Arc 10, Part 4: "You're Welcome"

"—We need to hurry up and develop a Magic Stone Engine, or something along those lines, to replace the steam engine."

Natsuki Subaru spoke while gripping the reins on the driver's seat, his eyes fixed straight ahead. At his words, Beatrice, who was sitting snugly on his lap, furrowed her brow.

"…You’ve started saying strange things again, I suppose. What in the world is a 'Magic Stone Engine'?"

"It’s technology that doesn't exist in this world yet. See, if we could use the energy of magic stones to create a system similar to a steam engine, I wonder if we could make something like a locomotive."

"A locomotive?"

"Basically, an iron dragon carriage that doesn't need a ground dragon and can run forever as long as the magic stones don't run out. Its freedom is low since it can only run where there are rails, but in exchange, it can travel back and forth at a considerable pace within the range where the rails are connected. What do you think?"

"Whether I think it's good or not, I suppose it sounds convenient. If I turn a blind eye to the fact that it’s utter nonsense, that is."

Subaru pouted his lips in dissatisfaction at Beatrice’s answer, which didn't hide her exasperation. He thought it was a fairly decent idea, but as expected, it was hard to convey the image without knowing the real thing. Of course, in the sense that he didn't know the specifics of an actual locomotive, Subaru was in the same boat as Beatrice. If he were at least a bit more familiar with the mechanics of a steam engine, he might be able to talk about it with more realism.

"————!"

"Whoa, sorry, sorry, Patrasche. I’m not trying to slight you, especially after you came all the way to the Empire to pick me up. It’s just a matter of the right tool for the right job..."

"————!!"

"Unfortunately, it seems she won't be fooled by that, I suppose. If you sour Patrasche's mood, our return will only get further away."

"That’s a situation I want to avoid at all costs... Please, cheer up!"

Even if the exact image of a locomotive couldn't be shared, the fact that its role would overlap with her own must have been communicated. Scratching his head at the protest from his beloved dragon, Patrasche, Subaru gripped the reins again and narrowed his eyes at the unchanging sandy scenery.

—After suppressing Al at the Pleiades Watchtower, Subaru and the others had set out for the Royal Capital to uncover the facts revealed in the loops that "never happened" and to learn the circumstances they needed to know.

The shock of being betrayed by Al was great, and to swallow it, the group had departed the tower with a forced, high-spirited energy—however, the crucial path to the Royal Capital was long. After all, it was a distance that almost traversed the kingdom from its easternmost to its westernmost tip. Even with the help of the healthy and excellent Patrasche’s running speed, it was expected to take a considerable number of days, and their impatience only grew in proportion to their momentum.

In such a painful state of mind, it could be said that it was somewhat inevitable for Subaru’s mind to drift toward a kind of escapism, like searching for new means of transportation.

"In reality, if locomotives or trains were realized, I wonder how much travel time would be shortened... It’s a certainty that they could move faster than a ground dragon without needing rest."

He had no leeway now, but he thought that once things settled down a bit more, he should seriously consult Roswaal or Otto. The "Linked Dragon Carriages" devised in the Empire were close in concept, but those still relied on the running power of mounts like ground dragons, so a Magic Stone Engine should be superior in terms of convenience.

"If I can pull it off, I feel like I could blow Abel’s mind. Just imagining him looking frustrated and asking me how I did it makes me feel like it’s worth doing."

"Betty might be able to give advice if it involves magic stones, but I won't cooperate if it's for such a trivial purpose as wanting to spite that Abel, I suppose."

"True. Spiting Abel is a pretty trivial reason. Forget it, forget it."

Wiping away the image of Abel’s scowling face that had been floating hazily in his mind, Subaru rested his chin on Beatrice’s head and let out a small sigh. Naturally, Beatrice became conscious of the sigh above her head and the hard sensation against the back of her head—the black sphere hanging from Subaru’s neck.

"Subaru, that forbidden art is—"

"It’s something you decoded for me. ...I’m sorry this is the only explanation I can give."

"I’m not blaming you, I suppose. What Betty is concerned about is the abnormal precision of that magic’s composition and the way it selects its targets... I felt a glimpse of Mother in it."

"Mother... Echidna, huh."

"I suppose."

Beatrice nodded, and Subaru thought of the "Witch of Greed" he had encountered in the "Sanctuary." Speaking of her hateful face alone, he had also seen it during the "Great Disaster" in the Vollachian Empire, when he faced Sphinx, who had taken on her likeness. Considering the depth and number of scars left behind by that "Witch of Greed," Subaru had lost faith in the credibility of their interactions at the Tomb.

Furthermore, the existence of the "Witch of Greed" had been far too thoroughly erased compared to the scars she had left all over the world. It wasn't something that had simply weathered away with the passage of time; it was more natural to think it had been intentionally expunged from history. —The question was, who did it?

"For now, since Echidna was dead, she didn't do it herself. Well, if we’re talking about her entering people's dreams and causing trouble even after death, that becomes suspicious too."

"That shouldn't be possible, I suppose. Freely moving in and out of people's dreams after death is something even a Dreamweaver, a master of dream magic, shouldn't be able to do."

"D-Dreamweaver? Dream magic?"

"It’s magic that interferes with the opponent's mind through dreams, I suppose. This is also a type of forbidden art, and its users were almost entirely wiped out."

"That definitely sounds like the kind of thing where there’s a survivor! Interfering with the mind? They probably just implanted convenient memories saying 'we wiped them out' and let the real target escape."

"Y-You’re being too pessimistic, I suppose! ...Ahem, anyway. The approach Mother used when Subaru and Emilia encountered her in the Tomb seems to apply the principles of dream magic, but strictly speaking, it’s different, so she shouldn't be able to cross through the consciousness of the living as if crossing through dreams."

Subaru nodded at Beatrice, who was lecturing him cutely while wagging her finger. He didn't understand the fine principles, but it seemed that Echidna’s Castle of Dreams was centered on the special location of the Tomb and didn't extend outside—or so it seemed. If that was the case, the concern that Echidna was doing everything herself would vanish.

"But in that case, it means someone who inherited Echidna’s will is diligently working on the cover-up, and the most likely candidate for that is Roswaal..."

"If it’s an inside job, we’ll just have to turn him in while swallowing our tears, I suppose."

"Like I said, I can't turn him in until the Royal Selection is over, and even after it’s over, I’d rather not if possible. Also, it’s a staple of entertainment for the pretty girl acting cute in front of me—Beako—to actually be secretly active behind the scenes as an Apostle of Echidna, you know?"

"Betty being the final boss... such a plot was scrapped long ago, I suppose. It’s a bad idea that lacks even a shred of persuasiveness or consistency, only wanting to catch people off guard."

"I think so too, but you’re being pretty harsh..."

The idea of her turning into Subaru’s enemy was something she wouldn't even listen to, even as a joke. Subaru felt warmed, taking it as proof of how much she cherished him. So, assuming the one who went around erasing Echidna’s traces wasn't Roswaal, and certainly not Beatrice—

"—The Witch Cult."

"————"

Beatrice stirred slightly and caught her breath. Her tense reaction was proof that she internally agreed with Subaru’s murmur.

The "Witch of Greed"—no, not just information on Echidna, but any "Witch" bearing a Sin other than the "Witch of Envy" seemed to have their existence erased from their traces. And the Sin Archbishops who appeared all at once in the Watergate City of Pristella had made selfish demands of the city in exchange for the lives of its residents. At that time, while there were those like Regulus who simply wanted to satisfy their own desires, there were also requested items mixed in that didn't seem like something the person themselves would want.

"Besides, I heard from Otto before. No matter where in the world, if something related to a 'Witch' is accidentally found, the Witch Cult will come to steal it... or so the rumor goes."

In fact, the fortified city of Garkla in Vollachia, which Subaru and the others had visited, was said to have fallen into a state of ruin as a result of Regulus going on a rampage. Having to frequently remember someone he didn't want to remember made him feel unpleasant. At any rate—

"The rampage in Pristella feels like it supports the rumors Otto mentioned. If that’s the case, their violence isn't just the terrorism of a cult group, but another motive—specifically, trying to hide the 'Witches' from this world."

The Witch Cult worships the "Witch of Envy" and considers it good to revere her existence. Because such common information passes for common sense, the fact that they are trying to erase the traces of "Witches" other than the "Witch of Envy" might be being concealed.

"If you want to hide a tree, hide it in a forest; if you want to hide a 'Witch,' hide her in the episodes of the 'Witch of Envy,' huh. ...But if that’s the case, the one who created the Witch Cult was—"

"—It couldn't have been Mother, I suppose."

Following the same line of thought as Subaru, Beatrice denied the conclusion beforehand. Subaru couldn't see Beatrice’s expression as she pursed her lips and looked forward. However, what was contained in those words was a prayer far too fragile and weak to be called a conviction.

Logically speaking, he knew Subaru’s idea made sense. However, the fact that she was her creator and a family member with whom she had spent precious time would never allow Beatrice to admit it. Subaru understood that painfully well, and at the same time, it turned into anger toward Echidna.

"Making my cute Beako go through such a hard time..."

The "Witch" who had ordered Beatrice to wait for "That Person" and left her alone in the Forbidden Library for four hundred years. Subaru knew that the true intent behind Echidna’s instruction was a terrifyingly wicked curiosity to see who Beatrice would choose as "That Person." Of course, he couldn't say that directly to Beatrice. He had no intention of telling her.

Denying Beatrice’s feelings of cherishing Echidna and trying to overwrite them himself was a very vulgar and pathetic way of thinking. It was enough for Subaru to become a presence even larger than Echidna while Beatrice continued to cherish her.

"Beako, I love you."

"—!? The flow of the conversation changed, I suppose!?"

Overflowing with affection and a sense of mission, Subaru hugged Beatrice tightly from behind. At that embrace, Beatrice’s somber face turned bright red. This was it, this. With this, he wasn't brushing off the discussion—

"We can't find the answer here yet. We have to go to the Royal Capital... and in the end, it comes back to that. Dammit, I can't wait for the development of the Magic Stone Locomotive...!"

Subaru gripped the black sphere hanging at his chest and muttered impatiently. The road was still long, and the Royal Capital they aimed for was far away—

However, Subaru’s impatience would be resolved by an unexpected means. That was—

"—Good grief, I’m tired of waiting. You’ve finally returned."

It began with the surprise of being greeted by a bald giant with arms as thick as logs—Old Man Rom—who was waiting for Subaru and the others in Milula, the post town they reached after passing through the Sand Sea.

"—I’m surprised there are still survivors of the Giant Race, I suppose. Like the Oni Race, I thought their blood had almost entirely died out."

"Unfortunately, I haven't encountered any giants other than myself either. It may be that I am the last surviving giant in this world."

"Seriously? That’s beyond just a countdown to extinction."

Old Man Rom, the giant himself, responded to Beatrice, who was staring up at his massive frame. Hearing that, Subaru furrowed his brow at the desperate circumstances of the Giant Race. After all, if the last survivor was only the super-aged Old Man Rom, descendants couldn't be hoped for, and they would have no choice but to go extinct. If the last survivor of the race were young, there might still be a thread of possibility, but—

"Well, it stands to reason that a race that has fulfilled its role would die out. There is no logic in keeping things like the Giant Race or the Oni Race alive in the future world. Everyone, live as you please and perish as you please... that’s about how it is."

"I don't really like that kind of fatalism. Well, saying it after it’s too late is like crying over spilled milk, though."

"You say some admirable things. It seems you’ve gained a bit of thoughtfulness yourself."

To Subaru, who was signaling his frustration by poking the inside of his cheek with his tongue, Old Man Rom smiled with a distorted cheek and slapped Subaru’s shoulder with his large palm.

In fact, the last time Subaru had properly spoken with Old Man Rom was back when they were working hard on the various things needed to sneak into the castle on the day the start of the Royal Selection was declared. He had heard that Rom was acting as the brains for Felt’s camp, but seeing him face-to-face and exchanging words after so long, it finally felt real.

"Looking back, Old Man Rom and Felt were the ones I met in this world even before Beako, so it’s deeply moving. ...Though if I think too deeply about it, I met the guy at the fruit stand before Emilia-tan, so that’s a bit weird."

In the first place, if he talked about the speed of their encounters, the "Ton-Chin-Kan" trio would also be included, and his head would bug out. In any case, reuniting with an old acquaintance was a joyful thing for Subaru. Especially if it was someone he had met on the first day he was summoned to another world. Therefore—

"—You’re one of them too, Reinhard."

"I’m glad. Your conversation with Lord Rom was so lively, I thought for sure I’d been forgotten."

"Forgotten? You? Has that ever happened?"

That shouldn't be possible, but even if his "Name" were eaten by the Authority of "Gluttony," Reinhard had enough presence that he couldn't be forgotten. Or perhaps, in his case, he might not even get into a situation where his "Name" could be eaten. At Subaru’s point, Reinhard gave a wry smile and shrugged.

"Fortunately, I haven't had such an opportunity so far. Though I don't exactly feel that as anything other than a burden. Because my actions cannot be undone."

As he spoke, Reinhard glanced behind Subaru—where Garfiel was standing majestically. After a brief greeting of reunion, Garfiel was silently directing his sharp emerald eyes toward Reinhard. Receiving that gaze, Reinhard also slightly narrowed his blue eyes.

"It seems you’ve improved your skills considerably since before. It’s amazing for such a short period."

"Tch, don't go sayin' it so lightly. I’ve been through hellish trainin' over 'n over to finally level up, but I still can't see the bottom of your strength."

"Will you not challenge me like you did in Pristella?"

"There’s no way to win right now. Besides, even if I lose on my own, that rankin' would just cause trouble for Emilia-sama."

Turning his face away and clicking his tongue, Garfiel suppressed his fighting spirit. It couldn't be said that he was overthinking it. In fact, since he was far from reaching the Knight's skill, Garfiel, the military officer of the Emilia camp, would be compared to Reinhard. If it became known that Garfiel had lost to Reinhard in a head-on fight, even if it was an obvious ranking, it could result in giving the impression that the camp lacked strength. Garfiel had thought that far on his own and endured.

"Garfiel, you’ve really grown up...!"

"Ah!? What is it, Captain, don't pat my head! I just said somethin' pathetic like I can't win right now! There’s no reason to praise me!"

"There is, there is, there is, there’s plenty of reason. Hey, everyone, let’s praise Garfiel!"

"G-Gao!"

Subaru, Beatrice, Petra, and Meili surrounded the shy Garfiel, who was blushing, and praised him with "There, there." It was exactly the opposite pattern of when Subaru was comforted at the Pleiades Watchtower. After doting on Garfiel for a while—

"—So, what business do the two of you from Felt-sama’s camp have with us?"

The one who properly brought up the main topic was Petra, the most reliable person in the group. With her hands on her hips, acting as the camp’s negotiator, Subaru felt an unexpected sense of reliability from Petra’s small back, and his heart grew warm. Unintentionally, he felt as if he could see glimpses of the lost loops, of how desperately she had worked to get Subaru back during the battle with Al.

"W-Why do you have such a moved look on your face, Subaru?"

"No, I might just be easily moved to tears lately. Beako, can you keep hugging me?"

"I-I suppose it can't be helped, you’re such a spoiled child."

Though she seemed reluctant, Beatrice, who had been holding his hand, switched to clinging to Subaru’s waist. Subaru then focused on the conversation in front of him. The reason Reinhard and the others had gone out of their way to wait for Subaru—

"Of course, we’ve come to pick you up. —An urgent situation has arisen in the Royal Capital. Felt-sama instructed us, thinking that Emilia-sama must be extremely anxious."

"Emilia-anesama? But why would Felt-sama..."

"The two of them have become friends. So, she said she wanted to help out for her friend’s sake."

"Oh my, it seems Felt-chan has been won over by Big Sister Emilia. I understand that feeling. I might be able to get along with Felt-chan too."

Reinhard’s reply to the suspicious Petra made Meili laugh mischievously. However, by saying that, she was admitting that she herself had been won over by Emilia, but did Meili realize that? Subaru said nothing.

Besides, Subaru was also surprised. Of course, he didn't have the impression that the relationship between Emilia and Felt was bad, but for Felt to move for Emilia’s sake...

"It’s a story I couldn't have imagined back when her insignia was stolen at the beginning..."

"I’m telling you, brat, I’d appreciate it if you didn't make that story public. If you guys take steps to spread such bad rumors, we’ll have to resort to some tricks too."

"It’d be one thing if it were a false accusation, but it’s a mess of your own making... Well, if that incident is dug up, it’s not just your side that’ll be in trouble, so I won't do it."

Subaru shrugged at Old Man Rom, who was warning him just in case. The insignia theft incident in the Royal Capital involved Roswaal’s intentions, as he had placed the request with Elsa behind the scenes. And since Meili, who was right there, was also involved with Elsa, the Emilia camp would be the ones with a stomachache if things were pried into. In the first place, he didn't think Emilia would bring up the fact that Felt had stolen her insignia now. Especially since they had become friends.

"If anything, I even suspect Emilia-tan might have forgotten that her insignia was stolen by Felt... Surely not?"

"As for me, I believe that Emilia-sama desired friendship with Felt-sama even after overcoming such a past."

"True. I like that Emilia-tan better too. But..."

The problem was the fact that Emilia was being driven into an anxious situation. Just as he wondered what on earth had happened in the Royal Capital, Subaru suddenly realized the possibility that the cause of Emilia’s current state of mind might lie with him. He thought it might be the influence of the "message" he had asked Flam to deliver before departing the Pleiades Watchtower—

"No, I’ve also heard about Priscilla-sama and the matter with Lord Al. Emilia-sama’s grief was great, but she was rather worried about Subaru and the others. So, that isn't the direct cause."

"Is that so. That’s goo... well, it’s not good, but I’m convinced. But if it’s not even that, then what happened?"

"—It could be called a situation that shakes the very foundation of the Royal Selection."

""—!""

Everyone, including Subaru, changed their expressions at Old Man Rom’s heavy tone. A situation that shakes the foundation of the Royal Selection sounded like a major event, and the fact that Reinhard didn't deny it was proof that there was no doubt about that perception.

He didn't know if it was because the deceased Priscilla had dropped out as a candidate for the Royal Selection, or if there was another cause—

"Regarding that issue, it has become necessary for the various camps to discuss many things. So, I, who took on the task of picking up Lord Rom who had remained in the territory, came to pick up Subaru and the others as well."

"Then, you must want to rejoin Felt in the Royal Capital as soon as possible..."

"Rachins and the others are also in the Royal Capital. Following Felt-sama’s orders was a higher priority in this case. I actually wanted to go all the way to the tower to pick you up, but I also wanted to avoid heading to the Augria Sand Dunes without Meili’s help and missing you."

"And so, we were waiting for you in this town."

Hearing Old Man Rom conclude, the questions in Subaru’s mind finally settled. Because of those circumstances, Reinhard and Old Man Rom had been waiting in Milula for Subaru and the others to arrive. While he felt grateful for that, he also became fearful of what the problem was that made them go that far. However—

"I can't not ask. Time is precious. Let’s talk while we move."

"Right, let’s do that. I also have quite a few things I want to hear from Subaru. The events in the Empire after we parted in Pristella, and so on, within the range of what you can talk about."

"There’s nothing I can't tell you. I’ll tell you everything. I also have a few things I want to ask someone carrying a title as big as the 'Sword Saint'."

"—. Then, I’ll answer anything I can."

They nodded to each other, and a consensus was reached between Subaru’s group and Reinhard’s group. For Subaru, who had felt so much impatience with travel that he yearned for a non-existent locomotive, being able to borrow Reinhard’s strength was more than a timely boat—it was the Millennium Falcon. And so, before they started moving toward the Royal Capital again—

"Oh, right, Reinhard."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"You probably won't understand what I mean, but just hear me out. —Thanks."

At Subaru’s words of gratitude, Reinhard, who as predicted didn't understand the meaning, raised his eyebrows. Subaru smiled at the fact that he had caught the "Sword Saint" off guard.

"I don't understand the details myself, but I have a strong conviction that I must have put you through a lot of trouble. So, thanks."

"I can't think of anything I’ve done, so I don't know how to respond."

"In that case, just say 'You’re welcome'."

"I see. —You’re welcome."

"Your pronunciation is really good."

Grateful once again to Reinhard, who responded even to the unexpected thanks, Subaru patted the head of Beatrice, who was clinging to his waist, and began preparing to move. Since it was Reinhard, who had flown across a distance that would normally take many days in one go, he would probably pull off some incredible method of transportation. He had to prepare himself mentally.

"————"

He didn't notice that Reinhard’s eyes, with his hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist, were watching Subaru’s back as he prepared to depart with his companions, as if sizing him up.