Chapter 4: Moment of Truth

Countless upon countless faces of merchants pilled professionally into the large Dining Hall, eagerly waiting for the Host and Hostess to make their first move. Otto, being the Host of the hour with the precious cargo oil, and Annerose who funded the entire ordeal the night Subaru became knighted. In truth, Otto was somewhat glad she made such arrangements that night - it gave him much needed time to recover his loss.

Annerose was also a wild card of a child who can honestly go toe to toe with some of the most wealthy patrons in the Kingdom of Lugnica. Ever since she was given this mansion by her parents, she always held this strict attitude of professionalism that would make even Otto blush over. He then recalled when she came to him that night from a week ago and proposed such a trade deal. Was Annerose a type of person who could take the truth at face value? Would she understand if a mishap eventually happened? Otto could not believe she would be that ruthless if this whole deal falls flat.

But he did not need to worry about that. No, that was far from the case to say the least. Instead of dreading about a future that could happen, Otto needs to endure a present that can still be salvageable with the correct wording and assistance. Even though Subaru, and now Beatrice, are competent in their cooperation, Otto was still up in the air if Emilia would hold her end of the bargain. Everything was riding on her status as one of the candidates for the throne. Everything that could go wrong went wrong, but everything that could go right is still shrouded in mystery, a looming future that awaits.

[Subaru] You're looking a little pale there, Otto. Are you sure you're up to finish this?

Otto stared at the crowd of merchants who all turned their heads when the Dining Room's main entrance was blocked by him and the six other individuals. A single sweat drop was forming on his face as he held the jar in his hands with sub-par confidence. However, as he continued scanning the crowd out, he noticed a few people he recognised. One of them was an elderly man with a puffy gray beard with thick gray eyebrows. He donned a purple cloak over a runic green dress shirt.

Subaru followed where Otto was staring at and placed more pressure on Beatrice who was holding his hand. Otto then looked back at Subaru and then-

[Subaru] Isn't that… Muraosa? You know, ...the old man from Arlam Village?

[Beatrice] I have no idea who that is, I suppose. Do you know them, merchant boy?

[Otto] Shh… Let's uh… Attempt to blend in and meet me by him in a few minutes.

[Subaru] I got you, buddy. You go do your thing.

[Otto] Thanks. Let's see if this doesn't blow up in my face.

Otto gave a short nod after whispering to Subaru and made sure all the attention was still pinpointed to himself. It worked without flaw to most of the merchants, but not for two. The first one being the first merchant who spoke to the group in the hallway and Muraosa who spotted Subaru out from the doorway. With that cat out the bag, Subaru decided his next moves should head over to the wise man and rekindle their friendship.

[Beatrice] Wherever you go I will follow, in fact. You are Betty's Subaru after all.

[Subaru] H-Heh… Surely you can allow me to have free time some time, right, Beako?

[Ram] I stayed silent for far enough now. I believe it's time for me to go find Annerose.

Find Annerose? Huh? Was she not involved in the group of characters that resided in the Dining Hall? As Subaru walked over to Muraosa with Beatrice on his side, he really could not find the small blue haired girl anywhere. His mind quickly forced his eyes to scout for Emilia, but her figure is similar to the child's. He knew why Annerose was not present, and that drew the attention of Ram who took note before she left him.

[Ram] Do you have any idea where Annersose could be, Barusu?

[Subaru] I wouldn't have any idea to be honest. I didn't even know this event was even happening tonight. It took me about an hour to put on this old butler uniform, although I wish Clind had brought me something… not shackled to the worst parts of my past.

[Ram] The only thing that will be shackled will be your Barusu's, Barusu. But I guess you're right, you wouldn't know anything about her location. Hah. Maybe Clind knows.

[Beatrice] She… She really doesn't like you, in fact. What did you do to her, Subaru?

[Subaru] I couldn't honestly tell you without sounding like a madman perhaps, Beako.

[?] Ah, so isn't it Young Subaru in the flesh. I wondered what you and everyone was up to these days.

An old man greeted both Subaru and Beatrice with a warm smile and attitude. Whatever Subaru had for a joking come back simmered down into a pleasant surprise.

[Subaru] It's nice to meet you again, Muraosa. How's the Village doing this past week?

[Muraosa] It's been going well, too well! We had plenty of opportunities to trade goods with the remaining settlers from the Sanctuary. But to be honest with you, I came to offer my sincere gratitude from the bottom of everyone's hearts at Arlam Village.

And in a flash, the old man lowered his fragile back into a bowing position. Subaru was honestly shocked at the level of compassion and respect this man was pouring out and his body instinctively reacted with the same bowing position in return.

[Subaru] No, thank you for your hospitality when me and Rem were in the village. Thank you for letting that man give me that sword to defend myself against the Mabeasts. Thank you for giving the people of Sanctuary a friendly hand in their time of recovery.

Beatrice, and the surrounding merchants took a liking to the young boy's gesture and whispers started to form between some of the merchants watching in the distance. The artificial spirit followed her Subaru's direction and simply lowered her head slightly.

[Beatrice] If what he said is true, then Betty has a right to also thank you, I suppose.

Muraosa was still hunched over in a bowing position as with Subaru, but Beatrice could see an honest smile coming from the old man. Like a disease, she smiled as well.

[Muraosa] I'm glad I was able to help you and Ram, to help give you a weapon to defend yourself, and honored to aid those who are in need. It is for this reason why Milde requested that I should be here for tonight. And well, I also have another agenda on seeing one of our children performing her duties as a maid! She was always gifted.

As Muraosa spoke, he lifted one of his hands onto Subaru's shoulder. Now knowing he was not bowing anymore, both of them, now all three, returned to their regular stance. From face to face, Subaru heard the following responses and became bitter hearing the first one. He knew he said Rem… He knew… There was no mistaking it. But instead of interrupting Muraosa, he continued to listen patiently as he smiled.

[Subaru] Ah, yes. Petra is one power trooper for sure! She has been a grand blessing.

[Muraosa] Oh, is that so! Haha! I wonder where she is at a time such as now that I-

[Subaru] She should be helping another maid named Frederica. I wonder where everyone else is at? Oh, sorry for interrupting you. I'm asking myself the same thing.

Sure, Subaru knew Emilia was keeping Annerose busy, but that didn't excuse the other missing faces. Otto, Ram, and Beatrice are all accounted for. So where is every-

[?] It se~ems you are fitting your~self quite well in that uniform, Subaru-kun.

Turning around to the sudden voice from behind him, Subaru stares face to face with the war painted fool. Not only did this man wear the most ridiculous outfit ever to the event, he also continued on using his clown make up! What an obnoxious and devilish individual to say the least; the most destined to foul any plan Subaru has.

[Subaru] Roswall…

[Roswall] O~h? Do you not like to be sn~eaked up o~n? Well, m~y apologies, Sir.

[Subaru] You can cut the charades on the 'Sir' aspects. Have you seen Clind, Ros?

[Roswall] Hmm… Now that yo~u mentioned it… I saw him only a few ho~urs ago.

Subaru could tell that Roswall was up to his shady tricks without the help of his Gospel, but also knew that he was also telling the truth since he now followed him. Well, following is a miniscule term, Roswall was more of stalking Subaru's actions and making sure he stays on track on keeping everyone safe; Subaru knew this was so.

[Muraosa] It's an honor to meet you again, Ros. I hope Young Subaru hasn't caused you too many problems after you took him up under yours and Annerose's wing!

[Roswall] ...I can say the same for you, Mura. ...I hope the Village is doing well.

As he said this, Subaru noticed the tone in his voice change to bitterness after hearing if he had caused any grief for Roswall. 'Problems' is an understatement to say the least. Subaru completely shattered and demolished Roswall's fundamental beliefs after forming that silent contract with him on that night Otto resurrected his spirit to live. Hearing the words from one of the Village Heads almost made Roswall lose his focus, but was then reminded of the reality of the seal lying within his body and soul.

[Subaru] A few hours ago… Hmm… That must have been before I found Clind myself.

[?] It looks as you are… all conversating. That's good on you to make new friends!

Out of the corner of Subaru's eye was the gray haired merchant now wearing his infamous hat of wonders. What is more is that this merchant is now missing a specific item. The purest merchant around who can speak to animals, the one and only-

[Subaru] Are you saying that I can't make new friends, Otto? I knew Muraosa before I met you. If anything is to say about this, I wonder why I haven't seen you talking to anyone else besides Frederica. Is there something forming between you two that I-

Otto heard this all play out and shrugged it off. But once he heard something about him and Frederica, his face became flushed and he slammed his elbow into Subaru's shoulder that did not include Beatrice.

[Beatrice] Wh-What was that for, I suppose?! If you want to attack Subaru, die!

[Otto] Even though you said that as a joke Beatrice-sama, those words can haunt a man. And you, nothing is happening between us! Everyone is always getting the wrong impression about me! Let's start over. Hello, my name is Otto Suwen. And you, Sir?

[Muraosa] Haha! You remind me when I was in my prime! ...I am Irlam Muraosa.

[Otto] Nice to finally meet you in person, Irlam-sama. I heard lots of things from the Village and wanted to see if we can secure a potential trade route in the future for it.

[Muraosa] You can simply call me Muraosa, Young Otto. And yes, one of the reasons why I came was to discuss more about that in person with you after the event is over.

[Otto] I'll be looking forward to that conversation with you, Muraosa-sama. But for now, I hope you can enjoy the pleasantries from Frederica, Petra-sama, and Ram-sama.

[Subaru] Frederica-no-sama. I can already see through your plans of deception.

[Beatrice] He didn't even try to hide the excitement in his voice calling her name, in fact.

As the group continued to speak, one of the members silently left without a word. Subaru was the only one to notice this and was honestly glad it was the case since having that person around creates unnecessary tension. Before Otto slammed his elbow into Subaru, Roswall had made a quick escape into another group of merchants.

But as one person leaves, another takes their place. It was a short red haired maid who appeared to be angry at the recent words coming from the Host of the Hour.

[?] If you love Frederica, just outright say it to her. You get on my nerves with your games of trying to see if the other person likes you or not. At least Barusu here has the courage to say it openly to Emilia and Beatrice.

[Otto] Oh come on, Ram. It's more-Ugh! It's complicated alright? We don't have time-

[?] So sorry to keep everyone waiting! We are now prepared for the Host of the Hour!

[Subaru] Looks like that's your cue, Otto. Annerose sure looks determined as ever.

Otto gave a sigh in response and waved off to him, Beatrice, Ram, and Muraosa. But as soon as he took a step forward, all the eyes of the room darted to a silver haired half-elf girl wearing a dress. Subaru was the most enchanted by her appearance but-

[Emilia] Before we begin! We have some important news to share in regards to the oil!

Otto stepped dead in his tracks as bags now rapidly formed around his eyes. Subaru thought the plan was all downhill from here and rested his head lower down. Ram snuck up close to his right ear, away from Beatrice, and whispered a few words.

[Ram] Remember what I told you what would happen if Otto ruined this opportunity right, Barusu~?

Saying these haunting words with a smile, Ram left Subaru unable to think.