"I apologize for the sudden announcement. Felt-sama and I must leave. Something has come up."
Reinhard had abruptly ended the five-camp conference. So far, nothing of note had been addressed. There still weren't any concrete plans on how to deal with the Watchtower, aside from a vague notion of 'returning there'. The trials had been completely ignored. Emilia had only just joined the meeting. It was rather shocking that Reinhard, of all people, was the person leaving early. Without him there, talks about a second expedition became nothing more than a dream.
"What a waste of my time! Commoners who do nothing but babble shouldn't be organizing meetings on a whim."
Priscilla had important matters to attend to as well. Rather than return to Vollachia, she'd been hounded by Al to attend this meeting between the five camps. Absolutely nothing had been accomplished and now, one of the candidates was leaving. It would be a while before Al manages to convince her to do something like this again.
"I hate ta' admit it. But 'Miss Vollachia' has a point. We've just started negotiatin' ya know?"
Anastasia cut in before anyone else could speak. They were right, this meeting had only barely started and now people were leaving? This squabbling was counterproductive, but at least they had a goal in mind for what they wanted to do about the tower. There were no guarantees that a meeting like this would happen again. That only made the current situation even more odd. In fact, Reinhard was the one who pitched the idea for a second trip to the Watchtower. What could be so important that he needed to excuse himself, and Felt, from the conference early?
"Reinhard. . ."
Felt looked surprised at Reinhard's demand, but she knew better than to question him about it in front of the other candidates. Judging by the look in his eyes, there wouldn't be any changing his mind about this.
'Whenever Reinhard acts like this, it is for a good reason. Could this have something to do with Big Bro?'
Felt stood up and turned to face the other candidates.
"Sorry folks! Looks like we'll have to finish this discussion another time! C'mon, let's g. . ."
"Please wait! I-I know you both have something reaaally urgent that you need to do. But. . .please. . .just for a couple minutes. ."
Emilia jumped in front of Reinhard and Felt. She looked nervous and guilt-ridden for burdening them when they clearly were in some sort of emergency. However, she simply couldn't let this meeting amount to nothing.
"The people of Priestella. . .S-suba. . ."
She froze saying his name. It was wrong to guilt-trip them like this, but she didn't know what else to say. This was the only thing she could do.
"T-they were promised that we'd find a way to undo the afflictions caused by the Archbishops. For them, w-we can't just. . ."
Once again, Emilia started tearing up. Who was she to speak on the behalf of others? She'd doomed her entire village and the love of her life. Now she was about to doom those people in Priestella too. The meeting was short-notice and lacked considerations for something like this. If she had planned better, maybe Reinhard wouldn't be in this situation.
"Emilia-sama. . ."
Reinhard looked at her with a strong feeling of guilt. It was wrong what he was doing. It was clear that the last hope she had in herself was staked on this meeting. Now he had to go and ruin everything, like usual.
"Please. . .I-I can't stop thinking about him. This is something he would've done. Something he would've wanted. If I can't even do that. . .how am I supposed to live with myself?"
Emilia could see Reinhard's expression break and a small tear begin to form in his eye. He'd clearly been put in a difficult situation, and she was only making it worse. It was selfish, but this was something that she needed to do.
"Emilia-sama, we will be happy to plan an excursion to the Watchtower again. Just name the time and place, and I'll be there."
Reinhard compromised with her. This was the least he could do. At least now, she had come away from this meeting with something. Besides, he still wanted to find a way to return Subaru's memories. Even if they couldn't find a way to undo the effects of the Archbishop of Lust, if he could return a restored Subaru to Emilia, it would be enough for him.
"I will be joining you both as well."
Emilia and Reinhard looked over in surprise to see Crusch pointing at them.
"I have a debt to that boy, just as you do Emilia. In fact, I believe I owe him much more. It's because of him that my memories have been returned and my curse removed. How did I repay him? I let my. . .f-former knight kill him. I owe him this, if nothing else."
Crusch had been relatively silent since she arrived at the mansion with Wilhelm. It was clear she felt immense guilt taking part in this meeting, especially after what her knight had done. With Emilia's passionate request, she had also received a purpose. Even if it was selfish. There was a way to forgive herself for what she'd done. Not completely, but enough for her to live with herself.
"I assume you'll be needing me again? You all are rather eager to plan expeditions to the tower without a way to get there, arentcha?"
Anastasia also voiced her intentions to come with them to the watchtower. It was clear she wanted to repent too, but she couldn't bring herself to say it outright like Crusch did. So she did the next best thing and made herself useful.
"My, my. It seems these weaklings and the slum-dweller plan on heading back to the Watchtower. Admittedly, such a mythical place piques my interests. How fortunate for you all! You'll be accompanied by mineself on this journey as well!"
Al turned to Priscilla in shock. Suddenly she took an interest in this meeting? This wasn't good. He just wanted to figure out what happened to Subaru, not get roped into a death-trap! In retrospect, he should've seen this coming. What had he just gotten himself into. . . .
"Weeell, looks like we have a plaaan of action Emilia-sama. It appeeaars that all of the candidates want to help out our dear Kniiight!"
Roswaal looked giddy at the prospect uncovering the truth behind the Sage's Watchtower. It had been sometime since he'd felt any type of connection with anyone other than his staff. With Subaru gone, he was beginning to lose hope in finding a happy future at all. What could have reinvigorated him so much?
Priscilla didn't want to get lumped in with the other candidates. She just had a feeling that going to the Watchtower would be amusing, so she corrected Roswaal.
"I couldn't care less about that half-wit's servant. I don't risk my life on behalf of the dead. Correct your statement clown, before I. . ."
"Stop it!"
Beatrice couldn't sit by any longer.
"Stop treating Subaru like a memory, I suppose!"
Everyone froze up at the mention of Subaru's name. Beatrice had been skeptical of this "journey" to the watchtower since it had been introduced. She didn't like what it entailed.
"You plan to go back to that disgusting place? What a terrible idea, in fact!"
Beatrice couldn't accept what had happened to Subaru. That tower was a living reminder of it. If they went to the tower and successfully saved the people of Priestella, what would happen afterwards? People wouldn't talk about him anymore. They wouldn't talk about him. He'd be forgotten. Just like. . .like. .
"H-he can't be dead. Betty's contractor can't be dead. He can't be forgotten. He's too unforgettable, in fact! T-that's what he told me when. . ."
Beatrice realized she'd only destroyed the mood throughout the room. Everyone seemed to be guilt-ridden, but also resolute in the face of her wails. Everyone except the Felt-camp. They seemed to look guiltier than everyone else.
"You all can just leave, I suppose!"
Beatrice stormed off. She headed back to the library, just like she'd done on that fateful day.
'H-he'll come back, I suppose. He said we'd live a happy life together, in fact. He promised me a lifetime of tomorrrows! He has to. . .'
When Subaru returned, she'd be waiting exactly where he could find her.
"Thank you, Emilia-sama. Please, keep well. I know this meeting has been especially hard on you, but I promise, I will do my best to make things right."
Reinhard felt terrible. Subaru was alive and here was Emilia falling apart in front of him. He could easily tell her the truth and have everything fixed up, at least partially. However, Reinhard wanted to respect the wishes of Subaru and the Sage Council. Once his memories returned, everything would truly be ok again. At least, that's what Reinhard hoped.
"No, I apologize. It's clear you didn't want to leave the meeting early. I'm sorry I put you in such an awkward position."
Emilia seemed drained of all her energy. After Beatrice's outburst, she had to take a moment to herself to recompose. Now that she had returned, she realized how unfair the situation must have been for Reinhard and Felt.
"Hey. . .Big Sis. Please, cheer up, ok? We'll be doing everything we can. I promise, everything will get better! I swear it!"
Felt also wanted to reassure Emilia before she left the conference and headed back home. This might be the last chance to see her for a long time. She needed to know that she wasn't alone anymore. That she had people willing to support her, even if they weren't in her camp. At least until Subaru got his memories.
"Felt, please be safe. I hope that everything turns out ok."
Emilia didn't know the cause of their abrupt departure, but she knew it must be serious. Emilia didn't want to lose another one of her close friends. Luckily for her, Reinhard would be there with Felt. However, ever since Subaru's death, she couldn't believe anyone was safe.
"Emilia-sama, when you and the other camps work out a time and date, please send a letter to the Astrea Manor. I will drop whatever we are doing to come and join you."
Reinhard finished up his instructions and loaded Felt, and their luggage, back into the dragon cart.
"So. . .want to tell me what the hell that was all about?!"
Felt was nervous and slightly angry that they were forced to leave Emilia in that state. She really cared for her 'Big Sis' but she'd inadvertently destroyed her entire meeting! It was bad enough that she had to keep Subaru a secret, but now she was making Emilia's guilt even worse?
"Felt-sama. . .the mansion was attacked."
Felt immediately froze.
'Attacked? What the hell?! We've only been gone half a week and someone attacked the mansion?!'
"Wait a minute, ATTACKED? That doesn't make sense, we weren't even there! Why would someone. . ."
"It was an assassin. They were targeting Subaru."
The cart filled with silence. Felt's eyes widened before she began asking her next question.
"R-reinhard. Don't tell me he's. . ."
"He's alive."
Felt breathed a sigh of relief. This was intolerable. She'd nearly gotten him killed a second time! If he was targeted, it must've had something to do with her. How else would they have known Subaru was still alive? And to make matters worse, she left him there alone.
"Big Bro. . ."
Felt stared off into space for a moment.
"What happened during the attack?"
Reinhard paused and thought for a moment. He didn't really know the details either. All he knew was that Subaru hired a mercenary to capture the assassin and it went without a hitch. He didn't say who this person was or how much they knew though.
"Subaru hired a mercenary who captured the attacker. When we get back, I'll be interrogating him and figuring out who is behind this."
Felt was ashamed Subaru had to go to those lengths, but she knows she would've done the same thing in his position. What really bugged her though was that somebody knew Subaru was alive. Somebody who wanted him dead. Who could that be? Did they have a mole in their staff? A corrupt member of the nobility? All of these hypotheticals were only strengthening her ever-increasing hatred for Lugunica.
"Reinhard, whoever is responsible for this is dead. Understood? I don't care who they are, they will pay."
Reinhard only nodded. He was in agreement. Somebody had betrayed them, and more importantly, betrayed Subaru. It nearly happened again. And it was all his fault.
"Subaru. Sir?. . ."
Lilia had opened Subaru's bedroom door and began speaking.
"Huh? Lilia? Wait, no. No, no, no, no, no. . . . !"
'Please. Don't tell me I returned again. Its not possible! I won! I saved them, I can't be back here again I can't!'
"Subaru?! Subaru calm down! I only knocked because I heard you making sounds. Is something wrong?"
Subaru was frozen. This couldn't be real. It couldn't. He had died again? She was saying the same thing she said that morning. It had to be. There's no way this is just a coincidence.
"Lilia, what day is it?"
Lilia looked confused. All she did was come and check up on him and now he's having a breakdown? Well, with what happened a couple days ago, this was understandable.
"I'm not sure, I mean it's still nighttime after all. It might be Friday now. . ?"
Subaru sighed in relief. This was a coincidence. Man, did she give him a scare!
"Subaru, what was going on just now? I heard you making a lot of noise so I thought I should come check on you."
Subaru was still too exhilarated to focus on what she was saying. It was so close to being a whole 'nother breakdown and freakout. He's glad she didn't have to witness that. Subaru didn't think he had the energy to do another attempt.
"Sorry about that. I've been having nightmares the last couple days. I'm sure you can understand."
Lilia looked like she regretted asking about it. She never intended to make him relive the memories of that haunting day. Truth be told, they had been bothering her as well.
"I see. So that reaction when you saw me. . . ?"
"Oh, that? I was beginning to think the nightmare had become real!"
Subaru spoke without thinking. Once he realized the connotation of what he said, he looked up to find Lilia with an annoyed look on her face.
"Oh, so you don't like it when I come and check on you then?! You need to learn how to treat a lady! I've been called many things, but nightmare? That's gotta be one of the worst of. . ."
'Oops. Well, this is bad. Reinhard, come quick! If you don't make it back soon, I don't think I'll live long enough to see you again!'
Reinhard nearly broke down the doors of the Astrea Manor. He had spent the last two days in a carriage worrying about Subaru and now he was finally home! As a knight, it would be shameful to admit this, but when Felt was asleep, he considered running ahead of the carriage to get back early. Of course, he didn't. However, that didn't stop Reinhard from bribing the coach driver to go faster.
"Subaru? Subaru? Is everything ok?"
Reinhard was certainly not prepared for the sight in front of him.
"SURPRISE!"
Subaru, Lilia, and the other maidstaff were standing in front of them with their arms spread wide.
*GRhh*
Subaru didn't even have time to react. Reinhard had him in a firm hug. It was something he wasn't expecting, but Subaru didn't want to push him off. It felt nice.
He must've given him quite a scare. When Subaru saw his face on the metia, Reinhard was on the edge of tears. Subaru had only seen him cry one other time, so he knew Reinhard was going through some serious turmoil.
'Jeez! What did Lilia tell him? I need to do some damage control before he starts thinking this was all his fault.'
"Reinhard, listen. Everything is fine, I handled. . ."
*Ghhgh*
Both Subaru and Reinhard were tackled to the ground. Subaru looked up to see a teary-eyed Felt.
"Big Bro! What the hell happened?! You nearly died! Stop doing that! Reinhard looked like he was about to keel over from all the stress. . .!"
Subaru didn't know why. He had been able to keep himself from thinking about it for the past couple days. But right here, right now. . .the dam broke. Both Reinhard and Felt had rushed back to the mansion to help him. They were scared, but also angry at themselves for not being there. Everything he had suffered, everything he'd gone through. It was all to make friends like these, wasn't it? People who genuinely cared about him, as much as he did for others. Even though it was wrong. Even though he knew it'd only make their pain worse. Subaru began to cry. Once he started, it wouldn't stop.
"I-I was. . .s-so scared."
He only managed to speak one sentence. His shaking and tears were preventing him from speaking coherently.
"I-I'm sorry."
Reinhard and Felt had been holding him this entire time. Whatever he'd gone through had been traumatic. It was clear he had been trying to remain strong, but it was too much. Even for someone like him. While it did increase their guilt, they also felt glad that he was able to express this pain instead of bottle it up. It would be selfish for them to live in ignorance of what they'd caused. At least here, they could help him get through the trauma.
"No Subaru. I'm sorry. Before you say anything, please listen to me."
Reinhard let go of Subaru and began to speak.
"I know you well Subaru. Even before you lost your memories, you were never one to put your burdens on people. You put yourself through a lot of pain for the sake of others. I know this because. . .Well, I am your f-friend."
Reinhard struggled to say the last part of his sentence. He clearly held reservations about calling himself Subaru's 'friend' after what he'd done.
"I know that you desperately want to tell me and Felt that this wasn't our fault. That you are fine. . ."
Subaru only stared at Reinhard with a teary-eyed expression.
"But, I know you. I can see you have suffered. That maybe you don't want to release it, but that you have to."
Felt looked at Reinhard with a sympathetic gaze.
"I saw you suffering before, but I was too afraid to ask you about it. Too ashamed."
An image of Subaru's corpse flashed through his mind. The same look in its eyes that Subaru had now.
"And my greatest regret, as your friend, is that I was never there for you sooner."
Both Subaru and Lilia were looking at Reinhard with completely open stares. Lilia had seen all the pain Subaru had been in, but had been unable to break him out of his façade. Reinhard had broken through. Reinhard really was amazing. Even without a sword.
"Reinhard. . .I. . .t-thank you. Wow, um I didn't even realize. ."
Subaru stepped back for a moment and leaned against the wall. This was something he'd never expected. Reinhard wanted to be responsible for his pain? He wanted Subaru to cry in front of him? It was clear from the moment Subaru met him that Reinhard was unreasonably self-blaming. It was something Subaru had seen in himself since he was a little kid. He wasn't entirely oblivious to it, but it was his nature. Subaru knew the pain of self-hatred. The last thing he ever wanted to do was inflict it on somebody else. But here he was, being told by the strongest man in the world how strong he was. It was surreal.
"Big Bro, please. If you are in pain, don't hide it from us. I already have Reinhard doing that. You are our friend. It isn't right for you to suffer on our behalf."
Subaru looked up and nodded. He was glad that they saw through his calmness. Even if it was some disgusting ploy for pity, as he made himself believe.
'They truly care about me huh? Man, I can't believe how much I could've hurt them with the act I just tried to pull.'
"I'm sorry to interrupt. But perhaps I can bring up the mood a little bit."
Lilia had been watching the scene unfold for the last couple minutes and teared up a couple times. She wanted to do something to help, and luckily for her, there was something she could do.
"Subaru and I prepared a surprise for Reinhard and Felt-sama. Would either of you be interested in checking it out?"
Subaru perked up at Lilia's request and walked back over to the maid staff. He put on a genuine smile and agreed with Lilia.
"Yeah! Um, Lilia helped me replicate a few dishes from my homeland. I thought that you both might. . .um. . . .want to try one. You guys have done so much for me and I just wanted to thank you and. . ."
"We'd love to!"
Felt replied before Subaru could even finish his sentence. Reinhard had also shown a genuine smile as well. The first one he'd had in days.
"Awesome! Then follow us into the kitchen and I'll show you the dish we have prepared today!"
Subaru and Lilia excitedly walked into the kitchen and presented their dish.
*Mhmm*
"Wow, Subaru, what was this called again?!"
Felt had already eaten two servings of the dish before Subaru had a chance to explain all the ingredients. Of course, that didn't bother him at all. The smile on everyone's faces was enough for him.
"It's called Apple Adzuki Pie! Or I guess Japanese Apple Pie. . . ? Or maybe Kararagian Apple Pie. . . ? For now, it's Subaru's Apple Pie! Patent pending."
Lilia looked up at him slightly confused by his last statement.
"What does 'patent pending' mean? Is that another phrase from your homeland?"
"Yep! I guess you could call it a 'Subaruism' of sorts."
Lilia recoiled at the sound of that word. Yikes, if she isn't careful, she'll be hearing Felt spouting off these phrases in meetings.
"Subaru, this is really good! I've never seen a pie baked like this before. As bite-sized pieces, these could potentially be sold at stands throughout the commercial district."
Reinhard looked surprised at how much flavor the small pieces packed. It never occurred to him to make these dishes smaller or more portable. It makes sense why Subaru was the person behind the new hit product "mayo".
"I suppose. But for right now, how about you keep the recipe exclusive to this house? It could be a great way to surprise guests!"
Reinhard nodded and picked up another piece. As he scarfed it down, he remembered something weird Subaru said before he named his product.
"Subaru, you said this could be referred to as Kararagian Apple Pie? Does this mean your homeland is Kararagi?"
Reinhard was very interested in Subaru's homeland as he hoped to eventually visit every country. If Subaru was from Kararagi, his speaking style would make sense. However, he hadn't been able to find an area of Kararagi that explained all of Subaru's odd customs.
"No, but I suppose you could say it is very similar. In fact. . ."
"Wow, I didn't know you were from Kararagi, Su-san."
Reinhard immediately jumped to his feet and launched himself towards the strange presence. Luckily, Subaru intervened in just a nick of time.
"Reinhard, wait! That's Halibel, the mercenary I hired to take care of the assassin!"
Reinhard halted in his tracks. He hadn't just halted because of Subaru's warning, but also out of shock. Subaru managed to find the 'Admirer' Halibel? The strongest man in Kararagi?! Sure, he was no match for Reinhard, but this guy was no slouch. Reinhard walked over to the window where Halibel was standing and extended his hand.
"You are the legendary 'Admirer' Halibel? It's great to meet you. You saved the lives of my best friend and staff. I owe you an unrepayable debt. Please, come inside."
Halibel looked at Reinhard with a bit of a shocked expression before hopping through the window and shaking his hand.
"And you are the legendary Sword Saint, is that right? Wow, Su-san you were right! This guy's 'nice guy' index really is off the charts!"
Halibel was surprised to see the strongest man in Lugunica so vulnerable and happy. It reminded him of better days, that's for sure.
"Hey, Hal-san, come try some of this. Also, put it to rest! I didn't copy this recipe, I doubt they even have something like this in Kararagi!"
Halibel and Reinhard walked over to the table and Halibel gave a small chuckle.
"Sorry kid. I think I've seen something just like this before."
Subaru wouldn't take this teasing lying down!
"Oi, Hal-san, perhaps your vision's failing? I've heard sight is one of the first things to go in a dog."
Halibel smirked and took a long puff from his pipe.
"Su-san. I don't even need to look, I can tell just from the smell. Surely you haven't forgot how good our noses are?"
"Aww whatever! You know it tastes good!"
Garfiel and Otto had raced back to the Miload Manor. They hadn't given the ground dragons any time to rest, as this was urgent. If they took too long, there were no guarantees that Subaru stayed in the Capital.
Now that they had arrived, they rushed into the Manor and demanded a gathering of all Emilia camp members.
At first, Frederica glanced at them with a hint of an 'eye-roll'. She figured it was probably those two goofing off again somehow. However, it very quickly became clear that whatever they needed to say, it was serious.
After Frederica contacted everyone, including Beatrice, she waited in the common room with Otto and Garfiel.
"Garf, I hope this isn't something stupid. I spent over twenty minutes looking for Beatrice and it took me another twenty to convince her to come out."
"I promise ya' sis. This s'somethin everyone oughta' know."
Garfiel kept a stern expression on his face. He didn't look upset, but he certainly seemed nervous for whatever was coming next.
"And what of Emilia-san? Have you gotten her attention Frederica-san?"
Frederica turned to Otto and smiled.
"Yes, although it was quite difficult to convince her too. She seemed to have a rough time at the camp meeting."
Garfiel looked angered by that news. The last thing he wanted was the other camps bullying Emilia while he was away. The Captain had entrusted him with looking after her. Now Roswaal is sending him and Otto on 'fetch quests' while Emilia is forced to deal with four other competitors? Hopefully this would improve the mood around the manor, even if it was only a rumor.
"Garf, I pray this is good news."
Frederica looked curious about what had caused them to rush back to the manor so quickly. Garfiel was a lot of things, but he wasn't tactless. If Emilia was in pain, she doubts that he'd call her out just to tell her even more bad news.
"Don't worry Frederica-san. It is."
Otto looked at Frederica with a slight smile on his face, however anyone could tell he was masking a slight feeling of guilt.
"Why have you called me out here, I suppose?"
Beatrice looked quite upset to be disturbed by Otto and Garfiel late at night. It was clear to everyone in the mansion that her terrible mood was due to the meeting she'd been in a couple days before.
"Is everything ok? You guys seem reeaally nervous. Please, don't burden yourselves for my sake."
Emilia also seemed confused for the cause of this meeting. She'd been locked up in her room since the incident at the conference and hadn't left for anything. The last thing she wanted was to be ignorant of Garfiel and Otto's suffering. When she heard about this meeting, she was afraid that she'd failed again.
"It's fine, Emilia-san. Please, just wait until everyone arrives."
Otto quickly reassured Emilia that the meeting wasn't about anything bad. Sadly, it seemed she wasn't really sure even after Otto's comment.
'I have to keep strong for everyone else. I have to. I can't do what I did in front of Reinhard. Subaru built this group from the ground up. I'm not going to let them see me cry.'
Emilia began preparing herself for bad news. Was Otto planning on leaving the camp? Was Garfiel unable to continue being the Shield of Emilia? Was Roswaal planning another sneak attack? Emilia's mind was racing with possibilities when the final two maids entered the common room.
"Everyone. Garfiel and I came across some startling information while we were in the Capital."
Everyone looked up at them in anticipation.
"The truth is. . ."
Garfiel interrupted.
"Th' Cap'n is alive."
Authors Note
HOO boy that was eventful. Hopefully I did some of these characters justice and didn't just write off all of the suffering they've gone through. Subaru isn't out of the woods yet, it's not like that pain will just go away. He is just a *little* more comfortable showing it to Reinhard and Felt. For the meeting and the ending, I think I did my best to set up future arcs + accurately write some characters. I've implemented my Beatrice strategy so hopefully it works well. Surprisingly, I think the most awkward part of this chapter is Halibel's reintroduction. I kinda found a natural place to put it, but I do think it was kind of short and nonchalant. For the dynamic between Halibel and Reinhard, I'd love to see some suggestions in the reviews because these two are the first characters that I don't really have a plan for how they interact. Anyway, this was a phat chapter and mine just keep getting longer, so I'm gonna head to sleep and see what you all are saying tomorrow haha