Chapter 5
Subaru: "Wilhelm-san. It's been a while."
Subaru climbed down from the carriage to greet the Sword Demon.
Subaru extended his hand, which Wilhelm returned with a firm handshake.
Wilhelm: "Indeed. It has been far too long since we've seen each other Subaru-dono."
Beatrice and Spica jumped down from the driver's seat to greet the Sword Demon.
Wilhelm: "Ah, Beatrice-sama. It's an honour to make your acquaintance once again."
Wilhelm bowed his head respectfully before the great spirit.
Beatrice simply gave the old man an uninterested glance before turning back to her contractor.
Beatrice: "We should probably unpack, in fact."
Subaru: "Yeah, let's do that. It is late already. I guess we can negotiate tomorrow."
Subaru walked up to the carriage and petted Patrasche on the head.
He then walked around to the back of the carriage to unload their luggage.
Meili jumped down from the carriage, carrying the small scorpion in a box.
Meili: "Ah, finall~y! Now we can help naked onee-san."
Rem: "Don't get too excited Meili-san."
Rem climbed down from the carriage. Subaru climbed down from the back of the carriage after retrieving the luggage.
Rem: "We've only just arrived, and the sun is starting to set. I'm sure that Crusch-sama and this Felix person are tired and probably do not have the energy left to negotiate tonight. And on top of that, Subaru has been driving all day and I'm sure he'd like to have some rest."
Subaru smiled and laughed sheepishly.
Subaru: "I appreciate your concern Rem, but I'm fine."
Spica walked around and hugged Subaru around the waist. Subaru smiled and responded by patting her head.
Subaru: "After all, I had Spica-chan and Beako to keep me company. So it wasn't that bad."
Spica looked up and smiled with adoring eyes at Subaru.
Everyone carried a piece of luggage with them to the entrance where Wilhelm awaited them.
Wilhelm: "Please, go inside. I will join you after I take your carriage into the stable."
Wilhelm pointed them to the entrance and then went to take the carriage, Patrasche and Frufoo into the stable.
Upon walking inside, the Emilia camp felt amazement upon entering.
Meili: "Whoa. This place is really bi~g."
Rem: "It is isn't it. It's much larger than Roswaal-sama's,"
Subaru smiled, feeling a sense of nostalgia washing over him.
Subaru: "Man, how long has it been since I last came here?"
?: "So noisy down here. Guess that's to be expected when you're around Subaru-kyun."
The Emilia camp looked to the owner of the voice.
At the top of the stairs stood a man with cat ears and a blue dress.
Subaru: "Felix. Long time no see. How have you been?"
Felix: "I've been busy."
Felix started making his way down the stairs and everyone started to get a better look at the demi-human.
He had bags under his eyes and the way he carried himself, he looked exhausted.
Subaru: "Hey Felix, are you alright? You look-"
Felix cut him off.
Felix: "I'm fine. Don't worry about me. So what's this about a friend of yours you wanted my help with?"
Subaru immediately held his hands up to dismiss what Felix had said.
Subaru: "Whoa Felix. We're not going to discuss that now. We've only just arrived."
Felix: "Did you not write to us asking for our help?"
Subaru: "Yes we did. And we do want your help, but-"
Felix got even more irritated.
Felix: "Then stop wasting my time with this meaningless conversation."
Subaru was taken aback by Felix's tone.
Felix: "I have a lot of work to do so just tell me what you need so we can get it done and I can-"
?: "That's enough Felix."
Felix jumped at the firm voice ordering him to stop. He turned around to the owner of the voice.
There stood at the top of the stairs was Crusch Karsten.
She was wearing her nightgown and had a pale face. She looked unwell.
Subaru flinched.
He didn't know the specifics about Crusch's condition, but judging by Crusch's pale complexion and Felix's tired state, it clearly wasn't anything pleasant.
Felix: "Crusch-sama? What are you doing out of bed?"
Felix diverted his attention from Subaru to Crusch.
Crusch: "I apologise for not taking care of my condition Felix. But I cannot in good faith go to bed, knowing you're destroying yourself at the same time."
Felix flinched at Crusch's straightforward words.
Felix: "Crusch-sama, I'm fine. I'm trying my best to find a cure for your condition."
Crusch: "And how do you plan to help me if you're like this?"
Felix gritted his teeth.
Crusch: "Subaru-san is correct. You must rest Felix. You've been working non-stop for the past seven days without any proper sleep."
Felix turned away from her
Felix: "I sleep in my lab. That way I can get up and get right back to work without any distractions."
Crusch: "Felix, you-"
Crusch started coughing. She felt weak and supported herself on the banister.
Felix: "Crusch-sama!"
Felix ran up the stairs to support Crusch who had fallen to her knees and was breathing heavily.
Everyone had worried looks on their faces.
Subaru had heard that Crusch's condition was bad, but he didn't think it was like this.
She looked awful
Felix lifted her up and had her arm over his shoulder
Felix: "Hold on Crusch-sama, I'll get you back to bed. Then I'll make some medicine for you."
Crusch: "No...you won't."
Felix flinched
Crusch: "Once you help me to bed, you will do to we same and get some sleep."
Felix: "But Crusch-sama..."
Subaru: "She's right Felix"
Felix and Crusch turned to the Emilia camp members at the bottom of the stairs.
Rem: "What we came for can wait. What's important now is that you get some rest. There's no way you'll be able to focus if you're barely able to stay awake."
Felix cast his eyes downwards.
Crusch: "They're right Felix. You need to rest."
Felix gritted his teeth
Felix: "Fine. But I insist you get get some rest as well Crusch-sama."
Crusch: "As do I for you, and I mean it. I don't want to find you back in your lab until you're properly rested."
Felix: "Yes Crusch-sama"
With that, after a long journey for the Emilia Camp, and a stressful week for the Crusch Camp, everyone decided to get some sleep.
Two days later
The Emilia camp were sitting outside in the sunny weather, waiting for Felix to call them in for negotiations.
Spica was sat on Rem's lap and Rem was patting Spica's head.
Beatrice and Meili were sat either side of Subaru.
Subaru was holding Shaula in his hand, using his finger to pet her with the other.
Meili: "Come on Onii-san. Can I hold her no~w?"
Subaru: "Alright. Here you go."
When Subaru stopped petting the scorpion, it started snapping its pincers at his other hand, as if to say "Master, that feels niiiiice! Please don't stop" which made Subaru laugh.
Subaru: "Sorry Shaula. That's enough for today."
As soon as he said that, Shaula immediately pinched his hand, making him produce a totally manly scream, making everyone around the table laugh.
Subaru: "Ow! You little!"
Subaru grabbed the scorpion, trying to get her off his hand.
Meili: "Alright naked onee-san, that's enough for toda~y."
Meili waggled her fingers. Shaula let go of Subaru's hand and crawled onto Subaru's head.
Subaru's initial frustration changed back to happiness and hope as he petted the small scorpion on his head on the head.
Subaru: "No more tricks. Okay Meili."
Meili smiled smugly.
Meili: "No promises Onii-san."
Beatrice sighed, getting up from her seat and moving onto Subaru's lap.
Beatrice: "How long is that stupid cat going to take, I suppose?"
Everyone looked up to the balcony where Felix said he would call for them.
Meili: "Yeah. What's taking him so lo~ng?"
?: "If I may? Please do not be harsh towards Felix."
The Emilia camp turned to see Wilhelm van Astrea walking into the middle of the courtyard, carrying his sword with him to practice.
Wilhelm: "It has been a difficult week for all of us."
Wilhelm drew his sword and held it out in front of him with two hands.
Subaru: "I'm sure it must have been. Crusch and Felix looked awful when I last saw them."
Wilhelm sighed, focusing himself on his training.
Wilhelm: "Crusch-sama's condition in Pristella was bad. But thanks to Felix's efforts and the cure he made, he's managed to reduce her suffering greatly."
Wilhelm took three slashes at the air, a short pause in between, then another three slashes.
Wilhelm: "I'm not going to go into the specifics, but Crusch-sama is still quite ill. And Felix has worked himself to exhaustion trying to help her."
Wilhelm then took another three slashes.
Wilhelm: "This hasn't been easy for either of them. So please..."
Wilhelm turned to look at the Emilia camp
Wilhelm: "I'm certain Felix will grant your request. Just give him some time to recuperate."
Subaru nodded in agreement. They had come here to help Shaula, but they weren't in an immediate hurry.
Felix: "Hello Old man Wil!"
The Sword Demon turned around to see Felix, calling out from the balcony of Crusch's study.
Wilhelm: "Ah Felix. You're looking a lot better."
Felix: "I guess I just needed some rest."
Meili called out.
Meili: "Two entire days of re~st! Do you know how long we waited for you to wake u~p?"
Felix smirked condescendingly
Felix: "I don't believe I'm under any obligation to answer to the likes of a child."
Meili pouted furiously.
Meili: "I'm 14 you smug je~rk!"
Felix: "My point exactly"
Subaru patted Meili on the head, calming her down.
Felix turned his attention to Subaru.
Felix: "Subaru-kyun, Crusch-sama is ready for negotiations if you'd like to join us."
Subaru: "Of course. We'll be right there."
Felix nodded and went back into Crusch's study.
Subaru then turned to his friends in the Emilia camp.
Subaru: "Hey Beako, Meili can you give me a minute? I just need to chat with Rem and Spica-chan."
Beatrice: "Of course. Betty will wait I suppose."
Meili: "Okay, if that's what you want, we'll lea~ve."
But before they left, Beatrice gave a warning to the blonde-haired spiky teeth girl on Rem's lap.
Beatrice: "Don't even think of trying anything behind by back."
Spica gave a toothy grin to Beatrice who gave her a stern look.
With that, the two lolis left and Subaru was left with Rem and Spica.
Subaru: "Hey Rem."
Rem: "Yes?"
Subaru sighed.
Subaru: "I know this sounds selfish but...do you think you and Spica could stay outside while I go into negotiations with Beatrice and Meili?"
Subaru waved his hands reassuringly.
Subaru: "It's just that you weren't there in the Watchtower, I-I mean you were but-"
Rem held her hand up.
Rem: "I understand. I didn't witness any of the events in the Watchtower so I wouldn't be the best person to have by your side during negotiations."
Subaru smiled.
Subaru: "Thanks Rem. I know this is a lot to ask but, I'll make it up to you any way I can."
Rem smiled, putting a hand on Subaru's shoulder.
Rem: "Don't worry. Just do your best. I'm sure that's what your friend would have wanted."
Subaru smiled and nodded.
Spica got up and shot forward at lightning speed, wrapping him in a tight hug.
Subaru smiled and returned the hug, petting her on her head.
Rem: "Good luck Subaru."
Subaru smiled
Subaru: "Thanks Rem"
Wilhelm had come over to escort him to Crusch's office.
Wilhelm: "Are you ready to go Subaru-dono?"
Subaru: "Yes Wilhelm-san. I'm ready."
Wilhelm: "Good. Follow me."
Subaru, Beatrice and Meili were guided to Crusch's office by Wilhelm and were standing outside the door to Crusch's office.
Meili was carrying the box containing the Crimson Scorpion, the reason they had sought assistance from the Crusch camp.
Wilhelm knocked on the door.
Subaru heard a woman say "Come in" and Wilhelm opened the door to Crusch's office.
Subaru remembered when he last came in here when he negotiated with Crusch to get help against the White Whale.
And now here he was again, planning to negotiate with Crusch to help Shaula.
Crusch was seated at the negotiation table and Felix stood near the window, looking out of it.
Upon seeing the Emilia camp members present at the Watchtower enter, Felix went to stand by Crusch's side.
Subaru walked up to the negotiation table and took the seat opposite Crusch.
Beatrice and Meili stood by either side of him.
Crusch: "Greetings Subaru-san. It has been a long time since we last spoke."
Subaru: "Yeah, it has. I hope you're doing well."
Crusch: "I am. It has been difficult these past few months since the incident in Pristella. But I have Felix to thank for making them less painful."
Felix: "Of course Crusch-sama."
Meili: "Hey Onii-san."
Meili spoke up.
Meili: "Not that this reunion isn't heart-warming, but can we get on with what we're here to do~?"
Wilhelm: "Yes Crusch-sama. As I'm sure we'd like to continue talking, I'd advise we get down to business and discuss what Subaru-dono and his friends came to us for."
Subaru and Crusch agreed with their respective camp members and focused on the negotiation.
Crusch: "Subaru-san. You said in your letter that you had a friend that you thought Felix might be able to help. But you didn't give any specifics as to what it was you needed our help with."
Subaru: "I know. And I apologise. It's just...our friend's situation isn't really something I can explain by letter. I figured it would be easier to explain if you saw it in person."
He then gestured to Meili to put the box containing the small crimson scorpion, Shaula onto the negotiation table.
The Crusch camp was confused as to why Subaru had brought a strange creature into their negotiations.
Felix: "Uh...Meili was it? Why have you brought your pet into a negotiation?"
Meili pouted.
Meili: "She's not a pe~t! She's why we came he~re."
Subaru raised his hand up.
Subaru: "Meili, please. Don't worry."
Meili bit down her anger at Felix calling Shaula a "pet"
Subaru: "Look. Our friend here was deformed. Transformed into that small creature against her will."
Felix looked closer at the small scorpion on the table.
Felix: "So do you need some of the remedy I made for Lust's victims?"
Beatrice interjected.
Beatrice: "It's not as simple as that, in fact. That girl's situation isn't the same as the victims in Pristella, I suppose."
Wilhelm: "Then would you be so kind as to inform us of your friend's situation so we can understand and help you?"
Subaru: "Of course. Where do I begin?"
Beatrice: "Just tell them what they need to hear. Don't get side-tracked with irrelevant events, I suppose."
Subaru leaned back, sighing.
Subaru: "As you know, myself, Emilia, Ram, Beatrice and Meili went to the Pleiades Watchtower with Anastasia and her knight Julius to try and find any knowledge of how to save the people in Pristella. Well, we went there to find the Sage Shaula, and we met her."
Crusch: "You met the Sage Shaula? In person?"
Subaru nodded.
Subaru: "Actually Shaula said that she wasn't the Sage, only his apprentice. Apparently, the real Sage is named Flügel."
Felix: "Flügel? As in Flügel's Tree?"
Subaru: "Yes. The person who planted Flügel's Tree is the Sage who helped seal the Witch of Envy 400 years ago. And Shaula herself was also involved."
The Crusch camp were all shocked to hear this.
Wilhelm: "But why would no-one know about this? Why was Shaula credited for all of her master's achievements?"
Subaru leaned forward.
Subaru: "I don't know why. But for some reason, all his achievements and fame were credited to Shaula."
Crusch: "There are a few questions I'd like to ask you before we continue. What was Shaula like when you met her? What did she look like?"
Subaru: "Shaula was a young woman with long brown hair and green eyes. And...honestly, she was beautiful. She had a really beautiful face. I mean she was dressed pretty...scantily. But that's beside the point."
Crusch: "I...see."
Subaru leaned backwards on the chair.
Subaru: "And as for your other question...uh..."
Meili started laughing and smiling.
Meili: "Naked onee-san was really funny~! She was super affectionate towards Onii-san! She kept trying to hug and kiss hi~m. It was really cute watching her try and seduce hi~m."
The Crusch camp looked from the assassin girl to the blushing knight sitting opposite them.
Felix: "The sage's apprentice tried to seduce Subaru-kyun?"
Crusch: "Why did you call her 'naked onee-san'?"
Felix: "Crusch-sama, I find this extremely hard to believe. He can't be telling the truth can he?"
Crusch shook her head. Felix's jaw dropped.
Felix: "Seriously? Shaula tried to seduce Subaru-kyun?"
Crusch: "It sounds insane Felix. But there's no wind blowing around him at all. Despite how perverse it sounds."
Wilhelm: "I admit this sounds rather...depraved. I think it would be best if you explained the situation Subaru-dono."
Subaru composed himself and stopped blushing.
Subaru: "Alright. Yes. Shaula was very clingy and obsessive towards me and made quite a few advances. The reason for that is because she thinks I'm her master."
Crusch: "She thinks you're the sage?"
Subaru: "Yes. Her explanation for why she thought that is because she said she's not good at remembering people's faces and she mainly recognized people by smell."
Felix: "So she can smell the witch's miasma on you?"
Subaru: "Yes she can. But anyway. When we arrived at the Watchtower, there were three trials we had to do to gain access to the Watchtower's knowledge. I won't bore you with the details, I'll just give you the important things. Before we did the trials, Shaula informed us about the rules of the Watchtower."
"First: you cannot leave the Watchtower until all the trials are completed. No exceptions."
"Second: you're not allowed to destroy the Watchtower."
"Third: there's a library containing books in the Watchtower. You have to show respect to it. Meaning treat each book with respect."
"Fourth: you have to follow the rules of the trials"
"And the final rule is that you can destroy the trials if you don't want to face them."
Wilhelm: "So what happens if you break one of these rules?"
Subaru: "If you break the rules. Shaula will kill you."
The Crusch camp flinched at the harshness of the sage's apprentice.
Crusch: "So if you broke a rule, she would kill you on the spot?"
Subaru: "Shaula was ordered by Flügel to stay in the Watchtower and guard the Witch's seal and kill anyone who tries to approach. She's been there for the past 400 years. She was bound by a contract that if any of the Watchtower's rules were broken, she would be forced to transform into a monster and kill everyone in the vicinity."
Felix: "So Shaula-san doesn't have any choice of whether she kills anyone or not. She's forced to do it against her will."
Subaru nodded looking down.
Subaru: "She looked like she was in such pain when she transformed. She was crying, miserable. She never wanted to hurt anyone."
Crusch leaned forward
Crusch: "What happened to Shaula?"
Subaru sighed. He hated talking about this part, but he needed them to understand.
Subaru: "Eventually after transforming, Shaula exhausted all her power. And reverted into...that creature on the table."
Subaru pointed to glass box containing the small scorpion.
The eyes of the Crusch camp went wide in shock.
Felix: "What?!"
Crusch: "Are you serious?"
Wilhelm: "That's impossible"
Subaru looked down, tears were streaming down his face, but he didn't want to look at them. Beatrice placed a hand on his shoulder.
Felix: "That creature, on the table, in this house...is Shaula?!"
Subaru wiped his eyes and looked up at the Crusch camp members.
Unfortunately, his tears hadn't gone unnoticed.
Wilhelm saw despair in his eyes.
Wilhelm: "It sounds like you bonded with the Sage's apprentice when you were at the Watchtower Subaru-dono."
Subaru looked up at Wilhelm.
Wilhelm: "So I can assume that from your story and coming to our camp, you wish for Felix to try and restore Shaula to her human form correct?"
Subaru wiped his eyes and steeled himself in the negotiation.
Subaru: "Yes I am. And I know that this sob story isn't going to give me any kind of leverage. So that's why I'm offering this."
Subaru handed the piece of paper to Crusch.
Crusch took the piece of paper, opened it and read its contents.
Subaru: "Every year, the Lords in Roswaal's domain get a share of the council taxes from Costuul. I've discussed with Roswaal and he's willing to offer 50% of his annual share to you can do anything to help Shaula."
Subaru gulped. He hadn't been in a negotiation for a while now. He thought that his skills were a little rusty, but he prepared himself for what might happen next.
Crusch: "I understand your situation. And what it is you seek from our camp. But I have a few questions to ask before we discuss terms."
Subaru nodded.
Subaru: "Go ahead."
Crusch: "You said that Shaula had been living in the Pleiades Watchtower for 400 years, guarding the Witch's seal. And you said she had the appearance of a young woman correct?"
Subaru: "Yes"
Crusch: "There's no way she's human being able to live that long. So what kind of creature is she?"
Subaru sighed, nervous about how they might react.
Subaru: "Alright, I'll tell you but don't overreact."
Crusch, Felix and Wilhelm felt a sense of suspense
Subaru: "Shaula is a mabeast."
Felix immediately reacted.
Felix: "But you said she had a human form didn't you?"
Subaru: "I did. Shaula is a mabeast that had a human form somehow. And then she transformed into her beast form once the rules were broken."
Crusch leaned in, taking a closer look at the small mabeast on the negotiation table.
A mabeast with a human form?
Crusch: "I suppose that also answers my next question. If Shaula is indeed a mabeast and she says she recognizes others based on their smell, it would make sense she would mistake you for her master from your miasma."
Subaru felt a small wave of sadness wash over him. Shaula may have been a mabeast, but to only be able to recognize others based on their smell sounded insane.
How could she put up with that for four centuries?
Subaru shook his head and focused on continuing the negotiations.
Subaru: "Listen. Shaula may be a mabeast, but she's not dangerous. As I said, when she reverted, she lost all her power. So she's not going to hurt anyone."
Felix narrowed his eyes at the creature on the table. It didn't look dangerous.
Crusch: "He's telling the truth."
Crusch leaned back in her chair.
Crusch: "One last question Subaru-san."
Subaru steeled himself.
Crusch: "Suppose that we do decide to help you and bring Shaula back. Can you be certain that she won't transform again and go on a killing spree like she did in the Watchtower?"
Subaru flinched at that question. He remembered when Shaula transformed and went on a rampage, firing Hellsnipe attacks and violently killing him multiple times. It was terrifying.
But he also remembered the despair on her face, the agony, the fear, the sadness, losing control, losing herself. She'd hated every minute of it. So much she'd begged him to order her to die.
Meili: "He~y! She's not like tha~t! That's a really unfair ques-!"
Subaru: "That's enough Meili."
Subaru interrupted the blue-haired assassin.
Subaru: "That's a perfectly fair question to ask Crusch-san."
Crusch: "Well? Can you be certain she won't kill anyone?"
Subaru leaned back and sighed
Subaru: "No. I can't"
Crusch narrowed her eyes at the black-haired knight.
Subaru: "But if there is one thing I do know about Shaula, it's that she would never willingly transform into her beast form."
Crusch made sure to watch Subaru closely. Her divine protection wasn't giving anything so so far he wasn't lying.
Subaru: "When she did transform, she was afraid, in pain and miserable. It was clear as day she didn't want to transform. Because she obviously wouldn't be able to control herself once she did. And besides, she only transformed because the rules were broken and she was bound to them. So she didn't exactly have a choice."
Wilhelm: "That's a fair point Subaru-dono. And although you aren't her master, it sounds like she did not wish to harm you in any way."
Subaru nodded, looking from Wilhelm to Crusch.
Subaru: "Crusch-san. I can't be certain that Shaula won't transform again. But I am certain that she would never choose to transform."
Subaru leaned forward.
Subaru: "We conquered the Watchtower when we went. Now the rules that used to be in place before no longer apply."
Crusch: "Yes. You said that the Divine Dragon took Shaula's position in guarding the Witch's seal correct?"
Subaru: "Yes. And Shaula's free now."
Subaru looked down at the crimson scorpion on the table.
Felix: "I think before we continue any further Subaru-kyun, you should know."
Subaru looked up at Felix.
Felix: "The whole world knows Shaula-san's name and about her involvement in the Witch of Envy's defeat. While there could be some good in having such a powerful and famous historical figure in Emilia-sama's corner, there could be some repercussions from this."
Subaru flinched.
Felix: "If Shaula comes back and starts calling you master and flaunting her name around, the sage council may take you in for questioning. You could get an unwanted target on both your back and hers if something unwanted happens in the long term."
Subaru pursed his lips. Fortunately, he had thought about the possible scenarios where people might ask questions or get suspicious and the possibility of government involvement.
But Subaru missed Shaula.
He knew it may be risky and could either endanger or enhance Emilia's chances in the Royal Selection.
Subaru: "You're right. I thought of that, and the risks that could be involved. But I've come this far already, and I don't plan on giving up so easily."
Wilhelm smiled. Subaru was still the same honourable, stubborn and determined lad who'd led the attack on the White Whale.
Subaru: "Crusch-san"
Crusch perked up and listened to the scary-eyed knight.
Subaru: "Obviously, we're not expecting you to give us your assistance for free. As such my offer of half of Roswaal's portion of the annual taxes from Costuul is yours if you still want it.
Crusch handed the piece of paper back to Subaru.
Crusch: "Please inform Roswaal-sama that he can keep his portion of the taxes all to himself."
Subaru was surprised at what Crusch had said.
Subaru: "What do you mean?"
Felix leaned down to get a closer look at the creature on the table.
Wilhelm: "Shaula-san was deformed against her will. Just like the people of Pristella were. Even though her situation is not the same, it's similar to that of Lust's victims, which is something Felix has been working on for the past three months."
Subaru interjected
Subaru: "Wilhelm, it's not really fair that we ask you to do this for free, we're willing to-"
Felix: "Crusch-sama didn't say we would do it for free Subaru-kyun. She said there was no need to offer anything like land or taxes to get our assistance."
Beatrice chimed in.
Beatrice: "So what are your demands? What would you like in return for helping us, I suppose?"
Felix looked up from the scorpion to the great spirit.
Felix: "A few thousand holy coins."
Subaru was surprised at Felix's demands. Not because of the amount, no. Roswaal had millions in his bank, so paying a few thousand holy coins wouldn't be a massive issue.
Subaru: "May I ask why the amount?"
Felix closed his eyes.
Felix: "Making medicines for treating illnesses is extremely hard and time-consuming. The materials and equipment needed for this kind of thing are also highly expensive."
Meili chimed in.
Meili: "Wouldn't the stuff you made for the people of Pristella work just fi~ne?"
Felix shook his head.
Felix: "I don't know."
Meili narrowed his eyes slightly at his answer.
Felix: "I've treated humans, demi-humans, and beastfolk before. But I've never treated mabeasts before. For good reason since they're violent creatures."
Meili pouted at Felix's description of the mabeasts she loved so much.
Felix: "Don't take that the wrong way. I will try to help Shaula-san as best I can. But the point is that I've never treated mabeasts before in my life. It's a completely new area of medicine for me."
Felix closed his eyes.
Felix: "What I made may have worked for the residents of Pristella, but it's not guaranteed to work the same for Shaula-san. The people of Pristella were humans, demi-humans and beastfolk. It could work differently on mabeasts. Either beneficial or detrimental."
Subaru nodded his head. He was starting to understand what Felix was saying. And looking at Crusch and Wilhelm, they agreed with what he was saying.
Subaru: "So in case the cure you used in Pristella doesn't work, you need that money to buy materials to make a new cure for Shaula right?"
Felix nodded his head.
Felix: "You're my friend Subaru-kyun. While I am willing to grant your request, remember that you are Crusch-sama's rival camp seeking assistance from Crusch-sama herself."
Crusch nodded in agreement.
Crusch: "Of course. Since it's Felix's duty as a healer to help those in need, he'll do his duties. However since this request will benefit Emilia's camp, we will not be offering any of our money or resources to help you in your endeavour. If you wish for our help, you will need to pay for whatever materials and equipment Felix may require."
Subaru gulped at Crusch's harsh words, but he knew she was right. Shaula's situation was similar to the people of Pristella, but in case that cure didn't work, he needed resources to make a cure specifically for Shaula. And as their request was for the benefit of Crusch's rival, they wouldn't just do something like that for nothing. So Crusch may have been tough, but their request was perfectly fair.
Subaru: "Of course Crusch-san. I agree with that condition. Whatever resources Felix needs to do his work, we'll pay. If it's anything to help Shaula, it's worthwhile."
Crusch smiled.
Crusch: "I'm glad we could agree on these terms Natsuki Subaru."
Subaru extended his hand out to Crusch and shook it.
And with that, the deal was made.