"Hmm… I wonder if I really trust my plan and that it's going to work… That's not the best thing one should think when walking to a place like this."
Subaru was walking through a dense forest full of thin trees. Completely alone.
By his side, he had no Human, Demi-human, Swordsman, Mage, Friend, or anyone. He didn't even have his faithful Dragoness Patrasche accompanying him.
He was equipped with nothing more than a few mana crystals hidden in his pocket. Something is something. He hoped not to need to carry something so powerful for the place he was approaching.
After all, he was only heading to one of the secret hideouts where the Archbishop of Sloth belonging to the Witch Cult and part of his army were located…
"I'm sure Beako-sensei will scold me once I return to the mansion. hehe…"
He thought, laughing. Hoping to return to his home as soon as possible. And perhaps also as a way to relax before facing the madness-filled enemy.
Was he nervous? Of course. Who wouldn't be?
However, it wasn't nearly as serious as anyone else might imagine.
He felt much more nervous when he had to speak in a presentation in front of his entire school about a topic he didn't master…
Perhaps not so literal, But he was walking without stumbling step after step. And without wanting to take a single step back. He had more than one reason to stay determined and resolute.
One of them was to save his friends. Perhaps the only really important reason of all he had. He hoped to return to his life where his biggest concern was knowing which friend he had to visit now. It was at least the only concern he showed to others.
The second reason was simply to help Attack the Witch Cult. They were a sect considered an enemy of the Kingdom. If the situation presented itself for him to help, he had no reason to refuse.
And the last Reason. It could only be defined in one word.
Hatred.
For everything that sect and that man had done to him and his friends, both in the past and in the present, he would really make sure that man was dead by the end of the day…
"I can't let myself be carried away by emotions, I already learned that doesn't lead me to anything good."
Holding his breath once more, he walked a few extra steps, until the light coming from above seemed to have become stronger once the green leaves of the trees were left behind.
Now he was in the middle of a plain. Behind him, a green and beautiful forest. Below him, a smooth light brown terrain. Above him, large friendly clouds and a warm sun.
And in front of him...
"I was waiting for you, BELIEVER of Love."
A horrible green-haired being that ruined the beautiful view around him.
"I am Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti, archbishop of the Seven Deadly Sins of the Witch Cult… Entrusted with the duties of SLOTH! DESU!"
"…"
Upon seeing that man in front of him, Subaru almost ignored his own orders and thoughts. Instinctively, he put his hand in his pocket and felt the need to throw himself at him and attack with everything.
Even so, he made an effort to show no reaction on his expression. Falsifying his emotions through sheer willpower.
He managed it only because he had extensive experience in that aspect.
"I welcome you, loved boy, vessel of 'Her love'! Splendid… ahhh, Splendid! With what ardor the witch's love envelops you! I am grateful! I am TRULY, sincerely grateful!"
From the word 'Welcome', Subaru was already unable to follow the Archbishop's sanity-lacking words. They were still a bunch of nonsense to him, and he was almost doubting whether to even try to understand what he meant, or ignore his words.
For now? He decides to respond calmly. Bringing out his false kind and calm voice.
"Hey friend. Thanks for the welcome. I must say this is very unreal."
"It is to be expected! Not everyone realizes when they are loved! Oh, but she loves everyone! She loves Everyone! But you! You are much more surrounded by her love! Love love love love love!"
"Surrounded by her love? Really?" He hid that frustration by raising an eyebrow, swallowing his sarcasm. "In that case I should be grateful, shouldn't I?"
"That's riiiiiight! For her love!! For the love guaranteed towards us we must be grateful! I, we! cannot fail to respond with diligence!!"
The man made erratic movements. Twisting and bending his body on itself. It was a very unpleasant scene to watch.
"…In that case. I would like to join the Witch Cult. I hope everyone welcomes me with open arms in a cozy place. Do I need to sign a contract or take a test before that?"
"Ahhhh! Yes. That spirit, that enthusiasm, that future vision, THAT DILIGENCE is to be valued… However!" He turned his head 90°. "It is not possible!"
"Oh? I can't join?"
"No No No No No No. That's not what I said! Haven't you already joined? The favor that SHE has given you is so much that it would only make you one of my fingers in this juncture!"
"Ughhh" Subaru hesitated for a second. "Is that good?"
"Good!?"
Petelgeuse froze for a second. It's majestic!
It was a beautiful second of peace before he started shouting again.
"It's incredible! Amazing! It's pure Love! Even Wrath would be envious of you…Tell me... Could you be Pride?"
"Pride?"
Subaru narrowed his eyes another second instinctively, unable to help it. It wasn't the first time he had been told that, and for that reason, he almost wanted to know more about it.
"Of all the Sin Archbishops. Only Pride remains empty. No worthy one has appeared, or at least! It hasn't been made Public."
"Well, keep waiting. I will never join you" He thought with anger.
"But since you are here, That's it! The void will be filled...!Please, allow me to see your gospel."
"…"
"Okay… This conversation dies here."
Gospel… It wasn't the first time Subaru had heard of that object. Although it was dark, he remembered the black book that Petelgeuse had shown him in his previous life.
Its content was unknown. Naturally, Subaru didn't have any similar book in his possession.
So? He would just have to continue the show.
"Alright. If that's all you need for me to join your group, I think I've kept it right in—…Oh! I'm sorry, I can't do that."
"…Uhh?'
Petelgeuse looked at him coldly, his eyes seeming even paler than before.
"And why NOT!?"
"Don't take it personally, but… Nah, you know what? Do it. You can do it.After all, If I ever had a gospel, I think I would destroy it and throw it in the trash, along with your witch and your love."
Refusing to continue with this false conversation, Subaru decides to end the topic, trampling everything that Petelgeuse seemed to have loved.
There were a few seconds of silence where they both just stood silently staring at each other.
And the next instant.
"AUTHORITY OF SLOTH. UNSEEN HAND."
A shout echoed in the place. Subaru tensed for a second at having finally unleashed the rage of the madman he himself hated with all his heart.
Only then, he could see, Or rather, only Subaru could see the hands protruding from the madman's back. Several dark hands that came out and seemed to head forcefully towards him.
Unseen hands, just as their name indicates, should be imperceptible to any person. Faced with an invisible and impossible-to-detect attack, it was a deadly and instantaneous attack if applied correctly.
"But if I can see them, Then it becomes a too simple attack!"
With a jump and a bit of concentration, Subaru jumped backward, avoiding any wounds that could have been generated at that moment. He took a few meters of space from the Archbishop.
Despite having confidence and having a plan in mind, Subaru knew that approaching a madman could never bring anything good. He wouldn't get close to find out.
"You…! You have seen my unseen hands!?"
Biting his nails and the very bones of his fingers, you could hear the sound of bone breaking repeatedly in the air.
"Eh! Don't worry, friend. You won't have to worry for long. We've already talked and bought a lot of time for this."
Speaking in a sarcastic tone, Subaru smiled as he raised his hands to his ears. Covering them tightly.
"I recommend you do the same. If you're not used to it, this might hurt."
What was Subaru talking about?
There was no need to ask to find out.
"WAHHH!!" (x2)
Two screams made themselves present traveling through the air. Although screams would be an understatement for such noise. Bestial audios sounded much better in comparison.
The shockwave that came from the lips of his siblings Mimi and Tivey was strong enough to generate a small tremor in the place. The ground shattered with just the movement of the air, causing anyone who wasn't prepared to fall instantly.
But that wasn't the objective of the Attack.
In front of Subaru and Behind Petelgeuse, the entrance to the Witch Cult's hideout saw the light of day for the last time, before it was completely collapsed with all the men who could have been inside.
The Witch Cult's hideout had become their Tomb. That was a good start.
"My fingers… cruelly, mercilessly, without order, without warning, without provocation, without meaning, massacred, murdered… Ahh, ahh! My brain trembles!"
"Woooow, that old man sure has a screw loose."
"I think all Cultists are like that."
"Mimi-san, Tivey-chan, don't look at him too much. It might be contagious."
"Yes, Onii-san/Sama!"
Running away from the hideout and the archbishop once their part was done, the triplets accepted their human brother's words, congratulating him inwardly for his successful plan so far.
A Witch Cult vs an army could be a balanced battle. Having reduced the number of enemies to just one gave them a great advantage.
Even Subaru felt he could fight in a 1 vs 1 with sheer willpower and determination given such an advantage against the Archbishop.
He launched a pure magic crystal upwards. The crystal disappeared into the air. In its place, 40 darkness stakes, 40 Minya crystals appeared behind him, all pointing at the same being.
"Ahhh? I see see see see see see see! So that's how it is. It shall be!"
Biting each of the fingers of both hands. To the point where they cracked with each snap of every broken bone, and to the point where blood gushed onto the ground, Petelgeuse looked Subaru in the eyes with his manic expression.
"Fine. Now I understaaaaand! Now IS the time to fight! For love, yes, for loooove!!"
Facing each other, they both prepare to kill each other. In what should be the final battle for one of them…
"Although I would really like to be the one who is your executioner, and I have enough reasons for it, the truth is that I must set my emotions aside for this time."
"Ahhh!? What is this!? I must attend this trial with love. This! Same! Moment!"
Completely ignoring his words, Subaru smiled.
"It's just that there is an expert warrior with a sword who surpasses me by far."
At his words, the Archbishop could not shout any more words.
After all, a vertical cut from a sword wielded by the Sword Demon had split his body in two.
"…That was it?"
Minutes later, the area was no longer so desolate.
On the plain, Felix was crouched down inspecting the body of the mad Archbishop who no longer moved.
Around him, and close to Subaru, were the rest of his allies.
The triplets Tivey and Mimi and Wilhelm, who had helped defeat the enemies, were around him. And there were also more than a dozen soldiers from the Camps serving as guards.
And finally…
"…Really this was the so-called Archbishop?"
Priscilla and Aldebaran. Who witnessed first-hand the entire conversation between their friend and the madman.
On Priscilla's side, she wanted to be present at the moment that scum had their last seconds of life. And if the fight got out of control, she would be the one who would have cut him in two.
And on Aldebaran's side, besides wanting to accompany his princess, the truth is that he had come more because of his friend's direct request from the same world.
"So, Pal? Did you manage to see anything?"
"Anything other than just a madman screaming? Nope. Sorry, friend."
"…That's strange" Subaru sighed.
He had asked Aldebaran to verify his little theory. Subaru was able to see Petelgeuse's unseen hands. He had no idea why. So he believed it was because he was from beyond the Great Waterfall.
Although it was only a hypothesis, and there was no foundation, at least it was a theory that had no complaints against it…
Until Aldebaran affirms that he is also unable to see them. Tearing down his theory.
So he still had more questions than answers.
"Oh well. Maybe you didn't manage to discover that. But cheer up, Subawu. This man is completely dead, Nya!"
Felix stands up, moving away from the corpse without looking at all disturbed by the blood or the putrid smell in the air.
"I guess being a doctor makes you that strong" Subaru envies a bit his strength and resistance to these images.
"Completely sure?" He wanted to be sure before completely lowering his guard.
"No one could be more dead even if they tried, Nya."
"How can someone try to die harder?"
Speaking with a confused voice, Mimi responded. While she was on the ground picking up loose objects that the Archbishop had dropped after his death. Making a face at Subaru.
"I know this world is totally different, but is it normal for you to be used to looting corpses?"
"We are Mercenaries, Onii-sama" Tivey responded, accompanying his sister. "We did our job and it's normal to look for valuable objects if you have the possibility."
At that response, Subaru could see the logic behind their words. But it didn't make it any more comfortable to watch.
"I think I understand it. But I think I would prefer that you not do it with a smile on your face."
"No matter how ugly it is. If you do it with a smile, everything will be easier to do! That's what you used to say, Onii-san!"
"I'm sure I wasn't referring to looting corpses at that moment."
Subaru smiled as he responded to Mimi and approached his siblings.
"Hmm? A book?"
Mimi stopped for a second, when she picked up the black book from the ground between her fingers. Before...
"Tivey is the Nerd! He read it!"
"Ouch!"
Throwing it to her brother, who clearly didn't expect it at all and it hit him directly on the head, causing him to writhe childishly in pain.
"Ughhh! Why didn't you just hand it to me!"
"Because you have to keep your guard up at all times! You can't be so distracted. Isn't that right, Onii- Ouch!?"
Mimi couldn't finish her sentence when she felt a small hit on the back of her head. Making her shrink and guide her hands towards it.
"I understand that you are tough and train our brothers, Mimi-san. But you should apologize for these things. You're making me have to educate you lately, you know?"
"Onii-sannnnn…!" She said, still complaining about the pain.
"Apologize."
"…I'm sorry, Tivey. Ughhhh, it hurts as much as I remembered."
Subaru smiles watching how the little cat apologized and kept her small hands behind her head trying to soften the pain. While he crouches down and picks up the monocle from the ground, gently placing it over Tivey's eye. Making him smile.
"Thank you, Onii-sama!" He shows him a grateful smile. "It feels good to have a mature older brother back."
"Hey. Also watch your words, Tivey-chan" Subaru scratches his head. "I'm sure Mimi was a much better sister than I was in my absence."
"…"(x2)
At that moment, there was a slight silence as both triplets looked with slight hardness and disappointment at their human brother.
"W-What?"
"Don't you dare compare who is the best brother or not. You're going to make me angry! Just enjoy being back!"
"…Yes, yes."
Subaru let out a small smile and sighed at the same time when he noticed that the two were scolding him for his self-deprecation.
It's not that he did it on purpose to receive these comments. But lately, it's true that he is hearing a lot of them.
Ignoring that, Subaru crouches down to grab the book again and direct it to Tivey's small hands.
"You want to read it? I think Petelgeuse called it the Gospel."
"Eh!?"
At that moment, Tivey let out a small noise of fear… No. It wasn't just him. In fact, there was a small shiver in all the bodies that heard that word.
Everyone was watching Subaru with slight nervousness and fear. Looking at him cautiously.
Making Subaru nervous.
"Ugggh… Is it really that bad?"
Ignoring those emotions, and seeing that it seems Tivey has already lost all the energy he had to read the book, he stands up, trying to handle the uncomfortable situation.
He, out of curiosity, also slowly opens the black book between his fingers, and dares to read its worn pages.
"…Eh?"
The content was, to say the least… disastrous.
There were several blank sheets stained with embedded dirt. It was noticeable that it was a book from several decades, or perhaps centuries ago.
The pages that weren't blank had hundreds of characters mixed together. Which Subaru… could ALMOST not read.
"Isolate target… Twin gluttony pet… Capture unforeseen events…"
The letters seemed to be a kind of mix between the writing of his world and the writing of the new fantasy world. But it wasn't just that.
There were also many new characters and words that Subaru didn't remember seeing before. Mixed with new and old letters. He was reading more with intuition and reasoning than anything else.
It was like reading a language you had barely learned.
"I'm finding it very hard to read it…"
Noticing that obvious fact, he points to the pages with his companions nearby.
"Can any of you tell what—"
"Don't point that thing at me!"
The moment he tried to ask his friends for help, he noticed the great caution everyone had towards him. Even Felix took a step back instinctively from the book.
"Well, I definitely see that this really causes panic" He said with some discomfort.
"Maybe you don't remember it, bro, but the gospels are recognized by everyone in the Kingdom as a sign that you are among the most corrupt within the cult."
Aldebaran responded, being among the least affected by the book. Perhaps because he was also from another world, or simply had greater mental fortitude.
"A sign? So it's like their distinctive object?"
Subaru looked again at the book in his hands. For some reason and even though he should be, the truth is he didn't feel so terrified to have such an object in his hands. It was familiar.
"Priscilla. Aren't you afraid of it?"
And he asks the only person present who didn't seem to have any reaction to such a book.
"The gospel is proof that someone has fallen into madness and that whoever has it follows what it dictates to achieve what they want. That is, it is only an object for useless failures who can't do anything without it. My divine being only feels disgust at something like that."
She responded, looking Subaru in the eyes. She had her thoughts very clear. And instead of feeling fear or nervousness towards the cultists for their books, she seemed to feel almost pity for them.
Although Subaru knew it wasn't pity per se. Priscilla was too proud for that word to be in her mental dictionary.
"Anyway… I think I'll keep it for now."
"You're going to keep it!?"
"Subaru-Dono, I strongly recommend that you reconsider."
When Subaru put the book in his pocket, the voices of Felix and Wilhelm made themselves present. Almost in protest.
"That book is proof of being a Sectarian. Even though we can't feel any magic from it, we cannot consider it safe for us to take it with us."
"I understand your concern, Wilhelm-san. And I know that I am the one in the wrong here But…"
Subaru remained silent for a few seconds. Trying to think of what to say without sounding like he was doing something crazy. Even though that was what he was doing.
"…In the mansion I have a frien—" He corrected himself. "I have my mother who I think can know about this book. Perhaps she can discover something from it. And if she doesn't, at least it will serve as proof that we defeated an Archbishop when we report it in the capital."
"…Even with that logic in your words… I ask you to be careful with it and to hand it over as soon as possible."
Wilhelm finally accepted, giving a last warning to the boy.
"Yes. I promise."
With those words and still some doubt, everyone seemed to accept that Subaru had the gospel in his position. Although clearly more than one person thought it should be burned.
"With the archbishop dead, the attack should have been canceled or at least lost a great force, shouldn't it?"
"That's right, Pal… Although I can't feel really calm until I reach the mansion and see everyone."
"The Boss, Julius and the others won't have let any cultist leave this forest as soon as we arrived!" Said Mimi with confidence and security.
"We should be able to rest easy for now, Onii-sama. Don't you worry."
At his Family's words, Subaru almost seemed to want to cry at feeling that really, really… All the danger seemed to have vanished.
Finally everything… was over?
"He's really dead, huh?"
Thinking about it, He walked again until he was right in front of Petelgeuse's body on the ground.
Subaru felt disgust seeing the blood and loose organs. Disgust at the repugnant smell coming from inside him. And disgust at Petelgeuse himself just for being him.
And yet, He felt a little relief, happiness, and pleasure at seeing him in that state.
"I wonder if that automatically makes me a bad person" He thought.
"…It was too easy for my liking."
Priscilla also deigned to look at the body of the one she believed was a danger to her friend. But ended up being greatly disappointed at seeing how easily he died.
It wasn't that she disagreed with his end. It was simply that the way to get to it was not the sight or the show she was expecting.
"…Minya."
The spell took everyone by surprise, thinking they had been attacked by someone. But they calmed down and raised an eyebrow when they saw it was only Subaru attacking the corpse.
Taking a crystal from his pocket and not paying attention to anything else, He continued looking at Petelgeuse's body, while launching several crystals embedding themselves outside and inside the archbishop's skin.
"Huh? Was that necessary?" Asked Aldebaran upon seeing his Bro attacking something lifeless, not knowing whether to feel comfortable with it.
"Surely not." Mimi responded for him. "But he deserved it! He killed his friends."
Indeed, Subaru had launched that attack as a spiteful gesture. In an attempt to release all the accumulated anger he had felt towards that damned archbishop who didn't seem to have suffered enough.
That attack had only one reason, a small revenge for his friends…
Although, of course. That was not something anyone could really know.
"He tried, Mimi. He tried" Tivey raised a finger, adjusting his monocle while correcting his sister. "He didn't manage to carry out the plan and that's why we have won now."
"Could you stop correcting me so much, Mini Nerd Tivey?"
"I told you not to use that word with me again!"
While the rest smiled slightly at the childish little fight between Mimi and Tivey. Subaru just kept looking at the body.
"Minya."
A new attack was generated, causing almost the entire body to become unrecognizable as such.
Everyone watched, slightly concerned, the creator of that attack.
"I admit it. That last one was for personal reasons."
Those were the words he said in response.
"Ahhhh… I feel much better."
And although he didn't know if what he had done was justified. Subaru was satisfied with at least having impacted and avenged his past lives with a slight smile on his face.
"From your expression, I can deduce that everything went well."
"Onii-sama's smile is for a slightly darker reason. But you're right."
Tivey's voice responded to Julius's.
A few minutes later, both halves of the forces rejoined again.
Directly attacking the hideout where the Sin Archbishop was located was a good idea. But once he was killed, it didn't mean victory was assured.
There could still be dozens or more cultists hidden in the forest or around the area. It was only a matter of time before they found out about their leader's death.
Julius, Ricardo, and the rest of their forces had stayed behind at a considerable distance, with the function that if any cultist tried to escape to spread the information, or if they tried to attack someone, they would be stopped before they could do anything.
"I see there was a fight."
Aldebaran looked at more than one man who had stayed with their weapons drawn.
That, and some cultist corpses on the ground.
"A few minutes after we separated, I was able to detect the smell of several men trying to escape."
"Some were formidable. But we were able to contain them entirely."
"So a perfect victory so far, huh?"
Subaru smiled at the words of Ricardo and Julius. He felt that if a battle had them together, there were few chances of it ending in defeat.
Naturally, he was happy at these moments.
"So… Now what?"
Mimi asked, looking around.
The entire main plan was about Defeating the Sin Archbishop.
And that… was already done.
It was so easy that it barely served as exercise. She, although happy to have helped and that everything went so well, admits that it was easier and more boring than she thought it would be.
"Don't raise a Flag, Mimi-san. We're not done yet."
Subaru gave a small pat to his sister before she said something else that would bring them bad luck.
"The leader of these cultists is dead. However, we cannot assure that the attack has already been canceled."
"Perhaps the half-demon's camp can already defend itself on its own without the presence of the Archbishop. But I suppose the Plebeian will not be sure until we have at least evacuated the villagers from the village just in case."
Priscilla, together with Wilhelm, finished what were the objectives that Subaru had set for himself. Defeating an enemy did not give him victory. There was still a possible army that could be heading to that place right now.
"I still don't agree at all with you calling her half-demon."
Subaru shot a look of annoyance at Priscilla, who just looked away without saying anything else. That he was her friend, didn't mean she would accept all his orders.
"But she is right. Although I hope and believe we can take it a little more calmly, I really want to get to the mansion as soon as possible."
"The lazy madman is already out of the game. Do you think we need to be in a hurry?"
"I don't know, Pal. But I just want to get back as soon as possible… Is there anything else we need to do?"
Subaru asked everyone in general, to which Ricardo raised his right arm high with a smile.
"I doubt there are more cultists here, Kid. My sense of smell would have detected it. Everything is clear."
"Having you here is very useful, Ricardo."
"Haha! It's nothing!"
That said, Ricardo gives a strong slap on Subaru's back… How it hurts. But he felt the confidence and affection in that little hit.
"In that case, we have no problems. We should give a report to all the men about the death of the Archbishop and we should be ready" Said Julius.
"Okay… Wilhelm-san, would you like to give the report? I think everyone will trust the words of an experienced warrior like you."
"I appreciate your words. Although I also believe that you are also someone to trust for all of them."
"I'm not so sure about that. But thanks."
Subaru declined Wilhelm's offer. To which he simply goes to give the report.
"…Well, that's all I can do for now."
Subaru lowered his head thinking about the last few minutes he had lived. Once the small happiness and relief for the battle had passed… now he was trying to think about how to continue.
"Are you okay, Subaru?"
"Huh? Why do you say that, Julius?"
Subaru is surprised when the violet-haired knight addresses him.
"It was just a feeling. But you look distressed."
"Really? Well… I just came from watching the murder of a lazy madman."
"Right. But I think what Julius means is that you look more distressed after defeating the Archbishop than before facing him, Kid."
And when his words are accompanied by his wolf father… he begins to question himself very seriously.
"…Do I really look that bad?"
"I wouldn't call it bad… It's like when the second phase of your favorite boss turns out to be easier than the first?"
"Stop saying stupid things, Aldebaran" Priscilla gets annoyed when she hears her jester speak in a language she doesn't understand. "But I agree that your expression is not worthy of someone who defeated an Archbishop."
"That I defeated him isn't entirely…" Subaru decided not to speak, sensing that saying he did nothing in battle would not bring good looks. "I suppose lately I've had too much stress on me… Maybe some of you have noticed—"
"We have noticed" Several voices said at the same time.
"…Was I that obvious?" Subaru feels ashamed of that fact.
"Since you asked us for a hug and allowed more pampering, it was noticeable that there was a big change, Nii-san."
"Maybe it's an exaggeration to say a big change when it happened on the same day. But I have to agree with Mimi" Tivey also responded.
"…The point is that now that everything is 'over'" Subaru made a quotation mark gesture with his fingers. "I guess it's hard for me to really feel calm. I feel like I have to keep my guard up at all times."
"That's fine. It never hurts to be cautious. However, you shouldn't have that expression when you return to your friends, Nya. You don't want to worry them more than necessary, do you?"
"…Yes… You're right, Felix."
Subaru gave himself a few slaps on his cheek. Trying to fill himself with determination again.
"Okay. Let's go! I really want to get back to the village and the mansion."
And just a few minutes after his words, the journey continued.
The journey back to the mansion had already begun.
With his first destination, the cult's hideout, already eliminated, there were only two upcoming destinations to stop at.
The final destination was, Obviously, the Mathers mansion, along with Arlam Village. Hoping that the evacuation had already begun thanks to the letter that Subaru had sent hours ago.
But before that, there was an intermediate destination of equal importance. That destination was a post of merchants, travelers, and carriages that they needed to use at that moment.
Subaru trusted that Roswaal had several carriages available in the mansion to transport themselves and the village.
However, he didn't know if they were enough to transport the ENTIRE village by themselves. If that wasn't the case, they would have to bring some carriages for those left over.
Subaru kept thanking Anastasia for supporting him with that. He already had a debt to pay with everyone… although he also doubted that the others saw it that way. But that doesn't matter now.
Riding on his faithful Patrasche, the best Earth Dragoness for him, he looks around at all the men and friends who accompanied him.
Behind him, several unknown but still pleasant faces, belonging to Anastasia's Iron Fangs, to Crusch's Military army, and to the strong Warriors of Priscilla's Camp.
To one side, he could see his siblings Mimi and Tivey riding and traveling at high speed on their ligers. Mimi smiling, and Tivey serious. Although no less cute. Even more so when Ricardo, who was right next to them, seemed to be joking and telling them jokes.
On his other side, Julius and Felix, dressed in their Knight uniforms, were mounted on their own Earth Dragons. Both looked like true Knights like the ones Subaru read and saw in different mangas, novels, and anime in his native world. Although seeing them in person gave a more vivid feeling.
In front of him, Wilhelm was also riding on his own dragon. Subaru couldn't see his expression from his place, but he trusted that it was the expression of a man in whom he could totally trust.
And finally, the ones who stood out the most… Was a royal carriage. A Royalty Carriage.
"Geeeez. Why do I have to drive when I only have one hand?"
"Because you would never let my divine being get dirty riding any other beasts or carriage that is not worthy of me, would you?"
"…! No, Princess."
"Then shut up and keep going."
"…Being Aldebaran must be a bit hard."
Even when Subaru thought, he didn't believe he was really suffering.
Priscilla had refused to ride any kind of Linger, Earth Dragon, or anything that didn't meet her divine standards.
So, when the subjugation of the whale ended, she demanded to use her own royal carriage to advance throughout the entire journey.
But she wasn't inside being escorted. No no. She was sitting elegantly on the roof of the Carriage, while fanning herself with her own red fan.
And Aldebaran had to do many tricks to be able to steer at the right speed with only one hand.
Yep. Being Aldebaran was hard.
"…"
"…Are you thinking about someone?"
"Ah? Felix?"
"We are heading to get the rest of the carriages for the mansion. Maybe you're thinking about what to tell them for that, Nya?"
"…Yes. It was about that. Even though Ana-chan has talked to them, I don't know if they will be very willing to go with us knowing that the witch cult is involved."
"Are you afraid they will get scared and decide to abandon you?" He raised an eyebrow.
Subaru blinked for a second, and made the same gesture.
"Truthfully? I think that's what any common and intelligent person would do. I still think I was really lucky to have met you all before to count on your support."
"Although I understand your point, Kid. I think you shouldn't worry too much. Maybe some will refuse, but Ana-bo will have made sure to give them some benefit in exchange for helping you."
Subaru blinked several times, bewildered.
"…You mean she bribed them?"
"Don't think about it too much. Instead, we should relax and think about attacking and defending against the cult if we encounter them on the road."
At Ricardo's words, Subaru thought he had no alternative but to listen to him. With that in mind, he turns to the violet-haired knight, and asks him.
"Did the cultists from before pose any problem for you?"
"Most of them were weak in respect to the wide difference in forces. There were some that might have given us problems in a 1vs1."
"But that's only if they had taken us by surprise! From the rest, I think we're fine fighting them if that's their strength."
He responded with the help of the wolf-man. Allowing Subaru to have a perspective of forces regarding his group.
"We can't underestimate them thinking that's their greatest power. But without a doubt we can say we have enough strength to defend ourselves."
And that encouraged him.
"…Everything sounds too good to believe."
So much so that it worried him.
"Are you used to everything going wrong, Nya?"
"…I just thought it was too easy…"
He lowered his voice for a second. Before trying to cheer up again. If the world had sided with him for once… He wouldn't complain at all.
"Anyway. Without the whale alive I can only hope that the Cult hasn't found out about the defeat of their leader and the lack of fog. At least for now, that would give us a great advantage as a surprise factor."
"Well, we're going to take advantage of it, aren't we? Go ahead, Kid! Don't lower your spirits!"
"Yes, yes. You're right."
The journey continued.
"Good. We've arrived."
Less than an hour later, they had reached their intermediate destination.
There were some encounters with cultists on the way. Most likely due to the smell that Subaru emanated at all times. He hated being a bother with it. But he had to endure and see the positive side.
Besides, they were enemies that usually did not last more than a few seconds or minutes at most with the army he had.
If anything, they stopped for a maximum of 10 minutes if any finger appeared on the road. Seeing their battles, Subaru understood why his friends had called them formidable in terms of combat.
But fortunately and skillfully, they had suffered no casualties. Surely due to their good synchronization with each other and their good numerical advantage.
They made sure to kill them quickly enough so that they could not spread information about them to the rest of their companions.
So currently? There were no major complications.
"The traveling merchants you arranged have gathered with the outside camp."
Julius informed Subaru and the others, while everyone allowed themselves to take a small break, having to stop to call the carriages.
Gathered in one place, Subaru couldn't help but open his mouth and make a small noise of surprise upon seeing so many people together.
He had asked Ana for that, of course. But seeing it in person was something else. It seems that having a recognized merchant like her really made business much better.
"…How much do they know about the job we want them to do?"
"I was present when Lady Anastasia made the deal, Onii-san." Tivey replied. "They know that their role will be to transport people for an evacuation. But she didn't give more details."
"So they really don't know about the Witch Cult… Would it be a bad idea to tell them?"
Subaru bit his lower lip thinking about the words he would have to say if he wanted to secure their help.
If Anastasia had helped, surely they wouldn't put up much resistance. Still, he didn't want to be overconfident and have it backfire on him.
"If they are true men, they shouldn't be afraid of a little risk if the reward and the deal were already discussed beforehand."
Priscilla spoke with confidence. As if the fact that any of them refused would be taken as the actions of a coward or a traitor.
"It's easy for you to say that, Pris. You're incredible" Subaru replied calmly. "But they are still just merchants without many violent problems. It's normal for them not to want to help if they see their lives are at stake."
"Hmm… Well, Mimi will defend them! She'll massacre anyone who tries to hurt them!"
"…I suppose that serves as support for me."
Subaru smiled and gave his sister a pat on the head for her attempts to cheer him up.
"Returning to the point, Nya, I think you and Julius are the best ones to talk to them."
"Huh?" He blinked. "I understand Julius. But me? I've never considered myself good at talking to strangers."
"I doubt it." Said Felix, looking around at everyone.
There was no way he would have gained so many friends and contacts being so shy.
"But my point was that if you say it… people tend to believe they can trust you. Maybe it's because of how naive you can seem despite your terrifying eyes."
"H-hey, I don't know if you're insulting me or complimenting me… But I suppose that's better than them being afraid of me."
He sighed. But he also accepted that fact.
"Julius, will you come talk with me as well?"
"Sure."
With that simple nod, Subaru and Julius moved away from the rest, who stayed resting and watching from a distance.
When that happened, Subaru cleared his voice. He was a little afraid that his eyes would make him look threatening. So at least he would try to sound friendly.
"Hello everyone! Sorry if we kept you waiting."
"My name is Julius Juukilius. This is Subaru Natsuki. We appreciate your presence in helping us."
Introducing themselves, one in a casual formal manner without much care, and the other in a chivalrous and respectful way, both give a smile to the merchant in front of them.
"Yes. Thank you very much." The man responded, feeling secure. "We are glad to be able to carry out this deal. This was a good opportunity that no good merchant should miss."
"…None, is that right?"
Considering the truth of those words, Subaru couldn't help but look behind the man, and towards all the other merchants present. Searching with his eyes for a certain boy he wanted to see.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, it's nothing… I was just hoping to see Otto here."
"Who is Otto?"
"A merchant friend with very bad luck who is currently in ruin."
He joked… Although he didn't tell any lies.
"I genuinely hoped to find him here but it seems that's not the case. I'll look for you later, friend. I hope you're okay."
Sending an apology to the boy he had not yet reunited with, he could only hope that he could survive with his debts until then.
"I understand that my Lady, Anastasia-sama, already discussed the basic terms with you. And you are the representative of everyone, aren't you?"
"Oh, yes. Lady Anastasia gave us a brief summary of the deal. But we still need to work out details about the price, the number of carriages, and some other data."
"Well, that's what we're here for." Subaru replied.
He and Julius ended up talking together with the merchant in front of them to finally secure everyone's help.
In the end, a few silver coins and a few gold coins seemed to be enough for everyone. It wasn't so difficult to negotiate.
It's true that it was not a small amount at all to spend carelessly. And Subaru knew that very well… But honestly, he already had much more than that in his pocket.
Was he becoming a bit of a spendthrift? Maybe, but he didn't mind not skimping on expenses if it meant getting all the necessary help.
The meeting only lasted a few minutes before finally ending in a good agreement.
Subaru was very grateful for Julius's presence. Thanks to him, and to Ana-chan's merchant advice, they were able to finalize an agreement without scaring them… perhaps it was because they didn't mention that they were going up against an entire cult. But it worked for now.
With that matter closed and ready, he would have no further unforeseen events to go to-
"Wait."
"Huh?"
"...Pris?"
Subaru is surprised when Priscilla, who had been keeping her distance listening, approaches him and another merchant man who was slightly separated. She addresses him and speaks to him proudly.
"...Heh. I can sense that you have something interesting about you. What are you selling?"
Her words took both by surprise a little.
"Oh? Are you interested in buying, Pris?"
"I have more than one interesting product. But I'm not open for business right now" The man replied, hoping the girl would understand. "If you don't mind, I-"
"I order you to show me your products."
However, Priscilla does not back down. As she demands that the man take her to what he had to offer.
"...What's wrong with this girl?" The man muttered, visibly annoyed by the candidate's tone.
"Hey, Pris, you can't...?"
Subaru tries to intervene when he notices that the man was getting a bad impression of them.
He had already agreed to a deal, so it couldn't be canceled. But he didn't want to cause unnecessary trouble if it could be avoided.
"Plebeian."
"…!"
But Prisca's gaze stops him cold. It wasn't the look of a girl who simply wanted an object.
It was the look of a friend demanding that he remain silent and trust her and allow her to prove her intentions…
Subaru wasn't stupid enough to believe that she had approached solely to pick a fight. If that was the case…
"…Sir?" He turned, trying to give a friendly smile. "Could you let us see for just a few minutes? I'll buy something extra from you for the trouble."
He kindly asks the man, who, seemingly just to avoid further problems and with the idea of money, accepts to get these two off his back.
"Argh. Fine, come on."
Although he still had that annoyed tone, but still, without looking back, he begins to walk away from the others, towards a secluded carriage that surely belonged to him.
When they had taken enough distance from him, without stopping following him, only then does Subaru allow himself to whisper to Priscilla.
"What attracts you to that guy?"
"…Try not to scream."
"Huh?"
That was the only explanation she gave, which only increased Subaru's confusion.
"Alright, I have more than one product here."
The man entered the carriage, and the two people behind him entered right after.
"What do you desire-!"
He didn't finish speaking. He couldn't.
Because at that instant, without warning and with perfect elegance, Priscilla Barielle had slit his throat from side to side with a single movement of her crimson fan.
"Ngh…! Prisca!?"
Subaru exclaimed, taking a step back instinctively.
"Lower your voice."
She ordered, shaking the red fan in her right hand. As if she wanted to make sure that not a single drop of dust remained on it.
After all, if this became public, it could bring many problems to her and her friend. Something she was going to avoid.
Her face showed no surprise or remorse, only calm and some satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Subaru, for his part, was simply… in shock.
He wasn't expecting one of his friends to cold-bloodedly murder a merchant in front of his eyes. The warm blood on the carriage floor was starting to spread and almost touching his foot.
"…You just killed one of-"
"This guy was an infiltrator from the Witch Cult" She interrupted.
"…Ah?"
Those words forced Subaru's mind to work and focus on his friend's eyes.
"I was observing while you and the other knight were doing business." She explained naturally. "And this guy was whispering under his arm. My intuition told me he was using a magical artifact. The rest was obvious."
Subaru barely managed to process what he was hearing, clearly still in shock, he swallowed hard at the explanation.
"There was an infiltrator among the merchants?"
"…If you don't want to alarm the others, tell the others to go ahead." She tucked her fan between her breasts. "We can stay here and talk about it."
Seeing that her friend was still struggling while staring at the body, she almost gently asked him to go get the rest of the team.
Both to share the information among themselves and to give him a breather.
"I… Yes. You're right" Forcefully, Subaru replied, making a conscious effort to regain control.
Still with his body slightly trembling, he forced himself to walk towards the carriage exit, looking away from the second in-person murder of the day.
"So the Witch Cult also managed to infiltrate among the merchants we had hired. Nya."
Felix commented unusually seriously, while examining the body on the wood.
Minutes later, several people had gathered in that secluded place. A small part of the group had already departed, taking with them some carriages and merchants who had nothing to do with the incident. The rest remained outside, waiting for instructions.
Inside the carriage, not too many could fit without raising suspicion. It was not time to draw unnecessary attention. So only enough gathered to avoid raising suspicion from outside.
"It's worrying how easily they can appear without anyone knowing" Julius commented, while being amazed and at the same time worried about such power of information and infiltration that the enemy possessed.
"If we had let him get to the mansion…"
Subaru clenches his fists instinctively at the possibility of that having happened. If it weren't for Prisca and he had taken the enemy right to the weakest zone where the rest of the village was, the result would surely be…
"This is…?"
"A magical mirror…"
Priscilla finishes Felix's sentence as he grabs the small magical object in his hands. She was right. The world had granted her reason again.
"This is bad, if he heard everything we talked about, and if he knows we are here, he must have reported that their leader was surely dead…"
"The surprise factor is no longer an advantage…"
Julius finished Subaru's point. If the man had been smart enough to approach and infiltrate among the rest of the merchants, surely they would also be smart enough to discover what Subaru and the others' presence meant in that place.
The enemies will be much more alert now that they know of their presence.
"Look, look! He also has a map!"
Mimi, perhaps trying to find something positive in the negative, as she always has, pulls a small paper map from the man's pocket. And hands it to Julius's hands.
"It's a map of Roswaal's mansion. Very detailed. And it seems it has more marked places" He analyzed the paper for a few seconds. "Could they be more cult hideouts?"
"More hidden hideouts of the Witch Cult?… Just like that?" Subaru blinked incredulously.
Although anyone would say it's a good idea to go attack places where the enemy was effectively unprepared… this sounds too easy to be true.
"Is it safe to go? Could it be a problem or a trap?"
"Well… I'm sure that guy didn't expect to die so suddenly here" Felix made a point.
"Maybe they have already moved from their position if he has already revealed information… But they are still hideouts near the mansion. We should go" Said Julius.
"…Yes… I suppose so."
Trying to regain his composure, Subaru addresses all his friends. Hoping to create a new Emergency Plan B.
"So we split up?"
"We can't afford not to go to the mansion to go to all the hideouts. It's the best option."
"Even so, I would like to have something to communicate at a distance, nya, this mirror is no longer useful."
"But we can't leave the rest of the merchants waiting alone" Said Mimi.
"And being able to neutralize those points is important… I understand" Subaru let out a small sigh and ran a hand through his hair, organizing his thoughts. "Alright. This is just an intermediate problem. But it's fine. It's much better than if we had arrived at the mansion with an infiltrator among us without knowing it…"
He remained silent for a moment, looking at each of those present.
"So… how do we split up?"
"..."
Minutes later, and with the small unforeseen event relatively solved… the journey continued.
This time, there wasn't such a large group leading the group that Subaru was riding with.
Priscilla, Wilhelm, Julius, Ferris, and Mimi, along with himself and his faithful Patrasche, were the only ones heading to the Mathers Territory.
With several Soldiers and Merchants and Carriages behind them, naturally.
They were keeping a distance sufficient enough to defeat any enemy before they themselves were in danger.
But, they had left behind strong companions that, although it might sound silly, he already missed.
Tivey, Ricardo, and Aldebaran, along with much of the Iron Fangs Mercenaries, had separated from the group to fulfill their second extra objective.
To defeat the Archbishops hidden in their hideouts around the mansion, and to prevent a surprise attack from them.
Subaru, although somewhat worried, was smart enough and trusted them enough to know they would be fine on their own.
That wasn't what was on his mind right now.
"You should wipe that expression off your face, Plebeian. I didn't do you a favor for you to repay me with that look."
And Priscilla, who had ordered a different man than the usual one to drive the carriage where she was, knew it very well. So she spoke, her voice bringing him back to reality.
"I know, I know… I suppose I'm just more tense than before now."
Subaru had exchanged words with that man just a few minutes ago. And he hadn't seen anything strange in him. Nothing. If it hadn't been for Priscilla being by his side at that moment, he himself would have taken the enemy directly to his weakest flank.
He understood that no one would blame him if that had happened. But knowing that he almost made such a mistake… had simply robbed him of some of his energy.
"Well, although it was an unforeseen event we didn't expect, it was definitely better that we realized it" Said Wilhelm, with his usual calm. "I hope we don't have any other inconveniences on the remaining journey to the mansion."
"…"
Noticing that her friend seemed downcast… and not wanting to make a scene that wasn't characteristic of her, Priscilla let out a comment that, deep down, she considered true.
"Honestly, I don't think that girl deserves even a little bit of everything you've done for her."
"…"
The change was absolute.
The moment Subaru notices that she is talking, and in a bad way, about one of his precious people, He raises his face in a serious and almost angry manner.
As if he didn't want to start a fight, But he refuses to simply remain silent for her sake.
"What are you talking about?"
His voice sounded a little colder, And it's noticed by everyone, Including Priscilla who, this time, does not decide to keep her comments to herself.
"Without a doubt, you have moved heaven and earth to save that entire camp, haven't you?Gathered 3 Royal Camps, Asked a Favor from the King himself, Finished off one of the Great Mabeasts, Finished off a Sin Archbishop, Gathered a large group of merchants…"
She paused, and then continued.
"I just think, that naive little girl I saw in the castle, is she genuinely someone worth it?"
Changing her tone in that last line, Priscilla's voice becomes almost accusatory and contemptuous. With a smile on her lips.
That smile only grows wider when her friend dares to challenge her, refusing to accept it.
She liked that. If he were unable to tell her what he thought for fear of a fight, he wouldn't be someone she would fully trust and respect.
"Emilia-tan, and everyone who lives inside that mansion, are important to me, Pris." He responded with unwavering certainty. "They are people I love and would do anything for. Just like you and the rest."
"I know you would. You're too kind for your own good. Setting aside whether I like or hate that about you, I'm just saying that I think she is, without a doubt, the candidate you have the least reason to support."
"Oh really? That's what you think of her?"
"She's the candidate with the fewest achievements. Even that sewer rat seems to be much more entertaining than that girl.
With no support other than her spirit, do you really think she has any chance of winning fighting alone?"
"…I'll forgive your nicknames for those two. I know I won't change the way you treat them with mere words. You're not a girl who's convinced that easily."
"You do well."
"And for that very reason, I'll tell you that you should be careful with her."
"Hmm?"
"Of course, I partly understand your point. On the outside, Emilia can be seen as a naive girl who has little to offer. Added to the fact that she's a Half-elf, many people might believe she has no chance of winning…" He shook his head. "Something stupid in my opinion. But that doesn't matter, since it gives her the opportunity to prove how wrong you all are."
"You're speaking from your perspective. Has she really shown you something for you to tell me that?"
"I could tell you that during the last month I've lived with her, I've seen her determination in practicing her speeches and studies… But it's not just that, it's something deeper that tells me she is much more than everyone is capable of seeing. Myself included."
"So you're saying you just have a vague feeling?"
"No. I have faith in her. A faith that surprises even myself. And that's why, Priscilla, I think she is more than enough for entertainment."
"Really?" Priscilla raised an eyebrow, incredulous and barely interested.
"Really" Subaru replied with the same gesture, flashing a confident smile. He looked her directly in the eyes, without doubting his words, more sure than ever.
"Hah" Priscilla tucked her fan away with satisfaction.
That was the trust that the boy from another world had placed in the silver-haired half-elf. A trust that could rival the very trust he had with the so-called Sun Princess.
That made her smile with amusement. She wouldn't say she agreed with his words, but the expression he had… was one that suited him especially well.
"I don't know if you're speaking to me from your naivety or from your cunning, Plebeian."
"Either way, you could end up backed into a corner if you keep underestimating her, Priscilla."
"Hah! I'll end up winning the Royal Selection either way" She declared with confidence, as if that were a foregone conclusion.
Subaru smiled, and did not mock that thought. He only gave her one last warning.
"If that happens, I'll genuinely celebrate your victory with you. But I wouldn't be so confident if I were you. There's more than one person I think can give you a battle, and not without great rivals, you know?"
"Can I take those words as you supporting Anastasia-sama?"
"Or Lady Crusch?"
Julius and Felix, who had only remained silent listening to the entire conversation, Intervene with a slight smile and their own interest each for the sake of their ladies.
"I genuinely wish luck and effort to any of you. Honestly, actively participating in the Royal Selection is not something that really interests me. But I will surely be satisfied with the final result."
That was the final summary Subaru decided to give to all those present who could hear him.
"That's a rather poor way of saying you can't decide on any camp."
Priscilla accused him, piercing him with her gaze. Subaru scratched his head, not bothering to hide it.
"That's my personal decision. And I won't just say it out loud like that."
"Geeeeez" Several said in unison, with amusement and exasperation.
"Just think that I will support each and every one of you as best I can." He said finally. "I don't promise I can do much, but I'll try."
That response, although still insufficient, was enough to lighten the mood a little. Because Subaru had just admitted that he would help their camps and that he would continue visiting them in the future.
Although, of course, that didn't mean he would live in the same mansion as them. Something that made the little feline demi-human angry.
"Onii-san! Join Ana's camp! Why do you hesitate!? We'll be together again, me and the rest of my brothers!" Exclaimed Mimi, waving an arm.
"I'm glad you enjoy my presence, Mimi. I do too!" Subaru replied with a smile. "But understand that they aren't the only friends I care about."
"Hah! I also think it's very bad that you consider my camp unworthy of your support. But Don't Worry. I'll show you the mistake you make by even hesitating over which one to support!"
"Yeah, yeah. Well, you can keep trying to convince me if that's what you want."
Trying not to give a definitive answer yet, Subaru continued listening to the 3 different teams talking throughout the journey.
It was such a comfortable moment for him that he had almost forgotten all his worries and insecurities at that moment.
At least for a while.
Notes:
So? We're at the last chapters of arc 3 and here you see everything.
I don't know if I went too deep into some scenes. While I do want to give details, everyone knows arc 3 by heart. So repeating the same scenes and dialogues is monotonous and boring. Tell me how you liked this one.
Truth be told, there were more things I wanted to happen. Like Sloth's finger putting up a fight again, and facing Subaru in a 1vs1.
Or them arriving at the mansion and finding Ram in the village.
Basically some more scenes. But I think this chapter size is already enough.
The next chapter should have more action than this, in theory.
I've also noticed that despite the chapter's title, there were hardly any battles here. I think I wanted to write more dialogue between everyone instead of fighting. We already had enough suffering with the previous chapter. Basically... I've already written some suffering, and that's why I wanted to add something softer, which, I think, most people like. That's why I love the scenes of Subaru talking with his friends. But that depends on you all and how you want me to do the next chapter.
That's all. I hope you enjoyed it. Comment and see you! Byeee!"