Chapter 4
Indomitable
"That's… crazy…" Puck muttered telepathically, his usually bright voice laced with disbelief.
Emilia poured her heart out to him, recounting the entire ordeal, every detail tumbling from her mind into Puck's - Felt's plight, the Bowel Hunter's threat, Subaru's perilous position, and the time travels.
She expected astonishment, perhaps even skepticism, but nothing compared to the sheer incredulity that pulsed through their shared link.
Even if Puck could sense the truth in her words, the sheer absurdity of the situation bordered on madness.
He was practically teetering between accepting it as reality and suspecting Emilia had succumbed to some bizarre delusion.
But no matter how unbelievable, one thing was clear: Emilia was genuinely terrified and desperately needed help.
One thing remained unwavering: his unbounded loyalty to his beloved daughter. No matter how outlandish her tale, he would stand by her side.
Whatever path she chose, he would offer his full support, resolved to stand by her side.
They now stood amidst the bustling heart of the capital, their steps carrying them towards the imposing walls of the Royal Palace. Earlier that day, Emilia had enrolled in the Royal Selection, a seemingly innocuous event that now felt like a distant echo compared to the looming threat surrounding her.
"I know," Emilia replied telepathically, catching Puck's lingering doubt. "But it's the truth. And thanks for your advice. It might be for the best to look out for reinforcements."
She consciously chose to focus on the positive – on Puck's suggestion that they seek backup before venturing into the treacherous slums.
Although a part of her yearned to charge in headfirst, she knew his advice was sound. Besides, the plan offered a semblance of strategy amidst the chaos, a small beacon of hope in an otherwise daunting situation.
"The castle's closer than the slums," Emilia mused aloud, her mind racing. "Maybe I can use my current status to at least get a patrol sent out."
A spark of hope ignited within her. If she played her cards right, she could potentially enlist the aid of powerful individuals like Roswaal or even Reinhard himself – formidable allies against Elsa's deadly machinations.
"I know the Sword Saint Reinhard is in the city today," she recalled, remembering a detail from her last, agonizing demise.
Puck gasped telepathically, "The Sword Saint?!" His usual playful demeanor was replaced with a surge of awe and barely concealed fear. Reinhard was legendary, a warrior whose reputation preceded him.
"Hopefully he'll be at the palace," Emilia continued, her voice laced with uncertainty. "If not, I'll report everything to the Council of Wise Men before heading back to the slums." She paused, gauging Puck's reaction. "Are you okay with that?"
A flicker of anxiety crossed Puck's mind, but his loyalty was unwavering. "I am", he reassured her telepathically.
Puck : "It's safer after all. And maybe we could even find Roswaal there too!"
The towering gates of the Royal Castle loomed before Emilia, their imposing presence both awe-inspiring and intimidating.
Carved from gleaming white marble, they depicted scenes of valor and prosperity, testament to the kingdom's enduring power.
Armed guards in ornate silver armor patrolled the grounds with an air of stoic vigilance, their eyes scanning for any sign of disturbance.
As Emilia approached, a guard stepped forward, his expression courteous but reserved. "State your purpose," he commanded, his voice carrying a hint of authority.
"I am Emilia, candidate in the Royal Selection," she replied, her voice calm yet firm. "I have urgent matters to discuss with the Council of Wise Men."
The guard's gaze shifted as recognition flickered across his face. "Ah, Emilia-sama," he acknowledged, a hint of deference softening his tone. "Follow me. I will escort you to their chambers."
She was deeply relieved not to have been checked more rigorously, but she was careful not to show it too visibly to the guards.
Given her features, they must have recognized her quickly, but if they had checked her insignia, that might have been a big problem.
Now, to conceal her loss of the insignia, she could always try bluffing her way through the "discrimination" card, but it would never have worked if they hadn't let her in beforehand. She simply got lucky.
"If only I'd introduced Puck this morning... I would only have had to show him to confirm my identity." she mused anxiously.
Spirit Users are rare enough, but there's only one Spirit user in the world who's contracted to one of the Four Great Spirits, the Beast Of The End, Puck.
She could have flaunted her contract with Puck this morning to at least gain some credibility as a royal candidate. But out of guilt, self-deprecation, shame or perhaps just shyness, she remained silent when council members questioned her legitimacy, leaving Roswaal to deal with it all.
Emilia is gradually realizing how naive and carefree she's been all this time.
And that carelessness could have both prevented her from getting reinforcements to help Subaru and Felt, and compromised her campaign to become queen before it had even begun.
In fact, it had already cost her two lives; she realized she really had to do something about it sooner rather than later.
She was escorted by the two burly guards, their faces stoic and expressions betraying little emotion as they led her through a labyrinth of marble-floored halls adorned with opulent tapestries depicting scenes of valor and conquest.
Each turn revealed a new vista of breathtaking grandeur.
Towering spires piercing the azure sky, their gilded tips glinting in the afternoon sun.
Walls adorned with vibrant tapestries woven with dragon patterns - the emblem of Lugunica's Kingdom - and scenes from ancient battles and mythical legends.
Gleaming suits of armor standing guard in silent vigil.
Ornate chandeliers casting shimmering light upon marble floors polished to a mirror sheen, reflecting the surrounding vibrant colors and textures.
The air buzzed with activity – Royal attendants bustled about, their silken robes shimmering in the sunlight. Knights practiced swordplay in a nearby training yard, their clangorous steel echoing through the courtyard. A faint melody drifted from an unseen chamber, hinting at the bustling life within these hallowed walls. Muffled clamors came from an imposing circular arena outside, hinting at an intense battle.
However, having already traversed these halls earlier that morning as a participant in the Royal Selection, Emilia paid little heed to the sheer scale and opulence of the castle and its surroundings.
Her focus remained firmly fixed on the chilling reality of her situation: Elsa's presence, and the sinister motive behind her attack.
"It seems that Reinhard is not here. I don't feel the mana being abnormally drawn away from us."
"I see. Thanks Puck."
Every hateful glance from those around her, every prejudiced whisper about her half-elven heritage, strengthened her resolve. She would not be deterred by their ignorance or fear. Her priority was far more pressing: unravelling the mystery of who sent Elsa after her insignia.
"Who could it be? The other candidates? That's veeeery unlikely." she murmured to herself. The thought of any of them plotting against her seemed improbable, bordering on absurd.
She listed their potential motivations, each point chipping away at the likelihood.
"They probably don't even know me. I just got enlisted! Plus, wouldn't it be a waste of time to sabotage a rival with such low chances of winning? They risk exposure and disqualification for a losing cause."
Would any of them risk time and resources sabotaging a rival perceived as a non-factor? A half-elf like her, deemed by many to have no chance of winning the selection.
The risk of being caught seemed too great. Exposure meant forfeiting their own ambitions, for what – to eliminate a seemingly insignificant competitor? It was illogical, bordering on reckless.
Yet, what if someone among them harbored enough hatred towards half-elves to take such a reckless risk? It was a possibility she couldn't ignore, no matter how unsettling.
As a guard's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts, Emilia snapped back to reality.
"Emilia-sama, we've reached our destination," he announced, his tone respectful despite the cold glint in his eyes.
The air in this room was charged with a palpable sense of authority.
She followed him into a dimly lit chamber, its air thick with the scent of aged parchment and incense. Five figures sat around a massive mahogany table. There, half of The Council of Wise Men awaited her, ready to listen to her plea.
The Council chamber felt like an oppressive tomb. The air hung heavy with the scent of aged wood and unspoken judgment, each breath a testament to the weight of centuries carried within these walls.
Five figures sat around an imposing table, their faces obscured by shadows, yet Emilia recognized two instantly.
Bordeaux Zellgef, his gaze cold and disdainful, radiated an aura of barely concealed revulsion towards her half-elf heritage.
Beside him, Miklotov McMahon – the kingdom's true mastermind – regarded her with an analytical intensity that bordered on unsettling. His presence held a weight of power that dwarfed even Bordeaux's prejudice.
Miklotov : "Emilia-sama, can I ask you the nature of your request to the council?"
Miklotov's voice resonated, smooth and measured, "Perhaps there's a reason why you couldn't make your request during your visit this morning?"
Emilia swallowed, feeling a wave of self-consciousness wash over her. She was slightly intimidated by their collective gaze, but she steeled herself. "I… I came asking for reinforcements," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Reinforcements, you say?" one of the Wise Men spoke, his voice laced with skepticism. "And for what noble reason, lady half-elf?"
The term stung, pulling at a raw nerve deep within Emilia. She lowered her head slightly, fighting back the sting of hurt and anger.
Emilia : "There's a criminal... a dangerous criminal roaming in the slums right now. Someone who poses a threat to everyone."
"Oho…" Bordeaux Zellgef drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You claim a criminal roams the slums? And you demand our aid? How… convenient."
Emilia bristled, but kept her voice steady. "This is no mere inconvenience." she countered, meeting his gaze head-on. "Innocent lives are at stake, and I need your support to protect them."
One of the Wise Men leaned forward, peering over the table's rim. "And who is this criminal exactly?"
Emilia : "She calls herself the Bowel Hunter–Elsa Granhiert."
A ripple of unease ran through the Council. The name carried weight, a whisper of dread that even Bordeaux seemed unable to dismiss entirely. The Wise Men knew all too well the reputation of the Bowel Hunter: a shadow amongst shadows, a predator who vanished without a trace, leaving only whispers of her terrifying deeds.
"She is veeeery powerful," Emilia began, then faltered, unsure how to explain the depth of Elsa's danger without sounding like she was exaggerating. "That's why I—"
Another Wise Man interrupted, his voice sharp with suspicion. "And why would you be so well-informed about the intentions of such a figure, Candidate? Are you involved in this world of crooks?"
Emilia felt her heart sinking. She couldn't reveal how she had come to know about Elsa – they will never believe her.
"Of course not!" she exclaimed, trying to salvage the situation. "But I... I can't tell you how I came by this information–"
Bordeaux Zellgef cut her off, a smug smile playing on his lips. "So, if I've understood correctly," he said, enjoying the attention he was drawing from the Council, "just a few hours after you enlisted in the Royal Selection here, you managed to obtain information on the Bowel Hunter, one of the world's most notorious and stealthy assassins? Information reliable enough to request reinforcements, from anonymous sources?"
He paused for dramatic effect, then added with a dismissive wave of his hand, "How… impressive."
A chorus of murmurs and nods of agreement echoed through the chamber. Emilia winced silently – Bordeaux wasn't entirely wrong, at least in terms of the perceived improbability of her story.
"How quaint," Bordeaux Zellgef sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "If you really think we would have helped you, then you are quite naive, half-breed!"
Miklotov McMahon, ever the diplomat, interjected before the situation could escalate further. "Let's not jump to conclusions," he said calmly, his gaze fixed on Bordeaux. "A threat in the slums is a matter for the city guard."
But Bordeaux was already spiraling into an attack, his prejudice blinding him to reason. "She's trying to play us!" he shouted, gesturing wildly at Emilia with a venomous flourish. "The half-elves are nothing but trouble, always stirring up chaos."
Emilia could feel her temper rising. Even though part of her couldn't help judging that this treatment was well-deserved, she didn't feel that other people should bear the responsibility.
Subaru was probably in danger, death awaited Felt, their help was desperately needed, but because of their ingrained prejudice, their unwillingness to see past her heritage, they were going nowhere.
She was starting to be furious — at them, but above all at her own naiveté for thinking they could reason with such closed minds.
Taking a deep breath, Emilia channeled her frustration into a clear, unwavering voice. "I am half-elf, yes," she began, meeting their gazes head-on. "But I am also more than that."
"I am Emilia," she declared, raising her chin defiantly, "a Spirit User contracted to the Great Spirit of Fire, Puck."
The council members gasped in unison, their eyes wide with astonishment after seeing a flying cat spirit materializing from her silver hair.
"Hello kids!" Puck chirped cheerfully, his voice echoing through the chamber.
The air crackled with tension as the power of Puck's presence filled the room. Bordeaux sputtered, speechless for once, while the others leaned forward, captivated by this new development.
Miklotov : "The Beast of the End, from the eternal frozen lands…"
Puck chuckled, a warm, crackling sound that seemed to echo through the chamber. "I may have been referred to by this name before," he said, glancing at the Council with a knowing smirk. "It looks like there are some knowledgeable youngsters here after all."
Bordeaux : "It's absurd! To think that one of the Four Great Spirits would allow himself to be used by others, and worse, by a half-"
Before he could finish his venomous diatribe, Puck unleashed a surge of mana. The air around them grew instantly frigid, sending shivers down their spines. The guards stationed around the chamber, trained for any emergency, visibly stiffened, instinctively drawing their weapons.
"You should all thank Lia," Puck declared, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "All of you haven't been frozen solid only thanks to my daughter's patience."
In a flash of motion, a figure clad in silver armor materialized between Puck and the Council. Marcos Gildark, his stoic face betraying no emotion save for a slight tightening of his jaw, stood firm, his imposing presence radiating an aura of calm confidence. His lightning-fast reflexes had caught everyone off guard, even Puck, whose fiery eyes flickered with amusement.
Marcos bowed slightly towards Puck. "Please, Great Spirit-sama," he said, his voice firm yet respectful, "let's refrain from any violent behavior."
Emilia stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Puck with a mixture of urgency and concern. "Puck, please calm down," she pleaded, her voice unwavering.
Miklotov McMahon waved dismissively at Marcos. "Marcos, you can stand down."
"Understood," the knight replied, stepping back, his watchful gaze remaining trained on the fiery spirit.
"I have been chosen by the Dragon to be a Royal Candidate," Emilia continued, meeting their gazes head-on. "Roswaal L. Mathers, the Head Court Mage, trusts me."
Miklotov remained silent, observing Emilia with a calculating glint in his eyes.
The Council members around him seemed hesitant, caught between their ingrained prejudices and the undeniable weight of her claim.
Emilia : "My potential cannot be judged solely on my blood. I refuse to be sidelined by your narrow-mindedness."
Silence descended upon the chamber. Emilia pressed on, knowing that she had captured their attention, if not their approval.
"I don't need to prove the reliability of my information," she continued, her voice gaining a steely edge. "You, on the other hand, are losing valuable time. If word gets out that the Council ignored a threat within its own borders, you will compromise your credibility by appearing weak and incompetent."
She met Bordeaux's furious glare with unwavering resolve. "Therefore, I request immediate action. Give me a powerful asset, or a group of knights. And make it happen now. I won't wait more than half an hour."
With that, Emilia turned on her heel and strode out of the chamber, leaving behind a stunned silence in her wake.
Bordeaux remained fuming, his face contorted with anger. "That brazen little…" he muttered, unable to find the words to express his contempt for her audacity.
Miklotov, however, watched her departure with newfound respect. He had greatly underestimated her – the naive girl he thought now revealed to be cunning and resolute, wielding powerful influence at her disposal.
The Lion King Intuition's believer sensed a dangerous potential in her, a hidden game played flawlessly. Her calm demeanor masked a sharp intellect that played upon their fears and exposed their weaknesses.
"It seems," Miklotov said quietly, "that our little half-elf may yet prove more formidable than we first imagined."
A wave of frustration washed over Emilia as she walked through the palace gardens, the same guards flanking her like loyal but oblivious sentinels. She reached out with her mind, seeking Puck's reassurance.
"Is Roswaal in the Castle right now?" she asked telepathically.
Puck : "I don't know, with his flight magic, he is quite mobile… But he might be here!"
Emilia sighed. "Alright, let's look for him while waiting for the backup."
Puck : "—Don't worry too much. That red maid can't be that far away."
A hooded, silver-haired young woman strided purposefully through the middle of the kingdom's capital, Lugunica. "You're right, I hope she's not far either. I've wasted too much time wandering around for nothing!"
Puck : "Maybe we should go back to the Royal Castle and wait for them there? What do you think, Lia?"
Emilia's brow furrowed in confusion. "Hm? What are you…Aren't we…already…in—"
Before she could finish her thought, a disorienting sensation washed over her. The familiar scent of palace roses was replaced by the earthy aroma of fresh-baked bread, and the polished stone paths gave way to bustling cobblestones.
Her surroundings were shifted without her noticing, transforming from the manicured gardens into a vibrant marketplace teeming with life.
"Wait…Wait a minute…" Emilia stammered, her voice filled with disbelief.
Puck's concerned reply broke through her stunned silence. "Lia? Are you okay?"
Lost in the disorienting shift, Emilia didn't notice a flash of crimson dart towards her. A hand darted out, snatching something from her pocket before disappearing into the throng.
"Eh?"
She didn't realize what had happened until she remembered the moment she was living for the fourth time: Felt had stolen her insignia.
"EEEEEEEEHHHH?!" she exclaimed, finally registering the abrupt change and the missing item.
The marketplace buzzed around Emilia, but the vibrant colors and lively chatter seemed to fade into a dull hum as she slipped deeper into thought.
"Why did I go back there earlier?" she murmured, more to herself than to Puck. "I was at the Royal Castle, and suddenly…"
The sudden shift in reality, without her living a painful and brutal death, allowed Emilia enough space to truly contemplate the impossible, for the first time since her ordeal began.
A thought snagged at the edge of her awareness. "Two times...death and Subaru." She murmured the words aloud, as if testing them against the reality around her.
The two constants in her past regressions. Death, a stark reminder of consequence, always lurking just behind her every step. And Subaru, his unwavering presence a beacon of hope, even amidst despair.
This time, neither had been present. Had she died without realizing it? The idea was absurd. Surely, the Royal Court wouldn't kill a half-elf royal candidate for being what she was. Would they?
Emilia : "But...what then?"
Puck, sensing Emilia's distress, tried to interject. "Lia? Are you alright?" His voice seemed distant, muffled by the swirling vortex of possibilities in her mind.
She was lost in a labyrinth of her own thoughts, trapped by a truth she couldn't define because it was so foreign to her.
"Could I have somehow… rewind time?" she whispered, the idea both intriguing and terrifying. Was this a power she possessed, some kind of hidden ability?
She had absolutely no clue how a Fire mage like her could do that in the first place.
To her knowledge, she has no Divine Protection, and she has never heard of such a super-powerful protection that would allow its user to go back in time.
Puck spoke of it as a very rare ability called Authority that she might possess, but if she really had such a power, why wouldn't she have activated it to undo Pandora's crimes? Her heart sank at the thought that she could have prevented Pandora from taking everything away from her.
"If I had that kind of power," she continued, her voice barely audible, "why wouldn't it have activated when…?" The pain resurfaced, sharp and piercing.
But even with this newfound awareness, a deep frustration gnawed at her. "What triggers it? How does it work?" she asked, her voice laced with despair. "If I can't figure that out, how am I supposed to stop what will come… to protect everyone…"
"Emilia!"
The shout pierced through Emilia's fog of confusion, jolting her back to reality. She spun around, her heart leaping into her throat at the sight that greeted her.
"Subaruuuu!"
Relief washed over her, so powerful it nearly drowned her lingering bewilderment. There he was, standing in the bustling marketplace, more alive than the last time she'd seen him. She took off running, leaving behind the confused remnants of her thoughts.
"Subaru! Are you okay? Did you get hurt? What's happening?" Her voice was a breathless torrent of questions, each laced with genuine concern.
Before she could reach him, a blur of silver streaked out from her hair, taking the form of Puck. His eyes widened in surprise. "What? Lia, do you know who this boy is?"
"Puck! Don't worry about it," Emilia said breathlessly as she reached Subaru. He was pale, sweat beading on his brow, and his breaths came out in ragged gasps.
A faint smile played on Subaru's lips. "Emilia! Puck! I'm so relieved, you guys are okay..." His words broke off as exhaustion overwhelmed him, his knees buckling under his weight.
Before he could crash to the ground, Emilia reacted instinctively, her arms wrapping around him in a tight embrace. "Subaru!" she exclaimed, fear lacing her voice as she braced herself against his sudden weightlessness.
Subaru's eyes fluttered open, greeted by a blurry vision of… sky? He blinked, dazed and disoriented.
His vision swam in blurry colours before resolving into a sight that made his cheeks burn crimson hotter than any fire magic.
He was being carried bridal-style by Emilia! She was carrying him like he was a lovestruck damsel in distress!
He tried to protest, but all that came out was a choked, "W-Wha...?"
The marketplace around them buzzed with surprised murmurs and pointed fingers. A group of giggling children pointed at him, their tiny faces alight with amusement. Subaru could practically hear the whispers: "Look, he's like a prince being carried by a princess!"
"Subaru! You're awake!" Emilia exclaimed, a wave of relief washing over her features. She looked around sheepishly. "Sorry everyone, he just… fainted."
Puck was hovering in the air with a perplexed expression. "Well, Lia," he chimed in, "If you hadn't been carrying him around like a sack of tatoes, maybe people wouldn't be staring so intently."
"Puck!" Emilia hissed back, her eyes flashing in embarrassment. "This isn't the time for your witticisms!"
"Emilia! Put me down!" he hissed, his cheeks flushing crimson. "This is ridiculous!"
"Subaru! You fainted! Are you alright?" Emilia asked with a concerned face. "I was so worried!"
Puck, perched on top of her hair, tilted his head with utter confusion. "So, Lia, who is this boy? Why are you carrying him like he's some fragile porcelain doll?"
Subaru tried to laugh it off, but it came out as a pathetic wheeze. "I… uh… I'm fine! Just a little tired. Just… put me down, okay?" he stammered, his face burning with shame.
As Emilia gently lowered him to the ground, he quickly brushed himself off and straightened his clothes.
The crowd murmured amongst themselves, their whispers reaching Subaru's ears – some amused, others concerned. He felt like he was starring in a bad comedy. He tugged at his collar, wishing the earth would swallow him whole.
"Ugh… My manliness"
"Look," he began, trying to regain some semblance of composure, "I'm really okay. Let's just…" His voice trailed off as he caught sight of the bewildered expression on Puck's face and Emilia's worried gaze.
Then, the lighthearted mood evaporated as quickly as it had arrived. A shared look passed between them – a flicker of understanding. Their predicament, the gravity of their situation, crashed back down on them with renewed force.
"Right," Subaru said, his voice regaining its usual intensity, "We need to figure out what is happening."
Emilia nodded silently, her eyes fixed on him with unwavering determination. The laughter and murmurs of the crowd faded into the background, replaced by a shared sense of urgency.
They moved away from the bustling marketplace, seeking refuge on a low-traffic humpback bridge overlooking the river. The gentle murmur of the water provided a soothing counterpoint to the cacophony they had left behind.
Subaru : "So, first things first, did Felt manage to steal your insignia?"
Emilia sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Yes, she did…"
Puck tilted his head in confusion. "Eh? Lia, you just said someone stole something very important from you, and you're not even upset?" He gestured wildly with a furry arm. "Shouldn't we be after that thief?"
Emilia reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her cat spirit. "I'm sorry, Puck… I'll explain everything later, I promise."
She turned to Subaru, her eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and desperation. "Subaru... I messed up, right?"
Subaru : "Don't worry! That bit– Elsa, we know she'll try to kill Felt regardless, right? Had you prevented the theft, she would've ambushed us earlier, like in the second loop."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Maybe letting Felt steal you after your savepoint is for the best… At the very least, now she'll wait for the transaction to be completed at the loot house before trying anything."
"Loop? Savepoint?" she mused, a bewildered expression crossing her face.
Yet, despite the strangeness of these terms, for Emilia who had lived through the disconcerting experience of time travel, they resonated with a deep-seated understanding within her.
Puck, however, remained utterly perplexed. From his perspective, their day had been one whirlwind after another.
Just moments ago they were searching for Ram, their dear maid escort. Then, out of nowhere, a thief snatched Emilia's precious insignia—a crucial item for her ambitions to become Queen of Lugunica and save her frozen companions, wasn't it?
Yet, she seemed remarkably unconcerned about it!
And now… this strange man collapses into her arms as if he'd known her forever! He was apparently someone important to Emilia, judging by the way she spoke to him with such familiarity.
Moreover, they were discussing cryptic things like "time loops" and "savepoints," as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Puck simply blinked, his fluffy brow furrowing in confusion.
Emilia : "I'm sorry Subaru… I was so confused by suddenly being put back in time, that I didn't notice her in time…"
Subaru blinked, taken aback by her words. "Suddenly being put back in time? What do you mean by that?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Emilia hesitated, searching for the right words. "Everything suddenly changed right to this moment before Felt appeared… It was not the same for you?"
She watched him closely, hoping her explanation wouldn't sound too strange. The truth was, she wasn't entirely sure how to explain it herself.
Subaru : "Hmm, yes, I was put back in time as well, but it wasn't sudden… It was only after I d—"
"It was only after I died that I leaped in time." His sentence died in his throat as the world around them warped. Time itself seemed to stop, a chilling silence descending upon the humpback bridge.
Everything froze – the chirping birds, the soothing noise of the flowing water, even Puck's funny bounces – leaving only Subaru and Emilia suspended in an eerie silence.
Only Subaru and Emilia were aware of the unnatural pause.
A chilling dread crept through Subaru like ice seeping into his bones. His vision blurred as menacing dark smoke coalesced behind him, tendrils of darkness reaching towards him with an unnatural hunger.
He felt a ghastly presence pressing against his back, cold, clammy hands creeping around his chest, squeezing his heart until the air itself seemed to vanish from his lungs.
Emilia watched in horror as the darkness engulfed Subaru. She felt utterly powerless, trapped in a silent scream, unable to move, breathe, or speak. The air grew thick with terror, a palpable dread that choked her.
Through the haze of fear, she sensed something ancient and malevolent lurking within the shadows – something beyond comprehension.
Then, as abruptly as it had started, time resumed its flow. Subaru, gasping for breath, clutched his chest where the unseen grip had vanished.
His eyes darted around in confusion and terror, searching for answers he couldn't articulate. He was alive, but the chilling encounter left him trembling, a knot of fear tightening within his gut.
Emilia, frozen by fear throughout the entire ordeal, was left trembling. The powerlessness she felt at that moment was unlike anything she had ever experienced.
She could only stare at Subaru, her voice a choked whisper. "What… what was that?"
The tranquility of the bridge was shattered, replaced by a lingering sense of dread. The world felt different now, tainted by the unseen force that had briefly invaded their reality.
Puck, sensing the sudden shift in their atmosphere, whipped around, concern etched on his furry face. "Hey, Lia, are you okay? What's wrong?"
His eyes narrowed into a fierce frown as he turned to Subaru. "What have you done, you brat?!" he snapped. "Are you behind this?"
Subaru, chest heaving from his earlier ordeal, stammered out a response, "I.. I don't know, Puck… Emilia… I just wanted to tell you about Return By—"
His words were cut short once again as time seemed to freeze around them.
The unsettling stillness returned, leaving Emilia frozen in place, her face etched with terror. Subaru felt the familiar crushing pressure on his chest, a terrifying sensation that left him gasping for air.
But this time, something was different. A voice, eerily identical to Emilia's silver-bell timbre, echoed through their minds.
—"Love you"
—"I love you. I love you."
The words repeated relentlessly, each iteration a chilling whisper that reverberated through their souls.
—"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you."
The onslaught of words finally ceased, bringing them back to reality with a jarring jolt. Time flowed once more, the bridge resuming its usual activity as if nothing had happened.
Subaru collapsed to his knees, his face pale and drawn. "E...milia... What... was..." he murmured, his voice trembling.
Despite asking, Subaru instinctively understood what triggered this terrifying ordeal. He was being prevented from revealing his ability, 『Return By Death』, to Emilia and Puck.
The pain in his chest, the overwhelming fear emanating from the unseen entity—it was all a manifestation of some powerful force guarding his secret.
Emilia, her face sweating, her hand pressed tightly against her mouth, stammered out a response, "I don't know…"
The experience had left her shaken to her core. She was on the verge of puking.
Seeing and hearing her own voice echoing without her control, uttering those words with such mechanical coldness – it was an image that threatened to make her vomit.
"Puck," Emilia's voice trembled slightly, "Did you notice anything? Like… that dark mist? Or time just stopping?"
Puck : "N–no… This day is becoming more and more confusing for me, Lia"
Subaru, still catching his breath from the previous ordeal, spoke in a low voice, "Emilia, I don't know for sure, but it seems like this happens when I try to talk about my… ability."
While Subaru had taken the liberty of labeling himself the time manipulator, Emilia found herself strangely accepting of his explanation.
The abnormality of the situation confirmed what she suspected: this wasn't a deliberate act by Subaru; he was just as bewildered as she was. A strange sense of relief washed over her. He wasn't in control, and neither was she.
"B–but," Emilia stammered, her brow furrowed in thought, "We confided in Puck about it during that... loop, right? And time didn't stop then, did it?"
"No," Subaru admitted, "I didn't explain much then. It was mostly you who gave the explanations."
A flicker of recognition crossed Emilia's face. "Ah! You're right…"
Subaru : "Puck and everyone else don't remember anything. You are the only one who does. That's clear to me, Emilia: you are immune to the side effects of my ability."
Emilia : "Immune?"
Subaru nodded, a glimmer of understanding dawning on his face. "That explains everything, right? You said you were suddenly put back in time, didn't you? That happened because you weren't affected when I… you know…" He trailed off, unable to voice the chilling truth.
As realization dawned on her, she breathed, her gaze fixed on Subaru with newfound clarity "I...see… Immunity... It makes sense! That's why I remember future events, and why I was aware that time was frozen for everyone else!"
Subaru leaned forward, his voice hushed with a mixture of awe and trepidation. "With so much circumstantial evidence, there is no denying it. Your ability grants you immunity upon mine."
He paused, searching for the right words to capture this extraordinary phenomenon. "Perfect Aegis… Nullifier… Unyielding? No. Let's call it… 『Indomitable』."
The name resonated between them, a testament to their now unbreakable bond.
Emilia : "『Indomitable』... That sounds magnifical, Subaru!"
Subaru chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Hehe, don't underestimate the naming sense of a former shut-in NEET! Wait, who says 'magnifical' in this day and age…"
Emilia's smile widened as she absorbed Subaru's explanation. "『Indomitable』... I see… So my『Indomitable』 triggered itself when you used your power to escape Elsa, right?"
Subaru blinked in surprise. "Huh?"
"Thank Od!" Emilia blurted out, a wave of relief washing over her face. "I really thought you died, you know! That's incredible, Subaru! What a marvelous ability you have!" Her voice trembled with emotion.
A tear escaped from the corner of her eye as she continued, her voice thick with gratitude. "I... I'm glad..."
Unable to contain herself any longer, Emilia burst into sobs. She clutched at her chest, overwhelmed by a mixture of relief and guilt. "I… I'm so relieved… I thought she killed you… I… I'm so glad!"
Puck, despite not fully comprehending the situation, patted Emilia's shoulder awkwardly, murmuring soothing words. "Lia, don't be sad…"
Meanwhile, Subaru found himself caught in a confusing spiral of thoughts. "She thinks that I didn't die? But –" He hesitated, unable to reveal the truth about his ability without risking severe consequences.
He wanted to explain, to tell her about Return By Death, but the dreadful penalty held him back. How could he reveal the truth without risking their safety?
This led to a peculiar misunderstanding blooming between them.
Emilia had witnessed Subaru being fatally wounded twice, but she couldn't be certain he had truly died each time.
She had witnessed Subaru's near-death experiences, twice seeing him on the brink of oblivion.
But from her perspective, it was possible that he'd used some unknown ability to escape death, resetting time in a desperate gambit.
The idea seemed so logical, so plausible, that Subaru couldn't blame her.
After all, one had to be alive to activate an ability, right?
A slow smile crept across Subaru's face. He hadn't anticipated this turn of events, but it filled him with a strange sense of satisfaction.
"It's for the best!" he muttered to himself, his voice laced with relief. "This way, she won't feel guilty in front of me, and best of all, she doesn't have 『Return By Death』!"
The thought of Emilia spared from the agonizing cycle of death and rebirth brought him an unexpected peace.
He wouldn't burden her with his pain, wouldn't force her to share in his terrible secret. They could move forward together, without the weight of that shared trauma hanging over them.
Seeing the lingering sadness in Emilia and Puck's faces, Subaru decided it was time to lighten the mood. He flashed them both a reassuring smile and cleared his throat.
Subaru : "Sorry Puck, I didn't introduce myself properly, do I?"
Subaru struck a dramatic pose, extending his right index finger towards the sky.
"I'm Natsuki Subaru!" he declared with mock-seriousness. "Clueless beyond human comprehension, and broke beyond comparison!"
Emilia couldn't help but giggle at his comical introduction. Her smile softened the edges of her worry, bringing a welcome warmth to the tense atmosphere. "Hehe! I'm Emilia! Just Emilia!" she replied cheerfully. "Nice to meet you, Subaru!"
Puck, though initially bewildered by Subaru's theatrics, couldn't help but be charmed by his infectious energy and the genuine happiness it brought to Emilia.
He gave a small chuckle, his confusion giving way to relief at seeing his daughter smile again. "Eh? –well," he chirped, "I'm Puck! Nice to meet you, Subaru... When did both of you meet again?"
"Looks like a déjà vu, Emilia," Subaru remarked, a knowing smirk playing on his lips as he remembered Puck using those exact same words in a previous loop.
Emilia tilted her head, pondering his words. "I never heard that term before, but I feel like I understand its meaning, Subaru."
Subaru chuckled softly. "So, what do we do?"
"That's obvious!" Emilia declared, her voice filled with resolute determination. "We save Felt!"
A playful glint appeared in Subaru's eyes as he teased, "What benefit will you insist that you'd get out of this?"
Emilia smiled warmly, her gaze sincere. "By doing so, we could go home with our minds at ease, isn't it obvious?"
Subaru burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the clearing. "Exactly!" he exclaimed, wiping a tear from his eye. "Haha!"
Emilia : "hahaha!"
She joined in his mirth, their shared laughter ringing out like chimes in the gentle breeze.
Watching them, Puck felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had never seen Emilia so open and at ease with anyone other than himself.
The sight filled him with a warmth that overshadowed his initial confusion about this boy who seemed to have wandered into their lives without warning.
Still, he wouldn't easily accept this boy into his daughter's life! As a father, he'd have to scare him off if ever he proved to be unsuitable.
Those light thoughts flitted through Puck's mind as they continued on their journey, their destination unknown but their path illuminated by the shared laughter of newfound companions.
Leaving the humpback bridge behind, they stepped into a narrow alleyway that led back to the bustling marketplace.
"First, Emilia," Subaru began, "you gotta explain the situation to Puck. Poor guy."
Puck feigned hurt, his ears drooping comically. "Finally! It's not good to ignore your poor father, Lia." He added with a dramatic sigh.
Emilia chuckled softly. "I'll tell you everything on the way to the Royal Castle. It would be best if we get some reinforcements before going to the loot house."
"Smart!" Subaru exclaimed, clapping his hands together excitedly. "You're giving me an idea—"
? : "Hey you! If you don't wanna get hurt, cough up whatever you've got!"
Three figures emerged from the shadows at the end of the alleyway – the same trio of thugs they had encountered repeatedly throughout their loops.
"That's also a dejabu, right Subaru?" Emilia asked, mispronouncing the term she had only recently learned. Despite the tense situation, Subaru found himself completely charmed by her adorable earnestness.
"Exactly!" he affirmed with a confident grin. "Don't worry guys, I got this!"
Subaru swiftly positioned himself between Emilia and Puck, shielding them before the thugs could even react.
Subaru : "You're becoming annoying, TonChinKan! You're leaving me no choice but to deal with you guys."
One of the thugs chuckled, a sneer twisting his lips. "Hehe, playing tough in front of your girl, will you?"
"Subaru?" Emilia questioned, her brow furrowed with concern as she watched him stand defiant against the trio.
Without warning, Subaru took a deep breath and let out a surprisingly loud shout, "Guards!"
The thugs gaped at him, stunned into silence. "What the hell, you bastard?!" one of them finally sputtered in disbelief.
Subaru met their bewildered faces with a smirk. He thought to himself, "Why waste time going all the way to some castle when we could call for backup right here, amiright?"
Subaru : "Kyaaaaaaah!"
He adopted a deliberately high-pitched, girlish tone that sent shivers down the spines of both thugs and his companions. The hostility in their eyes evaporated, replaced by confused and slightly unsettling stares directed at the raven-haired boy.
"Guards! Police! Someone! P-Please! I need a man! No! Don't touch me… Stop! Heeelp! Nooo… huh?!" he shrieked, his voice cracking with theatrical terror.
Silence met his desperate plea. No help came. Shame washed over Subaru, leaving him feeling exposed and foolish.
"Tch– Don't scare me like that," one of the ruffians grumbled, attempting to regain his composure. "I might have freaked out, just a little."
"Just a little bit," echoed another one, a nervous tremor in his voice.
"Just a tiny, little bit," added the last of them, their bravado shaken by Subaru's unorthodox tactics.
Subaru cleared his throat awkwardly, turning to Emilia with a sheepish grin. "Ha… I-I just thought we'd have reinforcements if I simply called for them, that's why…"
Emilia chuckled softly, shaking her head at his antics. "Subaru, you're so silly!"
One of the thugs pulled out a gleaming knife, his eyes glinting menacingly. "Trying to run won't help you," he snarled, brandishing the weapon like a viper ready to strike.
Both Emilia and Subaru flinched instinctively, their bodies remembering the chilling terror of past encounters where such a simple tool had proved deadly.
Puck, ever vigilant, leaped forward, his compact form bristling with protective fury, ready to unleash his magic upon the foolish aggressors.
"That's enough!" A voice boomed from the entrance of the alleyway, silencing the thugs and drawing their full attention.
A figure emerged from the shadows, bathed in the soft glow of the sun. Puck's ears twitched in surprise. "What's he doing here?" he questioned, his gaze fixed on the newcomer.
The thugs recognized him instantly, fear creeping into their eyes. "Red hair. And a knight's sword... with dragon claws' made scratches… It can't be…"
Emilia beamed, her heart swelling with joy, at the prospect of unexpectedly having the greatest backup she could've hoped for.
"I knew you were here, Sword Saint, Reinhard!" she exclaimed, relief spreading across her face like a warm wave.
== END OF CHAPTER 4 ==
Author's Notes :
This chapter was hard to write as well…like usual though.
Miklotov might've glazed Emilia a bit too much, but hey : for him (and he's a great judge of character), she was basically a naive child, at best Roswaal's window-dressing doll.
She leaves without even defending herself from Bordeaux's trashtalk, and only hours later, she comes back, locks in, shows off the BOTE, states her needs and leaves.
He thought she was basically acting to make them get their guards down with her.
For him, Emilia successfully outwitted him, ofc he'd be impressed, right?
And finally, WoE's penalty! That's just one of the things I could use to hurt their psyche beyond repair (I'm not sadistic I swear)
I think I kinda messed up this chapter's ending a lil bit, I just want to end this arc man.
Next : A first try of them successfully solving a loop together : Subaru being the brain and Emilia the brawn.
I don't want that to be identical to the canon route, but right now I have no idea what to do other than "Nah, Reinhard'd win" lmao, I'm cooked.
And… BABY WOKE UP ARC 9'S BACK !
DISCLAIMER : I don't own Re:Zero, it belongs to Tappei Nagatsuki the GOAT.