Arc 10, Part 21: "Six Tongues"

――An unprecedented peril for the Kingdom of Lugnica, a crisis of national extinction.

「――――」

Sitting up on the bed, Subaru first pulled his own cheek upon hearing those words. It hurt. In other words, this was definitely reality and not a continuation of a dream. Which meant――,

「I’d almost prefer to be told this is a continuation of a nightmare, because this 'what the hell' stuff is just non-stop... Am I cursed or something? There are way too many shocking things happening...」

「In that case, it's not just Subaru who's cursed, I suppose. Rest easy, in fact.」

「I can't rest easy at all, but thanks for being cursed with me. I love you.」

「Betty loves you too, I suppose.」

Lowering the hand that had been pulling his cheek, Subaru instead used it to stroke Beatrice's head. His reliable partner, who asserted their status as a community of fate by the bedside, didn't seem to have received much more explanation about the current situation than Subaru had. In that case, he wanted to ask 'White Sheep,' who seemed to have a lot of information here, and Russell, many things this time――,

「――'Shocking.' It means to be surprised or shaken, does it not?」

「Eh? Ah, yeah, that's right... It's right, but why? Usually, only Otto can decipher my hometown's words on the first try.」

「No, it is nothing much. It is just that the letters sent from Roswaal lately have frequently contained such unfamiliar words. ...Deciphering codes takes a bit of effort, so I wish he would stop with the mischief.」

「Correspondence with Roswaal... is it, I suppose?」

Beatrice narrowed her round eyes at Russell, who revealed the reason he could react to the word Subaru used, her wariness increasing slightly. Normally, hearing the name of an associate should be a source of relief, but the fact that it couldn't be accepted so easily was very much like Roswaal. And, apparently thinking the same thing, Russell shrugged his shoulders with a "good grief,"

「I cannot help but feel anxious for others, wondering how Roswaal interacts with Natsuki-dono and the rest of your camp. For the record, in my own defense, he and I are old friends. We have been acquainted for about fifteen years now.」

「Fifteen years...! That's a pretty long relationship. Wait, then could it be that the help you gave during the White Whale hunt was...」

「Ah, do not worry about that. Business and friendship exist on entirely different lines. Cooperating with Natsuki-dono back then was my own judgment, and there was no room for Roswaal to intervene. In fact, if he had asked me, I might have refused?」

「Hmph, it seems you evaluate Roswaal correctly, I suppose. If you had said you were 'two-of-a-kind best friends,' I would have left right now, in fact.」

「It feels so Roswaal-like that insulting him actually earns Beako's trust...」

Nonetheless, Russell's current answer was pleasing to Subaru. In order to join the White Whale hunt planned by Crusch and the others as an alliance, Subaru had spontaneously thought of and persuaded Anastasia and this man, Russell. If the negotiation that brought Russell in had been set up by Roswaal, even if the result was the same, it would put a bit of a damper on his self-evaluation.

「U-Um, 'Silver Fox'... shouldn't we move the conversation forward?」

The one who interjected was 'White Sheep,' who had been standing outside the topic. Directing a concerned upward glance at Russell, she seemed to be trying to facilitate the smooth progress of the conversation, but that one sentence added an extra element of concern.

「――'Silver Fox,' huh. Can I assume you'll tell me more about that?」

「Of course. Since we have welcomed Natsuki-dono like this, we must open our hearts and show an attitude of seeking your cooperation. However, before that.」

「...Before that?」

「I would like to confirm whether Natsuki-dono is a dangerous element. ――Yes, was it called a 'check' in your hometown?」

Whether he had learned that from Roswaal's letters as well, Russell stroked his neatly trimmed beard and deepened his smile as he looked at Subaru. Unconsciously, Subaru's throat made a sound, a reaction to the sudden dryness in his mouth. ――When called a dangerous element, the first thing that crossed his mind was 'Black Dog's' suspicion of Subaru being a Sin Archbishop. It was the humiliation of being treated as equal to those who deserved every insult in the world. However――,

「Russell-san, I don't know how to prove it, but that suspicion is wrong. Me being a Sin Archbishop, that kind of talk is...」

「Vindication through words is meaningless. That is the terror of the Witch Cult. You should know that as well.」

「――――」

「――Therefore, please, take this.」

Subaru looked down at the unwavering, cold pointing out. Into Subaru's field of vision, Russell, who had walked over from the room's entrance, suddenly held something out. Seeing it, Subaru gasped. What was there was――,

「...A cellphone?」

Leaking a raspy murmur, Subaru stared intently at the cellphone he was handed. It was undoubtedly a cellphone. Moreover, it was none other than the flip phone Subaru used to cherish, one of the few items brought from his original world that he had let go of a long time ago. He hadn't forgotten the circumstances of letting it go. It was the item he had offered to Russell, right in front of him, as a reward for cooperating in the White Whale hunt. ――And, he had skillfully phrased it so that it wouldn't be a lie, saying the cellphone had an effect like a sensor to report the approach of Mabeasts.

「No, uh, Russell-san... this is, well, there's no room for excuses, but it's not like I had bad intentions, it was something I did out of necessity, and if you're asking if it was bad or not, I was incredibly in the wrong...」

「W-What's wrong, Subaru? You're incredibly flustered, in fact.」

「I just didn't think I'd run into the symbol of my sins that I left behind in a place like this... B-But! Treating me like a Sin Archbishop for this sin is going a bit too far, or rather, unlike them, I'm properly prepared to apologize!」

「――No, that is enough. Confirmation has been obtained. You are undoubtedly Natsuki-dono.」

A Sin Archbishop cannot apologize. ――No, there are Sin Archbishops who say "thank you" or "sorry" just with their lips, but there should be no one who can reflect from the heart and apologize. So, Subaru, who was trying to deny the Sin Archbishop theory based on that, was instead shaken by Russell's unexpected answer, saying "Eh?"

「Confirmation or whatever, I was just given a cellphone... Ah, because I knew the word 'cellphone'? Did that prove my innocence?」

「No, that is not it. We cannot grasp where and how Natsuki-dono showed this off and to how many people you spread your name before it came into my hands. Therefore, it was not such external factors――but with my own eyes, that I confirmed it.」

「Eyes... like a merchant's intuition?」

「That is not entirely wrong. It is a Divine Protection. It is called the 'Divine Protection of Discernment,' and my eyes can determine the value of what they see.」

Pointing to his own eyes and revealing the 'Divine Protection of Discernment,' Russell pointed that finger at the cellphone in Subaru's hand and continued, "And,"

「That 'Metia's' value jumps up only while it is in Natsuki-dono's hands.」

「――!」

「It is likely an item that no one but Natsuki-dono can master. Even if I or others were to hold it, that 'Metia' would not emit any brilliance. But while it is in your hands, it is different. Though, it has been silent for a very long time...」

「...Probably, the battery ran out. But, it's still glowing in my hands?」

「Yes, dazzlingly so.」

「I see. Even if it could be revived, it's because only I can do it...」

While savoring the all-too-nostalgic texture and weight in his hand, Subaru chewed over the words he was told and broke down the logic Russell used for the truth-judgment. The cellphone couldn't be used by anyone but Subaru. Therefore, if it glowed in Subaru's hands, it was proof that Subaru was the same existence as back then――,

「...Wait? Does that mean, Russell-san, you knew from the start that you couldn't handle the cellphone yourself...」

「I became certain after I received it as a reward. It held no value at all in my or my subordinates' hands. I thought that if I ever had the chance to pursue the matter, you would be quite surprised.」

「Does 'it's the fault of the one who was deceived' not apply to Subaru, I suppose?」

「You seem to understand well.」

In a scene of equal negotiation, Subaru had made Russell believe in the value of the cellphone without lying. Crusch's 'Divine Protection of Wind Reading,' who was present there, would testify to that――but as Beatrice said, it was a different story for Subaru to feel guilty. Nonetheless, he didn't think the cellphone he had an unexpected reunion with would guarantee his identity. He wanted to say that, but he couldn't say the problem was solved yet.

「I don't want to say this, but what you just proved is only that the 'me' from that discussion and the 'me' now are the same. What if, before that, I, I... I was a Witch, Witch Cultist――」

「Eek, you look so pained just talking about a 'what if' scenario!」

「He's rejecting it that much in both body and soul, I suppose. I understand the feeling, in fact.」

「Anyway! What if I was a Witch Cultist before that? Or even a Sin Archbishop?」

It was an unpleasant hypothesis even for himself, but complete innocence was desirable if he was to clear the suspicion. Even if it was the worst-case scenario, there was meaning in Subaru saying it himself. Or, if it could be taken as even a little bit of material for trust, it would be a gain, but――,

「Before that, you say... around the time the start of the Royal Selection was announced, then.」

「Yeah, right.」

「Speaking of the start of the Royal Selection, I heard that Natsuki-dono gave a quite bold speech at the royal castle.」

「A-Ah, yeah, right.」

「I heard it bought quite a lot of resentment from many of those present, but fortunately, there was no explosion from the surroundings, and as a result, your reputation was lowered further.」

「I-Is that so...?」

「Would the Witch Cult take the place of Natsuki-dono in that state?」

「You're right... the 'me' from back then would be abandoned even by the Witch Cult...」

When he tried to cling to human emotion, Subaru's heart was broken by a relentless barrage of sound logic. In fact, a Witch Cultist who thought they could use Subaru after knowing about his blunder at the royal castle would be a fool, and if he had been contacted before that, the Subaru who blundered at the castle would be a fool. ――In other words, Subaru proved his own innocence through the foolishness of his actions.

「There are things I'm glad happened in that event other than my mental growth!?」

Moreover, as far as he could hear from the current story, the mock battle with Julius after the blunder seemed to have never happened due to Julius's 'Name' being eaten, and in that case, the hate toward Subaru from the Kingdom Knights seemed like it would be incredible. Could it be that that was also playing a part in him being pursued now? Anyway――,

「So, from Russell-san's perspective, I'm innocent?」

「Yes. From my perspective, it is no exaggeration to say that Natsuki-dono, including your many achievements, is the person I want to rely on most in the Kingdom of Lugnica right now.」

「O-Oh, oh, ooooh... I'm saved...! Right now, my heart is saved...!」

「Why are you so moved by this man's words! Betty, who believes in Subaru most of all, is right here by your side, I suppose! Emilia and the others too, in fact!」

「No, of course I'm so happy I could die, but the feeling of being believed in by family and being believed in by someone outside is different. It's like a difference in difficulty level.」

「Hmph, Betty's mood is spoiled, I suppose. The next time you're suspected of something, there will be a five-minute penalty before I take Subaru's side, in fact.」

「Five minutes without Beako taking my side...!? I wonder if I can endure it...」

Pulling Beatrice, who had turned her face away and puffed out her cheeks, onto the bed and fitting her snugly into his crossed legs, Subaru looked at Russell again with a "So." Russell's assessment of Subaru was complete. Then next, it was finally time for Subaru's side to cut in.

「It's about time you told me. The talk about the Kingdom being in trouble is important, but before that important talk, tell me about your true identities. You're not just some important merchant in the Royal Capital, are you?」

Of course, up to this point, he could just barely manage within the category of a capable merchant. However, Russell had said at the beginning. ――The Kingdom was in a crisis of survival, and it was caused by their long-time archenemy.

「I can't imagine a mere merchant saying their long-time archenemy is someone who could destroy the country. It's the same for Russell-san being called 'Silver Fox.' Along with 'White Sheep' over there, you actually have another job. That is――」

「――'Six Tongues.'」

「――!?」

Subaru, who had leaned forward and was trying to make Russell open his mouth, was surprised by a voice from an unexpected direction and turned around. The one who spoke was neither Russell nor 'White Sheep.' It was a person who had apparently been quietly listening to Subaru and the others' discussion and waiting for an opportunity until now――,

「Rachins, since when were you awake?」

「A while ago. With all this talking going on, how could I stay asleep? Though, I almost let out a voice when Russell Fellow made his appearance.」

The one who answered was Rachins, who had sat up on the chaise longue. Subaru felt relieved for the moment that he seemed safe, seeing him wrapped in a blanket with only his undergarments after his sewage-stained clothes had been removed.

「Setting aside the eavesdropping by feigning sleep... what did you just say? Six...?」

「'Six Tongues.' Simply put, an intelligence group operating in the shadows of Lugnica... I didn't doubt their existence, but I never thought the representative of the Merchants' Association was the head.」

「An intelligence group... does that mean a spy organization!?」

As soon as Rachins's explanation was broken down in his head, Subaru's voice jumped unintentionally. Spies――while they frequently appeared in fiction, they were at the top of things one almost never had the chance to encounter in non-fiction. Ninjas were close in category, but he had seen the real thing, and even tasted their terror. But, to think that at this point――,

「In other words, the shadow leader who manages the dark side of the Kingdom of Lugnica, that's Russell-san's true identity!」

Staring wide-eyed, Subaru looked again at Russell, who stood with a straight posture. At Subaru's excessive reaction, Russell raised his eyebrows slightly, then slowly shook his head,

「Please do not spread that around too loudly. ――It would concern Natsuki-dono's life.」

He spoke an answer that, following the ninjas, made Subaru feel like he was about to taste the terror of spies as well.

△▼△▼△▼△

「Originally, 'Six Tongues' was organized on the occasion of the 'Demi-Human War' for the Kingdom's counter-intelligence activities. The background of the civil war dragging on was due to the history of underestimating the high intelligence capabilities of the demi-humans.」

「Ah, that sounds likely. I have a friend who can camouflage himself into walls or the ground, too.」

「Yes, a specialized organization with knowledge of such characteristics, Divine Protections, or 'Metia'... and the executive power to respond to them was required. That is the reason 'Six Tongues' was established, and I am in the position of the current Chief.」

「Chief...! That's a title I'm hearing for the first time on this side...!」

「What is it with Subaru being moved every single time, I suppose. The suspiciousness of these people hasn't changed at all, in fact. Rather, it's deepened, I suppose.」

「No, it's as you say. But in this case, rather than suspicious, special agencies are the kind of thing that increases in flavor the deeper the mystery...」

While pressing Beatrice's pouting cheek with his finger, Subaru glanced at Russell. Russell was responding with an unchanging posture and expression, but knowing his true identity was the top of an intelligence organization gave a sense of persuasion to his presence and pressure. In fact, the history of the founding of 'Six Tongues' was also convincing. ――The friend of Subaru's who could camouflage was Hyain of the Pleiades Battalion, but it was said that many demi-humans participated in the war against the Kingdom in the 'Demi-Human War.' And it wasn't just combat power that was useful in war.

「By the way, Rachins-dono, where did you learn of the existence of 'Six Tongues'? Was it from your father?」

「Hah? Would that old man blabber about the Kingdom's secrets just because we're family? It's just that I thought such things naturally existed, and the words I occasionally heard in rumors just connected. I didn't think for a grain of dust that you were the representative.」

「I see. As expected, Rickert Hoffman-dono is a model of a loyal subject. Have you not been in contact with your father since then?」

「...Oi, the bad habit of an intelligence agent is coming out. Now is your turn to talk, it's not a scene where I talk about this and that. Don't get carried away.」

「It is as you say. My apologies.」

Russell gave a theatrical bow to Rachins, whose sanpaku eyes became even sharper. But from that exchange, the identity Rachins revealed in the sewers――that his family was truly Kingdom nobility――seemed to have been proven. Receiving that response, Russell returned his gaze to Subaru with an "Once again,"

「I cannot speak of the details concerning classified information, but our ultimate goal lies in national defense. Those who belong to it, including myself, conceal our positions, falsify our identities, and engage in counter-intelligence. The title of representative of the Royal Capital's Merchants' Association is also a cover to hide the truth.」

「For a cover, isn't it a bit too grand? Being the Association Head.」

「It is the result of considering the necessary authority and influence on the surface. Do not worry, it is not as if every influential person in the Royal Capital is a member of the organization.」

「――But, it seems it's a situation where that would have been better now, I suppose.」

「Yes, as shameful as it is, it is as you say.」

Slowly shaking his head, Russell made a solemn face at Beatrice's point. He didn't know how much of that face was his true feelings, but it seemed they could finally cut into the main subject. The peril attacking the current Kingdom of Lugnica――it shouldn't be unrelated to the fact that Subaru and the others were cornered and the evil hand was extended even to Emilia and the others. The one at the center of it was――,

「――'Beloved Child.' That is currently the name of our... no, the Kingdom's greatest enemy.」

「Is it okay to think those guys are trying to wreck the Royal Selection?」

「That is not wrong. However, it would be more accurate to say that what they are trying to destroy is not the Royal Selection, but the Kingdom itself.」

「The Kingdom itself... so the current chaos in the Royal Capital is the influence of that. ...By the way, you were saying something about a long-time enemy earlier, what was that about?」

「Yes. According to records... there are records of them operating in the shadows since more than thirty years ago.」

「Thir...!?」

An unexpected number was stated matter-of-factly, and Subaru's eyes widened in shock. Even if he had imagined five or ten years, he hadn't anticipated up to thirty years. In the first place, if 'Six Tongues' was an agency created after the 'Demi-Human War,' it should have been about forty years since its founding.

「Thirty years from then... you've been fighting almost since you were formed...」

「Yes. Therefore, the history of 'Six Tongues' can also be called a history of secret struggle with the 'Beloved Child.' However, the 'Beloved Child' is an opponent whose true nature is unknown, and we have only been on the defensive... we were in a pathetic state where we barely had our hands full preventing them from doing as they pleased within the country.」

「Hah, for an organization favored by the Kingdom, that's a pathetic story. You've just been getting beaten?」

「I have no words to return. In fact, in various parts of the Kingdom, there have been countless instances of sudden changes of heart by lords and influential people, and acts of benefiting the enemy by passing information to other countries. Even in the ten-odd years since I took over as Chief, there has been no effective move to break the situation, and symptomatic treatment has continued. ――But, the situation changed.」

「Changed?」

「Yes. ――'White Sheep' and 'Black Dog.'」

Being told that, Subaru silently looked at 'White Sheep,' who was standing behind Russell. 'Black Dog,' who was named along with her, wasn't here, but they were the ones who allowed Russell's 'Six Tongues' to escape the dead end they had fallen into. To Subaru, who questioned how on earth they did it, 'White Sheep' put her hand to her chest, her lovely features tensing slightly,

「I was originally one of the 'Beloved Children.' 'Black Dog' was in the same situation.」

「――! You mean you made members of the enemy defect!?」

「It was a situation where several coincidences worked in our favor. However, as a result, we were blessed with the opportunity to know the truth behind the 'Beloved Child' we had been opposing for many years.」

「Yes. ...That said, I didn't know everything properly either, and there were things I could talk about and things I couldn't.」

「No, even so, what you gained must be huge. You really made a big decision...」

'White Sheep' seemed hesitant, but that seemed to conflict with Russell's evaluation. After all, she was the key personnel to move a battle that hadn't progressed for thirty years, so 'Six Tongues' must have had a feeling equivalent to finding an oasis in the desert. At Subaru's thought, 'White Sheep' lowered her gaze slightly,

「――. Yes, I was surprised myself. To think I had such courage. ...If so, even sooner...」

「――?」

「Ah, no, it's nothing! Anyway, that's my position!」

At 'White Sheep' waving her hands frantically, Subaru knit his brows slightly and fell silent. However, before he could press that point of concern, Rachins's rough voice flew in with an "Oi."

「Can you trust a story about betraying? It might be a trap sent by the enemy who found you guys annoying, to manipulate you as they please, right?」

「If that were the case, it would be more natural for us to have been crushed long ago. It has already been over a year since 'White Sheep' and the others joined us... in that time, the secret maneuvers of the 'Beloved Child' we have prevented are more than can be counted on one hand. There would be no point in contributing this much.」

「...There might be. I'm saying you're lacking caution.」

「――Do not worry. Measures to prevent their betrayal have been taken. With that, they bought my trust... no, they won it.」

With sharp gazes, Rachins and Russell faced each other and exchanged views. As for Subaru, he understood Rachins's argument, but he strongly held an impression of Russell as being independently shrewd. Since he couldn't help but retain the first impact of Rachins from when he was a back-alley thug, it felt like their caliber as actors was clearly different.

「Is it heartless to think that when I'm being helped...?」

「If we're talking about the number of times, being protected here is the beard's achievement, I suppose. Even if we count being helped in the sewers, it's even between the thug and the beard, in fact.」

「True. As expected, my Beako can do math――」

「――Um, Natsuki Subaru-san.」

While swaying with Beatrice, whom he had enclosed in his crossed legs, Subaru let out a strange "Ngh?" at that call from 'White Sheep.' But, she looked at Subaru with a serious expression, then bowed deeply. And――,

「It's thanks to you all that we were able to escape from the 'Beloved Child.' So, I've wanted to thank you for a long time... Thank you very much!」

「Eh, you're welcome, but what exactly is the reason for the thanks?」

「Of course, the subjugation of the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop of 'Sloth'!」

「...Petelgeuse's?」

At Subaru's question back with wide eyes, 'White Sheep' nodded strongly with a "Yes!" What with the incident at the royal castle, the symbol of his past dark history, and the incident of the White Whale hunt involving the cellphone, it was a day where events from the beginning of the Royal Selection were dug up incessantly. However, while he could understand being praised for defeating Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti, he didn't know the reason why 'White Sheep' was giving him direct thanks.

「You're not going to say you were one of that bastard's 'Fingers,' are you?」

「Finger...? That's not it, but because of that influence, Mama was in a flurry, and we took advantage of that confusion to... that's how it was.」

「Hmm? Hmm? Hmm? Wait, wait, I'm confused again. Mama being in a flurry because Petelgeuse was gone? What on earth was that confusion...」

「――I didn't know that true identity for a long time either. Every time we met, she had a different appearance, and I could never have a proper conversation... but, I finally understood.」

Subaru expressed his confusion, but 'White Sheep,' who was talking excitedly, also seemed unable to control her surging emotions. Instead of answering Subaru's question, she made her eyes glint as if opening the lid of a secret she had been holding inside for a long time,

「The person I... we 'Beloved Children' were always made to obey, that is――」

「W-Wait, my emotions haven't caught up yet...」

「――Capella Emerada Lugnica.」

「――Ah?」

Suddenly, at the ominous sound that hit his eardrums, his bewildered thoughts cooled down all at once. The many pieces of information and emotions he had been unable to process settled down as if doused with water, and Subaru, holding his breath, stared intently at 'White Sheep.' At that gaze, she nodded back, and once more, she moved her thin lips and said clearly.

「――The Sin Archbishop of 'Lust,' Capella Emerada Lugnica. That is the bad person who made us 'Beloved Children' call her Mama and made us obey!」

「――. ――――. ――――――――. You've gotta be kidding me.」

It took a considerable amount of time to accept and process the name 'White Sheep' had uttered. Breaking it down, chewing it, swallowing it, then ruminating on it again, he repeated the process.

「――――」

While Subaru fell silent, Russell called 'White Sheep' with a "'White Sheep'." He spoke with a slightly reproving nuance in his voice,

「I intended to speak in order. Bringing up that name was somewhat hasty, wasn't it?」

「Ah, s-sorry. M-My feelings were just racing...」

「I intended to speak of it, but handle information with caution. Your hand is the same as your life. I should have taught you that many times over this past year.」

「Y-Yes...」

'White Sheep' slumped her shoulders and lowered her eyes at Russell's words. But, although he felt sorry for the depressed 'White Sheep,' thanks to that lecture time, Subaru's head, which had stopped working from the shock he received, began to work again.

――The Sin Archbishop of 'Lust,' Capella Emerada Lugnica.

Any of the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishops could be described in a word as the worst, but the evil nature of Capella's character was a target of Subaru's loathing that stood out even compared to the other Sin Archbishops. He had only encountered that thing once, during the battle at the City Hall in the Watergate City of Pristella, but honestly, she was at the top of the list of people he never wanted to meet again if he didn't have to. To think he would hear Capella's name of all things at this timing.

「Mama, and 'Beloved Child'...」

「When put together, it's a combination of words that makes me feel 'ugh,' I suppose.」

「And, I can imagine her saying it. ...No wonder 'White Sheep'-chan wanted to run away.」

Beatrice directed a concerned gaze at Subaru, who knit his brows and twisted his lips. Fortunately, Beatrice hadn't seen the real Capella, but Subaru thought that was for the best. All Sin Archbishops were bad for Beatrice's moral education. Capella especially, he wanted to say.

「Mama... Capella collects various children from various places and treats all of them as her own children. She tells them to think of her as their mother. But...」

「Evil, crazy, emotional abuse, I can imagine it all. ...The habit won't go away?」

「It's quite difficult... because everyone was made to remember it in their bodies.」

With a smile that was too painful to be called a bitter smile, 'White Sheep' spoke of the past. Even after defecting from the 'Beloved Children' and escaping Capella's control, the fact that she still called the object of her fear 'Mama' was proof of how great the hardship she tasted was. And, if the fact that Subaru and the others defeated Petelgeuse helped her escape from that hellish position――,

「I'm glad. That you could get out, 'White Sheep'-chan.」

「Natsuki Subaru-san...」

「Ah, but, I think 'Black Dog' is lacking in gratitude. That guy seemed like he intended to burn me and the cute Beako to a crisp. He's trying to return a favor with a grudge. I won't forgive him unless he apologizes.」

「I won't forgive him, in fact.」

Matching Subaru, who pointed a finger sharply, Beatrice also pointed at 'White Sheep' with the same movement. Seeing those two pointed fingers and the wink Subaru and Beatrice did at the same time, 'White Sheep' blinked her eyes, then laughed softly,

「Yes...! I understand. I'll definitely make 'Black Dog' apologize!」

「Do that. But, the opponent is Capella... is 'Beloved Child' like a unit name within the Witch Cult? Like Petelgeuse's 'Fingers' or Regulus's 'Wives'...」

「If Sylphy heard you call them that, she would punch you, I suppose. Don't say such careless things, in fact. Subaru isn't thought well of by Sylphy as it is, I suppose.」

「I contributed quite a bit to defeating Regulus, though... well, I welcome more people supporting Emilia-tan, so we'll have to have a heated talk about our favorites someday.」

Sylphy, who was currently one of the members waiting at the Roswaal mansion, was a woman who was originally one of Regulus's wives, but she was now a strong supporter of Emilia. Thinking about it, since it was a crisis for the camp where Subaru was being pursued and even Emilia was captured, he was worried about the members staying behind at the mansion――Sylphy, Ryuzu, and Ryuzu's duplicate, Meyerz. For that, he had no choice but to rely on the person who could move outside the Royal Capital――Roswaal.

「While worrying about that too... in 'White Sheep'-chan's recognition?」

「...At least, I didn't have that recognition of myself. I've never met a Witch Cultist either.」

「I see... so they're a separate unit from the Witch Cultists, or like a private army for each Sin Archbishop? In any case, 'Beloved Child,' what a disgusting way to call them.」

It wasn't quite "hate the priest, hate his very robes," but when he thought Capella was involved, Subaru's sentiment was to want to find fault with anything.

「――――」

Subaru reflexively glanced at Crusch, who was sleeping in the bed next to him. Setting aside Subaru's own arms and legs, the 'Dragon's Blood' poured into Crusch's body was also a scar left by Capella. In Pristella, there were many people whose forms were changed by her hand and who continued to sleep within the ice. ――Just like 'Gluttony,' 'Lust' destroyed people's lives far too much.

「And, it makes sense that Russell-san and the others couldn't catch her tail for thirty years. She changes her form and appearance as she pleases. So...」

「Until now, she had never been correctly captured. It was only after the information about the Sin Archbishop of 'Lust' who revealed her form and wielded her Authority in Pristella matched the persona of the existence 'White Sheep' and the others knew that we finally understood.」

「Conspiracies and secret maneuvers, she just did whatever she wanted...」

「Yes. The changes of heart and acts of benefiting the enemy by lords and influential people are nothing. ――They were likely all replaced.」

「She's someone who can do that. Truly the worst――」

Subaru nodded at Russell's speculation, and as he was about to spit out its maliciousness, he realized. If the current speculation developed, it would mean affirming something incredibly terrifying. And that was undoubtedly――a quiet and thorough invasion, and a crisis of survival for the Kingdom.

「Oi, oi, oi, no way...」

「――It's the worst, in fact.」

At the same timing, Rachins, who had a stiffened face, trembled his voice, unable to put the possibility beyond that into words, perhaps having reached the same thought Subaru had sensed. Beatrice also hunched her shoulders in Subaru's crossed legs and shuddered.

「Russell-san...」

「Yes. The three of your imaginations are correct. Therefore, the Kingdom's greatest peril.」

While fearing to hear the answer, Russell, who had already finished his battle with that shock and had moved on to the next stage, nodded deeply at Subaru's question, which he had no choice but to ask. And, the man who was the Chief of 'Six Tongues' and bore the mission of protecting the Kingdom announced:

「The Kingdom's 'Council of Sages,' as well as the majority of the high-ranking nobility, have been replaced by Capella Emerada Lugnica, who leads the 'Beloved Children,' and there is a high fear that the Dragon Tablet is in the hands of that 'Lust'.」