A/N: Hello everyone! Sorry the last few chapters have been getting released later in the day than before. The move into the new house has still been ongoing and I've only just got my computer set up back to where it had been before. But, here we are at Chapter 96. Chapter 100 is going to be a pretty important one to this entire fic, so its fitting it got it's numbering as it did. I've got an art piece I commissioned for it as well. I thought I'd let everyone know though that I've got now Act III's final chapters in their rough draft so expect more releases before it's closure. Currently I'm working on ACT IV (Arc 4, Season 2 of the anime) and I think it's coming along well. Without further ado though, here's this weeks chapter! Please enjoy!

Chapter 96: Highway Robbery

Shutting the car door, Rem and YN stepped out onto the dirt road they were parked on. Surrounded by many other carriages, they all sat in a massive hold-up queue to exit the town of Fleur. All facing one direction, it was unfortunately the same way they had originally come from when first leaving the Mansion.

YN: Did the Highway already close? It wasn't closed when we went through here later in the day...

Double guessing what he said, YN thought it was odd to speak of the future in the past sense, but Rem understood what he meant.

Rem: Right now the way is closed until there is a definite answer if it is safe or not. Considering the detour YN-kun had to take with Rem before is nearly two days by carriage, many of the travelers would rather wait until there is a clear answer than waste time on the detour should the highway reopen.

With a hand to his chin, YN shrugged.

YN: I guess we already know the answer, but the question is if Emilia made it past the closure before it shut down.

Rem: We would have to look to be certain. Had this village been inside the Mather's Domain, Rem could have invoked Roswaal-sama's name and demanded a search.

Shaking his head to that, YN corrected Rem.

YN: We probably wouldn't want to do that anyway. We don't know if the thieves are already watching Emilia-sama or not, so it's probably for the best if we try to sneak her away and keep her under guard.

Rem nodded in reply, trusting YN's plan to work as quietly as they could.

Rem: We will have to see which carriage it is that houses Emilia-sama.

After Ram had departed the evening they had arrived, it was more or less assumed Roswaal flew himself back to the Mansion, thus leaving Emilia with no way to return to the Mansion other than a carriage provided by the Council of Sages and with a royal knight potentially as her guard and driver, should one volunteer.

YN: We have no clue what to look for either. Do we look for a guarded carriage or not?

Rem: Since there is not a detachment of guards with her, Rem can only assume they are traveling covertly.

YN: Meaning the driver won't obviously look like a knight, if they even are one, and Emilia-sama probably has to keep the blinds shut on the carriage.

Rem: That would most likely be the case.

YN: —tch. That's even if she's here still...

Frustrated, YN crossed his arms as he stared out at the large gathering of many carriages.

This is going to take a long time...

Stacked into two long lines, YN and Rem each took one, and walked down each side slowly casing out each carriage. Hoping that Emilia was still waiting in line and not already on the now closed highway getting further and further away from them. YN prayed a sign would present itself to either of them.

There are a lot of them we can rule out here though... Any flatbed or canvas covered carriages obviously won't have Emilia on board... We just need to keep an eye out for passenger ones.

Trying to ration and break down the task before him into a more streamlined plan, YN had walked nearly half his row, and Rem wasn't far past him.

If they actually disguised her carriage as something else, I'll—

Rem: YN-kun.

Stepping between the lines of carriages and ground dragons, Rem approached YN and moved him to the shadow of another large cargo carriage, out of sight.

YN: Rem, what is it?

Rem: —We are being watched.

YN: —!

Looking at him, YN tried to crane his head around to see, but Rem shook her head in reply.

Rem: They are now aware that we have spotted them and are regrouping.

With a serious tone on her voice, YN could tell Rem felt an immediate danger.

YN: Where were they?

Rem: Two on the rooftops, one on the ground.

Checking behind her as if on instinct, Rem further explained.

Rem: When YN-kun and Rem had split up, she continued to smell the Witch's Scent, and quickly realized there were two sources. —One of those being YN-kun.

YN: Another source of the Scent? I thought Subaru said the Witch Cult clearly wasn't involved in the theft...

Rem: It seems Subaru-kun may have been wrong. The one on the ground is the only one Rem could identify with a Scent however. The other two do not have it.

YN: Is it possible that one is just a Witch Cult informant? Like an observer?

With a shake of "no," Rem looked back up the rooftop around them.

Rem: Their movements are too coordinated to not be at the very least, working together.

As the mystery of the theft and the prowess of the Witch Cult just seemed to deepen, YN and Rem both felt they were at an impasse.

YN: We need a way to draw Emilia out while also not bringing attention to ourselves.

As YN pondered what they could do, it was Rem who thought more reactively. Recalling what YN had told her of the previous loop, she posed a question to him.

Rem: YN-kun said that in the very first loop, the Highway was closed and we were forced to take the detour with his car, correct?

YN: Yeah, but that wasn't until tomorrow. In the last loop the Highway was open but it was a lot later in the day...

Having arrived at Fleur while the sun still hung high in the sky, they had arrived much earlier on this first day compared to when they had to take the carriage offered by Crusch.

Rem: Rem is beginning to wonder if the Highway was reopened later in the evening for the night and the decision to close it again was made the following morning...

With a hand to her chin, Rem came to the only conclusion she could given what history told her. Going off that, she suggested the one thing they may be able to change.

Rem: YN-kun, Rem has an idea.

YN: I'm out of them, so I'll take whatever it is you have.

Smiling at the trust she was offered, Rem's spirits were lifted as she explained.

Rem: Let us change fate. If we can somehow keep the highway closed, that may disrupt the thieves plan and change things into our favor.

YN: How would we do that?

Rem: Currently, Rem would guess authorities in charge of the Highway are deciding if further down the way is covered with the Whale's Mist. If they can be convinced to shut down the highway, the carriages in line will have to filter to the detours. From there, it may be much easier to locate Emilia-sama based on what route they decide to take.

YN: I see... If we can alter what happens, we can better anticipate the results. But how are we going to do that?

Rem: The most certain way would be for them to be convinced that the White Whale is nearby by seeing the Mist.

YN: Rem, are you suggesting we somehow create a fake Mist?

Rem: Not exactly. But that would work. Again, as Rem guesses, the authorities are already suspecting that may be the case. If so, she believes it wouldn't take much to convince them. Lugunica's road's are some of the safest in the Four Nations, and their caution is a reason for that.

With the choice to use that caution to their benefit, YN believed the Fake Mist plan Rem suggested was the best way to do that. Thinking on how to actually pull that off though, he hatched one idea.

YN: Rem, like what we did to blind the Shapeshifting monster, what if we used that technique to create a bunch of steam? From a distance, it might look like the Mist if we make it big enough.

Rem: Absolutely not.

Sternly denying the idea, YN was dumbstruck at how quickly and sharply Rem disagreed.

Rem: That involved YN-kun using his Yang magic in such a capacity he passed out. With his Stagnant Gate, the effects of using his magic would be far too detrimental on his body.

Seeing that maybe she was being too harsh here, Rem relaxed her expression and stepped forward to hug YN softly.

Rem: Rem will not allow her YN-kun to harm himself in such a way.

Speaking softly, YN understood her, had the situation been the other way around, he would advocate for nothing less then what Rem was.

Coming apart from their embrace though, Rem still commended YN.

Rem: Rem hadn't considered using her own Water magic to assist in the creation of the fake Mist though. It is just like Rem's YN-kun to come up with such brilliant ideas, he has her utmost confidence because of it.

Always seeing YN in such a good light, he felt flattered by it, scratching his cheek before going back into thinking of a way to capitalize on the idea Rem praised.

YN: If we had another heat source, like a campfire, we could maybe heat your ice up and steam it...

Shaking her head though, Rem found a flaw in this plan.

Rem: That would require Rem holding her mana so that the ice remained solid while it was melted. As soon as she lost control or ran out of concentration, all the resulting water would fizzle back into mana...

YN: Damn it...

With a hand to his chin in thought, he tried thinking of another solution before Rem voiced a possible solution.

Rem: If the ice could be very quickly turned to steam as part of another influence, it would remain as such.

YN: So we have to flash heat it? Jeez...

Wondering how they could even manage that, YN began to draw more and more problems on how they could make the necessary heat without a copious amount of smoke that would also be produced.

If the authorities see a bunch of smoke, they'll be suspicious of the origin of the steam...

If there wasn't a way to use direct fire to melt Rem's ice into steam, they needed something that was just as hot as a sudden flash fire, yet produced no smoke.

Trying to imagine something like a piece of ice going into a deep fryer, the idea suddenly dawned on YN.

Wait a minute!

YN: Rem I have the perfect idea.

Rem: Oh? What would—?!

Taking Rem's hand, YN rushed them both back to his car. Getting in and starting it up, YN pulled away from the lines of carriages and headed back through the town in the way they had arrived.

Rem: W-Where is YN-kun going? What is his plan?

YN: You'll see. We aren't far from it.

Just outside of the town, he made a sharp turn into an area lined with many merchant carriages. It appeared as if the merchants had just arrived, and were beginning to form a circle to set up camp.

Rem: Traders?

Driving into the encampment, YN stopped his car for only a moment to survey the carriages all around them. Locking in on one, he drove right up to it. Without even shutting his car off, YN approached the one who sat at the drivers bench.

A man with a green hat, and silvery-gray hair watched them with wide eyes as he approached.

Otto: O-Oh! YN-san, correct? W-What brings you here so suddenly—

YN: Oil.

Recalling him as he did last time, Otto recognized the two with their "khar" as he was told it was called.

Otto: 'Oil?' W-What about it?

YN: I want to buy as much as I can fit in my car.

Otto: Huh? Huuuuh?!

Surprised beyond belief someone wished to buy his oil, Otto had no idea that YN knew he had made a bad purchase on buying so much in the current market conditions. The two quickly began to barter as Rem stared on in a confusing air of her own as she remained in the passenger seat of the car.

YN-kun must have some sort of an idea...

Smiling as she observed him talk with the merchant, she could see a twinkle in his eye.

It is during these times YN-kun's Rem is reminded of how far he will go for others...

As her Hero prepared to put his plan into motion, Rem motivated herself to help in any way she could, keen on always proving herself to him.

Having packed his trunk, back seat, and anywhere else he could with pottery filled with oil, YN finished strapping the large cylindrical container he had bought from another merchant to the roof of his car with rope he had bought from yet another merchant also in the caravan Otto was in.

YN: I don't think that's going anywhere.

Admittedly, Rem had begun to question what was going through his mind with this plan, but never did she doubt he wouldn't be acting without reason.

Otto: Umm, can I inquire what YN-san intends to do with that barrel? Is it for the oil?

Gesturing to the large pot-metal cylinder YN had just finished tightening down, which was only up there thanks to Rem's strength, he couldn't risk just speaking out loud of his plan.

I need to get the topic away from creating a fake mist...

YN: Oh this? Well, you know how they shut the highway down for the White Whale?

Otto: Eieye! You shouldn't say that so casually! But yes, that's why we set up camp here. The consensus was that it was unlikely they'd open it back up, but even if they do, we'll probably just set up camp here and wait.

Scratching the back of his covered head, Otto returned to the origin of the question.

Otto: But what does the White Whale have to do all that?

YN: Well, if it shows up, we're going to catch and deep fry it. Simple as.

Otto: Eat the White Whale?! Have you gone insane?!

Exclaiming loudly at such a foolish intention, many in the vicinity now had written off if YN had any ill intentions with his newly bought goods.

YN: Hey I bet I can fetch a whole Holy Coin if I can present the White Whale's eye, all golden brown to some Noble that likes exotic food.

Otto: AaAaAaAa... Ya know what? I don't really wanna know what you've got planned. Thank you for taking this oil off my hands but I shouldn't involve myself in this anymore.

Waving his hands about, Otto resigned from trying to understand anything YN had planned, choosing rather to go about sweeping out his newly emptied carriage.

Turning to Rem, she gave him a smile of endearment, knowing what he had planned wasn't as silly as he was making it sound.

Rem: Does YN-kun need any more assistance with his plan? Or does he have everything he needs?

YN: That's all we can hope to get now... We just gotta make sure it works, but I'll definitely need your help to pull it off.

With a pat on her gentle and soft blue hair, YN praised Rem as she always desired.

Rem: Then perhaps Rem can garner her reward early.

YN: Oh?

Not thinking much of what she may ask for, Rem opened the door to his driver's seat of the car, letting him in.

But, taking his seat, Rem also took hers.

YN: Huh? R-Rem?!

Sitting right on his lap and bringing her legs under the steering wheel, Rem looked back at YN while her small frame sat on his.

Rem: Unfortunately the oil YN-kun purchased has occupied Rem's seat, so she will need to sit here.

And she wasn't wrong. In the passenger seat, as well as the seat's foot-well was filled with vases and pots of oil, leaving nowhere for Rem to sit.

Knowing now there was no other choice, YN sighed and accepted the seating arrangement. Adjusting to make herself more comfy though, Rem teased YN in the worst way.

Rem: Rem sure hopes YN-kun doesn't get too excited while driving~~. It would be a shame if we encountered a rather rocky path and Rem started to bounce around too much~~.

Not encouraging her behavior as his face turned beet red, YN started the car, and gingerly drove to where he believed they would need to stage their plan.

The detour route leading to the village of Arlem YN had to take in the first loop was a simple road lined with forests on either side that extended as far back as Fleur. While still a distance from the main highway route that was set to be closed, that same forest could be seen at a great distance across the tall greasy plains after just leaving Fleur in that direction.

It was here, a small clearing that YN had negotiated and eased his car into the trees, and began to prepare for his plan.

Just concealed by the last few rows of trees before the land opened up to the sprawling grassland, he parked his car, and stepped out to see how far they still were from Fleur, using his hand to shield his eyes from the sun's glare.

YN: Good, I think the authorities where the highway closure begins will probably see what we have planned.

Like small ants on the horizon, YN could see them. And behind them awaited the long lines of carriages.

YN: And the wind is blowing in just the right direction. And not too strong too.

Returning back to where Rem awaited, she stood at attention like she was awaiting orders.

YN: Once everything kicks off, we're going to need to hurry back down the detour route to Fleur. We don't want to miss which carriage it might be that Emilia-sama is on.

Rem: And Rem will need to keep an eye out for anyone that is following.

In full agreement of what they would need to do once their plan was in motion, YN set about preparing what needed to be done.

Working with Rem to gather firewood and other dry, burnable goods, YN then untied the large container off the roof of his car and set it so a robust fire could be made underneath it.

Next, again with the help of Rem, the two began pouring oil from their containers into the large container, filling it most of the way, but using most of it in the process.

YN: I'm going to save a bit to pour directly on the fire. We're going to need a pretty big and consistent flame to get this heated up to the right amount.

Rem: Rem shall go in search of larger dry wood then. Would YN-kun like to light the fire while she does that?

YN: Yeah, sure, I can manage that.

Kneeling down by his pile of kindling and dry burnables, he waited until Rem was gone and out of sight before doing what he had to do.

There's no lighters or matches in the car... I'm going to have to ignite it this way if I'm going to have any hope of it starting by tonight...

While he felt guilty knowing Rem would not be happy with what he was about to do at the detriment of himself, he also felt he had no other choice.

Placing his palm next to some dry, crumpled up grass that sat on shavings of bark, YN focused his mana as pinpoint and minimally as he could.

Just the bare minimum.

While he struggled at first, the only way he could describe trying to use such little mana in his current state was like he was "mana constipated," a term that hearkened back to his memories of Puck's Hatsumaki.

But sure enough, he felt what was hopefully the correct amount of mana, and—

YN (Whisper): Jiwald

Letting out a small flash, he immediately recoiled his palm in pain. Not from a heat of newly ignited fire, but one of a throbbing, stabbing pain that radiated from his hand to his Gate. It felt like he also had a brain freeze at the same time, further compounding his cognitive senses.

Ouch... Ugh...

With the pain subsiding, YN was snapped back to attention by none other than, well, a "snap."

Looking down at this creation, the dry grass he had clumped together was nearly all burnt up.

Shit!

Lifting the embers, he hastily used the piece of bark to transport the young flames to their new home. Blowing on them with all intent to see them grow, the flames took hold, and the smaller pieces of wood took the flames like a runner transporting a torch.

YN: Phew...

Rem: Was YN-kun successful in starting a fire?

Coming back with two armfuls of thick, dry firewood, YN moved to the side to proudly show Rem the result of labor.

Rem: Ah, very good.

Setting down her newly acquired goods, Rem added a few to his existing flame, letting it burn hotter and brighter.

YN: Shouldn't be long now till the oil reaches a high temperature. We'll need it as hot as it can get.

As he said that, he poured a small amount of the leftover oil directly on the fire, letting it burn more.

Sitting back, they each watched the fire dance under the metal cylinder, its red and orange flames tickling the side of the container as its heat warmed up the oil inside.

After some silence, Rem finally asked the question that had been simultaneously burning in her mind.

Rem: YN-kun didn't really mean what he said to Otto-sama, correct?

YN: Haha, No no.

Waving off the preposterous idea, YN was surprised Rem hadn't guessed what he was up to yet.

Rem: YN-kun also said Rem was to be involved in this, can he explain how?

YN: Well...

Scratching the back of his head, he decided the best way of telling her was the most honest one.

I'm really thankful Rem knows about where I'm from... If not, this would be hard to explain. Not to mention she's always enthusiastic when she hears about it.

Somewhat happy he'd get to see that sparkle in her eyes again, YN began his example.

YN: Rem, you've been to street fairs or festivals before where there was food being fried, right?

Rem: Rem and YN-kun went to the festival in Saluzzo together, would that be a good comparison?

YN: Yeah, that's right. That's a good example.

Jumping that hurdle, he went on.

YN: Anyway, I went to something similar when I was younger. I went off on my own, and I was walking around just looking at stuff, and there was this gruff looking old timer working at some fried food serving tent or stall and saw me watching him pulling the food in and out of the oil, cooking it.

Watching with great wanderlust, Rem was hooked on every word YN was currently saying as he recalled a memory of his old world.

YN: He turned to me and said— *Ahem.*

Clearing his throat, YN changed his voice to be deeper than normal, doing his best to impersonate the fry cook he had seen in his younger days.

YN (deep): 'Hey kid, wanna see something cool?'

With his normal voice, he continued.

YN: He took whatever it was he was frying out and then reached into the cooler next to him where some drinks were stored and pulled out a single ice cube.

Mimicking in his hand, his index finger and thumb pinching a morsel of frozen water, Rem watched with amazement akin to a small child being told a new fairy tale.

YN: He took the ice cube, and tossed it into the boiling vat of oil.

Confused upon hearing that, Rem tilted her head in question as to what the man in YN's memories had possibly meant to accomplish.

Rem: Was he attempting to cook the ice?

YN: No, it's more like a trick someone can perform —a dangerous one at that. It instantly melts and evaporates, and makes the oil erupt and splatter since it's something so cold going into something so hot.

Rem: Hmmm... —!?

Taking in his story, Rem suddenly answered her own question which had started this tangent.

Rem: Does YN-kun intend to have Rem drop ice into the boiling oil?

YN: That's pretty much it. Think you can do that?

With a step over to the container that was beginning to heat up more as they spoke, it only took Rem a moment to answer.

Rem: Yes, if Rem uses her magic, she can drop a large piece of ice into this cauldron and if the oil is sufficiently heated, it should turn into vapor before it returns to mana.

YN: That's what I want to hear. As soon as you drop it though, we'll have to make a run right to the car and make it back to Fleur.

Rem: YN-kun's Rem should be able to easily manage such a task.

With a sunbeam of a smile, the two waited together, hand in hand for the fire to heat the oil to a rolling boil. As the oil itself began to lightly smoke, they knew that it had reached maximum temperature.

YN: Alright, are we ready?

Rem: Yes.

Taking a few steps away from him, Rem raised her hand high into the sky, and concentrated her mana. Instantly, ice began to form above her, and a large mass at that, the perfect size of the cylinder of roaring heat before her.

Rem: Al Huma!

Her mana had taken the form of a large iceberg midair, and under her control, Rem guided it out and above the vat of intense heat.

YN: J-Just gently lower it in! I don't want to see you get burned by some splatter...

Shooting YN a smile of confidence, she headed his words and gently lowered her arm as the ice followed. As it hovered just above the splattering oil, Rem prepared herself.

Rem: Rem is ready.

YN: Three.

Rem: Two.

YN: One.

Rem: Drop!

As the pillar of ice descended into the boiling inferno below, it displaced its mass into the liquid, causing the level to rise near to the top.

While there wasn't an immediate reaction, the next few seconds were turbulent. A white froth roared to the surface as the sound of snapping and popping went unhinged, until finally a mass of oil bubbled over the side and down onto the fire below, the flame of which was large and YN himself could feel the light heatwave wash across his face.

But as the oil belched and reacted to the cold water now mixing with it, plumes and plumes of steam and heat were emitted from the cracking, gurgling cauldron. It was a reaction unlike either had ever seen before as clouds of stream were beginning to be conjured from it.

Seemingly mesmerized by it, Rem shook her head and forced herself to concentrate on the task at hand.

Rem: YN-kun! We must hurry back!

YN: R-Right!

Turning the key in the ignition, YN fired up his car as Rem jumped inside. Pulling her buckle over her precious, gentle self, YN made sure Rem was secure before rushing to exit the forest, get back on the detour to Fleur, and see what results awaited their efforts.

Entering back into the town, YN and Rem parked nearly identically to where they had been before. The blue haired maid quickly exited the car, and was first to peer down the still two separate long line of carriages to see what the authorities who managed the highways were up to.

At first glance, it seemed nothing had changed, the carriages were still stationary and the call to keep the road closed still hadn't been made. The only difference it seemed now was that the late evening sun had graduated into twilight. As the sun set, only a hue of yellow could be seen on the low horizon thanks to how wide and reaching the grass plains beyond Fleur were.

While YN tried to hustle his pace to catch up with Rem, she had got a glimpse of, and overheard the talk of the authorities managing the road in the meantime.

Quickly returning back to him, Rem wore a face of disappointment.

YN: What's the verdict?

Rem: It appears our ruse was only successful in delaying the Highway's reopening. There appears to be talk of waiting only a little while longer to reopen it.

YN: Damn... Well, now what?

While it seemed as if they had delayed what was to happen, they had failed to prevent it altogether in a way that could have made a difference.

Rem: Rem is uncertain. Most of those in line appear to be more frustrated than before. Some wish the call would be definitely made, some are choosing to rest and are asking to be woken up only for when that decision is made. It does not appear many have chosen to leave yet, however.

YN: *Sigh* It feels like we're back at square one...

Wondering what he could do, YN stood with his arms crossed, thinking. Assuming Rem was doing the same, he was startled by her quick movement to turn around.

Rem: YN-kun.

With a seriousness in her voice, Rem spoke in a low tone to YN, as if to not draw attention.

YN: What is it?

Replying much in the same way, Rem gestured for YN to crouch and follow her. Guiding him by his hand, her and YN stepped behind a large cargo carriage as she peered around the corner.

Rem (whisper): Rem can smell the Witch's Scent again, and it is over there.

Straightening his back, YN looked over Rem to see where it was she was spying on.

Past the second row or carriages, three individuals lurked in the shadows of a nearby alley. Stepping out into the dimly lit area of the street, were two masked men, and a woman with auburn hair, with a distinct pattern of freckles on her face. With a sinister scowl on her face, she gestured to a carriage not far from where Rem and YN, and the group of three stood.

It was a black carriage, sleek and ornate, yet uninspired and inconspicuous. At its helm was a single driver, a man in a large cloak. But with the low hung evening light being cast across the land, the gaps in his cloak now reflected the bright, silvery plate hiding beneath.

That driver has armor underneath his cloak... Fancy armor at that...

Still, as Rem and YN watched, the freckle faced woman retreated back into the shadows, yet Rem kept her attention keenly on where she was.

Rem (whisper): The Witch's Scent is following her away...

YN (whisper): What about the other two?

As they moved in the direction they had been given, Rem shook her head as she paid them no mind, focusing still on where the woman had been.

Rem (whisper): No, they do not carry it. But that woman, she is the same one as before.

As Rem kept her eyes open for the return of the freckle-faced woman who carried the Witch's Scent, YN watched as the two masked men approached the carriage in question.

Are they really just going to attack in such an obvious area?

With questions abound, the only thing YN could do and not risk a confrontation that potentially still could be unrelated to Emilia's theft, was watch as the masked men, hiding their identities, approach the black carriage.

Moving first to the driver, the two approached him without a threatening demeanor. But just outside of earshot, it was clear the two were speaking to him. With what must have been only a few words exchanged, YN moved closer to hear.

Driver: —she's asleep though. The half-devil probably got bored of waiting for those damn fools to figure out if the Whale was snooping around or not.

Masked Man: That is fine. Since it is the past the evening, her Spirit will be slumbering as well, and she will be defenseless.

Driver: Just do what it is you gotta do, and be quick about it.

Waving them away, he also gave them a nod of approval to something, but based on their words, YN knew without a doubt this was Emilia's carriage.

Shit, I gotta do something.

Turning to see if Rem was nearby to back him up, the maid was still transfixed on the woman who smelled of the Witch, her sense of tunnel vision taking over as she had moved along to pursue her.

YN began to sweat as he turned back to see the two masked men were now posted up right outside of the carriage door.

I can't really do anything on my own though... Damn this stagnant Gate!

Frustrated in his own inability, YN watched as one of the masked men fearlessly opened the carriage door. Nodding to the other masked man, he held a single finger up the front of his mask, signaling for them each to be quiet as he headed inside.

Returning only a moment later, he held his prize. Catching the last bits of evening light, a green pyroxene crystal shone brightly on the edge of a string.

That's Puck!

As the masked man who held the Spirit's home in his hand stepped down and out from the carriage, a drowsy voice, but still sharp as a silver bell, spoke up.

?: Whaa—? Huh? Is there something wrong? Did they reopen the highway—?

Before the owner of the voice could finish her question, the carriage door was slammed shut in her face by the driver. As he silently gestured for the masked men to run, he jumped down off the carriage's driver seat, and placed a large wooden board over the door, preventing it from being opened from the inside.

Heeding his suggestion though, the two masked men fled on foot.

? (muffled): Umm, excuse me? I can't exit the carriage! Hello! Wait... Puck? Puck?!

Realizing what had occurred, the occupant of the carriage banged on the barricaded door.

As the two thieves were getting away though, YN couldn't suppress the need to do something though. And acting, he charged in.

Just as the driver was getting back up onto his seat as the occupant inside continued to bang on the sealed door, YN body checked him since he was clearly an accomplice. Dragging the cloaked man down to the ground, his concealment was torn away, revealing—

Driver: Grrr, what is this?! Attacking a knight of the Kingdom of Lugunica!? You want to get hurt?!

In the regalia of the Knights, the driver, and the escort that Emilia had been assigned snarled back at YN as he pushed him off him.

Each scrambling to their feet, the Driver-Knight drew his sword.

Driver: You're going to pay dearly for that. You and the half-devil both.

Emilia (muffled): What?! Knight! I'm trapped inside! Something very important of mine was just—!

Driver: —Shut up back there!

Smacking the side of the carriage with the hilt of his sword, the driver pointed it back towards YN.

Driver: I'm going to cut you down.

Taking a tactical step back, YN knew his options for combat were incredibly limited. Not only was he unable to call forth his magic, his strength was still very limited, almost less than he would have normally had.

If these Knights are anything like Julius said they were... A simple Jiwald won't be enough still.

YN: — — —

Unable to come up with any idea of what he should do, YN prepared for the worst. Raising his sword up high, the driver was set to make good on his word to harm him until—

Driver: —GHAA!

Flying over YN's shoulder, a vestige of black, white, and azure impacted the Knight right in his chest armor. Knocking him back and causing him to drop his weapon, the one who held his heart stood with her heels buried into the one who sought to harm him.

Having torpedoed into the fight, Rem had used both legs to land a decisive, single blow against the driver-knight.

YN: Rem!

Rem: Is YN-kun unharmed—?

*Crash!*

Before Rem could finish her question, the door to the black carriage froze over, and was swiftly removed in one action, causing a shrapnel field of wood and ice to fly about as the trapped occupant made her way out.

YN & Rem: Emilia-sama!

Emilia: Rem?! YN?!

Stepping out onto the ground, the silver haired half-elf they each were in service to looked at them both with wide amethyst eyes.

Emilia: I heard your voices! But what are you both—?!

Rem: Emilia-sama, the ones who stole your crystal are fleeing on foot, we must hurry.

Emilia: R-Right!

Halting her curiosity for the more pressing of matters, Emilia joined Rem and YN who were set to take up pursuit of the two masked thieves. As the three moved and traversed the rows of carriages, Emilia quickly caught sight of one of the two thieves.

Emilia: Give me back Puck!

Rem: Emilia-sama! Huma!

Acting quickly, Rem maneuvered herself to Emilia's flank, blocking what appeared to be earth magic. Seemingly, one of the thieves had laid in wait, hoping to ambush whoever spotted the other thief.

Rem: Fiend! Hiyaa!

With the sound of rattling rusty pipes ringing out, Rem skillfully retaliated with her morningstar's chain, quickly striking down the thief that had tried ambushing Emilia. Just as the masked thief fell unconscious to the attack, the half-elf ran up to his now limp body, searching for what was hers.

Emilia: Puck isn't here!

Which means—!

Realizing without a doubt with what thief Puck's crystal now lied in possession of, the masked man in question darted past them on the back of a fiery red ground dragon, making his getaway thanks to the sacrifice of his counterpart. Nearly ran over by the ground dragon, it was similar in body style to the one that YN had seen the day Felix and Wilhelm arrived at the Mansion.

Ground Dragon: Squaa!

YN: Shit!

While they all needed to at least side step to evade the fleeing ground dragon, an air of hopelessness now took hold in them all, knowing it was futile to chase on foot. However, this did not deter Rem from at least trying.

Jumping to the top of a nearby building, she began to pursue the thief by rooftop. Seeing the blue haired girl refuse to give in, Emilia took inspiration to do what she could as well. Taking off, she had begun to sprint, and reaching her top speed, she cast ice out before her to skate at an even faster speed.

With Emilia seeking to catch up on the street level, and Rem trying to potentially flank from above, this left YN alone with no way to assist either of them in their shared goal.

Damn it. Even if I had my Gate control back, I still don't know what I'd do!

But, knowing there was a chance...

Turning to go back the way he came, past Emilia's now half frozen and half destroyed carriage, YN took the opportunity to kick the Knight that had been the half-elf's escort-turned-traitor on his way back to where he was running to. While the Knight had just begun to recover from Rem's blow, YN forced him to remain out of the fight for longer, lest he become a problem for them now too.

As he passed however, YN also grabbed the sword that Rem's kick had knocked away from the Knight's grip and continued his sprint. Reaching his destination that was his only hope to assist Emilia and Rem, he threw the sword into the back hatch of his car.

Fumbling to stick the keys in the ignition, YN cranked his car to life. Popping on his headlights, he quickly reversed and floored it down one of Fleur's main avenues in pursuit.

I've gotta catch up before—!

With a glimpse of ice being thrown down a side street, YN turned in that direction and began to make haste in following whoever it was.

Coming out onto a large perimeter road of the town, it was Emilia who was skating out after the thief. Doing her best to keep up, she was evenly matched for speed with the ground dragon, unable to close the gap between her and it.

But, no ground dragon it seemed was faster than a car on a flat-out straight away.

Putting the hammer down, YN mobbed up the side of Emilia's ice trail, keen on avoiding accidentally sliding on it. Slowly, but in an increasing matter, YN was gaining on the thief riding on the back of his ground dragon.

I'll get you now!

Nearly reaching the fiery red ground dragon the thief continued to ride, another vestige of black, white, and azure rocketed in from behind YN, appearing as only a momentary blur in his rear-view mirror.

Landing square in front of him in his path, was Rem.

Rem: Hiyaa!

With a guiding hand on her morningstar's chain, Rem launched an attack at the fleeing thief.

YN: —Shit!

Forced to crank his wheel hard and slam on the brakes to avoid hitting Rem, YN lost his momentum as Rem was also forced to readjust her attack to dodge him, making her miss her mark.

Rem: YN-kun!

As the car screeched to a halt on Fleur's cobblestone avenue, Rem was astonished to realize she had acted so recklessly just now. But breaking her moment of realization, YN called to her.

YN: Rem! Get in, we'll catch him this way!

Somewhat irritated that Rem had done something so dangerous, he had no time to voice his frustration. Sliding across his hood like an action movie star, Rem recalled her morningstar and entered the passenger side door YN had opened up for her.

As Emilia zoomed by them on her ice, YN mashed the throttle, kicking up rocks and dust as his tires spun to get traction over the frosty ground. Navigating it well though, YN had to continue the chase on another street, as the one Emilia had gone down was made too slick to traverse.

Rem: That way! Rem believes the thief is trying to return to the line of carriages!

Going at her command, YN rushed to catch back up again. As Rem gave directions, she recalled the city layout as she had seen it while on the rooftops in pursuit.

Rem: Left here! That should—!

Like a rocket, the red ground dragon shot past them as YN turned down the main center road of the town. Wasting no time in catching up, but wanting to stay ahead of Emilia, YN let the engine rev up as the gears shifted to get them going quicker.

Rem: Rem does not believe Emilia-sama is aware that YN-kun is faster than the ground dragon!

White knuckles on the steering wheel, YN didn't respond to Rem out of sheer concentration, but she knew that was probably the case.

Like before, YN was slowly gaining on the thief, and without a certain blue haired maid to suddenly drop out of the sky in front of him, the chances he could catch him now were good.

Racing forth, the two approached the town's center, where a large bell-tower stood on the street corner. It would be there, that YN could hopefully intersect the thief and eclipse his speed, however, for how much faster his car was then a ground dragon—

YN: —damn it!

Turning on the drop of a hat, the ground dragon nearly came to a complete stop and changed its direction before quickly resuming its former speed as it hugged the wall of the belltower. As YN charged past the intersection going the same direction as before, he slammed hard on the brakes again.

I might be faster, but that thief knows a ground dragon can stop and turn way faster...

Knowing he was at a disadvantage now, YN backed up and waved down Emilia.

Emilia: What is it?!

Skidding to a stop, the half-elf had panic in her eyes and voice as Puck's crystal was getting further and further from her as she was asked to halt her chase. Acknowledging the concern on Emilia's mind though, YN spoke concisely.

YN: Neither of us can catch him outright, we gotta trap him! Let's work on pincer-ing him!

Hearing a worthwhile solution be proposed to the difficulties she was facing in her attempts to take back the crystal, Emilia nodded her head as she answered.

Emilia: Okay! That's a good idea!

Without any further discussion, Emilia began to skate directly after the thief once more, leaving YN to smack his steering wheel in frustration as no further plan or course of action was decided on.

YN: Looks like we're going to be the 'flanker' here.

Nodding in reluctant agreement, Rem held on as YN raced down an adjacent street in hopes he'd come into contact again with the fiery red ground dragon.

As the chase continued, slowly, most of the streets of the small town of Fleur had all begun to get a coating of ice thanks to Emilia's pursuit. While this limited where YN could go, it also greatly limited where the thief could escape to.

On a more narrow street, close to where they had begun their chase, YN could see the thief headed right for him, and with no streets for him to turn down, and Emilia right behind, the thief had finally been cornered.

Using his car as a blockade, YN parked at an angle, blocking most of the street from the length of his car, and immediately stepped out. In conjunction, he grabbed the fallen knight's sword he had taken as his only means of fighting, holding it as stalwartly as he could next to his car. And with Rem taking up the opposite side of the car, the two's coverage prompted the thief atop the red ground dragon to come to a halt.

Stopping not far behind him as well, Emilia erected an ice wall on her side, fully blocking any hope of the masked man escaping back around. Knowing it was now completely cornered, the ground dragon the thief rode on squawked in frustration, rearing up high but not enough to throw off its rider.

Emilia: You're surrounded! Please give me back my crystal and we won't pursue you further!

Only grunting in reply to her, the masked thief weighed his potential options as YN and Rem stood ready.

Rem: While it greatly troubles Rem, she will have to disobey Emilia-sama in this case. These thieves have potential connections to the Witch Cult, and thus, must be handled without mercy.

Tensing the chain of her morningstar as she said this lowly to YN, he reluctantly nodded in agreement, knowing that mulling over that disagreement would need to come later.

With no sight of backing down by the thief however, the three waited for only a few more tense seconds before the snapping of reins was heard. Commanding his ground dragon forward, the masked thief charged YN and Rem.

Ground Dragon: Skwaa!

Leaping as it reached them, its flight path was just enough to clear the car, but with it heading right over YN, he acted quickly with the sword he had.

If I can injure its leg, we can finally catch him easily!

While he knew Rem wouldn't have the opportunity to react so quickly with her weapon, YN moved to brace the hilt against his body and hold the blade steady.

I'll get it's leg for sure if—!

Rem: YN-kun!

Saying his name with a shriek, Rem stepped before him suddenly.

Rem: Huma!

As a shield of transparent blue covered them both, an intense heat was also felt at the same time.

Rem: Eh—!

Holding against the barrage of flames that had suddenly manifested, YN was surprised to see it all unfolding.

As the flames subsided, the sound of metal being "thunk"-ed from behind caught him off guard.

No way!

Just as the flames subsided, YN saw the thief, who had been in front of him, land behind him on his car roof, but quickly jump down and begin to run away on foot.

How?!

Watching as it unfolded, Emilia had seen the thief leap off his ground dragon mid-air, forsaking it as he shot out fire magic, aimed right at YN, to which Rem had acted defensively, protecting him.

However, while not only did he use his ground dragon as a decoy, his fire magic had also made it a victim.

Badly injured, but alive, the ground dragon squawked as it fled away, shocked by the pain and betrayal it felt. But as YN and Rem recovered for only a moment from the blaze of heat she had so boldly protected them both from, this allowed the thief to flee on foot a great distance.

YN: Shit!

Knowing they needed to act quickly, YN moved back to being in the driver's seat. Throwing open the passenger door and pulling the seat forward, he yelled out to Rem and Emilia.

YN: Get in! We'll catch up to him in this!

Scrambling inside, Rem took the initiative of sitting in the back, as Emilia was unfamiliar with the car, and knew every second counted. Opting to give her the simplest, no thoughts or apprehensions seat, Rem brilliantly anticipated what could have cost them time they didn't have.

The tires spun as YN piloted the car to turn around and follow the thief. Watching as he rounded a corner at the end of the street, the three were close behind.

Arriving back to where the pursuit had begun, the three noticed that the two lines of carriages were beginning to move with the reopening of the Highway.

Rem: YN-kun! There he is!

Pointing out from the back seat, the three saw the thief quickly mount a cargo carrying carriage by kicking the driver off and thrashing the reins of the two ground dragons that pulled it.

Emilia: We can still catch him!

Trying to slot himself behind the thief and run him down on the highway, two other carriages moved to block him.

Carriage Driver: No cutting! Get back in line, pal!

Other Carriage Driver: Screw you buddy! You're not getting in front of me!

As they were berated, Emilia called out to them from the rolled down window.

Emilia: That man has stolen something very important to me and he just stole that carriage to escape!

Wondering how they hadn't seen the other driver in front of them get kicked off, the two carriage drivers scoffed at Emilia's words.

Carriage Driver: Yeah we saw! Doesn't make a difference to me, it's not my problem!

Other Carriage Driver: I'm losing too much time and money by sitting here any longer so I couldn't care less!

Fully blocking YN from entering the line, the thief managed to further evade capture as he blended into the long line of carriages moving out of Fleur.

Rem: YN-kun, the carriage the thief has stolen is heavily weighed down. Even if we proceed to the rear, we should catch him soon. There are very few places to hide on the Lifaus Highway.

While it frustrated him beyond belief, he knew the blue haired maid was correct. Throwing the car into reverse, YN proceeded to the end of the line, and was forced to wait, and gave the thief what felt like a near infinite chance of success.

Taking their place in line the three now waited in extreme anticipation to exit, hopeful they'd be able to catch up by some miracle.