Chapter IV:
A Gift for the Savoir
Subaru was startled to wake up beneath an elegant ceiling. The morning light poured through the window, painting the room in a soft glow. Sitting up in bed, he glanced outside, estimating the time to be around ten in the morning. Late by his standards—he was usually up by six at the latest.
The room itself was regal, the kind one might expect in a palace. The intricate design of the furniture and the luxurious feel of the bedding made it clear this was no ordinary place. "This is... new," Subaru muttered, examining himself. To his surprise, his wounds were healed. "Looks like I'm in one piece. It must've been that magic—Sa... no, Emilia's magic. The same kind she used to heal Old Man Rom."
Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Subaru stood and scanned the room for his clothes, but they were nowhere to be found. With a resigned sigh, he left the room wearing the night robes he'd been dressed in. I'll just assume magic was involved with this too... somehow, he thought, feeling a bit self-conscious.
The hallway outside was vast and seemed to stretch endlessly. The architecture was grand, the sort of place one would expect to be staffed by an army of servants. As he walked, passing door after identical door, he couldn't help but wonder, How do they keep all this clean? They'd need magic for sure—or an army of maids.
After wandering for some time, Subaru paused, his gaze caught by a peculiar detail. The same painting appeared on the wall again and again, no matter how far he walked. "That's weird," he murmured. Feeling curious, he reached for the nearest door and opened it.
The room beyond was unlike anything he'd seen so far. It was a vast library that seemed to stretch on forever, shelves filled to the brim with books. At the center of the room, seated at a small table, was a child engrossed in a book.
She wore a red, frilly dress with white trim and striped pink stockings, the outfit accented by matching bows on her dress and in her cream-colored hair. Her hair was styled into twin tails that spiraled elegantly down her shoulders, held in place by pink ribbons. The most striking feature about her, however, was her eyes—large, doll-like, and bearing an intricate butterfly pattern in solid pink.
"What is this place?" Subaru asked, his voice breaking the silence as he stepped further in.
"This is Betty's multi-purpose room," the child replied without looking up. "It serves as both a library and a bedroom, I suppose."
"So, you're Betty then?" Subaru asked, tilting his head.
"You're smarter than you look, I suppose," the child said with a sassy tone, her eyes never leaving her book.
"I wouldn't claim to be the smartest person out there," Subaru chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "But I was hoping you might point me to where I can find a change of clothes. Roaming the halls in robes is, uh, not my ideal look."
"Do I look like I care? Besides, you smell," the girl replied bluntly, snapping her book shut with a huff. "You can leave now, I suppose." She raised her hand, and with a dramatic burst, the library door swung open. Before Subaru could react, he was hurled backward by an invisible force, tumbling through the air before landing unceremoniously in the hallway. The door slammed shut behind him.
"Well, that was uncalled for," Subaru groaned, rubbing the back of his head. "And I don't smell... I think."
"Sir," a calm voice interrupted.
Subaru looked up to see two young women standing over him. They were dressed identically in black-and-white maid uniforms, their outfits perfectly tailored and exuding an air of refinement. Rising to his feet, Subaru took a moment to size them up. They appeared to be twins, both a head shorter than him. One had short, pinkish-red hair and matching eyes, while the other sported sky-blue hair and eyes to match. Their striking appearances left Subaru momentarily speechless. This world isn't exactly lacking in attractive women, huh? he thought.
"Ram, we've found our guest," the blue-haired maid said to her sister.
"Rem, he's lying on the dirty floor," the pink-haired maid replied with a hint of disdain.
"Apologies," Subaru said quickly, brushing himself off as he stood. "I just had the pleasure of meeting your librarian."
"Librarian?" the one called Ram asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I believe he means Beatrice, Ram," Rem said thoughtfully.
"Yeah, Betty—she called herself that," Subaru clarified. "A bit of an... abrasive personality, though."
"He found her door," Ram observed, folding her arms and glancing at her sister.
"So quickly," Rem added, her tone carrying a hint of surprise.
"Found her door?" Subaru repeated, glancing back at the door he had just flown through. Curiosity piqued, he reached out and opened it again. Instead of the vast, endless library he'd seen earlier, the room now revealed itself to be a simple bedroom. Blinking in confusion, Subaru closed the door again, feeling more than a little lost. "I'm guessing Betty has some kind of magic going on?"
"Mhm," Ram confirmed with a nod. "She can relocate her library to any room with a door in the manor."
"Ahh," Subaru murmured, the explanation both fascinating and bewildering. The concept of magic was still so new to him, and it seemed to grow stranger by the minute. Shaking off his thoughts, his attention shifted to the bundle of clothes in Rem's arms. "Oh, are those for me?"
Rem nodded, holding the garments out to him. "These belong to Master Roswaal. Your own clothes were damaged and are currently being repaired."
"Thanks a lot," Subaru said, taking the clothes with a grateful smile. "By the way, where's Emilia?"
"Lady Emilia is currently walking the grounds," Ram informed him. "She should return shortly."
"Got it. And it's Rem and Ram, right?" Subaru asked, glancing between the two.
"That's correct. This is Ram," the blue-haired maid introduced her sister formally.
"And this is Rem," the pink-haired one added, mirroring the gesture.
"I'm Subaru," he said, returning their introductions with a slight bow. "It's a pleasure to meet such lovely girls."
"He's trying to flatter us, Rem," Ram noted, her tone carrying a touch of skepticism.
"Yes, he is," Rem agreed, though her voice held less judgment and more amusement.
"Well," Subaru stammered, feeling his face grow warm as he held up the borrowed clothes. "I'll just, uh, use this room to get changed now. Where should I leave these robes?"
"You may leave them folded on the bed," Rem instructed. "We'll collect them later."
"Thanks, I guess," Subaru said, stepping into the now library-deprived room. He began changing into the clothes provided. The shirt was a white, ruffled piece with a distinctly old-fashioned style. Despite that, Subaru found it surprisingly light and soft against his skin. The trousers were black, paired with a matching belt that sported a genuine silver buckle. While the outfit was a bit loose—its owner clearly several inches taller than him—Subaru had to admit it gave him a rather polished appearance.
Satisfied with his new look, he stepped back into the hallway only to find the twins had already disappeared. Feeling somewhat adrift, he decided to head outside to the grounds in search of Emilia. He realized he hadn't had a proper conversation with her in this timeline yet, and it seemed like a good opportunity to acquaint himself with her. He was also curious about her role in such a large estate, considering her apparent lack of funds during their meeting in the capital.
Exiting into the main courtyard, Subaru was struck by the meticulous beauty of the grounds. Rows of carefully manicured shrubs and vibrant flowers adorned the area, the layout evoking the grandeur of something he'd seen in pictures of the Palace of Versailles—though on a smaller, less ostentatious scale. Still, it was by far the most impressive mansion he had ever visited.
"Oh, Subaru, you're awake," a familiar voice called out.
Turning, Subaru spotted Emilia walking toward him along one of the cobblestone paths leading from the garden. She was dressed in a light pink gown that, to Subaru, looked like a delicate and elegant nightdress.
"Yeah, I woke up a while ago," Subaru replied, smiling. "It's a late start for me. Must be close to noon now."
"Well, you can hardly be blamed for that," Emilia said with a light chuckle. "You were understandably out of it after sustaining all those injuries."
"I take it I have you to thank for pulling me back from the brink?" Subaru asked.
Emilia nodded modestly. "I did what I could."
"Then it seems I owe you a debt," Subaru said with a slight bow, his tone sincere.
"N-No," Emilia said, flustered. "You don't owe me a thing. You saved my life, after all. If anything, I'm the one indebted to you."
Part of Subaru wanted to object to Emilia's claim, but he held his tongue. Given the circumstances, it might be smarter to leverage this goodwill for help. I'm still just a fish out of water in this world, after all.
"Well, I'm sure you'd have done the same for me," Subaru said with a small shrug. "I wouldn't have lasted long against that monster without your help. So, thank you."
Emilia smiled warmly. "I suppose that's true, but I still feel like I owe you."
Before Subaru could respond, Puck suddenly materialized on Emilia's shoulder, grinning broadly. "Subaru, I must thank you too for watching over Lia."
"Puck!" Subaru's face lit up at the sight of the spirit kitten. "You're a sight for sore eyes."
As if to emphasize the point, Puck leapt gracefully from Emilia's shoulder and landed in Subaru's palms. Subaru instinctively began scratching behind Puck's ears, watching with amusement as the tiny spirit melted into his touch, purring contentedly.
"Well, he seems alright to me, Lia," Puck said with a satisfied hum. "I don't sense any malice, hostility, or ill intent coming from Subaru."
"That's reassuring," Subaru said with a chuckle. "Though I must say, Puck, you're probably the softest thing I've ever laid hands on."
"Don't you forget it!" Puck quipped with a smirk.
"Oh? What brings you two here?" Emilia asked suddenly, her gaze shifting behind Subaru. Turning, he noticed Rem and Ram had appeared, standing side by side.
"Our lord, Roswaal, has returned," they said in perfect unison.
Following the twins, Emilia and Subaru were led to a sizable dining room. A long wooden table occupied the center, surrounded by chairs that exuded refinement. Like the rest of the mansion, the room was elegant, with green walls and large paintings of serene landscapes adorning the space. Subaru couldn't help but wonder whether Roswaal was a noble or simply someone with exceptional wealth.
"I was watching you from upstairs, you know."
Subaru turned to see Beatrice standing in the doorway, her arms crossed and her expression as unreadable as ever.
"It would seem you're rather average, I suppose," she remarked dryly.
"Average?" Subaru frowned, placing a hand on his chest as if wounded. "Well, you're quick to judge, aren't you?"
Beatrice raised a brow. "I've seen enough to know. And I suppose my initial impression stands."
Subaru sighed dramatically. "A harsh critic already. What will I do?"
"It might just be that your presence irritates me, I suppose," Beatrice remarked with an air of finality, her tone as sharp as ever.
"Hey, Betty!" Puck called out cheerfully as he and Emilia stepped into the room. "Haven't seen you in four days. Have you been doing well and staying ladylike?"
"Bubby!" Beatrice's cold demeanor melted instantly, her voice rising in a squeal of delight as she ran toward the cat. She lifted Puck into the air and spun around with glee. "I've been waiting for you to come home! Will you stay with me today, do you suppose?"
"Sure," Puck replied, nuzzling her back as she pressed him against her cheek. "Let's relax together today."
"Beatrice has always had a soft spot for Puck," Emilia explained, smiling at the heartwarming scene.
"I figured as much," Subaru replied, crossing his arms. "She seemed a bit... abrasive with me."
"I'm sure she didn't mean anything by it," Emilia reassured him gently.
"Don't speak for me," Beatrice snapped from across the room, still snuggling Puck as if no one else existed.
"My, my!" A flamboyant voice drew Subaru's attention. Turning, he watched as a man entered the room, dressed in an outfit Subaru could only describe as eccentric. The suit, though clearly of high quality, was a riot of colors. His face was painted with makeup—purple eye shadow, lipstick—and his long, royal-blue hair flowed behind him in waves. Subaru couldn't decide if the man resembled a court jester or an extravagantly dressed noble. His mind wandered briefly to descriptions he'd read in school about French royalty's over-the-top fashion before the Revolution.
"How unusual to see you here, Beatrice!" the man exclaimed with a flourish, his voice dripping with theatrical charm. "I'm so happy you've decided to dine with me."
"That man is more than enough addle-brained fool for me, I suppose," Beatrice replied coldly, casting the man a disapproving glance. "Betty was only waiting for Bubby!"
"Who might this be?" Subaru asked, confusion plain on his face.
"Subaru, this is..." Emilia began, but the man cut her off with a grand gesture.
"I am the lord of this manor," he declared, his voice commanding yet playful. "Roswaal L. Mathers. And you must be Natsuki Subaru."
"I-I see you already know my name," Subaru chuckled nervously, feeling slightly thrown off balance by the lord's grand demeanor.
"Indeed, Ram was kind enough to explain the circumstances of your arrival," Roswaal said, clapping his hands together with a theatrical flourish. "For now, let us have some lunch. I assume you've not eaten yet?"
"No, my lord," Subaru replied, standing a little straighter. He tried to project a respectful air, fully aware that he was far beneath Roswaal in rank and station.
"Oh, now," Roswaal said with a soft chuckle. "You may simply call me Roswaal, like everyone else here. I am flattered, but do remember, you are my guest."
"I appreciate that, Lord Roswaal," Subaru nodded, smiling. "It's not every day I get to be a guest in a lord's home."
"I see," Roswaal replied, his smile widening. "Well, let us continue this conversation over food. The girls should return with our meal shortly."
True to his word, it wasn't long before Rem and Ram arrived, carrying dishes for the table. They placed bread, salad, and soup in front of the four diners. Subaru sat beside Emilia, while Beatrice took a seat opposite him, cradling Puck in her arms. The spirit kitten was happily lapping up soup from a spoon Beatrice offered him. At the head of the table, Roswaal sat in a throne-like chair, with Ram and Rem standing at his sides like loyal attendants.
Subaru dipped his spoon into the soup and took a bite, his eyes widening slightly as the rich flavors hit his tongue. "This is really good," he remarked. "Probably the best soup I've had in years."
"Yes, despite her appearance, Rem's cooking is quite impressive," Roswaal said, gesturing toward the blue-haired maid.
"It's very good," Subaru agreed, turning to Rem with an appreciative nod. "Thank you."
"I am simply fulfilling my role in the household," Rem replied, her tone formal yet humble. "As the one responsible for cooking, it is only proper that I perform well in this task—especially since my sister is unable to."
Subaru tilted his head slightly. "I'm sure your sister makes up for her lack of cooking skills in other ways."
Ram raised a brow, her expression as sharp as her tongue. "I wonder what you mean by that," she said, her voice carrying just the faintest hint of challenge.
Subaru chuckled nervously, realizing he might've stumbled into dangerous territory. "I mean... in all the other things she's surely great at! Cleaning, organizing, keeping things in order... you know, everything else."
Roswaal chuckled, clearly amused by Subaru's backpedaling. "Ah, such diplomacy, Natsuki Subaru! Perhaps you've missed your calling as a politician."
Subaru grinned awkwardly, raising his spoon in a mock toast. "Just trying to survive the moment, my lord."
"Subaru," Roswaal began pleasantly, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and intrigue. "I must ask more about you. In truth, we know rather little of our new guest."
"What would you like to know?" Subaru replied, leaning back slightly in his chair.
"Why don't we start with where you hail from, hm?" Roswaal suggested, resting his chin on his steepled fingers.
Subaru paused for a moment, considering his response. "Well, I was originally from an island nation called Japan. My father moved us to another country, the United States, for business purposes when I was young."
"I have never heard of these nations," Roswaal remarked, his expression intrigued.
"They're... quite far away," Subaru said carefully. "Though I couldn't tell you exactly how far. It doesn't surprise me you've never heard of them before." He hesitated, then added, "I spent most of my life in the US. When I turned eighteen, I joined their military."
"Oh? You were a soldier?" Roswaal asked, his tone growing more interested.
"I was, yes," Subaru admitted. "I served in the Special Forces."
"Special Forces?" Emilia asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
"They're an elite branch of the military," Subaru explained. "Special Forces handle highly specialized operations, both combat and non-combat roles. There are a number of units, each with their own area of expertise."
"Are you a knight, then?" Roswaal inquired, his eyes narrowing slightly as he evaluated Subaru.
"No, not exactly," Subaru said with a small laugh. "We didn't have ranks or titles like 'knight' where I'm from."
"You didn't seem particularly exceptional with a sword," Emilia pointed out, her tone more curious than critical.
"That's fair," Subaru admitted with a shrug. "Where I'm from, we don't really use swords in combat anymore. Instead, we use what you call metia—weapons of incredible power and precision. Swordplay isn't exactly... in vogue."
"Strange," Roswaal mused, his tone laced with curiosity. "Though, you do seem to be telling the truth. I'd love to hear more about these metia you used later, but for now, I must ask something more pressing. What do you know about Lugunica, Subaru?"
"In truth? Very little," Subaru admitted honestly.
"Why come here, then?" Emilia asked, tilting her head slightly as she regarded him.
How do I answer that? Subaru thought, struggling for the right words. "I'm... honestly not sure. I just woke up one day in the capital. I don't exactly know how or why."
"Strange," Roswaal frowned, his expression thoughtful. "Though I can tell you're being truthful, which makes your situation all the more interesting."
This guy can read me like a book, Subaru thought uneasily, a chill running down his spine. I'm not sure how I feel about that yet.
"At any rate," Roswaal continued smoothly, "I assume you are unaware that the King of Lugunica is missing."
"That sounds... rather concerning," Subaru replied, his brow furrowing.
"There's no need to worry," Roswaal reassured him with a smile. "Everyone is aware of the situation. The nation is currently governed by a council of wise men, who are in the process of selecting a new king."
"Are they planning to elevate one of their own?" Subaru asked, his mind jumping to systems he knew, like the selection of a new pope.
"No, the royal candidates are chosen through a method beyond their control," Roswaal explained. "The council may only select from within that group of candidates. One of whom is Lady Emilia."
Subaru blinked in surprise, turning to Emilia. "You're a candidate to become this nation's ruler? What would that make your title?"
Emilia straightened slightly; her expression composed but modest. "My station is currently Candidate to become the Kingdom of Lugunica's forty-second ruler, with the backing of Margrave Roswaal," she replied succinctly.
So Roswaal is her benefactor, Subaru concluded. That must mean he stands to gain a lot if Emilia is chosen as the next ruler.
Roswaal smiled knowingly, as if sensing Subaru's thoughts, though he said nothing, letting the weight of the revelation settle over the room.
"It's not meant to be a secret exactly," Emilia said, placing her insignia back on the table. "This qualifies one to be a candidate for the throne. It's a touchstone that determines a person's worthiness to rule."
"Well, I guess it's a good thing I helped you get it back," Subaru said with a nervous laugh. If he'd known its importance earlier, he probably would've been even more anxious about returning it.
"If you hadn't, we'd have been in grave trouble," Roswaal affirmed. "If it were widely believed that a candidate couldn't even protect a tiny insignia, how could they be entrusted to rule an entire kingdom? That would have undoubtedly been the end of her candidacy."
"That's... rather heavy," Subaru said, his thoughts spilling into words. "All the better that I managed to get it back to her." And better for me in the end.
"To that end," Roswaal declared with a dramatic flourish, "I would offer you any reward within my power to grant. Simply name your desire."
Subaru paused, his mind racing. He hadn't thought about asking for a reward. Money or land briefly crossed his mind, but he dismissed the ideas almost immediately. He didn't know enough about this world to effectively use such things. What he really lacked was knowledge. He couldn't read or write the language here, and he knew next to nothing about their history, customs, or even how magic worked—a significant gap for anyone trying to navigate a foreign land. If anything, learning those basics would be his most practical choice.
"As I am a foreigner in these lands," Subaru began after some consideration, "I would ask that you provide me with an education. I'm not uneducated, but I lack understanding of your written language, your history, and, most importantly, the concept of magic, which my homeland never utilized."
"Not familiar with magic?" Emilia asked, her eyes widening slightly. "How is that possible?"
"Perhaps our nations simply took different paths," Subaru speculated. "Our use of metia far surpasses anything I've seen here, just as your magic far outstrips anything we've ever developed." He hesitated, his mind wandering briefly. Though I doubt mana even exists on Earth.
"Very well," Roswaal said with a nod, his expression one of approval. "I shall see to it that your wish is granted. Ram will assist you with this request. She will meet with you this evening, once her other duties are complete."
"What about Beatrice? Isn't she the caretaker of your library?" Subaru asked, glancing at the small girl still seated at the table.
"No," Beatrice replied coldly, not bothering to elaborate.
"Oh, I'm afraid she's more a protector than a librarian," Roswaal explained with a faint smile. "Her role is quite unique."
"At any rate, I must take my leave," he continued, rising from the table with a graceful motion. "I have much to attend to." Roswaal gave a slight bow before leaving the room, his presence lingering even after he was gone.
The rest of Subaru's day proved eventful. Ram was assigned to give him a tour of the manor, showing him every room with the same unchanging monotone voice. Twice, the tour was interrupted by Beatrice when they happened upon her library by chance. Both times, the girl used her magic to slam the door in Subaru's face without a word, leaving him bewildered and slightly amused.
Eventually, Ram led Subaru to a small guest room, where his repaired uniform had been neatly laid out. Subaru examined it, impressed by how clean and pristine it looked—almost brand new. "Apologies for the bloodstains," Subaru said, scratching the back of his head. "Back home, you'd usually just replace the uniform if it got that messed up."
"It was no trouble," Ram replied coolly. "Rem is very skilled at cleaning and needlework."
"I'll say," Subaru said, running his hand over the expertly repaired fabric. "Give her my thanks. I really appreciate it."
"Very well," Ram noted with a slight nod. "I shall return later this evening to fulfill my lord's request."
"Thank you," Subaru said, placing the uniform back on the bed. He hesitated for a moment before adding, "I wonder if there's anything I can do to help around here. I'd hate to just be a burden."
"There is no need. You are Lord Roswaal's guest," Ram replied matter-of-factly before exiting the room.
Subaru sat at the edge of the bed, his thoughts turning to the items he had left in his plate carrier. All I have left is my compass, lighter, and multitool. Not exactly the greatest kit in the world.
After a moment of quiet reflection, he decided to change back into his repaired uniform. The fit felt familiar, grounding him slightly in this strange world. Once dressed, he made his way to the small armory Ram had pointed out during their tour. It turned out to be more of a shed situated in the sprawling yard of the estate. Outside the building, several training dummies had been set up, each marked with bright red targets.
Walking up to the shed, Subaru pulled on the door and found it unlocked. Stepping inside, he was greeted by the sight of rack upon rack of weaponry. Swords of various types gleamed under the dim light, alongside crossbows, longbows, axes, and other tools of combat. His eyes were immediately drawn to an imposing morningstar on a nearby table, its massive, spiked head attached to an impractically long chain.
"I wonder if magic is the only way something this ridiculous could actually work," Subaru mused, shaking his head with a smirk.
He wandered over to the sword racks, running his fingers along the hilts. Picking one up, he tested its weight in his hand. The feel of the rapier reminded him of the fencing sword he had wielded during his desperate fight with Elsa. It was far from perfect, but at least it had been familiar enough to give him some confidence. Placing the sword back, his gaze shifted to the bows.
An elegant longbow caught his attention. Subaru picked it up and tugged lightly on its string, testing its draw weight. To his surprise, it felt unnaturally light for a bow of its size, as if it was enchanted to ease the strain. Intrigued, Subaru looked around for a quiver of arrows and, finding one, decided to head back out into the yard.
Standing a good distance from the dummy targets, Subaru drew an arrow from the quiver and lined it up. He'd only used a bow once before, back at a summer camp in his freshman year of high school. His attempts then had been laughable at best. Maybe I'll do better this time. And if not, there's always the crossbow, Subaru thought with a chuckle.
Knocking the arrow, Subaru felt an odd sense of calm wash over him as he focused on the target. Letting out a slow breath, he lifted the bow and aimed. Drawing the string back, he held the arrow near his cheek. As he stared intently at the dummy, a strange sensation overtook him—it felt as though he instinctively knew where to aim. Even more unsettling, the bow seemed to cooperate with him, offering no resistance, as if it were willing itself to help him.
He released the arrow.
Subaru watched, almost in disbelief, as it soared through the air with perfect precision and struck the dummy dead center. A part of him was stunned at how flawlessly he had placed the shot, yet deep down, something within him had known it would hit.
Looking down at the bow, Subaru felt a mix of awe and unease. He reached into the quiver and drew another arrow.
This time, his movements were more deliberate, his focus sharper. He knocked the arrow, drew the string, and aimed again. Releasing, he watched in amazement as the second arrow sped through the air, splitting the first arrow cleanly in half.
Subaru lowered the bow, his hands trembling slightly as he stared at the now-split arrow embedded in the target. "That's not possible," he muttered aloud, his voice a mix of shock and curiosity. Glancing down at the bow in his hands, he felt a surge of determination. "I have to try something."
Pulling out a fresh arrow, Subaru deliberately looked away from the target as he loosed it into the air. Turning back to check, he was flabbergasted to see that it had, yet again, split his last arrow in two. "Okay, that really is impossible." He stared at the bow in his hands, turning it over as if it might reveal its secrets. "Magic bow," he concluded, nodding to himself. "Roswaal owns a magic bow." Considering how expensive such a thing must have been, Subaru decided it was best to put it back. "I just hope those weren't magic arrows too…"
"Subaru."
He nearly jumped out of his skin, spinning around to see Emilia standing behind him. She had changed back into the elegant white dress she was wearing when they first met.
"What are you doing out here?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
"Oh, I was…" Subaru glanced down at the bow in his hands, scrambling for an excuse. "Just, uh, testing Roswaal's magic bow. Seems to work fine." Hoping to shift the conversation, he added quickly, "What about you? What are you doing out here?"
"I was practicing my spirit arts over there," Emilia replied, gesturing to a nearby clearing. Her gaze shifted back to the bow in his hands. "Also, a magic bow? I didn't know Roswaal owned such a thing. How do you even know it's magic? I thought you didn't know much about magic."
"I, uh, inferred," Subaru said sheepishly, pointing toward the target. "This is only the second time I've ever shot a bow, and the first time didn't go nearly this well." He held the bow out to her, gesturing for her to take it. "Try it—it was super easy to use."
Emilia hesitated for a moment, eyeing the bow warily. "It doesn't look like anything special," she remarked as she gingerly took it from him.
"Well, looks can be deceiving," Subaru said, handing her an arrow. "Just try shooting it."
Awkwardly, Emilia nocked the arrow and raised the bow. She aimed it down the field, but her arm trembled as she struggled to pull the string back. Despite her best efforts, she could only manage to draw it halfway before her grip slipped. The arrow shot forward, though less powerfully than intended. To Subaru's surprise, it still reached the target, striking just below his arrows. However, upon impact, the arrow shattered against the dummy into a thousand splinters.
Subaru blinked in shock as Emilia lowered the bow and turned to him with a faint glare. "That was a mean trick," she huffed, crossing her arms. "That wasn't easy at all."
"That doesn't make any sense," Subaru muttered, scratching his head. "For one, that's just a sack—the arrow shouldn't have exploded like that."
"Oh, that's because Rem got tired of replacing them," Emilia explained casually. "So, Lord Roswaal enchanted them to make them impenetrable. They're not targets—they're for melee practice."
"Then how did I…" Subaru trailed off, staring at the bow in his hands. "May I?"
Emilia nodded and handed the bow back to him, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. Gripping the bow, Subaru once again felt that strange, calming sensation settle over him as he focused on the target. Exhaling slowly, he reached down and drew three arrows into his right hand. Moving almost instinctively, he loosed them in rapid succession, each arrow blazing through the air with shocking speed.
The first arrow struck dead center on the target. The second split the first in half, and the third followed suit, embedding itself with near-perfect precision. Subaru lowered the bow, his hands trembling slightly as he turned to Emilia, searching for answers.
"Amazing!" Puck exclaimed, suddenly appearing on Emilia's shoulder. The small spirit clapped his paws together, his face alight with excitement. "You must be super lucky, Subaru!"
"I'm not sure I know what you mean," Subaru replied, still baffled.
"Huh? You mean you're not aware of your own Divine Protection?" Puck asked, tilting his head in confusion. "Man, you really are oblivious to magic, aren't you?"
"What's a Divine Protection?" Subaru asked, his curiosity now fully piqued.
"Divine Protections are blessings granted to people at birth by the world," Emilia explained. "They can grant all sorts of abilities. Useful ones, like what you seem to have, are exceedingly rare."
"Most people are aware of their Divine Protection without needing to be told," Puck added, his tiny paws resting on his hips. "I've never heard of someone not knowing they had one before. You're quite the anomaly."
"Well, I clearly wasn't aware," Subaru said with a sigh. "How do I figure out what it is, then?"
"Hm," Puck mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Now that you've used it, you might start noticing when it activates. It's hard to say for sure—it depends on the nature of the blessing."
"You seem to know a lot about magic, Puck," Subaru noted.
"Well, of course!" Puck said, puffing out his chest proudly. "It comes with being a spirit, you know."
"That makes sense," Subaru nodded. "Anyway, I was wondering—could you teach me more about magic?"
Puck thought for a moment, his tail swishing back and forth. "I suppose so, but it's getting rather late, and I'm about ready for my nap. How about tomorrow? Would that work for you, Lia?"
Emilia nodded, smiling softly. "I think that's a good idea. After all, he does seem rather hopeless when it comes to magic. He'd benefit from having a teacher."
"Great!" Subaru said, grinning ear to ear. "I can't wait."