight could bring forth remarkably resilient individuals as well.

Subaru wished for Talitta to grow into such a person.

“—”

Upon returning to the carriage, the stillness of the dim interior enveloped Subaru.

Inside, a simple curtain partitioned the space, dividing beds for the men and women. The front housed the men, while the back was for the ladies—but the fact that those sleeping there still remained so quiet was rather unexpected.

Currently resting were Abel, Medium, and Rui. Abels usually aside, the quietness of Medium and Rui while asleep surely raised eyebrows.

When he casually broached the subject of their sleep, Medium cheerfully responded, “If they hear snoring, they’d know where we are!”

That must have stemmed from her time as a merchant or the tough environment in which she was raised, a notion Subaru recognized only after some time spent listening.

Under pressing needs, she honed her skills.

So surely, that explained why Abel lay so quietly.

“…Even asleep, that annoying face catches my eye. Should I doodle on him?”

“—What’s this? You’re acting so rude just looking.”

“—!”

As Subaru approached where Abel lay sleeping, a sudden cold voice startled him. He almost let out a yelp but managed to contain it, stammering, “You were awake?”

“It would be a shame if you didn’t take proper advantage of the night watch I’ve arranged for you, wouldn’t it?”

“It’s not a movie! Must you really- wait, you’re serious?”

“Why on earth would I need to waste my breath and tell jokes to you?”

In response to Subaru’s bewilderment, Abel was already pulling off his “one-eye-open” routine.

The light in his black and earnest gaze attested to the truth of his claims.

In old films, it was said that an assassin would sleep with one eye open.

While I’ve heard that it isn’t feasible due to human brain structure, seeing Abel pull it off in reality demonstrated its potential.

However, acknowledging that gave no satisfaction whatsoever.

“Why can’t you sleep properly? Do you think we’ll slit your throat while you slumber?”

“There’s a minuscule possibility of that happening. A careless moment can cost you your life.”

“Careless…!”

Listening to his calm reply, Subaru trembled in response, pointing towards the window.

Visible through the carriage’s window was the flickering light from the campfire. Al and Talitta stood watch, keeping a keen eye to ensure no threat approached.

Of course, they were also protecting their own safety, but—

“—Who do you think is out there doing that?”

“—”

“Even in this situation, can you still not close your eyes completely?”

As the skin of Natsumi Schwartz wore away, Natsuki Subaru resurfaced.

Faced with this realization, Abel’s expression remained unchanged. True to his previous habits, Abel continued to blink alternately with his right and left eyes—a movement strictly kept to a minimum, as if unable to close his eyes entirely.

In a high-stakes situation where mistakes couldn’t be afforded, he couldn’t afford to let his guard down.

While he empathized with Abel’s position, he still wished he could see him let loose, if only for the moment right before they entered the enemy territory.

With brows furrowed, Subaru’s words prompted Abel to close one eye—he was literally only closing one eye.

One eye shut, arms crossed, leaning back on his seat, he snorted.

“Don’t assume you can distort who I am. Know your own limits.”

“—”

“Magic City is closing in. Fulfill your duty. I ask for nothing more, nor will I tolerate any further.”

With that cold declaration set forth, Subaru clicked his tongue in irritation.

Though he’d once considered him a potential ally, it was undeniably difficult to subdue his temper now.

“Alright then… so it is! I’ll sleep like a log!”

Raising his voice in annoyance earned him no reply from Abel.

While Subaru grimaced as frustration washed over him, he settled into the farthest seat from Abel, loosing his attire and being careful not to damage his wig as he lay down.

For a moment, he thought about staying awake out of rebellion against Abel, but he couldn’t figure out the point behind that nor grasp whether staying awake or sleeping was the right path, so consciousness faded.

The journey in this carriage, laden with various troubles, anxieties, and relationships continued.

—Arriving at Magic City Chaos Frame was just around the corner.