Chapter 5

Subaru was relaxing in the bed the Rosswall Mansion gave him before the sun began to enter his room and shine a bit on his eyes. Subaru groaned as he tried to turn away from the sun, but the rays seemed to be out for him. Subaru finally relented and decided to let his eyes open before slowly beginning to stretch his arms and yawning after a nice sleep.

"Man, it's not bad after a good night," Subaru said as he stretched his back before getting up and looking at his clothes on the table set up for him, along with a note from Reinhardt.

I wanted to prepare some clothes for the day and didn't wish to disturb your sleep. I am very surprised by how heavy a sleeper you are, but I do hope to help with that before the Royal Selection begins when we announce you are the last one.

I'll be doing an investigation in the forest near Arlam Village, so I do wish you safety and good fortune, my friend.

From Reinhardt.

Also, the maids are looking for you, which has me a bit concerned, so be careful with them since the pink one was insistent on setting out your clothes for you instead of me.

Subaru smiled as he finished the letter before thanking for the good manners of his knight.

"Well, it's easy to fall asleep. That's already in my country and will soon become one of the bases for my generals." Subaru said, snapping his fingers as the clothes flew towards Subaru. They appeared on his body before he looked at his reflection, smiling at his appearance.

Subaru's attire for the day was a mix of formal and casual clothing, which Subaru didn't mind since he intended to have some fun of his own. Subaru then left the room as he began to walk down the hall and smile at the view outside the mansion.

"It's such a lovely day outside, isn't it?" Subaru asked himself before hearing a voice respond to his question.

"Indeed it is, Subaru-sama," Ram said, approaching her master before bowing her head to Subaru. "Good morning Subaru-sama. I wish to ask if you had a good rest last night."

Ram asked, knowing about the events of last night when Subaru converted her and Rem to become full demons that served their new master as moles for the events in the Roswell Mansion. Ram was told that she could now use her horn but ordered to keep it hidden to make sure Roswall was unaware of their transformation and to act normally as they would around others.

'How long must we keep up this facade? After being reborn by your blood and power, I finally know what freedom and real love are, unlike that disgusting obsession my old self once had for that pathetic clown.' Ram snarled in her mind before Subaru calmed her down, speaking into her mind.

'I know you have a strong desire to kill your former master now that you are no longer bound to him but control your bloodthirst. It's what separates us demons from humans and animals. Do not always give into your emotions and thoughts since they can cloud not just your judgment but your mind as well.' Subaru said, knowing how many times he has seen many demons give into their emotions, such as rage and fear, that ended in their death.

In fact, many humans act so high and mighty just because they can make a contract with a demon. Still, he has often seen humans and animals give in to their emotions and avoid rational thinking in desperate times. Makima was a smart demon, but her tunnel vision toward the Chainsaw Devil resulted in her downfall to the human Denji.

One thing Subaru made sure of when he became a Demon King was that he would be in control of himself, his life, and his destiny. Subaru was able to learn how to control not just his thoughts and emotions but also the many demons he consumed and their powers, thanks to his friend, the Cosmos Devil, and her infinite knowledge.

'Now tell me, where is Rem? I'm curious to see how she is adjusting to her new body and powers.' Subaru asked since he could tell that Rem was weaker than Ram before the pink-haired maid spoke to her master.

'Rem is tending to her duties right now but seems to have a better time controlling herself than I do, which is why I will be attending to my training after my morning duties. Roswall knows I used to nap for the majority of the day, so when I'm 'asleep,' I'll be training instead.' Ram explained as her master nodded and understood her reasoning since it surprised him how a single girl needed so much sleep and yet did a terrible job as a maid.

'It is fine. Your training will help you master your new abilities. I will be spending some time with Emilia to see who she is as well as keeping an eye on that cat.' Subaru said before leaving Ram, who bowed to her master, heading back to her work for the day until she passed by her room and opened the door to see Rem standing above a small table with a bloody book on it, scattered and destroyed dishes from a tea set on the floor, as well as a certain Morningstar in her hands on top of a certain red dress that belonged to a drilled haired Loli.

"So Beatrice is dead?" Ram asked before Rem nodded and handed her the bloody book.

"Apparently, she's aware of the Witch Cult because she also obtained the Gospel. I even saw Roswall had a book similar to this one on his desk. This, along with the notes between Roswall hiring Elsa to kill Emilia, along with a recorded confession of his dreams to kill the dragon. Once we transfer all this information to Subaru-sama, then we can obtain the territory that Roswell was given and have Subaru-sama obtain it so he can begin his expansion."

Rem explained as Ram opened the book and saw that it was indeed a Gospel, similar to the ones the Witch Cultists used to see the future. But if what Ram recalled from her conversations with Roswell was true, it is that the Gospels aren't perfect. Even the books can make mistakes, which didn't matter since her new master's foresight was far greater, with Subaru being able to see all kinds of different possibilities of not just events but the fate of others as well.

"This will serve our master very well. Inform Elsa and Princi to ensure that the documents are not harmed so we can give them to Subaru-sama and Reinhardt before they leave once the invasion is over." Ram said, with her sister agreeing with the idea, that before the two cleaned up the mess, they had to make it so that there wouldn't be a murder that took place in the Forbidden Library.

Ram and Rem were the maids of the Roswell mansion and the Emilia Camp, but not anymore because now they have found a new master. One that truly cared about their well-being. No longer would they serve a clown who's so obsessed with their deceased master that they would try to revive her from the dead. Nor would they serve a naive girl who wishes to create a nation where all citizens live equally.

Ram used her Clairvoyance to see through the eyes of a bird and overhear their conversation. Sure enough, she could tell her new master was a far more worthy ruler than Emilia.

When Subaru heard of Emilia's dream, he asked her how she would go about creating this nation she dreams of since not everyone will agree to live in a utopian society, for there is no such thing as a peaceful country. Subaru was disappointed to hear Emilia also shout back at him about what his dream would be if he could become a king.

"My dream? It would be to create a land where the demons and humans can live together in harmony. Still, even I know that harmony is a naive, childish choice of words, which is why I wish to create a nation where the people who are tossed aside in the slums no longer must steal to survive for a day and then die due to the ridiculous taxes that prevent them from getting actual food, clean water, clothes, an education, or even a roof over their head. I've seen the slums, and it reminded me of the slums back in my homeland. Back in my homeland, some places supported and helped those who had nothing get back on their feet and provided a place for them to eat and sleep without them struggling in the cold weather." Subaru said before turning to Emilia.

"Emilia, the difference between my dream and yours is that you say you wish to create a nation where all citizens live equally, but therein lies a problem. What about the DemiHumans who are tossed aside? They suffer even more due to the discrimination of the higher-ups and even the people who have a home. I even saw a man try to destroy a boy's hand with a hammer just for a few apples. A few apples were worth a hand?" Subaru asked before Emilia responded.

"But the boy still stole the apples! He should've asked for them without stealing since it's a crime!"

"And you think that the correct way to punish a little child, who was wearing a cloak to hide his ears due to him not wanting to be denied access to the stand, was through destroying a boy's hand with a weapon?"

"W-Well, maybe the man went too far, but that doesn't excuse the boy from his sins!"

"He hardly had any money on him since he was trying to get some food for his sickly mother, and they couldn't have afforded a doctor's services since those who know how to use medicine and treat the sick are personally responsible for the higher-ups only and if I recall correctly one of the greatest healers in the land is a DemiHuman who goes by Blue and is nothing more than a loyal dog to a noblewoman who doesn't know what it means to survive without a silver spoon feeding her everything while those who aren't blessed with such luxuries struggle to survive just to live another day," Subaru said, speaking from experience as he had also been in the slums and learned how the poor who had nothing struggled to survive and even find actual food and money since in their society the only ways to escape was either by becoming a Fiend, a Demon Hunter, or even dying at the hands of a demon to be released from their pain.

"I know the capital isn't perfect, but that doesn't mean I can't try to establish a better future for the people of Luginica! A kingdom needs a ruler who cares for its people and shows kindness to them," Emilia said before Subaru replied to her.

"And you think you are a suitable ruler even though you don't know anything about ruling an entire country or even understanding the people who struggle while you were gifted luxury? You're too green even to be considered a ruler. They are too naive even to think they would follow someone they look at in fear and disgust. Have you actually tried to convince them that you are not this witch? No, you haven't, and that way of thinking will be your downfall." Subaru said before standing up from lying down on the grass.

"I thank you for this conversation. I wish you the best of luck in the future, but I do think you should give up your foolish dream. Please leave the Royal Selection since, from what I've heard and seen in your camp, you stand no chance of victory." Subaru said before leaving an emotionally beaten Emilia, who was hurt by his words. Puck glared holes at the back of Subaru's skull, which made the Demon King smile, as he knew that Emilia was the key to the spirit cat.

'Good. Now that Puck sees me as an enemy, he'll try to keep Emilia out of my way, but when Elsa's mother comes during the invasion, he'll have to intervene, killing three birds with one stone. I gain a reputation for killing Capella, Arlam Village sees me as their savior instead of Roswall, and the clown and puppet lose any power they have once I am announced as the final candidate.'

Subaru knew that Emilia's fate was death no matter the scenario, and the cat would try to destroy the world due to his obsession with the girl. This meant he could use it to his advantage by having not only Capella deal with the cat but also, once the cat was out of the way, swoop in and kill the Archbishop.

Elsa informed him that when Capella felt Subaru's powerful aura, the Archbishop wished to find him and either recruit him or eat him to have his power, which amused the Demon King after hearing about Capella's Authority of Lust.

'So, she can transform herself and anyone else into what she desires? That's a cute power for higher-ranked demons, but for someone like me who can already do the same thing with even more skill and abilities, this will be easy to deal with. However, I can't reveal too much of my hand.' Subaru monologued in his mind as he kept trying to think of how to deal with Capella before Reinhardt appeared from the forest.

"Reinhardt," Subaru called out as the knight approached him before Subaru continued. "How was the forest? Find anything odd?"

"Indeed I have, but we should go to a more secure spot so we can continue this conversation away from prying eyes or spies," Reinhardt said, with Subaru agreeing with him before the two left to a more private part of the mansion where Ram served them some tea before leaving them alone after informing them that Roswell will be out for a while due to some business.

Subaru thanked her before Ram left them alone, to which Subaru sighed, signaling Reinhardt to begin.

"So what have you learned, Reinhardt?" Subaru asked before Reinhardt began to give his report.

"I noticed that the barrier crystals that were meant to protect travelers and merchants from Mabeasts have actually become so weak that the connection between the caster and barrier has been severed. As if someone intended for that to occur and never wished to fix them should the one in control leave the domain." Reinhardt said as he then reached into his jacket and pulled out papers dating back to two weeks before they arrived at the mansion.

"For the past two weeks, there have been reports of merchants and the villagers barely escaping the clutches of the Mabeast and how they have been breaking past the barrier and almost entered the village. It's only thanks to Roswall being there to stop them and telling the people that they would fix the barrier that the reports lessen and then cease being reported to us back at the capital." Reinhardt said before looking at Subaru's surprised reaction.

"So Roswall made sure the connection between Emilia and her barrier was so weak for him to take over and put his people's lives at risk? Is that possible?" Subaru asked. Reinhardt nodded in response, making Subaru click his tongue in annoyance before speaking to his friend.

"If what you said is true, then it makes sense that the information that I've gathered is a deadly tool we can use to strip away any power Roswall has within his name and power," Subaru said as he pulled out a book and a few papers from his tracksuit.

"I never trusted Roswall since something about the man made me suspicious of him, and sure enough, I was correct in thinking that way," Subaru said before giving Reinhardt the papers and book. This caused the Sword Saint to be shocked as he saw letters to a certain Archbishop of Sloth, a letter to Elsa about her payment to eliminate Emilia at the capital on the same day Subaru appeared, and even a letter to the Archbishop of Lust.

"Roswall has been working with the Witch Cult this entire time? Right under our noses!" Reinhardt shouted as he slammed a hand on the table, causing it to split in two before Subaru calmed him down.

"After you told me about the Witch Cult and how they had that Gospel, I decided to do a bit of my investigation last night, so when I found this in Roswall's office behind a sealed panel in the wall, then I wished to inform you after your investigation," Subaru said it was great to have Ram inform him of everything about Roswall's letters to the Witch Cult and his activities in the domain.

"I see. You really are something else, Subaru."

"Well, I do love a challenge as well as an entertaining mystery since it challenges the mind, and also, you can learn more when your mind wishes to learn who's hiding what. It's why I love puzzle games since they made me a master of puzzle solving," Subaru said with a bit of pride, making Reinhardt laugh at his future king's actions before Subaru returned to business.

"However, if what the letters said is true, then that means this Archbishop of Lust is coming right to the mansion's front door, and if Elsa is connected to her, then no doubt we'll be seeing her again," Subaru said before looking at Reinhardt.

"Will we have enough time to evacuate the village?"

"We can hold them here in the mansion should we get Emilia to assist us, although if what happened in your conversation with her is true, then she may deny our accusations since Roswell has been her benefactor for so long."

"Tch. You make a point. Then let's hope we can get the maids to help us." Subaru said before informing Reinhardt of their plan. "I'll deal with the maids, and hopefully, by the time you get back from Arlam Village, we'll be able to make a battle plan for the Mabeasts, Elsa, and this Archbishop of Lust."

Reinhardt nodded before leaving Subaru and wished him luck on his tasks until Subaru was sure Reinhardt was truly gone. Then, he sat back in the chair and smiled at the plan coming together.

"Elsa," Subaru said in a still voice before his shadow began to ripple as if made of water until Elsa emerged from the shadow of her master and bowed to him.

"Wonderful timing. You've gotten better adjusted to your new body and powers." Subaru said before Elsa replied to him.

"It was thanks to you that I was able to embrace this new body that was cleansed of my mother after she had her way with me. However, I would like to ask. What is your plan to deal with mother?" Elsa asked before sitting on his lap, making Subaru take hold of her and enjoy her scent of grapes, blood, and a bit of cooked meat.

"If your mother is truly showing up tonight, then I have a plan, but it requires you to join our side by convincing Reinhardt that you can help us deal with Capella and bring Roswall in for his crimes," Subaru said, knowing that the plan required Reinhardt and Elsa to clash before Elsa made a deal with Reinhardt to help them fight Capella in exchange for her freedom. Meili's being taken in by his camp.

"If that's the case, then I should speak to him now before the Mabeast invasion begins."

"Then I wish you luck, Elsa, and don't reveal your new powers until later when I tell Reinhardt who I am."

"And do you think he'll still follow you as your knight?"

"...If I know Reinhardt as well as I do, then I believe so since he and I are the same but also different in some ways. That is why I wish to have an honest conversation with him while showing my true self. Reinhardt has already seen my old self's mask come off and has been content with following me beside those cracks in the mask. I always had to put on a mask for others to take me seriously, but after I became a Demon King, I wished to create a council of those who would follow me willingly and loyally. That's why Princi is under no control but serves me out of her own free will."

Elsa was touched by seeing this side of her master before turning her face towards him, kissing his left cheek and affectionately rubbing his right one until she slipped back into the shadows.

"I will always stand by your side, no matter what. Even if the whole world turns its back on you, I am yours until the end of time." Elsa said before she left the room.

Subaru smiled at her as she left in the shadows before his smile became sinister.

"Time to begin preparations for the beginning of my new reputation," Subaru said as he walked out to see Emilia collapse on the floor, Ram picking her up, and Puck floating next to them.

"What appears to be the problem?"

Puck glared at Subaru as if he already knew, but Subaru feigned ignorance as usual and kept his smile up before Ram left the two alone.

"I know you're up to something, but I heard that the Sin Archbishop of Lust is coming with an army of Mabeasts. I may not care about you, but I care about Emilia, so I wish to ask for your help in protecting her." Puck said, knowing that due to his contract, he couldn't access his full powers, which made Subaru smile before holding out a hand.

"Then how about a temporary contract? You become my temporary familiar, and I'll allow you full access to your powers until the battle is over. When the battle is truly over, you can return to Emilia's side. In exchange for protecting Emilia, you help me end Roswall's life and his reputation. Do we have a deal?" Subaru asked as he held out his right hand, which glowed ominously with a purple aura until Puck sighed as he knew he was stuck in a rock and a hard place before submitting to the deal by the Demon King.

"Deal." Puck said before shaking Subaru's hand, causing the entire area around them to darken. Puck felt his soul chained to Subaru's hand, and he saw the sinister smile on his face before the room became normal.

"Now then, Puck. Let's begin preparations, shall we?" Subaru said, knowing that in the night, the Archbishop of Lust would become nothing more than a stepping stone for his future as the ruler of Lugunica. Roswell, Puck, and Emilia would be nothing but pawns for him to use on his path to a better future that he wishes to give to the world without having to worry about anyone opposing him.

However, he feared Reinhardt would kill him since the Sword Saint is incredibly powerful and a legend himself. Subaru wishes to create a friendship between them so that they can not just be masters and knights but brothers in arms who support each other.

But the fate of the Sword Saint will have to be taken care of later. Now is the time to prepare for battle.

Scene!

Now it is time for the first arc's battle! The Sword Saint and Subaru Natsuki versus the Mabeasts and Capella, the Sin Archbishop of Lust.

This will be fun since Subaru will be able to show the extent of his full power and how Reinhardt and Elsa will play their part in the battle along with Puck.

Unfortunately for Emilia Lovers, the half-elf will perish, but let's just say her body will be an excellent host for a certain fool. Hehehe.

Stay tuned for the battle. Ta-Ta!~