Wishing you all a joyful and adventurous New Year of 2025! May this year be filled with endless opportunities, exciting journeys, and countless moments of laughter and fun. Here's hoping you enjoy good health—mentally, physically, and spiritually—throughout the coming months.

Thank you for supporting this humble author. Writing isn't about earning but about creating joy and inspiration for all of you. Your encouragement and feedback have been invaluable, and I'm so grateful to continue this journey alongside each of you.Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions—your input helps me grow as a writer. Every story I craft is unique and built with care, offering fresh ideas for those seeking something new. I appreciate each of you for being part of this adventure.

I've written over a million words, published 23 stories, and I have plans to keep creating more. I also have three drafts in progress and countless ideas floating around in my head, waiting to come to life! The journey of storytelling continues, and I can't wait to share more with all of you.

Thanks again, and here's to a fantastic 2025! Stay safe, stay inspired, and remember this author as we continue to explore new stories together.

Much love and gratitude!

Story's Note: I didn't expect this much love that you had showered upon for the previous chapter! Thanks to all of you!

SentinalSlice: Yes, I do remember that scene. However, in here, Rosewall was stammering and could only utter the first two letters of the word 'Master', resulting in Subaru to assume that he was calling her 'Mama' ( Look here:

"You… you…" His breathing was uneven, the words barely coherent. "Ma… Ma… Ma-ma…"

You see, he didn't say 'Mama', but 'Ma-ma' and 'ma…ma'.)

Anyways, here's a new chapter…

.

Chapter 7

As Roswaal finally released his grip on Subaru's legs, his face was flushed and streaked with tears, yet his expression radiated joy. He clasped his hands together, his colorful demeanor returning with a flourish.

"Master is back! We must 'celebrate' this grand occasion!" Roswaal declared, his voice rising with enthusiasm.

Beatrice, standing proudly beside Subaru, nodded in agreement. "Of course, in fact, this deserves nothing less than the finest tea party, I suppose!"

Subaru, still recovering from the awkwardness of having a full-grown man sobbing at her feet, crossed her arms in a firm X. "Time out! Time out!"

"Huh?" Roswaal blinked in confusion, tilting his head dramatically.

"Listen, Betty and… Ros-chi, was it?" Subaru began, raising an eyebrow.

"A nickname!" Roswaal gasped, his grin widening like a child receiving a prized toy. "Suuuch a privileeeege!"

"For the love of…" Subaru groaned, massaging her temples. "You know what? Let's clear the air here. I might 'look' like this 'Echidna' person, but I am 'not' her. I don't even act like her!"

With that, she delicately sipped from her tea cup, her posture oddly regal and elegant despite the chaos surrounding her.

Roswaal and Beatrice stared at her in unison, unblinking.

"What?" Subaru finally asked, her voice dripping with exasperation.

"You are Mother. Mana like this cannot be replicated, I suppose," Beatrice declared, crossing her arms and giving Subaru a pointed look. "Clearly, you've lost your memories because of some… 'devil'," she added with a dramatic flair.

"Wait, memories?" Subaru asked, leaning back in her chair. "I didn't lose my memories. I just… don't know what you're talking about."

Emilia hesitantly raised her hand like a nervous student. "Umm… Roswaal?"

"Yeees, Emilia-sama?" Roswaal responded with his usual theatrical flair, though his gaze remained glued to Subaru.

"Is Subaru really the Witch of Greed?"

Roswaal opened his mouth, the words "Of course!" ready to escape, but then something clicked in his mind. His vibrant eyes widened in horror, and his head snapped toward 'Subaru', his entire body stiffening as if struck by lightning.

"S-Subaru Natsuki…?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Subaru gave him a curious look. "It's Natsuki Subaru. That's what I've been saying this whole time, duh."

Inside Roswaal's mind, chaos erupted.

'This is Master's body, no doubt about it,' Roswaal thought frantically, his mind racing. 'The mana—it's identical to hers. But… she looks younger, her accent is off, and she's claiming she isn't Master. Could this be some kind of test? No… That doesn't fit.'

Then the memory of the Tome of Wisdom struck him like a thunderbolt.

'The book spoke of someone named Subaru Natsuki bringing Master back. I always assumed it would be a boy, but… Could it be that… Master 'is' Subaru Natsuki? That she has returned, but now sees herself as someone else entirely?'

His heart pounded as the realization solidified in his mind. 'Yes… This must be it. Master is back but doesn't remember her true self. I must do as the book says. I must guide her back to her greatness… no matter what it takes.'

Roswaal's expression shifted into a wide, albeit slightly forced, grin. "Maaaaster," he said with exaggerated sweetness.

"Yeah?" Subaru replied cautiously, her sharp eyes narrowing.

"What are your plans for the future, hmm?"

Subaru hesitated, crossing her arms. "I dunno. I wish I could find a way home."

"Are you willing to do it alooone?" Roswaal asked, leaning forward slightly, his tone drenched in faux innocence.

Subaru's gaze sharpened. "Listen, Ros-chi, what are you getting at?"

"How about I help you with maaagic? Surely you've realized by now that you don't remember how to use any of it."

"Well…" Subaru tilted her head, thinking. "True. But… are you even a good magician?"

"You are my maaaster! Of course I am! Albeit, certainly not as great as 'you' were!" Roswaal said, placing a hand dramatically on his chest.

Subaru arched an eyebrow. "And what if you try something funny? Like, I don't know, having some evil scheme on the side?"

"I assure you," Roswaal said, his voice dripping with sincerity, "I would fight the whole 'kingdom' if I had to, to protect your greatness!"

Subaru grimaced. "...Creepy."

Emilia blinked, her mouth opening slightly as she struggled to process the conversation. "Uh…"

Meanwhile, Ram and Rem were visibly fuming, their gazes burning holes into Subaru.

Beatrice sniffed disdainfully. "Roswaal isn't even a good instructor, I suppose. He just wants an excuse to cling to Mother all day. Hmph! Mother is 'mine' alone!"

Subaru groaned, exasperated. "What would you even gain from teaching me magic? Just so you know, I'm flat broke."

"I do not require money, Master!" Roswaal said earnestly.

"Oh?" Subaru leaned in slightly, suspicion gleaming in her eyes. "Wait… are you… a pervert?"

Roswaal gasped, his face pale. "Nooo! Of course not! I would slit my own throat if vile thoughts ever entered my mind! I'll even keep a knife on me if you ask!"

"...Not necessary." Subaru sighed, rubbing her temples. "But seriously, what's in it for you?"

"You will come to realize your true self," Roswaal said fervently, his eyes gleaming with determination. "You will remember that you are my maaaaster."

"How curious," Subaru said, her lips curling into a thin yet wide mischievous grin as she took a long sip from her tea. She placed the empty cup back on its saucer with a soft clink, her eyes never leaving Roswaal's.

To Ram and Rem, her grin was unsettling, even disgusting.

To Emilia, it was oddly adorable, albeit confusing.

But to Beatrice and Roswaal, it was a radiant, heart-stopping sight.

'Master!' thought Roswaal, his heart skipping a beat.

'Mother!' thought Beatrice, her face flushing.

Subaru leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs with a casual air. "Alright, Ros-chi. I accept."

Roswaal's grin widened, his eccentric demeanor returning full force. "Oooooh~, this will be glorious!"

Y—Y

As Roswaal guided Subaru to the finest room in the manor, it was clear he had spared no effort in preparing it. The room was adorned with intricate tapestries, gilded mirrors, and luxurious furniture that practically screamed, "You are important, bask in it!" But what truly caught Subaru's attention—and not in a good way—was the peculiar display on the vanity.

"Are those… hair ornaments?" Subaru muttered, walking over to the collection of green-and-black butterfly-shaped clips arranged like treasures. She picked one up, inspecting the delicate craftsmanship.

Roswaal beamed with pride, hands clasped behind his back. "They are aaaall for you, Master! A perfect fit for your exquisite hair, wouldn't you agree?"

Subaru raised an eyebrow, her expression unimpressed. "Yeah, I'll, uh… pass. But thanks?"

Still, as she caught her reflection in the mirror, she couldn't deny an odd thought creeping into her mind. Even though she was technically a former boy, there was no denying she… looked good. Her pale complexion, her flowing white hair, the black dress—it all came together in a way that would've made a fashion designer weep with joy.

But vanity wasn't her focus. She had a more pressing matter.

"Speaking of outfits," Subaru began, glancing down at the frilly, overly elaborate dress she was wearing, "isn't there a… less itchy option? This thing's a nightmare."

Beatrice, standing by with her usual haughty demeanor, puffed out her cheeks. "You look perfect in that dress, I suppose. There's no need to complain!"

Roswaal eagerly chimed in. "Indeed! It's simply divine. You carry yourself with such poiiise and elegance!"

"Poise and elegance, my butt," Subaru grumbled. She tugged at the fabric irritably. "It's too frilly, it's itchy, and there's nothing holding up my boobs!" Her glare landed squarely on Beatrice, who had magically dressed her earlier.

Beatrice huffed, crossing her tiny arms. "Mother doesn't need a chest holder, I suppose."

Subaru froze, blinking at her incredulously. "Excuse me? Betty, I absolutely do. You can't just throw me in some fancy dress without proper support! Even though I hate to wear one, it's necessary!"

And so began an earful, Subaru lecturing Beatrice in a motherly tone that had the small spirit looking away sheepishly. Roswaal, meanwhile, stood to the side, tears of joy streaming down his face as he watched the exchange. "How nostalgic," he murmured, his voice trembling with emotion.

But Subaru's patience had run out. Spinning toward the maids standing by the doorway, she jabbed a finger in their direction. "Alright, you two. Go grab my tracksuit. My beloved tracksuit. Right now. ASAP."

Ram and Rem exchanged unimpressed glances.

"You have no authority here, honored guest," Ram said, her tone laced with disdain.

"We don't take orders from you," Rem added, her voice calm but firm.

Subaru gawked at them. "What?! I'm the 'honored guest,' aren't I? Doesn't that mean anything around here?!"

"It does not," Ram replied curtly.

Subaru's eye twitched, her frustration building. But before she could retort, Beatrice stepped forward, her small frame radiating authority. "How dare you speak to Mother like that, I suppose!" she snapped, glaring at the twins.

Roswaal joined her, his flamboyant demeanor taking on a sharper edge. "Dearest maids, do you perhaps wish to test my patience?" His usual grin widened, but there was an unmistakable menace in his voice. "If Master desires her 'tracksuit', you will retrieve it. Immediately."

Beatrice added with a haughty sniff, "Unless you'd prefer to find yourselves demoted to cleaning the stables, I suggest you obey."

The twins stiffened, their defiance faltering under the combined weight of Roswaal's smile and Beatrice's glare. Ram, gritting her teeth, offered a strained curtsy. "Very well, Roswaal-sama."

Rem followed suit, her expression betraying her irritation. "We'll… fetch the 'tracksuit'."

As they exited the room, Subaru watched them go with wide eyes. "Wow. That actually worked."

"Of course it did, I suppose," Beatrice said smugly. "You are Mother, after all. No one can deny your greatness."

Roswaal clapped his hands together, his grin returning to its usual playful flair. "Rest assured, Master, we will see to your every need. Even if it's something as… peculiar as your 'tracksuit'."

Subaru sighed, flopping down onto the plush bed. "Great. I just wanted to look normal again. But nope, instead I'm stuck with the world's most dramatic entourage."

Y—Y

Subaru strolled leisurely through the sprawling garden, her beloved tracksuit hugging her comfortably once more. The soft breeze rustled her absurdly long white hair as it swung back and forth with each step, trailing behind her like a silver river. She couldn't help but smile—being back in her signature outfit felt like finally being herself again.

From one of the upper windows of the mansion, Roswaal watched intently, his face practically glued to the glass. His gaze flicked briefly to Beatrice, who was sitting grumpily on a desk surrounded by piles of parchment.

"Mother, you mustn't leave your Betty to toil alone, I suppose!" Beatrice grumbled, staring down at the infuriating equation Subaru had thrown at her.

"Ah, come on, Betty," Subaru had said earlier with her best innocent grin. "It's just a teensy little Phoenixian equation. Solve it for me, 'kay? I believe in you!"

"...Of course I can solve it! I am a 'great spirit,' after all!" Beatrice had declared proudly, unaware that the equation Subaru had left her with 'had no solution.'

Back in the present, Subaru chuckled to herself as she padded through the vibrant gardens. 'Being a master mathematian has its perks.'

It was then she spotted a familiar silver-haired figure amidst the blossoming flowers.

"Emilia-tan!" Subaru called out, waving enthusiastically.

The half-elf turned around, looking slightly surprised but quickly breaking into a warm smile. "Oh, Subaru! You're back in your… 'tracksuit' already."

Subaru jogged over to her, grinning as she stopped just a step away. "Yeah, I wanted to get some fresh air. Plus, I didn't get a chance to properly thank you for, well… everything."

Emilia blinked, tilting her head in that adorable way she always did when confused. "Thank me? For what?"

"For saving me, healing me, and giving me a roof over my head," Subaru said sincerely. "You didn't have to, but you did. So, yeah—thank you, Emilia-tan."

Emilia's cheeks turned the faintest shade of pink. "It was nothing, really. You were hurt, and I couldn't just leave you like that."

Before Subaru could respond, a soft, familiar voice broke through the air. "You're being unusually nice today, Lia~."

Subaru tensed, a chill running down her spine as she watched Puck materialize above Emilia's shoulder, his small feline form floating lazily in the air. 'That cat.'

Her body instinctively took a step back, her shoulders stiff. The memory of 'that loop' resurfaced—the overwhelming cold, the suffocating dread, and those horrifying words right before he had—'eaten' her.

Puck's golden eyes flickered to her, his feline smile widening just slightly. "Oh? What's this? You're backing away from me, Echidna?"

"Uhh…" Subaru stammered, her mouth dry. "I just—uh—I like my personal space?"

Puck's tail swished playfully, his gaze sharp and mischievous. "You look nervous. I don't 'bite,' you know. Not all the time…"

Subaru swallowed hard, her fists clenching. 'Why is he like this? Why does he have to act like such a smug little devil?'

"Puck!" Emilia turned sharply, her voice firm but gentle. "Stop teasing Subaru. Can't you see you're making her uncomfortable?"

Puck blinked, looking up at Emilia with an innocent expression. "I'm not teasing~. I'm just saying hello."

Emilia narrowed her eyes. "Apologize."

The spirit let out a dramatic sigh, his tail drooping. "Fine, fine." He floated closer to Subaru and gave a begrudging nod. "I'm sorry, Subaru. I didn't mean to scare you."

"Sure you didn't," Subaru muttered, though her shoulders relaxed slightly. "Just… don't 'do' that again, alright?"

"Promise," Puck said, though his little smirk suggested he was already planning his next mischief.

Emilia turned back to Subaru with a kind smile. "So, Subaru, where are you from? You still haven't told me anything about yourself. Where are you from?"

"Me?" Subaru blinked. "Oh, I'm from Tokyo in Japan."

"Japan?" Emilia repeated, tilting her head. "Is that somewhere far away?"

"Yeah, you could say that…" Subaru trailed off, scratching the back of her head. "Really far away. Like, another world far away."

Emilia's brows furrowed in confusion. "Another world? Are you serious?"

"Dead serious," Subaru replied with a straight face. "I swear I'm not making this up. Where I'm from, there's no magic, no spirits, no fancy mansions—just vending machines, anime, and ramen shops on every street corner."

Emilia frowned slightly, clearly skeptical. "But… you look exactly like the witch of greed, and that was 400 years ago. Are you saying you're really that old?"

"What?" Subaru sputtered, shaking her head vehemently. "I'm 'nineteen.' Nineteen years old! That's it!"

Emilia's eyes widened innocently. "Oh… four hundred and nineteen?"

Subaru gawked at her, waving her hands frantically. "'No!' Just 'nineteen'! One-nine! Not four hundred!"

"Oh…" Emilia still looked unconvinced, placing a finger to her chin. "You really don't act like a 400-year-old witch, but…"

Subaru groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "For the love of… I'm not 419! I'm just a regular teenager! Is that so hard to believe?"

Puck, floating nearby, chuckled softly to himself. "You 'are' pretty suspicious, though. Maybe you're just a really young-looking ancient witch?"

"Stop encouraging her!" Subaru shot back, glaring at him.

Emilia giggled softly, watching Subaru's flustered expression. "Alright, alright. If you say you're nineteen, then I'll believe you… for now."

"Thank you!" Subaru sighed dramatically. "Finally, someone's listening to reason."

But as Emilia smiled warmly at her, Puck snickered in the background, and Subaru couldn't help but wonder if her "reasonable" explanation was just making her look more ridiculous by the second.

Subaru wiped the sweat from her brow, the sun bearing down mercilessly as she paced across the garden. Her tracksuit, though beloved, was 'not' ideal for this kind of weather.

"Man, it's boiling out here…" she muttered to herself.

"Subaru!" Emilia's voice chimed softly, drawing her attention. Subaru looked up to see the half-elf gently waving a hand in the air. A small swirl of frost formed in her palm before she sent it dancing through the breeze. Moments later, a refreshing, cool air settled around Subaru, easing the oppressive heat.

Subaru blinked in amazement. "Whoa. That's so cool—literally! That was magic, right?"

Emilia smiled proudly, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight. "Mm-hm! Ice magic. It's pretty simple, really."

"Simple?" Subaru gave her a look of pure wonder. "I couldn't do that if you gave me a hundred years to practice. You've got to teach me something like that!"

Emilia tilted her head, surprised. "Teach you? But…" She looked Subaru up and down. "You 'are' the Witch of Greed, right? You're literally magical."

Subaru froze, her expression twitching slightly. "Uh, we're doing 'this' again?"

"Well, I just thought…" Emilia frowned in genuine confusion. "You told me you didn't remember anything. Isn't that because of amnesia?"

Puck floated lazily beside Emilia, his golden eyes narrowing playfully as he chimed in. "It makes sense, doesn't it? If you're the Witch of Greed and you don't 'act' like her, you probably erased your memories on purpose."

Subaru let out a long sigh, already feeling the headache creeping in. "Listen, I already 'told' you, I'm not—"

But as she stared at Emilia's hopeful, curious face and Puck's mischievous grin, Subaru gave up. Her shoulders slumped as she raised her hands in defeat.

"…You know what? Fine. Yes. 'Yes!' I'm the Witch of Greed. I, Echidna, erased all my memories to experience the 'thrill' of being clueless, broke, and weak."

Emilia's face lit up with sudden understanding. "Ohh! So 'that's' why you don't remember anything! That's… kind of amazing, Subaru."

Subaru's jaw dropped slightly. 'She bought that?'

Puck let out a little snicker, floating in lazy circles around Subaru. "It definitely 'sounds' like something the Witch of Greed would do. You know, for research."

"Sure, let's go with that," Subaru muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. 'This is my life now, huh?'

Emilia gave her an encouraging smile. "It's okay, Subaru. If you really did erase your memories on purpose, I'm sure you'll figure things out soon. Until then, I'll help you however I can!"

"Great," Subaru said flatly, though her lips quirked into a reluctant smile. "Thanks, Emilia-tan. You're too nice for your own good."

Puck grinned knowingly. "So, Miss Witch of Greed, are you going to learn magic now or just keep sweating it out in the sun?"

Subaru shot him a glare. "You know what, cat? I'm starting to remember why I don't like you."

He only laughed, clearly enjoying her irritation.

Subaru sighed again, shaking her head. 'Forget it.' Trying to explain herself was pointless. If they wanted to think she was the Witch of Greed with amnesia, fine. Let them.

"Alright, Emilia-tan," Subaru said with mock enthusiasm, clapping her hands together. "Teach me your cool ice magic. After all, a mighty witch like me needs to start somewhere, right?"

Emilia beamed. "Of course! I'll teach you everything I can!"

As Subaru grumbled under her breath about how utterly ridiculous her life had become, she couldn't help but smile faintly at Emilia's earnest determination.

'If this was the price of survival, maybe she could live with it.'

Subaru sat cross-legged in the shade of an enormous tree, the cool air summoned by Emilia's magic lingering around her like a blanket of relief. Her pale hair swayed gently in the breeze as she absentmindedly fiddled with a blade of grass. Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with newfound excitement as she watched Emilia demonstrate her ice magic with practiced grace.

"So," Subaru said, her tone laced with anticipation, "you're telling me I can actually 'do' this too? Like, real magic? Not some sleight of hand or gimmick with mirrors?"

Emilia blinked at her, tilting her head as though Subaru had just asked if the sky was blue. "Of course! Everyone can use magic if they have the affinity for it. And I'm sure someone like you, 'the Witch of Greed', can pick it up easily."

Subaru flinched slightly at the dreaded title but forced herself to smile. "Let's stick to calling me Subaru, alright? The whole 'witch' thing is getting on my nerves."

Puck floated lazily beside Emilia, arms crossed as his golden eyes glittered with mischief. "Subaru, huh? Sure, 'Master' Subaru, if that makes you feel better. You're just lucky Emilia is too nice to question you about why you're acting like a clueless kitten instead of an all-powerful witch."

"Hey!" Subaru shot him a glare, pointing accusingly. "I'll have you know I'm a 'genius'—just an underfunded one. There's no crime in being broke and clueless when you've got a learning curve as steep as mine."

Emilia giggled, covering her mouth as her soft laugh rang through the air. "Well then, genius Subaru, let's get started. I'll teach you the basics of ice magic. Just don't expect too much right away, okay? It takes years to master magic."

Subaru grinned, stretching her arms above her head before cracking her knuckles in a comically overdramatic manner. "Years, huh? Watch me."

It began with Emilia patiently explaining how to channel mana—how to feel for the energy within yourself and gently coax it outward like a stream of water. Subaru listened attentively, brow furrowed in focus as she sat in silence, following Emilia's instructions to the letter. She closed her eyes and inhaled slowly, steadying herself.

"Feel for the flow of mana," Emilia murmured softly. "It's like a river inside you, calm and constant. You just need to let it move through you naturally."

"Calm river," Subaru repeated under her breath. She visualized it—an invisible stream of energy winding through her limbs and gathering in her core. At first, it felt impossible, like trying to grab smoke with bare hands. She gritted her teeth, adjusting her breathing as Emilia encouraged her.

Puck floated closer, his playful demeanor turning just a bit curious. "Well? Anything happening in there? Don't tell me you're stuck already."

"Shh, cat," Subaru muttered, eyes still closed. "I'm 'working' here."

Then, it clicked.

Something inside her stirred—soft at first, like a faint pulse, then stronger as she focused harder. She opened her eyes, and there, in the palm of her hand, was a delicate wisp of frost swirling in lazy spirals.

"Holy crap," Subaru breathed. She stared at the tiny, shimmering ice crystals forming above her fingers, as though she'd just discovered fire for the first time. "I actually did it."

Emilia's eyes widened in awe. "That was… really fast."

Puck blinked, narrowing his gaze suspiciously. "Wait a minute. Did you just pick that up in under ten minutes?"

Subaru beamed, holding up the swirling frost like it was her prized possession. "I 'told' you I'm a genius. Who needs years of practice when you've got raw talent like mine?"

"You're a fast learner, I'll give you that," Emilia admitted, though her voice carried a faint note of disbelief. "But don't get ahead of yourself! That's just the first step. Try shaping it next—maybe into something small, like a snowflake or a little sculpture."

"Challenge accepted!" Subaru said eagerly, as though she'd just been handed a quest by a fantasy RPG NPC.

Subaru's natural enthusiasm turned to fiery determination as she threw herself into learning. Within moments, the tiny wisp of frost had become a perfectly shaped, shimmering snowflake balanced on her fingertip. Emilia clapped her hands together in delight, amazed at how effortlessly Subaru pulled it off.

"That's incredible, Subaru!" she praised. "How did you…?"

"I told you, I'm good at this stuff." Subaru grinned, spinning the snowflake on her fingertip before tossing it into the air and watching it dissipate. "Magic is seriously the coolest thing ever. What else can I do? Show me more!"

The hours began to slip by unnoticed.

Emilia taught Subaru more techniques—how to form icy gusts, how to conjure small snowballs, and even how to summon a mist of cold air. Each time, Subaru picked it up faster than Emilia could demonstrate. Her enthusiasm was boundless, eyes shining brighter with each success as she laughed and marveled at what she was capable of.

Emilia, though initially thrilled, began to run out of things to teach. "Subaru, maybe you should slow down. You're learning so quickly, I'm not sure what else to show you."

"What do you mean, slow down?" Subaru replied, her voice breathless and excited as she conjured another stream of frost that danced through the air. "This is awesome! I want more! Teach me something 'really' impressive next!"

Emilia blinked, a little flustered. "But I already showed you all the beginner techniques… You're going to surpass me at this rate."

Subaru grinned smugly, crossing her arms. "What can I say? I'm a natural-born genius."

Puck, who had been watching this entire display with growing suspicion, muttered under his breath. "She really 'is' greedy… just like the books say."

"Huh?" Subaru shot him a look, pausing mid-frost-casting.

Puck smirked. "I mean, you 'are' the Witch of Greed, aren't you? Learning magic this quickly and then asking for more and more? If that's not greedy, I don't know what is."

Subaru's eye twitched as she fought back the urge to yell at him. "Oh, for the love of… Can we drop the 'Witch of Greed' thing already? I just think magic is cool!"

Emilia, however, tilted her head thoughtfully, a smile tugging at her lips. "It's true that you're very eager, Subaru. But… it's not a bad thing. You just really want to learn, don't you?"

Subaru scratched the back of her head awkwardly, her excitement faltering just slightly. "Well, yeah. I mean, can you blame me? Where I'm from, magic isn't real. It's something you only see in games or books, y'know? And now I can 'actually do it.' It's like… I don't know. It's like being handed a superpower."

Emilia's expression softened. "I see. It must be a little overwhelming, huh?"

Subaru shrugged, a small, genuine smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe a little. But overwhelming or not, it's awesome. I'm not gonna stop now."

Puck sighed dramatically, though there was amusement in his voice. "You really are impossible, aren't you?"

"You'll get used to it, cat," Subaru quipped. She turned back to Emilia, her grin returning full force. "Alright, what's next? Show me something big! Like a giant ice wall or an attack move. I'm ready!"

Emilia blinked, laughing softly as she shook her head. "Subaru… I don't think there's anything else I can teach you today."

Subaru's shoulders slumped dramatically. "Aw, come on! That's it? I was just getting started!"

"Magic takes time, Subaru," Emilia said kindly. "You've already learned more in a day than most people learn in weeks. You should be proud of yourself."

Subaru sighed, though her smile lingered. "Yeah, yeah… I guess you're right. But don't think this is over! I'm gonna be the best magic user this world has ever seen. You can count on that."

Puck snorted, shaking his head. "Greedy as always."

Subaru ignored him, looking up at the sky with renewed determination. 'Magic, huh?' It was just the beginning, and yet, somehow, it felt like the start of something far bigger.

Y—Y

Roswaal's broad smile faltered ever so slightly as he turned from the window, the image of his "Master" standing in the sun-dappled garden seared into his mind. Natsuki Subaru—or 'Echidna', as he so believed—had been radiant in her enthusiasm, a gleam of magic swirling at her fingertips as she laughed with Emilia.

The sight was comforting, almost nostalgic. Almost.

With a satisfied exhale, he turned on his heel and strode toward his desk. Paperwork awaited him—tedious but necessary. The affairs of the estate, political alliances, financial matters—everything had to be maintained perfectly for the future he envisioned. He sat in his ornate chair, picked up a quill, and let the mundane rhythm of scratching ink against parchment pull him into focus.

The room was quiet except for the steady tick of the clock on the mantle.

Then it happened.

A pulse—an otherworldly hum—sounded from the Tome of Wisdom sitting beside him, its presence overwhelming as though it called his very soul.

Roswaal froze, the quill slipping from his fingers and clattering against the desk. His breath hitched. Slowly, with trembling hands, he reached for the ancient tome, its pristine leather cover shimmering with a faint light that flickered like a dying flame.

The book had not spoken in 'weeks'. It had been silent, indecipherable, lost in stubborn stasis. And now—

His fingers brushed the cover, and the light flared.

"Wh-what…?" he breathed, voice caught between awe and terror. Roswaal's hands shook as he flipped open the book, its ancient pages rustling like whispers in the dark. He scanned the text feverishly, his golden eyes darting across blank parchment until, at last—

A 'new entry'.

Roswaal gasped, his face going pale. His heart thudded violently against his ribs as he read the words etched in black, stark against the ivory page.

Natsuki Subaru, the Witch of Greed, lass shall be hunted by a demon.

The words seemed to slither off the page, wrapping around his mind like a vice.

"No… no, no, no…" Roswaal muttered, clutching the edges of the tome as his breathing quickened. His pulse roared in his ears, drowning out the silence of the room.

His Master—his 'Echidna'—'hunted by a demon'.

Roswaal's chest heaved as panic clawed its way up his throat. Visions flooded his mind in an instant—visions of his Master, of her fragile, human-like form, her delicate hands conjuring frost with clumsy excitement, her emerald eyes alight with wonder. How could something so 'pure', so 'brilliant', be hunted by something as monstrous as a demon?

"Th-this cannot be…" Roswaal stammered, shaking his head violently as though he could deny the words themselves. "Master, hunted? No, this must be… a mistake!"

But there were no mistakes in the Tome of Wisdom. The book 'never' lied.

He knew that.

The quivering in his hands stilled suddenly. A sharp breath passed his lips, and Roswaal straightened, eyes wide and glassy as realization struck him with the force of a blade.

The entry—the vision—it 'wasn't' a mistake. It was a warning. A 'prophecy'.

This was 'necessary'.

Roswaal swallowed hard, his throat dry and burning. If this was the will of the Tome of Wisdom—if this was the path that would bring Echidna back 'fully'—then he could not intervene. He 'must not intervene'.

His Master, 'his everything', would face this demon. She would be hunted. She would suffer.

And he would let it happen.

His hands clenched the edges of the tome so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Tears burned in the corners of his eyes, though he blinked them away with practiced resolve. This was for the greater good. For the plan. For Echidna.

"Forgive me, Master…" Roswaal whispered, his voice breaking as he pressed his forehead to the pages of the tome. "I will… I 'must' let this happen. You will endure… you 'must' endure… so that you can return to us as yourself."

He stayed like that for a moment, his breaths uneven, his body trembling with the weight of his decision.

Finally, Roswaal lifted his head. The horrified gleam in his golden eyes had dimmed, replaced by cold determination.

He stood slowly, placing the tome gently back on the desk as though it were a fragile relic. His face was pale but composed, a forced, familiar grin stretching across his lips.

"Everything is proceeding… as it should," he murmured, though his voice quivered ever so slightly.

His gaze drifted back to the window, where Subaru—his Master—laughed brightly in the garden, unaware of the storm that awaited her. Her long white hair swung with each step, radiant and alive.

Roswaal's hands curled into fists at his sides.

"It is all… for you, Master," he whispered, as though trying to convince himself. "Even if you hate me for it… even if you 'break' because of it… I will see your return."

The words echoed in the empty study like a quiet prayer, drowned in the shadow of his resolve.

Y—Y

Author Note:

Remember that Subaru took a year off to experience shut-in life after getting the Gold Medal in the Olympiad, his father had gifted him the SuperPhone and his mother had stitched the letter 'N' in his tracksuit. (My AU.)

Subaru takes pride in his name and parents. His father had greatly appreciated how smart Subaru was. That's why, even here, Subaru always says how smart she is.

When should I update this story? Day of the week and time of the day?

Anyways, drop your thoughts in the review section. Your words inspire me to write faster, better and with more depth.

Till next time!