The outing Subaru planned didn't go well at all. As of right now, Subaru was walking beside Reinhard as the latter was carrying an unconscious Felt in their arms.
"U-Um, Reinhard?" Subaru spoke up eventually during the long silent walk. "Was putting her to sleep like that really necessary?"
"I am pretty disheartened that things had ended up this way. However, I assure you that Miss Felt's safety takes priority." The red haired knight firmly stated. He really did feel bad about having to resort to draining some mana to keep the short tempered girl at bay. Perhaps a gift of some sort will make it up to her, he thought.
"If you don't mind me asking, is stopping by the loot house that bad? We would have you there to keep an eye on things if things get dicey." Subaru tried to reason.
"Regularly, I'd tend to agree with you but I can't afford to take any dangerous risks like that. Like I said earlier, the slums can be a dangerous place, especially for nobility." Reinhard sighed as he looked down at the sleeping girl he was carrying.
Subaru's brow twitched. He did generally agree with the notion that the slums can be dangerous but there were a few things that had to be considered. First, Felt was still in her street clothes so for anyone to mistake her as a noble would be next to none. Second, Reinhard single handedly destroyed the loot house in a single blow. At this point, Subaru couldn't tell if Reinhard was full of it or if he genuinely was that ignorant of his own power.
Regardless, Subaru let it go and shrugged. "If you say so. Weren't you going to see someone?" He remembered Reinhard mentioning that he was going to visit a friend during this trip.
Reinhard nodded. "That's right. We're actually heading that way now."
"What exactly did you plan to do there? Are you planning to kidnap more girls?" Subaru teased, he even chuckled a little at his own joke.
In response, Reinhard tilted his head with a confused look on his face. "Huh, what could I have done to give you such an impression of me?"
Subaru didn't respond. He just looked to Felt then back to Reinhard. Subaru wore a very puzzled expression as he was coming under the conclusion that Reinhard really is that dense. "Forget it, I really need to teach you what jokes are."
Reinhard's eyes widened at the sudden realization of his friend's intentions and chuckled. "I apologize, friend. I guess I'm still a little on edge with everything that has happened."
A little on edge? Subaru thought. He should be the one on edge with everything. Reinhard has proven already that he quite literally has nothing to worry about.
"Ah, we're here." Reinhard stated as the three were approaching a sizable manor. This one was even larger than Reinhards.
Subaru just looked over at the manor for a moment. Considering how he had woken up in a mansion and with Reinhard's standing, it was kind of expected that he must have a lot of wealthy friends. Subaru started to feel bad now as he realized that he was equivalent to a homeless nobody.
The three approached the front door and Reinhard handed Felt over to him. "If you don't mind, would you carry Miss Felt for me?"
"Huh? Oh! Sure thing." Subaru carefully took the sleeping girl in his arms, carrying her the same way Reinhard had been. After the transfer, Reinhard knocked on the door.
After a few moments, a man wearing a butler outfit opened up the door. "Ah, Master Reinhard." The butler bowed to the knight. "I apologize, I didn't know you were paying us a visit."
Reinhard smiled at the butler. "I should be the one apologizing. I was wondering if Captain Marcos was still visiting."
"Yes he is. In fact, he is getting ready to head back to the capital at this very moment. Would you like me to take you to him?"
"I'd appreciate it. Thank you." After Reinhard's confirmation, the butler let the three in. "Wait here, I'll be back shortly."
Subaru nodded as he took a seat in a chair inside the waiting room. The butler led Reinhard off to a different room, leaving Subaru and Felt alone in the room.
Subaru felt rather disheartened for not having an opportunity to greet himself to the butler as he had his poses and over glorified introduction ready in his head. Holding the little sleeping beauty in his arms really ruined that plan.
Actually, he took a moment to observe Felt. Even though she was forced to sleep by a certain someone, she looked very peaceful like that. It just melted Subaru's heart at just how cute this scene looked and smiled while he savored this moment.
"You know, you're kinda cute." Subaru muttered to himself before placing his hand on top of Felt's head, lightly ruffling her hair. It was actually kinda nice, especially not getting bitten immediately afterwards.
"Nghhh..." The girl muttered, her eyes slowly opening.
Huh, guess I spoke too soon, Subaru thought to himself. He quickly moved his hand away and made sure they were as far away from her as possible.
"Huh...? Where am I...?" Felt meekly asked, her sight still adjusting from just waking up.
"Rise and shine, Felt. Are you feeling alright?"
"Hm...? Oh... It's you... What are you doing he-" Felt stopped. She was finally awake enough to really see the situation she was in. She found herself being cradled in Subaru's arms.
For a moment, she blinked a few times in confusion, looking straight at Subaru. Her face slowly contorted, seething in anger soon after. "Grrrrr!" Felt growled at him.
"No wait! You got the wrong ide-" Subaru's plea was cut short as he was punched straight in the face. This punch had way more force than any of Felt's bites or kicks. It was a miracle that didn't knock him out right there and then.
--
Several Hours Earlier...
--
It was a beautiful day out today and the streets weren't all too busy. The trio consisting of Subaru, Felt, and Reinhard just made their way into the market district.
"So guys, what's the plan?" Subaru asked as he was looking around at the new sights. This was definitely in a different part of the city as all the stalls and shops looked a lot nicer and more refined than the ones he first saw when he initially transported into this new world.
"How should I know? You were the one who insisted on going here." Felt scoffed. Despite it being nice to be outside, she found it irritating since Reinhard refused to let her out of his sight. "That reminds me, you said you didn't have money, right? What exactly did you plan to do here anyways?"
This piece of information seemed to catch Reinhard by surprise. "You don't have any money, Subaru?"
With a proud smirk, Subaru stuck his thumb up. "That's right. I'm completely broke without a cent to my name!"
"That's not something to be proud of!" Felt snapped.
Reinhard rubbed his chin. "You're worse off than I initially thought... I was right to take you in."
Subaru went to a complete stop as he saw a stall that was selling several different colored fabrics. An idea popped up in his head as he darted over to the stall.
"Hey! Slow down, will you?" Felt shouted out as he ran to follow Subaru.
"Wait you two! Don't venture too far!" Reinhard cried out like some kind of over protective parent as he followed suit.
Subaru was standing over the different fabrics, grinning like a maniac which even the shopkeeper governing the stall couldn't help but share a look of concern at the boy. "Um... How can I help you, sir?" The shopkeeper asked.
"Oh don't mind me, I'm just doing a little window shopping." Subaru responded. Hearing that Subaru could be a potential customer, the shopkeeper nodded and smiled heartily at the boy in the strange tracksuit.
"Take your time then. Let me know if you see anything."
Subaru nodded as he went back to observing the fabrics on display. Eventually, the other two caught up.
"What was that about? You aren't trying to bail on me, are you?" Felt asked once she caught up, leaning in to see what Subaru was intently looking at. "Fabric? What are you, some kind of tailor?"
Subaru shook his head. "Not at all! But making clothes does sound like a good off time activity."
Felt just eyed Subaru suspiciously. "Alright, what exactly were you thinking of then?"
"Haha, that's top secret." Subaru smirked before turning to Felt. "Actually, do you know how much this costs?"
"Why are you asking me? The price is written right there." Felt pointed at a sign that was above each of the different fabrics.
Subaru stared intently at them for a good moment before turning to Felt with a nervous smile on his face. "Hahah... I forgot to mention, I don't know how to read."
Felt just stared at Subaru for a second before dropping on the ground, laughing like crazy. "Really?! You're broke and illiterate?! How did you manage to survive this long?"
A visible irk appeared over Subaru's forehead before snapping at the laughing girl. "It's not my fault your country can't take yen!"
"Did you say he was broke?" Felt stopped laughing as both her and Subaru turned in the direction of the person who asked that question. It was the shopkeeper who had a pretty irritated look on their face.
"Ahah... Well, about that..." Subaru started, having flashbacks about getting kicked out by the appa guy from the other day.
Before Subaru could think of a proper excuse, the shopkeeper went on. "I'm running a business here! Stop wasting my time and get out of here!"
Feeling awkward about the whole situation, both Felt and Subaru ran off from the yelling shopkeeper's wrath. After getting a good distance away, Felt let out an annoyed sigh. "All these bastards around here only care about money. Someone as broke as you really shouldn't be announcing that you have nothing around here."
"Last I checked, you were the one who blurted out that I'm broke!" Subaru countered.
Felt smirked and let out a little giggle as she recalled the occasion. "You're the one who blurted out not being able to read. Plus it's that shopkeeper's fault for eavesdropping on our conversation."
Subaru nodded to that. "Yeah, they also shouldn't have kicked us out! I think that's just poor customer service!" Subaru proceeded to explain.
Felt leaned herself back against a wall. "Well that's just how it is here. If you don't have the goods, they'll just kick you to the gutter."
"You sound like you have quite a lot of experiences with that." Subaru said as he sat down, leaning back against the same wall Felt was leaning on.
The girl in question sat down beside him and looked up towards the sky. "I guess you could say that. I'll tell ya, growing up in the slums sure as hell isn't easy." Subaru glanced over to Felt and smiled at her. She immediately noticed and gritted her teeth. "Why the hell are you smirking?! If you're looking for a fight, I'll give it to you!"
Still smiling, Subaru shook his head. "No, it's nothing like that. I guess seeing you move forward in such a tough situation is pretty cool."
Hearing the boys answer, Felt smiled. "Heh, I did work my ass off to get where I'm at now so I'd better be cool."
"You both get along really well." A voice suddenly piped up.
Both Subaru and Felt quickly looked towards the source of the voice. The two saw Reinhard who was just standing a few feet away with a delighted smile on his face.
The two instantly became flustered as Felt quickly jumped to her feet. "How long have you been there?!" Felt asked, her cheeks still red.
"I never really left. I've been here the whole time."
Felt growled as she walked towards Reinhard and swung her leg around, kicking the knight across his face. That was Felt's goal at least, Reinhard just caught her foot in midair like he had done every single time Felt tried this.
"Miss Felt? What might I have done now to warrant such behavior?" Reinhard asked, tilting his head as he genuinely looked confused.
"Do I really need to say it?! At least say something once and awhile so we know you're still with us!" Felt growled yet again.
Reinhard calmly guided her foot back to the ground and simply nodded. "I understand. I'll try to be more active in our conversations. I just thought it would've been rude of me to interrupt your heart to heart conversation."
"There wasn't any heart to heart! Stop assuming stuff!"
Subaru placed a hand over his chest as he groaned. "Ahhh, and here I thought we were getting along." Subaru complained.
Felt glared at the complaining boy. "Shut up! I'll be glad to kick your ass instead!"
"Yeah, yeah. I'll stop." Subaru waved his hands in front of him, mainly as a safety percussion if Felt decided to kick him anyways.
Finally settling down, Felt turned to Subaru. "So, what else do you have in mind?"
"Hmm... Well, this is my first time in Lugnica. Are there any good tourist spots? Maybe some fun Lugnica customs we can try out?"
"Hah, like this hell hole has anything like that. The main source of entertainment around here is complaining how nobles ruin other people's lives." Felt retorted.
"Is that so? I don't recall hearing that kind of conversation as often as you make it seem." Reinhard pointed out.
Felt just glared at the knight. "Obviously, you're probably what everyone complains about!"
"Er, Felt?" Subaru butted in. "Don't you think that's a little uncalled for?"
"Like hell it is! This kidnapper deserves way more than just complaining!"
Not acknowledging Felt's remarks, Reinhard changed the subject. "I do have an idea, Subaru. There's a facility nearby called the healing institute."
Eager to forget about the prior conversation, Subaru immediately responded. "That sounds like a great idea, Reinhard! I think we should get going right away." Without even giving anyone a chance to add anything, he got on up and began leading the charge.
"Subaru, it's that way." Reinhard quickly pointed out before Subaru wandered off too far.
"H-Huh? Oh right!" He quickly did a 180 and resumed his march. He still had no idea where he was actually going but this was perfect to derail that awkward conversation. Luckily for him, it worked just as he'd hoped
With the help of Reinhard constantly pointing out the directions, the trio arrive at their destination. Reinhard began to lead the way once inside. "This is the healing institute. This is where the most talented healers commonly gather."
Subaru raised his hand as if trying to imitate a student asking a question to their teacher on a field trip. "What do those healers do here, senpai?"
Before Reinhard could answer the question, Felt interrupted. "Since when did he get that title?!"
Not acknowledging Felt's question, Reinhard proceeded to answer Subaru. "Most of the time, they share their knowledge amongst other healers. They also use this place to heal patients with more serious diseases or research diseases that can't can't be healed with healing magic."
"I dunno, it sounds more like an over glorified clinic to me." Felt added.
"Will you show us around? I never actually seen healing magic in action before." Subaru pleaded. He was also secretly planning to get in touch with one of these healers and maybe he'd learn how to do healing magic himself.
All his dreams shattered as Reinhard shook his head. "I cannot. This is as far as we're allowed to go. The rest of the facility beyond this point is vacated for the healers and patients."
Felt nodded. "Yep, over glorified clinic."
Subaru fell to his knees as he wore a look of despair. "Well, there goes my plan to awaken a hidden healing power inside me."
That comment made Reinhard lift an eyebrow. "Healing magic is fairly rare. Not to be disrespectful, but the likelihood of you just happening to have healing magic is next to none."
"I didn't hear it's impossible so I still have a chance!" Subaru countered, still wishing his dreams to have a unique skill in this world would come true. Well, other than his return by death that is.
"Well, I guess that's true..." Reinhard muttered to himself as he started to ponder the possibility.
"Didn't you just say that was impossibly rare? How would you even know if he can cast any magic?" Felt asked. She may respect the guy for saving her and all but it wasn't realistic to think that he had some random superpower.
"Hm... I do know of a metia that can measure one's affinity to the elements. There should be one at the barracks if I'm not mistaken." Reinhard recalled. The one there was used on criminals to determine how much of a threat they pose but he was sure the knights wouldn't mind just to see a friends' potential.
"Sweet! I guess we know our next stop then!" Shouted Subaru as he was already making his way to the exit.
"Already?! We just got here! I mean, yeah, there really isn't anything to do here but can't we at least take some kind of break?" Felt practically pleaded. She had been all over the place today. True, she does a lot of moving thanks to her job as a master thief but this had been in the noble district of all places.
Already getting back outside, Subaru glanced back at the group as Reinhard started sharing his own opinion. "I agree with Miss Felt. We've gone quite the distance already after all."
Subaru was pretty eager to discover some secret talent within him but seeing how annoyed Felt was looking caused him to relent. It was like looking at a child that was about to break down. With a sigh, he took his pursuit down a notch. "Yeah, you're right. A little rest doesn't sound bad at all." He laughed a little.
A certain golden haired girl let out a sigh of relief. "Good, and chill a little! I'd rather not make a lap around the whole city!"
"R-Right. I'll keep that in mind." Subaru meekly replied. After taking a second to think about it, they had been all over the shopping district and god forbid how long they were running around doing that.
Reinhard clapped his hands together as a way to get the other two's attention. "With that decided, there's an inn nearby we can stop by. Since you're interested in knowing the customs of Lugnica, Subaru, it would be a good idea if-"
"Hold it right there, Reinhard." Felt suddenly interrupted. "I haven't had a say in anything since we started this! If you ask me, it's my turn to pick our rest spot."
Both Subaru and Reinhard had a look of embarrassment after listening to Felt's side of things. They had to admit, Subaru was pretty passionate about his endeavors and Reinhard had been too distracted by them to really see the whole group's wants and needs.
"I apologize, Miss Felt." Reinhard started. "You are indeed correct. If you already have a place in mind, I'll be more than happy to accompany you there."
With a triumphant smirk, Felt walked to the front of the group. "Oh believe me, I know just the place."
With that, the three went off to this spot Felt had in mind.
Or at least they were doing that. Reinhard started to get suspicious after they left the noble district and went out of the way down an empty alleyway. Out of concern, Reinhard quickly went in front of the group, standing in the way for the others to continue.
"My apologies, Miss Felt, but going this way would be too dangerous." Reinhard even bowed elegantly to the girl to show both courtesy and sincerity.
Felt on the other hand just confused by all this. "What the hell do you mean that it's dangerous? This is just a short cut to the slums."
"That is precisely why I can't in good faith allow you to do that. For reasons I've already explained, I cannot take any unnecessary risks that would put your life in danger. I pray that you understand my intentions."
Felt crossed her arms as she gave the knight the stink eye. "Fine, I guess there are plenty of other paths to get to the loot house anyways." Felt proceeded to turn herself around and started making her way to a different path but was halted once the knight grabbed hold of her arm.
"Miss Felt, I'm afraid I didn't make myself clear. I meant that the Slums are too dangerous to venture off to. I implore you to pick a different location to rest."
"H-Hey! Let go of me!" Felt scowled as she yanked her hand away. "Listen here, you're just being paranoid. I grew up in the slums and I'm still kicking. Besides, I got you and big bro with me, I can't really see how it can get safer than that."
Subaru blinked a few times as he pointed to himself. "Wait, since when was I your big bro?"
Subaru's question wasn't acknowledged as Reinhard had a much more pressing matter to focus on. "I understand, but the bowel hunter is still loose. Knowing that, wandering off in secluded areas like the slums is far too risky. Even this alleyway is pushing it way too far."
Felt wasn't backing down. With a look of determination, she stared Reinhard dead in the eyes. "You both agreed to rest in the spot I chose. If I say we're going to the slums, then we're going to the slums whether you like it or not!"
With a loud huff, Felt proceeded to move forward, walking past Reinhard. However, the knight snatched her arm halfway before any distance was made. "Forgive me, Miss Felt, but I can't agree to this."
Seeing how things currently stand, Felt wore a serious look on her face as she quickly swung her foot to Reinhard, intending to kick him away. However, just like every time thus far, Reinhard easily caught it using his other hand.
"Dammit, Reinhard! Let go-" Before Felt could complete her sentence, Reinhard lifted his hand in front of her and the girl suddenly felt an all too familiar wave of fatigue rush through her body. That familiar feeling of her energy very quickly left her as she couldn't even stand anymore.
Suddenly, Felt collapsed and Reinhard caught her and held the now unconscious Felt in his arms.
Subaru, who finally snapped out of his state of shock from this ordeal, rushed forward. "Felt! Are you alright!" Subaru cried out.
"No need to be alarmed, Miss Felt is just fine. I just calmed her down."
"Calmed her down?! She's out cold!" Subaru worryingly began to check Felt, making sure she wasn't going through anything abnormal. Who is he kidding, he watched Felt get knocked out using some weird magic trick. "What did you do to her?!"
"I drained some of her mana. I assure you, it isn't anything dangerous." Reinhard explained as calmly as he could.
Subaru was just about to lash out at Reinhard again but recognized a pained expression over the knight's face. It was a look of genuine shame.
That look was enough to let Subaru collect himself and let out a sigh. "Honestly Reinhard. You really shouldn't be treating girls like that."
Reinhard let out a dry chuckle, that look still stained on his face. "I never thought I'd be lectured over such things. Perhaps I still have a lot to learn."
With a proud smirk, Subaru gave the knight a thumbs up. "Oh more than you know. Luckily I'm a pro on how to treat a lady properly so I wouldn't mind at all helping out a friend."
"Friend..." Reinhard muttered to himself. He then smiled a little more confidently. "I suppose I should thank you for being such a thoughtful friend."
As much as Subaru enjoyed this praise, he turned his attention back to the unconscious girl. "So what's the plan, Reinhard?"
"Well, We're quite a ways away from the inn I suggested earlier... Ah! Follow me, I have an idea." Reinhard turned around as he walked himself back to the main road with Subaru following behind.
--
Present Time...
--
Subaru was sitting next to Felt in the waiting room of the Manor that Reinhard led them to. He had a hand over his face, covering his black eye a certain short tempered girl gifted him with. The two were just sitting there in silence for several minutes, neither of them making a sound.
After a while, Felt let out a sigh, finally breaking this awkward tension between the two. "So, how's your eye holding up?"
Subaru let out a chuckle and turned to face Felt, moving his hand out of the way to show his black eye for the world to see. "Hah, it hurts like hell. You sure have one hell of a punch, I'll give you that."
Felt couldn't help but share a prideful smirk. "And you better not forget it, big bro."
"So, how about you?" Subaru asked, leaning back on the chair as he glanced at Felt.
This made the girl in question look at Subaru dumbfounding. "Me? Why the hell are you asking me? I don't have a bad eye."
Subaru couldn't help but laugh at this before shaking his head. "No, not that. I meant how are you holding up? Like, being in the dead center of all this mayhem."
"Oh... That..." Felt took a second to ponder the question before sharing her answer. "Honestly, I don't really know. It's quite a lot to take in."
Subaru nodded. "I gotta admit, I'm kinda jealous."
Felt nearly flinched at that response but decided to throw him a comeback. "Really? I didn't know you were into getting kidnapped. You're certainly into some weird stuff."
"Huh? Hey wait! That's not what I meant at all!" Subaru shouted to which Felt began to chuckle to herself. After that was settled, Subaru continued. "I meant to be given an opportunity to do something so great. Like, being the ruler of a country must be a pretty sweet gig."
"Probably, but isn't that a lot of work? I mean, they run a whole country after all."
"Well yeah, but isn't that just work in general? You're a master thief that's apparently well renowned. That must be a lot of work too, right?"
"Of course it's a lot of work! But the difference between that line of work and becoming a ruler is I grew up in that field and I'm really good at it. But a Ruler? I don't know a thing about that! I'd rather stick to what I know."
"Felt..." Subaru understood where Felt was coming from. Back in Japan, he'd always fear getting a real job. He had just been scared to get into something he never tried and he just would prefer to stay in his room and watch anime. True, that may be an awful example considering Felt is trying to make money so she can survive in society and Subaru was living life as a freeloader but that was besides the point.
He didn't think living the life Felt was currently going through was a good thing. She may be good at it but a thief is still a thief. "If you don't mind me asking, weren't you trying to work for something greater? Something about living somewhere out of the city?"
Felt recalled her exclaiming such a thing to him when they first saw each other and the girl let out a chuckle. "Yep, the second this hot mess is over with, I'll sell that metia thing you have and I'll go do just that."
Subaru's eyes widened at the girl's plan. "You can't just sell my stuff without my permission!"
Felt burst out laughing. "Hah, I was just messing with you. In all honesty, I'll probably just get back to work, I'd say maybe a year or two before I actually get there though."
Subaru let out a nervous chuckle, not sure if she just won't turn around and take his phone anyways. However, he took a moment to think about how Felt was living in a poorly constructed tent before this and all it took for it was for him to bump into it for it to get wrecked. Felt shouldn't be living like this, he thought to himself.
"If you want my opinion, I think you'd do well as a ruler."
Felt stopped her giggling and lifted an eyebrow. "Didn't you hear what I said? I don't have any idea what it's like to be a ruler, as much as I appreciate you thinking so highly of me, I'm just a novice when it comes to all that political bullshit."
"You're probably right about that, but I still think you'd be a good ruler. I'm pretty sure one thing a ruler needs is the drive to work hard. I'd say you have more than what it takes to do that." Subaru shot Felt a thumbs up.
Felt just chuckled at that and shook her head. "If you say so, but I'm pretty sure there's more to it than just that. What about you? Surely you aren't going to leech off of Reinhard forever."
Subaru put on a fake look of despair. "Oh no! My plan had finally been revealed! What will I do now?!"
Felt nearly growled. "I mean it! Do you even have a plan?"
Subaru stopped his act and laughed nervously. "Not really, to be honest with you. I mean, I had considered selling my metia to live a quiet life."
"Hey! You can't steal my ideas either!"
"I'll have you know I thought about it first! But anyways, I might do other things. I think I could do pretty well as an inventor. I could run my own shop and make a name for myself that way. There's a lot of cool stuff back in my homeland that I'm sure Lugnica would love."
"Really? Where do you even come from?"
"I come from an island in the far east. It's a place called Japan."
"Japan? Never heard of it. Wait, there shouldn't even be any islands in the east! There's no way you came from past the waterfall!"
"Oh, Felt? If my business idea goes well, how would you feel about working with me?"
Felt was nearly raked aback by this. "Wait, work with you? You don't even know if your idea would even work."
Subaru shrugged. "Well I'll never know if I never try."
"Hmm, I guess if it's with you, it wouldn't be too bad... What would I even do if this happened?"
Subaru got up from the chair with an all knowing smile. "I'd have the perfect job for you. You'd be the shop's mascot!"
The girl blinked in confusion as she took a second to process what Subaru said. After it finally hit, her cheeks lit up and jumped out of her own chair. "M-Mascot?! Why would I be the one to do such a dumb job?!"
"Simple, your cute charms will definitely attract countless customers! With your help, we can be rich!"
"Slow down there! I know I'm cute and all but that's just ridiculous. The stuff you make should be the only thing that matters."
Suddenly, Subaru smiled rather deviously. "You aren't backing down because you're embarrassed, are you?"
Felt started stuttering. "O-Of course not! I just think a mascot is stupid. Now just shut up!"
"Well, I guess mascots would get a lot of attention. If I left you by yourself, you'd probably get overwhelmed and- GYAAAH!!!"
Subaru was suddenly kicked in his side by Felt. "I said shut up!"
Afterwards, the two just sat back down in their respective seats, silence returning to them like it had before.
Their sitting in silence was put to a halt as a certain red haired knight and butler entered the waiting room.
"Oh, there you are, Reinhard." Felt said in a strange calm tone as she got herself back up on her feet, walking towards the knight.
"Ah, It's good to see you back on your feet, Miss Felt. I've finished with my duties here and we can resume our activities." Reinhard reported.
Felt was standing in front of Reinhard with her arms crossed. She was wearing the biggest poker face Subaru had ever seen. "Mhm..." And with that, Felt's face contorted in anger as she lept in the air and slammed her foot straight down on Reinhard's head.
...
...
...
Except it didn't happen like that.
Reinhard caught her foot right before it even touched his hair. Since Felt was airborne, she quickly lost balance and swung upside down. That barely lasted though as Reinhard was quick to set Felt back on her feet.
"I have a feeling what that might be about and I apologize for having you go through that." Reinhard calmly apologized before bowing elegantly to the still fuming girl.
Felt didn't respond right away as she went to kick him again, thinking it would be easier since he was in such a position. However, that was easily blocked like every single one of her attempts.
"Grrr!!! What the hell is wrong with you?! Do you have any fucking idea what it's like to pass out and just wake up somewhere else?!"
The girl's outburst caught the butler by surprise. "Did something between those two...?" The butler muttered to himself.
Subaru quickly swooped in beside the butler and whispered to him. "It's just been a rough day. I think you should just give them some space."
The butler who was nervously sweating at this point from all the tension nodded in agreement. "W-Well, I hope you both can solve your differences. I bid you a good day, master Reinhard." After giving Reinhard a quick bow, he swiftly walked away from the scene.
After the butler left, Reinhard started, "I apologize for using such methods but I assure you, your safety is very important. I couldn't forgive myself if something happened to you, especially if I could've easily prevented it."
"That's not a real excuse! Whatever you did to knock me out isn't something you should be doing so casually!" Felt hissed. She wasn't as mad about not going to the slums, just being put to sleep like that was a lot more infuriating.
"She has a point." Subaru spoke up. "It isn't really good to use that sleep magic of yours on other people just to get your way."
Reinhard stood up straight as he finally began to reflect on what exactly he had been doing. The thought of how people would feel after this happening didn't occur to him before and now he regretted his actions. "I understand now. I wasn't aware that I had been hurting you by draining your mana. I promise I won't do that to you ever again, Miss Felt."
"Good! You better or else I'll- wait... You were draining my mana?!" Felt asked in complete and utter shock. Even Subaru was shocked at this revelation. This man really was a monster Subaru thought to himself.
Reinhard only tilted his head. "I'm sorry, have I not informed you?"
"N-No! You fucking didn't!" Felt snapped, still a bit startled at the thought that she had her mana sapped from her and twice apparently. "L-Let's just go back..."
"Are you sure? We have plenty of time to visit the barracks." Reinhard pointed out.
"We'll do that tomorrow. I think I've had enough for one day..." Without another word, Felt wearily walked herself out. Reinhard and Subaru followed after her. Even Subaru had to agree with Felt, the mood kinda just died for him.
Thus, the three had returned to Reinhard's manor.