"Ya know, with big sis Preggo and carrying bro Otto's baby here, days have been busier than eva! Especially since he's kinda a dumbass," teased Garfiel as he patted Otto on the back.
"Tinsel-san, ease up on your brother-in-law! I'm doing my best!" whined Otto comically.
"would you give Otto-sama a break, Garf? The last time you two teased him that much, he nearly had an existential crisis," chimed Mimi in an annoyed voice.
"K, babe, Ya don't need tha be angry. I'm just playin', hehehe," Garf said, kissing Mimi on the cheek.
"Thank you, Mimi-san!" Otto cried comically, happy that his brother-in-law's girlfriend defended him.
The extravagant carriage, adorned with the royal crest, glided through the bustling streets of the capital city. Inside, the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and curiosity. Subaru sat among his companions – a gray-haired guy named Otto Suwen, Garfiel Tinsel, a tiger demihuman, and Mimi, a cute orange catgirl. The lavish interior of the carriage was a stark contrast to the tension that began to permeate the air.
"What can ya say, Captain?"
"Oh, huh? Yeah, that's cool, I guess, hehehe," commented the eyepatch-wearing raven-haired Japanese boy.
Subaru, usually the beacon of enthusiasm, wore an air of restlessness. His eyes flickered nervously, avoiding direct eye contact with his supposed friends. Well, as expected, as he really doesn't know them.
Surely the other Subaru from this world could be lifelong pals with these three but to him? They're just strangers.
Mere strangers that come and go...Perhaps they could be his friends someday. They look nice.
Otto, who's seated across from him, couldn't help but notice the unease.
"Suba—Natsuki-san, forgive me for asking this, but something seems off. Where's Beatrice-sama?" Otto inquired, his voice laced with concern.
Subaru shifted uncomfortably in his seat, attempting to conjure a plausible explanation. "Ah, Beako? Well, just as I said, she's got some... business to attend to and couldn't make it to the party tonight." His response, however, lacked the usual conviction that accompanied his lies.
The tiger demihuman, Garfiel, who seemed as sensitive as always when it came to his captain, arched an eyebrow. "Business, huh? Ain't like her to miss an event, especially when you're around. Ya sure everythin's fine, Capt?"
"Yeah, yeah, everything's fine. She's just enjoying some...Books and stuff, you know the thing," Subaru stammered, avoiding eye contact with his friends.
Mimi, the youngest in the group, observed the interactions silently, sensing the tension in the air. She exchanged a glance with her boyfriend Garfiel as both silently acknowledged that something was amiss.
"Are you okay, Mr. Subaru? Sick? Not in the mood, perhaps?" she asked as she eyed the Japanese boy.
"Huh? No, I'm fine and healthy as a horse! Hehehe." Subaru laughed awkwardly before continuing, "Actually, I'm looking forward to the ball tonight." Subaru replied nervously.
"Really, Natsuki-san? You're really looking forward to the ball?" Otto leaned forward, his concern deepening. "Subaru, you're not telling us everything. What's really going on?"
"Huh? What do you mean, what's going on?" Subaru asked, his face confused.
"You said you're looking forward to the ball..."
"And?"
"But, Natsuki-san, you've been complaining about that ball for months and finding excuses to skip it. If it weren't for the queen mandating your attendance, you wouldn't have shown up."
"Huh? And why's that? It's my Emilia-tan's event, right? Everything about her, I always look forward to! Heck, as long as she's there, I'm gonna go no matter what. Man, I bet she's gonna be stunning tonight!" Subaru exclaimed, his enthusiasm contagious. "Hehehe, sorry about that," he added, biting his lip, struggling to maintain composure.
At this remark, the three friends widened their eyes, their faces displaying shock. Is this real? It's not a dream, right? Is their friend going a little crazy?
"But Natsuki-san, there is the k-"
"Look, could we stop discussing this? Going need to prepare myself for a nice date later, after all."
"Who? With tha duchess?" chimed in Garf.
"Crusch? Nope—my wife," Subaru chuckled, casually correcting the misunderstanding. He slid open the carriage window, allowing the enchanting night scene to captivate his gaze. The city below, now veiled in the soft glow of the full moon, exuded an ethereal luminescence that painted everything in a mystical hue.
"EH?!... You have a wife?" Otto looked at Garfiel, then at Mimi, who both gave him shrugged looks of 'I don't know.' "Did you hit your head this morning, Natsuki-san? First, we called you earlier at the marketplace, but you didn't respond. If we didn't know better, we would have assumed you forgot about us."
"Huh?" Subaru's eyes widened.
"Then, when I bring up Patrashe and Frufoo's firstborn child, you acted like you don't know them. And, suddenly, you now have a wife we didn't know about? What's going on, Natsuki-san?" the merchant questioned, his expression filled with confusion and curiosity.
"Huh? I already told you, man! I'm just joking, jeez!" Subaru nervously rolled his eyes, his attempt at deception apparent. "And my wife is Em- Wait, seriously? You're all messing with me right? Hehehe, I see what you guys are doing. Nice try, though!" he added with a playful tone.
Are they seriously suggesting that Emilia isn't my wife? Pathetic! They must be pranking me! It has to be! I mean, Morty said this is one of the worlds where I achieved my happy ending! There's no way that's a happy ending without my Emilia-tan by my side.
Right?
Yep, Morty's right and these three are just suckers.
Amid Subaru's deep inner monologue, Otto carefully examined him, pondering and analyzing. Digesting the situation in front of him, he couldn't come up with an answer for his friend's odd behavior. Therefore, he decided to let it go and ask him tomorrow after the event, as he didn't want to ruin the night.
However, he still had another thing on his mind...The three of them actually. The eyepatch.
A new addition to Subaru's appearance drew curious glances from his friends. Otto couldn't help but address the elephant in the room.
"And what's with the eyepatch, Natsuki-san? Trying out a new fashion statement?"
Subaru hesitated, his eyes darting nervously between his friends. "Oh, this? Yeah, just trying something different, you know, keeping up with the trends." His attempt at nonchalance fell flat.
"tha trends? Wut trends?" Garfiel crossed his arms, unconvinced. "Captain, Ya ain't fooling anyone. Spill it. What's really goin' on?"
Subaru gulped as he examined the three, who were now eyeing him. It was evident, both day and night, that they found him weird, perhaps even suspicious—qualities he didn't anticipate them being discerning enough to notice. It also didn't help that he mumbled like a fool, a stark contrast to that other subaru.
So refined. So cultured. So regal. Even if that other version of Subaru is still somewhat jolly, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of...Jealousy.
"You even said you were married, Natsuki-san. That statement alone is ludicrous," Otto spoke his mind, then shook his head.
"What..." Subaru suddenly found himself in shock; his eyes widened, fear etching his heart. It took a moment before he blurted out his next words, "Huh? What are you talking about? I'm married to Em-" But before he could say Emilia's name,
"FUCK!" Subaru screamed as the dragon carriage suddenly screeched to a halt, almost throwing him forward.
"Are ya okay, Capt?"
Subaru shook off the cobwebs. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said, collecting himself.
It wasn't long before the driver announced, "Lord Subaru, Minister Suwen, General Tinsel, and Lady Mimi, we've arrived at our destination. The courtyard of the royal castle is teeming with people. I'm afraid you all will have to walk. I'm truly sorry, my lieges," he said with an apologetic tone as he opened the coach window and looked at them.
"Oh, okay," the raven-haired Japanese boy shook his head and said, "Look, guys, could we have this conversation later? I know you all have questions, but I promise I'll answer all of them. But for now, let's enjoy the night, alright?"
Otto and Garfiel exchanged another glance before sighing and turning their attention back to Subaru. "Fine, Natsuki-san. But after the ball, no excuses," Otto replied.
"Alright. Deal."
Subaru rose promptly from his seat and gracefully exited the carriage, the crisp night air enveloping him. Surveying the scenery in front of his eyes, the royal castle's courtyard bustled with a diverse array of individuals—some adorned in elegant attire, others opting for simplicity, yet all converging upon the palace.
As he weaved through the crowd, an unusual sensation lingered within Subaru. Throughout his existence, he had endured incessant belittlement, disrespect, and insults. However, not at this moment.
Not today.
"Lord Subaru," a group of well-dressed nobles looked at him and gave him a bow. Subaru nodded nervously as he waved back before continuing his walk.
"Lord Chancellor," this time an entire class of mages bowed to him with reverence. Just as he waved back and moved on,
"Your Excellency," a group of bureaucrats and administrators approached him and bowed once more. Shocked, the raven-haired Japanese boy's eyes widened. He barely was able to hide a gasp. Sure, he wanted respect, but this...this was too much. As he waved them once more and walked a couple more steps,
"Lord Marshall," a group of high-ranking military officials and knights genuflected before him. "Whoa! No need to be so formal. It's a party right?... let's have some fun! Haha," Subaru waved his hand, attempting to brush off the formality. "Please, stand up!" he added with a nervous tone.
"As you wish, Lord Marshal," the leader of the officer knights responded, and they collectively rose, complying with his order. "We have secured the surrounding area and the castle, as commanded, my liege," he added.
"Oh... okay," Subaru's eyes widened as he sought the right words. "Carry on then," he simply uttered and moved forward, strolling once more toward the entrance of the royal castle.
Otto, Garfiel, and Mimi followed Subaru, their expressions a blend of confusion and concern. Otto, always as perceptive, couldn't resist asking, "Natsuki-san, you seemed pretty flustered back there. What's going on with you?"
"Huh?" Subaru gulped, his brain working overtime to find an excuse, glancing around to ensure no one overheard. "Flustered? I ain't flustered, man! Hahahaha!" he spoke as he scratched his head. "I'm just not in the rhythm, you catch me? My social skills are kinda low right now," he lied.
Garfiel, this time, crossed his arms, skepticism still lingering in his eyes. "Really, Capt? Social skills?" His tone is unconvinced. "You're the most charming man I've ever—" he stopped as he remembered Subaru's promise to talk with them later. "Heh! YA better spill it later. We ain't lettin' Ya off the hook that easily capt, Ya hear?"
"Alright, alright! Jeez!"
With the crowd now taking notice of him and his entourage, the sea of people parted, granting Subaru and his crew an express passage.
"Make way for his excellency!"
As they approached the entrance of the royal castle, Subaru couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation.
A team of royal knights guarded the archway, checking the individuals before they entered. However, upon seeing the raven-haired, eyepatch Japanese guy, they saluted immediately and gave way too.
"Lord Subaru, sir!" the leader of the royal knights saluted him.
"At ease, knight," he replied, his voice neutral. It took every ounce of his willpower not to lash out at them. After all, he hated every last one of these pompous bunch, as it was them who had humiliated him back in that world.
Well, not anymore. Not in this world.
Today, he's at the top of the game.
"My lord! Minister Otto, General Garfiel, and Lady Mimi, please," the leader of the knights gestured for them to enter the castle.
They nodded as the imposing gates opened, revealing the grandeur of the royal gardens within.
"Wow!"
Subaru absorbed the scene with awe, taking in the landscape adorned with exotic plants and roses that seemed to sparkle under the moonlight, casting an enchanting soft glow over the place. Elegant couples walked hand in hand along the pathways en route to the ballrooms.
"This is beautiful!"
Subaru hesitated for a while, immersed in the beauty around him, unaware that his group had already walked past him.
Thankfully, Mimi stayed behind and tugged at his sleeve, wearing a gentle smile. "Come on, Mr. Subaru, let's not keep Otto and Garf waiting; otherwise, they'd get all edgy. Moreover, you don't want to keep Her Majesty waiting."
"Oh! Good idea, Mimi-san! Please lead the way." With an enthusiastic nod, Subaru followed his friends into the royal ball, leaving the garden behind.
As he walked, the Japanese man couldn't help but glance at the sky. The moon shone brightly overhead, casting a magical ambiance over the royal district.
"The moon is full, a sign of good fortune for others... heh! Here's hoping for a bright and lovely future."
"Ughhhh! My head," Subaru groaned as his eyes fluttered open. "W-Where am I?" As consciousness slowly returned, he found himself tied to a chair in a dimly lit barn. "W-What the..."
The sunlight streamed in through the cracks in the walls.
"Wait... Oh no! BEAKO?!" Panic surged through him as he realized the gravity of his situation. His gaze darted around the room until it landed on Beatrice, who was tied up beside him, a single dart embedded in her forehead, connected to wires.
"BEAKO!" Subaru exclaimed, his voice strained with worry. He struggled against his restraints, but they held fast, refusing to yield. "What the heck is this thing?!" he groaned as he also noticed two darts in his head, attached to wires just like Beako. "HELP!" he shouted, trying to call for help, but to no avail.
Desperation clawed at him as he attempted to tap into his authorities but to no avail. With each failed attempt, his heart sank further.
"Fuck! Why won't you fucking work! WORK DAMNIT!"
Closing his eyes, Subaru focused all his willpower, channeling every ounce of determination he had left into one last attempt: to fire his authorities. Sloth? Greed? Lust? Heck, even gluttony—he doesn't care. He just needs to try. He has to. But before he could muster another effort, a voice pierced through the air.
"It's pointless, you know."
Subaru's eyes snapped open, and he turned to see a man in a white suit, wearing an eyepatch over his right eye. Brown hair framed his face, and his expression remained stoic as he ignored Subaru's struggle.
"I've already disabled every authority, magic, and skill you've got, the same with your spirit there," he added with a neutral voice devoid of emotion.
"W-what did you say...How in the world did you know-" his eyes grew big at the mention of his authorities. "Who the fuck are you?" Subaru demanded, his voice tinged with fury, but the man paid him no heed.
Instead, he picked up a futuristic Tab connected to a device, which in turn was linked to the wires attached to Subaru and Beatrice's foreheads.
"HEY! I'm asking you a question! Who are you!? And what are you going to do?" Subaru pressed, his heart racing with fear and anticipation.
The man's lips curled into a faint smirk. "You'll see."
Subaru's breath caught in his throat as the man pressed something on the iPad, and in an instant, electricity surged through him and Beatrice, sending agonizing shockwaves coursing through their bodies.
"Arghhh! What the fu- Arghhhh!" Subaru's voice echoed with pain, his body writhing against the restraints.
"Aaahhh! Stop! Please!" a second voice chimed in beside Subaru.
"Beako?! Oh no!" he cried out as he looked at his contracted spirit, and what he saw broke his heart.
"Hgkk... Subaru...!" Beatrice cried out, tears streaming down her face. "Are you okay, I suppose? I can't feel my body, Subaru! I can barely see, in fact!" Her voice trembled, the prime minister's heart-wrenching at the sight of Beako suffering, which he is helpless to do anything about.
"Beako! Don't worry, I'm here! Everything is going to be alright!" he comforted the spirit, which helped even if a little. "YOU Douchebag! Wait till I get my hands on you, and I'll rip you to SHREDS!" Subaru then roared with fury at the brown-haired eyepatch guy, who looked at him with boredom.
"Hmmm, I disagree," the guy replied and pushed tapped into his tab once more, electrocuting both the prime minister and the loli spirit. "Damn, this is a lot harder than I thought. That contract and those pesky authorities are clinging to you very hard. Alright, let's do this," he said as he electrocuted them once more.
"Ughhhh... Subaru...I love you..." Beatrice choked out painfully as her body was electrocuted to the fullest before she passed out again.
"Beako!" *Sobbing sounds* "I'm very sorry," the prime minister cried, helpless to tend to his contracted spirit. Looking at the brown-haired guy, he weakly asked, "W-why a-are you doing this?"
"Why indeed? Hmmm," the guy looked up as if thinking. "I say because it's fun."
"Huh?"
"for fun, and to help the other you... The one with the eyepatch?" the brown-haired boy raised his brow, waiting for Subaru to respond.
The raven-haired Japanese prime minister squinted his eyes, albeit weakly, thinking. "Oh, you mean that edgy version of me?" he responded with venom, albeit weakly. "What about him?"
"I wouldn't label him as edgy, not just yet. He's different compared to anyone else, including you. And even if that weren't the case, I assure you!" The man remarked as he tapped on his tablet again, and with grim decisiveness, electrocuting Prime Minister Subaru into oblivion.
"He will be different."
Entering the ballroom, Subaru couldn't help but be mesmerized. Sparkling chandeliers cast a soft glow over the dance floor, luxurious furniture of various origins adorned the space, extravagant carpets, state-of-the-art statues, endless buffet tables, and cocktails.
Elegant couples twirled to the music, creating a scene of magnificence that left the broke boy from another world in awe.
"Wow..." he uttered in disbelief as he began to stroll forward, leaving his friends behind.
"Natsuki-san! Hey, wait!" Otto tried to stop him but wasn't successful. "At least don't get drunk and rowdy again, bro!" he added, but the raven-haired Japanese boy was already out of earshot. "He's hopeless," he concluded.
"Chill, Otto, bro. Tha capt jus wanna relax and have fun, is all."
"I sure hope so, Garf. I sure hope so."
Navigating through the crowds, Subaru could hear the chatter of nobles and merchants blending with the soft background music. The grandeur of the palace ball felt like a dream. The most exquisite and irresistible dishes invaded his nostrils, but he didn't care. His eyes and head glanced around, searching for a familiar face. A wonderful face. A lovely face. The one he loves. The one he's ready to sacrifice everything for.
Emilia. Just Emilia. Only Emilia.
"My Emilia-tan"
As the orchestra enveloped the ballroom in a captivating melody, Subaru felt himself carried away by the enchanting sound of music. The unfamiliar yet soothing tune stirred something deep within him, conjuring memories that danced just out of reach.
"Hmm, where have I heard that before? Sounds like a melody from back home, doesn't it?" Subaru remarked, his voice infused with a hint of nostalgia.
His attention was suddenly captured by the dance floor, where couples glided gracefully to the music. "Yeah, it does. It reminds me of simpler times," he replied, a touch of longing coloring his voice.
As the lights dimmed and the MC subtly announced, a demihuman catgirl's voice echoed through the mic, "Her Majesty has now graced us with her presence at the ball. Please accord her the space she deserves in the ballroom."
"Emilia-tan?" Subaru's heart skipped a beat at the mere mention of her name.
There she was, at a distance...Emilia, resplendent in a silver dress that shimmered under the soft glow of the chandeliers.
"Wow..." Subaru uttered in disbelief, his heart pounding in his chest. His eyes remained fixed on Emilia as she made her way through the room, his emotions swirling like a tempest within him.
"Huh? W-what..." Subaru's breath caught in his throat as he noticed Emilia's swollen belly, a clear sign of her pregnancy. Shock and joy mingled within him, overwhelming him with euphoria.
'WHOA WHOA WHOA! My Emilia-tan is pregnant!? I'm really really really! a dad in this world, huh? Me, a father! ME! After all the hardships and heartache...My happy ending...Dad Kenichi! Mom Naoko! Wherever you are...Your son is now a dad!' Subaru's thoughts raced, his emotions bubbling over with excitement.
"Emilia..." Subaru whispered, barely audible over the music. "Stop it! Don't daydream! You can do that later, Subaru," he chided himself, snapping out of his reverie with a gentle slap to his cheeks.
Summoning all his courage, Subaru stepped forward, determination overriding his doubts. With trembling hands, he extended his hand to Emilia, a silent plea in his eyes.
"Emilia... My Emilia-tan! May I have this dance?" Subaru asked, his voice trembling with emotion.
As Subaru extended his hand to Emilia, his heart raced with anticipation.
To his relief and delight, "Of course Everything for my Personal knight." Emilia smiled warmly and accepted his invitation to dance. They joined the other couples on the dance floor, moving in sync with the enchanting melody.
"I love you, Emilia," he said silently.
"What did you say, Subaru?" Emilia's voice cut through the music, her curiosity piqued.
"Nah, I didn't say anything, hehehehe!" Subaru chuckled, trying to play it off.
"Oh," Emilia responded, seemingly satisfied with his answer. "And why are you wearing an eyepatch, Subaru?"
"Oh, this? Just trying something new. What do you think? You like it?" he fibbed.
As they danced, Emilia's eyes sparkled with joy, her infectious, bubbly demeanor lighting up the room. Subaru observed intently, captivated by her graceful movements.
"Are you alright, Emilia-tan? You seem exceptionally happy tonight," Subaru inquired, a gentle smile gracing his lips.
Emilia chuckled softly. "Of course, Subaru! I'm just enjoying the moment, being here with you and everyone else. It's really wonderful."
Subaru couldn't resist flirting with Emilia, his heart swelling with affection for her. "Well, you know, Emilia-tan, you look absolutely stunning tonight. It's hard to focus on anything else when you're around," he said, his voice laced with playful admiration.
The Queen rolled her eyes playfully, a blush tinting her cheeks. "Oh, Subaru, you never cease to amaze me with your cheesy Nincompoop lines," she teased, laughter dancing in her eyes.
"Nincompoop? Who even says that word these days?" Subaru joked.
"Hmph! Dunderhead!" Emilia puffed her cheeks cutely, a gesture that Subaru found endearing.
"Emilia-tan is Seriously an Angel"
With each step, their dance continued, each moment filled with warmth and affection. It was as if everything and everyone else faded away, leaving only the two of them in the world, their connection deepening with every twirl and sway.
"I-I lov—" Subaru's confession was cut short as the music reached its crescendo. Emilia pulled him into a tight embrace, and he felt his heart soar once more.
"I... Emilia-tan, by the way, how old is our ba—" Subaru was about to ask about their baby, about the future they would share when suddenly a tall figure with purple hair and regal attire approached them.
"My loved," the guy spoke, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. Emilia suddenly broke their embrace and ran towards the purple-haired guy.
"Juli!" she squealed, her voice filled with excitement as she embraced him.
"...Julius?" Subaru said, shocked, his heart sinking with each passing moment.
Then suddenly, the two started kissing each other in front of him, sending shockwaves through Subaru's already shattered heart.
"Hmm, my dearest Queen, I love you even more," he replied, matching her affection with equal fervor. "And how is our baby doing?"
"She's growing so fast, Juli," Emilia answered with joy, her eyes glowing with maternal warmth. "She's also very energetic, just like her father." They shared another kiss, sealing their happiness.
Suddenly, Subaru stood there, stunned and disbelieving, as he witnessed Emilia and Julius embrace and kiss. His already fragile heart shattered into a million pieces. Tears blurred his vision as they streamed down his cheeks, each one a testament to the agony he felt inside.
"Is this... really happening?"
In that moment, the world around him seemed to fade away, leaving him alone in anguish. A lump formed in his throat, stifling his sobs as he struggled to make sense of what he was witnessing. The woman he loved, Emilia, was in the arms of another man, professing love in a way that tore Subaru apart.
Unable to bear the weight of his emotions any longer, Subaru turned away, shoulders sagging in defeat. He stumbled through the crowd, his mind overwhelmed by betrayal and heartbreak.
Each step felt like a dagger to his soul, every heartbeat a painful reminder of his loss.
Finally reaching the edge of the ballroom, Subaru collapsed to his knees, overcome with grief. He buried his face in his hands, his cries drowned out by the music and laughter surrounding him. In that moment of utter despair, Subaru felt he had lost everything, his dreams crumbling to dust before his eyes.
This was how it always went, especially for Prime Minister Subaru. He would witness the Queen and King's affectionate displays, then retreat like a defeated schoolboy to wallow in his misery.
But not this time. Not with this Subaru. This time was different.
"Emilia, why?" Subaru choked out through his tears, his voice cracking with anguish.
Julius, hearing Subaru's question, turned towards him, a hint of annoyance in his eyes. "What do you mean 'why'?" he asked Subaru, his tone sharp. "She's my wife, I can kiss her whenever I like. Do you have a problem with that, Mr. Prime Minister?" Julius added, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Subaru," Emilia intervened, her expression softening as she turned to him. "We've talked about this countless times, remember?" she began, reaching out to him. "I know you really loved me, or perhaps you still do Subaru, but Julius is my husband now. You even said you accepted this fact before, remember?" she reasoned, her voice gentle but firm.
"The hell I did!" Subaru growled this time, anger seeping through his tears as he uncovered his eyes. "After everything I've done for you... after everything we've been through together? After all the sacrifices!" His voice trembled with hurt and anger, his words echoing in the ballroom.
Julius stepped forward, his posture regal and imposing. "If you can't handle seeing us together, perhaps you should remove yourself from the situation, just like you always do," he said, his voice cold and calculated, a hint of superiority in his tone.
Subaru felt a surge of defiance rise within him. "But—" he started, only to be cut off by Emilia's stern gaze.
"Subaru," she said firmly, her eyes serious. "Julius is my husband, and I love him. You knew that."
"So this is how it goes, huh?" Subaru's eyes flashed with pain and resentment. "Getting cucked. Getting NTRed...Betrayal..." he whispered, his voice barely audible over the din of the ballroom, his words filled with bitterness and sorrow.
Emilia's expression softened further, her heart breaking for him. "Subaru, please," she began, reaching out once more, her voice pleading.
But Subaru had had enough. With a sudden eruption of emotion, he pushed past Emilia and Julius, his eyes burning with tears, his heart heavy with anguish.
"Fuck you, Julius!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the ballroom, his words laced with venom. "And you know what?! Fuck you too, Emilia! You've betrayed me! Used me! I'll never forgive you!"
Murmurs erupted among the crowd of dignitaries, nobles, and foreign diplomats, their whispers swirling like a storm.
"Is that the queen and king arguing with the prime minister?" a noblewoman spoke, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"It sure is! Damn, so the rumors are true! There is a love triangle," a nobleman chimed in, his tone filled with intrigue.
"Nonsense! The prime minister just hasn't moved on yet. Poor guy, though," a mage commented, his voice tinged with sympathy.
As subaru made a scene, Julius's patience wore thin. "Enough," he said sharply, his voice cutting through the chaos, his eyes flashing with authority. "Even if you are the Prime Minister, you are not immune to consequences." Turning to the royal knights, he ordered, "Escort him out. He's clearly intoxicated and making a scene."
The royal knights approached Subaru reluctantly, their expressions sympathetic but firm. "I'm sorry, Lord Subaru," one of them said respectfully, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But you'll have to come with us."
"Like hell, I would!" Subaru roared defiantly, yet his protests were futile as he was forcefully dragged away from the elegant ballroom.
As he was being escorted out, Subaru's mind raced back to a certain day.
Memories flooded back—of being removed from the throne room during the royal selection by the royal knights, ordered by Emilia, and by extension, Julius, and of feeling powerless and alone afterward.
The weight of betrayal and heartache bore down on him, threatening to consume him whole.
"Subaru is not my knight, nor is he my attendant."
"And we'll end this now."
"You've done enough."
"Farewell, Natsuki Subaru."
"Weakness is something to feel shame, not pride, about. To earn the right to stand here, have you worked hard? All you do is disgrace upon us."
"It appears you truly have no pride. What a pathetic and vulgar way to live."
"You are irredeemably powerless. You are not worthy to stand by her side."
Weak, pathetic, useless, shameless, vulgar. That's how he saw himself before, and unfortunately, still sees himself today. He was so foolish that even if he sacrificed his well-being and endured countless deaths, the girl whom he loved dearly would still choose to be with the one who beaten him, who humiliated him!
It doesn't have to be this way. I'm not weak anymore. No longer.
Never again.
With all his might, Subaru broke free from the clutches of the royal knights holding him and swiftly activated his eyepatch, his body instantly surrounded by orange lines of energy.
"Screw this!" Subaru growled, his voice dripping with frustration and bitterness. "If this is how it's gonna be, then I'll show you all what I'm made of, BITCHES!"
In an instant, the room was engulfed in shadow, swallowing everything in its path. The sounds of chaos and confusion reverberated through the surroundings as the darkness consumed all, plunging the palace into utter pandemonium.
