Subaru stood frozen in front of a man with a faint smile who had just jumped out from the entrance of the detached room.

Perhaps his freeze-up could be considered the most foolish choice in the presence of this man. However, even for Natsuki Subaru, who had experienced countless adversities and had faced “death” multiple times, the man’s inexplicable eeriness made his thoughts go blank.

A fear he wouldn’t even feel in front of the Archbishop of Sin was now grasping his heart.

Todd Fang was making Subaru feel that way.

“——”

As Subaru responded reflexively to the voice he heard, confusion sprouted beside him.

It was Beatrice, who had been forced to face the same man, still holding Subaru’s hand. Tanza and Idra, too, were observing Subaru’s frozen form with skepticism.

Subaru’s heart raced, and he felt the impulse to caution them about Todd, but—

“——Kachua-san!”

Before Subaru could even articulate his trembling lips, Rem yelled with a high-pitched voice.

When he looked, Rem’s pale blue eyes that had turned back at the door were directed at Todd—not him, but at the woman hidden just behind Todd.

It was a woman in a wheelchair, peeking out by tugging at Todd’s clothing hem.

With her dark brown curly hair and piercing eyes that seemed deeply suspicious of the world, she matched the features Rem had mentioned.

That alone should have been a relief—no, the fact that she was next to Todd was alarming.

“Get away from her…!”

“Ugh!”

Seemingly sharing the same thought as Subaru, Rem raised her voice sharply and glared at Todd. Inspired by Rem’s fighting spirit, Lui, who clung close to her, growled at Todd.

Though Todd had lost his trademark bandana and let down his lifted orange hair, that did not diminish his cruelty or dangerous creativity.

In this situation, it was easy to imagine Todd using the woman—Kachua—as a shield, attempting to manipulate Subaru and the others.

Of course, Subaru already knew from his encounters with Todd that the fate awaiting those who complied with him was “death.”

“…From here…”

He hadn’t checked how far back he would rewind if he died.

Whether fortunate or troubling, throughout this conflict in the Imperial Capital, he had never once lost his life while intervening, breaking through the city walls, and invading.

Thanks to that—or perhaps because of it—he had no idea what the starting point of his “Return by Death” was.

He had reunited with Lui and Beatrice, as well as joined up with Rem and Flopp.

Honestly, this situation was going too well, and he couldn’t calculate how many retries were needed to set it all up.

Regardless—

“—If necessary, I’ll act.”

If he had decided who to save, who to let survive, and who to move forward with, then Subaru was resolute in seizing that opportunity firmly.

That was why, on Gladiator Island, he had saved every gladiator he was involved with, having fought alongside the Pleiades Battalion until this very day. —Never giving up, absolutely.

Even if the obstacles to overcome were symbols of chilling fear.

With that thought, Subaru wet his parched lips and was about to take decisive action—

“W-wait! That’s not it! I’m not being captured, Rem!”

“Kachua-san?”

“It’s a misunderstanding… yes, a misunderstanding! Todd isn’t your enemy!”

Kachua shouted that loudly, trying to wheel herself forward. However, Todd held her thin shoulders, blocking her advance.

Kachua leaned forward with momentum, glaring at Todd with tearful eyes.

“W-what are you doing! It’s dangerous!”

“Dangerous is you. Don’t just rush forward.”

“D-do you think I’m saying this for no reason…!?”

“Of course, it’s for my sake. But I can’t just ignore the woman I love putting herself in danger.”

“Ugh…”

Kachua’s face flushed, and the impulsive words she had thrown back at Todd silenced her.

It wasn’t merely a matter of embarrassment or shame; it was the way he expressed his consideration for her that struck her.

An honest remark devoid of deceit—it was something Subaru could hardly comprehend.

“Kachua-san, is that person…?”

Gulping nervously, Rem quietly asked Kachua. Though she hadn’t clearly articulated her question, the focus of what she wanted to know was evident.

Perhaps reflecting her confusion and anxiety, the hand that rested on Lui’s shoulder was weak. Kachua, however, nodded silently while biting her lip.

“I told you repeatedly… That person is, um, my…”

“Fiancé.”

“That’s right…”

Kachua hesitated but then clearly answered Rem’s question.

Hearing that, Rem’s eyes trembled, and she visibly shook, experiencing the same shock as Subaru.

“Fiancé…”

From their first meeting to the events that followed, Subaru had never had pleasant encounters with Todd. One of the impressions—aside from Todd’s murderous caution and ruthlessness—was his story of being a “fiancé.”

Todd, dispatched as an imperial soldier, had repeatedly expressed his longing to return to his fiancé while stationed near the forest with the People of Shudrak.

However, after the bloody exchanges and further interactions with Todd, the expectation of his humanity had waned, leaving just a fleeting memory in the back of his mind.

“Did it really… exist?”

Subaru couldn’t help but mutter, as the phrase “Todd and his beloved fiancé” seemed entirely incongruous.

Although Rem likely hadn’t heard his solitary remark, she fixed a dubious gaze on Todd.

“Is it true that you are Kachua-san’s fiancé?”

“Yeah, it’s true. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s a strange twist of fate. Who would have thought Kachua and you would be cozied up in the Chancellor’s residence?”

“——”

“Don’t look at me like that. I wouldn’t say it was a good meeting or a favorable relationship, but given the circumstances, we should let bygones be bygones, right?”

Shrugging off Rem’s silent gaze, Todd spoke candidly. He then shifted his attention, not towards Rem, but towards Subaru.

Gulping, Subaru took Todd’s gaze head-on, a cold sweat tracing down his back.

However—

“Just as the kid says, right?”

“—Ah.”

Having closed one eye, Todd winked at Subaru, offering no feeling of hostility.

As if suggesting that they work together to escape this predicament, he was extending a hand while letting down his guard.

“Hey there, buddy, madam, what about that soldier?”

Observing the silent state of Subaru and Rem, Flopp’s serious yet gentle expression took on a more earnest tone.

In response to his question, Subaru couldn’t let anything slip, given his current appearance. Instead, Rem continued.

“We had contact before. Each time, it nearly cost us our lives.”

“Eh…”

Struggling to choose her words, Rem effectively conveyed the truth while looking toward Kachua. Hearing this, Kachua’s eyes widened as she glanced back at Todd.

Trembling her lips, she questioned her fiancé’s profile.

“I-is it true? Todd, do you…?”

“If we’re talking about that young lady, it’s true. I told you; there are grudges. I’m a soldier. Sometimes, I have to turn weapons toward someone. It’s just one of those undesired situations.”

“Just an undesired situation, you say…”

“If it was in the castle city, it was a result of cautiously assessing your companion’s danger. If it was before that, I was just following orders like any other soldier. I don’t have any personal grudge against you.”

As he spoke, Todd retrieved an axe at his waist. For a moment, tension coursed through Subaru and the others, but he casually tossed it aside, not making an effort to conceal it.

The axe arced through the air, solidly landing at their feet.

“Ugh…”

Lui picked up the axe and alternated glances between Subaru and Rem.

It seemed that it was not an axe-shaped bomb but rather a pure disarmament.

Realizing this, Todd waved his hands playfully.

“Well, there you go. I have no hostility. We both know how precious time is not to waste on glowering at each other, right?”

“…Madam, I believe we should discuss this constructively. What do you think?”

“——”

Tightly hugging her arms, Rem cast a sideways glance at Subaru.

The only ones sharing the wariness of Todd and measuring his threat level were Subaru and Rem. Though Lui joined them around the same timeframe, and Flopp had also faced an ambush from Todd in the castle city, neither had experienced the same cycle of danger firsthand.

Therefore—

“Betty will follow Subaru’s decision.”

While holding Subaru’s hand, Beatrice provided the courage to choose without regard for retreat.

Not just her—Tanza and Idra also entrusted their future to Subaru’s choice. —Even just having these two and Todd in the same place made his heart feel like it would freeze.

If possible, he wanted to distance Todd from them as quickly as possible—

“…Kachua-san is Rem’s friend. We want to escape as many of us, unharmed, as we can. I think there’s no time for us to bicker here.”

“—I understand, but…”

As Subaru bit his lip and bowed his head, Rem tightened her cheeks in frustration.

However, it was uncertain what actions Todd might take if they were to reject him. That was an anxiety that Rem also shared. Given their situation, they couldn’t just let him slip from their grasp.

It was very much like leaving behind a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.

“Y-you don’t need to worry! This guy is really quite tough! I’m sure he’ll help all of us escape!”

“Hey, hey, you shouldn’t put your fiancé on the same level as a cockroach or something.”

Seeing the anxious expressions of Subaru and Rem, Kachua awkwardly defended Todd. Todd smiled wryly at her support and then remarked while running his hands through his hair.

“Well, if we’re being accepted, I have to return the favor. I have to show Kachua, who seems to have a low opinion of me, that I can be more than just this.”

With those words, he stepped forward while leaving the tension behind, making his way to join them.

△▼△▼△▼△

In this situation, there were three reasons why Subaru couldn’t reject Todd Fang’s presence.

The first was Kachua, Todd’s fiancé.

During their life in this mansion, Kachua had clearly developed a good relationship with Rem. Contrary to her sharp tongue, she was a good person, and it was clear she bore no ill will towards Subaru and the others. While it seemed she didn’t fully grasp the depths of Todd’s character, should Subaru and the others present their grievances, the odds were stacked against them in a gamble of who she would trust more: her fiancé or Subaru.

Would he choose to act separately from Kachua just because of a distaste for Todd?

The wheelchair he had made for Rem—compared to that, Kachua, who was now relying on a far less impressive high-performance wheelchair, looked pitiful, and he couldn’t leave her behind.

As long as Kachua and Todd were a package deal, it was only logical that he couldn’t reject Todd.

The second reason lay in the fact that due to “Return by Death,” all of Todd’s actions could be considered foiled attempts.

With his cold nature and merciless judgment, Todd had repeatedly cornered Subaru in different scenarios, taking Subaru’s life—or rather, at times, costing the lives of Subaru’s important friends.

Flopp, who was now accompanying him, had also been killed by Todd, as had Tanza and Idra.

Given that Todd had taken the lives of those dear to Subaru right before his eyes, it was probably understandable why Subaru felt such strong loathing and fear towards him.

However, through “Return by Death,” those instances had merely become thwarted attempts, and Todd had yet to inflict any further harm upon them.

The forest fire in Shudrak, the relentless assaults in the castle city, and the gladiator massacre on Gladiator Island, none had come to pass. —He was simply capable of executing them.

And the last reason—

“—Aim for above the chest! The legs are merely a way to buy time!”

“Ugh, Beatrice!”

“I know what I’m doing! Meenya!”

Receiving the sharp command, Subaru and Beatrice both raised their hands forward simultaneously.

In the direction their palms were aimed, several bony, pale zombies were formed through a burst of purple arrows aimed at the fallen enemy on the ground, crystallizing them amidst the swirling dust.

Some would escape immediate incapacitation—but—

“Unfortunately, if the torso has reached that state…”

“Even if the head remains intact, it’ll just get crushed.”

Tanza’s heel struck down upon the zombie that hadn’t immediately succumbed to battle, shattering the crystallized torso and bringing ruin to the limbs of the now-defenseless zombie.

The head of the rolling zombie did not begin to regenerate, and soon the previously unharmed head began to lose its color, crumbling away into dust.

While he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness at the sight of this, he continued.

“With that, we should have cleared the obstacles in the alley. Your magic has been remarkably effective against them. Do you have any remaining strength?”

“…I can still go on. I could do a thousand or ten thousand, no problem.”

“That’s reassuring. But don’t go too far ahead; you’re our lifeline.”

With the elimination of the zombie horde that had obstructed their path, Subaru and Beatrice felt a mix of conflicting emotions as they were praised for their brilliant feats.

While it was undeniably the right choice mentally to crush the zombies, the very fact that Todd was the one doing the praising only made it that much more bitter.

“It seems we’ve clashed with those pale-faced zombies multiple times before reaching the mansion with Kachua. They don’t seem to side with either the regular army or the rebels; they’re just a bunch who have no reason in their minds.”

“Is that so? But those you defeated at the mansion seemed to convey some word.”

“Just because they communicated doesn’t mean we actually understood each other, right? They don’t have the ears to listen and can’t die even if you crush their heads or lop them off. They’re a real nuisance if we end up on their wrong side.”

“Undead soldiers… just like what Schwarz’s friend mentioned.”

As Flopp and Tanza deliberated over the challenging attributes of zombies, it was Todd’s opinions they were weighing, and they were analyses of such accuracy that Subaru couldn’t ignore them.

“Essentially, those guys can’t be taken down by honest means. Swords and pikes, weapons are just short-term solutions; the main method is…”

“Your magic.”

“Even the ones I turned to ash with the spirit I retrieved didn’t get back up. Whether or not ordinary flames could work is still unproven, but…”

“——”

“Well, it takes longer for those whose heads have been struck compared to those whose other parts are damaged. The feet regenerate surprisingly fast, so don’t expect them to lose mobility.”

Todd offered that advisory, leaving even Subaru, who knew his true character, feeling impressed.

Once they came to an agreement about joining forces, Todd generously shared crucial information regarding the zombies at no cost.

Of course, just like Subaru and the others, he had traversed the zombie-infested Imperial Capital and reunited with Kachua. Having achieved that, it seemed he might have strategies effective against zombies and useful knowledge for their escape.

That expectation was the third reason Subaru welcomed Todd.

“But to think it would come to this…”

Zombies had emerged almost immediately after they had crossed over the castle walls.

For a moment, Subaru felt as if they might have pulled the trigger that set off the zombie outbreak, but he squashed that thought, realizing it was just apprehension that led to no answers.

Regardless, he and Todd had ostensibly had the same amount of time since the outbreak to gather critical information needed for survival, yet Todd had been way more effective in drilling down the details.

Whatever the case, Todd’s abnormal decision-making and execution were supported by a resolute posture, regardless of the zombies or any other threats.

“Kachua-san, are you alright?”

“Y-yeah, I’m only shaking because of those suspicious guys… What about you? Are you okay?”

“Honestly, facing opponents like Priscilla or Madelin, who have no chance of winning, is way scarier.”

“What a dreadful certainty you have…”

While creating a path ahead, Subaru’s combat team moved slightly further on, with Rem and Kachua trailing slow. Rem was pushing Kachua’s wheelchair, while Lui nervously scanned the surroundings to guard them.

Due to the uneven path and the route they had to take to avoid the horde of zombies, the pace of the false prince’s group, led by Idra on their swift steed, couldn’t be said to be fast.

Nonetheless, they were gradually getting closer to the walls of the Imperial Capital.

“Hey buddy, you look troubled. Might it be because the soldier’s bothering you?”

“Flopp…”

Subaru’s complicated expression, filled with pleasant and bitter emotions, was easily caught by the observant Flopp.

Given his perceptiveness, Flopp would certainly see through Subaru’s excessive caution about Todd, at least based on the current amount of information.

Of course, offering any details about Flopp dying would be impossible, as it encroached upon the “Return by Death.”

“Flopp, like I said earlier…”

“It’s to keep a close watch on the soldier’s movements, right? I understand it thoroughly. Tanza is staying by his side for exactly that reason.”

“——”

“All shrunk down, and with a younger appearance, yet your thinking has matured or become more cautious. Even so, I admire the you who can ponder fully. But, really, suggesting a cross-dressing plan to conquer the castle city? I like you as well.”

Seeing Flopp’s gentle smile, Subaru looked away, then broke into a bitter chuckle.

Though his appearance was deceiving, it reminded him just how much older Flopp was compared to his original body. It was to be expected that Medium had so much respect for him.

“—Hey, Subaru, look down.”

“Look down… Whoa!”

Just as that conversation had settled, Beatrice tugged at Subaru’s hand, pointing at the ground sloping beneath him—there was water flowing, soaking his shoes.

Beyond the Crystal Palace, the reservoir holding a massive quantity of water had been breached, and the flood of water into the city had begun to rise in earnest. Their enemies weren’t just the imperial soldiers or zombies but water as well.

If they took too long to retreat, they would eventually be swallowed up by the increasing tide—

“If we don’t reach the exit before that, we’ll all be finished.”

Todd’s clear statement articulated the sense of urgency that Subaru had. Subaru stiffened slightly, and whether he noticed Rem’s tension or not, Todd pointed the returned axe towards the Crystal Palace.

“General Moguro seems to be at a disadvantage against ‘Cloud Dragon.’ It’s only a matter of time before he loses. One-on-one is manageable but combined two-on-one is fatal…What happens after the General falls?”

“What do you mean; can you predict it?”

“Well, as for ‘Cloud Dragon,’ that’s another matter. The mounted dragon riders are obviously corpses. Up until now, those zombies have attacked us the moment they laid eyes on us. Meaning…”

“The zombies want to kill the living ones they encounter.”

“Frustrating, but it’s exactly as it sounds.”

Tilting his head, Todd’s meaning sank in for Subaru.

The goal of the zombies was to eliminate every living being they meet. If they have a means to kill a large number of people, it wouldn’t be surprising if they chose that option.

If that stone giant just hours before, clashing violently with the white dragon at the castle, lost its battle, the zombies would utterly demolish the walls of the reservoir, rushing forth the water.

If that happened, not only would Subaru and the citizens of the Imperial Capital be dragged away, but also the regular army and rebel forces clashing outside.

“How infuriating. Nevertheless, ‘zombie’ sounds good. They need a name. From this point on, let’s refer to them as zombies.”

“What do you think about those zombies?”

Suddenly, Beatrice’s silent frame turned to Todd with that question.

Having repeated the term “zombie” several times until it nagged at him, Todd appeared somewhat puzzled by Beatrice’s inquiry.

“What do I think about them?”

“They’re mostly imperial soldiers like you, if their attire is any indication. So what do you feel concerning the idea that your comrades have turned?”

“First off, they’re not comrades. They’re just dressed similarly—they’re not soldiers anymore once they’re dead. There’s no need to recognize them beyond being a nuisance.”

“——”

“The question of who they served and what their purpose is doesn’t matter for surviving right now. That’s for the important people to figure out and provide answers for.”

Todd’s calm response made Beatrice fall silent in agreement, and he shrugged his shoulders.

Then he turned to look back at Subaru.

“Though she’s reliable, if it’s mentally draining for you, it’s better to talk. Surprisingly, just pouring out your thoughts may ease things up.”

“…I’ll remember that.”

To Subaru’s heavy response, Todd left with, “Do that,” proceeding onward.

They took on the role of scouts ahead, strategizing the placement of zombies and methods to deter them while Subaru and his companions pondered plans for evacuation. For the time being, they were achieving certain success.

However—

“Subaru, if it feels tough, you could speak to Betty about anything.”

With Beatrice peeking into his face, it was clear that Subaru felt the mental strain.

This was not only due to his continued wariness towards Todd but also because Beatrice was utilizing his inner mana for her magic.

However, the heaviest psychological burden lay in defeating the zombies.

Smashing the undead who still seemed to harbor fragments of their former selves was painful.

If only he could discard the notion that they were merely crows blocking the road, everything would seem simpler.

“I think it’s part of what makes you virtuous, though.”

“…Is that so? I can see Rem kicking me for brooding again.”

“Your wife wouldn’t do such a thing.”

“——”

“Haven’t I made it clear?”

Surprisingly, Flopp’s reassurances had a magnetic quality to them.

Having survived in this cruel Empire without any substantial force or magic, Flopp’s powerful weapon was his character.

“Thanks to you, it gives a bit of energy back.”

“That’s great! Since I can’t be of much help, if I couldn’t find any means after being deflated by you, that would spell disaster! But, oh, wait…”

“But?”

“I might have put the dress’s mood in a somewhat sour place.”

Upon hearing Flopp’s observation, Subaru turned with an “eh?” to see Beatrice, still holding Subaru’s hand, glaring with her round, adorable eyes.

When Subaru stiffened at her response, Beatrice flushed red.

“You’re just leaving Betty in the lurch and playing the wonderful smart guy. Subaru, you keep cozying up with handsome men while disregarding me!”

“That’s a major rumor! No, it’s not like I’m ignoring you! Most of them like Flopp or Sassy are just exceptions; Idra and Vaits are interesting but not exactly gorgeous…Hiaine has some charm, too…”

“Excuses won’t work with me!”

As her face was turned away, Subaru felt a painful hollow in his chest, almost as if he had been punched hard.

Beatrice’s concern mirrored his feelings too; and even if Flopp had been more eloquent, he felt genuinely sorry for her.

He had to give a heartfelt apology as soon as they escaped this place.

“For now, all I can do is pet you and scratch your palms…”

“…What are you doing in this situation?”

“Wah!”

From behind, he was startled by the soft voice that called out, and Rem gazed suspiciously at Subaru, clinging to Lui, who was nervously looking around.

“Even in this smaller form, you haven’t changed your nature.”

“Oh? So you know me well enough to understand?”

“I’ll correct that. You’ve become much more reckless since shrinking down.”

“I hope you can see this as a child’s recklessness and laugh it off.”

Rem’s harsh opinion was a refreshing delight for Subaru, who had been separated from most recent comforts.

He had to consciously tighten his expression to avoid worrying Rem.

To that end, there was also someone he didn’t want to worry.

“Hey, is Todd causing any trouble? Is he really being helpful?”

“——”

Kachua, timidly asking from the wheelchair Rem was pushing, seemed to summarize the question.

Released from her confinement and following Subaru’s group, she couldn’t help feeling powerless compared to the false princes who could move freely.

It was evident that she had complicated feelings towards her fiancé, Todd, by worrying not just about herself but about him too.

Subaru turned his gaze towards the alley Todd had gone down.

“Yeah, he’s helpful. He has keen instincts and good sight. His commands are precise and incredibly helpful.”

“R-really? Well, that’s good, but…”

Kachua lowered her eyes, relieved.

Though it was a bit irritating, what he said to reassure her wasn’t just hollow praise; it was a justified appraisal of Todd’s work so far.

Indeed, Todd had been performing outstandingly as a soldier, and given the situation, his reconnaissance and route choices significantly contributed to their survival.

While lacking effective combat capabilities against the zombies, he excelled in facilitating the plans of Subaru and Beatrice, who did. —Aside from the excessive mental strain on Subaru, Todd’s presence was virtually without disadvantage.

“——”

No, Rem, too, seemed to be feeling the psychological weight of Todd’s presence, just as Subaru did.

“Will we…”

Could they truly escape without further complication while staying together like this?

Subaru pondered the uncertainty in his heart until—

“—Kachua, I told you to stay back. Don’t catch up to me.”

Returning from scouting ahead, Todd spotted Kachua with Subaru’s group and called out to his fiancée.

Kachua’s expression changed to one of relief upon confirming Todd’s wellbeing, and her immediate reaction became one of rebuttal, soon turning into a worried expression.

“Todd, is something the matter?”

“…What a pain, only when trouble arises you get sharp senses, huh?”

With that, Todd ran his hand through his hair, then glanced at Subaru and the others as he revealed what he had seen.

It was—

“—Ahead lies a tough-looking zombie. That one-eyed creature was probably pretty notable during today’s siege.”