Needless to say, it wasn't so easy for Subaru to enjoy that night's sleep, knowing that an assassin who had taken his life a handful of times was lurking somewhere outside the mansion.

But, his conversation with Demiurge had already ensured that Subaru would be prepared for the worst. He absolutely would not allow someone to disrupt the temporary peace that he worked so hard to establish.

Having woken up that morning bright and early, Subaru looked out his window, wondering when that time would be.

"I can't understand why she would even come to a place like this." Subaru was no trained assassin. But, from what he guessed, maybe Elsa was coming back for revenge, simply because she was unable to accomplish her objective? Was it possible that she was just angry that a target has escaped from her? Maybe it was like those serial killers in movies who relentlessly stalked someone who evaded their wrath?

Maybe that was why she'd come here? It had become public knowledge during the royal selection that Roswaal was the sponsor for Emilia's campaign. With this, all anyone would have to do would be to come to the Mather's domain, then wait for their target to isolate themselves.

She'd failed in retrieving Emilia's royal insignia and had been forced to flee when she'd realized she was outmatched against the Sword Saint. For a moment, Subaru recalled how easily Reinhard managed to fend off every single one of her attacks. Elsa's mere presence had been a death sentence for himself, Emilia, Rom, and Felt in the past. And yet, before Reinhard's unparalleled skill and power, she failed to inflict a single found on him. "She totally got wiped out." He allowed himself to laugh at how the red-haired knight dominated the entire exchange, finding it to be badass beyond measure.

Her earlier defeat was probably why she brought backup. If she ended up getting in trouble, whoever it was that was aiding her in this situation would probably jump in to make their lives even more difficult.

Subaru had no intention of letting that happen.

Yet, even with this in mind, weren't Elsa's movements too...brazen? Subaru was confident that with everyone here in the mansion, Elsa would never succeed. As a matter of fact, when she'd been unable to sneak attack her, the duo of Emilia and Puck held their own against her just fine. The only reason things went sideways for a few moments was that a certain spirit's time limit was running out. With the addition of the maid twins and even himself if necessary, Subaru couldn't see Elsa succeeding in whatever dirty plans she had.

And that wasn't even counting the aid of Roswaal and Beatrice.

Elsa and her mysterious friend had no strong chance of success. Because Subaru was going to use that assassin bitch's own magic against her.

At this moment, all Subaru felt he had to do was make sure no one in the mansion went anywhere alone. Do that, and he could go on about his day until it was time to strike.

Subaru had already explained his plans to everyone in the mansion. All of the girls knew that he would be going away tomorrow. He'd even had an impromptu conversation with Puck. And though the two of them had not reconciled, mostly because Puck would never know the source of Subaru's hostility toward him, he felt they'd managed to come to a mutual agreement. For now.

Demiurge had told Subaru that he'd be notified if anything happened. And as they said, no news was good news. Not that this made him comfortable. Subaru wouldn't feel that until he knew exactly what Elsa's beef was with them.

But, with nothing to do for the moment, he knew that all he could do was go about his day. And now that he thought about it, there was one person in the mansion that he had not yet spoken with about what he was the master of the house, himself. And, when he thought about it, Subaru felt that Roswaal was the person he'd spoken with the least in general. "It's because he's always gone!" This was what Subaru told himself. Even though Subaru was employed here because he had done a great favor to somebody affiliated with his household, Subaru still felt he owed the magician the same courtesy of knowing that one of his employees was going to be going away for a while. He couldn't just dump it on him the day of. But then again, a three-day notice for any of them wasn't much time. Subaru just knew that if he waited longer, there was a great possibility that he will become comfortable and lose his nerve.

Rolling out of bed, Subaru decided that he needed to visit the margrave. He just hoped that he would receive the information as well as everyone else did.

For someone who was otherwise a patient man, Roswaal L Mathers disliked waiting for results in times like these.

"If things proceed in this way for too long, then will the desired path become more difficult to return to?" In a normal situation, his attention should have been focused on the tax documents and planned meetings that were sitting on his desk in front of him. And yet, his thoughts were on another matter altogether.

Unfortunately, the margrave had little time to continue wondering, because a knock on the door of his study distracted him from further introspection. Swiftly ensuring that there was nothing in the open that he wouldn't want others to see, Roswaal immediately spoke out, informing the mysterious person on the other side of the door that they were permitted to enter.

Watching as the door opened, Roswaal was treated to the appearance of probably the last person in the mansion that he'd expected to see right now.

"Weeeell, if it isn't Subaru! Please tell me, to what do I owe thiiiis pleasure?" The black-haired teenager rarely sought him out for personal interaction. Roswaal could only wonder what the occasion was.

Perhaps it was because it was still rather early in the morning, or maybe the apprentice butler had something he needed to speak with another man about. But Roswaal instantly noticed that Subaru was not accompanied by his usual energy.

"Hey. Morning, Roswaal."

Subaru took a quick look around the office, unsurprised at how tidy it was. Unlike his interactions with everyone else in the house, Subaru did not feel that creeping sense of anxiety that made him want to hold back his words to not say anything that might cause an overly emotional response from anyone. He supposed that this was because of the difference in closeness that he had with everyone in comparison to the master of the mansion.

"I was wondering if I could sit down? There's...something I need to talk to you about. It's really important and it can't wait." Subaru only had a limited amount of time. And he did not want to leave this house with any regrets. If he did, he was afraid that it would hinder any progress he made in the future.

Gesturing toward any of the comfortable chairs or even the couch that adorned his room, Roswaal graciously permitted the newest of his employees to sit. He was curious to know what was so urgent that Subaru would approach him like this. "By all means, pleaaaase have a seat."

Doing so, Subaru stared at the ground for a few moments in thought before he brought his attention directly to the margrave. Funny enough, Subaru had never been particularly bothered by the fact that Roswaal seemed to have such a flamboyant style. At the very least it made him stand out among other aristocrats, to be sure.

Breathing out a sigh, Subaru felt that he just needed to get on with it. No small talk, no mincing words. "Roswaal, tomorrow I'm gonna be leaving the mansion."

If Roswaal wasn't wearing makeup that made his already fair skin even whiter, he would have paled in response to Subaru's words. The reason his expression did not change was not that he could control his face at all times. He simply was unable to process the words that flowed into his ears. It took a few seconds for him to completely understand that he had not heard wrong.

"You...are leaving?" Perhaps without even knowing it himself, Roswaal's voice carried a tone of both surprise and regret. But not for the reasons one would think.

Both of them were aware that when it came to the households of nobles, oftentimes servants would have to leave in order to facilitate dealings and business on behalf of their employers. And some journeys could even take weeks or months at a time. It was simply something that came along with the description of the job.

And yet, Roswaal did not plan this. He did not ever foresee such an event taking place. It felt...wrong. Impossible!

"But he worked so hard to return to this place. Doesn't he want to remain near that girl? This does not make any sense. Shouldn't she be his only priority to think of?"

There were so many things that the court magician wanted to ask, but he knew that indulging in too much curiosity would make him look suspicious. And thankfully, Subaru seemed to be in the mood to speak for him.

"I know this is sudden. But I have my reasons. And one of the main ones is that I need to work on myself. You were there in the royal selection, so you know exactly what happened." Because of this, Subaru was both thankful and even still a little bit embarrassed that there was a sitting witness to his behavior. Just thinking back on it, Subaru wished at this moment that he could do nothing more than punch himself in the face for the way he behaved at the time. It was beyond disgraceful. It was ugly. It was so unbearably weak.

Roswaal remembered perfectly how Subaru had behaved during the royal selection. And unknown to all but himself, the margrave had a very different opinion. One so in contrast with what others thought was normal that he would dare never speak such thoughts in a court of public.

Subaru didn't want to go into the entire spiel about the Witch's Cult and learning more about their inner activities. Because the truth of the matter was, he wasn't certain what he would be able to find out much. But, his absolute top priority was improving the person that he had become. Looking back, he didn't simply disdain his own past behavior. And Subaru knew that he had to take measures to ensure that he never acted that way again. For himself, as well as everyone around him.

"The truth is...when I was with Sebas and Demiurge, I feel like I grew a whole lot more than I ever did than when I was here at the mansion. Like, I was becoming the man I always wanted to be." With the advice he'd absorbed from the two strangers and their assistance, Subaru felt so in control. And it was something he'd never experienced, especially since he first came to this world. And the proof was plain to see. No flailing around, wondering how he got in this situation. No begging other people for aid and being coldly rejected. No trailing behind everything.

Thinking back on his last conversation with the Karsten duchess, a different version of himself might have told the green-haired woman that she could go and swallow a cactus. Generally speaking, Subaru did not appreciate her personality. But the reason he did not vent his anger toward her was that she revealed she may have wanted something from him in the future. Which meant that his stock has risen in her mind. He was desired. He was considered valuable. Subaru could not throw away that kind of opportunity. And that was why he left the door open for her.

What would happen if he continue along this path and other people came to the same way of thinking as Crusch?

Subaru wanted to know. But he couldn't keep growing into that person who others would acknowledge if he stayed here in this mansion simply being a butler. His former obsession with Emilia, combined with his sense of worthlessness had led him to act out and reaching for something he had no hope of grasping.

Meanwhile, Roswaal did not like anything he was hearing. Subaru was the most important component of his plans. He'd waited far too long for things to come to this point and he would not allow his desired destiny to pass him by simply because of the selfish desires of someone else! Subaru thought he needed to change? Complete rubbish. Inside himself, dark thoughts brewed to the surface. "All you need to do is become more like me. Do that, and everything will become perfect."

"But Suuuubaru, what about Lady Emilia and the royal seleeeeection? Were you not dedicated to becoming a knight in her service and assisting her in accomplishing her goals?" Because Roswaal had no faith that the half-elf could do so alone. She needed to be used by someone who would create the optimal solutions that would further his own plans.

Subaru never had the heart to say this to her, face-to-face. But the truth was, he felt that Emelia represented the idea of an isekai fantasy somewhere in his imagination. And he knew that was wrong. She was a person just like anyone else. And yet, he had latched onto her in a way that did nothing but drag them both into trouble. Separating himself from her for a little while would do them both some good.

"It's not like I'm gonna be gone forever. The selection itself isn't really gonna be taking place for another few years." He doubted he would be gone that long.

And, to his surprise, the makeup-wearing magician leaned back in his chair and gave him an accepting smile.

"Very weeeeell, Subaru. I completely understand your position. There is nothing wrooooong with wanting to take some vacation time to work on yourself. Actually, I feel that I should have been the one and to issue this, first. After everything that you have done, it is only natural that you are entitled to some downtime." He needed to keep up the face of an understanding lord and ensure that he had the boy's confidence. It didn't matter to Roswaal how much anyone was run ragged, simply as long as they did not act in ways that went against his carefully laid plans. And he knew that soon, Subaru would come back to the path of the Tome.

Upon hearing this, Subaru wiped away non-existent sweat from his face. "Really? You're sure it's cool?" He didn't want to sound too arrogant about his accomplishments, but the fact was, Subaru had accomplished what even heroes had failed to do throughout generations! Sure, he had multiple chances to gather crucial information that no one else had, but the job was done and everyone went home safe and happy. What else even mattered?

Subaru didn't do any of this for glory or fame. Indeed, he wanted to change his appearance in the minds of other people, but first and foremost, his goal had been to escape what was otherwise a loop of ridicule, loss, and pain. Everything else came after. He couldn't get respect if he kept dying. He couldn't be happy if he was constantly being thrown into pits of despair.

And now he was out.

He knew he'd gotten into trouble by talking about what he was entitled to from others. But this time, Subaru would not accept anything less than time to do what he wanted. Nobody could say he hadn't earned this. Nobody.

Even though Roswaal was always off doing his own thing, Subaru was glad that when the two of them did talk with one another, he was always reasonable enough. "I guess that's why the twins are so devoted to him, after all. He doesn't try to make life difficult for the people around him."

Immediately, Subaru remembered adults in his neighborhood complaining about how their employers never gave them any personal time off and how this person and that person was sucking the life out of them.

Thinking back, the most personal time he and Roswaal ever spent together wasn't even in this current loop. It was the time where they'd met in the main bath and Roswaal began the explanation of how magic worked to him. For the Japanese, bathing together may have been considered a bonding experience, but, Subaru could not help but admit that he would prefer to do so with an attractive girl rather than an indigo-haired pretty boy.

Subaru had been disappointed to find that becoming a skilled magic user was largely dependent on inherent talent. Inside himself, Subaru found this to be incredibly disappointing, still. And yet, it also once more confirmed to him that this world was not a dreamland. It was still reality. One that followed different, but all too familiar rules.

When he had nowhere else to go, Roswaal had repeatedly given him this position as a butler, and yet, Subaru hadn't spent much time with him. Of course, it would be weird if the new employee kept bothering the head of the household with frivolous nonsense the way he did with co-workers. But even still, Subaru was glad to know that Roswaal continued to be flexible.

"Sebas or Demiurge are supposed to pick me up, tomorrow. From, there..." Subaru didn't know.

Thoughts came back to him about the place where the two of them lived. And Subaru still had the feeling that he wasn't going to be staying in Lugunica. He still couldn't prove it, but his senses were telling him he was going to be going far away. Real far. And because he couldn't explain how he even knew this, Subaru felt that he should just go with the most believable explanation. "I guess we'll collect their things in the capital before we set off." That was where he met them, after all.

The mention of the two strangers who had led his most valuable asset off the correct path made Roswaal grimace inside his heart. "These people are the source of everything that has gone wrong." With this in mind, he now knew that Subaru needed to be separated from them.

"Oooooh, so that is how it is! If they will be the ones to retrieve you, perhaps we may all meet them and give thanks for everything they have doooone for you." What else could he say but this? Also, it would give Roswaal the chance to look at these people and attempt to understand where they had come from and plan accordingly.

Subaru felt that everyone else meeting with Sebas and Demiurge would take a load off his shoulders. He has been skating around the truth when it came to the two of them for a while, now. Mostly because he didn't know much more than anyone else did, as well as the fact that he didn't feel comfortable and talking about their business. "I've been getting by so far by keeping my mouth shut and not stepping into anybody else's business. I wanna keep it that way."

Feeling that this conversation had gone well, Subaru didn't want to disturb Roswaal any further. Whenever he was home, the guy was always shut up in his study. Work was never done, he supposed.

"So, with that said, I guess I'll get outta your hair. I've already talked to everyone else in the house. So...I guess I'll just go and spend some time with the twins and Emilia for a little while and try to make this transition as easy as possible." The last thing Subaru wanted was to see anyone else crying over what was to come.

"It is of noooo trouble at all, Subaru. As I have mentioned, I think you are mooooore than deserving of a generous period of rest to do as you please." If Subaru had simply asked this in any other way, Roswaal would have still granted the request. But unfortunately for him, Subaru had chosen to be difficult. And for that, the margrave would have to silently respond with a more forceful hand. In secret, of course.

Feeling that there was nothing else to add to this easy talk, Subaru got up and departed Roswaal's study, off to some other part of the mansion to enjoy the time he had left with everyone here.

After waiting a few moments to know that he was alone, Roswaal's gaze shifted to a familiar drawer of his desk, knowing what was inside.

The smile had gone from Roswaal's face, to be replaced by a very ugly look. Within his mind, the margrave now knew he needed to make a bit of an adjustment to the clandestine orders he'd sent out. "You won't be going anywhere."

The day came and went without issue. And when night settled onto the Mathers domain, a familiar silence took over the entire area.

But, within the wilderness that surrounded the immense estate of a certain margrave, two strangers had made himself comfortable. Or rather, as comfortable as two women could be when completely out in the middle of nowhere. If it weren't for the fact that one of them had a certain way with the great outdoors, they might have even been somewhat bothered by how this area was essentially a breeding ground for mabeasts.

"I really don't know about this, Elsa. I'm not comfortable being in this area right now. Not after what happened last time." The first of the two women who spoke actually was not a woman at all. In fact, she was a girl. Appearing to be no older than about 11 years old, she leaned against a tree, constantly on the lookout for, well, anyone.

"There's little need to worry, Meili. We will remain out of sight during the day and only move at night when necessary. Besides, there is no way I could turn down this golden opportunity. You know how I am." The second of the pair was indeed a grown woman. Very grown, indeed, for she seemed to show little worry in showing off her curvaceous figure under such a revealing dress.

"Elsa, if I get caught—"

The younger of the two didn't even want to finish that sentence. One of the things that she had been taught in her training as an assassin was to never leave a job unfinished and to leave as few witnesses as possible. She had done both of those things last time she was here. Also, returning to the scene of the crime was never a good idea. Sure, she hadn't come near Arlam Village, but even still, Meili felt this place was a little bit too hot for her. Even if it was nighttime, there were still far too many people who could potentially recognize her.

She'd made certain that she vanished into the night last time she was here. And yet, that didn't comfort her. "He's already escaped you one time before, Elsa. And he knows my face. I can't be seen with you. If anything goes wrong again, we're gonna get the boot." Meili blanched at the thought of what would happen to the two of them if they messed up, here.

If this was any other situation, she probably would not have this creeping sense of anxiety that told her to get away. Situations had turned sideways for both of them in this area once before as well as involving this particular target. As far as she was concerned, this was probably something better off left alone.

But that just wasn't the way her big sister rolled. Elsa was feeling a whole different sort of anxiousness than Meili. Because from the moment they'd arrived, the Bowel Hunter had licked her lips in desperate anticipation well over two dozen times, if Meili was correct. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at her big sister's weirdo desires, but knew it was pointless to argue.

"I made a promise last time I saw that boy. So, why should I not take this as an opportunity to make good on it?" Because this time, Elsa knew for certain that he would not have a monster on his side watching out for him.

That was the only reason that things turned out the way they did, last time. While she would not say so out loud, Elsa had been completely out of her league in the face of the Sword Saint. The northern assassin hadn't even been permitted the opportunity to clash against the legendary sharpness of his blade, instead being fended off by a piece of junk he'd picked up off the ground. It frustrated her that she'd failed to even land a single blow against that peerless knight.

The absence of that red-haired nuisance would prove to make this assignment all the easier.

Elsa didn't think that failure was likely in this situation. Especially when the doors had all but been opened to them by the man of the land, himself. True, the idea of facing her wrath was something she did not like to think about, but as the senior, Elsa could not show such a lack of confidence in front of her little sister.

It was already agreed upon that Elsa would be doing the lion's share of the work and that Meili would support her from a distance with her companions.

Youthful paranoia or whatever it was, Meili just didn't think this was a good idea. Was accepting a job request where they'd already failed the same client okay?

Just as the younger of the two assassins sank into thought, she was distracted by the familiar growling of one of her mabeasts in the distance. And she instantly knew this was the sound of one of them alerting her to the presence of someone approaching them.

"Elsa!"

"I know."

The woman from Gusteko made herself ready. She didn't sense anything in the way of malicious intent. She was an expert on this. Though that didn't necessarily mean there was no danger afoot. From man or beast.

Having noticed both of them tense up from where he was, Roswaal L Mathers made his presence known, descending into the nighttime forest from the air, landing on the ground with perfect ease. "My, what have I done to evoke the two of you to be so closely on guard?"

The unusual appearance of their current client made Elsa relax the urge to reach for her weapon. "Just call it a force of habit."

To say that she was somewhat infamous would have been an understatement. She never could be too careful. Once again, her thoughts traveled back to the last duel she fought where she ended up on the losing side. The Sword Saint immediately recognized her from her clothing to her weapon. And this was something she told Meili about the next time they'd reunited.

Suffice it to say, it hadn't put the younger of the two at ease. And neither had the appearance of the flashily dressed man. Meili just wanted to get this done and get as far away from here as possible.

"So then, to what do we owe this personal visit? Have the details of the assignment changed?" Elsa truly hoped that this wasn't the case. It would have been like dangling a piece of raw meat in front of a starving predator's face and then yanking it away if their target was to be changed.

And fortunately for her, this wasn't the case.

"Not at all. As it turns out, Subaru Natsuki will be leaving my household tomorrow and going on a journey with one or two strangers. I believe they are the cause of his...turbulent behavior. I will not dance around the issue, as it will not do for us to be in each other's company for long. Subaru is apparently going to the capital. Whether in the city or before he arrives, I want you to eliminate anyone who may be with him."

For someone who knew him on a personal level, they may have noticed that Roswaal was not speaking in his unusual method of stretching out certain words. His mood had even affected his verbiage, it seemed.

Hearing this new information, Meili wasn't liking this, but she remained silent.

"He's now a member of your staff and you want him to be cut out? I cannot even begin to fathom your reasons, but it is not our place to ask that many questions." Besides, she already knew from a previous interaction that the margrave was an enigmatic figure who was truly difficult to read.

Elsa was simply glad that the chance to make good on her promise was finally nigh.

"And, there is but one more thing I need you to do. Before you sever Subaru Natsuki's life from this world, please give him this message for me: You made the wrong choices."

With that, there was nothing left for him to say. Silently, Roswaal L Mathers once more took flight and vanished into the night sky, prepared to return home as if nothing had ever happened. Officially speaking, a decorated aristocrat such as himself could never be seen in the presence of such people. After all, he had to keep up appearances.

"...Elsa, are you smiling over there?" Sounding completely disinterested, Meili wasn't even facing her big sister, but she knew her well enough to guess that the infamous Bowel Hunter was likely burning with excitement at having been given multiple targets to cut down. And her prediction was ever so correct. The Gusteko woman's otherwise beautiful face was twisted into a truly disturbing smile that almost seemed unnaturally wide, her teeth bared and her eyes squinting together tightly at the thought of what was to come.

She simply had to wait until tomorrow. And then she would finally experience the ecstasy of once more opening the bowels of her prey.

With Meili as the sole person there to hear, an erotic moan cooed through the forest.