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.

18. Epispde 17

Cudos to 'Cake' for providing the transcript of the episode.
Also, traditional thanks to 'Launciel' for beta reading.

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The screen showed Puck against the background of a huge ice crystal, inside which was Emilia's frozen body. A moment and the ice fell to pieces. Only the sobs of the spirit could be heard against the dark background.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." Came Puck's tearful voice.

"Oh, so this monster is actually capable of apologizing sincerely? Who would have thought." Al remarked in a ruthless tone. The one-armed warrior did not even try to hide his contempt towards the Great Spirit.

"Looks like he can only 'ave sincere feelin's for the princess. The rest of the world simply don't exist for the likes of 'em!" Garfiel agreed angrily.

"Alas, most likely all Great Spirits have the same character. They are immortal beings for whom the span of human life is just a fleeting moment, like a shooting star for us." Julius said melancholically. "Therefore, when Puck acted as he did, it could very well be without any malicious intent."

"If it is so, then his actions are even more monstrous! I can somewhat understand the motives of those who hurt Sir Natsuki out of fear, or hatred, but to do such horrible things without even feeling anger?" Crusch noted, shaking her head, and looking sternly at the screen. "That's just psychopathic. It's…inhuman! Though perhaps we are all foolish for trying to apply human morality to something like a Great Spirit…"

Emilia wanted to defend her adoptive father, as was her habit, but forced herself to be silent. When the time comes for Puck to be able to materialize in their world again, she will talk to him. She would listen to him. Then she would demand of him to tell her in detail everything that he had previously hidden.

This is what he will have to do to start the long journey of earning her forgiveness. She would then require him to protect Subaru from any danger as much as he protected her. This is what he would have to do to earn his second chance. As for the others and their opinion about him, She didn't know what to do there. Puck would have to find his own way of repentance.

Beatrice sat in silence with similar thoughts. The once beloved older brother no longer looked so infallible to the spirit girl. Still, she understood his thoughts and his actions better than anyone else. She was the same, after all. For the sake of her Subaru, she was ready to go to the same extreme measures. So when the time comes, she'll at least try to forgive Bubby. Just like her contractor seemed to not be holding any grudge against him. But not now. Now she won't say a word in his defense. Puck brutally tortured and killed her contractor several times for no reason, without any fault on Subaru's part! Therefore, in the eyes of the spirit girl, he deserved all the anger and venom that the others might spew towards him and even more.

"Why are you crying?"

"Because… I left you alone…!"

"You did…?"

"Because… I couldn't find you all this time…!"

"Hooo…so it wasn't a chance meeting. Puck was specifically lookin' for Emilia. I wonder if we can assume this was also some scheme, created by Echidna?" Anastasia started theorizing aloud.

"Echidna? But what we are seeing now happened more or less seven years ago. Echidna died centuries ago. Unless…since we know that Puck was created by the Witch of Greed, could it be that Puck visited her in her Dream Castle to receive instructions?" Otto pondered, scratching his chin in thought.

"Betty thinks it is possible, I suppose. She didn't see Puck for hundreds of years, since he left on his own mission. Betty wouldn't hurry to brush off the possibility that, at a certain point, Mother gave Puck a mission to find the half-elf girl and protect her. For what purpose she might've given him such instructions… that is something Betty can't even speculate on, in fact."

"It starts to look like everything that's going on around big bro's camp is some centuries long conspiracy created by the Witch of Greed!" Felt spat out, really not liking the possibility that witches could interfere with the world's events even from beyond the grave.

"We should not forget that she had the real Book of Wisdom which contains immense knowledge. So it wouldn't be surprising if she had foreseen certain events and prepared multilayered countermeasures for each scenario." Reinhard reminded the others.

"But wha' could be dat hag's goal in all this?! Did she want to come back from the dead usin' the princess somehow?" Garfiel asked with a disgusted expression.

For many years he, his sister, and his grannies were dancing on the palm of the dead witch. And he would be damned if he allowed anything like this to continue!

"Unlikely. She didn't do anything to possess Emilia-sama or even get on her good side. Quite the contrary, I would say. Moreover, from what we saw, her main target was Sir Natsuki." Crusch shook her head.

The image returned to the screen. Against the background of a forest covered with ice and snow, an adult and naked Emilia sat in front of a crying Puck.

"Emilia-sama, do you recognize this scene?" Crusch asked, somewhat disturbed and outraged by this picture.

In front of everyone, the Royal candidate, Crusch's friend and simply a grown up girl were shown on the screen in such an inappropriate way! To her delight, Felix and Wilhelm immediately looked away from the screen, not wanting to put the other lady in an uncomfortable position. The other boys and men in the hall, to their credit, did the same.

"Yes, I seem to remember. This is the day I woke up from my ice-induced dream. I barely remembered what happened before that and the only thing I got left from the past was the hairpin I took from Mother Fortuna," Emilia replied thoughtfully.

"You mean this hairpin was with you the day you were frozen?" Al pointed at the screen. When Emilia confirmed it with a nod, the one-handed warrior sat back to think.

"I really hope that Warden has enough common sense to not show Emilia-sama's naked body! We have plenty of lustful eyes here that shouldn't be given this opportunity!" Ram said sternly.

At the same time, she was carefully looking at one particular representative of the male part in the room. Very carefully. So much so that he even felt a burning sensation in the back of his head and turned around abruptly.

"Why are you starin' at me like a cat at a mouse?!" Garf protested, pretending that his cheeks were not flushed. "I didn't even think 'bout lookin' at the screen while there's a naked princess! She's my cap'n's sweetheart! Bros don't do that to their bros!"

"I wouldn't worry too much about that. So far, the screen has been… gracious enough not to focus on… inappropriate scenes." Frederica said, blushing, recalling how she herself was shown in a similar manner.

'Oh! But Subaru-sama might still remember this unfortunate incident! What a shameful disaster! At least he has enough decency not to ever mention it! I hope it didn't occur to him to... f-fantasize about me?! He already has two ladies in his heart!'

"Am I the only one who still finds it strange why she looks like this?" Al voiced his opinion. "She spent a whole century in this ice, somehow she managed to grow up and become a teenager, and yet her hair and nails are of normal length for a grown up girl, like someone was taking care of her looks. Also, this hairpin is in proper place, although after all these years it should've been buried under piles of hair.

"Nyow that you mention it, it does bode some questions about what exactly occurred with Emilia-sama while she was frozen. There is just syo many inconsistencies, nya!" Felix nodded in agreement.

It seemed like another round of theorizing and guessing. But not everyone was in favor of it.

"While I concur with my jester that these details do look interesting, what can we deduce out of them right now? The half-wit already confirmed that she remembers nothing between the day she was frozen and the day she was freed by this monster! Meaning she's useless, as usual, in terms of information extraction. In the end, these questions shall go to the same pile as those about the commoner being the sage candidate or his true relationship with the Witch. Without additional evidence it is nothing but a source for baseless speculations and my time is too precious for such trifle wasting!" Pricsilla decided to close this topic before everyone started throwing in their foolish idea and fantasies.

She had reached out, her voice soft, her voice comforting as she tried to console the one who was crying. "But… I'm right here. What's your name?"

"My... name is..." he began to introduce himself, while the background showed how the snow-covered forest had turned into a summer and blooming one.

Surrounded by tall trees, Emilia murmured, "I know this is just a dream world, but I can smell the wind, I can even feel the dirt! It's so strange, isn't it?"

Not getting a reply, Emilia turned around. "Echidna? Are you listening?"

The Witch had stopped near a tree, placing one of her hands on it as the other shook off the leaves that had fallen onto her dress, hiking up a bit of her skirt to do so.

"Mother always preferred that style of dress, I suppose." Beatrice explained. "It's very elegant, but really impractical. However, it suited her. Betty's Mother always said: "if you have to hurry, it means you have miscalculated somewhere."

"And this was one of the wonderful features of Teacher! Always calm, always collected, never losing the aura of nobility and confidence! And in this dress she looked more elegant than of all the queens in history!" Roswaal thought dreamily, enjoying the sight of his beloved woman on the screen. Oh, what he wouldn't give to be in Emilia's place right now!

To walk alongside the woman of his dreams, telling her all about the wondrous and interesting things he's learned in hundreds of years. He would tell her about his achievements in magic and metia invention. Roswaal was sure that he'll be able to satiate her greed for knowledge for quite some time!

"Which didn't stop her from donning the uniform of Subaru-kyun's school, just to entice him, nya." Felix added teasingly.

"That was just a part of Betty's Mother's plan to invoke interest in Betty's contractor, I suppose."

"Ah! I'm sorry! Are you alright? Was I walking too quickly?"

Echidna scoffed. "Did you think that such transparent sympathy would change my attitude in the least? Utterly naive and foolish, that's you."

"Ha! An astute observation, that one!" Priscilla noted sardonically.

"Oh, please. I was just worried about you."

"This is our Emilia-sama. Even when communicating with a witch, she will always be polite and kind!" Petra did not fail to emphasize the unique quality of her lady, one that she personally appreciated the most.

"Can't argue with tha'. Sometimes I want to say that Emilia is not suitable for the role of ruler of the country, exactly because she is too kind and soft-hearted." Anastasia said, half jokingly, half seriously. "With her characta', she will even sentence the captive Archbishop of the Witch Cult to community service and public apologies."

"Not at all! Even I understand that some people cannot be forgiven, even if they sincerely ask for it. By the way, it was the first Trial that showed me this." Emilia stood up resentfully, puffing out her cheeks to defend her image of the monarch.

At first, Garfiel wanted to support his princess, but then he remembered about the clown in the back row and how 'severely' he was punished a year ago for his scheme. After it tiger-boy decided to just remain silent so he wouldn't go against neither his lady nor his conscience.

"I need none of your concern whatsoever. There were too many dreams happening at once, that's all. It will adjust itself soon. Just like this." Having said that, Echidna 'dipped' her hand into the tree, as if it were a water surface.

"See? 'Dream world' is merely a figurative expression. To be more accurate, it's a separate world that replicates the memories and reflects the consciousness of those who undergo the Trial."

"Mimi doesn't get it!"

"It means that Echidna could create almost real worlds where you can experience real emotions and sensations! Such magic is simply incredible! The possibilities are endless! All sorts of training simulations can be created for any situation!" Tivey was so excited by the prospects of such magic, he didn't even notice how his flapping tail started smacking Ricardo in the face.

"Not just for training, my dear. All kinds of sensations can be created like that. Ranging from entertainment to punishment." Anastasia added with a gleeful look. If she can get her hands on such magic, the ways to recreate it and establish if not mass- but at least small-scale production, it could bring a whole new world of possibilities!

"Hmm…isn't that somewhat similar to margrave's spell that Ram used against the Sloth subjugation expedition in the failed loop?" As always, Reinhard was the best at remembering small details.

"Yes, you are right. Not surprising that a bloodline of genius mages with direct ties to Witch of Greed can wield the same magic. Looks like margrave didn't utilize all his potential for the good of the kingdom." Crusch answered, giving a stink-eye to the clown in the back.

Who knows, maybe Lugunica could've been in a far better condition now if the Mathers family members were more focused on serving the kingdom, rather than plotting strange intrigues in the name of the long-dead witch.

"Is it so unique, though? Rem recalls the day when some mage from the Royal palace brought a metia that sucked Rem and her hero inside, where they had to overcome a number of different trials. Although his initial target was Roswaal." Rem was somewhat surprised at how strongly others reacted to this magic.

"Wait, another mage brought a magic cube that contained some sort of spatial space?! And he created such wonderful metia simply as a trap for this clown?!" Anastasia was completely amazed by this news.

So this magic wasn't wielded by Roswaal alone! That alone made the situation much more promising! More than that, there already was a working prototype at the very least! She needed to find this mage and establish a fruitful cooperation with him!

"Wait, so dere can be some magic cube with all sorts of traps, trials and obs'cls?!" Garf asked, brimming with enthusiasm.

"Well, yes. Rem can't say much more than she already did, but Roswaal told us about such magic in the past so Rem thought it wasn't something so rare."

"Damn! We need 'tis stuff at our mansion for trainin' and sparrin'!"Brotto, jus' you imagine! A whole trainin' ground in one lil' box!"

It seemed like the tiger boy was so ecstatic at the prospect, that if someone offered him to pardon Roswaal in exchange for providing him with such metia, he would agree after only ten seconds of pondering.

"That sounds…like a good idea, actually! Especially coming from you! It may indeed be more effective and much more compact at the same time!" Otto also liked this idea more the more he thought about it.

"Honestly! It's so unfair that Lugunica has such powerful mages! I guess Od Laguna somewhat compensates for it with said mages' negligence and lack of vision about what their magic is really capable of!" The merchant-princess thought to herself. No matter. When she becomes the king she will squeeze all ideas from those bookworms and find a proper use for them!

"Thank you for explaining it so clearly, even though you hate me."

"Just don't get any silly ideas about me actually being a very nice person. It is simply my nature to answer the questions that are asked of me."

"Yes, yes."

Tivey once again made a mental notch for himself to find a way to get into the Dream Castle of the Witch of Greed. If she not only possessed incalculable knowledge, but was also ready to share it... Tivey simply had to see her!

"Still, it is somewhat perplexing to think that witches of sins are not evil incarnate. Sure, they cannot be called good people by any definition, given their... inclinations and methods, but even they can do something good!" Emilia did not fail to declare her optimistic view to everyone.

"Which does not change the fact that there was much more harm from them than good! What difference does it make that the Witch of Gluttony wanted to rid the world of hunger, if all her efforts resulted in three Great Mabeasts who terrorized the world for four centuries?!" Julius noted in a stern voice.

Most of those present supported him with nods. In cases where the tragedies of many were the result of someone's efforts, any words about good intentions bore very little weight.

"And yet most of you wo-o-ould be surprised to find out just how many of metias and magic that you use today were originally created by Echi-i-dna." Roswaal was all too happy to remind the rest that his Teacher gave the world many good and useful things. While not creating any long-lasting calamities like some other witches.

"Once again, it's a good time to remember the words of Natsuki-dono's mother. It's not how you started your journey that matters, but how you ended it. It doesn't matter what sort of good intentions one had in mind if in the end it leads to a tragic end for others." Wilhelm recalled the words of a wise woman.

"That's the trouble with the witch factor hosts, I suppose. Authorities force their bearers to always act according to their sin, regardless of what results it will lead to, in fact." Beatrice calmly noted.

"Are you really sure that something similar won't happen to Subaru, since he already has at least two witch factors, Beatrice-sama?" Reinhard asked worriedly.

The Sword Saint was terrified by the mere thought that his closest friend might fall under the influence of these malevolent substances residing inside his body. What can they possibly do to him? And what can Subaru do with his ability if he falls under their influence.

The others looked at the spirit girl, waiting for an answer.

"Betty's sure, in fact! Betty's contractor is… built different. Not only because he is able to contain several witch factors at once, which is incredible by itself, in fact. But also because the Authorities themselves work differently when it comes to him. Over the past year, Betty has not found any changes in his Od, in fact."

She turned around, and continued walking, Echidna following behind her and making another snide remark. "Do you remember that pathetic struggle you endured the last time you attempted the Trial?"

"I was so helpless, I can't even argue with that mean description of it. I must have covered up my own memories because I didn't want to see them. That's why I can't recall them on my own."

She bowed her head down, nervousness filling her. "And even now… I'm still not prepared."

"So, it would be no surprise if you failed again? Creating a line of defense before you even start is awfully defeatist."

"No… it's not that." Emilia looks up, her eyes full of resolve. "I'm going to prepare myself right now."

After their walk, they had arrived at an incredible tree, much greater than all of those in Elior Forest.

"Wow! That is a huge one! In comparison to this tree, Emilia-sama looks very tiny! If only I could get at least a glimpse of it!" Petra was delighted.

"When Emilia-sama wins the election and comes to the Elior Forest to unfreeze it, I'm sure you'll get an opportunity to come with her and see all of it for yourself." Frederica assured her ward to brighten up her mood.

"Perhaps it's the same kind of tree, like the one that Flugel planted?" Tivey asked with interest.

"Hey, Garf! Mimi bets Mimi can get to the top of this tree faster than you!" The eldest of the triplets said defiantly.

"Wha'?! Ya think ya can outrun my amazin' self?! Fat chance! I'll beat ya to it with one hand tied behind my back!" Garf couldn't let such a challenge be ignored, and a satisfied smile on his face said that he did not mind competing with a hyperactive girl at all.

"The loser fulfills the winner's wish!" Mimi confirmed, already anticipating what she would demand from the blond and blushing slightly at the options that came to her mind.

"The important thing here is to not let Barusu anywhere near it. Otherwise, he will destroy this miracle of nature, too." Ram did not fail to add.

"If Subaru decides to destroy this tree in order to achieve another splendid victory, then I will personally destroy its trunk where it points!" Emilia stated firmly, without any humor.

"This is no ordinary tree, is it? There was something you desperately wanted to keep locked up inside it."

After all, at the base of the great tree is an entrance. The door at the entrance was firmly closed. It had a bolt on it, which could be used to keep it firmly shut from the outside.

"Ah, well… this is the Princess Room."

The two walked towards the door as Emilia explained. "I was sent here to play often when I was re-e-eally young."

She reaches forward, but then draws her hand back. "Oh, right… I can't touch the door… can we just walk through it?"

Echidna, in response, walks forward, passing through the door like she wasn't even there. She then looked at Emilia expectantly, before going inside, Emilia followed her in. Something began to fade in, something very familiar—

The image that the two of them saw… was one of a child and an adult. Both with silver-hair, white clothes with accents of purple. The child in question is holding a plushie, a frown on her face as the adult talked to her.

"OOH! It's little Emilia-sama!" Petra almost screamed with excitement, jumping up from her seat.

"Emilia-sama... baby Emilia-sama... I wanna take her home…" Frederica whispered with ragged breathing, her eyes practically shone.

A wide smile full of sharp teeth and almost dripping saliva could easily compel anyone who saw it to immediately grab the silver-haired child and carry her as far away as possible from the predatory maid. Preferably, to one's home.

"Mimi… Mimi can't believe it... there was someone more likeable than Mimi in the world..." Mimi muttered, completely devastated with this terrifying revelation.

She really wanted someone to hug her right now and whisper that she was still the cutest girl ever. Alas, both Ricardo and Tivey, and even mommy Anastasia, were staring at the screen unflinching, which made the young girl incredibly sad.

"Mmm... nonsense, foolishness! Schultz is still cuter than that little half-wit!". Priscilla muttered abruptly. Too abruptly, almost as if she was trying to convince herself, while covering her face with her fan.

Hearing this, Crusch turned around in surprise. Had she really just felt the wind of untruth around the baroness? And Al desperately held back his laughter, realizing that if he allowed himself even a smirk, he would be stuck inside his 'territory' until he lost his mind even if he was an 'aggressor'.

"Emilia-sama, you look incredibly cute..." said Rem lovingly, without taking her eyes off the screen.

"Nonsense, Rem! You were no less adorable as a child! I should know, I saw it." The princess refuted, blushing with embarrassment.

She still was not used to receiving compliments from someone who was not Subaru.

"Imagine what would happen to Subaru-kun if he saw both of us in our younger years?" The maid added with a chuckle.

"I'm afraid he won't be able to endure it and lose consciousness, but undeniably he'll do it with a happy smile on his face." Emilia giggled in return, happy to imagine such a cute moment.

Maybe they won't be able to present him with something so incredible, but everything that's in her power she will be happy to provide.

"Hmpf! Even in such a charming form, you still can't match Betty's level of cuteness, in fact! Although, even Betty has to admit that you got somewhat close, I suppose!" Beatrice said haughtily, radiating confidence with all her might.

At the same time, Beatrice thought that her contractor should never, ever see a child version of the half-elf! She would not allow it, even if Subaru would have to constantly walk under the effects of the shamak spell!

Garf and Otto stared at the screen in silence. The two named brothers had about the same thoughts in their heads.

"Garfiel, are you pondering what I'm pondering?" The merchant addressed his young friend on the right with a very serious voice.

"I think so, Brotto. At first, we saw young and very cute Ram and Rem. Now we see an incredibly cute version of the princess. But cap'n hadn't seen any of it. If he finds out 'bout it, he won't forgive us. Isn't that right, bro?" Young ruffian said to his friend with the same serious voice.

"You are absolutely right. Natsuki-san won't forgive us. Never. Tell you more, if he ever finds out about this, he'll hate our guts till the end of times." Otto replied in a perfectly even voice.

They stared at the screen in silence for a few more seconds. Trying with all their might to keep their evil grins from emerging. Garfiel lost his battle first.

"An' we're gonna to tell him 'bout it, ain't we?" A smug smile spread across his face, one that did not promise anything good to the sleeping young man.

"Of course… Every day… At every opportunity… Savoring and exaggerating every little detail." Otto replied in kind, looking like a perfect picture of a cunning villain.

As the two friends giggled viciously like two goblins over a captured young maiden, Rem looked at them suspiciously and snuggled the sleeping Subaru closer to herself, earnestly concerned for the safety of her hero. J — best friends.

"That young one is you, right? Even considering you knew nothing yet, you look so irritatingly carefree."

"Must you even complain about my younger self? Besides, now I…"

Her eyes trail up to the adult. One wearing a full body purple leotard, a white jacket, and a familiar hairclip. Her hair is shorter, going to her neck rather than running past her shoulders, her eyes the same color as Emilia's.

"Mother Fortuna…"

Fortuna leaned down, addressing her younger self.

"Emilia, I need to go take care of something important. So, stay in this room and be good, all right?"

"Something important again?"

"It was so-o-o boring and upsetting to be constantly confined within the Princess Room. While I was cooped up inside, the elves of our village always went out to take care of important business, something that no one ever told me due to my age."

"Well, at least you sound like a typical child of your age, Emilia-sama, so there is no need for you to worry about it or feel guilty." Wilhelm was there to calm her down.

A laugh came from Fortuna as she reached up, gently patting Emilia's head, her hair, her fingers lingering through for a few short moments. "You have my brother's silver hair, you know? Your kind features come from your mother! Everyone in my family has mean eyes."

"Ah? But I like your eyes, Mother Fortuna!"

"Before I relived all these memories, I didn't know why I liked Subaru's stern look so much. Obviously, his eyes reminded me of Mother Fortuna, even though I didn't remember her back then."

"I agree, after I got to know Subaru-kun, I also began to like this type of eyes. They become especially beautiful when they soften." Rem enthusiastically agreed.

"So now we know that Emilia-sama's father was a silver-haired elf with a stern look. Which means her mother was human with a soft face." Crusch noted with a nod.

Not like it was some crucial piece of knowledge, but in the last few days, many of the viewers came to the conclusion that every little detail may have its role in the future.

"And a witch, if another witch didn't lie to the half-wit simply out of spite." Priscilla was not going to forget about this detail.

"Am I the only one who thinks that Fortuna-sama looks like Subaru's mom? And not just because of their eyes?" Petra asked.

"An interesting thought, Petra-chan." Frederica patted her student on the head, not really paying attention to the girl's words.

Of course, there were a lot of strange and unexplained coincidences around the black-eyed knight, but looking for a connection between his mother from another world and Emilia-sama's aunt was simply too much.

"Mother Fortuna was my Father's younger sister. My real parents were too busy to spend time with me, so I was left in Mother Fortuna's care." Emilia explained things to Echidna.

Echidna, who was listening, also stared at Fortuna, something unknown in her eyes.

After a bit, Fortuna left, leaving the young Emilia alone in the Princess Room.

The Princess Room, contrary to its name, was not filled with extravagant luxuries fit for a royal. Rather, it was filled with things a child could play or sleep with. Blankets, pillows, dolls, paints, canvases, drawing materials, and picture books.

Despite that, the young Emilia was bored. She puffed out her cheeks, whining, "I'm so-o-o bored! And Mother always tells me lying and keeping secrets is wrong! Right?"

"Mimi agrees! The mini lady speaks the truth!" Mimi supported her.

"I totally concur! Adults are always telling us how to behave, what to do or not, even though they are no better!" Agreed with Peter's friend.

"I'm with you, sisters!" Felt raised her fist approvingly.

All three girls in response simultaneously received stern glances from their senior companions, and just as synchronously turned their heads away with offended expressions.

"But it's true, I was rarely allowed to go outside this room." Emilia noted sadly.

"I wonder what could be the reason for this? Fortuna-sama doesn't look like she dislikes you and doesn't want to see you." Rem tilted her head questioningly.

"Not at all! Mother Fortuna loved me ve-e-ery much! And I loved her no less! There was undoubtedly an important reason for it. Although now I have some ideas what it was like that…" She muttered the last words quietly.

"Probably, they wanted to protect you from possible dangers this way?" Felix expressed his thoughts.

Emilia simply nodded, while pondering about the same. Was it possible that her confinement in the princess room was directly tied with the visits of Geuse's group? And the goal was not to let any of them see her? Still, it eluded her why it was a necessity. Geuse, apart from breaking in tears, reacted normally.

"Even if it was done to protect big sis, keeping a child in such a cage is still too much! If she ever tries to escape from this tree-prison, I would totally approve it!" Felt declared with indignation, making Emilia's ears redden a bit with embarrassment.

She grabs a bottle filled with blue paint from the table, placing it on the ground and taking a canvas as well. "I wish I could go outside…"

And as if her desires were answered, a small spirit flew in, circling around her. "A fairy?" Young Emilia questioned. Then the spirit floated, escaping through the rocks of the princess room. "Hey, wait!"

"As always, the little ones are reckless and irresponsible with their games! They completely lack understanding that their actions can have consequences, I suppose! They simply create problems for others!" Beatrice was indignant at the behavior of the younger spirit.

Getting up, Emilia ran towards where the spirit had fled, stopping and kneeling down, a pout on her lips. Then, seeing a bright glow coming from another place, she scoots towards it. She's able to remove one of the rocks, revealing a few roots of the tree that the Princess Room is built in. She wiggled her way out, using the roots of the tree to do so until sunlight hit her.

"Woah! Mother Fortuna and everyone else keeps secrets from me, so we're even!"

"I see that during yer childhood ya were just as good as Natsuki-kun at bending the facts to match yer opinion an' justifying breakin' promises, weren't ya, Emilia?" Anastasia said sarcastically. "And still ya have the audacity to accuse yer knight. Sha-a-ame on ya."

"Even if we ignore the facts that I had no recollections of these events before taking the Trial and that you are comparing the behavior of a little girl with an adult man, my zealous commitment to promises and abhorrence to lies stems from the tragedy you will soon witness yourself, Anastasia-sama." Emilia answered somewhat cool.

"Sheesh, sorry, I wanted to make a little joke, not poke in yer wounds." Merchant princess apologized with a slight pout.

"Yeah, I apologize too. I didn't want to sound like a bore...it's just… what will happen later really weight on me still."

Emilia leaps down, landing carefully. She begins to run straight ahead, stretching her arms out happily as she laughs. She soon comes across the village that the rest of the elves of the forest live in.

"Wow! An entire settlement of elves! I wonder if there are still such in our time? Felix was surprised by this picture.

"I'm afraid it's unlikely. The hatred of the elves because of the sins of the Witch of Envy has not subsided even in our times. Not to mention the ferocity with which the Witch Cult hunted them down. And they have no one to look for protection from." Crusch replied with sadness in her voice.

For herself, the duchess has already decided that if she ever encounters elves or half-bloods, she will definitely provide them with her protection. Time in this place has shown her enough to reconsider many of her views. So far, she has shared her thoughts only with Wilhelm and Felix, and was extremely pleased to receive their full approval.

"Sneaky, sneak…"

Murmuring that, Emilia hides behind a few bushes, the leaves ruffling. Popping her head out to see if anyone was nearby, Emilia slid down the ledge. She stops behind a tree, carefully popping her head out once again. "Sneak!"

There were people in black robes and red accents, holding crates and sacks. Clothing, food, and other necessities. They were handing them off to the elves, some robed people were talking to the elves.

"Witch cultists!" Rem gasped, wrathfully clenching her hands into fists.

Turning a stern face to her lady, she silently made it clear that she was waiting for an explanation. And she definitely was not the only one. All eyes except Beatrice and Roswaal were on the half-elf.

"What the?! Big sis! What the hell does all this mean?! Why would you guys hang out with these freaks?!" Felt jumped up, wishing fervently that all this was not true.

Her friend's people couldn't be friends with these bastards. It was simply impossible!

"Emilia-sama. I hope it goes without saying that you own us an explanation why your village was on such cordial terms with the Witch Cult." Crusch-sama said in a restrained but demanding tone.

Were her thoughts about the need to help the elves wrong? And after all, she had just been happy with the conclusions she had come to during the viewing.

Most expected Emilia to dispel their fears. She will say that all this is the same illusion created by the Trial, like the worlds that Subaru saw on his second Trial.

"Should I remi-i-ind you once again that in the past the Witch Cult consisted of at least two factions? Obviously what we see here are representatives of a mo-o-oderate faction." Roswaal decided to explain the situation the way he saw it.

"Please, don't jump to conclusions! As unpleasant as it is, I have to say that Roswaal is right. Yes, they are indeed members of the Witch Cult, but they were re-e-ealy friendly! They are not the crazy maniacs that the whole world hates! This is the same moderate faction that Geuse was the leader of before Pandora came. They were peaceful and caring people who helped our village in every possible way.

"You're telling the truth, Emilia-sama. At least you sincerely believe that." Reinhard said, still full of doubt.

"Just look at them! Look at their faces. Do they feel like crazy killers like the ones who attacked the Arlam village?" The half-elf pointed at the screen.

"No. They look very… friendly. If it wasn't for their clothes, I would never have thought that they were cultists." Frederica agreed with this thought.

"The girl speaks correctly, I suppose. I personally knew Geuse even before the Witch of Envy came into existence. He was as far away from the cultists we know, as Roswaal is from the image of a pleasant companion, in fact."

"That was really insulting just no-o-ow, Beatrice-sama." The margrave replied with a wide smile, theatrically pressing his right hand to his heart.

"But they're still Witch Cultists! What if all their friendliness is nothing but a ruse?!" Rem didn't want to calm down so easily.

"Don't just let your emotions run wild, Rem. You've already seen what terrible mistakes your impulsive decisions lead to." Emilia scolded the girl with unusual seriousness, looking her straight in the eyes.

At these words, Rem's face faltered, showing signs of guilt and remorse.

"I… I know what you are implying, Emilia-sama… But still! Subaru-kun has never been associated with a cult in the first place! And these are literally Witch Cultists that…"

"I simply ask you to be patient, Rem. To give doubt a chance. In our reality, by giving Subaru a chance, you have found a new delight in life. That's why now I'm asking you to do the same thing and just watch. I remember everything that will happen during this Trial. You are observing my past right now. That's why I hope you'll listen to me, Rem."

The girls looked at each other in silence for a few seconds. Then Rem's expression softened. Without smiling, but also without anger, she bowed to the princess.

"Understood, Emilia-sama. Rem will follow your advice and simply observe. I wish to believe you and your judgment."

"Thank you, Rem. That is all I'm asking for. You'll see the rest for yourself and draw your own conclusions."

Beatrice looked at the half-elf with a hint of respect in her eyes.

"You've really grown up, girl. There is still a chance that you are not completely hopeless after all, I suppose."

"I would be offended by these words if I didn't understand that you actually praised me a lot just now, Beako. Seems like Subaru is correct, calling you a tsundere."

"Who did you call tsundere, you useless girl?! I take my words back!" The cute loli exploded with an angry tirade.

"You've all done a lot for us,"

"And we have put you through so much trouble, Fortuna-sama"

"Well, that goes for the both of us!"

The person that the elf is talking to is a handsome, tall young man. Fair skin with eyes of amber. His green hair is tied into a low ponytail.

"Geuse."

"WHAT?! That's the creepy guy! Only… he doesn't look creepy right now." Mimi was confused by the conflicting thoughts in her head.

"So he once looked pretty normal." Anastasia noted.

"Yes, that wa-a-as Geuse Romano-Conti before he became Archbishop of Sloth. Before the witch factor turned him into… what he became." Roswaal said with hints of sadness.

Many raised their eyebrows in surprise at the sincere emotion in the Margrave's voice.

"Hmm, I wonder. Didn't expect this maniac to be able to grieve for someone. The world is still full of wonders." Ricardo grumbled.

"I'm more interested why he seems so upset? What does he care about some cultist? After all, what we see right now happened more than a hundred years ago." Anastasia asked with a bit of interest.

"Also, I know that I ask this every time that we meet, but how is the Seal? Is it intact?" His face turned solemn.

Fortuna nodded, "Don't worry. Nothing has changed. If the worst were to happen, I could never hope to face my brother and sister."

Geuse looked down, a look of sadness coming onto his face. "You mean… your brother and his wife?"

Seeing that, Fortuna removed the hand that she had placed on her chest, bowing her head and shaking it. "It's alright. I know. But, I must never forget the responsibility that I carry. I don't want to abandon it or see it only partway through. Isn't it the same for you?"

"I… I have nothing else, after all, I supposed it's a different sense of responsibility from yours. Obsession, regret… I'm only clinging to things that might as well as be a complete delusion of mine." A strained, sorrowful smile comes onto Geuse's face as he says that.

"Looks like Fortuna's brother and his wife won't ever be coming back." Crusch said solemnly.

"And certainly no one said this to little Emilia not to traumatize the girl, nya" Felix nodded in agreement.

"I wonder what kind of responsibility was entrusted to Emilia-sama's parents?" Wilhelm added.

"I do wonder about it, too. Emilia-sama, do you know what they are talking about? What kind of debt is that?" Julius addressed the half-elf.

"Alas, I can't help you. Just like Felix mentioned, no one informed me about these matters at the time and since then there was no way to find any answers." Emilia simply shrugged at the question.

Seeing that, Fortuna frowned. "Thanks to the spirits, the seasons don't change much in the forest. But you keep on bringing us things like clothing and books. We re-e-elly appreciate it! So, thank you, as always!" A beautiful, breathtaking smile appears on Fortuna's face.

Geuse turns his head, looking to the side and up. "In truth, it is wrong to force all of you to live in such an inconvenient place like this…"

"Don't call it 'a place like this', we love the forest, you know?"

"Fortuna-sama!" An elf with long, blonde hair that looked slicked back and with green eyes approached the two of them. "All the items have been transferred."

"Thank you, Arche!"

"I've always regarded Arche as my elder brother! He was su-u-per responsible and hard-working, since he was an apprentice of Mother Fortuna and planned to become the next Guardian. And he also cared about me ve-e-ery much! One couldn't ask for a better big brother!" Emilia was eager to praise the young elf as much as he could. That was the only thing she could do for him now. Praise his memory.

"You've grown into a more dependable young man as well, Arche-dono." Geuse encouraged the young elf.

"The next Guardian cannot let himself be treated as a child forever."

Geuse bowed his head and closed his eyes. "I pray that your good health will persist… for the forest, the Seal, for your family, and for yourself as well."

"Once again, they're talking about some kind of seal. What is it about?" Reinhard turned to Emilia.

"I don't know much about it myself. There is a hu-u-uge black door in the Elior Forest. I do not know what it is for or what is behind it, But one thing I know for sure: whatever is behind this Seal, it is extremely important for the Witch Cult. The evil part of the cult, at least. Since Geuse and his people were doing their best to protect it, while that…fiend and her minions attacked my village specifically to get it open."

"But the cultists have failed to open this seal, right, nya?" Felix asked cautiously.

"No. Otherwise, if the words of Mother Fortuna are to be believed, something very, ve-e-ery bad would have happened to the whole world. For some reason, only I could get it opened, since I somehow can summon the key to the Seal and can wield it. And Pandora couldn't take it away or make me open it."

Those who were well versed in the world's history noted that as a curious detail. The fact that only Emilia could not just summon but see the key to the Seal reminded them of a Yang sword that could be summoned by the members of the Vollachian Imperial bloodline. Could it be that Emilia had some connection with a yet unknown divine entity.

Suddenly, the look of nostalgia on Emilia's face changed to anger.

"Pandora made a big mistake that day. She made an enemy of me! And since she needs me to open the seal, then this door is sealed for her forever!" The princess stated firmly and coldly, gripping the arms of the chair.

"It is extremely encouraging to hear such words from you, Emilia-sama." Wilhelm said approvingly. There was a snort of disdain from the third row.

"As for me, I wouldn't be so sure. This half-wit has too soft a heart! If you threaten to kill someone from her camp or some kids, she will immediately fulfill all their demands!" Priscilla said harshly.

For those who are endowed with great power and, moreover, great responsibility for the lives of others, having a sentimental nature was akin to death! And the half-elf already had more excessive kindness, than could be found in the whole of Vollachia!

"And that's where you're wrong, Priscilla-sama." Pleased with how skillfully she used Otto's phrase, which has become his signature over the past couple of days, Emilia replied. "I've already been in the situation you just described, and I didn't succumb to Pandora's manipulation. You'll see everything for yourself, I'm sure."

In the next scene, everyone gathered at the entrance of the village. They all bowed their heads, and the elves did the same thing. Cultists took the empty carts and started leaving.

As Geuse walks with them, he suddenly stops himself. "Oh, yes, just one thing… is Emilia-sama in good health?"

Hearing her name, the hiding Emilia places her hands on her mouth and gasps in shock.

"Don't worry! Emilia is growing into a very good, happy and re-e-eally healthy girl. But… I'm sorry. I can't let her meet you."

"That's alright. As long as Emilia-sama grows up healthy and happy, that's enough. A sinner such as myself… I could never dare to ask for more than that."

"Why couldn't Geuse see the girl?" Felix asked with interest.

"That's a good question. I can only assume that this is due to the external similarity of Emilia-sama to the Witch. Even if they are from the moderate faction, they are still members of the Witch Cult, an organization, devoted to her. Who knows, how can seeing her affect their mental state?" Crusch suggested and turned to the half-elf.

"Emilia-sama, what do you think about this?"

"Hmm... it's true that when Geuse saw me for the first time, he reacted too... emotionally. But I wouldn't say that something bad happened to him or that he somehow changed for the worse. More like he seemed overwhelmed with happiness. Said something about being saved." Emilia answered thoughtfully. Due to the

"Lord Archbishop Romanée-Conti, are you ready?"

Geuse nodded. "Yes, I am finished. Let us sinners be on our way. May we meet again soon, Fortuna-sama."

"Why would they call themselves sinners?" Reinhard did not understand these words.

He constantly used similar terms in relation to himself, but that was because he thoroughly knew his every sin. What could these people blame themselves for if, as Emilia claimed, they were not homicidal maniacs?

"Apart from the archbishop himself, who is a spirit, none of the cultists could have had anything to do with the events of the Great Calamity." Wilhelm mused aloud.

"Could it be that he means the miasma? All cultists emit it, after all. What if emitting miasma among the moderate cult faction considered as a sign of sin?" Anastasia suggested.

"Sounds plausible. But we still don't know why people start exuding miasma in the first place. Does it happen from birth, or does it start because of some kind of manipulation with their Od? The boss guy stinks of miasma because there is the witch factor inside him. But surely it can't be that every cultist has a witch factor inside them, right? So there must be another explanation." Ricardo commented with some fright, wondering at the possible reasons why the cultists and some unrelated people exuded a stench that only a few could smell.

"Miasma is mana that has been corrupted, in fact. Betty believes that the reason for the transformation of mana into a miasma is either some kind of manipulation with the Od or gate, or some kind of defect associated with them. Considering that the Witch Cult has knowledge of magic that even Betty is unfamiliar with, it is quite logical to assume that they possess techniques that affect Od, I suppose."

"It should be added to this that even ordinary cultists are able to feel the miasma and even assess its intensity in a person, as we saw in the third arc when Subaru faced cultists for the first time." Julius added his thoughts. "And since outside the cult those who are able to feel the miasma are extremely rare, it looks like a great way to identify their own!"

"And it also explains why all attempts to infiltrate the cult were fruitless so far." Reinhard agreed.

"Even if no one else will say it, we are forever grateful to you. I re-e-eally mean that."

"Your words alone would surely carry me through a hundred years of turmoil." With one final nod, Geuse turned and followed those that he called sinners, leaving Fortuna with a concerned, wondering look on her face.

"So that's where you got your cute drawl of some words from? I was afraid that it was the clown and his bad influence on you." Anastasia remarked amiably.

"Yes. I've taken a lot from Mother Fortuna. After all, she was ve-e-ery dear to me, even more than the real mother I don't even remember." Emilia gladly seized the opportunity to once again demonstrate the peculiarity of speech inherited from her dear mother.

A small detail that she hadn't even noticed before, but after the Trial, she began to appreciate it like a treasure from the distant past.

Arche approached her. "Fortuna-sama, are you tired?"

"Don't treat me like an old lady! I know that I'm old compared to a young boy like you, but I'm still in excellent shape!"

Hearing that, Arche's eyes widen in shock as he raised his hands to try to placate her. "T-That wasn't what I meant at all! I just thought that it must be hard, when you also have the duty of the forest dwellers…!"

Fortuna smiled, turning towards the other elf. "Then, maybe I should take advantage of your kindness and leave the rest to you, I suppose! I need to go and free a little princess who must be very bored."

When the little girl heard this, she rushed home in a panic, stumbling to the ground, getting cuts, constantly muttering 'what do I do?!'. She returned to her room the same way, managed to place the stone slab back to its place. After that, she looked at herself and noticed that she was covered with dirt and small scratches.

"What do I do?! What do I do?!"

"Looks like someone is about to get scolde-e-ed!" Felt teased her friend who was with a red face, embarrassed that everyone saw her childhood shameful antics.

"No I'm not! Just so you know, I've found an elaborate way out of this situation! Also, the minor spirit helped me!" Emilia answered with cute defiance.

"Brotto, ya wanna bet what kind of deadly curses cap'n will hurl at us when we retell him this scene?" Garf said to Otto with an evil, but happy grin.

"I won't even try to guess, Garfiel. Knowing Natsuki-san we will learn a lot of otherworldly words and insults after this. I must make sure to bring ink and paper with me when we tell him about it."

The spirit from before suddenly appeared. It hovered over Emilia, a low hum coming from it as it placed itself on Emilia's cheek. The scratches and little cuts disappeared. Seeing and feeling it, Emilia could only let out a sound of wonder, "Amazing…"

"Emilia, are you awake?" Fortuna's voice came from behind the door.

"Uwaah! I-I'm awake! B-But…!"

"What? What's got you so worked up for— ah?" Upon entering the room, Fortuna was very surprised to see that the table, floor, and the girl were smeared in blue ink.

"U-Um… I-I'm so~ sorry…"

The half-elf has her hands clasped in front of her, looking and smiling bashfully at Fortuna. "I… spilled a lot of my drawing ink…"

Fortuna placed a hand on her head, seeing the mess. "Oh… geez…"

"Emilia-sama, you were such a naughty cute girl!" Frederica remarked cheerfully, causing the princess to look down in embarrassment.

"So that was your 'elaborate' way' to avoid punishment, big sis?" Felt looked at Emilia skeptically.

"Well, it worked so it's fine, I say! It's the result that matters in the end!"

"And what did you come up with next time? Such a trick can't work many times, you know."

"Actually, it worked several times!" Emilia stated proudly.

"Mother Fortuna, I…"

Then, Fortuna let out a breathy laugh, the hand going back to her side. "Honestly, you worry too much, Emilia. You don't need to be scared, I'm not angry."

"But, you aren't hurt, are you?" Walking towards her, Fortuna knelt down, carefully checking over Emilia. Then, as Fortuna gently took off the white jacket, she suddenly wrapped her arms around Emilia and pulled her close.

"Mother Fortuna…?"

"… It's nothing. I just missed you so-o-o much."

Hearing that, Emilia raised her left arm and gently wrapped it around Fortuna as well. Fortuna's fingers gently carded through Emilia's hair, holding her a bit closer.

"Spoiled child… hey, Emilia…"

"Mmn?"

"I love you."

"I love you too, Mother Fortuna. Always loved and always will..." The princess whispered, unable to hold back her tears.

Despite that it was a year since she took the Trial, the memory of Fortuna's tragic end was just as painful for her. Every time she saw her mother showing affection to her, Emilia couldn't stop the image of Fortuna's dying on her hands with similar last words.

Felt came to her support, putting her hand on the girl's shoulder as a show of support. Felt had never known her mother, but she understood her friend's feelings. She will never forget the emotions she felt when she saw the death of Old man Rom on the screen. Feelings of fear, despair, anger, and helplessness that were tearing her apart. So she could imagine how much harder it was for Emilia, who, according to her, personally experienced the death of a beloved parent.

Beatrice started gently caressing Emilia side. Rem's hand landed on the half-elf's other shoulder. And from the back, the duchess offered her own support.

Chocking back tears, Emily nodded gratefully to all four of them and returned to watching the screen.

The present Emilia, seeing this, looked on in worry, as well as sadness.

"Perhaps the sights that you locked deep within your heart have begun to overlap with scenes from your memories, little by little?"

"That's surprising. I thought you'd make very mean comments about Mother Fortuna and me…" The two of them are leaning against a tree, though Echidna has her arms crossed.

"Even if that is what you thought, I would not recommend coming out and saying so. My opinion of you is already low enough, and here you are, making it plummet further."

"Oh, don't worry! I won't tell anyone about this."

Echidna scoffed, closing her eyes, "For better or for worse… his influence on you has been growing increasingly strong."

"Even a witch can't help but admit that the Rem's hero has a talent for positively influencing others!" Rem said proudly.

Hearing words about Subaru and his influence on her, a happy smile appeared on Emilia's face.

"Really? Thank you!" Hearing Emilia say that in such an earnest voice, Echidna pursed her lips tightly, resisting the urge to grit her teeth.

"Anyway, now that you've recalled your Mother, the people you knew, and that so-called fairy… are you ready to face your past now?"

"…no. Not yet." Emilia clenches her fists tightly. "There's… still very important memories I'm missing."

"And those are?"

Emilia's eyes narrow. "The Seal."

"Is it just me, or is Echidna not very sincere in her hatred towards you, Emilia-sama?" Crusch asked, studying the witch's words and expressions carefully.

"I think you're right, Crusch-sama. Echidna, of course, is still a meanie and loved to throw barbs at me for no reason. But for some reason, it seemed to me that her hatred was... not real. Or rather... directed not at me specifically, maybe?" Emilia agreed with her.

"Perhaps the whole point is that you are similar to the Witch of Envy like two drops of water? The Witch of Greed has repeatedly shown that she clearly does not like her." Ricardo suggested.

The half-elf only shrugged in response. Perhaps even back then, Subaru somehow influenced her character, and therefore her companion's harmful comments did not offend her that much.

But to her, it seemed much more likely that in the years after waking up, she had faced discrimination because of her appearance so often she'd learned to subtly feel if the hatred toward her was genuine or not. And, while talking with Echidna, she did not feel that the negative feelings of the greedy witch were sincere, or at least as strong as she tried to show it. In some ways, conversations with Echidna reminded her of a rougher version of the interactions between Subaru and Ram.

The scene changed. Once again in the Princess Room, Emilia had removed the same rock she had dislodged earlier, looking up as she was about to crawl through the space. "Come on, little fairy! We're escaping again today!"

As she said that, the spirit she was talking to floated down in front of her eyes.

"Emilia, I'm coming in." Archie's voice came from outside the door.

The young man who entered asked if everything was okay. To which the girl cunningly asked if anything had happened.

In response, he held up a small satchel as he walked into the room. "Well, for starters, I've brought you a snack. They're nuts."

Emilia held her hands out, and the satchel was placed in them. While the satchel seemed small in Arche's fingers and hands, it had completely engulfed Emilia's two palms.

Arche just smiles at her, "Eat these and be a good girl, alright?"

Seeing that, Emilia looks up. "Thank you…"

The moment Arche had left, Emilia waited for a bit before moving the rock again and squeezing her way out of the Princess Room through the roots of the tree.

"Arche has been a worrywart lately… I need to be more careful…!"

"Kids are so curious and so easily get bored. My amazin' self can understand that no one thought the princess could escape from the tree house, but wha' was the point of always keepin' her locked up? If the elves didn't want her to be seen, someone could just take her out for a walk in the forest or somethin'!" Garfiel commented with hints of indignation.

Emilia's constant confinement was even more severe than the Barrier around the Sanctuary. Not like it could hold Garfiel back, but he did see some villagers were depressed by the inability to leave the Sanctuary, no matter how much they wished for it.

Her eyes draw in a familiar sight. Black robed people, conversations, the exchange and giving of goods.

'Geuse's group is here again today…'

She pouted. "I thought that whatever they were hiding would be more fun… Mother and the rest are so-o-o weird…"

As she said that, she heard Fortuna's voice and turned her attention to her Mother. Fortuna is once again talking to Geuse, and the two were obviously very close.

"Emilia has been so-o-o full of energy lately! She always comes home with her clothes all muddy."

"That she's so healthy can only be a good thing. I'll bring as many new clothes for her as I can." Geuse's shoulders shake, indicating his laughter.

"I'm sorry if I seem to be demanding more… you've already done so much." Fortuna tilts her head a bit, a bashful expression on her face. Fortuna then moves her head to the side, looking past Geuse. "Do you have adult clothes, too?"

Geuse follows her line of sight and gestures. "Yes, many. I'm sure we have something that will look absolutely lovely on you."

"Damn! This psycho really knew how to play with words beautifully when he wasn't a psycho yet!" Ricardo said respectfully. It was a real tragedy that such a curious character was turned into a sadistic maniac.

"Calm, courteous, hardworking and caring. Almost a man of dream for many girls. The longer you watch him, the harder it is to believe that such a pleasant fellow would turn into that creepy monster." Frederica agreed with him.

"You think Geuse could flirt?! Preposterous, I suppose! He was so dense, even Betty's contractor can be called a ladies man compared to Geuse, in fact!" Beatrice answered with a nostalgic smile.

"What could even happen to Geuse to change so drastically?" Petra asked anxiously.

"Pandora." Emilia answered her in one word, without taking her eyes off the screen. But there was enough ice in that one word to cut off any further conversations.

Hearing that and seeing the expression, Fortuna's cheeks are tinted a bit red. "Hey, I know we've known each other a long time, but when did you start making jokes like that?"

"Hm? I only said what I felt was the truth… did I say something wrong? Was there something strange about what I said?"

Fortuna sighs, closing her eyes. Really, for all his kindness, Geuse can be so oblivious sometimes.

"Ah-ha, so Beatrice-sama was right! He wasn't flirting with her. On the contrary, he is tyotally oblivious to Fortuna giving him hints, nya!" Felix said with an amused grin. Looks like Geuse used to be a treasure trove for jokes and harmless teasing.

"Now that's sounds more like Geuse Betty used to know, in fact."

Since her eyes were closed, she didn't see Geuse coming closer and placed his hand on her forehead. He leans down a bit, eyes narrowed and in concern.

"Geuse, what is this?"

"Oh, well, I just remembered another time when you seemed unhappy while talking to me, and it was because you had a fever. You don't feel warm right now, though…"

Meanwhile, Fortuna smiled sheepishly, raising an arm and gently pushing away Geuse's arm that had the hand on her head. "Come on, that was decades ago! Don't treat me like a child! Honestly…"

"Geuse, you were so smart, but such a fool, in fact!" Beatrice protested good-naturedly.

She fondly recalled the ridiculous situations her old friend and teacher got into because of his poor understanding of emotions of mortal races, but despite all the difficulties, he always worked hard to fix the situation. If nothing else, perseverance and diligence ha had in abundance.

Emilia huffs, her cheeks filling up with air and making her pout more obvious. "Stupid Geuse and stupid Arche…"

Arche, who was carrying a few sacks, sneezed.

"That's right! Complete fools! Obviously, the harsh lady was very fond of the not-so-creepy guy! And looks like the young elf loved the stern lady!" Mimi solemnly announced, crossing her arms over her chest, extremely pleased with her powerful deductive abilities.

"So… is the Seal still in place?"

Fortuna nodded. "As always, yes. It's very conscientious of you to check on it every time."

"That's because it is my duty to do so." He shifts, looking up at the trees of Elior Forest, his voice solemn. "The state of affairs outside the forest is dubious at the moment. Perhaps it is simply baseless, but I wanted you to be aware."

"Don't worry, I understand."

Geuse closed his eyes. "Please, remain diligent. For Emilia-sama… and for the two of them, too."

"He cares so much about this Seal. It looks like whatever's behind it, this thing, is clearly dangerous." Tivey remarked.

"Alas, since Emilia-sama here does not have an understanding of what kind of seal it is, it is highly unlikely that we will learn from these viewing about its real purpose." Julius noted with disappointment. "Unless the screen show it to us, and we remember that we have seen something similar in historical or magical books."
"What kind of seal?" The girl asked. In response, a younger spirit appeared next to her, calling her to follow him. "Will you show me the way?"

The scene changed. In the middle of the thicket, as if bounded by an invisible barrier, a section of forest began, completely devoid of colors — trees, leaves, grass, everything was white, as if covered with a thin layer of snow. In the center stood a massive black door, richly decorated with ornaments, with a large lock in the center.

Echidna and grown Emilia arrived at the scene.

"A door? What a strange sight…" A look of curiosity glinted in Echidna's eyes.

Emilia pursed her lips tightly, walking forward until she was in front of it. "This is… the Seal."

"How cu-u-urious, It seems even Echidna didn't know the purpose of this Se-e-eal." Roswaal noted with a hint of surprise.

"I agree, in fact. It was quite rare for Mother not to know about something that already existed in the world. Perhaps, the Seal appeared in the forest after she passed away. Or, on the contrary, this Seal is so ancient that even Betty's mother did not find any information about it, I suppose!" Beatrice noted with the same gleam of thirst for knowledge in her eyes that was Echidna on the screen showed.

"I don't know if I'm more captivated or disturbed by this fact, actually." Otto said with a nervous chuckle. Just what could this door be if neither the Great Spirit of knowledge who had the contents of dozens of thousands of books in her head nor the Witch of Greed knew about it?

She walked around it, looking up. "This Seal's existence… is why…" Her eyes trail towards where she and Echidna came from, revealing the younger version of herself being led by spirits to the place.

"Yes, that's it. The Seal. Mother Fortuna and the rest of my village watched over her safety every day." Emilia confirmed.

"I have never seen such a construction. Does anyone have an idea what it might be needed for?" Al asked the others.

"The only seal I've read about is the one that sealed the Witch of Envy. But it is located under the Shaula Tower. Why did someone create another one like this? And who did it?" Julius mused.

The historian's excitement has awakened in the best of the knights. He wanted to get back to their world as soon as possible, to seize a day of free time and immerse himself in the study of historical documents. There must have been a clue somewhere.

"I haven't seen anything like it in my mother's notes or books, I suppose. I can only say that, judging by its appearance, it is an ancient structure, created by unknown magic in fact. Judging by its form, it could be a portal that leads somewhere, or a tomb that contains something…or someone, I suppose."

"What if this is another creation of the Sage Shaula?" Felix asked.

"It is quite possible, but empty discussions will not give us anything, so let's continue watching." Otto decided to stop unnecessary conversations.

Echidna's eyes move to her. "Have you found the answer?"

The spirits flew, they floated, until they were in front of the door. Emilia followed until she was in the same position.

"This is… the Seal…?"

The image went dark for a second. When the picture returned, the screen showed a night scene in front of the entrance to the tomb. Subaru was sitting on the ground, pressing his knees to his forehead and holding his head in his hands.

"Wait! Stop! Go back! Go back! Why do they show us this, instead of what happened during the Trial?!" Tivey said with a sour face.

Just a second ago, they were looking at something that could be one of the greatest secrets of their world! Something that potentially could become a huge discovery and engrave the names of those who will tell the world about it in history! Only to suddenly be forced to look at the lamentations of a love struck guy?!

"Fire the editor! Who makes the cuts like that?!" Al agreed with the young demi-human.

"Some guy saw my love letter to the girl I like before she did… dammit, my life is over….!"

In front of him stood Garfiel and Otto, looking at him with confusion.

"Yer way too damn depressed 'bout this! C'mon, get it together, man! C'mon!"

However, Subaru ignored his words, rocking back and forth while lamenting and covered in embarrassment. "I never imagined Garfiel would be there, waiting to settle the score…!"

Otto tilts his head. "Aren't you always hitting on Emilia-sama in front of other people? Why did you get so embarrassed this time when you put it through writing?"

Subaru looked up, moving his hands around. "I'm prepared for her to just brush it off any other time! And that's exactly what always happens, so it's fine, then! But this time I was demonically serious! And literally wrote her a love message in the night! You can't think of anything more shameful!"

'Hmpf! This phrase belongs only to two of us, Subaru-kun!' Rem shook her head resentfully.

She will need to have a serious conversation with her hero about the limits of what is acceptable in relation to other girls. There were things she would not yield to anyone. Even Emilia. Especially Emilia! And phrases about being demonic were one of those things.

"It's much more shameful that you broke your promise again for this! And I forgive you only for the fact that it was incredibly sweet and helped me gain the courage to pass the Trial! But that doesn't excuse you, my lying knight! So accept your shame and live with it!" Puffing out her cheeks, Emilia complained, pinching the sleeping man's cheek.

Despite her emotions, she acted carefully so as not to leave any bruises with her delicate fingers, which have the power of a hydraulic press.

"Ha! Trust it to Barusu to pervert every Ram's attempt to make him a decent member of a society. I taught him how to write to make him a more useful butler! Only for him to use the precious skill Ram has benevolently bestowed on him to vandalize an ancient monument with his scribblings!" Ram stated with fake anger. As a woman, she was pleased, that the habitat of the hated witch had been turned into a love letter to her mistress.

"So even back then he hardly hoped that you would at least sometimes reciprocate his advances? Or at least tell him straight out that your relationship cannot grow beyond knight and the lady? And you've been in this position for a year?! I feel really sorry for this stupid, love struck boy." Anastasia commented without a trace of humor.

She herself was not too much interested in amorous affairs at this stage of her life, and she had little experience with them as well. Still, even she understood the simple truths of life perfectly. When someone much affection has been shown to you for a period of time, and they directly state their desires, you either need to accept their offer, or state clearly that you are not interested. Otherwise, it's simply bad taste.

"Shit, if I had known that the guy's love life is so miserable, I would have dragged him out to the city to hang out! We would have had a drink or two, talk about live, then I would've shown him a couple of very high-quality places where you can spend an unforgettable night in the company of ladies with cute cat ears!" Ricardo remarked, with a mixture of laughter and seriousness.

And even a number of angry glances from different parts of the room from most of the ladies present in the room (and even one from Julius) did not silence him. If anything, they just made him angrier. It was a matter of honor for the head of the mercenaries to express his opinion.

"Don't you try to incinerate me with glares, honored ladies! The boss guy just turned eighteen this year! His blood is boiling! After everything he's done for our world, he must be drowning in affection and love! Instead, as I see it, he hasn't even received a single kiss in a whole year! I bet if he had a normal love life, he'd have fewer nightmares. Because he would be passing out in bed from exhaustion and pleased with himself if nothing else!"

"You're damn right, buddy! Bro clearly doesn't have enough ways to let off steam!" Al strongly supported the mercenary, for which he received a warning fan on the head from his mistress.

"And what can cat girls do to make Subaru fall asleep without..." Emilia, one of the few who looked at the mercenary with interest rather than condemnation, tried to ask, but she was interrupted by Ram, who stated in an uncompromising tone:

"This topic has nothing to do with the current viewing! Kindly stop fixating on it, Emilia-sama! Also, I will ask of you, Ricardo-san, to stop causing discord in other camps and not to try to direct Barusu along the path of debauchery! He's already a candidate for king of perverts!"

'Damn Witch Cult! Damn you, Gluttony! If only he hadn't attacked back then, Subaru-kun wouldn't have had to fall asleep alone in a cold bed for a whole year! Rem would love to help him forget any nightmares!'

"Sister... I don't want to suspect you, but why does our synesthesia suggest that you're thinking about something... indecent?" Ram narrowed her eyes and looked sternly at the younger one.

"Not at all, nee-sama! Rem only thinks about very decent and noble things! I must think carefully and thoroughly about how to rid Rem's hero of these terrible nightmares!" Rem refuted her sister's suspicions in a confident voice.

"Oh... what shamelessness!" Frederica said, shutting Petra's mouth, who already wanted to express everything she thought about this situation.

The head maid tried to sound indignant, but the reddened cheeks and the glint in her eyes hinted at a different opinion. She couldn't wait for the viewing to end and everyone to return home. Things could turn out to be spicier than the most daring books she read.

"What does Rem want to do? I'm ready to do it too, if it helps my Subaru!" Emilia said with childlike directness, pressing her fists to her chest for emphasis.

Which caused many to bite their lips in order not to laugh or hit their faces with a palm. Although, Ram failed at the latter.

"Okay, stop! This topic is closed, in fact! Let's get back to watching the screen!" Beatrice said indignantly, not wanting anyone to continue talking about her contractor's future nightlife.

Garfiel smirks, tapping his chest. "Don't worry, cap'n! If anything, it made my amazin' self wish I could sponge off your luck! 'In matters of love, follow the lingdorn's example,' they say!"

Subaru finally got up, his hands flailing as he regained his coordination and balance. "I understand that you didn't mean it on purpose, but telling me your impressions only hurts me more!" Inhaling sharply, Subaru finally regained himself, although his embarrassment was still there.

"It took Garfiel about an hour when he went in… so, I guess it'll take her about that long."

"If she succeeds, that is…" Otto said skeptically, and received a warning elbow poke from Subaru.

"Try taking a hint for a change." Hearing the voice of the prideful Oni maid, all three men turned around. However, the moment Otto had turned around, Ram had lifted her hand and flicked his forehead. "You're oblivious to the mood, and yet you call yourself a merchant?"

"That hurt even more than the forehead flick!"

Ram huffed, "Suck it up."

"What can I say? The pen is mightier than the sword. And Ram handles the pen perfectly, because the sword does not fit the image of a graceful, modest maid." Ram commented without hiding a haughty smile.

"Can't argue with tha'. As a victim of both yer punches and yer words, my amazin' self must admit that yer tongue is a much more terrible weapon den fists!" Garfiel answered her with a mischievous smile.

"I think I've come up with a way to defeat the Archbishop of Greed. We just need to put Ms. Ram against him, tell her to throw aside all restrictions, and drive his self-esteem into the ground until he surrenders and ask to be sent to jail. Just so he won't have to hear her barbs anymore!" Reinhard decided to join the fun.

"Yeah. And after we reliably deprive him of the ability to use his Authority, we will sentence him to death. By listening to insults from Ram!" Felix also did not miss the opportunity to cheer the up.

Most of the guys in the audience laughed heartily at the presented scene. The girls giggled, too. And Crusch looked at his knight with a feigned expression of horror. After all, she actually liked this idea.

"Even to me, this method of execution sounds completely inhumane... I approve!" Priscilla announced, unknowingly adding fuel to the fire of merriment.

She turned towards Subaru. "Anyway, Shima-sama wants to talk to you, Barusu. She wants to continue last night's discussion."

Garfiel turned to Subaru after hearing that. "What did you and gran— the old hag talk about?"

Subaru, though, grins, pointing and tapping Garfiel's forehead with his index. "No need to cover it up, we all know that you're a Granny's boy."

Subaru removed his finger. "Mostly, she told me what happened when you went into the tomb."

Garfiel looked away. "…that so?"

"I had my hands full yesterday figuring out how to deal with Garfiel. Unfortunately, we ended up putting off the important part."

"And what exactly did you put off?"

"Well…"

"—a subject that is unavoidable if you wish to liberate the Sanctuary."
Said Ruyzu Shima walking up the steps of the Tomb supported by another Ryuzu clone. Her voice, her stance, it all suggested that she was injured, hurt.

"Now I remember! That's when Shima-san told us how she saw the memories of the original Ryuzu Meyer in the Tomb. And through it, I learned about the history of the creation of the Sanctuary, about meeting Beatrice-sama with Ryuzu and the ancestor of the Margrave!" Otto said enthusiastically.

"Yeah, dat's right. Hey, Brotto, do ya think they'll show us 'tis memories like Ram and Ram's childhood?" Garfiel fidgeted with anticipation.

"Who knows. Since the screen has decided, for some reason, even to show my childhood, then I won't be surprised at such a turn at all." The merchant replied with a shrug.

Beatrice did not comment on his words, but inwardly tensed and looked at the screen with silent desire. What if she happens to see her first friend again? At least like this, through the screen?

The scene changed. The screen went back to Emilia's Ordeal.

"Come on, come on, come on!" the little girl tried unsuccessfully to open the door.

"And we're back to this part? What was the purpose of changing the scene then?" Julius asked, looking confused.

"I guess it's to show us what was happening outside while Emilia was taking the Trial. Not sure if it was that necessary, though." Al tried to explain.

"It's weird how it just doesn't fall over… It's too weird for me to understand… but thanks to all of you, I managed to find it!"

Turning towards the spirits that had guided her, Emilia smiles brightly. She brought her hands together, audibly saying what she was doing as she thanked them. "Clap, clap, clap!"

Afterward, she pouted. "Hmph. It's all Mother Fortuna's fault. And Geuse's fault. Nyah!"She stuck her tongue out, before turning around. "Alright, time to go home! Today, the painter feels like coloring the sky red and the forest white!"

"It scares me how prophetic this phrase sounded, remembering the Day of the Red earth and sky. Emilia-sama, have you ever had a gift of clairvoyance of any sort?" Julius said thoughtfully.

"No, I've never noticed such abilities in myself. But I would really like to have them. Maybe then I would have been more useful, and I could have helped Subaru in some situations."

"Perhaps you try to paint again, Emilia-sama. Who knows, maybe it's when you give free rein to your imagination that a vision of the future may come to you!" Tivey advised her, who was also interested in this detail.

"And Mimi! Mimi loves painting too! Especially with her palms and on clothes of Tivey and Hetaro!"

Hurrying to get home before her escape was discovered, Emilia noticed how worried the fairies were.

"What is it?"

Seeing that they were calling her aside, she decided to listen to them.

Emilia smiled, placing a hand on her chin. "Could it be… something's about to happen?"

After making her way through the bushes, she looked out and realized that she had almost caught someone's eye.

"—ah, this is quite the problem… I might not make it by the appointed time…" A few feet in front of her, walking in a worried stride, was Geuse, muttering to himself.

Hearing the rustle of leaves behind him, he turned around and noticed a child's figure sticking out from under a bush.

Before Emilia could try to crawl away, she froze up as Geuse addressed her. "Oh? And who might these clothes and behind belong to?"

Knowing that she couldn't hide, Emilia shuffled backwards. Bashfully and sheepishly, she stood up, clasping her hands together. "C-Can… I implore… can you give me mercy?"

Geuse laughed, turning towards her. "Well, well, what an adorable young lad—"

"Ha, if this weirdo hadn't gone crazy, I'd be glad to talk to him! He seems like a great guy!" Ricardo declared with frustration, saddened by the fate that had overtaken Geuse, who seemed quite pleasant to communicate with.

"It seems like this world has always been like this. The more pleasant a person or spirit you are by nature, the more awful things life throws at you. And Bro is a vivid confirmation of that." Al nodded in agreement.

He was also not too happy that now, in addition to hatred and contempt, he felt a little sympathy for Petelgeuse. How much easier it would be if this guy were a pure scumbag without any tragic backstory.

Coming closer to the girl, the archbishop suddenly stopped, as if realizing something important, surprising the girl with this. His breathing became shallow, his brows furrowing, his eyes watering, his voice stuttering.

"A-Are you…? N-No… that's… no, you c-couldn't be…!"

The next moment, the camera focused on the lower half of the girl's face.

"G-Geuse…? A-Are you alright?"

Geuse actually shed tears at these words. Unable to stand it, he got down on one knee and burst into tears.

"I-I am… fine…! Y-Yes… Yes! O-Of course, I'm alright! N-Nothing is wrong in the s-slightest! B-Because I… I… I have just…! —been granted salvation like never before!" His eyes shined, his eyes widened, and Geuse felt like he could laugh.

"And suddenly, from a weird, but pleasant type, he turned into a creepy one who sobs at the sight of little girls!" Felt's face twisted.

She was greatly disturbed by this change of mood and the unhealthily admiring expression on the cultist's face. And not just her.

"Would you say that this is also a sign of a normal person, Emilia-sama? Forgive my rudeness, but now he looks like a real fanatic, although, I admit, not aggressive at the moment." Rem asked the princess skeptically.

She did not want to break her word and tried not to let negative emotions affect the attitude towards the person on the screen. But this scene still made her inwardly shudder.

"Really. His behavior towards the young lady Emilia is somewhat reminiscent of how he idolized the Witch of Envy in the future, but with added insanity." Ram agreed.

"There really is something in common in their behavior."

"Stop talking nonsense, in fact! Geuse is not crying because he saw a little girl. Apparently, he remembered something from the past, I suppose. The way the screen focused on the girl's words suggests that. Perhaps he remembered Satella, before she became the Witch of Envy and caused the Great Calamity, or some other old memory!" Beatrice came to the defense of her old friend.

"Could he have really known the Jealous Witch? No wonder then that he became the archbishop of the Witch Cult!" Felix commented.

"He was an ancient and wise spirit even when Betty was just born, in fact! And Betty's over four hundred years old, in case you have forgotten! He knew Betty's mother well. So it shouldn't come as a surprise if he was familiar with other witches of sin."

"It sounds pretty likely. That would explain why he called himself a sinner and unworthy more than once. Maybe he feels guilty for knowing Satella and not stopping her? Or perhaps he did something that played a role in creating the Great Calamity?" Wilhelm reasoned aloud.

"And then, feeling guilty, he created a Witch Cult to help the elves, who were forced to go into the woods because of the persecution of other races? We still have too little information to draw conclusions, but this version does make sense. For now, I suggest we continue watching." Crusch summed up the conversation.

Hearing that, Emilia walked over a fallen tree and towards Geuse. "...really? You got saved, but you're crying?"

Geuse shook his head, "I'm not crying because I'm sad! I'm… happy… so happy, so overjoyed…! I'm… so truly blessed! S-Such happiness can warm tears to someone…"

He kneeled there, one hand on the elevated knee, sobbing, crying, utter relief, utter happiness, utter joy is what exuded him.

Emilia stared at him for a bit, before walking forward. She took his left hand into her right, and rested her left hand on his hair, murmuring. "It's alright, Geuse… it's alright, it's alright."

"It seems that your maternal instinct has awakened in you at birth, Emilia-sama." Frederica smiled at this sweetest picture.

"Emilia is so caring herself that I wouldn't be surprised if she would ever come to pat and comfort the Divine Dragon himself!" Petra chimed in.

"It frankly amuses me that at the age of an unreasonable child, you looked and behaved more competently than in our time!" Priscilla decided to dispel her boredom a little, while drinking wine.

She was completely uninterested in watching the snotty scenes of the half-wit's childhood. How dare this Warden waste her divine time so stupidly when he could, instead be showing her a battle of wits between two clowns in the Sanctuary! That's what she was interested in watching.

The current Emilia and Echidna watched this, Echidna with a neutral expression and Emilia with sadness.

"I know that there are so-o-o many things like this that I forgot… but not too long ago, I wouldn't have been able to accept this. Still right now… I'm scared, but I won't cower in fear."

"You're giving up on the decision to depend on a man or father figure, even though it's so typical of a filthy woman like you?"

"I'm sure Subaru would forgive me if I did that, but I'd still be weak… and I don't want to just shrug off that fact. Besides… I don't want those things Subaru wrote for me to end up being wrong… Subaru… he believes in me! That's why I don't want… no, I won't be embarrassed by his feelings!"

Priscilla responded to these words with a slightly arched eyebrow. Really? Is this girl going to show her that it makes sense to keep at least one eye on her struggling? Funny. But she was a generous goddess who will give the half-wit a chance to prove her words with deeds.

Echidna looked down, hiding her eyes. "Do as you wish. I will simply find satisfaction in your suffering."

After Geuse had wiped all his tears away, he and Emilia began to walk hand in hand, Geuse guiding her.

"So, is everything ready now?" Emilia asked.

"Yes. The warm-up round is over. The Trial that broke you once now begins for real."

Hearing that, Emilia narrowed her eyes in determination.

"Wait a second. So all of this wasn't a real Trial?" Petra was really surprised by this statement.

"No, earlier all these memories were blocked by Puck. Because of this, during my first attempt, I was plunged right into finale. I couldn't recognize people around me, didn't understand where the snow came from or what was going on. Moreover, I was plagued by false images that were created because of Pandora's manipulation. As a result, I was confused, scared, and was quickly overwhelmed by the Trial. These preparations helped me solidify my memories, reacquaint myself again with Mother Fortuna, Geuse, the village. Thanks to this and Subaru's encouragement, I was prepared!"

The scene changed.

A cheerful little girl was running through the forest, followed by a laughing Geuse.

"—please, wait, Emilia-sama! It's dangerous to run around like that!"

Emilia giggled, scurrying behind a tree. "Nope, no-o-o! Come on, come on! Just try to catch me!" She scurried away once more, laughing all the while.

Geuse keeled over, hands on his knees as he panted.

"Was not yet creepy guy such a wuss that a little girl wore him down?" Mimi smugly smirked. She would never be so weak!

I wouldn't be so strict here. Elves are naturally strong, have immense speed, stamina, and endurance. So what we see now can easily be the game of tag that went on for hours! Reinhard explained with a solemn smile.

He still remembered how he also used to play with his father when he was of similar age. And how abruptly at all ceased one day.

Fortuna watched this, a hand on her hip as she looked at Geuse with a smile. "Her mischief is too much for us to handle, too."

Geuse panted, catching his breath as he straightened himself up, "No, no, having so much energy is a good thing… I just wish she could avoid doing anything dangerous, haaah… if she could just jump around in her home, healthy and bathed in sunlight, with no concerns about breaking anything…"

"He reminds me of you in a way, Rein. The same mother hen, who will gladly lock his ward in an empty room upholstered with pillows on all sides if given the opportunity!" Felt declared scurrilously, wanting to tease her knight.

But Reinhard wouldn't be a knight among knights if he didn't know how to adapt to enemy tactics.

"If that means that you agree with the opinion that you are as sweet and precious as young Emilia-sama, then I will gladly agree with you, Felt-sama." He declared with a satisfied look.

And, without changing his expression, he began to gently block the barrage of blows from the flushed princess. No, he will not smile smugly at her reaction! Such childish behavior was beneath the Royal knight.

"Geuse."

"—ah?"

"That would be ve-e-ery difficult."

Having fully caught his breath, Geuse crossed his arms. "W-Would it? But for Emilia-sama's sake, I just… I just…!" Conflicted and a bit stressed, Geuse clutched his head.

Fortuna let out a small laugh at that. Usually, Geuse was so composed, so seeing him like this is a breath of fresh air for her.

"—hey!" Emilia stood in the middle of the path, arms crossed and expectant, with a pout. "Mother and Geuse, why aren't either of you chasing me!? Aren't we playing chase right now!?"

"Ah, please, forgive me! Never have I made such a terrible mistake!" Geuse placed a hand on his chest and bowed his head.

"Are you just spoiling her like that? Emilia, come here." Fortuna called her without looking at the girl.

"What is it, Mother? Honestly, you're too spoiled!" Trying to turn Fortuna's words back on her, Emilia walked towards her Mother. However, as she was close—

"—eep!"

Fortuna easily lifted her up in the air. "Too bad! Emilia has been captured by Mother Fortuna!"

Annoyed, Emilia threw a small tantrum, kicking her legs and arms back and forth to try and get Fortuna to let go, but failed to. "No fair, no fair! That's cheating, Mother! That's wrong! That's dirty! Say you're sorry!"

Fortuna laughed. "Goodness, just listen to this girl! Are you thinking about what Mother said to you, then, Emilia? Why do you think me and Geuse were chasing you, I wonder?"

"You look like a real happy family." Anastasia remarked with a slight sadness.

She herself did not know such emotions until the triplets appeared in her life. Secretly wiping away a tear of nostalgia, the princess merchant decided that she would have to pamper the little ones when they returned to Pristella.

"We were a real family. Those were... happy days. Until this fiend came…"

Emilia stopped her flailing, placing her hands on her mouth "—ah!? N-No, Mother… t-the fairy said we should go outside and play, so I…"

"Mother doesn't like children who blame things on other people, or in this case, fairies."

Emilia finally fell, resigned and was very sorry. "I'm re-e-eally sorry… since I made friends with Geuse, I wanted to tell Mother about it… and Geuse is a crybaby, so I wanted to help him…"

"That feeling is very precious, but we made a promise that you'd never go to that place, didn't we?"

"M-Mh… we did…"

"And that was a ve-e-ery bad thing to do."

She placed Emilia on the ground gently, getting on one knee herself and cupping Emilia's face. "A promise is the embodiment of trust. Should you break it, that means that you're betraying that trust, so you must not do it. Promise me, Emilia, that you'll keep your promises from now on."

"M-Mh! I-I will! I-I'm sorry, Mother…!"

"So that's where your overzealous attitude towards promises came from, Emilia-sama. Can't say I'm surprised. After all, you received this wisdom from your venerable mother." Julius nodded affirmatively.

'We'll have to explain to Subaru why it's so important to keep your word without such illustrative examples.' The knight mused.

He completely agreed with the words of the woman on the screen. As a spirit arts user, he understood well how important promises were. Once again, he regretted that Natsuki was sleeping soundly right now. It would be extremely useful for him to see this scene and learn a lesson about the importance of promises.

"And at such a tender age. Most likely, Emilia-sama took Fortuna-san's words to the heart!" The duchess added.

"Alright, that's good enough," a сontented Fortuna hugged the crying repentant girl.

"And what about you, Geuse? Are you alright?"

Geuse… was crying as well.

"I-It was just such a dazzling sight…! I-I couldn't… I couldn't hold back m-my tears…!"

"Crybaby!" Petra announced cheerfully.

"Wuss!" Mimi supported her.

"Drama queen!" Felt agreed with her friends.

"Geuse, of course, was a great tearjerker. But at least he was very honest and open. I re-e-eally appreciated him for that!" Emilia refuted them with a smile.

"It's just that your behavior always made him cry. He didn't have to cry like that because of Betty, I suppose!" Beatrice proudly remarked, smiling warmly at the screen.

Fortuna sighs, letting Geuse cry his heart out and compose himself again.

"Now, Emilia, you mentioned fairies?"

"Fairies, yes! They've been coming to help me for a lo-o-ong time! Come here!"

Saying that, Emilia turns around, stretching her hands out. After a few seconds of doing so, a spirit appeared, then more and more... "Is that… a lesser spirit? And so many, too!"

After composing himself, Geuse got up from his knelt position, a gentle and proud expression on his face. "It would seem Emilia-sama possess the natural talent to be a Spirit User."

Hearing that, Emilia tilts her head. "Lesser spirits…? Natural talent to be… a Spirit User?"

"These mana orbs that you call 'fairies' are beings called lesser spirits. Those who communicate with them, form contracts with them, and borrow their powers are called Spirit Users." Geuse explained.

An excited look appeared on Emilia's face. "And I can be one!?"

Fortuna turned towards Geuse, sighing. "Hey, don't give her any weird ideas."

"However, Emilia-sama will not remain young forever. When no one is by her side in particular, these lesser spirits will be her strength."

Fortuna closed her eyes, turning her head down. "But… it could be dangerous… and I don't want Emilia to…"

"You were right, Anastasia-sama. They behave exactly like a married couple who have been together for many years and are now deciding how to raise a child together." Crusch commented not even trying to hide a smile.

Wilhelm meanwhile was looking at the picture on the screen with a solemn look. It was so reminiscent of the happiest years.

"Yes, Mother Fortuna and Geuse have known each other for so-o-o-many years. But both were too blockheaded to realize how much they loved each other and say it openly! You were a such fool, Geuse! And you, Mother Fortuna, are no better!" Emilia agreed with her words, jokingly putting a stern expression on her face.

"Apparently, you have such an inability to understand and express your feelings runs in the family." Anastasia could not deny herself a friendly barb addressed to her indecisive competitor.

"He really seems like a loving and caring person. Could it be that I really jumped to conclusions?" Rem muttered softly, looking at the idyllic picture.

The very thought that an acting member of the Witch Cult could be a decent, not to mention a wonderful person was alien to the blue maid. Each time she saw Geuse on the screen, his outfit sent her mind back to the fiery night when people in the same robes, albeit with faces covered by masks and hoods, slaughtered her parents, clan and maimed her sister.

"I'm on Geuse's side today! I'm gonna be Spirit User, Mother Fortuna, so there!" Emilia declared, jokingly sticking out her tongue, hiding behind Geuse.

Fortuna sighed, placing her hands on her hips. "See? She's taken you seriously. How will you take responsibility for this?"

Geuse looks genuinely lost. "W-Well… I don't know what to…"

He raised his hands. "U-Uhm…" sighing, he started to rub the back of his head. "Ah, what a dilemma…"

"Ya know, the more my amazin' self looks ta 'tis guy the more it feels like I'm looking at another Otto!" Garfiel snickered.

"If you're talking about the image of a useless, indecisive henpecked crybaby, then you're absolutely right, Garf." Ram agreed with him smiling smugly, anticipating a juicy reaction from a grey-haired merchant.

"Hey! By the way, I've only cried three times in my whole life! And each time it was at the moment of a radical change in life!" Otto decided to defend his honor.

"That is, at least three times more than Ram. How pathetic are you then, if a gentle girl has shed fewer tears in her whole life than you!" The pink maid continued to press mercilessly.

"Maybe this is just proof that the only feminine part about you is your appearance, Ram-san? And even that is up to debate!" The merchant suddenly snapped back with a sarcastic remark.

"Ouch, what a burn!" Felix laughed.

Petra closed her mouth with her palms, to suppress a chuckle, so not to become the target of Ram's inevitable wrath. Frederica was torn between the desire to scold Otto for an unsightly comment on a girl's looks and the desire to laugh loudly at his precise barb. An embarrassed look her former student gave the smirking merchant was an icing on the cake. Ram definitely was taken aback by Otto unexpected retaliation

"Considering how often Ram's beautiful body is ogled by a perverted gaze of Barusu, we can confidently state that you are a blind fool, Otto. And as for charm, Ram was approached by more girls that you ever would!" Ram answered venomously, trying to avoid direct eye contact.

Emilia darts her eyes back and forth between the two, before voicing what she was thinking, "Mother Fortuna, Geuse, you know… you're acting like mommy and daddy…"

Emilia's words caught the two adults off guard.

Finally, Fortuna replied, "D-Don't say silly things like that! It's because Geuse and I have known each other for a long time! That-s why—"

"That's right, Emilia-sama! With a lifespan as long as mine, Fortuna-sama seems like a child!"

"Now, calling me a child is going a bit too far! Do you even know how old I am!?" Fortuna answered indignantly.

"Don't answer her! This is a trap question!" Al warned, feigning dread, enjoying these scenes.

It was much more pleasant to watch than his Bro's suffering. It was as if he had returned to his native world, became young again, came to the cinema, watched a romantic comedy for a whole family, while sipping juice.

Geuse raised his hands once more to try to placate Fortuna, "No, no! I didn't mean it like that! I am aware of your true age, and you're too beautiful and mature to be a child."

Hearing his words, Fortuna relaxes and nods her head, crossing her arms and tilting her head to the side. "Yes, yes. Well, then, I'll forgive you."

"You big-mouthed devil! You did it again! How skillfully he dogged that one! I will remember this phrase!" Ricardo laughed approvingly. Al supported him in this endeavor.

"The most hilarious thing is that he once again made this beautiful comeback completely by chance, not even understanding what he said, nya." Felix commented with a huge smile on his face.

"Learn from him, Garf. Maybe even you, at the sunset of your life, will learn how to make a proper compliment to a lady, since even such a thick-headed one as this spirit has become alert." Ram said approvingly.

The girls laughed approvingly at the archbishop's quirkiness. Even Rem smiled kindly at this scene. Somehow, his manners reminded her of Subaru-kun.

"Perhaps you were right, Emilia-sama. I was jumping to conclusions too fast. The Petelgeuse that is being shown to us now definitely could not be a bloodthirsty lunatic."

"That's exactly what I was talking about, but… Rem, I have one request." Emilia turned to her friend with an unexpectedly serious look. "Please, never call him Petelgeuse while he's still like this. For me, these are two completely different people, and I don't want anyone to equate them. I lost Geuse, a dear friend and someone who was like a father to me that day. Instead of him… a maniac appeared, one that I would like to personally destroy."

Seeing her mistress' clenched fists, anger distorted her face, and tears in her eyes, the maid corrected herself:

"I understand, Emilia-sama. I apologize for this transgression. It won't happen again."

"Thank you, Rem."

"But, you better be ve-e-ery sorry."

Geuse sighs, but there's a small smile on his face. "Yes, I know."

He then addresses Emilia, looking down at her. "At any rate, I've known Fortuna-sama for a long, long time. In fact, since the days Emilia-sama's mother and father were well—"

Fortuna froze, "

Geuse!"

Realizing what he just said, Geuse recoiled. He turned, bowing his head to Fortuna in search of forgiveness. "P-Please forgive me…"

Emilia looks up at both of them. "My mother and father…?"

She looked towards both of them, wanting her question answered. However, Geuse only continued to have his head reclined, while Fortuna walked towards her. "I'm sorry, Emilia. We'll talk about that another time. Go back to your room."

"That just sounded extremely suspicious." Crusch noted. Why did the mere mention of her real parents cause such a reaction in Fortuna?

"I never found out from anyone who my real parents were or what they were so busy with." Emilia replied with a slight sadness in her voice.

"I'm sorry to upset you, Emilia-sama, but…" Otto began uncertainly. "Usually, when information about relatives are is so diligently hidden from a child, it means a child will never see them again."

"I understand. To be honest, I can't say that I was very worried about them. I don't even remember their faces. Unlike Geuse and Mother Fortuna."

However, Emilia was not satisfied. "Another time? You'll really tell me, then?"

Fortuna brought a hand up and gently press her puffed out cheek. "Be a good girl, I know you can do that. I'll let you see Geuse again soon, too."

"You really, re-e-eally mean it!? You promise? You won't break it?"

Fortuna seemed surprised at her words, but then she laughed a bit, smiling and bringing her in for a hug. "Yes. I promise. It'll be a ve-e-ery important promise between you and me, Emilia."

"Alright! I'll go back to my room now!" Emilia nodded then turned towards Geuse.

"See you soon, Geuse! Try not to cry too much! That's a promise until we meet again!"

"Of course. Until we meet again." Geuse answered with a smile.

The present Emilia and Echidna silently watched on. Suddenly, Echidna narrows her eyes, turning to the side. "Someone is coming."

A man in a white robe with golden trims and accents walks towards them.

Seeing all the lesser spirits disappear, Fortuna froze, getting up and turning towards the stranger. Geuse does so as well. Emilia looks on in confusion, while Fortuna reaches out and brings her to her side closely.

"Who are you?"

A modest handsome face, snow-white hair, golden eyes…

"When you want to know someone's name, isn't it common courtesy to give your own first?"

"Regulus!" Emilia hissed.

"Here comes the real monster!" Rem let out the low growl.

This time there was no need for patience, no need for doubts. This time on the screen before her was an enemy — plain and simple. One that she would be happy to annihilate, and everyone would only applaud her for such an attitude.

"Wait, what?!" Tivey was surprised by this statement.

Everyone else in the room tensed up too. Since the Archbishop of Sin appeared, it means that the time has come for the attack of the witch Pandora described by Emilia.

"Emilia, You've mentioned this Pandora witch several times now. Could you perhaps describe what the Witch of Vainglory in more details?" Anastasia decided to get some information beforehand.

"Well her appearance is incredibly beautiful. Has long platinum colored hair…wears simple clothes…"

"I guess Anastasia-sama is more interested in the witch's actual powers, Emilia-sama".

"It's… hard to explain what type of enemy she is with words. It would be far easier for you to understand when you see yourself, and she's bound to appear pretty soon if Regulus is here."

He reaches up, brushing back his white hair, like he's explaining something to an imbecile. "This is the first time we've ever seen each other, we should be on equal footing as far as building a relationship goes. Why do you demand my name, as if you are so much better than me, hm?!"

Fortuna clicks her tongue. "For a man, you sure seem to like talking a lot—"

A warning smile spreads across the stranger's face.

"'For a man'? Thank you for showing me that you don't even know any men to compare me to. I can't just let that attitude slide, you know. You're disrespecting, infringing on my individuality, my authority!"

"Enough! Stop talking as if you're drunk on yourself! Who are you!?" Fortuna clenched her fist, ready to cast a spell at any moment.

Maliciously, the stranger smiles.

"Archbishop of the Witch's Cult, representing Greed… Regulus Corneas."

[Screen title: A Journey Through Memories]

"I feel like I'm finally going to see something interesting for a change." Priscilla said with a satisfied grin.

The fire-haired princess was already clearly bored with watching empty tears and lovey-dovey talks on the screen. And the world, as usual, took care to dispel her boredom.

"Does anyone else noticed that we see the same archbishop in the princess's memories as the one in the beginning of the arc?" Tivey reminded them.

"By the way, he's right!" Otto echoed the thought. "Due to the sheer number of different scenes, I somehow completely forgot that Emilia-sama spent many years encased in ice. And we are now being shown the events of a century ago.

"Not that I doubted Emilia-sama's words, but it still baffles me that this Archbishop of Sin lived for more than a hundred years without changing in the slightest!" Frederica commented.

"When I saw Corneas, I also somehow forgot that these events were a long time ago. But then it turns out that this cultist has not changed at all in a hundred years. How is this even possible?" Anastasia asked.

"Is it possible that he's also a spirit, just like Petelgeuse?" Otto suggested.

"That…cannot be excluded… but when we saw him for the first time he seemed too self-centered and egocentric for a spirit. Too human for my tasted." Julius mused aloud.

"Maybe he has elven blood in him too?" And he is a long-living demi-human?" Petra suggested.

"It's unlikely. Cultists hate elves and known to kill them whenever they get an opportunity. I really doubt they would accept anyone with elven blood into their ranks." Crusch shook her head.

"Then how did he do it?" Is there any magic that could stop or at least seriously slow down the aging process?" Frederica thought aloud.

"I have access to all the healing magic manuscripts in the kingdom. And I can say with confidence that people can only dream of such magic, nya."

"Not to mention that if such magic existed, it would be the most desirable among all the aristocrats and rich people of the world." Anastasia noted. "And then my company would be guaranteed to know about such a thing."

"Betty agree, in fact. There were no concrete examples of such magic described in the entire Forbidden Library. Betty would rather suggest that it might be related to the Greed's witch factor, I suppose."

"Can a witch's factor make its host unkillable?! This bastard didn't react to any attacks, all the while he tore off Crusch arm in one fell swoop!" Felt was revolted at such an unfair distribution of power in the world.

"Too many boons are given to one talkative scumbag, if you ask me." Al nodded in agreement.

"That's the problem with witch factors, I suppose. It is impossible to predict in advance what powers the carrier of the witch factor will receive and what price he will pay for it, in fact. Perhaps all the abilities of this cultist, including the fact that he does not age, are tied to one principle. Unfortunately, Betty still has too little information to draw any definitive conclusions. Maybe next episode will shed additional light on his abilities."

"Then let us not waste any more time. We must continue and take a good look at an enemy we might face in the future!" Crusch boldly declared.

When it came to meeting an opponent face to face, not many could match the duchess. And about this cultist, Crusch was eager to learn as much as possible so that she would have a better chance to get even with him when the opportunity presented itself.

"I agree with Crusch-sama! We must not loaf around! Warden-sama, would you be so kind to start the next one?" Emilia announced.

The screen in front of the audience obediently blinked, announcing the start of the next episode.