Chapter 25: Alliance
Author's note: I thought it would be interesting to show some of what will happen during arc 3 through Subaru's side before doing Emilia's side, however I won't reveal anything. My biggest challenge with this chapter was writing the dialogue between so many characters, but I think I achieved that just fine.
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"It's good to have you, Subaru Ellior." Crusch greeted him, putting out her hand to shake his, which he returned. Currently just outside the mansion, they were greeted before coming in. Next to her was Wilhelm, her butler and bodyguard, known for his incredible skill with the sword.
"We meet again, Subaru-dono." Wilhelm shook his hand too.
"Likewise, Crusch-san. Wilhelm-san, good to see you too." Subaru greeted the both of them, then looked at the third person who came to greet them. "And this is… Felix-san, well known healer of the knights, correct?"
On Crusch's other side was her attendant and appointed knight, Felix, who Subaru could describe as a demi-human crossdresser. Seeing as to how he was recognized made his ears perk up. "Yes I am. Glad to know you recognize Ferris-chan's though you didn't recognize her at the ceremony. I saw how you gave the council that tongue lashing, though, can't say they didn't have it coming."
Felix also just so happened to be a knight, with expertise in healing magic. Said to be one of, if not the best, in the whole kingdom. A valuable member to have in her camp, it seems Crusch has top of the line personnel serving her. She isn't the only one though, because Subaru himself has a good group under his leadership, which allows him to go toe to toe with her.
"This is Ram, one of the maids who I brought along with me." Subaru introduced Ram, who gave a bow to Crusch.
"I am very thankful for your hospitality. While we are here, I would be glad to help in tasks around the manor as needed, so long that it is where I can't see Barusu." the pink haired maid said.
"You could afford to not be like that for once, though it would be a great shock if you acted respectful so maybe it's fine for now. And this is the Great spirit Beatrice, you know her as my contract spirit." he also introduced Beatrice too, though Crusch already met her, it was good to get introductions done.
"Subaru is taking a great deal out of his time coming all the way here, in fact. This better be worth it or Betty will get angry, I suppose." Beatrice stated, glaring deep into Crusch. She was in a bad mood since she was woken up early, so she was a little grumpy.
"I believe it will be quite lucrative. Beatrice-dono, Ram-dono, It is good to meet the both of you. Come inside so that we can begin discussing things, we'll also need to have you all sorted, but that comes later." Crusch beckoned them inside her impressive estate, one that matches that of Roswaal's manor.
Subaru, Beatrice, and Ram were led to the room that Crusch uses for audiences, where their talks will be held during their stay, a room that had Crusch's desk at the focal point which gives her the most authority in the room. Subaru sat down at one of the chairs, with Beatrice being next to him. Ram stood by to the side, inconspicuously. Those two are the ones who are to represent Subaru's camp, so they must act with dignity so as to not drag down his appearance.
Right now, this is effectively combat between them, a duel to see who is the superior negotiator. Before they can be allies, they must first be opponents. Who gains the most and who loses out, all are things that will be determined in the few days that Subaru and Crusch will speak with one another.
"To think that you would go so far as to break the rules of the selection to ensure an alliance off the bat, it seems you are going all out on trying to ensure a positive outcome for the kingdom." Crusch Started off, referring to the week before, where Subaru and Crusch made contact through letters.
"Me, break the rules? For the record, you sent the first letter, I merely responded to it and agreed to a time and place. If that is breaking the rule, then you have no right to talk." Subaru replied, denying any claim that Subaru broke the rule of separation between candidates.
"Suppose not, but we still made contact prior to the selection and gave ourselves an unfair advantage that will affect the race in the long run. Not that I want to stop our alliance, but I still wish to put out the fact that we cannot complain if another candidate were to play outside the rules. And, if we can help it, avoid doing anything of the sort again." Crusch took a sip of her tea after she finished speaking.
"Extremely honorable and honest, even when breaking the rules. I see nothing wrong in that line of thinking, and I can agree with wanting to keep things clean. It would certainly get ugly if the selection turned into a competition of who can exploit the rules the hardest. Now, onto the important details." Subaru leaned forward slightly, for Crusch's answer.
"Why are we dedicating multiple days just to talk about the alliance when we can do things in one day? Since we both want the alliance it should be that simple. But, that isn't it, is it? You want something out of this relationship, something tangible. What is it, if you can tell me?" That was the question that Crusch received.
"You are right about me needing multiple days for something so simple and I have the answer you are looking for. The answer to that lies in our desires and how we may assist each other in attaining them, and on that front, should it not be you that needs to tell me that, Subaru-dono?" Crusch took another sip, then set the cup down so that she could interlock her fingers in front of her mouth. "Since you are a guest in my home, after all."
"I suppose that is the case, but you sent the initial letter. By the nature of that, it must be you that states what you want out of this, Crusch-san." Subaru did not want to relent his advantage in the negotiations, he was on the attack.
"My ultimate goal and what I hope to get from this alliance is to ensure that the kingdom is one where the people rely on themselves and each other, one that can protect itself. That is what my vision is, one that is without the holy dragon." Crusch spoke.
"And I can assume that you sent the letter because you believe me to share the same vision as you do. Well, I suppose ours intersect more than others, but I cannot agree with the dragon matter. Regardless of what you think it is, the dragon is another layer of protection for this kingdom."
"This [layer of protection] is something we as a people have grown to rely on far beyond what is healthy. What we need is a strong nation that does not need it. How often in history has the dragon intervened when it comes to something capable of bringing ruin to Lugunica? Not enough. Subaru-dono, I understand that you believe the dragon is reliable, however evidence has shown that the dragon is not something that can be trusted. What if something befalls the kingdom that we cannot handle and the dragon does not show up? Utter destruction, the likes of which we cannot ever hope to recover from."
Crusch has a clear argument. While the dragon is an extremely powerful protector, the times he has gone out of his way to protect the kingdom have been few and far in between. Which does hold true with what Crusch is saying, however it also goes against it.
"Maybe the dragon doesn't interfere all that much, but the times that he has have been when the kingdom truly needed it. What if the dragon only appears precisely because of a threat we cannot handle, then wouldn't that explain why he's so inconsistent? By choosing to give up on the dragon, once there is a day that a threat comes that we can't handle, no one can save us." Subaru argued.
"A good way to look at it, Subaru-dono. However, I plan on strengthening the kingdom to the point where that is no longer a possibility. The dragon will no longer need to appear once we have become a much stronger, more unified kingdom."
"You are really insistent on making the kingdom strong enough to face any and all threats, but there are still things that can't be handled in that sort of method. But, in the end, it's your vision. I can't try and convince you otherwise." Subaru did not intend on pestering her about her policy on the dragon, he just has to at least ensure that both their policies focus on what matters, the people.
"Glad that we both understand that the dragon matter is up to whoever wins. Now, what is it that you want our alliance to accomplish, Subaru-dono?" Crusch asked, now that the dragon argument has been settled.
"Well, to put bluntly, what I want is equality between people. No one person is better than another based on their birth, looks, or social standing. The demi-human war happened for a reason, because people were mistreated to the point where the only thing they could do was fight. I believe that this kingdom will be loved by the people living in it if everyone was treated with true fairness."
What Subaru wanted was a future without persecution. You could argue that it was because he himself went through some of the worst of it for a long time, but even if he didn't, he couldn't stand to see others feel that pain that he did at the hands of others in positions much more secure. They deserve that too, to be secure.
"That is exactly why we need time to discuss things thoroughly, agreements, clauses, plans, all which we may or may not require each other's assistance in. Subaru-dono, I am aware that your plan to solidify your lead in the running is to wipe out the Devil's cult in its entirety. A grand undertaking to be sure, with such a dangerous group, and I want to help in that."
"So what you are saying is, you want to assist me and in return you get partial credit for helping? Can I assume I will be able to do the same?"
"Of course. Not only that, but our task is something just as grand as exterminating the Devil's cult. We are hunting the white whale after all." Crusch stated, then signaled to Wilhelm. Upon which, he gave some papers for Subaru to look at.
"This is?" He asked.
"Weapon orders. I suppose that you know the reason why we need those?" Wilhelm responded to Subaru's question about what the paper was about. "As our first step in the running, we want a joint alliance in taking down the white whale."
"The white whale? The thing is difficult to track and even more difficult to bring down. Are you sure this hunting party won't end in tragedy like the last?" Subaru's words caused Wilhelm's face to harden, his revenge on the whale has yet to have been completed. Subaru is aware, however he does not have the same reasons for going out of his way after it. "I can assume by you bringing this up that you are intending on inviting me along."
"Will you be available for then? The last great hunt led by the sword saint could have used you back then, however I understand that there were circumstances that prevented that." Crusch asked.
"The day that Barusu was meant to join the attack on the white whale was the same day that the Devil's cult attacked the oni village." Ram said. "The same day that, had Barusu not come for us, we would have been wiped out."
"Yes, and I have no one to blame for that. It was a situation that could not be prevented, it would be most selfish if I were to complain when Subaru-dono was saving lives." Wilhelm relented.
"So will you join us on the upcoming hunt, Subaru-dono?" Crusch asked for a definitive answer.
"Yes, I am willing to cooperate. My magic should prove quite effective and once we take it down, it'll be a boon to both our runnings, but…" Subaru paused. "I can only do so if we have a clear picture of where it may show up, I can't just leave the city when the Devil cult is targeting it at the moment. I don't intend to go on a wild goose chase, I have to be there to protect the city. If it gets found, call me in, and I'll get there as a reinforcement."
Subaru's reasoning as to why he chooses not to be with the hunting party from the start is because he can't afford to stay away for long. The Devil cult is obviously targeting Arlam for one reason or another, if Subaru was to take his eyes off of the city for even a few days, it puts the city at risk.
Even now as he is making this alliance, he is taking a risk. For all that Subaru knew, the city could be under attack right at this moment by some sin archbishop of the Devil cult again. Though it would be far too soon though, even still, he left three capable people back at the mansion, those being Emilia, Rem, and Frederica. Subaru is sure they can handle anything thrown at them… Subaru made an unpleasant face at the idea.
"Is something the matter?" Crusch asked after witnessing the change in his expression.
"Not in the slightest." Subaru replied.
"Then let's get back on topic." Crusch said, pulling out yet another document and laying it on her desk. This document was a map of Lugunica with circle marks placed down at various locations, some were red, some were yellow. A legend was placed down at an empty corner, highlighting what appear to be criteria, the legend was written in that yellow color.
"You said that you can't leave the city unattended in fear of the Devil cult attacking, and that you can only participate when we have a clear idea on where it may show up? Well here is that. This map is a record of every location that the white whale had attacked, as well as what each of those locations have in common. By taking those similarities, we may be able to apply those criteria to any location that matches these similarities and keep an eye on them." Crusch said.
Crusch seemed proud of this finding, however, that still doesn't answer the fact that it could all be a coincidence. It could attack a place that doesn't meet the criteria, which would play into why the white whale is an enigmatic monster with no clear reasoning or goal as to why it attacks a place. It is better than pure guesswork, sure, but it will still require Crusch's hunting force to move about.
"You have a record of locations that it showed up in, at least all the ones that were remembered, but the white whale is fully unpredictable even for a mabeast, in fact." Beatrice spoke. "The white whale shows up where it pleases, with the only indicator of where it will show up being the fog."
"Yes, and that only happens when it will show up shortly, meaning the time we have to react will be small. However it will lurk in the area for some time at least." Wilhelm added.
"Then perhaps Barusu will be able to do something about it with his magic." Ram spoke on the possibility of actually being able to catch up with it.
"Hmm, this doesn't seem so bad that it's undoable. But, we will need a lot of preparation as well as actually locating the white whale, if it doesn't come to us first. Though if it does, all the better since we can actually fight it." Subaru responded.
"It will be a great help to the both of us. Subaru Ellior, will you help?" Crusch asked.
"Fine, guess I don't really have much of a choice. Though, the risk does seem to be as equal as the reward, so don't be surprised if this doesn't get pulled off."
"Wouldn't want it any other way." Crusch said.
"That sounds like the best way to go about things right now for both of us to be satisfied with our alliance. But, that is only part of it. Right, Crusch-san? I, Subaru Ellior, accept your alliance. I look forward to seeing what we can do." Subaru looked at her, the first of many conversations had reached an optimum stopping point. They have yet to be introduced to their rooms which they would stay for the few days of their stay.
"So do I. We still have much to discuss. You just arrived, so we will give you all time to get set up. Wilhelm, please show them where they will be staying" Crusch spoke, it was past afternoon right now, so doing this before dinner would be a wise choice.
"Of course, leave it to me." Wilhelm replied, and led the guests to where they would stay.
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Subaru and his group followed behind Wilhelm to their guest rooms. The rooms were spacious enough to leave their belongings in, and as they did so, Wilhelm came to Subaru who was currently unpacking with Beatrice whilst Ram was in her own room. "Do you need help unpacking, Subaru-sama?"
"Not at all, Wilhelm-san, I can handle it just fine. Though, I am a little surprised." Subaru said, pointing his chin at Wilhelm.
"About what, exactly?" the elderly gentleman asked.
"You of all people being a butler, it's not something I'm used to seeing from you. I usually think of Wilhelm the sword demon being more of a body guard or knight on standby, waiting for the moment where there is danger."
Subaru knew Wilhelm as someone who had a hot headed personality, who strived to become as strong as possible for he had things he wanted to protect. He would never imagine that Wilhelm would take such a calm job which required lots of patience, but it is strange how things can change.
"Even Betty is surprised. The first time she saw Wilhelm, he looked like someone who couldn't bear to live quietly, in fact." Beatrice spoke.
"Yes, I too used to think that would be the thing that I am capable of doing best. However, life is quite interesting in that regard. Anything can happen that can change the future for one person, where they become something they previously thought impossible for themselves to become, either good or bad." Wilhelm responded.
"And can you say whether your future is anything bad?" Subaru asked. Wilhelm's current life is not filled with as much danger as what he was used to, there is now more calm than chaos. Subaru assumed that a life like that for Wilhelm would be unbearable.
"Everyone has regrets, even more so the longer they live, in fact. Would you not go back and change anything if you could?" Beatrice added.
"I would not, Beatrice-dono. I am happy with the way I am, but even then, there are still things that I wish were better. Things that I'm afraid I don't have a hand in changing." Wilhelm sighed, one that sounded tired. "But that is the way things are now, there is no use in dwelling on it."
"I have multiple guesses, but at least one of them is Reinhardt." Subaru did not know the specifics, but from what he talked about with Reinhardt, his grandfather is a focal point in why he acts the way he does. He influenced a lot of it.
"Do you know of the matter?" Wilhelm asked, wondering if he knew of his way of acting towards Reinhardt.
"Not a lot of what's going on, but I can guess enough from what Reinhardt said to me. I know what I'm gonna say might sound insensitive, but I think you should just talk to him. Nothing good ever happens by refusing to communicate, maybe you'll even realize that he wanted to talk to you too."
"And you think he does? Truly?" Wilhelm leaned slightly forward, hoping to hear if Subaru truly thinks that he may be able to fix the rift between them. The one that was caused by his rage towards Reinhardt and the blame he subjected him to.
"Even I can't read minds, but I think there is something that needs to be fixed between you two, and standing around doing nothing doesn't help it whatsoever." Subaru had experiences similar to this, where someone says one thing which causes a massive crack to form between one another. That was something that can only be solved by talking, but that was usually something which the two people involved don't realize until things can't be fixed.
"Us spirits get into arguments too, but due to our long lived nature we don't bother to speak to each other until we have forgotten about what made us angry in the first place. Humans simply can't wait that long, in fact." Beatrice backed up Subaru.
"I have said things that I can't take back, things that I am not proud of. It was years ago but I am fully aware that the scars they caused have still not healed, to be honest, I am afraid. Maybe our relationship will never be fixed, entirely because of me. What would you do in this situation?" Wilhelm asked Subaru for guidance.
"Hmm… I'd find out. If you are so afraid of talking, afraid that you have done permanent damage, then try and find out. Even if what you have said left a permanent mark on Reinhardt, I'm sure that one day in the future, it will no longer be a problem, entirely because the possibility that the both of you will get along once again exists." Subaru responded.
Those words caused Wilhelm to place a hand on his chin and stroke it. He is old, usually people come to him for advice rather than the other way around, however due to Subaru being around longer than him, for once he is the one receiving advice. It was a strange feeling, he believed himself to be far too old for guidance, but Subaru knows that even those like Wilhelm need help now and then.
"Subaru-sama, you have my sincerest thanks. Though talking to my grandson isn't easy now, we both have our own lives that we must live. When we meet face to face, I'll tell him. Everything that I need to say, I will not let anything go unsaid." Wilhelm bowed deeply, thanking Subaru for giving him advice.
"No need to thank me. Elders have to always guide their juniors whenever they are in trouble, yes~" Subaru pulled out his old man impression, which elicited a laugh from Wilhelm. The mood was light now, something Subaru appreciated a lot more than the air of seriousness.
"Indeed that seems to be the case, I always find myself forgetting that you are much older than I. Age has not dulled you whatsoever." The old butler was in a fine mood now, rarely does he speak with someone leisurely like this.
"Oh? Would you say that you yourself have become dull, Wilhelm-san?" Subaru asked.
"My demeanor may have cooled down from when I was a fiery young man, but I can assure you that deep down I still have that burning flame of a swordsman."
"That's good. So often do humans grow old and deteriorate, in fact. Seeing someone who has not yet succumbed to aging is reassuring, I suppose." Beatrice said to Wilhelm, who was not planning on letting the rapid current of time weather him.
Subaru finished in no time thanks to his talk with Wilhelm. Subaru did deny Wilhelm's assistance, but as it turned out, he really did help by making the time go by. Subaru and Wilhelm were never very close. Rather, it should be that they both were holding a grudge against one another due to events in the past.
However, they both saw nothing to hold a grudge about. It was simply business in the end, business in which they both had to do what had to be done. Nothing more, nothing less. That was the reason why they could talk so calmly, for they had no reason for malice.
Wilhelm bid Subaru a good day and left to take care of some tasks, leaving Subaru to wait for dinner. "It's gonna be a long three days, let's hope nothing happens while I'm away." He said as he flopped onto his bed. He was worried, who knows what the Cult could be doing while his back is turned.
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The dusk turned into night and Subaru had just emerged from the restroom to turn in for the evening. He went up the stairs and spotted Crusch drinking whilst sitting in a chair on the balcony, looking at the moon. She no longer wore her military coat, instead donning an informal dress. Crusch spotted Subaru as he crested the staircase and waved him over, which he obliged.
"Do you usually spend the night drinking when no one is around? Can't say that it's a good habit to have, especially for someone in a stressful leadership position, though you would fool me if you said it was juice." Subaru joked as he sat down in front of the duchess. His joke elicited a small laugh that could be mistaken for a cough from Crusch.
"It's been watered down so I won't feel much of the alcohol, it might as well be juice. Do you want some?" Crusch passed him a glass, which Subaru pushed away with his hand.
"Out of all the people in the camp, I'm the rare one that doesn't drink. Had it been anyone else, they would have gladly accepted." Subaru didn't like the way alcohol made him dizzy. Maybe it was because of the ones Roswaal has on hand, but his experience has never been pleasant.
"How come? Are you perhaps a light weight, Subaru-dono?" Crusch asked, a slightly playful smile appeared on her face. Considering how old he is, she would have expected him to at least drink every now and then, however that seems to not the case.
"Of course I'm not, who do you take me for?" Subaru looked away while saying this.
"Subaru Ellior, I don't even need my blessing to tell you that you are lying. Regardless of that, I wanted to ask you something." She said, reminding Subaru of the fact that she was born with a blessing that allowed her to tell when someone is lying.
"So there was a reason you waved me over. Is it an important question or one for funsies?" Subaru asked, since Crusch is not someone who does something without reason. If she waved him over, maybe she wanted to discuss something with just the two of them.
"You think I'm someone who only does something with due reason."
"I'm not the only one who thinks that." Subaru replied.
"I simply wanted to ask you your opinion on the other candidates. What is it that you think of them?" Crusch was asking for his opinion on their opponents, and how much it would be worth to plan on stunting their campaign. Since Subaru was someone who has history and first person experience, he should be able to judge on their policies more than anyone.
"So that's the something you wanted to ask. All you want is for me to tell you how I think they would turn out if they became ruler?" he asked.
"Something akin to that. Ultimately, I want to figure out how destructive their overall reign would be on the people of the kingdom and if they would result in anything positive." Crusch took a sip from her glass, peering into Subaru. He was someone who could tell her because he has seen similar things in his lifetime.
"Well that's not very hard to answer, but I think the third best ruler would be Priscilla." Subaru stated, causing Crusch to set down her cup in order to contemplate what he just said.
"Priscilla Barielle? Had I known any better, I would have thought you fell asleep at the Royal selection ceremony. She has said that should she win, everyone and everything in the kingdom will belong to her. She sees the citizens of the kingdom as mere property, do you not think it is preposterous?"
Crusch, who ardently believes in the people needing to be powerful and strong willed was polar opposites with Priscilla who wanted her citizens to be subservient and dependant. Being told that Priscilla's way has pros to it was something unacceptable to her. She viewed it as the complete downfall of all Lugunicans.
"Well if you look at it from the outside it may be so, however, you need to look at it from the inside to truly grasp what I'm talking about. Have you noticed how from inside Priscilla's domain, you rarely hear of complaints about her ruling? The people under her are prospering, safe, and most importantly, happy."
Subaru pointed out, and now that Crusch thought it about, it was true. There is rarely strife inside of her domain, quite the opposite. However it does not disprove the idea that Priscilla may be controlling information that leaves her domain, but when you consider that information isn't something that can be so easily contained, that idea falls flat.
"Still, though her people may be happy under her rule, that does not mean she is an ideal candidate." Crusch stated clearly.
"I never said that she was, in fact she is far from ideal, I only said that she wasn't the worst candidate. Anastasia could very well be the worst depending on how things transpire." Subaru stated.
"But Anastasia did not seem like someone who would make a bad candidate. Especially from her speech in the ceremony."
"That speech which makes her seem like a good candidate is entirely the reason why she is also a bad candidate. In her words, it was a business venture. She is doing this to line her pockets more than anything else, that's dangerous, especially for the less well off citizens."
"That part about bringing prosperity to the country?" Crusch recalled that part of Anastasia's speech, which was the main selling point. By bringing prosperity to the people, no one will have to worry about their situations.
"Make the country very rich, while the people are very poor. Though I could be trying to tell the future based only on platitudes, there is no guarantee that she will be all that bad, but you know how merchants are." Subaru spoke
"And I can assume that Felt is obviously the one we should ensure doesn't win?" Crusch asked.
"For now at least."
"For now?"
"Felt is a kid that grew up on the street, poor, hungry, and unsafe. She hates this kingdom first and foremost, therefore she wants to destroy it because of that. However, I suspect that will change as the selection goes on, she'll learn that her idea of utter destruction is not the best and that it was a childish tantrum. Since she knows little now, she has room to grow in the future." Subaru told Crusch the basics of Felt's circumstances.
"You have a lot of faith in the girl." Crusch noted. Subaru was someone who shows kindness to those who are hurt and in need of it, entirely because he himself was in that position long ago.
"Everyone gets hurt, but it's because of hurt that they can grow up." Subaru spoke from experience.
"Or fall down."
"That too."
They both spent some more time talking about various topics, most of it being idle chatter than anything of importance. Considering that they had talked enough for one day about serious topics, it was good to be in a more relaxed set of conversations with someone who had similar responsibilities to him.
This lasted for less than an hour before Subaru had to call it for the night. As he layed in bed, sleep came to him in an instant. Subaru dreamt of nothing, just a massive, over-encompassing darkness. One that he grew familiar with for so long, until he was dragged out of it and managed to breathe air in what felt like forever.
He used to have this dream often when he was younger. Dreaming to Subaru was like running a finger over a deep scar. The pain is no longer there, but the idea of it still remains. Subaru was not scared of the dark, he was scared of the isolation that the dark brought, that he may be truly alone, floating listlessly in an all encompassing darkness with no hope of reaching a waking moment.
That is why he sleeps with Beatrice next to him, because she was the person who rescued him from the dark. What would have been a long and restless night, was a deep and comfortable sleep thanks to her. Before Subaru realized it, the sun had risen on another day.
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It was yet another round of talks, with Subaru and Crusch going back and forth between one another on conditions and topics of importance. It was akin to the first day of talks that Subaru's group had with Crusch. More talks about the Devil's cult, the white whale, and what they want to do when they become ruler and what they want the other to do so that the alliance can remain.
The day went on and ended in the same way. However things only changed on the third and final day of Subaru's talks. Subaru and Crusch were discussing in depth about the circumstances behind where, how, and why the white whale appears. This went on for a while until Ram suddenly inhaled a sharp breath as if she was in pain, causing Subaru to pause.
"Ram, is something wrong?" Subaru asked her, as he saw that she was clutching her side in pain. Subaru could see a look of concern on her face, and Subaru can only guess it from one thing. Ram could not have hurt herself, it must have been her clairvoyance. The ability that she shared with her twin sister whenever they were separated.
"Barusu, quickly! Make a portal and send me back to the mansion." She spoke urgently, there was a deep foreboding feeling about this.
"What's going on, Subaru-dono?" Crusch raised herself from her seat, questioning him.
"I'm trying to figure that out myself." he answered then turned to Ram. "should I come with, it could be something important?"
"No." Ram refused. "You have important business. If Barusu were to come along, it would be a waste. Whatever it is, I can handle it, you trained me to be capable, right?"
"Subaru did, in fact." Beatrice said. "However, that shouldn't matter in an emergency such as this. Subaru, it most likely would be safer to go with her, to ensure that the emergency is resolved without anything going wrong.""
"I can prove myself, Barusu. Let me go myself, don't concern yourself with it, not when you are in the middle of something important." Ram spoke. She was strong enough to handle anything, even if it was a dangerous opponent. If Subaru were to come, it would be overkill, not to mention that Subaru still has things to do here.
"Fine, but don't do anything reckless. If your sister is harmed, it is most important for you to help her. Beating whatever is on the other side comes second." Subaru gave her one last bit of advice before she left.
"I don't recall having a reputation for being reckless like you do, Barusu. I'll be careful."
"Good, can't afford anything happening to anyone. Abyss." Subaru prepared his magic and created a black door from mana. Ram wasted no time in taking her leave, opening the door and being pulled in by the rapids of mana which take from one place to another. The door slams shut and disappears in thin air, leaving the people in the room with one less participant.
"I suppose that will be the last interruption?" Crusch asked, which is easy enough to say.
"At least on our side." Subaru answered, since he can't guarantee anything.
"What do myew suppose the emergency was about? Ferris-chan doesn't think it's wise to only send one person as back up." Felix joined in the conversation to ask.
"Well you do have a point about that, Ferris, but Ram is not someone to be underestimated." Subaru stated.
Ram arrived in the manor, immediately using her clairvoyance to attune her eyes with those of the wildlife in the area. She instantly located Rem and Emilia with her sight, both of them being in danger and already fairly injured. Frederica, who should be with them, was nowhere in sight.
"Ram is strong enough to duel almost anyone and put up a fair fight."
Upon realizing this, Ram learnt of the graveness of the situation. She rushed out of the mansion, using wind magic to push her back and increase her speed. Getting a good run up, she took out her fan and slammed the ground with it, using up all her speed and momentum to launch herself in the direction of her sister.
"I practically taught her everything I know, I can't think of anyone more reliable in the strength department, besides a few people who are only stronger due to living experience." Subaru said, looking at Beatrice, who looked back at him.
"Yes. As much as Betty dislikes admitting it, she isn't in any way bad, I suppose."
"Rem, go right! Jump back!" Emilia said, controlling Rem's movements since only she can see the invisible hands. They writhed like serpents and struck at the places the both of them stood. Emilia dodged the ones aiming for her position with a dive and looked at the man with green hair.
"Why why why why why, why won't you succumb!? It is true sloth to avoid the role you are destined to play, for love, true love, die so that He may shower us with his modest love, beautiful love, unending love, disgusting love, tortuous love. DIEEEEEE!" He screeched, sending his multitude of arms into a frenzy. They aimed at Rem lunging forward to puncture her chest like knives and to rip apart her limbs as if she were a doll.
"Rem, jump up high!" Emilia shouted. Rem did as she was told, jumping up high into the air to avoid the onslaught of a dozen invisible hands. However, what neither Rem and Emilia did not realize was that Betelguese did not intend on withdrawing his limbs, instead turning them all upwards and aiming directly for Rem who had no way of dodging them.
"REM!" Emilia shouted. Was this it? Again? Must she go back again because she couldn't reach out and save that one last person? What would Subaru do in this situation? What would Juulius do? What would anyone far stronger and far more reliable do in this situation? Because there was no such person here now, because Emilia could not be that person, it all ends right here.
"EL FULA!" A familiar voice was heard a while from where Emilia was, followed by a crash as something hit the earth at the side of the forest clearing the duo was fighting in. The hands which would have killed Rem were sliced to pieces and she was able to land safely. Emilia looked at who it was that came to their aid and nearly cried seeing that it was Rem's twin sister.
"She must be quite talented then." Wilhelm said.
"She is, but I don't let it get into her head. She has problems which means her fighting style has to adapt to remedy them. I think that was the most important lesson for her." Subaru answered.
As Ram flew, she could see her sister and Emilia fighting, she knew she had to intervene. Ram used her special technique which allowed her to take out her horn without going berserk. One that Ram created due to Subaru's teachings. Wind magic, which is seen as an exclusively offensive magic due to its limited application, is reversed by Ram to act and affect solely herself.
"Ol Fula" She shouted the name of her unique spell. Ram created a bubble made of wind around her head, then created a second bubble around it. By removing all the air in between both of the bubbles, Ram is no longer able to hear anything around her. After casting the spell, Ram closed her eyes and casted another spell. "Pressure sense"
The spell lets her see by using the mana in the wind to detect people and their movements, even if someone is standing still she can see them via the gap in the air that they make. This is necessary due to the power of her horn. So long as she hears or sees while her horn is active, she will lose control, but by removing all other sensations, she can have complete control of her full power while only sacrificing her normal sight and hearing.
That is why she is considered so strong even among the oni. Not only is she a prodigy but also capable of controlling herself while using her horn. Right now, she can see appendages aiming for her sister as she jumps. Ram can see them moving through the air, pushing the air out of the way to take up its place, she knows where to aim and thus unleashes a wind blade to slice those hands to ribbons.
Then lands where she knows the ground is. Right now, Ram is unstoppable.
"Wow~, you really think great of her." Felix said, stepping around the room. "I myean, if Crusch-sama had said anything like that about Ferris-chan, I simply wouldn't know what to do~."
"Do I not express how greatly I think of you, Ferris?" Crusch asked, which caused Felix to blush and start wriggling in place.
"Oh, Crusch-sama. Such cool and handsome words, it makes Ferris-chan's heart flutter." Felix danced about from joy at Crusch's words.
"There is the pervert I so heard rumors of." Subaru laughed, causing Felix to get angry.
"This is slander, myisinformation. Ferris-chan is no- no…" Felix suddenly paused his words while looking out the window. "Hmm?"
"Ferris-dono, is something that matters?" Wilhelm asked.
"Nyothing too important from what it seems." Felix said, clapping his hands and moving to the door of the room to leave. "It seems like there is some hubbub outside the myain gate, Ferris-chan will go check it out to myake sure everything is a-okay. Be back in a few!" Felix spoke, leaving the room to trot over to the staircase and down.
The group listened as the pitter patter of his feet grew quieter to resume talking. Subaru was the first to speak up. "Man are things happening all at once or what?"
"It is a little peculiar, though I don't think it is so serious. We have people coming to the front gates with problems often enough, I wouldn't worry about it." Crusch waved off any concern. While things may be happening one after another, there is no guarantee that it's anything serious.
"Well I sure hope your r-." Subaru spoke, however he was immediately interrupted.
A sudden boom, like the whole world was shaking erupted from where the front gate was, where Felix headed off to. Subaru and Crusch got to their feet instantly and went to look out the window to see what had occurred. Subaru's breath caught in his throat, however Crusch did not hesitate when she saw the carnage outside.
"Enemy attack!" She shouted, loud enough for all personnel in the mansion to hear. Right now, a deadly force outside their gate, capable of shaking the foundation of the kingdom, capable of altering the future permanently. The Arch Nemeses to every concept of order and peace.
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Author's note: For the remainder of the arc, it will mostly be from Emilia's POV. There is much suffering to be had, after all. I personally don't think this arc will turn out as long as it may appear to be, based on my plans for it, but in terms of quality I am excited for how it will play out.
Chapter end.