Chapter 136: Not For Honor—
With branches and bushes being pushed and turned aside in their search for one of the missing elves, YN and Otto both began to feel like this tactic was wasted effort.
It was nearly mid-day now and each of them had been at this for some time, and once they realized just how little area they had covered, it became apparent there was a need for a different approach.
Otto: We really need a smarter way to do this. Garfiel-san can cover a much greater area looking around like this than we can. And really, if just searching everywhere was the only way to find Ryuzu-san, he'd have found her by now.
Giving in to what Otto was saying, YN used his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his brow.
YN: So then what are you saying? That we just don't even bother trying? We gotta find her, Otto. It's essential to the entire operation.
Otto: No, not at all. What I'm saying is that maybe we're misunderstanding her. Perhaps this is a test of sorts... She was obviously aware you wished to speak with her today when it's her turn in the rotation. If she didn't want to do that, she'd hide behind Garfiel to avoid you. —But she's not doing that.
A hand to his chin now, YN contemplated Otto's logic.
YN: Yeah... Yeah you've got a point there. If she wanted to talk, she'd talk. If she didn't, she'd let Garfiel take care of me. It has to be a third thing then.
Otto: Ryuzu-san must know you'd not go as far as subduing Garfiel to make her talk if you won't even take the Command Authority to begin with.
Holding a single finger up, Otto continued.
Otto: The main theme we should realize though, is that wherever it is that Ryuzu-san is hiding, is somewhere that's even eluding Garfiel. That has to be the purpose.
Marveled at how Otto could come to such fanciful, yet sendable conclusions all on his own, YN was rather impressed.
Give him enough time, he'll even figure out Return By Death maybe...
Otto: Ryuzu-san wants both groups—, us and Garfiel to chase her, because she suspects it'll be us who'll figure out where she's hiding, which is somewhere she figures Garfiel won't look.
YN: Basically, it's her way of saying 'only we have the key to find her.' We know something Garfiel doesn't and we need to use that to find her. That does seem like the best way for her to hide from Garfiel but not us, all at the same time...
Otto: Precisely. Once we figure out what that 'key' is, we can rule out many places. It certainly wouldn't be somewhere random in the underbrush like we've been looking...
Looking upward and shutting his eyes as he tried to brainstorm, YN crossed his arms and spoke aloud.
YN: Places that are in the Sanctuary, related to Ryuzu, but aren't the Laboratory, the Tomb, or Garfiel's old-secret-base-shanty-house...
As YN searched his mind and memories for all the places he knew of in the Sanctuary, he recounted his own times at each of them, and what significance they bore.
I think I've been everywhere here... except for—
The one part of the Sanctuary that wasn't entirely covered in a forested canopy that Subaru at one point told him about.
A time when YN had been speaking with Ram, in the second Loop of their continued fiasco in the Sanctuary, Subaru had later told YN that during then he had been negotiating the release of the Arlem Villagers back to their homes. While that Loop ended with YN succumbing to his wounds from Elsa, and eventually having his fateful meeting Rem, it was what Subaru had done earlier in that Loop that now struck a chord with YN in the present.
Subaru said when he was trying to convince them to release the Villagers, he and Ryuzu had spoken one-on-one because Garfiel was too busy guarding the Tomb to make sure Subaru or I couldn't approach it...
It was as foolish as it sounded. This had been the same Loop Subaru had tried his hand at saying he'd clear the Trials for Emilia, and had this notion utterly rejected by Garfiel and Ryuzu both, which had been a stark change in opinion from the last Loop for reasons they'd only recently understand.
Fearing Subaru would take the Trials anyway, Garfiel had set about guarding the entrance to the Tomb to no one but Emilia. Since this rendered Subaru unable to speak to the golden-haired youth on the topic of hostage negotiations, he and Ryuzu had gone somewhere private to speak over tea.
I think Subaru said that was Garfiel and Frederica's childhood home, or so that's what Ryuzu told him at the time.
Thinking on it more, YN realized this was probably the only place in the Sanctuary he'd never been.
Ryuzu maybe chose that place to talk to Subaru because it was somewhere Garfiel wouldn't want to go... So is it possible she's there now?
As far as YN knew, no one had been there since that Loop. Compounding all those circumstances, a warmth began to grow in his abdomen, one not unlike someone usually felt when they had solved a puzzle.
YN: Otto. I know where Ryuzu is.
Otto: Just like that?!
Surprised YN could just brainstorm for a moment and come up with the answer so quickly, the shock nearly knocked the hat right off the merchant.
YN: Call it foresight. Anyway, I have what I need. Could you go about helping Subaru? The protagonist needs his side-kick about now I'd imagine... —You still have those lines about Emilia-sama memorized for him?
Otto: And just like that I'm cast aside?! What am I? Some extra in the village children's stage play?!
YN: You're more like the well-meaning fan-favorite supporting character. You've got an important role to go and fulfill.
Otto: I have no idea what you're going on about, but I guess I do agree... If you think you have things under control now...
YN: I do, don't worry.
With a bit of back-and-forth between them, Otto did want to prioritize the bigger picture here, even if he was worried for YN going alone from here on out.
Going their separate ways, they each set out to accomplish their goals.
A windswept meadow stood before YN as he emerged from the treeline. It felt like ages since he'd seen such a brightly lit area, and had almost forgotten how luminous the sun really was. For as long as he'd been continuously conscious in these Loops, the majority of that time had been spent under the thick canopy of the forest, nighttime, or inside the Tomb.
The sun in Echidna's dream citadel just isn't the same.
It also pained his heart somewhat. It was just like where he stood now, inside the tree cover adjacent to a meadow that Rem in a way had first confessed to him. When the word "more" was spoken in such a heavy meaning.
Holding a hand to his chest, YN walked forth to the lone structure in the middle of this meadow, a lonely house; the place that was Garfiel and Frederica's childhood home.
From how Subaru described it, and its approximate location, YN thankfully found it without the need of asking for him to guide him there.
The lower amount of attention we draw from Garf, the better...
Walking across the flowered field, YN arrived at the door, and knocked twice.
With a faint "Come in!" being heard, YN could tell immediately it was Ryuzu's voice.
As the door creaked open, Ryuzu, in her high-collared-jacket, had just placed a cup of tea on a table with two chairs placed for it.
Ryuzu: Please, have a seat. I've just made some tea for our talk.
Almost as if knowing what time he'd find her eventually, YN took his seat in the tiny chair and looked about inside the dwelling of this small hovel.
Much of the surfaces in this place that could collect dust, had a thick layer of it upon them, showing just how much neglect this location was afforded. It had all the telltale signs of a residence once occupied, but was now more of a storage place than anything else. Hung upon the wall next to where YN sat thought, was a pair of shields. Each had their dents and chips, and appeared to be well used.
Ryuzu: Gar-bo likens this place to a storeroom for his extra belongings now more than a cherished childhood home... That boy...
Speaking this, Ryuzu reached for her cup of warm tea and took a drink. Copying her so as to not appear rude, YN did the same.
Ehhhh...
Slightly grimacing from the taste on reflex, Ryuzu noticed and commented on YN's twisted expression.
Ryuzu: It seems no matter how many times I try, no one ever seems to be a fan of my tea brewing skills... You'd think after a few hundred years I'd have the technique down.
YN: Well, I might not be the best judge for that. If it's anything not made by Rem, I just have a hard time stomaching it... But anyway... I guess I'm the first one here, Ryuzu Dilma?
Nodding in conformation, Ryuzu took a small sip of her own tea, slightly grimaced as well, and set her cup down to answer him.
Ryuzu: You are. It was unlikely Gar-bo would want to come to this place for his own reasons, and it appears I was correct. Y-bo or Su-bo would surely find out where I was.
Looking out the window now, Ryuzu was silent for a moment before speaking again.
Ryuzu: —Though, considering it's been Y-bo being so invested in the past of Ryuzu Meyer, what the Witch has surely told him, and the fact he's spoken to all of the Replicants now, unlike Su-bo who's rather... uninformed, I'm glad it was Y-bo who decided to come alone.
Not entirely certain what her motive behind saying that really was, YN pressed forth with the conversation he'd been waiting to hear.
YN: So... Dilma-san, you were the one to undertake the Trial in the Tomb, correct?
Exhaling a small held breath, Ryuzu replied.
Ryuzu: Yes... I was able to bear witness to the creation of the Sanctuary, its purpose, and the events that eventually lead to the original Ryuzu Meyer being entombed in the crystal you too have seen by now.
Readjusting himself in the tiny seat, YN listened on to Ryuzu Dilma recount the memories she had inherited from her progenitor.
Ryuzu spoke of the balmy, easy going days of the earliest era of the Sanctuary.
Of a Roswaal A. Mathers that had been taken under the Witch's tutelage for study of all things arcane.
Of a Ryuzu Meyer who spent lazy evenings with the Witch's daughter, Beatrice.
Of all the times they had spent together in place, learning, growing, and creating pleasant memories.
However, these days came to an end when an untold violence trespassed into the Sanctuary in the form of a Warlock.
The Warlock charged with the duties of Melancholy, Hector.
Nearly ending the life of the young Roswaal, and continuing his warpath onward to the likes Echidna, his goal, Ryuzu Meyer had felt it was her life's purpose to help protect the Sanctuary's guardian, the aforementioned Witch, and allowed herself to become the nexus for the Sanctuary's barrier, narrowly managing to repulse the Warlock by doing so.
Ryuzu Dilma's retelling of the saga she had witnessed concluded with the fateful goodbye shared between Ryuzu Meyer and Beatrice.
With the full history of the Sanctuary and its most notable original inhabitants laid out bare for YN to mull over, there was a somewhat lengthy pause between them before he half-mindedly took another sip of the lukewarm, bitter tea he still had.
YN: I guess by that ending, that would explain why Beatrice really sorta is, the way that she is. Back then, she was just a child when all that happened for her... And now she's been alone for four hundred years following right after that... The scars from that wound of loss... They're still there. They have to be.
Making note of these things YN knew he desperately needed to share with Subaru, he and Ryuzu Dilma continued their dialog of discussion, namely, on who this "Melancholy" was.
The two discussed the idea of the known Seven Deadly Sins, and how these Witch Cult Witch Factor possessors followed the same suit as the theology aspect of it all.
It was only thanks to one of the more "recent" lessons and lectures he had read through on the long unused Educational App on his phone that he was as familiar as he was with the ideas presented before him.
One of the last units I ever completed before coming to this world was one about those Sins, and how there used to be more of them... Like 'Vainglory,' 'Trista,' and this 'Melancholy.'
The ones in direct doctrinal control of the corresponding theological pursuits had at one point, "rolled" these lesser known Sins into a few of the main seven, for consolidation.
What also perplexed YN was the complete lack of historical homage to this Warlock. There was zero record or mention of him that YN had ever heard, even with Echidna and the Witch's she had saved fragments of.
It's just surprising to hear it was this Hector fella that Echidna was creating the barrier to keep out... I would have bet all my money on it being built to keep Satella from chasing after Echidna like I originally thought... Not to mention the Ryuzu replicants weren't first created as empty vessels for Echidna's soul transferring-immortality schtick... but was rather just an unintended consequence of Ryuzu Mayer offering her life to sustain the barrier. All that other stuff came later it seems...
YN: —Have any of the other clones of Ryuzu ever met Beatrice by chance?
Slowly shaking her head "No," Ryuzu answered as to why that was.
Ryuzu: By the time the replicants had come about, she had long since halted coming to this place.
With that final answer of sorts, YN had a hand to his chin, contemplating all he had been told, and would need to relay to Subaru.
YN: So this is everything you're aware of? I'm just trying to make sure every stone has been upturned...
Solemnly giving a nod to that, Ryuzu had a rather stoic expression now as replied.
Ryuzu: Yes... To which, I now ask if Y-bo can see why I lacked the courage to see the barrier removed? Our progenitor sacrificed herself for this place she loved so... Having seen her own memories of what that sacrifice meant to her, could I really be expected to be complacent in letting it be destroyed?
Looking out the window to the meadow beyond, she sent on.
Ryuzu: I understand times have changed, however. It's been centuries since the original Ryuzu Meyer's era...
Turning her vision back to YN, the pink-haired girl posed a question to him.
Ryuzu: Are things any better now in the outside world? Is the persecution those in the Sanctuary are shielded from still as rife as it was when it was founded?
Perhaps being one of the worst people to ask, simply from how briefly he'd been in this world, what he'd seen of it, and the history he knew of, YN relied on the handful of experiences he had to sound like he had a good grasp of the topic the question dealt with.
YN: From my understanding, it's better than what it used to be. Leagues better in some respects. But I've still seen it become an issue from time to time.
YN's thoughts of course pinned back to his loosely recalled experiences in the city of Costuul.
Daniela, that Demi-human girl who ran that cafe... She was really suspicious of Rem and I's relationship at first... It was to the point she nearly kicked me out...
Resounding his own thoughts though, YN continued his answer to Ryuzu Dilma.
YN: —But it's my sincerest hope that the remaining issues can be remedied by Emilia-sama. That's her dream after all. The way the residents feel about the Sanctuary; where it's a place everyone can feel safe without un-do ill-treatment for nothing more than their birth and continued existence... Emilia-sama wants that for the whole Kingdom. —for everyone living here.
Putting a hand to the necklace that matched with his beloved's, it was still tired with her pink hair-ribbon as he pictured her in his mind.
I need to secure a future that's safe and prosperous for Rem and I... Any compromise to that will jeopardize us being together.
YN: —That's why I follow Emilia-sama, and give her my utmost support.
Hearing his words, rooted in their honesty and sincerity, Ryuzu Dilma could see the merit in such an opportunity.
Ryuzu: There is much potential in helping her shape the world in which we all wish to see... It's a hopeful mission, if anything, to be a part of.
YN, in response to that, extended a hand out to Ryuzu.
YN: Then don't let that opportunity slip past the Sanctuary. Everyone here will end up missing out on a world that we all can call our 'Sanctuary' too.
Eyes going wide at his words, Ryuzu for a moment had to regain her composure with a deep breath. While YN couldn't see the lower half of her expression as it remained hidden by her tall coat-collar, he could tell she had a smile on her face just based on what her eyes told him. Taking his offered hand, Ryuzu spoke.
Ryuzu: Fine, fine... You've convinced me... I made the choice earlier that whoever got to me first, would get to make that decision for me... But, you've given me legitimate hope for the future.
Happy to hear such a worthwhile response, YN let go of Ryuzu's hand to stand up from his seat to stretch his legs.
YN: That ultimately won't mean anything though as long as the barrier is up, right? At least there should be no more Ryuzus opposed to the liberation now.
Ryuzu: Correct... Will Y-bo or Su-bo be the one to ultimately lift it though, is the question now.
YN: Neither actually. It'll be Emilia-sama.
Eyes going wide again at something YN would bluntly say, this time they were open for a different kind of surprise.
Ryuzu: —?! I-is that so... *Sigh* After being the one to find me first, I have to rest my hopes on this factor that seems to make this dream less likely to happen... How does Y-bo intend to repay the resolve I mustered up just moments ago?
Letting that sigh whisk away her legitimate worry, Ryuzu regained her calmer demeanor by teasing YN, as was habit for her by the "elderly" way she went about speaking.
Smiling at her way of saying all that, YN doubled down on it.
YN: Don't fret. After Subaru finds Emilia-sama, she'll undoubtedly triumph.
Blankly staring at YN for a moment as she processed the words he said, Ryuzu questioned him better on what he meant, as if verifying his vocabulary.
Ryuzu: Y-bo... it sounded as if you said Emilia-sama would need to be 'found?'
Surely he misspoke.
Right?
YN: About that... Uh... Subaru is in search of Emilia-sama. She went missing alongside you, after all.
Ryuzu: —?!
At this point, it didn't seem likely the small elf-girl could open her eyes this wide anymore to truly illustrate the impact of her surprise.
Ryuzu: Oh you youngins... I feel you've pulled the rug out from under me...
Shrugging at her words, at this point, YN could tell it wasn't fully teasing anymore like it had been.
YN: Subaru will find her. He's bound to. In the meantime, I was tasked with finding you. Teamwork will make that dream work.
Managing to re-inspire that hope Ryuzu had for the Sanctuary's liberation in a way by saying that, she replied to his words.
Ryuzu: *Sigh...* If Y-bo says so. After that though, the last thing you'll have to overcome is Gar-bo.
Circling the conversation back to what YN had spoken to the previous day's Ryuzu about, Ryuzu Shima, YN inquired for any and all information Dilma might also have.
YN: Speaking of him, Dilma-san wouldn't happen to know about him or his Trial? I'm aware it involves the trauma of losing his mother...
Ryuzu: He truly hates speaking of it. His relationship with Frederica only made his disposition about it even worse though I'm afraid.
That part wasn't lost on YN. He knew how it was a touchy subject for the two siblings.
They each have some baggage to unpack...
YN: Maybe it's Frederica's influence on me, but I do want to help Garfiel, and not just work around him. Even if we only have reasons to be enemies, I don't want that. He's only this way because the situation has forced him to be. I'll remove the cat from the trap, and then I'll pass judgment if need be.
Ryuzu: That's... a surprising revelation to learn...
Certainly not expecting this angle to YN's side of things, he reassured her.
YN: I know you want him to have a good ending in this too. And besides, Subaru and I would like his help with something as well. —Outside the Sanctuary.
Putting a tiny hand to her chin, Ryuzu thought for a moment before answering.
Ryuzu: I can't say I truly envision a circumstance that would lead to him leaving... It would be quite the sight though... and I'd support seeing it.
On the same page at the very least when it came to the golden-haired youth, YN had one last request of Ryuzu.
YN: If it's not too much trouble, can I actually persuade you to remain hidden here just a bit longer? The longer we keep Garfiel distracted and looking for you, the better chance we'll have in the rest of our plan.
Ryuzu: That is a reasonable thing to ask. I'll stay put here and practice my tea brewing skills a bit more. Even I'd like to be able to enjoy my own tea, you know.
Delighted to hear that, YN let a sigh of stark relief wash away his worry and rejuvenate his soul.
YN: Okay... The day after tomorrow? That's our pivotal deadline. We've gotta have everything lined up, set out, and ready to go by then.
Nodding to that, Ryuzu didn't miss a chance to tease him for it nonetheless.
Ryuzu: Perhaps I should consider myself lucky I'll be out of the rotation for all this...
YN: No better thing then to sleep through your troubles, huh?
Ryuzu: For days at a time, no less.
Triumphant in getting what info and support he needed from Ryuzu Dilma, YN regrouped with his other two fellow compatriots in this plan to thwart all that stood in their way of escaping the Sanctuary.
After much deliberation, and frankly, info-dumpling, YN explained all that he had been told to Subaru.
YN: —that's about it... I don't take it either of you have found Emilia-sama though...
Otto: We unfortunately haven't...
Relaying that news, YN's chest felt heavy with anxiety once more. Yet, as quickly as it came, Subaru extinguished it with a snap of his fingers.
Subaru: —No. I know exactly where she is now, thanks to what you told me, plus Otto.
Otto: Huh?! Natsuki-san, what are we just standing here for then?! Let's be off to find her!
Subaru: I'm afraid it won't be as simple as that. I can find her no problem now, but dealing with her... I'm going to need time, which means Garfiel is going to need to have his hands full for longer.
Just as Subaru removed YN's worry, he also removed Otto's newfound hope with that news as well. Quickly recovering it though, Otto straightened his hat as he stood up more straight.
Otto: If it's time you'll need... I'll handle it.
Subaru: Good. I hate to make you do more, but I'll be counting on you... Now, as for Emilia-tan—
Otto: —Wait a second. Don't say another word.
Just as Subaru was about to better explain what he'd need to go and do, Otto held a pair of hands up to halt his black-haired friend's words.
YN: —?
Curious too as to why Otto might interject suddenly like this, YN figured there needed to be a good reason for it, after all, the merchant had a certain distinct glint to his eyes now.
Subaru: ...Otto?
Otto: Don't discuss any more of your plan in front of me. If I don't know any of the most important details about what you need to do, Garfiel can't torture that out of me.
Subaru & YN: —!
Each surprised at the tenacity of Otto's will, it really painted him in a new way to them both.
Jeez... That's hard.
Otto: YN-san?
YN: Hm?
Almost too distracted by the aura of willpower Otto seemed to radiate at this specific moment, YN managed to acknowledge him.
Otto: Can I ask for your assistance in something that pertains to keeping Garfiel distracted?
Nodding first to Otto, YN also sought to make sure this didn't potentially conflict with anything Subaru foresaw.
YN: Think you can handle things on your own?
Subaru: I'll trust Otto has thought of a way to deal with Garfiel. If that's the case, and he's decided he needs you for that, do whatever he says.
Otto: I have a plan, don't worry. I just have one final piece to the puzzle I need help in getting lined up, and YN-san is the one person who has the best chance at getting that piece to cooperate.
Subaru: Alright then. And uhh, thanks again you guys. I really appreciate each of you working so hard.
Rubbing the back of his neck while saying that, Subaru bashfully showed his recognition of his friend's assistance in these trying times.
YN: Save that for when we're all actually clear of the danger. Give us enough time to get things set up, and we'll get back on coordinating with you on getting that time alone with Emilia.
With really nothing left to do in regards to this current meeting in the middle of the forest, away from any eavesdroppers, the trio broke to do what they had to, and then reconvene.
Bounding through the forest, jumping from branch to branch, boulder to boulder, and stump to stump, the golden-haired youth in search of his guardian, —his adoptive grandmother, stopped his swift movements of his search.
Garfiel: —?
With a keen sense of smell, the Demi-human could easily recognize far off phenomena, such as fires, animals, chemicals, and other natural smells that served in locating something.
What he smelled now though, were people.
A lot of people. And they were on the move.
Breaking his search pattern, Garfiel turned in pursuit of this mass of smell. Upon reaching it though, a scowl formed on his face. A convoy of carriages, led by one ground dragon each, was making its way out of the main road of the Sanctuary.
As if they were leaving, Garfiel landed himself before the lead carriage, halting the entire convoy. Keen on opening up the canvas covering and telling the occupants they hadn't been cleared to leave the Sanctuary, the golden-haired youth was treated to a surprise.
Inside each of the carriages, was nothing other than used blankets and discarded clothes that had once belonged to the Arlem villagers.
Garfiel, in this moment, realized he'd been duped. This was clearly some kind of tactic being used against him, but before he could truly dwell on what the hidden purpose was, the one responsible for the trick appeared, uncovering his identity from a cloak as he sat in the driver's seat of the lead carriage.
Otto Suwen, mastermind of this trick, had shown himself to Garfiel, declaring he'd "buy time" for Subaru, as was requested for him.
With a great amount of verbal back and forth between the merchant and shark-toothed youth, it was eventually declared that Garfiel would now have to go and find any other potentially fleeing carriages of the Arlem Villagers, and "convince" them to stay in the Sanctuary.
All of this though, was exactly according to Otto's plan. For the past few days, he'd spent his evenings using his own Divine Protection to formulate this strategy, as well as working with the Arlem Villagers. Otto's ability to speak with any living creatures greatly helped in finding alternative paths that one could take to leave the Sanctuary, taught these routes to the ground dragons that had originally brought the Arlem Villagers to Sanctuary, and instructed them to disperse in vastly different directions whilst the bait carriages, doped with old clothes to increase their scent profile, were to take the main exit as a distraction.
Garfiel, as he went to leave though, seeing no point in entertaining Otto, was halted by that very same merchant, defiant to his departure.
Otto: Just where do you think you're going now?
Annoyed at this, Garfiel gave the determined merchant a punch square to the gut, just enough to make him unconscious.
—Or so he thought.
With resolve to match that strike, Otto stood up to the golden-haired youth, and making his point be known he'd not just let Garfiel waltz off, resorted to the rest of his plan.
Garfiel: You—?!
Kicking off this bout of brains versus brawn, a single thrown fire crystal, something akin to novelty pyro-explosive, was launched from Otto's hand, aimed right for Garfiel.
Ultimately, Garfiel was unphased by such a weak attack, but, thus had began Otto Suwen's greatest gambit.
What followed in the ensuing scuffle, was the culmination of Otto's Divine Protection being used to its fullest extent.
Trap after trap for Garfiel was laid, and tripped.
From a swarm of flying beetles, to a rain of mouse droppings from the tree-canopy above, to a pit filled with centipedes, a comedic onslaught of frustration beset the golden-haired youth as he dealt with each of these traps.
It wasn't as if all these forest critters had simply helped Otto because he'd asked, no. The entire forest by now had a bias against Garfiel. Their frustration with the youth, from constantly destroying their home in the wake of his physical training, had earned him the ire of nearly every creature that called the Kermaldy Forest home.
Of course, that'll happen when you constantly fell trees for years on end. It only took some light coordination and convincing from Otto to unify the forest's frustration against Garfiel.
Whilst all these minor assaults were laid upon the golden-haired youth, many of the other creatures had been quietly depositing minute amounts of mana in a stockpile of sorts.
Freeing himself from these traps finally, Garfiel had arrived to face Otto once more.
Meeting the merchant in a nearby clearing, he could see the gathered swirling mass of mana at its apex. As he looked to Otto, he could see his nose was dripping blood slowly after presumably having it gush out; all a result of the merchant overexerting his Divine Protection.
Having pushed himself to the limit, it was all in an effort to repay Subaru for saving his life from the Witch Cult that had captured him. Otto, as a merchant by trade, was set to repay that debt he felt he owed.
Utilizing unorthodox skills to otherwise cast what he wouldn't have been able to on his own, Otto summoned forth the strongest Earth affinity magic he could, using this swirling mass of gathered mana as his catalyst.
Otto: —Al-Dona!
At the emergence of the golden-haired youth from the pile of upturned trees, craggy rocks, and the cloud of dust that hung in the air, Otto's destructive spell had yet to fell his foe.
With most of clothes partially ripped up, if not just dirty now, the look Garfiel gave Otto was not one of anger or malice, but rather—
Garfiel: I wasn't expectin' what ya had in ya. 'Figured ya give up, lay down n' die. But ya didn't.
—A gaze of respect was given to Otto, even in his own dirty and bloody state.
Garfiel: 'Suppose I should ask ya to forgive me. I've been foolin' around when I've been dealin' with someone I'd consider a man now.
As Garfiel said this, he bared his claws in a much more serious fashion than he had any other time Otto had seen him do so.
Sure, the merchant had earned the golden-haired youth's respect, but was that not a more potentially dangerous thing?
Dropping to one knee as he struggled to support himself, Otto panted as Garfiel confined to slowly approach.
Otto: This is just the end of my own round...
Otto couldn't defeat Garfiel. There was simply no way, on ability alone, for him to do that. He could only hope to stall him.
Garfiel: —?
—And stalling him was not just his task alone.
?: —GARF!
Echoing out from the treetops above them, was a shrill voice followed by two blades of destruction. Pinpoint in their target, Garfiel only managed his evasion by fractions of a second as he ducked under this airborne attack.
Feinting backwards, Garfiel looked to where he had just been standing, hearing what was obviously not words of resignation by Otto.
Pointing her wand, changed with mana directly at her foe, the second round of Garfiel's opponents had arrived.
Seeing the identity of this wand-wielding adversary, Garfiel tightly clenched his hands in anger.
His anger was not directed at his foe, however.
Garfiel: I can't believe it... I can't believe they sweet talked ya' into this... —tck!
Rather, his anger was now multiplied against those he already knew were against him, as to him, they'd manipulated another into being his enemy, no matter how far from the truth that really was.
Garfiel: RAM!
An intense blitz of fighting was undertaken at Garfiel's war cry of betrayal.
Ram, having known Garfiel for so long, had never once lost a fight to him, and wasn't about to now. She knew how simple he truly was, and using her cold, cunning brilliance, the maid easily outmaneuver the lumbering tiger-beast before her.
Even in his transformed state, the Garfiel struggled in facing Ram.
Yet, that didn't mean the hornless oni could sit here and win a battle of attrition though. Ram couldn't afford to drag this out.
Of what she knew of Garfiel and his own abilities, —the things he liked to gloat about to her, Ram went about scoring damage in a way that avoided his way of seemingly pulling an almost unlimited amount of strength and stamina out of nowhere.
Using her wind magic to target his legs, Garfiel, in his beatified form, had been forced to leap, and as such, was now airborne. Away from contact with the ground, Garfiel's Divine Protection was as good as null. Wasting no time, Ram proceeded to wail on the tiger with a flurry of lightning fast punches, using all the strength her oni-self could afford to use.
With one final upward kick, Ram sent the beast flying back into the pile of upturned trees and fractured earth he had emerged from.
Triumphant in this, Ram stood proud for one second, but in the next—
Ram: —Gah!
Falling to one knee as well, the crux of Ram's oni heritage reared it's ugly head, or rather, it's hornless one.
Clutching the scar upon her head, now open and gushing blood from overuse and over extent, Ram lingered in absolute pain all over her body.
Still though, she was smart enough to know this fight was far from over. Standing again, despite the pain and fatigue, the maid wiped the blood from her vision. In this small momentary calmness, akin to the eye of a terrible tempest, Ram regrouped to Otto's side, who he himself had just found the strength to sit up again.
Ram: —You look pitiful with that dried blood running out of your nose.
Expecting some stoic congratulations for having done so well against an opponent so much stronger than himself, Otto truly hadn't been prepared to hear Ram's usual harshness.
Ram: All this from just not knowing the limitations of your Divine Protection of Anima... Pathetic.
Despite his own bodily pain, the merchant still felt the need to defend his honor in this context.
Otto: That's not nice to say to someone who played their part pretty well...
Spitting a small amount of blood off and away from them, Ram continued her bitter verbal onslaught towards Otto.
Ram: The only thing that matters is the result. Were they worthwhile in the end? Was Garf left defeated in a pile of dirt? No. Of course not. How you got these results is secondary.
Otto could only listen on as he was berated by the almost equally fatigued maid. Perhaps this was just a way for Ram to vent her pain and frustration, to which, Otto would let her, if only because of the circumstances they were in.
Ram: So yes. Regardless of all you've managed, you still look pathetic.
Hammering in these words, it was clear Ram would not even permit one positive note at the end.
But, it wasn't like Otto himself didn't feel as if it weren't warranted. He failed in stopping Garfiel, even if that was readily taken account for in the later steps of this "distraction plan."
Otto: *Sigh...* You really are merciless to everyone besides the Margrave, aren't you? Just like Natsuki-san said...
Ram: How boldly you repeat that even though you're aware that's false. There is but one soul I am more patient with.
Realizing she was indeed correct, Otto readjusted his lopsided and half-caved-in hat atop his head.
Otto: Ahh that's right. YN-san.
Ram: ...At least he's aware of Garf's Divine Protect. You clearly are not.
Otto: Huh?
Not directly answering Otto on his correct response, Ram dug at him with another critique.
Ram: His Divine Protection of Earth Spirits. It's how he's able to heal so rapidly, and contort his strength to immense heights. It all has to do with him being in contact with the ground. The magic you used ultimately has a terrible affinity for being effective against him.
Perhaps possessing one of the only abilities that could nearly make Otto's effort of using Al Dona be completely negated, the merchant put his hands to the side of his head and exclaimed in frustration.
All his efforts had been for very little reward.
Ram: Since you couldn't do enough to halt Garf, it is unlikely Ram will be able to deliver the final blow as well. It looks like we'll need to end up putting our hopes for victory into the only other person here that has managed to go toe-to-toe with him...
As Ram admitted this shortcoming, their current adversary emerged from the twisted mess of earth and upturned trees he'd been kicked back into.
Coming into sight, it was apparent how much damage he had taken, but also had healed from. He was dirty, clothes ripped all over, and had a scowl of irritation on his previously scarred face.
Garfiel: Merchant-man's attack surprised my amazin' self. If I hadn't just stopped thinkin', Ram'd done me in for sure.
Despite all the damage both Ram and Otto both had delivered to him, Garfiel was more or less completely unharmed still.
Ram: How fortunate that you've become much better with your fighting sensibilities. Just remember though, Garf, you've never won a punch-out against me before.
While she was trying not to show it, Ram was incredibly put off by the fact Garfiel continued to look unphased in the least bit, despite both herself and Otto giving everything they had.
Blankly staring back in reply, as if he was tired of the entire situation himself, the golden-haired youth brushed off Ram's words, and spoke his own demand for answers.
Garfiel: Ram. What gives with ya takin' their side in all this, huh? Don't all of what yer doin' go against the clown's wishes? He shouldn't want the Sanctuary liberated as much as we don't. So why's it come to this?
Snorting at Garfiel's words, Ram retorted his logic.
Ram: You obviously misunderstand Roswaal-sama. But even worse, you fail to understand Ram. How foolish you must be to think you understand Roswaal-sama better than I, especially given how long we've known each other.
Garfiel: —Tch. That so?
Garfiel clicked his tongue at hearing Ram say that, but regardless, he prompted her to go on.
Ram: Neither of those reasons though, are why Ram stands here against you.
Managing to get Garfiel to furrow his brow by saying that in momentary surprise, he lowered them again and continued on with his scowl.
Garfiel: Oh yeah, huh? Yous always been a stubborn one, that's why I fell for ya. —And that's why I can't accept this.
Garfiel crossed his arms now, and narrowed his vision on the bloodied oni.
Garfiel: If I didn't know any better... I'd've said yous givin' up on idealizin' that clown like yours always done...
Ram: Ram is only acting in the way that is most honest to her heart.
To this, Garfiel smirked.
Garfiel: So ya ain't gunna deny the part about the clown, huh? What's yer heart tellin' ya then? Must be somethin' unrelated to him for a change.
At this, Ram closed her ruby eyes, and held the hand that was free of her wand over her chest.
Ram: —To help the one whom Ram doesn't need to prove she's needed to be valued. —To help that same person, after coming to Ram, saying he needs her.
Garfiel: — — —
Ram: ...To help the only person who's been able to make Ram forget about all her pain...
Speaking first with overwhelming confidence, Ram's concluding reason had her words trail off as she reopened her eyes.
Garfiel: —Tsk... If yer gunna talk like that, I know it ain't Roswaal yer speakin' of. —Clown's not like that at all. Not one bit. So then, who...?
As Ram's thoughts went back to how she was even persuaded to help in this endeavor, it resonated in her mind, not unlike how a more pleasant memory might have.
Otto of course, had failed to get Ram's assistance in this situation they were now in, even after he agreed to her every term she demanded.
What good would it do for Ram if you'll just placate her every demand? A side like that has no chance for victory against such a foe. It is show of weakness in desperation.
However, this reasoning Ram had changed when it was a certain someone who had asked her.
YN: Ram... I'll save an explanation of how I know this... But I know that right now, you're going through a particular tough time...
His words at first seemed earnest, yet hollow. Ram was ready to deny his efforts too for the same reason she had denied the merchant, yet as he went on, it was like he had somehow managed to get a glimpse of her very soul by the way he described exactly what she felt.
YN: —There's a conflict in your heart right now... You want to do anything you can to be useful to Roswaal... but we both know that's only because you need to feel... well... needed. —Not by just anyone. No... But that's why I need to tell you Ram... That despite anyone else I might be able to get to help me, —to help us, —to help Rem, I want your help. I need your help. I can't do this without you.
Ram languished in hearing these things said by none other than YN. It was all she could do to keep her usual composure.
YN: I need to rely on you for this... So please Ram... I'm begging you. Even if all I'm trying to achieve is in vain, and even if I had all the other help in the world, I want no one else's help but yours, because I know your strength will be pivotal in dealing with this.
After all was said and done, Ram couldn't readily believe how his words had gotten into her heart, calmed the sea of confliction inside it, and made her think, that for once in her life, she didn't need to prove loyalty or devotion to someone to value her.
Someone actually cared enough about her to excuse all those things she thought were required formalities to be that to someone. Someone, without requiring those things of her, had proclaimed that they sought her value, and not for any other technicality or reason.
Steeling her nerves, Ram looked back up to face the golden-haired youth who asked what it was that had made her side this way in the now underway conflict.
Ram: '—Who' you ask?
Feeling a warmth in her chest, Ram's pain partially subsided as she thought of them.
Ram: —it is the one who values Ram the most.
As Ram proclaimed who it was she was speaking of, even in this more vague method, it still garnered a snarl from Garfiel.
Garfiel: The annoyin' one's got ya wrapped around his finger, huh?
A hand on her hip now as she answered, it wasn't like Ram to just let anyone go without their share of criticism.
Ram: If anyone is wrapped around anyone's finger, it's him wrapped around Barasu's. But, to his credit, he understands when it's good to be, so Ram must trust that.
Stomping the ground in anger, Garfiel was quickly becoming more frustrated at the idea of the girl he liked was putting so much faith into people he didn't approve of.
Garfiel: Yous got one broken sense of trust puttin' so much into someone who's just talk. At least that annoyin' bastard can prove his strength and get results that way, but that weak bastard can only flap his wings n' quack.
Not about to let his good friend go without some kind of defense either, the merchant, who only now stood back up, also spoke back up.
Otto: Natsuki-san is someone worth investing in. YN-san might see something similar in him too, but I at least see the merit in putting my faith behind someone like him.
Ram: Barasu hardly deserves that much praise. In fact, Garf is correct. He's useless at chores, he's meek, dull, dim-witted, and can't learn to do a damn thing right to save his life.
As normal as it was for Ram to put down Subaru, it could be said that now of all times was a poor choice to do so.
Ram: —Except.
But this was all before Ram had her point made.
Ram: —Barasu has something even YN lacks.
Otto & Garfiel: — — —
Ram: —Impeccable timing.
Both remained silent as to Ram's praise of Subaru, leading her to make them understand. The maid recalled in her mind how many times she'd heard it had been Subaru being in the right place at the right time, almost without fail.
Ram: Only Barasu can see the red string of fate, and act on that. When he acts, it's foolish to not follow him.
Otto: —! It's surprising... Not just Natsuki-san, but you. For as much fate as you put in YN-san, you're almost making it sound now as if you put even more in Natsuki-san, Ram-san.
Ram: —It's 'Ram-sama.'
Snapping back not as his words, but the honorific he used for her, Ram gave the merchant to her side a slight side-scowl before she turned her gaze back to the golden-haired youth they were still in a standoff with.
Otto: Is now the time to really be bickering about that?!
Spitting on the ground to his side, Garfiel took a pace forward towards his two adversaries.
Garfiel: That's what you lot are doin'. Yer stallin' for time. Well I won't let ya anymore...
Cracking his knuckles, and loosening his neck with a crack too, the shark-toothed youth smacked his fist into his open palm.
Garfiel: Now. Either get outta the way, or get run over.
Not about to simply let him have his way though, Ram took a step forward herself, summoning her wind magic around her wand.
Ram: Not falling to this fool's traps and Ram's impressive sneak attack is insulting to such well warranted labors. Such inconsideration is expected out of you though, Garf. We ought to both make you realize that, so kindly drop dead.
His eyes widening at the maid's words of venom, Otto commented on them.
Otto: I heard you could be sharp tongued, but woah... 'Nee-sama' sure is scary... I'm almost starting to doubt that YN-san wasn't misremembering Rem-san in saying she was a very kind-worded person...
Ram: It is only fitting Ram's younger sister would be the perfect counterpart to her own. After all, twins complete each other's strengths and weaknesses.
Shrugging and speaking as if that were a matter of fact, Ram tensed up alongside Otto after saying that as Garfiel was now approaching once again.
Both the maid and the merchant were poised to deal with the golden-haired youth as they renewed their resolve.
Garfiel: I'm sick of all these back-sided motives. I'm endin' this...!
As he said this, Garfiel began his hellish transformation into a beast once more.
With the Golden Tiger now returned, the real fight was set to begin.
A/N: Next chapter is one I had a lot of fun writing. It's going to be a longer one, but I hope this chapter was good set up and hype for it. Thank you all again for your kind comments and kudos and likes and votes. Until next week, farewell!
