A/N: There'll be another quick Q&A at the end of this chapter! It's the end of Arc 2, but what does the future hold? Well, of course everyone knows that it's nearly time to enter the time of the Royal Selection! There is probably going to be another EX chapter in between now and the first chapter of Arc 3, so look forward to that as well~

Thanks for all the support thus far! Make sure to drop plenty of reviews to let me know what you think!

Chapter Ten

The Stars that Guide

The Assassin that Julius had incapacitated, despite a gaping wound in their throat, turned away from the knight and flung the front doors open, attempting a fruitless escape.

"AHAAAAA!"

As soon as he did so, he was kicked backwards by the powerful leg of someone who was waiting outside. Captain Ricardo stepped inside, cracking his neck and looking around, before setting his gaze on Julius and pointing to him accusingly.

"You really left nothin' for me, huh?!"

"Unfortunately, it appears things might have settled here. Though there still could be more enemies about," Julius pointed out.

"Tch, it took everything I had ta' not rush in here, but I looked around and couldn't find a trace of nothin' else," the wolfkin said. He approached the Assassin still gurgling and trying to crawl along the ground, stepping near them and leaning down, gritting his sharp teeth. "So, ya' wanted the little flower, huh? That's not gonna fly, you know."

Subaru, who was sitting up now, allowing the spirits to do their work, gulped. "The Captain can be kinda scary, huh..?"

"Ah…!"

A sharp gasp made him look back, seeing Oslo Suwen standing in the ruined doorway to the meeting room, visibly trembling a bit as he gazed out at the destruction. Anastasia came out beside him, looking much less disturbed, a smile on her face as she gently patted the man's shoulder.

"This coulda' been much worse," the girl pointed out. "The curse my knight detected should be gone now."

As if on cue, Ricardo delivered the final blow to the Assassin, having garnered all he could from them. He sighed and turned back towards the front entrance.

"We'll keep up recon at the gates to make sure no freaks get in our out then," the beast said before heading off, bitter at his lack of action.

Subaru chuckled, gaining odd looks from Joshua and Meili. If only he could tell the wolfkin about his battle against the Assassins at the forest's edge, and how much action he truly got during that time. Alas, the wolfkin would probably just train with the Pearlbaton siblings while they waited at the gates to let off some steam.

I can't believe it… It's… Really over…

Looking over to Meili, the girl was bitterly trying to scrub some blood from her hair that Subaru had half-mindedly left there by patting it.

"Li… You and your sister worked as a pair, right? Is this the same deal? There won't be… more?"

The girl frowned at the towel she had been given to do her cleaning. "I think so, but… It's… Hard to predict how Mother will act, especially if met with a lot of failure…"

"You really gotta tell us about this 'Mother'," Subaru pointed out.

"I-I know, it's… Just… hard," the girl insisted.

He couldn't fault the girl for that. The only reason Subaru wasn't distraught by the death and bodies nearby, was because he'd practically mentally blocked any concern for the two Assassins, even though someone like Meili could have been one of them… What if they could be changed, and just needed a moment of hesitation like Meili had when Ricardo found her?

It was too late for them now either way. Subaru wasn't going back for them, that was his decision– He had to focus on what mattered most to him in this world.

The wrap-up of the event had several of the city's guard questioning the Anastasia group, though not too hard as they seemed very unwilling to upset them nor the Suwen head Oslo, and then collecting the bodies to be disposed of. There was a Royal Guard member in town as well, who was assured by Julius that the event would be reported to the Capital when they arrived there within the next week.

By the time Subaru had mostly recovered from the poison, a bucket of water and a rag was dropped in front of him. He saw the contorted face of Joshua looking down at him, another bucket of water in his hand.

"I guess we should begin," the boy said bitterly.

"...Eh? Wait… N-No way–"

The two began their work at cleaning up some of the mess in the entrance chamber. The entire time, both of them felt quite jostled and betrayed by having to do so, but at some point they were told by a staff member there that Anastasia had promised Oslo they would do so, since despite giving him a big favor, it was rude to leave blood all over the place.

I guess I should've expected this, dressing up like a damn butler, Subaru thought as he scrubbed at a particularly nasty bit of blood, struggling to get it off. Ain't there water magic that can clean this way easier?

Eventually, as the sky outside began to slowly darken, and the events of the day seemed truly behind them, he was stopped by Julius placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Subaru, it is time to go," the knight said.

"I'm not even done though," the boy commented. As he went to the bucket of water, he noticed his reflection in the now-muddied water, the bags under his eyes heavy and his expression dim. He sighed and put the rag in, before standing and flexing his hands, slight scars visible on his palms but no sign of pain anymore. "Alright, I get it."

Julius smirked at him. "Your willingness to work despite being the man of the hour is quite respectable. Are you turning a new leaf after all, Subaru?"

"Not a chance in hell," the boy answered, stretching his back. "If you think I'll become like Joshua, I think I'll scrub the floor til my hands open up and I bleed out!"

"That is quite the imaginative death I suppose. Actually, it would be worrisome if you were to change too much," Julius commented, which elicited a smile from Subaru.

"If I ever start saying crazy, fancy things, I expect you to beat the crap out of me and knock me back to my senses!"

The two headed out, Subaru remembering at the last second to bow to the woman he had spoken to earlier attending the door, apologizing for the inconvenience. She seemed a bit more chipper to be addressed in such a way, which Subaru hoped would ease the burden of the next few days for the workers there, who were minding their business before a death battle broke out.

Their trip back to the inn on an open carriage was quiet. Subaru took in the sounds of the night-time festivities of the city, happy that he could enjoy it for once, watching traders and various interesting figures perusing the streets. Joshua had offered to drive the carriage as well , in order to give Subaru a break, which was also a relief.

I feel like I could pass out for days, Subaru thought with a yawn. But I bet I'm gonna be working my ass off bright and early tomorrow!

When they arrived at the Inn, it seemed like every candlelight in the building was flickering brightly. Julius, curiously, helped Subaru down from the carriage, and bowed slightly, motioning with a hand towards the door.

"That's a bit ominous," Subaru commented, the knight smirking slightly as the boy headed towards the front door and hesitated before flinging it open.

Inside, the grand fountain at the center of the Inn's lobby seemed to be flowing less intensely. That was likely due to the several tables strewn around it, all laid out with various steaming foods that Subaru could only half-recognize as things he was familiar with. Behind each table was one of the Pearlbaton siblings, wearing what he would call a tiny chef's hat. While Tivey and Hetaro didn't seem very enthused, Mimi was very excited about what they were doing.

"There he is!"

The rough voice made Subaru look to the side just as Ricardo wrapped an arm around his neck tightly, laughing. It was almost like a chokehold, making Subaru squirm a bit in his grasp.

"I knew I was right when I said ya' fought more like a beast than a knight," Ricardo said. "I heard about your little maneuver back there. Ya' got some damned guts!"

As he laughed and led Subaru towards the center, he got even more attention. Several unfamiliar figures in the garbs of Picoutatte approached him, offering him handshakes and words of encouragement. Some of them he recognized as the few others staying in the Inn, one in particular having a visible bandage along their neck and shoulder.

"T-Thank you, Mr. Subaru," the man said, trembling as he shook the boys hand. "I-I… The Assassin threatened my life, and I.. I had to.."

Subaru shook his head. "It's alright man, breathe. It's all over now, we took care of it."

"I-I know," he said, smiling softly and bowing his head. "Please know that many of us in the city are in your debt."

Not sure how he felt about that, the man at least left Subaru with a warm feeling inside. He'd never seen gratitude and respect like this, it was something odd and he felt… Undeserving, despite everything.

"Don't be so modest Subabro," Ricardo commented as if reading his mind. "This feast was my own personal battle to celebrate!"

"You did all of this?" Subaru was amazed, watching the Pearlbaton triplets serving up food to those inside.

"Well, I pitched the idea to the Lil Boss Lady, and she insisted it could be even grander than I said," Ricardo explained with a toothy grin. "She certainly knows how to think big!"

That was when Subaru noticed Anastasia Hoshin entering the room. The girl wore her usual attire, but without her white, fluffy hat, her purple hair tied up in a mannerism that Subaru certainly likened to something he'd see in Japan. As she approached, a smile on her face, Subaru went to kneel to her, before she held up a hand to stop him.

"Subaru, that certainly doesn't fit for ya'," Anastasia commented.

"Huh? You mean, my outfit, or–" He looked down and around at his butler suit. While a bit tight in some areas, he had sort of enjoyed the look on himself.

Anastasia chuckled softly. "I would hope you know what I mean. I know ya' need plenty of rest after today, but this is also important, ya' know?" She motioned around them.

"I haven't been eating the best, I guess," Subaru said, rubbing his stomach.

"Not just that– This," she said, motioning for Subaru to look again. "Knowing those around ya', experiencing things with them. It's all important to make those connections."

"Ah… You're right." Nodding, he smiled as he scanned the room again. That's when he realized something that was missing. "Um… Where is– I mean, Lady Hoshin, can I… Inquire…?"

While Subaru stumbled with his words, Anastasia chuckled. "It's fine Subaru. Meili has chosen not to be out here at this time, so we've allowed her the space."

"R-Right.. Thank you."

Stamping down any worry inside himself, Subaru accompanied Anastasia as she made the rounds, speaking to the Inn's owner, an older couple who seemed wise beyond their years, as well as Oslo Suwen, who made an appearance at some point, looking almost as tired as Subaru from the stress of the day.

Eventually, Julius came to accompany Anastasia, so Subaru made his leave. Approaching one of the food tables, he wondered if it was unkempt of himself to truly dig in– But his stomach's rumbling and his weariness made quite the case to do so.

"Mimi is holding back a lot! Cap'n makes the best food," the small catlike girl said, her ears twitching intensely as he approached.

"That's for sure," Subaru said with a grin as he loaded up with some food. Here there was some sort of meat he would almost call pork-chops, as well as various steamed vegetables of a familiar variety.

"Is sissy alright? Mimi hasn't seen her all day."

Subaru looked down at his plate in mid munch. He looked towards the stairs leading up from the lobby, swallowing his food. It was too hard in the end to just leave it like this, and he had surely made enough of an appearance already, right?

"I'm sure she's got a lot to think about," Subaru said. "I'll go find her."

"Oo oo, Mimi can go too!"

Before Subaru could interject, the girl tossed off her hat and hopped up onto his shoulders, clambering over him to sit piggy-back style. He sighed.

"I kinda respect how mature Meili can be at times like this," Subaru muttered as he prepared food to bring to the girl, just in case she hadn't gotten a chance to eat.

Together, the two headed up to Meili's room. Once there, Subaru went to knock, before Mimi suddenly began to bang on the door, making him jump.

"Hey hey! It's Mimi," the catgirl said excitedly. Subaru wanted to pick her up off of himself, but his hands were full with the food. Thankfully, before Mimi's antics caused too much of a scene, the door's lock could be heard, and the door slowly opened.

Meili was rubbing her eyes tiredly, looking up at them with a bit of dreary glare.

"You're both… awful."

"Eh? What did I do?!" Subaru felt offended to be lumped in.

"You brought her here," Meili pointed out.

Mimi giggled happily. "Mimi's in control of Mister! That's why he's here!~"

"That's… Whatever.. I thought you might want some company, though… Were you just asleep?" Subaru eyed Meili, the girl blushing slightly and turning her head away.

"I-It was a long day, so of course.. You should be resting too," she countered.

"It wasn't in the cards I guess," Subaru said with a chuckle. "They sorta forced me into this, ya know?"

With that, the next bit of the night was spent with Meili in her room. Despite their arrival, she still wasn't very interested in joining the festivities down below, so Subaru and Mimi kept her company… And by that, it was Mimi being all over the girl, while Subaru watched in amusement.

"Seriously, you're older than Li?" Subaru raised an eyebrow as he watched Mimi clamber up onto the girl from behind, peeking over her head.

"Yup! Mimi's a big sis!~"

Meili scowled, but couldn't hide a small smile. When Subaru saw it, she cleared her throat and tried to hide it, taking a sip of her nearby water.

"Are your two brothers not enough?"

"Mimi always wanted a sister doe…!" Mimi's tail swayed as she wrapped her arms around Meili's neck from behind. "And Mimi knows that Li misses her sissy!"

At that, Meili looked down at her lap sadly. Subaru, who was sitting in a chair across from the bed, had already contemplated what to say to the girl. Throughout this whole experience at Picoutatte, Subaru had come to terms with the fact that the girl wasn't in need of a savior… Rather, he was only getting in the way of her being able to change for the better.

It was important to let her grow up herself, after all, wasn't it?

"Li is gonna get her sister back soon enough," Subaru said confidently. "It's a guarantee. You'll help her as much as you can, right Mimi?"

Meili looked up at Subaru in surprise as the girl behind her raised an arm and exclaimed, "Yesh! Of course!~"

"S-Subaru, why are you talking like that?"

"Hm?" Subaru shrugged to the girl. "I know it ain't my place to step in, but I'll help when I can, too. After all, it's your own problem that you've gotta solve in the end, like we all do."

Meili opened her mouth to say something, but then stopped, clenching her fists. Soon enough, Subaru held up an arm as she tossed two pillows from the bed at him.

"Ack– What was that for..?" Subaru watched, confused as he saw tears starting to stream down Meili's face.

"S-Stupid… Subaru…"

"Eh..?"

Mimi scooted back from the girl, as she began to wipe tears away, but they kept coming. "I w-want to rely on someone… I followed Elsa… Everywhere. I.. I don't know what to do without her here," Meili said, sniffling.

She wants to rely on somebody..? Am I just stupid or something?

Not necessarily, he realized, but it was his own fault for never asking Meili how she felt about it all. He remembered the time that she had turned him away because of his incessant worry for her. At the time, Subaru thought he'd looked like a total creep, and that had stuck with him in the back of his mind… But now, the girl was saying that she needed someone to lean on?

Ah, right… Subaru smiled, shaking his head at his overthinking of the situation. Despite everything, she's still just a kid.

Her past as an Assassin and her deadly skillset meant nothing compared to that fact. The girl wanted to live a normal life, preferably with her beloved sister as well. That was why she had escaped her fate in the first place. Despite what everyone seemed to think, that Meili needed space, the truth was a bit different from that…

She needed someone to trust.

Reaching out, Subaru gently patted Meili's head. She turned away slightly, but didn't fully reject the notion.

"My bad… You've got a lot of people around you, so I always figured you had everything you'd need… But I guess I was totally doing the same as everyone else, huh? Thinking I knew what you wanted."

Subaru sighed. It was odd how much wiser he felt since coming to this world— But he figured six deaths would do that to someone, unless they went insane. Thanks to his Return by Death, piecing together how someone felt was at least slightly easier, which was great since he was awful at it normally.

"I won't… ever leave your side again," Subaru promised. It was an unrealistic promise, but the boy knew that's what he wanted to say. "Even when that sister of yours comes around.. Though she might mess me up pretty bad if that's not what she wanted."

Subaru chuckled softly. Mimi reached over and patted Meili's back softly, her tail swaying slowly. He gave her a thumbs up for the girl's first ever non-hyper showing of affection, which Mimi returned with a grin.

Wiping tears on her sleeve, Meili looked up at Subaru with her olive-green eyes glittering in the moonlight that filtered in through the room's window.

"Y-You really promise?"

"Of course! Honestly, I think I might die without someone watching my back anyways," Subaru said as a sort of half-dark joke towards his cruel fate.

Meili smiled. While she had always done more of a small smirk before, it was the first time that Subaru saw the wide, cheek-to-cheek happiness on the girl's face. Subaru nearly felt tears as he thought about the distraught girl from the Capital, and how she'd said she believed in him back then.

It felt unreasonable, but Subaru hardly felt worthy. He was just an otaku from Japan, and yet he was able to make small differences and affect people's lives… It was like a dream he never wanted to awaken from.

I swear, I won't disappoint you, Li…!

A few days had passed, and the Anastasia Camp was prepared to leave the city by that morning. While helping to prepare one of the carriages, Subaru was summoned to see Anastasia in the suite she had been staying in.

After knocking and entering, Subaru saw the girl writing something on parchment, before sealing it with wax. He bowed as she noticed him, before approaching slowly.

"Just leaving a letter of thanks to the owner," Anastasia said, putting the letter aside. "It's always nice ta' keep yourself open to future endeavors."

"Of course, after all I doubt they got much sleep with all the noise everyone here makes," Subaru commented.

"Wouldn't that be mostly Subaru's fault?~"

"I-I'm working on my spastic behavior," Subaru insisted.

Anastasia smiled. "Well, I wished to tell you of our plans going forward," she began. "Mainly there is one thing ya' may disagree to, but it has already been set—"

"-You will not be accompanying us to the Capital."

Subaru felt his heart drop. "W-What, where am

I—"

Anastasia held up her hands to hold his words back. "I had received an invitation yesterday evenin' from somebody who wished for your visitation. Someone interestin' enough to make this happen."

Someone wants me? Subaru couldn't possibly think of anyone that even knew him outside of these walls, or at least anyone big enough to make Anastasia consider their offer.

Of course, as soon as Anastasia said their name, Subaru's eyes widened and he mentally kicked himself for forgetting.

"Roswaal L Mathers seems to have taken a liking to ya' at some point," Anastasia continued, "And he happens to be the a very important person to Lugunica."

Thinking about his encounters with the pink-haired girl and her cryptic words in the Capital, Subaru had secretly been hoping that it would never come up again.

"But… why would he want someone like me? I'm nobody," Subaru insisted.

Anastasia spread her hands before herself. "Ya' impressed a lot of people here, so I don't doubt he saw somethin' in you too. His offer was somethin' that would help everyone out, so we believe it would be best for ya', as well."

The girl produced another letter, pushing it across the desk. Subaru looked down at it for a moment, knowing he couldn't read it, as Anastasia smiled.

"Writing and reading is a necessary asset, unfortunately. The Mathers household has offered to teach ya' these things, as well as many others about your new duties."

"Wait.. How the heck do they know about my position?!"

Anastasia shrugged slightly. "Like I said, Roswaal is a powerful man. This isn't just for you though, Subaru— Julius would go personally, but I need him by my side. Thus, Joshua will be going as well, ta' undertake a special assignment."

Subaru blinked at the girl. "T-That doesn't sound too promising."

"Well of course it won't be a relaxin' trip," Anastasia said with a chuckle. "What happened in the Capital, with the half-elf Emilia.. We believe she's being held in the Mathers Domain."

"Emilia…?" Subaru never knew that girl's name, and was surprised to hear of her again. Though, if she really was a potential candidate to become ruler… "Is she still…?"

Anastasia nodded. "As far as we know, she's still unable to reach tha' Royal Selection.. Which, ordained by the Dragon, must happen."

Subaru put a hand to his chin in thought. "So you guys have a way to save her?"

"We would like ta' try. Even as a potential rival, the country might go up in flames if the prophecy is broken."

Everything felt incredibly dire to Subaru all of a sudden. He had been excited to return to the Capital and experience it from a non-hectic viewpoint… But now he was expected to go to the home of someone potentially hostile towards him?

"And.. what about Meili?"

"She will accompany you, of course," Anastasia assured him. "After all, while she would be safer in the Capital, attracting danger there wouldn't be wise."

"I get it…" Subaru sighed. "It'd look bad on you too, if Assassins attacked and ruined everything… But… Please, don't blame Meili for any of that—"

"I'm not, Subaru, don't ya' worry." Anastasia nodded to him. "As you can see, this will offer solutions ta' many issues for us, wouldn't you agree?"

Subaru nodded. He couldn't refute it. His training as a servant was crucial to his future, especially needing to learn Lugunica's language. Not only that, Meili being out of the spotlight and potentially getting to free the half-elf girl Emilia from her icy prison and save the country..?

Dammit, it all makes too much sense!

Subaru bowed. "Thank you for the opportunity, Miss Hoshin!"

Anastasia chuckled. "Please do your best out there, Subaru— We'll be waiting for ya'."

When it was time to leave, Subaru headed to the front of the carriage that was settled for them to use, only to see someone half-familiar sitting at the reigns.

"Uh… You're…?"

Otto Suwen looked down at Subaru, offering a wide smile.

"H-Hello, I am Otto Suwen. I've been contracted to take you to your destination," he said, politely removing his green hat as he bowed slightly, his gray hair fluttering slightly in the wind. Despite his polite air, Subaru had certainly seen his strenuous relationship with his brother before, and wondered how reliable he truly was.

"I'm Subaru, Natsuki Subaru," the boy said, returning the bow. He looked over to the two Earth Dragons pulling the carriage. "Do you know how long it'll take to get there?"

"Hm…" Otto rubbed the back of his head. "It's pretty far, so I'd expect over a week. There's a lot of traffic headed for the Capital that'll get in our way too…"

Subaru instinctively rubbed his rear, remembering the soreness he'd felt on their trip from the Capital to here. It seemed that the Mathers Domain was farther than the Capital was.. But at least he wasn't bound at his wrists this time.

Joshua walked past Subaru, putting a hand on his shoulder gently.

"Otto and I shall drive most of the way, and you will handle the rest," he stated.

Subaru blinked at the boy. "W-Wait, is it really alright for me to take it easy like that?"

Joshua nodded sternly. "You are in no condition yet to handle the dragons. Rest easy until we need you."

With that, Joshua climbed up into the front. Subaru grinned, wondering if Joshua was worried about him. It was a nice change of pace from having to loath being around him, at least.

Subaru opened the door to the carriage and stepped inside. Turning to the sound of footsteps, he saw Meili approaching, and he offered her a hand.

"Coming aboard?"

Meili smiled a bit and took his hand, climbing up to join him.

As the city of Picoutatte began to move away from them, Subaru couldn't help but watch the stoney walls and take it all in. Some important memories were made here, and he didn't want to ever forget about them.

One day I'll have to properly thank everyone, he thought. He'd needed everyone's strength and kindness to help him get through the Assassins attack. Memories of that brief moment when he became a member of the Iron Fangs were one of his few mournful regrets.

One day I'll be strong enough to be one of them, Subaru thought. Just you wait, Captain!

Now he'd be away from them all for a while. Anastasia, Julius, Ricardo, the Pearlbatons… All he could do was believe that they'd survive and thrive as they always had. They had to.

After all, they were all his guiding stars.

End of Arc II - Iron-Blooded Beasts

Next Chapter: Scars on the Wind

Beginning of Arc III - Blasphemy of Snow

A/N: Hello hello! Thanks for all the support thus far– Here's another Q&A with questions that people may or may not have!

Question: "Who will Subaru's love interest be? Will he have one?"

Answer: "Obviously I have plans for something like this, but it is difficult to just thrust someone into that position easily. After all, I am a firm believer that Anastasia is not one whose 'available' to love someone like Subaru, when she has several people in her life to fill that role. Meili as well, as the second protagonist, is like a younger sister figure. Emilia will be more prominent (fairly) soon, but I'm not sure I want to just return to a canon relationship like that, not that I dislike her or anything. (Author's favorite girl is Ram, by the by.) Thus, we'll have to see what happens, just know I'm totally open to it if the opportunity arises!"

Question: "What is Subaru's path to getting stronger? Magic? Some sort of weapon?"

Answer: "While it's certainly unique, I've never really agreed to Subaru using a (Spoilers?) whip in Arc 5. I don't think I have to go down that path unless I deem it necessary. Subaru's proven in several fights that he has enough strength and agility to semi keep up with even deadly foes like Elsa or the Wolgram Alpha in Arcs 1 and 2. I feel like he sort of gets nerfed as the series goes on, actually, whether people like that or not. I definitely want to pursue more magic options, but our limited knowledge of Yin magic examples that aren't just Beatrice spells will force me to sort of create new things. Hope you look forward to what I can concoct!"

Question: "Will this series be a slow burn and follow the exact canon timeline?"

Answer: "This is a question some might've had that I wanted to answer for sure. I think Arcs 1-3 will pretty naturally flow along the same time as canon, but after that, it's really debatable where it will go, and how much time will pass. I think the core of the Re Zero story needs to remain the same– Subaru and the mystery of Return by Death, Satella, the Witch Cult– But the order things happen, the reasons for them, and the characters present will be different 100%. It is also possible that the endgame of this fanfic will be EARLIER than the canon story!"

Question: "Otto? Why Otto?"

Answer:"Otto's existence in the main canon is quite the enigma. His unluckiness seems to be negated by how mysteriously useful he is to Subaru. I believe in a few possibilities for that, thus, I believe it is completely viable for Otto to be a main part of the story again. So look forward to that!"

That concludes this edition of the Q&A! Look forward to seeing you in the next arc!~

Signing off!