They stepped out of the room together and headed toward the main lobby. By the time they entered the inn's breakfast hall, Beatrice, Elsa, and Meili had already taken a table and were placing their orders. Rem quickly made her way toward them. All three—Elsa, Beatrice, and Meili—immediately turned their eyes to Subaru and Hikari.
Hikari eyed the two smaller girls intently. For a few seconds, silence hung over the group. Then, as if to defy that silence, Hikari wrapped her arms around Subaru's head in a possessive hug. Her expression clearly said, "He's my big brother!" Meili met her gaze with a cold stare and growled under her breath. Elsa and Rem let out soft chuckles, while Beatrice turned her head with a trademark "hmph," clearly unimpressed.
Subaru gently lowered Hikari to the floor and gave a polite greeting. "Good morning, everyone."
Elsa glanced at him and smiled faintly. "Good morning to you, Subaru. Looks like you're healing up pretty well."
Raising his hands, Subaru checked the wounds on his arms. Most of them had faded, though a few left behind faint scars. "Yeah, most of it's healed. Some might leave a mark... Anyway, I wanted to introduce you to my sister."
Hikari stepped forward with small, deliberate steps and bowed her head slightly. "I'm Natsuki Hikari. Thank you all so much for looking after my brother. It's really nice to meet you. I hope we can get along."
Without warning, Elsa sprang to her feet and closed the distance, cupping Hikari's cheeks in her hands with exaggerated affection. "I never imagined Subaru's sister would be this adorable!" she exclaimed cheerfully. "I'm Elsa—your brother's partner and coworker."
Hikari, cheeks squished between Elsa's palms, managed to squeak, "Nice to mew you toooo!" Elsa laughed and let go, and Hikari rubbed her face with both hands.
Meanwhile, Meili and Beatrice didn't look quite as eager to join the introductions. Subaru sighed, picked up Hikari again, and spoke in a soft, playful tone. "This blonde tsundere loli here is Beatrice. She's a great Yin spirit—brilliant and powerful. If you get along with her, there's a lot you could learn."
Hikari's eyes sparkled. "Woaah! It's great to meet you! Can I call you Beako?"
Elsa couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. "They're definitely siblings. No doubt about it."
The others smiled quietly as the mood noticeably lightened. The previous tension melted away, replaced by a comfortable, almost familial warmth.
Finally, Subaru gestured toward Meili. "And this girl with the purple hair is Meili—Elsa's sister. She might look a bit harsh, but deep down, she's a good kid. So don't fight, okay?"
Meili pouted and replied with a haughty tone. "So you're the one who left Subaru-nii all alone for a year, huh?"
Hikari frowned and fired back in the same tone. "And you're the one who tried to take my place next to him, huh?"
Subaru and Elsa sighed in unison. Rem bit her lip, clearly trying not to laugh. The room buzzed with a sweet, awkward tension—but beneath it all, something warm and new was beginning to bloom: the roots of a makeshift family.
Moments later, Maria entered carrying a silver tray and began carefully setting down warm dishes on the table. The aroma of freshly cooked food shifted everyone's attention. Hikari suddenly stood up, grabbed Maria by the arm, and pulled her over to Subaru. "Big bro! This is Maria! She helped me so much here—she's super nice!" she beamed.
Subaru gave a soft smile, but Maria spoke first. "We've already met, Hikari. Back in Kararagi, remember?"
At that, Hikari's bright eyes dimmed just slightly. Her enthusiasm faltered—but only for a moment. She quickly recovered and returned quietly to her seat. She fidgeted for a moment, her fingers playing with the hem of her sleeve, then glanced subtly at Maria, then at Subaru. A soft sigh escaped her lips, nearly inaudible, but it caught Rem's ear nonetheless. Rem tilted her head slightly, concern flickering in her eyes, but she didn't press the issue.
Elsa, noticing the shift in mood, leaned over and ruffled Hikari's hair gently. "Don't worry, little one. We're all a bit broken in one way or another—but that's what makes us stick together, right?"
Hikari gave her a shy smile in response, the tension in her shoulders easing just a bit. Meili, watching this interaction, clicked her tongue and turned her face away—but not before casting a quick sideways glance at Hikari, as if reevaluating her.
Beatrice, who had been pretending to be thoroughly uninterested, finally spoke up from behind her teacup. "You're a strange girl, I suppose. But maybe not entirely intolerable."
That earned a giggle from Hikari and another round of soft laughter from the table. Subaru smiled quietly, watching his sister slowly blend into this unusual but genuine patchwork of people—his people. It wasn't perfect, but it was something real, something growing.
And for the first time in a while, that felt like enough.
During breakfast, the mood at the table gradually softened. The earlier tension had dissipated, replaced by casual chatter, lighthearted teasing, and the clinking of dishes. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the food, with relaxed expressions painting their faces and soft smiles exchanged between bites. Even Meili, who often wore a mask of indifference, looked a bit less guarded as she poked at her plate. Hikari giggled at something Beatrice muttered under her breath, and Elsa sipped her drink with an amused smirk.
Amid this calm, Subaru quietly rose from his chair, attempting to blend into the background and slip away unnoticed. His footsteps were light, calculated. But before he could make it three steps, a chillingly familiar hand gripped his shoulder with ghost-like precision.
"Where do you think you're going, runaway? This time, you're not escaping me," Elsa said, her voice deceptively playful, though a flicker of genuine concern lurked beneath. She didn't wait for a reply. In one fluid, almost elegant motion, she hooked her arm around the back of his neck and began dragging him down the hallway.
Subaru, utterly caught off guard, stumbled helplessly behind her. "Wait—Elsa—this isn't necessary—" he tried, but his protests were feeble at best. He wasn't even resisting.
As soon as they reached his room, Elsa opened the door with a swift kick and practically tossed Subaru onto the bed.
"Alright. Start explaining," she demanded, crossing her arms tightly across her chest and leaning forward with slow, deliberate steps. Her voice held that signature mocking lilt, but her eyes—those eyes—were sharp and unblinking. "You sneak off into a battle without a word, then return looking like you crawled out of a monster's belly. If you want to die that badly, I can give you a quick and clean end. But not before you talk."
Subaru swallowed. He opened his mouth, but before he could speak, the door creaked open again. Beatrice walked in as if she owned the place, her cape swishing dramatically behind her. Without saying a word, she took the armchair opposite Subaru and crossed her legs.
A beat later, Hikari and Meili appeared in the doorway. They exchanged a brief look—one laced with subtle rivalry—before silently claiming the seats on Subaru's left and right. Their postures mirrored each other in their quiet protectiveness. Finally, Rem entered last, silently taking her place in the corner, arms crossed, her eyes locked onto Subaru like a hawk studying its prey.
The air was heavy. Subaru was surrounded, cornered not by hostility, but by an overwhelming weight of expectation. Every eye in the room demanded the truth.
He exhaled slowly, mentally steeling himself. There was no escape.
"Alright," he said. And then he began.
He described everything. His bizarre and revolting encounter with Capella, the Archbishop of Lust—the sickening offer she made to him, the grotesque way she tried to seduce and manipulate, how he'd refused her. He spoke of her warped mind, her obsession with transformation and pain, and the horrifying shapeshifting magic she wielded as if it were a game.
Then came Regulus. Subaru painted the scene in grim colors: the pressure of his presence, the suffocating aura that made every breath feel like a gamble, and the sheer terror of facing a man who believed himself untouchable. He recounted how he fought to survive, how he poured every ounce of Yin energy into his dagger for one final strike. He told it all as if it had been his idea, his execution, conveniently omitting Flugel's involvement—but he was honest about the price. The dagger, overwhelmed by the energy channeled through it, shattered in his hand.
When he finished, silence swallowed the room.
Elsa's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. She gave a small, acknowledging nod. "If you're seriously planning to face 'Mother'—and all this really happened—then you might be one of the few fools crazy enough to walk out alive. But between you and me... Capella? I don't think she was being serious. She just likes breaking people in new ways."
Beatrice was quiet for a moment, fingers laced together in her lap. Her stare didn't waver. Finally, she spoke. "You said you sealed Capella with some sort of spell. It sounded spirit-based. Subaru... did you form a contract with a spirit?"
There was clear concern in her voice, buried beneath her stern facade.
Subaru looked up, meeting her gaze. "No. I haven't made any contracts. No spirits, no pacts. What I used was just a discharge of stored Yin energy, focused through the tip of my dagger. That's all. No soul-binding deals or mysterious partnerships. And... the dagger didn't survive."
Beatrice blinked once. Then she let out a soft, almost imperceptible sigh. Her shoulders relaxed a little, the hard edge in her eyes dulled. "Good," she said quietly, more to herself than anyone else.
Just then, the door opened again. Anastasia entered the room, graceful as always, with Julius at her side. The timing wasn't lost on anyone—they had clearly caught the end of the conversation.
Anastasia's smile was measured but warm. She offered a light nod to the room and walked over to Subaru.
"If you're in the market for a new weapon, Subaru-kun, I believe I can be of assistance," she said. "One of Kararagi's high-ranking officials—and as it happens, a relative of mine—Rikard Hoshin, is quite eager to speak with you. He's heard about your... contributions regarding the Witch Cult. He specifically emphasized wanting to reward your bravery."
Subaru blinked, momentarily stunned.
Anastasia's smile deepened. "And of course," she added with a wink, "I have a few personal interests I'd like to discuss as well."
She turned to Hikari and gave a friendly wave. Hikari beamed and waved back, clearly pleased.
Subaru's gaze shifted from Elsa to Anastasia. His brows furrowed in cautious thought. "By personal interests... I assume you mean you want a full report of everything that happened? Preferably while Elsa's there to confirm I'm not exaggerating?"
Anastasia's smirk widened just a touch. "Something like that. Let's call it... a fair exchange."
Anastasia snapped her fingers gracefully, the soft click echoing faintly through the quiet room. "Spot on, Subaru-kun. I'd be absolutely delighted if you'd explain everything. After all, trust is the foundation of everything in this world, isn't it? And it's so fragile, so fleeting—don't you think we should protect it whenever we can?"
Subaru let out a long, tired breath as if the weight of a thousand unsaid things had been pressing on his chest. He met her gaze with weary resolve. "First of all," he began, his tone steady but undeniably drained, "Elsa is my colleague. We're both officially assigned to protect Lady Emilia. That is our current, mutual mission. She and Meili are under my supervision, and I bear full responsibility for their actions while they're with me."
He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "And... Elsa isn't the person you think she is—the 'Bowel Hunter' myth is just that: a myth. That name, that terrifying title—it was crafted and spread by the Assassin Order, working under the influence of the Archbishop of Lust. It was fear-mongering, propaganda to create an illusion. Yes, Elsa's past is full of blood and shadows, but the woman she is now stands beside me, not behind me. She will never harm an innocent unless there's absolutely no other choice."
Then his gaze turned sharp, directed straight at Julius. "And if anyone thinks of hurting her... they'll have to go through me first."
The tension in the room thickened for a moment. Julius tensed, his lips tightening—but after a heartbeat, he exhaled slowly and gave a curt nod of acknowledgment. His pride was intact, but even he could see Subaru's conviction.
Anastasia, meanwhile, hadn't blinked. Her expression was unreadable, a calm mask behind which thoughts turned like clockwork gears. She let him speak without interruption.
Subaru continued. He recounted the events following their separation—every decision, every confrontation, every consequence. His voice wavered at times, but he didn't skip a single important detail. When he finally fell silent, the room felt heavier, like the air itself had been forced to listen.
Anastasia finally responded, her voice softer now, touched with intrigue. "Understood, Subaru-kun. I can't say I expected all of that, but the information you've given us is incredibly valuable. That concludes our discussion—at least for now. As for your reward... I'll be speaking directly with my uncle, Ricard Hoshin. He's a shrewd man, but I believe he'll be quite eager to meet someone like you."
She stood, brushing nonexistent dust from her sleeves. "I strongly recommend you visit the Hoshin Company headquarters tomorrow. We'll make it official, and I'll see to it that all the necessary documentation is prepared."
Subaru dipped his head respectfully. "I'll be there. Thank you for your consideration, Anastasia-sama."
Anastasia turned to leave, Julius silently following. The door clicked shut behind them. Subaru waited a few seconds before letting out a long, exasperated groan. Then he collapsed onto the bed like a marionette with its strings cut.
His limbs felt heavy, his thoughts scattered like leaves in a storm. The conversation had drained him more than he'd expected. Within seconds, he was pulling the blanket up to his chin.
Moments later, Hikari burst in through the door with a loud thud, all youthful energy and curiosity. Meili trailed quietly behind her like a ghost in soft steps. Subaru barely raised his head. "I'm so tired~" he groaned.
Elsa, who had been lingering by the wall, approached with a subtle smirk. She'd been silent through the whole ordeal but had listened closely. Subaru's fierce defense of her still echoed in her mind. Without a word, she sat beside him and gently nudged his shoulder with her elbow. "Don't be such a sloth," she teased, her voice soft but laced with warmth.
There was a beat of silence before Rem broke it. "Hikari-chan, I have a question for you. Do you have any proper clothes?"
Hikari immediately perked up, her eyes lighting up. "Yes! I used to have some at my house. They should still be there!"
Subaru's eyes opened wide. He bolted upright. "Your... house?"
With all the innocence in the world, Hikari nodded. "Yep! Halibel-san gave me a small home to stay in. It was so adorable! Remember, nii-nii? The one with the sunflower curtains and the strawberry-patterned cushions?"
Subaru grimaced, memories flooding in like a slow-motion avalanche. "H-Halibel-san's house..."
"Onii-chan? You're acting weird," Hikari said, narrowing her eyes.
Beatrice, who had been observing quietly from a nearby chair, finally spoke up with a dramatic sigh. "Little girl, I regret to inform you that house no longer exists. Your brother... accidentally obliterated it during one of his misadventures."
Hikari froze. Her expression twisted from confusion to horror to righteous fury in a blink. "Nii-nii! You're the worst! That house had all my favorite dresses—every single one hand-picked! I was going to wear the blue one tomorrow! Now we'll have to replace everything! With your money!"
Subaru groaned and buried his head under the blanket again. "Please... just give me five minutes of peace... That's all I ask..."
But Hikari was relentless. A mischievous gleam sparkled in her eyes as she charged forward like a pint-sized knight. She leapt onto his stomach with all her might. "Now or never!" she shouted, erupting into laughter.
The chaos that followed was somehow both exhausting and heartwarming.
Eventually, the group relented and set off on a shopping trip through the bustling streets of Kararagi. The city was a whirlwind of sights, smells, and sounds—the scent of spices in the air, the glint of gemstones in merchant stalls, the hum of trade all around. Kararagi was famed for its commerce, and for good reason. Everything from rare herbs to luxury fabrics could be found here.
Hikari's shopping list was comically long, filled with everything from stuffed animals to satin gloves. Meili's wishes were more cryptic, whispered shyly to shopkeepers. Elsa had discerning eyes, pausing only for items that met her precise standards. And Rem, quiet as always, had an elegant and modest style that somehow made her stand out more.
And the one footing the bill for all of it... was, of course, the ever-suffering Subaru.
By the end of the day, his wallet was light, his arms heavy with shopping bags, and his soul slightly crushed—but a small, reluctant smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
He wouldn't have traded it for anything.
Rem was helping Hikari pick out a dress with meticulous care, treating each piece of fabric like a potential treasure. They wandered through the boutique hand-in-hand, pausing at every rack that caught their eye. Together, they evaluated colors, traced the delicate embroidery along hems, and ran their fingers across different fabric textures. Every few minutes, they leaned in to whisper opinions to one another, occasionally bursting into cheerful giggles. Their harmony was so natural and infectious that a few nearby customers stopped browsing just to admire the adorable scene they created.
Further down the boutique, Elsa stood near a display of sleek, form-fitting gowns. Her sharp eyes scanned the options before she carefully plucked a deep crimson dress from the rack. Holding it delicately by the skirt, she turned toward Subaru and lifted it slightly. "What color would you suggest, Subaru?" she asked, her tone light but expectant.
Subaru blinked, his thoughts momentarily catching on the smooth gleam of Elsa's raven-black hair cascading over her shoulders. His eyes traveled to the contours of her figure, perfectly suited for elegance and danger alike. "I think darker tones really suit you," he said after a beat, his lips curling into a subtle smile. "Since we share the same hair color, blacks and rich shades make you look... more striking."
Elsa stepped closer, her heels barely making a sound on the polished floor. She tilted her head slightly, eyes locking with his in a calculated gaze. "Hmm? Is that so... I didn't expect you to pay attention to such things. But look—you're blushing," she said with a smirk, her voice a playful whisper.
Subaru leaned back slightly, cheeks indeed tinged with pink, and groaned softly. "You're standing way too close."
With a musical laugh, Elsa gracefully spun away and resumed browsing through the racks. Her shoulders shook slightly, clearly amused.
On the opposite side of the store, however, things were not quite as serene. A loud scuffle drew attention—Meili and Hikari were engaged in a lighthearted but fierce tug-of-war over a pastel pink dress adorned with lace and tiny ribbons.
"I'm obviously cuter, so this looks better on me!" Meili declared, her voice rising with a mixture of pride and competitiveness.
"No way! I'm cuter, and I saw it first! So it's mine!" Hikari countered, digging her heels in and pulling the dress toward herself with surprising strength.
Subaru, watching the chaos unfold from a distance, groaned and rubbed his temples. "I'm way too tired for this..."
Just then, a tall, broad-shouldered wolf demi-human passed by the boutique window. Something in the display must have caught his eye because he abruptly stopped. His gaze zeroed in on Hikari. His eyes widened, not with surprise, but with recognition—like he had found something incredibly important after a long search. Without hesitation, he turned and walked briskly into the shop.
Hikari noticed him immediately. Her eyes sparkled, and a bright smile stretched across her face. "Hal-san!" she called out with uncontainable joy. Without a moment's pause, she dropped the dress and ran across the boutique toward him.
The demi-human crouched slightly and opened his arms wide. "Hi-chan!" he greeted, his deep voice full of warmth and familiarity. They embraced tightly, spinning once before Hikari finally stepped back, beaming.
Subaru, curious and suddenly more alert, studied the stranger. The man's broad frame radiated strength. His silver-streaked hair and scarred jaw spoke of a past full of battles, while his confident posture and calm aura hinted at both experience and discipline. Their eyes met, and Subaru instinctively straightened up. The temperature of the room seemed to shift slightly, as if the weight of unspoken tension had settled over them.
Hikari, still holding Halibel's arm, turned back and tugged Subaru over. "Nii-nii! This is Halibel-san! He helped me so much while I was away—he taught me everything about this world and kept me safe. Hal-san, this is my big brother, Subaru! Be nice, okay?"
Halibel had a slim, herbal-scented cigarette tucked between his lips. He exhaled a slow trail of smoke through his nose and extended a firm hand, his eyes never leaving Subaru's. "Just like she said, I'm Halibel. Pleasure to meet you, kid."
Subaru nodded slowly, masking his wariness with polite formality. "I'm Subaru. It's good to meet you too, Halibel-san."
Their hands met in a handshake that quickly turned into a subtle test of strength. Halibel's grip was powerful, intentionally pressing, as if gauging Subaru's mettle. Subaru didn't flinch. He returned the pressure evenly, his eyes unblinking. A silent understanding passed between them—an instinctive recognition of someone who had seen war.
After a few tense seconds, Halibel released his grip and let out a hearty laugh. "Hahaha! So the rumors about you weren't exaggerations. You've got a strong spirit. Sorry if I came off a bit rough—just wanted to see for myself. Mind if I call you Su-san?"
Subaru offered a light chuckle and nodded. "That's fine. And thank you again for taking care of Hikari. It means a lot."
Halibel took another drag from his cigarette, his features softening. "No need for thanks. She's smart—too smart, sometimes. Honestly, she handled herself better than some adults I know. She learns fast, pays attention to the little things. Reminds me of someone I used to know."
Just then, another shrill voice pierced the boutique's peaceful air. Meili and Hikari were back at it again, their voices rising with every sentence.
"You gave up the dress, so now it's mine!"
"Only because Hal-san showed up! I was distracted! That doesn't count!"
Subaru let out a tired groan, rubbing his forehead once more. He turned to Halibel with a resigned expression. "Hal-san... are you absolutely sure about what you said earlier?"
Halibel exhaled a long, slow stream of smoke as he glanced over at the squabbling girls. "Well... I thought I was sure," he said with a sheepish grin, watching as the tug-of-war over frilly fabric resumed in full force. "Now, I'm starting to have second thoughts..."
Subaru let out a short chuckle in response. The gentle breeze played with the edges of his coat as he leaned back, hands behind his head. Beside him, Halibel stood with a relaxed posture, arms crossed, eyes scanning the horizon. Neither man felt a pressing need to speak; the silence was oddly comfortable. They had both silently decided that, at this moment, doing nothing and simply watching the distant view of Kararagi's rooftops and vibrant marketplaces was the more peaceful option. Sometimes, life made more sense when you took a step back and simply observed, rather than acted.
But that calm didn't last.
Halibel's expression subtly shifted, his gaze narrowing. The cigarette between his lips had burned down to its final inch, its ember barely flickering. As the last wisp of smoke curled into the air and vanished, he exhaled through his nose and turned his head to look directly at Subaru. There was a gravity in his eyes now—one that wasn't there moments ago. Rolling his shoulders back and standing up straighter, he took on a tone rarely heard from him.
"Su-san," he began, his voice laced with unusual seriousness. "Anastasia-chan filled me in. I heard you went head-to-head with the Witch Cult. I was on a mission, unfortunately, so I couldn't be here, but that doesn't excuse my absence. As the man considered the strongest in Kararagi, I should've done more. Been more prepared. Still... I heard you drove them out before the situation escalated. For that, you have my thanks. You did this city a great service—it owes you more than you might realize."
Subaru didn't flinch or look away. He simply returned Halibel's gaze with quiet confidence, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I didn't do it for the city," he said softly. "I did it for Hikari. But honestly... even if she hadn't been here, I still wouldn't have stood by and let something that twisted take root here. The people here might not know me, but they deserve safety. I couldn't have lived with myself if I ignored it."
Halibel gave a slow nod, the shadows of respect forming in his expression. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a fresh cigarette. For a few seconds, he held it thoughtfully between two fingers before turning and offering it to Subaru.
Subaru glanced at the cigarette, then back at Halibel, and gently raised a hand. "Thanks, but I don't smoke. I've always been curious though—why do you? Isn't it bad for your health?"
Halibel chuckled quietly and lit the cigarette with a swift flick of his silver lighter. The flame cast a brief glow on his face. He inhaled deeply, letting the smoke linger for a second before exhaling into the sky. "For regular folks? Absolutely. It's poison in paper. But me? I'm a shinobi, Su-san. Since we were kids, we were trained to resist all kinds of poisons, toxins, narcotics—you name it. These cigarettes were actually part of our conditioning. Not just for immunity training, but for mental control. At this point, my body's dependent on them. Without them, I get jittery. Lose focus. It's less of a vice and more of a... stabilizer."
Subaru's eyes widened in fascination. "Wow... I figured there was some sort of story behind it, but I didn't expect it to be that deep. That's intense. I guess if it keeps you sharp, then it makes sense. And shinobi... they're not just assassins, right? They're like covert specialists? I guess I'm a little like that too now. A combat-style assassin, maybe."
Halibel cracked a grin. "Shinobi aren't just killers in the dark. We're survivalists. We're trained not just to eliminate targets, but to become shadows. To gather intel, spread misinformation, infiltrate political circles, manipulate perceptions. Killing's just one piece of the puzzle. Everything else? It's the real test. If you're serious about becoming someone who operates in that kind of world... how about I train you? Once you're healed, of course. You can bring that raven-haired girl too. Elsa, wasn't it?"
Subaru blinked, a touch of surprise flickering across his face before he smiled again, more openly this time. "You saw right through her, huh? I'm impressed. Most people just get distracted by her looks or keep their distance. But you... you knew. Yeah, Elsa's background is complicated. She's dangerous, sure—but she's also trustworthy now. At least to me. If she's willing, I think she'd benefit from your training too. And me? I'm definitely in. I'm staying in Kararagi for the foreseeable future, so I might as well make the most of it."
Halibel exhaled another stream of smoke, this time with a chuckle. "If I didn't notice, I'd have to revoke my own shinobi card. That woman? From the way she walks to the way her eyes scan every room—she's got threat detection hardwired into her. Even her posture says 'predator.' You're lucky she's on your side, Su-san. And... I think I might actually enjoy having you both around. It's been a while since anyone sparked my curiosity. Looks like this town won't be boring after all."
Just then, cheerful voices floated in from behind the racks of a nearby boutique. Hikari's excited laughter rang out as she waved a frilly dress in front of Meili, who responded with a sharp remark that only made Hikari giggle more. Elsa, for her part, calmly inspected a deep violet gown, her eyes sharp despite her casual stance.
The contrast between the weighty, serious tone of the conversation and the carefree chaos of the girls' antics created a strangely heartwarming scene. Subaru glanced toward the noise, watching as Hikari tried to model an oversized sunhat while Meili pretended not to be impressed.
He couldn't help but chuckle. The future might still be uncertain. There were battles to fight, shadows to confront, and more burdens ahead. But in this moment, surrounded by allies—by family—Subaru felt a rare, quiet peace settle in his chest. And in that brief stillness, as Halibel puffed beside him and the girls laughed nearby, everything felt just a little bit lighter.
At the end of their extended shopping spree, Subaru found himself frozen in place, staring at a towering bill that looked more like a royal decree than a receipt. The long sheet of parchment practically unfurled onto the boutique counter, its inked numbers growing more outrageous with every line. He rubbed his temples, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, trying not to imagine the echoing void in his coin pouch. The prices were absurd—borderline criminal—but as his eyes drifted toward the group around him, his annoyance softened. The smiles, the laughter, the camaraderie—every coin spent had bought something intangible, something precious.
Rem stood beside him, gently nudging his arm with a reassuring smile. "It's not so bad, is it? We did find you some very flattering coats."
Subaru let out a half-laugh, half-groan. "At this price, they'd better be enchanted to make me irresistible."
Taking advantage of the outing, he had indeed added a few new pieces to his wardrobe—nothing too extravagant, but enough to shed his usual battered look. With Rem's discerning eye, he was guided through fabric selections, thread patterns, and seam quality. She pointed out subtle embroidery work and checked the weight of fabrics, always prioritizing comfort as well as style. Subaru found himself oddly appreciative of the process, especially when Rem adjusted a collar or brushed imaginary dust from his sleeve with delicate fingers.
Elsewhere in the boutique, a lively chaos had taken over. Hikari, Meili, and Elsa had transformed the spacious boutique into something resembling a theatrical backstage, complete with quick changes, spontaneous catwalks, and dramatic commentary. Hikari twirled in a sky-blue dress with puffed sleeves, her laughter echoing off the walls. Meili tried to look unimpressed, but the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her excitement.
"That dress makes you look like a pastry," Meili snarked.
"Then I'll be the cutest pastry in the kingdom!" Hikari retorted, sticking her tongue out.
Elsa stood between them, arms crossed, nodding solemnly. "It's true. She does look cute."
That sent them all into a fresh bout of laughter. Even the store attendants had stopped to watch, offering quiet smiles and the occasional accessory suggestion.
As time drifted by and the sun lowered outside the shop's wide windows, the energy began to mellow. One by one, the changing room curtains were drawn closed for the final time. Dresses were returned or folded, shoes boxed up, and bags packed.
When they finally emerged from their whirlwind adventure, Halibel was nowhere in sight. Not a word, not a wave goodbye—just gone. The only remnants of his presence were the lingering scent of his herbal cigarette and the echo of his deep, amused voice:
"Good luck waiting on womens, Su-san."
He had disappeared into the bustling crowd with his usual charisma, leaving the group behind like the end of a scene in a play. Subaru half-expected to look outside and find him perched on a rooftop, watching them like a smug guardian.
Subaru surveyed the ground around him, now littered with numerous shopping bags of varying shapes and colors. A small mountain of fashion. Hikari and Meili were still deep in discussion over which ribbons best matched which parasol, while Elsa and Rem debated whether high boots or low heels suited Subaru better.
"I think the boots give you more authority," Elsa said, holding a polished pair against his leg.
Rem shook her head. "But the low heels are more versatile. He'll trip less."
Subaru let out another long breath, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I didn't think shopping could be this exhausting..."
Still, despite the fatigue, there was a warmth in his chest. This chaos—this clashing of personalities, of laughter and petty arguments—felt oddly like home.
A quiet day in this city? Subaru chuckled to himself. With this group, peace and quiet might just be a myth.
He took hold of several bags, adjusted them carefully on each arm, and turned back toward the girls with a resigned smile. "Alright, team. Shall we head back before someone decides to accessorize the cat?"
A chorus of amused giggles and chatter answered him. The day wasn't over yet—but it was definitely one to remember.