A Good Joke

by Siegward Verathil

Re:forgotten with some humor and wholesomeness added to it where Subaru gets pranked really good by everyone. Has many wholesome and feelsgood interactions. Subaru goofs around with his best friends and tells them jokes.

5. Chapter 5

Pride sighed in utter bliss just before Subaru's inner self took control while still in front of the mirror in Emilia's room. His eyes immediately took a sullen look, almost as if he was bored with everything.

He remained where he stood. Staring at himself through Emilia's mirror and looking over every little detail.

The white hair that had once been raven-black. The eyes that once had more life and emotions in them. The skin and lips that looked pale from being in a dark place for a long time. The body that looked too thin. He took off his shirt to see the scars that were imprinted on his body.

While Felix's healing was the best there is in this world, he had intentionally left the scars after healing him. A way of reminding him exactly what they'd do to him the next time they come to visit him in the cell should he not speak of what he knows.

His left hand caressed every scar remembering each and every one of them.

A small line scar on his upper left torso from when a knight nicked him with a nail.

An X shaped scar on the right side of his chest when a knight had slowly skinned him in that area with a serrated dagger.

Several lines on non-lethal areas from when Julius slashed him with his sword countless times.

Stab marks on his sides and stomach from when the knight, who always brought him food, used a knife while interrogating him. Trying to get him to accept a name that wasn't his.

Then his back which was filled with slash and whip marks as well. More reminders to confess of crimes he didn't commit, to tell of information he didn't possess.

Then he took in the appearance of his left hand, where the marks of the mabeast bites still existed. A circular scar surrounding the upper shoulder as well as the elbow, when a knight cut it off in those two areas and Felix re-attached it. Before they found out about his right hand which could regenerate.

Which led to him inspecting his right hand that was black and leathery from being newly regenerated, a favorite of the knights. It was afflicted with the dragon blood of Capella which extended to his right leg as well.

And finally he lifted his bloodstained pants to see his left leg. Many circular scars existed, as well as stab marks in and around the ankles and the knee.

He recalled his other self's words as he looked at his face in the mirror again.

'This is what our imaginations have done to us.'

'Our hair wasn't white. Our body wasn't thin. The scars will always be there.'

'Why does this world want me to suffer so much ever since day one?' He asked himself.

'Did I offend some deity out there in a past life? Is this why they never answered my prayers? Or is someone out there having fun watching me get hurt endlessly?'

"No...don't take..." A bell-like voice interrupted his thoughts. He turned towards the speaker, the unconscious Emilia on her bed.

He put on the shirt again and walked closer to Emilia. He could see her breathing was being heavy and she seemed to be having a nightmare.

"..I didn't mean..Please..."

Subaru stared at her coldly. 'She looks vulnerable. I should just put her out of her misery and get out of this place.'

He wanted to bring his hands towards her neck and yet they wouldn't move. It was as if another part of him was stopping him. His thoughts refocused as she began crying in her sleep.

'Pride didn't kill you and I don't want to see you die.' Subaru thought of as he sat on the edge of the bed.

The smell of smoke reached his nose. The fire from when Pride burned his old room with Beatrice in it must've spread out across the mansion.

He focused back on Emilia.

'What do I feel for her? Do I hate her or pity her? I don't know. What I do know is that I don't agree with what Pride did to her. I'm fine with not forgiving her but to break her mind, worse than that time in Sanctuary even, isn't something I wanted.'

He recalled how she looked different when Pride summoned the imaginations during their conversation. 'Why did her imagination change though? Why didn't Pride kill her?'

Before he could think on that further, the light of the sun reached him from the window signifying the start of a new day. It was a scene that he has not seen in years almost. The only light he had ever seen in that cell were that of torches.

Meanwhile the smell of burned wood and smoke reached his nose even further.

His eyes started tearing from the smoke and he felt breathing was beginning to get slightly hard. Although he wasn't phased by it.

He began thinking over what to do.

'Do I survive or do I reset.. And if I reset then what if I return to the cell? I have no guarantee that I won't... Would it be worth to go back all the way to the cell just to see them live again?'

Just then he started seeing pictures in his mind of a time when they all lived peacefully here many lifetimes ago. His many interactions with them. Even the ones who betrayed him.

Then he pictured their cruel deaths by his other self's hand.

'In a past life, I would've gladly sacrificed myself for all of them but do I have an obligation now? They're the ones that severed all ties. I have no attachments to any of them. What's to stop them from betraying and hurting me? What's to stop Pride from killing them again?' Subaru reasoned with himself. He wanted to find a good reason to reset but couldn't.

Soon enough he heard a scream and a loud crying. No doubt Garfiel had died and it was Frederica, Petra and Annerose crying after him alongside the others who had died and the mansion that was burning. He was reminded of the devastated looks of the ones who survived. The ones that didn't hurt him.

He grit his teeth and let out a loud heavy sigh. "Fine."

Deciding to reset this version of the world as a favor to his past life, as well as the innocent ones that never hurt him. He laid next to Emilia, who involuntarily hugged him like a teddy bear in her sleep. A scene that would've made him happy once. He felt nothing however.

Soon enough the flames consumed everything around him without him feeling any pain.

He heard the loveliest voice speak out to him as he floated adrift in an endless void. He had no eyes to see, no ears to hear, no mouth to speak. But he knew exactly what would happen. Outside of his dreams, this was the most peaceful time for him.

"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you." Continuously repeated like music to his ears.

'I love you too, Satella/Satella-tan.' Two voices spoke out without a sound. As Envy embraced him lovingly and caressed his cheeks.

---

- Guest room, early night time-

"I don't recognize this ceiling." Subaru said as he opened his eyes.

He found himself back in the guest room he was using. He was asleep on the bed, though it was uncomfortable.

"Thank Satella I'm not back in the cell atleast."

He got out of the bed and started thinking back to the events of the last loop.

'I could've interfered at any moment. I could've stopped Pride from killing them but I didn't. Why.. Why did I hold back? And now that I'm here, what do I do?' He questioned himself.

'Leaving is the only option, I still need to fulfill my promise to Satella. But I'm in a bad shape at the moment and I wouldn't be able to make it anywhere by myself. Which means I'll have to live with them however hard it sounds until I'm somewhat fit before I go away. I'll have to convince Pride that he shouldn't kill them. Easier said than done.'

He walked to the window to look at the sky. It was late at night. This was the point when Meili came to assassinate him.

'Meili should be here soon to kill me. How many times have I died because of her?!' He clenched his fist.

'P-please n-not Mama..'

Subaru took a deep breath and let his fist ease up.

'She's still a child. A child that didn't know any better and was raised by the worst person imaginable... She didn't betray me or hurt me in Priestella. I'll need to see if I can make sure she won't betray or hurt me. So far I suspect she's trying to kill me because Pride reminded her of Capella with his... Jokes..'

He stayed staring out the window at the evening sky. He thought she would probably not attack him considering he was awake, as opposed to the last loop where Pride was trying to sleep. Suddenly he heard a quiet noise.

"It's late at night. You should go to sleep... Meili." Subaru spoke without looking behind him.

"Huh?" He heard before turning to look at her. Her eyes were wide with surprise that he knew she was here.

His eyes stared into hers, making her divert her gaze as they had reminded her of Mama. She immediately masked her surprised expression.

"I just came to um..." She was trying to think of an excuse as she badly messed up her assassination attempt and had no idea what to do next. She was curious how he knew she was there without him staring at her.

He took a step closer to her and she pointed her knife threateningly at him before noticing his eyes had a different look.

"To kill me, I know."

She was about to ask how he knew when she noticed he sounded different. The last time she heard him was when he laughed at the demi-human maid with cheerfulness all the while taunting the others. Now he seemed more.. different.

"What do you think will happen after you kill me?" He asked her seriously. Carefully gauging her reaction to see if she thought this through. She looked as if she didn't have an answer. Making him disappointed that she was only here to kill him without any plans or thinking about the consequences.

"I'll walk you through it." He started to detail how badly her lack of planning is in a stern tone. Like a parent to a child.

"Let's say I won't go down without a fight and you still manage to kill me. Rem will wake up from the noise of our fighting at some point and come to investigate. If you've killed me and haven't escaped by then, you would die. Because Rem would be in a state of rage and shock at seeing my dead body. If you, through sheer luck, kill a shocked Rem, then Ram will instantly be aware of it and you would die. If you have managed to escape then Rem will scream from seeing my corpse, waking everyone in the mansion up and alerting them."

"You can't go back to your room and play innocent since you'll have my blood all over you, meaning you'd have to run away. Now If I were you, I'd go into the forest as it's the safest place for you. Although Rem will turn into her Oni mode and come after you. Ram will use an ability to see through the forest creatures to look for you. Garfiel can outpace you, outlast you in terms of stamina and he can easily destroy trees in his way, he's also likely able to detect your scent. Otto can ask the insects to comb the area for you. Roswaal can fly around to search for you, assuming my death gets him into action."

"What would you do when they find you? Surrender? You would die. Call mabeasts to fight them? Bad idea, you'd only aggravate them. Rem, Ram and Garfiel will easily tear through the mabeasts by the dozens to get to you. Roswaal can burn all of them without breaking a sweat. Even Otto has a way of fighting them. You would die. And if you somehow evade all of them and find a good hiding spot then it wouldn't help you either. Emilia, who's likely to have her mind shatter from her guilt at failing me and seeing my dead body, will freeze everything around her which inclu-" He stopped as he noticed her frightened expression.

She was frozen in her place with her eyes wide and her hands that held the knife shaking.

He sighed as he realized he went too far. "Look, what I mean to say is. No matter what you do. No matter what scenario you think of. No matter what plan you come up with. You'll die alongside me, are you willing to accept that?"

She didn't reply as she was still afraid and thinking over it. She thought she could just go back to the dungeon after killing him and act innocent. Or even simply run away and live with the mabeasts. Hoping that her Mama wouldn't find her if that's the case. She hadn't counted them in.

He lifted two fingers.

"There are two ways you would make it out alive." He said, catching her attention instantly. He paused to make her ask him.

"Hmm? W-What is it?" She asked nervously although she tried to hide it off.

"If I don't fight you."

He continued as he saw her expression turn into confusion.

"I don't know why you're here to kill me. If you tell me why then I won't fight you. Meaning you can kill me and escape without anyone chasing you for a few hours, which by then you'd be far away from here for anyone to track you down."

She looked doubtful that he wouldn't fight her, which he assured her. "I promise I won't fight you or struggle." Subaru offered a way out for her. He partly suspected why she tried to kill him, it was likely because Pride reminded her of Capella but he had to find out to be certain.

Meili looked completely confused. Why would he promise that? Most victims struggled and fought off their assassination whenever she accompanied Elsa. She'd seen how they always looked smug and fought, and when that didn't work they'd get really angry and threaten her and Elsa, and when that didn't work they tried bribing and offering riches. And finally they'd look afraid and start begging in tears.

And yet he's saying he's not doing any of that.

"Why?" She asked in confusion. Why isn't he angry or afraid? Why wouldn't he struggle? Was it because he wanted to die like he'd often murmur in his sleep?

"Tell me your reason for wanting to kill me first." He deflected her question with his previous question.

She looked as if she didn't want to speak before eventually whispering very quietly.

"..ma."

"Hm?"

"You reminded me of M-Mama. Your eyes looked like Mama's. You laughed like Mama.. You talked like Mama does." She bit her lips as she continued, glaring at him. "You talked about sister and laughed."

'So it was exactly what I thought.'

"When you sleep you say you want to die. To see your mama and papa." Meili added.

His eyes widened for a moment. He didn't expect to hear that. He had no idea he begged for death when he was asleep since his dreams were often spent in the shadow garden with Satella, he hasn't had any nightmares since...

"Um, are you thereeee?" She asked him, bringing him out of his thoughts.

He looked confused for a second before realizing she was waiting on him.

"I guess it's my turn now. It's been... A long.. time." He didn't finish his sentence as he paused and let the words sink to himself. It had been an eternity since he was in this place. The world said he had been imprisoned for months, but Subaru himself didn't know if that was true. One particular day lasted as long as years after he lost all hope. He had been in that cell for so long, that very common sights such as the night sky were a thing of rarity for him. Pride shared the same sentiment.

He adjusted his answer. "I'm tired. That's why."

"Tired?" Meili asked as she didn't know what he meant. She expected a lengthy explanation like the one he gave her before. She expected him to also laugh and mock her further after she spoke about Mama. Why is he acting differently?

He didn't say anything but he stared deeply into her eyes.

She felt nervous from his stare. Subaru's eyes had the look of one who was broken beyond repair and longed for death. She had seen this look whenever Mama toyed with someone she found interesting.

She bit down her nervousness and asked him. "What's the other way? You said two ways."

"You walk out of here. Go back to your room and we pretend this never happened." He said as a matter-of-fact.

Meili thought about it, however what's to stop him from snitching on her? She would get punished if she walks out.

"Hmmm I doooon't think so. You'd just tell on me and I'd get punished." She focused on him, to see if he'd react to that. His expression remained unchanged. She thought he would react negatively to her answer, like the other people she and her sister taunted before killing.

"I have no one that I would snitch on you to." She looked doubtful so he assured her bitterly. "I don't trust anyone."

He took another step closer to her, making her point her knife threateningly at him.

"I've told you the two ways you get to live. What do you choose, Meili?" 'Are you going to betray and hurt me?'

For the next few moments nothing happened. Subaru stayed still staring at her not moving an inch. Meanwhile she kept her knife pointing in his direction.

Eventually she lowered her knife, although he didn't know whether it was out of tiredness or if she chose not to kill him.

"So that means you won't kill me then?" He asked in curiosity.

She smiled innocently at him. "Noope. I mean, don't remind me of Mama and I wooon't." She watched his expression remain unchanged. Neither relieved nor disappointed. She wondered why he was different again, but before she could ask he told her.

"You should go to sleep. It's getting super late anyway."

She headed for the door before pausing and looking at him. "Hey, Mister. Can you make me a toy of you with your new hair?" She requested of him.

The corner of Subaru's mouth twitched again. Before he answered her. "Sure."

He turned towards the window as she left. "Shut up." He spoke to himself.

But it was such an amazing performance from you! You looked pretty cool there, all badass and the likes *Exaggerated robotic tone* "Kill me for the fourth time, Meili. And I won't fight you. Yes, Meili. I won't fight you. Did I say I won't fight you, Meili? Because I promise I won't fight you, Meili." So good! You should definitely get a prize for peacekeeping hahaha.

Subaru rolled his eyes at hearing all of that. Pride continued.

Your approach was so beautiful that you even made her ask you to make a doll! What a sweet and innocent angel! The only thing she's missing is an adorable puppy in her hand for us to pet.

Hahaha

He sighed. 'If only I was in traveling shape.'

He went to the bed to try and sleep, and yet he couldn't sleep. The bed was uncomfortable, he was far too used to sleeping on the rough ground. He got up from the bed and did exactly that.

'One Zeus..'
'Two Hades..'
'Three Poseidon..'

---

-The next day-

Subaru woke up to find his head was on something soft, someone was holding his hand while humming a tune.

Slowly opening his eyes, he found Rem watching over him and caressing his hair with another hand.

"Good morning, Subaru-kun." She said softly as she noticed him moving and starting to wake up.

"Mm." He greeted her as he gained view of his surroundings. "What time is it?"

"Just reached noon. You must've been really tired." She responded softly while still caressing his hair.

Silence dominated the area for a few seconds until Subaru spoke again.

"Rem." He spoke in a quizzical tone.

She hummed cheerfully in acknowledgement.

"Why am I on your lap?" He was confused about where he was. He was used to lap pillows courtesy of Satella, but that was usually whenever he was in a dream. Whenever he'd wake up, his head would always be on the cold floor and not on something soft.

"Rem saw you looked uncomfortable on the ground and you were having nightmares. This was the only way I knew." She answered him with sadness in her tone.

He didn't say anything. He looked at his hand that still grasped hers. He for some reason couldn't help but think of Pride's words.

'Besides, this is her imagination. And what a realistic imagination it is!'

'The real Rem-rin that's still pranking the world by sleeping.'

'Most authentic imagination of Rem.'

He looked carefully at her face, studying every feature of it. Her cheeks started to redden from the intensity of his stare.

He then looked at his hand that still grasped hers and tightened its hold and then loosened it.

"S-S-Subaru-kun?" She asked him as her blush intensified.

'She has to be real. This doesn't feel fake or an illusion. The hug yesterday didn't feel fake either. I already confirmed she's real aswell..What if?'

"I didn't mean to startle you. I'm just trying to figure out something." He spoke as a matter-of-fact to her. Pride kept saying he hurt the imaginary version of her but he had to make sure again that she was real.

"W-What is it?" She asked nervously, more because of how he was looking at her while gripping her hand.

He stayed quiet for a moment before deciding to ask the question.

"Rem... You are real, right?" He spoke in a quizzical tone. He could almost hear Pride laughing at that question, and yet Pride wasn't talking or laughing.

Rem immediately paused what she was doing.

She looked at him as if she was about to cry that he had to ask that question again. She increased the tightness she held on his grip. Cursing the knights in her mind again for making her hero suffer so much to the point of him questioning his own reality.

"I promise that I'm real a-and awake.." She told him sadly. Hoping he would believe her.

'Then again does it matter if she's real? She still hurt me for smelling like a witch cultist while I was a guest. Even if I forgave her for it and even if she hasn't harmed me in Priestella, since she was in a coma, Pride unfortunately... had a point. She would've likely betrayed me and hurt me on a worse level than Emilia and Beatrice if she was in Pri-'

Rem, in a moment of blind thinking. Leaned in and gave him a kiss. Making all of his thinking instantly go blank as his eyes widened at what's happening. His mind started playing dialogues of Rem on two separate occasions. It was as if two sides were arguing within him.

'If someone seems suspicious, punish them. This is the rule of maids.'

'I love your voice.'

'Don't die so easily, I can't get any information out of you.'

'I love your eyes.'

'Who hired you and under what condition?'

'I love your fingers.'

'Are you affiliated with the Witch's Cult?'

'I love the way you walk. I love the way you look when you're asleep.'

'Bald faced lies! The witch's scent lies so thickly upon you!'

'Let's start from square one.. No.. From Zero!'

The kiss then ended and so did the dialogue.

"D-Do you believe that I-I'm real, n-now?" She said softly while blushing in embarrassment.

Subaru didn't reply. He was fully shocked. Gone were the thoughts of 'What if she was in Priestella'. Instead his thoughts were now involved around her words of the last loop.

'..So..rry...love...yo..u..'

'This Rem is the same Rem from the capital. She's not the Rem that tortured me. She wasn't in Priestella and that's that. Still, atleast this definitely confirms that she's real without a doubt. But where does this put us? I can't shake off her last words of that loop, the look on her face when Pride said we love Satella or her dead body afterwards.'

"S-Subaru-kun." She spoke nervously, making him focus on her again. "W-What di-did y-you think a-about.." she trailed off quietly.

"I don't feel like I deser-" She put her hand on his lips.

"I wanted it to be you. I wouldn't want it to be anyone else." She spoke sternly to him before her cheeks reddened. "A-a-and if it helps to prove I-I'm real, then I-I don't mind k-kissing you a-again."

"No, I.." He shook off what he was going to say. "Thank you, Rem." She was seemingly happy with his words and was in another world.

'I'm entirely certain she wouldn't, but I have to make sure she won't betray me or hurt me. That way I'll avoid having Pride kill her again and me helplessly watching by.'

He needed to think more on that, he needed a way to clear his head.

He stood up without saying a word.

"Subaru-kun? Do you need something?" She asked him, curious about his sudden rise.

"Just going to take a bath." He responded without looking in her direction. She got up as well. "D-do you need help with that?"

"No need, It's fine." He asserted. She was unconvinced and asked him again. "Are you sure? Rem doesn't mind."

"Can I ask you a favor instead? Could you bring me clo- Hmm no, you don't know which room it is." He quickly reasoned with himself as he realized Rem was asleep when the old mansion burned and they moved to the new one.

She looked at him in confusion. He instead told Rem to bring food to his room, a poor lie but it seemed to work.

---

He walked towards his old room with purpose. He was lucky that no one ran into him as hedidn't want to interact with anyone else for now. He was still shocked over what Rem did.

I'm both proud and disappointed. Proud that you managed to hug a girl as you lay asleep on her bed in a tragic romantic setting with all the flames around, and got kissed by another girl while laying in her lap, all within the span of a few hours. Disappointed that it wasn't when I'm in control. *Sighs in sadness*

Pride sounded in his head. He had been oddly quiet when Subaru was talking with Rem.

Then again, leave it to you to hug the Half-elf that betrayed us and kiss the Oni that killed us. It's like that old saying. 'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.', and you certainly did hahaha

Subaru eyerolled and looked annoyed for a second before it passed off. He wanted to correct him that they're the ones who had done it and not him.

Eventually he came across Clind, who was doing some chores.

"Good day, Natsuki-sama. Salutation." Clind spoke to him politely while inspecting him in a curious glance.

'I don't know where to place Clind. He never betrayed or hurt me outside of training. But still, to think he has an Authority of all people. Is he a former Archbishop? I wonder if he has a smell like me. Besides, who owns the Authority now? Or did my reset create a paradox where we both have it?' Subaru kept thinking about that without responding to Clind.

"Natsuki-sama, do you perhaps require assistance or aid? Permission." Clind asked, taking Subaru out of his thoughts.

'I don't know if I can trust Clind. Best to keep our interactions short for now.'

"No, I'm good." Subaru replied short and to the point. He didn't really want to interact with Clind that much, not only was he suspicious of the Authority, but also because his death and the traumatized look of Annerose were still fresh on his mind. He continued his walk towards his old room, leaving Clind all alone to stare at Subaru's leaving form.

Should've asked him to tell us a joke. He was so SOOOO~ funny in that reset. His knock knock joke was devastatingly funny you could say! Hey by the way do you think we still have that gift he gave us? It was a fun ability to have.

Pride again sounded in his head. However he ignored him and continued on his walk. He also wondered if he still had that Authority.

It's fine though. it's no biggie if we don't have it. We can just always get it again!

'That's exactly why I need to make sure they won't hurt or betray us.' Subaru thought to himself as he heard Pride's words.

Reaching his old room. Subaru took a moment to compose himself before entering.

As he entered, he saw Beatrice was deep asleep which made him relax instantly. He had no idea how he would react if she was awake and begging him for forgiveness. He knew he would never accept it. Julius revered the spirits too much. Whenever he'd say he was innocent, Julius would always point out that a great spirit accused him. Hell started for him the moment he ran into her in Priestella.

He especially hated the fact that she accused him of being a Witch Cultist when she herself was created by a Witch and had a gospel of her own. Pride would say it's a good joke, and he would for once agree with Pride.

For ages he has dreamt of scenarios where she begs for forgiveness and he would deny her in the cruelest ways possible. Pride fulfilled one of those scenarios, yet it wasn't as satisfying as he thought it was. For some reason he thought it was genuinely cruel and unnecessary and he had no idea why he tried justifying it. Was it because it was Pride and not him that had done it? Was it because he partly didn't blame her as it was mostly Gluttony? Was it because he blamed himself for not trying to reason better as he was far too emotional instead of being rational? Or was it because she wasn't at the top of the list of people he hated?

He shook his head off to focus. He walked towards the Wardrobe not caring if he made any noises.

"Subaru..P-please..." She whispered in her sleep. She seemed to be moving as well.

'I said that once. You didn't listen.' Subaru thought of as he opened the wardrobe to take out some of his clothes. He was lucky that they were well-kept despite him not wearing them for ages.

"B-Betty's sorry..." She whispered again.

He glared at her sleeping form with all the hate in the world.

'No sorry will give back what I lost. No sorry will ever take away what I've been through because of you, Emilia, Reinhard, all the knights and everyone present that day.' He thought bitterly before heading off into the bathroom area. Completely ignoring his surroundings or anyone in his way.

---

Finally in the bathroom area and realizing he was alone, he let out a sigh of relief. He could finally calm down and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. He finally had room to think without being interrupted by anyone.

'Right now I just need to figure out a way to make sure Rem and the others wouldn't hurt us. Frederica, Annerose and Petra are in the clear atleast. Meili should be in the clear. So I only need to prove Rem, Ram and Clind, but how?'

'Do I simply just go and ask them to promise me they won't hurt me? No, that doesn't make sense. And It'd take a long time to direct the conversation towards it.' He sighed

He brought a finger to his lips where Rem had kissed him. 'I have to change her imagination in Pride's eyes. The same way Emilia did.' He remembered Emilia's imagination. Instead of pointing her finger and accusing him with a stern look on her face, she shifted to holding both of her hands to her heart with a look of sadness.

Someone's thinking dirty shower thoughts. Is it about the demonic Rem-rin? Is it about the angelic Emilia-tan? Or is the winner Satella-tan?

Subaru let out a grunt of annoyance.

An imagination soon spawned, it was Subaru himself with blood covering most of his body, except for the face and hair. He was wearing the ragged tatters he had while in that cell and was smiling at Subaru. His eyes had a playful and crazed look to them, almost as if he was taking joy in everything he saw.

To quote a very beautiful wisewoman. Are you so stunned by my beauty, that you can't even react properly? Careful not to damage your water-logged brain. Hahahaha get it?

He saw Subaru frowning.

Oh c'mon! That was a good one. A good shower joke if you will. Anyway, what's wrong Inner me or is it Outer me now? You know, we should be more clear on that really since I'm inside and you're outside.

"You know exactly what's wrong. If you haven't killed them, I wouldn't be sitting here wondering over whether you would kill them again." Subaru said in a cold tone.

Jeez, didn't I tell you that I won't kill our imaginations again? True I may have taunted it a bit with our Lolicon Clind but I'm just having a laugh. You have nothing to worry about.

"I don't believe you. What stops you from killing them again in the name of 'having a laugh'?" Subaru countered with a cold tone.

Hmmmm~ good point. I do still want to prank Beako all over again, repeatedly. Alright how about I promise by our best friends' names? Knight's honor and all. As an elegant knight would often say, I humbly give you my word by the Divine Dragon. Pride ran his hand through his hair then bowed to him in an exaggerated way as he said that.

Subaru said nothing but frowned deeply at the mention of the knights and Julius.

Although I have to say. It's pretty funny that they kill us countless times, both directly and indirectly, and they get away scot free, you don't even bat an eye. Whereas I kill them once and I get all the blame. Isn't that a good joke? Otherwise you wouldn't have reset. I mean you're even staying behind to make sure they're alright. What a nice gentleman you are! No wonder why you got three ladies fawning over you! Although technically four if you count Envy as separate from Satella-tan.

"I only reset as a favor to a past life and because you hurt ones that didn't hurt us. And I'm going away as soon as I get into shape." Subaru replied as a matter-of-fact.

Hahaha! Alright then! Let us play a guessing game. I wonder which past life it is. Is it A) One where they killed us. B) One where they killed us with more flair. Or C) One where we finally realized they were imaginations after repeatedly killing ourselves. Then again it's not like it matters since you'll wind up forgiving them anyway, that's if you haven't already.

"I haven't forgiven anyone." Subaru countered, although a half-lie, as he meant he didn't forgive the ones in Priestella. The others were a special case, where he needed to make sure they wouldn't betray him or hurt him before deciding anything.

Ehhh.. Don't think so. I think you would forgive even the knights and our best friends. Pride taunted his other self. His smile formed into a teasing one.

Subaru grit his teeth in annoyance. "Shut up."

Oh yes, Juli. Do beat me with a stick sword. I would LOOOOVE~ to forgive you afterwards, so you can do it again and again as much as you want. What's that, Jules? Want to break some bones? Go right ahead! I'll give you a ha- Oh you already broke it. Hahaha

"Shut the hell up."

Ferris! My good friend. Do you want me to strip off the tatters I'm wearing so you can have easy access to my skin and fry my nerves while asking me a repeated question? By the way Ferris-kyun, I forgive nyou~

Subaru clenched his fist tightly and scowled intensely. Seemingly at the edge of his temper.

Reinhard buddy, you knew I was telling the truth but guess what? It's ok that you stayed quiet and looked away. I'm sure you were just having a case of stage-fright, happens to everyone! I forgive you for leaving me all alone to be tortured until I begged to die. Power of friendship and forgiveness trumps over betrayal every day!

"I DON'T FORGIVE THEM!" Subaru roared out, seething with rage. He summoned a shadow hand, activated Cor Leonis and directed his palm then clenched his fist. All in Pride's direction. However the shadow hand went through him, not doing any damage and a few seconds later a section of the wall on the other side was cracked.

He glared intensely at Pride, a sight that would easily scare anyone who saw it, although Pride was smiling victoriously with excitement.

And there it is! Pffft HahahaHAHAHAHAHA! I was just teasing ya! I know you won't forgive the knights, calm yourself you're so easy to rile! Ahhh if only we still had our phone! I would frame that reaction on a picture hahahaha! *Sighs in satisfaction* Gotta say, it's pretty relaxing to not be in control all the time. Anyways, like I said I won't kill them. So take as much time as you want in getting our body into shape. Oh and, nice touch with the Authorities! Talk to ya later Outer me.

Pride's illusion disappeared into Subaru. Leaving Subaru sulking all alone in the bathroom. His mood was completely ruined. The water near him seemed to turn red as he looked down and realized his nails had dug into his hands.

He took a long time in the bath to calm himself.

---

Walking back into the guest room, he ran into one of the people he didn't want to see.

"N-N-Natsuki-san.." Otto stammered.

Subaru continued walking, not glancing once in Otto's direction. He wasn't in the mood. He could kill Otto right now if he so wished, but he held himself with difficulty.

While Otto technically didn't betray or hurt him, he was still present in Priestella. He would've cast him aside the moment Beatrice accused him. Just like everyone in that entire city did. His yells when they dragged him were no doubt heard by the entire city, and yet all the passerby's looked at him with anger, scorn and disgust. Some of them even threw spoiled food at him. The irony that he spoke words of hope to them while they threatened him and brought him nothing but misery. Otto would've probably been one of them.

"I'm t-t-truly s-sor-W-W-Wait! I'm t-t-trying to..." Otto's voice trailed off in the distance, as Subaru kept walking without a care.

Finally reaching his room. He entered and was greeted with a feast prepared by Rem who was waiting for him. She had cooked him several dishes with Mayonnaise included. Although it had gone cold due to how long he spent in the bath.

He silently began eating, and as always it had no taste for him, making his already bad mood worse as even mayo was ruined for him.

Rem tried to initiate conversations but he gave short answers and seemed disinterested. Rem thought he was probably either flustered from the kiss, or it had something to do with why he told her to leave yesterday. She wanted to ask if he was alright, but decided it was best to leave him be for now.

The rest of the day passed by uneventfully. Subaru stayed inside his room. He stayed looking out the window for the calming scenery. Frederica had come into his room and brought him tea at some point. He remembered the last words Frederica had spoken to him in the last loop.

'Do you t-truly.. hate us all so much?'

She asked him if he was alright, to which he simply nodded without taking his eyes off of the window. She, like Rem, tried imitating conversations however he gave very short answers. Almost seemed uncaring if she was there. Although unknown to her, he was responding to her only because she was one of the very few ones who didn't hurt him.

Then in the late afternoon. Petra had stopped by to greet him with a hug, He felt guilt at seeing Petra as well. The last time he saw her, she looked horrified while staring at him as Pride was about to brutally kill Garfiel. Subaru gave her a headpat for several minutes as they stood completely still in silence. Soon after she was going to leave as she didn't know what to do for him, when Subaru spoke up.

Petra." He said all of a sudden, making her pause in her steps and look at him.

"Can you bring me a mirror, a sewing kit and thread? Lots of thread. All color variations." Subaru requested of Petra, piquing her curiosity.

"R-Right away, Subaru-sama." She replied instantly. Minutes later she returned with what he requested.

Dinner time came and Frederica had brought him food this time instead of Petra or Rem. She saw he was busy sewing something. She called him out in a gentle way to inform him that food was here, but he didn't pay attention. He was completely focused on what he was making.

She was going to inform him again when she saw pieces of food were flying into the air and into the direction of Subaru. A sight that completely shocked Frederica to her core at how this had happened.

"Thank you, Frederica." He spoke emotionlessly, without looking in her direction.

Night had come and gone and he was still up. Eventually he felt tired and slept on the floor again.

He again woke up on Rem's lap who was caressing his hair and humming a tune softly. He spoke only a few words the entire day. Focusing only on what he was doing. Not going out of his room at all and hardly acknowledging anyone's presence. Each time they brought him food, they would simply see the food fly mysteriously into his direction. Or the cups of tea would float without spilling a drop. Greatly mesmerizing them at how it was done. However when they asked, he didn't respond. Simply saying thanks for the food.

The third day. Again, same rhythm, with him waking up on Rem's lap. This time he did not speak, merely nodding his head. Rem, Petra and Frederica were all curious over what he was doing.

This day Ram had dropped by to bring him tea and he didn't acknowledge her presence, making her surprised as during the trip he always smiled excitedly at her. Her surprise became greater when she saw the cup of tea flying in the air.

Luckily the rest of the mansion left him alone. Frederica and Petra had informed everyone else that Subaru preferred to be alone, a lie on their part as it was mostly to prevent the others from disrupting him as he seemed very busy.

Beatrice and Emilia were still recovering from the heavy emotional toll afflicted on them throughout the trip. They, like Subaru, isolated themselves completely in their rooms. Not talking to anyone at all, despite the efforts from Frederica, Petra and Annerose. Although Emilia was getting more responsive than Beatrice, who had gone completely quiet.

Garfiel and Otto were conflicted, they kept wanting to go to his room and apologize but the guilt of failing him was still on their conscience. Especially Otto, as the last time his former friend talked to him, was to remind him of his failure in Priestella. He saw his former friend briefly a couple of days ago, and didn't have the chance to properly apologize. Meanwhile Garfiel simply busied himself with training, a way to take his mind off of the trip.

Annerose felt bad for Subaru, however she didn't know what to do for him and so she spent most of the time looking out for Emily. She had felt afraid when he described the prison for them.

Clind could tell his former apprentice had a lot on his mind, especially since he had just been released from being accused as an archbishop. He left his former apprentice to recover himself. He had also been concerned about his shift in demeanor, although it was likely due to the horrors he suffered. There was something off about him as well.

Roswaal meanwhile was still recovering his former self bit by bit. He was still unable to talk or move, although he was able to communicate with his eyes. Ram had spent most of her time looking out for him, while also trying to reconnect with her sister again.

Rem was for the most part busying herself with the house chores when not spending time with Subaru. She was worried for him but had no idea how to help him, so she decided to simply be there for him when he wakes up or have nightmares. Even if he won't talk to her.

The fourth day had come and gone, although by the end Subaru was finally done.

By the time the fourth day had ended, Subaru was finally done. He had made 9 dolls in total.

Emilia had two dolls of her. One had a stern look with one hand pointing. The other looked sad with her hands on her heart.

Rem had two dolls like Emilia. One wielding a Morningstar in hand with her horn protruding while looking angry. The second doll of Rem looked kind and gentle with a smile on her face.

He even made a doll of Satella's likeness. But the main ones and the most detailed were of himself. He had made four dolls of himself.

One was of his old look with the tracksuit and black hair, he was also grinning cheerfully. One of his current look, smiling cruelly imitating the way the knights did, with dark red covering the entirety of the doll except face and hair. And one of both looks combined, where one side grinned cheerfully and had tracksuit on with black hair. While the other side was completely red, with a sadistic smile and white hair. It reminded him of that snow festival, where Rem and Ram created a statue based on himself and Roswaal.

The fourth and final one was for Meili. It was of his current self again. White hair, without any expression on the face or eyes and was wearing simple dark clothes.

He breathed deeply and calmly once he was done. He had done this mostly in an effort to to calm and distract himself. The first day had completely ruined his mood, which worsened even further the more it progressed and there was no outlet where he could pour his anger on so focusing his energy on making dolls was the next best thing.

Luckily Pride had been mostly quiet, although he did compliment Subaru's work and even requested Subaru to make one of their "best friends" Julius and Felix. Which made Subaru ruin one of the dolls he made in anger and start from scratch.

Now he was more calm and steady. It was late at night by the time he was done so he decided to take a bath before he slept as it had been a few days. Thankfully everyone was asleep, so no one bothered him on the walk to the bath from his room and back.

---

- The Capital -

Marcos Gildark stood on a platform to address the sages of what he had discovered.

"Proceed with your report, Captain Gildark." Miklotov McMahon, the representative of the Sages' Council, ordered.

- O -

The Royal Knights Barracks.

36 hours ago.

"Captain Marcos, sir, I am afraid I will have to be the bearer of truly bad news."

"Go on." Marcos said with a stoic expression.

For a military man who had always managed to hide his expressions behind a stoic and stern face, Marcos's shock was visible on his face when he heard what the Lieutenant had told him.

The man he's been looking for, who disappeared without any trace or records, Subaru Natsuki was the Hero of Priestella. His shock increased even further and confusion settled in as well when he heard he was imprisoned as the Archbishop of Pride in Priestella.

The shock and confusion soon turned into outrage when he heard there was not a single evidence linked to Subaru Natsuki being an Archbishop, nor affiliated with the Witch's Cult. He hasn't felt an outrage like that in years. It reminded him of what happened years ago before he became the Knight Commander. When he held a strong grudge against the royal knights, despite being one himself. It reminded him of the unfairness he felt when the royal knights imprisoned starving, poor, innocent people

Especially when he heard that Subaru Natsuki was tortured and interrogated heavily by the knights of Priestella.

The outrage and shock was increased even further when he heard that the best healer in the kingdom and the man whom everyone hailed as the exemplar to all knights, a man that was a vice captain in all but name, were involved behind imprisoning and torturing a knight of a royal candidate as the Archbishop of Pride.

Not just any knight too. The boy whom the Sword Demon himself, Wilhelm van Astraea, personally commended for helping in organizing and leading the subjugation of the White Whale as well as personally accomplishing what none had ever done before. Slaying a highly infamous Archbishop of the Witch's Cult. All in one day.

Finally, the Lieutenant informed Marcos that Subaru Natsuki had disappeared, alerting Marcos and making him wonder if some knight decided to take it upon themselves to kill him. Or if Subaru Natsuki managed to escape.

After taking all information in. Marcos finally spoke to the Lieutenant.

"Arlan. After you finish your interrogation prepare them to be transported to the capital to be court martialed. You have my authority to locate and arrest Julius Juuklius and Felix Argyle. Start by investigating Duchess Karsten's and Anastasia Hoshin's estates in Priestella. After you find them, bring them directly to me, I want to ask them myself. There's much that remains unknown. Furthermore, I will be sending you more troops to maintain the peace for the time being. You are hereby the new commander of Priestella's garrison. Expect new orders soon. Dismissed."

"*sigh* Understood sir."

He sat in his chair for a very long time after that. Constantly pondering over how and why did this all happen?

Tired of sitting down and doing nothing. He took out many reports and files that detailed Priestella over the last months.

He started by reading the reports of the attack on Priestella over 8 months ago. Everything related to the Archbishop of Pride.

There was the news that the camps were victorious and that they had managed to capture the Archbishops of Pride and Wrath, while slaying the Archbishop of Greed and making Gluttony and Lust flee. The reports also pointed out the names of who were involved in each of the battles against the sin archbishops and which camp was involved with Pride. Far too many names. Names of every single camp were involved. Names that were celebrated in the capital.

Reading over the file of Pride's capture. He was accused and identified of being the Archbishop of Pride by the camps, including the camp of the candidate he was the Knight of. There was no evidence tying him towards the Witch's Cult. The only evidence to be found was that he had the smell of an Archbishop, an evidence with some merits to it although easily dismissible in front of one with Divine Protection to tell lies, and since Pride was the only one Archbishop missing from the earlier attack then it likely meant the man was the Archbishop of Pride.

Reading further on. The man now accused as Pride had apparently tried tricking the camps into thinking he was the knight of Candidate Emilia. However, no one knew him and Reinhard van Astraea made no comment regarding the truthfulness of his words while in his presence. Meaning the Archbishop of Pride was likely lying and trying to trick them to infiltrate the ranks of candidate Emilia. Emilia unfortunately, due to her unfortunate resemblance to the Witch of Envy, was a prime target for the Witch's Cult. Marcos particularly remembered Sloth attacking Margrave Mathers' estate directly after Emilia was revealed as a candidate.

What was more convicting was that Pride had tried to kill himself with a knife before being apprehended. Likely due to him failing at integrating into the camps and thereby reinforcing and cementing the idea that he was a Witch Cultist.

Marcos took a deep breath to calm himself and read another file.

This one detailed who escorted him to the prison. Which knights and how many they were, led by Felix Argyle the knight of Duchess Crusch Karsten, a royal candidate, and Julius Juuklius. A forgotten knight at the time that claimed himself as the personal knight of Anastasia Hoshin, the merchant princess and another royal candidate. Although Reinhard van Astraea came to the defense of said knight and said that every word of his was true. Therefore restoring some semblance of the knight's former status.

That file ended by saying the Archbishop of Pride was to undergo interrogation and required permission to do so. As no one could harm the Archbishop of Wrath without them feeling the same modicum of pain. There were other Witch Cultists imprisoned in Priestella, however they were all low ranking members. Meaning Pride was their biggest and only source of information.

Every other file following that were of his interrogation. How he kept trying to trick the knights by using his Authority, which was only to say he was innocent, had his name eaten by Gluttony and demanded a meeting with Candidate Emilia and her contracted spirit. Yet the disciplined knights were able to resist him and never fell for his tricks.

Marcos destroyed the table in his office in a moment of outrage as he read that part. "They were all deceived and played like fools! Every single one of them!"

Marcos finished the reports by reading who had signed and accepted each document regarding the continued interrogation of Pride.

"Sighed and approved. Marcos Gildark, Acting Knight Commander of the Royal Knights."

He slumped into his chair with a heavy heart once he read that part.

Marcos sighed loudly afterwards. The shame and dishonor kept him stuck in place. He had signed off on interrogating Subaru Natsuki. His hands were as dirty as the ones who tortured him.

Marcos thought back to how they announced his capture to the kingdom. Remembering the loud cheers that went around the capital. Cheering an innocent man's capture. He was hailed as a hero in the capital and for the past 8 months he had been treated as the worst of scum. It all seemed like a huge conspiracy against one man.

"We were all deceived. And now there is nothing that we can do about it."

How would he go on to report this... dishonor, to the sages.

- O -

"Very well, your excellencies. As ordered, I have sent a contingent of knights under the command of Lieutenant Arlan Garrick to oversee Priestella's rebellion, investigate the garrison regarding it's silence, investigate the imprisoned individual known as 'Hero of Priestella', and lastly investigate the disappearance as well as whereabouts of Candidate Emilia's knight, Subaru Natsuki." Marcos said that last name with a grim face.

"And what have you uncovered thus far?" Miklotov McMahon asked him.

"Before I begin, I would like to warn that the news I am about to report will not be received well by your excellencies." He advised. Making them all look even more attentive.

"Duly noted. Begin your report Captain." McMahon said. Nodding towards Marcos to proceed.

Marcos internally sighed and took a moment to compose himself. This will not go well.

"The report begins with Lieutenant Arlan reaching the city of Priestella in order to put down the riots peacefully. He, as well as all of us, expected that he would deal with a few unruly citizens. However, they were met by instead a very large host of citizens who harassed the knights and demanded the release of the 'Hero of Priestella'." Marcos said that name with a frown.

Some of the sages murmured or wrote notes as Marcos continued.

"Arlan reported that the garrison's entrance was besieged by another large host of angry citizens, and the gate was being held by very few knights." Marcos paused as he noticed the concerned looks of the sages. "Rest assured, the garrison is secured and under control again. Although it had considerably declined.."

"What do you mean, Captain?" A sage named Velmont asked Marcos.

Marcos began to explain.

"I have been told that the previous commander of the garrison has abandoned his post and fled the city. And he was not the only one to flee. Additionally, several of Priestella's knights were reported to be unresponsive and or in an emotionally compromised state. To be more specific.. The entirety of the knights in charge of the prison facility."

His words made most of them stare at one another in a questioning manner.

"The entirety of the prison wardens?"

"Was there an attack on Priestella's garrison that we were made unaware of?"

"Not since eight months ago, I believe."

"Do you think it's the Witch's Cult attempting to break out the Archbishops?"

"Disgraceful! A knight fleeing from his duty. Bah! These deserters deserve the death penalty." Bordeaux Zellgef spat in an angry and disappointed tone, before speaking more calmly. "Although, emotionally compromised sounds...troubling."

"That sounds troubling indeed. Captain Gildark, what of the 'Hero of Priestella' and their identity? This all seems suspiciously connected with that person." McMahon asked Marcos with increased curiosity.

"The identity of this individual is none other than Candidate Emilia's knight. Subaru Natsuki." Marcos revealed to them while looking downwards. They were all shocked.

"Subaru Natsuki?!"

"He's the mysterious individual?!"

"Preposterous! A man like him! To be called a hero of an entire city, bah.." Bordeaux grumbled.

"So the infamous Hero of Priestella, is none other than Lady Emilia's own knight? This will certainly raise her popularity to a greater height." Velmont spoke his thoughts outloud. "However, didn't the reports say the Hero of Priestella was imprisoned?" Velmont noted.

"Velmont has a point." McMahon agreed with his fellow sage, before staring at Marcos who seemed dejected. "Now that we've identified Subaru Natsuki is that individual. I would like for you to explain why a Royal Candidate's knight was imprisoned without our knowledge? What are you not telling us, Captain?"

Marcos's muscles tensed. This was harder to speak than he thought. The shame and dishonor crept up on every fiber of his being making him feel tense and wish that he was in a battlefield instead.

"Subaru Natsuki was imprisoned under the accusation of being...The Archbishop of Pride."

They all looked stunned by this revelation.

"What?! Impossible!"

"The Archbishop of Pride?!"

"What manner of nonsense is this?! A Royal Candidate's knight is a part of the Witch's Cult?"

"And this is the man who did more harm to the Witch's Cult than the Sword Saint. Was it all a ruse to gain our trust?"

"Outrageous! The wretched half-devil's knight is a Witch Cultist?! An Archbishop on top of it! Bah, I knew he was no good.."

"I myself find that hard to believe. More importantly, why weren't we informed of his identity sooner?"

"That seems like a very far-fetched accusation!"

"Settle down!" McMahon commanded as he rested a hand on his face.

"That is a very serious crime, you understand that as well Captain. Was there any evidence linking Subaru Natsuki towards the Witch's Cult? Or of being the Archbishop of Pride?"

"No, your excellency. There wasn't." Marcos' words shocked all the sages to a higher level than when he announced that Subaru was accused as an Archbishop.

"Does this mean we imprisoned the wrong person?!"

"Who is responsible for this?!"

"We will be made a laughing stock if we announce that Pride was the wrong person all along!"

"How?! How could that have happened?!"

"So if I understand correctly. He was imprisoned without any evidence, a fair trial or anyone investigating it? Have they all gone mad? I feel as if I have grown more foolish by pointing all these out." Velmont noted, making Marcos feel deeper shame.

"Captain Marcos Gildark. Explain yourself. Tell us everything." McMahon ordered Marcos to explain.

...

Marcos began detailing the past 8 months of what he uncovered from what the Lieutenant told him, as well as the reports about Pride. From being accused by the camps following the invasion on Priestella, to being taken by the knights several of them high figures within the Royal Guard.

He then detailed that Subaru was interrogated heavily by the knights within the prison, and the two main men responsible for torturing him. All the while the majority of the sages grew even more shocked or outraged at these revelations.

Bordeaux had a fit of rage after he heard Felix Argyle, the demi-human healer, was involved in this mess. Meanwhile the other sages were in complete disbelief that the best healer in the kingdom and the man whom all knights revere as the Finest of Knigths stooped that low.

Finally he told them about the events of the past few days. Which detailed the arrival of the Lieutenant in the city of Priestella. As well as the disappearance of Subaru Natsuki.

"And that concludes the report." Marcos finally finished the report, whether it took hours or days he did not know.

The sages were all quiet and deep in thought.

"Do you understand how serious this news is? We have announced his capture to the entire kingdom to celebrate. And to think we were even ready to announce his execution Infront of the masses.." McMahon sighed heavily as he said that.

"I am willing to bear the fault and responsibility, seeing as I'm the one who signed and approved the interrogation." Marcos said with a stern look.

McMahon's hand rubbed his beard as he was thoughtful for a moment.

"Captain, were you aware that Subaru Natsuki was the one that was accused when you signed the order?" McMahon asked. To which Marcos said no.

"Then you are not to blame. The only ones to blame are those who accused him without evidence. Which unfortunately means all of the knights present in Priestella, the candidates and their camps. Which brings me to my next question. Why did the Lady Emilia not contest this cruel and unjust treatment of her knight?" McMahon asked with a big sigh. As the rest nodded in agreement.

"One of the Archbishops of the Witch's Cult has an ability that makes a person to be forgotten by the world. Similar to that of the White Whale's fog. From the reports, Subaru Natsuki has repeatedly exclaimed Gluttony ate his name. Hence he was forgotten by everyone who knew him." Marcos answered.

"And yet we all clearly remember him now." Velmont chimed in.

"Unfortunately.." Bordeaux added.

"Od, to think these disgusting cultists have such abominations.."

"Regardless, we cannot let news of that caliber reach out across the Kingdom. We have to keep this a secret for the time being." McMahon looked thoughtful as he said that.

"What do you mean Miklotov? Are you suggesting we let the knights get away with this?! We would be as guilty as they are!" Velmont responded harshly.

"No, I am not suggesting we let the knights get away. Captain Gildark, I take it you have ordered for the knights involved to be arrested?"

Marcos nodded. "I have. I have also put the orders to find, capture and detain Julius Juuklius and Felix Argyle, as well as any missing knight from Priestella." Marcos said those two names with heavy disappointment. "I have also sent out additional forces to help keep the peace within the city."

McMahon took a moment to think before speaking out.

"Julius Juuklius and Felix Argyle... If word gets out they were involved, it would heavily affect the reputation of the candidates they're sworn to, that is assuming they have no knowledge of their knights' actions. There is also the reputation of the Royal Guard to count in. Lastly, our own image and credibility would also be tarnished immensely for being the ones unable to discern the truth regarding the capture of the Archbishop of Pride. Especially if we announce it was all a mistake and that he was not given a trial to clear his name. Which is why we need to keep it a secret."

"Tell that to the people of Priestella who are rebelling as we speak! They know the truth as we do possibly even better, as they were likely witnesses, and they've already spread it!" Velmont counter-argued.

McMahon sighed as he placed a hand to massage his temples. "Which is why we need to try to fully uncover what had happened, before negating parts of it. If we don't we will have an open rebellion including right here in the Capital. What do you think the other nations would do once they hear how weak we've grown? All they need is a good opportunity."

The other sages voiced out their agreements.

McMahon spoke out. "Captain Gildark," Marcos stood attentively.

"Send out a search party to look for Subaru Natsuki. We need to find him by all means, much hangs in the balance if he remains undiscovered. Especially if he shares his story to the wrong people. We need to hear the truth of what happened from his perspective, before anyone else does."

Most of the sages nodded in agreement, however Velmont looked displeased and Marcos was dejected but didn't show it.

A sage added in. "I'd like to suggest investigating Margrave Mathers' estate, not only to find out if the Lady Emilia has returned from the Pleiades Watchtower, but also to find out if they know anything regarding his whereabouts. Perhaps they went to collect him after memory of him was restored?"

Another sage chimed in. "Regarding Priestella. I suggest putting a curfew as well as keeping it under lockdown for the time being. It is the safest way of putting out the rebellion."

Then another sage joined. "Send out invitations towards Duchess Karsten and Anastasia Hoshin. We'll need to discuss matters regarding the actions of their knights, as well as their own involvement."

Marcos was then dismissed. He left with disappointment hanging off of him. He understood why the sages agreed with this plan and yet he truly hated this idea. If it were up to him, he would simply leave Subaru Natsuki to his own. The boy has been through far too much because of them.

...

"Has old age finally caught up with you lot?" Velmont spoke in a disapproving tone after Marcos left. Making them all stare at him in confusion.

"Do you not understand what you are saying? If we send out knights to find Subaru Natsuki, wouldn't that simply trigger an emotional response from him once he sees those who wore the same outfit as the ones that tortured him? What if he chooses to not come peacefully and they are forced to kill him? We can say that the knights tortured him, but if he dies then his death would be on our hands. If we remember him, then it means the Lady Emilia remembers him. How do you think she will react once she hears we signed off on her knight's death?" Velmont spoke to them in a serious manner

"Bah, what if he dies? What guarantee do we have that he is not the Archbishop of Pride? I for one am convinced he is. He not doubt planned the whole affair. Staging a rebellion and escaping to contact the Witch's Cult, whom he must've joined after being in close proximity to the wretched half-devil. What's to say he isn't going to attack Priestella again with his wretched cultists. I say hunt him down and kill him, the traitor. Execute them both." Bordeaux spat. Making Velmont scowl.

"Bordeaux Zellgef, your assumptions based on your prejudice for demi-humans has gone far enough!" Velmont snapped at his fellow sage.

"This is a serious proceeding! To remain willfully ignorant and accuse Subaru Natsuki of being an Archbishop without actual evidence, and only due to him being affiliated with a Royal Candidate that has an unfortunate appearance. Is to court clear and absolute hypocrisy!" Velmont looked with utter disappointment at him after his outburst.

"If you still believe he's the Archbishop of Pride, then you're a greater fool than the fools who tortured him for months under false beliefs. The same fools that tricked all of us into announcing his capture for the entire kingdom." Velmont then looked at his fellow sages. "I'll have no part if you all agree that he dies."

Bordeaux had no response as he was simply shocked into silence. Miklotov McMahon and the other sages looked as surprised by Velmont's outburst.

McMahon rubbed his beard then spoke out after seconds of silence. "Calm yourself, Velmont. No one suggested Subaru Natsuki dies. I will say I'm against the idea of killing Subaru Natsuki. But unfortunately he is the centerpiece of this entire dilemma. We need to hear his perspective of things before deciding our next step. Besides, I am certain Marcos Gildark will order his knights to handle him with utmost care."

Another sage added in his opinion.

"Although it does raise a good point. Perhaps Subaru Natsuki should die?"

Velmont and the other sages stared at him with incredulousness.

"I understand your point, Velmont, truly I do. I regret that the boy had suffered so much because of a false accusation. A mistake on the knights' part. But wouldn't it be kinder, perhaps even fairer, that Subaru Natsuki dies? Too much is at stake if he remains alive, or is found by the wrong people. I'm certain Lady Emilia will understand. Who's to say she would even find out, or blame us for that matter?"

The sage's words made the other sages share their opinions.

"Agreed. Should he die, then it would be an act of mercy-killing if anything. The boy will likely be traumatized for life and wouldn't be able to function in society. I may sound cruel, but his death is our gain. Think about it. Lady Emilia gains to benefit from his death more than all of us. She could garner sympathy with the people even."

"I too agree to this. It is a regrettable affair, but you have to consider one life against the lives of many. McMahon said it. Our image would never recover. The candidates' would be in ruins as no one would take them seriously. Not to mention the people will lose faith in the knights. Do you really want that?"

"I agree. Let it be heard that I bear the boy no ill-tidings, but what if Margrave Roswaal L Mathers decides to take revenge for the knight of the Lady he sponsors once he hears how he was treated? A knight, mind you, that Margrave Roswaal himself has employed before. Can we afford to make an enemy out of the Margrave? He holds great power and influence."

"I'm against killing him. We could offer him riches and other forms of luxuries to buy his silence. It is very unlikely that he would refuse our offers."

"I am neutral, but I cannot deny that what the others said holds merits. Should he live, what guarantee do we have that he will not turn against us? Blaming the knights for imprisoning him and blaming us for villainizing his name?"

McMahon then dismissed the sages' council. To confer another day as they had spent hours listening in on Marcos Gildark's report.

Velmont got up from his chair, looking at them in shame and disappointment before walking out with a defeated face.

"Divine Dragon takes you all."

---

-Next day. Miload's Mansion-

Subaru had again woke up on Rem's lap. She was the same as the last few days, humming and caressing his hair while holding his hand. Although she was looking at the finished dolls and not at him.

"Hello, Rem." He greeted her. Rem was surprised that he greeted her as the past few days he rarely spoke, it made her happy however.

"Good morning, Subaru-kun." She said cheerfully. "They look really amazing." She gestured to the dolls and praised his work with a smile on her face. "As expected of Rem's hero."

She had felt sad when she saw a doll based on his old look. Then she was curious over the combined ones, as well as the one that was fully red with an unnatural smile. She was also wondering why he made so many of Emilia. There were 2 of Emilia in her usual white and purple outfit. And one of Emilia with darker clothes. Then there were the ones based on her, which made her feel happy.

"Thanks. I'm finally finished with them." Subaru replied as his eyes looked at the dolls of Rem. The one with the Morningstar, then the gentle one.

'Rem of today is not that Rem. She's the Rem of the capital.' He convinced himself. 'But I have to make sure she won't betray or hurt me. I have to make sure Pride won't kill her. Even if he promised, I don't trust him.'

"Rem." He called out to her in a cold tone.

"Yes, Subaru-kun? What is it?" She looked at him curiously. She started blushing as she thought he would ask if she's real again, knowing the method she'd go for again.

"If someone that was affiliated with the Witch was here. What would you do?"

"H-Huh?" That question took her by surprise. She looked at him in shock wondering if he knew something, like that time at the capital when he warned of the attack on Arlam as well as the White Whale. "Subaru-kun are we going to get attacked?"

"No. It's a hypothetical question." Subaru assured her, making her calm down.

"I'd kill them." She answered without hesitation. "They took everything from me. Because of them, Rem was asleep for a long time and Rem's hero..." She shook it off. "I won't allow them to take anything anymore. Never again." Rem declared with determined eyes.

"And if that someone was me? Would you hurt me?" Subaru asked, while staring deeply into Rem. Noticing how her expression immediately changed into one of confusion then worry. The grip on his hand tightened.

She shook her head. "N-no.. I-I would never believe it, I would never hurt you. Rem would rather harm herself than hurt you!" She exclaimed.

'She'll hate me for this. But I'd rather her having hurt emotions than dead.' He internally sighed as he prepared himself to speak.

"I can return by de-"

He heard a gasp a second later. The tight grip on his hand loosened.

"What about now?"

He spoke without looking at her reaction. He knew she'd struggle with his scent.

"I..I w-wouldn't h-hurt y-you.." She managed a weak reply.

"Promise me."

She used her hand to make him look at her. Her face was marred with tears.

"I p-promise I-I would n-never h-harm you.. N-never..." She assured him in a shaky voice.

'I got you to promise not to hurt me when in truth it's for your sake. Pride shouldn't hurt you now.'

He brought his hand to her face to remove her tears. A gesture that she highly appreciated. "I believe you."

For the next few minutes they stayed quiet, as Rem's crying was decreasing. He wanted to tell Rem why he asked that and yet he couldn't. How would he go on to explain that another part of him had killed her in another life, and in a cruel way too. Would she even believe him if he tells her that he said all of that all for her sake rather than his.

Soon enough, Rem got up to go do her chores. She hugged him tightly.

"I understand why you asked that.." She said in a soft tone as she nuzzled into the crooks of his neck. "You were hurt really badly, s-so I know why you would doubt everyone.. I'm so sorry...I love you.." She broke off the hug and turned to leave.

"Wait." Subaru told her, stopping her in his tracks. He went to the bedside table, took a doll and presented it to her. It was the one of Rem who looked gentle and had a smile on it.

"Take this as a gift and an apology."

Rem looked at it and gave him a genuine smile just like the doll. "I... Rem will forgive you if I can have the one you made of yourself." He accepted her request. She picked the one of his old look with the black hair, although she looked thoughtful about it and whispered something about changing the hair color.

She gave him a hug again before she left.

---

While he was brushing his teeth, the door was knocked.

"Good morning, S-Subaru." Emilia said meekly, once Subaru opened the door. The immense guilt was visible on her face.

She had gone to sleep with tears the past few days and woke up with tears aswell as she constantly dreamt of that day. When she was awake all of her thoughts were about Subaru. She was thinking desperately of a way to apologize to him and confess to him what she felt.

He stared coldly at her.

'I'm assuming she's here to say sorry and probably say she loves me. A little too late for that. If I wasn't betrayed, would she ever tell me that? Probably not.' He noted to himself as his stare made her want to deflect her gaze.

"I-I just wanted to tell you that I'm so, so, so sorry.. f-for.. everything..." She spoke in a heavy apologetic tone and looked downwards.

He said nothing and just simply continued staring at her while brushing his teeth.

"I-I wanted to answer you.. I-I reaaaaally~ um.." He went back to the sink to rinse his mouth. Leaving her standing at the door. Uncaring if she was there.

"S-Subaru I.." She was interrupted by the sounds of him gargling water. She looked hurt by him ignoring her. She wondered why as he seemed rather talkative and more animated during their trip back home. She even thought he would laugh the moment he saw her face.

"Please.. I'm so sorry... I-I.." She heard him turning water on again to wash his face. Once he was finished he looked at her again.

He recalled how hurt she looked the last loop. When Pride intentionally broke her sanity by first saying he loved Satella, then by saying he killed everyone in the mansion. He specifically remembered the way she laughed and wailed afterwards as she completely broke and started chanting like Envy.

'Cursed..me..I'm cursed..hahaha...Aa,aa..aah..aaaahhh! I love you. I love you. I love you.'

Then her imagination changed during the conversation with Pride when he summoned them. Something that puzzled Subaru.

'I still can't figure it out. Why did Emilia change..'

"I-I changed?" Emilia asked as Subaru didn't realize that he had also said that outloud as he thought of it.

Emilia looked at him with both guilt and confusion, she realized that not only did his eyes look different, but his tone was completely different than before when he would sound genuinely happy as he'd tell nightmarish stories and laugh, making her feel even more miserable than she was. She wondered if she had missed something that happened, as when they arrived she immediately locked herself in her room.

"Nothing, forge- What is it, Frederica?"

Emilia turned around and found Frederica had arrived. Emilia didn't hear her coming because she was entirely focused on Subaru.

"Good morning, Emilia-sama, Subaru-sama. I just came to ask if you were hungry and would like breakfast. That extends to you aswell, Emilia-sama." She asked both of them. She regretted that she might've interrupted an important conversation.

'If I tell her to bring food here I'll have to deal with Emilia alone and I have no energy for that, at the moment. Best to go to the dining room for now. They would definitely stare at me but atleast they'll stay quiet in awkwardness. Besides, it's about time I go around the mansion again. If I'm to leave this place soon I may aswell try to enjoy it while it lasts.'

"Actually, Frederica. Let's go to the dining room. I've been cooped up for long in here." Making them both appear surprised that Subaru wants to eat with the rest of them again. They both thought this would be a step towards gaining his trust again.

---

-Dining Room-

"S-Subaru-sama? Emilia-sama?"

"N-Natsuki-san.."

"Barusu?"

"Hello, Emily. Subaru."

Subaru saw the faces of Petra, Otto, Annerose, Ram and Roswaal. They were truly shocked that he made his appearance, however he said nothing. Even as they greeted him, only nodding towards Petra and Annerose.

He noticed the lack of Rem, Clind, Meili and Garfiel, but quickly reasoned that Rem said she was going to do chores. Clind is doing chores too most likely. Meili is in the dungeons while Garfiel is probably training and would eat later.

All conversations stopped once Subaru sat down. Emilia kept looking in his direction and wanting to say something without knowing what to say.

Frederica excused herself to the kitchen.

Soon enough, food arrived with Frederica and Clind serving the plates. "Good morning, Emilia-sama, Natsuki-sama. Greetings." Clind smiled warmly at seeing Subaru and Emilia out of their room. Emilia greeted him, while Subaru simply didn't react.

"D-Do you need help w-with..e-eating.. O-or if you want I-I can feed." Emilia asked nervously, wanting to initiate a conversation, just as food was getting served. Subaru shook his head and began eating.

...

Breakfast went as awkward as one can expect for the Emilia camp. The last few days they were all discussing Subaru's condition over breakfast and dinner. Now, they kept glancing at each other or at Subaru uncomfortably, and playing with their food. No one knew what to say.

Meanwhile Subaru was eating without a care. He didn't really come here to talk with anyone, merely wanting to escape a conversation he didn't want to have and this was the unfortunate solution.

'As expected. Most of them are awkwardly staring and staying quiet, or playing with their food. I'm beginning to think this was a bad idea. I should've just braced myself and talked to her.' He thought while eating.

*Yawn* This is really boring, you know? Go on atleast say something. Compliment the chef maybe.

Pride sounded in Subaru's head. He had been quiet the last few days. Speaking only once when he saw that Subaru was making dolls and he requested that he make dolls of his best friends. Julius and Felix.

Oh wait I forgot, you can't actually taste the food hahaha. Let me tell ya, it tastes delicIOUUUUUUS~ It makes me want to forget it just to eat it again... ~tsu.

Subaru eyerolled and whispered. "Get out of my head."

"Huh? D-did you say something, S-Subaru?" Emilia asked as she heard him speak quietly. They looked in his direction thinking he was going to talk.

Subaru didn't reply, busying himself in eating again.

*Bored tone* Alright. I guess you're having a case of stage-fright. You owe me a joke for this.

Before Subaru could react. Subaru's left hand grabbed a plate of beef and rice and his mouth started speaking out of its own. "Ahh such a delicious, delectable, delightful, desirable dish." He spoke excitedly.

All of them were alarmed by the sudden change.

"Subaru/Barusu/Subaru-sama/Natsuki-san/Natsuki-sama?" They asked simultaneously.

He brought the plate closer to his nose as he took in the aroma. "It truly is an exquisite meal. A properly prepared meal. The kind of meal that makes me want to chew, bite, devour, munch, gnaw, savor. A true delicacy ~ah"

He reached for a juicy steak and took a bite out of it, savoring the taste as he continued speaking. "Isn't it well-made? I think it's well-made, it's probably well made, maybe it's well-made, it could be well-made, It's definitely well-made because it's well-made. SUCH A MARVELOOOOUSELY~ WELL-MADE MEAL!" He shouted in excitement.

He then reached for an Appa pie to his left side. He started laughing as he ate a piece of it.

"Hahaha this is a five star course! Unquestionably. Undeniably. Unmistakably. Whoever made this has achieved a level of diligence my slothful self can only dream of! It is without a doubt the pinnacle of gour-" He said as he eyed the other food hungrily. Before a highly annoyed frown appeared on his face.

Subaru looked at all of them.

Petra and Annerose were petrified or stunned, especially Petra as she has never heard Subaru speak like that.

Frederica looked at him in confusion and worry.

Clind and Roswaal stared with curiosity at him. More Clind than Roswaal.

Otto looked as if he had heard a very similar speech like this somewhere before.

Ram was alerted or horrified. She knew where that was from. The Archbishops of Gluttony that the Emilia camp fought recently, with the help of Reinhard and the Sage Shaula at the Pleiades Watchtower.

Emilia simply stared sadly and misunderstood him. She hadn't really thought about it as she was too deep into her guilt during the trip, but she finally realized that for 8 months he was most likely under-fed.

Such a good icebreaker, right? You're welcome! Give yourself a pat on the shoulder for that performance! Now you can talk with them.

Subaru grit his teeth and was trying hard to not scowl. He stood up and walked away. He heard someone telling him to wait, but he didn't know if it was Emilia or Rem.

---

Subaru went outside to the garden. He had wanted to back to his room, but he felt he would destroy the furniture if he was there. He started walking around the garden in an effort to calm his growing annoyance.

Soon enough Pride's imagination spawned in front of him.

That went well, I think. They definitely looked excited at the way we described the gourmet. I think we've increased their appetite even.

"Shut up. For once, shut up." Subaru didn't look at Pride as he continued walking away.

Calm down Inner-I mean, Outer me. I was just complimenting the good food, hahaha. You should be grateful you know, you were all sulking while I provided you with a good opportunity to talk to our imaginations.

"Good opportunity.." Subaru growled out. He turned to look at Pride.

"Does it make you happy to make everyone look afraid and suspicious of us? Is it funny how they react to us? Is all of this making you laugh?!" Subaru ranted at his other self.

Hmmmm~ Is this the part where I say "Yes, 100%", and you go all "*big sigh*"? Cause you'd be very predictable if you do! Anyways, don't act like you don't know what I feel. Actually I bet you feel the same way.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Subaru asked Pride in annoyance.

You're the one with all the rationale, no? Go figure it out. Pride taunted. Although his words made Subaru remember the last time he said those words.

"Pride. Summon the imaginations." Subaru asked his other self. Pride looked confused at the sudden request, but did as he was told.

Illusions soon littered the garden. Illusions of various people that were staring with disgust and anger, apart from Satella, and now Emilia.

"Why did Emilia's imagination change?" Subaru asked his other self as he kept staring at Emilia.

Pride's smile wavered although he didn't reply.

"Before I reset, I had a moment of wanting to kill Emilia and escaping but my hands didn't move. Almost as if someone didn't want me to do it."

Pride looked thoughtful for a second before shrugging with a teasing smile.

Who knows. Maybe I was playing a prank on you.

"I pointed it out to you before. You could've killed Emilia, you had time to do it."

Does it really matter that I let her live?

"You didn't kill her and you didn't let me kill her. Why?" Subaru asked him again.

Ugh, boring. Give it a rest.

Subaru said nothing as he stared at Pride, waiting for him to explain the reasoning.

Pride glared at him. Don't give me that look. It doesn't matter that I didn't kill her... It doesn't matter that I stopped us from killing her! She hurt us more than she'll know! How long did we spend in our old home waiting for her?! She lived happily in ignorance all the while we were being pranked!

"Why'd you let her live then, if you say all of th-"

IT DOESN'T MATTER!

Pride took control of Subaru's hand and aimed it towards a nearby bush. Then he activated Cor Leonis and slashed the air. A second later and the bush was split in half.

He then aimed Subaru's hand towards the imaginations. Particularly Emilia's changed imagination. He wanted to split her imagination in half, to restore the one that pointed at him instead.

However the way she looked at him sadly with her hands on her heart made him hesitate.

He remembered how Emilia laughed then cried. He was confused by it, as it wasn't supposed to happen. It wasn't what he predicted she would do. He completely thought she would beg him to kill her, the way Beatrice did while saying she hated herself. Or that she would attack him, or even accuse him again. Seeing her breakdown made him feel awful for some reason, it was almost similar to how Subaru broke. It made him start thinking she was real. Which was something that was new for him, as everyone was an imagination outside of Satella.

Pride let out a frustrated grunt as he lowered Subaru's hand, then dismissed the imaginations.

*Sigh* It's because she seemed... Real. That's why I let her live and stopped us. Hahaha it's such a good joke. It makes me want to laugh for days.

"What do you mean?" Subaru asked. Wondering where did that come from.

I don't know, ok? I can't explain it. I don't know what I feel about her. Why'd ya think I asked you, the logical out of the two of us, to figure it out? Would've been funnier if you did. Anyway, I'm bored. I don't want this talk. I want to laugh again, I want a new source of entertainment.

Pride's illusion then disappeared into Subaru. Leaving Subaru all alone in the garden.

...

Following that talk. Subaru resumed his walk in the garden. He eventually reached the stables where Patrasche spotted him and immediately ran into his direction, nuzzling him once she reached him. She was excited to see her master, it had been several days since she last saw him.

Subaru affectionally scratched her head. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation. "You wouldn't betray or hurt me, right?" He asked her. Patrasche nudged him playfully as an answer.

A very small smile appeared on his face. "Knew it. I didn't even need to ask." She then licked his face as if to tell him she missed him.

"I missed you too." He said as if he understood her message.

Soon enough a voice interrupted both dragon and master.

"Cap'n? What 're ya doin' 'ere?" Garfiel asked. He had just finished his training and was going back inside the mansion when he ran into Subaru. He was surprised to see Subaru out of his room. He kept wanting to go to his room and talk to him but guilt kept him. Garfiel had heard from his sister and the junior maid that Subaru wasn't interacting with them, or even saying anything at all. He had been completely quiet and was working on something.

Subaru's small smile immediately vanished and he looked at Garfiel with a piercing stare that made Garfiel feel small and made him shrink back.

"Get Patrasche food. She's hungry." Subaru spoke coldly towards Garfiel. It was simply an excuse to get him away. Garfiel obeyed him right away and headed off to ask Clind where they kept the food for the animals at. It was a chance to earn the forgiveness of his captain and he would take it.

"Sorry to use you like that, Patrasche." Subaru spoke to her as he led her back to the stables.

He stayed petting her for a couple of minutes before going inside the mansion.

---

Subaru went back to his room. He took out the dolls to inspect them again. He wanted to make more dolls of the others, however it wouldn't be today as he had no energy for it.

While looking over the dolls he made of himself, he remembered that one of them was for Meili. He picked it up, along with the aggressive looking Rem doll as he had no need for it anymore, then went to the dungeon where Meili was usually at.

He could hear Meili playing with her dolls and making noises as he reached closer. He said nothing however as he wanted her to notice his presence over him speaking out and scaring her.

He was surprised at how innocent she seemed. A girl whose 'Mama' was the worst person imaginable. Whose sister was a sadistic serial killer with a thing for bowels. Meili herself had undoubtedly killed many people, including children like Petra during some loops. Even himself on several occasions and yet here she was playing innocently with dolls like any child her age.

"Huh? Hey! How long were you here fooor?" Meili asked as she finally noticed him.

"Not long." He lied. It had been a few minutes. "Here. You said you wanted a doll." Subaru took out the one he made of himself and presented it to her.

Meili was excited and amazed at how detailed her new doll was.

"It looks great! Thanks Mister!" Meili thanked him as she took it and clutched it tightly.

Subaru felt satisfied with her reaction, although his expression remained neutral. He was going to leave before she called out to him again. "Umm. Do you want to play?"

He was surprised with her question but didn't let it show. "Sure." He thought why not. It's not like he has anything better to do.

He took a chair and brought it closer to her.

For the next few hours Subaru simply went along with what Meili wanted to do. At first she could only carry two dolls to enact with them and kept going back and forth to pick up more dolls. Eventually Subaru used shadow hands to lift all of her dolls and bring them nearby, so she'd have an easier time. A move that greatly surprised Meili, however she was also very excited by it and asked him to do more stuff with that.

Subaru unknowingly had a small smile on his face.

"Subaru-sama? W-w-what are you doing here?" Petra's voice called out, as she came in to bring Meili food and other snacks. She was surprised to see Subaru here. After breakfast she couldn't get out the way her hero sounded from her head. Almost as if he was a completely different person and it scared her.

"I just came here to give Meili something I made for her." Subaru answered her.

"Look, look Petra-chan. Mister can make dolls fly!" Meili greeted her in excitement as she pointed at the floating dolls. Which made Petra look with interest, she has seen food fly into his mouth recently and wondered how he could do this. Although she seemed nervous as she stared at Subaru.

'Great. Now Petra is scared of me.'

"I guess this is where I leave you." He said to Meili, as he descended her dolls towards her bed. "Awww, do you have toooo?"

"Yes. Meanwhile you get to eat." He responded calmly as he got up. Not paying Petra any attention.

Meili fake pouted that he was going to leave as she was having fun, he gave her a head pat which made her lose the pout. "I had fun. Thank you, Meili."

As he walked out, he could see Petra looking guilty or regretful. He would've assured her that he wouldn't hurt her but he thought she'd be more nervous or doubt him.

---

He returned back to his room as he had nothing to do. He could tour around the mansion but he didn't really want to run into anyone else. He started thinking of things to do to kill time. Then again it's not like it bothered him to simply stand down and do nothing for hours, he had been far too accustomed to that in his cell.

Realizing he couldn't think of anything to do. He went to stare through the window, it was the best way to kill time. He could stare at this scene for hours and simply lose himself.

The hours went by, and the noon soon became afternoon which then turned into dusk. The skies were dyed with his past self's favorite color.

Soon enough the door was knocked. He went to open it and found Emilia bringing him food with a sad look on her face. He was surprised that Emilia was bringing him food over Rem, Petra or Frederica. Unbeknownst to him, she had practically begged to do it.

She didn't say anything as she laid the food down. Meanwhile Subaru was studying her every movement with a piercing stare that made her feel nervous. Once she was finished, she made to leave in quietness. Emilia wanted to say something, or even apologize. But she wanted this action of hers to be seen as a small form of apology.

"Wait." Subaru spoke out. Making her stop and look at him nervously.

"This is too much food." He said plainly. She looked down in guilt that she failed something as simple as that. Her attempt at apologizing failed. "I-I'm.."

"Sorry? That won't do." She looked further down and wanted to cry and berate herself for this poor attempt. He continued. "I can't eat this much. I'll need someone to eat with me."

"H-h-huh?" She was in disbelief that he offered that. She thought for sure he would laugh and say something regarding his time at the prison. Or from his tone, she thought he would tell her to leave him alone for good.

"A-are you s-sure..?" She asked, she really didn't think he would offer that and wanted to check if he was sure. Maybe he was just saying that to laugh at her afterwards.

He didn't reply as he went to sit down. "If you're not hungry then it's fine. I'll just eat what I ca-"

"No!" Emilia raised her voice before getting nervous and started fidgeting. "I-I mean.. I'm famished, y-y-yes, reaaaaally~ famished."

"Sit and eat then." Subaru said as he began eating. Emilia in a way felt hurt that he didn't mock her old way of speaking, according to him, but reasoned it's because their relationship wasn't the same.

She sat down quietly to eat although she was mostly eating small bits or playing with her food, similar to how she did in breakfast.

'How do I talk to her? I want to know how and why she became real to Pride, but at the sametime I can't bring myself to talk.' Subaru thought of while eating and noticed how she barely ate.

"D-Does the food t-taste good?" Emilia then asked all of a sudden. She remembered his outburst today at how good the food was and wondered if it was the same now.

Subaru shrugged his shoulders. "You tell me."

"H-huh? Umm.. It tastes.. alright.."

"That so?"

"Mhm. Y-yes. Frederica's cooking is always delish."

"Then it tastes alright."

He couldn't really taste the food so he simply chose to use the same answer instead of telling her he couldn't taste it. He had always wondered why he couldn't taste the food while Pride could.

He thought back to the last time he tasted anything. The last food he ever tasted was given to him by a hateful knight who always spat on the food, after repeating the same lines as always.

'Beg and bark, Pride. Accept your crimes. Accept your filthy name.'

"Subaru..." Emilia's voice called out bringing him out of that memory.

"What?" He asked, she was staring at him with worry.

"Y-your e-eyes w-why are they.."

He realized he must've been unconsciously glaring.

"It's nothing."

"T-then.. w-why are you g-gripping the k-knife and f-fork s-so..."

He looked down and noticed he was gripping them very tightly. To the point where blood was spilling out and dripping on the table and the floor.

"It's nothing." He repeated again as he loosened the grip, which made Emilia gasp and immediately get up to heal him.

Subaru almost reflexively flinched from her healing touch but he remained calm. It wasn't because it was Emilia and he knew it. It was because it reminded him of when Felix used water mana to continuously heal him then fry his nerves.

"Your hands, why?" Emilia asked again while healing him with the utmost care possible.

"I was thinking of something. That's all." He said without elaborating on what he was thinking about.

She wiped away a tear and remained quiet while healing him. Once she finished she asked. "D-Does it hurt? I-I'm s-sorry if it still do-" Emilia was nervous that he didn't comment at all during her healing. It had looked painful when she healed him and so she wondered if he was still in pain but hiding it.

"It's fine." 'This is nothing even.'

Emilia sighed in relief. "O-okay then. Please d-don't do that a-again."

Subaru didn't reply as he picked up the fork and knife again to eat, before Emilia stopped him. "No." She said all of a sudden and held his hands to stop him. He stared coldly at her, making her nervous.

"I-I mean. They got blood on them, s-so.. L-Let me.." She picked up her knife and fork and sat closer to him. She cut a piece of food with difficulty and presented it to him.

If he didn't have the talk about Emilia with Pride earlier, he would've thought that Pride would be laughing hysterically at him while saying. "Hahaha! Such a funny joke! To be fed by the one who pointed at us! Tell her to point the food at us and say 'Here comes the villain.' as we open our mouth wide. Hahaha!"

But Pride was completely quiet.

It took him a few seconds before he slowly opened his mouth for her to feed him. Emilia then repeated the same process. Doing it each time as if everything depended on her.

In the past she would've fed him teasingly. Now? There was no teasing to be done. He gave no reactions which made her nervous as she didn't know if she was doing it right or not. Her hands were shaking from how nervous she felt as it was hard for her.

Subaru noticed it. "I can feed myself. You don't have to."

"N-No..I-I mean.. Please.. let me do this.. I know I healed your hands, b-but..just i-incase.." She spoke in a weak voice while hiding her expression. As she struggled to cut a piece of meat. She wanted to do something right for him, even if it was something as small as just simply feeding him.

Subaru was patient however. He didn't complain. "If you say so."

After a few minutes. He glimpsed her face and noticed she was crying silently while trying to hide her face, continuously wiping her face with her sleeves.

She presented the fork to him again. However he didn't bite, "S-Subaru? A-are you ful-" She looked at him, immediately realizing he was looking straight at her.

"Why are you crying?"

She wiped her tears again. "I-It's nothing..I-I'm just b-being a dunderhead.."

Subaru stayed silent. Emilia then noticed a piece of cloth flying in the air and reaching her hand. "How did..?"

He bit the fork and spoke while chewing. "So you won't have to ruin your sleeves."

"T-Thank you." Emilia spoke softly.

After that Subaru swallowed and said. "I ate what I could."

"O-Okay then.." Emilia after wiping her face with the cloth. She got up to carry the tray when his hand stopped her.

"W-What is it?" She asked. He simply gestured at her plate that was still filled with food.

"Oh It's fine. I'm no-"

"Eat."

She didn't argue with him as she sat down again and ate, although she blushed for a few seconds as she realized she was eating with the same fork she fed him with. Subaru stayed where he was, he poured her a glass of water and gave it to her.

She again thanked him. Wondering why he was being kind to her when she has done nothing but hurt him, although she chose to eat in silence so as not to bother him.

...

After she was done. She was going to pick up the tray and head out but she looked at him before doing that. "C-Can I ask you something?"

"Hm?"

"Today earlier, you said I changed.. W-What did you mean?"

'A good question but I can't really answer that. I can't say "Oh, I said that because my other self, who thinks everyone and everything is an imagination, started thinking you, one of the the ones who betrayed and hurt me, were real without me knowing why or how." Then again, I don't have to answer.' He internally sighed at this.

"It's a-alright. You don't have to answer it." Emilia spoke, bringing him out of his thoughts.

"What?" He asked in confusion. 'Have I said my thoughts outloud again?'

She gave him a kind smile. "I-I saw you struggling to come up with an answer, and... I-I didn't like that." She reached for the tray to pick up when he stopped her.

"Wait." He said making her pause. "You're still owed a question. Since I didn't answer that."

She stood still for a minute to come up with a question. She had several in her mind but the most important one was.

"W-Will you ever...forgive me? I k-know what I did is... terrible reaaaally~ terrible.. I w-wish I could go back in time.." She gave him a sad look as she asked that.

Subaru took a deep breath before answering that. "No." He said making her look down as guilt and sadness threatened to takeover. She knew it. She expected it but still hoped beyond hope he would say 'Maybe.'.

Subaru continued. "Not for a long time atleast." Her eyes opened wide at that. She looked at him with hopeful eyes as tears threatened to spill out once more.

"I see.. Thank you, Subaru.. I promise I will try my best to get your forgiveness no matter what it takes." Emilia declared with determined eyes. "A-And then I'll- Um..C-Can I ask you something else, please? J-just this one." Emilia asked him again.

"Fine."

"I know I have no right to ask this... B-but can you call me.. 'Emilia-tan', just once.."

"You know if I say it, it doesn't change anything right?"

Emilia nodded sadly. "I know.."

"Alright then... Emilia-tan." Subaru said it in a way that resembled his old self.

Emilia immediately sobbed and hugged him all of a sudden. His eyes were wide with shock as he didn't expect her to do that. He didn't move or object to it though.

"I'm sorry.. I d-don't know what came over me.. Subaru..I'm sorry.. I will always...Always be sorry.." Emilia spoke softly while hugging him.

He looked at her dolls. Eyeing them both. The one that pointed at him and the one of her changed look.

'Is this why her imagination changed? I can almost see why if that's the case. I know she's regretful and looks regretful. Then again, she hurt and betrayed me. Why should I play nice? I could easily tell her to.. No. If her imagination changed for Pride then, maybe..' His hands slowly moved to hug her back when suddenly they both heard a loud yell.

"YOU WILL NOT TAKE AWAY SUBARU-KUN!"

The yell made them break off the hug as they both stared at each other instinctively.

'That was Rem. Take me away? Who is she talking to?'

"Huh? That voice.. Was that, Rem?" Emilia asked.

Subaru didn't answer her. He kept wondering about what Rem said, and who she said it to.

"Miss, stand down! We are not here to fight! I urge you to listen to reason!"

A new voice yelled out. Though neither Subaru nor Emilia knew who it was. It belonged to a male however.

'I don't know who that voice belongs to. Is Rem fighting someone? He said 'we', meaning more than one person.' Subaru thought to himself as he headed for the window to see if anything happened. However he couldn't glimpse anything. It was too dark and the light of the moon didn't reach that area.

"What's going on? Is something happening? I should go check. You.. stay here." Emilia said gently as she headed for the door. Then more voices joined.

"You dare disrespect the royal knights?!"

"Don't you dare touch my sister!"

"ALL OF YOU STAND DOWN! Mathias! Stand down now! Remember what the Captain said!"

"What? Knights are here? What are they..." Just before she opened the door she heard a faint whisper filled with hate.

"Knights..."

*Glass shattering*

Immediately turning around in panic. "Subaru?!"

She glimpsed him for a split second before he jumped out of the broken window. His face was scrunched into a deep scowl while his eyes were having an intense glare with red glint visible. His eyes almost made her heart stop. She had never seen Subaru look this angry or scary before.

"NO! SUBARU!"

She rushed towards the window in a hurry, thinking Subaru would get hurt or worse from falling that distance. However she didn't see anything on the ground. She instantly ran out of the room and headed for the entrance.

'Please be alright. Please be alright. Please be alright.' Emilia's mind kept thinking of that while she was running as fast as she could. Tears were spilling out.

She then heard laughter that made her skin crawl.

"HAHAHAHAHA! GOOD EVENING NEW SOURCES OF ENTERTAINMENT! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

---

Author's note.

Whew. That took ages to do. I kept going back and forth on what to add and what not to add, I ended up splitting the chapter in half. This would've been much longer than it is.

Gotta say, writing an emotionless, logical Subaru is hard. If anyone has any good title for this chapter I'd appreciate it. I kept trying to think of a title for it but couldn't come up with any decent one. So any good title is welcomed. Otherwise remains untitled until I think of something haha.

That said, thank you all for reading. Hope you enjoyed the chapter!