Subaru sat at a desk far too large for him, a quill in hand and a blank sheet of parchment before him. Dr. Guini paced back and forth, holding a thick, ancient book that looked like it weighed as much as Subaru himself.
"Alright, boy," Guini said, slamming the book onto the desk with a loud thud. "Let's start simple. Name the four major nations in the world!"
Subaru blinked, looking utterly baffled. "Uh… Japan?"
Guini froze mid-step, turning slowly to face him with a look of exaggerated disappointment. "What in the spirits' names is Japan?" he barked, throwing his hands in the air. "Wrong! Next question!" He leaned in, pointing dramatically at Subaru. "What's the primary source of mana in the natural world?"
Subaru blinked again. "Uhh… batteries?"
Guini's monocle almost fell off as he staggered back in mock horror. "Batteries?! Batteries?! Boy, what do you even know?"
Subaru shrugged helplessly, sinking into his chair. "Nothing!" he admitted.
Guini let out a groan, planting his face in his hands. "Spirits above, this is going to be a long journey."
The next scene found Subaru sitting cross-legged on the floor, his palms outstretched as Guini hovered nearby, scrutinizing him with a critical eye. "Feel the flow of mana around you," Guini instructed, his tone unusually serious. "It's everywhere—in the air, the earth, even the snow. Let it pass through you, like a river flowing through your core."
Subaru scrunched his face in concentration, his small hands trembling slightly as he tried to do… whatever it was Guini wanted him to do. "I don't feel anything," he muttered.
Guini rolled his eyes. "Of course, you don't. You're doing it wrong. Try again!" He crouched down, grabbing Subaru's hands and repositioning them. "Relax your shoulders, breathe steadily, and focus."
Subaru sighed, closing his eyes. He sat still for a long moment, his brows furrowing in deep concentration. The room fell silent, the faint sound of wind outside the only background noise.
Then Subaru's stomach let out a loud growl.
Guini sighed, standing abruptly. "What do you know about mana flow now?"
Subaru looked up sheepishly. "That I'm hungry?"
Guini groaned, throwing his cane into the air. "Nothing! You know nothing!"
The next segment had Subaru running laps around the estate's snow-covered courtyard, his breath visible in the cold air. Guini stood at the edge, bundled up in a heavy coat, barking orders.
"Faster, boy!" Guini yelled, pointing with his cane. "You'll never reach your potential at that pace!"
Subaru, panting and shivering, shouted back, "I'm eight! What do you want from me?!"
"To be better!" Guini retorted.
Finally, they returned to the basics of spirit summoning. Subaru sat cross-legged on the ground, hands clasped together, repeating the mantra Guini had drilled into him.
"Spirits, come… spirits, come…" he muttered, his voice low and uncertain.
Guini stood behind him, arms crossed, nodding with approval. "Good, good! Keep at it!"
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a single faint orb flickered into existence, hovering in front of Subaru. His face lit up with excitement. "I did it!" he exclaimed.
But before he could celebrate, the orb vanished with a soft pop.
Guini stared for a moment, then sighed heavily. "What do you know now?"
Subaru groaned. "That I need more practice?"
"Exactly!" Guini declared, clapping his hands together. "At least you're learning something, boy!"
The montage ended with Subaru collapsing onto the black sofa in exhaustion, his small frame sinking into the cushions as he groaned, "This is the worst…"
Guini stood over him, grinning from ear to ear. "Nonsense, boy! You're doing splendidly. Why, in no time at all, you'll be the envy of spirit users across the land!"
Subaru buried his face in a pillow, his muffled voice groaning, "I didn't even ask for this…"
Later that day, Subaru was sprawled out on the sofa, utterly exhausted. His small body sank into the cushions, his head tilted back as he let out a long, dramatic sigh. The training had been relentless, and he felt like he'd run a marathon uphill—barefoot.
Lublik walked into the room, carrying a warm towel in one hand and a mug of steaming cocoa in the other. He set the towel on Subaru's forehead with a small chuckle. "How're you holding up, kid?"
Subaru groaned, barely lifting his head to respond. "I never wanted to train in the first place," he muttered, his voice filled with the exaggerated misery only an eight-year-old could muster. "Why do I have to do all this?"
Before Lublik could reply, a booming voice rang out from the hall. "Because, boy, you will be my star pupil!"
Dr. Guini entered the room with his usual theatrical flair, his monocle glinting in the firelight as he leaned on his cane, grinning from ear to ear. Subaru buried his face in his hands and let out a long, drawn-out, "Whhhhy?"
The doctor stepped forward, his cane tapping rhythmically on the floor. "Let me ask you this, boy," he said, his tone suddenly serious. "Do you have anywhere else to go? A family waiting for you? A home to return to?"
Subaru froze, the question cutting through his exhaustion. He hesitated, his small hands clutching the warm towel as his thoughts drifted to the family he'd left behind. His voice was barely above a whisper as he finally admitted, "No… I don't."
Guini nodded sagely, as though this were the answer he had been expecting. "Then the matter is settled," he declared, gesturing grandly with his cane. "I will take you under my wing and mold you into the finest spirit arts user this world has ever seen! You have talent, boy, and talent must be cultivated—no, carved—through brutal trial!"
Lublik raised an eyebrow, his arms crossed. "Maybe you should go a bit easier on him, Father. He's just a kid."
"The same way I raised you?" Guini shot back, scandalized. "Popostreous!" He waved his cane dramatically. "Look how you turned out—perfectly capable, if I do say so myself. And now this boy, this prodigy, will be no different!"
Subaru, still slumped on the sofa, groaned again. "I don't even know what 'popostreous' means," he mumbled.
Guini ignored the comment entirely, leaning over Subaru with an almost manic grin. "Mark my words, Natsuki Subaru, you'll thank me for this someday. Today, you're a tired child, but tomorrow? You'll be a legend."
Subaru peeked out from under the towel, glaring halfheartedly at the doctor. "Can tomorrow wait until next week?" he muttered.
Lublik chuckled, shaking his head. "You've got your work cut out for you, Subaru," he said, his tone light. "But… you'll be okay."
Subaru groaned again, louder this time, but deep down, he felt the faintest flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he'd figure out where he belonged in this strange new world. Even if it came with a side of eccentric doctors and relentless training.
A few days of grueling training later, Subaru was once again slumped on the sofa, nursing his sore arms and legs with an exaggerated groan. The drills had been relentless—tests of endurance, focus, and what felt like impossible mana exercises. But today, something different was in store.
Dr. Guini swept into the room with his usual dramatic flair, his monocle polished to a shine and his cane tapping purposefully against the floor. "Get up, boy!" he announced, his voice booming. "Today, we're venturing beyond these walls."
Subaru immediately perked up, his exhaustion forgotten. "Wait, really? You mean I get to leave this house?"
The doctor grinned, his enthusiasm infectious. "Indeed! Today, we're heading to the heart of civilization—the capital of Gusteko, Glacia!"
Subaru's eyes widened, excitement lighting up his face. "The capital?! That sounds awesome!" He sat up quickly, wincing slightly as his sore muscles protested the movement. "What are we gonna do there? Is it, like, huge? Are there shops? Are there—"
Guini raised a hand, cutting off Subaru's rapid-fire questions. "Patience, boy! Glacia is a grand city, yes, but we have a purpose. First, we'll visit the church—a place of immense importance in this nation. You must understand the spiritual and cultural foundation of Gusteko if you're to thrive here."
Subaru tilted his head, curiosity overtaking his excitement for a moment. "The church? Is it, like, really important?"
"Vital," Guini said firmly. "It's the center of faith and power, where the people pay reverence to Odglass and the spirits that guide this land. If you're going to be a proper spirit arts user, you'll need to understand it."
Subaru nodded slowly, though the idea of visiting a church wasn't quite as thrilling as he'd hoped. "Okay… and after that?"
Guini's grin widened. "After that, we'll stop by the marketplace and pick up some books. You'll need study materials if you're ever going to catch up on your world knowledge."
Subaru's enthusiasm deflated slightly. "Books?" he repeated, his voice flat. "You're making me study more?"
"Of course!" Guini declared, his cane tapping the floor emphatically. "Your potential won't reach itself, boy! And you've proven you have a lot to learn."
Subaru sighed, slumping back into the sofa with a groan. "You always find a way to ruin the fun…"
Guini chuckled, clearly unbothered by Subaru's complaints. "Nonsense. You'll enjoy it, I promise. Now, get ready! We leave within the hour."
As the doctor turned to leave, Subaru stared after him, a mix of dread and excitement bubbling in his chest. The capital city of Glacia… It sounded like a chance to finally see more of this strange new world. Even if it came with a side of lectures and study books, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation. Maybe, just maybe, this day would turn out to be something special.
The journey to Glacia was a trek through a landscape carved by ice and time. The road wound its way through dense, frozen forests, the towering trees encased in shimmering frost. Their branches stretched toward the sky like crystalline sculptures, glittering under the pale sunlight. Snow blanketed the ground in pristine layers, muffling the sound of their footsteps and carriage wheels. Every so often, a gust of wind would whistle through the trees, sending a flurry of snowflakes cascading like tiny stars.
Subaru peered out from the carriage, his breath fogging the small window as he took in the otherworldly beauty of the frozen wilderness. He'd never seen anything like it—vast, quiet, and untouched. It was both haunting and breathtaking, a world that felt as though it had been locked in a permanent winter.
After hours of travel, the trees began to thin, and in the distance, Subaru caught his first glimpse of Glacia. The capital of Gusteko rose like a shimmering jewel from the snow. Towering spires of ice and stone pierced the sky, their surfaces reflecting the sunlight in dazzling patterns. The city sprawled across the horizon, its architecture blending seamlessly with the surrounding frost. Streets were lined with crystalline structures that seemed to glow faintly, even in the daylight, and the bustle of people added a warmth to the otherwise cold grandeur.
As they entered the city, Subaru craned his neck to take in the sights. Frost-covered statues lined the wide streets, and marketplaces bustled with activity despite the chill. Vendors called out, their breath visible in the cold air, while carts laden with goods rolled over cobblestones slick with ice. It was a strange mix of beauty and life, the cold omnipresent but not oppressive.
At the heart of Glacia stood the grand church, a towering structure of white stone and ice that gleamed like a beacon against the pale sky. Its spires stretched impossibly high, adorned with intricate carvings of spirits and runes that seemed to shimmer faintly with their own light. Stained-glass windows depicted scenes of Odglass and the spirits in vibrant hues that stood out starkly against the icy backdrop.
Dr. Guini ushered Subaru inside, his cane tapping against the polished stone floors as he began his lecture. "This, boy," he said, his voice echoing in the vast space, "is the Church of Odglass, the spiritual heart of Gusteko. It is here that the people offer their prayers to Odglass, the great spirit that governs all life and magic. These walls hold centuries of faith, tradition, and reverence. The very air here is imbued with the blessings of the spirits."
As Guini continued his elaborate description—his voice growing increasingly passionate—Subaru's attention began to waver. The sheer scale of the place was overwhelming. Rows of pews stretched endlessly before him, filled with worshippers murmuring prayers. The ceiling arched high above, adorned with murals of swirling spirits and cascading stars. Chandeliers of frosted crystal hung from above, casting a soft, ethereal glow across the room.
But it wasn't the grandeur of the church that truly caught Subaru's eye. His gaze drifted to the opposing row of pews, where a girl around his age sat quietly, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She had long blue hair that cascaded down her back in silken waves and soft, gray eyes that seemed to reflect the light of the church's chandeliers. She noticed him almost immediately, her lips curving into a gentle smile.
Subaru's face turned scarlet, his heart skipping a beat as he quickly turned away, pretending to be engrossed in the nearest mural. What was that? he thought, his pulse racing. Why did she smile at me?
Dr. Guini, sharp as ever, caught the boy's sudden shift in demeanor. He stopped mid-lecture, leaning closer with a smirk. "What's this?" he asked, his tone teasing. "Distracted, are we?"
Subaru stammered, trying to wave it off. "N-No! I was just… uh… looking at the art!"
Guini followed Subaru's line of sight and spotted the girl. He chuckled knowingly, shaking his head. "You don't have time for that, boy!" he scolded, tapping Subaru's forehead lightly with his cane. "Your focus should be on the spirits and your studies, not… whatever that is!"
Subaru groaned, rubbing his forehead and muttering under his breath, "I wasn't doing anything…"
Guini's eyes twinkled with amusement as he resumed his explanation of the church, but Subaru couldn't help sneaking another glance at the girl. She was still smiling, her gaze soft and curious, and Subaru felt his cheeks flush again as he quickly looked away.
"Focus, boy!" Guini barked, snapping Subaru back to attention. "We're here to learn, not to daydream!"
Subaru sighed, resigning himself to the doctor's relentless pace. But as he followed Guini deeper into the church, he couldn't shake the feeling that this brief encounter had left an impression far stronger than any of the grandeur around him.
Dr. Guini led Subaru through the bustling streets of Glacia's market district, his cane tapping rhythmically on the icy cobblestones. The air was filled with the lively sounds of vendors shouting their wares, the clatter of carts, and the occasional laughter of children playing nearby. For Subaru, the vibrant energy of the market was a welcome distraction from the endless lectures and training drills.
As they passed a group of kids playing in the snow, Subaru's eyes lit up. The children were tossing snowballs back and forth, their laughter echoing above the hum of the market. Subaru slowed his pace, his small feet crunching in the snow as he stared longingly at the group. For a moment, his exhaustion melted away, replaced by the simple, innocent desire to join in.
He took a tentative step toward them, a smile forming on his face. "Hey—"
Before he could finish, a loud thud landed in his arms, nearly knocking him over. Subaru staggered, barely catching the massive book that Dr. Guini had unceremoniously dropped onto him.
"Pay attention, boy!" the doctor barked, his tone sharp but not unkind. "You've got more important things to focus on."
Subaru looked down at the book in his arms, its leather-bound cover so thick it felt like it weighed as much as he did. "What's this for?" he asked, his voice strained as he struggled to balance the weight.
Guini didn't answer immediately. Instead, he grabbed two more equally enormous tomes from a nearby vendor's stall and plopped them on top of the first. Subaru stumbled, his knees buckling slightly as he tried to steady himself.
"These," Guini said, gesturing grandly to the stack of books Subaru was now barely holding, "are your study materials. History, mana theory, and an introductory guide to spirit arts. Essential reading for any aspiring spirit user!"
Subaru teetered back and forth, his arms straining to keep the precarious pile from toppling over. "I can't even carry these!" he protested, his voice muffled behind the stack.
"Then consider it conditioning!" Guini declared with a grin, tapping his cane against the cobblestones. "Strengthening both the mind and the body! A true spirit arts user must be well-rounded."
"But I'm eight!" Subaru cried, staggering to the side as he tried to regain his balance. "I'm not a donkey!"
Guini chuckled, clearly unbothered by Subaru's complaints. "Nonsense. You'll thank me later. Now, keep up!" He turned and began walking briskly down the market street, leaving Subaru to scramble after him, the books swaying dangerously in his arms.
As they passed the group of kids still playing in the snow, Subaru glanced at them wistfully, his steps faltering slightly. One of the kids noticed him, their snowball mid-throw, and gave him a curious look. Subaru could only offer a sheepish shrug before stumbling forward again, nearly dropping the books as he hurried to keep pace with the doctor.
"Focus, boy!" Guini called over his shoulder. "We've got much to do, and the day waits for no one!"
Subaru groaned, adjusting the stack in his arms and muttering under his breath. "This better be worth it…"
Behind him, the laughter of the snowball fight faded into the distance, a bittersweet reminder of the childhood he was starting to leave behind.
When they returned to the estate, Subaru was practically dragging his feet, his arms sore from carrying the stack of heavy books through the bustling market. He let out a long sigh of relief as he stumbled through the door, eager to collapse onto the sofa and forget about the day's trials.
But Dr. Guini had other plans.
"Don't even think about lying down, boy," the doctor barked, pointing his cane toward the dining table. "Sit. We have work to do."
Subaru froze mid-step, his shoulders slumping as he groaned dramatically. "You've got to be kidding me… Can't I just rest for once?"
"The mind doesn't rest, and neither shall you," Guini replied matter-of-factly, waving his cane toward the table again. "Now, sit!"
Reluctantly, Subaru dragged himself over and plopped into a chair, slumping forward with his chin resting on the table. His eyelids felt heavy, but Guini ignored his clear exhaustion as he placed one of the books Subaru had struggled to carry earlier onto the table with a loud thud.
"Tell me," Guini said, adjusting his monocle and leaning forward slightly, "can you read this?"
Subaru blinked at the book, its cover adorned with intricate symbols that he couldn't make heads or tails of. He hesitated, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Uh… no," he admitted softly, fidgeting in his seat. "I can't."
Guini tilted his head, his expression curious but not unkind. "Hmm. And are you literate at all, boy? Or do we need to start from scratch?"
Subaru straightened slightly, his face flushing even more. "I can read!" he said quickly, his voice defensive. "Just… not this language."
"Oh?" Guini raised a brow, intrigued. "And what language can you read?"
"Japanese," Subaru said hesitantly, the word foreign and awkward in his mouth.
Guini frowned, his monocle glinting as he adjusted it. "Japanese? Is that another one of your childish excuses? Some imaginary language?"
"It's not imaginary!" Subaru shot back, his embarrassment turning to indignation. "It's real! It's… it's where I'm from."
The doctor hummed thoughtfully, tapping his chin with his cane as he mused aloud. "Fascinating. I've never heard of such a place. Japanese… hm. Sounds like nonsense to me, but no matter." He waved his hand dismissively, his tone softening slightly. "Real or not, it doesn't change the fact that you need to learn our language. You can't rely on your spirits alone, boy. Communication is the foundation of knowledge."
Subaru sighed, slumping back in his chair. "Great. More things I don't know…"
Guini chuckled, patting Subaru on the head with surprising gentleness. "No need to pout. You're young—you'll pick it up faster than you think." He pulled out a blank sheet of parchment and a quill, setting them before Subaru. "Let's start with the basics. These are the core characters used in our language…"
Subaru listened as Guini began explaining the symbols and their meanings, his voice steady and patient. At first, it was overwhelming, the shapes and sounds foreign to him. But as the doctor guided him through each step, Subaru found himself slowly starting to understand. It wasn't easy, and his writing was messy, but it was a start.
By the time the lesson ended, Subaru's head was spinning, but he couldn't deny the small sense of accomplishment he felt. As much as he hated to admit it, Guini's eccentric methods were beginning to rub off on him.
Later that night, Subaru lay in the quiet darkness of his room, the faint light of the moon spilling through the large window and casting soft shadows across the floor. The storm had calmed, leaving a serene stillness in its wake, but Subaru's mind was anything but quiet. His small frame was nestled under thick blankets, his hands clasped behind his head as he stared at the wooden beams of the ceiling.
He let out a long, slow breath, his thoughts swirling in a way that felt far too big for his eight-year-old self. Everything that had happened since his arrival in Gusteko played out in his mind like a fragmented dream—the cold, the spirits, Lublik, Dr. Guini, the grand city of Glacia, and now this strange new life of relentless training and learning.
It all felt overwhelming, like he was being swept along by a current he couldn't control. But tonight, alone in the quiet of his room, he allowed himself to stop and think.
How did I even get here? he wondered, his brow furrowing slightly. One moment I was at home, and then… nothing. I woke up in the snow, and everything was different.
The memory of that first moment—of lying in the snow, cold and alone—made his chest tighten. He thought of his parents, of his warm house, of the laughter and love he'd taken for granted. Mom, Dad… what are you doing right now? Are you looking for me? Are you okay? He felt a pang of guilt, wishing he could reach out to them somehow, let them know he was alive.
His gaze shifted to the window, where the snow outside glowed faintly under the moonlight. But… I can't go back. At least, not right now. So what am I supposed to do? Just… keep going?
He sighed, his thoughts drifting to the people who had taken him in. Lublik, with his calm and steady presence, always making sure Subaru was taken care of even when the training got tough. And Dr. Guini, as eccentric and overwhelming as he was, always pushing Subaru toward something greater, even if Subaru didn't fully understand what that was yet.
And then there were the spirits—the tiny lights that had saved him when he thought all hope was lost. The memory of their warmth made him smile faintly. They hadn't just saved his life; they'd made him feel like he wasn't completely alone in this strange world.
Maybe I don't understand everything yet, Subaru thought, his young face serious as he stared at the ceiling. But… if I've learned anything, it's that I can't just sit around and wait for things to change. If I can't go home yet, then I'll have to figure out what I'm supposed to do here.
It wasn't the kind of thought an eight-year-old should have to wrestle with, but Subaru wasn't just any child. Even he could sense that his life had shifted into something extraordinary, and that there was no going back to the simplicity of before.
As the snow fell softly outside, Subaru closed his eyes, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. Tomorrow might be hard, but I'll get through it. I've made it this far, haven't I?
And with that, he drifted off to sleep, the quiet determination of a boy who was beginning to carve his path in a world that had tried to leave him behind.
Subaru was jolted awake by the loud, rhythmic pounding of knocks echoing through the house. He groggily sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, as the muffled sounds of hurried voices reached his ears. From the tone, he could immediately tell that Dr. Guini was at the center of it all, his distinct, exasperated bark rising above the commotion.
"Lady Azelia," the doctor's voice rang out, indignant and sharp, "you must know it is rude to barge into someone's place of res—"
The words were cut off by the sudden sound of his bedroom door being flung open with surprising force, slamming against the wall. Subaru blinked, startled, as the figure of a woman stood framed in the doorway.
She was striking. Her silky, bluish-gray hair fell neatly over her shoulders, the soft texture catching the light and gleaming faintly. Her light blue eyes, sharp and piercing at first, locked onto Subaru with a fierce intensity that made him instinctively pull his blanket up higher. Her fair, alabaster skin seemed to almost glow against the morning light filtering into the room. She wore an elegant robe that was part uniform, part ceremonial attire, its fabric rich and intricately detailed, marking her as someone of great importance. Her stature was average, but her commanding presence filled the room as though she were twice her size.
For a moment, her gaze bore into him, her expression unreadable. But as she took in the sight of Subaru—his messy hair, his startled face, his small frame bundled in blankets—her fierce demeanor softened. The sharpness in her eyes melted into something warmer, gentler. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and her shoulders relaxed slightly.
"Ah," she said, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "So, this is the child I've been hearing about."
Subaru blinked again, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to form a coherent response. "W-Who…?"
Before he could finish, Dr. Guini stormed into the room behind her, his monocle askew and his cane clutched tightly in his hand. "Lady Azelia!" he barked, his face flushed with frustration. "I must insist—this is highly improper! You can't just burst into a boy's room unannounced!"
Lady Azelia turned her head slightly, casting a calm glance at the doctor. "I'm sorry, Dr. Guini, but you've been avoiding my letters for weeks," she said, her tone firm but polite. "You left me little choice."
Guini sputtered, clearly caught off guard by her directness, before composing himself. "That's no excuse for this kind of intrusion!"
Ignoring him, Lady Azelia stepped further into the room, her attention fully on Subaru once again. "You're the one they call Natsuki Subaru, correct?" she asked, her voice softening as she addressed him directly.
Subaru nodded hesitantly, clutching the blanket tighter. "Y-Yeah. That's me."
Her smile grew a little warmer, and she crouched slightly to be at his eye level. "I've heard quite a bit about you. Your abilities, your potential… and the unusual circumstances of your arrival."
Subaru tilted his head, confused and still a bit wary. "Uh… thanks?"
Guini cleared his throat loudly, his cane tapping sharply on the floor. "Lady Azelia, if you wish to discuss anything regarding the boy, it should be done with proper decorum! Not… barging into his room like a barbarian!"
Azelia stood, turning to face Guini with a raised eyebrow. "Very well," she said coolly. "Shall we move this conversation somewhere more appropriate?"
"Finally, a reasonable suggestion," Guini muttered, adjusting his monocle and gesturing toward the door. "Subaru, get dressed and join us in the parlor. It seems we have much to discuss."
Subaru watched the two leave, his head spinning as he tried to process what had just happened. Who is this woman? And what does she want with me? He sighed, rubbing his temples. Guess I don't have much of a choice but to find out.
Throwing off the blankets, he hurried to get dressed, already bracing himself for whatever strange turn his day was about to take.
Subaru shuffled into the parlor, tugging awkwardly at the oversized Gustekan uniform he'd been made to wear. The fabric was stiff and overly formal, with a high collar that felt like it was choking him and sleeves that hung just a little too long. To make matters worse, there was an embroidered crest on the chest—a proud symbol of something Subaru had no clue about—that only added to how ridiculous he felt.
He glanced at the adults as he entered. Dr. Guini, seated with his cane resting against his leg, looked visibly annoyed, muttering something under his breath as his monocle glinted in the morning light. Across from him sat Lady Azelia—or Irene, as Subaru would soon learn—with her usual air of calm indifference. She leaned back in her chair, utterly unbothered by the doctor's grumbling. As Subaru approached, she turned to look at him, and her expression softened again into a warm smile.
Subaru's cheeks flushed as he tugged at the hem of his uniform. "Uh, morning…" he mumbled, clearly self-conscious.
Irene's smile widened just slightly, her light blue eyes glinting with amusement. "Good morning, Subaru. That uniform suits you."
Subaru grimaced, his embarrassment deepening. "I feel like I'm wearing a circus tent…"
The doctor scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Nonsense! That's the standard Gustekan youth attire. Perfectly respectable."
"Perfectly ridiculous," Subaru muttered under his breath as he took the nearest seat—the farthest one from the two adults. He sank into the chair, arms crossed, his skeptical gaze darting between the two.
Dr. Guini cleared his throat, clearly trying to steer the conversation away from Subaru's outfit. "Now, Lady Azelia, as I was saying—"
"Irene," she interrupted smoothly, tilting her head slightly. "I prefer to be called Irene. At least by him." She gestured lightly toward Subaru, her tone casual. "No need for formality, don't you agree?"
Guini bristled at the suggestion, but before he could argue, Subaru blinked and pointed at himself. "You mean me? You want me to call you Irene?"
She nodded, her smile unfaltering. "That's right."
Subaru tilted his head, his skepticism growing. "Why?"
"Because it's my name," she said simply, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Subaru glanced at Dr. Guini, whose expression was caught somewhere between incredulous and begrudging acceptance. "This feels like a trap," Subaru muttered to himself, leaning back cautiously in his chair.
"Enough stalling," Irene said, her tone turning slightly more curious as she leaned forward. "Dr. Guini has told me about your… unique ability. Would you mind demonstrating it for me?"
Subaru tensed, his stomach flipping as he realized what she meant. "You mean… the spirit thing?"
Irene nodded, folding her hands in her lap. "Yes. I'd like to see it."
Subaru hesitated, glancing between her and the doctor. "Uh… do I really have to? It's kind of… embarrassing."
Dr. Guini straightened in his chair, his face suddenly serious. "Yes, boy. You must. Now get to it!"
Subaru groaned, his head slumping forward. "Fine…" Reluctantly, he stood, shuffling into the middle of the room under the expectant gazes of the two adults. He stretched his arms out, squatted slightly, and clasped his hands together in the ridiculous pose the doctor had drilled into him. He cleared his throat awkwardly before shouting, "Spirits, come!"
Irene blinked, then burst out laughing, her light, melodic chuckle filling the room. "Oh, my," she said, covering her mouth with her hand. "Why… why on earth did you have to do that pose?"
Subaru froze, his face turning crimson. "Wait… you mean I didn't have to do this?"
Irene shook her head, her laughter subsiding into an amused grin. "Of course not child. You only need to call them forth."
Subaru turned to Dr. Guini, his expression twisting into an irritated glare. "You lied to me?!"
Guini adjusted his monocle, feigning innocence. "It's not a lie; it's a method. One that I, as your instructor, deemed necessary!"
"You made me look stupid!" Subaru shot back, his voice rising.
"It's part of the conditioning!" Guini barked, his face red.
Subaru sighed dramatically, covering his face with his hands. "This place is insane."
Irene chuckled softly, watching the interaction with clear amusement. "Go on, Subaru. Call the spirits properly this time. I promise no posing is required."
Still grumbling under his breath, Subaru straightened up, muttered a quick, "Spirits, come," and almost instantly, a few glowing orbs appeared around him, their faint light dancing in the air.
Irene's smile turned genuine, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Fascinating… You really are something special."
Subaru crossed his arms, still glaring at the doctor. "Yeah, well, special doesn't mean you get to humiliate me…"
Dr. Guini waved his hand dismissively, though there was a faint grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Oh, stop whining, boy. You're learning!"
Subaru huffed, slumping back into his chair. Learning, he thought bitterly, and apparently looking like an idiot while doing it.
Irene crossed her legs elegantly, leaning back in her chair as she regarded Subaru thoughtfully. "You know," she began, her tone measured but warm, "I'd like to take Subaru under my arm. With proper guidance and the resources available in Glacia, I believe he could flourish."
Dr. Guini's monocle nearly fell from his eye as he snapped his head toward her. "Absolutely not!" he barked, slamming his cane on the floor for emphasis. "I've spent my life fostering children into spirit arts users! Hundreds of them! I was a professor at the Academy of Spirit Arts, I'll have you know."
Subaru glanced between the two adults, his eyes wide with confusion. "Wait, hundreds? What kind of factory are you running?" he muttered under his breath, but his comment was drowned out by the rising tension between Guini and Irene.
Irene didn't flinch at the doctor's outburst. Instead, she frowned slightly, tilting her head as her piercing blue eyes studied him. "And yet," she said calmly, "I still remember how you taught my sister. If I recall, she had some complaints."
Guini stiffened, his posture rigid as he huffed indignantly. "Your sister," he retorted, his voice rising, "was one of my finest pupils! And her success is a testament to my teaching methods!"
"Is it?" Irene said coolly, her tone laced with subtle amusement. "Because she seemed to remember you being more interested in throwing books at students than actually teaching them."
Guini sputtered, waving his cane dramatically. "Utter nonsense! My methods are time-tested and effective!"
Subaru leaned forward slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Wait, you taught her sister? So, does that mean she's, like, a spirit arts user too?"
Irene nodded, a small, proud smile forming on her lips. "She is. Quite a skilled one, in fact. Though, I assure you, her talents came from her own efforts, not this man's outdated techniques."
Guini's face turned a shade of red as he pointed an accusing finger at her.
"And what would you know about teaching, Lady Azelia? You think you can offer more than a mere flimsy apartment in Glacia? How would you even support the boy?"
Irene's cheeks flushed, and she crossed her arms tightly over her chest. "That's rude, Dr. Guini," she snapped, her calm demeanor cracking slightly. "And completely uncalled for."
Guini shrugged, clearly unfazed. "The truth often is, my dear."
The two locked eyes in a tense standoff, and Subaru sat awkwardly between them, unsure whether to intervene or quietly sneak out of the room. But before he could decide, Guini sighed and adjusted his monocle. "That said," he muttered reluctantly, "perhaps you'd be better suited as a sports instructor for the boy. Odglass knows I've no patience for those sorts of frivolities."
Irene scoffed, narrowing her eyes. "Sports instructor? You make it sound like a downgrade."
Guini waved his hand dismissively. "Call it what you will. The boy needs physical conditioning, and you're far more suited to that sort of thing than I."
Subaru's face lit up at the mention of sports, his childish enthusiasm bubbling to the surface. "Sports? Like running around and stuff? That sounds awesome!" he exclaimed, bouncing slightly in his chair.
Irene raised an eyebrow, glancing at Subaru. "You're excited about that?"
"Of course!" Subaru grinned. "Anything's better than sitting around with a bunch of books! Let's play some games or something!"
Guini groaned, rubbing his temples. "Spirits preserve me. You'll turn into a brute at this rate…"
But Irene smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Well then, Subaru, perhaps we'll arrange something. If nothing else, it might put that energy of yours to good use."
Subaru beamed, already imagining what kinds of games or challenges they might try. For once, it seemed like his strange new life in Gusteko might include something fun.
Days passed, and Subaru found himself adjusting—albeit reluctantly—to the bizarre rhythm of his life in Gusteko. His mornings were filled with grueling lessons and trials under Dr. Guini's relentless gaze, the man's booming voice constantly pushing him to his limits. Subaru groaned internally every time the doctor introduced yet another "essential" test of endurance, intellect, or focus.
One evening, as he lay in bed staring at the ceiling, Subaru reflected on everything.
"The doctor's not giving me a break," he muttered to himself. "Every day, it's something new. Tests, books, weird poses for spirit summoning… I don't even know if he's making half of this stuff up or if I'm just bad at it."
He sighed, his mind drifting to the others around him. "And Lublik… that guy's something else. I don't know what his deal is, but he's gotta be a knight or something. The way he walks, the way he talks—it's like he's got this noble thing going on. But he's never around much, so who knows what he's actually doing."
A small smile tugged at Subaru's lips as he thought of someone else. "But Irene… she's different. She's one of my favorite visitors, honestly. Way better than the doc."
In the days that followed, Subaru and Irene spent more time together, her visits becoming a highlight of his otherwise grueling schedule. They played all sorts of games, both indoors and out, and Subaru's laughter became a regular sound in the otherwise serious house.
One afternoon, the two were outside, bundled up against the cold as they worked on a snow castle together. Subaru shaped a lopsided wall with his gloved hands, his tongue poking out in concentration.
"This is gonna be the coolest castle in the world," Subaru declared, stepping back to admire his handiwork.
Irene crouched beside him, smoothing out a jagged edge of snow. "It's definitely… unique," she said, a teasing smile on her face. "Are you sure this part here isn't going to collapse?"
Subaru frowned, crossing his arms. "Hey, don't jinx it! It's a castle of dreams, okay?"
"Dreams and bad architecture," Irene quipped, laughing softly as Subaru gave her an exaggerated glare.
Another evening, the two were seated inside, a wooden board game spread out between them. Subaru moved a piece, grinning smugly. "Gotcha! That's a win for me!"
Irene raised an eyebrow, glancing at the board. "Win? Subaru, that wasn't even a legal move."
"What?" Subaru gasped, leaning forward to inspect the board. "But… it's totally fine! Look, it's just a little diagonal…"
"Diagonal isn't allowed in this game," Irene said with mock seriousness, resting her chin on her hand. "Are you just making up rules as we go?"
Subaru huffed, slumping back into his chair. "Okay, fine. Let's call it a draw."
Irene laughed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
There were quieter moments too. One night, Subaru sat cross-legged on the floor as Irene leaned against a nearby chair, holding a well-worn storybook. Her soft voice carried the words, painting vivid images in Subaru's mind as she read aloud.
"…and so, the brave knight ventured into the icy wasteland, his sword gleaming against the moonlight," she read, her tone capturing the story's magic.
Subaru's eyes sparkled as he listened. "That knight sounds a lot like Lublik," he said suddenly, grinning. "You think he goes on adventures like that?"
Irene chuckled, closing the book for a moment. "Maybe. But I think Lublik's sword is his wit, not a blade."
Subaru tilted his head. "You mean he talks people to death?"
Irene laughed, her light, melodic voice filling the room. "Something like that."
Through it all, Subaru found himself looking forward to Irene's visits more and more. She brought a sense of warmth and fun to his otherwise rigid life, her presence a reminder that not everything in Gusteko had to be about trials and tests. In her own way, she was teaching him something just as valuable as Guini's lessons—how to laugh, how to dream, and how to be a kid again.
For Natsuki Subaru, life had settled into a strange but familiar routine. Days were filled with grueling lessons and training under Dr. Guini's relentless guidance, with brief moments of respite brought by Irene's visits. Occasionally, they ventured into Glacia, the icy capital that still fascinated Subaru, though these trips were rare—once every two weeks at most.
Despite the busy days, Subaru often found his thoughts drifting back to his parents. He missed them deeply, their faces becoming blurry in his mind as time wore on. It was strange and a little scary how easily he could lose track of time in this world. Months passed, and Subaru grew as strong as an eight-year-old could be.
Through countless lessons, he had learned the fundamentals of magic—the basic incantations like el, al, and their respective meanings. But magic had remained tantalizingly out of reach, a skill he had yet to actually perform. He'd only seen Dr. Guini and Irene use magic briefly, in fleeting moments. The doctor had conjured water and wind for demonstrations, his spells precise and calculated. Irene, on the other hand, had mischievously summoned snowballs during one of their standoffs, pelting Subaru mercilessly in an unfair but hilarious game.
Subaru had dreamed of the day he could finally cast a spell himself, and when the doctor summoned him one chilly morning, he knew the moment had come.
Dr. Guini gestured for Subaru to sit at the table, his tone unusually serious. "Boy," he began, adjusting his monocle, "the time has come to test your magical aptitude."
Subaru's eyes widened, and he shot to his feet with excitement. "Wait, really? You're finally gonna teach me real magic?!"
The doctor raised a hand to calm him. "Sit down first, and stop bouncing like a rabbit."
Subaru reluctantly plopped back into his chair, practically vibrating with energy. "So, what kind of magic am I gonna learn? Fire? Lightning? Oh, please tell me it's something cool!"
Guini chuckled, clearly amused by Subaru's enthusiasm. "We won't know until we test your affinity."
Subaru's grin faltered slightly. "Affinity?"
"Yes," the doctor said, leaning forward. "Your affinity determines which element you're naturally aligned with—fire, water, earth, or wind. It's the foundation of magic for a spirit arts user. Without knowing your affinity, you'd be casting blind, and that's a recipe for disaster."
Subaru nodded quickly. He already knew the basics of affinities from his studies. Every magic user had one dominant element, the one they could wield most effectively. His mind raced with possibilities, and he clutched his hands together, praying silently. Please let it be fire. Please let it be fire!
Dr. Guini cleared his throat, snapping Subaru out of his thoughts. "I've arranged for a skilled spirit arts user to come and perform the test. They'll be here shortly."
Subaru froze, blinking. "Wait, you're not doing it?"
The doctor smirked, leaning back in his chair. "No, boy. I could, but I prefer to delegate such tasks. Besides, it's always good for you to meet other practitioners of the art."
Subaru groaned, flopping back in his chair. "You're just being lazy…"
Guini ignored the comment, his monocle glinting as he stood. "Go prepare yourself, boy. If you're this excitable now, you'll need to focus when the time comes."
Subaru huffed but couldn't contain his growing excitement. As he ran off to get ready, his thoughts swirled with possibilities. What if I really can use fire magic? That would be so cool!
His fists clenched with determination. "This is it," he whispered to himself. "The moment I become awesome."
The moment the spirit arts user arrived, Subaru was struck by her timid demeanor. She was a young woman, her light green hair cascading over her shoulders in soft waves. She wore a pristine white uniform that contrasted with her flushed cheeks as she stood hesitantly at the door, her hands nervously clutching the edges of her sleeves. Behind her, Irene strolled casually, her presence as commanding and effortless as ever.
The green-haired girl peeked inside the open door, her voice soft and unsure. "Um… shouldn't we wait for the host to formally greet us?"
Irene rolled her eyes, her tone playful but impatient. "Don't be a dummy, Bell." With a swift motion, she smacked the timid girl lightly on the rear, nudging her forward through the doorway. "Just go in already."
Bell stumbled into the house, her cheeks burning as she glanced back at Irene with a mix of embarrassment and indignation. "I-Irene!" she protested softly.
Inside, Subaru was already staring in awe at the green-haired girl. There was something otherworldly about her, as though her presence carried a quiet magic of its own. But then he caught sight of Irene, and his thoughts shifted instantly.
"Irene!" Subaru called out, moving to intercept her. "Malboard! You and me! I've been practicing, and this time you don't stand a chance."
Irene chuckled, clearly amused by his enthusiasm. "As much as I'd love to crush you again, Subaru, you have more important matters to attend to." She gestured toward Bell, who stood awkwardly near the entrance, her hands fidgeting nervously.
Subaru blinked, tilting his head. "Huh? Who's this?"
Bell gave a polite bow, her voice soft but steady. "My name is Bell. I specialize in spirit arts and have come to help determine your magical affinity. It's a pleasure to meet you, Natsuki Subaru."
Subaru straightened, a mischievous grin forming on his face. "Ah, so you've heard of me! I'm Subaru, the future legend of Gusteko!"
Bell blinked, then smiled faintly. "You're… a lively one, aren't you?"
Irene smirked as the doctor entered the room, muttering something about Subaru's overconfidence. The group made their way to the parlor, where they settled into their seats. Bell stood before Subaru, her expression calm and focused despite her earlier timidity.
"Now, Subaru," Bell said softly, "I'll need to place my hand on your chest to assess your affinity. Please try to stay still."
Subaru nodded, his grin fading slightly as he took a deep breath. Bell reached out, her hand resting gently on his chest. Her touch was light, almost ethereal, and the room fell into silence. A faint glow surrounded her hand as she closed her eyes, concentrating deeply. The seconds stretched into what felt like minutes before Bell opened her eyes and smiled gently.
"Your affinity… is Yin," she announced.
There was a long pause as everyone processed her words. Irene leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms thoughtfully. "Yin," she murmured. "That's a rare one."
Subaru, however, was visibly deflated. His shoulders slumped as he let out a dramatic sigh. "What? That's it? No fire? No lightning? Just… Yin?"
Bell blinked, her timid nature making her hesitant to respond, but she eventually said, "Yin magic is… shadow magic."
"Shadows?" Subaru groaned, flopping back into his seat. "You've gotta be kidding me. What am I supposed to do with shadows? Scare people at night?"
Bell's expression softened, and she stepped closer, her voice gentle but firm. "It's not over for you, Subaru. Yin may be your natural affinity, but with your high connection to spirits, you're not limited to just one type of magic."
Subaru perked up slightly, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean?"
Bell smiled, her confidence growing as she continued. "With your affinity for spirits, you have the potential to form contracts with a variety of them. Through those contracts, you'll be able to use other types of magic—fire, water, wind, earth—anything the spirits you bond with can provide."
Subaru's eyes widened, his disappointment melting into cautious hope. "So… I can still use fire?"
Bell nodded. "If you find the right spirit to contract with, yes."
Subaru sat up straighter, a spark of excitement returning to his eyes. "Alright, then! Time to start collecting spirits!"
Irene chuckled softly, leaning over to ruffle Subaru's hair. "Always aiming high, aren't you?"
"Of course!" Subaru grinned, his confidence restored. "What's the point of being awesome if you don't go all the way?"
Dr. Guini let out a sigh, rubbing his temples. "Spirits preserve us," he muttered. "This boy will be the death of me…"
Bell's hand was still resting on Subaru's chest when her entire demeanor changed. Her calm expression melted away, her light green eyes widening in visible shock. Her lips parted, and her hand trembled slightly as the faint glow around it flickered erratically.
"Bell?" Irene asked, her tone concerned. "Are you alright?"
Bell didn't respond immediately. Her breath hitched, and her words came out in stuttering fragments. "I-It's… impossible. It… it can't be."
Everyone froze, her words slicing through the room like a blade. Dr. Guini's face twisted in irritation as he leaned forward in his chair, his cane tapping sharply against the floor. "Spirits' sake, girl, stop stammering and spill it out! What are you babbling about?"
Bell swallowed hard, her gaze locked on Subaru as though she were seeing something unimaginable. "This boy," she whispered, her voice shaking, "he has… he has the Divine Protection of the Spirit King."
The room fell into a stunned silence.
Irene blinked, her composure faltering for the first time as she sat up straighter. "The Spirit King?" she repeated, her voice filled with disbelief. "Are you certain?"
Dr. Guini's monocle nearly fell from his face as his expression twisted into a mixture of confusion and intrigue. "Divine Protection…? Of that Spirit King? The one Spirit King?"
Even Subaru, who had been lounging casually just moments ago, was taken aback. He glanced between Bell, Irene, and the doctor, his brow furrowing. "Uh… is that a good thing?"
Bell's hand finally dropped from his chest, and she took a shaky step back, her face pale. "Good?" she echoed, her voice still trembling. "It's… it's beyond good. It's unheard of! The Divine Protection of the Spirit King is… it's the rarest, most powerful blessing a spirit arts user could possess. It means you're…" Her voice trailed off, as if the implications were too grand to articulate.
Subaru tilted his head, still confused. "So, what does it do? Like… can I summon super-powerful spirits or something?"
Irene leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed as she mulled over the revelation. "The Divine Protection of the Spirit King," she said thoughtfully, "is said to grant the bearer an unparalleled connection to spirits. It's more than summoning powerful spirits—it's as if the spirits themselves are drawn to you, willing to aid you in ways no ordinary spirit arts user could ever achieve."
Dr. Guini, despite his usual gruff demeanor, seemed genuinely awestruck. He rubbed his chin, his monocle glinting as he muttered to himself. "And to think… in this boy… to think such a rare blessing would manifest…"
Subaru scratched the back of his head, still unsure of how to react. "So… that's a yes on it being a good thing?"
Bell finally found her voice, nodding hesitantly. "Yes… yes, it's a very good thing. It's… beyond extraordinary. But…" Her voice faltered again, a flicker of worry crossing her face. "It also means…"
"What?" Subaru asked, leaning forward. "What does it mean?"
Bell hesitated, glancing nervously at Irene and the doctor before continuing. "It means your existence might not be… ordinary. There's a reason OdLagna has blessed you, and it might come with expectations—or dangers."
Subaru's excitement dimmed slightly, replaced by a twinge of unease. "Dangers?" he repeated, his voice quieter.
Irene reached over and patted Subaru's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't let her scare you too much, Subaru. It just means you're special. And I think you've already figured that out by now."
Subaru managed a small grin, though his mind was racing. Special, huh? he thought, his gaze drifting to his hands. I guess I always wanted to be special. But… what does this really mean for me?
The room fell into an uneasy silence, the weight of the revelation settling over them all like a heavy snowfall. For the first time, even Dr. Guini seemed uncertain, his usually sharp tongue momentarily stilled.
Bell's voice broke the tense silence, timid but insistent. "We… we should report this to the capital," she said, her hands nervously clutching her sleeves. "Something this important—keeping it a secret might be considered treason."
Subaru blinked, startled. "Treason?!" he repeated, sitting up straighter. "Wait, hold on—"
Before he could finish, both Irene and Dr. Guini cut in simultaneously.
"Absolutely not!" they barked in unison, their voices sharp and definitive.
Subaru blinked again, more confused than ever. "Wait, you two actually agree on something? That's gotta be a first."
Bell looked equally bewildered, her wide green eyes darting between the two. "But… why not? Isn't this exactly the kind of thing the capital should know? I mean, the Divine Protection of the Spirit King—it's unheard of!"
Irene crossed her arms tightly over her chest, her expression unusually serious. "Because it's not safe," she said firmly. "If the capital finds out about Subaru, especially the Holy King Sugona…" Her voice trailed off, and she glanced away, her jaw tightening. "There's no telling what he might do."
Bell tilted her head, confused. "But why? Subaru isn't a threat to anyone—he's just a child."
"That's exactly the problem," Irene muttered, leaning back in her chair. "He's a child now, but to the Holy King, he'd be seen as a potential contender for the throne. The Divine Protection of the Spirit King isn't just rare—it's symbolic. It carries weight, especially in a place like Gusteko, where spirit arts are so deeply tied to power and leadership."
Dr. Guini adjusted his monocle, his expression grim. "If the capital catches wind of this, they'll view Subaru as a threat to the stability of the kingdom. And knowing Sugona, his response would be swift and ruthless. A boy with that kind of blessing… he wouldn't be allowed to live freely."
Subaru paled, his chest tightening. "You're saying they'd try to… kill me?"
Irene hesitated, her gaze softening as she turned to him. "It's possible. Not because of anything you've done, but because of what you represent. In their eyes, you'd be too dangerous to ignore."
Bell bit her lip, fidgeting nervously. "But… Irene, you're a member of Odglass's Holy Church. You have an obligation to report something like this, don't you?"
Irene flinched slightly at the reminder, her fingers tightening on the armrest of her chair. For a moment, her confident composure wavered. "I know," she admitted softly. "But I can't let the nation know about Subaru—not under these circumstances."
Bell blinked, surprised by her uncharacteristic hesitation. "Why not?"
Irene let out a slow breath, her gaze distant. "Because it wouldn't matter what the church says, or what Subaru's intentions are. To Sugona, anything that could destabilize his rule is a threat to be eliminated. He wouldn't even care that Subaru is a child. He'd only see the Divine Protection and what it means."
Dr. Guini grunted in agreement, tapping his cane against the floor. "For once, Irene's right. This isn't a matter of obligation, girl—it's a matter of survival. If the Glacia finds out about Subaru, his life will be forfeit. And that's a fact."
Bell's shoulders slumped, her face pale. "I… I didn't realize it was that serious."
"It is," Irene said, her voice heavy. She turned to Subaru, her light blue eyes filled with an unusual tenderness. "For now, we'll protect you. No one else needs to know about your blessing—not until we figure out what it truly means, and how to keep you safe."
Subaru nodded slowly, his mind racing. "Okay," he said softly, though his voice wavered. "But… what do I do now?"
"Now," Irene said, managing a faint smile, "you keep training. You're stronger than you think, Subaru. And you're going to need that strength for what's ahead."
Dr. Guini adjusted his monocle again, his tone sharp but not unkind. "And you listen to your elders, boy. You've got much to learn, and no time to waste."
Subaru tried to smile back, though his heart was heavy with the weight of their words. A threat to the throne? he thought, his chest tightening. I didn't ask for this… but if it's my life on the line, I'll do whatever it takes to survive.