Ever since Subaru has gotten onto the wagon, it has been silent. He couldn't see the front well, so currently all he had to go on was the open back of the wagon. There were a few more wagons behind them, so Subaru did feel bad about holding up the line.
"Sorry if I offended you Wilhelm-San. I'm not from around here. My hometown is a very peaceful place, so I don't see swords often." Subaru tried to break the silence since he felt like the ride would take a bit of time.
"Ah, it should be me that's apologizing. I have had a history with swords ever since my youth, so I take disrespect of them seriously. You had no ill intent, so excuse my rudeness." Wilhelm replied, still having yet to look off from the road. He was still suspicious of the boy but has currently deemed him as not a threat. "If I may ask, where is your hometown? Such a peaceful place would be great for an old man like me." Wilhelm finished his sentence. Of course, he didn't intend to move there, but any information is good information.
"I come from a country to the east of here. It's called Japan." Subaru didn't want to say he came from another world. He already looks suspicious enough, so he decided to take the route with the least resistance.
"Interesting story, but there is no country to the east, Subaru-Dono." Wilhelm said. He noticed that this boy seemed to not know his basic surroundings. He also came from a place where swords aren't commonplace. "Maybe it would be best if I took him to Crusch-Sama, he may be an important source of information, or at worse an enemy to the kingdom." Wilhelm thought to himself
"Wha- What, um, well maybe you just haven't seen an updated map in a while, because I can guarantee that it's there" It seems like his choice of directions couldn't have been any worse. Subaru decided that he had to change the direction of the conversation or else he would end up in a bad position at the beginning of his new fantasy life.
"So, Wilhelm-San, where do you plan on taking me anyways?" Subaru questioned Wilhelm. He didn't care where he was going anyways, since he has nothing better to do, but anything to shift the topic is welcome.
"I have to deliver some packages to my leader. Her name is Crusch, and she belongs to the Karsten family. If you have somewhere else in mind, I may be able to stop you there for our conversation, but I would prefer stopping at my lady's manor first."
Wilhelm has decided that it would be best if he talks to Subaru with Crusch present if possible. Crusch has the divine protection of wind reading and can find out if anyone is lying or not. It would be helpful in his "talk" with Subaru.
"I don't have anywhere else to go, so I wouldn't mind if it isn't far, but Wilhelm, isn't it kinda rude to be questioning me? I'm completely fine and didn't do anything illegal. So, I would like to know what you saw specifically." Now that Subaru has gotten some time to think for himself, he just realized how weird it is to just get into the wagon of someone that needs to speak with you. Especially since he didn't even know the guy. The only reason Subaru didn't question it was because when he was asked to get in, there was an aura around Wilhelm that he didn't want to mess with.
"It truly was a grand entrance. I was controlling the dragon carriage as usual and was close to the entrance of the Capital, but then suddenly I saw a hand made from darkness drag you out from thin air, and then throw you to the middle of the road. Honestly, I almost ran over you. In Lugnica, there is only one thing that could create a hand like that, and bring someone out of thin air." Wilhelm then took a breath of air. He wasn't sure if Subaru was aware of who he was about to bring up, so he decided to see how up-to-date he was.
"Are you aware of the greatest evil in Lugnica?" His voice turned serious, and he started to give off an aura again. This told Subaru that this was a serious question.
"I have no clue of the local history of this place, so sadly I don't. Would you be able to enlighten me?" Subaru wanted to try and disarm the man of his serious aura. Luckily Subaru managed to calm him down for now.
"That aura of his was different than the first two times. It was red the first time, but now it's purple. I wonder if these mean anything." Subaru thought to himself
"It seems you truly are foreign to Lugnica. Her name was the Witch of Envy, and she was a silver-haired, half-elf. On a peaceful day, she decided that the world deserved to be destroyed. Her main ability was to control shadows, and as such, she swallowed half the world in darkness and destroyed it. The only reason the world as we know it today still exists was because of the three great heroes that managed to seal her away. To this day nobody knows where she is, and why she decided to destroy the world. A cult that has the sole purpose of reviving the Witch of Envy is the current enemy of the world." Wilhelm lectured Subaru.
"The only person I know of that can make shadow hands, and has the power to move people from nothing is the Witch of Envy. If not for you seeming to be physically weak, and having a good enough personality, I would have killed you on the spot. Even after our conversation, I'm still unsure of your status as a witch cultist, so I would need to confirm that in a private area."
Subaru was nervous about the idea of him being killed the moment he went into a new fantasy world. Subaru plans on telling him the truth about where he came from because no other explanation would be able to stand actual questioning. "So, she just decided to destroy the world one day? It does sound like that would come from a video game, and yet it happened. My family is non-religious, so I promise you that I'm not part of a cult." Subaru tried to convince Wilhelm. Subaru couldn't imagine what it would be like if half of the earth was destroyed. So much culture, traditions, knowledge, and land would be lost. He also couldn't imagine what it'd be like to be part of a cult that worshiped that woman.
"When I think about it though, the ghost in the mirror does remind me of her. Could they be the same person? Even if they are, I don't think I should say anything if I respect my life." Subaru thought to himself
"Subaru-Dono, here is some advice. Some people just want to see the world burn, and they won't stop until they reach their final breath. I also have to admit that you are suspicious, but your actions so far aren't what most witch cultists would say." Subaru couldn't see, but Wilhelm's eyes became void of life for a moment.
"Sorry to cut the conversation, but we have to pass the guards." Wilhelm finished.
"People just want to watch the world burn huh? Is that the reason you carry a sword, Wilhelm-San" Subaru thought to himself.
As the conversation has come to a close, the wagon has slowed down, and the gates of the capital have been reached.
"Ah, Wilhelm-Sama, thank you for your service! Sorry, we have to bother you, but would you mind allowing us to search your wagon?" One of the two guards said to Wilhelm.
"I'm just an Old man with a past, no need for praise. I'm carrying one boy in the back of my wagons. The weapons and armor are for my Lady Crusch." Wilhelm responded to the guards. He was always humble when it came to praising. His only worth is with a sword, so is that worth getting praised.
The two guards walked to the back of the wagon to inspect the insides. Like Wilhelm told them, all they saw were crates of armor, swords, and the boy.
The two guards looked at the boy, or more importantly his hands. They were completely soft and clean, which was uncommon for a boy of his age. He also had some unique clothing.
"Excuse me sir, but are you from Lugnica?" One of the guards asked
"Nope! I have no clue about this place, and I'm completely broke!" Subaru said proudly. His father always told him to say embarrassing stuff with pride to lessen the embarrassment, because whoever he was talking to would start to focus on how he said it instead of what he said.
"Those hands are the hands of a noble, no doubt, and no way should he be lacking funds. I feel like he is hiding something, but he is with Wilhelm-San, so he would have a reason to bring him to the Capital." The guards had the same thought process when analyzing if Subaru is a threat. The fact that Wilhelm was there helped ease the suspicions.
"If you aren't from Lugnica, where are you from?" The guards said
"T-The country to the west of here." Subaru replied with a slight stutter. He was still a bit spooked about getting it wrong the first time he tried that excuse, so hopeful it'd be fine now.
Wilhelm's suspicion of Subaru grew, noticing that he decided to change his answer because of him. "His naivety is perfectly reflected in his eyes, the eyes of someone that can be read like a book." Wilhelm doubts Subaru's ability to get into the Capital without his presence assisting them.
"Ah, you're from Kararagi, we don't have any problems with you guys, so you're welcome in. Hope you have a good day sir." One of the guards said
"You're pretty good at hiding your accent" The other guard finished off.
"Yeah.. my parents grew up elsewhere, so I don't have trouble hiding it." Subaru said while freaking out internally. If they asked him any more questions about Kararagi, he might just be done for.
"Elsewhere huh? Well, I guess that's not something we need to look into." The guard replied. The two guards then proceeded to walk back to their post. This indicated that they were allowed in. The wagon then started moving again, which means that Subaru has officially entered his first fantasy city.
Subaru stood up and looked outside the city more properly. "Oh, man! I'm seriously in a new city! I'm totally fantasizing right now, baby!" Subaru shouted to the crowd of people. This truly was a fantasy world with half-humans, dragons, and legendary battles all over the place. He was truly in bliss until...
A group of annoyed wolf children looked at him and said "Shut it, Grandpa!" and with that Subaru ended up being headshot with an apple and fell. It knocked over all the crates of swords and armor. Subaru barely escaped being stabbed because they were all sheathed.
"Subaru-Dono, I ask you to be calm and not make a mess. A boy of your age should be cleaning them, not making them." Wilhelm said calmly but in a slow voice. He once again emitted a purple aura.
"I'm sorry for this Wilhelm-San, but shouldn't you be at least a little worried that I almost died in your wagon?" Subaru said in a half worried, half teasing way.
"I have practice cleaning blood from my swords, so you do not need to worry about the inconvenience it may have caused." Wilhelm replied with a straight face. In reality, he would have most likely rushed Subaru to Felix since he was almost at the manor anyways, and he would like for the innocent and young to live. Even if it's just because Wilhelm himself wasn't able to live like that, but right now, Subaru was being a troublemaker.
"Wait, that's the wrong thing you should be worried about!" Subaru pushed the swords off him and shouted.
Even if it was just for a short moment, Wilhelm did chuckle. "He may be young, naive, and suspicious, but for now at least, his antics seem to be fun." Wilhelm thought
"And now you're laughing?!" Subaru decided to shout again.
After a short wagon ride with some back and forth between the two, they finally arrived at the final destination of Crusch's manor. Subaru and Wilhelm both hopped out of the wagon, and allowed the dragon to go to the stall by itself after freeing it from the wagon.
"Wilhelm-San, I'm guessing you need to move all of these somewhere? Well, since I caused you so much trouble, let me help you move them. I have training from moving loads of groceries from the car to our fridge" Subaru didn't have anything better to do, and he did honestly feel bad for all the trouble he caused him.
Just before Wilhelm could respond to Subaru's request to help him, one person showed up.
"You're back Old Man Will, how was the trip to Fleur? Did you manage to pick up everything smoothly?" A young cat boy that was dressed femininely has appeared. The cat boy then looked over to Subaru and scanned him from head to toe.
"I see you also picked up a new friend here. Nyoice to meet you, my name is Felix."
"A live cat girl in action! This really is a fantasy world!" Subaru said in an above-average tone. He then realized what he said out loud and quickly tried to correct himself.
"I come from a place that mostly has humans. So this is my first time seeing a cat girl, sorry for the reaction. My name is Subaru, Natsuki Subaru."
"Subaru-dono, despite appearances, Felix is certainly male." Wilhelm corrected. Even though Subaru couldn't see it, he believed that Wilhelm had a smug look in his head.
"Huh, Male!?" Subaru quickly turned his head to look at Wilhelm. "If he is a guy, what's the point in having those looks, and even cat ears?" Subaru commented as he walked around Felix, inspecting him like he was a rare statue.
"I don't know what to say. You're the one that made the wrong assumption, Subaru-Kyun!" Felix said while walking closer to Wilhelm and further away from Subaru.
"You got an interesting friend, Old Man Will" Felix finished
"Subaru-dono has his good points and bad points. Sometimes one outweighs the other. I brought him here because he truly came out of nowhere, and was thrown right in front of my wagon by shadow hands. I don't think he is an enemy anymore, but I'd still like to ask him questions, and he agreed. Crusch-Sama should make sure he isn't lying about anything. I would also like to ask you to heal the bump on his head." Wilhelm decided to tell Felix about the situation
"Ah, Nyowh I see. Don't worry about the bump, I'll heal it, even though it doesn't look that dangerous. You have gotten softer, Old Man Will" Felix said to no one in particular.
"Subaru-Kyuh, just nyowh (know) that lying to Crusch-Sama will get you nowhere. She can tell when someone is lying to her." Felix then told Subaru the truth since he would like to demotivate him if he planned on lying.
"Whoever Crusch is must be an amazon person to get the support of Wilhelm-San, and you. She can even tell if you're lying without fail and lives in this huge mansion. I also completely forgot about my head injury!" So much stuff has been happening to Subaru that he completely forgot he was injured.
"Crusch-Sama is the best person you will ever meet! Nobody tops her in Beauty, Smarts, Morality, and Leadership. So, you better not mess with her, Subaru-Kyuh. Felix started gushing about Crusch.
Just as Felix started, the woman of the day decided to enter the conversation.
"Felix, I appreciate your admiration of me, but it's still embarrassing when you say it like that." Crusch reminded
"Speak of the devil." Subaru thought
"It seems you're here at Wilhelm's request. I would like to formally welcome you to the Karsten household as a guest." Crusch said to Subaru as she held her hand out.
That's it for today's chapter!
Anyhow, I have a question to ask you guys.
Should I make people think like this
"Thinking, Thinking, 123"
OR
"Thinking, Thinking, 123" TonkaDev thought
I have read fanfictions with both styles and was wondering what felt more natural to you guys.
Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed it, and I hope the characters were canon enough.
-TonkaDev