Discord link: /YxtzwbzVQh

Starmegalo here!

It's so fucking hot in here right now. For no reason, I am going to say this. Because it is that hot. You don't need a reason to mention it.

Thank you for follows and favorites in FFN and kudos in AO3. This series is kind of a niche in FFN but it is nearing 400 kudos in AO3(without bots from that one guy).

In this chapter things will start to get even more boiled, I am sorry that I hyped Priscilla too much too quickly, I was excited! But she won't be in this chapter, and she will only be seen in a part in one after the next chapter. BUT!

After that it is a Priscilla marathon. As for Anastasia enjoyers, the next chapter will be yours.

We are closing on 100k words. That of course, includes answers to reviews from FFN and Author notes.

In any case, I'll just answer reviews and get started!

Guest: (CH7 review)Fool! She is the barely hidden fetish of both you AND Tappei!

It's not like Satella ever really helped him in canon anyways?

A: Wrong! She only became my barely hidden fetish now that I added boobs, ass and a more stable personality! Think of her as a 'no longer a loli' but 'short'.

Unfortunately even all she did was fucking things up, after spouting some bullshit and idealistic words that only showed she understand jack shit, story itself choses to support Satella anyway. She has the same kind of bullshit bending powers that makes Subaru think Emilia is a kind person whose nature never changes when she does the same goddamn thing in a loop(arc 1).

So I have to just explain things, the majority of people see her as 'good' and Echidna just takes the L.

Guest: Once again people are shitting on Subaru, Subaru are looking at them like they're moron, prove to them that they're moron, and they are starting to get flashes that things are weird.

So that's what you are doing with Priscilla. No wonder he got Subaru became like that. I'd be jaded too.

It's weird to think that Subaru thinks of Ana like that, when Ana is willing to let a country get killed just to fill her pocket, but I guess it's still a small drop compared to the lake that is Echidna.

A part of me find it funny how the Re Zero fanboys yell at you for daring to say their precious thing isn't perfect, but that's life.

A: It is a cycle that happens even in canon but with slight differences. They bash Subaru, shit on him for jokes, but then in some moments lift him up.

By all honesty, Anastasia doesn't want to destroy the kingdom nor does she think it will happen under her rulership. She won't abuse to get money from it as it is already hers. The idea that was proposed in arc 3 by her was. "I take care of my things…so why not become mine?" This is very bold but in the end she insinuates strongly that she will take care of the country.

She is quite similar to Echidna except Echidna can't control herself from doing destructive things even when she doesn't want it. That is one reason I think why she just can't reject Subaru herself and she has to give some reason for him to do it. Even though she still makes a confession and offers everything including herself, and even allows more talk and freedom for Subaru to choose how things will work.

But yes, Echidna's Greed is just something else, not that Subaru would dislike it if circumstances were right.

As for Priscilla, in the end, things are more complicated than that, but yes that situation has shit ton of problems and that's why Subaru is just angry and frustrated.

Well…I was just trying to get what is OOC when the first chapter was about explaining how he became like that. But yeah I wouldn't be writing controversial shit if I wasn't ready for comments like that. To begin with, Subaru not loving Emilia infinitely or having bad thoughts about any of his friends are indeed fucking OOC…oh wait, it is not OOC because that is not even a goddamn character trait.

You cannot spare someone without acknowledging they were wrong. So Subaru isn't a messiah character type either. Plot just doesn't allow him to think about it in canon and Tappei is just against it, he rather bash Subaru than critic other characters. Which is why I explore it in this story.

God of the Zergs: I like your version of Subaru. He is a probability, if he had some ( even a liitle bit of) pride as a man. But the question is where is Garfield? Wont he attack without second thought, if his captain is attacked?

A: That is a very good question. It will be explored later, but basically Otto and Emilia shut down Garfiel's understandable rage with their bullshit.

Pryd: Les goo, I can smell my route forming, it might be hazy like oshi no ko chapter 123 but I can see it. This chapter was great as freak especially Subaru and the two girls interactions, that just made me in a good mood since I've been quite busy. Excited for the next chapter always looking for this to update. see ya soon. and enjoyed this greatly once again.

A: Glad to hear all that. I'll be continuing.

And what is your route?

Thank you to everyone who reviewed on FFN and commented on AO3!

Now, let's start.


Natsuki Subaru slowly opened his eyes while groaning.

"Where...am I?" He muttered with a dried voice.

He confirmed his eyes were open again and realized that his surroundings were the problem.

"Agh! Shit." When he tried to move... he hit his head.

His body was in a tight space right now.

It was a dark place that induced claustrophobic feelings.

"It IS familiar." Subaru's CHOICE to not recall things between his DEATH and RETURN no longer mattered to his ability for a while. That is why even if he consciously forgets because of his cowardice, which is something he could do easily for some reason, he cannot lose the KNOWLEDGE of that place though, deep down he will always know it..

As Natsuki Subaru grew more uncertain and pathetic when it came to what he desired and what he wanted to do. Such problems started to appear.

Whether this loss of control or the world that lost color with despair, it was all because of him losing grip when it comes to his choices and goals.

As that happened, the ability started to take control.

After all, Natsuki Subaru did not care about his own self-preservation, and the reason he Returned By Death wasn't that he wanted to survive. It was because he refused the way things ended every single time.

In the end, things started to change, like him no longer forgetting that place. And only doing it when he does it consciously. So…he chose to forget once again, as it had no use to him anyways.

At least that was his excuse.

"Wait...it's moving?" As he pushed something above him, his darkened view lightened up.

Natsuki Subaru got out of that place and when he looked back...

"A trash container...Good riddance."

It seems drunk Subaru was honest with how he viewed himself.

Though he still had a hard time remembering the last day.

"At least it was comfortable." If he isn't sleeping with Beatrice, which is the absolute best way to sleep, he never chooses to sleep on his bed. The floor and sofa were some of his preferred choices. The chair wasn't bad either. And now, he decided sleeping as a trash wasn't so bad either…

"I do realize this isn't normal so..." So it must be his way of living from now on.

Subaru was someone who died so many times. That must've had an effect on his way of sleeping. As time continued, his sleeping became impossibly efficient. It was almost as if he could understand everything about his recovery after sleep and even how the sleep happened.

So as time passed, Subaru slept better and better. At some point, his body just didn't prefer the bed for some reason.

"As for yesterday...I can force myself to remember. But let's not do that." Subaru's memory was always exceptional and he used this to survive several times in this world. Whether that be remembering the time on his phone hence knowing the exact time White Whale will appear or memorizing each body part each villager touched, he utilized that to the fullest.

But with the death count increased, the memory function became outright unnatural. He could recall something much better. If he can't, which would be a rarity, he could 'go back' to that moment. It was almost as if watching the whole thing replayed in his mind.

But that feeling was really similar to how his life from his mother's belly to his current time played each time he Returned By Death.

He would not use it unless it was necessary.

"I am lucky that no one dropped any garbage on me." Natsuki Subaru starts walking as he mutters. The clothes wouldn't stain, that was really hard with how he made them. But he didn't want to smell bad.

"Oh, I am also in my Kimono?" He doesn't remember wearing that but ignores it anyway.

He realizes that he isn't far away from others as he looks around.

He arrives at the lodge without any problems.

And then he sees a figure—

The very definition of strength could be felt by this person, any other person would feel stunned by this feeling of unimaginable power.

But Subaru smiles and welcomes it.

The person smiles as well.

"Subaru, it's been a while. When I was here yesterday, I was worried that you wouldn't come back after our unfortunate way of meeting." A pretty voice with kindness came out of this man. It was almost as if he could make anyone relax. Subaru assumes that Reinhard was talking about the time when Subaru treated him badly after the fight with Julius.

"Reinhard. You look fine." Subaru says as he cannot think of anything better to say.

"It should be me saying that, I couldn't tell you before but...you grew a lot. It is exceptional. I knew you could do it, friend." Reinhard says as he reveals his surprise.

He comes closer to Subaru, and with one hand he grasps his shoulder lightly. Subaru already felt 'scanned' when he felt Reinhard's eyes on him. But this was even more advanced than before. Perhaps he could understand more with contact.

"Your work will surely aid you in the future," Reinhard assures Subaru. Which he accepts. It was Reinhard after all.

"It's good to hear...but is it really that impressive?" But he wanted to hear more about it too.

"It is. You definitely worked so much. I can feel that you are more capable in combat now. It is a surprise that no one told me about that together with your change in clothing...where did you buy these?"

"I made them myself."

"Ah...that explains why my Divine Protections reacted like that...hmm. Anastasia-sama will be mad too, for not mentioning. You look awesome in them. I am sure Emilia-sama is pleased."

"Unfortunately. She only likes the feeling of the fabric, that's about it. Sorry to disappoint. I always imagine a girl touching my muscles but not for the sake of feeling the clothing. Mission failed successfully."

"..." Reinhard had a disagreeing expression.

'To me. Emilia-sama was acting rather interested in how Subaru was looking in those clothes more than the clothes themselves. But I might be wrong, it's Emilia-sama after all.' Reinhard thinks and smiles once again.

"Would you be interested in making clothes for Felt-sama?" Reinhard asks.

"Haha...buddy, you should just do it yourself. We both know that you are versatile. Not to mention I am sure you guys have a personal tailor."

"I am absolutely serious. I will compensate you well. Anastasia-sama will likely give you an offer, however, I don't think I'll lose to her, even when it comes to money."

"...You are actually serious. Well...sorry but I do not make dresses or anything of sorts for a woman other than Emilia-tan. And Beako too but that's different. Please tell Anastasia so that she won't hear from me and be stubborn."

"Ah...I see. That's a pity." Reinhard says while looking genuinely disappointed. This guy really wanted to play a dressing game with Felt all the time.

"Hey, Reinhard...I want to tell you something." Subaru suddenly asks.

"What is it?"

"I am sorry."

"..."

Subaru couldn't be more honest. Yet he also bowed to Reinhard.

Reinhard had no idea why this was happening. He should be the one apologizing to him after yesterday. Subaru had all the reasons to be angry after all.

"Can I know the reason? I don't remember you doing anything wrong to me." Guilt creeped into Reinhard because of unknown reasons.

"Perhaps with your good nature, you didn't mind it. But when you tried to help me after the election stuff...I rejected you. I shouldn't have done that. I regretted a long while for not apologizing...for that." Subaru says as he straightened himself. He still cannot meet Reinhard's eyes out of shame.

"Subaru I—" Reinhard was about to apologize by reflex but Subaru cut him off. It was almost like Subaru didn't remember yesterday.

"Not just that. I also didn't contact you after the events of the loot house...and I didn't show my thanks and appreciation for saving me in that alleyway. It was convenient for me to be grateful to Emilia for saving me. Yet in truth, you were the one who came to my aid when I called for help. And it was you who saved me without any hesitation. Even Emilia—" Even Emilia did because it was her nature. Subaru couldn't say it aloud for some reason…

Emilia's nature made her feel guilty for not helping people. She would even feel physically bad for lying. So the reason she turned back and saved Subaru was probably because of her inability to do otherwise.

But with Reinhard it was different. Reinhard might be the hero but that was his choice. Whether his suspicious nature or the miasma on him. His sole focus was saving Subaru that day. He even proposed to take care of him. Yet Subaru chose to feel more debted to Emilia. He used that moment and Emilia herself as an excuse. The consequences of that and the shallowness of his reasons haunted him to this day.

Natsuki Subaru back then, wanted a purpose for his summoning and nothing else and disregarded everything as he found an excuse thanks to Emilia. That was why it was shameful.

But at the very least...he wanted to do something to change as a person.

Wanted to apologize to Reinhard, for he was the one who saved him, for he was the one of the few who stayed colorful.

"..." Reinhard did not speak for a while.

To Reinhard and everyone else, Emilia saving Subaru never happened. Reinhard didn't believe his memory was wrong. Emilia told him clearly that she had not met Subaru before. Yet, there are rare things in this world that even he cannot understand. Most of those things and moments he could not comprehend, if Reinhard thought about all the things he couldn't understand, of them would be coming from Subaru himself.

He chose to trust that Subaru would not err. He chose to believe that this man who called him his friend would stay as himself. That hope was rewarded. Not to mention, Subaru himself might not realize but he was saved by Subaru too.

'If not for him defying fate itself, my mission could not even start.'

Felt would be dead.

The one and only future-telling item that even Reinhard could not keep up with was that gospel of the Witch Cult... so that tragedy was likely to happen if not for Subaru.

Yet things didn't go that way because Subaru chose this path.

"I...am honored to be friends with you, Subaru," Reinhard tells Subaru with an overwhelmed expression.

"...Hahahah...Thank you. I am glad we are still friends."

Subaru would make sure that he isn't being a scummy person anymore.

He wanted to change things about himself after all.

"Hey Subaru, I wanted to ask you tomorrow. I was eager to do it the whole day, but you didn't come...do you want to chat with me for a while?" Reinhard asks with some hesitancy.

"Sure. What do you want to talk about?"

"White Whale," Reinhard states. "I am not unconnected to that beast after all."

"I see," Subaru says mindfully. And then he realizes something.

"Wait a minute. "Whole day"? Don't tell me I was there more than I thought?" If this was the same day, Reinhard's way of saying it would be different. More so, Subaru didn't remember his meeting with him before this.

"You don't remember? I was told you disappeared for a whole day after running away from Anastasia-sama and didn't come back a day later. Others worried a lot." Reinhard says but leaves out their meeting after that.

"Running away from Anastasia? Why?"

"..."

"Reinhard?"

"You better learn about it yourself. I heard a lot of things about that day...it can be anything. Perhaps you ran away from Julius and Emilia-sama? Or was it Beatrice-sama? She was angry with you too, from what I heard." Reinhard reports to him as Subaru continues to grow more and more anxious. What did Drunkbaru do!?

"Was it a cutesy type of anger or Angry-angry?"

"I wasn't there. But she was worried because of your absence when I arrived, so I doubt it was anything serious. By the way, I want to congratulate you on your contract with Beatrice-sama. You two seem to have a wonderful relationship and a strong bond. She was even unaffected by both mine and Julius's Divine Protection." Reinhard choses to not tell about the terror Beatrice caused in him and others after drinking when Subaru wasn't around. She made them promise after all…forcefully.

"Thanks. But let's go to a place where we can drink before I boast about my wonderful Beako!"

"I guess you didn't learn anything from your previous experiences?" Reinhard jokes but slightly serious.

Perhaps he was right. Subaru just found himself in garbage after all.

Both of them laughed as they walked side by side.


"I see. I really thank you for all you did. I do feel fortunate that someone like you was there...however. Don't you think you are underselling your own actions?" Reinhard listened eagerly as Subaru told everything that happened against White Whale including the preparation.

However, this wasn't the first time he had listened to this story. He listened to Felix in detail first. He asked the soldiers. Regardless of who he asked, one thing was apparent.

Subaru was the unmistakable reason that people were alive and White Whale was dead.

Even Felix, who liked to exaggerate pretty much anything when it comes to Crusch and had an unreasonable dislike towards Subaru would get emotionally conflicted when it comes to the White Whale fight. Even Felix accepted the whole thing was hopeless if not for him.

The fight against Sloth, they didn't talk about that with Subaru now and focused on the White Whale fight, but all the time in the past Reinhard listened to the fight against Sloth from various people and one thing was made really clear to him.

Subaru has been excellent when it comes to providing information, leading the army, and in every single area of war. Especially strategy when it comes to raiding the caves used by Cultists. He would predict their formations and the way they would appear. He devised plans against the cultist's impossibly coordinated fighting style.

In fact, when people asked about Natsuki Subaru's biggest achievements and actions, it was always the things that he did against the Sloth that were talked about. Not to mention the strategies he devised are integrated into the military after being studied.

Even Julius admitted that Subaru could do it by himself against the madman and perhaps could defeat all cultists with some ordinary mercenaries. His knightly code made things more difficult against the Archbishop of Sloth. He admitted this to Reinhard when he asked why he rejected all recognition when it comes to killing the madman.

Julius explained that he was being problematic when they could trap the madman and defeat him with one blow.

All in all. Subaru was underplaying his achievements and involvement while explaining things. That was his only bias.

"Perhaps...but I don't feel like saying it. After all...at that point in time I wasn't wanted by the people…wanted by Emilia. Now it feels weird to look back like this seeing nothing but victory." Subaru explains.

His heart beats faster as he remembered for who's sake he achieved those victories.

Rem…I love you.

For no reason, he made a silent confession.

Reinhard understands. Whether things with Julius or Emilia. Subaru had pressed their wounds by just existing. So they unjustly blew up on him in the past.

Whether when Subaru came to the Royal Castle or when he claimed he was the knight of Emilia. Reinhard didn't think it was odd for him to have these actions.

Of course, at that point, he genuinely thought Subaru was Emilia's knight already...

But it seemed that Emilia both rejected his presence in the castle and his wishes.

Subaru indeed forced his way into the castle but then it was with Priscilla. Reinhard didn't understand why Priscilla was acting so differently with Subaru. But all in all, both Priscilla and Roswaal gave permission to Subaru. So no one could say he was unwelcomed.

Reinhard himself was biased when it comes to Subaru. So perhaps he couldn't see things with an objective view. He just couldn't understand why Subaru was so disliked by everyone at certain times.

He already understood that Roswaal was trying to manipulate the situation; however, as expected, there was nothing to worry about. Fate itself didn't have a hold on Subaru so it was silly to think that man could do anything.

His skill in magic was impressive but Reinhard was particularly strong against magic users. And then the man had a great experience thanks to his age. Reinhard didn't know why he was so old but it didn't concern him so far. The number of things he ignored was immense already. If someone doesn't hurt others...there was no reason for him to be involved.

'Subaru feels sorry for not apologizing to me...however, I feel greater regret for letting him go with Emilia-sama. All in all, it was likely the worst choice in my life. I was too focused on my own destiny and ignored him. That's what happens when I ignore things.' Reinhard was unable to save Subaru from his hardships when he let him go that day.

True...he must not be a coward. His friend already gave him a good example on how to be brave by speaking his mind...that's why—

"Subaru." After a long silence between them, Reinhard speaks.

"Yes?"

"I am sorry for not taking you with me. I asked Emilia-sama, and she told me that she wanted to know about you, hence the answer was negative. But I shouldn't have left you with her just because she was curious. I apologize. I was selfish that day." Reinhard says and lowers his head onto the desk in front of both of them. They were sitting on chairs side by side. With some money, the bartender agreed to leave the place to them.

They were alone.

"Hahaha... What are you talking about Reinhard? It's a given that I would want to wake up to Emilia-tan's face more than yours, no offense!" Subaru says happily.

Reinhard smiles. Well, that means things did not go badly.

...

...

"Well. You not judging me alone is a gift. It couldn't be helped that you forgot about me when you found your destiny...eh?" Subaru says coldly with spite. That was his true feelings on the matter. His way of saying mirrored Reinhard's own thoughts. He indeed ignored that friendly man who met and allowed everything to happen, as he found the fifth candidate.

Reinhard didn't even sense that Subaru was hiding anything, he was more than surprised when he just opened up.

"Hkgh..." Reinhard makes an involuntary sound. Neither the spite nor the coldness in Subaru's voice was for him. It was for Subaru himself.

However, that just hurt Reinhard even more. It was all because of him…

"For a while I thought... I should be grateful, regardless of the suffering." Subaru speaks clearly. His tone changed, his manners changed, and his facial expressions changed. It changed to a point that Reinhard questioned if this was his normal state without any masks...then how his Divine Protections missed this? To this day, he doesn't understand.

"But then I realized. If you took me in, I would wake up at your house. Talk with Felt. Play with Flam and Grassis. Then walk towards a path that starts from there. One with much less pain and suffering." Reinhard would love that reality. However, he needed to remind Subaru that he saved so many people. If he wasn't in those places...

"But—" Reinhard was too quick to point out the fact about lives that would be lost without Subaru.

He didn't realize Subaru shouldn't know about Flam or Grassis. They never met with him. He was too emotional to see that single detail.

"I am no hero. So I wouldn't particularly care if people I didn't know were dead. By all means...Emilia dying wouldn't be different even after what happened in the loot house. If you took me in, that is…"

Subaru hid nothing. Reinhard couldn't believe this.

Of course, while he was surprised. He quickly reminded himself that this was still Subaru. Subaru saved people so that he would not lose them.

And to begin with...he wouldn't get anything at the end. He never did.

So Reinhard could not judge him. His way of thinking was perfectly logical, it was almost as if he pondered about these things more than Reinhard himself...but there was no way...right? Reinhard's life was spent in thinking about such choices.

Either way. Subaru was right. Reinhard assumed that Subaru would regret it in that hypothetical scenario where people he met only for a while died. But Subaru seemed like he already thought about these scenarios.

It made Reinhard happy that Subaru would not regret things for no reason. If Subaru wasn't deluded about this, then he knew didn't have to stay with people just to keep them alive. Subaru should stay with people who kept him happy…that's right. Subaru wanted a happy ending, didn't he?

'That's right…Subaru should know that this is not his responsibility.' Subaru did more than anyone. No one had any right to blame him if he just left.

Yet Reinhard knew he would be blamed anyway. That much how dependant they were, especially emotionally, even if they didn't acknowledge it.

The man that lacked any expectation whatsoever gained the heaviest of expectations and taken for granted by others. He didn't have any talent that gave him such responsibility. He didn't have a debt or connection to those people.

Yet expectations stayed on Subaru, and no one would understand him. Not even Reinhard himself.

How was that fair? Reinhard thought, it wasn't.

"I actually question everything I do...why am I here? What am I even doing? What am I even supporting...?" Subaru had doubts, hesitation, and much more.

And this was the first time he had opened up to someone other than Beatrice or Meili. Even Otto couldn't give him any feeling of security close to this in the short time he decided to open up to him.

"Subaru, you are doing good...You are trying to help your master by trying to wake up her spirit right. Surely, Emilia sama would be happier if she reunited with the Great Spirit-sama." Reinhard stated it as a fact. But Subaru sensed something in his voice as he mentioned Puck…

Wait...

"Reinhard."

"Yes?"

"Was that hesitation?" Subaru asks.

"...I don't know what you mean."

"Did Emilia or Anastasia tell you about the crystal?" Subaru had a creepy smile on his face…

Slowly growing smile. A madman's expression.

Reinhard felt guilty for thinking that.

"..."

"Well. That doesn't matter...doesn't matter at all. It's all good. It's just...there are times you know things just by looking, isn't that true Reinhard?" Subaru asks questioningly. His face turns into a more healthy expression but even so… Reinhard was special after all, one look and he could know that Puck was sleeping. So…how much more you know, Reinhard?

"Yes. That is true. I apologize for intruding. I had no bad intentions. I just wanted to assure you...and I slipped."

"All is good," Subaru says and silence appears between them.

Reinhard saw much more than Subaru assumed, but things he knew weren't things that he could reveal to him, after all—

"Would you kill a self-centered scum who has no empathy for others...if it's guaranteed that they will hurt many people if certain conditions are met?" Subaru says with a cold voice and a presence that makes his instincts go wild.

As always. He assumed too much. No, perhaps somewhere deep inside he wanted to tell Subaru.

Yet, he was the hero, and his answer would not change.

"Regardless of how potential a threat anyone might be, I will try to think of the good possibilities. There is no guarantee that they will act in a certain way...even if they have the power to do so."

"That's right. You really are a hero. You have all the reasons and yet..." Subaru trails off.

"I do have my own rules," Reinhard says without waiting for Subaru. This conversation was way too out of my comfort zone for Reinhard.

"So does that rat..." Subaru repeats with killing intent.

Reinhard puts a hand on Subaru's shoulder, even though his instincts tell him to do different things. "I..."

"Reinhard. It just happens that I know more than you...but I do need you to trust me too. What do YOU know?"

Subaru asks.

Reinhard is perplexed. Emilia was a figure he ought to respect.

No.

Emilia was a figure that Sword Saint ought to respect.

As for Reinhard—

"I know that he is powerful, and he might go too far to protect Emilia-sama—But I like to believe otherwise, as Emilia-sama doesn't want anyone to get hurt."

"That's wrong. It's more excessive than that." Subaru shuts down Reinhard's good intentions.

"..."

"The contract. Do you know its existence?"

"I know that he has a contract with Emilia-sama. But that's only normal...isn't it?"

Subaru stays silent for a while...contemplating what to do.

And then...

"H...haaha...hahahahahahahahhahahAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!"

As if he thought it a really good joke, he started laughing like a madman.

"You see...he added a part to his contract with Emilia...THAT HE WILL DESTROY THE WORLD IF EMILIA DIES. Hahahahahahaahahaha. And if he dies…SHE WILL FREEZE AS MUCH AS SHE CAN!" Subaru started to bang on the wood before him and continued to laugh.

Reinhard wasn't so amused though.

"That's not funny. Subaru." Reinhard was feeling weird. Some uncontrolled warmth appeared inside of him, burning uncontrollably but...he wasn't sure what it was.

So Subaru taught him what that was.

"Oh...You are angry? You are angry. I see. I am sorry. But it is funny, it's just that you didn't catch the joke. But at least you find a new you…"

"..." Angry… Even Reinhard could get angry. But Subaru was right. He would never let it rise from inside normally. That was new.

"Well. YOU! How can he do anything if you exist?" Subaru says as if trying to make him understand the joke.

But Reinhard wasn't amused. No one would. Subaru was insane. This emotional outburst was probably caused by the fact that Puck tortured Subaru, yet Subaru couldn't do a thing.

Would Emilia allow his death if she knew every single thing and what he did to Subaru?

To Subaru, the answer was an absolute: No.

And Subaru knew Emilia better than anyone.

"The Great Spirit does not possess any power to destroy this world. Even if he did I would stop him. Thank you for your faith. However, that doesn't mean people won't get hurt when he attempts such a thing. To begin with...I know you are not lying. But I fail to understand why he would do such a thing?"

"Because he is evil, no, that's his nature. He is unconcerned and has no morals. He cares about nothing but his contract. He has no genuine care for Emilia either. At least I don't call that type of crap genuine."

"Can you explain further?"

"Spirits cannot kill themselves when they have a purpose. Not to mention, Artificial Spirits do live for their one and only purpose, even more obsessed than normal spirits? Probably just the same. Puck himself has such a purpose, which is to protect Emilia. He doesn't care who dies for that purpose. And if that purpose is completed or failed, he also doesn't care about living. So he just made up his mind that he will destroy everything for that and die or fail…and die." Subaru explains.

"Puck is created by a Witch," Reinhard states. Without hesitation or question. To test something…

Subaru himself wondered how Reinhard could figure everything out.

Those feelings were mutual. Reinhard also didn't know. He wanted Subaru to be surprised, that never happened.

"..." And Reinhard couldn't hold back anymore now that Subaru isn't surprised by that revelation. How was that possible? He didn't want to be arrogant but Reinhard was Reinhard. So he knew things. However, who was Subaru? Why did it seem like it was impossible to surprise him?

"You know even that... Subaru...excuse me but—"

"Please don't ask me how I know what I know...it's way too personal. But I'll admit. I was thinking of a future with a dead Witch at some point and perhaps even romance—" Reinhard cuts Subaru's words by slapping his own forehead.

A rare occasion which Reinhard visibly cringes.

"As a friend, I failed you. I'll make sure to watch women around you more from now on. Does Emilia-sama know about that contract? And surely that Witch affected this contract and the part where the Great Spirit destroys the world?" Reinhard tries to move on from the fact that Subaru's romantic life SOMEWHAT turned out to be worse than he knew.

"Sorry. But she isn't the type to do that kind of tasteless shit. In fact, she was the one who tried to make him stay away from her." Subaru was also sure that Echidna also shared intentions to protect people. Obsessively even. And one of the second trials showed that because of the contract put by Echidna, he couldn't remember Emilia and when he forcibly did, he died because of the contract.

Yet, even a witch's obsession wasn't insane compared to Subaru's madness, as Subaru's idea back then…to not let anyone hurt with his ability, let alone die.

"But then why did the Great Spirit make such a thing? Why Emilia-sama doesn't know about it?" Reinhard fires questions to Subaru, to which he answers without a pause.

"Again. He sees no reason for the world or himself to go on if Emilia dies. As for Emilia...she probably couldn't accept the idea of not contracting Puck nor the idea of her causing the world to suffer. Hence, she did what she does best. Forgot."

"..." Reinhard's mouth opened wide... Subaru wasn't lying.

"She doesn't even remember the people who attacked her village properly. The one person she remembers, she doesn't tell me. Either way, Emilia has a convenient ability to forget anything that can bother her in the long run. Might forget about me one day... hahaha." Subaru laughs, but all the feeling that comes from that laughter is melancholy and disgust.

"Subaru...you know what I am going to do...right?"

"..."

"The Great Spirit crosses the line of what I can accept. I don't doubt the protection you provide for Emilia-sama...however...are you really willing to continue with this? Knowing that he will do that? Even the possibility of it."

"..." Subaru stays silent.

"If you do. I also understand that. Perhaps you love Emilia-sama like him too." Reinhard says harsh words to Subaru...which makes him flinch. It was a bit manipulative and perhaps it could be called an ultimatum. But Reinhard tried to do it anyway, to not lose Subaru as a friend.

Of course, Reinhard did not know Subaru could not lose or die unless he wished so.

However, with Return By Death, Reinhard's point was stronger.

'Are you willing to die when she dies?'

'Are you willing to turn a blind eye, for her convenience?'

"I...don't want to be a person like that. But surely I was...at some point." Subaru said meekly, it didn't fit his overall confident self while talking with The Hero.

"The Subaru I know never made such a choice for Emilia-sama. Surely, he would not do such a thing for her if such a decision presented itself." Reinhard said without a doubt and looked him straight in the eye.

There was nothing but belief for Natsuki Subaru in those blue eyes. Unmistakably colorful.

Just like Beatrice.

Even though all Subaru showed outside was someone who would mindlessly do anything for a girl. Why do these people think he had any character? He didn't have any of that. And yet...

What did they see in Natsuki Subaru?

"I...I don't know what to do. Why do you even ask me?"

"You were the one who trusted me with this...I want to know your opinion. I see no choice for myself to be honest. What needs to be done seems obvious."

Subaru could see that choice as well.

Let Reinhard kill Puck. Before Emilia's own eyes.

Felt would definitely agree with that too. She was fair. Regardless of her shortcomings. Not to mention even though she liked Emilia, she would dislike the fact that her personality might come to hurt people close to her while she chased idealism.

Reinhard would do that...since he had no choice.

But what if he had a choice?

"Say...Idealistically. What would you try?" Subaru asks him.

"..."

"Whatever it is. Do just that. I want Reinhard to act like Reinhard no matter how silly it is."

"..."

"I'll support you. And if it doesn't work. We go for a hunt. And until you do your thing, I will make sure that no one gets hurt because of that."

"..." Reinhard stays silent with wide eyes.

Subaru didn't know why. But he would accept Reinhard's choice regardless how extreme it might be. He was too tired to carry what he knew. He was too tired to suffer for Emilia's lack of responsibility. It was enough. He could no longer handle it.

If Reinhard couldn't take the responsibility and wanted Subaru to handle things…He would respect the man who saved his life with utmost honesty and take responsibility for the girl he supported…In this case it would be fighting her, and taking the life of her family.

Reinhard nods slowly. "Alright."

Whatever he decided he didn't tell Subaru...but...

"Subaru. I am really glad to have you beside me."

From there, two friends just chatted happily and laughed after coming to a decision.

For once in his life, Natsuki Subaru felt like he shared his own suffering with someone without regret.

But that was only because he didn't remember his actual first encounter with Reinhard in this city.


Yep! I think this chapter was good too…unfortunately no Priscilla…so fucking sad right?

That's aside as you can see, I went with this story with the idea that "Arc 5 will be different because Archbishops won't be fucked by plot or be nerfed" but "No plot armor" works for both sides, as much as possible for every character. Which is why Reinhard does know stuff.

In fact, he learned it right there. The Artificial Spirit stuff, Subaru's words were hints and with his connection to the world, blessings and knowledge he confidently concluded that it is a Witch.

Now in his mind, that shouldn't be something that he says to Subaru, because despite everything he doesn't want Subaru to be separated from Emilia camp for selfish and good reasons. Good reason is that he wants to hope things will get better. Selfish reason is that he actually thinks all of the people there will be wiped out without Subaru.

As you can see, there are some scummines here. And it is not OOC. Reinhard has many moments like this which will be explored. It is the main reason why the last sentence insinuates Subaru's lack of memories of yesterday and the day before, kind of allowing this warm talk between them. If not, things would go differently.

And yeah, Subaru threw himself into the garbage. Who knows what made him choose to do that instead of hugging Beatrice in a luxurious bed…

I'll be honest, a part of me wants to say "Plot? What is that?" and just make Subaru fuck Priscilla. Because their future scenes have that much sexual undertones. Emilia might not be a woman even with that body, but Priscilla is the extreme opposite of that. I wrote her too damn good. Perhaps one day I'll write them fucking after living an advanture between arc 4 and 5.

In any case, the plot DOES exist and I make sure not to write with my dick on a keyboard like Tappei, so that just won't happen. Unless it fits naturally. And there is a lot of stuff stopping that, like Subaru thinking Priscilla isn't pure and too careless with her body.

And! My new fic is coming out soon. First chapter will be like…idk, 20k? Didn't finish it yet, however it will be in arc 5 and basically it takes a ridiculous idea really seriously. After that chapter I'll just switch to short ones(in my term 'short' of course.)

Dunno if people will read it with how long it is…but yeah, I want to do that so I will.

Discord: /YxtzwbzVQh

Join! We have a good place!