"...Well... I think I just got through the easiest part...".
Subaru and Rem were walking side by side, through the streets of the capital. With a new destination in mind.
The second destination of the day.
"...The meeting with Lady Anastasia had a very good result, didn't it, Subaru-kun?"
"Yes... And honestly, I'm very glad about that... I wasn't sure what I would have done if she had refused."
After having spent a few more minutes at the Hoshin mansion, our duo had at least one reliable group they could fight alongside in their battle.
That, by itself, already gave Subaru chances of victory. It was something that gave him a certain security. He felt much better than before.
But to rely solely on that? It wasn't something he could do. Not if he wanted to risk dying, or worse, seeing his friends die again.
This was not enough for a safe and perfect victory, and he knew it. He needed more help... so... he decides to head to the next allied mansion.
The Karsten Mansion.
"...Getting help from Crusch's Camp might be more difficult."
He comments to Rem while thinking over his strategy with each step he took.
"Lady Crusch and you... You're not friends from childhood, are you?"
"No. She is the only Royal Candidate I haven't had contact with through my childhood summonings. So convincing her won't be entirely easy."
While Subaru was happy to have gotten the help of Anastasia and her entire group... He also had to admit that he had only gotten help from the team that was easiest to convince.
Due to the debt that Ana-chan had with him (a debt Subaru doesn't think he deserves, but still took advantage of) and because of the large number of people who considered him family there, it was relatively simple with a bit of talk. He was really comfortable with all of them.
In fact, even knowing that time was something he couldn't afford to lose, he decided to talk and play with the triplets a bit longer than necessary... It was something he liked... and that, to be honest, he needed.
He had recovered a bit mentally. He was still having many problems and he was forcing himself to stay sane, but at least, thanks to them, he was no longer on the brink of madness...
But returning to the point, Crusch, technically, did not have a direct debt to him.
Sure, Subaru helped during her knight's, Felix's, childhood. And he had a good relationship with him. And also, they say he indirectly helped save King Fourier's life...
But, was that really all he needed to count on the full help of an entire camp? By merely being company and helping his friends, and not having helped the Candidate herself... was it really enough to count on her?
...
Well, thinking and not acting wasn't something he should allow himself. After forming a strategy together with Rem and Anastasia, he at least had a chance to negotiate.
And after a few more minutes, when they finally arrive in front of the door, he can't help but hope they at least give him a chance to explain.
"...Subawu!"
"Ah!"
And within seconds of knocking on the door, he is wrapped again in the slender arms of a cat-boy.
"...Hey, Felix...".
Subaru is a bit surprised at first... But he easily stops resisting the hug from his friend who is happy to see him.
"You came back quickly, Nya! Felix was surprised when he received your letter... But I'm glad you came back, Nya!"
"...Good morning, Sir Felix."
Although for the blue-haired maid... this scene causes her a bit of... displeasure. Though she doesn't let it show.
"Huh-? Oh. Good morning to you too, Rem-san. Sorry for not greeting. I got a little excited."
"Yes... I can notice that, don't worry."
Rem acts... neutral, almost reluctant towards the attitude the demi-human has with the black-haired boy.
Was it love? Nope. She didn't see that in his eyes. It was simply that Subaru was someone very important to Felix... She understood that. She understood it very well, but...
He should definitely learn something about respecting personal space. The two times she had seen him near her hero, he lunged and almost knocked him to the ground with him. It's not something most people liked.
...Although curiously, this time Subaru didn't put up as much resistance and discomfort to this hug. He wasn't hugging back, but he wasn't pulling away as much as the first time...
"Crusch-nya and Wilhelm-nya are sitting inside the mansion... Honestly, I'm also a bit curious about this important matter you mentioned."
"...It's something complicated and I think I should say it when we are all together... But... Just keep in mind that it's something in which I need your help."
Subaru says with a bit of nerves. Not knowing how to tell the demi-human about this topic beforehand without surprising him too much.
Rem thinks and acts similarly, feeling at his side, and leaving the demi-human a bit confused.
"...Ferris isn't really sure he understands what you mean... But if it's within our possibilities, I'm sure Crusch Nya will help you."
He declares with confidence. He truly believes he is capable of helping his friend.
"...I hope that's the case."
With that thought, the three of them enter inside the meeting.
And the second negotiation of the day finally begins.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"...Ahhh...".
A soft sigh of pleasure escapes Subaru's lips as he drinks from the hot cup in his hands.
"Thanks for the tea again, Lady Crusch."
"No need, I'm pleased that you like it."
Crusch responds with a formal, yet friendly tone. Having a smile in front of the black-haired boy.
"I'm glad to see you again, Subaru-dono. I'm sorry I couldn't be present for your last visit."
An older man speaks, capturing Subaru's attention. Speaking with a very faint smile and standing behind the chair where the green-haired candidate sat.
"Oh. Don't worry, Wilhelm-san. No problem. I'm glad to see you again."
And Subaru responds in kind. Perhaps he hadn't really talked too much with him. But he felt he was a good man. Perhaps even if they aren't childhood friends, he should try to get to know him better.
"Your words are very kind."
"Subawu sure knows how to get along with anyone, Nya."
"That's Subaru-kun for you."
"...I'm getting a lot of compliments."
And he couldn't help but think with slight shyness at the compliments his childhood friends were giving him. He is forced to hide his slight blush from embarrassment.
"It seems you kept your promise to visit us soon."
Crusch is the one takes the initiative to start a conversation. As the royal candidate and leader of the camp, she felt obligated to do so.
Besides, she was also happy to see the man who had done so much for her friends. Or at least that's what she considers for herself.
"It was sooner than I thought... And honestly, I hoped to visit you with a different reason."
"The way you say it makes it seem like you're in a very delicate situation."
Although she can't help but notice that Subaru didn't come just to chat. That was obvious from when she received his letter and noticing the tone with which the boy was currently speaking.
"Rather, I'd say a complicated situation... One in which I would like to count on your help."
"...Well... I don't know if that really makes any difference, but I'll trust Ana."
Subaru thought, forcing himself to hide his nerves under his mind, and preparing for this conversation.
Before leaving Ana's mansion, she and Subaru had talked about how he should speak during this negotiation.
Anastasia also knew that Crusch's camp might NOT end up helping Subaru if he treated the topic the same way he did with her.
She had to admit that with her... Subaru wasn't the best at making a deal. He got it in the end, but not in a guaranteed way. If it weren't for her entire camp knowing him, she had to admit there was a possibility she would have refused the deal.
So she had taught him more than one technique to get more chances of winning this negotiation.
The first was something very subtle, but according to her, and even if Subaru didn't notice, it made a difference in a negotiation.
Instead of saying 'need', using words like 'would like', 'please', 'it would be great if...', among others.
"I need your help."
"I would like to count on your help."
Just with this change of words is enough to elevate your position to a similar level as the counterpart's. And you refuse to be someone easy to step on.
Subaru really didn't believe that such nice people as his friends would 'step on' him like that. Nor was he really sure if that change was so important.
But if one of his friends recommends it... he wouldn't refuse to try.
"...It seems your situation has changed since you last visited us."
Crusch, without stopping smiling, tries to read Subaru's expressions. Not with much success, actually. But enough to understand that he wanted to have a serious conversation with her.
"Yes. Definitely... It's a bit scary how quickly things happen."
"Life can give very sudden changes at any moment, Subaru-dono."
"No doubt about it, Nya!"
Wilhelm and Felix are completely in agreement with the black-haired boy's opinion. Both for good and for bad. That's life, after all.
Once that's said, Crusch finishes saying her part.
"...Well... The letter we received said it was a serious matter and that you needed my most important members to meet to talk with you. I hope with the three of us is enough."
"Yes it is, Lady Crusch. Thank you."
"I'm glad then. Now then... What is this matter about?"
"...Alright... This is where it all begins."
"Confidence, Subaru-kun. Your Rem is here."
"...Right."
Speaking in a whisper so low no one could hear him, Subaru receives Rem's determination and adds it to his own, increasing his confidence to be able to speak.
"It's about the hunting of a Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult."
"...!" (x3)
In a very similar way to the previous camp, a wave of tension runs through everyone present.
It wasn't that he expected less... But Subaru didn't like this kind of atmosphere.
"..."
"..."
"...Subawu?"
Of everyone, Felix is the first to recover, or at least to break the silence in the room, asking his friend for more information.
While he did believe he had to say something serious... he didn't expect it to be of such a level.
Subaru responds with a formal and polite tone. Trying to sound confident.
"What I'm asking for is the participation of your camp and your warriors in a battle against a Witch Cult attack."
"...In short, you're asking for help from our people in a fight, isn't that right?"
"Exactly."
"..."
The three members of the Duchess's camp confirm the black-haired boy's request.
And this is definitely not any kind of joke.
"...The Witch Cult..."
Wilhelm-san pronounces in a low voice, lost in his thoughts... he had already fought this group on more than one occasion before.
And because of that, he also knew it was no small matter. It wasn't something someone should mention so lightly.
"...Excuse our silence. You must understand that this is not something easy to accept or digest."
"On the contrary, Lady Crusch. I'm sorry to be the one who decided to drop a bomb of information so unexpectedly."
Second technique. Reject the other side's apologies and be able to redirect them so both end up on the same level.
Conversations and negotiations become more fluid if both sides feel comfortable talking.
That was already something present in this atmosphere, but changing these words made it more noticeable.
"But... I'll keep explaining in this case."
Subaru keeps talking, hoping that with a bit more information, it will be easier to convince them. While Crusch, Felix, and Wilhelm listen attentively.
"During this early morning and during the morning of the next day... The Witch Cult plans to launch an attack directed at Emilia-tan's camp."
"Emilia-sama's camp?"
Crusch thinks internally for a few seconds about those words. Analyzing it and looking for logical sense with the little information she has...
Before giving a personal opinion.
"...The Witch Cult seeking the place where a silver-haired half-elf resides... No offense intended, it's not so hard to believe."
"None taken. You haven't said anything wrong... It's not her fault, and I definitely think she has nothing to be ashamed of, but I understand that others, especially someone like the Witch Cult, give it more importance."
Subaru thought the racism Emilia received just for being a half-elf was really stupid.
According to him, there were definitely many other problems he considered bigger and more serious within the Kingdom. Like demi-human slavery, child trafficking, extreme poverty in less inhabited areas, among others. So the fact that people consider it a greater crime for a person just for being a half-elf, stopping paying attention to the rest of the problems... Sorry, but it seemed stupid to him.
On the other hand, he would also understand the reason for that stupid reasoning. Any resemblance to the Witch could cause terror in this world. Even more so when there is a group like the Witch Cult that remains free and has caused horror and destruction over the years.
It wasn't something he supported, it was something he understood...
Still, it doesn't mean he wouldn't get angry at every unnecessary comment thrown at his friend. As long as it was within his power, he would defend her from all those worthless comments.
That's what friends do, right?
"Subaru-dono. Even if it's not possible to say it's an idea so out of place... Do you have anything more than your words to guide us in helping you?"
Wilhelm speaks looking directly into the terrifying eyes of the boy. He didn't believe he would say things like that without any reason. But he couldn't let this information simply be accepted without foundations.
"...Don't even think about lying, Nya! Crusch-sama can easily find you out with her Divine Protection of the Wind Reading!"
Felix speaks, briefly attracting everyone's attention.
The truth was that he didn't believe his friend would try to deceive him or his lady... But if he tried a trick in this negotiation, he wanted to avoid him having an unnecessary bad time.
"I'm aware of that, Felix. I found out not long ago, actually."
"Seems Anastasia's information was true... not that I doubted it in the first place."
Subaru thought and thanked in his mind... Anastasia was helping him a lot, even without being present.
"And to answer your question... I can assure you I have enough proof to believe what I'm saying, Lady Crusch... Your wind reading doesn't say I'm lying, does it?"
Subaru declares with confidence. He wasn't lying. So there shouldn't be any problem with that.
"...No. I don't see any lie... But that doesn't prove anything."
However, Crusch doesn't seem completely convinced by that argument.
"Oh, no?"
"The fact that you believe that information is real doesn't mean it is true. I'm not doubting you, Subaru-dono, but I don't usually rely solely on instincts without solid foundations."
"...That makes sense. I can't say anything against that...".
"But at the same time I hoped it wouldn't be necessary to risk so much."
Crusch wouldn't be as easily convinced as Anastasia. Even if she owed Subaru a favor, the mere fact of only knowing him for 1 week made blindly believing in him something very difficult to happen.
"..."
And Subaru doesn't have a clear and solid proof to prove his point. Even though he knew he wasn't lying, that he was right, he couldn't find anything to debate that accusation with...
...The only thing he could do...
"...The Hoshin Company's Information Network... It's really impressive how good it is, don't you think?"
"...!"
Was to use his contacts... and some cleverness.
That was his greatest weapon in this world.
"Hoshin?"
"...Subawu... Is your request not exclusively yours?"
"..."
Crusch, Felix, and Wilhelm were already getting an idea of what Subaru had talked about... But as if that weren't enough, he clarifies his point.
"I'm not just asking for your help in a fight, Lady Crusch... I'm asking for an alliance with 2... Or even 3 royal candidates."
"A triple alliance?"
Crush sharpens her gaze... This negotiation is becoming more and more important for her camp.
"...Having come to this point... I must choose each of my words with utmost care."
"A temporary alliance between the Karsten, Hoshin, and Mathers territories and camps. With a clear final objective. Hunt one of the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishops."
"Plus probably the Barielle camp as well, but until I've gone personally to her, I can't mention her in this meeting yet."
Was what Subaru thought by not including one of his friends.
"...A triple alliance..."
Meanwhile, Crusch remained interested in the otherworldly boy's proposal.
"...So you had more help than I thought... I think I underestimated you a bit."
"Not at all. Ana-chan owed me a favor from childhood, or at least, that's what she considers... Besides having one of the best information networks, she also offered to help me protect mine as a way to pay her debt."
"So it's thanks to her and her information network that you obtained the information about the Witch Cult attack, isn't it?"
"...Without a doubt, Anastasia has helped me a lot."
Subaru barely manages to escape having his lie totally exposed.
He hasn't lied... technically he didn't answer the question. It doesn't count as a lie.
He just hopes no one finds out.
"...Even I must admit that there are few information networks that can compare to the one the Hoshin Company has... If she considers it totally secure, it can definitely be considered a reliable source."
Wilhelm rationalizes about the Hoshin Company. Even he had used their information network a while ago for a personal reason.
And definitely, he knew how effective and reliable it was.
"...That seems to be the case... Usually I would ask for some written documents to know all the details, but... If the letter arrived with urgency... should I assume we are very pressed for time?"
Subaru lets out a slight sigh, while accepting Crusch's words.
"I would really like to be able to count on more preparation time, but... we must act this early morning, at the latest."
"...Just a few hours before the attack... It's enough time to prepare something. Yes. However, it's still a very tight time limit."
"That's right... Obviously I wouldn't come here to ask you for a favor of such magnitude without offering you anything in return."
"Hmm?"
Another basic technique to convince the other side to join you would be to show them what they would gain.
For an alliance to make sense, all sides should be able to get a good reward that makes the effort worthwhile.
"Of course, you won't just get the credit for having participated in an expedition that ended up winning the defeat of someone as important as a Sin Archbishop. But being a triple alliance, it might not be the best reward."
"The credit would be divided among the candidates... and it might even be in unequal amounts depending on how the battle ends... It's a bit of an ambiguous reward, I must say."
"Don't worry. I have no qualms in saying that's the case... So, what if...?"
Subaru had a total of three rewards that might interest Crusch.
The first is, the already mentioned, the credit for defeating a Sin Archbishop. That would boost her camp and fame...
However, Anastasia's camp, Priscilla's, Crusch's... And if he and Rem participated, probably Emilia's camp, the reward would be divided among many sides. Wouldn't it boost everyone? Does it count as a reward?
And now that he thinks about it, maybe it's a bit unfair to Felt, isn't it?... Maybe he should apologize to her later...
Anyway, that reward would be divided among three sides, at a minimum. So its effectiveness in convincing her wasn't the best.
The best now... would be to move to the second reward.
"You will have the mining rights for the magic crystal in the Elior Great Forest."
Rem said, with her calm and educated tone, after having remained silent and listening all along, waiting to make her entrance.
"...Elior Great Forest?"
"As a servant of Lord Roswaal, Subaru-kun and I have the authorization and right to negotiate using his name. We allow ourselves to offer these rights in exchange for your help."
Knowing that Roswaal had allowed Rem and him to negotiate using his resources and his name... Was something Subaru, truthfully, didn't expect or know about.
In fact, he wouldn't know if Rem hadn't revealed it recently.
It seemed she didn't expect to have a negotiation of such a level, but with the current circumstances she was forced to say it.
If it weren't for the attack, there definitely wouldn't be a need to use his name or make a negotiation in the capital... Why did Roswaal give them that permission if we didn't have to use it if not for this unforeseen event?... It was something that made Subaru doubt a bit, but he would have to ask him later.
Right now? He'll take advantage of that little power he has.
"Mining resources from the Elior forest?... I've never been to that place, Nya. Is it worth it?"
"Yes. The mining rights for that place are definitely a worthy resource and worth obtaining."
Rem commented keeping her tone of professional maid activated.
Subaru finishes speaking for her. Hoping this is all for this meeting.
"In addition to boosting your career, you will also get a financial reward while exterminating a sinner who has caused suffering for so long... What do you say?"
"..."
"..."
Crusch lets out a small sigh... Looking into Subaru's eyes with seriousness, but with a slight tone of resignation.
"...I regret my words, Subaru-dono... But I refuse to lend you my help."
"...Crusch-nya."
Felix looks at his mistress... with a bit of pain and betrayal at her words.
But he is unable to say anything. She is the one with the final decision in his camp.
She proceeds to explain her point. She doesn't want to create a bad image in front of the black-haired boy.
"...It's nothing personal, Subaru-dono... And it even pains me to give this answer... In another situation I might have even accepted helping without needing to accept the mining resources, but I'm afraid I cannot help."
"...This is bad."
Subaru squeezes his hand behind his back, something only noticed by Rem, who subtly places her hands on his shoulders.
"...Oh, yes?... That's a bit disappointing for me... I really thought I could count on you... Does the reward or the information not convince you?"
"No. As I said, I have no problem with either of those things... The only thing that bothers me... is the time..."
Crusch observes a second to her side, in the direction of Mr. Wilhelm.
"...I can't give you much information, and I hope you don't spread this rumor... But the truth is that we are also preparing for an upcoming battle."
"Upcoming battle?"
"...Do you mean...-?"
"It's confidential information... I'm telling you just so you understand that I'm not refusing because of you. As Felix's friend, I feel I owe you a great favor. But I made a promise and an oath and because of that... I'm sorry I can't break it, even for you."
Those words were nothing more than the truth that Crusch held. Even she felt she was making a mistake by not helping the boy in front of him. But it didn't matter who. She had made a deal, and until it was fulfilled, she couldn't back down.
"...I understand... In that case... shall I propose one last deal?"
And for that, she is surprised when Subaru... still doesn't back down.
"This is my last card."
"A last deal?... I regret to say that no matter the reward, if the attack will occur soon, I won't be able to help you."
"No. I am not able to move the deadline... I just want to clarify something before... The reason you can't help is because you have another indefinite battle and have to be focused on that, isn't it?"
"Yes, exactly."
Crusch raises an eyebrow with a bit of curiosity and confusion... Subaru had clearly grasped what she wanted to say. So, if he knew her situation, and knew she couldn't help... What is he going to propose now?
"...Taking risks... is not something I like to do, but... at this point."
"In that case... If we helped you finish that battle earlier, you wouldn't have any reason to refuse, would you?"
She is surprised and blinks for a few seconds... Before hardening her expression again.
"...I regret to say that I don't think you can help us with that, Subaru-dono. Besides not knowing the nature of our enemy, I also don't see how you could-"
"No. There is definitely something I can do... And that is..."
"Offer my last card and my final reward for you."
"Provide the exact location and time of the appearance of the Great White Whale."
He declares, dropping one last bomb of information.
"..."
"..."
"...The White Whale."
After his words, a wave of seriousness and intensity ran across the faces of all present. Briefly making Subaru doubt a bit whether he had been right or not.
But the faint murmur coming from the older gentleman in the scene, loaded with a silent anger so dense before disappearing into the air...
...Was all Subaru needed to confirm he was correct.
"...I apologize for my... grave indiscretion. It seems I still have much to learn... If you order me, I will withdraw immediately."
Closing one eye, and keeping a mask of neutrality, without showing any emotion, Wilhelm speaks apologizing with slight embarrassment towards his lady.
"No. This is a topic on which I would like to hear your professional opinion."
After those words, and without stopping to show her indifferent side, Crusch returns her gaze to the black-haired boy.
"...The topic about the White Whale... It was something very sudden to talk about... Why do you think it is that enemy we are dealing with?"
Subaru takes a few seconds to think and respond in the best way. Taking advantage of his information, and hiding any small lie that might escape him.
"The first time I came here, less than three days ago, I could notice that in the early hours, only Felix was available to attend to me. I didn't think much of it at the time. But thinking about it now, and everyone knowing about my visit that day, it's strange that you two couldn't be present... unless you were busy in an important meeting."
"As a Royal Candidate, you must understand I have my responsibilities and obligations. Even if I had known about your visit long before, I probably couldn't have changed the dates with those I do business with. It's not enough proof to suggest what you think."
"Hmm. You're right, it's just a possibility that occurred to me. It's not decisive proof... But it's definitely a coincidence, don't you think?"
Subaru begins to list.
"Being in important meetings with your servant. Preparing for an upcoming battle, and no offense... Giving a sign of your hatred towards this... They are too many coincidences to let them pass, don't you think?"
The truth was just a bunch of loose coincidences. Enough to pressure, but insufficient to declare it as the truth...
Crusch could say something in her defense and crumble his entire plan... but...
"..."
"..."
"...You're right, Subawu."
It was Felix who responded first. Surprising his two companions near him.
"F-Ferris!"
"I know that look in Subawu, Crusch-sama. It's the look of someone who has already decided something, and believe me. It will be impossible to get it out of his head. I'm sure he has more information than he's telling us and... Besides, lying is difficult for us, Nya!"
Saying with a smile, Ferris reveals the truth. Letting out a sigh of relief from Subaru, before turning his gaze to the servant at his side.
"I'm sorry for confessing it, Wilhelm-nya."
"...Don't worry. It's my fault for giving such an obvious signal."
Wilhelm doesn't react more than with those words.
And finally, Subaru delivers a coup de grâce.
"So... I think this is enough, isn't it?"
"..."
"...Hehe~".
"...Yes... I suppose so..."
Crusch says with a sigh, when she finally completely relaxes her composure, upon seeing the image of her knight smiling with confidence.
"...You really have reliable information about the whale, don't you, Subawu?"
Subaru responds to his friend's trust with equal determination.
"Believe me. I swear on my life... And on the lives of all my friends if that's not enough."
"...The wind of lies does not blow in you..."
And Crusch can't do anything to deny such truth.
"...Then... This is how it remains in the end.I, Subaru Natsuki, offer a multiple alliance among candidates, the Mining Rights of the Elior Great Forest, and the information regarding the location and time of the appearance of the White Whale in exchange for counting on your camp and your men to attack the Great Mabeast and repel the attack of a Sin Archbishop... Do we have a deal?"
"..."
"Hehe~".
"...Heh... You are a man worthy of fear in business. You have a lot of potential in negotiation and as a merchant."
Finally surrendering, Crusch can't help but smile at seeing such skill and adaptability that Subaru managed to obtain throughout the meeting.
"You're not the first girl to tell me that... But I still think you all have me in too high esteem."
With that, and with both having a smile, the black-haired boy and the green-haired girl shake hands... finalizing the contract.
"...Phew..."
Only then does Subaru finally allow himself to relax completely, leaning back in his chair, while Rem places her hands on his shoulders.
"You did really well, Subaru-kun."
"...It was more luck than anything else... I was really tense the whole time."
"Oh, really, Nya? You looked very relaxed and calm to me."
"...I'm good at trying to hide my expressions... that helped me here."
He comments with a slight smile.
"...Thank you."
"Huh-?"
Subaru is taken by surprise when Wilhelm approaches him, and goes down on one knee, kneeling before him.
"I offer thanks as deep as those I offer to my lady, Duchess Crusch Karsten. I thank you for giving this old man the chance for revenge."
"...Revenge?"
He can't help but murmur involuntarily. But it seems the gentleman overlooks his words as he continues explaining.
"As the wise man you are, Lord Subaru, you have probably already deduced this, but allow me to introduce myself again...Previously, I was known as Trias, my former surname. My family's true name is Astrea. I took the former Sword Saint, Theresia van Astrea, as my wife, tarnishing the family line of the Sword Saints... That is me, Wilhelm van Astrea.
"...Van Astrea...-!?... This gentleman... Wilhelm is...-!?"
"My most sincere gratitude, for granting this withered body the opportunity to kill the damn demonic beast that stole my wife from me."
"...Reinhardt's... grandfather."
And Subaru can't help but make a face of surprise at that information.
"...Subawu, you're making a funny face."
It seems that when it comes to his friends, even Subaru has trouble hiding his expressions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"..."
"Watching the flowers?"
"...? Subaru-dono."
A few minutes after Subaru suffered a slight attack of embarrassment in front of everyone... at least he had gotten what he wanted. The help of another camp.
There were still small details about the alliance to arrange. Something he entrusted to Rem to finish talking with Crusch.
The two of them, along with Felix, will continue talking a few more minutes to completely finish the meeting.
Wilhelm and Subaru?... They decided to step out for a moment. Their presence, while not uncomfortable, at this point, didn't add anything.
The first to leave was the elder swordsman, shortly after, Subaru left, who found him looking at the flowers in the mansion's backyard garden.
A somewhat cute and a bit unexpected gesture in his opinion... It wasn't bad, it's a somewhat cute scene to see.
"My wife loved them. I can't help but remember them and think of her when I look at them."
The swordsman speaks without taking his eyes off the beautiful yellow flowers on the ground. Lost in his thoughts and memories.
"...You can tell you loved her... She must have been a great woman..."
"...Yes... Without a doubt."
"..."
Subaru says nothing more as he returns his gaze to the various flowers remaining on the ground.
The truth was that he had come to talk a bit with Wilhelm... Although it could end in a fight, the truth was he wanted to try.
"...I know it's none of my business... And I understand you might be annoyed with me for this but, if you allow me to ask... You... are Rein's grandfather, aren't you?"
There is a slight tic in the swordsman's face, before he nods, keeping his voice and expression equally furious.
"Yes... I am the biological grandfather of the Sword Saint. Though I don't think I can call us family."
"Sword Saint?... You can't even try to call him by his name?"
"I consider respecting the etiquette of all important knights to be equally valid and respectable."
"...But Rein isn't just another knight to you, is he?"
"..."
"...Ahh."
Letting out a small sigh, Subaru has no intention of pushing the topic further than necessary.
When he noticed that Wilhelm was the grandfather of one of his best friends... One of his first thoughts was to think about his well-being.
Could he be something to improve the relationship between these two to a level higher than just decent?
Probably not. But it wouldn't mean he wouldn't try...
Although right now... he can see it's not working.
"...If you allow me to take the floor..."
Trying to approach the idea in a different way, and while searching for something in his pocket, Subaru continues speaking.
"I suppose you are a good friend of Felix and Crusch. You surely already know about my... origin, don't you?"
"I haven't delved deeper than what I was told and heard. But I know that apparently you come from beyond the Great Waterfall... And you seem to be an old friend of Felix-dono."
"Yes. That's right... But not just Felix. It seems I became a childhood friend to many people... Although I've forgotten many of them..."
"...Losing so many memories and moments... It is undoubtedly something devastating."
Wilhelm, despite his refusal to talk about his family in the first place, can't help but look at Subaru with a bit of compassion, amazement, and pride at seeing his clear situation and how he keeps moving forward.
"That's right... It's still hard for me to live without remembering all of it completely. But I do what I can... I consider memories important, you know? I think memories are something you should create and protect, and definitely not lose... Although I'm not one to say that."
Subaru finally takes the object out of his pocket. Showing a small metal device.
"...That is...?"
Wilhelm fixes his gaze on an object he had never seen before despite his age.
"It's an object from my world, a phone... It's hard to explain exactly what it does. But... I want you to see this."
Wilhelm can do nothing but wait while Subaru presses a combination of buttons on the keys, of what, to him, looked like a metal.
"...Here. This is a photo... imagine it's a painting or a portrait without imperfections."
And after a few seconds, Subaru approaches and shows him the screen of the metal... Showing two adults around 40 years old.
"...!"
And Wilhelm can't help but notice the black hair of the man and the brown and terrifying eyes of the woman.
"Those two are..."
"That's right... They are my parents."
Subaru finishes clarifying to the swordsman...
Subaru could notice how he was starting to find it difficult to speak now but... He would try to hold on just a little longer.
"...Remember how we said a while ago how life can sometimes take too sudden turns?... Well, that happened to me. One day I was leaving my parents' house and the next... I'm sleeping in the mansion in a world totally different from mine."
"...It must have been a change really difficult to digest."
Subaru forces a small smile.
"Yeah... I can't exactly say we got along badly, but I must admit that my relationship with my parents... Well... simply... I didn't take advantage of the time with them as I would have liked."
Locked in a room. Playing video games. Eating snacks. Withdrawn from society. And only going out to eat...
If in his lost memories there wasn't anything else to say otherwise, that was all the effort Subaru had put into the relationship with his parents.
"...And finally when I was summoned to this world... I didn't have the chance to say goodbye or dedicate any parting words to them..."
"...It's true that my idea was simply... to end it all that time, but still..."
"...Right now... the only things I have of my parents are my resources and these photos on my phone... Everything else?... I don't think I can get it back..."
"..."
Wilhelm observes the boy's expression. An expression he was trying to hide... But Wilhelm could notice how he clenched his fists tightly.
How a pathetic child... No. How a genuine man enduring the pain.
"...Memories are too valuable to simply let them pass... Cherish them... Along with the people at your side... You never know when they'll be gone..."
"..."
Wilhelm remains silent, not mentioning or interrupting when he tries to recover, hiding his face and forcing himself to dry his tears.
"...I'm sorry for everything you have suffered, Subaru-dono... The fact that you keep smiling and moving forward... Is something worthy of admiration."
"Heh... Not at all. All my friends are more incredible... But thank you..."
Wilhelm keeps a second of silence... Considering the black-haired boy's words, and taking them seriously.
"I don't plan on doing anything... Nor do I have any idea how informed you are... But, how do you know I can do anything about... fixing the relationship between my family members?... Do you really think it can be that easy?"
"...I won't be optimistic... Nor will I pretend to be wiser than you, Wilhelm-san... But if you take a step, no matter how small... At least, and unlike me, you won't have to keep living knowing you did nothing to improve."
"..."
"..."
"...It was a good chat, Subaru-dono."
"...Thank you for listening... I'll see you in the battle later, Wilhelm-san."
Not knowing what else he can say, and at his closure of the topic, Subaru starts walking back into the mansion.
"...Subaru-dono."
"...Yes?"
"...Your parents have raised a very wise man."
"...!"
"..."
"...Thank you."
"...I don't know if that's really true... Nor do I know if I made a significant change in Rein's relationship with his grandfather..."
But now?
Subaru wasn't so discouraged.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Subawu? What were you talking about with Wilhelm-nya?"
"Huh?... Just talking about a few things. We won't have as much calm tonight with the upcoming battle."
"Rem took care of clarifying all the details with Lady Crusch, Subaru-kun. I have no doubt we have a good strategy and strength."
After his chat with Wilhelm. It seemed the others were officially finishing the alliance.
It seemed that Crusch, with her men and her military force... Rem seemed confident in this camp at least.
In the end... victory seemed more and more likely.
"Honestly, Subawu always has something to surprise us with, don't you?"
"It's not like I decided to get involved in a battle like this for fun, you know?"
"Haha. I know, I'm just joking."
Felix comments, while guiding the duo to the exit.
"...But seriously. I hoped your visit would have been about you accepting being in Crusch's camp. Ferris would have been so happy then, Nya."
"...Subaru-kun could join Emilia-sama's camp as well. Don't you think, Ferris-kun?"
"I haven't decided. So don't fight over that, okay?"
Subaru stops his friends before they insist again on which camp he should join.
"Mmmm... Well, Nya. But the door is open. Don't stop visiting us... preferably without more battles on your back."
"Yes. I promise... I would like to stay longer to talk with you, but I have to go to Priscilla's camp as well. The time we have is against us."
"Rem suggests eating something very quickly before, Subaru-kun. You've barely had time to rest between walks and talks today."
Rem was a bit worried about her friend. She could notice how he had strived all day. With slight exceptions, always looking for a strategy or thinking about what to do for tonight's battle.
"...Subawu, what's your plan before the battle?"
Felix asks curiously... while plotting something.
"Oh? Well, as Rem said, we must have a quick lunch. Then we'll quickly set off to ask for Priscilla's help... After that, I suppose we'll all meet up to later go to the location you already know for the battle."
"...You don't plan on going anywhere else, Nya?"
"Hmm? Where should I...?... Anyway, I don't think I can. I have to hurry and hope Priscilla lends me her help without losing much time..."
In the middle of their conversation, Subaru and Rem reached the end of the hallway, exiting the mansion doors.
"...Even if you have a lot on your mind, Subawu, try not to pressure yourself too much, Nya! Your brain works better when you're relaxed! You used to say it in your elementary school books!!"
"Yeeees! See you tonight, Felix! Thanks for everything!"
Subaru shouted, when he departed from the Karsten mansion towards a new objective.
"Subawu really is very anxious... I guess I can't blame him considering the current situation..."
Felix watches his friend move further and further away with haste... before passing his gaze to another part of the capital.
Pointing to the Great Castle visible in the distance.
"...Ferris can help him a little more, can't he?. I'm sure Fourier will want to know this."
Felix decided to go back into the mansion, with the goal of dressing in his Royal Knight uniform, and visiting a good friend who could be very useful now.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
It's strange writing chapters where I'm forced to remember that actually Subaru had only passed 2 or 3 days since he visited his friends... And I remember writing those chapters as if they were months. Honestly, it's a bit nostalgic. Am I exaggerating? Haha.
And by the way, Ana still carrying Subaru without his presence. Xd
This time I made Subaru's phone do nothing in the negotiation. In the anime they omitted it (I think), but in the novel for Subaru to convince Crusch that the phone was a Mabeast tracker, he made Rem say that was probably how Subaru discovered the mabeast attack in arc 2.
That didn't happen here, so I felt that the whole negotiation ending as easily as 'it's thanks to my completely real not fake phone' was going to end up being very forced, don't you think?
In the end I decided to do camp by camp. Boring and unnecessary? Maybe. But enjoyable? I hope so. Most want a happiness fic, and I created this story for that reason.
I mean, look at Felix. We're not in a reforgotten If. He doesn't have to be scum if it's not necessary. My idea was to add a scene where he clarified to Subaru that even if he didn't get Crusch's alliance, he would most likely have helped anyway. Saying that even if he can't fight, a healer like him would be very helpful, besides not believing that Crusch would have refused if he took that decision...
I hope I gave him an image so people here don't hate him... There shouldn't be any characters worthy of hate yet (we ignore Puck).
No one asked me but... I loved the conversation between Wilhelm and Subaru. Maybe many of you thought it was filler, but for me... it's one of my best scenes.
I'm starting Uni!... Goodbye holidays... Well. I hope it doesn't influence my writing, but I don't promise anything. I might publish chapters less frequently... I don't complain much.
What did you think of the chapter? I took advantage and added more lore about Wilhelm for not giving him protagonism in Felix's chapter. Tell me what you thought of everything. Comment. Join the Cluster! Follow me on my social media. And see you in the next chapter! Byeee!