A Good Joke

by Siegward Verathil

After being betrayed and forgotten by the most precious people to him. After getting imprisoned and tortured by those he once called friends. Subaru comes to the big realization that everyone is an imagination and everything is a joke/prank, etc.

10. A Most Wonderful Dream

Happy new year guys! Also big thanks to everyone that wished me a happy birthday:)

Just wanna say I'm sorry for the long delay. I've been sick recently and busy with life (Also been rewriting the earlier chapters. So far so good though. Finished the first four, so feel free to check 'em out and lemme know if you like the improved jokes/interactions and expanded scenes.).

I hope this chapter's length makes up for the delay. That said. Enjoy reading!

---

Darkness has begun to set in after riding for what seemed like an eternity. Subaru was, once again, trying to put as much distance between himself and anyone else that would be chasing him as possible.

Meanwhile, the newest addition to the group was taking in the sights with amazement. She'd occasionally linger her gaze at things she hasn't seen before, whether it was wildlife or a new variety of scenery. Or interact happily with Patrasche. She even tried interacting with him several times, whenever they take breaks, but his answers were short as he stayed focused.

"Where are we traveling to, Onii-chan?" She inquired after realizing she forgot to ask that.

"Town of Mirula." He answered. It was a half-lie, he was heading to the Augrian Sand Dunes but he recalled that town was the closest thing to it. He wasn't going to divulge what he wanted to do to someone that just joined in.

"Mirula?" She paused to think. She'd heard that name before but couldn't recall it. "Is it far?"

"Kinda."

He recalled it was at least a two months trip, but with Patrasche they might make it in less time. That is if nothing interferes and if he doesn't die of mana poisoning either.

Sistine said nothing but seemed genuinely excited about that. A faraway place meant more places to see for her.

They had been riding through the road that was surrounded by the forest until at last, they came out to a clearing with a small lake nearby. A good place to stay the night, Subaru thought.

"Patrasche, let's make camp here." Subaru called out to his companion who let out an agreeing roar.

"Finally!" Sistine chimed in, before realizing her mistake. "Sorry Patrasche, but I can barely feel my legs." She spoke gently to Patrasche as she dismounted from her.

Sistine began stretching her legs, one foot at a time, to get rid of the saddle sores. She was also enjoying the scenery before her. The moonlight shining on the blades of grass and the sound of the running water from the nearby lake and the smell of nature nearby, as well as the chilling breeze of the night, brought a sense of calm and peacefulness to her.

"Want me to unpack the bags?" She offered the same way she did whenever they took a break, however, Subaru had already unpacked the stuff from Patrasche such as the sleeping bags and cooking utensils. Then they started being organized around them, almost as if they were floating from one direction to the next. She was wondering how he was doing this, before concluding that it was his magic.

"Hmm... In that case, I'll get wood for the campfire." She looked towards the nearby trees and started moving towards the closest one and collecting any fire-worthy branches or fallen wood. Although Subaru simply waved his hand several times towards the same tree and a second later it split into separate parts with a lot of wood, branches, and logs falling around.

She was disappointed, as he kept taking things into his own hand, but tried to not let it get to her. Instead, complimented him on his magic. "Wow, your affinity for wind must be really strong. Not only do you make so many things float but you can also do amazing things like chopping an entire tree down in an instant."

'Wind affinity? I guess that's how Hopeless, Cor Leonis and Invisible Providence seem to others.' Subaru thought after hearing her words.

Wind affinity? Oh, how right she is! If only Nee-sama was hearing this. I bet you Rem-rin would want us to be her sister's horn instead of her hahaha.

He heard Pride's voice in his mind, but he ignored it and focused on the priorities.

Sistine was going to pick up the lumber before it started flying toward where Subaru and Patrasche were and unceremoniously dropped at their feet. "Hey, leave some for me!" She puffed her cheeks and her eyebrows furrowed with a displeased frown appearing on her face. "Honestly.." She murmured to herself as she felt useless to do anything.

Subaru sighed and relented. He was being unfairly harsh to her and he knew it. "We need a cooking fire." He noted.

"I'm guessing you'll just start it on your own." She grumbled in an unamused way as she saw the firestone in his hand. Suddenly he said, "Catch." and threw the firestone gently to her hand the same way he tossed the coin from when they first met.

"Huh?" She asked as she didn't expect him to trust her with a task, her face lit up however afterwards. "I'll get right to it."

He turned around and took out some fruits for Patrasche who ate from his hand, "Jiwald." He heard Sistine mutter quietly as the fire then started.

"Jiwald?" He repeated, puzzled.

"Hmm? Oh, it's a basic spell I use to heat stuff." She stated and demonstrated a heat ray of light from a finger towards a tree in the distance, which moved very fast for him to catch. However, he could see a singed mark on the tree. Before whispering to herself. "And there's also one that gives strength to make things easier to carry."

"I see." He responded while taking out meat, cheese, bread, vegetables, and other ingredients from one of the bags to use for cooking.

She immediately got up and looked at him with pleading eyes to help, as she wanted to know how to cook. He internally sighed and allowed her to cut the meat and vegetables all the while he flew the ingredients into the pot in order to cook it. Preparing the bread to be used to make meat, cheese, and vegetable sandwiches. A simple meal to make.

He also allowed her to make salad from the leftover vegetables, and do a taste test since that was something he couldn't do. Sistine meanwhile took in what she was doing very seriously.

Finally, the food was prepared and they sat next to each other, eating in silence.

"So, do you like the food we made?" She asked to start the conversation.

One of his eyes had a glint of mischievousness to them.

Ahh what a proper question to start a conversation with, don't you think? I wonder how you'll answer it. Considering you can't taste the fine-quality sandwich we've prepared ~tsu

His hands moved out of their own and broke the sandwich he carried in half before shoving one half into his mouth.

And the finer quality hors d'oeuvres she prepared ~tsu!

His hands again moved towards his portion of the salad that Sistine made, grabbed a big spoonful, and shoved that into his mouth.

But it's ok, Outer me! I'll be the connoisseur of taste for the both of us hahaha.

"Whoa, slow down, Onii-chan. You can choke like that, you know." Sistine cautioned as she watched the whole thing.

'Pride...' "Mh..." Subaru let out a muffled grunt of displeasure while chewing what his other self shoved into his mouth.

He gulped the food down and exhaled in annoyance.

Now, now. Where are your table manners? It's rude to talk while chewing. Show a little more appreciation for the Gourmet.

He rolled his eyes as his mouth moved out of its own and started licking his fingers before regaining control of his body afterwards.

He could hear Sistine giggling lightly, as she handed him water.

"Ahaha, I guess you must've been hungry. I'm glad that you liked what I made at least." Sistine beamed at him.

"Hey, so what's your favorite food?" She asked afterwards. She thought it was a good time to try and get to know each other better since they were still pretty much strangers despite the fact they were travelling together.

"I'm not a picky eater."

"That's not wh-.." She cut herself off before deciding to answer her own question. "Hmm, alright well mine is my mother's.. meat broth. She added so many ingredients that you'd think it would go bad, but it doesn't. It smelled so good and it tasted even better." She reminisced happily at the memory, before taking on a sadder look. "When I get better at cooking I'd like to make one like hers."

"A-anyway, umm... What's your favorite color then?" She asked to return to the original topic and not be stuck in her memories.

"What I'm wearing." He answered without pointing out any specific color. Had he been his past self, he would've instantly answered "Black and orange!", but now it didn't matter.

Sistine looked his outfit over. He had worn black trousers tucked into grey shoes with black lacings, a black shirt that matched the color of his trousers, and a black travelling cloak alongside the dark red scarf that Sistine gifted him.

"Black and.. red? Well, I'm really happy you like the scarf. It's made with my favorite color too!" Her lips curved upwards to indicate her happiness.

Red's covered, but she forgot to add 'Blue' and purple to that list. Those colors showcase friendship and TRUUUUUE~ camaraderie hahahaha! *deadpan* We should know.

Subaru's hand tightened after hearing his other self's answer.

*Excited tone* Oooh~ what a good fist clench! I could definitely feel the nails getting into the skin! Where's Juli when you need a manicure?

'Shut up.'

"All right, hmmm." Her voice brought him back to reality and made him loosen his fist and release a heavy sigh.

"Do you have siblings?"

One half was picturing Reinhard, Julius and Felix. Another half had images of Beatrice, Otto and Garfiel flashing through his mind, but he instantly shut them out. "No. I'm an only child."

"I guess that must mean your relationship with your parents is really good. What are they like?" She gave him a warm smile.

Dad's a jendere and Mom's a dandere, I think? Tough question but I like these questions so far!

Subaru looked somber at that question. 'I don't remember what they're like. All I see are faceless silhouettes. I might've had similar hair to dad, but now it's all white. I might've shared similar eyes with mom, but now they're empty. Still, I wonder what they think about me. Do they remember me? Would they even recognize me? Probably not..'

"Onii-chan?" She asked as she saw how his face looked strangely sad for a second before it returned to normal.

"...They deserved better than the abomination that they got." He answered in a quiet tone, almost as if speaking to himself.

Sistine was surprised and confused over why he would say something like that. "Hmm, I don't know how your parents are and I don't know what you did to say that, but I think your parents would be proud." She spoke gently to him "I mean, I'm living proof of it. If you were..., what you said you were, then you wouldn't have saved my life or everyone else's, right?" She added.

Subaru's eyes darkened. 'You're alive because Pride returned by death. I won't deny I had the urge as well, but I was still fully prepared to leave you in a world where you, and everyone you knew, were dead and you would've been nothing more than a bad memory. And now you're tagging along because of Pride. Meaning I'll probably end up being forced to rbd to save your life over and over... Like I did theirs.'

"You also wouldn't have given nee-san gold to rebuild mother's inn." She chimed in, taking him out of his thoughts. "So that's why I think your parents will be proud." She finished with a genuine smile.

Preach! We've also spread joy and smiles wherever we went.

"If you say so." He said absent-mindedly in a dismissive tone.

"I know so." She gently reassured, before her face had a pinkish tinge to it. "I-I mean.. my sisters and nee-san's betrothed's family collectively shared that thought too, you know. Patrasche thinks you're great too." She glanced at Patrasche in the hope she helps, Patrasche let out a noise that Subaru understood as if she was saying. 'Master she's right.'

They resumed eating quietly. Sistine volunteered to package the leftovers afterwards, to use as breakfast. Then she grabbed extra clothes as she was going to wash up in the nearby lake.

"Hey Subaru, y-you won't look... R-right?" She asked nervously, remembering how the bandits looked at her and almost did other things to her made her quiver as she thought about it.

"I won't look." His emotionless voice suggested uninterest.

"You.. promise?"

"Yes."

"Say it: I promise."

"I promise."

She thought he seemed genuine and felt relieved at the way he said that. She decided to tease him to lighten the mood.

"You really promise?"

"I really promise."

"You really, really promise?" She squinted her eyes to make it seem as if she distrusted him.

He sighed loudly, making her bite the inside of her cheeks in order not to laugh.

"Mm," She stuck her tongue at him and smiled deviously. "I don't believe you now. Patrasche, I'll trust you to keep an eye on him for me."

Patrasche looked at her master and tilted her head before licking his face. Subaru began patting her while looking upwards to distract himself from his thoughts.

...

Minutes later, Sistine came by and wrapped herself in a blanket. Then she sat closer to the fire to warm up and dry her hair. "The water is surprisingly warmer than it looks, Onii-chan." She commented. She was going to suggest he take a bath before gazing at him.

Subaru was almost in a trance while staring at the starry sky. His expression was blank and virtually unreadable, but his dead eyes held what his expression hid. Somehow he seemed as if he hadn't seen the sight in decades.

It fascinated and confused Sistine at the same time. His face was clearly young, if she had to guess he would be a year or two older than her, but the way he spoke and the apathy in his eyes made it seem as if he has seen the worst of the world to the point where nothing excited him or interested him about it anymore, yet very simple sights like this stirred something in him.

She could only wonder what he has lived through that made him like this. She shuddered as she recalled the nasty scars on his torso and arms and he also seemed to suffer from bad dreams. Just who was he before and how did he live until now?

"Hey, uh.. can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"How old are you?" She asked out of genuine curiosity. "I turned 16 a few months ago, for example."

She watched how his eyes blinked to reflect her own question back at himself. After several seconds of pondering he seemed to exhale in defeat, almost as if he genuinely didn't know the answer to that question, before answering. "Older than you."

She pursed her lips in displeasure as it was another non-answer for her which she didn't like.

"Hmm, okay. Well, can I ask who you were? Before we met I mean." She tried to be direct. His name had been slightly familiar to her, she knew she had heard it somewhere.

He didn't respond. He continued staring at the night sky, almost as if he was intentionally avoiding the answer to that question. His lips were twitching, on the edge of frowning. He looked as if he was hearing someone taunting him.

"Blind, stupid, naïve, and a hypocrite in all but name more like. That's who we are." He snorted and mumbled quietly. To her, it sounded like he was speaking his thoughts aloud. Or maybe he was responding to the voice that taunted him?

'Why does he think so poorly of himself?' Sistine thought as she overheard.

"I'm sorry." She spoke. Gaining his attention. "I didn't mean to bring you bad memories. I'm just.. curious to know more about you. Please don't beat yourself over it. It was just a silly girl's silly question."

It was enough questioning, for now, she thought. So far it had only been non-answers. She guessed it wouldn't be easy to get to know him and so she'd have to earn his trust. Easier said than done with how distant he was.

He stayed quiet although he acknowledged the bad memories were always playing in his mind regardless of what she said.

The silence continued to reign with the only noises being distant wildlife or the fire cackling. She finished drying the last strands of her long hair at some point and looked around. Patrasche was soundly asleep by now, her head resting near Subaru's, while Subaru stayed on the lookout. He looked tired but kept himself up.

"You should sleep." She spoke in a hushed whisper, so as to not wake Patrasche.

"I'm good." He answered almost instantly.

"I don't think so, you exhausted yourself recently." She pointed out how he slept for two whole days from exhaustion. "For which I'm really grateful but still... You need to rest more."

Subaru remembered Satella telling him the same thing. "I'll manage. Besides, I took short naps during our breaks."

She wasn't convinced. "How about this? I heard when people travel in a group they take shifts when they camp. So..."

"No."

She pouted at his stubbornness. "Somehow I knew you would refuse what I'd suggest."

"Then you shouldn't have suggested it." His emotionless tone sounded cold without a hint of friendliness.

"Would it kill you to depend on me a little? Seriously..." She muttered in irritation at the uneasiness he was creating around him. She wanted to argue back that she was just being thoughtful, but decided against it.

She took a few seconds to collect herself and exhaled deeply to let it all out.

"Do you remember what I said before we headed out?"

"Hm?" He hummed with a questioning expression. He thought back to what she said, but she spoke out to remind him.

"I said that I'll try my best to not let you down and prove my worth to you. But I can't do that if you won't give me the chance to prove it since you seem to want to do everything by yourself. What I mean is... I'm not here to slow you down or have you look after me, okay? I want you to rely on me just like I'll rely on you."

For the next few seconds, he didn't reply instead his eyes looked as if he was thinking about it. Sistine felt nervous at the silence. She thought he would say that she shouldn't have come, or that she should just go back to her sisters.

His black eyes moved to meet her dark blue, making her more nervous, especially with the cold gaze he was giving. "If that's what you want."

"Huh? R-really?" She asked in disbelief that he just agreed, her unease had vanished. She cleared her throat before speaking with more confidence. "I mean, yes. It's what I want. And what I want is for you to sleep." She ordered with a victorious smile.

He said nothing as he moved to lie inside his sleeping bag, while she sat straight still covered by the blanket she had before.

"Three hours."

"But that's not muc-"

"Three hours. Then you wake me up."

She wanted to argue that he should rest a bit more but she knew he would just stay up if she argued. She released a frustrated breath before speaking. "Alright, three hours."

"If you hear anything moving, or anything suspicious at all, then wake me up instantly." He cautioned. "Even if you think it's your... Imagination.."

"Don't worry. I'll protect you." She smirked confidently and clutched a small knife she had for protection. "...Although I don't know how to use this." She said under her breath, which Subaru caught.

"You use the sharp edge."

"Wow, thanks." She rolled her eyes and pursed her lips. "I know that much at least.."

"Then you know how to use it."

His matter-of-fact response made her eyebrows tick in irritation. "That's not what I—Ugh..J-just go to sleep!"

One of his hands strangely moved, as if dismissing something, before he closed his eyes.

She huffed and crossed her arms then shook her head disapprovingly at his sleeping form. 'Honestly, he's so difficult! Was he always like this?'

...

She began to imagine shapes from the stars in boredom, also to take away her annoyance, or try to keep the fire alive by feeding it or thinking about her sisters and how they were doing now that she wasn't with them.

After a few more minutes she heard his soft snoring.

Her gaze fixated on him and saw his face was strangely peaceful, almost a completely different look to how he is when he's awake. He didn't look so expressionless now.

Her annoyance at him seemed to slowly fade away at this sight. It made her curious about how he seemed.

"...E..Em..ilia...Beatrice...I gave you everything...Why didn't you...believe me...Why...Why Reinhard..." He murmured in his sleep. His voice was tinged with heartbreak.

'Emilia, Beatrice, and Reinhard were they your family or friends?' Sistine questioned as she heard him whispering those names.

He started to hyperventilate. "...Let me go...Let me fix this...I have to..."

Sistine was alerted by this. He sounded the same way she did when she desperately ran to save her mother. 'Did he lose them and that's why he's so hard to talk to?'

She wondered if this was why he argued against sleeping. To not see the faces of those he lost.

"...I swear...I don't know...It hurts...It hurts...IT HURTS..." His voice made her panic as he sounded in genuine pain. She began wondering what to do. She also noticed his left arm scratching his right.

"...I'm Pride...Not Subaru...Stop hurting I said it.."

She grabbed his left arm to stop him from scratching and tried to focus on finding a way to help Subaru as he started sweating in his sleep. 'Pride? Umm, what do I do...? D-do I hold his hand?' She thought about it and hesitated.

"...Mom...Dad...don't disappear...I'm sorry...I wish I...remembered your faces...I wish... I didn't leave..." Tears dropped from his eyes at that.

Her hesitation instantly went away and her hand stopped grabbing his arm and instead held his hand like she did when he was having the other bad dreams before. She felt her own eyes start to burn after she heard all of that.

'Subaru... It sounds like you lost your parents as I lost mine...' She blinked back her tears as her hand gently squeezed his.

"Is this why you're like this? Because you got hurt really badly and lost a lot of people including your parents?" She whispered while watching him. Her fingers ran a circle on his palm then she repeated a prayer in her mind that her mother taught her whenever she'd have bad dreams.

It seemed to work as his breathing steadied and he appeared to have gone back to his peaceful expression from before making her breathe a sigh of relief at that.

Minutes later, his lips formed a smile and he let out a short laugh. "...Ha..ha..ha...Good joke..." He murmured cheerfully. His murmurs became unintelligible after that.

Sistine was surprised to see him smiling, more so that he was even laughing and managing to sound more alive than a statue. She noted he sounded more expressive ever since he first slept.

"Well, it seems you're having a better dream than the one you had before. I hope so, at least." She could only wonder what he was dreaming of.

---

It was a grand day for the citizens. A day of celebration and much joy to be had.

Many people were gathering here to celebrate, many activities were prepared, and many Lugunican banners and food stalls of all sorts were set up. Civilians, nobles, merchants, and knights were all over the place. Humans and Demi humans of all kinds. There were even several foreign dignitaries invited to witness this memorable day.

The Sages and all the camps and candidates were in attendance as well. Everyone was dressed in their finest garbs.

However, one person looked completely out of place here.

'Why am I experiencing the events of this day again?'

Reinhard van Astrea, the Sword Saint of the famous line of Sword Saints, the most beloved person the world has spawned, and a man with recognizable bright red hair, thought to himself.

While everyone was in a joyful mood, Reinhard was not. He felt deeply uncomfortable being here, with all the celebration going on around him. He was standing up on a platform with Felix and Julius next to him. They were dressed in their best knightly outfit.

He was surprised at seeing Felix's state, considering the last time he saw him Felix looked like a broken mess. Yet this Felix looked extremely happy with his tail swishing to the sides.

A spokesperson soon stood on a wooden stage and started recounting the heroics of the camps and especially the heroism of the Sword Saint. All the while Reinhard's discomfort increased.

"The Sword Saint has even slayed the seemingly unkillable Archbishop of Greed!"

Reinhard closed his eyes in pain at the false praise he was shown. 'Subaru and Emilia-sama were the ones who defeated that man, not me... I was incapable of inflicting harm against him until Subaru figured out his weakness.'

"Then, as victory was assured, he came face-to-face with the trickster himself! The wretch who wanted to bring us back from the brink of victory. And had the devil's trickery won over?"

"No!" The crowd roared to deny the man's words. Words that immediately drew Reinhard's attention.

"Did everyone succumb to that deceiver's honeyed words and compelling stories?!"

"NO!"

'Is he referring to... Subaru?' Reinhard thought in confusion. He felt his chest tightening at that thought.

"No indeed. For thanks to our great hero, we're all kept safe. While some weak-minded individuals may or may not have been charmed and entangled by the Archbishop of Pride's wicked tongue."

His chest tightened more at hearing that title.

"The blessed Sword Saint did not doubt it for one second!" The spokesperson yelled and shook his head towards the people. "No! He caught that villain single-handedly! Just as he single-handedly slayed the plague that was the Archbishop of Greed!" The spokesperson raised his hands and clenched them to demonstrate.

Reinhard was wondering why they were speaking about Subaru that way, especially since memories of him had returned. He tried to speak out but only air escaped his mouth.

The people were clapping loudly at the spokesperson's words before he quieted them down again to speak.

"Hear me now my good people! No Witch Cultist is safe from him! No Archbishops are within our ranks to spread their vile diseases! Give your thanks to him! To our Sword Saint!" He cheered and roused the entire crowd to do the same.

"All hail our hero Reinhard van Astrea!"

"The great Sword Saint!"

"Divine Dragon bless him and his family!"

The civilians were shouting in celebration of Reinhard.

'I have done nothing to deserve your praise. I should be scorned instead.' Reinhard refused their praises. It disgusted him to even think about it.

He didn't know why he was witnessing this all of a sudden. This was the day when the Capital celebrated the victory over the Witch's Cult's attack on Priestella. Nearly three or four months after Priestella had been saved.

Yet things were much different than what Reinhard remembers. That day didn't go like that.

The people had celebrated the victory, however, it was a rather short celebration since not all camps were present. Felix and the entirety of the Crusch camp weren't present due to the Duchess' deteriorated health, Julius wasn't present either, and the Emilia camp had their own things to deal with. There were also no foreign dignitaries.

In addition, there wasn't any spokesperson singling Reinhard out. All of the camps shared the praise over the victory against the Witch's Cult. The majority of the celebration was held at a ball hosted by a generous noble that Reinhard attended in his lady's name.

Suddenly an execution table was set up on the wooden platform, where the spokesperson was a minute ago, in front of the large balcony where the Sages and the candidates were seated.

Miklotov McMahon stood up from his chair to make a rousing speech about the victory of Priestella over 8 months ago. And how they retrieved vital information from a captured cultist. Information that led to the destruction of the Witch's Cult and all the remaining Archbishops' deaths or capture.

'What is happening? This is not right.' He thought to himself once he heard McMahon say "Eight months ago" alongside the Witch's Cult's destruction.

"Words aren't enough to show the amount of gratitude I hold towards you." Julius had quietly spoken towards him in a deeply grateful tone. He had an elegant smile adorning his face that befits his title. "Not only did you manage to halt whatever schemes towards Emilia-sama that he might have had, but now my identity is restored as well. I am forevermore in your debt, my friend."

"Julius-kyun is right, nya. Thanks to nyou~ Ferris managed to cure Crusch-sama. The bastard finally spoke on how to cure her after Ferri-chan broke him." Felix also thanked Reinhard in joy. He was having the best days of his life.

Reinhard's gaze turned stern towards them. He could feel himself getting upset and disappointed. At himself and his two... Friends.

While that was happening. McMahon had reached the end of his speech. "And now, without any further delay, let us proceed with today's main activity. The reason we are all gathered here." He spoke to the crowd before gesturing with his hand towards a gate that stood a small distance from where the main platform was set up.

"I, Miklotov McMahon representative of the Sage Council and adherer to our Kingdom's will, hereby commence the execution of the last of the despicable fiends belonging to the Witch's Cult. Let us cleanse the disease that has long since haunted our kingdom and other countries. Let this day be written in the annals of history as a day of victory and remembrance for everyone. Let the Divine Dragon's justice shine on us all this day!"

The crowd started cheering very loudly. They had been waiting for this day for a long time.

The gate then opened and a hooded figure was being dragged onto the platform by knights. All the while the crowd started throwing fruits and vegetables at the figure.

All the while Reinhard felt a growing dread that was increasing with each object that managed to hit its mark. Until at last, the figure was on the execution platform.

Then the hood was removed. Showing a man—no, a lifeless doll with white hair that somehow breathed. A blank expression on his face and vacant eyes that held only emptiness, almost as if staring at a starless sky.

He was very malnourished, the tattered rags barely clung to his skin. His dead eyes, however, gazed longingly at the beheading table as if he was greeting a dear old friend. His lips formed into a broken, forlorn smile as he knelt before it. Seemingly wanting this. Almost as if he somehow knew he would be going into a far better place than the one he was in.

"Subaru...?" Reinhard's blue eyes widened in disbelief. A part of him had refused to believe that it was Subaru they were talking about until he saw him.

"This shouldn't be happening... He should not be..." He whispered to himself. Subaru shouldn't be here. He was taken by the Emilia camp weeks ago. He should be in their estate not executed!

"...He isn't the Archbishop of Pride, this is a mistake.." He tried to protest towards the roaring crowd but his voice came out barely audible. His sapphire eyes returned to looking at Subaru and shook with grief at seeing him like this. 'Subaru, stand up please..'

"Now then, Sword Saint," McMahon's voice called out to him. "If you would do the honors. Do the world and your nation proud."

He noticed everyone else looked expectantly at him.

"Theresia would have been proud. As am I, dear boy." Wilhelm's voice was tinged with pride. It genuinely surprised Reinhard to hear that from his grandfather. The last time he and Wilhelm interacted, he called him 'Reinhard-dono.'

"Reinhard, we will go out to drink after this in celebration of our renewed relationship. So long as you're buying, brat." Heinkel sounded happy. It surprised Reinhard even more, considering their last interaction.

"You got this, Rein!" Felt encouraged him from where she was seated. She seemed to be praising her knight's heroics towards the other Candidates with reddened cheeks.

Reinhard's face turned serious as he slowly approached Subaru until at last, he was in position. He towered over his friend. His hand held out like an executioner's axe, to the immense excitement of the crowd. Ready to celebrate the moment it falls.

Then in the span of a second. Their faces warped from excitement to confusion and deafening silence as the person they all revered did the unexpected.

Their hero stood in front of the devil in a defensive pose.

"People of Lugunica! Listen to my words, please." Reinhard's voice spoke out to their shocked attention. He knew what he was about to do would ruin his reputation, but it didn't matter to him. It was the least of his thoughts.

"The man behind me isn't the Archbishop of Pride. He never was. This is a grave misunderstanding."

He glanced at the withered Subaru with a heavy heart. "I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me, Subaru. Rest assured I will make this right." He whispered to him before turning to face the crowd again.

"His name is Subaru Natsuki!" He cried out for everyone to hear it.

"And he's in the clear of any wrongdoing. It was my incompetence and uncertainty that led to this, therefore I am to blame not him. I beg that you release him." He bowed deeply to them, in the hopes that they would listen to his words. "I assure you he is not what you mistakenly believe he is."

Meanwhile The Sages, the knights, the camps, and everyone present simply looked at him as if he was sprouting a badly timed joke.

"What are you saying, Reinhard? He confessed to being the Archbishop of Pride." Julius tried to be the voice of reason. He was confused about why his friend was acting like this.

"You're incorrect, Julius. I firmly believe he said that in order to escape the torment he was put through in search of answers to questions he possessed no knowledge of." He spoke with an accusatory tone towards Julius.

Then it was Felix's turn. "I get it, nya. Ferris thinks Reinhard-kyun is feeling pity for the Archbishop of Pride. He's just trying to tric-"

"No, Felix." Reinhard interrupted. "He's no more an Archbishop of Pride than I am a hero. In fact, he's more heroic than myself. He accomplished a great many things. Things that are shamefully attributed to me and others." Reinhard confessed with dejected eyes. "He was also my friend..." His voice almost fell at that but he powered on. "And I regrettably failed him. Everything he said that day is true. His name had sadly indeed been stolen by Gluttony."

"Reinhard van Astraea." The commanding voice of Captain Marcos called out to him. "You are hereby ordered to execute this man before you. Are you disobeying that order?"

"With all due respect, Knight Commander. I'm on the side of justice. Which is why I cannot do this. Subaru is truly innocent. As I said, his name is stolen." His voice rang with conviction towards Captain Marcos and everyone else who could hear him. They looked at him in disbelief that he disobeyed the Sages.

"Reinhard-dono, what is the meaning of this?"

"-Hk! Shitty brat! You killed my mother without mercy, but he's where you draw the fucking line?"

"Rein, what the hell are you doing?! Step away from him!"

Wilhelm spoke accusingly. Heinkel bared his canines at his son and Felt spoke out of concern for her knight.

Reinhard held on firmly and unwaveringly with noble and majestic determination despite their words. He wasn't going to budge.

"Wilhelm-dono, Deputy Commander, Felt-sama. Subaru isn't a threat to anyone. I assure you, in fact, I assure everyone here that your thoughts shall change once you remember and recognize him for who he is as I do." He looked at Emilia in the distance and could see she had a frown on her face.

"Bah, why is he pitying this fiend? Has he been seduced to his side?" Bordeaux's disgruntled voice was heard as the Sages were all murmuring to one another.

The crowd was prompted by Bordeaux and started shouting in agreement.

"The Archbishop of Pride must be tricking the Sword Saint!"

"You're right! I see the devil's lips moving and the words are coming out of our Sword Saint's mouth!"

"He's affecting our hero with his foul tongue and treacherous presence!"

Some of them began throwing food on the stage and in the direction of Subaru. How dare the Witch Cultist affect their great hero.

Reinhard took it all on. "He doesn't have such power. If you still doubt my words or his innocence, then release him into my custody. I hereby pledge to take full responsibility for Subaru until I make everyone certain that what I say is true. I ask only to be given time to find Gluttony and correct this before I submit myself in Subaru's stead." He tried to reason with everyone. However he, or rather Subaru was met with more suspicion and scorn.

"A pathetic last ditch-effort! He clearly charmed our great hero!"

"Quickly, execute him before he affects us all!"

"DEATH TO WITCH CULTISTS!"

"He isn't an Archbishop nor does he belong with the Witch's Cult. I wholeheartedly swear it."

"KILL HIM!"

"It was my own lack of virtue and faith that led to this outcome."

"KILL HIM!"

"There is no trickery at play here! Heed my words, please!"

"KILL HIM!"

"Please listen to me! He is innocent! It is Gluttony's work at play here!" Reinhard became more desperate in trying to make sure that everyone knows what they were doing is wrong. But to no avail.

"KILL HIM!"

Everyone's voices melted into one as they all simultaneously yelled that sentence in frenzied unison. Their shouts drowned all other protests that Reinhard made.

'Why aren't they listening...? It must be me, I'm failing to convince them.' Reinhard was running out of options. He could spring Subaru out even if they don't believe him. However, if he were to do this, he would be branded a traitor and the nation's highest threat. Every other country would potentially back up the Sages in trying to eliminate him. He was strong enough to take on any challenge, however, his lady Felt would be endangered as well.

Perhaps if he restores the Divine Protection of Mind-Changing again he could convince everyone of Subaru's innocence. Yet he swore to never use that after using it to help his father...

Reinhard despaired even more and his despondent eyes looked back at Subaru only to find that no one was there.

'Subaru was just... Where did he go?' His eyes were scanning his surroundings for Subaru, but he seemed to have vanished without a trace or a trail.

He also noticed that the crowd was suddenly all frozen in place. Everything was frozen in place, including the banners that were flying, or the shop owners who were handing out merchandise.

"What has happened here?" He asked in genuine confusion.

He approached the crowd closely to see if there were any signs of life, however nothing. There wasn't a single sound or noise that came from them anymore.

"Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha"

His ears picked off a faint sound of laughter in the distance. He looked around but found no one, wondering what exactly was happening. For some reason, the faint laughter unnerved Reinhard.

Reinhard steeled himself and moved in incomprehensible speed towards the laughter in order to investigate, although, the buildings caught fire, the banners became tattered and the stalls were destroyed.

'I need to hurry up and put an end to what is happ—'

Isn't it...*Excited tone* Funny?

A voice crept into Reinhard's mind. Making him instantly stop at where he was.

'Who said that?'

When nobody listens or believes the words you say.

That voice sounded again. It was familiar for some reason.

It reminds me of a jo—It's the buildup to a joke. *Sighs in satisfaction* Much better.

"May I ask who you are?" Reinhard inquired but no answer came. His eyes scanned for any anomalies until he noticed a figure standing a short distance away from him.

His Blessings began warning him that this individual had no Divine Protections of their own, however, they were a threat. Somehow the most dangerous being he had come across since his own Grandmother's corpse.

This individual was also exuding an aura of both murderous intent and utter joy that was directed at everyone and especially Reinhard.

A sudden noise came from Reinhard's side. The Dragon Sword Reid seemed to have been unlocked. It had met another worthy opponent, making Reinhard tense as his hand went to it. He became even more curious about who this person is as well as their intentions.

"That's enough." Reinhard called out towards the person that approached him, making them halt their advance.

He could now clearly view them. A woman with a thin figure and long black hair, wearing a black modest dress with black heels, a dark red scarf, and long black gloves that reached her shoulders. Eyes that had mischievousness and lips that wore a devilish smirk. What stood in front of him was very much the essence of elegance and beauty mixed into one, with her pale skin and black hair contrasting with her outfit.

Her breathtakingly beautiful features were foreign but also familiar somehow.

"Red hair." The girl called out in a sultry and playful voice. "And a sword, with scratches made by dragon claws. *gasps* If it isn't the master swordsman... Reinhard."

Reinhard felt as if he heard those words before. "Seems I needn't introduce myself, though the master swordsman is a bit much. I wish to know your identification, Miss." He demanded, then continued as his gaze looked around towards the frozen crowd and the destroyed surroundings. "I also wish to know if you were responsible for this and why?"

"Are those the only questions you want to ask me~?" She licked her lips and cooed. "How unknightly of you~ Mr Good at Everything~"

"Pardon?" Reinhard spoke in confusion and noticed she began checking out the crowd in the distance, noting each face.

Silence dominated the field for both individuals. It could've been an eternity for Reinhard who had been patiently waiting for this enchanting woman's reply.

A second that lasted a lifetime later. She sounded again, more seriously.

"We live in a society."

They were words unfamiliar to Reinhard. Or rather had no meaning.

"Whether you're an appa vendor, a lost girl, a thug, a bartender, a maid, a magician, Royal Candidate or Great Spirit, Duchess or Baroness, merchant or thief, Sword Demon or Sword Saint, blue or purple, mercenary or gladiator, knight or sage, noble or commoner, rich or poor, guy or girl, child or old person, human or demi-human. It doesn't matter really. You're all the same." It sounded as if she had practiced a speech that was inscribed in her mind thousands of times before.

"You-"

"Pardon me, but you should perhaps be clearer with your words."

She raised a finger at Reinhard's interruption, making Reinhard sigh.

"You people are good and honest." The girl's voice turned bitter and had a sardonic smile. "When one has a hardship you all help out. When a place gets attacked you all take part in its defense. And when a criminal is identified, you're all involved in the capture. Their poisonous pleas and fake tears are the incense to your negative emotions."

'It sounds as if she's describing an event that we both share. Who is she? And why is she talking in riddles, as if she knows something I don't?' Were the questions that came into Reinhard's mind as he listened to her words.

"Begging, shouting, and screaming won't work. No, you're too righteous to question anything and why would you? Why should you question his words? See to you, it's just a poor joke, a petty trick, a pathetic lie. 'It's all an act.', that's what you civilized people believe as the villain gets dragged away. Getting his just reward as your life carries onwards."

Reinhard felt something tug at his heart as he heard those words. He couldn't help but think of Subaru as he speechlessly listened on.

"Time passes by and you're now happy and fulfilled with nothing to worry about. 'It was all an act.', is what you once might've thought of about a bad event but by now it's a distant memory that makes you annoyed as you momentarily reflect on it. You shrug it off and instead focus on living out your best lives. All's well that ends well."

He could see the corners of her mouth twitching. Almost as if resisting the urge to either scowl or laugh.

"Then one day, suddenly, you find yourselves crumbling, barely able to stand. Your hearts hurt. Your brains tremble. Your lips quiver and your eyes glisten. You'll begin to.. plead, cry, beg, shout and scream. Imitating someone else's act..."

Sounds of cackles escaped her lips.

"Isn't that a good joke?" She asked in amusement all while cackling gleefully. As if the question itself was the joke.

She paused her laughter and looked at him. "Like the speech? I rehearsed it many times for a better occasion."

Reinhard's brows wrinkled with visible seriousness and concern at what this woman was saying. He was about to respond when she spoke up again.

"Ara~ does the lovely lady's~ presence make your face look so hot and both~ered?" She tilted her head and gave him a very cute smile.

"..."

"You can barely hold on to the urge~ Oh you poor thing must be deprived of lo~ve. Your lo~ng sword is already exci~ted at my sight and I bet your pants are dirtied from my mere voice~! What a masochistic, lecherous pervert you are~" Her voice became more alluring as she spoke flirtatiously towards Reinhard while playing with a lock of her hair.

Reinhard took a deep breath. "I ask that you surrender. There are more things I would like to ask you."

"Awww~ you're so ado~wable! I would give you a quickie.." Her cute smile became a frown of pure disgust. "But the sight of you disgusts me. It makes my saliva wither, my juices recede and my milk dry! Uck such a pathetic, rotten, virgin, and un-fuckable meatbag. I pity the blind, filthy whore that would choose to spread her pitiful, money-driven (because that's the only way you'll get undeserved action), legs to you. Gahahaha!"

Reinhard frowned. He recognized this speech mannerism belonging to those of Capella Emerada Lugunica, however, he could tell this person wasn't her. "I would still strongly insist upon your surrender. The Dragon Sword Reid acknowledges you as a worthy opponent but if I draw it out of its sheathe you will not survive." He asserted, despite the distress he was feeling. Something about this felt wrong. He didn't need to draw the Dragon Sword to end her threat, but he felt compelled to.

"It acknowledges me, huh? What a very, very, very, very, very interesting thing to know! Fascinating indeed!" The way she spoke changed and she cheered happily.

"Please stop this and reconsider."

"I'm like a monster so don't lower your guard. Do entertain me please." She smirked.

'That makes two of us.' Reinhard thought as he heard those, oddly familiar, words. "As luck would have it..." He stared directly into her mischievous eyes. "Hunting monsters happens to be my speciality."

He unsheathed the Dragon Sword, gleaming as it slid out of its scabbard with a metallic screech, and took a step forward. His Divine Protections activated, his sword raised and he took an offensive stance ready to end this in one single strike.

"I am sorry." He spoke as he prepared to end her.

"What will you show me?" She asked as she watched the mana going into the sword, making it glow.

"The swordplay of the Astrea family—"

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!"

In a show of absolute madness, the woman burst out with crazed and unrestrained laughter. She sounded as if she heard the funniest thing despite her being mere seconds from unavoidable death. Reinhard didn't know why but he felt genuinely uncomfortable and uneasy.

"You fell right into it! I got you to say those classic Reinhard lines and draw your sword at the same time!"

She snapped her fingers. A second later and her clothes and appearance changed into a man with white hair that had once been black. Vacant eyes that once had more life to them alongside a big friendly smile. The proof Reinhard is a monster.

"..Subaru.." Reinhard uttered a stunned mutter. His blue eyes widened as he was taken aback by the shock of the revelation. Any attack that he was about to do halted, and his grip on the Dragon Sword faltered.

"Ta-daaa!" Subaru cheered in a jovial tone as he adjusted the dark red scarf on his neck. "Good prank huh? I admit I didn't think I could change outfits so fast hahaha. What an authentic disguise that was."

"Subaru, I deeply apologize, I almost.. Words do not convey how sorry.." Reinhard exhaled to regain his composure. He quickly deactivated his blessings and unsheathed his sword despite its thirst for Subaru's blood.

Subaru shot him an unimpressed and disappointed look. "No hello's? *pout* Straight to sorry is a bad habit, you know? Especially since you don't know what it means and you don't understand why you're saying it. Though I guess to you it feels the right thing to say. Tsk, tsk."

Reinhard blinked at the words. "...What do you mean?"

Subaru simply shrugged with a knowing smile. "Who knows? Anyway, don't feel bad, Red. You did nothing wrong this time or last time."

"I mean last time you simply interrogated a mysterious guy that was accused of a very serious crime and stood by as he was escorted. Who could've guessed that he was actually telling the truth the entire time about being innocent? About being the knight of a Royal Candidate and the contractor of a Great Spirit?" His smile grew at Reinhard's pained stare.

"Definitely not them!" He gestured towards the frozen crowd in the distance. "They wouldn't have guessed it HAHAHAHAHA! But if you still feel bad then well, it's no biggie. I've had worse. Months of worse... Or so they say. I didn't really have a calendar there."

Reinhard felt as if a dagger stabbed his heart at those words. The Dragon Sword was barely able to contain itself, it started trembling to escape again. Reinhard's own hands tightly gripped the sword's hilt. Pushing it towards its scabbard in order for it to not be drawn once more. He could feel as if a hundred invisible hands were trying to pull up the sword, but were being easily pushed back by Reinhard alone.

"Ahh but old pranks are old, let's move on! Let's get the festive mood up and get the celebration going!" His eyes brimmed with joy and happiness for Reinhard.

Subaru motioned towards the burning buildings, destroyed stalls, and torn banners. "This is what this day is for isn't it?"

"To celebrate your big, grand, gigantic, colossal accomplishments. The perfect accomplishments for the world's perfect man." His voice was dripping with pride for his best friend.

'I have no accomplishments..' Reinhard bitterly thought to himself as he ran a list of multitudes of things he has failed instead. Not managing to reach the Tower in time to save the previous Monarchy, and only managed to reach it with the Emilia camp's help almost two years later.

Not ending the greatest threats that plagued the Kingdom for centuries, whether it was the Witch's Cult or the great Mabeasts. And were it not for Subaru he wouldn't even find, meet, nor save his own mistress Felt from the Bowel Hunter.

Meanwhile, Subaru ended an Archbishop and two great Mabeasts within a very short time. Even in Priestella. Subaru was the one who rallied the citizens by giving them a heartfelt speech.

Reinhard was applauded and cheered for having done nothing significant other than delaying Regulus, until Subaru found his weakness, alongside slaying his own grandmother's corpse and estranging himself from his family even further. Subaru's accomplishments were given for him and others to falsely bask in.

"It was very impressive when you single-handedly took out Regulus. How'd ya do it?" Subaru's grin widened further and further. "Oh, but it pales compared to capturing the.." He struck a theatrical pose with his fist towards the sky.

"Sin Archbishop of the Witch's Cult, representing 'Pride'... Natsuki Subaru."

He emphasized each and every word while giving Reinhard a wink and a thumbs-up.

Reinhard's feet staggered and he closed his eyes in pain as those taunting words might've opened up a hole in him. His heart either beat too fast or didn't beat at all as negative emotions began weighing in on him.

Subaru reached within a striking distance of Reinhard. The perfect range for his sword that fought against its wielder.

"By the way, Supes." He said a name that Reinhard didn't recognize, which Subaru went on to explain. "That's one of the nicknames I came up for you since you're basically Superman with a sword hahaha. As I was saying, why don't you take out the sword again and attack me?"

Reinhard swallowed down his feelings and shook the bitterness off. "Subaru, please I'm truly sor-"

"C'mon, don't be such a stick in the mud. It's fun to let loose every now and then." Subaru interrupted him with a mischievous tone.

"...I will not." Reinhard refused him in sadness as he contained his trembling weapon.

"You're a knight. A hero, Reinhard, gallant and brave." He spoke in admiration and complimented him. "Always 'on the side of justice.'", before deadpanning. "Your words, not mine."

"Grk!" Reinhard grunted and grit his teeth as the Dragon Sword increased its ferocity. It wanted to be released and attack Subaru with its full might more than anything despite Reinhard's refusals.

Subaru sighed in boredom.

"How about a time-out?" Subaru offered and swept his hand through his hair before snapping his fingers.

A second later and the scene changed. They were now standing again on the execution platform with everything returning to normal. Everyone else, however, was still frozen in place. Reinhard was confused at the sudden teleportation before Subaru's hand clasped his shoulder.

"Let's enjoy this sight, Captain America, or Lugunica in this case." He spoke an unfamiliar name and gave Reinhard a big smile as he paused talking for a second, making Reinhard begin to easily win back against his sword.

Subaru used the moment of silence to look around the area until he glimpsed a beautiful silver-haired half-elf that stood in the distance.

He let out a sharp whistle. "Emilia-tan is really beautiful isn't she?"

"Inhumanly beautiful even. Hahaha, get it? That's a little demi-human joke for you there." He joked in an effort to distract Reinhard from his worries like the good friend he is. A sad smile crept up on Subaru's face as his gaze lingered on Emilia for a few more seconds.

His sight drifted towards a girl with crimson eyes and blonde hair that stood next to Emilia. She was wearing a golden dress and looked as if she was royalty herself.

His sad smile vanished, overtaken by a mischievous one instead.

"Gotta say. Felt looks pretty regal." Subaru commented. He noted that the only thing missing from her head was a crown. "Say, has your relationship ever... Progressed?" He asked suggestively.

"I mean I'm not sure if you're interested or if she's interested but the chemistry's definitely there, y'know. The age difference might be an issue. Well, unless you don't mind being a lolicon like a certain butler I know hahaha." Subaru chuckled and glanced at Reinhard and could see the redhead was slumping and wasn't looking at him or Felt at all.

"Touchy subject, huh? No worries buddy ol'Pal!" He gave him an encouraging pat on the back and began gently patting it to support his friend.

"Juli's had it worse. He always complained how Anastasia-san crushed his heart 'cause he got 'Who are ya?'-zoned." Subaru imitated Anastasia's dialect while looking at Julius with a fond smile.

His gaze turned towards Felix. "Then there's Ferris. The best healer in the world can't heal his lady... Tragic isn't it? I think it's tragic, so tragic, quite tragic, pretty tragic, really tragic because it's tragic ~ah." He brought a hand to wipe the invisible tears from his eyes. "It's almost as if Shakespeare wro- never mind, you wouldn't know who that is."

He giggled with his eyes darting towards every single knight with a very big, maniacal, smile. Then the Iron Fang nearby, and finally on Al. "What's better than a one-armed gladiator with terrific fashion sense?" He asked himself, almost as if telling himself a joke to use in the future, before returning his attention to Reinhard.

"I'll let you in on a little secret— I was in love with a half-devil before..." His gaze returned to Emilia. His crazed smile was replaced with that of love and adoration. "And now I'm in love with a half-angel. Her one and only Champion."

Trickles of sweat came from Reinhard unknowingly. He didn't know why he felt seriously threatened upon hearing that. A sense of dreadfulness made his stomach churn as he felt something truly sinister behind Subaru's words. The danger his blessings had warned him of earlier returned in greater force. It was almost ironic for him. His body held power that could destroy entire cities in the blink of an eye, but what he heard made him feel strangely apprehensive.

Threat...to all...

A voice echoed deep within Reinhard. He didn't know whether it was his own sword, his blessings, or the world itself who whispered that to him. Subaru is not a threat. He replied to that voice in his mind.

After a few seconds, Subaru sounded again. Making Reinhard pay attention to him. "Look over there, Rein." He gestured towards where the rest of the Felt camp stood. They were all dressed for the occasion and had smiles of their own.

"They look so happy. It's nice to see Old Man Rom grinning. And there's Old Man Wil #2, Old Woman Wil, oooh~ are those twin maids? In before they have horns. Hey, even the three stooges are all dressed up." Subaru pointed out the members of the Felt camp one by one.

Reinhard decided to speak up. "Subaru, I understand you are angry at me. I'm responsible for what you have suffered through and I'm deeply ashamed of myself. If my apologies aren't enough to express my remorse, then I am willing to accept what you wish. But you needn't fault them... the fault is purely mine."

"Sheesh. I barely say anything, other than noting down how much fun they're having, and you jump straight to conclusions, assumptions, and misunderstandings. If you hadn't said 'Subaru' I would've thought I became a delicacy again." He said in a fake hurt tone and placed a hand on his heart.

Reinhard bowed his head. "...If you must resent or punish anyone then please resent me. I deserve all of it. I place myself at your mercy and I will wholeheartedly accept any punishment you deem fit."

"*Sigh* I don't resent you or hate anyone calm down. No need to be so serious."

Reinhard could feel the wind of untruth blowing from him.

"Look around. We're both standing on an execution platform overlooking our most precious people to us that are cheering for my death. Such a happy occasion." Subaru smirked and jumped up on the execution table. Standing tall above it and towering over Reinhard. "A shame this funny event never played out though hahaha. I would've loved to perform on a stage like THIS!" He shouted cheerfully towards the gathered masses.

Reinhard felt a growing lump in his throat. "...Subaru I wis-"

"Be quiet please, thank you!" Subaru quickly interrupted him and shut him down, before he took on an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, that was a bit rude. Let's please start over again." He offered and proceeded to speak up.

"Hello, please excuse my behaviour. I know you want to say something and I feel very guilty to take up your precious time but I need to inform you that you shouldn't interrupt when a performer is on stage, thank you I'm sorry. I don't mean to bother but please be mindful here, thank you for your consideration. I would feel very delighted if you could please wait until the performance is over. Is that okay? Sorry, and thank you, dear friend."

Reinhard's face twisted to an expression of defeat and anguish. He knew Subaru was taunting him, but to hear him act with such insanity so as to now imitate the speech mannerism of Sirius Romanee-Conti filled him with more pain and guilt than ever before.

"Oh my! Don't look so down and gloomy. Let me tell you a good joke."

"Look at them, Reinhard." He gestured once more towards the Felt camp as well as Felt. "Look at your friends and family again." Reinhard's sad eyes followed what Subaru said.

"You'll fail them all when they need you."

'Just as I failed the royal family, father, grandfather, mother, grandmother...' Reinhard thought without listening to Subaru's words. He was envisioning their disappointed faces in his mind until at last, it was Subaru's look of betrayal. He could never wash away that look no matter how much he wished it.

"And most importantly," Subaru's voice called him out. "Like you failed me when I really needed you."

Reinhard felt he was deeply sinking into a bottomless abyss at Subaru's words. His cheeks felt wet at hearing that, and his vision became blurry.

"Reinhard..."

'I'm truly...' "You are truly..."

'Monstrous'/"Slothful"

Reinhard didn't reply to him. He couldn't. What Reinhard thought of and what Subaru said are words he had often used to describe himself. How can he ever deny those words? He was fighting to stay upright and not fall to his knees.

"I may hold the Authority but you're the real face of it, Reinhard. You could've prevented all of this but instead, you have wallowed in Sloth. Bathed in Sloth. Succumbed to Sloth. You are TRUUUUULY~ the very definition of SLOTH! Truly, truly, truly, truly, truly, truly! My brain trembles at your silence! At your averted gaze! Trembles, trembles, trembles! Your moment of stage fright sprung the whole prank from the start! I can never thank you enough for it!" Subaru continued his intensely passionate rant in an attempt to make Reinhard laugh.

Kill... him... KILL HIM. KILL HIM

Reinhard couldn't hear Subaru anymore. He was distracted by hearing that voice again at his lowest point, urging him onwards. It sounded like the crowd's voice earlier. His grip listened to it and the sword was, once again, fully unleashed out of its scabbard, glowing brightly as it did, and began guiding his hand towards Subaru.

"Pfft HahahaHAHAHAHAHA! There we go! I knew you would like the joke!" He jumped down from the table and opened his arms wide. Not caring that Reinhard is going to kill him.

Reinhard felt as if he was losing himself. He desperately tried to rein his sword in but to no avail. His loud grunts and creaks were evident in his failing struggle for control. "Hk!.. Why am I unable to..." He tensed as the sword got closer and closer to spilling the blood of Subaru.

"Because this is all a good dream. A wonderful dream!" Subaru sounded genuinely happy. "Usually, whenever I sleep I see the grandest prank of all meanwhile Inner me is on a date with Tella-tan... Probably boring her jealousy out of her. *chuckle* It's the first time I've had so much fun in a dream."

Reinhard's sword glowed even brighter after Subaru's words. Making Subaru more excited.

"Almost there, buddy! C'mon, toss a 'Swordplay of the Astrea family' at me! Let there be light!" He cheered on for his best friend.

"I refuse.." Reinhard grunted in defiance while trying to hold himself back, but his voice came out weak and lacked willpower. His body didn't listen to him.

Subaru spoke in a teasing manner. "Your mouth says one thing but your body does another." He made a 'tsking' noise. "And they call me dishonest hahaha."

"Subaru, step away! Please!" He shouted towards him and closed his eyes just before his sword could connect.

"Wake up."

A woman's voice called out to him and he felt getting shaken.

"That's my cue to wake and for you to go back to being a silent imagination. See ya Red! Mime to Felt that I s-"

---

He gasped as he opened his eyes and saw his surroundings change. He was breathing fast, his cheeks felt wet, and he was drenched in a cold sweat. He couldn't believe he was awoken from such a dream.

"Are you feeling unwell, Reinhard-sama?" That voice brought him back to reality. He looked at who woke him up. Carol Remendis, the old maid. She was looking at him with concern. "You were crying in your sleep. Do you want me to fetch you Ezzo-sama?"

'No, I'm not alright after what I just witnessed...' Reinhard lamented before answering her. "N-no.." He shook his head and cleared his throat. "Good morning and no thank you, Carol. There is no need. It was only..." His eyes looked haunted for a split second. "A bad dream. No reason to be concerned." He sounded robotic.

She stayed staring at him, seemingly unconvinced before replying. "In that case, breakfast is ready soon."

"Thank you. I will be there momentarily." She nodded and went away, giving one last glance of concern.

Reinhard got up and looked out the window. The early ray of the sun has just reached through it, energizing him due to one of his Blessings. His eyes looked back towards his room. Scanning it to make sure his sword was where it was, resting beside his bed and still in its scabbard.

Normally, whenever he sleeps, he dreams only pleasant dreams. Dreams about his grandmother, or his mother when she was awake. Dreams where he feels true happiness and his family didn't hate him. But this was the first time he's had this kind of dream. His face scrunched up and his sapphire eyes felt like tearing up again as he remembered each scene of what he dreamt with clarity.

He inhaled deeply for several seconds before exhaling. "Merely a bad dream.." He muttered to reassure himself that it was only that and nothing more. Before going to wash his face and dress up, avoiding to look in the mirror and at the monster that he is.

---

-Astrea Mansion, Felt's room-

"Felt-sama, it's time to wake." A girl with peach hair was shaking her golden-haired Lady to stir her from her sleep.

"...So early..Grassis.." Felt responded in a sleepy voice.

"I'm Flam. Grassis is preparing your outfit, Felt-sama." Flam corrected her as she took away Felt's sheets.

"Uuuuugh..Don't wanna... Just gonna stay in bed.." Felt spoke in frustration at the wake-up method per usual. While Grassis was nearby preparing her clothes for her and laid them across the bed.

"Your outfit is ready, Felt-sama. It's time to wake." Grassis spoke.

"Couldn't you.. devils gimme five minutes or...something.."

"We gave you five minutes, five minutes ago." They both responded with a deadpan.

"...Fine, whatever.." She lazily got up to wash her face and dress up in her usual outfit in a dreary mood as Felt usually hated being woken up this early, despite the fact that it had been nearly two years since her candidacy.

She still rebelled against certain things and preferred if she could go back to being a thief and living with her adoptive grandfather. Meeting with the nobles who supported her for example was always a bother. Ever since Priestella, her popularity has been on the rise. Increasingly so, and it was all thanks to the heroism displayed by her knight.

Once she finished dressing. She got out of her bedroom and towards the dining area. Followed closely behind by the twins. She began a small talk with them while walking. Ignoring the beautiful portraits of the family of her knight as she often did.

The maids and other servants of the manor greeted her respectfully as always along the way. Until finally she reached the dining hall.

She entered to see the faces of Rom, Grimm, Ezzo, Rachins, Camberley, Gaston, and finally... Reinhard present.

"Good day Felt-sama." Ezzo greeted.

Followed by Rachins, Gaston, and Camberly.

"Yo Boss."

"Miss Felt."

"Boss Felt."

Grimm gave her a silent nod of greetings as he sat plates towards the table with the twin sisters going to helping their grandmother in serving the food.

"Morning gramps." She said her greetings to one person of the group.

"Mornin'" Rom replied to her before noticing her smug grin as she was staring at Grimm rather than himself. "Bah, is that how you treat your elders? Where're all your princess-y manners at brat?" He grumbled. She playfully stuck her tongue at him as she sat next to him. Making Rom give a quiet chuckle and pat her on the head.

Grimm nudged Reinhard, seeing as he was the only one quiet. "Please excuse my... tardiness, Felt-sama. Good morning, I hope you slept well." He greeted with a polite smile that Felt could tell seemed forced. She also noticed that he had shadows under his eyes, which was rather unusual.

She ignored his greeting as she sat down. She hasn't really been in a talking mood with him lately. It had been like this more or less since he came back from his trip.

-O-

For the past 8 months, Felt (alongside Rom and even Emilia,) had gaps in her memories and had erroneously thought that Reinhard was the one who had helped her flee from Elsa while he stayed behind to fight through a very unexpected timely intervention. Although he still kidnapped her to his mansion after it turned out she was a Royal Candidate.

She always rebelled and attempted to flee the mansion every now and then but over time she managed to get along well with Reinhard, as well as the servants. Particularly the twins and their grandparents whom she took to calling 'Grandma' and 'Gramps'.

She also struck a friendship with Emilia, the person whom she started referring to as Big Sis out of affection.

She even managed to recruit additional help to her camp. Such as her adoptive grandfather Rom. Then the three thugs known as Rachins, Gaston, and Camberley. And finally, their most recent addition, a dwarf mage known as Ezzo Cadner whom they met in Flanders near the Astrea lands.

She was bored while reading about history with Ezzo Cadner in the study room of the Astrea Manor when the memories of what really happened in the loot house returned to her.

'Listen Felt. I'm going to buy us time. I'll give you an opening. So, when I do, run as fast as you can!'

'Stick out your butt, tuck in your tail, and run.'

'You're fifteen, and I'm seventeen. That means you're probably the youngest one here. Now, go! Felt!'

"Big Bro...?" She spoke in confusion as she remembered the boy with black hair and mean eyes. The one who really saved her from Elsa, by giving her time to run away and find help which fortunately was Reinhard.

"Huh? I mean err.. I'm glad you see me that way, Felt-sama. I see you as a little sister mys—Ow!" Ezzo spoke after overhearing her declaration but received a book thrown to the head.

"Why'd you do that for?!" He yelled while rubbing his head.

"I wasn't talking about you, idiot! Just shut up and let me think." She quickly silenced the dwarf while asking herself what just happened.

Why did she suddenly remember Subaru all of a sudden? She tried remembering the last time she saw him.

She remembered Priestella several months ago.

Felt had been resting with Rachins and Gaston after the exhaustion from the fighting had settled in, when she started hearing loud shouts and yelling of several individuals.

One voice louder than all others—

"LET ME GO! I'M INNOCENT! I'M NOT WITH THEM!"

"THIS IS A BIG MISUNDERSTANDING!"

"I'M TELLING THE TRUTH GODDAMMIT! EMILIA! BEATRICE!"

That voice continued to echo for a few more seconds before it got away further and further. She wondered what was happening. It had also awakened the nearby injured people and anyone else that were resting.

'What's all that ruckus about?' She asked in alarm and got up to investigate.

She saw knights dragging a person to a water dragon vessel in the distance but she couldn't see him clearly. There was a crowd gathering around that person, shouting and throwing all sorts of things onto him, and everyone nearby seemed too agitated and muttered something about an Archbishop.

She went to the main rendezvous room to ask and spotted Reinhard, seemingly lost in thought.

"It's strange that he spoke the truth... And yet everyone didn't attest to him and they were being truthful too. Beatrice-sama certainly spoke the truth as well, in regards to his smell akin to an Archbishop, and was certain it was his Authority that contracted her and possessed the ability of trickery. Was this why he attempted to end himself? Was it because his Authority didn't succeed?" Reinhard mumbled quietly to himself, asking himself unanswerable questions.

"Rein, what the hell's going on?" Felt's voice brought him out of his thoughts.

Reinhard frowned before answering. "Apologies if that disturbed your rest, Felt-sama. It would seem that Priestella, or to be more specific, Emilia-sama, Beatrice-sama, and their camp has no reprieve from neither Witch Cultists nor Sin Archbishops. Rest assured, it has been taken care of." He was thinking back to Regulus Corneas and the intense fight they had then the more strange encounter with this new Archbishop.

"Tch, can't these assholes just leave Big Sis alone?!" She clicked her tongue in annoyance.

Reinhard nodded in agreement. "I do hope Emilia-sama doesn't reflect poorly on herself. It wasn't her fault." He said in pity while looking at Emilia, who stood a distance away and was slumping next to an irate Beatrice.

"The half-wit attracts these disgusting beings to mine presence."

Felt's ears caught what the Vollachian princess said. She looked at her and noticed she was leering at Emilia.

"Though I suppose that cretin was disgusting in his behaviour and made all this racket with the knife rather than amuse me by defending this charade."

"That's your take from all of this, Princess?" Her attendant Al conversed with her.

"Mineself has merely made an observation, you fool. These unknowing mongrels are unable to understand it."

"Could've spoken up if you think he's innocent."

"Hmph. I care not for the rattling of dogs beneath mine feet. Especially not one who is still barking for the attention of the half-witch and the little vermin."

Felt looked at Emilia who seemed to retreat back to herself. "Grrr...Shut the hell up." She growled in indignation at Priscilla.

Smug blood red eyes gazed at angry crimson. "Al, did I give this commoner permission to speak?" She covered her mouth with a fan.

Al sighed before speaking. "Princess, please drop it. I don't wanna suf-" The words choked in his mouth as Priscilla glanced at him unamused.

"I don't need permission to kick your ass." Felt spoke through gritted teeth, in a barely contained voice.

"Oho? The gutter rat bares her teeth. How amusing."

"If you keep talking, I'll show you how amusing my teeth can get you arrogant bitch!" Felt retorted.

Priscilla snapped her fan shut. "What an insolent tongue to direct at me. I could command Al to take off the tongue whose voice grates mine delicate ears."

Al eyed Reinhard and spoke. "Uhh, Princess I don't thin-"

"Be silent, Aldebaran."

Her words fumed Felt even more.

"I'd like to see you try! I'll just grate more than your ears!" Felt shot up from where she stood. Wanting to lunge at Priscilla, but Reinhard held her back. "Pardon me Priscilla-sama, but please be more considerate with your words."

Priscilla's gaze went towards Reinhard, peering strangely at him before covering her mouth with the fan again. "Hmph."

A new voice decided to chime in

"Aren'tcha being a tad heartless, Priscilla-san? We've jus' been through a lot, y'know." Anastasia had heard enough. Her words took away Priscilla's attention.

"It seems mine allure has attracted a slobbering pig."

The argument then evolved between Anastasia and Priscilla, meanwhile, Felt huffed and decided to go check on, and comfort, Emilia.

Afterwards, the camps had discussed killing the Archbishops of Pride and Wrath, but it was decided it was better to leave them alive and interrogate them for information. Felt and Reinhard then took on the task of escorting Sirius Romanee-Conti back to the Capital, while Pride was left in Priestella.

Then the weeks and months passed by and Felt and Emilia developed an even stronger friendship and alliance. They had even begun to exchange letters every now and again.

During one of those letter exchanges. Emilia had requested Reinhard's assistance in regard to reaching the Pleiades Watchtower. Emilia had decided to undertake the trip and ask the Sage Shaula how to restore the identity of the 'Nameless', via the suggestion of Anastasia, help those who had been transformed into monstrous creatures by Capella, among other personal reasons that had happened to the Emilia camp that they hoped the Sage could have a solution for as well.

With Felt agreeing to let Reinhard accompany the Emilia camp.

...

Her eyes were dilated with shock once she realized who those shouts came from and who that voice belonged to.

"That was him...? B-but how? Why?" More and more questions came to her mind.

"Is something wrong, Felt-sama?" Ezzo asked, while still rubbing his head.

"Is Big— Subaru Natsuki, where is he right now? Is he in Priestella?" Felt asked Ezzo. The pain of her throw subsided and confusion took place. "I..errr... I don't know? What's this about?"

Felt stood up and got out of the room, leaving a heavily puzzled Ezzo behind.

There were questions that she had no answer to and argued that no one knew the answer to it either. She had asked (or more like ordered), the trio she employed to try to contact Priestella and find out, however, no one could reach it for some reason. She even wrote letters to the Emilia camp, but no response came.

She received those answers days later when Reinhard arrived. His handsome face was perfect as ever, but something felt different about him. His blue eyes which often showed kindness shone with guilt and regret.

Felt asked him what happened on his trip and he explained they reached it but failed the trials, however, they killed the Archbishops of Gluttony. She then asked about Subaru and noticed Reinhard seemed more crestfallen.

He opened up and told her that Subaru was imprisoned in Priestella as the Archbishop of Pride all those months without the not-so-pretty details.

"I don't get it!" Her face was livid after what she heard. She began yelling angrily. "Why didn't they believe him?! We fought against Gluttony and got a feeling for what he can do. Why the hell didn't anyone think it was plausible?!"

She paused and looked at him. Her crimson eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute. You were there too."

Reinhard flinched from her gaze. He looked down and answered in a quiet voice. "It is as you say, Felt-sama... I was there, and I failed him..." He closed his eyes in guilt as his idleness caused Subaru to—

His hand moved out of its own and caught Felt's fist as always. "Get over yourself." She spoke in an icy tone that made him flinch again.

He let her fist go. "I apologize, I'm-"

"Save it. Where is he now?" She demanded of Reinhard.

He told her that the Emilia camp has taken him back to Margrave Roswaal's estate. Much to Felt's immense dismay. "Tch, of fuckin' course.." She thought about visiting Subaru. To make sure he's alright and safe from the ones who abandoned him to be imprisoned.

"Subaru.. is not the same anymore. He is very unwell and needs to recuperate." Reinhard spoke almost as if he got a read on what Felt was thinking.

"Yeah, no shit! No one would be the same if they get treated like that! I know it's that stupid Gluttony's fault for making everyone forget him, but they just abandoned Big Bro without giving him a chance!" She growled and her hand curled up into a fist

"Incompetent knights are one thing... But Big Sis of all people and that 400-year-old brat!"

The blonde princess exhaled and took a second to compose herself. She gave him a silent look as she then walked away.

He didn't understand that look. It must be her anger or disappointment at his failure. It must be her thinking he was a monster like everyone else. 'My incompetence led to this outcome.'

For the next several days their interactions were mostly one-sided. With Reinhard spending more time in the garden than before.

-O-

"Here you go, Cromwell." Carol's voice sounded as she placed down a plate for Rom, who huffed at that name.

"Don't call me that." He grunted in annoyance as he dug into his plate.

Carol ignored him as she placed down a plate for Felt. "And you too, Felt-sama."

"Thanks, grandma." Felt replied in gratitude. "Hey Old Man Rom, where's your manners at?" She poked him in the ribs and teased, making him let out an audible sigh.

Breakfast continued on without too many conversations, aside from minor talks between the three thugs.

"What's the matter with you man? Yer sounding grumpier than Old Man Rom." Gaston commented after getting bored with Rachins' attitude today.

"Yep, you even look grumpier than Old Man Rom." Camberley added.

"Shut up, I stayed late yesterday. I ain't like the fucking perfect bastard Reinhard who can stay up without feeling tired." Rachins dismissed them in annoyance before panicking a moment later as he received stern glares from Grimm and Carol at that foul language in front of their granddaughters. Meanwhile, Rom rolled his eyes at the other two for mentioning him.

"S-s-sorry gramps and g-granny.." Rachins nervously stuttered a quick apology.

Upon hearing Rachins' words. Reinhard remembered what the dream version of Subaru had told him. 'The world's perfect man.'

He frowned. 'Were I perfect, Subaru wouldn't have languished because of my ineptitude.'

"Reinhard-san, I can offer you a health check-up if you would like?" Ezzo offered as he saw Reinhard frowning.

Reinhard softened his expression. "You needn't worry yourself, Ezzo. Rest assured, your concern is unwarranted. I simply didn't sleep well that's all. I apologize..." He paused momentarily. It didn't feel right to say that word. "...if I gave off such indications."

After a few more minutes. Reinhard stood up and spoke respectfully towards everyone as he excused himself to train.

"Didn't sleep well my ass." Felt scoffed at his leaving form in a whisper. She had noticed Reinhard playing with his food more than eating it. Not an unusual sight lately. However today, he felt even more unlike himself somehow. She felt bothered by it even if she was annoyed with him but chose to not let it get to her.

---

"Switch."

Camberley was on the ground, breathing heavily from exhaustion. Rachins was bent with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath, while a very sweaty Gaston was now trying to hit Reinhard who was completely dodging each strike.

"One." He counted after each attack Gaston tried to land with his fists and legs.

"Two."

"Three."

"Four."

"Five."

"Six."

"Seven."

"Switch."

Then Gaston slumped and clutched his knees to breathe while Rachins gulped and resumed attacking with dual knives, or casting 'Goa'. At Reinhard. Thanks to Reinhard's Divine Protection of Training Mastery, each of their attacks were precise and helped them attain a stronger physique and fighting styles, but that didn't help against fatigue.

"Get... up you... lazy prick.." Gaston mumbled to Camberley who was too exhausted to even respond. Reinhard had unknowingly put them through intense training, in an effort to distract himself. Normally they would be happy, but today was too much.

"Switch." Reinhard sounded again as Rachins fell to the ground, his stamina depleted. Meanwhile, Reinhard's stamina hadn't been touched.

"...Aah... F..fine..." Camberley staggered to get up, resisting the urge to groan. He tiredly walked towards Reinhard and weakly thrust a shortsword, it never hit its mark.

"Again." Reinhard commanded.

Camberley tried to swing it this time, but his strength failed him. He tried once more but his hand dropped the shortsword and he fell to the ground again.

Reinhard looked at Gaston and took a stance. "Switch."

"Mercy... Mercy!" Gaston exhaustedly pleaded as he had reached his limit. "We been at this for four hours straight!"

'Has it truly been that long?' Reinhard questioned before looking genuinely apologetic. "Forgive..." He paused before continuing. "It is my fault. I was not thinking of the time."

"... I'm gonna die of fatigue and you're still standing up and not even sweating...You m-monster..." Rachins tiredly spoke.

'Indeed. I am a monster.' Reinhard agreed in his mind as he often did. "Refrain from saying that, Rachins. Those words are quite hurtful."

Rachins snorted and was going to respond but the other two came to Reinhard's defense. In the hopes he doesn't make them train again.

"(Shut up...Idiot)...Don't...Don't mind him, bro. Rachins' always had a lousy tongue."

"...Yep. B-Bet.. he got that from his dear papa. He's just jealous you're good at everything."

"Argh, fuck off both of you!"

Reinhard frowned at Camberley's words. Reminding him of what Subaru said back in his dream. 'Mr Good at everything~' He unintentionally seemed to exude a frightening aura, making all three shake.

"I was inadequate in your training today. Please rest up and refer to Ezzo if you need to recover faster." He sounded emotionless as he left them laying on the ground, drenched in their own sweat.

...

Reinhard was slowly pacing back and forth in the garden, the place where he feels the most relaxed. Carefully tending to all the colorful variety of flowers all the while his mind was occupied.

He was reliving how Subaru seemed in his nightmare. How he pointed out his false accomplishments. How he said he'll fail all of them... That he was slothful and he knew it. His father and grandfather certainly knew it. Even his own lady Felt now knows it. They were right to ostracize him and call him a monster as he brought nothing but pain to everyone.

He frowned deeper and deeper as he tried to shake off that thought. However, try as he might, the words of Subaru's dream version resounded deeply. Each word he recounted only increased the sinking feeling in his stomach. He didn't know how to categorize it, but it certainly wasn't a good feeling.

After several minutes of nothing alleviating his mind, he let out a heavy sigh and moved towards a nearby bench that overlooked the flowers where his grandmother used to sit. slumping on it. 'Dream or not. His words' effect lingers.'

He heard familiar footsteps approaching him. Then he felt a clasp on his shoulders. He didn't need to lift his head to know who it was. "Grimm? What is it?"

Reinhard heard Grimm writing something on a paper that he had for the purpose of communication, as his voice wasn't always clear. He lifted his head to read.

'Master Reinhard. You seem troubled as of late. Myself and my dear Carol worry about you. Even Mistress Felt to some extent, though she would not admit it.'

"I'm undeserving of making you worry about me. Though I believe Felt-sama dislikes me at the moment." He gave a small self-deprecating smile. "Perhaps more than she already did. I confess that I deserve it as I've wronged Subaru... Terribly. "

Grimm looked at him empathetically. He knew what happened, as the entire manor heard the yelling of Felt that day. However, Grimm could tell Felt wasn't as mad at him as she was at other knights.

He wrote. 'We all make mistakes, Master Reinhard. But nothing can be unfixed. Perhaps beginning with an apology?'

'You don't know what it means and you don't understand why you're saying it. I guess to you it feels the right thing to say.'

Reinhard shook his head. Remembering that the dream version of Subaru seemed to mock him for any apology attempt he made. Making it known that he only says it because it feels right and not because he means it. Despite the fact that Reinhard is truly apologetic for what happened to Subaru. "I am what my grandfather and father say." He whispered to himself.

Grimm sighed at overhearing the mention of his old friend, who chose to blame an innocent 5 year old for the tragic death of his wife. He scribbled on his paper and then nudged Reinhard. 'Have you been to see Mistress Louanna?'

"Mother.." Reinhard's voice mirrored the sad look in his eyes. "No, I have not been to her room. Why?"

'Perhaps visiting her will help to alleviate your worries, Master Reinhard.'

"...It...is...a...suggestion..." Grimm spoke hoarsely.

'If I see her, I would only be reminded of my monstrous nature.' "I shall consider it. Thank you, Grimm."

The old butler nodded and walked away.

Reinhard stayed looking at the flowers for a few more minutes before going back to his room. Deciding to take a bath and hoping it would relax him.

Afterwards, as he was dressing up again, he couldn't help but subconsciously reach towards the Dragon Sword to strap it to his waist.

Just before his finger touched the hilt, he stopped himself. Still curious about it attempting to possess his body in his dream, when it never did while he was fighting his grandmother's corpse. 'There was also a voice that said Subaru is a—'

As he pondered over picking it up and fastening it to his waist or not, the door was knocked and Carol's voice sounded telling him that his presence was being requested as he had visitors.

He put on a forced polite smile and strapped on his sword as he headed out. Ready to greet an unannounced noble here to proclaim support to Felt. And possibly arrange for her hand in marriage to their kin.

---

Reinhard entered the Felt camp's office to find Ezzo, Rom, a heavily displeased-looking Felt, with Flam and Grassis by her side, the exhausted trio and two knights, one of them a female, gathered around a table.

He felt slight disappointment at seeing another knight but remained steadfast. He assumed a noble would be visiting, not a knight.

"Sword Saint-dono, it's an honor."

"A pleasure to meet you, Sir Reinhard."

They both saluted and he returned it by saying, "Likewise."

"I welcome you to my family's estate and the residence of the next ruler of Lugunica, Felt-sama, alongside her camp." Reinhard politely added as he drew a chair.

"If there is anything you require, please do not hesitat-"

"Great, now that we're all here, what the hell do you want?" Felt asked impatiently, interrupting her knight.

The female knight spoke up, unbothered by the brash attitude of the Royal Candidate. "Lady Felt excuse my sudden request but we would prefer to talk to only yourself and Sir Reinhard."

They all looked perplexed by this strange request. Felt squinted her eyes at them.

"If you have business with Felt-sama then I dare say you have business with all of the Felt camp." Ezzo remarked. He stared at the camp members until his eyes fell on the trio. "Err.. you three excluded."

The three looked at him with betrayal in their eyes.

"Hey Boss, don't leave me out," Camberley complained.

"Oi, me too."

"What they said."

"Pardon us, but our orders were clear that we're only to confer with Candidate Felt and the Sword Saint." The other knight interjected.

"If you got anything to say, you can say it with everyone here." Felt crossed her arms and gave an ultimatum.

The two knights felt tense under the harsh gaze of Felt. They looked at one another and remained silent.

Reinhard could tell from their looks that it had to be something important to send knights to them, rather than a letter.

He decided to share his thoughts. "Felt-sama, I believe they might have important information perhaps regarding the selection. I propose to hear them out."

Felt didn't respond. Waiting for the knights to budge.

After a few more seconds Rom sounded. "I don't like this anymore than you do, but I agree with the Astrea boy. I too think ya should hear them out. Could be somethin' important." He stood up to leave.

"Ugh fine." Felt rolled her eyes and told the rest to get out. Although she had wanted Rom to stay.

Once everyone cleared out. Felt spoke with contempt at them. "Well? Spit it out already!"

She didn't like knights, especially not after what she found out regarding Subaru. Reinhard was the only knight she could say she somewhat tolerates even if she was upset with him.

The knight cleared his throat and spoke up. "Do you swear to keep what we are about to divulge a secret that doesn't leave this room?"

"If that's your wish then rest assured, I shall be discreet." Reinhard agreed immediately.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just get it over with."

"An additional question if I may. How is your relationship with Candidate Emilia and her camp?"

Felt frowned in annoyance. Before she would've said they were really good friends, but now? Now she couldn't say for certain. She knew it wasn't fully Emilia's fault, but still.

"May I ask for the nature of this question?" Reinhard answered in her stead by deflecting that question.

"We were sent by the request of the venerable Sage Council and Captain Marcos."

Felt squinted her eyes while Reinhard sat straighter in attention. He was ordered to take a month's rest by Marcos the last time he saw him, and yet it has been a little over two weeks.

"The venerable Sages would like to request the assistance of the Sword Saint regarding a matter that is... most dire." He spoke gravely, making both Felt and Reinhard listen intently.

Before he could speak any further, the female knight chimed in.

"Lady Felt, I apologize if my companion made it sound more serious than it is. The mission, while serious in nature, is a simple task for one such as Sir Reinhard to deal with, you have my assurance." She assured with her eyes admonishing her comrade.

Reinhard took a moment before responding.

"I see, though I'm unsure how my modest strength can be of help. What is the nature of this task?"

"You are to investigate Subaru Natsuki."

That name sounded loudly in both Royal Candidate's and her knight's ears. Felt's jaw slackened and her brows furrowed in confusion. Reinhard felt his ears betraying him and his heart skipping a beat at that name.

"Wait, wait, wait a minute! Did you say Subaru Natsuki?" Felt asked to confirm what she had heard. To which both knights nodded.

"...I don't quite... Understand. Why would the Sages request that?" Reinhard asked with a troubled expression.

The knights looked at one another again before the woman sighed and began to explain with a heavy tone. "Subaru Natsuki has killed a knight squad and sent serious threats towards the Capital, the Sages, and Captain Marcos."

The tension in the room drastically increased as they said those words.

"...You must be mistaken, surely.." Reinhard spoke with a lump in his throat. But the knights shook their heads in sadness.

The lengthy silence from both sides went on for a few seconds until the sound of laughter cut through the tension.

"Pffft Ahahahaha!"

Felt was clutching her sides while laughing wholeheartedly, confusing all three. "You gotta work on your bullshittin' skills. Do you really expect me to buy that?"

"Milady, it's true. There was a survivor from the knight squad that Subaru Natsuki butchered." The male knight explained with a grim tone.

"Uh-huh of course there was."

"His name is Darius... he has completely lost his mind after what he witnessed."

"I'm sure he did."

"He even attempted to kill Captain Marcos and kept referring to him as a traitor. No one knows exactly what Darius witnessed to put him in such a state."

"Lemme guess, he said Subaru did it."

The knight frowned at the snarky attitude. "He said the Archbishop of Pride told him he would attack the Capital after midnight."

Reinhard's Divine Protection of Wind Indication never activated.

They were telling the truth.

'Sin Archbishop of the Witch's Cult, representing Pride.'

His heart sank as he thought back to his dream where Subaru said those taunting words. How and why did it come to this? It's only been a short time since Subaru was remembered.

'...Natsuki Subaru.'

It's not possible. "...It isn't possible.." He murmured.

His murmurs wouldn't change that they were telling the truth. His eyes took on a defeated look. A desperate shadow enveloped his perfect face.

"Don't call him that! HE AIN'T THE ARCHBISHOP OF PRIDE!"

Felt exploded with unadulterated rage. Her voice echoed across the room once she heard how Subaru was being referred to. She glared daggers at both of them. "Get out!"

They immediately bowed their heads in apology toward Felt. "Deepest apologies, Milady, I meant no disrespect. I was merely repeating what Darius himself had worded."

"Tch, a knight's words mean squat to me! Especially since Big Bro is recovering from his imprisonment by YOUR hands!" Felt pointed out in a heated tone. Making both knights and Reinhard grimace.

"What the hell did he ever do to you, huh?! Why can't you just leave him alone?!" She continued on her anger-filled rant.

"Felt-sama." Reinhard quietly called to her with a pained voice.

"Don't start! Big Bro was imprisoned by the knights and now they're using bullshit stories and tryna frame him just because!" She yelled at them before turning her crimson eyes towards Reinhard and saw he was slumping and looking dejected.

"They spoke... the truth."

Felt lost her composure at Reinhard's words and gave him a baffled look. "W-What?"

He attempted to repeat his words but she kicked his leg from under the table and exclaimed. "Shut up! Obviously, because they heard about it from someone else and they believe it's true!"

"I acknowledge what happened to Subaru Natsuki is a stain upon us all." The woman tried to reason with the angry Royal Candidate. "Captain Marcos has sent knights that were oath-bound to not harm Subaru Natsuki in order to obtain information regarding his false capture. Those same knights are the ones that died."

"Nice try but I ain't buying it." Felt outright refused to believe her. Making the lady knight sigh as she wondered how to approach this.

"If I may interject. Why didn't the Knight Commander send for those involved in Subaru's... capture and brought them in for questioning?"

"He did." She answered and began listing. "However, the disgraces of Priestella were completely unresponsive. Out of the two main culprits, one is... Hard to say, while the other has not been found. And the situation with Priestella's citizens' is sadly unfeasible..."

Reinhard remembered the civilians shouting at knights who are sworn to defend them. His thoughts drifted to Julius and Felix. He last saw them in Priestella, did they perhaps make a run for it? Julius surely wouldn't. Then again. He himself was a culprit as well and here he was, escaping the consequences.

She continued. "Which left no other option to obtain information other than by asking Subaru Natsuki directly by bringing him in front of the Sages."

"And they didn't think maybe he would be unresponsive either!?" Felt argued. "And even if he could respond, what the hell do you want him to say? That he was imprisoned and treated like trash!?"

The knights stayed quiet. They knew that reasoning was poor, but it was what Marcos had told them to say. The real reason was likely something else.

"Yeah, I was right." She scoffed. "You're either lying or tryna pass someone else's shit unto him."

Felt's words ignited a spark in Reinhard's mind. In all likelihood, it had to be someone else. It made more sense for it to be someone else. Despite them speaking the truth, he refused to believe that Subaru was the one who killed the knights. He decided to side with him this time, rather than believe the words of others.

"Indeed. When I last saw Subaru, he was in.. poor condition." Reinhard's eyes winced at remembering Subaru's withered appearance.

His face looked serious and he spoke with conviction. "I'm aware you're telling the truth but I hope you will pardon... me." That word stopped feeling right, despite saying it thousands of times. He shook his head and continued. "If I say I'm inclined to side with Felt-sama. I too find it hard to believe he killed anyone let alone that he's a threat."

The woman knight nodded. "What Lady Felt has elegantly... said... is a notion that we all thought of. It could possibly be someone using an alias. Regardless, the Capital and the Sages are threatened by a person that easily dispatched several well-trained knights, and they called themselves an Archbishop of the Witch's Cult. Unfortunately, the main suspect is Subaru Natsuki. It was the Sages' idea to send Sir Reinhard to investigate him due to the friendship you share, alongside your alliance with the Emilia camp."

Her comrade continued from where she paused. "Thus the reason we are here. To ask for your help. The venerable Sages acknowledge the Sword Saint is on leave from duty and will grant you a longer vacation afterwards. So long as you perform your duty and bring him before the venerable Sages."

"So generous of 'em." Felt crossed her arms and spoke sarcastically.

'My inaction has damned Subaru once before. Thus it's my responsibility to prove Subaru's innocence this time.' Reinhard sighed deeply. Despite the guilt he felt, he knew he shouldn't leave Subaru alone to sort this mess. It's his duty to do this task to prove to the Sage Council that Subaru is in the clear. He was about to accept when Felt answered instead.

"Like hell, I'd agree to anything those old shits want."

"Milady/Lady Felt?" The two knights inquired simultaneously as the Royal Candidate just disrespected the Sages. Reinhard stayed silent.

"When people in the slums died or disappeared no one gave a shit or investigated. Sometimes it's the knights who caused it. So why should I care when knights die?" Felt bluntly spoke to their stunned silence.

"Milady, please reconsider." The knight interjected, hoping for the Royal Candidate to think about it.

"It's not just the knights, but the Sages-"

"They can fuck off." Felt coldly interrupted. "Big Bro is innocent, leave him alone!" She spoke through grit teeth with finality. Reinhard glanced at Felt and saw her eyes burning with a fiery passion.

Both knights meanwhile had a look of disappointment.

The man grumbled something and stood up to leave, while the lady knight bowed to them. "Forgive us for the inconvenience. I—we, wish you well on your candidacy." The lady knight spoke respectfully before following her comrade.

---

A door was opened, and therein the middle of the room lay a young, beautiful woman. She had been in the same state for nearly two decades now without a sign of improvement. He sat on a chair next to her bed, his eyes always threatened to spill at the sight. His hand lightly grazed hers.

Aside from his grandmother, she was the only person in his family that didn't see him for who he is.

"Hello, Mother," Reinhard spoke softly. He didn't want to be here but, after what he heard, he decided this was the best place to be. "I hope you will not resent me for taking this long to visit you."

He began detailing what had happened since the last time he visited her. He unknowingly started tearing up when he mentioned how he remembered Subaru and what had happened when he went to rescue his friend whom he damned with his inaction. All the while in his head, his voice was repeating the words 'Monster'.

"I needn't wonder what you would think about me if you were awake." He whispered after concluding his story.

He contemplated what to do afterwards. He wanted to go to Subaru. It was his duty, as a knight, as the Sword Saint... As a friend. To ensure that Subaru is innocent. He thought back to the dream where Subaru was brought to be executed. Where the crowd, including the Sage Council, was all convinced of his evil. "That mustn't become a reality. Subaru isn't a monster. He shouldn't be thought of as such."

As he was still pondering, a voice called out from behind.

"There ya are."

Reinhard rose from his chair and turned around to face her. "Felt-sama?"

She looked him over, noticing his eyes seemed red. "Were you cryin- Never mind that." She interrupted herself as she saw his hand holding his mother's. "Look, Rein. I want you to go to Big Bro."

"Does that mean you belie-"

"Urgh, don't be an idiot! Of course not!" She quickly interrupted him, before having a serious face. "The old farts will just send incompetent knights to Big Bro, using that same overdramatic bullshit as a coverup, 'cause they don't want to lose their reputation and people to lose faith in 'em." Felt fumed as she figured out the reason why they were blaming Subaru.

Reinhard's eyes had a look of doubt. The Sages surely wouldn't do that. Sure they treat him as a weapon, but they care for the kingdom's wants and needs. He would need to have a meeting with them to confirm this, which is likely to happen considering he didn't accept the request.

"And Big Sis is either letting it happen or doesn't know what's going on. Tch." Felt scowled.

"I was already considering embarking to visit Emilia-sama and to try and prove Subaru's innocence. With your permission, of course."

Felt flashed a small smile. "Now you're catching on. But I want you to try and bring him back with you." Her request confused Reinhard.

The blonde went on to explain. "I wanted to invite him to stay here anyway. He helped me out in a pinch, now I'll return the favor. Ezzo can help him recover and he'll be safer here than with them. I know he's Emilia's knight, but she doesn't deserve him. They didn't believe in him after everything he did."

Reinhard stayed silent at being reminded that he didn't believe in him either. He also hadn't really told Felt how badly Subaru was hurt, and could only imagine how she would react to seeing him.

She turned to leave but Reinhard called out to her. "Felt-sama. I would like to ask a favor before I bring Subaru here."

"Don't get the wrong idea." Felt turned to him with an annoyed frown. "Just cause I'm talking to you, doesn't mean I can stand you. So don't ask me for favors."

Just like that, she crushed what he was going to ask. Reinhard bowed deeply while speaking with a dead tone. "I understand. I'm s-... The mistake is mine if I made it seem I assumed otherwise." He corrected himself, making her look puzzled that he didn't speak as he usually did. She was going to ask but he beat her to it.

"I will be on my way then, Felt-sama."

He gave his comatose mother a look of goodbye as he mentally prepared himself to visit the friend he failed.

---

-Outskirts of Lugunica-

A white-haired man was humming and seemed to be in a great mood. To the surprise of his pink red-haired companion. He had been upbeat ever since he woke up. He did a weird routine that she has never seen before and he called it 'Radio Calisthenics', making her join him in curiosity.

He was more affectionate in his interactions with Patrasche too. She was the most perplexed during breakfast, however.

...

"Don't you think our sandwiches are good, Sisti?" He spoke in a cheerful way.

She was surprised that he intimated a conversation, let alone say her nickname. "Huh? Hmm, yes. They're tasty." She spoke while unsure of his attitude.

"How tasty, so tasty, quite tasty, perhaps it is tasty, could be tasty, certainly is tasty as it's certainly tasty ~ah" He repeated while devouring the sandwich. "Would be tastier with mayonnaise though."

"'Mayo-nayz'? What's that? Is it like Ray-d-eo Kalees-the-niks?" She tilted her head in curiosity at yet another strange word and his strange outburst.

"A sauce. A divine sauce that makes everything more mouth-watering. You would lick your fingers and slurp your plate clean! The making of true Gourmet!" He explained with a nostalgic grin.

"I would love to try it then!" She tried to match his new cheerfulness with her own. While curious about his sudden change.

After they finished eating. He allowed her to help him pack everything up, even giving her more things to carry when she pointed out she was stronger than him. Further surprising her that he's so agreeable all of a sudden.

...

She let out a sleepy yawn while still wondering what's gotten into him. She wanted to ask him about it, as well as the names he said in his dream but held herself off.

"Should've woken me up when I said three hours." Subaru spoke in a fake serious tone.

*yawn* She let out another one, before responding. "I'm really sorry, Onii-chan. I just lost track of time, and-"

"Calm down, I'm just kidding."

He gave a light chuckle while going back to patting Patrasche.

"Hey, are you alright?" Sistine voiced out, before adding in a nervous voice. "It's just, today you seem... Um, l-less... Inanimate."

Subaru's whole body shook in quiet laughter as he heard her description of his other self. He could hear him sighing in annoyance in his mind. "Does it scare you?" He asked.

She shook her head. "No, we all have different sides I guess."

"How true you are! Anyway, it's cause I had a fun dream."

"A fun dream?" She repeated, puzzled.

He nodded, which she didn't see as she was riding in front. "Oh yes, I was attending a festival in the Capital. Everyone was gathered for me."

"What else *yawn* happened in it?"

Subaru thought about it. "Many things! So many familiar faces were dressed up for a fun occasion. A big social gathering, if you will. Although, I shamefully wasn't dressed for it at the start but still! I played a wonderful prank on a best friend."

She leaned back into him.

"Let me tell you, I disguised myself as a woman, whom I like to call Natsumi-" He stopped as he heard her softly snoring. Subaru pouted disappointedly. "And I was just getting into the good part." He held her, however, so she won't fall from Patrasche.

=Several hours later=

They came across a blockage on the road. Multiple trees were lined up and Subaru could see a carriage, alongside some demi-humans that were working to get rid of the block, however, things were going slow. They were clearly exhausted.

Subaru summoned several shadow hands (including two to cover Sistine's ears), and used them to pick up all the trees from the road and toss them aside. Making the demi-humans stare in awe at him and began murmuring to one another.

A Hyena woman dressed in white robes approached the white-haired man, with a sleeping pinkish-red-haired girl resting on him. "My thanks, stranger. Ya've saved us hours o' hindrance. All th' work of 'em damned cultists." She spat on the ground.

"Oh, don't mention it! Just doing my bits for the community." Subaru answered with a big friendly smile. His other self seemed keen on the 'Cultists' part.

"I'd say ya have done a li'l bit more o' that hah." She flashed him a toothy smile. "What's yer name? I'm Calrena o' the Hoshin Company."

"Hahahahaha" Subaru burst out with laughter, before quieting down. Making the Hyena woman, and her companions in the distance, baffled. "Sorry, sorry, I had a feeling you were Iron Fangs. I'm a big fan, you know? Anyway, let me introduce all of us!"

He stroke the head of Patrasche. "My beloved Earth Dragon is Patrasche." He used another hand to pat the head of Sistine. "My sleeping companion is Sisti or Sistine. Her aftername is all fire at this point. 'Gone up in the smoke', or so they say."

"And my name is..." He paused for dramatic effect as a devious smile crept up. "Julius van Argyle."

He could feel his inner self's irritation growing.

The hyena demi-human scratched her head before having a look of recognition at that name. "Patrasche, Sistine Alfyre... and did ya say, Argyle? Are ya perhaps a relative o' Felix Argyle?" She inquired.

"Oh absolutely! We're connected through skin, blood and nerves. Practically housemates."

One of Subaru's eyes glared intensely, but he closed it.

"Housemates?" The hyena woman looked genuinely curious. The Hoshin Company has been investigating the whereabouts of Felix Argyle in the hopes Anastasia can salvage her knight's blunder. "Ye're tellin' me that Felix Argyle is in ye're house?"

"Of course! In Priestella too, all the knights are guests there. Such a warm place." He mused with a nostalgic tone.

The demi-human's eyes flashed with opportunity, however, she wouldn't be so greedy as to take advantage of the man that helped her and her men.

"I see. Mr Argyle, on behalf o' the Iron Fang, I Thank ya." She took out a small bag of coins and handed it to him. "Here, please accept it. A token o' our generosity."

Subaru gracefully accepted the reward. And said goodbyes to the friendly demi-human.

"This is for me." He juggled the coin pouch. "And that's for you." He whispered as he included a small gift for the Iron Fangs as he passed them by. A small satchel of firestones hidden underneath the carriage, courtesy of his Invisible Providence.

They continued down the road with him starting to hum again and patting Patrasche when his Inner Self spoke up in frustration.

You shouldn't have said that name. You shouldn't have spoken up at all.

"Hm~ hm hm hm~ hm hm~"

You've also wasted half of our firestones. Well done.

"Hm~ hm hm hm~"

Pride.

"Patrasche, do you like road songs?" He asked, to which she let out a silent noise of agreement.

*Heavy sigh* You know that the Hoshin Company has an information network, right?

"Good for them! You know, that's pretty useful stuff. Especially in a medieval setting." Pride replied with admiration evident in his voice.

Didn't you see the look in her eyes when you said our name is Argyle?

Pride eye-rolled at his inner self. "Has anyone ever recently told you that you're too paranoid and a worry wart on top?"

With good reason.

Pride shrugged him off. "You know, you've been tense lately."

Feel free to think why that is.

He looked at Sistine's sleeping face that rested on his chest. "Sheesh, is this how Inner me seems to you, Sisti? Poor Satella-tan for dealing with inanimate object over here."

I'm sorry if my lack of feelings is what's kept us alive so far. (Hmmm~ We did die recently though) I'm sorry if my lack of feelings is what's keeping track of everything around us. (Fair enough) Do you keep track of food? No. Essentials? No. Our safety? Definitely. Not. On top of that, you included another person for us to sacrifice ourself for.

"I'm not trying to hurt us, Inner me. Besides, I don't see the last part as a bad thing hahaha."

It's a bad thing when you realize where we're going to. Or who we might run up against. Would've been better if she didn't come.

"You know, you say all of that but you haven't said you don't want her to be here. Isn't that funny." He pointed out. His Inner self didn't respond to that, but he could feel his irritation still.

"Anyway, we should really stop this fighting. Otherwise, we'll miss the fireworks." Pride offered an olive branch as he looked back and could see the Iron Fangs' carriage slowly walking in the far distance, almost out of sight.

"And here we..." He held it on for a few more seconds. Making sure to close Sistine's ears as well as his and Patrasche's. "Go."

*Boom*

A loud explosion sounded in the distance. Making all the birds around them fly off and making the trees rustle.

He started laughing in excitement. "That's such a grand firework!"

At that Sistine slowly opened her eyes and murmured in a sleepy way. "Mh...What was that... Noise..."

"Don't worry, it was nothing. Go back to sleep. I'll wake you up later. Remember, it's your turn to cook Gourmet later while I give you pointers." He responded in a happy tone while still holding onto her.

"...You, got it...I won't let you down...I promise..." She softly replied and closed her eyes, nestling more comfortably against his chest again.

His smile wavered as he eyed the road.

"You shouldn't make promises like that to a guy like me. It always turns into a good joke."

...

"Unbelievable." A cloaked man spoke up.

"To think there is an Archbishop of multiple sins all at one... The Champion of Envy as well."

"Are you questioning the gospel?" His companion retorted.

"I suppose we have to make certain."

...

"You're sure he was riding a black Earth Dragon?"

"Yes! Patra was really nice." A young girl with pinkish-red hair answered.

"Did you see where... S... He, headed off to?"

The girl pointed towards a direction that led out of the village. "They helped us and the whooole village, but nee-san went with him." She spoke sadly.

"I see. Thank you."

---

Author's note:

Wooo here we go again.

I'd like to give a shout-out to all the fics who focus on the Felt Camp. I really had no idea how to write them, aside from Felt probably. So I'm sorry if any of them were too OOC.

A damaged Reinhard is a hard-to-write Reinhard.

Still, I can't believe it's been 10 chapters already though, with how much I wrote for my 2nd story overall lol. Could've done 20 chapters with 10k words, but I did the reverse. Oh well, quality over quantity. (Unless you think that's a good joke *ba-dum-tss* and that the quality's been dropped. Rip in that case.)

The Watchtower is coming soon. Will just probably take 1 or 2 more chapters to reach it. Don't really wanna rush it.

Anyway, I hope you guys liked chapter 10! I'll see you when I see you:)