"Kill them, Subaru." A madman's voice echoed throughout the cavern. Subaru turned to him, seeing a green haired man. His skin was pale and his teeth yellow, his bloodshot eyes bulging from his skull. The man looked like he was on the verge of expiring, or if he just woke up from a stag party.
Subaru grinned, turning back to what he was looking at. Eyes stared at him, amethyst eyes, blue eyes, pink eyes. They appeared to be drowning in fear. "If it's what the Gospel says, then I shall do so." His grin widened, the insanity irradiated from his eyes and facial expression. "Emilia, Rem, Ram, I do hope this is painful."
He raised his right arm, orbs of bright blue colours appeared from around him, dousing him in mana. "Beatrice." He turned his head to a blonde haired loli, clad in a frilly pink dress. "You shall be forever loyal to me, yes?"
"Of course, Master." His eyes reflected in hers, a crazed look appeared on her face.
"Execute them, agonisingly."
"Of course, Master." The loli raised her right arm, the mana from the spirits flowing into her. "El Minya, I suppose."
Purple shards of crystallised mana flew through her fingertips and impaled themselves into the trio's legs. Screams of agony and manic cackling echoed throughout the cave. "Excellent word Subaru, Beatrice. You truly are diligent, you shall make excellent Sin Arcbishops. My brain trembles."
Subaru jolted in his seat. His head shot up, scanning the surroundings. Bookshelves line the walls around him, and papers were scattered over the desk he fell asleep on. Ah, right. I was writing these essays on Crop Rotations.
"Are you alright, Subaru?" An androgynous voice reverberated in his mind. He glanced around him to search for the source of the noise, and then saw a rather fluffy and cute looking ferret standing on his shoulder. His heartbeat slowed as his panic halted, recognising the Spirit.
"Yeah, I'm alright. Thanks Chroma... What time is it?" He groaned and stretched in his seat, being mindful as to not knock his furry friend off. Rays of sunlight shone through a window which was positioned in front of him.
The thoughts of last night's dream flooded his mind, as thousands of questions were left unanswered. Who's Beatrice? Who's Ram? Who's Rem? Who was that crazy man? What is the Gospel? Why did it feel so real? What was even happening? Was it a vi-
"It's currently eight in the morning. Eliza should be around to wake you up soon." Chroma flew off his shoulder and landed on the desk, stretching its small body.
In perfect timing, a series of knocks banged on the wooden door to his office. Before he could grant permission, the door was opened. Subaru turned on his seat and saw a red headed Sword Saint and his personal maid Eliza. Reinhard hastily walked towards him, putting his hands on his shoulders. "Subaru? Are you okay? I heard from one of the servants that you came in last night and had been mugged?"
Subaru glanced between him and Eliza, who both looked easily worried. Ha. Reminds me of my parents. "No I'm alright, I made a valuable ally too!" He turned and beckoned for Chroma to introduce itself.
The ferret began hovering around Subaru and inspected Reinhard, appearing deep in thought. "So you're the Sword Saint huh? I expected you to be more cool looking, with battle scars or something."
Subaru chuckled. "In the impossible situation where someone is able to even hit Reinhard, I seriously doubt that the damage would be high enough to scar." I mean, I read a few books about history and holy christ is Reinhard powerful. It's meant to be a state secret, but funnily enough there's literally an encyclopedia about what Divine Protections he has and what they do.
Eliza had walked over to them at this point, staring at Chroma. "A flying ferret? You don't see many of those." She reasoned. The heavy drinking from last night was evident. Dark circles under her eyes, her hair not as neat as it usually is, and her eyes are constantly narrowed. I should invent sunglasses for her or something.
"I am not some ferret! I'm even cuter than that!" If Chroma had a mouth, it would have pouted. "My name is Chroma Natsuki! Great Spirit of Yang!"
The declaration forced the two into silence. They were stunned, and their mouths hung open. "Hey! I don't recall making you take my surname!" Subaru crossed his eyebrows. "Then again, you are my contracted spirit so that would make sense."
"You were able to contract a Great Spirit?" Reinhard raised his voice slightly, it must really be surprising. "Of the Yang element no less!" It was, an incredible feat to say the least. 'He really does want to change the world. Of course my Lord would be powerful enough to contract a Great Spirit of Yang! He truly is wonderful!'
Eliza, too, was perplexed at this discovery. "Well. I must admit, that is an extraordinary thing to accomplish, not many people are even able to contract with normal spirits, let alone Great Spirits. Yang is one of the most rarest elements, second only to Yin, which is your affinity. You truly are a unique duo."
Subaru grinned and patted Chroma on its head. "Yeah, well, what can I say? I guess my charm even affects spirits." Although I am rather amazed at how it chose me, I have reason to believe its to do with a power Eliza mentioned. She thought I had the Divine Protection of Gathering Spirits, but when Reinhard checked he noticed I didn't have any. However, he did notice that I had some form of ability. He couldn't make out to what it was, but it was powerful and still budding. I have a feeling this is what is making spirits so attached to me.
Moreover, after reading a lot of books I found out about such thing as Authorities. Witches of Sin, or Arcbishops as they are now called, possess such Authorities. There are the following Authorities: Pride, Greed, Sloth, Gluttony, Lust, Wrath, Envy, Melancholy, Vainglory.
These are known as enemies of nature, or enemies of Od Laguna. They are superior to Divine Protections and are extremely dangerous. But! In a not so recent translation of a very old prophecy, the Sage Council has revealed three new Authorities exist: Spiritualism, Glaciation, and finally, Zoology. Quite a strange trio right?
A lot of panic spread throughout the population, however it was then discovered that these three Authority Bearers were born to fight the Sin Authorities. I'm certain that I have the Authority of Spiritualism, it would make sense as I have an unnaturally high affinity for spirits and can easily do things that the most talented Spiritualists couldn't.
In a book by Roswaal D. Mathers, Witches or Sin Arcbishops become stronger as they succumb to their sin. However, since these new Authorities aren't sins, they become stronger as they just use them. My Authority is obviously used when I use the Spirit Arts, so to become stronger I must simply contact and contract spirits.
A Great Spirit largely increases how easy it shall be to accomplish my goals. Speaking of which, the Royal Selection event is happening in just a month. I need to prepare.
"Excuse me if I'm overstepping, but what are those papers for, Subaru?" Reinhard asked, referring to the scattered papers on his desk. At a glimpse, they were written in flawless Lugunican, which confused him as Subaru was struggling with the language.
Subaru turned and collected the papers together, stacking them correctly. "Ah yes. I have written a new concept. It's called Crop Rotations, it should dramatically change the agricultural output. Simply put, it makes it so that farmers across the country can increase efficiency and production by a fuck-ton."
Eliza giggled at the usage of foul language, but quickly composed herself. After internally berating herself for acting out of place, she spoke up. "Lord Su-.. Subaru, I notice that it's written in Lugunican. And it's rather well done too... How exacl-"
"That would be me!" Chroma flew around Subaru excitedly. "I cast a spell on him which makes him super smart! And can recall anything perfectly!" The Ferret landed back on his contractor's palm, beckoning him to continue stroking him.
Reinhard and Eliza shared a look of befuddlement. This truly was an interesting development.
The day had arrived. The day of the Royal Selection Event. Where the five royal candidates must reveal themselves to the public of the Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica. Over the past two months, Subaru had been working ever so diligently to follow his plan which he created upon finding out about his Royal Candidacy.
Alas, all the puzzle pieces were in place. The deal with Anastasia ; the numerous essays on ideas from his own world, crop rotations, printing press, newspapers, banks, plumbing... ; and a spirit to call his own.
Of course, contracting a Great Spirit is no easy task, so obviously he's going to show off as much as he can about it. Now yes, Lady Emilia has the Great Spirit of Fire on her side, but put next to Subaru's achievements it's clear who the people would pick.
The week before, he had a (kinda awkward) measurement taking. This had been performed by Eliza, so that he could get a special outfit ready for the Event. However, of course being the young teenager that he is, being touched by a member of the opposite sex was a very weird concept and by far the hardest thing to endure in his 10 step plan.
He was quite excited to test on his new clothes, and he had received them on the morning of the infamous "D-Day" as he called it. He waited until the evening to head to his room and try them on.
After glancing in the mirror, he took in his appearance. He wore a black dress shirt, along with an orange sleeveless vest. Over the vest, he wore a black jacket, where the linings were the same colour as his vest. A tame orange. Accompanying the top half, he wore black dress pants which also contained orange linings, along with black leather shoes.
"Looking pretty cool there Subaru!" Chroma exclaimed, sitting on his shoulder. Subaru grinned in return.
Content with his look, he turned on his feet and walked out the room. The scent of the meal he had just eaten lingered in the halls. Subaru had re-invented Pizza, and damn it was a hit. Even though no one outside of the mansion tried it.
Reinhard loved it, which surprised Subaru because usually he doesn't really care about the flavour of food. Eliza adored it, the idea of cheese, meat and vegetables all on one bread slice was crazy. When he first decided to make it, he made enough for all of the servants too. Considering they always had then simplest meals, like bread, boiled vegetables and water, it was the best thing they'd ever had in their life.
Pushing the scent of the food aside, he walked down the hallways. Entering the lobby, his eyes caught the sight of Eliza and Reinhard standing together waiting for him.
Reinhard was wearing his "Subaru'd" knight outfit, which had been specially made. The usual white had been inverted, setting for a midnight black. A dark red, matching his hair, coloured the outlines. As opposed to the orange that Subaru had settled for.
Eliza was wearing an elegant white and orange-lined dress. She donned a pair of white gloves along with white boots.
The two of them looked stunning together, and for the second time in his life, Subaru questioned his sexual orientation. He walked towards them and joined them in their conversation. "I believe it is time to leave, don't you think so?" Eliza asked.
The trio nodded and headed out to the carriage, the sun was setting and englulfed the sky in an orange glow. My lucky colour, I hope this goes well.
They arrived later than the rest of the Royal Candidates, the sky had turned black as the sun had long set. Upon entering the building, they were greeted by the guards and many servants that littered the building. Subaru barely had time to admire the building's architecture.
It looked pretty familiar to a cathedral back on Earth, like the ones you'd find in Europe. They were led to the main room, where the right wing was full of knights, captains, royal knights and other kinds of soldiers. The left wing contained the Nobility, while the far back was where the 'Peasants' were. A portion of the lower-class were allowed in, but only the high functioning ones. Such as artisans, Noble's servants and merchants.
The four Royal Candidates stood at the very end of the room, in front of the Sage Council. This is it. I need to make my best first impression. I timed it so I'd arrive just a minute later than the rest, I needed to do so to make sure every single person sees me and not get interrupted by the others arriving.
"Your Highnesses, the Fifth Royal Candidate has arrived. Natsuki Subaru, inventor of the Cube of Rubik's, along with Sir Reinhard Van Astrea, his knight. Eliza Lager, his personal maid. And finally, Chroma, The Great Spirit of Yang!" Announced the servant which had led them inside.
Gasps of shock could be heard throughout the room. Not only was this the man who invented the Rubik's Cube – his name had already become quite famous, the deal with Lady Anastasia and his invention made him quite popular among the lower class – he was also a Royal Candidate, contracted with a Great Spirit of Yang, the second rarest of elements and the rarest of spirits, and had Reinhard Van Astrea as his knight.
He had already left quite the impression, and he had only just entered the room. He walked down the middle of the room, and made his way onto the stage. Eliza had hung in the back along with the other servants, and Reinhard stood at the front of the right wing.
Making his way into the space between Lady Anastasia and Lady Emilia, he noticed their looks of shock. Emilia, since she had no idea the boy that saved her was another Royal Candidate. Anastasia, for she too didn't know how such information had evaded her intel network.
Anastasia Hoshin, nothing escaped her grasps. She had the largest intel network across the continent, even in the countries of Gusteko and Vollachia she had merchants reporting absolutely everything they found worthy of telling. There wasn't a single person or object she couldn't discover, and there wasn't a single slip of information that slipped through her fingers.
Yet a living embodiment of a counter-example stood just in front of her. This man came into her mansion and made a deal with her, and she had no idea who he was. Clearly she must stay on her guard, for he could be dangerous to her campaign.
"Lord Subaru, the candidates have already finished their speeches, would you like us to resume them?" One of the lead knights stood forward and spoke.
Subaru turned and grinned, winking at him. "Ah, no need my good Sir. I had Chroma watch the entire thing and engrave it into my memories. I've seen it all."
Silence fell over the room, as the people were severely shocked. "Ah sorry, I probably should have alerted you about it. In either case, I know about their goals." He scratched his neck, but cleared his throat.
He stepped forward, and took a relaxed pose. "Hey Chroma, would you mind helping me with the anxiety please? I have never been a public speaker."
Of course, Subaru, I'll do that right away.
He could feel the nervousness and anxiety dissipating from his body. He took a deep breath and spoke.
"People of Lugunica, my name is Natsuki Subaru! I must admit, I may not be as historically-aware as the rest of the people here. The truth is, I only got here two months ago. I have to admit, I am from beyond the Great Waterfall." He paused once more, hearing the gasps of shock echo throughout the massive room. Subaru glanced over at Crusch, winking at her.
After some digging, and bribing Felix by letting him play with Chroma, he discovered Lady Crusch had the Divine Protection of Wind Reading. This allowed her to tell if people were lying, telling the truth, telling a joke, being sarcastic and also see what emotions are going through them while speaking.
He saw her widen her eyes and step back. Excellent, she knows I know. Anastasia is at loss at how she couldn't uncover me, Crusch may be worried that I have a spy or some sorts in her camp, Emilia is too confused at what is happening and Priscilla is indifferent. This is exactly how I planned.
"I know that a few of you probably think this is nonsense, but Reinhard Van Astrea took my side. I doubt he would do that if I was a liar. Moving on. I have three goals for when I become King. You see, the first day I was here, I helped a woman retrieve something that was stolen from her. On this adventure, I found my way into the slums.
Seeing the way they lived disgusted me. It reminded me that back where I'm from, I was incredibly lucky. A lot of us have three meals a day, living in a nice house, not having to work until 18. It's a simple life.
My first goal is that I want to clear the slums. Many of you should know about the deal I've made with the Hoshin Company, and it's through this that I shall introduce Crop Rotations. Now of course you have no reason to believe something you can't see, but this shall greatly increase agricultural output.
By implementing this, the not so lucky should have plenty of jobs to fulfil. It would also make it easy to deal with our current Great Famine.
My second goal is to implement several concepts from my home-country. Banking, which allows an easy management of finances. The Press, allowing news to be delivered across all the corners of the map in a simple way. Medical Research facilities will completely change how we treat people. I mean, the Pestilence currently going around the Capital right now is devastating."
All of these were true. He had hung onto every word Eliza had taught him. There was an Epidemic, a Great Famine, the economy had crashed which created a Great Depression. Corruption in the military, inflation, all of that on top of the skirmishers on the Vollachian and Gustekian border. Lugunica is not the best place to live right now.
"Look at the candidates surrounding me. We have a Militarist, a Merchant, a 'Lucky' Noble and a surname-less Half Elf. No offence, Emilia." He winked at her. She looked a bit taken back, but nodded at him, smiling.
"I want you to tell me, how exactly can these people fix the problems our Kingdom faces? Pitted against a dying economy, a deathly disease, and a terrible famine, not to mention being on the verge of war. How can they fix these problems?
Of course, I may just be a student from where I'm from. But with the technology from my homeland, it would be no big deal to cure this wonderful country from the hell it faces. Crop Rotations fixes two of those problems. My Medical knowledge is just simple stuff, but it changes everything. I may not be the best Strategist, Tactician. But I can assure you that once the country has stabilised, dealing with the final problems will be a piece of cake." He stopped to take a breath, his throat aching from the amount of speaking he has done.
"And tell me, Natsuki Subaru, how exactly do you plan on stabilising the country? Are you saying you can do that all by yourself?" Priscilla spoke up, infuriated that a nobody was suggesting he was better than her.
"This coincides with my Third Goal. Wouldn't the country be a lot better off without the Witch Cult? Effective immediately, I the Natsuki Camp hereby officially declares war on the Witch Cult and its Sin Arcbishops."
Gasps of exasperation echoed throughout the cathedral once more.
"I know, I may sound crazy. But I assure you I am entirely capable of such a feat. And I don't want to insult anyone here, but I have serious doubts any of these other candidates can accomplish what I can."
I wish I could rethink everything I said and say it differently. I sound way too cocky, and a lot of people probably ha-
He was interrupted by the sound of clapping. The entirety of the three wings had burst into applause. He was completely flabbergasted that people didn't hate him. He grinned, feeling relieved for the first time since the deal with Anastasia.
Suba-!
JUMP BACKWARDS.
The voice of Chroma had been drowned out by hundreds of minor spirits, who urged him to jump back. Trusting them, he evaded backwards and saw a sword swing in front of him. It would have chopped him in half. Holy Hell.
He turned his head to the attacker, seeing... Priscilla?
Subaru, I'm reinforcing your skin and your strength, catch her sword. That is the Holy Sword of Yang, stopping it would humiliate her beyond belief.
"I like the way you think, mon ami."
His skin glowed yellow as Priscilla swung once more at him. Lifting his dominant hand, he caught it with his palm and wrapped his fingers around it.
"Listen here, Madame Priscilla, I would listen to any criticism willingly. However the speed that you resort to violence without thinking of the consequences only proves that you'd make a horrendous leader." He let go of the sword, and walked off the stage.
"I thank you for your hospitality, people of Lugunica. Together, we can create a bright future for everyone!"
And with those final words, he walked out the exit, followed by his knight and Eliza.
That... That went okay?
And that is the end of Arc 1. I'm moving back to work on Spirit Saint now. I do hope that you enjoyed. Recently I've been feeling meh about writing (due to life events but dw) so it may not be as entertaining as I would like it to be.
Don't forget to leave a review if you have anything to say, and I shall see you over on Spirit Saint! Thank you for reading!