I was supposed to write my other stories, but seeing I had nothing but this chapter left to write, I decided to wrap it up now and give you this conclusion. This is the last chapter of Karma's Revenge.
I hope you enjoy your read!
2 years have passed since the final encounter with Emilia.
Currently the Capital of Lugunica was abuzz with activity. People from everywhere around the country were coming in droves, all attempting to get near the royal castle and get a glimpse of the ceremony currently occurring.
Today was the day of the crowning, the day Lugunica would choose its new ruler. Though all four candidates had done commendable jobs over the course of the selection, one in particular had already convinced the people of the country to be their liege thanks to both her actions during the selection and recently revealed identity.
"The daughter of Ford Lugunica, to think she was right under our nose this entire time." A councilman sighed at the sight of the blonde girl standing in front of the crowd.
"Speak for yourself. Right when the sword-saint announced his theory, I knew he was speaking the truth. Some signs are too oblivious to ignore them." Another chuckled in response.
In front of them was the throne of the royal palace, where Miklotov was announcing Felt as the rightful leader of the nation. Standing in front of them were the remaining 3 candidates and their knights.
To no one's surprise Natsuki Subaru was also standing alongside all of them, sporting the traditional white outfit of the knights. Over the past few years his body has grown, now reaching relatively the same height as his father, his body even more muscular than his father thanks to the intense training he underwent alongside the sword saint.
Next to him stood Reinhard, Julius and Felix, all of whom were watching the ceremony unfold with a smile.
"I'm wondering why you never told me that Felt-sama was from royal blood nya," the catboy sighed, "to think that his highness' cousin was right in front of my eyes."
"I'm surprised you didn't realize she looked just like him," Subaru scoffed, raising an eyebrow, "from what you told me, you would have to be blind to not notice the resemblance."
"I noticed it nya!" Felix retorted, "I just thought it was too good to be true!"
Though Felix held a valid excuse, it did nothing to change the look of pity Subaru gave him.
"Honestly, it sounds like a last minute excuse." Subaru shook his head as he shrugged. "You really can't be honest for once and accept defeat."
Felix only answered by a low growl, which Subaru returned with a playful wink before turning his eyes back to the scene.
Though many things have changed, Subaru's teasing nature evidently hasn't.
"I would say, you two becoming this close is what surprised me the most when it comes to the past years." Julius mused from his position. The finest knight kept his posture straight and noble as he looked at the two friends bantering, attempting to hide the slight tinge of jealousy he felt.
Although Felix was not the only one. Julius and Reinhard had strengthened their bond with the black-haired knight as well, more than ever since his moving to the capital. For the last 2 years, they enjoyed each other's company in several outings, training and even missions altogether, as Subaru and the remnants of the Emilia camp joined Felt and the Astrea house, becoming a powerful boost for her and her course for the throne.
Even if it remained against the will of Subaru.
A few days after he and his friends officially joined her camp, Subaru Natsuki had demanded just one request to Felt, which was to not include him in any high regards concerning the feats and help he would provide for her camp.
Over the time spent together, the bond between the golden lion and the sage grew strong. To Felt, Subaru was the fraternal figure she never knew she wanted, someone she could share everything with, from her fears and worries, to any random thoughts she may have. The same was true for Subaru, caring for Felt like the little sister he never had, similar to his relationship with his spirit.
It was this strong bond that caused Felt to protest against his request so fiercely, as Subaru had already accomplished many things for her camp and the people of Lugunica. She found it unfair that his name would not be spoken, but after further explanation, she understood why.
He was tired, so very tired of the fame he had accumulated as this so-called 'hero.' In the first place, he only wished to help his friends, not become this massive figure that everyone rallied behind. It was with this in mind that he begged Felt to keep him out of the public eye.
Besides that, there was also another reason that he was reluctant to admit. It involved a certain Duchess and it was only because he was so close with Felt that he was able to tell her.
Once he explained both reasons to her, the blonde readily agreed to his request albeit with a smirk on her face.
While it's true that Felt rooted for Lady Karsten, she couldn't fathom the idea of him leaving her domain. She had all the rights to seek his company as she was a welcomed guest of the Astrea house, but taking Subaru away was a no go. He was one of the most important individuals in her life, and she would be damned if anyone else stole him away.
The way things were settled worked for everyone whatsoever. Living in the capital was truly another world for the black-haired young man and his friends who all found a place beside the blonde-haired royalty. While Subaru was busy with his duty, most of them were getting familiar with their quarters. Frederica, Ram and Rem became royal maids of the palace and prepared themselves for such a task, Otto had his own position as a country minister, Garfiel was a junior knight and Beatrice, while remaining Subaru's partner and great spirit, was too busy with the royal library to be interested in something as trivial as a royal ceremony…At least to her.
For Subaru himself, aside from his popularity increasing, his relationships and many friends along with the lack of deadly adventures he would usually find himself in, thanks to the previous leadership he was under, only made wonders for his mental health and social skills.
The banter he was now having with the cat-eared boy who used to resent him right now was evidence of it.
"Ah, ya know," Felix shot back, an audible 'Hmpf' escaping him before he continued, "no matter how close we are, I can assure you that Subaru-kyun is an annoying feller."
"I know you love me for it."
"Nyot a chance!" Although his answer was quick, Felix still hid a smile at the end of his words.
Reinhard and Julius only shook their heads to their attitude, the latter giving an exasperated sigh..
"Man, poor Felt…" Subaru murmured at the sight of the deadpanned, bored candidate, "It's as if she's at the end of her life."
"Felt-sama always hated such official ceremonies, after all." Reinhard smiled though with an uneasy expression.
Although he trusted his mistress, he was never able to rid himself of the feeling that she would do something…regrettable during one of these ceremonies she so vehemently hated.
As if she heard them, Felt caught the eyes of her big brother, who smiled at her to show his compassion to her unfortunate situation. She just faked a cry in response that Subaru interpreted as her begging to be saved.
Then he turned his eyes to the 3 candidates up front.
There, he could see the Duchess eyeing back at the knights, seemingly looking at Subaru and Felix more than anyone else.
Obviously their eyes met, and instead of looking away in embarrassment Crusch only smiled warmly, as she turned her head back towards Felt.
When it came to Crusch Karsten, she was perhaps one of the women he became the closest to in the past years. While their relationship remained somewhat reserved at the beginning, as time passed she began to openly express her eagerness to be with the young man and they began to spend plenty of time together.
As of now, Crusch became an irreplaceable friend for the young man.
"Here I proclaim, by the will of the divine dragon of our nation and its people, the candidate named Felt, bearing the name of Lugunica… as our queen. Long live the Queen!"
In unison, the knights and the noble men raised their voices.
"Long live the Queen!"
"This was so damn long!" Felt whined, now in company of all the other candidates.
While the official ceremony was over, it was decided that the candidates for the throne would share a drink with each other in private, to celebrate the ending of the selection.
"I suppose ya were never the kind to appreciate such stuff~" Anastasia teased, "But I get you. I'm kinda the same after all."
"Mineself believes these ceremonies to be a waste of time," Priscilla replied as she took a sip of her drink.
"Indeed, just cutting to the chase and showing your talents as a ruler to the nation is what matters most." Crusch concluded everyone's thoughts, nodding her head to the baroness' words.
"So, what will be yar endeavors from now on?" Anastasia asked the group. "Well except for the new queen, guess we all know what you're gonna do."
"I remain a Duchess of Lugunica. Queen or not, my place is within this kingdom, and my duty is to support it and its people," Crusch responded, her tone resolute. "How about you, Anastasia?"
"While I like Lugunica n' all, I was there to be queen ya know? If I didn't succeed here, there's nothin' else to do. I still got my company to take care of, so I guess I will return home," the merchant explained with a nostalgic smile. "But ya don't need to worry too much about missing me, I still got business here so I'll be back here often."
"One of the first things I plan to tackle is foreign relations, I'll think of making it even easier." Felt winked at the merchant, earning a smile from her.
"What about you, Priscilla? Actually, I am amazed you didn't show any resent or distaste yet…" When she turned to the fiery princess, Crusch couldn't help voicing her inner thoughts considering her behavior.
"While it is an unexpected outcome, mineself shall remind you that this world is made to turn in my favor. If it was decided that I shall not be queen, albeit going against mine will, then so be it." She explained in confidence, surprising everyone.
"As for mine future, I shall not leave this kingdom. My place is within my domain and the people under mine orders." She concluded.
"I can respect that, but ya know you serve me now, right?" Felt smirked to the prideful baroness, who only scoffed in response.
Then for a few moments, the room remained silent, with the four girls looking at each other and realizing why this situation felt so…strange.
"I never thought things would end this way…" Felt was the first to voice her thoughts, remembering the fifth person that should be in this room.
While the same couldn't be said when the election started, as of now every candidate spent a certain amount of time side by side with members from the half-elf camp's, including her ex-knight. They learned more about her, and were able to see her true worth thanks to all of her people that supported her.
Which is why they all thought, even Priscilla herself, that this election would end just like it started, with all of them sharing one last goodbye.
"Ya never told us what happened." Anastasia looked at the queen, her eyes seeking answers.
The official announcement was that Emilia had died in a last ditch effort to hold off a crazed Roswaal, yet the candidates all held their suspicions about that.
"You already know," Felt sighed with a shake of her head, "we were just too late."
"Mineself does not believe any of this." Priscilla responded.
Crusch adjusted herself in her seat, closing her eyes for a brief instant as she remembered the face of Emilia, whom she called a friend and ally once. But the image of the innocent half-elf was swiftly replaced by one of the madwoman she fought just before her death. The one who betrayed her lover, and was ready to harm anyone, including him, if they went against her will.
"And yet, this is the only explanation that you will receive." The Duchess's voice was low and cold, clearly implying that nothing else about this subject was to be spoken again.
Perhaps Priscilla didn't appreciate the way she was spoken to, but in the end, Emilia's fate was nothing of importance to her.
So she just shrugged it off.
Realizing the topic was over, Anastasia decided to change the topic before the silence extended for too long.
"Alright, alright. Now, let's get to the good deets." Anastasia rubbed her hands, her eyes scanning the room. "Who do ya got in sight?"
It took a moment before any of the ladies understood what the merchant meant.
Felt only rolled her eyes at the question. She wasn't interested in anyone, and certainly wouldn't be before a long while. The idea of romance didn't seem bad to her, but she really didn't have anyone in mind when it came to love.
"If mineself shall love someone, it will have to be an exceptional person. Such a rare thing is something that I have not yet found, nor do I seek." Priscilla promptly answered what she had on her mind, finding the question to be nothing but meaningless to a goddess like her.
In truth, romance did interest her a fair bit. She certainly wouldn't mind living her own romantic adventure at some point, but her standards were too high for simply anyone to suit her, and while love was interesting to her, she did not yearn for it.
"..." Hearing the merchant princess's question, and the answers of the two others, Crusch could't gather strength to answer without blushing, selling her out right away to all the others.
Of course it was no surprise for Felt, but Anastasia and Priscilla's curiosity were raised to know for who such a red face was for.
"You ain't backing down now, Duchess~" Anastasia leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands. "Come on, spill the beans!"
Priscilla narrowed her eyes, already trying to guess who would be that special person.
Crusch only sighed loudly, knowing she couldn't escape the grasp of the ladies around her, slowly she raised her eyes to Felt, who looked at her with a smug in order to tease her as much as she could.
"So ya know?" Anastasia raised an eyebrow in suspicion, glancing back and forth between the Duchess and the queen, "It gotta be one of your people then…"
"Hehe…I think you're caught here big sis," she giggled at the Duchess' face, who couldn't help but blush even more.
"Wait…" Anastasia narrowed her eyes, "don't tell me…the sword saint?!"
Crusch's face immediately twisted into disgust, and when Felt began to laugh out loud, Anastasia understood that she couldn't be more in the wrong.
"It would be far too casual." Priscilla nodded her head, smiling at the Duchess. "You are set on the other one, are you not?"
"The other one?" Anastasia thought to herself, before widening her eyes in shock.
"Natsuki-kun?!"
"..." Crusch wordlessly nodded her head.
"Why are you so surprised?" Felt asked the merchant, "Big bro's kinda cool, I'd understand if any girl wants to be with him."
"I guess his feats are somewhat remarkable," Anastasia shrugged, "but he just ain't my type. Honestly, I thought that was the same for the Duchess."
"And what did you think my 'type' was?" Crusch asked with a sigh, attempting to rein in her emotions and pull herself together.
"Someone cuter?" The purple-haired merchant thought out loud, "Natsuki-kun has quite the scary face. I always thought you had a soft spot when it came to a lover."
"You are certainly believing as such because of her chosen knight," the fiery princess shook her head, "the cat-eared healer."
Crusch raised an eyebrow once more when she heard the mention of her knight, looking at Anastasia with another displeased expression.
"Felix is like family to me, Anastasia. Would you ever think of taking any of your triplets as a lover?" An exasperated Crusch said in response to the merchant's thoughts.
"That ain't the same at all! Ya two are nearly the same age, I raised these kids!" Anastasia shot back, outraged at the Duchess reponse. "Besides, I never said ya loved your knight, I just thought he was your type."
"And I grew up with Felix. I lived all my childhood and teenages years with him," Crusch shook her head, "which is why he is so close to me. It isn't because of his looks."
While she disliked the turn that this discussion took, Anastasia only shrugged and admitted defeat, knowing that even if Crusch's comment was a stretch, she still was at least partly right.
"I, for one, approve of your choice." Priscilla nodded her head towards the Duchess, much to the surprise of everyone.
"Wait…What?" Taken aback by what she heard, Felt stared at the baroness with shock, "Does that mean what I think it means?"
"I observed the boy's own actions with my own eyes back at the empire, I certainly would have not minded taking him as a husband if the occasion presented itself," Priscilla explained, "but his choice was already made."
Crusch, Anastasia and Felt couldn't believe what they just heard, but somehow coming from someone as unpredictable as Priscilla, they rationalized that this was perhaps something they should have seen coming.
"And here I was confused about your tastes, Karsten, I think she's the true shocking one…" Anastasia mused, looking back at Felt, "And what about ya? Ain't ya going to reveal ya got a crush on your big bro?"
"I'ma slap you," Felt deadpanned," but what about you, in all of this?"
"Mh? Yeah, I got someone in mind," Anastasia announced to all, "my faithful knight."
"Julius-dono?" Crusch questioned, surprised at the revelation. "I suppose he can be seen as attractive."
"Don't even start, objectively Julius is far more handsome than your nasty-eyed man." Anastasia waved her hand with a smile.
"It's a question of taste, though I think that knight is too plain." Felt shrugged, reminding herself of the purple-haired knight.
"He is boring." Priscilla continued.
"I am fine with my "nasty-eyed" man being less handsome. At least, he has a personality." Crusch closed her eyes and nodded her head.
If only she had waited a few more seconds before saying that, perhaps Felt wouldn't have spat out all of her wine.
"Are you sure this will work?" An unrecognizable man asked with a trembling voice, taking a strangely shaped object in his hands.
"Trust me, you're not the first one who asks for this and certainly won't be the last," a feminine voice laughed, "I got many people from everywhere in the country, you think they'd come to me again and again if it was bullshit?"
"N-No I…sorry, it's just really stressful…" The man breathed out as he handed the woman a bag of coins.
"Who do you wanna get again?" the woman asked as she took the money. "You look like a noble guy yourself, so I'd guess higher up."
"Yes…somewhat," the man admitted. "She is…a very powerful woman, just enough for what I need."
"You nobles are always so damn mysterious," The woman sighed, counting her coins.
"You…get nobles often?"
"I get everything kiddo. 2 years ago, I even got a clown-looking guy," she scoffed, putting the coins in the bag again. "Everything's here. Pleasure doing business."
"Likewise…" the man sighed, clenching he new acquired item in his hands.
"With that…I will definitely make you mine…"
After a few hours Anastasia and Priscilla had finally taken their leave, giving their best regards to the new queen of the nation, and leaving her along with the Duchess to share a more private moment.
"Big bro and the others will be here any minute now," Felt relaxed in her seat, happy to have finally gotten rid of the other two ladies. "You good?"
"I have come to realize how much I dislike being the center of the discussion," Crusch smiled at her, "especially when it comes to love…"
"..."
"Felt?"
"You should tell him today, big sis." Felt leaned forward, an unusually serious expression on her face.
"What are you-?!" Crusch gasped in shock.
"You heard ginger hair earlier. She wouldn't mind, and she sure ain't the only one," Felt replied. "If you don't do anything, he might be snatched up by someone else in front of your very eyes."
"I…" Crusch's heart began to hurt at the idea of Subaru being with another woman, she knew this was not what she wanted and yet, "I do not even know if he feels anything for me, Felt…how could I-"
"How could you know if you don't try?!" Felt interrupted, unwilling to hear her excuses, "Big sis…big bro haven't been interested in anyone since…well, you know."
Crusch lowered her gaze when she remembered that day, sadness in her eyes as she continued to listen to Felt.
"He receives letters every day, big sis. From all the noble houses of the kingdom, they all want him," she explained as she stepped closer to the Duchess, "but he burned them all. He refused every single one of them!"
"What if it simply means that he does not wish to enter another romantic relationship, Felt?" Crusch shook her head, "Subaru…suffered more than anyone else when he first took an oath to a woman. What if it is something he never wishes to live again?"
"And I'm telling you, how could you know if you don't try?" Her red eyes were filled with determination as she glared at the Duchess. "He might refuse…but if you don't say anything, and he ends up with another woman…won't you regret it for the rest of your life?"
Before Crusch could answer the question, the door opened once again, as Subaru, Reinhard, Felix, Garfiel and Otto joined the two royal ladies.
Felt held her gaze on Crusch for a moment longer before looking up at the boys, a smile on her face.
"You guys are finally here!" Felt waved at them. "We kept some for you!"
"Aaaah, some royal wine! It's been so long since I've tasted that nya!" Felix gushed at the sight of the alcohol he could drink once more.
"Don't go too hard on yourself…" Otto sighed, "I'll have my hands full with Garf, don't want to have two cats on my back."
"Can Garfield drink?" Reinhard chuckled, "I am pretty sure that Frederica especially demanded us to not let him touch any liquor."
"YOU GUYS WON'T DO THAT TO ME!" Garfiel shouted in protest, "I'm 18 now! Like come on!"
"I'm definitely more scared of your sister than your persuasion here, Garf," Subaru pointed at him with his finger. "If you come back drunk she will kick your ass. Then ours as well. Even Reinhard won't be spared."
"And he's the damn sword saint!" Otto cried, "Frederica-san really knows no bounds…"
However, before Subaru took a seat, Felt stopped him with her hand, "Wait, big bro! Since we're going to live in the castle now, I got a room for each of us! And there's something in your room I want you to fetch, please! It's important for tonight!"
Subaru looked surprised for a second, glancing to the others before shrugging it off, "Alright, sure. Where's my room?"
"It's in the higher wing, big sis will guide you there! She knows this castle well!" Felt turned around to the Duchess, winking at her with a smile.
"...!" Crusch widened her eyes, knowing what Felt was trying to do.
"Hum…okay?" Subaru looked at the green-haired lady. "Are you sure she wants to go? You don't look good right now, Crusch…"
"N-no, it's alright," she stood up, doing her best to avoid showing her face to Subaru. "Let's go, Subaru."
Looking at the group of people one last time, Subaru followed the Duchess out of the room, confused at her behavior.
Once they were both safely out and away, the remaining participants all shared a grin at the situation.
"You're a sly fox, Felt-chan~" Felix giggled.
"If I don't do it, it'll never happen! Someone had to do something!" Felt crossed her arms, nodding her head to her own plan.
"Wait…Felix knew?!" Otto exclaimed.
"And why wouldn't I know nya?! I can read my lady perfectly! If she's in love, Ferris is the first one who would notice it!" He responded, angry at Otto's doubt.
"Now, now…I think aside from Subaru, everyone noticed already," Reinhard smiled at them, "I just hope for Crusch-sama that it works well for her…I would certainly be reassured to know someone like her is by his side."
"Just what are ya'll talking 'bout?" Garfiel questioned, waiting for some form of explanation.
"...Dude, even Reinhard noticed…!" Felt facepalmed, disappointed with Garfiel's nativity.
As soon as they began to head towards the higher wing, Crusch distanced herself from Subaru, turning her face away from him.
Subaru wordlessly gazed at her being so far away from him, nonplussed by this sudden behavior of hers. Usually they would stand side by side as they talk about anything, their relationship allowing them to use any subject as a source of discussion, no matter how mundane it might be.
It didn't take long before the situation was so upsetting for Subaru that he decided to speed up and catch her.
"The hell is happening?" He grunted, grabbing the Duchess' hand.
While he grimaced at first, his gaze quickly softened at the sight of her bright red face, along with her silence which only worried him more.
"Crusch?" he titled his head concerned for her. He took off his white glove before placing his hand over her forehead. "Do you feel alright? You're heating up a bit…"
"I feel alright…it's just…" she averted her gaze, trying to find the correct words as her heart began to beat faster and faster.
She felt like this was the moment. They were all alone in this corridor, they were so close…Crusch kept remembering Felt's words about regretting it if she never confessed her feelings, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt like she had to do it.
But the words simply wouldn't come out.
"Hey, just sit down here…I'll go on my way to find the room, you need to rest…" bringing her to a seat, Subaru helped her sit down, "I'll be right back, Felix should be able to see what's going on."
"..."
He was smiling at her. He was caring for her.
"I am not sick."
"Yes, I think it is for the better."
"This is not what I want to say…!"
"I'll be quick, just rest a bit." He smiled at her.
"I will be waiting right here. If I remember correctly, your room should be the third one on the left."
"Do not go…"
Despite how much she wanted to call out to him, to reveal to him the feelings she had deep in her heart, she just could not muster up the courage to tell him. Now here she was, looking at Subaru walking away as she sulked in her chair.
"Ugh…why am I so scared…" She cursed herself, putting both hands on her face, "I knew it would be difficult but this just seems impossible!"
Slowly letting her hands fall alongside her body, she stared at the ceiling with a wince on her face. "Love is really complicated…"
"...It really is."
"...!" Crusch immediately stood up, looking at the side where the voice came from, "who's there?!"
Slowly, a strange man came out of the corner of the corridor.
He was an average looking man, neither ugly nor handsome, sporting noble attire that the Duchess vaguely recognized.
"You are…one of the councilman's sons, aren't you?" Crusch narrowed her eyes, trying to remember correctly.
"Y-Yes! You remember me?" The young man had stars in his eyes hearing the Duchess might know who he was.
"No." She coldly replied.
"B-But-"
"I only vaguely remember the symbol of your noble house, I apologize," Crusch took a more serious stance, explaining her thought process to the young-man.
"Ghk! You didn't change at all…Still an ice queen!" He growled between his teeth, however a malicious smile began to shape on his face.
Crusch immediately narrowed her eyes to the change of attitude, her instincts screaming at her that something was amiss
"What do you want?" Now on guard, the Duchess glared at the man with threatening eyes.
"I want…" He smiled like a maniac, pulling out a weird object from his pocket, "I want you! Crusch Karsten!"
The item was nothing that Crusch ever saw. A strange shaped bottle with a tube on it. The man held right in front of him and directed towards the Duchess. Immediately she was hit with some strange gas that came out from the tube.
Crusch felt a bit dizzy out of nowhere, her world suddenly beginning to spin a bit. She blinked several times and attempted to steady herself, unaware of the man as he began to creep closer to her with a wide smile.
"Now…we can just use one of these rooms…Hehehehehe," he slowly laughed as he glanced towards the chest of the Duchess, "I've been waiting for this moment for so many years…"
"What is happening?" she squinted her eyes, seeing the blurred image of her gloved hand "What did he do to me?!"
Glancing to the side, she could see the blurry outline of the man come closer to her with a disgusting grin on his face. The one of a pig drooling in front of something he so desired.
"You filth…!" She coughed, holding a hand to her nose. "What did you do?!"
"W-wait what?" he stopped in his tracks, looking at the woman in surprise, "ah, gotta be the effect that didn't properly kick in yet, can't be long now."
"I feel heavy…" she thought, the sweet scent somehow overwhelming her sensing, scrambling her own thoughts.
"Don't worry dear Duchess, I'm going to make sure you feel reeeaaaally great in just a sec-"
Before he was close enough to touch her, Crusch violently slapped his hand away and stared right back at the man, standing back up after taking a deep breath, her dangerous aura only growing more and more as she processed what she just heard.
With a sharp exhale Crusch attempted to once again stabilize herself, the pain in her head slowly subsiding to a dull thud. Though her vision was still slightly blurry, she was stable enough to glare at the man and prepare to defend herself.
"What did that disgusting mouth of yours just say?" she growled between her teeth, clearly angered like she had never been before.
"W-what the hell?! You're not…Y-You're supposed to be…!"
"Supposed to be what?" she put a hand on the hilt of her sword, her killing intent being felt more and more, "Go on, speak."
"Ghk! TO HELL WITH YOU!" He yelled as he throwed the object towards her before running away, his metaphorical tail between his legs, "THAT JUNK DOESN'T WORK YOU DAMN LIAR!"
Seeing him run away in fear, Crusch hesitated in deciding whether to go after him, but regarding how frail and cowardly he seemed to be, she ultimately thought he was not worth it…especially considering that her mind still suffered from the after-effects of what just happened.
"But I will certainly make sure you pay, do not worry." She sighed in frustration, her gaze falling down to the item on the ground.
"Just what in the world is this?" She thought aloud as she picked it up. "Some sort of metia?"
She carefully inspected it, unfortunately realizing that her knowledge concerning such items was very limited.
"Perhaps Subaru would know more…" She thought to herself, remembering him and his several metias.
It was for a second, but when his image appeared in her mind, she felt her heart skip a beat
"..." she blinked several times, shaking her head, "This damned thing…"
Without wasting any time, she headed back to where Subaru was, her walk more like a sprint as she feared something else might happen to him when she was not here.
She didn't fear for Felt at all considering the sword saint was with her, but knowing Subaru, if any conspiracy would be around he would most certainly be a target of it.
"It should be here…" She thought, hearing sounds behind the door, "Subaru?"
When she opened it, she saw Subaru in front of a table looking at several letters, who turned his head towards her as soon as she called his name.
"Crusch? You feel better?" He questioned with a smile, "I have no idea what Felt wanted me to bring. All I see here is some dumb letters from…well, nothing of importance."
"..."
"Though aside from that, royalty's not lacking when it comes to luxury! This room is gigantic! King size bed, big mirror, even a damn personal balcony. Top tier accomadations, even better then the mansion!" He laughed in appreciation of his new room, opening the doors that led to said balcony. "We even have a splendid view!"
"..." Crusch didn't say a word as she began to walk closer to him.
"Mh? Crusch?" turning around, Subaru saw the Duchess standing just in front of him, "what's…What's that in your hands?"
Her heart was throbbing under her chest, her soft breathing was growing faster and more labored. For some reason she did not see him in the same light than she usually would. Instead it was as if the heavens were parting to cast some divine light on Subaru.
In this moment, he was the most amazing sight she had ever seen in her life
The black-haired man looked at her, a bit confused by her behavior, while she came closer and closer step by step, wanting to have a closer look at him.
She couldn't think about anything else other than him. He was solely occupying her mind, her every sense…and when she was close enough, her body moved on her own as she dropped the metia down and threw herself in his arms.
Subaru was taken aback by this sudden action, blushing to hell and beyond as he wondered what just happened for Crusch to do this.
"Please…hug me…" She murmured, burying her face in his chest, "please…"
She was beyond the realm of reason, her mind focusing solely on Subaru. She wanted to feel him, feel his warmth, stay like this with him.
"C-Crusch?! What's happening?!" he exclaimed, his heart beating faster, "Your voice is weird! Are you okay!"
"I'm not…" she said between heavy breaths, "I have no idea what is happening to me, but…"
"Then let's just go to Feli-"
"Please…" Crusch nearly whined, clenching his coat, "just…hold me."
While he didn't understand much of what was happening, seeing her plea, Subaru couldn't help but give in. He then raised his arms hesitantly, and slowly wrapped them around the Duchess.
"Mh…" she relaxed within his embrace, resting her head against her chest and listening to his beating heart," I think this might be what I always yearned for…"
"Crusch…?"
"I…" she raised her head, her watering eyes staring longly to Subaru's, "I have something to say. And I want you…to listen to me attentively…"
"...I'm listening." He replied, his voice much calmer.
While he remained confused, at least it seemed like there was nothing too dangerous happening.
"I…" she breathed in, "I love you…"
It was strange. These words she would usually keep to herself only seemed to be coming out of her mouth without any warning. As if she was not in control, and was unable to sugarcoat them or change the meaning like she would usually do.
It was as if her feelings, tired of being locked up in her heart, decided to break free and speak their will.
And yet she didn't want to put a stop to this. Not at all. Because even if she wasn't willing to admit it…
She, too, was tired of holding back.
"..."
"I know it is selfish of me to say such a thing…and I know…you might not feel anything for me…" Crusch was not in pain like what her voice could be hinting, but she was clearly overwhelmed. "But I had to tell you...for a long time now…"
When she was done speaking her heart out, Crusch brought her gaze down again, and indulged in the hug for the few seconds she believed to have left.
For her, there was no instance of Subaru accepting her love. Perhaps it was because of these overwhelming emotions, but she could only think about the most unbearable of all scenarios to come.
So she waited for his rejection, waited for this illusion to end. More…and more time passed…
But Subaru still had his arms wrapped around her, seemingly unwilling to let go.
The Duchess thought about raising her face, but the thought of meeting his eyes scared her. She didn't know why cowardice took such a strong place in her heart at the moment, and this feeling was something she hated to the core.
So she regrettably stayed buried in this hug, waiting for Subaru to do anything.
Suddenly Subaru lifted one of his hands, and Crusch was already preparing herself to be separated from this warmth.
Until she felt his palm caressing her cheek, causing her to widen her eyes and instinctively look up to him.
And right there, he caught her lips in a kiss.
It was sudden, and it took the Duchess off guard. But after she finally realized what was happening, she closed her eyes to feel this passion more, and raised her hands to wrap them around his neck.
This was amazing for her. The feeling, the warmth, and the love…she could feel them all overflowing her heart, as she wished for this moment to last for eternity.
"I'm sorry…" he whispered as he broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers, "I never…I never noticed…"
As she listened to his response, Crush felt a ray of hope. She saw that there was, against all odds, a chance. A chance for her to achieve the happiness she had thought of as all but impossible.
"Do you mean…?" Crusch looked at him, eyes full of hope.
"I would really have to be a madman to not love someone as wonderful as you, don't you think?" he laughed sheepishly. "It's just that…after I was done with my previous marriage, I didn't think that I was worthy of loving someone again."
Despite her clouded mind, Subaru's words managed to make the Duchess frown, feeling the anger rising in her.
"Every time I…I-It just ends up hurting someone, and after all of this, I just thought it would be best if I never loved again," he explained, tears forming in his eyes. "bBut then you were more and more present in my life. I ended up seeing you differently than a simple friend…and I kept fighting that."
"You…" Crusch glared at him in shock.
Usually, Crusch would see herself as inadequate when it came to be feminine, but it was something that disappeared along with her low-confidence as a woman, mainly because Subaru would repeat to her every day that she was beautiful, pretty, cute. He would always come up with ways to compliment her, but up until now she always thought of them to be something he considered normal.
But now she had the true answer, the reason behind his actions. And the reason he never revealed anything was because…
"I didn't want to hurt you…I was scared of-" he grunted before sighing in frustration, "I just thought you would never love someone like me anywa-"
"You damned fool…" She growled between heavy breathings, "I should have known, I should have seen it!"
Out of anger for his self-depreciation, for her unwillingness and for their shared idiocracy, she grabbed his collar and pulled him back into a sweet kiss, a connection much needed for her to vent her built up frustration.
And Subaru couldn't do anything but accept it, and return this love that she would offer him.
But it wasn't enough…
"Take them off…" she whispered as she broke the kiss, and began to unbutton his coat.
"C-Crusch-"
"I said take them off!" She couldn't control herself anymore, and with her strength she ripped the buttons of his shirt.
Subaru didn't even have the time to act, she was doing everything on her own. She only thought about being more intimate with him, connected with him.
He was now topless, the upper part of his well built body still covered in numerous battle scars . Crusch removed her glove and began to caress it with her hand, remembering how some of these were for her sake, which triggered a feeling of guilt within screaming at her to repay him in any way she could.
However while her eyes were now set on the pants he wore, Subaru brought his hands to her body seemingly disliking how he was so easily toyed with, and began to undress her as well, starting off with her blue coat.
Perhaps born out of the sheer emotion of the situation Crusch felt any sense of reasoning thrown out the window. Instead it was replaced by the emotions she had repressed for all this time.
"Ah~" she giggled, figuring out what he so hardly tried to see by removing her layers, "do you…w-want to see them?"
All their actions ceased for a second. Even if Crusch was right on Subaru's intentions, actually saying it managed to embarrass them enough to stop them in their tracks, Subaru avoided her gaze.
Albeit not showing it, this made Crusch panic at the thought of having killed the moment, and without thinking twice she began to finish unbuttoning her shirt right in front of him.
"…Help yourself…" she whispered, her face bright red as she presented her generous bosom to the young man.
This was unbelievable, a sight truly coming from one of his wildest fantasies…he only wished to bring her closer and fondle her chest to his heart's content, but even when she offered herself he still thought it to be inappropriate.
He could see that Crusch too was embarrassed. Her mind was a mix between a great desire of making love with the one she loved, and the shame of taking part in such indecent acts. Yet, Subaru was a man, and his body began to speak for itself at the sight of the woman he thought to be more beautiful than ever under the moonlight.
So he pulled her closer, earning a yelp from her because of how sudden he was, and kissed her once more as her chest collided with his torso. He then brought his hands to the back of her bra.
"Subaru…" she whispered his name as she melted under his touch, looking at him right in the eyes as he slowly removed her bra, tossing it to the side, "do it…Please…"
She wanted more, she needed more and Subaru was eager to provide it for her. Listening to her demand, he began to move his lips towards her neck, while fondling her breast with his left hand.
Crusch was in a whole new world. With feelings and sensations she never knew existed, that made her crave for more the longer she felt it.
His touch was gentle and soothing, heightening the pleasure the Duchess felt. She slowly felt her mind begin to melt at the sheer pleasure Subaru was giving her.
"S-Subaru…!" she squealed, turning to look down at his pants, at the thing that poked out of it as if begging to be freed.
So she pushed him back a bit, bringing her hands down his belt.
"Hold on…" he tried to stop her.
"We already came this far," she moved his hand away," I will not back down now."
"I know but, let's at least move to the bed-"
"No," she interrupted, leaving no room for debate. She swiftly brought his trousers down to his feet, "I want to do it here and now."
Without further ado, she whipped out his member from his underwear, and was taken aback by what she saw.
Of course Crusch wasn't familiar with any other male sexual organs, but she had at least enough knowledge from literature to have an estimation in mind. Thus, all of the confidence she began to build up slowly about what she was about to engage in vanished when she saw Subaru's gential. It was rock hard and easily reached his belly button, and the only thought she had in mind was that it would never fit.
"Crus-" worried, Subaru tried to see what was wrong until she silenced him with another kiss, delicately putting her hand on his shaft as she began to stroke it.
"I need to steel myself…" she thought.
If she went on her way to act first, it was to avoid killing the moment like she did just before. But now that she was feeling it's size with her own hands, she was even more scared at the idea of going all the way.
But there was no helping it. She wanted it, she wanted him.
All of this was abnormal, Crusch was not herself. She was fully aware of it, but the control of her body was not in her hands…and truth be told, she couldn't care less.
Perhaps the idea of fearing the consequences of such actions appeared in her mind at the beginning, when her heart throbbed and cried before hearing his answer…but as soon as she knew what he felt for her, she didn't see this state of her as inadequate at all.
"Crusch…! Not so fast…!" he winced as he felt his limit coming, which made Crusch look down innocently to see his member pulsating in her hands as if it was about to explode.
"Ah…My apologies," she whispered huskily, looking at her own hand covered in fluids.
"I was so absorbed by my own thoughts that I did not realize what I was doing-" She began to think, before raising her eyes to the boy and seeing his innocent, bright red face translating his excitement and lust.
And this sight triggered something in Crusch that she did not know herself she had.
"Wo-" he yelped as he was brought down, the clothes he previously took off cushioning his back, "Crusch…?"
While he was lying down, the Duchess stood towering over him, throwing her hair on her back as she began to take off the rest of her clothes in a slow, sensual motion.
Subaru gulped in excitement, his heart beating so fast Crusch could nearly hear it, as she gently sat down on top of him, straddling his waist.
The sight he was seeing now was truly angelic. This beautiful verdant-haired woman bathing in the moonlight, looking at him with eyes full of love…
"I made you wait for far too long already," she whispered in his ear as she leaned forward. "Just leave it to me, Natsuki Subaru…I shall fix my wrongdoings…"
There was no hesitation anymore, there was no fear.
With all of her confidence, she moved the tip her black underwear on the side and elevated her rear, taking Subaru's member in one hand and aligning it to her entrance.
She gasped in pleasure as soon as the tip entered her, but as it carved its way through her, the pain became more and more apparent to her.
"Don't force yourself…" Although drowning in pleasure, Subaru tried to catch the attention of the Duchess who seemed to have difficulties to take him in, something she brushed off with a smile as she suddenly went all the way.
"Gn~!" Crusch groaned in pleasure and pain, trembling at the feeling of her broken hymen.
"Ah~! Crusch!" Subaru breathed out, feeling her warmth and tightness, looking at the woman who just lost her virginity, and took his all in one motion.
Her legs were shaking, she leaned down on his torso waiting for the pain to cease, her face a few inches close to Subaru's as they shared a look in their eyes, their lust practically palpable.
"Are you okay?" he asked her between heavy breathings, caressing her cheek.
"I've never been better," she replied as she kissed his lips briefly.
"It's…surprising," he thought out loud, "I didn't think you were…I-I mean…"
Understanding what he meant, the Duchess placed her hands on his pectorals to support her, straightening her back "How so? I never had any lover in the past…"
"Felix told me about-"
"Perhaps there was a time, I was betrothed to Fourier…" she cut him before he could continue, "I cherished him with all of my heart. But I never loved him as a man, and our relationship never went further than that."
Subaru widened his eyes at the look she gave him, her honey-colored eyes twinkling in passion.
"I never looked at anyone in this world…" she whispered, raising her rear, "like I am looking at YOU!"
Her voice broke out loud as she humped once, the pain she felt slowly turning into full pleasure, and when this sensation sent shivers in her entire body, she couldn't help but yearn for more.
"Subaru…!" She moaned as she went up and down rhythmically, the call of his name only making him harder.
She couldn't stop her own hips, this motion became instinctive to her. She could feel his shaft reaching the deepest part of her insides, and every single thrust felt so much better than the previous one.
She wanted more, she needed more!
When she felt her balance break, she leaned a bit forward to readjust her support, making eye contact with the black-haired man.
"I love him…" She thought to herself, shaking her behind so she would continue to feel him inside her.
"This face of yours way too erotic, Crusch…" he smiled at her.
Leaning forward, he took a hold of her voluptuous breasts, which made Crusch smile as his delicate touch showed just how much he liked them.
"Ah~ don't hold back…" she giggled, bringing her hand on his so he would take a good hold of her chest "they're yours, Subaru…all yours!"
He widened his eyes at her words, feeling his vigor rushing through him as he grabbed her waist and changed his position without breaking their link.
"You're all mine?" he whispered as he kissed her, bringing his hands to her ass. "Are you sure?"
"I am…" wrapping her arms around his neck, she continued to indulge in his kiss.
"Then say it again…" parting from her lips, he whispered to her ear as he bit it lightly, "say you're mine, Crusch Karsten."
"I…I am all yours…" she uttered as she took in labored breaths.
"I can't hear you!" he grunted as he slammed himself inside her with a big thrust, "louder!"
"I'M YOURS!" she yelled, her body quivering from the shock, "for now and ever! I belong to you and only you!"
Her response filled his heart with happiness, and he couldn't wait to show his gratitude. So he took a good hold of her behind, and in one motion slammed himself inside of her even harder, earning a great moan of pleasure from the Duchess as her head shot back behind.
He kept going at it, lifting her up and down while she couldn't control her voice, and hugged his head into her chest.
"Subaru! Subaru!" she voiced out loud, "more…! Ah~! More!"
Not willing to disappoint her, Subaru began to make his motion faster, while breaking free from her embrace so he could catch her lips in another kiss, muffling her uncontrollable voice at the same time.
"Mmmhh!" she broke free, clenching his back as she felt her edge approaching, "S-Subaru! I'm going to…!"
"Ah~! Me too!" he grunted, "I need to-"
"No!" She cut him, cupping his face with her hands so he would look at her. "Do it- Ah~, do it inside!"
"Crusch…" he widened his eyes, blinking several times as he processed what she just said, "you know what that means, right?"
She nodded her head with a smile as she came near her ear, whispering.
"It means my most precious dream will finally come true…"
Subaru looked at her one more time to be sure he heard correctly, and when he was sure of what she meant, with a newfound vigor he began to slam himself even deeper, and harder.
Her voice was becoming hoarse, and her mind blank.
"This is so intense," she said in a hoarse voice, trying to catch her breath, "I-I can't think straight anymore…"
He was the only one in her mind.
"Subaru…"
He was the only one to make her feel this way.
"Subaru…!"
He was the only one to pleasure her like this.
"Subaru!"
Drowning in euphoria, she knew as of now…
"I won't be able to live without him anymore!" she thought as she furiously grabbed his cheeks and slammed her lips against his, making out with him as she felt her edge coming closer and closer.
"Subaru!" she yelled "It's coming…!I can feel it!"
"Me too! I'm about to-"
And on his last words, he erupted, his seed flowing inside the Duchess, painting her insides white as she yelled his name, before Subaru kissed her again, letting himself fall on his back without breaking the kiss.
"It's so warm…" the verdant-haired woman thought as she didn't let go of his lips.
"I love you," she murmured between kisses, "I love you so much…"
Exhausted, Crusch began to rest her head on his torso, listening to the soothing sound of his beating heart.
"This was amazing…" Subaru told her, gently caressing her head.
"I didn't know it was possible to feel this good," she giggled, "Subaru…"
Subaru hummed gently, noting that he was listening.
"I am glad it was you," she replied, "actually, I couldn't be happier…"
He laughed at her words as he kissed her head.
"However, I feel a bit tired…perhaps we should move to the bed?" she proposed, raising her neck so she could see his face.
"...Yeah, you're right. It's going to be a bit uncomfortable if we sleep here," he laughed, scratching his chin with his finger.
"Well, then please carry me." she asked with a smile.
"Oh? You want to be pampered?" he said as he began to stand.
"No, moving my legs may just be impossible at the moment…" she shyly muttered.
"O-Oh…"
When morning shone upon them Subaru was the first one to wake up, opening his eyes to the verdant-haired Duchess sleeping on him.
Although such a sight made him smile, Subaru still didn't quite understand how things went this way.
"...This was way too sudden, wasn't it?" he mused to himself as he stared to the ceiling.
He still remembered the day before yesterday when he was bantering with the Duchess. When he thought back about all of this, nothing ever hinted any romance between them…and yet here he was, lying in a bed with her, both of them completely naked.
"She did sound strange when I think back about it," he frowned, remembering her behavior, "I guess I won't know anything before she wakes up…"
After about a half an hour in this position, the Duchess finally began to open her eyes, the first thing she saw being Subaru's face smiling at her.
"Good morning," she said with a warm smile, "I hope I was not too heavy."
"Nah, you're as light as a feather," he tried to get up thinking the lady would move, but Crusch grabbed his hand, preventing him from leaving. "Crusch?"
"Why are you so eager to leave this bed?" she pouted, making sure to restrain him. "We have no duties to attend for at least a week in order to celebrate the new queen."
"..." Subaru was left speechless at her reply, and his expression made the Duchess wonder what he had in mind.
"It's just a lot to take in all of a sudden," hugging her closer, Subaru began to speak his mind, "I mean…don't you think we skipped a lot of steps in all of this?"
"No, not really," she shook her head, drawing circles with her finger on his torso, "we both had feelings for the other since a long time, after all."
"Even then, for you out of all people to confess…I always thought you were the reserved type, you know?" he mused.
"If I am being fairly honest…I still do not know myself what led me to take the first step yesterday," she looked up, pensive, "even before reaching this room, I-"
Suddenly, Crusch widened her eyes as she finally remembered her previous encounter before going back to Subaru. She turned around, her eyes scanning the balcony until she saw the strange item, still lying on the ground in front of the balcony's doors.
"Oh, I remember that, you came in with this in your hands," following her gaze, Subaru noticed the object as well. "What was it?"
"I believe it is a metia…" she said as she turned back at him, leaning back on his chest, "I thought you would know more about it."
"Never seen something like that in my life," he replied, opening his arms so she could rest comfortably, and bringing them back in a hug. "Maybe Ezzo will know more about it?"
"Mh…The magician?" while caressing his chest, she remembered the one who bore this name. "He has knowledge in such things?"
"He collects metias and studies them, it's like a passion for him."
"I see," Crusch nodded her head, closing her eyes as she prepared to sleep some more. "By the way, Subaru…"
"Yeah?"
"I can feel it growing harder," she off-handily commented, a smile on her lips.
"...I can't really help it when you're hugging me like that, entirely naked, especially when it comes to your breasts against my chest." He deadpanned, far past the realm of embarrassment.
"Mh~...Should I do something about it?"
"You know, as much as I would want that…" Subaru cleared his throat as he realized, "didn't we completely leave them all by themselves yesterday?"
"...Oh, I'm sure they will understand," Crusch snorted, remembering Felt's shenanigans. "Though, I wonder if it was what she was expecting?"
"What?"
"Nothing~." she giggled as she moved in a slow motion to his crotch, without breaking eye contact with him.
"How are you so sexy?" Although his question could be seen as ironic or rhetorical, his expression showed he was dead serious about it.
"Hm?" she hummed with a smile, feeling warmth in her heart at how he would describe her, "you think so?"
"Such a big thing was really inside of me…" she thought with a shiver down her spine. Even if she lost her virginity to it, the idea of such a thing entering her private area without breaking anything seemed way too impressive.
Now face to face with the very thing that brought her so much pleasure last night, which was becoming harder in real time right in front of her eyes, she began to gently poke the tip of his member, moving it around with her index as if she was having fun with a new toy,, "...Are you getting even bigger? I haven't done anything yet."
"It's just by looking at your face, you're way too beautiful to not trigger a reaction…" he uneasily admitted, making Crusch's heart skip a beat, her eyes wide.
"That's it," she stated as she brought her hand to it," we are going for a round two."
"Eh? You wan-" He was cut short by the Duchess planting a kiss on the tip of his shaft, before she began to gently lick its side, still looking at her man's eyes.
Subaru was clenching the bedsheets with all of his strength, a sight that only pushed Crusch to continue what she was doing, and be even more efficient than she was.
"You had your way with me yesterday…And there is something I still wish to hear from you." she told him with a confident smile, making sure to moist every single spot of his shaft.
"W-what…?" He tried to speak, but the pleasure was way too intense.
"I presume it will come to you," she licked her lips before positioning her mouth right over the tip.
She then parted her lips, and began to slowly, gently go down on his member, taking her time to make him feel every single bit of this moment as she played with her tongue rolling around him, his cries of euphoria only pushing her to be more efficient.
"Ghk! Aaaah…Crusch!" he whined with gritted teeth, "t-this is so good!"
She was happy, so happy to hear him say that. For how he made her feel previously, being able to 'repay' him made her feel glad and compelled.
She began to go faster, the audible and erotic sounds of her saliva dripping on his member echoing in the room, along with Subaru's voice.
The salty taste in her mouth was sour at first but she didn't mind it more than that, and took it as a proof of her efficiency. She truly felt like he was all hers, that she was the only one who did this with him and was the only one who would have the right to. It was her own privilege.
His voice was louder and louder, and hearing him began to arouse her and make her private part wet, dripping on the bed sheets under, which made her all the more in the mood.
Subaru craned his head forward to see the Duchess looking at him while she sucked his member, as if she tasted the most delicious thing in the world.
But right before he was about to burst, Crusch saw him shot his head back and slowly moved her mouth up, taking it out with an audible pop as Subaru looked back at her in despair.
Her face was partly hidden by his member, her mouth just at the tip, as she sensually stared at him.
"C-Crusch…?" He breathed heavily, as she put her hair behind her ears and started to give a small lick to the side.
"There is something you have not said yet," she hummed, waiting several seconds before giving another lick to it, "I am waiting."
"Agh! Something that I have not said?! What do you mea-" she gave another lick to the tip, much slower this time.
Subaru began to think as hard as he could, trying to know what did she so desired of him to apply such a torture.
"Loud and clear Subaru, "she bealanced her legs while having her fun, "I want to hear it loud and clear."
And it just struck him.
"I…I'm yours, Crusch…" she nodded her head to his reply, sucking the side of his member while maintaining eye contact, "I can't hear you, louder."
While Subaru had a teasing tone yesterday, Crusch was way more stern. Commanding, demanding.
"AAAAAAH! I'M YOURS! YOURS AND YOURS ONLY!" He let his voice go loud, bringing a smile of satisfaction on her lips.
"Good boy~" she complimented him, as she took him all in in one go, her mouth going up and down in a fast rhythm, pushing Subaru to his edge rather instantly.
"C-CRUSCH!" His body tensed up as he tore the bed sheet under his hand, "I-"
"Don't hold back," she thought as she looked at him, eyes closed as he couldn't take the sheer ecstasy, "give it all to me…"
And before such rigor, Subaru couldn't hold back any longer and let his seed go free inside of her mouth, while she went further down to be sure not to spill any of it.
They both remained like that for a few seconds, Subaru panting heavily as he looked down on Crusch who gulped down what she had in her mouth, slowly taking him out of her mouth before she eagerly licked her lipss.
"W-where did you learn that..?" he asked her as he was catching his breath.
"I read once that men liked this kind of thing, I thought about trying it out on the one I loved…" she winked at him, sitting on her knees, "I hope you liked it~."
"I never knew you had this side of you…" he chuckled, standing back up so he could bring the verdant-haired woman into a hug in which she happily indulged.
"Do you hate it?" she already knew the answer, but she still wished to hear it from him.
"I love it," he whispered to her, his forehead against hers, "and I also love that I'm the first one to ever see it…"
"The first and only…" she replied as she kissed his lips briefly.
Then, Subaru looked down the bed and saw how wet it was, surprised at first he followed the trail to see how he wasn't the only one who had a good time just before.
"I-I-" Crusch became a bit red, trying to justify herself, before Subaru pushed her back on the bed and grabbed her rear, bringing it closer to his mouth.
"AAAAAH~"
They went out of the room wearing the pieces of clothes they had not stained or dirtied, as in Subaru's white cape and Crusch's coat. It was not that strange to see a knight without his cape, but it was certainly a sight to see the Karsten matriarch without her famous blue uniform. Subaru never understood why she always insisted on wearing it, as he found her way more attractive like this, with nothing but her pants and white shirt.
"Ezzo should be in his new lab…" Subaru mused out loud, "should we go to him now? Or-"
"Let's take a break for a moment," she waved her hand with a giggle, "it's already noon, Subaru. It would be bad if we do it all day."
"...Right." he cleared his throat, "sorry."
While they were on their way, both went through the royal quarters, and suddenly met with the queen herself, going out of her room while yawning.
"Oh?" Felt widened her eyes right when she noticed them, "maaaan, you guys had a good night eh?"
Just as he was about to apologize and find an excuse, Subaru was cut short by Felt's smug grin and became red in shame.
"We did," Crusch was the one reply, scouting closer so she could hold his hand, "I think I owe you for this."
Subaru suddenly glanced back at the Duchess, looking back and forth between her and the laughing blonde, finding her big brother's reaction to be hilarious.
"So it's official? Maaaaan I'm so glad for you guys!" She clapped her hands in glee, "we should make one hell of a party for that! And the wedding! Yeah, we're taking the hall for that!"
"Wait!" Subaru interrupted them, "wait, wait, wait! What does that mean!? You knew?"
"Big bro, we all knew," she shook her head, sighing at Subaru's denseness, "everyone. You are the only guy that didn't see how she was head over heels for you!"
"I-I wouldn't go as far but-" embarrassed, Crusch tried to intervene.
"And you didn't tell me anything?!" He exclaimed, "you talk about a little sister!"
"If it hadn't happened naturally you'd have just ruined it!"
"I know you're right and I hate that I have to admit it!" he pointed at her with his finger, "so thank you!"
"Yes!" the blonde closed her eyes and nodded her head, "you're welcome!"
Before such an interaction, Crusch couldn't help but laugh, and followed both siblings as well.
In another wing of the royal palace, in a room especially designed for the king's royal mages to work and research in, the one that got named by the queen herself as the new court magician was entering this laboratory for the first time, admiring the architecture and shape of this room, made to withstand any kind of magic, and all the various gear and documents of research created for this very purpose.
"Finally…" he inhaled, raising his hands towards the sky, "after all these years! I can finally enter this room! And everything, EVERYTHING is mine! Ahahahahahaha!"
He was dancing, smiling, laughing, his excitement growing as he inspected every element of the room in glee.
"Ezzo? Are you here?" Subaru opened the door with the Duchess by his side, "I see you're already getting comfortable."
"Ah! Subaru-san! What a pleasure to have you here!" He exclaimed as he jumped to him. "Oh, hello to you as well Miss Karsten!"
"Good morning, Ezzo-dono. I see you're quite happy."
"Like hell I am!" He puffed his chest, pointing to the room with his arms. "So, what do you think? It's super cool ain't it?!"
"Really is! Congratulations Ezzo, though I have no idea how any of this works, I'm sure you'll do an amazing job with…whatever you're going to do here." Subaru laughed, rubbing the back of his head.
"Would've never made it without you! Don't think that I'll forget how you pushed for me to get the title my friend! I owe you more than one!" He clapped his hands with a wink. "So, what brings you here? Or you just wanted to see how I was doing?"
"Well, that of course and also, because I think I got something that might interest you," He said as he reached his pocket. "You're still interested in metias and such, right?"
"Of course! You got one?" rubbing his hands in excitement, Ezzo wondered what his friend just brought him.
Subaru pulled out the metia, which to him honestly just looked like a weird perfume bottle, and handed it to the mage who began to inspect it.
"Ooooh! That's a…" he blinked a bit as he turned the object around to properly analyze it. "Yep, that's a bed-bringer."
"A…A what?" Subaru arched an eyebrow in confusion, as Ezzo cleared his throat.
"In other words, a strong magical aphrodisiac," Ezzo explained, "if you press this button towards someone, it triggers a scent that…enhances sexual desire. These were mostly used to help animals reproduce or…well, you know, bring anyone in your bed."
Subaru and Crusch glanced at each other in shock, the Duchess clenching her fist in rage as she understood the clear motive of the man who applied this metia on her.
"So, it pollutes the mind in order to make you lusting for its user…" she growled, a mix of rage and fear in her heart at the idea of offering her body to someone other than Subaru.
"Well, yeah…" Ezzo continued, "it's applied to clueless people that have no idea what's even happening to them."
"So it's used on naive people with a motive of rape?" Subaru narrowed his eyes, disgusted at the implications.
"Yep…" Ezzo replied as he put the metia on the table. "Where did you get that?"
"One of the councilman's sons tried to use this metia against me yesterday night," Crusch replied, while Subaru suddenly turned towards her in shock. "Though, I did not do anything with him."
"You-" Subaru looked at her in alarm, "why didn't you say anything?!"
Crusch only remained silent, her face turned a bit red as the answer was most obvious.
"You resisted the metia?" putting a hand under his chin, Ezzo began to think, "how could this- Oh…"
Subaru and Crusch both turned towards him.
"You two are…I mean, it's official now, right?" Ezzo questioned, a bit uneasy.
"What? What do you mean it's offici-"
"Yes, it is." Crusch replied.
"Well this explains that…" the mage sighed while looking at the metia.
"What might you mean, Ezzo-dono?" Crusch demanded, pressing for further answers.
"Well…" He awkwardly scratched the back of his head, choosing his words. "This metia works on people that have no prior experience but…overall it's purpose is to make you weak and create desire for sex, even if you have no idea what sex even is…"
"And?" She urged him to further, as both she and Subaru listened on.
"Ugh…It won't work if you already have someone in mind you want to have sex with."
A deathy silence spread across the room at the mage's answer. Ezzo looked at the both of them, pity in his eyes while Subaru slowly turned his face towards the Duchess, who was as red as a tomato, averting her gaze in embarrassment.
"So…you were thinking of…" Subaru stammered, looked at her with wide eyes,"...with…me?"
Crusch silently nodded her head, unable to give any other response.
"Looks like the Duchess got quite the fantaisies," Ezzo responded with a chuckle. "Well, I'm happy for you two though."
"...Ezzo, I need you to get out." Subaru immediately shot back, grabbing the mage and pushing him towards the door.
"Wha- Subaru?!" He yelled, as he was quickly dragged out of the room, hearing the lock as the door closed behind. "What the hell?!"
"Suba-" Crusch wanted to ask him, but was cut short as Subaru locked her lips with his, grabbing her rear and lifting her up, going towards one of the tables.
He sat her down at the edge, and everything else off it with his arm before lying her down, holding both her hands over her head. Everything happened so fast that Crusch didn't even have the time to process it.
"W-wait, here?" she gasped, looking at him in surprise. He was breathing fast, his eyes full of lust as he stared at her like an animal glaring at its prey.
"Yeah…" he said as he brought his face closer, "right here and right now…"
"..."
However her sudden silence sent a chill down Subaru's spine, as he thought he might have just forgotten about the idea of consent when it comes to the one she loved…until she began to smile.
"Tell me, Natsuki Subaru…" she whispered in a sensual voice, "which one sounds better, 'Crusch Natsuki' or 'Subaru Karsten'?"
Subaru began to laugh in relief, before slowly approaching her face, "both sounds beautiful, don't you think?" He whispered back.
"Mh…" she smiled, closing her eyes. "And what do you think about the title of duke?"
"As long as I have my duchess…" he also closed his eyes, meeting her lips as they engaged in a passionate kiss, "I love you…"
"I love you more…"
An union that closed the book of the painful journey Natsuki Subaru went through, opening the path to a new life, one previously thought impossible.
A path of joy.
A path of love
A proper way to restart life in another world…from zero.
It was one hell of a ride, wasn't it? Even now I can't believe I gave such importance to that...A lot of people loved this story, others sent me death threats. But overall, I still had fun writing it and see you all reviewing it. I hope you liked this story even though it's a huge improvisation, regarding most of you I know that's the case.
This chapter was only kickstarted by a friend requesting something steamy on a balcony, and the whole idea just popped in my mind. I think it's a fitted conclusion for this revenge to be genuine, as you only ever have your revenge when you manage to be happy once more, no matter what has been done to you.
Here we close the book of Karma's Revenge, a story born from a joke. I'll now focus on my other stories.
I hope you enjoyed your read!