A Good Joke

by Siegward Verathil

After being betrayed and forgotten by the most precious people to him. After getting imprisoned and tortured by those he once called friends. Subaru comes to the big realization that everyone is an imagination and everything is a joke/prank, etc.

8. Falling Into the Rabbit Hole

-Priestella-

Three thugs were conversing with one another while walking the alleys of the Watergate city of Priestella on one of the poorer avenues of the city. They had recently robbed a rich merchant's mansion during the chaos that came from the rioting and were happily indulging in the good loot they received. Fancy clothes, accessories and the likes.

"Oi, gimme that." One of them said as he tried to take over one of the wealthy looking gems that his friend had found.

"Shut up. I found it first!"

"We're all sharing that you morons, quiet down. 'Sides, with this we can get out of the dump."

That seemed to settle their dispute. They had also been wary of the patrolling knights recently that were enforcing the curfews. Although they seemed to be more busy in putting down the riots peacefully. And any knight that was seen outside the garrison was instantly met with scorn and with most people throwing piles of rubbish at them.

Which provided chaos for them to sneak into stalls or mansions and rob them.

Crossing over a bridge, then turning towards an alley to the right, they came across a demi-human with cat ears and a tail, brown hair and yellow eyes. A rather beautiful one at that judging from her figure and appearance.

She had blue and white ribbons on her hair and was wearing a blue dress with a blue collar, a blue scarf tied around the arm and finally black tights. Although her clothes were dirtied a bit. She was in a fetal position on the ground. Her eyes and expression conveyed nothingness, seemingly as if she wasn't there.

"Oi, you's thinking what I'm thinking?" One of the three spoke after whistling at the cute feline girl in front of them.

"Yep, yep, yep. Looks like our luck has just increased even more today hahaha! She's dressed like a noble's too. Well if a noble dressed dirty."

"Probably down on her luck. Let's sell her afterwards. She's bound to fetch a decent price." The third and seemingly the leader said with a big grin.

"You's reckon we can keep her for awhile? We rarely come across cat demi-humans that look more human than cat." The one that whistled replied with lustful eyes.

The leader thought about it and agreed. "Ah, why not? Just don't break her too much. Not when she's that beautiful."

As the conversation came to a halt. They all slowly approached the girl and their leader decided to speak up.

"Hello there, milady. I'm Saddler and these are my two other friends, Albus and Grenn." He gestured towards his companions.

"We were just passing around and saw you looking lost and thought to ourselves why don't we help out the damsel-in-distress? Good deed and all, heh."

"..."

"Well? Not going to introduce yourself?"

"..."

Saddler snapped his fingers to gain her attention. "Yoohoo, you there?"

"..."

They looked at each other as she didn't respond. "Oi, we's talking to you." The one named Albus spoke up.

The girl didn't react or even turn in their direction. Her ears didn't even twitch like most demi-human ears do whenever they're listening in.

"Hmm, you reckon she's deaf? Or mute? T'is not right to take a deaf one." The third one, Grenn, talked as if he believed in superstitions.

"Eh, well, don' matter to me. They all make noises anyway, gahahaha. Lemme show you." Albus knelt and slapped her face, in order to make her react to them.

She gave no reaction or noise and didn't seem disturbed or bothered by that.

"Albus, did you have to hit her that hard? You'll ruin her pleasurable face. What would her dear, rich noble parents say when they find this smudge. Hmm, probably nothing." Saddler spoke in a sarcastic tone towards his friend after seeing the bruise that formed on the girl's face. Although, a second later, the bruise healed itself.

"Haah? Did you see that? The hand mark is gone." Albus commented.

Saddler licked his lips and spoke. "Heh, that settles it. Let's go haul our stuff and enjoy our well-earned luck streak! I mean, let's show our newest guest some good hospitality."

...

Back at their shoddy place. They had thrown the Catgirl into a room and locked the door. Before taking off their loot and counting the riches to be gain.

After an hour or two. The door opened and the thug named Albus approached her with lustful eyes. "Time to hear you make noises."

He lifted her up and started hitting her, but there was no sound or reaction. She seemed as if she didn't even have an inkling as to where she was or her current predicament.

Albus was getting agitated by her lack of reactions. He increased the strength of his assault. However the skin his fist made contact with immediately healed up.

Saddler and Grenn then opened the door and started mocking their friend's failed efforts. "Hahahaha what a failure you are, Albus. You said you'll make her squeal. So far the only squeals were your heavy breathing."

"Fuck off. And you, start making noises bitch or you ain't like where this will be put!" He took out his knife and ran it's sharp edge on her skin. Intending to draw blood without inflecting a lethal wound before his hand was caught by Saddler.

"Move over, moron. You're starting out all rough and ungentle-like as always. Honestly, who goes punching and kicking before fucking? Just watch and learn." He brought his face closer to the Catgirl. One of his hands was holding her tightly by the waist, bringing her closer to him, while the other was caressing his skin. Starting from the neck that was enveloped by a collar with a ribbon and moving downwards.

His hand reached her chest, noting that it lacked growth but not bothering too much. He continued moving downwards reaching the belly button, and noticing how the skin convulsed against his touch. His hand continued reaching towards her greatest treasure until his fingers felt something he didn't expect.

"What is th—?!"

"Y...?! Y-you?! You dare trick us?!" Saddler immediately removed his hand and backed away in disgust and anger.

"Fuck's that about?" Albus was confused over what's going on.

"Trick us?" Grenn asked, before doing the same thing as Saddler and realizing what he meant. "Ah, so t'was a lad after all? A very feminine lad." He spoke with an amused expression before noticing that the feline that he thought was a girl seemed familiar. Albus meanwhile was grinning and seemed excited.

"If you's don't want him, then all the more for me!"

"Hold it." Grenn held Albus off. He had a look of semi-recognition after thinking more about it.

"He seems familiar in some way or another."

"You fuck him before?" Albus asked incredulously.

"No you lumbering oaf." Grenn instantly retorted, before staring at the demi-human with a thoughtful expression. "I'm not sure, but I think he's that famous healer from the knights.. Err...Felix... Argor? Arger? Argsomething or whatever."

"..." The feline's ears slightly twitched at hearing that name.

"Did you just say knight?! We brought a knight to our hideout?!" Saddler exclaimed in a panicked tone. He didn't want to go to the cells of the Garrison. Especially not when he was so close to getting out of the gutter and finally living good.

"Haah, It don't matter. What with the people treating them like shit and all the chaos, they ain't finding him any time soon. Hell they've ain't been out to this part of the city. I say we have fun with him, then dispose of him in the waters. People'll just think he drowned."

Saddler seemed to regain his composure at that. He nodded at that suggestion. "True, true. Sh-...he is not worth all the fuss. Plus sh-..he tricked us. Gah, my mind still thinks he's a woman. Oh well, make him squeal all you want for ruining my excitement and making me panic." Saddler spoke then got out of the room in disappointment and disgust. He had been excited but now it died down. He went to grab a drink, count the loot again and clear his mind.

His words made Albus grin even more.

"Oh, you betcha I will. Grenn, you's don't mind if I go first right? Just stay there and watch how he'll squirm."

"That's what you said before." Grenn teased in amusement to Albus's growl. He grabbed a chair and sat there watching what will happen. Fully intending on joining at some point.

Albus came closer towards the demi-human, eyeing him hungrily. His hands roughly grabbed Felix's arms and raised them above his shoulders and accidentally grazing the sides of his head. Making the ribbons that were fastened to his hair fall off. That seemed to get a reaction out of him.

He tried to fight against the grip. His face and eyes were staring longingly at the ribbons on the ground, the tight grip made him unable to escape and reach for them.

Albus kept the grip with one hand. Using his free hand to reach for Felix's jaw. Forcing the feline to look up at him. "I wouldn't worry about them stupid things if I was you. Them's gonna be the least of your worries."

He stepped on the ribbons rubbing his shoe soles against them. He could almost hear a soft gasp from Felix. His eyes seemed to tear up, making Albus grin wildly.

"Oh so them's what makes you squirm huh? But don't worry, I'm gonna make your mind focus on something else."

He forcefully kissed him by shoving his tongue down Felix's throat. All the while his free hand reached down Felix's dress to cup and pinch his chest. Trying to make him moan or let out a noise.

While Albus was lost in the moment, he felt something was off. It felt like he was burning for some reason. "Mmm—?!"

Hot! Hot! Hot!

He tried breaking from the kiss before noticing he couldn't move any muscle. Albus' eyes opened very wide and stared in every direction as the burning sensation increased. He felt as if his veins would pop at any second.

"MMMMMM!"

"What are you moaning and grunting about?" Grenn asked while trying to hold his laughter. "The feminine lad's supposed to be making those noises, not you, hahahah."

Felix pushed Albus away a few seconds later. Making Albus hit the ground with a loud thud. His chest was heaving, trying to breathe but unable to. Albus was panicking. He couldn't move, speak and barely breathe. His eyes were wide with panic.

"Albus?" Grenn's laughter faded. His gaze going back and forth from Felix towards his friend. He got up from his chair and went towards the demi-human. His hands reached for Felix's throat, trying to threaten him by asking if he did something to his friend before sharing the same fate.

"YOOWAAAAGHHHHH!"

Screams of pain echoed throughout the house. Making Saddler cover his ears before shouting towards the room. "Oi! I know I said make him squeal, but that's too fucking loud you half-wits!"

Saddler sighed to himself as the screams didn't stop. "Bah they can't make me focus. Are they doing him at the same time or something? Or they cut him up? Albus' probably doing both."

He grabbed a drink and opened the room to see what the two idiots were likely doing before being greatly surprised.

He saw Albus on the ground unmoving, with tears out of his frightened looking eyes. And his other friend Grenn was still standing while his body was trembling before falling onto the ground face first.

"The fuck?!"

He turned his gaze at the demi-human. "What did you do?!"

Not waiting for an answer. He broke the bottle he was carrying and charged at Felix, tackling both to the ground. Saddler easily won the tackle and got on top of the Catman.

He prepared himself, taking a deep breath as he plunged the broken glass bottle into Felix. Eliciting a sharp wince of pain from the demi-human at the sudden intrusion, the first time he made any sort of noise.

Before taking out the broken bottle and thrusting it again. This time deeper. Broken glass shards sprawled and sunk deep into Felix's chest, with the broken bottle giving out after that second, powerful thrust.

Saddler, just getting started, unsheathed his knife and started stabbing him. At first slowly but then increasing the pace in a frenzied fashion.

He was grunting loudly after each thrust, filled with the illusion that it empowered him and satisfied with the noise that involuntarily escaped the lips of Felix as the knife was passionately inserted in and out continuously into the cat boy's flesh.

Finally after what seemed like an eternity. Saddler, panting heavily and having spent most of his stamina already in this rigorous activity, gathered up what remained and roared out. "Take this and die you shithead!"

Unleashing all of his pent up frustration and vigor into one final thrust, ramming it to the hilt directly in the heart. Felix let out a huge gasp before laying completely dormant.

Saddler took a moment to collect himself as his stamina was fully depleted. Heavy, labored, ragged breaths were evident from the physical exertion he just did. The sweat that built up across his body and forehead as well as all the blood were the evidence to that.

"Haah...finally." He spoke in exhaustion after managing to collect himself, wiping his face afterwards. He took out his knife from the healer's corpse before going in the direction of his two friends.

Noticing they were still alive but were looking panickedily. Their eyes were trying to convey what they felt. Pain and fear. They were continuously moving upwards and downwards in the hopes their bodies listen to them, before locking gazes with Saddler.

"What's the matter with you two?" Saddler asked in annoyance without receiving a response.

Wondering if they've been immobilized, or something, he lifted Grenn's arm before it hit the ground. "You crippled?" He asked, again not receiving a reply. He smiled at that. He went to wash his hands from all the blood before returning in to loot them and taking away anything of value from his two friends.

"Oh well, sorry boys. I guess this means more for me." He spoke while looting them.

He gave both of them a kick once he was done before speaking. "When I'm out of here I'll make sure to take a drink for you both!"

A sudden noise came from behind him. Making Saddler immediately recoil and look behind. "What?! How the fuck are you still alive?!" The one he had just killed was standing up. His wounds were fully healed, aside from the glass shards that stayed in his body, in an instant thanks to his extremely strong healing ability that made him nearly unkillable and almost immortal. He moved his hands to take out the glass shards and fully heal his body.

"Fine, this time I'll slice you to pieces after!"

Saddler moved closer and wrapped his hands around Felix's neck in order to choke him and this time, make sure he is completely dead. A fatal mistake on his part as intense signals of pain rushed through his mind that made him scream. Until at last his body fell over.

Once that was done Felix's eyes desperately scanned his surroundings. Trying to locate something. Moving around with a frantic speed, until at last he found them. He picked the ribbons up and carefully. Using his hands to clean any dirt on them.

His eyes started shedding tears as he re-attached them to his hair. Those were the last reminders of the most precious person to him before everything came crashing down. Before she threatened and exiled him.

After some minutes of silently crying, his stomach began growling. He hadn't had any proper meal in more than two weeks. Merely surviving on scraps or any kind passerby's that took pity on him and gave him food as they thought he was a noblewoman down on her luck following the rebellion.

Felix turned towards the three bodies on the ground. They were struggling to stay conscious, let alone breathe.

His lips started moving. Trying to make a sound.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...S-S...ubaru-kyun..."

"...F-Ferri-chan m-made it h-h-hurt...More..."

"...J-J-Just like...N-Nyou wanted..."

---

-Crusch Karsten's Residence-

"So you're telling me that you have no knowledge of where Felix Argyle is currently at?"

The newly promoted Commander Arlan Garrick, previously Lieutenant, of Priestella's garrison asked the green haired Duchess, Crusch Karsten, and her attendant Wilhelm Van Astraea.

He had been conducting investigations in Priestella regarding the false imprisonment and heavy torture of a royal candidate's knight for the past few days since his arrival at Priestella, while at the same time searching for the main two suspects. Julius Juuklius and Felix Argyle.

However, nothing came up. The broken prison wardens simply kept confessing their guilt over and over. Meanwhile the population were still going hard on the knights and any patrols. They had taken the curfew rather badly as the chaos started to increase. Nearly every day the patrolling knights would come back in a sullen and depressed mood at the way they were being treated.

Meanwhile the list of orders kept piling up from the Capital and the commander's troops were getting tired, which led to Crusch stepping in and adding some of her guard to his own in order to help keep the peace. Until reinforcements arrive that is.

Crusch closed her eyes before responding with a stern tone. "That is correct. I have only seen him once after..." She paused her words as she was reminded of that horrific day. When her memories of Subaru Natsuki alongside other memories were restored to her. When she knew what her knight had been doing for the past eight months.

"After the horrible revelations came out. And I have since exiled him from my household and dismissed him from my service."

"I see, and how do I know that you're not involved in the torture of a fellow candidate's knight? Are you denying your involvement by blaming it all on Felix Argyle? I bear you no ill-will, Duchess. In fact, I am grateful for your help in keeping the peace but I have heard that Felix Argyle was torturing Subaru Natsuki on your behalf."

Her face gave no reaction other than a stern stare.

"I gracefully accept whatever blame, responsibility and punishment that is put on me. However, I gave my former knight no such orders." Crusch refused to say Felix's name as it brought her a bad taste in her mouth.

"Not giving him orders does not mean not knowing of his actions." Arlan pointed out. Crusch stared at him with a stern look. Her fist, however, was clenched tightly at what the knight, who was interrogating her, was implying. She knew she couldn't deny those words.

"If I may." Wilhelm interjected in a tired tone.

"My lady was not involved in the horrible actions her former knight has committed against... S..Subaru-dono. Nor has she done anything towards him. Felix Argyle had tortured... Subaru-dono... Out of misconception that he had the key to cure Crusch-sama." Wilhelm spoke in to defend his lady.

Arlan stared at Wilhelm, eyeing him carefully before speaking. "I see. I am not here to arrest or undermine all the Crusch Camp, rest assured. I'm merely after Felix Argyle and anyone else directly responsible."

"Then you should arrest me." Wilhelm spoke all of a sudden, making Arlan raise his eyebrow inquisitively.

"I had shamefully pointed my sword at Subaru-dono when he was taken away. And for many times I've had the thought of going there and cutting him down because I believed him to be an Archbishop of the Cult. Like Felix Argyle, I too had the belief that he held the knowledge to... share how to relieve my lady of her pain. Therefore, I surrender myself." The guilt and old age were evident in his voice.

"Wilhelm..." Crusch spoke with a sad expression once she heard him.

Arlan paused for a second, then nodded and responded. "And you will pay for your part of the blame by answering my questions. Perhaps that could be your way of atonement. However, I will not fault you for having these thoughts if you didn't act on them." Although Wilhelm wasn't satisfied since answering questions didn't mean atonement.

"That said, I apologize in advance, Duchess, if my probing seemed insensitive or dredged up these feelings. I had to make certain." He spoke towards the green haired candidate before turning his gaze again towards the aged butler.

"Now then, Sword Demon." Wilhelm stood straighter. "A prison knight said that he has seen you running in desperation towards the prison. I at first assumed it was to extract Felix Argyle. Was that not the case?"

Wilhelm's eyes reflected the pain that he was carrying once he was reminded of that day. When the horrible truth of what happened came to him.

He slowly explained that he had ran to rescue Subaru once memories of him were restored, which prompted Arlan to ask further questions regarding that, as well as any additional details that could help. However, nothing was of much value other than the state Subaru Natsuki was in.

"I see." Arlan at last spoke with a heavy tone, after Wilhelm finished speaking and answering all the questions. The Duchess and her attendant looked defeated and in shame.

"This brings me to my next question." He locked gaze with Crusch. "You have said that you dismissed Felix Argyle. I wish to ask for the details. Additionally, why was Felix Argyle not detained?"

Crusch's eyes flashed in remembrance before speaking. "Very well."

- O -

A little over two weeks ago.

Following the Emilia camp's departure from Priestella. The three knights. Felix, Julius and Reinhard went their separate ways. The bloodied cell of Subaru threatened to completely choke them. Especially Julius and Felix. They couldn't withstand being in that place any longer.

Felix began wandering aimlessly. Although his feet sought out a single direction. The place where his lady was staying at in Priestella. A small mansion that she had purchased since she couldn't travel to the main Karsten residency due to her current health.

He hadn't visited her ever since the memories were restored to him. Staying outside the garrison for 3 days alongside Julius, without speaking anything other than occasionally repeating few words, while crying, until his energy was drained. There was also a part of him that kept trying to justify himself. That it was a genuine mistake. That he did all of it out of pure desperation to heal Crusch. Desperation that increased daily.

After spending a long time walking, where his ears were picking off noises of the people around him who were murmuring something about a 'Hero', he finally managed to reach the household.

Upon entering. He saw how the guards averted their gaze from him. The maids and butlers looked as if they didn't want him here, especially some of the newer maids whom they hired following Greed's death.

He climbed the stairs slowly until he reached the 3rd floor of the mansion. His feet then walked him across a corridor until he came across Old Man Wil who stared emptily through him rather than at him and said nothing.

Wilhelm had wanted nothing more than to cut Felix down where he stood, however, the veteran swordsman knew that to do so would be hypocrisy on his part. If he cuts down Felix then he would have to kill himself as well.

Wilhelm too had a part to play in that shameful event. He had completely forsaken his sword after the realization that he had failed not only his wife, but the boy he thought of as an adoptive grandson. He chose instead to act as a butler for the remainder of his time left in this world. Although if he or his Lady were threatened, he would not hesitate. But this time the one that was truly threatened was the one in front of him rather than his lady.

He stood still and allowed Felix inside.

Felix subconsciously gulped before opening the door to find the green haired Duchess on her wheelchair. She was looking out the distance from her window. She had been watching out of the windows as of late, ever since her memories were fully restored. Deeply contemplating all that has happened and might happen.

Her desk had papers that she is yet to finish signing or reading.

"...C-Crusch-sama...?" Felix called out to her to get her attention.

"You finally decided to show your face... Why?" She spoke coldly without turning to face him.

She turned around a second later. Her amber eyes staring a hole through him. "Allow me to rephrase that. What have you to say for yourself, Felix?"

"F-f-forgive... Ferri-chan...Ferris did it for C-Crusch-sama..." It had been one of the few words that he could speak ever since his memories were returned to him and he realized the incredible mistake that he had done.

Crusch's face was in disbelief before her jaw tightened. "For me...? Tell me Felix, before Subaru Natsuki's identity was... recovered, did I ask you to torture him? Have I ordered you to torture him? No. You did that of your own accord."

"I overheard my guards for the past few months speaking of how you used all methods to hurt him despite the fact that 'Pride' kept screaming he was innocent and was someone else." Her eyes were reflecting anger.

"Why did you not investigate it? You had months and months to investigate. You could have even brought him before me and asked him questions and I would've said whether he was telling the truth or not. But instead you spent those months torturing a man that I-...We owe much to." She spoke in a heated tone as she chided Felix.

She paused to exhale a frustrated and pained breath, due to her curse, before continuing. "And had his identity not been recovered you would've continued on torturing him in MY name!" She roared out with her voice coming out like a growl. It had been the first time Felix has ever heard her that angry at him.

The pain then forced a groan to escape her throat."Uck!..." Felix wanted to reach for her but she held out a hand that stopped him in his place.

She winced then took a second to compose before proceeding. "...I-I confess, I share some of the blame as I too was disgracefully believing he was the Archbishop of Pride but what you have done is far worse."

"F-F-Ferris... is sorry..."

Crusch's face frowned with heavy disappointment.

"You did it for me and you're sorry... Is that all you have to say for yourself? What are you sorry for exactly? That your deeds stained my name, my honor, completely ruined my alliance with Emilia-sama and damaged my candidacy? Or are you apologizing over the fact that your crimes are now known? That you were happily and ignorantly torturing Subaru Natsuki for all that time and now sadly you cannot?" She spoke with a heated tone before calming herself down.

"No. Your apologies are meaningless, Felix, and they are spoken to the wrong person. Not to mention far, far too late."

"...ry.." Felix tried to reply but the words of apologies he had to say were stuck in his throat after she said 'Too late'.

"My thin patience grows thinner. Are you not going to speak why you did this and continued to do this for months on end despite him protesting his innocence? Why you purposefully ignored your duty?" She asked in a cold tone, devoid of all the warmth she once had whenever speaking to him.

He tried speaking but the only sounds that came out were his sniffling.

Sadness filled Crusch's eyes, before changing expression. She needed to stay strong for this. "So be it. Wilhelm."

A second later and the door opened. "You called for me, my lady?" Wilhelm asked with an emotionless tone while intentionally avoiding to stare at Felix.

"Yes, I merely wanted you to be a witness." She spoke softly to him before fixing her amber gaze on Felix. Her expression, stone-faced.

"Felix Argyle. By my authority as the Duchess of House Karsten, as well as a Royal Candidate to the throne, I hereby revoke your status as my knight as well as a knight of the kingdom." She spoke with utter authority. Passing down her judgement on her former closest friend and confidant without remorse.

Making Felix both tremble and start tearing up.

"I strip you from any ranks, titles and renown you have acclaimed as well as any weapons and possessions you gained from your position as my knight. I will allow you to keep everything else, including the wealth you amassed in my service. Consider that an act of mercy."

Crusch turned her face away from Felix, as water came out of her eyes which meant she had to hide her expression.

"For the sake of the long friendship we once had and for all that you have done for me over the years. I will give you an hour to gather your belongings and get out of my sight. You are no longer welcomed here or in any domain and territory that belongs to my household."

Felix's knees buckled at this. His face refused to lift itself to stare at her.

"Wilhelm, I know you forsook your sword but could I ask that you make sure he doesn't overstay his welcome. Please." Her tone betrayed her feelings.

"As you wish, Crusch-sama." Wilhelm began to drag the motionless Felix away without any protests.

"Goodbye Felix Argyle. For your sake, I hope I don't see your face again." Those were the last words she had spoken to Felix.

She broke down into sobs once they left her room.

- O -

Crusch's eyes closed after recounting that. A small tear threatened to escape from the side of her eyes and her hands were curled into a fist as she recounted that event. She regained her composure a second later.

"I must say it's highly unfortunate and disappointing that you banished him over detaining him, Duche-" Arlan commented afterwards. However, a knight barged in, just before he could finish speaking, immediately alerting all four individuals in the room.

"Sir! Urgent news!"

"This better be good. I am in no mood if this is another riot, or if the civilians are staging another raid on the Garrison."

The knight got closer to him and whispered something in his ear.

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well." Arlan beckoned to his second-in-command and both of them stood up to leave. Crusch and Wilhelm looked confused at the commander.

Arlan spoke final words for Crusch.

"Before I leave, I was to inform you that you are summoned to appear in front of the Sages. Although judging from your health, I would say you needn't attend and I will simply relay whichever questions they deem necessary to ask you. Thus concludes our visit here. Thank you for all you have shared alongside the support of your troops in keeping the peace. Duchess." He nodded at her and left without hearing her answer.

After they left. Crusch had a stern look on her face as she spoke to Wilhelm. "Wilhelm. Prepare the carriage please."

The aged butler looked at his lady in worry. "Crusch-sama, are you certain? You have not be-"

"In the past two weeks I have done nothing of significance other than being forced to endure the suffering of my curse and humiliation at what my previous knight has done. No more." She shook her head. "I've stayed caged in this city for too long. If the Sages wish to meet with me to discuss what happened, then I'll go discuss and take responsibility. I owe it to Subaru Natsuki for all the harm he put him through." She spoke with determined eyes.

---

-Priestella's Garrison-

Sounds of clashing were heard in the distance. Of frustrated grunts, whirling noises of slashing in the air and metal clanking against metal.

"Haha! Ya nearly hit me there. Keep tryin'." A deep voice belonging to a large and muscular wolf type of demi-human was heard. He seemed to have one arm replaced with a prosthetic iron hook, with the other arm holding a giant sword shaped like a hatchet. He was also holding his own against five knights, meanwhile other Demi-humans were watching this with amusement.

"Ha!" A knight yelled as he came from behind the wolfman and tried to thrust. But the wolfman immediately moved with a speed that betrayed his immense size, and easily evaded the thrust, before kicking the knight's foot and making him trip.

Then he deflected another knight's sword with his hook, before kicking him in the chest with moderate strength. Sending him toppling to the ground.

The other three knights tried to attack him simultaneously, before stopping abruptly once they noticed their commander standing in the distance. They released a big sigh of relief as exhaustion set into them.

"What'sa matter? Why'd ya stop?" He asked, before looking at where they were staring.

"Ah, you finally showed up. Been waitin' for ya for awhile now. Nice to meet ya, you too li'l lady." His accent was evident from where he was, Kararagi.

"I'm-"

"Ricardo Welkin." The second-in-command spoke as if she recognized him. The Wolfman nodded at her before gesturing for his troops to resume training.

"May I ask what the Fangs of Iron, as well as their captain, doing in here?" Arlan spoke in an inquiring tone. Ricardo seemed to be frowning but didn't voice out a complaint.

"We're here 'cause of the orders of my boss." He spoke plainly.

"Because of Lady Hoshin?"

He scratched his head with his one good hand before speaking. "I'm no business man but she wanted the Iron Fang to investigate why the Hoshin business here have... Not been makin' profit. Her words." He looked towards the city from the distance. "Rumors also been circulatin' and what not about this city across the river. But I guess seein' is believin'. Hero of Priestella, huh... Had to be you bro." He murmured the last part to himself with a pained expression.

"That doesn't explain why you and all your troops came to the garrison. Are you here to act as support like Duchess Karsten has been doing with some of her troops until reinforcement arrives?"

"Sorry bro. It's just me and those few Fangs not the whole lotta them. I gotta do some investigatin' on my part and I came to extend courtesy in case ya come knockin'. And since you arrived too late, things got borin' and well." Ricardo gestured to the five exhausted knights behind him. Two of them were still on the ground. "Trainin' is where it's at."

"It's a shame Lady Hoshin didn't come herself. I have some questions that she needs to answer. An investigation on my part, like yours, and an invitation to personally meet with the Sages. And unlike Duchess Karsten, Lady Hoshin is physically capable of making that trip. Should I leave it to you to relay that to her?"

Ricardo seemed to make an 'ah' sound. "Figures it'd eventually come to that." Ricardo's face then formed into what seemed as if he had just swallowed a bitter pill. "She brought'ya a gift."

"Gift?" The second-in-command decided to ask as she noticed her commander was staring in confusion.

"My legs are itchin' to walk after all that trainin'." Ricardo ignored her question and moved without answering or looking back to check. Both of them decided to follow behind Ricardo.

...

They walked to one of the entrances of the Garrison. There they saw 2 carriages pulled by ligers with a rabbit demi-human standing guard.

"Captain." the rabbit demi-human saluted once she spotted her leader. He walked towards one of the carriage she was safe-guarding.

"What are you supposed to show us?" Arlan asked in confusion.

"You'll see." He responded as he moved to open the carriage door. Ricardo stopped just before opening it.

"Look. Just... treat him right, 'kay? I know he fucked up, and pretty badly too, but I could tell Ana-bo still has a soft spot for him. I fucked up too since I had a part in it, and I ain't ever takin' it back." His tone and eyes seemed to indicate that he was reliving a past event. Before opening the door and allowing the commander to look inside.

Arlan didn't respond but his curiosity was increased.

Taking a peek at what or who was inside that carriage. He saw a jaded man with dirtied clothes, misshapen long purple hair and a stubble. dark bags under his bloodshot eyes as if he had not slept in days, and he seemed to be in a delirious state as if he was talking to himself.

"What in Reid Astraea..." Arlan felt his jaw slacken in recognition at who was in front of him.

His second-in-command decided to take the initiative. "Is that really him?" She asked Ricardo, but Ricardo looked down and nodded his head without saying anything.

Arlan got closer to the person in the carriage. "Julius Juuklius." That seemed to invigorate the man as his tired eyes focused with a glare at Arlan.

The moment he said that, Ricardo sighed. "Here we go."

"Do you recognize who I-"

"NO!" He roared and tried to stand up but his legs were wobbly. Arlan and his second-in-command were truly surprised as it was the first time they've ever heard Julius raise his voice like that.

"DO NOT CALL ME THAT!"

He again tried to rise up but fell to the ground and cursed under his breath.

"My name is Juli... JULI! I also fully accept Jules. But not Julius and certainly NOT Juuklius." His voice was seething with genuine hatred.

"...Do I make myself clear?"

---

-Outskirts of Lugunica-

=Early Morning=

A white haired man who was riding his beloved earth dragon at the early dawn of the morning, while it was still dark.

'To check: I need to find a healer that can withdraw mana, or a spirit. A tent against the cold nights. As well as a sleeping bag and cooking items, water container, fire stones. Also food for Patrasche and possibly a small carriage to help carry those things instead of making Patrasche uncomfortable. A map would be good just so I can stay on track, though I doubt I'll find any cartographer laying around.'

He had taken control after arguing with his other self that the journey would take twice as long if he wasn't in control. Especially considering they lacked essentials for their trip. Essentials that made him a good candidate for being the one in charge. He won the argument after pointing out that his other self's very twisted common sense meant that obtaining each item would be too chaotic. Making Pride consent to that with a bored sigh.

'Anything else? Stocking up on food and wat- No, that's obvious. Hmm I'll also need different clothes and a cloak just in case any of 'them' recognize my clothes if they follow me.' He was thankful he still remembered the survivor lessons from Clind lifetimes ago as it made him focus on what to get. To take care of the more important priorities right away.

So far Subaru had only taken few clothes from the mansion but he didn't gather money, food, water or essential equipments.

Luckily on just the first day of their trip they had met with bandits whom Pride dealt with. He was also smart enough to leave one bandit alive to show them their hideout and looting it. Taking away any coins and leftover food and water they've had before pranking the last bandit.

And Pride being Pride, he still wasted some of the coins by placing a gold coin in one empty eye socket of each bandit he had killed. The inner voice of Subaru had argued about how wasteful that is. That they needed all the money they could get since things can always be unpredictable.

But Pride only shrugged. "Usually you put two coins on top of the eyes for the Ferryman right? Well, imagine if they meet the Ferryman with only one coin and it's stuck inside their eye hahaha. Good one, no?" To which Subaru huffed at that flawed mentality.

By now it was the start of the third day. While Subaru was riding and thinking to himself and running a list of what to get, an imagination appeared that rode on the other side of the road next to Subaru and Patrasche.

It was his other self and he was riding on top of something that wasn't an imaginary Patrasche. Subaru paused his thinking midway and did a double take before he gave Pride a 'Really?' look.

Pride was humming along for the ride before noticing his other self's stare.

What? Do I have something on our face? Or do you wanna hum along, tell jokes, or ask puzzles?

"You couldn't ride an imaginary horse, Patrasche or literally anything else?"

Patrasche's neck craned to look back at him, thinking he was talking to her. He gently caressed her head, an action that made her let out a noise akin to happiness before turning her head around.

Ah, well, I mean horses are overrated and my dear, diligent Patrasche is right here. So I thought, 'Why don't I go for the next best thing?'. And here we are. Gotta say Garfi makes a good mount you know. Be a waste not to use him even if he's angry all the time in here *knocks on head*

Subaru eyerolled and kept his eyes glued to the road instead.

He was annoyed at seeing one of the ones that betrayed him but he tried to not let it get to his head. They had no hold on him anymore, not that they've had any hold to begin with other than fleeting feelings of nostalgia which merely filled Subaru with a bitter taste in his mouth. It almost made him laugh at the irony since he couldn't taste anything.

Although he would still miss Rem, Petra, Frederica and, funny enough, Meili, the girl who tried to kill him on his first night back in the mansion. A part of him would even miss Emilia. But he didn't know whether it was because of the curiosity at why she became real to Pride or because he once had feelings for her and never received the closure he wanted.

Other than that he was going to leave them eventually, it just came sooner than expected. Staying with them was tiring since he heavily distrusted most of them but he would've bore it until he got into a better shape. That was all thrown out of the window when the knights came. Barely a week since he was in the mansion and they came for him because the Sages wanted him for unknown reasons. Not that he cared to find out.

He tried to focus on happier thoughts. His real goal and the purpose of this trip. Keeping the promise to save the one person in this entire world that meant anything to him. And hopefully, with her powers, the two of them can go to his world instead of staying in this one that seems to deeply loathe him.

He thought more about his world and more specifically his parents. He had always often missed them but tried not to think about it, until his time in that lonely cell where they were prevalent in his thoughts on a daily basis. With each unanswered prayer to the gods of his world he'd often include reuniting with his parents at the end of the recitals.

He could almost smile at the thought of reuniting with them again. Their names were on the tip of his tongue but try as he might, he couldn't recall it. And he didn't have the heart to ask Satella to tell him their names, assuming that she knows it. He also couldn't remember what their voices sounded like. The only thing he remembers are just barely recognizable silhouettes of their faces in his mind.

He used to have a picture of them of when Subaru was younger, that he always kept it on him at all times. That was until the knights in Priestella confiscated and burned what he had on him.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Trying to not fall into the rabbit hole and get angry thoughts at what the knights took from him. At what they did to him. Emptying his mind of everything and just focusing on the road ahead.

...

Finally, after a couple hours of silence where the only noises were wind, Pride humming, or wildlife, and a small break to rest Patrasche and have breakfast. Subaru finally spotted a village in the distance.

'I could rest there for the day. Hopefully they have what I need.' He counted down the coins they looted from the bandits. Originally it had been 35 gold coins but because of Pride's shenanigans they were down to 27. There were also a handful of silver coins but they didn't amass much in terms of the gold ones. It was likely still enough for Subaru to cover everything's cost.

"Stop right there, kid." A man dressed in a guard's outfit called out to him as he approached the village's entrance. He was sneering at Subaru.

"You gotta pay a toll before you enter." He called out to Subaru mockingly. Subaru doubted that was the case but decided to humor him.

"How much?" Subaru asked coldly.

The guard was taken aback by the tone, but didn't care too much. He seemed to intentionally pause to think before answering him. "I believe it was 11 silvers. Yep, 11 silvers." He spoke almost as a matter-of-fact. Making sure to sound believable.

"Really? 11 silvers to enter a village? What kind of bu-'

Before he could finish speaking, his eyes immediately changed expression. He looked at the guard with excitement as he unsaddled from Patrasche.

He took out the pouch of gold coins, making sure to jingle it in front of the guard. And watching how his eyes gleamed at the sight. "I see, I see. 11 silver coins, right?" Subaru asked to check.

Receiving an instant nod from the guard and gaining his attention. A greedy smile became present on his face which increased once Subaru opened the pouch and revealed its content.

"Ahhh, look at how clumsy I am hahaha. I guess I packed more gold coins than silver. But it's fine, it's alright. I'm always striving to be generous like a wiseman I once knew. So here, have two! I insist! it's on me!" He took out two coins and handed it to the knight in an instant, who seemed extremely happy to take them.

"Much appreciat-"

"Oh you're very welcome! But, wanna know what's better than two?" Subaru interrupted him and asked a question that only he knew the answer to.

"Three." Subaru answered that hard question an instant after, in a cheerful manner as he took out a gold coin. "I hope this one will get me good treatment while I'm here. I also realize that village guards are underappreciated and should get better pay, don't you agree? Don't you also think that you should get compensation for facing off such strong threats like Mabeasts and the likes?"

"Heh, damn right. You speak my language kid, I knew I liked you." The guard opened his palm. His smile ever increasing as Subaru landed the coin directly into it.

"Such a delightful expression, absolutely delightful. Where I come from there is this saying. 'All that is gold does not glitter.', but smiles certainly do! And you have a very golden smile if I've ever seen one hahaha" He dropped a fourth coin into the guard's palm. His eyes never left the gaze of the guardsman, making him begin to feel unease. His smile began to waver while Subaru's smile was growing bigger.

He took out a fifth coin. Stopping midway just before it could reach the guard's hand. "Hey I got a funny question since you're a guard and all. I'll give you this one if you answer it. Due recompense."

"What would that be, kid?" The guard was wavering in front of the strange man. His eyes darting between the coin the strange man held in his hand, and the strange man himself before back at the coin.

"You wouldn't happen to be a knight, would you?"

He was taken aback by that sudden question. He eyed him from head to toe, trying to gauge the strange man's intentions first. He knew he was much stronger than the strange man and he was armed unlike him, but something about him seemed off. Almost as if he wanted him to say 'Yes, I'm a knight.'

Subaru noticed how the guard looked uncertain and so he decided to assure him that it was fine. "I'm sorry, my new friend, if my question offended you in any way. I'm just looking at your gear and those brave men in the distance" His eyes wandered towards the small outpost nearby where 3 or 4 other guards stood.

"and wondering if you were trained as a knight you know? Or can anyone become a lazy village guard these days? Thank you, I'm sorry."

The way he said that made the man feel offended.

"You damn brat. Of course I'm a knight. My rank isn't that important but you think I can just carry a sword like that if I didn't receive the training?" He spoke with confidence. Emphasizing the 'training' part to try and sound intimidating as he didn't like how the white haired individual in front of him was fully relaxed. Almost as if he didn't care what could happen to him because of his words.

"I think I deserve another coin just for that insol-"

He couldn't finish his sentence as his teeth started chittering and his body was shivering uncontrollably, almost if the air had just gotten colder, much colder than it already was all of a second before it vanished. Making him wonder if there was a storm or something nearby.

*Clink*

That noise immediately drew his attention. He looked towards where it came from, only to see that a gold coin was in his palm. It had already meshed in with the other gold coins. Before looking back at the strange man. He was giving him a genuine, happy, big smile. It almost made him feel at ease were it not for what he just felt.

"How spectacular! So spectacular! Very spectacular! Isn't it spectacular? It must be spectacular! Has to be spectacular! But why spectacular? Since it's spectacular! ~tsu" The words he said made the guard's hand almost instinctively reach for his weapon. He felt that his forehead was sweating from the pressure that suddenly came to him, before the feeling of alertness vanished.

The earth dragon seemingly nuzzled into the white haired man. He started patting her and took his gaze away from the guard. Making the guard's shoulders relax a bit.

"Yes, I know Patrasche. I think he looks cold too. Maybe he should get a blanket? Anyways," He turned his gaze back on the guard. "I had a feeling you were one the moment I saw you. I'm a huge fan of knights you see, they're all so heroic and friendly. I always wanted to be one when I grow up! I hope the white hair that I received from a long period of fun didn't make you think I'm older than I look, my new friend. Or should I call you Big Bro~?" He spoke in a flirty way, while trying to stifle a laugh.

"I..Errr...R..Right. O-Off you go t-then." The guard tried and failed to shake off what he just felt.

"Hear that, Patrasche? Big Bro~ is letting us pass hahaha" He spoke with genuine joy as he got on top of Patrasche, ready to go towards the village.

"Quick coin toss!" He threw the guard one last coin without any warning, making him fail to catch it and tripping to the ground face first with all other coins he had carried in his palm scattering.

"Oooh, bad reaction time there." Subaru commented on the way the guard tripped. "Anyway, you were gonna say you deserved another one, right? And you sure do! Hahaha, we should definitely play heads or tails next time!"

The guard watched him as he left. He seemed to be talking excitedly to himself or probably his earth dragon.

Glaring daggers at his leaving form. He collected the coins then spat before clicking his tongue in his direction. "Tch, rich bastard. I'll show you that no one messes with me like that. I think it's time for the lads to revisit this shithole. Seems like it got richer recently."

---

Following that small and friendly fee exchange. Pride had let his other self resume control again. Although he was very unhappy with Pride for wasting 6 gold coins just like that. Being scammed by a scummy person.

Pride simply laughed it off and told him that he worries too much and that they still had more than enough gold for everything. He also promised to not waste more gold, making Subaru roll his eyes in a 'Yeah, right.' way. He decided to let it go for now since he embarked inside the village.

His eyes picked up the scenery once he got further in. From the growing patch of grass that filled the ground, to the many buildings and shops that had just opened up since it was still early in the morning, to the smoke coming from the bakery or the forges. There were also those that were tending to their crops, as well as the wildlife of the village.

He also saw some children playing around nearby with some stopping to gaze at Patrasche and letting out an audible "Wow! I've never seen one like it before!" "I want to ride an Earth Dragon like that when I get older!"

It reminded him of the children in Arlam, when times were simpler. Before shaking off that thought as it brought him nothing but bitterness and a feeling of emptiness.

His eyes eventually caught sight of a large cozy building that seemed to be an inn or at least from the way it looks. He noted it down in his mind before going around again. Leading Patrasche to the stables area and paying for her care.

The stabler owner seemed amazed by Patrasche. "She's a fine specimen, this one. Diana species if my mind recalls. Worry not, sir. I'll treat her like I treat my own."

'Good.' Subaru thought while gently caressing her before turning to go for the inn.

Patrasche didn't seem to want to part from Subaru, making noises and kept trying to drag him and ride her again.

"Feisty one too it seems." The stable owner let out a mirthful chuckle at the scene before him.

Subaru rested his forehead on hers. "Don't worry Patrasche, we'll just rest here for a bit to restock. I'll be around the corner from here and I'll keep an eye out, ok? You'll be in good hands. I promise." She seemed to understand that as she gently nuzzled him and licked his face, evoking a very small, almost invisible, smile. A show of rare emotions from him before returning to his normal expressionless face. He gave her one last head pat before marching back towards the inn afterwards.

Upon entering, he was greeted by a handful of travelers and villagers that were eating and talking with one another, with 3 or 4 waitresses of various ages that all had pinkish red hair going around bringing food or what not.

A kind looking woman who appeared to be in her 40s, who also had pinkish red hair, gestured for him to approach closer. She seemed to be the person in charge of the place. She also had a motherly feeling to her that Subaru couldn't help but be reminded of his own mom.

"Welcome to my establishment, dear sir. Are you here to eat, Od knows you need it, or are you looking to rent a room?"

'I should probably pay for two days in case I don't finish shopping.' Subaru thought before speaking.

"No, I recently had breakfast, but thanks for the offer. I'll take the latter, please. I'm here to stay for today and tomorrow."

"Of course, dear sir. Food services included?" She asked. He nodded.

"That'll be 4 silver coins. Could I register your name if you would? If it's not too much. It's just for the ledger you see. Also for pleasantries." The woman asked while giving him a friendly smile.

'I need to come up with a name to avoid her answering the question 'Have you seen a guy named Subaru Natsuki here?'. Since this is still within, or nearby, Roswaal's domain I guess.'

"Sure. My name is... Pleiad-" Before Subaru could continue, his mouth stopped obeying his command. Almost as if it had a will of its own. "Cell in Garrison from Priestella." Subaru's mouth spoke with a mischievous smile forming afterwards. Before Subaru took control over it again.

His emotionless expression changed into a small frown at what Pride just said. Inwardly sighing at the mess his other self likely just caused.

The woman paused to think at the name before writing it down. "Selin Garysin? You must be not from around here, ah right you did say Priestella. Fufu~ well, give me a moment to grab the keys to your room, Selin-kun."

'What?' He was in disbelief at her as she went away. He didn't expect that. He didn't think she would genuinely fall for it.

Wait, what? Hahahaha! That's amazing! What an amazing name! Pleased to make your acquaintance, "Selin" hahahaha!

"You're lucky that blunder of yours went wrong and she didn't think deeply about the name. I'm still annoyed about earlier too so shut up." He whispered, as there were people around, to chide Pride for his carelessness.

Like a beautiful wisewoman once said 'I'm sowwy~'. Besides you can't deny that "Selin" is a much better name than Pleiades or whichever one you were going for. Good name through and through.

He conceded to that logic as Pleiades didn't sound too creative. Still, the name Pride chose wasn't a good name either, as it meant he was naming himself after the worst place he's ever been in.

A second or two later and the woman returned back. "Follow me." She led him upstairs towards a second door to the right.

"There you go, Selin-kun." His eyes flashed in annoyance at that name before changing an instant later.

"The 3rd room to your left has a bath if you wish to use that. As for food, I know in cities some inns offer food to come to your room but we usually serve it downstairs if that's alright with you?"

"I'm not particular about where I eat."

She gave him a warm, welcoming smile. "Fufu~ well said. Well, we just had breakfast so lunch won't be here for a while but I'll send one of my girls to call out when food is ready. Hope you enjoy your stay."

Finally at his room. He released the sigh that had built up in his throat ever since arriving in this place at what could've happened.

He decided to make use of his stay here. Taking a bath to calm himself first seemed like a good idea. He didn't mind if the water was cold or hot, not that he could feel it, but it was preferable if it was hot since he didn't want to get sick this early into his trip.

Afterwards. He went back to his room to rest for sometime. He hadn't really been able to sleep that well as he and Patrasche continued riding for a long period of the day, for the past two days, in order to put as much distance between him and the mansion as possible.

He also had to make sure to keep a watch in case any mabeasts or anything else came across them whenever they stopped to rest. Even when Pride told him that it would be a really good surprise if that would happen as they slept.

Eventually a knock came that interrupted his slumber, and a girl no older than 15 or 16 was at the door. She reminded him of Petra, if Petra was older and had much longer hair, which was also dyed in a shade of bright pinkish red with a dark red ribbon tied on the right side of her hair. No doubt one of the daughters of the Matron that he saw earlier.

"Excuse me, Onii-chan.. Um, can I call you Onii-chan? Since I don't think you're that old."

'I prefer that over 'Selin'.' "Call me what you want."

She gave him a smile. "Onii-chan, then! Anyway, my mother said to tell you that lunch will be served soon."

'I should ask her for some pointers to this place.'

"Got it, thanks. Do you mind if I ask you for directions while we go down?"

"Sure!" She replied cheerfully before adding. "Can you give me a minute to tell other guests?"

"I don't mind."

As he was going down with her to the dining hall, he began asking her where to purchase a sleeping bag among other things and she gave him directions. She seemed put-off by his emotionless tone but didn't pay too much attention to it as he seemed genuinely curious and interested. Taking in every word she said and etching it deep into his memory log. She, however, raised an eyebrow when he asked her if a healer was around.

"It doesn't hurt to stock up on antidotes in case of a fever or cold because of the weather." He said a reasonable half-lie. He had intended on buying such things but it wasn't the main reason to go to a healer in his case. It seemed to assure her and she gave him a direction for the local healer of this area.

Just before they entered the dining hall door. He turned towards her and said, "Catch." Tossing something to her before opening the door to the big dining hall.

She stammered instantly once she caught it and saw what it was. "Eh? Eh?!" She looked at her hand then back at Subaru that was walking away.

"W-why? B-but!?" Her loudness caught the attention of the few travelers that were there who looked at her in confusion, before resuming their talks with one another. She blushed in embarrassment once she noticed their stares.

"You've earned it."

She gave him an unsure look and spoke more quietly this time. "Umm, a-are you really s-sure? I-I didn't really do a-anything..'

"You helped me out by giving directions without expecting anything. So take it as a reward."

"I-I still d-didnt... But t-thank you very much then!" She gave him a bright smile as she went for the kitchen. Subaru meanwhile picked a quiet corner to sit in, deciding to keep to himself.

So it's fine when you waste gold but when I do it, it's wrong? *Fake hurt tone* Talk about self-favoritism.

He whispered to himself. "She was more helpful than dead bandits an-"

Hmmm~ their gold is pretty helpful. They also provided good entertainment hahaha.

"And definitely more helpful than that guard." He finished what he wanted to say.

*Bored tone* Ugh, you're not gonna let that go aren't you? Don't be such a stick in the mud. It doesn't hurt to be generous every once in a while.

He tuned his other self out as he tried to listen to the people's conversations. However, they were mostly discussing their lives. Nothing of note. Some mentioned a rebellion regarding a heroic figure, but it seemed to be a rumor. Although one of them had said something that caught Subaru's attention.

"Aye, their activity has seen an increase those days I'm afraid. Why, just a few days ago there were mutilated bodies all over the roads."

'I guess he's talking about the bandits Pride encountered. I'm surprised the news travels around so fast. Although he said 'their'. Does it mean they think that was done by a group?'

"That village was all but in ruins too. Very few survivors, and ones that are left aren't looking much better than their dead family members."

'Village? Survivors? That's not the bandits then. Who's he talking about?'

"Bah, damnable bastards. They're no better than their cursed witc-"

He stopped listening as the girl had returned and brought him a bowl of soup that is made with both meat and vegetables, with bread to dip in. He immediately dug in before noticing the girl still lingered. "D-do you like it, Onii-chan? I-I made it myself." The girl asked, apparently nervous of his reaction.

'Well, I can't really taste it. It could be as bad as Ram's cooking for all I know, and I might end up with food poisoning but I won't be rude. Besides, I'm visiting a healer later.' "Mm. It's alright." Was his only response which seemed to make her happy although her smile didn't match her eyes.

He could hear Pride in his mind complaining that the soup tasted bland, just like his other self's personality, and that it needed more ingredients to make it enjoyable.

---

Following that. Subaru had gone on a shopping spree. Although it hadn't gone as well as he would've liked.

He had noted that some of the shop owners seemed to be eyeing him as a noble's son. It was yet another reason why he needed to get regular clothes and not ones that were neatly tailored for him from his days as Emilia's knight. Or probably because of the gold pouch he was carrying. One of the merchants had tried to sell his merchandise for a much higher price than it was offered to other people. A bad mistake on his part.

Subaru didn't have the patience for those kinds of people, especially after that guard earlier. So he instead took on the role of what the merchant and anyone else who was eyeing him assumed.

"You can either start treating me as any other person around here. Or I can just as easily go to the next village, or even Costuul since it's nearby and buy the same thing you have, probably at a cheaper price there too. And since my father... Is a nobleman like your eyes and crooked smile seem to suggest. Then it would mean that I can easily use the influence to blacklist your shop and ruin whichever reputation you have, or had, once I leave. I don't know about you but that would be catastrophic since the weather is getting colder around here, right? I mean I could be just bluffing and playing the role you've passed to me but are you really sure you want to take that risk? I either lose nothing, or a few silvers based on your choice."

His cold, emotionless tone had unintentionally played in his favor. Making the merchant, and any one that heard him, sweat and take his words very seriously. His threat even made them sell their stuff at a cheaper price in an attempt to appease him.

Well you certainly violated their rights hahaha. Otto's eloquent imagination would be proud to see your shrewdness at haggling though. I also know a truly TRUUUUULY~ greedy Royal Candidate would be proud too! Pride complimented after seeing the hilarious reactions of the shop owners.

Afterwards, Subaru used shadow hands to lift all the things he purchased as they had became rather heavy for him. All the while he was giving off the illusion that he was actually lifting them by placing his hands on them.

He was still missing out on a carriage and a tent as well as a few other things. But the most important thing is that he has gotten most of everything else. He was also now at 17 gold down from 27. Six went to the guard, courtesy of Pride. Three were used to purchase everything and one was held by the Matron's daughter for her helpful answers.

Which, speaking of which.

"Wow, Onii-chan. That seems really heavy. Let me help you." She had been doing chores outside with one of her sisters when she saw him lifting the items as he was headed towards the inn. She went towards him and offered her help.

"No need. I got it." He declined her help. Not because he didn't want it or anything, but because he was using shadow hands to carry them. There was no need for help. He was also distrustful after dealing with greedy people. Assuming that she probably wanted another coin as well after he already gave her one because of her helpfulness before.

She seemed to take offense as she assumed he lacked trust in her strength. "Hey! I know I'm young, but I'm still growing muscles." She confidently flexed and pointed at her unmuscular biceps. "See?"

"If you say so." His tone mixed with his expressionless face made her pout and whisper, "Honestly..." as he casually walked past her.

"Wait! I, uh. I didn't do anything other than giving you directions. So... Let me do this at least. Please?" She had wanted to help him to try and earn the gold coin he gave her, as she felt undeserved of it.

He paused his step. Sighed and relented. "You can take the sleeping bag." That seemed to make her happy as she took it from him before giving him puppy eyes.

"What?"

"That big bag on your right hand looks easy to grab too."

"No."

"Bu-"

"No."

She pouted again. "Honestly... You don't like help when it's freely offered?"

"It's heavy."

"And the slightly smaller bag on your left?"

He sighed again and gave up. "Do what you want."

She had a victorious grin as she took that bag away. "Was that so hard?"

Once they were inside the inn, he headed upstairs to his room before she stopped him.

"Wrong way. Come on."

She led him to a storage area in the basement. Dropping the items in a room before locking it. She rubbed her hands as if cleaning invisible dirt before speaking to him. "Need anything else, Onii-chan?"

"No, that should be all." Subaru said afterwards as they both got out of the storage area.

"You're welcome! Well, I'm thirsty, want a drink?" She asked to which he nodded wordlessly.

He wanted to point out that she might be too young for alcohol, but from what he remembers the age of 15 is legal in this world. He also didn't want to have an unnecessary conversation. Or he could be misunderstanding and she was offering water or juice or whatever.

While still walking the stairs, she decided to stir up a conversation. "Hey, so, can I as-" Before she could finish, a child's voice answered her from the stairs.

"Nee-san! Stop slacking off or I'll tell on mama!"

"Ugh.. Coming!" She shouted back to her younger sister before turning towards Subaru with an apologetic look. "Sorry, duty calls. If you're gonna bring more stuff, just talk to me, my mother or my older sister for a key to the storage." She spoke as she left.

He also still had one place to go to. The healer's house.

---

"Ah, a new face. Good day, young man. Welcome to the village of Riel. Are you looking for herbs to enhance your tea, or brew perhaps if you look for something stronger?"

An elderly voice spoke to him after Subaru knocked the door to a house before entering. The inside almost resembled a botanist's. Filled with various herbs and flowers of all types. Smoke from a kettle nearby caught his eyes as well, before focusing on the owner.

He was an old man with his hair and beard already grey, he also gave off a grandfatherly-like vibes. It subconsciously reminded him of Wilhelm, which made Subaru think back on the old butler.

'I looked up to him. Took in every word and advice he said seriously. At one point I even considered him a grandfather and a man to truly idolize. Even tried helping him reconcile with his overpowered grandson. In the end his sword joined the many others that pointed at my back, because of his grandson's silence. The rotten apple of that despicable family tree doesn't fall far when I think about it. 2 out of 3 generations of Astraea betrayed and hurt me. Then again, not like Wilhelm's drunk son and Reinhard's absusive dad is any better.' His fists clenched tightly.

"Young man?" The healer's voice brought Subaru's mind back to focus on his surroundings.

'This man isn't Wilhelm.' He unclenched his fists.

"I was told you're the healer of the village."

"I am also the village elder, but you are quite right on the first. Allow me to take a closer look at you."

The man got closer to him and inspected him from head to toe. Had Subaru been naked, the man would be in for a heavy shock at the amount of scars that enveloped his torso, back, arms and legs. All of which were courtesy of his friends, according to Pride. Luckily, the scars didn't extend to his neck and face. Which helped avoid being looked at weirdly and being asked unnecessary questions. Questions that only brought negative thoughts to him whenever he remembers which scar came from which instrument wielded by which person.

Back with the old healer. He couldn't tell anything from the clothes that Subaru was wearing. "Hmm. You do look rather scrawny, if I do say so myself, and that hand of yours seems Interesting. But the most interesting are your... Eyes." He seemed to focus on Subaru's eyes intently. "Highly interesting." He mumbled to himself.

"My eyes?"

"Indeed. To the inexperienced they appear cold or lifeless perhaps, but to me they tell the strangest of tales. It's as if you... Hmm... Yet you are clearly alive, breathing and even appear much, much younger than myself. No, that is simply not... Possible... I have never seen anything quite like this before." He then returned back to the topic at hand, noticing the look of confusion on the boy in front of him.

"Don't mind me, young man. I'm simply stating my curiosity aloud. I take this visit is about your hand then?"

"No. I'm just wondering if you can draw out mana." Subaru spoke and ignored the healer's curiosity about his eyes. The old man had a look of confusion before Subaru explained. "I have a defective gate that's why."

The old man seemed to make an 'ah' sound. Before looking with a pitiful expression at Subaru. "I'm sorry, young man. My healing capabilities mostly consist of basic knowledge about common ailments and which herbs or antidotes to counter them. All of which are non-magical in nature. I wish there was a herb for the purpose of your trouble, but sadly no one has made such a discovery yet." He rubbed his beard before adding. "At least not to my knowledge."

'Can't say I'm disappointed since I sort of expected that. I shouldn't really get my hopes up from just a village's healer. I'd be better off finding a spirit or another healer if I get anywhere close to a city. He's honest at least. Much more than the other shop owners around here.'

"That's fine. Thanks anyway." He stealthily left a silver coin on a nearby table and turned around to leave. Meanwhile the old man was stunned by this nonchalant attitude brought on by the emotionless expression. He knew defective gates could be a serious threat if left untreated for long.

Subaru stopped just before he exited.

"Actually. I'll take any antidotes or herbs you recommend, to fight off against fever, coldness or even... Food poisoning."

The old man raised his eyebrow at the 'Food poisoning' part but didn't pay it much heed. "Right away."

He set off into his own shelves before bringing back some colored vials and a bag of herbs for Subaru. "I suggest you drink these with something that has an aftertaste. They could be quite bitter."

Subaru thought about it. He didn't mind the taste, but Pride definitely would. This would be a way to get him back for wasting the coins. He nodded and went to pay the man. "3 silvers in total young man. Or 2 since you left one here already" He winked at Subaru that he knew what he did.

Subaru was surprised the old man saw that, but didn't mind. He took out 2 coins and paid him. Before he left, he spoke final words to him. "By the way, since you're the village elder, you should take a look at the guard and other shop owners around here. You, the stable owner and the Matron of the inn alongside her daughters are the only decent ones. I don't know why but I just thought you should know that."

He heard a loud sigh from the healer. It seemed to suggest that it wasn't the first time he heard such a thing. "I apologize, young man for receiving such a treatment. Nothing can help curb the greed brought on by fear and desperation." His words gave off cryptic meaning.

"What do you mean?"

The elder's eyes seemed to have a wrinkle of curiosity in them as he answered back. "Humor an old man if you would. What do all villages share a bad history with?"

Subaru was puzzled at the old man's words. "Poverty? Famine? Plagues?" He guessed the answer, or answers, to the question.

I'd say Witch Cultists. They always know how to prank and truly liven up a village hahaha. Hey this is a good riddle though.

His answers seemed to greatly amuse the old man as he let out a boisterous 'hah'.

"Very good answers, and you are quite right on all three counts, but... No. All villages share a bad history with ruffians and brigands." He said that with disgust in his voice.

"They always leave nothing but fear and desperation and a desire to avoid whatever cruelty they might inflict should one fail to meet absurd demands. Especially towards those less fortunate in their profit." Subaru opened his mouth to speak, before the old man beat him to it.

"I know you will say: "But wait old man, all three of my answers give the same feeling. Not all villages are like that and this village seems alright." To which I would respond: "I suppose you are right and I am merely being technical with my words."." He spoke as if he had a read on Subaru's thoughts.

"Some villages might have it better than others these days, but the elders from such places always remember how things are or were. Whether it be poverty, famine, plagues or... Brigands. And how powerless they were to do anything about it." He seemed to have aged up after saying that. Once again reminding him further of Wilhelm.

"I apologize. I strayed too far from the main topic. It is nothing that you need to concern yourself with, young man. I simply hope you don't let whatever bad encounters you've had here cloud your mind about the village. I will have a talk with them. As always..." He whispered the last part to himself.

Subaru understood his words, even if he disagreed with some of them. He didn't like it, especially not the guard who seemed to be useless as well. But at least it explained the behavior of the shop owners and why they were eyeing him as if he was a prize.

He left the shop afterwards as he was finally finished with shopping and satisfied with what he gained so far. He had nothing further to do.

He wanted to visit Patrasche, to see how she's holding up. But decided to do it in the morning and so he headed back towards the inn. Luckily it had just gotten dark too, which meant he can eat, then sleep and head out first thing in the morning.

While he was walking back he again took in his surroundings. The bustling village of the morning seemed very different when the sun was down. Peaceful and quiet aside from noises of wildlife that were awake after dark, the small rain droplets that touched his hair, or the wind howling and hitting his face as well as the building signs.

The light from magical lamps made the whole scene beautiful. A mesmerizing thing that he hadn't seen since Arlam.

As he was looking around, his eyesight inadvertently went towards the guard outpost in the distance. It was also lit by a magical lamp and he spotted the guard from earlier, talking with someone. Probably a visitor and no doubt the same guard was requesting the visitor to pay him a fee to enter. Subaru was annoyed yet he couldn't help but be suspicious.

He decided to not dwell too much about it and returned back to his room in the inn.

---

=Two hours later=

A knock from the other side of his room, since Subaru was resting in his room after walking for a long time today.

He opened the door to find one of the daughters of the Matron, one that he glimpsed earlier. She appeared to be slightly older than him with her eyes looking drowsy as if she had just woken up. "Garysin-san, yes?"

His eyes flashed in annoyance before it passed an instant later.

Oooh she looks like a kuudere if I've ever seen one. We rarely come across these, you know. So many tsunderes out and about though. Pride made an excited comment upon seeing her.

"What is it?"

"My mother wanted to inform you that dinner is ready." She spoke with a stoic expression. Before going away afterwards without waiting for his reply, seemingly to tell other guests about dinner.

As he went down, he noticed the inn was even more lively than in the morning.

There were more villagers, travelers and merchants drinking and talking between one another. Some of them even recognized him and avoided his line of sight out of fear from his earlier threat. While the others were confused before laughing at their friends. Some of them eyed him in admiration as well.

He once again found a quiet corner, which took him longer than he liked, and sat there waiting for the food to arrive without paying mind to anyone else.

Outer me, Outer me. I got a funny thing to ask that involves both of us.

"Hm?" He hummed to not draw attention since many people were nearby.

You reckon we can get drunk?

"Hm?" He answered in a way that seemed to indicate he was asking 'Why would you want that?'

Well, ever since that helpful girl imagination mentioned a drink. I thought how funny it'd be if we got drunk hahaha. Just imagine, with you being all robotic and the likes. You'd probably start including 'Error.' Instead of 'Hic!' At the end of your sentences. Hahahaha

"Hm." Subaru rolled his eyes and hummed a retort, which Pride understood as if he was saying. 'And you'd probably burn the entire village because you'd think it's funny.'

Touché. Actually now you got me curious too as to what I'd do when I'm drunk. Would I prank imaginations or would I become boring and not tell jokes?

'Definitely the first.' He thought to himself as his eyes wandered around. His ears were again trying to listen to anything of note.

"The village really does look richer, doesn't it?" Someone spoke from a nearby table that caught his attention. Unknowingly for Subaru, he was being eyed by the same person who spoke.

"Got that right. The boss was smart when he said we should give them six months or more to gather more wealth as we visit other places hehe."

'They talk as if they're about to raid the village. Those must be the ruffians and brigands the old man spoke of.' Subaru thought of as he heard them, before coming to a conclusion. 'Well, not my business. The village's filled with greedy people who can pay them off. And if that doesn't work, they can always contact knigh- No, that would be, and I can't believe I'm thinking this... A good joke.'

"Still, was so funny how pissed Olnis was. All 'cause some wealthy junior played a trick on him or so he says."

"Playing all dress up probably ruined his mind, though he did promise lots o' riches. The old stick's getting suspicious about Olnis too."

"Don't matter. We can always find a new replacement of Olnis after tom-"

The sound of a plate being put on his table made him lose his focus on their conversation. He realized his food had arrived.

"Here you go, Onii-chan. Sorry for the delay." The helpful girl from before spoke as she laid down a plate.

"It's fine. I didn't wait for long."

She was about to go away when she stopped to ask him. "Hey, can I join you in eating? I have my break now too and your table has space."

"If that's what you want." He answered. He didn't particularly mind the company as he ate.

"It is!" She replied in a cheerful manner. A minute or two later she brought a plate of food for herself as well as two drinks.

"Here, I owed you one from earlier." She placed a mug of what seemed to be mead next to his plate.

He inwardly sighed as he realized what it was. 'Would be rude if I don't drink, but at the same time do I have to? I don't really know her well enough to risk getting drunk.'

Hahaha I like her! She's such a curiosity saver! Pride was excited at the prospect of getting drunk and seeing what form of entertainment would happen.

'All the more reason not to risk getting drunk.'

"Did you want something else instead?" She asked as she saw him eyeing his mug.

"No. It's fine." He responded calmly. His hands reached to pick up the mug and took a sip out of it, or at least that's what he wanted, before Pride took over and downed the whole thing in one gulp.

"Whoa! Slow down, how are you feeling? " She asked in a worry after he just downed a huge mug like that.

'Pride...' He thought angrily in his mind as he looked at his surroundings to see if anything's changed.

Hey, Outer me. I think I see two of... Us...? Wait, wasn't there always two of us? Hahaha this is fun! I'm getting pranked by myself and I'm virtually in our head! We should definitely drink more until we see three of us!

He stopped looking at his surroundings and instead focused on his hand. Closing and opening his palm.

"Do you want me to get you water?" She asked again after she noticed what he was doing.

He tilted his head in curiosity. "Hmm... I sense a slight tingle on my fingers. Is that a sign that I'm... Drunk?" He didn't realize he was speaking his thoughts outloud.

"Only a tingle?" She asked in confusion as she took a sip and noticed it was starting to affect her slightly, before she looked at Subaru with amazement. "You must be a really strong drinker if you took all of that and only felt a tingle, Onii-chan."

He didn't respond and opted to stay quiet as he pondered over if he's drunk or not.

After a few seconds of forks and spoons clunking into plate, the girl decided to stir up a conversation again.

"So, did you like the... food?"

"Mm. It's alright." He answered in the exact same way he answered earlier. His mind had relaxed after noticing that nothing changed in his surrounding and that he wasn't drunk, at least not in any way he expected.

"Yeah... Mom's cooking is the best." She answered in a sad way before changing her expression.

"Probably is." He spoke while also noticing that she seemed guilty.

She seemed to hesitate before responding. "I-I. I'm sorry Onii-chan, but I lied to you earlier." He stopped eating and looked at her with curiosity. Watching how she seemed guilty about something.

"I didn't cook the food you ate earlier, my older sister did. I-I don't know how to cook, a-and I just wanted to take credit because you gave me a coin and I didn't feel like I earned it and so I.."

"That's alright." He responded calmly as he resumed eating and took a bite out of his plate.

"Huh? It is?" She tilted her head in confusion.

"You helped in giving directions and you helped again when I was carrying the stuff I bought. So it's alright."

"Yeah, but I lied? I mean I know I tried to help you after it, but still." She questioned his nonchalant way about it.

"Everyone lies. Get over it."

She pouted at how cold he was being. "Honestly..."

"It's hard to talk to you." She whispered quietly as she ate from her plate.

'Then why are you here talking to me?' He thought in his mind and made sure it stayed in his thoughts, as he didn't want to speak his thoughts aloud like before. He then noticed her expression of defeat before sighing.

"I lied."

That instantly caught her attention. "Eh? When?"

"I needed the healer for something else." He confessed. He didn't want to divulge what he was suffering from, just a way to let her take her mind off of whatever she felt down about.

"Oh?" She asked as she eyed him. "Hmmm, well you do look kinda...S-"

"Scrawny?"

"N-no, I was gonna say thin!" She raised her hands in denial as he caught on to her before she changed what she was going to say. "Is it because you're sick?"

"Kinda."

"Oh, well, I hope you get better, Onii-chan. Maybe the next place you go to has a better healer." She then whispered to herself. "Although the old man is the best healer I know."

'Unlikely. I also didn't say that for her pity but she seems genuine about it. She also seemed to miss the point.'

"Thanks, but what I mean to say is we both told a harmless lie and now we've confessed it. And as you see, my lie didn't hurt you anymore than your lie hurt me. So move on."

"Hmm, that's one way of looking at it I think." She again was unsure before shaking her head. "Well, I forgive you." She declared with confidence as he gave no reaction. "So, do you forgive me too?"

"Didn't need t-"

"Oh, just answer it!" She exclaimed before her cheeks flushed at the way she sounded. "I-I, uh, didn't mean. Sor-"

"I forgive you?" He interrupted her and seemed to not mind her raised tone.

She let out a sigh of relief "Thank you. I hate when I feel down about stuff like that. Hey, let's change topic." She put a hand on her chin to think of what to ask him.

"So, uh, where are you travelling to?" She asked after a few seconds of thinking.

He ate before speaking.

"Somewhere far."

"Where did you come from?"

"Somewhere further."

She pouted at his non-answers as she ate. "Honestly... I heard you mentioned to Mama that you were from Priestella..." She murmured loudly in the heat of the moment before her cheeks reddened more than her hair. "W-Wait! I-t's not that I was l-listening in or a-anything." She denied quickly.

"I-I... I just... Like to hear where people come from. I like listening in on their stories." She took a look around the inn. Looking at the travelers, the merchants and others that were eating or drinking, laughing and talking.

"And imagine what the places they came from, and the places they're going to, are like." She explained before turning to look at Subaru and noticing he was doing the same thing as her. She had a soft smile at that.

"It's always been my dream to travel around some day. To see places like Kararagi, for example. I've heard it's got great food! A-among other things. Like how they also speak funny and their buildings look differently too." She explained with a happy tone as she started to imagine herself being there. "They also wear these long dresses or robes in their daily life. Sometimes they wear them for festivals and parties too! They were called uh... " She put a finger on her chin to try and recall its name. "What were they called?"

"Yukatas and Kimonos." Subaru had a look of nostalgia at saying that. Almost like he was remembering festivals from his world where people dressed in them.

His answer immediately lit up her eyes and brought a bright smile to her. "Yukatas and Kimonos.. Hmm.. I wonder what it's like to wear one." She looked dreamy for a second before looking at him and thinking she might've bored him with her talk. "Oh, I'm sorry, Onii-chan. I didn't mean to go off talking about a silly dream like that to someone I barely know hehe." She let out a short chuckle at herself. "Forget I said anything. What do you want to talk about?"

"It's fine." He assured her. "I can imagine. Being cooped up in a place like this, where people come and go on a daily basis, would probably make anyone curious."

"Exactly!" She agreed almost instantly. "So... What's Priestella like? Since it's the closest thing to Kararagi." She asked in excitement while listening intently to his answer. "A-and while at it, feel free to share your dream. It's unfair that I only shared mine you know?" She added quickly afterwards.

That question seemed to light a fuse in Subaru's mind. Making him go deeply into thought. He repeated the question in his mind.

'Hmm what's Priestella like?'

Such a good question. A wonderful question, no, a GREAAAAAT~ question! Can't wait to hear you answer that, Outer me. Ahh, I really miss our old home and all it's splendor and glory. All the comfortable decorations and that magnificent aroma of rot and decay. Nothing like home. Hey, I also wonder how my best friends are doing. Wish our trip was to go back there hahaha

Pride's words seemed to not reach him at all.

'What's Priestella like...?'

'What... Is...Priestella...like...'

His mind struggled to find an answer to that as his thoughts turned more and more negative trying to come up with an answer to that question as old voices came to haunt him.

'You smell like an Archbishop of the Cult, in fact!'

'Stop, villain!'

'I apologize for the interruption. May I ask about the individual whom you yelled was an Archbishop?''

'Halt right there, Witch Cultist.'

'Haven't you and your cult made everyone suffer enough? Utterly disgraceful.'

'DEATH TO WITCH CULTISTS!'

'YOU DARE TO ATTACK OUR BEAUTIFUL CITY! DARE TO HARM OUR CHILDREN!'

'Speak cultist! How do I cure Crusch-sama?! Answer and nyou'll be out of here.'

'Archbishop of Pride. Tell me how to restore my identity and you have my word that all of this will end quickly.'

'You are a plague upon this world. The only reason you are alive is because of the information you clearly possess.'

'Disgusting filth. The darkness of your soul is visible upon your body. Witch Cultist.'

'What a wretched scum.'

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

His vision became cloudy as if everything else around him disappeared. Falling deeply into the rabbit hole that he didn't want to fall in.

'I, more than anyone, know full-well what it's like. It's a place filled with backstabbing hypocrites of all kinds. Its people are rotten to the core. Its knights even more so. It's also a place that fills you with misery, anger and most importantly, utter loneliness. You'll begin to hate everyone else, yourself most of all, with the only thing keeping your mind busy in your waking hours are either which God or Goddess of which civilization to pray to, whenever the previous one didn't answer, all in the hopes they release you from the nightmarish hell you're in. Or which kind of torture you'll endure next at the hands of familiar faces that smile and laugh as they give your body new scars. Your will to live ceases as they strip you of your identity while time slowly drags on. Moving so slowly to the point where any concept and understanding you have of time becomes meaningless. How many days were you there? How many weeks? Months? Years? Decades? Centuries? And how many times did you die, from the torture or from sheer desperation to escape it, only to be back in the same place? There is no telling as everything blends in.'

"Hello?" She asked as he was suddenly quiet with his lifeless eyes being darkened.

Hmmmm~ what's this? What's this funny feeling that I'm sensing? *knocks on head* Are you thinking of a good joke in there, Outer me? Don't leave me out of the loop hahaha. I'd love to hear it!

'Until eventually you wither. Your body will be the first to break, then your spirit, or soul, and finally your mind. Irreparably broken. And as you lose the last hold on all rational thoughts, you'll begin to regress into nothingness. Laughing instead of crying for the first time since you've arrived to that place, until you either become completely catatonic, or in our case, develop two personalities. One of which takes over your broken body, becoming a laughing shell. Taking along most of your emotions, most of your pain, most of your hatred, most of your misery and most of your senses. Becoming extremely twisted and unhinged from all the suffering and treachery that completely shattered the old you. Naming itself after what your tormentors mockingly kept calling the old you. It'll also start thinking every single thing that walks or talks is an imagination designed to play a joke on it, because of their cruel smiles. That everyone is pranking and laughing at it, because of their sadistic laughter. With an obsession of doing the same. Telling it's version of 'good jokes' every day to change the expression of the imaginations of the haunted memories of all the hypocrites' looks and reactions they gave the old you that day.'

"You there?" She waved her hand in front of his face but there was no reaction.

'And the other one... Is me. A useless existence. Existing solely as a soulless mind that inhabits and watches over the laughing shell. Constantly arguing over its antics, for the most part, and filled with sad, bitter memories from a past life that I can never experience again. Unable to trust anyone, feel pain, sense heat or cold, express most emotions or enjoy the simple things in life like food. All the while the laughing shell taunts how good or bad it tastes.'

"Onii-chan? Is something wrong?" She asked as she noticed something coming down from his eyes. She didn't know where it was cold sweat or tears for some reason. She approached him to see what's happening with him.

I don't know if it's you or me. But one of us is definitely getting very VEEEEERY~ passionate~ hahaha, much more than usual. Is it because of the drink? Well drinks does make you have fun. Or is it because of the guard imagination? We'll prank him back later, I promise! We do owe him a game of heads and tails after all.

'All of which BECAUSE of the hypocrites! Those that hurt you and those that betrayed you, making you lose all faith in anyone that breathes. Meanwhile they are completely healthy but filled with the shame of what they've done. Then they promise to restore the old you in time, especially, after spending a week on the road being taunted by the laughing shell that THEY helped create! As if they can fix what they shattered, rather than broke, into a million, million pieces... And then they approach you thinking forgiveness is so easy. That saying a thousand apologies in different ways will magically make you forgive all the countless knives still stuck on your back, otherwise they'll likely lose hope and their sanity almost breaks from their guilt... What. Do. They. Know? What do they know of losing hope? Of being broken? Of living a nightmare where the only source of realness, the only comfort you'll ever get... Comes from the most dangerous person that EVER existed in the history of this world! That's... That's EXACTLY what... Pries- NO, THIS SHITTY WORLD IS L—'

She gently touched his face. Finally managing to wake him from the intense rant that he was having in his thoughts and normalize his breathing. His eyes widened and locked gaze with hers and saw she had a deeply worried expression on her face. "Hey... A-are you ok? You seemed really out of it there. Almost gave me the scares, do you want me to get the healer? I think he's awake at this ti-"

"...Empty." He answered in an almost heartbroken way. As if he was suddenly the loneliest person in the entire world, as if everything that was dear to him was dead. He also felt something wet going down his cheeks, as well as his hands.

"Huh? Empty? What's empty?" She didn't know why but she felt sad at the way he said that.

"That's what it's... Like." He got up from the seat to go to his room. Leaving the semi-full bowl of food behind. Intentionally hiding his hands as he realized his nails had dug into them and likely drew blood.

"Wait, Onii-chan, w-what about your food?" She asked, but in truth out of worry in case he spaces out like that again.

"I've had enough." He spoke quietly as he walked away. She looked at him and wondered if she might've said something wrong and made him think about bad stuff. She hoped she didn't, but she'll think of a way to make it up to him tomorrow.

Whew! Even I felt that intensity there hahaha that was exciting! Oh well, calm down, Outer me. Remember what you told me right? *Exaggerated robotic tone* "Don't let words that are spoken out of context affect you that much." Anyway, maybe we should go to sleep so we can talk to Satella-tan? She always helps in these cases. We should know.

He didn't respond as he continued climbing the stairs towards their room in the inn.

Hmmmm~ do you need a good joke to lift your mood?

"Leave me alone."

---

-The Capital-

For the past three days the knights seemed to be on edge and the patrols seemed to have increased, particularly around the city gates. Almost as if they were looking for someone or something.

There had been rumors in the barracks circulating that knights were killed brutally. But no one knew who did it. The knights also didn't know who to look for exactly as Marcos hadn't been forthcoming with the knowledge, aside from a few trusted commanders.

Apparently it was supposed to be a secret, yet someone had leaked that the Archbishop of Pride made a threat towards the Capital. Which also was also confusing considering that the Archbishop of Pride was supposedly imprisoned in Priestella. Although, given the recent rebellion there, no knight knew for certain whether that was true or not.

By the third day, as nothing had yet to happen, Marcos had received a summon from the Sages to explain what was going on. To explain the meaning of the recent activity.

At the throne room of the previous Monarchy. Marcos had arrived and began divulging to the Sages of what had come to pass.

"So Subaru Natsuki has decided to declare war on the Kingdom by his lonesome?" Miklotov McMahon's voice sounded after Marcos explained in detail what had happened. "Though I find it truly hard to believe that he took on a squad of knights by himself. Harder still that he did those gruesome things to them. And at an inconvenient timing as well what with recent reports of the Witch Cult showing their activity again."

"Deeply troubling nonetheless, Miklotov." One sage added to which McMahon nodded.

'Troubling is the least of it.' Marcos thought to himself. He kept the part about Darius attacking him to himself as he didn't want the clearly unstable knight to be brought before the Sages. Although he still mentioned that he was 'heavily' deranged from what he witnessed.

"What reason would he have to be doing this?" Another sage commented.

"Simply outrageous I say. To kill knights in such a fashion and declare that he would attack the Capital is nothing short of pure madness."

"And what, pray tell, did you all expect would happen?" Velmont's voice came out in annoyance and disappointment. Catching everyone's attention.

"Bah, we should've sent more knights towards him. With him calling himself the Archbishop of Pride and what not." Bordeaux answered the question and grumbled out loud.

Velmont's lips curled into a frown. "We should have sent none!" He exclaimed. Making all the Sages and even Marcos look at him.

"Sending knights dressed in the same outfit as those who tortured him is likely what caused this tragedy to unfold from the first place." His voice turned to bitterness and disappointment.

"Not that it matters now. I have warned you all that he might trigger an emotional response if he sees knights, and an emotional response it triggered. The boy acted out as is expected in his position. Were I him, I too would be extremely agitated and aggravated to see them and would have likely done the same thing. Their deaths are on your hands as much as his."

McMahon put a hand on his forehead while the rest of the Sages mumbled to themselves as silence dominated the room.

After a few seconds of silence, McMahon's voice rang out.

"I will not fault Subaru Natsuki if the knights attacked him first. But to kill them in such a fashion while sending everyone in this room a clear threat is simply unacceptable. It makes me wonder what else he is going to do. Captain Gildark, has the survivor shared any other details regarding Subaru Natsuki?" He asked Marcos who simply shook his head.

"I see. Still, this act of savagery alongside his threats cannot go unanswered nor unpunished." McMahon announced. Making most of the Sages nod their heads in agreement.

All except Velmont. "And what do you propose to do then, Miklotov? Do you wish to spread posters with his name on it when people are already rebelling under his name? Or do you intend on killing him in secrecy?"

The last statement made Marcos raise his eyebrows inquisitively as well.

Bordeaux's fist hit the table as he glared at Velmont.

"Have you lost your reasoning and judgement, you old snake?" Bordeaux growled out. "That cowardly traitor has killed knights and went against our authority all the while he laughably threatens us! He even called himself Archbishop of Pride! I will not be satisfied with anything but his head on a spike. Both him and That hal-"

An exasperated sigh escaped Velmont's lips as he interrupted Bordeaux's rambling. "'Half-devil that he serves'. Does your tongue not get bored of repeating the same tiresome refrains? Continuously barraging accusations at a Royal Candidate for no real purpose other than old sentiments. I sometimes wonder which rusted first. Your axe or your wits."

Bordeaux glowered at Velmont upon hearing that insult. He was about to bite back when McMahon's voice sounded.

"I doubt that Lady Emilia is involved in the matter of her knight. That will be the end of it, Bordeaux." McMahon spoke before eyeing Velmont curiously. "Velmont, judging from your words. Do I take it that you are sympathizing with Subaru Natsuki then?"

Velmont shook his head. "No. I agree what he has done is... tragically cruel on all counts. But I seem to be the only one to acknowledge what happened to him is as tragically cruel." His gaze locked with all the Sages as he said that. "And what have we done to make amends for it? We offered neither compensations and apologies nor justice and promises of change."

McMahon interjected. "I already ordered Captain Gildark to reprimand and martial court the dishonorable knights, did I not?" He asked a rhetorical question while staring at Marcos as he said that.

"And I have sent invitations to demand explanations from the Royal Candidates of the two most troublesome knights." Another sage pointed out.

"Explanations, court martials and reprimands." Velmont scoffed before sounding in genuine frustration and disappointment. "Have you ever considered to ask Subaru Natsuki what he wants? Or just assumed it? You could have sent negotiators to ask that. But instead you merely send knights to meet their demise by demanding he show up here out of misguided fear that his words, if told to the wrong people, are threatening. Caring little beyond your well-being, your comfortable seat on this table and your gracious visage."

His words made the Sages look at one another.

McMahon's voice rang out. "That's enough, Velmont. I will not tolerate such words. I know we don't see eye-to-eye often, but what you say is both harsh and untrue. My plan was to uncover what happened to Subaru Natsuki before taking appropriate action. Keep in mind that we have millions of citizens to worry about, who look to us for guidance, Instead of one individual. And since the candidacy is long to reach its conclusion, that means we need to keep our "comfortable", as you kindly put it, seats on the table. To ensure we keep the peace and keep our kingdom safe until the king sits on the throne." His eyes went to the empty throne that sat to his right.

"All of which without the help of the Dragon tablet who seemed to have gone quiet in the recent months." He pointed out afterwards. "So if my actions regarding Subaru Natsuki seem hasty or unfair, then it is simply because I am choosing to adhere to what is good for the kingdom. Otherwise instability and disorder will occur more often. In fact, since you seem keen on responsibility. Answer me this: was it really our fault that we announced his capture?" His question seemed to silence Velmont. As he was thinking about how to answer that question.

After a few seconds of silence, McMahon's voice answered his own question.

"The answer you're searching for is: No. We were not part of what happened but we would be taking all the blame. Simple words can topple a kingdom as well as armies."

Those words seemed to silence Velmont as he simply clicked his tongue in annoyance. Most of the other Sages were sharing in their agreement.

"Bah, why are we continuing this pointless debate?" Bordeaux retorted to McMahon as he didn't like all this ongoing talk. "The man refers to himself as the Archbishop of Pride, killed knights that were ordered to not harm him, and defiled their corpses might I add, sent harrowing threats towards us, the Royal Capital and Captain Marcos. It's a simple matter with a simple solution and the groundwork is already laid. Let us be done with it."

McMahon spoke towards Bordeaux. "I am still doubtful of him claiming himself the Archbishop of Pride. It could be a mockery for all we know."

'It's undoubtedly/certainly a mockery.' were the thoughts of both Velmont and Marcos as McMahon continued speaking towards Bordeaux.

"Regardless, can you even prove that it was indeed him and not someone else using an alias, Bordeaux? We have no substantial evidence against him other than the words of a lone, unstable knight. Lady Emilia, Margrave Roswaal and the Emilia camp can just as easily deny those words and claim the knights struck first." McMahon then lifted his left and right hand. As if they were on a weighing scale. "Who's words do you think holds more weight and influence?" He asked Bordeaux.

Bordeaux clicked his tongue and responded with a frown at that denial. "What do you propose then, McMahon? To let this be a bygone?!"

"Not in the slightest. Captain Gildark." McMahon called out towards Marcos with a plan in his mind.

"Yes, your excellency?" Marcos stood in attention.

"Firstly, send out warnings to nearby outposts in case Subaru Natsuki decides to make good use of his threat and attacks. He is to be captured on sight, preferably alive. Also make sure you warn them to not take him lightly. We do not know his motives or his current power level and I intend to avoid unnecessary tragedies like the one that happened."

"And secondly?" Marcos decided to cut to the chase. He also nodded that the plan of warning outposts were ones that he also thought of and was going to implement.

"I presume the Sword Saint is back from his trip? He has not reported to us that he was back."

"He is currently in Flanders with Candidate Felt. I gave him an absence of leave." Marcos replied with a stoic expression.

"Captain, while I would appreciate it if you could have informed us sooner of the Sword Saint's return instead of being told that way, I would like to include a mission for him. Send him to directly investigate and confront Subaru Natsuki. To collect the evidence of what he did and to see if he is really the Archbishop of Pride."

"You cannot be serious, Miklotov. You need the Sword saint for that?" Velmnot was in disbelief at those words. spoke out.

"Why would the Sword Saint be involved in this manner?" Another Sage asked out of curiosity.

"Am I understanding you correctly, McMahon? Are you truly going to send the Sword Saint, our greatest weapon, for an insect like this cowardly Archbishop?" Bordeaux grumbled.

"Calm yourselves, I have not explained my thinking yet. Since sending regular knights proved fruitless and only ended in their deaths, then the Sword Saint will do. And, if my memories serve correct, he is friends with Subaru Natsuki. Miss Felt and Lady Emilia are also allied with one another. I'm under the belief that the Sword Saint could reason with Subaru Natsuki and apprehend him if necessary. He would be able to uncover what truly transpired." McMahon concluded his reasoning. The other sages seemed to agree with him.

'As I expected.' Marcos thought to himself as he listened in on that part. He knew they'd send Reinhard. He wanted to argue back but he was in no position to question higher authority.

"Normally, I would have requested Julius Juuklius, but as we all know, he is part of the disgraceful knights that put us in this predicament." McMahon added afterwards with a frown.

"Let us assume Miss Felt agrees to lend the Sword Saint. And that the Sword Saint brings Subaru Natsuki here. What then?" Velmont decided to ask as he was getting doubtful of the whole thing.

"Give out justice and punishments to those involved in Priestella, as well as Subaru Natsuki for his recent actions and threats, and let the horrible matter of the past 8 months be finally settled. Hopefully things will calm in Priestella once that happens. Reparations and compensations will come afterwards, I suppose." His words conveyed the authority that he carried.

Most of the other Sages nodded.

Bordeaux was mumbling. "The nuisance's head on a silver platter is the only justice."

"You already agreed on the punishment Subaru Natsuki will receive even before the knights were sent out to meet their end. Hardly any justice there." Velmont murmured in disagreement to this plan.

McMahon, seeing as no one opposed his words, spoke final words of the meeting. "Captain Gildark, inform the Sword Saint of his new mission. We'll grant him a longer vacation afterwards if he so wishes. That'll be all for the time being."

Velmont got up from his seat. The first one to leave. Last meeting he was disappointed. Now it was visible disgust.

'The health of the kingdom and millions of individuals to worry about. And yet it took only one individual that was wronged to bring forth the rain of hypocrisy and pointless charades. And they wonder why the Dragon tablets have not released a new prophecy for some time now to guide us yet.' Velmont shook his head.

'If they continue on like this, which I highly think they will, there will be only themselves instead of the kingdom to worry about.'

---

-Village of Riel-

=The next day, very early morning=

Subaru wasn't able to sleep through the night. He managed to bandage his hands and prevent any blood from leaking out as he walked towards his room. He hated that he fell into the rabbit hole he tried hard to not fall into, but he knew it wasn't the girl's fault. He reasoned that it was likely due to him drinking mead, which was ironic considering people drink to forget about their pains instead.

He had laid on his bed and tried as much as he could to fall asleep, but it never came. So instead he sat up and stared out of the window, watching and listening to the sounds of the soft autumn rain that came from the outside.

In the mansion, when he lost his calm, he picked up sewing and stayed focused on making dolls for five days until he was calm enough. But here, he had nothing to do other than watching rain hitting the glass of his room's window. It seemed to have an effect on relaxing his mind and mood as he kept trying to empty his mind of all thoughts and just focus on the rain. Counting down rain drops until he felt himself stabilize again.

Finally after sitting for long enough, he decided to continue on his trip. He would fall asleep while taking a break with Patrasche.

With that thought, he collected his leftover clothes and opened the door of his room ready to set out ahead, until he was greeted with the girl from before who was asleep with her back on the wall. Softly snoring in her sleep.

'Why is she here? Was she worried about me or something? Hmm. I did kind of make a scene of spacing out, makes sense. But still we don't know each other well enough for her worry.' He tried to find a reason for why she was here and not in her room or bed. He sighed as he used shadow hands to lift her to his bed as it'd be more comfortable than the ground.

Going downstairs afterwards to see if anyone was awake so he can get the key to the storage to collect the things he bought.

"Good morning, Selin-kun. Fufu~ you're an early bird aren't you." The matron of the inn greeted him once she spotted him going down. She was the only one awake aside from him.

'Stay focused. It's only a name, nothing more.' "Morning." He greeted her back coldly, but she didn't seem to mind.

"I'd like to borrow the key to the storage area. I've left some stuff there yesterday."

"Aha, my youngest told me yesterday that she saw her sister slacking off and walking with a statue to the storage area." She spoke as if being reminded by that. Before adding an offhand remark. "And I thought she was talking about her oldest sister."

'Statue?' Subaru thought with a small frown. He was already used to being called a robot and now this.

Hahaha a statue! That's really good! There's the good joke to lift your mood! I'm so gonna use that from now on hahaha.

"I hope she wasn't bothersome for you. She always asks too many questions. Curious about everything that girl is..." The Matron murmured and sighed as she went to look for the key.

"No, she was kind and helpful. You have a good daughter." He shared his honest opinion about her.

"Oho? If you speak like that, I may have to treat you like a son. I do want grandkids one of those days."

'"..."

She giggled as she handed him the key. Noting how he seemed to not be able to respond to that.

"Fufufu~ I'm just teasing. You should see your face. But thank you, Selin-kun. I'm glad to hear she was being good."

He nodded and took the key without a word as he went down to the basement.

That woman is fun! She really knows how to tease. This is the first time I see you unintentionally speechless from a joke and I wasn't even involved hahaha.

'As if you could respond to that. Actually, never mind. You would.' He thought to himself as he went down the stairs towards the storage area.

As before. He used shadow hands to lift stuff while making sure his hands are on them to give the illusion that he was carrying them. Not because he cares what people think, but it would be a clue if anyone that comes looking for him asks about anything strange. Of course he could always say he was using Murak to lift them. But it was easier to just do this and avoid anything that brings attention to him.

He made sure to check that he wasn't forgetting anything before heading off upstairs to hand the key to the storage back.

As he stepped out of the basement. He saw the daughter with the sleepy expression, who seemed to be the oldest daughter, awake and taking orders from her mother. The Matron dismissed her daughter once Subaru approached to hand her the key.

"I thought you would stay for one more day, Selin-kun." The Matron said.

"I gathered what I could from here so I thought it's best to continue my trip." He answered as a matter-of-fact.

"I see. Well, you should stay for breakfast. I insist, I was just about to cook." The Matron offered with a look that meant she wasn't going to accept 'no' as an answer.

"It's fine, I'm hungry so I'll stay for that." He reasoned that he didn't eat much at dinner yesterday, so may as well. The dining hall at this hour seemed to have two villagers who were here to eat before going to their daily lives.

Minutes later she came by, dropping a large plate of food and told him to dig in.

After breakfast. He prepared to fully head out. Ready to go meet Patrasche and continue their trip.

He heard a voice calling out to him from behind just as he was about to open the door.

"Onii-chan? How are you feeling?" The helpful girl asked once she got down and spotted him. She got closer then saw the bags she helped with the other day.

"Oh, you're leaving already?" She looked downwards. "I hope it's not because of wh-"

"No. I wasn't staying here for long anyway so I thought It's best to get going. You did nothing wrong yesterday either, in case you think you did." He answered her instantly.

That seemed to slightly cheer her up as she replied. "Hmm, wait. Give me a minute." She went back upstairs before coming back with a dark red piece of cloth, the same color as her ribbon. She threw it to him and said "Catch." imitating the way he spoke when he tossed the coin to her.

"A scarf?" He asked after he realized what it was.

"Good, right? Especially since it's getting colder these days. It's a-also the first time I made one you know." She answered bashfully.

"But why? We barely know each other I mean. You didn't have to give me this." He questioned why she was being familiar with him.

"Honestly... And I spent all night finishing it" She pouted.

"I know we don't know each other that well, but well... I'm not really good at making friends, because I sometimes say the wrong stuff. Or people think I'm annoying with my cheerfulness." She answered with a sad smile. "I mean I have my sisters, but still. You seemed more normal with me I guess. You treated me like I wasn't a nuisance so..." She drifted off.

'I see. So that's why she's acting familiar.'

"And you even let me sleep on your bed." She added quietly, getting red cheeked at that.

"You looked uncomfortable on the ground, that's why. You could've just slept in your room." He answered her, making her more flushed as she whispered something unintelligible.

He inspected the scarf. "I know a thing or two about sewing and knitting. This looks good."

"R-really? You really think so?" She asked with a hopeful tone.

"I do." He wore it around his neck as a sign that he was being truthful.

"Thanks, Onii-chan! That means a lot since it's my first one." She spoke with genuine gratitude. "Hey let me help you out with your bags." She offered.

"Sure."

She reached behind him and grabbed the sleeping bag before looking at the other bags he was carrying.

"So the heavy bag on your right hand?"

"No."

"Oh c'mo-"

"Fine."

"Honestly..." She pouted before realizing he said yes. "W-wait really?!"

"Don't say I didn't warn you." He offered the heavier of the two bags he carried to her. Immediately making her smile brightly as she happily took it from him without complaints.

They walked out towards the stables in silence. Subaru was simply eyeing the scenery that he saw when he arrived the other day until they reached their destination. The stable master greeted them and he led them towards where Patrasche was at.

Patrasche immediately let out a noise and ran to greet her master, nuzzling into him and licking his face. 'I missed you too.' Subaru said as he started patting her, the very small smile returned.

"Wow, you ride that, Onii-chan?" The girl asked excitedly as she sat the bag down and approached slowly.

"Patrasche. Her name is Patrasche." Subaru corrected.

The girl started patting Patrasche too before saying. "She's beautiful."

"She is." Subaru looked at the bags on the ground and then to Patrasche. "Sorry if this will be uncomfortable." He spoke towards Patrasche and started to load things up.

The girl tried to help but he called out.

"You don't have to help me with this."

"A-Alright. I-I.. It's true, hehe. I should go back to work, my mother will probably get angry at me for slacking off." She hit her head and spoke sheepishly, although she looked sad, before walking away.

"What's wrong?" Subaru called out for her, making her stop and look at him.

"Will you ever come visit again?" She asked quietly.

'Probably not. Since I intend on going back to my world, but I shouldn't crush her hopes. Not after the scarf.' "Some day I will." He said as he loaded the sleeping bag behind the saddle of Patrasche.

"Do you promise?"

He sighed as he knew he would be breaking it. "Yes."

"Do you really promise?"

"Yes."

"Do you really, really promise?" She had a teasing smile as she said that.

"I won't now."

"Wait, wait, I'm just kidding hehe!" She giggled afterwards and gave him a genuine smile. "Well, I hope to see you again, Onii-chan, and get to hear where you travelled to. By the way! I realized I never told you my name, well I'm—" She cut herself off.

"Actually. I'll tell you the next time I see you, so it's a guarantee you will return."

'Well it's not like I'm using my real name so it doesn't matter.' "Suit yourself."

"Honestly..." She pouted at the non reaction. "Fine, I'll tell Patrasche my name." She stuck her tongue out at him.

"I can just call you Little Sister. Since you call me 'Onii-chan'." Subaru answered instantly. She immediately made a face that meant she hated that.

"No! That's not..ugh." She exclaimed before sighing in defeat. "J-just call me Sisti. That's my nickname."

He took Patrasche's reins and walked out of the stables. Ready to head out. "Sisti th-"

Sounds of panic ensued in the distance, interrupting their conversation. They turned towards the sounds and saw many armed people running around the village. Some of them directly ran towards the shops. Threatening and taking over anything valuable.

"B-Bandits..." She whispered frightfully. "W-why are they here a-again..."

Oh look at that. A new source of entertainment. It was getting a bit stale here, not gonna lie. Gotta say, I'm not impressed with their entrance. I'd rate it a 4 out of 10. The ones before were really good. They not only shot a warning arrow, but also said some good opening lines hahaha. I wanna show them how to do an entrance, don't you agree?

'Not really. It's not my business. A village of greedy people should have enough to pay them off. Besides, I get no benefit from it.' Subaru thought as he stared at them from the distance before shrugging off and getting on top of Patrasche.

"Go back to the inn." He told the frightened girl, who looked at him in a way that said 'Be safe.' He nodded and watched her as she ran off.

...

Subaru and Patrasche headed out. Making sure to pick a route that avoided the bandits. He didn't really care about bandits raiding the village although he couldn't help but think of the girl, her mother, the old man and the stable master. 'I shouldn't concern myself about them.'

The scarf that Sisti made kept getting in his face. Making him think back on how afraid she looked.

'She'll be fine. Her mother has money to pay them off. Now that I think about it, the Matron is probably the richest person in the village.' He steeled himself once again as he rode away.

"Oi, look it's the very rich brat with white hair and a black Earth Dragon that Olnis pointed out. After 'im!" One of the bandits shouted as he saw Subaru riding past him.

'I just want to leave. Is that too much to ask? Seriously.' Subaru thought as three bandits chased after him.

Is this what they call a wild goose chase? Cause this is fun hahaha. Hey, why don't we prank them? You could also cut loose a little, I know I want to. Let's put a big smile on their faces!

'Shut up. It's not any of our concern dammit. We should be more focused on reaching the Watchtower.' "Patrasche. Can you go a bit fas-"

Before he could answer, he reached the guard outpost and noticed the road was blocked off. Stopping both Earth Dragon and her master.

"Where you off to, kid?" The same guard from before answered with a big grin from near the guard outpost. He was cleaning his sword from what seemed to be blood. Next to him on the ground were the corpses of the other guards, as well as the old healer's lifeless body.

He stayed still, staring at the old healer's corpse. 'You reminded me of Wilhelm back when Wilhelm pretended to be a decent person.' He thought as he remembered their small conversation and the grandfather vibes he gave off.

"You killed the village elder?"

"The old man was getting tiresome with his lectures. That and he didn't have enough money even though we gave him months." The guard replied in a nonchalant way.

"And the other guards?"

"Ah, nope. That was them." He pointed behind him.

Before Subaru could react, voices came from behind.

"Heh nice one Olnis. Oi, junior. What's got you in such a rush, eh? Why don't you get down and hand us all your loot and we'll let you rush to wherever you wanna go?" One of the three bandits that started chasing him spoke as they caught up.

"Get out of my way." Subaru's words had no effects as the bandit approached. "Hah! Junior thinks we're his rich daddy's lapdogs, eh? It don't work that way."

C'mon, Outer me! They're practically begging for it. That one even just laughed at a single word you said. Let's tell them a good joke and make them truly laugh hahaha.

"Move." Subaru spoke in a very cold tone that made them shudder and take a step back. The bad mood from the earlier night returned again. Patrasche's growling matched the mood of her master.

The guard, named Olnis, shook off the dread feeling. "Tsk, bastard. You think that's gonna work on me again? Get down, now, kid. I won't ask you again."

One of the other three bandits approached Subaru. "Bah, he's all words, he ain't got no weapon or anyth-" Before he could finish saying that, his arm that held his sword was cut off.

"AAARRRGHHH!" He shouted in pure agony as he saw his arm that still held his weapon on the ground, before being launched away by Patrasche's tail. Immediately knocking him out.

The remaining two bandits, as well as Olnis simply stood still looking in shock.

Before they could express any other emotion, all four individuals, including the unconscious bandit, were gripped and pulled into the air. A grip that tightened making them unable to breathe.

A second later and the severed arm, that still held the sword, floated towards them and cut off it's unconscious owner's throat. Pierced the second bandit's heart, and jammed into the third's head.

Leaving the treacherous guard as the only one alive and was peeing himself in fear while staring wide-eyed at what he just witnessed.

"Because they aren't worth losing much time over. Also, anyone would think they fought off against one another." Subaru reasoned to his other self who was genuinely enjoying what just happened, and had asked Subaru why he pranked them that way.

Before looking at the still floating, and alive, guard in front of him. Giving him an empty stare.

"How much were you getting paid for pretending to be a guard and watching over the village until it was ready to be raided?" He spoke coldly and slowly loosened the hold on the guard.

"W-W-Wait! P-Please spare m-me! m-milord I-"

"How much."

The guard felt buckets of sweat coming down his brow. "F-f-f-fifty!" He exclaimed in a frightful tone.

"Fifty what?"

"F-fifty silvers! P-please! I-I can give you all my-"

"Fifty silvers..." Subaru narrowed his piercing stare at the frightened guard before knocking him out.

He unsaddled from Patrasche, walked over towards the guard and used his own sword to sever the tendons of his arms and legs, before burying it in his stomach, making the guard instantly wake up and seemingly unable to talk from the pain. Then he used a shadow hand to lift him up and hang him, head first, from a tree's branch.

"If bleeding out doesn't get you, your neck breaking from the fall will. If that doesn't get you, the weather will. If that doesn't get you, dehydration will and if that still fails to get you then hunger will. If you want want to be spared, you have the five gold you got from backstabbing the old man, and everyone else in the village, to pay the five elements I just described." He could see the guard starting to tear up as he realized he could do nothing at all.

"You sold out the village for less than what Prid—I gave you." He walked back towards Patrasche.

Hahaha, what a good joke from you, Outer me. Gotta say I didn't expect that from you. Also, that's such a nice spot to put him in. Can't wait to revisit him after we go back to the village and joke with everyone hahaha *deadpans* We are going back right?

He rode atop Patrasche again. Ready to head out before looking back at the village one last time. He could see smoke rising from the distance.

His thoughts again wandered to the kind Matron that reminded him of his own mother, and Sisti, the girl that helped him and gave him the scarf he was wearing. He could've easily helped but he just couldn't find it in himself as he simply wanted to go on his trip. It wasn't his business until they forced it on him.

Me and Patrasche can handle all of them! You don't have to worry about anything. Just sit back and enjoy the show. I can't wait to see what kind of singing they'll do. Or maybe dancing? Or acting? Or cheering? All sorts of quality activities!

He stared at the old healer's corpse again before coming to a conclusion. Releasing a very heavy sigh. "No. You'd bring too much attention and likely endanger Patrasche. I'll handle it."

He caressed the Earth Dragon's head and spoke softly to her.

"Let's go back, Patrasche."

In another part of the kingdom. A Sword Saint was having a bad dream.

---

Author's note.

Hello again everyone. I apologize for the chapter taking long this time around.

I originally had an almost completed draft but then I got hit with Covid and that halted things. Then when I got back into writing, I felt that what I wrote wasn't that good. So I deleted it and rewrote the entire chapter 2 or 3 more times until I felt it was better. At one point I almost gave up on the chapter cause I just kept going back and forth. But anyway, past's the past.

That said. I hope you liked the chapter. Let me know what you thought about it.

Next chapter might take awhile too (Or maybe not since holidays are soon.) since I'm a bit busy these days, so apologies in advance!

I'll see you on the on the next one! Also to my American friends who read this chapter. Happy early/late (Depending on when the chapter comes out) thanksgiving!