Chapter 4: Fixing a broken mirror piece by piece
Subaru turned to face her fully, his gaze steady and piercing. "Not just my memories, Beako. They ate my name too, didn't they?"
Beatrice's lips trembled, her usual sharp wit and confident demeanor nowhere to be seen. "Subaru… how did you—"
"I've been piecing it together," Subaru interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "The gaps, the things I don't know but feel like I should. The way you sometimes look at me with guilt. And when I met Rem… the way you explained what happened to her—it all lines up."
Beatrice looked down, clutching the hem of her dress tightly. "I… didn't want to tell you, I suppose. I thought it would only hurt you more if you knew…"
Subaru crouched slightly to meet her eye level, his expression softening. "Beako, I need to know the truth. If I've lost something—or someone—I can't just ignore it."
Tears welled up in Beatrice's eyes as she whispered, "You've lost more than you can imagine, Subaru. But… if you truly want to know, I will tell you, I suppose."
Subaru placed a comforting hand on her head. "Thanks, Beako. I'm counting on you."
Now in their room, Beatrice sat on the edge of the bed while Subaru sat backward on a chair, leaning against its backrest.
"So, Beako… I've truly lost both my name and my memories, and everyone seems to have forgotten about me—except for you?" Subaru asked, his tone careful but probing.
"That seems to be the case, I suppose," Beatrice nodded.
"Okay, I get that Gluttony can erase memories using their 'Authority.' But what does mynamehave to do with anything?" Subaru tilted his head, trying to grasp the concept.
"To explain… Gluttony's ability works by consuming a victim's true name and memories through their Authority," Beatrice said. Subaru nodded slowly, absorbing the information.
"Because of that," she continued, "they can choose to consume a person's name, making everyone forget about them and everything they've done. Their existence is erased, and whatever they accomplished is transferred to someone else—or it simply vanishes."
Subaru's eyes widened slightly. "So that's why Petra and Frederica didn't remember me?"
"That is correct, I suppose," Beatrice replied, her voice quieter. "Alternatively, Gluttony can consume a person's memories, making the victim forget everything about others—and often about themselves as well."
Beatrice gripped the frills of her dress tightly, her hands trembling slightly. Subaru noticed and decided to tread carefully. He leaned forward. "But I'm a little confused about two things," he said, his tone lighter, coaxing her to continue.
"What is it, I suppose?" Beatrice glanced up, her curiosity piqued despite her hesitance.
"The first thing is… if someone loses both their name and memories, wouldn't they end up in a coma, like Rem?" Subaru asked, watching her reaction closely.
Beatrice nodded. "That's right, I suppose."
"Then why am I not in a coma right now?" Subaru pressed, his brow furrowing.
"That could be due to the Authorities in your body, I suppose," Beatrice said, her tone thoughtful.
"Huh?" Subaru blinked, caught off guard.
"What Betty means," Beatrice clarified, "is that the reason you're not in a coma, like the blue maid, might be because the existing Authorities in your body are counteracting Gluttony's abilities to some degree. Or… that's what I'm speculating, I suppose."
"So I also have an Authority in my body?" Subaru asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"Yes. To be precise, you have three of them in your body at the moment, in fact," Beatrice said, her words shocking Subaru.
"Three?! Wait, hold on—what evenisan Authority? Is it like… a superpower or something?" Subaru asked, his hands gesturing vaguely.
"In a sense, I suppose," Beatrice replied. "But an Authority is a special ability derived from something called a Witch Factor."
"A Witch Factor? What's that?" Subaru leaned in, his interest piqued.
"A Witch Factor is a powerful essence granted to special individuals with a strong will. These Factors are tied to the seven deadly sins—and two additional names," Beatrice explained.
"That explains why it's called Gluttony…" Subaru muttered. "But you said there are two more. What are those?"
"One of them was wielded by Hector, the Warlock of Melancholy. The other…" Beatrice paused, clutching her head with a grimace.
"Beako! Are you okay?" Subaru stood up, alarmed.
"Yes, I'm fine, I suppose," Beatrice reassured him, though her voice was strained. "But it seems I can't recall the name of the other Factor…"
"That's fine. We can leave that for later," Subaru said, sitting back down. "But what exactly are the three Authorities I have?"
"From what Betty can sense through our connection—and my memories—one of them is Sloth, the other is Greed, and the last… I don't know. But I believe it might be Pride," Beatrice said, her tone cautious.
"Pride? So that's why Petra and Frederica called me 'Pride.' But that was just because I was locked up in a royal prison… Is having an Authority illegal or something?"
"In a sense, yes," Beatrice confirmed. "Authorities are typically tied to the Archbishops of the Witch Cult."
"Sorry, can you explain that a bit more, Beako?" Subaru scratched the back of his head, feeling overwhelmed.
"Hmph. We came to talk about your lost memories and name, but I suppose this is important to explain," Beatrice said with a small huff, though there was no heat in her voice. "The Witch Cult is a group of fanatics who worship the Witch of Envy. She killed the other Witches of Sin and plunged half the world into chaos, in fact."
"The Archbishops are the highest-ranking members of the Cult. They wield Witch Factors—which become Authorities after their death—and use them to spread destruction," Beatrice continued. "You've fought several of them before. That's how you gained their Authorities."
"So, I've fought these guys and defeated three of their top members?" Subaru rubbed his temples. "That means there are only four Archbishops left, right?"
"There are four Archbishops of Sin, but two of them share the same sin: Gluttony," Beatrice clarified.
"Wait, there should be five, though—Wrath, Lust, Gluttony… and Envy. Which one is missing?" Subaru asked, frowning.
"That would be Envy," Beatrice said. "Her power was sealed away with the Witch herself 400 years ago, I suppose."
"Okay, I get it now. So that means only Wrath, Lust, and Gluttony remain. At least that makes sense," Subaru said, nodding as he pieced together his understanding of the Witch Cult. He shifted his focus, preparing to ask his next question. "Now, onto my second inquiry, Beako."
"What is it, I suppose?" Beatrice asked, tilting her head slightly, curious about what else Subaru wanted to know.
"How do you remember me? I thought Gluttony made everyone forget about me. How did you manage to hold on? Is it because of our contract? But... it feels like you justknowme, so that can't be it." Subaru tilted his head in confusion, his gaze fixed on the spirit.
Beatrice's expression darkened slightly. "I wish that were the case, I suppose. Gluttony's authority can erase memories and even remove objects that would remind others of someone. But they can't erase magical connections, like the one we share through our spirit contract. Even though I may have lost my memories of you originally, the bond of our contract still remained, in fact."
"Then how did youactuallyremember me, Beako?" Subaru pressed, his brow furrowed.
"It's because of this, I suppose," Beatrice said, pulling a small, ancient-looking book from her dress. "This is a copy of the Witch of Greed's authority—theTome of Wisdom. The Archbishops of the Witch Cult carry inferior versions of it, which they call 'Gospels.'"
"Wait... isn't that dangerous? It's related to the Witch Cult, right?" Subaru's eyes widened in concern.
"Hmph. Like I said, the Gospels they have areinferiorcopies, I suppose. There are only two true Tomes of Wisdom copies in existence. One of them was lost in a fire long ago." Beatrice's voice softened as she explained.
"How do you know that?" Subaru asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"It's because I was the owner of the book that was lost in that fire," Beatrice admitted quietly. "And because I am the daughter of the Witch of Greed herself, I suppose."
Subaru's jaw dropped. "Wait, you're... a witch'skid?!"
"Yes, I suppose." Beatrice's tone was matter-of-fact, though her expression betrayed a flicker of unease. "But Betty was created artificially, so I am not what you are imagining, I suppose," she said, glaring slightly at Subaru.
"Ah, I see. My bad, Beako. Please continue," Subaru said, scratching his head sheepishly.
"Hmph," Beatrice huffed, puffing out her cheeks in mock indignation. "Fine. Using this Tome, I was able to recover my memories of you. And... I believe it might help us find a way to restore your own memories, I suppose."
Subaru's expression shifted from relief to curiosity. "Got it. But wait—if your book was lost in a fire, then what's that? Is it, like, a backup copy?"
"No, this book originally belonged to that clownish fool, Roswaal L. Mathers, I suppose. He was a student of my mother."
Subaru's eyes widened. "Wait... Roswaal? You mean the guy I work for? Isn't that stealing, Beako? Shouldn't you give it back to him?"
"Absolutely not!" Beatrice snapped, her voice ringing with uncharacteristic force. "That man cannot have this book back. He would only use it to make your life even more miserable, I suppose."
"Huh? What do you mean? Isn't he my boss? He's supporting Emilia, right?" Subaru asked, confused.
"That man used this book to force you into an impossible choice—to save the maids of this manor from an assassin or to help Emilia pass her trial, I suppose."
Subaru froze, a sudden realization dawning on him. "Wait... Does that mean—?"
"You chose both," Beatrice said, her voice quiet but firm. "You saved the maidsandhelped Emilia succeed in her trial. You made a bet with Roswaal and won, I suppose."
Subaru's mind reeled. "I... I did that? Then what happened to the book?"
"It was destroyed, I suppose," Beatrice said. "That pink-haired maid destroyed it after you managed to recruit her to your side. It was lost after your victory."
Subaru stared at her, stunned. He couldn't reconcile the version of himself she described with the person he believed he was—a shut-in who had barely managed to scrape by in life. "But... if the book was destroyed, then how do you have it now? And why does it look brand new?"
"I don't know who restored it, I suppose," Beatrice admitted. "But you originally regained this book after Otto—your camp's internal affairs officer—retrieved it during a deal with the Witch Cult. He said the Cult restored it to keep you close."
"Wait, Otto? That merchant guy who handles negotiations?" Subaru asked.
"Yes, that is correct, I suppose. After your imprisonment, the royal guards handed the book to me. They wanted me to look into it."
Subaru nodded slowly. "Alright, that clears up my questions. Now it's time to focus on the real issue—how I becamethis versionof me, and why Natsuki Subaru was erased from this world."
Beatrice's expression grew serious. "I agree, I suppose. But... what I'm about to tell you may change how you see me."
Subaru gave her a soft, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Beako. I won't judge. Pinky promise," he said, holding out his pinky.
"Hmph. Betty is not a child, I suppose," Beatrice said, though she reluctantly extended her pinky to meet his. "But... I appreciate your support."
Subaru grinned, and Beatrice gave him a faint, hesitant smile in return. "Be ready, Subaru. Betty will only explain this once, I suppose."
Flashback Beatrice Pov:
"Betty doesn't understand why we are meeting with that Archbishop woman, in fact," Beatrice said, her voice tinged with frustration.
"Because, Beako, I need information about Lust from her," Subaru replied, glancing back at his Spirit. "If I can get that, I might be able to help cure Crusch."
"Her injuries are my fault," Subaru muttered, his gaze softening. "But even if we manage to get information from her, who knows, we could also ask for the location of the Gluttony duo."
"Hmph. This is idiotic, I suppose," Beatrice huffed, folding her arms. "This is dangerous, and we haven't even prepared for the expedition to the tower, in fact."
"This will be quick. What could go wrong?" Subaru said, flashing his usual grin. "And besides, I have you by my side, Beako. With you here, I'm even safer."
"Hmph. At least you know that Betty is here to save her contractor, no matter what, in fact," Beatrice said, puffing out her chest with pride. Subaru couldn't help but chuckle at her antics.
"But what was that thing the merchant gave you before we came here?" Beatrice asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
"Oh, that?" Subaru reached into his coat and pulled out a familiar book. "He gave methis."
Beatrice froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. "H-how is that possible? Both copies were destroyed—one by the pink-haired maid and the other in the burning library, in fact."
"I don't know how Otto got his hands on this," Subaru admitted, scratching the back of his head. "But he said he fixed it and gave it to me for safekeeping. He thought it could be a great tool for us."
"You should have shown that to Betty earlier, in fact!" Beatrice snapped, glaring at him. "We could have gotten all the information we needed without coming here, I suppose."
"You're right, Beako. Dang it, me and my dumb brain! Arghhh!" Subaru groaned, slapping his forehead. "Welp, no point crying over spilled milk. We're already here, so we might as well keep going."
"Are you sure? We could still turn back and use the book, I suppose," Beatrice said, trying to reason with him.
"I'm sure, Beako. Besides, this book isn't absolute. I mean, I beat Roswaal even whenhehad it," Subaru said, his determination unwavering.
"Alright then, but Betty will be on high alert, just in case, I suppose," Beatrice muttered, causing Subaru to nod slightly in agreement.
The pair eventually arrived at the Archbishop of Wrath's cell. The figure inside was heavily bandaged and appeared unconscious. Subaru opened the door cautiously and stepped closer.
"Wake up," Subaru said, his voice firm enough to rouse a normal person. But the figure didn't stir.
"I said, wake up," Subaru repeated, reaching out to touch the woman's shoulder.
"Subaru, watch out!" Beatrice yelled, casting a wind spell that pushed Subaru back.
"Aww, I almost got that meat bag if you hadn't interfered," a voice sneered. From the bandaged woman's hair, a white-and-golden rat emerged, its red eyes glinting with malice.
"Capella... it's you, isn't it?" Subaru said, his voice low and filled with anger.
"You got it right, meat bag," the rat replied, shifting its form into a petite woman with blonde hair, red eyes, and a disturbingly provocative outfit. "This beautiful lady is indeed Capella."
"Great. I was hoping to find you, but it seems you've saved me the trouble," Subaru said, his jaw clenched. "I've even brought you a gift."
"A gift? Forme? My, how generous." Capella grinned mockingly. "What kind of gift would you give to someone as exquisite as myself?"
"Nothing much—just my Beako's special attack!" Subaru shouted as he ducked to the ground.
"El Minya!" Beatrice yelled, unleashing a flurry of glowing purple crystals at Capella.
Capella, however, transformed into a bird, evading each shard with ease. One crystal shattered the wall behind her, while another broke a chain that had held the Archbishop of Wrath upright. Returning to her human form, Capella smirked.
"As much as this lady would love to stay and destroy you meat bags, my duties here are done," she said, leaping out of the newly created hole in the wall. Falling briefly, she shifted into a small bird and darted away at high speed.
"So close... we almost had her," Subaru muttered, exhaling heavily.
"Betty... failed you, in fact," Beatrice said, her voice tinged with guilt.
"Don't beat yourself up, Beako. None of us knew she'd be here," Subaru said, shaking his head. "But... I wonder what she meant by her 'duties being done'..." He trailed off, his expression thoughtful. Then, he froze.
"Beako, watch out!" Subaru shoved Beatrice aside as a sharp-toothed boy with brown hair lunged at him.
"Roy... you're here too?!" Subaru growled, struggling against Roy's grip.
"It seems you managed to notice me, ~tsu," Roy teased, his grin wide and unnerving.
Beatrice scrambled to her feet, casting spell after spell. "El Minya! El Minya! El Minya!" The hallway filled with bursts of light as crystals tore through the walls and ceiling.
Roy dodged each shard effortlessly, smirking. "So, this is a Great Spirit? I wonder how you'd taste, ~tsu."
"As if Betty would give you the chance, in fact!" Beatrice snapped, her mana flaring.
Subaru lashed out with his whip, attempting to restrain Roy, only for Roy to pull him closer. "Fine. I'll just do what my Gospel told me to do, ~tsu," Roy said, injecting a needle into Subaru's neck.
"Argh! What... was that?!" Subaru groaned, his body growing weak.
"Nothing much. Just something to make you... sleepy, ~tsu," Roy said smugly.
"SUBARU!" Beatrice screamed, forcing her drained body to cast another spell. "Minya!"
Roy ignored her and charged at Beatrice. The ceiling began to collapse, and Beatrice used the last of her strength to phase through the rubble, reaching Subaru's side.
"Subaru... Betty is here. I'll get us out of—" Beatrice began, activating Gate Crossing. But before she could finish, Subaru pushed her into the portal.
"S-Subaru..." Beatrice murmured, her vision fading as her mana gave out. She could just barely make out Roy's form shifting into a blonde-haired girl with a white dress and sharp, menacing features.
"Thank you for this meal, Natsuki Subaru ~tsu," the blonde girl chirped, beginning to eat. Subaru's name barely left her lips before a shimmering wall of purple crystals formed around him.
Beatrice, standing nearby, poured out the last of her mana to encase Subaru in protective crystals. As the effort drained the final reserves of her strength, she collapsed into unconsciousness, her small body falling to the ground
Weeks passed.
When Beatrice finally opened her eyes, she found herself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. Her expression tensed, brows furrowing as she slowly sat up.
"Where... am I?" she murmured, her voice tinged with confusion. Glancing around, she noticed the room was plain and devoid of any decorations.
Just then, the door creaked open, revealing Emilia. Her silver hair shimmered softly in the light as her violet eyes lit up with relief.
"Oh, Betty, you're awake now! I was reeeeally worried about you," Emilia exclaimed, hurrying to her side with a bright, relieved smile.
Beatrice blinked at her. "What is going on here? Why am I in this bed? The last thing I remember—" A sharp pain suddenly pierced her head, cutting off her sentence.
"Betty, be careful!" Emilia gasped, gently steadying her. "You're still recovering after using up all your mana."
Beatrice's face scrunched with frustration. "What do you mean, I suppose?" she muttered, clearly annoyed that she couldn't piece her memories together.
"You don't remember, do you?" Emilia asked, tilting her head with concern. "You went to the prison because you said there was something you wanted to learn from the Archbishop."
Beatrice frowned. "And then what?"
"There was a fight," Emilia explained. "A new Archbishop showed up to try and save their companion. You ended up in a battle with the Archbishop of Pride. Apparently, you managed to trap him in your crystals, but you passed out right after the fight, outside the prison."
"A new Archbishop, you say?" Beatrice asked, her expression growing more serious.
Emilia nodded. "Yes. When they searched him afterward, they found a Gospel on him. It looked similar to the one Wrath carried."
"I see..." Beatrice murmured, her voice trailing off as she processed the information. Then, glancing at Emilia, she asked, "Have you met this Archbishop yet, I suppose?"
"Not reeeeally," Emilia replied, shaking her head. "The council decided it was too dangerous for anyone from the camps to meet him—not even Reinhard can see him unless they give special permission."
"I see," Beatrice said with a sigh. "But... Why are you here? Shouldn't you be preparing for the tower expedition?"
"Betty, you've been out for a couple of weeks now," Emilia said softly. "We already tried once while you were recovering, but it didn't go well. Now we're preparing for our third attempt."
"Betty has been unconscious for weeks?!" Beatrice's voice rose, her disbelief evident.
"Yes," Emilia confirmed, her voice tinged with worry. "Even with my mana pool helping you recover, it took a while. When I got back from the last expedition, you still hadn't woken up."
"You made me so worried! I thought something was wrong with our contract," Emilia admitted, smiling softly. "But it's so good to see you awake now, Betty."
Beatrice flinched at the word "contract." Something about it felt wrong—like a thorn pressing into her heart. She forced a small smile, though her expression betrayed her unease.
"Y-yes. Betty is glad to see you as well, I suppose," she said, her voice faltering slightly.
"But now that you're awake, we can try again," Emilia said brightly. "This time, Reinhard will be coming with us!"
"Right... I suppose I'll accompany you, as your contracted Spirit," Beatrice said reluctantly. Yet, the words felt foreign and heavy on her tongue. Something within her rebelled against them.
For weeks, the strange sensation gnawed at Beatrice. A faint, distant call echoed within her heart, growing louder and more insistent with time. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong—that someone was calling out to her leading towards the prison.
Finally, unable to ignore it any longer, Beatrice made her way to the prison where the Archbishop of Pride was being held.
"Miss Beatrice, what brings you here today?" a knight at the desk asked, his tone polite but hesitant.
"I wish to meet with the Archbishop of Pride, I suppose," Beatrice said, her voice firm.
The knight shifted uncomfortably. "Miss Beatrice, I know you've done a lot for this city, but as part of Miss Emilia's camp, it's too dangerous for you to meet him alone."
"It doesn't matter," Beatrice replied coldly. "My actions are independent of hers. Let me meet with the Archbishop—I have questions for him."
"But—"
"At ease," came a commanding voice. A green-haired knight entered the room, his tone sharp and authoritative. "Beatrice-sama has the right to meet with him. The council agreed that, as the one who defeated and captured him, she may interrogate him."
"C-Captain Marcos! It's good to see you, sir," the knight stammered, quickly bowing.
Marcos nodded to Beatrice. "Greetings, Beatrice-sama. I'm glad to see you've recovered."
"The pleasure is mine, I suppose. Now, can I finally meet him?" Beatrice asked, her impatience evident.
"Of course. But remember—what you discuss with him must remain confidential, even from your own camp," Marcos warned. "We can't afford any leaks."
"That's rather simple, I suppose. Lead the way," Beatrice said curtly.
Marcos led her to the cell. "Here we are. Be cautious—he's delusional and prone to lies."
"Hmph. I'll be fine. You can leave now, in fact," Beatrice said, dismissing him. As the knight departed, she opened the sealed door and stepped inside.
In the dimly lit cell sat a boy with black hair streaked with white. His malnourished body bore countless injuries, and he muttered to himself before looking up at Beatrice. A slow, almost desperate smile spread across his face.
"You're here... I knew you'd come, Beako," he said, his voice trembling.
"W-who are you calling Beako? My name is Beatrice, and we are not close enough for you to address me in such a way, I suppose," she snapped, glaring at him.
The boy's face crumpled in despair. "N-no, no, you can't forget me too!"
"What do you mean, Pride? I have no recollection of you at all, I suppose," Beatrice said firmly, though a pang of unease twisted in her chest.
"You're wrong! Youdoknow me, Beako. You know who I am!" the boy cried, tears streaming down his face. Beatrice clutched her chest as a sudden, sharp pain coursed through her heart.
"W-what are you saying, I suppose?" she stammered, her voice trembling despite her efforts to stay composed.
"I'm your contractor! How could you forget the bond we share?" the boy said, his voice cracking with anguish.
Beatrice froze, her eyes widening in shock. The strange ache in her heart—the call that had plagued her—suddenly made sense.
"Even the other knights who came to torture and question me told me that I'm not Emilia's knight," Subaru—no, [Pride]—said, his voice trembling like a cracked mirror reflecting Beatrice's own past. "I'm not one of them. They say I'm the Archbishop of Pride. I waited for someone—anyone—to tell them they were wrong. I waited for someone to save me." His voice faltered, his anguish breaking through. "And here I thoughtyouwere 'that' person."
The boy's words hung in the air, heavy with despair. His brokenness was a haunting echo of Beatrice's own struggles. But he wasn't finished.
"So why? Why, why, why did you all leave me?" His voice rose, cracking with raw emotion. "I thought I was their friend. I thought I was her knight. I—I thought I was the one to make you happy—!"
His scream echoed through the dungeon as he spiraled into madness, his chains rattling against the cold stone floor. Beatrice stood frozen, watching his descent, unable to comprehend what she was hearing.
"So tell me,why won't you remember our contract?" Subaru's voice grew louder, desperation bleeding into his words.
"TELL ME, WHY DID YOU FORGET ME TOO?!" he roared, his cry reverberating off the walls.
"I SAVED YOU!" His voice broke entirely, his raw agony tearing through the room. "I saved you before your name could be taken, so why did you abandon me?!"
Beatrice's eyes widened, her breath hitching as she listened. Her small frame trembled, her mind reeling with his accusations.
"BEAKO!" Subaru cried out, but his shout broke off when he saw her face. Beatrice looked as if she couldn't breathe, her chest heaving as her hands clutched at her heart.
"B-Betty doesn't understand what's going on!" she cried out, her legs giving way as she collapsed to the floor.
Her voice wavered, tears streaming down her face. "B-Betty can feel our contract, but I can't figure out why we have one! I'm supposed to be Emilia's spirit, but—but I've never felt like I had a connection to her!" Her hands tightened over her chest, her voice breaking further.
"So why..." Her voice quivered as she looked at Subaru. "Why does Betty feel hurt, seeing you break down like this, I suppose?"
Beatrice sobbed, clutching herself as though the weight of the world was crushing her. Her entire existence felt like it was unraveling.
Subaru—still bound by his chains—began crawling toward her, dragging his frail body across the cold floor. Despite his weakened state, he reached out and wrapped his arms around her small frame, pulling her into an embrace.
"It's alright, Beako," he whispered softly, his voice filled with guilt. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have blamed you for something you couldn't control." His tears fell freely now, landing on Beatrice's cheeks as she stared at him, stunned.
"It's my fault," he murmured, his voice trembling. "It's my fault for blaming you... for everything."
Beatrice sat motionless in his arms, unsure of what to do. Yet, the warmth of his embrace brought a strange comfort, melting away a part of the pain that had consumed her.
"Gluttony made you forget about me," Subaru said, his voice steadying as he explained. "And I shouldn't have lashed out my frustration on you."
Beatrice's eyes widened at his words. The pieces began falling into place, the truth becoming clear. Her contractor... the one she'd forgotten... was standing right in front of her.
"S-so you're truly Betty's contractor?" she asked hesitantly, pulling away to look at him. "How can I be sure, I suppose?"
Subaru offered her a soft smile, the kind of smile that spoke of quiet determination. "I have proof," he said gently. "Besides our contract, I know something only you or Roswaal would know."
Beatrice blinked, curiosity flickering in her teary eyes.
"You and Roswaal have a book," Subaru continued, "a copy of Echidna's Tome of Wisdom. I know how much it means to you. And I know..." He hesitated before his grin widened, though it carried a bittersweet edge. "I convinced you that I wasn't 'that person,' but someone who'd bring you happiness instead."
Beatrice stared at him, stunned. "Y-you know about the book? I suppose... only Roswaal or Betty could have told you that." Her lips trembled.
"I also have it with me as well but the knights took it so you could get it back if you want so you can have more proof to believe it" Subaru said to Beatrice
"I... I don't even need to see it. Betty believes you, I suppose." Beatrice smiling at Subaru.
But Subaru shook his head. "No, Beako," he said softly. "You should take it. Keep it safe. I'd feel better knowing it's in your hands if someone tries to steal it."
Beatrice hesitated before nodding. "Fine. Betty will do that, I suppose. But you'd better explain everything to Betty about why you ended up here," she said firmly, her tears slowly drying.
Subaru nodded, watching her leave with a gentle wave. "Take your time, Beako. I'll be right here."
Beatrice returned to Captain Marcos and the knights. She convinced them to give her the "gospel," explaining that it was a bait to lure out the Witch Cult and as they wanted to prevent any more copies from existing.
However, just as she was about to explain Subaru's situation, a deafening explosion shook the building.
"What was that?!" Marcos shouted, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
A knight ran into the room, panting heavily. "Sir! It's the Witch Cult—they're attacking the prison again!"
Marcos stiffened. "Where are they?!"
"In the courtyard, sir. There are more of them than we have men to handle," the knight reported grimly.
Marcos turned to Beatrice. "I'll ensure Pride's safety—"
"No," Beatrice interrupted, her voice resolute. "That's not necessary, I suppose. I'll go to him myself."
"But—"
"Betty can get there faster with magic," she said sharply. "Go help your comrades. I'll handle this, I suppose."
Marcos hesitated but finally nodded. "Alright. Men, to the courtyard!"
Using her magic, Beatrice arrived at Subaru's cell in an instant. She froze, her heart sinking as she saw a gaping hole in the wall. A blonde girl stood in the rubble, holding Subaru by the neck.
"Subaru!" Beatrice cried, stepping forward. But she stopped when Subaru's eyes met hers. His terrified expression broke her heart.
"B-Beako..." he whispered, a faint smile crossing his lips before his body went limp.
"Thank you for your delicious memories, Natsuki Subaru~tsu," the blonde girl said, licking her lips with a wicked smile as she eats Subaru memories but was stopped from fully consuming them as Beatrice shot a Minya spell resulting her to vanish into the night.
Beatrice rushed to Subaru's side, shaking him violently. "Subaru! Subaru, please wake up! Betty is here to save you, I suppose!" Her cries grew desperate as she clung to him.
The "gospel" slipped from her dress, falling to the ground with a thud. Her tear-filled eyes darted to the book as a spark of hope ignited.
"Mother's book... it can help me save Subaru!" Beatrice grabbed the book, clutching it tightly. "Please, tell Betty how to wake Subaru up, I suppose!"
As she asked how to wake Subaru, the book revealed a cruel truth: Subaru would awaken, but he would lose all of his memories. Beatrice's heart sank into despair. She had failed to save the contractor she had just reunited with. But even as the pain consumed her, she refused to falter. This was her second chance, a chance to make things right when he woke up.
After the prison attack, Beatrice returned to her temporary room in Pristella. Sitting on her bed, she opened the book once more.
"Tell me who Natsuki Subaru is," Beatrice demanded, her voice trembling with hope. She prayed the book would reveal everything she needed to know about her contractor.
As if it were a blessing in disguise, the book began to reveal Subaru's story—his actions, his words, his struggles. It painted a vivid picture of who he was. Yet, something vital was missing, something even the book couldn't uncover. A fragment of Subaru remained obscured, a mystery beyond its knowledge.
Even so, Beatrice was relieved. What the book did reveal was enough for her. Days passed, and Beatrice made a request to Roswaal: she wanted Subaru to be brought to the Miload Manor.
Roswaal, curious but trusting, agreed. Beatrice's requests were rare, and when she made them, they carried weight. She explained little, only saying that Subaru had once been part of their camp and that he was her contractor. Roswaal found this revelation surprising but complied without further questions.
Beatrice waited patiently, watching over Subaru day after day. The book eventually revealed that he would awaken soon. When that moment came, she left Emilia behind and hurried to Subaru's side.
Present POV:
"That's the full story, I suppose," Beatrice said, her voice soft but trembling. She looked at Subaru, who stared back at her with a blank expression.
"I'm sorry... Betty has failed you," she continued, her eyes filling with tears. "But I promise to make it up to you, I suppose."
Before she could say more, Subaru leaned forward and hugged her tightly.
"Don't worry about it, Beako," Subaru said, his voice calm and reassuring. "I was just thinking about something."
"What is it, I suppose?" Beatrice asked, looking up at him with teary eyes.
"You keep saying it's your fault," Subaru began, "but realistically, it's mine. I didn't listen to your concerns. I told you to get that book. And I even blamed you for something I should have known was Gluttony's doing. None of this is your fault, Beako."
"But Betty couldn't protect you," Beatrice argued, her voice cracking. "So Betty has failed you, in fact."
"No, Beako," Subaru said firmly, his tone gentle but resolute. "Youdidprotect me. You did your absolute best, even now. You kept this a secret, and you got me out of that prison. You've always protected me."
"How can you see this so positively?" Beatrice asked, her frown deepening. "Shouldn't you be emotional about losing your memories, I suppose?"
"Not really," Subaru said with a shrug, his expression relaxed. "Why would I get emotional over something I don't have anymore? Logically speaking, I should be grateful. I'm still alive, and I get the chance to meet everyone again."
Beatrice frowned even more, her lips quivering. "You're rather foolish, I suppose," she muttered, though her tone held no malice—only concern.
Subaru smirked. "But that doesn't stop me from being your contractor, right?"
"That's true, I suppose," Beatrice replied with a faint smirk of her own.
The two embraced again, the bond between them unspoken but deeply felt.
Elsewhere in Pristella, a tomboyish blonde girl crossed her arms as a red-haired boy stood before her, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
"Good to see you, Rein. How was your trip?" the blonde girl asked, her tone casual but curious.
"It ended in failure... again, Felt-sama." Reinhard admitted, his voice tinged with regret.
"Welp, nothing you could do," Felt said, shrugging. "It's yourtenthtime. If you didn't get it the first time, you're probably not getting it the tenth either."
Her bluntness made Reinhard bow his head apologetically.
"Did anything interesting happen on your trip? Or with Big Sis?" Felt asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Not much, except..." Reinhard hesitated for a moment. "Beatrice-sama left in the middle of the journey."
"Huh?" Felt raised an eyebrow. "Big Sis's little spirit justleft? Was there a reason?"
"None that she shared," Reinhard replied. "But using my Divine Protection of Empathy, I could tell she was... extremely happy."
Felt cringed slightly. "You know, Rein, has anyone ever told you that what you do sometimes makes you a total creep?"
"Of course," Reinhard said earnestly. "You tell me that at least once a week, Felt-sama."
"And yet you still don't stop," Felt muttered, already done with the conversation. She turned back to her plans for the upcoming race, leaving Reinhard scratching his head in confusion before bowing and apologizing once more.
Back at Miload Manor Subaru stood in front of a mirror, brushing his teeth. His mind was heavy with thoughts of everything he'd learned. The image of himself described by others—Natsuki Subaru—felt like a stranger, a figure far stronger than the man he currently was.
"How great you truly are, Natsuki Subaru," Subaru murmured to his reflection, his eyes dark with doubt. "Can I ever fill the hole you left behind?"
As he left the bathroom, a certain cat spirit peeked around the corner, his curious gaze fixed on him. he wondered silently what kind of man this Subaru truly was.