Snow dusted the rooftops of Lugunica's capital, a gentle yet unrelenting reminder that winter still reigned. Within a modest café near the canal, Emilia and Julius sat across from each other in a private corner, the hum of other patrons a distant backdrop. Otto hovered near the entrance, discreet but vigilant, ready to intervene if needed.

Emilia locked eyes with Julius and took a breath. "This can't go on," she began, her voice soft but firm. "We both know it's wrong."

Julius nodded gravely. The small table between them felt like a chasm. "We do," he replied quietly. "I came here prepared to say the same—to end this, for Subaru's sake, and for yours."

Despite the resolved words, a painful clench squeezed Emilia's heart. She had grown used to Julius's kindness, the sense of equality and understanding in his presence. Yet the guilt was insurmountable, the betrayal etched into every second they spent harboring this secret.

She looked down at her hands, folded on the tabletop. "I'm sorry for… everything," she murmured. "I never meant to hurt Subaru—or you."

Julius reached across, his fingertips brushing hers for a fleeting moment. "You've done no wrong alone. It was my choice as well. But if I must be honest… these past weeks have been both agonizing and precious. I hope you can forgive me for not wanting to let go."

That admission made her heart flutter painfully. A single tear escaped her eye, and she swiftly brushed it away. "I do forgive you," she whispered. "But we have to end it now."

They sat in weighted silence for several moments, hearts pounding as they sought the right words to finalize what should never have begun. In the end, they found none. The only certainty was that they would part ways—at least in this sense—and try to salvage the bonds that still mattered.

A discreet cough from nearby reminded them of Otto's presence. Julius drew his hand back from Emilia's, forcing a polite smile. "Thank you for meeting me, Lady Emilia," he said louder, using formal address for the benefit of onlookers. "I trust we have resolved the issue."

"Yes," Emilia managed, voice trembling. "We have."

With that, Julius stood, bowed, and exited the café before emotion could break his composure. Emilia remained behind, tears threatening to spill again. She took a moment to compose herself, inhaling the crisp winter air that drifted through the open terrace.

Otto approached quietly. "Lady Emilia," he said gently, "shall we return to the inn?"

She nodded, unable to meet his gaze. "Please."

They left without a word, returning to the bustling streets. Emilia walked as though in a daze, her soul weighed down by heartbreak, guilt, and fragile relief.

When Emilia and Otto reached the inn, the common area buzzed with new activity. Standing near the fireplace, wearing her trademark pink dress and a haughty expression, wasBeatrice—the resident spirit who had once inhabited Roswaal's hidden library.

At the sight of Emilia, Beatrice let out a small huff. "I was waiting for you, I suppose!" she declared, crossing her arms. "You took so long, Betty was about to freeze solid, in fact."

Emilia blinked in surprise. "Beatrice? I thought you stayed behind at the mansion."

Beatrice pursed her lips. "I was going to, but Subaru insisted I come and see thiscapital in winter,in fact. Using my door-crossing technique, I teleported and ended up here at this inn." She glanced around with mild disgust at the inn's dated décor. "I don't see what's so marvelous about it, I suppose."

From a nearby armchair, Subaru grinned. "Come on, Beako, you're enjoying it a little, right?"

Beatrice's cheeks puffed, and she looked away with an annoyed squeak. "Hmph."

Despite the tangle of emotions strangling her heart, Emilia felt a spark of warmth at Beatrice's presence. The spirit's prickly front often hid genuine concern and loyalty—especially toward Subaru, whom she now referred to as her contractor.

Emilia managed a shaky smile. "I'm glad you came, Beatrice. It's nice to see you."

Beatrice tilted her chin up. "Betty was worried about you, in fact," she said, her voice softer. "You look more tired than usual, I suppose."

Subaru's grin dimmed, a note of concern flitting across his features. "Yeah, Emilia-tan, are you sure you're okay? You're paler than usual."

Emilia forced her composure. "I'm fine, Subaru. Just a lot on my mind."

Otto cast her a sidelong glance. She pretended not to notice.

The day's negotiations had drawn to a close, and most of the group from Roswaal's mansion was gathered inside—tired, yet somewhat relieved that trade talks were nearly concluded.

Yet tension simmered beneath the surface. Emilia's secret affair with Julius lingered like a dark cloud. Otto had become increasingly certain that the truth would not remain hidden for long. Ram observed quietly, her eyes ever-watchful. Beatrice sensed that something was "off," but couldn't pinpoint it. And Subaru, for all his devotion, was either too trusting or too terrified to see the cracks forming in the foundation of his bond with Emilia.

At dinner that evening, the household assembled in the inn's main dining room, a wide space with polished wooden floors and a massive hearth blazing at the far end. Petra and Frederica chatted over fresh rolls; Garfiel devoured nearly half a roasted bird on his own. Roswaal sipped wine theatrically, making ambiguous remarks about the day's politics. Otto and Ram quietly exchanged wary glances from across the table. Subaru, the ever-cheerful glue of the group, regaled them all with a comedic anecdote about haggling for potions in the marketplace.

Meanwhile,Emiliasat at the edge of the table, barely touching her meal. She managed polite smiles when Subaru tried to include her in conversation, but her heart weighed heavily. The guilt of her tryst with Julius burned in her chest—even though she had tried to end it, her feelings remained painfully real. She recalled every stolen moment, every brush of hands, every hushed kiss in dark corners of the mansion, or in the quiet corners of the capital's library. She had thought that severing ties would rid her of the burden—but it didn't.

Julius wasn't there. He had sent a message earlier, saying that business would keep him at Anastasia's estate for the night. In truth, Emilia felt a pang of gratitude and dread: grateful because his absence made the immediate tension lesser; dreadful because she knew the confrontation was inevitable. Rumors of her closeness with Julius were beginning to spread, and even Subaru's unwavering trust would have its limits once the truth reached his ears.

Beatriceperched beside Subaru, arms folded, pink dress flaring around her like a frilly canopy. She eyed Emilia curiously throughout the meal, occasionally flicking a glare at Otto, as if suspecting his unease. Yet the little spirit said nothing, her concern overshadowed by the group's general chatter.

After dinner, the inn's common area bustled with activity—patrons warming themselves by the fire, staff carrying trays of hot drinks, travelers recounting their journeys. Emilia excused herself, stepping onto a side balcony that overlooked a snow-covered courtyard. The frigid air bit at her cheeks, but the solitude was a necessary reprieve.

She leaned against the railing, breath misting in the cold.I have to hold it together,she told I don't, Subaru will be the one who suffers the all her guilt, she still cared deeply for him—perhaps even loved him, in her own way. But that didn't erase her deep, undeniable connection to Julius. Every time she closed her eyes, she felt the conflicted pull of longing and regret.

Footsteps scuffed the wooden planks behind her. Emilia turned, startled, to seeOttoapproaching, his expression grim. Snowflakes caught in his dark hair as he joined her at the railing.

"Lady Emilia," he said in a hushed tone, "I'm sorry to disturb you."

She forced a polite smile, though it felt brittle. "It's all right, Otto."

He took a breath, the winter wind ruffling his cloak. "I don't want to push you, but… the rumors are getting worse, and Julius's name keeps coming up. It's only a matter of time before Subaru hears it from someone else."

A sharp pain twinged in her chest. "I tried to end it," she whispered, voice trembling. "I did end it. But that doesn't erase what happened."

Otto's eyes flicked away, sympathy and frustration mixing in his gaze. "I understand your position. But if there's even a chance Subaru finds out from a third party—"

Emilia's breath caught. "I'll… I'll tell him. Soon," she said, forcing the words though her insides felt hollow. "I just need the right moment."

Otto nodded, though worry lingered in his features. "Please do. Subaru doesn't deserve to be blindsided."

Emilia bit her lip, tears pricking her eyes. "I know."

They stood together in silence as snow fell around them, each lost in thoughts of the painful confrontation that loomed.

That very night, fate decided for them. A group of Anastasia's attendants entered the inn's lounge, apparently to deliver official documents for Roswaal, but the conversation soon veered into gossip. One of them offhandedly mentioned seeing Emilia and Julius in averyclose moment behind the estate's library—not realizing Subaru was within earshot, or that Otto was watching the entire exchange from across the room.

Subaru frowned, walking over. "What was that about Emilia and Julius?" he asked, confusion evident in his voice. "They were reading together or something?"

The attendants exchanged telling glances. "Oh, well… we only saw them briefly," one stammered, "but they seemed… intimate." A conspiratorial smirk passed among them.

Subaru's eyes narrowed. "What do you meanintimate?"

It was at this precise instant thatOttodecided he couldn't let the rumor explode unchecked. Gathering his resolve, he stepped forward. "Subaru," he said, voice taut. "We need to talk. Now."

The gossiping attendants looked amused, but they soon fled under Otto's glare. Subaru's confusion deepened, but he followed Otto out to the inn's courtyard, the winter wind nipping at them. Anxiety churned in Otto's gut; he knew what he was about to do would shatter Subaru's world—but it might spare him even greater humiliation later.

As soon as they reached a secluded spot, Otto spoke quickly, quietly: "Subaru, I'm sorry. But these rumors… they're not baseless."

Subaru blinked. "What? That's ridiculous. Emilia would never—"

"Please, listen!" Otto's voice broke in desperation. "There's been something going on between Emilia and Julius for weeks. I've seen them meet in private. I confronted her. She was going to tell you—"

"Stop!" Subaru's shout echoed across the snow. His face, normally so warm and bright, twisted in hurt and disbelief. "Otto, do you have any idea what you're saying? Emilia loves me—I love her! She's not capable of… of betraying me like that."

Otto grabbed Subaru's shoulders, refusing to let him turn away. "Think about her recent behavior. She's been distant, anxious—"

"That's because she's under a lot of stress!" Subaru retorted, tears of anger brimming in his eyes. "Stop lying!"

"It's not a lie," came a quiet voice from behind them.

They both spun around to findEmiliastanding there, trembling. She'd heard the argument and come to intervene. Snow dusted her silver hair, and her amethyst eyes were glazed with tears.

"Emilia-tan," Subaru whispered, desperation in his voice, "tell me he's lying."

Emilia froze, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Subaru… I'm so sorry," she managed, voice wavering. "It's… it's true. I never wanted you to find out like this."

Subaru staggered back, color draining from his face. "No… no!" He clamped his hands over his ears, as if wanting to block out her words. "Emilia, why—?"

Otto stood by, torn between relief that the truth was out and devastation at Subaru's anguish. The tension was too overwhelming; the courtyard air felt suffocating despite the chilly breeze. At last, Subaru lowered his hands, tears streaming, anger warring with heartbreak.

"You betrayed me," he said, voice trembling. "With Julius, of all people. Someone I fought with, bled with…"

Emilia's tears fell faster. "I never meant to— I was confused, overwhelmed. You've always given me so much—too much—"

Subaru shook his head, stepping away. "That's not an excuse," he choked out. "Was it… just once? Or—?"

Emilia shut her eyes, unable to lie. "It was more than once," she whispered. "But it's over. I ended it."

That confession was the final blow. Subaru let out a strangled sob and turned, running blindly into the snowy streets, his form quickly swallowed by the night. Emilia cried out his name, staggering after him, but he was gone.

Otto tried to steady her, but she sank to her knees in despair, tears freezing on her cheeks. The deed was done. The secrets laid bare.

The commotion in the courtyard drew others out:Ram,Garfiel,Frederica, andPetra, followed byBeatricehovering near the door. Roswaal lingered at the threshold, his expression unreadable. As soon as Garfiel realized Subaru had fled, he snarled and glared at Otto and Emilia for answers. Frederica and Petra hurried to Emilia's side, comforting her as she sobbed uncontrollably. Ram, her face like stone, demanded an explanation.

Otto stood there, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on him. "I had to do it," he whispered, voice hollow. "The rumors were spreading. If Subaru heard it from someone else… it would be worse."

Ram's gaze flicked between Otto and Emilia, a spark of accusation in her crimson eyes. "You still had no right," she said coldly. "This was Lady Emilia's confession to make."

Otto bowed his head in shame. "I know."

Frederica rubbed Emilia's shoulder gently while Petra clung to Emilia's arm, tears in her own eyes. Garfiel, fists clenched, was torn between wanting to chase after Subaru and wanting to lash out at Otto for the pain now inflicted on everyone.

At last,Beatricebroke the paralysis, voice trembling with anger or worry—no one could tell. "Standing here fighting accomplishes nothing, I suppose! We must find Subaru, in fact. He's the one suffering alone out there."

Garfiel grunted in agreement. "I'll look for 'im." He stormed out, cloak trailing in the snow, determined to track Subaru's footprints.

Frederica and Petra tried to coax Emilia inside, but she resisted. "I— I need to find him myself," she insisted weakly.

Ram shook her head. "You'll only make things worse. Let Garfiel or Beatrice calm him first—if that's even possible."

Emilia's tears only multiplied, but she lacked the strength to argue. As Frederica and Petra half-lifted her to her feet, Otto looked on, his conscience this truly for the best?he wondered grimly. All around him, he felt the camp's unity splintering—like a thin sheet of ice cracking under too much weight.

Hours later, near midnight,Juliusarrived at the inn after finishing a final meeting with Anastasia's subordinates. The main doors creaked open under the swirl of snow as he stepped inside, brushing flakes from his cloak. He expected a quiet lounge, perhaps a warm fire.

Instead, he found a silent, tension-laden scene: Ram sat stiffly in a chair by the fire, Roswaal lounged on a nearby sofa with an expression of theatrical melancholy, and Otto stood near the window, arms crossed, face pale.

At the sight of Julius, Ram's stare turned arctic. "You have some nerve showing up," she said icily.

Julius frowned, heart pounding. "What happened?"

Otto turned, the lamplight casting shadows on his face. "Subaru knows about… you and Emilia," he said simply.

A wave of dread crashed over Julius. He felt the blood drain from his cheeks. "When? How?" The swirl of guilt and fear in his chest was palpable; he'd wanted Emilia to handle this on her own terms—or at least with me there to take my share of blame—but that chance was gone.

Ram stood. "He ran off," she said, each word clipped. "Garfiel and Beatrice went to search for him."

Roswaal's catlike eyes flicked over Julius, a thin, sardonic smile curving his lips. "My, my… The tragedy has unfolded at last, mm?"

Julius swallowed hard, guilt flaring. "Where is Emilia?"

Otto pointed upstairs. "She's in her room, with Frederica and Petra. She's… not well."

Taking a shuddering breath, Julius started toward the staircase, but Ram stepped in his path. "I don't think you should see her," she said in a low, hostile tone.

Julius hesitated. "Please," he murmured, voice trembling. "I only want to see if she's all right."

She held his gaze, unyielding. "You've done enough."

At last, Julius relented, stepping back, shoulders sagging. In that moment, he knew that if Subaru were present, the confrontation would have turned violent. Yet even without Subaru there, he felt the crushing weight of the betrayal he and Emilia had committed.

Night dragged on. The search party returned near dawn with no sign of Subaru—only a few scattered footprints leading out of the city gates, lost in the swirling snow. Anxiety gripped everyone. Roswaal suggested they might wait for daybreak to continue the search. Garfiel, brimming with frustration, stomped off to prepare for a second attempt as soon as the sun rose.

Emilialay curled on the bed in her rented room, tears long since spent, staring blankly at the shuttered window. Frederica and Petra had drifted off in chairs, exhausted from comforting her. Ram had stepped out momentarily, presumably to fetch water or to check on the others. The entire night had passed without her being able to speak to Subaru again.

A quiet knock at the door jolted her from her grim reverie. Emilia sat up, trembling. "Come in," she managed weakly, expecting perhaps Ram or Frederica.

The door opened to revealJulius, his usually impeccable hair disheveled, cloak undone. He paused at the threshold, eyes shining with worry. "Emilia," he whispered. "May I come in?"

A pang of guilt struck her. She glanced at Frederica and Petra, fast asleep in chairs. She rose, crossing the room, and nudged the door to slip out into the corridor with Julius rather than risk waking the others. Her heart thundered at his presence, reminding her how dangerous even a private conversation could be.

They walked down the hall to a small, unoccupied sitting area. Candles flickered in wall sconces, revealing the sorrow etched on both their faces. Emilia braced herself against a table, voice thick with emotion. "Subaru's gone. We don't know where he is or if he's safe."

Julius nodded heavily, stepping closer. "I heard. I'm… so sorry. I never wanted this to happen. If I could take it back—"

She looked up, tears threatening again. "But you can't. Nor can I."

Silence hung, broken only by the faint crackling of distant torches. Emilia remembered the nights she and Julius spent talking about politics, about her fears, about how overwhelming Subaru's ardent devotion could feel. All those conversations had turned into something more—a bond that neither had fully expected yet couldn't deny.

"You should find Subaru," Julius said at last, his voice trembling. "He needs you now, more than ever."

Emilia swallowed. "I know. But even if I find him… how do I make this right? I hurt him."

Julius bowed his head. "I'll take my share of the blame. He has every right to hate me."

A tear slipped down her cheek. "It was my choice too, Julius. And I… I don't regret feeling what I felt." She hesitated, guilt and longing roiling in her. "That's the worst part—I regret hurting Subaru, but I don't regret you."

His breath caught. He reached for her hand, and she let him take it. Even in the wake of catastrophe, her heart pounded at his touch. "I can't fix this," he whispered. "But whatever path you choose—Subaru or me—you deserve peace."

Emilia closed her eyes, tears slipping through her lashes. "I can't think straight right now. Please… just stay near, so I know you're safe."

In that moment, they both felt the enormity of the choice: remain loyal to the sweet, fierce love Subaru had offered, or follow the quiet, deep pull toward each other that had ignited their downfall.

At dawn, an inn guard hurriedly reported that someone matching Subaru's description had been seen near a small chapel on the far outskirts of the capital—alone, pacing in the snow. Without hesitation,Emilia, accompanied byBeatriceandOtto, rushed out.

They arrived at a decrepit stone chapel just as the sun's pale light washed over the horizon. Snow piled high around the aged building. Inside, in the old courtyard, they found Subaru huddled by a half-collapsed wall, gazing at the sky with empty eyes. He looked exhausted, face lined with heartbreak.

"Subaru," Emilia called softly, stepping toward him. Beatrice hung back, letting Emilia take the lead. Otto lingered near the entrance, a silent sentinel.

Subaru turned, his expression flashing from hurt to confusion to anger in seconds. "Why are you here?"

Emilia's tears started anew. She sank to her knees in the snow. "Because I can't abandon you. I know you're angry. I know I hurt you. But please—come back with us."

He laughed bitterly, tears of his own glistening. "Come back? After all that? I can't even look at Julius without wanting to—" He broke off, rage twisting his features.

Emilia bowed her head. "I ended it with Julius. That part is true. But the feelings… they're complicated. I don't know how to bury them. And I can't ask you to forgive me if you're not ready."

Subaru stared at her, heartbreak etched across his face. "So… you still feel something for him." It wasn't a question. The final confirmation shattered what hope remained in his voice.

Her silence was answer enough.

He let out a ragged breath. "All my life, all I wanted was to stand by you, to protect you, to make you happy. But now… I realize I might not be what you truly need."

Emilia reached out, but he flinched away, a fresh wave of tears threatening. "Subaru, I never wanted to replace you. You mean everything to me. It's just—"

"Stop," he said, voice trembling. "Don't say it unless you're sure."

Beatrice quietly stepped forward. "In fact, Subaru, you can't stay out here forever. You're freezing, I suppose."

Subaru pressed a shaking hand to his temple. "I'll come back," he muttered at last. "But… I need space. I can't be near you, Emilia. Not now."

Otto helped him stand, supporting his weight. Emilia watched, silently breaking inside. She wanted to promise she would wait for him, that they would mend this. But the raw pain on Subaru's face made it clear: her presence was salt on an open wound.

As they escorted him back to the inn, the sun rose higher, revealing a sky of pale winter gray.

Over the following days, the group prepared to leave the capital. Roswaal declared their business concluded; they would return to his mansion. Subaru avoided Emilia whenever possible, speaking to her only in clipped, polite tones. The rest of the camp watched with heavy hearts, uncertain if or how these wounds might heal.

Juliusremained in the capital, reluctant to intrude further on the group's journey. He and Emilia had shared one final, painful conversation: tearful apologies for the chaos they'd wrought, an unspoken desire to remain in each other's orbits, and a mutual acceptance that they must part—for now.

Yet on the morning of their departure, as the carriages lined up outside the inn, Emilia found herself gravitating toward the edge of the courtyard, scanning the streets. A part of her hoped Julius would appear, if only so she could see his face one last time.

Her heart leapt when she spotted him by a distant corner, standing beneath a lantern's glow. Their eyes met across the busy street. He hesitated, as if unsure whether approaching was wise. Emilia cast a quick glance at Subaru, who was busy loading provisions into the carriage with Otto. He didn't even look her way.

She steeled herself, slipping away from the group. Snow clung to her cloak as she walked. Julius moved closer, meeting her halfway in a quieter stretch of the street.

They stood face-to-face, the city's bustle fading to white noise. Julius lowered his gaze first. "I thought you were leaving," he said softly, voice taut with emotion.

"We are," she replied. "Subaru… he's going back to the mansion. We haven't spoken about us. I don't think we can fix this the way we did before."

Julius nodded, tears rimming his violet eyes. "I'm sorry. I know that doesn't help."

Emilia's eyes stung with her own tears. "I don't want you to vanish from my life," she whispered, "and yet… staying together destroyed Subaru's faith in me. I deserve his anger. But my feelings for you… they aren't gone, Julius."

His breath shuddered. Slowly, he reached out, fingertips grazing hers. "I still love you," he admitted. "Even if it's selfish and cruel to Subaru."

Emilia closed her eyes, tears slipping free. "So do I."

A sharp voice broke through the hush: "Emilia-tan?"

She turned to seeSubarustepping around the corner, clearly searching for her. His eyes widened when he spotted them—Emilia and Julius, hands almost touching in the cold. A spark of pain flared across his face.

He strode over, fists clenched. Julius drew back, shame and sorrow mingling. Emilia's pulse is it—the final confrontation.

Subaru's voice quivered as he faced Emilia. "Why… why are you with him again?" He glanced at Julius, voice breaking. "Haven't you done enough? Both of you?"

Emilia's heart felt like it might tear in two. She loved Subaru—he had been her savior countless times, her shining knight. But the bond that pulled her to Julius was something deeper than a fling. It represented acceptance, equality, and the comfort of someone who saw her flaws as human, not as a goddess on a pedestal.

She swallowed hard, every fiber of her being trembling. "Subaru, I… I'm so sorry. I tried to make it right, but my feelings won't go away. I don't want to hurt you anymore by pretending."

Subaru stared, heartbreak and resignation etched into every line of his face. Tears welled in his eyes, yet he pressed his lips into a taut line. After a long, anguished moment, he spoke in a choked whisper: "So… you're choosing him?"

Emilia nodded, tears streaming freely. "I don't want to lose you, Subaru, but… yes. My heart is pulling me toward Julius, and I can't keep lying to myself—or to you."

Julius closed his eyes, a tear slipping down his cheek. Subaru's hands shook at his sides. For a moment, Emilia thought he might lash out, but he only let out a ragged breath, stepping back as if physically struck.

"No more lies, then," Subaru said, voice hollow. "I… guess that's it." His tears fell, unbidden. "Take care, Emilia-tan."

He turned away, stumbling off into the snow toward the waiting carriages, leaving Emilia with Julius under the dull winter sky.

Subaru departed with the rest of Roswaal's camp—Garfiel, Frederica, Petra, Ram, Roswaal, and Beatrice—returning to the mansion in grim silence. The trip home was fraught with tension. Otto tried to console Subaru, but Subaru barely spoke, haunted by fresh wounds.

Emilia stayed behind in the capital, standing beside Julius in front of the inn. She clutched his hand, tears still glistening in her eyes. The finality of her choice left her both terrified and oddly at peace.

Julius pressed a kiss to her knuckles, voice trembling with devotion and sorrow. "We'll live with the consequences," he said. "Together."

She nodded, tears spilling one last time. "Together."

A snow-laden hush settled over the street as they walked side by side toward Anastasia's estate, where Julius could arrange lodging for Emilia. Their footprints in the newly fallen snow marked a path that diverged from Subaru's—a painful severing of bonds and a choice that could never be undone.

From a distant rooftop, a crow took flight, its caw cutting through the quiet, as if bearing witness to love gained and love lost in equal measure. And as Emilia clung to Julius's arm for warmth, she knew that no matter how the future unfolded, her heart had found its harbor—however fraught, however condemned—away from the unwavering devotion of Subaru, and into the uncertain arms of the knight she could no longer deny.

Notes:

Hello everyone! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on my story. I have a frustration about how the romance between Subaru and Emilia has barely inched forward since Arc 4 or 5 in the main series. As much as I love Tappei's work in other areas—his world-building, the characters, the darker plot twists—it does feel like the relationship aspect is stuck in limbo. That's one reason I've enjoyed reading fan works like Writing Pupil's. Even though it's unofficial, at least it gives me the chance to see the romance actually develop—something I wish the main story would tackle more decisively. If Tappei isn't going to develop Subaru and Emilia in a more satisfying way, then it makes sense that we, as fans, might want to explore different possibilities in our own fics—such as the idea of Emilia and Julius. Sometimes fanfiction gives us the romantic progression we've been craving, even if it isn't the official route. I still hold out hope that someday we'll see real, tangible growth for Subaru and Emilia in the source material, but until then, exploring new ships in fan works can be a lot of fun!