Felix Argyle crouched beside the unconscious boy, his tail brushing the floor in slow, deliberate arcs. His slender hands pressed gently against the boy's neck, feeling for a pulse. Each movement was precise, practiced—a testament to his dedication as a healer.
The boy's pulse was steady, but his body told another story. Torn clothes clung to his battered frame; blood dried into intricate patterns across the strange fabric. Felix's fingers traced the unfamiliar material, his curiosity momentarily piqued. The symbol stitched on the chest caught his eye—three simple lines, oddly connected.
A master tailor's mark? he wondered, filing the thought away. Crusch-sama would appreciate such craftsmanship.
His thoughts drifted, unbidden, to his lady. The memory of her poised strength before the White Whale's fog consumed her brilliance gnawed at him. He clenched his teeth, anger flaring briefly before he smothered it beneath duty. There was no time for grief—not now. He focused on the boy.
Placing a hand on the boy's abdomen, Felix channeled his Od with practiced ease. A warm glow enveloped his patient, soothing the fractures in his battered body. Yet as Felix's energy flowed, he frowned. A broken gate. How unfortunate.
The life of those with a broken gate wasn't too bad, but it was tough. A gate was used as a barrier for Od to pass in and out of your soul. Without those borders, the Od flowed limitlessly, damaging the very essence of a person, soon killing them with mana poisoning.
Felix quickly drained his mana to the limit, making sure the boy would keep sleeping for longer, past his already unconscious state. The Od worked to fill Felix with more energy, allowing him to keep working. This wasn't a skill most mages could do, but as someone with magic acumen like Felix, this wasn't difficult.
Looking further, Felix diligently decided to strip the boy of his damaged clothes. As a doctor, sanitation was key for good health; the dried blood and sweat that stuck to the unique clothes only stood to damage the patient.
This wasn't the first time the healer had stripped a patient, and it wouldn't be the last. The process was smooth and quick, taking great care not to damage the boy.
Folding his clothes and placing them on a small nightstand that was next to the bed, Felix gazed at the fit body of the naked boy. Multiple scars riddled his build, demonstrating the tough life he lived through. Specifically, Felix took notice of his arms riddled in scratch scars.
Yuck. Felix thought in disdain as he reluctantly brought himself to heal the patient. The catboy always looked down on those that had suicidal tendencies. The simple idea of giving up on life itself was pathetic to Felix, reminding him of his past. Life was a gift and those that threw it willingly, as if it held no purpose, were indirectly spitting on Felix's entire being.
Felix—No, Ferris had purpose, given solely by Crusch. Those that gave up reminded Felix of a version of himself, one without Crusch. The sole idea of his lady not being there for him drove his mind to a standstill, as if his mind did not even want to compute what would happen if the worst scenario were to occur.
Suddenly, a short burst of air blew against the healer's cheek, his hair almost flying away. His eyes opened wide in surprise as he shifted his gaze away from the boy and onto his left, where the wind came from. There stood a red-haired knight holding a grey-haired man, one that Felix easily recognized. Small chunks of the merchant's body were missing, as if a small animal had taken bites out of him, attempting to feast on him whole.
A hurried tone escaped the lips of the Sword Saint as he gazed intently at the healer, "Blue-dono, I implore you—please save him."
Quickly snapping out of his astonishment, Felix urged the Sword Saint to place Otto onto an extra bed. This bed was on the right of a naked Subaru, with Felix standing in between both patients, allowing for ease of access to the injured.
"What happened to him?" Felix probed. There was little curiosity in his speech, worrying more about Otto's state. As Reinhardt deliberated the confusing situation that unfolded a few minutes prior, Felix was efficiently and effectively using his water magic to repair parts of his body. Bluish-green lights riddle the damaged portions of Otto as they reconnected muscle and skin.
Heavy breathing escaped from the merchant as all of this went on. Otto's face scrunched in pain as he shifted his gaze to Felix's focused attitude. Noticing Otto's stare, the healer pushes himself further.
"Okay, can you hear Ferri-chan~?" Felix purred, his voice light and playful as he leaned closer to Otto. "Everything's gonna be just fine, nyah~. Give me a little nod if you understand."
Otto forced a nod, his breathing still chaotic. Just moving his neck felt like he was weighed down by a thousand tons. His body stung with electric sparks, jumping from each injury, bouncing against each other and smacking his brain with painful shocks.
"Oh, that's amazing! Nyah~ great, great! Now, can you do Ferri-chan a little favor and stay awake for me, hmm? Can you manage that?" His playful mask, although convincing, was crumbling with fatigue. Felix was someone who pushed himself to beyond the maximum if it was for his lady.
Nodding, Otto tried his best to ignore the pain as the healing continued. Quickly turning towards Reinhardt, Felix issued commands, "Sword Saint-kun, bring me an assistant here."
With a worried look, Reinhardt slightly bowed to the healer, "At once, Blue-dono. If you happen to see Lady Felt, please inform her that I have departed for the capital." With those short words, the Sword Saint quickly left to do as he was ordered, for that was the only thing he was good at.
A few minutes went by as Felix focused on the task at hand.
At the rate things are going, Otto will have clean recovery. Looking over his shoulder, Felix quickly looked at the naked boy. The civilian behind me had his scars cleaned up too. Good.
Felix Argyle's title of Blue was not for show, as he easily handled both patients at the same time, completely restoring Subaru's body back to zero. Thankfully, the boy's scars were not too difficult to heal, allowing Felix to shift his full power back to Otto's state.
Fast steps approached Felix, their sound symbolizing their hurried state. What now? Felix thought to himself as he looked to his right, his ears following the sound of the shifting steps.
"Blue-sama, the Sword Saint mentioned needing assistance?" An older woman clad in white surgical clothes approached, her face adorned by a mask matching her outfit. Oh right.
"Nyah~ listen up, I need a few things prepared right away," Ferris said, his voice calm but firm as he gestured to a servant. "First, fetch me a pen and some paper, nya~." His sharp eyes shifted toward the naked patient, and he continued, "Then, bring a robe for this boy here."
Pointing directly at the stripped boy, Ferris added, "Lastly, register him in our system. Take note, his gate is broken and will require immediate attention when he wakes up. I've already drained all his Od, so make sure to monitor the rate of its accumulation before prescribing any treatment, nya~."
"Right away, Blue-sama." The water mage hurried away from Felix, leaving him to focus on his own.
Turning back to Otto, he continued channeling his magic with more focus. His Od masterly wove healing magic into the injured body of the man, embracing him with the world's energy.
Felix's feline ears quickly shifted as it caught the same sound of hurried steps. Looking over his shoulder, he comments, "Wow, you were fa—"
"Otto!" The sight of a half-elf woman entered his vision. Gegh! Not her... Annoyance started filling Felix as he thought of the girl in front of her. Although Felix respected her abilities as a spirit mage, this admiration only existed due to Puck's help. The cat boy could still remember her fearful attitude during the White Whale subjugation as she let her spirit do everything.
If only it was her instead of my lady. Felix cursed the world itself for its injustice, quickly focusing back on healing Otto.
Emilia walked over to the empty side of Otto's bed. She put her hands on his left cheek, staring into his blue eyes. Her brows furrowed as she looked at her knight's pained face. Without looking, she asks, "Felix, is Otto going to be alright?"
Focusing on his work, Felix gritted his teeth, "Yes, Emilia-sama. Leave it to me." Felix Argyle slightly hated himself for disliking Emilia. His dislike for her was purely selfish, even to the point that he knew his lady would not accept. Yet, he couldn't help himself. He hated how the Ice Witch's weak and stupid self would be able to be uninjured in the face of multiple calamities, while the noble and valiant Valkyrie suffered not only from the White Whale, but from unlucky exposure to Dragon Blood within the drinking water.
Snapping him out of his thoughts, the loud sound of a door slamming open was hard throughout the room. Praise Od, what now? Looking behind him, Felix observed as a small child walked in solemn direction towards the healer.
Beatrice's arrival shifted the room's atmosphere. Her gaze locked onto Otto, the weight of her despair pressing on Felix like a storm cloud. Unable to meet her gaze, Felix turned back around, healing the injured man. Beatrice stood to Felix's right as the merchant and spirit looked at each other.
"Where is Betty's contractor, I suppose?" Her voice was low, laden with finality, each word carrying an unspoken threat.
As Otto met Beatrice's eyes, he felt his body talking to him. Each shock of electricity, each searing heat from the shredded muscle and skin, spoke to him, associating this terror and pain as the Great Spirit's doing. Otto wanted to speak, to explain himself, yet his mouth refused.
"Speak!" Beatrice's voice boomed, shaking the air and rattling the nerves of everyone present. "Betty's patience is not as deep as you believe, in fact!"
Emilia's panicked voice cut through the tension. "Beatrice! Please, lower your voice—"
"You, half-elf, have no importance to Betty, I suppose!" Beatrice snapped, her gaze not even flickering to meet Emilia's. "Feel free to disappear from Betty's sight as quickly as possible, in fact!"
"Enough Beatrice!", they're shouts caused a silence within the building, gathering everyone's focus. As if watching a play, people looked wondering what was going on. For the injured who just wanted to rest, these shouts squeezed their minds. They were hurt and just wanted to rest, yet the half-elf and spirit were too self-centered to consider such a thing. This was a place of medicine, where standards were of utmost importance. These standards protected patients and doctors alike, allowing for the best treatment possible. Yet, these two were disrupting these standards, blinded by their selfish desires.
"As the leader of our camp, you should listen to me!" Emilia's voice wavered, though she stood firm. "What would Puck say if he saw you act like this?" Her words were edged with insecurity, a quiet plea hidden behind the authority she was struggling to wield.
Beatrice's expression twisted with anger. "Don't you dare bring Bubby into this! You're nothing but a half-elf parasite, I suppose!"
"QUIET!" Felix's voice cracked through the argument like a whip, silencing both women. He stood, his tail bristling as he glared at them, ears tilted back in frustration. "Both of you, outside. Now."
Quickly grabbing Emilia's and Beatrice's hands, she ordered an assistant to watch over Otto's healings as she dragged them outside. "What the hell's your problem, nya?! Do you have no respect for the injured? This is a hospital, not some battlefield for your petty arguments!"
Outside, the humid breeze caressed the skin of the three individuals. The heat of the sun did nothing to cool down the group outside. Felix could only feel embarrassment at having to compete with the half-elf and her spirit for the throne.
"I'm sorry, Felix. It's jus—" Emilia began, but Felix cut her off.
"Ah-ah! Shut up, nyah!" Felix hissed, his expression darkening. "You think you're the only ones with problems? Everyone else has lives too! Stop being so damn selfish, nya! I already know why you're here, anyway!"
Beatrice crossed her aim, her expression cold and unflinching. "With all due respect, you are the one screaming now."
Felix clenched his teeth, his tail flicking irritably as he fought the urge to lash out. "Od bless me..." he muttered under his breath.
Beatrice tilted her head, her tone icy. "And, to correct your assumption, you don't know why we're here, in fact. That Astrea does not realize the truth, I suppose." Her gaze narrowed. "That man isn't the real Otto."
Beatrice continued, her icy gaze moving to Emilia. "Our contract broke. While I have a void within my soul, that imposter has no such void." Looking back to the healer, her eyes pierced Felix, as if waiting for an answer.
Sweat formed on Felix's forehead from Beatrice's aggressiveness, "Well, yes. He indeed had no history of a contract within his gate…"
Beatrice huffed air arrogantly through her nose, "See—"
Felix cut the Great Spirit's moment of pride, replacing it with a revelation. "Though that is most definitely Otto resting, his gate is identical as before." Narrowing his eyes at Beatrice, he asked, "You didn't notice?"
Mouth slightly agape, Beatrice was shocked at this. Betty was fully capable of analyzing each corner of her contractor's gate, or any gate for that matter. Unfortunately, blinded by despair and rage, her only focus at the time was the contract itself. As a spirit, things like physical identity and mentality were not at the top of her list of priorities. A spirit cared for contracts first and foremost, the second thing being the contractor itself. For Beatrice, although her contractor was her number one, she still viewed the world through a spirits' perspective.
With wide eyes, Beatrice's breathing was weak, "T-that's not possible, in fact."
"Beatrice, I told you!" Emilia's frowned in annoyance at the spirit, as if she was condemning a child for a stupid mistake that she warned would happen. "You need to listen to me!" Looking back over to Felix, she states, "I'm going inside."
"No, you're not." Felix instantly shut down Emilia. "You two are staying out here. Enjoy the humid breeze, or don't—it doesn't matter to me, nya. Otto will be fine. With my healing magic, he'll be up and moving in an hour or two. That's final, so don't even think about arguing, nya." As if to cement his point, Felix walked away back into the building. The door slammed shut behind him as he left the two women outside.
Emilia looked perceptively at the door in front of her, thinking about her only friend. Side-glancing at Beatrice for only a moment, she closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. In… Out… In… Out. Calm down Emilia, I can't revert the camp to how it used to be. With newfound resolve, she looked down onto Beatrice small frame.
"Beatrice, I'm not saying your actions weren't unwarranted, in fact, I understand them very well." Her tone was patient, but still serious. The past year facing the many tribulations had forged into becoming much more pragmatic and rational. "But you should also listen to others as well."
"…" Beatrice didn't even look up. It was as if Emilia's voice couldn't reach her, like she was surrounded by an invisible wall, deafening her lecture.
"And even if he was an imposter, killing him would make it harder to find the real Otto." Beatrice still stood still, her face dark. Emilia was slightly worried, as she bent down to the little girl's level. "I know you are feeling hurt because you just found out that you hurt your contractor, however I'm sure that if you explain your intentions, he will forgive you. He needs you after all."
Beatrice's ears twitched as Emilia thought about what she should say. Beatrice is scared that Otto will leave her. I need to find words to reassure her, but what?
"Beatrice, do you remember your contract with Otto?" Emilia reminded her of why she left her library.
"My… contract?" A memory flashed in Betty's mind. One of a burning library that trapped the spirit in loneliness.
Beatrice, please save me. A fool begged.
"Yes, your contract with Otto." Smiling at Betty, Emilia shared the purpose of the contract. "You chose, of your own will, to help our camp remember?" Her cheeks flushed as she thought of the impact Otto brought to her life, "You said that Otto was weak and that he would surely need you to make me Dragon Priestess."
Betty suddenly looked up at Emilia's purple eyes, shining with brilliance as she remembered her experience at the sanctuary. "Although, your contract was more of a deal to help me with the Royal Selection, I know that you do care about your contractor and that you only think of what is best for him."
Beatrice eyes were wide like saucers. Her mouth let out a weak whisper, "H-help… you?"
Suddenly, memories of her contract flooded her mind. The two standing above her mother's tomb, ready to engage the Great Rabbit.
Disturbing my mother's resting place— don't think Betty will let this go, in fact!
Otto stared at her, proposing her an accord.
Beako-sama, I have a proposal.
Looking back up at him, he continued. As you know, your mother can be revived upon the acquisition of the Dragon Blood. Since my goal is to put Emilia in power, our goals coincide, don't you think?
Otto talked about a contract where Beatrice would accomplish her goals of reviving her mother, while Otto would put his lady on the crown.
The memories stopped as she came back into reality. Right, that's what happened…I suppose…
Memories of a burning library interrupted thoughts.
Even still! Let's be together! Let's live and act together! Let's create so many good memories that you'll always think of them with a smile! Enough memories so that you can forget your four centuries worth of bad ones!
"NO!" With a sudden breath, Beatrice shouted at Emilia. Her vision blurred as she kept remembering her burning library. Her heart rate accelerated; her eyes darted around, as if trying to find anything to help her. She squeezed her hair at her forehead, contemplating what was going on.
"B-beatrice, take a deep breath." Surprised, Emilia did her best to calm the shook spirit. "In and out, in and out." Emilia, unsure of what to make of this situation, chose to listen to her instincts. Taking her into a warm embrace, Emilia patted her back. "Don't worry Beatrice, Otto won't leave you."
Beatrice, following Emilia's advice, calmed herself. Calmy steadying her heart, she rested her head onto the half-elf's shoulder. "What… What is that memory, in fact?" Quietly, Beatrice whispered as if she didn't want to be heard by anyone in the world.
Emilia, as a half-elf, could easily catch what the spirit said. "Hmmm? Which memory Beatrice." In a soothing motherly voice, she continued to embrace Betty like she was her own daughter. Emilia preferred these interactions over everything else, the race to the throne sickened her, especially considering how unsupportive everyone was of her. Moments like these, where she could tend to someone and care for them, truly healed her heart.
"T-the memory of B-Betty's Contractor saving Betty from the burning library, i-in fact." Emilia tried hiding her confusion as she continued soothing Beatrice. "What do you meaaan, Betty?" The half-elf hoped addressing the spirit informally would make her more comfortable. Though I would understand if she hated me for it. I don't deserve to be familiar with her.
Beatrice interrupted Emilia's dark thoughts with her pleading, "The memory of Betty leaving her library and replacing her bad memories with good ones." Beatrice's voice increased in intensity, "The memory of a fool running into Betty's burning library, begging me to save him." Tears leaked from Beatrice, trailing down her rosy cheeks, "The memory of the last of mothers knowledge and status being burned against my will." Trying her best to hold down her wails, she asked, "What is that memory, I suppose?"
Nothing was said between the two. The ambient sounds around them only fell on deaf ears as Beatrice awaited her answer. It was as if only this moment mattered to them, preserving each second as the two girls hugged each other. One comforted the other as her silver hair embraced the child. From an outsider's point of view, it looked like a mother reassuring her child. The mother assuring to her child that good existed in the world; that she didn't have to worry as her mother would take in all her burdens.
"Beaaatrice." Her mother said tenderly. The child waited attentively for her mothers voice, "Didn't you tell Roswaal to burn the mansion?"
Time stood still for Betty, as if she wasn't even sure of what she had just heard. Grabbing onto Emilia's shoulders, she slowly pushed Emilia away. Their eyes met; shock evident on the spirits face. "To combat Elsa, remember?"
Instantly, the Great Spirit of the Forbidden Library felt sparks flooding her artificial brain.
Justice to her mother, Beatrice was more of a spirit of knowledge than a spirit of yin. Although her magical applications were high, she prided herself more on her collection of knowledge in the form of her mother's books. She would never destroy those books. And yet, she could remember commanding Roswaal to do just that.
Connections formed in her mind, all centered around the burning library. Using all the power within her mind, she tried scraping any piece of knowledge that she could remember. Like a starving child, she remembered all the books she read. Ignoring the sensations of loneliness and despair, she continued combing through her memories.
Finally, she arrived at a specific memory, a memory of her mother.
The white-haired witch looked down at Beatrice as the spirit read a book with an innocent smile.
Beatrice, the time will come when you become the caretaker of my knowledge. Many will seek it, but that shouldn't concern you. With Door Crossing, you can remain isolated even from the world itself. None may enter unless you grant them permission.
Each memory of her mother was precious to Betty, reminding her of a simpler time, one before she was riddled by loneliness. Beatrice analyzed her mother's calm words: With Door Crossing, you can remain isolated even from the world itself.
At first, Beatrice never took much thought into this line. It could just be an exaggeration; one meant to ensure confidence in Betty from her mother. Bringing her petite hand to her chin, Beatrice thought of her mother's words.
Betty's Door Crossing, and by extension, the Forbidden Library, allows Betty to remain isolated from the world, in fact. But what is the world? Mother couldn't have meant people themselves, I suppose. Plenty have entered the library before. All it would take is for Betty to open every door, and the Forbidden Library would be revealed, in fact.
Then, is the world Od Laguna? Spirits, perhaps? There are no spirits that have visited the Forbidden Library other than Betty and Bubby, in fact. Could that be what she meant? But even then, what does that have to do with Otto? The burning library... what is the connection between Betty and him, in fact?
A strange feeling gathered within her, as if she was looking at a discontinued network, only missing a piece to connect it. Taking a deep breath, she ignored Emilia's questioning glances. Due to her mother's knowledge, she learned how to think rationally, allowing her to make great strides in her revelation.
Think of the books Betty has read about effective analysis, in fact. First, let's list the strange factors.
One: Betty's contract has been broken, in fact.
Two: Otto, unlike Betty, has no mark to signify he was ever in a contract with Betty, I suppose.
Three: Memories of the burning library overlap with Betty's memories of being in the Sanctuary, in fact.
Now, Betty must examine what could affect each factor, I suppose. For the first, the contractor must willingly break the contract or perish, in fact. The second is only possible if Otto truly never contracted with Betty. And for the third... either this event truly happened, or something has planted these memories, I suppose.
Biting her lip, Beatrice was stuck. What is the connection, I wonder? She squeezed her hands as she frantically jumped through her four hundred years of memories. She just needed one key, a single fragment to link the pieces together. Yet, no matter how hard she looked, she couldn't find it. Like trying to hold water, only for it to slip through your fingers.
Emilia stared in slight confusion at Beatrice as the great spirit of knowledge contemplated her four hundred years of education. Carrying the spirit into an embrace, Emilia looked for a place to sat in tranquility. Finding what looked like a good spot, she sat Betty down next to her, both sitting on the edge of a canal. Their feet dangled above the water as if the depths wanted to pull them in, encasing them in its smothering darkness.
For the next couple of hours, Beatrice and Emilia said nothing, both exploring their minds. The latter contemplated the events that transpired over the entirety of their stay in Priestella, while the former tried to find the missing piece of a complex puzzle.
Footsteps could be heard behind them as two people shadowed Beatrice and Emilia, their frame's covering the duo from the sun. Turning around, Emilia's neutral face quickly morphed into a beaming smile as her only friend stood behind her. "Hello, Emilia." His voice, slightly gruff from the pain, still exuded the life Emilia was used to.
"Otto!" Jumping up, Emilia looked him up and down. "There's nothing permanent right?" A worried tone appeared in the half-elf's voice, her hands interlocking with her own. They were held in front of her stomach, something she often did when she was worried.
"No, I'm fine… it's just," Otto, shifted his sight down to Emilia's right. He gazed behind Emilia, upon the back of a Great Spirit as she sat near the edge of a canal. Remembering the burning sensations of his lost muscles, wrath slowly crept its way up Otto's throat, only to be forcefully pushed back down. In an annoyed tone, Otto commanded, "Let's just go back home."
We've already embarrassed our camp enough; we'll handle this at the estate. Otto, thinking of Emilia's chances of success as Dragon Priestess diminishing after that commotion at the healing shelter, only helped to bring more rage to Otto's face. Anastasia-sama will definitely take advantage of this… Sighing his emotions away, Otto walked back their current residence.
Snapping Beatrice out of her deep thinking, the half-elf took the spirits hand as she helped her get up. Emilia thanked Felix and quickly ran with Beatrice to Otto's side. Felix watched as all three walked away, only thankful that they would be leaving tomorrow morning. Their arrival only caused his mood to dim further. Now that they were gone, a small weight disappeared from the healer's shoulders.
Adjusting to his new weight, he stretched his slim frame. "Nyah… back to work for Ferri-chan… not like anyone else'll do it, nya…"
Felix 'Blue' Argyle then turned back, heading back inside of the makeshift hospital.
Felt watched as the Great Spirit left through the door. Her domineering aura disappearing with her exit allowed Felt to finally breathe properly. Deep breaths could be heard as she stuffed her lungs with oxygen.
Damn, big sis really has it tough, huh.
Thinking back on her big sis, always made Felt's heart warm. Emilia fought the Bowel Hunter, saving her grandfather, giving enough time for her to escape. She then led the charge on the White Whale and Sloth, showcasing her bravery.
Although most considered Priscilla the hero of the White Whale Subjugation, to Felt, Emilia's courage and unconditional care for others were much more admirable that whatever the Sun Princess could attempt. "Though, I guess Priscilla's kinda, kinda good at boosting morale or whatever. Though, she's still a bitch." Felt muttered under her breath.
"Oh? Such crude words from a lowly urchin." Speak of the devil, Felt thought in disdain as a haughty voice taunted behind her. "You call me a 'bitch,' yet in the same breath, you acknowledge my worth." Looking back, Felt takes notice of the Sun Princess flair. Priscilla, ignoring the dirty gaze from the slum rat, smirked, snapping her fan shut with a sharp click. "How typical of someone beneath me—to stumble into truth without even realizing it. Whether you recognize my greatness or not is of no consequence to me."
"Tch, don't flatter yourself!" Felt snapped, crossing her arms with a scowl. "It's not like I'm wrong, though. Boosting morale doesn't make you any less of a bitch. Guess even you can do one thing right, huh?"
Priscilla tilted her head, a condescending smirk spreading across her face. "And yet, even doing one thing right places mineself leagues above a gutter rat like you. It's almost tragic how low the bar is for someone of your station."
"Oh, piss off!" Felt shot back, her scowl deepening. "At least I don't go around waving a fan and acting like the world owes me something just for existing!"
"The world doesn't owe me anything because I already own it, you fool," Priscilla said, opening her fan up again, placing it against the lower half of her face. "You, on the other hand, struggle to grasp even the scraps of power tossed your way. How pitiable."
"What is that supposed to mean?!" Felt couldn't stand this haughty princess, staring daggers at her radiant being. "Of course, you wouldn't understand what I mean. As expected, it only further proves your lowly heritage," Priscilla said, her smirk sharpening into a look of utter disdain behind her fan.
"Tch, like I give a damn." Sparks flew between the slum princess and the royal princess, only interrupted by a nonchalant call. "Hime-san! The carriage is ready!"
Ignoring the slum dweller, Priscilla strutted toward her knight's voice, exuding arrogance. Not looking back, the Sun Princess exited the building leaving Felt behind. "Hah, I wonder how many guys she's slept with to get her ass stuck up that high?" Felt muttered in silence.
Turning her back to the entrance, she walked back up the stairs. The corridor was wide, as if made for the residence of highly important figures. The distance between each sliding door reflected the size of the rooms hidden inside. Walking over to a door to her left, she quietly knocked.
"It's me, old man." Quickly, the renowned Sword Demon opened the door, his large frame imposing against Felt's smaller one. She could feel her shadow deepening as he stood like a mountain in front of her, blocking any way to peer into the room. "Felt-sama," his voice spoke of many battles, but Felt could sense a faint warmth within it.
"What was the commotion from earlier?" Moving his body to the side, Wilhelm invited the candidate into the room. The area was simple, with a bed and desk, the only light coming from the candles. The lack of windows made the room almost seem like a prison rather than a bedroom for the valiant duchess. Anastasia… She's a bitch too, just a slyer one.
Looking onto the bed, the dark green-haired candidate lay with her eyes shut. To the ignorant eye, she seemed like a sleeping beauty, gracefully resting with her old butler. However, Felt knew of the inner turmoil of Crusch Karstein and her camp.
She could look pitifully at the duchess as she responded to Wilhelm, "Some weird crap about how Otto isn't Otto, and his Great Spirit attacked him. He's probably with Ferris getting patched up right now." Her voice was blunt and casual, signifying her affection to the Sword Demon. "Whatever, let's just get outta this city," she said, her brows furrowing. "Just thinking about being near that damn fox pisses me off."
Wilhelm wasn't surprised at her informal tone or at the fact that Felt insulted a royal candidate, his thoughts were the same after all. Ever since Crusch's downfall at the White Whale, Anastasia kept abusing the Crusch Camp, using them as a steppingstone for her success. If it weren't for the Felt camp, the Valkyries camp would have been pushed until collapse.
"I'll prepare the carriage, Felt-sama." Bowing slightly, Wilhelm addressed the royal candidate respectfully, his voice still emitting his warmth at her. "Is my grandson still patrolling?"
A slight frown crossed Felt's face as she thought of Reinhardt. "Nah, he's with Ferris right now—oh, wait," her frown disappeared as she glanced down at her closed hand, like she'd just remembered something. "Those old geezers summoned Rein to the capital to 'explain the situation in Priestella' and to," she added with exaggerated air quotes, "'reward him appropriately.' Whatever the hell that means."
Nodding, Wilhelm prepared to leave the room. With lack of windows and only one light source, the room—no, the prison—worked wonderfully for Wilhelm, as this meant he didn't have to worry too much on others intruding into the room. As sly as she is, he doubted Anastasia would try to kick an already dead camp. Plus considering this building—no, the entirety of Priestella—was under her jurisdiction, ensuring the safety of the frail duchess only helped to boost the fox's reputation as a benevolent ruler.
As he reached for the sliding door, a voice caught him off guard. "Thanks, old man. I know it's tough on you," Felt said, a warm grin spreading across her face as she stood with her hands on her hips. "With all the Reinhardt stuff… I mean it. I'm grateful, really."
Wilhelm's lips curled into a small, thoughtful smile as he contemplated his words. "Felt-sama," he began softly, fully turning to face her. "Theresia, Reinhardt's grandmother, was a kind soul. She would be heartbroken to see her beloved grandson left alone, without family by his side. No matter the past, she would want us to stand together."
Wilhelm hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I have already caused enough harm through my selfishness. After witnessing the courage and resolve of the young people in Priestella, it's only right that I act my age and set aside my grudges." Wilhelm turned back around, his hand reaching the door again.
"Just because you know you should do something doesn't make it easy," Felt said, her voice steady but soft. "I know how hard it is to forgive someone. That's why… thank you, old man." She bowed slightly, her usual fiery demeanor replaced by genuine warmth. "I can't stand seeing Reinhardt alone, and you being there really keeps him going. He's stronger with you around."
With a slight puff of his nose, Wilhelm expressed his amusement, "How scary, to think he can be even stronger." Felt quickly pulled her head up as Wilhelm departed from the room, preparing for the departure of the two royal candidates. Surprisingly overtaking her, shocked whispers escaped her mouth. "Did he actually just say a joke?"
Although asleep, Felt swore she heard a faint giggle escape from Crusch's direction.
A woman hummed softly as she strolled through the hallways of a Japanese-styled building. Her confidence radiated in every step, a reflection of her thoughts—success was just within reach. Approaching a prepared carriage, she exuded composure, her confidence unhidden.
"Anastasia-sama." A purple-haired knight bowed deeply, his movements a display of perfect etiquette. "The preparations are complete."
With a small, satisfied smile, Anastasia silently applauded herself. "Good work, Julius-kun," she said, meeting his gaze as he rose. Julius replied, his gratitude evident. "To think you would remember my name, I am truly grateful."
Waving him off with an air of familiarity, she added, "But of course. A merchant never forgets a name." Taking his hand, Julius guided her into the carriage, where they sat across from each other. While Anastasia evaluated her gains and losses, Julius found himself lost in thought, gratitude filling his chest.
The loss of his name had nearly broken him. Anxiety gnawed at him, the thought of his family forgetting him an unbearable weight. His contract with his spirits had shattered, and even they couldn't remember who he was. Yet, despite all this, his divine blessing still tethered them to him.
Sitting in the carriage, Julius cast a grateful glance toward Anastasia. "Anastasia-sama," he thought, a faint smile curving his lips. "Without your trust, I truly wonder where I would be. To place your faith in a stranger who claimed to be your knight... your discernment is beyond extraordinary. As expected of Anastasia-sama's great intuition—a gift that surpasses even the Archbishops themselves."
Meanwhile, Anastasia silently reviewed her business plans, Echidna offering insights as they prepared for the future. "I've gained a lot from this situation," she mused. "Priestella is practically mine now. Its proximity to the border makes it a valuable asset, one that can be exploited further." Her gaze shifted briefly to Julius. The spirit knight noticed her look and offered a reassuring smile.
Anastasia smiled back. "To think I acquired a six-element quasi-spirit knight. If his story truly holds, then I've gained an extremely powerful card."
Looking to her left, she saw Ricardo, ever vigilant and ready to defend her from any threat. "It's time to play it safe," she thought. "Going aggressive now would be reckless, especially with my near-guaranteed chance of winning. My only real threat is Priscilla, though I have countermeasures for her."
Her thoughts shifted to the other candidates. "Emilia's camp is barely holding together, Crusch's camp is in shambles, and Felt's camp... well, calling it Felt's camp isn't accurate. It's really the Reinhardt camp."
Sighing, she continued deliberating. "The Emilia-Crusch-Reinhardt alliance is a minor annoyance, but Reinhardt is the key. With my influence over the council, he's practically mine to command. That's why I sent him away for now." Her brow furrowed slightly. "Though Roswaal remains a wild card. I expected him to shift to my side by now. Strange..."
As her thoughts lingered, her gaze wandered to the city streets outside the carriage window. The people of Priestella were hard at work, repairing the damage from the recent attack. Upon spotting her crest, many stopped to wave, their admiration palpable. As the Hero of Priestella, Anastasia could almost taste the throne.
"Don't get too blinded by victory," a familiar voice echoed in her mind.
"I know, I know," Anastasia replied, easing Echidna's concerns. "I'll play defensively now. My focus will be on Roswaal and Priscilla while maintaining control over Reinhardt and crushing Crusch's camp."
"And the Emilia camp?" Echidna's voice carried a hint of curiosity.
"Otto is the glue holding them together. I already know his weakness, and anyone can see Emilia is tired of playing the royal candidate. Her abilities are tempting, though. Once Otto is dealt with, I might bring her into my camp."
"If you won't take any more offensive action for a while," Echidna advised, "then make sure that everything 'on the table' is properly sorted. Leave nothing unaccounted for."
Anastasia stretched her arms above her head, relaxing into her seat. "Julius-kun, come sit here," she said, patting the space beside her.
"Yes, Anastasia-sama," Julius replied, his surprise evident as he moved to obey. Ricardo cast a questioning glance her way, ready for any trouble.
As all three sat on the same couch within the carriage, Anastasia leaned her head onto Ricardo's lap, her feet resting across Julius's. Drowsiness began to overtake her, and as she sank deeper into sleep, a final thought crossed her mind.
As long as nothing supernatural happens, victory is within my grasp.
