Arc 10, Part 12: "Groan"

—That day, the sky had been clear since morning, as if blessing the triumphant future to come.

"Thinking like that... is it a bit too much 'walking on air'?"

"Betty doesn't think so, in fact. If Philore’s Sacrament truly displays the effects we expect, then Subaru’s high spirits are just a celebration in advance, I suppose."

"If I’m celebrating on my own, it definitely feels like I’m getting ahead of myself."

In response to the support from Beatrice, who walked beside him holding his hand, Subaru scratched his cheek with his free hand. Given the circumstances, he wanted to defend his upbeat mood as unavoidable, but considering his own low contribution to the matter, the feeling that he was being too frolicsome was undeniable.

In truth, Subaru wouldn't be of much use in the immediate plans—heading to the Watergate City of Pristella to witness the salvation of the Witch Cult’s victims through the Sacrament of the 'Church of the Holy Dragon.' As the knight of Emilia, one of the key contributors, and above all, as one who knew the fierce struggle in that city, he simply wanted to be present at the moment the hideous scars left by that battle were healed.

"That’s why I asked Reinhard, who’s been working hard lately, to let me join the expedition group he’s taking to Pristella."

"Naturally, Betty is coming along too, I suppose. Along with Emilia, who will thaw the frozen residents, and Garfiel and Otto, who have lingering attachments to that city."

"Garfiel said the father of a family he’s close with was a victim of 'Lust,' and Otto... is going to retrieve a book he left with a restoration artist, right?"

"So it seems, I suppose. ...Honestly, he’s a man who never misses an opportunity."

Subaru considered Beatrice’s complicated feelings as she muttered this, puffing out her cheeks. The book Otto had left with a restorer in Pristella was the 'Book of Wisdom'—specifically, the one Roswaal had inherited, said to be left by the 'Witch of Greed,' Echidna. Otto’s obsession in bringing it back even when it was little more than cinders was one thing, but the skill of a restorer who claimed they could fix it was almost unbelievable.

However, for Beatrice, who had seen her own 'Book of Wisdom' burn to nothing, this was a situation that was difficult to put into words.

"Don't worry, Subaru."

"Beatrice..."

"As for Betty’s future guide, I have Subaru now, I suppose. I’m quite put off by Otto’s stinginess in trying to reuse even burnt scraps. But if that can wipe the smirk off Roswaal’s face, it’s not a bad feeling, I suppose."

"...I see."

Finding Beatrice so endearing as she puffed out her chest powerfully despite his concerns, Subaru stroked his cute contracted spirit’s head to his heart's content.

As mentioned, the group heading to Pristella via the 'Reinhard Express' happened to be the same members who had gone there before. If possible, Subaru wanted the entire camp to move together, but he couldn't force Ram, who was currently down with exhaustion.

Joining them from other camps were Reinhard, tasked with transporting the dragon carriage, and Felt, who was apparently acting as his supervisor. —And then there was the star of this expedition and the key person, Philore, along with her overseer, Sakura.

"Honestly, with how much is on our plates right now, I can't help but feel that putting Felt and Philore together in one carriage is a 'danger: do not mix' situation."

"But from what Betty heard, the two of them have already met, I suppose."

"Yeah, on the day Philore first showed her face at the castle to treat Crusch-san. They ran into each other that same day... and apparently, it was Felt who handed Philore an insignia to see if she had the qualities of a Royal Selection candidate."

"She’s a girl who knows no fear, I suppose. Normally, one would hesitate, thinking their own position might be jeopardized."

"She probably never relied on her lineage to begin with. That kind of decisiveness makes her look cool."

Felt’s clean way of living possessed a charisma that attracted many. In fact, those who wished to see Felt on the throne were charmed by her words, actions, and way of being, following her because they saw an ideal in her small back. If that was the result of the untainted brilliance of Felt’s soul, then the current situation was nothing more than an unnecessary complication.

"Felt and Philore... one is the real princess, and the other is a fake, huh."

"The whole story is strange to begin with, I suppose. Regardless of which one is real, if someone intended to use that possibility, it’s a waste of a treasure not to be more aggressive about it. Making many believe and many doubt—that should be its best use, I suppose."

The more he thought about it, the more the 'surviving princess' theory felt forced in its execution. As Beatrice said, far from utilizing such a powerful advantage, it could even be said that a negative image had been attached to Felt and Philore: if one is real, the other is certainly a fake.

If that was the case, the first thing that bothered him was—

"—In the end, what was the Church thinking by hiding Philore’s existence?"

According to Philore, she was picked up fifteen years ago after being abandoned in front of the church and was raised in the 'Church of the Holy Dragon' orphanage as a foundling. There, she was educated as a sheltered lady, resulting in the birth of an ignorant monster of proactive energy.

Setting aside how that energy had created today’s chaos, the 'Church of the Holy Dragon' must have known her physical characteristics, her age, and even her name. It was absolutely, positively impossible that they hadn't linked her to the Lugunica Royal Family.

Furthermore, if the Sacrament Philore wielded had the power to counter the Authorities of the Archbishops of 'Lust' and 'Gluttony,' shouldn't it have been effective against the disease that struck the Royal Family? If so, why were the Lugunica royals left to die by the 'Church of the Holy Dragon'?

"At the very least, if that mystery isn't cleared up, no one will be satisfied."

Coincidentally, now that the start of the Royal Selection was known throughout the kingdom, people all over Lugunica were watching to see who would sit on the throne of this era. For better or worse, people would not overlook or forget the conspicuous actions of the candidates.

That’s why he desperately wanted to know what the 'Church of the Holy Dragon' was thinking. For that purpose—

"—Microtof-san’s invitation was a godsend."

"It was, I suppose."

Beside Beatrice, who nodded briefly, Subaru recalled the recent incident—the time he spent with Emilia in the castle’s conference room, interacting with Microtof while accompanying Philore as she accepted the request to participate in the Royal Selection.

It was a scene that had become chaotic due to Philore’s bombshell statement regarding her choice of knight, ending in a frantic conclusion, but Subaru had gained something from it. That was the promise from Microtof—a key figure of the 'Sage Council' and likely one of the most knowledgeable people in the Kingdom of Lugunica—to take the time to speak with Subaru.

While Philore’s noisy theater continued, Subaru had asked Microtof if they could talk, not expecting much, but Microtof had nodded readily.

"Hmm. In that case, I shall clear my schedule for you, Master Natsuki. Coincidentally, I also had matters I wished to discuss with you privately."

"I’m incredibly grateful, but... matters to discuss with me?"

"Yes. Things I wish to confirm, things I wish to tell you, and things I wish to consult you on... My apologies, but I would be honored if you could keep an old man company for a long talk."

Saying so with a grandfatherly smile, Microtof told Subaru the location of his residence and arranged a time for their private meeting.

That date was today, just before they were scheduled to depart for Pristella after the Hour of Fire. Before that major event, Subaru was heading toward the promised address as planned—not alone, but with Beatrice, his inseparable partner, whom he had cleared with Microtof beforehand.

"A talk from Microtof-san... I can understand wanting to ask and tell things, but 'consulting' sounds a bit scary. Still, I have a mountain of questions myself. Ideally, I’d like him to show me the actual Dragon Ledger somewhere."

"The Dragon Ledger is said to be strictly managed, just like the 'Dragon’s Blood,' I suppose. But if Betty sees it, she should be able to form a hypothesis about what its function is close to, I suppose."

"It’s not that I think the Dragon Ledger itself is suspicious, but it’s weird how they overlooked the total annihilation of the Royal Family, yet the descriptions for the Royal Selection follow-up are so detailed."

He couldn't help but speculate that there was some kind of malice or intent behind it. He didn't want to think that even the deaths of the Royal Family had been orchestrated by something, but...

"————"

In the mausoleum, he had seen the stone coffins of the Lugunica royals who had actually lost their lives with his own eyes. Considering the impact the deaths of the beloved royals—especially the Fourth Prince—had on Crusch and Ferris, Subaru could never forgive anyone if their will had intervened there.

Just as Subaru tightened his grip on the hand not holding Beatrice’s—

"—You’re thinking about some pretty dangerous things again, my friend."

Suddenly, at the light-hearted voice from the side, Subaru snapped his head around. There, at the top of a T-junction where the streets crossed, he spotted a stylish young man waving his hand.

At that familiar greeting, Subaru’s face broke into a grin.

"My friend? You’re being awfully friendly all of a sudden..."

"Hey, hey, hey, you’re the one who called me that first! Don't pull the rug out from under me!"

"Just kidding. Good to see you again, Tiga."

The young man—Tiga—glared at Subaru with narrowed eyes as Subaru held out his hand without apology, then shrugged and shook it back. The handshake was exchanged, and the reconfirmation of their friendship was complete, but—

"Lady Beatrice, I hope you are well. It is an honor to meet you again."

"Betty is doing fine, I suppose. ...But why are you here?"

"I could say the exact same thing to you. I wasn't trying to be sneaky, but this was supposed to be a secret summons."

"A secret one... wait, you too, by Microtof-san?"

"—Which means, you guys as well?"

Subaru and Tiga pointed at each other with wide eyes. Beatrice, standing between them, stood on her tiptoes and pushed their pointing arms down. Perhaps helped by that cute gesture, Tiga let out a soft breath.

"Man, I was worried I was being followed. I didn't think anyone would tail me with a kid in tow... no, let’s stop there."

"What? Don't stop halfway. I won't get mad, so say it."

"Really? Then I’ll say it. I thought that if it’s the famous 'Spirit-Girl User' Natsuki Subaru, tailing someone with a kid might be a piece of cake..."

"You bastard, who are you calling a 'Spirit-Girl User'!"

"I only said it because you said you wouldn't get mad!"

At the sudden reappearance of that dishonorable nickname, an indignant Subaru tried to grab him. However, Tiga vividly dodged Subaru’s hands and quickly hid behind Beatrice. At that refreshing display of stubbornness, Beatrice shrugged at Subaru.

"We won't get anywhere at this rate, so let’s call a truce here, I suppose. Subaru needs to be the adult."

"Tch, fine. Since I’m an adult, I won't nag you for acting like a child. Because I’m an adult."

"I don't think adults usually boast about being adults that much, honestly."

Straightening his body, Tiga adjusted his hat and gestured with his chin toward the direction of their common destination at the intersection.

"Our destination is the same. The specified time is probably the same too. Let’s go together."

"I don't mind, but if that’s the case, he didn't need to specify just me. Emilia-tan or Rem could have come too."

"Setting Rem-san aside, Lady Emilia is your master, right? Are you going to drag her along for your own business?"

"I’m not dragging her along; I just don't want to be apart from her for even a moment."

"That’s—"

Banter for banter. Subaru threw it out intending to strike back, but Tiga shut his mouth as if at a loss for words, his eyes wandering for a moment. At that reaction, Subaru exchanged a look with Beatrice and tilted his head.

"What’s wrong? Did my 'Big Love' for Emilia-tan and the others scare you?"

"It’s not that I’m scared of your 'Big Love' or whatever. It’s just... Subaru’s heavy affection struck a chord in my heart that I don't quite understand myself... I guess."

"—I appreciate the sentiment, but I already have a lot of people I’ve dedicated my heart to..."

"You act devoted, but that’s the statement of a total scumbag!?"

Feeling the rhythm return, Subaru laughed at Tiga’s sharp retort. He had thought they were on the same wavelength from the start; 'My Friend' wasn't just for show. Tiga also laughed, caught up by Subaru, forgetting the brief moment of oddness.

"Both of you, that’s enough frolicking, I suppose. I can see it."

Before they knew it, Beatrice, who had been walking slightly ahead of them, was standing at the corner of the street beckoning them. With long strides and a quick pace, Subaru and Tiga hurried without quite running, lining up beside Beatrice almost simultaneously.

Then, at the edge of the noble district, they found a large mansion that matched the specified address and the roof color they had been told. They deduced that this must be Microtof’s residence.

"Tiga, what did you have to talk to Microtof-san about?"

"A consultation about something I’m looking for, I guess. What about you guys?"

"Me and Beako are pursuing historical romance. I wanted to ask about various dark parts of the kingdom, and I wanted to see the Dragon Ledger just once."

"I see. So that connects to the dangerous talk from earlier. Just a word of advice from an old friend, but you shouldn't go around saying things about doing something to the Dragon Ledger on the street—"

He was probably going to continue with "it’s for the best," but Tiga’s words cut off there. When Subaru and the others turned to see what was wrong, Tiga had stopped in his tracks on the way to the front gate of Microtof’s mansion, staring at the stone wall surrounding the estate.

He muttered, a clear sense of vigilance appearing on his handsome, refined face.

It was—

"—This is bad. I smell blood."

With Beatrice in his left hand and the Guilty Whip in his right—firmly familiarizing his hands with his two reliables, Subaru held his breath as they moved through the blood-scented mansion.

"—Subaru, don't move away. We’ll cover each other’s blind spots."

The one speaking in a hushed voice was Tiga, who was guarding the front. Walking with his body low and footsteps silenced, Tiga held a sword that had been drawn smoothly and soundlessly—a silver crescent with a deep, sharp curve, a shamshir. From the atmosphere of his stance, it was clear he possessed the skill to wield that curved blade freely; Subaru had the misplaced thought that Philore really had no eye for knights.

"————"

Beatrice’s tension was transmitted through their joined hands, and Subaru’s tension was transmitted to Beatrice. Fortunately, thanks to Beatrice being far calmer than Subaru, they avoided falling into a negative spiral where their tensions amplified each other—a self-inflicted 'Wrath' Authority.

—Microtof’s mansion had turned into a scene of carnage that one would want to look away from.

They had entered the mansion from the rear and had already discovered more than ten people involved, but all of them were already dead, slaughtered corpses, each cut down with a single stroke. Whether to call a blow that didn't cause suffering 'mercy,' or to describe an overwhelming force that didn't allow them to show their strength as 'relentless,' he couldn't think of the final words to decorate the deceased.

He simply felt the raw, fresh breath of death nearby, making his heart hammer as if it would burst.

"————"

The situation had already exceeded Subaru’s capacity. He was certain that the better judgment would be to leave the mansion immediately and seek help and reinforcements. But at the same time, there was a definite possibility that by moving in now, they might save a life.

Because—

"All of them were killed just now."

"...I agree, I suppose. If only at least one person were still breathing, I suppose..."

They found another corpse fallen right beneath a slash mark carved into the hallway wall. The large strike had been delivered as if to cleave the person diagonally along with the wall behind them. The blood of the regretful corpse, cut from shoulder to hip, had not yet dried, and the warm, raw smell had the distinct scent of death unique to those who were living beings until moments ago—a mix of vitality and demise.

"It pisses me off that my experience in the Empire is useful at a time like this..."

The most gruesome, hellish sight in Natsuki Subaru’s life—it was distressingly the carnage of Gladiator Island, where many acquaintances had formed a mountain of corpses. The disaster brought by the hateful Todd Fang had scorched Subaru’s world with countless deaths.

He had seen many deaths there. That’s why he could tell. He knew roughly when a living person had become a corpse and how much they had suffered before they stopped breathing.

"They didn't suffer."

In the mansion, this made thirteen corpses they had found, but none had been made to suffer. However, whether that was the result of mercy or simply the result of a brilliant technique, he couldn't distinguish. The fact that they hadn't died in pain was probably only a consolation for their own hearts as they confirmed it. 'Arrogance'—even at a time like this, Ferris’s insults flickered through his mind.

Why was that? Perhaps it was because he thought that Ferris, who said he hated death more than anything in the world, would be able to understand the helplessness Subaru felt now in the face of this tragedy.

"Damn it."

Having seen more deaths than he could count, yet still carrying a sense of nausea and loss he could never get used to, Subaru closed the eyes of the dead and moved forward.

The reason he didn't back down was that within this tragedy that had only just begun, there was still a possibility that someone survived. He didn't want to let the possibility of that life be extinguished by backing away.

And—

"—Microtof-san is a person this country still needs."

It wasn't that Subaru had exchanged many words with Microtof. He didn't even have good memories of the 'Sage Council,' the pinnacle of the kingdom’s wise men. However, within the few points of contact and the memories smeared with negative thoughts he didn't want to recall, there was something Subaru definitely remembered.

'At the very least, he showed that you are not the kind of half-elf the world fears. —You have a good servant.'

Those were the words said when Subaru had made a fool of himself through his own selfish rampage, when he had no allies left and was being driven out of the throne room.

Until this very moment, he hadn't remembered it. —But on that day, in that place, there was someone who had looked at Subaru’s actions with eyes different from the others. He hadn't noticed. But so what? Regardless, Subaru was grateful.

Subaru would return this gold, which surpassed the feeling of being saved, to Microtof.

"—Subaru, Lady Beatrice."

Subaru had steeled his resolve and used it as the driving force not to run. Tiga, who had reached the large doors, called out to him and the Beatrice beside him. They couldn't say they had seen every corner of the mansion, but they had finished checking the major rooms. Given the structure of the mansion, the room that would serve as a refuge in an emergency was exactly the one before them. Therefore, the possibility of the master of the house being there was highest in this room—

"—!"

Not with a shout, but immediately after a nod, they burst through the doors with Tiga in the lead.

Upon entering, the first thing that jumped into their eyes was a large, large national flag of the Lugunica Kingdom hanging as if to cover the white wall of the simple room—depicting two dragons facing each other with a single sword in the center. It, too, had been slashed diagonally, with one side fallen to the floor.

—And, wrapped in the flag hanging on the floor, they saw a person who must have received the same slash, collapsed against the wall in a pool of blood.

"—Ah."

Unintentionally, a groan leaked from the back of his throat.

The person leaning against the wall—their downward-facing face couldn't be seen clearly. But he knew exactly who it was. His characteristic long white beard, which couldn't be mistaken for anyone else’s, was soaked in the massive amount of blood that had flowed out, dyed a deep red.

"————"

It was the already motionless Microtof MacMahon—the too-sudden, merciless end of the Great Sage who had long supported the Lugunica Kingdom.

But, however, even that death, even that end, was not the reason for Subaru’s groan. The reason Subaru groaned was not the victim, Microtof. —It was the perpetrator.

In the center of the room, facing the diagonally slashed national flag and the corpse of Microtof wrapped in it, stood the figure of the perpetrator with her back turned to them.

Long, beautiful, glossy green hair swayed against a slender back. The feminine curves of her body could not be hidden by her dark blue attire, painting a transgressive aesthetic onto the scene of carnage. And the long, sharp straight sword held in her hand did not have a single drop of blood on it. —Naturally. Because her sword strikes did not cut the opponent with steel, but with wind.

"————"

As Subaru and the others stood there in shock, she slowly turned around. An eye-patch covered one of her eyes, and her remaining amber pupil reflected them—the beautiful woman in men’s clothing—

"—Ah, Natsuki Subaru, is it? —Are you, I wonder, the 'real one' I know?"

—In the carnage permeated by blood and death, at that question from Crusch Karsten, only a pathetic groan could leak from Natsuki Subaru’s throat.