Chapter X:
Summer Snow
Subaru felt like he was drowning. Tens of thousands of oily black hands swarmed around him—not past him, but toward him with purpose, clawing and writhing as though desperate to claim him. The thick, suffocating waters pulled at his body, slowing every movement as he kicked and thrashed, struggling for the surface. His lungs screamed for air, his vision blurring as the weight of the dark liquid pressed against his chest.
With a final, desperate push, Subaru broke through. Gasping for air, he collapsed onto a murky shore, his body slick with the viscous black substance that clung to him like tar. He coughed violently, expelling what felt like gallons of the suffocating liquid from his lungs. The air was cold and damp, tinged with the acrid scent of decay.
Looking up, Subaru's eyes locked onto a grotesque throne of dark, jagged branches that seemed to pulse faintly with an unnatural life. On it sat a shadowy figure, their body entwined with countless oily hands that slithered and coiled like serpents. The hands moved constantly, tightening and loosening their grip around the figure, yet they seemed utterly unbothered.
"Looks like I made her angry," the figure said with a low, guttural chuckle that echoed through the dark forest. The laugh was unsettling, dripping with equal parts amusement and malice. The hands writhed more violently around the figure, pulling tighter with each passing moment.
Then, without warning, the figure pitched forward, going limp as the writhing hands overwhelmed them.
Subaru opened his mouth to ask—anything—but before the words could form, a hundred hands shot out from the darkness, latching onto his limbs. The grip was cold, unyielding, and utterly inescapable.
"No—wait!" he shouted, his voice breaking as the hands yanked him backward. The dark water rose up like a living thing, engulfing him once again. The suffocating pressure returned, dragging him into the abyss.
Waking from the dream with a start, Subaru jolted upright, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. His eyes darted to the ceiling above him—unfamiliar, dimly lit, and cracked with age. The room was eerily quiet, save for the faint creak of wood beneath his weight as he shifted. For a moment, his body felt disconnected, sluggish, as if weighed down by something unseen.
He tried to sit up, but his movement was abruptly stopped by a metallic clink. Frowning, Subaru glanced down, his heart sinking as his gaze fell on the source of the sound: a thick iron shackle clamped tightly around his wrist, its chain bolted securely to the bedframe.
"What the hell?" he muttered, his voice shaky and raw. He pulled at the restraint, the cold steel biting into his skin as he tried in vain to free himself. The sensation sent a chill racing down his spine, and his mind struggled to piece together how he'd ended up here.
One moment, he'd been in the throne room, surrounded by nobles, knights, and the candidates. The next…
Subaru strained his mind, trying to piece together how he had ended up here, but no matter how hard he pushed, his memory was a blank slate. The harder he tried to recall, the more elusive the answers seemed. Frustrated, he took stock of his surroundings. The room was sparsely furnished, devoid of anything obviously useful. The emptiness only added to his growing unease.
His armor was gone. Instead, he found himself dressed in a simple yet finely made outfit—black trousers and a crisp white dress shirt. He tugged against the iron shackle binding his wrist to the wall, its weight cold and unyielding.
"Hello?!" Subaru's voice echoed sharply in the still room.
Nothing. No response came. Time dragged painfully slow, each second stretching into an eternity as he sat there alone with his thoughts. He could only guess at how long he had been waiting—an hour, perhaps longer—before the distant creak of a door interrupted the oppressive quiet.
Subaru's head snapped up as the heavy wooden door at the far end of the room swung open. Relief and confusion warred in his chest as none other than Wilhelm entered, the old man moving with his usual calm precision. Subaru's sharp eyes caught the glint of a key being tucked into Wilhelm's coat pocket as he closed the door behind him.
"Ah, you're awake," Wilhelm greeted.
"Wilhelm?" Subaru's voice was tinged with disbelief. "Where the hell am I?"
"You are at Lady Crusch's estate in the capital," Wilhelm replied matter-of-factly. Subaru's eyes flicked briefly to the sword at the old man's hip.
"And how did I get here?" Subaru pressed.
"You were carried here," Wilhelm answered with the same infuriating calmness.
"I gathered that much," Subaru said, exasperation creeping into his tone. He let out a frustrated sigh, trying to rein in his irritation. "I mean, why was I brought here?"
"How much do you remember?" Wilhelm inquired.
"Nothing," Subaru answered a little sharper than intended. "Now can you stop being cryptic and just tell me what's going on?"
"Interesting," Wilhelm murmured, more to himself than to Subaru. His gaze lingered for a moment longer before he turned and strode toward the door.
"Wait—" Subaru started, but Wilhelm disappeared into the hallway. Before Subaru could even begin to voice his frustration, the old man returned, this time carrying a tray of steaming hot food. The aroma wafting from the plate was tantalizing, a cruel reminder of just how empty Subaru's stomach was.
"Eat," Wilhelm instructed, setting the tray down in front of him with practiced precision. "I will return once I have spoken with Lady Crusch."
Subaru opened his mouth to protest, but Wilhelm was already gone, leaving Subaru alone with the clinking of the tray and the weight of unanswered questions.
When Wilhelm returned some hours later, Subaru had polished off the food and drained the pitcher of water he'd been given. He hadn't realized just how hungry he was until he started eating; the meal had vanished faster than he'd care to admit. Despite still feeling a gnawing hunger, he stubbornly refused to ask for more, unwilling to give Wilhelm the satisfaction of seeing him appear desperate.
Wilhelm approached with his usual composed demeanor, carrying a small key in hand. He paused, studying Subaru for a moment before speaking. "Have you regained your composure?"
Subaru nodded. "I'm not going to run, if that's what you're worried about."
"I will take you at your word," Wilhelm replied simply. With practiced ease, the old man unlocked the iron shackle. "Follow me."
Subaru rose slowly, flexing his wrist as he followed Wilhelm out of the dusty cellar. The change in surroundings was immediate and striking. The halls he was led through were impeccably designed, their polished wood and intricate tapestries giving a glimpse of the wealth and taste that defined Crusch's estate. Each step reminded Subaru just how out of place he felt here.
After a short walk, Wilhelm brought him to a grand study. The room was dominated by a large wooden desk stacked with papers and books. Behind it sat Crusch Karsten, her green hair gleaming under the light as she scribbled intently on a document. Off to the side stood Ferris, now back in the blue dress he seemed to prefer. The delicate fabric flowed around him as he bowed slightly, acknowledging their entrance.
Crusch glanced up briefly as they entered. "Ferris," her voice cool and commanding, "please retrieve our other guest."
Ferris inclined his head in acknowledgment. "As you wish, Lady Crusch." With a playful swish of his tail, Ferris left the room.
Crusch motioned to an open couch with the feather of her quill. "Sit," she instructed curtly.
Crusch resumed her work as he settled into the seat, her pen scratching against the paper as if he weren't even there. The silence stretched uncomfortably, leaving Subaru's mind racing. Why was he here? Had something happened to warrant his imprisonment? Had he been drugged? The possibilities churned in his head, but none seemed to fit the situation. Whatever the reason, he was certain the answers would come soon enough.
"Here we are," Ferris announced as he returned.
Subaru glanced over his shoulder and froze. Following Ferris into the room was Ram, her pink hair as immaculate as ever. She inclined her head in a polite bow toward Crusch, but when her gaze landed on Subaru, her expression hardened into a familiar, suspicious glare.
Ram? Subaru's thoughts spiraled. She was at the manor… wasn't she? Why is she here now? How long was I out?
He strained for answers, but the gaps in his memory refused to fill themselves.
Crusch set her pen down, pushing the papers aside before steepling her hands on the desk. Her piercing gaze locked onto Subaru. "Now that someone from Lady Emilia's camp is present, we can begin."
"Begin what?" Subaru asked cautiously.
"Tell me," Crusch said, her tone sharp and to the point, "what do you know about this 'Fallen'?"
Subaru was caught completely off guard. "Fallen? What the hell are you talking about?"
Crusch's expression didn't waver. "Elaborate," Subaru prompted.
"The entity that claimed you as its vessel," Crusch replied, her voice laced with an edge of impatience. "We were hoping you might shed light on this."
"Vessel?" Subaru repeated. "Okay, seriously, can someone explain why I'm even here?"
His eyes darted to Ram, silently pleading for help, but she offered nothing in return. Her blank expression was cold and unreadable, as though she were merely observing the proceedings without investment.
Crusch exchanged a glance with Ferris, a silent communication passing between them that Subaru couldn't decipher. Then, her piercing green eyes fixed on him. "After Emilia finished her speech, you suddenly appeared on the throne of Lugunica with bone-white hair and crimson eyes. You claimed to be someone called 'Fallen.'"
Subaru's mind reeled. At first, he thought she might have been playing some kind of cruel joke, but fragments of his memory started to surface—the shadowy figure in his dreams, the voice that sometimes echoed in his mind, and fleeting images of a dark forest. It all felt too real to dismiss.
"So, you do know something," Crusch noted. "Illuminate us then."
Subaru hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I've… heard a voice in my head from time to time, but I can't recall anything happening in the throne room. One moment I was there, and the next, I woke up shackled in your basement."
Crusch studied him intently. "What do you know about this voice in your head?"
"It's not like we chat all the time," Subaru admitted. "He's rarely there, and when he is, it's not much of a conversation."
"I find that hard to believe…" Crusch leaned back in her chair. "But you don't seem to be lying. Do you know how you became this 'Fallen's' vessel?"
Subaru froze, his thoughts spiraling. Should he tell them the truth? That he came from another world where none of this existed? Should he risk revealing his power to return by death?
He opened his mouth to explain, but as he did, a cold, dark pressure wrapped around his heart. It wasn't just discomfort—it was pure, paralyzing terror. The unseen grip constricted tighter, and Subaru felt as though a void was swallowing him whole. Words died on his lips.
"N-no, I don't," he finally stammered, the pressure vanishing the instant he spoke.
"You hesitated," Crusch observed, her voice sharp with suspicion.
"I don't know!" Subaru snapped. "Hell, I didn't even know this 'Fallen' had a name until you told me! I didn't even think it was real!"
Crusch's gaze remained steady, unyielding. "You're telling me you have no knowledge of what happened in the throne room?"
"No," Subaru replied frankly. "You probably know more about this than I do."
The room fell silent, the weight of the accusation hanging in the air. Crusch's measured composure didn't falter, but Subaru could tell she wasn't entirely convinced. Neither was he. The fragmented memories, the ominous voice, and now this interrogation—it all felt like pieces of a puzzle he couldn't quite put together.
"Let me ask you something else, then," Crusch continued, narrowing her eyes. "Are you, or have you ever been, involved with the Witch Cult?"
Subaru blinked, stunned by the accusation. Memories of Rem's earlier suspicion flashed in his mind, of the time she had called him a cultist before killing him in another loop. "No," he said firmly. "I've never been affiliated with any cult, Witch or otherwise."
"Have you ever come into contact with a member of the cult?" Crusch pressed, her tone relentless.
"No," Subaru repeated bluntly, meeting her gaze without hesitation.
Crusch leaned back in her chair, her sharp eyes fixed on Subaru as she tapped her desk rhythmically in thought. "I can tell when someone is lying, and you do seem genuinely lost… but I can also tell you're holding something back."
Subaru's heart skipped a beat. He prayed she wouldn't press further. Whatever that oppressive force was—the one that had gripped his heart when he tried to speak—he doubted he'd be able to resist it a second time.
"For now, I'm satisfied that you're largely ignorant about your condition," Crusch said, finally rising from her desk and pacing to its side. Her presence was commanding, her tone measured. "That said, you're too dangerous to be left unchecked. I will write my report accordingly."
Subaru narrowed his eyes, frustration bubbling up inside him. "Can you at least tell me what's going on now?"
Crusch regarded him calmly. "Fallen made a threat to kill those present at the Royal Selection, including key members of the council and the candidates. He also alluded to some impending calamity." She folded her arms. "After that, you reverted to your normal self, seemingly unaware of what had transpired."
Subaru reeled at the explanation, his mind spinning. A part of him wanted to deny it outright, but the fragments of memory—the dark forest, the voice in his head—it all lent credibility to her account.
Crusch continued, her tone brisk. "It was decided that you would be placed under guard. Emilia was prohibited from bringing you back to her territory to avoid partiality. As such, I was chosen to oversee your confinement. This arrangement also allows Ferris to monitor your recovery, given your condition. Additionally, I have no prior connection to you, which makes me an impartial party."
Subaru's thoughts churned. Something had taken over his body, spoken through him, and now he was labeled a threat. This "Fallen" wasn't just a voice in his head. Was he really its vessel? Could it be removed? Suppressed? Or was this now an unavoidable part of him?
His eyes flicked toward Ram. "And why are you here?"
Ram met his gaze with her usual icy demeanor. "Emilia was allowed to assign someone to watch over you. Rem volunteered," she explained, "but she was deemed too emotionally invested. As a result, Lord Roswaal selected me."
Her gaze sharpened as she added, "I detest being away from Lord Roswaal for any extended period. So, for your sake and mine, do not cause trouble. The sooner this is resolved, the sooner I can return to my rightful place."
"I will provide you with a room and all the comforts befitting a guest of my house," Crusch stated, diplomatically. "You will remain here until the council has reviewed my report and reached a decision. I expect you'll be my guest for quite some time."
"A good while?" Subaru frowned. "How long is that exactly?"
"It could be a month, a year, or longer," Crusch replied. "I am not King yet; it is not for me to decide. However, given that you lack any ability to control or even predict when Fallen might take over your physical form, I would advise against expecting a swift return to your master."
The weight of her words hit Subaru hard. His shoulders tensed, and a deep frown settled on his face. He didn't like the sound of this at all. While Crusch dressed it up as hospitality, the reality was painfully clear: he was a prisoner, and no amount of diplomatic phrasing could mask that fact.
Subaru forced a half-hearted smirk. "For Ram's sake, let's hope it's not that long."
Ram, standing nearby, crossed her arms and shot him a withering look. "Do not presume to speak for my preferences, Subaru," she said coldly. "If this arrangement drags on, it will be entirely your fault."
Subaru didn't like this arrangement, however, it appeared he didn't have much choice in the matter. As far as he could see, his only option now was to play by the rules the powers that be had set out for him.
Subaru spent his days working on his writing and reading skills. Despite her annoyance at being forced to stay, Ram thankfully agreed to help him with his studies, though not without a fair share of sharp remarks.
In the mornings, Subaru would wake early and get some PT in. Crusch's estate was sprawling, with plenty of space for running laps and performing his exercises. After his runs, Subaru would spend hours training swordsmanship with Wilhelm. The old man's skill with the blade was undeniable, and Subaru found the sessions both grueling and enlightening.
His background in fencing helped with footwork, but real sword fighting was an entirely different beast. The precision required for proper strikes and parries, combined with the fluidity of combat, demanded a level of skill he was far from mastering. Despite the challenges, Subaru was determined to make the most of his time and learn as much as possible.
"You're a fast learner," Wilhelm remarked as they finished another intense session. The old man's tone was measured but carried a hint of praise. "You seem to have some experience."
Subaru, drenched in sweat, handed back the borrowed sword with a sheepish grin. "Yeah, well, I try my best. Still feels like I've got a long way to go."
Wilhelm, who hadn't even broken a sweat, simply nodded. "Effort will take you far. Keep at it."
That evening, Subaru sat in his room with Ram, scribbling words onto parchment under her watchful eye. His penmanship was improving, though the process of learning a third language—by his count—was painstakingly slow. Oddly, when he thought about it, there didn't seem to be much difference between this world's spoken language and Japanese. Or was it English?
The inconsistency nagged at him. As a test, Subaru began muttering to himself in Japanese, only to find the words felt unfamiliar, foreign even. He switched to English, but the same strange disconnect persisted. Each word felt wrong on his tongue, as though the languages had become distant memories rather than innate knowledge. The thought sent a dull ache through his temple.
"What is that strange babbling you're doing?" Ram's sharp voice interrupted, her gaze lifting from the book she was reading.
"What?" Subaru blinked. "Oh, sorry. Just speaking in my home tongue."
Ram arched an eyebrow. "Odd dialect. Strange, you don't have an accent."
Subaru considered her observation, frowning slightly. "Yeah, strange," he murmured. He wondered if some magical influence had affected his speech when he was brought to this world. Whatever the cause, he decided not to dwell on it. English and Japanese wouldn't be useful here unless he planned to write something for his eyes only.
Shelving the thought, Subaru returned to scratching at the paper, focusing on forming clean, legible letters. Ram, seemingly disinterested in her own book, leaned over slightly to inspect his work. "You really don't know anything, Subaru?" she asked suddenly, her voice laced with suspicion.
Subaru looked up. "What do you mean?"
"About this Fallen character," Ram clarified. "I find it hard to believe you've lived this long with something like that inside you and know nothing."
"No, I really can't say I do," Subaru replied earnestly. "I've seen… images of him in my dreams, but 'images' might be too strong a word. It's always just a shadowy figure. I can't make anything out, and honestly, it's all fuzzy. I've never been great at remembering dreams, and this is no different."
Ram studied him, her expression unreadable. "If that's true, you're even more clueless than I thought," she said, her tone cutting.
"Why are you being so hostile?" Subaru snapped.
"Because you have caused a great inconvenience to both my Master and Lady Emilia," Ram said, her voice like a whip. "You never once indicated you were a vessel. As a member of her camp, inadvertently or not, the actions of this Fallen, who is bound to you, have reflected on all of us. You have placed us at an unforeseen disadvantage."
Subaru frowned, the weight of her words sinking in. He didn't have a retort for that. From their perspective, his sudden appearance had been one unpredictable event after another. First, he helped Emilia recover her insignia, then became her self-proclaimed bodyguard, saved the villagers, and now this Fallen entity had taken over his body during a pivotal moment for Emilia's future.
Subaru had to admit he was still mostly a stranger to all of them. He'd spent just under two months with them. Trust wasn't something he could demand, not when his actions—or those of the thing inside him—had placed everyone in a precarious position.
"I didn't know," Subaru said, his voice quieter. "I didn't know anything about this Fallen until now. I swear, Ram, if I'd known this thing could... take over like that, I would've said something."
Ram's sharp glare softened slightly. "Ignorance does not absolve you of responsibility. The damage is done, and the camp will have to bear the burden. Whether intentional or not, you have made things more difficult for Lady Emilia."
Subaru swallowed his pride, knowing Ram was right. He wasn't in a position to argue or justify himself. "I will accept that," he said at last. "But I'll make up for it. I owe her that much... and more."
Ram narrowed her eyes as if measuring his sincerity. "See that you do," she said curtly. With an air of finality, she snapped her book shut and stood gracefully. "I will be retiring now."
Not ten minutes later, Ferris poked his head into the room, his cat-like ears twitching mischievously. "Time for nay-our checkup!" he chirped, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.
Subaru groaned, leaning back in his chair. "Do we have to do this every night?"
"Of course we do!" Ferris grinned. "I can't let you wander around all broken, can I?"
Like clockwork, Ferris had been coming by once a night to monitor Subaru's recovery. Whatever the cat-boy was doing, Subaru grudgingly admitted it must have been effective. The aches that plagued him after the throne room incident were almost entirely gone, and the strange heaviness he'd felt using mana had vanished.
After a few moments of Ferris's usual poking and prodding, the healer stepped back, his tail swishing thoughtfully. "Well, well! Looks like your gate is fully healed. Surprising, considering everything that Fallen thing pulled. I thought for sure it would be in worse shape."
"So... I'm good then?" Subaru asked.
"You're lucky," Ferris replied. "Really lucky. I'd say you're good to go! Just don't do anything nay-stupid, okay?"
Subaru sighed in relief, but before he could thank him, Ferris's expression shifted to one of playful curiosity. "Oh, and by the way, Lady Crusch wanted me to ask if you'd join her for a late-night drink."
Subaru blinked. "A drink? With her?"
"Mhm," Ferris nodded. "Something about wanting to 'discuss things further.'"
Subaru hesitated. "And this isn't a trap?"
"Do I look like someone who'd lead you into a trap, Subawu?" Ferris teased, placing a hand dramatically over his heart. "Crusch's intentions are as pure as my healing skills!"
Subaru sighed. "Fine. Lead the way."
Subaru followed Ferris onto the open terrace, where Crusch sat at a polished wooden table, sipping a golden liquid from a crystal glass. The faint glow of moonlight and soft lanterns bathed the space in a serene ambiance. Subaru's eyes lingered for a moment, surprised to see her dressed casually in a flowing blue dress accented with a soft pink shawl. It was the first time he'd seen her out of her usual sharp, militaristic attire, and somehow, it caught him off guard.
He took a seat across from her as Ferris gave a cheerful wave and slipped away, leaving the two of them alone—or mostly alone. Subaru's gaze flicked to the corner of the terrace where Wilhelm stood like a silent sentinel, his presence a quiet reminder that he wasn't entirely trusted.
Crusch's lips curved into a small smile as she raised a decanter. "Whisky?"
"Sure. On the rocks," Subaru replied. He watched as she poured him a glass, sliding it across the table with practiced ease. Taking a cautious sip, he noted the whisky's unique flavor—smoother and richer than anything he'd ever tasted back home. "It's good."
"I have a habit of indulging in good liquor," Crusch said, swirling her drink before taking a long sip. "Are you much of a drinker?"
"I try not to overdo it," Subaru replied.
Crusch studied him with an amused glint in her eyes. "You don't have to worry—I didn't summon you here to interrogate you."
"But you are spying on me," Subaru said bluntly. "I'd wager you've been keeping tabs on both me and Ram since the moment we arrived."
Crusch's smile didn't waver. If anything, it deepened. "Perceptive. Though I can't imagine you're surprised, given your... unique condition. Keeping an eye on you is a precaution, nothing more. And I'll admit, your routine is... predictable."
"I could say the same about you," Subaru countered. "I've noticed an uptick in visitors to your estate. I'm not one to pry, but it does make me curious."
Crusch's expression shifted ever so slightly, a flicker of approval crossing her features. She finished her drink and refilled both their glasses, motioning for Subaru to keep up.
"If we're going to talk, you'll need to keep pace," she said, her voice tinged with playful challenge.
Subaru hesitated for a fraction of a second before downing his glass in one go. The warmth of the whisky burned pleasantly as it went down. Crusch smirked and poured him another.
"I suppose you've earned an answer—or at least part of one," Crusch said. "The increased activity is related to a certain... event I have coming up. It's part of the price I had to pay for Wilhelm's services."
Subaru glanced at the old swordsman, who remained still as stone in the corner, his expression unreadable. "What kind of price are we talking about?"
Crusch took another drink, her gaze flicking briefly to Wilhelm. "That's something you'll have to ask him yourself. Not everything is for me to share, you know."
Subaru turned to Wilhelm, who remained silent, his steely eyes watching the exchange without a word. "Sounds ominous," Subaru muttered, lifting his refilled glass and taking a slower sip this time. "But I get the feeling it's not something he's eager to share."
"Maybe, maybe not," Crusch mused, leaning forward slightly. Her sharp green eyes locked onto Subaru's. "I know I said I wouldn't interrogate you, but why did you choose to place yourself in Emilia's service? I can accept that you were unaware of Fallen, but I find myself wondering—what compelled you?"
Subaru swirled the whisky in his glass, the amber liquid catching the light as he mulled over her question. The truth was, he hadn't consciously chosen this path—not entirely. He had stumbled into Emilia's life as much as she had stumbled into his. And yet, despite the chaos and hardship, he had stayed.
He drained the rest of his glass, savoring the lingering warmth as he considered his words. "Fate, more than anything," he replied. "I didn't seek her out—circumstances caused us to collide. I believe it was fate. Much like Reinhard believes it was fate that brought him and Felt together."
"I see, you're quite interesting, Subaru," Crusch remarked with a playful wink before downing the rest of her glass. "Drink some more…"
The night stretched on, and Subaru soon realized he'd consumed far more than he intended. By the time he stumbled back to his room, the world swayed beneath his feet. Without bothering to remove his shoes, he collapsed onto the mattress and passed out immediately.
The next morning, Subaru was startled awake by the shock of ice-cold water being unceremoniously dumped over his head.
"The hell? Ahhh!" Subaru yelped, clutching his throbbing head as he shot upright. Blinking furiously, he looked up to see Ram standing over him, a bucket in her hand and an unamused expression on her face.
"Come with me," she said curtly.
Groaning and cursing under his breath, Subaru changed his soaked shirt and followed Ram to Crusch's office. Inside, he found Ferris, Wilhelm, Ram, and Crusch already assembled. Crusch, infuriatingly, showed no sign of the hangover currently plaguing Subaru's aching head.
"What's going on?" Subaru asked groggily.
"I have a synesthesia connection with my sister," Ram said plainly.
Subaru's eyes widened. "What's happened?"
"I don't know the details, but I can tell she was deeply worried—so much so that it pushed through our connection unbidden. There was also an unbridled rage accompanying it," Ram replied, her usual calm demeanor tinged with concern.
Subaru sat up straighter. "We need to return to the manor immediately."
"You cannot," Crusch said firmly. "The council explicitly commanded that you not be removed from my care until they determine the full extent of the threat posed by Fallen."
Subaru balled his fists. "This is clearly an emergency. My friends—"
"—have not requested your return," Crusch interrupted. "And even if a formal request were made, it would not be granted. I am sorry, Subaru."
"How can you say that?!" Subaru growled.
"From what I've heard, the Mathers territory has been placed under high alert," Crusch said calmly. "If I were to hazard a guess, it could be related to Emilia's public declaration as a royal candidate. The revelation that a half-elf is being backed by Lord Roswaal may have caused unrest. That seems the most likely explanation for the emotions Ram described."
Turning to Ram, Crusch continued, "Have you sensed anything else from your sister since then?"
"No," Ram admitted. "It's uncommon for us to share emotions unintentionally. Her feelings must have been extremely intense for them to come through without her willing it. Since this morning, I have not sensed anything further."
"So, it's possible things have calmed down by now?" Crusch pressed.
"It is possible, yes," Ram replied, though the uncertainty in her voice lingered.
"OR she could be too hurt to send anything!" Subaru snapped. "For God's sake, at least send someone to check on the village!"
Crusch's expression remained icy. "We cannot, nor will I, unless a formal request is made," she replied sharply. "I will hear no more of it."
The weight of her dismissal hit Subaru like a blow. Clenching his fists, he stormed out of the room, his frustration boiling over. He felt more like a prisoner now than he ever had since arriving at Crusch's estate. Even the time he spent chained up in the cellar seemed preferable to this helplessness.
Turning sharply, Subaru grabbed Ram by the wrist and pulled her into the nearest empty room, shutting the door behind them with a thud.
"You need to go back home," Subaru said urgently.
Ram yanked her wrist back. "Roswaal ordered that I be here."
"To hell with his orders!" Subaru snapped. "If I could, I'd drag you back myself right now. You need to go. If they need help—whether it's something as small as disgruntled villagers or something much worse—you're better off being there than babysitting me! Sitting around watching me practice penmanship is a waste of your time!"
Ram studied him for a long moment before responding coolly, "If you're so desperate, why don't you break out yourself?"
Subaru hesitated. "The thought has crossed my mind, believe me. But if it turns out to be nothing, it'll hurt Emilia more than it helps. Besides," he added with forced confidence, "Puck and Roswaal can protect her easily enough until I'm free."
Ram considered his words before letting out a resigned sigh. "It will take me two and a half days to return."
"What?!" Subaru exclaimed. "It wasn't more than half a day's ride when we came here!"
"The mist has descended on the main road. I'll have to take a different route," Ram explained.
"Mist?" Subaru echoed.
Ram raised an eyebrow. "I suppose it's no surprise you don't know. You're a foreigner, so I'll forgive your ignorance this time. The White Whale—or the Witchbeast of the Mist—creates it. Those who enter the mist never return. Their very memory is erased."
"Great. Just great," Subaru muttered. He shook his head, forcing himself to focus. "The sooner you leave, the better. Send word as soon as you can. If it turns out to be nothing, I'll let you box my ears in, deal?"
Ram's gaze softened just slightly. "Very well. I'll depart immediately."
Subaru watched Ram leave from the courtyard, a sense of helplessness gnawing at him. Part of him wanted to bolt after her, to abandon caution and escape this gilded cage. But reason prevailed—he suspected nothing good could come from an attempted escape, especially given his current circumstances. Could he even make it far in his condition?
Frustration simmered beneath the surface as Subaru avoided Crusch. While he understood she was simply doing her duty, her role as his jailor made it hard for him to look past the resentment brewing within him. Another toast with her was the last thing on his mind.
Instead, Subaru threw himself into his routine: physical training in the mornings, sparring with Wilhelm, and practicing reading and writing during the afternoons. Three days passed, each dragging more than the last as Subaru anxiously awaited news from Ram. He often pestered Wilhelm, asking if he'd heard anything, but the answer was always the same—silence.
On the fourth morning, Subaru awoke to an unusual chill. Dressing quickly, he stepped outside only to be greeted by an unexpected sight—snow. Thick, white flakes drifted lazily through the air, blanketing the ground in a powdery layer.
"Snow? In summer?" Subaru muttered.
The freezing cold bit at his skin, forcing him to retreat inside. Finding his way to a storage room, Subaru rummaged through crates until he came across a winter coat. Pulling it on, he couldn't help but feel the absurdity of the situation. Even inside the mansion, the temperature had dropped noticeably, the cold seeping through the stone walls.
To his surprise, Ferris appeared, bundled in his usual attire but now carrying an armful of additional coats.
"Nay-oh, Subaru," Ferris greeted, his ears twitching as he adjusted his load.
"Is summer snow normal around here?" Subaru asked.
"Quite unnatural," Ferris said, his expression unusually serious. "I have to attend to Lady Crusch. Excuse me."
Unease pooling in his gut. This can't be a good sign.
Subaru spent the day indoors, his worry mounting as the snow turned into a full-fledged blizzard. He stood by the window, staring at the storm as it grew fiercer. The wind howled, whipping the snow into a whiteout so thick he could barely see a few feet outside. The unease solidified into dread. This isn't normal.
An idea began to take shape in his mind. It was reckless—borderline suicidal—but he couldn't sit idle any longer.
Subaru slipped into the storage room again, finding a sturdy leather bag. He packed it with supplies—thick blankets, flint, and anything else he could scavenge. Next, he made his way to the kitchen, filling the bag with enough food to last a few days. Moving quietly, he avoided the staff and slipped out of the mansion unnoticed.
The biting wind hit him like a wall as he stepped into the blizzard. He hesitated, the sting of the cold already biting at his face. I should turn back. But the thought of Emilia, Rem, and even Ram being in danger clawed at him.
I can't just do nothing.
Subaru tightened his coat around him and pushed on. Within moments, Crusch's estate disappeared behind him, swallowed by the swirling snow. He pressed north, knowing he would eventually hit the main road. Mist or not, he couldn't afford to waste time.
He opened his gate, letting mana flood his body. His pace quickened as the mana invigorated his limbs, though it drained him more than he liked. He had considered taking an earth dragon but dismissed the idea. In these conditions, the creatures would be just as vulnerable as he was.
The storm pressed against him like a physical force, but Subaru pushed back harder. This gamble better pay off.
Subaru trudged through the relentless cold, every step a battle against the biting wind and the increasingly deep snow. His limbs were numb despite the layers he wore, the winter coat offering little protection against the unforgiving chill. Each gust of icy air felt like knives slicing across his face, but he forced himself onward, his breath visible in short, desperate puffs.
After what felt like hours, his heart leapt at the sight of a structure on the horizon. Stumbling toward it, he realized it was a small farmhouse. Relief mixed with apprehension as he approached. The wind howled around him, swirling snow in every direction as he pounded on the door.
"Hello? Anyone in there?" Subaru called out. There was no reply.
Desperation took hold. Subaru tried the door and found it unlatched. The wind resisted his efforts, but he managed to force it open, staggering inside and shutting it behind him. The sudden stillness was jarring, the wind muffled by the walls of the house.
The air inside was deathly cold, and his stomach twisted at the sight that greeted him. Several bodies lay scattered across the floor, their skin pale and frostbitten.
The hell? It's not that cold, is it? Subaru thought, his pulse quickening. He moved cautiously, avoiding the frozen corpses as he made his way to the hearth. Kneeling, he broke apart a wooden chair and managed to ignite a small fire, the warm glow providing a fleeting sense of safety.
Huddling close to the flames, Subaru wrapped himself in the blankets he had pulled from his pack. He gnawed on a piece of bread, his mind racing. I need to keep moving. Whatever caused this... it's not natural. It hasn't even been a full day since this snow started. The thought chilled him.
Once he had warmed himself enough to move, Subaru began searching the house for supplies. He found a larger winter coat, likely belonging to the father of the family. It was heavy and smelled faintly of mildew, but it provided an extra layer of insulation over his current gear. His scavenging turned up enough materials to fashion makeshift snowshoes—crude but serviceable.
Subaru paused, debating whether to stay the night. The fire was warm, and his body ached for rest. Yet, as his eyes flickered to the frozen bodies, an unshakable feeling of dread settled over him. Something had killed these people, and he couldn't risk meeting the same fate.
No. I need to keep moving.
Pulling the new coat tightly around himself, Subaru stepped back out into the storm. The snow was deeper now, piling up at an alarming rate. The makeshift snowshoes helped him navigate the drifts, but even with mana reinforcing his limbs, the journey was becoming grueling. Each step felt heavier than the last, the howling wind gnawing at his resolve.
The storm didn't let up, and Subaru's mind raced with questions. What had happened to the family in the farmhouse? Was this unnatural cold connected to something—or someone? Whatever the answers, he knew one thing for certain: he couldn't stop. Not yet.
Hours passed, the cold seeping into his bones like poison. Subaru wasn't sure how far he'd gone, and the once-distinct path of the main road had vanished beneath the unrelenting snow. He pressed on, though each step became an act of sheer willpower.
I'm going to die out here, Subaru realized grimly. His limbs were growing numb despite the mana he funneled through them, and his thoughts grew sluggish. The foolishness of braving the storm gnawed at him, but there was no turning back now.
As he scanned the snowy expanse for any sign of shelter, a low, guttural growl echoed through the storm. Subaru froze, his breath hitching as fear took hold. Peering ahead, he saw faint yellow glows piercing the white void. Squinting, he realized they were eyes—eyes that loomed impossibly high in the air.
The hell is that?
Before he could think further, an unnatural cold swept over him. It was deeper than anything the storm had inflicted, a freezing void that seemed to reach into his very soul. His breath caught in his throat, and his blood felt as if it had turned to ice.
Panic surged through him. Desperately, Subaru reached for his mana, trying to force life back into his limbs, but his body refused to respond.
"Sleep—" a deep, menacing growl whispered on the wind.
The next thing Subaru knew, he was standing in Crusch's courtyard, mid-stride in his morning PT.
A/N: Another week, another chapter. I will get chapter 11 out as soon as I can, I am aiming for 12/22/24, but I might delay past the holidays, depending on how much free time I have. I enjoyed reading your reviews (even the critical ones). As always, let me know how you felt about this week's addition!