Watching Arc 4 in The Theater of Despair

by Ostap Bender99

This fanfic is a prequel to the work "The Secret" by Continuer123. The cast is still trapped in an enchanted theater by the enigmatic "Warden". And now they are about to see the trials of Natsuki Subaru that took place in Sanctuary. P.S. - this work is a translation of the finished fanfic.

6. Episode 5

Subaru carefully examined the Echidna, dressed like his classmate.

"First off, there's something I'd like to say. You look pretty good in that uniform." He said in a completely serious tone.

"Subaru-u-u!" Emilia growled with jealousy, almost forgetting her promise to be careful with his fingers, but she came to her senses at the last moment. Flirting with Echidna was totally of limits, since she's such a mean-spirited woman.

'I can't argue with your statement, Subaru-kun.' Roswaal thought to himself, noting the increase of his heartbeat.

He had never seen his teacher in any clothes other than her signature black dress. Although he still considered her traditional outfit to be the pinnacle of elegance and femininity, this image… evoked in him some long-forgotten emotions, typical to adolescent boys.

"Rem, do you finally see that the trash you decided to give your heart to can't even pass by a four-centuries-old skirt?! Rem?" Ram declared with indignation, still not giving up hope to reason with her charming, but oh so inexperienced sister.

But Rem did not react in any way. She was busy looking at the screen with a thoughtful face.

'We should have cloth with such colors…. The cut doesn't look too complicated… yes! I can definitely replicate it! Just you wait, Subaru-kun! I'll engrave in my memory the look on your face when you see me in this outfit!' Rem thought with passion, already figuring out how long it will take her to sew herself a similar uniform.

'I should also try to find out from Beatrice-sama how dates go in his world work. What they do, What they eat… and then I'll be able to arrange a nostalgic date for Subaru-kun! Even Emilia-sama won't be able to beat that!'

"If Subaru likes girls in this uniform, then he will get it!" Petra murmured, so that only Frederica could hear it. She was pretty confident in her seamstress skills.

"It will definitely suit you." The senior maid supported her student, while at the same time guessing that Rem was, probably, having the same idea.

Obviously, when Emilia-sama, Subaru-sama and the others return from Pristella, the already not a boring life in the mansion will become much more interesting. Frederica couldn't wait for these fun days.

Echidna looked surprised at this statement at first, then laughed loudly.

"Why, thank you! Hearing you say that tells me that recreating it from your memories was worthwhile." Echidna said, spinning in place to let the young man see the shape from all sides.

"So what is this place?" He got down to business.

"As one who is qualified, you entered the graveyard."

"Thus the trial began."

"That's all there is to it."

"Didn't you hear me say, 'First, you need to face your own past'?"

"I'm gradually starting to remember." Subaru said thoughtfully. "What did you do to me? I had completely forgotten about you."

"It was quicker to meddle with your memories than it would've been to trust that you could keep a secret."

'You are using a very strange approach, Mother. Why are you so straightforward with him? It's not like you. If you want to get closer to my contractor, then this is clearly not the way to go. Why make yourself look bad? Or are you pursuing a different goal?' Beatrice mused, surprised by the witch's words.

Similar thoughts were now swarming in Roswaal's head, who also found his teacher's behavior strange.

"And? Did I pass the trial?"

"Having seen every moment of it, I think the result you achieved was more than suitable."

"But in my case from the very beginning, for some reason, she was angry at me, as if I had offended her in some way! She called me names, humiliated me, criticized my every decision! What kind of biased judgment is this?!" Emilia crossed her arms resentfully.

"Maybe she saw you as a rival, Emilia-sama? That would explain a lot. It's obvious that she's very interested in Subaru. And if she has the opportunity to look into his memory, then she clearly knows who his heart is drawn to." Reinhard tried to answer her.

"Every moment? Wait, you—" Natsuki was horrified by this fact.

"I'm so so-o-orry!" She mimicked his sobbing in front of his father. "When you said that, even I teared up a bit."

"Shut up! Don't tell anyone about that! It's too embarrassing!" Subaru shouted at her.

"It's too late now, Natsuki-san! We have now gathered enough material, and you will get terrible revenge for all the bullying you have subjected me to!" The merchant gloated.

He couldn't wait for his brother to wake up and start recalling to him all the most shameful and funny moments of his past. Ah, this alluring expectation of well-deserved revenge, which will be sweeter than honey!

"Anyway, so this world is actually…"

"Yes, that's right. It's a fabricated world that I recreated with utmost faithfulness to your memories. Everything, including your parents. Understand?"

"Memories. So we guessed correctly that she has the ability to look into his memories. Did she see what we saw, too?" Felt was interested and worried at the same time.

Who knows how this witch will use such knowledge. But the young princess was sure that whatever it was, her big bro's wellbeing won't be the priority for the witch.

"If so, then this explains Mother's interest in Betty's contractor, in fact. When she was alive, she was the most active among the other witches when it came to communicating with the big world. She has signed a lot of contracts with a variety of people. We'll have to keep this in mind."

"You fabricated all that? Really?"

"But some stuff was mentioned that even I didn't know."

"Are you sure you didn't know? Did you never once entertain the thought of your father being different in any way from what you'd pictured?" She said the last words right in his ear, appearing behind him. "Did you really think you could hide the parts of your heart that you thought no one knew about?"

"The desire to have them know, so you'd feel less burdened… The selfish wish that they'd still love you, even if they knew… Can you state with certainty that you did not seek any of that from your imaginary parents? That would be far too idealistic, not to mention convenient. Don't you agree?"

"She's just playing with him like a cat with a mouse. What is she trying to achieve?" Tivey asked, totally confused.

"Maybe this is how her witch's nature manifests itself, and she just can't resist behaving like this?" Reinhard replied thoughtfully.

"The Teacher always questioned any thesis she came across. It may very well be that now she is testing the strength of Subaru Natsuki's belie-e-e-fs." Explained Roswaal, who gets sincere pleasure from every second with a Snide on the screen.

"Don't make fun of my parents, Echidna." Subaru replied, not reacting to her games in any way.

"What?"

"I gave all of my answers, and both my mom and my dad accepted them. They told me to give it my all, and to take care. Their voices, their smiles, and everything else shattered what I had imagined. My parents are too big to even fit in my puny imagination! Don't underestimate them! I told them everything I wanted to say. I'm not gonna let anything you say sidetrack me."

"Ha! Some witch can't intimidate my cap'n!"

"He's only being so brazen with her because he knows he's invulnerable." Tivey said angrily.

"I'm afraid that's not the case at all." Wilhelm shook his head, also disapproving of the young man's too audacious nature. Especially in relation to those who really shouldn't have been angered. "Even if Subaru-dono didn't have this ability or didn't realize he had it, he would have behaved the same way. It is in his nature to speak directly and not bend over to anyone, unless he himself decides that it is necessary."

"You say that with such confidence, Wilhelm-san. Have you met people like Subaru-sama before?" Frederica asked with interest.

"Yes, over the years I have more than once met young men with hot heads and tongues that move faster than thought. What can I say, at his age I was even worse."

"Sir William, who behaves worse than Subaru? That's what I find extremely difficult to imagine!" Emilia commented with a laugh.

"Still, it's the truth. When I was young, I was extremely arrogant, rude, and ready to get into a fight with anyone whose gaze I didn't like, regardless of titles and position. Only my sword skills saved me from premature death because of my arrogance. And only Theresia was able to calm my temper and make me think about the future." Smiling nostalgically at the memories of his wife, he looked ahead at the girls sitting around the young man. 'I hope you can also calm his temper and make him equally happy.'

Smiling contentedly at his statement, Echidna playfully turned away.

"I feel extremely uncomfortable at the thought that I have to thank the witch. Even if it was all just an illusion, but thanks to her, Subaru-kun managed to pour his soul out." Rem said in a soft voice.

"Indeed. After all that happened, he was able to come to terms with his feelings about getting into our world." The duchess agreed with her. "Now he is ready to go further along his chosen path, because he wants to, and not because he is forced under the pressure of circumstances."

"From my point of view, Echidna seemed like exceedingly nasty, but not a malicious girl. Though she did insult me unceasingly, she helped me to see my past, to face problems that I had only run away from before. In a way, thanks to her, I was able to overcome my fears and become a better person."

"Mother was never interested in doing nefarious things, just for the sake of doing them, I suppose. After all, she did help a lot of people in her time, in fact."

"This trial is over, in the truest sense. I look forward to seeing how you handle the next question."

"Wait, 'next question'? What does that mean? There's more than one trial?!"

"There are three graveyard trials in total. You must pass all of them to set the Sanctuary free."

"I'm so glad I finally got to tell you this! Seeing you so surprised makes my heart leap."

"There are three stages? What awaits Subaru in the other two? Maybe they will also help him face his other problems and get them solved?" Petra asked with a mixture of hope and concern.

"Who knows? His first Trial was va-a-astly different from what Garfiel or I went through. We don't even know if he took up the second one, because in the end It was I who took down the barrier." Emilia reasoned aloud.

At that moment, the class began to fade into white nothingness.

"It's already starting to disappear. If you go outside, you should find yourself back in the graveyard."

"Hey, Echidna…"

"What is it? You want me to let you hit me? You do have that right, it's true. But I'm a girl. My face is—"

"Why did she even think he would hit her? And even if he was angry, she had already said that two more trials were waiting ahead. The stupidest thing to do in such a situation is to attack the examiner! Or was it just another of her provocations?" Tivey asked, puzzled.

"Mother has always been driven by logic and reasoning, as far as possible in her position, I suppose. Emotions were the most difficult subject for her, which she never understood. After all, they are the antithesis of logic and common sense. It is impossible to predict them absolutely accurately, even if you have known a person for many years, in fact."

"Besides, be-e-eing one of the witches of sin, Echidna was often the victim of unreasonable fear, hatred, and mistrust of the othe-e-ers." said Roswell.

The magician sincerely hoped that, following the events in the Sanctuary, Subaru did not hold a serious grudge against his Teacher. That would be…problematic.

Roswaal absolutely did not want to resort to coercive methods to force Subaru Natsuki to cooperate with him. Moreover, when the viewings end, this approach will become incredibly difficult to use. At the very least, Subaru was not opposed to brining her back to life.

"Thanks." This answer genuinely surprised the witch. "Even if they weren't real… Even if I didn't get to say it to my real parents… It's thanks to you that I got to say what I wanted to say. So… Thanks."

Beatrice and Roswaal smiled sincerely at this scene.

"This dog knows when to be grateful to those who helped him, regardless of his attitude towards them. That's good." Priscilla said with satisfaction.

"Even the enemy should be treated with respect. And Echidna, despite her eccentric behavior, has so far only helped him. Therefore, gratitude is an expected step on Natsuki's part." Said the best of knights.

"It all depends on how you look at it, Julius. Subaru-kyun wasn't planning on taking the Trial, he simply wanted to make sure his lady was okay. In addition, the witch got into his head without asking, took his memories and imposed a test on him using his troubling emotional experiences. And after that, she has been watching him all this time, like he's just a test animal. Would you be grateful to her if she made you go through the biggest regret of your past? Or would you be enraged?"

This point of view from Felix made the audience think. If you look at it this way, Echidna's assumption that she would be hated for something like this seemed reasonable. And Subaru's reaction to everything that happened became all the more surprising.

"You are a very intriguing human. I just can't comprehend you. It actually frightens me."

"It's an honor to know I can frighten a witch." Having said that, he headed out of the classroom. Just before the door, he turned around:

"Oh, yeah. It sounded like you really want me to go through the next trial, but I can't grant that wish for you."

"Meaning?"

"I'm not the one who'll pass the trials and set the Sanctuary free. Someone else is gonna grant that wish for you."

'You sincerely believed in me then, Subaru, and I let you down again… I just created additional problems for you… When will I finally become someone you can completely trust?' Emilia reflected sadly, remembering how cowardly she had behaved in those days. Even though she knew now that it wasn't her fault. Not entirely, at least.

"Is that so? I wonder…" She replied with an intriguing smirk.

The next moment, Subaru opened his eyes and found himself on the floor inside the tomb. Standing up and spitting the dirt out of his mouth, he looked around.

"Where…" At that moment, memories came flooding back to him. "Oh, right. I went through the trial."

Hearing the moans nearby, he turned around and saw the one he had rushed here to save. She looked like she'd had a nightmare.

"Emilia!" The attempt to wake her up only intensified the effect of the nightmare, and the girl began to shake. "Emilia?! Hey, hang in there!"

Panicking, he lifted her up.

"Emilia! Emilia!"

"Subaru?" She opened her eyes slightly, hardly understanding what was happening. "Right… I was undergoing the trial… and…"

Trying to tell her caused her to have a panic attack. Her pupils shrink in horror, her teeth chattered as if from the cold. It seemed like even though she woke up, she continued to have nightmares.

"Emilia?"

"I-I'm… It wasn't me! It wasn't! And yet… I keep telling you it wasn't me, and yet…"

"Hey, calm down! Look at me, Emilia!"

"No! Don't look at me like that! No! No! It wasn't me!"

"It's okay! Come on, it's okay! I'm with you! I'm here! I won't leave you alone! It's okay!"

"Father… Help me! Puck… Puck!"

"Big sis! What kind of horrors did you see there that you were shaking so much?!" Felt asked the half-elf anxiously.

She knew that Emilia was not a timid person. She was not intimidated by Elsa, even when she showed what a dangerous enemy she was. And in the failed loop, she bravely confronted one of Sloth's fingers. So, in order to scare her, you really had to try.

"Those were fake memories that I had because of Pandora. She didn't want me to remember the day I met her, so she sealed my memory. I was shown the inhabitants of my native village in the Elior forest, frozen in eternal ice. They all looked at me accusingly, blamed me as responsible for what had happened, that I had caused this tragedy. It was incredibly scary for me to see it."

"But you know now that it's all a lie, don't you?" The young princess tried to cheer her up. — "Now you know that it's not your fault!"

"Thank you for your support, Felt." Emilia smiled at her sadly. "But the truth is, it really happened because of me. Because I lost control of my magic. And even though it was all Pandora's fault, and I was just a little girl then, in front of whom the one she considered her own mother was brutally killed… I still feel responsible for what happened. Therefore, I intend to do everything possible to fix it!"

"Dragon's blood… is that why you decided to run for the throne?" Anastasia guessed.

"Yes, that was the original agreement between Roswaal and me. Only later, when I settled in his mansion and began to learn more of the world, I learned what discrimination elves are subjected to all over the world. And along with them, the rest of the demi-humans. Before that, I thought that people only hated me because of my resemblance to the Witch of Envy. Therefore, I decided that it would not be enough to simply awaken the Elior forest from its icy sleep. I must return my people to a world where they can live in peace without being persecuted just because the Witch of Envy was a half-elf!"

"Good goal, big sis! I like your idea! If I win, I'll help you fight discrimination!"

"Thank you, Felt-chan! I re-e-ely appreciate it!"

"I am sincerely pleased that my opponent is pursuing a noble goal." The duchess nodded approvingly.

Anastasia and Priscilla decided not to comment.

The next scene began in the Sanctuary's apartment building. Emilia was asleep, herbs were smoking in a saucer next to her. Then the scene changed to the main room of the house.

"She's finally calmed down, and is resting now. The aroma hypnosis will prevent any nightmares." Ram said, standing at the door.

"Sorry to put you through the trouble." Subaru told her, sitting at the table with Otto and Garfiel.

"I didn't do it for you. Still, the Sanctuary is even farther from being set free now."

"Um, may I say something?" Otto drew his attention to himself.

"What's up, Otto?"

"It might be possible to get everyone outside the barrier without doing the trial and freeing the Sanctuary."

"Huh? What're you talkin' about? There's no way in hell." Garfiel was indignant.

"Just hear me out. I know that anyone of mixed blood who touches the barrier loses consciousness. I saw it with my own eyes."

"So… Why don't those of us who aren't affected by the barrier carry the others through it while they're unconscious?"

"I get it! That way, we could get everyone—" Subaru replied.

"An amusing idea, but one you would be better off not trying." A new voice answered from the entrance.

The door opened and the same girl that Subaru had seen earlier in the forest came inside. Only now she was wearing a black cloak and carrying a staff decorated with crystals.

"I would rather not become an empty shell of a soul."

"You're that girl from—" Muttered Natsuki, but a second later, a cup full of hot liquid touched his cheek. With a cry of pain, he jumped up, fanning the burn on his face.

"Ow, ow, ow!"

"Barusu, here's your tea." Ram said calmly, ignoring the young man's suffering.

"What is your problem, I suppose?!" Beatrice snapped, turning an angry look at the maid. "Should I start making sure that you don't appear in the same room with my contractor at all?!"

"Beatrice!" Emilia gave her a warning.

"You're still going to justify her behavior towards Betty's contractor, I suppose?!" Beatrice stared at the half-elf.

But suddenly another voice butt in their dispute:

"That's right! Ram should have followed the example of the great spirit here: throw him out of the window! Preferably, from the height of the third floor! Preferably in a pile of manure! After all, as I understand it, this is a manifestation of sincere care and respect for my pal, isn't it?!" Al made no attempt to hide his venomous sarcasm towards the spirit girl.

He himself knew perfectly well what it was like to be a punching bag for the powerful ones. And he will be only glad if Ram is given a very good and memorable lesson on the topic of what is allowed in relation to his pal and what is not. But, if anyone had the right to be outraged because of the pink maid's attitude towards Subaru, it is clearly not those who showed him the same level of disregard on the screen.

The one-armed warrior's words immediately made Beatrice stop in her tracks. The feeling of guilt made the girl sit down. After all, she had nothing to counter Al's accusation with. At that time, she treated her future contractor the same way, if not worse. And over the past year, she has never properly disciplined Ram for her behavior towards Subaru. Although she was the one who was most aware of the real state of affairs and how her contractor was suffering.

"We've already discussed this." Emilia continued softly, wanting to calm Beatrice down. "I'm also not happy with the way Ram behaved with Subaru. And will make sure this will not happen in the future. But I am sure that Ram had serious reason for such an act. Isn't that right, Ram?"

"It's obvious that Barusu was going to say something stupid that would make Garf wary of us. So I had to act quickly to shut him up and warn him without attracting the attention of the others."

"Tea, my ass! That's hot! You're gonna burn my cheek off! I didn't know what was going on!"

"So dramatic. What a pathetic excuse for a man." The maid ignored his rant, but then, bending down to put the glass on the table, she whispered in his ear:

"Avoid making any unnecessary comments."

"So she really made a scene to warn him." Ricardo said, noting the quick thinking and resourcefulness of the pink maid. Merciless to others, but still resourceful.

"As always, my sister is great when it comes to improvising on the go! But I do not approve of the method you have chosen for this, Sister! I don't want you to hurt Subaru-kun!"

"I assure you, sissy, any physical violence that I use against Barusu is absolutely justified. And it's aimed at keeping him out of trouble or making him a better person. Although I understand that becoming better than zero is not much of an achievement."

"You warned him about Ryuzu. But why? What should he be afraid of?" Emilia did not understand what was happening.

"I knew that Garfiel didn't want the Sanctuary to be liberated. It is unknown how he would have reacted if Barusu had said that he had seen Ryuzu in the forest." Ram maneuvered her words as best she could to tell only the truth, but at the same time give out a minimum of information.

If the others were to find out about the plans her master had for Barusu and Emilia-sama, they wouldn't find out about it from her. It was the little she could do for the man she loved.

"Well, Ram's right 'bout tha'." Garfiel said with uncharacteristic thoughtfulness. "A'first, the cap'n didn't inspire confidence in my amazin' self, and I treated 'em with suspicion. If I had known that he had seen one of the copies, I would've been even more on edge."

"Let me guess. Natsuki-kun will have troubles with the locals again, and he will have to find a way to gain their trust." Anastasia said with a heavy sigh. "As if we didn't get more than enough of this in the mansion arc."

"I'm already wondering if by the end of the viewings there will be at least someone in the camp of the half-wit who was not an enemy or a traitor to the plebeian at least once!" Priscilla said sarcastically.

"Hey, merchant, do you want to make another bet? I bet that the flea-bitten bully will at least try to kill his so much admired 'captain'!"

"It really does look like an unhealthy trend." Al said with displeasure. "We already know that the blond guy in our timeline fought with the pal before they became allies. So far, he has not shown any open aggression, but who knows what we will see next? Isolated communities are famous for their mistrust and suspicions towards any outsiders. Especially when the pal will start dying again. He'll definitely start making a fuss and sniffing around, looking for answers. Which will make him behave more and more suspiciously."

Garfiel wanted to answer, but didn't know what to say. As soon as the viewings reached the Sanctuary arc, he was haunted by a frightening thought. Grandmother Ryuzu warned him that the captain reeked of miasma, and therefore he immediately identified him as a potential threat.

But in the reality known to him, it was the captain and Otto who were the first to oppose him. So they knew about his reluctance to leave the Sanctuary. And that meant one thing: the captain had encountered Garf before. The young man regularly cast glances at Rem, wondering:

'Will I make the same mistakes as you, Rem? With my empty head, fear of the outside world, and the knowledge that the captain stinks like a cultist… I can only hope that Ram will smack me on the head in time if I try to do something terrible. Please, I don't want to be the one to hurt the captain!'

"Ram, get me some tea, too." Garfiel demanded cheerfully.

"It's coarse tea." The maid said.

"Don't you usually talk more humble-like?" The blond man said flirtatiously.

"I just brewed some leaves I picked up. Show your gratitude to me for making it by drinking every last drop."

"Knowing Ram, she could really brew tea for Garf from fallen leaves she gathered outside!" Frederica remarked with a laugh.

"I have been thinking for a long time now that the only reason why the pink sister is still a maid is the eccentricity of her master. She is rude to the guests, she is bad at her job and does not want to work, she is not that good in a fight either." commented Tivey.

"Maybe she is being held because of her sister, who, on the contrary, is a wonderful maid?" Mimi cheerfully supported her brother's idea.

Rem turned around to tell the twins everything she thought about those who dared to belittle her sister, but Ram's raised hand stopped her.

"Don't waste your breath on empty-headed kids, Rem. They are not worth your anger."

"If nee-sama says so. But next time, I will not leave this without consequences!" She finished loudly so that the twins behind her could clearly hear everything.

"I heard you had brought in more people from outside, Young Gar. What a noisy boy he is." Ryuzu said.

"Um… And you are…" Otto asked.

"I am Ryuzu Bilma. It is my duty, you might say, to represent this community, though I am old and frail, as you can see."

"As we can see?" Subaru peered at her with an interested look. "So you're what they call a loli hag! I figured I'd meet one eventually, but you really fit the stereotype."

"Sound the alarm! Lolimancer is at it again! Hide your daughters and loli grannies!" Ricardo screamed with mock horror.

"If Subaru even dares to flirt with Ryuzu, I'll lock him in an endless maze of toilets, I suppose! I don't care who he's flirting with, but Ryuzu is a taboo! The place of the centuries-old loli in his heart has already been fully occupied, in fact!" Beatrice said loudly, waving her fist threateningly to prove the point.

Even if it wasn't the real Ryuzu, but only a copy created in Echidna's laboratory, it was still a copy of her first friend. And she won't let anyone take her friend away. Even her contractor.

"Oi, calm down! The cap'n won't try to hit on grandma! She's old, and she also looks like a little girl." Garfiel said confidently, but still looked at Otto with concern. "He won't try anything, right, Brotto?"

"Don't worry. The worst that Natsuki-san can do is a few inappropriate jokes." Otto was quick to calm him down.

"The lustful essence of Barusu truly knows no boundaries! He doesn't spare small children, young maidens, or even respectable old ladies. And that's the kind of molesting monster your poor sister had to live with for the past year, Rem! Every day I fear for the chastity of my lovely body." Ram said with almost real horror, hugging herself.

"I can't help but notice that there really are too many young-looking girls hanging around him. Is it he who attracts them to himself, or is it fate that brings him to the places where they live?" Julius noted an interesting fact for himself.

Then he spoke softly to his lady. "I'm starting to worry about Liliana-san back in Pristella. Who knows what can happen."

Hearing this, Anastasia giggled into her fist.

"You're right, we'll have to warn Emilia that Natsuki-kun must be kept as far away from Liliana-chan as possible, otherwise the negotiations are doomed to fail."

"One thin' can be said for sure! No matter where the cap'n goes, he'll meet some new loli 'ere for sure!" Garfiel declared in a proud voice, pleased that his captain was meeting even those expectations that Garf did not want to know about.

"How dare you call me an old woman when we've only just met. Well, no matter. And you are Barusu… which makes you Young Su."

"Young Su?"

"So, Ryuzu-san, what makes you say my idea won't work? Something about an 'empty shell of a soul'?" Otto asked her.

"Have you not heard?" The elder began. "When one of mixed blood touches the barrier, it takes away their consciousness. More specifically, it repels their soul."

"Repels their soul?" Otto asked again. "Uh… "

"So when a mixed-blood tries to force their way through the barrier, their soul is separated from their body, and only their soul remains inside the barrier, leaving an empty shell, right?" Subaru guessed it.

"Ah, you do catch on quickly. That is the gist of it, yes. When a body without a soul exits the barrier, it is, in other words, dead."

"Dead?" Otto said fearfully.

And the next moment, Garfiel's outraged shout startled everyone:

"This tea's gross! It tastes like grass!"

"Did you actually make it with grass?" Subaru appreciated the maid's joke.

"I'm still surprised that Garf, with his complete lack of taste, was able to distinguish street leaves from real tea." Ram said sarcastically, pleased with her joke.

"And I'm still surprised that in the mansion you don't confuse normal tea with street leaves." Frederica decided to tease her back. "Although I agree with you on one thing. The fact that Garf can distinguish tea by taste is amazing."

"OI!"

"Still, if the qualification to undergo the trial is having mixed blood, doesn't that mean you or Garfiel could do it if you wanted to?"

"If we are speaking only of making the attempt, it stands to reason that we could. But we cannot free the Sanctuary. That is the contract that has been handed down among us residents of the Sanctuary for generations."

The next scene showed Emilia's room. Emilia barely woke up in her bed and saw a young man sitting on a chair next to her.

"Subaru?"

"Morning, Emilia-tan. Did you sleep well?"

"Morning… Did you stay with me all night?"

"I wouldn't have been able to sleep in my room, anyway. Otto talks in his sleep, you know." He tried to cheer her up with a joke.

Otto wanted to refute this dirty lies about his sleeping habits, but remained silent due to a growing sense of anxiety. It was a year ago and because of a whole series of bright events, the small details were not preserved well in his memory.

But he couldn't let go of the fear that he was seeing something that wasn't in their reality. Not wanting to worry the others ahead of time, he decided to wait and continued watching. If, after this conversation, he doesn't move back to the tomb…

"I'm sorry about yesterday. I really lost my composure in the graveyard."

"Oh, don't worry about it. More importantly…" He tried to change the subject, but stopped when Emilia suddenly took his hand.

They sat in complete silence for several seconds until the half-elf realized what she had done. Then she blushed deeply and muttered excitedly:

"I-It's not like that! What? That's funny… Why did I…"

"Are you finally getting assertive enough to reach out to me subconsciously?!"

"No, no, it's not like that at all! I think I just wasn't thinking…"

"You denied that so fast! And you 'weren't thinking'? Really?!"

"Emilia-sama, you are just merciless with his tender heart!" Frederica couldn't resist teasing her mistress.

"If you didn't like his advances, why didn't you tell him right away that you weren't interested?" Anastasia asked. She also felt sorry for the unlucky young man and his fruitless attempts.

"It's not like that at all!" Emilia answered unexpectedly loudly, even to herself. "At that time, I was extremely glad that Subaru was courting me. It's just… back then I had no idea what a relationship was and how one builds them! Therefore, I was very afraid to do something obscene. Or something wrong. Like touching his hand without getting his consent first. The last thing I wanted was for Subaru to think of me as a… promiscuous girl." She finished with a blush on her face.

"Poor guy. To spend a whole year, courting a girl who does not refuse you, but will not even agree to hold hands. It must've been really tough for a young boy like him! Rem-san wouldn't be so shy, considering what we've already seen!"

Ricardo, who said this, felt sincere sympathy for the unfortunate guy, who was literally surrounded by beauties of all shapes and sizes, but had to live without any worldly joys. Like some ascetic monk.

Rem turned scarlet with embarrassment at such words, but mentally agreed. If she had the opportunity to spend an entire year with Subaru-kun, she would not waste time in endless doubts. Not after their heartfelt talk after the battle with the whale.

Ram shot a disintegrating look at the demi-human. What was this loudmouthed mercenary allowing himself to say?! To have her charming little sister be touched by someone like Barusu?! But, with a pang in her heart, she had to admit that Rem would not just allow it… more like she'll take the initiative herself.

'Castrating him while he's here won't be possible. If not others, the Warden will interfere. We'll have to wait until they get back from the Pristella. Until then, I'll have plenty of time to convince my sister to reconsider her bad tastes. I'm sure she'll come around and save Barusu from such a gruesome fate.'

"Don't tell such dirt about Subaru-sama! He's a noble man! And he won't do anything… frivolous before the wedding. I'm sure!" Petra stated firmly, which made most of the adults smile.

They were pleased to see that the sweet girl still retained at least a fraction of her childhood innocence.

Emilia clenched her fists in exasperation. She understood that when compared with Rem, who was much more open-minded than it came to physical relationships, she was losing badly.

And as soon as they return to the mansion, where she will be waiting for him, the half-elf's positions will begin to weaken rapidly. So, she should take advantage of the fact that she would not have to compete with anyone in Pristella. She would show her knight that he did not wait so long for an answer from her in vain! She won't give up Subaru without a fight!

"I mean…" Emilia wanted to explain, but out of embarrassment hid her face under the blanket.

"As long as you can smile, it's all right. You can undergo the trial again tonight." The young man hastened to reassure her.

"Again… tonight…" The girl was clearly not eager to return to the tomb.

The next shot showed Ram standing thoughtfully at the closed door to Emilia's room.

Then the scene changed to a sunny day. Ram and Subaru were hanging out their laundry.

"Damn it…" Otto covered his face in resignation when he saw this scene.

There was no doubt anymore. After all, on the noon after the first failed attempt to pass the Trial, he and Natsuki had already begun to implement their own plan to counter the Roswaal's.

"Brother? Brotto!" Garfiel began to shake him with fear, guessing what answer he would get.

"Otto-san! Are you sure…?" Lady Crusch began, worried about the possible answer.

"Yes, Crusch-sama… this scene is completely different from what I remember. That morning we were too busy, to deal with laundry." Otto said resignedly.

It was clear to everyone without further explanation what this meant.

"Ah shit, here we go again." Al sighed heavily.

"And so, his ordeals in the Sanctuary began." Julius commented, trying to keep a calm look. "What will he face this time?"

"The cap'n had to fight with me so tha' I won't try an' stop the liberation of the Sanctuary." Garfiel said sadly.

"He knew in advance that the mansion would be attacked by assassins." Ram added.

"And also, when he returned from there with Beatrice, the Sanctuary was attacked by a Great Rabbit, which we banished from our world." Emilia recalled that day.

"We can only hope that Sir Natsuki didn't have to face these horrible beasts alone." Crusch summed up with a heavy feeling.

She had personally seen what this legendary mabeast was capable of. If they devoured cattle in a matter of seconds, then a human… the duchess shook her head to get the creepy thoughts out of her head.

Many agreed with her words. Not so much because they believed in it, but out of reluctance to even think about such a possibility.

"I need to tell you something, Barusu." Ram said calmly, not looking at the young man. "Not all the residents are in favor of setting the Sanctuary free."

"What do you mean?"

"Only the heavy-handed people like Garf, led by Ryuzu-sama, are pushing for its freedom. There is a conservative faction that doesn't want the Sanctuary to be freed."

"There are people who don't want it set free?"

"The conservatives believe that having minimal interaction with outsiders is ideal. In their opinion, destroying that will cause nothing but trouble."

"I get Garfiel, but they don't even trust Ryuzu-san?"

"Or Frederica, either. It was Frederica who gave Emilia-sama the glowing stone."

"Ram-sama, how could you be suspicious of Frederica nee-sama?!" Petra couldn't help but be outraged by such injustice towards her mentor.

"That was also an order from Roswaal-sama, wasn't it, Ram?" The head maid voiced her displeasure. "You knew perfectly well that I had been preparing for the liberation of the Sanctuary for many years. And decided to become a maid in margrave's mansion to get his support."

"Obviously, I did everything so Barusu would keep his guard up." She replied in a neutral tone. She couldn't say what really motivated her to do that.

"Then why didn't you directly warn the cap'n that I myself was among the opponents of liberation?!" Garf asked her sternly.

Ram didn't know how to answer her honestly without exposing her master. Therefore, she chose to ignore the young man's question and stared guiltily at the screen.

"So you think Frederica started this whole thing?"

"Circumstantial evidence suggests that Frederica has some plan in mind. As it is, Emilia-sama escaped disaster by a hair's breadth, thanks to your noble…your relatively noble sacrifice."

"You didn't have to amend that. I mean, I didn't sacrifice myself, so you can amend that, but…"

"Just be careful, Barusu. To the ones who oppose setting the Sanctuary free, the best way to assure they get what they want is to harm Emilia-sama. You never know who might be your enemy. Be alert at all times."

"At least you're sincerely trying to warn him, although you're not telling him anything, I suppose." Beatrice decided to note the maid's actions.

"I was forbidden to tell Barusu anything directly, but I didn't want him to get into trouble."

"Still, Ram, you really need to change the way you communicate with Subaru. With his habit of belittling any of his achievements, even when you acknowledge his merits, he takes your words the wrong way."

"I heard you, Emilia-sama."

Rem, who was listening to her sister, noted that she had previously been in a similar situation. Before leaving the capital, Roswaal personally instructed her to start negotiations with Crusch, to form an alliance between hers and Emilia's camps. At the same time, he mentioned that she shouldn't tell Subaru anything about it.

But, if Subaru himself mentions the need to enlist the duchess's support, then she should immediately inform him, that Natsuki has the right to negotiate on behalf of the margrave. And use the proposal to share the rights to mine crystals in the Elior forest as he saw fit.

Back then she was surprised by such unusual instructions, but followed them directly, not paying any mind to such peculiarities. And now she watched as her sister behaved the same way, giving Subaru information, but in small pieces and only about certain situations. As if she was leading him to something, following her master's plan.

'He knew… Roswaal-sama definitely knew something about Subaru-kun's ability! If I take it as a fact, then everything about his orders regarding Subaru-kun becomes logical. If he knew and planned that Subaru-kun would use a Return by Death. But… but how could he know about this?! Subaru couldn't tell him about it. And if he knew, then why didn't he help him?! Why did he let these tragedies happen?! Why did he allow Ram to die?!'

The young maid felt the old image of her master rapidly crumbling. Rem decided that she would have a serious conversation with the margrave in the near future. And it would be better for him if she finds his answers to be satisfactory.

The next scene took place after sunset, when Emilia was undergoing the Trial again. All the members of her camp and many residents of Arlam gathered at the entrance. Garf, who was sitting next to Subaru on the last steps, turned to Ram:

"C'mon, Ram, join us." Ram pointedly turned her head away at this suggestion. "The hell? You're no fun."

"Do you like Ram or something?" Subaru asked him.

"Well, she's hot, ain't she? Nothin' unusual about a guy bein' attracted to a strong, capable girl." Garf replied and looked gloomily at the entrance to the tomb.

"Hmph! Mimi is stronger and more capable! I'm not going to collapse like a sack of potatoes after killing a couple of mabeasts!" Mimi said confidently, looking defiantly at the back of her opponent's head.

Who, however, did not notice the provocation of a young mercenary. Deliberately.

"Eh? Why would she say that?" Garf did not understand her statement.

"It seems you've started following in your captain's footsteps much faster than you expected, brother." Otto teased him.

Garf looked at Mimi with incomprehension on his face, who, noticing his gaze, gave him her sweetest smile. The blonde did not understand what caused such a reaction from a small, but, in her own way, cool girl.

"Hmm… how curious it turns out. Who knows, maybe we'll get an unexpected channel of communication with Emilia's camp, what do ya think?" Anastasia whispered excitedly to her knight.

Julius glanced at the young fighter, then at Mimi, who was looking at him with interest, and nodded to his lady's thoughts.

"We'll have ta help our Mimi get ta know this Garfiel better. Even though my maiden heart aches just thinkin' that my sweet, innocent Mimi is already a' the age when ya start thinkin' 'bout boys." The merchant princess giggled.

"Hetaro will be furious when he finds out about this." The best knight decided to remind.

"I know. Honestly, I already want ta pay a visit ta Emilia just ta watch how the events will unfold."

"I hope it works out better this time."

"We don't want a short nap for a morolok to be a whole day's sleep for the rest of us."

"Is there something you want to do after getting out of the barrier?" Natsuki asked.

"Well, that came outta nowhere. What do I wanna do once I'm outside? A guy who can come and go as he pleases wouldn't have a clue how the old hag and I feel."

"What about Frederica?"

"Huh?"

"What does Frederica think about the Sanctuary?"

"Subaru-dono took Ram-san's advice seriously and is now carefully trying to find out the mood of others regarding the liberation of the Sanctuary. That's a good strategy." Wilhelm nodded contentedly.

"Say what you want about him, but you can't deny the sharpness of his mind. Especially when the situation is tight." Anastasia agreed contentedly.

She would rather watch how this young man from another world overcome obstacles with his intelligence, charisma and resourcefulness, rather than to follow his dull attempts to achieve the half-elf's love.

"Fortunately, Barusu at least knows when to listen to wise advice. I hope this will help him avoid unnecessary problems."

"Didn't she tell you a damn thing?"

"She only said she couldn't explain it to me in detail. All she told me about you was your name, because of some oath."

"Oath, my ass. Hah! Talk about a handy excuse. Sounds just like her damn master."

"Are you and Frederica not even that close at all?"

"If you're askin' whether we get along or not, nope, we don't."

"Anyway, when you were in the graveyard yesterday, didn't you—"

He did not have time to finish his question, because the tomb stopped glowing. A lonely tear stricken half-elf came out.

"Emilia!" He called her Subaru.

"I'm sorry! I… I... ...again…"

The scene changed to Roswaal's dwelling.

"I see. That is unfortunate. Still, just learning that you cannot lose your right to undergo the trial is something." Roswaal declared, sitting in bed with his arms crossed over his chest. Subaru, who was sitting on a chair next to him, took the floor:

"Well? What did you call me in here without Emilia to talk about?"

"Just a bit of conspiracy. I am not so big-hearted that I would invite one who cannot be trusted."

"Can't be trusted? Are you talking about Emilia? What the heck are you—"

"Is that how insignificant I seemed to you, Roswaal? Scheming behind my back and dragging my knight into it?" Emilia remarked coldly, glancing at the mage.

"In order to be considered as something more than an empty place, you should first start to represent something out of yourself, half-wit!" The baroness did not fail to tease her.

No matter how much she despised the clown herself, his attitude towards the girl was completely justified in her eyes.

"Once again, I since-e-erely apologize for my actions, Emilia-sama. Although even you should admit that at that time you were quite… unprepared to face unsightly fa-a-acts. Besides, these conversations only concerned our personal relationship with Su-u-ubaru-kun."

"Be calm, Subaru-kun. I would like you to continue to help and support Emilia-sama as you always have."

"You don't have to ask me to do that. But what are you going to do?"

"The same, naturally. I will give my utmost to help Emilia-sama win the royal selection. What I mean to say is that we are partners in crime."

"Shouldn't you just say we're partners?"

"You keep contradicting yourself."

"Oh? And what might that—"

"Quit playing dumb! Everyone knew the Witch's Cult would start causing trouble when Emilia's participation was announced to the public! And what the hell were you doing?! You hid information about the Witch's Cult from Emilia, didn't you?! Emilia didn't know anything! If she had, everything would've been different!"

"He's right! If you had warned me about the Witch Cult, Roswaal, then, maybe, Subaru wouldn't have to go through these horrors! We could have thought of something! You could've canceled your meetings! We would've hidden all the residents of Arlam in the mansion and prepared some defenses! Then…"

"Then it wouldn't have occu-u-urred to Subaru-kun to seek allies, to form an alliance with the camps of Crusch-sama and Anastasia-sama. Which would ve-e-ery likely lead to the failure of the White Whale hunt and the terrible death of our dearest alli-i-ies."

"I would've been flattered by such care for my life and the lives of my vassals if I believed your words even a little, margrave! You can use such arguments now only because you saw how it all really happened. But you couldn't have known the future, and even your magical abilities aren't enough to know in advance how things will turn out!" The duchess answered him harshly.

"You're absolutely right, Crusch-sama-a-a. Indeed, even with my unsurpassed magical talent, I do not possess magic, artifacts, or divine protection in order to lift the veil of the fu-u-uture."

Otto and Beatrice only twisted their faces in disdain, amazed at how skillfully the clown maneuvered his words, telling the truth and deflecting suspicions from himself. Indeed, the gospel was neither his spell nor divine protection, and he didn't possess it anymore.

The anger in Subaru's voice subsided, replaced by despair.

"And if it had…that wouldn't have…" Images of slaughtered villagers, dead Ram and Emilia, the battle with the whale, and the sleeping Rem flashed through his mind again.

"You should've been there. If you had been there, that wouldn't have happened. If you had been protecting everyone…"

'I guess no matter how many times I apologize to you, you won't give a damn about them. Isn't that right, Natsuki Subaru? After what I've put you through, even if not on purpose, I don't think you'll want to listen to me at all. But nevertheless, as soon as I have the opportunity, I should have a talk with you.'

Last time, Roswaal felt such guilt when he allowed Grace to die. He had long ago come to terms with the fact that he had lost his humanity and did not even think about feeling so… alive again. But a year ago, a pink-haired maid managed to touch his stale heart and convince him that he had not yet completely become a monster.

'Probably the only good news I'll be able to tell you when this is all over, is to assure you that I'm no longer a threat to you. After all, my threat to you was based on the assumption that you are the person who personally decides what future will become reality. And you're clearly not that person. I see it clearly now.'

"But you fulfilled my role in my absence. As a knight, your performance was commendable."

"Who gives a—" Subaru exploded, swinging his fist at Roswaal. But the blow was intercepted by Ram.

"Calm down, Barusu."

"Ram, you're okay with all this?! You were left behind at the mansion like a sacrificial pawn!"

"I condone everything that Roswaal-sama did. No matter how I was treated, even if I was cast aside, that wouldn't change."

"Then you're fine with Rem being sacrificed for a stupid reason like that?!"

To Ram, this question sounded like a slap to the face. Once again, she was reminded of how incompetent she was as an older sister. Barusu on the screen asked, perhaps, the most difficult question in her life. At that time, she would have carried out any order without hesitation if the master had demanded it. Rem, she believed, would also do his will, unless it was an order to harm her or Barusu.

But what would she do now, when her memory had returned to her? What if Roswaal's order will put her in the position of choosing to take a stand against him, or doom Rem? This was, perhaps, the only line that Ram would never dare to cross, even for the sake of her master. Such a twist would certainly lead to a conflict that she would like to avoid with all her might.

But, fortunately, the answer to her possible plight came to her mind by itself. And it came in the form of a stupid-looking, black-haired young man with a creepy look.

'As a loyal maid, I will always be ready to carry out any order of my master, even the most terrible. But you… You've never known your place and how a proper servant should behave, have you? Even a direct order from Roswaal-sama won't stop you from saving my little sister. And everyone else. And your bestial nature and stubbornness will definitely lead to you defeating me, a weak and fragile maid. Then you'll get all the information you need out of me, and there won't be anything I could do to stop you from ruining my master's terrible plans. I can count on you and your talent to spoil everything in any situation, can't I, Barusu?'

Ram herself did not notice how a gentle smile appeared on her face. And when did this incompetent, lustful, clumsy idiot, who was mistakenly considered a butler, manage to become the person she was ready to rely on even in the most desperate situation?

His angry tirade was interrupted when Ram's stern expression changed to one of confusion.

"I don't know who you're talking about, but the name of a stranger means nothing to me." Subaru looked down in despair at these words.

"Why did I conceal information that I should have disclosed to Emilia-sama? Why was I not present at the mansion when the Witch's Cult was preparing to attack? There is but one answer to all these questions. To ensure that I would not have to confront the Witch's Cult myself, I personally… led these events to happen. "

Subaru was shocked by this revelation. Ram didn't react in any way.

In the theater, a dozen equally surprised and angry glances turned to the clown.

"And what does that mean, Roswaal-sama?" Crusch asked with obvious sarcasm. "Should we take these words as an admission that you are associated with a Witch Cult?"

Previous incidents have taught everyone that it is useless to try to use force in this room. The Warden will not allow physical violence or magic, no matter how justified it may be. But that didn't stop all the fighters from other camps from clenching their fists and being ready to pounce on the brazenly grinning clown. Who, without changing his expression, looked the duchess straight in the eyes. Even battle-hardened Crusch couldn't just hold that gaze and not flinch from eeriness.

"Absolutely no-o-ot, Crusch-sama. I have zero inclination to cooperate with these maniacs. I hope those present here haven't forgotten, that these fana-a-atics are trying to kill the candidate I'm sponsoring. And it is extremely important for me that she wins the ele-e-e-ction. And for that she must be alive and well. From my point of view, It is more likely that one of you will provi-i-ide information to the cult in order to knock out of the race a candidate, who has greatly increased her popularity over the past y-y-year."

"How dare you say that about my-" Felix jumped up from his seat, not willing to listen to his mistress being accused of something so disgusting.

But he was interrupted by Crusch's raised hand, demanding silence.

"Don't fall for such cheap taunts, Ferris!" She chastised her knight.

"At the very least, we can say that the margrave is not lying. He doesn't want Emilia-sama dead." Reinhard tried to defuse the situation a little.

"This does not change the fact that this snake with make up deliberately put big sis and big bro under attack! How does that fit in with your words that you care about her?!" Felt didn't want to let go of the situation.

"You don't see the fu-u-ull picture. I have nothing to do with the activities of the cult and did not help them in any way. Another-e-er thing is that I did not interfere in the course of events and withdrew myself, in order to allow Emilia and her future knight to get all the glory for themse-e-elves."

"Get the glory?! Do you even understand what this "glory" cost Subaru-kun?!" Rem snapped, barely restraining the urge to go up to Roswaal and give him a powerful slap in the face.

"That's why he harms himself! Because he has to live with such memories! And how many similar horrors are waiting for him in the Sanctuary?!"

The last time she felt such anger towards him was almost ten years ago, when she and Ram found themselves under margrave's wing. When she first found out that he had manipulated both of them to gain their loyalty and service in exchange for protecting and helping her sister.

"I realize my sins before Natsuki Subaru much better than you can imagine, Rem." The margrave replied to his maid in a completely serious tone, looking her straight in the eyes. "If I knew what he was going through to achieve his goal, I would have acted differently. But the past cannot be changed. Unless you're Natsuki Subaru, of course."

Having said that, Roswaal turned his gaze to the screen, indicating with his attitude that he did not intend to say anything else. The others, gritting their teeth, also returned to watching.

"After all, if I had solved the problem myself, there would be no way for Emilia-sama, nor you, to claim any credit. It had a tremendous effect, did it not? The attitudes of the villagers of Arlam toward Emilia-sama are drastically different than they were before the Witch's Cult attacked. They now see her not as an incomprehensible relative of the witch, but as one who contributed to saving their lives."

"Do you… have any idea what you're saying?!" Subaru hissed, clenching his fists and barely holding back his anger. "That's only how it looks in hindsight! Do you know how many people died because you weren't there, and didn't tell anyone anything?!"

"I do express my condolences for all those on our side who were lost. Or would you rather hear me apologize?"

"No! No! No! No! That's not it! That's not what I want! If I was still useless trash that couldn't do anything, what would you have done?! If none of the villagers, or Emilia, could've been saved—"

"I had faith… in you." Once again, Roswaal surprised the young man with his answer. "I trusted that you would do anything in your power for Emilia-sama, give your best effort in establishing an alliance with Crusch-sama, put your life on the line to stop the Witch Cult's attack, and that you would complete all of these tasks with excellence."

"What the hell do you know about me?! When I last saw you, I was absolute trash! I only got a little less useless because of all that happened after that! And no one else even has any idea what happened after that! What made you believe in me?!"

"This is a really interesting question. If you really can't foresee the future, then how could you have known that Subaru-dono could handle such a demanding task? After all, you didn't even inform him about your plans or what would happen." Wilhelm drew attention to the obvious strangeness in the words of the clown on the screen. "He found out about the attack of the cult when the village and the mansion were already lost. This means that even if you had high expectations for Subaru-dono's abilities, they did not come true. Unless…"

"He knew about the boy's ability to change the course of events." The baroness finished for him, looking at the hated schemer so intently as if she wanted to set him on fire.

The tension in the room reached an almost tangible magnitude again, when absolutely all eyes were directed at the margrave. Beatrice and Otto, looking at Roswaal, almost eager to see how he would get out of this situation. He won't be able to lie, but they've seen his ability to juggle words many times lately.

"Is it true, Roswaal?" Emilia asked with an icy tone

"I had no idea that Natsuki Subaru was dying and, thus, changing the course of events. He is one of the key members of our camp, and I would not have subjected him to such torments if I had known about what he was going through." To the surprise of many, Reinhard and Crusch confirmed the truthfulness of these words.

"But if you didn't know that big bro goes back to the past when he dies, then why did you have such faith in him?!" Felt continued the interrogation.

To which the clown simply spread his hands and declared with a triumphant smile:

"This is my personal secret. I have no obligation to disclose any sensitive information to you. Back then, in the royal castle, all you saw in front of you, was just an arrogant young man who did not understand his place. I, even when he lived in my mansion, already understood that he had a huge potential, that could turn the whole balance of power in the elections. And I made my plans based on this."

"And he's not even lying." Crusch noted with annoyance.

"It is very difficult to believe that the most powerful magician in the kingdom would base his plans on the mere belief that an ordinary-looking young man would be the owner of such a powerful ability!" Anastasia said skeptically.

"It is extremely a-a-arrogant of you to think that only you have the ability to collect information and see the hidden potential of other people, Anastasia-sama-a-a." Margrave sarcastically replied to her.

"It appears tonight's conversation has reached its end. By the way, if you tell Emilia-sama what we have discussed…"

"As if I could ever tell her!"

Emilia, puffing out her cheeks, pinched the hand of the sleeping Subaru. Even if his doubts about her were justified at the time, this did not make his actions any less insulting.

'I really hope that you have completely abandoned your habit of treating me like a helpless doll, young man! Anyway, now I'll know for sure when you're trying to keep me in the dark while pulling off your murky machinations! And don't think that you will get away with something like this!'

"Even overcome by such outrage, deep down, you understand that all is as it should be. That for the sake of her chances in the royal selection, it would not do to create friction between her and myself or the villagers."

Seeing that the young man was not going to argue with this, Roswaal summed up:

"I knew you would make a fitting partner in crime for me."

The scene changed to a night view next to the village hall, in front of which Emilia and Subaru were sitting on the steps.

"I'm sorry. I failed again."

"You don't have to beat yourself up so much."

"It looks like you can't lose your right to undergo the Trial, so it all just depends on your own feelings now."

"My own feelings…" The girl said doubtfully.

"Alas, just wishing to succeed in this case wasn't enough." Emilia said sadly.

"Nonsense and cheap excuses, you imbecile! Obviously, you didn't have the desire to succeed!" Priscilla said ruthlessly.

Once again, she received a lot of looks full of anger and aggravation.

"Princess, are you sure we should keep antagonizing everyone around us?" Al whispered to her anxiously, who increasingly thought that after these screenings he would have to fight all the fighters from other camps at once. This was NOT the outcome he wanted.

"I don't remember letting you open your mouth, Aldebaran." The baroness waved her fan threateningly in front of his face. Then she pointed them at Emilia.

"Since your problems were caused by false memories and fears, it only means that you did not have the will to overcome them! It's obvious that you, like this commoner before, just chose to run away from difficulties. If you really wanted to succeed, you would have crushed any fears and worries in order to achieve victory!"

Emilia wanted to disagree, but remained silent, considering the princess's words. Maybe she's not so wrong after all? Was she really just running away from problems, wanting someone else to solve them for her?

Once again, her heart was hurt by the fact that after the Sanctuary, she had completely forgotten most of the things that she's seen in the Trials. She forgot about the Witch of Vanity and the Archbishop of Greed. She still had a long way to go to become a true leader.

"I can tell this has been hard on you. But there's no point in freeing the Sanctuary if you're not the one to do it…"

"I think."

Seeing her uncertainty, he continued to cheer her up:

"Think you can try again… to make that happen?"

"Subaru, you jerk."

"Wait, why the sudden abuse?!"

"It's amazing that, with such a sharp mind, Subaru-sama becomes completely lost like a little boy, once the situation becomes at least somewhat romantic. He'll probably get nervous and blush like a little girl before the first kiss." Frederica giggled, touched by the beautiful scene.

"I'll have to disagree with you." Julius smiled elegantly at her. "Before saying goodbye to Rem and going to battle with the Archbishop of Sloth, Subaru was very close to it and did not show any signs of embarrassment! And it would've been a breathtaking scene! If it wasn't for SOMEONE!" He added with steel in his voice, glancing at Felix.

The Blue Knight unconsciously shuddered at this look, and chose to remain silent.

"At least some royal knights still remember that their duties include protecting the honor of innocent maidens from the lustful attempts of wanton animals!" Ram sided with the healer again.

Rem could only clench her fists in resentment. It could have been the most wonderful memory of her life, if not for the nasty healer, who was clearly jealous of their relationship. But it didn't matter. She had a whole year to make up for. And since Subaru-kun himself said that he cares for her no less, than Emilia, then she has no fewer rights on his attention!

Emilia herself did not get into this conversation, fearing that she would foolishly give away the fact that Subaru had already kissed her. That he was just nervous and blushing. Especially after the event itself. But the girl absolutely did not want it to become apparent to everyone. Maybe she will be lucky, and the screen will omit such an insignificant detail?

"When you ask with such gentle eyes and words, how could I say I can't do it?"

"I'm not very smart, but I do know that this is my duty. Don't spoil me. Just believe in me."

"I mean, I know I'm probably not very convincing right now—"

"That's not true! I'll be waiting, and believing in you!" He told her confidently. Confused, Emilia was surprised, but then she smiled sweetly.

"Good. Thank you."

And after that, she returned to her sad thoughts:

"But I know I'll be causing trouble for the people of Arlam. That's the one thing I regret."

"Oh, about that… Would you mind leaving all that to me?"

"All right. I trust you. I wouldn't start doubting you now, after all this. I trust you."

The next scene takes place in the middle of the day. The villagers were preparing to leave the Sanctuary on their carriages.

"Anyway, I'm impressed you were able to convince Garfiel." Said Otto.

"It took two whole days, though."

"He understands that since Emilia is already inside the barrier, setting the people of Arlam Village free won't cause any problems."

Yeah, sounds good. My amazin' self would definitely agree to let the residents out. No point in keepin' 'em in the Sanctuary. Just an extra headache." Garf approved of the captain's idea.

"Why would they be held hostage at all? Do you know how worried we were about them back then?!" Petra asked with displeasure.

"I've already told you! T' wasn't my idea!" The blond man reacted, after which he pointed a finger at Roswaal. "Tha' snake ova' 'ere wanted to create a creepy picture, to put pressure on the princess an' the cap'n!

'So I wouldn't have made any progress in the next two days either.' Emilia thought sadly, guiltily lowering her gaze.

Apparently, Priscilla was right. She just didn't really want to overcome the Trial. She would have been stuck in one place if Subaru hadn't yelled at her.

"I was sure he was the type that would never listen to what we had to say."

"For a trader, you're a pretty lousy judge of character." Subaru couldn't resist poking fun at his friend, then bent down to pick up the box and noticed the handkerchief. Images of Petra tying it around his wrist came back to mind.

"That's quite an old-fashioned good luck charm." Ram commented, noticing the handkerchief.

"Petra gave it to me before we left. Right after Frederica hired her as a new maid."

"Frederica would never do anything mean to a new recruit. She would never be that fiendish. You don't need to worry about the girl."

"After all, you are still worried about Subaru-kun, nee-sama. It's nice to see how you use every opportunity to placate his fears." Rem smiled at her sister.

"I just wanted to avoid a situation where Barusu, with his tendency to panic, would make mistakes, that would endanger all the inhabitants of the mansion, Rem." Ram replied calmly.

Crusch and Reinhard smiled knowingly, feeling the wind of untruth swirling around the pink maid.

"Do you have faith in Frederica or not?"

"I can't tell. I don't know what she's planning, but Frederica is Frederica. I have no doubt about that. Also, I have a message from Roswaal-sama. If you're worried about having to face Frederica, turn to Beatrice-sama."

"And tell her this: "Roswaal said to ask the question."

Beatrice turned her head sharply and stared angrily at the clown.

"And what's that supposed to mean, in fact?!"

"I knew very well that this phrase would be mo-o-ore than enough to interest you."

"So you… you decided to hand over Betty to him! As an offering! And all in order to bind him to yourself more?!" She said indignantly.

"Would you ref-u-use him if he told you that? Wouldn't you be happy if you heard these words from Natsuki Subaru? Even if they were just lies? Wouldn't you've gra-a-abed this opportunity? And if Subaru-kun were faced by any unforeseen dangers, you would be too intri-i-igued to let anything happen to him."

'Betty wouldn't have let anything happen to him without your scheming, in fact!' The great spirit wanted to confidently declare, but the words stuck in her throat.

After all, she actually let it happen. And more than once. The renewed sense of guilt made the girl look at this situation differently.

'Maybe he's right. Maybe, if you had said those words to Betty, I would have followed you right away, even knowing it was a lie, but I would have. Because such a sweet lie, promising at least some changes, would be much more desirable than the bitter reality…'

"Hmph! In any case, Betty's contractor handled everything much better, than if he had followed any of your plans, in fact!"

"I can't argue with tha-a-at." The margrave admitted, bowing his head, not guessing what the spirit girl was thinking.

For her, this situation was painfully reminiscent of a case that was more than two hundred years old. When Roswaal called old Tosca Astrea to his mansion to convince the girl to leave the library. She remembered how she had rejected the offered hand and broke the heart of an old friend, not wanting to know anything except her mother's book. And her own fears.

"But… Betty won't hate you for this attempt…" She added softly, turning her gaze away from the ancient mage.

Leaving Roswaal with a completely dumbfounded expression on his face. He expected screams, rage, and attempts to hit him. But he certainly did not expect something so similar to gratitude in the tone of his little sister. With a thoughtful expression, Roswaal also turned his eyes to the screen.

"And what question are we talking about?" Crusch asked.

"It's our internal affairs, I suppose." Beatrice replied. "And, fortunately, this question has already lost its meaning."

"Question?"

"I don't know the details. But when Beatrice-sama hears those words, everything will change. That's what Roswaal-sama said."

"Subaru!" Emilia's voice distracted him from his thoughts.

"Hey."

"Um… was I interrupting your conversation with Ram?"

"Nah, no problem. We weren't talking about anything important. Besides, you take priority!"

"Once again, he's keeping everything that's going on around him a secret from me!" Emilia clenched her fists.

"And what would you do, even if he told you everything he knows, I suppose? You were a hostage of the barrier, and you couldn't leave the Sanctuary even if you wanted to, in fact!" The great spirit harshly besieged her.

"If Barusu told you about my suspicions towards Frederica, that would only add you unnecessary worries, but would not help the situation in any way, Emilia-sama. Which does not reduce his guilt that he withheld important information from you! Your faithful Ram will be happy to help you arrange a preemptive torture session for this parody of a knight."

"T-torture?!" Emilia, Rem and Petra were horrified at the same time.

"Ram-san is just joking! Please, calm down, ladies! There's no way she would do that to Natsuki-san!" Otto tried to calm everyone down with an uncertain smile.

"Still, the fact remains, that he takes on too much. Not to mention that this behavior shows his lack of understanding of the hierarchy in Emilia's camp! Only she has the right to make all the key decisions, and Subaru must be only expressing his opinion and giving advice! Not taking matters into his own hands without informing the lady!" Julius stated firmly.

He was very dissatisfied with the way the young man carried everything on his shoulders, and did not share the problems with anyone. Didn't he notice at all that people around him were genuinely worried about him?!

"That makes me really happy, but you should give priority to the villagers right now."

"Sure."

"May the blessing of the spirits be with you."

In the next scene, the caravan was moving through the forest. The lead carriage was driven by Garfiel. Subaru was sitting next to him.

"Thanks for volunteering to take us as far as the barrier."

"It's fine, man. Anyway, small fry… You went through a trial at the graveyard, didn't you?"

"You don't have to hide it. I can tell."

"And what's the point in asking me this?"

"It's simple. You can go through the trial in Emilia-sama's place."

"'Tis unexpected." Garfiel muttered, surprised by the words of himself on the screen.

"What surprised you so much, Garf-kun?" Rem asked, having heard the young man.

"'m trying to figure out why my amazin' self would say tha' to the cap'n. I was against the liberation of the Sanctuary m'self. Can it be tha' in just three days I began to trust the cap'n so much, that I was ready to follow him, if he managed to remove the barrier? Or, was it Roswaal's demand for me to tell him tha'? Nothin' like dis happened in our reality, after all" He mused, scratching his head. Due to the growing tension, he even stopped adding 'my amazin' self' when talking about himself.

"Judging by how much you admire Subaru-kun, most likely the first one." Rem tried to cheer him up. "Even I, after the first few days that he worked with us in the mansion, really wanted to believe that he was a good person. Even despite the suspicions his miasma evoked in me."

"I really hope so, Rem." Garf answered her, not too confidently.

"I can't! The precedent would—"

"Is it really even necessary to overcome your past?" To Natsuki's questioning look, he replied:

"I watched Emilia-sama go through the trial. I saw how it broke her. And every time, she comes back totally freaked out. I can't stand to watch it."

"I have faith that Emilia can make it through the trial." Subaru answered him firmly. "So I—"

"Thank you for believing in me at the time, my knight. Even though I didn't deserve it at all back then." Emilia said softly.

And after that, furiously blushing, decided to take an extremely bold step for herself. The sensations weren't as vivid as she'd hoped, but that was enough for now.

"Oh, my!" Crusch was surprised by this turn of events.

"It seems that a girl has decided to wake up in someone, I suppose." Beatrice added sarcastically.

"Emilia-sama, stop bringing such rubbish to your mouth! You'll get indigestion!" Ram started lecturing her lady.

"It's not fair! She takes advantage of sitting next to Subaru!"

"Calm down, Petra, it's just a peck on the cheek. It is nothing serious." The head maid stroked Petra's head, while smiling fondly at this picture of innocent love.

Rem sat silently and clenched her fists to keep her emotions from getting the better of her. It would be a petty move to repeat that after Emilia-sama right now. She needed a reason and a situation. Therefore, the maid could only wait patiently for her to also have an excuse to show her feelings for the sleeper.

The only one who was not at all interested in the princess's bold move was Garfiel. He watched with concern how friendly his previous version was communicating with the captain. It was as if he was almost ready to trust Subaru and open up to him. But how could he start trusting an outsider so quickly? Especially if he…

'He reeked of the witch's miasma… Didn't the old hag say that the captain started to smell when he came out of the tomb with the princess? And since I treat him so well on the screen, is his miasma weak enough for now that Shima didn't smell it and didn't warn me? So that's where he'll have a checkpoint. And since the captain had prepared in advance for a fight with me… damn it, damn it, damn it!'

"You can expect what you want from her. But does she really want to overcome her past? When she cries about how scared she is, ain't that how she really feels?"

"How Emilia… really feels? Does Emilia actually…" Subaru repeated thoughtfully, remembering how the half-elf looked before and after the Trial, trying to figure out what she felt then.

"Looks like he didn't have that much faith in you, half-wit, if a couple of words from this flea-infested idiot was enough to make him doubt you!" Lady Bariel did not deprive herself of another reason to mock her competitor.

"I wasn't talkin' 'bout princess 'ere, but 'bout m'self and m'own stupid fears! And even so, I've already put it all in the past!" Garf stood up for her.

"So you were against liberation because of fear? What were you so afraid of?" Felt decided to ask.

"It's personal. Not in the mood to talk about it." The blond man noted gloomily.

"Why are you looking so dejected?" Felt noticed Garf's change of mood.

He was usually full of enthusiasm and energy. And he only became so serious when…

"The end of the loop is near, right?" The young princess asked with the same gloomy tone.

These words made the others tense up and look at the two blond men on Rem's left.

"I suppose so. After Natsuki-san made a bet with margrave, he said that we had three days before the attack on the mansion. It was the morning after the first attempt to pass the Trial." Otto replied through clenched teeth.

"And it's been at least four days since then. But they still have to get to the mansion." Anastasia connected the time dots in her head, and frowned.

"So, those who are in the mansion are already gone, most likely." William summed up.

"And now what? Subaru-kyun will find the bodies and… restart the loop?" Felix had a hard time talking.

He couldn't even bring himself to say directly what Natsuki would do when he saw the girls' fate. Felix had no right and didn't want to condemn him for this. But he couldn't accept his approach either. He just didn't know what to do anymore.

"Either tha', or the Bowel Hunter is waitin' for him inside." Garfiel replied harshly.

The young warrior's words made everyone tense up and prepare for the inevitable tragedy. Their friend did not yet suspect that he was going to meet another death. And they could only watch and wonder how long the next series of deaths would last.

"Barrier's close now. This is as far as I can take ya. Take this." He took off a pendant from his neck, similar to the one that Frederica had previously handed over, and handed it to Subaru.

"This is…"

"I'm not gonna tell you my reasons. But if you don't come back, we're gonna be the ones suffering. Show it to Frederica if push comes to shove."

The scene changed to sunset, when the caravan had already arrived in the village. Subaru, alone, riding Patrasche, was moving towards the mansion. The earth dragon was clearly worried about her master.

"It's okay." He reassured her and went to the door.

No one responded to his knock on the door, so he opened the door himself.

"No one's here?" He muttered as he walked through the corridors, seeing that all the doors were wide open.

"I have a bad feeling about this." Felix commented tensely, receiving nods of agreement from those around him.

"It looks like it's too late for us." Frederica said in a sinking voice, holding Petra next to her so that she could close her eyes.

The girl had already seen too many creepy pictures in recent days. It definitely won't do her any good to see her own corpse once again. However, Petra did not try to resist her mentor's unspoken command and hugged her tightly, preparing to turn her face away at any moment.

"All the doors are open. So this bitch is already here!" Garfiel growled.

"Why would she open all the doors in the mansion? Had someone managed to hide, and she was looking so hard for survivors?" Julius asked. Beatrice shook her head in response to his question.

"No, she was looking for the Forbidden library, I suppose. Betty was one of her targets, in fact."

The youngest princess felt Reinhard stiffen next to her. It was clear to her why. Now he will blame himself for her big bro's deaths because he let the Bowel Hunter escape that time. Part of the girl even agreed with the knight's self-flagellation, because he really missed the killer. But her other part didn't wish to watch HER knight drown himself in self-deprecation again.

"Stop blaming yourself for everything. You couldn't have known she was so tenacious. Your weapon crumbled to dust, and you couldn't get the dragon sword out anyway!"

"I could have gone after her! I could organize a full-fledged search! I could have… I definitely could have done more…" Reinhard began to list options, spinning the pendulum of self-loathing.

"If you'd gone after her, you wouldn't have found out about me. I would have just disappeared with old man Rom, and then you wouldn't have found me, believe me." She decided to use an extreme argument. But it helped to some extent. At least the red haired knight was able to look her in the eyes.

"Big bro managed to break through this anyway. He emerged victorious from all this shit. We should cheer for him, not cry!" She herself understood how hypocritical her words sounded, because Subaru paid for these victories with his own sanity. But she was sure, that her big bro would support her in this case. Reinhard couldn't be allowed to drown in self-hatred.

"What's going on?"

Suddenly, a wave of fear overtook the young man. He began to shake.

"Rem… What about Rem?" Turning around, he ran as fast as he could to the floor where Rem's room was supposed to be.

'Would you really have to look at my corpse again? How long are you going to suffer because of me, Subaru-kun?' The maid thought sadly, holding the sleeping man's hand like a drowning man holding a straw. If only she was stronger, she wouldn't let Gluttony eat her memory and name. Or if she had stayed with Subaru…

'No! I can't think like that. I already said it was the right decision! And Subaru-kun would totally agree with me! Crusch-sama's death would have hit him harder than my coma!'

Reaching the right floor, Subaru was horrified to see the same picture of an empty corridor and opened doors.

"Rem!" Her room was just a few steps away.

But before he reached it, he slipped on something soft and fell. Recovering from the fall, he looked back and realized with horror that he had slipped on his own intestines that had fallen out of his gut. When he raised his palm to his face, he saw that it was smeared with his blood. Unable to hold on any longer, he sank to the floor, dying in a pool of his own blood.

With a short cry, Petra turned her face away and clung to Frederica in fear, who hurried to hug the girl.

'Forgive me, Subaru-sama. I'm sorry for not being able to fulfill your request. I've failed you and everyone you've entrusted to me.' Frederica thought with tears in her eyes.

Emilia and Rem barely restrained similar cries, trying not to wail in sorrow. Felt and Anastasia closed their eyes, not wanting to see the young man in this state. Another episode to add to the bank of nightmares. It was the third time he had died from a gutted stomach.

Garfiel growled in frustration and anger at himself. The knights clenched their fists, cursing the assassin and those who hired her.

Priscilla clicked her tongue angrily. She didn't like to see such scenes.

'Now get up, gather your strength, recruit allies and finish off this filth!' She mentally ordered her future servant. The goddess wanted to see his confident, victorious face again, not this death grimace.

The screen changed perspective, showing that a familiar figure was standing above him.

"You promised, didn't you? That you'd take good care of your bowels until we meet again."

With the last of his strength, he raised his gaze and looked into the face of his killer. Elsa looked at his last moments with a fascinated face of a maniac. His eyes rolled back and closed

Natsuki Subaru died.

[Title card: A Step Forward]

Garfiel started grinding his teeth in rage. He was with the captain all the way to the barrier. He could cross the barrier easily! Make up any nonsense excuse! Like that he wanted to make sure Subaru doesn't run away. Anything to keep him in sight.

But his childhood fears stopped him. As it has been for many years, from the day he found out about his mother's fate. And now this cowardice has caused the death of the coolest person in his life. Not to mention his own sister, a little girl and a great spirit!

And now he didn't even have an excuse like in all the previous cases that he hadn't even known his captain! From the point of view of the young fighter, this death was entirely his fault.

And, even worse, now the factor of witch's miasma will appear and surely will turn Garfiel from a possible ally into a problem.

Reinhard felt not much better. It was one thing to know that his only true friend had died at the hands of the Bowel Hunter again. And it was quite another to see it firsthand.

Seeing him, lying helplessly on the floor, bleeding to death. Seeing Elsa, standing over him, savoring every second of Natsuki's agony. How she mocked him, reminding about her promise. And all because of him. Once again, Reinhard was convinced of his uselessness and incompetence. Natsuki Subaru will continue to die because of his mistakes, and he will not even suspect it, enjoying fun days with his lady.

'I… really only make everyone suffer…' He tortured himself.

"If only you were with me. If only Reinhard had taken you back then… none of this would have happened to you, big bro." Felt cried quietly, once again seeing the benefits of her plan to take her big bro under her wing.

Along with the entire Emilia camp, if necessary. If they will always be with her, with Rein, then they wouldn't have to be afraid of anything anymore. He'll be safe. With people who loved him.

Emilia sat with her head down and her hands clutching her skirt. She tried her best to keep herself from getting depressed again because of a feeling of powerlessness. Over and over, she told herself that it wasn't her fault that she couldn't pass the Trial and free the Sanctuary. But Priscilla's words were like acid, eating away at her mental defenses.

'Could I really have prevented all this? If only I hadn't been so cowardly, would I have passed the Trial in?!'

'Useless… useless colored doll! What stopped you from coming out and smearing this maniac all over the mansion?! After all, you knew about the appearance of this snake as soon as she entered! Just why?!' Beatrice lamented, giving way to tears.

One thought filled her with real horror. From now on, every death of her contractor that would happen on the screen will be her responsibility.

After all, she could, even wanted to go with him. She wanted to offer her help when he announced that he was going to the Sanctuary. She had a chance to stand next to him when he was just going there. But she missed it. She let her fears stop her and sent Subaru straight into the clutches of the scheming clown!

'I'm sure you guessed, that the killer came for you in the first place.' Beatrice thought, hissing at her past self. 'And, surely, you just calmly waited for your end, sitting on that chair by the door, clutching the gospel! You didn't even lift a finger to save at least someone, in fact. You didn't give a damn about anyone! A useless, selfish doll! And what did you end up achieving with this, besides Subaru's suffering?'

Roswaal covered his face with his hands so that no one could see his expression. Every Subaru death in this arc will be directly caused by his actions. Moreover, he himself will manipulate events to drive him into despair and make him the same as himself.

'How much more of your blood is on my hands, Natsuki Subaru? How much more unnecessary pain have I caused you because of my ignorance?'

"We're finally getting to the interesting part." Lady Priscilla said, wondering how Subaru will handle this obstacle. "Entertain me properly, commoner. Show me how you found a way out of this trap."

"Do you really see this as a source of entertainment, Princess?" Al asked in a neutral tone, trying his best to keep the disapproving note out of his voice.

"Considering, how many times he has already died and how, a couple of deaths from a gutted stomach will not affect him much. He is, obviously, already used to physical pain. His psyche is already broken into pieces. He just hasn't realized it yet, as he is constantly rushing to save someone. So don't worry so much about him, Al. It's unlikely that something scarier than what he's already had to go through awaits him."

"I really hope that you will be right, princess" The knight sighed heavily while thinking:

'Is it just me, or are you just trying to calm yourself down by pretending that the pal's 'ordinary' deaths do not mean that much to him? Still, despite your insights, princess, you will never understand how it feels like, even with the most 'ordinary' death…'

"Mister is in a difficult position." Tivey said grimly.

"What are you talking about?" Mimi asked. "Of course, it won't be easy for him, he's not a fighter. But he just recently dealt with a whale and a creepy guy! He'll figure out how to get rid of one killer! He just needs to politely ask Garf to go with him and turn this lady into a meat patty!"

"He won't be able to enlist Garfiel's support until the barrier around the Sanctuary is removed." Ricardo reminded. "And for that, Emilia-sama or he himself must first pass the Trial."

Hearing these words, the blond man only clenched his fists harder, ashamed of his cowardice.

"What a pity…" Wilhelm said in an icy voice, without taking his eyes off the screen.

"What are you talking about, old man Will"? Felix asked cautiously. His fur stood on end from the feeling of the eerie aura emanating from the warrior.

"What a pity that this woman is already dead. I would gladly cut her into two hundred and thirteen pieces of the same size." The gray-haired butler replied in the same tone.

Considering who said it and how, those around believed that this threat was said without any exaggeration.

"I understand your feelings, Wilhelm-sama." Lady Crusch nodded in agreement. "It is a pity that we will not have the opportunity to personally settle the score with this woman. One can only hope that the scene, where she is dealt with once and for all, will be satisfactory.

The audience was distracted from the gloomy conversation by the voice of the Warden:

"Now you can say that the fourth arc has really begun. I'm offering you an hour-long break. You will need your strength, believe me."

Agreeing with the owner of the place, the audience began to get up and go about their business.

"Rem. Could you come into my room? I'd like to talk to you." Emilia said softly, looking the girl straight in the eyes.

Rem tensed a little, not expecting anything good from this invitation, but nodded. Although she already had plans that involved talking to her master and getting answers to her questions, she could not refuse the princess.

"Then I'll be waiting for you in about ten minutes." Emilia nodded and left the audience.