Miklotov reads the dragon tablet as it begins transcribing new words.

Sloth will attack The Capital

Sloth will retrieve Satella's Vessel

Sloth will revive the Witch

What? How could that be? Is that...

"Assemble the Sage Council immediately, and inform Marcos Gildark of the coming attack by the Witch Cult as well."

Attack the Capital? That doesn't make sense...

Bordeaux looks at me in shock, "Witch Cult?"

Bordeaux reads the dragon tablet's warning, then looks back at me in rage, "If we didn't allow that half-elf to run in the Royal Selection, none of this would be happening."

Bordeaux, you fool...

"The more concerning issue is the threat of the Jealous Witch being revived. Your concern should be able the safety of the Kingdom."

I woke up... last night was fun.

Emilia's still asleep. Wonder what time it is.

I should get up carefully not to wake up Emilia, laying the white silk sheets back on her back.

Stretching my arms and legs, I head downstairs. Not sure what to do. It's always dull when I wake up first.

"Beatrice?"

Beatrice appears right in front of me. Is that like teleportation magic? Whatever...

Beatrice stares at me, waiting for me to continue, "How are you today?"

Beatrice gives me an annoyed look, "You two love birds are annoying."

Well, I don't know what four-hundred-year-old spirits would think about uh...

I heard a noise walking down and turned to see Emilia with an almost seductive smile.

"Well, now we're all awake. What's the plan?"

Emilia looked still exhausted from last night. Both funny and, well, I'm not sure.

Emilia paused before responding, "Well, we have to defeat the Witch Cult and the White Whale."

Now that I think about it, I never really had a plan for any of that... this is annoying. I thought it just was like we had some radar or some shit. How are we supposed even to know where they are?

I sigh, "I'm not hungry. What about you?"

Emilia nodded back. We're both tired today.

This will be a lazy day. Now that I think about it, I'm not even sure what the fuck we're supposed to be doing now? Like campaigning? Do we need flyers or some shit?

I hear a massive gush of wind and turn around to see... Reinhard?

Why is he here? Is he knocking?

I watch as Emilia notices and walks toward the door to open it.

"Lady Emilia, the Capital was attacked today by the Witch Cult. The Sage Council requested you to be detained for questioning."

What? What the fuck does that have to do with her? Detained? Bullshit... I have no idea what they're planning.

I walk up to the door, noticing other knights that must've also come with Reinhard.

I stare at Reinhard, "What reason do you have to detain Emilia?"

Reinhard doesn't seem hostile, but he doesn't seem confused. He knows something and isn't mentioning it...

Reinhard looks at me momentarily before saying, "I'm sorry, Emilia, Subaru, but I must follow my orders. The Sage Council received a warning from the dragon tablet, it stated that the witch cult would attack the Capital, and they will retrieve the vessel for the Jealous Witch. The attack in the Capital was largely mitigated by many other knights and me thanks to the warning. A Sinarchbishop organized the attack and repeatedly stated that Emilia was the vessel."

Right, so you're going to believe a fucking witch cultist? Is he talking about Satella when he says the Jealous Witch?

'Beatrice, how do I respond to this? I have no idea what this even means?'

'I doubt we can do anything at the current time. Instead, ask how long the detainment will be and make demands, I suppose'

Demands? This is some fucking bullshit...

"Reinhard, how long does the Sage Council intend to detain her? I also need insurance so that she will be safe."

Reinhard looked down when I said safe, so she likely won't be...

Reinhard returns eye contact, "I'm sorry, Subaru, but the Sage Council said five days to integrate and ask questions. I don't believe the Sage Council will mistreat a Royal Selection candidate. That's all I know currently."

The only thing I can do is use a minimal amount of leverage against the Kingdom...

This may be rash, but looking at Emilia, I can tell she doubts the legitimacy of her 'treatment' as well.

"Inform the Sage Council that if Emilia is not returned within five days or less, unharmed. Then I will leak the information regarding the multiple deaths of powerful figures within the Kingdom to neighboring nations. That is not a threat but a safety measure."

Many of the knights looked furious when I said that. This may not go well... however, Reinhard doesn't seem-

He doesn't even seem to care but why?

Reinhard nods, "I will deliver your message for you."

Reinhard walks away from my door. No visible emotion, but his body language shows a different picture, yet he's still not even listening to me...

I watch as many other knights argue with Reinhard, but he simply leaves, taking Emilia in what looks to be some sort of magic-prevention handcuffs. What the fuck.

I will have to do something now, think... what can I do?

My only bet is that my threat will be enough to force the Sage Council into agreeing to my terms. The only issue is that I'm not sure if I'd be to tell what they did or how they did it...

What a fucking nightmare.

"Beatrice, do you have any idea what may happen?"

"No, but there is no doubt that Emilia's appearance will be an obvious problem. The main benefit of having a sponsor before, like Roswaal, was that if the Kingdom attempted to sabotage Emilia in any way, that would also be an attack against Roswaal. But since he's gone, nothing is holding them back. Other than the value they hold of threat."

Five days? Are you fucking kidding me? I swear to fucking god, if they do anything to her, I'll destroy this Kingdom myself.

I look at the door. It's Wilhelm? Why is he here? I'm not in a good mood for any antagonizing...

His appearance, however, is almost sympathetic... I wonder if this has any connection with Reinhard's strange behavior...

"The door is unlocked," I say loud enough so he can hear.

Perhaps that was rude. I should not be emotional under these circumstances... why am I?

Wilhelm walks in with a... I can't tell. I'm missing something big here, but let's see what he says.

Wilhelm bows, "I'm sorry I couldn't assist you in any way. I can tell you and Emilia we're close. My apologies"

Why is he apologizing? I don't know what he could do to help in the first place... I may ask.

"Wilhelm, I'm confused. As far as I'm aware, Reinhard took Emilia away to the Sage Council, where they're going to do god knows what. But I don't understand why you apologizing..."

Wilhelm's face turned to regret and anger when I said the name, Reinhard. That is the connection.

Wilhelm begins to collect himself, "Reinhard is my grandson."

So more than likely, he is not fond of Reinhard... How can I use that to gain knowledge on the Sage Council?

"Reinhard told me that Emilia would be detained for five days for questioning and then released... however, his words did not seem sincere. He stated that a Sin Archbishop attacked the Capital, hoping to find Emilia as a vessel for the Jealous Witch. My concern is that from what I remember in the Royal Selection, one of the Sage Council members did not seem fond of Emilia due to her appearance. I can't help but fear the future Emilia may have to deal with this." I say in a saddened tone, but I don't want to act right now. Just suppress my anger.

Wilhelm looks down momentarily before responding, "I hate to tell you this, but you're most likely correct. Since Emilia has no backing or support within the Kingdom now that Roswaal has died, it wouldn't be hard for Bordeaux to argue for either execution or worse..."

Who the fuck is Bordeaux? And if they dare kill her... what is happening? Usually, I'd be thinking clearer... regardless I should tell him what I stated as my insurance and see if he believes it will hold any merit.

"I'm not familiar with the people within the Sage Council, so I don't know who Bordeaux is. However, I also came to the same conclusion about her lack of support due to Roswaal's death. I told Reinhard to relay a message to the Sage Council that if they do anything to Emilia, I will leak the information regarding Roswaal's death and the many other deaths of powerful people within Lugnica to the other three nations. I assume that since they know I have a spirit of equal or more power than even they plan to kill me, the spirit will comply with my contract and relay the information... but I don't know its power in this situation."

Wilhelm stared at me for a moment. It seemed like a mixture of emotions, guilt, frustration, vengeance. God, what the fuck happened to him?

"Saying that as a threat to ensure Emilia's safety... it entirely depends on how and who will be in charge regarding her questioning. If the Prime Minister is told of this, he will act according to the insurance Reinhard gave you however, if Reinhard tells any other member of the Sage Council, I doubt it will change their view on Emilia... it's truly saddening for me to hear this," Wilhelm says as his voice resends his sadness at hearing this...

First thing is I need to learn more about the Sage Council... but then again, I'm unsure if I can do anything.

"Wilhelm, I appreciate both the sympathy and knowledge you've provided me. I'm not sure what I'll do if Emilia is executed. I don't even want to imagine the person I'd become..."

Wilhelm looked at me intensely, and something was still missing that he was not telling me. Perhaps it's personal and insignificant?

Wilhelm stood up and bowed, "I will inform Crusch of the situation. Given that we already have an alliance in place and it's not against the rules given the Royal Selection has started, it's possible that the influence Crusch has over the Kingdom may help... however if you're looking for advice on how to handle this, I'm not sure how I can help you. Everything in regards to Emilia's safety is entirely dependent on who Reinhard informs your statement to"

Wilhelm then walks out. I can tell that something must have happened, similar or worse to him. However, if they kill Emilia, I will destroy this Kingdom... what am I talking about? Where is this anger coming from?

Those fucking pieces of shit... I want them all to die. This Kingdom is corrupt. This system is broken.

If Emilia dies, this Kingdom will die with her.

So it begins. I just thought that's their strategy... how idiotic.

If Subaru cannot last until Halibel arrives, then the Calamity will happen regardless.

It sickens me that I'm forced to be a spectator for what they may do to my sister... however, I already made my move.

The only question remains if those so-called gods will continue meddling if Subaru is triumphant, or perhaps he may cause a different type of Calamity on his own.

Emilia, stop struggling...
"Stop, Reinhard. Why are you doing this?"

We are almost there.

"Lady Emilia, please relax. I assure you that the Sage Council will release you once you are confirmed to not be a threat to the Kingdom and the world."

She looked at me with both disgust and anger. I am a knight. I do what I am told.

"Reinhard, where are you bringing me? This is not how a knight is, blindly obeying orders regardless of the reason... nothing separates you from a criminal if you can't make decisions."

What is her point? I can make my decisions, but I have to ensure the Kingdom's safety...

"I'm bringing you to the Sage Council to be questioned like I've told you. We are almost there. I restricted your use of magic with the handcuffs that prevent you from using your mana to cast any form of magic. Please answer their questions, and I'm sure everything will be fine."

Hopefully, this will calm her down. I don't want to do this, but the threat of the Jealous Witch returning is not something I can ignore. My actions are justified. Nor am I unable to form my own decisions...

I walk up the stairs, and the full Sage Council is present. Oh, right, I must deliver the message that Subaru requested.

I bow, "Greetings honored members of the Sage Council. I have completed the assignment requested. However, I have a message that Subaru Nakamura requested me to give you. He stated that if Emilia is not returned within five days or less, unharmed. Then I will leak the information regarding the multiple deaths of powerful figures within the Kingdom to neighboring nations. He also stated that it was not a threat but a safety measure. That is all."

I hear Miklotov argue with Bordeaux... Subaru never did anything to wrong me, so it's fair if I request that the terms be followed as they told me.

"I also would like to be insured that Lady Emilia is treated in accordance with how you told me. Five days of questioning and release. No violent or inhumane actions should be allowed against a Royal Selection candidate."

I watched as Bordeaux stopped his argument with Miklotov and returned his attention to my request.

"Reinhard, you do not have the right nor authority to request that. The fact that a member of this half-demon was so bold as to threaten the Kingdom of Lugnica itself, I am ashamed you did not execute for that."

Execute? He stated it wasn't a threat... why would he even be concerned unless...

"I assign you to keep monitoring Subaru, do not make direct contact, but if he does intend to leak information that could threaten the Kingdom, you must prevent it even if you must kill the spirit he is contracted with. Do you understand?" Bordeaux's voice echoed throughout my head.

"Yes, I understand. I will leave Lady Emilia here for you to question."

As I walked away, I felt... like I was making a mistake.

I am a Knight who follows orders. A weapon. That is all I am.

However, I am the Knight to Lady Felt, and I doubt the Sage Council will care if I bring her with me.

I must ensure she is safe.

It's been a day... nothing has changed.

No information I gain helps. I hate this I'm fucking powerless.

I hate this sensation, not knowing if she's even alive. I hate this Kingdom for doing this to me.

Four days yet time feels like is has stopped. I hate this life.

I've spent so many hours trying to think of something I can do yet everything I come with ends in failure. The only thing I can do is wait... wait to either learn if Emilia was killed I just-

[Flashback Starts]

"Why did she have to die? Why couldn't I be the one"

*BANG*

*BANG*

*BANG*

Why does everyone I care for die? Why can't I be the one to die?

I try to live a normal life but this curse whatever causing this I just don't get why I can't die instead...

Why am I the only one that brings death to everyone I love.

I'm a disease... I just want this life to end why can't I just die?

I tried when my parents died to end my own life and failed... is that how useless I am?

I need to break of this bathroom.

I'll slam my head in this wall until whatever is keeping in here breaks or my skull breaks.

*BASH*

*BASH*

*BASH*

I'm out.

My head is bleeding but skull didn't break.

Maybe one of them survived?

I walk over to the the blood pool around what was my girlfriend.

My two friends are also dead...

I turn around they left a gun.

I walk towards the gun and pick it up, put it to my head and fire.

Why didn't it work?

This gun jammed?

What fate is this hell I live?

'This world is cruel, but blaming yourself for everything only makes you a coward. Afraid of the truth of the nature of humanity and the world. If you fear those you care for will die, become a man who won't allow such things to occur. If you think you are cursed, you are nothing more than a stupid brat trying to escape reality.'

[Flashback Ends]

"Subaru, are you ok?" I hear Beatrice ask me.

I look down. I'm on the ground.

My mentor saved me from the thing on Earth, but how long will his words bring me comfort?

I just need to get up... even if she dies, I still will destroy everything that caused me that pain.

If I need a reason to continue to live for four more days, that's enough of an explanation.

"Subaru?" Beatrice asks again

I get up, "I'm fine," my voice fading as I said it.

"Subaru, I don't know if this is a good time to tell you this, but... Reinhard and Felt are waiting outside."

What? What the fuck does he want?

He can burn in hell for all I care... but maybe I can use him?

If there's a chance, I won't give it up.

I won't let another person I care about die because I love them...

"Let them in."

My vision was cloudy, not the best if I wanted to achieve something from this.

I must regain control. I cannot do anything if I can't control myself.

I look around, the couches, the things she used to say she loved about this place... it's all just empty.

'I let them in. Get it together, Subaru. I don't know what's happening with you, but this isn't you.'

'The vision you have of me, Beatrice, is a lie. I bring death and despair to anybody unlucky enough to love me.'

'Subaru, that's a lie. Do you not realize I love you? I don't love you the same way Emilia does, but I care for you more than anyone else. I am not dead, and the only despair you're bringing me is seeing you like this.'

As usual, I'm selfish and neglect the people around me. But I can't argue with that logic. If I can prevent a future where she dies, I'll give my worthless soul or anything else to achieve it.

'Thank you, Beatrice.'

'Now go talk to our Reinhard and Felt and act how the Subaru I know would act.'

Felt... from what I remember, she was in a low-income area. Now that I think about it, I motivated her to be in the Royal Selection.

How can I use that?

I should stop delaying this conversation.

Judging by how they treat me, the Sage Council must think I will be executed.

Chains, torture, just like what I did or tried to do to Subaru when we first met.

They put something over my head, so all I can do is hear and feel this 'torture' they're trying to do to me.

I can only imagine what Subaru felt when I tried this on him.

"Admit it already. You're the vessel for the Witch. If you admit it, I can guarantee that Subaru will live."

What a joke. As much as I hate to admit it, I doubt we could live without each other.

I hope he's doing alright.

"Answer me, you stupid half-elf."

I don't care. He can torture me until he kills me.

The only thing that scares me about dying is how Subaru will react. He'll lose it.

"I'm going to try using fire magic now. If whipping you doesn't work, maybe burning you will."

Do it. I don't care. He's asking me to admit to something so he can kill me.

This is the dumbest integration. It's just pointless...

What is this feeling... something is healing me?

My body feels completely normal compared to moments ago...

"Hello?" I mumble, wondering what's happening.

"I forgot why I was here. Sorry, let me go back and ask what I must question you about."

What the? That was the voice of whoever has been 'integrating' me.

I already think I know who helped me, but I still don't know why...

A voice whispers, "It shouldn't be long."

It was her. Pandora.

I don't get it. Will she ever tell me the truth?

Will she ever tell me what happened or why she cares for me?

"Subaru, are you alright?" Reinhard asks me.

Why does give a fuck if I'm alright? He should know the goddamn reason I'm not...

Relax. Clear emotions. This a game I need to win.

"Yes, I'm fine. I shouldn't act like I'm fine, as that won't benefit me. I see you brought Felt with you as well," I reply with a relatively normal voice.

It's annoying when how you have to act is already how you feel. It's straightforward for the act to become real.

I look at the small blonde-haired girl and the Knight who took Emilia away from me and is now ordered to stay here. Fucking bullshit.

Well, if he's here, I'll break his concept of his knighthood. Better yet, I'll do it in front of the person he seems to desire respect from the most.

Felt stared at me for a moment replying, "I heard what happened. I told Reinhard he's a fucking dick for doing that to you and Emilia."

What? Wait... I forgot. She hates this Kingdom as much as I do. This is... better than I could imagine.

However, I'm sure Reinhard is used to Felt's comments. It's time to see if I can create something he can't refute.

I nod at Felt, "Thank you, I think we both have the same beliefs on this Kingdom. It's a fucking corrupt shithole."

First, I make Reinhard think I'm saying the same things as Felt. Once he tries to argue with me, I say what I've been waiting for his reaction to.

Felt nodded in agreement.

I can tell Reinhard wants to say something. What should I say that'll force him to argue against it...

"I wonder, Felt, if you weren't picked by the dragon insignia if Reinhard would care about you as he does now."

I used a genuine questioning tone, asking as if I was curious about her opinion rather than even bringing Reinhard into this conversation, but I will admit... I'm being sloppy compared to usual.

I looked at Felt. She was thinking about the scenario. It's a domino effect question. If you know someone won't treat you the way they do without something you dislike occurring, which in Felt's case was her being a candidate in the first place, then this question has merit.

Judging by Reinhard's body language, he's nervous about this coming response. He can keep a stoic face, but his body will show his intent regardless.

Felt regained eye contact with me, "I never of that. I guess I'd just be in the slums still..."

Now comes the response.

"Lady Felt, even if you weren't a candidate, I'd still care for the same. I promise you that."

Checkmate.

I raised my head as if I was being affected by Reinhard's words, then replied, "Let me ask you this. If you were ordered by the Kingdom to execute Felt before she was a candidate, would you do it?"

Felt looked at me in shock but then changed her facial expression. She's much more intelligent than she looks. She must understand what I intend to do with this.

"I would not execute her. How could you imply such a thing?"

I turn my head and disagree, "Reinhard, you are a slave to a corrupt Kingdom. Whether you can believe it or not, if the Sage Council ordered you to execute or imprison Felt before she was a candidate, do not lie and say you wouldn't. From what I remember, your just a knight who follows orders... a pity justification for inaction when you're fully capable of doing so."

Reinhard turned to me and looked genuinely mad, "Why create a hypothetical situation like that? What is your point?"

He's clueless. A slave.

"The very fact you didn't deny my statement proves you would've done so. That is my point that was just proved. A person with the power to end this Kingdom's corrupt and dishonorable system, yet you decide to be a slave to it instead. The sad part is I doubt you can change. Maybe if our positions were reversed, you might, but I still doubt it. If the Kingdom told you to kill the innocent, you would do it because you don't view yourself as human you view yourself as a weapon."

I've figured this out since I noticed how he acted strange around Wilhelm. Although this is about a 70% likelihood of being correct. I'm yet to be familiar with many factors in this world, but this is the best way to describe this man.

Judging by his body language and eye-axis cues, I was right.

Now it's time to drop this. It's not helpful to have a broken knight. He will have to teach himself the issues with this pathetic Kingdom.

"But regardless, I had a proposal to ask you, Felt. Assuming Emilia doesn't die due to Reinhard's actions, I'd like to form an alliance with you. The terms are fairly simple, regardless of who wins, since I don't care, we will agree to end the corruption within this Kingdom."

Felt and Reinhard both looked at me, shocked. I can tell Reinhard has too many things going on in his right now to think correctly. Felt is most likely considering I said, 'Assuming Emilia doesn't die.'

It's honestly surprising I've managed to keep my emotions in check for this long.

I look at Felt, who seems done thinking. She turns her head back in my direction, "I'm game. But Subaru, you can't hide it from me. I may look dumb, but I grew up in the slums. I can tell ya barely keeping it together right now."

What? Did I fail again? My hands there shaking... regain control. Regain it. I'm so close.

Maybe I'm not.

This shit again... great.

"Reinhard, what's the matter with him?"

He just collapsed...

"REINHARD, HELP HIM"

Whatever is the reason has to emotional. He didn't collapse due to physical causes.

I should touch him and sense what he's feeling.

I reached my and tapped his wrist.

[Reinhard's POV of Subaru's Emotions Start]

Everything I love dies, everybody, I care for dies. Why do I continue?

'Just give up and sacrifice it all to me I will destroy those who hurt you'

I don't care. I just want this cycle to end. I don't want her to die.

'I'll wait until you see her dead, and then you will become me'

[Reinhard's POV of Subaru's Emotions End]

The travel from Kararagi to Lugnica was an experience.

I won't deny Kararagi is far more beautiful and peaceful than this nation. Lugnica feels like a basket of negative emotions.

The map led me to this house that seemed part of this giant mansion.

It's disheartening. I saw many poor villages and towns. Now I know the reason.

Pandora told me to find a person named Emilia, a political candidate within this Kingdom and a man who would know the origin of this writing that is both on this seal and my father knew of.

But now, I'm not what the situation is. The closer I get to the house circled on the map, the more intense the negative emotions I sense become.

The only thing I can compare it to is what I'd assume I'd sense if I ever fought Zarestia myself.

I hear a girl screaming. Could this be the Emilia person I was told about?

Pandora said Emilia would be easy to spot as her appearance is similar to that of Satella's. She also said Subaru would be easy to spot once I see him. His appearance would be similar to that of those within Kararagi.

I begin walking towards the building, open the door to see-

"Who are you? Please help... Reinhard, Subaru, they collapsed. I don't know why or how," the blonde-haired girl told me.

Reinhard Van Astrea, the current sword saint, knocked out unconscious? From the looks of it, Subaru and Reinhard both collapsed...

Many assume power or strength is all that is required and neglect to train their mind. It seems even the sword saint, whose power is legendary throughout the world, could not resist the negative emotion I sense radiating throughout this room. The blonde-haired girl also to be so be affected but not as badly as the other two...

Pandora... did you know that I may be the only person in this world with the ability to fix this?

In most circumstances, this ability would be completely useless, I developed it for the sole purpose of my plan to remove the evil from the spirit of Zarestia. I never told anyone of this, however, as my mission was to kill that spirit. however, I thought Kararagi losing a powerful spirit would be both a waste of an opportunity and my effort.

However, this may not work. I based it on how a spirit would react, not a person.

I look around the room. There was also another spirit here. A spirit in the form of a small girl. She seems to be trying to help Subaru.

Another issue occurs if I attempt this, if Reinhard becomes a threat, I will not be able to stop him. However, I feel the time is ticking, and Emilia is not here.

I should ask this blonde-haired girl what happened and if she knows where Emilia is.

"Excuse me, could you please explain to me what happened? I was sent here to protect Subaru and Emilia however, it seems I'm too late."

The girl looked at me, not hostile or afraid of my appearance being that of the wolf race. Rather she's debating whether trust me or not...

She gets up and turns to me, "I don't know exactly what happened. But Emilia is being questioned by the Sage Council. So her location only Reinhard would know. If you can help them, please do..."

"What is your name?" I ask the blonde-haired girl.

"My name is Felt w. What's yours?" she responded.

"My name is Halibel. I see there also is a spirit here as well. I do have a technique I created for a different purpose. The goal was to tame an evil spirit corrupted by negative emotions, Zarestia. However, I have never had the chance to try it on the evil spirit so I'm not sure if it'll work..." I respond to engage the spirit in the conversation.

This technique is not mana-based but rather curse based. A curse is a form of magic... I'm unsure how to explain the sensation I feel, but I would compare mana and magic to pure and then a curse to be negative or evil.

The basis of this technique is by reversing the process of creating a curse. I've tried before and it worked, it seemed to work as the opposite of a curse.

I notice the spirit next to Subaru stare at me almost with a hopeless look. I should no longer wait. If this fails I'm not sure what will happen.

"I will attempt the technique though I cannot garuantee it'll work." I tell Felt on the spirit who has remained silent throughout this.

I place my one hand on Reinhard's forehead, and my other hand on Subaru's forehead. I begin the process.

However, I still don't even have a name for this technique. I guess I'll name it reverse-curse.

I begin forming the curses, only doing it in the steps opposite to how they normally would be created. I notice the spirit was staring at me most likely observing what I was doing. She seemed almost... impressed?

The feeling within my hands, my theory was correct. It's creating positive emotions. The only question is will be able to create enough to counter the massive amount of negative emotions within these two.

"Betty sees what you are doing, I will help I suppose" I hear the spirit say to me as she walks over to me and places her small palms on my back.

At that moment I felt mana being transferred to me. With this much, I should be able to balance the negative and positive emotions...

Five minutes pass, and I can tell the negative emotion has been reduced significantly. It is almost done. I turn around and see that the spirit helping me seems to exhausted. I should give her the container that had Zarestia's mana within it.

I see Subaru eye's open. He stares at me almost like he's in shock... if this ever happens again, I doubt this technique will work again. It requires a great amount of mana and may even side effects I'm not aware of yet.

Pandora told me that I could tell Subaru that she sent me, but there are others here. Perhaps I can hint at it and see if the kid figures it out.

"Hey kid, my name is Halibel," I say to Subaru, who seems to be getting a bearing on his surroundings.

"What the hell happened?" Subaru asks as he sees Reinhard is still slowly regaining consciousness.

"I am the only one who can sense this without having the effects Reinhard most likely had. When I first arrived here, the amount of negative emotion, I sensed I could only compare to what I'd imagine I'd sense from the evil spirit Zarestia. I developed a technique to negate negative emotions by changing how a curse is formed. Until now, I've never tried it in a situation like this, but it seems it worked."

This wolf-human named Halibel... was able to wake me from that hell?

Halibel was wearing clothing similar to that Japanese clothing. A purple robe with highlights of a lighter tone. He seemed both intelligent and strong.

While looking around, regaining the bearing of my surroundings, I notice Reinhard is still unconscious. He seems to be regaining it slowly, however...

He feels familiar... not to mention it's fairly obvious that Pandora sent him.

But I still have questions. Nothing is making sense. For one, I would imagine Wilhelm or anybody else within the mansion would hear Felt's screams for help... at least I think?

'Beatrice, how long was I out for?'

'You went unconscious yesterday around noon, and Reinhard also went unconscious around the same time you did. It's around noon today, so a full day and night. Felt has also stayed here waiting for Reinhard to wake up.'

'This man... I assume you already tried anything you could think of to wake me up, yet this Halibel was able to.'

'You are correct. I tried anything I could think of, but nothing worked. I watched what Halibel did to wake you up. It was... incredible. To see someone be able to create a new form of magic, I've never seen someone that can use magic to affect emotions...'

Well, it seems Beatrice is impressed with Halibel.

More importantly... Emilia. A day has passed, and I have no idea what may have happened to her.

I turn towards Halibel's direction and make eye contact, "Thank you, Halibel, for helping me. We need to go and save Emilia. Reinhard is unconscious now, so this may be our only chance."

Halibel looked at me as if he knew something I didn't when I said, Reinhard. But almost as in a way that my idea was wrong or perhaps I was wrong about something else?

Halibel stared into my eyes as if we analyzing me. He seemed to think before saying, "From my understanding, only Reinhard will know where Emilia is. I don't, and unless you do, we can't blindly rush in."

What? Does he not realize Reinhard will stop us if we try to leave...

"Halibel, Reinhard will stop us from leaving, let alone tell us where to find her... unless I'm missing something I've been out for a day, so I'm still a bit hazy."

I hate this feeling I'm still not back to normal, but better than how I was when Reinhard and Felt came here.

"Subaru, Reinhard will be awake in a few minutes... however, if he refuses, I will force him," Halibel stated, but when he said force, it did not seem as if he would force him with his strength...

"Halibel, you will not need to force him. I will." I hear Felt say to Halibel.

This is so strange... I need to know what happened or what made Reinhard go unconscious.

"Felt, what happened that made Reinhard go unconscious... tell me in detail what happened after I collapsed," I ask Felt.

Felt looked at me and hesitated. She probably realized she couldn't read me right now. Now I do have hope and almost complete control over myself.

"Reinhard saw you collapse, and I told him to help you... he put his hand on you and screamed... I've never seen Reinhard look like that. He was terrified and then collapsed." Felt said to me with both anger, and confusion in her tone.

That still doesn't make sense... how would he putting his hand on me make him unconscious? I don't get it...

I noticed Reinhard begin to move. I hate this... everything that's going on is outside of my control.

"Reinhard!" Felt yelled, hugging Reinhard.

It seems that Felt had a bond with Reinhard as well. I'm not sure how this will affect what Reinhard will do once we request where the location Emilia is being held.

I watched as Reinhard returned Felt's hug. His eyes seemed different than before. But I couldn't tell how. He seemed to be regaining his sense of his surroundings.

Reinhard turned to me, making eye contact. Did he look at me with... remorse? No, even worse then that, it's like, wait...

"Reinhard, don't tell me..." I ask him as he stood up. Remorse, pity... is Emilia dead?

Reinhard looked at me as if he was trying to figure out what to say...

"Subaru my actions, what I did. If we didn't wake up then..." Reinhard says as if he's... he isn't talking about Emilia...

Or is he? Wait he must be thinking if he didn't take Emilia then none of this would've happened. That or if Halibel didn't save us then Emilia would be dead.

"Reinhard, where is Emilia? We're going to save her from whatever is happening to her." I speak with both determination and conviction.

Halibel stated that he would be able to force Reinhard but I don't know what he means by that... if Reinhard decides to help us without whatever force Halibel was referring to that would be the best case scarnio.

"Subaru, I will take you and everyone else here and if needed, I will force the Sage Ccouncil to release Emilia."

What? What the fuck is going on... I didn't expect him to simply change sides instantly.

None of this makes sense. If he means what he's saying, then the potential effects of his actions could lead to a massive internal conflict within Lugnica, perhaps even a civil war.

"Subaru, I can tell ya don't understand. Ya don't know Reinhard as I do. The point you were trying to make before you both collapsed, he understands now." Felt says to me with a tone of excitement...

Well, she is correct. I don't know about this world or Reinhard. Felt would know him far better than I do.

"You kids are funny. Just relax, everyone. We will go and rescue Emilia, but we will avoid conflict unless forced to fight. Subaru, you seek vengeance, all of you do, but vengeance is a cycle that only leads to hatred." Halibel directed his words to everyone, myself, Felt, Reinhard, even Beatrice...

Those words... there familiar. Not exactly the same as my mentor said, but his point about vengeance is true.

I watch as the group turns to me for a response. I guess I should be the one to respond.

"You're right, Halibel. However, this Kingdom is corrupt. Cruelness without justification is nothing but violence. Justice and vengeance can be commonly intertwined. Should the occasion that justice is required, I trust your judgment in your response to said cruelness."

Halibel looks at me with a bit of shock. The line between justice and vengeance is very hard to measure. Most will seek out vengeance in the name of justice, while justice is entirely based on morality, while vengeance is based on emotions.

Halibel nods to me in agreement while taking out... that's Japanese. It says 'seal.' What is this?

"Do you know what this means and the origin of where this writing is from?" Halibel asks me, showing the container with the Japanese word.

I nod, "Yes, that is a language from my world. I am from beyond the great waterfall. That language is called Japanese. Your clothing also is similar to that of Japanese culture. The word says seal on that container."

Halibel seems both happy and relieved. Did he doubt something... I can only imagine what interaction he had with Pandora.

Yet the question remains why Pandora is helping indirectly? She did interfere once directly when Capella attacked, but since then, she hasn't appeared.

Something is going on that is directly related to me, Emilia, or both of us. What is the truth?

Regardless, we need to go.

Before I could speak, Beatrice spoke, "What is contained in that? From what I can see, it's pure mana. The amount equal to that of a Great Spirit."

Halibel turns to Beatrice, "Correct. This is what is left of the evil spirit Zarestia. I have no idea what to do with this, however."

"I have an idea. Leave that container here. Once we rescue Emilia, I, in fact, will create a new Great Spirit using that mana." Beatrice says in a tone of... excitement.

No, not even excitement. She can barely contain herself from smiling. I wonder why she is so excited about this idea.

Halibel looks suspicious of the idea, however.

"What are your intentions if you do create a Great Spirit?" Halibel asks.

Beatrice... laughed?

"Simple. Your nation needs a Great Spirit. I will create a Spirit for your nation. A spirit that is not evil and will be both an asset and protection for Kararagi. You saved Subaru, and if you never came well... the world would be empty. This is my way of thanking you, Halibel."

Well, Beatrice seems to like Halibel. I admit I do too.

"We can discuss this later. Let's go save Emilia. This is the plan. Reinhard, you will lead us to where Emilia is being held. We will not engage in any violence unless struck first. Once we find Emilia, Halibel will make his judgment. I don't think I am suited to do something like that. If Halibel deems justice is required, we will form a new plan and continue. If he doesn't, we will leave and return here. One final question, Halibel, you said you could sense negative emotion, yet you were unaffected by it. My only guess is that Reinhard was affected by it, and that's why he collapsed alongside me..."

Halibel laughed, "I sense emotions constantly. It's not a switch I can turn off. I taught myself mental fortitude and being able to function while being surrounded by negative emotions. Even the sword saint seems to be unable to protect himself mentally."

So it seems Reinhard had a similar ability to Halibel but most likely could turn it on and off at will or had some of the requirements to use it, like a gesture or intent to use on a specific person. He must've done that to me and then collapsed. That's the only reason I can see why Felt did not collapse while Reinhard did.

This also may explain his change in attitude so quickly... I wonder what he saw or felt when he sensed what I felt in that state. I almost pity him.

But before I could leave I heard a familiar voice.

"Subaru?" I turn around and find Wilhelm.

"Wilhelm, it's good to see you. Reinhard has decided to have a change of mind, and we're going to free Emilia. This is Halibel, by the way." I say, pointing towards Halibel.

I look at Wilhelm. He seems shocked but happy. Happy for what? I wonder...

Wilhelm stares at Reinhard, "Reinhard. I'm both surprised by this but happy. Good luck"

Reinhard looked in a state of joy... perhaps his family struggles go deeper than I imagined.

"Thank you, Grandpa," Reinhard says as I watch Wilhelm smile with the smile of two family members rekindling the bond they lost.

This world has so many... elements.

"Alright, Reinhard, lead the way."

Reinhard nods, and we begin our way to find and save Emilia, and if justice is warranted, then justice will be given.

The room had the scent of cruelty and the desire for one thing. Emilia is to be executed.

"She's refused to admit she's Satella's Vessel. I've done every form of torture I could do with the supplies given to me." A guard spoke who was directly assigned to integrate Emilia under the direction of Bordeaux.

"If she doesn't break with physical pain, then violate her body," Bordeaux says in a sick tone.

"Sir, you want me to rape the vessel for the Witch? I don't think that's a good idea..." the guard argued in fear and disgust of the order he was given... not to Emilia's sympathy but the idea of touching that half-demon.

"Do as you ordered. I will not tolerate any more excuses."

The guard nodded and walked back to the cell containing Emilia.

You guys can tell where this arc is going... it's going to be crazy pretty soon.

I'm not going to write about Emilia being violated, so if anyone is confused later if it did or did not happen, it did.

Another character that will be joining the Emilia camp will come soon as well.

Also, for anyone wondering what the fuck Halibel did to awaken Reinhard and Subaru, it's basically what he was planning to use against the evil spirit.

It's not canon, but I don't see why it couldn't be, so I let him use it.

No fluff chapters will come for a bit but yeah.

Let me know what you think I did with this chapter, as it was the hardest to make.

Also, I'm thinking of doing a 'Pandora's Past' chapter to explain more of everything going on, so let me know if y'all want to see that too.