It's been four days ever since the departure from the mansion. It was currently night time and everyone was already about to prepare for the night. Inside one of the carriages was the captured Meili.
Subaru: So, do you mind telling me who hired you?
Meili, who wasn't tied up anymore still didn't want to talk. Ever since departing, she wasn't saying anything related to her at all.
Besides Subaru there were two cultist overseeing her. They were prohibited from letting anyone near her, and engage in a talk with her without permission.
Meili: It's useless Onii-san. You cannot persuade me with food you know?
She was speaking while her mouth was full. Subaru was rolling his eyes, sitting in silence.
Subaru: But you seem to like it, so I guess everything is only a matter of time. Plus you won't really be going anywhere, so even if you tell me it won't make much difference.
Meili: Well, the food is not too bad.
Subaru: And you still won't tell me who hired you?
She shook her head while staring at Subaru. Once again a short silence followed where the only thing that could be heard were the outside noises.
"I might take on some other way of convincing then."
Subaru: Going back to your ability. How does it really work? Do you have a limit on control? Or any condition?
Meili: You are sooo stubborn Onii-san. You can't expect me to reveal my ability like that. Besides, you really should let me go before Elsa comes to rescue me.
Subaru's eyes widened. That name was familiar to him. If she was actually talking about that Elsa things could get interesting.
"Elsa?"
He smiled and let out a chuckle. He looked at the confused Meili who was still eating with a big smile.
Subaru: So you are also working for Lust?
"If so, then she probably knows about Emilia already. But why attack the village then?"
Her eyes widened. The spoon fell out of her mouth while fear surfaced on her face. She crawled to the other end of the carriage in fear. This fear surfaced the moment Subaru said "Lust".
Subaru: Ahh don't be scared. If you are afraid because you think you sold her out then don't be. Technically it was Elsa who revealed her to me.
She didn't respond and was clearly on the defensive.
Subaru: You know, if Lust really is that scary that's just one more reason for you to stay with me. I can protect you.
"And if Elsa would actually get here that would also be great, since I have a few things in mind."
Subaru: So now that I know about most things, would you mind revealing your connection with us?
She turned her head away. The fear was combined with a slight bit of anger. She must have never spoken about Mother to anyone no matter who they were.
Meili: She will punish me. She will punish me. Not only because I failed, but because I even told you about her. Mother will surely punish me.
The girl was shaking violently in the corner of the carriage. Subaru approached her with a smile on his face and reached out to her.
Subaru: Then join me. Act as a bridge between me and Lust. If things go my way we might establish a somewhat "friendly" relationship.
Meili suddenly stood up and raised her voice. Anger was fused with fear.
Meili: What could someone like you do?! You already know who Mother is, so you out of all person should know what type of person she is!
Subaru just smiled calmly at her and spoke up in a calm, and emotionless tone.
Subaru: I'm the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop of Envy. Technically I hold more power than Lust does. I also had some first-hand experience with some of the others, but I can still say with confidence that I can protect you.
He put his hand on her head and she looked up. At first she was in disbelief, but after a while she seemed to have calmed down a bit.
Meili: Onii-san, you are either insane or everything you are saying is true. But you don't know what kind of person Mother is. Although, I don't know anything about the relationship between all of you.
Subaru: I don't know much either, but from what I saw I would say everyone pretty much hates each other. Or at least they all hate Greed, which wasn't really surprising, he seemed rather dislikeable.
Meili let out a small laugh. Although she was still shivering a bit she wasn't nearly as scared as before.
Subaru: So you aren't even scared of me?
Meili: Onii-san isn't scary at all. If you wanted to go for that you should have tried better.
Subaru was smiling at her. He managed to find a person who accepted him instead of fearing and resenting him.
Subaru: Well get back to your lunch.
After that he left the carriage. On his right were one of the cultists who was assigned as guard. He was only a bit shorter than Subaru. He had a tied up green hair and light blue eyes. Before Subaru got out he was just slacking off, but once he noticed he was there he quickly regained his posture.
Subaru: Ventus, aren't you going to eat?
Ventus: Thank you for your concern Pleaides-sama, but I'm fine. Besides it's my turn to look out for her.
Subaru: That won't be necessary anymore. I'm pretty sure she won't be running anywhere.
Ventus: If you say so, Pleaides-sama. Thank you for your offer.
"Pleaides… that tower in that desert that shares the same name as I do. The name is the perfect cower if I want to be active publicly."
With that they left and joined the rest of the group. Although the cultists would rather ignore eye contact if they weren't necessary to make.
"Before establishing a relationship with the others I should work on establishing one with them. Getting too friendly with everyone is unnecessary, all I want them to think is that I'm not a threat to them."
In the camp everyone was silent. No one spoke a word. No one dared speak a word. Soon after Subaru broke the silence.
Subaru: I guess this is the best time to tell all of you about what exactly are we doing. You see, I have a plan, a plan that will change our life once it succeeds. I want to reshape this country and later this whole world. To achieve that I forged an alliance between me and Roswaal L Mathers. We will help one of the Royal Candidates into the throne, and in exchange we will get to reshape this society into one that will suit us. No more discrimination! No more hiding in the shadow! We all can be ourselves!
Finishing that a short silence followed. Not because he had no idea what to say. It was all for the dramatic effect.
Subaru: Of course, it won't be an easy work. We will need allies for that. Once we meet Sloth I will try establishing a deal between the two of us. To boost the reputation of our Candidate we will also slay the Great Mabeasts in her name. And if that isn't enough, we will get rid of our rivals! I promise you a change, and to achieve that I'm willing to do anything! And once we succeed we will build our own world!
His plan was a bit of a surprise. Making a world that suits them. A world where it doesn't matter where they belong they will be welcome. If this plan were to succeed thing were indeed be much better. The whole camp stood up and kneeled down in to show the sign of respect and agreement to it.
A short while later everyone was about to settle for the night. Subaru was about to go back to his carriage, but before entering Erato interrupted.
Erato: Pleiades-sama, if I may ask, why didn't you mention that we are helping a half elf?
Subaru: You are still on that topic? I thought you were over this. But if it will make you feel better, I can address this later.
Subaru spoke in a cold tone. He never spoke in a way like this towards Erato before. She was scared, a chill ran down her spine. After a moment of shock she got on her knees.
Erato: Please forgive my rudeness, Pleiades-sama.
He shook it off and leaned against the carriage.
Subaru: Any other pointless topic that you want to bring up because of some stupid political bullshit. If so then go ahead. Tonight, I will make an exemption, so really, go ahead.
Erato, who was still on her knees lowered her head in shame.
Erato: No, nothing else about that. However, if you don't mind me asking another foolish question, how are you planning to deal with the Sloth?
Subaru put his hand to his chin. A good question was finally brought up.
Subaru: First, how do you think the Gospels work?
Erato: It helps us achieve our deepest desires, and shows us the easiest way to get to that future. Our future lies with you Pleiades-sama, so our Gospel will change to also suit your will.
Subaru: Exactly. Something like that is the case but, my Gospel said to save everyone back there. I didn't care about that though. Going by this, we know that it doesn't always change according to your will, but sometimes it demands going against what you really want. It sometimes wants you to contradict your feelings. But I guess that is a "necessary sacrifice" to achieve your goal in the easiest way possible.
"In the past 4 days this was bugging me. The Gospel is a strange thing. It does help a lot, but the information it gives are really vague. It is of course not a problem for someone like me, but it makes me wonder how no one ever seem to question it."
Erato was confused by this topic being brought up in the first place.
Subaru: Back to Sloth. How do you think he will react to me? You see, it can go three ways. He will absolutely hate me and be antagonistic, but since he was really obsessed with the Witch I can only benefit from the other two ways. The best outcome would be the reveal of him not being obsessed with her, but rather obsessed with the title of Envy. And the third way would be him truly feeling that "love" for the Witch. Either way, I could still benefit from it by lying to him. I could lie about me being able to communicate with her and through that lie I could control Sloth, and controlling Sloth would mean controlling Wrath too.
Erato: But, why did you mention the Gospel?
Subaru: You see, if his Gospel doesn't mention my arrival that means he will be antagonistic through the end, because it would mean that deep inside he wants nothing with me. Of course he would still be antagonistic at the beginning, but after a while he would surrender to me. And that is only achievable because he won't question the Gospel. Because it most likely knows that he wants to serve me deep inside. It knows that his desired future can only be achieved through me.
Erato was amazed by his explanation. Not only is he using his Gospel, but also using the Gospel of others to his benefit.
Subaru: But, I know that the outcome won't be the first one. You see, the real reason we are going there because there is a meteor in that city that I apparently want. Every evidence points of Sloth being there to help me out, because his Gospel already knows what he wants. Because the one who wants the meteor is me and not him.
Her eyes widened. As far as she knew her Gospel didn't mention any meteor, which would mean she isn't helping Subaru to obtain it. Her job will be something else and not standing on her master's side. Once again she would leave him alone in the enemy's territory.
Erato: I apologise for not knowing that. It seems like my Gospel wasn't saying anything about it…
Subaru: It doesn't matter. That just means your job will be something else instead of recovering that.
Erato: And what about the others? If Sloth and Wrath will join you like this how will you make the others join too?
Subaru: If they are not as obsessed as him, then I will simply make a deal with them. They won't be under me, but rather somewhere next to me. Of course I will make sure that I'm benefiting more, and using the title of Envy will put me into an advantage.
"Gluttony would be the best for next, after that we could kill the White Whale. Finding Gluttony however would be the hard part… no, it won't. I just need to desire a meeting, and the Gospel should eventually take me to Gluttony."
Subaru: Well, if that was all then have a good night.
Arriving back to the carriage he saw that Meili was already asleep on the other side of it. He settled down to the opposite side.
"I wonder what type of people are Lust and Gluttony. Assuming that a monster like Elsa works for Lust I can assume that between us only a deal would do. And there is also Greed… Well, if I leave him alone he will most likely leave me alone too. It is another thing whether or not he would make a move once Emilia is announced to the public as a Royal Candidate."
Since he was rather lost in his thoughts he had a hard time falling asleep. After a few hours of attempts he finally managed to do so.
It's been 8 days now since the departure from the mansion. The now seven carriages were almost halfway done with the trip. In this carriage were Subaru, Meili and Ventus who was surprisingly getting along with Meili.
Ventus: Before joining the cult huh? Well, I haven't done much since everyone was constantly holding me back.
Meili: Holding you back?
Ventus: In Vollachia everyone values strength, so if a family has someone with exceptional talent the members of the said family would most likely want to control that person, gain that person for themselves. Because of that I snapped at some point and massacred all of them.
Although the answer was rather upsetting no one there seemed to be upset. As an assassin Meili was already used to killing and Subaru didn't care at all about people like them, or rather he didn't care about most people in general.
Ventus: And what about you Meili-chan, do you have any interesting story to share?
Meili: Sadly Elsa told me not to talk about anything regarding me and Mother also prohibits us from telling anything about our targets.
Ventus: That's a bummer. What about you Pleaides-sama, who was your favourite kill?
Subaru: Well, technically I didn't kill anyone yet, but killing the Ulgarms was quite fun.
Ventus seemed genuinely shocked about what he said, but he wasn't the only one feeling that.
Ventus: I wish I was there too, buuut sadly I was ordered to escort the kids back.
Subaru: Ahh, right. I did tell you to do so. For a moment I forgot you were even there.
"Thinking about it, I don't really remember who was there. All I cared about was succeeding."
Meili: Don't worry Crazy Onii-san, I would have forgotten you too.
Ventus: Crazy Onii-san?
Subaru started to chuckle a bit. This nickname seemed to have shock Ventus almost as much as the fact Subaru not killing anyone yet.
Subaru: Maybe she is calling you that because of your story.
Ventus: Pleaides-sama, you have no idea how much this hurts my feelings. And here I thought I was getting along with her.
Meili stuck out her tongue while Subaru showed a little smile on his face.
Subaru: Meili, you still didn't talk much about your Divine Protection. If you want to make yourself useful I would like to know how it works before I let you get any "pet".
Meili: Directly asking someone's Divine Protection is really rude Onii-san, but I guess I don't have much choice. It's really simple, usually if someone wants to control ma beasts they need to cut their horn off, but in my case I work as a horn. If I talk to them they will follow.
Subaru nodded and put his hand on his chin.
"So like a puppeteer? Basically her words are the strings that connects them to her. She probably has some limit too, but that doesn't matter right now. I would say it's a really useful one or maybe even unique."
Suddenly a voice interrupted. This deep voice came from the front of the carriage. This figure had a tall and masculine figure with a short brown hair.
Cultist: Pleaides-sama, there is a smaller caravan in front of us. What should we do?
Subaru: Are we low on anything?
Cultist: No, so far we have supplies for two more weeks.
Subaru: Then let them go. We shouldn't waste our time.
The cultist nodded and signalled to the other carriages to ignore the caravan.
Ventus: Gravis is just as stiff as ever. Maybe that's why nobody really likes him. Like why even bother asking something like this? If it was me I would have just killed them without even being in need of anything.
Subaru didn't say anything. He was silently looking at the floor without stating his opinion. Although for him it didn't really matter at all. Those were just merchants, there are tons of them so nothing would be lost or gained.
It was night time. They have been on the road for 15 days. Meili was allowed to have more freedom around, but the only people who she got along with were Subaru and Ventus.
Subaru was away from everyone. He was surrounded by spirits. Of course not nearly as much as Emilia had, but he had no problem calling six of them now. In these few day he also managed to contract with all type of lesser spirits.
"Now I just need to figure it out how to make them into quasi spirits."
After he was done he went back near the camp. He sat down on a rock and began to look at the stars.
"I wonder if there are any astronomers in this world... Maybe I could have borrowed a few books, this trip is pretty boring."
He took out his Gospel, but he didn't open it. He was just staring at its cover while sitting completely still.
"It did help a lot. Without it I would have never met Emilia, and without the Witch I would be long dead…"
Something popped up in his mind. He closed his eyes and began to focus. Minutes have passed and nothing seemed to happen. He was just sitting motionless and completely silent.
"Why can't I talk to her? I saw her once in a dream, and she also seemed to be able to interfere with me whenever I try and talk about my deaths. Yet, I can't even complain about all of the downsides. Pretty selfish of you dear Satella, wanting this secret to be between the both of us like this. And you can probably interfere with me even now, you probably know what I'm always doing, and you can probably even hear me thinking all this right now."
He let out a long sigh, stood up and went back to his carriage. Arriving into it he couldn't help but notice Meili playing with dolls.
Subaru: I see you like them.
Even though she was facing backwards her expression was predictable. She tried to hide the dolls quickly. She was stuttering in embarrassment.
Meili: Onii-san next time knock before you enter!
Subaru: And next time don't be up this late or you will never grow up.
She pouted and looked away to play with the dolls a bit more. Subaru let out a long sigh and rolled his eyes in annoyance.
Subaru: Fine, but don't be up for too long. Tomorrow we will finally arrive and you wouldn't want to oversleep.
Meili gave a small nod to Subaru who lied down and quickly fell asleep.
In the afternoon the city got visible from the distance. One of the five great cities in Lugunica, Picoutatte. However from the outside mostly the walls were visible, and the group wasn't going in just yet.
Around the outskirts of the city was a forest. Once they got deeper into the forest hooded figures appeared around them. They bowed and signalled to follow them.
Gravis: We should be there soon Pleaides-sama.
Subaru: According to the map this city is really close to the Vollachian border. I wonder what would happen if something bad were to occur.
Ventus: And to the east there is the city of Garkla. Quick question, are we gonna give the same treatment to this place as Garkla got a few years ago?
Subaru: I guess that will depend on Sloth. My Gospel only wants me to recover the meteor, what happens to the city doesn't matter to me.
Soon the carriages stopped, and Meili, who was leaning on Subaru was woken up by him.
Subaru: I told you to not be up that late…
Leaving the carriage a large group of cultists were around the place. In front of them was a smaller cave. At the entrance of the cave was a tall figure with green hair waiting for the arrival.
Every cultist including the ones in Subaru's group kneeled down. The only people who were standing was Subaru, Meili and Sloth.
Betelgeuse: I most certainly didn't expect to meet with you so shortly, chosen one of her LOVE!
The madman walked rather close to Subaru staring deep into his eyes.
Subaru: It's good to see you too. But come on, you don't need to be Jealous about it.
Suddenly a tree was cut in half in the distance, however everyone seemed to ignore it.
Betelgeuse: And the little one next to you? She isn't a chosen for LOVE!
Meili who was now scared hid behind Subaru. She didn't say anything. She couldn't say anything.
Subaru: She will help to achieve my goal. I assume you are here to ensure that too.
Betelgeuse: Why indeed. I am here to diligently follow my Gospel's writ. Although I sadly cannot understand WHY! Why why why why why just why should I help someone like YOU?
He took a deep bite in his fingers. Blood was flowing out of it while he kept biting it over and over again.
Subaru: Really? You don't know? Well let me tell you then. It's really simple you know. The reason is, because I am the person who can make your desired future come true. Deep down you know it too, you just don't want to acknowledge it. Because you are clearly not as diligent as you say.
At the end Subaru's words became just straight up mocking. Trees were falling down one by one. Some of the cultists around the trees were even caught up in this and were decapitated. The ground had handprints appearing in them. Everyone who was still alive were either completely blank or a bit scared for their lives. Betelgeuse's fingers were completely broken, some of them even had bones sticking out of it.
Subaru: If you are done then heal your fingers up. We will proceed the day after tomorrow.
Subaru leaned a bit closer to the still angry Archbishop and whispered.
Subaru: These are the words of the Witch herself. You surely don't want to disobey them, right?
His eyes which were filled with madness opened wide. He wasn't saying anything, and he wasn't moving at all.
"Looks like I will have to go with this then. Lying to him will probably be easy though, after all the more desperate someone, the easier it is to lie to them."
Subaru walked back to his own group and signalled to everyone to go and scatter around while leaving Sloth in a state of blankness.
Erato: Pleaides-sama what did you tell him?
Subaru: I just told him what he wanted to hear. Nothing more.
"Although, I'm a bit surprised of him not attacking me. I expected this to go wrong."
A few minutes later four people were further away from everyone debating on the current situation.
Erato: How should we move next?
Subaru: According to your Gospels of course. Tomorrow I will go and explore the city a bit, the day after that we begin the operation.
Meili: Onii-san, you still didn't say why Crazy Onii-san and I are needed here. I would rather be locked up in a carriage than be in the sight of Insane Onii-san.
Subaru: You and Ventus will go in the forest and get a few ma beast that reside deeper within.
Meili: But I don't want to go with Crazy Onii-san.
Subaru: Ma beasts are attracted to the Witch's scent, that's why I will send him with you.
Ventus: Wait a moment. I will go there as a bait and not because someone has to make sure that she won't run away?
Subaru: If you have a problem I will send Erato in, and you can go and clean up after the ground dragons. I don't really think you have any others use besides fighting.
Ventus gave up without saying anything. After all being a bait is probably better than cleaning up shit.
Meili: Let's go then Bait Onii-san.
The two disappeared into the forest leaving Subaru and Erato alone.
Subaru: Next up is the way I will deal with Sloth. Apparently, the third was the case, and now I need to make him believe that the one who is telling me what to do is none other than the Witch. You know any convincing lies?
Erato: As far as I know everyone in the Sloth fraction is obsessed with her. I think whatever it is that you come up with it will work.
Subaru: "In the Sloth fraction"? Like only in the Sloth fraction?
"It makes sense that people like Greed might not care much about her, but I thought in the end I could at least get a tiny bit of influence around him too. But if I can't even control the rest in the slightest bit, I might really need to resort into making equal deals."
Subaru's eyes were filled with a bit of confusion. Erato took a deep breath before saying anything.
Erato: The others only care about their own satisfaction. Lust is collecting people around herself that aren't loved by anyone, so that they will only love her, Gluttony is eating others memories, so that they can satisfy themselves with the lives that they themselves never experienced, and Greed lives his life however he wants to, he does whatever he wants to, and kills everyone that bothers him.
"So I guess Greed really is a lost cause, Lust could work out… I think, and Gluttony too. Although I barely know anything Gluttony other than it's held by two people.
Subaru: What about Wrath's view on the Witch?
Erato: Wrath doesn't care about the Witch either, but she is willing to do whatever Sloth desires.
"Even if the rest aren't willing to work for me I can still get rid of them while benefiting from it."
Subaru: Well, I will go and see if he's recovered or not.
At the entrance of the cave were two cultists standing guard. Once Subaru approached they bowed and let him in without a question. The cave was barely lit and it was somewhat deep. Arriving near Sloth, Subaru noticed a corpse of a cultist, who apparently had its head crushed.
Subaru: And here I thought you might have calmed down…
Sloth, who was facing the other way turned around while he kept biting his fingers. His eyes were also bleeding.
Betelgeuse: Tell me "Envy", did she really talk to YOU? Can she really talk to YOU?
"I obviously won't and can't reveal my power, but how much can I reveal about her? I don't want to say that I met her in a dream, because that would be the truth, and she might intervene with me. But if I say a lie, maybe she won't."
Subaru: On occasions when I'm alone she talks to me. The one that guides me isn't the Gospel, but the Witch, and she was also the one who guided you here through your Gospel.
The madman's eyes widened. Blood was still flowing down both from the eyes and fingers, but none the less he stopped harming himself for the moment.
Betelgeuse: Tell me Envy, why would she want us to meet HERE? Why would she want us to work TOGETHER?
Betelgeuse was really close to Subaru once again. He was staring into his eyes deeply. The eyes of the madman met with the eyes of the person, who was at the verge of madness.
Subaru: Isn't that obvious? Because she has faith in you. She knows that you are the only one worthy of serving me, worthy of helping me in my goal.
The madman averted his gaze from Subaru and turned around. He was stuttering, and shaking a bit.
Betelgeuse: She remembers me… She loves me…
Tears of joy began to run down his cheeks as he put his broken fingers on his face.
Subaru: Your goal is to free her I assume. That can only be achieved through me.
Betelgeuse: Yes, yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes OF COURSE! We will need a good vessel for HER!
"I don't like how he phrased that. If this asshole would learn about Emilia things could get complicated…"
Suddenly Subaru's eyes widened in realization. He let out a big smile.
Subaru: No. That won't work at all. This is wrong in all way. You lack diligence, that's why she is still sealed, and that's why she choose me instead of you.
The voice of the madman dropped into a point that was barely audible. Suddenly a handprint appeared in the ground next to him.
Betelgeuse: What do you mean by that? Are you doubting her most loyal follower?
Subaru: The vessel is unnecessary, and overall a stupid idea. The only way of setting her free is by killing the thing that sealed her. We need to get rid of the Divine Dragon Volcanica.
"Like this I could keep him away from Emilia if he ever learns about her existence."
His eyes once again widened to a point which should be impossible. His voice was filled with joy. He was at the verge of tears again.
Betelgeuse: How could I be so so so so so so so so SLOTHFUL?! Of course it is the only WAY!
Subaru: Luckily for us I have already made preparations. One of the Royal Candidates is already my ally. But for now remember this, whenever I ask for your help you will be there without any objection, whatever I say you will do it without any objection, and you will always tell me everything that concerns the cult or the Royal Selection.
"Take the offer, and I will make you temporarily happy."
Subaru had an emotionless expression on his face throughout the majority of the negotiation. Betelgeuse was shedding tears of happiness. He got on his knees, still not stopping with his cry.
Betelgeuse: OF COURSE! Anything if it helps HER!
Suddenly his voice lowered and the tears stopped.
Betelgeuse: But, if you ever decide to betray her love don't expect me to look it away...
His words were filled with malice and would have scared anyone in this situation, however Subaru wasn't scared at all. He was smiling. His smile was filled with madness and malice.
"Idiot. If I let her loose the world won't be changed, but destroyed. Once you become useless you will be nothing more but a contribution to Emilia's reputation."
Subaru: Of course. How could I ever betray the person who saved me with her love?
Subaru reached out his hand to Betelgeuse, who was still on his knees. When touching his hands Subaru felt disgusted. Disgusted of the madman's behaviour. Disgusted of the sensation of the madman's hand.
"No, I won't end up like him. What I'm doing can be healed. I will never end up this way."
Subaru: Now then, if you don't mind, could you tell me the exact details of your Gospel?
"I won't ask about his Authority, so I can avoid him asking mine."
Betelgeuse: But of course Subaru-sama.
Subaru: Pleiades, call me Pleaides.
Betelgeuse: I was instructed to create a distraction by burning down the north, east and south area of the city. And that is all to it. Anything else, Pleaides-sama?
Subaru: What about the west area? Why not burn down that too?
Betelgeuse: I don't know. If I was also sent here by the Witch to abide your orders then, it must be because of you not wanting IT.
"Strange, I have never been here before so I have no reason to keep that area untouched..."
Subaru: Tomorrow I would like to scout out the place. I assume you will have to place down the explosives too. If the day after that is good for you we can attack then.
Betelgeuse: It is more than perfect for ME. The sooner we get done here the closer we get to free our LOVE!
"This guy was easy. This devotion and one sided love blinds the poor fool. I truly pity you, Betelgeuse. I truly, truly do."
Subaru turned around and started walking out of the cave, but before he left he turned around one last time.
Subaru: By the way, I don't want to refer to you as "You" or as "Sloth" when we talk, but your name is just too long. So how about I call you "Geuse"?
Suddenly a familiar feeling struck Sloth. He felt like this wasn't the first time of him hearing this nickname. He was frozen in place for a short while until he snapped out of it and gave a slight nod of approval to Subaru, which was really uncharacteristic of him.
By the time Subaru got up everyone was already minding their own business. The cultists in Sloth's fraction prepared to infiltrate the city and plant the explosives.
The person who Subaru took note of was Meili, who was playing with the gathered ma beasts. Most of them were bat like creatures, but there were snakes and even Ulgarms among them. In total there was twenty-three.
Subaru: That's actually more than imagined. Did Bait Onii-san do his job well?
Meili: Of course! Bait Onii-san did an amazing job.
Meili was smiling happily around the beasts. Subaru couldn't help but let a small smile escape too.
Subaru: A few of Sloth's cultists will be leaving for the city. I'm planning to go with them, do you want to come?
Meili: I would, really, but if I do they will surely attack them.
Subaru: I could just use magic to isolate them you know?
Meili: Well, if you insist… But don't blame me if things go wrong.
Using "Dona" the ma beast were sealed by multiple walls of earth. Both from above and from the sides. They were also isolated from each other. The snakes had their own cage, the bats had their own cage and the dogs had their own cage.
The city wasn't far away from the hideout. In about an hour the carriages managed to get inside the walls. To Subaru's surprise the city looked really familiar.
"Arabic structures if I'm right. A shame that it looks this great."
The city while wasn't as guarded as the capital still had its fair share of security. The other noticeable things were the large amount of merchants around.
"But I guess that is expected from the place they call the city of merchants".
Subaru: Meili, we are getting out here.
In the populated streets the two got out from the carriage, while the rest kept going into different directions.
Subaru: So, where do you want to go first?
Meili: What do you mean Onii-san? Aren't we here to explore this place?
Subaru: That was just an excuse to have a bit of fun around. And since I have nothing that I want to do in particular how about we go with whatever you want?
Meili was lost in thoughts. They were standing still for almost a minute now until the silence was broken.
Meili: Anything?
Subaru: Well not anything, but almost anything. We can do anything that's possible to do right now.
Meili: Then let's start walking around and then how about you buy me anything that I want?
She said that in a playful tone while giving a big smile. Subaru took her hand and the two of them started walking down the busy streets. To any outsider this probably looked like your everyday brother-sister pair spending some time together.
A short while of walking later they got to a store which caught Meili's attention. At the stores display were multiple dolls. She let go of Subaru's hand and rushed near the display eyeing the dolls.
Subaru: If you want one just say it.
Meili: Hmm. Well if you insist on buying one I might as well get it.
She let out a satisfied smile, but before she could do anything Subaru put on a much more ominous smile.
Subaru: I'm not insisting on anything… I will only buy it if you want me to.
A short silence broke out. Meili was pouting heavily waiting for Subaru to say something.
Subaru: Admit it. You like to play with dolls.
Meili: I don't! And I don't want one either!
She turned around and started walking away from the store with a slight bit of sadness on her face.
Subaru: You are right. You want more than one, so how about we get all those you took interest in?
Roughly ten minutes later almost all the dolls were bought. Luckily enough there wasn't that much to begin with and there were a few sacks around. And now Meili had a sack of dolls for herself. She let out a big smile and the two began to wander around.
A short while later they came across a bookstore.
"I guess now would be the best time to search for that."
Subaru: Do you mind if we go in here for a bit?
Meili: Not at all Onii-san.
The bookstore while had many books on its own it didn't have nearly as much as the library back in the mansion. Although there were a large variety of books in here too.
Subaru: Are you selling any diaries here?
Salesman: Of course! Those are really famous around here nowadays, and a large pack of shipment just recently came in from Kararagi.
"Kararagi eh? At some point I must check out that place."
Subaru: Could you give me two?
Salesman: Of course!
The salesman left for a moment and came back with two diaries. Their cower was different. One was coloured pink and had a butterfly shape on it, and the other was black in colour.
Subaru: This won't be for me. Is there something else for girls around her age?
Salesman: Ahh excuse me, I had no idea you had two little sisters.
Subaru: The other sadly doesn't like to leave from home that often, that's why I want to buy a diary for her.
The salesman replaced the black diary with an olive one that had a ground dragon on its cover. After paying the two of them left the store.
Subaru: Which one would you like better?
Meili responded with a somewhat quite voice.
Meili: The olive one…
While Meili's tone obviously changed from before Subaru decided not to pay much attention to it, and looked around. On the other side of the street was a shop selling masks, which he took note of.
"This place really has everything."
He walked closer to the display and noticed a few familiar design.
"These are… But how? Their design is one and the same as traditional Japanese masks."
Seller: Do you like them? They came from Kararagi a while ago.
"This again. Just how much does that place and Japan resemble each other? A few traditions are even the same and not only that, these masks are also mirror images of the ones from my world."
Subaru: Well, I'm looking for something that's a bit more simple. If you know what I mean.
Seller: Come in then. I'm sure you will find one.
Inside the store were all sorts of masks for all sorts of uses. Some of them looked really expensive, some of them looked like they were made for children and some were probably made for occasions.
Subaru: That will be perfect.
He pointed at a black mask which had four smaller holes on it. One at each of its eyes, one at each of its cheeks. The holes were connected by a red stripe, which went all the way down from the forehead to the chin, where they connected. Although it didn't have a mouth, it did have a longer nose area, resembling a plague doctor like appearance.
Meili: Why do you even need a mask Onii-san?
Subaru: Do you want one?
Meili: I'm fine without it.
After checking out the two of them left the store and walked around a bit more in the massive crowd even stopping for a moment to get a snack.
Everything was going quite uneventful until Subaru heard a certain name.
Man: Take care Suwen-san!
Subaru's eyes widened. This name was really familiar to him, in fact he still remembers that mistake he made.
"Otto Suwen… The guy I revealed my identity to and foolishly let go. Of course it didn't matter back then, but it does now. But then again, no one is talking about me, so they most likely didn't believe him and the other merchants. Right, right right… Why would they believe them? But still, I can't let it stay like this…"
Subaru: Meili, could you help me take care of something?
Meili tiled her head, but regardless didn't say no. Subaru quickly followed behind him, short after they reached one of the less crowded areas and he grabbed "Otto's" shoulder.
Subaru: Remember me?
The man wasn't him however.
"Ahh. Now that I recall he had a rather slim figure…"
Man: Excuse me, but do I know you?
The man had a much darker hair and a moustache on his face, and his outfit was also slightly different.
Subaru: No, my bad. I thought you were someone else.
Man: Someone else?
Subaru: His name is Otto Suwen, he is a "friend" of mine.
The man's eyes widened. He almost began to cry, but quickly recovered and showed a relieved expression.
Mazeran: That's my son… My name is Mazeran Suwen. Please, tell me how he is doing right now!
"What a bummer, he probably won't be here then. Ahh well. I will get to know the parents then."
Subaru: Sure, but this place isn't that suitable, and I have all this on me. Do you know a comfortable place where we can talk?
Mazeran: Please let me invite you to my home, it's not far from here.
Subaru nodded and signalled to Meili, who followed next to him. After a few minutes they arrived at their destination.
The Suwen residence was quite big place for traders, but apparently their whole family was really successful and also well known around the country. At this time everyone was at the courtyard. Subaru and Meili was served tea and the father, the mother and a brother sat down at the table.
Oslo: Nice to meet you, my name is Oslo Suwen, Otto's older brother.
Framir: And my name is Framir Suwen, Otto's mother.
Subaru: Nice to meet you, my name is Subaru. This is my little sister, Meili.
Meili payed no attention to the others talking, and neither did she pay much attention to Subaru's remark, instead she just sat there waiting for something interesting to happen.
Mazeran: Our son, what kind of relationship do you have with him?
Subaru: I'm just a regular buyer, that's all. But he really is cooperative and respects his business partners. You must be really proud of him.
Throughout the whole talk Subaru had an emotionless smile on him. His eyes were filled with an immeasurable void. Although they didn't notice anything, since all three family member had tears forming in their eyes.
Oslo: Tell me. Is he alright?
Subaru: Well, just as much as a travelling merchant can be.
The family was smiling and they even let out a small chuckle between each other.
"How heartwarming. And also really interesting..."
Subaru: It feels like you haven't seen him in ages. Why is that? Just what kind of being can keep this familial love away from each other?
The father let out a long sigh and quickly changed his expression into a melancholic one.
Mazeran: You see, our son did something to a local family's daughter, and since that family has a really big influence in this city Otto was exiled from this place.
Subaru's eyes widened. His empty eyes were filled suddenly filled with a certain emotion. However this wasn't anger, more like a certain type of happiness. He was barely holding himself back from laughing, but not because of joy, but because of something else that he was feeling right now. If he were to laugh now it wouldn't be a mocking one towards a "friend", more like the crazed laugh of a madman.
Subaru: So let me get this straight. A certain rich dude's daughter didn't like his face, so she called her successful father and Otto was kicked out?
Oslo: Well, that's exactly what happened…
"Oh man that's hilarious! I guess I might have a lead on the meteor too. If the guy is rich he probably bought it or something, and I guess I could try and put on a little comedy show too…"
Subaru: I might be able to arrange a meeting between the three of you and Otto.
Their eyes were suddenly filled with hope. If he was really able to do something like that then the whole family would be in great debt to him.
Framir: And when can you arrange that?
Subaru: Not sure about that yet. Currently I don't know where he is, but I will be around for a few more days so how about I come back tomorrow? Although I don't really know when will I have the time since I came here on an important business trip, so if you don't mind me being a bit selfish, can I have request of none of you leaving tomorrow?
What a rather specific request that was more than suspicious, however they probably couldn't care less about it being suspicious. The amount of worry and love they showed towards Otto doesn't make any of them question Subaru.
"I guess this is why we won't do anything with the west area. Strange how they weren't mentioned specifically though. But doesn't matter, locating Otto can wait for a bit later too."
Mazeran: Very well. We will be waiting for you tomorrow then, and thank you.
With these closing words Meili and Subaru left the Suwen residence, but once they were a few steps away Subaru let out a small smile, while a small teardrop fell down his face.
Meili: What's wrong Onii-san?
Subaru: This family, they are so good that I can't help but hate them with all my heart…
It was already night time. A few hours passed since arriving back from the city. Subaru had his palm on his forehead because of the sight he was witnessing. The amount of dolls barely fit in.
Subaru: Erato, be honest with me. Did I go a bit too far with this?
Erato: I think it all depends on a certain point of view…
"Yeah, I went a bit too far. I really shouldn't spoil her this much, buuuut that smile was adorable so I had no choice."
Subaru: Ahh right. There is that bigger mansion in the city. I want you to send a group, capture the owner's daughter, and bring her to the tower in the east area before we start the attack. They must not attack the mansion, but they are allowed to kill everyone who is with her, so wait until she leaves.
Erato was a bit surprised by this request mainly because it didn't serve much purpose at all to the attack nor did it make much sense.
Erato: I will get it done.
She bowed and left the carriage leaving only Subaru and Meili behind, who was in the middle of the dolls.
Subaru: I still have something to take care of so don't be up too late. Tomorrow will be a fun day and you don't want to miss it.
Meili gave a small nod and Subaru left the carriage. He was headed inside the cave where Sloth was supposed to be residing.
Betelgeuse: Welcome back, loved one. What can this diligent follower of her and your will can help WITH?
The Archbishop gave his usual bow to Subaru.
Subaru: In case the Gospel didn't tell I would like to ask, that before you start the assault, could you wait until I give you a mark?
Betelgeuse tilted his head in a way that shouldn't be possible, at all. Unless of course, someone has a broken neck.
Subaru: There is a tower in the city with a big area around it that is usually filled with people. Once the place around that starts to burn, you can start doing your thing.
Betelgeuse: Why would that be necessary? Isn't that just a waste of TIME?
Subaru: I just want to put on a little sideshow. It won't slow anything down, I just feel like it would be much more dramatic to start that before the main event.
The madman let out a huge smirk, leaned close to him, and looked into the eyes of Subaru. His voice was much quieter than before.
Betelgeuse: Just what could have happened in the span of one month?
Subaru: My eyes were opened thanks to her love and guidance.
"Love and guidance my ass. If you did love me you wouldn't let all this happen in the first place. Guidance is also such a fucking joke. You weren't the one giving me the Gospel… But despite all this, I'm still grateful. Because of you Satella, I can achieve anything that I want.
Suddenly the voice of Betelgeuse rose up into a much louder one. In fact it was so loud that it was probably heard outside of the cave too.
Betelgeuse: Ahhhhh! Of course! Of course! Of course! Of course! Of course! Of course! Her diligent love always the one that guides US! Us that are all chosen of receiving her LOVE!
"Looks like Geuse will be at it for a while…"
Subaru left the overexcited Sin Archbishop inside of the cave and proceeded to walk back inside the carriage. The following night went by quickly and soon the Sun rose.
It was a massive crowd. Everyone was minding their own business, merchants all around the city were bargaining with each other. The guards didn't seem to be on guard as much as they were in the capital, but they were still heavily armed up. At one end of the street was the said tower.
In its third floor was Subaru, Ventus and one young girl whose fingers were bleeding. She was chained up, her fingernails were beside her. She couldn't talk since her mouth was covered, she wanted to cry but there were no more tear left in her eyes.
Subaru was wearing his black mask along with a black cultist outfit, while standing at the balcony of the third floor. He was looking down at the crowd that didn't notice him until he spoke up.
Subaru: Everyone! Please pay attention for a moment! I came here with a once in a lifetime offer!
The crowed seemed to have stopped whatever they were doing and looked up at Subaru with silence and curiosity. Because of the angle they were facing they didn't notice the outfit he was wearing.
Subaru: Well then, let's start with the introductions! My name is Pleiades, a Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult who holds the title of Envy. It's a pleasure to meet all of you!
Just a quick note. I have no idea how long would it actually take to get there, and as far as i know it's not really confirmed either. So since Pristella is around 2-3 weeks away I'm just assuming that it's around that time too, since according to the world map (which isn't really accurate in the first place) the mansion and Pristella is around the same distance as Picoutatte is from the mansion. So i guess it should be around the same distance.
I will also base of most things from the world map.