Chapter 138: The Best Is Yet To Come
Slowly, YN's consciousness began to come back to him.
He could still feel there was an extreme fatigue all over his body, but gone were the most serious injuries he had felt before passing out.
It was definitely somewhat chilly where he was, but at least his head was warm. Why was that though? It was obvious from the faint sound of leaves rustling in a gentle breeze he was still outside.
Is my head resting on something?
Deciding to open his eyes, YN's immediate view was the twilight sky above, encircled by the tops of trees, just still barely lit by the sun's last rays of light dancing atop their farthest upward branches. The first stars of the night had already come to show themselves.
As he looked above this display though, the silhouette of a familiar shape caught the corner of his eyes, and for a moment, YN's breath hitched in his throat at its shape.
This outline he saw, belonging to the one that held his heart above all else caused his heart to suddenly begin to pound. His eyes going wide, it unfocused his recovering vision for a moment as the scope of what he saw broadened.
Ah...
As the hope in his heart welled up for her, it was eventually made hollow as the silhouette in his vision came to have color.
There was not azure blue he had dreamed and longed for it to be. Encrowned by the day's departure of faint subsiding rays of pink in the sky, rather, this figure was akin in color to those fading rays.
Peach colored, its shape was that of what azure YN had hoped it was, although mirrored.
I guess it can't be her... But this is okay too.
Realizing from the angle of where he was, as his mind woke up more too, YN began to see how foolish he was for initially thinking this was the one he missed so intensely.
I guess it makes sense her's is similar, but isn't as soft.
Where his head lied was familiar, but only the one who loved him so had such soft thighs. The black fabric and white apron all felt the same upon his head, as they were identical between the two, however, YN could feel this one was definitely torn and tattered.
YN had awoken with his head on Ram's lap, giving his head a pillow as he had remained unconscious.
Ram: How nice it is, for you to finally join us.
Immediately was Ram's usual tone and demeanor what YN had come to know and expect.
Except now, as he looked up to see her face, YN could see both her ruby eyes from this angle, as he was below her bangs. From this exchange of eye contact, an unexpected hint of bashfulness entered Ram's voice.
Ram: You are the last to wake up. Although, Ram believes you've earned that...
As he gained his bearings more as he awoke to Ram's words, YN was about to ask what had become of Garfiel now, although as he looked about, he quickly spotted him.
YN: Garf?
While YN's voice was definitely groggy sounding, his spoken words carried enough volume to be easily heard by the golden-haired youth who was off to the side, also sitting but pouting, arms crossed as he was.
Garfiel: How ya feelin'?
Somewhat surprised to hear such a civil thing come from him, given what had just gone on between the two, YN answered dryly.
YN: I'm... fine now. Sore. But fine.
Giving Garfiel an answer, YN turned his gaze back up to the one his head still laid upon. Their eyes meeting again, Ram could easily see the perplexed emotion on his face from such an exchange he clearly hadn't expected.
Ram: Garf here has decided to turn over a new leaf. From now on, he'll—
Raising a hand, palm upward, gesturing to Garfiel, Ram had begun to speak in her usual pompous tone, but was cut off.
Garfiel: —Oi! Don't make it sound like I just gave in. I got a backbone still ya know...
By the way the youth's words trailed off at the end, YN could tell something was definitely off.
YN: Garf.
Garfiel: Yeah?
Raising a brow to the one who still had his head upon Ram's lap, YN spoke his curiosity in reply.
YN: Why aren't you... ya know... acting like you?
Garfiel: —tch!
As if trying to avoid that being obvious, Garfiel snarled his teeth before answering.
Garfiel: What's that supposed'ta mean, eh?
While he rose his voice in annoyance to YN poking at a topic Garfiel clearly wished to avoid at this time, the groundskeeper felt no real threat behind those loud words, which sculpted his more relaxed reply.
YN: I'd expect you to be saying something more along the lines of 'get off me woman's lap' or anything else to that effect. Not a simple 'how are ya' like I got.
Garfiel: —Tch...
Turning his head away in what actually seemed to be embarrassment, Garfiel answered while looking away, still keeping his arms crossed as he sat.
Garfiel: I might'a been told by Ram to think less about things since that ain't my best skill, but my amazin' self can still read a room...
Clueless to what Garfiel meant by that, YN could only furrow his brow at the golden-haired youth. Seeing that, he clicked his tongue in mild annoyance from having to say it out loud.
Garfiel: Ram ran right to ya when she got here. She didn't pay me no mind obviously...
Saying that last part with a bit of pained animosity, Ram barked back at his retelling of this, as if finding it inaccurate.
Ram: Emilia-sama was already pampering Barasu despite him doing next to nothing, and the merchant passed by YN with no regard to his well-being when we arrived here. Ram simply had nowhere else to be of use besides YN's side.
Ram's reddened face turned away from them both as she concluded her tsun'd retort.
Ram: —After all, it is rude to not thank the one who was able to secure victory.
Ram's words, despite any other emotion YN could feel behind them, had moved him to smile warmly back up at her.
YN: Thank you, Ram... You and Otto did a lot too.
Looking over to where Subaru was sitting next to Emilia, he went on.
YN: —We all did a lot.
This all really was the brainchild of Subaru. Without his actions, sacrifices, and meticulous planning, none of this could have ever come to be this way.
At the end of the day, I guess I'm really only elating myself to a tool of Subaru's own. Just a cog in the machine of his plans...
As long as he trusted him though, being just an implement is what would bring him closer to waking up his beloved.
Rem...
Now casting his gaze over to Garfiel, still sitting with his arms crossed, YN spoke to him again.
YN: This is what numbers and allies get you, Garfiel.
In reply to YN, the golden-haired youth gestured over to where Subaru and Emilia were.
Garfiel: Not only do ya win, but ya get a lap pillow from a pretty girl too it seems.
Breaking Ram's blush, the pink-haired maid snapped back at Garfiel's words but directed her language to the one who's head still sat upon her thighs.
Ram: M-Make whatever point it is you're trying to here. Ram's legs are going numb.
YN: Ahh, sorry. Here I'll get up now.
Picking himself up off the ground, YN stood and dusted himself off before extending a hand down to Ram.
Taking it with no hesitation, she did mumble under her breath as she was assisted upward.
Ram: YN could have had longer to wait if he so needed...
Thinking it better he not further agitate Ram, YN turned to face Garfiel who had also begun to stand at the same time he did.
YN: — — —
Garfiel: — — —
Between the two, was a hand extended by the victor of their brawl. Silently the two stood with it between them. Neither taking nor retreating the offer.
YN: We both still have problems we gotta face, and really? We could use some help still. This is all far from being solved.
Garfiel: — — —
Locked eye to eye, YN and Garfiel stared at each other whilst everyone else watched this exchange.
YN: Please, let's not be enemies. Instead, let's be allies.
Garfiel: — — —
YN: — — —
After another few moments of tense silence, the bridge was built.
Taking YN's offered hand, Garfiel shook it, and a sense of relief washed over all that were present.
Garfiel: My amazin' self lost, just like Ram said. Only fair I'm a good loser 'bout it.
Letting go of the hand, Garfiel turned to face away from everyone as he scratched the scar on his forehead.
Garfiel: —Besides... I got somethin' I need to do now... and I gotta cooperate if I wanna to do it...
His words trailing off as if he were slightly embarrassed to be saying them, YN naturally was curious as to what this was.
But before he could ask, it was Emilia who approached from his flank.
Emilia: Garfiel is going to attempt the Trial.
From there, YN was filled in from everyone else all that he had missed from being passed out as long as he was. Everyone had earnestly begun to worry about how long it had taken for him to reawaken, as Garfiel wasn't keen on fully drawing a conclusion to things until he had a word with YN.
Still though, it wasn't as if YN had missed a monumental amount of happenings. Subaru had gathered all the remaining full mana crystals, and essentially "fed" them to the larger crystal Puck inhabited. All whilst Ram had been the one to convince Garfiel to partake in a renewed Trial of his own.
—And to get a change of clothes, as what Garfiel had been wearing towards the end of their fight was akin to a few rags at best, covering what was only essential.
All this culminated into where YN now stood, with Emilia, Subaru, Otto, and Ram watching the golden-haired youth wander into the Witch's Tomb, and a short few moments later, watching the stone facade light up, symbolizing the start to a Trial.
On their own on the outside, it was Subaru who now spoke up to YN.
Subaru: So, after he's done... are you going to try and take your next Trial after Emilia-tan takes hers?
Only able to shrug in reply to his question, YN didn't believe it was as simple as that.
YN: I don't think it's as straightforward as just walking in anymore... Echidna hasn't let me try and start mine since you lost your Qualification.
Subaru: Hmmm. Still, huh?
A hand to his chin in thought, the black-haired boy brainstormed for a moment before a light bulb of sorts appeared above his head, fresh with an idea.
Subaru: Why don't we try and trick her. You already got chastised for breaking her rules once, so why not bend them again?
YN: I already get lectured for it despite not knowing what I did, so what's the harm in actually intentionally breaking them?
Halfway being sarcastic as he replied that, Subaru put his hand on his shoulder in a "that's the sprit!" sort of way.
Subaru: It's simple. When Emilia-tan goes in to take her Third Trial, try and see if you sneak in that way.
Proposing an otherwise simple sounding plan, it seemed just offhanded enough given YN previous "rule breaks" that it might just work.
Emilia: I'll uhhh... I'll hold the door open for you?
Wanting to be supportive but not really knowing how, Emilia offered what she could with a well meaning smile on her face as she did. Receiving a bow in exchange, the groundskeeper paid his respects to her.
YN: Thank you, Emilia-sama.
As he turned to Subaru again, he more casually spoke.
YN: In a way... that's really my only shot I'll have left to try I think.
After some time had gone by, the silhouette of the one who had gone into the Tomb could be seen emerging after the lights had gone dim.
In the meantime, off to one side, Subaru of course had told a bad joke about Garfiel not enjoying his Trial, likening his demeanor to that of a child, smashing to the Tomb like one might flip a board game. Otto, to this, put his foot in his linguistically, which only earned him a drop kick from Ram.
The first to meet Garfiel as he exited the Tomb though, was Ryuzu Dilma.
YN was well aware from his time talking to them all, that each of the major Ryuzus deeply cared for Garfiel, and would want to be here for this moment. As such, YN in the time between Garfiel entering, and then later exiting, had gone off to fetch the on-duty Ryuzu.
Hugging him as soon as he emerged from the Tomb, Ryuzu Dilma of course asked the obvious question of how he was.
Garfiel: I've taken care of the past. —For the better this go around.
Ram: Then it is fair to say that Garf passed his Trial?
Off-put to think there'd be any sort of doubt, Garfiel scoffed in his response to the pink haired maid.
Garfiel: Do ya really gotta ask? Of course I did. Can't ya tell?
Puffing his chest out and putting his hands on his hips as if to make it more apparent, it was Otto who spoke up next.
Otto: Regardless, that's another person we have who's further along in the Trials. Maybe Garfiel-san would like to be another backup to completing the Trials like YN-san is —GWAH!
Getting a sharp elbow to his ribs via Ram, for the second time in such a short period had the maid delivered a blow to the poor merchant, this time perhaps more deservingly for running his mouth.
Despite being hunched over in pain though, Otto was still answered by Garfiel.
Garfiel: Naw. I'm not takin' any more Trials. That's up to the Princess-sama to do. Not me.
Emilia: T-That's right!
Trying to keep that momentum of resolve built up, Emilia hadn't wasted a second to confirm that.
With a look of determination across her fair skinned face and amethyst eyes, they did admittedly soften as what Otto had been halted in saying came across her curiosity.
Emilia: About what Otto-kun just said, YN?
Turning to face the groundskeeper, a tone of concern came across the half-elf's voice.
Emilia: He mentioned something about being a backup...? For the Trials... Are you—?
YN: —I'm set to take my Third Trial if that's what you're asking.
"Huh?!"
Garnering a surprised reaction from the likes of Emilia, Ram, Garfiel, and Ryuzu, the only two who had remained straight faced were Otto and Subaru, but only because they had already known about it.
With so many eyes on him now, YN couldn't help but feel a little on edge now.
Emilia: I know you and Subaru discussed trying to take your Trial again while my own went on, as a way to get around not being able to for some reason... but I think we all assumed you meant your Second Trial... not your Third.
Only able to sigh in immediate response, this really wasn't how YN had wanted this to proceed.
YN: I guess I never mentioned that part because I didn't want to pursue you...
Really at a loss for what he could say, his words trailed off.
Emilia: I know you wouldn't intend to free the Sanctuary out from underneath me... Right?
Timidly asking that harsh question of YN, his first immediate reaction was to vehemently deny it, but given his secrecy, he felt that his words might come without meaning. Yet before he could voice them—
Subaru: —Hold on. Hold up.
With Emilia's number one confidant and knight stepping in to keep any rash conclusions from being drawn, Subaru went in to speak up on behalf of his friend. With all eyes on him now, the black-haired boy cleared his throat as he spoke to Emilia.
Subaru: In our dealings with the Witch of Greed, —Echidna, she told YN that if he just attempted to take his Third Trial, she'd answer him some questions about Rem's condition. It might even entail how to wake her up maybe.
Her amethyst eyes going wide hearing such a reason behind it, Emilia then cast her gaze downward, as if guilty she had jumped to such a conclusion so quickly.
Emilia: I... I see... I hadn't thought there might be another reason for you to do that... I should have trusted that there would be...
Saying this to YN, the half-elf held her own arm to her side as she narrowly avoided eye contact.
Subaru: What's more too, is that the Witch even said it would be YN's choice to liberate the Sanctuary if he did pass the Third Trial, and he already promised me he would refrain from doing that.
Hearing that there could be a possibility still that her resolve might be for not after all, Emilia's voice and demeanor still remained shaky.
Emilia: YN... I know you're someone who keeps their promises... but still... with how desperate things might become... would you still not liberate the Sanctuary if there was no other choice?
YN: — — —
Unsure if the silver-haired girl was trying to catch him in a trap of his own words, YN knew such a play by Emilia was very unlikely, yet, given the circumstances, he couldn't dismiss that possibility.
She either wants me to answer by saying I would, and justify saving the lives of the innocent over any other petty self accomplishments.
—or
She's curious of just how much faith I have in her when push comes to shove if I say I wouldn't.
Either way, an answer of one was a denial of the other.
Taking a deep breath though, YN pictured the one he loved in his mind.
Rem...
Rejecting the binary choice before him, YN, much like he had done in this world thus far, carved out his own path, a third path, with none of the detriments, and all of the spoils.
YN: —Emilia-sama.
Addressing her in a stern voice, the change in tone somewhat surprised Emilia.
YN: I believe in no one else but you winning the Throne. Liberating the Sanctuary is something you need to be able to do to achieve that, and that's something you yourself said.
Emilia: — — —
YN: If it's not my promise, Emilia-sama, look for the truth in my words in the form of my direct needs; I'm not going to sabotage the future I know I need for Rem to be woken up. You being the ruler to this Kingdom is essential if I want a good life with Rem. Come Witch Cult or White Whale, it's your guidance that'll be needed to keep us safe.
Emilia: I...
Catching the half-elf off guard with his words, she rebuilt her composure and nodded to him.
Emilia: I understand your resolve. I... I think you should take the Trial too.
Bowing in reply, YN thanked Emilia for her mutual understanding.
Subaru: So we're okay with YN taking the Third Trial?
Asking this of Emilia as he stood next to her, Subaru sought the final approval.
Emilia: Yes. I like the idea.
Turning her gaze to YN, she smiled.
Emilia: We'll try it together, okay?
With a consensus drawn over the matter, it was now Garfiel who spoke up, changing the topic at hand.
Garfiel: Uhh, before we move on to the Princess-sama takin' her Trial, I gotta say somethin' first... For you and him.
Gesturing to both Subaru and YN as he said this, the youth's unexpectedly and mildly spoken words were jeered at by Subaru.
Subaru: That's a surprising way for you to address us both. You're not getting nervous now are ya?
Garfiel: — — —
Taking the teasing taunt on the chin, Garfiel simply let it run off him like rain.
Subaru: I'll admit, I didn't expect what you might have to say to involve me, but it seems like everyone has been getting awfully bashful towards YN, especially Ram, —GAH
Stomping squarely on Subaru's foot, the maid scoffed at being included in his ramblings.
Ram: Go on, Garf.
Garfiel: R-Right... *Ahem.*
Admittedly intimidated he'd get hit as well, the youth cleared his throat, but couldn't just let the words Subaru had spoken go unanswered.
Garfiel: I know he's just makin' fun of me. I'll beat the sneering jeer's teeth in and— Ah, whatever... Never mind.
In rare form again, the normally hardheaded youth's words trailed off as he lightly kicked the ground, as if he had lost the motivation to go on. Not one to see him like this though, Ram commented on it.
Ram: Garf, please just continue before I lose my patience with you as well.
Garfiel: —Tch...
Perhaps using wrong kind of encouragement, Emilia stepped in for a lighter touch.
Emilia: Garfiel, if there's something you want to say, I think you should just say it.
Not about to told he was too weak to do it, Garfiel pushed past the self-barrier he had put up as he scratched the back of his head.
Garfiel: I guess I just thought I oughta' thank the two of yous...
Ram: It's rare Barasu would deserve such words.
Garfiel: It's only cause of them I think I passed my Trial...
While he was still recoiled in pain, caressing his foot from the stomp he had received, Subaru actually looked up now in stark revelation.
Subaru: —Huh? Did you just thank us?
With a brush of red going across his face, the youth tuned his gaze away from him as he answered.
Garfiel: I got to remember something I wanted to remember... so it's a win-win for me anyway you wanna look at it... AHH!
Clearly, showing so much humility was proving to be quite the task for normally bombastic Garfiel. Exclaiming out loud from the buildup of it, he ruffled his own golden hair in frustration, which only earned him a small laugh from Emilia.
Emilia: Garfiel's face is reeeeeeally red.
Garfiel: —Tch!
Unable to hide how he felt now, he sought to cover up the emotion with his usual bravado.
Garfiel: Yous both better have heard me that time, cus I ain't gunna say it again!
Turning mainly to YN now, he went on.
Garfiel: My amazin' self did lose to ya, and the Trial did change me, but I ain't gunna just accept anything you two say like is all correct and the truth and all that... I ain't surrendering all together like that. Yous might change the Sanctuary with all that talking your both're so good at, and I can't stop that... But if that change causes any pain or strife for the villagers, I won't go down without another fight. Ya hear that?
Closing his eyes and nodding to his words, YN replied, fully understanding where Garfiel's heart was when he said that.
YN: I don't think we'd want it any other way.
Garfiel: —?!
Taken back by how accepted his resolve was, the notion he had put forth was embraced in a way he hadn't expected.
Garfiel: I-I'll be watchin' you both real close to see if you go back on all that big talk...
Subaru: ...Considering you and YN already had the match for the heavyweight champion, I'd say we're well past the point of just being "talk..." But sure. That's reasonable.
Curtly remarking on Garfiel's logic as he agreed with him, Subaru gave him a weak look as he said that. Yet, overlooking the entire criticism all together, Garfiel smiled widely at the agreement of resolve.
Garfiel: That's what I wanna hear.
*Slap*
Subaru: —Gah...
Giving the black-haired boy a welcoming slap-on-the-back, Garfiel turned to him one last time as he started his descent of the stairs.
Garfiel: You better make it so, Captain.
Subaru: —?!
Silent at this newly assigned nickname, Subaru could only watch Garfiel start down the steps of stone on his own.
To this dumbfoundedness, Emilia smiled in amusement at the entire situation before quietly getting YN's attention.
Emilia (whisper): Both of their faces are sooooo red right now!
Not about to just let this go unexplained though, Subaru finally got over his initial confusion and called back to Garfiel after he whispered this new nickname to himself twice. "'Captain... Captain...'"
Subaru: Wait, Garfiel, you know it's Emilia-tan who's the head of the camp, not me, right?
Perhaps hung up on pure formalities alone, Subaru asked this, to which Garfiel only raised a single hand as he continued his way down.
Garfiel: Yeah, that's true, but you're obviously the main organizer of things, so the name fits.
Given a stubborn response, it seemed the nickname for Subaru from Garfiel was here to stay. Yet as to what it was justified as, Emilia now called down to Garfiel.
Emilia: Hey, what does that make YN then?
Garfiel: —hk.
Freezing him in place, mid-step, it seemed Emilia had reminded Garfiel of something he had forgotten to consider.
To Garfiel, while it had been YN who had stopped him physically, it had all been on Subaru's plan and ambition. He had respect for him for that, after all, the "talk" the golden-haired youth had consistently slandered Subaru for had won out against his own brawn. Garfiel was a stubborn person, but even he had to recognize he had been beat, and give credit where it was due.
Garfiel: Erm... Hmmm...
Still, it wasn't as if Garfiel viewed YN as a mere pawn or tool by Subaru, had he been, the youth knew he would have beaten YN hands down. But it was because YN was a follower of Subaru's ambition here, that he had manifested and used his very own in the fight he had against him. It was YN's own ambition too, that had worked along with Subaru's that had enabled them to achieve this victory. Garfiel too, had to come to respect that as well.
Finally answering Emilia's question after a brief moment of reflection, the golden-haired youth felt as if he had come to a satisfactory answer.
Garfiel: He's uhh, more of a background guy the Captain's gotta turn to when he needs someone trusty. Sorta like when Belador on the Mountain calls his uncle... Yeah that's it.
Snapping his fingers as he came to a reason for it, Garfiel had begun to even convince himself of the term before he had even spoken it.
Garfiel: —Oji-san.
Raising a brow of intrigue to his own new nickname, it really hadn't been one that YN had expected to get called.
'Oji-san,' huh?
But, he wasn't about to question the method like Subaru had. Content with it, YN simply looked back to Subaru, who was still busy mumbling "'Captain...'" under his breath.
YN: You good?
With a puzzled look on his face as he stared down at his open hands, Subaru shook his head slightly.
Subaru: It... Just doesn't seem right... —for me, at least.
As if he had suddenly been struck with a case of imposter syndrome, it was Emilia who spoke up to Subaru.
Emilia: Well, it was your group that bested Garfiel. While it was YN that ended it, it was you who headed the entire effort. That to me means you're now in charge of Garfiel. Isn't that right, Captain?
YN could tell that while she was trying to be helpful, Emilia didn't really understand to what end Subaru felt he was undeserving of the nickname.
Subaru: It's really not that I can't accept it... I'm just worried it'll go to my head...
Afraid of his own ego, Emilia better understood what it was now.
Emilia: Garfiel accepted the outcome of the conflict. I think that means this title is yours to take.
Finding it hard to argue with her if she put it that way, Subaru relented his minds worries.
Emilia: I doubt you feel the same way. It'd be more difficult to let your title get to your head.
Saying this to YN as she looked to him, Ram followed up on what she said.
Ram: Barasu should just accept it. Same with YN. Regardless of the outcome, whether it was the 'Captain's' planning or 'Oji-san's' strength, at the end of the day, you're both older than him, so it's only natural Garf would want to address you both as such. You both have a kouhai to be mindful of now.
Subaru: Huh?
YN: Come again?
Both dumbfounded by what Ram had just said, the two before her flatly questioned her about what she had just said in a rather stupefied manner.
Ram: —? Are both of your self-worths so witheringly low you cannot accept such titles? I might have expected such cowardice from Barasu but not YN.
YN: Nee-sama, that's not it... You said he—, Garf, is younger than us?
Only garnering more confusion from the maid, she was hesitant before confirming, as if wondering why she'd even need to.
Ram: Yes?
YN & Subaru: —?!
Exchanging a look with each other, the two fellow wayward travelers could scarcely fathom such a reality.
YN: I... I figured Garf was just short, but at least Subaru's age...
Subaru's reaction was completely different from YN's. Instead of quietly mumbling to himself, trying to rationalize it, he was loud and skeptical of the information.
Subaru: Wait, wait, wait! How much younger than us is he?!
Still not seeing this as such a profound finding as the two before her did, Ram answered in a starkly more calm fashion.
Ram: Garf turned fourteen not long ago. Ram cannot recall the exact date.
YN & Subaru: FOURTEEN?!
Still not understanding why this was such a drastic development for them, Ram simply let them vent their surprise with an unsurprised expression.
Subaru: He's an actual chuuni?!
Arms to the side of his head, Subaru exclaimed this, whilst YN could only pinch the bridge of his brow and shake his head in embarrassment.
YN: I can't believe I threw hands with a fourteen-year-old...
To them both though, the nicknames Garfiel had chosen for them suddenly had made sense, as did the golden-haired youth's childishly stubborn mentality.
Subaru: He's a middle schooler at the peak of his rebellious phase... no wonder this was a nightmare?! Give one of those a motive and the super strength to see it though... How did we defy the odds?!
Shaking YN's shoulders as he yelled this, Subaru clearly had a hard time adapting to such a revelation. Before YN could answer him though, Ram spoke back up.
Ram: That is precisely why Ram was impressed that YN said he wished to save Garf, not just beat him to a pulp. Now with the way events have turned out, he'll begin to look to you two as his senpai. As such, having someone like his 'oji-san' or 'captain' will be good for Garf, as he'll need guidance like that.
Really, the two before Ram had no real choice in the matter anymore it seemed. With a mild shrug from them each, they accepted their new roles. Still, it wasn't as if YN didn't feel a tinge of guilt from all this.
I can't believe at some points I got so bent out of shape over someone I had no clue was ultimately a child. Why couldn't Rem had said something about that when I talked to her about him?!
For YN to have been victorious in this way though, he had to embrace it also for the fact it now gave Ram something to base her trust in him on moving forward.
Admittedly too, I can't say I even dislike the lad at this point... I can see a bit of my own actions in him.
In the same way, out on the Lifaus Highway, when YN had lost Rem, he himself had lost it. In his fit of trying desperately to redo things, and protect the one he loved, the same was true for how Garfiel acted in regards to the Sanctuary. In a way, their two actions and motives mirrored one another.
YN: *Sigh...*
Letting out his apprehension, what took its place was determination.
YN: I'll help Garf adjust to a life outside of Sanctuary. Hopefully, he can in turn teach me a thing or two on how to get stronger.
Flashing back to his conversation with Wilhelm, YN knew he'd need to become stronger on his way to waking Rem up. Such a goal would never be easy for the meek.
Nodding in approval at his choice of action, Ram answered him.
Ram: That will be a path of many tribulations. However, Ram believes YN is up for that.
With not much else to say between them all, the four still atop the steps of the Tomb now descended down to join everyone else waiting at its torch-lit base.
Night time had fully descended upon the Tomb and the rest of the Sanctuary. As Emilia prepared for her Trial, the likes of Ram, Otto, Subaru, and YN had stood together, where the topic of Garfiel's age had yet again come up.
Subaru still lamented that he had filtered his own thoughts on the assumption that Garfiel was older than he really was. This had caused him to consider certain things, and he rationalized that had he realized that, perhaps things could have gone smoother in his plans.
It was also from this conversation that it suddenly made sense as to why Garfiel's ambitions had been shaped the way they had. He had taken his first Trial at an extremely young age, and with that aspect now being known, perfectly explained to Subaru and YN both as to why Garfiel had his worldview shaped so incredibly deep by the event. Ryuzu, hearing this conversation too, added into the conversation of it. The First Trial had upset Garfiel so greatly when he had left it, that it was from his resulting anger that he had given himself the scar they all knew well that was on his forehead. Garfiel had inflicted it chiefly so it would be a permanent reminder of what he saw in the Trial.
As all this was discussed though, at the end of it, Emilia had come over to the group again, which Garfiel also now had rejoined, and was set to inform them all that her time for the Trial was now at hand.
Emilia: Umm... Perhaps before I begin, Garfiel, YN, Subaru...
Getting the three boys' attention with her worried words, they each stood up a bit straighter having been addressed by her.
Emilia: Is there maybe any advice any of you can offer? —O-On the Trial that is. I know you all have taken it, so I'd like to selfishly ask if there's anything you guys can tell me at all that might help...
With the three looking at each other with weak expressions before returning their collective gaze to Emilia, they all unfortunately had to shake their heads. Perhaps feeling that might begin to overwhelm the half-elf a bit much from such a shutdown of hope, YN sought to better explain their denial of reasoning.
YN: The thing is, Emilia-sama, as much as I'm sure we'd like to tell you all the strategies and shortcuts as we could, the First Trial really isn't set up like that.
Garfiel: Aye. Each person's Trial is differn't. It's all about yer own past.
Subaru: And even after you're shown your past, it's not like there's a real definite right or wrong answer either. The Witch decides if whatever conclusion you draw is an outcome she approves of or not. What you have to do to pass it is vague to say the least.
Taking all three of their words into consideration, Emilia held a hand of apprehension to her chest.
Emilia: I... I see...
Not wanting to let her be totally discouraged though, especially since he too had been nervous about taking the Trial again, the golden-haired youth offered what little insight he could that felt applicable.
Garfiel: The Witch is a real arse by the way. Don't let 'er get too underneath yer skin, her words are meant to make ya feel like shit.
Hearing Garfiel describe Echidna like that, YN fett an air of comradery in shard belittlement begin to take hold as he turned to him.
YN: Was Echidna spiteful to you too? She was pretty venomous towards me... Especially compared to Subaru. To say she was more than friendly with him would be an understatement.
Gesturing to the black-haired boy with his thumb, Garfiel growled in shared frustration.
Garfiel: Yeah. 'The wolfmother rises in the evenin' but doesn't sleep till noon.'
Again speaking in some idiom none of them understood, Emilia was the first to speak back up now.
Emilia: That's... surprising to learn, Garfiel. Thank you for sharing that. I guess I'll need to do my best to get along with her like Subaru did.
The half-elf's innocence shined through as she tried to motivate herself with the goal of potentially befriending her Trial proctor.
Without much more to be said between them all, the silver-haired girl waved as she began to ascend the steps of stone, ready to take her Trial, and bring the Sanctuary closer to its liberation. Entering inside, the stone facade on the outside lit up with its light, and a moment later, Emilia was gone from view from the outside.
Now, all there was, was to wait.
The topics of idle conversation went by with little seriousness. Garfiel had mentioned he had seen writing put up by Subaru in the Tomb, to which Subaru had a small freakout over.
Subaru: AGH! You weren't supposed to see those things!
Cringing at himself for writing such things, Subaru had done so for encouraging Emilia in her Trial, but had failed to recall the decorations were still up when Garfiel had taken his impromptu Trial attempt, something Subaru hadn't foreseen happening.
The conversation naturally moved on still, with Garfiel now asking how Subaru had gotten him with the larger of the mana-stealing crystals, as he hadn't seen anything, but could still somewhat tell it was Subaru that had done so. To YN's great surprise though, Subaru actually informed the likes of Garfiel and Otto of the ability that he had named "invisible providence," and described it exactly as YN knew of Petelgeuse's Unseen Hand.
I guess it's not related to Return By Death so maybe that's why he can just... talk about it? I would have been too afraid to...
To YN, he himself hadn't even been given a good explanation of just how in the world Subaru had acquired this power.
As soon as we get the chance, I'm asking about it since Subaru all of a sudden having Petelgeuse's Authority of Sloth is just super weird...
But now, the conversation again shifted, and this time, it did so in a more serious way.
Subaru: —Oh, that reminds me. I had something I wanted to ask of you and Ryuzu-san.
Saying this to Garfiel as his grandmother stood to his side, she seemed slightly startled by the sudden address.
Ryuzu: O-Oh, Su-bo. Of course. Go ahead.
Slightly fidgeting her tiny fingers that held her staff, Ryuzu nodded for Subaru to speak his inquiry.
Subaru: You both are for the liberation of the Sanctuary now, right? Garfiel?
Wanting to make sure everyone was on the same page for things moving forward, Garfiel nodded, but crossed his arms too at the question.
Garfiel: Aye. My amazing self's main goal now is to make sure nothin' that goes on hurts the people still inside. I won't stop what the rest of the Princess-sama's camp is doin' though, Captain. That's my stance since I lost to ya and Oji-san.
At least good to make sure everyone was still going ahead in the spirit of cooperation, YN had one thing he still wanted cleared up.
YN: Garf, you have to admit too, even though we had our spat when we first got to the Sanctuary, you weren't really openly hostile to Subaru or I until after the first round of Trials that night. Why was that?
As Garfiel scratched his own head as he tried to recall his reasoning, Subaru spoke up, speculating his thoughts about it.
Subaru: That night it was Ryuzu Dilma who told Garfiel about the miasma that hangs around me and YN. That was why, right?
Garfiel: Hmm hmm, that's right. I might have a good nose, but that ain't something it can smell. Granny can smell it though, she told me about it.
Ryuzu: Huh?
Looking back and forth between her grandchild, YN, and Subaru, a look of distinct puzzlement was apparent on the elf's face.
Ryuzu: No, no... I never told Gar-bo about that... I did make note of it since I did find its presence to be suspect... But I did not tell Gar-bo because my desire was to make things align in the best way for Ros-bo's intentions for the Sanctuary... Gar-bo knowing about the miasma would have greatly complicated that.
Actually taking a side-step away to get a wider look at her, Garfiel now wore a face of immense befuddlement. His brows were raised and his entire demeanor screamed that he was caught off guard by this.
Garfiel: Granny? What are you saying...? You... You told me exactly all that. About the miasma and all of it.
Sensing there was the beginnings of some serious trust rupture between Garfiel and his little grandmother, YN stepped in to keep the situation cool by levying some simple explanations.
YN: Let's not get ahead of ourselves and overthink more than we need to. We should all recall that those in stewardship of Sanctuary, just as Ryuzu here is, are under a Contract with its founder and part of that is that they're not allowed to tell lies.
With a look of relief coming from Ryuzu as YN said that, he went on.
YN: We know without a doubt Ryuzu Dilma-san here is speaking the truth. —Which, in reality, only further complicates things.
Denoting what was truth and fact, the point YN had spoken made perfect sense to Garfiel and Ryuzu both. However, it only served to deepen the conundrum they had just uncovered with Garfiel's testimony and whom he believed had told him of that information.
Garfiel: I-I'm not fibbin'. I heard what granny told me!
Now fearful he'd be seen with skepticism, both YN and Subaru gestured for Garfiel to not be alarmed.
Subaru: We're not doubting you or Ryuzu-san at all. But I won't try and say this doesn't have me really beginning to worry that something isn't right.
Looking to Subaru, YN tried to offer insight.
YN: Did we overlook something?
Subaru: Maybe? I feel like if we did, it would have made itself more obvious, and sooner. What this really feels like is a trap set by Roswaal.
Naming his suspect, YN couldn't say for certain either way, so he could only look to Ram for her input.
Ram: Ram cannot say she entirely understands this uncovered conflict either. Timetables and accounts all would seem to dictate that it would have to have been Dilma-sama who told Garf about that, yet here we are, where we have no choice but to rule that out as a possibility.
Subaru could only weakly look to Otto and Ram both as he sighed.
Subaru: I really want to stay here for Emilia's sake as she takes her Trial, but I don't think we can risk not speaking to Roswaal about this.
Getting obliging nods from them both in reply, YN wanted to show his support of the plan too.
YN: I'll come with you.
Subaru: Actually—
Giving the same weak look to YN now too, Subaru it seemed had a different set up for him.
Subaru: —YN, do you think you could stay behind?
Somewhat surprised to hear he was to be excluded, YN didn't want to doubt Subaru had a reason for this, so he nodded in agreement.
YN: Sure. That's fine. But uhh, why?
A hand being placed on his shoulder, he was told.
Subaru: Think of yourself as our insurance for the unknown here.
Immediately understanding Subaru's thinking here, YN quickly realized his role in staying behind might prove vital.
YN: Gotcha. I'll stay here.
Subaru: Thanks. We hopefully shouldn't be too long.
With that, the four of Otto, Subaru, Ram, and Garfiel all departed down the nearby forest trail that lead back to the Sanctuary proper, where Roswaal hopefully was still in his shack, abiding by his agreement to not interfere like Subaru had told YN of.
Alone outside the Tomb now, YN realized he shouldn't be.
YN: Dilma-san?
Certain she hadn't departed with the four to see Roswaal, YN wondered where the short elf had gotten off to.
YN: Ryuzu-san? Huh, strange...
Only able to figure there might have been some sort of Ryuzu replicant business for her to attend to, YN patiently awaited for the return of his comrades.
Arriving back before Emilia had yet to beat her ongoing Trial, the four returned with admittedly troubled faces.
Before any word was spoken about Roswaal at all, YN had first inquired if Ryuzu-Dilma had accompanied them, or if they had seen her, but that was when Subaru answered YN with not what, but who they had encountered on their way to see Roswaal.
Presumably having occupied the body of Ryuzu Shima, Subaru and Garfiel both recounted the meeting with this new entity.
An entity that had been working behind the scenes; a shadow Ryuzu replicant that had been a collaborator of sorts for the likes of Roswaal.
This entity could have continued to be a thorn in their side, scheming and influencing things from their unknown position, but rather, they had seen it within their best interest to finally come into the public view with the way Roswaal currently was, something they'd soon come to realize once they'd parlay with him at this juncture.
The now rouge Ryuzu replicant had been dubbed "Omega." A fitting name for her role. In a sense, she had only revealed herself as to forewarn Subaru of Roswaal and the current state he was in. Pessimism was clamoring for control of his willpower.
Omega had begun to see that the Margrave was digging himself a hole he could not escape from in his desperation to see his Gospel's writ not be divulged from. Keen on not being a part of his downfall, it seemed this Ryuzu Replicant was no longer invested in its stay here. As the Sanctuary's purpose was soon to be dismantled, she felt, Omega's own purpose for staying her, safeguarding it, was also now at an end. With her previous work in trying to prevent its liberation now all for not, she had no reason to remain here with all the impending danger just over the horizon.
To YN, this was a bombshell of information to all of a sudden be delivered to him.
YN: That's... wow.
It felt fitting somehow though, that such a puppet master was working in the shadows all along. And for the reasoning of its actions as well...
If I didn't know any better... it certainly sounds like this body-takeover of Ryuzu Shima, the clone who actually took the Trial of Ryuzu Meyer, might have been influenced by a certain Witch who we all know loves getting involved in things...
Figuring Echidna had to be involved in this in one way or another, YN added that to the laundry list of thing's he'd ask of her once he would get the chance to take his Third Trial.
The discussion at hand shifted back to the more pressing of issues now though; Roswaal's new erratic temperament. It was clear the Margrave had become greatly agitated from the Gospel's writ being diverged from, and was now ready to take any drastic measure he deemed necessary to steer fate back into the bounds of his Sensei's literature.
From all this back and forth being spoken by the likes of Subaru, Otto, and Garfiel about Roswaal, YN could tell from Ram's silence she wasn't taking this well.
Between Omega jumping ship, and what she'd seen thus far, and not to mention her own changing of heart, Ram was fully on board with the notion that Roswaal was not mentally well, and that as such, her motivations still sided with them, however, YN knew it wasn't that much less painful for her to hear this.
YN: Hey, you doing okay?
Somewhat actually startled by YN's concern, Ram knew it was futile to try and hide that she was upset by all this. But, it also wasn't like she didn't have the faint desire to want to open up to YN like this.
Ram: As well as can be expected. It is clear Roswaal-sama's desperation endangers not only Rem, but YN himself too. Ram cannot let such a thing so idly progress. Even if it means she must go against Roswaal-sama.
Prepared to do what she must, YN put his hand on her shoulder, and tried to show her that she wouldn't need to do this alone.
YN: Whatever you think you need to do, I'll be here to help as I can. Okay? I know you're strong enough to do what you need to, but you don't have to bear that all on your own.
Ram: — — —
For a moment, an emotion YN couldn't quite pinpoint went across the peach-haired maids face before she turned her face away from him, hiding behind her long bangs that fell across the left side of her head.
Ram: ...Ram will not turn down competent help if she may get it.
Ram personally was touched by the offer. Not only was she told someone believed in her own ability, —that she was not weak, but she was also offered unconditional support; she did not have to provide any sort of incentive to receive legitimate concern.
With the side conversations drawing to a close now though, Subaru's plan was now altered, and a proclamation was spoken.
Subaru: —There's a change in plans. Otto, Garfiel, and I will leave for the Mansion now. If Roswaal really is planning on making it snow sooner than he was supposed to, he'll probably also call on the Mansion to be attacked early too. Frederica, Petra, Beatrice, and Rem are all in trouble if that's the case.
YN: I'll get my car ready then. We'll get there a lot quicker using it.
Subaru: Actually—
Being the first to voice his support for Subaru, despite it being a sound suggestion, YN unfortunately had his offer shot down.
Subaru: I hate to do this again to you, but please, could you stay here in the Sanctuary while we go?
YN: B-But, Rem—!
Subaru: —I know. I know...
Trying to prevent YN from taking an irrational first assumption from Subaru's denial, the black-haired boy didn't want his friend to think he thought nothing of Rem's concern.
Subaru: If the snow really does come early, and the Great Hare shows up from it, Emilia and everyone else here will be defenseless...
YN: — — —
Getting what Subaru was putting down, YN could only remain silent. His friend had a point, one he couldn't deny... Before Subaru spoke back up again, he rested a hand on YN's shoulder.
Subaru: I need you to trust me again, okay? Just like when things went sideways before the Whale and Sloth, I trusted you with keeping Emilia safe from those thieves. At the same time, you trusted me with keeping Rem safe from the Whale. I know you want to be the one to protect Rem right now, but we need to do something like the previous arrangement again.
YN: — — —
Although it pained him, YN couldn't find the fault in Subaru's thinking big enough to trump his own reluctance to agree to this.
YN: ...Alright. I'll do what needs to be done here.
Getting another hand placed on his shoulder, Subaru could only gently shake YN and heavily sigh himself. Clearly, he was thankful for the trust being given to him, and that his friend wasn't going to be difficult in seeing the bigger picture like he could.
Subaru: I promise. I won't let you down in regards to Rem.
YN: And I'll do the same for things here.
Subaru: I knew I could count on you.
It was apparent to everyone here too, just how steep a hill this was for YN, agreeing to this. But, not one to let precious seconds tick by unceremoniously, Otto chimed back up.
Otto: We should get going as soon as we can then, correct? A ground dragon is still fast, but not as fast as it would be to take YN-san's dragonless carriage.
Subaru: Yeah... I don't think I could drive it well enough in the forest at night...
Recalling the failed Loop where he had crashed the machine, Subaru instead took his chances on the much more reliable Patrasche.
Ram: Then this is where we split for now?
Subaru: Yes... Please, give my encouragement to Emilia-tan. I'm sorry I need to leave before she's done with her Trial, but—
Ram: —YN and Ram both will make sure Emilia-sama understands your endeavors, Barasu.
In rare support for him, Ram at least gave the back-haired boy this reassurance.
Garfiel: Time's wastin', Captain.
With the group of three going to leave now, Garfiel turned back one last time, this time for words for YN.
Garfiel: The Princess-sama ain't the only pretty face yer riskin' yer neck for. Remember that, Oji-san.
Clearly speaking about Ram here, she turned away at his words meant for YN.
YN: The same could be said for you all and the Mansion.
Garfiel: Aye. My amazin' self'll make sure they all make it out.
Now in two separate groups, each half of the Emilia Camp now had their roles to play, and their responsibilities to uphold.
Please, just keep Rem safe...
With only a worry to let his heart be, YN and Ram saw off the Mansion Expeditionary party till they were out of sight.
Much to do now, YN braced himself for what would come next as he held the pewter necklace around his neck.
Rem...
A/N: I have to say, after reading last week's chapter comments and reviews, I'm glad so many people liked the big fight! With the conclusion of it here, I do hope everyone is liking how the ACT is beginning to reach its conclusion. While this chapter is the follow-up to last week's big chapter, the next chapter will be a single build-up to another big chapter after that.
Look forward to it, please!