"You know... Urghh-" There was the placid sound of a tensing linen lace that had scuffed through the eyelets of the corset that Subaru was being "forced" to wear. He could virtually feel his face turning blue from the deprivation of oxygen that the constricting material that was starting to crush his midsection. Causing him great discomfort the more the workers frolicking around him had set out to readjusted certain features within his newly selected outfit. He wondered whether he would even make it out of the compound without his guts exploding all over the ground. "If someone were to have told me that I be walking around a medieval setting dressed up like a one of those girl groups from the Visual Kei scene. I would have crudely laughed their jokes. I guess now they would have probably been onto something. Haa-"
"Sir, try not to move around too much. It will take a little bit for your body to adjust to the corset, so you might feel a little bit of discomfort once you start moving about." One of the workers had informed him, causing Subaru to bat them with a snarky look.
"You don't have to tell me twice… Hrrgh" Subaru had grunted out in exasperation, as the corset had seemed to dig further into his maladjusted frame. The 15 minutes that they've been adorning him had seemed to stretch out for hours on end, much to Subaru's dismay. He couldn't wait to get out of this outfit soon enough.
Ultimately, the velvety lace to the lavish outfit had finally been fixed in place, as his cruel torturers masquerading as seamstresses had finally concluded the closing act to their greatest achievement yet with a blue nosed smirk. He was trying his best to use the mahogany dresser as a pillar in order to support his disoriented balance from the freshly donned heels that had complimented his lavender ankle length dress. Along with a jet black wig that reached past his shoulders and had bangs sweeping to the side of his face in a stylish manner. He had initially pleaded with the workers that he didn't need any unnecessary accessories, but the workers were quite insistent on it once their efforts had started to bear fruit, so he decided to tolerate it for the time being.
Subaru had sighed out in relief once they had allowed him to sit down to add the finishing touches to his makeup, without having do undergo another series of lacing. Despite previously insisting that he could do it on his own, due to some of the hands on experience he's had with his mother's makeup routine in the past. He marveled how the women in medieval Europe had even managed to enduring the constricting nature of a corset all day long. And after experiencing it for himself, his respect for those women had increased by ten-fold.
"You look even better than I would have imagined." Emilia had complimented with a subtle tone of surprise on her face, not mincing her words. "If it wasn't for those sharp eyes of yours, I would have easily mistaken you for a high ranking nobleman's daughter."
'Yeah, Noble politics probably wouldn't suite me at all, since their whole shtick revolves around silver-tongues, and self-serving flattery. Hell, I didn't even pay that much attention to my own back at home considering that they were just as bad. So I really don't know how that would work out considering that she's a Royal to this country. Also, hearing that from an S-tiered girl in looks kind of leaves my pride in shambles.' Subaru had thought without any restrain in his overall temper.
The younger workers within the room had looked at the cross-dressing boy with stars in their eyes. Those girls were initially startled by the peculiar request that was presented to them by the head-seamstress, unsure if they could fulfill their clients request because of the boy's visage. But once they had set off to work on the bashful boy, they immediately uncovered the latent potential residing within the boy's physique. One that could pose a challenge to even the Barielle heir herself, should he ever debut into noble society.
"Am I really that feminine looking? I could have sworn that I put half of my perk points into a strength build and a few more into charisma." Subaru had mawkishly muttered out, glancing at his remodeled appearance in the vanity mirror with a variety of emotions. Which had garnered a teasing grin from the silver haired beauty, and a squeal from the other girls in the room. "Not sure if I feel happy or sad from this revelation. But like any wise-man would say, it never hurts to try out new things."
"Life for humans is short, and for a warrior, it's shorter. Those wise-men definitely have a good head on their shoulders for being make light out the vestiges of that inevitable fate." Emilia had variably reaffirmed, redirecting Subaru back to the fact that Emilia has lived an obscure and troubling life already.
He wondered if Emilia had any regrets with every selective word that she had spoke. Seeing that she seemed to be a war hero of some sort, Subaru could only presumably imagine that she did. Despite the woman invariably donning an indifferent façade throughout the course of their exchanges, he knew that her callous past was something that should not be overlook. For a split second, her eyes had glinted with a glistened expression, before redirecting her focus onto her companion in front of her.
"I believe the time has come for the next stage of our operation, Natsuki Subaru. With that in mind, I would like to compensate and thank the good people of this establishment for their honest work and dedication into making this request possible. If I may add, I would like to make a request for my personal wardrobe consecutively. But before I do so, I would first like to initiate a private conversation with my companion, requiring that no outsiders be present in the room. I, Emilia Elior, representative of the Mathers' domain, will generously reward your efforts, should you heed this umpteenth request of mine." Emilia had formally declared with a regal tone and pose, befitting that of a royal knight that you see in history. The trenchant Mathers crest on her armored pauldron had become more pronounced to the women within the room. Earning the collective gasp from all the workers, with the exception of the head seamstress and Subaru. The former narrowing her eyes in discernment at the devil incarnate, while the latter had held an awe-struck countenance.
"I see, then we will leave you on behalf of your request. Would you also like to process your commission's invoice and send it to the Mathers Estate while you have your personal conversation?" The head-seamstress had formerly replied somewhat loftily in tandem, to which the silver haired elf had nodded in agreement.
"Yes, that will perfectly do. Take care that the statement reaches the confides of the Mathers Estate Treasury once everything is said and done. Considering the Courier's Union typically takes around 1 week to deliver letters from the Capital to the Mathers domain, unless per Royal decree. I will expect to arrive back at the mansion during that time-frame, and have a personal maid of mine receive it at the front gate."
"Very well then… If there's anything else that you need, we will be in the storefront per your discretion." The head-seamstress had curtsied once the transaction had been completed and corralled the rest of the workers wordlessly out of the door, despite their disappointed glances. Leaving an indifferent Emilia and a gaping Subaru within the expanse of the luxurious suite.
A small bead of cold sweat had trickled down Subaru's face at the indecipherable plans that she had in store for him, inundating him with a new layer of anxiety. Which had already been quite teeming as it was, considering the uncertain nature of his facade. He had watched as Emilia had shiftily crossed the room towards a circular table donned on the opposite corner of the room away from the door. One that was complimented with a lattice window and granite sill, which had filtered the afternoon sun through the room with its meridian light. Emilia had then leaned on the sill as she had gazed down at the street below, towards the bustling motions of everyday life. Surveying the cultural hallmarks that separated the social hierarchy into its distinct tiers that made up modern day Lugunician society.
"I must admit, despite the virulent attitude that the Noble's District has towards the commoners, they never fail to accommodate the most impressive views that this world has to offer. It's truly a marvelous sight to behold..." Emilia had spoke with a layer of melancholy in her voice. Subaru had teetered towards his companion in question, trying to adjust to the careening nature of the heels that absolutely felt completely unneeded and impractical. Emilia had bore witness to his discomfort, eyeing him with a knowing glance before her eyes tracked back towards the street below.
"You must be wondering why I had you dolled up despite being a man. It ties into an interesting rumor that I overheard while I was exiting the Guard's station. You might not have heard of them, but I'll ask anyways. Are you perhaps familiar with a vicious Gustekan murderer that goes by the name 'The Bowel Hunter?'" Emilia had inquired, caused Subaru to scrunch up an eyebrow in trepidation at the ominous name that had left her inquisitive lips. Just the nickname was enough to inundate him with a vulnerable feeling.
"Can't say I've heard of them, but they certainly sound like someone who probably keeps dangerous company. Also 'Gustekan'? Never heard of that term before." Subaru had added, before giving Emilia a questioning look in regards to the exotic demonym. Not knowing that Emilia had narrowed down some of the boy's possible origins in that curt exchange.
"They're natives to a theocratic nation known as Gusteko. Which is known for its treacherous brumal climates and its serrated mountainous regions that makes it nearly impossible to consistently grow temperate crops. They're a nation that is characterised for its resilience in acclimatisation and is teeming with enough spirits and mana crystals to power this nation for more than 1000 years. As you can imagine, despite its unforgiving climate, the land holds an exceptional amount of value to mages from all over the world. My benefactor holds a particular interest in their nation, but they never have elaborated on why, while leaves me to speculate on some of his motives." Emilia had clarified in a musing tone. If she hadn't used the aspect of Fire Magic to kill an unmatched amount of enemies in that accursed war, then she would have imagined herself taking a more passionate stance on the realm of magic. Alas, fate had cruelly begged to differ.
Like any veteran would say on the battlefield, war is a cruel teacher. One that takes all the precious pieces of one's innocence and cruelly rearranges them into a sickening cacophony of death and destruction. War was a grim reminder that peace is a very volatile concept, in which the common man takes for granted. Something that Emilia had unfavorably bore witness to time and time again throughout the span of the demi-human war, where both fronts had used all their cards to defeat the enemy. And where fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters had fought for what they had thought was a just cause. Alas, those poor souls would never find out that they were being used as pawns to further the interests of the Witch Cult and their cohorts within the Noble's district behind the scenes. Not even Emilia, bearing the resemblance to the Witch, had any inkling of these deceptive plots until it was too late.
This war was only further bastardized by the element of magic that was used to indiscriminately capitulate the enemy on both sides. Magic had added a stochastic layer of danger throughout every battle, where fortifications and defensive magic had taken precedence within each clash. Emilia's half-elf magical aptitude, and strength had served her well throughout the span of the war; the price being the fragments of her leftover sanity parting with each use. There was one point during the war where she had outright refused to use her monstrous Fire Magic on the enemy due to how brutal it had shred her enemies to bits. That mindset was quickly rendered detrimental when the war took a bloody turn, leaving her no choice but to use her accursed magical aptitude to save her comrades. Sobbing at the sheer losses that her unit had taken during a skirmish with a certain knight order, and further reinforcing her disdain for Lugunica during her lowest point of the war at the time.
Her contracted spirit did not fare any better from seeing Emilia's continual psychological decline. After-all, his sole purpose as Echidna's creation was to protect Emilia, both in mind and in body. It was unfortunate that things had to turn out like this. Despite being a Great Spirit, a faction of the Demi-Human alliance had preemptively pulled a dirty trick against her in order to coerce her into joining the war effort. Leaving Emilia no choice but to join in efforts to preserve her closest relationships at the time.
Puck had been adamantly against the Demi-human Alliance from taking advantage of Emilia's talents, and didn't want his daughter being wrapped up in a meaningless conflict. If he could, he would have wiped out the entire world in order to give Emilia the peace that she deserves. But his contract had prevented him taking such meddling actions, considering that his ultimate purpose was to do right by Emilia's wishes. And he is not allowed to interfere with those contracted conditions, unless those desires fall in line with Emilia's desire to live. Echidna, his creator, had also imparted onto him a wrathful curse that would destroy him should he disrespect Emilia's wishes. Despite the Witch's hatred for the half-elf.
This had left him with no say into the actions that Emilia takes, and unless if there is something that truly threatened Emilia's safety. He would only provide a supporting role in Emilia's life, which had consisted of emotional, mental, and physical support wherever Emilia had needed it. These contracted terms had frustrated Puck to no end, knowing how selfish and destructive mortals can be. And at times whenever Emilia had not been looking, he had cruelly vented his frustrations out on the occasional pack of wolgram or the random straggling bandit throughout his routine patrols.
"So they have it pretty rough, huh? No way I could ever live in a cold climate like that, considering that my own homeland had their own fair share of wintry seasons that are already difficult enough to deal with as it is." Subaru had listlessly added to the conversation, gazing upon Emilia's contemplating form as he had joined her in their sightseeing extravaganza from the estresol that they had resided in. "So uh, what does this Bowel Hunter have to do with our current retrieval quest?"
"I have reasons to believe that she may be wrapped up in a preemptive plot to jeopardize my current political standing at the moment. The Bowel Hunter, despite being quite the curious anomaly on her own, does not simply resort to mindless murder. After all, the mere whispers of her name are something that normal citizens tend to dread, just like my own name. So people don't speak of her name lightly without something being directly attributed to her.
From what could divulge from her background, she participates in high profile assassinations throughout numerous instances. Most of them involving key political figures that threatens opposition based on cases that I've read pertaining to them, and is thought to be rumored as the perpetrator behind the assassination of the former Azamiki mayor.
If you further analyze her cases, her grotesque methods of killing certainly leaves an everlasting impression on those with close connections to them. It is no coincidence that her apparent arrival to the Capital might have something to do with this unraveling plot as we speak." Emilia had revealed, to which Subaru had conveyed an agreeable glance from the her perceptive debriefing.
In a daring motion, Emilia had turned towards the stunningly dressed up boy in question. Slightly surprising him from the her apparent boldness that she has shown him throughout the span of their acquaintanceship. "Say, do you want to know why this arrangement was absolutely necessary?"
"I mean, I'm kind of starting to get the general gist of it. But I'm not going to pretend that I know everything." Subaru had vaguely replied towards her implication. While he simultaneously held out a number of fingers to illustrate his point.
"Assassination plots, black-market dealings, political dissonance, serial killers. Yeah, this is starting to mold into a stereotypical Yakuza plotline." Subaru had emitted, not liking the general direction that his suppositions were taking. And if he followed those typical sequence of events, based on his newfound appearance, that would leave him…
"To add further exposition, the Bowel Hunter herself is a very elusive figure with a very formidable reputation. After-all, there is a reason why she is called the Bowel Hunter. Her methods of killing are as grotesque as her moniker, speaking as someone who has spilled enough blood to fill the banks of the Great Tigracy River, but that's a discussion for another day. It has been documented that the Bowel Hunter has a methodical preference for gutting her enemies and crudely rearranging them in sickening displays of depravity. And to further toll the knell's calling, it isn't only the methods that she systemically follows each killing, but the added suffering that she inflicts on certain types of victims as well. Mainly quadragenarians, miscreants, and you guessed it, attractive maidens from Gusteko are prime targets for her added cruelty. Which perfectly adheres to your current foreign appearance that inhabitants from the Kingdom of Gusteko tend to exhibit." Emilia had recounted, summarizing those accounts by what she had heard and read in regards to her newfound challenge.
"I knew it, you're posturing me up as a meat-shield to confront that psycho. Why didn't I realize it sooner…?" Subaru had let out a lamenting sigh, hitting himself across the head for not being able to see his role as a glorified meat-shield standing unceremoniously in between a foreboding threat. Still, he should have expected as much once everything had started to register in his head. However, the argent tinted long-haired beauty had responded with a different concern of her own.
"When did I say that you were going to be used as my meat-shield? Dear Dragon's no, that would not fare well for you at all." Emilia had blunted remarked, hitching a confused eyebrow from the striking boy in question, as he looked at her with an almost offended glare by her implication at being called weak.
"No, your primary mission is to gather information from well established bar located with the district perimeter that leads to the slums. I know someone who is a business partner with the owner of the establishment. They are someone who used to serve as my informer, and had provided me with a history of trustworthy information at one point. But unfortunately, something tragic had unfolded in the his past, and had distanced himself from that line of work. Which has left me with no other option but to request you to do it. Hmm, I wonder if that sly bastard is still even alive at this point. The old geezer has a history of chronic coughing, but he's always been the stubborn type." Emilia had established, almost with the warm smile of someone who is reminiscent of their past.
"So, I'm serving as bait then to draw her out?" Subaru readjusted the narrative, only to confirm his suspicions after Emilia had remained silent. He had sighed outloud at the grim role entrusted to him, but deep inside he was thankful that she could at least find some use out of him.
"That much, I'm not going to deny. Just trust me when I say that your efforts will not go unrewarded."
"No, I'm not mad at all, since I kind of expected this. Say, I'm not really from these parts, so I don't want to put on airs and say that this will work out well. But I'd already got my nose buried too deep into this to go back on my word. Still, this kind of works in my favor, considering that I planning to stick around to you in order to repay my favor. But I have to address the elephant in the room anyways. -
Why did you go out of your way to choose me? Knowing that you could have easily handed this to someone else to do it for you? I get being generous and all, and I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for you the kindness that you have provided to me after saving my life. But you surely your reasoning doesn't stem from a few charitable exchanges in order to raise a few brownie points. So, why take the time to look after a complete stranger like me, knowing that I'll be just slowing you down in the process?" Subaru had earnestly inquired, with a subtle self-depreciating tone. A part of him wanted to find out whether or not he was only dragging down the woman from reacquiring her valuable item. Allowing the thief ample time to make her escape.
"Are you looking for the short answer, or the long-drawn out answer?" Emilia had shifted her weight onto her arm leaning against the wall bordering the window. Allowing her demeanor to take a more humble stance in order to appear less demanding with her concern.
"I like to keep things short and simplistic, considering that we're running out of time right now." Subaru had blunted replied, to which the woman had given him an approving glance.
"Hmm, you seem to be fond of practicality. A good attribute for someone striving for prosperity then. To put it simply, I have quite the strained relationship with my benefactor, despite our mutual interests. Understand that I won't dive into the specifics right now, but know that I personally believe that he might be involved with this crime as well. Speaking of which-
Remember that earlier segment that I had divulged in regards to that prophetic message that my benefactor had imparted on to me before a certain realization had manifested within my head? Amazingly enough, you seem to match the description of that my benefactor spoke of ad verbatim. This might sound selfish on my behalf and completely unfounded due to anecdotal evidence, but I do not want that conniving bastard's schemes to be realized if I am correct with this assumption. Initially, after the thief had taken that insignia from me, there was this leading hypothesis that he had arranged for my assassination. But after he imparted that strange premonition, it seems the paradigm has shifted towards envisioning your death.
As a matter of fact, I believe that his schemes seem to be leaning towards you dying horrifically to that assassin, in order to coerce me to fulfill his wishes. Knowing that I wish to no longer spill unnecessary bloodshed. However, as long I can draw my sword, I will not allow his schemes to be envisioned. Should he be complicit in this crime, and the Divine Dragon knows that I am, I will immediately have the Sage's Council indict him for treason and all the other crimes that I have gathered on that mendacious bastard." Emilia had concluded with hint of spite in her voice towards the end of her monologue. Alarming Subaru of the dangers that were heading his way, his hands had slightly becoming clammy as his future prospects had hung in the balance.
"So your saying that our meeting is no mere chance? And that I would have been exposed to danger regardless of whether I met you or not? That's quite the scary scenario if I say so myself." Subaru had pondered out-loud, as Emilia gaze had shifted towards a grandfather clock in the room. Its minute hand had completed a full revolution across its intricate graduations, symbolizing that their time here was coming to a close.
"Everything leading up to our initial meeting has occurred through pure chance, and whatever nebulous future fate has in store for us continues to remain a mysterious. But trust me when I say that I do not have any nefarious intentions to use you only to cast you away whenever it's convenient for me. By my honor, you have my word. Although the question of whether you remain by my side through your own accord, is for you to decide." Emilia had replied with genuine concern in the tone of her voice. Surprising Subaru by just how fixated her assurance had remained, and even gave him an option to leave whenever he felt like it. Which had only filled Subaru with an inundating feeling of guilt, in light of her altruistic benevolence.
"Also, didn't you mention that the assassin was drawn to pretty noble girls as well? As a general rule of thumb, if you're trying to go about this covertly, won't something less flashy be more desirable? Rather than act like a risque honeytrap that would draw unwanted attention to ourselves?" Subaru had inquired, causing Emilia had given him an unreadable expression.
"Not necessarily… You have to take into consideration that assassins are bound to the shadows. They would never openly reveal themselves to those who stand at the center of attention. In the clandestine world of espionage, those who purposely operate from the shadows are easier to discern than those hide in plain sight. You would only be jeopardizing your safety by assuming their guise, since they are the masters of their crafts. That is not to say that you're completely invulnerable with other witnesses around. In the likelihood that she is brazen enough to jeopardize your safety, I will be there to intervene should things start to deteriorate." Emilia had swiftly responded with a comforting tone, hoping to put to rest some of his reservations.
"Your role in this will only assume an external façade in order to investigate the whether the rumor holds modicum of truth or not. I will be leading the dialogue once we've reached an understanding with the co-founder of that establishment. And trust me when I say that this former informant is someone extremely dependable."
"So wait, you want us to hide in plain sight in order to deflect any suspicious attention away from us. All while you gather all the information you need from this informant of yours. I mean, I guess it kind of makes sense depending on the situation. But at the same time, that role could also serve as a double edged sword, especially this supposed assassin compromises our mission.
Oh well, the best thing we can do is to wing it, put on a show, and hope for the best." Subaru had concluded, a flame of arrant excitement had lit up within his being, crossing his arm over his padded chest. While Emilia was right on the money, when she said that he still had his own reservation about this predicament he was caught up in, he was still resolved to see things through and put a heartfelt smile on her face.
He didn't know anything about the beautiful woman in front him, considering that she's hinted at a very difficult and convoluted past. And while a possible romance route was off the table right now, due to the considerable age difference between the two parties, and the likelihood that Emilia sees him as nothing more than a baby that she needed to protect. He knew that underneath Emilia's trauma, mental problems, and detachment to her emotions, he could still see the maiden who solely wanted to live a happy and fulfilling life. One void of having to carry the responsibilities that she would likely face as a future monarch.
While Subaru was nothing more than a stranger to the half-elf, there was this peculiar feeling that well up within this heart that had ensnared him to this strange woman. A feeling that they were destined to cross paths each other and realize each other's dreams. Was it the Red String of Fate perhaps? Or the motion to build the foundation for a cordial and unshakable friendship in which nothing could ever hope to separate them? Either way, only fate would know that their "unholy" bond would later shake the fabric of the world for generations to come.
"Since it's come down to this, I'm already resolved to see things through. But only on the condition that you tell those workers up at front that I refuse to wear heels that they forcefully equipped with this outfit. I can't stand their awkward nature." Subaru had declared in a daring tone, as if to set a precedence for the equivalence of exchange. Emilia had raised an eye, as if she was galvanized by the unexpected development, before a hushed chortle had escaped her lips.
"You have an assassin aiming for your neck, the overbearing weight of an uncertain future hanging in the balance, but the heels were the final nail in the coffin? Granted, I can't stand heels myself, especially for long periods of time, but I digress… Since it's come down to this, and considering that our time here has drawn to a close. I'll promptly see to it that you'll have proper shoes for this arrangement. And since I also need to file in the detail for my own personal commission, we'll promptly make our way to the front desk. Feel free to do whatever you please until I rendezvous with you." Emilia had stated, as she had started to make her way towards the mahogany door leaving back to the establishment's lobby. As the cross-dressing boy had hummed in agreement, before a familiar voice had spoke from an undisclosed location.
"Lia, about that thing that we discussed earlier..."
"I know, I'd rather confront him about it later." Emilia had reluctantly acknowledged in a hushed tone before giving Subaru a critical eye. Causing the boy to raise an eye at the woman with trepid concern, but decided to ask about her omission later.
Subaru had silently followed her out into the storefront, and once he readjusted his eyes to the vivid displays of merchandise decorating the storefront. He excused himself to the one of the corners of the store where a bench had resided in order to gather his thoughts. Emilia on the other hand, had tended to the head-seamstress as they had negotiated on Emilia's commission.
'To think I would be caught up in this hook, line, and sinker. Getting myself inadvertently wrapped up in royal politics on the first day in a new world. And to top it all off, I would be revisiting what should have been a distant childhood memory. Isekai plots sure are formidable.' Subaru had fervently thought as he had sorted through his old clothes that were folded neatly in his plastic bag that he brought to this world. Along with the contents from the Mini Stop that had initially traveled with him, as he his gaze had fell upon the container of mayonnaise that he brought with him. A single tear had gently cascaded down his face. 'I would really be down for Mom's iconic karaage right now. But I guess that's now impossible, huh...'
"-baru… Subaru." A delicate silver-bell voice had rung in his ear, as he jolted out from his deeply absorbed thoughts. His eyes had gazed up to see a- handsome young elf with blue eyes and medium length black hair? Extending a consoling hand that held a handkerchief and with subtle tone of worry in their voice.
"It's amazing… To think that a Yang spell could allow dimensional storage, whatever magic it took Betty to imbue that Lagmite crystal would surely revolutionize the way we live as we know it. If only she would come out of her library more." Puck voice had resonated from his crystal with a tone of longing, and despondence in his voice.
"I've been calling out to you, but you looked like you were reflecting on a distant memory and didn't respond to my calls. Are you by any chance homesick?" Emilia, whose appearance had greatly shifted into that of a more gallant warrior, had earnestly asked the downcast boy. Who immediately turned away as if to ward off his shame.
"I guess you could say that, sorry if I kind of spaced out there. Are you finished with your request?" Subaru had inquired, although he had nudged away the handkerchief so that he could refocus on their mission. Emilia didn't question it too deeply, and stashed away the courteous offer for another time.
"Yes I am, although there were some complications along the way. But everything is proceeding as planned for now." Emilia had clarified, as her gaze had shifted towards the bustling street just outside the establishment. "This might sound brash on my behalf, considering that I do not know of your origins. But I can tell that you were reminiscing on your home life. I do not know if I'm entitled to tell you this, or if I'm bringing up any cruel memories in the process, but please keep those you consider family close to heart. Because you may never know when you're going to lose them."
"Thanks… I will." Subaru had torpidly expressed, knowing full well that he may never be able to see his family again if he was summoned to a different world. "By the way, did you get any non-heeled shoes while you were working on your request?"
"I have, but I'm not much of a fashionista myself, so I left the pick to the discretion of the workers. Fortunately, I can safely say that they're practical at least." Emilia had stated, as certainty had filled her eyes. Before presenting a pair of velvet shoes that were styled like those Mary Jane shoes from the early 20th century but with a slightly elevated heel. Subaru had let out a sigh, recalling the expression 'beggars can't be choosers', and decided to fully accept the woman's hospitality. He had fitted on the shoes, took one last look around the boutique, and decided to follow the woman out of the luxurious establishment.
"So, where's this bar you ment-" Subaru had initially inquired, only to be picked up by the surprisingly strong woman, in a princess carry. His face spontaneously blushed heavily from the unexpected development. "Woah, wait- What are you doing?!"
"Cutting our route short, we need to make if over there as quickly as possible." Emilia had asserted, as she had sprung forth at an incredible velocity, swiftly navigating through the labyrinth of streets, narrowly avoiding any collisions with pedestrians, and had scaled one of the walls that had lead to the rooftops with superhuman strength.
These sequence of events had shocked Subaru to the core as he had helplessly clutched to the half-elf for dear life. Jumping from rooftop to rooftop as a dilapidated sector that had hosted an array of shanties had come into view, before Emilia had slowed her descent. "We're almost there."
Emilia had firmly clutched onto Subaru's shaking body, as a crumbling tavern had come to view. With both humans and demi-humans mingling within the establishment as they had jovially drank and feasted on the endless entrees that had arrived at each table. It was safe to say that both Emilia and Subaru would blend right in.
"Holy crap, elves in the fantasy world are no joke. That was the scariest experience of my life right there." Subaru had exclaimed in a terrified manner. Careening from the motion sickness that had parsed through his being as he tried to readjust on one of the support beams situated outside the tavern. Which was oddly named, "The Freezing Dragon." Emilia on the other hand had scanned the crowd from the inside of the tavern, but didn't immediately spot the man she was looking for.
"It appears that we may have to go inside to look for that man. Keep on your guard, and try to not get swindled or seduced." Emilia had advised, in a salacious manner. Subaru had seemed offended by the woman's remarks, as his face had momentarily flashed a bright red.
"Like hell that's going to happen! I don't swing that way!" Subaru had cried out, as Emilia had flashed a teasing grin at the boy's outburst. Before the two individuals had navigated into the establishment, hoping to unravel a layer of truth to this scheme.
The trip from the Capital to the Mather's domain takes 4 hours by Land Dragon traveling at 100 kph. Typically it would be impossible for wooden carriages to travel that fast, considering the structural integrity of the suspension, bearings, and other components that go into a wooden carriage. Not to mention all the rocks that they probably had to go over during that journey. It must have been very uncomfortable for the occupants realistically, but of course, we can't rule out the realm of magic mostly likely acting as a counter-force like we've seen multiple time in this series. It is stated that Wind Magic plays a role here at limiting Wind Resistance and other underlying hindrances. Thanks Ram for being the best coach(wo)man in the series, as well as having an aptitude for Wind Magic.