Hello people! Starmegalo here.
We are slowly closing towards the conclusion of these slow-burn character interactions before Priestella attack. It will all end quickly after this Priscilla marathon which will be the start of the attack.
In the end, I do have how romantic relationships will be settled in my mind. Though I have no intention to make it obvious. Everything can happen, especially after a bunch of Sin Archbishop attacks the place.
Now, reviews in FFN:
ZACK2357: Interesante, negación de hechizos sin mana… ¿una autoridad? Es lo único en lo que puedo pensar.
También veo que mineself está teniendo sus desarrollos internos con subaru, aunque el solo esquiva todo eso pensando que no importará al final.
Por último, parece que reinhard tendrá su propia lucha interna aquí con su amigo defendiéndose y luego llevando eso más allá con el pobre bastardo, apuesto a que él al final llegara a una especie de entendimiento con las ideas de subaru luego de que este le haga un monólogo, aunque aún así evitara que subaru vaya más lejos.
A: It isn't an Authority. It is explained in this chapter…but let me say it. Subaru just doesn't let any mana come out for anyone to sense it and he is extremely efficient with it, so when he doesn't do an obvious magic where he materializes an attack. People cannot sense it. So it confused Priscilla. Subaru used his defense magic right there, same one in the canon.
As for stuff happening in Reinhard. Well, this is the chapter, though it won't end here.
Thanks for the review.
Pryd: That interaction with Priscilla was gold, every word made my smile go deeper and at the end where Priscilla realized that it's out of character for her it made me smile more. I still haven't got a full grasp of how Priscilla will change, but I am excited to see that and see more of her and Subaru together. I like their interaction so much especially the lewds (finger licking good meme) and Subaru at the end was pretty cool in my opinion.
also the update was this quick it seems my morning was blessed, As always and every chapter, see you soon again author good work and keep cooking because that fire is burning stronger.
P.S congrats on 100!
A: Thank you for the review. Glad to see you around once again.
Well, some people do find the amount of lewd with Priscilla weird. But since our canon example is very bad…I had to imagine how things would go…and this is my answer. Sexual Tension because both of them are compatible and do awaken interest in each other. Jokes because both of them act out of place. Excessiveness because that's what it is. Something like that.
Thanks!
Kaioken16: This story is very confusing.
A: Well, since you didn't elaborate…I really can't say anything. But since you reviewed the 12th chapter, you had it okay until now? So perhaps as the story progresses you'll see things more clearly? Maybe…
Thanks for the review, I do try to explain things clearly but I'll do it even better I guess!
Guest: I was joking about Ram, but speaking of her, you can't blame people for NOT knowing that tidbit about her, only the LN goes about it, and it's not only Light, but goes into frankly, soporific talk at times. Despite what your usual Re Zero fanboy would want to make you think, Re Zero isn't popular enough to make people want to go any deeper into it.
You say that, but I can't think of Ana as anything other than a turbo-greedy bitch. Turbo on the greed.
Things were going so well... and Larkins arrive and fuck things up... and then Rein arrives and fuck things up further, because he arrives at the worst possible time, or just after everything.
Tappei likes to make scum look normal or good if it's a girl, or if the author decide something the guy has something he deem "special".
A: I don't 'blame' people. However it's not like Ram doesn't show more than one red flags on that matter.
I see, well, I guess it's okay? Money might be a problem in the future for them? Since Subaru would gain easily and wouldn't care much. Perhaps Subaru's success would make Anastasia aimless? All of those are possibilities.
Yeah, Subaru's misfortune stomped Priscilla's 'luck'. First Larkins and then Reinhard. Not to mention Priscilla deciding to act like a bitch to Subaru for a while when Larkins appeared without realizing it. Everything coming one after another, it's not easy on Subaru.
Yeah, it's insane that the only two characters that have no fuck ups are Flop and Medium.
Thanks for the review!
AstolfoBrHue:Excelente capítulo
Adorei a forma como foi feito.
Momento subaru e Priscila foi sensacional
E o final mais ainda com o subaru agindo de forma séria e um tanto assassina.
A: Thanks for the review! Glad that chapters fit your taste. As for murderousness and Priscilla, we have plenty of them in this chapter.
Now, let's get into it.
"Speaking"
'Thinking'
Characters Using English Words
Silence dominated the area, excluding the involuntary sounds made by now-released Larkins.
Reinhard's rage over someone's suffering was seemingly destroyed by the revelation of the evil-doer's identity. He was gaining his composure rapidly, yet confusion did not leave him. Even if he could make predictions on why Subaru was doing that. The amount of pain seemingly inflicted on Larkins and the cold, incomprehensible intent emanated from Subaru weren't things that he could accept easily.
Subaru was confused for different reasons. No reaction from Reinhard surprised him at all. What Subaru was questioning was how did he reach here? Now that he was here, it was clear Larkins was trying to call Reinhard here. However, the sign that Larkins attempted to give Reinhard was negated by Subaru's magic before it could be seen from outside.
'So...how are you here, Reinhard?'
Any other person would assume that Reinhard had a blessing or a way to sense all that happened. However, Subaru neither underestimated or overestimated Reinhard. Subaru used nothing but cold logic. If Larkins had to give an observable sign, meaning Reinhard needed that.
"So you guys are in Priestella too...is that something you would call fate?" Subaru speaks to Reinhard.
"That's right. But I have a feeling that you disagree with that."
"Of course I do. I am sure you also think that it was fate that you met with your master?"
"..." Reinhard had no words for that. Perhaps this time, he could not believe that it had anything to do with fate.
"Yes. If it was fate, why was I there? And if I wasn't there. What would 'fate' be?" There was a sinister feeling behind those words. Yet he spoke nothing but the truth itself. Subaru was taunting Reinhard as no one else could.
"Perhaps...you were meant to be there, Subaru," Reinhard says softly. But even if the intent was good, the words didn't reflect that.
"No need to delude yourself to deceiving me. Your emotions betrayed you when you had no answer other than silence for a moment, you are not a person who needs time to speak. You know what would've happened...you would be too late." Subaru shut down Reinhard's ignorant words. To begin with, telling Subaru that his purpose was saving everyone there was way too inconsiderate.
"That..." Reinhard's gaze lowered. Yet Subaru does not stop.
"I was merely joking. It's not like you would know that you have failed your mission while looking at her corpse—" Reinhard cut him off when Subaru started to talk about Felt.
"That's enough!... That's enough." Reinhard raises his voice uncharacteristically...Then he seemed surprised by his own reaction.
"Well...you find a new you, Reinhard! You can get angry." Subaru says as a matter of fact. He wasn't surprised. He wasn't surprised that The Sword Saint could get angry...
'That's Subaru for you.' Subaru knew Reinhard better than Reinhard knew himself.
"You are cruel, Subaru," Reinhard says with his tired voice.
"Am I? Then why did this guy who chased me two times tried to call you? Do not lie. The way his abilities developed...It has to be you who trained him. Your blessings. Just so that he can be more useful to Felt…even though he may hurt someone with the power you allowed…Did you forget that he is a criminal?"
Larkins wasn't someone with dedication or anything like that. Yet it was almost like he reached his potential. That had to be Reinhard's doing. He cheated to make Larkins, out of all people, to make stronger.
"I...Yes, Larkins is with me." Reinhard says. His voice is still firm. To begin with, what could shake him? Probably nothing. If anyone saw this, they would be sure that Larkins would be saved according to Reinhard's wishes. He was too powerful, while Subaru was weak.
"I know I was inconsiderate...I forgot that they tried to rob you. I know it's been hard for you bu-"
"Lies. Forgetting something like that would be a giant imperfection. Someone like you cannot have that. Hero." Subaru instantly cuts Reinhard's masterful words. It does not work on Subaru.
"Let's think about another scenario instead of you conveniently forgetting about it, shall we? You guys were walking normally. The three idiots show up, and you defeat them. But then...Felt decides they will be under her. And you allowed it. Because to you, going against your master for what they did back then was trivial to you. And you likely believe every decision she makes is correct. Oh, great Lion King blood am I right?" Subaru says with sarcasm. In fact, Reinhard feels that there was some animosity when Subaru spoke about the Lion King's blessing.
It was said that Lion King's with that power had great intuition. Allowing them to make all sorts of impossibly correct decisions.
Reinhard believed-knew that Felt had such intuition. But it was unknown to him why Subaru would have any problem with that. He didn't think it was because they were rivals in an election...
"Subaru, I cannot allow you to hurt Larkins further." Says, Reinhard. But to Subaru, what he says does nothing but confirm his guesses. He takes a look at the Larkins, whose eyes were empty because of all the suffering. He was still conscious. But it was unlikely he thought anything.
Subaru knew he had made him feel great pain. But he couldn't feel any remorse. Subaru is desensitized to other people's pain because for so long he was disliked in this world for no reason. Made to feel pain and attempts to manipulate his life was done from the moment he arrived here. They had this coming.
His heart didn't ache for Larkins.
His conscience didn't find what he had done wrong.
It was all fine.
There was no weakness remaining..
"If you think you can save him by force, you are absolutely wrong," Subaru states clearly while looking at Reinhard's blue eyes.
"I don't want to be forceful Subaru. But you are giving me no choice." Reinhard ignores the statement. Prompting Subaru to explain.
"I don't underestimate or overestimate you, Reinhard. If you were to come at me with any speed, including one that I cannot even fathom...it won't matter. He will die. Do anything, he will die. He dies here, Reinhard. Just walk away." Subaru says as he grasps Larkins's heart with the same ability that made Larkins trip. There was no effect on Subaru or any damage. He was able to use Invisible Providence. And unlike Petelguese and Satella, he could make it un-interactable and phase through others. While Satella could grasp Subaru's heart, it would only work on Subaru because of Satella's connection to his place.
Subaru used yin magic to replicate Satella's shadow hands. They couldn't phase through anything but his own body.
This meant Satella was connected to his body to be able to use the intangibility aspect of the shadow. Same with Emilia, she killed her like that. But no one else did. In any other case, she would threaten to kill Subaru. This might show that she has a direct connection to Emilia too. Well, what a surprise.
The shadow magic itself was inefficient as hell when it came to mana consumption. It was unsurprising with Satella's mana levels. Someone strong won't be efficient with mana while using magic. Emilia is the primary example.
Satella's main power seemed to stem from her immense mana resources and the fact that she became one with her magic. Became a shadow.
That was the exact reason why she wouldn't lose to any strong personalities in the old era. She could continue endlessly and had no limitations on her physical body. It didn't matter who was the enemy.
She was a living shadow and a body would always appear even if you defeated her. Heroes or Echidna might've defeated her all the time. It was meaningless, she would come back. That's how she destroyed the world, with time, she consumed half of it. Her stamina and immortality was a big problem.
Though Subaru wasn't like heroes or Echidna. All he did was make way instead of using brute force like anyone tried to kill Satella. This was the same with all of his obstacles. Since Satella's 'power' was a mistake that happened when she took the Witch Factor. It wasn't so hard to find exploits and weaknesses.
'In a way, her belief about me being able to kill her doesn't seem so wrong.' But Subaru did not make a decision on that matter yet. His old self might've been promised that 'he would save her' instantly. Things changed.
He was emotional while saying those words. He disliked Satella a little after the promise itself, a fact that didn't change so far.
Nonetheless, it was a big matter that involved the whole world. If he killed Satella, everyone would know it was him. If miasma in Sand Dunes disappeared and if no one claimed the kill...people would know it was him.
Subaru already showed he could do the impossible and how he didn't like the attention.
He couldn't be careless. But even so. Did Satella deserve to stay alone for eternity? She definitely deserved punishment. Was this it? Living until the sense of self disappears?
To Subaru, Reinhard was no threat here. So he just thought about these things while Reinhard contemplated his options. Subaru waited for his obvious question.
Reinhard saw no lies in Subaru's statement. But Subaru couldn't react if Reinhard were to knock him out instantly. Or how would he react if he just took Larkins and ran away? Subaru wasn't to be underestimated. Reinhard took pride in knowing that. He always knew that with willpower like that, you could not be a failure, unlike himself. But still, he cannot think of a way that Subaru comes out on top here.
"Subaru, what can you even do?" Reinhard asks. He basically taunts Subaru, but the reason for that is that he actually wants to know. Just in case.
But that's naive.
Subaru sees through that. He is far more deceptive than Reinhard can imagine to be. Subaru gives a laugh.
"Hahaha. You actually asked that? Why would I tell you anything? I don't need to tell you anything at all. If you want to do anything, come to me. But you can't do that, can you? You can't gamble with the lives of others. You were sure of every move you made for your entire life after all." That was the weakness of the hero with an unrealistic sense of justice.
"If I am lying, you will win, if I don't, you lose in every single way, a dead criminal won't be a problem before 'justice' of this Kingdom so no one will blame me for killing someone who attacked me, your conviction and morals will fail as making a move means gambling his life. In fact, even if you save him, that fact will never change."
It took a bit of time, but Reinhard finally perceived those words. His eyes shot open...
And then he furrows his brows. "Subaru...do not take any offense while I say this but...We are lucky you are not a villain." Reinhard says with utmost honesty. Of course, a villain would get eventually cut down...but losses would be immense.
First time in his life, Reinhard lost. Of course, this wasn't a battle but...It's not like Reinhard's invincibility applied only to combat. Not to mention...
'I am someone who saves people. That's what I am. And yet...' The only way he could save Larkins here was by risking his life. If he could believe that Subaru was bluffing, he could attempt something. But he couldn't do that. Even if Subaru didn't say anything to prove he wasn't lying. Reinhard couldn't be sure since this was Subaru. A man he could not predict.
Before this, Reinhard never had to take any risk while saving anyone's life. He could do every one of his moves with hundred percent certainty, without risking anyone's life personally.
And in this situation, Subaru wasn't even lying. His Divine Protections proved it.
'What should I do? What should I do? What should I do? What should I do? What should I do?' Reinhard asked himself over and over again. He kept gaining blessings, but all of them were useless. It was almost as if Od Laguna itself was desperate. The 'enemy' was an anomaly. The situation had rules. Overpowering him alone would not be a solution.
He could not just attempt anything and get Larkins killed because of him.
"Hmm. I wonder. Perhaps it would be more beneficial for the world if I didn't force myself to be where I am right now. Even if I joined the cult, chances are I would finish the cult. It's sad but true. I am the type of person that witches would call insane. So it wouldn't work out." There was a little hidden lie in that statement that he decrypted so that it wouldn't be sensed.
Yes, Subaru could not get along with Archbishops or sociopath cultists. But the organization itself wasn't that simple. All kinds of people were in it. Petelguese's group was the worst.
The cult was a place where people hated by the world could be in it so that meant that not all of them were genocidal. That alone would be a reason for Subaru to give it a shot if he didn't find anything or anyone to keep himself busy in this world. Yet it was unlikely there was anyone in this world who could accept him.
And...another reason to join would be…
'Natsuki Subaru of old is forgotten by the world. Those who somewhat remember are wrong and they lack information. Yet someone there knows about him and definitely communicated with me in the past. The star names of Archbishops could only be explained by that. There was even a chance that an 'Archbishop' could only exist with a star name. Not even Echidna knew about the stars and space in my world. If she did, then she would react.' He wondered if he actually met with Echidna. It was unlikely that he didn't. And while Echidna couldn't read every bit of memory, it was abnormal for her to not know about his obsession with space. After all, Echidna wanted to know about Natsuki Subaru.
Yet…even she forgot about him, that is if they ever met in the past.
But someone did not, someone knows.
Who was that person? Why did Natsuki Subaru trust them? What happened that everyone forgot about him?
Perhaps he didn't want to be remembered...maybe he wanted to be erased.
'I can't believe I feel sad for myself. This is way out of character.' In fact, he didn't even remember the last time this happened. Did it ever happen? Probably not. Yet the unnatural sadness inside of his heart was real.
"Subaru?" Even in a situation like this, Reinhard worried for Subaru, who looked bad for a moment. He was still Reinhard, that's for sure. Subaru was having a problem enough for him to worry, but not enough for him to think it was safe to attempt anything with Larkins.
That must be why he still has his colors. Subaru thinks.
"Ugh. No. I am fine. Anyways. This is it, Reinhard. You can't do anything. He will die. What about trying? It's not like you lose anything? Why not try...perhaps you can save him?" The Devil speaks with temptation and logic. Subaru was right. He could save Larkins...maybe?
But...
"I...cannot."
"Why?"
"I am me. That's it. That's all there is." Reinhard says just that. Subaru needs no further explanation.
"It will be hypocritical of me to say this after trying to pull you into the 'dark side' but-" Subaru closes his eyes and smiles. "I love how it's not your nature, but your choices made you who you are."
Someone like Emilia could spare anyone in any situation and make the 'moral' choice with no problem.
Reinhard could not do that. That's why it was so impressive. He was doing it consciously.
That's why Subaru respects Reinhard.
But...
"Even then. Nothing changed about reality. You took him in, despite everything, despite the fact you left me that day." Subaru's true emotions are unveiled.
For so long... He thought about how things would be if Reinhard took him in after Subaru lost consciousness in Loot House... He fantasized about it deeply for a long time.
A real life he could spend with a real friend. In this new world. A real isekai adventure with actual purpose.
But all that…was meaningless.
None of that mattered now. Subaru's reality already became nothing but darkness and suffering. No goal, nothing. Pointlessly moving forward. Conflict consumed him slowly.
"Reinhard, you can't do anything. That is why..." Subaru's eyes were tainted with red. He raised his hand like a spear.
"Subaru please stop!" Reinhard says it. But it doesn't matter. After all, he couldn't move. Or could he?
Didn't matter.
So, he would take that heart with his own hand!
"The hero cannot do anything...But you can do something, isn't that right?" A voice called out to him when he was about to make his move. It was a beautiful voice that Subaru knew very well. However, she shouldn't be here...
"...Priscilla," Subaru says with disgust. "Why are you here?" And shock.
Are you bored?
Here to kill some time?
Have nothing better to do?
Do you want to kill me?
Are you my enemy?
Are you going to make me erase you?
In an instant, Subaru questioned all that in his mind. However, it was pointless. Priscilla's answers were obvious after all.
Priscilla's answer...
'Priscilla's answer?'
She continued to walk towards Subaru with a sweet smile without answering anything. Subaru expected that answer so that he could put her in her place.
For my entertainment.
Yet she just locked her eyes with his. He found himself unable to look away... Priscilla would not give him a reason to snap at her. Her smile just grew upon seeing that Subaru was expecting those words, it was a smug, prideful smile. But he finds it beautiful. Subaru felt like perhaps he should just let it go. Perhaps instead of feeling like he failed. He could just lose himself in Priscilla's scent-
'No.' Subaru rejected that the moment he considered it. He had no reason to stand down. Perhaps Priscilla adopted. No longer being blunt towards Subaru. That must be it. Nothing changed.
Just when he was about to land the killing blow. This time he felt a touch on his arm. The black fabric of his kimono was thin. He could feel all of it perfectly as Priscilla slowly traced her delicate hand toward his bicep. It didn't have a sexual reaction on Subaru that he would feel at any other time. Yet Priscilla's touch threatened his anger. He was calming down, just with a touch.
'It's pathetic.'
Despite that, Subaru looked towards Larkins. Who still looked like he no longer had any will to live.
'Good. Now I will...' When Subaru was about to make the ultimate choice. He felt warmth pressing from his back.
He could feel Priscilla's well-developed chest behind his back and her sun-like body warmth. She was pressing herself on him.
He violently shakes her off to make her fall behind, yet her arms tightly hug him. Not letting him go.
"What's so interesting about that commoner that you ignore me?" Priscilla says as she puts her chin on Subaru's shoulder and turns her face towards his. That gives her a nostalgic feeling. Almost like this happened before. She welcomes that in her heart. She didn't mind it at all.
Yet Subaru doesn't let her indulge in that feeling as he makes her lose position.
Priscilla presses her face into Subaru's back. Still holding him tightly. She hums on Subaru's back, making Subaru feel the vibrations.
Perhaps it would be comforting for him...if he wasn't about to kill Priscilla.
"Who...Who the hell do you think you are, huh!? ARE YOU DOING THIS ON PURPOSE? Why would you come here? Why would you act differently, change, when it comes to THIS scum? YET YOU WOULDN'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT ME! You are not the type of person who would care about garbage! So why now? What changed? WHY AFTER ALL THAT TIME... YOU PULL THIS BULLSHIT!? WHY DO YOU HATE ME SO MUCH?" Subaru's anger was beyond expression. Right now Reinhard was concerned about the safety of the royal candidate rather than Larkins. Because it was almost as if Subaru forgot about his existence.
But it wasn't the right time to move yet.
Subaru was shaking from anger. His body literally shook because of it. He shouted. His voice was deep and there was an incalculable amount of emotion behind it.
The word lost its color, despair started, and everything felt less meaningful.
Yet Subaru wasn't scared. He wasn't feeling ill or having a panic attack.
'I am connected with that cold determination, with Return By Death...right now, I am doing something right.'
I ought to kill him. I ought to change. I can't stand at my stagnating self…not anymore.
Subaru was changing. He wouldn't even mind dying here if it meant development. A step forward.
He would not be the same anymore. So even death would be fine.
"You colorless whore. Do you think this garbage is better than me?" Subaru asked Priscilla while shouting, who still didn't stop her grasp on him.
But he felt her freeze when he called her a 'whore'.
Perhaps her old husbands called her that. Good riddance.
'...Hkg...Why the hell did I think that?!' Even for Subaru, who accepted his newly scarred self, that was too much. Weird burst of hostility surprised him. For a moment, he wanted to think that something was affecting him, that this wasn't him…but there was no such a thing. This was his own ugliness.
His anger did not calm down despite acknowledging that.
He was already thinking about why it was justifiable to say whatever he wanted to anyone.
He had many reasons, indeed.
As Subaru was about to move his mouth again, Priscilla's lips neared his ear. He heard every sound as she moistened her lips before speaking.
"I couldn't care less about him. I am here for you and you alone, my Trickster." She said slowly. Priscilla spoke precisely. Allowing no misunderstandings or excuses to feed Subaru's delusions.
Subaru was wrong to assume she would stay the same. Yet he wanted Priscilla to not change, even if it was for the good. He already gave up on hoping for any change from Priscilla and people like her, who disappointed him so many times.
—That's why…
"With this misunderstanding, we are even~" Back when they sat side by side Priscilla found Subaru repulsive because of her own misunderstanding. That's why they are equal now.
"What...the..." Subaru's guard was finally down. Priscilla's hands reached toward his chest and got inside his kimono. Priscilla caressed Subaru's bare chest and put her hand on his heart.
'Hmm...Good, it is fast.' But as she focused on his heart, she realized that hers was beating as fast, perhaps faster.
She was pressing her chest on his back. Did he feel her heartbeat? The idea made her heart beat even faster.
Subaru was about to say something, answer to that confession like words from Priscilla. While perhaps it wouldn't conclude in a positive way, it wouldn't close all doors either. Something in between, rejection because he is uncertain, acceptance because he appreciates the emotions.
Subaru opens his mou—
He felt a gust of wind. A blur. His instincts gained from various deaths were incomprehensible, it made him possess a precognition beyond comprehension, which made him react to the speed of the red blur. Yet his body wasn't fast enough to even flinch against that. The gap between incomprehensible consciousness that travels through back and forth in his own life and mere human body was apparent.
He turned his head.
Saw Reinhard...holding Larkins in his arms.
Before Subaru reacted in any way, Priscilla stayed on the tip of her toes, once again putting her chin on Subaru's shoulder. "Calm down." She mutters with a relaxing voice to Subaru's ear.
Whether intentional or not, her scent filled Subaru's nose, her body warmth was the only thing that Subaru felt other than cold, but that was fading slowly as well. She was the only thing Subaru felt in that colorless world at this instance, everything was colorless now, even Reinhard. Did Priscilla have her colors?
Subaru didn't know. He never looked at her when colors were lost.
But the reality of the situation was that the single moment that made him lower his guard was used by Reinhard in an instant.
It was all because of Priscilla.
Subaru couldn't come to terms with the fact that he had lost. He just looked at Reinhard with an empty gaze and an expressionless face.
As for Reinhard...
'This is the best possible outcome, I should accept it…and yet—.' Reinhard looked at Subaru...no. He looked at Priscilla, who was rather close to Subaru.
He might've saved Larkins but he didn't like how Priscilla was ensnaring Subaru, her face couldn't be closer and she kept whispering uncharacteristically calming and caring words. This…could have even worse consequences in the future. This wasn't a victory.
"Hating you would be hating everything I desired every time I was cursed with boredom."
"Try to understand…I never feel bored, lifeless or bothered when I am with you…"
"Everything I do now, is an answer to that."
"I don't hate you. When I was thinking alone just a while ago…I think I tried really hard to dislike you. It's an ugly irony, but even though I wished for change, you might've been a bit excessive."
"But even when I wanted to dislike, maybe even hate you…I think I never felt that strongly for anyone…"
"There is no point for stubbornness…I do take control to a degree, that may be true, I also considered the issue of compatibility, it bothered me a lot. After all, you seem rather free, excessively so, perhaps more than anyone. But if you are so free that you can do anything…Why are you bound to those people? That's when I understood…freedom to choose, also means that you are free to give away that freedom."
"I had no doubts when I understood that…I do not know what you may be gaining from sacrificing your freedom for them…but whatever you receive by doing that. You can definitely…have it by standing beside me too…I am confident."
Neither her voice nor words were deceptions. Reinhard had a blessing that allowed him to hear whispered words coming from her mouth. They were certainly filled with intimate emotions that were reserved only for Subaru, she even covered her mouth so he wouldn't read her lips. Yet, Reinhard kept listening even when he could choose to hear less…Yet he chose to violate that privacy.
He wanted to hear a lie, an intent to deceive, anything that could be mentioned to Subaru, now or later.
Subaru is his precious friend. Subaru is important to him. But also, Subaru was important not only to him but important to everything.
This election, the things that will be decided in the future. Subaru wasn't a key player. He made himself a key player by force of will. And Subaru's determination didn't seem to stop, the endless growth continued.
Reinhard expected him to be present at most crucial moments regardless of what other people might think. He was sure Subaru would be in Royal Castle that day. However, Subaru surpassed his expectations once again. He was doing much more when he was absent.
He had no problem with Priscilla, she wasn't someone he agreed with or was close with, and that was fine. People were different and a person like her should be appreciated too. However, Priscilla's unpredictable and out-of-character actions whenever Subaru is in the picture worries Reinhard. It was selfish. Yet he couldn't stop feeling that way.
He never could've predicted that Subaru would come to the election with Priscilla. Nor can he imagine what happened in such close time that Priscilla was adamant about announcing Subaru as her servant to everyone. If not for Roswaal's cautiousness (which was also suspicious) that made him carve the symbol of Mathers emblem on Subaru's outfit, Priscilla would be more determined to claim Subaru as her servant, with Emilia not acknowledging Subaru's connection to her at that time. She would've won Subaru and everyone would see him as Priscilla's servant.
If that were to happen…wouldn't Priscilla get big credit for involving Subaru in the election when no one cared about him, practically allowing him to beat Whale and Sloth? That was untrue of course, but it would look like that from outside.
And while Subaru's loyalty wasn't to be questioned. You can't be disloyal if you are not even acknowledged. He would just pick Priscilla as his aim, if Emilia ignored him further and rejected him.
Reinhard didn't want Subaru and Priscilla to come together. There were some selfish reasons and some reasonable ones.
Reinhard could see that Subaru didn't necessarily believe Emilia would be the best ruler, that was because Subaru wasn't delusional, even if he was supporting Emilia for no reason other than support her.
If Subaru supported a candidate that he believed would make a good ruler and actively worked to make that happen. He would be unbeatable.
Even right now, just with the achievements he gained in self-defense, Subaru was more popular than the candidates themselves. White Whale is gone, and trade in the world changed, flowing faster, stronger and safer. The economy in all Kingdoms improved visibly. The parts of the land that were left unused with how frequently Great Rabbit visited started to be used. Sloth terrorized literally everyone for 400 years. He was responsible for the most active faction in Witch Cult. He was gone, and Witch Cult was harmless so far, unless provoked.
This change and reputation was nothing but Subaru reacting to threats instead of being active and hunting for achievements like literally everyone else in the election.
Seeing that Priscilla was being like this to Subaru. Reinhard disliked that.
This was his selfish reason.
There was also the problem that Subaru didn't seem so healthy, he had a big burden on him. If Priscilla left him after being bored, he would be heartbroken.
"Subaru." Reinhard tried to get his attention.
"..." Subaru looked at him with disinterest, no, there was no life in his eyes, he looked broken. Yet the look on those lifeless eyes seemed to ask if he was about to punish him. It hurt Reinhard.
More so, 'Are you going to kill me?' could easily be read from his expression.
"I can—" When Reinhard was about to propose help, he was cut off.
"Why are you still here, Sword Saint?" Reinhard got frustrated when he heard that. Especially when she was the one who gave off the sign.
"Because Su-" He was cut off once again.
"There is nothing for you to do here. You made your choice, didn't you? The man you are holding shows that your help is for anyone. If you help anyone, then you can't help someone more than the other. But he, on the other hand, gets my attention and benevolence, unlike that garbage. Help that you cannot provide, he will be getting from me. I will be taking care of him." Priscilla ended her words with a possessive and bewitching smile as Subaru looked like he wasn't into the conversation. Not only that…Subaru was so detached from life itself…Reinhard couldn't sense any sign of life with his abilities…it was that bad.
Reinhard watched helplessly, wondered, and feared what would happen in the future.
As if reading his mind, Priscilla's smile grows, and she traces her lips on Subaru's muscular neck. Priscilla's eyes do not leave Reinhard's. She gives a kiss on Subaru's neck and giggles. Subaru is unreactive, Reinhard is sure that even Priscilla wouldn't be acting like that if she saw those eyes, Reinhard thinks she is lucky for not seeing it, for he doesn't think he will ever forget how he looks right now.
Reinhard feels guilty as he compares him to a corpse for a second. Even more guilty as corpse in his mind seemed more alive.
Reinhard furrows his brows, his expression satisfies Priscilla, who misunderstood the reason behind it.
He leaves them with a leap toward the sky as he has no move to play. Priscilla predicts he is traveling to see the Blue for the healing required. She wouldn't be wrong when it comes to someone so easy to predict. The Trickster she held in her arms is the very opposite of Reinhard. Things never got boring when he was around.
And now they were alone, as it should've been from the very beginning.
"You are here for me. You are going to 'take care' of me? Bullshit, there is no 'misunderstanding.' You are here for your amusement. Nothing else. The hell….Why…Why…Why does everyone hate me?" Subaru rejects Priscilla's feelings. However, Reinhard wasn't here to hear that. In the end, he was successful at messing up whatever Subaru was about to say to Priscilla. Subaru too, indeed, felt like none of that would matter anyway.
After all, Subaru did feel a sick thankfulness to Reinhard for cutting his words there.
It was almost as if he had gained strength from his rage. Subaru shrugs off Priscilla even though she should've had greater power.
Priscilla falls to the ground despite trying to regain her balance, a sight that probably no one witnessed before.
"You messed up my dress. That's unacceptable." Priscilla says, unlike her words, her voice made it sound like she was in a good mood anyway.
'How about we change that?' Subaru thought.
He forcefully pulled Priscilla by the wrist and yanked her to a wall, smashing it without holding back.
Priscilla makes an involuntary voice from the pain. Even Priscilla reacts to pain, and dislikes it like any other living being, something Subaru couldn't care less about right now.
"It was you who called Reinhard. You are a Yang magic user. Perhaps you made a beam, and he assumed someone was calling for help." Subaru said with conviction, and Priscilla stayed silent. Her eyes never left Subaru's.
Subaru made no mistake with his magic, so much so, his efficiency made it look like he wasn't using magic but something else, after all, there was no mana discarded into air, making most people unable to sense it unless they are directly affected by it.
"This is not over. I'll decide what I am going to do with you later." He releases her and looks towards where Reinhard left.
"Do you realize I am a Royal Candidate?" Priscilla asked while smiling, pointing out the absurdity of the threat as a nothing but a joke. Subaru answered in an instant while taking it seriously..
"We shall see if that is going to help you later when it's your turn." Priscilla laughs.
"You've lost your upper hand. Trying to attack that trash right now would be suicide." Priscilla ignores the threat, not because he isn't a potential danger…but because of a reason that surprises even herself.
She is just unable to believe he would attack her. It was illogical and unreasonable, yet, she believed that intuition. It wasn't anything supernatural, it was a woman's intuition.
"Because you said it?" Subaru says mockingly.
"Because Sword Saint isn't someone you can just brute force." Priscilla answers.
"Talk for yourself. I personally defeated people thousands of times stronger than me. At this point, the assumption that I can't destroy someone because they are a million times stronger than me is just idiocy." Subaru says as he walks away. He isn't thinking straight.
But Priscilla didn't feel like she could allow that, Priscilla envisioned this whole day with him. She wouldn't just give up on that.
"I did it for you. All that." That makes Subaru stop. Those words…he just can't seem to walk away without answering them.
"Shut...the fuck up." He struggles for a moment. But asserts himself that she tells nothing but lies.
"No."
...Subaru stays silent while clenching his fist with rage, harming his unarmed hand, making it bleed from the sheer force. The other hand was still bleeding from taking the knife in.
Priscilla got in front of Subaru even though he didn't even want to look at him.
"Look at me."
Subaru did as she said...if she angered him more. He would print his hand on her face.
'She is colorless anyway.' He wanted to see Beatrice...
"You were trying to force some change by killing that commoner. I don't know what you have to prove by taking his life." Priscilla said with seriousness. Subaru was shaken by Priscilla's understanding.
She always got farther when it came to understanding him than most people. Priscilla always got it wrong while being arrogantly sure about herself. This time it almost felt like Priscilla was invested instead of just talking about her observation.
"But I can't allow you to change when I don't get to know this version of you. It's not a loss I can take for no reason. You can always kill that commoner anyway."
"..." Subaru had nothing to say. He was lost. He just walked a few steps away from her.
He just let himself slide on a wall and fall to the ground. He didn't care anymore.
He didn't know what to do. He couldn't ignore the words. He couldn't reject them either. Just like that, he was defeated.
Priscilla sighs at Subaru's melancholy while looking at her wrist.
"Your roughness isn't all bad. But control is something we need to work on." She said while seriously thinking about it. Subaru found it ridiculous.
But all in all, it was an attempt to make him laugh, admittingly, It was the first time she tried anything like this in her life.
'It seems I hurt her wrist pretty badly.' Subaru knew that Priscilla had the Divine Protection of Sun and she was pretty strong too. But sometimes his strength would increase to weird levels when he is angry. That was his compatibility with miasma happening. The tainted mana was a stronger source of strength than a normal one. There was no comparison.
Because of him, her white skin was changing colors as her skin was obviously deformed. She wasn't angry that her skin was violated or that it looked ugly…
All in all, Subaru was more concerned for that wound than the stab wound on his palm.
Subaru sighs. With that, Priscilla's vision is covered with many lights.
"Spirits...so many of them." There were at least a hundred of them around Priscilla. They started to heal her wrist and some of the other bruises Subaru gave her by bashing her into the wall.
The way she reacted to spirits…It reminded Subaru of the time he called spirits without realizing…after the snow festival. All he did was think stars looked far more beautiful than spirits…that somewhat made them show themselves.
Priscilla's reaction was identical to Emilia, as far as words compared. Emilia's awe was childish, Priscilla was more observant.
She smiled at another revelation about this man. However...that didn't last long. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Subaru.
Or more specifically—
"Your hand..." Subaru's hand was pierced by the thug's knife, by his own choice.
"I'll let it stay like that for a while."
"No. Heal it now."
"Who do you think you are?"
"Your mistress."
"Insufficient authority. Try again later when you get more points." Subaru says with a smile, it couldn't be more fake yet he appreciated her. Though he wasn't into the conversation like earlier before. Larkins scum fucked everything.
"I don't need any points. Remember the deal, your mistress will be easing your nerves today. You are in my care."
"Sigh. I hate making promises." Subaru says as he reverts his order of not healing him. The moment they appeared spirits wanted to heal him first to begin with. It was him who didn't allow it.
Spirits were useful. Subaru disliked them overall. With how they had no common sense or will of their own...scum like Puck could always appear and that was because of how spirits were.
Either way...they were useful, and Subaru had no hesitation in using them even if it kills them.
They didn't mind that either.
All of his wounds except the hole in his hand were healed. So far there was no water spirit so it would be slow if he waited for them to do it. He also didn't want to gather attention by calling more spirits so...he took the matter into his hand.
By using their power, he started healing himself manually as he closed his eyes to focus.
Subaru knew human anatomy well. He knew his body even better.
He also injured himself many times to practice healing.
This wound was nothing. With his knowledge and feeling of his own body, he could do a better job than these pathetic light bulbs.
As he was healing himself...he felt Priscilla's hand on his hair. "It's more fluffy than it looks. Good, I like soft things." It was a ridiculous thing to say at this moment. Subaru felt like playing along.
"I care about my hair a lot." He even made shampoo on his own in this world. And he made it for others too. Sniffing and touching Emilia's hair was even more enjoyable when he taught her how to properly wash herself...of course, he wasn't doing it while hiding the fact. At this point they had an understanding that they shared. Despite the problems in their relationship.
"Subaru, don't you sometimes want to touch my hair? Well I was thinking, sometimes I also want to do things like this to you. Heehee, Subaru, sooo many openings."
He recalled the time when she forced herself on his lips when he was dying…without a care for his life.
It was him filling another Puck Failure isn't that right? Even a simple action of making her hair. All he does is fill for a scum who isn't worth anything...Perhaps he should just fix that problem and fuck off.
'Why? Why? Fucking Natsuki Subaru, what the fuck are you doing with your life?-'
His thoughts were cut as Priscilla spoke while playing with his hair. She pulled it lightly.
"Stop ignoring me. While in my presence, do not think about that greedy fox. You are mine now." Both possessiveness and Anastasia's sudden mention confused Subaru. Shouldn't that be Emilia?
"Are you from Gusteko?"
"No."
"Then?"
"I answered this question before. No, more like twice." Once she understood herself in that carriage before Subaru confirmed and then when they were resting on the clouds.
After that, he never told her his origins.
She had some ideas, but thankfully. Priscilla didn't press further.
Priscilla herself disliked people making her repeat things, she was open minded enough to understand Subaru's annoyance.
Subaru dismisses spirits without any thanks whatsoever. The whole interaction would make Emilia have a heart attack. She was the type who planned what she would talk with spirits, so that she could satisfy them.
After that, it was just Priscilla dragging Subaru somewhere. He just let it happen.
Subaru couldn't believe what happened there.
After Priscilla explained her reason...Subaru liked it. Apparently, she did it for him. How true was that?
True enough that It made her colors return. It made Subaru's world turn normal.
So he would let her have fun, at the very least.
Subaru and Priscilla walked for a long time. So much so that Subaru questioned why the hell they weren't riding a carriage. Priscilla just smiled and kept holding his hand. Her optimism made Subaru a bit better. He was feeling better that Priscilla just didn't drop him like the garbage he is.
Their close contact while walking was something Subaru didn't bother to correct. He was too tired mentally and it was giving him comfort. Though he didn't know that would bite him in the ass later. After all, both Red-haired Sun Princess and Black-Haired Hero had unique looks that people wouldn't ignore or forget.
Subaru didn't hear people muttering beside them and Priscilla knowingly didn't speak about it. Not wanting Subaru to prevent that. She enjoyed this type of attention.
"We are here!"
"Eh? Weren't we going back? And where is this pla..." Subaru's question answered itself. The mansion wasn't as big as what she owned in the capital. However, the luxury feeling couldn't be mistaken. This was Priscilla's place.
"...Don't tell me." He made a grave mistake by not looking at his surroundings.
"You'll be spending some time with me~" The tone she said made Subaru look at her cleavage. Priscilla's smile grows.
'So far the only woman that ever tried to do something with me was Echidna...if not for her clumsiness I wouldn't have my virginity today. Rem never tried anything like that, which is why I have my virginity to this day.' Subaru's defenses were weak against beautiful women with how much feminine comfort he needed. There was no need for fake masculinity. Subaru can't just refuse if any attempt were made against him by a beautiful woman. And Priscilla was a beautiful, sexy woman. Subaru knew all that to be true. Was resistance futile?
As Priscilla dragged Subaru to her den with a predatory smile after paralyzing him by pulling his arm between her chest, Subaru had a last thought before the doors of the mansion gate closed.
—Emilia, if you are going to appear out of nowhere, it's now or never.
Subaru spoke in his mind silently. He didn't feel like things could ever go in that direction, as he was itching to play with his knife and veins. Subaru didn't feel alive, let alone having any wish to do any sinful activities when he was this broken.
And yet, if she were to get him out of this mood….
Wouldn't it be the end of it? Just like that, she would have him.
Subaru closed his eyes. Allowed things to flow naturally for once in his new life, with no expectations of course.
After all, nothing good would happen to him ever.
Yep this chapter had a lot of things…and possible routes to even smut.
Would a smut settle EVERYTHING? It would change the balance A LOT. But a reminder that Subaru isn't rushing into a very serious relationship too, since he is scared…but he also wants someone close…Hmm, complicated isn't it?
I mentioned a part about Subaru doing and even…sniffing Emilia's hair. That kind of perverseness starts with him touching her hair in arc 2 randomly and keeps doing it even after she points out. He shrugs it off by saying it's a reward, but she didn't seem to be bothered. Then we have arc 3 where he does it when they have their moment. In arc 4 Emilia, when she was…insane everyone calls her but I think she wasn't that bad, if you were to include extreme self-centeredness that caused her to not mind his death that is…anyways she shows that she does indeed acknowledges Subaru's love for her hair…In arc 5, Subaru is the one who does Emilia's hair. In this fic, he does it sometimes but also they did go far enough that Subaru to intimate stuff like taking a whiff(It sounds perverted and it IS) but again, Emilia knows it. You can think of it as Emilia's attempt to get intimate.
Subaru might've gone for it like Emilia would've wanted…If she ever realized that she is subconsciously making Subaru do stuff that she did with Puck…yeah. Subaru realized that and now he can't even find worth in their intimacy.
I explained this a bit too much because I've been called out in Discord for making Subaru…Joe Biden. But yeah. Just in case anyone finds it weird, here is my two cents.
Priscilla though, as you can see, is the one who called Reinhard just to stop Subaru. She doesn't care about Reinhard or Larkins. Her eyes only see Subaru here. She is freed from her weird dislike and unfairness towards him when she realizes it's because she didn't acknowledge how different Subaru was. Though she is totally open with those facts now. Hence why she manages to become even more forward.
Bluntly…Will she be able to fuck Subaru? Who knows…Priscilla is very hot, Subaru knows he is weak against women. But he also has been through shit ton of bullshit that day. Though both of them know what might happen in that place…so Subaru isn't wrong to think Priscilla might just eat him up.
Reinhard...Someone needs to teach him stuff. He fucked up hard here. Even in his own standards. To begin with, Larkins indeed did all that shit to Subaru, he is indeed a criminal too, and Reinhard also refuses to ask if he did anything because he just knows Larkins did. Subaru pointed out the facts yet Reinhard couldn't just prioritize someone who tortured others to death even if they are not wrong.
It truly felt like Priscilla cucked Reinhard…for some reason. But yeah, she definitely destroyed the possibility of them speaking things out for the sake of having Subaru for herself. Though not like she believed Reinhard could fix anything.
Yep that's it for this week! I'll see you in the next chapter!