Emilia just stared at Subaru, her eyes huge but she didn’t pull her hand away.

“How intriguing,” Roswaal commented. “If the two of you had intended to be married at the time of this incident, then your property and interests would be unified under law. That would even arguably allow you to carry each other insignias.”

“Exactly,” Subaru said, not letting go of Emilia’s hand. “The Lady Emilia would never let anyone handle her insignia unless she knew they were completely committed to her goals.” Subaru said with emphasis. “We met the other day in the market and it was love at first sight. I immediately begged her to marry me and she agreed. Right, my… love?” Subaru asked awkwardly.

Emilia seemed frozen in shock but then she blinked and nodded slowly. “Yes. Yes, that is exactly how it happened.”

“My… future wife,” Subaru struggled to say, “Asked me and my loyal companion Felt, who belongs to my faction, to hold her insignia for her while she went shopping because she was worried about pickpockets. We had a fun filled day in the city and then went to see Felt’s grandfather in the slums. Elsa found us and then, well, Reinhard can tell the rest of the story.”

“Sir Reinhard will be asked to give testimony,” Roswaal mused. “Can he confirm your account or is he willing to be… flexible with his recollections?”

Reinhard’s eyes widened. Will my Lord command me to lie? This is the proverbial knight trap. Whether I obey and lie under oath or whether I refuse to follow my Lord’s instructions, I am disgraced regardless. I could be stricken of my knighthood or even imprisoned.

“I would never ask you to lie, Red,” Subaru said firmly. “You weren’t present when Emilia and I met right?”

“No,” Reinhard replied.

“Then you can neither confirm nor deny Emilia and my account of that meeting. You also didn’t meet Felt until the end of the day and I doubt she said much about our ‘relationship’ while I was bleeding out so you can’t confirm or refute that either. If you tried to testify about what you suspect without any evidence to back it up that would be… what’s the word? Purgatory or something?”

“Perjury,” Roswaal corrected mildly.

“Yeah, that thing,” Subaru said with a shrug. “Tell the truth, the full truth, and nothing but the truth. The reality is you weren’t present for anything they would be interested in.”

Reinhard flushed awkwardly. “I… have no certain knowledge that would contradict any of your statements. If I were under oath I could only confirm and refute the parts I know.”

“Splendid,” Roswaal murmured.

There was no point in them returning to the capitol so late at night, especially if the Sages’ representative was expected early the next morning. The blue haired maid led Reinhard and Subaru to the guest quarters.

“Excuse me, I don’t think I caught your name,” Subaru said.

“My name is Rem,” The maid said, not turning around or breaking stride.

Damn. The maids in this place are terribly unfriendly. I feel like anime lied to me about how pleasant and frisky a maid should be. Or wait, could it be personal? Shit, she probably caught me looking at her breasts.

Subaru bit his lip and gave up on making nice with Rem for the moment.

Alright. Tomorrow is a new day. I’ll turn on the charm and see if I can convince her to at least tolerate me. Not getting caught staring at her breasts will probably help.

She led them into a spacious room with two beds.

“Someone will wake you for breakfast. Goodnight,” Rem said, closing the door before either of them could respond.

“You know,” Subaru said to Reinhard conversationally. “I get the funny impression she might not like me.”

“She did seem a little terse. Both maids do in fact,” Reinhard agreed as he inspected an old sword that hung on the wall. “I hope it doesn’t bother you that we need to share a room.”

“Not at all!” Subaru replied, “I don’t think it’s the first time. How many hours did you spend in that chair waiting for me to wake up?”

Reinhard glanced away uncomfortably.

“Anyone got a calculator?” Subaru mused, getting undressed. “My debt to you seems to keep growing longer.”

“What’s a calculator?” Reinhard asked.

“Device where I come from, it’s used to do math.”

“Like an abacus?”

“Sort of,” Subaru agreed and slipped under his covers.

Reinhard blew out the lights and then got into his own bed.

“Night, Red.”

“Goodnight, Subaru.” Reinhard yawned.

“Red?”

“Hm?”

“I know that you were assigned to me but thanks for coming with me out here anyway. You and Emilia are the only friends I’ve got on this planet. So thanks for keeping an eye on me. I really appreciate it,” Subaru mused.

Reinhard was silent a moment. “You’re welcome.”

Subaru woke up in the middle of the night. He wanted to go back to sleep but unfortunately he really needed to find a bathroom.

Subaru slipped out of his room and, wearing only his shorts, began roaming down the hall.

I guess I forgot to ask where the bathrooms are. Actually, you’d think Ram or Rem would have pointed them out to us anyway. I guess Rem really was angry with me. Wait, do they even have bathrooms here? What do you do when you need to pee at night? I know that old timey places had chamber pots but I didn’t see anything like that in the room. Maybe they’re not left in bedrooms. I mean, they wouldn’t smell very good. So maybe the bathroom or whatever is where the chamber pot is kept? Well great, all I need to do is search this enormous house for anything that looks like a pot and pray that I don’t accidentally defile the cookware.

Whatever. I can figure this out. At least I hope I can. Oh God, please don’t make me wake up Red and tell him I don’t know where to pee at night. Yeah, not doing that. I’ll open a window and improvise before I take that step.

Subaru looked around the hallway but all the doors looked the same. He tried using Reason and Judgment but found nothing that suggested what was behind any of these doors. He wondered if there was anyone up he could ask for directions. It sounded like someone was still awake in the house. He heard a faint sound like chains rattling together. He really hoped it wasn’t somebody in a dungeon or something. That would be creepy.

OK, I am not just going to start opening doors at random. With my luck the first one would be Emilia’s room. Actually, that might be OK. We are engaged after all right?

On second thought, that would be a pretty sketchy thing to do to Emilia. The two of us haven’t even kissed yet and sneaking into her bedroom is way beyond acceptable. Besides, Puck would almost certainly kill me if I tried something like that. Oh right, Puck probably doesn’t even know about the engagement yet. That’s going to be a real fun conversation in the morning.

On top of that if I just start randomly opening doors I have even odds of accidentally opening the door to the twins’ bedroom. That would be a fun mistake to try to explain to everybody. Assuming I even lived long enough to try.

The sound of rattling chains was getting louder, coming up behind him. Subaru turned around to investigate.

A spiked morning star came flying at Subaru’s head.

Subaru would have died but in a panic he invoked Indomitable. The star came straight at Subaru’s face and he instinctively punched it in the other direction as hard as he could.

The spikes didn’t even scratch his skin and his blow instantly reversed the mace’s direction sending it flying back down the hall with the speed of a guided missile. The chain was dragged out of its wielder’s hand and the morning star struck a statue a fifty yards down the hall, obliterating it with a sound like thunder.

Subaru bent over in agony. He’d gotten distracted and he’d forgotten to shut off Indomitable. He couldn’t move and could barely breathe. He was helpless.

Before Subaru could even blink Reinhard was standing in the hallway, half naked. He had a short dull sword in his hand. Subaru guessed that he plucked it off the wall. And the sword was hovering over… Rem.

“Subaru, are you alright?” Reinhard shouted.

“Fine,” Subaru answered, panting for breath. “She never even scratched me,” He said, standing back up and trying for a cocky grin.

Reinhard looked grim as he looked down at Rem. “Attempted murder of a royal candidate is a crime punishable by death,” He declared, raising his sword.

“Reinhard, wait!” Subaru yelled, staggering over to him.

Reinhard looked shocked. “Subaru! She tried to kill you.”

“Yes, I know, buddy. I was there,” Subaru replied with forced humor. “I just think we should always ask a few questions before killing anybody.”

“Rem,” Ram said coldly, marching up to them in her uniform carrying a lit candelabra.

“Doesn’t anyone sleep around here?” Subaru muttered.

“Subaru!” Emilia yelled, running up in a purple night gown. “What happened?!”

Rem stared down at her sister. “You have attacked a guest without provocation. You have betrayed Lord Roswaal’s trust. There is only one punishment possible for such a betrayal. Banishment,” Ram said. Subaru saw the tears in her eyes but Ram’s voice was ice cold.

“Sister!” Rem gasped.

“Oh, Rem, why would you try to hurt Subaru?” Emilia asked.

“Banishment is hardly the fate she deserves,” Reinhard said coldly. “She attacked an unarmed innocent man in cold blood. Such actions merit immediate execution-”

“Lord Roswaal has authority here and he has decreed-” Ram interrupted.

“Hey! Everybody! Stop talking!” Subaru shouted.

Everyone stared at Subaru in shocked silence.

“Thank you,” Subaru nodded. “Now, not to sound arrogant or anything but since I was the one attacked I feel like I should have the right to ask a few questions before we decide what to do.”

Subaru walked up to Rem and knelt down next to her. Reinhard watched the situation grimly. Rem was unarmed and the Sword Saint stood nearby. Rem wouldn’t survive long enough to lay a finger on Subaru if she tried anything.

“Rem,” Subaru asked gently. “Why would you try to kill me? Have I insulted you in some way?”

She wouldn’t really have tried to kill me just because I was looking at her breasts, right? I hope?

“You know why!” Rem almost hissed.

Subaru looked at Reinhard and Emilia for clues but they seemed as lost as he was. Subaru turned back to Rem. “Um, Rem? Why don’t you just pretend I’m stupid and enlighten me?”

Rem stared at Subaru with loathing. The look she gave Subaru was so full of naked venom that he struggled not to recoil. “You are a Witch Cultist!”

Subaru frowned and glanced at Reinhard. “Translation?”

“These are the monsters who killed our parents and destroyed our village.” Ram said flatly.

“Hey, I wasn’t involved in that!” Subaru protested. “I only got to this land a few days ago!”

“The Witch Cultists are a group of fanatical terrorists who plague the continent,” Reinhard explained. “They worship the Witch of Envy.”

Emilia stiffened.

“Oh right, you mentioned the Witch,” Subaru nodded. He turned back to Rem. “Rem, I haven’t met a single witch since I’ve been here.” He paused. “So far as I know,” Subaru amended. “Regardless, I promise you I am not involved in any cults.”

“You must have truly extraordinary evidence against this guest,” Ram interrupted. “To merit dismissing the endorsement of both Lady Emilia and Sir Reinhard and attacking unprovoked.”

“I’m really not a Witch Cultist. I’m not even from this world. I don’t know what the Witch Cult is,” Subaru explained.

“You reek of the Witch’s stench,” Rem spat at Subaru.

Subaru blinked and discretely tried to sniff himself.

“You stand convicted of attempted murder,” Reinhard said.

“Lord Roswaal orders you to depart his lands forthwith,” Ram pronounced. “You will never be allowed to return!”

“Ram!” Rem gasped.

“But Ram she’s your sister-” Emilia protested.

“Exile is an outrageously merciful-” Reinhard argued.

“I feel like I should get a vote here!” Subaru yelled. “I mean, I was the one attacked.”

Ram glanced at him. “And what would your be vote?” She asked coldly.

“Well,” Subaru hesitated. He knew this was dumb but the thought of Reinhard running the girl through with that sword made him want to throw up. He could already picture the vast pool of blood spreading across the carpet. It was like a flashback to the night Elsa slashed him. “Could we just pretend… this didn’t happen? I mean nobody actually got hurt. `Cept for that statue,” He added.

Subaru sighed. “Rem, I’ll make you a deal. You wait until you actually see me trying to do something nefarious before you kill me and we can just write off this whole incident as a bad mistake.” He paused. “It’s one thing to kill evil people. If I really was a Witch Cultist here to threaten your sister and your home then I’d understand you attacking me. You’d be acting in self defense. But it’s important that you’re sure that the person you’re killing actually deserves it. It’s really very hard to put a shattered life back together if you start having second thoughts, Rem,” He finished sadly.

Everyone except Ram stared at Subaru. Ram simply sniffed. “Lord Roswaal predicted that you might say that. He informed me that if Subaru requested it, Rem could remain here in her current role.”

Ram then turned around and calmly walked away as if there was simply nothing more to be said.

Rem stared at Subaru in naked astonishment for a moment.

“Come along, Rem,” Ram called.

Rem would have followed her but Reinhard again pressed his sword to her throat. “Subaru! Are you… certain?” Reinhard asked.

Subaru shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t really think she’ll do it again. And nobody got hurt so… I’d really rather not have to kill her,” Subaru kept picturing the huge pool of blood that he had seen spreading around his body before he lost consciousness in the loot house. The notion of doing that to somebody else, or getting Reinhard to do it, made him sick to his stomach.

Reinhard glowered at Rem but ultimately stepped away lowering his sword. “My lord’s commands are absolute,” Reinhard murmured. “But should you threaten Subaru again you will die before you ever see if your blow lands.”

Rem gave Subaru a suspicious look but then hurried after her sister.

“Are you sure that was wise?” Reinhard asked Subaru quietly.

“No,” Subaru admitted. “But I’m not sure it would have been wise to kill her either and that’s much more important.”

Subaru stared after the departing maids. “Damn it. I meant to ask them where the bathroom was.”

Emilia had told him where to find the bathroom and now that he had relieved himself, Subaru and Reinhard were settling back into bed. Reinhard had insisted on accompanying his lord and waiting outside the bathroom to prevent any further attacks, a habit that Subaru truly hoped he would break shortly. On the bright side, they apparently did have things like toilets and bathtubs and showers here. He guessed they functioned off magic instead of indoor plumbing but it was just good to know that he would be able to stay clean.

Subaru laid back, resting his head on his arms. He didn’t think he’d get back to sleep very soon. “Reinhard?” Subaru called.

“Yes?”

“It occurs to me that I never got around to asking you what you thought about my engagement,” Subaru paused. “I mean, the one that Emilia and I made the other day, of course.”

“Yes, of course,” Reinhard said with a snort.

“So do you have an opinion on it?”

Reinhard sighed. “You certainly don’t need my approval.”

“I wasn’t really asking for your approval. I was just curious what you thought.”

Reinhard was quiet for a moment. “Subaru. Tell me something, how… invested were you in the royal selection?”

Subaru took a deep breath. “Before I told Emilia that I’d help her, you mean? Not very, to be honest. I didn’t want to disrespect you or your culture, but the notion of me being a leader, well it’s almost funny. I know nothing at all about Lagunica. I can’t read the language, I have no idea about the history or the culture. Wouldn’t claiming I could rule Laguncia effectively, lead it to a brighter future after being here for all of three days be… well the height of arrogance?”

Well, now that I’ve told Emilia I’ll help her win the election to help her people, I guess I’m all in. I may now qualify as the most cocky man in history. It’s probably decisions like this that convinced the ‘whoever it was’ that I deserved that Authority of Pride thingy.

Subaru was silent a moment. “You want to know the truth, Red? When I first met you the other day, I’d been here for all of ten minutes. I was so excited. This was a brand new world and I felt like… I’d been sent here for a reason.”

Reinhard glanced at Subaru. “Why do you think you were sent here?”

Subaru gave a deprecating chuckle. “It’s stupid.”

Reinhard didn’t reply.

After a moment or two, Subaru sighed. “I was… pretty worthless back home. Nobody expected much of anything from me. Nobody except my parents really cared if I was alive. I thought maybe I’d been sent here so that I could be more than that. That maybe I could be someone special here. Maybe even be something like a hero…”

Reinhard turned over to look at Subaru. “Don’t you think that you are?”

Subaru laughed. “Red, you are by far the nicest guy I’ve ever met!” Subaru paused for a moment. “You know, when we met the other day, if you’d handed me that insignia I would have been over the moon. I would have told you flat out that I was the perfect man to be king. Give me six months, I’ll whip this country into shape!” Subaru laughed at himself.

He shook his head. “But things are a lot more complicated than that. The fight with Elsa reminded me of how far down the food chain I really am. I’m not a hero, I’m just me. But… at the same time, that doesn’t mean I have to be the same loser I was back on my world. I can do little things to help.

“It’s weird. I know back home I had the same small opportunities to help make people’s lives better but I never really thought that much about them. But I come here and suddenly I’m motivated to try.”

Subaru chuckled. “It’s probably Emilia’s influence. Maybe I’m just really motivated to show off for a pretty girl.”

Reinhard looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully. “Subaru, Lady Emilia told me how you pushed her out of the way of Elsa’s attack. What was your plan for dealing with the Bowel Hunter?”

Subaru snorted. “Plan? What plan? I totally thought Elsa was going to cut me in half!”

“So, you were going to save Lady Emilia at the cost of your own life?”

“Well, I didn’t really think of it like that. If I had stopped to think it through I probably wouldn’t have been able to move! I just wanted to protect Emilia. Like I said: I’m a sucker for a pretty face,” Subaru snickered.

“And then you gave Felt and Rom every coin you had?”

“Hey, those guys really needed it. You saw the way they lived,” Subaru replied.

“My friend,” Reinhard said. “I think you have a distorted idea of what being a hero really is. You showed true courage and true kindness that night. I think you are seriously underrating yourself.”

Subaru was quiet for a long time. “You really think so?”

“I do. I was going to request to be your knight not simply because I felt it necessary to watch you, but because you showed courage and kindness I have rarely seen.”

“Watch me?” Subaru asked.

Reinhard was silent for a long moment and then sighed. “It seems the time has come to confess my sins. I have played you false, my friend. This was inexcusable both as a friend and a knight of the realm. I will accept any penance you deem-”

“Red,” Subaru interrupted impatiently. “I don’t believe for a minute that anything you did wasn’t motivated by the best of intentions, so just fess up so I can forgive you.”

Reinhard sighed again. “The day we met, two of my Blessings activated. My Blessing of Judgment and my Blessing of Empathy.”

“Judgment…” Subaru mused. “Didn’t you use that on me once? That’s what told you I didn’t have any powers?”

“Yes,” Reinhard agreed. “But it told me more than that. I sensed inside of you… power. Enormous dangerous power, the likes of which I had never encountered before,” He paused. “Truthfully, I was tempted to challenge you then and there. I wondered if you might not have been a danger to the city.”

“Huh. Well, that would have been a real quick fight,” Subaru observed. “Why didn’t you attack me then?”

“My Blessing of Empathy told me that you had no foul intentions. You had no desire to hurt anyone. So I decided I had no right to interfere with you but I resolved to find you later and make sure that I hadn’t been mistaken,” Reinhard said.

“Sounds reasonable. I probably would have done the same thing so don’t beat yourself up over it, Red. Besides the next time I saw you, you saved my life. That kind of inclines me to forgive you,” Subaru chuckled. He paused. “What made you decide to tell me about this now?”

“You did,” Reinhard replied. “You risked your life to save the Lady Emilia. You offered every coin you had to a slum girl most would have ignored or abused. You showed pity and forgiveness to a woman who tried to kill you without just cause. If all this is an act to convince me that an evil being is kind and noble hearted, it is too good a act for my feeble brain and I confess myself fooled.”

“Thank you, Red.” Subaru replied. “I think.”

“I simply couldn’t understand why such a kind person would be given such dark power. It made no sense,” Reinhard mused.

“Well, don’t ask at me,” Subaru replied. He frowned. “Red, do you think there might be some truth to Rem’s suspicion? Could I connected to those cultists and their witch?”

Reinhard didn’t answer right away. “Subaru, why do you think you were sent here?”

“No idea,” Subaru chuckled. “Probably at random, or maybe by mistake. Why? Do you have any ideas?”

Reinhard paused a moment. “I wonder if you were selected to hold this power and to keep it safe and harmless. If perhaps such dangerous magic needed a guardian and the world chose you?”

“Hard to believe I would be anyone’s first choice for anything. Frankly, I think you’d be a much better candidate, Red.” Subaru commented.

“Hm,” Reinhard answered. “So what will you do at the royal selection? Will you return your insignia?”

“Nope, can’t do that,” Subaru replied. “I made Emilia a promise and that promise means something to me. I’m going to do everything I can to help her heal her people. That means I’m going to run for the throne just as hard and as fast as I can. I mean, we can’t win,” Subaru admitted with a rueful laugh. “But if we can just do well enough to change the conversation that might be enough.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

“Well, if we do well enough in the selection then one of our rivals might make a bargain for our support: they give us the blood, we drop out of the race and give them our support. Besides, in a campaign my rivals need to have an answer for whatever I say, right? If I say that the poor of Lagunica are suffering in misery and I have a plan to raise the quality of life across the whole country, the other candidates need to say something on the topic. Otherwise they’ll be at a disadvantage. If that conversation becomes a major part of the campaigns, anyone who wants to get elected needs to build their own platforms to help the poor and disadvantaged in the kingdom. If I play this right, I could force the new king to commit to making serious reforms without ever coming close to the throne.”

“I never thought of it like that,” Reinhard muttered. “How will you do it? Will you feel around for offers for your withdrawal at the opening ceremony?”

Subaru winced. “Red, you are my dear friend and quite definitely the best man I have ever met but you would make a horrible salesman. If you tell someone that you want out, you’re telling them you’ll accept a pittance for them to buy you out. No, we can’t take this easy. We can’t win but we damn better make it look like we can. Never underestimate the power of the bluff. I want to walk into that opening ceremony and terrify the hell out of all the other candidates. They need to know that Emilia and I are their major opponents in claiming the throne. As soon we clear up Emilia’s problem with the Sages’ council, she and I need to go to school.”

“School?”

“Metaphorically speaking. We need to practice our speeches, we need to prepare our policies, we need fifteen different answers for every conceivable question. I want the other candidates to leave the ceremony feeling like they were unprepared and got blindsided.”

“Are you really doing all of this for the Lady Emilia?”

“Well no, not all of it. I’m also trying to do it for Felt and Rom who are considered disposable human beings. And for Petra and Meili who told me they don’t always have enough to eat in the winter. And maybe even for those little boys in the village who kept dog piling me to the ground,” Subaru grumbled which led Reinhard to laugh. “If I can bring all of their stories into the selection, if I can make the nobles care about what happens to them, then maybe I really can make things change,” Subaru paused, “And in a weird way I’m doing all of this for me.

“It’s funny. The old me would have just slow walked a project like this. If I thought victory was unlikely I probably wouldn’t have bothered doing anything more than the minimum required. I’d have given up before I even started.

“I don’t think I like the old me very much. Here, I actually have a chance to reinvent myself; to be someone better than I was in my world. This time, I’m kind of excited to go all in and see what I can really do when I’m pushed to it.” Subaru stopped and then laughed at himself. “All that said, of course, the real reason I jumped into this was because Emilia needed me to.”

“Do you love her?”

Subaru was quiet for a long time. “No. I barely know her,” He sighed. “She’s gorgeous. She’s kind, sweet, and brave. I am hugely attracted to her. I think we’re going to be close friends. I hate to see her cry and apparently I’m willing to move mountains to prevent her tears. But I’m also well aware that I barely know her. It would take a long time for us to fall in love, assuming we ever do.” Subaru chuckled derisively. “But wouldn’t it be fun trying?”

“In that case, Subaru, I can also answer your other question.”

“Which question was that?”

“How do I feel about the engagement,” Reinhard answered.

“Oh, right. That one.”

“I think you did a very noble thing. It was a generous deed regardless of your personal motivations and no matter how it works out, I don’t think you’ll regret trying.”

“Thanks, buddy,” Subaru said. “That means a lot coming from you.”

“There’s just one thing about this plan that I admit I don’t understand.”

“What’s that?”

“If you were going to run seriously for the throne anyway, why did you need to marry Emilia? Couldn’t you have either won the selection or negotiated for withdrawal on your own and then simply given Emilia the blood you acquired?”

“…Wait! That was an option?!”

The next morning, Rem came to the room as the boys were finishing getting dressed.

“Good morning,” Rem said in a neutral tone. “Breakfast will be served shortly.” Her demeanor was formal but her eyes remained suspicious when she looked at Subaru.

“Wonderful,” Reinhard said coldly. “Allow me to assist you preparing it.” He said to Rem in a tone that didn’t brook refusal.

Rem stared at Reinhard for a moment then bowed and left the room without a word followed by Reinhard. As Reinhard followed Rem out he gave Subaru a look, wordlessly bidding him to be careful.

Subaru nodded.

Subaru gave Reinhard and Rem a few minutes to get ahead of him. He didn’t think Rem would actually try anything if he was near her but she would also be wishing him a painful death with every look she gave him and Reinhard could misinterpret her hate as an impending attack. He thought Rem would be safer if he was nowhere near her.

I’m worrying about the safety of someone who tried to kill me last night, Subaru thought. What’s next? Asking Elsa if she just needs a hug?

Subaru left his room and headed down to the dining room.

Along the way Subaru saw Emilia making the same journey.

“Good morning, Subaru,” Emilia said with an awkward smile. “Are you OK?”

“Sure! Never better! What because of that assassination attempt? Come on, that was nothing! I’m averaging an attempted murder every day since I got here!” He said with an uncomfortable laugh. “How did you sleep?”

“Fine,” Emilia answered.

The conversation stopped and they both stared at each other.

Subaru coughed. “Um, so you think we could talk a minute before going downstairs?”

“Of course,” Emilia answered.

Subaru stepped close to a large window overlooking the courtyard and gaze out at the beautifully manicured grounds. Emilia stood beside him.

“So…” Subaru began, “We didn’t really have much of a chance to talk yesterday after I, you know, after I-”

“Asked me to marry you?” Emilia asked with a wry smile.

“Oh good. You do remember that part,” Subaru quipped.

Emilia tittered.

Subaru sighed. “Look, I know I didn’t give you much chance to think about it. It was the only way I could think of to keep you in the election. And I don’t really know how you feel about… well, fuck, anything! I don’t know what your views on marriage are, I don’t know what you’re looking for in a man, hell maybe you’re already in love with someone else and I’ve just made your life twice as complicated by this stunt!” Subaru continued talking very fast. “We don’t actually have to get married if you don’t want to, we could dissolve the engagement after the selection is over. I mean, I just wanted you to know that I really do care about you. I’m only trying to help you out and if you can think of a better strategy to handle things I will do my best to do whatever you want.”

Subaru stopped talking only because he was completely out of breath.

Emilia looked at him strangely.

Subaru closed his eyes. “Emilia, please say something. I’m dying here.”

“It’s just…” She murmured. “I never really thought I’d get married. I’m a silver haired half-elf.”

“Do elves not get married?” Subaru asked.

Emilia shook her head. “No, it’s not that. The Witch of Envy was a silver haired half-elf so most people hate me on sight.”

Subaru took a moment to absorb that. “Well, that’s just dumb. Your appearance doesn’t say anything about who you are as a person.”

Emilia was speaking quickly, “I know you don’t love me but I’m grateful that you’re trying to help me save my people. I don’t know anything about being a wife and I’m probably going to be bad at it but I promise I’ll do my best to try and make you happy.”

Subaru blinked.

Emilia was staring at him, panting as if she just run a marathon, waiting for his response.

“Well,” Subaru said slowly. “I mean I don’t love you yet but I’d really like to.”

“I don’t follow,” Emilia replied.

“Well, I’m just saying we barely know each other! I mean, you’re gorgeous, you’re brave, and you’re kind, I feel like you’d be really easy to fall in love with! I just think it kind of takes time,” Subaru shrugged. “You’re clearly the one getting the short end of the stick here. I’m a stranger in these lands who doesn’t know anybody, doesn’t know the customs or history, and can’t even read the language. Frankly my whole life I’ve been kind of a loser and I’m not sure how much help I can be but I promise that I’ll try my hardest to help you save your people.”

“Don’t talk about yourself that way!” Emilia said with surprising heat. “You saved my life in town! And if you hadn’t helped me find my insignia I would have already lost my right to stand for election. Then you offered to… marry me to keep me in the election,” Emilia finished with a blush. She glanced away. “I know this isn’t what you wanted… marrying a half-elf will mean everyone will treat you differently.”

“Great. Easy way to identify all the assholes so I don’t waste my time trying to be nice to them,” Subaru yawned.

Emilia blinked.

“You’re a good person, Emilia. You’re determined to help your people. Anyone who looks at you and sees something evil is blind and an idiot on top of it. Maybe we’ll never fall in love, Emilia but I’ll always be your friend. And no matter what happens I’ll always be proud to stand beside you,” Subaru said earnestly.

Emilia’s eyes started tearing up.

“Oh shit, what did I say?” Subaru said chagrined. “I’m sorry, Mili. I never think before I talk. You’ve probably noticed that about me. Whatever I said that upset you, I’m really sorry.”

“I’m not upset,” Emilia said with a weak laugh, wiping her tears. “I’m happy!”

“Oh. Well. I have no idea what I could have said to make you happy but I’m thrilled that I said it!” Subaru replied.

Emilia laughed, “Subaru, you’re so dumb.”

“Yes I am,” Subaru agreed wryly. “Um, so what would you say to going on a date sometime?”

“What’s a date?”

Subaru blinked. “A date…,” He said slowly. “Is… like part of courtship.”

“But we’re already engaged,” Emilia pointed out.

“Sure! But we don’t know each other very well. A date is a chance for people who like each other to go out together, do fun things, learn about each other and maybe develop a deeper emotional connection. Besides even after we’re… married, there’s no reason we should stop dating! It’s part of maintaining a bond with your… lover. Well, that’s what my Dad told me anyway,” He finished lamely.

Emilia looked intrigued. “In that case, I think I’d like to go on a date.”

“Awesome!” Subaru exclaimed, taking her hand with a broad grin.

Emilia also started to smile and they simply stared at each other for a moment.

Subaru coughed. “So, shall we go down to breakfast?”

Emilia flushed. “Um, there’s one thing I thought maybe we should take care of first.”

“What’s that?”

“We should really tell Puck about our engagement.”

The blood drained from Subaru’s face. “You didn’t tell him?”

“No,” Emilia glanced away, pulling some of her silver hair across her face like a veil. “I thought maybe we could tell him together.”

Oh great, Subaru thought. If she’s afraid to tell him, then what chance do I have? He’s going to splatter me all over the walls!

Emilia took a deep breath. “Marriage is about doing things together after all,” She said with the earnestness of a child.

Subaru rolled his eyes toward heaven. Well, what can I possibly say to that?

“OK,” Subaru sighed. “Let’s tell him.”

Emilia nodded.

“You won’t let him kill me, will you?”

Emilia gave him an amused smile. “Subaru, it won’t be that bad,” Emilia said.

I really wish you sounded like you had more confidence in what you were saying, Subaru thought.

“OK, let’s talk to Daddy,” Subaru said, squaring his shoulders and sitting down on the window still.

Emilia sat beside beside him and placed her other hand on the green gem hanging around her neck and closed her eyes.

A moment later the air in front of them shimmered and a small gray cat appeared, floating curled up in thin air. Puck yawned and stretched.

“Mmm. Good morning, Lia. Hi, Subaru,” Puck said.

Emilia flushed but didn’t say anything.

Oh, come on, Mili. You’re going to make me do this all alone?! Whatever happened to ‘marriage is about doing things together?!’ I mean, I guess it’s traditional for the man to ask the Father’s permission but there’s nothing traditional about asking a magical talking cat if you can marry his daughter!

Subaru cleared his throat, wondering if Indomitable would let him survive jumping through the window and landing in the courtyard three floors below in case he needed to make a quick escape.

“Puck,” Subaru began slowly. “Emilia and I, wanted to talk to you. We have something… very important to tell you.”

I feel like I’m counting down the final seconds of my life here, Subaru thought.

“Oh? What’s that?” Puck asked with a yawn.

“So,” Subaru squared his shoulders. “You may be unaware of this but yesterday we found out that Emilia’s qualifications to serve in the royal selection were called into question because her insignia was stolen. Felt and I handled it so that actually disqualifies her.”

“Oh no,” Puck said. Subaru was a little taken aback by Puck’s tone. Puck sounded as if Subaru had been describing Emilia’s long arranged picnic being ruined by a surprise rainstorm. “I’m sorry, Lia.”

“The thing is, it’s only a problem if the insignia leaves Emilia’s control, so we decided to recruit Felt into the camp. The issue is that I also held Emilia’s insignia and I’m qualified to stand in the selection so I can’t join her camp. So we put our heads together and thought of a way to keep Emilia in the selection,” Subaru continued.

“Oh? What’s that?” Puck asked sounding only vaguely curious.

Subaru swallowed hard. “I asked Emilia to marry me.”

Puck was silent but his eyes narrowed.

“I’ve sworn to help Emilia to save her people and by proposing to her we can keep Emilia in the royal selection and give her a chance to do that.”

“You want… to marry… my daughter…,” Puck rumbled like an approaching thunderstorm.

Well, it’s not going as well as I hoped but so far it’s not quite as bad as I expected, Subaru thought.

“Yes-”

“What makes you think you could ever be good enough for Lia?” Puck demanded and small shards of floating ice crystals began to form around the incensed cat.

“Puck-” Emilia protested.

“I don’t,” Subaru said clearly.

Emilia and Puck both looked at Subaru.

Subaru invoked Reason and Judgment to freeze time.

Wait. ‘I don’t?’ As in ‘I don’t think I’m good enough for Emilia?’ What a ridiculous comment! I was the one who found her insignia. I was the one who devised the plan to keep her in the royal selection. I’m the one who risked his life to protect her. What has Puck done recently beside making clever comments and gotten in the way? He’s questioning if I deserve Emilia? Who in the world is he to determine that?

Alright. Let’s keep our focus here, Subaru sighed. Silly as your comment was, it was probably a shrewd gambit. It will likely make Puck listen to you at least for a moment. And it is critical to keep Puck happy, or at least make him provisionally accept the situation if you don’t want to be turned into an ice cube or bounced all over the courtyard. So what does the annoying cat really want to hear right now?

Well he’s angry that I’m trying to take his daughter away. Can’t do too much about that. I could try the ‘you’re not losing a daughter, you’re gaining a son’ trope but instinct tells me that would just make him blow me out the window at Mach 3. He also thinks I could never deserve her in a million years. Perhaps that’s my best tactic: to reassure him that I take this opportunity seriously because it’s an opportunity far above my ‘station.’

Subaru restarted time.

Oh shit. Reason and Judgment’s confidence is disappearing like water into dry sand. What the fuck! I really need it right now. Sometimes it lasts for minutes and sometimes it vanishes instantly. What the hell are the rules?

Oh well. I have to say something!

“I don’t have any reason to think I’m good enough for Emilia,” Subaru said honestly. “She’s beautiful, brave, and selfless and she totally deserves better than some loser who rarely comes out of his room. I’m just trying to help her. Mostly, I’m blundering along on persistence and effort but she accepted me anyway.”

Puck tilted his head. He didn’t look any friendlier but at least he was listening. “Subaru, I haven’t forgotten that the last time Lia followed you around, you almost got her killed,” Puck growled. “What happens if I let her be with you and she does get… hurt?”

Crap what do I say. I need to think.

Subaru triggered Reason and Judgment and time froze.

Wait. ‘Let’ her be with me? Puck, your daughter in a grown up! You can’t tell her what to do. On the other hand in all fairness if I was a magical talking cat, that might be older than the whole world for all I know, I’d probably have a different definition of what being an adult means too. So how do I appease the magic flying cat? I suppose the best way of handling these types of confrontations is always to do what your opponent doesn’t expect.

He unfroze time.

Still suffused with Reason and Judgment’s confidence, Subaru didn’t hesitate. “If Emilia comes to harm, take my head. I won’t need it anymore.”

Well, that’s certainly an easy promise to make. Glad that I’m still feeling Reason and Judgment’s calm or I’d be freaking out right now. There’s no way I can stop Puck from killing me whenever he wants. If it really comes down to it, I might as well bow my head and accept my death with dignity rather than running away screaming and living maybe a fraction of a second longer. But the important thing is that offering my life as collateral might at least convince Puck that I’m taking this responsibility seriously.

Puck’s sharp ice crystals moved closer to Subaru, one crystal’s tip poking him lightly in the throat.

“That is a very dangerous price to offer, Subaru,” Puck said.

“Puck! Stop this!” Emilia demanded.

“I can’t promise that Emilia will never get hurt with me,” Subaru said, ignoring the ice and looking Puck dead in the eye. “The only people who could make you a promise like that are liars and fools.

Subaru saw Puck’s eyes narrow but at least he was listening.

What would an actual… hero say in a situation like this? How would a character from an anime win over a skeptical father? Well, probably by beating him up but that isn’t an option here. Think about all those romance animes you’d never admit to watching. Act like one of those guys.

“What I can promise is that no matter what happens, Emilia will always be in the forefront of my thoughts and that her safety and happiness will be primary concern,” Subaru said.

Damn. I feel the confidence fading again.

“I promise to keep learning how to be a better partner and I promise that even if Emilia decides I’m not the man for her, I’ll remain her steadfast friend and my admiration for her will be no less,” Subaru finished.

Puck’s tail lashed but he didn’t say anything.

Emilia was staring at the floor while blushing furiously.

“Lia,” Puck said, not looking away from Subaru. “Is this really what you want?”

Emilia bit her lip and nodded. “I’ll do anything to save the elves. Subaru is doing this to help me. And… I like Subaru. He’s been really kind and…” She trails off.

Puck stared at Subaru for a long moment. “Subaru,” He said in a warning tone. “I promise you that you will pay for every tear Lia sheds with a gallon of your own.”

And Puck vanished.

Subaru let out an explosive breath that he didn’t even realize he was holding and slumped against Emilia. “Well,” He said. “That went better than expected.”

“It did?”

“Oh yeah,” Subaru said, letting his hand slip around Emilia’s. “I totally expected to be splattered all over the walls by now.”

Emilia snickered. “Puck likes you. I don’t think he would have done that.”

Subaru gave her a steady look.

Emilia flushed. “Well, he probably wouldn’t have done that.”

“Well anyway, that’s one problem solved,” Subaru said, scratching his chin thoughtfully. “If we need to talk to that sage guy today we should probably get our stories straight.”

“What do you mean?”

“This guy is going to ask us questions to establish if we’re lying or not. So let’s tell him the truth except for two changes: when we met in the alley I proposed and then Felt, who was one of my… whatever you call them, carried your insignia for us. It’s short and easy to remember so we probably won’t get tripped up. We spent the day wandering around the city and then went to the tavern to meet Felt’s grandpa. Everything else we can just tell the truth.”

Emilia thought it over. “I really hate lying,” She complained.

“Get used to it,” Subaru said bluntly. “If you want to be King, you’re going to find any number of occasions where telling the whole truth is not a good idea.”

“It’s extremely important to always keep your word,” Emilia asserted firmly.

“It’s hugely important,” Subaru agreed. “Credibility isn’t like a boomerang: if you throw it away, it doesn’t come back. Dad always told me that you could only lie to somebody once so you better make it count. But if we don’t lie to this guy then you’re out of the selection.”

Emilia looked unconvinced.

“Sorry to have to put it this way, Mili, but the truth is that you can either have your miracle cure or your pride but probably not both,” Subaru said.

Emilia brooded on that for a moment. “Alright,” She said reluctantly. “But I don’t like it,” She was almost pouting.

“Good,” Subaru agreed with a smile. “I’m not crazy about it either. But this won’t be the last game we have to play in this selection thing so let’s get good at it. It’s going to be a long journey before we get our hands on that miracle you need but I’m looking forward to every step.”

Emilia gave him a shy smile. “Maybe we should go get breakfast,” She suggested.

“Great idea,” Subaru said, getting up with Emilia and heading for the stairs.

Subaru noticed that Emilia did not remove her hand from his and he thought that was rather nice.

“-And then Elsa slashed me while I was trying to protect my wife,” Subaru concluded. Emilia sat next to him, her hand wrapped firmly around his.

Miklotov McMahon, an old man with a long gray beard who had presided over the Sages’ Council for decades, had flown to the manor on a wyvern to investigate claims of Emilia’s disqualification.

“You met this girl only two days ago and you immediately asked her to be your bride?” McMahon asked with profound skepticism. “Isn’t that rather rushed?”

“Love is never done untimely, it occurs precisely when it is meant to,” Subaru answered with aplomb.

“Why not wait until you knew each other longer? You don’t seem so irrationally reckless as to marry a woman on sight,” He asked.

“Actually, I am pretty reckless,” Subaru admitted. “Besides, the longer we went un-engaged the longer we would be rivals. What kind of courtship would that be?”

This gave McMahon pause. “She is a half-elf,” McMahon pointed out.

Subaru scowled and forgot his manners. “She is beautiful, brave, and noble hearted and anyone who insults Emilia insults me! Remember that!”

The words hung there in silence.

Subaru mentally played his words back to himself and immediately wanted to cry. You idiot! Yeah, you have great odds to convince him now. You never think before you act. I need to live in Reason and Judgment’s slow time. Maybe if it took me five hundred years to say each word I could at least make certain I picked the right one!

However, the Sage’s face appeared suddenly thoughtful. “Proposing to a half-elf on your first meeting and then daring to chide a member of the Sages’ council for rudeness. I take it back. Clearly thinking things through before acting is not your dominant trait.”

Subaru coughed. McMahon’s statement was clearly an insult but at the same time the Sage appeared to be reconsidering whether Subaru was lying to him or if he was just hopelessly impulsive. “My wife is attempting to train me,” Subaru replied. “There is, of course, scarce hope for her success although we may all pray for a miracle.”

McMahon stroked his beard. “You did not know you were a selection candidate at the time, correct?”

“Initially I was planning to join Lady Emilia’s camp and offer my full support to my wife,” Subaru lied smoothly. “It was only when I touched her insignia that we realized there could have been a problem. Luckily our engagement prevented what would have been an awkward incident.”

“And what of the girl… Felt, you said?”

“I have engaged her to perform certain services for my wife and myself. She can rightly be considered part of my camp.”

“Hm,” McMahon muttered. He turned to Roswaal. “Lord Roswaal, do you have any testimony to add?”

“I was not present for most of these events, your Excellency. I can only confirm that their engagement was made and, as Lady Emilia’s sponsor and guardian, I have given my permission,” He replied.

“If they did not have your permission initially, was not the engagement invalid?” McMahon asked.

“My permission was only a formality, your Excellency. As a royal candidate, Lady Emilia far outranks me, it would have been unthinkable for me to refuse. She simply made her wishes clear and I have complied,” Roswaal replied easily.

McMahon glanced at Reinhard. “Sir Reinhard, do you have any testimony to offer?”

“Like Lord Roswaal, I was not present for the original engagement between my Lord and Lady. I arrived only in time to rescue my Lord Subaru from the Bowel Hunter,” Reinhard answered.

“Did you meet this girl, this… Felt?” He asked.

“Yes, your Excellency.”

“What can you tell me of the relationship between her and Lord Subaru? Did it seem like one of master and retainer?” McMahon asked.

Reinhard looked at McMahon for a long moment. “There are many forms of retainer relationships. I was present when Lord Subaru offered Miss Felt a bag of gold.”

“Did he tell her what this was for?” McMahon asked sharply.

“He told her that it was ‘a business investment’ and said he was going to use her for future tasks involving himself and the Lady Emilia. He said in exchange he would assist her in escaping the slums,” Reinhard finished.

I was joking that the gold I gave her was in exchange for helping me to play pranks on Emilia! Damn, Red, you should have been a lawyer! Subaru thought.

McMahon was silent for a time. “Lord Roswaal, this attempt they are making to unify two camps is unprecedented,” McMahon complained.

“Much of this situation is unprecedented,” Emilia interjected. “Lagunica has never chosen a king in this manner before. We have agreed to merge our claims for both personal and political reasons. We are convinced that together we can do a far better job of leading Lagunica than either of us would alone.”

Nicely done, Emilia! Subaru squeezed her hand with a smile and received a shy smile in return.

McMahon looked at everyone carefully. “Very well,” He said finally. “Since there is no clear evidence of wrong doing…,” McMahon gave Subaru and Emilia a suspicious look. “I will not be confiscating Lady Emilia’s insignia at this time. Tomorrow night we will have a full meeting of the Sages’ council to make a final determination regarding Lady Emilia’s suitability to engage in the selection. Lord Roswaal and Sir Reinhard, I ask that you be in attendance to provide testimony.”

Both men bowed obediently.

McMahon snorted and swept from the room.

Subaru leaned over to Reinhard. “How quick could we get back to the capital?”

“I can get there in just a few hours if I leave the carriage here and go on foot,” Reinhard whispered back.

“Wait, really?”

“It’s one of my Divine Blessings,” Reinhard explained.

“Damn, dude, you’re like an army of one.”

“Thank you, but I am concerned about leaving you alone with the blue haired maid,” Reinhard said.

Subaru shook his head. “Don’t worry. I don’t think Rem will try anything and, to be completely honest, I think I could probably handle her if she did.”

Reinhard stared at him for a moment, considering before nodding.

“The other problem,” Reinhard continued, “Is that traveling by wyvern, McMahon will get there well before I can. He’ll try to find Felt and question her before we can explain the situation,” Reinhard replied.

“That shouldn’t be an issue. I think it will take McMahon a week to find her,” Subaru snorted.

“What are you saying? McMahon is the head of the Sages’ Council. In the King’s absence he controls the royal guard. He will immediately send an army down there to flush her out,” Reinhard replied.

“That’s exactly why it will take him forever to find her. If he sent a guy down there with a bag of gold he’d find her in an hour but I’m sure he’ll do just what you said and send in the guard. The folks down there don’t have much use for the guard and they’re not going to talk to them unless they’re forced to. But they will warn Felt that people are looking for her and Felt will go underground. Go find Rom. Rom will listen to you, he knows that you’re OK. Tell them we need to talk to Felt and it’s serious. He’ll take you to her,” Subaru said.

“That is… actually a very good strategy,” Reinhard said.

“Also,” Subaru continued after a moment. “Ask them if they’ll really be in my camp. I want them to help me tear down those slums. I want to find homes and jobs for everyone down there. Ask them if they’re willing to help me do that.”

“Subaru,” Reinhard said wide eyed. “That is an enormous undertaking.”

“Got to go big if I’m going to save this kingdom and I think that’s a perfect place to start!” Subaru said with a wild grin.

Reinhard grinned at Subaru in return as he stood up and simply disappeared from the room in a blur almost too fast to see.

Roswaal had retreated to his office to take care of some correspondence and the maids were busy cleaning. This left Subaru and Emilia alone.

The two sat together on a couch in a nearby sitting room. Ram had left them some tea. They each felt like they were waiting for the other to say something.

“Have you given any thought to your platform?” Subaru asked, mostly just to escape the quiet.

“Platform?”

“Yeah, you know: why should you be the one on the throne?” Subaru explained.

“I need to cure my people,” Emilia replied in confusion.

Subaru blinked. “I get that, Emilia,” He replied slowly. “I know why you need the throne. The question is why should anyone give it to you? How will you make people’s lives better because frankly, I don’t think that curing your forest is high on most people’s wish list or else they would have done it already.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Emilia thought about it for a moment. “I want to create a kingdom where everyone is equal,” She said firmly.

“Sounds good,” Subaru approved. “That will at least bring the the demi-human population solidly behind you, and of course the fact that you’re a demi-human will help too. Of course they are a minority in the kingdom,” Subaru paused. “Wait, can they even vote?”

Emilia hesitated. “I’m not sure.”

Subaru sighed. “Well, that’s the first thing we need to figure out. We need to know who we’re trying to appeal to,” Subaru closed his eyes for a moment.

“So what’s your ‘platform’ going to be?” Emilia asked him.

“Well, I think we should really have one shared platform but you’ve been doing this longer than I have so I just assumed that you’d have one already put one together,” Subaru replied. He paused a moment before answering. “I want to destroy those slums. I don’t know if that will win me any votes but that’s really what I want to do. I want to ensure that everyone in the kingdom has a job, food in their bellies and a roof over their heads.”

“That sounds good!” Emilia approved.

“Well, maybe,” Subaru admitted. “We need to figure out who we’re trying to appeal to. If the only people who get to vote are the nobility, which would be a serious social problem for the kingdom all on its own, then anything that doesn’t directly benefit the nobility won’t get us any closer to the throne.”

“That’s just wrong!” Emilia complained.

“No argument here but the Sages’ Council set the rules to this game and we just have to play along unless you brought along another set of dice,” Subaru replied.

“Dice?”

“Metaphorically speaking,” Subaru clarified. “They have the dragon blood and, unless we have another way of getting some, we need to convince the Sages to give us access to it.” He paused. “Is slaying a dragon out of the question?”

“Can you fight a dragon?” Emilia asked in surprise.

“I wouldn’t want to bet on it, no.” Subaru admitted. He scratched his chin. “Do you know if there’s a library around here? I mean, besides Beako’s library since I doubt she’d let us in?”

“Oh yes. I spend most days in there studying,” Emilia said.

“Nice. Maybe we can go do some research and figure out how these selection things work. That should help us come up with a strategy,” Subaru suggested then he frowned. “Of course I can’t read the language here so I guess I won’t be much use in a library,” Subaru sighed.

“That’s fine. I can read it to you,” Emilia said a little shyly.

Subaru smiled. “I like that idea.”

Reinhard returned to the city shortly before sunset. He avoided the Astrea estate, not wanting to encounter his father right now, or any royal guards really. Reinhard hid in the shadows and walked through alleys as he carefully made his way to the slums.

Upon arrival, Reinhard saw far more guards in the slums than usual. They were all walking around and asking questions of the locals. Reinhard had never had much practice at sneaking but he learned quickly and managed to get to the loot house unseen. The giant Rom was cleaning his bar with a damp rag. A tarp was covering the sizable hole that Reinhard had made in the roof during his fight with Elsa.

“Master Rom,” Reinhard said quietly.

“I haven’t seen her,” Rom said in a bored voice before Reinhard could continue.

“Master Rom, I’m not here for the guard. I’m here as Lord Subaru’s personal knight,” Reinhard replied.

Rom frowned. “Lord? Wait is he why everyone is looking for Felt?” He growled.

“It’s not unrelated,” Reinhard admitted. “Subaru sent me here to talk to Felt. It’s very important that I find her before the guards do.”

Rom glowered at him.

Reinhard heard a sigh. “What do you want?” Felt asked, stepping out from behind a hidden door.

“Miss Felt,” Reinhard said with a bow.

“Save it,” Felt said with a weary wave. “Why are the guards turning the city upside down looking for me?”

“It’s because you took Lady Emilia’s insignia,” Reinhard explained.

“She got it back!” Felt protested. “What? Does she want blood? It was only jewelry.”

“These guards aren’t doing Lady Emilia’s bidding,” Reinhard shook his head. “And the insignia is much more than jewelry. Holding one marks the bearer as qualified to compete in the royal selection to be king.”

Felt’s eyes widened. “Wait, Emilia is going to be King?”

“Possibly,” Reinhard allowed.

“Felt,” Rom moaned with his head in his hands. “How many times have I told you not to get mixed up in this kind of business? Big money always means big trouble.”

“I didn’t realize I was stealing from a potential King,” Felt said in dismay.

“Please, listen carefully, Miss Felt, we don’t have much time. Lady Emilia is trying to save her people from a horrible curse. To do so she must become King or at least gain access to the Sacred Dragon Blood that only the royalty of Lagunica possess. However, her claim has been jeopardized because the Sages’ Council is aware when any hands other than the appointed bearer touch the insignia. The Council knows that you and Lord Subaru held her insignia and that is enough to disqualify her from consideration.”

Felt’s eyes widened. “I didn’t mean to cause that!”

“I know,” Reinhard said calmly, “And Subaru and Emilia forgive you. However, they are both trapped in a tight pinch because of you and they need your help.”

Felt bit her lower lip and debated for a moment. “What do they need?” She asked finally.

“Felt,” Rom objected in a low voice.

“We owe them, Gramps!” Felt said with sigh. “If they hadn’t come to find us, do you really think the Bowel Hunter would have just taken the insignia and left? I think she would have stuck around long enough to play with us. We both would have died!”

Rom glowered but he didn’t say anything.

“The only way to allow Lady Emilia to continue in the selection is to clarify that the insignia never left her control. Unfortunately, Lord Subaru has also acquired an insignia and that complicates things.”

“Subaru is a potential king?” Felt asked incredulously.

“There goes the kingdom,” Rom muttered, taking a drink.

“Yes,” Reinhard said. “And that means he is unable to join Lady Emilia’s camp.”

“So what’s going to happen?” Felt asked.

“Subaru has… stated that you joined his camp before you touched the insignia,” Reinhard said awkwardly.

“Yes, I remember that event. The event happened exactly as you described,” Felt said woodenly. She blinked. “So what does it mean to be in someone’s camp?”

“It means that you support his right to be king,” Reinhard explained.

“The Gods know that we don’t have much to lose no matter who becomes King,” Felt shrugged. “But how does that get around us touching the insignia if we’re not part of Emilia’s camp?”

Reinhard coughed. “To create a loophole in this situation, Lord Subaru is… stating that before you took the insignia, he asked Lady Emilia to marry him.”

Felt laughed. “Go for it, Subaru!”

“So the guards are looking for you to see if you can confirm or deny Lord Subaru and Lady Emilia’s claims,” Reinhard concluded.

“So all I have do is tell them that I knew Subaru and Emilia were engaged and that I agreed to support Subaru and the guards will go away?” Felt asked.

“That is the hope,” Reinhard replied.

“And how does this benefit Felt?” Rom asked.

Reinhard looked up at the towering old man. “Subaru tried to get you both out of the slums. He told me before I left that one of the reasons he wants to recruit the two of you is because he was hoping that you will help him get everyone out of here.”

Felt’s eyes widened.

“Is he a liar, crazy, or stupid?” Rom asked seriously.

Reinhard’s eyes narrowed. “Be cautious in how you speak of one who has earned my profound respect, Master Rom. Regardless, I am convinced that Lord Subaru means what he says. He might well fail but he is resolved to try and that’s more than most would do,” Reinhard said, staring directly into the giant’s eyes.

Rom snorted but nodded his head.

“Well, what you’re asking sounds easy enough,” Felt shrugged. “Can’t act like I don’t owe them one. I’m really good at coming up with alibis, you know.”

Rom looked grim but he didn’t say anything. Rom craned his neck and peered out the door. “You’ll get a chance to perform soon, Felt. Some guards are coming this way.”

Reinhard put his hand over his heart. “Don’t worry, Miss Felt. I’ll be at your side throughout this ordeal. As you are a member of my lord’s camp, I am sworn to your safety.”

“No,” Felt said dismissively.

Reinhard blinked. “Excuse me?” He said in confusion.

“You being here screams collusion,” Rom grumbled. “You might as well have Felt tell the truth if you’re going to stand next to her while she talks. No one would believe her anyway.”

“Gramps is right, you need to go,” Felt said.

“I can’t simply leave you here,” Reinhard protested.

Felt sighed in exasperation and seized Reinhard by the hand. She dragged him over to the hidden door she had emerged from. “Stay in here and stay quiet!” She ordered.

Reinhard took a breath and nodded. “You have but to summon me at your need. No matter what occurs,” He said firmly.

Felt held his gaze a moment and then nodded before closing the door.

Reinhard could see out into the tavern main room through a narrow slit and he sat down trying to be as quiet as possible. Felt moved behind the bar and acted like she was cleaning up as three guards entered the tavern. Reinhard’s eyes narrowed. Two of these guard were his father Heikel and his lapdog Fein.

“Are you, Felt?” Heikel asked without preamble.

“Sure am!” She said cheerfully. “Here for a drink? It’s the best in Lowtown!” Reinhard watched Rom continued to wipe up the bar. If nothing else the massive giant would make the guards a little more polite.

Heikel hesitated but Reinhard knew only too well that his father had never turned down a drink. He wasn’t sure if Felt knew that or if she had just gotten lucky.

Felt poured the bottle into a small glass and Heikel downed it in one shot. Then his face turned red and he started to choke. Fein pounded on his back.

Reinhard was slightly impressed. He’d never seen his father react this way to alcohol.

“What is that poison?” Heikel demanded in a hoarse voice.

“Poison?” Felt asked in surprise. “That’s Rom’s own brew. Best stuff south of the market district,” She held out her hand. “Three coppers please?”

Heikel looked ready to refuse but then he snorted and dropped the coins in Felt’s hand.

“So,” Heikel said, leaning on the bar. “You probably don’t see many nobles down here.”

“Not many,” Felt agreed. “But there were two the other day.”

“Two?” Heikel asked in a low tone.

“Subaru and Emilia. They wanted me to show them around the slums. They asked if I’d help them figure out a way to clean up the area,” Felt explained.

Heikel glowered for a moment. “Did they tell you what their relationship was?”

Felt snorted. “It was hard to miss! Those two were sickening! ‘I love you, Emilia,’ ‘I worship you, Emilia,’ ‘I can’t wait for our wedding day, Emilia.’ Was she the first woman he’d ever met?”

Heikel drummed his fingers on the bar. Reinhard knew the look on his father’s face. It didn’t bode well.

“You’re a slum child,” Heikel said in an insulting tone. “You live down here eating dirt and drinking dust.”

“I see you’re familiar with my life story,” Felt said with a wry smile.

“The nobles ignore you and abuse you so you ignore and abuse them right back. You don’t have any interest in politics, do you?”

“I sure didn’t. Until I met Subaru and Emilia that is,” She added. “They said they were going to try to get everyone out of the slums. I’m totally down to help with that. They even gave me some money so I could get out of here and try to make a real life for myself while we’re doing it! This is the first time I’ve ever gotten involved in anything. I think I’m excited!”

Heikel glared at Felt. “Well, I think you’re a lying little bitch.”

Felt blinked and pointed at herself. “Me?” Her large red eyes were a study of total innocence.

Heikel snorted. “Maybe we should take a walk together. See if I can sharpen your memory.”

Heikel reached across the bar for her but Rom was suddenly in between them wiping the bar right in front of where Heikel stood. His expression was blank but still intimidating.

Heikel stepped back and reached for his sword hilt. Reinhard prepared to intervene, desperately trying not to think about the long term consequences of threatening his own father, but Fein grabbed Heikel’s hand.

“Don’t!” Fein whispered.

Heikel whirled on him in a fury.

“Boss, you can’t just rough up a member of a royal faction!” Fein hissed.

“Even if that idiot kid that Reinhard is watching is a royal candidate, something I doubt you could successfully argue, you can’t tell me that he would care enough about this dust rat to do anything about it! And even if he did complain who would care?” Heikel spat.

“Wake up, boss! He’d make a complaint to the Sages’ Council!” Fein explained as if speaking to a child. “The Sages’ Council has hated you for years! If they’re given an excuse to get rid of you, they won’t care who made the complaint!”

Heikel made a fist, staring at Felt for a long moment. Finally he shook his head. “You are both called to the palace tomorrow at one hour past sun’s downing to give testimony. Fail to appear and I will drag you in myself,” He snarled.

“Thank you, come again!” Felt said cheerfully.

“Don’t get too cocky, dust rat.” Fein smirked, “One day I’ll meet you alone late at night. Just one more pretty little girl gone missing from the slum.”

The three turned around and stalked out of the tavern.

Reinhard sat still and waited. A minute or two passed and then Felt came to the door and let him out.

“Pretty good, right?” Felt asked with a smile.

“That was obscene!” Reinhard said with heat.

Felt blinked. “Well, excuse me!” She said, sounding offended.

“Not you, them! Guards threatening innocent civilians? Nearly drawing a weapon on an unarmed girl? Disgusting! This is an affront to every true knight in the kingdom!” Reinhard snarled.

Felt folded her arms across her chest. “You don’t come down here much, do you?” Felt asked in an amused tone.

“No, I rarely have the need,” Reinhard admitted.

“That was nothing. Fein wasn’t joking about making girls disappear. Most of the guards down here have a bad reputation,” Felt said.

Reinhard’s jaw dropped. He could tell that Felt wasn’t lying but the thought of the guard… of qualified knights acting like this with impunity shook his world to its foundation.

“So we need to go to the castle tomorrow right?” Felt asked.

Reinhard nodded. “Yes. And this time I will be with you. I have also been summoned to give testimony. No one will dare threaten either of you. You have my word,” Reinhard said firmly.

Felt flushed a little. “Well, thanks. Are you going to head home now?”

Reinhard flinched. “I thought perhaps I would remain here tonight if it wouldn’t be an imposition.”

Felt smirked. “Don’t worry about it, Reinhard. Gramps and me can take care of ourselves.”

“You never what could happen. You might encounter other threats. I’d prefer not to leave you alone tonight.”

Felt squinted at him. “OK, what’s really going on? You have an estate in this city. Why the hell would you want to sleep here instead?”

Reinhard flushed. “I’d rather avoid the estate currently,” He admitted.

“Why?” Felt challenged.

Reinhard sighed. “The man who questioned you… is my father.”

Reinhard expected that Felt would explode at him and kick him out but instead her eyes just narrowed a bit.

“I suppose I can dig up another sleeping pallet. Assuming you don’t mind Gramps’s snoring,” Felt said, walking away nonchalantly.

Reinhard found himself following her with a smile.

Emilia and Subaru had searched through the library for most of the day. They’d gotten a vague idea of how the royal selection would work but a lot of details remained fuzzy and that made it hard for them to make plans.

After sunset, Emilia stepped outside to speak with the spirits and Subaru decided to go wandering to give her time to do so properly.

On a whim, he decided to look for Beatrice and triggered Reason and Judgment.

Subaru had to search two floors with Reason and Judgment before he found the special door. He opened it and found Beatrice seated on a stool, reading a book almost as big as she was.

“Hm. Why would you come back to Betty’s library, I suppose?” She asked, not bothering to look at him.

Subaru stepped inside and sat down, leaning against the wall.

“I don’t know,” Subaru said. “I felt like we got off on the wrong foot so I figured I’d see if we could be friends.”

“Betty doesn’t have friends, I suppose,” Beatrice sniffed at him dismissively.

“Well, that sounds kind of lonely,” Subaru observed.

Beatrice stiffened and then glowered at him from over the top of the book.

Subaru shrugged. “Hey, you said it, I didn’t!” He said matter-of-fact.

Beatrice slammed the book shut with an audible thump. Subaru tried not to flinch at the sound. Beatrice, being Puck’s sister, could likely very easily ‘thump’ him as well. “What is it that you want, I suppose?”

Subaru scratched his chin. “I don’t really want anything from you. I just thought we could be friends.”

Beatrice stared at him for a long moment. “Are you that person?”

Subaru frowned in confusion. “Um. I don’t know. Who is that person?”

Beatrice sniffed and opened her book again. “You are not that person.”

“OK,” Subaru said agreeably. “That’s fine. Just out of curious who is that person? And how would you recognized them if you met them?”

Beatrice slammed her book shut again and glared at Subaru. She raised her hand and sent him flying out of the library with a great gust of wind. Subaru barely activated Indomitable before he crashed into the opposing wall.

Subaru looked up and saw that the library was gone. He looked behind him and saw huge cracks in the wall, radiating out from his point of impact.

Subaru rubbed his head uncomfortably, wondering what would have happened if he hadn’t triggered Indomitable when he did.

“Well, that seemed like a bit of an overreaction,” Subaru muttered to no one.

The next morning, Roswaal left for the capitol shortly after breakfast. Subaru watched him literally shoot up into the sky and fly off. It was a memorable way to start the day.

Emilia was going to do a bit more research today. They’d come up with some ideas for the selection but Roswaal hadn’t had time to discuss them before he left so Emilia was planning to spend more time reading about the selection. Subaru wouldn’t be very helpful in this regard but he was planning to spend the morning in the library with Emilia. That way she could at least discuss her findings with someone.

However, a chance encounter during their walk to the library changed his plans.

“Sister, I will be unable to accompany you to Arlam to get supplies today,” Ram informed her. “Lord Roswaal is expecting an important delivery and I must be here to receive it.”

“That is not an issue,” Rem said calmly. “I will manage on my own.”

“Would you like another pair of hands?” Subaru offered. “I can help you move supplies.”

Rem turned and looked at him. Her gaze wasn’t as hostile as the other night but there was no friendliness in it.

“Good idea,” Ram interjected. “This way you will at least have been of some use during your stay.”

“Hey, that’s mean,” Subaru whined to Ram.

Rem looked at Ram as if to object but simply bowed her head and walked away. She didn’t look back to see if Subaru was following her.

“Subaru,” Emilia whispered, looking nervous. “Are you sure about this? Rem tried to kill you. You’ll be all alone with her.”

“I can take care of myself, Mili,” Subaru said with a cocky grin.

I hope.

“Besides, if I’m going to be around here for any amount of time, I’ll need to make peace with Rem. If I want to earn her trust, I need to extend my own,” Subaru explained.

Emilia did not look convinced but she nodded and Subaru gave her a brief hug before hurrying after Rem who was already attaching an earth dragon to a small wagon in the stable.

“Need any help?” Subaru asked.

Rem did not respond so Subaru simply sat down in the passenger seat and waited.

Rem finished her preparations and then sat down beside Subaru without looking at him. She took the reins and the wagon rolled out of the stable and began trundling down the road.

Subaru sat there patiently while the first mile of the trip passed in silence.

“So,” He finally said. “I guess we’re not talking?”

“I have nothing to say to you,” Rem replied calmly.

“Not even an ‘I’m sorry I tried to crush your skull the other day?’” Subaru asked.

“Did you come on this journey to get revenge?” Rem asked, sounding as if she was inquiring about the weather.

“Yes. I’m going to torment you with annoying blather during every passing mile,” Subaru yawned. “Mwa ha ha. My evil plan is coming together perfectly.”

“You are not fooling me,” Rem said. “I am well aware that you are a Witch Cultist.”

“No, you think I’m a Witch Cultist. You are not aware that I am a Witch Cultist because I’m not and you can’t be aware of a delusion,” Subaru replied.

“Whatever your plan is for my sister and Miss Emilia, I will stop you.”

“My only plans involve helping Emilia. You and your sister don’t feature in any of my plans,” Subaru said.

“Then you plan to get rid of me?” Rem asked calmly.

Subaru sighed. “Sure, Rem. That’s exactly what I’m doing. I made sure everyone knows that I’m taking a trip alone with you so I could put you out of the way. What would I say when I go back to the manor without you? When Ram asks ‘Subaru, where is Rem,’ what do you suggest I say? ‘Who’s Rem?’”

“You are not nearly as funny as you think you are.”

“And you’re not nearly as intimidating. I could have shattered your skull last night instead of just disarming you,” Subaru replied, getting frustrated. The thought of intentionally breaking another human being’s head made Subaru cringe but the point was still valid. Honestly, it was a minor miracle that he hadn’t killed Rem last night completely by accident. “If I’m so evil, why didn’t I kill you?”

“Because you knew it would make people suspect you,” Rem replied.

“Suspect me of what?” Subaru laughed. “I didn’t sneak into your room looking for you. You came looking for me in the dead of night and attacked me with a morning star right outside my bedroom door. In what scenario would killing you have not looked like self-defense? What, do you think they’d conclude that I lured you to my bed and you just happened to bring your mace along and then I killed you? What would have made anyone think that I was the bad guy in this situation?”

“You must have thought of something or you would have killed me,” Rem replied.

“Or, and I’m just spit balling here, maybe I don’t like killing people. I’m just saying, it’s a theory,” Subaru said.

“You are a Witch Cultist.”

“And our conversation starts over again from the beginning,” Subaru sighed.

While Rem negotiated with the shop keeper, Subaru played with the kids; especially Petra and Meili. The boys seemed more interested in Subaru now that the amazing Sword Saint wasn’t around. They were especially interested in jumping on him and driving him to the ground.

It was a good thing Subaru was paying attention to the shop and noticed when it was time to start loading the supplies because Rem had no intention of informing him.

I wonder if she would tell me when it was time to go back to the manor or if she would have just left me here without a word.

Subaru was impressed by Rem’s strength and, just to keep pace, he tried triggering Indomitable. Unfortunately, Subaru quickly discovered that it didn’t actually enhance his strength. It might let him hit far harder than he should be able to but this didn’t translate into the ability to lift heavy loads. Subaru wasn’t sure he understood the distinction and right now he decided not to worry about it.

After they finished loading the wagon, Subaru paused to say a final farewell to all the children.

Subaru then had to run after the wagon as Rem pulled away from the store without him.

I guess that answers whether or not Rem would warn me that she was leaving. Subaru thought as he struggled to haul himself into the moving wagon.

Rem didn’t even look in his direction.

“Thanks for waiting for me, Rem. I really appreciate it,” Subaru grumbled.

“Why should I want you to be at my home?” Rem asked.

Subaru sighed. He guessed trying to earn Rem’s friendship was a pipe dream. He would have accomplished more today if he’d gone to the library with Emilia and volunteered to be her chair.

Actually, that sounds kind of like fun! Subaru mused.

As the wagon trundled slowly up the road Subaru began to hear something. It sounded like someone calling his name.

“Rem, stop,” Subaru said, trying to listen.

Rem ignored him.

Subaru grabbed the reins and pulled hard. “Stop!” He yelled, bringing the carriage to a halt.

Rem glared at him.

“Listen!” He hissed.

“Subaru!” A faint voice yelled from behind them.

Subaru and Rem turned around and saw Petra running up the road looking exhausted.

“Petra!” Subaru jumped out of the cart and ran over to her. “What’s wrong?”

“Gusteko soldiers!” She said almost falling into Subaru’s arms. “They’re capturing everyone! I think they’re going to kill them!” Petra’s body trembled from exhaustion. “I need to find Lord Roswaal!”

“Roswaal isn’t here,” Subaru said with a sinking feeling in his stomach. “He went to the capitol this morning.”

Petra’s face twisted in newfound terror.

“Calm down, Petra. We’ll help,” Subaru said.

Oh good. How the hell do you plan to pull that promise off?

“Rem, we need to go back to Arlem,” Subaru told her.

“When did you have time to set this incident up?” Rem asked Subaru. “Are these soldiers Witch Cultists in disguise?”

Subaru glared at Rem. For a moment, Subaru almost regretted not killing her last night. “Rem. If you’re not going to help, then go back to the manor and tell Ram and Emilia what’s going on. Or don’t. I can’t make you do anything,” Subaru spat.

He turned to Petra. “Come on. Let’s go back to Arlem,” He put the exhausted Petra on his shoulders and took off at a jog.

“But without Lord Roswaal, what can we do?” Petra asked.

“We’ll think of something!” Subaru yelled back.

I hope.

Subaru didn’t look back at Rem as he ran away or he would have seen her face briefly crease in doubt before she started driving the wagon back to the manor.

Subaru and Petra crept through the bushes near Arlem. The villagers were all tied up in the village square and a troop of at least forty soldiers were mocking them as they set up small wooden stakes. It looked like they were going to decorate those stakes with heads. Towering over the soldiers was a one-eyed giant that stood at least twenty feet tall.

“What the hell is that thing?” Subaru asked in a whisper.

“I think it’s a troll,” Petra whispered.

Subaru triggered Reason and Judgment and scanned the soldiers.

Hm. The captain appears to the tall blond one with the scar on his cheek. The soldiers are well armed but they appear to have no ranged weapons. That might be useful to know.

Subaru left the frozen moment.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my men and I are here to bring the fond greetings of Gusteko to our dear friends in the south,” The captain proclaimed. “It is our fervent hope that small get togethers like this will lead to a new spirit of cooperation between our nations and provide the Dragon Kingdom of Lagunica a reminder of how much we value our southern neighbors. We look forward to establishing closer ties with the kingdom in the near future. Much closer. But in the meantime we are proud to leave the kingdom a gift to remind them of our fond feelings,” The captain ended with a smirk.

The soldiers laughed.

Oh great. How the hell do I handle this? There’s forty of them, plus a giant troll, and one of me. My magic lets me be invulnerable for five seconds and then I’m a pane of glass for thirty. Maybe I could ask them to give me breaks in between fights?

Subaru triggered Reason and Judgment again.

Hm. Normally I’d be feeling supremely confident right now. But I suppose reality is intruding on that.

Look at it logically, Subaru, He thought to himself, The bad news is that you can’t win this fight. The good news is that you don’t need to win this fight. If they know that Indomitable only lasts five seconds, you’re dead. But they don’t know that. They’re not going to see a scared little boy pulling a massive bluff. They’re going to see an invincible juggernaut pronouncing their doom.

Subaru, these soldiers are playing for the same stakes as you: their lives. They’re loving going after unarmed women and children. Show the soldiers that they can die as effortlessly as the villagers and those soldiers will start having long gloomy thoughts about mortality. They will hesitate. They will try to plan and strategize. No one wants to attack a deadly opponent whose capabilities are a complete mystery.

This is the exact same bluff you pulled on those thugs the other day. In some ways, this time you’re better off because you have Indomitable now. All you have to do is frighten them. Position yourself so only one of them is going to attack you at first. Then prove how dangerous you can be.

It’s all about confidence. About machismo. Keep triggering Reason and Judgment to keep the confidence flowing.

If you need more convincing, imagine how backing down here would affect the royal selection. You want people to make you King? Or to make Emilia King? Well, a King has responsibilities. First and foremost among those responsibilities is to protect his people. If this massacre happens, good luck convincing anyone that you can keep the people safe. You couldn’t even protect a small village within walking distance of your house.

Subaru ended Reason and Judgment.

Is this really the best plan that I can come up with? Bluff them and hope that they hesitate?

Well yeah, they might hesitate. They might also laugh at me and chop off my head before I can blink.

This is a crazy idea, do I really want to do this? This has got to be a thousand to one shot.

Subaru looked at little Petra who was staring up at him with wide crying eyes; desperately hoping that Subaru could do something, anything to help her family.

Shit. Right now, I’d give a mountain of gold for Petra to look just a little less adorable and helpless. It’s not like I can just tell her ‘There’s nothing I can do,’ and make her watch her family die. I really am such an idiot.

“Petra,” Subaru whispered. “I have a plan. Wait here. If I get… killed,” Subaru choked a little on that word. “Go up to the manor and look for Emilia. She can help you.”

Petra nodded.

Subaru took a deep breath.

Damn. Wish I had kissed Emilia while I had the chance. Now I’ll never know what her lips feel like.

Subaru marched out of the woods boldly and with purpose. He walked as if he thought of the soldiers as ants.

OK, Subaru; bluff. Bluff like you have never bluffed before. Be one of those shonen protagonists who only lets enemies exist because they give him something to fight.

Try to be the Subaru you are inside Reason and Judgment’s frozen moment. You are fearless. You can handle anything. These human insects deserve to be punished simply for wasting your valuable time.

Keep stepping in and out of Reason and Judgment. Keep the confidence coming.

The soldiers saw him walking toward them and laughed. Their laughing faltered as he kept approaching them, some warning instinct telling them that anyone who was not afraid of a clearly powerful foe might be more than he seemed.

Subaru continued to approach until he was almost close enough to touch them. “I am the great Lord Subaru Natsuki,” He proclaimed. “But please, call me Subaru.”

The soldiers seemed baffled.

“I have something of a relationship with these villagers,” Subaru continued.

The captain snickered. “Have you come to beg for their lives or just yours?”

“I’m afraid you misunderstand me,” Subaru corrected with a faint smile.

Petra was watching wide eyed from the bushes. Mister Subaru was so brave. He wasn’t afraid of those wicked soldiers at all.

Petra almost screamed when the bush near her was disturbed until she saw it was Miss Rem and Miss Ram. They were accompanied by a pretty girl dressed all in white. Miss Rem was carrying a morning star.

“What is going on here?” Miss Ram whispered.

“Subaru is going to save my family. He said he had a plan,” Petra said with a child’s confidence.

Ram peered through the bushes and saw Subaru standing there unarmed, surrounded by forty men and a giant troll.

“He’s either crazy or a fool,” She muttered.

“Subaru,” Emilia whispered.

Subaru made his face go cold. “I overheard you talking with the villagers. You really have a lot of balls, don’t you? I devote my precious time and energy to protecting these people and you brazenly declare your intent to massacre them. I can’t imagine anything more offensive.”

The soldiers all looked confused by this statement.

Subaru pointed at the ground directly in front of him. “Prostrate before me and beg my mercy. Do this and I shall offer you a quick death. But,” Subaru took a step closer to the soldiers. He was now inside the group and he deliberately placed himself next to the biggest soldier. He was a giant like Rom but this man was young and wearing full armor. “If you refuse my magnanimous generosity, I swear here and now that you will all die slowly and painfully.”

Subaru spoke with such conviction that the captain blanched but he quickly recovered himself and looked angry.

“Kill this fool!” The captain ordered.

The Rom sized soldier drew his sword and swung at Subaru’s face.

Subaru activated Indomitable and caught the blade in his bare hand.

The soldiers all gaped in astonishment.

“Didn’t you hear me?” Subaru asked quietly. He pulled back his fist and punched the Rom-sized soldier in the chest. The armored giant almost exploded and went flying back like speeding train, smashing into eight other soldiers and driving them to the ground. The eight soldiers’ screams of pain cut off abruptly. They lay beneath the giant’s corpse their armor broken and crushed. They were no longer injured and bleeding humans but smashed corpses leaking fluids all over the village square. The giant’s corpse was by far the worst. His torso had all but been ripped in half vertically by the force of the blow. If he’d been struck any harder his, body would have been torn apart.

Oh my god. I killed them. Oh my god! I killed them! Holy shit, his blood is on my face! Subaru wiped it off quickly. Oh God. What’s that pink glop on my hands? Never mind! Don’t think about it! Keep playing the part! Sell the bluff! They’re scared! Keep them scared! Later on, you can go back to the manor and curl up in a ball and cry like a little girl. Right now, sell the bluff! Twenty five seconds until I can trigger Indomitable again!

Subaru triggered Reason and Judgment bringing the world to a halt.

Stop it! That is enough, Subaru! Subaru’s own thoughts cracked inside his mind like a whip. Enough sniveling about weeping and crying. You are better than that. You are not the same loser that you were back home. These fools are all terrified. He who gives into fear is lost. And they should fear you. They have crossed the great Lord Subaru Natsuki and that is always the shortest path to the grave. Keep going. Teach these fools the meaning of fear!

Subaru restarted time.

“I told you to offer up your lives to me without resisting,” Subaru growled. “By the time I’m done with you, you’ll all wish you had listened!” He roared.

“What is this?” A soldier demanded.

“It’s a trick! It has to be!” Another cried.

Subaru spread his arms as if preparing a spell and the soldiers cringed.

Eighteen seconds!

“Why did you worms come here? Were you simply ignorant of the fact that this land is under my protection or was it your intent to insult me!” Subaru demanded.

Ten seconds!

Subaru shook his head. “It matters not,” He proclaimed. “Arrogance or ignorance might explain your actions but nothing shall ever forgive them! You came to this land bringing blood and death and you shall atone for your foolishness!” Subaru roared.

Ready!

The captain was trembling. “Gruu!” He yelled at the troll. “Attack!”

The massive troll stomped forward, holding a massive double-sided axe. The blades were each bigger than wagon wheels and haft was probably fashioned from a whole tree. The drooling troll grinned at Subaru, probably too stupid or too well-trained to even wonder if following the captain’s orders was wise.

The troll raised its monstrous axe high over its head and swung it down in a blow like a thunder bolt.

Subaru caught the axe blade in one hand.

The soldiers gave a collective gasp. The troll looked puzzled and bent down closer to Subaru as if to investigate. “Oh my. I suppose I really should fight back,” Subaru mused.

Subaru punched the axe and it flew out of the trolls hands embedding itself in the troll’s skull and nearly bisecting it.

The troll’s roar of pain trailed off in a whimper as it staggered back a step and crashed down ontop of the nearby soldiers crushing several.

About twenty five soldiers left. Still hopeless if I lose control of this situation. Twenty five seconds until I can use Indomitable again.

“So,” Subaru asked conversationally. “Do you have any other trump cards left to play?”

He paused and let the soldiers stammer and argue among themselves. Reason and Judgment’s confidence was fading rapidly.

Hang in there Subaru! Focus on the captain. Don’t look at the blood and gore and the shattered… bodies… Focus! They’re scared. Keep them scared. You can freak out later. Just don’t start screaming.

Seventeen seconds left.

“Well,” Subaru sighed. “If you’re truly out of means to entertain me, I suppose it’s time to finish this. You came here for a massacre. You’ll get one,” Subaru promised grimly.

Eight seconds.

“Wait!” The captain said, putting up his hands.

“Hm?” Subaru raised an eyebrow.

“Forgive me, Lord Subaru!” The captain begged. “Spare my life! Kill my troops if you wish but spare me!”

What a piece of shit! Subaru thought grimly. Doesn’t look like his troops are too happy about that offer either. Then again, sparing him is probably a good idea. If I took him as a captive I bet he knows a lot about what Gusteko is planning. We’d know if more attacks are coming…

Indomitable is ready!

“I’ll tell you what, Captain,” Subaru said after a moment’s thought. “Your words have moved me to such an extent that I’m prepared to offer you and your men a deal.”

A desperate hope flamed in the captains eyes. “Of course, Lord Subaru! I’ll give you anything, anything you wish, just name it! I will do whatever it takes to appease you!”

“Splendid,” Subaru replied with a grim smile. “Here is my offer, soldiers: Surrender your captain as my prisoner, and I will spare your lives.”

“Wait, what?!” The captain squawked.

“That is my offer, Captain. I was originally going to kill all of you. But I am the great lord Subaru Natsuki and my benevolence knows no bounds. Offer me your life and I will spare twenty others. Truly, this would be a sacrifice worthy of a great leader, would it not?”

The captain staggered back in terror, drawing his sword. “Don’t you come near me! Rush him, men!” He ordered.

The other soldiers didn’t move.

The captain snarled at his troops. “What are you-”

A heavy blow hit the captain’s head from behind and another soldier wrenched his sword away. A moment later the captain was trussed up just like the villagers.

“Our captain, great one!” One of the soldiers said with a cringingly respectful tone. The soldiers were all standing well away from the tied up captain.

OK. Almost done. Big finish now. Sell the bluff today and hopefully you won’t need to prove it again anytime soon. That’s going to be valuable to you. Be Subaru Natsuki the Invincible. Then you can go back to the manor and scream until you pass out.

“A fine gift,” Subaru commented on the bound captain.

“Let me go, you idiots! I’ll see you all hanged for this!” The captain thrashed.

Oh god. There is a literal pool of blood spreading across the square. I’m about to have a nervous breakdown. Can I just like stop this now? I’m freaking out. I think I’m going to cry. Or throw up. Or I need to use the bathroom. Possibly all three at once. I need to end this quick.

Subaru triggered Reason and Judgment.

Actually, is a little gore really worth getting worked up over? Subaru sighed to himself. Granted, the corpses and blood are disgusting but is it really that much worse than any other rotten meat you’ve ever seen? Man’s horror at a human corpse is because he sees himself in that corpse. You have absolutely nothing in common with these fools. There is no comparison to be made with those bodies. These deaths should trouble you no more than crushing an annoying fly.

Subaru deactivated Reason and Judgment and time resumed.

“Tell me, do you plan to see this offering delivered to me, or must I fetch it for myself?” Subaru said with an edge in his voice.

Two of the soldiers went pale and they looked at each other in terror. They each swallowed hard and grabbed hold of their captain. They dragged him up to Subaru and dropped him at Subaru’s feet. The soldiers then leapt away, panting. The captain rolled around on the ground screaming incoherently but unable to move anywhere.

“Wonderful,” Subaru said grandly. “Your offering has pleased me and in consideration of your obedience, I shall spare your lives.”

The soldiers all looked relieved as they stood there panting for breath.

Subaru raised an eyebrow. “Why are you all still here?” He asked.

The soldiers looked at each other and then took off running and screaming.

Subaru stepped around a house to watch the soldiers escape and to ensure they didn’t try to circle back.

Wow. For guys in full armor, they sure can run fast. Oh God. Am I standing in blood? No, don’t look down. I don’t want to know for sure. I am going to scream… I am… I am OK. At least for another few minutes.

Subaru heard running footsteps behind him and spun around but it was only Petra. She ran to her tied up Mom and embraced her tightly. “Momma!” She wailed.

Subaru smiled at Petra who was embracing her mother. It helped put the mountain of carnage rotting nearby out of his mind. He reached down and plucked a dagger from the bound captain’s belt. Then he walked over to the Village chief who was bound and gagged nearby.

The Chief’s eyes grew wide as hen’s eggs and he began to thrash in his bonds. Subaru realized somewhat belatedly that the chief thought he was about to be tortured.

“One moment,” Subaru muttered to him as he began slicing his bonds. “One moment,” Subaru said in frustration as the struggling Chieftain refused to stay still. Eventually, Subaru managed to cut through the last of the ropes.

The Chief tore off his gag and jumped to his feet, staring wide eyed at Subaru and panting heavily.

Subaru reversed the knife in his hand and offered it, hilt first to the Chief.

In spite of being presented with the hilt, the Chief still cringed when it came near him. “Chief, would you be so kind as to help me release your people?” Subaru asked mildly.

The Chief blinked and stared at Subaru for a long moment. It finally penetrated his thick head that he was being rescued not being dragged off to torture and death. The chief quickly took the knife, bowing and making incoherent words of gratitude before starting to free the other villagers.

“Subaru!” Emilia’s voice came from behind him.

He turned around just in time for Emilia to throw her arms around him and bury her face in his shoulder.

“I was so scared,” Emilia whimpered.

“Yeah,” Subaru said, rubbing her back. “Me too.”

“You dummy,” Emilia whispered.

Subaru was nearing complete exhaustion. His tears, and various other fluids, threatened to break loose but he suppressed them through sheer will power.

Just a few more minutes. A few more minutes and we can all go back to the manor and I can scream and cry and throw up in private. This is important to the royal selection. You need to establish who Lord Subaru is. He can’t be some pussy who cries after a battle. Not if you want to have any chance of getting the blood for Mili.

Subaru looked over Emilia’s shoulder and saw Rem and Ram standing there.

The twins never show much emotion and they’re certainly hard to read but it feels like Ram is actually impressed. Rem looks like she’s doubting herself and her theory about me and that cult. That’s a huge improvement compared to her previous absolute certainty that I deserved to die. Maybe I can take advantage of her doubts to make a small connection with her.

“Rem, would you do me a favor?” Subaru asked, still holding Emilia against him.

The blue haired maid hesitated. Rem didn’t respond but she did look at him questioningly. Subaru took that as a very good sign.

“Would you watch him?” Subaru said, pointing at the tied up Captain who was slowly trying to inchworm his way out of the village. “I want to make sure he stays alive and intact until we can question him.”

Rem nodded and walked over to the Captain who saw her coming but had no hope of escape. Rem grabbed the captain by the legs and casually dragged him on his face back to the middle of the square. She then dropped him and pinned him down with a stomp that made the Captain howl in pain.

“Lord Subaru,” The Village chief said.

Subaru finally separated from Emilia and turned to face the Village Chief.

Emilia slipped her hand into his.

The entire village was on their knees before him, faces down and both palms pressed into the earth. “Lord Subaru,” The Village Chief continued. “We all owe you our lives. You have our village’s eternal gratitude for your selfless heroism,” The chief paused. “I bitterly regret my treatment of you-”

“Think nothing of it, Chief,” Subaru said dismissively. He knew what the chief was going to say. “I was traveling incognito by design. I wanted to see how people really lived out here so I would discover how best to help them. I even brought along the Sword Saint as a distraction. You ignored me just as I wished you to, so an apology is not necessary.”

Hey, that’s actually a pretty good story. Wonder if anyone buys it?

Emilia was looking at him in wonder and Subaru ruefully realized that he had convinced of his lie the one person that he didn’t want to lie to.

Subaru saw the villagers still kneeling and belatedly realized they were waiting for him.

“Please, rise,” Subaru said, trying to sound both lordly and kindly at the same time.

God, I hope this won’t take much longer. I can feel my hands shaking. I really need to get somewhere I can freak out! Why the fuck am I the only one freaking out in the first place? All of these villagers almost died just now and the village looks like a slaughterhouse. Am I really the only one being affected by all this?

The villagers got to their feet, all of them looking at Subaru in awe.

“Lord Subaru, you will forever have our village’s loyalty. It was Lord Roswaal’s responsibility to protect our village but since he has been derelict-”

Subaru heard a hiss from behind him and recognized Ram’s voice.

Oh, crap. I better head this off or Ram will totally blame me for the village’s divided loyalty even if I didn’t do anything to encourage it!

“Apologies, good Chief but I fear you are misinformed,” Subaru said. “Lord Roswaal is currently in the capitol on urgent business related to the royal selection. He left me to ensure the safety of the region in his absence.”

Not technically true but it ought to get Roswaal out of trouble and prevent Ram from poisoning me, Subaru thought.

“If there is blame to be had, it is mine and mine alone,” Subaru said. “If I had suspected that these knaves would try to cross the border and seek to make mischief in the region, I would have been watching much more closely. As it is, I am grateful to have been able to come to your rescue in time.”

Talking this hyper formal way is actually kind of fun! I think could get used to it. I know I sound kind of silly but the villagers seem to be lapping it up!

“The true hero of the day is Petra,” Subaru said, glancing at her. “She managed to get away from the village and came to find help. That was clever thinking, Petra.”

Petra went bright red and buried her face in her mother’s apron.

Well I was trying to be nice, Subaru thought.

“We should be getting back to the manor soon,” Subaru said. “I need to ensure that there has been no trouble anywhere else. However, before we depart, I would ask you for a service, if you’re willing, Chieftain.”

“Anything you ask for is yours, my lord,” The chief said with a low bow.

“Do you have any means of sending messages rapidly to the capitol?” Subaru asked.

“There is a guard outpost an hour from here by earth dragon,” The chieftain said. “They have magical means of sending priority messages to the capital instantaneously.”

“Splendid,” Subaru replied.

OK, talking like a lord or whatever you call it may be fun but it’s also very draining. Am I almost done?

“I would request that you send an immediate message to the capitol by this means. Inform them that hostile forces from Gusteko have crossed the border with malicious intent and all villages in the north must be made aware of the threat and be vigilant against it.”

“Excellent suggestion, my lord,” The chief bowed again. “I should have thought of it myself.”

“Also,” Subaru continued, “I would like you to present this prisoner to the guards. He may have valuable information about his army’s future plans.”

“It will be done before nightfall,” The chief swore.

“One final thing: If possible, would you have the capitol be informed that it was the royal camps of Subaru and Emilia Natsuki who are the ones responsible for repelling this intrusion from the north?”

The village started murmuring in wonder.

“My lord, are you…” The chief trailed off, “Are you a candidate for the throne?” He asked almost in awe.

“Just so!” Subaru exclaimed.

OK, this is the moment! Ham it up, Subaru!

“One day my beautiful bride and I,” Emilia turned bright red, “Will reign over this land. As we all know the primary responsibility of any lord is to ensure that his people may lead peaceful lives; free from want and free from fear. The Lady Emilia and I are proud to have taken the first step in proving that all who show us loyalty need fear no foe! We will hound them to the ends of the world until they sue for peace and leave our people to prosper!”

The village broke out in wild cheers.

Felt sat in the witness chair while five Sages sat behind a tall bench looking down on her. Other palace functionaries and a few important nobles sat in the audience chamber.

Reinhard seldom felt ill but today he was struggling with a painful headache. He and Roswaal had been at the castle all day being questioned, except for a brief interlude when Reinhard had begged to be excused in order to escort Rom and Felt to the palace. He was glad he had insisted on it. On their way to the castle, they had encountered a large group of guards waiting on the only path from the slums. The guards had glowered at Reinhard and grudgingly given way. Reinhard had no evidence that they had meant Felt and Rom harm, else he would have formally challenged them to combat on the spot, but he had his suspicions.

The questioning this day had been entirely circular. Reinhard and Roswaal knew very little about the matter at hand since they had only been present for small moments of it. Thus the questions were repetitious and after a while Reinhard’s answers became rote. Rom was briefly questioned and then dismissed.

Now Felt was enduring the same treatment as Reinhard and it was clear she didn’t much care for it.

“If you knew that they were engaged, why did you not inform the Sages’ council?” Minister Byrd asked.

Reinhard rolled his eyes heavenward. A ridiculous question if it was meant to be serious, Reinhard thought, rolling his eyes. This entire hearing has been absurd. Why would Felt or anyone else have decided they would be obligated to inform the Sages’ council of an engagement? My grip on civility is beginning to slip. If I was asked again to provide testimony, answering the same questions for the twentieth time, I would struggle to maintain courtesy. Each time I was asked the same question I had to suppress the urge to make a snide comment.

Felt, on the other hand: “Who are you?” Felt asked the minister. “What is your position in the kingdom? If I wanted to inform you of anything who would I talk to? Where would I go? Do you want to be informed of any marriage I hear about or just the ones involving these two?”

The council grumbled. Reinhard sighed. Miss Felt’s attitude isn’t doing Lord Subaru any favors and yet it is hard to blame her for being angry. Several of the sages have done everything but openly accused her of lying. They have no evidence but apparently the ministers do not consider lack of evidence a stumbling block in accusing a commoner of wrongdoing.

“I think we have heard enough evidence,” Minister McMahon said wearily. “Miss… ‘Felt,’ you may step down.”

Felt left the witness stand with relief and sat down in the audience seats next to Reinhard.

“It is time to vote. Minister Dore?” McMahon called.

“I see no evidence that contradicts the camps’ claims. In the absent of any clear and convincing evidence, I vote that the Emilia camp be permitted to continue.”

“Thank you, Minister Dore. Minister Byrd?”

“Even taking this case in the manner most favorable to the Emilia camp, her argument does not hold water. It is marriage that joins interests, not mere engagement. The fact that they were engaged at the time Subaru Natsuki had custody of her insignia is irrelevant. I vote that the Emilia camp be disbanded.”

“Thank you, Minister Byrd,” McMahon sighed. “Minister Choi?”

“I must disagree with my esteemed colleague. This council has ruled several times that engagement can represent unity of interests. This is the precedent that the Emilia camp cites and we should all follow it,” Choi said.

“Those incidents were decided based on political expediency, not on good law!” Byrd objected.

“They are precedent regardless and we, as keepers of the law, are required to respect and uphold them regardless of if we think they were wrongly decided. Due to this, I vote that the Emilia camp be permitted to continue.”

“Thank you, Minister Choi,” McMahon yawned. “Minister Agart?”

“This entire situation is ridiculous and the witnesses have assembled here to regale us under oath with transparent fictions. They should all be brought up on charges-”

“You are out of order, Minister Agart!” McMahon said, slamming his gavel. “Unless you have proof, you will not pursue this line of thought further!”

Minister Agart fumed for a moment. “The Emilia camp is disqualified and I would further move that the Subaru camp be disbanded for treasonously supporting this fabrication-”

“That is not the question before this body, Minster Agart! You have cast your vote. Now be silent!” McMahon ordered.

McMahon sighed. “Since the vote is split two to two, I will cast the deciding vote,” He paused for a long moment. “Taking into consideration all the evidence I feel I have no choice but to rule that the Emilia camp was indeed-”

“Excellency!” A young functionary in an elaborate hooded robe ran up to the bench carrying an envelope.

McMahon looked down at her coldly. “We are in session, Adjunct. I trust you justify your intrusion with news of profound value.”

“Yes, Excellency! I believe it has direct barring on the matter under consideration! That is why I dared to interrupt!” The functionary handed McMahon the letter and then bowed her way out of the room.

McMahon read the letter and his eyebrows rose. “Interesting,” He said.

“What does it say?” Byrd asked.

“It appears that the village of Arlem in Master Roswaal’s domain came under attack this afternoon by forces from the Kingdom of Gusteko,” McMahon read. “They crossed the border with forty men and a large trained Troll and attempted to slaughter the villagers.”

The court room murmured in concern.

“Dire news to be sure but how is this relevant to the matter at hand?” Agart asked.

“According to the Chieftain of this village, Subaru Natsuki took on these forces singlehandedly,” McMahon continued.

Reinhard gasped in horror, picturing his friend’s body lying bloodied and broken on the ground.

“Dead?” Choi asked.

“No. Apparently, Subaru Natsuki managed to defeat all of these forces by himself, including the troll.”

Gasps ran through the room.

Felt’s jaw was on the floor. She turned to look at Reinhard and saw his eyes shining in wonder.

“The chieftain further informs us that Subaru Natsuki managed to capture a Gusteko captain who is being transported to us for questioning,” McMahon read.

Reinhard could tell that the sages were impressed. Capturing enemies of any decent rank alive was always difficult but the strategic information they could supply to the kingdom was invaluable.

“The chieftain concludes by saying that his village is eternally in the debt of Subaru Natsuki and Lady Emilia. He is proud to declare that their village has unanimously voted to pledge their complete support in the upcoming selection to the the rightful rulers of this land: Subaru and Emilia Natsuki.”

The entire room erupted in confused chatter.

Reinhard felt that if his smile widened any further his head would break. This was it. This was the sign he’d been looking for. A man possessed of incredibly power and yet true kindness and greatness of spirit. The world had chosen Subaru, it had chosen him to be the guardian of this dark power; a power that he could turn to good causes. The world had recognized Subaru’s great potential and elevated him accordingly. The ‘rightful ruler’ of this land indeed.

Reinhard began to see visions of a renaissance, a golden age ushered in by a king truly ordained by fate.

“Order!” McMahon cried, gaveling for silence.

The room eventually settled down.

“Why did we even need to read that?” Byrd asked. “It is completely irrelevant to the matter at hand.”

“Defeating a foreign incursion and capturing a high ranking prisoner?” Choi asked with a raised eyebrow. “That seems worthy of some consideration.”

“Even if those actions were true, which I doubt-” Agart interrupted.

“Do you truly believe that a village chief and the commander of the local garrison who sent this message would have misrepresented themselves and declared there was a prisoner when in fact there was not?” Dore asked skeptically.

“My point,” Agart growled. “Is that even if all this were true, I fail to see how it impacts the Emilia camp. In this letter I have heard about this Subaru Natsuki’s supposed heroism but the only thing I have heard about Emilia is that she happened to be engaged to him when he accomplished it.”

“For my part, I am not suggesting the report is false or even exaggerated,” Byrd murmured. “However, such a claim is very hard to believe. I do not think that even the Sword Demon in his prime could face such odds with confidence.”

“Sir Reinhard,” Choi called.

Reinhard got to his feed and bowed. “Your Excellency.”

“Are you familiar with your lord Subaru Natsuki’s abilities?” Choi asked.

“I have no first hand knowledge of any special abilities-”

“You are being evasive!” Agart interrupted.

Reinhard’s face darkened. “Lord Subaru Natsuki has no Divine Blessings. However, I am aware that he possesses an enormous reservoir of power of a type and nature unfamiliar to me. I have no clear understanding of its applications or limitations.”

“Lord Roswaal, could this strange power be related to Subaru Natsuki’s claims to being from beyond the Great Waterfall?” McMahon asked.

“Possibly, your Excellency. I have noooo knowledge to draw upon in analyzing this matter,” Roswaal replied.

“Sir Reinhard, where do you place this Subaru Natsuki’s power relative to your own abilities?” Dore asked.

“I am uncertain, your Excellency. I have never encountered a person whose abilities I was unable to probe before,” Reinhard replied.

“One of these candidates wears the face of the Witch,” Agart spat. “The other is clearly a monster from beyond this world. They should both be-”

“Enough, all of you,” McMahon graveled for silence. “You have cast your votes. Mine shall decide.”

Reinhard held his breath. If Emilia was pushed out of the selection, might not Subaru abandon it as well and seek other means to cure her people? If Subaru simply went into seclusion with Emilia, the potential loss to Lagunica and the world at large would be incalculable!

McMahon hesitated, drumming his fingers on the bench for several moments. “Taking into consideration all of the factors and testimony presented, I do not find clear and convincing evidence that the Emilia camp was in violation. Therefore by three to two it is so ordered that the Emilia camp shall remain in the selection at this time,” McMahon said.

The audience burst out in a babble of excited conversation and there was even scattered applause from the back.

Felt put her fingers to her lips and blew a whistle which Reinhard hastily silenced.

McMahon gaveled for silence but then he turned around and walked away, perhaps sensing that he would need to send in the guard if he truly wished to restore order.

Roswaal departed the castle without a word, smiling in self satisfaction.

Reinhard noticed his father glowering near the entrance. He then turned and stalked away.

Felt followed his gaze as Heikel left. “So,” She drawled. “You headed home tonight?”

“If it would not be an imposition, Miss Felt, I would humbly ask again for your gracious hospitality,” Reinhard said with a smile and a low bow.

Felt grinned at him. “Sure, it gets lonely over there when Gramps is passed out drunk.”

After dark, Emilia, Subaru, Ram, and Rem finally returned to the manor and all were weary but none more so than Subaru.

I feel like this forced smile is going to fall off my face any second and the rest of my face might go with it. I have a piercing headache and my body is begging to lie down. Why the hell did that take so long? Did we really need to organize a vote on the spot? I’m grateful for the support, of course, but did I really need to supervise the vote? And then they ask me to give a speech! I didn’t know I was going to need to give a speech! Do nobles in this world just walk around with spare speeches in their pockets on the off chance they’re asked for one? Jeez, I don’t even know what the hell I said to the villagers!

Remember when you really wanted to be a hero and a lord among men? Remember when you thought it would be easy? Kind of ironic, huh? A lot can change in four days. Subaru thought to himself.

After they entered the manor, Ram abruptly turned to face him. “Lord Subaru,” She said with a slight bow. Subaru’s eyes widened at this honorific coming from Ram. “You have my deepest gratitude for protecting the name and reputation of Lord Roswaal M. Mathers. I will concede that you are not completely useless.”

“Coming from you, that’s high praise, Ram,” Subaru said with a tired smile.

“One other matter: Now that your engagement is official, do you and Miss Emilia wish to move into the same bedroom?” Ram asked.

Subaru and Emilia both turned bright red. “Ah… I think… maybe we need to work up to that one, Ram,” Subaru said weakly.

“Of course,” Ram said, turning away with a sly smile on her face.

Damn you, Ram! You are mean! Subaru thought.

“Dinner, of course, is not prepared,” Rem said, looking intently at Emilia and ignoring Subaru, “But if anyone is hungry my sister and I will provide it.”

“Nothing for me, thanks,” Subaru sighed. “I just want to get up to my room and collapse!”

Subaru took a step and his leg gave way underneath him. He would have fallen to the floor if not for Emilia catching him.

“Or maybe I’ll save time and just collapse now,” Subaru mused as Emilia helped him up.

“No dinner for me either, thank you,” Emilia replied. “I ate at the village,” She looked at Subaru. “Subaru, let me help you get to bed.”

“Oh, that’s OK, Mili. You don’t have to do-whoa!” Subaru gasped as Emilia effortlessly picked him up and carried him up the stairs.

Subaru was a little weirded out by the situation of being carried to his room but being this close to Emilia, and even being cradled by her, certainly felt nice.

Emilia brought Subaru up to the room which he had shared with Reinhard and gently placed him on the bed. She leaned over him and gently stroked his head. “Subaru, do you, um” She blushed and looked away. “Do you need any help getting undressed tonight?”

Man that sounds awesome! Too bad I’m too tired to enjoy it, Subaru thought.

“Nah, thanks, Emilia. I think I’ll manage,” He smiled at her.

“Goodnight, Subaru,” Emilia smiled back. She moved as if to kiss his cheek then lost her nerve and pulled back but she was smiling as she went out the door.

Subaru took several deep breaths, letting his body sink bonelessly into the bed. He took one last deep breath, rolled over and placed his face in his pillow.

And then he cried.

Subaru wept, sobbed, and whimpered like an infant.

Oh my god, I was so freaking scared! I thought I was going to die! One wrong move and they would have torn me apart! It would have been my blood pooling in the village square! It would have been just like Elsa all over again!

Subaru kept sobbing and the tears kept coming. Deep, wrenching sobs that he felt would rip his body apart. Subaru let himself remember the horrible, twisted corpses he had created: murdering men he had no quarrel with aside from them following orders written by evil commanders.

Could he have saved them? Could he have spared them like he had Rem?

In his heart, he knew the answer was simply no, but the weight of all those lives ending, all that potential cut short, it still hurt. Subaru had never killed anyone before and he fervently hoped he would never have to do so again.

The bodies. There was something so horrible about those bodies. How they had broken open like rotten fruit, all their innards exposed. Seeing someone naked without their permission was thought to be a violation but seeing their corpses ripped open felt like a far deeper one. It meant that their personhood had been stripped away, no longer living beings but simply raw meat and rotting juices pooling on the ground.

Did I look like that lying on the floor after Elsa ripped into me? No, no, don’t think about it.

Subaru cried for almost twenty minutes and then he felt himself beginning to calm down. He didn’t rush it. He had earned this catharsis. He just lay there sobbing letting the fear slowly work its way out of him like the ache out of a sore muscle.

Finally, Subaru settled down and quickly striped down to his shorts.

He was about to go to bed when he heard a knock on the door. “Come in,” He called, before he wondered if it could be Rem coming to settle the score.

Emilia poked her head in, wearing her purple nightgown.

“Hi, Emilia,” Subaru said, his mouth going dry.

“Subaru,” Emilia twisted her hands together in her gown nervously. “Um, since Sir Reinhard is in the capitol, could I sleep in his bed tonight? I thought it might give us a chance to talk,” She blushed furiously.

Subaru smiled. “I’d like that.”

Emilia smiled back at him then came over to sit next to Subaru.

Subaru absently took Emilia’s hand in his own and they just sat together for a moment, both looking at their knees, their shoulders almost touching.

“Subaru, you were very brave today,” Emilia whispered.

Subaru chuckled. “Brave or stupid? Man, I still can’t believe I survived that.”

Emilia shook her head. “You’re much too modest. You were a hero! You saved those people’s lives. They all really admire you and… so do I,” Emilia glanced away.

Subaru turned bright red.

Emilia… admires me? Is she serious?

Subaru was about to make another joke to break the tension and then he thought better of it. If Emilia might really be his wife someday then…

Subaru sighed rubbing his face. “Emilia, I was so scared,” Subaru admitted in a ragged breath. “I was sure that I was going to die,” He buried his face in his hands.

“Subaru,” Emilia whispered, wrapping her arms around him and drawing his head to her shoulder.

Subaru cried again. Not the same wracking sobs as before but a calmer cleaner kind of weeping.

Emilia stroked his head. “It’s alright, Subaru. It’s alright. Just let it all out. It’s over now.”

He wept for a few minutes and let the warmth of Emilia’s body calm him before sitting up again.

“Subaru, why were you so scared?” Emilia asked softly. “I saw the whole thing. They could never even scratch you. Your magic seems to make you invincible!”

Subaru stared at Emilia in astonishment. Then he began to smile. Then, unable to help himself, he started to laugh. He laughed until he fell over on the bed curling up in a ball and clutching his stomach while Emilia just stared at him in shock.

Finally he calmed down and grabbed a very confused Emilia’s hand bringing it to his lips and kissing it gently.

“Subaru,” Emilia asked awkwardly. “What was so funny?”

“You said my magic makes me invulnerable,” Subaru whispered with a smile.

“Well…yes, it certainly seemed to,” Emilia nodded.

“For five seconds,” Subaru clarified.

Emilia blinked. “What?”

“My magic makes me invulnerable for five seconds. Then I can’t use it for thirty,” Subaru giggled.

Why the hell do I think this is funny?!

Emilia’s mouth moved but no words came out.

“That whole thing was one massive bluff!” Subaru said, sitting up. “Scare them and then hope I can keep them talking until the cooldown timer ends!”

“Subaru!” Emilia gasped. “Do you realize how easily you could have died out there?!”

“What?! Are you kidding me?!” Subaru demanded, grabbing both of her hands. “Fuck, yes! This was freaking insane! That was sheer luck out there!” Subaru said, pointing out the window toward the village. He covered his eyes with his hand. “I was not in control of that situation at all.”

Emilia buried her face in her hands and shook her head. “Oh Gods, I am marrying a crazy person!”

“Yeah, pretty much!” Subaru said, somewhere between laughing and crying. He reached out to pull one of Emilia’s hands away from her face. “I am glad I didn’t die though.”

Emilia raised an eyebrow. “Do you have any other obvious statements you want to make?”

“I’m just saying. I realized when I was standing down there that I couldn’t afford to die. There was something very important I hadn’t done yet,” Subaru smiled.

“What’s that?”

“I haven’t kissed you yet.”

Emilia turned scarlet. “Oh,” She replied. Her eyes darted around the room almost as if looking for an escape.

“It’s OK,” He told her gently. “I’m in no rush. It’s just a moment I’m really looking forward to. When you’re ready, I’ll still be here.”

Emilia smiled a little embarrassed. Subaru turned away for a moment to rub his eyes. “Are you ready for bed?” He asked.

“Mm-hmm,” Emilia agreed and while Subaru had his eyes closed, Emilia darted in to kiss him on the cheek.

Subaru looked at Emilia with a broad smile.

Emilia was blushing furiously but she still looked rather pleased with herself. “Goodnight Subaru,” Emilia said, getting into the other bed.

Subaru slipped under his own covers and smiled at Emilia as she laid there smiling back at him.

Emilia’s eyes fluttered closed and she began to quietly snore. Her face was fixed in a soft smile.

Subaru sighed. This was not going to work. He didn’t want to close his eyes, even to sleep, if she was there.

Subaru nestled deeper under the covers and looked across the room at the sleeping princess he might marry someday.

And then he was asleep.