Yin

The grand hall of the Sage Council chamber loomed overhead, its high, vaulted ceilings adorned with tapestries depicting ancient battles and historic triumphs. Tall, imposing pillars lined the room, and rows of seats stretched out, all occupied by the grim faces of Lugnica's oldest and most influential leaders. At the far end of the hall, seated in a place of authority, was Bordeaux Zellgef, the head of the Council—his sharp eyes fixed on the dark-haired boy standing defiantly at the center of the room.

Subaru stood tall, his chin lifted and arms crossed, wearing an expression of absolute indifference to the gravity of the occasion. His eyes, dark and intense, scanned the faces of those gathered with an amused smirk, as if he were somehow in on a joke that none of them could understand. He met the cold stares with an unyielding confidence, his very stance a silent dare to each of them.

Bordeaux's mouth twisted into a sneer as he leaned forward, his gray eyes narrowed with disdain. His regal attire hung stiffly from his broad shoulders, each thread and embellishment seemingly weighed down by his sense of self-importance. "So… Natsuki Subaru," he began, his voice echoing through the hall with a sharp, biting tone, "you've returned to the kingdom you've so boldly inserted yourself into. Tell me, do you imagine yourself a hero?"

Subaru let out a soft, sarcastic laugh, his gaze never wavering. "Hero? Not particularly. But hey, it's nice to know you all think so highly of me."

A murmur ran through the gathered sages, their expressions ranging from indignation to outright contempt. Bordeaux's face darkened, and he continued, his voice cold and dismissive. "You've done quite enough, don't you think? Slaying the White Whale, dispatching the Sin Archbishop of Sloth…" He scoffed, his tone dripping with skepticism. "Oh, yes, you've amassed quite the reputation. But I see through it. Nothing but a convenient cover to hide something far more sinister, I imagine."

Subaru's smirk only widened, his eyes glinting with a dangerous amusement. He uncrossed his arms, shrugging casually as though he were having an ordinary chat rather than facing the highest authority in the kingdom. "You know, I'm impressed. I didn't realize paranoia was such a valued trait here. But sure, if you think my fighting a giant monster and a psychopath was all just a clever trick, go right ahead." He spread his arms, daringly meeting Bordeaux's gaze. "Do your worst. I'm all ears."

Another elder sage, his face pale and gaunt beneath his flowing robes, leaned forward with a sneer. "Such arrogance for one who has no place here! A foreigner from gods know where, inserting himself into our kingdom's affairs… it's disgraceful."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Subaru replied, his tone dripping with mock humility. "Should I have let you all keep sitting around while I did nothing?" He looked directly at Bordeaux, his eyes filled with a spark of defiance. "Because from where I'm standing, you guys seem real cozy up here. Must be nice to pass judgment without getting your hands dirty."

Bordeaux's mouth twisted into a thin line, his glare sharpened. "Mind your tongue, boy!" he snapped, his voice a barely restrained growl. "You may have gained favor from some in this kingdom, but your actions raise more questions than they answer. You've disrupted more than you realize with your reckless meddling."

Subaru laughed again, louder this time, and shook his head, the audacity of the Council's accusations amusing him more than angering him. "Reckless? I was trying to protect people! And maybe it's hard for you to understand that from way up here, but someone had to do something."

The hall fell silent for a moment, the members of the Council eyeing Subaru with thinly veiled hostility. Finally, Bordeaux spoke again, his voice low and cutting.

"I don't trust you, Natsuki Subaru," he said, his tone laced with venom.

"You're an outsider, and your so-called 'heroics' are nothing more than thinly veiled excuses to gain influence within our kingdom. But let me make one thing very clear: I will not allow you to disrupt the balance of power here."

Subaru crossed his arms again, giving Bordeaux an infuriatingly calm stare. "Disrupt the balance of power?" he echoed, voice thick with sarcasm. "Wow. You guys really do love your rules, don't you?"

A tall sage, his long, gray beard trembling with indignation, slammed his hand against the armrest of his chair. "How dare you speak to us this way! You should be begging for mercy, not standing here with such insolence."

Subaru took a single step forward, his expression darkening as he met the man's gaze. "Mercy? From you lot?" He scoffed, voice filled with scorn. "I'm the one out there fighting to protect people while you're in here debating what rules I broke. If anything, maybe you should be the ones asking for mercy—from those who actually live in this kingdom."

A gasp rippled through the chamber, but Subaru didn't back down, his posture as confident and unbending as ever. For a moment, a flicker of doubt passed across a few of the sages' faces. But Bordeaux's expression only hardened further, his fists clenched as he rose to his feet.

"Enough of this arrogance!" Bordeaux barked, his voice echoing with authority. "You forget yourself, Natsuki Subaru. As an outsider, you have no right to dictate the affairs of this kingdom." He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You may have deceived some with your supposed 'good deeds,' but I know better. I see you for what you truly are—a reckless meddler, hiding behind a facade of heroism."

Subaru shrugged, unfazed. "Then see whatever you want. I don't need your approval, and I sure as hell don't need you lecturing me on heroism." He met Bordeaux's glare head-on, his own expression unrelenting. "If you think I'm such a threat, then go ahead. Punish me. Do whatever you want. But don't expect me to beg."

Bordeaux's jaw tightened, but he managed to keep his voice level. "So be it. If you continue to stand in defiance of this Council, then we will be forced to act. You think yourself untouchable, but you will learn just how little power you truly have."

Subaru's smirk didn't falter, his dark eyes filled with the fire of defiance. "I'd love to see you try."

The memory flickered in Subaru's mind, a brief scene from just before he entered the grand council chamber. Reinhard had pulled him aside, his expression unusually serious as he tried to impart some last-minute advice.

"Natsuki Subaru," the red-haired Sword Saint had said, his voice calm but filled with quiet urgency. "Listen to me. When you're in front of the Council, stay respectful. They're already wary of you, and you need to tread carefully. Answer what they ask, don't antagonize them, and try to keep things brief. Don't give them any excuse to escalate this further."

Subaru, half-listening, had nodded with a casual wave of his hand. "Yeah, yeah, I got it, Reinhard," he'd said, sounding almost bored. "No ruffling feathers, be polite, and say all the right things. Don't worry; I'll be a picture of charm."

Reinhard had sighed, his brow furrowing as though he could sense exactly how far Subaru would veer off-course. "Subaru, I'm serious. Just… try to follow my advice, please?"

But, as Subaru was now proving in the Council's chamber, he had completely disregarded every bit of the Sword Saint's carefully laid guidance.

Back in the present, Subaru held his ground in the council chamber, a cocky grin on his face, arms crossed defiantly as he stared down the enraged sages and nobles. Across the hall, Reinhard's normally composed expression was one of utter disbelief, his blue eyes wide as he stood among a few other knights who looked equally stunned.

Subaru could feel the heat of Bordeaux's glare like fire, the sage's face twisted with barely contained rage. His hands clenched, the tendons tight, his voice rising sharply as he spoke with unbridled fury.

"Enough of this insolence!" Bordeaux bellowed, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Natsuki Subaru, you have shown nothing but contempt for this Council, this kingdom, and its laws. I hereby order you to be detained in the royal prison, where you will await trial." He sneered, his tone cutting. "Your trial will commence immediately once the proper bureaucrats are gathered. You'll learn soon enough that your arrogance has consequences."

The other sages murmured in agreement, their faces a mix of disdain and satisfaction at seeing the cocky outsider finally put in his place.

Subaru shrugged, his smirk unwavering as he met Bordeaux's gaze with a look that almost dared him to do his worst. "Well, if that's what it takes to convince you, lead the way."

Reinhard, still watching from the sidelines, could only shake his head in disbelief, his expression caught between exasperation and resignation. He knew now that Subaru had ignored his every word of advice, throwing all caution to the wind.

The dimly lit study held a quiet tension as Crusch Karsten, the dignified duchess with emerald-green hair and an air of unwavering resolve, sat across from the aged but perceptive sage, Miklotov McMahon. Beside her stood Wilhelm van Astrea, his posture rigid but respectful, his weathered face reflecting both wisdom and a shadow of suspicion. Felix Argyle lingered nearby, his feline eyes narrowed with a mix of curiosity and unease as he listened intently.

Miklotov adjusted his glasses, his gaze somber as he spoke, his voice measured. "Lady Crusch, I wished to inform you personally. Natsuki Subaru has been arrested and is currently under trial in the capital. This… unique case has garnered attention from across the kingdom and beyond. Even as we speak, nobles are gathering in the capital, their interest piqued by Subaru's actions and his unforeseen rise to notoriety."

Crusch nodded thoughtfully, her emerald eyes sharp as she considered the implications. "So this trial has become a spectacle," she said, her voice calm but heavy with thought. "The attention he's drawn is not a minor matter."

Miklotov leaned forward, his tone growing more serious. "Precisely. Subaru's actions—the defeat of the White Whale in one fell blow, and his role in dismantling the Witch Cult's threat—are no small feats. Yet, there are… unanswered questions." He paused, his gaze flickering to Wilhelm, whose expression remained unreadable.

Crusch's eyes narrowed slightly. "I understand your concern. My Divine Protection of Wind Reading can assist in this trial. Alongside Reinhard, we should be able to navigate it as swiftly as possible. That boy deserves a fair judgment, not drawn-out theatrics."

Wilhelm's lips pressed into a thin line, and he nodded gravely. "Lady Crusch is right," he agreed. "But I, too, hold reservations. Natsuki Subaru's defeat of the White Whale… I was there, and even now, I find it difficult to reconcile." The Sword Demon's eyes, sharp and introspective, glanced at Miklotov. "To bring down a beast of that magnitude in a single strike… It raises questions no ordinary explanation can answer."

Felix, his usual lighthearted expression replaced with a rare seriousness, looked up at Crusch. "So we're goin' ta the capital, then?" he asked, his voice quieter than usual.

"Yes," Crusch affirmed, her gaze steady as she looked at her retainers. "If Subaru is truly on trial, then we'll be there. And we'll get the answers we need."

Miklotov nodded, his eyes flashing with quiet respect for her resolve. "Then I will accompany you. This trial is not only about Natsuki Subaru's actions; it's about understanding the motives and mysteries behind them. And I believe the Council may be in need of my balance."

Crusch stood, her determination unwavering. "Then let's go. Whatever awaits Subaru, we'll be there to see it through."

In a large, ornate mansion adorned with regal, albeit fading, Vollachian decor, Subaru lounged lazily on an armchair, an expression of boredom plain on his face. His raven hair fell slightly over his eyes as he threw a small red rubber ball against the wall, catching it as it rebounded before tossing it again. The rhythmic thud-thud-thud of the ball filled the otherwise silent room.

Across from him sat a figure whose presence commanded the space in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. Stride Vollachia, the Sin Archbishop of Pride, regarded Subaru with a look of both amusement and faint scorn, his sharp eyes glinting as he took in his companion's insolent posture. Stride's gaze was piercing, his aristocratic features framed by strands of dark violet hair that seemed to reflect a power beyond mere mortal reach. He watched the ball's arc with a hint of distaste, his expression otherwise calm as he waited, observing each careless toss.

"Pray tell, Natsuki Subaru," he began, his voice carrying the weight of ages past, "doth thou find amusement in such trivial entertainments? While thee sit idly, tossing yon sphere with nary a thought, I would remind thee of the gravity surrounding thy current predicament."

Subaru shrugged, catching the ball with a nonchalant flick of his wrist. "What can I say, Stride? If you're here to lecture me, at least let me keep myself entertained. A guy's gotta stay busy, right?"

Stride's lips twisted into a faint sneer, his eyes narrowing. "Busy, thou sayest?" he echoed with a low, condescending chuckle. "To mock the machinations of fate with such… childish diversions?" He leaned forward, his gaze darkening. "Verily, thy arrogance dost match mine own, yet thou tempers it with folly, bordering on madness. Perhaps it is this disposition that draws such ire from thy detractors."

Subaru rolled his eyes, tossing the ball again. "Oh, come on, you can't seriously think they're all that scary. Half those council members couldn't even handle a normal conversation without tripping over themselves." He laughed, letting the ball bounce back into his palm. "You really think they have anything on me?"

Stride's expression remained unmoved, his scornful gaze unwavering. "Their power lies not in valor nor strength but in bureaucracy and influence—a web far more intricate than thy perception alloweth thee to grasp, I daresay. While thou dost prance about, spitting upon the traditions of Lugnica, know that thy standing is frail, a mere wisp before the tempest."

Subaru shot Stride an exasperated look. "Yeah, yeah, I get it, I'm a 'mere wisp,' whatever. But you know as well as I do that I'm not planning to bow down to their little power plays." He gave a sardonic grin, tossing the ball higher this time. "Besides, isn't that why we're in this… arrangement? You need someone who can shake things up just as much as I do."

Stride's gaze flickered with a rare hint of approval, though it was tainted by the faintest curl of distaste. "Aye, such is our alliance," he admitted, his voice softening but no less sharp. "Yet thou art wont to toy with forces that wouldst see thee undone, lest thou remain cautious. Doth thou not perceive the shadow of destiny trailing in thy wake, watching thy every misstep?"

Subaru snorted, reclining further into his seat as he bounced the ball with deliberate ease. "Shadow of destiny, huh? Sounds pretty dramatic, even coming from you." He smirked, shrugging one shoulder. "But alright, I'll bite—what's your grand advice, oh wise and superior Stride? Should I go in there with my head down, play the meek outsider, or just throw my fists up and see where they land?"

Stride's mouth pulled into a scornful smile, his eyes glinting with something almost like amusement. "Ah, thou mockest even the fate entwined with thine own. If 'tis mockery or true valor, I know not, yet I would implore thee to temper thy disdain with prudence. Stand tall, if that be thy will, but know that the council's ire hath teeth sharp enough to sever even thy fragile thread."

Subaru stopped bouncing the ball, holding it in his hand as he gave Stride a sideways glance, his dark eyes narrowing. "So you're saying I should just let them rip into me?"

Stride leaned back, a flicker of something darker crossing his face. "Nay, thou shalt do as thou hast always done, for no lecture of mine wouldst bend thee otherwise," he said, his tone almost resigned. "But remember this, Subaru… Our contract, our bond, hath not yet broken. And should thee falter, I shall hold thee to it."

Subaru met his gaze steadily, his usual grin fading as he let Stride's words sink in. "Yeah… I haven't forgotten," he murmured, almost to himself.

Stride's eyes lingered on him, a mix of disdain and something that almost resembled approval flickering beneath the surface. "Good," he said softly, his voice like a whisper from an ancient tome. "Then go forth, with thy reckless resolve, Natsuki Subaru. And shouldst thou stand in defiance… let them tremble."

Subaru tossed the ball one last time, catching it and letting it rest in his palm as he looked at Stride, an uncharacteristically thoughtful expression crossing his face. He turned the red ball over in his hand, as if considering the weight of his own words before he spoke.

"It's been almost a year since I had to use [ Return By Death ] you know?" His voice was quiet but steady, each word laced with a significance he rarely gave away so openly. He looked at Stride with a half-smile, a mixture of relief and defiance in his eyes. "Feels kind of… unreal, almost. All the near misses, all the close calls. But it's been working out."

Stride raised an eyebrow, his expression unmoving but his gaze sharpening as he took in Subaru's words.

Subaru's smirk grew slightly, a glint of confidence flickering in his dark eyes. "Guess I've got this Authority of Pride to thank for that. It's stronger than I thought, even for someone like me." He shrugged, letting the implications hang in the air. "Pretty strong, actually."

Stride's expression shifted, his mouth curling into a subtle, approving sneer. "Ah, so thou hast finally come to appreciate the gift bestowed upon thee… though I wonder if 'tis humility or yet more arrogance that allows thee to wield it so."

Subaru gave a casual laugh, tossing the ball into the air and catching it again. "Let's just say… I'm making the most of it. I've got no intention of relying on Return By Death again unless I absolutely have to." He looked back at Stride, a trace of defiance lingering. "And that means I'm going to face whatever's waiting for me in there without backing down."

Stride's sneer softened, his eyes narrowing with a glint of approval. "Then proceed, Natsuki Subaru, with thy pride intact… and may it be thy shield as well as thy burden."

A loud, heavy knock echoed through the mansion, its sharp sound cutting through the conversation like a knife. Subaru straightened in his chair, his grip on the rubber ball tightening instinctively. He cast a glance toward Stride, his expression shifting from the confidence of moments before to something more cautious.

"Looks like it's time to go?" he said, a slight smirk playing at his lips as he met Stride's gaze.

Stride didn't respond, but his mouth curled into a knowing smile, his silence speaking louder than any words could. The mansion around them began to dissolve, fading like mist in the morning light. The grand hall, the high ceilings, the ancient decor—all of it slipped away, replaced by a damp chill and the harsh, rough stone walls of a prison cell. The air grew thick with the scent of mold and rain, and Subaru blinked, finding himself seated on a cold stone bench in a dark, gloomy cell.

The room was cramped and wet, shadows pooling in the corners, and only the faintest light trickled in from a small barred window high above. The heavy silence weighed down on him as he tried to reorient himself, feeling a sharp shift from the conversation he'd just left behind.

Then, with a loud, metallic groan, the massive iron door at the end of the cell slowly creaked open, revealing a familiar, almost improbable figure.

"Al…?" Subaru's eyes widened, his voice a mix of shock and confusion as he took in the sight of the man with the worn helmet.

"Yo, bro. Didn't think I'd be seein' you locked up in here," said Al, his tone as relaxed as if they'd just run into each other on the street.

Subaru's eyes widened in surprise, his mind struggling to bridge the gap between Stride's haunting lecture and the casual, helmeted figure before him. "Al?! What… what are you doing here?"

Al chuckled, shrugging one shoulder as he tilted his helmeted head to the side. "Me? Just doin' a little spring cleaning, bro. Can't let ya sit around rotting in this cell forever, can I?"

Subaru blinked, the disbelief still evident in his eyes as he took in Al's relaxed stance. "And… why exactly are you here to help me out?"

Al leaned further against the doorframe, giving a nonchalant wave. "Eh, the princess wants to see ya. Priscilla got curious 'bout what her favorite knight dragged back into the capital, so she sent me to do the honors." He smirked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "She figured a little face-to-face might be more… entertainin'."

Subaru let out a short laugh, half-relieved and half-confused. "So, she's curious about me now? Great. Just what I needed."

Al laughed, stepping back and gesturing down the darkened corridor. "C'mon, bro. You're not gettin' any cozier in here. Let's make a break for it before anyone decides you look good behind bars."

Shaking off his initial shock, Subaru rose from the bench, a sly grin spreading across his face as he nodded. "Guess I don't have a choice, huh?" He gave one last glance around the cell, half-expecting the lingering presence of Stride—but there was nothing but the cold, empty cell.

With that, he followed Al into the corridor, their footsteps echoing against the stone walls as they headed toward whatever awaited him at the hands of the princess.

As they moved through the dimly lit lower levels of the prison, Al led the way with surprising ease, his steps quick and sure, his body moving with practiced stealth. Subaru followed closely behind, casting the occasional curious glance at his guide. Al's one-armed figure navigated the winding passages, dimly lit torches casting fleeting shadows as they slipped through hallways and narrow corridors. Every so often, they would stop just short of a corner or doorway, waiting silently as a guard or knight passed by, completely unaware of their presence.

"Y'know," Subaru whispered, unable to hold back his curiosity, "you seem pretty familiar with this place, Al. Should I be concerned?"

Al chuckled softly, throwing a casual glance over his shoulder. "Nah, bro. Let's just say this isn't my first time in places like these. Gotta keep myself sharp for when things get rough." He shrugged, keeping his tone light, though his focus never wavered from the path ahead.

Subaru raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. As they finally emerged from the twisting halls, he squinted as they stepped into the cool night air. Al handed him a dark cloak, the fabric thick and heavy as Subaru pulled it over his shoulders, concealing his appearance from any wandering eyes. With the cloak's hood up, Subaru was just another figure moving under the cover of night.

They slipped through the winding streets, Al's casual stride betraying a sense of purpose as he led them down a side street, then through a back alley, keeping them well out of sight. Eventually, they rounded a corner into a discreet, narrow alleyway, dimly lit by the moon above.

There, at the far end, stood a striking figure, tall and commanding, her silhouette unmistakable. Priscilla Barielle, her red gown shimmering faintly in the low light, waited for them, her crimson eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and smug amusement. She stood tall, exuding the same unshakeable confidence that always accompanied her, her posture regal and unmoving as she watched them approach.

"So," she drawled, her voice carrying easily through the quiet night, "the infamous curr, finally in chains and brought to his knees. Quite the sight, wouldn't you say, Al?"

Al snorted, stepping aside as Subaru pulled back his hood, revealing his face. He cast a wry grin at Priscilla, shrugging as if this were all some elaborate misunderstanding. "Well, I'm here, aren't I?" he replied, his voice casual but his gaze wary. "So, what's got you so interested in me, Priscilla?"

Priscilla's red lips curved into a smirk, her gaze trailing over him with a mix of amusement and scrutiny. "Why, isn't it obvious?" she purred, folding her arms. "You're the talk of the kingdom, dear. And I always find it worth my while to keep a close eye on what stirs the people." She leaned forward, her gaze narrowing. "Especially when it comes to a stray dog like you."

Priscilla's crimson gaze flickered with a hint of disdain, her smirk curving into something sharper as she took in Subaru's defiant stance. "You truly are a cur, aren't you?" she sneered, letting the word hang in the air like a pointed insult, her eyes gleaming with an almost predatory amusement.

Subaru simply sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he looked away, a weary expression settling over his face. This small gesture, this indifference, made Priscilla's eyes widen with faint surprise. Her lips parted slightly, and for a moment, the flame-haired princess regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and confusion.

"What are you?" she asked, her tone suddenly serious, a spark of something unusual in her eyes. "Are you Vollachian?" She spoke the question with careful emphasis, as though testing the weight of the word in the air.

Subaru shook his head, giving her a faint, humorless smile. "Nope. Not a Vollachian. Not in the slightest," he replied, his tone casual but firm.

Priscilla narrowed her eyes, studying him with renewed interest. "You carry the air of one… yet at first glance, I'd never have thought it." Her gaze trailed over him, assessing, searching for something she hadn't noticed before. "But now, the way you carry yourself—your demeanor—there is no denying it. Natsuki Subaru, you must be Vollachian."

Subaru shrugged, offering another quick shake of his head. "Sorry to disappoint, but I'm not."

Her frown deepened, genuine puzzlement crossing her face. The princess was unused to being challenged, let alone dismissed so effortlessly. She tilted her head slightly, her crimson eyes never leaving his face. "How curious… a cur who barks yet does not howl with the blood of Vollachia. I don't believe it."

Subaru sighed again, his own patience wearing thin. He turned toward Al, casting a bored look at his one-armed rescuer. "Hey, Al, you mind just taking me back to the prison cell? I think I'd get more peace and quiet there."

Al blinked, surprised for a brief moment before he broke into a shrug. "Sure, bro. If that's what ya want. I was just following orders anyway."

Priscilla's eyes flared with irritation, but then, after a short pause, her lips curled into a smirk. "Very well," she said, lifting her chin arrogantly. "If you wish to return to your cage, then so be it. Take him back, Al. Let him find his peace among the rats and stone walls."

With a final, dismissive wave of her hand, Priscilla turned her back on them, her red dress shimmering as she walked away.

Subaru rolled his eyes, pulling his hood back up as Al turned to lead him back through the winding alleys, heading toward the cold confines of the prison once more.

A day passed in quiet solitude before Subaru heard the familiar sound of the iron door opening once more. He straightened, glancing up with a mix of curiosity and wariness as two figures entered his cell—Miklotov McMahon, the sage with his gentle, perceptive gaze, and, much to Subaru's surprise, Ferris Argyle, the feline healer and Crusch's loyal knight.

Miklotov offered a small, apologetic nod as he approached. "Natsuki Subaru, I wish to offer you my sincerest apologies," he said, his tone somber. "I should have done more to prevent this… situation from spiraling as it has. If I had, perhaps it wouldn't have come to this trial."

Ferris, standing beside the elder sage, nodded in agreement, his feline eyes regarding Subaru with a sympathetic glint. "Ya know, Ferri doesn't think you're a bad guy, ya know?" he added, his tone softening. "In fact, Ferri thinks a lotta people just don't know what ya went through ta get here. But we're here to help as much as we can, right, Miklotov?"

Subaru managed a faint smile, though his gaze held a trace of skepticism. "Thanks, Ferris. And… thanks, Miklotov. Not that there's much that can change things now, right?"

Miklotov sighed, nodding slowly. "Unfortunately, the trial is already set, and the Council has their eyes firmly fixed on it. I came here to inform you of what awaits you tomorrow." He paused, meeting Subaru's gaze with a grave expression. "The trial will be held in the throne room. And it won't be a quiet affair."

Subaru's brow furrowed. "How bad are we talking?"

Miklotov took a deep breath, laying out the details in a calm, steady voice. "In attendance, you'll face eighty noble representatives from across Lugnica, eighty knights from the kingdom's elite, and fifteen of the richest merchants. Additionally, ten commoners will observe—their numbers carefully limited, of course. Five of those ten have been selected from each of the major cities, chosen to represent the common voice of Lugnica. And overseeing it all will be the Sage Council, who will observe from a distance."

Subaru's eyes widened slightly, though he kept his face composed. "That's… a lot of people. Anything else?"

Miklotov gave a grave nod. "A judge has been chosen to mediate and review the trial's decision, acting as the voice of judgment in the absence of a king." He paused, letting his words settle. "And, as if that weren't enough, all five royal candidates for the throne have been invited to observe as well."

Ferris's ears perked up, and he offered Subaru a small, encouraging smile. "So, you'll have some friends in the crowd, Subawu. Ya just need ta hold your ground. Ferri's rootin' for ya, ya know?"

Subaru took in a deep breath, letting the weight of Miklotov's words settle over him. "Eighty nobles, eighty knights, fifteen merchants, the whole Sage Council watching, and the royal candidates…" He leaned back, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Guess I'd better put on a good show, huh?"

Miklotov gave him a small, approving nod. "I believe that if anyone can handle this, it is you, Subaru. Stand by your truth, and those who know you will stand with you."

Subaru let out a faint sigh, leaning back as he considered the daunting list of people who would be attending his trial. After a moment, he looked back at Miklotov with a faint frown. "So, what about representation? I mean… am I supposed to stand there alone while the Council and half the kingdom's elite stare me down?"

Miklotov's lips curved into a soft, knowing smile. "I don't believe you'll be standing alone, Natsuki Subaru."

Just then, a loud, jovial voice filled the room, one that Subaru recognized instantly. "Standing alone? Bah! That's no way to treat one of my star pupils!"

Subaru's head snapped toward the door, his eyes widening as a familiar figure stepped into the room with an air of self-assured confidence. Russell Fellow, the impeccably dressed and sharply observant merchant, stood before him with a gleam in his eye. Clad in his usual fine attire, Russell's presence radiated both charisma and wealth, his finely kept mustache twitching with amusement as he took in Subaru's current predicament.

"Russell?!" Subaru blurted out, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and relief. He couldn't help but crack a smile despite the situation.

Russell grinned, crossing his arms as he looked Subaru over. "Yes, yes, I know—I can hear it in your voice. 'What's the richest man in the kingdom doing here in a dungeon?'" He waved a hand dismissively, though a playful smirk played at his lips. "I might be a merchant at heart, but I couldn't resist the chance to see my former student making headlines." He chuckled, shaking his head. "Quite the predicament you've gotten yourself into, Subaru."

Subaru rubbed the back of his neck, his grin turning sheepish. "Yeah, well, let's just say I didn't plan for things to turn out this way…"

Russell raised an eyebrow, chuckling. "Clearly not. But today isn't about merchant lessons, even if I did teach you a thing or two about economics." He cleared his throat, standing a bit taller as he spoke with a newfound gravity.

"Today, I will be Natsuki Subaru's personal arbitrator. Consider me your voice in that trial room."

Subaru's eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and gratitude. "You're serious?"

"Absolutely," Russell replied with a firm nod, though his eyes held a glint of humor. "I may be a merchant, but I know value when I see it. You're in quite a bit of trouble, young man, but I'm here to make sure your side is heard."

Ferris nudged Subaru, giving him a wink. "Ya see? Seems like ya got a bit of luck on yer side after all, Subawu."

Russell's gaze softened as he gave Subaru a reassuring nod. "You've got more friends than you think, Subaru. Let's make sure this trial is one for the books."

As Miklotov and Ferris left, their footsteps echoing down the corridor, Subaru turned to Russell with a half-smile, relaxing slightly in the presence of his old mentor. The merchant studied him with a curious glint, his mustache twitching with amusement as he took in Subaru's current state—cloaked, disheveled, but still brimming with that spark of stubborn resilience.

"Well, before we dive into all this… legal headache, why don't you catch me up?" Russell asked, crossing his arms with a smirk. "I hear you've been busy in Kagaragi. I'd almost think you were trying to carve out your own little empire, eh? And with none other than Anastasia Hoshin, no less. Quite the partnership."

Subaru gave a casual shrug, though his eyes flickered with a hint of amusement. "Oh, you know… just a little business here and there. Gotta stay sharp." He leaned back, meeting Russell's gaze with a grin. "I figured I'd try my luck, but I didn't think word would get back so quickly."

"Stay sharp, huh?" Russell chuckled, giving him a knowing look. "Seems you're in the merchant's game for real now—if you're willing to go up against me." He shook his head, mock-sighing. "You really know how to keep a teacher on his toes, Subaru."

The raven-haired boy laughed, though his amusement quickly faded as he noticed Russell pulling a thick stack of documents from his satchel. The playful gleam in the merchant's eye was replaced by something more focused as he arranged the papers in a neat pile.

"Now," Russell began, his tone shifting to business, "I'd love to keep talking about Kagaragi, but we're going to need every minute we've got if you want a fighting chance in that trial room." He glanced at Subaru, his expression serious. "There's a mountain of legal ground we need to cover, and I could only get so much information out of my assistants. The Sage Council has arranged quite the spectacle, and we're going to be fighting an uphill battle."

Subaru raised an eyebrow, leaning in as he watched Russell flip through the documents. "How bad are we talking?"

"Bad enough," Russell replied bluntly, not looking up from the papers. "The Council has been thorough—they're combing through every action, every move you've made since you entered Lugnica. They'll be challenging everything from your motives to your methods." He paused, glancing at Subaru with a hint of caution. "And they're bringing in nobles, knights, even merchants. This is as much about the image you've created as it is about any actions you've taken."

Subaru let out a low whistle. "So… basically, they're throwing everything they can at me."

"Exactly." Russell nodded, his fingers tapping against the paper. "But we're not defenseless. We'll focus on the key points: your intentions, your allies, and your achievements. I've already worked out some strategies, but we'll need to make sure we're prepared for whatever the Council throws at us. I've done my best with what I could gather, but we're going to need a clear, concise story—one that leaves no room for doubt."

Subaru sat forward, his expression growing serious as he absorbed Russell's words. "Alright," he said, his tone steady. "What do I need to do?"

Russell offered him a small, encouraging smile. "Listen carefully, follow my lead, and stay sharp. We're going to give them a trial they won't soon forget."

Authors Note:

Think we've gotten to the point where theres too many chapters so I'll just be naming each chapter after the title rather than including the number. Let me know if theres any potential plot points that should be considered. Either way, hope you enjoyed todays chapter.