As they were seen off by the coachman and entered the mansion’s entrance lobby, they were greeted by—

“Welcome back, Emilia-sama”

It was Rem, bowing with her emotionless expression and an absence of warmth in her voice.

Her expression as she lifted her head was one I hadn’t seen in quite a while. Recently, especially in front of Subaru, she had been showing a lot of smiles (one might even call it a smug face), indicating that she wore a mask of outward cheerfulness.

Ignoring the fact that Subaru had returned with her, she only spoke to Emilia as evidence of that.

“I’m home. Sorry for being away from the mansion. — It seems we have guests?”

“A messenger from the Royal Capital has arrived. Lord Roswaal is currently meeting with him; may I ask for your presence as well?”

“Of course. I can’t just stay on the sidelines when it’s my issue.”

Nodding in response to Rem’s inquiry, Emilia headed towards the staircase leading to the upper floor. Before she reached the stairs, she turned back to Subaru, who looked slightly lost.

“Uh… so what are you going to do, Subaru? Can you actually make it back to your room by yourself?”

“Am I a child? I mean, I can’t just go with you…”

Subaru said, his tension visibly easing as he tilted his head slightly at Emilia. However, it wasn’t Emilia’s troubled expression that interrupted him, but rather—

“Lady Rem will be accompanied by her sister. There’s no need for any more servants to enter. Understand, Subaru-kun?”

“Ugh…”

Subaru choked on his words, unable to argue against Rem’s firm decree.

With Subaru at a loss for words, Emilia raised one hand and said, “So, I’m sorry about this. Rem, please guide him.”

“Yes. Subaru-kun, please return to your room.”

After apologizing, Emilia didn’t look back at Subaru again. As Rem finished him off with a final comment, Emilia’s silver hair swayed as she disappeared up the stairs.

“Ugh, damn it, this is so boring.”

As soon as the two disappeared from view, a sigh mixed with frustration escaped his lips.

He was being left behind—physically and mentally.

“I mean, it’s true that it’s pointless for a guy with my lame knowledge of the other world to even be here, but still…”

It had already been two weeks since he came to the mansion (about a month and a half in perceived time), and all Subaru had learned was some basic household chores and how to read and write. In other words, his skill level was on par with village children helping out at home.

With such power, dreaming of getting involved in the affairs of nobility—or even taking part in defining the apex of an entire nation—was a bit too lofty. He was well aware of his own limitations.

Thus, he accepted being left behind. It wasn’t that he didn’t feel dissatisfied, but…

“Still, I’m not going to just go back to my room and sulk.”

If he followed Rem and Emilia’s advice, the best course of action would be to return to his room and take another nap or review last night’s writing practice. Alternatively, as a second-best option, it wouldn’t be bad to go complain to that indoor girl who was holed up somewhere in the mansion.

It wouldn’t be bad, but there had to be more he could do.

“That settles it! First stop, the kitchen!”

Formulating a course of action, Subaru’s feet began to move with a mischievous grin.

He headed straight to the kitchen—starting with pouring some warm tea.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

“Staying outside all this time must be boring, wouldn’t you agree? How about a smoke break?”

The old man sitting on the driver’s bench looked down at Subaru, who had just returned with a tray, his eyes widening in surprise.

Once again, they were outside the mansion, right next to the dragon carriage parked at the front gate.

While still slightly intimidated by the unfamiliar giant lizard, Subaru offered the tea with a half-smirk as he looked up at the surprised old gentleman.

“My apologies. I was a bit taken aback. No intention of being rude.”

Recovering from his initial shock, the old gentleman gracefully jumped down from the driver’s seat. The sound of his landing was barely audible, and Subaru held his breath in slight awe.

The driver’s bench was high enough that it would take some serious effort to jump down without feeling some strain on one’s legs.

Yet contrary to Subaru’s assumptions, the old man walked unfazed and, while elegantly bowing before Subaru and the offered tray, said—

“Allow me to indulge. I must admit, I was a bit parched.”

“Uh, thanks! I didn’t know your preference, so I just went with the most expensive tea.”

As Subaru presented the tray, the old man smiled gently. Subaru observed him closely, noting the wrinkles forming at the corners of his mouth was an indicator of age.

The gentleman stood a bit taller than Subaru, with a luxurious shock of completely white hair, untouched by time. His attire was far too formal for a coachman, consisting of an elegant black suit. His posture was immaculate, and it was clear from the way he moved that his physique was no ordinary elderly man.

In short, he was a gentleman who unconsciously instilled a sense of tension merely standing in front of Subaru.

“My understanding of older individuals in this fantasy world has been completely upended. Farewell, Old Man Rom. But honestly, I’ve never seen you in action.”

Despite having a deep, potentially intriguing background, Old Man Rom took leave without a highlight of his presence.

While Subaru had no updates on Rom’s fate, he did wonder if he could be in a more unfortunate state after striking his head too hard. That was the only thing slightly concerning him.

“—Just an old bone. No need for you to be wary.”

While Subaru pondered such things, a gentle voice suddenly reached him.

After accepting the cup, the old gentleman took a sip before speaking up. Subaru realized he had been staring and felt a bit embarrassed as the man laughed lightly.

“This is quite flavorful. I assume it’s quite a luxurious brew…”

“No exaggeration; it’s truly the highest-grade tea! If they find out it was taken without permission, the pink-haired maid will definitely be furious.”

While looking quite rough around the edges, Ram surprisingly had quite the discerning palate when it came to tea leaves.

If she knew he had misused the highest quality leaves marked “strictly prohibited,” he could expect quite the lecture. However, in Subaru’s case—

“Maybe I can get away with saying I didn’t take the tea leaves from the kitchen— that I brewed it inside and brought it out with my own little logic.”

“Hmm, quite the strategist, aren’t you?”

“Unfortunately, whether this rationale reaches the other party is entirely left to luck.”

Also, it was a gamble he was about seventy percent sure he’d lose. Even the thought of trying seemed far-fetched.

But believing it was worth the risk was the very reason he bothered engaging in this tea conversation.

The old man took another sip, releasing a contemplative sigh.

“Now, with this tea as bait, what is it you seek from this old bone?”

With one eye closed, he questioned Subaru, as if trying to gauge him.

Feeling slightly dropped in spirit, Subaru sighed in return.

“Uhm… some of the people I met have been tougher to deal with than you, especially Roswaal.”

“To be treated in the same light as Baron Meisars is quite an honor.”

“So basically, being treated like a pervert! I was kinda prepared to get yelled at for saying that.”

His cool demeanor washed over the old man’s sharp response, leaving Subaru feeling slightly deflated. The old man was experienced enough that he seemed unlikely to lose to someone like Subaru, who lacked a wealth of life experiences.

In that case, all Subaru could do was concede.

“I surrender. —My name is Natsuki Subaru! I’m currently an apprentice servant here at Roswaal’s Mansion. At the very least, may I know your name?”

Recognizing his youth, he pleaded for the mercy of an elder.

With a slight softening of expression, the old gentleman replied, “No need for such formality. I am Wilhelm. I serve the Karsten House and carry out duties here.”

Having rolled Wilhelm’s name around on his tongue, Subaru said, “Thank you for sharing your name! And while we’re at it, could you go into the reason for today’s visit? …Or at least the content?”

“That matter should be in discussion right now, with the messenger inside.”

“That’s true, but they treated me as if I was completely banned from participating. It wouldn’t be very entertaining for me to miss this event.”

Subaru understood that he wasn’t dealing with someone who would easily open up. However, he was known for diving headfirst into people’s personal matters, having had enough experiences of isolation to grasp others’ feelings.

For a moment, Wilhelm faltered at Subaru’s audacious attitude, then said, “You dare step forward, knowing the odds against you. You lay bare your thoughts without batting an eye. —An attribute that might earn you some dissatisfaction from the right opponent.”

Though seemingly harsh, Wilhelm’s expression remained gentle. If the context of his words held true, Subaru’s behavior, which he appreciated, clearly didn’t sit well with Wilhelm.

In that case, Subaru raised his head.

“Doesn’t even scratching the surface work?”

“I cannot speak carelessly about matters I do not know regarding your position in the mansion. Please understand.”

Even faced with Subaru’s rather rude demeanor, Wilhelm responded politely. Subaru felt he was simply outmatched when it came to negotiating with someone that steadfast.

At that point, he was feeling more and more like he was going to be scolded by Ram for simply producing expensive tea.

Just then, Wilhelm commented, “It seems you are rather close with Emilia-sama, a candidate for the Royal Selection based on what I’ve seen earlier.”

“W-wait, wait. You saw us getting all blushy and lovey-dovey together?”

“‘Tan’…?”

While taken aback by the particularity of his address, Wilhelm couldn’t help but chuckle at Subaru’s cash register attitude.

“You walk quite the treacherous road. Keep in mind, she may very well become the next queen of Lugnica.”

“Right now, she’s just an incredibly cute girl and I’m just a dull servant. Discussing possibilities of the future leads nowhere, you know? Anyway, Wilhelm, is it possible you didn’t marry the world’s most beautiful woman because you thought she might leave you?”

“My wife—”

Interjected by Subaru’s absurd pronouncement, Wilhelm stumbled for just a moment.

However, subsequently, a newfound admiration glimmered in his eyes as he gazed at Subaru.

“I see. You are correct. I too believed my wife was the most beautiful. It felt as though everyone was captivated by her. To think otherwise was simply unthinkable.”

“Exactly! If I’m going to have someone that precious, then I’d make absolutely sure they’d stay with me, no matter what. I’d keep them within my reach so we could achieve a mutual fit.”

Lately, Subaru had been picturing the possibilities of his own romantic pursuit in just that manner.

The reason his sincerity didn’t quite pass through to Emilia’s heart was likely due to what he still lacked to bridge that gap.

So now, he was determined to become someone worthy of standing by her side.

“And because of that, I want to be involved in Emilia-chan’s affairs. She’s been living ahead of me and if I let my guard down, I’m left running to keep up— I’ll certainly need to use every shortcut available.”

“You sure are an interesting character. Quite alluring,” Wilhelm noted with interest. “But if you seek something beyond my means, I might struggle a bit.”

Feeling just a tad repentant, Wilhelm shook his head.

“I am simply a coachman. I am not privy to the details of the situation. Unfortunately, I may not be of much help to you.”

“Is that so? Since you were aware of Emilia-chan’s identity when she was hooded, I’d find it hard to believe you really are just a coachman.”

“—”

Subaru’s casual tone provoked a sudden silence from Wilhelm.

While Subaru watched, he raised a single finger.

“Look, if people are approaching the mansion, you might make some guesses. But you identified Emilia-chan instantly.”

“You may have met Emilia-sama before?”

“They would certainly have introduced her to me if it were true. Considering Emilia-chan’s eagerness to share, it’s simply hard to believe she’d not introduce someone familiar to me. Besides, judging the hooded Emilia-chan as Emilia-chan means your setup of being just a coachman doesn’t quite hold up.”

Forcing him to explain without uttering a word, Subaru waved his hands defensively.

“Now, Emilia-chan’s robe is apparently woven with some complex magical runes that obstruct recognition. Unless you’re someone she allows, or someone who can overcome that effect, you won’t see her.”

She had worn that robe when he met her for the first time in the Royal Capital.

Now, Subaru could vaguely grasp that the reason for her disguise likely stemmed from the potential troubles tied to her background—specifically, that she was a half-elf.

He could feel, to an extent, how harsh the world could be for someone like her who bore such a mark.

While Subaru contemplated this, Wilhelm sank into contemplation, seemingly accepting the point.

With a resigned shake of his head, he muttered, “To think you were measuring me from the very start. You really are a bit devious.”

“Not that clever, to be honest. While I was at the mansion brewing tea, it just clicked in my mind, you know? Pure coincidence.”

Still, the fact that he could grasp this much was all thanks to his own intentions to protect Emilia from potential danger.

Given the beast incident, he had painfully learned just how perilous life in this world could be. Showing even a semblance of care towards Emilia was all he could muster for her safety.

And so, he sought to grasp anything and explore matters thoroughly.

Despite his carefree, shallow laughter, Subaru had no intention of letting Wilhelm escape. The moment he accepted the invitation for a brew, this old gentleman had inadvertently been pulled into Subaru’s business.

Completely disregarding his position and imposing nothing but his whims upon him.

“My status may be that of just a coachman, but as it seems, I am indeed connected to the Royal Selection— or rather, it’s more apt to say I’m linked to those involved.”

“A link to those involved…”

Wilhelm found himself cornered, compelled to speak slowly, weighing his next words carefully.

Digesting the content, Subaru mentally broke down the implications.

“Which means you’re in a similar spot to mine?”

“The reason for this distinction is that your interest is not romantic.”

“Well, if you have a wife who’s the world’s most beautiful woman, you wouldn’t even consider straying; Emilia-chan, in terms of cuteness, holds her own, but…”

“No, my wife surpasses even that in beauty.”

Wilhelm’s straight answer managed to catch Subaru off guard.

Subaru’s expression shifted, and he found himself grinning slightly at Wilhelm, “Surprisingly, you’re quite stubborn about this, Wilhelm-san… You’re unexpectedly playful.”

“If it pleases you to think of it that way, I shall be grateful.”

Despite his age, Wilhelm showed a glimmer of spirited retort, prompting Subaru to spin his brain around for some other, deeper inquiries.

He felt like he could dig deep and perhaps elicit some emotional response from him—if he did so cleverly enough.

“—Looks like we’re out of time.”

“Huh?”

Subaru blurted out in confusion. Wilhelm quickly pressed his lips together and gestured towards the mansion.

As Subaru turned back in the direction he indicated, he noticed the double doors of the mansion swinging open.

“Coming out is Rem and… who is that?”

Emerging through the doors were the familiar blue-haired maid and an unfamiliar figure accompanying her.

Based on the trajectory of their conversation and the demeanor of Wilhelm, it seemed that this newcomer was likely the messenger they had been discussing.

“Tell me about the fantasy vibe…”

Subaru couldn’t help but comment, entranced by the atmospheric presentation of the unexpected messenger.

As the figure registered Subaru’s gaze, she flashed a playful grin and made her way toward him and the dragon carriage.

“Now now, it’s rude to stare so intensely at a beautiful girl!”

Right in front of Subaru, she pointed an elegant finger toward him, winking playfully.

She appeared to be a potential messenger—a girl with chestnut hair cut in a cute, semi-long fashion adorned with lovely features.

Standing a bit taller than most girls, she was nearly on par with Subaru but displayed a delicateness that was effortlessly graceful, with every gesture exuding a certain charm that felt surreal.

Her auburn hair was adorned with a white ribbon, and her bright, curious eyes sparkled like a cat’s, which made her presence utterly charming—until…

“Finally making contact, a non-background character with cat ears!”

“Nya nya?”

In response to Subaru’s muttering, the ears atop her head—just the same color as her hair—vibrated in acknowledgment. In a world filled with subhumans, Subaru had yet to encounter one besides the time he briefly met Emilia in the Royal Capital, and seeing the real deal was mesmerizing.

After all…

“My Mofurist soul craves to touch the being before me… dammit, calm down, my right arm!”

Imagining the fluffy sensation of those cat ears sent Subaru into a dangerous spiral of temptation.

Yet he forced his trembling right arm down, trying desperately to keep a distance between them.

The girl gazed at him quizzically, her innocent expression evident.

“Oh dear, did I scare you? Feli-chan, what a flop!”

She pouted cutely and thumped her forehead with her fist, sticking out her tongue in a teasing manner.

A new wave of shock washed over Subaru at the childish act, utterly freezing him in place.

—She just bumped her head and pulled a tongue-out wink!?

It was all too reminiscent of classic, cliché “kawaii” antics—something rarely seen even in Subaru’s world. Anyone who pulled such a move would have earned a ticket to get smacked down… but—

“When faced with the real thing, I can do nothing!”

The sheer power of her cuteness stole all of Subaru’s willpower to retaliate, and the connotation of her actions layered with a sense of adorable charm made it impossible to respond.

While he shuddered at avoiding the sheer cuteness before him, the girl simply bowed silently, turning back to Wilhelm.

“Gramps, I’m back! Sorry for leaving you waiting outside— I bet you were bored?”

“Not at all! You’ve kept me entertained with your conversation.”

“Huh?”

The old gentleman’s remark made the girl raise an eyebrow while placing her finger on her cheek. The pupils of her cat-like eyes narrowed, and her mouth crinkled into a cute little “ω” shape.

“Ah, I see. So you’re the boy Emilia-sama was talking about.”

With a sweeping gesture that seemed to analyze Subaru from head to toe, the girl snapped her fingers in realization.

In reaction, Subaru instinctively wrapped his arms around himself to protect his modesty, seeking refuge from her wandering gaze.

“Hey, stop that! It’s embarrassing being gawked at just because I’m a guy!”

“Don’t say that, honey. You’ve got a great body under all that fluff. If you weren’t someone else’s, I’d be tempted to give you a taste.”

Returning Subaru’s protest with her own teasing, the girl maintained her playful banter.

Though typically, such bickering with a girl would kick off a flirtatious engagement, this particular moment felt off to Subaru.

“Strange… I feel no motivation for this. What’s going on… something physiological?”

Though not exactly revulsion, Subaru’s instincts hollered with clarity.

He knew instinctively that this mischievous girl was a clear adversary to Natsuki Subaru.

A slug against a snake. A slug against a frog. A frog against a snake. The matchup consistently positioned Subaru to be the weak one against her strength—something he’d picked up on instinctively.

Hence, for the first time in a while, he lacked his usual TPO-driven bravado. Yet contrary to Subaru’s bewilderment, the girl advanced confidently.

Specifically, she extended her arm and gently wrapped it around Subaru’s neck, pulling him closer.

“W-wait, wait!?”

“Stay still. I’m just checking something.”

Since they were nearly the same height, her face was right next to Subaru’s. Her voice whispered enticingly in his ear, sending tingling sensations down his spine.

Subaru’s face flushed red, overwhelmed by the unexpected embrace. His expression quickly turned searching for help, landing on Rem, who stood by the entrance of the mansion.

She showed no signs of emotion, further drained of warmth in a way that was apparent even from a distance.

As Subaru’s mouth floundered open, Rem suddenly raised her hands and began to gesture somewhat agitatedly.

Without any formal understanding between them, Subaru sensed her intentions loud and clear.

“I’ll tell Emilia-sama!”

“Stop!—No!”

In a moment of instant clarity, Subaru quickly pulled away from the girl who clung to him. It wasn’t a violent push, merely a gentle pull at her shoulder. It was Subaru who stumbled back first, landing in a seated position.

Over the course of those brief moments, Subaru grappled with the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, utterly dazed as he dabbed the corner of his eyes with his sleeves.

“Why does this always happen when I have absolutely no intentions… I’m totally devoted to Emilia-chan!”

Mimicking crying while lamenting the situation, Subaru felt an urge from his soul to clinging to some comfort. In that moment, Wilhelm’s gentle hand rested on his shoulder.

“I feel for you.”

Yet the white cloth in Wilhelm’s hand was unmistakably a handkerchief. Subaru accepted it with a muttered “Thanks,” helping himself to rise from his spot.

He was tempted by the soft, comforting gesture of an adult, eliciting an impulse to lean into that warmth— but he quickly quashed that weakness with a firm mental reprimand.

“After all, he has the world’s most beloved wife— now, with my little performance finished, may I inquire what just happened?”

Returning the untouched handkerchief to Wilhelm, Subaru directed his attention back to the girl to ask about her recent actions.

In response, the girl pondered for a moment and shaped her lips thoughtfully.

“—As I told you, the waterflow within you is disturbed. I want to help, but we don’t have time right now.”

Leaving behind a suggestive statement, she self-summarized her potential assistance.

Before Subaru could parse what this meant, she raised her hand towards the sky and said cheerfully, “Alright, let’s hurry back to the lovely Crusch-sama! If we stay away for too long, who knows what she’ll do.”

“—At your command,”

Declining further questions, Wilhelm followed her with a soft, respectful manner.

Before leaving, he gave Subaru a slight nod and turned to drop the empty cup upon the tray that had fallen to the ground.

“Thank you for the meal. Until next time, Subaru-dono, stay well.”

With an effortless leap back onto the driver’s bench, Wilhelm took hold of the reins of the lizard.

As Subaru stood there in a daze, the girl turned to him with her hands raised in a mocking prayer gesture.

“Sorry, but formal introductions are still on hold since I’m busy!”

With a practiced wink, she turned her body toward the dragon carriage. In an attempt to reach out and voice his hundreds of queries, he stretched out his arm.

“Wait! I have so many things I want to ask…”

“You’d be better off asking Emilia-sama directly. So, if fate has it, we’ll meet again in the Royal Capital! Bye now!”

Without waiting for any further queries, she cut off the conversation and disappeared into the carriage with a smile.

Understanding that he had been completely outmaneuvered, Subaru reluctantly retracted his hand. Wilhelm, about to follow suit, said, “Until we meet again,” before the dragon carriage began to roll off.

The body creaked as the wheels started to turn.

As the lizard thrust forward, it made solid ground contact—then quickly gained momentum.

The carriage sped away, racing down the road while kicking up dust clouds, vanishing into the distance in no time.

In the end, what was left behind was a thoroughly defeated Subaru, and only the remnant scent of luxurious tea wafted in the air.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

Meanwhile, within the dragon carriage distancing itself from Roswaal’s Mansion.

“—Did you fulfill your duties as a messenger?”

“Of course! There’s no way Feli-chan would fail a request to Crusch-sama. Gramps worries too much!”

From the driver’s seat, the conversation flowed easily.

While Wilhelm effortlessly guided the dragon lizard, behind him sat the girl with auburn hair, peeking out from the carriage window.

Despite the carriage moving at a considerable speed, the wind’s blessings shielded them, allowing them to converse without any concern over noise.

Perhaps it was an exceptionally suitable setting for secret discussions.

Responding to the girl’s words, Wilhelm offered a wry smile, saying, “That was foolish to be concerned.”

Then the girl retorted with a hint of curiosity, “I was surprised you spoke to someone while waiting. I thought you hated talking to people, Gramps?”

“That’s a gross misunderstanding.”

Immediately denying her words, the girl waved her hands dismissively.

“That’s not it, I’m sorry, sorry. —You just prefer slicing things over chatting.”

“…That’s another vile misconception.”

Wilhelm refrained from further elaboration on the girl’s taunting comments, though her prodding responses left her a bit pouting.

“This is dull. Is the conversation with Feli-chan really less entertaining than that boy’s? Did you really take a liking to him?”

Her tone reminded one of a child vying for parental attention.

In an effort to draw more attention from the impassive Wilhelm, she leaned further out of the window, drawing closer to him.

“Did anything about that boy resonate with you? He looks so ordinary yet has this impressive strength or talent!”

“No. My opinion of him has not changed. He is an amateur— a complete amateur. He possesses no notable talent. There’s no doubt he’s an unremarkable existence.”

“Then why? He’s the type of trash you despise!”

The girl continued attempting to set Wilhelm’s character as if he were an emotionally shattered being. Wilhelm merely smiled gently.

“It’s merely because of his eyes.”

“—Eyes?”

In response to her question, Wilhelm tilted his head slightly and raised his gaze.

“What about those boy’s eyes caught my interest? They’ve journeyed close to death at some point. There are some who return from the brink. But… ”

He paused, closing his eyes in thought.

“I have never encountered anyone who has crossed into the realm of death multiple times and lived to tell the tale. Perhaps, that’s what piqued my curiosity.”

“Hmm, I don’t get it.”

The awe in Wilhelm’s tone was swiftly dispelled by the girl’s casual response.

Once again, Wilhelm couldn’t suppress a wry smile while she proceeded, “But no matter how you interpret it, that boy is sure to navigate a rocky path.”

The girl too seemed to have her own memories, narrowing her eyes while focusing intently on Wilhelm’s back.

“Being favored by the ‘Sword Demon’ Wilhelm van Astraea equates to being bewitched by a witch— a misfortune in its own right.”