Chapter 3
Darkness surrounded Subaru like an oppressive fog, heavy and suffocating. His senses were dull at first, floating in a space that felt distant, unreal. But then—pain. A sharp, unrelenting agony tore through his body, and suddenly, he wasn't himself anymore.
He was her.
Elsa lay sprawled across the cold, blood-slicked floor of a twisted chamber, her body broken beyond recognition. Bones jutted at odd angles beneath burned, lifeless skin, and crimson pooled beneath her like a gruesome halo. Elsa gasped for air, each breath rattling painfully in her chest.
A towering figure loomed above her—Capella. The Sin Archbishop of Lust's ever-shifting form blurred at the edges, flesh writhing as if it refused to settle on a single shape. A sickly sweet voice oozed into Elsa's ears, dripping with venom.
"You failed me."
Elsa—no, Subaru—tried to move, but pain exploded through every fiber of her being.
"Defeated by a mere demihuman... How utterly disappointing." Capella's many eyes stared down, filled with cold amusement. She crouched a grotesque parody of concern and traced a clawed finger down Elsa's shattered arm.
"How pathetic," Capella murmured before gripping Elsa's arm and snapping it back into place with a sickening crack, thanks to her powers. A scream tore from Elsa's lips—Subaru's lips—but it was quickly swallowed by Capella's cruel laughter.
"But do not worry my little doll. I won't throw you away. Unlike those ugly children, I don't break my toys so easily."
Subaru felt Elsa's body being reformed, her wounds closing in an agonizing, unnatural fashion as Capella's authority stitched her flesh together like a child's doll. But the pain never left—it only renewed, searing deeper with each "gift" bestowed upon her.
Elsa gasped for air as Capella smiled at her and kissed her forehead.
"Now, make sure you remember your place. I may be a forgiving mother, but even children have to be punished for disobeying mommy." Capella whispered into Elsa's ear before stepping away, leaving her crumpled, shaking, and alive—if such a state could even be called that.
"P-Please leave Meili out of this! You promised you would-!" Elsa said before she gasped as a massive dragon claw slammed into her chest, Capella becoming her dragon side before growling at her.
"Know your place, Elsa. I honored the little deal you made all because the girl was useful to me, but talk back to Mommy again, and I will kill you. Is that clear, Elsa?" Capella asked before Elsa shivered but nodded until Capella smiled and let Elsa rot in her prison cell as her 'punishment' for failing 'mommy.'
And then, the darkness swallowed everything again.
Subaru shot up in bed, his breath ragged and his body drenched in cold sweat. His heart pounded furiously against his ribs as he stared wide-eyed at the unfamiliar ceiling, his chest heaving.
He looked down and immediately regretted it—his vision filled with a massive pair of breasts jiggling like crazy in his pajamas, stark proof that the nightmare wasn't just a figment of his imagination.
It was real—all of it.
Clutching his head, Subaru gritted his teeth. The phantom pain of Elsa's broken bones still lingered in his muscles, and Capella's voice echoed in his mind, mocking him.
"Damn it..." Subaru whispered hoarsely until a knock at the door startled him.
"Subaru-chan~ You awake in there?" Felix's cheerful voice chimed. "We've got things to do, remember?"
Subaru exhaled shakily, wiping sweat from his brow. His hands still trembled slightly as he forced himself to calm down. Right now, he wasn't facing Capella—just a concerned cat boy waiting outside.
"...I do, Felix," Subaru muttered, his voice still foreign to his ears. "I'm up."
Subaru continued to stand up and was slowly getting adjusted to his new body since Elsa's chest was so massive that even bandages couldn't hold them down. Hence, he had to go with Felix to get him some female clothes, which he didn't mind due to his crossdressing before and once in this world. Still, it was his first time being a literal woman. It granted, if Subaru were in Emilia or any other woman, he would've probably enjoyed himself, but being in the body of Elsa Granheirt made him cautious since this body was going to take some getting used to, especially since Subaru was beginning to experience Elsa's memories.
"Man, how did she even fight like this?" Subaru muttered to himself, tugging at the fabric in frustration. "Seriously, this is just unfair."
A second, more insistent knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Subaru-chan, don't make me come in there! It's shopping time~," Felix called, his playful tone laced with just a hint of concern.
Subaru inhaled deeply, forcing himself to stand. His balance felt off—Elsa's body moved differently, with a dangerous grace that he wasn't used to. He had to remind himself to walk carefully or else risk tripping over his own feet. As he took a few cautious steps toward the door, his mind drifted back to what awaited him today.
Felix had insisted on taking him shopping for proper clothes, and though Subaru had initially resisted, he knew it was inevitable. There was no way he could continue walking around in ill-fitting bandages and borrowed robes. If he were going to survive in this body, he'd need to adapt—and fast.
He reached for the doorknob but hesitated, his thoughts circling back to the reason he'd rejected the Royal Selection. It wasn't because of the title or the responsibilities. No, it was because of her.
Emilia was gone.
He'd failed her.
Again.
If he couldn't even save her—the one person he had sworn to protect above all else—then what right did he have even to consider ruling a kingdom? The weight of that truth pressed down on him harder than Elsa's infamous strength ever could.
A shaky breath escaped his lips. "I couldn't save Emilia, so how the hell am I supposed to lead an entire nation?"
But before he could spiral deeper into self-loathing, the door creaked open slightly, and Felix peeked inside with a mischievous grin.
"Still having an identity crisis, nya?" Felix teased, his golden eyes twinkling. "Come on, Subaru-chan, let's go find you something cute to wear!"
Subaru groaned, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, yeah… Just don't get too excited about this, okay?"
Felix giggled. "No promises, nya~!"
Resigned, Subaru stepped out of the room, his movements stiff and cautious even though he was wearing his tracksuit. Today was going to be another test of his adaptability, and as much as he dreaded it, he knew it was better to face it head-on.
With Felix leading the way, Subaru followed, his mind racing with thoughts of Emilia, Capella, and the future he wasn't sure he could ever face.
"So why exactly are you taking me shopping, Felix?"
Felix—now in Crusch's body, her regal posture and refined presence a stark contrast to his usual energetic self—looked over his shoulder at Subaru, his cat ears, which were real and surprised him since apparently, Crusch and Felix's demihuman attributes appeared resulting in Felix still being a DemiHuman, twitching beneath the long forest green locks of Crusch's hair.
Despite the situation, he was still dressed in his old dress, the one that had been a familiar part of his identity before all the body-swapping chaos. The dress, once a symbol of his playful and carefree personality, was now worn almost like a shield in a world that seemed to demand more from him than he could give.
Also, Felix let Crusch enjoy wearing female clothes since the only reason she wore male clothes was to be respected by those in the Royal Selection.
"So why exactly are you taking me shopping, Felix?" Subaru asked, his voice still thick with the remnants of his nightmare.
Felix turned fully, his golden eyes sparkling with mischievous energy. He placed a hand on his hip, the elegant cut of Crusch's dress flowing perfectly around him. "Why? Because you need to look cute, Subaru-chan!" Felix said, his tone light, though there was a clear underlying softness.
"You can't go around in that tracksuit or your knight uniform and still look like a sad lady, nya. You need to feel like you have control over your body. If I'm stuck wearing my lady's body, then I want to not only fulfill some of Crusch's fantasies, but I might as well help you out, too, right?"
Subaru winced at the mention of Felix wearing Crusch's body—it wasn't lost on him that Felix had gone through his own set of struggles with the body-swapping, even if he wore it with an outward sense of humor.
"But I don't even want to be in this body, Felix," Subaru muttered, his gaze flickering to his reflection in a nearby window. The foreignness of Elsa's body made his stomach churn. "I'm not her. I don't want to be her. I can't even deal with the nightmare of losing Emilia all because I was too weak even to save her from that suicide bomb. And now, I not only lost my body, but I also have to look like the same woman who tried to kill me!?"
Felix's expression softened, his golden eyes flashing with empathy. He stepped closer to Subaru, the heels of Crusch's elegant dress clicking softly against the floor. "I get it, Subaru-chan. Really, I do," he said quietly. "But you've got to understand—you're still Subaru. Even if you're in Elsa's body now, you're still you. And the sooner you realize that the sooner you can start owning it instead of letting it own you. Let's at least make the best of it for now, okay?"
Subaru's hands trembled slightly as he pushed his hair back, the phantom memories of Elsa's broken form still fresh in his mind. Felix's words did little to erase the pain, but they did make him pause for a moment, grounding him in something that wasn't just dread.
"Also, don't think you're the only one who feels like you failed their lady. Did you even think about how Reinhardt, Julius, or even I felt when we saw that we were in our ladies' bodies?" Felix asked with a hint of anger, which made Subaru realize that Felix made a very good point and that he was being selfish and not actually asking how his friends felt.
"Alright, I get it…" Subaru muttered, half to himself. "But seriously, Felix, you in Crusch's body with her dress on… it's amazing but weird since I've never seen her wear one." His attempt at humor felt weak, but it was better than wallowing in silence.
Felix chuckled, his voice light and teasing, though there was an underlying warmth to it. "I know, I know, Subaru-chan. It's a bit of a joke, right? Me in this body, but hey, I don't want to be all stiff and proper like Crusch was since she wanted to wear a dress as a normal lady does, but as a noble, it's hard for women to gain respect, well, except for Priscilla and Anatasia that is. But you? You need to feel comfortable in your skin again, no matter what body it is. And if that means shopping for some new clothes so you can start looking like the amazing person you are, then that's what we're doing, nya!"
Subaru sighed, rubbing his face in frustration. He was torn between the discomfort of his current situation and the strange pull Felix had on him—the way the other person seemed to have accepted their new reality so much more quickly.
Felix had the uncanny ability to make it seem easy to turn what felt like a life-altering tragedy into something manageable. He wasn't sure if he was ready to embrace it, but maybe today could be a small step in that direction.
"Fine," Subaru grumbled, turning to follow Felix, his feet dragging slightly. "But don't expect me to enjoy it. I'm not going to start prancing around like I belong in this body."
Felix grinned, clearly unfazed. "I don't need you to prance around, Subaru-chan. I need you to take one step at a time."
With a sigh, Subaru followed Felix as they headed for the market, the sound of Felix's soft footsteps in Crusch's heels echoing in the air. Today wasn't going to be easy, but it didn't have to be impossible either. He would take it one step at a time—starting with this shopping trip. And maybe, just maybe, it would help him figure out how to carry the weight of this new reality on his shoulders.
"I get that it's scary feeling like you failed after all you went through, and now you are in the body of someone who almost killed you before many times, but if there's one thing I've learned in this place is that if you continue to focus on all the bad things, then you'll start to miss out on what's right in front of you," Felix said as he looked at many of the other swapped civilians and nobles becoming adjusted to their new bodies.
Subaru followed Felix's gaze, watching the bustling streets filled with people in bodies that didn't belong to them. Some were adjusting better than others, laughing with friends and carrying on with their daily lives as if nothing had changed. Others, like him, were clearly struggling—moving awkwardly, avoiding eye contact, clutching clothes that didn't quite fit.
Subaru sighed, shoving his hands into the pockets of his tracksuit, the familiar fabric feeling alien against Elsa's skin. "Yeah, well… easier said than done," he muttered. "I mean, it's great that some people can just roll with it, but me? I'm not exactly the 'go with the flow' type."
Felix giggled, twirling a strand of Crusch's long hair between his fingers. "Oh, I know, Subaru-chan. You're more of a 'fight the flow and drown in it' kind of guy." He shot Subaru a sly grin. "But that's why I'm here, nya~! To make sure you don't sink completely."
Subaru grunted, but deep down, he was grateful. Felix had always been a bit of an enigma—both playful and perceptive, always knowing when to push and when to pull back. Right now, Subaru needed that push, whether he liked it or not.
As they weaved through the market, Subaru's senses were overwhelmed by the unfamiliarity of everything. The way Elsa's body moved, the heightened senses that made the smell of fresh bread and roasting meat almost intoxicating, the predatory grace that made every step feel unnervingly effortless—it was all too much. Every time he caught his reflection in a shop window, he saw her—those piercing violet eyes, that unsettling smile he knew too well.
Felix noticed Subaru's discomfort and nudged him playfully. "Hey, don't get too lost in that scary face of yours. We've got some serious fashion decisions to make." He pulled Subaru toward a clothing stall filled with elegant dresses and casual wear. "What do you think? Maybe something with frills? Or are you more of a leather gal, Subaru-chan?"
Subaru groaned, running a hand through Elsa's dark hair. "If you put me in anything frilly, I swear I'll throw myself off the nearest bridge."
Felix laughed, holding up a sleek black outfit that looked suspiciously like something Elsa would actually wear. "Fine, fine. But I think you should at least try to own it. Besides, black suits you—it's mysterious, a little dangerous. Kinda sexy, even."
Subaru shuddered. "Please never use the word 'sexy' and me in the same sentence again."
Felix smirked. "Aw, come on, Subaru-chan. You've got the curves for it now; might as well use them."
Subaru groaned but relented, taking the outfit with a sigh. "Fine. But no high heels. I draw the line there."
Felix pouted dramatically. "You're no fun."
As Subaru begrudgingly tried on the outfit behind a folding screen, he stared at his reflection in the mirror. The dark clothing hugged Elsa's figure a little too well, emphasizing every curve he wasn't used to. He tugged at the fabric awkwardly, feeling like an imposter in his skin. But… as much as he hated to admit it, Felix was right. He needed to own this, at least for now.
Stepping out, he gave Felix a deadpan look. "Well? Happy now?"
Felix's grin widened. "Absolutely. You're rocking it, Subaru-chan." Then, with a playful wink, he added, "Now, let's see if we can find you some matching accessories. Maybe a dagger belt? Ooh, or thigh-high boots?"
Subaru rolled his eyes. "Let's just get this over with before I regret everything."
As they continued shopping, a part of Subaru—deep, deep down—felt the tiniest sliver of something he hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe not comfortable, not yet. But a little less lost. And for now, that would have to be enough.
As Subaru absentmindedly sifted through the various outfits Felix presented, his mind wandered back to the times he used to crossdress back in his world. The alter ego he had crafted—Natsumi Schwartz—had been something of an escape for him, a way to step outside himself and have a little fun, even if it was just a joke to most people.
He could almost hear his old friends laughing, teasing him about how good he looked, too good for comfort. "You should've been born a girl, Natsuki!" they'd say, their jeers always toeing the line between playful and hurtful. But Subaru had never seen it that way. It wasn't about being girly or manly—it was about being himself, even in the strangest ways.
A small smile tugged at his lips as he recalled the ridiculous makeup attempts, the frilly outfits he put together in secret, and the way he'd practiced different voices in front of the mirror. He didn't like guys, but dressing up as Natsumi had given him a sense of control, a way to slip into another skin when things felt too heavy.
Plus, it gave his mom an excuse to enjoy having a daughter, as did his dad when he was still messing with him.
But this? Subaru glanced down at Elsa's hands, slender and deadly, resting on his lap. This isn't like that.
Here, it wasn't a choice, a game, or an escape. Subaru was trapped in this body, and no amount of playful disguises could make it feel okay. The weight of Elsa's identity pressed down on him, and despite everything, a small voice inside whispered, "Maybe you deserve this. Maybe this is what failure looks like."
A gentle touch on his hand startled him out of his thoughts. Subaru blinked and looked up to see Felix, his golden eyes filled with uncharacteristic concern. The warmth of Felix's—no, Crusch's—hand enveloping his own was almost grounding.
"Hey," Felix said softly, giving Subaru's hand a light squeeze. "You okay, Subaru-chan? You kinda zoned out on me there."
Subaru swallowed, feeling the unfamiliar weight of his body press against him again. He forced a smirk, trying to push the dark thoughts away. "Yeah, yeah… just reminiscing about my old crossdressing days. Natsumi Schwartz, the one and only." He gestured vaguely to the racks of clothing Felix had piled up. "Guess I should be used to this, huh?"
Felix's ears twitched, and a sly grin crept onto his lips. "Oh? Subaru-chan has a crossdressing history? Do tell, nya~."
Subaru groaned, shaking his head. "Don't get any weird ideas. It was just... for fun. Something to pass the time. Not like I had anything better to do back then." He looked down at his hands again, his expression softening. "But it was different, you know? Back then, I could take it off whenever I wanted."
Felix nodded thoughtfully, his grip on Subaru's hand still firm but reassuring. "I get it. This time, it's not something you chose. But hey, just because it's different doesn't mean you can't make it yours."
Subaru blinked at him, surprised at the unexpected wisdom hidden behind Felix's playful demeanor. "Make it mine, huh?"
Felix grinned and let go of Subaru's hand, picking up another outfit—a sleek black blouse and skirt that somehow balanced between elegant and deadly. "Yup! You're stuck with it for now, so why not take a page out of Natsumi's book and own it?"
Subaru stared at the outfit, then at Felix, before letting out a tired chuckle. "You really don't let up, do you?"
Felix winked. "Nope! Now come on, let's see if we can find you something that screams 'dangerous beauty' without looking like you're about to assassinate someone."
Subaru sighed, running a hand through Elsa's silky hair. Maybe Felix was right. If he couldn't change his situation, he could at least control how he faced it. And that started with figuring out who Subaru Natsuki was—even in Elsa's body.
Taking a deep breath, he stood up, rolling his shoulders. "Alright, fine. But if you make me try anything frilly, I'm out."
Felix beamed. "Deal. No frills… for now."
With that, Subaru allowed himself to follow Felix deeper into the market, still uneasy and still adjusting, but maybe—just maybe—starting to find his footing.
Felix twirled in front of Subaru, the flowing fabric of Crusch's dress swirling elegantly around him. His feline tail flicked playfully as he smiled, clearly enjoying himself. "You know, Subaru-chan," Felix said, placing a hand on his hip, "just because you've got Elsa's body now doesn't mean you have to be Elsa. You can make changes, nya."
Subaru raised an eyebrow, tugging uncomfortably at the collar of the blouse Felix had forced him to try on. "Changes? Like what? Chop off my hair, get rid of these—" He gestured at his chest with a grimace. "I'm kinda stuck with what I've got here."
Felix giggled, stepping closer and poking Subaru's cheek. "That's where you're wrong, nya~." His expression softened as he continued, "You don't have just to accept things as they are. You can shape it, make it yours. It's not just about what you look like on the outside, and it's about how you carry yourself."
Subaru sighed, running a hand through Elsa's long, silky hair. It still felt foreign to him, like wearing a costume that refused to come off. "Easy for you to say. You're still... you."
Felix's ears twitched, and he gave Subaru a knowing smile. "You think so? Heh, truth is, when I'm off duty and alone in my room, I like to dress up too, nya~."
Subaru blinked. "Wait, what?"
Felix leaned in conspiratorially. "Yup. I've got a whole collection of dresses hidden away. And when Crusch wasn't being all noble and serious, she used to love it when I dressed up and cosplayed for her since she got so used to wearing her uniforms instead. She said it was nice seeing me enjoy myself without any duties weighing me down." Felix's smile turned wistful for a moment. "She even picked out some outfits for me. Can you believe it?"
Subaru couldn't help but chuckle. "Okay, that's... actually pretty wholesome. I never thought Crusch would be into that."
Felix grinned. "She's full of surprises, nya. But the point is—if I can have fun in Crusch's body, wearing the things that make me happy, then so can you. Just because you look like Elsa doesn't mean you can't do the same."
Felix gently grabbed Subaru's wrist and led him over to a nearby mirror. Subaru hesitated, but Felix's grip was firm yet reassuring. "Come on, Subaru-chan. Take a good look."
Subaru reluctantly gazed at his reflection. Elsa's piercing violet eyes stared back at him, filled with an intensity that always used to send shivers down his spine. Her pale skin, sharp features, and long raven-black hair made her look every bit the deadly assassin she once was. But as Subaru looked deeper, he noticed something else.
His eyes—no, her eyes—were still his. Scary, yes, but beneath the cold exterior, there was a flicker of something else. Kindness. Determination.
Felix stood beside him, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder. "See? You're still in there, Subaru-chan. Same eyes, same stubbornness." He tilted his head, smiling. "What don't you like about it?"
Subaru frowned, his gaze trailing over Elsa's face. "It's... not me," he said quietly. "When I see her, I see all the times she tried to kill me. I see a monster. And now... now I'm stuck looking like one."
Felix's grip tightened comfortingly. "You're not a monster, Subaru. And neither was Elsa, in her way."
Subaru looked away, chewing on his lip. "I don't know if I can do this, Felix. I don't know if I can own this body the way you own Crusch's."
Felix chuckled softly. "You don't have to figure it all out today, nya. Just take it one step at a time. And hey, maybe you can start by finding something you like about this body."
Subaru sighed, looking back at his reflection. He touched Elsa's face hesitantly, fingers tracing the sharp edges of her features. "I guess... the hair's nice. It's soft."
Felix grinned. "There you go! See? Progress." He patted Subaru's back cheerfully. "Now, how about we find you something to match that pretty hair, huh?"
Subaru rolled his eyes but couldn't stop the small smile that crept onto his lips. "Fine. But no frills."
Felix winked. "No frills... unless they look really good."
Despite himself, Subaru laughed, following Felix back into the sea of clothes. Maybe he wasn't ready to fully accept this new body yet, but with Felix by his side, he figured he could at least take it one step at a time.
Felix hummed happily as he sifted through the racks of clothing, holding up various outfits against Subaru with an excited glint in his eyes. "Hmm… this one's too frilly, and this one's too tight, nya… Oh! What about this?"
Subaru groaned, crossing his arms. "Felix, I swear, if you bring me another outfit covered in lace, I'm walking out."
Felix pouted but continued searching. That's when Subaru's gaze fell on something tucked away behind the more extravagant choices. His breath hitched as he reached out and pulled it from the rack.
The dress was almost as dark as midnight itself. It had an elegant, refined air that struck a familiar chord in Subaru. The outfit was composed of two main pieces—the dress itself and a small top that revealed just a subtle hint of his new chest, while the rest was concealed under an intricate pattern of multiple strings and bands that connected the two. The long sleeves ran down the length of his arms, wrapped in warm, greyish fur that trailed gracefully behind his back.
Subaru swallowed hard. It was eerily similar to the one he wore back home when dressing up as Natsumi. A rush of memories flooded him—the teasing from his classmates, the times he'd secretly enjoyed slipping into the role, and the small comfort it had given him.
Felix noticed the way Subaru's fingers lingered on the fabric and smiled knowingly. "You like it, don't you, nya?"
Subaru coughed, turning away. "I-It's just... familiar, that's all. Don't get the wrong idea."
Felix grinned, swishing his tail playfully. "Riiight. Well, why don't you try it on then, Subaru-chan?"
Subaru hesitated, clutching the dress tightly before sighing in defeat. "Fine. But… uh…" He fidgeted awkwardly, not meeting Felix's eyes. "I might need a little help."
Felix's ears perked up mischievously. "Help? Oh my, Subaru-chan, are you embarrassed~?"
"Shut up," Subaru grumbled, his cheeks already starting to flush. "I just—this body isn't mine, and I don't... I don't really wanna see it yet." He shifted uncomfortably, tugging at the hem of his tracksuit.
Felix's expression softened, and he gave Subaru a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "No worries, nya~! I'll help you out." He nudged Subaru toward the changing room.
Once inside, Felix helped Subaru peel off the tracksuit. Subaru kept his eyes fixed on the ceiling, his face burning as Felix giggled beside him. "You know, Subaru-chan," Felix teased, "for someone who doesn't want to be in this body, you sure did end up with some nice proportions."
Subaru groaned. "Don't remind me."
Felix chuckled, expertly fastening the bra around Subaru's chest, which only made Subaru's embarrassment worse. "You're lucky I'm an expert at this, nya~."
Once Subaru was properly secured, Felix stepped back with a playful wink. "Okay, I'll leave you to finish up. Don't take too long—I wanna see how good you look!"
Subaru exhaled sharply once Felix left, staring at himself in the mirror for a moment before shaking his head. "Alright… let's do this."
Slipping into the dress felt surreal. The soft fabric hugged Subaru's new curves in all the right places, the dark color contrasting beautifully against Elsa's pale complexion. The fur-lined sleeves draped elegantly over his arms, and the intricate bands wrapped snugly around his torso, adding a touch of allure without feeling too revealing.
When he finally stepped out of the changing room, his heart hammered in his chest. "S-So, uh… how do I look?" he asked, shifting nervously.
Felix, who had been waiting expectantly, took one look at Subaru and promptly collapsed onto a nearby chair, pressing a hand to his nose to stop the sudden nosebleed.
"Subaru-chan... you look... amazing," Felix wheezed dramatically. "Like, absolutely drop-dead gorgeous."
Subaru's face burned crimson, and he crossed his arms awkwardly. "You're overreacting."
Felix waved a hand weakly, still fanning himself. "No, I'm not, nya! You have no idea how good you look right now. I-I might actually need a minute..."
Subaru sighed, running a hand through Elsa's long hair, feeling both awkward and strangely pleased at Felix's reaction. "You're impossible."
Felix peeked at him between his fingers, grinning ear to ear. "Impossible or not, you're rocking that dress, Subaru-chan. I'd say we have a winner~."
Felix gently took Subaru's hand and guided him toward a tall mirror standing in the corner of the shop. "Come on, Subaru-chan, take a good look. No more avoiding it," he said with a teasing lilt to his voice.
Subaru hesitated, his stomach twisting with uncertainty. Seeing Elsa's reflection staring back at him still felt surreal, unsettling even. But as his eyes traveled over the image before him, he couldn't help but admit—if only to himself—that he looked… nice.
The midnight-colored dress fit him perfectly, hugging Elsa's figure in a way that was both elegant and fierce. The intricate bands and strings across the chest added a touch of mystery, while the fur-lined sleeves gave off a regal, almost noble air. He turned slightly, observing how the fabric flowed behind him like a shadow.
"...Not bad," Subaru muttered, tugging at the hem as if to distract from the faint blush dusting his cheeks.
Felix's cat-like grin widened. "I knew it, nya~! And you haven't even seen the finishing touch yet."
Before Subaru could protest, Felix reached up and tucked a delicate purple and silver rose into his hair, securing it just above his ear. The colors complemented Elsa's dark locks perfectly, adding a soft, feminine charm to the otherwise dangerous allure of the dress.
Subaru's breath hitched as he stared at his reflection again, feeling an odd warmth settle in his chest. He wasn't about to say it out loud, but... it did feel nice. A little too nice. He swallowed hard, pushing the thought away. "Tch, it's just a stupid flower. Doesn't change anything."
Felix giggled, clearly seeing through him. "Sure, sure, Subaru-chan~ Whatever you say." He gave a playful flick of Subaru's hair before stepping back. "Now, my turn!"
With a flourish, Felix stepped in front of the mirror and struck a dramatic pose. He was wearing a stunning combination of his usual dress elements mixed with a military-style suit, the sharp lines of the jacket contrasting beautifully with the flowing fabric underneath. The fusion of elegance and strength made him look almost... ethereal.
Subaru blinked in surprise, then smirked. "Damn, Felix. You look like a freakin' Valkyrie."
Felix's eyes widened, and then he let out a delighted purr. "Nyaa~ Subaru-chan, that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me!" He spun around gracefully, the dress-suit combination flaring out around him like wings. "Crusch-sama always said I could pull off anything, but hearing it from you? I might cry~."
Subaru rolled his eyes, but the corners of his lips twitched up. "Yeah, yeah, don't get used to it."
Felix beamed and clasped his hands together. "Alright, Subaru-chan, now that we're all dressed up and gorgeous, how about we grab some lunch? Shopping's hungry work, nya~."
Subaru hesitated for a moment, his mind still weighed down by thoughts of Emilia, Capella, and the nightmare that had become his life. But then he glanced at Felix, who was looking at him expectantly with those bright golden eyes, and something inside him loosened just a little.
"…Fine," he said with a sigh. "But you're buying."
Felix gasped dramatically. "You wound me, Subaru-chan! But fine, fine, it's my treat. Let's go show off how fabulous we look!"
Subaru shook his head but followed Felix out of the shop, feeling—despite everything—just a little lighter than before.
Later, at said restaurant.
The restaurant they stepped into was cozy and welcoming, with a rustic charm that reminded Subaru of the taverns he'd visited back when he first arrived in this world. The smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat filled the air, making his stomach rumble in anticipation.
Behind the counter stood a tall, broad-shouldered man with the distinct features of a demihuman—sharp feline ears twitched atop his head, and a swishing tail peeked out from behind his apron. Subaru had to remind himself that, with all the body-swapping chaos, this was probably not what he originally looked or acted like.
"Welcome, welcome!" He greeted them with a warm smile, his voice a deep and hearty baritone. His gaze flickered between Subaru and Felix, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Oh? Here for the couple's special today?"
Subaru nearly choked, his face instantly heating up. "C-Couple?! No, we're not—"
Felix, ever the opportunist, smoothly cut him off with a cheeky grin. "That's right, nya~! We'll take the couple's special, please." He leaned slightly against Subaru, who stiffened like a board.
The man chuckled, clearly used to flustered patrons, and handed them each a menu. "You got it, sweetie. Take your time." He then walked off to join his wife—a petite, delicate-looking woman. They exchanged a few words before sharing a laugh, seemingly adapting to their new reality better than most.
Subaru, meanwhile, buried his face behind the menu, using it as a makeshift shield. "Felix… I swear to everything holy if you keep doing this…"
Felix giggled and, without warning, slid closer to Subaru in the booth, their thighs brushing. Subaru stiffened again, but Felix ignored it and reached out, gently taking Subaru's hand in his own.
"Relax, Subaru-chan. It's just lunch," Felix said softly, his golden eyes studying Subaru's face with an unusual tenderness. "Besides, aren't you feeling a little better than this morning?"
Subaru blinked, lowering the menu slightly. "What do you mean?"
Felix's ears twitched slightly as he traced small circles with his thumb over the back of Subaru's hand. "I saw you tossing and turning last night," he said, his voice quieter now. "You were sweating and mumbling. It looked like you were fighting something even in your sleep."
Subaru swallowed hard, his grip on the menu tightening. "It's nothing."
Felix didn't let go of his hand. "It's not nothing," he said firmly but gently. "I stayed up for a while, you know? And… you didn't settle down until I held your hand."
Subaru's eyes widened slightly, embarrassment creeping up on him once more. He looked away, biting the inside of his cheek. He hadn't even realized. The nightmares had been relentless, memories of Capella, of failure, of pain gnawing at the edges of his mind.
Felix squeezed his hand gently. "You don't have to tell me everything right now, but talking helps. Trust me, I know a thing or two about keeping things bottled up." His smile was still there, but it was softer, more understanding than teasing.
Subaru hesitated, his defenses slowly cracking under Felix's unwavering kindness. Part of him wanted to brush it off, to keep it buried where it belonged. But another part—the part that was exhausted, that was tired of fighting alone—wanted to let it out, just a little.
With a deep sigh, Subaru finally muttered, "...It was about Capella. About... her fixing Elsa's body. It was like I was back there, feeling every damn bone break again." He clenched his fists, staring at the table. "And no matter how much I wake up, I can still feel it. Still hear her voice."
Felix's grip tightened reassuringly. "That's rough, Subaru-chan. But you're not her. You're you. And I'm here to remind you of that, even if you forget sometimes."
Subaru let out a shaky breath, looking back at Felix with a small, grateful smile. "...Thanks, Felix."
Felix grinned again and wiggled his ears playfully. "That's what friends are for, nya~! Now, let's order some food before I start chewing on your arm."
Subaru rolled his eyes but felt a little lighter as he glanced at the menu again. Things weren't as hopeless as they seemed.
As the lunch went on, Subaru found himself easing into the atmosphere, the initial tension slowly melting away. The food was surprisingly good, and Felix's presence, while still occasionally overwhelming, was comforting in its way. Subaru even caught himself smiling a few times, especially when Felix started sharing some of the more ridiculous happenings caused by the body-swapping incident.
"You should've seen Julius in Anastasia's body, nya," Felix said with a grin, poking at his meal. "He was so serious about maintaining her image, walking around with perfect posture, doing his best not to let anyone see him slip. But, you know, Anastasia's got a real… feminine way of carrying herself, and let's say it doesn't suit him at all."
Subaru snorted, imagining Julius awkwardly trying to maintain Anastasia's composed elegance. "Bet he walked around like a stiff board."
Felix nodded eagerly. "Exactly! And don't get me started on Reinhardt in Felt's body."
Subaru perked up at that, intrigued. "Oh? Tell me more, please, since I've been worried about how he'll use that sword of his in Felt's tiny body."
Felix nodded, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Picture it—Felt's tiny frame, running around in Reinhardt's full uniform, wielding his sword like it's business as usual."
Subaru burst out laughing at the mental image of Felt lifting Reinhardt's massive weapon with ease but flailing around in a uniform far too big for her. "Oh, man… I need to see that."
Felix chuckled along with him before Subaru's expression softened. "And… Wilhelm? How's he holding up in Frederica's body?"
Felix took a sip of his drink before answering. "Actually… surprisingly well. If anything, it's helped him reconnect with Reinhardt a bit."
Subaru blinked in surprise. "Seriously?"
Felix nodded. "Yeah. Guess it gave them something to talk about, you know? Being in someone else's skin changes your perspective. They've been talking more, and Wilhelm's been… well, trying to understand Reinhardt better."
Subaru hummed in thought, feeling an odd sense of relief at that news. "Guess something good came out of this mess, huh?"
Felix grinned and patted Subaru's hand. "See? Not everything is terrible."
A little while later, Felix excused himself to use the bathroom, leaving Subaru alone at the table. For the first time since stepping into the restaurant, he felt like he could breathe, his shoulders losing some of their tension.
As he toyed with the edge of his sleeve, the restaurant owner approached him with a kind smile. "You look like you're settling in a bit better," He said, leaning against the table.
Subaru blinked up at her, unsure how to respond. "Uh… yeah, I guess."
The owner chuckled, his feline ears twitching. "I get it. It's not easy being in a body that isn't yours." His eyes softened. "I used to be human and a woman before I ended up in this body."
Subaru tilted his head, slightly surprised. "You… don't mind it?"
The owner shrugged as he replied. "At first, yeah. It was weird looking in the mirror and seeing someone else. But I had my husband to help me through it. Funny enough, we ended up swapping with each other, so at least we're familiar with our new bodies." The owner smiled fondly, glancing over at her husband, who was now carrying a tray with surprising grace but almost stumbled, given the floor being a bit slippery. "It's strange, but having someone you trust makes all the difference."
Subaru frowned slightly. "So you're saying I should just get used to it?"
The owner shook his head and replied. "I'm just saying that fear doesn't mean your body is bad, and it doesn't mean the person it used to belong to is, either." His voice softened with something close to understanding. "No one is born evil, you know. If I thought that way, I never would've loved my husband since I was always told that Demihumans are just animals and not humans."
Subaru glanced down at his hands—the hands that weren't his. He clenched them into fists, uncertainty clouding his thoughts.
The man studied him for a moment before gently asking, "The body you're in—was she a bad person by nature? Or did she choose what she did because she had no other choice?"
The question hit Subaru harder than he expected. He opened his mouth, but no immediate answer came. Images of Elsa flickered through his mind—her cold, deadly smile, the way she moved with eerie grace, the terrible things she'd done.
But then he remembered other moments too, brief glimpses of something more—her final words, her strange sense of honor, and that lingering sorrow in her eyes.
"I… I don't know," Subaru finally admitted, his voice quieter. "I want to think she wasn't all bad, but… it's hard."
The man nodded. "It always is." He reached out, patting his shoulder gently. "But remember, the body doesn't define the person inside. And who you are… that's up to you, not whoever came before."
Subaru swallowed, his words sinking deep into his mind. "…Thanks."
The owner smiled warmly. "Anytime. Now, enjoy your meal before your friend comes back and teases you to death."
Subaru chuckled softly, feeling just a little lighter as he watched her walk away. Maybe, just maybe, he could figure this out—one step at a time.
After finishing their lunch, Felix and Subaru stood up to leave. The married couple, still smiling warmly, waved them off as they headed for the door. Subaru hesitated for a moment before turning back and giving them a small, genuine bow.
"Thanks… for the talk," he said quietly, meeting the owner's gaze.
The owner nodded in understanding. "Take care of yourself, alright? And don't be too hard on yourself."
Subaru offered a faint smile in return before following Felix out into the streets. The afternoon sun bathed the city in a warm glow, and for the first time since this whole body-swapping mess began, Subaru felt just a little bit lighter.
As they walked side by side, Subaru's thoughts drifted back to his fight with Elsa—the way she moved, the relentless attacks, and the look in her eyes when Garfiel faced her. He remembered what Garfiel had said back then: "She ain't a monster, Cap'n. Just a woman who never had a choice."
The memories he had glimpsed—Elsa's past—flashed through his mind. They included a childhood steeped in hardship, a life built on survival, and a path she walked alone until it became the only thing she knew. Subaru never forgot the sadness he saw in her eyes, buried beneath all that violence. Maybe, deep down, Elsa wasn't born a killer. Maybe she became one because she didn't know how to be anything else.
Felix's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "You're awfully quiet, Subaru. You okay, nya?" Felix asked, glancing at him with a hint of concern.
Subaru blinked, snapping back to the present. "Huh? Oh… yeah, I'm fine." He stuffed his hands into his pockets, his gaze lowering to the ground as they walked.
Felix eyed him suspiciously but let it slide for now. Instead, he offered a playful grin. "That lunch really hit the spot, huh? You seemed way more relaxed than before."
Subaru exhaled a small laugh. "Yeah… I guess it did. I needed it."
Felix leaned in a little, nudging him with his shoulder. "Good. You know, it's nice seeing you open up a bit more. You've been wound up tighter than a sword string since this whole thing started."
Subaru didn't comment on that since he hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath. "…Felix, can I tell you something?"
Felix blinked, ears twitching curiously. "Of course, nya. What's on your mind?"
Subaru slowed his pace, his expression growing more serious. "Back at the palace… when they suggested I take Emilia's place in the Royal Selection…"
Felix nodded. "Yeah, you turned them down faster than I expected. I figured it was just 'cause you were still processing all this, but…"
Subaru looked away, his voice quieter. "It's not just that." He clenched his fists, gripping the fabric of his dress tightly. "It's because I don't think I deserve it. It's not just about me not being Emilia… it's about me never being enough to stand where she stood. No matter how much I try, I'll never be her."
Felix's expression softened as Subaru continued.
"She believed in me. She put her trust in me. And yet, here I am, stuck in someone else's body, trying to figure out how even to be myself, let alone take her place." He let out a shaky breath. "I don't want to disappoint her. I don't want to fail her."
Felix was silent for a moment before reaching out and gently squeezing Subaru's hand. "Subaru… no one's asking you to be Emilia. And she wouldn't want that either." His voice was calm, reassuring. "The fact that you're thinking about this, that you're worried about doing right by her—that says a lot. It means you care."
Subaru swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. "Yeah, but caring isn't always enough."
Felix smiled softly. "No, but it's a good place to start." He gave Subaru's hand another squeeze before letting go. "Besides, you're not in this alone. You've got me; you've got the others of your camp, too. We'll figure this out together."
Subaru looked at Felix, his chest tightening with an unfamiliar warmth. "…Thanks, Felix."
Felix grinned. "Anytime, Subaru."
With that, they continued walking, the weight on Subaru's shoulders feeling just a little lighter. Even though the road ahead was uncertain, at least for now, he wasn't facing it alone.
Felix walked alongside Subaru, their pace slower now as the conversation took on a more thoughtful tone. "You know, Subaru," Felix began, his voice softer than usual, "you're not the only one dealing with all this… weirdness."
Subaru glanced at him, arching a brow. "Yeah? You seemed to be handling things pretty well."
Felix gave a light chuckle, shaking his head. "You think so? Truth is… I've got my fears, too." His cat-like ears twitched slightly, and his expression grew distant. "Back during the White Whale expedition, I—" He hesitated before continuing. "I felt so useless. I could only heal, stay in the back, and watch while everyone else fought with everything they had."
Subaru blinked, surprised at the sudden admission. Felix had always seemed so confident, so sure of himself. "Felix…"
Felix shrugged, offering a small smile. "That's why… I kinda envied you, you know?" He nudged Subaru gently. "No matter how bad things got, no matter how impossible it seemed, you never gave up. You kept pushing forward, even when it hurt." His smile turned sincere. "I really admired that about you, Subaru."
Subaru looked down at the ground, unsure how to respond. A part of him wanted to brush it off, to say it wasn't a big deal, but hearing Felix's honesty made it harder to do so.
Felix continued, his tail flicking thoughtfully. "And now… seeing you struggle with this whole swap situation, I figured… maybe I can help you for once." He shot Subaru a playful yet sincere look. "Help you get more… acquainted with your new body, nya~."
Subaru flushed, immediately waving his hands. "Whoa, whoa! That sounded way too suggestive!"
Felix laughed, his playful demeanor returning. "Oh, come on! You know what I mean." He tapped Subaru's arm lightly. "I'm saying, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here to listen. No pressure, no expectations. … someone to lean on."
Subaru's lips parted slightly, the words settling into his chest. He wasn't sure what to say at first, but eventually, he nodded. "Thanks, Felix… I'll keep that in mind."
As they neared the Crusch mansion, Felix perked up a little and looked over at Subaru. "Hey, there's actually something I wanted to ask you."
Subaru glanced at him, curious. "Yeah? What's up?"
Felix grinned. "The capital is throwing a festival soon. It's meant to help people settle into their new bodies and, you know, calm everyone down before the Royal Selection starts up again." He tilted his head. "What do you think? Want to come with me?"
Subaru considered it, the idea of attending a festival bringing a small flicker of relief to his otherwise overwhelmed mind. "That… actually sounds nice." He smiled faintly. "I think everyone in my camp could use a break too. Yeah, I'll go."
Felix beamed, his tail swishing behind him. "Great! It'll be fun, nya."
Subaru chuckled, feeling a little lighter. "You're awfully excited about it."
Felix winked. "Well, I've got good company."
Before they reached the mansion gates, Felix suddenly stopped and turned to Subaru. "Hey, can you do me a small favor?"
Subaru eyed him warily. "What kind of favor?"
Felix put his hands behind his back, smiling mischievously. "Just close your eyes for a moment."
Subaru groaned, crossing his arms. "This isn't gonna be some weird prank, is it?"
Felix pouted. "Do you really think I'd do that to you?"
Subaru sighed and, after a moment's hesitation, closed his eyes. "Fine, fine. But if you do anything weird, I swear—"
Before he could finish, he felt something light and delicate placed on his head. Felix giggled softly.
"Okay, open 'em."
Subaru blinked his eyes open and reached up, feeling a small accessory nestled in his dark hair. When he pulled it down to look, his face flushed—a small silver and purple hairpin, intricately designed with a tiny gemstone at its center.
Felix grinned. "It suits you, don't you think?"
Subaru scowled, his face heating up. "You're really pushing it, you know that?"
Felix laughed, walking ahead toward the mansion gates. "Come on, let's get inside. It's chilly out here, and we could use some dinner. I'm dying to learn that soup recipe you wanted to teach me."
"Heh. If my mom knew that, she'd try to see if you were worthy of knowing it." Subaru said as he huffed but smiled faintly, clutching the hairpin for a moment before following Felix inside.
Maybe… things weren't so bad after all.
Felix paused just before entering the mansion, a hesitant expression crossing his face. Subaru, still holding the small hairpin, tilted his head. "What is it, Felix? Something else?"
Felix bit his lip for a moment, his playful energy replaced by something a bit more serious. He turned to Subaru, his amber eyes softening. "There's one last thing, Subaru. I... I need you to know something." He took a deep breath, his heart thumping in his chest.
Subaru, sensing a shift, stared at Felix, unsure of what was coming. "Felix…?"
Without another word, Felix reached up and cupped Subaru's face gently, pulling him closer. Subaru froze, completely caught off guard. And then, without warning, Felix pressed his lips against Subaru's.
For a split second, Subaru's mind went blank. He couldn't process what was happening as Felix's lips met his, the warmth of the kiss sending a jolt of electricity through his body. His heart pounded in his chest, the shock and confusion overwhelming his senses. This wasn't something he had expected—not from Felix, not at this moment.
Just as Subaru's mind caught up, Felix pulled away, a slight blush coloring his cheeks. He held Subaru's gaze, his voice trembling slightly. "I love you, Subaru."
Subaru's breath hitched, his heart still racing as he stood frozen in place. Felix, looking almost embarrassed now, stepped back slowly, but his eyes remained soft, sincere. "If you don't feel the same way… that's okay. I just wanted you to know. I wanted to be honest with you."
Subaru stood there, speechless, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. Felix gave him one last lingering look, then turned and walked toward the mansion, his cheeks flushed but a small, relieved smile on his face.
Subaru remained outside for a moment, still processing everything. His thoughts were scattered, and he replayed the kiss over and over in his head. The warmth of it, the unexpectedness, the way Felix had spoken to him with such tenderness—it was so much to take in all at once.
His fingers lightly brushed over his lips, and he sighed, trying to steady his breathing. It was the third time anyone had kissed him on the lips, the third time he had been in such a vulnerable, intimate moment. And yet, this time felt different—more significant, somehow.
Finally, Subaru looked down at his hand. Felix had placed something there. A letter. He opened it slowly, his hands still trembling slightly. Inside, Felix's handwriting filled the page. The words were simple but meaningful:
Subaru, I don't expect anything from you. I want you to know that I care about you, and I want to help you. No matter what, I'll always be here for you.
Subaru swallowed hard as he read the letter, feeling a mix of warmth and uncertainty. Felix's feelings were clear, but what did this mean for him? He wasn't sure. But one thing was certain—Felix had taken a risk, put his heart on the line, and Subaru couldn't ignore that.
He stood there for a few moments, looking at the letter, before he finally tucked it into his pocket. With a deep breath, he turned and walked toward the mansion, the weight of the moment still hanging in the air. He wasn't sure what to do with Felix's feelings, but he knew one thing: this conversation wasn't over.
Subaru closed the door to the mansion behind him, his steps hesitant as he approached Felix, who was waiting just inside. Subaru's expression was unreadable, but the slight flush on his cheeks betrayed the whirlwind of thoughts in his head. Finally, he spoke, his voice quiet but resolute.
"I'll give you an answer at the festival," Subaru said, meeting Felix's gaze. "But… I have to say, I really liked going on that date with you. It was fun—more fun than I thought it would be. And I wouldn't mind going to the festival… as your date if you'd like that."
Felix's ears twitched slightly, his amber eyes widening. Slowly, a bright, tearful smile spread across his face, and he wiped his eyes with his sleeve. "Subaru, you don't know how happy that makes me! Thank you!" His voice cracked slightly, but his joy was unmistakable.
Felix sniffled before composing himself and continued. "Subaru… I've liked you for a long time, you know? Ever since I saw you during the White Whale expedition. You were just so determined, so unrelenting, even when things seemed hopeless. Watching you grow through your other accomplishments only made me admire you more."
Subaru tilted his head, a bit surprised by the admission. Felix's tail swished nervously as he pushed on. "When Crusch-sama lost her memories because of Gluttony… it was hard for me. But you… you were there, Subaru. You understood me in a way no one else did. I started to see you differently, and before I knew it… it wasn't just admiration anymore. It was something deeper."
Felix's voice softened as he admitted, "I wanted to tell you how I felt back then, but I couldn't. I was too afraid—afraid of what you'd say, afraid you wouldn't feel the same because of Emilia or Rem. It wouldn't have been fair to you or Rem, so I bit my tongue and stayed your friend. But surprisingly… even Crusch-sama, in her anemic state, could tell how I felt towards you. She told me not to hide it anymore, to be honest with myself."
Felix smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "I guess that's why I thought… maybe this body swap was her way of giving me the confidence to tell you how I feel finally. I know I might've gone too far earlier, and I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I'll understand if you're mad at me."
Subaru stared at Felix for a long moment, taking in his sincerity and his vulnerability. Then, without warning, Subaru stepped forward and wrapped Felix in a tight hug.
"Felix…" Subaru began, his voice quiet but warm. "When I first met you, I thought you were a cute girl. And honestly? Even after I found out you weren't, I couldn't help but think you're really cute. If you were a girl, I'd have probably asked you out a long time ago."
Felix blinked, his face turning bright red as he processed Subaru's words. Slowly, a soft smile broke through his stunned expression, and he returned the hug, resting his head against Subaru's shoulder. "Subaru, you really know how to keep me on my toes. But thank you… for saying that."
Subaru pulled back slightly, looking into Felix's eyes with a small smile. "I'll still be your date to the festival. That much I can promise."
Felix's ears twitched happily, and his tail swayed behind him as he smiled brightly. "I'm holding you to that, Subaru."
With that, Felix excused himself to his room, saying he needed to prepare for dinner. Subaru watched him leave, a small but genuine smile lingering on his face. He felt lighter somehow as if the weight of the day had eased just a little. Turning his gaze upward, he whispered to himself.
"Emilia… I know you're gone right now, but I promise… I'll do my best to become a great leader for the people. For you. For everyone."
With that resolve, Subaru headed to his room, feeling a strange mixture of nervousness and excitement for the festival ahead.
Scene!
I wanted Subaru to experience Elsa's memories as he possesses her body and struggles with his new body while also trying to come to terms with Emilia's absence. Not only that, but he will also be the new leader of the Subaru Camp.
Let me know if you have any fun ideas for swapped individuals in this story, especially for the witches since the Watergate Arc will come eventually, and let's say that the Archbishops won't be the same as well. Hehehe