Yang
The flames of Kagaragi had faded to smoldering embers, leaving behind only scattered ruins and the quiet determination of those who remained to rebuild. Amidst the lingering haze, Subaru found himself still deeply entrenched in the city's efforts. He could have left, heading back to Lugnica, but something kept him here, as if the city's fractured heart was urging him to stay.
Subaru worked tirelessly, coordinating resources, helping with repairs, and lending a hand wherever he could. He was joined by Beatrice, Heinkel, and even Anastasia, who, though wary of further entanglements in Kagaragi, respected the strange pull this place seemed to have over him. And slowly, the residents of Kagaragi began to speak his name, softly at first, then more openly, tales of the "foreign hero" who had held back the most dangerous figures among them spreading like wildfire.
Word of his exploits had crossed borders, and the quiet whispers transformed into loud rumors, reaching far beyond Kagaragi.
In the distant halls of Lugnica, Priscilla Barielle tilted her head, her ruby-red eyes narrowing with a gleam of curiosity as she listened to the tales of Subaru's exploits. This boy, her "precious clown," as she sometimes thought of him, had dared to clash with the dangerous, had become a hero to strangers in a foreign land. Her curiosity piqued, Priscilla glanced at her knight, Al, with an expectant look.
"Tell me, Al," she drawled, leaning back in her throne. "What do you make of this tale? The curr, playing the hero in the land of shinobi and serpents… Surely, there must be something more behind his newfound bravado."
Al merely shrugged, his tone relaxed. "Honestly, Priscilla, the kid's always been a bit… unpredictable. Maybe he's just finally found a place where he fits."
Priscilla scoffed, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Perhaps. Though I suspect his ambitions may run deeper than even he realizes." Her gaze grew contemplative. "A pity, that he doesn't reside in my domain… I would enjoy seeing what makes him tick."
A week passed in Kagaragi, and slowly, life returned to its uneasy rhythm. The fires were gone, the streets no longer littered with broken machines or writhing serpents. And finally, Halibel was on his feet again. He had kept mostly to himself in his recovery, but Subaru could feel the unspoken weight between them, as if something remained to be said.
One evening, Subaru found Halibel waiting for him by a quiet stretch of the city ruins, his golden eyes contemplative as he leaned against a crumbling wall. Subaru approached, curiosity stirring within him, sensing that Halibel's stoic exterior masked something deeper.
"Good to see you're up and about," Subaru greeted, offering a faint smile. "For a second there, I thought you might be out for a while."
The wolf shinobi smirked, shrugging his broad shoulders. "Takes more than that ta put me down. But I appreciate the concern."
They fell silent, watching the sun set over the slowly rebuilding city, casting an orange glow over the rooftops. After a few moments, Halibel spoke, his voice softer than Subaru had ever heard it.
"There's somethin' ya should know, Subaru," Halibel began, his gaze never leaving the horizon. "I haven't been… entirely honest with ya. Thought it was only fair I come clean."
The nasty-eyed boy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Alright. Lay it on me."
Halibel took a deep breath, his expression hardening. "When ya first came here, I wasn't just a wanderer lookin' for work. I was under orders—by the Kagaragi Council of City-States. I was sent to keep an eye on ya. Spy, if we're bein' honest." He cast a glance at Subaru, searching his reaction. "They didn't like the idea of some foreigner causin' trouble or inspirin'… change. Specially someone as strong as ya?"
Subaru's face was unreadable as he absorbed Halibel's confession. "So… you were watching me this whole time?"
Halibel nodded, his face shadowed with regret. "Aye. Every step. Every move. Figured you were just another wanderer with big ideas, bound ta fade out soon enough. But…" He paused, his gaze softening. "But I was wrong about ya, kid. Dead wrong."
The black haired boy felt a strange pang in his chest as he looked at the shinobi, seeing the genuine remorse in his eyes. "Why tell me this now?"
Halibel exhaled, the weight of his decision evident. "Because… ya made me see somethin' I'd lost sight of. Ya got somethin' real, Subaru. Somethin' that's worth fightin' for." He hesitated, almost as if reluctant to admit it, but finally spoke. "I can't stay here, playin' a puppet ta their orders. Not anymore."
A faint, humbled smile spread across Subaru's face as he took in Halibel's words, a new understanding forming between them. "So… what does that mean for you?"
"It means I'm joinin' ya," Halibel replied, his tone resolute. "If there's one thing I learned from this mess, it's that maybe it's time I stopped bein' someone else's tool. I wanna fight for somethin' bigger than just orders. I wanna see that vision of yours through." He extended his hand, a rare vulnerability flickering in his eyes.
Subaru looked at the outstretched hand, feeling the gravity of the moment. Without hesitation, he clasped Halibel's hand, sealing their newfound bond. "Welcome to the team, Halibel," Subaru said, grinning.
The days passed quickly as Subaru and Halibel worked together to tie up loose ends in Kagaragi, preparing for the next steps. Despite the hard work, they felt a strange satisfaction in the knowledge that they were no longer just allies of convenience but comrades bound by purpose.
That night, the group gathered around a quiet table in a dimly lit tavern, the air warm with the soft glow of lanterns and the comfortable hum of voices. Subaru leaned back in his seat, letting out a long sigh as he gazed at his friends, each of them looking a bit more relaxed and, perhaps, even a little nostalgic after their time in Kagaragi. The tension and danger of the past days seemed like a distant memory in this moment of reprieve.
"Well," Subaru began, his voice carrying a note of finality, "it's been quite a ride here in Kagaragi. But I think our little vacation has come to an end."
Beatrice, seated beside him, gave him a sidelong glance, her expression a mixture of relief and mild exasperation. "If you're calling this a vacation, in fact, then you really have an odd idea of rest, I suppose," she muttered, crossing her arms with a faint smirk.
Subaru chuckled, reaching over to give her a light nudge. "Come on, Beako, don't tell me you didn't have a bit of fun. I mean, look at all the action we got, the people we met, and…" He glanced around the table, the warmth in his gaze unmistakable. "I'd say we made a few good memories along the way."
Halibel nodded, his usually guarded expression softening as he raised his glass in agreement. "Can't say I expected it ta end like this. But yeah, kid, you got a point."
As Subaru continued to reflect, he turned his gaze toward Heinkel, who was already halfway through another mug of beer, his cheeks flushed and his eyes glassy with a tipsy gleam. Heinkel caught Subaru's look and grinned, raising his mug high as he leaned back in his chair.
"This whole thing?" Heinkel slurred, gesturing around with his mug. "One big business venture, kid. Just the kinda work a seasoned pro like me thrives on!" He laughed, giving Subaru a conspiratorial wink. "Didn't tell ya, but I've got it all figured out. Risky, sure, but profitable. Ain't that right, Halibel?"
Halibel rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the faint smile that tugged at his lips. "If this is what ya call business, I'd hate ta see yer vacations, Astrea."
Subaru laughed, shaking his head as he raised his own mug, mirroring Heinkel's cheerful toast. "Cheers to that! I think we've done more than enough 'business' here to last us a lifetime."
Mugs clinked around the table, and they shared a quiet moment, basking in the camaraderie they'd forged through battle and hardship. Each of them carried their own memories from their time in Kagaragi, a place that had challenged them, changed them, and brought them closer together.
Subaru's gaze grew thoughtful, his voice softening as he looked around at each of his friends. "It's time we head home," he said, his tone resolute. "We've had our adventures, faced our share of enemies, and… I think it's about time we bring a bit of peace back to where it all started."
Beatrice's expression softened, a faint smile crossing her lips as she nodded. "Betty agrees, I suppose. There's still plenty left for us back home."
Halibel gave a slow nod, his golden eyes meeting Subaru's with newfound trust. "Back to Lugnica it is, then. Feels like we got some loose ends waitin' for us there."
Heinkel, still in his drunken haze, grinned widely. "Home, eh? Fine by me. As long as there's a drink and a place ta sleep, I'm good." He raised his mug in a final toast. "To Kagaragi and all its madness! And ta whatever's waitin' for us back home."
Anastasia Hoshin leaned back in her chair, her sharp blue eyes flickering thoughtfully as she considered the news coming in from Kagaragi. Across from her sat the mauve knight, his lavender eyes steady yet pensive, reflecting his own unspoken thoughts.
"It's been one surprise after another in that city," she began, her tone casual but edged with curiosity. "Things got mighty complicated fast, and that raven-haired boy of ours seems to be right in the thick of it."
Julius nodded, his gaze intent. "Subaru has a way of… stirring things up wherever he goes. He gets people on his side, often before they even know they've joined him. But this—what he's done in Kagaragi—it's bigger than anything he's been involved in before." He hesitated, his voice low as if speaking more to himself. "I wonder how he'll hold it all together."
Anastasia's expression shifted, her lips pressing into a line as she regarded her knight. "Ya're not wrong, Julius. Kagaragi's not like any of the places he's tangled with before. He's built up quite a stir, but it's no small thing ta make it mean somethin' when so many people are watchin'. And ya know as well as I do that he's attracted more than just followers."
The knight's gaze grew distant for a moment, and he nodded slowly. "He's remarkable at finding a path forward, even when it's unclear to everyone else. But he's bound to reach a point where resolve alone isn't enough. If he can't keep a clear direction in all of this… it could turn against him. And it would turn quickly."
Anastasia's mouth curved into a wry smile. "That's the gamble he's taken, though, isn't it? Jumpin' headfirst into somethin' without knowin' how deep it goes. But he's also got somethin' most don't—a way of making even the most stubborn folks see reason." She paused, studying Julius closely. "And ya don't think he's ready for it?"
Julius glanced down, collecting his thoughts. "I think he's prepared in ways most wouldn't be. But he's stepping into a world where people play by harsher rules, and he can't predict how every player will move."
Anastasia's gaze softened, though a trace of amusement lingered. "Then let's keep watch and see if he can pull it off. Somethin' tells me the story he's writin' in Kagaragi isn't over yet."
Julius held her gaze, a quiet respect underlying his usual composure. "Whatever happens, he's bound to make it memorable."
Anastasia gave a slow nod, her eyes drifting back to the papers on the table. The stakes were rising, and they both knew it. But for now, she'd let Subaru walk his path and see what he made of it.
Julius stifled a yawn, his composure wavering just slightly as the weight of the day settled over him. He rose from his seat with a polite bow toward Anastasia, his lavender eyes reflecting a trace of fatigue.
"If you'll excuse me, Lady Anastasia," he said quietly. "I believe it's time I retired for the night."
Anastasia gave a nod, her focus already returning to the stack of papers on her desk. "Get some rest, Julius. We'll need all the clarity we can get fer what's ahead."
He offered a faint smile before stepping out of the room, his boots softly echoing down the empty corridor as he made his way to his chambers. Once inside, he closed the door and set his sword aside with care, allowing himself a rare moment to unwind. Within minutes, his eyes drifted shut, and he sank into the comfort of sleep, his mind finally quiet.
The morning was bright but clouded, with a soft, filtered light spilling over the bustling scene as Subaru and the group prepared to depart from Kagaragi. Amidst the bags and bundles strewn about, three familiar, eager faces clung tightly to the black-haired boy, their arms wrapped around him as though refusing to let go.
"Subaru! Ya can't leave yet!" Mimi pouted, her eyes wide with pleading.
"Yeah, we're just gettin' started! Can't ya stay a bit longer?" Tivey chimed in, his usually calm expression replaced by a soft look of disappointment.
Even Hetaro, the quietest of the three, held tight, nodding solemnly as he muttered, "Yer too fun ta leave now, Subaru."
Subaru, caught in the triplets' enthusiastic grip, sighed with a faint, stubborn grin, halfheartedly pushing back against them. "C'mon, you three, it's time for us to head back," he said, though his voice lacked the force to match his words. "Can't keep hangin' around here forever, right?"
Across from them, the mauve-haired merchant watched with an amused smile, her blue eyes glinting in the morning light. "Quite the following ya've got there, Subaru," Anastasia drawled, her tone tinged with amusement. "Seems ya've left an impression on 'em."
Beside her, the mauve knight's eyes held a soft humor as he observed the scene. "It appears you've made some loyal friends," he remarked, his calm voice holding a trace of warmth.
Subaru rolled his eyes, though he couldn't keep the grin off his face as he gently pried Mimi's arms from around his waist. "You guys are way too clingy, you know that? What's Beako going to think?" He shot a glance over to the corner of the room, where a small figure sat with her arms folded and her expression turned pointedly away.
Beatrice, perched on a stack of bags, looked off to the side, her arms crossed tightly as if dismissing the scene entirely. "If you're leaving, then leave, I suppose," she muttered, though her tone held a slight edge of impatience. "It's not like Betty needs you, in fact."
Subaru let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head as he finally managed to get the triplets to release him. "Don't be like that, Beako. It's just… some people can't handle a proper goodbye." He shot a look at the triplets, who hadn't moved far, their expressions still hopeful.
Anastasia exchanged a look with Julius, her smile widening. "Well, ya heard the man. Just 'cause he's leavin' now doesn't mean it's the last ya'll will see of him," she said, addressing the triplets. "Besides, that boy's got a habit of showin' up when ya least expect him."
Julius nodded, a faint smile on his otherwise composed face. "Indeed. I have a feeling we'll be crossing paths again soon enough."
Subaru sighed, giving the three siblings a soft smile. "You guys take care, alright? And keep things lively 'til I get back." He managed a final wave, his gaze lingering on their faces as they finally let him go, though the reluctance was clear in their eyes.
As the triplets finally released their grip on the black-haired boy and trotted off, already plotting to bother the ever-patient knight, Anastasia strolled up to Subaru. Behind them, a dragon carriage waited, its frame sturdy and worn from travel, with the tall shinobi and the grizzled swordsman already settled inside, their figures visible through the carriage window.
Anastasia came to a stop beside Subaru, her sharp blue eyes softening as she studied him in the morning light. There was something unreadable in her gaze, a rare sincerity that broke through the usual layer of wry amusement. She looked at him for a moment before speaking, her voice low.
"Listen, Subaru," she began, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Whatever it is ya decide ta do, wherever ya go, I'll be there ta see it happen. I'm sure of that." Her tone was soft but certain, as though she could already see the paths he might take, and she was resolute about being there to witness them.
Subaru looked at her, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he quickly masked it with a grin, his usual sarcasm slipping back into place. "So, what, I've gone and turned into another prized asset for ya ta sink yer fangs into?" he quipped, though his voice held a quiet humor.
The merchant princess's laughter spilled out, a rich, almost cruel sound tinged with a sarcastic edge. She raised an eyebrow, her expression an amused smirk as she crossed her arms. "Well, if ya wanna look at it that way, maybe ya have, hm? Though, I gotta admit, it's not every day a merchant princess finds an asset as peculiar as you."
The raven-haired boy shrugged, returning her smirk with one of his own. "Guess I should be honored," he said dryly. "Wouldn't want to disappoint ya, Lady Hoshin."
Anastasia's gaze softened just slightly, a warmth flickering beneath her usual sharpness. "Ya know," she murmured, "there's more than one way ta make a profit, Subaru. And not all of 'em are counted in coins." She held his gaze a moment longer, then gave him a slight nod, as if sealing an unspoken understanding.
With that, she took a step back, letting the space settle between them as she turned to watch the dragon carriage.
Subaru offered a small, confident smile, his black hair catching a stray beam of morning light as he looked at her with a hint of challenge in his eyes. "I'll see ya in Lugnica, Anastasia," he said, his voice carrying a quiet promise.
Anastasia raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms with a smirk. "Oh, I don't doubt it, Natsuki Subaru," she replied smoothly, her blue eyes gleaming. "Ya have a way of showin' up when ya aren't expected. Just try not ta shake things up too much before I get there, alright?"
Subaru chuckled, casting a final look her way before stepping toward the carriage. The faintest trace of a smile lingered on her face as she watched him go, the soft sounds of departure filling the quiet air between them.
The gentle rocking of the dragon carriage lulled the group into a comfortable silence as they traveled back toward Lugnica. Subaru, seated beside Beatrice, reached over and playfully tugged on one of her blond ringlets, twirling it between his fingers. The little spirit shot him an exasperated look, though she didn't quite manage to hide the faint, grudging smile tugging at her lips.
Across from them, the grizzled swordsman was slumped against the side of the carriage, his eyes shut and his breathing deep and steady. Heinkel had long since drifted into a contented sleep, the quiet rhythm of the journey and the recent bout of drinking sending him into a blissful oblivion.
The dragon carriage rolled on, the river marking the border between Kagaragi and Lugnica finally coming into view. They crossed the wooden bridge, the sound of wheels creaking over the planks and the faint rush of water below filling the air. But as soon as they reached the other side, the carriage lurched to an abrupt stop, throwing them all forward with a jarring jolt.
Subaru immediately straightened, his gaze snapping toward the front of the carriage. "What the—?" he muttered, his voice tense as he glanced over at the tall shinobi, who was already alert, his sharp gaze narrowed.
Beatrice clutched the edge of the seat, her small figure braced as she peered cautiously toward the carriage window. "What… just happened, I suppose?" she murmured, a hint of worry crossing her face.
Subaru leaned forward, his gaze searching for any sign of what had forced them to a halt. Outside, the landscape appeared calm, the early morning light casting long shadows over the quiet road. But a strange tension hung in the air, as though something unseen was waiting just beyond their line of sight.
Subaru, Beatrice, and Halibel climbed out of the carriage, leaving the sleeping swordsman snoring softly inside, completely oblivious to the sudden commotion. As they stepped onto the road, they saw their hired driver a few paces ahead, standing in tense conversation with a figure whose very presence commanded the air around him.
There, clad in the silver and red of the Astrea family, stood the man known as the Sword Saint—Reinhard van Astrea, the strongest man in the world. His composed, formidable aura seemed to cut through the soft morning light, as if the world itself bent to accommodate him.
The group froze momentarily, the weight of Reinhard's presence settling over them. Subaru's eyes narrowed in a mixture of curiosity and amusement before he took a step forward, crossing his arms in a mock display of confidence.
"Reinhard!" he called out, voice light but carrying a challenging edge. "It's been a while, huh? Guess you must have missed me something fierce if ya came all this way just to see me."
The red-haired Sword Saint's eyes flicked to Subaru, a faint smile touching his lips, though it faded quickly as he remembered the purpose of his visit. His gaze grew serious, and he stood straighter, the weight of his duty unmistakable in his expression.
"Natsuki Subaru," he began, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable authority, "by order of the Sage Council, you are under arrest. You're to come with me immediately."
At this, Beatrice's small figure stiffened, her eyes widening with shock and fury. "Arrest? On what grounds, I suppose!" she demanded, stepping forward, her fists clenched as she glared up at the Sword Saint, clearly outraged. "You think Betty will let you just take him away? This is absurd, in fact!"
Subaru raised an eyebrow, his usual defiance tempered by genuine surprise as he tried to process the gravity of the situation. Arrested? The very word felt surreal, and he could hardly wrap his mind around it. He opened his mouth to retort, but before he could speak, Halibel placed a steady hand on his shoulder, his tall frame casting a calm, observant presence over the scene.
The wolf shinobi turned his gaze to Reinhard, his golden eyes meeting the Sword Saint's with quiet respect. "Reinhard van Astrea," he said, bowing his head slightly. "Quite the honor to finally meet ya. I've heard a lot about the Sword Saint of Lugnica."
Reinhard's serious expression softened for a moment as he acknowledged Halibel, his eyes sharp and calculating as he took in the imposing figure before him. "And you would be Halibel of Kagaragi, the Wanderer." Reinhard's gaze held both respect and curiosity. "I know of your reputation. It's strange that we've never crossed paths until now."
Halibel gave a slight shrug, his tone casual. "Guess I keep to my own territory." His eyes narrowed as he continued, "Though I didn't expect our first meeting would be on… terms like this."
Reinhard's face grew solemn once more, and he looked back at Subaru with unyielding resolve. "I'm afraid this isn't a choice. Subaru must answer to the Council, as per their command."
The tension in the air was almost tangible, Reinhard's solemn pronouncement settling heavily over the group. Beatrice, her blue eyes flaring with anger, stepped forward, her small figure practically vibrating with indignation as she shot a fierce glare at the Sword Saint.
"Are you out of your mind, I suppose?" she snapped, her voice sharp. "Subaru has done nothing to deserve this kind of treatment! Arrest? Really? You think Betty will just sit here and let you take him away?" She crossed her arms tightly, positioning herself protectively beside her contractor.
Subaru placed a calming hand on her shoulder, his touch gentle but steady. "Easy there, Beako," he murmured, his voice a soft reassurance. "Let's hear what this is about first, alright?"
Turning to Reinhard, Subaru raised an eyebrow, a faint trace of humor in his voice despite the circumstances. "So, what exactly am I being arrested for?" he asked, his tone almost amused. "I've done a lot, sure, but I didn't think any of it was worth this."
Reinhard sighed, a hint of reluctance in his blue gaze as he met Subaru's eyes. "Under Lugnica's laws, you've opposed the few constraints the Sage Council set for you when they allowed you certain freedoms here," he explained, his tone steady but unmistakably conflicted. "Personally… I don't agree with their decision," he admitted, a flicker of frustration slipping into his voice. "But as a knight, I'm bound to uphold their law."
The tall shinobi observed the exchange with calm interest, catching the faint discord in Reinhard's expression. "So the strongest man in the kingdom is tasked with bringing in a guy who saved half of it?" he remarked dryly, a trace of disbelief in his tone.
Reinhard's mouth twitched in a faint, wry smile. "Duty has a way of making me do things I'd rather not, especially when my own sense of justice disagrees." He glanced back at Subaru, an unspoken apology in his eyes. "Honestly, I'd rather not be away from my royal candidate for long. Felt is already gathering her allies; she'll need me there."
Subaru let out a small sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced between Reinhard, Halibel, and Beatrice. "Well," he said quietly, his voice steady, "if it's the Council's order, then I'll accept whatever they want. I'm not about to run from it. Might as well face it head-on."
For a brief moment, a shadow passed over Reinhard's usually composed expression, and his lips tightened, as though he wished to say more. But his knightly sense of duty held him in place, and he gave a slight nod.
"I understand, Subaru," he replied, his tone respectful yet carrying a hint of sadness. "I'll make sure your journey is swift and dignified. I… wish things were different."
Subaru shrugged, offering him a faint smile. "Guess it's all part of the job, huh?" He shot a glance at Beatrice, who was still fuming but visibly more restrained, her fists clenched at her sides. "Beako, it's alright. We'll work it out once we're there."
The little spirit held her glare, her hands still clenched. "I'm coming with you, I suppose," she muttered, as if challenging anyone to say otherwise.
Reinhard's gaze softened as he looked down at Beatrice, her fiery determination unmistakable. "I'm afraid I can only take Subaru," he said gently, his voice laced with sympathy. "The Council's orders were specific. Subaru must come alone."
Beatrice's eyes narrowed, the reluctance and frustration plain in her expression. She clenched her fists, looking between Subaru and the Sword Saint. After a tense silence, she gave a sharp nod, her voice low. "Fine, I suppose… but you better bring him back safe," she muttered, her tone fierce but resigned.
Subaru looked down at her, a faint, reassuring smile on his face. "It's alright, Beako. I'll see ya soon. You know me—I always come back, right?"
She huffed, crossing her arms and turning away, but the worry was still clear in her gaze. "Just… don't take too long, I suppose."
Reinhard moved closer, his expression calm as he extended his arms, gesturing to Subaru. "We'll make this quick," he promised, though the underlying strain in his voice showed his discomfort at the whole situation.
Subaru took a deep breath, looking up at Reinhard with a faint smirk. "So, are you gonna carry me like some helpless damsel, or what?"
The Sword Saint's mouth twitched in a rare hint of humor. "It's the fastest way to travel," he replied simply, bending down and hoisting Subaru up in a firm but surprisingly gentle bridal carry. "Apologies for the lack of alternatives."
Subaru groaned, half amused and half embarrassed as he glanced at his friends. "This is not how I imagined being taken in by the strongest guy in the kingdom," he muttered, his voice dripping with mock indignation. "Next time, bring a carriage."
Reinhard gave him a small, wry smile, but his gaze shifted, somber once more as he prepared to leave. "Hold on tight," he instructed, and without another word, he leapt into the air, covering a vast distance in a single bound, the wind rushing past them as they disappeared from view.
The group left behind stood in stunned silence, watching the spot where Reinhard and Subaru had just been. Beatrice's face softened as she gazed at the empty space, her expression a mix of worry and determination.
Halibel, the tall shinobi, finally broke the silence, his voice low and resolute. "Guess we know where we're headed next," he murmured, casting a glance down the road that led to the capital.
Beatrice nodded, her eyes narrowing. "Yes… we're not leaving him to face this alone, I suppose."
Heinkel stirred, his eyes bleary and bloodshot, and let out a groggy groan as he sat up, pressing a hand to his temple. The effects of last night's drinks weighed heavily on him, and he squinted against the morning light, grimacing. He looked around, his gaze falling on the empty spot where Subaru had just been.
"Where's the kid?" he muttered, his voice rough from both sleep and lingering alcohol.
Halibel, the tall shinobi with his ever-calm demeanor, looked over at Heinkel. "The Sword Saint came by," he explained, his tone steady but edged with tension. "Apparently, Subaru's under arrest. Ordered by the kingdom."
Heinkel's gaze darkened, his brows knitting together as he processed Halibel's words. "Arrest? By the kingdom?" His voice grew louder, frustration and anger creeping in. "Those old fools… and Bordeaux of all people—he's behind this, isn't he? That conniving bastard!"
The grizzled swordsman clenched his fists, his face twisting with anger as he went on, practically spitting out his words. "And my son, Reinhard… just took him away without question, did he? Always so dutiful, that monster never thinkin' for himself." His voice dripped with bitterness as he continued, throwing a venomous glare at the direction Reinhard had disappeared in. "Perfect, obedient Sword Saint, doing whatever those decrepit old fools tell him…"
Beatrice looked over, her usual irritation with Heinkel momentarily forgotten in the face of his outburst. Her own anger simmered beneath the surface as she considered Subaru's sudden departure. "Enough talk," she said, her voice firm. "We need to move, I suppose. We're not letting him handle this alone."
Halibel nodded in agreement, his golden eyes glinting with determination. "Subaru needs people by his side who know him. Let's get to the capital—quickly."
Heinkel grunted, forcing himself to his feet and brushing off the remnants of sleep with a final scowl. "Fine, then. Let's go give the Council a piece of our minds. Kid deserves better than this."
Authors Note:
The trial begins! A few things to watch out for, be a bit concerned for. Anyways, I don't have too many comments related to this scenario but keep in mind that Rienhard was able to arrest Subaru as soon as he crossed into Lugnican territory, due to international law preventing the Sword Saint from going anywhere else. Hope you enjoyed!