AN: Happy Labor Day! Now then, here is the latest chapter. I'll try and get another chapter ready by the end of the week to make up for last week.

This is the intermission chapter before we reach the fourth Arc.

Title comes from a twist on some chapter titles from Re:Zero Volume 15. And for fun if each of these Arcs had illustrated covers for each Arc...Arc One would be Subaru standing in a great fire, while the White Whale and Unseen Hands reach out to him. Arc Two would feature Garfiel breaking through some clouds in the sky while Atrocitus and Dex-Starr are standing atop the corpses of Ma-Beasts. And finally Arc 3 would have Genau charging as Beatrice hung onto him, running through a field of roses as the faces of Emilia and Priscilla glare at each other in the sky.

Cool huh?

Anyways, here you go ladies and gents. ENJOY!

Chapter 15: United Compromises, Methodical Steps

Five weeks after the Bloodstained Rose's War

"Maaaan, talk about another slow day."
"Yessss, it'sssss been quite the drag."

Subaru sat on the edge of his bed, as he saw Genau laid on his side, using his hind leg to itch his belly. It was so dog like, it almost looked comedically unnatural.

Then the door opened, Beatrice walked through and stretched her arms out.

"Hey, how are you doing Beatrice?"
"Betty is doing quite alright...but it has been a slow day, I suppose."
'Strike three."
"Don't start with your nonsensical sayings please!"

She then got to lay down and rest her head on the belly of Genau, who didn't mind in the slightest.

"Are you going on a 'hunt' today Subaru?"
"Nah, the last couple of days resulted in nothing significant, not even some Sin Archbishops. So, we'll take a day off."
"That's nice, I suppose."

Subaru scratched his chin as he was contemplating some things...then it hit him.

"Hey, let's head to the villa."
"The Villa, I suppose? Well, they have some fun stuff to do there as well."
"Yup, let's get everyone together and head there. And there is something I want to test out, as well."
"Hmmmmm, alright then, Betty will accompany you all then, I suppose. Genau, up!"

Genau shook his head and turned his face to look at Beatrice, before giving her some licks to the face.

"Augh, Genau! Knock it off, I suppose!"
"Heh, it'ssss funny when you get grouchy."
"Keep it up and you'll see me get more than grouchy…"

She then groaned loudly as she wiped her face.

Subaru got up from the bed finally, loosening up..

"I'm going to go fetch Ovidius and Emilia, can I trust you two to get Rem and Ram for me?"
"Sssssure, meeting point?"
"Outside in the front."
"Got it. Ssssee ya."

Thus, the two teams split up.

Reaching a door at the other side of the hall, he knocked on the door twice.

"Come in."

Hearing the voice on the other side, he opened it and found Ovidius sitting in his desk scribbling down some notes. His bed was a mess, but the rest of his room was organized quite meticulously with books, a staggering amount in a large bookshelf, with tools hung on the wall, and some papers stacked near his desk.

"How's your work coming along?"
"Well, the Anti-Sword Saint Throne is still just in it's initial planning phase, but the weaponized metias you requested are almost ready."
"Oh solid, keep it up."

He then looked down and found one of his completed books.

"Metamorphosis: The Adapted Forms."

In the past month or so, Ovidius began writing on some books to pass the time as he worked on weapons and plans for their eventual invasion of the Watchtower. This book in particular, Metamorphosis, written about philosophical theories about the natural adaption of both species and cultures by the process of transformative manners has been praised as one of the greatest books written in the past decade. Not only that but his other book, "Climates of the Four Colors", featuring four short stories that use the seasons as primary storytelling tools has been equally praised.

"Keep this up and nobody will read anything but your books."
"Oh come now Natsuki-san, you shouldn't be so flattering to me, Rem-chan will get jealous."

"I'm sure she would."

Placing his feathered pen down, he turned his attention fully to Subaru.

"How can I help you? Are we hunting Witch Cultists again?"
"Not today, so no worries there. Actually, we're planning to head to the Villa today, so we're gathering everyone."
"...Hmmm, well a change of scenery might help my mind flow a little better. Alright, let me organize these papers and I'll meet with you all."
"Right, just outside at the front. I'm going to get Emilia."
"Oh, before I forget, please tell Emilia-san to leave her homework for me to review."

"Alright sensei."

Subaru waved him and left.

Ovidius finished stacking the papers before wrapping them up in small ribbon, before getting his pen and writing on the ribbon, "Reinhard/Felt Camp".

Stacking those papers on other wrapped stacks, which also had names written on them.

Crusch Camp.

Anastasia Camp.

He then put this large stack in a box, which was simply labeled, "Contingencies".

Knocking on her door, he heard sweet voice telling him to come in. He did so, and he saw a certain radiant half elf girl writing down her notes. Looking at her, she had changed. While she wore her usual garb...her hair was now shorter but she found a look she liked; a short chignon bun, but with long strands in front of her lovely face.

"Oh, Subaru, hi."
"Hey, your studies coming along good?"
"Yup...though I hope I get good grades from Ovidius-san."
"I don't know, he's meticulous about that sort of thing."

She made a sour face, thinking he was making fun of her, but was eased when he put his hand on hers.

"Um?"
"Today, we're gonna take it easy, and head somewhere to clear our thoughts."
"...Are you sure?"
"Of course, it's a slow day for everyone, so c'mon. I'm sure we can all use a break this week."

Emilia gave it some thought before she shut her book and put her feather pen back to it's spot.

"Okay, I'll wake up Puck and we can begin heading out."
"That's my E.M.T."

She paused herself for a moment before she took his hand and held it tight.

"Huh?"
"I'm so happy, it's been so long since you called me that weird name."
"Please don't call it weird."

She laughed off his comment before she got up and walked alongside Subaru. But as he got to the door, he turned to look at her, making Emilia softly touch the crack scar on his face.

"It doesn't hurt anymore?"
"Not when you do that."
"Being silly? This early?"
"You bring that out in me."

She then glanced at the hand she was holding, free from the gauntlets that usually adorned it...scarred, somewhat burnt and more rougher than she remembered his hand being. She came to grips with this weeks ago…

She followed him out the door, a smile on both of their faces. Even if Subaru's seemed, slightly hollow.

Now outside, they all had gathered, Subaru with a large backpack and Emilia with a satchel...but Subaru frowned at Genau when he noticed, them.

"Why are those two here?"
"Nothing I could do! They were inssssistent that they come!"

There, the pink haired Ram, and the one armed backer of Emilia, Roswaal; both also seemed ready to leave.

"Barusu, you were trying to sneak off and have a good time without us? How deplorable, like an ungrateful fox."
"Well excuse me for wanting to hang out with people who get along with each other."
"I am humble person who is equal to everyone here."
"The way you're body language says that, seems to contradict you, Onee-sama."

Ram scorned at Subaru, who could only sigh loudly. Then both arms were wrapped up by the hugs of Rem and Emilia.

"Well, it shouldn't do any harm. You two can come along."

Ovidius nodded and aimed his ring at the air. As he did, a Blood Portal bursted forth and he walked through it.

"Let's go have some fun everyone!"

Everyone cheered in agreement and they marched through the portal, as it simply closed behind them.

Now in the front of their destination, they were happy enough to see it being tended to by the required services of the maids that once belonged to Priscilla.

The maids noticed their arrival and quickly rushed to greet them.

"Welcome Subaru-sama and company. Will you be staying here today?"
"Yeah, just spending the night for now, and then it'll be all yours for the rest of the time we're away."
"You are most kind sir."

The maids of this mansion were away by the time the Bloodstained Roses War entered its final battle, but when they returned and learned of their masters death, they were fearful of their own fate. But of course, they were now relieved that Natsuki Subaru had no ill intentions against them and actually treated them with kindness and consideration.

"Do you require anything, Subaru-sama?"

"The usual room set up is fine."

But as Subaru said this, Rem held his arm tighter.

"Um, Rem-san?"
"W-Well, um, you s-see."

Rem began to blush.

"Do-Do you mind if Rem, well, i-if she…?"
"Speak your mind, don't mind me."
"Uh-Uh. UM!"

Her face turned beet red, and she let go of his arm.

"Rem wishes to freshen up."
"Rem, I'll come with you."
"Th-Thank you Nee-sama. Excuse me, everyone."

Rem and Ram took their leave as Ram checked on her completely flushed sister.

"Rem are you-"
"-Rem is fine. Completely. Utterly fine."

Saying this as she had steam practically escaping her face.

Emilia hugged Subaru's arm tightly, giving a very scrutinizing expression.

"Su-Ba-Ru. What was that all about?"
"Um, I'm not sure?"
"Hmph! Fine."

Emilia walked away, mostly in a huff as she was taken to her living quarters.

One of the cute maids then squatted down to speak with Beatrice and Genau.

"Would you two like to see the appas that have grown recently?"
"Can we eat ssssome?"
"Of course!"
"Alright! Ssssister Beatrice, let'sss go!"

Wagging his tail in excitement, Genau looked at Beatrice who twirled her hair with a finger.

"Well, I guess it would be fine, I suppose."
"Exactly!"

The two were led away by the smiling maid, a different scene than weeks ago.

Subaru remembered how he and the other Red Lanterns gathered all of the staff outside of the repairing Villa, and the clear present fear on their faces. The very same maid was outright about to have a panic attack as she stared at Genau. It was obvious that they were completely in fear of Genau, but even so, dreaded in the idea they were all about to be executed.

That is, until they were given the surprise of a lifetime, when they were told...that they were now employees of the Emilia Camp. Not only that, but when they were not occupying the residence, that the employees would have free reign over the Villa and all of its properties.

Going against the rumors of the Red Lantern Corps being a bunch of bloodthirsty individuals solely intent on murder; they instead showed mercy and consideration. And throughout the weeks, the staff became accustomed to them and even became friendly with Genau.

In the fields and vineyards of the Estate, Genau strutted along with Beatrice walking with him. Soon enough, the maid reunited with them and had a basket filled to the brim with fresh Appas.

"Would each of you like one?"

The two of them nodded and both retrieved a large scrumptious looking appa. Beatrice took a small elegant bite, while Genau ate the whole thing in one bite, chewing vigorously.

"Delicious!"
"It'ssss ssssuper good!"

The maid smiled gleefully seeing them so enthralled with the fruit.

"We also have fresh grapes and some plums as well."
"Right, they're imports from Vollachia if I'm correct, I suppose?"
"Yup, Vollachia is famous for their Wines, so Priscilla-sama had us import these fruits so that personally hired brewers could make them for her."
"Interesting, from what I read, in attempt to recreate this process, Lugnica only created cider instead."
"Correct, Beatrice-sama."
"...And now that wine belongs to us, I suppose."

Beatrice smiled smugly, as the maid nodded in agreement.

"Do we have ssssome wine ready by chance?"
"We have an entire cellars worth that survived the Dragon Maidens War."

"Alright! Can't wait!"
"Of course Genau-sama, we'll have some bottles ready for dinner tonight."

The three of them giggled enthusiastically.

Subaru knocked on a door and he heard some knocks on the other side. Entering inside, he found Ovidius sitting in a most comfortable chair, reading a fairly large book.

On a small table next to him, was a crisp looking drink, a cocktail. Mixology was one of the many skills Ovidius had learned from his years of studying, so it was no surprise to Subaru.

He looked closer next to him and saw the cart of drinks and glassware that one of the maids must have left for him.

So Subaru sighed as he walked over to the cart and searched the contents, finally finding a bottle and popping off the old style cork, before placing the very same top on the small table and taking a chug of the contents.

"My goodness, is this same Natsuki-san that I heard didn't want to drink 'till he was twenty?"
"Things change, besides, I'm not breaking any laws here."
"Nope, most of the world has the drinking age at fifteen, so it was weird that you were adamant about it."
"I just drink ales to calm my nerves, I'm not trying to get drunk."

"Whatever floats your boat."

Ovidius took off his helmet, an action he only ever did in front of his fellow Red Lanterns or Beatrice alone. Thus he never did eat with the others of the Emilia Camp nor at any cafes or resturaunts.

He took a sip of his expertly made Mai Tai cocktail, though he coined it as "Dragon's Soul", something Subaru was amused by.

"Now, what are we doing here, Natsuki-san?"
"Other than just enjoying a well meaning day off?"
"...Yup."

He said this, right before taking a huge gulp of his drink.

Subaru took a big chug of his bottled ale.

"Honestly, I just needed some time to discuss things over with everybody. Remember in five days…"
"We have the meeting at the Capital, to discuss the situation of Priscilla being dead."
"Yeah, plus I want Emilia to really strut her stuff there."
"Make her look more intimidating than before."
"...She seemed meek and only strong when situations arose, if people keep thinking she isn't all that strong, then we'll have a problem."

Both men took sips of their drinks.

"Indeed, if we want access to the Dragon's Blood, she needs to win the Royal Selection, and even with Priscilla dead, that still leaves three opponents to overcome."
"Plus, we can't just outright kill the others. Felt is friendly with us and has Reinhard as her guardian, so she's a no go."
"That leaves Crusch Karsten and Anastasia Hoshin, hmmmm. But if we go about killing them, it'll put Emilia-san's reputation in great strain."
"She'll be known as some kind of overlord killing off any political opponents."
"True, let's keep her good girl image in tact."

They both looked at the window in this room and simply watched some clouds moving.

"Ovidius, I want you to know, that for all this...this stuff you're doing for us. I will keep my promise."
"Don't fret over it Natsuki-san."

Ovidius finished his drink in two gulps as he smiled at the leader he came to an understanding with.

"She's as good as dead. When the time comes, I'm gonna make her pay."
"...Your family will be avenged and we'll help you."

Ovidius' emerald eyes gazed at Subaru in stupefaction, only to witness him chug back the remaining ale in his bottle. He smirked, rubbing his chin at the absurdity of him getting help for his revenge against Shaula. To think, after all these years, he'd not only be getting help, but from a Camp of the Royal Selection, it was unreal to him.

But it also was warming to his broken, cold heart.

"Thank you."

Emilia was getting her bearings as she sat on a chair of her designated room. Puck was floating about, enjoying himself.

"Hey Puck."
"Yeah Lia?"
"Do you think, I should change?"
"What do you mean by that?"

"Subaru...he's done so much for us in such a little amount of time, and I haven't done anything."
"Lia, I think you're just fine the way you are."

Emilia stared out the window, seeing Beatrice petting Genau who continued eating Appas.

"I wonder…"

Ram had herself grab some cups, only to notice Roswaal enter the kitchen.

"Ram, is everything alright?"
"...In all honesty?"
"Yes, of coooourse."
"...No."

Roswaal walked over, patting her shoulder.

"Tell me what's wrong?"
"What's wrong?"

She seemed almost dumbfounded by that question.

"Roswaal-sama...he's still alive."
"...Subaru-kun?"
"YES! The very person who made you lose your arm, getting us involved in that god forsaken war!"

She then moved her hair and showed off her scarred area around her eye.

"He did this as well!"
"Listen, there aaaare things at play here-"
"-How can you say that! Roswaal-sama, you are the most intelligent person I have ever known, but you should see that keeping ourselves involved with him, is dangerous!"
"He is the key to my actual dreeeeam. I cannot back out of thiiiiis."
"...We sent him to die that day."
"Ram…"
"If he had died in that battle, we would have been free from this, unrelenting fear of reprisal or sacrifice."

"But instead of dying...HE JUST CAME BACK WITH ANOTHER RED LANTERN!"

She slammed her cup onto the floor shattering it into pieces. She stared at it, seemingly exhausted.

"I am scared of Barusu. Scared of what he's plotting."
"Ram."
"And you know he is."

Ram composed herself, cleaning up the mess she made. Roswaal looked away, concerned, but faltering in what to sat next. Until he returned his sight back to her.

"We have nothing to fear from him, Ram."
"...I wish I could believe that."

Finishing her work, she looked up at Roswaal.

"When that rage of his has nowhere to go, where do you think he'll let it out on?"
"...I doubt he'd do something."
"...I'll play along and be chummy with him, but if the time comes and he becomes a threat again...I'll kill him."
"And if you fail?"

Ram clenched her fists, imagining Genau and Ovidius charging at her.

"We both know, what'll happen."

"Excuse me."

She left the room, leaving Roswaal there, to take a deep breath.

Emilia and Rem eventually met with Subaru at the hallway, with him carrying a bag.

"So what's this Subaru?"
'Well, we're going to have a great time at the nearby stream."
"Stream huh? That does sound like fun."

Rem then pointed something out.

"But Subaru-kun, we don't have any change of clothes."
"Oh Rem-Rin, that's where I come in."

He then tapped his bag, giving a mischievous grin.

Now, Subaru was at the stream touching the cool water with a grin on his face.

"Um, Subaru-kun."
"Oh! Wow! You look great."
"P-PLease refrain from complimenting Rem so much, it'll trouble her."

Rem blushed as she wore a blue one piece swimsuit, as Emilia also followed, wearing a white version of the same thing. Subaru's hard work was coming into fruition.

"How do I look?"
"Diamonds."
"Geez, that's, um…"

Emilia gazed away, her face bright red.

Beatrice had a pink version with a red swim ring that Subaru made for her.

"Why do I have to carry this around, I suppose?"
"Cause you told me before you don't know how to swim right?"
"Betty can learn!"

She humphed and glared away, before being tackled into the water by Genau. Splashing hard, she got her head out of the water and snarled at Genau.

"What are you doing?!"
"Ssssister Beatrice talked too much, it isssss now time for fun."

Genau splashed some water on her face, of which Beatrice retaliated with her own splashing, until it became a full-on playful battle between the two.

Rem sat on the edge of the river kicking her feet into the water.

"This feels nice."

Emilia got into the water, letting herself float comfortably. The sight of these two, made Subaru have his cheeks turn bright pink, then he felt himself get hot and-

"Goodness, Natsuki-san is making such lewd expressions."
"Oh shut it."

Ovidius chuckled as he leaned on a nearby tree.

"Those two mean the world to me."
"I can clearly see this, Natsuki-san."
"Now, go on and relax. We have a ton to do after today."
"Right."

Ovidius floated to chat with the others, even seeing Puck backstroke in the river water next to a smiling Emilia.

Subaru rubbed the scar on his face, feeling something strange.

"...Those prophecies."

He remembered the vision he had months ago of himself and Genau...with the other sources of light in the fires of a destroyed city.

"That's me, Genau and Ovidius...meaning we still have others to meet."

The young man grinned.

"When the time comes, I guess."

Subaru rushed to sit next to Rem, she in turn rested her head on his shoulder. And they sat there, watching the fun being had. Emilia pouring water on her face, Beatrice wrestling happily with Genau and Ovidius interviewing Puck.

Ram was far away with Roswaal, watching from a distance, frowning at them.

"What a farce."

The night went on, as dinner was pleasant enough.

But it was that night when everyone else went to bed...Subaru, Ovidius, Genau and Beatrice stayed up to drink.

Subaru was chugging back a lager, while Ovidius sipped on a gin fizz, Genau drank from a bowl a large amount of Mead, and Beatrice gulped down some wine.

"Bwah! S-Subaru, doesn't know how to...to...drink p-properly, I suppose."
"I kind of don't want to hear that from someone who is already drunk."
"S-Stupid! Betty is not drunk! She is drunk! Wait, I mean, not! Not drunk, I suppose!"

Subaru chuckled at her fumbling, but she in turn got angry and stumbled her way to him, then she jumped on his lap.

"Whoa!"
"W-What is Betty to do with you, I suppose?"
"Hey now, calm down."

But Subaru was annoyed when he saw Ovidius and Genau, not helping matters.

"Show him how you feel Beatrice-chan!"
"Go go! BURP! Go go!"

He could only squint his eyes at the two egging Beatrice on. Then he felt her free hand tapping his chin, seeing her face was flushed beyond control.

"S-Subaru is B-Betty's partner right?"
"Yup, that's the way things are."
"I-Is Betty the first g-girl who...had a bond with you?"
"...Well, in a sense yeah."
"You stumb-stubling your words upsets Betty, I suppose.'
"Look who's-"

Beatrice planted a smooch on his lips, startling Subaru as the other two howled and whistled.

"Beatrice is brave! My hero!"
"Ssssister Beatrice is number one!"

Removing her lips from his own, she then looked up at him, eyes filled with drunken desire.

"Take that, Betty will be the one Subaru remembers most."
"...Aw screw it."

Subaru returned the favor and kissed her forehead, hugging her tightly. She let out a moan, before melting into his hug.

"Betty…"
"Hm?"
"Betty...L...L…"

She then fell asleep in his arms, making the Red Lantern take her cup out of her hand and resting her in his embrace, for the night.

"What a high maintenance girl."
"She's worth it, no?"
"Of course she is."

He looked out the window, seeing the stars high above.

"It's time for the preparations, the meeting is coming."

Five days passed and Subaru was waiting in the halls along with his fellow Red Lanterns. Waiting for the meeting with the Dragon Council to be over, as Emilia wanted to go in alone. They sat there on a bench, in case anything occurred.

"So it's you."
"...Karsten."

Crusch was with her entourage, wary of the sight of the three Red Lanterns glaring at them.

"...I wish to congratulate you on your success with the war."
"Save it, I don't want your empty words."

Ferris got insanely upset with him, but took a step back, when Genau growled at her.

And so it was Ovidius clapped his hands.

"Alright, let us keep calm and not resort to anything violent."
"It would seem the famed author Ovidius Loman is the only sensible one here."
"Well, sorry to say Karsten-san, if he actually wanted to kill you, I wouldn't stop him or anything...I just don't feel like killing people today."

"...!"
"That's all."

His shades glowing red, made Crusch trembled a bit, before Ovidius cracked his knuckles and sat back down. Regaining her composure

"Do you Red Lanterns seek that much blood lust?"
"...Blood is the key to everything, our powers our lives...we'll pump it out and bathe those who deserve death and seek justice for those who have fallen before."

"...Of course we aren't savages, we like our down time."

Before the conversation could continue, Emilia came out of the throne room having finished the meeting.

"Well? How did it go Emilia-san?"
"Actually- Oh? Crusch-san...well, even though we had the meeting without you, I can at least inform you of the results."

Crusch was perplexed by the way Emilia, seemed to be slightly...glaring at her.

"Firstly, all of the Barielle territories, fundings and contracts belong to us as of today. Secondly, all business partners of Priscilla will pay restitution fees for the war, and more importantly…"

Emilia nodded at Subaru.

"Subaru and his Red Lantern Corps are now officially recognized as a part of my camp."
"Well shucks."

Subaru seemed content in that, but also stared into Emilia's eyes.

"And?"
"I gave them a warning."
"A warning?"
"To them and now to Crusch-san here."

She changed her tone to a much harsher one.

"I won't be soft on my approaches anymore, simply put, any and all actions taken against us will be met with swift and harsh reprisal. Yup. Crusch Karsten, a warning for you and any of the remaining candidates."

It was if the air got chilly and her face became uncharacteristically vicious.

"If anyone even remotely connected to you or Anastasia attacks or hurts even one of my villagers or friends...I WILL SET THE RED LANTERNS LOOSE, AND THEY WILL WIPE OUT ANYONE IN THEIR WAY."
"...I understand."
"Thank you."

Emilia and her camp gave their waves goodbye and left through a blood portal. Anastasia showed up and stared at the spot they teleported out of.

"Did you hear that?"
"Yes, seems that they hold a grudge against us."
"Our participation in the war, has left us both in a particularly bad situation."
"No worries, we're still in a pact right?"
"Undoubtedly."

The two candidates stood by each other, ready to help each others...should the time a war against the Red Lanterns were to break out.

Having returned to the main Roswaal Mansion, Ovidius was with Genau. Watching as Subaru and Emilia, holding hands as he sang praises to her, making the half elf blush madly. Both of them entered the kitchen, closing the door behind them. Left alone, the two Red Lanterns spoke to one another.

"Genau, what do you think?"
"...Letting thosssse two candidatessss live issss dumb."
"Agreed. Karsten and Hoshin are going to end up becoming nuisances in Emilia-san's race for the throne, and if that happens, then Natsuki-san will be troubled...and that could affect the eventual raid on the Tower. I CANNOT ALLOW THAT."
"...Ssssso one day?"
"...We'll have to get rid of them. Make it look like an accident or that they ran away."

"If we hide the bodiessss well enough, that won't be an issssue."

The secret plan between these two cemented, Ovidius made a shush sound.

"Let's keep this between us, Natsuki-san and Emilia-san, don't need to know."
"Exactly."

They then heard a commotion in the kitchen and both of them rushed in. They soon came face to face with a maid with long golden hair and green eyes.

"Red Lantern scum! Resolve yourself!"
"Who the hell-?!"

She made her arm change into a furry paw, but it was pointless. Chain constructs wrapped her up and Genau stomped her to the ground, before using Earth magic to hold her in place. She snarled, foamed and screamed as she glared at them all.

Ovidius made a battleaxe construct, and was about to slam it down…

"WAIT!"
"Natsuki-san?"
"I know her, hang on a second!"

He got, helping Emilia up as well.

"Frederica?! Why are you-"
"-How can you ask that?! This monster killed my brother!"
"Brother?...Garfiel? That kid was your relative?"
"Yes."
"But, Subaru said he had no choice, if he hadn't, the Sanctuary would've been in danger."
"Of course a gullible fool like you would fall for his poisonous words!"
"Frederica...I'm sorry about what happened to your brother."
"THEN ALLOW ME TO AVENGE HIM!"
"...I can't allow that."
"Damn you-"

Frederica was then knocked out by a surprise blow to the back of her head...by Rem.

"Frederica onee sama. I'm sorry, this is for your own good."

Rem gazed apologitectly at Subaru.

"Please spare her."

"..."

"She's a good person, a good friend! Please, Rem begs of you!"
"Okay."

She smiled, but it fell when he look at Ovidius.

"Ovidius."
"Hm?"

"There's are a room underneath the mansion. Break her arms and lock her up down there."

"Will do."

He then grabbed the chained up Frederica and dragged her away. Rem and Emilia were stunned in absolute horror.

"Su-"
"-Either this or Genau eats her. No other options, if we let her go, she'll try this again!"
"But."

"No, in a way, I know this is best. If word got out that she attacked me, she'd be executed for trying to attack a Royal Candidate."

Emilia and Rem both teared up, having to face the fact behind Frederica's imprisonment.

"She'll live, trust me."

He said this, without a shred of mercy within him.

Later that night, on the surface of the moon, the Red Lanterns were having a special meeting.

"Natsuki-san, what did the blood prophecies of late, spoke about?"
"Same thing, the city on fire and us getting more members."
"Anything else?"
"Why yes a name."

He looked out to the world, smiling.

"It's a city in Lugnica."
"Which one?"

"Priestella."

And with that, time would flow ahead, and in one years times, the moment Natsuki Subaru was waiting for, would come at last.

TO BE CONTINUED...