A/N: This is a chapter I've been wanting to debut for an extremely long time and wanted to write for the longest as well. In fact, me thinking up the events of this chapter is partially what inspired me to actually sit down and start writing this fic in the first place. It's been a really long time coming and I'm so glad we're here at this chapter. You've stuck in there for 100 chapters now, and nearly 3/4 of a million words for this, so I hope it's worth it.
There's a scene in here I had some art made for by perfArt_ on twitter awhile back, so if you're on WP or AO3, you'll see it, but unfortunately, FFnet readers can't see it due to site limitations. I really hope you all enjoy this chapter and find it impactful in the series. It's my 2nd most favorite one to write so far in this series, with my all time favorite which is going to be chapter 108.
But, without further delay, please enjoy this chapter, it features a scene I think perfectly defines this series and what inspired most people who sought this story out, or have kept along with it.
Chapter 100: The Deafening Silence
Up the stairs the two ran, hot on the heels of the thief. As they reached the top of the bell tower, there was a wide platform that served perhaps as a lookout point for the town. At the highest point for what must have been a great distance all around, perhaps on par with the highest steeples at the Mansion, the three stood now in a tense standoff.
A full, white, and massive moon hung low in the sky still, its bright light serving as a spotlight for them all on cloudless night.
But from where they all stood, Emilia and YN blocked the entrance back to where the large brass bell of the tower was housed, and the thief had his back against the railing, right behind him a surely lethal jump to the street below.
Emilia: We have you surrounded. Please, just hand back over what is mine and you are free to leave. I won't let the Knight pursue you.
Extending a hand as she said this, the thief's expression was still hidden under his mask, making it impossible to tell what he was by chance contemplating given the corner he was now backed into. While he had proven to be a difficult opponent for Emilia to face at long range and on the back of moving ground dragon carriage with his fire magic, on the relatively solid ground of the bell tower's top floor and the closeness of proximity now, he was no match for the half-elf.
After a brief, tense, handful of seconds, the thief reached into his pocket, and out emerged the green pyroxene crystal that belonged around the half-elf's neck. Letting it dangle from his hand by the broken string, its glint caught the moon light perfectly.
With a few more long seconds of anticipation, the thief lobbed the crystal up high. Airborne, it caught more of the moon's soft light, highlighting its trajectory. Thrown high, but short of where Emilia stood, YN could tell its angle was meant to maximize time, get her to move, and to draw all her attention to it.
This is a trap! Emilia!
As the half-elf stepped forward, tunnel visioned on her stolen property as it shined against the black, star covered sky, the thief had prepared his fire magic. Casting it at her as she was defenseless, YN's quick recognition was key to his interception. Time seemed to slow down as moved in front of Emilia.
I can't just take fire magic like this... It would be too serious to take head on... The only thing I can hope to do is—!
Flooding his palm, YN pushed as much mana as his stagnant Gate would allow. While he knew it was futile to try and counter it in the state he was in, at the very least, one weak Jiwald would help to lessen the damage he was set to take.
While Emilia's amethyst eyes looked upward and were filled with the picture of Puck's crystal, she was late to notice the crimson blaze before her, silhouetting YN.
Just as the fireball met his skin, he released his pitiful Yang magic, lessening its impact, but ultimately, the searing heat kissed his skin.
YN: —Gah!
Emilia: YN!
Only managing to catch the crystal as an afterthought now, Emilia had gone to retaliate, yet—
Emilia: He's... —!
Running to the edge of the platform and looking down below, off the railing, Emilia saw the moment the thief had landed on his saddled ground dragon. Using the distraction to his advantage, the thief had leapt off the edge of the bell tower, being met by his red ground dragon jumping a great distance upward to meet him as he fell. It was freed from the ice its feet had been imprisoned in, an after effect of Emilia being startled by YN's sacrifice of taking the fireball meant for her.
Least to say, with his escape route secured, the thief very quickly retreated from the scene, hastily putting distance between himself and the likes of Emilia and YN.
The thief had gotten away, but Puck's crystal was secured. And it was all thanks to—
Emilia: —YN!
Spinning around with the threat gone, the half-elf turned her attention to the groundskeeper currently writhing in pain not only from his injured hand, but also his strained Gate, having forced mana through it in its current condition.
Emilia ran to his side, and immediately grabbed a hold of his injured hand.
YN: —Ack! Emilia-sama, please, that really hurts.
Gritting his teeth in reflex to the pain, YN forced himself to remain as polite as possible.
Emilia: I'm sorry! I just—! Please don't be—!
Losing her words as she looked at how bad his hand was, she saw how the damage had gone down his forearm to where she had grabbed.
His skin was blistered white and red. Some blood was here and there, but ultimately, it was a serious burn. The hand was by far the worse, and the forearm wasn't any better.
Wasting no more time, Emilia set about healing the injury in hopes of righting this wrong she felt she had committed.
Why?! Why did he do that?! I was foolish and let this happen!
Emilia cast her healing magic upon YN's flesh, doing her best to quell the physical pain he had, but doing nothing for the strain of his Gate.
YN: —Ack... Did you get Puck back?
Emilia: I did, but please don't worry about that right now! What's more important is getting you healed. YN, I'm so sorry for this. But thank you so much for helping me...
Using what felt like the epitome of her healing prowess, Emilia removed the last parts of YN's injury. Inspecting her work closer, the half-elf held the formerly injured hand, examining it for any short-comings or missed spots.
Emilia: That was quick thinking, using your own magic to counter it... I don't know if I would have been able to heal this if you hadn't.
YN: Yeah, just too bad it wasn't as powerful as I could make it...
Emilia: It seems like you still need to practice, but, I'm just thankful it wasn't anything more serious... You still look like you're in a lot of pain though, you didn't harm your Gate doing that, did you?
Shaking his head while the half-elf continued to hold his hand in hers, he noticed she refused to let go of it, her hold was slightly pressured, like she was deeply concerned about something.
YN: It's a long story but... it's all related to why my Yang magic was so weak...
Almost as if surprised to hear that, Emilia's expression turned to one of concern.
Emilia: YN, have you noticed any change in your Gate? You must have by now, haven't you?
Asking her usual set of questions regarding his magic-health, YN sighed, but quickly remembered. For a change? It was different now, actually.
YN: Well...
Heart fluttering, Emilia opened her eyes wide as YN had responded with something other than "No." in regard to her usual questions to him. As the grip on his held hand felt slightly tighter now, he answered.
YN: After the first round of 'treatment' for me from Felix, my Gate sort of went... stagnant.
Taken aback from hearing that, Emilia held a hand to her chest in surprise.
Emilia: That was why your magic was so weak... YN...
I can't believe he pushed his Gate so hard just to protect me... Why? Why YN?
Squeezing his hand rather hard, the half-elf looked down in near shame. Her hand had begun to tremble slightly as YN could no longer see her expression behind her bangs. He hoped she wasn't upset, or at worst, crying.
But as he tried to get a look at her face, it popped back up with an air of determination painted across it. Taking a deep breath, Emilia addressed YN.
Emilia: A stagnant Gate is a serious issue, especially with how stretched yours is... There's only a few ways to treat it in hopes it gets better over time, but only one way to alleviate it right away.
Lowering the hand that was at her chest, she opened it to reveal the green crystal they had each labored so hard to retrieve. Speaking softly, Emilia seemed to be addressing the spirit inside.
Emilia: I know we both agreed to wait until he noticed it himself... but with his condition, now may be the best time to finally tell him.
As if awaiting a response she knew wouldn't come, Emilia was silent before finally closing her hand again. As she did, thoughts raced through YN's mind. Was this related to what he overheard on the first morning back from Saluzzo?
She's going to tell me something?
With her hand still holding his, he began to worry what it might be she was about to say. Yet, quelling his worry for a moment, her grip increased as she helped him to stand before she finally released his hand, taking a step back as she did. Smiling at him, she closed her eyes, and folded her own hands together as she concentrated.
Slowly, but surely, many tiny lights began to emerge from around her. Drawing forth her microspirits, Emilia had communicated to them to show up all around her.
Separating her hands, she reached out towards YN with one, the very tips of her fingers were even with his eye height, and were at about half the distance between where the two stood.
Opening her eyes, the moon was picturesque right behind her head of silver hair, softly swaying in the breeze. The light of the moon was seemingly shining right through her eyes, making it appear as if her amethyst irises were illuminated by it.
Looking towards him, but not exactly at him, Emilia spoke softly in a similar way.
Emilia: It is okay to come out now. I want to introduce you two, finally.
Gently, Emilia offered an invitation to someone YN did not know was present. Thinking that someone must be behind him, just as he turned to look, a brief flash of white crossed his vision.
Much like the time where he'd been exhausted of mana in the forest and facing the head mabeast.
Much like the time where he'd been exhausted of mana running away from the shapeshifting beast in Saluzzo.
Much like the time where he'd been exhausted of mana in the White Fox's Nest, facing the trial caused by Ezzo.
Much like the time where he'd been exhausted of mana in the cave, watching Rem suffer from Petelgeuse.
All these times, YN had seen this flash of white and felt his strength restored. And this time was no different in regards to the effect. However what was different, was rather than the flash receding away, it traveled to the center of his vision, and towards Emilia.
Like the rest of the little specks of light around her, this one was similar in shape and size, although slightly bigger, and a more brilliant shade of white. Setting in her hand, yet hovering, the light danced at Emilia's warm smile.
Emilia: How good it is, for you two to finally see each other.
Dumbfounded, YN looked on at the small orb of light that sat in the spirit art user's hand. Questions abounded in his mind. So many in fact they were limitless. But as Emilia spoke again, this time to YN finally, she did her best to solve the confusion he surely felt.
Emilia: You probably don't realize it, but this one has been responsible for helping you through a lot of tough situations in such a short amount of time. But of course, that's only because you helped it first.
Cupping the spirit in her hands, she handed it back to YN, placing it in his hands gently, passing it over like a precious gift.
In his cupped hands now, the little light danced. A faint heat could be felt from it, but along with that was a connection of some kind, like this spirit was a long lost friend of sorts.
Emilia: That day in the Capitol, when you and Subaru decided to help me retrieve my insignia, and Reinhard fought the Bowel Hunter... You collapsed from feeling like you were drowning in mana... That was all due to this little one.
YN: It was all from this?
Confused how a spirit could have done that, Emilia continued to speak in her soft voice, as if trying to keep the little orb of light from being frightened.
Emilia: Reinhard absorbs a lot of mana when he fights, and spirits sometimes find themselves drained just by his presence outside of any confrontation. He can also attract microspirits to come and heal him as well. When he was gathering mana to attack Elsa, I suspect this spirit was already drawn from close by, but was almost a victim itself to Reinhard, that's why it latched on to you, being a fellow Yang user.
YN: Is that why my Gate is stretched then? From this spirit clinging onto me when he was gathering his mana to attack?
Emilia: Puck seemed to think so. Somehow when that happened, a loose pact was formed between you two. Perhaps it felt guilty for harming your Gate, or maybe it wished to repay you for saving it.
Dancing around slightly as she said those things, to which it was trying to answer was unclear, but it did seem to relay its motive was something along those lines.
Emilia: To tell you the truth, the only reason I think you're capable of using magic at all is thanks to this one. It's the one responsible for your acute mana control, not yourself, and because of how quickly you picked up your other Yang magic skills.
Looking down at the spirit, YN admittedly felt a blow to his self esteem. Had he really no talent of his own? Was it all a lie? No... That wasn't true to an extreme. But in a sense...
Emilia: Do you remember when you were injured during the mabeast incident in the village? When Rem wasn't able to heal you?
YN: I seem to recall being told you stabilized me until Beatrice showed up.
Emilia: While that was true, if it wasn't for this spirit helping me, to guild my own healing, I wouldn't have been able to keep you alive until Beatrice arrived.
Continuing to look at it, the spirit swayed from side to side, as if affirming what Emilia said was true.
This spirit saved my life...
YN couldn't shake how surreal the whole situation had become. While he felt a loss knowing all his achievements, more or less, hadn't been entirely his own; learning his magic, defeating the head mabeast, escaping Saluzzo, defeating the White Fox's Nest, and beating Ezzo, he did feel reward from having this unseen partnership. Had it not been for it, he'd have died either much more, or even permanently. But most importantly, had it not been for this little spirit, his actions might not have ever saved Rem, or won her heart over.
YN also felt a great deal of closure from some of the many things he never understood. His stretched Gate, all the repetitive questions Emilia had asked him over and over again about his Gate, why he had felt sudden rushes of mana, it had all been because of this one Yang spirit.
Seeing as YN was lost in the suddenness of everything, Emilia continued on.
Emilia: I think what may have happened was when Felix tried treating your stretched Gate, it became agitated, causing the Stagnation. But like I said, there's one perfect way to cure it, and that's by having a contracted spirit purify your Gate for you.
YN: 'Purify' it? Do I need to form a contract or something with it so it can do that?
Assuming he was missing something that would allow this spirit to fix his Gate, he figured had it been possible already, it would have been fixed a while ago.
Emilia: Yes, but in the case between you two, there's already a loose contract. I can only assume that occurred from the time it latched onto your Gate. You'll need to write over that contract with a new one.
YN: Just... write a new one, huh?
Looking down at the spirit, he spoke to it now for the first time.
YN: Well, umm, Spirit-san, what do you say? Can I convince you to stick around?
Un-reacting to his words, he wasn't sure if he was being ignored or denied.
YN: I guess I should probably know your name first though, shouldn't I?
Hoping that was the cause, YN realized he'd never "communicated" with spirits before now.
Does it speak telepathically to me? How does this work?
Emilia: Hmm... I don't think you have enough experience as a Spirit Arts user yet to understand what a spirit is trying to say... Shall I ask it for you?
YN: Umm, sure.
Keeping the Spirit in his hands, he handed it back off to Emilia, who closed her eyes and began to commune with YN's latest companion.
Emilia: —I see. Thank you for sharing that.
Opening her eyes once more, the spirit retreated to YN's hands as Emilia relayed the information to him.
Emilia: Just so it's clear, this quasi-spirit's affinity is Yang, just like your own affinity, which makes you two very compatible from the start. As for its name, it's... odd.
With a weak smile, Emilia had spoken that.
Emilia: It wishes to be referred to as 'Algol...'
YN: 'Algol?'
Saying it out loud to himself, YN recalled a brief lesson on stars he'd read and been tested on in the educational app on his phone. "Algol'' was, in many cultures, a star in the night sky that many cultures treated as "Unlucky."
While there was more to it, YN couldn't recall at this moment. Perhaps Subaru, who was much more versed in the subject, could tell him more about it if he asked.
But upon hearing its name, the spirit danced as it hovered around YN, as if appeased in some respect.
YN: So, now that I know its name, how do I go about drafting a new contract?
Emilia: You'll simply need to ask it from the bottom of your heart. Only then will you receive your answer.
Nodding to Emilia, YN offered out his hand again to the Spirit. Resting in his palm, Algol was motionless once more.
YN: Algol, would you be willing to continue to help me? —To form a new contract with me and purify my Gate?
To the quasi-spirit of Yang, YN asked this of it.
Algol: — — —
Silent and motionless in response, YN spoke again.
YN: I really do need the help... I can't control mana on my own it seems, and I need strength to protect the ones I care for the most...
Algol: — — —
With not so much a twitch in response, YN felt his heart sink at what could only be rejection.
Maybe it feels like it's run its course and the favors have been paid back. Or maybe it feels like this is all too much effort for it...
Looking to Emilia for advice, she answered without him needing to say a word.
Emilia: It appears as if it does not wish to form a new contract.
YN: — — —
Heavy hearted, YN looked down at the spirit, feeling like he couldn't exactly blame it. After all, he was in pretty deep with all that was going on. But turning his eyes back to Emilia, he weakly asked for more information.
YN: Well, now what?
Putting a hand to her chest, Emilia shook her head.
Emilia: There isn't much else you can do... Either you can keep the current arrangement ongoing, or...
A twist of sadness went across her face, as if she too, did not wish to hear it as an option.
Emilia: —you may break the contract and release it back into the world.
Somehow, YN's heart managed to sink even lower hearing that, yet at the current impasse he was at...
—that feels like the only real option here...
With a heavy heart, YN accepted there was no other option.
I'll be losing a lot here... But it feels wrong forcing it to stay...
Sighing, YN took a deep breath and said what he felt was needed to say.
YN: Algol, if it is your wish to be free, I won't stop you. For your own preference, I shall break this pre-existing contract based upon survival.
Flashing in response, Algol floated upward, and as it reached about twice his own height above him, YN felt a sudden loss in his body. While not unlike the drowning sensation felt during the fight in the loot house where he had inadvertently met this spirit, it lasted but a second. But what YN really felt was the loss of connection to this spirit.
Huh, there it goes...
As if losing a dear friend, YN saw the newly free spirit dance about. Celebrating its release, he wanted to be happy for it.
I guess we got what we needed from each other...
Sad, but satisfied, YN watched Algol fly higher and higher up above them, shining brightly as he did.
But what came next, surprised even Emilia.
As Algol stopped, high above them, a bright, blinding light originated from it. Yet upon seeing it, Emilia gasped.
Emilia: It's—!
Shining brighter and brighter, the aura around Algol grew until—
Emilia: —!
Radiating a new, brighter, and more pure white tone, the spirit changed. Like either shedding its own old skin, or scattering the energy it had into the wind, something had definitely occurred.
Thankfully though, Emilia knew exactly what had occurred.
Emilia: YN... when you released the contract... It grew.
No longer a quasi spirit, Algol had definitely changed. He was—
Emilia: Algol is... a proper spirit now.
In disbelief, Emilia watched as the spirit circled in joy around the two of them. Gaining newfound power, YN could only assume he was now too weak and untalented to deserve such a boon.
YN: Well, it's still free... But now at least it should be safer on its own...
Saying those words, the spirit hovered back and forth, as if disagreeing with what he was saying.
Emilia: —! YN. I think you may have another chance at asking for a contract...
YN: —? Algol, are you saying you want form a contract still?
Vigorously shaking in reply, the spirit in its new smoother coat of white light landed in YN's palm once more.
YN: I guess, I'll take that as a 'yes.' Alright. Let's form one.
With a single up and down movement, a light formed between the two, and the feeling of a connection bloomed once more within YN.
But in conjunction with the connection being reborn, YN felt his shoulders become lighter. His knees didn't ache, and his senses seemed to lose their fuzziness.
YN: My body... It doesn't feel so tired anymore.
Emilia: That must be your Gate becoming fluid again. It might take awhile to fully restore, but you should be free to use mana again.
Spiraling around YN, Algol seemed to be proud of itself having cured the once stagnant Gate.
To YN, it truly felt as if he was fully awake for the first time in ages, given he'd lived through three separate loops with the 'out of service' Gate.
YN: Emilia-sama—
Bowing his head, YN thanked the fellow spirit arts user.
YN: —thank you for your guidance. I am deeply appreciative of all you've done for me here, and how patient you've been with me in regards to Algol's presence.
Speaking formally, the sudden deep thanks caught Emilia off guard, causing her to fumble her words and wave her hands about.
Emilia: I-It was no big deal at all! Really. If anything, I should be thanking you...
Having a dash of scarlet come across her face, Emilia's fingers fidgeted as the micro spirits all around her faded away with the loss of concentration.
YN: —?
Emilia: You risked so much coming out here to help me... First by stopping the theft, and second by throwing yourself in front of that fireball... I can't think of anyone else who would do that for me...
As Emilia's voice became tinted with an intense emotion, YN began to feel uneasy with the words she was saying.
I can think of someone else who would throw themselves in front of ten thousand fireballs for you...
Emilia: I can't describe the feeling that it is, but when I see you sometimes, I can feel like you truly believe in me when it comes to what sort of Candidate the kingdom expects me to be... You aren't afraid to tell me when I'm doing something wrong, or should do something better, but at the same time, you don't think less of me for it. That's why I wanted you to be my Second at Saluzzo, and why I wanted you there at the Conference...
Seeing her face become more red, Emilia continued.
Emilia: You do really inspire confidence in me. And I think a lot of that comes from how similar we are.
As YN tilted his head slightly in question to that last part, the half-elf elaborated.
Emilia: Just from what I've seen, I know there's people who for some reason dislike, or even hate you. Not for who you are, but what you are. I've heard how cruel Beatrice can be to you, and I know how hard you had to work to gain the Twin's trust. Even the other Candidates took an immediate dislike to you at the Conference. A lot of that can be said for myself as well... I'm aware I resemble the Witch, and because of that, people will be rude and unkind to me for no other reason than that... —but I feel you're the only person I know who's felt something similar—, to be disliked from the very beginning.
While he couldn't fault her for seeing it that way, and despite YN wishing to stop her, Emilia continued, her ears now too becoming red.
Emilia: —and I know I must have been bothersome asking the same questions again and again... But I was just reeeaaaallly excited that maybe I'd get to become friends with another spirit arts user. Something I've never had...
As if felt like Emilia was pouring her feelings out more and more, YN appreciated the sentiment, but the sensation of unease he felt only went up exponentially as she went on.
And to YN's intuition, it had begun to reach a point.
Emilia: So YN... what I want to ask is... —No.
Shaking her head, Emilia stood up straight once more. Regaining her composure, Emilia's silver haired head silhouetted the moon behind it once more, the lunar rays seemingly illuminating her amethyst eyes. Speaking sternly, and with conviction like she had been spurred to do at the Conference, Emilia spoke her words to YN.
Emilia: YN. As a Royal Election Candidate who is currently without a Knight—
No...
Emilia: —I would like to formally offer you—
No, no, no...
Emilia: —the status, and recognition—,
...
Emilia: —as my Knight.
Speaking softly now, Emilia pleaded while she maintained her formal composure.
Emilia: YN... You're the only one who's shown me they should fill that role for me. Everything from tonight has only proved that... So please... please, be my Knight.
YN: — — —
A tense air had formed between the two. One filled with anticipation and expectation.
Why? Why me?! This... This should be Subaru she's saying this too... I can't accept... I won't!
As Emilia's face remained calm and collected in front of the full moon, she had one hand extend to him, and the other holding her pounding chest.
I only saved her because...
Tightening his fist at his side in frustration, YN sought an answer in his actions. Grabbing for his own chest in habit, his hand reached for the pewter necklace that hung around his neck, under his shirt.
That's right...
Admittedly, all this talk of Emilia, Algol, spirits, and realizations of the past, YN had nearly let his main goal slip from sight.
Rem...
Seeing the maid clearly in his mind, YN longed to see her at the moment.
All this... Every little thing I've done here... It's all for her.
While looking at Emilia, watching the light breeze rustle her long silver hair, YN could only think of and picture the smooth, soft, short azure hair he'd come to adore.
Why did I risk my life for Emilia? No... I never did. I've never done that. The only reason I've done what I've done, —why I've done anything, is for her.
Even though they maintained eye contact, YN could only imagine one other person. The one who was always there for him, even now, giving him strength when he had none. Despite all the tragic things that had occurred between the two, he wanted to be that close to no one but her.
Being awarded something that would only seek to displace her in his heart from the spot that belonged to her and not any other soul, YN felt he had begun to understand something pivotal. The feeling and understanding of an emotion that as of late, perplexed and confused him.
"What else would he call the person who holds the number one spot in his heart?"
There was certainly a word for that. Something that would make being Emilia's Knight a disservice to her. Reaching deep into his mind and soul, an understanding began to blossom.
Emilia: — — —
After so masterfully working up the courage to ask, Emilia still stood resolute, awaiting an answer to the offer she extended, and hoped more than anything, would be accepted.
The gentle breeze atop the bell tower still blew, and the moon still shined bright.
YN: — — —
And so silently maintaining his composure, YN's feverish mind rattled with thoughts of deep contemplation.
I told myself, I'd find a way to tell her how I feel.
Coming upon how to do that, after realizing just how much the maid he adored meant to him, it was only now finally put into context when compared to Emilia's offer.
All of this... is for her, so no other word would hope to fit better...
Emilia: — — —
YN: — — —
With the silence between them slowly becoming deafening, a realization finally hit YN.
I have to say it. If I can say it here, I can say it to her later, and answer Emilia-sama.
Swallowing all his anxiety, YN formed the last connection he needed to understand the word he struggled with when hearing it, especially in regards to her.
Emilia: — — —
YN: *Phew*
Taking in a deep breath, the breeze died, and the nighttime air stood still. The existing tension still though, was as thick as ever.
Emilia: — — —
Summoning every last bit of regained strength he had, YN forced himself to utter what he knew was the undeniable truth. And Emilia, patiently awaiting her answer, finally received it.
YN: Emilia,—
— — —
Emilia: — — —
— — —
YN: — — —
— — —
Emilia: — — —
It was now, or never.
— — —
On the edge of everything, YN spoke what needed to be said.
— — —!
Emilia: — — —
YN: —I love Rem.
Emilia: — — —
Although delayed, her reaction saw the loss of tension from her eyes. While not a literal answer to her question, the fellow spirit arts user understood what his answer had stemmed from and what it meant to her offer.
YN: —and it's for that reason, I can't be your Knight.
Emilia: — — —
Shaking his head slowly as he said that, he continued.
YN: For someone to be your Knight, they would need to put you first before anything else, and I can't do that.
Thinking back on what he had seen with the other Knights and their Candidates, YN knew the pairing wouldn't work.
Felix would do anything for Crusch, and the same could be said I'm sure for Julius and Anastasia, and Aldebaran and Priscilla. And after seeing how devoted Reinhard was to Felt, it's plain as day, I'm just not cut from the same cloth.
Lowering her hand, Emilia accepted his response.
Emilia: I can completely understand. I just...
Hearing her voice get weak toward the end, Emilia pushed through with what she was trying to say.
Emilia: —hope we haven't ruined our friendship.
As shaky as her voice was, YN at the very least felt obliged to keep her from crying.
YN: Not at all. I'm actually excited to learn more about being a spirit arts user from you. And, you still have my full support in getting the Throne. If me and Rem are going to have a happy future together, it's going to hinge on you being the King, after all.
Emilia: You're not just saying that because the other Candidates dislike you?
YN: I have my grievances with them, sure. But Emilia-sama, I can't think of anyone else with a better soul to rule, then you.
Bowing his head, Emilia looked upon him and was truly moved. While she still lacked a Knight, she had still retained a friend, and helped him in the process.
YN: But, you still need a Knight. And there's only one person who can fit that role for you, Emilia-sama.
Emilia knew exactly who YN spoke of, and immediately, she was not in support of the idea.
Emilia: I understand why you think that. Roswaal seems to think so as well, but I just can't... Not now, at least.
A fire growing inside him, YN knew he had to go to bat for his friend here. There was no other choice. If Emilia wanted him to be her Knight, and couldn't be, she should at least respect who he thinks that should be.
Emilia: There's just been too many broken promises... That's not a quality a Knight should have in regard to the one who serves them. Not to mention it's greatly hurt our existing friendship...
Only now understanding why she felt that way, YN knew it was in relation to being a spirit art's user. There was something about being one that seemed to subconsciously put a high priority on promises and keeping them.
YN: Emilia-sama. While I agree it wasn't a good idea for him to do so, and that he should have acted much differently, if Subaru had done as you asked, and not followed his own intuition and feelings... —you'd be dead from a Witch Cult attack tomorrow. —You'd be without Puck to help keep you safe. And the entire Village of Arlem would be wiped out.
Opening her eyes wide at hearing that, Emilia looked down and away.
Emilia: That doesn't excuse—
YN: —You're right, it doesn't. But Emilia-sa—
Cutting his words short, YN reshuffled what he was to say in a more casual manner like Emilia preferred.
YN: —Emilia, the quality a Knight must have is the ability to keep you safe. Had it not been for Subaru's guidance in sending me here, I would not have come. If it weren't for—
Emilia: YN, please. You don't need to tell me...
As a small flare seemed to erupt from inside him, YN spoke to Emilia with a sternness he'd never voiced before.
YN: Yes, I do need to tell you.
Surprised to hear him speak as such, Emilia looked on like a young child being scolded by their parent.
YN: Emilia, you have no idea what sort of hoops, jumps, and gymnastics Subaru has gone through to get you the help he's gathered. Just. For. You.
Pointing out in the direction of where the Flugel Tree should be, it was far enough past horizon it wasn't visible.
YN: Right now, he's gathered an army, —a coalition of Crusch's, and Anastasia's own forces to combat the White Whale, and then march to defend Arlem from the Witch Cult. No one, and I mean no one else could have done that for you. Not a single person.
As he finished saying that, a bright, almost flare-like light lit up from beyond the horizon in the direction YN had pointed, clearly having something to do with the battle that was certainly being waged out on the planes against the Whale. Catching both of their eyes, the half-elf was given a peek into what Subaru was doing for her.
YN: Emilia, you couldn't ask for a better Knight that checks all the boxes for what a Knight should be. But of those, and most importantly, Subaru puts you first. And until you make more strides as a Candidate, he's going to be the only one.
Emilia: — — —
Processing everything she had just learned, it appeared as if Emilia at least saw YN's wayward traveling companion in a new light. A positive one too, he hoped.
YN: Emilia... Right now, Subaru is fighting for you in ways no one else could ever hope to match. Even if you don't want him to, even if you never asked him to, he's doing it because if he doesn't do what needs to be done, no one else will.
Holding his hand in a clenched fist over his chest, YN finished his preaching.
YN: That's why you should pick Subaru. Not me, not anyone else. Subaru is your Knight.
Shaking her head, Emilia answered.
Emilia: I can't make a decision now. There's still a lot of thinking I need to do... But I will try to have an answer for Subaru by the next time I see him.
With that though, YN was nearly entirely confident of what that answer would be.
I would stop supporting Emilia if she weren't to take Subaru as her Knight after seeing all of what he's done for her.
Smiling to himself now, YN nodded to the half-elf.
Thankfully though, I know she couldn't do that.
As the two had no further reason to dwell atop the bell tower, they descended back to the street level. Upon arriving, YN's car was free of the ice, and remained in place. But in company of his car, was the carriage Emilia had ridden in on, and driving it—
Driver: Emilia—, er Emilia-sama, I bring news of the Highway ahead.
Bowing as he addressed her, the Knight that had previously betrayed her had remained loyal it seemed. Something different had occurred, and to YN, this simply meant it was one less thing for him to be concerned with.
Driver: While I was dispatching the other thief, he was able to escape. He did so down the Lifaus Highway, which is now closed until further notice with a force from the Capitol seeking to subdue the White Whale.
Already privy to the information about a "force from the Capitol," Emilia thanked the Driver for his work.
Emilia: Thank you for your hard work, Driver-san.
Still guilty he had nearly betrayed the kind girl, the Knight was forced to look away as he answered.
Driver: I-It is merely my duty...
Addressing her again though, the Knight pressed the urgency for time.
Driver: If I may be so bold, we may be able to take the Lifaus Highway a distance before needing to turn off and away. The battle is currently unfolding near Flugal's Tree. If we avoid that, we should be able to get you back to the Margrave's residence by late morning.
Nodding, Emilia wished to waste no time.
Emilia: Then let us depart. YN?
Stepping into the carriage, the half-elf inquired to YN on what he intended to do.
YN: I'll escort you as far as I can in my car— er, 'Dragonless Carriage' and then seek to meet up with Subaru.
With Emilia nodding in agreement, YN let out a large sigh.
Somehow, all this has finally worked out...
Flying around YN, as if also sharing it's relief that his part of this loop's strategy was over, and his hill had been climbed, Algol rested just above his head. Smiling at the spirit, Emilia spoke to YN.
Emilia: Once every bring calms down, you'll need to get a crystal like Puck's for it to dwell in when not materialized.
Moving down to his side, YN looked at the spirit in question.
YN: Where was it hiding this entire time then?
Not understanding how Algol had remained hidden from sight for so long, Emilia elaborated.
Emilia: This spirit rreeeaaally excels in acute mana control, so it's likely they were able to use so little that it remained hidden. But as part of your contract, you gained that ability and the Yang magic you've used before from it. Your ability to use mana more efficiently will come if Algol has a crystal to rest in when not maintaining a physical form. Until then, even though it's become a Proper Spirit from being a Quasi-Spirit, you won't see a huge increase in what you're capable of doing.
YN: I see...
Already being tutored on the subject, YN was thankful it was Emilia who could guide him on his new path of being a spirit art's user.
But, with time pressing, YN set out behind Emilia and the newly won over Knight-Driver.
Twinkling in the passenger seat of his car, he fondly looked over to his new companion, and smiled as he thought of the other person who had sat there.
I'm going to have a lot to tell Rem, won't I?
Between the addition of a new companion, and the word he had vowed to say to her, YN hoped for the best for Subaru, and that he'd be able to be safely reunited with Rem, the adorable, azure haired maid he'd come to love.
Rem, I'll be there soon, don't you worry.
Setting off into the night, YN let his mind be at rest for the first time in ages while he drove.
A/N: Thank you all for the continued support. It means the world to me that I'm able to see you all enjoying this series so much. I hope you liked YN's progression in this as well as so many little plot things all of sudden being tied up now. But, don't worry! I plan on continuing to put all of my effort into this series and keeping it entertaining and impactful. Your story with Rem will only get better, I promise you all! Please look forward to the next few chapters! They will feature more art and more Rem content that I think is very good and if you've been a fan of the series thus far, will greatly enjoy it.
See you all next week!