Chapter IV:
Sign Here
"Wake up, son."
Subaru groaned as his eyes fluttered open, finding Rom standing over him. Relief washed over him at the sight of the old man, alive and well. As he tried to sit up, he noticed the mattress beneath him was soft and comfortable—a rare luxury he hadn't experienced since coming to this world.
"Rom?" Subaru rubbed his eyes, taking in their surroundings. The room was lavish, clearly not part of the slums. "Where are we?"
"The manor of Roswaal L. Mathers," Rom replied, his tone thick with distaste. He sat in a chair that looked comically undersized for his massive frame.
The next question came naturally. "Where's Felt?"
Rom let out a heavy sigh, his frustration evident. "We were both out cold—probably half-dead—when we were brought here. From what I've been told by that half-elf girl, the Sword Saint, Reinhard, took her with him after dealing with that butcher woman."
Subaru frowned. "That explains why we're not dead." The pieces began falling into place. Reinhard had shown up? Why? It was all so confusing, but the important thing was that they were alive. "Where did that bastard take her?" he asked, his tone hardening.
"Not sure," Rom admitted. "The girl said Reinhard mentioned he'd be coming back for us."
"Screw that!" Subaru threw back the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed, determined to act. "We need to go find her!"
Before he could stand, Rom placed a firm hand on his shoulder, gently but effectively stopping him. "I get how you feel, son, I really do," Rom said, his voice steady. "I'm as uncomfortable here as you are. Hell, I tried to sneak out the moment I woke up, but Lord Roswaal stopped me. We had… a chat."
"A chat?" Subaru raised an eyebrow. "What the hell did he want?"
"Said he owed you a debt, and part of repaying it was making sure we both got better," Rom explained, crossing his arms. "Promised we'd see Felt soon. Swore it up and down. I don't trust the guy, but I don't think he was lying, either."
Subaru clenched his fists. "So what? We just sit around here and wait for the Sword Saint to show up? For all we know, he's locked Felt up for stealing whatever it was from Emilia!"
"I get it, but going up against someone like him is a terrible idea," Rom said firmly. "If Reinhard is coming to take us to Felt, then the smart move is to wait. No point rocking the boat—not yet, anyway."
Subaru scowled, his frustration boiling over. Everything about this situation felt wrong. He was in a strange lord's manor with no clue where Felt was or what Reinhard's intentions were. "Damn it all," he muttered.
Rom watched him quietly, sympathy flickering in his eyes but tempered by pragmatism. "We'll figure it out, kid. But for now, we play it safe."
Subaru got up, and this time, Rom didn't move to stop him. Though he felt a bit lethargic, he otherwise seemed fine. On a side table, he noticed a fresh set of clothes—an elegant white collared shirt and black trousers. The fabric was far finer than anything he could have afforded in his previous life, let alone as an apprentice in Lugunica.
Slipping out of his robe, Subaru pulled on the clothes, relishing the softness of the material against his skin. "I'm going to have a look around," he said, stretching.
"I think I'll be going back to my room," Rom replied, standing with a groan. "I don't particularly want to get caught up with this lot."
Subaru nodded, understanding the old man's reluctance. Part of him felt the same, but curiosity got the better of him. Emilia, Roswaal, and the supposed debt owed to him all lingered in his thoughts. "I'll be back. I'm starving, at any rate."
With that, Subaru left Rom to his solitude and ventured into the manor.
The halls were breathtakingly elegant, more lavish than anything Subaru had ever encountered, whether in Lugunica or even in Japan. Every detail, from the polished floors to the intricate carvings adorning the walls, spoke of artisans who must have been paid handsomely for their work.
As he wandered, the scale of the building began to feel overwhelming. It seemed to stretch on endlessly. Out of curiosity, Subaru opened the nearest door, wondering if all these rooms were simply bed chambers.
To his surprise, the door led to a vast library. Rows upon rows of shelves stretched high into the air, each packed with books. The collection was so extensive it had to be worth more than he could earn in a hundred lifetimes at Conrad's forge.
"What do you want, I suppose?"
The voice snapped Subaru back to the present. Looking toward the center of the room, he saw a petite girl seated with a large book in hand. A tea set rested on a side table next to her. She looked to be shorter than Felt, with cream-blonde hair styled into spiraling twin tails tipped in pink. Most striking were her eyes—blue with pink, butterfly-shaped irises that practically shimmered.
Subaru wasn't sure, but he guessed she might be a spirit, or perhaps a rare form of demi-human.
"Oh, I think I'm a bit lost," Subaru said, forcing a chuckle. "I was brought here by Emilia. I just woke up and was looking for the kitchen."
"This is the Forbidden Library, not the kitchen, I suppose," the girl huffed, her tone curt.
"Right… I can see that." Subaru glanced around again, noting the sheer scale of the room. Forbidden, huh? That probably meant he wasn't supposed to be here. "I'm Natsuki Subaru, by the way. And you are?"
The girl regarded him with an unimpressed look, her expression unchanging. "I am Beatrice, guardian of this place, I suppose."
"Well, it's nice to meet you," Subaru said, giving a polite bow.
"Hmm," Beatrice regarded him critically before tilting her head slightly. "You're not so bad, I suppose."
"Thank you?" Subaru replied, unsure how to interpret her remark. She was a guardian of sorts, and if she truly was a spirit capable of manifesting a physical form, she must have been powerful. It was probably best to stay on her good side. "Might I trouble you for directions to the kitchen from here?"
"No."
"No?" Subaru blinked, caught off guard.
"No," Beatrice repeated flatly.
"Why not?" he asked, now thoroughly confused.
"The library moves," she replied matter-of-factly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You must have been lucky to find it, I suppose."
"Moves? You mean it's not in a fixed location?" Subaru scratched his head. "What is it, some kind of pocket dimension?"
"You're not entirely wrong, I suppose," Beatrice admitted, though her tone suggested she was growing annoyed with the conversation.
"Well, since you can't point me in the right direction, I guess I should leave you to your… guarding duties," Subaru said, chuckling to himself as he made his way to the exit. "Live strong, okay?"
"Live strong?" Beatrice echoed, momentarily puzzled. After a pause, she dismissed the remark and returned to her book.
Subaru stepped out and closed the door behind him. A sudden curiosity took hold, and he opened the door again a second later. True to her word, the library was gone. In its place stood a simple storage room filled with crates and spare furnishings.
The manor was eerily empty. For all its sprawling halls and countless rooms, Subaru hadn't come across another soul. After wandering for what felt like ages, he finally caught the scent of something cooking. Following his nose to the ground floor, the aroma of stew and simmering meat made his stomach growl loudly.
Stepping into the kitchen, Subaru spotted a young woman in a maid's uniform, her blue hair matching her calm, piercing eyes. She was peeling a potato with practiced ease, but as soon as he entered, her gaze shifted to him.
"Oh, our guest is awake," the maid said in a measured tone.
"Yeah," Subaru replied, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry, I was looking for something to eat. The only person I ran into was the librarian, Beatrice."
"Oh? You met Miss Beatrice. How interesting," the maid remarked with a faint tilt of her head.
"Yeah, I'm Subaru, by the way. And you are?" he asked with a friendly smile.
"I am Rem, one of the maids serving my master, Roswaal L. Mathers," she replied, offering a polite curtsy.
"Nice to meet you, Rem," Subaru said, relieved to finally find someone. Her composed demeanor put him at ease. "I'm starving, though."
"You're hungry?" Rem asked, her eyes briefly scanning him. "I can arrange to have something brought to your room, if you'd like."
"I'd be fine just eating here," Subaru said with a shrug. "No need to fuss."
Rem considered his request for a moment before turning to the pot of stew. She ladled some into a bowl and placed it on a tray alongside a slice of bread and cheese. "You may eat where you wish," she said, setting the tray on the counter.
Subaru thanked Rem and found a small table in the corner of the kitchen to eat. The stew was delectable, as expected from a grand manor like this. If Lord Roswaal didn't have good food, Subaru thought, that would have been a shock.
Draining the last of the bowl, Subaru leaned back and caught Rem glancing at him from the corner of her eye. She quickly averted her gaze when their eyes met. For a moment, Subaru wondered if she was interested in him, but something about the look unsettled him. It reminded him of the slums—those predatory stares from gang members, silently assessing whether you'd be worth robbing… or worse.
Before he could dwell on it, a new voice cut through the air. "Oh, our guest is here, Rem."
Subaru turned to see another maid entering the kitchen. She was almost identical to Rem, except for her pink hair and a less impressive bust. Her expression was sharp and calculating.
"There he is, Ram," Rem replied.
The pink-haired maid studied Subaru with a neutral gaze. "I see. And who might you be?" she asked flatly.
Subaru stood, offering his hand with a polite smile. "I'm Subaru. Natsuki Subaru."
Ram shook his hand, her grip surprisingly firm for someone with such a slight build. "I am Ram," she said curtly.
"Well, nice to meet you both," Subaru said, setting his tray aside.
"Leave it," Rem interjected, her voice soft yet oddly firm. "It would be rude of us to let you deal with dishes. You are Lord Roswaal's guest."
Subaru hesitated. Something about her tone felt off—too sweet, almost as if it were masking something else. Still, he decided to go along with it. "Well, I wouldn't want to scorn your hospitality," he said, setting the tray back down. "Thanks for the meal."
He nodded to both maids, forcing a smile. "I think I'll go for a walk. Excuse me."
As he turned and left the kitchen, Subaru couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that both pairs of eyes were lingering on him longer than they should have.
What was that about? Did I do something uncouth? Subaru wondered as he found a door leading outside. Maybe it was the fact that I had a meal in the kitchen? I don't know anything about proper etiquette when visiting a noble.
Stepping outside, Subaru took in the breathtaking view of the manor's exterior. The gardens were as elegant as the interior, with finely tended hedges, intricate fountains, and several gazebos scattered about for lounging. The scene reminded him of pictures he'd seen as a child of French Châteaus. Of course. Nobility always spends their wealth on vanity projects. Lord Roswaal seems to be cut from the same cloth.
As he strolled through the gardens, Subaru caught sight of the unmistakable silver hair of Emilia. He hesitated, debating how much he should get involved with her. After all, his main objective was to stay here with Rom until Reinhard brought them to Felt—or until he could figure out a way to free her himself.
Before he could decide, Emilia turned and spotted him. A warm smile spread across her face as she ran over to him. "Oh, thank goodness! You're finally awake. I was beginning to worry."
"Oh, thanks," Subaru said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. "I should be thanking you, though—for helping me."
"No, I'm the one who should be grateful," Emilia replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. "If it weren't for you, I probably would have been killed by that assassin, Elsa. You were only hurt so badly because you got in the way of her blade."
"Well… I just acted without thinking. I'm no hero or anything," Subaru admitted. Truthfully, his priority at the time had been to buy Felt enough time to escape, but he kept that thought to himself.
"Don't sell yourself short, Subaru," a disembodied voice chimed in. A moment later, Puck materialized on Emilia's shoulder, smirking. "If it weren't for you, Lia could've been seriously hurt. So, you're a hero in my book!"
"We're both very grateful," Emilia added, scratching the spirit on the head affectionately.
Subaru chuckled, feeling a little more at ease. "Well, I'll take your thanks. I just hope Felt is okay. Why exactly did Reinhard take her?"
"I'm not sure," Emilia confessed, her expression becoming more serious. "It seemed important, given how serious he looked. But from what I know about him, I don't think she's in any danger."
"How well do you know him, though?" Subaru asked, his skepticism evident.
"We're only acquaintances," Emilia admitted. "But he's always struck me as someone who's just and kind. I don't believe he'd do anything to hurt her."
Subaru wasn't entirely reassured, but for now, he decided to stick to Rom's advice and wait. For now.
"Do you mind if I ask… what exactly did Felt take? I mean, it must have been important for things to escalate like they did," Subaru asked, curiosity clear in his tone.
Emilia hesitated, her thoughtful expression softening as she glanced toward Puck.
"I don't sense any malice in him," Puck said with a casual shrug. "I think it's fine."
"It was… an insignia," Emilia finally said.
"An insignia?" Subaru echoed.
"Yes," she nodded. "It was given to me by Lord Roswaal. You see, it signifies that I am…" she hesitated, the words heavy, "one of the candidates to become the next ruler of Lugunica."
Subaru blinked, her words taking a moment to sink in. Like everyone in the capital, he'd heard of the royal family's tragic demise. The entire Lugunica bloodline had been wiped out by a mysterious illness, leaving the nation in turmoil. For months, there had been whispers of political unrest and fears that the Sacred Vollachia Empire might exploit the chaos and invade. And now, here stood a half-elf claiming to be a candidate for the throne.
"You… you're a candidate for the throne?" Subaru asked, his voice tinged with skepticism, though not intentionally.
"You don't approve?" Emilia asked, her tone soft but edged with hurt.
"I didn't say that," Subaru quickly clarified, waving his hands slightly. "I don't know you well enough to say if I would or not. It's just… well…"
"I'm a half-elf," Emilia finished for him, her amethyst eyes steady.
Subaru hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Yes. I don't personally have anything against half-elves, but the reality is… most people are wary. Especially considering, well… your silver hair."
The words hung in the air, unspoken but understood: her resemblance to the Witch of Envy. It was an undeniable stigma, one Subaru knew would make her path to the throne a difficult one.
"I get that, I do," Emilia said softly, her fingers idly twirling a strand of her silver hair. "But if people could just see the real me…"
"That's unrealistic," Subaru interjected, his tone firm but not unkind. "The average citizen of Lugunica couldn't tell you anything about their local noble, let alone the ones actually running the country. I couldn't even name a single member of that Council of Wise Men who's supposedly in charge. People are going to mistrust you. All they care about is whether bread stays cheap and they're kept safe. Give them that, and they'll love you. But the moment that security goes away? They'll turn on you like wolves."
Emilia's hopeful expression faltered slightly as she processed his words. "Are people really so cruel?" she asked, her voice tinged with sadness.
"This world is cruel," Subaru replied, his gaze distant. "I know that better than most. Even then, I was still better off than a lot of people where I grew up. The fact that I have… well… had a job as a smith in the artisan district proves that."
"He's got a point, Lia," Puck interjected, floating lazily beside her. "It's not like people are going to accept us out of the kindness of their hearts. But I have no doubt you'll be up to the task of winning them over!" He gave her a playful paw-up.
Emilia smiled at Puck's encouragement, but her expression shifted as realization dawned. "Wait, you said had a job?" she repeated, tilting her head in concern.
"Conrad's a good man," Subaru admitted with a sigh. "But if he hasn't heard from me by now, he's probably already looking for a new apprentice. That kind of work isn't something you can do alone. And the world? It doesn't wait for anyone, no matter how good their intentions are."
He paused, his mind wandering to Rom's loot house. He hoped it would be fine in his absence. Rom rarely left, and most people in the slums weren't foolish enough to cross him. But if Subaru was gone too long, someone might muster the courage to snoop around.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Emilia said softly. "I feel bad knowing this whole thing may have cost you your job."
"I've got smithing experience now," Subaru sighed. "I'm sure I can find work somewhere."
"Miss Emilia, guest Subaru," a voice interrupted. Looking over, Subaru saw Ram standing a few feet away, her expression as neutral as ever. "Lord Roswaal would like to invite you both to have tea with him in the dining hall."
The dining hall, when they arrived, was as vast and opulent as the rest of the manor. Elegant paintings lined the walls, each one looking as if it cost more than Subaru's entire livelihood. The furniture was intricate, the table large enough to seat dozens, and everything seemed polished to perfection.
Part of Subaru wanted to scoff at the extravagance—it was hard not to in the face of such excess. Yet another part of him begrudgingly acknowledged the artistry and craftsmanship behind it all. A place like this, while indulgent, must have fed and employed countless artisans and workers. Still, it stirred a pang of envy he didn't want to admit.
Part of Subaru wanted to scoff at the extravagance—it was hard not to in the face of such opulence. Yet another part of him begrudgingly acknowledged the artistry and craftsmanship behind it all. A place like this, while undeniably indulgent, must have provided work and sustenance to countless artisans and laborers. Still, the sheer scale of luxury stirred a pang of envy he didn't want to admit.
"Where is Bubby, I suppose?"
The voice drew his attention to a small figure standing in the corner of the room. Beatrice stood with her arms crossed, her expression huffy as she glanced at Subaru. She reminded him of a child searching for her favorite stuffed animal.
"Right here, Betty," Puck chirped, materializing from Emilia's shoulder.
"Bubby!" Beatrice's eyes lit up as she ran toward Puck, catching the fluffy spirit as he flew into her arms. "Can you stay with me for the day?" she asked, her tone brimming with hope.
"I don't see why not," Puck replied, settling into her embrace as she giggled, rubbing his fur against her cheek with unabashed glee.
"There you are, son."
The familiar gruff voice pulled Subaru from his thoughts. Turning, he saw Rom entering the dining hall, trailing behind Rem, whose calm expression betrayed no hint of emotion.
"Surprised to see you joining for tea, old man," Subaru remarked, raising an eyebrow.
Rom snorted, folding his arms. "Listen, son, this Lord Roswaal isn't inviting us for tea just to be polite. I'm not missing out on whatever he's up to."
Subaru couldn't disagree. Having Rom there felt like a safety net, just in case. Emilia seemed earnest, but she might be too naïve about how the nobility operated—or worse, completely unaware of any darker dealings behind the scenes.
"Ahhh, so our guests are all here," a sing-song voice rang out from behind them. Turning, Subaru saw a man enter, dressed in a flamboyant uniform that made the grandeur of the dining hall seem tame by comparison.
The stranger wore a split dark-and-light purple formal coat and trousers with red accents, paired with a long flared cape. His face was heavily painted with white makeup, accented by purple eyeshadow and lipstick. Most striking of all was his mismatched, monochrome eyes—one blue, matching his hair, and the other a striking yellow that mirrored his dangling earrings.
Subaru stared, his mind racing to piece together who—or what—this man could be. With such an outlandish appearance, he had to be either the lord of the manor or its resident jester.
"Welcome, welcome!" the man said theatrically, spreading his arms wide in an exaggerated flourish. "I am Roswaal L. Mathers, your gracious host. Please, do make yourselves comfortable!"
Of course. Subaru suppressed a sigh. It would be the lord of the manor.
Subaru thanked Rem as she poured him a cup of tea. The small, delicate teacup looked almost comical in Rom's large hands as he carefully accepted his own with a curt nod. Taking a sip, Subaru savored the luxurious flavor. It was the kind of tea he figured could ruin everything else he'd taste in the future—ordinary drinks would pale in comparison to what Roswaal likely considered commonplace.
"So, I am told you're the one who helped save our dear Emilia?" Roswaal leaned forward, his mismatched eyes fixed keenly on Subaru.
"Saved might be a strong way to put it," Subaru said, glancing at Rom, who seemed more focused on balancing the fragile teacup in his oversized hands than on the conversation.
"As Puck said, you shouldn't be so modest," Emilia chimed in with a warm smile.
"See? We all agree!" Roswaal clapped his hands together, his flamboyant demeanor making the simple gesture feel theatrical. "You risked your life to help our dear Emilia!"
"What about Rom? He stepped in too," Subaru countered, gesturing to the giant of a man.
"I was only there for you and Felt," Rom said gruffly, his focus still on the tea as though afraid he might shatter the dainty cup if he gripped it too tightly.
"Still, you helped," Emilia nodded, her tone appreciative.
Roswaal tilted his head, smirking. "On another topic, Subaru… how much do you know about our Lady Emilia's standing in the nation?"
"We talked about it earlier in the garden," Subaru replied, setting down his cup.
"Ahhh, very good then!" Roswaal said, his smirk widening. "As her backer, I feel obligated to give you something of value in return for making sure she returned to us safe and sound." He gestured grandly. "After all, she is above me in status, and it's only proper that I ensure you are adequately rewarded for such a noble act!"
"Give?" Subaru arched a skeptical eyebrow. "What exactly are you suggesting?"
"Anything within my power," Roswaal replied with a chuckle, leaning back in his chair. "Within reason, of course."
Anything? Subaru thought. His mind raced. He could ask for a sack of holy gold coins, enough to secure a future for himself, Rom, and Felt far from the slums. It wouldn't even make a dent in the wealth of a man like Roswaal. All he needed to do was ask, and the life they dreamed of could be theirs.
"Hold on," Rom interjected, his voice cutting through Subaru's thoughts. "I know you. You're the Court Mage, aren't you?"
"Guilty as charged," Roswaal admitted with a smile, the glint in his eyes suggesting he enjoyed the recognition.
"Court Mage? Wait… I should have guessed—you're the Clown Noble!" Subaru blurted out, realization dawning on him. He had heard the term often enough in the slums, though he had never put a face to the name. The slums had colorful nicknames for the more prominent nobles, and a noble who dressed like a clown was a prime target for ridicule.
The use of the nickname made Ram visibly bristle, but Roswaal simply laughed, his tone indulgent. "Ah yes, I've been called that by the more… creative minds of our nation."
"Sorry," Subaru muttered, realizing too late that he probably should have kept the comment to himself.
"It's no trouble," Roswaal assured him with a dismissive wave before turning his attention to Rom, who had been quietly studying the flamboyant noble. "You have a question, I believe?"
Rom's gruff voice cut through the conversation. "I know you're a power player, so what do you want with us? Don't try to tell me this is just about repaying a debt."
Roswaal's smirk widened. "It really can be that simple. I'm not fond of owing too many debts. However, I'll admit, it also doesn't hurt to help Lady Emilia spread goodwill in your community by ensuring her gratitude is properly displayed."
"How much do you know about magic?" Subaru interjected, his curiosity overriding the tension.
"All there is to know," Roswaal replied matter-of-factly, his tone carrying an air of undeniable authority. "You might say I am the foremost expert on the subject in this world."
Subaru didn't sense any arrogance in his response, just confidence born of fact. That made it all the more compelling.
Some things are more valuable than gold, Subaru thought to himself.
"I recently lost my job as a smith apprentice," Subaru began, the wheels in his mind turning. "Magic is a skill more valuable than any artisan craft. A smith who knows magic can create enchanted items, something far beyond what any regular craftsman can achieve."
"This is so," Roswaal confirmed with a nod.
"I want you to teach me magic, at least until I am good enough to apply those skills to my work," Subaru said finally, his tone steady but resolute. He met Roswaal's multicolored gaze, unflinching. Forget the sack of gold, he thought to himself. With that kind of knowledge, I could earn enough money to build a manor of my own.
"Subaru… be careful," Rom said firmly.
"Ah, so you wish to be taken under my wing? How interesting. Most in your position might ask for wealth or land, but you want something… more enduring than that, do you?" Roswaal chuckled.
"I already know how to use my gate to enhance my physical body—that alone was hard enough to learn. I know magic isn't easy for most people, but mage colleges are only accessible to the elite. On top of that, only a small number of people can even use magic in the first place," Subaru said firmly. "If I don't have any magical ability, I'm sure you could tell right away."
"Interesting," Roswaal mused, his excitement barely contained. "That said, if I am to take you on as my apprentice, you must understand: I will require much from you. As you are well aware, my skills are exceedingly valuable. Many have sought to learn from me over the years, yet you would be my first student in all my long life, Subaru!"
"So, what's the catch?" Rom asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I would require you to enter into a contract with me—not just a simple agreement on paper, mind you, but a magical bond between master and apprentice," Roswaal said, leaning forward with a sly smile.
"A… contract?" Subaru asked, unease creeping into his voice. Deals with nobles were one thing; a magical contract was entirely another.
"Yes, this is common among high-level mages," Roswaal elaborated. "We guard many secrets, and our skills are highly coveted. The contract will be written out on paper and reinforced with a magical seal. Once we both sign, the bond will take effect. This could be done purely through magic, but I suspect neither you nor your friend would trust such an invisible arrangement."
Rom remained skeptical, his expression hard. Subaru, however, mulled it over. "I'll agree to anything you write down—as long as Rom approves of it."
"Son… you sure about this?" Rom asked, his tone cautious.
"I trust your judgment, Rom. If something looks off, I won't sign it. I promise."
Roswaal's smile widened as he flicked his wrist. A piece of paper materialized out of thin air, landing gracefully in his hand. "Here, you may read it over at your leisure."
He had a contract ready? Subaru's mind raced as he glanced at the document. Was this planned, or just something Roswaal could conjure at will?
Rom held the paper between them, scanning the text carefully. The conditions seemed straightforward:
The signee of this contract commits to the following:
1. The signee will remain as the apprentice of Roswaal L. Mathers until he determines their training is complete. Completion is subject to the discretion of Roswaal L. Mathers.
2. The signee will act as a member of the Roswaal household and will be under the authority of Roswaal L. Mathers and his superiors as long as they are his apprentice.
3. The signee may not impart any secrets taught to them without the written or verbal consent of Roswaal L. Mathers, for as long as his spirit remains in this world.
"Seems fairly standard," Rom said, scratching his head as he scrutinized the document.
Subaru folded his arms. "Reinhard is coming to collect us and take us back to Felt. I need to see her."
"That might be some time from now," Roswaal replied, his smile never faltering. "Besides, I'm sure you trust your friend to ensure her safety. I am not a cruel man—I would, of course, allow you to visit your friend whenever necessary!"
"I want to ensure that no matter what trouble Felt might have gotten herself into, you'll ensure she's not punished. As the Court Mage, you should be able to make that happen, right?" Subaru pressed.
Roswaal's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "I give you my word. Would you prefer it written into our contract?"
"Yes," Subaru replied without hesitation.
At a flick of Roswaal's wrist, the changes appeared seamlessly on the parchment. Subaru read over the newly added clause:
4. At the request of a signee, any crimes or alleged crimes committed by the individual known as "Felt," as intended by the signee, shall be protected from legal action against her by the state or any third party as far as the power of Roswaal L. Mathers can manage.
Subaru exhaled slowly, nodding to himself. The amendment ensured Felt would be safe—at least from legal repercussions—and it was a weight off his shoulders. He couldn't protect her directly while bound to this apprenticeship, but this clause provided a safety net. She'd understand his absence if it meant building a better future for all of them.
"What do you think?" Subaru turned to Rom.
Rom scrutinized the document one last time, his eyes narrowing as he fixed his gaze on Roswaal. "I don't see anything overtly malicious, at least not on the surface. That said, this means you'll be working for this man, directly and indirectly. You're essentially putting your future in his hands, kid." Rom paused, his tone turning serious. "I wouldn't sign anything unless I knew I could trust the person offering it."
Subaru stared at the contract, his mind racing. He didn't know Roswaal well enough to gauge his true intentions, and Rom's warning weighed heavily on him. Yet, he couldn't ignore the opportunity staring him in the face. A chance to learn magic, a skill so rare it could change the trajectory of his entire life.
Roswaal had taken them into his home, treated them as guests, and was aiding Emilia—who, as far as Subaru could tell, was a genuinely good person.
"Emilia, what do you think of Roswaal?" Subaru asked, his voice measured.
The half-elf, who had been quietly observing the exchange, seemed taken aback by the sudden question. "Oh… um… well…" she began, fiddling with a strand of her silver hair. "Roswaal has been more than generous to Puck and me. I know he's backing me for the throne, and he has a reputation for being friendly with demi-humans. But I've only known him for a few months, so I can't say much more than that."
"Do you trust him?" Subaru pressed, his gaze unwavering.
Emilia hesitated, her amethyst eyes shifting slightly as though weighing her words carefully. It was clear she felt the weight of his question. "I… I think so," she said at last, her tone tentative but sincere.
Subaru clenched his fists, feeling the enormity of the decision pressing down on him. This was a turning point—an opportunity he might never encounter again. He inhaled deeply, steadying himself, before lifting his head with newfound resolve.
"Give me a pen," Subaru said, his voice resolute.
Roswaal smirked, and Subaru couldn't shake the feeling that the man had just won some kind of unseen battle. Perhaps it was just his imagination, but the thought nagged at him nonetheless.
At Roswaal's gesture, Rem stepped forward. From a drawer on the serving cart used to serve tea, she retrieved an ornate quill and a bottle of ink. Setting them before Subaru with practiced precision, she paused, casting him another long, lingering look. Her gaze unsettled him, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why.
Taking the quill, Subaru hesitated for only a moment longer. This was it—the point of no return. Pushing aside his doubts, he bent over the contract and neatly wrote "Natsuki Subaru" in the language of Lugunica, a skill he had learned from Rom in his younger years.
Once finished, Rem picked up the contract with her usual grace and handed it to Roswaal. The Court Mage signed his name with a flourish, the quill gliding effortlessly across the page. As soon as his pen left the parchment, the document glowed faintly, and Subaru felt a small pulse of mana ripple through him. The contract was sealed. There was no turning back now.
"It's done!" Roswaal declared with a theatrical clap of his hands. "Congratulations, my dear apprentice, on becoming the first and only student of the Court Mage of Lugunica!"
The weight of the moment sank into Subaru. This single act had the potential to change the course of his life entirely.
"We begin your training tomorrow," Roswaal said, his smile widening.
Subaru took a deep breath, nodding. "Tomorrow, then…"
A/N: Another Chapter! Hope you are all enjoying. Side note, I'm still working on "The Fallen" just having issues with getting things how I like them. I might take a week off from Blood and Steel to catch up. If I can I will post two chapters of "The Fallen" this week, but I give no promises. On to reviews!
XxXxX
AcceleratorLO: This and The Fallen are quickly becoming my favorite fanfictions. Though something caught my interest. Puck mentioned having enough in the tank. What would a tank be in the world of Re:Zero? Just curious. Thanks for writing. Happy New Year!
Glad you're enjoying my stories! Also, as for what a "tank" is, it's not in reference to a military tank, rather a liquid container tank. The word dates back to the 1600's, sorry if that was a mix up, may or may not change it out in a later edit.
Victor: I'm loving this but I hope Subaru doesn't become overpower.
He'll be stronger than in cannon, but by no means become OP. He will get power boosts, no Devine Protections or anything of that nature.
JaroNNess: So, Emilia takes both Subaru and the old man Rom with her. I'm very curious to see what will happen in the mansion with this change. Subaru probably won't want to stay with Emilia and will want to go to Felt instead (or maybe not?). Roswaal needs to find a way to lure him back for his own plans. So far, everything looks great! Good luck with your writing, and happy upcoming holidays!
Hope you like this chapter! To be clear, Subaru cares much for about Felt and Rom than anyone in the Emilia camp at this point. If he had to pick between Emilia or Felt he wouldn't think twice.
Ringswing08594: Really enjoyable, I'd recommend spacing out the lines to add more dramatic effect, Also you could use horizontal lines to indicated when a change in pov, setting, etc has occurred. These are more just suggestions than criticism. I can't wait to see this story's development
I thought I had those in my last chapter? I'll have to check to make sure they show up on mobile. I'll take the suggestion under consideration moving forward!
XxXxX
I'll try to get another chapter out next Sunday, but not promises are made due to my being behind on my other story. Happy New Year everyone!