By morning, Roswaal had summoned everyone for a strategic meeting. The conference hall was dimly lit, the soft golden glow of chandeliers casting long shadows across the wooden floor. Everyone present looked worn and sleep-deprived—everyone except Subaru and Meili, who seemed oddly untouched by the long night's strain.
The night before, Subaru had entered his room to find Elsa and Meili waiting for him. Elsa, ever composed and unreadable, had delivered her explanation with the same calm she wore like armor:
"I'm going on patrol."
No further words had been needed. She had left, as silent as a shadow, and Subaru had stayed behind with Meili. After a few hushed words and shared yawns, the two had quietly drifted into sleep.
------------------------------------
Now, Roswaal stood before them in his usual dramatic pose, his voice carrying that familiar theatrical melancholy:
"Welcome, everyone... I'll try to keep this brief."
The air still held the weight of the previous night—an unspoken heaviness clung to the walls, thick as fog. Roswaal's expression was hard to read, but his tone was uncharacteristically grave. Every word he spoke felt deliberate, weighted.
In summary, his announcements were as follows:
-In two days' time, they would depart for the capital. Preparations needed to begin immediately.
-Due to the increased threat of enemy activity, nightly watches would be established.
-Subaru and Elsa were assigned as the lead sentries for the upcoming nights.
The information was practical, even mundane on the surface—but the tension beneath it was undeniable.
Meili, seated comfortably in Subaru's lap, was gently rocking back and forth. Her bright eyes blinked slowly, then shimmered with a rising hint of discontent:
"Subaru-nii, I wanna help with the night watch too... it's not fair..."
Subaru chuckled softly and reached down, brushing her hair with affectionate fingers.
"Not this time, Meili. Elsa and I have it covered. You need your rest."
Meili gave him a pout that could have melted a stone wall. But Subaru's gentle tone and steady hand slowly melted her resistance. She let out a tiny huff and mumbled a reluctant, "Fine..."
That small, almost familial moment settled a warmth over the room, like a fire crackling quietly in the background.
Yet as that peaceful scene unfolded, two pairs of eyes quietly observed from across the room—Rem and Emilia. They didn't speak, but they didn't need to. A shared flicker of emotion passed between them, subtle yet unmistakable: Jealousy. It wasn't loud or overwhelming, but it was real.
Later, Subaru found himself in the Forbidden Library with Emilia, Beatrice, and Puck. The air inside the sealed space was thick with dust and the scent of ancient parchment. Candles burned low as Beatrice sat ensconced in her fortress of books, barely glancing up as they entered.
Without looking, she mumbled: "Unless you're bubby's guest, Betty's not particularly pleased to see anyone..."
She clutched the book in her hands tighter, as though it were a shield. Subaru, not one to waste time, stepped forward with firm resolve.
"Puck, I want to try magic. Will you help me train?"
The spirit floated gracefully through the air, his small frame spinning once before settling. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"That depends... What's the reason?"
Without hesitation, Subaru summoned Etherfang. The dagger appeared in his hand, its surface glowing faintly. The moment it sliced through the air, it gave off a subtle hum—like a whispered promise of power. A faint aura danced around it, not quite visible, but undeniably present.
"I've been reading the book Beako gave me," Subaru said. "It said I might be able to enchant my dagger with magic. I want to see if it's true."
Puck drifted forward and examined the blade with careful eyes. Then, without a word, he hovered over Subaru and gently placed a paw on his head.
Subaru shuddered.
A rush of mana poured into him. It was different—unlike anything he'd felt before. The energy was cold, but not lifeless. Familiar, and yet somehow alien. It felt like something ancient had touched him.
Puck spoke softly: "You have a natural affinity for Yin magic. But it's a tricky element—subtle, demanding, and dangerous if mishandled."
He paused, then added: "You also have a slight resonance with fire. It's weak, but it's there. With training, you might be able to harness it."
As Puck withdrew his paw, the chill lingered in Subaru's body.
"Yin... I knew that," Subaru murmured, still dazed. "But fire? That's... new. Unexpected."
And then, from deep within his mind, a voice echoed—low, resonant, unmistakably Flugel:
"In one of your timelines, Puck froze you to death during a battle with Elsa. 'Resonance by Death' cannot absorb skills from spirits. But it can imprint their elemental affinity."
The voice became sharper, like a blade slicing through fog: "What you copied wasn't power—it was potential. A seed. And now that your mana sensitivity has grown, that seed has started to sprout. Fire magic... lies within your reach."
Subaru slowly lowered his head, eyes closed, feeling the conflicting energies churn inside him.
A new kind of mana flowed through his veins—chilled like frost, yet carrying a smoldering spark at its core.
As Subaru mulled over Flugel's words, a realization crept into his mind: this was something he had never known before. Not once had that particular detail been brought up in any of their past conversations.
"Why didn't he mention this earlier...?" Subaru wondered silently, eyes narrowed with suspicion.
Still, the possibility of gaining access to an element beyond Yin stirred something inside him—an unfamiliar sense of anticipation. Despite everything, despite the deaths and failures, there was still room to grow.
"Puck... I can add Yin magic to my daggers," Subaru began, his brow furrowed as he held the Etherfang in his hands. "But it doesn't last. It feels like... like it fades right after I apply it. Mist evaporating the moment I try to grasp it."
Puck hovered nearby, his tail twitching lazily. He looked at Subaru for a beat longer than usual, his gaze unreadable. Then, with a soft, amused huff, he spoke.
"The fact that you can even do that without a mana heart is already a miracle, Subaru," he said, eyes twinkling with irony. "And yet you still hunger for more? How insatiable."
The air in the room subtly shifted. Puck's voice wasn't particularly loud, but the underlying judgment in his words carried weight. Enough to prompt a reaction.
Emilia, who had been quietly seated beside a bookshelf, tilted her head sharply.
"Puck! Don't be rude," she said, her tone firm yet caring.
Subaru blinked, only mildly surprised. He had seen this dynamic play out before—Emilia playing the gentle counterbalance to Puck's bluntness. There was a strange harmony in how they clashed and reconciled.
Trying to ease the tension, Subaru raised his palms in mock surrender.
"It's okay, Mili. He's right. I've got a lot to learn. Don't be too hard on him."
Emilia lowered her eyes, brushing a silver lock of hair behind her ear.
"Ah... sorry," she murmured, barely audible.
The strands of her hair shimmered in the soft light. Subaru, caught in the tenderness of the moment, reached out. His fingers lightly grazed the silky threads.
It was a delicate, innocent gesture. Yet it carried weight. A quiet pause settled over them.
Emilia didn't move away. Her eyes fluttered closed for a moment, as if savoring the warmth in his touch. And then— The temperature in the room dropped. Sharply.
Puck's voice rang out, cold as glacier ice: "Oi. Are you seriously flirting with my daughter right in front of me?"
A frosty wind circled them. Subaru's hand recoiled as if scorched—by ice rather than fire.
"Keep that up and I'll make sure that hand of yours becomes a permanent icicle."
Subaru leapt back with a nervous laugh, eyes wide.
"S-sorry, Great Spirit-sama! It was just—really—I wasn't—"
But Puck was already in mid-rant. What followed was a blizzard of spirited scolding. His voice rose and fell like a storm surge, washing over Subaru again and again, with Emilia occasionally caught in the splash.
Subaru, caught between guilt and amusement, imagined a spectral paw delivering comical punishment from the air. And then came the eruption.
Beatrice, who had been silently enduring the scene with visible irritation, slammed her book shut.
The sound cracked through the room like a thunderclap. "YOU'RE ALL TOO LOUD, I SUPPOSE!! THIS IS BETTY'S LIBRARY, NOT A TAVERN! GET OUT!!"
In the same breath, she cast a powerful wind spell. A sharp gust howled through the room, lifting the trio off their feet and hurling them unceremoniously toward the door.
The Forbidden Library, once a sanctum of quiet, was now a whirlwind of chaos.
When the world stopped spinning, Subaru found himself flat on the floor.
And Emilia—flushed, breathless—was sprawled on top of him.
Their faces were dangerously close. Her silver hair fanned out around them like a curtain.
"S-Subaru?" she whispered, startled.
Subaru's brain short-circuited. A thousand thoughts tried to escape at once, and none made it past his lips. He looked away quickly, his cheeks heating up.
And then— He felt it. A surge of mana. Cold and unforgiving. Rising behind him like a tidal wave.
An icy aura crawled up his spine.
Puck's voice, now calm and deathly still: "Any last words?"
Subaru froze. But then, his eyes sharpened. For once, he didn't retreat. He turned around, resolve etched into every line of his face. "Puck... I'm not planning to die today!"
In a fluid motion, he channeled mana into his legs and burst into a sprint, the wind of his escape whipping behind him.
Puck floated in place, watching him go with unreadable eyes. He didn't give chase.
Instead, he turned his attention back to Emilia, still recovering on the ground.
He let out a long, slow sigh.
"Keeping my daughter safe from shameless boys... is a full-time job," he muttered, the grumble of a weary parent trailing behind him like the last gust of winter.
Elsa had approached Subaru after some time, her eyes unreadable as always, and suggested they have another sparring match.
They had only invited Meili to observe as an audience member—a decision born from a mutual desire for a quiet and focused session. But of course, nothing stayed simple for long.
Roswaal, Ram, and Rem and Emilia had also made their way to the training area—uninvited, yet carrying themselves with the entitlement of seasoned performers taking the stage. Their presence changed the air immediately.
Despite everyone but Meili arriving uninvited, Subaru couldn't muster the resolve to send them away. Their curiosity, or perhaps their concern, overrode any sense of etiquette. Even Elsa, usually indifferent to such things, showed visible discomfort.
"I would've preferred to be alone," she muttered under her breath, eyes drifting over the assembled group.
"Same here..." Subaru sighed, voice low. Both of them stood with awkward rigidity, their shared sentiment unspoken but clear.
Then, Roswaal stepped forward from the cluster of onlookers, voice sonorous and theatrical as ever, a smug glint in his gaze.
"Only two rules for this bout!" he declared grandly. "One—no lethal damage. Two—no use of mana..."
That second rule was delivered with a flourish—and a pointed look straight at Subaru.
His smile danced on the edge of mockery and challenge.
Subaru inhaled slowly. he faced Elsa Her posture had shifted—loose but alert, like a panther before the pounce. Her eyes glinted with hunger, though not for blood. Not this time.
The rules were simple.
No mana. No death. But make no mistake—it was real.
[Advanced Dagger Technique – Active]
Elsa moved first.
Fast didn't describe it well enough. She appeared. One blink—and the dagger was already aimed at Subaru's side.
He flinched, instincts overriding thought. A backstep, fast and wide, his boots shrieking across the floor as they scraped to regain control. Balance barely restored, he felt the threat pass him by.
But Elsa didn't wait. The next strike came faster, lower, deadlier. She dipped left, blade glinting as it arced toward his legs in a fluid sweep.
Subaru had only one response—up. He jumped. Mid air:
[Fade – Active]
The world softened, outlines blurred.
Every sound stretched out, like echoes in a cavern. No one could follow him now—except her.
Elsa's gaze locked.
"You hid," she murmured, her voice reaching through the haze. "But that doesn't mean you disappeared."
And Subaru was there. Suddenly. Inches from her. His blade shot up, intercepting her next swing.
Clang!
Metal screamed. Sparks burst.
He turned, pivoting hard, attempting to slip behind her guard—but Elsa was water. She flowed with him, twisted, and punished his gamble with a brutal knee to his thigh.
Pain spiked. Subaru dropped to one knee.
But Etherfang reversed in his hand, and he rose again with fire in his veins.
"Tch... This is hell without mana," he grunted, jaw clenched.
"Ah~ But that's when you find out who you really are," Elsa sang, tone syrupy with menace. "Instincts before magic, always."
She struck again. From above. Twin daggers sang down in an X.
Slash!
One missed as Subaru ducked. The other found Etherfang's edge.
From the gallery, voices surged:
"Subaru! You can do it!" —Emilia's voice soared, full of emotion.
"Elsa-nee! Slice him clean!" —Meili countered with childlike glee.
Ram and Rem watched silently, unmoving but far from still. Their eyes tracked each motion, calculating.
Roswaal stood with fingers on his chin, his gaze a mirror—blank, but deep.
Elsa spared them a glance. "Motivated by an audience?" she teased.
Subaru exhaled sharply. He was sweating, his breath ragged—but his eyes were alight.
"HELL YEAH."
[Advanced Dagger Technique – 100%]
Something inside him broke—or unlocked.
A door in his mind swung wide. Memories he didn't own flooded him. Years of practice he never endured.
His body moved like it remembered. Not from experience—but from inheritance. Footwork, angles, pressure, muscle tension—all laid bare.
Elsa's smile widened. "You are enjoying this."
But Subaru didn't flinch. His focus cut through her words. This wasn't a game.
Then she paused. And flipped a dagger. Fingers twirled it once. Then—
She threw it.
It shrieked through the air. Deadly. Straight for Subaru's chest. But He didn't blink.
[Fade – Active]
The world vanished. A curtain of fog rolled in. Silence fell. The dagger passed harmlessly through a ghost. But Subaru didn't vanish to escape. He used it to advance. As the blade struck the ground, he was already within reach. He emerged from the mist like judgment itself.
Left hand gripped Elsa's wrist. Right hand drove Etherfang to her throat—
And stopped.
Cold steel kissed her skin Elsa's breath hitched. Eyes flickered.
"D-Did I... win?" Subaru whispered, voice trembling.
[Fade – Deactivated]
Elsa paused for several long seconds, the silence between them taut and electric. Then, with a faint, teasing smile curling on her lips, she finally broke the quiet.
"Congratulations, Subaru," she said, her voice silk laced with steel. "You can now officially call yourself an assassin. Your stealth, your dagger technique... quite impressive."
She leaned in ever so slightly, her face tilting toward his with a glint of amusement in her eyes, her tone hovering playfully between mockery and genuine admiration.
"I wonder... should I give you a reward?"
But before the tension could deepen, before Subaru could even think of a reply, the moment shattered.
Three pairs of hands suddenly pushed themselves between him and Elsa, severing the invisible thread that had connected them.
"Subaru-nii! Stop flirting with my sister in front of us!" Meili shrieked, her glare sharp enough to cut.
"She's right, Subaru! / Subaru-kun!"
Emilia and Rem's voices overlapped in perfect harmony, as if rehearsed, their tones filled with disbelief and a hint of jealousy.
Still panting from the fight, Subaru found himself more startled by the sudden appearance of the trio than by Elsa's deadly presence moments ago.
"W-What just happened..."
He didn't even have time to fully gather his thoughts before all three girls began grumbling in irritation, each with their own interpretation of what had just occurred.
From a quiet distance, Roswaal stood with arms crossed, observing the scene through narrowed eyes. His gaze remained locked on Subaru, but his thoughts ran far deeper than mere curiosity.
"This boy... he's stepping closer to something beyond the grasp of ordinary men."
The scene slowly settled. The battlefield's echoes faded into memory. The excited murmurs of spectators and the burning stares of competitors dissipated into the wind.
Now, Subaru sat alone in the training field. The sky above was tinged with the golden glow of a sun beginning to set, and shadows stretched long over the worn earth. He stared at the ground, yet his mind remained entangled in the memory of the duel.
What had just happened felt almost otherworldly. His body had moved on its own—fluid, precise, deadly. Every motion executed with a grace and power that felt alien to him.
It was like watching a stranger wearing his skin.
The memory replayed again and again, as vivid as fire behind closed eyes.
"Flugel..." he murmured softly. "What exactly happened during that fight? What did it mean when I hit 100%?"
No answer came right away. Instead, the air shifted.
The shadows on the field rippled faintly, as if disturbed by a breeze that couldn't be felt. The temperature dropped. A cool wind curled through the field like a phantom.
Then, Flugel's voice echoed, deep and layered, like a whisper crawling through a dream.
"100% means your body has fully harmonized with the ability. You've achieved advanced mastery of dagger combat. Your mind and muscle memory are now aligned. The techniques that once flickered in your imagination... are now etched into your being."
Subaru's hands tightened on his knees. He stared down at his fingers. They were steady—too steady. Yet beneath that calm, he sensed an invisible weight, like unseen chains wrapped around his bones.
"Is there more to this?" he asked, his voice almost too soft to hear.
He wasn't afraid of the answer. He was hungry for it. Desperate to know how far the path ahead would stretch.
Flugel's reply came slower this time, worn but sure.
"This ability... has nearly infinite potential for evolution. But whether that growth will ever bring you peace... that, I doubt."
Subaru let out a breath, shaking his head slightly. "I figured as much," he whispered. "It can't end here. It never does."
His voice wavered between determination and fatigue, as if pulled between two tides.
Just then, a sound like wind brushing across parchment slithered through the field. A whisper in the dark.
Flugel's voice sharpened, losing its ethereal edge and adopting a more clinical, focused tone.
"Since you've reactivated... it's time to update your mission protocols."
[DING!]
A bright screen burst into life in front of Subaru. Its glow contrasted the darkening sky, its presence unnatural—foreign. Lines of text gleamed like inscriptions carved in cold fate.
Main Mission 1: Declare Emilia's camp during the Royal Selection assembly.
Reward: +20 Soul Coins
Main Mission 2: Eliminate all Sin Archbishops and acquire their Authorities.
Archbishops Defeated: 0/8 Authorities Obtained: 1/7
Reward: +100 Soul CoinsBonus: Unlock a new Authority
Side Quest 1: Get the Mana Heart.
Reward: +5 Soul Coins
Bonus: Unlock a new skill
Subaru's eyes moved slowly across the screen, taking in every detail. Each task felt like a looming death sentence, dressed up in glowing text.
"You really need to stop throwing impossible quests at me, Flugel... seriously," he muttered, a crooked smile tugging at his lips.
Flugel's voice returned, thick with amused sarcasm. "You'll finish them all eventually, Natsuki Subaru. Quit whining."
With a dramatic groan, Subaru rolled his eyes and allowed himself to collapse backward onto the ground.
The weight of everything—past, present, and future—pressed down on his chest.
The soil was cool against his back. The scent of earth and steel still lingered. Above him, the sky transitioned from warm hues to deeper tones. Violet bled into navy as the sun dipped further below the horizon. Clouds drifted slowly, heavy with secrets.
"I need some rest," Subaru whispered to no one in particular. "Tonight... I'm on watch."
And as the first stars began to appear in the twilight, Subaru closed his eyes. The world remained uncertain, but for now, he had earned a moment of stillness.
It was late into the night.
Subaru and Elsa were on watch at the mansion, following Roswaal's latest orders. The halls were quiet, wrapped in a stifling silence that weighed heavy on the senses. Shadows cast by the moonlight danced across the stone walls, distorting with the occasional gust of wind slipping through the old glass panes. The air was crisp and still, and the mansion itself seemed to hold its breath.
Subaru stood by a window, arms behind his head, his breath fogging the cool glass as he stared at the moonlit grounds outside.
"What's the point of standing guard if no one's coming? I just want to sleep..."
His voice, heavy with boredom and fatigue, broke the silence. It made Elsa glance sideways at him, one eyebrow arching slightly in response.
She stood at another window, her frame relaxed but always ready to spring into action, like a blade waiting to be unsheathed.
"subaru" she said, her voice cool and smooth, "you do know assassins prefer to strike under cover of night, right?"
There was a trace of irony in her tone—just enough to suggest amusement but never enough to soften her sharp edges.
"Silence doesn't mean nothing's out there. It just means they're better at hiding than you are at watching."
Subaru sighed heavily, a low groan escaping his throat as he slumped slightly.
"If only there was something—anything—to do. At least I wouldn't be dying of boredom."
And then, it happened. That familiar ripple of darkness slithered into his mind, like ink spilled across a blank page.
Flugel. "You could start practicing for the Mana Heart," the ancient voice echoed within his mind, its tone a blend of condescension and instruction. "Training enhances your senses. The flow of mana makes you more... attuned. To the world. To danger. To life."
Subaru's brow furrowed as he focused inward. "You mean I can train mana flow even while doing this? Even now?"
"Most masters meditate in silence, legs folded, seeking inner stillness," Flugel replied with a dismissive snort. "I find that ridiculous. Stillness is a luxury. Real training begins in motion. Draw mana from your core. Let it pulse through your blood. Let it coat your bones. No strain. No force. Just flow."
Subaru took in the words, uncertain but intrigued. His fingers twitched slightly at his sides. "If I end up exploding like a magical firework, you're taking the blame," he muttered and shut his eyes.
He inhaled deeply. From somewhere deep inside, behind the cavity of his heart, he felt it. A cool energy, dense and foreign, yet somehow known. It uncoiled slowly, sliding through his veins like icy liquid fire. Down to his fingertips, curling through his spine.
It wasn't comforting. It wasn't calming.
It burned. A tight, prickling burn, like a thousand needles pressing outward from under his skin. His legs grew stiff. His chest locked up. His breath hitched.
He tried to move—nothing. His body refused. "Flugel... can't move... is this normal?"
His voice was hoarse, nearly a whisper. Panic flickered just beneath the surface.
Flugel's reply came with a dark chuckle.
"You're not simply pushing mana into your arm or leg anymore. You're enveloping your whole body. Your blood. Your sinews. Your marrow. This is your first full-body mana circulation. It overwhelms you. It shuts you down. That's expected. But keep going. Your body will learn."
Elsa had turned by then, her gaze landing on him. Her expression was unreadable, but her eyes sharpened with interest.
Subaru stood there, frozen mid-breath, sweat pouring down his face. His hands were clenched. His arms rigid. Every muscle locked in a futile attempt to resist something invisible.
"Subaru," she called out, her voice as calm as ever, yet there was a subtle edge to it now. "You're overstraining. If you keep that up, you'll injure yourself before anyone else can. You need to relax. Let go, or you'll collapse."
He wanted to reply, to explain that he couldn't, that his body simply wouldn't obey. But all that came out were broken syllables:
"If... I... could... I... would..."
Elsa sighed softly and rolled her shoulders. With a shrug that conveyed both disinterest and experience, she turned away.
"Suit yourself. I'm going on patrol. Don't drop dead while I'm gone."
Her voice trailed off as she walked away, footsteps vanishing into the far corridor.
Subaru remained. Rooted. Still. But it wasn't failure.
Within him, the mana continued to move. Sluggish. Uneven. But moving.
Like a river carving a new path through frozen earth. His legs refused to lift. His arms wouldn't bend.
But somewhere deep inside, a shift had begun.
His body was learning. And soon… it would respond. Not because he demanded it. But because it understood.
More than an hour had passed since Subaru had begun his training. He remained on his knees, his breath ragged, and sweat dripped steadily from his forehead, pooling on the cold stone beneath him. Every muscle in his body throbbed with exhaustion. The mana circulating through his veins still felt alien, like a foreign substance invading his very being.
"Flugel... help me," he whispered hoarsely, his voice barely more than a breath—a sound woven with desperation and pain.
The reply was instant. Flugel's voice cut through the silence like a dagger, dripping with contempt and impatience:
"Tch. Still a failure, I see. Draw your mana into your heart, idiot. Channel it inward. Focus."
Subaru closed his eyes, trying to shut out everything else. He deepened his breathing, each inhale trembling with strain. Slowly, he reached inward—into himself. Into that void-like center that pulsed within his chest like a black star.
And then— The shadows stirred. They moved with eerie slowness, slinking and writhing along the floor like sentient mist.
Without any warning, a tendril of darkness latched onto his leg. Its touch was cold—unbearably cold.
Before he could react, the shadows twisted and coiled around him like a nest of serpents.
"W-what the hell is this?!"
His eyes flew open in alarm, but it was already too late. The shadows had enveloped him. They clung to his skin like tar, penetrating deeper—through his flesh, his nerves, even his soul.
He couldn't breathe. His limbs refused to move. Panic surged in his chest as his vision began to blur.
And then came the pain.
Agonizing. Soul-rending. A pain that couldn't be described in mere words. It felt as if invisible blades were carving him from the inside out. His muscles spasmed, bones trembled, and nerves sparked with unbearable heat.
The shadow mana had infiltrated his internal mana channels. With ruthless force, it pried them open, flooding them with raw energy.
Subaru clenched his teeth until his jaw locked tight, refusing to scream. His whole body writhed, but he endured. It was a battle of will now—his body wracked with torment, his mind desperately holding the line.
It lasted only a few minutes. But to Subaru, it was an eternity of suffering.
And then... it stopped.
The shadows retreated just as silently as they had come. They peeled away from his skin with surgical precision, as if satisfied with their grim work.
Then, they vanished. Subaru collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.
But the pain… it was gone. More than that—he felt different. Lighter. Stronger.
He coughed, trying to steady his breath. His voice came out cracked but clearer than before.
"What... did you do to me?"
Flugel's voice returned, this time carrying a subtle tone of approval—pride wrapped in mockery:
"What does it look like? I forcibly opened all your mana channels. Now you might actually be capable of something. You should no longer be restricted in your movement."
Subaru slowly pushed himself to his feet, his legs trembling beneath him. He took a deep breath and released the mana he had been holding tightly within his heart.
And this time… it flowed.
Effortlessly.
The mana surged through him in waves—rushing from his chest down to his arms, his legs, even his fingertips. Every fiber of his being hummed with newfound clarity.
Then he paused. Something was... different.
"Huh...? My senses—I'm picking up on things I couldn't before. I think... someone's coming."
He turned, and sure enough, Elsa emerged from the shadows. Her form was bathed in the pale glow of the moonlight, her expression calm but alert.
"Elsa. Did you find anything? Any trace at all?"
She shook her head. Her gaze remained vigilant, but there was something distant in her tone:
"Nothing. Not a footprint, not a sound."
Subaru's brows furrowed deeply. Something in his gut twisted—a quiet, persistent whisper of warning. But it made no sense.
"Should we feel relieved by that? Or... is it time to start being afraid?"
Elsa gave a faint shrug, her answer terse yet ominous: "Maybe both."
And so, two days slipped by in silence.
Every night, Subaru and Elsa kept vigil over the mansion. They rotated shifts, pacing under the watchful eye of the moon. Not a single soul disturbed their patrols, not a single sound broke the quiet.
During those nights, Subaru committed himself to training. He honed his understanding of mana, learning to feel its rhythm, trace its currents, and mold it to his will. Each session brought small improvements—a better sense of control, a faster response to his commands.
And still, no attack came. It was too quiet. The kind of silence that set every nerve on edge.
By the time the day arrived for their departure to the capital, the mansion had become a hive of activity.
Ram and Rem orchestrated the preparations with military precision. Servants rushed through the halls, bags were packed, and supplies triple-checked.
"Nee-sama, should we bring extra food supplies?" Rem called from the kitchen, arms full of baskets.
"The trip will be long. Take every provision we can carry, little sister," Ram responded with crisp efficiency.
Every corner of the estate buzzed with purpose. Everyone had a task, and everyone saw it through with dedication.
Subaru, amid the controlled chaos, decided to check on Emilia.
He approached her room quietly, not wanting to interrupt. But when he peeked through the half-open door, he found her practicing alone.
Emilia stood tall in the center of the room. She was repeating her lines softly, adjusting her stance, and experimenting with the positioning of her hands while speaking.
Her eyes were focused, her brows slightly furrowed. She looked... determined.
But there was a charm to her effort. A kind of endearing awkwardness that made Subaru smile.
He stepped back quietly. "Oh—I'll come back later, Mili. Keep at it," he murmured to himself, then turned and walked away.
He didn't want to disturb her concentration. She had her own battles to prepare for.
And the capital awaited them all.
Most of what was needed for the meeting had already been taken care of. The logistics were settled, the presentations prepared, and the attendants informed. Subaru's inventions—innovative mechanisms, magic-tech integrations, and practical tools for commoners—were going to be showcased in full detail. The reforms in agriculture, which had already begun bearing fruit in certain regions, were going to be discussed as models for nationwide adoption. It was a spectacle designed not just to impress, but to send a clear message: The Emilia camp was no longer a fringe contender. It was a rising star.
And yet, for Subaru, something felt off. Something was missing. There was a gap he couldn't quite explain—an absence that logic, facts, and inventions alone couldn't fill. He realized that people, especially nobles, weren't just persuaded by rationality. They responded to strength. To spectacle. To presence.
"Before any speech is made, before any results are shown... we need something to seize the moment, to capture their attention the instant we walk through that door," he muttered, pacing in thought.
His steps, slow but purposeful, carried him through the dim corridors of the mansion, eventually bringing him to a familiar place—the door of the Forbidden Library. He stopped in front of it, hand hovering over the knob. Silence enveloped him. The air was thick with old magic and older memories.
Then—just as a question formed in his mind, a voice spoke, uninvited yet not unwelcome:
"Yes, Natsuki Subaru... you're finally thinking like someone who understands this world. If you were to walk into that meeting flanked by not one, but two great spirits, and you made sure the entire room saw them with their own eyes... The effect would be immediate.
There are only five great spirits known to exist, and they are creatures of legend, reverence, and fear. If two of them were to stand by your side, even temporarily, no one would question your influence. Not lords, not knights, not mages. They would feel your power—and more importantly, they'd respect it."
Subaru let out a long, burdened sigh.
"That's a good plan on paper... but how the hell do I convince Beatrice to agree to this? She's not exactly the 'do-me-a-favor' type."
Flugel's chuckle was faint, laced with mischief.
"Tell her the truth. Say it plainly. That little loli isn't as stubborn as she pretends to be. Push the right button, and she'll agree to a temporary arrangement. In fact... I daresay she's been waiting for you to ask."
With that teasing thought lingering, Subaru took a deep breath, straightened his posture, and gently pushed the door open.
The scent of old parchment and aetheric dust greeted him. Rows of books towered like silent judges. And at the heart of it all, on her usual seat with her usual expression, was Beatrice. She didn't look up.
"You want something, don't you, I suppose?"
Subaru wasted no time. He stepped in with resolve and declared: "Beako, make a spirit contract with me."
Her eyes flared open with sudden energy—and magic exploded into the room. A gust of wind magic surged forward, wild and immediate. Subaru threw himself against the doorframe, barely managing to hold his ground as books and scrolls were sent flying.
"Beako—wait! This is important! Just hear me out!" The wind faded. Beatrice slowly closed her book, set it aside, and exhaled with exasperation.
"Betty will listen... but you'd better make it quick. I have no patience for more of your nonsense today, I suppose."
Subaru nodded, catching his breath, then looked her square in the eye.
"The reason I want to form a contract isn't just for show. Yes, I'll admit—it's temporary. And yes, it's about appearances. But it's also about impact.
There are only five great spirits in this world. If two of them appear beside Emilia's faction at the royal council, it will change the entire dynamic in the room. No one will be able to ignore us. They'll respect us. They'll fear us, Beako."
His voice carried no deceit, only conviction—and a trace of desperation.
Beatrice said nothing. She stared at him, her face unreadable. Her small hands clutched the edges of her book a little tighter. She'd heard proposals before—dozens of them. She had rejected them all.
But this one… this was different. More reckless. More honest.
"So," she finally said, eyes narrowing, "you're asking me to play the role of some flashy accessory for your political parade?"
Subaru flinched but stood his ground. "No! That's not what I mean—just—"
"SHUT UP!" she snapped, her voice a sharp crack that echoed across the high shelves. The books around her trembled on their shelves. Subaru bit his tongue.
"Betty isn't here to be your tool, your puppet, or your prop, I suppose. And you think you can barge in and say, 'Beako, make a spirit contract with me because it'll look good in front of the nobles!' Really now. Is there anything more shallow than that?"
He lowered his gaze momentarily. Then looked back, unflinching.
"You're right. It is shallow. And short-term. But this meeting is important. Not just for me or for Emilia—but for everyone who's believed in us so far. This camp, this mansion—it's your home too. Don't you want to protect that future, even if it means making a temporary deal?"
Beatrice raised an eyebrow, bemused.
"What, now you're lecturing Betty about social duty? Really, I suppose?"
But her tone had shifted—just slightly. And Subaru saw it. The first crack in her wall.
Subaru let out a long, weary sigh.
"While you spend your days tucked away in this dusty old Forbidden Library, all alone... there are people out there, right now, doing everything they can to build a future. A future that includes you, too, Beatrice. Whether you like it or not."
Beatrice's expression twitched. Her lips parted, maybe to retort, maybe to deflect—but in the end, she said nothing. Her eyes shifted to the side, trying to avoid his gaze.
Subaru took a step forward, his voice gaining conviction.
"And more than that... if another Great Spirit were to stand beside Emilia—if people could see someone like you, right there with her—then they'd start to feel it. The truth. That she's someone extraordinary. Someone worth believing in."
A flicker of something bright danced in Beatrice's eyes. It was gone a moment later, buried beneath a returning scowl.
"So, let me guess... you just want to exploit Betty's power and prestige, is that it? Use her like some shiny decoration to make your point?"
Subaru shook his head slowly, with a sincerity that cut through the air.
"No. That's not it. I want people to finally understand who you are. To see what I see. You're not just powerful—you're brilliant, you're noble, you're irreplaceable. And if I get to stand beside you, even just once... it would be an honor."
Beatrice groaned, her face contorting in exaggerated disgust.
"Ugh. You and your ridiculous sugar-coated nonsense. It's nauseating, I suppose..."
She trailed off. Her voice softened. When she spoke again, it was barely above a whisper.
"Besides... Betty doesn't make spirit contracts lightly. They're not toys. They're eternal bonds—burdens of trust and power. Responsibility. A merging of hearts."
"That's why this isn't that," Subaru said quickly. "It's just temporary. Symbolic. There won't be a real bond, no eternal obligations. Just enough to show presence. And you can walk away from it any time you like. No strings attached."
Beatrice didn't respond.
For a long moment, she stood still. Then, wordlessly, she moved. Her footsteps echoed as she walked toward him. She snapped her fingers, and one of the tall library shelves slid aside with a groan. From the hollow behind it, a glowing book floated out, humming with quiet magic.
"...Temporary," she repeated, her voice colder now, deliberate. "No spirit-to-spirit resonance. No inner bond. No aftermath. And Betty... Betty will never be required to continue this contract. Not now. Not ever. Understood?"
Subaru nodded immediately, his eyes resolute. "Crystal clear."
With a dramatic huff, Beatrice lifted her chin. "Betty is only agreeing because ignoring your annoying voice any longer would've been more exhausting than just doing this, I suppose."
Subaru smiled, but his voice was earnest. "Even so, I'm grateful. Truly."
The book opened in midair. From its pages, a radiant circle formed—a complex magical sigil that floated between them. Wisps of light curled outward, reaching gently toward Subaru's hand.
In a sudden, brief flash of searing magic, the pact was formed.
For a split second, Subaru felt the pulse of mana ripple through him—flickering, unstable—then settle as quickly as it came.
Beatrice snapped the book shut with a crisp motion and let it float back into place on the shelf.
"Your mana is so pitifully underdeveloped it's offensive. Just forming the contract made me physically ill, I suppose."
"Sure, sure—but the contract's made," Subaru said with a lopsided grin. "So... you're stuck with me for now."
Beatrice turned her back to him. Her long cloak swished with the motion. "Don't get carried away. Betty still doesn't particularly like you."
"I know," Subaru said quietly, looking up at the towering ceiling above. "But... this is a good beginning."
Then, almost as if on instinct, he extended a hand toward her.
Beatrice glanced back with a look of sharp suspicion. "What are you doing now, I suppose? Don't tell me this is another one of your weird emotional gestures."
Subaru shrugged with mock innocence.
"Just thought it might be nice to hold hands with my contracted spirit. It's not every day you get to share a moment like this."
Beatrice wrinkled her nose and scoffed.
"Hmph. Betty has no need to hold your sweaty human hand. This contract is just a temporary formality. Don't overdramatize it, I suppose."
Still, a faint blush crept across her cheeks.
Without another word, she turned and began walking toward the library's exit, her pace firm and steady.
Subaru followed behind her, the corners of his mouth lifted in a quiet smile that lingered long after the pact's magic had faded.
As they descended to the lower floor, Subaru and Beatrice were greeted by the sight of Emilia and Puck waiting for them at the base of the staircase. The atmosphere was calm, the soft glow of morning light filtering in through the windows, giving the moment a gentle sense of clarity.
Hovering gently in the air, Puck tilted his head and gave them a curious look. "Huh? Seeing you two side by side... now that's a rare sight," he said with a mischievous grin.
Subaru smiled, the edges of his mouth lifting with a warmth that hadn't been there in a long time. A subtle but undeniable weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
"Yeah! We formed a pact—well, a temporary one—but still!" His voice was vibrant, brimming with excitement and just the faintest hint of pride.
Beatrice folded her arms and frowned, shooting a side glance at Subaru. "He just pressured Betty into it, I suppose," she muttered, raising her nose haughtily.
Emilia stepped forward with a gentle, sincere smile on her face. Her silver hair shimmered in the soft light. "I'm happy for you both, Subaru. And you too, Beatrice."
Her smile was genuine, full of quiet approval. Inwardly, she thought, They're really starting to come together as a team.
Puck floated down to Subaru's eye level, squinting at him with a playful intensity that made his cat-like features all the more expressive.
"Hmm... Your mana potential's higher than I expected, Subaru. Especially your spirit resonance. It's rare—very rare—for someone to form even a temporary pact with a Great Spirit. I'm honestly impressed."
Subaru nodded slightly, rubbing the back of his neck in a sheepish gesture. "I've been working on it a bit. As for the resonance... yeah, I think I felt it too. But Beako's pact is temporary, so the bond isn't complete."
Beatrice turned her gaze away, her posture straightening with pride as if the very mention of a deeper bond embarrassed her. "It's not a true spirit pact, I suppose. Betty doesn't enter permanent bonds so easily. This was purely symbolic. Protocol, really. Nothing more."
Puck nodded thoughtfully, a glimmer of understanding in his glowing eyes. "So the bond could be powerful, but you're choosing restraint. Classic Betty."
"Of course," she replied, puffing out her cheeks slightly. "Betty is not someone to be taken lightly, I suppose."
Subaru laughed, raising a hand in surrender. "So basically, I've got a super tsundere contract partner. Fantastic."
Puck winked, his tail swishing playfully. "These are good signs, Subaru. But just so you know... this little lady is still watching you."
"Betty isn't watching. She's just... cautious, I suppose," Beatrice snapped, turning her head to hide the faintest hint of pink on her cheeks.
Emilia stepped forward again, her expression warm and reassuring. "Well, I already think you make a great team."
Subaru met her gaze and gave a small but confident nod. "In time, we'll be even stronger. But for now... this is a good start."
Moments later, Rem arrived, calm and composed as ever. Her expression was serious, yet touched with a sense of routine familiarity. "It's time to leave. Please make your way to the carriage."
Subaru turned to her, walking a few steps in her direction. "Need a hand with the reins, Rem?"
Rem shook her head gently, a faint smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Subaru-kun. But Nee-sama and I can handle it."
Subaru scratched his cheek, a bit embarrassed by her polite refusal. "Got it... good luck, then."
As everyone began settling into the carriage, Subaru overheard that Roswaal had left for the capital earlier that morning.
He blinked in mild surprise, then exhaled and shrugged. "Of course he did... always off on some mysterious errand or secret scheme."
Originally, Subaru had wanted to travel with Meili and Elsa as well. The idea of moving together had seemed logical. But considering Elsa's dangerous reputation as the infamous "Bowel Hunter"—especially in the capital—such a public appearance together would only stir unnecessary panic.
With a sigh, he opened his bag and began flipping through his notes. Diagrams, plans, spells, strategies—each scribbled detail was a step forward, a preparation for whatever lay ahead.
Beatrice, ever the subtle observer, watched him from the corner of her eye. Not directly, of course. That wouldn't be very Beatrice of her. But her attention was unmistakable.
Subaru noticed. He always noticed. Her feigned indifference was as transparent as the pride she tried to hide.
With a soft smile, he extended the bag toward her, careful not to make too big a deal out of it.
"Thought you might want to see these. If you're interested... we could go through them together, Beako."
Beatrice hesitated for a moment, then slowly reached out and took the bag. Her fingers were delicate but precise as they sifted through the contents.
"Hmph... Betty is only curious because they might be slightly interesting, I suppose," she muttered.
But her eyes were already dancing across the pages, soaking in the details, analyzing every line of text and scribbled rune with genuine interest.
Subaru sat beside her, keeping his voice quiet, his presence steady.
Together, they began reviewing the notes and drawings.
Time passed gently around them—soft and undisturbed.
Outside, the carriage wheels turned. The journey had already begun.
And inside, among whispers of parchment and flickers of curiosity, a new kind of bond was slowly, quietly taking root.
Hours slipped by, unnoticed, as the road stretched on ahead.
Evening was gradually settling in, painting the sky in hues of gold and lavender.
Inside the gently rocking carriage, the atmosphere was uncharacteristically focused. Spread between Subaru and Beatrice were several parchment diagrams filled with complex symbols: technical schematics, energy conversion matrices, agricultural yield graphs plotted with precise numerals.
Subaru explained enthusiastically, pointing out key mechanisms and speculative improvements. Beatrice listened carefully, occasionally furrowing her brow before questioning a calculation or challenging a theory. They debated fervently—one moment disagreeing sharply, the next reaching an unexpected consensus.
Though she tried to mask it with her usual aloofness, Beatrice found herself thoroughly enjoying the exchange. It had been far too long since she'd had such an intricate and intellectually engaging conversation with someone who wasn't a spirit or bound to a dusty book.
And Subaru's expression—so alive, so earnest—was different from the usual boisterous facade he showed others. He wasn't just seeking power or answers. He genuinely wanted to share this with her, to include her in something meaningful.
Beatrice gently pressed the spine of a thick book against one of the diagrams spread on the satchel between them.
"This diagram is functional enough, I suppose," she remarked with a huff. "But these efficiency curves? Utter nonsense. Chaotic without reason. Betty hasn't seen such impractical ratios since... well, ever."
Subaru laughed, not out of mockery but from sheer joy. "Yeah, I'll admit—I may have eyeballed a few numbers there. Still fine-tuning."
In the opposite corner of the carriage, Emilia sat quietly with Puck curled up beside her, the two reading a book that looked far too formal for its ridiculous title. Inlaid with elegant gold leaf, it read:
"How to Handle Idiot Nobles"
Subheading: 13 Ways to Survive Diplomacy Without Losing Your Mind
Emilia flipped a page with delicate fingers, and Puck tapped a specific paragraph with his tiny paw.
"Chapter Four," he read aloud in a mischievous tone, "If a duke belittles you, remind him of his tax obligations."
Puck broke into high-pitched giggles. "This book is a treasure! Honestly, it might be the closest thing to a holy relic I've ever read."
Emilia chuckled, utterly serious despite the absurdity. "I'm definitely bringing this to the next meeting. It's not even a question."
The carriage rolled on, wheels crunching over uneven stones as the landscape shifted from forested paths to the gentle slopes near the capital's outskirts. Overhead, the sky deepened into a glowing crimson, a silent herald of twilight.
Subaru leaned back slightly, feeling the weight of the day begin to settle into his bones, but his thoughts remained sharp. A temporary pact it might have been, but moments like these... they were the foundation of something more.
Some bonds didn't need permanence to be real. Just after dawn, with the morning light barely breaking through the misty horizon, the carriage lurched to an abrupt halt.
The sudden stop caught everyone's attention, and an uncertain tension filled the enclosed space. Subaru leaned forward, peeking through the small slit in the carriage door.
When the delay stretched on, curiosity overcame him. He opened the door fully and stepped out into the crisp morning air.
"Ram, is something wrong?" He approached the front of the carriage, where Ram sat calmly holding the reins and Rem stood just beside her, ever watchful.
Ram turned her head with practiced grace. "A supply cart ahead of us lost a wheel. They're blocking the entire trail. We'll have to wait until it's repaired."
Rem followed with her usual composure. "It's not unexpected, Subaru-kun. We're nearing the capital. Encountering merchants and trade convoys is normal around these parts."
Subaru let out a slow breath and stepped fully onto the road, stretching slightly. "I'll take a closer look. Ram, would you mind coming with me?"
Ram's expression instantly shifted into her trademark haughtiness. "Naturally, Barusu. Someone here has to know how to negotiate civilly. Unlike you."
Subaru didn't dignify that with a retort—just an exaggerated eye roll—as they walked side by side toward the obstruction.
Ahead, a bulky trade wagon stood motionless. Its left rear wheel had splintered under the weight of a heavy load. A few workers were gathered around it, one of them crouching down with a wrench, mumbling curses at the axle.
What caught Subaru's attention, however, wasn't the repair effort.
Ram called out with an unexpectedly gentle voice, one she reserved only for those she considered useful.
"Good morning, sir. Do you expect repairs to take long? If you're short on hands, we'd be happy to offer assistance."
Subaru tilted his head slightly, surprised. Hearing Ram speak with such graciousness was rarer than a royal pardon.
The merchant looked up, offering a tired but appreciative smile. "Ah, thank you kindly, miss. But I've got it mostly under control. The earth dragons are just a bit on edge today—can't blame them with all the shifting terrain lately."
Subaru's gaze traveled around the car as Ram continued to speak. It wasn't loaded with sacks of grain or barrels of vegetable oil like most trade carts.
Swords, shields, armor polished to a fine gleam. Rows of spears. And—Subaru squinted—a harpoon?
He took a careful step to the side for a better view and muttered to himself, "That's definitely a harpoon... who transports those openly?"
Then he saw it.
One of the crates had a distinctive seal on it: The coat of arms of the Karsten family.
A slow, cunning grin spread across his face. "Jackpot."
Within seconds, his mind began racing through possibilities. The Karsten family didn't move this kind of weaponry without reason.
And if he could figure out where it was headed, or why...
Well, knowledge was power—and this particular piece might prove invaluable very soon.
Then, he walked over to the front of the vehicle where the land dragons were snorting impatiently.
As the capital drew closer, using land dragons instead of horses became more and more common. They were stronger... and faster.
After taking a glance at the regular horses pulling their own carriage, Subaru could better appreciate the difference. "These are top-class... That merchant carriage is definitely not ordinary."
The gears in his mind had already begun to turn.
After a while, the merchant apologized for the trouble and continued on his way once the repairs were complete.
As Subaru turned his eyes from the retreating cart, he looked to Ram. "Ram. That merchant seems to be working for the Karsten family. There were a lot of weapons, armor... and an unusual number of harpoons in that cart. Unless they're fishing, it's either for a sea monster... or something even bigger."
Ram gave a small nod. With her usual blank expression, she responded: "I didn't expect you to notice that, Barusu. This isn't a simple delivery. Crusch Karsten... is likely after something. Maybe even on the brink of war. We should bring this up with Roswaal-sama."
Seeing the seriousness in Ram's voice helped Subaru sharpen his own thoughts. "Yeah. But at the same time, this... might be an opportunity for us."
The two returned to their carriage. When Subaru took his seat, Beatrice was busy trying to wipe ink off a book page. Without lifting her head, she asked: "What took you so long, I suppose?"
Subaru smiled faintly.
"The merchant's dragon carriage in front of us had a broken wheel. We asked if we could help."
Puck raised a paw from the corner and called out: "And? What else happened?"
Emilia slowly closed the book in her hands and turned her eyes to Subaru.
Subaru's tone grew serious. "I saw the Karsten family crest on the merchant's cart. And inside... it was packed with weapons, armor, and harpoons."
A sudden silence fell over the carriage.
Emilia furrowed her brow and asked: "You mean Crusch Karsten, Subaru?"
"Yeah, 'mili. The royal candidate, Crusch Karsten. That cart must be working directly under her. And the equipment they were carrying is anything but standard. Especially those harpoons... Maybe they're preparing to fight something like the White Whale."
Beatrice raised an eyebrow. Puck narrowed his eyes. "The White Whale... If it really has shown up, Crusch would be the type to go after it," Puck said.
Beatrice nodded slowly. "The White Whale is one of the shadows from a dark past. Defeating it isn't just slaying a beast... It's a way to etch your name into history, I suppose."
Subaru voiced the thought that had formed in his mind: "And this... is our chance."
Everyone looked at him. "Think about it: if we help them, or if we defeat the White Whale before they do, the Emilia camp will stand out on the royal stage. Standing shoulder to shoulder with a strong rival—or surpassing them—either way, it's a show of strength."
Emilia listened carefully, then gave a slight nod. "You're right... This information has major strategic value."
Puck murmured softly: "The White Whale isn't easy prey. But with the right plan, and the right team... maybe it's possible."
Subaru turned his eyes outside. The merchant's carriage was still barely visible on the horizon.
"Whatever happens... we need to be ready."
As the sun began to dip toward the west, the carriage continued its journey toward the capital. And in Subaru's mind... a new game plan was already beginning to take shape.
(A/N:There are university entrance exams in about 1 month, I have been studying for 1 year to take that exam.
I stayed up and wrote a few chapters in advance so as not to leave you readers without chapters. I will translate it into English and upload it to the site when I have free time)