Chapter 4: Playing House

As the lights lit up again, everyone was silent for a moment.

Then the screaming began.

"AIIIEEE!"

"WHAT THE FUCK?!"

"MY EYES!"

"I'M GONNA HURL!"

Everyone was practically traumatized by what they saw. Seeing Subaru as the Sin Archbishop of Pride, burning down all of Lugnica, destroying Reinhard's reputation, killing off all his friends, and having a child with ELSA of all people, was too much for them.

Even people like Priscilla and Roswaal seemed ready to lose it.

And then, the new options showed up.

What if the Witch of Envy never existed?

OR

What if Subaru Natsuki was born the opposite gender?

It was at this moment that the Cast was sent into silence from their panic.

"Okay!" After thinking about it for a moment, Subaru announced. "I think that after what we just… saw, we need something that will be… more calming and therapeutic."

"Are you pulling an executive order on us?" Al asked. "Who died and made you President?"

"Uh, I did. Several thousand times," the black-haired boy snapped back. "Or, at least enough times to become a psychopath capable of traumatizing all of my friends and family."

"Subaru, we already talked about this! You know that wasn't you!" Emilia wasn't going to let her knight belittle himself for actions outside of his control.

"Yeah, well it's a little hard to think that when the guy literally had my name, my face, my abilities, my miasma, and my unhealthy drive to make you King, Emilia-tan!" Subaru said in frustration, unable to distinguish himself from the one they just witnessed.

Hearing this gave the Cast more insight into Subaru's mind. They wondered if this was a consequence of his horrible ability, or something that came about from his experiences.

"Okay, let's think logically here," Anastasia said. "Al, th' Conditions."

"Right," the helmeted knight responded, clicking the remote.

Conditions: References "the Original".

Conditions: Subaru arrives earlier.

"Th' Original?" Anastasia wondered what that meant.

"Well, if I were to hazard a guess," the half-elf's knight began. "I would say that, given the questions and the Condition, the first option is probably some sort of time travel mind-fuck, and we seriously don't need that after what we just saw."

"I agree with Subaru," Emilia started, "What we need right now is to help calm ourselves and relax a bit." Though, the half-elf will admit that she hoped the first option would not include racism towards half-elves due to the whole "no Witch" gimmick.

"All right, second option it is," Al said, quite eager to see what his bro looks like as a girl. The helmeted knight clicked on the second option, and started the episode.

What if Subaru Natsuki was born the opposite gender?

Conditions: Subaru arrives earlier.

On a late Sunday night, The renowned inn and bar "Hertha" was bustling with rowdy mercenaries, shady travelers, and broke merchants of all shapes and sizes, ranging from tiny demi-humans to buffed drunkards. During this period of time, it would be nigh impossible for a traveler to find a room, but Otto was a rather slippery merchant. His talent and tongue were enough to achieve victory.

"Oh, hey! I'm in this one!" Otto pointed out.

"Congratulations, Otto!" Kenihci smiled. "You've made your debut!"

"Madam, we are not asking for much!" Otto pleaded, "Just a room – a roof to cover us from the bad weather tonight! We are offering five silver coins!"

"Also this bear plush!" His companion, Subaru Natsuki, chimed in, holding out her famed stuffed toy, "For your cute daughter!" She winked at the little girl peeking from her position behind her mother. Blushing, the child immediately hid her face in her mother's dress.

"Subaru-kun, you look so beautiful!" Rem couldn't help but comment on her Hero's beauty. Emilia also agreed with Rem. She believed Subaru looked very beautiful as a woman.

But I think Subaru is quite handsome as a man, too… As the half-elf thought that, she immediately blushed in embarrassment and shook her head to get rid of the thought.

"HAHAHA! CAP'N HAS BOOBS! HAHAHA!" Garfiel laughed up a storm.

Meanwhile, Ram couldn't help but feel jealous of the other Subaru's chest size. "Hmph, it would only make sense that Barusu would attempt to outshine Ram to achieve her perfection."

"Why Nee-sama, is that jealousy I hear?" Subaru smuggling commented on Ram's statement.

"If you did, then you must be going deaf, Barusu," Ram turned away to not have Subaru see her reddening face.

Elsewhere, a certain Sword Saint's face was as red as his hair, while a purple-haired knight's jaw was slack open as he was mesmerized by the balck-haired beauty on the screen.

Later on, whenever anyone asked them about that, they would strictly deny it.

"...We have some space in the storeroom." Hertha, the famed owner stared sternly at the pair, "Don't get carried away just because there is one bed, you hear!"

"OH MY GOD!"

"JESUS CHRIST!"

In an instant, Subaru and Otto looked horrified, as everyone else let out some shocked and embarrassed reactions. They were like brothers-in-arms, so hearing that just felt wrong. As for Garfiel, he was doing his best not to burst out laughing.

Meanwhile, Frederica suddenly had a strong urge to punch Subaru.

Rem and Emilia however, wanted to do the same to Otto.

Otto flushed scarlet and gestured with his hands furiously, "We-we are not like that! We are merely business partners –"

Otto instantly regretted speaking. One look at his companion and he understood he was not to be spared.

"Ah!" Subaru placed her hand on her forehead dramatically, "How could you? After all, you did to me, you say we are not –"

"Natsuki-san!" Otto shrieked, ashamed, "This is no time for teasing me! Do you want to sleep in the storm?" He turned to the owner, "We are really innocent! Our relationship is purely professional!"

"Isn't "professional" too cruel? We have a much, much closer relationship than thaaaaaat…" Subaru whispered into his ears and promptly burst into laughter as they reddened, "Pfft! Otto, your reaction! It's like a girl! So adorable!" She patted him on the back, "Don't worry, I am not interested in a guy like you."

"Gee, thanks." Otto wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or rejected.

Good, Frederica dryly thought. Wait, why am I thinking that?

"What do you mean a guy like me!" Otto protested, his cheeks tinted red.

"Halt your flirting." Hertha sighed, relenting, "Ah, to be young! It would be wicked of me to kick you out in this weather. You can stay in the storeroom. " Hertha glanced at Subaru then at Otto, "Clearly, your man is too shy to lay a move."

"He's not my guy!" Subaru exclaimed as Otto yelled simultaneously, "I am not shy!"

Subaru's contracted Spirit Yoru spun around her, irritated. She did not like Otto very much and also disliked her contractor being linked to him in any way or form.

"Oh, hey, I have a different contracted Spirit in this reality," Subaru pointed out.

A certain Great Spirit of Yin instantly did not like this timeline.

"Yes, yes, not yet." Hertha winked at Subaru, "Sometimes, girls have to be proactive."

Upon hearing that, Subaru did a spit take with his drink.

"What does she mean, Frederica nee-sama?" Petra asked.

"Uhh…" the blonde bagn to sweat. "You'll know when you're older, Petra-chan! Yeah…"

Subaru turned a violet shade of pink, sputtering, "N-no, I, why would I, with him?!" She stood up quickly, her chair falling to the floor with a loud clatter, "Otto, let's go, I am sleepy!"

"Wait, Natsuki-san!" Otto picked up the fallen chair and rushed after her, "Thank you for your grace, Madam Hertha!" He did not forget to leave the silver coins and the teddy bear on the table.

"The storeroom is at the end of the corridor!" Hertha shouted after them, "There should be some spare blankets and pillows."

Opening Theme: Bursty Greedy Spider

Subaru is seen rising from the floor of the screen, as if time itself was reversing a fall, all while blood seems to be returning from a wound on his chest.

"Here we go again…"

"I seriously don't like the first scene, now that we know it's full context…"

Tales from the Multiverse

As the title faded, seven different Subarus are seen dancing around like idiots.

"Al, is there a skip button?" Subaru asked.

"Eh, too lazy to look around for it now."

"Man, fuck you."

Then, the next scene is of the seven Subarus, all of them charging into battle, each of them showing their individuality, all lead by… the original.

As the camera zooms out of the scene, it reveals thousands of scenes, all of them playing at the same time, all of them… possible realites, waiting to be seen.

The scenes become a light brown in color, as it's revealed that the camera is zooming out of Subaru's eye, revealing that he's bleeding and wounded, but still smiling with his classic maniacal smile, and ready to keep on fighting.

Episode 3:

Playing House

Seeing the title, Kenichi and Naoko thought back to Subaru's childhood and when they would play with him at home. Then, they were reminded of a certain something Subaru used to do.

"Oh, Subaru. I remember when you tried on dresses to try and look like a beautiful princess," Naoko thought back fondly on those times.

Everyone who was not in the Natsuki family went silent in disbelief.

"MOM, NO!" Subaru yelled in terror.

""HE DID WHAT?!"" Garfield and Otto gasped.

"AHAHAHAHAHAAAA! What!? Was Barusu dissatisfied with being born a man?!" Ram jabbed at Subaru who was too in shock to talk back, while also laughing like a hyena.

"Please tell me he also wore a wig!" Petra demanded.

"Yes, yes! Tell us immediately!" Rem joined in.

"Yes, pleeeeease tell us! As his liege, I must know! For… educational purposes!" Emilia begged her knight's parents to tell them, already having certain ideas for after they left the theater.

"Oh yes, he did. He wore a wig that completely matched his hair color and covered his left eye!" Naoko informed the girls, who squealed at the thought.

"MENTAAAAAL IMAGE!" Roswaal whooped out, joining in the fun.

"Did he stuff his bra, too?! Hahahaha!" Ricardo wheezed out, while dying of laughter.

"Nah, he was still too young, but I wouldn't be surprised if he did now," Kenichi chuckled at the good old days.

Subaru looked about ready to use Return by Death to go back and avoid this whole conversation. The black-haired knight slumped back in his seat in defeat. Well, if my life wasn't over in the last few minutes, it is now.

There were various laughter from all over the Theater, from the subtle chortles of Wilhelm and Reinhard, to the laugh-out-loud from Felt and Meili, everyone was smiling.

Seeing this, Subaru couldn't feel completely horrible about the revelation. At least everyone is smiling and laughing, that almost makes my reveal worth it. Almost.

"Eh, at least it's better than his Witch Cult cosplay," Al commented.

Hearing that, everyone's laughter immediately died.

The storeroom was cluttered with items, ranging from a fierce statue of a dog with eight legs to random boulders and sacks of tatoes. However, Otto and Subaru were used to living in worse conditions on their journeys. To have shelter and warmth was a blessing in itself.

Subaru stretched and jumped, pulling Otto into her daily nightly exercises. The merchant followed her actions and instructions with resignation. This had become their routine ever since they became business partners and started traveling together.

"1, 2, 3, and done!" Subaru declared, and pulled Otto away from their luggage, "Now, time to sleep. Even, you, Otto. You can check those accounts tomorrow morning."

"But –" Otto started but was immediately silenced.

"No buts! You need your rest!" Subaru dragged him onto the gnawed, squeaking, enveloping him in her arms.

Although Otto had grown a certain resistance to her cuddling, Hertha's words from earlier set him aflame like the first time they slept in one bed. Often, they had to share their sleeping spaces, not because of his desires, maybe a little, but as a necessity. During their travels, separate beds were a luxury and often impossible.

At first, Otto would stay awake with his eyes shut and his thoughts in an uproar. Subaru, likewise, was evidently not able to sleep with how much she used to shift around. But eventually, he found the girl's touch soothing, and comprehended that when they huddled together like this, under the same blanket, his companion would sleep better with fewer nightmares.

"Do it, do it, do it!" Al chanted.

"AL."

"All right, all right, I'll keep it PG, sheesh."

Additionally, he developed a certain affection for her. An affection he so cautiously hid in the depths of his heart and his red cheeks.

"Hey, Otto," Subaru whispered, "Are you going to search for a house tomorrow?"

"...Yes." Otto replied, "It's not good to stay in this inn for long."

"Are you… sure about this?" Subaru's reply came slow and hesitant.

Otto adjusted his position to gaze at her, "What do you mean?"

"Do you really want to stop... traveling?" Subaru asked, avoiding his eyes, "And settle down."

"Wow, the phrasing."

"I agree," Naoko replied to her son.

"I agree," Kenichi said. "Settle down, get hitched, get a job with a six-figure income, have a big house, a nice car, two kids! The perfect American suburban lifestyle!

"What the fuck are they talking about?" Felt whispered into Reinhard's ear.

"I have no idea, my lady. It must be an otherworldly thing."

"Alien talk, got it."

"I'll have to eventually." Otto avoided answering straightforwardly, "You know my bad luck! "

"But you like traveling," Subaru gazed hesitantly at him.

"I do." Otto affirmed, "But I am not particularly fond of danger…And I do wish to open a store."

"Alright. If… you say so." Subaru nestled deeper into his chest, trying to grasp at all the warmth he could provide to her.

Daylight came quickly. Otto awakened first, glad to know that his companion had another undisturbed and satisfactory nap. Gently loosening her grip on him, he climbed out of his bed and checked the bags, confirming all the items were present, then briefly with the birds chirping out the window for any news.

Verifying nothing worrying had emerged, he turned towards the bed and shook the girl awake. Subaru opened her eyes, gazing at Otto and then at her surroundings in a confused daze.

"Natsuki-san," he smiled, "It's dawn."

"That smile. That damn smile."

"It reminds me of yours, Subaru," Reinhard replied.

"Mm-hm!" Emilia nodded. "That smile is for good boys!"

Subaru couldn't help but blush in embarrassment.

"Oh right." Subaru sat up, languidly, and covered her mouth as she yawned, "We came to the Capital. Alive. No thanks to you Otto!"

"Hey!" Otto retorted, indignant, "If I didn't deal with those carriage drivers we would be still stuck on the highway!"

"Right, and whose fault was it that we were stuck there?" Subaru's glare morphed into a playful grin, "Sorry, Sorry, Otto. You are just fun to tease. Don't get offended. You are really dependable, ya know?"

"I know." Otto humphed, "And I won't take offense so easily."

Yoru buzzed excitedly around Subaru causing a grin to emerge on the girl's face.

"It is your first time in the capital, Yoru?" Subaru chuckled, "It's mine too! Since it's the capital, it should be a remotely safe place…"

Otto winced slightly. Lugunica had not been a safe place for the past few years, and probably wouldn't be in the future. Nevertheless, the Capital was teeming with knights and guards and should be comparatively safer.

"I have rented a stall in the market street," Otto said, taking out a map. "It was expensive, but it's in a good spot."

He had contacted his best contacts and links to secure an area with a steady and good flow of business. Subaru's rising reputation and prominence as an inventor in the merchants' circle also contributed.

"Wow, color me impressed ya two," Anastasia complimented, "If you weren't working fer Emilia, I'd be tempted to hire ya."

Subaru and Otto were a bit embarrassed, while a certain half-elf was trying her best to not commit figurative murder.

Subaru looked slightly hesitant.

"It'll be fine." Otto comforted her, "Your wares are top-class! They always sell well! It won't be different this time!"

"Thanks, Otto." She pumped her fist into the air, "Yosh! So to try and not let down you who has put his hope into me, I am going to work hard!"

Otto and Yoru cheered alongside her.

The market street was waking up when they arrived. They quickly and slightly clumsily set up their first shop, displaying a substantial amount of Subaru's works and a vibrant board reading "Natsuki Toy Works!"

"This looks great?" Subaru turned to Otto and Yoru for confirmation.

"It looks great!" Otto gave her a thumbs up, a gesture from Subaru's homeland meaning, "Excellent!"

Subaru beamed.

"My eyes…" Julius winced. "That smile… is so bright!"

"I can already feel my depression being lifted away…" Al added.

Heh, Subaru thought grimly. The people with the brightest smiles are always the saddest.

"Oiya!" Hearing a voice call them out, they turned around. An elderly couple walked toward them with a menacing, friendly aura, "Look, some new young'uns."

"Ah, Hello!" Otto nervously greeted them, being unskilled with friendly elders, "Um, I am Otto Suwen, a merchant, and this is my partner, a toymaker, Subaru Natsuki…"

Subaru on the other hand greeted them more pleasantly, "It's nice to meet you! You guys own the stall across the street, right? The wooden bowls and cutlery?"

"Yes!" The lady smiled, "I am Willa Williams. And this is my husband, Bill Williams. If you have any troubles, you can come to us."

The husband nodded, preferring to remain silent. Otto smiled, nervous.

"Thanks a lot!" Subaru grabbed one of her creations and pushed it into the lady's hand, "These flowers never wilt so they'll look lovely on you!"

"Ohoho! What a charmer!" The lady patted Otto, "You are quite the lucky lad!"

Otto laughed nervously.

Once again, the three special ladies in the Emilia Camp did not like the suggestive commentary. Two of them didn't want their man, or girl in this case, with the merchant, while one of them didn't want the ashen-haired merchant to be with… that woman.

"I know!" Subaru grinned and nudged Otto, "She knows, they know, but you don't know, huh?"

The couple returned to their stall, glowing in happiness all the way. Otto exhaled in relief as they exited. For some reason, Otto could do well in normal negotiations, but being neighborly altogether was another issue.

"Otto, you have an elder phobia, don't you?" Subaru tilted her head, peering at him.

"Elder… what?" Otto responded, confused.

"Phobia. Meaning fear." Subaru explained, "You get all nervous and sweaty dealing with someone with more experience and age than you."

"…Natsuki-san is too good with children and the elderly." Otto hurriedly changed the topic. "See? You didn't need to be so worried! You will be great with the customers!"

"…Right." Subaru smiled, "I might not be entirely useless, then!"

"Natsuki-san is never useless," Otto firmly stated. Yoru fluttered around in agreement for once. "You should appreciate yourself more."

"He's right."

"Emilia-tan?"

"He's right, Subaru," the half-elf stated, leaving no room for argument.

Subaru froze. A pink blush slowly entered her cheeks.

"Ah… oh…" She glanced at the floor, "Thanks."

Contrary to her anxiety and low self-confidence, Customers came in ravenous multitudes, depleting her stock of toys and handmade accessories, consisting of young girls to children to men searching for a gift for their lovers. Otto smirked. Seeing her interact so confidently and so comfortably with people caused his heart to lighten with bliss and pride. It was so different from the desperate and ragged her when they first met.

"Excuse me." Otto watched to see an elderly man in a rich suit approach Subaru, "I heard you selling some yellow flower crowns that would never wilt."

"Oh." Subaru's eyes dulled, "Sorry, sir. We are sold out of flower crowns."

"It's no issue at all." The man shook his head, "It's just my wife liked flowers."

Wilhelm subtly winced at the memory.

As did Reinhard.

"I see." A twinkle blossomed in the depths of Subaru's brown eyes, Otto knew she had another of her crazy ideas. "But sir, you could place a custom order!"

"Custom order?" The man repeated.

"Yes." Subaru's grin widened, "You specify the type of object you like to have made, and we'll make it exactly like your preference. Although, it'll be a little more expensive. Would you like to order one?"

"I shall take you up on your offer." The man smiled, "A yellow flower crown, how much would it cost?"

"A night's lodgings!" Subaru instantly reacted, her eyes blazing.

"Natsuki-san!" Otto shot out of his position with wide eyes, "What are you –? You can't just –!"

"What?" Subaru retorted, "You taught me to grab every opportunity!"

"Ha! That's what she said!" Al laughed at the unintentional innuendo, causing Subaru and his parents to seize up in shock, horror, and a splash of humor.

Everyone else had no idea what the saying meant.

"But we could sleep in the inns again!" Otto countered.

"And if they were full again?" Subaru rejoined, "Otto, you are excellent in everything. But… I can see you are having difficulties with finding a place to stay. Otherwise, you would have found one before we even arrived. It's unlike you to be ill-prepared. " Otto stiffened. "But… if… if I can secure one instead, there would be no problem, right?"

"That's…." Otto lowered his eyes.

Subaru clenched the fabric of her dress, "I-I am not trying to hurt or be mean to you Otto, I just thought if I could… at least lighten your burden a little, it would be nice."

Yoru bumped against Otto's forehead angrily. Subaru, no matter how much she teased and played with Otto, loathed the thought of hurting him or being hated by him. She would always, always, prioritize him.

Even if he didn't want it.

The Subaru in the Theater winced at what his female counterpart said, and the narration just made that wince even deeper. It seemed that he would always be trying to lighten the burden of those around him, no matter what.

They really were the same person.

"It's okay, Natsuki-san." Otto placed a hand on her shoulder, "I… I understand."

Otto felt his tongue grow heavy. it was not as if he disliked her being considerate of him, he just felt guilty about burdening her with some matters that were supposed to be his responsibility.

"Mister," Subaru turned to the man, "You are a noble If I am not wrong? For artisans to be invited to a noble's house for commission… it's not uncommon in the country if I recall?"

"Quite an interesting pair, you are. Certainly, young miss," the man laughed. "It would be rude of me to let you stay at an inn when I have requested a favor of you. My lady would surely not mind."

"But…" Otto hesitated.

"We'll immediately move out once you find a place to stay," Subaru said, "I trust you."

Her words lightened his heart instantly. He was stupid. Of course, he was.

Once again, the awkwardness for Subaru and Otto returned. But it wasn't the funny awkwardness that came with the flirtatious personality of Fembaru, no. This was the awful kind of awkwardness that made every party want to crawl into a hole and die.

"Otto, I…"

"Natsuki-san, it's fine…"

"No, it's not," he snapped. "Otto, you're not stupid. You're the only reason I was able to get out of that hell loop back at the Sanctuary. You helped save all of us. You're not stupid."

"I… thanks, Natsuki-san."

As the two of them smiled at one another, various members of the rival Camps wondered what exactly happened in this "Sanctuary" to warrant Subaru calling one of his loops a "hell loop".

It turns out the man was Wilhelm van Astrea working for Duchess Crusch herself. Otto nearly fainted. As usual, Subaru was blissfully unaware of the complex details of the world's intricacies, and was only excited to meet the admirable 'boss lady' who he served for.

They did. At dinner time.

Otto wondered when did it become so easy to meet a duchess so well affiliated with the Royal family itself.

"I am Crusch Karsten." Even if she did not need to, the lady introduced herself, "And this is my knight, Felix Argyle."

"Nice to meet you, nya!" Felix winked at them.

"It's nice to see a version of me that isn't a brainwashed slave, nyah," Felix commented, cauing everyone to cringe. It seemed that the catboy wasn't going to forget the previous episode anytime soon.

Crusch gave a small sigh. She knew Felix was still upset with Subaru from the reveal of his ability, and seeing him as a slave to the same man was not helping. She could only hope that the catboy would work out his issues with his fellow knight.

"I am Otto Suwen, a merchant." Otto introduced himself as politely as possible, "And this is my business partner, Subaru Natsuki, a toymaker."

"Nice to meet you!" Subaru said, "Umm… I have to apologize in advance because I really don't know… umm… well, ya know, noble courtesy so if I offend you please let it go!"

"You are Wilhelm's guest." Crusch smiled softly at the girl, "You don't have to worry about such a thing."

"Sorry. I just have some bad experiences with… well, nobles," Subaru stated.

Otto was surprised. With how she smoothly talked Wilhelm into giving her shelter and her earlier excitement, he never would have thought. It kind of stung that she didn't tell him about it. But she hid many things. This wouldn't be the first.

"Hey, Hey!" Felix leaned across the table, a catlike grin plastered onto his face, "How did ya impress Old Man Wilhelm? He couldn't stop praising nya!"

"Must've done something herculean to do that." Subaru assured, not truly believing he could easily impress Old Man Wil.

"Nonsense, Subaru-dono. You have done more for us than you know." The Sword Demon assured his surrogate grandson. In fact, now that Wilhelm thought about it, he should probably talk to Subaru's parents about integrating Subaru into their family while he stays in Lugnica, if only to give his parents some comfort.

Maybe Reinhard would like to have a surrogate brother. They certainly get along swimmingly, Wilhelm thought. After the death of the White Whale, Wilhelm had some time to think on his past choices and what became of them. He could only feel ashamed for what he did to his grandson, for blaming him for Theresia's death, for ruining his childhood, for emotionally destroying him. Wilhelm just… feels like a failure. No doubt Theresia would never want to see him again when his time finally comes. He could only hope to make amends while he still can.

"Impress?" Subaru was evidently confused.

"Indeed." The duchess nodded, "Unless you impressed him, he wouldn't have invited you here."

"Hmm…" Subaru gazed thoughtfully at them, "Maybe, he thought you did like a flower crown too? Or maybe some 'crawling' earrings will suit you."

"It'll be for free, of course." Otto supplemented. "As a thank-you gift for letting us stay."

He knew once Subaru decided to make something, she wouldn't stop until she was satisfied.

Crusch seemed taken aback, "For me? But such cute things… I… can't wear them."

"You can't? Why not?" Subaru firmly declared. "If you want something cute, something pretty, it's because you want it, because you like it, and because you want to make yourself happy. Not because of anything or anyone else. That is the selfishness permitted to women. Well, anyone really."

A silence fell over the table.

"You really would make an excellent merchant, Natsuki-san."

"Nah, Otto, that seemed more like the work of a door-to-door salesman."

"A what?"

"They're kinda like merchants, but they go from a person's house to a person's house, trying to sell their products right at their front door. Real silver tongues on those guys."

"Uh… I see…?"

"Then… I'll take you up on that offer," Crusch broke the silence. A smile tugged on her lips and her eyes twinkled slightly.

"I understand Wilhelm, nyow." Felix giggled, "I would like something too! In blue, nya!"

"I'll do my best!" Subaru patted her chest, confidently.

Otto sighed and smiled helplessly.

Maybe it was good, she depended on him to handle the finances and other underlying details of her impromptu decisions instead of bearing It on her own. It made them busy. Busy was good. When they were busy, they only concentrated on the future.

The stall 'Natsuki Toy Works' was successful. It was less successful on days when Otto ran the shop, as kids seemed to disagree with him. But the accounts books did not dictate any loss, as even without her presence, Subaru's creations were enough to seduce the crowds. Many of the capital's residents seemed to already have heard about her before from traveling companies and merchants they had dealt with before and were enthralled to finally have purchased her famed inventions, despite being unable to meet the inventor.

"Otto-Nyan!" Otto jolted as a certain cat pounced on him, "How's business going?"

"Felix-san!" Otto unsuccessfully tried to push away the clingy creature, "It's good, good!"

"You really are a hugger, Felix," Julius smiled.

"Nyah, it's just easy to tease people like Otto-kyun!"

"Didn't you also do the same thing when you first met Subaru-dono?"

Upon hearing Wilhelm's question, the knight immediately shut down.

"Hmm? Subaru-Nyan is not with you?" Felix questioned, eyes flitting here and there.

"She's working on something," Otto sighed. "Once she starts, only her ideas and her inventions remain, the rest of the world is forgotten… It's hard to interrupt her when she concentrates like that…"

"Hmm..." Ferris released him, "Old Man Wilhelm was delighted with her crown, nya! I am excited for what she'll make for Crusch."

"Ah." Otto thought of the gold earrings she had produced for Crusch. It was adorned with tiny ruby-red flowers and curved around the ears elegantly. He lowered his voice, conspiratorially, "It's already done. Only the finishing touches are left."

Felix's eyes glinted, "Nya, Nya, I want to see!"

"Unfortunately, you'll have to wait –" Otto paused, noticing the redhead behind Ferris, "A customer?"

"Nyao!" Felix halted Otto, "That's my friend."

"Friend?" Otto noticed the red hair, the knight costume, and the blaring sword, coming to a terrible premonition, "The Sword Saint...?"

"Ah, yes, th' guy ya tried ta murder 'n th' previous reality," Ricardo joked.

"Can we please stop with the references to the previous episode?" Subaru begged.

"Fine, fine."

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." The Sword Saint bowed, shattering Otto's hope.

"Mine… Mine too!" Otto bowed back, flustered, "Please don't bow to me!"

"Reinhard, Don't be so stiff! Nya!" Felix pawed him, "Otto is a good guy, but he gets nyarvous easily."

Otto flushed, "Please don't defame me like that!"

"Pardon me, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." Reinhard looked sincerely apologetic.

"No, no, it's my honor to meet you!" Otto forced a smile, "I am Otto Suwen."

"Reinhard van Astrea," the redhead answered.

"The good boy is here!"

"Subaru, please. I'm not –" Reinhard tried to speak, but was cut off.

"Shut up and take the compliment, Rein."

"Oh," Otto relaxed, "You are Wilhelm-san's grandson if I recall correctly."

Reinhard's smile stiffened slightly, "...The flower crown you made for my… grandmother was lovely."

"I didn't make it." Otto nervously rubbed his hand, "Natsuki-san did."

"Natsuki… Subaru Natsuki?" Reinhard's eyes narrowed, in surprise, "So she was the one Ferris was talking about…"

"Yes." Otto smiled, "To think she's known enough to reach the ears of the Sword Saint –"

"I believe you are mistaken about something…" Reinhard interjected, politely, "Although I know of her reputation as an excellent artisan, she was not yet one when we first got acquainted back in Flanders," Reinhard clarified, his eyes softening, "I am glad to hear she is doing well…"

There was sorrow in his eyes. Otto knew the details of their encounter weren't any good. He did not know much about Subaru's past, and he never forced her to tell him, either – eventually, she would – with her own words, by her own choice. When she feels comfortable enough. When she trusts him enough. When he becomes dependable. Even if she begs at night for them not to kill her, that she was innocent, that she wasn't a Witch, he wouldn't ask.

Hearing that, it wasn't long before they realized what and who Subaru was referring to.

Subaru himself felt hollow. It was easy to guess what happened to the Emilia of that timeline, and that his counterpart failed to stop it. To hear that she… was gone for good felt like a nightmare.

Yes, he had watched her die multiple times, and they hurt immensely every time, but he was always able to reset and try again. To hear that his counterpart failed permanently… it hurt.

"-baru! Subaru!" The black-haired knight was snapped out of his thoughts to see his liege looking at him with great concern.

"Sorry Emilia-tan, I just –" Subaru was cut off by a hug from Emilia, which normally would turn him into a blushing mess, but hearing the fate of the Emilia in the timeline they were watching dampened that.

"It's okay Subaru, I'm still here. I'm not going anywhere," Emilia promised her knight, and Subaru knows she would never break a promise.

Because he didn't want to reopen those scars that still ache.

"How did ya meet?" Felix asked, blatantly ignoring the tension.

"I do not know if it's alright to speak about it without her permission." Reinhard said, "But… I do not think she knows me as the Sword Saint."

He smiled fondly and it made Otto's insides twist. Somehow, he disliked the idea of Subaru knowing and being known by this perfect being. Subaru was too friendly to others.

"Nya, nya, Reinhard, she's taken," Felix slyly commented.

"Huh?" The Sword Saint was evidently startled, "I do not, I did not, have any thoughts about –"

"You are acting suspiciously flustered!" Felix teased, "Do you –"

It felt unpleasant.

"To be fair, if I was a girl and had to choose a guy, I'd probably go with Reinhard," Subaru stated.

The Cast thought about it, and soon enough agreed. Reinhard was a good, humble boy who would treat a lady right. He was an excellent choice.

No, there are far better options, the redhead thought to himself.

"Ferris-san! " Otto's voice rose against his will, "Natsuki-san did not have an easy life. I am sure… what happened between Natsuki-san and the Sword Saint is not what you are assuming."

Felix's ears drooped slightly, "Sorry, nyan."

"It's okay," Otto calmly answered, "…I simply don't want to agitate her. She's working hard, harder than anyone, to create a new life for herself. To live happily. I just want to support her in whatever way I can. That includes giving her space."

"Is that why you sleep in the same room at nyaight?" Felix probed, gently.

"Yeah." There was a pause. Otto reddened as it slowly dawned upon him what he just admitted and he instantly stammered out a few unconvincing excuses, "Y-You, How? Nonono, Wait, No! We d-don't sleep in the same room?!"

"Nyo need to pretend!" Felix stated, "All of us know it. You always sleep in Subaru's room at night."

"That's because of work!" Otto tried to explain, "Sometimes we discuss late into the night –"

"Right, because Subaru-nyan forgets to stop working," Felix followed.

"Unfortunately, that's true." Emilia sighed, wishing that her knight would take some time to himself, especially not that she knew that he was going through so much for their sakes. I might have to order him to take a break every now and then.

"Are you sure Emilia-sama? I never see Barusu working that hard, but I can't expect anything more than that from him." Ram let habit get the best of her, and unfortunately brought a force down on her that was more than she could handle.

"Ram-san…" The hornless oni stiffened as she heard the most terrifying thing imaginable. Ram reluctantly turned to see Naoko with her eyes closed and a somewhat strained smile.

"My little Subaru has gone through enough, wouldn't you say?" Naoko's tone appeared sweet, but everyone could tell that she was not happy, "So let's try and be a little nicer, shall we?"

"Of course, Mrs Natsuki." And thus, Ram was silenced by what may as well have been the word of God, with an invisible threat she understood.

"E-Exactly!" Otto said, evidently relieved.

"But it seems like Subaru-nyan is always stopping you from late nights," Felix pointed out.

"How do you know that?!" Otto yelled, glaring at Felix with suspicion.

"Now, Now Ferris," Reinhard tugged at Felix. "This is their private life – you shouldn't intrude."

"But Otto-nyan is my friend," Felix said, clinging onto Otto's arm. "I want to be closer, nya!"

"That doesn't give you an excuse to stalk us!" Exhausted, Otto did not even try shaking off his arm.

"Tehee! Sorry!" Felix giggled unapologetically. "Though Otto-nyan you already admitted it, earlier. That you go to sleep in her room. Not the other way round – Sounds kind of perverted, nya?"

"That's because –!" Otto stopped himself from yelling, lowering his voice to a whisper, "That's because she's too proud to admit she is scared to sleep alone."

Beatrice cringed at what the on-screen Otto said.

He was right. Even in this reality, Subaru wasn't able to sleep without someone next to him, and that someone happened to be Beartrice. She recalled how often he had nightmares, and now she knew why. In fact, if the female version of her contractor had the same curse, she might have had the exact same problems, maybe even worse, if they were to combine the fact that the other Subaru failed to save the half-elf back in Elior Forest.

A part of her wondered if every Subaru out in the multiverse had to suffer.

His shoulders slumped, momentarily, as he closed his eyes to catch his breath. His head swirled with thoughts and regrets and hatred and… He was going to spiral into his cowardice again. Guilt gushed into the space in his heart that felt relief for letting such heavy words out. It felt like a betrayal to Subaru.

Because he never once before blamed Subaru for not admitting she wanted to cuddle and sleep with him. Because he felt like he understood. He felt like he should be understanding. That he should compromise. And he shouldn't have reason to complain because he liked it. And it would be nice if she did, too.

It made him feel like a villain that he was actually outraged about this tiny fact. He felt petty and small.

"It's okay," Felix rubbed Otto's head. "You are a good boy, nya!"

"I don't feel good at all being told that by you!" Otto griped. "Why did I even…?"

"Felix is pushy," Reinhard admitted, remorseful he had to.

"I am not pushy, nyah!"

"I can distcinly remember you groping me in previosu loops," Subaru smirked.

"I have nothing to say to you."

"Gah!" Felix gripped his chest, "Reinhard, you can't be mean! It seriously hurts, nya!"

"But it is your error, Felix," Reinhard gently coaxed.

"We live in the same place!" Felix exclaimed, "If you are gloomy and frown all day long, 'course I'll notice!"

Otto gaped at him. "Am I really that obvious?"

Felix shrugged. "It would be better if nya were. You shouldn't hide such things from Subaru-nyan."

Otto peeked at him, "What do you mean?"

"Subaru-nyan isn't fragile glass," Felix said. "She wouldn't get hurt so nya easily. It's not Subaru-nyan who doesn't trust you. it's you who doesn't trust Subaru-nyan."

Everyone in the Theater wondered if what the on-screen Felix said was true.

On the one hand, Subaru had seen such unimaginable horrors, that it seemed like he was one bad day away from a complete mental breakdown. Emilia, Beatrice, and Rem had all seen Subaru at his lowest, crying his lungs out, and a part of them knew why.

But on the other hand, people like Roswaal, Wilhelm, and even Priscilla had to admit that his will was one of iron. He had successfully beaten the clown at his own game, brought down the White Whale, and during the previous viewing, had the audacity to stand up to the Vollachian Matriarch, going so far as to threaten to kill her, and no one even dared to oppose him.

In fact, did anyone now even trust Subaru? Even before that stunt he pulled with Priscilla, everyone was walking on eggshells with him due to the reveal of Return by Death, shocked at how Subaru was even functioning while holding onto such a terrible secret.

It was odd. Subaru truly was a dichotomy of a person, with so many different layers beneath the surface, that they may never truly know what's within the center. He could fit so many roles into him, that sometimes, the Cast forgot that he was a single person.

Maybe these viewings were all showing fragments of the original Subaru?

Otto smiled sadly after a short pause, digesting the words thrown straight at him, "Felix-san is right."

"Ain't I?" Ferris smirked.

"Forgive me for overstepping my boundaries, but..." Reinhard suggested, "You should tell Subaru what you said to us. I think she needs to hear how you feel. It's important."

"No..." Otto shook his head and smiled, "Thank you."

"We'll get going!" Felix glanced at an approaching customer and grabbed Reinhard's arm, "We should hang out like this later, too! It was fun! Maybe, we should invite Julius too!"

"Yes." Reinhard agreed, "It would be quite nice."

Upon hearing that, Julius turned towards the nasty-eyed knight and asked, "Subaru, I have a question for you: Do you see me as a friend?"

"Well… I don't see you as an enemy?"

"That's not a very convincing response."

"For now, let's just go with acquaintances or fellow knights."

"Haha..." Otto chuckled nervously.

As the sun began to set, Otto closed shop. Instead of directly returning to the estate, Otto had first decided to search for the house. However, once again, he was informed by the realtor that no houses suited desired conditions. The budget was not even the issue here! It was kind of ridiculous. All he wanted was a residence that was neither too spacious nor too compact, with two rooms with a large kitchen near the market district. But that was the ideal of almost everyone and thus, most of them were occupied.

Otto sighed.

"Are you concerned about something?" Otto leaped in surprise, as he heard Crusch behind him.

"Ah, no!" Otto answered quickly, straightening his back.

"Really?" Crusch inspected him, "You are my guests, and it's my duty to ensure you remain comfortable in my house."

"Ah, yes, "remain comfortable", and not "get brutally murdered by the maids due to your smell", nyah," the resident catboy sarcastically huffed.

"Felix!" Julius angrily whispered.

If anyone heard the healer's comments, they thankfully didn't say so.

"Please do not misunderstand!" Otto exclaimed, "We are very comfortable here. You have helped us greatly by permitting us to reside here."

"I see. I am glad," Crusch smiled. "I am not sure whether we have helped you more or you have."

"Huh?" Otto was confused.

"Subaru is in the kitchen again." Crusch informed, "Introducing a new device called the 'potato peeler'."

"Oh, that..." Otto remembered that made peeling tatoes easier.

Otto had made a deal with a prominent and trustworthy company to act as an intermediary to sell those, promising them a portion of the profits. The company agreed instantly. It seemed that causing small conveniences in the daily routines brought a lot of money. It was not the first or last object Subaru invented that was not toys or accessories – she seemed to be a walking and breathing treasure trove. In matters, of being rich or not, they definitely were.

Otto finding her was part of his rare excellent luck. If not for Subaru disliking extravagances and distrusting mercenaries alongside Otto's bad luck, their travels would be probably smoother. Even the shop only existed because of Subaru's passion for toys. She was the most confident, the most comfortable when producing those little things to bring a smile to someone's face.

Subaru was confused upon hearing the narration? Him? Distrusting mercenaries?

He himself didn't have that issue. He got along fine with Ricardo, Mimi, Tivey, and even if he wasn't there, Hetaro. All of them were mercenaries, and even if they're employer was the physical embodiment of capitalism, he was perfectly cool with those four.

Maybe this was something exclusive to his female counterpart? Afterall, she apparently was summoned earlier than he did, so maybe something happened to her that caused such a mistrust? Afterall, he certainly didn't trust Roswaal after a few loops.

Hopefully, whatever his female counterpart experienced wasn't as horrifying as Roswaal.

"She is really amazing," Crusch sincerely complimented. "All the items she invented only ease small annoyances. But it causes such a difference in my staffs' workload. It really made me realize how critical these small details we so casually overlook are; small irritants accumulate to become a larger hassle. Just because we think it's insignificant, it may not be."

Crusch paused, and gazed at Otto, "Ah. My apologies for such a dreary speech. I can't simply express how impressed I am."

"Not at all," Otto smiled softly. "I am glad you have such a high opinion of her. She's quite eccentric but… beyond that, she's really kind."

Hearing the on-screen Otto's words, Subaru scoffed at them. Him? Kind?

He was nothing more than a coward. The only reason he ever went back and saved whatever poor soul was about to get killed was because he couldn't bear the guilt of knowing that he was directly responsible for whether or not those people lived or died.

Not only that, but he had manipulated so many people to achieve his goals. He used past knowledge to make sure the oni twins wouldn't kill him, bringing together two other Camps to help him kill the White Whale, and even trying to steer everyone in a direction which would have prevented them from ever learning about his awful power in the first place.

And not only that, but he saw how he had burned down all of Lugnica in another reality. He taunted the Sword Saint, bumped off Emilia's rivals and other members of their Camps, and even worked with Roswaal WILLINGLY, all for the sake of making Emilia the winner, without even asking the half-elf for her consent to all of that madness.

"Stop that."

Remembering his Witch Cult counterpart, Subaru remembered Emilia's words, too.

"You're not responsible for what some other version of you does, no matter how evil."

Heh, he weakly smirked to himself. I wish that were true, Emilia-tan…

"Indeed," Crusch agreed, her expression suddenly turned serious, "And such, I have a proposal for both of you."

At first, he was surprised, but he gradually comprehended. Everyone wanted a piece of the rare item called Subaru Natsuki. Otto shifted into what Subaru labeled his "professional persona", a level-headed version of him who only thinks of benefits and loss. It was logical since the person in front of him also would think along similar lines.

"Should we move somewhere else?" Otto gestured at their surroundings, "The corridors are not a suitable place to discuss important matters – I assume this is."

"It is," Crusch's eyes glinted with slight admiration.

Crusch led him towards her office. Once they settled down and the maids had departed, leaving swirling amber tea on the table, she began, "It's not well known, but the Dragon Tablet has recently issued a new command. Please look at this."

She extended her showing a triangular badge with a glowing red gem embedded in the middle, "This is a Royal Insignia. There are five of them. When it glows in the hands of a Maiden, it means she is a Candidate for the throne."

Otto's eyes widened and he stared up at Crusch, "Then that means...!"

"Yes, I myself am one of them," Crusch leaned back, staring at Otto like an eagle would stalk its praise, "Once all the Candidates are found, the Royal Selection will start."

Upon hearing reference of the Royal Selection, three of the Royal Candidates eyed the Emilia Camp, or specifically, one member of the Emilia Camp.

Putting away their personal feelings and letting the strategic part of their minds take over, Priscilla, Anastasia and Crusch now knew that the biggest wildcard to the Royal Selection was none other than the resident time-traveling otherworlder.

While they didn't believe that he would go as far as Pride in his efforts to make the half-elf King, he had already shook their world. He had made a three-way alliance, eliminated the White Whale, Sloth, and given the context from the first viewing, possibly the Great Rabbit, too.

And while Crusch knew that Subaru hadn't used his ability to influence the Royal Selection, the other two still didn't know whether or not he would break his promise later on. The ability to redo mistakes, to gain information from the future, was something they couldn't pass up.

Within their minds, all three of them were trying to get on Subaru's good side, whether it be befriending him, allying themselves with his Camp, or simply by not antagonizing him.

After all, it would be best not to have a repeat of Pride.

"This is all very significant for Lugnica," Otto clenched his fist, steadying his breath and staring at the duchess right into her eyes, "I predict the coming days will be quite stressful. However, I fail to see how one merchant and one inventor will assist your cause."

"You do not need to weave your words – you already have an inkling about what I desire," Crusch declared, her eyes blazing. "The Lugnica I want to create is one independent of the Dragon. I want the citizens to stand for themselves. To build their own livelihood, their own future, and to achieve the prosperity of their Kingdom by their own hands. And as your companion has reminded me, it starts from the smaller cracks."

Otto closed his eyes, trying to relax in front of such a powerful ambition, "...So to speak simply, you want to endorse our goods. To raise your reputation, therefore raising your chances of victory in the election."

Crusch's silent and confident smile was enough of an answer.

"Have you..." Otto inquired cautiously, "Have you said any of this to Subaru yet?"

Everyone paid attention as they waited for the on-screen Crusch's response.

A part of Subaru wondered if he had already come off as untrustworthy in this reality. It wouldn't come to him as a surprise, he was found untrustworthy by Ram and Rem ever since he arrived at Roswaal's, why would this be any different?

But for everyone else… they didn't see him like that. While Subaru did keep a massive secret from them, he did so with good reason. Regardless, whatever Subaru did, he always did what he thought was right. He always tried to help regardless of the cost to himself.

No matter what, Subaru did everything in his power to make sure everyone came out alive, and that made him more than trustworthy, in their eyes.

Crusch shook her head, "Not yet – I thought it would be better to consult with you first."

"Thank you," Otto was relieved. "She doesn't know much about politics so it might be quite troubling to her..."

"Then I was right," Crusch said sadly, "She doesn't seem to have a pleasant view of the government. Although, I might confidently say, on a personal level we are friends. She and Ferris are quite similar in being pushy."

Otto laughed lightheartedly. Internally, his head was working earnestly, thinking, reasoning, rationalizing – Crush's idea appealed to him, and would to Subaru as well.

"Otto, what's the most crucial element of business?" Subaru once asked.

"Customers," he instantly answered.

"Right?" Subaru muttered, dozing away into thoughts, "But not only in business – it applies everywhere. A king can't be king without his citizens, a hero can't be a hero without people to applaud him… People are the foundation."

"This is a nice flashback," Naoko whispered to her husband.

"Yeah, it is."

Subaru, much like everyone else, was thinking over what his female counterpart was saying, and, well… she was right. There were plenty of things that needed people. Hell, all of society wouldn't exist if people didn't exist first.

But why was he thinking that?

Was some part of him trying not to think about doing everything alone? Or perhaps, did some part of him long for the acceptance that he believed was already gone with Return by Death's reveal? Honselty, he did not know.

What he did know however, was that without people, he'd probably break, too.

"Isn't that obvious?" Otto responded.

"It is," Subaru smiled, "Since people are the foundation they must be right. You wouldn't want to make a home in a house built of rotting bricks."

It was partially because of this, that he was having difficulty finding a house. In exchange for having a house with a simple design, they wanted a perfect house. Because it was their starting point for a stable, stress-free life.

Stress-free. Ah, that's right.

Otto came to a decision.

"Frankly… I think you are exceptional," Otto acknowledged, his mind clear, "And your purpose is worth investing in and in concept, beneficial for the kingdom. Watching a Lugnica under your ideal will be exciting. But..."

Otto gazed at her with serious eyes, "I'll have to reject your invitation."

Good choice, Crusch thought grimly to herself.

Crusch did not flinch, a small sad smile tugging at her lips, "I wouldn't have minded if you had taken a few days for a decision, but it does not seem there is any room for negotiations."

"My apologies," Otto exhaled.

"While it is a disappointment, there is no need for your apologies," Crusch softened her voice, "It was an invitation, not a demand. If you do not deem it to be of benefit, then it's perfectly reasonable for you to reject me."

Otto was feeling increasingly guilty and sorry for rejecting her. But he understood it was not an apology to Crusch, the Dragon Candidate, but towards Crusch, a friend, for being unable to help.

Upon hearing the narration, Crusch couldn't help but cringe. She remembered how she and the rest of her Camp were called out by Subaru in the first viewing as some of the people responsible for his deaths, and that honestly hurt her a bit.

During some of the less horrifying moments featuring the Sin Archbishop of Pride, the green-haired Candidate quietly looked over her memories. The only time the two of them interacted was during the week he was in the Capital, right before he called for a three-way alliance between his, her, and the Anastasia Camp.

How many times did she reject his request? He seemed like an expert of negotiation, despite the fact that he embarrassed himself less than a week ago. Logic dedicated that he had to constantly practice, getting new information loop after loop to convince her to help.

A small part of her wanted to ask why he didn't simply outright ask for help in defeating Sloth, but a bigger part of her knew why. He must have done it, but since that wasn't enough incentive to help, he had to try again. How many times had he tried?

Somewhere, in the back of her mind, Crusch remembered her goals. To create a Kingdom not dependent on the Dragon, where everyone would earn their place, a true meritocracy. But now, she realized that such a thing would leave the weak and helpless behind. Those with less opportunities, those who couldn't fight back. The only reason Subaru was able to save that village was because he had an infinite number of do-overs, but other people didn't have that.

Do I even have the right to call him a friend?

"Are you going tell Subaru?" Crusch asked, breaking the small silence that formed.

"No," Otto looked at his hands, "She doesn't need to know."

"...Pardon me for being intrusive," Crusch said sternly, "But Subaru is your partner and has equal rights over the decision of her goods. Although you might believe what you are doing is best for her, in such matters, it's best to be clear to avoid misunderstandings."

"She… will want to join you for sure," Otto replied, "That's how she is. If she can help someone, she will surely. And even more so, for you who she is fond of… even at her own cost. I… don't want to create opportunities for her to sacrifice herself."

"...You have good intentions," Crusch said, "For someone like you, who tries to understand her so deeply, your worries are understandable. But if she is as you say, someone who likes when being depended on, being cradled might hurt her instead."

"Right." Otto ruffled his hair frustrated. "Ah, seriously. I got lectured by Felix about the same thing earlier. I seriously have a problem! Though," Otto commented offhandedly, "You both are... surprisingly similar."

"Really?" Crusch eyes widened, in surprised delight, "I think that applies to you as well. You and Subaru match in many aspects."

"... It seems we are stuck in a vicious cycle," Otto muttered bitterly, "Me and her. We both don't want to hurt each other, want to be good to each other, and thus fail to rely on each other. And that hurts us."

Do we do that? Otto, among others, thought, looking back at his relationship with Subaru. The man recognized him from when they first met, at least from Otto's perspective. He also remembered how he didn't mention the green merchant as one of the people who DIDN'T kill him in one way or another. He must have hurt him at some point.

And in the memories he DID retain, he did hurt Subaru. He punched him in the face during his freakout, and even insulted him. Sure, it was for his own good, but it meant that what his on-screen counterpart was saying was true. Hell, Subaru hurt him, alongside everyone else, by keeping Return by Death a secret, believing that it was for their own good. Though, Otto couldn't blame Subaru for that, considering he was forced to keep it secret until they arrived in this theater.

Was Subaru's failure that he never relied on anyone? Or, more accurately, was it the fact that he was possibly betrayed by others so many times, that he is now reluctant to rely on anyone, always trying to get things done by himself, just like in the Sanctuary?

Man, this is really giving me a headache…

"I believe rather than talking to me and Ferris about this," Crusch smiled, "Another person is waiting to hear these words."

"Yes!" Otto beamed.

Otto slipped into Subaru's room quietly. The inventor was sprawled upon the floor with papers spread all over the floor along with wires, beads, rolls, rolls of cloth, and many other materials which she used to craft her magic. Noticing him, Subaru sat up, removing the pencil she was chewing on from her mouth.

"Oh." She covered her mouth as a yawn escaped, "Welcome back, Otto! You are kind of late today – what's in your hand?"

She noticed the tray he was carrying on which two steaming mugs stood, their sweet smell diffusing pleasantly throughout the room.

"I made you some 'chocolate', " Otto carefully iterated the foreign word, passing her the mug containing the creamy brown liquid, "I found merchants failing to sell 'cocoa' again. Thus, I purchased them quite cheaply once again and borrowed cream and sugar from the kitchens."

"Otto!" Subaru's eyes sparkled, gazing " I didn't know you were so nice!"

As everyone else watched the female Subaru's antics with Otto, chuckling at their interactions, Frederica was quiet, not exactly sure what to feel about this.

In the beginning of the story, when everyone was joking about Otto and Subaru being a couple, or whenever the female Subaru teased Otto, she had an impulse to punch him in the face, and while she had resisted at the time, it still lingered within her, and now she knew why.

For the last month since she had, along with everyone else in the Emilia Camp moved to the Miload Mansion, she always felt warm whenever Otto was around her. She didn't know if it was his relatability to having younger siblings or a demanding job, but being there always brought a smile to his face. One that, unlike most humans, he wasn't scared of.

Over the course of the viewings, however, she now knew why.

She had realized now that she was in love with the man. Sure, they only knew each other for a month, but given that Rem also held strong feelings for Subaru, strong enough that she was willing to be second to Emilia-sama for him even after doing the unthinkable to him, it wasn't that far-off that she would develop feelings towards Otto. After all, he did help save everyone from Roswaal, and he was sooooo reliable!

So, seeing this Subaru near Otto, even if it is a different version of him, it made her very uncomfortable. The man had already landed himself two women, three if Elsa was to be counted, and honestly, it was kind of disheartening.

Hopefully, nothing like that would happen within this story.

"I am always nice!" Otto retorted automatically.

"Mhmm!" Subaru took a sip, her eyes widening in delight, "It's delicious! My brain desperately needed some sugar as well! You have become a pro at this! You were so bad at this before – Are you practicing secretly?"

"Seriously," Otto chided playfully, "Do you have to be this dramatic every time I make it for you?"

It all started when Subaru found that creepy nut and desperately begged Otto to purchase it, claiming it to be an essential ingredient in a food item in her hometown. This was during a time when Subaru did not know the value of items and their relative costs, leaving Otto in charge of finances. Although Otto was hesitant, seeing her stubbornness, To his surprise, she produced a groundbreaking drink.

If sugar wasn't so expensive, they would also have made this into a product. In the end, it was left as a treat for both of them. Although, in the beginning, Otto mostly succeeded in burning the drink. Subaru eventually stopped making it for herself, leaving the duty to him like all the other menial tasks and errands Subaru was too hasty and impatient to handle.

"Well, it's a routine!" Subaru explained, "Every NPC pair requires one."

"NPC pair?" Otto echoed, "Another word from your hometown?"

"Well, this is a fantasy world… but we absolutely can't fight!" Subaru emphasized each word, "But we can provide support! Because we are merchants! And merchants are always NPCs!"

"Eh, I've seen a couple of RPGs where you can play as merchants."

"RPGs?" Emilia asked in confusion.

"Uh… role-playing games. Basically, games where you play someone else. For example, in a lot of them, you would play a hero out to save the world, or something," Subaru quickly explained.

"And NPC?" the voice of Priscilla was heard for the first time during the viewing.

"A non-playable character," he said. "Basically, in games like those, the player controls an in-game avatar which is called the "player character", and everyone else, including usually merchants, are NPCs. Enemies that you kill are in a different category from the other two."

"I see…"

Subaru was stunned by what he heard, or more accurately, what he didn't hear. Priscilla hadn't said anything since the start of the viewing, and now that she did, she didn't insult anyone. Sure, she didn't say thank you for the info, but it was still better than nothing.

Man, I should have let loose on her a long time ago… No, stop. Bad Subaru.

Although he still did not completely understand her, he got the gist. Most of Subaru's talk was like that.

Otto took a sip. He really did improve. He changed a lot after meeting Subaru.

He had become greedier. When once, food was merely sustenance, he now craved to enjoy everything entering his mouth.

"I'll just clean up quickly," Subaru kept the chocolate aside and began gathering the papers, "You look tired –"

"Natsuki-san…" Otto tightened his hold on the mug, "I would like to exchange some words with you..."

Subaru hurried movements cut still. After a long stiff moment, her fingers curled into a fist and she turned towards him, smiling and smiling, like she always did, "Yeah. sure. My ears are open!"

Otto inhaled deeply. There were many words he wanted to say, so many ways he could say, of which many could go potentially very, very wrong and shatter this relationship. But he disliked the wall he had built unconsciously between them. So he would shut down his calculations, his constant analysis, and let the words spill out. Because this was important. Because he was important. Because she was important. Because they were important.

The words strode off his tongue, proudly and gladly, "Subaru, I like you."

For about a full five seconds, the entire Theater was silent.

"Holy shit," Garfiel whispered. "He actually did it."

"Wow, Otto, I'm flattered."

"Oh my gosh!" the merchant gasped. "Natsuki-san!"

The world shifted. It appeared subtle, shrouding them in a fluttery atmosphere, ready to flee at the slightest harshness. His own heart quaked, searching her, for any sort of reciprocal.

Subaru's eyes were brown and tiny, and sometimes astray in an unfathomable abyss, but here, right now, her emotions were so vivid-so bright and so very pretty.

"Oh." Subaru managed, reddening. She stuttered cheerfully after another quiet moment, "A-Ah, I see! I like you too! W-What is this so suddenly? You are making me bashful! Idiot! Although being called Subaru instead of Natsuki-san feels nice, it feels kind of off when you do it out of the blue –"

"Subaru, please don't try to avoid the topic." Otto pressed on, feeling a surge of urgency, "I also will get hurt if you try to dismiss words I am trying to sincerely convey."

"DAMN, BROTTO, GOIN' RIGHT FER TH' KILL, ARE WE?"

"GARF! SHUT UP!"

"I never thought I'd see the day, wage slave!" Meili joined in on the teasing.

"The merchant growing a pair? Totally unrealistic."

"See?! Ram-san is correct! No, wait, that came out wrong –"

"AHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Sorry..." Subaru's gaze flitted around the room, at anything that wasn't Otto, "B-But that was so abrupt! I thought you were going to talk about... Well – Umm...I don't know! Something else! Anything else! Not this! That was not even the right atmosphere –"

"When is the right atmosphere then?" Otto questioned, forthright. Internally he squirmed, his instincts urging him to grab a cushion and dive into the cover, blocking out his ears and eyes for any sort of reply.

"That –" Subaru grabbed a stray object and chucked it towards him, "How would I know! I never dated someone! This is my first time even receiving a confession! Happy? Knowing I am such an unwanted girl!"

Subaru froze.

Her words clicked into place. All that clinging, that desperate grip on his shirt, his hand, and his words, It was due to this. Somewhere, in his heart, he understood her complex already, but he didn't want to admit it. Her outlandish actions, those exaggerated expressions, it was all to veil her true self-loathing, her own anxiety.

Oh.

Upon hearing that, everyone's laughter died down.

For a lot of people, a lot of things suddenly clicked. Their Subaru always tried to make everyone smile through his lies, the willingness to die for others the first Subaru they saw, the Sin Archbishop of Pride wondered if there was any point in him living, all of it.

It was because their own Subaru hated himself.

When he never condemned anyone for causing his deaths, many people wondered why. But now, at least they knew a part of it: He valued their lives far above his own. Sure, one could say that Return by Death amplified that mindset, but there had to be a bit of self-loathing there to begin with. No one would use such a terrible power unless they were evil and insane, or if they truly didn't value their own lives. And Subaru…?

Everyone started to see the black-haired boy in a bit of a different light. They were still shocked over the reveal of Return by Death and the burning of Lugnica to truly think about the Subaru they knew, and now… they realized something.

He may be a human, but he was still a person. He was still Subaru.

Anastasia looked over to Subaru. Sure, while it was true she was initially scared of him, given how he killed her in the previous reality, and how he threatened Priscilla, she believed now that she jumped the gun a bit. Sure, THAT Subaru was dangerous, but the one they were currently seeing, along with the first one they saw? They acted just like her Subaru.

Wait, MY Subaru? Where did tha' come from?!

Elsewhere, Crusch looked over to the nasty-eyed knight. She would have been lying if she wasn't a little shaken by what she had seen in the previous episodes. But she decided that she would judge this reality's Subaru for his actions. She would judge him for defeating the White Whale and Sloth, all for the sake of his lady. That was the Subaru she knew and loved.

Wait, love?!

"You are not unwanted!" Instantly, Otto refuted, "Crusch-san, Ferris-san, Wilhelm-san, and many others are smiling because of the things you do. I am happy that I met you, Subaru."

This was a fact. A statement is extremely obvious but also extremely important as sometimes while logic comprehends emotions do not.

"Happy?" Subaru stiffened, "Ah, right. My 'inventions' are desirable. But then this happiness is stolen."

Otto frowned, "I do not think of you just as a mere inventor, but I suppose you are implying something different."

"I told you before – All my 'inventions' are items from my homeland," Subaru explained, "So I really don't deserve being lauded for things I didn't do –"

"Who cares if they're from another world?!" Anastasia yelled out, grabbing everyone's attention. "Ya have th' potential to revolutionize everythin' we know, while improvin' everyone's lives! And you would keep tha' hidden 'cause you think tha's the right thing ta do?!"

"I have to agree with Anasatsia-sama, Subaru," Crusch spoke.

"Crusch-sama?" Felix stuttered, astounded.

"It's true," the green-haired woman continued. "You have demonstrated time and time again that you're willing to save others at the cost of yourself. Why not simply recreate something that would make people's lives easier, while not risking your own?"

Members of the Emilia Camp were surprised at the sudden… words of encouragement… from the heads of two other Camps, but Subaru merely smiled at them.

"All right, guess I could give that a try."

"I see." Otto smiled, "So that's the base of your worries. Then it seems I have failed to demonstrate the value of merchants."

"Huh?" Subaru stared at him in shock.

"Merchants provide a way for goods to be spread, " Otto said, "It's ridiculous to expect Inventors to travel long distances where their goods are required and wanted. But without knowledge and goods being spread, the world's technology will halt, consequently its progress. This is where the merchants enter, they agree to help spread their goods in exchange for a portion of the profits. An admiral relationship."

"Ah? But… that.. how does it relate?" Subaru stared at Otto stunned, "D-don't you feel disappointed? That I am actually a copycat and not the famed genius inventor?"

"Feeling guilty over this is perfectly normal, " Otto said. " But you don't need to. Even if the ideas were inspired by your homelands, I doubt you had its details memorized when you left. I myself act witness to your extensive hard work, Of you spending immeasurable nights over your design, building the first prototyping, checking it for errors, and researching methods to improve and perfect every item. Even if once the ideas were once from your homeland, these products are purely your effort. It's admirable –"

"Oh, no!" Petra yepled. "She's crying!"

"Did Otto say something wrong?"

"No, Mom," Subaru smiled. "He said the right thing."

Looking over to the green-haired merchant, Otto nodded in understanding. Back in the final loop of the Sanctuary, Otto made Subaru cry, and for quite similar reasons. Sure, his Otto may have just been admitting that they were friends, something that Subaru back then genuinely thought he would never have, but the sentiment was the same.

Elsewhere, a blonde maid felt uncomfortable at the looks they were giving each other.

A glistening tear ran down her cheeks, escaping her glossy and innocent eyes. Stunned, The mug slipped from Otto's grasp. Jolting to his senses, he hurriedly grabbed the cup before it shattered and made a mess. Carefully lacing it aside, he knelt in front of her, panicked.

"W-why are you crying?" Otto wiped away a tear, "D-did I say something wrong?"

"I am not crying!" Subaru objected, rubbing her eyes, "I am… just relieved. It's kind of pathetic to be worried over this –"

"It's not!" Otto grasped the hands she was using to rub your eyes, "Subaru, I possess the ability to communicate with all beings… but I still am required to negotiate with them, I must still understand their thoughts, their likes, and dislikes. I can't read their minds. And sometimes, it's the small things I dismiss that cause them to dismiss me. It's best to be clear and concise. No matter how small the worry seems, it still distresses you. It should be heard… Also because it's nicer when you are smiling."

"Ah..." Subaru blushed, glancing at the hands he gripped securely, "You… seriously… Even when I trouble and burden you, you try to comfort me."

"I won't lie. Natsuki-san is stubborn and impulsive," Otto admitted, "You are not patient enough to do menial tasks and do whatever you want, leaving all the burdensome details for me to handle –"

"Hey, when you insult me this much I doubt that you like me!" Subaru protested.

"Well, it is true. Barusu is quite impulsive."

"Ram!"

"And stubborn to a fault."

"Emilia-tan! You, too?!"

"But despite all that, Subaru-kun, you always try your best to alleviate everyone's burdens, even if we never see it. You're a good person, and don't ever forget that."

"I… thanks, Rem," he smiled. "Oh, gosh, you now got me blushing."

"See?" Otto laughed, "Natsuki-san doesn't like hearing this, right? I don't like hearing you berate yourself either."

"You… ugh..." Subaru sighed, "I dislike you saying mean things to me… Even if it's true. It's selfish and greedy but –"

"I am also very greedy and selfish, Natsuki-san!" Otto started, loudly, "Before it was so… easy to interact with you. Because you were merely a business partner. I didn't need to know more about you. I didn't want to know more about you… Now, I have grown greedier. I want to know you better, I want to understand you deeper, I want to learn more and more about you."

Otto paused, his voice lowering, "But I don't know… how. What questions are intrusive? How many questions are too many? What words will hurt you –? How… How can I help you? How should I help you? I just don't know… I thought like that earlier.

"Nevertheless, I understood, or I was made to, My true feelings were slightly more convoluted. I was just… am just scared of being hated by you."

Otto finished, exhaling. He released her hand and backed away, slightly. "Natsuki-san isn't a bag of money who needs to be guarded. You can live without my flimsy attempt at protecting you. You don't really need me…" Otto smiled, his tone growing happier, "And that's fine. I don't want to be with Natsuki-san because Natsuki-san needs me. I want to be with Natsuki-san because Natsuki-san wants me."

As everyone heard Otto's confession, several people's hearts began to melt.

But at the same time, other people began to think a little differently.

Just like back when Pride was asking Elsa if he had a purpose in life anymore, everyone once again saw the core, the very essence, the thing that made Subaru Natsuki, Subaru Natsuki. It was his desire to belong somewhere, to feel fulfilled, the very things that made him a person. And at the end of the day, isn't that what everyone in the world wanted?

Yes, he had many flaws, and given a few changes, the things that he could have done would have been catastrophic, but he was still human. None of them were perfect, no matter how much Priscilla tried to deny that, and Subaru wasn't any different.

But it did get some of them thinking?

Would they be the same person, had their circumstances changed?

His chest felt lighter and his head felt clear. He heaved himself out of the sea of fuzziness, confusion, and dread, he was floating in for the past few months where it was difficult enough to organize his emotions, his needs, and his desires. It made him glad. It made him feel powerful.

His cheeks reddened and he scratched his cheeks nervously, "Hehe, I sound a bit cool, don't I –"

"Nope!" Crying a little, laughing a little, Subaru rebutted, "You sound completely lame! Those are the basics of a healthy relationship! And what's with the "Natsuki-san"?! Weren't you just calling me Subaru a while ago! Don't randomly switch! It gives me mixed feelings! But..."

Subaru inhaled, smiling, beaming, glowing, "You are right! It is better to say them clearly! It's easy to drown in emotions and forget basic rules!" Her voice grew quiet, and she turned her face away from him, "It takes a lot of courage to say it too… I guess you were a teensy, weensy cool! Thanks."

Otto blushed, muttering, "That's it…?"

"What do you mean, that's it?" Subaru glanced at him.

"I have disclosed my innermost thoughts and feelings," Otto complained, "Natsuki-san should at least respond in kind!"

"Ah..." Subaru hesitated a bit, despondent.

"It really is easier for you to deflect, Subaru-kun."

"What did you say, Rem?"

"You never really talk about your true feelings unless you're forced to," the blue-haired maid explained. "Please, try to tell us how you actually feel in the future."

"I… all right, I'll try."

"I-I am not forcing you!" Otto gestured wildly with his hands, "If – If you feel still uncomfortable and such –"

"No." Subaru shook her head and took several deep breaths. "Otto, when you said you were greedy for wanting to know me more, I think it's okay. It's fine to be greedy. Actually… I am happy you said you wanted to understand me better..." Subaru turned a deeper shade of pink, "I… don't know how to express myself very well. Even… I want to be more honest with you. You don't need to try to read my words. It's not your fault if you can't understand me sometimes. That's my duty to be clear… But I can't tell you some things..." Subaru fidgeted with her hands, her eyes glazing over, her heart pounding, "Even if I wanted you to –"

"It's fine." Otto gripped her hand, "Natsuki – Subaru can tell me whatever you want to. However, you want to. I know it's not easy to communicate at times. And that's fine. If we fail at communication once, we can find another way to clearly convey our emotions. I don't… particularly mind being depended on."

"But isn't that selfish?" Subaru questioned with wide glossy eyes, "I want you to try and understand me, I want you to listen to me, But I don't want to tell you everything –"

"We both are very selfish and greedy, then." Otto grinned, "It's perfectly 'okay'! Like you sometimes say. Subaru, I… want to make you happy. I want you to make me happy… Is it selfish to think that you wish for the same?"

"You really are a good boy, Otto."

"Thank you, Emilia-sama – HEY, WAIT A MINUTE!"

"Oh, great, we have a third pervert."

"Ha! Ram called Brotto and Cap'n pervs!"

"You're the third one, Garf."

"Shit!"

There was a moment of tranquility. A comfortable silence, as they just let their conversation sink in and be digested. He understood that he had clearly conveyed what he had wanted to for a long time.

Subaru chuckled, her soft voice gently vanishing the quiet, "You don't sound confident at all! But..."

Otto prepared himself. He knew whatever her reply could be an acceptance or an acceptable rejection. Either way, he would be okay. At least, he would try his best to be okay.

Subaru inhaled and broke into a wide grin, beaming and glowing, "Otto, you are awesome!"

"Huh?" Otto was startled.

"Seriously, dude?!" Subaru chuckled. "A "huh" is all you got?"

"What else am I supposed to say?!"

"You could at least say a thank you!" Emilia suggested.

Otto blinked a bit, and then asked, "Am I really awesome?"

"You're blowing it, merchant," Ram huffed.

"You had said you weren't good at it," Subaru clarified. "At what questions to ask and whatnot. But I think you are amazing for considering it so hard. The fact we had this talk means you take me and our relationship seriously. You make me happy. You make me comfortable. You may not be picture prince charming… but they are overrated anyway. Guys like you who try their hardest are the best!"

"Umm… Subaru," Otto raised his hand, lost, "I am failing to understand what you are trying to convey."

"I am trying to say –" Her voice loud and cheerful, She enveloped him into arms, falling back into the comfort of the bed, "I like you!"

"Wah!" Otto felt his cheeks heat up and his heart speed up, "Natsuki-san –"

"It's Subaru!" Subaru corrected, laughing, "You can't back away now! I am very, very greedy!"

Nice, the purple-haired merchant smiled.

"Hey, that's our lady's thing!" Mimi pointed out.

"Clam down, Mimi," Tivey urged his sister.

"I am not having second thoughts!" Otto retorted, "Do you really think I am that unreliable?!"

"No, I think you are very, very reliable?!" Subaru stated seriously, "And I really like you! Ah, why was it so hard to say before? I don't feel shy at all right now!"

"I feel very shy!" Otto covered his face.

"Come on! We cuddle every night!" Subaru said, "You come into my room for that reason, right?"

"No! You misunderstand..." Otto turned his face away, mumbling, "It's because of you..."

Subaru peered at his face with a curious expression.

"What?" He glared, rebellious.

I have a bad feeling about this… Frederica thought to herself.

Unfortunately, her suspicions were confirmed when she saw the next shot.

"Otto," She cupped his face in her hands, "I like cuddling with you."

Otto flushed, screeching, "W-what are you saying?! Why now?"

"I just felt I needed to." Subaru tilted her head, coyly, "Hey… Can I kiss you?"

Otto felt his heart burst, "W-W-W-W-WHAT ARE YOU SAY NATSUKI-SAN! Aren't you acting too impulsive! It's too early for k-k-kisses!"

After finishing his words, Otto peeked at Subaru and her smirk said it all. She wasn't going to spare him.

"But we already slept together!" Subaru sighed, "That's already skipping many steps! After so long of such a relationship, you will reject my simple request for a kiss!"

"DAMN! LADY CAP'N'S BOLD!" Garfiel whooped.

"EVEN AS A CHICK, BRO IS STILL BRO!" Ricardo hollered.

"A child of mine with confidence?" Kenichi smikered. "It's a miracle!"

As everyone else chuckled, Otto and Subaru had incredibly red faces.

Meanwhile, Frederica's face was indeed red, but not from embarrassment.

"Natsuki-san!" Otto squealed, "You are twisting the facts! The sleep you are referring to is not the kind of sleep we engage in!"

"Oh?" Subaru raised her brow, "I am sure I am referring to the correct kind of sleep!"

"No!" Otto felt himself heat up, "You – You are trying to make innocent cuddling sound like an adult relationship –"

"An adult relationship is one of clear communication –" Subaru refuted, "It seems we have already cleared that step today, so?"

"You –!" Otto mumbled, "This is so embarrassing, why do I have to go through this?"

"Calm down, Otto!" Subaru sat up, "If you don't want to, I won't. Consent is important right –"

Subaru froze. In between her words, Otto attained an insight, one rare of his usual unlucky self. Grabbing the opportunity and momentum, he shot from the bed and pressed his lips to hers.

"OHHH!" Most of the Cast screamed at the kiss.

Subaru and Otto didn't know how to feel about it. They were happy for their counterparts, but it still felt weird. Garfiel, meanwhile, was laughing his ass off.

Emilia, Rem, and Frederica did not like the scene.

ESPECIALLY FREDERICA.

"I gave it." Otto gazed at her with pink cheeks and slightly disgruntled eyes, "Satisfied?"

Her body limp, Subaru nodded in a daze. He could hear her sing from this distance, a pleasant sound that told him she was alive and she loved him.

"Can I give you another one?" Otto asked, shy but braver.

"If you want..." Subaru answered, looking down with her cheeks red as appas.

Otto leaned in and they shared another kiss out of the many they will in the future.

As the final shot of Subaru and Otto sharing another kiss ended, everyone was treated to the sound of one very pissed-off maid. And a near-death experience.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" Frederica screamed, jumping out of her seat and lunging at Subaru, only to be stopped by Emilia and Rem by holding her arms back.

"WAIT, WAIT, WAIT!" Subaru yelled, flailing his arms around with Beatrice getting in between her contractor and the current "threat".

Oh, so the perfect maid DOES have a weakness, Priscilla's eyes widened.

"Otto is MINE. You already have a harem, you're not taking him, too," Frederica growled, before snapping out of her frenzy and realizing what she just said. Unfortunately, everyone heard her.

"Eh?" the ashen-haired merchant suttured, surprised by that declaration.

"Trust me, I don't swing that way! He's all yours!" Subaru sputtered out, before looking at his rival Camps. "That goes for the rest of you! I'm not interested in your knights!"

"Interested in our knights…?" Anastasia repeated, before realizing what he meant. "EWW!"

"Seriously? This guy?" Felt asked, looking at Reinhard. "I'm good, Big Bro."

"I wouldn't even dream of it, Felt-sama," the redhead responded.

"I certainly don't see Felix in that light," Crusch said, much to the catboy's dismay.

"Mine beautiful self with Al? Perish the thought!" Priscilla sneered.

"I'm standing right here…"

After "that" was sorted out, a certain Great Spirit caught everyone's attention, and she was not happy. "So, after everything Betty's contractor has done, and after all that he has suffered… you still had the gall to attempt to attack him for something outside of his control, Head Maid…?"

Hearing that made Frederica shrink in shame and embarrassment.

"To be fair, I also want to attack him," Felix raised his hand.

"FELIX!"

"I'm sorry, Crusch-sama, but it's tryue!" the catboy defended himself. "He literally left you to be erased, and turned me into a brainwashed slave! He even tried to murder Reinhard-kyun!"

"THAT JUST MAKES IT WORSE, I SUPPOSE!" Beatrice was infuriated at the accusations her contractor was receiving.

"It also doesn't help your case when even I don't hold a grudge!" Felt said. "And he murdered me and pinned the blame on my grandpa! Just to fuck with Rein!"

"Hey Beako, it's okay. No one got hurt," Subaru tried to calm down his contracted Spirit, but she wasn't having any of it. While it was true that he winced every time one of his "crimes" was mentioned, he had much more important matters to deal with, starting with Beatrice.

"Need Betty remind you all that her contractor has bled and died for us! Multiple times! And in some of those cases, his closest allies murdered him in cold blood!"

Everyone flinched when they recalled what Subaru said during the first viewing. Rem did her best not to wince at the memory, but failed, as Ram held her sister close.

"What if Betty's contractor had enough of us and left?! Have you ever considered that possibility, I suppose!" Everyone then thought of that possibility, and almost dreaded the fact that they could have driven him away. "And he still comes back! WHAT KIND OF –"

"OKAY, thank you, Beako, for defending me!" Subaru interrupted, trying to de-escalate the situation. "Frederica, I'll keep that in mind. Otto, congratulations on landing a girlfriend, I wish you the happiest, try not to die of exhaustion on your first night, 'kay?"

The green merchant was still puzzled by what he initially heard. "I, wha…?"

"OKAY!" Subaru clapped his hands to try and get everyone off that grim topic. "How about we have a look at our next options?!"

And so, everyone looked.

And it was not pretty.

Seeing the Options, Beatrice turned back to everyone. "What did Betty say, I suppose…?"


Author's Note: Drama!

The original story is called "Playing House" by .fungi on , s/13945395/1/Playing-House, and on ArchiveofOurOwn, /works/33917689/chapters/84340831. Now, with all that hullabaloo out of the way, let's move on to the comments.

RandomGuest: Yes, I am fully aware of how far Subaru would go for his goals, it's just that the rest of the Cast doesn't know that. And while that might be impressive, he's still a human, and he is far from sane. Hopefully, his friends and family will help him through that. That is kind of this version of the Warden's plan, anyway.

Raider301: Subaru and Al would immediately know who Spider-Man is.

Guest #1: Well, thanks for the kind words.

ZACK2357: Si bien no crack, tengo que decir, gracias por el cariño.

zard 428: There is no chapter where the Cast will react to D&D. Couldn't find one.

Raijinmaru: Glad you find my story so good, and I will indeed be planning to add two variation stories of Re: Forgotten, just not the original.

Guest #2: Great, times two!

Chuck B. Winanaki: It would be funny to call Pride Psycho-Baru, but since we're gonna have a lot of evil Subarus, especially Sin Archbishops, we're gonna have to designate them by their Sins. So, Pridebaru, it is. Though, I have no idea where the brainwashed Felix is in the future. And about Fembaru chasing Emilia… well… about that…

Pembaca Samph: Fun fact, "Another Way" was actually supposed to be the only story for the second viewing, but due to how short it was, I added the ending part of the Pride If as filler. Sorry that you don't get any Satella-tan in this one, though…

ThatRabidPotato: Okay, how about these next ones? Do they sound appealing?

KillermanTheGOAT VS Unkown P: Here's the Fembaru you wanted, realest G.

romaninicolas547: It also helps that the main story's title is also the title of the chapter. But yeah, I guess an assassiantion plan is also a good form of recognition. And it wasn't "like" two fics merged, it WAS two fics merged, and then reacted upon.

5queso: I know that feeling grossed out about that Subaru's relationship with Elsa was the point, but there are still people out there who love that ship. And thanks for the props, writing two stories at the same time is tiresome, but it's' worth the effort.

Pryd: If you're wondering what's next after the Elsa love story, look no further! While I love the dedication, it would be unwise to check your email everyday, as my usual publishing for this is once a week, unless I can't do it for a specific reason.

tiny taru: Surprise! There is angst inside the Fembaru fluff!

Jpx0999: All Subarus suffer. It's basically a multiversal constant.

Scattershot98: Yeah, I have seen some seriously messed up fanfics out there, more so than even the Gluttony If. But regardless, yes, the last chapter was fun. Writing about Subaru and Priscilla's confirmation, Subaru and Elsa's blursed child, all of that was fun. If you wanna know about the world without the Witch, head over to the other story!

C9J6: Here's your Fembaru, thanks for being polite. Also, I love the profile pic.

R-king 93: Awesome comment. We're back at it again!

Deathenglegamers1144: Yeah, everyone is now having second thoughts about trying to use Subaru as a tool! And the idea was never to have Subaru perma-die in that one, because that would mean the bad guy lost (kinda), and I want the Cast to suffer. Also, I figured you would go for Fembaru because… well, it's you, no offense.

RoxyGOD: Technically speaking, I didn't change the dining of the Pride If. I just used a fanfic based on the Pride If for the reaction, so thank the original author, if anything.

CrackFics1230: I honestly would have no idea of how to write a Subaru with "inner peace", but you gotta admit, the new e ding was pretty good. And sorry to disappoint, but the Subatella content for the sister chapter is… kinda dry?

calderoneric758: Well… about that… twenty bucks says… kinda?

Spook: Here are some more bangers to continue on.

Mo11an_4an: Glad you found it awesome. Hopefully, it will get better with every chapter!

FakeA: I love my blursed ending. And, oh, the mental breakdowns!

Bm: Okay, yes, the fact that there were too few reaction lines is a problem, which I am trying to fix, yes. However, I said once again, the last episode was a fanfic, not the actual Pride If. Okay, a lot of these criticisms are repetitive, so I can't answer all of them, so basically, I'm sorry for not giving you what you wanted, I'll try to do better in the future.

Yeah: I see that the previous commentator is not alone on this.

Abel Barbosa: Of course I'll continue, and here's the next reaction!

Gomy_el_camaleon: Glad you found my disturbing ending funny.

ArcRayREI: Yeah, I also doubt Satella would take away Return by Death even if Subaru demanded it. Hope you enjoy this chapter's screaming!

Don tico: But I did show what would happen if Subaru was never summoned. Get it?

GRDN-EXTC-(Lumina): Hey, I'm not the one who picked the child's name, blame the author for that one. I'm just glad you didn't make a Halo reference.

Maxchatt200: Aww, you already knew? Way to spoil the fun.

IsseixAtalanta77: Well… technically… I did?

Sussy Cat: My answer is a solid "no", on both requests.

Claudespeed123: Thank you. And of course I wouldn't.

TaliaAppiah: Your wish has been granted.

Mared: Glad you found it funny. Unfortunately, we can't show you the entire chapter featuring the If kids. Still, glad you found the last chapter to be awesome.

DragonTamer009: Well, you will be getting a version of the Wrath If… just that Emilia won't be present for that one. They gotta all just be fanfics, ya know?

Theguywholikesparkour: Well, yeah, of course the idea was to get you hooked on both fics. However, I will not be writing anything featuring the Great Rabbit eating Subaru.

King_maximilian_412: Well, it's a good thing you can read both, isn't it?

Princegeoge: I have actually seen people comment on both fics, but continue. Yeah, the idea of the Cast watching Subaru go insane slowly insane over the course of eight-eight loops is… eh. Plus, throwing them into the deep end without context was pretty fun.

Dragonheart of Ireland (RepublicChe): The sister chapter is the one for you.

SenSlice: Trust me, the Cast won't feel that bad for the state of the world without the Witch, just not in the way you think. Hope you liked this version of Fembaru.

Neroai: Yeah, there is a certain story on that involves the lack of the Witch of Envy, but unfortunately, this Cast didn't pick that option.

Mythril: Yeah, it seems that ElsaBaru and the confrontation with Priscilla were the highlights of the last chapter. And I hope everyone's final reactions in this chapter were worth the wait. Also, remember: Everyone is a simp for someone!

Black48: That would be for the first option.

kokiwheeze: Yeah, this guy gets it.

IsseixAtalanta77: I won't be adding "The Otherworldly Sage" into the list for viewing, because another one of my stories has made it into the roster.

And that's a wrap! A special thanks to Infinite the Celestain for helping me in making this story, and for being an all-around great guy! If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /u23PTjYM. You can chat with others, post memes and fan art, and I'll drop by with announcements and chat with you all every now and then! If you want to add me as a friend, my username is Ernalore#8663! If you want to read more, check out my other stories! Thanks for reading, and we'll see you all next time!

- Ernalore


What if Subaru survived Rem's attack?

OR

What if Subaru refused to kill himself?