Kaifuma twisted his lips in disdain as he gazed out at the massive hole in the wall of the hall.

Below, amidst the howling winds, he focused on the building where the three fugitives had vanished after their escape. There was no sign of them.

“——”

The cracked beams creaked ominously, but they were far enough away for him to hold any hope that the remnants would crush the rude intruders.

But—

“I won’t let them go. No matter what, they must pay for their disrespect to His Excellency…”

“Hey now, that’s not fair. Those guys used up all their cards just to escape, right? If we disregard that, then it just doesn’t make sense.”

“Lord Roswaal!”

Stopped in his tracks from chasing the fugitives, Kaifuma gritted his teeth and turned around. The short old man shrugged his shoulders in response, “Oh, how scary.”

Seeing that reaction, Kaifuma’s eyes sharpened even further, and he snapped.

“First of all, why did you let them go?! If you had taken action, you could have easily restrained them!”

“Well, isn’t that an opinion that bounces back at you? Also, it’s not like I slacked off. That kid in the helmet pulled some weird tricks.”

“…He didn’t seem particularly young, though.”

“Let’s not get hung up on that. Honestly, to me, most folks look like babies taking their first steps. I was an old man already when you were born.”

Pointing at himself, Old Roswaal twisted his wrinkled face into a grin. Kaifuma was about to refute him again when Old Roswaal added,

“You might’ve forgotten, but isn’t it you who has let your guard down around that fox girl? We have no clue when she might turn her fangs on His Excellency.”

“General Yorna… Indeed, I was being careless.”

“Ha ha ha, as long as you understand.”

Once pointed out, Kaifuma hung his head, ashamed of his reddened temper. The exchange between the youth and the old man drew a sigh from Yorna, who was directly named a dangerous figure.

“What a cruel thing to say. To liken someone as fragile as this lady to a dangerous beast… I’ve never experienced such humiliation.”

“From which mouth…!”

Yorna feigned tears, provoking Kaifuma’s anger. However, Yorna said “kuh,” lowered her hand from her eyes and pulled out her pipe, drawing the purple smoke deep into her lungs and exhaling it with a “whoosh.” The smoke drifted towards the large hole in the wall.

As the swirling purple smoke reached the opening, an astonishing change occurred.

Almost like an illusion, the destroyed wall slowly began to repair itself.

The collapsed wall of Crimson Lapis Castle seemed to use the timber from the damaged areas to mend itself—healing like a living creature. It gave the impression of a restoration that was more alive than lifeless.

Kaifuma, standing close to the wall, stepped back with a stiffened cheek and turned toward Yorna.

“With this, it’s completely restored… Please, may His Excellency forget his anger.”

“This is General Yorna’s…”

“Reason that one cannot carelessly meddle in the Magic City… though, her danger is not limited to that.”

After finishing repairing the outer wall, Yorna smiled coyly, and Kaifuma gasped.

The ambivalence of his terror was noted by Vincent, who had not even stirred during all the previous commotion. The pinnacle of the Empire glanced briefly at the wall, then focused his attention back on Yorna.

“They have exited the castle. They have fulfilled the conditions you and I set.”

“If that is the case, it would be rather dishonorable for us to waste their effort. His Excellency understands this, I trust.”

“———”

“Certainly, His Excellency will have his own thoughts. I will respect that. But do not forget.”

At that, Yorna Mishigure—who had maintained her casual posture with the Emperor throughout—smiled.

“This is the Magic City, my city. —That blue brat’s sword will never reach me.”

That declaration, while appropriate for the ruler of the Magic City, was highly disrespectful when directed at the Emperor.

To behave as if her dominion took precedence over that of the Emperor of the Volakia Empire, who executed his rule with an iron fist, was not merely disrespectful.

However, nobody did contradict Yorna Mishigure’s words.

Everyone was well aware that whether her statements were true or false, she held absolute power in this Magic City Chaos Frame.

Thus—

“I shall grant you one night.”

If one were to see that as the Emperor’s defeat, they simply did not understand his far-reaching ambitions enough. Still, even the numerous plots swirling in the back of the Emperor’s dark eyes were not easily discerned, even by those closest to him.

But for now, they could only believe that Vincent’s reasoning was not illogical.

“I thank you for your generosity. Then surely I shall take this time to consider a response to the letter.”

Yorna, who managed to get Vincent’s permission while putting on a facade of sweetness, stirred various interpretations from both Kaifuma and Roswaal. Yet, it was their own mistake for allowing Yorna to assume this influential position, given that they had let the three escape.

Once Vincent acknowledged that, there was no merit in bringing it up again.

“However, your demeanor is becoming intolerable. Allow me to express this repeatedly.”

“Kuh. Such a scary gaze makes me tremble. Old Roswaal, do something about it!”

“Why are you dragging me into this? I’m an old man in the twilight, and it falls on the young folks to be kind—Oh? Wait a minute, did I just stumble upon the perfect logic to extract goodwill from most people? This could be my time!”

“Lord Roswaal!”

Kaifuma’s trembling rage flared as he shouted at Roswaal’s teasing words.

The smoke from the pipe filled the air as Yorna watched with laughter. With such antics among the “generals,” Vincent snorted quietly.

Then the Emperor turned and looked at the last remaining individual accompanying him—someone who had shown even less motion than Kaifuma or Roswaal.

“You have been rather quiet.”

“…Yes. But there are some complex folks to deal with when we’re face to face.”

The young man’s voice was tinged with a bitter smile.

He wore a blue robe that completely obscured his head, making it difficult to recognize his features. This behavior was common for him, but this time he seemed to tighten the collar of the robe more than usual—an indication of his acquaintance with someone present.

The man sighed and shrugged under the Emperor’s silent gaze.

“I am currently laying low in the Magic City. —Apparently, the Stars seem to wish for that too.”

“The Stars wish? How ridiculous.”

“…That’s a rather absurd statement.”

The man, having shrunk under Vincent’s dismissive words, responded with a smirk.

Continuing, he said, “If you truly took the Stars’ wishes lightly, then you wouldn’t have bothered to come all the way here.”

“You, a fool, dare to speak as if you understand my inner thoughts?”

“Not at all.”

The man slightly shrank under Vincent’s lowered tone.

Then, Vincent turned his gaze away from the man—the Star Seer—and narrowed his eyes toward the now-sealed space behind the wall, where three rebels had vanished.

And—

“—The wish of the Stars is utterly trivial.”

Those murmurs, unheard by anyone, were whispered and vanished.

△▼△▼△▼△

“Gah! Gah! Uek! Gah!”

Amidst the swirling dust, Subaru coughed while desperately putting his lungs to work.

The force exerted on his back stung, causing him to check for injuries, his hand trembling above the impacted area. To his relief, it seemed he had merely suffered bruises without a trace of blood; what a miracle.

The debris from the destroyed building and the shattered beams had a high chance of impaling or severing vital blood vessels. How lucky could he possibly be?

“This isn’t the time for such thoughts… Medium! Al!”

“I-I’m here… It hurts, it hurts.”

Shaking his head, Subaru instinctively called out the names of the two who were supposed to be with him. Instantly, he received a response from beneath some rubble nearby, and hurriedly began clearing it away to pull his companions out.

Medium, who had been buried beneath, coughed, blinking in confusion.

“Oh man, I thought I was gonna die! Is Natsumi okay?”

“I’m fine, thanks to Medium and Al protecting me… Medium, are you hurt? Are you in pain anywhere?”

“Hehehe, that tickles! I’m okay, I’m good! Really!”

As Subaru checked Medium’s shoulders and back, she squirmed playfully in his embrace, managing to push him out while laughing without any visible injuries. It seemed they both had been remarkably fortunate—until—

“Where’s Al—”

Searching for Al, who had not answered, Subaru scanned the surroundings.

Through the settling haze, they had crashed into what appeared to be an empty stable. The building that had been next to Crimson Lapis Castle was seemingly a hayloft for the Wind Speed Horses.

The reason Subaru and the others were saved from their fall from such a height was that the hay had cushioned their landing. Without it, he would have likely ended up a crushed tomato.

In Volakia, where healing magic is scarce, anyone with serious wounds has a high chance of not making it. In this sense, the Empire is far more lethal than Lugunica.

Of course, some may argue that the Empire’s survival-of-the-fittest ideology is excessively precarious.

“Found you! Al!”

As Subaru searched the dim interior, Medium jumped up and moved toward the overturned cart nearby.

The carts laden with hay had tumbled over, and something was wriggling underneath.

Subaru rushed over and helped her move the dry grass aside. Eventually, a thick arm emerged, and they pulled it free together.

And—

“It hurts! My arm is going to come off!”

“That’s not funny!”

“But Al’s alive! That’s amazing!”

Subaru scolded Al for making a joke during such a serious situation, yet felt relieved at Medium’s words.

Emerging from the hay pile, Al’s condition was tragic. Unlike Subaru and Medium, who only had minor bruises, Al had many lacerations and deep purple bruises all over.

He was at one point caught by Kaifuma’s brambles and had also momentarily clashed with Roswaal. Finally, when he lunged at Subaru and the others, he was left in a vulnerable position to enemy attacks.

—Every one of his received wounds should have been dealt to Subaru and the team instead.

“——–”

“What’s with that face, bro… looking all gloomy?”

“That’s because…”

“Barely escaping the no-rope bungee jump, and everyone’s alive! What a miracle! So, why the long face? Do I look pitiful with the scars on my back? That’s shameful for a swordsman!”

Stretching his shoulders lazily, Al berated Subaru to encourage him.

Subaru gasped but then quickly nodded, “Right, I suppose.”

Al, acting all nonchalant as if everything were someone else’s problem, was merely showing his genuine devotion to Subaru through his earlier struggles.

He empathized with Subaru’s objectives and promised to lend his strength.

For that, Al had even risked his life to fight alongside them.

“…I misunderstood you.”

“Huh?”

“I always thought you were just carefree, aloof, and unreliable, someone who wouldn’t take anything seriously.”

“Hey, hey.”

“But you’ve risked your life for me. —I will never forget that.”

Placing a hand over his false heart, Subaru declared his true resolve to Al.

If not for him, Natsuki Subaru in this moment wouldn’t have survived. Therefore, the future Natsuki Subaru would carry forward, never forgetting the kindness he received from Al in battle.

Even if he were to lose his life in the next instant—

“Natsumi! Al, if you keep dawdling like this…”

“Yes, I know. We need to get out of here soon. Otherwise, Al’s sacrifice will be wasted.”

“I wasn’t sacrificed or anything!?”

Prompted by Medium, Subaru wiped his face with his sleeve and responded firmly.

It was luck that all three of them survived, but it was still too early to feel relieved. They could argue that they met the conditions presented by Yorna and Vincent, but whether Kaifuma and Roswaal would back off remained unknown.

Until it was clear, they had to survive.

“Let’s get out quickly. We should hide ourselves and wait for the answer from over there…”

“—You needn’t worry about that.”

“—!?”

As he leaned on Al and was about to step outside, a voice called out.

Surprised, he let go of Al, causing him to tumble and emit a “guh!” But there was no time to bother with that.

He had to confront the silhouette standing at the entrance of the stable, gazing intently at Subaru and the others.

“You are…”

“Apologies for the late introduction. I am Tanzer, the attendant of Yorna Mishigure.”

Bowing politely was the girl who carried the distinctive deer antlers in a kimono—Tanzer, who had been beside Yorna.

The girl stepped forward, slowly lifting her head to face Subaru and the others as she confronted Medium, standing protectively in front, and shook her head.

“You needn’t be wary. I mean no harm to any of you.”

“Really? But we kinda destroyed the walls of both this place and the castle, you know?”

“Both castle and stable will be repaired by Lady Yorna. —She has recognized you all as envoys. You will not be disturbed by anyone.”

Tanzer reassured Medium, easing her unease, yet to Subaru, those words felt the opposite.

While it was one thing to say Yorna would mend the wall and stable, that hardly addressed the follow-up.

“To say no one would interfere is quite a statement. We are well aware that the Emperor was present at that time.”

Standing next to Medium, Subaru found it unflattering to be shielding others while speaking his mind. Facing Tanzer, who had gray eyes, he questioned her intently.

Despite her adorable looks, this girl had her emotions very well concealed. There was actually a necessity for charm among the bald, yet her demeanor felt almost doll-like.

“You mean to say we are people who can cause harm to His Majesty the Emperor? And you’re telling me the ones beside you are letting this slide? Yorna has granted her approval?”

“Yes. In this Magic City, no one can oppose Lady Yorna. His Excellency Vincent surely understands this.”

“Oh…”

Tanzer, speaking plainly yet confidently, caught Subaru off-guard, swallowing the words he was about to say with a blank stare.

Looking up toward the stable ceiling they had broken, he checked the lack of movement from Crimson Lapis Castle. Logically, it felt like Kaifuma would rush after them immediately.

“No movement, though… Looks like we can trust this.”

“His Excellency Vincent will also be returning. He will answer the letter tomorrow.”

“…I understand.”

“Then take care on your way back.”

Tanzer bowed in response to Subaru’s sigh, turning her back towards the trio.

She would probably return to Yorna after completing her essential duties. In a moment of impulse, Subaru called after her, “Tanzer-san.”

Stopping in her tracks, she turned back, and as Subaru gazed intently at her unmoving doll-like expression, he asked.

“What kind of person is Lady Yorna to you?”

The reason behind his question lay in his own uncertainty about Yorna’s intentions.

As someone unaware she was a counterfeit, her behavior toward Vincent must have been somewhat similar to how she would deal with the real Emperor, Abel.

It was hard to disregard her disrespectful or rude posture, but Subaru felt she couldn’t have such an attitude without a reason.

Did Yorna harbor affection or animosity towards Abel?

Coupling that with her encouragement for their struggle, it was hard to glean a clear understanding of her true feelings.

Hence—

“I wish to hear the thoughts of someone close to her. Your impression of Yorna Mishigure.”

“She is a deeply affectionate person. She loves her allies and despises her enemies. —A lover of all things that live in the Magic City.”

“————-”

Tanzer answered smoothly, with what seemed like a glimmer of emotion flashing in her eyes for the first time.

Yet that flicker disappeared almost instantly, leaving Subaru speechless, as he observed a hint of warmth shining in her gaze, but he couldn’t think of any words to express.

All he could do was watch the back of the girl as she walked away.

Had he acquired the answer he sought? Not at all.

But it deepened the enigma surrounding the figure of Yorna. There was no dishonesty to Tanzer’s words, yet the idea of affection seemed hard to grasp.

Ever since arriving in the Magic City, Subaru and the others had been continuously spun around in circles.

“Oh boy, did they really just go? …What do we do now?”

“…What do you think we can do? We must return and follow Tanzer’s advice, waiting for the response tomorrow; that’s all we have.”

Once more providing support to Al, who had fallen on his rear, Subaru glanced up at the Crimson Lapis Castle.

“An eye-catching, flamboyant castle… is this part of the ‘Extreme Color’ thing?”

He murmured as he came to understand that Tanzer’s words held truth.

The castle, vivid with blue and red, appeared complex and bizarre, and the great hole that should have been present at its keep was nowhere to be found, completely vanished.

△▼△▼△▼△

“I see, so that arrived.”

“Is there anything else to say? How about ‘I’m sorry’ or ‘My apologies’ or ‘I’m regretful’?”

Dragging himself back to the inn, Subaru reported the details of the letter handoff to Abel. He frowned deeply at Abel’s first words and therefore approached him with animosity.

Yet, with a devil’s mask on, Abel dismissively pushed against Subaru’s forehead with his palm, saying,

“Why should I be the one to apologize? You lot did well. I might even praise you for it.”

“Praise us! Praise us! It comes off in a condescending tone! We didn’t need your approval; we merely completed what was necessary! Right, you two?”

“Do we have to be dragged into this?”

Abel, appearing disgruntled, Subaru was no less adamant. Even Al, with his limbs sprawled on the floor, waved his hands in surrender.

In all honesty, Al had proven to be the most hardworking among them through this task. Now, he was covered in bandages, having entrusted his wounds to Talitta.

Sporting a black helmet interlaced with bandages was a surreal sight indeed, with no shortage of oddity.

“What matters is that Natsumi and Medium are fine. I worried I should have gone with you.”

“See? Did you hear that? That’s the correct reaction. Shouldn’t you, as the Emperor, learn from Talitta, who has inherited the title of Clan Leader?”

“Please, stop! I’d rather die…”

Talitta shook her head, looking pale from being pointed out as a suitable role model for those in higher positions.

Although her demeanor suggested she found it daunting, for Subaru, it was exceedingly frustrating. He wished for someone suitable to punish Abel during such times.

Being someone who could only fight by relying on others’ strengths was quite pitiful.

“Ugh! Aww!”

“Ah! Lui! Don’t! Natsumi and the others are in the middle of an important discussion!”

“Ugh! Ugh!”

It was Lui’s high-pitched cries echoing from the adjacent room that disrupted Subaru’s thoughts.

At the door connecting to the next room, Lui and Medium were wrestling with each other. Of course, it would be impossible for Lui to stand up against Medium, so it resembled a scene of a child versus an adult.

Soon enough, Lui was hoisted up, disappearing again into the other room.

“Ugh! Aww!”

“Goodness, what in the world…”

“I suppose amidst it all, the one most attached to you is your brother. Just as I said! I’m completely ignored over here. Not that I yearn for their attention or anything.”

Hearing Subaru’s sigh, Al, now dressed like an ill-fated Halloween character, grumbled. Meanwhile, Talitta wiped her forehead in satisfaction, displaying her impressive aesthetic sense.

Finding someone who could compete with Emilia and Beatrice, he longed for both of them again. —No, it wasn’t just the two; he missed everyone on the other side of the border.

It had been nearly twenty days since Subaru was transported to Volakia.

As long as Beatrice and Ram were around, surely they would be aware of Subaru and the others’ safety, but the frustration lingered as he could not relay any further information.

He wished to carve a path to reunite with Emilia and the others as soon as possible.

“Still, this masked man doesn’t say any important things…”

“Hmph, so you call me a masked man, huh? If I’m a masked man, then what does that make you? A fool and a jester?”

“You certainly look like a poorly designed Halloween character, don’t you?”

Al’s accurate portrayal of Subaru’s inner thoughts, coupled with Abel’s comment, left Subaru only able to grit his teeth in frustration.

In reality, it seemed that Subaru in women’s clothes, the masked Abel, and Al now resembling a bandaged warrior collectively resembled the participants of a costume party.

In the chaos frame, with the diverse faces crossing paths, it appeared they desperately strove to avoid being drowned out by their individuality.

Of course, Subaru wearing women’s clothing was for practical benefit; it certainly wasn’t for fun.

“In any case! While we managed to meet Yorna, we also encountered the Emperor’s group… That should be your body double, right?”

Clapping his hands together, Subaru pushed to shift the conversation onto a new track.

Speaking loudly enough to take care not to be overheard but still demanding a proper response, he met Abel’s gaze.

Acknowledging Subaru, Abel replied, “Yes.”

“If it’s merely someone who resembles me, there are plenty of those. If there’s anyone who can embody me, there’s only one—Cheshire Gold.”

“Cheshire Gold… one of the Nine Divine Generals, right? The ‘White Spider’?”

“Indeed. He is known for his cunning and commands large armies. Additionally—”

“The first one who betrayed you, right?”

Confirmed by Al’s last comment, Abel, with his arms crossed was silent but approved.

The first traitor among the Nine Divine Generals, someone who had enjoyed great trust and affinity with Abel, now held the Emperor’s seat as a substitute—no, as his replacement.

“What do you believe the fake Emperor wished to accomplish by coming to this Magic City?”

“He also understands the win conditions of fighting against me.”

“That the one who manages to bring more of the Nine Divine Generals on their side will win.”

The securing of the Nine Divine Generals stood as symbolic might within the Volakia Empire.

The key to determining victory lay in ensuring that strength. This was why Subaru and the others had intentionally traveled to Chaos Frame. But considering Abel’s answers, one hypothesis emerged.

“Then, were they also intending to recruit Yorna Mishigure?”

“That’s hardly plausible. Yorna Mishigure… she isn’t someone who would lend an ear to persuasion or negotiation, nor would she ever expose herself to such folly.”

“—? Then, what was their purpose?”

“It’s simple. —They expect that I will come to the Magic City.”

Hearing Abel’s answer, Subaru’s mind spun back and forth, struggling to comprehend it.

Al, bewildered, raised his hand, “Are you seriously saying that the false Emperor is anticipating you arriving in Chaos Frame? If true, that’s a serious problem!”

“He traces my thoughts with considerable accuracy. The trajectory of where I could leap from my throne to capturing the castle city, and the arrangement of the Nine Divine Generals… naturally narrows it down to the strategic points in the Magic City.”

“Knowing this… wait, no way!”

Processing Abel’s calm remarks, realization hit Subaru like a jolt. Pointing a trembling finger at Abel, who quietly looked back his way, Subaru exclaimed.

“You knew we would cross paths with the false Emperor, didn’t you? You decided to stay behind at the inn to avoid a direct encounter…”

“Foolish. What use would there be in doing that? Reducing our pieces would undoubtedly spoil our chances, even if we have the upper hand in a game of chess.”

“…That may be true.”

From a logical standpoint, the only inconsistency lay in Abel willingly weakening their own hand.

That alone became the main point of contention; without resolving this aspect, any insinuations of deceptive schemes from Abel would amount to nothing more than pure conjecture.

Regardless—

“Then! Let’s revert back to the matter at hand: what do you mean? The false Emperor was aware he couldn’t recruit Yorna, yet he still showed up in the Magic City because you came…”

“To take decisive preemptive action against any peace agreements formed between Yorna Mishigure and Vincent Volakia. Do you think I imagined I would easily ascend the keep of Crimson Lapis Castle upon my arrival?”

“Ah, I see… something like cunning bad advice, huh?”

Nodding in understanding, Al followed up with his own agreement while Subaru remained quiet.

Finally, he grasped the intention behind Abel’s actions. In other words, Vincent intended for Yorna to remain neutral and rendered her an unbalanced variable in the game.

He had personally ventured to the castle, planning to ensure a breakdown of discussions with the Emperor.

“…So, if we had taken a day longer to arrive—”

“His scheme would have succeeded. Therefore, I said. You performed admirably.”

“————-”

Subaru’s gaze widened as he stared blankly at Abel.

Was that to suggest that the previous exchanges held sincerity in his support for them? If that were true, it only reinforced how far off Abel’s praise was from an effective form of encouragement that a boss should provide.

At least, the reassurance that came from Abel’s praises felt like a mere drop in the bucket compared to the sincere gratitude directed toward him.

“You did well, Subaru. And I include Al and Medium in that praise!”

“Oh? Yeah, we did well, didn’t we?”

“That’s right! The way Natsuki stood up for us was so cool!”

Having overcome the deathly struggle together, the trio’s bond deepened as they praised one another. The forlorn sight of Talitta being left out drew some sympathy from Subaru, in contrast to Abel’s demeanor.

“Regardless, it would be prudent if you had informed me of more in advance, like how Yorna harbors feelings for you.”

“Oh, I thought of mentioning that too. Come on, Abel; while being a lady-killer may be a natural trait, you ought to pay the handsomeness tax if that’s the case.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, fool. And you also seem to have gotten everything wrong.”

“Didn’t I just witness firsthand exchanges between the two?”

True enough, while those exchanges indeed revolved around Yorna and Vincent, she had directed suggestive and tempting gazes at Abel.

However, as Subaru and Al pressed on, Abel sighed deeply.

“Yorna Mishigure has no fondness for me. Her affections lie with Vincent, the Emperor.”

“…So, wasn’t that you in a way? Please don’t start telling me that somehow you are the real imposter, while that other one is the genuine Emperor.”

For but a moment, the doubt he cast while at Crimson Lapis Castle reignited within; Subaru glared at Abel, warning him softly not to spew anything absurd. But Abel dismissed the grievance of his proclamations with a scoff.

“Do not take my words at face value. Indeed, I am the Volakia Emperor, but the title does not solely refer to me. Past or future, there will always be a Volakia Emperor.”

“Wait…”

As he processed Abel’s explanation, Subaru’s eyes widened. Next to him, Al muttered in a daze, “So, Yorna’s intentions point toward Abel’s wealth or status?”

“He might as well be correct. That is the rough interpretation, and what she desires is the peak of the Empire… to become the cherished concubine of the Volakia Emperor. There’s no necessity that it be me.”

“…That’s pretty sad.”

“Do not presume to pity me based on your incoherent assumptions.”

Perhaps it implies that Yorna may have some bargain love or something precisely like that.

The title of the Emperor’s favorite concubine—thus, her goal seemed to revolve around becoming the emperor’s wife. Certainly, with such a position, even without needing to become an emperor themselves, she could hold considerable authority and wealth.

Yet controlling only the Magic City Chaos Frame was not enough to satisfy that beautiful fox woman’s unquenchable greed.

“What did your letter express in that case?”

“Well, I told her I’d marry her when we arrived. Seems like the quickest way forward, and she’s a beauty.”

“Not that controlling a beautiful woman would resolve the challenging attributes.”

While good looks might allow some leeway for certain demanding behavior or cruel tendencies, Subaru believed there were limits.

Undoubtedly, both Priscilla and Yorna were beautiful, yet he didn’t want to take either as a wife in any capacity. His life would be too endangered, and he would likely face constant unrest in day-to-day living.

“I’m not revealing the content of the letter. But I assure you it won’t betray your expectations. That much I can promise.”

“Such guarantees would only hold weight if one has trust… Ah, but never mind. It’s pointless to discuss.”

Clapping his hands together, Subaru changed the subject at once.

Though Abel appeared dissatisfied with the unresolved conclusion, Subaru moved on to say, “By the way, that Nine Divine General who was there, Roswaal, right? The ‘Malicious Old Man.'”

“Ah, right. That was one dangerous old dude. Trust me, I’ve seen a lot of folks, but he ranks among the highest in terms of danger.”

“Do you think this dangerous old man has already been bought off? If so, that would mean Arakia and Cheshire have been taken along with him.”

Out of the Nine Divine Generals, the majority of five had to be secured.

But with Subaru’s group still struggling to lay claim to one, having three of the Nine Divine Generals already in the opposing camp was very alarming.

“By the way, I’ve heard whispers that old guy represents ‘Three.’ The ‘Two’ is the Arakia girl, and ‘Four’ is also Cheshire, who were also snatched.”

“They have a superb number advantage over us already!”

Responding to Al’s horrifying news, Subaru raised his voice, his thoughts racing.

If the ranks corresponded in strength, the disparity in power had already become dire. Given that Yorna ranked “Seven,” it was no wonder Subaru found himself ensnared in anguish.

“Don’t shout. …But I suspect that Roswaal has not, in fact, joined their ranks. For now, he is acting as one of the Nine Divine Generals, obeying the Emperor’s orders.”

“…What makes you say that?”

“Roswaal Dunkelken is not a man whose actions can be easily deciphered. If he wishes to make a move, he would first sort out the winning conditions. The Arakia was easily swayed, but coaxing Roswaal into compliance isn’t an easy task.”

“That sounds like you’re ultimately suggesting they’re entirely incapable of controlling the Nine Divine Generals…?”

In summary, it stood that Roswaal they had no grasp on previously would lack even that same control should he turn into the opposing side’s body double.

It didn’t feel reassuring; the future appeared to be fraught with uncertainty.

“Then, does that imply there’s room to negotiate with the formidable old man?”

“Of course, to sit at the table for negotiation, you’ll need to offer something substantial. He is indeed an old, cunning fox. Once he sees a clear situation, he can weigh his alliances.”

“…By the way, Al, didn’t you know him? What’s your relationship like?”

If negotiating with Roswaal were to be pursued, Subaru thought Al would be the most suitable person for the task.

After witnessing their conversation in the keep, he found potential ties there.

“That was on Gladiator Island, wasn’t it? Apparently, you played a role in resolving incidents that broke out there.”

“Yeah, that’s right! I mean, I was a slave back then in Volakia, and I got unwittingly mixed up in that island’s uprising. The slaves were taking the high nobles who were there to watch the death matches as hostages, demanding liberation.”

“That sounds quite significant… Did you operate alongside Al in this?”

“Strictly speaking, it was me and the Arakia girl when she was still a kid. As for that high noble hostage… well, we’ll get to the details later.”

Al scratched the back of his neck awkwardly as he glossed over the later half of that exchange. It seemed a touch uncomfortable for him to recall, but even without the clinched details, Subaru gathered much.

Al had energetically dealt with a crisis in the Empire, and after eight years, he sought compensation for that merit. That brought Subaru and the others to their goal, ultimately saving their lives.

“You didn’t squander such a precious opportunity, did you?”

“It wasn’t a hit or miss. This was the only opportunity to use it anyway. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Honestly, I wasn’t anticipating it would spiral into such an epic backstory. I owe my past unmotivated self a heartfelt thanks.”

Al chuckled cheerfully, appearing not to wish to burden Subaru any further.

That concern elicited gratitude from Subaru, and Abel nodded in comprehension at the same moment.

Abel pinched the edge of his devil mask and lifted it enough to cast his true face upon Al, saying, “I heard there were slaves who worked at Gladiator Island during the tumult of my ascension. I’ve also heard that some chose not to seek favors… so it seems that was you, fool.”

“It seems so. But what surprises me more is that the Emperor acknowledged it and remembered every detail. I wouldn’t be surprised if he still remembers all the casual remarks made during our journey.”

“A noble endeavor. —I shall reward your merit. Come what may.”

“Whoa…”

Abel’s words, now revealed, held significance wrapped in grim sincerity.

The doctrine of rewarding due merit, a recurring theme from Abel, further solidified his authority. Those who posted achievements yet did not seek rewards received no respite from the Emperor’s burdensome doctrine.

Al had no way of escaping this time without collecting a reward.

“Anyway, now that the letter has been delivered, we have no choice but to wait for tomorrow’s response.”

“That’s right. There’s nothing more we can do from this side… Well, Tanzer said there would be no interference from the fake Emperor’s contingent.”

“If that warning comes from Yorna Mishigure, then you needn’t doubt it.”

The assurance of safety, communicated through Tanzer, was accepted without hesitation by Abel. In that statement lay something else, an intricacy yet shared with Subaru and others.

However—

“Even if I were to demand you to share more with me…”

“The selection of what information to disclose will remain at my discretion. What you may know is what you can comprehend without hindrance. —At least for the time being.”

“For the time being… I see.”

For just a moment, Subaru’s tone reverted, and he chastised the discord growing inside.

It’s easy to dismiss Abel as uncooperative. But he held no desires for defeat. Abel was driven to aid Subaru to do his best.

The difference lay in how Abel’s methods conflicted with Subaru’s own penchant for verbosity.

“So, today feels like it’s wrapping up? Luckily, we’ve retained our lives and connected to another day ahead. Plus, we managed to thwart our opponent’s scheme, which is a solid outcome.”

The nuanced atmosphere between Subaru and Abel snapped when Al loudly interjected.

His insight was noted, and Subaru nodded, “Indeed, that’s right.”

While they found themselves faced with unexpected circumstances, thanks to Al and Medium, the first step in taking down Yorna Mishigure had gone smoothly.

Now they had no choice but to wait for an official response from Yorna tomorrow.

“…I must admit, I’m pretty worn out.”

 

---