continuing right on. yipe

"Look, Subaru! Look at how prettily I flipped this over! I'm so proud of this! You can eat it!"

"So-so, I suppose. Subaru, you may eat the daisukiyaki Betty so graciously made for you."

"Beatrice-chan…That's way too much sauce! You too, Emilia-sama! Frying it too lightly will ruin your stomach!"

Otto angrily scolded the now pouting spirit and clueless Emilia, as he saved Subaru from what could've been a medical intervention.

"Good job Brotto.'Garfiel chuckled, slapping Otto's shoulder as he did so. "You saved Cap'n from an early death."

"Betty still thinks that her future self didn't do a bad job….. Otto is the meanest person she's ever met, in fact"

Beatrice pouted and crossed her arms, feeling that a Great Spirit like her should only receive praise and admiration.

"Otto, I didn't do too badly, did I?"

"O-of course not Emilia-sama! It wasn't bad at a-all."

The poor minister of affairs could only wrung his hands and tell a white lie in the face of such pure innocence from Emilia as he tried to salvage his already beyond repair reputation.

Crusch and Reinhard smiled knowingly, feeling the wind of untruth swirling around the man.

"Hey, you two, how about… you taste it yourself before offering it to someone else…?"

Subaru had a front row seat, as Reinhard was producing one dish of high-end daisukiyaki after another with incredible skill while all the food somehow disappeared into Felt's stomach.

"Felt-sama, this batch is done."

"Oh great. Good job. Keep 'em coming, 'kay?"

"Rein, I want ya to make them for me, once we get back!"

"Of course, Felt-sama." His absolute memory, as usual, helped him remember every detail.

"Reinhard, what Divine Protection do you not have?" Ferris teased, his tone playful.

"If you weren't the Sword Saint, you could have opened your own restaurant by now!"

Anastasia's eyes gleamed, her thoughts running through all the possible business ventures she could possibly profit from

'Hmmm, that idea ain't too half bad. The number of people who would pay to see that would surely be plenty enough. Not a bad business proposal, I must say…'

"H-ha ha, surely not …" Reinhard sheepishly questioned, his lack of self-confidence rearing its ugly head. "Who would want to see me, a Sword Saint of all people cooking for anyone?"

"Ugh, Rein. Trust me, plenty and I mean plenty of people would wanna see it."

"I think I just saw something I shouldn't have…." Subaru shifted his focus to Wilhelm who groaned at his own daisukiyaki, which had probably been left to cook for a bit too long.

"There must be something wrong!" Ferris yelled in mock horror, giggling as he did so. "There's no way old man Wil could be bad at anything! This cursed Warden must be doing this on purpose!"

Wilhelm could only offer a slight chuckle, in a manner befitting a sophisticated butler as he was.

'Good morning, citizens of Pristella! It's quite a beautiful morning isn't it?" "Huh? What the heck is this?"

'This morning's first cup features premium tea direct from Kararagi, accompanied by a slice of three-year-old bambeem.'

"It's a morning staple here, a metropolitan-government broadcast using a metia."

'It's delightful aroma fills the air,-'

"A metia broadcast…?" After Anasatasia replied to Felt's carefree mutter, Subaru mulled over the explanation under his breath.

'-mingling with the vibrant and refreshing scent of the premium tea as sunlight pours in through the window.'

"So there's a broadcast every day? What for?"

'It seems like today is going to be another wonderful day. Now, I'd like to offer everyone a little something from my heart…'

"I heard it is to prepare for emergencies, as the structure of this city allows for few evacuation routes."

"Oh? Makes swense."

Julis's comprehensive explanation left Crusch and Ferris equally impressed.

'...or rather, a wonderful blessing!

"Incidentally, Mr Kiritaka is the broadcaster and provider of the metia."

"That madman's the provider? I'm surprised he can even behave himself." Garfiel guffawed, holding back his laughter.

The mercenary captain nodded gravely and shook his hand . "The mini-bosses' greatest enemy to his title of the Great Lolimancer. It's only a matter of time before she falls completely for his charms."

The Great Spirit pouted, indignant at the mere idea that her position would be taken by anyone else but her!

'It's time for the Songstress, Miss Liliana Masquerade to take the stageeee!"

"Yup, that's definitely him." The tension snapped away when Subaru's memory and broadcast suddenly aligned after Otto's answer.

"Hey there, everyone! Liliana here! I'm gonna sing and play my heart out to bring you joy, so I hope you all have fun during our brief time together! Cheer me on, okay?"

"Now, without further ado, please listen to…. The Love Song of the Sword Demon, Act 2"

"Stu…" Subaru blurted out, shocked by the timing.

Tivey face palmed, disbelieving of the irony. "What are the chances?!"

"You said it kid, the timing's pretty laughable." Ricardo muttered.

'In the outskirts of town, in a quiet, empty corner'

'The Sword Demon wanders, solitude in hand'

'But what awaits him is a field of flowers'

'Hey, do you like flowers?'

A conflicted atmosphere coursed through the reception hall as the reverberations of the "Love Song Of the Sword Demon' continued echoing within the city. Nearly everyone stared tensely at the two Van Astreas, waiting to see what the outcome would be.

Likewise, the atmosphere in the theater too mirrored the counterparts on the screen. They too were anxious, hoping against hope for a resolution, however unlikely it may have been. Everyone's eyes darted back and forth, as if watching a tennis match.

Wilhelm held his head down, almost in a prayer-like way. Please let me try to make amends. Please….

Reinhard stared dully at the screen, inwardly praying for the slightest chance of redemption. Would it ever come, one distant day?

'But he bluntly answers, "No, I hate them!"'

Subaru gave a look of concern towards Wilhelm, unconsciously drawing his breath as he did so. For an instant, Wilhelm nodded towards Subaru and hesitantly asked the anticipated question.

"Reinhard. Well, you see….!"

"Yes, what is it?"

"I…cannot…fry it properly…!

'Ah, his once-closed heart begins to stir'

"Woah, the music sure is matching pretty well to what they're saying." Al noted, nodding more to himself than anyone else. "Pretty strange coincidence if you ask me."

He was then promptly shushed by everyone else, for daring to interrupt the heartwarming scene currently unfolding.

"Yeah! Take a hint, you helmeted idiot. Your head is indeed as dense as your skull." Ram added, as she finally got her revenge, after being snipped for long. She smiled triumphantly, celebrating her small victory.

-if you have any tips…could you… perhaps tell me?

Reinhard gasped in shock as he was momentarily stunned, before he slowly relaxed and said-

"-Yes I understand, Grandfather." As tension drained from his entire body, there was no longer any doubt that he was smiling.

'Until the day he blooms into a flower'

Everyone smiled with relief, glad that the chasm between the two might be bridged, filled with acceptance.

Crusch and Ferris being wide-eyed recognized the strength it took to say those words. Just how much courage did it take to say those words? The weight of his past sins could never be erased, but at the very least lessened in some way.

Reinhard closed his eyes in some undefinable emotion, sweeping it away with a large breath.

'I-i…I'm so glad..that..he asked me for something…'

Felt patted his shoulders affectionately not uttering a word. The young princess made a mental note to convince Anastasia later to prepare daisukiyaki, to prepare for the inevitable meeting, in spite of any favours she might accrue.

Wilhelm felt a flood of emotions as he stared at his grandson, tightly clenching his fist. Maybe..just maybe…One day…it will get better…

Perhaps one day, redemption could be in sight

Anastasia too let out a sigh of relief, glad that she had brought this opportunity to fruition. She turned to Julius, informing him.

"It wouldn't be too bad of an idea to have daisukiyaki, don't ya think so too Julius?"

"Of course Anastasia-sama! I can't stand by and watch a friend suffer, while not being able to do anything. I am a little surprised you would not demand extra favors though." Julius replied earnestly to her question.

"I would never be so heartless c'mon!" The merchant gigged, tugging at her white scarf. "I have a maiden's heart after all."

'And thus, a love story starts to unfold.'

"Nope, not happening. Ain't it too convenient for you two to pull out this late in the game?"

Suddenly, a red-haired-man, clearly intoxicated, opened the screen door and peered into the hall. A repulsive smile came over him. His age appeared to be forty, give or take. He resembled Reinhard in some weird twisted way, his outward appearance fundamentally handsome, yet his face oozed with malice.

"My honoured Father?"

Wilhelm spluttered in horror, realizing he recognized the familiar face.

"F-father?" Reinhard said, his face full of disbelief.

Wilhelm's face darkened, seeming to have aged even more in years, anticipating the worst to come. Unbeknownst to him, it was going to be so much more worse than he could have imagined.

"And the Deputy captain chooses now of all times to barge in?" Julius said aloud, staring in silent fury at the man. "Even for him, this is cruel..Too cruel."

"Who the hell are you?"

"Hah?"

Subaru was the first among them to raise his voice

"Those are some nasty eyes you've got there, brat." Heinkel took another swig of alcohol as he ordered Reinhard and the others in a casual yet threatening voice. "Hey, I don't care if it's the Sword Saint or Juukulius, someone kill this rude brat."

"How dare he threaten Cap'n like that! Who does this guy think he is, eh?" Garfiel growled, shaking a fist at the screen.

Rem stared coldly at the screen, memorizing the stranger's appearance. If he so much as hurt a hair on Subaru's entire body, she would undoubtedly hunt him down.

"I'm afraid that this "guy's" name is Heinkel Astrea, Deputy Captain to the Royal Guard of Lugunicia. His title is purely ornamental, the specifics of which would take quite a story to discuss." Julius bitterly explained, his tone icy.

"How can someone like him even be the deputy captain…." Petra whispered in confusion.

"This guy? The Sword Saint's father? Well, all the good traits seem to have skipped a generation…."
"Garf!" Frederica admonished her brother, shaking her head disappointedly.

"So Heinkel-san is Reinard's father then?" Emilia questioned, her tone filled with curiosity.

"Precisely, Emilia-sama. Which makes this reunion all the more heart-breaking, knowing their familial history on full display." Otto whispered back, treading his words carefully . "It's on 'thin ice' as Natsuki-san would say."

" Only Betty is allowed to use her contractor's Subaruisms, I suppose. It is a right exclusive to only me, in fact!"

"Of course Beako! You're rea-a-ally cute when you're jealous," Emilia giggled, head patting the great spirit's adorable head, who flailed desperately to escape from her grasp.

"-.."
"With all due respect, both Reinhard and I are on special duty, meaning we're not under our usual obligations. Even if you
are the vice captain, I believe you don't have the authority to give us orders." Julius interrupted Subaru, before he escalated the situation any further.

"Good job Julius, ya did well to calm things down. I can't really fault Natsuki-san for losing his temper like that, although he would do well to at least restrain himself." Anastasias sighed as she glared at the red haired man.

"Of course, Anastasia-sama. But I believe Subaru losing control of his emotions here was necessary." Julius stated firmly. This statement's deeper meanings were understood by most in the theater, save for a sparse few.

Mimi had a blank look on her face, as she pondered long and hard but to no avail.

"Thinking isn't Mimi's strong suit…"

"It's alright little one! The world of adults is a long and complicated one! Even I have trouble sometimes…" Ricardo reassured Mimi, having a sympathetic look on his face.

"Hey now, don't give me that scary face! I was obviously kidding! Calm down! Even if I am vice captain in name only, I follow the rules."

"Vice captain in name only…?" Subaru questioned.

"Even if he is captain in name only, he has the body of a well-seasoned warrior." Tivey gave his professional judgment, as he mused aloud. "It's nothing to laugh about, but he isn't a weakling, that's for sure. Judging by his physique, he seems to possess an unnaturally high durability.

If you could see it for yourself, you would be amazed at how well he tanks things. Al thought to himself.

"That's right. I'm just decorative. The decorated, hated vice captain of Lugunica's Royal Guard. 'Heinkel the Idle' in the flesh."

"Stop boasting about being hated and idle."

"Calm down, Subaru. You mustn't get caught up in his rhythm."

"Ha! The 'Finest' indeed. Such a well-mannered choice of words."

"It may be Ram's own feelings, but he feels and looks like Barusu's own downward spiral, mirroring when Barusu felt more depressed after sissy's name was eaten." Ram said, crossing her arms in her customary tone. "Of course, Barusu had Otto and Ram to pull him out of his own solitude. What could he have done without us?"

"I'm so glad Subaru-kun has great friends, I have much to make up for…One day it'll be better…." Rem gazed sadly at her hero, gently caressing his cheek. Though unintentional, her sister's words hit a sore spot, harshly reminding her of her brashness. The pink oni sent a look of worry her way, sensing her emotional turmoil.

' When will you wake up, Subaru?'

Everyone slowly digested what the pink oni was saying, Priscilla in particular as she reluctantly but inwardly agreed, having come to the same conclusion just moments prior. 'So the clown's dog has noticed it too?'

"Don't forget Teacher helped too, although admittedly in her own way to help Subaru dearest," Roswaal muttered albeit in a quieter tone, foregoing his jester-like tone. "She too, helped him out of the depths of his misery."

Ram glared at him as his whisper went heard by no one else except for her. The audacity of him to still mention her! How even after all the witch had done still baffled her.

Emilia felt a familiar pang in her heart, still unconsciously blaming herself.

"Heinkel!"

It was Wilhelm who rose and shouted in anger at Heinkel's statement, The Sword Demon had a furious look on his face as his lip openly trembled.

"Heinkel…"

Wilhelm's entire body went stiff with shock, seeing how his future self lost his composure.

How could I lose myself like this ? This is absolutely unacceptable conduct, even more so for the retainer of candidate. He cursed his future self, fuming at himself. Almost instantly, the butler stood up and bowed formally to Crusch.

"I must apologize, Crusch-sama. It was uncouth of me to lose my temper, particularly in front of the royal candidates. Please punish me as you see fit, it is only natural after all."

"Don't worry Wilhelm-sama. Your outburst was hardly unreasonable, I completely understand, although refraining from repeating this in the future would be ideal." The duchess replied, almost in a teasing tone.

Ferris's jaw was agape, not believing whether the Crusch he was seeing was actually real. The stoic duchess, Crusch Karsten? Impossible, this couldn't be.

"-.. Of course, Crusch-sama. I shall remain more diligent in the future."

Maybe Subaru-kun had more of an impact on her than I realized, whether it remains a good thing in the future is to be ! He added sadly, almost as an afterthought. Maybe, she really has fallen for him…

Reinhard too jumped in surprise, it being his first time to see his grandfather lose his composure in front of so much people. Apart from that one time…

"I heard you the first time. I'm not that old yet. I can still hear."

Heinkel surveyed the entirety of the room with eyes just as blue as his father's.

"Anyways, you guys are so cold, leaving me out of the White Whale celebration like that!-"

The camera shifted to the various royal candidate's disgruntled faces.

"This guy sure needs a good beating down! Mine's amazing self would be honoured to deliver it personally to him." Garfiel yelled, baring his fangs at Heinkel.

"I can help too! He's so mean to everyone plus mini-boss." Mimi added, jumping excitedly.

"Though I loathe to admit it sis.." Tivey sighed, patting his sister's back. "You've hit the nail on the head this time."

"-Aint that right, my honoured grandfather?"

"Heinkel…I…"

"Reinhard! You feel the same way, don't you?"

"-"

His tone now oozing with malice, Heinkel dug even further into Wilhelm's heart.

"Father here took a huge weight off your shoulders didn't he? He did avenge your predecessor, the very same woman you got killed."

"Father, please just..please stop it.." the Sword Saint pleaded, his tone almost begging. "I know how it's all my fault.. just…."

Felt racked her brain as she tried desperately to think of ways to console her knight, but she couldn't seem to utter them. What words could she possibly say, to drag him out of his misery?

She thought sadly to herself, ashamed for relying on a Subaru again.

Big bro would surely know….

"So, so pathetic, 'hero.'. Even this commoner, weakling though he is, has done far more than what you could ever hope to achieve." Priscilla drawled, the current scenes now beginning to bore her.

No one in the theater paid attention to her usual insults, familiar as they were with it by now.

"Enough, Heinkel! You… Even for you, this is…! How much trust you…!"

"It's too late to pretty things up, Father. You of all people don't have the right to criticize me. We all know the first to blame Reinhard for killing his predecessor, was none other than you.-"

Heinkel's voice seemed to have pierced Wilhelm, his tone now full of glee.

" –Hah. Going quiet the moment the truth gets inconvenient for you? You think you can patch things up with that? That's too convenient. Theresia Van Astrea would never accept something like that."

"The nerve of him to use her name in that way." Crusch lamented, shaking her head."Truly, he is shameless.'

Likewise, even though the scenes on the screen were of a future yet to arrive, Wilhelm felt each and every syllable stab his heart. They felt so..raw and real. He clutched his head in his hands, bitterly admonishing himself.

This. This was the result of my own actions. And now it has come back to haunt me, reminding me to never forgive myself.

Reinhard now was at a complete loss of words, unable to fully comprehend the words, as he could only look down sadly.

Priscilla fanned herself self-assuredly, knowing that she was the catalyst for the current happenings. She mused to herself angrily.

My divine self has granted these three a chance for reconciliation, yet they blabber on, sinking into their self-made pits of guilt. This sleeping commoner's performance at the castle was far more entertaining yet less pathetic than the current show on display. Truly disappointing.

Al, who by now had learnt to read the baronesses' emotions, winced in anticipation of her anger.

"Heinkel Van Astrea."

Saying the name aloud, Subaru could feel its weight, having finally grasped who Heinkel really was.

"Don't add the 'Van' in, brat! I never got the sword name. I'm just plain ol' Heinkel Astrea."

Overhearing Subaru's murmur, Heinkel clicked his tongue.

"So, why have you come here?"

The girl stood up, voicing her soft-spoken anger.

"Emilia-sama?" "Princess?" Garfiel and Otto's voices rang out in unison.

The half-elf herself too was surprised at her sudden intrusion, her mouth forming an o-shape.

"Does this half-witch finally grow some spine?" Priscilla raised her eyebrow, giving a contemptuous snort. "Does she finally show resistance?"

"Emilia…"
"Well, well! So
you're Lady Emilia! The half-witch princess who's fighting a battle she can't win-"

Subaru nearly lost his temper, before Emilia firmly asked once again-

"-We're not talking about your opinion of me right now. I only have one question. Why have you come here?"

"Tch, this ain't what the rumours said…"

Heinkel clicked his tongue and pussied out, -clear signs that Emilia was overwhelming him.

"Answer properly." Emilia repeated herself, not giving an inch to the drunkard. He scratched his head and growled in frustration, having lost the battleground. (let's go emilia u finally grew some balls)

Petra along with Frederica beamed proudly at the now red-faced half-elf.

"Hell yeah Princes! Put 'im in his place!" Garfiel cheered in suit with Mimi.

"That was pretty cool, Big sis." Felt complimented, nodding approvingly. "But you were too polite! Ya should learn some proper insults from me!"

Reinhard though still downtrodden, glanced at Emilia gratefully.

"Although Emilia-sama is too kind sometimes, Ram's assessment of her is never wrong." The pink maid huffed triumphantly, smirking all the while. "I was right to follow her after the Sanctuary!"

"Right nee-sama!"

Roswaal mused to himself, his thoughts churning in his head.

Emilia-sama, you have grown. Not completely incompetent, but STILL making good progress.

Emilia blushed all the way to the tips of her ears, but rather than embarrassment she felt pride in herself. At long last , she finally stood up for herself, having known how pathetic she was. Although her doubts were not fully dispelled… Maybe. Just maybe..She had grown. She felt just a tiny bit more capable.

The baroness, though not fully impressed, acknowledged her growth with a flourish of her fan.

"Well done, half-wit. T'was not bad of a performance. My divine self recognises when someone has earned their reward."

"Thanks Emilia-sam!" Emilia responded, feeling elated.

"So, you're clamming up after barging in all smug? Pathetic." Felt smirked as the interloper stayed silent.

"Yeah! Tell him, me! I woulda tell him to grow some balls instead! Here I was, expecting more from him."

"And here I was expecting something entertaining."

"Uncouth individuals should make themselves scarce."

Backing Emilia up, Felt, Anastasia, and Crusch all chimed in, simultaneously lashing out at the boorish interloper with the sheer intensity of their commanding presence. Feeling the pressure, beads of sweat trickled down Heinkel's face.

Crusch couldn't help letting out a low chuckle, in spite of her usual stoic expression.

"What a weak guy!" "The slightest bit of resistance and he falls over? What an idiot!"

Mimi and Garfiel both ridiculed Heinkel, clutching their sides together, all the while cracking up.

"Are you satisfied, Vice Captain? If you have no further business, it would be for our mutual benefit for you to depart at once."

Julius made that suggestion and offered Heinkel a 'lifeboard' away from the room. Feeling even more pressured, further beads of sweat trickled down Heinkel's face while he slowly backed away.

Wilhelm looked up, not daring to show any emotion in his face

Heinkel, you fool.

Ricardo chuckled appreciatively, recognizing that even then, the Finest Knight still offered to help him. "Y'know Julius, you don't need to be that kind sometimes."

"Even now, I still feel bad for Heinkel. The pits of despair he himself has sunk into, is a sympathetic plight. " Julius replied, rubbing his head worriedly.

"No one's blaming ya, O' Finest Knight." Anastasia teased, holding a hand to her mouth to muffle her giggles. "I can't say I hate that part of you though~." (is this a julius x anastasia ship?) (short answer: maybe)

"That will not be necessary, commoner."

"What took you so long?! I was sweating buckets here waiting for you, Lady Priscilla."

"Silence."

From the hallway, a stunning and commanding voice called out as a certain beauty's visage appeared. Her name was Priscilla Bariel. With this, the fifth and final candidate for the royal selection had arrived, uninvited to the feast.

And it's here where she makes her entrance I see. The merchant princess muttered, making a mental note.

"So you're the one who brought Heinkel here, Priscilla." Emilia exclaimed aloud.

Priscilla sighed in frustration, growling a response back. "Of course, half-wit. Although you have surprised me, some things still do not change."

"Ah, yes, what a nostalgic lineup. I see you're all getting along, hm?

"Priscilla! Did you bring him here?!"

Subaru stood up, having unwittingly challenged Priscilla's musings. Hearing his question, the flame princess stared into Subaru's eyes, scrutinizing him for a few seconds.

"And who might you be?"

"You don't remember me?!"

Subaru indignantly gestured, displeased at the genuine, threatening disdain aimed towards him.

"I've always wondered about the reason she forgot him." Tivey asked, his thoughts returning to when they arrived in the theater. "It's pretty puzzling. She seemed pretty genuine and confused too."

"Now this is just a personal theory of mine, ever since the earlier viewings. I believe that the reason Priscilla Bariel forgot Subaru, was due to his *ahem* display at the castle. She may have initially held him in high regard, but after she witnessed him acting on his admittedly selfish desires, may have dismissed him as unimportant and felt humiliated for believing in him. Thereby not interesting her anymore, she promptly forgot about his existence." Crusch theorized, in a low yet confident tone.

"Still impressively dumb of how she hadn't heard of Subaru-kyun defeating the Archbishop, and two of the Great Mabeasts though…" Ferris muttered to himself.

Al's eyes jumped open in surprise, seeing how her theory had mostly been true to the heart of the matter.

"Yikes Princess, she's got a pretty good read on you. I'm kinda sad that I'm not the only one anymore…"

"Silence, jester." Priscilla slammed him to the ground with a wave of her fan, letting him taste the ground once more. "It matters not how others perceive my divine self. The world itself turned in my favour to bring the commoner and I to this cursed place, who no longer was but a dog, head over heels for a half-wit. It won't be long, before the commoner himself is in my favour."

Emilia, Rem and Beatrice all hugged Subaru protectively, taking care not to overexert their strength, lest he suffer more broken bones.

"C'mon, Princess, that's too cruel even for you. Remember that guy who shamed himself in front of everyone during the declaration of beliefs at the castle? That's this bro right there. You were grabbing your belly laughing at him, remember?"

"Woah, guys what's the problem?" Al gestured in hands in surrender, as nasty stares were sent his way, particularly from the Emilia camp. He hastily tried to explain his counterpart's actions. "That time bro embarrassed himself really badly like an idiot in front of basically everyone. You can't deny it was pretty memorable."

"That was a re-e-eally rude way of putting it, Al."

"So it was, but Betty thinks you could have said it better, could you not?" Beatrice grumpily replied, shooting daggers at him. To which he shrugged it off.

"I've no memory of it. And do I look like I'd debase myself in crude acts such as grabbing my belly when laughing? Do not spin fairytales now, Al."

"Consider yourself lucky, Aldebaran."

"Princess…"

"You heard her, bro. Sorry I couldn't do more."
"It's been a year man! Couldn't you get better at talking at least?!

"Good luck, bro. You'll have to butter her up from scratch."

Al apologized and raised his hand in a prayer-like gesture as he swiftly gave up. Turning to Priscilla, he asked once again.

"So, care to answer my question?"

"How dare this commoner talk to me so casually? I should have lopped off his head, right then and there." Priscilla threatened, albeit in a joking tone, devoid of her usual venomous remarks, to the surprise of many.

"You are asking whether I brought this commoner here? In that case, you are correct. I called him here and brought him with me."

"But why?"

"If I must provide a reason, it is simply that it offers more amusement."

Subaru was aghast, gazing at her in dazed silence while she explained further.

Oh no. It's not gonna end well… Al tensed, ready to defend his lady, despite his Authority still being gone.

"An awkward attempt to rectify warped family bonds! I cannot possibly stand idly by and allow such a pathetic performance to unfold now. As such, I have decided to rewrite the script. It was quite amusing, was it not?"

"Priscillaaa!"

Her actions and the way she casually talked sent Subaru flying into a rage.

Priscilla's actions, though harsh, had been quite in the realm of expectations for almost everyone.

"I must say, this is quite a low, even for ya Priscilla." Anastasia commented.

Felt could be seen writhing in anger, visibly getting more mad for her knight. Once again, Priscilla seemed like an incomprehensible person to her.

Does this street rat lash out once again, proving herself nothing more than a little kid acting on her emotional impulses? Priscilla smiled, awaiting any amusement that would unfold.

Reinhard, sensing her distress, was about to place a hand on her shoulder, to attempt to placate her when-

"-It's alright Rein, I've learnt some control by now, at the very least." Felt assured, though still seething. She waved off his helping hand with a snort. "It's the least I could do. Anyways, this is as much as I expected this bitch to do."

"Felt-sama…."

"Grahh! Stop it!"

The Sword Saint ruffled her hair, leading her to slap his hand in retaliation while wearing the slightest of smiles.

"Not too pathetic…, street rat." The flame princess stated, in a commanding tone.

"Hold up, Bro. No one's getting anything out of fighting here."

"Cut the crap! You're telling me it's okay to emotionally abuse people all you want?!"

"Subaru…"

Emilia called out to him with forlorn eyes. He noticed a sensation of his sleeves being pulled, Beatrice was there too, holding onto his clenched fist. He calmed down, feeling the pair's sympathy.

Similarly, Beatrice snuggled onto her contractor's waist, his reassuring warmth all but calming her.

"I don't remember invitin' you out of all people.'
"Sly fox, when a word finds its way into the ears of men, it is inevitable that it shall flow forth like tears."

"Didn't ya say something similar to that earlier, Priscilla-chan?" Anastaisa questioned, recalling their earlier conversation.

"Obviously, mineself do not mince her words."
"This old guy is Reinhard's dad, right?"
"Oh? Does the gutter rat dare to offer me her opinions?"

"I'm not exactly unrelated here, after all. Reinhard isn't the head of the Astrea family. Our lifeline is in this old man's hands."

"Heh. Finally caught up, eh? Yep, that's right."

Heinkel sneered as Felt finally grasped the situation.

"What a bastard. What mine's amazin' self wouldn't give, to knock a few things into him…." Garfiel mumbled under his breath, lest his sister catch wind and knocked his skull.

"I'm the Astrea family head. I never intended to pass it on to Reinhard, and I never will."

"Felt-sama. I…"

"Reinhard."

Raising his head, Reinhard was about to say something, but then he stopped. The cause being Felt thrusting her fork towards the tip of his nose. (slightly changed from the anime)

"Shut up and keep your head up."

"Of course."

Reinhard opened his eyes wide as Felt issued a command to him. He nodded solemnly, the light finally returning to his eyes.

"Thank you, Felt-sama." Reinhard nodded appreciatively , his mood slightly cheered up.

Felt had a smug expression on her face, as she grinned at her knight.

"You better listen properly, ya hear me? Don't go forgettin' it the next day."

"Say whatever you want. You're right to feel threatened, oh great master Reinhard. The Astrea family's mine, and I won't be backing you. I'm supporting…"

"Commoner."

"What is it, Lady Priscilla? I'm in the middle of an impor-"

"Silence."

The act that followed made Subaru gasp. With no prior warning, Priscilla flashed out her fan, rendering him unconscious in one blow. Not finished, she drew out a beautiful crimson sword. Her red eyes flashing dangerously, she began to swing-

"That's enough of your tantrum, Princess."

Al stopped her wrist and called for her to stop while Heinkel's body toppled to the ground. Priscilla freed her hand from Al's now loosened grip.

"Ah~ The famous Yang Sword of Vollachia finally makes its appeaaarance. What a truly beautiful blade it is." Roswaal remarked, his face now drawn into a grin, knowing more than he was letting on. "A truly remarkable blade, is it not?"

"Yang Sword of Vollachia?" Emilia questioned, tilting her head curiously.

"Really, Princess? You've never heard of it before? It's one of the Ten Swords of Powers, known for its strength and rarity in the world!" Garfiel excitedly said, as he dreamily wondered what it was like to own one. " It's one of a kind!"

"It's a heritage type of relic, passed on to those of the same lineage in the Vollachia Empire. It's said only to be wielded by those of the same bloodline." Tivey gushed, excited to share his knowledge. "It is said to cut down and burn those that it wishes to cut down and burn, not harming others in the process!"

Priscilla's eyes narrowed dangerously, her identity inching closer and closer to being revealed.

"So does that mean Priscilla is-"

"I don't think whoever she is matters does it? Princess here has been recognized by the Dragon. End of story." Al interrupted Emilia, his tone apologetic as he did so. "It's all that matters, doesn't it?"

"I su-u-uppose you are ri-i-ight, knight of Benedict-sama. It doesn't really matter, as you've said." The margrave asserted, smiling maliciously, drawing looks of ire from Priscilla herself.

"Though mineself did not ask you to 'protect' me, you have done an acceptable job. Fetch me some wine as a reward, jester of mine," The flame princess replied, her mood cheerful once again, as he scurried off to her room to retrieve more.

"Right away, Princess." Al replied, feeling like he dodged a bullet.

"C'mon, gimme a break. You even drew the Sun Blade! It's bad for my heart-"

Priscilla slammed her hand into Al's gut, she clapped her hands together.

"Schult, carry this commoner out of here. You may tend to his wounds."

"Yes, Lady Priscilla!"

A boy with adorable curly, fluffy-looking hair appeared at Priscillas' sides, answering her summons.

"Pardon my rudeness, Lord Heinkel! Heave-ho…Heave-ho…"

With those words, he grabbed hold of both of Heinkel's legs as he dragged him into the corridor, away from the mess he himself he created.

"Schult chan's as lively as ever." Al said, watching him carry the drunk's body away.

Priscilla, though proud, missed the comforting feeling of her precious servant in her lap. Just when would the blasted Warden summon her back and why couldn't he just bring Schult instead? When would she experience his warmth once more? What an incompetent and useless excuse of a 'man' he is. (ya im ngl im just lazy to add more characters in)

"So, was the old guy serious just now? Is he gonna drive us out and take back his seat as lord?"

"And if that were true, what exactly would you do about it? Bow out gracefully with tears in your eyes?"

"Hah! Don't make me laugh! No matter what anyone says, that's one thing I'll never do!"

As she spoke, Felt had a ferocious smile as she gestured towards Reinhard.

"I'll just let this guy make that old man hand over the inheritance."

The other three candidates stood in opposition, not hesitating to assert their own will.

"Very well. My victory is inevitable regardless. You might as well color my path with turmoil for my amusement. Yes, fan my flames! That is the role destiny has decreed for you!"

"I'll make you cry and regret that arrogance."

Felt and Priscilla stared into each other's eyes, not giving an inch. Her abrupt declaration of war was reflected by everyone present.

"A worthy proclamation, street rat. But remember this, as soon the commoner awakens, tis' only a matter of time till he arrives under my command, as mineself's husband." Priscilla declared, flourishing her fan at not only Felt, but the various other candidates. She made sure to emphasize her last word. "Once he is in my command, weep, for it is inevitable I shall triumph over everyone, for the world always turns in my favour. Your petty tricks shall be of no importance to mineself." With this, she challenged everyone, her fiery red eyes burning with pride and arrogance, willing them to rise against her. (goated character)

"Yeah keep talking, 'princess'. Big bro's ain't gonna fall for scum like you! As if he would just waltz into your camp, listening to your commands? Please. Don't insult my intelligence." Felt retorted as she stopped herself short of exposing her plans of bringing Subaru to her camp.

Crusch and Anastaisa both did not respond, their plans to bring Subaru into their camp already in emotion.

"My knight will stay with me! I won't give him to anyone else, much less you!"

Emilia herself felt unnerved, as a multitude of emotions exploded within her. Her first instinct was jealousy, seeing that Priscilla had announced her own plans of capturing him, even marrying him. She absolutely loathed the idea, it deeply appalled her.

Pride, her knight being wanted and lauded for his accomplishments, of which there were many.

Anger, how everyone disregarded her own feelings, each believing she could so easily be deceived into collapsing her own camp.

Rem placed a hand on Emilia's now tightly clenched hand on Subaru, slowly relaxing her grip. Withouts words, she reassured the half-elf she wasn't alone, that she had help. Calming herself, she squeezed Rem's hand back, nodding gratefully.

By now, I've seen more than enough proof of my knight's loyalty. I would have to be a total dunderhead to think otherwise! Subaru cares for me, I know it. Responding to Priscilla would be a mistake, I have to trust Subaru!

With this final reassuring thought, Emilia gradually unwinded, loosening her posture.

Meanwhile, Wilhelm was still in mournful contemplation , his son's own words still echoing around in his head.

"Damn it! I've gotta calm down. I'm the one who lost his temper back there…"

Subaru slammed his fist onto the ground , disappointed in himself.

"Don't take it out on the floor. You'll trouble the inn workers."

"I'm the only one who blew up back there. Everyone else was calm. I'm pathetic."

Subaru had been staring at the floor, when a man with slightly unruly purple hair called out to him.

"No, don't say that Subaru! You're too harsh on yourself." Rem pleaded, squeezing his hand.

"Betty agrees, in fact. Her contractor could learn a few lessons from a certain someone."

"Beako!" Emilia scolded.

"No, your outburst allowed the others to remain composed. Your rashness can come in handy sometimes."

"You're really not trying to praise me, are you?"

"Subaru is such a tsundere, I suppose. And he dares to call Betty one?!"

Laugher and giggles rang out around the theater, making fun of the duo's exchange.

"Wow, Julius. I had no idea you were so into Natsuki-kun so much. Are ya planning to steal him away from them too?" Anastasia teased playfully.

At those words, Emilia, Rem and the spirit clutched him protectively, worried of another potential love interest.

"Anastasia-sam… not you too."

To which the merchant princess winked lightheartedly at him, having lit alight the situation even further.

"It is true that your actions were not commendable, if one were to seek knightly conduct. However…"

"The heck are you doing?"

He voiced his surprise, seeing Julius solemnly lowering his head.

For once, Anastasia was speechless, seeing her knight bow his head down to someone else. It was a sign of her knight, breaking his knightly demeanour, to acknowledge his respect for Subaru.

"Julius….?" Ferris and Ricardo were stunned, their voices drawing to a breath. It was their first ever time, seeing their friend lower his head, showing such humility.

Julius inclined his head slightly, agreeing with his onscreen self's behavior.

"As you can see I am showing my gratitude. Your righteous indignation was much appreciated."

"Indeed it was, Subaru." Julius commented.

"You're thanking me for getting angry in your place? Screw off. Why would I be mad on your behalf?" Subaru stood up, feeling genuinely exasperated that he had gotten it all wrong. "I got pissed because I was fed up. If you were ticked off too, you should've just gotten mad yourself!"

"Even if I did, I cannot afford to be disrespectful to my direct superior."

Subaru's words surprised Julius with a start, who straightened, sighing he did so.

"How rigid can you be, man? Does your heart were your knightley shining armour too?"

"My heart is clad in armour, you say? That is so accurate, it almost hurts."

Julius snorted, gazing into the sky as he did so.

"That's quite a read on ya, my dear knight. Natsuki-kun seems to somehow always find the right words to say." Anastasia noted with interest, her eyes lighting up as she did so. "Just how does he do it? He would surely be a great negotiator, given enough time."
"I quite agree, Anastasia-sama. Subaru has a tendency to say the right things at the right time, albeit hurtfully sometimes." Julius nodded his head.

How Subaru hit the mark so accurately, baffles me.

"Looking at his ugly mug, don't tell me he used his influence as the Sword Saint's dad to land that position?"

"That is part of it. However, the main reason lies not with the vice captain, but because of Reinhard, or more accurately, the Astrea family."

"That man is Wilhelm-sama's son and the current head of the Astrea family. What would happen if such an individual would rebel due to discourteous treatment?"

Julius winced, not likening how his future self was currently exposing and framing the Astrea family in such a bad light, in front of the very same people no less!

"I must apologize for my transgressions, Wilhelm, Reinhard." Julius swiftly stood, bowing to the two Astreas. "My other self has framed your matters in a bad light, and for that I must apologize."

"Julius-dono, all is forgiven. This is of a future not to come," Wilhelm replied, in a stranger tone than usual.

"Don't worry Julius. I know you meant no harm by it." Reinhard assured.

"You are saying that if he feels like it, he could turn the Sword Saint's family against the Kingdom? You're telling me the Kingdom doesn't trust Reinhard and Wilhelm-san?!"

When Julius spoke those words, Subaru's breath caught, his body indignantly turning to the Finest Knight.

Reinhard couldn't believe his ears, seeing how much Subaru still trusted him. He had a disbelieving expression on his face.

Subaru…I'm grateful for your trust..even though I still failed to protect you..

Felt scoffed, annoyed her knight was still slow on the uptake.

"Fifteen years ago a member of the royal family was abducted from the palace."

"What about it?"

"Back then Wilhelm-sama was the captain of the Royal Guard and was also responsible for the search for the kidnapped royalty. The former Sword Saint's expedition against the White Whale took place while Wilhelm-san was away from the capital to search for the child."

"He couldn't be there for his wife's death because of the search. So you are saying he's holding a grudge because of that? He's not that kind of person! Why can't anyone understand that?"

Demanding to know why in a choked up voice, Subaru closed his eyes angrily, clenching his fists as he did so.

Wilhelm was stunned, seeing the extent of Subaru's trust towards him. Even though he had failed the young man numerous times before, Subaru still chose to have faith in the man he is.

Subaru-dono…I'm indebted to you, yet you still believe in me? Truly, I am thankful to have met you. I would be glad, even… to have you.. as my grandson…

(*slight spoilers* also from arc 4 react fic and cut content from the anime where he would make subaru his grandson)

"I apologize. I shouldn't have brought this up when you weren't emotionally prepared."

"Even I can tell you're worried about Reinhard, so it's only natural you'd be ticked. There is nothing strange about that. I have told you before. You don't need to obsess over being a well-mannered knight all the time."

At Subaru's words, Julius was left stupefied, his mouth hanging open slightly in surprise.

Likewise, the Julius in the other theater's jaw was ajar, as he processed the words carefully. He remained in a daze, until Anastasia nudged his side, stirring him from his reverie.

"Natsuki-kun's advice is not too bad, y'know. Ya need to let loose, every once in a while, before it all comes apart at the seams."

"You can take off your armour and just be Juli sometimes. Maybe being flexible would help you do a lot of things better."

"Juli, you say…-"

"Ferri-chan still thinks that was a pretty lame nickname."

"Thank you for the input, knight of Crusch-sama. Your opinion will be considered and withheld for the time being." Julius fired back, in a not-too-serious tone.

As Subaru continued, memories of when Julius disguised himself as 'Juli' flashed across the screen. Julius closed his eyes and grinned slightly, turning his head towards the sky while a light breeze ruffled the duo's hair. "-You've brought up quite a nostalgic name. So this is how Juli feels, when he's looking up to the sky and feeling the breeze. Now that I think about it, the sky looked different back then too."

"I don't get you at all. Quit showing off, you smug bastard."

Intentionally ignoring the building atmosphere, Subaru snorted and sat down on the floor. Flashing a troubled smile in reply to Subaru's insult, 'Juli' closed his eyes, having gotten a weight off his chest.

"That was quite a wholesome ending don't you think?" Al said, snickering as he teased Julius. "You and bro give off the vibe of an old married couple, exactly like the pink maid."

Ram glared at the one-armed knight, throwing a bucket of popcorn at his face.

"Hey! What's that fo-."

"That looks perfect, for a jester like you. It's an outfit befitting of you, Ram thinks."

"C'mon…"

Al groaned, as he tried to wipe the sticky food away from his body.

"Damn, Julius.. I didn't know ya thought of the mini-boss so highly..very highly." Ricardo grinned, his words implicating some deeper meaning.

"Julius? Don't tell me..not you too? "

Emilia's worried voice rang out, her fear of another potential love interest bubbling to the surface. She couldn't believe how many people her knight was able to charm, and pull.

"Emilia-sama, I don't harbor such feelings for your knight…." To Julius's displeasure, Emilia's genuine concern incited another hearty round of laughter.

His initial embarrassment now over, he mulled over the things Subaru had said. They had struck a chord with Julius of the present and the future. Even though the finest knight had failed and even killed Subaru, he still found it within his heart to forgive, and even befriend Julius.

Really, I'm glad that I could have seen that Subaru. Not another loop gone, never to be seen again. Perhaps, I could face you once more in the future, and maybe you would be able to call me your friend….

Subaru departed and walked along the side of the waterside, with Beatrice and Emilia in two.

"You looked like you were re-e-e-ally getting along with Julius. What were you talking about?"

"You're re-e-e-ally wrong about that, but what did you think our topic was?"

"Where to play next time, I guess?"

"We're not school buddies!"

"I must say half-wit, sometimes your very existence astounds minself." Priscilla sighed, hearing the innocent and carefree question Emilia asked.

"Thank you for the compliment, Priscilla-sama! I re-e-eally appreciate it!" This in turn earned another look of exasperation, from the fiery princess.

"We were just scouting out the enemy a bit. Plus a bit of chitchat, I guess."

"Isn't that what friends do?"

"Well, we're definitely not friends. That's one thing I'm sure of."

"Frederica nee-sama, Subaru is such a tsundere. He looks so funny when he's like that!' Petra remarked, with satisfaction.

Over the past year, she, like the rest of the members of Emilia's camp, had improved her knowledge in the field of Subaruisms.

"Yet again, bro's tsundereness is acting up. His refusal to be friends with Julius is frankly, amazing. It is as clear as day."

"Yeah, but he has nothin' on Ram does he? Now she's the real thing!" Ricard replied, chuckling at the familiar scene again.

"Barusu has nothing on Ram's one-of-a-kind tsundereness. I'll give him three points out of ten!" Ram noted triumphantly, proudly puffing out her modest chest.

"So stubborn…"

"He really is, I suppose."

Emilia looked exasperated while Beatrice sighed and agreed with her. They continued walking, stopping as they heard music coming from the nearby park.

"It looks really lively over there."

"So it would seem. It feels much louder than yesterday, I suppose."

Wedging themselves through the crowd, Subaru led Emilia and Beatrice by hand as they plunged and deeper. And there standing in the middle, was Liliana and a certain princess having finished her dance to roaring applause, going by the name-

"-Priscilla?!"

"Seeing such amazing footwork like that almost made my eyes pop out!"

"Your performance was entertaining, as well. It has been a while since a musician has amused me so. My time was well spent."

"Oh dear, dearest me, could this be Master Natsuki, Lady Emilia, and the Little Mistress I see?"

Liliana's energetic proclamation led Subaru to grin sheepishly, remembering the headache she had caused for everyone.

"Hmph! The person who caused the business meeting to go so awry so nonchalantly greets Natsuki-san, as if nothing happened." Otto grumbled, with arms crossed over his chest. "I can't tell whether I should be impressed or scared."

"C'mon Brotto. Let bygones be bygones."

"Things went crazy, and I couldn't keep my promise yesterday, so it's really good that you're here today."

"You have been staring at me for some time now. How uncouth!"
Priscilla covered half of her face with her signature fan, snorting towards Emilia with visible scorn.

'I'm sorry! I just thought it was really unexpected for you to start dancing. "

Subaru nodded with a hmph, agreeing with Emilia.

"I didn't know you were the type of person to dance, Priscilla! You looked re-e-eally good there! That was some nifty footwork." Emilia complimented Priscilla, nodding her head.

Priscilla in her usual haughty fashion, declared everyone be thankful, for witnessing her divine dance.

"Of course mineself knows how to dance, only when the mood is right. Everyone should consider themselves blessed to have witnessed my divine self with their own eyes."

'Does anyone even say 'nifty' nowadays?' Mimi whispered to Tivey, barely suppressing her giggles. He only smiled and shook his head.

"I only dance when the mood strikes me. This artist's song was simply that alluring."

"Tis' only a matter of time until the diva joins our camp."

"Princess, our camp might burst at the seams…." Al muttered, keeping to himself. "At least more people would keep you occupied…"

"For real? So you're a Liliana fan, too?"

"Eh-heh-heh-heh. Are you saying my song was that amazing? Wow, you're making me blush."

"Your song was of great value. What say you join me as my songstress?"

'Hey, thanks! I'm honoured you think that way about me! I'm so flattered! But! But! I must respectfully decline!"

Liliana responded with a smiling face and virtually no hesitation as she bowed.

"Oh? And what reason would you have to refuse my invitation?"

Instantly, Priscilla's voice dropped an octave, her crimson eyes running cold.

"Her head might be in danger of being lopped off!" Ferris groaned, fearing the girl's fate.

"Ferris, have you learnt nothing?" Crusch lightly scolded her knight, shaking her head disappointedly. "Priscilla-sama might be arrogant and is possibly the proudest person you'll ever meet, but her actions though ruthless and harsh, are fair."

Ferris replied with a slow nod of his head, slightly stunned Crusch would defend Priscilla of all people!

Priscilla scoffed, not bothering to bless the pathetic half-man with any answer.

(i dont hate ferris i swear)

"I am Liliana, the bard. I am but a wanderer, destined to be whisked away by the wind. I cannot be bound by one land or person. It is my way of life."

"And so you decline my invitation?"

"My mother, her mother, and her mother's mother… It was the same for my entire clan. Our clan leaves nothing behind, save for our songs in people's hearts. Just as a single fence cannot stop the winds, no person can keep us from singing."

"Prisc-"

Subaru, feeling that the situation was going awry, tried to stop Priscilla.

"Very well. Your resolve is commendable. Forgive me, for it was I who was rude."

"Oh, don't be like that! I'm sorry I couldn't accept."

Subaru could only be amazed, never thinking that Priscilla would actually accept someone else defying her will.

"What is it, peasant?" Priscilla snorted.

"I was just surprised. I was sure you'd slice Liliana in half for rejecting your invitation."

"I was a bit surprised too. I thought you were the type of person who'd do everything to get what you wanted."

Upon hearing Priscilla's reply, Emilia chimed in while Subaru nodded once again.

"Before, I would have thought Priscilla to be that type of person, who wouldn't care about anyone but herself…" Emilia mused thoughtfully to herself. Yet, her experience in this theater proved her otherwise, she was shown to have a smidge of a caring side. But still, how badly she treated Subaru, is something I will never forget, naive though it may be…

"Everything in this world is mine. As such, there is no need to keep all that is beautiful, noble, or valuable within my reach to admire. As this entire world is my garden, it matters not where the singing birds choose to serenade me."

The sheer scale of her overwhelmingly aloof rationale left Subaru and the others at loss for words.

Similarly, the vast magnitude of her philosophy left most of the people in the theater speechless, struck by her words. Anastasia's eyes in particular lit up with interest, already making plans mentally, now that new information was acquired about the flame princess.

So this is how Vollachian Royalty thinks…Roswaal mulled over thoughtfully, his understanding of Prisca Benedict now near its completion.

Princess here simply processes things on a fundamentally different level. Terrifying though it may be, it too elicits feelings of awe doesn't it bro? Al thought, proudly nodding his head. It seems you're starting to understand her more.

With a wave of her crimson fan, she agreed with her onscreen self.

"A worthy proclamation, mineself agrees."

"Now, now, now! Now that everyone's calmed down, how about I sing you a song in honour of our friendship? And after that song, we'll have a pleasant chat! Now wouldn't it be nice if you prepared us some snacks for that, Master Natsuki?

With some gestures, Liliana made an abrupt proposal, trying to appease everyone. She pointed at Subaru, winking horribly in a godawful attempt. (seriously what even is that wink)

"Does she have something in her eyes? Mimi thinks she looks scary." Mimi asked with a concerned look.

"I think it's just her, sis." Tivey replied, waving his hand.

"Now, wouldn't it be nice if you prepared us some snacks for that, Master Natsuki?"

"What's this? One of those RPG choices where the dialogue loops until you pick 'yes'?"
"Is that another one of his many 'Subaruisms'?"

"Naturally, Betty knows what an RPG is. My contractor explained that it is a ' video game', where players assume the roles of fictional characters, making choices that affect themselves and the overall story. That is what Subaru is referring to, I suppose." The loli spirit smugly replied to Anastasia's question, her cheeks puffed with pride. Who else but her would be privy to otherworldly knowledge? No one else but her!

"Huh, didn't know they would still be popular even until now..." Al mumbled to himself.

"Big bro's world must really be lacking in excitement , eh?" Felt noted, wanting to see how an 'RPG' was played.

When Liliana stubbornly asked the same exact question without a change in tone or even word choice, Subaru gave in and selected yes, as the clock tower rang in the background.

Scene changes to Subaru walking alone in a public square, carrying the snacks he had been ordered to bring just like the pushover he was. (I mean it affectionately!)

The Great Spirit had a look of horror on her face, realizing she had left her contractor alone.

"H-how could Betty leave him alone? What use am I even for….." Beatrice hissed to herself, seemingly more angry at herself than anyone. She hugged Subaru's rising chest and falling chest, as if to drown out her terror.

"Don't w-worry , Beako. I'm sure he'll be fine."

"Subaru-kun will be fine…I'm sure of it…."

Emilia and Rem tried to comfort the great spirit, but in actuality reassuring themselves more than the loli. They tried to quell their fears, both squeezing onto the sleeping boy for comfort.

"It'll be fine everyone, Natsuki-san can't be in danger. The Sword Saint is nearby, he'll be there!" Otto tried to appease them, ignoring the sinking feeling in his stomach.

"I sure hope you're right, Brotto." Garfiel gloomily replied, preparing for the worst.

"Call it a gut feelin' or what, but mini-boss is gonna meet something either way." Ricardo said, bowing his head down.

Petra clinged to her mentor, terrified for her hero's safety. Frederica reciprocated the hug, her familiar warmth slightly calming Petra's panicked emotions.

"Please… be safe Barusu." Ram said, breaking her trademark demeanour for once, to the surprise of a few.

Priscilla creased her brows together, already anticipating what was to come.

"Man, I really am a pushover."

"Whoops."

"Hey, now. Shouldn't you be apologizing, bro? Why don't you show me some sinc-"

After not paying attention properly, Subaru bumped into a familiar-looking someone. The man was in the middle of picking a fight when he noticed Subaru and froze.

"Oh, it's just you, Chin."

"Stop callin' me Chin, damn it! The hell are you doin' here?!"

"Hey, don't be like that. We're pals who've gone through life and death together!"

"When the hell did that happen?! Back off!"

Lachins shot him a disgusted look when Subaru got too chummy.

"No matter how many times I see it, it's still disturbing how Subaru behaves like that, acting so friendly towards those he was killed by before." Crusch commented, sighing as she too, felt anxious for the boy. But she refused to show any emotion, save for the slight trembling of her hands.

"I concur, Crusch-sama. Subaru-dono needs to harbour at least some self-esteem in himself." Wilhelm added.

Rem and Garfiel each felt a blade go through their heart, but they chose to remain silent, wanting to see how it all progressed.

"C'mon, hear me out! The thing is-"

"Just cut it out already! Why're you so damn clingy?!

"To everyone whose conversations and busy schedules I've interrupted…."
Out of the blue, a voice emanated from the upper part of the clock tower, interrupting the pair's argument.

"The hell?" "Is something going on?"

Confused voices and questions rang out as everyone's attention was redirected to the source of the voice, standing on the tower.

"I'm sorry for bothering you! Please, allow me but a brief moment of your time! Thank you, and I'm sorry! I am the Archbishop of Wrath of the Witch Cult-" The voice turned out to be from a woman in raggedly wrapped bandages all over her body and face with one eye visible . She sported a black robe with red accents, with a golden necklace wrapped around her neck. The eccentric made her introduction to the crowd.

-Sirius Romanée-Conti, at your service!"

"Bro must have been born under the wrong star! How does he even keep meeting the Witch Cult like this?!" Al exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief.

The whole Emilia stared in horror, speechless, seeing that their worst fears come true.

Otto wrung his head in his hands, while Garfiel tensely clutched the armrests of his chair.

"Stupid..stupid doll…What use are you now…?" Beatrice cursed herself, as her worst fears had been realized. That she was going to fail Subaru, once more.

"And so it begins. Do not disappoint mineself, commoner." Priscilla stated, her eyes staring impassively at the sleeping boy.

The margrave asserted, his usual jester-like tone no longer present.

"What are you to do now, Natsuki Subaru? How would you get yourself out of this, out of the grasp of the Witch Cult once again?"

"Now there are two Archbishops in the city of Priestella? And they somehow snuck through the security?" Crusch questioned, recovering from the terror that spread through the theater.

"And she seems to be related to Petelguese, both bearing the same name." Reinhard added, fearing for Subaru's fate.

"How'd they even?" Anatasia chimed in, the merchant racking her brain for any possible loopholes in defenses that the Witch Cult could have used.

Subaru's eyes widened in fear, realizing what he was now unwittingly a part of.

"What did she just say?"

"This is a joke right? I mean, the Witch Cult…"

The realization and chaos began to slowly course the crowd.

"Hey did you hear that?"

"Yeah, if this is a joke, it's not too funny…"

Larry turned to Subaru, not believing his eyes.

"Run,Subaru-kun!" "Cap'n get away!" "Just run!" "-"

Rem, Garfiel's and Emilia's voices all jumbled together, terrified as they were for him, while Beatrice tried to control her emotions, rapidly breathing in and out.

Larry! Help big bro! Call for Reinhard! Felt pleaded, feeling more fearful with each passing second.

Fredercia got ready to close her apprentice's eyes in case something happened, inwardly praying for Subaru to be saved. Everyone else watched with bated breaths, too tense to say anything.

"Okay that's quite enough!"

"-?"

Sirius clapped her hands together, the sound echoing throughout the square. Subaru's breath caught the noise, which seemed so loud that it rocked the square itself, settling down the now-silent crowd in the process.

"W-what did she do to Subaru-kyun?" Ferris anxiously asked no one in particular, as a tense atmosphere settled around the theater.

It took you thirty five seconds to quiet down. But thank you for quieting down! I'm sorry! I am so overflowing with joy! And you, and you over there, and you two misters over there, I'm sorry! Please don't be so angry. I am so ashamed to have stolen your precious time! So I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart! Thank you!"

Sirius' voice dripped with sarcasm, pointing at specific figures of the crowd as she did so. The silent crowd now gazed up at her.

"She probably picked them out, seeing that they had more fight in them." Tivey theorized. He wanted to distract himself from the impending doom he was now sensing.

"You are most likely correct, young one. Those she picked, must have had some form of battle experience or stronger mental resistance, compared to the other citizens." Wilhelm added, his entire body rigid with stress.

"My thank you, it looks like everyone's calmed down! I understand your anxiety. But there was something I just had to confirm, so I had to partake in some of your precious time!"

"Confirm… something?..."

The whole crowd's voice, including Subaru, rang out in unison together.

"I'm sorry! Please don't be so noisy! If there's something wrong, please tell me! I'll do my best to answer for everyone's sake!

"Okay, I'll take you up on your offer."

Subaru raised a hand, causing a wave of surprise to spread around him, but he still did not avert his eyes.

"WHAT? Why is Subaru drawing her attention to him? He of all people, knows of the danger they can pose!" Emilia said aloud, confusion now mixing into her fear.

"Why would he even do such a thing?" Rem timidly questioned.

"Most likely, it is related to the Authority of Wrath." Crusch answered, before calmly urging them. "We should continue watching, we might glean more information from the viewings."

"Ah yes! Yes, good sir! Thank you!"

"I don't know what you want, but I've got some girls waiting for me, four at that! So can you get this over with and let us go already?"

Subaru's tone was of clear annoyance, the wariness now gone.

"Oh my! That's horrible! I'm sorry! But you're quite the sly one, aren't you, good sir? Leaving four girls waiting like that, now that's just naughty!" But thank you. I'm sorry. I'm going to hurry now."

"Nah, it's fine! Let's have a nice and calm conversation, alright?"

His expression was now softened, the initial walls around his heart now crumbling.

"S-subaru is so calm when talking to her. Is it due to her authority, Beako?" Emilia asked in a quavering voice, to the one clinging to Subaru tightly.

"Betty thinks that her Authority is capable of affecting emotions and maybe controlling them, but we don't have enough to go on for now." Beatrice answered, seeing how easily everyone's emotions were placated.

Reinhard watched on with a haunted expression, willing himself to appear and save Subaru, not wanting to disappoint him again.

"I'm sorry you needed to be considerate, but thank you! Now let's get straight to the point!" Sirius swayed her body around, her high-pitched full of cheerfulness. "It's time to unveil why I have appeared before you!" This led to chuckles from the crowd, noticing how unthreatening she really was.

"Didn't you say you wanted to check something with us? So, what is it?"

"Right! Come on, tell us!" "Hurry up or I'll be late for work!"
When Subaru prodded her to go ahead, the people around him too raised their voices, laughing, almost jeering at her.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. I'll get this over right away!" Sirius bowed apologetically, as her fingers made a heart shape. "You see, what I want to confirm is… Frankly speaking, love. Wah, I'm so embarrassed!"

At this, the entire crowd roared out in laughter at the Archbishop's high-pitched squeal.

"It might just be me, but that lady there is reminding me of Petelguese, complete with his nonstop rants about love." The mercenary captain wondered aloud, getting deja vu vibes. "They would make the complete package."

"Mineself agrees with the mutt. Most likely, this witch was deluded by love, similar to the Archbishop of Sloth. This is not love, but an obsession, in fact." Priscilla declared, her red eyes glued to the screen.

Emilia shivered, realising the similarities, now connected the dots as the nagging suspicion in her head finally made sense.

S-sirius looks so familiar. Those purple eyes…they can't be.. It can't be Mother Fortuna… I watched her die that day…

She shook her head, not wanting to go down that train of thought any longer.

"Would you be so kind as to accompany me in confirming my love?" Sirius covered her face with her balms, concealing her own bashfulness to the increasing number of laughs.

"Sure!" "Yeah!" "Of course!" , were the crowd's response, having no particular objection. In fact, Subaru politely nodded.

No Subaru-kun break free! Please! Rem inwardly pleaded, hoping for Reinhard to appear and save him. She didn't want to see, yet another gruesome death happened to her beloved.

"Really? Thank you, thank you, I'm sorry! Ah yes, the world really is kind! So full of love and kindness!" Sirius looked deeply moved, gesturing towards the heavens with a thankful tone.

"I'm so grateful I get to savor a feeling like this! To permit and yield to one another! That is why I say not only 'thank you', but 'I'm sorry' too." As if finally getting to the meat of the matter, she uncovered a golden and spiky-looking chain from her sleeves, a scythe connected to the end. She threw the chain backwards, hooking around a tiny red-haired boy.

"Now, take a look. I've kept you waiting for too long. I'm sorry " The child in question seemed to be around ten years old, being wrapped in chains from his ankle to his shoulders, who whimpered in fear as tears coursed down his face.

"She even has a hostage? The poor boy…" Julius sympathized with the young boy's plight, trying to suppress the sinking feeling in his stomach.

"Things are lookin' pretty grave, how's Natsuki-kun going to fight his way out of this one..?" Anastasia muttered grimly to her knight.

"I can only hope they all survive, Anastasia-sama…"

"I'm sorry it's so tight! But a brave boy like you shouldn't be crying, yes? I wanted to keep this to myself, but now that you've wet yourself, everyone knows your shame!"

"She's right! That's so embarrassing!" "You're a brave boy, right? Tough it out!" "A man can only cry three times in his life, you know!" Laughter and consolation rang out to the tearful boy, Subaru too joining in the amusement.

"He might be cowering right now, but he really is a brave boy! This is Lusbel Callard. A nine-year-old boy living in Pristella! My, he has such a bright future ahead of him!" Sirius stroked the whimpering boy's head, squirming in effort to escape from her hand.

"I can only imagine how terrified he must be feeling right now." Petra sadly commented, tilting her head downwards, to comforting pats from the head maid.

Now, young Lusbel has an adorable childhood friend named Tina-chan. They care so deeply for each other, an ideal relationship, I'd call it. And so ! spent a long time mulling over who to bring here. At first, I was thinking of bringing little Tina here, but young Lusbel asked me so hard to take him instead. I was so moved. And so I yielded to his enthusiasm and decided to cooperate with him!" At this, Lusbel gave another muffled cry with tears in the corners of his eyes.

"That boy's bravery is truly commendable, rarely has mineself seen anyone so young, yet willing to brave their fears." Priscilla snarled, disgusted as she was with the Witch Cult's willingness to use kids as their pawns.

" I too must agree, Priscilla-sama." Crusch said, recognising theboys's bravery. "His valour and mental fortitude in the face of such odds is brave. Although I do wonder how he is able to resist her Authority, seeing how he is not afflicted with the same madness as them."

"Julius, make sure this young boy and girl are out of harm's way when we arrive in Priestella. We need to prepare countermeasures as soon as possible."

"Of course, right away Anastasia-sama." Julius replied, the Finest Knight now furiously scribbling and noting all the new information they had acquired.

Roswaal explained, wanting to make sense of it all. He was possibly the most knowledgeable on the subject of Authorities, next to Beatrice.

"It's possible she can share or transmit her emotions and senses to others, polarising them to the point of madness. She can possibly even exclude people from the effects of her Authority. The Authority's intensity likely has a range.:

"But how large would her radius possibly be?" Otto asked, concerned for other citizens of Priestella.

"That my dear Otto, is one thing we currently do not know yet." Roswaal replied, shaking his head sadly.

"Stop crying, Lusbel! You're amazing!"

"If you're gonna be a man, be a man until the end!"

"You're going to grow up into a wonderful man!" "Lusbel!" "Priestella's pride and joy!"

As one, Subaru, Lachins and the audience filled the entire square with cheers and applause for their hero Lusbel.

"This is such a fucked up scene to watch." Felt grimaced, voicing her displeasure.

While ordinarily Reinhard would have reprimanded her, he was too preoccupied with the current scenes playing out, ready to console his lady if needed.

Meanwhile, Petra, Rem, Emilia and Beatrice were all petrified, sensing another one of their beloved's death potentially coming.

"Aah, aah! Thank you! Thank you! Ah, this world is so wonderful! You all understand!"

Subaru dropped his groceries onto the ground.

"After all, his actions are truly love itself."

The bandages on Sirius's face were now drenched with tears, while the Subaru and the others likewise declared aloud, their faces now also drenched with tears. The same mad fervour now possessed them, a red glint visible in their eyes.

"Thank you, Sirius!" "Thank you… thank you…" Subaru and Lachins clung to each other, the crowd too all consoling each other, having reached an emotional revelation.

Garfiel grip tightened around his seat's armrests, nearly tearing it clean off.

Dammit Cap'n. Why couldn't I be there for you for you.., how can I even call myself your shield, when I can't even stop ya from dyin'.

The atmosphere in the theater was taut, liable to snap at any given moment.

"Rifts are born when we don't know one another! Conflict arises when we don't understand each other! And if we give up on one another because of our differences, bonds can't be forged! Now, how are your hearts right now?"

"Stop underestimatin' us!" "We'll never give up on one another!" "Our hearts are one!"
Subaru, Lachins and everyone else declared together, tears still streaming down their faces.

"Once again, another Archbishop of the Witch Cult twists the very meaning of love into something else." Priscilla spat as she glared venomously at the archbishop. "Their very understanding is warped, deformed into a different definition entirely."

"Reinhard here would be more than happy to teach that witch a lesson."

"Of course, Felt-sama." The Sword Saint replied, bowing as he did so.

"Thank you! Thank you! Is everyone filled with joy right now?!" Sirius screamed, the atmosphere now reaching a fever pitch.

"Damn right we are!" "I've never felt so happy before!" "Thank you, Lusbel!" "Thank you, Sirius!"

Everyone now started clapping, insanity and god-knows-what going through everyone's mind. Lusbel sobbed desperately, trying in vain to speak through the chain muffling his speech.

"Gu,gii! Aurr! S-sv…"
"Look how they praise your courage, young Lusbel." Sirius held him aloft , turning her heads towards the heavens as she continued in a loud voice, while the crowd's applause droned on.

Everyone's collective thoughts turned to horror, realizing Sirius's plan to splatter the poor boy onto the street.

"Someone save her!" Mimi yelled, her poor child-like heart wishing for someone to save him. The mercenary captain patted her head sadly, preparing for the inevitable outcome.

"Yes, there truly was love! There truly was love here! Everyone's heart has become one!"

The boy thrashed around wildly, struggling to break free from the chains.

"YES! A thousand rounds of applause!" Sirius's voice shrieked out.

Then she dropped him-

Grim looks filled the theater, the outcome now nigh, as they watched Lusbel barrelling towards his death.

"Someone, anyone please save him!" Petra begged, the head maid covering her apprentice's eyes.

It's too late…. Rem whispered to herself, caressing Subaru's hand.

"-Ahh, this world is so kind!"

-just before his impact, Sirius whispered to herself.

Falling head first onto the surface, the boy's entire body crumpled, the screen's colour warping in colour as the sound of countless eggs smashing reverberated across the square.

Natsuki Subaru died.

Garfiel and Otto looked aghast at the screen with shocked expressions. Their brother dying once again in a gruesome fashion, completely surprised the both of them. Once the initial shock wore off, the young tiger let a few manly tears slip, angry as he was at himself, for not being there to protect his captain. Otto too tried to comfort him as feelings of self-doubt started gnawing at him.

How, how many more times am I gonna watch him die, unable to do anything? We were so close, yet so far at the same…

Silently, Felt clung onto Reinhard tightly while Petra did the same to the also horrified head maid. No matter how

Reinhard too felt devastated. What use of all his Divine Protections, if he was unable to help his good friend? How many more could he have prevented?

The twins just sniffled and cried into Ricardo's chest, seeing their mini-boss die once again. The dogman simply bowed his head, and patted the two heads.

Anastasia sniffed silently, holding her scarf tightly as she was angry at the unfairness of his death.

Wilhelm and Julius turned their heads sideways, their fists trembling in pure rage at the unfair situation.

Emilia and Rem both clutched Subaru's sleeping figure, sobbing relentlessly as if they would never feel his warmth, his comforting presence ever again.

Ram simply stayed silent, as she got up from her seat and hugged her sister. Both onis were now shedding tears for what they witnessed.

Beatrice simply held on to her contractor with a inscrutable expression frozen on her face. She could hardly believe how worthless she was, powerless to help Subaru. The very thought made her want to scream at herself.

Crusch sighed softly and gripped her knight's comforting hand as they both trembled. The duchess let a few teardrops fall as the image of the way Subaru's head splattered open replayed in her mind.

"What the fuck even was that bro…How do your deaths just get worse and worse?" Al shook his head, unable to believe the manner in which his bro had died.
"It seems to be an effect of her Authority, being able to transmit pain and senses across people." Priscilla growled, indignant as she was the commoner's death.

"So it seeeems. Her Authority of Wrath is able to share her emotions to other people and ramp them up, bringing people to maaaadness." Roswaal said, hiding his displeasure at yet another death. "In addition, she can share senses among them. Truly terrifying, in a populated area no less."

"In any case, we shall need to keep watching. More information is key to beating her Authority." Reinhard added as he comforted his Lady.

"And after that song, we'll have a pleasant chat! Now, wouldn't it be nice if you prepared us some snacks for that, Natsuki-sama?"

Just as he thought he'd blinked, Liliana shot a clumsy yet familiar wink as the realization hit him.

Subaru Natsuki had Returned by Death.

"This is too cruel, I suppose!" The Great Spirit moaned, as she realized what had happened.

"The checkpoints are so close to each other. Natsuki-san might not have enough" Otto groaned in unison with the loli.

"Is this a joke?!" Garfiel now slammed his armrests, nearly pulverizing them to pieces.

"Why would the Witch do a checkpoint so early? It seems unreasonably close and also unfair." Rem questioned, her entire being now filled with pure vitriol for the Witch of Envy. "She claims to love him, but still puts Subaru-kun on a timer no less. This will just lead him to depend more on her, deepening her obsession with him."

"I'd argue it isn't too bad for bro actually. All of the camps are there, even including the Sword Saint. He has at least three strong allies to help him, all capable of resisting and defeating Sirius." Al argued.

Surprisingly, even Roswaal chimed in, being on Al's side.

"Al here, does seeeem to make a poooint.~"

"But Subaru had days to prepare before, now he has 15 to 20 minutes to prepare. Isn't that short, Al-san?"

"Yeah!"

The combined voices of Petra, Rem and Beatrice joined in unison, once Emilia made her point. This led to Al raising his hands in surrender, not wanting to fire back again.

"Silence fools, and continue watching. Minself has gotten tired of your prattling." The duchess declared, wanting to get on with the viewing.

"Err, is something wrong? Hello? Are you ignoring me?" "Hey! Heeey!"

As Subaru fell into complete silence, Liliana awkwardly tried to get his attention, to little success. Instead, he held a hand to his mouth, muttering to himself while Liliana's 'hey's' were drowned out in the background.

"I feel sick"

Unable to stand, he sank to his knees, right then and there. He fought a wave of nausea, nearly curling himself into a ball.

"What's wrong with him? Is he still feeling the after effects?" Emilia worriedly asked.

"I suppose so, girl. It could be another one of the effects of her Authority." Beatrice replied, also concerned for Subaru's well-being.

"Subaru?! What happened?!"

"Is something the matter, I wonder? Subaru? Subaru!"

"I feel sick…" As if taunting him, the clock tower's bell rang out in the background, as if signalling him to the point he would have to rise, clench his teeth, and fight again."I feel sick…" Once more, his breaths rang out in desperate gasps…

"I FEEL SICK…!"
Title card:

Theatrical Malice

Credits song: Nox Lux

"Why does Subaru-kyun seem so disturbed again, shouldn't he at least be used to d-dying." Ferris stuttered, wondering why he still seemed so unwell.

Priscilla snorted, pointing her fan at the catboy's direction.

"Fool. Obviously, he presumably hasn't died in over a year. And now death once again claws him to pieces, shredding through whatever peace the commoner had. Not even he can get used to the feeling of death."

"Although Subaru may not feel the physical pain, I'm sure he still feels the emotional impact of it." Rem gazed wistfully at her hero, slowly and softly stroking his cheeks.

"Call it insensitive or whatever, but I'm glad that Natsuki-san still feels scared of death." Anastasia gloomily shook her head, still trying to rid her memory of the numerous sounds of head cracking resonating in her head. "It makes him more human than all of us."

"I agree, Anastasia-sama. It would prevent him from thinking of throwing his life away." Emilia replied in a downtrodden voice. She could still hear Subaru's entire body cracking in impact, as she buried her face into his neck.

With that, the audience stared at the screen, already loading onto the next episode.


Edit: wow its longer than the previous one. this chapter couldve come earlier...but castorice.. and yes i did win my 50/50