This chapter has been updated. And some things are different than before. While nothing overall has changed, at least some plot-building details have been put in place. I hope you enjoy it.
He could not see anything as he had no eyes.
He could not move as he had no arms or legs.
He could not speak, as he had no mouth.
Amidst a void of darkness. He was a light; his existence was nothing but a point of light in this immensity of shadows, ready to be loved.
"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you..."
The shadow entity proclaimed with kind and loving words. Countless words of love ran through this darkness, it was incomprehensible how he could hear these words, since he had no ears.
"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you…"
Away from everything and everyone; inside this palace that was his alone, she reached out to him, as diligent as ever.
But something was not right.
He started to change, he wasn't as immutable as he used to be.
That light that had so long yearned for this entity's touch wavered at their touch. Was he stopping loving her?
If so, the entity would not give up; if her love were refused; she would just shower him with more love than she does now, that is until he felt truly loved.
"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you… I love you… I love you… I love you… I love you…"
…
…
…
Faced with a strong jolt, Natsuki Subaru opened his eyes tightly, panting and with shaky breaths. "...Ah... hah... hah!"
It was difficult for him to calm down. His mind raced at lightning speed as he tried to figure out where he was. He noted with alarm the tremor in his body. It was quite a challenge in itself to put a shaky hand over his face.
His heart was pounding madly in his chest. Subaru could almost hear and feel the sound of blood flowing through his body. In a hypersensitive and desperate state he tried to make sense of what he saw in front of him.
"N-No w-way..."
As he faced the familiar and rusted prison cell door, Subaru felt a heaviness in his chest. Whether it was from anguish, dread, terror or fear, he didn't know. Perhaps a mixture of everything.
His eyes began to water. Hot tears left the boy's eyes as he could only wallow in despair and disbelief. "N-No... No..."
Feeling his throat go dry, he bit back a sob or two. Disappointment and grief etched in the frown on his face. A face of someone who just wanted peace, who just wanted his suffering to end.
For a long time he lay there, lying against the hard stone floor, just staring at the door with dead eyes and soaked in tears. Whether it was minutes or hours, he didn't know. What he did know was that he had cried a lot to the point where exhaustion had taken over his body.
"Why... Why... Why... Why... Why... Why... "
The crying boy, asked and asked for no one but himrself, repeating his soliloquy between muffled whispers.
As time passed. More and more resignation took over Natsuki Subaru. Stretched out on the floor, he did nothing more than wonder why he should go through so much suffering.
Was that the world's answer to him? The answer that he was really hated by the world?
Because if so, he would understand. This could only be happening to someone hated by the world.
And if so, what could he do?
Natsuki Subaru couldn't fight the world. It would be crazy to think he could, for he would never emerge victorious. Not when it was him against the whole world.
Carrying the weight of friends, the innocent, the unfortunate, the hopeful, the hopeless, on his back is one thing; Fighting the world alone is another.
If on the one hand it was impossible, on the other it was to the same extent or even more.
And with those thoughts, Subaru could only mourn and cry until him finally fell asleep on the cold, hard floor of the prison cell.
The creak of the door opening was unmistakable to him. Though tired and exhausted from all the mental load he had to bear, Subaru stood up quickly, leaning his body against the wall with despair apparent on his face.
"You look scared."
The voice of one of the knights, declared with a mixture of curiosity and animosity directed towards Subaru. With a questioning look they noticed how the archbishop huddled as far as he could against the wall. It was strange that this should happen. The last time they were in the Archbishop's presence, he didn't look so scared. It was unnerving to all of them how resistant this witch cult follower was to putting up with pain caused by the most horrifying tortures they could inflict on him.
He suffered, yes, it was a fact that was remarkable to all. But he never looked like that... So traumatized.
Perhaps even the archbishops of sin have their limits when it comes to suffering and pain. And it seems that was the limit of Pride.
"To think we thought you'd be harder to deal with. We didn't go easy on you, but we were also far from causing the most pain."
"!?" Subaru sure felt the excruciating pain against his body as one of the knights attacked him. The knight had a troubled look in his eyes, as if he recognized that what he was doing was something horrible. But still the knight continued. A punch came to Subaru's torso, taking all the air out of the boy's lungs. "Uggh!"
He breathed heavily several times. And the knight gave him time to catch his breath, after all, his goal was to extract as much information from the Archbishop as possible, not kill him.
Noting that for the next blow, the Archbishop faltered a bit as he prepared to receive another strong blow from the knight, he decided to speak bluntly. "Don't resist."
Amazingly, a frustrated voice came out of the knight's lips. "You should know that resisting won't bring you anything."
Subaru looked downcast as he looked straight into the knight's eyes.
Said knight held the Archbishop's face with his fingers firmly making him look straight into his eyes "You could start by saying what your cult's next plans are."
"..." Subaru didn't answer, after all, it was useless to say anything.
Another heavy blow from one of the knight's fists made Subaru shudder in pain as it caught him in the midsection. "What was your objective in invading Pristella City?"
"..." Once more, no response.
This time the blow was so strong that in addition to a loud gurgle, blood came out of Subaru's mouth with the force of a sneeze. The knight was unfazed as blood spilled over his cheek.
With a little more frustration in his voice, and even a little desperation, the knight questioned the archbishop. "What are your goals? What do you hope to achieve with all this? What were you planning when you tried to infiltrate Emilia-sama's camp?"
"..."
The knight gritted his teeth. "Answer me Pride! ..."
Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, the knight refrained from doing something he might regret. It was his duty to question and take away any and all information the Archbishop might have. The knight couldn't go down to his level and cause a barbarity. But still...
For the first time, with an angry tone almost bordering on hate, he questioned once more. "Where is Anastacia-sama? where was she taken and for what reason?"
Subaru had no answer to that other than a "I don't know". But saying it or not saying it wouldn't change anything. The result would always be him losing, one way or another.
Subaru prepared for the next strong punch that would surely come. Ready to feel the pain of the knight's fist of justice in front of him. Really braced to feel like his insides and every organ shuddered in pain.
But...
"I see..."
Huh? Nothing came. The pain didn't come to him.
"Unfortunately, the tragic outcome came to haunt me. After hearing from Felix about his imprisonment here. I had doubts when he convinced me to come and question him for answers... But I still decided to come, even though it had tarnished my honor as a knight."
The knight stands up with a disappointed expression on his face. And without knowing exactly why, he continued talking to the archbishop, as if he were venting to himself.
"But I see this was all a mistake. It was a mistake on my part to waste my time with you."
Still motionless on the ground, Subaru continued to listen to the man's words. He had no idea what expression the knight was making. But given the tone of his voice, he would have guessed it was an expression of pain.
"My lady as well as Felix's were victims of a catastrophe. Like me, Felix has no idea what to do. That must be why he keeps you here, even if you don't bear any fruit or results for us."
With a solemn expression the knight finished. "You are not the answer to our problems. But one thing I do know, you are the source of many people's pain and suffering. And seeing you in this state, I can only feel sorry for you, I hope that until the last moments of your life, you find in your heart enough kindness to rethink your mistakes; And I hope I never have to see you again."
"..."
With those last words the knight left without looking back. Leaving the one who was once his friend alone and abandoned. By this time the knight had already given up hope that the archbishop could be of use. He could only hope he regretted everything he'd done.
But he knew that wouldn't be possible, though he hoped it would be.
With sadness and regret, still leaning against the wall. The boy located within his heart, a little sympathy for that knight, so that he would at least succeed in his quest. Though like the knight, he never wanted to see him again.
The friendship that these two once had had long since been broken, and could never be repaired. No matter what.
Felix Argyle hated his courage. His sarcasm and malice with words, and especially the way he looked at him. With that it was known that he certainly hated the archbishop of pride.
Felix swore to himself that he would find a way to save Crush-sama, but because of him, Felix was failing her. And at that Felix couldn't be more than angry. Pride made it personal! No, it was always personal to Felix; from the moment they destroyed Crush-sama's life. She didn't deserve this, not when she was as kind and honorable as she always was.
Crush-sama's life has always been shrouded in tragedy. She has suffered since she was little. And even when she became a real candidate, that didn't change.
In fact, Felix couldn't help but feel that running for the royal selection did more harm than good to Crush-sama.
She was attacked by not one, but three archbishops of sin. Fortunately she survived, but not without a sort of mockery given by the witch cult. A curse that made Crush-sama not even able to get out of bed without feeling pain all over his body.
Crush-sama who was so strong and powerful to be in such a state is unfortunate. Felix could still remember how she fought the white whale; she looked so incredible back then, wielding that sword and striking with the strength of a hundred men together.
Felix wanted to see her like this again...
So... Felix's goal is to destroy the pride the Archbishop of Pride still has. Felix would devote every fiber of his being to not only wearing down, but destroying, annihilating, completely evaporating Pride's pride until there was nothing left but an empty shell with no ability to reason correctly.
And as the greatest healer in the realm, Felix had the resources to instill the greatest levels of pain for the Archbishop. Unfortunately, there would be no life for the Archbishop until he became a shell like Felix wanted.
All the more so because scum is so resistant to pain and suffering that even Felix could praise him. That said, the healer wasn't in the mood to wait to see it break. He needs another method.
And that's when Felix had an idea.
"...Thaaat is very cruel Felix-kun." After hearing doubts about Felix's idea, those were the words of a mage dressed as a jester; he declared it in a sing-song tone, but still a little impressed and genuinely interested about the curander idea.
Felix mocked. "Nya, while I can't disagree; We're talking about an archbishop of sin here, so what's the problem?"
"In fact... So this your idea..."
"Is that even possible?" Felix asked.
"... Using magical yin to scramble all his senses and keep you in a near-death state indefinitely as long as possible~. If it's suffering you want to cause, your water magic would be more than enough, but..."
The clown continued explaining: "...You want to do this without exactly killing~ him, don't you? A fate worse than death, isn't it?"
"…"
Felix hesitated a little at Roswaal's description. "... That's what he deserves. He needs to suffer as long as possible, and if you don't agree, tell the victims of the cult in Priestella city what they think about it."
"In fact, You have a point~"
Showing his palm hand to Roswall to emphasize his point, Felix explained with some disappointment. "I know my limits, and unfortunately my magic would already have burned out his nerves very quickly even before he could appropriately suffer. But with the evil sealing magic stones and your yin magic we can give him all of the pain without dying while he doesn't lose his consciousness."
"…Indeed. But it's a complicated spell. Although, it seems like it's become a personal thing for you, doesn't it Felix-kun?"
Felix tried to contain his disgust against the clown.
In fact as declared by Roswall's words, Felix couldn't say it's not a personal thing, because it actually is. But still, the curander felt frustrated as the clow continued to emphasize his actions against pride. Is that cruel? yes! But… What about Priestella city's victimis. Has Pride hesitated or found out that it was cruel when he destroyed the lives of hundreds? They flooded the city! thousands will not have a place to call home. Pride considers himself not guilty but he is! His only purpose is to bring misery for everyone!
"And yes, it has become personal since he destroyed Crush-sama's life and the lives of Priestella's citizens! His group of lunatics is a plague on this world. They love a monster that represents the worst of the worst, the witch of envy! …And if you must know, I'm not happy doing this! It disgusts me to have to do such a thing. As a curator it's my duty to take care of life, that's what I value, but even so, I can't and won't stand by without making him pay for what he's done."
That's what Félix believed, as a healer, what he valued most was the lives of the innocent as well as Crush-sama. Felix wouldn't tolerate someone disrespecting something as precious and important as life, but still, there were times when he needed to do what needed to be done, even if it meant being cruel.
It was clear what Felix was going to do, he was going to be cruel in the face of necessity. It was a bitter choice for him, not too difficult to make, but still bad enough for Felix not to be proud of it.
But as stated earlier, Felix would do whatever it took to make up for the damage done by the witch cult, to make them pay. And it wouldn't be someone like Roswaal who would stop him from doing the right thing. He would stand up to anyone who dared say this wasn't the right way to go, even if it meant yelling at one of the most influential men in the realm.
"Something has to be done and I'm going to do it! And if you value the alliance that Crush-sama and Emilia-sama worked so hard to form and keep it healthy; help me to bring justice against the cult!"
That was Felix Argyle's decision, he could not back down from this moment on, as he had already decided.
"Pride must pay for what him has done."
If looks could really kill, Roswaal would already be dead, given the intensity of Felix Argyle's gaze. The room was silent for a few seconds, while Roswaal just stared at the cat boy with a smile. The clown actually pondered the cat boy's words, and he didn't really disagree. He would not defend the barbarities done by the witch cult. He needed to gain strength and allies in Emilia-sama's candidacy, and lose Crusch Karsten support would be terrible for the chances of wins that were already not good.
It was bad enough that he had lost the 'X factor', as determined by his teacher's book, something had changed in the world that caused him to lose the information about the 'X factor'. Roswaal trusted his teacher, and knew that whatever were that determining factor, it would be vital for her to come back to life. So he would need to ensure that Emilia-sama grows up as a royal candidate and furthermore Roswaal needed to discover and retrieve whatever the determining 'X factor' was written in his teacher's book. Therefore, it was not difficult to know the clown's answer.
As usual, Roswaal smiled. "Very well, Felix-kun." The clown clapped his hands as he tried to calm the animosity created in the room. He would have to stay on the good side of the knight/healer. "I agree with your arguments. See, I was just watching how far your conviction would go, and I must say it's really surprising how faithful you are to your lady. I owe you my congratulations, Felix-kun! You do very well~"
Felix didn't seem impressed by the clown's obvious flattery, but he didn't care, if nothing else, Felix was happy.
With a solemn face, Roswaal ended by declaring. "It would be a shame if Emilia-sama's hard work was totally lost..."
"Hmph! I'm glad you understand..."
…
…
…
The ability to differentiate time displacement; something that is vital to humans and any creature; basically it is essential for any living creature.
But as he is bereft of something so natural, it was obvious he wouldn't know how long he'd been stuck in such a state of confusion.
But even so, it still irritated Felix how indifferent Pide was to him mean words, torture, or even so his hatred for him. Pride ignored everything that came from Felix Argyle, in fact, it seemed like the archbishop enjoyed seeing him frustrated.
But Felix would take it from him, his pride would be reduced to nothing. Felix almost smiled at the archbishop's future.
Covered with a viscous red liquid to all four walls cells, the smell was insupportable, and still Felix did not seem to care about it, in fact, it was a digne place to a hideous beast like Pride.
Emphatically Felix said with his adnrogyny voice: "Uhh, unfortunately it seems that it's our last visit here."
Pride that was drunk with confusion belatedly noticed the movement of his feet as his face was pressed against the hard stone.
"Keep up suffering alright? N~ya."
Suddenly, felting like he was bathed in acid. His mind was in chaos, the memories of his entire life up to this moment flowing like he was mocking himself. Still it was incomprehensible how his mind couldn't just colapax with such accumulated pain.
His face fell to the ground due to being pushed by a hand against the hard rock, bringing tears to his eyes. Pathetic sounds came out of his mouth: "Woahh! Whohoa..Hing…hing…!?" Tears continually sprang from his eyes as he – the archbishop of pride – continued to squeal like a pig, cornered like a mindless animal. Then at his peak of continuous suffering, spasms spread through his body, his pupils rolled back, leaving only the whites of his eyes visible.
"Whohoa – I will… Aaaugh-"
Make it stoop, maketi ~ostop. Hitting the ground with his own head, Pride in his deliriously mind fabricated world, submerged in a sea of boiling blood, burning, and burning nonstop.
What a horrifying sight, Felix thought as he watched everything. It was a terrible and cruel image; but Pride deserved it. In fact, normally, Felix's primary feeling would be disgust or revulsion at such cruelty, but this was different, that was a archbishop of pride.
The archbishop of sin who tried to infect his lady with a curse and then claimed he was just trying to help her. In short, a scoundrel that needs to be exterminated.
All of this was justified. It was horrible, yes. Felix will have nightmares from witnessing such a sight for sure. But it was what needed to be done.
Even though the archbishop's suffering screams echoed through the room, Felix remained there watching and manipulating the spell of the evil sealing stone. Even when the archbishop ripped his face off with his fingernails in the midst of so much pain, Felix still stood his ground; fighting the urge to vomit. The healer would witness justice being served against this garbage creature. He would bear it all for all those who suffered.
"For Crush-sama and all the victims of the cult. I need to be strong."
Felix didn't notice that a dark, vile miasma was starting to fill the prison cell. It was just a dark mist, barely visible to the eye, pulsing and pulsating, reacting and mixing with the Archbishop's pain.
Unfortunately for the Archbishop, the mist played a key role in raising the hatred in the knight's eyes.
"It's as bad for you as it's for me, but it's nothing personal." Felix declared sadistically.
As fate would have it, Felix felt as if Pride was looking at him, even though he never stopped screaming and was already blind.
It was as if the eyeless creature peered into his soul, causing the cat boy to shiver. He could end his suffering here and now. In fact, Felix could, but he won't.
He kept gazing at Pride's face, although it was hard to do… Felix eyes widened as he felt something would happen.
…
…
…
Amid the screams of agony. Something macabre rang in his ears. A scream that would stay in his mind for the rest of his life; a madman's promise - one that could never be fulfilled - made only to mock him.
"... I WILL KILL YOUUUUU!"
Those were empty hateful words from a dying man. It was nothing more than an empty threat, a lie told to himself, completely fabricated in the midst of his despair, but most of all to maintain his own pride.
It was impressive. The level of insanity of the archbishops of sin was not something to be trifled with. Felix only understood this now, after his work was done.
Even at the end of his life, even after such suffering and pain; Pride had still found the strength in the midst of his madness to challenge Felix.
After all this, why couldn't Felix feel satisfied?
In fact, his only feeling was anger. For the damn archbishop, and… for himself.
Maybe all this wasn't what he wanted from the beginning.
Unfortunately, his wish was not fulfilled. His mistress's health would remain delicate, and even if Pride had been sacrificed, that hadn't changed a thing.
Felix was no longer satisfied with this. He already had enough. "Not if I do it before you. Die." Felix said evilly.
"Auuughhhhhh!"
Clicking his tongue, Felix finally decided to release the Archbishop from his suffering. With the end of the evil stone effect attached to his soul. The archbishop finally fell silent.
At that moment Natsuki Subaru lost his life.
"All this for nothing."
…
…
…
He couldn't see anything as he had no eyes.
"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you! … I love you…"
He could not move as he had no arms or legs.
He couldn't speak because he didn't have a mouth, or so it should be until he decided to have one.
"No."
"... I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love–"
"No."
"... I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love–"
"I don't love you."
"... I-I-I l-love you… I love you... I love you... I love you..."
With her proclamations of love, amidst her lamentations and hates, she selfishly once again gave love to the one she loves, just to give him a future.
Sadly for her, she wasn't reciprocated, not anymore, and so, her love was refused.
He had already decided to give himself a future, a future without her love...
Chapter 1 — The trip to Vollachia
In the room throne the council of wise elders looked at the figures of the royal candidates.
Crusch Karsten, In her wheelchair with his knight and butler close behind her. And just like her camp, others too were here.
Emilia, the half elf candidat, and the second most famous in the race to the throne. She also was accompanied by two members of her camp, Beatrice and Roswall.
And finally the last one and third favorite between camps, Felt who was accompanied by his only loyal knight and famous sword saint.
But there was still one last camp, and it was a special case: Anastasia's camp. She was not present at this meeting. Despite this, no one really found his lack of attendance at the presence for the call of the sages strange. In fact, everyone (including the sages) seemed to understand why. And with that, obviously, whoever was representing their camp could be none other than Julius Juukulius.
Crush was the first one to ask the questions. "So if I may ask, what would be the reason for our presence at the palace, I thought any meeting would be postponed until the end of the royal selection..." Pausing temporarily, she shared her curiosity as her eyes traveled over each single figure. of the great hall. "And where is lady Barielle?"
The Duchess had understood that the royal selection process would not begin for a few months, however Crush began to worry that this was not the case; and it would not be difficult to suppose that the others present also understood this.
"I agree with you Crush-san." Emilia said and with a confiant tone she continued: "I think something must have changed, is it?"
Everyone agreed with the half-elf's words, even Felt who seemed uninterested in the whole arrangement of the sages.
Miklotov McMahon just heard the questions, coughing on his hand, he declared:
"In fact, Crush-sama and Emilia-sama. These were the procedures stated earlier, so you are correct in thinking that something has changed. I must point out that the council's duty is to direct the kingdom towards the best possible decision-making, so we call you all to announce the change for the better future of our kingdom…"
In fact, this was the job of the kingdom's most important elder, Miklotov was actually the one who made the decisions for the kingdom, in the absence of a king.
So his words were within the realm of reason. The sages had Lugnica's best interests at heart.
"... Therefore, I must declare that the royal selection will be realized before the predicted."
Julius, Crush and even her camp's members seemed so surprised as her. On the other hand, Emilia and Felt weren't exactly worried about the nature of the announcement like Julius or Crush, they were most saddened by Anastasia's fate.
It was no secret to anyone that with the royal selection taking place earlier, there would be little time for the recovery of both Anastasia and Crush's camps as far as the problems that have occurred to both are concerned.
She, Emilia, looked at her sponsor who was smiling, she could only sigh at the mage behavior, but still (he was right) as he said before for her, Roswall's words were proven as correct. The royal selection would be carried out earlier.
Seeing the opportunity given by Miklotov for him to explain, Bordeaux Zellgef continued:
"Normally this would not happen, but given the circumstances, we had to follow a new abordage of events…" Although not happy he ended up declaring: "The relationship between Vollachia were the main reasons, and we don't have a choice than to continue with the prophecy even so without one candidat. Unfortunately Anastasia-sama is disqualified."
Julius's eyes widened as he heard about the end of his lady candidature, even with his family's noble power. He cannot keep her name up in race. "Please excuse my transgression, but isn't there anything that can be done to keep my lady in the royal selection?"
Julius, with a solemn expression continued with a hint of admiration for her - his lady. "Anastasia-sama was certainly one of the most responsible for saving Priestella city. TTaking her out of the royal selection means denying those who support Anastasia-sama's candidacy and we're not talking about a few people here. From nobles to even a large portion of the kingdom's most needy population. They all still support Anastasia-sama, so I humbly ask you to find another solution..."
Miklotov looked disappointed, for it was true. "It's a pity, Sr. Julius Juukulius, but with the disappearance of Anastasia-sama and the current situation of the kingdom, we can't wait any longer to select our next ruler."
With those words said, it seems that all hope for Anastasia's candidacy has been dashed.
But someone is not satisfied. "Wait a minute, you said we're going to make this selection sooner, and frankly I'd like it to be over as soon as possible, but…" Was Felt who was talking to Miklotov.
"This change was more sudden than my forced candidacy by Rein. And look, I didn't expect this coming even a thousand miles away! So I ask: why rush things so suddenly, what has changed?"
Of course, Bordeuax annoyed by this declaration of Felt. "You did not hear it clearly gutter rat? Hmph. And to think you would run for king. I believe we already answered that this is due to the situation the kingdom is in, if you don't know yet, how do you expect to become the next ruler of ours -"
Miklotov held up a hand, preventing the other sage from continuing with what he was going to say against Felt. "Bordeuax."
Felt was seething with anger, her face red. "Ha? I haven't forgotten what you called me you old bastard, I-"
But before Felt could say anything against Bordeaux or Reinhard could have the chance to say something...
"Please, Lady Felt!" Miklotov raised his voice. Bordeux seemed to have more to say, but it looked like Miklotov himself was going to say something this time. But once again the conversation was interrupted by a fourth voice.
Silver bells tolled across the throne room...
"Council of elders, I ask you to listen to me. Would you explain the specific reason for all this? Maybe we could do something about it. If I heard correctly, Vollachia is behind all this trouble, so please answer our questions."
Miklotv sighed. "... It is known to all here that Vollachia never had good relations with Lugnica?"
Emilia who had studied a lot of things about the external politics of the others four nations, already knew about the bad relationship between the kingdom of Lugnica and the Vollachia empire.
It was a well-known fact.
"Hey! Why are you looking at me like I don't know this? I may be a slum dweller, but I'm well informed about these things!"
Miklotov nodded. "Very well, that makes things easier."
Miklotov explained in detail. "In the last ten years, Lugnica and Vollachia have had the best time of peace they have ever had through a peace treaty brokered by former Emperor Vincent Vollachia… However, this is no longer the case."
"Why?" Felt asked as everyone looked at her.
Felt wasn't intimidated. Indifferent she simply stated. "I don't know everything either! Let's tell me! Tell me what's changed."
Crusch already understood what the case was here. She expressed her displeasure with the whole situation with an obvious frown on her face and without saying anything.
But it was Emilia who explained it to Felt. "They have another emperor ruling Vollachia, Felt-chan."
"Ah..."
The sage council looked at each other, Miklotov sighed and said.
"Indeed. And the emperor hates the kingdom of Lugnica."
Now that was new information. No one in the room knew about it until today. Quickly everyone understood what was the cause of the problem here.
The new Emperor's hatred for the kingdom of Lugnica.
If Vollachia, who no longer had good relations with Lugnica was under the command of someone who hated the kingdom, remaining without a king would be very dangerous and risky.
Julius frowned as he clenched his fists. This couldn't have come at the worst time. Just when he thought he was close to finding Anastasia-sama!
"Then we will all get a peace treaty between Lugnica and Vollachia."
Words wrapped with strong conviction. Emilia still didn't seem convinced by this whole arrangement. If the problem was relations between the empire, they must go there and solve it!
All the sages looked at the half-elf, even Bordeaux, who was unimpressed.
"Unfortunately, I'm afraid it's not that simple, Emilia-sama."
Emilia exclaimed with conviction. "No, I know it isn't simple. But if we don't try, how can we complain about it? That said, if we speak directly to the Emperor, I'm sure we can reach a suitable resolution."
Having everyone's eyes on her, Emilia took a deep breath, and continued. "Anastasia-san was chosen by the divine dragon as one of the royal candidates, and the prophecy declared that there should be five lady dragon candidates. To ignore this it is to deny the dragon's own advice, so we will travel to Vollachia and bring peace to our peoples."
…
Emilia took a few steps forward with confidence. Looking intently at the council of sages, with a steely gaze.
Over the past few months, Emilia has trained hard to become a good leader, studied a variety of subjects and had loyal people by her side.
And with Roswaal's help she has improved a lot.
In short, she had everything she needed to be strong and move on. As such, she would accept this challenge, like everyone else she's ever faced - for the sake of her people, the kingdom, and even Vollachia.
Emilia had defied the trials of the sanctuary, defeated the great rabbit, protected and defeated an archbishop of sin with Reinhard's help in Priestella city as well as the other camps. And yet she had tried to reach the watchtower of the Pleiades, and though she had failed, no one would say that she was not daring to try to defy and reach such an impossible place.
That said, none of this would be possible without the help of everyone present. But if she now had the presence of all her friends, as well as these other royal candidates, she would definitely make it.
It can be said that this challenge was completely accepted by the half-elf. And it was one she thought she could successfully accomplish.
"I'm sure all of you here would do the same when you became king, wouldn't you?" Emilia asked. Felt and Crush nodded.
Julius also agreed with such a resolution, in his words: "Anastasia-sama certainly would do it."
It was clear that none of the candidates present had any intention of having bad relations with the empire, it would not be good for either side.
And if later everyone would do it regardless of who won the throne, why not do it now and secure peace as soon as possible?
Then, it seems that everyone agrees with Emilia's resolution.
"Good... We'll bring peace by talking to the emperor, and if we fail, we'll do as you want, but I'm convinced we'll be able to convince him."
...
"I'm inclined to compromise with Emilia-dono. I agree that we should bring a fair royal selection to Anastasia-dono." Crush declared, as her other camp members nodded in concordance with their lady.
"Very good big sis!" In addition to the Duchess herself, Felt also seems satisfacted. "I too, heard that old bastards? We want a fair selection! "
"F-Felt-sama…" The sword saint tried to control his lady's transgression, just to be stopped by her.
"Rein, don't be a killjoy! You're not happy, We will go to Vollachia!" Felt smiled.
Reinhard smiled, while scratching the cheek a little worried with the behavior of his lady, but frankly, Reinhard thought about it now and clearly liked the idea of being able to visit another country again.
Something that Felt easily noticed it as she grinned from ear to ear.
"Definitely Felt-sama... As long as the council agrees to this decision…?"
The council still looked dubious, but Miklotov seemed satisfied with the recents events. "It is decided, you candidates, will be allowed to take Reinhard on a diplomatic trip to Vollachia in search of peace to our kingdoms."
Crush and Julius both breathed a sigh of relief. Their camp's candidacy could still see the light of day.
"The trip will be carried out in three days, we will make the preparations as soon as possible" Miklotov declared.
That is, the group formed by the royal candidates will have three days to prepare for their trip. Adding up to the total travel time, they would be in Vollachia in at least a month of traveling by carriage.
But before everyone could finish and leave the throne room, Crush remained one question who was not answered.
"Sr Miklotov, about lady Barielle…"
The old man sighed. "She has occupations in her own domain that prevented her from attending today. I'm afraid that on this trip she can't go…"
"I see…"
Hmph. Barielle said the world is working in her favour, but I want to see what she will think when she knows that lost a part of the success prestige on this trip.
"We will Crush-sama?" Felix said, taking her wheelchair.
"Please, Felix."
Why didn't Priscilla-san come today? Emilia asked thoughtfully.
"Who knows?" Felt arrived at Emilia's side saying. "She's a bitch after all. That in itself is a reason for her not to come, isn't it?"
"Don't be so mean to her Felt-chan, Priscilla-san can be hard to deal with, but she's a good person."
"Hmph."
"Betty doesn't think you should worry about that arrogant woman, actually." Beatrice said. "She doesn't respect you so why are you so nice to her I wonder?"
"Well... t-that might be true, but... Priscilla-san has her redeeming qualities."
"Redeeming qualities..." Felt scoffed.
Some time later, already outside the throne room, Emilia and Beatrice and Roswaal were faced by Julius who looked genuinely happy.
"Emilia-sama, I humbly thank you for me and Anastasia-sama for your courage e tremends honra to maintain the royal selection fair. Certainly in this diplomatic trip I will do my best to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones, after all, Vollachia tends to be a brutal kingdom."
In the face of such a form of thanks, Beatrice seemed immensely happy for her employer. "That's right, thank Betty's contractor as much as you can, in fact!"
Emilia and Roswall laughed, as did Julius who looked nothing more than honored by such words coming from the great spirit. "I certainly thank you from the bottom of my heart, Beatrice-sama." said Julius with a bow.
Still with her delicate hand over her mouth to stifle her giggles, Emilia also thanked "It's nothing Julius, I appreciate your help and Anastasia-san in Pristella. When Roswall previewed today's development, I tried to prepare as much as I could to prevent something from happening. I felt it was my duty to make this fair. So please thank him too and not just me."
The best knight once again smiled. Genuinely glad that Margrave also found enough kindness to help his lady.
"Now if I may, I have something to do. See you in three days."
"Goodbye Julius / Julius-kun~ / Hmph, Betty also says goodbye." Emilia, Roswaal and Beatrice said.
After the thanks and goodbyes to everyone, Emilia, Roswall and Beatrice was leaving the castle by the giant doors that took him to a overlooking the landscape of the great capital of Lugnica, where the city stretch as far as the eye can see, followed soon by the greenish mountains and the blue sky that stretches into the orange of the late afternoon.
In his signature voice singing voice, Roswaal levitated in the air as he said: "Weeell that's my cue Emilia-sama~ Beatrice-sama~, I'll bring Ram and the others two days before the deadline for the trip itself."
"Understood Roswaal! Good luck at your traveling." Emilia said as she saluted.
"Hmph, good luck to you too. Now it's time for you to go, I suppose!"
"Right, right. Emilia-sama, Betty-chan~"
Roswaal using Emilia's usual nickname for Beatrice just to tease her Beatrice, had the desired result as he floated at high speed away from the duo, leaving an enraged Beatrice screaming indignantly.
"Don't call me like this, in fact!"
She just stomped her foot with a hateful look at the clown who disappeared among the clouds in the sky.
Emilia smiled. "So childish," she said. Whether these words were aimed at Roswaal or not, the spirit would not know.
"Emilia, what did you say, I wonder?"
"Oh, nothing."
Beatrice cast a questioning look at the half-elf, puffing out her cheeks, she didn't look pleased, then…
"It didn't look like 'nothing', in fact." Beatrice would say something, although...
"Betty is so cute!" Emilia hugged Beatrice, putting the little spirit in her own arms. "Oww~"
"S-Stop this. E-E-Emilia~!"
Ignoring her, tightened their hug even tighter. "I was veeery nervous in the throne room… But hugging you here is so gratificanting!"
Beatrice looked away from Emilia and pouting, the spirit reluctantly accepted the half-elf's embrace. "T-Then, Betty will a…allow it. But just this time, I suppose!"
Emilia smiled. "In fact, Betty can be so cute~"
"You already said it!"
"I know." laughing Emilia went with Beatrice carrying her towards the carriage. She needs to enjoy the little time she had. The next few days would be difficult and she would have to try a lot harder than she already does.
In order not to make her words empty, Emilia would have to take this really seriously. She would need to convince someone who hates her parents to at least not be hostile anymore.
She knew that, she wouldn't deny it, it would probably be the biggest of her challenges.
For now she will take her time to rest and prepare for the next few days.
…
…
…
Two years before - Capital of Lugnica
Felix was outside the guards' garrison. Facing a caravan of land dragons about to depart. He was saying goodbye to his friend Julius.
"It's a pity you can't stay Julius-kyun anymore..."
"Yes, I know Felix. As much as I would like to stay, I unfortunately cannot." Said the best of knights.
"You have to do your duty, Nya, Felix understands."
"Yes, my good friend, I hope that you too succeed in your duty and that you can bring Crush-sama back to good health." Placing his hand on his friend's shoulder, Julius admitted, "I hope I can see you as soon as possible, Felix."
"Thanks, until next time Julius-kyun. Please succeed in rescuing Anastasia-sama as I will be doing my best to help Crush-sama."
"Certainly." And so the best of knights smiled once more as he mounted his dragon ready to set off in search of his lady. However, it wasn't hard for Felix to see: the handsome man's smile was the least happy he'd ever seen...
"And good luck on your trip!" Felix screamed as Julius and his party set out outside the great gates of Lugnica's capital.
As Felix waved Julius away, little by little his smile faded, until there was nothing left but a frown. With his hands on his chest, the boy knew that, like Julius, there was also a duty he needed to fulfill.
When he got into the waiting carriage, Felix, who had come to say good-bye to his friend without his lady or Wilhelm's company, heard the coachman's question. "Should we go?"
"Yes, but change of plans, we should go straight to the prison tower."
"As you wish, Blue-sama."
When the coachman finally commanded the dragon to move, the duchess's carriage began to gather speed. Felix was quickly distracted by his own thoughts, completely indifferent to the busy streets of the capital.
They were still a little way from where Felix was headed, but precisely the prison tower of the capital of Lugnica – the place made especially for the most dangerous in the realm.
Also, the place where the archbishops of sin Pride and Ira are being kept under lock and key. The place for the worst of the worst. It was said to be so safe that it would likely only lose to the safety of the witch's own seal of envy.
And so, through the bustling streets of the capital, the carriage proceeded silently. And from where they were the great tower was already barely visible, the place was known as the prison district, obviously for the large and majestic beige tower of thick bricks; As always, Felix was still thinking of solutions to his lady's problems.
He was so focused and deep in his thoughts that he didn't notice when the carriage stopped.
…
"Blue-sama!"
"Huh? Yeah, what's up Sargas-san?"
"Unfortunately we cannot continue, there seems to be a commotion ahead."
"Hm, so we have some kind of traffic jam…?!"
Felix decided to look out the carriage window, trying to discover the reason that prevented them from continuing on the road ahead. Fortunately he found the reason, and unfortunately it scared him immensely.
"It can not be!" He yelled as he desperately tried to open the carriage door. Stepping out onto the street packed with carriages, Felix witnessed one of his nightmares come true.
People had already begun to panic, and they were fleeing their own carriages by abandoning them. Only those who could not do the same remained in their carriages, refusing to abandon their possessions, although they were still desperate.
"..."
Where the tower should have been, it was taken over by a blackened vortex that stretched to the clouds of the blue sky. It was shaped like a black, opaque mist that prevented anyone from seeing what was inside.
It could only mean one thing, and Felix was terrified, but mostly angry. The archbishops of sin were trying to escape from prison.
"Sargas-san!" Felix yelled, catching the attention of the man that was looking at the disaster region.
"Untie the earth dragon! I need you to check that Marcos-sama is in the royal castle urgently!"
"Oh, I-"
"Now! We do not have time!"
"Right."
That done, Felix was faced with a catastrophe. He could only curse himself for not being cautious enough. The healer knew something was wrong with the Pride, he didn't look strong but it was just a facade.
And now he was in a panic, for all this could mean the escape of not one, but two archbishops of sin, who, if left free, would bring destruction to the kingdom's capital.
"Come on, Felix!" Panting, he could only repeat to himself in the face of need. "Faster!" He exclaimed. 'I needed to get to the prison as soon as possible and give support. As a knight it was his duty'.
It took fifteen minutes for Felix to actually enter the prison district, having to run on foot, he took longer than he wanted to. And now that he was so close, things looked different than when he was outside, that's right, now it was like he'd walked into a storm, and if he looked up, he wouldn't see the clear blue sky that he'd seen it before, but one blackened like rain-laden clouds. The sun was nowhere to be seen, and only a few rays of sunlight actually penetrated the black layer, bringing at least a little light.
Even though it was the prison district, that didn't mean it was just the prison. As its name suggests, it was not just the tower and its prison, but an entire residential and commercial region, close to the tower, that contained the most dangerous beings known to the kingdom.
The people who lived nearby were mostly commoners. Most nobles in the region were just owners of the most successful lodges in the region.
Felix remained alert as he ran, and tried to locate anyone who needed his help as a healer.
Fortunately most of the people he encountered on the way were already escaping unharmed (they were commoners and even nobles) the royal knights did their job, escorting them out of the district. Strangely, most of them were coughing, although there was no sign of fire or smoke in sight.
"How cold…" The region was much colder than it was outside, whether it was a result of the fog or not, he didn't know.
He kept running and the closer he got to the center of the disaster, namely the tower, the more his body felt strange things. A sensation he knew well…. It was anger.
It didn't feel natural, but it still felt right. And the more he thought about it, the more it made sense to Felix. He felt the same feeling of anger when he had been in Pride's presence before. So he was pretty sure this was Pride's doing. "I knew that bastard deserved nothing more than to suffer."
"Blue-sama! Don't come any closer!" A man, dressed as an imperial knight, who was probably responsible for the security of the prison district, came running towards him, while repeatedly shouting not to approach the area.
"What's going on in there, where's everyone in this district!?"
"Do you know if any of your colleagues went towards the tower!?"
"No. Like I said, don't come any closer. Most people like me who were near the area started vomiting and feeling extreme dizziness, I think it's the Archbishop. No one I know has left there so far, we should wait for the saint." of the sword to save us."
"You!" Felix yelled as he grabbed the knight by the collar.
"Blue-sama, please, what could I do? They are archbishops of sin…"
The man felt the pain as he fell on his ass to the ground, Felix released him angrily muttering that the knight was nothing more than a coward. How can they want to run away when someone like Pride has the chance to escape?
At this distance he could already see the stairs to the tower's grand entrance, it was strange that there was no one leaving or entering the place, but he didn't care. He just needed to run as fast as possible and keep the situation under control, save the innocent, until….
"Until Marcus-sama and the rest of the knights can come help."
By now they would probably know the situation, the tower wasn't exactly far from the castle, so it was quite possible that they had already arrived. But Felix simply had no way of knowing that, so he needed to do his part.
"Reinhard-kyun, where are you at a time like this!?"
Unfortunately, Reinhard couldn't help them and Felix knew it. The sword saint is not in the capital, and if his help ever came, it would be long after the disaster was over.
The doors were unceremoniously opened at the cat knight's ignorance, his eyes roaming the interior of the not-so-small hall. At first glance, you could see that both to the right and to the left were corridors he could follow. Ahead, he would find the stairs to go up to the highest of the floors. The place was still bright, the magic crystals brightly illuminating the empty room. On the ground, Felix was surprised, as there was a thick blackened layer, resembling some sort of gas.
Looking down the hall to the right Felix could see that it was as if the "mist" was slowly dancing, it was much thicker and blacker. Their sharp nostrils could also identify a characteristic smell. "I knew it!" It was exactly the corridor that led to where Pride was supposed to be trapped..
And on the other hand, Felix tried to feel if the other hallway (this one on the left) also had this strange substance, but... "No, it doesn't seem to come from there." In fact, he could feel that there was a lot of that "darkness" so to speak, coming from where Ira was, but it was far less aggressive for his nostrils to feel.
"But whether or not she's together doesn't matter." The important thing is… Pride was responsible for that, Felix was sure. He was the more dangerous here at this time, as he was the more incomprehensible of the two archbishops.
Although Wrath wasn't exactly any less dangerous.
He started running to where Pride was supposed to be trapped. Until Felix finally found one of the guards. No, it wasn't just one. The healer's eyes widened at the sight.
"What happened here?"
Inside the room that led to one of the parts of the underground dungeons, Felix came across dozens of guards lying on the floor. Naturally his mind tried to rationalize what the hell was going on, did they die? It was obvious that this was Pride's doing, however...
When checking one of the bodies, he found no damage, there was nothing. But clearly "He's not breathing! Nya, this isn't right…" With his keen sense of smell, he scanned the not-so-large room, and no, no sign of the scent of blood.
Felix moved to another of the knights' bodies, and like the previous one of his colleagues, these too were not breathing. In fact to be more precise. "They don't have a pulse..." They died...
Was that the Pride's ability? Blast his enemies to death without direct physical damage, similar to wrath?
Perhaps causing some sort of heart attack or mental breakdown? He theorized though he couldn't find an answer at this point.
"Monster…" With tears in his eyes, Felix got up to leave the room, for here he would probably not find any sign of the archbishop of the sin of pride.
Sad for his peers, Felix had to leave the room and prioritize trying to find any survivors. "I'm sorry…"
Climbing floor by floor, running through the corridors and then climbing step by step, Félix passed through several rooms of the great prison. There were dozens of cells with live prisoners and some dead.
Ignoring them, he continued with his quest to find some innocent person, one of his own, until he finally found someone weakly crying out for help on the floor. A demihuman just like him.
"Hey! Help has arrived, don't worry."
In a hoarse voice, the dying man acknowledged Felix's presence. "... H… Help me…"
"Do not speak! HUH-"
Felix, who had begun to apply healing magic to the poor man (although not sure if it would actually work) as he had no visible wounds, discovered something truly important.
When he tried to see through the knight's magic gate, trying to decipher the flow of mana from the water that should normally flow through his gate, he was faced with the possible answer to the man's plight.
"...That's... mana." Raising one of his eyebrows, the demihuman found himself curious about this. It was mana, but not in the way it should be. It was unclean, and unhealthy for any living thing. This wasn't the first time Felix has felt mana of this kind, it was actually similar to cases people with faulty gates have had, but on a much larger scale.
An effect similar to mana poisoning.
But it wasn't that the man's gate was faulty, the impure mana was damaging the man's gate, and if it continued like this it would be irreparable.
"Are you satisfied Felix?"
His fur stood on end, as his ears pricked up quickly, turning to the voice that whispered in one of his ears.
"WHO'S THERE?"
His heart was pounding, a few moments later he was almost certain he'd heard someone speak.
Getting really paranoid, he thought:Could it be Pride?
"Bastard! I know you're there, show up!" Felix yelled trying to bluff and actively trying to see the bastard's face.
Nobody came.
Still in the hallway, Felix was terrified, but that didn't mean he would run away, he still needed to help whoever was inside.
"It hurts…"
"Don't talk..." Felix warned and then went back to finishing the process of cleaning the gate, not allowed to get damaged beyond repair.
That was the reason for the deaths of his colleagues several floors below. While it was different from the traditional death by mana poisoning, it should probably be just as brutal. And Felix, though irritated, didn't seem to have the same effect as the others. As one of the greatest healers in the realm, he understood the fundamentals of water mana very well.
And that was the simple reason that kept him standing here.
"Damn it…"
There was no other option, he needed to get this knight out of here, take him outside, and warn the help to stop anyone from trying to enter.
In short, Anyone with little experience in water magic would soon die in this place.
His time was limited, he would have to go in and out several times and try to get as many people out as possible.
What a tragedy, so the cat boy thought.
And so Felix saved as many people as he could. Soon, he became known throughout the kingdom for his heroic deed, being the one who saved everyone from the prison district's disaster.
Present day - Lupgana The Capital of Empire Vollachia, Crystal Palace.
Yorna Natsuki woke up in the morning refreshed.
She wasted no time, and soon rose gracefully for another day.
Another day as the Empress of Vollachia.
The various palace maids came to her room to help her get ready for the day.
Beautiful and immaculate clothes adorned Yorna's sensual and beautiful body, making her shine like a true jewel of how beautiful she was. Her hair was also as beautiful as ever, it should be. She almost reaches the pinnacle of excellence and beauty that one could have; a beauty that few could have.
Like a true empress.
"You did well dear, you can leave now."
"As you wish, Yorna-sama. Have a nice day."
Yorna smoked some of her kiseru with grace. And responded kindly. "You too."
The crystal palace was as beautiful and rich as it should be. It was the home of the emperor himself and where the throne of the emperor and empresses of the empire was.
And today, like any day, Yorna divided her day with several tasks she had to fulfill. That is, taking care of the internal affairs of the country in the absence of her husband. Review new trade agreements with the other kingdoms. Study the problems the empire had. Even hold a meeting with an important group of Gusteko.
And Yorna did everything with excellence and diligence. It was her wish to create a good empire for her and her husband's citizens, so she would take it really seriously.
That's why she was privy to anything and everything that could be. Even with the smallest details...
"You there, wait."
"Can I help you, Yorna-sama...?" Asked a servant of the palace.
"Well that you'll have to tell me. See."
The servant wilted a little at that. "I beg your pardon Yorna-sama. I didn't pay enough attention."
Yorna sighed. "Well, pay more attention next time. I won't tolerate it lightly, let alone something like a decentralized vase. This is the crystal palace, everything has to be at the highest standards of excellence. Do you understand that?"
"Yes, I understand perfectly, Yorna-sama."
Yorna smiled. "Good. Don't make another mistake like that again. Especially not when my husband is arriving today. Now, you can go."
"If you'll excuse me, Yorna-sama."
Yorna continued her day until lunchtime was near. Today was the day her husband would return from a trip to Kararagi. And she specially prepared a beautiful feast for him, to welcome him.
"Yorna-sama, apparently His Highness's group has already arrived in the capital from their trip to Kararagi. It shouldn't take long for them to effectively arrive at the palace."
Yorna waved at the servant, pleased with this news. She was finally able to meet Subaru after a month's absence. Besides, she was really curious what news he would bring from Kararagui.
But it was to the surprise and dismay of Yorna and her servants when instead of Subaru. Only a messenger accompanied by a portion of the caravan soldiers had actually returned.
"What is the meaning of this?" Yorna questioned in confused tone. "Is Subaru going to spend more time than expected on his trip?"
The messenger kneeling in front of Yorna, who was sitting on her throne, only explained what he knew. "I'm afraid so, Yorna-sama. His Highness has ordered that a letter with information written especially for you be sent immediately."
Yorna raised an eyebrow. "Did he not say anything else?"
"Exaclty, Yorna-sama."
"I see. It's a shame, but he must have a reason for that."
Yorna looked at the letter that had been delivered into her hands by one of the servants. "To Yorna." it was written.
Yorna read every word contained in the letter with a solemn expression. But it was for a few moments that one of the servants could see a look of confusion on the empress's pretty face. And then a solemn expression took over her face again.
"I don't know what my husband plans with this. But I trust him."
Yorna asked the servants to leave while she herself stood in the throne room thoughtfully.
Though she trusted him. She didn't understand why Subaru planned such an undertaking. It didn't make much sense.
Subaru had achieved amazing things, yes. Yorna knew that. She could even tell there was a lot of ambition in the man. But she really didn't understand the need for him to do what was written in the letter. Why bother going to such a place?
"I thought you would never return to the kingdom... That's what you told me..."
Then why? Something was definitely missing that Yorna couldn't quite figure out what.
"Pleiades Watchtower... What are you planning, I wonder."
She thought about it. It was definitely a curious place that she didn't expect Subaru to be or at least have an interest in going to. Weird.
Anyway...
Yorna smiled sweetly at that. "But I don't doubt you will succeed dear. Good luck."
That's it! Hope you have liked it!