A/N: If any of you were slightly caught off guard towards the end of the last chapter with what went on with Puck and Roswaal, and maybe had thought "well that was rather extreme of you to write, author-san", that's actually how it occurs in all the other adaptations other than the anime. Puck and Roswaal actually discuss doing it beforehand in a short story, so the entire thing was more or less planned, with Roswaal being the architect of the idea and him relying on Puck to play his role. I think cutting it really is a disservice to Emilia's character, not to mention the motivations and convictions it lets her voice because of it too, so I'm hopeful it inspires some of you reading this to go see the real version of it in the manga or light novel.

Without further ado, and thanks again to my proofreaders, here's the next chapter!

Chapter 83: Round Two

Having not clearly gotten the reaction he had hoped for, Subaru was left dumbfounded at the negative and jeering looks he was getting from everyone around him.

With Miklotov asking if this declaration was serious, Roswaal was left to back-peddle on Subaru's outburst, but perhaps only catching YN's attention, Roswaal never actually affirmed Subaru was incorrect. Rather, it seemed more as of Roswaal was simply saying he was "misguided."

However, with the topic brought up, the Council inquired on Emilia's lack of an actual knight, unlike the other candidates. Again, catching YN's attention, Roswaal had gone off elaborating on the qualities that a knight would need to have, but had worded in such a way that it might bend the definition to fit Subaru, based on his former actions and deeds.

What is he getting at here?

Yet, not letting YN dwell deeper on those thoughts, a voice from behind sounded out and approached Subaru, moving past YN.

Finding issue with those qualities, it was Julius, the "Finest" of knights.

Speaking of qualifications and work put in as also key aspects of being a knight, Subaru had poorly rebuked those aspects, —aspects held dearly by the columns of knights that stood directly behind YN. While he knew their frustration, stirred up by Julius and Subaru's out loud and center of attention argument, was focused on Subaru, he could feel their eyes on his back too, labeling him as guilty by association.

Gulping back at a lump in his throat, it did not go down easily as it competed with the second hand embarrassment still lingering in his chest from Subaru's continued display of arrogance.

I understand his feelings, but he needs to see what it's doing to Emilia!

Seeing as the half-elf was being driven further and further into ridicule by this continued squabble, Julius had noticed it as well. Being a knight as he was through, he took her feelings into consideration and turned away from Subaru, ending their argument.

Julius: You are most obstinate.

Turning to walk away, his knight cape was flung up.

Julius: I have no further words to exchange. While I understand your determination to protect what is precious to you, I will not acknowledge you as a knight, in any capacity.

Looking over his shoulder, Julius concluded his involvement.

Julius: —As a knight would never make the one they swear to stand by wear such an expression.

Finally turning to see the consequences of his actions, Subaru saw the same dejection in Emilia's eyes YN had been forced to bear witness to as well.

Subaru: Emilia-tan, I—!

Emilia: That's enough, Subaru...

Hearing nothing but defeat in her voice, it was clear she was worried that all the momentum she had gained from her speech only a short while ago was now ripped away. Summoning the last remaining bit of conviction she could muster, Emilia bowed once more to the Council.

Emilia: Esteemed member's of the Sage Council, please forgive this waste of your time. He shall withdraw immediately.

Hearing her dismiss him as such, Subaru was left visually shocked. While YN felt bad for him, it was only to a point.

He did bring this on himself...

Waving his hand in reply, Miklotov spoke.

Miklotov: I would say it was time well spent, and allowed us a deeper understanding of your potential as King. He has shown to everyone present that you are not the vestige of something wicked the world may think you are.

While his words had little effect on Emilia's current condition, he went on, nonetheless.

Miklotov: You have a fine vassal, Emilia-sama. Two of them in fact.

Looking over to YN, the elder Council member then turned to Roswaal.

Miklotov: Would I be correct to assume that?

Referring to when YN had spoken up to Bordeaux, Miklotov sought more information on him from his master.

Roswaal: Yes, Miklotov-sama. His name is YN-kuuuun.

Miklotov: 'YN...'

Stroking his beard, Miklotov concluded his questions as YN's face turned a hue of pink with more attention being drawn to him in light of all that was going on.

Miklotov: I look forward to seeing how they further empower you.

With a nod to Emilia as he said that to her, she bowed her head once more before she looked weakly at first to Subaru, still hurt by his actions, and then somewhat more confidently at YN. Emilia shook her head to the Council member before turning to stand by her fellow Candidates once more.

Emilia: Subaru is no vassal of mine.

Hearing such blunt words, Emilia had denied Subaru undoubtedly.

Emilia...

While he realized that Emilia hadn't said the same for himself, YN knew that at this moment, Subaru was just as, if not more so broken then Emilia was from that same realization.

Subaru...

As Subaru stared at ground, unable to move, the chamber seemed to move into an impromptu recess, given everything that had just occurred. With chatter lighting up the room once more, YN and Subaru remained silent, standing still as they could, but that wouldn't last for long.

Approaching the self proclaimed knight, was the Knight Commander himself.

Marcus: Why don't you take a breather outside, huh?

While he had phrased it as a suggestion, the tone in which he had said it was a demand. And in no mood to create more tension, Subaru barely nodded as he began to shuffle away and towards the exit.

Letting him get nearly halfway there though, YN couldn't in good faith let Subaru go alone.

Taking a quick few steps to where Emilia stood next to other Candidates, Marcus and the knights of those around him watched YN as he came in close contact to the other Candidates.

Seeing her expression lighten slightly and a bit of life return to her amethyst eyes, Emilia smiled weakly at YN.

Emilia: YN...

Catching her eye though, was Subaru, slowly moving towards the back of the room, and to the exit. Knowing she was aware of him, YN wasted no time.

YN: I'm going to go keep an eye on him.

While somewhat upset he would be leaving, Emilia nodded.

Emilia: That may be for the best. Yes.

Seeing as the other Candidates were eyeing him, YN stiffened his back before bowing.

YN: Thank you, Emilia-sama.

Replying as courteously as he could before departing, it seemed to do little for what the other Candidates perceived of him.

Oh well, why do I care what they think?

Reminding himself that it mattered to Emilia, YN pursued his fellow traveling companion, hoping to reach him before he got too far along.

In the hall before the chamber where Rem and YN had been before the beginning of the Conference, the two who had departed from the Selection Room sat on a single bench.

Having taken a seat next to him, it was Subaru who had moved away, and turned to face away from YN.

Exchanging no words between each other, they each sat with their elbows on their knees, one wearing a face of regret, the other of concern.

I hope Subaru isn't mad at me...

Remembering how they each had been brought up as "vassals" to Emilia, it had only been Subaru who had been denounced as such.

Looking over to his friend, his face remained turned, but his gaze did catch one of the two guards who YN and Rem had come in contact with before entering the Citadel. Coincidentally, he'd been "reassigned" to the corridor that Subaru had taken his recess into.

They're keeping an eye on him too it seems. They probably think he's crazy...

While YN knew Subaru was no madman, he did know he was eccentric to say the least.

The difference is, the guards would only stop him from entering back into the Chamber. if he ran back out of the Keep in tears shouting for the sweet release of death before jumping off a ledge or a bridge, they wouldn't bat an eye.

Perhaps worried Subaru thought of the same cold thoughts about the guards as he did of himself, he had no words to express the difference to him. But as it began to feel as if the two would spend the entire rest of the Conference in silence, stewing in their own pots of negativity, the opening of the main door filled the hall with the sound of change.

Beginning first as a large silhouette with two paces being heard, one of the clack of armor against the ornate tile floor, and the other being a slow paced, long strided *THUD,* two people came into view.

First was the other guard YN and Rem had come across. With both of the two door guards present, YN turned his attention to the third guest, his large, grizzled face and body entering into a light where he could see who this was.

That's—!

Right Guard: Please pardon the intrusion, but we must proceed by.

Making eye context, Rom and YN immediately recognized each other, but did so to keep their faces neutral, knowing that if that air familiarity was detected, it could spell more trouble for them both.

Left Guard: You know damn well that the Conference is going on. Whatever... this is, it'll have to wait!

Right Guard: Given the circumstances of this man's crimes, it cannot wait. We need orders from the Knight Commander himself.

As the two guards bickered, Subaru had turned his attention to what was happening before him as he continued to sulk, yet as he saw who was prisoner here, he was pulled out of the lake that was his self-pity and remorse and thrust into his own surprised self.

Subaru: It's—!

Exclaiming out loud, Rom looked away, but it was for naught.

Left Guard: Wha—? Huh?

With Subaru failing to notice the iron cuffs and chains on the hulking giant, the guards did take notice of the two's shared glances.

Right Guard: What's up with you? You don't know this intruder, do you?

Already suspicious of Subaru due to his outburst, each of the guards now eyed Subaru with ill intent, wondering if his ploys of disrespect to the Knights was more deep seated then it had appeared to be.

Giving YN a brief look of "I can't believe he's this stupid," Rom snorted.

Rom: What's that? Is a raggedy old man that foreign of a sight to you? Typical nobleman, sheltered away from us dirty common-folk and turning their noses up.

Spatting on the ground and covering beautifully for Subaru, the black haired boy hadn't gotten a clue based on what his facial expression still read.

Left Guard: Hey! You watch that tongue of yours or I'll make sure it's cut out!

Seeing YN give Subaru a judgemental look on his thick-skulledness, Rom went for option two and looked to him as the Guards berated him with foul words.

Looking at YN, and then turning his eyes to the doors of the Chamber, he asked the only question to which he of all people would be here.

He's looking for Felt, he's gotta be.

Having asked if his goal was down the hall or not, YN nodded to the giant, confirming that she was where he had suspected.

Giving a small grin to YN's acute analysis, his expression turned sour once more as the Guards now knew they were being ignored.

Right Guard: Hey! We're speaking to you! Answer or we'll— GUAH!

Elbowing the mouthy guard, Rom's entire arm matched the Guard's face in pure diameter and then some, making for a massive strike right off the bat.

Left Guard: Hey! Arg!

Making use of his bound hands, Rom moved both his arms around the advancing Guard who tried to draw his sidearm, but quickly had his arms pinched in by the massive bear-hug he was now getting. Suplexing him, Rom launched the Guard's body with his massive strength.

With both Guards down for the count, the giant released a gruff of anger.

Rom: Just you wait for me... Felt.

Going to stomp off, YN stopped him.

Rom: If you're going to warn me about all the men dressed as tin cans ahead, I'm well aware.

YN: Not just that—

Referring to the knights ahead, YN moved swiftly to grab the massive pair of cuffs that had bound the giant's hands. He tried to use a key he had just retrieved off one of the fallen Guard's belts, but to his surprise—

Rom: Think for a moment.

Pulling his bound hands high above YN, Rom denied his assistance.

Rom: If they see that key missing and my big oaf-y hands free, they'll suspect that you're trying to help me.

Knowing he was exactly right, YN dropped the key from his hands, and moved to let the giant pass.

Yet, seeing he only wished to help, the old man closed his eyes and smirked, silently thanking YN for his intuition, clearly seeing he hadn't thought ahead and was simply planning on barging in, hands still bound.

Going to pass him, and getting ready to charge the door and make the biggest entrance he could possible, the old man gave them each a look before heading off.

Rom: You all should stay out here. The fewer that get to see a bunch of knights get squashed by an old man, the less their pride'll be hurt.

Nodding to the giant's conviction, YN left him with his final words.

YN: Give 'em hell, Rom-san.

Shaking his head, he set off the beginning of his charge to the door, starting slow, but building speed as he went along.

Rom: Drop the formalities, and just call me' Old Man Rom' damnit!

Crashing through the door, sending splinters and metal hinge pieces everywhere, YN sat back down on the bench, and did his best to put on the aura he wasn't involved with the chaos of the Chamber Room now unfolding.

As Subaru wanted to go see all the shouting and yelling himself, he sat back down on his better judgment, this time next to YN and not away on his own.

Looking at Subaru, YN tried breaking the icy wall that still seemed to surround Subaru.

YN: Look at this way, maybe this will overshadow what you did.

Finding it hard to not follow his logic, Subaru shook his head, but cracked a slight smile as he did.

Subaru: Yeah, maybe. Hopefully.

Reinhard: Subaru! YN!

After watching the Chamber Room let loose its occupants YN and Subaru had sat patiently as they passed, no one wishing to pay them any mind, until now.

Subaru: Oh, Reinhard, Ferris.

Standing to greet the two knights, Subaru spoke first.

Subaru: Is the Conference already over?

Reinhard: Yes, although the Candidates are staying to discuss the finer details of it all. Most of the Selection will take place behind closed doors, this was simply a way of introducing them to the public and letting them set their own perception.

YN: So the Candidates haven't been announced yet until today? I thought Crusch was already a fan favorite.

Felix: While it's no surprise Crusch-sama is the front runner, mews of her Candidacy got around quickly with her being the Duchess.

Reinhard: And the same goes for Priscilla-sama and Anastasia-sama. While each of them had proven their legitimacy on their own terms, it wasn't technically official until today.

YN: So Emilia and Felt were the last two to be announced today.

Reinhard: Exactly. While Emilia-sama had been confirmed to the Council for several months, she hadn't had quite the following as the other three at the time, so there were no groups to rumor about her, and any speculation that had gotten out that a 'silver haired half-elf' was the fourth Candidate was quickly written off as being too ludicrous.

Subaru: —Tch, typical.

Getting upset once more at the prejudice Emilia faced, Reinhard gave the black haired boy a weak look and scratched the back of his fiery-red head.

Reinhard: I also heard Emilia-sama had run into trouble at an event in a village close to the Kararagi border when she tried announcing her own Candidacy.

YN: Yeah, that was quite the fiasco.

Reinhard: Part of the reason this Conference was drawn up was for her to finally announce herself, as this was the safest place to do so.

Felix: It would be pretty hard for a monster and dragon to get in here with all of us Knyites around, huh? Speaking of which—

Taking a step forward and looking at the two closer, the cat eared demi-human crossed his arms.

Felix: Which of you injured your Gates during that attack? Was it you?

Poking YN on the nose, Felix asked his question.

YN: T-That was Subaru. If it wasn't for him, we'd have been crushed by the monster for sure.

Felix: 'Monster?' What about the dragon?

Stepping back and folding his arms once more, Felix's ears twitched with confusion and looked at Subaru, hoping for answers.

Subaru: I wasn't around for the dragon after passing out. The last thing I did was make an escape route from the monster with four arms. YN handled the dragon.

With both Reinhard and Felix now looking at YN, he waved his hands in reprisal.

YN: A-All I did was blind it. And Rem helped too!

Felix: So you just ran away? Booooring.

Somewhat disappointed he didn't get to hear of a tale of slaying a dragon, Reinhard tried to play down Felix's harsh judgment of the reality of the situation.

Reinhard: It still takes quite the amount of effort to outsmart a dragon like that. I'm sure with Rem's help, you'll be a proper dragon slayer one day.

Trying to wear the joke as well as he could, YN scratched his cheek.

Like that'll ever happen.

Subaru: Hey, uh—

With Subaru interjecting, he pointed back down the hall to the haphazardly reattached door to the Chamber Room.

Subaru: Shouldn't you two be at the side of your Candidates?

Reinhard: While I would like to always be at her side to assist her, I have the utmost faith in Felt-sama that this is something she needs to do on her own, and I'm sure Ferris can say the same.

Felix: Yep! Ferri isn't nearly as strong as Crusch-sama, he has other talents ya nyow.

Poking Subaru's nose much like how he had to YN, he suddenly seemed to stand a bit straighter and had a bit more life to his eyes.

Subaru: Woah, all the fatigue in my body just vanished.

Recalling their talk on the mansion steps, YN chimed in.

YN: If I remember right, Ferris, you've been awarded the title of Blue, correct? Your healing magic must be your strongest ability.

Felix: Yep!

Being happy to be recognized for his talents, his cat eared bounded with joy as he smugly basked in the limelight.

I'm curious then. If there's 'Blue,' and Roswaal is Red, Green, and Yellow, is there a 'White' and 'Black' for the best Yang and Yin users?

Felix: You both should be really thankful Emilia-sama hired me to treat both of your Gates.

Leaning towards YN and speaking softer, he finished putting himself on airs.

Felix: Although I doubt you'll need any treatment. After feeling you, you've got something entirely different going on.

Giving YN a wink, he wanted to inquire what Felix meant by that.

Something else? Is this related to what Rem was asking of Emilia the day we got back?

Remembering how even Rem was upset the news about himself wouldn't be shared to her, YN had forgotten to follow up with that.

I think I have a right to know what that is!

YN: Uh, Ferris-san, what do you mean by that?

Felix: Well, Emilia-sama didn't tell me exactly what it was, but she said I'd knyow when I see it.

With a brief silence between them all after saying that, YN had wanted to ask him flat out to just say what it was, but rather, Subaru spoke up, guilt on his words once more.

Subaru: I-I can't speak for YN, but since it sounds like I'm going to be more to deal with, can I refuse that treatment?

Felix: Nyot exactly. Compensation has already been paid.

Lifting up a finger as he spoke, Felix kept his happy demeanor.

Subaru: Can't you just... I don't know? Refund her?

Felix: Hmm, how do I put it...? It's not exactly a payment she made, but rather something once you know about it, you can't give it back.

Sighing at hearing the news, Subaru kicked the ground.

Subaru: Man, all I'm doing is making more trouble for her with whatever I do...

While YN had wanted to console Subaru from kicking himself while he was down, a new voice entered the conversation.

?: If you dread your own uselessness, there is only one way to deal with that.

With all four hearing the familiar voice, the "Finest Knights" had joined the conversation.

Subaru: —Tch, what do you want?

Falsely suspecting Julius intended to start hostilities then and there, YN saw Subaru tense up and heard the anger in his voice. But knowing Reinhard and Felix wouldn't permit such deeds here, YN remained calm as the confrontation brewed.

Julius: Natsuki Subaru, follow me to the sparring ring, we have business there.

Adjacent to the Chamber hall, the building YN and Subaru had been led through was attached to both the Citadel and the Guard House where the Knights resided in their barracks when on duty rest.

Having passed several armories and other areas related to the Knight's operations, they had arrived at a large, open room with two levels, and very high ceilings. With magic crystal lights at the top and perimeter of the large dome ceiling, it reminded both of its otherworldly visitors of grandstand lights at a sporting arena.

Finding themselves at the center of the sparring arena used by the Knights, YN stood at Subaru's flank while Julius stood opposite of them, with Reinhard to his flank, and Felix between the two groups. Looking around, YN observed the crowd of knights up on the second level, all either looking at them, or more specifically, Subaru, with discontent, or great anticipation of what would come next.

Subaru really did manage to piss off everyone in there with his words...

With what appeared to be a knight in training handing Julius a simple, wooden sword, with the utmost respect, he then tossed a second one to Subaru's feet before spitting in his direction. Picking up the faux blade, Subaru gave it a few practice swings while Reinhard pleaded to Julius to not go through with this.

Reinhard: Julius, this isn't like you. Please, reconsider—

Julius: My dear friend, you know I cannot do so.

Pointing the tip of his sparring sword at Subaru, Julius answered Reinhard while looking at Subaru.

Julius: This man has belittled the very core of our honor and chivalry as knights.

Now projecting the tip of the wooden blade in the direction of all those standing on the upper level, the "Finest Knight" continued.

Julius: That is how everyone in attendance feels.

Returning the point of his sword to his feet, Julius stood as regal as a knight would, bracing himself on his sword.

Julius: Natsuki Subaru, you would normally be cut down for uttering such dishonor, but as Emilia'-sama's vassal, —even if she says otherwise, we are forced to resolve this matter with these sparring swords.

Undoing his regal cape with the snap of a button, Julius cast it aside.

Julius: Prove yourself to me if you can, not with words of conviction, but with the strength of a sword.

Subaru: — — —

Seeing as Subaru was processing his clear outcome of being pummeled, YN tried convincing him of it as well.

YN: Subaru, there's no shame in backing out of this. You know damn well you don't have a chance. This guy is a knight like Reinhard is. Think about what Emilia-sama might say if—

Subaru: —You're right, the odds are basically zero, but—

Pointing his wooden blade at the Knight, Subaru advanced to his own starting spot in the sparring arena.

Subaru: —I've got a streak of failing that I need to uphold.

Doubling down on his own actions, YN was forced to take a step back and let the match begin.

Julius: Ferris, please do be sure to referee this fairly.

Unable to deny a friend his request, Felix could only nod and give a weak look of pity to Subaru.

Felix: Good luck Subawu. Anything that happens I'll be able to fix, so long as you don't die.

Subaru: —Tch. Why not say the same thing to him too?!

Julius: I appreciate your concern, but even Ferris knows I will not require it.

Felix: Now, let the match between Subawu and Julius begin! Let each do their best!

With combat officially started, the first clack of wooden swords hadn't even sounded before YN had moved to the side of the squire that had presented each combatant with their sparing blade.

Placing a hand firmly on the young knight's shoulder, YN used a tiny bit of his mana to enhance his strength. While the knight in training was clearly younger then both him and Subaru, YN had to rely on this trick and the age difference to successfully coerce him, whispering to him just as the match truly began.

YN (whisper): I think you might know the consequences of this match if it's dragged out too long. Go fetch Emilia-sama from the Chamber Room so this foolishness can be put to rest. It's better you do it than I do.

Placing an air of intimidation on his words, at first the young knight looked unconvinced until YN finished his vague threat.

YN (whisper): I'm sure you'd not like to be the one responsible for cleaning up the blood stains of a confidant to the candidate who wields not only a Great Spirit, but the appearance of the Witch of Envy.

Holding his ground, YN drove home the point.

YN (whisper): She did only promise to not use her power to usurp the Throne. She said nothing about using restraint when it came to personal matters like this.

Squire: —hk!

Giving a look of defeat to YN, the young knight nodded and made a hasty exit in the direction of the Chamber Room. Sighing as he departed, YN brushed his brow as he let the tension of his bluff escape.

I hate using Emilia as an intimidation tool, but I know she'd allow it given what's going to happen.

Watching as Subaru took his first strike to his body, it had been on his brow. As he wiped blood where YN had only wiped sweat from his, he gave him his sincerest sympathies.

Just hang in there until Emilia gets here, Subaru.

Knowing the half elf was the only one who could get Subaru to stand down, he could only hope that the young squire was diligent in his "assigned" task.

*Knock Knock*

Squire: Please, pardon my instruction.

Marcus: What is the meaning of this?

Having barged into the Chamber Room's side conference hall, the squire YN had tasked with seeking out Emilia had arrived, but was halted at the entrance by the Knight Commander himself.

Squire: Marcus-sama, I've been instructed to inform Emilia-sama of the match currently going in the sparring arena...

Realizing how unimportant that sounded saying it aloud, Marcus laid into the young Knight.

Marcus: And just what makes that so important to interrupt this meeting of all the Royal Candidates?! Who sent you here for this?!

Barking out questions as the other Candidates looked about, the young knight did his best to keep his composure.

Why would I need to know about a sparring match?

Putting a hand to her chin, Emilia wondered what all this was leading to.

Squire: One of Emilia-sama's retainers sent me here, the match is—

Stepping in front of him, Marcus began to jab his finger into the chest of the young knight, belittling him.

Marcus: It is not your duty to take orders from just anybody! Once this meeting is over, I expect you to—!

Emilia: —Wait.

Standing from her seat, Emilia addressed the two at the door.

Emilia: The person who sent you. Who was it?

Expecting it to be someone who might have had authority over the young knight, Emilia predicted it may have been Rem, if not Roswaal, but the subject of it being about a sparring match still perplexed her.

Squire: It was a young man dressed as a worker, a groundskeeper of such perhaps... I did not get his name.

Practically having steam jet from his ears, Marcus now bellowed at the young knight's explanation.

Marcus: You don't even have this person's name?! I—!

Emilia: YN. It had to be YN.

Knowing exactly who had requested the young knight to fetch her, Emilia now could only wonder why he had. But as she tried to think, a new voice entered the conversation.

Anastasia: Must be a whole heap of trouble to have two outspoken retainers like that, huh?

Somewhat mocking the half-elf, Emilia chose to ignore her comments as she asked for more information.

Emilia: What is this sparring match about?

Stepping aside to let the young knight answer, Marcus bowed to Emilia to let them converse.

Squire: Again, please pardon the intrusion, but the match is between the man who claimed to be your knight, as well as the recognized knight of Anastasia Hoshin-sama.

Anastasia: Oh-ho-ho?

Fervently amused by the news, it was the opposite for Emilia.

Emilia: Subaru? And Julius?!

Shocked at the idea, she was all too aware why this was going on, and knew full and well what the result would be.

YN knew the danger too! That's why he sent for me!

Emilia: Please! Take me there now! I'll put a stop to this!

Rushing out of the room, the young knight stepped back into the hall to lead the way.

Squire: I shall guide you there. Knight Commander—

Marcus: See to it you don't waste her time. You are dismissed.

Speaking to him with a renewed sense of faith, the young knight made his exit. With the doors now shut once more, the topic however, was not dropped.

Crusch: Will you not also go?

Speaking to her fellow Candidate, Anastasia responded with an amused smile.

Anastasia: Juli is more than capable of handing himself, ya know. I don't plan on scolding him, I'm sure our man in shining armor over there will be the one to slap his wrist if he needs it.

Shrugging as she concluded, the meeting continued with Emilia absent.

*WACK* *WACK* *WACK*

The match hadn't been going on for long, but at present, Subaru was surely on the losing end. While he hadn't successfully landed a single hit, Julius had landed several dozen, and was currently in the process of trying to double that number.

Battered and beaten, it was hit after hit for Subaru. While his face turned more and more bruised, it was all YN could do to not jump in himself.

Intervening might be a massive blow to Emilia's honor by proxy... Damn it!

Cursing his own inability to help, he began to stress over when Emilia was going to finally show up.

Emilia can't get here any quicker!

Giving Subaru a breather, Julius pushed his periwinkle hair back as he tried to get himself to his knees by leaning on his sword.

Squinting through eyes nearly swollen shut, Subaru's face was covered in black and purple bruises as he was finally able to stand.

Julius: I will allow you the opportunity now to admit your defeat, if you so desire. Any further and your life may be in danger.

Wiping blood from his lip, Subaru slowly shook his head.

Subaru: It's gonna take a whole hell of a lot more to kill me then this.

Moving his wooden blade to shed some of the blood off of it, Julius replied with a simple "Oh?"

Julius: You speak as if you've experienced that before.

Subaru: You could say something like that.

Looking over to YN, Subaru had underhandedly referred to Return By Death, but in a way that yielded no consequences. But drawing his attention back to fight, Julius raised his sword up high.

Julius: Then I'm afraid you've left me no other choice then to make this something you remember.

Getting a decisive strike ready, Julius began to slowly close the distance between the two.

Julius: While Ferris is capable of healing you so you don't scar physically, I will have to scar your memory with this last blow.

Too exhausted to even mount a proper defense, YN found it all too unlike Subaru to give up and be struck down here. While he couldn't explain it, he somehow had an acute feeling he knew what Subaru's next move would be.

He's got something planned...

Worried what this would be, the sudden sound of shuddering doors opening caught everyone's attention.

Emilia: Subaru!

About time!

Garnering even Julius' attention, the only one who hadn't looked over was Subaru, and using that to his advantage, he charged.

Shit!

Seeing his plan, YN could only watch as it seemed Subaru moved in slow motion. Had he been just a bit faster at the close distance he was from the distracted "finest knight," he may have gotten a hit in here, yet—

Julius: Still too slow—

Subaru: Shamak!

Engulfing the entire sparring area with a inky black fog, everyone had been completely caught off guard besides YN and Emilia.

He's not trying to win anymore, he's just trying to get in one good hit, meaning he'll be as reckless as it takes!

Emilia: Subaru! Your Gate—!

Going to charge in out of pure concern, Emilia was halted by a single arm blocking her path.

Reinhard: Emilia-sama, please wait. It's far too dangerous for you right now with—

Subaru: —Gah!

Being launched from his own Yin spell, Subaru was tossed across the sparring arena, his wooden sword flying from his grip and landing near YN.

As he rolled in pain, Subaru's Shamak was blown away with a single swing of Julius' sword.

Julius: While I commend you for being resourceful, I'm afraid that little trick would not have worked on a single knight here.

Approaching Subaru, he raised his wooden blade up high.

Julius: Since your Master is now here, I'll be sure to mercifully end this now, but not in a way you can ever forget.

Emilia: Subaru! Julius!

Julius: I will make you realize that you are powerless.

Pushing past Reinhard's arm, Emilia ran forward, keen on keeping the final blow from occurring, but in her delayed reaction, there was not enough time for her to do anything of significance to stop it.

*CLACK*

Just as she winced her vision to look away, unable to see such pain be inflicted to Subaru, who had, despite everything, done the things he had done for her sake, the sound of wood-on-wood contact echoed in the sparring arena for the first time during the match.

YN: —Hk! Gah!

Having taken up the wooden blade that had been propelled to his feet, YN had closed the distance Emilia was unable to, and had met Julius' strike aimed for Subaru.

Emilia: YN!

Locking swords, YN was forced to summon all his strength to keep Julius' from advancing any further. Feeling the mana in his body fuel his muscles, it was much like when he had used it to increase his strength at Rem's request in the White Fox's trial, and the fight with Ezzo shortly after.

While clearly not giving his end any serious effort, Julius appeared to find YN's actions amusing at the very least.

Julius: While I find it commendable, and quite brave of you to step in for your friend—

Turning his expression to one of distaste, Julius hammered down more force with his blade.

Julius: —you too, still don't understand the Honor of a knight.

Being forced to break from the lock, YN only narrowly side stepped a follow up swing from the knight before meeting blades once more.

*CLACK*

YN: I'd prefer sticking up for a friend than some lousy honor!

Breaking once more, Julius gave what was a series of lazy swings at him. Unable to dodge them, YN was forced to use his amplified strength to speed up his blocking swings just to protect himself.

*CLACK* *CLACK* *CLACK*

Julius: If you'd like, I'll allow you the opportunity to prove that with a bout. I'm warmed up at this point.

Catching a more serious swing, YN locked his wooden blade once more with Julius', but being forced to brace the flat of his blade with his other hand to compensate, Julius spoke as the two struggled.

Julius: It is obvious you are not trained with a sword, but you do hold a considerable amount of strength.

Commending YN for his resistance thus far, even Reinhard, who was now next to Emilia once more, was surprised, given the look on his face YN could see over Julius' shoulder.

Julius: While Subaru might have proclaimed himself to be Emilia-sama's knight, do you know what I think?

Reaching back, Julius hammered another blow onto YN's guard, forcing him to brace even harder. With their two faces so close now, Julius spoke to YN.

Julius: With that strength, that conviction, and your head, you'd make a far better knight for her.

Knowing that these words were far more hurtful to Subaru than any strike he himself had received in this bout, a small amount of rage built in YN, and with it, a renewed amount of mana came from a brief flash of white he saw in the corner of his eye.

YN: Don't say that!

Finding the strength to somehow push Julius back, he countered with a swing that YN was forced to sidestep once more, taking away any ability he had to counter attack himself.

With Emilia and Reinhard now to his back, the two locked wooden swords once more. YN's gained strength was now the only thing saving him as Julius became more and more serious in this fight.

Julius: It is obvious Emilia-sama has a great trust in you by her words and actions.

Referring to how she did not reject the idea of YN being a vassal of hers, and also based on how she spoke to him during his first meeting with Julius, he continued as he looked over YN's shoulder now at the half-elf's amethyst eyes, filled with emotion.

Julius: Just by the look in her eyes alone, I can confirm that. —But it's not only that. Perhaps, it's something more as well...

For some unknowable reason, these words sent a surge of anger through YN, causing more mana to empty itself inside him.

YN: I said—!

Moving his hand off the flat of his blade, the strength he now possessed was enough to hold back Julius on its own. Pulling mana into the palm of his free hand now, YN gripped the "Finest Knight's" wooden blade.

YN: —can-it!

Feeling a heat grow near his grip, Julius looked down at his own blade just as a blinding light filled his vision.

What?! Magic?!

Crushing the wood with his grip as it disintegrated with the intense heat and light of a Jiwald, Julius was left shocked.

Yang magic no less! But now—!

Watching as Julius was forced to feint back as blinding white light erupted between them, Reinhard and Emilia could hardly believe their eyes as Julius had manifested his own magic.

From his experience as knight, Julius was surprised he hadn't realized it sooner. He soon saw what YN was trying to do as his summoned defense went un-impacted.

I used my spirits to block his Yang magic at the last second, but his goal was not to hit me with it! It was—!

Looking down at his wooden sword, now reduced to little more than a wooden handle with white charcoal at its end, he saw YN come in for his gambled strike.

He's lost his sword! He's defenseless now!

Having brought his own blade up as the light was shined, YN now felt like every ounce of his strength was now channeled into bringing this strike right back down on the "Finest Knight."

With Julius' spirits poised to block a magic attack, not a physical one, and with the distance, speed, and potential YN's strike had, Emilia and Reinhard moved with haste.

YN: Gahh!

Mere fractions of a second from impact, Julius reorganized his spirits to form an offense and blast away YN, lest he potentially be gravely wounded by the impact that carried such an amazing strength.

Yet, neither one was able to land that hit.

*CLING*

Halting his wooden blade, despite the strength poured into it, a wall of ice suddenly formed between him and Julius. Masking their clear reception though the ice, YN could tell exactly what he saw behind its translucent, warped surface.

Having stopped Julius' magic retaliation via the strength of his contracted spirits by grabbing his wrist, it was Reinhard.

Making out his fiery red hair from behind the ice wall, YN knew the match had been ended.

With the only sound being the continued sizzle of the smoldering sword Julius still held, Emilia's voice rang out like a silver bell.

Emilia: That's enough! No more fighting!

Reinhard: That's right. This is now over.

Trying to pull his blade from the ice, YN suddenly lacked the strength to do so, but what more so concerned him now wasn't their intervention, but that—

YN: 'Over?!' Now?! Why now?! Why not when Subaru was being beaten like a dog?!

Yelling over the ice wall before him at the colored silhouettes of Julius, Reinhard, and Emilia behind the frosted obstruction, it suddenly vanished.

As his own sword, now free from the ice, fell to the ground with a dull rattle, Reinhard was just on the opposite side of YN where the ice wall had been.

Speaking in a lighter tone, Reinhard presented his reasoning to justify their former inaction.

Reinhard: You've disarmed your opponent, that's why.

Handing YN the still smoldering hilt that had been Julius' blade, he made his point.

Reinhard: Normally, this would be a victory for you—

Turning away now, Reinhard could see a similar frustration on his friend's face as his periwinkle hair was well and truly messied.

Reinhard: —but since we intervened, this will have to count as a draw.