One more month passed as Subaru was awaiting a person to come. Many things have transpired within the Kingdom, but Subaru was mainly focused on strengthening himself since he had lost his return by death. Due to Halibel's shinobi training, Subaru has gotten a much more fit and muscular build, but that didn't help as much as he hoped with becoming stronger in combat. Subaru now wore a black robe with golden outlining and frequently smoked the herbs that Halibel did as it calmed his mind and soul. He missed something but wasn't sure what.
Tia came flying out and hugged Subaru, causing him to fall to the ground. "Subaru, I have an idea to help you use your sword better."
"Tia, what's your idea?" Subaru asked, knowing Tia had proven her title as the Spirit of Nature mainly by transforming their small home into a mini-mansion.
Tia yawned, "We go back to the Nature Mansion and sleep. You've been training all day. Isn't your power with authorities? Why not use that?"
"I have, but the only remaining authority is Sloth, which isn't as effective as I hoped. I need power for defense mainly," Subaru replied as the three walked back into the small mansion.
Subaru lay down in his bed. Tia used her powers to combine elements to create a house, mixing water and earth to make wood and other combinations to create glass and condensed rock, which acted like concrete. The mansion lacked much decoration, but it was comfortable. At Subaru's suggestion, Tia recreated elements from Earth, making their bathrooms and kitchen look similar to ones found in Japan.
"Subaru, how long are we going to wait here?" Tia asked, lying beside him.
Subaru sighed, "Any day now, we should have a visitor. From there, we can move on to the next part of the plan."
"Do you really think you can take over Vollachia? What's the point in it anyway?" Tia inquired, snuggling closer to Subaru, enjoying his presence and comfort.
Subaru closed his eyes, "It's not about taking over, but rather solving multiple issues at once. Goodnight, Tia."
"The person you described is here," Halibel announced, materializing from the shadows of Subaru's room, accompanied by a pink-haired elf in a black cloak.
Subaru got out of bed, wrapping his robe around him. "It's about time I've been waiting for you, Omega or Echidna."
Echidna sat on a chair, taking in the sight of an alert Halibel and a tamed Spirit of Nature, not to mention Subaru's new demeanor. "It's interesting, Subaru Natsuki. You're so fascinating. Not only did you leave that thing, but you've also started a new life for yourself."
"So, how did your encounter with Pandora go?" Subaru asked, cutting straight to the point.
Echidna pulled down the sleeve covering most of her face. "It seems you manifested an authority similar to my own."
"I'm guessing it didn't go so well, did it?" Subaru continued, his face expressionless as he took a puff from his kiseru.
Echidna smiled. "I find everything that's happening intriguing. Now, two sage candidates must kill the other to become the Sage. Yet it seems you have no interest in fulfilling that role."
"You once asked why love must fade," Subaru narrowed his eyes. "Love must fade, or else hatred will bloom from that love. To want love never to end is the concept of the Sage. Am I wrong?"
"I can't say I don't understand love. But your reasoning makes sense. You're neither choosing the path of the fool nor the Sage. So what is your goal?" Echidna inquired, her fascination with Subaru growing. She longed to accompany him on whatever goal he had in mind that could change the cycle of the world itself.
"To end the cycle of this concept itself. Why must love fade? Why must love end? All these questions lead to disaster," Subaru spoke with a tone devoid of emotion. "Echidna, I have two questions for you. If you can answer them, I'll allow you to join."
"Subaru, you are a different person," she mused. "Perhaps you are a new form of a sage candidate, but I find your work very interesting. Ask away, and I'll answer to the best of my ability."
"What is the meaning of the Sage?"
"The Sage is directly linked to the Witch of Envy. During the last era, there was also a Witch of Envy before Satella. In simple words, history repeats itself. But now it has changed. That's why it's so fascinating," Echidna explained, curious about what Subaru might do to rewrite the future and present rules.
"Second, what do you know about Pandora?"
"How rude. You're treating me very differently than when you were in the trials," Echidna teased. "I suppose this body isn't as seductive as the one you saw in the Castle of Dreams. Pandora, I admit I underestimated her actions in the trial that thing took. But if I were to guess, the most likely answer is that she is also attempting to break the cycle. Her actions annoyed me, so now she is forced to watch as I am."
"Lastly, what is the connection between Satella and Emilia?"
Echidna smiled. "If that is all you want to know, I am relieved. That question is simple to answer. She is exactly how your authority learned. You doubt it, but it's the truth. That is what that thing is."
"I see. Why did you come here, or how did you find me?" Subaru asked, now considering the possibility of Pandora also finding him.
Echidna frowned in annoyance. "I've been observing you since you left the Sanctuary. I'd describe my encounter with Pandora as a declaration of war. Though I normally wouldn't find interest in such a thing, I find it intriguing since it concerns you."
"Halibel, Tia, any signs of her lying or deception?" Subaru asked the two standing behind him.
"I sense no malice," Halibel confirmed.
Tia agreed, "I sense no malice. She's telling the truth. Been monitoring her Od and gate this entire time. It seems she has five other Ods within that necklace."
Echidna complimented, "Subaru, the Spirit of Nature, one of the first spirits to exist in this world." Echidna taunted, "It seems you now finally have a relationship."
"That answers the questions I had remaining. We can continue to the Barielle mansion to kill Sphinx." Subaru considered Echidna's use and asked, "Echidna, what do you want to provide to assist us?"
"While you may have an authority similar to mine, I am still the Witch of Greed," she smiled gently. "While you may have the authority, you still haven't learned that those who use your authority are immune to Pandora's memory alteration. Since they've seen the past and future, if their memories were to be altered, it would cause a contradiction breaking Pandora's authority."
Subaru nodded his head, "Then continue to observe from a distance. If a situation arises where I cannot defend myself against Pandora's act, then."
Echidna frowned, "I have been observing you this entire time. But I suppose until my real body is ready, I can continue to watch from a distance."
Priscilla Barielle was once a young woman overflowing with pride and arrogance, as everything seemed to work in her favor. She ruled over a flourishing domain, but her world crumbled when Sirius escaped, and her former knight killed her, resulting in the deaths of many civilians in Priestella. Her attempt to attack AI was thwarted by Emilia and AI working together in unison.
She couldn't forget him calling her 'princess,' which only fueled her growing hatred. Left alone after Heinkel and Schult perished in the conflict, her hatred of boredom intensified as she sat on her throne in the desolate mansion, feeling lost and betrayed. Her luck had failed her, and everyone she believed was loyal had abandoned her.
Her chances of winning the Royal Selection dwindled as the Sage Council blamed her for the deaths of the people in the city she had helped reform. Priscilla laid her head on her hand, surprised to find herself shedding tears. She knew something had happened, but her luck or presence had been powerless to prevent it.
Everything that had made Priscilla prideful and arrogant, the belief that the world favored her and her luck, was ripped away. What remained without it? A Royal Selection candidate without a camp, tormented by boredom and loneliness. She pondered the past, wondering why Aldebaran would betray her. She was astute enough to discern if someone was being manipulated, yet Aldebaran showed no signs. It was almost as if a switch had been triggered in his brain, or perhaps he had grown tired of her.
When she looked up, she saw the shadow of a man she didn't know and a wolf-man appeared before her. Usually, she'd attack them, but she sat there in silence, wondering if they would fulfill her interest. Or instead, fill the void of emptiness left after everyone left her behind.
"You don't look the same anymore," Subaru commented as he wore a similar robe to Halibel but with black and gold accents carrying a sword he had developed a technique for to defend himself at least.
Priscilla stared at the two assuming they came to kill her, "Why did this all happen? If you'll kill me, at least tell me the truth."
"Prisca Benedict, I have no intent to kill you. The Spirit of Nature is currently killing a future disaster for Vollachia." Subaru stated with a calm voice.
Her eyes widened, "How do you know? Who are you?"
"It seems she was only affected by Gluttony. True Sense should be able to return her memories of my existence." Subaru continued, "Would you like to remember?"
"Yes." She replied instantly, wanting to learn anything of the truth or what happened to her life. Why her luck vanished, and why the people who swore loyalty to her betrayed her and leave her isolated.
Subaru held out his hand, activating True Sense which he used to allow Priscilla to remember all the events that he existed that were blank in her memory. The process was quick as she slowly realized a part of what had happened. The boy who was claimed to be a Sin Archbishop, which she always doubted, but AI assured her that he was.
"Sphinx is dead. What a disgusting use of magic." Tia said, returning to the side of Subaru.
Priscilla muttered, "Subaru Natsuki. How did you learn of my name? What do you know about everything that has happened?"
"I'm not sure how to feel about you remembering my full name, to begin with. As for what's happening, it's a bit complicated." The look in her eyes reminded him of his own before, "Isolation is hell, isn't it?"
"I— get out, commoner," Priscilla spoke in a shallow tone as she thought about isolation and boredom, the thing she feared the most. She knew that Subaru was accused of being a Sin Archbishop, but nobody knew his name. Around that point, everything started to change not only in her camp but others as well. She wanted to hold onto the small bit of pride she had left.
Subaru sighed, "I am going to Vollachia to tell Vincent that the great disaster is not coming anymore. I know what isolation is like and not understanding what's happening or why people are leaving or betraying you. I can only imagine it's been worse for you, so if you want to join us, you can. The Royal Selection itself is already decided. Felt will win."
"How do you know so much? I'm surprised you're letting AI replace you with Emilia. It's— pathetic." She responded with her face turning from emptiness to a hint of interest.
Subaru looked into her eyes, "The burden of knowledge isn't something I'd wish upon anyone. I only offered that, but I will go if you wish to remain here."
Priscilla summoned her yang sword, lighting Subaru on fire but not inflicting damage on his body but only pain, "Tell me the truth or die. Why can't you tell me? Why did everything fall apart?"
Subaru was unaffected by his body burning as he walked towards Priscilla, using True Sense to allow her to see the events proceeding his confinement and being imprisoned for two months.
The flames dissipated as Subaru stated, "Everything that made you who you were was taken from you. The truth is simple. As you can see yourself, Aldebaran left to follow his lost path. Now what path will you take?"
Priscilla stared in confusion, but the idea of staying alone in the empty mansion with nothing but boredom was a nightmare she was already living. She still didn't understand how Subaru could change into what he was now, "Why do you think you can take away who I am? I'd never agree to follow someone else leave."
"I see. I wish you good luck." Subaru replied as he began to walk out of the mansion with Tia and Halibel. Before he could leave for the staircase, he felt an arm around his.
"Luck… I don't have that anymore. How did you change? How could you change from being infatuated with Emilia to doing whatever plot you are doing now?" Priscilla whispered as she didn't want to be left alone again. She didn't understand what it meant to change.
Subaru turned around, seeing the despair in her eyes, "Once you lose everything and learn what you had was nothing more than a predetermined lie, you change. Those who cannot change or learn from their experiences will live a life of regret. I will defy fate and find the truth."
"What about love? You only showed me a part of your memory, but I still want to know." She responded, noticing Subaru's change from what she remembered. He used to be a fool, infatuated to the point she'd think he was insane, but now it's the opposite, as if he has given up on any enjoyment of his own life.
Subaru took out his pipe and took a puff, activating True Sense, giving Priscilla a simulation of his entire life thus far being summoned, "Halibel, these herbs really do calm the mind."
Priscilla carefully observed all of Subaru's memories, from the moment he was summoned to this world, through each death he experienced, and until her first encounter with him. At first, she found him intriguing and attractive but soon forgot about him until their paths crossed again during the conflict in Priestella. However, after that incident, he was seemingly forgotten by everyone. She couldn't see Pandora's influence or encounters in the Shadow Garden, but his transformation took her aback.
As she witnessed Subaru's journey, she couldn't help but feel a shift within herself. Although initially unwilling to change, she began considering helping someone else. Despite her myriad excuses, she could not deny that she was also changing. Seeing Subaru's transformation and how he adapted to survive was inspiring and perplexing to her.
Subaru held her from falling as five minutes passed before her eyes opened. Subaru sighed, "I don't even know why I did that."
"You're coming to talk to me," she said, attempting to drag Subaru, but she couldn't until Subaru let her. He telepathically communicated to Tia to wait with Halibel as he saw no threat would come from this. Tia responded by saying a threat was coming and that they should leave quickly.
Priscilla led Subaru to one of her countless empty bedrooms and gracefully flung herself onto the bed. She was curious to see how he would react, but he simply followed her and lay beside her without hesitation. She confronted him, "Subaru, you plan to solve everything and then die, isn't it?"
"What I've done should've killed me many times before," Subaru replied, his tone unchanging. He couldn't envision a happy ending or believe he deserved one.
Priscilla's eyes darted over Subaru's physique, noting his more open attire, similar to Halibel's but less confined. He wore a robe that exposed more of his body, "Subaru, what is your goal in Vollachia?"
"So I can tell Vincent that the calamity he was preparing for has already been stopped," Subaru said, his expression uncertain.
Priscilla grabbed Subaru's face, forcing him to make eye contact, "That's a lie. If you came here, offered me to join you, and showed me your memories, what do you think your true reason is for doing that?"
"I don't know. Perhaps I did want you to come with me, but then I realized that the more I care for others, the more they suffer. But I do care for others. It's just—"
"I'll change if you change. You can't just show me all your memories and expect me to be fine with you going out to save everyone and never have any happiness of your own. There's a difference between being selfless and being pessimistic. I can't believe I'm talking like this to you, so if you're making me change, I'll change you too."
"Change me how?"
She leaned close, whispering, "You'll have to wait and see for yourself."
Halibel appeared from a shadow within the room, "They're here."
Subaru got up as Priscilla followed Halibel and took both of them with his shadows out to the front where Tia was creating seven massive earth barriers, but they were being destroyed quickly.
"Who is it?" Subaru asked.
Halibel responded, "Emilia's entire group."
"This is bad. We can't have them follow us," Tia mentioned as her earth walls got destroyed by a six-fold AI GOA from Roswaal.
Subaru grinned, seeing the outline of someone he didn't expect, "It seems things keep getting more confusing."
As each earth wall got destroyed, a red-haired knight was between the two groups. Emilia's entire camp was there, along with Aldebaran.
"Leave now," Reinhard said, positioning himself before the entire camp to hold them off.
The group begins to run as Reinhard deflects all blows or pursues from Emilia's camp. Subaru had two ideas in mind, one being that Echidna was responsible or the other being that Reinhard remembered him.
"What's wrong with you, bro? That was a Sin, Archbishop?" AI asks as Reinhard stands as a barrier against any advancements to the border.
Reinhard doesn't respond, simply looking down as his father's death saddens him, and he now has to deal with this.
Emilia continues, "Reinhard, you let a Sin Archbishop get away. Why?"
Reinhard stares at the group, "I'm sorry, but I cannot let you pass."
"Yer out of ya mind, Sword Saint, lettin' a Witch Cultist and another candidate pass but stoppin' us," Garfiel replies, glaring at Reinhard and gritting his teeth.
AI begins to turn around, "Don't worry, princess, we'll get 'em next time."
"I'll be sureeee to inform the Sage Council of your 'orders,' Reinhard." Roswaal muses as the group begins to leave.
Beatrice remarks, "He just wanted to stop us from killing the last Sin Archbishop, I suppose."
Reinhard stares into the sky with only one thought in his head. Why did this have to happen?