I felt I had to walk through what was going on in Kazuma's head in great detail, I hope it's not too overbearing.

I occupied one of the top levels of clock tower, above the arcane mechanism. I could observe large part of the town with my Farsight skill, while concealed by extensive decorations. The clocks were magically imbued, apparently needing no winding up or maintenance, at least for the last month and a half since I found this place.

While I tend to laze around in free time, frankly, there is not much to do in this world outside of school. I was not eager to study or work part-time, so I naturally found a new hobby. That was exploring the small town, and it was one the normiest thing I ever committed to. I was part of the groups which found obscure 'beverage bar' and 'otaku vending machine'. With the last one, I had to make a 'business deal' with Felt, to keep it secret from everyone else. On the bright side, a lot of people remarked how happy they were when I got back to work alongside exploring. Little did they know, that it was to pay up Felt's "buyout" and to purchase outlandishly priced manga and novels from the aforementioned machine...

Needless to say, for a while I was very bitter and scouted parts of town alone. As part of that "solo exploration quest", I found this small room at the top of the tower. When others would have been stopped by big lock on the door leading to stairs, I could lockpick it. It was way harder than I thought, but in the end, this remote closet came in my sole possession. I presume, its purpose was to allow access to the massive clock engine from above, but the place looked like it was abandoned, full of dust and spider webs.

Naturally, after finding potentially one of the coolest place for private pastime, I wanted to ascertain that indeed nobody comes here. It was relatively easy, since the only way up there was by small metallic ladder, several bars of which I covered with slightly diluted soda drink I bought earlier. Whoever used this way, would inevitably leave marks on it, which I checked for when finalising my decision to hide here.

Before holing myself there, I had to briefly visit my dorm to get essentials, and luckily I haven't come across anyone at home. Taking water, few snacks and a blanket to rest on, I sneakily made my way to the tower across roofs, which always had been my first pick for a hiding place. If the place was visited by someone since I found it, I would probably have had to settle with something less convenient, but luck, as it often is, was on my side. Now, I could spend night and day completely safe and undisturbed.

Honestly, I feel very bad. Like, for real. I've done one of the stupidest thing I've ever done.

I chose to escalate when I had no chance of winning. Sure, I've won the 'battle' and got away, but what's next? I mean, I can continue hiding – I can do it pretty effectively, only Ainz or Reinhardt could probably find me. The problem is – I see no way they do not eventually get involved with my search.

Let's say, Pinkmin and Mazohusband tell everyone that I assaulted them and fled in fear of repercussions. Well, Ainz might pass involving himself in personal spat, but Reinhardt... That pseudo-righteous prick would overturn every rock with his OP hands to see me brought to justice.

In the opposite case, if Louise and Saito stayed quiet about encounter with me... Hmm, Yunyun was a witness, if not another victim as well. Whatever goodwill I had with her will not cover for what happened, but she is also very gullible. She will not go against the couple's story. And they, I could imagine, would not like approaching someone with "You know, one of your pals assaulted me" as an icebreaker. Though, it's reasonable to assume Louise would bring this up eventually.

And even if she doesn't, then my disappearence would be treated seriously, and then everyone, most importantly – Ainz&Co, would not rest until they make sure nothing threatens people in this world, by eventually – actually, maybe in the matter of minutes – finding what happened to me. That I fled and hid, making everyone worry about me. The line for slapping me might rival the usual one at cafeteria...

I don't see any good way out of this. At this point, meeting the couple privately and returning Louise's panties does not seem like that bad of idea anymore. Time has passed, emotions calmed down and rules of the place were (probably) explained. No violence-

Oh. Doesn't what I did basically breaks the rules? I mean, i hope it's not relevant since no one was seriously hurt, and Roswaal is gone anyway. But that doesn't really help me to lessen my punishment. Well, it has to be better than 'detention', which is basically a torture chamber. So, I'd rather not involve the authorities...

It's humiliating and depressing. Every single idea of how to avoid turning myself in that comes to my mind, falls apart after no more than 5 minutes of thinking. All I have left is trying to come up with a correct way to approach them.

Phew. I cringe so hard when I imagine myself apologetically kneeling before Louise... Good news, at least I am not into femdom. Though, if it weren't for the circumstances... Nah. Not for me, dawg.

Okay. Time to get back to business, Satou Kazuma.

I still have panties, in my pocket. If someone to believe the wilder rumors about me, I must be doing something indecent with them. On the contrary, few times my hands habitually slipped to rest in my pockets, I pulled out like it was fire. If there was anything arousing about the piece of underwear, it was completely suppressed by sheer shame and anxiety.

Perhaps before visiting wherever the couple stays, I should go back to dorm and get something nice to store them in. I don't think they would react positively if I were to pull out her pants out of my pocket like it's nothing. Clearly, my proper presentation is the primary thing I should work on if I decided to surrender. I'd also like to avoid violence, so I need to mention I am willing to compensate them with anything they want.

It could be beneficial to bring someone with me. Surely, Louise would hold herself back in presence of another person. The more likable and innocent that person is, the better. Which makes Emilia the ideal candidate, especially since she usually tries to play the role of peacemaker whenever the possibility of conflict arises.

I have to assume, that the worst case happened and she was told what I stole and that I threatened Louise to facilitate my getaway. I don't think half-elf would refuse helping us to get over this feud, but Louise would have much more leeway in deciding on my punishment. Still, probably much better than going in alone.

All this time I still partially observed town. I've seen Ainz and his pet vampire making their way towards diner area, the place they had nothing to do with, which probably meant Louise and Saito were in process of introducing themselves there. I should wait until it's over and approach Emilia when she goes home. There is no point waiting until tomorrow to ask her, she might even help with picking time and place for my apology.

Several people came and went to Gunther diner, with a lot of people staying there for far longer than usual. I even saw Aqua and Megumin hurrying there, then the Crimson Demon storming out. Probably because of what I did... She takes it to heart, when her party members are in trouble or badmouthed. Might have to get her or – better – to the whole party some kind of present to soothe the stress...

Back to the issue at hand. I don't know what compensation I should offer. Actually, what can I even offer? Only my free time. Can I tutor them in something? They will harldy trust me. I have a lot of craftsmanship skills, but what do they need them for? Make furniture? Household appliances? Repair something? You can all buy that. Some of it is not cheap... So, money? A minimum wage worker-boy, offering bribe with stupid local currency to the stuck-up nobles, what can possibly go wrong!?

Damn. Who would have thought, that the "Most Useful Party Member®" was so useless at making up?

The loud explosion from nearby park startled me. It was too close and too powerful compared to her usual ones. Normally, she held back a little, per "community's request", as well as doing it in the same place and relatively at the same time. Today, when I heard the explosion so early and so close, I was told to find and reprimand her for breaching these rules. Well, ironically, now she did indeed break them...

Exhaustion. When I finally found a comfortable pose, slouching in the corner on the blanket, I truly felt it. My body ached from all the stunts I've done today, head pulsated with faint pain from all the pressure and overthinking. Aqua casted Heal whenever I was hurt training or even just overstressed, so I haven't felt fatigue that heavy in a long time. But, I needed to be vigilant.

I still had to meet Emilia, and I very much wanted to avoid Ram. Objectively, she was the second most unlikable person from Subaru's group. She is amused by people suffering, and if she has even the slightest idea that she could harm me more, Ram will go ahead and try to ruin my talk with Emilia. If I remember correctly, Emilia basically lived alone right now, so it might be worthwhile to visit her quarters, of course, with proper knocking and warning, lest I want to worsen my standing with another incident.

At 20:46, whole Subaru's gang exited diner. Well, except beastmen. Which was lucky for me, since Garfiel might have been able to scent my presence if I came too close. I lurked on the roofs, following them from fair distance away to minimise risk. It really hurt my ability to read their lips, but from snippets I could understand from Subaru, who had been walking backwards or half-turned for a while, they weren't talking about me.

Though, they were talking about Louise and Saito. They seemed excited and unconcerned, unlike what I expected. Did the couple somehow sugarcoat our encounter? I mean, that works for me.

Only Subaru and Emilia were left when they were coming close to half-elf's dorm, even Beatrice left them to stay at Subaru's place when they were coming by. It was very unlike her, such secrecy piqued my interest so much that I closed the distance to mere meters between us, as close as it is possible while remaining on roofs. I still had to concentrate to hear what they have to say, with Subaru speaking in uncharacteristically quiet voice. Emilia responded as usual, uninfluenced by his worries.

"-does not bode well. I have no reason to believe they aren't good people, but their circumstances do set a dangerous precedent."

"I think you are overreacting. Many things happened here already, some of them clearly more dangerous than a self-transporting couple. Maybe it's just the new way people get here, instead of Red Button? It's not like they can go back either."

"I understand, and agree somewhat. But if they were same as us, they would have been accounted for. But Roswaal is gone and I don't think Principal Rudendorf recieved any orders about these two, though it's up to Tanya to ascertain..."

Subaru sighed, hesitating to continue, but then abruptly stopping in place, crossing eyes with half-elf.

"Emilia, I don't want to sound too cynical, but... The primary reason we all haven't seriously harmed each other are rules and their supposed enforcement. Or had been. Of course, your mediation between groups was and is of great help too, but you weren't always doing that and... Well, sometimes, some people don't want to resolve conflicts, they just want to have an occasion to lash out. And there are such people. I wouldn't point fingers, but you probably have at least an idea..."

"Honestly, never expected to hear that from you, Subaru. You adore everyone you meet! So, I disagree. I understand where are you coming from, but these peaceful months, on the contrary, indicated that even the polar opposites could coexist if they wish to. You have gotten along with almost everyone, haven't you?"

"Yes, sure. But some were just scared or ordered to stand down. If rules holding this place together fall apart while we still can't get home, things could get messy."

"This is re~ally reaching. Do... Do you feel in danger? Something happened?"

"No. Rather... You know, Kazuma had an idea, that we were brought here so our interactions entertain some nigh-omnipotent being. Which isn't all that new, but he suggested the rules would change if things were to become stale. I am afraid, Louise and Saito might be the sign of times changing."

Hmm. I might have said something like "the rulers of this world might be so bored they'll pit us against each other", it was surprising Subaru remembered. My bigger concern was they'll bring our enemies here, like they did with Mobile Fortress. To be fair, it was very much controlled engagement, under supervision of school. At least the first time it happened...

"This... This is hard to follow. Why one small alteration to transportation method means other things will change? And change for worse? It's really inconsequential to how things are run here... Am I missing something?"

Subaru sighed again, shying away his eyes.

"You aren't, Emilia-tan. It's just young stupid me worrying about everyone. I appreciate the good atmosphere we have here, and we should keep at it."

Emilia was still looking at him, so he continued.

"Louise and Saito aren't the first sign. What happened to us, our detour to Lugnica, and disappearance of Roswaal were also out of the ordinary. Now, Kazuma also seems to be missing..."

Wait, what? They don't know I ran away? What exactly were they told then? Then... Maybe I just go ahead and talk to both of them now. I'll just won't go into details. Surely, then it will be cakewalk.

I carefully made my way down, not bothering to hide when I was closing in on them. They were still talking, less agitated but still somewhat hushed. I coughed theatrically as I was coming closer, to avoid startling them. Both were somewhat surprised to see me, before Emilia remembered to greet me.

"Hi, Kazuma! We kind of lost you. Subaru was looking for you the whole evening. Did you hear we have new arrivals?"

Before Subaru could start rambling about his day, I raised my hand and mustered a serious face.

"Yes, I do know. To my regret, I crossed paths with them and we came in conflict due to misunderstanding. I fled and wandered through town, ruminating what to do until I remembered you, Emilia, do help to mediate between people. So I decided to approach you and make up with Louise and Saito as soon as possible."

Emilia and Subaru almost simultaneously looked at each other and rebutted me.

"They never even mentioned anything about you."/"You are not telling the whole story, are you?"

Okay, this is not gonna be as easy as I thought. But I have to go on.

"Well, I guess they were not proud of what happened, despite the greater fault of mine. I don't want to go in details either, since I am somewhat ashamed too. But I would like your assistance with arranging our meeting, if you could help me."

Emilia looked at me musingly, before nodding. "Sure. After school." Subaru looked at Emilia briefly, smiling sadly while talking. "Yeah, Tanya invited both of us to another meeting with Louise and Saito, sometime tomorrow. I don't know exact time yet, we'll discuss it tomorrow morning, I believe. So, I suggest you do it as soon as possible. Sorry for the inconvenience, Emilia-tan."

"No problem! I know it's important for both of you." Smiling friendly, she frowned briefly looking back at me. "Wait, you will go to classes tomorrow, right? You shouldn't miss school. Louise and Saito have not decided yet, whether to be students or work."

"Then how can we contact them?"

"We can ask Tanya where are their apartments?"

Emilia is a bit of an airhead. Yeah.

"Emilia, please... What if they aren't home when we go there after school? We can't even be sure they'll come to same diner tomorrow."

Subaru put hand on my shoulder in calming manner, ignoring my glare. "Aren't you a worrywart... I am sure Tanya told them to be on standby, you just have to ask her."

"I don't want to involve Tanya in that... Okay. Here's what we gonna do..."

It was somewhat convenient Subaru was here with Emilia. She could find Louise and Saito through Tanya, while Subaru and I will ask to delay the meeting proper until evening, when our reconciliation will be done. I thanked both of them and we parted ways pretty upbeat. Emilia is really an angel. She wasn't nosy at all and sincerely wanted to help me. Subaru doesn't deserve her.

All that's left is dealing with my own pain-in-the-ass party, who definitely won't let me rest until I tell them why was I missing all day. Well, could be worse...

Only Darkness was waiting for me, Aqua and Megumin were sleeping soundly. Apparently, Explosion magic was brushed off too harshly for archmage's liking, she (presumably) cried until casting a big one and going limp on Aqua's back. Useless Goddess wasn't particularly keen on staying up when there was no one to bother, so she went to bed as well. Leaving masochistic crusader roaming together with Subaru in vain attempt to find me. I can't believe everyone but Darkness forgot about me... Well, I guess peacefulness of this world relaxed us too much to be seriously wary about safety.

Her first words upon mentioning my falling-out with Louise and Saito were "Did you manhandle her?", spoken entirely red and excited. Through back and forth she correctly guessed I stole Louise's underwear, soon after my confession calming herself enough to give me a stern lecture. Alluding that one perverse noble would have totally loved that kind of treatment threw Darkness off just enough that I could retreat and close the door, without getting snatched and held like a cub for more dressing-down.

This morning was even worse than usual. Megumin couldn't stop complaining about Louise, trying to involve me in attempts to one-up her. Aqua, on the other hand, incessantly bothered me with how better of a hero Saito was. Only because he treated her politely and with (reportedly, from delusional goddess) reverence.

The classes were boring, but I was unable to sleep, anxiously expecting something to go wrong. I didn't want to arouse suspicion, so I didn't approach Emilia immediately after she talked with Tanya, planning to discreetly approach half-elf on lunch break in cafeteria. I chatted with Subaru, though, going over his impressions of arrivals and how different Saito's story seemed to be.

Subaru claimed to intuitively feel whether the person had powerful aura. In his brief impression, Saito was a veteran, living through many dangerous experiences yet relatively lighthearted and calm, while Louise was friendly and earnest. He assured me that apologising to them as soon as possible was the correct choice, which hinted at him having guessed the nature of my offense. Regardless, Subaru didn't outright ask me about it, which was surprisingly thoughtful of him.

When the long bell rang, I had to stop myself from rushing out. Calm down, Kazuma. Okay. I have plenty of time. We all go together, take our meals and then I sit at the same table as Emilia and Subaru, as per our agreement. Then we go over miscellaneous details that came up since I talked with Emilia, confirm the arrangement and if needed, ask Tanya and Ainz to postpone our own meeting.

I guess, some of my nervousness rubbed off on my party. We walked to school cafeteria uncharacteristically silent. I needed to warn them that I plan to discuss something with Subaru and Emilia without interruptions. Strangely, that didn't devolve in flood of questions or teasing, not as much as it used to be. I guess I am ought to tell them what happened after it's over, and maybe even help Megumin about her own spat with Louise. We are kind of drifting apart, in this world...

I sat at the Ram's usual seat, wanting to rub it in her face. I guessed, since it's a private conversation, Subaru and Emilia would have to send her off somewhere. It's such a pity she had nowhere to go! Actually, being unlikable to all 5(or 6?) factions is an achievement on its own.

The familiar chatter nearby notified me of half-elf and lucky boy, followed closely by Beatrice who immediately sat on Subaru's lap. I guess they were alright with letting her in on the plan? I was a bit wary that Ram would make a scene, but she just turned around with pokerface. She ignored Garfiel and Fredericka waving to her, choosing the table with Floor Guardians. Monsters attract monsters...

"I know, I know! But Beako was so frustrated we left her out yesterday, I had to let her in on this one! You are a good girl, Beatri-"

"Oi, shut up already. As long as everything goes right, I don't really care. Emilia, how was it?"

"Please, don't be rude to Subaru. Tanya said they should be at central park after lunch. I told her I've had procured something they were interested in, but haven't thought of a way to contact them. I think she believed me... Well, Tanya would let us have some private time and asked to tell them that she would like to meet them at 6 at the same diner as yesterday."

"Wonderful. I am glad I asked for your help, Emilia. Anything else of note?"

"Emm, no? I think everything is ah-ke? That's how you say it, Subaru?"

"Oh-k-ay. Okay. OK. Like that , leave the first pronunciation, cute one, just between us, ake?"

These insufferable flirts... I hope you stay cuck, Subaru. There is no way you deserve otherwise. This guy... He even had a little sister now! How unfair! I sincerely thought of compensating both of you for your efforts, but now there is no way Subaru gets anything but "Thanks".

"Okay. How about you, Kazuma?"

"I am prepared. I think. Maybe I should rehearse my speech, but I am not-"

Before I could continue my train of thought, my Enemy Detection skill pulsated inside my head. As I cut my voice abruptly, Subaru stopped trying to feed Beatrice and looked at me.

"What's wrong? Did you see a gho-. Oh. Kazuma, don't turn around. They are here. Louise and Saito."

"Fuck." I couldn't hold myself back, despite catching evil eye from Beatrice and knowing it would upset Emilia. Who, in turn, should have known if the couple in question was coming! I straightened my back and opened my eyes as wide as possible, extending my hands in "thumbs up!" sign, trying to mock that overly-positive clown who now hid his scary eyes from me.

"Good job, everyone."