Chapter 37 – Twist of the Hand, Ace in the Sleeve
"Roswaal… Are you planning something? I feel as though I've already inquired you on this repeatedly, yet you always dodge my questions or dance around them annoyingly." Emilia asked with a frown as Roswaal appreciated the chaos around him with a neutral smile.
"…" The former Margrave did not answer however. In fact, all he bothered doing was look back at the half-elf briefly before looking back at the panicking Court and Council.
"She needs to leave; I won't buckle from that position!"
"Get off your ass idiot! We need Emilia-sama more than ever!"
"You call her 'sama'?! She's a half-devil!"
"Better than a coward in my book!"
"Is it so wrong to look out for my territories?! With not wanting to bother with that woman?!"
"It's bad when you'd rather leave all the job to the Candidates alone, then call for one of them to get expelled!"
"Where's your honor, bastard?!"
"Honor doesn't feed my servants!"
"Maybe so, but neither does shirking your responsibilities!"
"Now you are starting to talk like Natsuki, you swine! What next?! You'll lick the half-devil's foot as well?!"
"Intentional as it may be to divide the Council and the nobility, I don't understand why you'd make it about me… Even now, I don't get how I fit into Echidna's scheme." Emilia huffed with repulsion for the mage's machinations.
"…Simply put, I wished to see who'd be willing to support after the whole disaster had passed. Needless to say, I'm relieved to see quite a lot of fo~llowers that don't seem to mind your ancestry, Emilia-sama." Roswaal chuckled condescendingly whilst basking on the disaster he had made of the Throne Room. "Maybe not the whole Council, but still a bit over half of the Court… Better than the prospects at the beginning of the Selection."
"So what? Was your point fishing for nobles to become your replacement? My next backers?" Emilia's eyes widened with both surprise and bafflement to Roswaal's words; was this the real intention of poking at the hornet's nest that was the irritated nobility? "You wouldn't be silly enough to trust in such a last-minute arrangement, would you?"
"…As much as I'm not silly enough to think the rewa~rd for the Rabbit will be enough to fund a political campaign for three years." Roswaal smirked with derision for the men and women gathered around them. "In this way, you are rather naïve Emilia-sama."
"…I wouldn't be alone in organizing my campaign-"
"If you think Su~baru-kun and the others ought to assist you at every turn because you lack funding or leadership skills, then you haven't matu~red at all since the day I met you and Puck-kun in that frozen wasteland."
"…Even so, I'll take my chances over what you are trying to pull here." Emilia angrily retorted to the clown as he made fun of Elior Forest, getting a rise out of her.
"I'm not really trying to pull anything of impo~rtance here, to be honest."
"Huh?"
"Yes… not here." Roswaal locked gazes with Emilia as he spoke, his ominous voice commanding shivers down her spine. "Although it could prove slightly beneficial to call for their assi~stance, even now I merely consider this debate amongst the Kingdom's 'powerful' nothing more than a distra~ction. Borrowing time for my real 'ace'… Emilia-sama."
"Distraction…? For wha-?" But before she could continue prodding him for answers, the demanding voice of the Council of Elders struck her ears once more.
"Emilia-sama; if I may be so bold… Please, drop from the Royal Selection." Bordeaux, backed by five of the other nine elders, pleaded for Emilia's resignation. "I do not speak out of malice when making this recommendation, this much you understand, don't you-?"
"*Sigh* Elder Bordeaux, I ask that you please cease your comments regarding my candidacy." Emilia responded with a frankly exasperated voice. "Sincerely, I find the way you keep trying to make me renounce or expel me without any fair justification… childish, really."
"You only see it that way because you are not seeing from our perspective-!" Bordeaux seemed irritated for a few seconds, but he managed to reign his loud voice sporadically, returning to a calmer tone as he continued talking. "…Emilia-sama, ever since you've met Natsuki, your life has been endangered. Perhaps it would be safer for you and your companions if you simply retired from the Selection. We are looking out for-"
"Perhaps so, yet If you are about to say you are looking out for me, I ask that you please don't lie so blatantly." Emilia shook her head for the umpteenth time since the beginning of the meeting, pitying the attempts of the Council to deny her importance. "And my companions are my Camp, so refer to them as such; it'd be condescending towards their efforts to defend the Capital if you called them by anything other than my Camp."
"Emilia-sama, we-!"
"I get it, alright? I know you despise me, most certainly because of my appearance… But even then, I ask that you have the decency to look past that and judge me for my character and actions instead." Emilia remained staunch on her stance, not backing down. "If you wish me gone, declare it as such, with sincerity and reason. Tell me what you dislike so much about my presence and my thoughts for this country, and I shall see how we can compromise on them. At the very least so that we can see eye to eye without spite. However, I will not go away simply because of irrational hatred; if anything, whatever insult you throw at me will reinforce my will to see the Kingdom's history of resentment ended at last. That's… That's the equality I dream of."
"That's just idealistic diatribe, you ignorant child!" Bordeaux yelled with arrogant anger, his face red from hearing Emilia's speech. "What do you know of the sacrifices made just so you can even stand in this hall today?!"
"Hmm, that's more like it! I rea~lly like it much more when you are honest, even if it stings to see you are still angry!" Emilia smiled however, ignoring the repudiation much to Bordeaux's chagrin.
"Are you making fun of me-?!"
"A word, if I may?" As Bordeaux attempted to escalate things again, a voice familiar to him spoke out with calm and sobriety; it was a man who stood beside him on the battlefield many times…
"Wilhelm-san?" Emilia turned to look at the butler with wonder, vexed by his interruption.
"Pardon my rudeness Emilia-sama, I just wish to have a word with my Captain." The old servant smirked as he walked forward, standing just a few meters away from Bordeaux. "For old time's sake, really."
"…I don't think I've ever heard you call me by that title without resentment or annoyance tinging your tone." Bordeaux uttered without care, but clearly more relaxed than before.
"There's a first time for everything after all, Captain." Wilhelm nodded with satisfaction, understanding that the old commander acknowledged his word.
"Captain isn't my rank anymore; I'm already one of the Kingdom's top administrators." Bordeaux exclaimed with a huff.
"So you are; but even then, you are still my Captain."
"Hmph, I guess Miklotov isn't the only one here that has gone senile."
"Always careless and honest on your approach, eh? I remember that there was someone who once reigned over those comments of yours, Captain."
"And that someone isn't here anymore; he hasn't been for a long time now." Bordeaux's voice turned serious whilst Wilhelm pointed out his rudeness.
"A long time now… Yes, it has been a long time." The butler of Duchess Karsten closed his eyes for a few moments as he reminisced on his younger days. "It has been such a long time, I wonder if the values of yesterday are the same as today's…"
"I don't like what you are implying." Bordeaux growled as Wilhelm's voice turned softer.
"You don't have to like it; but it is undoubtedly true." Wilhelm reaffirmed his position, nevertheless.
"…I'm not of the thought that times have changed much; we just saw a battle that decimated Lugunica's pride. How is that different from the likes of Castour Field or the Swamps?"
"We weren't fighting demi-humans now, were we?"
"…"
"On the contrary, we were fighting ALONGSIDE demi-humans in order to survive. And we won… Doesn't that tell you something, Captain? It feels like a case of misplacing the enemy on your part if you think we should be wary of Emilia-sama by now."
"Just stop dancing around the issue here and talk clearly; this isn't some veteran's retreat." The annoyed councilman declared aloud. "Let me put it this way: According to the Sorcerer, Lugunica is bound to face most terrible foes in the near future, and the Candidates will be at the forefront of it all for the sole reason that they are Candidates! Right?!"
"Indeed, you are not wrong on this account."
"Then we should expel Emilia-sama of the Selection for her own safety!" Bordeaux insisted with an irritated voice and facial expression. "If anything, we'll be doing her a favor by distancing her from the race. Natsuki should see the value on that… were you to explain it to him, of course."
"…Even then, that is not your decision to make Captain." The Sword Demon shook his head with pity.
"Auck-! Wilhelm, this is not the battlefield anymore! You don't get to act all nonchalant to authority as you want-!"
"Precisely, it is not the war anymore." Wilhelm stopped Bordeaux on his tracks as he continued advocating for Emilia's Candidacy. "It is not forty years ago, nor is it fourteen years ago anymore… Time has already passed us by as we clung to a blood-red past, Captain."
"…" Zellgef narrowed his eyes on the man and saw him properly for the first time in years; instead of the young, lethal and borderline unstoppable Sword Demon, the man before him was an old and tired butler that happened to good at swinging sticks. The greyed hair, the wrinkles along the eyes, an off-white beard… Where had the years had gone to for who once was Lugunica's greatest soldier? "If that were the case… Why haven't you retired yet? You succeeded already, you claimed the Whale's-!"
"Because even as the decades have passed, there's still people that need me here." Wilhelm smiled bitterly, knowing that avenging Theresia was only the beginning of his road, not the end. However, even if his expression was a tired one, it was the first smile Bordeaux had seen from him in a long time; he only ever saw such a sight when the man would embrace his wife in years gone. "Even if it's different, even if we've lost people along the way… Change may not be for the worst, as you fear. Even in my old age, I'm still fighting for Lugunica Captain; are you doing the same?"
"…" Wilhelm's sincere question, free of hostility of any kind, perplexed Bordeaux.
For the better part of a decade, the Sword Demon's eyes, words and actions were empty, void of all meaning except a singular mission: avenging his wife. Even as old as he was, he'd wake up every day to train with his sword, attend meetings with politicians and mercenaries seeking support to his cause, follow into things a younger Wilhelm would have had no patience for with the explicit purpose of claiming the Whale's life in Theresia's name… and at one point, Bordeaux rallied behind him.
Yet, the opportunity came along not thanks to him, but to a 'so-called' Avenger of all people. Some kid that had no relation to anyone in the room, no relation to Theresia or her family in any way, shape or form… had accomplished Wilhelm's wish instead of him, a sworn brother in arms.
In that sense, Bordeaux was jealous of Subaru, and by extension, of Emilia, for being the cause behind the hunt's occurrence in the first place. In fourteen years, what did he do to help Wilhelm? Clearly less than some masked kid did a week…
"Listen Wilhelm, I-" It seemed as though Bordeaux's loud demeanor and tone had been tamed by Wilhelm, prompting him to speak a few words with politeness Emilia hadn't seen before from the councilman. Nevertheless, such was a sight not meant to last, for another announcement overtook the hall by storm.
*SLAM!*
"AOUGH-! What now?!" Bordeaux gasped as the sudden slam of heavy doors echoed throughout the Throne Room, silencing both the Council and the Court with astonishment.
"My apologies, Elder, all present-!" Julius yelled as he entered the Throne Room in a rush, Strange and Aldebaran behind him, opening the doors. "But a message has arrived, and I surmised you ought to be informed with utmost urgency!"
"Juukulius?!"
"Why is he here?"
"Shouldn't he and Barielle's servant be watching over Natsuki?!"
"What did he do now?!"
"Wait, but Sir Sorcerer is here too…?"
"Erhm…"
"Julius? What is he doing here?" Anastasia frowned as her knight looked around the room, walking with a hasty pace. "He should be with Natsuki right 'bout now… Is something wrong? He wouldn't dismiss his duty for something that wasn't important."
"Uh- Maybe Bro did somethin' to rile him up? The fancy mage is here, but Spidey isn't." Ricardo deduced with concern as he observed the group surrounding Julius.
"…No, Natsuki-kun wouldn't risk something stupid after the previous disaster of a meeting. I might not have known him for long, but he's just not the type ta alarm a whole room without a reason over an' over." Anastasia shook her head as her eyes drifted around the Throne Room, towards the alarmed Emilia. "I'm thinkin', it has more ta do with Emilia here… It's all a bit too coincidental."
"About ti~me it arrived; I almost shivered with fright wondering if something had gone stray in my last resort." Roswaal smirked diabolically as the confusion raged through the hectic hall, quite eager to hear the next words spoken by the knight of Candidate Hoshin.
"Roswaal, don't think I didn't hear that!" Emilia talked back to Roswaal as he giggled in place, her displeased face making it quite clear she wasn't in the mood for his plays. "What did you do now?! If it's another one of your ploys to sabotage the Council or the Selection, I won't-!"
"See, Emilia-sama, it is not 'I' who will be sabotaging anything he~re…" Roswaal cut her off, meeting her scowl with a grin. "After all, I didn't move a finger!"
"Juukulius, explain what is going on right now, what did Natsuki do that merits you lot barge in here so brazenly?!" Marcos demanded whilst glaring at Strange.
"Hey, hey, back off pal; we are not here for anything Bro did." Al denied Marcos's accusations by instantly pointing to the letter in Julius hands. "We are here for something the clown pulled off under all of our noses!"
"Al, out with it already." Priscilla commanded from the rows lining up the path to the Throne, quite exhausted of all the arguments and loud debates. "For how tedious and unproductive it has been, what hast prompted thou to attempt for mine attention with such alarm? Better it be something worth the time, lest mine heels be buried on your ribs."
"U-Uh, thanks for the threat, Princess…" Al's urgency plummeted as Priscilla's menacing tone scared him a bit. "Er- Scenario's all yours, pretty boy…"
"Right…" Julius nodded as Aldebaran took a few steps back, the finest knight then proceeding to stride forward with alarm as he reopened the letter in hand.
"Juukulius!" Bordeaux shouted with frustration as Julius stood beside Wilhelm, with a stern glare focused on the former Margrave Mathers. "That helmeted man said something about Mathers; what in the blazes occurred this time?!"
"…The following letter, or rather demand, was sent directly from the Miload territories, all the way from Costuul." Julius informed as he read the letter aloud. "Esteemed Council of Elders, regents to the Dragon's Kingdom of Lugunica in these trying times, we nobles of the northern border write to you this day to inform you of our displeasure with the central government's administration since the demise of the late Royal Family just the past year…"
"…What?" Miklotov narrowed his eyes on the letter in Julius's hand, his eyes then shifting to the silent Roswaal. "The northern nobility…?! THE BORDER WITH GUSTEKO!"
"HUH?!" Bordeaux and his fellow Councilmen all gasped with horror as they followed the train of thought of the perceptive elder.
"E-Embezzlement of funds, work conditions not different from slavery despite the abolition of the practice within the Kingdom, rampant discrimination towards our demi-human brethren…" Julius reread with increased anxiety as the gazes and pressure of the message made his hands tremble from what was coming. "From the minor nobility distributed along Redonas Plateau to the mayor contributors of Ganacks in the Gina Mountains, we demand our conditions be met and accomplished expressly!"
"Ganacks is a poor city! What mayor contributors?!"
"We j-just got the mining rights to Elior Forest!"
"Is this a rebellion?!"
"Are we gonna lose the mining rights?!"
"Was Costuul really that pissed about the contamination in the area?!"
"What ARE we supposed to do about it?! No one can approach the eastern incline of the Plateau with all the Black Serpent poison lying about!"
"That place is a toxic swamp! It can't be cleaned!"
"The north and Elior forest…? Roswaal, who did you talk to in such a short time?!" Emilia wondered with frustration for the man's elusiveness, her patience wearing thin after his obvious sleaziness and dishonesty.
"Let's just sa~y Emilia-sama that a lot of people have dirt under the rug… And being a Margrave meant being the one sweeping it for the world not to see it." Roswaal cackled internally as his smile turned radiant. "Ha~h… To see their faces fall like this… I did not think I'd enjoy seeing the baffled state of the Court and Council this much. I guess you find something new about yourself when you live as long as I ha~ve."
"Juu-Juukulius, wait, wait-!" Marcos stopped his subordinate on his tracks, perturbed by the words written in the letter. "Before the conditions, what is the threat here?! What the hell did you do, Roswaal?!"
"…As it follows in the demand: We solicit that one Roswaal L. Mathers be removed from his charge and rank as Margrave… And all of his possessions and talents be transferred immediately to the only one we recognize as ruler of Lugunica's north, Emilia-sama!" Julius declared loudly, swallowing the knot on his throat with difficulty. "If this demand is not met within the timeframe of three days since this letter's arrival… The northern border in its entirety shall turn coat to the… Holy… Kingdom of… Gusteko… On behalf of the northern nobility and Mathers territories, with love, Lady Annerose Miload."
"…WHAT?!" Bordeaux, Miklotov and the entirety of the Council yelled in alarm and panic as the threat to Lugunica's integrity was made clear: Make Emilia Margrave of the North or go to war with Gusteko.
"HA! Well then, that is FAR more interesting than mineself figured… Maybe it wasn't a waste of time to remain here after all! Should mineself attempt something like this with the South, knowing how fragile the Court is at the moment, hmm?" Priscilla laughed as she fanned herself, eyeing the disillusioned and aghast faces of the central nobility with a mix of disgust and mockery. "Nevertheless, it could prove dangerous for us to go into active war as it is… The forces in the city are too disorganized and exhausted to stand a chance in such a sporadic fashion. Gusteko's bulk would pulverize most rural nobility and crush the Capital if they decided to war with us right away."
"…The Selection just turns more an' more chaotic as time goes on, eh? It's only been two weeks and already everyone's been making gigantic changes in the Kingdom's political landscape." Anastasia leaned onto Ricardo with exhaustion, rubbing her fox scarf repeatedly whilst attempting to calm herself. "If things go down in the worst way possible, are we allowed to simply get rid of the Council an' make do ourselves? I'm not eager about participating in a defense war when I've yet ta become the ruler of the land."
"I-I don't think the Council would appreciate hearin' that, Boss… They are panickin' so much, they might actually attempt to antagonize you as they have with Emilia-sama…" Ricardo scratched the back of his head with anxiety as he stared at Emilia with pity. "Hoo-boy, hopefully someone can come in and fix this mess for us, too much stress for me in one day… Lookin' at you, Bro. Where are ya?"
"O-Oof…" Felt trembled with shock as she assimilated the threat imposed against the Kingdom. "Fuck, did Big Sis plan this? If so, she must'a picked the worst possible timing to declare war… Or maybe the best? Either way, I did not see it comin'…"
"…No, Emilia-sama had no involvement in this, Felt-sama." Reinhard denied his liege's words with a shake of his head, his acute eyes analyzing Emilia's every movement with care and focus. "Her body language and heartbeat denote as much surprise about the threat as everyone else. The only one with a clue about what is going on is-"
"The usual suspect, that fuckin' clown!" Heinkel completed his son's sentence, although with clearly more insult than Reinhard could ever express. "Tsk! This is what ya get from trustin' the half-elf, shit like this!"
"…Father, can you stand? Let me help-" As his father recovered his consciousness, Reinhard tried to help him to stand up.
*Slap!*
"Don't need YOUR help to stand up, dumbass. Stop trying to act like you care…" Heinkel satted away Reinhard's hand with disgust. "But you see it now, don't you? We cannot trust ANYTHING coming from that half-elf!"
"…Father, this is Roswaal's doing, not Emilia-sama's." Reinhard shook his head with disappointment, his voice and face however remaining neutral. "If anything, we should be looking into a way for Emilia-sama to mediate this with the Council and the northern nobility, in order to avoid more of such trouble-"
"Eh, I say let we Big Sis take over the North. She'd make a WAY better noble than that shitshow of a man that dresses like a mime!" Felt laughed along, alarming Reinhard as the nobles around them began staring with disdain. "Can you see it, Rein? First demi-human Margrave, first high-ranking demi-human taking charge of things! Bet them snotty idiots asses' gonna be sore from havin' to wake up every day knowin' a half-elf is towering over 'em in rank an' riches! Ha!"
"F-Felt-sama, please don't laugh it so… These are serious matters!" Reinhard tried meekly to contain Felt's sheer, but it was no use: the girl wouldn't stop laughing in response to a very angry Court.
"…Tche! Fuckin' slum dweller." Heinkel huffed under his breath as he continued glaring at Emilia and Roswaal.
"I feel quite out of my depth here… In fact, I thought my own Trial would come up next?" Elsa voiced with monotony as she bore witness to historical moments one after another with nary a chance to intervene or participate. She was a prisoner after all, but that didn't mean she didn't feel alienated from the happenings. "Maybe I should attempt to escap-"
"Don't even think about it, Granhiert." Reinhard put his right hand over Elsa's shoulder, pinning her firmly against the ground. "Maybe we have detoured somewhat, but your trial shall be conducted once all matters regarding Roswaal's disaster are settled."
"…Just make sure to put in a good word for me, Sword Saint." Elsa smiled dashingly, although her beauty paled in comparison to her threatening tone. "Remember our deal; if I get condemned to death, then I'll make sure to at least kill one person here before you strike me down… I won't have anything to lose with that sentence in the end."
"To threaten me even in your position… You lack sanity as you do innocence." Reinhard averted his eyes from the Bowel Hunter as he redirected his blue eyes toward the Council, expecting their response sooner rather than later.
"You'd sell us to our neighboring land to make a point? Bastard… You really have no valor, do you?" Wilhelm insulted as he scowled at Roswaal with hatred.
"…Somehow, insults from a man I respect hurt that much mo~re than I expected." Dropping his accent for a few seconds, Roswaal's smile faltered as he avoided Wilhelm's gaze with the slightest shame. "But this too is something I must embrace with my removal of the Kingdom's power structure, the disdain of those I appreciated."
*SMACK!*
"HALF-ELF! EXPLAIN THIS ABSOLUTE INSOLENCE AT ONCE!" Seeing red, Bordeaux's head almost exploded as he glared at Emilia with fury.
"I-I-I didn't know about this, I swear!" The dumbfounded Emilia cried with shock as she scrambled for an answer to the Council's question.
"…I can back that up; Emilia-dono does not lie." Crusch spoke eloquently amidst the surprise and commotion flooding the room. However, her voice displayed some fear for the half-elf's position as she spoke, regardless of the amicability between the two. "But…"
Although not as volatile as Vollachia's, Gusteko's relationship with Lugunica wasn't the best either. In fact, quite possibly, it could be even worse in other aspects. For example, religious beliefs differed quite strongly: taking into account that if Lugunica adored the Divine Dragon Volcanica as their benefactor, Gusteko venerates another deity altogether…
The Odglass, a Great Spirit on a category of its own.
They are fanatical about their beliefs, especially denoted in the fact that all of their knights are Spirit Arts users, and their gelid environment has resulted in a united people in this fanaticism.
Unlike Lugunica's more template climates, Gusteko's cold keeps the citizens too busy with just surviving to care about things like racism or the like… Warring with people of such fervor, that live in such harsh conditions and still manage to find a sense of unity as a country, Lugunica paled in comparison to that, in both loyalties and stability.
The only thing stopping Gusteko's advance would be a strong border control… But with this missive, that was now compromised as well. What was the option but to give in to the demand?
"Better to grant Emilia-sama Roswaal's former title than risk it all in an uphill battle." Otto justified aloud, gaining the attention of the Council and the crowd as he stepped forward, to Emilia's side. "Even if the northern nobility has demonstrated open hostility towards the Kingdom, so long as Emilia-sama is in charge, such feelings of discontent can be addressed properly and dissipated. But that is only if Emilia-sama is recognized as a member of the nobility formally."
"Otto?! What are you saying?!" Emilia mumbled in awe, feeling struck by the merchant's firmness on making her Margrave. "I don't-!"
"Yes, you don't want to accept Roswaal's cooperation Emilia-sama… But can we really do something about it without risking a rebellion?" Otto lamented with reluctance, shaking his head as he looked for a positive for the situation. "Emilia-sama, I know I'm just a recent hire to the Camp, to the point Natsuki-san didn't even know I was hired… We've yet to tell him, haha... A mess-up on our part, eh?"
"Otto?" Emilia wondered with confusion.
"But this needn't be for the worst. If you can take over Roswaal, with all this support behind you, then maybe we can do many things to fix the Kingdom in the way you envisioned in a more direct manner. I am not saying to thank Roswaal, just to understand that we have little to no option here. Since coming into this room, I think everyone has come to understand how unprepared Lugunica was for many situations we once thought impossible. This is about the time Natsuki-san would say something like 'Karma is a bitch'-"
*SLAM!*
"I AM NOT GIVING IN TO THE DEMANDS OF A TRAITOR-!" Bordeaux yelled as he put a foot on the table, interrupting Otto as he readied himself to leap towards Roswaal with killing intent.
"*Yawn~!* Are you really about to waste a reality check on petty a~nger? Bordeaux…" Roswaal inquired with disinterest for the chaos, yawning without a worry in the world.
"The only reality check here will be for you when I make you GAG on your own blood!" Zellgef was about to jump with a sword in hand when suddenly-
"Captain, listen!" Wilhelm demanded as he stood between the former Margrave and the Councilman. "Can Lugunica really afford a war in this state?! To begin with, this isn't something as outlandish as the northern border becoming an independent nation out of the blue; they've simply requested the power of Margrave Mathers be transferred directly to Emilia-sama!"
"And you think that's a small thing?! Four hundred years of history… All to suddenly turn a half-elf into a high-rank noble?! Are you kidding?!"
"Maybe it is sudden; but in the end, was the Royal Selection not a method by which the people of Lugunica were meant to choose their next leader by themselves? Clearly, the northern nobles want Emilia-sama in charge of them."
"You don't BELIEVE that for a second! They are turning coat because Roswaal coerced them into that!"
"But the possibility of Emilia-sama becoming Ruler of this land was always there, since the Selection began! Her chances might have been minimal, yet they existed as much as my own master's did! As all Candidates! Would you still go forward with making an enemy out of her when her name alone could send ripples across the whole nation again like this?"
"Kuh…!" Begrudgingly, Bordeaux sat back down, meditating on Wilhelm's words with care. It was true after all, with the Capital in shambles and tensions at an all-time high after last night's confrontation, the Kingdom could ill afford another blow. They needed time; to rebuild the Capital, to recruit new soldiers, to reinforce the military; the Council needed time, and the pressure of a war with Gusteko was simply not an option. In the end, the Sword Demon's word was the only one capable of breaking through the man's anger.
"We've always made hard choices, as we've been dealt bad cards in the past… Sometimes, those choices turned out to be the wrong ones, and they have resulted in our most loved ones being hurt by them." Wilhelm bit his lip for a few seconds as his eyes wandered to his son and grandchild, both looking at him with a mix of doubt, resentment and wonder in their gazes. However, as soon as they had locked eyes, the butler returned to making his declaration. "Right now, this one such occasion. MAYBE the northern border isn't as safe as we thought… So, let us comply with their demand. Having Emilia-sama lead them will still allow the central government possess some measure of influence over the territories, we will still have one hand on the reigns so long as Emilia-sama is there. Take this as… an opportunity to regain the trust we have lost with them."
"Even then, it wouldn't be us in control, but the half-elf…" Bordeaux said with difficulty between gritted teeth.
"Just like Crusch-sama is in control of the northwestern border and Priscilla-sama the southwestern one. It is not an unprecedented situation… Simply bad luck; better that than being dead." Wilhelm assured with patience.
"…" Bordeaux held his temple, the headache subsiding somewhat thanks to Wilhelm's intervention, yet still lingering there, as the stress brought forth by Roswaal remained annoyingly stuck on his skull.
"We have to reorganize the Capital, Bordeaux. Make plans for rebuilding the City, funerals for the soldiers and mercenaries, logistics for sustaining the populace after the battle- We have to make a choice." Miklotov McMahon recommended with a tired voice, his exhausted green eyes meeting Bordeaux's sulky grey with pity.
"…It's a choice of reluctance, be minded." Bordeaux scowled at Roswaal as he answered between gritted teeth. "I do not agree with it, not for a second- but I concede! That clown fucking succeeded in twisting our hands…"
"Hah…"
"We have to keep up appearances…"
"It cannot be helped…"
"I knew Roswaal couldn't be trusted!"
"We have to…"
"This is the worst…"
"But the answer is…"
"*Cough-Cough!* Attention all present, the Trial of Roswaal L. Mathers is still in session!" Miklotov raised his voice, regaining order in the Throne Room. As he prepared a hasty but much needed verdict, Miklotov scanned his fellow Councilmen tired faces and found reluctant approval and weak nods from all of them in return. "Per our authority as the Dragon's Kingdom of Lugunica's regents, we, the Council of Elders, officially charge Roswaal L. Mathers with high treason for the crime of conspiracy against the Kingdom's interests and the protection of the Royal Family. He has blatantly disregarded his duties as Court Mage, and even worse, has sabotaged the nation he was supposed to serve for his own selfish gains! Accordingly, his punishment shall be immediate expulsion from Lugunica's high society, the revocation of his title of Margrave and all talents, territories, possessions and emergency powers that came with said rank. From here on out… You are a pariah, Roswaal. Unwelcome in this hall, unwelcome in this palace… Unworthy of our respect and/or our pity. Henceforth, let it be known, the only Margrave in the Mathers territories is Emilia-sama, Candidate to become Lugunica's 42nd ruler!"
Murmurs and debates soon followed the decision of the Council, disapproval and agreement in equal measures amongst the crowd in regards to Emilia's new importance.
"Damn, a half-elf ruling over me?! What the hell!"
"This isn't funny! Am I supposed to suck up to a half-devil now?!"
"Give it a rest, won't ya?! She saved the Capital!"
"Doesn't mean I ought to like her!"
"Then don't like her! Just obey!"
"I'm not gonna risk my livelihood just 'cause of a half-elf!"
"Too bad, she's already your boss."
"And here I was looking forward to snatching some farms along the north from the former Margrave's lands…"
"Well, you can always negotiate an alliance with Emilia-sama!"
"Well then, my fellow pariah… It seems you'll have a lot of free time in the foreseeable future." Strange smirked as he approached Roswaal from behind, a certain aura of malice arising around the two.
"Woe is me; I am pretty much a poor homeless man now!" Roswaal mockingly cried as he acknowledged the Sorcerer's presence with interest. "So? Do you wish to bask on my misery for a while? Or does the appre~nticeship begin right away?"
"First things first-" Strange made a sign with his hands, the Nirvana mudra quickly followed by the Sahasrara Chakra mudra, dissipating all of Roswaal's cuffs and chains into smoke and liberating him. "Did you miss breathing properly?"
"Like you wouldn't imagine… teacher." Roswaal spoke his last word ominously, staring the Sorcerer with equal amounts contempt and wonder.
"Hmph, you'll come around to respecting me soon enough. Eventually, I'll have you calling me 'teacher' without a hint of belligerence and reluctance." Strange huffed haughtily as Roswaal showed defiance. For someone with nothing to his name but the clothes he was wearing, the former Margrave sure could be prideful.
"Sir Sorcerer! Wait-!" Crusch interrupted the little banter between the magi, earning a raised eyebrow from the former noble.
"Ah~, Crusch-sama…" Roswaal mentioned the Duchess's name with anticipation, wondering what else she could bring forth after everything was said and done in regards to his Trial. Nothing of significance, he suspected. "Pray tell, what other bu~siness would you have with us?"
"With you? My only business would be execution… Alas, I've lost that option, thanks to Sir Sorcerer." Crusch growled at Roswaal with disgust before turning to face Strange with confusion. "Is this really necessary? Taking him of all people as your apprentice?"
"You feel insulted, as though I used you after you defended me in front of the Council." Strange affirmed. He didn't ask 'or suspect Crusch's intentions and thoughts, but rather deducted them clearly.
"To say the least… I would think you'd think higher of us than to use my confidence in you against me." Crusch lamented with regret.
"It's not that I didn't trust you, Lady Crusch. Is that whatever replacement for a mage you could offer me in place of Roswaal would fall behind; his experience in magic and spellcasting will prove invaluable given our timeframe." Strange lamented as well with pity. "I'm sorry if it seems as though I took advantage of your trust and deprived you of a chance at vengeance, but now isn't really the time to focus on personal vendettas."
"It's more of a time to reflect on our weaknesses as a nation and focus on fixing them… right?" Crusch swallowed the Sorcerer's words bitterly as she examined her own wounds with focus. "Lacerated arms and legs… I gave Felix the order to focus on those with more grievous injuries first, so I won't be walking for a week at minimum; and even with that, I got off easy in comparison to those I led into battle."
"Now is the time to see to your wounded, my Lady. To rebuild and heal." Strange affirmed sternly as he and Roswaal approached the exit door. "So that when next we meet, we can meet danger head on, with our feet firm on the ground."
"Hmm~, and here I thought you were terrible at explaining things, 'teacher'. Most of what you said previously came off as ri~ddles in comparison to just now." Roswaal teased with cheer, ignoring Crusch's glares.
"Don't underestimate my capacity for teaching; I'm a Doctor and I've overseen many students over the years! Or at least, I used to… Anyways, don't expect me to handhold you in anything that comes about; I am not fond of slackers." Strange commented as he performed a gesture with his index finger, and next thing, the Throne Room's gates burst open before him and Roswaal.
Some moments prior to the end of the Trial, however…
"That damned, rude idiot!" Subaru huffed with anger as he ran across the hallways of the palace, looking for Julius. "You can't just yell 'What is this?!' then storm off with everyone behind you! How self-centered can you get?!"
"Pot meets kettle, I suppose." Beatrice in his arms joked at her contractor's expense. "Unlike the one-armed creep and the Sorcerer, you didn't follow after him immediately, so the fault lies on Betty's Subaru for sitting in astonished silence."
"I didn't- I thought Julius would take the time to explain the letter! He caught me completely by surprise!" Subaru almost bit his tongue as Beatrice shook her head with pity over her Contractor. "If I knew he wouldn't return right after, I wouldn't have waited for him!"
"You knew he'd go towards the Throne Room, didn't you?" Karen asked with disappointment as she followed closely behind the pair. "You could have swung from the window of the waiting room directly into the meeting if you knew."
"Hello?! Julius is the one with the letter! If I crashed the Trial again without even an excuse in hand, bushy-brows-baldy would have yelled at me all over again, screw that!" Unconvinced of his own answer, and clearly too ashamed of saying he didn't think about it until Karen mentioned it, Subaru spat out a quick excuse for his partner. However, neither Synthezoid nor Spirit bought his lousy argument, staring right back at him in uncomfortable silence. "…Forget it! You are right! Next window I see, I'mma swing from it and ricochet into-!"
"Rem please let me explain-!" The distressed yell of a well-known pink-haired maid in the distance took the Avenger and company by surprise, making the trio flinch. As they approached the corner of the hallway to the Throne Room, they quickly realized a sort of discussion occurring in the dilapidated balconies overlooking the City.
"There is nothing to explain, Nee-sa- Ram." Rem said quietly, coldly, although the hint of hurt in her face betrayed the indifference of her words. "We've always known, right? That you harbored feelings for Roswaal… So it's only logical you'd forgive him."
"What the hell? Are they talking about Roswaal?" Subaru mumbled with curiosity as he paid careful attention, trying to discern the words in the distance.
"It would seem to be some sort of discussion regarding their feelings towards Roswaal." Karen explained with curiosity to the two.
"Not like Betty can blame them, I suppose. Even if Betty can count him as a friend, Roswaal's actions these past centuries have been radically shady and malicious, in fact." Beatrice lamented Roswaal's attitudes and past with pity, feeling sorry for the maids arguing about him.
"Cap'n!" Garfiel yelled from behind Subaru, catching up to him and the others. "Here ya were! Been lookin' for ya everywhere!"
"Garfiel? Any reason for you to be out here and not there? Frederica seems to be consoling Ram, so I thought you'd be helping her with Rem…"
"Dat's what I'm doin'." Garfiel shook his head, trying to explain his situation proper. "Fred- Nee-san sent me in a hurry ta fetch ya, said dat maybe ya could help calm down Rem. Problem was, I didn't even know where da waitin' room was. I tried wingin' it from yer smell, but I think dat Sorcerer's suppression spell or whatever affected m'amazin self's nose too-"
"But that shouldn't mean you'd have to cut ties with Ram, Rem!" Frederica cried with vexation, hugging the alarmed pink oni and shutting Subaru and company up. "You are being too hasty! There's many things yet to be taken into account!"
"Are there? Rem is simply choosing to have time for herself, not going as far as running away, so you are blowing this out of proportion Frederica." Rem refuted, averting her gaze from the head maid.
"Then why are you talking about leaving the Camp?! That doesn't sound temporary in the least!" Ram asked with confusion. "Rem, I understand that you might be feeling conflicted… Regarding our association with Roswaal-sama, but-!"
"That's exactly the problem!" Rem spat with disdain, disbelieving her sister's word, meeting Ram befuddled gaze with uncharacteristic anger. "You call him 'sama' still, even after what happened?!"
"-ghk…" Ram bit her lower lip with regret, lamenting her lack of tact in response to surprise.
"He tried to kill you! Kill you, Garfiel, Frederica, Beatrice-sama, Emilia-sama, Arlam and Sanctuary! Even… Even Subaru-kun…" Rem spoke sincerely to Ram, not holding back on her resentment and feelings of betrayal as she faced her conflicted twin with tears in her eyes. "He knew about our village, and he still let it be destroyed until only the two of us were left! Even worse… If he knew about the Whale and the Witch Cult, if Rem had died back then… Would you have accepted it?! Would my own sister have agreed with my death if it accomplished some Witch-adorer's manic schemes?!"
"NO! No, Od knows not…!" Ram cried with frustration, her own tears bordering the corners of her eyes as she met Rem's hurt glare. "I'm not condoning Roswaal-sama's actions, not in any way! I think it important that he faces consequences for them, I really do Rem!"
"But even then, if he asked you, you'd risk life and limb to save him wouldn't you?" Rem stated with bitterness, making Ram freeze in shock… Because it was true.
"I…" Ram closed her eyes, swallowing her sister's words bitterly. It was difficult for either one to calm each other down in this situation, after all, their synesthesia made the frustration bounce back and forth between them. At this rate, the agitation would only escalate the more they argued.
"I am not angry with you Ram… I just don't know how to feel." Rem turned away from her sister, struggling with the conflict brewing in her heart. "I don't know- I just DON'T KNOW… So, I need time to sort things out by myself."
*Hug!*
"Rem…!" Ram hugged her twin from behind, but unlike in the past, Rem didn't welcome it. She didn't push her away, but she didn't hug her back at all; Rem simply stood there, letting Ram hold onto her. "I'm sorry if I've made you feel as though I hate you, but please don't push me away!"
"I'm sorry Ram. Please, just give me time…" Rem struggled with rejecting her twin's affection, but in the end, she resolved herself to. Slowly but surely, she broke off Ram's embrace and walked back towards the Throne Room's entrance taciturnly.
"Rem… Kugh!" Ram cried as Frederica held her, comforting her hurt junior tenderly. "Haghk…!"
"Hush Ram… She doesn't hate you, she just needs time…" Frederica consoled the crying oni, caressing her hair softly as the falling tears stained her dress.
"…I totally missed the window to jump in, didn't I?" Subaru whispered to Garfiel with shame.
"Would ya have even done somethin'? I don't think even m'amazin' self coulda, dat happened way too fast…" Garfiel comforted with caution, feeling bitter about what he just witnessed. "Tsk! Dis is all dat clown's fault! Ram an' Rem wouldn't be fightin' in da first place if he hadn't been such a dickhead!"
"…Subaru-kun? Are you there?" Rem asked with curiosity, alarming both Subaru's group and Ram and Frederica. It seems she had caught onto his smell.
"Uuuhh- Heeeey…" Subaru, Garfiel, Beatrice and Karen stepped into the balcony timidly, clearly embarrassed about how to approach the situation. "Erhm… S-So, nice weather today, huh?"
"…If you are here to laugh, then you can go away already Barusu." Ram spoke coldly as she dried her tears and broke off Frederica's hug, a tone of resentment in her voice as she recuperated her posture.
"Slow down there pink, I'm not laughing-" Subaru tried to break up the tension with a joke, but he soon noticed everyone's sour faces, making him stop. "Alright, sorry. I just came following Julius, I didn't- I didn't think you'd have an argument. Then when I noticed, I kinda… Lost the chance to jump in and say something…"
"*Sigh* I sent Garfiel to fetch him, Ram, Rem. I thought he could help mediate this all…" Frederica confessed to the pair of twins.
"Clearly you overestimated him…" Ram huffed with contempt, much to Subaru's annoyance.
"I'm fairly certain she estimated me enough- No, that's another joke in the making." Subaru struggled to articulate his feelings as he fell into Ram's pace of avoiding discussion.
"Perhaps we should go to the heart of the matter and address 'Why' Rem would leave the Emilia Camp?" Karen suggested hastily, attempting to calm the airs.
"Because… I cannot stand the thought of having to see Roswaal's face ever again." Rem spoke with anger clear in her voice. "A man that could discard the life of my sister, the lives of Rem's clan and even the people I love and respect… It boils my blood to think that man gets to walk away scot-free!"
"Roswaal is set to lose everything from his territories to his riches Rem, he won't walk away from his Trial unscathed!" Frederica corrected her junior, informing the rest.
"But shouldn't his punishment be worse than that? The nobility was ready two weeks ago to execute Subaru-kun for insulting them, yet we are supposed to believe leaving Roswaal alive is enough punishment?!"
"You have to understand Rem; Strange forced the situation so that Roswaal came under his care." Subaru tried to justify reluctantly. "I also understand that Roswaal's punishment might seem like a slap on the wrist, but so long as he is alive, Strange can put him to good use…"
"Even if I know that, Rem's heart cannot forgive that man Subaru-kun…" Rem shook her head with anxiety. "Maybe it wasn't to Ram's intensity, but Rem… I respected him, looked up to him. He saved my sister's life when she lost her horn, gave us a home when we lost our own, yet it turns out he orchestrated it all? No matter how necessary he may be for Lugunica's survival or Emilia-sama's sake, Rem cannot- I cannot think about that man without wishing him ill, without wishing for revenge!"
"I get dat, me'self totally get dat Rem. Dat feelin' I get deeply!" Garfiel crossed his arms as he took in Rem's anger, hearing and agreeing with her word wholeheartedly. "Dat clown had some gal puttin' everyone in danger, so m'amazin' self completely agrees 'bout wantin' to pummel him into a bloody pulp! If anythin', me'self can more dan help with-!"
"Saying you agree with nothing to add after doesn't help cat-boy." Beatrice deadpanned with disappointment for Garfiel.
"That is not our decision to take, nevertheless." Frederica announced with reproach for her younger sibling's eagerness.
"Ahahaha…" Garfiel scratched his head apologetically for his hastiness in speaking up.
"In the end, that is responsibility of the Council and the Court to see Roswaal's punishment through. Be that as it may that we resent him, his crimes have affected Lugunica as a whole; the decision over his fate belongs to the fitting authorities, not us." The head maid then continued declaring her conclusion calmly, establishing a more grounded point in comparison to Rem's.
"Kgh!" Rem clicked her tongue, hating the truth in Frederica's words, feeling impotent about protecting the people she loves and confronting the man that betrayed her trust.
"Rem, you want to distance yourself from the Emilia Camp over the possibility of snapping and attacking Roswaal right? Is that it?" Subaru asked with worry over her. "If Roswaal comes under Strange's tutelage, then there's a chance they won't hang around Lugunica. Who knows? Maybe he'll never visit Emilia again or whate-?"
"Considering that the girlie was vital for him, to the point he became her backer, Betty would say the possibility of Roswaal dissociating from the half-elf is be rather unlikely." Beatrice affirmed with skepticism for her Contractor's claims.
"…" Subaru fell into silent frustration as he failed to console Rem in any way, his suggestions seemingly adding nothing of worth in pacifying her hatred.
"It's not that I don't appreciate what you are trying to do, Subaru-kun…" Rem spoke sweetly as she dried her tears, smiling weakly for the young Avenger. "Rem understands what you are saying, that if Emilia-sama lost a supporter now of all times it could be devastating… But to begin with, Rem has never been such a vital part of the Camp-"
"Don't say that, you know that's a lie." Subaru immediately stopped her, knowing she was about to go on a self-deprecating rant; it infuriated him a bit that she'd still think so lowly of herself... Takes one moody person to recognize another. "You are not someone Emilia or- or Ram could discard so easily. If that were the case, Ram wouldn't have cried like a child just now thinking you were about to abandon her."
"…" Rem flinched with surprise, perplexed over the fact that Subaru reproached her.
"Barusu, please don't speak over me like I were simply some-" Ram was about to interrupt, slightly resentful about Subaru's presence.
"No, you as well! Just shut up for a sec." But much to Ram's shock, Subaru silenced her, also irritated by her dismissal of his opinion. "I understand, alright? You two are pissed, and that'll make you illogical, moody, hasty, all sorts of silly crap. Angry at one another, at Roswaal for this sole shitshow, at me for meddling where it is none of my business. But guess what? A hero's job is to meddle in someone else's business and fixing it! So I'm giving out my arrogant and pedantic word, whether you want to hear it or not!"
"That's a rather insufferable approach-" Ram said with boredom.
"For not saying mean as well." Rem continued her twin's sentence in the same tone.
"Well lookie here! You can still agree and finish each other's sentences after all! And here I thought you were about to give each other the cold shoulder!" Subaru chuckled as Ram and Rem spoke in accord, surprising each other. Even after an argument, they still seemed to get along. "See? The world doesn't end just 'cause of Roswaal… Ram, I think you should give Rem some space. Maybe she can remain in the Capital for a few days, acting as a nurse while she mulls over her thoughts, cool her head; we for sure need as many healers as possible anyways, so Rem would be a miracle worker. And Rem, please try to understand that forcing Ram to choose between you and Roswaal can be unfair for her; for better or worse, we hardly ever get to choose who we fall for, right? Moreover, your approach of abandoning the Emilia Camp IS sporadic and thoughtless. Did you ever ask the head-honcho herself if she thought you were useless? Fairly certain she'd say the opposite."
"Emilia-sama…" Rem felt some guilt as she meditated her actions through. "Past these doors, Emilia-sama is still defending herself from the insults of the nobility, and yet, I made the situation about myself and my hatred of Roswaal…"
"She'd understand, maid. The girlie has shown to be lenient, so she'd get it if you explained to her why you left the room, I suppose." Beatrice commented with boredom.
"You are entitled to your anger, Rem. But don't let it make you do something you'd regret later, don't let it define you." Subaru recommended with a smirk, charming the blue-haired oni. "Roswaal failed, and we all lived, so he lost. Don't let him define your relationship with your sister or your friends afterwards. Besides, knowing how Doctor Strange can be… Roswaal's training under him isn't gonna be pretty flowers and rainbows; he'll wish he was under arrest after a week."
"…" Rem wondered about Subaru's words for a few moments, worrying if she was being as impulsive as they thought. Wouldn't be the first time; she believed the man she loves to have been a twisted Cultist once upon a time, so perhaps she wasn't the paragon to making thought-out decisions.
"If it's just to help in the Capital for a while instead of leaving the Camp… Then I wouldn't have a complaint." Ram confessed with a lighter heart than before.
"…I'll… I'll talk with Emilia-sama, then." Rem agreed with an apologetic face. "If she really does need Rem, if I'm not unnecessary, then-"
*CREAK~!*
"A~h! So this is where the rest of you we~re!" Roswaal said as the gates of the Throne Room burst open, him and Strange appearing right before Rem whilst she made her reflections clear.
"You-!" Rem jumped back a few steps with surprise by the sudden appearance of the clown, her kneejerk reaction to reach for her ball and chain and swing strongly.
*Grab!*
"Seriously, couldn't you be bothered to pick a better timing?!" Subaru yelled with frustration as he put himself between Roswaal and Rem, grabbing her arm firmly preventing the maid from attacking him. "Calm down, Rem!"
"Kuh…" Rem growled as she lowered her weapon, Subaru's touch barely restraining her fury.
"…I have to admit, seeing such fury in your eyes when talking to me does sting a little." Roswaal's creepy smirk seemed somewhat downcast as he stared into Rem's infuriated blue eyes. For all his indifferent and downright malicious façade, it looks as though even he was capable of guilt when seeing the oni's betrayed expression. "Not to say hatred isn't something I wouldn't accept, but Rem's does hurt dee~ply."
"Don't speak; rather, don't show your face to Rem…" The blue oni maid bellowed with irritation. "To think I respected you… When Subaru-kun voiced his suspicions of you, Rem went as far as defending you. So did Wilhelm-dono and many more that seemed to hold admiration for the one high noble that didn't profess hatred for demi-humans! Tell me, was that an act too?!"
"…There seems to be a misunderstanding here, Rem." Roswaal seemed to pity Rem as he spoke, worried that she might be getting the wrong idea of him. "It's true that I kept ma~ny secrets under my sleeves; deception is part of my arsenal, unfortunately. However, I was ca~ndid and utmost truthful in my respect towards demi-humans. I don't see you as inferior."
"But they were a useful tool for your dream, right?" Karen inquired with disdain, a cold glare directed at the former Margrave.
"For what was worth, I did care about you, Ram, Rem… You too, Frederica…" Roswaal chuckled ironically, whilst also nodding in response to the Synthezoid's claim. "But I made a vow: No matter what or whom I had to lose, whose life I ruined, whose hatred I gained along the way… My objective always stands first."
"…That is no consolation for those whose trust you have betrayed, Roswaal." Frederica turned her eyes with disillusion; the image of respect she once held for the man that shaped her life now in shambles. "You understand that we cannot trust in you again, right?"
"Sadly… Yes." Roswaal admitted quietly.
"…If you so ever were to approach Rem or Ram again…" Rem mumbled with resentment.
"I don't imagine you wouldn't have something to sa~y if I did such a thing." Roswaal knowingly said as he understood Rem's threat. "It'll depend on the circumstances-"
"Even then I wouldn't let you off easily." Rem threatened again with disgust.
"You'd have ta face me'self too, if dat were ta happen." Garfiel backed her with a stare down of his own.
"You two… No, forget it." Ram seemed like she wished to say something, but it was no use. With their hatred as it was there was little she could say to calm either Garfiel or Rem down.
"ROSWAAL!" Emilia yelled as she exited the Throne Room with Otto in tow, the pair rushing to meet the mage.
"Emilia-tan!" Subaru yelped as the half-elf appeared.
"Do you intend me to thank you?!" Emilia huffed with reproach. "Threatening the Council with tensions already on the rise, have you no shame?!"
"I have no need for shame, if that is what you mean Emilia-sama." Roswaal dismissed her worries without care however.
"Whoa, what? What the hell did you pull now? Are you the reason Julius ran straight into the Throne Room like that?" Subaru asked the former Margrave with confusion.
"Natsuki-san, Roswaal here just threatened with an uprising of the northern border if all of his assets were not transferred to Emilia-sama's name in the next three days!" Otto informed with a stern tone, neither angry nor relieved over Emilia's new position of power, simply stern and stressed.
"Transf-?! You'd take advantage of the Council when the Capital is in shambles?!" Subaru shivered at the thought of Roswaal's foresight for securing Emilia's positon, regardless of the cost.
"It's precisely becau~se of their difficult position that it is the best moment to take advantage of them, Su~baru-kun." Roswaal chuckled with amusement. "It might be a tad barbaric, but from a certain point of view, now Emilia-sama's position as a Candidate is firmer than ever before. Who in their right mind would threaten a half-elf if they knew she was a noble? No peasant or knight would risk it, I'll assure you that."
"Forget it Cap'n. At dis point, 'tis useless ta think da shithead is sound o' mind." Garfiel growled with full fangs bared, ready to pounce at any second. "Ya can never trust a Majira with a stick not ta attack, an' Roswaal has a dozen trees aroun' himself."
"Hold it kid, you don't want to do that." Strange intervened, shielding Roswaal from Garfiel.
"Oi, oi, ya serious? Ya think teachin' an' protectin' dis guy is worth it?" Tinsel wondered between huffs of distrust.
"On the long run." Strange affirmed with severity. "Listen kid-"
"Name's Garfiel Tinsel, ya creepster." Garfiel interrupted, clearly still resentful.
"Garfiel then… You don't have to like me, you don't' have to like Roswaal either, you simply have to believe when I tell you I have a reason for what I do and it's greater than you comprehend."
"Not appreciating the condescension, Doctor." Subaru responded in Garfiel's defense. "I understand you can't be concrete because of the nature of your magic, but that doesn't mean you can treat Garfiel like that or everyone for that matter. They fought to protect the world too, so at least be lenient!"
"I say it BECAUSE they fought to protect their world, Subaru: You are weak, and from here on out, your current strength is not enough." Strange answered the Avenger and his disgruntled companions with a serious tone. "If I stopped to consider everyone's feelings on the matter, we'd never end, and time is a rather precious resource as of late. So 'poaching' Roswaal from your hands is my answer to protecting your world. You think I like the guy? He is simply the most suited for what I can teach and two Sorcerers are-"
"Better than one, yeah, yeah…" Subaru backed away with Garfiel, reluctant, but still frustrated with the Sorcerer's callous attitude.
"…Does that involve handing me power I did not earn? To be granted the title of 'Margrave' by way of forcing an struggling government's hand is… I won't thank you for this, Roswaal. If anything, I found it insulting, as though you never cared for the people you ruled over." Emilia spoke up with anger for her former backer.
"Clearly not as much as you, Emilia-sama." Roswaal smiled as he witnessed her fury, her amethyst eyes frowning with indignation, trying to bore holes through him, staring daggers at him. "You should take this like Otto-kun said: An opportu~nity to demonstrate your way of governing viable, that you are not simply an idealist but a ruler. Who knows? Maybe you would make better Margrave than even myself… But you'll o~nly find out once you oversee the north."
"I vow not to use my power for mere selfish gain, I promise you that." Emilia voiced a promise for the man whose rank she had taken, sounding almost like a threat.
"…I wonder how true those words can be~." Roswaal smirked as he walked away with Strange towards the balcony.
"…Wait! Strange!" As the pair drew distance from Emilia and her group, Subaru pushed forward in pursuit of the Sorcerer.
"Something else to say, kid?" Strange asked with curiosity.
"You and Roswaal, you are not sticking around? You cannot teach him here, can you?" Subaru inquired nervously.
"Fortunately for you, as I know you hate his smug voice and act." Strange commented as he mocked his new apprentice.
"That hu~rts." Roswaal childishly mocked tears falling from his eyes.
"Be serious, please." Subaru pleaded however, tired of their high and mighty attitude.
"…There are things and spells to teach that I'm afraid would work better not in this world, or even this dimension." Strange admitted as his smile faded. Next thing, he performed a circle with his hands, constructing a portal to destinations unknown.
*FOO~SH!*
"Ungh-!" Subaru was taken aback by the sudden incantation, wary of the darkness of the other side. No matter how he looked, it was just an obscure portal, impregnable, where light couldn't logically break through.
"Terrifying, isn't it? Don't think for a second your schoolwork shall be lenient." Strange said to Roswaal as he stared into the void.
"Hmm… Sounds fitting, I suppose. No power comes cheap." Roswaal answered with a serious voice, dropping his accent.
"What I teach, and how I teach it, will push you to the limits of your sanity Mathers. You might think yourself irreverent now, but in reality, you have seen nothing yet. I trust you'll be able to come out in one piece, however…" Strange smiled cynically as he approached the portal.
"Strange…" Subaru interrupted once again as the Sorcerer was about to cross through the threshold. "Can I… Can I ask you a favor?"
"…Earth, right?" Strange wondered, making Subaru nod weakly.
"I just- I'm ashamed actually. I don't think I can meet anyone back on Earth knowing what I know right now about myself. I wonder if they'd hate me for choosing to stay here? Yet even so, I want to protect Lugunica. If I know they need help, then I cannot simply refuse them and leave it all to chance. That's why- Please, tell May I'm okay? And if you see him, Ned too. It'd be too cruel for them to think I'm dead."
"…Got it." Strange nodded as he showed a sincere smile for the first time.
"You really do impress me, Su~baru-kun." Roswaal commented with a raised eyebrow. "To choose the people you consider backward over your own family and friends?"
"You really have a low opinion of me to think I'd consider Emilia-tan or anyone here backward… Maybe Julius, but that is beside the point! Then again, you have always been a twisted bastard, haven't you? Hmph!" Subaru sighed with disillusion for the clown's comment.
"I'm just thinking, you must be quite fond of Emilia-sama after all. Perha~ps my 'Wisdom' wasn't as erroneous as you made me thought." Roswaal basked in the light of the sun with satisfaction as he stood before the portal. It would be the last time in a while he'd stand in Lugunican soil after all.
"…" Subaru knew not how to respond to Roswaal's claim, as his own feelings were a mess. Did he like, no, love Emilia? He knows he finds her attractive, and he certainly enjoys her company. He'd go as far as calling her an irreplaceable friend all things considered. But love… Subaru was unsure if those would be his own feelings or those of his variants, infatuated with the girl. If that were the case, wouldn't it be the same case for Rem? He couldn't help but feel pathetic, harboring feelings for more than one woman, not comprehending if they were his own or not… "And here I thought my own heart wasn't so twisted; don't make me question my own sanity, asshole…"
"Roswaal-sama!" Ram approached the trio in a hurry, a face of distress painted over her normal demeanor of superiority. "Ram is… You are…"
"…Ram." Roswaal faced the maid with a stoic face, brazing himself for whatever she had to say.
Words of hatred? Not likely, she loves him after all.
Renouncing to her feelings? Cruel, but likely, he would not deserve them, in the end.
Be that as it may, he would take them in a stride as he marched forward onto his path.
"…" Ram wondered how to answer, what to say, what to do. Her sister's hatred was justified, Garfiel's anger was deserved and everyone's resentment was indeed just. Nevertheless… She still loved him. Even if she should hate him, even if she should swear revenge for her Clan, even if she should be infuriated on behalf of her twin, Ram still loved Roswaal. How cruel the heart can be. Therefore, mustering her feelings, looking of what parting words to tell her former master as he left to who knows where, she simply spoke… "…Take care on the way back, Roswaal-sama."
"…" Roswaal, Subaru and Strange all stared at the maid with surprise. No words of encouragement, no praise, no insult, not hatred, simply… worry. Like the words of a mother to a child leaving for school. Like saying, 'I'll be waiting, so make sure you return to me'. Even now, the oni was compassionate for the man.
"I will." Roswaal turned away from the maid, feeling his guilt almost overcome him for the first time. His heart ached, knowing how there was someone who still liked him despite his flaws and his evil deeds. In a hurry to avoid facing her, facing Subaru, or anyone's gaze with his perplexed own, the mage plunged into the portal headfirst, disappearing into the void.
"Heh. Perhaps there's still heart in there after all." Strange laughed with amazement. "Maybe he won't turn out like me… That'd be a plus."
"You too, Strange." Subaru said as the Sorcerer stood before his portal. "I know you are the teacher, so it'll probably be a walk in the park teaching Roswaal whatever… But take care, because I'm still not done talking your ear off with my own issues!"
"…And that's why I never had children. You know, I really do tend to forget you are a teenager sometimes." Strange shook his head tiredly, having to face reality at last. "Which reminds me… I left some stuff I thought would be useful in the ruins of Lady Karsten's Manor."
"Stuff…? When you say that, I cannot imagine it'd be something good." Subaru stared with skepticism, doubting his enigmatic ally.
"Just make sure to tell everyone it's an apology, for abusing their trust." Strange stepped into the portal, speaking a few last words as it closed behind him. "I can assure you kid; you'll enjoy the surprise."
*FWOOM!*
The portal into darkness closed, Strange and Roswaal vanishing to lands unknown to man.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Emilia: I have a DREAM.
Ehehehehehehehehe; I've been wanting to write that for a while now.
So yeah, this chapter addresses everyone's impotence in regards to their fate.
They cannot punish Roswaal, because Strange doesn't let them.
And Roswaal fully takes advantage of this to make sure Emilia doesn't lose her qualifications, which in turn, insults Emilia for regarding her as someone incapable of standing on her own.
Sleazy mages being sleazy mages, nothing new.
But the feelings of impotence of Bordeaux, Emilia, Crusch and the rest will be a points of importance in the future, so keep them in the back of your head.
Next Chapter, we get a more grounded point of view of the Capital itself from Subaru and Julius's perspectives, so look forward to it.
See you next chapter!