“—Spica, huh?”

I watched the crying duo, Rem and the girl who had been Lui until now, as the words escaped my lips.

Wiping her tear-filled eyes with the back of her hand, Subaru turned to the one who spoke—Ram. She rested her chin on her hand, calm and composed as always, with her long legs crossed.

Tilting her head slightly, Ram narrowed her pale crimson eyes and looked at Subaru.

“What’s the origin?”

“…It’s the name of a star. But in my hometown.”

“I see. How poetic for Balus. But do you understand?”

With her eyes still narrowed, Ram shifted her gaze to the two embracing each other.

That alone conveyed to Subaru what Ram was implying.

Of course, it was a discussion that had been had many times on the way to this guest room.

“Do you properly understand what it means to utilize an Archbishop of Sin for a grand objective?”

“— Of course, I thought about it. I can’t say I fully comprehend…”

“In that case, stop.”

“—!”

Ram’s cold, hard words struck Subaru, causing a small groan to escape his throat.

Yet, with eyes that didn’t heed Subaru’s pain, Ram pressed on.

“If you don’t fully understand, then stop. —What it means to face these eyes.”

As she said this, Ram reached out from her propped arm and touched the thin shoulder beside her.

It was Tanzer, who had been observing Subaru and Ram’s interaction from Ram’s side. She had been brought here as a witness.

Tanzer’s pitch-black eyes swayed under Subaru’s stare.

“I fully understand Lord Schwarz’s feelings. At Gnunhaive and throughout the journey afterward, many unreasonable things have been pushed through. However…”

“Tanzer.”

“Yet, even if it is Lord Schwarz who has brought along the Archbishop of Sin, I still believe it should not be the case.”

With a firm stance, Tanzer corrected her previously wavering gaze and looked straight at Subaru.

She didn’t bend her words to be agreeable but instead asserted her honest opinions. Being young but earnest, Tanzer’s words resonated deeply with Subaru.

“…You’re right. I’ve been foolish.”

Receiving Tanzer’s words, Subaru once again felt the weight of Ram’s underlying truths.

And that weight was the erroneous burden of what Natsuki Subaru had decided to choose.

“I fully understand. Since I’ve been told many times, I’ll bear all of it.”

“That’s right. Let me tell you, no matter what Balus or Rem says, Ram will not forgive you.”

“…Sister.”

“Don’t, Rem. I’m proud of your kindness as a sister, but that’s separate from this.”

Holding Spica tightly, Rem looked at Ram with teary eyes. However, Ram shook her head against her sister’s gaze, firmly asserting her position.

It’s only natural. After all, Ram too was a victim of Gluttony, having been robbed of her other half, Rem.

It would be arrogant to say their circumstances are the same as Subaru’s.

So—

“I am not even at the entrance of the desire to be forgiven. The only reason I haven’t torn that girl… Spica apart is due to ‘memories’—that’s all.”

“…If I don’t know how to restore those ‘memories,’ if something happens to Spica—”

“It absolutely cannot be that Rem’s ‘memories’ do not return. Although Rem said it was fine if she doesn’t return, Ram cannot allow that. I want to remind Rem how much she loved me, and how much I loved Rem.”

As Ram firmly declared to reclaim her love, her conclusion echoed her previous resolve.

Upon the conclusion of the battle at Pleiades Watchtower, after Rai Batenkaitos’ death, they succeeded in securing Roy Alphard’s custody. It was then that Roy considered the possibility of a means to redeem the victims of Gluttony without taking their lives.

However—

“The only difference is that compared to that Archbishop of Sin, this one is a bit more cooperative.”

“Ram…”

“Stop with that face. You understand, right? If you want to be forgiven, then you must atone first. That’s simply the way of the world. I’m sure you’ve been told that by now.”

“—I have.”

Nodding to Ram’s words, Subaru pressed his small fists against his chest.

Truly, as she stated, what Spica has been granted now is a generous reprieve. The people connected to her have extended her sentence based on the merit of her actions.

Subaru can only give her a name that serves as a trigger for a second chance at life and help others agree to this extension of the reprieve.

“For the time being, Spica… can you restore Rem’s ‘memories’ and ‘name’ using your power?”

“Ugh, umm…”

“That’s a bit too much to ask, huh…”

Spica shook her head apologetically at Rem’s shoulder.

She tried to open and close her hands, but it seemed far from easy to freely manipulate her powers and return what was gathered by Gluttony.

“…Is it really possible, Lui-chan… no, Spica-chan? To restore our ‘memories’ that have disappeared?”

“At the very least, Spica has the highest potential to do so, and that is the minimum requirement. That in itself is a matter separate from the ‘Stargazing’ conversation.”

Though Rem felt uneasy, she had to be able to do it.

That was a necessary prerequisite for Spica to shoulder ‘Lui’s’ cross and walk forward.

For that to happen, Spica needed to master Gluttony’s powers—

“—”

“—Huh? What…?”

A moment of unease momentarily silenced Spica, making Rem’s eyes tremble.

The generosity that Ram presented, the conditions necessary to accept it, and the means they must clear for that were clear, yet the existence of her power was terrifying.

To stop being an unpardonable Archbishop of Sin, using the powers of the Archbishop itself to continue living as Spica held a dreadful weight of returning to her status as ‘Lui Arnebe.’

To preserve Spica meant to wage a constant battle against that fear.

With the understanding of that—

“—I’ll make sure to do that. I’m counting on you, Spica.”

“Ugh! Ah, um?”

With definite resolve shining in her blue eyes, Spica vigorously nodded in response to Subaru’s words.

Though Spica’s appearance was the same as that of the nefarious ‘Lui Arnebe,’ at the core, their hearts did not overlap. That was indeed a hopeful belief.

“Tanzer, I’m sorry I couldn’t heed your advice.”

“—I wonder if you assume I would laugh it off as usual.”

Shifting away from Rem and Spica, Subaru turned to face Tanzer. She responded with a voice as rigid as her expression.

In response to that, Subaru shrugged.

“No, I don’t assume that. After all, you barely ever smile.”

“That’s not the issue…”

“I understand perfectly. But please grant me some leeway.”

“If that is your desire, there are plenty of methods you could take. Just say that her strength is for the Volakia Empire, and in turn, to save Lady Yorna.”

With a firm set of lips, Tanzer urged Subaru.

Regardless of the reliability of the ‘stargazer’s’ prophesies, with Spica’s existence, this fight is indispensable, and pressing that could leave Tanzer no choice but to agree.

But that was something Subaru hated.

“You might be able to manipulate Tanzer with that underhanded method, but I don’t want to do that. I don’t want to use a sneaky method against anyone, especially not you.”

“—If that’s the case, it seems it would be impossible for Lord Schwarz.”

Tanzer, crossing her skinny arms, finally averted her gaze from Subaru.

With that gesture and her words, faced by a coward, Subaru let out a long breath.

What Subaru wishes to do has always been on a pathway that only injures those who care for him.

“So? How did the sneaky and cowardly Balus maneuver out there?”

At Ram’s statement, Subaru couldn’t help but chuckle.

Because Ram doesn’t let his self-deprecation spiral into solipsism, he appreciated her kindness. Truly, it would have been great if he could have navigated things well.

“I’m not doing it properly. There was always the option to redo it until I could do it right…”

For example, at Gladiator Island, Subaru could have done so without hesitation.

When he was about to tread onto a wrong path, he only needed to try again, repeat that trial and error to recover.

“But now that I’ve reunited with everyone, I don’t want to go down that route.”

As he said that, Subaru felt the texture of the hidden poison pouch stuck in the back of his molars that had been simmering for a long time and closed his eyes.

Even if he ever had to rely on that method again, it shouldn’t be to avoid the mistakes in human relationships.

It’s because he has firmly resolved that—

“—Otto hit me so hard.”

Subaru needed to realize what sacrifices his chosen path would demand and resolve not to repeat that behavior again.

△▼△▼△▼△

“Otto, show me your hand since I’m going to heal it.”

At those words, Otto looked up into the face of Garfiel who stood directly in front of him.

This rough-looking boy, contrary to his appearance, was incredibly delicate inside. He was particularly sensitive and kind-hearted, truly befitting a member of Emilia’s faction.

To Garfiel’s offer, Otto shook his head.

“No need to worry. It’s not so serious…”

“Otto, that’s so unlike you.”

“—”

“It’s not that I never think or ponder, you know. So I can somewhat understand Otto’s feelings, but—”

Garfiel scratched his head, slightly squinting an eye. Then, he gestured with his chin towards Otto’s hand.

The wound on that pained, bruised right hand was visible.

For a moment, Otto shifted his body, trying to hide the hand from sight, but to do so in front of a skillful officer like Garfiel was foolish, and above all—

“Is it your wish to go into a significant battle with a hand you didn’t even bother to treat?”

“…That puts me in quite the predicament.”

Otto forced a smirk in response to such a valid point, reluctantly holding out his right hand.

The blue-black swelling of his fist throbbed painfully, and from the twenty-plus years Otto had lived, he could feel—his knuckles were probably broken.

More so, the mere thought of it intensified the pain. It felt broken even if it wasn’t broken.

“It feels like ‘the most insecure guy from Domus has met an untimely end.'”

“You meant to convey that a timid person usually finds a way to mess up on the battlefield?”

“Well, Otto, you’re completely unrelated to being timid.”

Saying this, Garfiel gently placed his hand on Otto’s, cast healing magic, and in just a few seconds, the pain in Otto’s fist began to wane, akin to being warmed by gentle water.

“Since it’s freshly healed, if you’re going to hit something next, please do it with your left hand.”

“I don’t want to end up with broken bones in both hands. Let’s leave hitting to Garfiel next time.”

“If I do it, it’ll leave a massive hole! It’s only because of your strength that it’s less damaging!”

Garfiel scoffed, looking around and then directing his gaze toward the wall of the passenger car.

Just as he stated, there was a slight dent and cracks in the wall. That damage was caused by Otto’s fist, and the height of that fist stood—

“—Right at the height of our little commander’s head.”

“Lucky for Natsuki, he’s reduced in size. If I had punched the full-sized Natsuki, any excuse I came up with would have made me the bad guy.”

“That’s not true; if the commander was bigger, I would’ve probably had my turn after you!”

Garfiel let out a laugh that shook his throat, playfully rolling his head in response to Otto’s quip.

Otto couldn’t help but smile at Garfiel’s behavior, and then he began to scratch at his own head with the recently healed right hand.

The right hand that had only just healed was still tender if used rashly. But the pain was somewhat relieving.

“Even if it’s a simple approach, pain serves as a medicine… Was it really the right move to avoid punching Natsuki, even if he’s tiny?”

“So, shall we go punch him together right now?”

“No way! If we did, I’d end up seeing something I don’t want to see.”

Garfiel, trying to provide some comfort, let out a disappointed sound at Otto’s reply, momentarily speechless.

Though it hadn’t been intended, Otto reflected on whether it had become an outlet for his own frustration. —No, was that really the case?

Was he so certain Garfiel, who he believed would never bite back at him, would offer such blunt words?

“…I don’t like it.”

Otto muttered, hitting his own forehead firmly with his right hand.

Both the forehead that was struck and the hand that struck resonated with the pain of bone.

—Currently, Subaru should be facing ‘Lui’ and talking in the guest room where Ram and Rem are waiting.

The conversation that was about to happen there was one that Otto dreaded from the bottom of his heart; it was a situation where he could categorically say he did not want to be present.

Emilia and Beatrice were more concerned about Subaru himself than the flow of conversation and followed along. Whether or not they’d enter the guest room, he could vividly imagine them in suspense, waiting for a conclusion.

However, considering the conditions—

“—”

The awkward-faced Garfiel had remained behind, likely because he was worried about Otto.

Both Emilia and Garfiel had succeeded in making Otto feel sour inside.

—Otto’s opinion on the Archbishop of Gluttony, Lui Arnebe, had consistently been that he should be eliminated by any means necessary.

Since he believed it should be that way, he was acutely aware of a fact he hadn’t conveyed to Emilia and the others.

It was the fact that since their meeting in Castle City Gwararu, he hadn’t once heard malicious intent from the girl who could not speak the name ‘Lui’—not a single word of ill will.

—Otto’s ‘Words of Protection’ allowed him to communicate with any living creature. He wielded it predominantly to converse with earth dragons and insects in exchange for information but could also talk to infants if he so wished.

During rough times in the merchant life, he had once taken care of the influential landowner’s baby to earn travel expenses.

Though a baby’s voice lacked words, the intentions behind them were understandable.

Like that, Otto had grasped the intent hidden in the voiceless sounds from ‘Lui.’ And within that intent, there was no malice toward others, and there was an abundance of affection towards Subaru and Rem.

That’s why Otto kept that fact under wraps and never divulged it to Emilia and the others.

As long as there were suspicions, it would help Emilia and the others avoid getting too close to ‘Lui.’

Once those suspicions were cleared, it went without saying they would demonstrate whatever attitude they felt like toward ‘Lui.’

To ensure that—

“—Otto-kun and Garf-kun, mind if I cut in?”

“—”

With a light knock, Anastasia peered in through the guest room’s door.

Beside her stood Julius, who was also donned in a formal outfit. Upon seeing their appearance, Otto tightened his expression and nodded.

“Since it seems it’ll take a little longer over there, I thought it might be better not to keep too many waiting, so I came back. I was worried about your hand too…”

“You don’t need to worry about me; I managed to get Garfiel to heal it. More importantly—”

“Huh?”

“Being called Garf-kun by you is really unsettling.”

With his nose scrunched up, Garfiel made that complaint. Anastasia widened her eyes in surprise. Then she smiled and said, “Sorry, sorry.”

“See, Mimi keeps calling Garf, Garf, so I inadvertently got used to calling you Garf-kun. Is that not okay?”

“That’s not something you need to say…”

“Garfiel, you don’t have to worry.”

Stubbornly insisting against Anastasia, Otto gently shook his head.

With Anastasia entering the room, Garfiel repositioned himself to put Otto behind him. —To be exact, it was not because of Anastasia.

“—”

The reason was Julius, who stood beside Anastasia.

The moment Julius made his presence known in the guest room, Garfiel also sensed a shift in Otto’s atmosphere. That was why Garfiel’s consideration made Otto nod in understanding.

Then, he stood shoulder to shoulder with his younger companion and showed his right hand to Anastasia and the others.

“As Garfiel said, my hand has already been treated.”

“Oh, that’s good then. I was worried that if it was worse, I would have to ask Julius to heal it.”

Sticking out her tongue, Anastasia casually declared that. She seemed to believe Otto would struggle to refuse if she, of all people, suggested it.

Otto and Garfiel might have developed deeper friendships with Subaru, Emilia, and the others while they were away in the Augria Sand Dunes—but—

“Unlike them, I clearly remember that you two are my enemies.”

“—Oh? Is that so? Of course, I don’t dislike Emilia and the others… but if you didn’t respond like that, I wouldn’t feel motivated.”

With her gaze sharpened, Anastasia replied with a gentle smile. Her expression and tone were soft, but the light in her azure eyes was solid, causing Otto to acknowledge that.

Even though she had come all the way past borders into the Volakia Empire, Anastasia had clearly drawn the line as an ally. That was precisely why she joined this Dragon Carriage, which involved Kararagi.

In that regard, the problem does not lie with Anastasia but rather with—

“Knight Julius.”

“Earlier, I made an excessive statement. I wish to apologize.”

“Apologize, you say?”

Otto let out a breath upon hearing the strong, serious voice calling out to him.

That excessive statement must have referred to the previous exchange where he spoke about the treatment of the Archbishop of Gluttony.

Julius must have merely been exercising his right to express his thoughts.

It should have been the words of Julius himself that infuriated Otto at that moment.

“Are you suggesting you reconsider? Finally acknowledging that you were an outsider?”

“No, I’m involved as a party that has suffered from the Archbishop of Gluttony’s powers… A brother of mine who cannot reflect on his memories exists, so I don’t consider myself an outsider.”

“…In that case, what exactly were you apologizing for?”

With a low voice, Otto furrowed his brow and asked.

Despite his apology, Julius didn’t seem inclined to change his stance on the issue that irritated Otto.

He couldn’t think of other reasons why Julius may want to apologize.

As Otto pondered this, Julius continued speaking.

His yellow eyes held a sincere apology and a kind of trust towards Otto as he expressed himself.

“Lord Otto, I apologize for stealing your role.”

“—”

“I could see from your reaction. Even if I hadn’t brought it up at that moment, the same thing would eventually have been said from your mouth. Yet, I took it upon myself to speak on the matter based solely on the reason that I was directly affected by the Archbishop of Gluttony, and thus deprived you, the chamberlain of our faction, of your role. Hence—”

At that point, Julius paused, deeply bowing his head.

Then, as he tilted his lavender hair towards Otto, he said—

“I sincerely apologize. I’m truly sorry.”

A complete and unwavering declaration of apology was served before Otto, prompting him to bite hard on the inside of his cheek.

Had his defense reaction been delayed, he might have almost bitten his lip in front of the one bowing deeply. Though Julius couldn’t see it, Anastasia would have.

That was something he absolutely had to avoid.

“You want to say that Julius wishes to apologize for that? So, if Otto’s hand wasn’t healed, that would be the easiest moment for him to bring it up, huh?”

“…I see. That was indeed somewhat wrong.”

“Okay. But know that, even without a cause, my knight can properly express his apologies no matter what.”

As Otto and Julius engaged in their exchange, despite being the main parties, Anastasia and Garfiel were casually laughing with each other. Meanwhile, Julius remained with his head bowed, and Otto realized belatedly that he was expected to respond.

If Otto didn’t say something, this apology would never conclude.

“…Please raise your head.”

Slowly and cautiously, Otto finally uttered those words.

In response, Julius also gradually lifted his previously lowered head. The knight in formal attire, with a scar beneath his left eye, looked at Otto, prompting a sigh from him.

And then—

“I don’t doubt that what you said came with no malice and that you intended to help Natsuki. However, you remain an enemy. That has not changed.”

“Lord Otto…”

“I am not a knight, so there won’t be any sword-fighting opportunities. You aren’t a merchant or a civil official, so there won’t be moments for exchanging words. —Regardless, as an enemy for both swords and words, you are my adversary, and I am yours.”

Otto clenched his fist tightly, despite the pain it brought, and declared these words to Julius.

In response to Otto’s declaration, Julius was visibly taken aback. His reaction wasn’t one of shock or surprise; it was aimed at an opponent he never saw as an enemy, leaving at least some measure of Otto’s dignity intact in this situation.

“Lady Anastasia, let me preface this by saying… regardless of Natsuki’s or Emilia’s will, there are reasons to utilize the Archbishop of Sin within the Empire. If anyone is going to bear the brunt of the blame for its existence, it should fall onto the Empire itself.”

“—I have no objections to that. For that very reason, I can’t just claim that I’ll try to embrace it as my cards. It may well happen, but—”

Turning around and providing such polished logic to Otto, Anastasia narrowed her eyes slightly.

As she caressed her white fox fur coat, her gaze turned in another direction—presumably towards the passenger car where Subaru and the others were.

“Regardless of whatever plan it may be, once you allow the Archbishop of Sin to be involved, right from that point, it’s natural to receive displeased expressions from those around you. This applies not only to the Empire but also to Emilia and the others. It’s a topic we simply cannot present to the world.”

“—If you understand that, then that’s great.”

Nodding in response to Anastasia’s answer, Otto relaxed his shoulders slightly.

When it comes to the Archbishop of Sin, there’s no circumstance under which it would be greeted positively. That principle is a fixed truth in this world.

Regardless of what kind of words the victim Julius might express, or the path of forgiveness that kind Emilia might demonstrate, or whatever desires Subaru with his reckless innocence may wish for, it’s still the same.

Thus, they must confront each other.

With knives placed at each other’s throats, they are simultaneously holding their fatal points.

“—Excuse me, but I must take care of something for a moment. I will take my leave now.”

After confirming that shared understanding, Otto suddenly spoke.

Upon hearing this, Anastasia tilted her head, “Is that so?” Julius beside her chewed on Otto’s preceding declaration and solemnly straightened his surprise, but Otto quickly turned his back to avoid looking.

“Brother! I too…”

“Garfiel.”

“Yeah?”

“Just leave it to me; I can manage alone.”

With quick steps, Otto attempted to exit the guest room. He restrained Garfiel, who tried to follow him, and spoke in a manner that suggested he needed to be alone.

It was not purely that he was fine alone, but rather a plea for solitude. And the kind-hearted younger sibling willingly accepted that request, nodding as he let Otto go.

“—”

Quietly, Otto closed the door to the guest room and began walking away, leaving Garfiel, Anastasia, and Julius behind. He was concerned about what conversation they might have, but he had no room to be protective.

He wasn’t running, but he felt as though he wanted to run, for his heart was far from calm.

“The role I held has been taken from me…?”

The words of apology from Julius echoed in his mind, causing him to bite his molars.

Being able to apologize is undeniably a trait befitting of Julius, the knight of Anastasia—sincere and earnest. Yet, such a carefree sentiment didn’t surface.

Otto was filled instead with a bitter emotion against Julius’s misinterpretation.

Julius held a significant misconception.

Otto was certain that if Julius hadn’t spoken in that moment, he would never have brought up anything that could create a hole in Subaru’s plight.

Indeed, it was false to state that he hadn’t had thoughts aligning with Julius; however, he could unequivocally assert that he would never have uttered those words—would never have voiced what should not be said.

It wasn’t because he had his role taken away that he had raged at that moment.

It was because Julius said the very thing that should never be said—no, the thing he didn’t want to be said. That was the cause of his anger towards Julius. And it seemed that Julius didn’t understand that.

The fact that he had come to such a misunderstanding meant—

“No wonder they’re a pair of similar fools.”

Deep down, it indicated that Julius, like Subaru, held onto a kind of idealism.

Believing in the fundamental goodness of humanity. However, it wasn’t derived from naivety nor ignorance of the harsh realities. Even while aware of that reality, they continued to espouse such notions.

It was the same way Natsuki Subaru and Emilia walked in the light.

“—”

“—Otto-kun, that won’t do.”

Suddenly, Otto felt someone grab his arm, bringing him back to reality.

Turning to see who it was, he realized he had unknowingly raised his arm, and someone from behind had stopped him before it could strike the wall.

Otto was likely trying to smash his arm against the wall in a moment of emotionality, that very same arm that Garfiel had just healed.

“Is that Garfiel’s healing magic I feel? If you break it again so soon after just healing it, that would put you in quite the uncomfortable situation.”

“…I admit I’m being foolish, so could you let go?”

A low voice unintentionally emerged, surprising him slightly, but the other party—who seemed accustomed to it—didn’t linger on Otto’s reaction. Instead, they released his hand.

Standing there was none other than the very person Otto was never keen on encountering—Roswaal.

While Otto generally detested encounters like this, today was particularly unwelcome.

“That face of yours suggests you’d rather not converse with me at all?”

“It speaks volumes if you managed to approach me despite that, then Baron, you’re quite persistent.”

“Your biting wit seems to be lacking today; it seems I’ve gotten to you more than I thought.”

“—”

Naturally, Roswaal had participated in the earlier discussions within the guest room.

He knew very well that Otto had been furious at that moment and held strong opinions regarding the treatment of the Archbishop of Sin.

Being aware of Otto’s outburst, his current demeanor is glaringly clear; he intends to provoke Otto.

Should he act otherwise, then he would surely display an utter lack of social understanding.

“You must understand too, Baron, that I currently have no spare energy to engage further. If you do not wish to be bitten by the rodents I’ve bribed, do tread lightly while you provoke me.”

“If it comes to me being bitten by rodents, then it’ll be your doing, huh? I appreciate that enlightening bit of information… Though I genuinely worry about you, you know.”

“…Me?”

Otto inquired curiously.

In response to his suspicion, Roswaal nodded.

Understanding his reaction, Otto realized Roswaal was merely trying to annoy him from a new angle. This behavior, especially during a tense time, was seriously vexatious.

“What are your thoughts then, Baron?”

“As for myself? Like you, I have no problem if the Empire crumbles into dust.”

“—”

“Oh? Was that not it? The Archbishop of Sin is nothing but a poison that cannot be transformed into a cure. It would be better if the Empire perished instead of trying to find ways of utilizing such a toxin. As you suggested, you can abandon those who feel guilty and simply take back those you hold dear.”

Roswaal dramatically shrugged, making it seem as if this was a brilliant idea, placing Otto in a deeply unsettling mood as he visualized the implications.

He crafted a facade of camaraderie while deflecting Otto’s methods, perfectly showcasing Roswaal’s malice.

At the same time, Otto found himself sickened by the realization that he found this a more reasonable idea than he wished to admit.

Such burgeoning self-loathing set off alarm bells for Otto as Roswaal regarded him.

“Let me convey this: I believe you are doing enough.”

“…Without the makeup, your venomous tongue also dulls. It almost sounds as if you’re attempting to support me.”

“Lacking talent in empathy, I would never aim to offer that. In any case, you’re doing plenty, but… there’s also the matter of how you try every which way.”

“—Try every which way?”

Otto reacted to the strangely unconvincing wording, raising his eyebrows slightly.

Seeing Otto’s pondering expression, Roswaal nodded deeply in response. He placed his thin chin against his palm and closed his mismatched eyes, the blue shining in a manner that seemed earnest.

“This might be the perfect example. Generally speaking, things that Natsuki-kun or Emilia-sama want happen smoothly. Everyone gathers around to organize matters so that it can be successfully achieved.”

“What are you talking about?”

Suddenly, Roswaal launched such assertions, leading Otto to furrow his brow.

Claims that whatever Natsuki or Emilia wished for could easily become reality were absurd at best. If that were true, Emilia would have already been a queen by now, and Natsuki would have been living happily.

Given that it hadn’t come true, it indicated the opposite.

“Are you mocking me? Or worse, mocking Natsuki and Emilia?”

“Neither! I’m only regarding you with sympathy. Having made the journey from Lugnica to Volakia, it was your family’s contributions that paved the way. Therefore, out of gratitude, I wish to give you such counsel.”

“—”

“You are falling victim to the allure of becoming overly involved, disagreeing with Natsuki and Emilia. That toxicity might gradually eat away at you until it ultimately kills you. You are a rare talent, after all.”

In a calm, soothing tone, Roswaal continued speaking.

That facade of a buffoon had vanished; in its place was a sincere, heartfelt plea aimed directly at Otto Suwen.

With Roswaal’s demeanor and words, Otto fell silent, a realization dawning upon him.

The true intentions behind Roswaal L. Meiastars.

“Baron, I grasp your message. However, I cannot heed your advice.”

“Hmm…”

Roswaal squinted slightly, releasing a sigh laced with concern before attempting to delve into the reasoning behind Otto’s refusal.

“I understand. —You want me out of the picture. You know I haven’t forgiven your manipulations, and I suspect you still have some scheme up your sleeve.”

“…Oh?”

“Therefore, you must have been waiting for me to be filled with discontent to approach me. Perhaps you thought of it as the perfect opportunity to find a reason to remove me, but that would be a grand mistake.”

Indeed, Roswaal’s assessment was spot-on.

That earlier discussion represented one of the largest agitations Otto had felt since joining Emilia’s faction. Before becoming part of the faction, Otto had reached a boiling point where he was willing to strike Subaru, yet, this moment equaled that eruption entirely.

“However, thinking I’d throw in the towel is a monumental misunderstanding.”

“Otto-kun…”

“What truly was that rambling about? That Natsuki and Emilia’s wishes are fulfilled? Don’t spout nonsense like that. They haven’t easily achieved anything; Garfiel, Beatrice, Ram, Petra, Frederica, Patrasche—they’ve all been fighting with everything they have to reach this point.”

That was beyond absurdity, leaving Otto with nothing but rage against Roswaal.

The essence of Roswaal’s earlier assertion was that since anything Natsuki and Emilia wanted could be realized, there was no need for Otto to tire himself out worrying about it. It was collected, and regardless of his defiance, his presence could eventually be rendered insignificant.

Yet—

“That is entirely the opposite.”

“—”

“The range of people you mentioned, suggesting that others will achieve those things as a collective—is a misunderstanding that could only make sense to you. —At least to me, if I were to ally with every whim Natsuki has, if I help shape everything he desires into reality…”

“That’s not something I could ever believe; the idea that I’m capable of something so grand is just absurd.”

“Unlike Beatrice or Garfiel, I can’t offer strong support.”

“Nor can I claim the indispensable presence like Ram or Frederica, or Petra.”

“I can’t grant the power to bring every wish to fruition. My very reason for being lies within those moments when Natsuki or Emilia wish for something and become silent about it—those moments mark the end of my relevance.”

“—”

“Unfortunately, Baron, things will not go as you desire.”

Gazing firmly into Roswaal’s eyes, Otto declared.

Never before had he launched such a barrage at Roswaal in one breath.

Of course, it hasn’t been said before, but there had always been an electrifying tension embedded in the air between Otto and Roswaal.

For this reason, it was no wonder that Roswaal would seize any opportunity to eliminate Otto as an obstacle, positioning himself for better maneuverability.

But Otto was unyielding. At least not under a flimsy rationale like today.

“My place is firmly decided. I can’t walk in the way of light, but that’s perfectly fine.”

“—”

“That was a foolish move, Baron. You would have been better off avoiding me.”

But while he might want to state that his conclusion hadn’t changed, there was something he wanted to also say.

However, reaching that conclusion should have taken more time, more wavering. Yet, due to Roswaal’s zeal, it had been propelled hastily, resulting in a conclusion Otto wished to avoid.

While Otto arranged his thoughts, Roswaal’s expression was deep as he thoughtfully weighed what Otto just stated.

“Aha, I found you, Otto!”

With a pattering of tiny footsteps, he heard a high-pitched voice call for him and promptly turned.

Spotting Petra running toward him with her hand waving, Otto met her eyes.

“Young lady Petra… or rather, Petra-chan.”

In an instinctive tightness of his role, Otto raised his hand to his mouth to correct himself. As Petra, reaching his side, caught her breath, she asked with concern.

“Otto-san, is your hand alright? I heard you banged it pretty hard against the wall…”

“I hear that from everyone. Luckily, Garfiel healed it, so I’m okay. I’m sorry for making you worry.”

“Not at all; as long as you’re alright, that suffices. But… what’s the lord doing?”

A bitter smile crept onto Otto’s face as he showed Petra his now-healthy hand. Relieved, Petra quickly readjusted her expression, directing a fierce glare towards Roswaal.

At that gaze, Roswaal weakly shook his head and murmured, “No.”

“I’ve been reflecting on my habitual actions, you see.”

“The lord? You say you reflect, but it doesn’t feel like it carries any weight.”

“Ouch.”

Otto believed he had thoroughly cornered Roswaal, yet Petra’s sharpness outdid him entirely.

Truth be told, Roswaal looked weary, but suddenly, Petra remembered something and exclaimed.

“Oh! I just recalled! Not only about your hand, but I also heard. You were talking about Little Lui not so long ago, and that…”

“Ah, yes. If that’s the case, sorry to—”

“I’ve taken the liberty to slap Subaru for you!”

“—”

With a tiny fist, Petra confidently thrust it forward as she declared that.

Flitting between the outstretched fist and Petra’s spirited face, Otto blinked in astonishment.

In response to Otto’s bewilderment, Petra huffed up her tiny chest.

“I heard you were enduring it. I felt bad about hitting little Subaru, so I thought I’d handle it for you!”

Opening her clenched fist, Petra showed her palm. Otto stared at her, momentarily speechless.

But it didn’t last long.

“Haha, ahahaha!”

He could withstand the awkwardness of Julius apologizing.

Or endure the frustration of being bombarded by Roswaal.

But he absolutely could not maintain his composure in the face of Petra’s refreshing words.

While laughter might not resolve anything, the issue remained unsolved; Otto continued to oppose Subaru’s views.

Even so, he would uphold his stance and insist that it was wrong for Subaru to find satisfaction in his chosen path—that was the reason for his existence.

He would never yield.

“Petra-chan.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

With those words, Otto placed his palm against Petra’s outstretched hand.

With a light smack, Petra responded, “You’re welcome!” with a beaming smile.