Chapter 12: Zero Hour
"Mi~ss Emilia, forgive my intrusio~n, but I believe it would be for the best to attend this meeting."
Such were the words of Roswaal L. Mathers, Emilia's one and only sponsor for the royal selection that, according to the emissary from Crusch Karsten's manor, might commence soon. Said emissary, a man in his late years who called himself "Wilhelm," had informed the Margrave and Emilia that the Council had apparently invoked an immediate meeting for all candidates with important news about the selection.
Although Wilhelm had been nothing short of courteous and honest, his words had brought Emilia an incredible amount of anxiety. Sure, this might turn out to be just another announcement or something along those lines, and the whole trip may be just like any other, which would mean that they would all be back in the manor after a couple of days and everything would go on as usual.
But, if this was something major, it meant that the selection might start sooner than expected. In that case, Emilia's already incredible workload would only increase, and her every move would be scrutinized by all who had even a sliver of interest in the selection.
Of course, as always, Roswaal was suggesting to have her come along with him to the meeting. His presence was required, as he was her only supporter, and he had already chosen Ram to accompany him to the capital.
"Hey, Roswaal, I really don't mean to sound…standoffish, but you do remember what happened last time Lia was in the capital," Puck responded, although it was more of a statement than a question.
"Why, yes, I do~. Luckily, the Sword Saint was there to aid her. Besides, I doubt a me~re assassin like the Bowel Hunter would target any of us again, even less so when we are in the ca~stle."
Puck just looked at him with a narrowed gaze.
"Alright then, if we have no fu~rther matters to discuss, I believe it would be wi~se to begin our preparations for the trip."
"Roswaal," came Emilia's voice. "You forgot something: the one that saved me was Subaru. I don't wish to omit Reinhard's part in that whole thing, but even he said that Subaru had warned him."
Upon hearing the boy's name, Roswaal's smile grew much tenser. "Miss Emilia, for both of our sakes, I implo~re you to avoid speaking his name in the capital. After all~, only the people in this household know of the boy and his…actions."
She nodded, even if the displeasure with his command was entirely evident on her face.
"Come on, Lia. We should start getting ready for the trip, and cheer up a bit, frowning will give you wrinkles, heh."
With the usual pleasantries, both royal candidate and great spirit departed from the manor's main study and made their way toward the former's room. Even if the trip was not something Emilia was looking forward to, she would try to at least attempt to enjoy some parts of it. After all, they were going to the royal capital for multiple days: sure, she would spend one of those days in the meeting, but that left a couple of others to enjoy the city.
"Lia, cheer up. It's not as if Roswaal's sending you to just do busywork all day long. Besides, I'm sure you'll have fun in the capital!"
"I'm sure I will, but I can't get shake the feeling that something's up with Roswaal. Did you see it too?"
"He's surely just on edge. The selection's been postponed time and again, so he probably thinks this is as much a waste of time as you do."
"You think so? Then, why do we have to go?"
"Now, now, Lia. You know it's very important to look invested in the Council's business, even if you're not."
"Huh!? But…wouldn't that be lying?"
The response she got from Puck was a simple shrug.
As the two walked in silence, they passed the door to the twins' room. From within came voices, loud enough to be overheard, but low enough to show that whoever spoke did not desire for others to listen in.
"Rem, I trust you will be safe here. Even if the Cult attempts anything, if there is anyone that can stop them, it is you. Besides, they would be foolish to return here."
"Sister, if they come back, know that you can count on me. I will ensure those monsters do not destroy our home again."
Upon hearing this, Emilia's pace slowed. The Cult had completely slipped her mind these couple of days. She remembered Subaru and the accusations leveled against him, but she had never had a chance to actually learn about the group as a whole. All she knew was that they revered the very being that caused such prejudice to be aimed at her.
Could that have been why Subaru helped her?
Now, she realized that the answer to that question was within reach. If she managed to speak with Reinhard, he could surely confirm what Subaru was thinking on that day. Maybe he would know where Subaru was! After all, the two seemed to be close when the loot house incident occurred. Could Subaru have been with him all along?
Emilia shook her head. Why was she even thinking of meeting him? What could she even say to him?
Well, she had a mind-reading cat spirit, so a round of questions wouldn't hurt.
It was unfortunate that she dreamed on, fully unaware of Roswaal's greater plan.
In the capital, life went on as normal for all. The Witch Cult's attack little more than a week earlier was now completely forgotten, and people were going on with their lives, blissfully ignorant of the events that would transpire soon enough.
"Soon enough," of course, was actually "in the next day and a half."
Very few people understood the truth of the world. This was because very few ever dared to peek beyond the comforting veil that obscured people's vision with calming lies. Of those that had the courage to see the truth, fewer still survived the revelations such an action brought.
Only those that cast aside the veil and made it out unscathed were respectable.
All others lacked either the will or the strength to grow beyond their confines. Witch Cultists, for all their flaws, could at least understand the reality of the world they inhabited. Even if they were mere pawns to a greater power, they comprehend the importance of seeing beyond the lies pushed by others.
By now, keeping track of all the inaccuracies between the history people spoke of and the actual events that transpired in the past four centuries had become impossible for even the greatest chroniclers. Where one found a discrepancy and revealed it, one began to unravel the thread of lies that the four countries built for so long. When one discovered that the Witch of Envy was not the only one of her kind, one also discovered that the real Sage was not Shaula, that Satella had not been the Witch of Envy, that the Lugnican royals had been murdered, and much, much more.
"It greatly saddens me that you will not even consider my offer," said a gentle voice with an owner so divine that one felt looking not even the gods could destroy her beauty.
"I've considered it, and I've rejected it time and again," came the response from a man dressed in a simple, military-like coat, and whose every trait depicted a life of hard manual labor.
"That makes it even more painful. What is it that has made you feel so dismissive to me? You know I have your best interests at heart."
"As I've told you before, the Witch Cult is a fanatical group of imbeciles. You're free to lead them, but I'm afraid I won't be taking part in that little circus."
"Is your refusal rooted in personal gain?"
"No. It's rooted in personal opinions. As I'm sure you've learned in your four centuries of life, ideologies are often more impactful than personal gain."
"Was that last part a concealed jab at me?"
"I could jab you a million times over, and you'd feel nothing, so why even try?"
"How nice of you to think so highly of me."
"Only a select few deserve that honor, and most of those I've sworn to cut down to size."
"Would I be wrong to assume I am not part of that group?"
"You would be right to assume so. Enjoy the praise while it lasts, Pandora, because it may very well be snatched away from nowhere."
The divine woman, Pandora, laughed. "In four hundred years, you learn to love every moment of every interaction, even ones such as these, because you never know when they will come again."
These words resonated with the military man's beliefs, and he showed this by nodding solemnly. "Life's too short for all of us to spend mucking about. Everyone's got to speak their minds, follow their hearts, and act with their own two hands. Which is exactly why I'm refusing your offer again."
"I understand what you mean," was all she replied as she prepared to leave.
"One last thing: I'd like to thank you."
"Oh? That is the highest sort of praise a man like you can give."
"Laugh it up," he commented as he waved his hand in dismissal. "All I'm saying is, I'd like to thank you. You pay attention to people far below your status. I don't know how you can put up with people worse than me but I'll commend you for that."
"It is truly easy to do so when you love all."
"So, love has blinded you."
"Blissful ignorance is more preferable to a painful reality, is it not?"
The military man only shook his head and walked away, cutting the conversation short.
As she watched him go, Pandora muttered, "I suppose everyone is in a hurry when they have limited lifespans."
And with that, the Witch of Vanity disappeared.
"Welcome! Welcome, disciple of the Witch! How I have expected your arrival!"
A dark and humid cave.
"I take it your trip to the Sand Dunes has been a success? It has to have been! To fail in that task would have been truly slothful!"
Groups of robed devotees.
"Onto other matters, our diligent scouting of Flanders has yielded results! Yes! Soon, the Witch Cult will raze, obliterate, crush, destroy, and decimate the city! Such an act of love will call the Witch's attention to us!"
Ten special individuals, all reunited in front of the conglomeration.
"I see you have brought a new ally, Archbishop of Gluttony! How magnificent! Your diligence continues to put me to shame, yes!"
Leading them all, a sickly green man clutching a black book.
At the cave's entrance stood the Pleiades Watchtower's two keepers, Natsuki Subaru and Shaula. Outside of the cave, sitting against one of the stone walls, was Elsa Granhiert, the notorious Bowel Hunter. To top it all off, a mere kilometer or two away from this hideout, lay Margrave Mathers's mansion.
"Ma~ster," Shaula (tried to) whisper. "Who's the green guy? He creeps me out, yep."
He ignored her and spoke, "Petelgeuse, I'm honestly surprised you came to pick us up. Seeing how it was supposed to be Roy's job to recover me, I take it there's something you want me for."
"Yes! You are quite bright, Archbishop! See, the Margrave hosts a silver-haired, amethyst-eyed half-elf! That girl is fit to undergo the Ordeal!"
"I take it this 'Ordeal' isn't a good thing."
"You are correct! It is beyond good, it is excellent! If the girl passes it, she will make for a suitable host for the Witch! If she fails, then she will be discarded!"
Although he had expected Petelgeuse's answer to be disturbing, Subaru found himself barely managing to contain his rage at his fellow Archbishop's words. "You…you would gamble her…life…just like that? You…you…you…"
"It is why I brought you here today, disciple! I have great need to conduct this Ordeal, and I am aware of your mission to the manor, so I wish to ask for a repayment of my good will: bring us the girl, and you will wipe away your debt!"
"My debt?"
His final word resounded within the cave, and even the lowliest cultists could tell that the atmosphere had shifted.
"What debt, Petelgeuse? I never asked for your help, did I? No, I called for my brother, and you came to put me in your debt. This kind of thinking makes you as vile and sick as the color of your skin."
One of the Fingers, an elderly man with a short beard, stepped up and attempted to speak, but he was cut off.
"You know, Petelgeuse, I considered you the most approachable of the Archbishops, my brothers excluded. Sirius acts like only you exist in this world, talking to Regulus would drain me of my will to live, and I would much sooner spit at my father before even considering approaching Capella out of my own free will."
He could hear a chuckle from outside the cave.
"But, as it turns out, you're as twisted as the rest of them. You're all a sorry sight, a perfect example of the dangers of blind faith! What do you know of Emilia!? Have you seen the way she acts when others compare her to that Witch!? And you want to kill her because of some crush you have!?"
By now, several of the cultists closest to him had moved away, and Subaru noticed he was practically spitting at them in anger.
"She has a kind heart; can you say the same for that monster you revere!? She's hated for things outside of her control; can you say the same for your 'beloved!?' Answer me, Petelgeuse! The only reason Shaula hasn't shot you yet is because I've no idea how to kill you, but if you won't answer me, then I'll just find a way to do it. Even if it kills me, Petelgeuse!"
"Tsk, tsk. I can see your attachment to the half-elf blinds your sight from reality, young Gluttony! To ignore the call of the Witch is…absolute sloth."
Every cultist between the two, Fingers excluded, began to shift and clear a way. They knew a fight could erupt at any moment, and they would all very well be collateral damage.
Petelgeuse and Subaru stared each other down. One with madness in his eyes and another with endlessly building rage.
For seconds, the entire cave went silent save for the soft breathing coming from the two Archbishops who would, at any moment, rip each other into pieces.
Knowing full well that any wrong move would bring forth the wrath of not one but two Archbishops, one of the Fingers stepped in between the two of them. She was a woman Subaru remembered from the cathedral meeting, a redhead with freckles.
"Sirs, please," she said to both of them. "I realize that this is a…difficult situation to deal with, but I strongly suggest that neither jump to violence. No matter who wins, the Cult as a whole loses if we fight. The Witch loses if we fight."
It seemed as if the last part managed to get through to the green man, who finally calmed a bit. Subaru also relented, and the fury in his gaze subsided somewhat. The ginger Finger (heh) noticed this, and continued speaking.
"Lord Archbishop Romanee-Conti, I understand the importance of the Ordeal, but to place ourselves against another Archbishop is too much. The half-elf's time will come, as all is as the Witch desires, but to put ourselves against another of her disciples would only harm all involved."
She turned to Subaru.
"Lord Archbishop Subaru, you will find Lord Archbishop Romanee-Conti much more willing to accept your mission if you swear the girl will not be harmed."
"I swear it on my blood, sweat, tears and all the rest. Happy?"
"Then, I see no reason for us to continue this argument. I propose we part ways here, and let each other complete the tasks set before them."
Various cultists nodded, and the other nine Fingers looked at Petelguese for confirmation as to how to proceed.
The Archbishop of Sloth stood straight at an uncomfortable angle and with such a rigid posture that, if he had any spine problems, they were fixed instantaneously. "To fight now, to put one another in the ground, would be the very definition of sloth, disciple. Let out paths diverge, and may your diligence continue to impress me!"
With those words, Petelgeuse and his small army of cultists marched past Subaru and exited the cave. Only one remained: the redhead.
"Lord Archbishop Subaru, do not mistake my interference for kindness. My loyalty is to him and him alone, and I know a lost battle when I see one. Farewell, sir, and if your path and mine entwine again, I hope it is in a better situation."
His response came in the form of a nod, and she departed the cave with her comrades.
Shaula, who had been silent the entire time, just blew a raspberry at her. "That's right, yep! Get out!"
"Shaula…"
"Hah, alright master, but you're being re~ally unfair right now."
Seeing no point in remaining within a humid and obscure cave devoid of life apart from some moss on the walls, the two made their way outside and found Elsa Granhiert spinning a kukri knife on her fingertip.
"What took so long? Even from out here I could feel the tension between you and Moss Man."
"'Moss Man?'"
"Ah, that's what Mother calls him. See, he's green, like moss, an-"
"Elsa, you cut open my stomach, but you didn't damage my brain."
"Well, you never know. Maybe the lack of blood affected you?"
"Stop being mean, lady," Shaula interrupted. "Master's head works just fine, yep!"
Elsa chuckled, and it brought back memories of the loot house. "Well, I see your friend here is a bit into you, yes? How nice to have someone that likes you. Is she going to leave you like the girl with the cat?"
"Did you come along to be useful or just to laugh at me?"
"Mmm, well, why can't it be both?"
Although, to an outsider, it would seem like Subaru was joking with Elsa, all he felt towards her was spite. Being killed by a person several times is not something one can so easily forget.
He would not be forgiving Elsa anytime soon, even if her actions were no longer part of this world.
And the same went for Rem.
As quickly as that thought came into his head, he felt a surge of emotions much like the one from that fateful evening in the forest. Now, he was finally back. Now, he had a chance to settle things.
"Look, Elsa," he said. "Can we cut the chatter now? The manor's right there, and I'm sure Capella only gets more pissed off the longer you take."
Hearing her…"employer's" name made Elsa shift uncomfortably and stop spinning the blade. "It's like you say, yes. Mother, however, will be even angrier if we fail. I trust you have a plan?"
"I do, but aren't you the one that's been scouting this place out for days? Shouldn't you be giving a plan?"
"Well, it's a simple plan: go in and kill everyone."
"Uh huh…I'm sure Reid could come up with something better."
Only Shaula chuckled.
"Elsa, did you consider for a second, that there are four people in the mansion?"
"There's more than that, but yes, I did."
"You failed to kill four people at the loot house. How will this be any different?"
Even if her smile remained, the subtle edge of wrath it gained did not go unnoticed.
"May I remind you that the Sword Saint was there, hm?"
"What makes you think he isn't here, hm?"
If the standoff with Petelgeuse had been tense, this was rapidly nearing that same level. Unfortunately, there was no redhead to stop a fight between the two.
Fortunately, there was Shaula.
It seemed like the presence of an unknown individual like the Pleiades Watchtower's previous keeper was enough to make Elsa reconsider her usual "fight or fight more" response.
"Alright. Mother wouldn't be unhappy if my hand 'slipped' but…your brother would be, and everyone knows he's looking for any excuse to take names. Mine seems to be near the top of his list, unfortunately."
Puffing his chest out, Subaru proudly proclaimed, "That's right! Little payback for the loot house!"
Shaula copied the gesture as best she could.
"So, is there anything important I should know about the manor? Been a while since I left, heh."
"Mmm, which of the people there do you know?"
"Well, the twin maids, Emilia, and Roswaal. There's two spirits but I doubt they'd pose a large threat."
"So, you are not acquainted with the two new maids, yes?"
"Two new maids!?"
"Mhm. One of them is a blond demi-human, and another is a human child with a ribbon on her hair."
Hearing about Petra again made his joy overflow. "Got it. That adds some trouble to the equation but I doubt it's anything you can't handle."
"Anything I can't handle?"
"Well, yeah. I can't fight, remember? You almost sliced me in half back then, what makes you think I'm any stronger now?"
"Noted. Then, I believe I can ease your fears somewhat: earlier this morning, a carriage with the pink maid, the Margrave, and the half-elf departed the manor."
"For real!? Then…there's only one thing to take care of!"
Since he did not explain what said thing was, Elsa tilted her head in confusion.
"Oh, there's something I wanna take care of," was his explanation.
"Alright…if that is the case, then what plan do you have, Natsuki Subaru?"
Hearing his name coming from Elsa only served to make him more unsettled. "Okay! My plan is simple!"
The plan, as the Bowel Hunter would find out, was anything but simple.
As the sun rose toward the center of the sky overhead the royal capital, Emilia scrambled around her room.
How could this happen not once but twice!
How, how in the Od Laguna's sacred name, did she manage to lose her insignia again!?
Although more unflattering thoughts passed through Ram's mind, she refrained from speaking them, knowing that it would only drive a larger wedge between herself and the candidate she served.
Meanwhile, the silver-haired half-elf and her contracted spirit were almost literally ripping apart the inn room that Roswaal had bought for them. It was going to take a long, long time to fix everything. And who was going to be responsible for that?
Ram, of course.
Being well aware of this fact, the maid pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head. "Miss Emilia, I am sure that this…insignia…of yours can wait, can it not? Lord Roswaal is waiting in the castle, and so are the councilors."
"Ram! I'm super-duper sorry but it can't wait! Everyone would think I'm an idiot for losing it twice!"
The maid chuckled internally. Oh, if only the poor girl knew.
If only the candidate knew that it was her, Ram, who had stolen the insignia this time around.
Of course, she held no malice toward her employer's sponsored candidate. Emilia was too naïve for her own good, but she had a good heart. Unfortunately for the poor girl, Ram followed Roswaal's orders to a T, and he had ordered her to hide the insignia for as long as she could while he went ahead and spoke with the councilmembers and other candidates.
The Margrave's mind was an enigma, but Ram could tell that, despite however much hatred she held toward that book of his, this was something he was doing for their own good.
"Ram," came Puck's voice. "Do you have any idea where it could be?"
Damn! Curse that mind-reading cat!
"Yes, great spirit. I may have an idea. Please allow me to check."
Maintaining her stoic appearance, Ram walked to where Emilia had left a small bag for her personal belongings and, stealthily removing the insignia from her sleeve, placed it in the bag. Then, she made a show of rummaging through the bag for a couple of seconds until she pulled out the insignia, gave a dismissive wave of her hand, and uttered "Hah!"
Emilia's eyes were wet with tears, and she graciously accepted her insignia by hugging Ram and saying something incomprehensible thanks to her crying.
Ram only smiled, even if, deep down, she was uncertain.
Her trick had cost Emilia about two hours, but would that be enough?
What was Roswaal planning?
In the capital's streets, two people, a man and a woman, stood side-by-side, looking at some posters. Said posters had the faces and names of all the royal selection candidates, along with a quick summary of their goals.
"Man, they all suck!"
"Well, they're all women, so I'm sure if we dressed you up nicely enough, they'd take you. Maybe you'd do better than them."
"Well, Ols, if you get me some make-up, I can make you fit right in too!"
Like always, the two guards were bickering.
All was normal.
Almost.
"So, it's time, huh. The selection's finally here."
"Yeah. Feels like a century since we had a king."
"I heard this thing will last for a couple of years so…"
They could only sigh at this.
Olsed pointed at one of the posters, where a woman in military attire was shown. "Lookie here, Lin. If old Meckart was still around, he would have found me and beaten me half to death while saying 'I told you so.'"
"Crusch Karsten. Funny how she's the only noble here."
"Well, there's Priscilla Barielle."
Linneke made a sound akin to a rubber chicken being choked. "That woman will be the end of our country if she wins."
"Hoshin's in this thing, too. Guess you were right."
"When am I not?"
"Well, there was the time you said that fire stones could be used to heat up frozen food…"
"Alright! One blemish on my perfect record!"
"What about when you froze Russell Fellow's beard?"
"They never caught me for that one so it doesn't count!"
"Heh. Anyway, do you just look at these candidates and think that the country's done for?"
"Some of them are good, though."
"Really? Then let me start with the half-elf, Emilia. Now, before you come at me, I have no problem with her looking like…the Witch…but everyone else might! Think for a second: she can end prejudice here in Lugnica, but there's still three countries that would mock us for this!"
"I don't think anyone disagrees with you there."
"Great! Then, I believe I have made my thoughts on Crusch Karsten clear, as well."
"You may or may not have, yes."
"Anastasia Hoshin…I can't really say. She gives me a bad feeling. Here you have this all-powerful company chairwoman, and no one knows a damn about her! For all I know, her scarf could be the Witch!"
"If the Witch of Envy is a scarf, Ols, I think your points against the half-elf are moot."
"Lin, keep it up, and I'll make you into a scarf."
She flashed him a mischievous grin.
"Then, there's Priscilla Barielle," Olsed continued. "I think…the entire country knows what an arrogant little shit she is. Can you imagine how many wars she'd start because of some petty disservice?"
"Her personality sure is…fiery, to say the least."
"And, lastly, the slum girl. I mean, she has a good point, wanting to dismantle the Council and all, but I don't know i-"
"Ols! Look!"
"Wh-, what are yo-"
"The girl! The slum girl, Felt! Blond hair and red eyes!"
"Blond hair an…impossible…"
The two guards shared a look of astonishment.
Such a revelation shook them so much that they failed to notice the silver-haired half-elf and her maid sprinting toward the castle.
"Margrave Mathers, I am sorry we had to proceed, but since your candidate has failed to appear, the Council had to go on with the announcement."
"Ple~ase, it is no trouble. I will have a talk with that girl when I retu~rn."
One of the councilors, a long-bearded man who resembled the stereotypical wizard, and Roswaal were exchanging words.
The announcement the councilor, Miklotov McMahon, spoke of was the start of the royal selection and the discovery of the final candidate, Felt.
Four of the royal candidates were present, and only Emilia was missing.
None but Roswaal knew why.
He understood the importance of today's meeting, and it went beyond the start of the selection. No, any moment now, a messenger would bring forth the news he so sought to hear! He only had to keep up the façade a little longer…
Both of the throne room's doors opened, and in came in a young man in semi-royal attire, looking like a glorified butler.
"Councilors, Margrave, candidates, and all others, pardon my untimely intrusion," the white-haired messenger spoke. "I bring urgent news for the Margrave!"
Roswaal's grin was starting to leave his face sore.
"What insolence," one of the councilors, Bordeaux Zellgef, practically yelled. "You would even think of interrupting the Council's session!?"
A candidate with long green hair, Crusch Karsten, replied, "Councilor, forgive my speaking out of line, but if the emissary's message is important, I believe it would only be right to let Margrave Mathers hear it."
Zellgef turned his fury-filled visage back at the messenger and moved his hand as if to give him permission.
The messenger coughed and cleared his throat. "Sir Margrave, there is a man here who claims to know you! He called himself Natsuki Subaru, and he says that something…distressing has occurred in your domain!"
Some of the people in the room – knights, mages, nobles, and the rest – began to mutter at this reveal. Something happened to Margrave Mathers's domain!
The Margrave's smile dropped, but, deep down, he was as close to bursting with joy as he could be.
"My domain? Councilors, candidates, forgive my rudeness, but I must take this message."
And, with a brisk pace, Roswaal stepped outside the doors.
Just like his Tome had foretold, the doors were unguarded and, in the hallway, stood a black-haired boy with a plain white shirt and black pants.
"Ah, Roswaal," Subaru said. "Been a while!"
If he was in private, Roswaal would have cried of joy. Here he was! The one person that could fulfill his goal!
Subaru stepped up to him. "Hey, Ros? I got something to do, and you're in my way. Scram."
And Roswaal's very salvation greeted him by kicking the Margrave in the crotch.
While the clownish lord was on the ground, reeling from the attack to his family's jewels, Subaru strode into the throne room and took in the gazes of every person who'd witnessed those events.
"Ah! How great it feels to be back! What a shame that the loose end and Fourier's little pets are here to ruin the mood."
As he spoke those words, Subaru pointed at Felt, Crusch, and Felix respectively.
From the knights' group, a purple-haired man stepped out and leveled his sword at the black-haired assailant.
"You attacked a member of the nobility! Natsuki Subaru, you are under arrest!"
Subaru strode up to him and, with a finger on the sword's flat edge, pushed it away. "Come now, pretty boy, if you ruin my flawless appearance, I'm going return the favor."
Walking back into the center of the room, the messenger cackled. "Oh, it worked out perfectly, if I do say so myself. Please, rest assured, I hold no personal grudges against any of you, you see? It's just that a certain individual here has caught my attention, and I believed it would be the epitome of foolishness t-"
"If you're gonna bore them to death, do it later," Subaru said to the messenger. "Now, as for you pretty little candidates and shriveled councilors, I have an urgent message: this selection is cancelled!"
Now, every person who could spare a weapon or power to fight with was aiming them at the messenger and the teenager.
It was Reinhard van Astrea who broke the ensuing silence. "Subaru? What happened? To do all this…what could have caused it?"
Subaru (if it really was him) gave a laugh so blood-curling that it made everyone's hair stand on end.
Everyone except Reinhard, because he is simply different from them.
"Oh! Oh, how tragic! To still think you believe I'm him! Oh, I would cry, but the heartbreak on your face is so delicious!"
At this, "Subaru" smacked the messenger on the head, which only seemed to mildly annoy the man, who spoke, "Well, I would like to ask for forgiveness. See, we know who you are, most of you anyway, but I doubt you recognize us."
From somewhere in the knights' group, a rough-looking man with a jet-black helmet ran to defend his "princess."
"So, I would only consider it fair to introduce ourselves," the messenger continued. "As I'm sure none of you know, not that I wish to insult any of you, my name is Regulus Corneas, and I am the Sin Archbishop the Witch Cult, representing Greed."
Now, it was "Subaru" who, with the best imitation he (or rather, she) could muster of the original Natsuki Subaru's famous pose, declared,
"And I am the Witch Cult Archbishop of Sin, representing Lust, Capella Emerada Lugnica!"
As another ordinary day went by in the Mathers manor, Rem wandered the hallways.
Frederica and Petra were cooking in the kitchen, so she had no one to converse with.
Luckily, she was not in the mood to converse.
Less than ten minutes ago, she felt the Witch's scent enter the manor, which only meant one thing: the Cult was here.
How foolish she had been to believe that boy's espionage would be a one-time thing!
Of course, he had set them up for an attack!
Now, she wandered the hallways, flail in hand.
If the Cult came, she'd end them.
Simple.
Was it that simple?
She failed to eliminate one meager cultist in the forest.
She was wounded.
The scars of that incident were still on her body.
Now, the scent grew stronger.
And it was here.
In the mansion.
In the hallway.
Behind her!
With her flail, Rem swung behind her and struck something.
She heard the wall break, and realized she'd missed.
But she had been right.
There was someone!
"Ah, Rem, careful where you aim that thing! You could cut someone's arm off, hehe!"
A man.
A man with an orange overcoat and black cloak.
A man with a cross-guarded dagger in his right hand.
A man with mean eyes and black hair.
"Oh, Rem, seeing the flail come at me in this hallway brings back memories! Not that you'd know what I'm talking about, of course, but still!"
She recalled the flail, and assumed a battle stance.
"Rem! C'mon, I thought we would be friends now, you and I! Don't tell me you've grown to loathe me in the days we've been apart!"
"So, I was right!"
"No, Rem. You could not have been more wrong that day. But, I suppose, heh, I ought to thank you! Your actions brought me to the Cult! Without your intervention, I would never have become the man I am now!"
"Save your breath, cultist! Your taunts won't work!"
The man gave her a toothy smile.
"'Cultist,' 'cultist,' do you even remember my name, Rem? Because I remember yours! Names are important, see, because, like memories, they define a person."
"Cease! Not a single step further!"
"Alright, so you don't remember my name, then. How hurtful!"
"Remember mine, cultist. I am Rem, former maid, of Roswaal L. Mathers and, in his absence, I will hand out your death sentence!"
"Good! Great! Excellent! Such tenacity, such vigor, such…flavor! Your scars have done nothing to your spirit, Rem! Now, it's only fair to thank the host for providing such a magnificent banquet!"
With those words, the cultist imitated Rem's curtsy.
"I, Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, representing Famine, Natsuki Subaru, thank you for this feast!"
AN: I. Am. Beat. Writing for hours does things to a man...
AN 2: I'm back :). Anyway, I was taking a look at the reviews and it seems like some of you are worried about this story going the Pride IF route. I just want to clarify that it will not go that way. Although this fic is inspired by Pride IF, it will not follow the same story.