The late morning sun gently streamed through the decorated windows of the Miload Mansion, casting warm rays of light across its lavish corridors.
Inside one of the mansion's elegant bathrooms, adorned with marble tiles and opulent decorations, Emilia stood before a porcelain sink. Her reflection in the mirror revealed a troubled expression on her typically serene face.
Emilia's usual calm demeanor was now marred by discomfort. Her slender fingers clung to the sink's edge as a wave of nausea overcame her. She inhaled deeply, attempting to quell the rising unease in her stomach. The fragrant scent of roses and lavender wafted through the air, serving as a constant reminder of the mansion's luxurious ambiance.
Protesting against her will, her body convulsed, and Emilia could no longer suppress the inevitable. She leaned over the sink, her silver hair cascading around her, and retched. A soft, miserable moan escaped her lips as she expelled the contents of her stomach into the pristine porcelain bowl.
Emilia's knees trembled, and she braced herself against the sink, tears welling up in her amethyst eyes.
"Subaru..." she whispered, her voice barely audible, longing for her companion, the one who had grown increasingly distant and detached from her. He was her personal knight, her first friend, and the one who had professed his love for her.
"Why?" Emilia questioned her reflection in the mirror, her expression pained as she tried to process the events that had plagued her over the past months.
Ever since Natsuki Subaru returned from Vollachia, the once sweet and loving knight had been growing apart from her. His words and actions spoke volumes, and if that wasn't enough, his constant absence from her presence further solidified the truth.
If this had happened a year or two ago, the naive and gullible half-elf would have been clueless. However, her increased time spent with Subaru had taught her much about love and relationships. She could now foresee the heart-wrenching truth unfolding before her—her knight was falling out of love and drifting away.
Emilia had tried her best to mend the situation and regain her knight's affection. More dates, more lap pillows, more time spent together, but Subaru consistently rebuffed her, insisting he was occupied elsewhere and urging her to just focus on the royal selection.
This rejection wounded the half-elf deeply, but giving up was not in her vocabulary. She had even ventured into uncharted territory, recalling a certain night weeks ago.
"Subaru," she murmured, the memory flooding back. "Even after all we... shared that night, you still haven't said you love me... like you always used to." Emilia's eyes welled with tears as she sobbed, confronted by the coldness and indifference of her once-devoted knight.
Emilia washed her face, attempting to remove the tears that had welled up in her eyes. Suddenly, the tranquil halls of the mansion echoed with frantic footsteps and hysterical voices.
"Barusu, wait! Where are you going? Answer Ram this instant!" Emilia heard Ram's voice, laced with urgency. What could be causing such a commotion this early in the morning?
"Subaru-sama! What's happening? Why are you carrying all your luggage and belongings with you?!" Frederica's voice chimed in, the blonde maid's concern was palpable.
"Belongings?" Emilia pondered curiously, her brows furrowing as she tried to make sense of the situation. Then, like a bolt of lightning, it all clicked into place, and her heart sank.
"Subaru-kun! Wait! R-Rem, sorry, Subaru-kun! Rem didn't mean all of that, please!" The blue-haired maid, Rem, who had once been very hostile towards Subaru, was now on the floor, her arms wrapped around Subaru's legs from behind as she begged Emilia's knight. Tears streamed down her face as she desperately pleaded, "Rem remembers—"
"Oh, you now remember everything? Heh, too late for that," Subaru replied with a biting sarcasm as he forcefully removed Rem's hands, his resolve unyielding, and continued his march towards the door, carrying all his belongings with him.
"Barusu! How dare you—"
"How dare I? I don't give a Fuck! How about that?" Subaru cut off Ram with a harsh retort, shocking everyone present with his sudden change in demeanor.
"Stop wasting Betty's and her contractor's time, I suppose. Her contractor has already made up his mind, and there's nothing you people can do to change that!" Beatrice, the blonde spirit and Subaru's spirit partner this time chimed in, grabbing Subaru's hand and urging him toward the mansion's exit.
Emilia stood there, her heart heavy with despair and anxiety, as the situation unfolded before her eyes.
"S-Subaru?" Emilia muttered, her voice trembling as she desperately hoped to get the attention of her knight. "W-What's going on, Subaru?" she inquired, confusion and fear lacing her words.
Subaru turned to look in her direction, and for a fleeting moment, Emilia saw a coldness in his eyes, devoid of the warmth and passion they once held. Her heart sank as he broke their gaze and continued to walk away.
"Subaru, wait! Please, wait!" Emilia pleaded desperately as she followed Subaru from the mansion all the way to the nearby town of Costuul. Rem, Ram, and Frederica followed behind, their expressions mirroring the confusion and despair etched on Emilia's face.
"Subaru, wait! Wait!" Emilia begged once more, her voice filled with anguish and desperation, but Subaru remained resolute, ignoring her pleas as he and his spirit contractor marched onward, paying no heed to the distraught elf.
"Subaru-sama! Please, think this through! Please, Subaru-sama!" Frederica chimed in, her voice laced with concern, but her words continued to fall on deaf ears.
It didn't take long for the group to reach Costuul. Subaru maintained his determined march, heading straight for a waiting shed.
He carefully placed all his bags on the floor, gently cradling Beatrice as he settled her in his lap upon sitting down in one of the waiting shed's chairs.
Emilia finally caught up, her voice trembling with a mix of distress and desperation.
"Subaru, why are you—"
"It's done, Emilia. I'm done," Subaru replied with a cold voice as he gazed at the sky. "This is just a chapter in my book that I need to close. You should do the same."
Emilia tried to process his words, realizing that something significant was happening, though she didn't fully understand. With her heart in turmoil, she knew she had to act quickly. It couldn't be too late, could it?
"Subaru, please, I think I'm pr—"
"Look Emilia, let it go. It was fun for the past two years, but I'm now finding my happiness," Subaru cut her off abruptly. "And Rem, stop apologizing. Move on. It's not as hard as you think; it's actually quite easy."
"Subaru-kun, don't leave Re—," Rem began with teary eyes but was abruptly interrupted as a beautiful red dragon carriage came into view from the distance, capturing the attention of everyone present.
"Pris-tan!" Subaru muttered, his voice filled with happiness and passion.
"Pris... tan?" Emilia's heart sank as she processed those words. Since Subaru had returned from Vollachia, he hadn't used the term "tan" when talking to her. Hearing him use it with someone else, not her, shattered Emilia's heart into pieces.
The dragon carriage came to a graceful stop in front of them, and its ornate doors swung open, revealing a stunning woman inside. She possessed long, flowing red-blonde hair that cascaded gracefully down her back, complemented by a pair of striking crimson eyes that held an air of authority. Her skin was pale, almost ethereal, and her lips bore a faint, delicate shade of pink.
Emilia watched in a mix of confusion and uncertainty as the regal figure stepped out of the carriage. Her presence was undeniably captivating, and the aura of confidence that surrounded her was palpable. What is she doing here?
Subaru's face lit up with genuine happiness as he looked at the Baroness.
"Pris-tan!" he exclaimed once more, his voice filled with warmth and affection.
Priscilla met Subaru's gaze with a soft smile that only added to her allure.
"Subaru, my dear," she replied in a voice that was as melodious as it was soothing. "I've missed you terribly." She then walked over to close the distance between her and Subaru, and their passionate kiss left no doubt about the depth of their relationship.
Emilia stood there, her heart sinking further as she witnessed the intimate reunion between Subaru and Priscilla. She struggled to comprehend the implications of Priscilla's unexpected arrival and the complex emotions it stirred within her. She wanted to talk, to address the situation, to express her anger even, but she was too shocked and despairing to find her voice or take action.
Ram and Rem were equally shocked, their usual composed demeanor shattered. Rem had dissolved into sobs, while her pink-haired twin, Ram, was too stunned to form coherent words.
It was Frederica, the maid, who eventually found her voice. "Subaru-sama! How could you?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with anger. "H-how could you do this with tha—"
"Enough, Frederica," Subaru interrupted her with a cold voice. "Don't Start."
"My love, spending time with these commoners is a waste of our precious time. Let us leave so that these knaves can continue wasting their pathetic lives," Priscilla added, her tone dismissive.
"Hehehe! You're such a baddie, Pris-tan!" Subaru replied with happiness, planting another kiss on the Baroness's lips. "And that's why I love you!"
Emilia's tears flowed freely now as she finally found her voice.
"You stole my Subaru away?" she questioned, her voice trembling with a mix of sadness and anger.
"Stole? Don't make me laugh, commoner! He wasn't yours to begin with!" Priscilla retorted harshly. "Well, he could have been yours, but you abused him and kept him waiting. Now he's mine," she added with pride.
"Look, guys, I hate to end it like this, but there is no better way to do it," Subaru stated, his tone uncharacteristically cheerful. "I'll just send Otto, Garf, and Roschi letters... I'm sure they'll understand." With that, he scooped up Priscilla and carried her princess-style into the dragon carriage, Beatrice following behind.
Emilia's voice quivered as she spoke through her tears, her words a heartbroken lament.
"Subaru, you liar... Subaru, you liar..." Her sobs grew more intense as she continued, her voice choked with anguish. "You said you loved me! You said you'd wait for me! You promised to wait until I understand everything!"
Subaru hesitated for a moment, his expression conflicted, but then he closed the door of the carriage.
"But I eventually answered your love. I kept my promise... we even... we even..." Emilia's voice trailed off as the weight of her emotions overwhelmed her, and she couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence. She continued to sob, her heartache almost too much to bear. "But you never did! YOU'RE A LIAR! A LIAAAR!"
As the dragon carriage began to move, leaving Emilia on the ground, tears streaming down her face, she cried out in anguish, her voice filled with pain and betrayal.
"LIAR! LIAR!" Her anguished cries echoed in the air, but the carriage continued on its course, carrying Subaru and Priscilla away, leaving behind a shattered bond and a heartbroken half-elf.
5 months pass.
"Good news, Emilia-sama! It's a healthy baby girl!" Frederica announced as she withdrew her hands from the half-elf's belly, having completed her pregnancy life detection spell.
Five long and agonizing months had passed since that fateful day in the Costuul town square. Emilia lay in her bed, the room enveloped in eerie silence, a stark contrast to the once-bustling life that filled the Roswaal Mansion. The mansion, once opulent, had grown cold, mirroring the state of her heart.
Her amethyst eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, unseeing. Her once-vibrant silver hair now seemed dull and lifeless. The vibrant colors of her wardrobe had given way to muted, somber shades.
"Emilia-sama, please don't stress yourself. It's not good for the baby," Frederica implored once more, her gentle hand caressing the head of the silver-haired half-elf.
Emilia had withdrawn from the world. The pain of betrayal, the searing memory of Subaru's departing kiss with Priscilla, and the biting words they had exchanged haunted her every waking moment. She had been reduced to a mere shadow of her former self, tormented by self-doubt, anger, and a profound sense of loss.
She barely ate, her appetite diminished by the emotional turmoil that gripped her, despite her pregnancy cravings.
"Emilia-sama, please! Eat. The baby will suffer!" Frederica's concern was palpable. "I know you are hurting, but don't let your baby girl suffer."
This plea shook Emilia from her silence as she looked at Frederica, her eyes locking with hers before dropping to the ground, where she began sobbing silently.
"I'm a bad mother, Frederica-san! I'm bad at everything... That's why Subaru left me... left our baby," she sobbed again, her words heavy with guilt and self-loathing.
"I'm so sorry, Frederica-san! I'm so weak and foolish!"
"Shhh, shhh, let it out, Emilia-sama, let it out," Frederica repeated softly, offering her support and understanding as Emilia finally allowed herself to release the pent-up emotions that had been consuming her.
After a harrowing 30 minutes of sobbing, Emilia gradually calmed down. Frederica remained by her side throughout, offering a comforting presence and a sympathetic ear. When the storm of emotions had finally passed, Emilia felt emotionally drained but oddly lighter, as if a burden had been lifted, even if just momentarily.
As Frederica prepared to leave, she leaned in closer to Emilia, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Emilia-sama, please remember to take care of yourself and the baby. You must be ready for the culmination of the royal selection in the next three weeks. It's crucial for both you and your child's future."
Emilia nodded weakly, her amethyst eyes reflecting a glimmer of determination. She knew that despite her pain and turmoil, she had a responsibility to fulfill. The royal selection would be a defining moment for her, and she needed to gather her strength and composure to face it.
For the elves of the Elior Forest.
For her baby, Chocorina.
"I love you, Emilia-tan," Subaru whispered passionately as he held Emilia close from behind.
Emilia turned to him with a quizzical expression.
"You say that now, but many nobles are eager to marry their daughters to you, Subaru."
Subaru tightened his embrace, reassuring her, "I've turned them all down, Emilia-tan. You're the only one I want in my life."
A smile brightened Emilia's face, tears of happiness welling up in her eyes.
"Reaaally?"
"Absolutely," Subaru replied, his voice tender. "I would never betray you or hurt you, I promise."
Emilia looked into his eyes, seeking assurance. "Promise?"
Subaru pointed towards the night sky, capturing Emilia's attention. "I swear on every star, Emilia-tan. I'll never hurt you, and I'll always cherish your heart."
Emilia nodded, understanding the significance of promises to elves.
"Promises are important to us elves, Subaru."
"I know, that's why I mean it," Subaru assured her. "I love you, and I'll always protect your heart."
"Thank you for loving me, Subaru," Emilia said with gratitude, her eyes conveying pure happiness. "I also promise to learn about love and love you in return. That's my promise."
Subaru smiled warmly, placing his hand on Emilia's. "And I promise to wait for as long as it takes, no matter how many seasons pass. I'll always be by your side."
"You're so melodramatic, Subaru!" Emilia playfully teased the raven-haired boy.
Subaru smirked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Who says 'melodramatic' these days, Emilia-tan?"
"Hmmp, dunderhead," she retorted, a fond smile playing on her lips.
And so, they simply remained there, wrapped in each other's presence, relishing the tranquility of the night.
"Subaru, have you prepared everything we'll need for tomorrow? Anastasia and Julius will be arriving, and after that, we're heading to the Pleiades Tower," Emilia inquired, her voice laced with anticipation.
Subaru's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, shoot! Thanks for the reminder, Emilia-tan!"
"Emilia-sama? Emilia-sama?" a soft voice softly called out in the room, stirring Emilia from her slumber. Petra gently nudged the half-elf, who lay cozily in her bed.
"Huh? Oh," Emilia replied, her eyes slowly fluttering open. She found herself nestled in her bed at the Miload Mansion, bathed in the gentle morning light. The remnants of her dream clung to her thoughts like a distant echo.
"You were crying in your sleep, Emilia-sama... Are you having a bad dream?" Petra asked with genuine concern as she handed Emilia a dose of vitamins and a glass of milk, both crucial for Emilia's well-being and the health of her unborn child.
"I'm reaaally alright, Petra-chan. Thank you for your concern," Emilia reassured the orange-haired maid with a faint, grateful smile.
Emilia gently sat up, her hand tenderly resting on her slightly rounded belly. She contemplated her dream, realizing that it wasn't merely a dream but more akin to a vivid memory—a recollection of the promises made by her knight, Subaru before they departed for the Pleiades Tower a year and a half ago.
"Liar," she muttered softly, her thoughts clouded by the weight of that memory. As she prepared to start her morning routine, Petra offered her assistance.
"Emilia-sama, do you require any assistance?" Petra inquired.
"It's reaaally alright, Petra, I'm just feeling a bit dizzy," Emilia replied as she made her way toward her wardrobe.
Petra observed the scene, concerned for the half-elf's well-being. It was evident that Emilia was weakened and could benefit from some help, but Petra was well aware of Emilia's independent nature.
"If you need anything, Emilia-sama, please don't hesitate to call for us. Breakfast awaits after your bath, and your dragon carriage, which will transport you to the capital, is prepared whenever you are ready. Garfield, Frederica-sama, and Otto-sama will also be joining you shortly," Petra informed Emilia before departing, leaving her to her morning preparations.
Emilia simply nodded in acknowledgment as she continued her preparations for the day ahead.
As Petra exited the room, Emilia could no longer contain her emotions. The weight of her memories, the ache of her dreams, and the feeling of betrayal overwhelmed her, and tears streamed down her face.
"Liar... Subaru, you liar," she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of sadness and anger.
