"So this is the Watergate City Priestella, huh? I gotta say, it makes me really nostalgic!"
Subaru could see glimpses of traditional Japanese architecture in practically every building in sight. It was not something he'd been expecting when he arrived here, but perhaps there may be others from his world who got 'Isekai'd' to Lugunica. He'd already met a fellow Earthling in his buddy Al, so it wasn't impossible. This last year had been great, but it had also made him more homesick than he'd ever felt in his life. A chance to reminisce and talk about his old world would be a welcome change in scenery. Who knows? It might be exactly what he needed to move on.
"Wait, this city reminds you of your hometown Subaru!?"
Emilia was surprised to hear about Subaru's origins in another world. In truth, she had been quite frustrated that she hadn't figured out the truth earlier. Now that Subaru was in Priestella, the first thing he was doing was dropping massive bombshells of information.
"Yeah! Although there are a couple things that are out of place, this city really nailed the aesthetic! An A for effort!"
Once again, Subaru used one of his indecipherable analogies to confuse the living hell out of Emilia and Beatrice. Subaru had gotten used to people ignoring his wild claims and being able to speak gibberish whenever he wanted. Emilia wasn't going to let him get away with it anymore! She'd missed out on way too much cool information about her knight!
"Subaru, what do you mean by 'A for effort'?"
Subaru looked slightly surprised at Emilia's question, but quickly donned a smirk and prepared to answer her.
"It's interchangeable with phrases like: 'It's the thought that counts.', I suppose."
Beatrice interrupted before Subaru could explain the actual mechanics behind his allegory. If she had remained silent, Subaru most definitely would have given a long explanation of his world's mandated schooling and grading systems. While Beatrice thought Emilia's curiosity was cute, she refused to give up her monopoly on all 'Subaru-related' information. Subaru's home world was a topic specially reserved for Betty, after all!
"Beako! Emilia-tan was asking me! Although I find it really cute how you get jealous so quickly. . ."
"I-I'm not jealous, I suppose! It's just that. . .t-that information should be reserved for Betty, in fact. . ."
Emilia and Subaru beamed a smile at her and started snickering to themselves.
"Beako is soooo cute when she's jealous!"
"I know, Emilia-tan, my Beako is absolutely adorable!"
Beatrice was simply trying to protect her contractor from the everyday pestering of uninformed simpletons! How could it end up like this. . .getting teased!?
Subaru hooked one of his arms under Beatrice's shoulder and picked her up off of the ground. He sat her down on top of his shoulders, seating her behind his head. (Much in the way a parent would carry their child.) Subaru tried using both arms, but Emilia was still refusing to let go for some reason. When time allowed for it, he really needed to figure out what was going on!
"I-I suppose Betty can forgive teasing, i-if it's from you. . .Subaru. . ."
"Ah! My lovable Beako's cuteness is overwhelming my heart! Emilia-tan, I think the only way to save me is a lap pillow! Without one, I'll surely d-. . ."
Her grip on his hand got a lot tighter. Emilia stared at him with a serious look. His joke hadn't landed well, that's for sure. Emilia quickly changed her expression to a neutral smile and turned away.
"My bad! I was zoning out there, I'm sure your joke was reeaaally funny though!"
"Ouch! My advances have been thoroughly thwarted once again by Emilia-tan's childlike innocence! But that is one of the reasons I love her after all. . .I guess I have no choice but to keep trying to flirt until it finally gets through!"
Emilia looked hurt by this playful comment, something Subaru wasn't expecting either.
"Hey, Subaru?"
'This is weird. Normally she finds those jokes endearing. Did I strike a nerve? If I had to guess, it has something to do with my theory from the carriage ride. . .Oh man! I'm such an idiot! I can't believe I'm joking about such morbid topics when there's a possibility she has Return by Death! What was I thinking?!'
"What is it, Emilia-tan? If it's about the joke I made earlier, I apologi-. . ."
"No, it isn't about the joke!"
Emilia seemed quite upset at his joke earlier, but whatever was bothering her now was something else. Subaru began feeling nervous at the prospect of needlessly hurting Emilia's feelings. He'd already done that in the Capital, he never wanted to do something that irresponsible again. At least in the Sanctuary, he'd been able to use his criticisms of her as fuel. Here he was just being insensitive.
"Umm, when we are alone later. . .I need to tell you s-. . ."
"Emilia-sama! Beatrice!"
A familiar voice called out to the three of them as they walked the streets of Priestella.
"S-S-Subaru. . ."
Standing in front of them was none other than the Greatest of Knights, Julius Juukulius. He held an expression of pure fear and sadness.
"This isn't an Inn, this is a Ryokan!"
Subaru once again baffled everyone around him with his otherworldly knowledge and traditions. He'd clearly been wistfully looking upon the city since they'd arrived in Priestella, but to think that Kararagian culture resembled Subaru's to such a close degree. Beatrice felt inclined to ask Subaru more about this "Ryokan" however. . . .
"Ah, I see, so ya just arrived a few minutes ago. It's nice ta' see you all again! How long's it been!?"
Anastasia was the first person to begin the dialogue with the Emilia Camp. Julius had apparently silently escorted them to the Seasylph Lodge under the assumption that they had gotten themselves lost. In reality, Subaru, Beatrice, and Emilia simply wanted to explore the city before they got bogged down in procedural issues and negotiations. At least, that was the reason they gave to Subaru. Otto and Garfiel, on the other hand, simply headed straight for the Inn to get some rest.
"Oi! Anastasia! Still speaking in a Kansai dialect?"
Anastasia's eyes lit up like they were Christmas lights. The very first conversation with him, and here he was already revealing more and more information about his home world. With the right questions, who knows what kind of ideas she could unearth! At this rate, she really could stand with the likes of Hoshin!
"Kansai? Interesting. So that is what you refer to it as. . ."
Subaru noticed this odd reaction, but it didn't faze him as much as one would think. He'd already informed Anastasia that he was from beyond the Great Waterfall. She didn't dismiss him either. It made sense that she would be curious about the terminology from his homeland.
"Anastasia-sama, I apologise for the sudden interruption, but I feel the need to say something to Subaru."
'What's this? What could this arrogant jerk be thinking now?! I bet he's got some creative new one-liner that he's been waiting to use on me. I swear this jackass knows the perfect words to piss me off, no matter the situation!'
Subaru began nodding to himself as he prepared for the prim and proper teasing he was about to receive.
"I'm sorry. Subaru, I wish I could've done more. There's no excuse for hurting a friend."
Subaru jumped backwards.
'What the hell is going on? Now Julius is acting weird too! He's been silent ever since we saw him, but I just assumed that was his stuffy 'Knightly' attitude at work. I haven't seen him in a while, so that could explain this drastic change in attitude. However. . .'
"Hey, when did we become friends?! Also, what are you talking about? I don't remember you doing anything other than being insufferable!"
Julius looked down in shame. Even if he was just teasing, as per their usual interactions, it hurt to hear Subaru deny his friendship. He knew that he wasn't deserving of it, but he had seen Subaru save so many others from the depths of darkness. If Subaru had simply accepted his words, Julius would at least be able to sleep at night. But that second question. . .
"Subaru? Don't you remember? I-I. . .well, I. . .k-. ."
Time froze.
Only those who saw the viewing can know the truth. Speaking with anyone else is forbidden.
'Wait? Subaru doesn't know about the viewing?!'
Julius felt a thousand thoughts race through his mind. Not only was Subaru unaware of the viewing, but he was unable to speak with Subaru about what he'd seen. It was the worst possible scenario. Julius would never be able to face up to his mistakes. He would never be forgiven.
Time unfroze.
Julius caught himself and looked up at Subaru again. He'd practiced controlling his emotions many times, but for the first time, they got the better of him. Subaru saw the slightest hint of tears welling up in the corner of Julius's eyes and his mouth hung open in shock.
"J-Julius. . .wait a minute! Was that. . .?!"
"Let me correct myself. I wanted to apologize on behalf of my brother Joshua. I heard that he had been slightly judgmental towards you."
Both Subaru and Julius could see that this was a misdirect, but Subaru wouldn't be able to press him on it any further.
'Damn it, Damn it, Damn it, Damn it! Julius is involved with this mess too?! This is really bad. What the hell happened in that carriage?! How could all of them have Return By Death?!'
Subaru's mind immediately jumped to his prevalent theory for what had happened in the carriage. The only action that he knew would result in a speaking taboo was talking about Return By Death. The weird reactions he was getting + the amount of times he'd been asked if he 'remembered something' were reminiscent of his first few weeks in the mansion. They'd been such a saddening experience that Subaru had done his best to repress those memories from ever popping up. Could it be that all of the others were experiencing something similar?
'But. . .why does it affect all of them?! Return By Death isolates its user from the rest of the world. How come everyone I speak to seems to remember things that I don't!?'
"Excuse me, but ya came here to get a crystal for your spirit, correct?"
Anastasia had also been surprised by the imposition of a taboo, but she quickly realized that letting that conversation continue would become dangerous. Thus, she decided to move to the main topic of discussion, as far as Subaru was aware, which was Emilia's spirit.
"Ah, ummm. . .yes. . .we came here to get a new housing for Puck. . ."
Emilia looked very embarrassed and ashamed to be asking this favor from Anastasia. Subaru didn't really understand why. This was a fair deal after all. They came here to make a trade! Why was she so hesitant to ask about Puck?
"Wait, Wait, Wait! We are not going to brush over that! Julius. . .you've been acting different. . ."
Julius looked shocked at Subaru's straightforward callout. He was completely transparent in the eyes of Natsuki Subaru.
"Subaru. . .perhaps it's just-. . ."
"Nope! That isn't going to work on me! I just realized something. How did you recognize Beatrice? There is no way that the two of you have ever met before!"
Emilia, Anastasia, Beatrice, Otto, and Garfiel all held shocked expressions. They hadn't expected Subaru to be this perceptive. Unlike them, who had been oblivious to Subaru's suffering until they had it shoved in their faces, Subaru had already begun unraveling what was troubling all of them since the carriage ride. He was quite the intelligent guy!
"Oh. . .I had heard rumors of your new nickname, 'The Lolimancer', and I assumed that the girl with you was the Great Spirit Beatrice."
It was a flimsy answer, but it was the best they could give. Subaru clearly didn't buy it, but once again, he could tell that he was disrupting the mood of everyone there. At this rate, they'd end up getting nothing done for their entire trip.
'Julius called her by her first name and he really expects me to believe he's never seen her before? Could he have already met Beatrice in a loop of some kind? Goddamnit! This theory is becoming more and more plausible every interaction.'
"You know what, if I keep standing here, you are going to give me a headache!"
Subaru gestured at Julius before turning to Emilia.
"Sorry to do this to you, but could you handle this meeting without me? I need a moment to think."
Emilia looked slightly saddened by this request.
"S-Subaru, I understand this seems reeeaaally confusing, but it wouldn't be good for you to-. . ."
"I agree with ya, Natsuki-kun! Emilia, if he wants to wander around, why don't'cha let him? Julius should be more than enough to ensure our safety!"
Anastasia was signaling that she wanted to talk about the more serious issues, but Emilia was still hesitant to let Subaru out of her sight.
"Don't forget 'bout my amazin' self!"
Garfiel decided to remind Anastasia of his presence here too. He didn't like being overlooked, especially when it came to his camp's safety.
"Ooh Ooh, Mimi too!"
Before Garfiel could even turn around, Mimi had a firm grip on Garfiel's shoulder, smiling and laughing at his frustrated reaction.
"Forgot how much f'pain ya are!"
Subaru could feel the headache coming on even stronger. Garfiel definitely never met Mimi before today. Something fishy was going on and it looks like he was the only person unaware.
"Screw this! I'll be out exploring the city!"
Subaru abruptly turned around and walked off. Emilia accidentally released her grip on Subaru, but instead of calling out to Subaru, she told Beatrice to go with him and watch over him.
"Beako, if you notice any changes in his smell, its reeeaally important that you bring Subaru back here! I pray that it doesn't happen, but I never want him to be alone again."
Beatrice nodded at Emilia's words.
"Hah! As if Betty would leave her contractor alone! Also, don't talk to Betty like she's a child, I suppose!"
Emilia was about to remind Beatrice that she was, in fact, a child, but Subaru was beginning to get out of view. Noticing this, Beatrice bolted after Subaru and left the remaining camp members alone to talk.
"So. . ."
Anastasia started off, but even she was unsure where to begin.
"Subaru already suspects that something is up, huh?"
Ricardo arrived and pulled Mimi off of Garfiel. Garfiel nodded in gratitude, but Ricardo simply smirked before putting her back on him again.
"Oi! Th'heck was that for!"
Everyone simply ignored this cute interaction.
"It appears so. Anastasia-sama, I apologize for my independent actions earlier, I simply felt obligated to-. . ."
"Argh! Why's it all ya guys can do is apologize! Julius, there is no need to hide how ya feel. I can tell ya wanted to apologize to Natsuki-san. Even if I knew ya would've spooked him out, I wouldn't have been so coldhearted as ta' deny ya the chance to speak to him!"
Anastasia was so riled up from Julius's attitude that she began slipping in and out of her Kansai dialect. While normally, Julius found these moments really cute, right now, he was still lost in the aftermath of his conversation with Subaru.
"Anastasia. . ."
Emilia began trying to formulate an opening statement, but she was also clueless on where to begin discussing what they had seen during the viewing.
"Alright, first things first. Natsuki Subaru can't be allowed to Return By Death ever again."
Anastasia started off with her most contentious demand first.
It caught everyone off guard, even Julius. Never use Return By Death again? Ideally, he would never use it in the first place. However, Subaru had used that power to save all of their lives at one point. Was it really ok for them to make such a rash judgement about how someone else should live their life?
"Anastasia-sama. . .isn't that harsh? Subaru makes the decisions on how to use Return By Death. How is it our place to. . ."
"Lemme correct a misconception of yours Julius. This power isn't any one person's to 'use'. It is something forced onto the user."
Anastasia decided to build on that point.
"The moment this power becomes something to 'use', it is no longer possible for us to remain allies with him."
Julius looked shocked. This was quite the hardline stance that his lady was taking. He never wanted to be at odds with Subaru again. How could she say something like that?
"The Royal Selection, negotiations, even small conversations. All of them are moot if he decides to 'use' his ability. That is why that can't be allowed to happen."
Anastasia's objective had become clear. While she wasn't going to actively try and steal Subaru from Emilia's camp, she wanted guarantees that the election would remain fair. Subaru could abuse his ability to completely undercut everyone without them knowing. Hell, he'd already deceived her when he negotiated with her about the subjugation of the White Whale! Of course, those were unique circumstances that required the use of his ability, but the results were nothing to scoff at.
"I-I agree Anastasia, however. . .what happens if he is forced to use it?"
Emilia nodded her head with everything Anastasia was saying, but she still couldn't shake the feeling that a disagreement would be coming.
"I'm not so idealistic to think he may never have to use his ability again. However. . ."
Emilia winced. Anastasia was right, she'd already failed to protect him numerous times. Even with this knowledge, she didn't know if she would be enough to keep him safe.
"We deserve to know if Subaru used his ability. It simply wouldn't be right for us to engage with him unaware of his circumstances. That is why, I suggest. . .no, I mandate that a direct line of communication is established between all five camps. It would exist purely for the sake of Natsuki Subaru. Should he Return by Death, you will inform all of us, understood?"
Emilia didn't like the route Anastasia was taking. Sure, Subaru's ability was strong, (but is it stronger than the members of the shinobi village?) but where did that justify removing his autonomy and freedom of choice? Subaru wasn't their knight, he was hers. If he used his ability, why should she be obligated to inform them? It was a very similar situation to Reinhard's. He'd been stripped of nearly all his independence when he became the Sword Saint. He answered to the Sage Council and the nation of Lugunica, no longer free to live a life outside his abilities. How could Anastasia realistically demand that Subaru be put under the same restrictions?
"Anastasia. . .Subaru is my knight."
An awkward silence broke out between the two candidates. It was clear Anastasia had overstepped her bounds. While she didn't want to make such harsh demands, she didn't really have a choice. Anastasia, by virtue of being a selection candidate, was now forcibly invested in Subaru's ability. If she didn't propose this deal, it would mean losing the Royal Selection.
"I see. Emilia, I believe I was too aggressive in my requests. Please, let me also add, I do care about Subaru."
"I believe you do, Anastasia. However I-. ."
"I don't want him to die again. If he needs me to lend him a hand, I'll do it."
Emilia was surprised for a moment, but then she shifted to a radiant smile. It reassured her that Subaru was in good hands. She, ideally, would be enough to protect Subaru. However, she wasn't so naïve to think she could pull that off after the viewings. Subaru always attracted trouble. He would need all the help he could get if things kept up the way they had before.
"That communication network wouldn't just be for us, but for Subaru as well."
Anastasia made a compelling offer.
"Hmm. . .Anastasia, you may be right. Please understand, however, that Subaru would have the executive decision on what information gets relayed. I can't agree to giving information on him without his consent."
Emilia remained firm on her point, but she was starting to see the merits of Anastasia's idea.
Anastasia clicked her tongue and looked away. It was supposed to be a two-way street. Where each group benefitted and could trust the other. What Emilia was suggesting was a fool's bargain.
"I care about Subaru. I don't want him to become bound up in my political affairs."
Emilia whipped out the puppy dog eyes. Anastasia tried to look away, but she couldn't do anything to resist.
'This damn girl! I shudder to think of the deals she could pull off if she dedicated herself to becoming a merchant!'
"Fine! Ya got yourself a deal!"
Anastasia looked away in a pout, but she wasn't completely dissatisfied with the outcome. As much as she tried to hide it, she cared deeply for Subaru after witnessing all the struggles he went through to reach that point. It wouldn't be right for her to just throw him to the wolves (Mabeasts?).
"Ah! Anastasia, I can see you reeeaally care about Subaru too!"
Emilia's smile was simply too contagious. Anastasia turned around and pretended like she didn't hear her.
"The person you're looking for is a man named Kiritaka."
Emilia stiffened up at Anastasia's sharp tangent.
"He'll be the one ta' get ya a new crystal for your bastard cat."
Emilia could hear the frustration in Anastasia's voice when she mentioned Puck. Just like Emilia, Anastasia was conflicted on the idea of restoring that spirit to its proper form.
"He runs the Muse company. Talk to him if ya want to source some high-grade colorless magical ore. A bit of advice though. . ."
Emilia was still too deep in shame to look up at Anastasia and confirm her words.
"Stay away from the songstress."
Otto had been intently listening to everything Anastasia said and writing it down on a small piece of paper.
"Alright Anastasia-san, sounds simple enough!"
She looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
Otto stood there confused for a moment before he raised his arms and yelled in frustration.
"Otto, what is it?"
Emilia still didn't understand why Otto was so upset.
"I forgot! That idiot somehow manages to make everything more difficult no matter where he goes!"
Emilia got a bit defensive at Otto's assertion.
"Hey, Otto, Subaru is a really reliable guy! We shouldn't say stuff like that behind someone's back!"
Otto looked a bit embarrassed at his freak out. He lowered his hands and scratched his head.
"I-I guess you're right. It's just, he has a habit of attracting trouble."
Emilia nodded for a moment before the implications truly hit her.
"Ah, that's right. Subaru just left. . ."
"Oi, Beako! No need to grip my hand so tightly! I'm beginning to lose feeling in my fingers!"
Subaru and Beatrice were strolling through populated sections of Priestella, attracting attention everywhere they went. It was quite the cute scene, but Subaru's incessant complaining and Beatrice's repeated scoldings had turned them into public nuisances.
"Just stop resisting, I suppose! You're Betty's contractor, in fact! That means you have to hold my hand when I want you to, I suppose!"
Subaru couldn't get Beatrice off of him, so he gave up and took a seat at a nearby bench. Beatrice hopped up next to him and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Hey, Beako, I probably should've asked this earlier, but do you remember the direction we came from?"
Beatrice didn't respond to Subaru's question, which basically confirmed the answer.
"Well, shit."
It looked like they had already managed to lose everyone they knew in this city. That meant they'd have to go ask some poor soul for directions. It sucked, but it looked like this would be their only way out of this mess.
"Where are all those people headed to, I suppose?"
Subaru looked up and saw a crowd forming near them, headed in the direction of a nearby park. He thought about following them for a second, but he knew that it would only make their situation worse.
*Singing*
"Hey Beako, did you hear that?"
Author's Notes:
Alright, this chapter was mostly fluff, but I did my best to make it eventful, even if it was a bit dry at parts. I hope you all found the characters to be accurately portrayed + a strong continuity with the info in WHDAAA and the original canon. I am really looking forward to writing the interactions for the rest of this fic and I really hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! Criticisms and comments are appreciated, as well as any interesting ideas you may have for later parts of the story. (I have basically this whole work planned out, but it is going to follow pretty close to the canon story for a while, aside from the interactions. That means any ideas that can help me spice up the chapters are highly valued)
As for Another Chance (Continued) I think my last chapter was honestly pretty mid/disappointing. So I'm going to be putting in a decent amount of work on the next few chapters of it to ensure it is up to my standards. Don't worry, this fic will be updated soon. I just want to make sure I get through the next few chapters of Another Chance before stuff starts to pop off in this fic.