As the night stretched further into the deep hours, the sky above Banan glimmered with countless stars, like a quiet lullaby cradling the slumbering town. The once-bustling streets had long emptied, leaving behind only the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional creak of wood from old buildings settling into the stillness. In the courtyard of a modest but warm inn run by Maria, a gentle silence had taken root. After a harrowing day filled with battles, fear, and fleeting hope, the group finally reached this place of rest. The inn's lanterns glowed like amber eyes in the darkness, casting dancing shadows against the stone walls, while the comforting aroma of incense drifted through the air, mixing with the scent of fresh linen and woodsmoke.
Julius, under direct orders from Anastasia, had already departed toward the Hoshin Company to relay information and secure reinforcements. His mind raced with concerns—not only about Subaru's alarming condition but also the threats that had reared their heads once more. With him gone, Rem had taken charge, speaking calmly and efficiently with Maria to secure three separate rooms for their exhausted group. Inside, the inn remained modestly active: a clink of dishes in the kitchen, hushed footsteps across the wooden floorboards. Yet despite the small signs of life, the overall quiet felt sacred, like a reprieve gifted by the night itself.
That gentle silence was suddenly pierced by the hurried footsteps of Meili. Her pace was brisk, her small fists clenched at her sides as she walked deeper into the inn. Her bright eyes scanned the hallways with a focused urgency, seeking the one person she needed to see. When her gaze finally fell on him, a breath of relief escaped her lips, replaced instantly by a spark of joy.
"Subaru-nii!"
She rushed forward, almost tripping over her own feet in her excitement. But the moment her eyes took in his state, her feet slowed, her voice caught. Subaru sat on a cushioned bench near the inner hallway. His body was covered almost head to toe in clean but tightly wrapped bandages. His skin was pale under the glow of lantern light, and his breath came in shallow but steady rhythms. Cradled gently in his arms was a small girl with long hair—unconscious, unmoving.
Meili's heart twisted painfully. Seeing Subaru so worn down, so vulnerable, was jarring. He was always stubborn, always standing, even when he shouldn't. And now… now he looked as though one wrong move might shatter him. But as her gaze settled on the girl in his arms, a new emotion crept in—one she didn't expect: jealousy. Her brows furrowed slightly. Who was she? Was this truly Subaru's sister?
She stepped closer, her voice quieter now. "So this is… Hikari?"
Subaru raised his eyes to meet hers. Though tired, there was warmth in them. His lips curled into a gentle smile. "Yes, Meili. This is my little sister, Hikari. She's been through a lot… but she's safe now. You'll get to know her properly when she wakes up. I have a feeling you two will get along really well."
Meili scrunched her nose, looking away. Her arms folded across her chest. "Tch… We'll see about that tomorrow…"
Before the moment could stretch into silence, the inn's main door creaked open. Elsa entered, her footsteps silent as a shadow, Rem just behind her. Elsa's eyes scanned the scene for only a second before she spoke, her tone firm but not unkind.
"Meili. You can see Subaru-nii's in no condition to talk. Come with me for now. We'll talk more tomorrow."
Meili opened her mouth, clearly ready to protest. But Elsa's gaze met hers—calm, unrelenting. Meili faltered. With a small scowl, she turned on her heel and followed Elsa out without another word. Beatrice quietly ascended the stairs toward the room she shared with Rem, and Rem herself gently lifted Hikari from Subaru's arms, guiding both of them toward the room prepared for Subaru.
Inside the softly lit room, Rem carefully laid Hikari onto one side of the bed. She tucked the blankets around the girl with maternal precision. Subaru sat nearby, unmoving, lost in thought. The room felt suspended in a dreamlike quiet—the kind that arrived only after days of noise and chaos.
"Subaru-kun," Rem asked in a low voice as she sat beside him, "are you going to try sleeping?"
Subaru didn't look at her right away. His gaze was fixed on the window, where the stars sparkled above the silhouette of distant mountains. "No… I don't think I can. No matter how tired I feel, I just can't close my eyes. Not until I know she's really safe. And besides… these wounds still hurt like hell."
Rem scooted closer, curling her legs up beneath her, sitting sideways beside him. Her shoulder brushed against his lightly. "Then… I hope it's alright if I stay. It's been a long time since we were alone like this."
Subaru finally turned toward her. His eyes were soft, his smile faint but sincere. "I'd like that. There's so much I've been meaning to tell you."
Rem nodded, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. But she didn't hide it—she welcomed it. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she asked:
"Subaru-kun… where exactly did you find Hikari-chan?"
Subaru's expression darkened slightly. His eyes drifted back to the bed, to the peaceful face of the girl now resting there.
"She was taken by Regulus—Greed's Archbishop. I fought him in that forest. That's why it's all in ruins now. That's also why I'm like this."
Rem inhaled sharply. Her hand reached out instinctively, grasping his.
"The Archbishop of Greed? But… why? What would someone like him want with Hikari-chan?"
Subaru hesitated, then spoke slowly. "You already know… Hikari and I aren't from this world. To the Witch Cult, people like us are valuable. Unique. Regulus said Hikari has the potential to become a saint."
Rem's eyes widened even more. "But… I don't sense any witch's miasma from her. None at all. She feels… pure."
Subaru nodded slowly. "Roswaal told me the same thing. The miasma around me comes from a curse deep in my heart."
In truth, it was no simple curse—but for the moment, that explanation kept Rem from worrying too much.
Rem pressed her palm over Subaru's chest, feeling the faint thud of his heartbeat. Her fingertips trembled as if she were afraid of what she might find beneath his skin. She lowered her eyes, speaking in a voice soft and deliberate, pausing between each word as though afraid they might shatter.
"When you first arrived at Roswaal-sama's mansion… you were bleeding, battered… but your spirit was even more wounded. Yet even then, there was something clinging to you—a darkness, an invisible weight, and worst of all, that scent. The Witch's scent. That's why everyone was afraid of you, Subaru-kun. Nee-sama and I… we hate that smell more than anything. It's the same scent as the people who destroyed our family, our village… who tore away everything we once knew. When I saw you for the first time, I thought you were one of them. I even… I even thought about killing you. Just for a moment. It terrifies me to admit that."
Tears spilled down Rem's cheeks. Her voice wavered as memories clawed their way up from the depths of her soul. Subaru felt his own chest tighten, a storm of words pressing against his tongue—but he swallowed them back. There were secrets he couldn't share yet. The truth about Roswaal's part in Rem's tragedy was a blade he dared not unsheath tonight.
Instead, he answered without words. He placed his hand on her head, gently running his fingers through the silky blue strands, drawing her closer. His arms folded around her, a shield against the world.
"I understand, Rem. Truly. You're not alone in hating the Witch Cult. I've sworn I'll destroy them, every last one. And when I fight, it won't just be for my own past, but for your vengeance too. I'm not one of them… and… you don't hate me anymore, do you?"
Rem's eyes widened slightly, shimmering in the moonlight. Her lips parted as if to speak, then quivered and closed again. She exhaled a trembling breath, before leaning forward and wrapping her arms around Subaru's shoulders. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft as falling snow.
"That's not true. I could never hate you… Subaru-kun. No matter what happens."
A hush fell between them. And then, in the silence, a cold voice rang out inside Subaru's mind. Flugel's voice, edged with iron fury, vibrated through his skull.
"If you dare mention Emilia right now… I'll erase you without hesitation. You will not break Rem's heart again. She's sacrificed too much, suffered too many times because she loves you. This time… choose your words carefully."
Subaru flinched inwardly, pressing his lips together. Then he looked into Rem's eyes, brushing aside a lock of her hair, tucking it gently behind her ear. His thumb grazed the softness of her cheek, and a faint, weary smile touched his face.
"Rem… your words mean more to me than I can ever say. I… I can barely find the right words for how grateful I am."
There were truths too big for his throat to release. But in that moment, all he felt was how precious Rem was beside him, how her presence held together the fragile pieces of his heart.
"I just… I don't even know how to express it. Thank you for being here with me, Rem. For everything."
Under the silver glow of the moon, Rem seemed almost ethereal. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes glittering with hope and something softer, deeper. In Subaru's arms, she felt wrapped in light, as though time itself dared not move. Peace washed over her like a tide she'd thought she'd never feel again.
And then, as awareness crept in, she realized she was still sitting in Subaru's lap. Her breath hitched with sudden embarrassment. Her cheeks burned pink, and she opened her mouth to apologize—but then closed it. She didn't want to move. Deep down, she didn't want this closeness to end.
After a long pause, Rem lifted her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Subaru-kun… will you tell me about your world? About where you came from? Please… I want to know everything."
Subaru remained silent for a while, his gaze fixed on the world beyond the window as though searching for something long lost. The moon had slipped free of the clouds, casting a soft, silvery light that spilled into the room and gently bathed everything in its glow. Shadows danced faintly on the wooden floor, and the stillness felt both comforting and sorrowful. He exhaled slowly, as if releasing the weight of memories too long held in.
"My old world..." he murmured under his breath. In his mind's eye, an image surfaced: a bustling train station in the early morning, the sound of announcements echoing through the air, the rhythmic clatter of footsteps on pavement, people rushing to their destinations. Flashing neon signs, crowded crosswalks, school bells ringing in the distance, the sterile brightness of a convenience store late at night, vending machines humming softly in alleyways—all these memories wove themselves into a tapestry of a life that now felt impossibly far away.
Rem watched him quietly. She had learned when to speak and when silence meant more. She could feel the distance in his eyes, a homesickness not just for a place, but for a life that could never truly be reclaimed. Still, her heart urged her to understand.
Lifting her head ever so slightly, her voice barely more than a whisper, she asked, "Then... if it's alright... could you start by telling me about your family? Please, Subaru-kun. I want to know them. I want to understand what gave you the strength to come this far."
Subaru blinked, as if returning from somewhere deep. Slowly, his expression softened. A strange, almost bittersweet warmth stirred in his chest. His lips curled into a faint smile.
"My mom… she was like a real-life superhero. Not the kind with capes and powers, but the kind who makes everything feel safe just by being there. She was hardworking, endlessly skilled, and absolutely beautiful. People always said I had her eyes. She had this way of taking care of everything without making it seem like a burden. Whether it was managing the house, helping out the neighbors, or just making the best miso soup you'd ever taste—she made it all look effortless.
She had a special love for gardening. She'd spend whole afternoons in the backyard, knees in the dirt, hands gently patting the soil like it was a friend. She talked to her flowers sometimes, saying they grew better when they were spoken to kindly. And sewing—oh, she could make anything. Curtains, clothes, toys, you name it. Watching her stitch something from scratch felt like magic. Some of my friends used to think she was my older sister because she looked so young. Once, a classmate even asked if she was my girlfriend. I didn't know where to look from embarrassment… but deep down, I was proud."
He chuckled faintly at the memory, and Rem smiled softly, watching him with warm eyes.
"A lot of the things I've tried to create in this world—small tools, little gadgets—they were inspired by her. Her precision, her patience, her creativity… they taught me to respect the process. She believed that anything worth doing was worth doing with care. And I think that rubbed off on me more than I realized."
He took another breath, as though preparing himself.
"And my dad… he was the complete opposite in some ways, but just as amazing. He was loud, spontaneous, and full of life. He had this way of lighting up a room just by walking in. People listened to him—not because they had to, but because they wanted to. He spoke with clarity, with passion. Every sentence felt like a punchline or a speech, depending on his mood.
He loved working with his hands. Woodwork, plumbing, fixing anything that was broken—it was like second nature to him. Our garage looked more like a workshop than anything else. Whenever something in the house needed repairs, he'd be there in an instant with his trusty toolbox and this big, goofy grin. I used to sit cross-legged on the floor, watching him work, asking questions, mimicking his gestures. He never brushed me off. He'd explain every step like I was his apprentice. Looking back now… I think I really was.
When I started making things here, a lot of it came from those afternoons beside him. The way I draw plans, the way I imagine how things fit together—it's all echoes of his lessons. Even my handwriting looks a bit like his."
Subaru's eyes glistened faintly, though no tears fell. His voice softened even further.
"And Hikari... my precious little sister. She's the piece of my past I couldn't let go of. From the moment she learned to crawl, she followed me everywhere. Like a second shadow. I remember carrying her in my arms when she was just a baby. She had this way of staring up at me with huge, curious eyes, like she understood everything without needing words. One time, my mom said to me, 'You've got someone now who will always be with you.' And she was right.
The first time Hikari smiled at me, really smiled, it felt like the whole world melted away. As she grew older, she never stopped being at my side. Whether I was drawing, building something, or just wasting time, she was there. She'd sit beside me and try to copy my sketches with her tiny hands. And she was good, too. Better than I was at her age. I remember once she tried to fix a broken lamp using my notes—she shocked herself and cried for hours, but the next day she was right back at it. That was Hikari. Brave, stubborn, full of heart.
She wasn't just my sister. She was… a reminder. Of what I needed to protect. Of where I came from."
There was a pause. Rem had been completely still, her hands folded neatly in her lap, her eyes never leaving him. Her voice, when it came, was almost reverent.
"And what about you, Subaru-kun?"
Her question lingered in the air, gentle but profound. Subaru turned to her slowly, as though hearing her from a distance. The moonlight framed his face as he began to speak again, this time not of others—but of himself.
Subaru's smile vanished completely, his eyes growing distant as though staring into a void. He took a shaky breath, struggling to form words.
"Me? I've never been like my family. Next to them, I always felt… incomplete. My mother had this incredible energy, my father carried so much wisdom… and I had none of it. At school, I couldn't shine in sports or be popular. I kept pushing myself, but it was like hitting an invisible wall over and over. No matter what I did, I felt like I'd never measure up. I became withdrawn, shut myself in my room, and stopped going to school altogether. My parents tried again and again to reach me, but I pushed them away every time. Eventually… nobody expected anything from me anymore. And I… just stopped wanting anything."
His voice dropped to a faint whisper.
"The last thing I remember… Hikari was sleeping. My parents had gone out. I was hungry, so I went to the kitchen, but there was nothing there. I decided to go to the convenience store. It was just another normal day. But on my way home… everything froze. The world shuddered like glass about to break. And when I opened my eyes again… I was here, in this world."
Rem's expression grew intense. There was no confusion in her gaze—only fierce determination. Her voice was gentle but sharp:
"Subaru-kun! Don't ever say that. You're not worthless. If you can't believe in yourself, then believe in my words. The Subaru-kun I know is stubborn, brave, thoughtful, strong, and… incredibly kind. I can't stand hearing you talk like this. And if you ever say those things about yourself again… I won't forgive you."
Her words struck Subaru's heart like a warm embrace, not a slap. Silence fell between them. In that quiet, a familiar voice echoed in Subaru's mind.
Flugel exhaled softly, sounding pleased:
"See? Now I think I finally understand Sloth If Subaru a little better."
A faint, relieved smile touched Subaru's lips. Rem's words melted the ice in his chest. He felt gratitude welling up inside him, spilling over in a single sentence:
"Thank you… Rem."
Rem didn't leave his lap. Instead, she leaned closer and hugged him tightly, as though she'd never let him go. In her chest, a new hope began to bloom. And this time, it wasn't just a fragile dream—it felt real, alive, and warm.
They continued talking as night slowly gave way to dawn. Every word lingered between them like echoes of past memories. Sometimes laughter broke through the darkness; other times, a deep, pensive silence hung over them. They lost all sense of time. As the stars faded and the horizon lightened to soft blues and pinks, dew formed on the grass and leaves, sparkling like countless tiny jewels. The crisp night air gradually shifted into the cool freshness of morning. Birds began to stir in the trees. Even before the sun cleared the horizon, Hikari, who lay sleeping beside them, started to move. Her small body shifted under the blanket, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She was still wrapped in the warmth of slumber but was slowly returning to wakefulness.
Subaru and Rem sat close beside her, watching every flutter of her eyelids with bated breath. When Hikari's eyes finally opened, her gaze was hazy at first. Then, as her vision sharpened, she locked onto a face she recognized instantly.
"Mmh?... Onii-chan?" she murmured, her voice thin and trembling with sleep. Tears welled up in her eyes and trickled down her cheeks as emotion overcame her.
Subaru's face softened into a bittersweet smile. "Yes, Hikari. Onii-chan's right here," he whispered, lowering his head so his voice could reach her ears like a comforting breeze.
In that moment, time stood still—as if the entire world had taken a breath and refused to let it out. All the longing, sorrow, and love that had silently grown over the years in their hearts burst forth in a single, desperate embrace. Hikari threw her arms around Subaru's neck with trembling force, clinging to him like she was afraid he might vanish again. Her body shook violently, and her cries weren't quiet or restrained—they echoed through the woods, raw and unfiltered. Loud, aching sobs poured out of her, carrying with them months of fear and loneliness. Subaru closed his eyes and held her tightly, his arms wrapping around her with all the warmth and protection he could offer. For a long, soul-deep second, nothing else existed but the two of them, reunited. This was not just a reunion—it was a healing, a wordless promise. Hikari cried until her eyes were bloodshot, her cheeks streaked with tears, her breath catching in broken gasps.
"Nii-nii! Where have you been all this time? A whole year! I missed you so, so much!" she sobbed, her words tumbling over each other. "I ended up here out of nowhere, with no idea what was happening. There was no one around, nothing familiar—I was terrified... completely alone."
Subaru gently stroked her hair, his voice soft and steady. "It's okay now, Hikari. Everything's going to be alright. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. I'm sorry you had to go through that. You can cry as much as you want. I'll be by your side. Always."
Rem stood a few steps back, her hands gently clasped in front of her, watching with wide, shimmering eyes. The scene unfolding in front of her stirred something deep in her chest. On her face was a mixture of sorrow and profound affection. She had seen many sides of Subaru, but this raw, unwavering love he showed for his sister illuminated a part of him she hadn't fully grasped until now. His compassion, his protective nature—it made her heart ache in a beautiful, bittersweet way. The sincerity of Hikari's embrace, the intensity of her emotions, and the quiet strength in Subaru's response—it all moved her more than words could express. Tears welled up in her eyes, not from sadness alone, but from witnessing something so deeply human.
Eventually, Hikari's sobs began to subside. She pulled back slightly, sniffled, and wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. As she looked up at Subaru's face, her expression shifted. Her gaze trailed down, landing on the bandages wrapped around his chest and arms. Her lips trembled.
"Onii-chan... those wounds... did that man do this to you? When I woke up, there was so much blood. Everywhere..."
Subaru's brows furrowed. He hesitated, processing her words. "Yeah... I fought the man you're talking about. But wait... you woke up? When exactly did that happen, Hikari?"
She gently touched the edge of one of his bandages, her fingertips barely brushing the fabric as if afraid she might hurt him. Her eyes brimmed with tears once again. "I don't really know... It's all a blur. The only thing I remember clearly is opening my eyes and seeing you lying next to me. You weren't moving. You were covered in blood and so pale... I panicked. I screamed. I yelled for help until my throat hurt. And then..."
She paused, her voice growing distant, haunted by the memory.
"...then I heard something. A voice—soft, almost like it was whispering inside my head. It came from the forest. It felt like someone was calling me. I followed it without thinking. From the darkness, a woman appeared. She wasn't normal—her presence was... unnatural, like she didn't fully belong in this world. She called herself the Witch of Purification. Her name was Lunaria. And she told me she despised someone named Pandora. She said I didn't belong here either, but that I was special. Then she pulled me into her realm. It wasn't like anything I've ever seen before. The sky was the wrong color. Time didn't feel right. Everything was... twisted."
Subaru's expression darkened. His body tensed slightly as he listened, processing every detail. Hikari's next words only deepened his unease.
"I begged her to help you. I told her you were going to die. But she refused. She told me, 'This is your burden to carry.' Then she handed me something—I don't even know what it was. It wasn't an object exactly, more like... a feeling, or a force. When she gave it to me, I felt something awaken inside me. A strange warmth, but also a heavy weight. She called it a contract. She said it marked me. That I was now... an inheritor. That everything was just beginning. She said we would meet again. And then she pushed me out of that place."
Hikari lowered her voice. "When I came back, I used the power she gave me to stabilize you. I think I managed to stop some of the bleeding. After that, I sent out a signal—it was instinctual. I didn't even know how I was doing it. But someone must have picked it up. That's probably how they found us."
Subaru's jaw clenched. Inside his mind, a storm of questions swirled. He didn't hesitate—he called out to the one who might know something.
"Flugel. Did you hear that? A Witch of Purification. Lunaria. That's not something I've come across before. Do you know anything about her?"
Flugel's reply came swiftly, cold and devoid of emotion. "No. I do not."
His voice echoed with indifference, distant as if spoken from another realm. Subaru didn't press further, but the name seared itself into his thoughts like a scar. Lunaria. A witch who hated Pandora. And now—connected to Hikari in ways he didn't yet understand.
He looked back at his sister, trying to steady his voice.
"We'll talk more about this witch later, Hikari. I promise. But first... I need you to tell me everything you remember. What happened to you in the time we were apart? Every detail could matter. I need to know everything."
Hikari smiled, as if the tension that filled the room had no power over her. Her innocence was still intact, untouched by the unease that clung to everyone else like a fog. She hadn't fully understood the gravity of everything that had happened—after all, she was only twelve years old. Yet, with a sparkle lighting up her eyes and an energy that felt like the morning sun cutting through storm clouds, she began to share her story, her voice bubbling with childlike excitement.
"When I first arrived here—exactly one year ago—I was completely alone, wandering through the forest. I didn't have any idea where I was or how I got there. It was dark, and every sound made me jump. I was scared. But then, out of nowhere, this strange man appeared. He wasn't exactly human. He was a demi-human, with silver fur along his arms and sharp eyes. His name was Halibel. I thought he might hurt me, but he didn't. Not at all. He was actually... really kind."
She paused, as if the memory brought her warmth. "He gave me a place to stay—a tiny wooden house at the edge of the woods. It was a bit messy and smelled like herbs and old parchment, but it was safe. And for the first time since I arrived, I didn't feel afraid. He told me about this world—how it works, how important money is, why I should be careful around monsters, and what people value around here. It was a lot to learn, but he explained it all so simply."
Her smile widened as she continued. "After some time, he said he had to leave. He had responsibilities elsewhere, I think. But before he left, he told me something I'll never forget. He said, 'You're stronger than you think, kid. You'll be okay.' Then he took me to a town called Banan. It was bustling—noisy, colorful, a little overwhelming—but it felt... alive. It was the first time I had seen so many people in one place since I arrived."
"I started doing odd jobs. Nothing big. I helped merchants at the market, carried groceries for older folks, and sometimes I told fairy tales to the kids. Most of them didn't pay me much, but it was enough to buy food. I even learned how to haggle! Can you believe that? Me, negotiating prices! I didn't exactly become rich, but I was able to get by. I didn't go hungry, and I had a warm place to sleep. That was more than enough for me."
Her expression turned a bit wistful. "But one day, I remembered your old sketchbook, onii-chan. The one we used to draw in together, back home. I had it with me this whole time. I started showing it to people in town—just to see what they thought. Most of them were confused by the weird designs and scribbles, but there was one man who took a real interest in it. He asked a lot of questions, then told me he worked for someone named Anastasia. He said she might want to meet me."
"I was nervous. I didn't know who this woman was or what she wanted. But when I met her, she didn't yell or threaten me. She just asked questions—like where I came from, how I got here, and who taught me to draw those things. I didn't have many answers, but I think she understood. In the end, she let me go. Just like that. I thought she was going to keep me or use me or something... but she didn't."
Hikari took a breath and then continued in a lighter tone. She spoke about people she'd met—shopkeepers, kids her age, even a grumpy old woman who secretly loved sweets. She mentioned a boy who taught her how to juggle, and a girl who let her borrow books from her father's library. There were nights she felt alone and missed familiar faces, but she always found ways to stay strong. She kept looking over at Rem during her story, unable to hide her fascination with the blue-haired girl.
"That's it, onii-chan," she said at last, placing her hands on her knees and leaning forward. "Honestly, nothing else really happened. That's the whole story."
Subaru felt a subtle but comforting sense of relief. It was reassuring to know that even in this unfamiliar, often cruel world, someone like Hikari had found protection and kindness. Just as he was about to exhale, Hikari leaned in suddenly, her tone shifting.
"Onii-chan! Now it's your turn. You have to tell me what happened to you! But wait—before that, I have an important question."
Subaru blinked, already familiar with the unpredictable pace of her thoughts. "Alright, alright. Ask away, Hikari. What's on your mind?"
With a sly grin, she lifted her hand and pointed dramatically at Rem. "When did you get married?! You didn't even send me a letter! I thought I was your little sister! Did you just forget about me?!" Her voice was playful, but her eyes shimmered with mock betrayal.
Subaru and Rem reacted in perfect unison, as if they had rehearsed it. "We're not married!"
Hikari pouted exaggeratedly, then broke into giggles. "Just teasing! I knew it. Still, though... you've always been terrible when it comes to expressing how you really feel. I mean it. Onee-chan must have a lot of patience, dealing with someone like you. You're still such a mess."
A laugh burst out from the corner of the room. Flugel couldn't hold it in. "Still sharp as ever, I see. Quick-witted, and always aiming for the heart."
Subaru scratched his cheek, clearly embarrassed, while Rem looked away, her cheeks slightly flushed. There was a warmth in the air now, soft and genuine. Subaru exhaled and reached out, flicking Hikari's forehead lightly.
"Hey now. Stay out of your big brother's love life, little lady. Romance isn't exactly in your job description."
Hikari rubbed her forehead with a mock scowl, blinking innocently. "Aww, come on! Just let me tease you a little! I've earned it, haven't I?"
Subaru stood up, taking a dramatically stern pose, as if he were an actor about to deliver a monologue. "Miss Hikari, if you continue this brazen mockery of your dear brother, I will be left with no choice but to withhold the thrilling tales you so desperately desire."
Her eyes went wide with horror, hands folded tightly in her lap. "Nooo! Please, nii-nii, don't be mad! I'm sorry! I really, really want to hear your story! Please tell me!"
The laughter, the gentle teasing, the warmth in their voices—it was a moment that didn't need magic to feel enchanted.
Subaru could never resist Hikari. There had always been something about her—some unshakable bond that defied explanation, rooted deep in shared memories, whispered promises, and the silent warmth of family. Whenever she looked at him with those pleading eyes, full of innocent curiosity and unwavering trust, something inside him softened. And so, with a long sigh and a steadying breath, he began to speak—ready to lay bare the entirety of his journey.
He told her everything. Not just the facts, but the feelings, the fears, and the fragile moments in between. Every step, every decision, every wound—both on his body and carved into his soul. He didn't spare himself. If he was going to let her into his world, she deserved the truth in its entirety.
He started from the very beginning—how he had been pulled from his own world without warning. The blinding light, the sensation of falling between dimensions, and then, suddenly, finding himself in a place that operated by entirely different rules. The initial confusion had been paralyzing. Nothing had made sense: the language, the customs, even the very air felt alien. He had stumbled through crowded streets and unfamiliar alleys, bumping into strangers and being met with cold stares. Then the real danger struck—his confrontation with a group of thugs in the shadowy backstreets. He recalled the panic, the bruises, the overwhelming realization of his own helplessness.
And then—Emilia.
The girl with silver hair and amethyst eyes who had, unknowingly, become the axis around which his fate spun. He told Hikari about how they met while chasing down her stolen insignia, and how he had instantly felt a strange urge to help her. He described the chaotic events that followed, the kindness in Emilia's smile, and the feeling that maybe, just maybe, he had a purpose here.
He didn't skip over the pain either. The first time he met Elsa—the Bowel Hunter—was seared into his memory like fire. Her sadistic grin, the flash of her blade, the helplessness he felt watching lives being taken before his eyes. It was a waking nightmare. He spared Hikari the most graphic parts but didn't hide the weight of that trauma.
Then came the Roswaal Mansion. The bizarre, theatrical lord of the house, the mysterious Beatrice guarding the forbidden library, and the daily rhythms of life among strangers who would become companions. He glossed over the incident with Rem attacking him—some wounds were too personal to reopen—but he spoke of the friendship that had slowly taken root between them.
He recalled the royal selection—a moment filled with tension and grandeur. He had watched with pride as Emilia stood tall in a room full of nobles, her voice unwavering despite the pressure. There had also been the meeting with Anastasia, the shrewd and calculating businesswoman whose words could slice through steel. Subaru had felt out of his depth, but somehow, he'd endured.
He described their journey to Kararagi, the shifting culture, the unfamiliar customs, and the sudden spike in danger. It was there that he confronted the Archbishop of Pride—a twisted reflection of what he himself might become if he surrendered to his darker impulses. The battle had been brutal. And that was only the beginning. He told her about his tireless search for her, how every clue felt like a thread in a massive tapestry he didn't yet understand.
Then came the encounters with the Archbishops of Lust and Greed. Each of them brought new horrors and trials. Greed, in particular, had shaken him—forcing him to confront painful memories and impossible choices. There were moments where hope had felt like a cruel illusion. But he kept moving forward.
And finally—at long last—how he had found her. With Elsa's unexpected help, against all odds, in a moment when all seemed lost. That reunion had made every hardship worth it.
Hikari's eyes shimmered as he spoke. Every word he shared seemed to breathe life into a world she had only glimpsed. To her, it wasn't just a story—it was an epic. Her brother was no longer just "Nii-nii"—he was a warrior, a hero who had walked through fire to find her.
"Sugoi... Onii-chan's really famous now! Just like you always used to say—you wanted to be a hero, and now you are one!" she said, her voice full of pride and joy. She clutched her hands to her chest and smiled like her heart could burst.
But Subaru wasn't finished. He shifted gears and began to tell her about the people she would soon meet. Because morning was fast approaching, and with it, a new chapter. Subaru wanted Hikari to be ready. He wanted her to understand that the people in this world—though flawed—could be trusted, loved, relied upon.
He told her about Rem, the girl who had once seen him as an enemy but came to stand by his side without hesitation. He spoke of Beatrice, the grumpy guardian of knowledge who was far more lonely than she let on. Of Roswaal, whose motives were always unclear. Of Ram, of Petra, of Otto—each with their own colors and stories.
This world wasn't perfect. It was harsh, unforgiving, even cruel. But it also held moments of beauty, of connection. It was worth fighting for—if only to preserve the smile on one little sister's face.
Rem stood quietly and then gently cleared her throat. "Subaru-kun, the sun is rising. Everyone's likely awake by now. Should we head downstairs?"
Hikari leapt up, her face alight with excitement. "Nii-nii! There's so many people I want to introduce you to! Everyone in Banan's been asking about you nonstop. Come on, let's gooo!"
Subaru glanced down at himself and grimaced. His clothes were still stained from the previous night's chaos. Blood, dirt, torn fabric—and his whole body throbbed with a dull ache beneath the bandages.
"I really need to change," he muttered. "And a bath... yeah, that would be amazing right now."
Rem stepped forward with concern. "Would you like me to help you prepare everything?"
Subaru gave her a grateful smile but shook his head. "Thanks, but I can manage the bath. You can help me with the bandages, though."
Rem nodded and knelt beside him, her hands moving with practiced care. She unraveled the wrappings slowly, making sure not to aggravate the half-healed wounds. Some had faded to mere marks. Others still looked angry and red. A few would become permanent scars. But the fact that he was even standing was nothing short of a miracle.
After the shower—a brief moment of warmth and silence—Subaru felt like a new person. He let the steam wash away the fear, the pain, and some of the exhaustion clinging to his spirit. When he stepped out, Rem was waiting with fresh clothes. With calm efficiency, she helped him dress, adjusting sleeves and smoothing fabric as if preparing him for something important.
And before he could even fully turn around, Hikari threw herself into his arms again. She clung to him with all her strength, her cheek pressed firmly against his shoulder.
She didn't care if he was still healing. She didn't care about the bruises or the lingering pain. All that mattered was that he was there. Her brother. Her anchor. Her hero.
It was love—simple, wholehearted, and unconditional.