-During Breakfast-
"I wish to ask if any of you know about the whereabouts of my knight?"
Everyone was rather confused over their lady's strange question. They had all looked towards Subaru then Emilia, wondering what she was talking about. Eventually Subaru took the lead and asked a rather confusing question to Emilia.
"My knight..." Emilia said. Making everyone focus on her answer intently.
"He's a man with purple hair, he's reaaaally~ kind and strong and everything I said when I described him yesterday.. His name is Juuklius"
Almost everyone had a look of confusion on their faces. Frederica most of all.
'She described her knight yesterday and not Subaru-sama? What does Emilia-sama mean by Juuklius?'
Frederica was at first uncertain of who this Juuklius was. Far too focused on the fact that her lady said someone else was her knight.
She was going to speak to her lady when Meili beat her to it.
"Juuklius? As in that pretty knight onii-san, who came with us to the sand place with the mabeasts where we met naked onee-san?" Meili asked.
She saw Emilia nod at Meili. Which made Frederica immediately remember him.
'Ah, so she meant Julius Juuklius? But isn't Julius Juuklius the knight of Anastasia-sama? Why would Emilia-sama describe him and say he is her knight instead of Subaru-sama? Should I ask her just to be certain?'
Frederica was confused over this random mention of that man. She saw a look of hurt and confusion on Subaru's face and decided to voice out her thoughts.
"Does Emilia-sama refer to Julius Juuklius? The Knight of-" 'Anastasia-sama' She wanted to say among other things, before getting interrupted by her lady.
Emilia cheerfully spoke and thanked her for even mentioning him which made her more confused.
Subaru then spoke towards her lady in a slightly hurt tone. Which made Frederica feel bad for him. She had no idea why everyone else was quiet. For her part she was simply unsure of what to think over her lady's behavior and cheerfulness when she mentioned that name. Maybe the others thought that Emilia was teasing Subaru?
Her lady seemed to speak something about Subaru, before being interrupted by Roswaal. Who proceeded to leave. They all shared looks with each other before also getting up to leave for their duties. Garfiel looked at his sister to see if she knew something regarding what Emilia spoke of, but she shook her heads.
Now, as everyone left. She couldn't stop thinking about the strange conversation. She could only sympathize with what Subaru must be having on his mind.
'I wonder why Emilia-sama mentioned that knight. Did she not see the look Subaru-sama had? To mention that yesterday she was describing someone else to his face.. Perhaps this is some sort of a practical joke? Although that is a highly strange behavior from her if so. Even I found this joke rather.. distasteful. Saying someone else, especially the knight of a recently deceased candidate as her personal knight is not funny at all. I can only hope Subaru-sama does not take it too badly.'
As she thought of that. She realized how her lady had been strangely quiet and looked sad for some reason those past couple of days.
'Now that I think about it. Emilia-sama was supposed to give Subaru-sama an answer two nights ago. On the same night when she unfortunately fainted. I'm curious if something had happened between them beforehand, perhaps? Was it maybe because things didn't go as planned? Did he say 'no' to her courtship proposal? No. I highly doubt that.'
Frederica wouldn't admit it, but as the personal maid for the queen she was essentially her confidant per say. Her lady would often invite her to her room for before bed conversations. Often about the topic of "love" which included the mention of a black haired boy. She thought that maybe she could talk to her lady later to find out more about what had happened between the two of them.
She resolved to do her duty with that thought on her mind.
Beatrice headed to the royal library with an annoyed attitude.
'What a peculiar behavior from Bubby's brat, I suppose.'
Overseeing the royal library was part of Beatrice's duties in the palace. She had always liked to hoard knowledge just like her mother. There were many fascinating tales and legends in this huge library which was much more extensive and grander than her old one at Roswaal's mansion.
Though today Beatrice wasn't really focusing on her duty today. Usually reading helped calm her but she could feel what her contractor had felt. She wondered why the half-elf had described someone else as her knight in front of Beatrice's contractor.
'To have the gall to first ask about the whereabouts of her 'knight' and then describe that man in front of my Subaru! Why did the half elf do that, I wonder? Does she not know that it had hurt my Subaru? Bubby's brat better watch her crude manner of jesting for next time, I suppose.'
Through her link to her contractor Beatrice could feel the growing confusion and worry within his emotions. She could only wonder what Subaru must be thinking about.
It made her think of how the half-elf had sounded far too genuine for it to be a simple jest. There was no hint of mockery or teasing within her tone Beatrice noted. Her thoughts then began recalling the spar between Subaru and Emilia that she witnessed the other day. The soldiers Emilia had summoned the other day didn't resemble her contractor at all.
"Why is that, I wonder?" Beatrice voiced out her thoughts to no one in particular. She was beginning to feel slightly suspicious of the half-elf.
'Did something happen between my Subaru and the half elf? No. Subaru would always tell me everything about her, I suppose. And nothing ails her as I didn't recognize anything strange that night after she fainted, in fact. It doesn't make sense. It has to be a crude jest from the half elf, I suppose.'
"Bubby's brat will have to elaborate on her behavior, I suppose."
Beatrice resolved to ask the half-elf to elaborate later, as the half-elf's behavior didn't make sense to her. Before she read a book to calm her growing annoyance.
Ram was as always lazing off in a spot while ordering the junior maids of the palace around. She was curious of the way her lady had spoke towards Barusu. While Ram would always tease him out of enjoyment, she did really care about him to a great deal.
'Emilia-sama is truly bold to mention that bland, boring knight in Barusu's presence. Not only that but to say he was her knight too. I didn't expect that shameless behavior from Emilia-sama. Even a benevolent, kind person such as myself wouldn't tease Barusu to that extent.'
The whole affair was still strange for her, as she knew Emilia was not the type to tease like that. She started to reflect back on how yesterday at breakfast she mentioned Barusu carrying Emilia, And Emilia answered in a weird way.
'What did Emilia-sama mean, when she said Barusu had "just lost his lady too"? Does she truly think Barusu is someone else? She must have hit her head when she fainted.'
As she thought more and more about it. She recalled how Roswaal seemed to interrupt Emilia as she spoke, and he left rather fast. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
'Does Roswaal-sama have something to do with Emilia-sama's change of attitude? I know he still wants to achieve his disgusting dream of reviving that witch. Even though I got rid of that hideous book. I should try harder to make him forget about it.'
As she was drifting towards that train of thought. Ram, through her synthesia with Rem, felt her feeling disgusted at something. Which made Ram feel anger as no doubt a perverted man had been ogling her adorable little sister. Perhaps it was Barusu and his shameless, perverted behavior, though it made Ram secretly happy as she wanted Barusu to make her little sister happy instead of Emilia.
She sighed before she resumed her duty. She would check on her sister later.
As Rem went to do her room cleaning duty with Louis in tow. She thought back to what Emilia said. She had never met this Juuklius. Or Julius Juuklius as she heard Frederica say.
'Julius Juuklius.. Hmm. I recognize the name. It was one of the knights of the royal candidates that Subaru-kun told me about when we were in Vollachia. There was the strongest man alive, the very arrogant knight and the demi-human healer. Which one of them was he again? If I remember correctly, they were Reinhard van Astraea, Julius Juuklius and Felix Argyle. There was also Aldebaran, but I already knew him. Maybe sister knows and can fill in the gaps of my knowledge?'
"Mama?" Louis's voice brought her out of her thoughts. She was tilting her head in confusion at Rem, maybe it was about her elf Auntie?
"Yes, sweetie?" Rem spoke in a gentle tone.
"Mama is sad about elf Auntie?" Louis spoke in a confused tone. She didn't know the right words to describe certain stuff.
"Sad? No, no. I wasn't sad. Maybe you meant lost in thought?" Rem spoke to her.
She again tilted her head in confusion at that "Lost is thought?"
Rem chuckled and corrected her.
"Lost in thought. It means.. When you think about something and want to know more about it." She explained to her in the best way she could. She knew it wasn't the best explanation but for now it will suffice.
"Like when Papa threw ball and Louis searched for ball but didn't find it?" Louis asked her in a curious tone. She was always curious for new words and new food.
"Something like that, yes. It will make more sense when you learn more things, I promise."
Louis gave her a big smile as she always liked when her Mama explained things "Okay! If Mama says so. mm"
Reaching an unused guest room. Rem quickly began cleaning the room while Louis sometimes talked with her and other times helped like picking up a sofa or a chair for Rem to sweep under.
Then Louis lifted the bed, and Rem thanked her. Even admitted that she was more helpful than Ram as she started to sweep under the bed.
A moment later she smelled an awful yet familiar scent. She looked towards where the scent came from and saw Subaru's form retreating from near the guest room. She wondered why he came here. Before she could think about anything, Louis distracted her and they started to talk about new words that Louis wanted to learn.
After done from cleaning a few more rooms, they were now walking through the corridors of the palace. Rem soon noticed someone staring at her in the distance. The figure looked like a man with purple hair walking alongside a maid and kept glancing in her direction. She thought it must have been one of the knights ogling her, which made her feel disgusted. She proceeded to take Louis by the hand to hurry and get out from there and onto their next duty.
Garfiel was thinking about his Princess's strange behavior at breakfast while training. He wanted to say something earlier, but he was as confused as the rest. He had even looked towards his sister in the hopes she knew something, but she simply shook her head.
'What did the Princess mean earlier? Was she teasing my Captain like we do with Brotto?' Garfiel thought as he stopped for a moment to catch his breath.
He looked towards Subaru's direction and saw how he was also distracted. No doubt thinking about the Princess' strange talk earlier today too.
"Cap'n is lookin' mighty distracted 'n all."
Saying that word made Garfiel think back to yesterday's spar. When his Captain was winning against the Princess, until the Princess summoned those ice soldiers who distracted Subaru. Those soldiers looked like someone else. He remembered how the knights that were witnessing the spar had mentioned the Ice Soldiers looked like 'The Finest Knight'.
Garfiel's thoughts turned more suspicious.
'My amazing self thinks something doesn't feel right with the Princess. It feels like when Garlan the red tried to climb over the blue tower. I should have said something instead of laughing at that trick.'
"Princess needs ta answer some stuff.." Garfiel muttered his thoughts.
He shook his head off from these thoughts, he needed to get back to training before more distractions ate at his mind. He wanted to get Subaru out of his distraction too.
"Oi. Cap'n! My amazin' self's bored, ye wanna fight?" Garfiel spoke to Subaru to try and get him out of whatever bad thoughts that were going through his mind
Subaru didn't hear him. He was still running multiple scenarios in his head trying to ponder the possibilities.
"Cap'n?"
Garfiel's voice finally reached him.
"Hm? Oh, sorry Garf. Intense training today, wouldn't you say?" Subaru quickly replied, he didn't want to alert Garfiel on what his mind was thinking of.
'Intense training? Pfft.' Garfiel wanted to laugh at the lame excuse Subaru used for his distraction.
"If ya say so Cap'n. My amazin' self jus wanted ta say that I think th' Princess is jus teasin' ya Cap'n. Like how we tease Brotto or th' way Ram teases ya." Garfiel scratched his neck. He knew he technically lied, as he was not really sure about what to think about it. Although he wanted to assure his captain a little until more light is shed.
Which made Subaru reflect a bit on his thoughts.
"Yeah if only. She just chose one weird way to tease me if that's the case." Subaru grumbled in a low voice, though Garfiel picked up on it with his demi-human senses.
'My amazing self thinks the same as you Captain.'
"I hear ya Cap'n. If she ain't teasin' ya then maybe Princess's jus' tired from her Princess duties? Or maybe she jus' slept wrong 'n hit her head or somethin." Garfiel tried to assure Subaru. He knew his attempt wasn't the best, but it's not like he could really say anything that would make sense of it.
Subaru wanted to laugh at this. He could imagine Emilia hitting her head while sleeping and somehow forgetting Subaru was her knight. It wasn't a good attempt from Garfiel to reassure him, but the thought was funny nonetheless.
"You really think so, Garf?" Subaru asked him, although he knew it wasn't that but still that could be more likely than anything his mind could think of. Maybe he was overthinking this?
"I do Cap'n. Dat said, my amazin' self is tired 'f standin' still and is itchin' fer a fight. So get yer ass focused 'n ready ta fightin'!" Garfiel gave him a thumbs up, before lunging towards him in an effort to distract him from his thoughts and get him to focus on something else.
'This is all my amazing self could think of to distract Captain. The Princess will need to answer some stuff later.'
"Ready Petra? Louis?"
"Yes! I-I mean y-yes please Subaru-sama."
"Louis is ready Papa! mm"
"Great! Let's start then!"
3 voices were going around one of the palace's kitchens. One leading, one helping and the third was mostly playing around and waiting to devour the food that the other two will make.
Subaru felt guilty. He couldn't help but be wary of Louis, but at the same time he had already cleared her out of any wrongdoing. Everytime he would glance at Louis, he could see a big excited smile on her face as she was waiting impatiently for the crepes to finish being made.
'I can't help this feeling. I've seen her with Rem, I've seen how Rem interact with her. And I know she's not done anything wrong ever since Vollachia. So, why do I feel like this?'
He was torn. His heart said she was completely harmless, but his mind kept warning him and playing "What if?" scenarios on him. He activated Cor Leonis to be sure, and again it showed Louis as a friend.
'Am I really overthinking and this is more like what Garfiel said? It's way more likely than Louis attacking Emilia and doing something to her, right? It's all because I'm a-'
He wanted to self-loathe and hate himself for even doubting Louis, before he felt being hugged from behind.
-minutes earlier-
Louis had been excited about trying crepes again. Her Papa always cooked the strangest delicious foods. She had been thinking earlier about how to mention to Mama and Papa that some part of her elf Auntie felt weird and very familiar for some reason, but she had no idea how to describe it. So for now she just focused on enjoying Papa's food.
She looked at her Papa's direction as he was preparing the ingredients, and saw how he looked different than usual.
'Hmm Papa is sad? Then Louis.. Then Louis.. Louis hugs Papa, yes?' She acted on her thoughts and gave him a hug from behind. Surprising him in turn.
"Eh!? Louis? W-Why are you hugging me?" Subaru asked. Confused over why Louis did that so suddenly. He was used to her showing affection, but this seemed to come out of nowhere and without a warning.
"Louis' Papa look sad so Louis hug Papa to make Papa happy. mm" Louis spoke to him. As she didn't like the look he made before.
Her words made him feel even worse for doubting her. Although her hug made him feel happy for once today. He smiled a genuine smile as he knew without a shadow of a doubt that Louis was innocent.
"I-I'm not sad anymore, thank you Louis. Really." He gave her a smile and patted her head. A certain orange haired maid watched this scene with some jealousy.
'Why didn't I think of doing that?!'
Petra was watching this from the other side of the kitchen. She felt jealous that she didn't think of hugging him to bring him out of his thoughts. She wondered why Subaru looked sad according to Louis. She thought he looked fine, just distracted a bit. Was it because her lady said that someone else was her knight? Petra remembered that conversation at breakfast. She thought that maybe her lady was just playing a weird prank on her hero or something.
'W-what if I had done that instead? Then m-maybe my hero would pat me on the h-head and um..'
She started to blush as she imagined herself as the one hugging him. And then being patted on the head by him among other thoughts. She noticed him looking at her direction and instantly turned her face around so he wouldn't see it.
"Hey, Petra. How are things going on your end? Do you need any help or?" He asked her, wondering why she suddenly turned around.
"Y-Y-yes S-Subaru-sama. Wait! N-no! I mean.." She exclaimed in a hurried tone before calming down for a better reply.
"E-Everything is fine here, S-Subaru-sama."
"Hmm." Subaru was doubtful until an idea formed in his mind. He smiled mischievously.
"You hear that Louis? It sounds like Petra also needs a hug. Go get her!" "Wait, what?!" "Okay, Papa! Louis hugs Big Sister! mm" "W-wait! Nono! Louis!"
Louis leapt at Petra, before Petra could react and wrapped her in a big hug.
Subaru just laughed at her reaction as she was trying to get away from Louis.
Otto had been distracted as he worked alongside Emilia. He had been eyeing her suspiciously throughout the day, wanting to say something but couldn't find the right time. He knew he should ask, especially as Roswaal left earlier.
'I can only imagine what Natsuki-san must be thinking right now. Still.. Why did Emilia-sama say that about Juuklius-san? And why did she sound so.. Genuine? If anything, I would've thought she'd instead say that Garfiel or Ram-san was her knight. Ah, that would've been a good joke. But I can't help this feeling that maybe I'm missing something.'
"Otto?" Emilia's voice brought him out of his thoughts.
"Yes? What is it, Emilia-sama?"
"Nothing, I just said that I've approved and signed the trading documents. Is something troubling you, Otto? You know I could tell Garfiel to stop teasing you soooo~ much if you want. Or maybe you feel unwell?" Emilia asked him in a kind tone.
'Thank Od. I was beginning to think I might not have a chance to ask. I have to know what Emilia-sama meant.'
"No nothing of that sort, Emilia-sama. It's nothing important really. I was just thinking about your earlier tease towards Natsuki-san." Otto spoke. Hoping to remind her as he wanted to know what she meant.
"Earlier tease?" Emilia asked, looking at him with curiosity and confusion.
"It's about what you said before, during breakfast. About Juuklius-san being your knight?" Otto told her to again remind her of that earlier thing she said at breakfast.
'Does he not remember him?'
"Mhm. What about him? Don't you remember him Otto?"
"Eh?! Of course I remember him! It's just, I'm curious why you teased Natsuki-san that Juuklius-san was your knight instead of Garfiel. Or even Ram-san."
"Jeez. Otto when did you become such a dummy. Julius Juuklius is my knight. He's been my knight after he saved me from Elsa back when I first met him. Subaru is Anastasia's knight.. Or was.. Poor Subaru. He's a good boy. We reaaally~ need to find a way to help him get over his loss." Emilia thought of her knight again. She also thought back to that weird dream she had earlier, and especially the dark figure who accompanied her that time.
What she said made Otto look at her in visible confusion.
'Help Natsuki-san get over his loss? This doesn't make sense! Why would she think Natsuki-san is Anastasia-sama's knight? Also, wasn't it Natsuki-san alongside Astraea-san who helped rescue her from the Bowel Hunter? If she thinks that Juuklius-san is her knight, then how did I meet her? How did Natsuki-san meet her?!' Realization soon dawned on him. He realized he was being played. He wanted to facepalm for thinking too much about it before.
'Ah I see. She has turned the tables towards me now and is teasing me like she teased Natsuki-san. She ought to be. Using Anastasia-sama's name to tease isn't a good idea though.'
"Nice one, Emilia-sama. You're learning in all the wrong ways, I blame Natsuki-san for that! But.. please don't use Anastasia-sama's name just for teasing, her death is still recent." He still felt sad over the merchant princess' death. As a merchant himself prior to being head of internal relations. Otto respected the merchant princess more than any one else within his camp would know.
The door was knocked at that moment as he finished speaking.
"You may come in." Emilia spoke in her regal tone. She was still curious as to why Otto thought she was teasing him.
The moment she said that, the door opened and a knight stepped inside. He saluted both Emilia and Otto before facing Emilia again.
"Excuse my interruption your Highness. Suwen-dono. I'm merely here to inform you that guests of yours have arrived in the palace, and are awaiting within the guest rooms." The knight spoke.
'Hmm Guests? I don't remember if I was supposed to have guests today.'
"Thank you for informing us. Um, did they tell you who they were?" Otto chose to speak up.
"I'm afraid not. The lieutenant only said that the guests were a surprise visitors for her Highness. My lady, would you like me to investigate?" The knight responded and turned his head towards Emilia to hear her response.
'A surprise guest? Perhaps Crusch-san, Felix and Wilhelm-san are visiting? I heard they enjoyed visiting the palace from time to time.' Emilia thought she would like to see how Crusch and her two attendants fared as it has been a while since they last met. Before deciding to respond to the knight.
"No, it's alright. As much as I reaaally~ would like to meet them. I'm unfortunately busy for a few more hours. So I suppose I'll meet them over at dinner. Please tell them that they are cordially invited to my camp's table tonight. Also, please ask everyone to show them hospitality." The knight nodded at her words.
"As your Highness commands. With your permission I depart." He saluted her and Otto once again before exiting the office.
Emilia turned towards Otto. Whose face also showed curiosity.
"Otto?"
"Yes? What is it, Emilia-sama?"
"I'm under the belief that it's Crusch-san, Felix and Wilhelm-san. But I'm uncertain. Do you have any idea who it is? Was I supposed to meet someone today?"
Otto tried to remember if there was anything special about today but couldn't think of it. His thoughts had been far too distracted for today by what she said until now. He took out a small book and read it before answering.
"I don't think so, Emilia-sama. I don't believe I'm forgetting anything either. There was only the meeting with Baron Vardo of the merchants guild if you count that?" She nodded at him. "Which Margrave Roswaal went to attend in your name. That's all I could see on the schedule. I'm as uncertain as you are about the visitors." He managed to reply after he checked the agenda for today.
She said her thanks before both of them resumed their work.
Roswaal was mildly surprised today when he heard what Emilia had said regarding someone else being her knight. Although he had already figured it out earlier before any of them. Being over 400 years old, with more magical expertise than any living being. Meant that Roswaal could detect any changes within the magic or the atmosphere of the people around him. He had noticed that when Emilia's ice brand arts spell was altered.
His yellow eye could tell that Emilia had been influenced by something strange yet familiar. He picked up on it the moment he witnessed that spar. Which surprised him more than he let on, and it made his mind start to run theories over what could've happened to her.
Flying back towards the palace after the business meeting. He thought of the peculiar way Emilia was acting.
'Without Teacher's book I have no way to truly find out. I could only theorize thus far, as I have no definitive method to confirm my suspicions. From what I have gathered, it had to have happened within the last 3 days. I was not present when I heard she had fainted from exhaustion. Which means it was most likely the same day that this had happened.'
'Initially, I thought it was a mind control spell devised by the Witch's Cult or perhaps some disgruntled petty Nobles. Though Beatrice alone would easily disprove that since she had checked on Emilia the night she fainted. An impostor like Lust is also unlikely. To copy Emilia's patterns, movements and specifically magic to such an exact way seems highly unlikely for someone like Capella. My main guess so far, is that it could be the Witch that Teacher had often warned me about. The one who attacked Elior forest all those years back. She must have had a hand in this.'
'If my suspicion is correct. Then the method I theorized she has done it with is rather interesting, but not entirely unexpected. I do wonder how she managed to use the Authority of the blonde amnesiac Archbishop that Subaru-kun foolishly brought along, on Emilia, without her suffering a full memory wipe like Rem did? More importantly, who's memory does that Witch intend on altering next?'
He sighed as he thought of that. Knowing he had no way to counter the Authority's effects.
'I will have to think of a safety measure to prevent myself and Subaru-kun from being affected by it. Killing the blonde child would be preferable, but unfortunately it's not an option that I could easily take. Not only because I have no idea if the vow I made extends to her. But also because that action would make Subaru-kun simply "redo" and save her again, damning an ignorant and unaware version of myself in the process.'
He sighed before focusing his thoughts again.
'Regardless, for now the more important question is. What does that Witch seek? Logic tells me to dictate she is targeting Emilia, since it is her memories that have been affected. Being the ruler of an entire kingdom does hold a great deal of power and influence. Is this what she is after? Or, is it because Emilia is the only unfrozen elf from Elior forest. Which means the Witch likely wants to use Emilia to free the accursed devil of melancholy from his prison there.'
Roswaal's eyes flashed with anger as he remembered how he failed 400 years ago. Before returning to normal.
'I can't allow that Witch to succeed if that is the case. Still. If her goal is simply Emilia. Then why would she replace Emilia's memories of Subaru-kun with that knight in this case? What part does he have to play in this? Unless..'
his thoughts went dark for a second.
'She is after Subaru-kun all along to take advantage of his power?!'
Roswaal's eyes flashed in worry this time as he might have another opponent who knows of how extremely valuable Subaru's power is. An opponent he is entirely unprepared for.
'While I find this charade amusing, I am in a disadvantageous position. I have to gain more information before I turn this around. Perhaps I can use Subaru-kun's desperation to gain an advantage? He will no doubt be desperate for help after "looping" several times. More importantly. He will be seeking answers about his dear Emilia. Answers to which I can happily and hopefully provide when the time comes. Though ultimately, I will have to devise a way to deal with the unknown threat this Witch poses.'
"Things are aboooout~ to get much moooore~ interesting it seeeeeems~" He spoke before turning serious and losing the accent.
"I'm far too close to my goal to fail now." Roswaal said as he could see the Palace in the distance.
Helena was resting in her room after the long walk to the palace. It had been a lovely day she could say so far. She has lived in the capital for almost all her life, yet she had never had a reason nor the status to visit certain parts of the capital. She had always heard how beautiful the palace was, and was actually excited to explore more of this place.
Although it also frightened her to work here as it is a rather huge place, which meant needed constant maintenance. Luckily there were dozens of maids here so she shouldn't have to work so hard. Unlike the Juuklius manor where it was mostly her and Marius doing all the work.
'Changing places was indeed harsh like Marius-san had said. I wonder how Joshua and Marius-san are holding up without me being there? I do hope Marius-san manages.' She thought back to the mansion she has lived in for the last 12 years. She has had many great memories there while growing up.
Remembering how easily frightened she was by having to work for a large mansion. The many mistakes she did for the first few months. She remembered how Marius instructed her to defend herself incase she ever ended up on a bad part of the capital. She remembered how she used to watch Julius practice his knightly behavior, which was both boring and entertaining at the sametime.
She felt sad as she thought of Joshua and how she couldn't remember anything from their childhood. Recalling sadly how he lost his name and memory.
She then drifted into the more recent events that had happened. The Anastasia camp's trip to Priestella, which resulted in the Witch Cult's attack. Then Julius' trip to the Pleiades Watchtower alongside his lady to restore Joshua, alongside the newly crowned Queen and her camp. Then the tragic death of the lady Julius served while in Kararagi. Remembering how Julius arrived to the mansion looking utterly devastated which made her feel very sad for him. And finally the strange change to his attitude all of a sudden.
'It is odd how quickly he recovered himself. I had thought for certain that I had to interfere a few dozen times to get him out of his depressed state.'
"Which I wouldn't mind." She whispered to herself, before her thoughts began running in a new direction.
'I wonder what made Julius-sama change so suddenly. He was clearly in a vulnerable state that seemed like it would last for a while. I want to say he's suffering from delusion brought on by his sadness, as he seemed to think Lady Anastasia had won. Although he also referred to the Queen by name and said she was his lady and that he is her personal knight. Why is that? Does Julius-sama not recall that Subaru Natsuki is the Queen's own personal knight, perhaps?'
She sighed as she remembered how she insisted for Marius to go talk to him. Maybe if she talked to him, she could better understand what is on his mind.
"Was coming here a bad idea, perhaps?" She voiced her doubts about this whole thing.
'Now that I think about it. Why did Julius-sama receive an invitation that had no seal or signature? I should have thought of that earlier..'
She was going to start thinking on how to bring that topic up when a maid knocked on the door to tell her that dinner will be soon.
A maid knocked on a door of a guest room.
"Sir Juuklius. I am here to inform you and your companion that that dinner will be served shortly. I was also told that a knight will be waiting outside to accompany you both to the Queen's dining room, aswell as announce your arrival." She spoke in a polite manner.
"You have my gratitude, miss. I shall head out in a moment's time." She heard the voice of the guest call out from behind the door.
A few moments passed and Julius emerged from the room he was settled in. He had wanted to show Helena around earlier, but thought it'd be better to do it another time as he wanted to meet his lady and his friends first.
"Julius-sama certainly dressed to appear more presentable than the brutish appearance which you arrived in today." Helena's cold voice came as she saw him exit his room. He was dressed in a fancier way than usual. Almost as if he was the only knight in the palace.
"Thank you Helena." His reply made her pout as she expected a compliment despite wearing the juuklius estate maid outfit. Julius noticed that and reflected on what he said just now.
They started to walk towards the dining room. A quiet knight came with them to announce their arrival. He merely spoke greetings and saluted Julius as he was a fellow knight. Then went slightly ahead of them to lead the way. Fully focused on his task.
"I apologize if this sounds rude." Julius spoke, garnering Helena's attention. "I thought for certain you would wear something else for this occasion. It is not that you look not presentable or anything, quite the opposite actually. But, it is not often when one gets a chance to dine with royalty, you know?" He told her, not to try and sound hurtful, but rather in curiosity which she acknowledged.
"I-I do know. I unfortunately don't have many outfits to choose from, as I've always worn this. Unlike Julius-sama who always wears the fanciest of knight outfits."
As she said that. Julius felt bad about saying what he said, seeing as he dressed in a fancier way than usual.
"Well, If it's any consolation. Wearing such an outfit never brings me any measure of comfort in the slightest." He tried to joke as he adjusted his collar, which didn't work at all. He looked at her seriously for a moment before offering.
"Besides, I could always accompany you to browse for outfits and the likes of your choosing should you find yourself in such an occasion again. What say you?"
"Does Julius-sama truly mean that?" He gave her a nod.
"I mean, I do not mind. If you wish to accompany me for that, then do as you wish." That offer truly surprised Helena. She had never thought that Julius of all people would offer something like that. She thought it must be an act to keep his knightly image intact, though she wouldn't say no to that offer.
A small satisfied smile formed on Julius' face as he thought she took that offer rather easily. Without any teasing from her part for once.
"Although I can't help but worry if Julius-sama will leave me all alone in a shady, dangerous place with all the purchases we've made. As he dashes off to play hero." She said and crushed his satisfied smile. She watched amusedly as she saw his smile disappear and his eyebrows twitch.
He sighed before replying. "That was one time Helena."
As they reached a corridor just before the dining room. Helena decided to ask him about the invitation. She knew it was a bad timing but it was now or never.
"Julius-sama. if I may. Are you certain about meeting with the Queen?"
He looked at her suspiciously. "Why the sudden question Helena? And why now instead of earlier?"
"It's just. Don't you think it's strange that you received an invitation that had no seal or signature? I know I should have thought of it earlier, but I couldn't help but think now that something feels wrong."
Saying that made him ponder the question.
'What Helena says does have merit. It is true that the invitation I received bore no such thing but it was still valid nonetheless. But I did want to come here regardless of that fact. '
"I admit you may have a point about the invitation being rather ambiguous. But it's far too late now to turn back, it would bring dishonor upon us for declining to dine with everyone. Besides, as I mentioned before. I want to meet with my lady again. It has been far too long since we last saw each other, and it is not only her but the rest of the camp as well." His eyes were nostalgic as he spoke, remembering the last time he met them.
She sighed as she expected to hear that answer.
"If Julius-sama says so."
As they neared their destination. Julius took on a big breath. He had wanted this, though for some reason it felt wrong. Perhaps it was due to the fact that he had been separated for a long time from his lady? Or because what Helena mentioned? He would have to think about that later, for now he had much to ponder. He thought about the reaction he would receive from everyone.
Would his lady slap him for disappearing into another kingdom? Would Rem remember him after losing her memory? Would Ram insult him after not seeing him for so long? Would Garfiel attack him for a spar like always? Would Otto berate him for not thinking of a way to return home earlier? Would Great spirit Beatrice not care about him for showing up so late? Would Margrave Mathers commend him for his actions increasing his lady's reputation?
Too many scenarios playing on his mind as he got closer and closer. Now as he was at the door, he heard voices inside and smiled deeply at that. He knew exactly who each voice belonged to. Though, some of them were rather new for him.
'I truly cannot wait to witness everyone again. A year all alone from everyone I hold dear is far too cruel.' Mentally preparing himself to enter. He looked at Helena who nodded, she was feeling nervous to meet the Queen despite her cold attitude.
Julius nodded to the quiet knight who was with them to announce their arrival to his lady.
The knight understood and went inside, gesturing for them to wait outside until he announces them before they get in.
"Please excuse my interruption, your Majesty. I am here to announce the arrival of your visitors."
The knight spoke to get their attention. The others looked on in surprise as they were not aware of any visitors. Aside from Otto who quickly explained that Emilia had surprise guests for tonight. Making everyone quickly understand this. Emilia nodded towards the knight to begin his introduction.
"Ahem. It's my honor and privilege to introduce the fellow knight of the Royal Guard of Lugunica. A man who is a paragon to all who call themselves knights. Julius Juuklius and his companion Helena." He said and gestured towards them to enter.
Almost everyone's eyes were wide open at the newcomers.
"J-Juuklius?" A silver bell-like voice chimed.
Author's note.
Hello everyone! This is basically an interlude for everyone's thoughts before the important event happens. I intended for last chapter to focus on Subaru's thoughts before getting into theirs, so I apologize for making Emilia camp come off as a bit dumb. This chapter goes more into their thought process regarding Emilia.
Anyways! I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter.
I'm grateful for all the reviews and any criticisms!
To answer some of the reviews and questions I've gotten:
To Marshall0-56: For starters. The characters don't do anything yet because no one is aware of what has happened. On Julius' family side they think he's in denial stage of grief, they even told him directly but he couldn't hear Anastasia's name. On Emilia's side they think she's teasing Subaru. Aside from certain individuals. Now onto Subaru. I feel like these type of fics will always make him seen as a naive cuck. Which is fair, you are entitled to your opinions. However, I never said Subaru is "tougher" than canon? I wrote "Slightly stronger" than canon. Meaning fighting wise.
To Iseepandas: First of all, I like that name dude haha. As for Emilia camp acting dumb. I think it's a reader thing vs a character thing. The reader (you) obviously know something is wrong with Emilia. The characters don't. Because she interacts with them the same as always. Aside from Subaru that is.
To Flugel124: I apologize if characters feel too oc, I'm trying to make them close to canon but not fully. The plot being contrived is admittedly my fault as I enforced the one week flashback in the intro. One day I might go back and rewrite this when I get better at it:P But for now I will roll with it.
To Synicall: Tbh I feel like even I have relied too much on them getting cut off haha. It do be like that sometimes. But I can say it's finally getting to the point. Thank you btw!
To Commander Cost: Exactly. I feel bad for Julius too, as for Emilia only one person changed in her mind. While for Julius every thing he knows has changed.
Without nothing more to say. Thank you for reading. See you on the next chapter!
