Welcome and thanks in advance for reading. Some of the elements in the main story have been changed such as Subaru's relationship with Rem and Emilia being weaker yet still romantic (meaning his kiss with Emilia didn't happen) as he would eventually end up with Adelheid. Also I would read Adelheid's voice to be similar to either Ayane Sakura, Marina Inoue or Miyuki Sawashiro, each having their own charm. Thanks to DestinyTheWriter for inspiring me through their fic What It Means and ApprenticeCarsmith through Her Reason.
"Hey, Subaru, wake up." Adelheid whispered to the man she was snuggling. It seemed though that he was still deep in sleep.
"Mou~, you're really drained from last night." She snuggled closer to his back. Last night they knew they had today off and engaged in a night battle if you will. As she glanced at the jewel on her ring finger she couldn't help but smile and began to recall their first meeting.
Guards! Someone! Please, I need a man! No, don't touch me! Stop! I can't hear you! You're not being sincere enough! Police…
Adelheid heard the cries of a young man pretending badly to imitate a woman. She was off-duty but of course there was no way she could leave it be. There was a chance that it was some sort of trick to rob citizens who would try to help but her instincts told her that the (fake) woman was no doubt in need of help.
"That's enough." Adelheid announced. She could see some sort of altercation between three people and a lone person. Her instincts told her that the cries of help came from the young man with foreign garb. She gave a sharp look towards the group of three.
"Red hair and a knight's sword with scratches made by dragon claws. It can't be. Adelheid? The Sword Saintess, Adelheid?" The biggest of the thugs uttered in shock and fear.
"Looks like I don't need to introduce myself, though that nickname is a bit much for me. I don't know how much help my modest strength can be to him, but if you wish to resort to extreme measures… As a knight, I will have to fight back." She stated. She wanted this to be over quickly without harm to anyone but is prepared to protect the young man should the need arise.
A blush grew on her face as she remembered that later on Subaru described her during their first meeting as the most beautiful lady he had and will ever see and her voice as that of an angel's. Suitors praise her with grand compliments all the time but with Subaru, she knew it was genuine. She currently grown out hair as she remembered how short she used to cut it.
"Screw this it's not worth it", The three thugs quickly disappeared in fear of punishment.
"I'm glad we're both safe, Are you unhurt?"
"Allow me to thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving my life! I, Natsuki Subaru deeply admire your selflessness!" The young man offered his gratitude with an exaggerated courtesy that Adelheid knew came from someone unfamiliar with Lugunican customs. This coupled with his garb that she had never seen before and his exotic look which was slightly similar but more foreign than a Kararagian deeply intrigued her. She thought he was from some isolated people that lived at a corner of the world.
"There's no need for such formality. Once it was three against two, they lost their advantage. If I'd been alone it would have been different." She corrected and offered him a smile.
"Lady Adelheid, right?"
"You can just call me Adelheid, Subaru."She quickly closed the gap between them. She was excited to make a foreign new friend who didn't know her as the Sword Saintess.
"Well, thanks again, Adelheid. You're the only one who heard me shouting and came to help. Talk about lonely."
"For most, it's too risky to face off against people like them. As far as that goes, you were right to call for the guards." She reassured Subaru.
"Are you a guard? You don't look like one."
"I'm off duty today so I'm not in uniform. And I realize that I don't look particularly intimidating." Adelheid grew happier as she realised Subaru didn't even view her as a guard at first.
"Come to think of it didn't they call you "Sword Saintess"?"
"My family is a bit unique. Every day I feel I'll be crushed by their expectation. Anyway, Subaru… You have quite the unusual hair, apparel and name. What nation are you from? At the moment, Lugunica is a bit more restive than in peacetime. If you have a problem, I'd be glad to help you." Adelheid practically beamed since Subaru confirmed that he didn't know of her before. She hoped that Subaru could regale her of his homeland since she could never step outside of Lugunica other than for official business. She offered to help Subaru with the hope that they would grow closer.
"Then would you come to the loot house with me"
"Loot house?"
"Uh… Never mind. Forget it" Subaru suddenly declined. One of Adelheid's Divine Protections flared her and she felt pain, fear and death? emanating for a split second from him. This she could not ignore. She would not allow her new friend to be harmed in any way.
"I can't trouble you with that. I'll handle the rest somehow. But… I'd appreciate it if you could deliver a message."
Looking back, she had scolded Subaru for not asking for her help sooner after they looked into a future where Subaru didn't yell for the guards and went down a dark and destructive path.
"Of course, I'd be glad to. What should I say, and to whom?
"Well I don't know her name, but… Have you seen a girl with white robes and silver hair around here?"
"White robes and silver hair?"
"She's also extremely gorgeous"
"No, I haven't"
"Then if you do see her, tell her not to come near the loot house, no matter what. I'll find what she's looking for and bring it to her myself."
"Very well If I see her, I will relay your message."
"Thanks. I'll repay you someday." Subaru ran off. Little did he know, he would repay her more than enough.
"All right. Take care."
Subaru started to stir lightly beside her. Adelheid hoped that he would wake up but he stopped soon after.
She continued with her reminiscence and soon after remembered another key moment in their relationship.
Adelheid had just defeated the Bowel Hunter and let her guard down a fair bit.
"You weren't kidding when you said you hunted monsters. You're like a guardian angel!" Subaru complimented.
"Thank you Subaru but I am just doing my duty as a royal guard". She blushed. Adelheid'sheart soared with joy.
That was the first time in her life that she could remember that someone called her something other than Adelheid, Sword Saintess, monster or other variations.
Subaru had practically given her a new lease on life giving her a new purpose through Felt and a new genuine friend. Subaru had a way of changing everyone's lives around him. She could never thank him enough.
She buried her face in Subaru's hair and recalled another short moment.
It was during the Siege of Priestella. Adelheid and Subaru were getting ready to fight the Sin Archbishop of Greed. Subaru had assured her that they would cover each other's weaknesses. To Subaru this was normal as he saw strengths and weaknesses in everyone but this was the first time anyone said Adelheid had weaknesses. Her love for him only grew more.
She soon arrived at the best and worst moment of her life
The Royal Selection was soon coming to a close. Felt had chosen to give up the selection and her father had disowned her. Everything in her life was crumbling. Tears were streaming down her face for the first time since she was born. She wanted to throw away the Dragon's Sword. Moments before she did, Subaru came to her and just wanted to talk to her normally. He had told her to keep the sword but discard her Divine Protections. To accept her humanity and become more than a sword by separating herself from it. He had told her that she isn't just a hero but could never be a monster, that she was human like everyone else. Subaru wiped the tears on her face and kissed her. Adelheid's heart fluttered as she now knew Subaru reciprocated her feelings. She didn't care if everyone else saw her as nothing but the Sword Saintess, as long as Subaru saw her as he did.
Later on by discarding her Divine Protections, Adelheid realised her full power and her sword skills reached her zenith, becoming the Heavenly Sword. Adelheid also helped Subaru become The Sage by helping him purify the Witch Factors into the Sage Factors. She helped him see the virtue in his actions and pulled him out from his self-hate as he did for her
Subaru started to stir even more than before and was starting to become semi-conscious. Adelheid kissed his neck and lost herself in another memory.
The final hour was upon them. The Witch of Envy had broken her seal and was heading for "Her Beloved" in the Aguria Sand Dunes. The armies of Lugunica and its royal candidates stood together to have even the slightest chance of protecting Lugunica. Many sacrificed their lives. In the end, Subaru and Adelheid had faced down the Witch of Envy resulting in Subaru killing her with the Dragon's Sword. Satella emerged and broke his curse before passing away hoping that Subaru can heal from all his trauma after Adelheid promised that she would help.
The Royal Selection ended with a far more mature Emilia as the victor. A celebration party was thrown in the capital both for the Royal Selection and the defeat of The Witch of Envy. Subaru, not one to attend the party spent time instead with Adelheid, head on her lap, under the stars, telling her everything about his journey, every drop of blood, sweat and tears so that he could begin to heal.
Subaru now awake, turned to face Adelheid and gave her a kiss ending her reminiscence. They planned their day ahead and enjoyed their brief respite.
Hey everyone thanks for reading my first fic. English isn't my first language so forgive me for any mistakes. I hope that you've enjoyed it and more people are inspired to make Adelheid x Subaru fics. Your comments are appreciated as a way for me to improve. Don't be a dick in the comments (or do), I can't control you. You can contact me on reddit with the same username. I plan to make more of these but it'll take some time. Again, thanks for reading!