――”Abel makes me mad.”

　That slogan was Subaru’s thought on how to deal with Yorna Mishigure, the “Vividly Colored” general.

　After all, she had a history of repeated betrayals and had been branded as having a desire for doom even by Zikuru, a person of great character.

　In seeking an audience with her, the policy Subaru put forward was, “There is a significant power behind this request that wishes to discuss matters privately in opposition to the current Emperor of Volakia.”

　The three of them had come to Crimson Lapis Castle with the letter from that powerful figure in their possession.

　To be honest, not a single lie was told.

　The “current Emperor of Volakia” referred to none other than the one who expelled Abel, seizing his name and position. The “significant power” wishing to discuss matters privately was none other than the true emperor who should rightfully be seated on the throne, so there were no lies in what they said.

　Ultimately, Subaru’s objective was to ensure that they could deliver the letter from Abel. If necessary, they would concoct lies, whether eight or eight thousand.

　”This is the cunning plan of Natsumi Schwarz!!”

　At that ingenious plot, they received applause from Al and Medium.

　However――,

“――You are suggesting rebellion against the Lord?”

　The convenience Subaru had spoken of was exposed, and the atmosphere in the hall turned cold.

　The person radiating hostility so thick it felt like a winter chill was none other than Kafma Ilurukusu, Vincent’s bodyguard, who had been the most heated here since earlier.

　Realizing that a peaceful retreat from this situation was no longer possible, Subaru understood the sharpness of Kafma’s gaze.

　――I have never felt the saying “the strategist drowns in his own schemes” so profoundly.

“However, it can’t be said that the timing and lack of information falls entirely to Abel, can it…?”

“Shut your mouth.―― General Yorna.”

　Kafma silenced Subaru, who cursed Abel in a senseless predicament, then jabbed his piercing gaze ahead at Yorna.

“Did you know and yet invited the Lord and these people here?”

“――――”

“I want an answer!”

　Kafma raised his voice, directing his anger not toward the increasingly tense Subaru and his companions, but rather at Yorna, who had created this clashing situation.

　This wasn’t because Yorna bore responsibility for it, but simply an expression of the fact that he did not see Subaru and his companions as a threat.

　In fact, the fighting spirit emanating from Kafma, who had risen energetically, was akin to the overwhelming threat Subaru felt from Arakia during their encounter in the Gwararu City Hall.

　Without doubt, he was formidable enough to be tasked with accompanying the emperor.

　To him, Subaru, and even Al and Medium, would naturally not warrant the caution due a worthy adversary.

“Left out of the fray as a party involved, is that it? Good or bad, I wonder…”

　Along with Al’s small grumble, the tense exchange continued, with Yorna putting her pipe to her mouth and exhaling purple smoke.

　Then, while shaking her vivid hair ornaments, she tilted her head and replied,

“What do you mean by ‘you knew’?”

“You’re being absurd…! As I have advised repeatedly to the Lord, you are indeed a dangerous woman.”

“Don’t state the obvious, would you? The numerous mischiefs I’ve committed… you actually know, don’t you?”

“――ッ”

　Kafma’s forehead twitched at Yorna’s provocateur attitude.

　Strangely enough, from the exchange, Subaru could see that his opinion was closer to Kafma’s. Honestly, from Subaru’s perspective, Yorna’s character was the worst.

　He thought he had somewhat prepared himself based on the pre-existing reputation, but her malice surpassed all expectations.

　However, it did not seem like she simply intended to hand the supposedly treasonous Subaru and his friends over to Vincent and the others who happened to be there.

　The atmosphere was too charged for a scene of offering traitors to the emperor.

Above all――,

　“――As ever, your tastes are grotesquely nauseating.”

　Vincent’s one statement dismissed Yorna’s preferences.

　Yorna raised her beautifully shaped eyebrow slightly at Vincent’s cold words, then replied with a smirk,

“Oh my, so it doesn’t please you, Lord?”

“You fool. To act one-sidedly is to have a hare chase after a dog. I’m not bored enough to find entertainment in mere cruelty.”

　Vincent’s statement was calm but held undeniable intimidation.

　Receiving it coolly, Yorna twitched her fox ears hidden among her tied hair. What emotion was that an expression of? Subaru could not discern.

　However, the same went for Vincent’s inner thoughts.

　“――――”

　Faced with the rebellious faction and in a clash with them, what tumult brewed within him?

　Understanding the inner workings of another was difficult enough when he recognized the person before him was a false emperor, much less imagining the true feelings of the genuine one.

　Having overthrown him surely means the fake must harbor ill will toward Abel――,

“Yet he wouldn’t be foolish enough to express it outwardly…”

“――You!”

“――っ!”

　Vincent’s jet-black eyes pierced into Subaru, who gasped in disbelief.

　In that instant, he was forbidden to avert his gaze and found himself staring down the formidable adversary unprepared.

　A strikingly crafted face that resembled the real one.

　Both the genuine and the counterfeit seemed to share the same piercing black gaze that attempted to see through everything about him. That unnerved Subaru’s insides――,

“If there’s something you want to say to me, say it.”

“…You have a rather infuriating glare.”

“Wha—!?”

“Oh! No, that’s not it! No, no, that was just an impulsive remark!”

　At the worst possible moment, Subaru’s vexation and the inquiry from the fake emperor coincided.

　Kafma was left speechless with an utterly unexpected expression at Subaru’s direct insult directed at the emperor. In that moment, Subaru waved his hands frantically, and Vincent closed his eyes with a smirk.

　Although surprised, he regarded Subaru with a scrutinizing gaze.

　In the Badheim Forest, the Sudorac settlement, as well as in Gwararu City Hall, the genuine Abel’s look toward Subaru was of the same nature.

“Uh, so anyway, we were…”

　Behind him, Al and Medium were also holding their breath, watching the situation unfold.

　Having witnessed Subaru’s shocking outburst, both of them must have felt the considerable pressure. The atmosphere in the hall had turned icy and tense, ready to shatter with another slip-up.

After all, the circumstances placed them all in a precarious situation.

　Yorna was not to be underestimated, and Kafma didn’t seem like someone Subaru and his companions could contend with.

　Under such conditions, it would be wise to retract the opinions voiced to Yorna, bow his head, and escape the situation, even if it meant leaving a bitter aftertaste.

　Determined to do so, Subaru attempted to make a friendly smile, loosening the corners of his mouth――,

　――when he noticed Yorna’s gaze fixed intently on him.

“――――”

　While putting her pipe to her mouth, Yorna silently observed Subaru’s movements.

　Her gaze was ambiguously either indifferent or very much the opposite. Like the rising purple smoke, it held an uncertain quality, like a fleeting illusion that vanished the moment one tried to grasp it.

　To rely upon that would be profoundly foolish.

　However, Subaru sensed this was a crucial turning point.

　That gaze, on the verge of losing interest in Subaru and his companions, was not one to be rekindled after everything was said and done. Any opinions thrown away here would be lost forever.

　In other words, once Yorna Mishigure’s cooperation was gone, it would not return.

That was equivalent to sealing off any uncertain path toward a shaky victory.

Thus――,

“――Brace yourself and reply. What do you want to reveal?”

“That is――”

　Directed by Vincent’s question, Subaru took far too long to contemplate before raising his face.

　The fake emperor’s eyes narrowed, and Kafma beside him turned his attention toward Subaru. Behind him, the tension from Al and Medium was rising, while Yorna held the purple smoke in her lungs.

　With those changes caught at the edge of his vision, Subaru focused on Vincent and declared,

“General Yorna, as you say, we declare war upon you!”

He clung to that moment in an unyielding stance and did not draw back.

　Waiting back in Gwararu was Rem, and somewhere else was Abel, while Al and Medium flanked him from behind. They handed the power of decision to Subaru.

The meaning and weight of that, Natsuki Subaru misunderstood to ensure he would not lose his nerve――.

“――――”

With an outright announcement of hostility directed squarely, Vincent’s black eyes quivered just slightly.

　However, which emotion of joy, anger, grief, or pleasure that corresponded to, Subaru could not decipher with his keen insight. Yet he was becoming acutely aware of the dryness rapidly spreading from the heat of the words he just spoke.

Of course, it was only natural. As the emperor of the Volakia Empire with extensive lands, unlike Abel, who had lost actual power, the man before him was someone grasping it firmly like a weapon.

　In fact, had Vincent not raised a single finger to stop it, Kafma, hearing Subaru’s previous insult, would have unleashed his wrath, and Subaru’s life would have surely scattered.

Yet, that did not happen. Vincent had intervened, preventing it.

“Ku, ha…”

　From the upper seat looking down at the standoff between Subaru and Vincent, Yorna let out a faint chuckle.

Smoke escaped from her grinning mouth, causing her shoulders to shake. Appearing very delighted, her expression suggested that Subaru’s life-threatening declaration at least served to alleviate her boredom.

“What are you laughing at, Yorna Mishigure?”

“First and foremost, it’s because the guest hasn’t shut his mouth. Moreover, this trio could perhaps risk the Lord’s safety… what will you do about it?”

“You insolent woman. You, who prides yourself on never bowing to me, must understand my intentions.”

Reacting to provocation from Yorna, Vincent met her gaze without changing his expression.

Then he reflected on the hostility directed at him from the sharp black eyes that had confronted Subaru.

“This is the land of the Wolf Sword. Only with the spirit to target this neck can you truly call yourselves citizens of the Empire.”

“…How generous of you.”

“Humph.”

Vincent dismissed Subaru’s sarcasm with a snort.

Including that reaction, Vincent’s demeanor was a complete imitation of the real Emperor. Even if Abel were to be present, he would have behaved in precisely the same manner.

At this point, it made Subaru want to question whether Abel being here would raise any doubt regarding the identity of the fake emperor.

In that case, there might be a chance where Subaru and the others find themselves on all ends blocked, and that would be troublesome.

“However, I’m not foolish enough to easily concede the worth of my head to you.”

“――Well then, what are you planning to do with us?”

“That’s the quandary, isn’t it?”

　Subaru was recognized by Vincent, who reined in Kafma, whose temper was about to ignite, with a frank declaration of hostility aimed at the emperor. However, the next words were laden with a cold expression directed at the adversaries.

Even if he acknowledged their spirit, there would be no reason to spare those who sought him harm.

Slowly, Subaru and Vincent’s black eyes crossed, and the air in the room felt like it was burning.

“Oh, I’m a charming woman. To see the men fighting for my sake in this way really gets my blood boiling.”

“Speaking as if it were someone else’s affair… First of all, there are more women over there. Your assessment is misguided.”

“Ku ha.”

　Yorna interjected a wildly out-of-place remark into the strained glare between Subaru and Vincent, mocking Kafma’s irritated observation.

Kafma’s expression grew even more furious at that response, and it showed in his face.

“Lord! Order me! Those people…!”

“――Kafma, you shouldn’t be so loud. You’ve been too noisy for a while.”

Frustrated by the deadlock, Kafma attempted to directly convey his thoughts to Vincent. However, he was interrupted not by Vincent or Yorna, but by someone entirely different.

“Ah…”

　Turning toward the voice, Subaru inadvertently exhaled.

The source of the voice was a short figure sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor, one of the three brought along by Vincent as bodyguards―― not Kafma, but the wrinkled old man who seemed to be standing out.

“If the Lord thinks, most things will be managed better than us thinking, right? So, if we keep whining, we’ll just end up being a real nuisance.”

He was an elderly man with white hair and long brows, who had a tone expressing an air of being inconvenienced.

He had such an impactful presence that Subaru wondered why he hadn’t noticed him until now.

――No, he had been present. He just hadn’t come into focus.

Assumably, he had truly erased any presence he possessed.

To the old man, Kafma retorted, “But,”

“Telling me that I’m a loyal retainer sounds an awful lot like someone on the verge of being purged for foolishness. I don’t want to go around gouging out a promising young man’s neck.”

“Guu…!?”

　The old man――, identified as Orubalto, casually dug at his ear. Kafma’s face tightened in response to that action, feeling pressure from the very act.

Yet, not only Kafma felt that pressure; the moment the name Kafma uttered reached Subaru’s ears, he too felt a similar tension.

“Orubalto…?”

“Oh? It’s me. Have you heard of me? I’m somewhat famous.”

“…If you’re aware of being famous, then surely you…”

　As soon as he pronounced the name, Subaru observed the old man’s reaction.

Seeing Subaru’s surprised demeanor, he maintained such a reaction without a hint of doubt. He recalled the two places he heard Orubalto’s name— first at Gwararu City Hall, then during their journey toward the Magic City.

From this point onward, the “Nine Divine Generals,” they needed to absolutely encounter in their conquest of the Empire. One of them was Yorna, and then――,

“‘Malicious Old Man’ Orubalto Dunkelken…!”

“That name, I really don’t like. ‘Malicious Old Man’ is too terrible. Do I look like an evil old man to you? Although, if asked directly, I wouldn’t be able to say that.”

Opening his mouth wide, the elderly man displayed a neat row of white teeth for his years.

Yet, Subaru didn’t feel any amusement to mirror that smile. Having aimed at gaining Yorna’s cooperation, he ended up being caught up with the fake emperor, Vincent, and now Orubalto was presented here too.

That essentially meant, at this very moment, Orubalto was also on their side.

“Arakia and Chisha, along with Orubalto…”

Subaru felt overwhelmed by the thought of the Nine Divine Generals, who appeared to have already joined sides with the enemy and the ones of higher rank.

It’s not just about the concern for the future; the current situation was rapidly deteriorating.

Even dealing with Kafma was already too much, and now Orubalto from the Nine Divine Generals had joined the fray.

To gather such unfavorable conditions on purpose does not seem feasible――,

“—So, old man, do you remember me?”

“Eh?”

　Sweat formed on Subaru’s forehead as it trickled down his cheek.

Even in that tense atmosphere, a sudden voice emerged, and Orubalto’s eyebrows raised in surprise. The one who stretched out a hand from behind Subaru was Al.

Leaning forward, Al’s action caused Subaru to widen his eyes in surprise. “Al?”

“What the hell are you doing…? We’re in a situation where every move counts!”

“Everyone might say one thing or another, but I didn’t just rush in without thinking. Well, I didn’t think it through at all, but… hey, old man! It’s me, me!”

“You’re not trying to pull a trick on me, are you?”

It’d be reckless to assume that deceptive talk would work just because it was directed at an old man. In actuality, upon hearing Al’s call, Orubalto tilted his head and murmured, “Hmm?”

“Wow, you sure have a unique appearance! Even if I’m an old man, there’s really no way I’d forget someone looking like you. Do I actually know you?”

“Maybe not close, but we met before— we weren’t wearing this at the time, though. However, I didn’t have any skills, and we talked a bit.”

“I spoke to someone who was unskilled…?”

“Yeah, that’s right. —Arakia was there too.”

Lowering his voice a bit, Al mentioned the name of Arakia, another of the Nine Divine Generals and the formidable girl who had caused so much trouble for Subaru and the others.

Subaru had no recollection of Al’s words, yet at the mention of Arakia’s name, Orubalto’s eyebrows perked up, and he exclaimed, “Oh!”

“Are you telling me you’re the one who recovered the island with Arakia? Now that you mention it, you do kinda look similar, huh. Ha, I didn’t think you were still alive!”

“Yeah, still alive and kicking. It seems the planets have aligned for me.”

“Now, by some strange turn of fate, you’ve turned to the Lord’s enemy. Maybe I should’ve talked to you more back then to make sure the Lord’s reputation was better. I messed up big time!”

The sound of Orubalto’s loud laughter and casual exchange with Al left Subaru in astonishment, unable to comprehend their relationship. He couldn’t tell if the situation was improving or worsening, not knowing how to read the current circumstances.

“—Orubalto, you recognize my face.”

That question was interrupted by Vincent’s interjection.

Before the emperor, Orubalto replied, “Oh, indeed,” and continued,

“A couple of years back, when the emperor had just ascended the throne, there were simultaneous rebellions all over the country, remember?”

“Lord Orubalto ascended eight years ago.”

“Wasn’t that a good two or three years ago? Oh dear, that’s old news to me; it feels like it happened just yesterday, so I ended up mixing that up.”

“Just get on with it. What happened eight years ago?”

Vincent reined Orubalto back from straying off-topic. Following that correction, Orubalto pointed at Al, continuing,

“If you recall, during the rebellion that broke out in Gnunhaive back then… it was that helmet-wearing fellow and Arakia who intervened and brought it to a halt.”

“Oh?”

With Orubalto’s words, for the first time, Vincent’s interest shifted toward Al.

Whether it was positive or negative was hard to discern, but it seemed like it wasn’t something that would lead to an immediate punishable offense.

Following that, Al took a step forward, aligning himself beside Subaru, and declared,

“Most humbly, your imperial highness, while this old man Orubalto is likely familiar with this… actually, eight years ago, I believe I did a favor for your excellency and still have yet to receive my reward.”

“He mentioned he didn’t want anything at the time.”

“Orubalto, shut it. —Keep speaking, clown.”

“—I’d like to receive that reward today.”

　A moment of silence seemed to freeze the air in the hall.

Al made a bold and audacious request for a reward for his contributions, after eight long years. The gall with which he demanded recognition for his actions and the fact he stood there with someone aware of what he had done made it a gamble well worth taking.

Vincent, who heard Subaru’s declaration of war, harbored the resolve to act as the emperor, and if Abel’s words were true, it likely included his tenet of “rewarding the good and punishing the wicked.”

So then――,

“What do you want? My head?”

“If I could get it that easily, that really would make me the ultimate victor, but asking for that sure does take a lot of courage. So instead…”

As Al spoke, he slightly turned his head, glancing at Subaru. Understanding what was sought of him, Subaru pulled an envelope from inside his jacket.

Inside was the letter from Abel, which had originally been meant to be delivered.

“This letter is from our lord, meant for General Yorna. If you want to reward my companion, please allow us to deliver it.”

“A letter, huh.”

“Our lord’s… love letter to General Yorna.”

Subaru hesitated to refer to Abel as “our lord” and internally stuck his tongue out, but when he mentioned a “love letter,” Yorna let out a chuckle.

Her interest was piqued, and Vincent’s reaction was also not negative.

Narrowing his black eyes, Vincent contemplated briefly before responding,

“Though it’s been eight years, in the matter of Gladiator Island, it was righteous.”

“Oh…”

“If you want it, I’ll grant you your reward. Deliver that letter to Yorna Mishigure.”

Vincent gestured with his chin, indicating Yorna.

It took Subaru a moment to grasp the intent behind Vincent’s sudden words. However, realizing it meant Al’s gamble had paid off, Subaru and the others exchanged looks.

With no turning back, Al’s judgment had indeed been correct――,

“—However.”

“Uh?”

Just on the brink of celebrating with loud voices, Vincent raised a finger, cutting through the mood.

Turning to look at Subaru and the others, the fake emperor gloomily clamped his black eyes shut, stating,

“What I permit is only the handing over of the letter. Do you understand the implications?”

　Then, it dropped like a hammer on Subaru’s shoulders. He swung around and glared back at Yorna, who was grinning at the situation.

Their goal was to deliver the letter and receive a response, but…

“Hypothetically, if we hand over the letter, when can we expect a response from you, General Yorna?”

“Oh, now that’s a good question…”

Yorna tilted her gaze toward the void, pondering Subaru’s inquiry for a moment.

Then holding her pipe upside down, she dropped the ashes into a pot prepared by a nearby servant and declared,

“I’m also a woman… I wouldn’t want to be seen tearing open the seal in excitement right away. As such―― after you all leave my castle, I’ll take my time reading it and pen a response.”

“――So, you’ll read it once we leave the castle?”

“I wouldn’t lie in front of the attendants, as the mistress of this Magic City.”

The light that shone in her blue eyes, was it sincerity or childishness? Subaru couldn’t tell. However, there were no further options to choose from.

Faced with a change to the terms, such that their safe exit from the castle was now non-negotiable would surely keep them from forming an alliance with Yorna.

Which meant――,

“Al, Medium!”

Before solidifying his resolution, Subaru called both of his companions’ names.

What was about to unfold, and what needed to be done required their cooperation. Therefore it was only fitting to seek their consent before making a move.

Looking back, Al and Medium nodded in acknowledgment,

“Well, I did say I’d lend a hand to my brother.”

“Yeah! I was told to look after Natsumi-chan by my brother!”

Al tilted his head while Medium’s powerful words encouraged Subaru. With their agreement inplaced, Subaru nodded back at them.

Then, slowly, Subaru advanced toward the front of the hall―― toward Yorna, who leaned against the armrest and was puffing on her pipe.

With her ethereal beauty close at hand and the sweet aroma lingering, Subaru presented the letter.

“Here’s a letter from our lord.”

“Thank you for your hard work. However, it’ll be more challenging from here on out.”

“Yes, I realize that.”

With her delicate fingers receiving the letter, the words laced with a smile seemed to curse Subaru’s and the others’ fates moving forward.

Still, he responded again with firm resolve and turned around.

Then――,

“—Your Imperial Highness, we shall take your throne!”

With an even clearer declaration of war than before, he proclaimed it without hesitation.

△▼△▼△▼△

The moment it occurred, the events that unfolded were dramatic.

“Your audacity is remarkable, you insolent fools――!!”

Instantly after boldly declaring war, Kafma’s eyes widened.

Receiving Subaru’s extreme act of disrespect and utmost impudence, Kafma Ilurukusu determined to demonstrate his loyalty to the emperor with his strength.

――As a result, Kafma’s sleeves burst forth, and countless thorns surged toward Subaru.

Dark green thorns rushed toward Subaru like writhing snakes, overwhelming him with mass, covering his line of sight. Each thorn was as thick as Subaru’s arm, designed to constrict its prey and drain its life down to the final drop.

A blow that seemed to allow no room for Subaru to react, ready to envelop him just like a snake devouring a mouse――,

“—Well said, little brother!”

As he braced himself for the pain he anticipated from being pierced by thorns, the actual sensation that crashed over him was the impact of falling backward and hitting the ground as Al stepped forward to defend him.

Shielding Subaru with his sword, Al had managed to deflect the entirety of the attack, while wounds began to ooze from his shoulder and side.

Still, with impressive force, Al protected Subaru from that overwhelming power.

“Wait, what about Medium!?”

“Ugh! That was close! If I hadn’t listened to Al, I’d be dead!”

Turned around in a panic, Subaru saw Medium beside him, wielding both swords, responding with a loud declaration.

Looking over, she was swinging both swords in various directions as the thorns closed in from all sides, expertly slicing through, blocking, or deflecting them.

With sure skill, seeing that she was fine brought a sigh of relief from Subaru. Still, it was much too early to feel safe. After all, this was merely the first wave――,

“What a showy bit of magic!”

“――っ!”

Behind the braced Subaru, there was Yorna, who had also been within the range of the thorns. Leaning back in a regal manner, she exhaled purple smoke while pulling her attendant closer.

Despite the signs that the thorns had rushed toward her as well, they twisted, as if forming a circular void around her.

It could not be determined whether Kafma had intentionally bent them or if Yorna had done something, but――,

“I apologize for the disturbance. We shall take our leave now.”

“Do take care on your way back. If the three of you fail to exit the castle…”

“The letter shall not be read. We fully understand.”

To be spelt out clearly, no matter how inept Subaru might be, Yorna’s intentions were plain. Vincent had deliberately made this wager apparent――,

“We’ll play this out until we leave the castle. —Al, Medium!”

“I’m on it!”

“Alright!”

“Right, go right!!”

Just after receiving their firm answers, Subaru howled aloud with conviction.

Understanding Subaru’s command, his companions swiftly executed their movements in unison.

With Al wielding his single dragon blade and Medium commanding her dual swords, they forcefully sliced through the mass of thorns that blocked their vision and pathway, propelling their forms onwards into the green beyond.

Racing across the wooden floor, they gained speed and momentum.

“You think you can escape?!”

However, just as they took a single step forward, needles the size of thumbs whizzed past Subaru’s face.

Unlike the thorns, those needles appeared momentarily like shards of white bone. They seemed intent on piercing and penetrating through near his temple.

Without Al interfering, he would certainly not be alive now!

“What a surprise attack of thorns and needles!?!”

“That’s from the ‘Insect Cage Clan!’ They use the bugs inside them to attack!”

“Surely, not from the Oil Woman Clan!”

Engaging in squabbling that served no purpose, Subaru crouched low and pressed forward with Al and Medium providing cover as they approached the exit of the hall— but not really.

Heading that way meant they would have to retrace their steps along the long path back to the central keep. For this time, there was no way to survive the barrage from Kafma while exposed.

Thus, a considerably faster route was required.

Therefore――,

“Medium!”

“Okay!”

“Give it your all!!”

“—I will!”

At the moment of receiving the cheer, Medium’s entire being surged with vitality.

As she let her long hair flow, she swung her twin swords, striking with ferocity against the encroaching thorns or blocking and deflecting them away in rapid succession.

Of course, that showed her skills as well, but additionally,

“Right! Right knee! Nape! Annoyingly smooth waist!!”

“Get off! Get off!”

Al’s desperate yells informed Medium of the dangers she was closing in on. Instantly she adapted, defending herself seamlessly from each incoming thorn.

How far could he see intended threats? Al’s remarkable vitality was highlighted against Arakia, showcasing the same quality toward those besides him.

With that advantage, Medium reached the window of the hall, smashing through the wooden barricade as her long legs propelled her through the air, shattering walls behind her.

Below was the open air where they could fall from thirty meters high above the execution chamber, with a view of the Magic City’s blue sky dominating the field ahead with wind to greet Subaru and the others aggressively.

Although it wasn’t a straightforward gamble, it was a gamble nonetheless――,

“—Once we are out of the castle!”

Yorna grasped the letter.

Having accepted those terms, Vincent and the others should presumably refrain from any further actions. They had likely not formalized their promise, but with nothing else to trust, this was the only option remaining――,

“—Natsumi!”

Called by Medium as she smashed through the wall, Subaru dashed forward with everything he had.

He felt fortunate not to have come dressed in a skirt. Should he have died in ladies’ clothing, he could never face the elders whose efforts had paved the way.

With no mind for appearances, Subaru pushed off the ground as though to crash through it.

Just as he neared Medium, they would tumble from the wall together――,

“Sorry, but technically I also need to get my job done!”

“Ugh…!”

At that moment, the old man appeared as though materializing in front of Subaru and Medium, his strike aimed straight into their chests.

As it connected, the force struck hard, causing their breath to catch. Subaru felt as though he had been hit by one of the Nine Divine Generals.

Yet――,

“Natsumi! I’m fine!”

“Eh!?”

Called out softly by a voice close, it jolted Subaru back to awareness. When he hurriedly looked down at himself, he found no injury from Orubalto’s blow.

There was no sign of bloodshed or of having his heart extracted.

“Now here we go, Natsumi! Don’t bite your tongue!”

Amidst the chaos, Medium seized Subaru by the collar and powered through the destroyed wall, blasting into the open air of Crimson Lapis Castle!

Subaru and Medium flew outdoors, intertwined in the blue sky, the sensation of rising evaporated in an instant as they were thrown into a freefall.

“Ayaaah—!”

Screaming high-pitched, Subaru pulled Medium closer, checking to make sure he could grab his trusty weapon—a whip.

Sluggishly leaping off gave a sense of it being a ludicrously suicidal act.

It wasn’t as though there were many chances to win, but with the provocations by Yorna and the open declaration of war against Vincent, coupled with the onslaught of Kafma and Orubalto, the risks fused in a consecutive gamble.

As he grasped with just enough to recollect everything, he could merely trust that the last gamble would work out as well.

“Hold on tight, it’s gonna hurt!!”

Holding onto Medium’s thin waist, Subaru swung his whip to launch it. The very tip shot out not into the void but to a wooden beam above, stretching across various places in the Magic City―― and one connected to the external walls of Crimson Lapis Castle.

Hooking onto that beam, he used it as leverage to force himself out of the Castle grounds as it marked the best possible move he had conjured amidst the confusion in the hall.

“――!”

The moment he latched onto the beam, a firm weight tugged at Subaru’s waist while his whip almost tangled up, but he gathered all his strength to keep it secured around his wrist. If he lost grip, his wrist could fracture, but he could stabilize his body.

Yet there remained the issue of Al――,

“Al—gyaaah!?”

Slamming into Subaru’s back was Al, who had successfully managed to leap out of the Castle simultaneously.

With the three of them now clumped together in midair, they swung forward, leaving Subaru to bear nearly two hundred pounds of their collective weight with just one arm.

“Ughh—!”

Every shred of his arm screamed in agony, awakening a primal cry of despair.

With their bodies still entangled, they swung in an arc, connecting off the edge of Crimson Lapis Castle, shifting along the beam as they took flight towards the ground below.

Compared to jumping down directly from the keep, this was much better; however, dropping from over twenty meters was still not something a mere mortal like Subaru and Al could endure.

Letting out a wretched scream, Subaru desperately sought a plan.

Within his mind emerged faces of Emilia, Beatrice, and Rem one after another――,

“――――”

Letting loose a thunderous crash, the three of them pierced through the roof and plummeted straight into the stable below, landing atop a pile of hay while still entangled together!