A.N.: I have returned! And once again, I bring an offering of a chapter; I hope you will enjoy it!
Harisson grunted as his sword was once again smacked out of his hands. Immediately he lunged back, trying to grab it before his assailant could kick it away; But as usual, he was too slow to do so and saw it be sent flying away from him with contemptuous ease. Without pause he began running, planning on getting his hands on something, anything he could use as a weapon. Hand to hand combat against his current opponent was not just pointless; It was actively detrimental to his well being.
"Fura!" The words sent Harisson sprawling to the floor as he threw himself down, avoiding the vicious blade of wind that came crashing into a tree ahead of him. He rose back to his feet, facing his opponent with sweat pearling down his face.
"Really?! Fura?! I thought we said no named spells!"
Ram, looking as unbothered as ever, merely shrugged in response. "Things change on the battlefield. Expect the unexpected."
As she spoke, Harisson inched further and further away from her, trying to get closer to his sword. He caught the glimpse from Ram as he grabbed a rock on the ground, throwing it towards her before sprinting towards the blade, stopping in place and letting the blade of wind that would have surely caught him otherwise sail harmlessly before him. Finally, he laid his hand on the sword, whirling around only to find himself tasting a fistful of Ram as she slammed her knuckles into his face.
"Gah!" He exclaimed, blood spilling from a cut in his lip as he lashed out with the sword, successfully forcing her back. He tried to ignore the pain as he pushed the offensive.
"Focus!" She snarled, nearly grabbing his sword with her bare hands. "Stop just whacking your sword like some boy with a stick!" A vicious kick to the stomach punished him for overextending. "Your attacks must be precise! They must have a purpose! Any experienced opponent will be able to read you and exploit your openings!"
"I know, I know!" He snarled right back, fainting a thrust to the left only to instead whirl and slash to her right. The blade managed to nick at the edge of her sleeve before he was kicked in the head.
"Better, but you can't attack whilst leaving yourself open to a counter!"
Harisson squeaked as he braced himself for the follow-up blow.
"That's enough!" The surprisingly authoritative voice sprang into the clearing as Ram's blow came crashing down onto Harisson only to be met with an obstacle of pure, crystalline ice. Ram immediately jumped back, turning to face the new arrival.
"Lady Emilia." The royal candidate's expression was severe as she looked to Ram, the maid bowing to her. "What brings you to our training ground?"
"Ram, it's not okay to bully…" Emilia started, walking forward with ice magic fluttering around her, before Ram's words seemed to finish processing in her head. "...Huh? Training?"
"Lad… Emilia." Harisson hastily corrected himself, rising from the ground as he brushed aside the blood pouring from his lip. "Apologies, were we too loud?"
"N…no, I just…" Emilia stammered, blushing deeply. "Um… I might have… misread the situation… my sincerest apologies, I feel so kerfuffled…" Ram sighed.
"Lady Emilia, surely you did not think I brought Harisson all the way here to beat him up for no reason?"
"O…Of course not!" Emilia confidently said, placing a hand on her chest. "I simply wanted to make sure you were all keeping safe!" To herself, she muttered. "Yeah, that was good!" Harisson did not dare mention she'd said it loud enough for both Ram and himself to hear.
"It's fine Emilia." Harisson smiled at her reassuringly. "I don't mind Ram being a bit rough. I'm learning a lot with her."
Emilia gave him an appraising look before sighing. "You look pretty roughed up. You are a civilian, Harisson. You don't need to go through such tough training." She gave him a gentle smile. "It is the task of those with strength to protect those like yourself, or the villagers of Arlam."
Harisson couldn't return her smile. The memories of the previous loops kept flashing through his mind. Each time he had been so utterly overwhelmed by their opponents, he had felt worse than useless. An ant in a hurricane, helplessly flailing about trying to help fix the problem whilst only adding further stress to the one actually doing the work. The sudden silence in the clearing caught his attention; Only then did he realise he'd effectively been staring at nothing for an entire minute, his expression utterly haunted.
"I…" he started saying, the words catching in his mouth.
"Harisson?" Emilia asked, her expression genuinely concerned as she stepped closer to him. Cautiously. Slowly. As one might a small, frightened animal. "You…"
"I can't." He weakly said. "I can't stay weak. I can't let you guys be the ones to face the monsters everytime. I can't…" He gulped as he remembered running, leaving Ram behind to face Garfiel by herself. Fleeing in a cart with the rest of the villagers as Subaru went off to face the witch cult. "I don't want to be weak." He eventually managed to bring himself to say.
"...You heard him, Lady Emilia." Ram said, Emilia turning to her with a deeply troubled expression. "This training might be… a little rough. But it is his wish to go through with it. I merely accepted to train him."
"But…" Emilia clenched her hands together. Her face frowned in deep focus. Then… "Fine." She clapped her hands together. "But this won't be enough, you know." She walked up to him, her eyes shining with such intensity that Harisson found himself trying to take a step back, only for his eyes to widen as he found himself unable to lift his feet. A breath of cold spread from his legs as he looked down, finding them entirely encased in ice. "You can swing that sword as much as you want, become as strong as you want; Without magic, you will always be outclassed."
Harisson was petrified at the sight of Emilia. He was so used to the deeply compassionate, kind half-elf that this sudden intensity from her was catching him entirely off guard.
"I…" He began. "I know that." He eventually admitted. "But I can't use magic. My gate isn't even open."
Emilia's lips spread into a satisfied smirk, as if this had been the response she'd been waiting for this entire time. "Of course! Which is why we are going to awaken it!" Harisson's eyes widened. "Let's go to Roswaal!"
"No!" Harisson exclaimed. Silence fell on the clearing. Ram gave him a cautious look as Emilia, seemingly caught off guard by his intense refusal, lost some of her energy.
"U…um, Harisson, I know Roswaal can be a little intimidating…"
"It's not that." Harisson said, cursing loudly internally. If they went to Roswaal to open his gate… then he would be unable to do anything for the rest of this loop. He couldn't allow that. "The Margrave has recently suffered deep injuries. He should be focusing on that, not on using his magic on someone like me." He didn't have to try to make an uncomfortable grin. He knew this was a poor excuse. Could see it in their faces.
"I see…" Emilia slowly said. "Um, but the only other two who could help with that would be Puck and Beatrice, and with Puck not answering and Beatrice being at the mansion…" Harisson's eyes widened.
Of course. Beatrice. And Subaru would no doubt want to head to the mansion himself! This was perfect!
"That's fine! I mean, I know Subaru has been wanting to ask some questions to miss Frederica anyways, so we can go to the mansion together!" His grin faded as he noticed the expression on Emilia's face. "Um… Lady Emilia?"
"Subaru is gone." She bluntly said. "Patrasche as well." Harisson blinked, confused.
"I'm… I'm sorry?" He looked between Ram and Emilia. "What do you mean, gone?"
"Like I said. He is gone." Emilia said in a sad voice. "I'm… I'm not sure where, but no one can find him. But with Patrasche being gone as well, it's safe to assume he left of his own desire."
No.
No, no, no. That couldn't be right. There was no way Subaru would simply… walk away. No way at all.
Then… he must have left for the mansion already. That was the only place that made sense. Unless he knew something Harisson didn't.
Gah, this was infuriating! Why now?!
"That does not sound like Barusu." Ram mentioned. "Loathe as I am to admit it, that man does not know when to quit."
"I agree with you Ram." Emilia said with a melancholic smile. "Unfortunately, that does not change the situation." She turned around. "I'll be heading back. Sorry for interrupting you". With that, she was gone. Harisson stared behind her for some time, hands clenched in frustration.
"You know something." Ram casually stated.
"...I'll never stop being surprised at how well you can read me." Harisson muttered with a reluctant smile. "I might have an idea where he went. That idiot is going to get himself killed if he went by himself."
"What do you mean?" Ram asked.
"The mansion." He had to be careful here. "Subaru has mentioned he believes it's going to come under attack. Don't ask me how he knows, but he seemed pretty confident." Ram frowned, but did not interrupt him. "If he's going now, it must be because he wants to solve the situation on his own." Harisson sighed dramatically. "We can't leave him to his own devices."
"What are you suggesting?" She eventually asked, crossing her arms.
"We go after him." Harisson quickly answered. "We can use the carriage and go after him. If only to ask him what the hell is going on, that he felt the need to leave without warning." That was the truth at least.
"You would ask me to leave Lord Roswaal on his own? In a borderline hostage situation?"
"There's nothing borderline about it, and yes." Harisson shrugged. "He's the Margrave. The strongest magic user in the kingdom. And Emilia is no pushover." Ram closed her eyes.
"You are hiding something." Harisson didn't deny it. "What a drag. This manipulative attitude does not suit you."
"..." Harisson looked down. "You're right. But I am…" He shivered. "Honestly desperate. I don't know what else to do. But we can't let him go alone." Harisson looked up to her, not having to feign the edge in his voice. "Ram. I beg you. Please." He fell down to his knees. "Please."
"..." Silence. "Get up. That grovelling is disgusting." The contempt in her voice made him wince. "You are not thinking clearly." Harisson looked up.
"...Huh?"
"How in the world are we meant to go after him? By foot?" She shrugged. "Or do you suggest taking the carriage and leaving the others stranded if something were to happen?" Ram leaned down, grabbing him and physically forcing him to his feet. "Besides. I am afraid I cannot leave lord Roswaal alone. Not under these circumstances."
"But… but Subaru!"
"Barusu is surprisingly resourceful. He has done, much as I am loath to admit it, great feats where none would have expected much of him." She paused. "Or anything. But he has managed to overcome it, despite the odds. You consider him a friend, do you not?"
"Yes?" He slowly said.
"Then believe in him." Ram sighed. "If he is gone, then there must be a reason. If you want to help… then get up and take a stance." She took one of her own. "I will beat out those useless thoughts."
"..." Harisson sighed deeply, getting back up. He could still try and go by himself, by foot… and it would amount to nothing. If Subaru was going to die, Harisson wouldn't even make it to the mansion before it happened. "Fine. You're right. Damn you, but you're right." Ram cocked an eyebrow at him.
"I am surprised you agreed. I was looking forward to beating you into submission."
"Don't you mean expecting to need to?"
"I know what I said."
"Is it really such a surprise that I'd listen to you?" Harisson shook his head. "You made sense. I know I'm not in the best state of mind." That was an understatement if he'd ever heard one. "And well, you're my friend. Of course I'd listen to you." Ram's eyes widened ever so slightly.
"...Right. We're…" A tiny smile appeared on her face. "Friends." Within the blink of an eye, it was gone. "I am going to beat you up now."
"Please be gentle."
"Never."
For the next few days, Harisson avoided Roswaal with near religious zeal. A routine began to set into place. The day would start, Otto and him would try and make Emilia feel better over her repeated failures, Ram would train him, he would freeze up whenever Garfiel was around. The routine helped, but it certainly didn't stop the tension from growing as the days passed by and Emilia continued to fail in the trial. Watching her mind start to degrade as the days went by was by far the worst thing to happen during this time.
Until the third day came, and it began to snow.
That caught Harisson off guard.
He didn't remember it ever snowing in the loops.
Then again, he didn't make it this far in any of them. At first, he was excited about the snow. It was a wondrous sight, and he'd always loved seeing the land grow covered in that white blanket.
But something about the snow unsettled him. And it seemed to be putting others on edge. Garfiel specifically seemed to be getting more and more irritated with the snow.
The trial began, and it continued snowing. Harisson went with Ryuzu and Garfiel to wait for Emilia to return. He stood a comfortable distance from the two of them, unable to force himself to stand next to them after what he'd experienced at their hands. Harisson had no idea how Subaru could simply… pretend nothing had happened. Just seeing Garfiel look at him with annoyance was enough to make him want to curl up in a ball and hide.
It was the sight that emerged from the trial that shocked him however.
"Su…" Harisson took a step forward, his eyes widening in shock. "Subaru?!" The boy looked a fright. His jacket was gone, he was covered in scraps and bruises. Worse however was the cloth wrapped around his left eye. Harisson felt his stomach drop at the sight. The jacket. He'd torn his jacket and worn it around his eye. Why was he wearing this? Unless… No, surely not.
Anyways, the bigger question was when the hell had Subaru come back?!
"Hey, what's up with your left eye?" Garfiel barked. "Where the hell'd you leave it? And where's the princess?"
Harisson stared at Garfiel. The demihuman had far sharper senses than he did. So… Subaru really had lost an eye. Oh Od. What the hell happened in the mansion?!
Subaru's expression sent shivers down his spine. It looked… dead. Completely and utterly drained.
"If you mean Emilia… she said she loves me."
"Subaru, what the hell happened to you?!" Harisson exclaimed in shock as Garfiel began to glow with power, anger entering his expression. "You… your eye…"
"She said she loves me, and as long as she has me, she doesn't need anything else." Subaru said with a deadpan voice.
"Subaru…" Harisson hesitantly reached out. "You're scaring me, c'mon man…"
"Bastard…" Garfiel growled, clenching his fist.
"With that cute face, in that cute voice, so close we could've melted together… That's what she said."
"You think this is the time for…" Garfiel began, only to be interrupted by Subaru loudly exclaiming as he turned, angrily facing the demihuman:
"There's no way Emilia would say she loves me!"
"Subaru…" Harisson stood there, stunned.
"Like there's any chance she'd ever say that." Subaru looked down, despondent. "That she doesn't need anything else… Never."
"Wh… what are you…" Garfiel was clearly just as stunned as Harisson. Subaru fell to his knees in the snow.
"If only Puck was by her side, there's no way she would fall all over me like that." He took a deep breath. "Someone pushed her to the point where she has no point but to rely on me."
"So that's why there's snow everywhere?!" Garfiel angrily exclaimed. "Drag the half-witch out here! If ya can't do that…"
"Bring Emilia out here and have her stop the snow? I can't do that."
"Why the hell not?!" Garfiel demanded.
"Emilia's not the one making it snow. It's someone else." The words sent chills down Harisson's spine. He'd assumed it was her; Who else could it be? She was the expert in using ice related magic after all. The only other potent magic user was… Roswaal. But what would he gain from such a spell? What would snow change, if anything?
"Someone else?" Garfiel asked.
"Where is Roswaal?" Subaru asked, his voice full of suppressed rage. Harisson took a step back.
"He's still…" Finally, Subaru looked at him. "He's still where he was before."
Garfiel let go of Subaru, looking thoughtful.
"That bastard?" He slowly said.
"Getting an answer out of him is the last goal I need to reach in this world."
"Subaru, wait!" Harisson exclaimed, finally gathering the courage to get closer. "What happened?! Didn't you go to the mansion? Why are you here?"
"Petra's dead." The words shocked him into silence. "So is Beatrice." Subaru slowly got up. "We need to go see Roswaal."
"S…Subaru… Petra is…" Harisson's breath grew faster. Shallower. "Oh Od… Oh Od!" The kind young girl. The first of the villagers he'd met. The one he'd taught cooking to. Smiling, happy Petra.
Dead.
He fell to the ground.
"Harisson. We need to go." Subaru bluntly said. "We can fix this. We just need more information."
"Fix this?" Harisson looked up in horror. "Subaru, what are you…" He was right. Of course he was right. With Subaru's power, he could fix anything. But… "How can you just… say it?! How can you brush it off, like it's nothing, like…"
"Like I don't care?" Subaru softly said, a dangerous look in his eyes. "That's the thing, Harisson. It's because I care so damn much that I can brush it off. Because I have to keep moving. Otherwise…" Subaru turned away, starting to move. "Nothing will change."
"Subaru…" Harisson said, his eyes watering. "W…wait! Wait for me!" He got up, running after the boy.
"Oi! If Roswaal is up to some shady shit, I'm coming along!" Garfiel snarled, walking up to them with ease. "I got some questions as well anyways."
"Well, well. What an unusual trio you three make." As Roswaal spoke, Harisson glanced at the red haired maid standing next to him. Ram was there. Of course she was. Because why make an awkward situation less so?
"You're the one making it snow in the Sanctuary, aren't you Roswaal?" Subaru bluntly said.
Roswaal's smile faded. "Subaru. Did you hear that from me?" Subaru was caught off-guard by the question, as was clearly reflected on his face. Roswaal hummed. "Hm. I see." He seemed… disappointed. "I see. How unfortunate."
"You're not gonna deny it?" Garfiel said.
"I could feign ignorance, but you three clearly have some grounds for asking me this, so I suppose I shall respect that."
"Hah! Thanks a whole damn lot!" Garfiel angrily said. "Maybe I oughta show a little respect for your stupidity, too!" He took a step forward, his fist raised up, only for Ram to interpose herself.
"I will not allow you to insult Lord Roswaal."
"This is no time for you to butt in!" Garfiel snarled. Despite himself, Harisson intervened.
"Garfiel, come on man. I mean, sure it's a bit weird for him to have done that, but it's just snow." He sighed. "It's not worth starting a fight over." He frowned as Roswaal slowly stood up from his bed. "Oi, Roswaal, what are yo…"
Roswaal's hand went through Ram.
Through Garfiel's chest. Impaling them both, blood spurting out onto the ground. Subaru stood there, frozen in shock at the sight as Garfiel fell to the ground, blood dripping from his mouth and wound. Ram's mouth began to bleed as she tilted her head upwards.
"Ros…"
"I am a man of my word." The man said.
Harisson saw red. His sword flashed as he drew, swinging it with deadly intent towards Roswaal.
Only for Ram to stop it with her arm, the sword cutting into her flesh. In shock, Harisson drew the blade back frantically, unable to dodge the viciously powerful kick into his chest that sent him flying into the wall.
"Gah!" He fell to the ground, bleeding and bruised. "Ram…" He looked up at her, confusion and horror in his eyes. He'd hurt her. Oh Od, he hurt her. "Why…"
"How disgusting." Roswaal muttered as he withdrew his fist from Ram's chest. "To see your efforts wasted on someone as insignificant as this…" The maid fell to the floor, eyes vacant. She was dead.
He'd hurt her, and now she was dead.
"ROSWAAAAAAL!" Harisson screamed, fumbling back up and charging with his sword aimed at the man.
"Now Subaru, let us have a conversation." The noble smiled. "In private." He pointed a hand at Harisson. The fireball mercifully burned him to a crisp instantly.
Harisson was quiet when the loop restarted. Staring into nothing as the others repeated the same motions he'd seen so many times.
He knew it was likely to happen. That people he knew would die in front of him with how this series of events had been happening.
But… Petra had died.
Ram had died. He'd hurt Ram.
He couldn't bring himself to even touch the pommel of the sword at his side. It felt disgusting.
Subaru was in a similar unusual state. He was good at pretending nothing was wrong, but Harisson had seen this scenario too many times to not notice when he was acting off. But Harisson couldn't bring himself to speak. Couldn't bring himself to ask what the hell happened after he died.
He just… stood there. Silently going along with the script.
What did it matter what he did, after all? He would be dealt with in an instant. Garfiel had killed him by accident with that landslide. The assassin Elsa had murdered him effortlessly. Roswaal had him imprisoned, and now burned to death instantly.
It didn't matter what Harisson did.
He couldn't do anything.
He didn't stop Subaru when he noticed him sneaking off into the night towards the ruins.
Didn't follow when Otto went running after Patrasche when the ground dragon sprinted in the same direction some time later.
Didn't follow when Subaru returned, only to head into the building Roswaal was located in.
Didn't follow after him when Subaru emerged, distress clear across his face as he ran into the woods.
Didn't…
"Well then. Let's go after him!" Harisson glanced to the side.
"Otto?" He muttered. The merchant looked fidgety. He considered telling him to go on his own. But… the part of him that still couldn't help but worry about Subaru won out on the apathy and despair, if only for this. "Right. Let's go." He slowly got up, running after Otto as the merchant sprinted after Subaru.
They eventually found him, lying on the ground at the bottom of a small hillside, muttering to himself with a tormented expression. Harisson felt his heart twinge at the sight of him. To his surprise, the merchant showed no sign of hesitation as he slid down, landing in front of Subaru.
"...Otto?" Subaru slowly said, clearly surprised. "Harrison? What are you two…" Harisson followed after Otto, but remained silent.
"Yes, hello." Otto said with a happy smile. "And good morning. That's right. It's us."
Subaru looked confused. "Good mor…" He turned to face the sky, his confusion not abating one bit. "What are you doing here?" He hesitantly asked.
"Let's put that aside for a moment." Otto declared, gesturing as if putting the matter away. "We need to talk about you first. You were deliriously muttering to yourself, with a face like someone about to die." Harisson couldn't help but flinch at that. Poor choice of words, truly.
"Delirious?" Subaru asked.
"Yes." Otto answered.
"I… I see." Subaru slowly said. Silence reigned in the clearing as Subaru rose to his feet. "You always seem to find me when I'm in the freakiest states."
"I can't be a trader without my quick wit." Otto answered.
"Sorry, but I don't have time to crack jokes with you." Subaru bluntly said. "I need to think, so right now…"
"You were at your wits' end, right? And you want to know what you should do?" Otto confidently pointed to himself. "Just leave it to me."
"Leave what to you?" Subaru asked.
"Now listen. This will take preparation."
"Preparation?"
Harisson frowned. "Otto, what are you…"
The merchant turned to him, winking.
"Ah-ah! Don't worry, I'll get to you in just a bit."
"Yes. First, take a long, deep breath."
"Huh?" Subaru dumbly said.
"Quickly now!"
Harisson had to admit, Otto was confusing him majorly. He was not used to the merchant acting so in control and confident. Subaru eventually did as he asked, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
Only for Otto to immediately deck them in the face, hard enough to send Subaru sprawling onto the floor.
Harisson's jaw dropped as he watched Subaru hit the ground.
"OTTO, WHAT TH…"
"I said wait a moment Harisson!" Otto snapped, Harisson taking a step back in genuine concern. With that, he turned to Subaru. "And you! Stop trying to put on a tough front around your friends, Natsuki Subaru!" Otto dramatically gestured at him. "Your head is a big, jumbled mess, and you don't know what to do, right? You keep putting yourself into situations where you have to reach out and help, but both your arms and your head are too weak to reach far enough, so you end up wasting time frantically flailing around, right?" Subaru was stunned, staring up at Otto as the merchant stepped closer to him, grabbing him by the collar. "Do you hear me?" There was such frustration in Otto's voice that Harisson couldn't help but walk closer, reaching out with a hand. "If you hear me, say something!" The merchant then proceeded to ram his head into Subaru's own, sending him reeling back.
"Otto, seriously!" Harisson exclaimed in shock.
"What the hell was that for?!" Subaru snarled, rushing forth only for Otto to easily dodge and kick his foot, sending Subaru falling to the ground once again.
"You finally lost your temper, but you forgot to pay attention to your footing." Otto bluntly said, glaring down at Subaru. "That just sums you up perfectly, doesn't it? Pathetic."
"Otto…" Harisson whispered.
"...Oh, is that right?" Subaru grabbed a fistful of dirt, throwing it at Otto's eyes, who managed to quickly shield himself, preventing Subaru from successfully pinning him to the floor and instead throwing him over his shoulder and slamming him into the ground. Even Harisson had to admit it was a pretty sad sight.
"That's really all the strength you have." Otto calmly said as he walked closer to Subaru. "Putting on a tough act in front of the girl you love is fine. And you can play tough for a girl who likes you too. No one would object to that. But that's as far as it goes!" Otto stared into Subaru's eyes. "You know you're not good enough, don't you? You know you can't reach, don't you? You want to look good for the girl you like, don't you? You want to be someone the girl who likes you can be proud of, don't you?! Then why don't you just accept someone's help?!" Otto touched his chest. "Someone like… a friend?"
"... I did rely on people." Subaru eventually said, eyes wide. "I asked for help. But it didn't work. Even worse, I put someone into the worst possible situation along with me." At that, Otto glanced at Harisson, who looked away awkwardly.
"Maybe. But I don't recall ever hearing you ask for my help." At that, Otto looked to Harisson as well. "That applies to you as well. Idiot."
"N…no, I mean…" Subaru grew quiet. "My head is full of knots. It's full of stuff you wouldn't believe even if I told you. I don't even know where to start…"
"Just start talking. I'll listen until you finish."
"But if I do that…"
"Didn't I just tell you to not put on that tough act?! If you have time to over complicate everything in your head, then just spill it out!"
"Easy for you to say, but I…"
"Spit out all these knots!" Otto demanded, angrily pointed towards Subaru. "And when you're done, just tell me to believe you, because I'm your friend, all right?" Subaru stayed quiet for a moment.
"Subaru, are you really…" Harisson softly said.
"Yeah." Subaru answered. "Yeah, I guess I am." He sighed deeply. "You might not believe me, but…"
Subaru proceeded to describe much of what was going to happen, including some details Harisson himself had not been privy to. The rabbits were something new to him. It was a terrifying thought that there was going to be a great mabeast here.
Once he was done, Otto nodded.
"Hm… I see. We definitely need a plan." He turned to Harisson. "But first." He started walking closer to Harisson, who nervously took a step back. "You! Did you really think I would not notice the quick looks, the undertones?! If this is the knowledge Subaru has burdened you with, and I have a feeling it is even more than that… then no wonder you can't handle it by yourself!"
"You…" Harisson gulped. "You don't understand, Otto, this isn't something I could reveal or talk about…" The hands. So many hands.
"Oh for the love of…" Otto snarled, stepping closer. "No one said anything about explaining everything! But damn it, if you can have the courage to ask another trader to look at your finances, you can ask a friend for some help!"
Harisson stared at Otto with wide eyes. "But…"
"No buts!" Otto gripped his head in frustration. "Gah! Why are my two best friends some of the stubbornest idiots in Lugunica!"
"Hey!" Subaru exclaimed. "I actually ended up telling you everything, come on man!"
"And I am not nearly as stubborn as Subaru, not even close!" Harisson agreed.
"You only did that after I literally beat it out of you!" He turned back to Harisson. "And I am very tempted to employ the same method on you right now!" He finished his sentence by pointing at Harisson dramatically.
"You are reminding a lot of Ram right now." He blurted out.
"Harisson!" Otto shouted in exasperation.
"Yes sir!" Harisson snapped to attention. "I'll be better!" Otto stared at him for a long moment, before nodding, seemingly satisfied.
"Good. Don't make me regret this." He turned back to Subaru. "Now. Let's plan this out, shall we?"
"You know, you were seriously amazing Otto." Harisson commented as Subaru entered Roswaal's building.
"E…Eh? I was just so frustrated… it was nothing that impressive." Otto protested, stammering.
"Are you joking?" Harisson shook his head. "Subaru was rushing ahead without thinking. I had no idea how to pull him back." The innkeep smiled without mirth. "Hell, I had no idea what to even do." He sighed. "And you helped me out with those finance records. Wen all this is said and done, I'm throwing you the biggest meal of your life."
"You're pretty amazing yourself." Otto softly said. "I mean, all this stuff Subaru mentioned… you seemed despondent, but you were planning on facing it anyways, weren't you?" Otto patted Harisson on the back. "Despite not being a fighter, like, at all."
"I've been training with Ram!" Harisson protested.
"Have you?" Otto asked, looking surprised.
Harisson cursed internally. This hadn't happened yet. "I meant I plan to. I've been training myself."
"Well, you're still no knight." Otto firmly declared.
"You'll find no arguing from me there." Harisson agreed with a chuckle. He stayed quiet for a bit. "This really is a crazy plan."
"I don't think the people involved are the most sane to be fair…" Otto commented nervously.
"You do realise you're part of those people right?"
"My point stands."
Harisson laughed, silence then stretching between them. His expression grew more sombre. "Seriously though, there's a lot of risk here. Watch yourself, yeah? I want us all to make it back home in one piece."
"I will." Otto agreed seriously. "And the same to you." Otto squinted. "Wait, is that Ram?"
Harisson glanced. Ram was indeed out of the building with Subaru. "What are they talking about…" They walked closer, only catching the end of the conversation.
"...Does she like me too?" Subaru said, looking surprised.
"You're still talking like that?" Otto said, looking at Subaru with pity whilst holding up two branches as cover.
"Subaru…" Harisson put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "For your own good. Don't. Just… just don't." Harisson shivered. "I do not want to see what she will do to you if you actually end up hitting on her."
"I was kidding, c'mon."
"Since miss Ram is working with the Margrave, doesn't that make you enemies?" Otto asked.
"Otto…" Harisson sighed. "It's more complicated than that. I mean, come on. It's Ram."
"Yeah, I didn't even think of it that way." Subaru agreed. "I mean, she's definitely on Roswaal's side, but that doesn't mean she has to be against us."
"He does have a point though." Harisson argued. "We can't assume it will all go well. If it comes to it…" He frowned. "Let me be the one to handle her. Of all of us, I think she'll be the most reluctant to hurt me."
"You think she won't fight you?" Otto asked curiously.
"I said most reluctant. She absolutely will still kick my ass." Harisson shrugged. "But I might survive a minute or two longer, and get a few less broken bones. Maybe." He frowned. "Or she'll be even more pissed that I am the one fighting her. Who knows."
"Well, we can discuss hypotheticals all day." Subaru shook his head.
"Right. What happened with the Margrave then?"
"Everything's set." Subaru grinend. "The bet is officially on."
"That's good to hear." Otto happily said. "Of course, I don't think he's ever lost at anything before, so I had no doubt he would agree."
"You are one dangerous man Otto." Harisson chuckled, patting him on the shoulder.
"Hehe…" Otto preened under the praise. "Now next is…"
"Garfiel."
Harisson froze at Subaru's words. "Right. Him." He gulped. "Can we skip him?"
"No."
"Damnit."
Subaru stood quietly. "First, can I go check on something?"
Otto and Harisson exchanged a look.
"Sure. Go for it." Harisson agreed.
"I'll continue with my part of the plan as discussed." Otto smiled as he said that. "And as for Lady Emilia…"
"That's something I can't rely on you guys for." Subaru grinned. "Or maybe I should say my own help…" He looked up. "I haven't even scratched the surface of what's hurting her. I guess I was just scared after all."
"You'll do fine." Harisson softly said. "You're Natsuki Subaru. You've pulled the impossible twice. I'm sure you'll be able to do it a third time by having a conversation with her that doesn't end with you embarrassing yourself." He and Otto began snickering as Subaru blushed deeply.
"H…hey!" He sighed. "C'mon, don't make me more nervous than I need to be…"
Otto chuckled, before shaking his head. "So, are you prepared to scratch the surface of what's hurting her?"
"Well, I'm prepared to ask her if I can. Unlike Garfiel, I don't have to worry about dying."
Harisson's eyes widened at that, taking a step back as his blood ran cold.
"Subaru…" He said with a hint of fear.
"I'm not sure if I should laugh at that or not." Otto chuckled nervously.
Harisson kept staring at Subaru. No hands. That wasn't enough to break the taboo it seemed. Slowly, he began relaxing.
"Right. Bad joke." Subaru said as he glanced at Harisson, regret flashing across his eyes. "My bad. Anyways, I guess you're one to take bets that are stacked against you, huh?"
"I suppose I've got Harisson with me." Otto struck a pose. "Together, we are unstoppable!"
Harisson did not skip a beat, striking a similarly flashy pose. "I'd argue we are very stoppable, but we sure will give them hell!"
"You guys are dorks." Subaru chuckled.
"Still, taking on a bet without even considering my odds of winning?" Otto, Subaru and Harisson exchanged a fist bump. "That's a first for me."
"First for everything." Harisson chuckled.
"That's the hole dug." Harisson grunted as he put down the shovel. "Man, I can't believe you're really planning on getting him to fall in there."
"From what I've seen, Garfiel tends to get tunnel vision quite easily. It shouldn't be too difficult to get him to walk into the trap." Otto chuckled. "What happens afterwards is a little more iffy."
"Well, I'll be there to help you." Harisson grunted. "Not sure how we're supposed to keep him busy… he's going to kick our asses hard."
"Maybe. But we just need to buy time." Otto clapped his hands. "And besides, I doubt he'll be trying to kill us."
"I don't know… if I swing my sword at him he might get pissed enough to give it a shot." Harisson chuckled. "But I'm not comfortable in hand to hand combat with him."
"Can't blame you on that one." Otto sighed, leaning against a tree. "Seriously, what a pain…"
"We'll make it out." Harisson raised a hand at him. "Together."
"Right. Together."
They clasped hands, exchanging a confident smile. Harisson glanced at the numbers above Otto's head.
He'd make sure this time, it stayed at zero.
The next day, their plan went into motion. Otto went into the area where the other Ryuzu was apparently held in suspension in a crystal, catching Garfiel's attention and dragging him outside.
Harisson watched as Garfiel screamed, falling into the hole.
"Holy shit, it worked." He whispered from his hiding spot, clutching the bow to his chest. He had some experience with them hunting for food when he was younger, but it had been some time now. And against someone like Garfiel… "Keep my distance from the bastard at least." He saw Otto turn around and start running into the forest. "Alright. Time to move." With that, he began running through the forest parallel to Otto, keeping his distance. Otto was talking to the animals of the forest; It still amazed Harisson that the seemingly inconspicuous merchant had such an amazing power. No doubt Garfiel was already on their trail. Thankfully, it seemed he had yet to transform into his beast form. The knowledge that Garfiel could become even stronger had left Harisson extremely concerned as to their plan, but so far it was going alright.
Then, Otto suddenly gasped, slowing down as blood began pouring out of his nose. Harisson's eyes widened before swearing. Damn it. He must have overdone it with his power! He began running towards Otto before catching himself. No. That was not the plan. He'd be wasting Otto's efforts if he let his emotions dominate him.
The sound of footsteps rapidly approaching caught his attention. His eyes widened as he looked up, catching a glimpse of Garfiel jumping from tree to tree. The demihuman jumped down, landing a few metres ahead of Otto. Harisson immediately notched an arrow, aiming and firing it at Garfiel. The demihuman effortlessly grabbed the arrow mid air, but the split second of distraction was enough for Otto to throw a red crystal towards him; The magic stone exploded right in his face, sending him flying backwards. Harisson didn't wait for a reaction, notching another arrow and running further as Otto made his escape.
Quickly, Garfiel began catching up to them again.
"I was given a really exciting role for once! I'm not letting you catch me so easily!" Otto exclaimed. As Harisson saw Otto move to throw more of the crystals, he fired another arrow at Garfiel, the demihuman once again knocking the arrow before it hit him only to find himself exploded, flinging him away from Otto.
"Gah! STOP WITH THE FUCKING BOMBS, YOU BASTARD!" Garfiel swore. "AND STOP SHOOTING ME!"
Harisson ignored the exclamation as Otto threw more bombs at the demihuman, Harisson firing another arrow. Garfiel jumped over the first bomb, kicking the others away from him. Harisson's jaw dropped as, in the same motion, he grabbed the arrow mid air before whirling and launching it right back towards the innkeeper's position; The arrow lodging itself in the tree trunk right next to him.
"Enough of the both of you!" He snarled, jumping towards Otto. Harisson swore, charging out from his cover and running towards the demihuman as the merchant scrambled backwards. Discarding his bow, he grabbed the pommel of his sword and drew it from its scabbard, swinging it towards Garfiel's back as the demihuman went to strike Otto's face. Garfiel snarled, swinging around and nearly catching Harisson in the chest with a kick. But Harisson had seen this move before, managing to barely dodge in time.
"Wha'kinda coward takes a shot at a man's back?!" He spat out angrily. Harisson glared.
"I'm sorry, we aren't all strong enough to rip out a fucking tree from the ground and use it as a club!" Another bomb detonated at Garfiel's feet, sending him flying upwards.
"For fuck's sa…"
"El Fula!"
Garfiel's eyes grew wide at the words that were soon accompanied by a barrage of wind blades, the demihuman swearing as the first cut into his side before the rest missed him.
"Ram!" Harisson exclaimed, a gleeful smile on his face.
"You two are pathetic." The maid exclaimed as she landed in the middle of the group, facing Garfiel.
"Isn't that a little harsh towards someone who just gave their all in the fight?"
"If that is all that you had…" Ram shrugged.
"I've never seen a maid as well described as the polar opposite of soothing…" Otto nervously said, rising up.
"Hey Ram!" Garfiel exclaimed. "Doesn't joining their side mean that you're goin' against that bastard Roswaal's wants?"
"I would give my very soul to fulfil my master's fondest desire. But… in my own way."
"Cut the shit! What do you think is happenin' while you keep me here?! You really think he's worth trustin' that much?"
"Is mister Natsuki worth it?" Otto chuckled, grabbing his hat off the floor. "Well, if we're talkin' about whether he's worth anything, I suppose he's not."
"Huh?"
"But I look forward to seeing what flowers bloom from him, so I keep pruning and brushing off the bugs…" Otto adjusted his hat. "I suppose that's the mood I'm in now."
"Hmph. Frankly, I have no idea what gives you such high hopes for Barusu." Ram retorted. "He's weak, useless and so incompetent he can't even make tea right."
"That's going a bit too far… or maybe not actually." Otto muttered.
"But… when it's do or die… he has bizarrely good timing." Ram's words elicited a wry smile from Harisson. "A man who only has good timing. That's what Barusu is. If he believes he sees an opportunity and acts on it, you know that's the only path to victory."
Harisson laughed, catching the attention of all those present.
"Ha! That's… certainly one way to put it." He grinned wildly, a glint appeared in his eyes as he stared at the demihuman. "Hear me Garfiel. Out of all the monsters of this world…" He took a step forward, pointing his sword towards Garfiel. "The great mabeasts… the Margrave, the imperial knights…" His smile grew wider, unnerving confidence in his words. "The one I would fear making an enemy out of the most… is Natsuki Subaru."
Ram gave him a calculating look. There was no hint of her usual retorting against the raven haired boy. Only a careful consideration of the sheer absolute sincerity of his words. Even Garfiel seemed surprised and slightly unnerved by his proclamation and the confidence he had saying it.
"You…" Garfiel snarled, shaking his head. "Gah! Fucking always messing with me… Enough!"
The earth shook as the demihuman's body began glowing red, morphing and changing as he grew in size tenfold. Harisson grimaced, holding his sword tighter.
Here he comes.
Od, he was so fucked.