Arc 10, Part 7: "My Friend"

"Are you okay? Do you think you can do it?" "Big sis, watch your hands! Careful, careful!" "That’s the silver-haired half-elf from the rumors, right? Just pour it over her head!"

"Stop pestering me from the sidelines! And don't incite such clear malice! The scripture says: 'Touch not the Dragon’s scales with impure thoughts. Let those who are defiled be struck by the silver rain, and forbidden from passing through the Golden Gate until the sediment of their hearts is scoured away.'"

""...What does that mean?""

"It means if you don't just do bad things, but even think about them, you have to reflect or I'll get angry! Now, I have guests to attend to! Go play outside!"

With a clear, resonant voice, she cheerfully shooed the innocent children out of the building. The children—two boys and one girl, with the girl having the sharpest tongue—scurried outside noisily. Since they were all wearing navy-blue monastic habits, they were likely affiliated with the church. In any case, Subaru took it as a good sign that they were so full of energy.

"I’m sorry my kids are so rowdy. I try to lecture them every day, but it doesn't seem to stick... or rather, they just don't take me seriously... hup."

The one who watched the children go with a weary shrug was a blonde-haired, red-eyed nun—Philore. This was her lament as she prepared to welcome her guests while being incessantly pestered by the children. In truth, the way they acted toward her seemed to be an even split between affection and lack of respect. Regardless, rather than offering words of comfort, Subaru and the others found their attention drawn to her precarious gait as she approached, carrying a tea set on a silver tray.

Clatter-clatter-clatter-clatter. Everything on the tray was sending out signals of imminent disaster. As they waited at the table in the drawing-room they had been invited into, Subaru and the others swallowed hard, watching her transport the tea.

"...Um, should we help you?"

"Wait, please, don't touch! Right now, a delicate balance is being maintained on this tray, and one wrong move will ruin everything. Slowly, slowly..."

"D-Do your best...!"

Slipping between Rem, who offered to help, and Emilia, who was cheering her on in earnest, Philore gingerly managed to land the tray on the table without flipping it. As Subaru and the others instinctively broke into applause with an "Ooh!", she made a gesture of wiping her brow.

"Ahem, sorry to keep you waiting. And I apologize for making your hearts race right off the bat. Normally, I leave welcoming guests to others, but right now, I’m the only one here."

"No, it’s fine. Thank you for welcoming us. If anything, we feel bad for coming when you're short-handed."

"No, please don't be. The doors of the church should always be open. As the scripture says: 'To fear and revere the Dragon’s power is the mark of love. Love without awe is conceit; awe without love is servility. True love dwells in the nobility of standing tall before the Dragon.'"

"Um, and that means...?"

"Basically, it means keep yourself ship-shape so you’re ready to be seen by someone important at any moment."

Philore answered Emilia’s question while raising an index finger. She was likely quoting a passage from the scripture of the 'Holy Dragon Church,' but she excelled at breaking it down into easy-to-understand terms. Furthermore, her habit of interpreting stiff language into something digestible was a blessing for someone like Subaru, who had a shallow understanding of faith.

"Even so, was shouting at those kids 'ship-shape'?"

"Urgh."

"And seeing your face turn bright red when you noticed Betty and the others was quite a sight, I suppose."

"Guh."

At the points made by Subaru and Beatrice, Philore groaned twice in succession, clutching her chest. Just as Subaru was starting to enjoy her reactive nature, Rem stood by his side and Emilia stood by Beatrice’s, and both of their ears were pinched.

"That was an unnecessary comment." "Honestly, you shouldn't be mean."

""Ow, ow, ow!""

Having paid the price for their mischief, Subaru and Beatrice were left nursing their wounds. As a result, the simple act of serving tea had somehow produced three casualties. Setting aside such nonsense—

"Once again, thank you for coming. I am Philore... a nun of the 'Holy Dragon Church' who has caused quite a stir at the royal castle."

"————"

Subaru and the others fell silent as Philore introduced herself with a hand over her heart. Seeing this, Philore’s expression clouded over in an instant.

"P-Please say something. Otherwise, I’ll start getting anxious."

"No, I was just thinking that you're actually aware you caused a stir."

"Of course I am. ...I mean, I am. At the castle, when everyone looks at you with those eyes that are hard to describe, anyone would think, 'Oh? Did I mess up?'"

"Well, we weren't there, but I actually know that feeling of being out of place and wanting to sink into the floor very, very well."

"You do!? That hellish feeling!?"

"Oh, could you be talking about the time Subaru insisted he was my knight in front of everyone without permission, and I was so embarrassed I said he wasn't?"

"Uguu, pretty much that!"

With Philore lunging toward him and Emilia clasping her hands in front of her chest, Subaru was hit with innocent admiration from both sides, causing his old wounds to ache afresh. Or rather, from Emilia’s perspective, her denial at the time was apparently treated as her being "embarrassed." He hadn't exactly conducted a follow-up investigation into Emilia’s feelings back then, but despite the cute reason, the damage Subaru had taken was staggering.

"...Hearing that story, it sounds like an excruciating situation, but is it true?"

"Unfortunately, Betty hadn't contracted with Subaru yet at that time, so I don't know the details, I suppose. But given the Subaru of those days, it wouldn't be surprising if he messed up."

"Man, having Rem and Beako say all this stuff about that day now feels really rough! For the record, the Rem from before she lost her 'memories' knew the circumstances and was actually pretty sympathetic toward me!"

"Is that so? Perhaps the previous me was simply so appalled that she refrained from commenting?"

"Stop it, I’m starting to feel like that was the case!"

In truth, regardless of Subaru’s feelings at the time, there was no doubt that his methods, his approach, his words, and his presentation were all a continuous string of mistakes. But since he had already finished reflecting on that, he wished they’d let it go—though he was the one who brought it up. However, as Subaru was being pummeled by his past deeds—

"—I know that feeling."

Grip. Two hands reached across the table and firmly enveloped Subaru’s right hand. Looking up, he saw Philore leaning forward, nodding at him. She stared at the wide-eyed Subaru, her red eyes shining brilliantly.

"The cold gazes of those around you, looking at a person who suddenly appeared out of place."

"—!"

"My tongue, which started talking in a rush and now can't turn back."

"Yes, exactly. That’s it!"

"The silence that feels like an eternity after you’ve finished saying your piece, waiting for someone to say something!"

"A few seconds feel like forever...!"

"I thought it quite vividly. ...I might have messed up."

"Philore...!"

The terror she had tasted felt entirely like his own—no, it was his own. Realizing this, Subaru gripped Philore’s hands back. Over the table, they held each other's hands and nodded in unison. Yes, Subaru and Philore were comrades who had both overstepped their bounds at the castle—

"However, isn't there a significant difference in standing between Philore-san, who achieved results on the spot, and you, who simply postponed your chance for redemption?"

"S-Stop it... we were having a moment here."

"That’s right, that’s right! The scripture says: 'Under the shadow of the same wing, sharpen not the claws that would rend your neighbor. Brothers who quarrel under the same sky are those who cast away the Dragon’s mercy and fall into error.'"

"Um, and that means...?"

"It means that as fellow people who have suffered the same embarrassment, you should get along rather than argue."

"I get it! Maybe I should join the 'Holy Dragon Church'!"

"That is a delicate matter, so don't handle it so carelessly!"

Because she had empathized with him so deeply, Subaru almost considered converting until Beatrice’s loving slap pulled him back. If affection for what one worships is a great driving force, then Subaru was certainly already a follower of the Beatrice Sect, while also holding concurrent positions in the Emilia and Rem Sects.

"No, wait, by that logic, I’m in a lot of religions. I’ve been acting like a non-religious Japanese person, but from a god’s perspective, am I actually a cheater...?"

"—. Well, I suppose you are?"

"Such a simple, cold gaze!"

The moment he muttered fearfully, he was stabbed by Rem’s pale blue eyes. Beside her, Emilia and Beatrice were also wearing wry smiles, so Subaru decided to stop digging into this topic. Having made a tactical retreat, Subaru and the others turned their attention back to Philore. Honestly, while she was already incredibly approachable at this point, there was something he had to say. That was—

"I heard you helped Crusch-san. It might seem strange for me to be the one saying this... but thank you. Seriously, thank you."

"————"

Saying so, Subaru bowed deeply, his forehead nearly hitting the table. At Subaru’s words of gratitude, Philore’s eyes widened, and she looked at Emilia and the others. Even with the disclaimer that it was "strange," the reason for her surprise didn't seem to vanish. However, Emilia also bowed her head to Philore.

"Let me thank you as well. All of us wanted to do something for Crusch-san. And you were the one who actually did it."

"In fact, we were just looking for a way to handle it, I suppose. It was a great feat."

"I have only heard the stories, but I believe it was a magnificent deed."

Following Emilia, Beatrice and Rem also expressed their gratitude, leaving Philore's mouth hanging open for a while. Once she managed to process the shock, she slowly shook her head. Then, before Subaru and the others, she wore a serene smile filled with compassion.

"—It’s quite alright. I only did what had to be done. If someone was saved by it, then that is my true desire."

That response was exactly what Subaru expected from a compassionate nun. —If her nostrils hadn't been twitching with pride, it would have been flawless.

Of course, out of gratitude and chivalry, Subaru didn't point it out.

"—I was found abandoned in front of the church when I was a baby. That was a little over fifteen years ago."

Once the initial greetings and exchanges had settled, Philore began to talk about her position, her circumstances, and her personal history. Subaru and the others instinctively exchanged glances at the mention of her being an abandoned child. —This was because it was an unavoidable topic regarding the suspicion that 'Philore = the missing princess.'

"Abandoned... so, you don't remember your parents?"

"No, I don't know their faces or names. But everyone at the church is my family. So I've never really felt lonely... well, occasionally I'd get annoyed when heartless people teased me, but basically, no. Someone was always there for me."

"I see. But, uh, didn't you ever think it was strange? I mean, blonde hair, red eyes, and the name Philore... that’s like hitting the jackpot, or a critical hit..."

"This is the 'Holy Dragon Church,' you know? It’s natural for the church to keep its distance from the royal family and the castle, so that kind of information didn't reach me. ...No, thinking back, it was probably kept from me on purpose. Curse them...!"

Philore’s fists trembled on the table as she lamented her circumstances. As could be inferred from their fairly shocking first meeting and their brief exchange so far, Philore seemed to be quite impulsive—the type to be swayed by her emotions. Her direct appeal to the castle, which Subaru had strongly empathized with, also appeared to be the result of an explosion of those emotions.

"Originally, I thought the Witch Cult’s recent atrocities were beyond the pale. Then, the events in Pristella happened. ...I was at my limit."

"So you brushed off everyone’s attempts to stop you and stormed into the castle alone to yell at them."

"Could you use a gentler way of putting it... how about, I stormed in with dignity and grace?"

"Fine, so you stormed in with dignity and grace."

"...I feel like my earnestness isn't coming across as much as I hoped."

However, as the one who followed her instructions, Subaru couldn't take responsibility for the effectiveness of the phrasing. In any case, it was clear that Philore had acted out of a sense of duty and strong indignation. However, Subaru and the others' interest lay in the reason she was able to take that action. That was—

"—The 'Sacred Arts.' That’s what you called it, right, Philore?"

At the word Emilia brought up, the air in the drawing-room tightened slightly. The Sacred Arts—that was the 'something' Philore was said to have used to heal Crusch’s body, and the possibility she had proven by storming the castle: the ability to overturn an Authority. And for some reason, it was the means to save the victims of the Witch Cult that the 'Holy Dragon Church' had kept secret and refused to make public.

"————"

Subaru moistened his lips with his tongue, trying to tame the slight tension. Since it was called a "Sacred Art," it was naturally a very important secret of the 'Holy Dragon Church.' Depending on the situation, just knowing of its existence could lead to being viewed as an enemy by the church. If they tried to dig deeper, even the talkative Philore might become tight-lipped—

"The Sacred Arts? Yes, that’s right. It’s a secret technique passed down since ancient times only within the church, and the number of people who can use it is extremely limited. The church calls such people 'Saints,' and I have the qualifications, which is why I can use the power."

"You said that so casually, is that okay!?"

"Whether it’s okay or not, even if the church tried to hide it, I already spoke about it publicly at the castle. Trying to hide it now is pointless... as the scripture says: 'Defile not the soil purified by the Dragon with the poison of self-interest. To refill a spring once dried requires a thousand years of prayer and the tears of a sinner.'"

"Um, and that means...?"

"Basically, if you try to profit alone, it’ll be a huge pain to fix things when something goes wrong. —And I decided that now is when something has gone wrong."

That was why, defying the intentions of the 'Holy Dragon Church' which wanted to keep the Sacred Arts secret, Philore chose to follow the doctrine she believed in and exercise that power publicly. Of course, the 'Holy Dragon Church' must have been in a massive panic after she did that on her own, and the royal castle, which now owed a huge debt, must have been in quite a state of confusion as well. But regardless of the chaotic results, it was certain that the trigger was goodwill.

"Right now, they’re discussing how to handle me at the castle... the high-ranking officials of the church and my long-time family members are participating in that discussion."

"Even though it’s about you, Philore, you're not part of the discussion?"

"I wanted to be, but they kicked me out! They said if I were there, things would get complicated, even though it’s about me... surely there’s at least a small chance it wouldn't, don't you think they're being mean!?"

"It’s sad that they’re estimating the chance of it not happening to be so low, I suppose."

"Don't say that, Beako."

Philore complained with a red face that she was being treated unfairly, but seeing her impulsive nature, one had to admit the judgment of those involved was likely sound. Philore claimed to be fifteen, but contrary to her mature appearance, her inner self was firmly fifteen—or perhaps even more childish. This was likely influenced by the fact that she had been raised in a sheltered environment, cut off from the secular world. To be honest, Subaru didn't understand the 'Holy Dragon Church’s' intentions in raising her that way.

"So, the people involved are at the castle? That’s why you were left alone at the church, Philore-san."

"That’s right. Well, those kids from earlier are here, so I’m not lonely, but I’ve been told not to wander out on my own. Even though I want to spread the power of the Sacred Arts as quickly as possible, even a second sooner...!"

"I’ve never heard of a Saint with that kind of motivation."

It probably meant she wanted to save people that much, but she was certainly a Saint who didn't feel very saintly. However, as Garfiel had mentioned at the Royal Guest House, when thinking of the victims waiting in Pristella, Subaru could only agree with Philore’s feelings. If anything, Subaru felt like egging her on.

"I totally get how you feel. Should I ask Reinhard to fly you over to Pristella in an instant...?"

"Guh... a tempting proposal...! But I was told to wait quietly."

"You didn't actually promise, did you? And even if it was a promise, if someone gets saved as a result, then maybe just a little..."

"Subaru? Are you perhaps not only breaking promises yourself but trying to make others break them too? That’s a very, very bad thing to do...?"

"The habitual promise-breaker has finally reached the end of the line, I suppose."

"Guh...!"

Rebuked with the nuance of "I understand your feelings, but...", Subaru could only make a "guh" sound. Along with Philore, who made a similar sound, they both buckled before the weight of a "promise." For now, they could only pray that the discussion at the castle would conclude quickly and positively.

"—By the way, Philore-san, you said you were a nun of the 'Holy Dragon Church.'"

"Rem?"

"Despite that position, you let Emilia-san in quite easily."

At the sudden change of topic from Rem, Subaru, who had been offering a prayer toward the castle, knit his brows in confusion. However, the fact that the topic was not at all irrelevant was clear from the reactions of Emilia, who lowered her brows, and Philore, who lowered the hands she had been using for the same prayer as Subaru. The true meaning behind Rem’s point about the relationship between the 'Holy Dragon Church' and Emilia was—

"The 'Holy Dragon Church' values the power, grace, and covenant of the 'Holy Dragon' Volcanica. And the 'Holy Dragon’s' greatest achievement in the Kingdom of Lugunica was sealing the 'Witch of Envy,' correct?"

"Hey, don't tell me..."

"The more devout a follower of the 'Holy Dragon Church' is, the more they might have certain thoughts about Emilia-san... that is what I mean."

Rem didn't turn her face toward Subaru, who had instinctively stood up, and she wouldn't even meet his eyes. With her lips tightly pursed, Rem was aware that her words were cold and could potentially shatter the somewhat friendly atmosphere of the meeting so far. Still, Rem spoke. She refused to let an unnatural situation remain glossed over.

In fact, until Rem pointed it out, Subaru hadn't noticed the strangeness of it either. Part of it was that the existence of the 'Holy Dragon Church' hadn't been familiar to him at all, but a bigger part was that while Emilia being an ultra-beauty was a fresh surprise to him every day, she had never once been an object of fear or awe to him from their first meeting until today.

But he must not forget. —Because of her heritage and physical characteristics, Emilia was constantly confronted with her resemblance to the 'Witch' most feared in this world.

"————"

And that resemblance to the 'Witch of Envy' should be something that the 'Holy Dragon Church'—which worshipped the 'Holy Dragon,' one of the 'Three Heroes' who stopped the 'Witch’s' tyranny four hundred years ago—could never ignore or simply tolerate. Furthermore, Philore was the wielder of the Sacred Arts, a secret of the church, and held a 'Saint'-like position. No matter what kind of impression she, raised under the teachings of the 'Holy Dragon Church,' held toward Emilia, it wouldn't be strange at all.

"I’m an idiot. No, I really am an idiot."

This was something Subaru should have noticed without Rem having to point it out. Despite being Emilia’s number one knight, he was severely lacking in both knowledge and vigilance regarding places where she might be unfairly hurt. If Emilia’s face clouded over because of this, he would have to curse himself and try to make up for it. One of the reasons he had hurried to the capital was surely to make up for his lack of knowledge—

"Rem, you’ve been studying before I knew it. I’m so surprised."

However, while Subaru was wallowing in regret, what Emilia herself said was neither a scolding for her pathetic knight nor a shock at being reminded of the situation by Rem’s words. She simply smiled and expressed her gratitude to Rem for choosing that topic.

"...Studying is an overstatement. It’s just that since I was also given a place to belong, I simply heard stories from Sister."

"But it makes me happy. Being worried about... it’s strange, isn't it?"

"—. No, I think I understand. Being worried about can make you feel pathetic, but it also makes you feel like you're being cherished."

"Hehe, is that so? Then, Rem, you were cherishing me too."

"...I believe Emilia-san was the one who did so first."

Rem, who replied to Emilia as she looked straight at her, kept her eyes downcast. However, in Subaru’s eyes, it was clear that Rem’s attitude was her own way of hiding her embarrassment. Emilia’s honest and pure gaze could peel back the complicated intentions of those around her. He understood Rem’s feelings well; it was something Subaru himself was frequently reminded of.

"—Beako, my cheek!" "Good grief, I suppose!"

Immediately after the exchange between those two, Subaru called out to Beatrice. In an instant, as if she had been waiting for it, Beatrice slapped Subaru’s cheek with her small palm—smack, a tingling sensation ran from her adorable palm, and Subaru’s shoulders shook.

"Kya!? What happened all of a sudden?"

Surprised by the sudden action, Emilia gently touched Subaru’s cheek. While his stinging cheek was being healed by the coldness of those white fingertips, Subaru shrugged and said, "Nothing."

"Just getting some spirit put into me. A mentalism reset by Beako... let’s call it Beantallism. Or Bea-therapy. Which do you prefer?"

"Sorry, I have no idea what you're talking about."

Emilia replied in her usual tone to Subaru’s nonsense. From that reaction alone, he could tell that Emilia wasn't fearing the circumstances Subaru was concerned about, nor was she feeling discouraged by Subaru’s unreliability.

"Of course, I can't just keep relying on that. I think it’s pretty bad that I have worse intuition about the concerning matters of our camp than the amnesiac Rem."

"Please do reflect on that seriously."

"You're saying that because you believe I can do it, right? Alright, leave it to me."

"—. Well, that’s fine."

With Rem’s encouragement, Subaru’s flagging motivation was restored. After that, Subaru turned back to Philore with a sharp look. She was a nun of the 'Holy Dragon Church' and a 'Saint.' But that was exactly why—

"I think there’s meaning in someone like her being liberated from prejudice. So, how about it, Philore? Let’s have you and Emilia-tan form a friendly relationship."

"A friendly relationship? Hey, Subaru, does that mean...?"

"Yes, in other words—you two become friends!"

Subaru declared powerfully, clenching his fist. In response, Emilia’s dark purple eyes sparkled, and she clasped her hands in front of her chest. It went without saying, but Emilia was starved for friends. She was someone who had even made a direct proposal to Felt and succeeded in becoming her friend. And it wasn't just Emilia, the friend-monster—

"—Friends, with me? Are you serious!?"

Philore bit, slamming her hands onto the table with a loud thud. Her large red eyes trembled as she looked back and forth between Subaru and Emilia.

"No, I’m sorry, it must be some mistake. I probably misheard. Not 'friends,' but maybe... yes, 'friendless.' Meaning I have no friends."

"This is bad, this Saint is too much of a loner."

"B-But, I might understand how she feels. I was also very anxious and didn't know what you were thinking when you tried to be friendly with me, Subaru."

"I’m sorry for making you anxious! My feelings haven't changed since the beginning, and they only get bigger as time passes... Ow! Rem, did you just step on my foot!?"

"No. I dropped a morning star."

"You brought it with you, the morning star!?"

Rem hurriedly hid the spiked iron ball she had dropped on Subaru’s instep behind her back. He was terrified that his foot had almost been crushed, but seeing Rem in her maid outfit carrying the spiked iron ball she used to polish diligently while Subaru was at the mansion was somehow heartwarming.

"Hey, Philore."

Leaving Subaru and the others aside, Emilia approached Philore, who was escaping from reality. Then, when Emilia touched the hand placed on the table, Philore’s shoulders jumped, and she stared at Emilia in surprise.

"It’s very lazy of me to just jump on what Subaru said, but what do you think, Philore?"

"W-W-What do I think? I don't really know... if you don't say it clearly, I might misunderstand. Or rather, haven't I already? Is this a dream...?"

"No, it’s not a dream. And I’ll say it clearly so you don't misunderstand. If it’s okay with you, please... no, let’s be friends!"

"—Yes, absolutely, I’d be delighted!!"

In an instant, her previous weakness and demureness vanished, and Philore’s face brightened as she gripped Emilia’s hands back. The two of them began to nurture a new friendship at zero distance. While overwhelmed by the speedy development, Subaru nodded deeply, feeling that the wind was undoubtedly blowing in a good direction.

"I’m glad things progressed without getting complicated. But that momentum... it reminds me of when Beako finally listened to my persuasion."

"It was much more romantic and dramatic when it was Betty! I wasn't that ravenously starved, I suppose!"

"Ow, ow, cute, cute."

An angry Beatrice, as if unable to contain her resentment, began to pitter-patter on the foot opposite the one Rem had almost crushed, but the weight and the way she sulked were both adorable. Glancing over, he saw that Rem also seemed relieved by the friendship being built between Emilia and Philore.

Even though it was a topic that had to be touched upon, it was a relationship that could have fallen through because of her. Rem’s feelings were easy to imagine.

"Are you satisfied too, Rem? Friends."

"I don't think it’s something to be so casual about. Besides, I have Katya-san."

"Does it really matter how many friends you have? I consider pretty much everyone I met on the Gladiator Island to be my friends."

"I have Katya-san."

It was a rather stubborn answer. Well, how one categorizes friends is up to the individual, so it would be tactless to say this or that about it. At the very least, a friendly relationship had been established between Emilia and Philore. This could be considered a historic achievement for both the Emilia Camp and the 'Holy Dragon Church.'

"I became friends with Felt-chan, and I have a promise to become friends with Anastasia-san, so maybe I’m good at making friends."

Emilia was also gaining confidence by making multiple friends in a short period. At this rate, she might start calling out to people on the street one after another to increase her friend count. He felt that wasn't necessarily bad, but he also felt like it might lead to a different kind of bad reputation, so for now, he’d have to put a stop to Emilia’s desire for friends.

"Wait, Emilia... I’ll call you Emilia. We just became friends, right? And yet, mentioning other friends' names is a bit mean, don't you think? Not that I mind, really. It’s fine, but maybe you could look at me a bit more, since we just became friends..."

Philore might have gone too long without friends. Perhaps she had excessive expectations for friends, as her words were starting to sound a bit like a 'yandere.' It was probably because her desire for friends was tilted too much toward one person, so it might be dangerous if she didn't increase her friends and distribute that desire properly. If he couldn't force Rem, then Subaru, or perhaps Beatrice, would have to be the ones to take it on.

"But really, was it okay for Philore? Of course, the only thing my Emilia-tan has in common with the 'Witch of Envy' is her physical appearance."

"—? Do you have some complaint about my Emilia?"

"Yikes, no wonder this Saint can't make friends!"

Subaru pressed his hand to his forehead at the attitude of Philore, who pulled Emilia’s arm and snuggled into her chest, thinking this might be a more troublesome friendship than he expected. Emilia smiled wryly while being hugged from behind by Philore and said—

"Now, now, calm down. Sorry, my friend is..."

"What? What kind of power move am I being subjected to right now? Emilia-tan, what am I to you!?"

"Eh, Subaru is my knight, right?"

"Right! Phew, that was close. My self-esteem is satisfied."

The rift that might have formed between the silver-haired half-elf and the 'Holy Dragon Church' didn't happen, but instead, a crack was starting to form between Emilia’s number one knight and her friend. —It was at the brink of becoming something even larger.

"—Philore, did you kick Lucian and the others out? You were supposed to be watched as proof of your reflection, right?"

Suddenly, the door to the drawing-room was pushed open, and a young man appeared. A handsome man with a slender face, wearing a wide-brimmed black hat and deep purple attire—he noticed Philore and Subaru’s group and blinked his yellow eyes in surprise.

"Oh, you had guests. Good grief, those kids didn't even tell me. They’ve abandoned their watch; I’ll have to give them a good scolding later."

"Oh, welcome back, Teega. Look, this is Emilia, my friend. Isn't she great? My friend... hehe, friend, hehehe."

The young man lowered the brim of his hat, hiding his eyes. Philore introduced Emilia, who was still hugging her, to the young man named Teega, her joy overflowing. Since she was a beautiful girl, it was just barely within the acceptable range, but she had the face of someone becoming addicted to friendship. At Philore’s words, the young man called Teega raised an eyebrow at "Emilia?" and looked between her and Subaru’s group.

"I see. I’m happy you made a friend too. But I don't appreciate you giving me that triumphant look. For example... hey, want to be friends?"

"Eh, me?"

"Yeah, I’m Teega Laureon. And you are..."

"Natsuki Subaru. Nice to meet you, my friend."

"—Yeah, nice to meet you, 'My Friend.'"

Subaru didn't hesitate to shake the hand Teega offered as he walked over. Teega responded naturally to the loanword Subaru threw out and even threw in a smooth wink. He also repeated "My Friend, My Friend" to himself a few times, trying to get used to it immediately.

On the other hand, the one who couldn't hide her shock at the lightning-fast friendship between Subaru and Teega was Philore, who had suffered from a long-term friend deficiency. She stared with wide eyes, pointing back and forth between Subaru and Teega.

"A-Aren't you scared? Like, what if you're rejected?"

"Hey, what kind of education do you have here? For someone with such a bold personality, her balance is all wrong if she’s only timid about making friends."

"I have no excuse for that. After all, she was raised as a strictly sheltered girl, so she’s starved for contact with the outside world. We might be in for a long relationship, so please get her used to it gradually. She doesn't bite."

"That was an unnecessary comment! Of course I don't bite! What do you think I am!? I’m Emilia’s friend! And almost a Saint!"

"Is it okay for the treatment of a Saint to be lighter...?"

Rem’s mutter was understandable; the impression of Philore had flipped several times in a short period. Regardless, the fact that Teega, who seemed to be affiliated with the church, had returned meant that some kind of conclusion had been reached in the discussion at the castle Philore had mentioned earlier.

"That’s how it is. Though we still have a lot to discuss among ourselves. I’m sorry, but please take your leave for today."

"Are you serious, My Friend? Keeping secrets between us is so cold."

"You think the condition for being friends is being able to reveal everything? I think friends are people who can show proper consideration at key moments and put in the effort to maintain their relationship, but what do you think?"

"Damn, I was smartly refuted. Beako, say something as a sore loser."

"Unlike you, there are no trivial secrets between Betty and Subaru, I suppose."

"That really was just being a sore loser."

He hadn't seriously considered the definition of a friend, but Teega’s expression had a certain level of persuasiveness, so it was hard to argue back. As such, he had no choice but to go along with Beatrice’s sore-loser comment and prepare to retreat quietly.

"Well, we got something out of this. I didn't know until I met her, but for now, I know Philore doesn't have any intention of throwing the Royal Selection into chaos."

"Yes, Philore is a good girl."

"Did you hear that, Teega? That’s my friend."

"I heard, I heard. Thank you for being friends with our Philore."

He had wondered what he would do if she clung to them forever, but Philore obediently released Emilia, successfully allowing her to be reclaimed. As Emilia returned to Subaru’s side, Teega, who stood next to Philore, took off his hat and gave a graceful bow.

"As a bonus for the thanks, it wouldn't be right to just kick out Philore’s friend and my 'My Friend.' I’ll give you one piece of good news."

"Good news for us? What is it?"

"—I heard that the sleeping Duchess Karsten has woken up."

"—! Crusch-san?"

Naturally, Subaru leaned forward as he asked, and Teega nodded with plenty of style. He felt like he had reacted exactly as the other person intended, which was a bit annoying. But he didn't mind. Crusch waking up was undoubtedly good news.

"Emilia-tan, after this..."

"Yes, of course. Let’s go visit her. I want to talk to Crusch-san too."

"Then I’ll go with Emilia and the others—"

"Philore stays here. You wait for me and Sakura and the others to return."

Philore, who tried to join them, was grabbed by the shoulder by Teega. she glared resentfully at Teega’s hand on her shoulder.

"...Isn't that strange? I mean, it’s about Duchess Karsten, right? I have an obligation to see the results of the Sacred Arts. Yes, an obligation. How about it?"

"If that’s the case, it only makes sense to fulfill your duties as the wielder of the Sacred Arts as well. Of course, we’ll go check on Duchess Karsten’s condition. Later, as members of the church."

"E-Emilia..."

"It’s okay, Philore. I’ll make sure to visit her for you too."

"It didn't get through!? Even though we're friends!?"

She had overestimated the power of friendship. In any case, he felt bad for Philore, but Subaru’s desire to confirm Crusch’s safety was very strong. He wanted to leave right away.

"Let’s talk again another time. I’m glad we could talk today. See ya."

"That was so perfunctory! I don't think that’s— mgh-mgh!"

"Leave this to me and you guys go on ahead!"

Teega, who took on the role of the villain by pinning down the still-lingering Philore, saw them off with incredibly reliable words. So, while feeling a bit bad, Subaru and the others escaped the church.

"Ah, you're leaving already?" "How was big sis? How was she?" "She probably messed up, right? Good grief, she’s no good without us."

As they left the church, they were also seen off by the children who had been playing with Philore. It was a rather harsh evaluation, but also an accurate one. Regardless—

"—Wait for me, Crusch-san. I have a mountain of things I want to talk about."

Unable to contain his racing heart, Subaru’s pace only quickened.

—After seeing off the departing Emilia Camp, Teega released the Philore he had been holding down.

The released Philore staggered and leaned her hands on the table, lingeringly following the traces of the departed Emilia and the others with her eyes before glaring at Teega.

"What’s with that look? Do you have something to say to me?"

"Hatred..."

"Don't just say scary words! It couldn't be helped. It’s a fact that there are things we have to discuss, and that Duchess Karsten woke up."

"Hmph. The socially brilliant Teega Laureon-san wouldn't understand."

Sulking, she turned her face away, and then Philore picked up her untouched cup of tea from the table and took a sip. With the whirlwind of developments and the flow of the conversation, she literally hadn't had a moment to drink her tea. Teega watched Philore’s profile, narrowing his yellow eyes—

"Even so, of all people, to be Emilia-sama."

"...What is it? Don't tell me you're going to say something about the silver-haired half-elf too."

"There’s that. But that’s not all. —Philore, the insignia?"

Asked by Teega, Philore looked a bit sheepish before taking an insignia from her pocket. When she opened her palm, the crimson Dragon Jewel emitted a dazzling light. Looking at it—no, looking at that light and the Philore who made it shine, he muttered. That was—

"—It’s going to get busy from here on. After all, we're starting a year and a half late."