Arc 10, Part 17: "Become Ashes"

—It was not good.

Accompanying Emilia to the Royal Castle, Ram summarized the current situation with that single thought.

First, Ram’s physical condition was not good. As far as she could tell, this was the absolute worst she had felt in over a year. Her body was rarely in peak condition to begin with, but she usually maintained her performance by keeping her willpower taut, forcibly stabilizing her baseline state. That thread had slackened at the worst possible moment—now.

"Returning to the mansion once seems to have been a mistake."

After their reunion in the Empire, she had been impatient for results, wanting to bring the awakened Rem back to the mansion as soon as possible, hoping it would serve as a clue to return her "memories." Thanks to that, she had been able to see the long-awaited sight of Rem wearing the maid uniform of the Roswaal Manor, but Ram’s own tension had unraveled. The result was this pathetic state.

In a situation where the camp needed to stand as one to clear the ridiculous suspicions cast upon Subaru, she was forced to expose herself in a state far from perfect.

"————"

Walking quietly down the long corridor, Ram observed the castle guards they passed. Much like the soldiers who had come to fetch Emilia from the Royal Villa, their eyes and bodies were filled with a tension born of a sense of duty. They offered silent salutes before letting Ram and the others pass, watching their backs. However, a moment after they moved through, she could feel the air change as the corridor doors were closed behind them. The meaning of closing doors that were usually left open by custom was clear.

—It was not good.

The closing of the corridor doors, the soldiers' atmosphere being tighter than usual, and above all, being personally escorted by the Knight Commander—all of it indicated extreme caution. This meant that, in the minds of the opposing party, their impression of her side had already tilted heavily toward the negative. This was the second "not good" circumstance, separate from Ram’s health.

"…I feel like we’re being very politely imprisoned."

"—. I’m surprised. Even you have the sensibility to feel that, Emilia-sama."

Emilia, walking beside her, suddenly slowed her pace and whispered. Ram raised an eyebrow slightly at the comment, which sensitively grasped the atmosphere of the castle. Receiving that, Emilia lowered the corners of her shapely eyebrows and said, "I suppose so."

"The air feels prickly, or something like that. Back when I lived in the forest with Puck, whenever I went to the nearby village, everyone acted like this… maybe we’re being very, very feared."

"Indeed. It seems Barusu has done something very significant."

"…I wonder if Subaru and Beatrice are okay. It sounds like Crusch-san is with them, too."

Emilia spoke with her amethyst eyes wavering slightly, and Ram remained silent. To be honest, the tide was against them. Based on the information they had been given, Miklotov McMahon, a member of the Council of Sages, had been murdered. Crusch Karsten was the perpetrator, and Subaru and Beatrice were being pursued as accomplices. Because she had been bedridden due to her poor health, Ram only knew the gist of the trouble surrounding Crusch and the "Dragon Church." However, it was a plausible scenario: Crusch, driven into a corner as a Royal Selection candidate, had committed a desperate act of violence, and Subaru, present at the scene, had shielded her out of sentiment.

"Even with Beatrice-sama accompanying him… no, that person is too soft on Barusu, so she’s no help. Barusu lacks self-restraint. He should only be thinking about Rem and… Emilia-sama."

As an older sister, her feelings were complicated, but she had to admit that Subaru cherished Rem, and that had often been a saving grace. Even Rem, who hadn't regained her memories, said various things, but it was obvious she held special feelings for Subaru in her heart. That was exactly why Subaru needed to tighten his own reins and be clear about who he was being kind to. This "being nice to everyone" was exactly what had backfired now.

"Ram, are you perhaps angry?"

"…I have long thought Barusu’s wandering eye was beyond saving. However, that is a separate matter from the suspicions currently being cast."

"Yes, you’re right. We have to talk properly and make them understand Subaru. So that no matter what they ask us after this, we’ll be ready."

"For now, Emilia-sama, please prepare about ten good things about Barusu."

"Eh, ten? I can only say ten? I wonder if I can narrow it down to just ten…"

Ram was impressed that Emilia, who was anxious for a different reason, could list ten good things about Subaru. Aside from his timing, what else was there to praise? At any rate—

"—This is the critical moment."

Looking back, she felt like they were always facing critical moments, but putting aside such useless sentiments, Ram looked forward alongside Emilia. There, Marcos had stopped and pushed open the door at the end of the hall, gesturing for them to enter. Following him through the door, several gazes within the room and a heavy, solemn atmosphere greeted them, and she could feel the silent tension heighten.

The room Ram and Emilia were led to was not the Great Hall, but the Council Chamber used by the castle's high-ranking officials for discussions.

It was the same room where Emilia had previously stood with Philore to declare her intention to participate in the Royal Selection and appoint her knight. They were revisiting the place after only a few days, but the treatment was entirely different; the surrounding attitude was as if they were witnessing the escort of criminals.

"————"

Looking at the room they were shown into, Ram first checked the placement of the soldiers. Two at the left and right of the door, four along the walls, and a semi-circular ebony table in the center of the room. She could see multiple figures standing behind it as if on standby. None of them had drawn their swords, nor were their hands on their hilts. Even so, it was clear that this place had been prepared from the start with a "just in case" scenario in mind.

"A very polite invitation."

It took the form of etiquette, but this was by no means a welcome. Capping the situation with a high-quality box, an upper-class way of cornering someone by elegantly cutting off their escape. As if to prove it, the sound of the door Marcos closed behind them doubled. The meaning of the two doors separating the room from the corridor was to ensure that the conversation held inside would not leak out. However, at this moment, Ram felt that it held a stronger physical meaning of isolation, beyond just preventing the discussion in this Council Chamber from being heard.

"—Emilia!"

As Ram appraised the atmosphere of the room, a voice suddenly rang out from a person sitting at the edge of the circular table—a woman in nun’s habit characterized by long golden hair and red eyes. She kicked her chair back noisily and, heedless of the surrounding gazes, leaped over the table and dove straight into the chest of Emilia, who stood at the entrance. Emilia caught the momentum head-on, blinking her eyes.

"Philore, you were here too."

"Of course! It’s about Emilia and her knight, Subaru. If something happened, I thought I had to be of help, so I rushed here as fast as I could!"

"Philore…"

"It’s okay! I’m with you! I mean, I don’t really understand what’s going on, but there’s no way Emilia is in the wrong! No matter what happens, I’m on your side!"

The woman in the nun’s habit clinging to Emilia—being called Philore, Ram recognized her as the new Royal Selection candidate who had played a part in the recent turmoil in the Royal Capital. She had heard from Rem that Philore had become friends with Emilia, but she was remarkably attached. With her red eyes tearing up and acting emotionally to the point of almost having a runny nose, she simultaneously exuded genuine worry for Emilia and an aura of uncertainty about how much she could be relied upon in this situation.

In fact, Philore’s attitude was not welcomed by the people in the Council Chamber—the members of the Council of Sages, several high-ranking nobles Ram recognized, and the Royal Guards. Amidst clearing throats and harsh glares, the woman sitting next to the seat Philore had kicked away called out, "Philore-chan?" With a gentle tone and expression, she looked at Philore clinging to Emilia.

"Everyone is getting surprised, you know. You mustn't get so carried away."

"Carried away!? I’m not carried away, I’m regretting it from the bottom of my heart! If I had stayed with Emilia, I could have been by her side through this anxiety from the start! The scriptures say: 'The salvation of one is achieved through the prayers of ten thousand. When the Dragon’s blessings are shared with neighbors, the lonely soul gains healing and becomes true salvation!'"

"Interpretations are free, but delaying the discussion won't leave a good impression, you know? Won't Emilia-chan be the one to lose out for as long as Philore-chan sulks?"

"Ugu-gu-gu… Sakura, you idiot…!"

"Oh my, I’ve been hated, haven't I?"

The woman called Sakura shrugged her shoulders at the teary-eyed Philore’s childlike retort. It was an exchange where the difference in the strength of the "actors" was quite apparent, but Emilia gently stroked the head of the outmaneuvered Philore.

"Mm, thank you, Philore. You’re very reassuring. Please watch over me."

"Emilia… yes. Yes! I will watch over you with my eyes wide open!"

"—Now, Philore-sama, please return to your seat."

At Emilia’s words, Philore, who had scrubbed her teary eyes, nodded repeatedly. Then, Marcos, seeing his chance to intervene, urged her to sit. Following the instruction, Philore reluctantly pulled away from Emilia, hurriedly righted the chair she had kicked over, and sat down, turning her face away from Sakura with a huff. After that scene—

"Emilia-sama, please proceed to the center seat. The attendant will—"

"Ram will stand behind Emilia-sama."

"————"

"Is there a problem?"

"No, there is no problem. Then, please, over there."

As a small act of resistance, she refused only to be separated from Emilia and stood behind her as she was made to sit in the central witness chair. For a moment, she exchanged a glance with Emilia, responding to the amethyst eyes filled with anxiety and gratitude with a small nod.

"Emilia-sama, we thank you for taking the trouble to come here."

The one who spoke with such gravity was a bald old man with a particularly striking presence among those seated at the semi-circular table—Bordeaux Zellgef. One of the seven members of the Council of Sages, a hero of the Kingdom who had personally wielded a halberd in the Demi-human War. Known for his hardline stance against demi-humans due to that experience, his compatibility with Emilia was arguably the worst.

The opening he made, while showing verbal respect to Emilia, was likely a manifestation of an entirely different internal reality. However, putting aside such circumstances, Emilia first noticed that the seat to Bordeaux’s right was vacant, rather than looking at him.

"That’s where Miklotov-san usually sits, isn't it?"

"————"

"Is it true about Miklotov-san?"

"It is a confirmed fact, without error. For the Kingdom, it is an incomparable blow. One could say there has been no such calamity since the members of the Royal Family passed away."

Bordeaux answered in a slow, raspy, low voice, shaking his head. Indeed, considering the role Miklotov had played in the Lugunica Kingdom until now, every citizen of the Kingdom would have to nod at Bordeaux’s answer. However, Emilia’s reaction to that answer was different. She narrowed her eyes, framed by long lashes.

"…Is that all?"

"—. What do you mean by that?"

"I think it’s a terrible thing for the Kingdom, of course. But, Bordeaux-san and the others were friends with Miklotov-san for a long time, weren't you? Then…"

"Do you believe we should be struck by grief and shed tears? However, if it were the Miklotov-dono we knew, he would not wish for such a thing. He was not a man who would allow his own death to rot the Kingdom’s brain and let its limbs slowly necrotize."

"————"

"Our way of mourning a comrade is different from yours. That is all."

"…I see. I’m sorry. It must be very, very hard for you too, Bordeaux-san."

Emilia let out a quiet sigh at the blunt answer. The difference in how grief is expressed—Emilia backed down after being told that, but Ram, watching from a step back, held a different impression than the kind-hearted Emilia.

Certainly, it was a plausible argument. If one were to inherit the feelings of a sage who always worried about the Kingdom’s future, there was no time to stand still. However, Ram doubted whether there was truly no room for mourning at all. At the very least, as things piled up, her suspicion toward this situation only grew.

"Once again, the reason we called Emilia-sama here—we would like to begin the inquiry regarding the suspicions that have arisen concerning the knight Natsuki Subaru."

"Subaru’s suspicions, those are…"

"Yes. —The suspicion that the knight Natsuki Subaru is a member of the Witch Cult, and moreover, holds a significant role akin to a Sin Archbishop."

Ram frowned at the re-presentation of the suspicion delivered by Bordeaux’s low but clear voice. Ram personally thought it was a ridiculous doubt, and as a camp, they had no choice but to deny it, but the origin of the suspicion was unknown to begin with. To be honest, Subaru had a history of shielding Spica, who was originally the Sin Archbishop of "Gluttony," so he had plenty of skeletons in his closet if they were to dig. However, the Empire should have thoroughly suppressed that information. Since they needed Spica’s Authority, the Empire wouldn't want her identity to spread either. Therefore, it shouldn't lead to suspicions about Subaru.

"I can answer that clearly. Subaru is not part of the Witch Cult. Subaru is my number one knight and an irreplaceable ally."

"That’s right, that’s right! The bond between those two is strong! I can clearly— mgh-mgh!"

"Philore-chan? Let’s be quiet for a little bit, shall we?"

Emilia answered the suspicion resolutely, and Philore, who cheered her on, had her mouth covered by Sakura next to her, but the result brought by both was the same—the air remained unmoved. Not only Philore’s defense, which was close to heckling, but even toward Emilia, who clearly denied the suspicion against Subaru, the cold heat in their gazes did not change. Emilia, the party involved, must have felt it too. Before the other side could speak again, she cut in with, "Can I say something?"

"In the first place, I want to hear why Subaru is being suspected of being in the Witch Cult. I talked to Marcos-san at the Royal Villa, but Bordeaux-san and the others should know about Subaru’s achievements so far. Even Regulus, thanks to Subaru…"

"The subjugation of multiple Sin Archbishops, and the 'White Whale' and 'Great Rabbit' of the Three Great Demon Beasts, is it? Regarding the 'Great Rabbit,' it remains unconfirmed, but the others are facts with third-party testimony."

"Right? And yet—"

"—However, those achievements themselves are the focus of the suspicion."

"————"

The focus of the suspicion—Emilia gasped at the spark of doubt placed at the center of the topic. If one were to call it an outrageous argument, it was. To be told that the very achievements Subaru had made against the Witch Cult were suspicious was unbearable.

"In other words, are you saying Barusu’s work is too convenient?"

"I apologize, but the attendant has no right to speak. Please refrain from talking."

"I overstepped my bounds. It’s just that I couldn't believe my ears."

The glare she received for the extra comment was harsh, but it was Ram’s honest feeling. That said, the opposing side also knew that the theory was an accusation—at least, as it stood, it was nothing more than mere speculation. However, since they were forcing this inquiry on Emilia, they must have a basis beyond just this. And that was—

"Ram is sorry. But what do you mean, Subaru’s hard work is suspicious?"

"It is the suspicion that everything may have been intentional. That the subjugation of multiple Sin Archbishops and the Three Great Demon Beasts were all part of a conspiracy to infiltrate deep into the Kingdom."

"That’s…!"

"An outrageous argument, is that what you say? However, against the Witch Cult, which has made various nations suffer time and again, too many results have been achieved in a mere year and a half. The same goes for the Three Great Demon Beasts. It is as if the opportunities for the knight Natsuki Subaru to distinguish himself were created by design."

Bordeaux piled on the words toward the speechless Emilia. As if riding Bordeaux’s momentum, those filling the seats of the semi-circular table nodded one after another.

"To achieve the subjugation of the 'White Whale,' which even the Great Subjugation failed to do, and then immediately after to strike down that Sin Archbishop of 'Sloth'… one who was even considered a calamity; it is too perfect." "According to the testimony of those involved at the time, the knight Natsuki Subaru predicted the date and time of the 'White Whale’s' appearance, and furthermore, anticipated and prevented every one of the Witch Cult’s schemes." "I also hear he completely shut down that Sin Archbishop with almost no human casualties. Considering the damage caused by the Witch Cult’s incidents until now, it is simply unbelievable." "But even for the Witch Cult, would they cut off someone in an important position?" "There are also stories that the Witch Cult, especially the Sin Archbishops, hate each other. There is a possibility that internal conflict within the Witch Cult was utilized for this occasion—"

"—Wait!"

"————"

Emilia’s voice forcibly cut into the turbulent wave of doubt that had begun to overflow. The various arguments were likely things the other side had been waiting for the right moment to say, but none of them were decisive enough to be a final blow, lacking the power to make the seeds of doubt truly sprout. Emilia knew that too. That was why, even while being tossed by the rough waves, the trust she held in her knight in her eyes did not waver in the slightest.

"None of what you just said seems like anything more than you seeing it that way because you already decided Subaru was suspicious. Certainly, Subaru has very good intuition and always finds the best way, and thanks to that, we’ve managed against the Witch Cult, but…"

"That might be counterproductive…"

"But! Don't just look at my knight in terms of the Witch Cult or the Three Great Demon Beasts! Even at the Pleiades Watchtower, even in Vollachia… no, that’s not it. Even earlier, when I was in danger in this Royal Capital for the first time, Subaru saved me. Unrelated to the Witch Cult!"

"Emilia-sama…"

Ram stared slightly at Emilia, who was pleading desperately with flushed cheeks. Emilia’s rebuttal, while certainly lacking in sophistication in its delivery, directly confronted the suspicions Bordeaux and the others had directed at her. Even Ram acknowledged Subaru’s good timing as his only merit, but the situations where it was displayed were not limited to those related to the Witch Cult. In a sense, Subaru always had good timing. That suspiciousness was not equal to the suspicion of being a cultist. Therefore—

"—We understand what Emilia-sama is saying. We also have no intention of tarnishing the honor of the knight Natsuki Subaru with such mere accusations."

"…Really? Then, that’s good. Then—"

"—However, your knight is under heavy suspicion of being the successor to the Sin Archbishop of 'Sloth.' What do you have to say about this?"

Ram gritted her teeth, realizing that everything up to this point had been nothing more than a preliminary skirmish.

—The successor to the Sin Archbishop of "Sloth." That was the main suspicion against Natsuki Subaru.

At that question from outside her expectations, Emilia’s amethyst eyes wavered greatly. Meanwhile, Ram, hearing it behind her, deepened the look of confusion in her pale red eyes.

"I heard Barusu and Otto killed the Sin Archbishop of 'Sloth.'"

If she voiced her understanding, she felt like Otto would say, "I’d like to have a word about that!" but she had no ear to lend to the straight-man who wasn't here. However, although she wasn't directly involved, Ram was in a position where she had been indirectly involved in the battle against the Sin Archbishop of "Sloth." There was no doubt that the death of that person, who was the most famous Sin Archbishop in the world, had been the beginning of the Emilia camp’s connection with the Witch Cult. But, the reason Subaru was suspected of a connection with that Sin Archbishop of "Sloth" was—

"Is that also because Barusu was conveniently active in the subjugation of 'Sloth'?"

"The right to speak—"

"No, it’s fine. That is part of it. However, the biggest focus lies in a certain testimony."

"Testimony?"

Marcos tried to reprimand Ram for prompting the conversation in place of the stunned Emilia, but Bordeaux stopped him with a hand and revealed the rest. The biggest focus of the suspicion against Subaru was—

"—The testimony of the captured Sin Archbishop of 'Wrath.'"

"—! Sirius’s."

"That Sin Archbishop is currently held captive in the Prison Tower. She has not responded properly to our interrogations, but it seems she mentioned it several times, including during her transport from the Water Gate City. —That the Sin Archbishop of 'Sloth' is inside Natsuki Subaru."

"————"

"The award ceremony held in the Royal Capital… I remember there was a detailed report when he was praised for the subjugation of the 'White Whale' and the slaying of the Sin Archbishop of 'Sloth.' In it, it was stated that the Sin Archbishop of 'Sloth' was an evil spirit that possessed the bodies of others and moved between multiple bodies. —What do you think?"

Emilia’s cheeks stiffened as Bordeaux narrowed his eyes under his thick brows and asked. It wasn't that doubt toward Subaru had been born within her. It was just that the "bad alignment" of circumstances for Subaru left her overflowing emotions unable to find words. The current story, in short, was that Natsuki Subaru’s body had been taken over by the Sin Archbishop of "Sloth," and from that day until now, it was suspected that another person had been playing his role.

That must be an unbearable insult to Emilia, who had welcomed Subaru as her knight. Above all, that suspicion was, for Ram as well—

"—This is utterly ridiculous."

Ram only realized after hearing her own voice that it was laced with sharpness. However, even knowing that fact, she couldn't suppress the emotion she put into her next words. Because that doubt, that insult toward Subaru, was an act equivalent to declaring that even Subaru’s frequent visits to the sleeping Rem every night were done with an ulterior motive.

"I cannot believe that the renowned members of the 'Council of Sages' would set up such a place based on such suspicions. Before the content of the suspicion, the source of the information is the problem."

"Then, are you saying this matter is entirely groundless and nothing more than our foolish speculation?"

"Of course. To believe the claims of a Sin Archbishop is madness. I heard the captured 'Wrath' had the power to affect the hearts of others. Through that effect—"

"—Ram!"

Suddenly, cold water was splashed on her heated consciousness, and Ram caught her breath. Looking, she saw Emilia had stood up from the witness chair and turned around, sharpening her gaze in her well-featured beauty, feigning anger—at her rude attendant. Ram’s heart reached the peak of self-reflection for making her put on that poor performance and for becoming emotional enough to be reprimanded by Emilia. It was not good. —The lack of leeway in her body was negatively affecting her mind. For what purpose had she volunteered to accompany Emilia?

"Ram is sorry again. If necessary, I will order her to leave this room."

With Ram reflecting on herself behind her, Emilia turned back to the semi-circular table and made that proposal. The uncharacteristic harshness was her way of following up on Ram’s mistake. Having the responsibility for her own actions taken over, only frustration mounted. Emilia’s growth was pleasing. If only it weren't in a situation like this. —If only it weren't in a place of inquiry where the conclusion was already decided.

"—. There is no need for her to leave. From now on, refrain from speaking. If you repeat it, it will call into question the very nature of Emilia-sama herself."

"…I will keep that in mind. I am deeply sorry."

While voicing her apology, Ram couldn't help but feel a bitter sensation as the fact that she wasn't asked to leave confirmed her own speculation. Because she felt the intention to keep Emilia and Ram together in this place.

"Thank you for not kicking Ram out. …Then, let me ask too. Just because of what Sirius said, do you think Subaru might be the Sin Archbishop of 'Sloth'?"

"Of course, initially it was dismissed as nonsense. It is foolish to take the words of a captured Sin Archbishop seriously. However, Miklotov-dono was different. He was a man of insight who did not mistake delusions that should be dismissed for signs of calamity that should not."

"Miklotov-san… ah, then, could it be?"

Emilia instinctively put her hand to her mouth, and Ram thought of the same thing. Today, after preparing to depart for Pristella, Subaru had gone with Beatrice to his appointment with Miklotov, claiming he had a secret talk. What happened after that was not known in detail, but there was no doubt it led to the sword-fighting incident and the current situation. Perhaps the reason Miklotov had called Subaru out was—

"The detailed purpose of the meeting was not shared even with us. However, given that the knight Natsuki Subaru was present, and Duchess Karsten, who cooperated in the 'White Whale' subjugation and the subsequent battle with 'Sloth,' was also there, we cannot help but suspect. —That Miklotov-dono was killed because something inconvenient for the knight Natsuki Subaru occurred."

"That’s—"

"Then, how are we supposed to believe someone who abandoned the opportunity to explain himself of his own accord!!"

"—!"

Instantly, Bordeaux’s booming voice exploded, and Emilia, struck head-on by it, froze. Behind Emilia’s reaction, Ram also felt a sense of loathing at the poor alignment of events—or perhaps, at the very situation that had been engineered that way. As expected, the other side had solidified their grounds for an argument that couldn't be countered from the start and then called for Emilia.

"—The worst-case scenario has come true."

From the series of events where they were intruded upon at the Royal Villa, at least Ram and Otto had envisioned the worst-case scenario at that moment—an unavoidable request to come to the castle and the accompanying division of the camp. Whoever drew this picture had woven the threads this thoroughly.

Bordeaux’s pursuit continued.

"From the scene where Miklotov-dono was killed, the knight Natsuki Subaru fled along with Duchess Karsten. According to the testimony of those present, the knight Natsuki Subaru used an incomprehensible technique, forbade the magic of others, and manipulated something 'invisible.' This is also a report received during the deliberations, but it is said that the Sin Archbishop of 'Sloth' manipulated invisible arms."

"That’s a magic Subaru and Beatrice thought of…"

"Furthermore, if we ask again, it is said that those who fell victim to the Sin Archbishop of 'Gluttony' have their existence lost from the memories of others, or conversely, lose their own memories. However, there is a story that the knight Natsuki Subaru remembered those who were forgotten. Why is that?"

"Both Rem and Julius didn't have to be all alone because Subaru remembered them!"

"Due to the atrocities of that Sin Archbishop of 'Lust,' Duchess Karsten suffered unhealable wounds. What is the explanation for the knight Natsuki Subaru being safe while suffering the same damage? Is there one?"

"Subaru was the one who regretted that the most!"

"Then, who and what is Natsuki Subaru, and where did he come from! There are no records of that man anywhere before he announced himself as your knight at the Royal Castle! Why!!"

"Subaru is—!"

"—Please, stop it already!!"

In the storm of questions being hammered down, Emilia, whose answers were being cut off midway, tried to raise a voice so pained she looked ready to cry. —In that instant, what echoed through the Council Chamber, surpassing her, was Philore, who had stood up from her seat at the end of the room and slammed her hands on the semi-circular table.

A single tear ran from her red eyes, and her lips trembled uncontrollably.

"Don't be so hard on Emilia, all of you… she’s the one who’s most confused, and she’s the one who wants to talk to Subaru the most."

"…Even we are not raising our voices harshly without necessity. Above all, it was your colleague from the 'Dragon Church,' Philore-sama, who recovered Miklotov-dono’s body and told the details of what happened at the mansion."

"I know that! Even the fact that Tiga was injured… but that might be because Tiga, who lost too much blood, accidentally misremembered something, right?"

"As expected, that’s a bit too pitiful for Tiga-chan, you know."

"—! Anyway! I oppose this way of doing things! The scriptures say: 'There is not a single soul without salvation under this sky. If you look up at the heavens, the shadow of the Dragon is always there, and equal salvation is promised to all children!'"

Philore brought out the scriptures and placed them on the semi-circular table as if slamming them down. Her emotional rebuttal threw cold water on the discussion, but Subaru’s poor standing did not change. And what Ram feared was the proposal of further doubt accompanying this suspicion toward Subaru. That was—

"—Whether or not Emilia-sama, her backer Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers, and the camp were aware of this problem."

"————"

"If this was hidden in collusion within the camp, and if the suspicion that the knight Natsuki Subaru is the successor to the Sin Archbishop of 'Sloth' is true, then the reason for having Emilia-sama participate in the Royal Selection and building up her achievements to this day would be…"

The results of all the various efforts made by Emilia, Subaru, and the camp since the Royal Selection began would all be considered fabricated fakes. Everything that everyone had shed blood, sweat, and tears to build—all of it.

"—Emilia?"

Suddenly, a dazed voice struck Ram’s ears as she clenched her fists tight. It was Philore’s voice, her eyes wide with shock while still leaning over the scriptures on the table. She blinked her large eyes, staring blankly at the center of the room. Led by that, Ram also looked there, at the witness stand. —She looked at Emilia, who stood there.

She had been told things that wouldn't have been surprising if they made her world go dark. She had been struck by a despair that made the ground crumble beneath her feet, making her lose her place. It wouldn't have been strange if she had wailed, swept away by the storm of unreason and absurdity.

But—

"—My name is Emilia. Just Emilia. The 'Witch of Glaciation' from the Elior Forest."

Emilia, standing at the witness stand, declared as she pointed a finger toward the heavens. It was a pose Ram had seen many times—the one used by that incredibly reckless boy whenever he started saying or doing the most foolish things in the world.

"It’s not the first time I’ve been looked at with those eyes of yours. I’ve been looked at like that many times, felt down, and then picked myself back up with a 'heave-ho.'"

"————"

"So, even if we’re back at the start, I’m fine. Because I—because we won't lose."

"Emilia-sama…"

"We won't lose. —Right, Ram!"

With her finger still pointed at the sky, Emilia called out without looking back. The fact that she didn't look back to check was, irritatingly, nothing but proof of her trust. Emilia believed completely in what Ram would say back and what kind of face Ram was making. That was why. That was why she didn't look back. Ram had to respond to that trust.

She had offered to accompany Emilia herself. Pushing aside everyone else who wanted to respond to Emilia’s trust here, Ram had done it herself.

"—Hah! Naturally."

Ram adjusted her expression and voice to match that trust. Gallantly and grandly, spiritedly and with dignity, with the "Ram-likeness" that Emilia believed in, so that she could support from behind the Emilia who was gritting her teeth, refusing to lose to any hardship.

"Look, you fools."

There was no way this Emilia could have been made by walking atop promised, paved achievements of deception.

O foolish ones who hold doubt, be burned and become ashes. Shall I gouge out those eyes that suspect this as a fake and fill them with glass beads instead?

Crying, wailing, shedding blood and sweat—this radiance, forged through all of that, was the kingly vessel that Emilia had certainly won through her own earnestness.

"————"

No one could return a word immediately. The mockery, the doubt, the pursuit that sounded like a sound argument—for that one moment, all of it lost its place before Emilia’s declaration of her name.

"—Messenger! A message!"

The heated silence that had dominated the Council Chamber after the out-of-place remarks by the master and servant was shattered by the voice of a soldier rushing in. Marcos, who had been standing by the entrance watching the inquiry, stood in front of the soldier who had burst in and shouted, "You fool!"

"We are in the middle of an important inquiry! What are you thinking!"

"I am deeply sorry! But there is something I must convey immediately!"

"Immediately? What is it?"

Marcos turned halfway to listen to the soldier’s plea, which was colored by impatience. Then, a deep frown etched itself between Marcos’s brows as he heard the soldier’s lowered voice, and a heavy murmur of "I see" escaped him. Ram narrowed her eyes, hearing a ring of realization in that murmur. Then—

"Commander Marcos, what happened? Is it related to the inquiry?"

At Bordeaux’s question, Marcos turned and glanced toward Emilia. Then he slowly shook his head atop his massive frame.

"It is not unrelated."

"Then, let us hear it. The soldier’s panic is no ordinary matter."

"—The members of Emilia-sama’s camp who remained at the Royal Villa took advantage of a gap in the surveillance and left the mansion. There are no casualties among the soldiers who tried to stop them, but we are currently pursuing them."

"What…?"

Bordeaux put his hand to his mouth at Marcos’s low report. Then the thin, wise elder let out a sigh as if lamenting and stared at Emilia.

"While the master was pleading her case at the Royal Castle, the subordinates went so far as to deceive the Kingdom’s eyes. It would be somewhat impossible to take this favorably."

"I don't think so. If everyone did that, it means everyone thought that was the best thing to do."

"Regrettably, we cannot possibly be satisfied with that answer. —Including the suspicions toward the knight Natsuki Subaru, we will have Emilia-sama remain within the castle."

Ram gnashed her teeth at Bordeaux, who gave the order while feigning regret. His hatred of demi-humans was famous, but it was hard to believe he would move to exclude Emilia so forcefully now that the moderate Miklotov was gone. This smooth preparation—perhaps even Miklotov’s death—at any rate, his regretful attitude was nothing but transparent.

Because from the start, the conclusion of this inquiry must have been decided to end this way. That was exactly why—

"—Rem, make sure to whip Garfiel and Otto into shape. I’m counting on you."

It had been a parting with the resolve that there was no choice but to entrust the lack of the detained and immobilized Emilia and Ram to Rem and the others they had left behind.

"—Emilia-nechan!"

"Felt-chan?"

It was while they were being led out of the Council Chamber where the inquiry had been held and were moving to another room within the castle. Running toward Emilia with a look of alarm and the sound of pattering footsteps was Felt, one of the fellow Royal Selection candidates.

Felt, who ran up to Emilia, glared in turn at the Kingdom soldiers standing as if to sandwich her from front and back.

"Oi, what’s goin' on here? It’s like Nechan is being treated like a criminal. We’re Royal Selection candidates. You think you can get away with this?"

"Felt-chan, it’s okay! I’m satisfied… well, I’m not very satisfied, but I’ve reached something like satisfaction."

"What’s that! There’s no 'like' or 'sort of' about satisfaction! You either are or you aren't! If you aren't, then you aren't!"

Emilia blinked at Felt, who was showing fierce anger, and then lowered her eyebrows. She was happy that Felt was getting angry on her behalf. She instinctively felt like hugging her, but if she did that, it might be thought she was trying to take Felt hostage, so she endured it.

"Felt-sama, we appreciate the sentiment, but Emilia-sama gave the people inside a piece of her mind, so please rest assured."

"A piece of her mind… ah, I guess so. There’s no way Nechan would just take it lyin' down. …Wait, you didn't get caught because of that, did you?"

"No, that’s not it. But I can't do anything about it right now."

"…Is it about Crusch-nechan and Subaru-niichan?"

Emilia nodded to Felt, who clicked her tongue after nodding at Ram’s reply. It seemed the news about Subaru and the others had reached her ears as well. But thinking about it, they were supposed to hurry to Pristella today with the help of none other than Reinhard. If neither Emilia’s group nor Philore’s group showed up for that promise, it was natural for Felt to worry about what had happened.

"That old man with the long beard gettin' killed is one thing, but suspectin' Niichan and the others as the killers is just too stupid."

"Felt-chan, do you think so too?"

"Course I do! I’ve owed Niichan since that crazy bowel-lovin' woman targeted me. Besides, I saw the real Sin Archbishops in Pristella and even helped escort 'Wrath,' didn't I? There’s no way Niichan is allies with those freaks."

"—!"

At Felt’s unwavering answer, Emilia again had to try her hardest to suppress the urge to hug that small body. But that was it. That was how it was. It wasn't just Emilia and her comrades in the camp. Like this, Felt from another camp, and surely other people too, would understand.

How hard Natsuki Subaru worked, how earnest he was—surely everyone else would too.

"—Emilia! I’m coming too! I’ll be locked up together with you!"

There, the sound of the Council Chamber door being thrown open and the voice of a girl jumping out echoed. When the startled Emilia and the others turned around, Philore was running toward them with her hair in disarray and half-crying. She dove into Emilia’s chest with all her momentum.

"T-t-t-there’s no such thing as such a one-sided inquiry! I’ll protest! I will! I’ve become a Royal Selection candidate! Power! Yes, I’ll use all the power I have to abolish Emilia’s unfair treatment…!"

"C-calm down, Philore. You mustn't do that. I’m very, very happy for the sentiment, but if you do that, you’ll get in trouble too."

"What kind of friend am I if I can't get muddy with you!? If it’s with Emilia, I don't care if I get covered in mud!"

Philore looked up from her chest and said that without hesitation. While blinking at that momentum, Emilia felt something deeply welling up inside her. She had gone to the trouble of enduring hugging Felt, but since Philore had jumped in like this, her endurance was wasted. Then, while being held by Emilia, Philore noticed Felt, who was scratching her head right beside them.

"Ah."

Come to think of it, the relationship between these two should be very complicated. Normally, Emilia would have to mediate between them, but—

"—Don't worry about it, Emilia-nechan. Just worry about Niichan and the others for now. Don't go shoulderin' my problems too."

"Y-yes, I think that’s best. I was just about to say that too. We seem to get along, don't we!"

"Well, we might be fightin' twice for a single seat, right? Whether we get along or not, there’s a connection, I guess."

Felt, closing one eye and looking at Philore as if she were a curiosity, and Philore, looking back at Felt nervously while clinging to Emilia. The problem between these two was one thing, and of course, Subaru and the others, Crusch, and Otto and the others who had jumped out of the Royal Villa—she was full of worries.

"I want to believe everyone will be okay, but…"

"—Indeed. By the way, Felt-sama, I have a consultation."

"Ah? What is it, maid-nechan?"

"You mentioned earlier that you owe Barusu a debt. Would you like to repay it sooner rather than later?"

"Heh?"

At Ram’s words, Felt raised an eyebrow and twisted her cheeks with interest. At Felt’s reaction and Ram’s attitude, Emilia realized, "Could it be…?" If it was a talk about repaying a favor to Subaru—

"—Is the 'Sword Saint' with you today?"

"Well, I figured you’d ask that. This situation feels gross. I can't just leave it alone either, and I’d like to say I’ll lend him to you… but."

"…Is it difficult?"

"No, he’s been called to another part of the castle for a different matter right now. Same for me."

Emilia exchanged a glance with Ram as Felt answered while scratching her head. Then, Philore, still in Emilia’s arms, timidly tilted her head.

"You too… were you called here too? Not because you were worried about Emilia?"

"I’m sayin' it’s not just because I was worried. Sorry."

"That’s not bad at all, but a summons…"

"—I’m headed for that room too."

Saying so, Felt jerked her chin toward the room Philore had jumped out of, the room where Emilia had been questioned—the Council Chamber. Looking, the soldiers surrounding Emilia and the others in the corridor included not only those to take Emilia and Ram away but also those to guide Felt. She thought the circumstances were different from Emilia’s, who had been escorted by the Knight Commander Marcos, but—

"Whether a Dragon comes out or a Witch comes out—either way, I don't have a good feelin' about it, ya know?"

Emilia felt intensely frustrated that she couldn't feel the same sense of security as before from that Felt-like smile.

—Around the same time, Reinhard van Astrea, who had been called to a separate room in the Royal Castle, was looking down at a map of the Royal Capital spread out on a table.

"————"

The piece placed at the center of the map indicated the Royal Villa located in the noble district. From there, several paths extending to the outer edges of the noble district were marked with red. The familiar layout of the Royal Capital had, however, now turned into a cold diagram showing escape routes and siege lines. And what that meant was—

"It is presumed that the remaining members of Emilia-sama’s camp who left the Royal Villa are planning to slip through the surveillance network and escape outside the noble district."

The one who reported this was a civil official sent as a messenger from the Council of Sages. Reinhard made no comment on the messenger’s attitude, which was thorough in fulfilling his given role with an expression and tone that allowed no glimpse of emotion. He merely listened to the reason he had been called.

"————"

"The purpose of these individuals is considered to be joining up with the knight Natsuki Subaru, or preparing to rescue Emilia-sama, who remains within the castle. Of course, it is mere speculation at this point, but the fact that they left the Royal Villa under surveillance by taking advantage of a fire disturbance is significant."

"A fire?"

"It is said that smoke rose from under the kitchen floor. No spreading of actual fire has been confirmed; it is said that most of the smoke was caused by the failure of ventilation due to the chimney being blocked."

"I see."

Revealing the circumstances by which the guards had been deceived, the official turned over the order form in his hand. He looked back and forth between the form and the map on the table.

"We are pursuing them, but those individuals possess extraordinary strength. If we rush to suppress them, there is a risk of casualties on both the soldiers' side and the targets' side. Therefore—"

"—An order has been handed down to me."

"Yes. 'Sword Saint' Reinhard van Astrea-dono, you have been reached with an order to pursue and capture them. This is it."

The order form handed to him contained the exact same wording as what the official had just said, and the firmness of that thorough stance could be sensed.

"————"

Normally, Reinhard would immediately accept the contents of the order form he had scanned and move. However, at this moment, the 'Sword Saint’s' response was slightly delayed. It was not unrelated to the existence of the master who had come to the Royal Castle with Reinhard—

"—Valga Cromwell."

Suddenly, the name the official spoke made the air in the small room drop a level.

"————"

Having spoken the name and nothing more, the official did not continue with any further words. And on Reinhard’s side, no words were issued to question the meaning. After a brief silence, Reinhard folded the order form and returned it to the official. And—

"—Understood."

Telling him only that, Reinhard looked away from both the map and the official. As he turned on his heel, the official added one last word to his back.

"The targets are to be captured."

"I will stop them."

—Leaving only that single sentence, the 'Sword Saint' left the small conference room of the Royal Castle.