Chapter VIII:
Return to the Capitol
Subaru tried not to feel too disappointed as Ram handed him the tattered remains of his old uniform. She explained, matter-of-factly, that it couldn't be restored due to the damage. Resigned, Subaru took the remnants and carefully tucked them into a chest in his room. He felt a tinge of sadness putting it away.
After a day or so, Subaru decided to commission some armor in the village. With borrowed coin from Roswaal, he visited Tam, a skilled tanner renowned for his craftsmanship who Ram had suggested. When Tam asked what colors the leather should be dyed, Subaru instinctively chose black and orange—it had always been a favorite combination of his, though it would make him stand out more than a dark green might have.
Spending the day with Tam, Subaru watched as the armor took shape. The boiled leather was expertly worked, and once the main pieces were done, Subaru requested a few custom alterations for comfort and functionality. By the end of the day, the armor fit like a glove. Thanking Tam for his work, Subaru set off for the manor.
When he arrived, the sight of a carriage being polished by an elderly man caught his attention. The man, dressed in a formal suit trimmed with blue, worked methodically, his every movement deliberate and practiced. His hair was completely grey, and though age lined his face, there was a hardness about him, like stone. Subaru's instincts immediately pegged him as a warrior—likely retired, but the telltale discipline was still there.
Looking up from his task, the old man turned his attention to Subaru as he approached. His sharp, weathered eyes scanned him with a calm intensity. "And who might you be, young man?" he asked, his voice measured.
Subaru paused for a moment, considering his response. "I'm currently serving as Lady Emilia's bodyguard, as well as a part-time servant for this manor."
The old man raised an eyebrow, slipping the cloth he had been using to polish the carriage into his pocket. "You don't appear to be guarding your mistress at this moment," he observed, "I wonder why that might be?"
"Well, she's well protected in the manor, and I had some business in town that needed taking care of," Subaru replied, gesturing to the armor slung over his back. He considered mentioning that Puck, with his extraordinary powers, was more than capable of keeping Emilia safe during the daylight hours than he was. Thinking about it, Emilia herself was probably stronger than him too.
"I see," the old man nodded. "Forgive my lack of manners, I am Wilhelm Trias." The old man extended his hand.
"Natsuki Subaru," setting down his new armor, Subaru clasped the offered hand and shook it firmly. "It's a pleasure."
Wilhelm's grip was strong but respectful, and his gaze lingered on Subaru with quiet curiosity. "You are a warrior, then? May I ask from where? To be taken into Lady Emilia's service, you must possess a certain measure of skill."
"I'm what's called a Green Beret," Subaru explained. "As for my homeland, it's… quite far from here."
Wilhelm's brow furrowed slightly. "I am unfamiliar with such a title. Might I ask what brought you to Lugunica, of all places?"
Subaru hesitated for a moment, thinking up a good answer. "My fighting was… finished. I didn't intend to end up here, but now that I am, I don't think I have a reason to go home, and—" he turned his gaze toward the manor, picturing Emilia, Rem, Ram, and the others, "I think I've found things here—people—that I want to protect."
Wilhelm studied him for a moment, his stern expression softening ever so slightly. "A noble reason, and one worth every effort," he said quietly. "To fight for what you cherish is a path with little shame."
"What about you? You have the look of a veteran," Subaru observed, his eyes briefly scanning Wilhelm's composed stance and the sharpness in his demeanor.
"Veteran? Of a sort I suppose, " Wilhelm replied with a calm nod. "Though, I still have use of my sword in service to Lady Crusch Karsten."
Crusch? Subaru's mind raced at the name. I wonder what business he has here, then. Could it have something to do with Roswaal? Or maybe it's tied to this Royal Selection business… His thoughts spiraled as he considered the implications, though Wilhelm's unreadable expression offered no clues.
"Who's this now?" a playful voice chimed from behind Subaru.
Turning, he saw a girl with flax-colored hair and striking yellow eyes. She was clearly not human, with cat-like ears twitching atop her head and a tail swishing lazily behind her. She wore a blue and white dress adorned with bows and daisy designs, giving her an almost whimsical appearance.
"Ahhh, you must be the young man Miss Emilia mentioned earlier!" The cat-eared girl beamed.
"Emilia mentioned me?" Subaru said, flushing slightly before quickly composing himself. "I mean... yes, I'm Subaru. Nice to meet you."
"Ferris!" she introduced herself, circling around him with exaggerated cat-like movements, her ears flicking and tail swaying as she made soft meowing noises. "Hmm, well, you seem rather ordinary to me."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Subaru asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Oh, nay-thing," Ferris teased with a chuckle. "Emilia simply said you were extraordinary, but I can't tell just by looking at you."
Subaru frowned, unsure if that was a compliment or an insult, but Ferris didn't linger. "Oh, old man Wil, I nearly forgot about you!" she called out, turning her attention to Wilhelm. "Sorry to leave you out here all alone. Our business is concluded, so we can depart now. 'Til nay-xt time, Subaru!"
Wilhelm gave Subaru a polite nod, his expression calm as ever, and moved to open the carriage door for Ferris. Once she was seated, he climbed into the coach seat and urged the earth dragon forward. Subaru watched the carriage disappear down the road, his curiosity piqued.
Why were they here? he wondered, turning back toward the manor. Perhaps he could find someone who knew more about their visit.
"So, we're going back to the capital then?" Subaru asked, quickening his pace to catch up with the rest of the household.
"You're still recovering from the incident in the forest," Emilia replied, glancing over her shoulder with concern. "There's no need for you to come with me."
"No need?" Subaru crossed his arms, his expression firm. "You named me as your bodyguard. I can't very well guard you from here, can I? Besides, I'm fine. I've spent weeks out in the field with injuries way worse than this. I'm not helpless, you know."
Emilia hesitated, clearly torn, but before she could respond, Roswaal chimed in, his voice smooth and calculated. "Emilia, while your concern for Subaru is touching, he does have a point. Moreover, Subaru still requires treatment after the Witchbeast attack."
"Treatment? I feel fine," Subaru said with a shrug, genuinely puzzled.
"Physically, yes," Roswaal replied, his colorful gaze scrutinizing Subaru. "However, your gate—the source of your mana—was significantly strained during that battle. The damage done to it must be addressed. Frankly, I'm quite surprised it isn't in worse condition, given how recklessly you used your mana."
Subaru blinked. "Wait, how bad is it, really?"
"Hmm, not life-threatening, but certainly worth attending to," Roswaal said lightly, then added with a smirk, "Fortunately, we've already secured someone to oversee your treatment. You've met them before—Ferris."
"Ferris is a healer?" Subaru's mind flashed back to the eccentric, feline-like individual he had met earlier. The idea was almost comical.
"Indeed," Roswaal confirmed with a flourish. "Ferris possesses remarkable skill in water magic and healing arts. It took a fair bit of convincing for Emilia to enlist their help."
Subaru turned to Emilia, his expression softening. "You… did that for me?"
"You… well…" Emilia stammered, her cheeks turning a faint pink. "You risked so much to help the villagers, and I owe you. Call it repaying a debt." She folded her arms, clearly flustered. "Think of it as compensation for your… valiant efforts."
Subaru smiled warmly, though he couldn't resist teasing her a little. "Compensation, huh? Well, I guess I can't say no to that. But don't think I'm letting you out of my sight, even for a second."
Her blush deepened, and she turned away, mumbling something about making sure he followed Ferris's instructions.
The capital felt far less daunting on Subaru's second visit, particularly with Emilia and Rem at his side. Roswaal had chosen to travel separately, likely taking to the skies with his magic. Subaru assumed the eccentric lord would arrive much later, given how much more convenient—and faster—it was for him to fly. Honestly, Subaru didn't blame him for skipping the cramped confines of a carriage.
Subaru trailed behind Emilia as they navigated the bustling streets. She wore a flowing white cloak with a hood that sported purple, pointed ears on top. Subaru couldn't tell if the design had some cultural significance or if it was meant as a tribute to Puck. Either way, it added a whimsical touch to her usual grace.
By contrast, Subaru presented a more practical, militaristic image. His newly crafted black-and-orange boiled leather armor was complemented by a matching black cloak. A bow was slung across his back, and his right hip carried a quiver brimming with arrows, while a short sword hung at his left. His combat knife was strapped snugly to his right boot for quick access. The weight of the weapons was a reassuring presence, making him feel far more prepared for whatever might come their way.
Emilia had protested his heavily armed appearance before they left the manor, insisting it was unnecessary for a simple trip to the market. But Subaru had stood firm. He couldn't shake the memory of his fight—and death—at the loot house. The mere thought sent a shiver down his spine. Even with the possibility of an infinite number of lives, Subaru wasn't eager to waste them recklessly. Every precaution counted.
"You seem tense," Emilia noted, her soft voice breaking through his thoughts.
"Tense?" Subaru repeated, blinking as he snapped back to the present. He forced himself to ease his shoulders and smile faintly. "Well, that's part of the job, I guess. I've gotten too used to crazy things happening around me. Though… maybe you're right."
Despite his attempt to relax, Subaru's eyes continued scanning the crowd, ever vigilant for signs of trouble.
Emilia turned back to the green-haired merchant, handing him a few coins. In exchange, he handed Subaru a bag of appas with a satisfied nod.
"Been a few weeks since I saw you last," Kadomon said, his tone casual but sharp as he glanced at Subaru. "Seems you've found yourself a job—and replaced those odd clothes while you're at it."
Subaru raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised that the merchant remembered him. Then again, his initial visit to the capital, clad in his Earthly attire, had undoubtedly made an impression.
"Thanks," Subaru replied with a slight chuckle. "I'm enjoying my new role." He shot a glance at Emilia, his smirk playful.
She simply smiled, shaking her head at his antics, as they continued their stroll through the vibrant streets.
"The Royal Selection starts tomorrow," Subaru said as they walked through the bustling streets. "I'm hoping I can run into Reinhard. I really want to thank him for saving us back at the loot house."
"I doubt we'll have much time for casual conversations tomorrow," Emilia replied thoughtfully. "It's going to be a very busy day."
Subaru frowned, but before he could respond, she added, "We could visit the guard station near the Noblemen's District instead. If Reinhard isn't busy, we might find him there."
Subaru considered her suggestion and nodded. "Yeah, that's probably the best plan. You're right."
He fell into step beside her, his gaze flickering briefly to the vibrant crowd around them. Though the capital was lively and filled with energy, his mind was focused on the looming events.
The entrance to the Noblemen's District lived up to its name, radiating an aura of opulence. Emilia and Subaru arrived at the guard station, a grand structure that also served as a gatehouse, its stone façade polished to perfection.
"If it isn't Lady Emilia," a voice called out. Subaru turned to see a lilac-haired man approaching. He wore a pristine white uniform accented with black and red trim, his high-collared cloak flowing as he moved. A sword hung at his hip, completing the image of authority.
"It is good to see you again. How have you been?" the man asked, bowing deeply, his hand placed over his heart.
"I've been well, thank you," Emilia replied with a warm smile. "You seem to be in good spirits yourself, Julius."
"The fact that you remember me is an honor, my lady," Julius replied, dropping to one knee and taking her hand. He kissed it lightly, a gesture that felt both chivalrous and overly familiar. "You have only grown more beautiful since last we met, Lady Emilia."
Subaru felt an unwelcome twinge of jealousy tighten in his chest. He wasn't sure what kind of relationship these two shared, but the thought of Emilia already having a romantic partner stirred an irritation he couldn't quite ignore. To his surprise, the encounter made him realize he hadn't given much thought to his own feelings for her. He knew he was attracted to her, yet he'd never openly acknowledged or acted on it. Subaru worked hard to keep his expression neutral, refusing to let his emotions betray him.
"Do you have business at the guard post today?" Julius asked, rising smoothly to his feet.
"Yes, we were hoping to see Reinhard," Emilia explained.
"Reinhard isn't here at the moment," Julius said thoughtfully, "but I could allow you to use the Converse Mirror to contact him." His gaze shifted to Subaru, scrutinizing him. "However, I must ask—what is the status of this man accompanying you?"
"I'm her bodyguard," Subaru answered curtly, the sharpness in his tone unmistakable.
"Ah, I see. Then do make sure to protect Lady Emilia well," Julius said with a smile that Subaru couldn't help but find patronizing. "She is, after all, a rare and delicate flower."
Subaru's fists tightened at his sides, his temper threatening to flare. He managed to keep himself in check, though the effort was visible in the clench of his jaw. "I can assure you," Subaru replied evenly, "she's safe with me."
"Wait here, Subaru. I'll be back shortly," Emilia said gently before turning to follow Julius into the station.
Left behind, Subaru sighed, crossing his arms as he tried to shake off his irritation. "A delicate flower, huh?" he muttered under his breath, his mind swirling with unspoken thoughts.
Subaru reluctantly did as Emilia asked, remaining where he was. He was used to following orders, even the ones he didn't particularly like. Despite his own complicated feelings for Emilia, he had willingly entered her service, and she was his superior. Orders were orders—at least most of the time.
As Julius and Emilia disappeared into the station, Subaru wandered to find a place to sit. He spotted a curbside and was about to lower himself when a golden-haired woman in an elegant red and black dress caught his attention. She turned into a narrow alleyway, her movements graceful yet deliberate. A moment later, three suspicious figures followed after her.
That looks like trouble, Subaru thought, narrowing his eyes. On the one hand, he was Emilia's bodyguard; his job was to wait and ensure her safety. On the other hand, the possibility of a woman being robbed—or worse—was something he couldn't ignore.
"Julius can look after her for the time being," Subaru muttered to himself, rising to his feet. His conscience won over, and he strode toward the alleyway.
"Don't mess with us, bitch!" one of the thugs barked.
"Yeah, we'll kick your ass!" another snarled, his tone emboldened by the presence of his companions.
"Don't get so worked up, you commoners! Fools pick fights for foolish reasons, after all," the woman retorted with an air of superiority.
Subaru stepped into the alley, his brow furrowing at the scene. The woman seemed calm—too calm, considering the situation. Is she stupid or something? he wondered, perplexed.
"Excuse me," Subaru announced, placing a hand on the hilt of his short sword. "I don't think you should be messing with a lady."
He got a closer look at the thugs and froze. It was the same trio who had tried to rob him on his first day in this world. Then he remembered: due to his return by death, this encounter technically never happened for them.
"This is none of your business!" the smallest thug snapped, his bravado faltering as he eyed Subaru's weapon.
"I'm making it my business," Subaru replied, loosening his sword in its sheath just enough to make his point.
"Just as expected," the golden-haired woman interjected, snapping open a decorative fan with a dramatic flourish. "Everything in this world is meant to please me. Go on, I want to see you all fight!"
Subaru blinked, his expression shifting to disbelief. Is this woman intentionally antagonizing these guys? Her smug demeanor and dismissive tone screamed "spoiled brat." Despite her attitude, Subaru wasn't about to let the situation escalate.
"Listen up," he said firmly, his gaze locking onto the thugs. "Cause trouble, and I'll have to do some damage to you idiots. So do me a favor—walk away before I have to bloody this alley."
The three thugs hesitated, sizing Subaru up. After a tense moment, they turned and shuffled away, muttering curses under their breath. Subaru clicked his short sword back into its sheath and watched them retreat until they were out of sight.
Rounding on the woman, Subaru crossed his arms and scowled. "What kind of spoiled brat runs down an alleyway alone, especially when three sketchy guys are tailing her?"
The woman smirked, snapping her fan shut with a practiced flick. "I was never in danger. After all, the world ensured that you came to my... well, 'rescue' isn't exactly the word I would use."
"You could at least try to be grateful, you know," Subaru retorted, his irritation growing.
"A commoner like you would like that, wouldn't you?" She waved her hand dismissively, her voice dripping with condescension. "I would have preferred to see you and those three fight over me."
Subaru groaned inwardly. This girl was trouble with a capital T.
"There you are!" Turning, Subaru saw Emilia standing at the entrance to the alleyway, her expression a mixture of relief and mild exasperation. Beside her was a stranger, someone who immediately drew Subaru's attention.
The man was roughly Subaru's height but far more imposing, his physique impressive and clearly honed for battle. He wore an open green linen vest trimmed with yellow lining and white fur at the hem, leaving his muscular chest and arms exposed. The vest was complemented by a shabby yellow mantle that hung down to his hips, giving him a rugged, utilitarian look. What was most striking, however, was his helmet.
A jet-black helm covered the man's entire face, save for the mane of dark hair affixed to its top, cascading down like a crest. The stark design gave him an almost mythical air, as though he had stepped straight out of a warrior's tale.
"Sorry, I was just helping this woman out," Subaru explained, gesturing to the golden-haired brat beside him. "Three thugs followed her into this alleyway."
"Oh, how noble he is!" the woman said in a mocking tone, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She grabbed his arm, leaning in and pressing her cleavage against his side with deliberate boldness.
Subaru's face reddened, caught somewhere between embarrassment and irritation. He quickly shrugged her off, his brow furrowing. "I don't appreciate being patronized," he snapped, stepping back to put some distance between them.
Emilia, standing a few steps away, frowned slightly. Her amethyst eyes flicked between Subaru and the stranger, her disapproval evident even without words. Though she remained composed, the subtle tightening of her hands betrayed her discomfort.
The golden-haired woman smirked, clearly enjoying the reaction she'd elicited. "Oh, relax, hero. You're just too fun to tease."
Subaru exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, well, I'd appreciate it if you didn't. I was just trying to help—no need to make a show of it."
Emilia's frown softened at Subaru's attempt to regain control of the situation, but her gaze lingered on the other woman with quiet wariness.
"Well, it seems we've both found our people," the oddly dressed man said, breaking the tension with a lighthearted tone.
"Ah, to think you'd be waiting for me at my destination. How admirably dependable of you, Al!" the golden-haired woman smirked, her voice dripping with feigned praise.
"That's exactly right!" Al replied with exaggerated enthusiasm, giving her an over-the-top thumbs-up. His carefree demeanor contrasted starkly with the tension lingering in the air.
Subaru, sensing the shift in mood, walked back to Emilia's side. Her amethyst eyes were fixed on him, her expression somewhere between curiosity and concern. "Where did you meet this woman?" she asked quietly.
"Here," Subaru replied with a shrug. "Like I said, I thought she was about to get robbed." He studied Emilia's face for a moment, trying to gauge her thoughts. "Why? Is there something I should know about her?"
Emilia hesitated for a moment before speaking. "That woman is Priscilla Barielle, one of the other candidates for the Royal Selection."
Subaru blinked, glancing back at the golden-haired woman. This arrogant brat was a candidate to rule an entire nation? The idea twisted his stomach, his disgust evident in his expression. She radiated entitlement, the type who probably thought the world revolved around her whims. She reminded him of the worst kind of trust fund kid—the kind who believed power and privilege were their birthrights.
"You're joking. She's in consideration?" Subaru frowned deeply, his disbelief seeping into his tone.
Emilia seemed to relax slightly at his reaction, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Well, yes," she said, her tone measured. "She was chosen by an insignia, same as the rest of us candidates."
Subaru crossed his arms, glancing back at Priscilla, who was now engaged in a conversation with her eccentric companion, Al. "If the criteria for ruling a nation is just owning a shiny bauble, I'm starting to question this whole process."
Emilia gave him a pointed look, her brows furrowing. "It's more complicated than that, Subaru. The insignia chooses based on qualities beyond our understanding."
Subaru tilted his head, unconvinced. "Then I'd really love to know what qualities it saw in her." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "But fine, I'll take your word for it... for now."
Emilia nodded, though a trace of unease lingered in her gaze as she glanced toward Priscilla. "We'll learn soon enough, I suppose."
Subaru muttered under his breath, "I just hope 'arrogance' isn't a key qualification for being a ruler."
Emilia gave him a patient look, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. "Subaru, you'll see soon enough that this isn't just about appearances or personalities. The Royal Selection is bigger than any one of us."
Subaru folded his arms, his gaze softening as he turned back to her. "I just want to make sure the right person wins—someone who actually cares about the people and doesn't treat this like a game."
"I feel the same way," Emilia said, her voice quiet but resolute. She glanced at him, her amethyst eyes catching the sunlight. "And I'm glad I have someone like you by my side."
Subaru's heart skipped a beat at her words, but he quickly masked it with a lopsided grin. "Don't worry, I've got your back. If anyone tries to pull anything, I'll deal with them—shiny bauble or not."
Emilia smiled warmly, her earlier unease seeming to fade. "Thank you, Subaru."
As they continued walking through the streets, Subaru couldn't help but glance back one more time at Priscilla. Something about her—her arrogance, her dismissive attitude—nagged at him like a splinter under the skin. He couldn't shake the feeling that, whether or not she ended up on the throne, trouble was bound to follow her wherever she went.
Whatever happens next, I need to be ready, Subaru thought, his resolve hardening as they disappeared into the bustling crowd.
A/N: Surprise! Bet you didn't expect me to pop back up this quickly, did you? Originally, this and Chapter Nine were one massive chapter, but at nearly 10,000 words, I figured it made sense to split it into two parts for better pacing. Honestly, it flows much smoother this way.
That said, this chapter was definitely the calmer half of the two—call it the setup before the storm.
Now, here's the exciting part: with the next chapter, we're officially diving into major divergences from canon! So buckle up, because things are about to get wild. Have fun, and let me know what you think!