Chapter XX:

Sharp Teeth

Subaru sat in a chair, staring down at Rom.

He felt numb, his whole body heavy, but he didn't care.

"Looking at him won't do any good."

Looking around, Subaru saw Ferris entering. Crusch's knight looked as exhausted as Subaru felt. The poor man was still dressed in his bloodstained uniform. After Crusch had been tended to, Ferris had pulled himself together enough to help with the other injured soldiers—reattaching limbs and performing all sorts of miracles with water magic.

Subaru glanced at Rom, feeling bitter. His leg had not been recovered after the battle. Subaru wasn't sure if it was gone or had just been abandoned. He had nearly ordered Otto to go back and look for it, but Ferris had told him it was pointless. If they had found it, the leg would be too far removed from the body to reattach.

Ferris is handling this better than me… must be he's stronger than me in that regard.

"I know," Subaru said, still staring at Rom. "I just… I could have done more."

"You did more than anyone," Ferris pointed out. "You can't blame yourself. I want to blame myself too… but I know it won't help anyone, Subaru."

I should have been sure… been sure he was alright. To make sure they were all safe. It's my fault.

"I suppose," Subaru said hollowly.

"Come," Ferris said, walking over and pulling Subaru to his feet. "You need to sleep, otherwise you'll be no good to anyone."

Subaru wanted to argue, to tell Ferris he needed to stay by Rom's side, but he didn't have the strength to fight the knight's orders. Before he knew it, he was in bed, fast asleep.

It was late afternoon when Subaru woke. He had half-expected to find himself sitting back at Roswaal's desk in the Mage's capital apartment, but he was still in Crusch's manor, in a spare bedroom.

His body still ached, and his head felt light, but other than that, he felt fine.

Getting out of bed, he found fresh clothes had been laid out for him. Slipping them on, Subaru left his room in search of something to eat. His stomach growled, urging him to find food.

The halls were bustling with activity. Servants hurried through the corridors, carrying out their duties. The injured from the previous day had all been tended to, with the worst off housed in the manor. The city had been swarming with movement through the night. The dead were being taken to their families for burial. The courtyard was still a staging ground, though it was far less hectic than it had been the night before.

At breakfast, Subaru learned that Emilia had been busy overseeing the arrangements for the villagers who had been evacuated to the capital. With Arlam safe, they would soon return, now it was just about organizing transportation back. A night or two in the city, and then they would head home.

"You look horrible," Subaru looked up to see Flam—or maybe Garassis—standing beside him.

"Which one are you again?" Subaru said in a flat tone.

"You really should learn how to tell us apart," the servant sighed. "I am Garassis. You can tell by the fact that I have a more peach hue to my pink hair and that I'm clearly the pretty one."

You both look exactly alike… though I suppose her hair is a bit lighter, Subaru thought.

"Why are you here? I thought Felt went back to the Astrea Manor?" Subaru asked, finishing the last of his bacon.

"Lady Felt was concerned," Garassis explained, "She wanted me to keep an eye on you. She said you were distraught last night."

Distraught… that's one way to put it. Subaru could still remember the sharp sting of putting his blade through his heart. He'd do it again if it meant he could save Rom's memories.

"I'll be fine," Subaru said firmly. "I just… need to think."

"All the same, I'm under orders," Garassis said flatly. "I'd rather be home. I was going to have tea with my grandfather this afternoon, but here I am."

"Fine." Subaru stood up, a servant taking his empty plate. He thanked her as he walked to see Rom. Garassis trailed behind, watching him dully.

Arriving at the old man's room, Subaru entered to find Emilia there. He blinked, surprised to see her. She was the last person he expected to find visiting Rom, after all, he was the only one who could remember him, at least from what Subaru knew.

"Emilia?"

She jumped slightly, looking over her shoulder to see him. She smiled and stood. "Subaru, I was told I might find you here. Ferris told me a little about what happened."

"Yeah…" Subaru walked over and placed a hand on Rom's forehead. He'd had a light fever the night before, but it seemed to have broken overnight. "Sorry, I didn't see you last night. I was…"

"It's fine," Emilia said quickly, her voice gentle. "I should apologize. You were in distress, and I… should have come by sooner."

"We all had a lot going on," Subaru said, forcing himself to pull his eyes away from Rom and focus on Emilia.

"Still…" She glanced from Subaru to Rom, her expression softening. "I need to thank you, for everything. If you hadn't brought everyone together… I doubt it would have ended well."

Subaru's mind flashed to the loops—where Emilia and the others had died, where Puck had decided to end the world. It all seemed like a nightmare now. Instead, he had traded that reality for one where a man he saw as a father was nothing more than a hollow husk.

"We all paid a price," Subaru said bitterly. "Felt too, even if she doesn't know what was lost to her."

Felt hadn't believed him at first when he'd explained everything. He was angry at her for forgetting. It wasn't fair, he knew that. She hadn't chosen to forget, but how callous she'd seemed when looking at Rom… It made him want to scream.

"I think I understand," Emilia smiled softly. "Ferris mentioned to me that Crusch woke not too long ago."

"How is she?"

"Well, she's recovering. At the very least, she has both her arms working," Emilia said, trying to sound a little encouraging.

"That's good," Subaru agreed, glancing at Rom. He wondered, if Rom ever woke up, how the old man would get along on one leg. He didn't imagine it would be a welcome change. "When do you plan to depart back to Arlam?"

"Soon," Emilia confessed. "We should be leaving tomorrow morning. I've already made arrangements with the merchants to take us back. It's been an expensive few days. In more than just coin."

Subaru considered that to be the understatement of the century. "I'll be coming with you," Subaru said firmly. "I need to deal with Roswaal. Felt is going to need me more now than ever. She had Rom to lean on before, but now… I'm all she has."

"Then Lady Felt will be going with you," Garassis said idly.

Subaru blinked. "She's got other things she must need to—"

"We both know our Lady won't take no for an answer," Garassis sighed.

Subaru shook his head, but he had no room to tell Felt no. He wasn't in charge of her. With the cult and the White Whale out of the picture, Subaru had no reason to object. It wasn't like he could shut Felt away and keep her safe. Above all else, she was a Royal Candidate, like Emilia.

"Fine," Subaru said with a shake of his head. "I don't take it that will be an issue?"

"No, not that I can see," Emilia confirmed. "What about Reinhard?"

"Still out on council business," Garassis rolled her eyes. "He'll no doubt be quite interested in all the developments since he's been away."

"Still no word on his return?" Subaru asked. He could never say no to having someone as powerful as the Sword Saint beside him.

"No, regretfully," Garassis said flatly.

There was a knock at the door, and the three of them turned to watch as Petra poked her head in. "Oh, there you are, Lady Emilia," she said with a relieved sigh. Subaru noted she had pulled on a servant's uniform. "Oh, Subaru, you're here too!"

"Petra offered to help me since Rem and Ram are with the other half of the village. She's been running messages for me," Emilia explained. The redhead looked pleased with herself.

"I'm old enough to be working now! How do I look, Subaru?" she asked, giving a little twirl in her uniform.

"You look official, very cute," Subaru offered with a kind smile. Though he had bigger concerns than her attire at the moment, he knew Petra was looking for praise all the same.

Petra beamed, her eyes sparkling, and she flushed a little. "T-Thank you!"

"What brings you here anyway?" Subaru asked.

"Oh, right!" Petra flushed as she remembered herself. "The merchants are asking about payment again. They wanted to speak with you."

"Again?" Emilia sighed. "Alright, let's deal with that. Hopefully, we can talk more later, Subaru."

He nodded as he watched them leave. Sitting beside Rom, he looked down at the old man. "What a mess, eh, old man?"

"I'm not that old," a voice murmured near his shoulder.

Subaru nearly jumped out of his skin, whipping around to see Puck floating lazily beside him.

"Puck?!" he hissed. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Ohhhhhh! Cute!" Garassis beamed, practically vibrating with excitement. "I wanna pet him!"

"Later!" Subaru snapped, sharper than he intended.

Garassis huffed, crossing her arms as she turned her nose up at him. Subaru sighed, already regretting his tone, but his attention was locked on Puck.

"Where the hell were you?" Subaru demanded, his voice laced with frustration. "The Witch Cult attacked, and you were nowhere to be seen."

"Limitations of my contract, unfortunately," Puck shrugged, unconcerned. "Lia had you to take care of her, so I'm offering you my praise, Subaru!" He clapped his tiny paws together as if that would make up for his absence.

Subaru was not amused. For a spirit as powerful as you claim to be, you sure seem useless when it matters. If he hadn't been there—if he hadn't fought, suffered, died—Emilia would be dead.

Again. And again. And again. And—

"Well," Subaru muttered bitterly, "you're not exactly useful to me, are you?"

"That's a bit harsh," Puck mused, tilting his head, "but maybe not unwarranted from your standpoint." His expression darkened slightly. "With you no longer on Lia's side regarding the Royal Selection, I have mixed feelings about you, ya know? However…" His tone softened. "You did risk a lot for her sake, so I suppose I have no choice but to lean on you a bit more."

Subaru's brow furrowed. "Lean on me? What do you mean?"

"Before I get into all that…" Puck smirked, floating closer, "I suppose I should help you out a little—with this man, I mean."

Subaru's eyes widened. He turned to Rom, his pulse quickening.

"Can you—can you wake him up?!"

"No."

The word hit him like a gut punch.

"Sadly," Puck continued, his voice tinged with regret, "that's beyond even my abilities."

Subaru fought the urge to scream.

"But," Puck added, "I do know what caused his condition."

Subaru let out a tired, bitter laugh. "Of course. Because why would it ever be that easy?"

Puck's tiny paws folded behind his back as his expression darkened. "This is the work of Gluttony."

Subaru's blood ran cold.

"…Another Sin Archbishop?" he asked cautiously.

"In the flesh."

Subaru's hands curled into fists. In all his loops, in all the battles against the Cult, he had never encountered Gluttony.

"What… what did he do to Rom?" Subaru's voice was barely above a whisper.

Puck's green eyes gleamed with something dangerous. "He devoured his name and memories."

Subaru felt his stomach lurch.

"If Gluttony eats your name," Puck explained, "everyone forgets you ever existed. If he eats your memories, you forget yourself. If both are taken, you become nothing but an empty husk."

Subaru's gaze snapped to Rom's still form. The giant man, the father that had raised Felt like his own, the only real family she had ever known—

Wiped away.

Gone.

"But… I still remember him." Subaru's voice shook as he forced the words out. "If Gluttony ate his name, shouldn't I have forgotten him too?"

"That's a good question," Puck admitted, tilting his head. "You should have forgotten. But… you didn't."

His eyes flickered with curiosity. "There are many strange things about you, Subaru. Besides the obvious."

Subaru ignored the jab, his mind racing. "Is there any way to bring his memories back?"

"Maybe," Puck said with infuriating nonchalance. "If there is a way, Gluttony would know."

A pause.

"But… I've never heard of someone being restored after this."

Subaru clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms.

Then I'll find a way. Whoever Gluttony is—wherever he is—I'll hunt him down.

Even if it takes a thousand loops.

Even if I have to break myself to do it.

But before any of that—I need to break my contract with Roswaal. Right now, I'm still chained. At any moment, he could pull my strings. Order me around. And if that happens, I won't be able to act when it matters.

Forcing down the frustration, Subaru exhaled.

"…Thanks for the information," he muttered.

Puck grinned. "Oh, one more thing."

Subaru glanced at him warily. "What now?"

"I need you to watch after Lia for a while."

Before Subaru could react, Puck vanished.

Subaru blinked.

"…Watch after Emilia?"

What the hell did he mean by that?

There was a moment of silence before Garassis let out a long, dramatic sigh. "Well, that was interesting," she huffed. "And I didn't even get to feel his soft fur!"

Subaru barely heard her. His mind was already elsewhere.

Subaru sat beside Felt in Crusch's office, but it hardly felt like the same place anymore. The air, once thick with authority and strategy, now felt hollow. And Crusch…

She was different.

Not just in appearance—though the pink dress and loose hair softened her usual sharp presence—but in everything else. Her posture, her expressions, the way her hands trembled faintly against her teacup. Gone was the unwavering military leader, the royal candidate who exuded command with every word.

Instead, she looked like a lost child.

Ferris had explained that her memories were gone—another casualty of Gluttony, just like Rom. But unlike him, her name had been left intact. She still knew she was Crusch Karsten. She could still function and hold conversations.

But she didn't know herself.

And as she struggled through the conversation, Subaru could see the pain in Ferris' eyes. He was trying—so desperately—to be the pillar Crusch had once been for him. But the way his voice wavered, the way his hands curled into his lap as if holding back tears…

He's breaking.

"I'm sorry, I'm… a little lost," Crusch murmured, gripping her tea tightly.

Would you like something stronger to drink?" Ferris offered quickly, his usual teasing absent.

Crusch hesitated, looking up at him with an uncertainty that felt so wrong coming from her. "Do… I like strong drinks?"

Ferris froze, just for a moment then, he forced a small, bright smile. "Y-Yes, you usually do."

"I think… I'll just have tea," Crusch said after a moment, looking down.

"Well, don't worry," Ferris forced his voice to stay upbeat, though Subaru could hear the strain. "This is a meek side to you, it's new for me. No matter what happens, I'll always be by your side!"

He meant it.

But Subaru could see how much it hurt him to say it.

Crusch's whole history was gone. The woman she had been—the one who had fought alongside Wilhelm, the one who had taken up the sword for her people—erased.

If I get the chance, Subaru thought, gritting his teeth, I will make Gluttony return what he stole. Even if she's a rival for the throne, even if I have to hunt him to the ends of the earth…

"Shall we get to business?" Wilhelm's steady voice cut through the room.

"Yes," Felt agreed, looking between Emilia and Crusch.

Crusch straightened, inhaling deeply. "First… I understand I owe you a great deal of gratitude, Subaru."

Then, to Subaru's shock, she bowed her head. He had never imagined Crusch Karsten—a woman so proud and unshakable—bowing to anyone.

"I was told that without your assistance, we never would have slain the White Whale."

Subaru swallowed hard. "Some of the credit goes to Rom," he said quickly, his hands clenching. "I did a lot, but the plan to use the Flugel Tree? That was his. Even if… even if no one remembers it."

Crusch nodded solemnly. "I must apologize for the loss of your friend, then," she said gently. "And thank him for his assistance."

Subaru nodded back, his jaw tight. I'll kill him. I'll get your memories back, Rom. Yours, Crusch. I swear it.

A tense silence lingered before Ferris broke it, his voice quiet but firm. "Given Lady Crusch's condition," he said carefully, choosing his words like walking on glass, "we should discuss the status of our alliance."

"What do you mean?" Felt asked, frowning.

Ferris hesitated.

"…Whether it should continue."

The air grew tense.

"Everyone suspected the Cult would go after Emilia because of her status as a silver-haired half-elf," Ferris continued, his usual energy absent. "However, while I know Felt's interests are tied to Emilia's via Subaru, it would be too—"

"No."

Crusch's voice was soft but absolute.

Ferris turned to her, his concern shifting into outright distress. "Lady Crusch, you mustn't—"

"I have no intention of backing out of any alliance I made," Crusch interrupted.

Her hand tightened around her teacup.

"Even if I don't remember making it."

Ferris' mouth opened slightly.

He had expected her to be hesitant. To look for a way out.

Instead, Crusch exhaled slowly, steadying herself.

"If I play things safe and hide myself away, I'll be as weak as everyone expects me to be now," she admitted. "I can't remember anything. And I do feel lost. But… hiding like a scared child isn't the answer."

Her green eyes flickered with something familiar. Something buried deep—beneath all the confusion, all the gaps in her past. A glimmer of the woman she used to be.

"I refuse to be like that, Ferris."

"Lady Crusch…" Ferris's voice wavered as his lips quivered, and then the tears came.

"I'll need to lean on you more than ever," Crusch admitted, squeezing his hand. "I must seem like a terrible master right now, but I promise—I'll do my best."

"You are truly a rare woman," Wilhelm said with a deep bow. "You may have lost your memories, but your spirit remains unshaken."

"You're something else, that's for sure," Felt added with a small smile. "I don't see any reason why our arrangement should end either."

"We'll need to get back on our feet regroup, and figure out how to move forward," Emilia suggested. "Felt, you're coming with us, right?"

"You bet. I need to make it crystal clear that Subaru doesn't belong to your benefactor!" she huffed, crossing her arms.

Subaru glanced between them, feeling the familiar tug-of-war over him. It was strange—technically, they were all on the same side now, yet the tension still lingered.

"Rom needs someone to look after him," he pointed out.

"Who?" Felt asked, before pausing. Her brows furrowed as she blinked, then shrugged. "Oh, that big old guy… right."

Subaru's stomach twisted. The casual way she dismissed Rom—someone who had been her family, her guardian, her father in all but blood—stung. He knew it wasn't her fault, that she had no choice in the matter, but it didn't make it any easier to swallow.

Noticing his reaction, Felt shifted uncomfortably. "Sorry," she muttered, rubbing her arm. "It's just… I believe you, I do. But I don't remember any of it. No matter how hard I try, I can't picture it in my head. It's like… I don't know, like I got cheated or something."

"Cheated?" Subaru repeated.

"Well, yeah," Felt frowned. "I don't know which memories are real and which ones are missing. What's my life, and what's just a lie left in its place?"

Subaru studied the confusion in her expression—the same frustration, the same emptiness he felt when he thought about Rom's stolen existence. Slowly, he reached out and squeezed her hand. "It's alright. This… all of this is hard."

Felt's face flushed slightly before she huffed and yanked her hand away. "Well, you're gonna have to explain it to me. No way I'm giving you all the credit just 'cause I don't remember! If what you're saying is true, then the big guy deserves at least half, yeah?"

Subaru let out a small chuckle, though his heart was still heavy. He could only hope that, somehow, things would work out in the end.

Flam and Garassis were the only ones to accompany them the next morning. Grimm and Carol remained behind at the Astrea Manor, tending to their duties and preparing their report for Reinhard. Carol had assured Subaru that Reinhard would be sent to them upon his return. Meanwhile, Rom had been carefully carried into a spacious room where he could be properly looked after.

Otto took the reins of the wagon, driving Subaru, Felt, the twins, and Emilia back toward Arlam. Strangely, Subaru found himself growing fond of the merchant—not just because he was one of the few constants in the hell he had endured, but because Otto was proving to be far more capable than he initially let on.

The return trip was smoother than expected. Work crews were already clearing the remains of the White Whale and salvaging wood from the fallen Flugel Tree. Subaru made a mental note that he'd love to get his hands on some of that lumber—it could prove invaluable in his future projects.

As they entered Arlam, the displaced villagers began dismounting and making their way home. Subaru immediately noticed that the village still wasn't fully repopulated. The absence of so many people was glaring.

"Looks like the other half of the village is still missing," he murmured.

Emilia frowned. "They must still be at the Sanctuary. They might not have left yet."

That was troubling. But for now, their destination was the manor. As Otto pulled the wagon to a stop outside the estate, Subaru glanced at the empty entrance.

"Doesn't look like anyone's here to greet us," he noted, scanning the area.

"Beatrice is still inside," Emilia said, stepping forward. "Maybe she'll hear if we knock?"

Taking the golden door knocker, she gave the door a few firm raps, the sound echoing inside the manor. Subaru had little confidence that Beatrice would answer. More likely, Felt would need to put her lockpicking skills to use—or he'd just kick the door down and let Ram scold him later.

To his surprise, there was a soft click as the latch unlocked. The door opened to reveal a tall woman with striking emerald eyes and sharp, animal-like teeth. She wore the same uniform as Rem, Ram, and now Petra. From her appearance, Subaru guessed she was either a demi-human or at least had demi-human ancestry.

"Greetings, Lady Emilia," the maid said with a bow.

"F-Frederica!?" Emilia gasped. "I didn't know you were coming back!"

"Those teeth are kinda scary," Felt muttered under her breath.

"That's rude," Subaru scolded, though he silently agreed that being nibbled on by the new maid was a scenario best avoided.

"Your teeth look dangerous," Flam and Garassis added in unison.

So much for first impressions, Subaru thought with a sigh.

Frederica chuckled, unfazed. "Yes, well, I can't say it's the first time someone has been put off by them. Particularly men."

"I'm just gonna ignore that last part," Felt grumbled, a faint blush on her cheeks.

"Well, it's good to see you again," Emilia said, quickly recovering from her surprise. "Are you back to work for Roswaal?"

"My leave of absence has ended, and Ram asked me to return," Frederica explained with a warm smile. "I'm happy to be of service once again. Though, I must ask—who are these four?"

"Oh, of course," Emilia said, realizing her lapse. "This is Felt—she's a fellow candidate for the throne."

Frederica curtsied gracefully. "Welcome, Lady Felt. I am Frederica Baumann."

Felt stiffened, clearly making an effort to appear regal. "I thank you," she said with an uncharacteristically refined tone. "I am grateful to make your acquaintance."

Subaru barely contained a smirk. Her shift from brash street rat to proper noble still felt surreal. He blamed Carol for that—his ear practically tingled at the memory.

"The others are Natsuki Subaru, along with Flam and Garassis Remendis," Emilia continued. "Subaru is Roswaal's mage apprentice, though he and Felt grew up together, so things are a little… complicated."

"I see," Frederica said, an amused glint in her eyes. "Well then, come in. I'll prepare tea for everyone and see to the guest rooms."

Tea that afternoon was… interesting. Subaru sat quietly, watching as Emilia absently toyed with the gem on her chest, her brows furrowed in concern. He wasn't sure what was on her mind, but if it was important, she'd say something.

Or would she? You're not really on her side anymore… not completely.

He still cared about Emilia, but things had shifted. If only things had gone the way he had imagined—before Felt had gotten involved before she had taken the job to steal Emilia's insignia. If only, if only, if only…

"Here we are," Frederica announced as she entered, balancing a tea set on a tray. "I took the liberty of preparing some scones as well."

Subaru took one, biting into it. It was good—far better than anything Ram could make, though it reminded him of Rem's baking. He swallowed and turned to Frederica. "Have you heard from Roswaal or the others?"

"I have not," Frederica admitted with a frown. "I was surprised to find the manor empty when I arrived. Fortunately, Rem left a letter in the master's office explaining the situation. I hope no one was seriously hurt."

"We're all okay," Emilia assured her, then glanced at Subaru, hesitating. "Mostly… there were some casualties."

"I see…" Frederica sighed. "I'm glad at least the two of you are safe."

"Rem and Ram took half the village to the Sanctuary where Roswaal was," Emilia continued. "So far, we haven't heard anything from them."

"Do you have any idea why they wouldn't have returned?" Subaru asked.

Frederica frowned. "I have a theory. My little brother, Garfiel—he might be the reason."

"Your younger brother?" Felt asked, intrigued. "Why would he keep the villagers from coming back?"

Frederica glanced out the window, her expression clouded. "It's been years since I last saw him, but… there are circumstances that prevent certain people from leaving the Sanctuary. If you are a half-breed, you're bound there—you cannot leave."

"So, your brother would be trapped inside too," Subaru deduced. "But that still doesn't explain what's stopping Roswaal. He could leave if he wanted."

Frederica shook her head. "That, I don't know. My best guess is that Garf must be enforcing some sort of restriction. But if that were the case, Master Roswaal wouldn't be so easily held back. Only Ram and Lady Beatrice would know his true motives."

Subaru frowned, considering that. "Roswaal always plays things too close to the chest."

Then, as if remembering something, he set his tea down and stood. "I need to check on something. There's a certain librarian I need to speak with."

"Of course," Frederica nodded. "I'll handle things here."

Felt tilted her head. "Librarian? Oh, is this that Beatrice chick you were talking about?"

"You two would get along," Subaru chuckled dryly before heading off.

He wandered the halls, searching for the right door. The three books Roswaal had left him were tucked under his arm, their presence weighing on him both physically and mentally. Finally, a closet door seemed… right. When he pushed it open, he found himself stepping into the Forbidden Library.

As always, Beatrice was seated in her oversized chair, nose buried in that same massive, black tome. Subaru glanced around the dimly lit room—everything was exactly as he remembered it.

"What do you want, I suppose?" Beatrice asked, not even bothering to look up.

"I have questions," Subaru said, tossing the books onto the small table that usually held a tea set. "Mostly about Roswaal."

"What would I know about him, I suppose?" she muttered dismissively.

"You tell me." Subaru crossed his arms. "These books—Roswaal left them for me before he and the others left for the Sanctuary. I want to know why. They came from your library, didn't they? So he must have told you something."

Beatrice sighed heavily. "You think he needs my permission to take what he wants?"

"Yes."

That made her look up, eyes narrowing in mild annoyance. "He only said you needed them for studying. And that you had a task to complete."

Subaru frowned. "A task?"

Did he mean stopping the Cult? How could he have known? Did he expect me to learn magic strong enough to fight them in just a few days?

"That was all?" he asked, unconvinced.

Beatrice huffed. "What more do you want? That woman must have told you something, I suppose."

"So you're saying he told you nothing?" Subaru pressed.

"No. Why would he?" Beatrice snapped, clearly growing irritated.

Subaru scratched his chin. Either Roswaal was keeping her in the dark, or she was playing coy.

"I have one more question," he said, narrowing his eyes. "Where were you during the Witch Cult attack?"

Beatrice finally looked up fully, her expression unreadable. "What do you mean?"

"You never left this room," Subaru stated. "You didn't put up any defenses, didn't try to help in any way. I know you could have."

Beatrice huffed again. "Betty is more than strong enough to deal with intruders, I suppose."

"But not strong enough to help us?" Subaru challenged.

Beatrice's lips pressed into a thin line. "Betty knew you would stop them."

"Did you? Or were you just avoiding getting involved?" Subaru accused. "I had to kill Sloth myself. If I hadn't had help, if things had gone just a little differently…"

Again, and again, and—

"You… killed the Sin Archbishop?" Beatrice suddenly asked, her voice softer than before. "Which one?"

"Sloth," Subaru answered, watching her reaction.

Beatrice's fingers tightened on the edge of her book. For the first time, she looked… sad.

"So… you've left me too," she murmured under her breath.

"Beatrice?"

Subaru blinked. "What?"

Beatrice flinched, looking startled. "What?"

"You just said something," Subaru insisted, scanning the room. "Someone just said your name."

Beatrice's brow furrowed. "You must be losing your mind. There's no one else here, I suppose."

Subaru shivered involuntarily, a chill crawling up his spine.

"Yeah… maybe I am," he muttered.

"What happened to his Witch Factor?" Beatrice asked, her voice unusually serious.

Subaru blinked at her, confused. "You mean the thing that gave him those creepy black hands?" He arched an eyebrow. "Wouldn't that have died with him?"

Beatrice let out a long-suffering sigh, her tiny hands clutching at her book as though she were resisting the urge to throw it at him. "You are a horrible apprentice mage, I suppose," she muttered. "No, it would not."

Subaru's stomach twisted. The memory of the battle clawed its way back into his mind—the grotesque, oil-slick tendrils of darkness writhing, reaching for him in Petelgeuse's final moments. The way they had clung, desperate and grasping, before fading into nothing. Or… had they?

His throat felt dry. Surely not…

"Well," Subaru forced a chuckle, trying to shove the growing unease to the back of his mind. "I'm sure it'll turn up somewhere."

Beatrice snapped her book shut with a sharp thud, her sharp gaze pinning him in place. For a moment, she simply studied him, something unreadable in her expression.

Then, with a small huff, she turned her nose up and reopened her book. "Well, that is all," she said curtly. "If you want answers, you should find Roswaal in the Sanctuary, I suppose. I refuse to say anything more."

Subaru felt his hands clench at his sides. The weight in her tone, the pointed way she avoided his gaze—she knew something. Something important.

And somehow, he had the sinking feeling that whatever it was, it was already far too late to stop it.

A/N: Hello everyone! Slower-paced chapter, the next chapter is going to be fun. Can't wait to see you all then! 3/23/25. Onto Reviews:

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Boris 0-0: Insane work, one of the best fics that are updating, you even tell when the next chapter is going to be released, this has infinite potential, i hope most of the writers worked soooo good.

YOU GETTING MARRIED?! CONGRATS

Thanks! Excited about the wedding! I'm glad you like my work.

atikchafik2004: please on god don't make felt and subaru have a romantic relationship they're better as siblings and as for having romantic relationship make it with Emilia she seems to be the closest one to have a relationship with subaru but anyway great chapter.

Emilia is more of a friend right now. Subaru finds her attractive for sure, but that's about it as of right now. As for Felt, Subaru sees her as a sister, though, how the other party feels...

LordAries34: I really hope Subaru decides to stay with Emilia I just love them together so much

Why would he pick Emilia over his family? Staying with her camp would be such a 180 for him. He's not anti-Emilia, and it's not like they're not interacting a lot. If you mean romantically, that's possible.

Duoliss: I love the direction of the story so far. I hope you don't make Subaru and Felt a romantic paring, They are better as siblings anyway. Plus Emilia is right there

I love shipping wars, haha. Emilia is 100% an option, Felt is possible, though not as likely. So is Rem, and a few others.

AlfaDarkness: Good chapter, actually I wouldn't mind seeing Subaru and Felt together, since apparently Subaru's loyalty is with her more than with Emilia, plus too bad for Rom he'll be gone for a long time.

Rom is on the backburner for a while, sadly. The first comment that is pro-Felt! It would be a little odd given their relationship up to this point.

Iora: You write everything with such amazing quality, I really wonder how Subarus and felts relationship will progress now!

Second comment, haha. It will change a little going forward.

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See you all soon!