The first thing Subaru felt when he woke up was a tickling sensation from someone's fingertips touching his forehead.
"Those slender fingers, that softness, and that reserved touch, are you Emilia-tan?"
"--It did hit, but is it just my imagination that it hit me in a really scary way?"
Subaru's eyes were blocked by the touch of her palm. However, seeing a glimpse of her beauty through the gap between her fingers, Subaru's mouth relaxed slightly,
"Nnn. I was just guessing because I thought the only one touching me at this time would be Emilia-chan. Surely you can't tell who it is just by the feel of your fingers?"
"I see. I'm a bit relieved. …Can you sit up?"
"Somehow... hm, it seems okay."
While exchanging some light-hearted conversation upon waking up, Subaru sat up in the bed he was lying in. Turning his head slightly to look around, he found himself in an unfamiliar building.
The bed he was resting on was crudely made, nothing like the bedding he was used to sleeping on at Roswaal Mansion.
"I don't know which parts were just images and which were real."
The tomb - Stepping inside and feeling like he was being caught up in a collapse immediately was Subaru's last memory in the real world. After that, he came into contact with the woman inside the tomb - the "Witch of Greed", but if the witch's words were to be believed, it was all in her dream.
Worried about his vague memories, Subaru places his hand on his forehead and looks at Emilia. Sitting in a chair beside the bed, she seems to be quietly waiting for Subaru to gather his thoughts, and Subaru prefaces his response with "Umm..."
"There are a few things I want to ask you, things I want to talk about, but... well, before that, there's something I need to say."
"Yeah, what is it?"
Emilia asks cutely, tilting her head. --But her eyes aren't smiling.
As he was struck by the piercing light of those amethyst eyes, Subaru slumped his shoulders,
"I'm sorry for worrying you. I was getting a bit carried away."
At the very least, he was conceited, thinking he could at least clear the way for Emilia.
The result is a stumble at the first step, and the current situation.
Receiving Subaru's apology, Emilia let out a small sigh and,
"Oh dear. I was really worried. The moment I came in, I screamed and fainted."
"Screams aside, were you unconscious?"
"His eyes were rolling back, you see. He was even having convulsions, so I really didn't know what to do. But he didn't look injured or under any strange magic..."
As Emilia hesitates to speak, Subaru is reminded of his own shameful behavior.
I see. It seems that the collapse he encountered immediately after stepping into the tomb - that feeling of falling had already led him into the dream of the ``Witch of Greed.''
In reality, Subaru had fallen asleep immediately at the entrance, and it seemed like a hopeless situation that had placed an unnecessary burden on Emilia.
For Emilia's sake, he would investigate to see if there was any danger――though now, even that decision was a laughing matter.
And as Subaru grimaced in self-loathing,
"--Oh? I see, you've finally woken up. You're in a good position, hey."
Saying this, the creaking door opened and a blond young man - Garfiel - came in.
He glanced over at Subaru on the bed, then turned his attention to Emilia,
"I told you there's nothing wrong with my body. You can see it for yourself."
"...But of course I'd be worried. If he collapsed so suddenly, with no known cause. You might be used to it, but it's not good to get used to something like this."
"Ha, you're so strong. When you saw my big brother collapse, you panicked and looked like you were about to cry. That's exactly what they meant when they said your face was greener than a black bear."
「Wha――?!」
Emilia argued back at Garfiel, who was always acting rough, but his reply made her pout and blush brightly.
At this comment, Emilia noisily rose from her chair,
"I-I wasn't crying. I was definitely worried and panicked, but I didn't..."
"Ah, yes, yes. It was a secret, a secret. Sorry, sorry. But it's fine. It's not like I need to hide anything."
"That's not it. I was worried, and when I heard that you were on the verge of crying..."
Emilia trailed off mid-reflection and cast a sidelong glance at Subaru.
Subaru had been silently watching the two of them talk up until then. And what was he doing, silently, in front of her gaze?
"Hmm? Ah, you can continue. Please, please, heehee. I see, hey, I see. Emilia-tan was crying and worried about me. I see, heehee."
"I somehow thought that they would react like this."
Emilia slumped her shoulders in despair. Subaru's nostrils continued to flare in front of her. It was inappropriate, but he couldn't hide his joy at the genuine concern from the girl he loved.
Seeing the extremely materialistic reactions of Subaru and Emilia, even Garfiel muttered with deep emotion, "I see,"
「That was my fault just now. No, that's rare. I'm going to admit that I was wrong so honestly.」
So he declared his self-reflection in a way that was hardly something to be proud of.
※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※
"If properly trained, even a dog can withhold food until permission is given."
It was a cold voice, with a sharp edge that seemed likely to cut if you touched it.
The resounding voice spoke slowly, separating words, but was filled with a menacing awe that left no room for argument.
"In other words, following instructions is the bare minimum that even a dog can follow."
The sound of high-pitched footsteps slammed hard against the wooden floor.
The rhythm of its steps was constant, as it repeatedly walked back and forth in front of us.
The regular intervals between the footsteps rather indicated the calmness of the person making the footsteps, and it was clear that they were mercilessly chipping away at the mental composure of the person standing opposite.
"Now then――"
The sound of her voice, the sound of her footsteps, and emotionless eyes pierced Subaru――
"What should we call a creature that can't keep promises that even a dog can keep? Do you know, Barus?"
"I'm sorry I didn't listen to your advice--!"
Subaru dropped to his knees on the spot, bowed deeply and shouted an apology to the petite girl.
However, the person facing Subaru's shout of all his might tilted his head,
Subaru: "I'm sorry, did it sound like you were asking for an apology? Not only did you not hear the question, but it seems you didn't hear what was being said either. If you consider that you didn't heed Ram's warning in the first place, it's not hard to understand."
"Can you stop making those indirect, nasty remarks?! I'm sorry and I'm sincerely sorry, but it's really crushing my feelings! It'd be better if you just told me straight out!"
"I wish I had died."
"That's too straightforward!!"
Subaru lay on the floor, clutching his head in his hands after receiving the merciless scolding from the girl - Ram. However, when he thought about what he had actually done, it was an insult he had no choice but to accept.
He flatly betrayed the advice that was kindly given to him, and on top of that he caused a lot of trouble to those around him.
"Yes, yes. You should forgive Ram for that too. After all, Emilia-sama also lectured you in the same way, right? There's no point in repeating it, and it's only to please Subaru-kun, who has a masochistic fetish."
"I don't have any masochistic hobbies. It's just in my nature to step on landmines!"
It could also be said that they just can't read the atmosphere.
Subaru was puffing up his chest about something he had nothing to brag about, and Ram, completely exasperated, let out a long, deep sigh and silently turned away to face Roswaal.
As I quietly stood next to him, still lying on the bed, Roswaal turned to face me and continued, "Now then,"
"Maazu, I'm glad you returned safely. Stumbling before the Trials would have thrown a lot of our plans off course. Subaru-kun's case was completely a mistake, though."
Subaru snorted softly as she gave him a meaningful chuckle. Emilia, who was standing next to him, pinched him on the side as if to scold him for his attitude.
"Ouch. It hurts, Emilia-tan."
"Usually I would defend him, but today it was Subaru's fault. …If I had known Ram had said that, I would have said so too."
Emilia was about to continue, saying that she hadn't let Subaru go ahead, but then stopped short. Subaru gave her a bitter smile, and muttered to himself, "That's why I couldn't bring myself to say it." If he had known that Emilia had been warned earlier, he would have stubbornly refused to order Subaru into a dangerous role.
On the other hand, without Ram's advice, it is unclear whether Subaru would have had the determination to clear the way for Emilia.
"Your advice didn't make anyone happy, Ram."
"The dog is making it sound like Ram is the one who started it all… but he was wrong. It would have been rude to the dog if I hadn't corrected him and said he was below the dog."
Subaru tries to shift the blame to Ram, who responds with the utmost contempt. I'm rather impressed by the maid's unrelenting venom. I'm sure she has a similar opinion of Subaru.
Leaving aside this exchange between the two that was unrelated to the main story, Roswaal slowly crossed his legs on the bed,
"By the way, Lady Emilia... what did you think of the tomb?"
"...Because of Subaru, I wasn't able to take my time looking around. But I do remember the unpleasant smell in the air and the unpleasant prickling sensation on my skin."
Emilia frowned slightly as she spoke about her impression of the tomb.
Normally, she tends to be vague when it comes to bad reviews, but that's how she was. Hearing that blunt assessment, Roswaal chuckled and said, "I see."
Then his different colored eyes turned to the corner of the room - where Garfiel was leaning against the wall, watching the discussion.
"Garfiel. Have you confirmed your "qualifications"?"
Subaru raised his eyebrows at the word "qualifications" and looked at Garfiel.
The blond youth roughly ripped his short hair out, baring his sharp canines.
"I only made it as far as the entrance, but… the lights in the tomb were shining brightly. There's no doubt that Emilia-sama is qualified to take the Trial."
"The light of the tomb...?"
Subaru tilted his head at the unfamiliar sentence, and Garfiel waved his hand in annoyance,
"There are lots of candle-like things set up inside the tomb. They're designed so that if someone qualified enters the tomb during daylight, they'll light up as if they're on fire. Anyone who successfully receives that welcome is qualified to take on the "Trial" at night."
"On the other hand, if someone unqualified were to force their way into the Tomb, they'll end up like you, Subaru."
Taking over from Garfiel, Roswaal speaks his final words and spreads his arms wide. It is a gesture that represents his own body, and even now his whole body, covered in bloody bandages, looks painful. --If this is the punishment for forcing his way into the Tomb,
"There seems to be a big difference in the severity of the penalty between you and me. I didn't just enter the building, I must have done something bad."
"What do you mean, bad?"
"Maybe he had to pee right next to the entrance. That's going to make the caretaker of the cemetery angry."
"If that's true, then Subaru-kun fell over because my pee got caught in it."
Subaru makes a displeased face as he lightly slaps himself on the body after being told off. Roswaal smiles at Subaru's gesture and shakes his head, "But still."
Emilia: "Even if it's the same rejection, the damage it causes can be different… I'm sure you noticed that very well. In fact, the difference in the hurt that Subaru and I received is huge. But the reason for this is simple."
"...Mana's gate is going out of control."
The answer is inserted in the middle of Roswaal's words.
Turning his gaze to the voice, he saw that it was Emilia with a finger over her lips. She lowered her eyes thoughtfully and played with the ends of her silver hair restlessly.
"When I entered the tomb, I felt really uncomfortable. I think that was because the gate interfered with it one-sidedly. I didn't meet the conditions, so it seems they let me go... but that interference bares its fangs at those who don't fit the criteria."
As she spoke, her words became more convincing, and her tone gradually became stronger. Emilia raised her head, and her amethyst eyes took in the painful image of Roswaal,
"The interference attacks the target through the gates. … In that case, the more gates a person has and the larger they are, the greater the interference they will receive."
"You're right. At my age... well, it's a miracle I couldn't play it."
After casually saying the frightening thing, Roswaal closes one eye and tells Subaru sarcastically, "It's a good thing you don't have any talent."
"In other words, the more talented a person is, the more likely they are to die, like a wizard. I was lucky that I only ended up unconscious, because I was a small-minded wizard."
"That's true, but... doesn't that self-evaluation hurt?"
Subaru: "I'm pretty used to being reminded of the things I can't do or the things I can't reach. Don't worry, I'll show my love for you, Emilia-tan, in the way that only I can. For now, can I start by continuing to whisper down-to-earth words of love to you?"
"I'll think about it once the royal election is over and things have settled down."
"At the earliest, three years from now?"
However, there is no guarantee that they will listen.
Subaru shrugged at the cold Emilia. Then he continued, "But..."
"Putting aside the question of qualifications, this is a space that's deadly to magicians. I don't know who set it up, but it's a nasty tactic."
"Since the Mathers family has been in charge of it for generations, it must have been one of my ancestors who created the formula."
"Oh, that's not a bad thing... but it's not like that. What do you mean? Your ancestors are exactly like I imagined them to be. It's like they've been reincarnated into Roz-chan's family."
There is a theory that this is a puppet family where when the previous head dies, his will is passed on to the next head of the family.
Just thinking about it is frightening. Subaru shook his head in denial. Roswaal laughed at Subaru's words as if he had heard a hilarious joke.
"There was a family that researched that kind of magic, but it was destroyed a long time ago. And you said that the environment of that tomb was a magic-killing space, but there's a more accurate term for it."
"What do you mean?"
「It's simple. — The place is filled with the witch's miasma. It's a nightmarish environment that drives opponents mad through mana from the gate. That's what we call miasma.」
Subaru frowned at the mention of the word miasma, searching his memory for something he had heard before. He was sure he had heard that word before――,
"It's the story of the Witch of Jealousy. I'm pretty sure the place where the witch is sealed is also filled with her miasma or something..."
"You know it very well, don't you? Well, it's a famous story. Even now, the Shrine of the Demon-Sealing Stone where the Jealous Witch rests is filled with a thick miasma so thick that it's difficult to see. If the tomb's miasma rejects those who don't fit the conditions, then this miasma is a genuine, malevolent phenomenon that invades the mind of anyone, destroys the body, and violates the soul. It's widely rumored that even followers of the Witch Cult, who advocate the revival of the witch, can't get close."
"The Witch Cult won't let us in either… That's only natural. If they could get in and remove the seal, they could sneak into the shrine without being seen and win."
The resurrection of the witches - he remembered Petelgeuse shouting that this was his supreme goal.
Even though that madman had shouted about his self-centered love, he had not taken any direct steps to rescue the witch. Considering the fact that he was actually a spirit, it should be considered that he was powerless in the face of the miasma.
「Anyway, that's why the witch's seal can't be broken, as no one can get close due to the witch's own miasma. Not to mention that if anyone tries to get close to the shrine, they'll have to sneak past the eyes of Shaula the Sage, who watches over the surface from the watchtower.」
"I've heard that before, Sage Shaula. This is the second sage I know. After Flugel and that Shaula."
Subaru wonders what it's like to be called by the same name, but wonders if anyone else feels uncomfortable about it. Roswaal laughs softly at Subaru's question,
Subaru: "Flugel, is that Flugel of that great tree? He is certainly called a sage, but comparing him to the Sage Shaula is a bit harsh."
"Why not? We're both sages, so don't show favoritism. I owe Flugel-san a favor, so if you insult him in front of me, you'll never get away with it."
After all, he had been greatly helped by this sage during the hunt for the White Whale.
Flugel probably never imagined that the tree he planted four hundred years ago would be useful in exterminating monsters. Whether he'll be happy about it or not is another matter.
"It was a big tree, so I'm sure the broken parts were put to good use in various ways… No, maybe they were blown away by the time bomb?"
Subaru: "I feel like there are still many things we need to work out. Anyway… Lady Emilia."
Subaru's gaze shifted from his hand on his chin to Emilia, as Roswaal called out to her in a low voice. Emilia looked up upon hearing it and replied, "Yes," and then,
"Going back to our original discussion, it was only natural that you were qualified. Now, Lady Emilia, you will be able to take the 'Trial' at the Tomb. That being said, there is something I must ask you."
Roswaal spoke solemnly and in a low voice, all hints of mischief gone. Emilia, listening to him, looked at him with a serious expression, urging him on. Seeing this,
"It's simple. Would you be willing to take the Trial?"
A short question fell across the room, and Emilia pursed her lips, creating silence.
It was a natural progression. He had checked whether he was qualified to take the Trial, and had returned after confirming that he was. That question was a natural progression. However,
"Before I answer, I want to ask something. Is this "trial" something I absolutely have to take?"
Before Emilia could respond, Subaru stepped in front of her and raised his hand. Ram, who was standing next to Roswaal, looked ominous at the question, but Roswaal stopped the maid with a raised hand,
"Well, that's a typical question, isn't it? Those who are "qualified" can't leave the Sanctuary unless they undergo the "Trial". Have you heard anything about this from Garfiel?"
Subaru: "I've heard that. But that doesn't mean Emilia-tan has to do it. The tomb of the 'Witch of Greed' is a fishy place. There's no telling what kind of danger might arise. What's the point of sending Emilia-tan, a participant in the Royal Selection and a valuable person, to such a place?"
"Hmm. Well, that's the truth if you say so yourself. If it was simply to undergo the Trial, then someone else with the qualifications... even Garfiel over there wouldn't be a problem."
"Huh? It's me, huh? It's fine with me. I can just take on the Trial and pass it in a flash, and be like "Balbarmore's Right, Right, Left."
As the water is offered to him, Garfiel gestures to himself with his thumb and bares his teeth in a grin. Though the words he's used along the way sound like he's simply turned to the right, Subaru ignores that and focuses solely on the reliable parts of what he's said.
In fact, if the Trial only needed to be overcome by one person, then there was no need for Emilia to do it. Someone more qualified and more likely to pass it could take it on.
--At worst, it would be Subaru, who had been given the "qualifications", who would take on the trial.
"--No, that would be a bit of a problem."
It was a voice that didn't belong to anyone that suddenly came from the entrance of the room.
Subaru, with his back to the door, turned around in surprise at the unfamiliar voice. Garfiel was leaning his back against the wall beside the door, and when he caught Subaru's gaze, he waved his hand slightly in front of his face,
"I'm not the boss. I'm the old hag over there."
As he spoke, he waved his hand and pointed to his side. When I looked down, I saw an even smaller shadow standing next to the small man.
"Who's an old hag? You've grown into a rotten brat who never stops talking."
A tiny little girl with long, flowing light red hair said this in an extremely grown-up manner.
She was a girl with a pretty face and well-defined features. She was about the same age as Petra, probably around eleven or twelve years old. Her light red hair was wavy, and combined with her fine hair, it looked fluffy at first glance. She was wearing a loose white robe that trailed behind her, and the fact that her hands were not completely exposed from the sleeves was really cute.
Above all, the way he talks and calls Garfiel,
"I knew you'd show up eventually, but you showed up here, loli-baba...!"
"What? Is it just me, or does it seem like I'm being called something I don't like?"
"Umm, I'm sure that loli is often used to describe Beatrice... does it mean small?"
To Subaru's surprise, the girl looked up with a dissatisfied expression. Emilia, who had heard his muttering, used her modern knowledge to prove the extent of her experience in her relationship with Subaru, while Subaru held up one finger,
「That's right, Emilia-tan. To be more specific, it means that she is too young for me to conquer. By combining the word loli with old woman, a miraculous collaboration is created where the girl looks young but is actually an old woman! Personally, I can't get my hands on loli characters in the first place, but I can understand the wonder of gap moe!」
"Gap moe?"
"Girls who usually act dignified and mature, but who act childish in small ways, don't have much common sense, or are easily fooled because they're so honest, are also included in gap moe!"
As Subaru speaks at length and in a fast-paced voice, Emilia places her finger over her lips and says, "So there's a girl like that..." It's adorable that she doesn't realize that the characteristics he describes fit her perfectly, but the person he's talking about seems to be in a bad mood.
「So? I don't know who that loli is, but the one who's been calling me an old hag, right? Here comes another person who's even more rude than Rozubo on our first meeting.」
「Oops, pardon me, mademoiselle. My name is Natsuki Subaru! I am the popular magical beast hunter of the moment. Well, I wasn't the one who dealt the final blow in either case though.」
He gave a thumbs up and introduced himself vigorously, finishing his introduction with a trailing end. Then, Subaru held out his palm to the other person, who looked puzzled, and encouraged them with a "Yes, sir."
"Since you introduced yourself, please introduce yourself. A brief profile, hobbies, and skills. It would be even better if you added your charm points."
"...Lewes Meyer. I'm the so-called representative of this sanctuary."
Ignoring Subaru's nonsense, the loli-babaa—the person who introduced herself as Ryuzu—stuck just her fingertips out from under her loose sleeve and scratched her forehead,
"I didn't notice when I was asleep, but this boy is more than just rude; he's pitiful. I feel like I've wasted my time lending him my bed."
"By bed, do you mean I was sleeping there just now?"
"Yes. Lewes' house. It was close to the graveyard, so Garfiel brought it over... I'm really grateful for earlier."
Emilia bowed her head, and Lewes shook her head slowly. From their exchange, it seemed that the two had met while Subaru was unconscious.
Anyway, if it is true that I was taken care of,
"I didn't know that, and I apologize for being rude. Thank you for letting me sleep here. I'm sorry for the delay in thanking you."
"...What is this? I'm surprised. Unlike Garbo, you can apologize so honestly. Natsuki... it was Subaru. It's Su-bo."
"It sounds like a couple of brothers who are going to start doing weather forecasts, but that's fine. I'll just call you Ryuzu-san."
After expressing his gratitude, Ryuzu's bad mood was temporarily alleviated. After they peacefully decided on how to call each other, Subaru continued, "By the way,"
"Lewes, you said earlier that that would be a problem, but why? Will there be any problems if Garfiel clears the Trial?"
"You're quick to change your mind, boy. Yes, that's right. It's a problem. It's a big problem. After all, if someone from the Sanctuary were to take on the Trials, it would be a violation of the contract."
"Another contract..."
Subaru looked at Roswaal with a displeased expression, as he was constantly tied up in contracts and pledges.
"Unfortunately, the contract and the Mathers family are unrelated… well, I can't say that for certain, but they're not the main culprits. Up until now, my family has only been supporting them."
"Enough with your self-protective remarks. Just explain. The details of the contract, in three lines."
"That's harsh. Well, to put it simply, the condition for freeing the residents from the "Sanctuary" is to overcome the "Trials", but the ones who take on those trials have to be qualified outsiders. In other words, in the current situation..."
"So that means I'm the only one who can be the target."
Emilia took over the final part of Roswaal's explanation and concluded in a quiet tone. Roswaal nodded in confirmation, then glanced over at Lewes,
"And so, all the residents of the Sanctuary have already agreed to this. They are hoping that Emilia-sama will take on the Trial and overcome it."
"I don't want you to think that I'm hesitant after hearing this, but… what would happen if someone other than me were to attempt the Trial?"
Emilia's amethyst eyes turned to Garfiel, and she continued the story with a hypothetical example. Lewes responded, prefaced with "That is..."
"Up until now, at least since I was born, no one has ever attempted the Trials. Therefore, I cannot talk about what if. The people who have never attempted them are the same, whether they are residents or not."
"Not even one yet? I'm afraid to ask, but how much is Ryuzu-san?"
Considering the universal setting of the existence of loli-baba, the answer to Subaru's question was something he was afraid to hear. In fact, Ryuzu looked into the distance and said, "That's right."
"I don't know how long this place has been here. I think it's been here for only a hundred and fifty years."
"That's more than enough! At least, you're the oldest person I've ever met."
That is, excluding spirits and witches who have become spiritual beings.
Subaru swallowed that comment and cast a concerned glance at Emilia. However, even under his gaze, Emilia's expression remained unchanged.
"Anyway, I understand the situation. Either way, I won't be able to leave this sanctuary unless I overcome the 'Trial', so I'll accept it."
"Emilia-tan's determination is brave and impressive, but wouldn't it be better to be a bit more cautious? Try to find a back alley, a shortcut, or whatever, and then it won't be too late to take on the enemy."
"When people are motivated, I think it's really not good to ruin it like that."
However, Subaru insisted on avoiding any dangerous possibilities, and Emilia pouted her lips and made a dissatisfied face.
"It's kind of suspicious, or like I'm being taken for a ride, I can't shake that feeling of unease, actually. The situation is a bit too well-organized, like this road has been set up so that we can get on and even traffic is controlled."
"I don't understand it at all. Sometimes Subaru says things that are really hard to understand."
"I don't understand, you're not listening these days..."
As Emilia sharpened her gaze during the usual exchange, Subaru hastily waved his hand and said, "No, no,"
"No, it's just that this situation feels very orchestrated. The half-Japanese has been summoned to a place where she can't get out, and in order to get out, Emilia-tan has to work hard. On top of that, the people around her have already been explained the situation and are fully aware of it."
"Who set you up?"
"Who? There can only be one person like that."
In response to Emilia's question, Subaru spun around on the spot. Then, at the end of his turn, he pointed his finger at her,
"Hey, isn't that right?"
"Huh? Me?"
"Ah, I was wrong, sorry, I went too far. Come here -- right, isn't that right, Roswaal?"
"It's the most untidy thing ever."
Roswaal smiled wryly and commented on Subaru's actions. However, he quickly closed one eye and reflected Subaru in his yellow one.
"But you're as perceptive as ever. In truth, I wanted this situation to happen, after all. Of course, I didn't make any changes to the stage itself."
"I kind of understand now."
Subaru raises an eyebrow at the way Roswaal speaks, getting a glimpse of what he's thinking. Emilia looks confused, unable to keep up with what he's saying, but he reveals the truth behind it for her.
"First of all, what struck me as odd was Roswaal's injury. He should know that he is not qualified to take on the Trials in the first place. This was originally land managed by the Mathers family, and it's only natural that he'd be acquainted with Garfiel and the others."
"That's... right. Yeah, that's right."
"In that case, Roswaal must have known that he would be rejected if he entered the Tomb, as he was unqualified. So why did he go inside? Was it an act of rebellion against the world for no particular reason? Or was his masochistic tendencies reaching their limit? Both are plausible, but I don't think it's either."
"Oh my gosh. Is that the image you have of me, Subaru-kun?"
Subaru deliberately ignored Roswaal's reluctance and raised his finger, "So you mean,"
"Your injuries are exactly as Roswaal had planned, and there is a reason for them. And I suspect that this meaning is probably related to the Royal Selection."
"..."
"By the way, I just wanted to ask something. The people of Arlam Village are now gathered in a place called the Cathedral, right?"
Subaru suddenly changed the topic. The person he addressed was Ram, who was standing next to Roswaal. She had remained silent, but inclined her chin slightly in response to Subaru's question.
"Yes, that's right. All the residents are in the Cathedral... and they're under house arrest by the residents of the Sanctuary."
"That's it, house arrest. Earlier we were talking about going to see the tomb and the conversation ended halfway through... but what does house arrest mean? Why would the Sanctuary people need to place the villagers, including Roswaal, under house arrest?"
Subaru next turns his head to Garfiel, who is standing by the wall. He narrows his sharp eyes even more at Subaru's question and continues, "Of course,"
"Let me just say this, this isn't an escape route in case of trouble. No matter how much the lord and his companions… no, the problems they have are being neglected, it's not a good feeling to be taken advantage of, right?"
"Of course there are problems..."
"You can't leave this sanctuary and go outside into the world."
Lewes took over from Subaru. A shadow of suffering fell over her young features, and she lowered her eyes and spoke in a thin voice,
"As I said before, it's already been a hundred and fifty years since I was born. However, I have never once set foot outside of this sanctuary. After all, I have been bound to this land by contract since the moment I was born. That's why I've half given up, but... I can't let go of hope."
"I want to see the outside world, you old hag. And the others too. If I might get the chance, I'll grab them and pull them in even if I have to. It was convenient that I was able to get my hands on a weakened lord and some villagers who I could take hostage."
The atmosphere in the room suddenly changed as Lewes and Garfiel spoke.
In other words, they were now confessing in front of Subaru and the others the reason for their house arrest - in other words, the motive for the crime. Although he hadn't been aware of it until now, Subaru's relationship with them was that of house arrester and arrested. It was also that of perpetrator and victim.
"So that's it. You're taking the villagers hostage… and asking to be released from the 'Sanctuary'?"
"I don't mind if you take it that way. And, if you can achieve that condition..."
Lewes glances at Emilia, uncertain as to what she is saying.
Understanding the meaning of that gaze, Emilia once again became aware of her own position,
"Me. --That's it."
Emilia accepted the turn of events with understanding, and then closed her eyes once. When she opened them a few seconds later, there was no sign of any hesitation. She had made up her mind.
"You haven't done anything bad to the people in the village, have you?"
"That's not fair. If you treat me like this, it's no different from taking out your anger on me. If you do something so shameful, I'd rather die than die."
And so, once she had decided to do it, Emilia's ability to put her own needs on the back burner was immeasurable. Even though she had decided to take on a potentially dangerous challenge, her attention was already turning to the concerns of others, such as the villagers, which was proof enough of that.
Her strengths and weaknesses are what so captivate Subaru.
"You have a dissatisfied look on your face."
"…Of course. In the end, it doesn't change the fact that you're being manipulated. You don't realize that you're being manipulated, so even if you do realize that you're being manipulated, you have no choice but to go along with it."
Gritting his teeth in frustration, Subaru clicked his tongue at Roswaal, who was looking at him with a smile on his face. However, as if he had just remembered something, he turned to look at him,
"I forgot to mention that it was the cause of your injury."
"Yes, yes, tell me. I'll grade it for you."
"It's a performance. No, it's more like a setup."
Subaru scratches the back of his neck as he speaks, and Roswaal's expression stiffens slightly. Seeing his reaction, Subaru closes one eye,
"I don't think the people of Arlam would have easily accepted being placed under house arrest. Naturally, there was bound to be some resistance. I think they needed to take some kind of action to calm it down. It would have been fine if you, the lord, had gone on a rampage and driven Garfiel and the others away... but the people of the Sanctuary are citizens too. You can't do that."
"Hmm. In that case, what will happen?"
"We have no choice but to accept the conditions that Garfiel and the others set forth. In other words, the release of the Half-Breeds from the Sanctuary. But to do this we need Emilia-tan's cooperation. But that won't satisfy the villagers or residents. In that case, it's simple. -- We just need to take on the Trial and show that we are both willing to accept their demands and willing to free them from house arrest."
"――――"
"I don't know if he predicted how much damage he would take from the miasma, but if he could predict that he wouldn't die, it's not an unavoidable gamble. The greater the damage he takes in the end, the more serious he will be conveyed and the more sympathy he will gain. It also means that expectations will be placed on the main character after that."
In short, everything about Roswaal's injury was orchestrated according to his own plan.
The great power of their lord, Roswaal, is well known to the villagers of Arlam Village. What would they think if someone appeared who could overcome such a "trial" and save them?
"So, putting all this together with malice, prejudice, and opportunism, I'll try to imagine what the answer sheet looks like."
"--Oh man, I was shocked. This was truly, truly, truly surprising. I wonder what could have happened to Kiimi in just a few days."
Roswaal chuckles at Subaru's words and praises him.
He clapped his hands and put on a bright smile.
"That's amazing. I'd even say it's almost a perfect answer. I never thought you'd be able to read through it that well. You really were a real find."
"Yes sir. It makes me sick."
Roswaal seemed deeply moved, but Subaru, whose guess had been confirmed, could not hide his disgust and looked away.
His intentions, his own ability to read through them, and the fact that they were all for Emilia's sake and that deep down he was positive about them made him feel sick.
Unaware of Subaru and Roswaal's evil scheme, Emilia is still concentrating on the conversation with Lewes and Garfiel about the Trials.
Staring at her back, Subaru makes a firm decision to never let her hear what he's just said.
All she needs to do is look straight ahead.
I want her to be noble and upstanding, so I don't want her to know about my shady intentions.
As long as Subaru gets covered in the dirt and she receives the praise that is showered upon her, that's fine.
Emilia has yet to achieve any success in the royal selection process and has not yet established a solid foothold.
If her royal selection was to begin from this 『Sanctuary』, then I should do my utmost to help her.
With renewed resolve and firm resolve, Subaru makes his decision.
And behind Subaru, who had his fists clenched, Roswaal leaned his weight on the bed,
"...That's almost correct. But that's not the only reason I entered the tomb."
Her whispered words were only heard by the pink-haired maid standing next to the bed, and she could only lower her eyes in pain.