Just a heads up, Subaru's first-person perspective is simpler, reflecting his simple and carefree life, whereas Ryuu should have a more melodramatic POV... Because she is a melodramatic elf.
Anyway, enjoy this incredibly long chapter.
One month prior to the fateful meeting.
Subaru POV
"Natsuki-san! You must come! It'll be an amazing time!" Otto, the green-haired economic minister, said as he tapped me on the back, brimming with enthusiasm.
"Well, I'm not sure, man. Parties aren't really my thing, and you know that," I replied, scratching my head uncertainly.
"Nonsense, my brother. You should at least give it a shot," chimed in Al, a one-armed guy who bore a striking resemblance to me.
"Yeah, Captain, it's been ages since you joined us for a boys' night out," added Garfiel, now the deputy commander of the royal knights, his voice filled with genuine warmth.
We sat in one of the opulent restaurants in the capital's Noble district, taking in the vibrant scene around us.
In the Capital City of the Kingdom of Lagunica, a radiant transformation unfurled after the royal selection, bathing the realm in perpetual sunlight.
The once-muted streets now echoed with joy as children played harmoniously, while bustling shoppers reveled in a myriad of affordable, yet exquisite goods.
Merchants' stalls adorned every corner, weaving a colorful tapestry of commerce, as eager workers formed orderly queues, seeking opportunities aplenty.
Amidst this vibrant scene, countless ground dragons roamed freely, a living testament to the kingdom's newfound safety and progress, all achieved under the benevolent reign of Queen Emilia.
Under Queen Emilia's rule, education flourished in Lagunica. Gone were the days when peasants and commoners were deprived of knowledge. The Queen had implemented a centralized education system, establishing hundreds of schools across the kingdom to provide basic education to all citizens, including those in rural areas and marginalized communities.
Lagunica had rapidly transformed from an agrarian kingdom into a global industrial powerhouse, surpassing Kararagi and Vollachia combined within seven years. It had taken the collective efforts of Otto, Anastasia, Felt, and me to achieve this success, despite the inevitable challenges we faced.
Everything seemed to progress seamlessly in Lagunica—both the country and the lives of my friends and acquaintances.
Otto, my bro, had ascended to the position of economic minister after Anastasia's health deteriorated. He had even outmaneuvered the corrupt Russell and banished him from the capital. On top of that, he was now married to Frederica, and they were expecting their first child in three months.
Garfield, Otto's brother-in-law, had finally tied the knot with Mimi after all these years. Despite his outward confidence, he seemed surprisingly submissive to his wife, much to our amusement.
Felt and Reinhard also had tied the knot, and their dedication and service to the kingdom were rewarded when they were granted the Barony of Barriele. They now had two sons, and their happiness knew no bounds. Reinhard, in a heartwarming turn of events, managed to reconcile his father Heinkel, and his grandfather, the Sword Demon Wilhelm, bringing immense joy to my bro Reinhard's heart.
On the other hand, Roswaal was preoccupied with a Ryuzu clone that was essentially Echidna, and Ram remained devoted to the enigmatic clown. Yes, everything appeared to be going smoothly... except for me.
Since the royal selection's conclusion, I had been showered with accolades and titles.
The Hero of Arlam. The Slayer of the Great Mabeast. The Destroyer of the Witch Cult. The Conqueror of the Pleiades Watchtower. The Subjugator of Vollachia. The Great Sage. The Duke of the conquered territories.
And finally,
The Grand Vizier of the Kingdom of Lagunica.
To others, these titles and achievements might seem like milestones in one's life. But not to me.
I never wanted any of it. These were just hollow accomplishments, and what I truly desired had slipped through my fingers.
Emilia, my beloved Emilia-tan, my Rem... Remu-rin... Priscilla.
The story of my sorrowful existence began nine years ago when I found myself trapped in Vollachia while Rem finally awakened from her curse. To my dismay, she didn't remember a thing—not our story, not our cherished memories.
It was as though I had never existed in her world. The pain grew unbearable as we returned to Lagunica, and she distanced herself from me, blaming my failure to protect Louis... I am nothing but a pitiful failure.
As for Emilia, my one and only Emilia-tan, she did rescue me from Vollachia. But despite our prolonged separation, she still hadn't reciprocated my love. I kept pestering her, desperately seeking an answer, and her response remained the same.
"Please, Subaru, I need more time."
Each time, I respected her plea and gave her the time she requested, hoping that one day, she would answer my foolish heart, which longed for her desperately.
Honestly, I would have waited for her even until I was sixty or eighty years old. But that dream has been shattered because, behind my back, she developed feelings for... that pathetic KNIGHT! Julius!
She claimed it all began when Julius kissed her hand in the capital. Apparently, Julius had started harboring feelings for the half-elf, and before long, they were exchanging secret letters, unbeknownst to me.
In the letters, Julius confessed that he would have supported Emilia if he hadn't pledged his loyalty to Anastasia first. From that point on, the two of them clandestinely met in the capital or Costuul.
And then there's Priscilla. Oh, man... Sure, she may be smug, bratty, and pompous, but deep down, she has a good heart. When I was trapped in Vollachia, she provided invaluable assistance to me—caring, sweet, and compassionate. If Emilia and Rem weren't consuming my thoughts at that time, I would have pursued Priscilla without hesitation.
And if you're wondering why, now that Rem has rejected me and Emilia is now Mrs. Julius, I don't turn to Prisca. Well, for starters, she's dead! Al and I failed to protect her during an ambush in Vollachia. She even died in my arms.
So, here I am—single, without a mate or a significant other. Alone, lonely, and pathetic.
I wait for a miracle, a sliver of hope that Rem will remember me. But deep down, I know it's nothing more than a dream, a dream that will never come true.
and It's not like no one is interested in me, though. Many girls from noble families have approached me, even warrior amazons, wanting to be my wife or concubine. However, I've rejected them all, afraid of getting hurt.
People say, "If you don't play with fire, you won't get burned," and that's my plan – to remain single forever. But the pain lingers.
"Natsuki-san! You're zoning out again, are you listening?" Otto interrupted my thoughts.
"Oh, um, yeah, I was..." I replied, scratching my head.
"Then what were we talking about?" Otto asked, sounding annoyed.
"Uhh, the party?" I said, still confused.
"We already passed that, Natsuki-san! We were discussing what gift to give the queen and king!" Otto facepalmed.
"Oh, right, hahaha," was all I could muster.
Today marks a special day – April 12, the anniversary of the monarchy. It's a celebration where important people from the kingdom and the queen's inner circle gather. But this time, it's the copper anniversary, a once-every-three-years event.
As the grand vizier who oversees all ministers and acts as an intermediary between the regional governors, military leaders, and the monarch, it's expected that I attend. Yet, I'm not eager to go.
All I'll see is Emilia and the knight kissing! Being lovey dovey! Ever since that whole situation began, I've avoided attending these parties. However, I know I can't keep being petty forever.
"Nah, I'm not going, bro," I replied to Otto. "You know I hate parties, and besides, I have other business to attend to."
"Is it about the queen again, bro?" Al then began to speak seriously.
"Emilia-ta I mean Emilia? What? No, man, she has nothing to do with this," I replied nervously.
"Are you still trying to avoid the king and queen as much as possible, Captain?" Garfield, the deputy commander, chimed in.
"Me? Avoid them? Of course not! Hahaha! Why would I?" I said, scratching my head and sweating nervously. This is not good.
"Natsuki-san... Have you really moved on after all these years?" Otto once again raised the topic of Emilia and Julius. Damn.
"Huh? Of course, I've moved on! It's been, what, 8 years?" I said.
"Actually, 7," Al corrected.
"Alright, 7 but still everything's in the past, right? I'm cool," I replied, sweating even more.
"Well then, if there's no issue, we should expect your presence there, Natsuki-san. Honeybunch is there and wants to share some gossip about the Roswaal Manor," Otto said, referring to his wife. Gossip back at Roswaal's place?
"She said it's about your blue-haired Rem," Otto added with a smirk.
Wow, now I'm intrigued. Information about Rem? Is it possible she's already... recovered her memories?
"Did she tell you what it is, Otto-bruh?!" I exclaimed, gripping Otto's shoulders, shocking Garfield and Al, though Otto seemed calm.
"Well, you'll have to go to the party if you want to know, Natsuki-san," Otto replied with a wink.
"Shieettt."
As the sun began to set over the noble district, I stepped out of my large auxiliary manor, the dimming light casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. I've been living here ever since becoming the grand vizier, surrounded by opulence, but it does little to lift my spirits.
I have my own mansion back at my ducal estate in Eternya, but that place is as cold as the mountain it's nestled in. Not to mention, the architecture gives me the creeps. It has this eerie Eastern European design that reminds me of Dracula's castle.
That's why I find this auxiliary manor so much more enjoyable.
Indeed, the manor may not be as grand as the Astrea or Karsten estates, but it's still quite spacious with its ten rooms and twelve bathrooms. Having ten servants to help manage the place, along with Beako's lively presence, certainly makes it feel less lonely.
"Look, Beako," I said, continuing to pat her head. "You really can't come. It's the Copper Anniversary of the monarchy, and I can't mess this up. After all, it's the first time I'm attending one," I added.
"Beako promises to be good, in fact!" she pleaded once more, her eyes on the verge of tears.
"Beako..." I said with a sad voice, signaling that my decision was final.
Tears began to stream down Beako's face, which made me hug her and comfort her.
"Beako, look, you really can't come, but I swear tomorrow, we'll get ice cream, alright?" I said, giving her my best smile.
"Don't you love Betty anymore, in fact?" she said, now crying.
"Hey! Don't say that! Beako is very important to Subaru," I reassured her, embracing her once more. "It's just that... I don't want you to see me... and all that bullsh*t that's gonna happen later," I confided to her.
Even after all these years, I never wanted people to know my weaknesses. I never wanted them to see me vulnerable, not after that night. Not after Emilia left me.
"But what if you return by death, I suppose?" she said, trying to reason with me.
Ah, yes, another thing is my ability to return by death. An authority given to me by Satella, whom I also failed to save.
I had promised to save her, to give her a new beginning, to give her hope. But all that happened was that I ended up slaying her. Killing her with my bare hands.
All for Emilia. All for the Queen.
Ever since the death of Satella and the Witch of Envy, the curse has been lifted, and I can now share my secrets with everyone else, which I indeed have done. But only with my contracted spirit, Beatrice. I would have loved to share it with Emilia or Rem, but with our situation, I don't think it would be a great idea.
Moreover, I now control my checkpoints. However, just for safety purposes, I always put them back on default every Monday. Thankfully, I haven't died ever since the selection.
"Don't worry, Beako. I'll be fine. I've already updated my checkpoint this week, and there are almost zero threats in the kingdom, remember? Plus, I have squads of knights protecting me. What could go wrong?" I tried to reassure her.
"There's really nothing Betty can do, huh?" she said, her voice filled with sadness and despair.
"I'm sorry, Beako, but I swear, we'll go out tomorrow."
As I bid Beako a final farewell, promising her once again that we would go out together soon, I walked towards the ornate gates of my manor. My dragon carriage, elegantly adorned with intricate carvings and golden accents, awaited me. Behind, two backup carriages filled with a squadron of well-trained royal knights were ready to accompany me on my journey to the royal palace.
I hopped into the carriage, feeling the familiar warmth of the plush velvet seats beneath me. "Kalos, let's head to the royal palace," I instructed the carriage driver.
"Yes, milord," Kalos replied, skillfully guiding the dragon carriage to start its journey. The carriage glided gracefully along the cobbled streets, the sound of hooves echoing through the night.
As I arrived at the grand entrance of the royal castle, the guards recognized me immediately and swiftly ushered me through the security checkpoint. My position as the grand vizier granted me access to the palace without delay, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and anxiety as I walked through those familiar halls.
Stepping out of the dragon carriage, I took a moment to adjust my attire, making sure I looked presentable for the event. Despite my uneasy feelings, I knew that composure was crucial in such gatherings.
"Shit, looks like the party has started now, huh?" I muttered to myself as I made my way towards the royal castle.
The palace ballroom was already alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Noble ladies in their elegant gowns and gentlemen in their finest attire moved gracefully across the room. As I made my way through the crowd, I exchanged polite nods and greetings with familiar faces, acknowledging the pleasantries as best as I could.
My eyes couldn't help but scan the room, searching for Emilia, the queen, and the center of my unease. I saw her from afar, radiating with grace and charm as she engaged in conversation with other nobles. Memories of our past together flooded my mind, reminding me of our shared moments and the pain of our separation.
I was about to call out her name. After all, I missed her. I missed her voice, her hair, her beautiful face, everything about her. But before I could gather the courage, my heart sank as I saw him – the pompous knight and the king.
In an instant, with grace and affection, Julius approached Emilia and kissed her on the lips. She responded warmly, and they seemed completely immersed in their love, oblivious to their surroundings.
I stood there, heartbroken, tears threatening to spill from my eyes. I had witnessed this scene countless times before, but it didn't make the pain any less intense. If anything, it only amplified it.
This was precisely why I hesitated to attend royal parties hosted by the queen and king. I couldn't bear the sight of them together, a constant reminder of the unattainable love I held in my heart.
Without warning, the royal orchestra began to play, and the men and women in the ballroom started to partner up and dance, including the queen and king. Their dance was enchanting, full of grace, sweetness, and elegance – as if they were destined for each other. Maybe they truly were, and I was just an obstacle in their path.
As I watched them from afar, my eyes welled up with tears, feeling the weight of loneliness and longing. The pain of unrequited love seemed to suffocate me, making it difficult to stay composed.
Swallowing my emotions, I turned away and found solace in the dimly lit corner of the ballroom. I leaned against a decorative pillar, trying to regain my composure and mask my feelings from the prying eyes of others.
Though I was used to this pain, it didn't make it any easier. The torment of seeing Emilia and Julius together, so happy and in love, was a constant struggle. A part of me wished I could share my feelings with her, but fear and uncertainty held me back.
"Stop it, Subaru! You're not 19 years old anymore! You're 26; man up!" I scolded myself, quickly reaching for my handkerchief and wiping away all the tears from my face. I needed to compose myself and not let my emotions overwhelm me.
After regaining my composure, I decided to divert my thoughts and approached some friends, hoping their company would help ease my nerves. It didn't take long before I spotted Otto, standing with his pregnant wife, Frederica, at a cocktail table. They both looked elegant and sweet together.
"Natsuki-san! I'm glad you came," Otto greeted me warmly as I approached them.
"Subaru-sama, how are you these days?" Frederica asked with a charming smile.
"I'm fine, Frederica-san. How's the baby?" I inquired, trying to shift my focus to something positive.
"The doctors said it's a very healthy boy, Subaru-sama. Thank the gods," Frederica replied, her happiness evident.
"That's why I don't want you to dance, honeybunch! It might strain the baby and all," Otto joked, and they shared a loving kiss.
I was genuinely happy for them, but at the same time, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. How come everyone around me seemed to find happiness and love so easily, while I struggled to find my own?
Trying to change the topic, I finally mustered the courage to ask about one of the reasons I was at the party – Rem, my Rem-rin.
"Hey, Frederica, have you heard anything about Rem lately?" I inquired, trying to sound casual after all Otto claimed she had information regarding my Rem in the Roswaal's Manor.
"Oh! Rem, Right."
As Frederica mentioned Rem's name, my heart skipped a beat. The mere thought of her brought a mix of joy and pain, and I listened intently to every word she spoke.
"Subaru-sama, I'm afraid I have some news about Rem," Frederica said softly, her eyes filled with sympathy.
"What is it?" I asked, trying to hide the tremor in my voice.
"She... She's seeing someone else now," she replied gently as if tiptoeing around my feelings.
I felt as if the ground had been pulled from beneath me. The pain in my chest intensified, and I struggled to comprehend her words. Rem, the woman I loved with all my heart, had moved on, and I was left behind. It was a bitter pill to swallow.
"W-What do you mean, seeing someone else?" I stammered, hoping there was some misunderstanding.
Frederica hesitated, likely realizing how difficult this news was for me to digest. "I'm sorry, Subaru-sama. It seems that Rem has found companionship with another man. They spend time together, and from what I've heard, they seem to be quite close."
My mind was a whirlwind of emotions. I wanted to deny it, to believe that there was some mistake or miscommunication, but the sadness in Frederica's eyes told me otherwise. Rem was moving forward without me, and there was nothing I could do about it.
"Why didn't she tell me? "Why didn't Ram tell me?" I muttered, more to myself than to Frederica. "Did she find someone else because of my failures? Because I couldn't protect her, couldn't save her memories?"
Frederica's gentle voice caressed my ears as she spoke,
"I'm sorry, Subaru-sama," her empathy evident in her tone.
My emotions surged like a turbulent storm, and tears cascaded down my cheeks, leaving trails of heartache on my face. Emilia's absence had already been a painful reality to face, but the revelation about Rem was an unexpected blow. I had clung to a glimmer of hope that she might remember me, that our bond would endure the trials of fate. How foolish of me to nurture such unrealistic dreams.
Otto, ever the caring friend, approached me with a comforting touch, placing his hands on my shoulders. "Natsuki-san, are you alright?" he inquired, concern etched on his face.
My attempt to conceal my sorrow was futile, and my voice quivered as I responded, "Uhh, yeah, I'm fine."
Well, there goes my evening, vanished in the blink of an eye! Now, I can foresee what's coming next, and it's time for me to make a swift exit pronto!
"It was truly nice seeing you both, Frederica-san, and Otto-san," I managed to say through my emotions, "but I really must be on my way. I have something important to attend to early tomorrow. Oh, and please give my best wishes to Garfiel and Al will ya?!"
With those parting words, I turned to leave, my steps at first measured, but as my heart grew heavier with each passing moment, I broke into a run. The castle's corridors seemed to blur around me, a reflection of the turmoil within my soul. I wanted to escape the prying eyes, to find a place where I could confront my feelings without the weight of anyone else's expectations.
"Natsuki-san! Please, wait!" Otto's desperate voice echoed behind me, but I couldn't bear to stop. I didn't want them to see me like this, vulnerable and broken. I needed to find solace in solitude, where I could confront my feelings without judgment.
I heard Otto-san's desperate cry echoing behind me, pleading for me to wait. But I couldn't stop, not when tears threatened to overflow from my already swollen eyes. I covered my face with my hands, hoping to shield my vulnerability from the world, even though my heartache was painfully evident.
The grand entrance of the royal castle loomed ahead, offering me a way out of the suffocating ballroom. The moon's gentle radiance guided my path, and the stars above seemed like distant witnesses to my anguish. The night's cool embrace offered a slight comfort, but it couldn't heal the wounds that ran deep within me.
I ran past the majestic garden, the fragrant blooms offering no solace, and finally found myself outside, away from the festivities. The world outside felt quieter as if it understood the storm of emotions raging within me.
I collapsed against a stone bench, the cool touch against my skin a temporary distraction from the tumultuous feelings tearing me apart.
"Rem... Emilia..." I whispered, their names escaping my lips in a lament.
"Why does love have to be so painful?"
As I wept, memories of happier times with both Rem and Emilia flooded my mind, their laughter and warmth now a bitter reminder of what was lost. My heart ached for the love I couldn't hold, the memories slipping away like sand through my fingers.
"I thought I could be strong, but I'm... Such a pathetic loser," I admitted to the night, my voice a mere whisper.
As twilight cast its golden hues upon the royal district, I found myself wandering aimlessly, seeking solace amidst the tumult of emotions that had consumed me earlier that day.
"I'm such a pitiable loser," I mumbled, the words escaping my lips like a recurring lament.
As I fled the imposing walls of the royal castle, my heart racing with overwhelming frustration, I realized that my security detail of knights had failed to notice my abrupt departure. Unseen, I slipped away into the shadows, just as a throng of distinguished guests arrived, filling the grand halls by the hundreds.
"They're probably seeking me right now, hahaha." I surmised, a heavy sigh escaping my lips as I walk past the charming shops that adorned the outskirts of the royal district.
I chanced upon a quaint liquor shop. At that moment, an impulse to numb the pain that gnawed at my soul overwhelmed me. Without a second thought, I stepped inside, determined to find solace at the bottom of a bottle.
The merchant behind the counter eyed me cautiously, and I could sense the silent question in his gaze as if he wondered why someone of such significance had sought refuge in his humble establishment. His words came cautiously,
"Identification, please."
In response, I removed my Ball Mask, revealing the face well-known throughout the kingdom—the face of the grand vizier, Subaru. I had never expected my title to bear such weight in a place like this, but it seemed fate had other plans for me tonight.
The merchant's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and reverence.
"My lord, I... I had no idea. Please forgive my impertinence," he stammered, bowing his head respectfully.
"It's alright," I replied softly, trying to downplay the importance of my presence.
Though I sought to reassure him, the merchant continued to apologize profusely, each utterance seemingly more remorseful than the last.
I nodded understandingly, granting him the space to express his remorse.
Turning my attention to a nearby wooden shelf adorned with an assortment of bottles, I pondered the contents with a heavy heart.
Deciding on four bottles, I intended to immerse myself in their numbing embrace, seeking respite from the gnawing pain within. I approached the merchant again, carefully holding the chosen spirits.
"These will do," I declared quietly, their names escaping my lips in a hushed tone.
With a gracious nod, the merchant disclosed the price, prompting me to swiftly reach into my pouch, procuring a gleaming holy gold coin to settle the cost. Handing over the coin, the merchant's face lit up with a satisfied grin, and he gently gathered my bottles, carefully placing them in a handy shopping bag.
"Your patronage is greatly appreciated, my esteemed Lord. Do come again," he uttered courteously, bidding me farewell as I exited his quaint shop and found myself strolling through the bustling streets once more.
I chuckled to myself, "Seems like tonight, liquor is to be my only friend! Hehehehe!" I couldn't resist the temptation, so I plucked one of the bottles from the shopping bag and promptly uncorked it.
Uninhibited by rational thought, I tipped the bottle back and began gulping down the wine, savoring its delightful taste as if it were an elixir of the gods, almost finishing half the contents in one go.
"Damn! That's lit!" I exclaimed with glee, my spirits lifted and my footsteps light as I continued to walk, making my way beyond the royal district and into the city's heart.
After several hours of aimless wandering, night cloaked the entire capital city in its embrace. Thankfully, the streets were awash with the radiance of magic lamps and my latest invention "Street lamps", which collectively adorned the skyline, guiding my footsteps as I continued, holding two wine bottles, one in each hand.
In no time, I had drained both bottles and recklessly cast them aside, their glass bodies abandoned in the darkness. Now, I was reaching the last two bottles, and the alcohol's influence began to show in my swaying gait, stumbling left and right with each step.
A question arose in my mind,
"Am I drunk already?" But my thoughts were clouded, and I couldn't find a clear answer.
All I could recall was passing by the merchant and industrial district earlier and then ascending a series of stairs that led me to this elevated point in the city. It felt surreal as if I had entered a different realm.
"Hey! Where am I?" My speech slurred, I looked around, trying to decipher my whereabouts.
It appeared to be a hill-like area with structures resembling ruins. Was this some kind of temple, perhaps?
"Eyyyy! Wait! This is where my dear Rem-rin confessed to me..." The realization hit me with a tipsy rush, and I tried to articulate my thoughts, but my words were tangled.
From this vantage point, the entire city lay before me, a magnificent sight bathed in radiant glory. The myriad lights illuminated every corner, and in the distance, the royal castle shone brightly, a symbol of the jubilant celebrations within its walls, exalting the monarchy.
The captivating panorama before me seemed to amplify the sadness that had engulfed my heart, and I found myself unable to contain my emotions any longer. My inebriated state pushed me to unleash the pent-up frustration and heartache that I had carried for far too long.
"REEEEEEM! LIAAAAAAA! I HATEEE YOU!" My voice echoed through the night, resonating throughout the surroundings.
I cared little for the judgment of others; it didn't matter if they deemed me mad or deranged. After all, I had faced death countless times, nearly a hundred, for the sake of those two, only to find myself discarded, unappreciated, and neglected.
"LIAAAAA! REEEEEM! YOU BOTH SUCK!" My words, though slurred, carried the weight of my disappointment and hurt.
The pain ran deep, like an unhealed wound, as I screamed out the betrayal that had left me feeling utterly abandoned. Collapsing on my knees, I could no longer hold back the tears that welled up in my eyes, and I began to sob uncontrollably.
"Rem, you liar... Emilia, you liar!" My voice cracked with emotion as I continued to vent my anguish into the night air.
The memories of the sacrifices I had made, the loyalty I had shown, and the love I had given, all felt like they were cast aside without a second thought.
As the weight of my perceived worthlessness bore down on me, I felt like nothing more than a discarded piece of trash in their eyes. It was an agonizing realization that had been festering within me ever since I arrived in their world, like an awkward clown trying to win the affection of two beautiful girls far beyond my league. Was I truly that foolish and naive?
The accolades and titles I had received, like being appointed as the Grand Vizier, felt hollow, a mere result of pity rather than genuine recognition. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was destined to lead a life defined by sympathy and feebleness. Was this to be my fate, to forever dwell in the realm of pity and insignificance?
No more. I couldn't bear to continue living in this state of despair and self-deprecation any longer. In this drunken haze, an unexpected surge of courage enveloped me, forcing me to confront the hard truth that I had been avoiding. I would never be good enough, perpetually condemned to be a loser, pitiful and undeserving.
But this torment would end today, now. Summoning all the strength I could muster, trying to keep my balance despite the inebriation, I made my way toward the edges of the hill. It took several attempts, but eventually, I succeeded.
Standing on the precipice, I allowed myself a moment of deep introspection, and tears streamed down my cheeks. The weight of my life's disappointments pressed on my heart, urging me towards a decision I felt compelled to make.
"I'm sorry, Beako," I whispered, summoning the resolve to relinquish my authority, the power that granted me the ability to reset and return upon death - Return by Death.
was now switched off.
I yearned for peace, an end to this seemingly endless cycle of pain and failure. A release from this pitiful existence. the solution seemed crystal clear – it was right there in front of me, waiting to be seized.
All I needed to do was take that one fateful step, and so, with resolve, I did just that.
"Natsuki-san, WAIT!" I heard a desperate cry from behind, followed by another voice shouting, "Captain! NOO!" Were those Otto and Garfield? Perhaps, but it was too late now, as I had committed to my choice, willingly letting myself fall freely into the abyss of death, embracing what felt like the only path to freedom.
SPLAT.
As I lifted my eyes, a strange and surreal sight greeted me. I found myself seated in a chair in a dark and unfamiliar place, the ground resembling a chessboard.
The thought of being in the Shadow Garden crossed my mind, but something felt different. My authorities were still present, but this felt more like... a void? Confusion gripped me, and I couldn't fathom where I was or what had happened.
Looking around, I noticed that I was now wearing my tracksuit, which was odd since I distinctly remembered wearing my tuxedo before. A startling realization dawned on me, and I hesitated to admit it even to myself – could I really be dead? Is this the afterlife I had heard stories about? My mind raced with questions and disbelief.
"Natsuki Subaru-san," a voice spoke, shattering my thoughts and rattling me to the core. I turned to see a beautiful woman before me with light blue hair and eyes, a figure that exuded divine charm.
"Welcome to the afterlife," the figure said. She was also wearing a schoolgirl-like outfit but in blue and a high school shirt. "Unfortunately, you passed away moments ago. Your life was a short one... Kinda... but you are, in fact, dead," she said with a neutral voice.
"...What?... For real?" I managed to say, shocked to my core.
"Yes, you heard me right," she confirmed.
My heart sank as I tried to come to terms with the situation. So, it was true; I had passed away. Dead.
"Wait... Are you... an angel?" I said to her. She must be, right? Like those in the movies, angels who guide the souls of the recently dead.
"No. My name is Aqua. I'm a goddess who guides humans who die young to the afterlife," she said to me in the same neutral voice.
"Oh... is that so?" I replied, my face sad.
"Yes, and you have two choices right now. You can go to Heaven and live on like an old man, or you can start from square one with a new life. To tell you the truth, Heaven isn't the dreamy place you all imagine it to be. Actually, it's boring and mundane," she said and began to summon a bag of chips, then started to snack on them.
While the idea of going to Heaven brought some comfort, it also meant leaving everything behind and moving on from my past life. The prospect of beginning again, of living another life with new challenges and experiences, intrigued me. But...
"Can I go back to my world? To Earth?" I replied to the goddess, "I'm not from the world of Od Laguna, after all," I added.
"Unfortunately, that isn't possible, Subaru-san. Divine law dictates that you can't come back from the world you came from unless permitted by the Confederation of the Gods," she said in a bored tone.
"Huh? Confederation of the Gods? They have those?" I replied, shocked at the bureaucratic nature of the afterlife.
"Yep, and it's boring," she said once more, her voice filled with boredom.
Then, a realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. The gravity of my actions washed over me, and I couldn't help but blurt out my fear and disbelief.
"Oh, darn..." I exclaimed with disappointment; my hopes crushed by Aqua's response. The longing for Pop Kenichi and Mom Naoko intensified within me, and I couldn't help but feel their absence. are they okay? It's been almost ten years...
"HEY... DID I JUST... Commit suicide?" I voiced the thought that had been gnawing at my conscience, finally acknowledging the undeniable truth of my demise to the goddess before me.
"Ha! That was quite a show, huh? The effects of alcohol and heartbreak, maybe? Hihihihi!" she giggled.
"What the actual-" I exclaimed aloud.
In a whirlwind of emotions, regret crashed over me like a tidal wave. Did I just ruin everything? Damn, alcohol! There's a reason I don't drink. I always end up doing stupid things when I'm drunk, and this is by far the dumbest thing I've ever done.
"Oh no! Beako! Noo!" Panic surged through me as I thought about my sweet little loli spirit, Beako.
I abandoned her, leaving her all alone. I'm such a pitiful loser.
"Shit, shit, shit, shit!" I cursed, clutching my hair in frustration over my own idiocy.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" The blue-haired goddess continued to laugh at my expense. What a pain!
Several minutes passed before the goddess in front of me finally calmed down, and she began to speak again, her laughter subsiding to a smile that held a hint of mischief.
"Well, well, well, Subaru-san, looks like you've had quite the adventure, haven't you?" Aqua teased, enjoying my discomfiture.
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," I grumbled, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed.
"Oh, don't be so hard on yourself. It's not every day we get to witness a brave hero like you get tangled up in the web of love and liquor," she remarked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Several minutes passed before the goddess in front of me finally calmed down, and she began to speak again.
"So, what will it be, Natsuki Subaru-san? Heaven or reincarnation?" she asked once more.
"Reincarnation? Will I forget everything and start over again?" I nervously responded, the thought of forgetting everyone I love, including my mom, dad, and Beako, is an unsettling feeling.
"Of course, silly!" replied the goddess with an amused expression.
"And what about heaven?" I inquired further.
"Same. You forget everything," she answered matter-of-factly.
"Well, that doesn't seem like a good choice. Actually, both options sound bad," I lamented.
I mean, she did say that heaven is boring, right? Plus, what if I get reincarnated into a pauper family? I don't have anything against the poor, but I really don't want to be a beggar.
"Is there a better alternative?" I pleaded with Aqua, the goddess. There must be another way, right?
"No! It's either that or off to heaven you go!" Aqua retorted with a sharp tone.
"Hey, stop messing with my bro, you useless goddess!" Suddenly, a voice emerged from nowhere.
Out of thin air, a guy with brown hair and a green cape materialized before us, immediately slapping Aqua on the head.
"Ouch! Kazuma, you meanie!" Aqua exclaimed, shocking me. How can someone slap around a goddess like that? And his name is Kazuma.
Ignoring the goddess's complaints, Kazuma approached me and offered a fist bump.
"How you doing, Baruboy!" he greeted with a smile. Wait, how does he know me? "Don't remember me? We went to Isekai High together!" he said, surprising me once more.
Isekai High? What's that, a school? Shit.
"Tanya? Ainz? Seiya? Naofumi? Doesn't ring a bell?" Kazuma mentioned some names, but I shook my head in confusion; I didn't know any of the people he was talking about.
"Right... you still haven't ascended... By the way, I'm Kazuma, Satou Kazuma," he introduced himself, extending his hand for a handshake.
"I'm Subaru, Natsuki Subaru," I replied, shaking his hand.
"Alright, Subaru. So, you want to go back to your world?" Kazuma asked.
"Uh, yeah, I hope..." I said, desperately wanting to undo my mistake of leaving Beako behind.
"What world? Japan, Earth, or the Isekai one?" Kazuma asked with a smile on his face.
"Wait, you're from Japan?!" I replied, shocked once more. So, this guy is Japanese, huh? Well, he did have a Japanese name, but it's been a long time since I heard one.
"Yep, that's right!" he exclaimed, beaming with confidence and pure joy while also giving me a thumbs up.
"I see... can I go to both?" I replied, hoping for the best. I mean, there's no harm in trying, right?
"Oh, for sure, we'll just get you a Multiversal Traveling Permit and a Type 023 Multiversal Singularity Portal," he replied with a grin.
Wait, wait, wait... Multiversal portal? And now they're talking about a permit too? Ugh, I feel so lost and clueless. I must look like a complete moron right now.
"What are those?" I replied, needing answers.
"It's a permit allowing you to travel between worlds, the isekai dream, huh? And the Type 023 Multiversal Singularity Portal is a device to travel, like the show back in our world, Rick and Morty."
"Rick and what?" I replied, utterly clueless about the show he mentioned.
"WHOA, are you living under a rock? That cartoon was famous... wait, when were you isekaid again?" he asked with a weird look on his face.
"Uh, 2012?" I replied.
"Oh, I see. That show was in 2013," he replied with a sigh, "so you want to travel back and forth between your two worlds or what?" Kazuma asked.
"Uhhhh YEAH?! Yes, please!" I said, my voice nearly begging.
"Okay, copy that, but it would take some time, though," Kazuma told me.
"Huh, how long?" I asked with a mix of eagerness and impatience.
"It depends on me getting in touch with my contacts in the heavenly realms – Seiya, Naofumi, and Ainz. They've got a lot of sway up there. Realistically, it might take at least 3 months to a year to get all the paperwork ready," Kazuma replied.
"That long? Damn! Well, what can I do in the meantime then," I muttered, slightly disappointed. I can't just sit here in this void while Kazuma deals with a convoluted process with the deities.
"Can't you send me somewhere like a temporary world? I might as well explore and find something to occupy myself," I asked the brown-haired guy.
Kazuma turned to Aqua, seeking her opinion. "What do you think, Aqua?"
"Oh, I've got an idea! Your buddy Subaru can have a little adventure in the realm where the stuck-up and idiot gods went to live with their children." She beamed mischievously.
Kazuma's voice was filled with pessimism as he asked, "Uh-huh? And where's that?"
"It's called Genkai. My senior goddess recently got there, maybe Subaru can join her familia. I can vouch for him," Aqua said, handing me a blue spherical hair clip.
"Ask for the goddess Hestia; she's small and has big boobs. You'll like her if you're a man of culture like this Hikki-NEET!" Aqua laughed, teasing me.
"Hey! I ain't no simp!" I protested, defending myself.
"Are you sure?" Aqua humorously asked.
"I know you ain't, bro," Kazuma reassured me, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Thanks, man..." I replied to Kazuma. Wait, is he my friend from before? Do I really know him? How come he's doing all of this for me?
"Uh, I'm not trying to be rude or ungrateful," I spoke once more to the Japanese man, "but I want to know... why are you doing this much for me?" I said to him.
After my time in Vollachia, I've learned not to trust anybody, becoming paranoid even, hence why I always keep two platoons of royal knights as my bodyguards... which were useless in the end.
"Aren't that what friends are for?" he said with a smile.
"What?" I asked, my voice still suspicious.
"You'll know soon enough, Baruboy. Alright! Stand in the center so Aqua will begin the isekai teleportation," he said, his tone final.
Not wanting to argue and just get on with it, I began to walk toward the center of the void and stood there.
"Wait! Before anything else, Aqua, let's check his skills. We don't want our friend to get caught lacking after all, hehehehe," Kazuma motioned for Aqua, and the two came near me.
When they stood in front of me, Aqua raised her hand, and a status life holo screen appeared in front of her and Kazuma. What are those? Are they reading my skills and abilities? I could see "Invisible Providence," "Cor Leonis," "Sensory Concentration," "bipolar disorder," and "Territorial Traversal."
Aqua and Kazuma then proceeded to study my skills, and it took maybe a minute or two until...
"Shit! These skills are whack! Who gave you these?!" Kazuma spoke, his voice laced with humor.
"Hey! These are my Authorities! They're basically cheat code skills!" I told Kazuma, trying to defend my abilities.
"Uh, yeah! The weaker versions! Here, let us upgrade them, shall we?!" Kazuma said once more.
Suddenly, the goddess Aqua's body shone with a golden light, and I felt it. Inside me, the Authorities reacted, and before I knew it...
"Here! Bruh, check it yourself!" Kazuma then turned the holographic screen to me, which I read thoroughly.
"Invisible Providence - Unseen Hand,"
"Cor Leonis - Stillness of an Object's Time,"
"Sensory Concentration - Unchanged,"
"Bipolar Disorder - Unchanged,"
"Return by Death - Reset Default Setting."
"What the actual..." I began to say but was cut off.
"You're welcome! You could have got more cool stuff, but by the looks of it, you still didn't get all the Collectibles." Aqua said, referring to the other authorities I hadn't acquired yet.
I mean, of course! Pandora is sealed, Hector is sealed, and Sirius is in perpetual stasis, thus I don't have those.
"I didn't change the others because I don't know if you'll like them, hihihi!" laughed Aqua.
"Grrrr!" I said annoyed at her laughing. But she's right. I don't want to be like that tramp Capella, changing forms and Blood curses, and to hell with gluttony! It would just remind me of the skill that led me to lose Rem... my Rem-rin.
"So ready, bruh?" said Kazuma once more, telling me if I'm ready to be isekai'd once again.
To be honest, I still have tons of questions, tons of worries, and whatnot, but what's the point? I should just cross the bridge when I get there, right? The faster I get out of here, the faster Kazuma would process my request, so what the hell?
"Yeah, I'm set," I replied, nodding at the duo.
With that, Kazuma and Aqua stepped away near me. When they were far enough, Aqua raised her staff, and then I was engulfed in a circle of white light.
"Damn!" I said, surprised that I started floating.
"Good luck, you harem-having bastard! Let's chill together after you get the papers and the device. Sayonara!" Kazuma shouted in a cheerful voice as I began to float upward.
As I floated there, I began to think of something, something I forgot that I needed. OH SHIT! I'M BROKE! I HAVE NO MONEY.
"HEY, WAIT, I NEED A STARTING FU-" I started to say but my vision was engulfed in light.
I blinked my eyes open, feeling disoriented and confused. It was like I had been transported from one reality to another. Moments ago, I was floating in a void, and now, I found myself seated on a bench in the heart of a bustling city. My heart pounded in my chest as I struggled to comprehend the sights before me. The cityscape was vast, and the architectural marvels surrounding me appeared as if they had sprung to life from the pages of a fantasy novel or a captivating video game.
"Huh?" I couldn't help but exclaim, amusement tugging at the corners of my mind.
As I sat up, the panorama unfurled before my eyes, revealing a majestic tower in the distance. It soared high into the sky, seeming to pierce the heavens themselves. Its presence commanded awe and curiosity, leaving me pondering what mysteries lay hidden within its towering walls.
However, what truly captivated my attention were the people milling around me. They were nothing like the modern city dwellers I was accustomed to. Instead, they donned an array of medieval-inspired attire, some even carrying an assortment of formidable weapons—swords, spears, axes, bows, maces, daggers, and katanas. It was as though I had been magically transported to a world straight out of a mesmerizing fantasy RPG.
"Where on earth am I?" I murmured to myself, my mind brimming with a whirlwind of thoughts and conjectures.
"Did Aqua make a mistake and send me to the wrong world? She promised a safe and chill experience... This doesn't seem too safe. Or did I somehow end up in a different world altogether?" The notion simultaneously thrilled and terrified me.
The bustling crowd flowed past me, seemingly oblivious to my perplexity. Some curious gazes were cast my way, but the majority were focused on their destination—the awe-inspiring tower that beckoned in the distance.
"Alright, Subaru, stay calm. Remember what that goddess Aqua and the green-haired guy named Kazuma mentioned about this world? It's called Genkai, right?" I said to myself, attempting to gather my thoughts amidst the enchanting chaos.
"This must be it, and that tower over there... it's likely a crucial focal point." With a deep breath, I rose to my feet and decided to follow the stream of people toward the enigmatic tower.
As I moved along, I couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of races mingling within the crowd—humans, elves, dwarves, and even beings I couldn't quite identify. It felt like I had stepped into a living, breathing fantasy realm.
Doing my best to blend in, I kept my modern tracksuit concealed as much as possible. Drawing unnecessary attention would only complicate matters further.
As I drew nearer to the imposing tower, a peculiar energy seemed to emanate from its very core. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, heightening the anticipation of what lay ahead.
Upon reaching the entrance, an immense gate leading to a stairwell, I noticed another peculiar sight—a cluster of archways on the tower's side. To my surprise, most of the individuals adorned in battle gear and armed to the teeth seemed to gravitate toward that particular entrance. I couldn't help but wonder what they were heading down there for.
"Hmm, this is intriguing," I mused aloud, my curiosity piqued once more.
The archways beckoned, and my feet led me toward them. I couldn't shake off the desire to explore the depths of the tower.
However, I hesitated for a moment, grappling with conflicting thoughts. Should I venture in, or would it be wiser to seek out Hestia, as Aqua had suggested? Perhaps she could provide guidance or offer me a place to stay while I awaited Kazuma's Update.
"This place gives me the- Ooo!" I exclaimed before being suddenly thrown off balance as someone crashed into me, sending me crashing to the hard floor with a painful thud.
"Hey! Watch it, punk!" A male voice barked at me from behind.
Seriously? He was the one who bumped into me, and now he's acting all tough? I wasn't here to get pushed around, that's for sure!
I slowly got back on my feet, wincing a bit from the impact, but not too worse for wear. This guy seemed strong as hell. Nonetheless, I couldn't let him get away with this without saying something.
"Punk?! You bumped into me, asshole!" I responded without a second thought, my irritation evident.
The guy had striking gray hair, orange eyes, grey ears, and a grey tail. On top of that, he had a blue tattoo on the left side of his face, and his muscular physique and handsome features were hard to ignore. He kind of reminded me of that pompous Julius from back home.
"What the hell did you say, bitch?! Do you want me to cut your tongue?"
The demi human growled, anger distorting his features.
Ugh, he's annoying... And he's a demi-dog? No wonder he's so aggressive.
"Try me, puppy," I retorted coldly.
"What?! Come here, you—" He started advancing towards me menacingly, and in response, I summoned my unseen hands, a bunch of purple hands emerging from me to defend myself. However, his friends intervened, holding him back.
"Hey, Bete, stop acting like a kid. We need to reach the 51st floor. We don't have time for your insecurity," one of his friends, a tall and beautiful elf with jade-colored hair, clad in a white cape, reasoned with him.
"Nah, Nah, he insulted me. I have to teach this weakling a lesson," the dog boy, Bete, persisted, still angry.
"Let him. This doggie needs to be trained," I stated, my irritation boiling over since last night's betrayal by Emilia and Rem. Venting out on these fools might help me feel better.
"Do you know who we are, kid? I highly suggest you reconsider, lest you bring harm to yourself," the elf warned coldly.
"Me? Harm myself? Nah, I don't think so, witch!" I shot back, my anger getting the better of me, not appreciating being referred to as a kid when I was already 25. Plus, I've always wanted to call an elf a witch, just for kicks.
"Tsk!" The elf's expression turned to annoyance, and I knew this was going to be interesting.
"Oh, looks like this boy has an attitude," commented a brown-skinned girl with short brown hair, wearing a revealing tube top and pareo around her waist.
"Yep, I think we should let Bete teach him a lesson," added another brown-skinned girl with long black hair, looking almost identical to the first one except for her long hair and, well, larger breasts. Were they sisters, or even twins? I brushed the thought aside; now wasn't the time to dwell on it.
"I agree. Come on, let's go!" I declared coldly, my determination to prove myself and defeat these fools surging.
"Alright, you get your wish," said the elf witch, ordering the others to let Bete go.
I took a moment to observe the rest of the group—a dwarf in iron armor, a tiny blonde girl, another elf with golden-yellow hair, and an incredibly attractive woman with long golden-blonde hair, gold eyes, and a graceful figure. Damn, she was hot.
Bete then positioned himself in front of me, his face a mix of anger and determination. I knew that look; he wanted to pummel me into oblivion until I was just a pulp or half-dead.
"Any last words before I beat the living soul out of you and wipe that smug look off your face?" Bete threatened.
"No words, just action," I replied defiantly.
He immediately assumed a battle stance, not even bothering to draw his dual swords, probably underestimating me.
"Aren't you using your blade?" I taunted him, smirking.
"No need. I'll use my hands to beat the shit outta you," he retorted.
"Heh, we'll see," I responded, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. I activated Sensory Concentration, enhancing my five senses, and readied my unseen hands, which numbered 20.
Then, I heard a count...
Five...
Four...
Three...
Two...
One...
BOOM!
With lightning speed, almost imperceptible to the naked eye, the dog-boy, Bete, lunged forward, attempting to close the distance and deliver a powerful punch.
Big mistake.
My heightened senses, courtesy of Sensory Concentration, allowed me to anticipate most of his movements, and I was ready. In a split second, I unleashed my 20 unseen hands, each striking Bete with incredible force all over his body—face, legs, stomach, neck, everywhere.
He was sent hurtling through the air, a human projectile crashing into establishments in the distance. Patrons and bystanders scattered, fleeing for safety.
"Bete!" screamed the snobbish elf, alarmed by the scene as their friend was sent flying 300 meters away.
"That's it?! This is too easy. I didn't even break a sweat!" I boasted,
further enraging Bete's teammates, especially the snobbish witch and the golden-haired beauty.
Emerging from the wreckage, Bete's body bore multiple bruises, cuts, and wounds. He didn't look good at all. Had I gone too far? Unseen Hands seemed overpowered, just like Betelgeuse before. Nonetheless, I remained cocky, which only fueled their anger.
"Why you!" Bete's voice seethed with fury. It seemed he was now using some kind of fire magic, and I knew I had to stop this before things got out of hand.
"Hatiiiiii!" Bete roared, unleashing a fiery blast toward me with deadly force. It was a firestorm that would have incinerated me on contact.
But not today.
I activated my Authority just in the nick of time, moments before the flames would have consumed me.
BOOM!
The area around me erupted in flames, but they were no match for my Authority of Greed—Stillness of an Object's Time. The fireblast bounced off my force field, leaving me unharmed.
"My turn," I declared, wasting no time. I utilized Stillness of an Object's Time to sprint at lightning speed toward Bete, who was still standing near the rubble. Without hesitation, I delivered a devastating punch straight to his face.
BOOM!
His head exploded like a watermelon, blood splattering in all directions. His lifeless body crumpled to the ground.
"Bete!" The previously silent blonde midget spoke up. "Everyone, assault formation, flank hi—" he began to command, but I wasn't about to let them regroup.
"Ah, ah, ah!" I interrupted, grabbing a handful of rubble from the destroyed establishment and hurling it at the group before they could even assume combat positions. My attack caught them off guard, decimating their ranks.
"Bam! Bullseye!" I shouted triumphantly, chest-thumping with pride.
The brown-skinned twins, the midget, the snobbish green-haired elven witch, and the other elven witch were either dead, wounded, or dying. Only the dwarf remained, standing and ready to fight.
Feeling alive and invincible, I picked up more rubble, preparing for another satisfying obliteration. I reveled in the power of the Great Sage, the Duke of the newly-conquered territory, and the Grand Vizier of the kingdom of lagunica! And this world would witness my might!
"Sayonara!" I theatrically announced, preparing to throw the rubble and dirt, eager to finish off the lot!
However, my plans were interrupted as the rubble I threw merely flew a couple of meters from me.
"What the fuck?!" I exclaimed in utter disbelief, what just happened?
"Tempest,"
I heard from a distance, and suddenly, my vision began to spin. Before I knew it, I was on the ground, and the strangest thing was that my body was a few meters away from me.
Gradually, darkness overcame me, and my vision faded. Dying again? But who had killed me this time?
"I hate cooldowns," I thought, just before losing consciousness.
I blinked my eyes open, feeling disoriented and confused as the familiar sight of the bench in front of the Babel Tower greeted me. How had I ended up back here? Oh, right... I had returned by death once again.
The weight of this realization crashed down on me, leaving me frustrated and bewildered. Despite becoming stronger, I couldn't escape this cycle of death and rebirth. My victories were short-lived, and it seemed like no matter how much progress I made, fate had a way of pushing me back.
"Well, at least I still have it, but how will I change the checkpoint?" I thought to myself, as this is the first time, I've used it since it was reset to default mode... Actually, It's the first time I've used it in almost a decade.
As memories of my previous encounters flooded my mind, I desperately tried to piece together what had gone wrong. My carelessness and overconfidence had cost me dearly, and I knew I had to change my approach. This time, I couldn't afford to make the same mistakes again.
"Maybe it's not best to go to that tower," I muttered to myself, changing direction and venturing into the city instead.
"The pain of dying doesn't seem to bother me anymore, but still," I sighed, "I need some food and a drink to calm my nerves." Determined to find a place to relax, I set my sights on a nice restaurant.
"Tempest... what was that?" I wondered aloud, my mind grasping at the fragments of memories from my previous life.
As I continued walking through the city streets, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Everything seemed unusually closed, leaving me puzzled and alone in the quiet streets.
"Damn, might as well look for Hestia," I reasoned, considering the idea of seeking out the goddess for guidance.
But just as I was about to give up on finding an open restaurant, a glimmer of hope appeared in the form of a waitress in the distance. An Elf with mesmerizing sky-blue eyes and green hair, she looked tired and burdened, yet there was an air of elegance about her.
"Maybe she's a waitress or a barmaid," I mused, allowing myself to feel a flicker of excitement at the thought of a potential meal and a drink.
I couldn't resist the temptation to follow her discreetly, intrigued by the possibility of finding an open establishment. But my amateurish attempt at stalking was short-lived when she suddenly turned around, almost catching me in the act.
"Damn it," I cursed, quickly retreating into one of the alleys to hide.
As I waited for her to leave, curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn't help but sneak a peek. To my surprise, my breath suddenly went shallow as I saw her face up close – she was stunningly beautiful.
"Are the flowers blooming?" The words escaped my lips before I even realized it.
This strange feeling took hold of me, and I couldn't shake it off. There was something about her that drew me in, something beyond her physical beauty or elegance. Then, it struck me – she bore a striking resemblance to someone from my past, my long-lost love, Emilia.
Though her features weren't identical, there was an undeniable familiarity that tugged at my heartstrings.
"Are the flowers blooming?" I blurted out, surprised by my own words.
There was something captivating about her, something that made me feel strangely drawn in.
It wasn't just her looks, but something more like she reminded me of someone from my past, my lost love, who got away! Emilia.
Her features weren't exactly the same, but there was a feeling of familiarity that touched my heart.
"Stop it, Subaru! You're going crazy!" I started slapping myself to snap out of it. After all, she didn't really look like Emilia – it was just my imagination running wild.
But the feeling of similarity persisted, though I tried to convince myself it was just a coincidence.
"Huh?" Suddenly, she was gone, and I realized she had probably left while I was lost in my thoughts.
"Shieeeet," I muttered, frustrated and perplexed by the strange encounter.
As the morning sun began its descent towards the capital city of Lagunica, a somber scene awaited the people as they awoke from their slumber. In the heart of the bustling merchant district, a gathering of countless bystanders surrounded a tragic tableau: a group of royal knights and ordinary levy troops encircled a lifeless body, its form gruesomely mangled, seemingly from a great fall.
Yet, it wasn't the sight of a mere tragedy that weighed heavily upon the hearts of those present. No, the person who met this grim fate was none other than the beloved Grand Vizier of the kingdom and the duke of the newly conquered territories—Natsuki Subaru.
Standing beside his lifeless form was a small, disheveled blonde child, her eyes swollen with tears and her once pristine hair now unkempt. Her dress, once clean and finely tailored, was now dirtied and tattered, reflecting the depths of her grief and despair. She couldn't comprehend why fate had been so cruel as to take away the one person she held dear.
"Why? Why? Why did you leave Betty like this?" the child sobbed, her anguished cries cutting through the air, resonating with the depths of her pain.
Behind her, stood a tiger-like demihuman, a one-armed knight, a green-haired young man, and her demihuman blonde wife. Their faces, mirroring the child's anguish.
Such is the fate of The Great Grand Vizier of the kingdom of Lagunica.
Such is the fate of the lone Star King
(TO BE CONTINUED)