I woke up. I'm in my bed. What the hell happened yesterday?

Was it a dream? No, it can't be. I need to talk to Subaru.

I look over and see him sleeping on the ground...

"Subaru," I ask, seeing if he is awake.

"Yes," I hear him reply as he opens his eyes.

I still don't understand how he sleeps on a hard floor like it's a regular bed...

"What exactly happened yesterday?"

Subaru sighs, "Roswaal is dead. Puck is dead. Do you not remember?"

It wasn't a dream, then. They're all dead... Pandora, I remember seeing her too.

"Subaru, what happened... Tell me everything!"

Subaru walked up to me and gave me a hug.

"Right now, we have a few issues to deal with. But I know you remember, so accept it."

So it did happen?

The thing that stopped me from killing Pandora was...

'Even if you kill me right now, Emilia, I won't blame nor curse you. I love you.'

I still remember that. I couldn't do it. Even if it meant killing Pandora, I couldn't kill Subaru... why does he still love me?

"Emilia, do you want some time alone?"

No! I don't want time alone... I just want to be.

"Do you?" I replied

He looked at me strangely before saying, "Okay, I'll stay with you."

Ugh.

How does he read my mind like that?

I just don't get it.

Wait, what about Rem and Ram?

"Subaru, what happened to Rem and Ram?"

"No bodies were found. Not sure if they're dead or not."

Okay, well, that's good. At least there's a chance they're alive...

Wait, today was the day that Crusch was supposed to come. This is bad.

"Subaru, what time is it?"

"10:00AM"

They are coming in two hours... what do I even say?

I have no chance now.

The Sage council was in a panic.

"Roswaal L Mathers killed by Lust.

Spirit of Fire killed by Lust.

Lust killed by Emilia."

The Kingdom of Lugina lost the great spirit of fire and the strongest mage in the Kingdom, if not the world, in a single night.

"What are we going to do?" Bordeaux asks Miklotov.

Mikoltov thinks momentarily, "There isn't much we can do."

"What do you mean by that? None of this would've happened if it weren't for that half-elf being a Royal Candidate. If news comes out that the great spirit of fire and our most powerful mage was killed, we will be vulnerable," Bordeaux argues.

"Well, what do you suppose we do then?"

"Kill Emilia, state the Witch of Envy returned, and the Sword Saint slayed her."

Mikoltov asks Bordeaux, "Do you think a single person would believe that?"

Bordeaux gets angry, "We must do something!"

Mikoltov weighs his options under the current circumstances. Real good options are only available to him.

If we act, we will alert neighboring Kingdoms. We have no king but are losing the spirit of fire and the strongest mage in our Kingdom. Reinhard must stay within the capital. That is final.

Bordeaux sighs, "Understood."

'Beatrice'

'Yes'

'This is the story. Everything remains the same, except Pandora does not come to save us. You casted a spell that sent Capella to another dimension like you did with Elsa. It seems Emilia doesn't remember much about Pandora, so I would rather not explain it now.'

'Alright.'

Okay, now that that's out of the way, the only thing I need to figure out is...

How to get Emilia, a new sponsor, is Emilia even mentally stable, and where to go...

"Subaru, I'm fine now," a voice called, walking down the stairs.

She recovered rather... quickly.

"So what do you suggest we do, Emilia? I don't know anything about this candidate coming here shortly. Still, it would be good to know if you have any information about her, it would be good to know."

Emilia looked up momentarily, saying, "The candidate's name is Crusch Karsten. But I don't believe she is coming here now that I think about it. Roswaal mentioned a formal invitation to the Royal Selection from the Crusch camp, so I'm honestly not sure..."

Great more unknown factors. No sponsor, and I have basically no knowledge of anything political. Not to mention we have no money.

"Well, we only have a few hours until they arrive. You get properly changed, and I'll try to figure something out. I'm not entirely sure what will happen to this mansion..."

"Emilia, do not mention a word about Pandora's interference to anybody. Remove her from the story and tell it how it happened, only instead of Pandora killing Capella, Beatrice did."

Emilia stared at me, eyes flickering with both bitterness and regret.

"Fine."

After this, I'll tell her what happened with Pandora. After all the events that have unfolded since I got here, it's... insane. I'm not entirely sure whether or not I have that return-by-dying ability anymore. Still, I would prefer not to risk it at all. Not only is there the obvious risk that I'll die, but if the checkpoint either changes to a point I cannot escape or doesn't change, I'll be set back for so long. Not a risk worth making.

Our only hope is the people coming here are willing to help us. We have nothing to offer, and I have no idea who takes ownership of the domain Roswaal controls either. Without any money or influence, it will be hard to convenience anybody... I still barely even know how to read in this world.

Seeing Emilia now is so strange. She's like a completely different person than when I first met her. I wonder what would've happened if she had never met me and continued down that path.

In a way, that very same question can also be applied to me as well...

Too many things are happening that my brain can't even keep up. Roswaal and Puck dying. Rem and Ram are nowhere to be seen...

I saw the woman I hated, gave my life to seeking vengeance, and didn't even touch her. But anytime I even think about that situation...

'Even if you kill me right now, Emilia, I won't blame nor curse you. I love you.'

That useless idiot.

But if I did kill him...

I need to focus. Crusch or, more likely, members of her camp will be coming in one hour. Subaru already gave me the 'story' of the events that happened. While I hate to admit it, not bringing up Pandora is the right call.

But what do I even have to offer? How am I going to get out of this mess?

It was foolish to think that clown was interested in helping me. I'm a silver-haired half-elf. Why would anybody care- yet he does.

If I gave up, I'd look even more weak and pathetic to Subaru. I need to act like someone worthy of being the King of Lugina.

Then again, I wanted to become the King of Lugina to gain more power, all with the ultimate goal of killing that person. Now I don't even know why I'm doing this.

"Emilia"

Can he bother knocking?

"Yes?"

"They will arrive any minute. I need to ask you something before we do this."

He stared into my eyes. I wondered if he liked my amethyst eyes. Should I tell him my second thoughts? I guess even if I don't, he'll know it anyway...

"I'm just wondering what the point is now? It feels like I don't have a purpose anymore."

Subaru walked closer to me, brushing my hair through his fingers. Is he trying to comfort me?

Well, I guess it's working~

"If your purpose of existence was to kill a single person, and that was it, then you lie. We all require a purpose or no reason to do anything. You already have countless possibilities for your future, and I'm sure becoming King of Lugina will help you achieve them."

Wait... I still need the dragon's blood to unfreeze the people in Elior Forest. I can't believe I almost forgot... was I really that focused on killing her?

Subaru's bringing me closer to him. I still don't understand why I deserve you.

If he believes in me, I have no reason to stop. That's why I'll continue. I'll become King of Lugina and free the people of Elior Forest.

"Thank you, Subaru."

I notice a dragon carriage from the window. They've arrived. I'm wearing my usual, and Subaru's wearing a butler outfit. We're presentable good.

"Subaru, should I accompany you?" Beatrice said, appearing from nowhere.

"Sure, you can come with Emilia and me."

Is it reasonable to bring Beatrice? She is a powerful spirit, and we will take her on our journey.

Felix and Wilhem. Not surprised; however a bit let down. We'll have to explain this to them and then Crusch again.

"Nyo, Miss Emilia, are you alright you seem a bit pale? And who is this with you?" Felix asked, staring at Subaru and Beatrice.

"Hello Felix, and I saw Wilhem with you as well. First, let me answer your question and introduce you two. Perhaps Wilhem should also be present... something has occurred that you both should be aware of."

I watched Wilhelm come back from behind the carriage and bow to me. Felix simply was staring at Subaru and Beatrice.

"Ok, let's start with introductions. This is Subaru, and this is Beatrice, a spirit contracted to him," I explain, pointing to the two as I do so.

"Subaru, Beatrice, this is Felix and Wilhelm," I said, continuing to point when I said the names.

I noticed Subaru glance at me for a second. Hopefully, I'm not doing this wrong...

"No, it's good to meet you, Subaru."

"Same to you."

I watched Wilhem simply bow his head. He wants me to cut straight to the point.

"Let me cut straight to the point, I would invite you two inside, but given the circumstances, I think that would be inappropriate..."

I noticed Wilhem looked interested, while Felix seemed scared of what I was about to say. I wonder if they'll even believe it.

"Roswaal and my spirit, Puck, we're killed by the Sinarchbishop of Lust, Capella. We only survived due to this spirit, who casted an advanced yin spell that transported the two to another inescapable dimension. Elsa Granhiert, the bowel hunter, was also here during the attack. I believe that their target was either Subaru or me."

They both looked both terrified and shocked. Well, mainly Felix and Wilhim have more of an expression of anger and resentment. Subaru told me to start paying closer attention to people's faces and body language. But I'm not sure if I can do what he does...

"Lady Emilia, why do you believe the possibility of Subaru and you being the only targets? I would assume Roswaal would also be on that list as well..." Wilhem asked with interest and confirmation to his statement.

"It's a very long story. I assume I will explain this to Crusch, so I rather only explain it once. As you probably know, I now have no sponsor, and I'm unsure who's inherent to this domain either. The Royal Selection our in a few days and..."

I don't even know what to say. What do I even ask?

"Given the nature of this situation, not to mention the sighting and killing of a Sin Archbishop, I see no problem taking you three to Crusch's manner to speak with her if you wish," Wilhelm stated. Felix said, nodding.

This uncertainty is killing me. It was a beautiful day outside. I'm with Subaru yet...

Just respond.

"Thank you so much," I replied and bowed.

I noticed Wilhelm staring at Subaru, but he seemed almost frightened. How strange. Whenever I see his eyes, it will...

Never mind that. What do I tell Crusch? I'm at her mercy and have nothing to go if she rejects me...

The carriage ride to Crusch's estate was... silent. Not unexpected, but I'm surprised Subaru hasn't even talked once this entire encounter. I wonder if he's thinking.

"We'll be at Crush's manner in less than fifteen minutes," Felix said.

Given the situation, she usually has a pretty happy tone, but that wouldn't be the proper way to act.

I wonder why I feel nothing for Roswaal's or Puck's deaths. Puck was the one that freed me, yet he never really helped me... if I continued on like that, I would've turned into a monster.

Roswaal simply used me as a tool to further his own agenda. The only one who saved me from that was... Subaru.

"Emilia, when the discussion diverges into what we can offer the Crusch camp, allow me to do the talking."

I couldn't see the reactions of Felix or Wilhelm, but I knew they would think something was off about that.

"Alright," I responded.

I'm not sure what Crusch will think of me if Subaru negotiates. If this fails, it's over.

Fifteen minutes pass, and we arrive at Crusch's estate. Crusch was wearing a masculine outfit. She seemed pretty imposing but also calm and collected. I would not stand in chance in negotiation with this woman. I've heard things about her reputation. Roswaal even told me she would've won without question if he had sponsored her instead of me.

Don't lose hope...

Emilia looks, well, hopeless.

This woman likes prideful. She may agree to an alliance if I can make her question her pride. Usually, we would be, but I have a single thing I can offer.

I should take over this conversation. If this fails, we are done for.

"Emilia, considering you already explained what happened, would you rather take your mind off it and allow me to explain what transpired to Lady Crusch?" I ask Emiila with a calm voice.

Wilhelm and Felix didn't seem shocked by my offer. After all, whether she realized it or not, Emilia seemed extremely frightened while talking to them. It does make sense now. Let's see if I can figure out how to turn this situation in our favor.

"Are you Lady Emilia's butler? I rather hear it from Emilia-" Crusch got cut off.

"Lady Crusch, I think you should honor Subaru's request," Wilhelm stated.

She glanced at me for a few seconds, appraising my value. She seemed like a very logical woman. Wearing masculine clothing, but I sense... a mask. It was just how I met Emilia, but not to the same degree. I can only speculate. However, this gives me an opening.

"Alright, Subaru. Please explain why you, Lady Emilia, and the spirit requested to speak with me?" Crusch responded, deciding to listen to Wilhelm.

"I can tell you're both a smart and logical person, so I'll go straight to the point. Roswaal L. Mathers and Puck, Emilia's spirit we, 're killed by the Sin Archbishop of Lust." I started with both a bit of sadness and resentment in my voice. If I talked usually, it would be a significant red flag. However, relying on sympathy will not get me anywhere after we discuss the important part.

Crusch looked like she was... it's weird. She looked at me as if waiting for something to occur, then resumed eye contact. How intriguing.

Crusch continued to stare at me before replying, "Continue."

She doesn't seem to care much for sympathy or formalities. I didn't even refer to her as Lady Crusch when I began speaking.

"Me and Emilia are the only survivors that we know of. The attack was premeditated and organized. If it were not for Beatrice, the spirit I contracted that day, Emilia and I would no longer live."

Crusch continued doing the same thing she did when I made my first statement. She gazed up momentarily, waiting for something to occur, then returned eye contact. I am overanalyzing.

"You state with certainty that it was premeditated and organized. What do you mean by that?"

Oh, so she wants to learn of that part. This is tricky as I'm not entirely sure the ramifications of revealing such information would be about a person believed to be loyal to this Kingdom. I should both give her the respect to feel unique and worthy of this knowledge while also stating the danger of knowing it. On the other hand, if I don't, then she will be less likely to cooperate.

"The information regarding who orchestrated it, I would assume, could lead to a disaster in the Kingdom if the public knows it. I also have connected it to another attack within the Capital. Anybody in this room that doesn't want the risk of knowing said the information I felt should be warned."

Crusch did the same thing again. This time she seemed very interested in what I would tell her, but she also appeared scared of what I may say. The words I just stated are powerful, and the very act of knowing something can bring you consequences as severe as death.

I looked around the room, Felix seemed scared, and Wilhem wanted to leave. Though he didn't seem afraid, perhaps out of respect?

"Lady Crusch, perhaps it would be better to leave the rest of this conversation private," Wilhelm stated as he gestured to exit with Felix.

"I understand, and if Subaru is correct on this information being dangerous to the Kingdom itself, the fewer people that are aware, the better," Crusch stated.

Perfect. Now the actual process begins.

The two exited the door, and Crusch began staring at me, waiting for me to continue, "I should warn you I have little to no proof to back up what I both witnessed and presume. I am certain the person responsible, but I still don't understand his motives or reasoning. The man who orchestrated the events that took place was Roswaal L Mathers himself. The Sin Archbishop, whose name was Capella, referred to the person who hired her as a client. My only guess is that Roswaal attempted to kill either me, Emilia, or even both of us, neglecting to realize the danger he put himself in. The other possibility is that he wasn't aware that he was hiring a Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult. That is the more likely option, as I don't think witch cultists are those who reason."

Emilia looked at me, confused. Maybe she assumed I wouldn't tell her this information?

Regardless the more information I give this woman, the better our chances for an ideal outcome. This may take a while to convenience her.

Crusch coughed, "Well, you're not lying. You clearly are not crazy or delusional. You speak with both confidence and compassion for what happened. I trust your judgment and what you've told me, but I must ask two questions. Why did you tell me, and what do you hope to gain out of this?"

What?

She simply believed me instantly? Either she's an idiot, or she doesn't care. Perhaps I overestimated the magnitude of Roswaal's actions. In any event, this does skip a lot of persuading I would generally have to do.

Instead, I should ask her about her plans for the campaign. What should I offer her? Her speech, perhaps?

"Both of those answers are directly tied together. Emilia no longer has a sponsor, and neither of us has a place to stay. While I am told you must have a sponsor to participate in the Royal Selection, I have already planned a counter to that rule that should suffice. You are most likely aware we have no money or much to offer you in this exchange; however, we offer you something. But it's something I must ask you to tell me to convenience you of the value of my offer."

Crusch simply stared at me as she seemed both perplexed and maybe amused? She is most definitely confident, but she is over-confident in this case.

"I appreciate your straightforward and honest answer. Though I am curious about what you must ask me to prove the worth of your offer means? What question must you ask?"

Speech? That worked well with Emilia, but this is another candidate. Hence, I wonder if she would even entertain telling me her address this close to the Royal Selection.

"Tell me what you have in mind for the speech you will give during the Royal Selection. I understand that, in most cases, that question would sound insane, but I do have a reason for asking. I will tell you the flaws of it as if I were an enemy. I did the very same thing with Emilia as well."

The tension in the room begins to feel higher, yet still calm. She's most likely debating whether it's sane to accept my offer. Let's see if she does...

"You're quite strange, Subaru. You begin with formalities but then either forget or stop using them, which I don't mind just finding fascinating. Normally, I would not take your offer, but I don't see any way this can benefit you if you were scheming. If I am unsatisfied with your response, this conversation is over..."

"That's fine by me."

Well. I can find a weakness or counterargument assuming her speech has any information that isn't simply a fact. Even if the view is merely a morality paradox. However, I doubt I'd need to resort to that.

This boy... is so strange. I can't get a single read on his intentions, logic, reasoning, or anything.

His eyes reveal nothing. It's like staring at an abyss. No matter this conversation's size, he hasn't told a single lie. By the look of Emilia, it seems she trusts him a great deal as well.

Yet he still seems confident, like a predator waiting for his prey. To offer something e this, however? To tell me to say the speech I plan to give at the Royal Selection?

But he also doesn't seem hostile in the slightest. He gives the impression that he's offering to help me almost... how strange.

I have rehearsed this countless times and have yet to be told any part of it was wrong for a speech at the Royal Selection. I've even asked non-biased parties, so I know they speak the truth.

Let's see what he thinks...

"The Karsten family, headed by Lady Crusch, is a duke family that has long supported the Kingdom of Lugnica's history. -There is no more, it is the favorite of the royal selection. I will know what each of them wants from me to be on the throne. The Karsten family is a heavyweight closely related to the royal family, and has been responsible for a considerable proportion of national affairs. Therefore, if I were to take the throne, there would be no impact on politics or the country's management. It promises a smooth succession to the throne. Lugnica, the Pro-Dragon Kingdom - Protected by the covenant once exchanged with the dragon, this country has built its prosperity. War, sickness, even famine, every crisis has been averted by the dragon, and the kingdom's long history, the word 'dragon' will never disappear. However, I feel that we, in times of crisis, have become too reliant on the protection of the dragon. If I become ruler, I will reform the Kingdom of Lugina so we will survive any struggle without relying on the dragon."

I want to see how long he will find a flaw.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5-

Is he laughing? Does he really have the confidence to laugh at my speech after I trusted him to give me feedback? Am I just being played as a fool... no he wouldn't have anything to gain. Unless he agreed with another camp... and this entire thing is a-.

"So let me get this straight. Your goal is to bypass the entire Royal Selection by claiming that the dragon is wrong and you are entitled to the throne based on that? Not to mention reckless, it's also rash. Gives off an impression of not being confident to fulfill your task as a candidate. Not to mention your entire argument is contradictory. You claim we don't need the dragon. You are already entitled to the thrown, yet you were picked by that very same dragon to be a candidate in the first place... not only that, but you are also aware of the information I told you today. Not only are we missing a king, but our strongest mage is dead, and a powerful spirit is. And you argue against throwing away a safety net this Kingdom has? For what reason? It seems your basis is better described as if we didn't have the dragon, you'd already be the king... a selfish and contradictory argument. I honestly expected more I already had something prepared, even if your speech was perfect."

What? Contradictory? Selfish argument...

He laughed then his pitch changed to being completely serious. Was he laughing at himself or me? I don't get this, man.

Did he say he already had something regardless of my speech?

"Crusch, I hope you don't take offense to my analysis. I already planned on countering every single speech displayed at the Royal Selection, with the obvious exception of Emilia. Now that I explained the contradiction your speech mainly consists of, you can change it into a speech that doesn't have that flaw."

Was he planning to do this with every candidate? Does he even understand how the Royal Selection works?

But if he did point that out after my speech, I wouldn't have a counterargument...

This man is brilliant. How is he a mere butler for Emilia? He could have a seat on the Sage Council...

And he devised an argument that destroyed every claim within my speech within... five seconds.

I may ask him for a different offer. Instead of being a butler, he could be my subordinate, well-paid, and have any position he wants when I become king.

"Subaru, I must admit you are extremely cunning. If you said I wouldn't have a counter response at the Royal Selection, I could think of... Would you prefer to be a subordinate of mine rather than a butler for Lady Emilia?"

Emilia looks... scared.

Good.

"Crusch, I would watch the words you say. Although you may think you hold all the power in this negotiation, you seem to have neglected something I stated earlier. I will not repeat myself, either. For you to offer me to be your subordinate at the cost of betraying Emilia shows your true character. These are my demands, a comfortable room to stay at until another suitable living situation is arranged, an Emilia-Crusch alliance, and I don't care if it breaks any rules. If you fail to remember my statement and do not comply with those demands... your candidacy for King will be over before you can give a speech."

What the?

What is he talking about? What did he mention?

Why can't I remember he's not lying? He mentioned something that...

'I already had something prepared, even if your speech was perfect.'

He wasn't lying. This entire time he did not lie once...

What is his relationship with Emilia?

How did he come into this room with nothing and now hold the cards to my future with a brief interaction?

I could decline, but the risk of decreasing now... he's proven himself more than capable in political arguments and philosophical debate. If I agree, I lose nothing but a single room and an agreement for an alliance.

Wait, why did he ask for a single room?

Unless... that would explain his response.

I'm not sure whether I should feel embarrassed or lucky now... but I can only imagine how the other candidates will handle Subaru.

Emilia also seemed to understand this situation the whole time... perhaps even understanding Subaru's goals with this negotiation. Those two are dangerous.

But I must agree having them as allies will only benefit me. I just wonder if I have any hope of winning...

"Very well then. I accept your terms. You will be afforded a guest house as since we are competition, it makes more sense to not be in the same living space. All expenses will be paid for. Along with that, I accept the proposal for the Crusch-Emilia camp alliance."

He won. There's no denying that. Now that I think about it, it was vulgar and inconsiderate for me to ask such a thing from Subaru after the events he explained occurred. I wonder if one more question won't be going too far...

"May I ask Emilia, what is your relationship with Subaru?"

Emilia smiled, "That's a secret... however I suggest knocking if you need to ask me something in this guest house."

It's strange. I wonder how those two got so close... it's genuine too. I usually would think Subaru is being controlled by her. Still, it seems like they mutually respect each other equally. How strange for a Royal Selection candidate...

A small guest house? This place is nice... it's like the Roswaal mansion but way smaller. But everything in here is the same quality, it's perfect!

Subaru said he was going to talk to Beatrice for a bit. I thought we were done for.

I don't know who I'm turning into, but I like it, this feeling it's goood.

I've never experienced anything like it. I met Subaru a week ago... how did all of this happen in a single week?

Watching him outplay Crusch was so fuuuun. When she offered him that job, I had no doubt in my mind about his response. Now we somehow recovered from what would typically be complete ruin.

I wish he would hurry up, ugh.

This new life, compared to my old one. A new life that started a single week ago yet has been more enjoyable than my however many centuries old of living. I still don't get it... Pandora. I wouldn't have lived even better if she didn't do what she did. No more Roswaal, no more being a puppet for others to use.

I wonder what the truth is... from what I can tell, Subaru doesn't know either. Whether Pandora meant to or not, she made my life turn into something I can't even describe.

"Emilia, sorry for taking so long."

I can't help but laugh. The Royal Selection is near. I bet Crusch is having a mental breakdown, yet my mind is... bliss.

I would like to know if it can get better.

I've seen Subaru naked, and he's seen me naked, but we've never done anything. Hmmm

"Soooo, Subaru, what do you want to do?"

He can read my mind, so I'm sure he can-

"More like what you want to do," he says, taking off my nightgown.

"You teassseee"

This kiss is gooood but I want more.

I want to feel all of him.

I break the kiss pushing him onto the bed. I take off his clothes slowly, seeing his erection swell up.

"Heh, you're going to make me do everything, huh?"

He grins at me and grabs my head, pushing it down on his-

His erection gets more potent the faster I suck, I'm going to see how far he can last.

Catching my breath, he doesn't seem to be phased yet...

"Your turn," he says, staring at me with thattt-

His mouth envelopes my clit, this feeling is sooo gooood.

"Keep going Subaruuu-"

I'm screaming that's how good it feelsss

But I want more. I want to feel it inside me.

"Put it in."

When I said that, he switched my position, burying his erection inside me.

This is how it feeels...

He kept going faster and faster my mind was numb.

"Go faster," I mumble out, moaning with every passing second.

It felt tight, but my body wanted ittt.

He formed a rhythm every few minutes I'd feel it again. It was bliss.

I passed out for a moment. My body consumed me with this unimaginable sensation.

He finally stopped after thirty minutes of that feeling. My body was covered with his semen.

"That was good."

"Let's do it every night then."

I laugh at him. Both of us look exhausted.

"Sounds good"

That was amazing. Doing that every night with her? Maybe this world isn't that bad.

She's already asleep. I think I'll pass out too.

A dream?

I haven't dreamt since I got here...

I look around, and nothing but an abyss. Empty of any noise or sense.

I'm standing on nothing in a world of nothing.

I hear a voice. It sounds familiar.

"No matter the occasion"

What?

Who's there?

That voice... who is he?

I can't remember, but...

Why does it bring me chills?

I haven't had a nightmare in so long...

What is this?

"You always"

Who is this?

Stop.

Don't remind me.

Just let me enjoy something.

Don't bring that hell back.

Let me forget.

Let me forget.

I can't do this again.

Not going... to lose her too.

I looked around, and it stopped.

I won't lose her.

"Choose the path to ruin."

So the last part... Great foreshadowing, right?

Also, making a lemon in a single POV is annoying as fuck.

I might give him the Pride authority as I haven't used return by death at all, but let me know what y'all want to see.

How the suffering will work in this fanfic will be ... unique.

Real quick because I know someone will ask this:

Why did Subaru and Emilia have sex a week after meeting each other? Simple, because I felt like writing it (Also, Emilia isn't mentally handicapped in this)

Both characters never experienced intimacy. Everyone Subaru loves ends up dead, and Emilia is isolated, so given the opportunity makes sense.

Lmk how you think this chapter was mainly buildup for the next conflict and fixing the sponsor situation.