Who is Subaru?

That was the question that was running through Kaoi's head.

Garfiel: Quit screwin' around!

Out of nowhere, Garfiel came crashing in between them.

Kaoi: Garfiel!

Garfiel: We're gonna jump!

Kaoi: Right!

Following Garfiel's lead, Kaoi jumped from rooftop to rooftop and dodged the shadowy tentacles that came after them!

Kaoi: What happened? Why is the Witch of Envy here?!

Garfiel: I don't know. The whole ground was engulfed by the shadow before I even realized it. If Rem hadn't sent me flying, it would've gotten me, too.

Kaoi: Gotten you? What do you mean by that?

Garfiel: Exactly what it sounds like! The old hag and Rem and everyone else already got swallowed up!

Kaoi: So everyone is…

Everything had gotten south so fast. The Great Rabbit and Elsa situation hadn't happened but things are going to hell already.

Garfiel: The bitch isn't tryin' to follow us? What? Is she gonna leave the barrier?

Should Kaoi end his life right now? No! What if she follows him into the next life? He needs to see this through to the end.

Kaoi: We can't let her escape!

Garfiel: The hell'd you say?!

Chapter 30: Shame

The two were now running in the forest to intercept the witch.

Garfiel: Wait up! Do you even have a plan to take down that bitch!

Kaoi: No! But I can't let her roam free! What!

The demon slayer came across something he couldn't believe. A group of identical Ryuzu's, all wearing the white color robes and more disturbingly were all absent of any emotion.

Garfiel: I was hopin' you wouldn't have to see this.

Kaoi: Are these… copies of Ryuzu?

Garfiel: Don't worry about them. They ain't her. They're empty on the inside.

Kaoi: What are you going to do?

Garfiel: What do you think? We're gonna bust through with sheer numbers and crush it!

Soon the Witch of Envy and her black pool arrives to greet the small force.

Envy: I love you.

Garfiel: There you are!

With a raging roar, Garfiel transforms into a huge tiger-man. He charges at the Witch of Envy.

Kaoi: No! Don't!

But he was stopped by the tentacles of darkness wrapping around his limbs.

Garfiel: Go!

Soon the copies of Ryzu charge the witch. Exploding when they come into contact. Freeing Garfiel when they destroy the tentacles restraining him.

Garfiel: [Roars]

Garfiel was about to swipe at Envy but was penetrated by another tentacle through his chest. From within the tiger man sprout serval dark spines.

But Kaoi wasn't going to let the Witch get her way as he jumps on Garfiel. Using him as a launchpad and leaps a the Witch. His sword blazing with fire.

Kaoi: Flame Breathing - Fire Magic, First Form: Unknowing Fire!

The demon slayer brings his sword across his foe's neck.

[snap!]

Only to be dismayed as his blade breaks upon contact. Garfiel is obliterated into nothing and Kaoi stands alone.

Envy: I love you.

Kaoi stares at the high figure in shock.

Envy: I love you. I love you. I love you.

Kaoi: Stop it…

Envy: I love you. I love you. I love you.

Kaoi: Stop it…

Envy: I love you. I love you. I love you. Subaru-kun.

Kaoi: That's not my name!

Envy: I love you. I love you. I love you.

Kaoi: Who is Subaru?!

Envy: I love you. I love you. I love you.

Kaoi: Why are you doing this?!

Envy: I love you. I love you. I love you.

Kaoi: I don't know who you are!

Envy: I love you. I love you. I love you.

Kaoi: I'm not Subaru! So just leave me alone!

The Witch then froze in her place for a moment before consuming Kaoi in darkness.

Love me. Love me. Love me.

Those were the constant words Kaoi heard as he floats in the void. In this void, his mind flashes with a thousand memories. Some of his own and some of not.

However, he is not dying but at the same time not living.

This goes on for a while until he notices a white light around his broken blade.

Kaoi: The handkerchief?

Indeed the handkerchief was glowing a bright light as it slides to the broken part of his sword. Soon becomes sharp and makes his sword into a dagger. Taking the place of his blade.

Kaoi: Did Echidna… know this was… going to… happen? That Witch.

Taking the sharp object Kaoi drives it into his throat. Unable to make it a clean slit as he found it hard to move.

The Witch of Envy gasps in horror as she stands over the bleeding Kaoi.

Gathering what little strength he had, Kaoi pulls the cloak the witch was wearing down and what he sees is the mirror image of Emilia. Distraught and crying.

Kaoi: Emi?

Then it goes all black.

The Witch's Graveyard.

Kaoi: [coughs]

Snapping his eyes open, Kaoi lifts himself from the floor.

Kaoi: It seems I made it back.

Looking over he sees the fallen half-elf and moves to give her a hand. However, he did not see his hand reach over to Emilia.

Was he even looking at Emilia?

Images of the mind-broken friend and distraught Witch flashes in his head

He didn't realize what he was doing until he hears…

[ Schwing! ]

Looking down he sees his hand grabbing the hilt of his nichirin blade and was about to fully draw it from the scabbard.

It was as if his body was reacting on instinct. The same instincts he has for cutting down a demon.

Kaoi: No!

Using his other hand, he grabs it away from the sword. The blade retreated into the sheath.

Kaoi: What… What was I about to do?

Was he really about to strike down his friend? No, that can't be right.

Soon Emilia opens her eyes.

Emilia: Kaoi? Where... Wait, I was just…

She then looked at the state Kaoi was in.

Emilia: Kaoi? Why are you shaking like that?

Emilia's warm hand touches Kaoi's face. He couldn't look at her face instead only downcasted his eyes in shame.

Kaoi: Let's just get out of here.

Kaoi said as he gets up from the floor.

Emilia: Oh! Um…okay.

Fast Foward the events of Ryuzu's Introduction.

While everyone retires to their sleeping quarters. Kaoi stayed at the table to contemplate some things. Still not having gotten over what might have happened when he woke up.

[ Clink! ]

A cup of tea was set next to the demon slayer.

Kaoi: I don't want any tea, Ram.

Rem: Ram's tea brewing skills may be… subpar but I'm sure she can improve.

Kaoi: Huh?

Looking up he sees that the one who put down the cup of tea was the blue-haired sister of Ram.

Kaoi: Rem! I thought you were putting Emilia to sleep.

Rem: I was but I decided to give that duty to Ram. Rem thought it is best to check up on you.

Kaoi: Thank you but there's no need to-

Rem: I disagree.

Rem's tone shited as she sat down across from Kaoi.

Rem: Kaoi… Were you about hurt Lady Emilia?

Kaoi: What! Why would you think that?

Rem: It was your expression when you exited the ruins. The look of shame was the same one I wore after I tried to kill you.

Kaoi stayed silent until Rem grabbed one of his hands.

Rem: Do not worry. I know that it must have been a misunderstanding. Rem will forgive Kaoi just as Kaoi had forgiven Rem.

Kaoi: … [sighs] in those ruins I saw something that looked like Emi but wasn't her. It was monstrous and made me genuinely afraid. So when I came to, I didn't see Emil but that monster. By habit, I started drawing my sword.

Rem: [gasps]

Kaoi: So I stopped myself when I realized what I was doing and for the first time. I was ashamed of what I might've done. After everything, she and I went through. How could I draw my blade at the mere sight of her?

Rem stayed silent as Kaoi confess to his sin.

Kaoi: It got even worse when she woke up and the first thing she did was to check up on me. How could I ever mistake her for the thing I saw? I-I-I…

At this point, Rem saw that Kaoi was starting to break down. She moved up from her seat and pulled Kaoi in an embrace.

Rem: It's okay, Kaoi. It's alright. What's important is that you were able to stop yourself before anything could happen.

But those words of comfort did little to assuage his worries.

Kaoi: Thanks Rem but I think I need to go on a walk.

Rem: Okay Kaoi. If there's anything I could do.

Kaoi: Actually, do you mind keeping Garfiel here for a while? There's something I want to check and I'm afraid he might get the wrong idea.

Rem: Garf does tend to jump to his conclusions. Rem will do what Kaoi asks.

Kaoi: Thank you, Rem.

Sanctuary Woods

Kaoi makes his way through the words. Searching for the place he saw while he was in Satella's darkness. He saw various places of sanctuary. The graveyard, the village the cell he was teleported to, and a temple with a jewel-shaped keyhole.

Kaoi: I'm here!

Walking in the temple, Kaoi came across a stone door with a butterfly wing emblem. Next to it is the jewel-shaped hole. Kaoi places the blue stone given by Frederica in the hole and the door beings to shine a blinding light.

Walking inside the secret room, he finds the bare body of Ryuzu encased in a giant crystal.

Ryuzu: I never expected you to discover this only half a day after arriving here, Young Kao.

Looking back, Kaoi sees the standing figures of Ryuzu and one of the white-robed Ryuzu copies. Being able to tell by the absence of emotion from the white robe.

Kaoi: and I never expected to see multiple copies of one person, Ryuzu. But that is beside the point. Ryuzu, there is something I would like to ask you.

Ryuzu: I shall not ignore your request, Young Kao, Apostle of Greed. That is... what has been written in the contract that binds us, the copies of Ryuzu Meyer.

Random Village House

While Ryuzu sits on the table, sipping tea, Kaoi sits on the bed with the Ryuzu copy next to him as she grabs his haori.

Kaoi: She's acting like a child hanging on to the clothes of her parent.

AN: From now on the 4 clones will go by their surnames.

Bilma: You do know who is responsible for creating this place, do you not?

Kaoi: Echidna, The Witch of Greed, Right?

Bilma: Yes, this is a land built by said witch's hand, an experimental facility meant to fulfill said witch's dream.

Kaoi: She's responsible for the creation of the Ryuzu copies.

Bilma: The girl trapped in the crystal was the true, the first, Ryuzu Meyer. All the other Ryuzus, including myself, are copies of her. We are imitations. Does knowing that I am an imitation change how you see me?

Kaoi: If I am being honest. I have no idea. This is the first time I ever came across something like this.

Bilma: Our replica bodies are built upon cores of artificial od that has been produced by magic. Those cores are wrapped in mana and given physical form, resulting in these bodies.

Kaoi: In essence, creating life…

The demon slayer said with awe.

Kaoi: But why create copies in the first place?

Bilma: To add something to those bodies, obviously. Specifically, to add personalities, memories, and knowledge... In other words, a soul. She filled Ryuzu Meyer's body with her own being, and each time a body perished, she would make a new vessel to inherit its soul, which would make her...

Kaoi: Essentially immortal but I'm guessing things didn't turn out what she expected.

Bilma: The witch's plans only came to pass in an imperfect form. Ryuzu Meyer was an insufficient vessel to house the Witch of Greed. After the witch's death, this facility remains, and more copies continue to be produced. Since our bodies are made of mana, our saving grace is that we require no resources to survive.

Kaoi: But you're drinking that tea, though.

Bilma: This is merely a hobby of mine. An individual quirk that I acquired over my long life. I was one of the first four copies made, 400 years ago now. I was given the wisdom and personality to manage the ever-increasing copies, as well as the Sanctuary.

Kaoi: Okay that explains the copies. And why did that Ryuzu that met with Garfiel and I felt so off? She must have been one of these four but then why was she wearing the white robes?

Bilma: Is there something on your mind?

Kaoi: It's nothing but why did you call me the Apostle of Greed?

Bilma: Put simply, it refers to the one who has the right to command us copies of Ryuzu Meyer. Did the witch not bestow upon you a symbol of her apostlehood in the graveyard?

Kaoi: Symbol?

Bilma: A part of her body, such as a strand of hair or a fingernail.

Kaoi: The tea! It was made from her saliva.

Bilma: So you ingested a part of the witch.

Kaoi: But if being able to command the copies is what makes an Apostle then… Did Garfiel take the trial?

Bilma said nothing but nodded yes.

Kaoi: I see… Ryuzu, don't tell Garfiel I'm an Apostle of Greed, or that we've been in touch.

Bilma: Young Gar certainly would have something to say if he knew that a relative of his was meeting with his lover.

Kaoi: Please don't put it like that. But I guess after all this, I hope I can count on you.

Bilma: Do as you please. I cannot defy you. Should you need a Garfiel ward, or a hug pillow...

Kaoi: Do you just get a kick from teasing me?

Kaoi turns to the copy clutching his haori.

Kaoi: You can return to your duties, now.

The copy obeys as she lets go to leave the house.

Kaoi: Bilma.

Bilma: Yes?

Kaoi: You said the original's name is Ryuzu Meyer but you introduce yourself as Ryuzu Bilma. Were you assigned that surname or was it something you decided for yourself?

Bilma: To go by the name "Ryuzu" is the duty that has been instilled in me. Therefore, we must express our individuality in other ways, such as hobbies, preferences... and names. Say, Young Kao... If you do not mind, would you ask me the same question again... after tomorrow?

Kaoi:...

Sanctuary Woods

After parting with Ryuzu, Kaoi walked along the woods. Deep in thought.

Kaoi: At this point what can I do? Anytime I leave, I trigger the attack on the mansion, Emilia will reach a breaking point and the Great Rabbit will devour everyone here. But I can't stay here and leave the maids to die. What can I do?

Emilia: Kaoi? What are you doing here?

Kaoi: Emi!

The two sat next to each other on a large rock.

Kaoi: I thought you went to sleep.

Emilia: For some reason, I just couldn't fall asleep. Rem came to check up on me and suggested I take a walk outside to clear my mind.

Kaoi: I see… Is this because of the trial?

Emilia: It's not that. No... maybe it is. But I'm not entirely sure what it is myself. I was walking around hoping to figure it out... I guess. I really wish... Puck was here.

Kaoi: …Emi. Emilia. You are one of the few people to have a very strong will.

Emilia: Huh?

Kaoi: I know many demon slayers that would tremble to be in your position but you face it head-on without backing down. It is something I know, Rengoku-sama would deeply respect and so do I.

Emilia: Wh-What brought this on all of a sudden?

Kaoi: What I'm saying is you're going to be fine, Emilia. Whether or not Puck is here, you stayed strong regardless. You'll set your heart ablaze and fulfill your duty!

Emilia: Really, you've given me so much courage.

After that Emilia went back to bed while Kaoi stayed.

Kaoi: I need to stay strong myself. Now before I do anything tomorrow I need to take a step back. It clear that there is something larger is going on and that these events are connected somehow.

First off the biggest threat, the Great Rabbit. Daphne told me that it is attracted to a large amount of mana. With how Sanctuary was covered in snow overnight. It reminded Kaoi of Puck's mana release period. Whatever or whoever caused the sudden snowfall used a large amount of mana and it attracted the Great Rabbit.

Next is the attack on the mansion. Elsa said the attack was timed to Kaoi's return. So whoever hired her knew Kaoi was out and would be coming back in two days. However, how could they have known in advance? The only people that knew of Kaoi's return would be everyone in Sanctuary on the day of my return. Is there a way for someone to predict that Kaoi would return to the mansion that day?

Right! The gospel! But the Witch Cult can't be involved or else why not send their own members instead of hiring an assassin and why target specifically two maids and a swordsman? It doesn't seem to align with their goals well. So whoever hired Elsa couldn't possess a gospel.

Except there are two other books that do tell the future. The Tome of Wisdom copies. Kaoi knows Beatrice has one but the other is still unaccounted for. If the person who hired the assassination had the other copy then it would be possible to time the attack to Kaoi's arrival.

Finally, there is the matter of Frederica's involvement. It is clear that she was under orders to give Emilia a stone that was rigged to teleport. However, it was clear to Kaoi who would Frederica listen to orders with no questions asked. It is the duty of a maid after all to follow their master's command.

[ Play Confess the Truth - Professor Layton vs Pheonix Wright OST ]

Suddenly the pieces were coming together.

Kaoi: But this can't be right! Can it?

As much as Kaoi would want to deny it. The connections were too strong.

The Forbidden Library held an untold amount of knowledge. Beatrice said that her mother likes to store up knowledge. A description that perfectly fits a certain Witch of Greed.

What if similar to mabeasts, the gospels were not of Satella's creation but Echidna's?

That would explain how Beatrice would receive one copy and where would the other copy have ended up. None other than the noble family that the Library was housed.

In return that family would look after the research facility long after her death.

The Tome would presumably be passed down from the head of the family to their heir. For 400 years until it falls into the hands of the current lord.

The same lord that was absent during the Wolgram attack. The same lord that abandoned his domain when the witch cult attacked. The same lord that manipulated events so that Emilia would be forced to take the trials of Sanctuary.

If that lord does indeed possess the tome then he is the one who hired Elsa to attack his own mansion. A lord that happens to be the most powerful magician in the country. Who would certainly possess a large amount of mana to cover the area in snow and attract the Great Rabbit.

But to what end? What does he gain from all this?

The only way to get answers it seems is by asking the lord himself.

Roswaal's Bedroom

[Slam!]

Ram: Bakaoi! What are you doing?

The door slams open. Kaoi walks in with little regard for the man in bed. The pink oni glares at the intruder.

Kaoi: Where is it? Where are you hiding it?

Roswaal: By whatever do you mean? Kaoi.

Kaoi: Don't play dumb. You know exactly what I'm talking about. The second copy of the Tome of Wisdom.

Ram: !

Roswaal: … young Kaoi, did you hear that from me?

Kaoi: No, I put it all together just now. You didn't predict your domain would be attacked by the Witch Cult. You outright knew it was going to happen to the minute! You were the one who ordered Frederica to give Emilia that stone. I know you hired Elsa to attack the mansion in two days and that you plan to attract the Great Rabbit!

Ram: That's enough! I will not allow you to slander Master Roswaa any further.

Kaoi: Ram…

Roswaal: Ram would you wait outside while Kaoi and I have a chat?

Kaoi: Huh?

Ram: But Master Roswaal…

Roswaal: Don't make me repeat myself, Ram.

Ram: … fine. I am at your command.

The dejected pink maid left the room.

Kaoi: So you're not going to deny it.

Roswaal: I could feign ignorance, but you clearly know what you are talking about. so I suppose I shall respect that. Besides, it would be a shame to kill Ram if she interfered with our conversation.

Kaoi: What did you say?

Roswaal: Oh don't be like, that. After all, it would be something you could easily undo.

This freezes Kaoi in place.

Kaoi: What does he mean by that?

Roswaal: Still do not understand? I will explain it to you as if I do. Tell me Kaoi… how many times have you reset to come to this conclusion.

Kaoi: You… know?

The Margrave reaches behind him and out from the assorted pillows is a black book.

Roswaal: To think you were able to deduce my greatest gift. As you probably know, it is not a Gospel. Not one of those defective texts, but the genuine article, of which only two exist. Judging from your expression, it appears I shall not need to explain what is in the book or who has the other one.

Kaoi: I will now ask this again, Roswaal. Why? Why do all this? What is your goal?

Roswaal: I cannot say. I have made a vow of my own. I will, however, say this. I am constantly doing my utmost to fulfill my dearest wish. All of my schemes, my inhumanity, and the assistance and backing I offer are for that purpose.

Kaoi: But why the Great Rabbit? Why the assassination?

Roswaal: To help sharpen your resolve. Even with your Authority, you cannot save both. You must decide which is more important to you. Once you make that choice, you can never take it back. Eventually, you will be perfected... as a being who can only save one and no others.

Kaoi: You're insane.

Roswaal: Yes, indeed. I've been insane for a long time. Ever since the moment I was enchanted by those eyes 400 years ago, I have been insane.

Kaoi: 400 years?

Roswaal: Kaoi, why aren't you insane yet? To overcome circumstances that one must be insane to face, to walk the path of isolation, the human heart is only a hindrance. So I will force it upon you. Even the will of a demon slayer can't be held together forever. I will continue to corner you, to sharpen your resolve... until you are perfected.

The emotions Kaoi was feeling right now were like no other. However, he pushed that all aside and ask one more question.

Kaoi: … Just one more thing, Roswaal.

Roswaal: Very well, what else do you want to ask me?

Kaoi: Who is the third assassin?

Roswaal: What?

Kaoi's eyes widen as he senses confusion coming from Roswaal. From up until now, he had been speaking with confidence but now he is truly baffled.

Kaoi: The third assassin sent to the mansion. One that can manipulate water into tendrils and can make them scalding hot. Who are they?

Roswaal: If this is an attempt to deviate from my path then it is a very poor lie.

Now Kaoi is sensing anger?

Kaoi: Lie? But I'm telling-

Roswaal: I only hired two assassins to attack my mansion. Elsa, the bowel hunter, and Meili, the mabeast tamer. No more and no less… these instructions were clear for centuries. Although…

Kaoi: What?

Roswaal: There was one change in the book. It happened around the time of your arrival. Where your name would be. It used to say… Subaru Natsuki.

Kaoi: Subaru?!... Natsuki?!...

Roswaal: I do not know the meaning behind this but I will not question my teacher's ways. For they are absolute. As everything else has come to pass.

Having nothing else to say, Kaoi leaves the madman to his book but as he exits outside. His shoulder is grabbed by a certain maid.

Kaoi: Ram?

Ram: Is it true?

Kaoi: What?

Ram: The third assassin. Is there really a third assassin?

Kaoi: Why do you care? I found myself against Roswaal. Didn't I?

Ram: …

Kaoi: Huh?

Why is Kaoi sensing guilt? Ram is the one condoning Roswaal's actions. She is the one loyal to an insane man.

Before Kaoi could ask Ram, the pink maid let go of Kaoi and returned to the house.

Leaving the demon slayer alone and unsure of what to do.

Kaoi: Damn it… I'm on the clock and I don't know what to do.

Who can he turn to in a time like this?

Emilia is dealing with the trials.

Rem would fly in a fit of rage if she found out about this.

Otto is just a bystander in all this.

Garfiel doesn't trust Kaoi.

Ram is loyal to Roswaal.

Beatrice is suffering unable to find "that person"

The copies of Ryuzu could only do so much.

Who is left?

Kaoi then turns to the Witch's Graveyard.

She is.

She is left.

She can answer his remaining questions.

Trial Room

Walking into the trial room, one last time, Kaoi lies down on the floor.

Kaoi: It seems you finally got me to take your second trial, Echidna.

The demon slayer closes his eyes as he hears his own voice.

Kaoi: Behold an unthinkable present.

[ Play Rengoku Departure (M9) ]

As he opens his eyes, he finds himself standing in a crowd at sunset.

The thing is, all these people aren't from Lugnica.

No these people are Japanese. From their apparel to their black hair. Kaoi realizes he is in japan.

His confusion further grows as he realizes he is in a train station.

Kaoi: I'm back in my world? Just what is this trial?

?: Ah! Kaoi! I see you made it in time.

That voice! It can't be!

Looking behind him, Kaoi couldn't believe who he was seeing.

Kyojuro Rengoku stands proudly as he carries two bundles of wooden boxes. His signature smile radiated with pride. His flame haori flows in the wind.

Kaoi: Ren-Rengoku-sama?

Rengoku: Who else would you be meeting here? My tsuguko!

[ Train Whistle ]

Kaoi: Huh?

Rengoku: It seems like our train has arrived!

Soon a steam train pulls up in the station.

Kaoi: I know this train!

Rengoku: Of course you do! After all my tsuguko…

[ Train Whistle ]

Rengoku: …it is where we will find our demon.

Kaoi: The Mugen Train…

Rengoku: Let us dally no longer! Come! Kaoi!

Kaoi: Right! Rengoku-sama!

The tsuguko was feeling joyful at this moment. It was as if he had forgotten about the trial. Boarding the train alongside his master. The two take their seats across from each other.

After the sky turns into night. The train begins its ride.

Rengoku hands over one of the many boxed meals to Kaoi.

Kaoi: Where did you even get this many boxed dinners?

Rengoku: I bought them from a local shop owner. My father had previously saved the grandmother and her child many years ago. The one I gave you was given to me as a token of appreciation for saving her and her grandchild's life from a demon.

Kaoi: That's amazing!

Rengoku: Indeed! Now Kaoi!

The Flame Hashira breaks apart a pair of chopsticks.

Rengoku: Let us savor every bite!

Kaoi: Of course, Rengoku-sama!

Breaking a pair of his own. The Hashira and Tsuguko take a bite of their meals.

Kaoi/Rengoku: Tasty!

That's right readers! For the next two chapters! We're doing Mugen Train! I hope you're all excited about this as I am. Yeah! Also to clear some things up. The woman in the post-credit scene from the last chapter is the same one responsible for killing Kaoi in the mansion of the first loop. Feel free to voice your thoughts in the comments!

Omake:

Kaoi and Emilia stand inside a train.

Kaoi: Wow! I can't believe we're almost halfway done with the arc!

Emilia: I'm pretty excited to see what Kaoi's master is like!

Kaoi: Why wait? Rengoku-sama!

Suddenly the Flame Hashira rushes in.

Rengoku: You called!

Kaoi: I want you to meet my friends. This is Emilia.

Emilia: It's nice to me you mister Rengoku.

Rengoku: The pleasures are all mine! Although I got task why are your ears pointed that way?

Emilia: Oh! Um… that's because I'm a half-elf…

Emilia responds nervously waiting for Rengoku to be disgusted.

Rengoku: I have no idea what that is!

Emilia: Huh?

Rengoku: What is an Elf?

Emilia: Well an Elf is a race of people. My father was an elf and my mother was a human.

Rengoku: I see. Then why do you say it like it's a bad thing?

Emilia: Well due to my heritage. I bear a resemblance to the Witch of Envy. A monster that destroyed half the world 400 years ago. Many people have taken umbrage with my appearance.

Rengoku: Tell me. Are you this Witch of Envy?

Emilia: No, of course not!

Rengoku: Do you have any desire to cause harm to others?

Emilia: What kind of question is that? No!

Rengoku: Then what you look like doesn't matter! What does matter is your heart!

Emilia: Why… thank you. Mr. Rengoku.

Rengoku: No need to thank me! [laughs]

Kaoi: [chuckles] Come back for the next chapter of Re: Slayer - Chapter 31: Mugen Train.