Hello again friends! I apologize for the delay! I had company staying and didn't have time to work on the story, But anyway, here's the next chapter, enjoy friends!
"I'm back…" Subaru thought as he once again stared up at the threads in this strange dimension or mindscape is what he figured.
This is the second time he's involuntarily entered it. The first being interrogating the Witch Cult.
Ripples echoed across the glassy floor as he got up to his feet. He didn't know exactly what, but he had a feeling that urged him to reach out his hand.
A singular thread lowered from the tall ceiling and came into arms reach. Subaru pulled back in hesitation.
He remembers what happened last time. The things he saw… What would he see now? But the curiosity burned within him. So he reached out and grasped the shiny thread.
His mind immediately went blank and was transported into another person first persons point of view, but this time it was like he was just along for the ride.
Judging by the tender feel of the hands, he was young. Subaru could tell it was a boy based on the clothes he wore when the boy glanced down every now and then, but it wasn't very clear because it was so quick. The boy was clearly in Lagunica.
'Why the hell is he looking around so much?' Subaru thought.
The boy spotted a wagon out of control, sprinting through streets. He spotted a little boy that tripped and fell in its path… Instead of running to help, the moron he was spectating just raised his hand out in front of him like he was going to grab him from a distance or something.
Subaru could feel his jaw moving but could not hear what he was saying.
'I can hear all other noises but can't hear voices? Doesn't really make sense but then again, the fact I'm watching someone else's memories doesn't make sense either…' He thought as the little boy was saved by a guard who snatched him in the nick of time before the ground dragon could crush him.
The boy he was observing first person sighed in disappointment as he went on his way to a water fountain. He sat down for a while, resting maybe?
The boy then looked over the water at his reflection. It was hard for Subaru to see at first because of the rippling water, but after focusing, what he saw made his heart skip a beat.
He saw himself.
'What!? This never happened! This is clearly my track suit, is this a different version of me? I'm definitely older than 15. And, a plastic bag? They don't have plastic here… That means he must have just arrived if he still had groceries… That would explain why he looked around so much. The real question, is this real? Or just a dream?' Subaru thought, confused.
Before the dream/memory could continue any longer, he was ripped out of his first person view and gasped awake, waking up the poor great spirit previously sleeping.
"Was it another nightmare I wonder?" Beatrice asked groggily, worry clearly laced in her tone.
"No…"
"The thread dimension you mentioned then I suppose." She guessed, to which Subaru nodded.
"Yea, this time it was… Different." He struggled to describe.
"Betty requires more information than that I suppose." She replied, crossing her little arms.
Subaru could barely see her serious expression through the darkness of the room.
"When I came to, I reached out my hand. A thread came down and I grabbed it… I watched someone live their life in first person. I couldn't hear what they said but everything else was fine. I could even feel what they did, smells, the breeze on my face, even moving my mouth when no words could be heard…" Beatrice put a hand to her chin at this revelation.
"And this only happens when you touch the thread I wonder?" Subaru nodded.
"That's not the weirdest part though. After watching for a while, the person I was watching sat down at a water fountain, he looked in the water and… I saw me. It was my face and I wouldn't mistake it. How is this possible Beako? What the hell does it mean?" Subaru questioned, brows furrowed.
"If Betty's Subaru is able to enter this dimension at will, then it must be the work of the authority. That is the only explanation Betty can think of… Perhaps Subaru's authority is trying to reach out, I suppose." Subaru pondered his great spirits words.
"My authority huh? Is it… Normal for authorities to reach out to the hosts?" Subaru asked, unfortunately, she shook her head.
"Betty has little knowledge of how authorities affect the hosts they take. Only that the more the host uses them, the more accustomed they become, or go insane. Perhaps this is the next step in evolving Subaru's authority I suppose." Beatrice guessed.
"Hmm, what could be the point though? Why show a different me? What exactly would that accomplish? Guuh! This is getting nowhere. Let's go back to sleep Beako…" He said exasperated, then flopped on his back, rocking the bed.
Beatrice cuddled up next to her contractor and slept soundly for the next few hours until day raised.
"Do you perhaps need your sheets or clothes washed kni-, Subaru?" Rem asked as he and the great spirit exited his room.
"Thank you for the offer, but I took care of it." Subaru replied, peaking the oni's curiosity.
"You say that every time, yet Rem never sees you wash them. They are indeed clean, how is this possible?" She asked, making Subaru look at a dirt stain on her uniform from this morning in the garden.
"Watch." He said, lightly grabbing the arm fringes of her maid uniform.
To her surprise it turned completely clean. Subaru grew a smug look.
"Pretty cool huh."
"Rem wishes to have this ability, can you… Teach Rem?" She asked, hopeful, but Subaru shook his head to her dismay.
"I'm sorry, I really wish I could teach you, but this is something that cannot be taught. It is a power that only belongs to one person, and thank God it's in my hands and not someone evil.
Rem was confused and downcast, not really knowing what he meant about a magic meant for only one person.
"Rem hears you say God and other strange things. What does that. mean?" Subaru realized her confusion.
"Ah right, where I come from, God is like saying Od. As far as the other things… Lets see there's ow!-" Subaru was cut off as his great spirit pinched his leg.
"Betty wont allow this, only Betty is allowed to know these things about her Subaru in fact…" She finished, barely audible while grabbing his pant leg like she was his owner.
Subaru couldn't take it anymore. She was too cute, he had to do a Beako spin.
Kyaa! Your being so cute this morning Beako!"
"Wah! Put me down! S-Subaru!"
"Goooood morning Subaru, Beatrice." Roswald drawled out as they sat down. Subaru returned the greeting and Beatrice ignored him as usual.
"Good morning Emilia, and Puck. I can see you hiding behind her hair." Subaru greeted.
"Yes good morning, did you get good sleep?" She asked with a small smile.
"Of course! Beako was there to snuggle with me so I always get good sleep!"
"Wah! D-Don't embarrass Betty I suppose!" She yelled at him, face slightly flushed.
Subaru pat her head, calming her down instantly.
"Betty will forgive this transgression, just this once I suppose." She said, crossing her little arms.
From behind the silver haired beauties hair, Puck was frowning.
'This guy… Always so allusive. He never is hostile towards us, but he's a liar and a deceiver… I don't want my daughter around such a person. Even if he does make her happy, and we agree on some things, I still don't trust him." Puck thought before finally coming out.
"Betty!"
"Bubby!"
Beatrice held the great spirit of fire like a baby and cuddled him, whilst everyone else started dining.
"You're food will get cold Beako."
"Subaru is right Betty, we can play together later." Puck assured, floating back on the table next to his contractor.
Beatrice looked at Subaru for his approval.
"That's just fine Beako, I'm pretty sure Emilia will be busy practicing for the candidate appearance tomorrow and I'll do my own thing." He replied with a fond smile.
"Are you all prepared Emilia? You nervous?" Subaru asked, attempting small talk as they ate.
"Yes, I'm ready, and nervous… My heart flutters just thinking about it, but I took your advice to heart, would you mind hearing it? My speech?" She asked, eliciting a nod from her knight.
"Of course. I look forward to it, perhaps after lunch?" He suggested.
"That sounds great, thank you Subaru."
"Weeell, it's so nice to seee you getting along well Subaruuu. I must say, last week I waaas quiet impressed thaaaat you managed to eliminate the Bowel Hunter. Truly a display of you're hard wooork." Beatrice huffed at the jesters words.
"Hmph, of course, only Betty's student could pull off such a feat I suppose." She bragged.
"I can't tell if you are praising me or yourself…" Subaru murmured, finishing his meal.
"Okay Beako, I'll be in the dome if you need me, thank you for the meal Rem, Ram." Subaru bowed his head, standing up.
The red haired oni huffed and her sister nodded with a small smile.
"It's my pleasure Subaru."
"It's only natural to be grateful to someone as cute as me and sissy. Be honored to eat our food Barusu."
Subaru rolled his eyes at Ram's antics.
"I happen to haaave some business to attend to toooday, so I will be gooone until late." Roswald said, standing up, Ram handed him a briefcase.
"I was wondering why you were dressed… Well normally." Subaru hesitated.
"Hoh hoh! I dooont typically do so, but foooor special occasions I'll have to make a chaaaange, good day Subaruuu, and to you too Beatrice."
"Hmph, feel free to come back in a year or two." The great spirit jabbed, making the jester smirk in amusement.
"Okay Beako, if you need anything I'll leave the portal to the dome open while you play with Puck." He informed.
"Be careful Subaru. Don't do anything dangerous I suppose." Subaru nodded at her warning and walked in.
"Alright authority… If you're truly trying to reach out to me… Then let me in." Subaru said to himself as a sat cross legged on the concrete floor.
"Of course it's not that sim-" Subaru was cut out of his thoughts as he found himself standing below the warm light cascading glowing ethrall threads.
"Huh, I guess it is that simple… Okay, let's start where we left off." Subaru muttered, grabbing the thread that lowered to his reach.
Subaru then found himself not at the fountain, but in an alley getting… Mugged.
Subaru glared and tried to push past them but was stopped by the lanky one with buck teeth.
He tried to shove him but shortly after felt a sharp pain in his gut, he had been stabbed. Fearing the consequences, the thugs fled as Subaru fell on his side.
Blood pooled out of his wound as his vision faded. Subaru had thought he had dismissed all fear of death and any enemy he may cross after his time in the four great nations, but what he heard next put a deep scar in his soul.
"I love you."
"Gah!" Subaru gasped awake, clutching his chest and breathing heavy, his heart racing as if it was going to explode.
"What… What the hell was that?." He whispered.
Standing on his feet, a bit shaken, he took a deep breath and calmed himself.
"Okay, looks like I can feel whoever I'm watching feels, even some of their emotions, if they are strong enough." He concluded, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Subaru now had no doubt, that was the thread of Subaru Natsuki from a different dimension. Out of the millions upon millions of threads in that mindscape, it is no coincidence that it showed him that universe.
'Is it only one mirroring dimension, or multiple?... Whatever, I guess I'll hang out with Beako.' He thought, walking back into the Library and closing the portal.
"You're back already? Did it not work I wonder?" Subaru looked at his great spirit confused as she played with Puck.
"No it worked…How long was I gone?"
"Betty's Subaru left and came back only a minute later I suppose." Subaru put a hand to his chin upon hearing this.
"I was in the mindscape for at least two minutes… Maybe another minute in the dome to go over my thoughts then came back… Time must flow differently there." Beatrice nodded her head at his deduction.
"Betty thinks that's plausible. If it's in you're mind than time will flow differently, I suppose."
"Are you talking about Subaru's authority?" Puck chimed in.
"Yea, We think it's been… Reaching out to me." Puck narrowed his eyes at him.
"In a good way or bad way?" Subaru shook his head.
"We don't know, it's not doing me any physical harm or changing my emotions, it just shows me memories of people I bring in, and the lives people have lived in different dimensions." Puck tilted his head cutely at Subaru's words.
"That does seem to be… Weird. Well there is no use getting all worked up over it! Just give it time and protect my daughter." Puck said joyous, making Subaru crack a smirk.
"Alright you overprotective cat."
"Hah! You're one to talk!" He jabbed back.
"Yea I know…"
"And that's all… What did you think?" Emilia asked, practicing her speech to Subaru as he sit in her room.
"It sounded great! I'm really glad you implemented my ideas and took my constructive criticism to heart. Well done." Emilia smiled at the compliment.
"Do you think… Other people will see me different after? At least those on the council?" She asked quietly.
"I don't know… People who judge based on looks are shallow and incompetent. Right now you have no standing with any of the nobles, and any of the reputation you have is probably bad. But we are going to change that, I promise." He comforted, the beauty nodded at his words.
Feeling something off, Subaru yanked Emilia to the floor slowed time and deflected a familiar dagger with the back of his hand that then impaled the wall.
"Run! Get Puck!" He yelled as she ran out the bedroom door.
Emilia didn't know how to find the library consistently so it may take her a while.
"My my, cheating on me already?" A sultry voice said from behind.
Subaru whirled around, javelin in hand to face the Bowel Hunter.
"I don't know whether I should be surprised or not that your still alive."
"Well, it did take me a few days to piece myself back together, I had to wait for that oaf of a demi-human to leave first before I could even start… Mr. Tormentor." Subaru grit his teeth at the title.
"Don't call me that!" He yelled flicking his wrist, 5 javelins instantly flew towards the hunter obliterating the wall to the outside, however Elsa escaped out the window before she could be hit.
The raven haired boy wasted no time in jumping down from the second floor to fight the assassin waiting patiently for him.
"This time, I'm not going to fall for your little portal trick… Although darkness is not on my side, this is the only chance I have for a rematch with my beloved before I have to return to mama." Subaru shivered at the use of beloved.
"You seem to think your stronger than me… You show up to my home and think you can just… Kill me? Hilarious, you might of well just have killed yourself." Subaru growled out, making her flush in excitement.
"Al-Shamak!" Subaru casted, eyes lighting ablaze.
Hundreds of portals completely surrounded the two in a dome.
"The portal trick won't work? It just did. Lady… I'm not a mage, I'm an authority holder." Elsa's eyes widened at his words and she was more on guard.
"Why even cast then? Just use your authority as you please." Elsa asked, curious.
"Why? To avoid suspicion. Why would I want everyone in the world to know that I use the same power as evil archbishops? Wouldn't go down to well now would it?" Elsa seemed even more curious that he knew of the archbishops.
"Do you know the archbishop of Lust?
"Not at the moment, why? Do you know?... He asked, genuinely curious
"I plan to kill them all so you might as well tell me before you die." Elsa completely lowered her guard at the audacity of this guy and let out a laugh.
"Boy, you are not strong enough to kill any of the arch bishops. But, if this is the doing of your authority… You do have potential. The arch bishop of Lust, the one I work for, can regenerate and morph herself into any form she so chooses. She cannot be killed by normal means, but you're authority is… Unique. Perhaps you can free 'her'… ! I would just love to fight you again... But your authority and goal changes things. I'm afraid I cannot tell you the arch bishop of lusts name, but… I'm putting my faith in you." She finished in her usual sultry crazy tone.
"You make it sound as if you can escape." He reminded.
"Oh? You must not forget that special trick I picked up, remember?" She shot back, grabbing the hem of her purple cloak.
"Well, until next time my love."
Elsa left in a flash and disabled one of the portals blocking her way with that damned cloak. Subaru would chase after but, he didn't have the speed to do so.
'I have to get myself one of those… Fuck.'
"Subaru!" He heard his Lady yell as he disabled the portal prison.
"Are you hurt? Who was that? Did you… Kill them?" She bombarded.
"One at a time Emilia. It was the Bowel Hunter, she got away… I'm sorry I dragged to the floor so hard. You okay?" He asked, looking her up and down.
"Yes, I'm fine. What happened? Why did she run?" Subaru sighed at the loaded question.
"I'm not entirely sure. She said she was here for revenge, but then when I mentioned I was going to destroy the Witch Cult and kill the archbishops she laughed at me." Subaru explained, Emilia listened closely at his information.
"How is she even alive Subaru? I mean… What you did to her…" Subaru shook his head in agreement.
"I know, her regeneration abilities are on another level. Elsa may be crazy but she is cunning and I think she has a hidden agenda against her employer who she calls 'Mama'."
Puck then floated out of his crystal to join in.
"What gave you the idea she has a hidden agenda?" Subaru put a hand to his chin in thought at the great spirits inquiry.
"She then gave me information about the archbishop of Lust. Elsa claimed she can morph into anything, that she can regenerate and can't be killed by normal means. So I'm guessing Lust is probably this Mama she speaks of." Emilia swallowed at the increase of Witch Cult activity lately.
"Do you think she's a threat to Lia?" Subaru shook his head.
"She said that she's putting her faith in me… If that's the case, she probably will not do anything against us unless ordered by this, Mama. So hopefully we can stay under her radar." Puck nodded at the reasonable theory.
Shortly after, Beatrice ran across the lawn of the manor with her little legs.
"Subaru! Why did you not come for Betty you foolish contractor! What… What if you had gotten hurt and Betty could have done something I wonder?"
Subaru gave her a fond smile. I'm sorry Beako, If I had more time I would have, but the Bowel Hunter gave me no choice. Also, you seem to be out of shape." He teased.
"Grr, this is serious I suppose!" She yelled flailing her arms, to which her contractor picked her up and spun her in circles.
"S-Suba-Subaruuu!"
"I think that's the last of it. Your room was pretty messed up. You sure your not missing anything important?" Emilia shook her head at her knights concern.
"No, thank you for helping me move my things Subaru." Said boy nodded with a smile.
"Well I did just lighten the heavy stuff with Murak so it's no big deal. Besides, Rem is busy and Ram would take ages to move all of it. I'm happy to help my Lady." The two shared a friendly smile before Subaru felt it necessary to break the gaze.
"A-Anyways, I suppose it's about time to get ready for tomorrow and head to bed eh?" He suggested, getting nervous at her beauty.
Subaru was around Emilia a lot, yet, he thought he would never get used to Emilia's unreal, unmatched beauty. He found himself nervous if she gazed at him too long.
"Yes, I'm going to bed, good night Subaru." She said walking him out the room to the hallway.
"Yea, night." Emilia gave him one last charming smile before closing the door, which made his heart race.
'What the hell has gotten into me recently?'
"Thinking about the elf again, I suppose…" Beatrice said from behind, unimpressed.
"Haa, guilty as charged. I don't think about her as much as I do you though." He replied, patting her head.
"Hmph, just a bunch of sweet words… But Betty will take them to heart I suppose." Subaru chuckled at her teasing and opened a portal to his room.
"Does Betty's Subaru want help sleeping I wonder?" She asked, in a tone laced with worry and care.
The great spirits contractor broke from her gaze in embarrassment.
"I… I think I would if you don't mind." Beatrice beamed an affectionate smile at her contractor and snuggled next to him in the bed after he changed into his pajamas.
"What did Subaru learn of this… Other Subaru I wonder?" She asked as a dim blue glow emitted from her hand, resting on his chest.
"He met with the same three thugs I saw in the capital when Emilia got robbed. However my… Other self got stabbed as he tried to move past them. A bold but stupid move for someone who doesn't seem to have any powers." He explained, peaking the great spirits interest.
"He has no power? If it's a different you and was also transported to a mirror world, he most likely holds an authority I suppose." Her words made Subaru shiver as he remembered his final moments.
"There's was one thing… When he died, something spoke. It shook him and in effect me to the very core… Right before I woke up, a female voice said… 'I love you', and then it ended… It just seems to be getting more confusing. There's millions upon millions of threads up there… I must be able to see other people's timeliness, so why just show me this one? And is there other timeliness with different Subaru's?" He pondered, growing tired from Beatrice draining his mana.
"Betty and her contractor will find out in time. For now, I wish you sweet dreams, good night I suppose." Subaru nodded and let sleep take him.
"Good night, Beako."
"Is Roswald not joining us?" Subaru asked the dining room residents as he arrived for breakfast, Ram huffed in annoyance.
"He left early to attend important matters for the selection. Although I'm not surprised Someone of your incompetence doesn't know what your employer is doing." She jabbed, Subaru just rolled his eyes and sat across from Emilia.
"We are leaving right after breakfast. Are you ready?" Emilia asked.
"Yea, my stuff is by the door. As usual you look extravagant this morning my Lady." Emilia rolled her eyes with a soft small.
"Haa, you say that every morning Subaru. Ah good morning, Beatrice." Emilia greeted as the great spirit entered with Puck in her arms.
"Betty just came to spend as much time as possible with Betty's Subaru and Bubby before they leave… I see the pervert is gone, at least that is a boon to Betty's day I suppose." Subaru gushed over his spirits cuteness whilst Emilia and Puck watched in amusement.
A few moments later, Rem and Ram set the food and they dined. Subaru, as usual, finished his meal first.
"Hey Emilia."
"Yes Subaru?"
"Do you like riding in a carriage?" Emilia tilted her head at the sudden odd question.
"Uhm, not particularly. But it's a means to get places quickly so I bear it. Why do you ask?"
"Well, the old coots on the council whine and complain about the mana my portals output and it alerts the guards every time I use it. So me and Beako came up with a different form of transportation." The great spirit looked at her contractor, remember the occasion.
"I don't see what that could possibly be. How does it work?"
Subaru and Emilia stood in the front lawn as Rem loaded the carriage and Ram did… Nothing.
"So basically, when I throw my javelin, I'm going to be pushed towards it when I want to." Subaru explained.
Puck, materializing from his crystal, decided to chime in.
"You plan on… Pushing yourself to your weapon with my daughter?" He asked incredulously, to which Subaru wagged his pointer finger.
"Oh ye with little faith, do you think I would try this if I wasn't at least 50% confident I wouldn't die?" Puck rolled his eyes.
"I'm kidding, me and Beako have thoroughly tested this. I've even visited Reinhard using it too." He assured, Puck was still skeptical.
"Haa… Emilia, my lady… Do you trust me?" He said getting on one knee, making her fluster.
"You know I don't like it when you do that… I do trust you, dunderhead." She grabbed his arm and helped him to his feet with abnormal strength.
'Holy shit! She did that with no effort, she might be stronger than me!' Subaru thought.
"That's good to hear my Lady. Please, stand back." He urged, getting ready to throw his javelin towards the capital.
He made the weapon into a timeline when Murak was casted on it and threw it with a grunt, making it travel at great speeds.
"Now we wait a couple minutes for it to travel. Rem, I trust you will make it to the capital without us? Last time I saw you fight you seemed pretty damn capable." The oni nodded.
"Of course, Subaru. Your things will surely arrive on time. Good luck in your… Travels." She hesitated, obviously not very confident in the raven haired boys idea of travel.
Beatrice tugged on her contractors black shawl that covered his left arm.
"Betty will be waiting for her Subaru in fact." She said with watery eyes.
'I've got to break that damn contract with the library…' Subaru thought, crouching to her level.
"I'm going to miss you Beako, we won't be too long. I'll see you in a week at most." The great spirit nodded and they embraced each other.
'That is just so adorable… I'm a little jealous.' The half elf thought, laying her gaze on the wonderful moment.
Leaving the embrace, Subaru wiped her tears and approached his Lady.
"Now then, pardon the intrusion." Emilia gasped a bit as he picked her up princess style.
"Brace yourself."
With a force unseen, the raven haired boy and the half elf soared in the air, following the direction of the javelin. Subaru yelled in excitement while Emilia held on tight.
"I think I prefer the carriage."
"What!?"
"I said I think I prefer the carriage!" Emilia yelled, the wind howling made it hard to hear.
After a few minutes of flight, Emilia got used to the speed and started to enjoy the unique form of travel. Being hundreds of meters in the air was scary, but when Subaru held her, she felt safe.
As they were right above the capital Subaru casted Murak on them both and made a portal in front of them and the exit upwards, making them shoot higher towards the sky,
He deactivated the spell in a controlled way so they slowly started falling towards the ground.
"Emilia, look down."
"Wow! That's incredible!" She said with an amazed expression.
Having a birds eye view from atop the capital was truly extraordinary. The huge city looked so small when so high up.
"Yea, it really is… It will take a few minutes for us to get to the ground though. Your pretty heavy so I might drop you." He joked, to which Emilia gave a worried look.
"A-Am I really heavy!?" Subaru gave her that smirk and she realized he was joking.
"You're so mean!" She pouted, Subaru gave a hearty laugh.
"Haa, I can't help myself. I promise to be more dignified during the ceremony though." He claimed, Emilia gave him a skeptical look.
"What!? I really will!"
"Ugh, what a pain in the ass…" Subaru complained, sifting through the tight crowds as they made their way to a taxi to bring them to the castle.
They got to the capital early so they took in some of the pleasantries the city had to offer for a few hours before traveling to the castle.
"That doesn't sound like very dignified speech." Puck chided, coming out of his crystal.
"Sorry kitty, I'll be more careful next time." Puck crossed his little arms and glared at the boy.
"Haa… Please get along you two." Emilia said, tired of their constant bickering.
"I apologize my Lady, for I have committed a great sin! Please forgive this incompetent serva- Ow!" Subaru shouted as Emilia pinched his ear.
"Okay okay! I'll take this serious from now on shyeesh." Emilia releases his ear to his pleading.
"Hmph, I guess I'll be the judge of that." She replied, finally getting to a taxi.
Subaru opened the door for her, taking his hand he helped Emilia step in and entered right after, sitting across.
"Aahh, I miss Beako." He said aloud as the taxi moved forward towards the castle.
Emilia smiled as Puck rested in her lap. She softly pet his head and enjoyed his soft magical fur.
"I wish she could come with too Subaru. I love your interactions with each other, it's like father and daughter." She mentioned, eliciting a fond smile from her knight.
"I suppose so. I've been working out a way to break her contract with her mother so she can go farther than just Arlam village." Puck tensed at his words.
"What do you mean break the contract? Contracts are sacred and should not be interfered with, even if they are… Not ideal." Puck hesitated.
"I can't stand to see her cooped up in there all the time… I'm going to show her the world and nothing will stop me." He said with a determined expression.
"I can't say I'll agree with your methods… But Betty deserves to be free. So I guess I'll let it slide." Puck said nonchalant, making Subaru roll his eyes.
'As if the damn cat would stop me.' He thought, gazing out the window.
Emilia grew anxious as she looked back and forth between the two.
"Subaru… How would you break the contract? Beatrice's mother has long passed away."
"Its true, she is dead, but… Here soul is still alive in a place called sanctuary. I intend to go there, pass the trials and talk to her." He explained.
"Trials?... What if she doesn't want to break the contract?" Puck questioned.
Subaru remained silent as he took in the scenery on the way to the castle.
"What if she doesn't want to break it? Subaru…" Puck asked in a very un Puck like way.
The raven haired boy faced the cat and looked directly in his eyes with utmost confidence.
"Then I will destroy the library." Puck and Emilia were dumb founded at this revelation.
"Do you have any idea how important that library is to her!?" Puck yelled, floating closer to Subaru, who tried his best to remain calm.
"The library is nothing more than a prison. What is she supposed to do? Live her infinite years there? What a joke… Her freedom is so much more important than some books she has already read a hundred times…" He replied, making the great spirit glare.
"Does Betty know?"
"Yes."
"You know you cant stop her…"
"I know."
Puck laughed at the boy.
"Then how can you possibly say such things if you know you are incapable?" Subaru clenched his fist.
"You seem to underestimate me Puck. My authority has already evolved twice now, whose to say I won't be more powerful than her in the next year or two? Or even more powerful… Than you." He taunted, making the spirit gnash his teeth.
"You? More powerful than me? You-"
"Enough Puck!" Emilia interrupted.
"This is between Subaru and Beatrice. And Subaru, stop antagonizing Puck. I have enough to think about today." She said in a rather firm tone. Surprising both the knight and great spirit.
"Tsk." Puck went back into his crystal after giving Subaru a death glare, to which he sighed.
"Sorry Subaru, I'm just a little stressed with the selection, I'm pretty nervous." She admitted.
"No, I should be the one apologizing. I got a little too riled up there, You have every right to focus on the selection and I'm taking it away. Forgive me." He genuinely apologized, Emilia waved her hands in surrender.
"Its no big deal, I overreacted too…" She replied as the taxi came to a stop.
"We have arrived esteemed guests." The coach said, sliding open the small door behind him to speak.
Subaru helped his Lady down the carriage and both walked past the guards at the large double doors incased in the gigantic walls.
"This place never ceases amaze me, it's a great place for a date." Subaru said slyly, confusing her.
"What in the Od is a 'date'?" Subaru thought her naivety was incredibly adorable, that's why he must protect it.
"A date is when two people go someplace special to enjoy each others company, a lot of times it includes eating a meal together as well, or going on a walk." He explained vaguely, Emilia tilted her head at the knight slightly.
"Does that make this a date? I enjoy your company and the royal castle is pretty special." Subaru closed his eyes and exhaled sharply through nose with a smile.
"No, a date, is a date and time predetermined by two people specifically for the purpose to get to know each other. And if they like each other enough they will get married. That's how it works where I'm from anyway." Emilia flushed as she realized what her previous question insinuated.
"O-Oh… Sorry if my question made you uncomfortable." Subaru shook his head at her needless worry.
"No, its fine…" He replied as they continued up the long staircase.
"Have… Have you ever been on a date before?" The half elf asked shyly..
'Why the hell would she want to know this?' Subaru thought as he came up with an answer.
"No, I've been interested in girls before sure, but… Lets just say I wasn't their first choice, I wasn't exactly popular with the ladies."
"That's surprising, someone with your capabilities would be popular anywhere." Subaru sighed at her logic.
"I wasn't always so… Capable my Lady. I was what you'd call… Extremely average."
"I guess I don't really know what you mean by that, Maybe… You could tell me more about your homeland sometime? If you want to of course!" She finished frantically.
"Sure, although I'll have to keep some things from you, Beako doesn't want anyone to know more about me than anyone else." Emilia nodded with a small smile as they reached the double doors leading into the castle.
Nobles and knights all conversed in the large front entrance. Bringing back memories for the raven haired boy.
Walking inside, anyone who noticed Emilia gave her a discriminatory looks, save for some knights.
"Don't mind them Emilia, remember your goal." He encouraged.
"Thank you, Subaru. I remember." She said with determination.
"Subaru, Lady Emilia. Its so nice to meet you here again." The greatest knights called from behind.
"Julius, it's good to see you too. You look well. How was your travels in Kararagi?" Subaru greeted.
"It was long, if only I had you along, it would make the trip there even faster than the sword saint." Subaru rubbed the back of his neck at the compliment.
"You give me too much credit, I'm not nearly capable enough to go so far as Kararagi." Julius gave a charming smile, much to Subaru's annoyance due to his jealousy of handsome men.
The greatest of knights then stood in front of Emilia, got on his knee and kissed her hand.
"Dare I say you look stunning today Lady Emilia." She gently removed her hand from his grasp with a nod.
"Thank you Julius. Although I'm unsure if it's true, Subaru tells me that every morning." Julius gave Subaru a curious expression as he got to his feet, making said boy flustered.
"E-Emilia… Be careful how you word that, people may get the wrong idea…" He chastised.
"Uhm, I'm missing something, I don't get what you mean, can you explain it?" She said, her naivety showing full force. However, Subaru was too embarrassed to come up with an answer.
"Lady Emilia, If I may, I believe Subaru is referring to when a man and woman share the sam-"
"OKAY! That's enough of that." Subaru blurted out, saving his Lady from the coming awkwardness if he let Julius continue his detailed explanation.
"I apologize if I overstepped my bounds, Lady Emilia asked for a explanation… I thought I could be of use, I apologize." Julius said with a small bow.
Subaru shook his head with a sigh and took the greatest knight to the side, man to man.
"I really appreciate your willingness to give a… Really good explanation, but Emilia is quite naïve when it comes to those sorts of things, and I think it would be better if she heard it from another woman. I am really grateful for your willingness, especially since I was too embarrassed to even answer, man that's must seem pretty pathetic." He said quietly with a chuckle.
Julius smiled and put a hand on Subaru's shoulder.
"You are many things, knight Natsuki, but pathetic is not one of them. Excuse me I must leave to find Lady Hoshin, see you soon." Subaru nodded at his fellow knight before he departed.
Turning back around, Emilia was pouting.
"Your ignoring your own lady? What happened to behaving yourself?" She chastised, making Subaru give a small bow.
"Trust me, I saved you a lot of face." He explained, eliciting a sigh from the elf.
"You are just full of it today huh?" She said with a smile, which he returned.
"What can I say? I'm a-"
"Attention! The royal selection ceremony is about to begin! Everyone shall now enter that royal hall at once! The captain of the knights himself shouted out.
"Haah, I really missed that guy…" Subaru said sarcastically, making Emilia giggle.
"I'm not sure the feeling is mutual Subaru, last I saw he wasn't too keen on seeing you." She said as they went into the royal hall.
"Yea, that guy was a real joy to be around…"
The hall was huge, nobles and the elites were in a square formation on their right, and the knights in the same formation on the left, all dawning white knight uniforms.
Subaru spotted a familiar jester as he casually waved at the two walking between the two formations.
Subaru led his Lady to the very front of the two formations and noticed the absence of the other candidates.
"If no one shows up I guess you win by default." Subaru whispered, making her hold back a laugh.
"That would be nice, but I'd rather not win in such a way." She whispered back.
Subaru bowed slightly towards his lady and stepped back into a empty spot in the formation with the rest of the knights.
Shortly after, a beautiful woman sporting a red dress and a one armed man with only a knight helmet for armor followed. She didn't give anyone the honor of her gaze as she stopped a few feet to the right of Emilia.
The black helmeted knight belonging to the woman in red, placed himself behind Subaru in the formation.
Crusch arrived next, she raised a brow with a side glance at the blond beauty to her left but paid no heed.
"Henlyo Subaru." Felix whispered, tapping his shoulder with a wink as he too dropped into the formation.
Subaru looked back and nodded at the healer as a silent greeting.
Only a few moments later did Lady Hoshin and the greatest knight arrive.
Anastasia gave her rival a wave, the Valkyrie gave a simple nod in response, erasing any amusement she was hoping to find.
Captain Gildark then stepped up to the elevated platform that lay below the seats above where the sage council would attend. The extravagant red and gold throne separated the two seating areas for the elderly men.
"Give attention! The esteemed Sage council will now enter!"
A bunch of old coots that Subaru had only heard about now entered and took their seats.
Two in particular that stood out, had long white aged hair, bright intelligent eyes, the other was bald and had the largest eyebrows Subaru had ever seen. The others were your ordinary looking old men.
"Now if I may be so forward, I Marcos Gildark, leader of the Imperial Knights will direct today's proceedings…" The captain started.
"It all happened about half a year ago, when members of the royal family, starting with the king, went into hiding one by one, causing-
"Listen." Anastasia interrupted.
"I get that you wanna talk up a good show here, but I'm busy y'know. As we say in Kararagi, Time is money." Subaru was surprised at her forwardness to the captain of the royal guards as she continued to chide him to shut up.
"I agree." Said the Valkyrie, which irked captain Marcos.
"Lady Karsten, should the head of the Karsten family say such a thing?" Said woman crossed her arms.
"It is important to observe formality, but it is also a fact that our time is limited. It would be wise to immediately inform us why we are here… Naturally, I do have a general idea." She said with a bit of pride.
The wise man with long white hair and intelligent eyes challenged her on her claim.
"You already know the purpose of this meeting?"
"Yes, Lord Miklotov. For a drinking party, correct? One day we will face each other as rivals, but by sharing drinks at the same table, we will learn more about one another." She finished with a confident smirk.
"No… That is not correct." Miklotov said simply, Crusch was surprised at hearing this.
"Felix, this isn't what you told me." She said, looking over to her knight.
"Oh come on. All I said was "Maybe it was a drinking party." He replied cheerily with a feminine voice.
"I see… I jumped to conclusions. Forgive me, allow me to retract everything I just said." Anastasia still wasn't giving up.
"Hold on! Even if she backs down, my opinion ain't gonna change. No need to explain the royal selection now. We already know, right?" Subaru was getting tired of Anastasia's stubbornness.
'Oh my god, captain could have explained it by now, your prolonging it by talking so much you fool.' Subaru thought.
"I… I think we should hear him ou-"
"Sorry, but I wasn't askin for your opinion." Anastasia interrupted the half elf, frustrating the raven haired knight.
"Ugh, all this bickering is getting on my nerves, just continue already, or my glorious self will leave." The woman in red said arrogantly.
"If Lady Priscilla will go to such lengths, then Marco's must continue." Miklotov said, to which he nodded.
"Then, The reason we've gathered you who are qualified to be the dragons priestess is because a new prophecy has been engraved in the Dragon Stone. It says, 'From the five capable of becoming the nation's new leader, choose one priestess to enter into a covenant with the dragon.'" He explained, much to Anastasia's disappointment.
'Captain must be talking about Felt… The dragon stone in the pendant reacted before Reinhard took her in.' Subaru deducted.
"Knight Reinhard van Astrea, come forward."
"Yes sir!" He obeyed, coming from the formation, he stood just behind the line of the four present candidates.
"Honored members of the council of wise men, I Reinhard van Astrea of the Imperial Knights, would like to announce the completion of my mission." He informed with a bow and hand to his heart.
"The dragons priestess, the fifth and final candidate for the throne, has been located." Just as he finished, the throne rooms doors opened.
Sure enough, in walked Felt with a yellow frilly dress that really didn't suit her, along with two kids? On each side of the thief"
"The one I, myself, revere as queen… Here name, is Lady Felt." The crowds quietly murmured upon her arrival .
"Lady Felt, thank you for gracing us with your presence." Said girl stared at the sword saint and shortly after smiled.
"Reinhard…"
Felt then scowled and lifted up her dress a bit and attempted to kick him in the face, which the sword saint swiftly caught.
"Bastard! You dragged me all the way here with no explanation, and what do you call all this!?" Reinhard put on a confused expression.
"You surprised me. What's brought on such behavior?"
"Don't just stop my kick and ask me that like nothing happened! I've had just about all I can take!" Subaru was desperately trying to stay composed for his lady's sake.
"Does the dress not suit your taste? It looks lovely on you." He replied, putting her foot down, Subaru then approached to help calm her down.
"I guess it's not that easy to change someone at their roots." Felt became more relaxed upon seeing her savior from the Bowel Hunter.
"Big bro! You're here." She said, then swiftly attempted a kick to his side, but unfortunately for her, the knight dodged, her foot just barely missing.
"Guh, your not fun, your supposed to let me hit you!" She yelled with a pout.
"Who the hell would do that?..." Subaru replied, but Captain Gildark wasn't too keen on the situation and decided to intervene.
"Lady Felt, if you have finished rekindling old friendships, please step over here." Felt surprisingly did as she was told on the first attempt.
"So, what the hell is it you want me to do?" Reinhard cringed a bit at her crude choice of words.
"I would like to say, act more ladylike, but this come first." The sword saint placed the pendant in her hand which glowed red shortly after. The crowds murmured again shortly.
"As you can see, the Dragon Stone has recognized Lady Felt as a priestess. Now that her participation has been approved, I believe it's time to begin the royal selection." Felts knight said.
The other knights in formation, immediately put a hand to their heart and bowed in respect to the new priestess. Which the arrogant nobles refused to do.
Speaking of, a noble from the formation decided to speak on the situation.
"Even if the Dragon Stone has recognized her, do you not think her selection is a bit problematic?" However the knights did not like those claim.
"You believe we, the imperial knights made an error?" Marcos questioned sharply.
The elites then complained amongst themselves on how the new priestess was uneducated and lacked self awareness and what not. Which clearly riled up the blond thief.
"Knight Reinhard, would you begin by explaining to us what led you to her discovery?" Miklotov questioned.
"Yes, I took custody of Lady Felt a few weeks ago in the slums." This statement also did not please the elites.
"She is a gutter rat from the slums!?" He raised.
"Well sorry for being a gutter rat! You were the ones who dragged me here against my will!" She hollered back, Priscilla rolled her eyes, fanning her face.
"All of this long winded platter could not be more tedious. Of course, I suppose you lived as a gutter rat in the slums because you could only manage such conversation." Felt clearly loathed her obvious attempt to anger her.
"Haa!? If you want a fight then you've got one…"
"What insolence, who do you think I am?" Glowing pieces of what looked to be ash, floated around the arrogant woman as she prepared to smack the thief with her fan.
"Many pardons, Lady Barielle." The attacker stopped all efforts at the sword saints request as she knew she was powerless against him.
"How could you do something so terrible in such a sacred place?" Emilia questioned.
"Hmph, I was only trying to teach an undisciplined little bitch her place."
"Your not even going to apologize?"
"Hoh? Then are you going to apologize for being born? You silver haired half elf." This clearly bothered Emilia as she stepped back.
"I'm not connected to the Witch at all…" She pleaded, whilst Subaru was growing more impatient by the second.
"Princess, can we please drop this now? I'll be the one to suffer if you make to many enemies you know." The helmeted knight said, Miklotov sighed at the situation.
"Are you all quite done?" He asked, unamused.
"Then, royal selection candidates, please come forth." Requested Marcos.
"Lady Priscilla Barielle and her attendant, Al. He introduced.
"This selection is pointless. I am the one suited to rule this nation! All you people need to do is groveling at my feet and serve me!" She said, full of confidence.
The raven haired boy didn't know whether to be annoyed or burst out laughing at her 'speech.' Marcos continued on the introductions.
"Head of the Karsten family, Lady Crusch Karsten and her attendant, Felix Argyle." Upon hearing his name, Felix stepped from formation behind Crusch.
"Should I become the new ruler, I will make the dragon forget the covenant it demanded. The dragons empire of Lugunica belongs not to the dragon, but to us."
'Okay… So giving up one of your strongest allies… Got it.' Subaru thought, shaking his head.
"Lady Anastasia Hoshin of the Hoshin Company, and her attendant, Julius Juukulius." The spirit knight stepped behind his Lady after the introduction.
"I'm a greedy gal, so I want everything. No amount of commercial success can satisfy me. I want my own nation!" She exclaimed, her face like a child grabbing for a new toy.
Subaru thought it was amazing how the captain could keep a straight face. Not a trace of disappointment or judgement.
"Lady Emilia and her attendant, Subaru Natsuki." Said knight walked and stood a few steps behind the half elf.
"I want equality and prosperity for everyone, I know I won't convince you with just words, so to show my conviction, with the help of my knight and Lord Roswald, I vie to destroy the Witch Cult." She said with full confidence, making her rivals look at her in surprise. Well, except Priscilla.
"Hooh?" Miklotov uttered, amused.
Subaru was proud of Emilia, her speech was originally much longer, but after hearing the brief words of her rivals, she was able to shorten it on the fly.
"Ha! On what grounds could you possibly think, that you can destroy the Witch Cult?" A noble yelled out, flabbergasted at her audacity.
"Mr. Reton, I believe youuu are underestimating Subaru and myseeelf. Do you thiiink me incapable?" He said with a unnerving cheery expression.
"W-Well… Still…"
'Nice save Roswald!' Subaru thought, looking at the jester briefly.
Although it was faint, Subaru could tell the captain was losing his patience.
"Lady Felt and her attendant, Reinhard van Astrea." Felt turned her face away in annoyance as her knight gave her a reassuring smile.
"Hold it! Don't get the wrong idea, I never said I'd be the next ruler! Who'd want to be in a royal selection anyway?!" She yelled, flailing her arms, making Marcos raise a brow.
"Lady Felt, are you saying you withdraw from the selection?"
"Damn right I am!" She replied, the same noble from before then decided to raise his annoying voice.
"This is a joke! I've overlooked this because the situation was urgent, but to drag it out this long is senseless."
Subaru didn't like the man personally, but he had a point, this was needlessly long.
The man with huge blue brows agreed with the noble.
"The Astrea family offers a gutter rat to rule us, while Margrave Mathers endorses a half devil? Utter foolishness!" He yelled.
The air was getting tense, Reinhard glanced over at the trembling Subaru with concern.
"Lord Bordeaux, It is noooot very nice to caaaall a elf a half devil" Roswald said calmly.
"It does not change the fact that this is a complete farce… Even for you." He jabbed.
"Ooooh my, how terribly thaaat hurt." He said with a hand to his heart, obviously not affected by the insult.
Subaru couldn't stand it anymore, he decided to do something rash.
Bordeaux's heart skipped a beat as he flicked his eyes over to the raven haired knight. Subaru had used direct killing intent, something he learned from a mystic those 2 years in the forest.
Gone was the cheery and innocent expression of a freshly graduated knight, instead, what he saw was a stone cold killer. Someone who has had gallons of blood on their hands.
No one else was effected by the technique, however, the sword saint could faintly tell something was off by how Bordeaux is reacting.
"You have something to say boy!?" He yelled, with a racing heart, surprising Miklotov by his strange behavior.
"Sorry, I was just wondering how you get your eyebrows to stay upright, they must be pretty heavy!" He jabbed, making Priscilla laugh.
"This peasant is amusing, please, do go on." She encouraged, yearning for more amusement.
"You… I've heard of you, Subaru Natsuki." He hissed.
"We discussed you briefly at the last sage meeting, and how your victory was… Questionable." He said, obviously trying to get the nobles to join in.
"Oh? And what was questionable about it? If I may ask." He said with a sarcastic bow, irritating him further.
"No one ever recorded has been able to use Al-Shamak without preparing the spell first, yet you open it with a snap of your fingers? Preposterous… Someone was helping you, in other words… You cheated." Gasps and murmurs where heard after the claim.
"If it weren't for Reinhard saving you face, I would have had you expelled, you cheeky brat." Reinhard's defense of him made Subaru look over to his friend, whom nodded back.
"Your right, someone did help me. If you had done an ounce of research or even cared at all, you would have known I'm a spirit knight. Tell me, is using spirits against the rules?" He chided.
"That's a rhetorical question… I'm contracted with the great spirit of Yin, that's why I am able to open portals without preparing." He explained, Bordeaux's facial expression turned to scrutiny.
"Ridiculous! The sword saint or sir Juukulius would have sensed such a great being! Your lies are beyond ludicrous!" A random noble yelled out from the formation, which turned into a festival of harsh insults of his character, which Bordeaux certainly enjoyed.
Emilia looked back and forth between the nobles spouting fallacies at her knight, and Subaru who just took it.
'He's ruining his reputation… All because I look like the Witch.' She thought bitterly.
Julius, being the best of knights, decided to calm the situation down.
"That's enough!" The knights slammed their sheathed swords on the marble floor with impeccable timing.
"I will not allow a fellow knight to have his reputation tarnished with such words! Lord Bordeaux, as a spirit knight, I can confirm that Subaru's power can not possibly come from another human, only a contract can offer such a connection. I have been told the great spirit of Yin, is guarding the Mathers mansion, am I correct?" He asked, looking over to the jester.
"Knight Juukulius is cooorrect, she indeed resiiiides in my manor and is cooontracted with Subaru Natsuki." Julius nodded as thanks for the confirmation.
"Doubting Knight Natsuki's words would be doubting Lord Mathers himself." He reasoned, hoping Bordeaux would calm down.
Bordeaux simply looked over to Crusch, whom sighed.
"Everything Knight Natsuki said is true." This made the nobles behind him tense, much to Subaru's delight.
"Lady Karsten, I hear you two have a… History together. How do I not know you are just covering for Natsuki?" Subaru pinched his nose in frustration, Bordeaux's attempts to embarrass him clearly worked this time. Crusch was unfazed.
"That's quite enough, Bordeaux." Miklotov interjected. Julius then took a step forward with a bow.
"Lord Bordeaux, if I may be so bold to suggest, perhaps a duel is in order, so you may see for yourself Knight Natsuki's power?" He asked, surprising Subaru.
"Hmm, sounds interesting, I wouldn't mind seeing the brat get smacked around. Are you the challenger?" Julius nodded.
"Yes, only if Knight Natsuki accepts of course." Bordeaux glanced over to said knight.
"I accept."
"Good. After the selection, anyone who wants to watch may enter the arena. Hopefully you hold nothing back sir Juukulius, this brat needs to know his place.
"I'm happy you have such faith in me, but I'm afraid it may be misplaced." Julius replied humbly, casting a charming smile to his opponent, whom smirked back. Marcos then took it upon himself to continue.
"Now, let us discuss how the royal selection will proceed-
Marcos stopped his explanation as smoke starting coming from the floor and filled the whole room. Heavy footsteps sounded on the ground, so Subaru grabbed his Lady and put her behind him with his javelin ready.
With a swing of his sword Reinhard cleared the smoke as he heard his Lady's yells, revealing Rom, whom was attempting to escape with her using a hole in the floor. He was soon overpowered and pushed to the ground as Captain Marcos Gildark approached.
"I don't know who you are, but for stealing into the castle, you must die." He said, as Felt struggled against the knights holding her back.
"Stop! Let him go!" She pleaded.
"Unfortunately, I cannot comply. You have publicly declared that you have no intention of participating in the royal selection. I am not obligated to obey your orders."
"Guh…" Felt uttered as Rom gave her a smug expression.
"Heh, Fine! I'll do your stupid royal selection! You want me to try to be the next ruler, right?"
"What are ya sayin, Felt?" Rom acted.
"That old man is my family. So let him go right now. Treat him with care!" She ordered.
"Very well." Marcos complied.
"Felt, I…"
'Man, Rom is really milking out this act…' Subaru thought, completely seeing through his plan.
"We'll talk later, Old man Rom." Said man was then escorted out of the throne room.
"Oi Reinhard… Was this all part of your plan too?"
"Certainly not, Lady Felt. This was something far greater that was guided by fate." He said with a smile Subaru was envious of.
"Hmph, are you a slave of fate or something?" Reinhard got down on his knee as the wise men watched awkwardly.
"No, from now on, I am your knight."
"Fine then. I'll work you to death." Luckily, the conversation made Emilia smile, regaining her morale, much to Subaru's delight.
"Now, Lady Felt and her knight, Reinhard, may we conclude that you both intend to participate in the royal selection?" Miklotov asked.
"Sure, I'm in. But let me say one thing. I hate the nobility! I hate knights! I hate this kingdom! I hate everything about it! So I'm planning to tear it all down! How about it?" She yelled, as Reinhard was completely unfazed.
"If I become ruler, I'll destroy everything! I'll take down every last one of you, and bring a little fresh air into this country!" Miklotov seemed mildly amused at the outburst.
"In any case, all of the candidates are here at last. The royal selection will now begin!
A/N
Holy shmoly. Sorry took so long. Had to do some research on how the selection went so I didn't mess it up. Anyway, feel free to comment your ideas and reviews. Have a good day friends!
