Watching The Life Of A Forgotten Star From Zero

Prologue: Of Parents And Children


Under the starry sky, the little girl looked at the shooting star in surprise; however, she wasted no time, and closed her eyes tightly.

A pleading expression on his face. A hand like a firm fist against his chest; and an immense desire welling up in his heart. Words mixed with innocence and love danced through her mind.

She muttered under her breath the words she wanted to come true.

And when the shooting star finally disappeared over the horizon; she felt that enough was enough, and she could get up.

The breeze blew softly against her skin and dress. A gleam of realization in the girl's eyes; and finally a sincere and childish smile.

"It's done."


Was a very special day for the people of Vollachia; especially in the city of Lupgana, capital of the empire. It was late afternoon, and the sky was gradually darkening from a yellowish-red hue to the deep dark hue of night.

When viewed from above, even hundreds of meters above the ground, it was possible to notice how the city streets were completely crowded. Not only full of people, but also Japanese-style stalls selling delicacies unique to this world. In general, the atmosphere was very festive and welcoming. The idea of peace passed. And that would certainly make those who don't know the current Vollachia truly confused. It was a very different view than it used to be in old Vollachia.

Then there was the palace. Any empire or kingdom worth its salt has to have something majestic and dignified on top of a hill for all citizens to see from north to south, east to west. Vollachia was certainly no different. If anything else, they strove to surpass other nations even in this. Walls that refracted the light like real crystals; And a beautiful contrast of the palace with the background of the sky. This was the crystal palace. It was certainly the most impressive thing in the entire capital.

At the entrance of such a palace there was a line of hundreds of carriages of the nobility, which extended along the great street that cut through the great city. All waiting so that at some point they could enter the grand palace.

The reason for all this…? Well, as stated earlier, today would be something of a big day for the Vollachian empire.

Today would be the mark of the end of the war.


She took a deep breath as she shook hands with her father and mother.

"The day finally has arrived..."

When the sound of the crowd reached her ears. A look of pure determination on her face was enough to make her parents smile gently. At that moment she knew that she would do her best in her speech.

"... From today, everything will change!"


Dignity.

A moral quality that instills respect; awareness of one's worth, honor, authority, nobility... and whatever the next definitions are.

— But the question is... How do we know that we have this dignity inside ourselves…? How do we measure and judge that we are truly… worthy?.

"Please give a round of applause to the imperial family!" A man exclaimed just before three people finally emerged from behind the gigantic, newly opened doors of the great hall.

Each member of the royal family took their first step onto the red and gold carpet in the room.

— Is it when we are part of the nobility?

"Your Highness, Priscilla Natsuki. Your Majesty, Subaru Natsuki. And the imperial princess, Helena Natsuki!"

A crowd of people was gathered between the two sides of the large rug; those were, nobles, soldiers, government members, prime minister, divine generals, parliamentarians, and all manner of high-ranking people in the empire.

— Is it when we are respected by a large group of people...?

All gathered in the imperial throne room.

Flaming fire-colored hair that glowed crimson and gold in the light of the imperial hall. Skin as white and pristine as snow. Blood-red, ruby-colored eyes, like real rare gems, bordering on the supernatural with such beauty. And a small smile that exuded extreme confidence and satisfaction.

With each step, she got closer and closer to the three thrones facing the entire crowd.

This was none other than the Vollachian empress herself, Priscilla Natsuki.

— Or maybe when we're linked to someone great and noble?

And beside her…

As petite and childlike as a child; as elegant and graceful as royalty; and as smug and proud as the empress. She was the little princess of the empire. The only child of the empress and emperor, walking side by side with her mother and father.

In terms of beauty, the little girl was as beautiful as her mother. She had hair as black as night. Her skin was the same shade as the empress's. Her eyes, for lack of a better word, were sharp; but they were also the same colors as her mother's, that is, a deep ruby-blood-red color bordering on the preternatural beauty.

She was truly adorable, and not more than seven years old. But despite that, she was as imposing as her mother; as serious as her father; as graceful as a princess.

This was the only child of Subaru Natsuki and Priscilla Natsuki, who was named Helena Natsuki.

— For someone hated by the rest of the world... Does it really matter if that someone is really worthy?

And there was, Subaru Natsuki… Helena's father. Priscilla's husband. Emperor of Vollachia. Hair as white as snow, eyes scary and sharp like his daughter's. As determined as his wife; as elegant as a true royal; as imposing as a Vollachian emperor…

— That's what he wanted to know...

People couldn't help but look at them all in awe. Not even Subaru Natsuki was left out of it; admiring glances directed at him, as if he were some sort of celebrity hero and legend of this world. He was as important as the empress herself; as grand in conquests as the last emperors; as well known as the sword saint. He had brought so much prosperity and glory to this nation. And although he was only an emperor consort, everyone considered him as worthy as a true Vollachian emperor.

… But that's how people saw him… How they see Subaru Natsuki…

Both the Emperor and Empress were now facing the crowd in the hall, followed by the little princess as well. The three thrones of each member of this imperial family stand behind them, as symbols of their rightful place at the top of Vollachian society.

And this was the Natsuki family. The family of Subaru Natsuki and Priscilla Natsuki, the two who rule this nation.

Technically, Priscilla more than him. Priscilla is the one who holds the true power of the Yang Vollachia sword, the symbol of the right to inherit the throne of the empire. So effectively, it is Priscilla Natsuki who makes all the final decisions and by extension the reins of the nation. Although…

"..." Everyone went silent now that the imperial family was all them standing up facing the people.

Then a man in armor began to speak.

"… It is with great joy that today we come to celebrate the victory of our people and the end of the war. All thanks to Your Highness Priscilla Natsuki and Subaru Natsuki." The man pointed at them smiling."

Soon a long explanation of the most important points in the history of this war were once more declared to the people.

"The dragon kingdom finally recognizes our superiority as a nation. Today we are the biggest in terms of prosperity and quality of life in the four corners of Od Laguna. Our nation, under the leadership of our strong government, has not only managed to improve this nation immensely, but has also put an end to a war that has plagued this world for years. You heard right! Men and women across the empire will be able to return to their homes from today…!"

Everyone clapped and cheered the names of the royal family members. And people were worshiping him. And Subaru could only feel bored by it…

That's because–

Overall, These achievements wouldn't be possible without Subaru Natsuki. Everyone knew it. Including Priscilla Natsuki. In fact, just behind their daughter, Priscilla was the one who emphasized this most to Subaru.

–Having been successful made him happy, but at the same time in doubt with himself.

Partly because he did it just for himself... The selfish desire to have a happy future is what drove Subaru Natsuki here.

So He preferred to be someone who was, so to speak, "behind the scenes." And not getting the public spotlight.

But since his wife is Priscilla, the Empress of Vollachia…, He couldn't be someone simple. Therefore, he would at least prefer to be the one who only bears the name Emperor.

A Consort Emperor. One who is married to the empress and has no real political and military power. Although, he technically had. One word would be enough, and Priscilla would do whatever he wanted to happen.

The point is–

"... Long live to Your Highness! Long live to Your Majesty! Long live the royal family! Long live Vollachia!"

... People hailed him as a true Volachian emperor. Even if he isn't; they recognize the strength he has, even if he didn't have it; they recognize him as a great person, even if he isn't.

Subaru does not consider himself worthy.

Thus...

Subaru prefers, as far as possible, to keep everyone's expectations low. After all, who knows when the next time he will fail will be. Then he did not trust that he should be more than that. In fact, Subaru is a broken man who was trying to heal from the wounds caused by time.

So at least all he could do from now on was be the best father and husband he could be to his family.

"... Your Highness and Your Majesty. It is with great honor that I come before you to congratulate you on your achievements. Our people cannot be happier and more satisfied than that. Your names will surely go down in history."

The man who spoke passionately in the background, finally knelt before Priscilla.

"..."

Priscilla Natsuki smiled as she nodded to herself, pleased with this overall result. Then, suddenly, flaming crimson bands swirled around her slender hand, drawing a few gasps from the crowd.

Soon the flaming form – crimson-gold – of a sword made of fire and incandescent light, appeared as if out of nowhere, right in her hand. This was the Yang Vollachia sword. The only one that can be wielded by the true ruler of Vollachia.

Priscilla slowly lowered the sword onto the man placing it over his shoulder. This man was being recognized and effectively promoted to one of the highest posts in the Vollachian army by the Empress herself on the Emperor's recommendation. After all, this one was a man who had been deemed worthy of the trust of the empress and the emperor. He who worked with her husband had accomplished many things for this nation. And since she was one to reward work well done, she would gladly do so.

"You are considered worthy by myself. Feel honored and rewarded."

"Certainly, Your Highness. I certainly feel honored for everything you have done for me. I just have to thank you, Your Highness. And mostly…" He looked at Subaru who waved back at him. "Your majesty, Subaru Natsuki. A true sage man."

It was there again... This trust that everyone has in him...

"Same here, Alnath. It was nice working with you." Subaru said with a solemn expression.

Then the magical beam of crimson lights danced and swirled around the kneeling man. People watched with fascination and awe. Soon reacting to the empress's own emotions and words, the sword Yang Vollachia recognized this man's strength.

Alnath would surely be remembered by future generations of coming emperors.

— Among people, dignified and noble...? Maybe he could finally accept his place here among them?

A round of applause sounded once more as man received one of the greatest benefits of this empire. And he couldn't be more grateful.


Some hours later…

The breeze blew against her snow-white hair. A thoughtful expression on his face. And a glass of wine in hand.

Subaru was on a small balcony; from where he was, he was capable of seeing the whole extension of the great its festive city in the distance. But his mind wasn't on it. In fact, his mind was traveling between memories of the past.

They made it… He made it…

How far have they come; they did so much; they changed this world so much; they fought so hard...!

Still on that note, they sacrificed so much…

At least...

… His family is happy. The people of the empire are happy. Even some other nations are happy.

He's just not sure if he's happy.

"What the hell is wrong with me?" Subaru can only wonder before drinking some wine.


Have you ever heard of those tragic stories with a kind of happy ending for everyone? Well... this is one of them... The Subaru Natsuki's story.


An eternity has passed…

It had been years since Subaru came into this world. To be more exact, it had been nine years since he was brought into this world. At the time, he was just a young boy who didn't know anything. He was just Subaru Natsuki. Not an emperor; Not a strategist; Not a prisoner; Not a knight; Not a butler. [1]

Subaru was only seventeen years old when he took his first step into any square in Lugnica… Back then, he was a nobody.

… And now, after all this time, he was here, twenty-seven years old; and according to the words of those he now respects: as a great man.

From someone without hope, to someone strong and maybe... worthy?

But why does he have such a hard time feeling truly satisfied? Maybe that witch was right... He was truly someone greedy.

"Daddy…!" She was there. The one that meant and brought joy to Subaru.

Subaru fondly noted the smile on her face. "Helena…"

"Why did you leave? Mom was wanting to talk to you."

"I was needing some air. Only that…" Said him wistfully. That… and I also couldn't stand the constant teasing and praise of Pris and Yorna…

That was how it happened...


On a table full of food in the grand ballroom of the palace. Three people were talking animatedly with their wines in hand.

Actually... Two of these people were talking really excited to be exact.

"You can be just as adorable as when you were just a small child… I still remember that fondly, did you know Subaru-kun?" Said a smiling and proud Yorna. "How many years ago was that? Seven years, isn't it!? And look how much you've grown. Ha-hahaha..."

Actually, amazingly, they might not seem like each other when you compare the two beauties talking to Subaru here... But Yorna really is Priscilla Natsuki's mother.

Yorna Mishigure, Priscilla's Mother.

And…Yeah… It's a long story...

But the important part is...

"Indeed, mother." Suddenly Priscilla curled a finger with one of the small strands of Subaru's hair. A teasing look on her face. "Hee~... So, Imagine my surprise when I found out that little boy was you?"

Small and cute Subaru with scary eyes. The dreaded Natsuki Subaru, the Emperor's false son.

Hilarious...

Priscilla still teases him about it till actual days.

"Yeah..." Replied Subaru, a little embarrassed and bored as he sipped his wine. He really doesn't like this story.

"I can only imagine, my daughter..." Yorna clapped her hands with a motherly love look at the white haired man.

But in the face of his wife's teasing gaze and giggle, he can't help but want to tease her too. If he's going to fall, she comes with him! "Well~... what about this, can you imagine my surprise then, when I found a beautiful childish Priscilla in the middle of Vollachia?"

A small cute little girl with flaming fire hair came to Yorna's mind.

Yorna laughed, savoring the memories of olden times with affection. She can't help but remember the image of Subaru and Priscilla dominating the Vollachia in the form of little children. [2]

The older woman with the fox ears hugged them both by the shoulder, causing an almost flustered Subaru almost to spill his wine over his clothing.

"Eeep~! " "Gauhh…!"

"You two were so cute! And look now, not only did you grow up Subaru-kun you became a great man. And you too Priscilla-chan became the great empress and married with this great man. I'm proud of you two, you know?"

Then, with a look of annoyance on the empress's face, and a look of embarrassment on the emperor's face; Yorna simply said smiling from ear to ear.

"My little children~…"


Subaru couldn't help but roll his eyes at such a memory.

But now…

Subaru smiled. He certainly could be genuinely happy due Helena is here after her performance in front of people of Vollachia.

"Your speech was incredible. You get an eleven out of ten, little princess!"

"Kya~!" Helena jumped while high five with her father. "Everyone was so impressed and happy when I spoke! It felt like I was a real empress!"

Subaru laughed. "Of course you were! You did really well when you were in front of all those people. I'm proud of you, Helena." Subaru patted her head. Really happy to see his little girl grow up.

She smiled while started to speak about a lot of things to her father.

Today, Helena was smiling more than usual. It must be because the war is over, and now I'll have more time for her, thought Subaru.

"Three!" She exclaimed with three fingers raised. She smiled once more. "I thought of three names for that constellation of stars we found. But I'm not sure which one to use..."

She is so adorable and full of life. She is so precious to him. His little girl. Subaru would move mountains for her if he had to.

Helena Natsuki…

And with this familiar feeling of warmth and happiness in his chest; the cool evening breeze blew as the figures of father and daughter looked at each other. And the excessive light from the city made the balcony setting under the blackened night sky seem so surreal.

Now that the war has come to an end... Can the memories of the past finally let him move on?

"Dad, I was thinking... I wish I had a dragon."

"Where did that come from...? Like a pet? And why a dragon...? I mean they're cool and all but..."

Helena rolled her eyes as if he couldn't see the obvious. "Because they're cute, Daddy. I don't want a big dragon that pulls carriages. I want a small, fluffy one."

"Helena... Do you know how rare it is to find a dragon that fits your criteria? Know that most baby dragons are not easy creatures to raise indoors. Only a few are exceptions."

"I know, I know! I've read it all in the books. The thing is, I want a cute, fluffy dragon to have as a pet." Helena raised her finger and pointed at her father. "And even if they're rare. I know you can get me one. You're my father after all. Ha! – I certainly got a lot of Helena's points for saying that, didn't I?" [3]

Subaru rolled his eyes and smiled. "Yes, you did gain a lot of points with that last line of yours. But... You lost a lot of Helena's points for wanting me to do all the hard work alone. In fact, now you owe me those points."

Subaru made a gesture with his hand as if for her to pay him the due points, right here and now.

"That's not fair!"

"Hehee~" Subaru smiled smugly at her.

But that was it…

Helena had given such a good speech that Subaru couldn't help but smile the entire time he was inside the throne room. She has always been a source of pride for Subaru. But this time, she studied hard just to make that speech, she looked like an adult talking to all those people.

And on that note, Subaru remembered his smile when Helena said in front of everyone how amazing she thought her parents were when they were dealing with war, or when they were bringing new inventions into the world. But the best part was when she said she was going to be as amazing as her parents one day when she grew up.

Subaru didn't know whether to be happier or more worried about little Helena. Perhaps a mixture of the two. After all, Subaru didn't want to place impossible expectations on Helena, even though she is Priscilla's daughter.

On another note. Subaru knew that Helena had gone to great lengths to make the nobility and people proud. All so that her father would have more time with her. And now that it was all over, she knew her father wouldn't be twenty-four hours a day dealing with the troubled politics of another nation of idiots.

It was kind of like a well-crafted ending to this war. Helena was responsible for declaring that as of today, the war between Vollachia and Lugnica had finally come to an end. And finally herald the beginning of a new era.

Oh, how proud he was of her! That was his little princess! As amazing and smart as her mother!

"Hmph…!"

She was pouting cutely with her arms crossed.

"…Come here!" He opened his arms.

Without saying a word, Helena just smiled just before hugging him.

"I'll see what I can do about this dragon pet..." And with that she muttered a little 'thank you dad'. But Subaru can't help but say, "You give me so much trouble, you know that?"

"Hmmm !" Helena showed her tongue. "Deal with it Daddy!"


"For now leaving the cute dragon thing aside... There is something else more important." Helena looked at her father's eyes. "Now that this is all over. We are free… right? You can now go with me to visit the great waterfall and Kararagi, right father? After all, you promised me!"

"Indeed. We are free. As free as the clouds in the sky. Then, yep. Of course we will… But it's going to be a soooo long trip... Several days actually... Be prepared young lady!"

"Kya~! So we're leaving tomorrow, right!?" Helena ignored Subaru's last line and started clapping excitedly.

Now, there was a little problem...

Subaru rubbed the back of his neck while laughing nervously. "Tomorrow...?"

"Um-Hum~ Tomorrow!" Helena broke the embrace between them as she watched Subaru's expression of resignation. "Come on daddy... I even packed my bags! We have no time to lose!"

Subaru swallowed hard. The things he had to do for this girl... Subaru smiled faintly. "Okay... travel to the great waterfall tomorrow…" He sighed. "I'll have to talk about it with your mom first, so I can't promise anything about going out tomorrow."

"Don't worry about that." Helena points a thumb at herself with a condescending smile. "I've talked to mom about this in advance. So get ready daddy! Tomorrow is the real thing!"

"Have you already spoken with her...!?" Subaru asked a little skeptically.

"Yep!"

Subaru laughed loudly. "That's my daughter…!"


Finally, after more than seven years in a war due to a mess of fake royal selection, Vollachia were relatively free of their mess. The dragon kingdom finally decided who would be the next ruler, and removed those lunatics from power. That's right, all this time, Lugnica still hadn't chosen a king. The country of idiots went into a kind of dictatorship after a civil war, and instead of choosing the next ruler as it normally should have happened; the power was taken by a rebel group that gained enough political strength to rule the country for seven long years.

Of course, even with all the chaos that Lugnica was going through, this group couldn't just blatantly seize power that easily. It was all a political game that involved oddly enough the last person Subaru Natsuki would expect, Crush Karsten, the now ex-queen of the kingdom of Lugnica

For five years, Crush Karsten was the queen of the Dragon Kingdom. But she didn't really rule all that time. Even Subaru could feel a little sorry for her. She became just a puppet in the usurper group's great political game. He didn't know how exactly it happened – due he didn't have all the details with him – but, probably given the weakness she faced, she was vulnerable enough to be used as a means of maneuver to control the country. It was surreal and unbelievable, how had someone like that proud duchess been reduced to this. Subaru would think that someone like Emilia would be more apt to be the queen doll of the kingdom, but not Crush Karsten.

And yet, that's how things turned out.

Fortunately that has finally changed. The royal selection for the next ruler of lugnica is finally over. All thanks to a now very famous figure in the four corners of Od Laguna, Felt Lugnica. The new queen of the dragon kingdom. Surprisingly, the girl actually had royal blood and was the only survivor of the ancient royal family of the kingdom of Lugnica. In fact, this was one of the cards used by opponents of the fake government to regain power.

Certainly, the Astreas' house has played a key role in this. On the one hand a relief, on the other, simply infuriating! The sword saint who couldn't go against the word of someone higher in the hierarchy, and defend someone who told the truth from being unjustly imprisoned, was exactly the one who was able to disobey the orders of his technically "superiors" to forcibly take power back.

That probably meant he had changed, didn't it? Or just he never considered those in power worthy for him to follow orders.

Anyway… It doesn't matter. Thought Subaru.

Moving on with the story…

Subaru could still remember the chaos Lugnica had become for him back then, and he could still feel a little anger and resentment for it. Fortunately, he managed to escape all the torture he endured, and finally arrive in new lands.

By leaps and bounds he fled from Lugnica and ended up taking refuge in Vollachia, land of the wolves. And also for a time a place of great suffering for him.

Long months passed, and he kept trying to start a new life, this time simpler, and just living in a small, poor Vollachian village. It was until he met the former emperor, Vincent Vollachia. Obviously, Subaru wasn't too keen on following him at the time, but Vincent convinced him to help him in his cause.

After all, if he didn't, he'd probably be living in a country of ruins. Which seriously made him wonder how this world can have such unstable nations.

Fortunately, he followed Vincent and his small group.

And that was a good thing. Of course, he suffered a lot. But in the end, he gained precious things in his life. His wife and daughter, of course.

And speaking of the wife, Priscilla was also a real candidate. But after a few years, she simply lost interest in Lugnica. If that was because of the stories he told her; of the political problems of that country or of the "idiocracy" that that place represented, he did not know.

But that's how it happened; at some point Priscilla arrived in Vollachia accompanied by her camp members. Al, Schult and that guy Astrea. Obviously, Vincent couldn't pass up the chance to have her by his side. Therefore, the former emperor tried to convince her to follow him and regain his rightful throne.

Well… it didn't work. At least not at first. Priscilla explained that if he wanted her on his side, he would at the very least need a divine general. Acceptable terms if Subaru were honest. The situation of Vincent's group was very unfavorable at the time. So it was understandable that at least he had someone with so much power in this war.

It is obvious that after a while they succeeded. But for that…

Of course, Subaru had to be involved. It was always like that wasn't it? Him being as weak as he was, he always had to take the hardest challenge. And as with the situation they were in, getting a divine general was still uncertain. So, just in case, the former emperor ordered Subaru to stay with Priscilla and try to convince her otherwise to join their cause; until they could get the strength of one of the divine generals.

Subaru could still vividly remember her reaction to that.


"Ho-Ho-Ho! So, do you think you can convince me otherwise than by following my own demands, commoner?"

Subaru responded honestly. "No. I do not think so. But, like I said, it's more of a guarantee than anything. I'm not here to challenge you, just to convince you."

"That in itself is a challenge against my own choice. How shameless can you and Vincent be not to accept my decision and respect it?"

"Y-You… You're right. But I can't do anything right now, so at least since I'm here, would you by any chance let me follow you until I can get back?"

"Hmph. Feel grateful that today I am in a good mood… Also, I want you to tell me everything that happened in Priestella city. I know who you are. You're the one who broke out of prison, aren't you?"

"Gkk…"

"Ha-hahaha, you really look surprised by this. What is it? Did you think I wouldn't have realized it was you?"

"No." Subaru answered honestly.

"I was there at the time of your arrest, obviously I would have known who you were." Priscilla replied haughtily as she put away her signature fan.

.. Vague memories; Subaru didn't remember that she had seen him being arrested. Subaru had spent so much time inside a prison cell in a continuous loop of suffering that his memory was simply too vague.

Thus.

"Are you going to tell me or not…? Know that the wrong answer can cost you a lot." She explained seriously.

For that, he looked her in the eyes. Steel eyes and resolute. As if warning her that what would come out of his mouth would not be easy for anyone to hear.

But of course, this was Priscilla Barielle, she wouldn't back down from a challenge she'd accepted.

Sighing, Subaru started to tell her the story. "Fine..." But he doubted she would like the story. "It all started when…"


From there, things unfolded naturally. Surprisingly Priscilla ended up giving in and joining their cause. The civil war for the Vollachia throne started out very unfavorably for Vincent's side, but after she got in on the act… Well, things changed… For the better, of course.

Within four months, the war for the empire throne had already ended, and Subaru and Priscilla, oddly enough, ended up together.

Unfortunately, the sacrifices took a toll. But, he was used to carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. So... What's different, anyway.

But… It is fun to see, isn't it?

Almost like the true definition of opposites attracting.


The luckiest arrogant girl in the world, and the unluckiest humble boy in the world.

In the end, they became husband and wife.


"So, is that how it happened?"

"Yep." I left some details out. "But yes, in general it was."

"And to think that what brought you two together was another stupid war." Helena didn't know what to think about this. She simply hated war and would never have thought that any good would have come from it. "But it's over now... Today is proof that a bright new future is about to begin."

"By the way. What did you think of this day?" Subaru asked. A curious look on his face as he raised the crystal glass to his lips.

"... Hm~ It's just the way it should be. This day is as amazing and wonderful as you and Mom deserve it to be. So I'm not too surprised."

Subaru laughed a little at that. "Well… I think so…"

Helena stamped her foot and snorted. "It's true, Daddy! I'm serious, you deserve it as much as Mom does. You saw it, didn't you? Everything I told the people, they happily agreed. They respect you daddy. I respect you too."

"..." Subaru suppressed the urge to cry right here and right now. No! I need to be stronger than that…

Subaru smiled as he noticed Helena's smile that screamed something like: I know deep down you agree with me. I'm right, and you know it!

"Well, it can't be helped…" Subaru sighed at how much his daughter could put him on top of a pedestal. But she is technically right. Also… "Well, I'm sure your mother deserves this–"

"Deserve what…?"

And well timed with Subaru's recent statement, the said flame-haired woman appears. The breeze blew lightly as Subaru's eyes locked with his wife's. Priscilla was a very beautiful woman, perhaps one of the most beautiful in the world. But today…

"You look more beautiful than ever!" Subaru declared for the fourth time today, his face plastered with as much surprise as the day they were married.

Priscilla smiled faintly at him. Shaking his head at her husband's playful demeanor. So, coming to his side, and knowing full well what his response would be... Priscilla asked, "So what were you guys talking about me deserving something?"

"Well, you know Pris… All of that." Subaru gestured with one hand at the landscape of the entire city under the night sky, the gold of the night lights spreading across the entire length of the Vollachian infrastructure. So, from where they were, on a balcony of the crystal palace, they had a good panoramic view of the whole of Lupgana. And it was evident how much the festival made the sight more beautiful to behold. And of course, by that Priscilla understood perfectly well what the two of them meant. All this was thanks to her, this day was possible because of her. But also theirs.

"All of this amazing day. It's what you deserve, my dear wife. Don't you think so too Helena?"

"Um-Hum~!" To that Helena would simply nod happily.

"Hmm~…? Are you sure that you're not just throwing all your credit on me?" With an appraising look at Subaru's distressed face she simply stated.

Subaru made a fool of himself and dumber as if he didn't understand what the hell she was talking about.

She approached with light, teasing steps.

Then, Priscilla affectionately placed a hand on Subaru's broad chest. "Unfortunately, I get the impression that you don't want to acknowledge your role in all this, do you?" And after saying that to him, Priscilla cast a questioning look at her daughter. As if asking for confirmation.

"No, dad still doesn't fully recognize his worth." The little girl sighed. "There are times when the father is so annoying and disappointing, don't you agree, mom?" She finished smiling adorably.

How can you say that about me, my little princess!? The nasty-eyed man looked at his daughter with a betrayed expression.

"Yes, he does…" Priscilla sighed a little annoyed. Ouch! You don't either, my love...!

Priscilla stared into Subaru's eyes. And Subaru obviously looked away from her. "You know how I am Pris..."

"I know... You tend to stoop like a real fool." For a moment Priscilla looked mildly annoyed to say this. But her gaze softened as she took in her husband's face. But I know this is not all your fault, Subaru… Your heart is still very hurt… Isn't it dear?

"Hahaha." Subaru laughed a little. "But, on the other hand, at least I'm your fool, aren't I?"

"Ara ara~..." Priscilla also stifled a giggle. "At least you get it..."

But still, despite all this, knowing full well that his heart state is a consequence of chance and not all his fault, she could only sympathize with him. But on the other hand, Priscilla knew that this was partly his fault, too. Subaru was kind of a fool anyway. And sometimes he needed a tug on his ear or a good pinch… or even a slap… anyway – All this to make him recognize himself as someone worthy and great.

That is kind of scary, if Subaru was being honest…

"You're my fool. Only mine."

But that was it. Subaru was her husband. And that alone made him someone big enough. But more than that, He is Natsuki Subaru, come on!

Therefore, she cannot help but scold him, and make her point clear. Just like she always does...

"You are worthy, Subaru. One day you will still recognize that. And it won't be long, I'm sure of it."

Priscilla said those words with such conviction. In fact, she believed he would. She just hoped it didn't take that long. Despite that, for now she was fine with it. He could be an annoyance at times with how stubborn he could be when talking about his worth; but she accepted this challenge years ago, when she deemed him worthy to be by her side and by extension at some point her boyfriend and then her husband.

"I guess so…?" Subaru spoke skeptically.

Priscilla patted his chest as she scolded him. "Don't make this weak face in front of your daughter."

"Oh–!" Subaru noticed this and quickly chastised himself. He didn't want to pass that vision on to Helena. Though he knew she already knew he was like that.

"Hmph. You know that I don't care about that, Mom. If this is Dad's real face, I'd a thousand times rather look at him like this than when he tries to pretend he has a strong face."

By that, Helena meant that she preferred the truth over the lie. She would rather accept her real father than a fake father. So it just went to show that despite everything, she considered her father a big man; even though he had this pathetic face of weakness most of the time.

"Ha-hahaha~" Priscilla laughed amusedly at that. She couldn't agree more with her daughter's statement. They should accept him as much as possible the way he is. But despite that, that doesn't stop her from scolding her husband when he is too silly and boring, does it?

"Girls please... I'm still here...!" Subaru groaned at this for those words said by them were the truth. And the truth hurts. Although, on the one hand, that was comforting to him. For he knew that despite everything, when Helena or Priscilla said their compliments to him. It was nothing short of the truth.

Priscilla stopped laughing with a hand over her lips.

"Besides it..." Priscilla continued. "You are very unpredictable. But despite that I began to notice a certain pattern. That said, you're getting better. Soon, you'll recognize your greatness and positive value one way or another... Even if I have to force it on you... Subaru..." Priscilla drew circles on Subaru's chest, and then looked him straight in the eyes. "You got it…?"

Subaru rolled his eyes, an amused smile on his face. "Of course, Pris… Of course I got it…"

Helena smiled haughtily, knowing full well that when her mother says something like that, there's no way her father can compete. "Come on, Daddy, come on! Just recognize that! You know you don't stand any chance against Mom."

Well... In Subaru's defense, he wasn't agai-

"I'm not against her…" Subaru shifted his gaze from Helena to Priscilla. "It's just… difficult, okay?" He whispered softly.

Priscilla rolled her eyes. "It shouldn't be as difficult as you make it seem." She said while pushing a single finger into the center of Subaru's chest.

You are You, Pris…

"Pris... Let's face it, most of the time, you recognize how amazing you are as easily as you breathe... that's just beyond me, you know?"

"Indeed. But that doesn't mean that you have to recognize that you're amazing in order to be amazing. You're amazing, Subaru. Whether you recognize it or not."

A chuckling sound sounded from behind. The two adults turned their heads curiously.

"But that's who daddy is, isn't it?"

Helena stated as she placed one hand on her waist and the other raised in the air, as if explaining to both of them. "Mom and I agreed that we should give you the time you need, Dad. That said, I'm sure you'll recover from whatever is bothering you. So don't worry Dad, just smile and accept our words as a support you need. Also, this is just... my opinion, but..."

Helena looked at the two with serious eyes and continued. "I think you can't accept your own values, because you're too demanding of yourself...dad. But remember, it was you, Dad, who taught me that no one is perfect!"

"Hmph." Priscilla huffed with that last statement; although… Priscilla agreed with the general explanation.

Well, that was true. Subaru could agree with all she said. She's so smart!

But, on that note, nobody is perfect; not even Priscilla. And that last statement from Helena was exactly what Subaru wanted her to understand. That nobody is perfect. He really doesn't want Helena to go through the same thing he went through as a teenager with his father. Especially when her mother is someone like Priscilla who, so to speak, bordered on "perfection."

In short, Subaru doesn't want Helena to suffer with high expectations placed on her. He wanted her to find herself in this world for herself. And he would help her with that. The same way she is helping him now.

Helena smiled. "That's it daddy..."

"...Just take your time... Subaru." Said Priscilla.

"I-I…" He had trouble finding the words.

Subaru knew he was just being stubborn with them. That's because he had sunk so far down the well that it was hard to see the world differently. After so much suffering it was hard for him to move on. But slowly they were getting what they wanted. Priscilla and Helena were healing him.

They were like eye candy for his soul. Their help is a medicine more magical than any magic that exists in this world. Their words of comfort accomplish more than an infinite amount of mana could ever do.

Every time Priscilla or Helena stated these facts, (Look at that) He could already even recognize such words as facts; he felt his heart being healed….

Perhaps this was his reward. His perfect ending.

So... Before his wife's neutral gaze. And his daughter's sweet smile...

He could only sincerely…

"T-Thank you…"

Subaru could only thank them for everything they had done for him.

"Thank you! Thank you for real…" Subaru genuinely smiled at the most precious people in his life as a single tear ran down his face.

And they couldn't help but smile at him too.


It was good that although they wanted him to change, they could at least accept his weakness…

Maybe at the end of this tragic story, he can also have his happy ending…

Perhaps the story of Natsuki Subaru isn't just about suffering after all.


"I think it must be less than five minutes now." Subaru announced. "Keep an eye out with the sky folks. You don't want to miss this!"

"No, no way! No way! I've been waiting for this all day~" Helena said excitedly. "No way will I miss that!"

However, Subaru corrected, "Actually, you've been waiting for this all week. You haven't stopped talking about how excited you were for this since it was announced, Helena." Subaru patted the little princess on the head, "But, the time has finally come, hasn't it?"

"Um-Hum~"

That's why they were here, facing the panoramic view of the capital from a balcony of the crystal palace. In fact, they are not the only ones. Thousands of people waited for the last few minutes before the big fireworks display. Which just like in Subaru's homeworld meant the start of a new year. Here it would signify the turning of an era into a new era. And the end of the war and the victory of Vollachia.

Helena couldn't wait for the capital's night sky to shine with the infinity of colors of the rainbow. After this day ended, this would definitely be one of the best days of her life. She couldn't wait for the changes to come.

'Mom and Dad will finally be able to focus on other things than the ridiculous politics surrounding this war. I can't wait for the amazing future ahead. Dad promised me that we would travel to the Great Waterfalls before we too visit Kararagui – Father told me that his world is similar to that nation – we can do all of this when the war is over…! Mom also told me that she would accompany us, kya~ I can't wait!

Helena spent most of her life with little time with her parents. They were always too busy to be around her most of the time. A large part of Helena's life involved war. There was always talk of this war. It all boiled down to this war. Everyone was too focused on this war.

But not her...

'We couldn't do that before… Actually, we could, but neither Dad nor Mom wanted to risk my safety by traveling to foreign lands. Especially when a lot of people were hunting my Dad…

I don't know what I would do if I lost Mom or Dad. They are everything to me.

'But in the new future I won't have to worry about that. Mom and Dad are safe and well, and will be for a loooooong time!'


"I'm so happy…" Helena closed her eyes, sort of thanking them and wishing them all an amazing future.

A future where Dad and I can stargaze in green meadows; One where he can continue to make dolls and toys with me; One in which the three of us as a family can travel to the great waterfall and look at the vastness that surrounds this world; one in which I can know what else there is in this world that is not just this palace;.One in which we can be happy as the best family in the world!

One where my daddy isn't hated by the world

That's it! Now I remember! That time when he told me...

That I could make a wish if I saw a shooting star in the starry sky.

I know I do this whenever I can.

But please… this time…, just this once.

Make my wish come true.

Subaru and Priscilla, who were arguing as usual, heard the girl's murmur well and couldn't help but do one thing with it, which was smile.

And that's how a single little tear left one of the girl's eyes.

Please make my father loved by the world too.

"We too, Helena… We are also happy…" Priscilla said, putting a hand on her daughter's shoulder. And just then, Subaru snakes his arm around his wife's waist, bringing her closer. Of course, the emperor's other hand couldn't help but be there on his daughter's head, slightly ruffling her hair.


"It's almost time~…!" Said Helena.

"..." Priscilla and Subaru replied in unison. "Indeed… It is."

The family was closer than ever, three pairs of curious and attentive eyes watching the starry sky above the capital.

Then…

Suddenly, the shining castle stopped shining. And little by little, all the lights in the city began to go out. Darkness engulfed the city for miles. The sky became darker than ever.

A feeling of suspense snakes through everyone's hearts in anticipation.

It was breathtaking the surreal amount of stars that appeared in the sky with just this joint action of the entire capital. Now that the artificial lights were no longer an obstacle to the fainter light of the stars in the distance, a blood-red band of stars cut across the skies beneath Vollachia. It was the galaxy this world was in. Subaru hadn't named her yet. But one day he would, as he was one of the only ones who effectively named stars in the world. Surely such natural beauty would need a truly worthy name.

"Wooow!" Helena gaped. "It's the galaxy you told me daddy!"

"So this is a galaxy... I've seen it before..." Priscilla thought as she saw the same formation in the sky on her long trips around the world.

And with such an image stamped in the sky. Subaru remembered a little bit of home. The image of the milky way came to his mind. Gradually he felt more and more at home, now that even the stars of this world had names that he and the research institute were naming.

"At some point, we're going to give this a name. I just don't know what. How about helping me with this, Helena-chan?"

"You don't even have to ask~!"

"You two better be quiet. I don't want to miss this."

A glint of excitement flickered in Subaru's eyes. The future looks as bright as this sea of stars. And so they waited for the fireworks display…

And…

Nothing…

There was only darkness and the pitch of night…

Helena moaned in annoyance as she pouted. "Why…!?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "Why is it taking so long…?"

"Have patience, Helena. It shouldn't take long." declared Priscilla.

"Hm…Ok…" Helena gave in to Priscilla's reprimand. And she tried to be as patient as her mother.


But that patience didn't last long…

A finger tapped periodically in annoyance on Priscilla's arm. She was now impatient. "It shouldn't be taking this long."

Noticing the annoyance in his wife's voice, Subaru tried to calm her down. "Something must have happened. But I'm sure it shouldn't be a big deal." Subaru rubbed his palm against the skin of Priscilla's arm.

"Hm…" The two girls groaned in annoyance.

As time passed and the city remained in the pitch of night. More and more the two girls lost the patience they had. Just in the best part! thought Subaru.

Come on, what's going on Alnath… !?

Could it be…

"Look!" Helena pointed just in the direction that a single orange beam was rising towards the blackened skies.

Soon after, it was the turn of two more of these same beams – fireworks – to ascend to the skies. And another, and another. And a dozen of them were joyfully ascending through the heavens. The capital was lit by the dim light of it, until…

Boom!

"Ha-hahahaha…!" Helena clapped her hands and began to laugh childishly as the first explosion happened in the sky. An explosion of the same crimson color as the Vollachian flag burned through the skies. And then, the form of a gold wolf took form soon after over the Vollachian capital.

It was just wonderful.

"Kya~ This is amazing!" Helena clapped her hands.

Then the fireworks show continued.

Subaru smiled, satisfied with that. A feeling of pride taking over his chest. They did it. It was even strange this sensation he felt. As if a weight had been lifted and now all that was left was the euphoria of the end of this journey to the beginning of another; hopefully a better and happier one.

"Truly fascinating. It's amazing that this is possible without the use of magic."

"Yeah." Subaru smiled, pleased with the result.

Priscilla was referring to the fireworks and the shapes of colorful figures high in the sky. That was one of the things Subaru had been striving to bring from his world to this one. A kind of invention, so to speak, if it weren't for the fact that it's something already invented in the first place.

It wasn't the only thing he did. But it was one of them so far. You could count on one hand the amount of stuff Subaru actually brought from his world to this one. With time and a lot of work these inventions began to appear in this world. Obviously, Subaru couldn't have done it alone. He needed a team, so to speak, of inventors and scholars to flesh out the ideas he had in his head.

In general, what Subaru did was pretty simple. He came up with the idea of his world, we take as an example: a lighter. And with that image in mind, that is, of the lighter and the intended functionalities of it, he wrote down in several documents, even papers, and made several assumptions (after all, he didn't know everything), and statements that he already knew about the lighter's functionalities. Subaru explained it to the inventors, and they tried to replicate it with a simpler and cheaper solution, just taking into account the vital functionality of the artifact. Over time and a lot of research, the requirements – as Subaru called it – for this to work were discovered and slowly cataloged into a list of implementation difficulties trial version.

From there. It's a lot more effort, money and time invested. So that at some point, there will be a discussion about what materials would be needed to produce a final series version for all of Vollachia.

Often not always everything was as easy as he imagined. The lighter was one of the tricky things, for example. It seems simple at first. But it's not; no, when you don't know all the science that leads to this result, which in the case of this example is the so-called lighter.

In short, it's basically a series of trial and error. But in the end, it results in something tangible and functional. The people they have here in this world can also be geniuses. These people just needed a right path they could follow to get to Subaru's intended result.

And Subaru is this one 'path'.

After all, as Subaru heard in his world...

The difference between a genius and a fool, It's the results.

If it is foolish to do the same thing expecting a different result; stop. See where you went wrong; repeat a hundred more times and move on.

At some point those who seek; will find something.

On another note...

The inventors of this world, for the most part, just hadn't imagined specific things like these. Most of the time, Subaru noticed that they even had ideas similar to the Earth thinkers. But... the big issue here was… magic…

Magic was their gift and their problem…

This world specializes in magic. And with that they just invested time and money in magical things. The technology here has certainly evolved over the ages, but at a shorter pace than with magic.

But magic had some drawbacks in Subaru's opinion. In general, it was expensive to have a very good mage. Mainly because they were rare. An example of this is the scarcity of good healing mages in the empire.

For Subaru, the idea that you could count on your fingers the number of mages proficient at an acceptable level of healing magic was unacceptable.

The scale just didn't match. Millions of people, for a few dozen real professional magicians in the world.

It's a pretty big difference, isn't it?

So that was one of the reasons why Subaru spent his time and invested in bringing things from his world into this one.

Still on that note, maybe someday, more advanced things like a train or machines could be replicated. And while difficult to replicate by a handful of people, with a larger team of inventors, he believed it might be possible.

After all, people had a certain understanding of steam in this world. Only that the use of it is strictly done by magic.

And Subaru would show everyone that there is more than one path other than magic.

Subaru snapped out of his mind at the sound of his daughter clapping her hands happily. She's still celebrating; Oh~ You can be so cute, Helena-chan.

But that's it. With focused eyes and a slight smile on his face. A designated mark of a motivated Subaru Natsuki.

From here on out, it's all for the better. The future is like a blank sheet, and if possible I will scribble everything that is rightfully mine!

"You look beautiful." Priscila coos as she is fondly fussing with one of the strands of his bleached hair. "That look of determination turns me on. Did you know that~…?"

Subaru swallowed hard, taken aback by this statement. "Is that so?"

Almost purring, Priscilla nodded. "Yep."

He laughed. "So you make me very happy, Pris!"

Priscilla hugged him tighter, this time too close to him to hide from the night's chill. "I think you understand my message, don't you?"

Subaru nearly burst out laughing. "Of course I understand… I understand perfectly well, Pris…" he said, this time almost jumping with excitement. After all, today wasn't over yet. Not. Tonight there was still so much to do and celebrate.

And a lot for him to do with his beloved Priscilla.


The great festival has come to an end. It was quite a day. People were so pleased with it that Priscilla decided they would do it next year. In fact, every year from now on, on the same day.


"Please, pretty please~!" Helena begged. "I didn't get to see him, and now that I know he's finally arrived. I really wanted to see him again."

Priscilla had her arms crossed over her chest. "You already know what time it is. It's late, you should be sleeping. Whatever it is, Schult can wait until tomorrow."

"But mom, it's very important. Also, I really wanted to see him. And since I didn't have time for the entire event, I couldn't exchange a word with him. So please, just this once!"

"No." Priscilla said mercilessly…

"…" Helena withered. At least it was a very good day overall. She could see him tomorrow, and she wouldn't let just this one thing ruin everything.

"Alright..." Helena just nodded sadly.

"Ow… What's the matter, Helena?" Asked Subaru as he arrived with two glasses and a bottle of wine beside Priscilla. "Why are you downcast like that?"

"Daddy…!" Helena's eyes sparkled a little more. Maybe he would leave her…!?

"Do not even think about it." Priscila already knew where Helena was going with that look of hers. "Even if your father got here, he won't let you do what you want."

"Leave what?"

"Helena, wants to go at this time of night to meet with Schult. And you know we don't have time to watch them right now. Besides, Helena has important things to do tomorrow."

Subaru exchanged quick glances between Priscilla and Helena. Pondering whether he should say something about it. Obviously he could, even more so after seeing those cute puppy dog eyes on her face.

"..." An impassive, neutral face looked at him.

Subaru swallowed hard as he looked at his wife. That was because he was risking pissing her off and missing his chance to… have fun with her tonight.

He looked at the bottle of wine in his hand. And then to his daughter. Subaru took a deep breath and then. "Pris…"

Priscilla moaned in annoyance and couldn't help but roll her eyes at that. She didn't say anything. She knew he would fall for her daughter's tactics. And looking at said daughter, Priscilla can see the victorious smile on that cute little face.

Priscilla didn't even wait for him to finish saying. And just responded. "Alright, go. Just don't delay. Also, like you asked me: just this once! Was I clear with you?"

"Yes!"

Subaru was impressed by how easily Priscilla relented to him. Usually he needed a little more conversation and good old-fashioned mental gymnastics to convince her to do his daughter's whims. But since it worked… he could only smile slightly in relief.

I hope it's okay for me too. Please cheer for me Helena-chan, Schult-chan!

Of course Priscilla had a good reason for her actions. She just gave in quickly like that, because she didn't want to let Subaru down. But that is beside the point. What's the problem!? She just doesn't want to risk missing the best part of the night…!

Priscilla is a married woman, and with her husband, she has certain priorities.

And in the case of Helena. Well… Priscilla tried to be tough as she usually is with her at the end of the night. After all, she had been too soft on Helena this day. Priscilla wanted to at least put some limits on her daughter, before the little girl thinks she owns the world.

The resolution of all this…?

"Don't think you don't owe me after this, do you hear me?" Priscilla said. "You will not fall asleep before dawn! So don't even think about weakening now. Assume your responsibilities…!"

Damn… I knew something was going to fall against me. At least, well… that is, as far as possible, manageable… It would be worse if she left me in some kind of abstinence from private nighttime moments with her. Last time this happened, she left me just "wanting" her for how long? Two months, I think…?

Subaru shuddered at the thought.

"I-I will do it Priscilla…!" Then Subaru smiled nervously as he showed her the wine. "I brought this one for both of us. I hope it satisfies you."

She smiled fondly back at him. "This one looks great."

"We will?" Subaru asked.

"Of course, what are you waiting for!?"

Then they headed to a private room.


It was under the still-darkened night sky that two young people were sitting in the garden of the crystal palace.

"How much longer should we wait here?" Schult asked.

"As much as it takes!" replied Helena, while keeping as much attention as possible on just one thing; and without diverting a single millimeter of her attention from the starry sky.

Schult groaned at that. It's not that he didn't want to spend more time with Helena-chan. The big problem for him was that it was already too late. And it had been more than two hours since they'd been here.

At first they chatted happily. Schult – a young man of no more than twenty years – and a friend of Princess Helena, who was a good friend of hers, was sitting next to her. As the pink haired boy has always been someone close to Priscilla the empress. It was natural for him to spend time with Helena.

Not so much now, given that he spends most of his time on his own business. And Helena spent most of her time with her princess chores. But the thing is, they are good friends.

So much so that Helena did not want to miss meeting him on this very special day. So much so that she was even a little desperate that she didn't have time to see him. Maybe that was his fault, if he'd known she wanted to see him like this so badly, he would have made it easier for her.

But also, he had a lot to do. Unfortunately for Helena, he couldn't always be there for her.

But in this case… After all the fun talk and all. Helena insisted that they should just sit here in silence until something fell from the sky…? "What is it that you called…? Shootying star?"

"Shooting star or falling star. Whatever; A star that falls from the sky and can fulfill any your wishes.." She explained without taking her eyes off the sky. "I need to make a very important wish. That's why we're here."

"And this 'shooting star' will fulfill your wish?" he asked skeptically. "Besides, since when do the stars fall?"

Helena finally looked away at him. And looked at him strangely, "Almost always shooting stars fall from the sky! Don't tell me you never noticed it!?"

Schult rubbed the back of his head a little embarrassed that he didn't know that. "No…?"

"It can't be helped..." Helena sighed, and remembered her father's words. "Daddy told me that the people of this world don't look at the stars. Now that I think about it, it seems very strange that they don't do something like this. How is no one interested in this anyway?" Helena snorted. "Hmph. People should stop looking only at their bellies and try to see something more than the simplicity of life. The sky is an example of the immensity of the wonder of our world. I don't understand that…"

For a moment Schult wilted sadly.

Helena noticed his expression. "Oh! No, no!" She quickly denied it with both hands, quickly catching his attention. "Sorry Schult, I didn't mean that… with you… I mean, with anyone… It's just… I love the stars so much, and I wish…"

Ah!

Schult flashed an understanding smile. "You wish people would pay more attention to the stars, which is something you love, don't you?"

Oh…!?

She looked a little surprised that he quickly understood. "Yes. That's right." Helena breathed a sigh of relief that he wasn't mad at her. Sometimes when she gets angry she can end up stressing people out a lot. Even more so when they talk about something she likes. That is, her father, her mother, or the starsI

"I like them a lot." She had a wistful expression on her face as she said this and turned her gaze to the starry sky, "But I feel like… It's something that is just ignored. And I feel sad about it."

Helena only knew one person who was interested in talking to her about it for hours on end. Obviously it was her father.

The world of the stars was more complex and admirable than Helena at first thought. Her father told many stories related to the stars. From mythological and even scientific. It was like an infinite world of strange novelties and curiosities. Sometimes her father would tell such curiosities that it was even hard to believe.

And how she loved stars, and she loved her father. Both of these topics; so to speak, became almost linked things. If you talked about stars to Helena, it was almost automatic for her to think about her father and vice versa. So it wouldn't be hard to suppose that when someone spoke badly about the stars, Helena would take it personally and think they would be badmouthing her father. Which wasn't always true.

It was just painful. When she remembers the fact that no one remembers the stars. She also remembers the fact that for the rest of the world and even a part of Vollachia, her father is not looked upon favorably. Apparently, there was also a time when he was ignored by the world. In fact, he was literally forgotten.

She can only imagine how horrible that must have been.

"I see..." Schult said wistfully. "Okay, so I'll help you as much as I can. I don't know what this 'shooting star' is supposed to look like, but we're going to find it."

"Thank you Schult!"


Right… Schult didn't expect it to take so long. They were here a long time ago. It seems that this shooting star thing is not as common as she claims. At least not tonight.

Or… that's what he thought…

"Wow! There! There!"

Finally a shooting star. Schult watched in awe as the point of light was very fast ripping through the starry skies. He finally noticed that he had seen something like this before. He just hadn't paid much attention to it. So this was what a shooting star was…

"…"

Schult watched as Helena kept her eyes closed, and her hands clasped over her chest, as if in prayer. She's probably making that request… I wonder what she's going to wish for… Maybe I should wish for something too?

No… If I do that, I might get in the way of Helena-chan's wish. I better just watch. Besides, there's nothing I really want, so…

"It's Done." Helena smiled. "I did my wish. And I hope it comes true!"

Schult smiled. "Ok." Finally we can leave and go to sleep, I'm so tired of caring for her…! The pink haired boy suppressed a yawn.

Just when the boy was about to get up and thought it was time to leave…

"Did you order something?" Helena sat next to him and asked curiously. "There has to be something you want, right?"

"No, I didn't ask for anything." Helena looked confused. Schult replied. "I didn't mean to disturb you..."

She tilted her head in confusion. "But how would you bother me anyway? You just asked in a low voice or inside your head…" Or maybe not? Helena held her chin thoughtfully for a moment. "Dad didn't say if it had to be out loud or not… Should I have to shout out to make it work!?"

"Shout out? I don't think—"

"You don't understand Schult!" Helena took him by the shoulders. "This is something very important and I didn't think about it before! I should have screamed just in case… Although it would certainly get me into trouble…"

An image of an angry Priscilla came to Helena's mind. She shivered slightly. But I think it would have been worth it. Even if I didn't live to see the result.

"After all, what did you ask for?"

"Hmm? Girl's secret~!" Helena displayed a mischievous smile, imitating her mother. "But… Do you really want to know?"

"No, you don't need to do that."

"Wait, don't you really want to know?" Helena suddenly stopped smiling.

"No." Schult said seriously and resolutely.

"But I'll tell you anyway. Ha-ha-ha!"

"Sorry Helena-chan. But there are things a man shouldn't know!" Schult explained just before getting up. "I'm going to bed now. Goodnight!"

"Huh?" She stared at him dumbfounded. "B-B-but–"

So he ran away.

"No! Schult, wait a minute!" Helena ran trying to catch up with the runaway boy. "I was kidding!"

Schult continued to run until he turned a corner, "Schult! It was a joke! Just a joke, there's no 'girl secret' or anything like that…!"

"He's already gone..." Helena stopped running, kind of sad that he ran away from her like that. "Damn... Why did he do that!?"

She stomped her foot on the floor, a little annoyed, "Just when I was going to tell him my wish!"

"Now he'll think it was meaningless..." Helena looked at the still starry sky, wishing that at least the wish she made wouldn't escape her. "I only asked for my father not to be hated by the world... And you ran away just when I was going to tell…!" She growled.

Well… technically it was her fault. If she had just told him honestly, he might have heard her. But it seems Helena didn't want to see it that way.

"When I meet him tomorrow, he'll have to deal with me for a whole day!" She clenched her fists in anger.

Suddenly, the night breeze blew up making Helena's dress sway slightly and she shivered from the cold outside the palace. I should go inside now, it's cold! Besides, if Mom finds out that I was so late outside… She swallowed hard. I don't know what she can do with me…

For some reason…

Helena decided to look both ways of the path she was on. It was completely empty and silent. And quite dark for the little girl. A really good place for hollows…!

Helena shook her head to herself, and corrected herself, trying to use even more of her father's subaurism vocabulary. "No Hollows. Ghosts, that is!"

Strangely after she said that, the sound of a branch breaking in the distance sounded. She was startled a little by this. Like I said, it is better for me to get in!


Helena continued to follow the path to the castle entrance running slowly. She wanted to get there as soon as possible, but she also didn't want to make any unwanted noises.

She kept running until the back door came into view. It was one of the staff doors, and she would take this as a shortcut to get to her room as quickly as possible and leave from the cold. Instead of going the other way and circling the whole garden around the palace towards the main entrance.

Helen was going to enter. She would really go in. If it weren't for the strange noise that caught her attention.

"Haaah…!?" She got scared and screamed.

Like singing voices and disconnected words; the sound rang out from behind the little girl who jerked to her side.

"Ah...Ah...HA~! It's just spirit...!"

The little girl tried to catch her breath as she had her hand on her chest. A relieved smile on her face.

Suddenly... The smile that represented relief became something different. She had a dangerous smile directed at this spirit that dared to scare her.

"You-Ahhh~? What was that!?"

Again! That sound...

"No... You're not getting a play with me with any of your friends, are you?" Asked Helena, looking quickly between the sides.

The spirit just stood there glowing a bluish hue. He looked bored, that's all. "Hmph. Forget it."

Helena finally ran and entered the house.

Unnoticed by Helena was the shadowy hand that followed her hidden in the darkness of the night…


In a candlelit room. The couple continued the dance of love. They were on the bed and between the cozy linen sheets..

"Pris…" Subaru cooed as he looked passionately into her eyes. Those rare ruby gems that were her eyes almost made him completely lost. Plus there was the comforting warmth of her curvy body that made him almost mad.

Priscilla just kissed him deeply in response. Carefully massaging his shoulders with her gentle, deft hands. She moaned at the caress of his hands all over her body. And at the height of the carnal desire she felt under the action of this kiss, she broke away.

She looked him straight in the eye. In those sharp eyes that were just like her daughter's. A look of desire was plastered on her face, the more she watched this handsome man who was her husband. "... S-Subaru…"

They looked each other in the eye. Amber and blood red. A mixture of affection and love reflected in their eyes.

And once again... They brought their lips together. A tender will to seder the fire within their hearts. But they had a long way to go. Now, they would just slowly enjoy the love they had for each other.

When they were mere inches away from tasting each other's lips once more... Subaru stopped. "Hey Pris…"

"What is it?"

A silence followed in response to her question. She raised an eyebrow at that. "Do... you..." Why am I asking this... I already know the answer, don't I?

He looked nervous.

But she reminded him that she was there for him as soon as she recognized that characteristic look of doubt from Subaru. Priscilla just gently pushed a lock of her white hair to the side.

A faint smile to bring him comfort formed on her face; while the expression in her eyes became as soft and humble as a woman truly in love.

A very different view of the rigid and proud Empress.

Right now, that was Priscilla Natsuki. A woman without any kind of mask and completely honest to her Subaru.

"Talk. I want to know." A demand as without venom or condescension as she could be.

Fuck... I feel bad for her now... I shouldn't let my baseless doubts get in the way of the moment...

But the issue is...

'Now I can't go back... 'Cause she wants to know. So here goes... Sorry Pris! I'm not doubting you, I swear.

"... Do you love me?" Idiot! Why, why am I doing this?

Priscilla looked at him strangely, confused as to why he would ask such a question... Until she focused on that look in his eyes... How could she be so dizzy? It's Subaru we're talking about, after all...

"... You already know..."

She looked away and pouted childishly. He's not going to make me say something so... sooo embarrassing...!

That's right. That's a big NO Subaru! You can stop all this idiocy…

At least, not when I'm so self-conscious about it.

"Hahahaha…." Subaru let out a sarcastic laugh as if mocking himself. After all, he knew he didn't need to ask that...

The thing was...was that...

Subaru was just being himself...

And so, being himself, he couldn't help but make a fool of himself, could he?

"Sorry Pris... I... I was just being myself, you know…? Haha, my foolishness is not? After all, I already know the answer..."

— Being himself…

And of course she frowned.

Subaru once more approached for a kiss... which was interrupted... The attempt to kiss her was interrupted by Priscilla's delicate finger.

Even inside the room, the night breeze still reached the couple's bedroom through the slightly open window. So it had come as no surprise when the light cool breeze of the night was the only thing they both heard.

They were silent. Subaru was silent and confused...

"I'm only going to say this once. So... Listen just loud and clear, got it?"

'O' - That was the only thing Subaru could do. His jaw wide open in complete surprise.

The point wasn't Priscilla admitting she loved him; it was her admitting that about her pride.

One note, if Subaru was excited before. Now he was a hundred times over.

That was it... The long-awaited words that would be spoken for the first time, right at the very last minute of that special day.

— The words of love he deserved.

Was it selfish of him to feel he deserved those words? For if there's one thing Subaru felt right now, it was hearing those exact words.

Subaru waited in anticipation for the next words that would surely leave Priscilla's mouth...

— But... Why did it take so long…

With a pure crimson glowing on her cheeks, she prepared to speak.

— Was loving him that hard…? Why couldn't the world return a simple... 'I love you?' Even if it's just one time...

Noticing Priscilla's difficulty in uttering words, Subaru held her hand gently. "Don't worry Priscilla… don't force yourself… If you find it too difficult, you-"

"Just shut up! Please..."

— And now that he was about to finally hear a genuine 'I love you' from Priscilla's heart of pride. Why did he still feel bad about it?

"Priscilla…"

"... Subaru… "

"I love you!" Only a muffled whisper left her lips. [4]

At that moment a weight was lifted from Priscilla's shoulders. She's finally managed to get past the self-built barrier of embarrassment that she built years ago.

Now that she thinks about it, why was it so hard to get out? She certainly shouldn't be someone who's afraid to tell the truth...

Then why...?

Oh…

Tears were streaming down his face eagerly. Making him look so hurt and miserable. Subaru couldn't help but wipe away the tears that continually streamed down his face.

"I love you Subaru…!" This time in little more than a whisper.

Then Priscilla hid her face against his chest.

— It looks like she wouldn't go any further than that.

He felt like laughing. Why did it seem so silly in the end?

"You're like a silly girl now, you… know?"

"Ouch~" He sure felt the light slap against his chest.

"Good… night… Subaru..."

"But… already?" He chuckled softly, snuggling against her warm body. "You were the one who told me we wouldn't sleep… until… dawn..."

Subaru felt sleepy. His eyes slowly closing as his mind drifted into a deep sleep… Why did he feel so tired all of a sudden?

— But after such a busy day…

It doesn't seem so bad to go to sleep now. Thought Subaru slowly.

Did hearing two "I love you" from her cost that much of his soul and mind?

"I… love … you… too… Pris..."

And it was with those words that the two finally fell asleep into a deep sleep...

In the background, a figure as dark as darkness itself watched the couple's love.

When she noticed that the two had finally said what needed to be said... She, the figure, had affectionately reached out to their hearts...

Leaving an empty room with only the breeze from the window and the stars as a witness that they were once there.


And so the girl's wish was fulfilled


"Helena." She spoke proudly crossing her arms. "This is my name. But why do you ask?"

A voice like a silver bell answered gently. "No big deal Helena-chan. Just wanting to meet you."

"Hm…?"

"These are my friends..."

Helena looked at the figures unknown to her. An appraising expression on her face, as if pondering whether they were worth her time.

"Hm…" she muttered uninterestedly.

"This is Beatrice, my hired spirit." The woman with the silver bell voice introduced. "Say Hello betty."

"Hm..." Murmured the also little interested Beatrice. "Hello."

"... Hello."

Then with a smile the woman introduced the few other people who shared the room with them.

"These are Rem and Ram. We've been friends for a long time. And this is Garfiel. He's a knight you know?" The woman smiled proudly. "He's also very strong."

"Nice to meet you Helena/Helena-san" In unison the girls Ram and Rem who were twins introduced themselves in front of the girl.

"Y'a how are you." The boy named Garfiel raised his hand in a friendly gesture. "Don't worry, my incredible will defend everyone here."

The girl who still hadn't introduced herself finally spoke again, catching Helena's attention. "And my name is Emilia. Nice to meet you, Helena-chan."

She offered a hand to the little girl.

Helena looked suspicious, but then she shrugged and...

"You seem like a lovely girl, don't you?" Emilia clapped her hands. "You're not alone now! We'll be in this together, okay?"

Helena's eyes widened… "O-Ok...!"

Did this girl also know her father's words of subaruisms? Could Emilia be from the same world as her father?

And before Helena could question anything, Emilia once again spoke...

"I know it sounds hopeless. To be honest, I'm a little scared too. But I know that if even a little girl like you can stand here alone without crying, so can I."

"Hey! I'm not going to cry over something so silly! I'm not a weakling."

For that Emilia just smiled kindly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound condescending to you. But you, you're a really strong child, aren't you?"

"Of course I am..." Helena said disinterestedly while fiddling with her nails.

"So that being so. How about until we get out of here, we can be friends?"

"..." Helena shrugged. "Whatever..."

"Okay, so let's all sit in these chairs and try to come up with some plan to get out of here. Why don't you tell us from the beginning how you got here?"

"Right..." Helena sat down next to Emilia's friends. She tried to remember the last things she saw before she came to this strange place. "It all started when I was looking for a star that falls from the sky... It's called 'Shooting Star'..."

And so, she told everyone how she wanted her father to be loved by the world. And more than that, how the hell did she get here.

And so time passed inside the large room enclosed by four impenetrable walls.


"I feel bad, she doesn't seem like a bad person. Even though I now know who her father is now..."

...

...

.

"Maybe... have we all been wrong... all this time?"


Subaru started to wake up slowly. He had had such a good dream. It had been a while since he'd slept this peacefully.

But why do all the good things in life have to come to an end?

There was this annoying noise of people talking in the background, which annoyed him a little. Well... that irritation suddenly dissipated when he heard that sweet, childlike voice calling out to him.

"Daddy!" It was his daughter's childish voice.

"Helena…? What are you doing here in my room-...?"

What the hell!?

Subaru felt the heat of a hand against his. "We're not in our room anymore, Subaru."

Priscilla…

"... Anymore in our room–!?" Subaru stopped noticing familiar figures sitting next to where he was.

"… Al... Yorna?"

"Hey pal, how are you?" "Hello~ dear"

Subaru returned a shy smile to the older woman Priscilla's mother, and a nod to Al.

"Hmph. As I said, we are no longer in our room or in our house." Priscilla stated.

Subaru finally noticed where he was. There were so many strangers he didn't even know how to begin to explain to himself. Chairs and more chairs in red, lined up and arranged as in a kind of theater.

He really noticed that this place was a real theater, just like those in his homeland.

"So where are we anyway?"

"Nobody knows. Not even Helena who was supposed to be the first to arrive here."

"So you just woke up in this... place...!?" Subaru would ask his daughter more. But there was something that couldn't be left out.

And that's when Subaru's world was turned upside down.

— That's because, he certainly didn't expect to find figures from the past in this place after so many years.

So imagine his surprise when he saw...

Emilia…

Why the hell is Emilia in this place…? Furthermore, B-B-Beatrice…

Emilia nervously noticed the inquisitive gaze straight at her and looked away. Beatrice just stared at him, bored.

And it didn't stop there...

Both the sword saint and the queen are also here…

Rem… She is awake…

On the other hand, he hadn't seen Ram's figure until now… Oh, she just wasn't in his field of vision. In fact, instead of down there, Ram was a row below him, next to a certain sleeping man.

"Dad, are you okay?"

"Yes... Yes, I'm perfectly fine, my princess…"

His surprises didn't stop, as he couldn't help but notice a certain someone dressed in green and familiar clothes…

Of course, if the queen is here and all those people from his past; it wouldn't be hard to suppose that the ex-queen would also be here… Crush Karsten. Beside the faithful now simple butler of the Crush house. Wilhelm Van Astrea.

They look so... different... The last ones I've seen that don't seem strange to me are Crush, Wilhem, the sword saint, Felt and... just... Only these are minimally familiar...

No...

In fact, there's someone who hasn't changed at all.

— Emilia.

The half-elf doesn't seem to have changed at all. 'I could be mistaken, but she looks identical to how she did seven years ago.' Stated Subaru in his mind.

Subaru sighed. Why don't I feel so surprised by this, huh?

"Dad, you certainly don't look good...!"

"In fact, you have a horrible face…"

"You are angry...? If that's why we're here, I'm sure we'll find a way, right mom?"

"That's not it folks…"

"Oh~ don't look like that dear Subaru-kun." Subaru sighed as Yorna sat down beside him and started massaging his back. "You've been so depressed lately... Why don't you leave it all to Mama Yorna and just relax?"

"N-No... Hehe, it's okay...Yorna... Really" He tried to gently push her away.

Helena stifled a giggle at the joke between her father and her grandmother.

"Guys, shouldn't we be trying to think of a way out of here…?" Everyone ignored the man in the helmet.

"Mom, stop it! You know when Subaru is stressed he needs time."

Priscilla placed herself between him and her mother as she placed a hand on Subaru's shoulder. "Besides, we have more important things to deal with right now..."

Yorna laughed lightly at her daughter's blush. "Fine. You're right."

"But, we've tried this before, haven't we? I mean, not even the sword saint made it out of here."

"Not even the sword saint...?" Subaru rolled his eyes.

Why wasn't he so surprised by that huh?

"Come on, Reinhard isn't the best comparison metric-"

"Hmph." Priscilla snorted. "In this case he is. Come on Subaru we don't have time to deal with your cynicality against the sword saint right now."

"Maybe we shouldn't do anything." Someone interrupted with a cute voice in a serious tone.

Al seemed to agree with her. "I mean, other than the fact that nothing we've done has worked. I think we should follow the little princess' reasoning here."

"In other words..." Priscilla continued. "Wait until all the people show up here."

"Hm... The way you said it makes it sound like everyone just teleported to this place..."

"It's because that's what actually happened." Yorna replied before Priscilla could continue. "Imagine my surprise when in the middle of the night I just appeared inside this room..."

"So you didn't just wake up here like I did?"

"No."

"I think we are an exception here, Subaru." Pointed Priscilla. "We're the only ones who apparently woke up here like this."

"Yes daddy. I just showed up here, as if the world had flipped into a completely different one."

Suddenly... Two lights appeared in front of the large white structure, the screen - as Subaru guessed it was - of the theater.

Then two figures took shape in front of everyone.

Both Subaru's group and the group of those who forgot Subaru carefully watched these new individuals.

Julius and Felix…!

White clothes with red and black details; distinctly a Lugnican knight...

It came as a surprise to everyone in Subaru's group — except Priscilla –- when Subaru growled in anger.

Subaru gritted his teeth hard. What kind of joke with my face is this? Why am I here with them?

Suddenly... a plaintive and pained voice cried out

"R-Ram… R…am–Raam…"

"Shh… It's okay... It's okay…" Ram tried to calm the now slightly agitated man.

It was the previously sleeping man who was beside Ram. He looked kind of crazy.

Blue hair and noble clothes. He had a blank stare and just stood there staring at nothing. Roswaal – Subaru muttered. And Subaru had never seen him in such bad shape.

"Do you know him daddy?"

"Yeah…"

I wonder what happened to him.

Suddenly, three more lights appeared; Notably people Subaru knew.

Two younger girls and one older girl.

All vaguely familiar, but given the striking features of each. With that Subaru could quickly deduce their names.

Petra, Meili and Frederica...

What the hell is going on? What is that supposed to mean?

Ignoring the buzz of conversation that started with people in the ranks below. Subaru's group (who was being ignored by those ranks below) continued with their speculations.

"That's it. We should just wait for whatever happens..."Yorna said as she leaned back in her chair and started fanning herself. "Although it makes me think that whatever it is, it's not good."

Everyone could agree on that. There were certainly things they couldn't possibly know. But it was blatantly obvious that the cause behind it all is some kind of very powerful force, capable of bringing the most powerful beings in the world to a single confined place from the rest of the world.

"Whatever it is, we will emerge victorious, after all, the world is in my favor—"

Unfortunately you are wrong Priscilla Natsuki…

"Uahhh?" "Who said that?"

The voice sounded and reverberated through the four walls of the theater. Which made Subaru look inquiringly at the ceiling. For some reason he got the impression that whoever it was was looking down on them. Although it was just an impression.

"Who are you?" Priscilla spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. And who are you to say such a thing...? "how dare you–"

The voice laughed stridently.

For some reason that laugh sounded very sinister.

I am the one who brought you here. And I dare because I can. After all, this is the truth. The world doesn't revolve around you here.

Priscilla tried to retort and point out how absurd this was. After all she was—

"Please Pris... Not now."

"..."

"Why did you bring us here? I demand that you answer me!" Across the theater, the queen yelled angrily. "If you think you're going to get away with Rein–"

Ha-hahahaha-! And what was he able to do here anyway, hmmm~?

"Hmph, I don't care–" Felt snapped back yelling, only to be interrupted once more by the shrill, echoing voice—

Well, you should care. After all, you are nothing more than mere prisoners at this moment, nothing more, nothing less.

Priscilla gritted her teeth as did a dozen people at the theater.

But don't worry I will not harm you; with your cooperation, all this trouble can be resolved quickly. Just chill out.

There are still a few people left to be brought in... So for now, only a prologue to calm you down is what I can offer... I don't think anyone here has anything to say against that, do they—?

"We sure have something to say here! Are you an idiot or what?"

"Hmph" Priscilla huffed as she crossed her arms. "Just because she's a 'queen' now, does she think she can go around screaming like that? What an idiot..." Subaru rolled his eyes just before rubbing his wife's back. She was stressed about it all…

A-hem! As I was explaining before they interrupted me! You will be watching a little prologue of what will be the real thing for you to watch soon. So just watch I do the things I need to do. Oh, just a warning! No attacking each other, even if you think it's justified; don't do that inside my theater!

Anyway, enjoy…

"Fine, shall we watch a little play now? How wonderful huh..." Subaru huffed angrily

So, to everyone's shock. The large wall that Subaru recognized as a gigantic screen lit up with a flickering light. And to the confusion of all present…

Start

.

...

...

Prologue –

The one who is loved by the greatest evil in this world.


And with that the show finally begins!


That's it!

And yeah... This is a Re:Forgotten/PrisBaru/Reaction Fiction

So, first: credit goes to those who created these two concepts in the first place. And also for those who also write PrisBaru content here on the site.

... Then...

What do you think? Is it good, bad, fun, boring...?

I want to know, haha.

This was just a prologue to what would be a future React fanfiction, with a cast many years into the future. It's a bit massive, and it takes time for any reactions to show, but it was necessary.

For what I wanted to do, I needed the relationship between Subaru, Priscilla and Helena to be well established.

By the way, for those who don't know... Helena is an OC character, which was definitely not my creation! It is actually Priscilla's daughter created by some Reactionist Reddit users. In fact, I think it is, haha; since English is not my main language, I'm kind of too lazy to literally converse using google translate, so I didn't get a chance to ask any of them. But if anyone knows, let us know in the comments. After all, the more fictions with Helena, the better!

Incidentally, some details that I wanted to clarify are listed here just below.

Hope you really enjoyed it, thanks for reading guys!


[1] – In fact, it's been nine years since Subaru's arrival in Lugnica. And it's been seven years since he arrived in Vollachia. The point is, for those who didn't understand, the disaster that happened in Priestella was just over seven years ago; a little less than two years after Subaru arrived in this world.

[2] – Yorna refers to a time seven years ago when she encountered not only smolbaru but also smolpris. Pris had also been taken in by Olbart's magic and had shrunk in size to a small young girl. Subaru found Pris and convinced her after winning a bet (which he cheated on) into helping them regain the throne of the empire for Vincent. [Yes! I got this idea from Re:Zero Reddit; a magnificent idea to be honest. I would like to see a fanfiction about this specifically. Wouldn't that be amazing!?]

[3] – It's kind of a wholesome joke taken from a light novel called [Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru] – or to short: Oregairu; Hachiman and Komachi, older brother and younger sister, respectively. They do a coins exchange with their names. Where they could exchange those coins for things the other could do for each other. Most of the time, for being cute, Komachi had millions of coins more than Hachiman.

[4] – This is actually the first time Priscilla has stated that she loves Subaru with words. Exactly, after so many years she just said that now. One of the reasons for this was the circumstances of their relationship and the interaction they normally had. After all, we're talking about Priscilla. The other reason, and probably the biggest one: she was very embarrassed by this detail for a long time and was embarrassed to say it out of the blue after so long. In short, she hasn't had a chance to build up the courage until now. (See, it looks like our proud Priscilla has changed a lot, doesn't she?) All this and... She loves him even without saying "I love you" to him.