Emilia brought her hand together and bowed and apologized, "I'm really sorry, Subaru. But I can't go with you on that date today."

This was the third time that Emilia had refused to go on a date with him that week. Subaru felt extremely disappointed.

It had been a week ever since he was back from Vollachia, and it felt as if she didn't care at all. It wasn't like he was expecting her to hug him and confess to him after he'd been gone for so long. But at least, he was hoping she would've missed him.

"We were trying to rescue you from Vollachia for so long and now I'm reaaaaallllly behind in the Royal Selection. …This is an important meeting for me, Subaru. So, please just wait for me here. We can go on that date any other time you want."

Emilia was smiling slightly trying to make Subaru understand. But Subaru felt extremely sad. Not only was she refusing a date with him for the third time that week, she was also excluding him from the meeting with the Western lords. Even though he was her knight.

He had suffered so much in Vollachia everyday, with only the thought of his friends coming to rescue him to keep him moving forward. But he was soon disappointed to learn that they had never even left the country. Because he was a man with good timing, they believed in him. That he would be able to come back somehow.

"Emilia….. do you even care about me?"

Subaru unintentionally muttered out loud.

Emilia's face fell, horrified that he would even ask this question.

"Of course, I do! Why would you even think that?"

"You really are so pathetic! Just because she refused one date with you, you begin to question her. Emilia-sama, why did you even make this man your knight?"

It was Rem who was spouting venom at him. She had not regained her memories and had continued to be cold to him even after they returned from Vollachia. It hurt him greatly.

"No, I'm sorry. I'm the one at fault here. Please go to your meeting. I'll be waiting for you."

Subaru faked a smile and tried not to cry and watched Emilia leave. Then Subaru himself ran outside and began to leave the inn where they were staying in the Capital city.

"Subaru, where are you going, I suppose?"

The blonde girl with the butterfly pupils in her eyes asked him.

"I'm sorry. I just need to be alone right now."

"Subaru, she really cares about you, I suppose. She has just been busy lately. Don't worry, Betty is sure she'll go on the next date with you."

"Doesn't feel like it though. …I'll be back by evening."

"Ha! Pathetic Barusu! It's just as my cute little sister said. All you know is to sulk after being rejected once."

"You maid! Stop saying that! Subaru, wait…"

"I'll be back soon."

Subaru sadly walked out of the inn, leaving his companions behind.

He didn't want to hear anymore of what they were saying. He knows they were just teasing him, but sometimes they did sting.

Wandering around the Capital he suddenly bumped into someone familiar.

"Look where you are going, peasant! How dare yo- Subaru?"

It was the red blonde matriarch, walking around alone without Al again.

"Priscilla?"

"You look terrible. Did the half-wit do something again?"

Priscilla had once again accurately guessed what was bothering him. He had grown very close to her in Vollachia as she was now one of his closest friends.

On seeing his face, she forcefully dragged him back to her villa and demanded him to explain everything. And she successfully managed to get him to very reluctantly open up.

"And that's why I keep telling you, forget about the half-elf and the oni! Mineself always knew how futile it is to go after them, but you refused to believe me."

"But Pris, I'm…."

"Stop talking and come with me."

Priscilla dragged him away to her mansion.

Back in the Emilia Camp,

"I'm sure Subaru will be happy!"

Emilia clapped her hands. She had set up a candlelit dinner for them, to make up for the dates they had missed. He made her feel really warm inside and she had decided that today was the day she finally confessed to him. Rem and Beatrice were supporting her to do her best.

He had gone outside at that time, and she would surprise him once he came back.

And then it soon became midnight, and he still hadn't come back. She waited and waited for him to return, but he didn't come. Beatrice and Rem, who despite her attitude, held him very dearly, were also starting to get worried about his absence.

Meanwhile, in the Barielle Residency,

"Ah~! Subaru~" Priscilla moaned loudly as Subaru thrust into her once again.

"Pris~" Subaru found himself drowning in pleasure. He had never felt that good ever before.

Priscilla wrapped her arms around him and hungrily pulled him down into a kiss. It was a sloppy kiss, and it only fueled their lust as Subaru kept slamming into her harder and harder.

Their moans grew so loud that if anyone were in the mansion, they would have heard it. But, Priscilla had sent everyone away that particular day, so they had nothing to worry about.

Soon enough, his pace began to quicken and he finally reached his climax, while Priscilla wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, unwilling to let him go, feeling herself drown in pleasure at the same time.

However, despite just finishing, neither felt satisfied. They looked lovingly at each other, with thoughts of Emilia completely gone from his mind. They continued their lovemaking throughout the entire night, basking in pleasure.

Morning in the Emilia Camp,

Emilia, Beatrice and Rem were panicking about where he had gone.

Just as they were about to ask Roswaal to go search for him, Subaru returned. He looked extremely tired, but he didn't seem hurt anywhere.

"Subaru, where have you been? I was reaaaaallllly worried."

"How dare you make me so worried!"

"Where were you Subaru? You made everyone really worried, I suppose!"

Before anyone could come close to him, he backed away, and said, "You don't have to worry. I'm fine. …I'm tired. I'll just go to sleep."

Emilia felt extremely guilty. Because she had kept cancelling their dates, he was so sad, he didn't come back for the night. She decided, she'll definitely confess to him tonight.

"Subaru, I'm sorry about before. Let's have a date tonight. I've already made all the preparations."

Emilia knew that even if he was temporarily angry at her for cancelling the dates, he loved her, so he could never stay mad for long.

"I'm sorry Emilia. Let's cancel our date for today. Maybe some other time."

All of them were shocked as Subaru went back to his room yawning.

For the first time, Subaru had cancelled a date Emilia had proposed.