“—Please wait a moment, Schwarz. I’ll read through to a good stopping point first.”

Gustav said this without even glancing at Subaru, who had been invited into the room. His gaze remained fixed on the letter in front of him on the table.

Led by a guard, Subaru was brought to the top floor of Gnunhaive. Beyond an ostentatiously luxurious door, what awaited him was a simply austere room.

The spacious room housed just a work desk, a bookshelf, and a supply cabinet. It seemed the room was too large for what it held, suggesting there had once been more items that had since been cleared away.

It was a governor’s room stripped of all unnecessary things, presenting a very neat impression—showing Gustav’s no-nonsense personality in a way that was oddly reassuring.

“Even if you say to wait until a good stopping point, there are no chairs.”

In such a room, Subaru found himself at a loss, ordered to wait by Gustav.

Well, if told to wait, there was nothing he could do. With time to kill, Subaru listlessly scanned the room and spotted someone who clearly felt out of place.

Or rather, it was more accurate to say someone was waving their soft, pudgy face at him.

“Hey there, Bussu! You must be tired. Came to see Gustav, huh?”

With such a casual tone, Fake Cecilis said to Subaru, who struggled to suppress a sigh as he approached.

What could he say? His relationship with Fake Cecilis was a tad complicated. In a way, Subaru’s participation in the “Spalca” event was partly spurred on by Fake Cecilis.

Even without any quarrels, Subaru might have decided to take part in the “Spalca,” but—

“My strong desire to get back at Cessy is definitely not a lie.”

“Oh? Wanting to pay me back is quite the ambitious goal, isn’t it? Was that your aim behind participating in ‘Spalca’? If so, then I apologize.”

“Apologize for what?”

“Well, you see, I didn’t actually go to watch the ‘Spalca’ just now.”

Subaru’s mouth dropped open at Fake Cecilis’ nonchalant admission. Yet soon, bubbling up within him was a rising anger of “You bastard…”

Despite having witnessed how Subaru got fired up from their argument and propelled himself into the “Spalca,” here he was, right in front of him, saying he hadn’t watched it.

“Y-you, you bastard…”

“Now, now, don’t get mad! I can understand why you’d want to be angry, but I have my reasons too!”

“Then lay those out for me! If they’re just lame excuses…”

“Well, I already knew the outcome without seeing it, for starters? It’s just that Bussu would wrap it up efficiently, and that’s it, right? So I had no reason to go; my life wasn’t on the line, anyway.”

“——”

Subaru recoiled slightly at Fake Cecilis’s unfazed tone, even when pushed.

Honestly, Subaru also had a self-awareness that he was doing things deserving of being mocked by Hiaine as a creepy little kid—

“Cessy looks like a seriously creepy kid when viewed from the outside, huh…”

“Perhaps individuals who aspire for supremacy are often misunderstood by others in every age. In this case, that applies to both Bussu and me.”

“Well, that’s quite the compliment.”

“Indeed, through this encounter, I’ve come to a conviction. So feel free to continue to act oddly, inaccurately, boldly, and downright misplaced!”

“Being misplaced and off-target is a hard pass for me!”

Having received a half-hearted saying from Fake Cecilis, Subaru pouted in protest. Just then, a heavy sound of something smashing down on a desk accompanied their exchange.

It turned out it was Gustav, finishing up reading his letter.

Gustav rested his chin on his two crossed arms, using the other two arms to support himself on the desk. Seeing this, Subaru couldn’t help but appreciate how having four arms allowed for such adeptness.

“If I put all four hands together, would it be too big to rest my chin on?”

“Hmm, not sure. But Gustav, your face is big enough that it might actually work just fine. Care to give it a try?”

“Do you lack the sense of occasion? It is common courtesy to maintain silence when waiting for someone reading a letter.”

““You didn’t say to be quiet…””

The childish rebuttal hung in the air as Subaru and Fake Cecilis chimed in at the same time.

Feeling guilty about the fact they shared the same opinion as Fake Cecilis made Subaru realize it meant he had acted in an unreasonable manner.

“Sorry, Gustav. My bad…”

“Doesn’t seem like you’re quite at ease with your reasoning there, does it? That said, I’ll take responsibility and say it was all Bussu’s fault.”

“By the fact of apologizing, I’ll be assessed as more composed than Schwarz. Also, it should be noted that I have no memory of approving Segmund’s entry.”

“Wait, what? Then why is Cessy in here?”

“Naturally, I’m here because I can be in any place I want when I feel like it. No one can restrict my freedom on this island; I find that perfectly reasonable.”

With an offhand remark, Fake Cecilis asserted his indifference to authority. Subaru cautiously glanced at Gustav’s demeanor, but the ruler of the island closed his eyes and endured the internal struggle, rubbing his temple.

Fake Cecilis didn’t seem to be lying, but it also felt like Gustav didn’t appreciate this situation.

But—

“So nobody can stop Cessy, huh?”

“Exactly. In other words, it’s special treatment—essentially, the life of a starring role.”

“I don’t quite get what you mean by that.”

Though it’s an odd expression, Subaru understood what Fake Cecilis was getting at.

However, if Fake Cecilis’ assertion wasn’t a mistake, then that raised another huge contradiction. And that contradiction was something Subaru couldn’t ignore.

“Um, so was Gustav calling for me… but can Cessy stay here to listen?”

“——. Segmund.”

“Don’t mind me! No one can kick me out. Don’t worry; if it’s something regarding me, I’ll hear it regardless. If it’s unrelated, I’ll forget it quickly. My ability to forget is impressive. I might just be overlooking something crucial right now.”

“That’s not impressive at all…”

With just a haughty stance, Fake Cecilis declared, leaving Subaru and Gustav utterly at a loss.

In the end, there were no changes to the room’s lineup as Subaru faced Gustav. Fake Cecilis had clasped his hands behind his head, leaning back against the wall, watching.

It was truly an odd ‘actor’ audience.

“Setting Fake Cecilis aside, the reason you called for me was—”

“Of course, it’s a warning about the recent abuse of penalties.”

“…Isn’t that a roundabout way of saying it?”

Interrupted mid-sentence, Subaru muttered with a bitter expression.

According to the rules of Gladiator Island, after a warning comes a penalty, and following that, the punishment of death by a Curse Rule. So ending with a warning instead of a penalty felt out of order.

To that Subaru pointed out, Gustav’s face remained unreadable.

“Schwarz, you made statements before me that could disrupt the order of Gladiator Island. Ignored the warning, and thus, it has come to the point of penalty. Are you aware of it?”

“…Yeah, I am.”

“Then pledge that you will not speak of it again before me—do not scheme to escape from this island or defy the will of His Majesty the Emperor.”

His expression was devoid of any change. Even the shade of his eyes didn’t shift. His voice was a calm, mighty rock, yet amidst that calm was an overwhelming, oppressive atmosphere.

Were it to be filled with emotions like anger or irritation, Subaru could understand it better. But what resided within Gustav wasn’t rage or annoyance.

“An overwhelming sense of duty.”

“————”

“Gustav, do you owe any gratitude to His Majesty the Emperor?”

“Is that a deflection of questioning?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Subaru had no intention of deflecting the question, nor did he have the stature to do so.

Gustav wasn’t planning to let Subaru go without extracting a solid promise. Thus, Subaru’s inquiry stemmed purely from genuine curiosity and interest toward Gustav.

After all, he was someone who knew the very person referred to as His Majesty the Emperor.

“I have no personal dealings with His Majesty. I am merely a governor entrusted with the management of this island. It is only natural for me to diligently perform my duties from that standpoint.”

“Being stern is just your personality, then?”

“It feels somewhat unreasonable to interpret fulfilling one’s duties as being overly serious, wouldn’t you say?”

Not meaning to ridicule, Subaru inadvertently caught the slightest hint of disdain on his part.

However, Gustav’s response was not what Subaru hoped to hear. Whether that was his true intention or a facade to conceal his sentiment was uncertain.

Understanding more about Gustav required time.

“In your case, merely five or ten times would hardly soften him up…”

Subaru mused that perhaps in previous successes, there had been a kind of “suspension bridge effect” fostered in dire circumstances.

Within the life-risking setup of “Spalca,” the others had been inclined to open up about their own situations, led by the experienced Subaru.

Gaining insight into them had been the primary reason Natsuki Subaru could break through “Spalca.”

However, such methods would be significantly difficult to apply outside of “Spalca.”

“—Schwarz, what kind of face is that?”

“Well, I was thinking about how to thaw out your frozen heart, Gustav.”

“There is no correlation between heart and ice. I would ask that you refrain from speaking like Segmund. To minimize the burdens I must bear.”

Though casting his light-hearted remarks earnestly, it seemed Fake Cecilis behind had a sense of amusement.

The two of them continued to ignore him, and finally, Subaru and Gustav met eyes once again. Then they returned to the question that had yet to be answered.

“Schwarz, I ask for your pledge. As long as you act as a gladiator on this island, you shall obey the governor who is me. You shall refrain from actions that go against His Majesty the Emperor’s will.”

“———”

With closed eyes, Subaru repeated Gustav’s words in his mind.

After declaring so boldly his intent to leave the island, Gustav had given him a single warning. His lack of correction meant he was now being sent to “Spalca” for the purpose of punishment.

If the tales of the gladiators were to be believed, first came the warning, followed by the punishment, and if that failed, the death ruled by the Curse.

And Subaru had something he absolutely had to confirm—something which was crucial for him and his companions to leave Gladiator Island.

“Schwarz, your response—”

“—Absolutely, NO!”

“————”

With his assertive reply, Subaru stood tall, raising his voice.

Gustav’s brow furrowed, falling silent. Once he saw the silence, Subaru quickly grasped that his words wouldn’t convey their true intent and hastily rephrased.

“‘No’ means I refuse. I’m sorry, but I can’t heed what Governor Gustav is saying. No matter what fool thing I do, I’ve already decided I’ll get out of here!”

△▼△▼△▼△

Breaking down the words that might not be understood, Subaru boldly made his declaration.

To escape from Gladiator Island Gnunhaive, he boldly asserted that right in front of Gustav Morello, the island’s governor.

“————”

Gustav’s response, of course, was not what he wanted to hear. Despite his fearsome countenance and unchanging expressions, there seemed to be an intense fire brewing beneath.

Like magma waiting to erupt—

“Schwa—”

“Ah hahahahahahah!”

In that instant, the bubbling magma was violently interrupted by a shrill burst of laughter.

The one doubled over, guffawing, was Fake Cecilis, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation with a brazen expression.

With tears of laughter in his eyes, he declared while wiping his face,

“Absolutely NO! It seems like a strong rebellious spirit! I can’t help but find it rather appealing! I gotta say, Bussu, how utterly fearless are you? I don’t hate that, I actually like it!”

“I see. I think of you as a very creepy kid.”

“Ahahaha!”

While swept up in Fake Cecilis’s raucous laughter, Subaru found himself thrown amidst the raucous gladiators.

“Schwarz, the governor has given you a warning and punished you for not retracting your words. On top of that, even after being given another opportunity to change your attitude, you still insist on staying stubborn, huh?”

“…Yeah, I don’t dislike Gustav. What I hate is the Empire.”

“The right to twist the sentiments of personal likes and dislikes is something I do not possess.”

Implying that he, too, did not care if he was hated, Gustav stated firmly, and Subaru finding he didn’t actually dislike Gustav was genuinely the truth. He didn’t know the man well enough to make any solid judgments about him.

Surely determining someone’s worth based on first impressions was ridiculous by itself.

“Unless it’s kissing the hands of someone you fancy. That’s something else entirely.”

“——?”

“Just a personal matter, completely unrelated.”

Regretting the words that slipped out so easily, Subaru exchanged glances with Gustav.

For Gustav, Subaru would likely be a bothersome child. Sending him to “Spalca” under the pretext of punishment wouldn’t yield any results.

Gustav must have learned that with Subaru, the penalty wouldn’t take effect.

If that’s the case—

“Will you punish me for defying your warning, Governor Gustav?”

“——. If you refuse to retract your words, in the worst-case scenario, I must act according to the authority given to me as governor.”

“I see. So… if you were to do something…?”

“———”

Tilting his head, Subaru casually asked Gustav, “What would you do?”

With that, Gustav’s expression subtly shifted. Instead of furrowing his brow or rubbing his forehead, his cheeks tightened.

Not pondering, rather it was the response of someone poked in a sensitive spot.

“If you utilize the Curse that every gladiator here bears to punish me, that’s fine. I’m a cheeky little brat who’s not about to obey, and you’re the governor of this place— you should feel just fine making an example out of me. Go ahead and do it. But—”

“———”

“I don’t think you will. In fact, I think you can’t.”

As Subaru pressed on, Gustav didn’t counter.

The silence that ensued made Subaru probe his thoughts deeper.

The Curse, which represented the greatest fear of the gladiators, was what kept them behaving.

With signatures enchanted upon their lives, they were subject to death at the want of their governor. Yet, Subaru thought that somehow, Gustav must be incapable of using that deterrent.

“I heard from Old Man Nur and some of the longer-serving gladiators here that before you arrived, this island was a lawless zone, and people suffered from injuries and sickness, ultimately dying. But since you’ve come, the situation has drastically changed. The fatalities have decreased.”

“It’s only natural duty as a manager. Gladiators are to expend their lives for the sake of the island’s entertainment, and we must avoid other causes of death as much as possible. The same applies to the daily trials. While opportunities for maintaining tension and practicing skills are established, it’s still critical to prevent fatalities outside of actual performances.”

“Yeah. It’s clear that you don’t want to reduce the number of gladiators as much as possible. I’ve gathered that, even from the few days I’ve spent here. Surprisingly, there are decent benefits.”

“‘Decent benefits’ you say? That’s a term I’m unfamiliar with, yet it sets my heart racing!”

Though Fake Cecilis had gotten hung up on Subaru’s words, he had no intention of being an interpreter.

This was substantially important for Subaru as well.

“It seems acceptable to allow deaths within ‘Spalca,’ as it maintains the quality of gladiators and possibly sharpens the gladiator’s focus for the ones participating.”

“———”

“As I mentioned earlier, while it is relatively lenient for those who become gladiators here, I can’t allow them to become complacent. That’s why ‘Spalca’ is important. It boosts tension, and there’s also a sense of assurance.”

“Assurance, as in?”

“It’s a reassurance that we’re lucky to have become gladiators.”

Gustav’s question met with Subaru’s unwavering gaze.

When considering everything about Gustav’s objectives and actions, that feeling felt fitting. It’s certainly possible for there to be a misalignment, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask.

If he didn’t get scoffed at or directly denied then— in that moment.

“———”

But instead of a denial, Gustav chose to remain silent.

“…So, Gustav, you really don’t want to see gladiators die, huh? But if they become rebellious or get out of hand, that’s a problem for you. To that end, you’re utilizing ‘Spalca’ to control them, which makes sense.”

“It sounds reasonable. However, that doesn’t serve as an accurate justification for why I wouldn’t activate the Curse. That’s simply your hopeful speculation.”

“I have another basis for that. …Fake Cecilis here is incredibly rebellious and gets a kick out of it.”

“Me? You’re pointing at me?”

Fake Cecilis widened his eyes, pointing his thumb towards himself as he spoke while Subaru nodded.

Even through his reckless behavior, claiming his place in the discourse was indicative of Fake Cecilis standing well above the other gladiators.

Certainly, he too must have faced the same warnings and penalties, but for him that must mean something entirely different— meaning he would have likely faced penalties long before Subaru would.

“And yet, Cessy stays safe and sound. While it might be viable that Cessy could very well be favored by you, I doubt that could possibly apply to you, Gustav.”

“Sharp as a tack. I hold no fondness for Segmund. I have absolutely no intention of letting my preferences manifest in my position.”

“Oh, dear, are we really discussing me being the hated one here? How troublesome it is to steal the limelight wherever I go.”

“Your mental fortitude is extraordinary…”

Even while facing such an outright accusation, Fake Cecilis nonchalantly responded. It openly demonstrated that it wouldn’t be easy to grow up with a personality like his without a thick skin.

In any case, the presence of Fake Cecilis had quite solid grounds supporting Subaru’s stance.

Thus—

“Cessy isn’t being punished. Likewise, I’m merely equally annoying to Governor Gustav, if not worse. So, what will you do with me, the one who just rejected your previous words?”

“———”

“Will you administer punishment through the Curse? …Governor Gustav, what will you do?”

Subaru’s foreboding inquiry made Gustav narrow his eyes slightly.

Supporting his chin with two of his four arms atop the desk, he waited attentively for Gustav’s answer.

After saying this much, surely what he intended ought to be clear to the Governor.

Once should not test the very existence of the Curse that governs the gladiators.

“————”

Gustav, radiating pressure around him, seemed to move delicately as he operated the management of the island.

Even if he had some instructions from His Majesty the Emperor—Abel, it was apparent that Gustav preferred maintaining control with rules than intimidation.

By successfully conquering “Spalca” and then becoming a gladiator, they would not dare to take advantage of their power while they settled into their circumstances. Regular “Spalca” events are run to reinforce that focus, serving to bolster the need to avoid those slipping through the cracks amid the fear of punishment.

With an extra layer of security, the chain of the nonexistent Curse kept the gladiators firmly anchored.

That was Subaru’s understanding of how the structure surrounding the Curse on Gladiator Island worked.

And whether this reasoning proved correct would soon reveal itself through Gustav’s next actions.

If after being this provoked, it even lead to a suspicion about the existence of the Curse, everything Gustav established would be overturned.

He must be compelled to punish Subaru with the Curse to prevent such a thing from happening.

“————”

Determined to gauge what he would do, Subaru fixed his gaze on Gustav.

After a prolonged silence, Gustav continued to remain silent, until finally—

“—I will administer punishment. Schwarz, you are to be sent to the next ‘Spalca.'”

And like that, it seemed Gustav was left with no choice but to choose not to take Subaru’s life.

△▼△▼△▼△

“That truly seems like a perfect victory, but how are you feeling, Bussu?”

As they stepped out of Gustav’s office, Fake Cecilis sidled up to Subaru and inquired.

With that light-hearted demeanor, Subaru sighed heavily.

“Are you an enemy, or are you on my side?”

“Oh, that’s quite a peculiar question. I went all the way to the lake to fish you and the fawn girl out, you know? Considering I might have saved you from dying, my position is self-evident, right?”

“Is that so? So, are you an enemy or an ally?”

“Which do you think is more interesting?”

Ignoring the worthless long statements, Subaru repeated his question.

With that casual inquiry, Subaru bristled briefly, though it felt different from when he was squaring off with Gustav.

Interaction with Gustav had been a crucial turning point for him, one that likely divided the path ahead.

Yet this question from Fake Cecilis felt—

“No matter what I say, you’ll decide based on your whims, right?”

“Correct! For the record, I’m leaning toward being an ally for now. My instincts tell me that observing Bussu’s unpredictable exploits is fascinating at the moment. However, my moods are so capricious that you should be extremely cautious.”

“I really wish you’d get a grip on your own handle…”

Dealing with a mere mood swing was one thing, but with Fake Cecilis, it felt dangerously like carrying a bloodthirsty warrior along.

Thinking about how so many game and manga protagonists often selected their companions well, it made Subaru pity himself, who had struggled with companion selection since arriving in the Empire.

“Honestly, I feel like I’ve nearly reached a lethal threshold of lack of Emilia and Beatrice.”

“Oh, ho? That’s another unfamiliar term, is it a saying from your homeland?”

“More like my own coinage; it’s the dream substance that forms half of who I am.”

Like a medicine comprised largely of kindness, half of Subaru was filled with thoughts about those dear to him. It’s an exaggeration, but he’d say it anyway.

That was why the conversation he’d just had with Gustav held a significant meaning.

“Though I dislike admitting it, Fake Cecilis was indeed right, and I did receive a useful response.”

“For attending the upcoming punishment? Or maybe…”

“Of course, it was about not being killed by a Curse. As for ‘Spalca’, well… I guess we’ll see.”

Having openly defied the Emperor’s wishes and proclaimed his intention to escape the island, Subaru believed it was nearly impossible for Gustav to administer a curse on him now that he had not acted against him.

On that note, being assigned to participate in the next “Spalca” became a means to verify that.

“Anyway, this punishment won’t be a setback for you, Bussu, right?”

“You might be overstating the fact that I was eager to join. If I had a choice, I wouldn’t want to take part in the terrifying event ‘Spalca’ at all.”

“I see, I see! That’s a classic saying, I get it!”

“That’s not what I meant!?”

As Fake Cecilis continued to speculate, Subaru rolled his tongue against the back of his teeth.

Similar to today’s “Spalca,” if he joined another “Spalca,” he would likely have to rely on this “medicine” again. Though it couldn’t be helped, it was a disheartening thought.

Regardless—

“Another piece of my plan has progressed. As for how much longer I’ll have to deal with Cessy, I can’t be certain, but please don’t be a hindrance… or an enemy.”

“I’ll keep your mumbled words in my heart, after all the turmoil they’ve caused. So, I wonder what sort of spectacle you’ll create next… huh?”

“——?”

While engaged in discussions like these, Subaru and Fake Cecilis had descended to the level where the gladiators resided. Just as they were, a peculiar voice emerged from Cessy’s direction as Subaru turned his gaze.

“—Lord Schwarz.”

The one calling to Subaru was Tanzar, standing at the edge of a group dominating the table in the vast hall.

The large hall had the most gladiators he’d seen thus far gathered for mealtime, surrounded by Natsuki Subaru’s companions.

It seemed odd to see figures like Vaits, who disliked familiarity, timid Idra, and modest Tanzar in such a position. Meanwhile, Hiaine, with his loud, boastful demeanor, didn’t seem too out of place though.

However, more than the surprise of their company, what startled Subaru was—

“Um, what’s going on with everyone? Why the sudden hush?”

While scratching his cheek, Subaru tried to bring cheer with a smile, questioning the group.

For some reason, as soon as Subaru and Fake Cecilis entered, it became eerily quiet and the eyes of many fixated on him.

“————”

They all remained silent, intensely focused not on Fake Cecilis, but on Subaru.

That was the first awkward anomaly. If they were staring at Fake Cecilis, he could understand the reason behind their reactions.

Fake Cecilis was a creepy child and thus frightened and disliked by the gladiators.

However… they were looking at Subaru, not Fake Cecilis.

“Lord Schwarz, we were waiting for your return.”

While Subaru was puzzled by their reactions, Tanzar, growing closer, spoke with a formal tone.

With her courteous words, Subaru felt an odd tension grasp him as he responded, “Ah, yeah” politely, even if her tone was the usual.

So why did he feel an odd sense of tension amidst their usual interactions? It felt like an uncomfortable atmosphere hung heavy over the entire hall.

“Wait, you waited for my return…uh, I guess you were worried about why Gustav called me. Sorry if I made you anxious. That matter is resolved now…”

“No, that can be set aside for now.”

“What do you mean, set aside!?”

“—More than that…”

As she curtly dismissed his astonishment, Tanzar drew closer, silencing Subaru. He had recoiled with an “oh” when suddenly his back met Fake Cecilis.

Checking over his shoulder, he saw that Fake Cecilis wore a carefree expression, probably thinking about nothing at all, and blocking Subaru’s means of escape. Irritating.

“Lord Schwarz, there’s something I want to ask you. Will you answer?”

“Um, yeah, sure. I’ll answer if it’s something I can…”

“—About Lord Schwarz’s father.”

“…My father?”

With a solemn expression from Tanzar, Subaru furrowed his brows in confusion, trying to catch up with the discussion.

For her to bring up such a serious matter about his father puzzled him, and it seemed to be no simple curiosity either.

“————”

The weight of their stares intensified on him as each gladiator seemed to share a palpable interest in how he would answer Tanzar.

He had no idea why such a topic surrounding his father of all things was sparking their fascination.

But then—

“I’ll say this upfront, when I speak of my father, it might be long.”

“Please be succinct.”

“Excuse me? You’re asking for brevity after asking my father’s story!? How rude. Ugh, geez!”

Rubbing his head vigorously, Subaru groaned, “Ahh,” showing his displeasure. Yet no matter how moody he acted, he couldn’t divert Tanzar and the others’ intense interest.

The source of their curiosity regarding his father’s identity remained a mystery.

“My father is my inspiration. He’s incredibly cool, adored by countless people, constantly surrounded by everyone. It’s like, he’s charismatic—a natural-born leader, I guess. He’s amazing.”

“——! Always right there at the center of so many people…”

“He gets relied upon for tons of work, yet whenever he finds the time, he makes it a point to hang out with me and teach me all sorts of things. I really, really respect him. He’s just…cool.”

“————”

As he spoke, the faces of his father, accompanied by the affection of his mother, surfaced within his mind.

A warmth began to blossom behind his eyes, causing Subaru to grip his chest tightly. Reminiscing about them in this foreign world was both a joyous and painful experience.

Yet, the two who mattered most to him were also the pillars supporting Natsuki Subaru’s essence.

“Tanzar, I—”

“Yes…”

What Tanzar saw in Subaru’s expression caused her to hesitate in the next words she prepared.

But now that she had come this far, he felt there was no reason to grow angry over whatever she asked. So he waited patiently for her response when she hesitated and then finally said.

“May I know the name of your father?”

“Well, that’s…”

At Tanzar’s inquiry, Subaru hesitated as he attempted to respond.

While he might normally answer “Kenichi Natsuki,” hesitating from sentimental feelings made it complicated. After all, Subaru was now known as “Natsuki Schwarz” on Gladiator Island, so it led to a mix-up in names.

Even to suggest something like “Kenichi Schwarz” would just add more confusion without any real benefit.

So after some deliberation, Subaru said.

“I’m sorry. I can’t share my father’s name.”

“——”

“Tanzar?”

Just as soon as Subaru replied like that, Tanzar’s expression visibly hardened.

Her eyes quivered widely, and her round cheeks tensed with anxiety. Beyond just being shocked by Tanzar’s reaction…

“It seems this isn’t a laughing matter…”

“Is it really possible? But then, that action which led us here…”

“See, I told you! Isn’t this weird? So what do you think, am I insane or what? Come on, tell me!”

With Subaru’s ally group, led by Tanzar, the gladiators burst into chatter.

As they exchanged glances and began to murmur amongst themselves, Subaru was bewildered. What could possibly be the cause of such collective astonishment?

“Uh, everyone?”

“——!”

The moment Subaru spoke up, the clamor swept away.

While feeling a bit lonely about that abrupt silence, he reflected—

“Schwarz, no matter who you are, our thoughts won’t change…”

It was Vaits, tightly holding onto the hands with fierce tattoos all over his face and body, who spoke first upon seeing Subaru’s troubled expression.

Though those words seemed terrifying to voice, Vaits’s intention was to soothe Subaru, offering reassurance.

“I-I completely agree. More than that, it all makes sense. Besides, I feel even more inclined to work together with you, Schwarz.”

“O-oh, yeah! What’s the issue here, you lot!? He’s exactly the same as us! He’s a gladiator, my brother!”

Following Vaits’s words, Idra thumped his chest in confirmation, as Hiaine rushed to wrap an arm around Subaru and called out to the other gladiators.

Quite the unexpected reaction from Idra, but it was the approach Hiaine took that left Subaru wide-eyed.

“Y-yup! What an impressive kid, Schwarz!”

“I long suspected you weren’t just any ordinary one! Or else, this wouldn’t make sense!”

“Ooh, our great Sword Wolf, lead us! Thank you today for your offerings and encounters!”

The moment the words of the trio from the “Group” sparked a reaction, the once-silent hall exploded with cheers.

Voices echoed throughout the grandeur, shaking the very ground of Gladiator Island, as Subaru felt overwhelmed by the sheer surprise.

Before he could completely process that shock, he was practically pushed into the center of a bustling group by Hiaine.

With them were the comrades who’d returned from the healing room, hearty in celebration for fighting together in “Spalca” today while lifting their cups high in welcoming.

“Thank you for today, Schwarz. It’s truly a relief to have you here.”

“———”

Welcomed by the tearful lizardmen, Subaru found himself stifled by the words he couldn’t summon to express.

Though countless things he wanted to ask and say piled up, at that moment, the words he received amounted to the reward for taking on the challenge of “Spalca.”

“Thanks for being around to help me out too.”

And with that, he decided to dig into the banquet of meaty offerings that arrived after such a long absence.

△▼△▼△▼△

“—Aren’t you joining in the revelry, my lady?”

“…It’s a complicated position.”

As Tanzar sighed while observing the rambunctious crowd from a distance, the boy speaking to her ushered a sigh through her words.

This boy—bearing a striking resemblance to someone she knew well, aside from height and limb length. She hesitated to vent her emotions, unsure of how much he might be aware of the ongoing events.

Regarding the shocking identity of that black-haired boy delivered by Hiaine, coupled with Tanzar’s own convoluted feelings toward him—

“Lady Yorna…”

As she contemplated her precious master, Tanzar felt troubled by the unfolding situation.

Adding to the complications, it seemed the boy wasn’t wholly unrelated to Yorna’s wishes.

However, she was greatly certain of one thing—

—I have no choice but to rely on Lord Schwarz.

No longer questioning whether she could trust him, that sentiment had become an undeniable truth.

While she still had no idea how far they’d traverse together afterward.

“I see. Your expression is one that embodies supreme complexity and melancholy.”

“————”

“Goodness! Bussu is truly a sinful man! Could it be, but—”

Ignoring her thoughts, the boy continued to speak, a grin dancing on his lips. However, that smile appeared far more unsettling than any previous expression he’d worn.

With a slight shiver, Tanzar braced herself to hear the boy’s next words. And those words were—

“—Things might not be able to remain still much longer; my patience is about to snap. Just a little, you know?”

 

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