Chapter 23. The Second Witch Countermeasure Meeting (Part 1)
"Yes!"
Even though he had already experienced a similar event once, Subaru still felt immense vexation in his heart.
"Subaru, your remembering him is surely a great salvation for him, so don't lower your head."
Subaru looked at Reinhild, who was holding his hand, and was momentarily stunned. He then looked up again. Only this time did he notice the light of joy and gratitude sparkling in Julius's eyes.
"So that's what it was. The one who brought the seriously injured Ricardo back was Mr. Julius. If I hadn't stopped him, he would have run away, so that's what happened, huh? Don't be shy, sit down, sit down. We also need your information."
Anastasia patted the cushion next to her.
"Please excuse me, Lady Anastasia."
Julius sat down, then looked at Ricardo next to him with a hint of guilt.
"Don't make that pathetic face, kid. Looking at your situation, I roughly understand what happened, but my side also got reattached with Ferris's help, right?"
Ricardo patted Julius's back with his left hand while raising his right hand and clenching his fist a few times in the air.
"Besides, it must also be because I was too reckless and impatient. Rather, thanks to you, I got my life back, so I can keep trying a little longer."
Ricardo said, looking at Ferris.
"Trying what, meow? Even with Ferris-chan's treatment, it doesn't mean everything is fine. To put it simply, your arm was broken and soaked in water for so long; it's a miracle that it could even be reattached. It wouldn't be surprising what consequences might arise if you keep acting recklessly, meow!"
"Considering the current situation, getting away with just sacrificing an arm is a blessing. Anyway, just give me a 'smack' like Mimi did."
"I told you, Ferris's forbidden technique isn't what you think it is, it's…"
"Alright, alright."
Anastasia hurriedly clapped her hands, interrupting the two's argument.
"Let's first organize things. After understanding the situation, we can consider whether Ricardo's combat power is necessary. So, let's start with my retainer. This time, we obtained unexpectedly important information. Ricardo."
"Got it, Mistress. Our mission was to protect the Council of Ten during their retreat. Somewhere in the middle, Julius and I converged for some unknown reason. The Subaru kid just mentioned the Julius brothers, and 'Gluttony' kept calling Julius 'Big Brother' during the fight. Considering this, it's likely that Julius's family member gave the information to Julius at the last moment, and then Julius arrived at my location in time."
"Wait a minute, could it be!"
"That's right. No matter how much the Council of Ten tries to recall, there are only eight members now. But there's no need to worry too much. For something like this—which would destroy the city just by being moved—we, the Council of Ten, know where it is, but there's no reason for individual council members to know the exact location. You can understand it as each of us has one sentence, and it takes ten sentences to accurately locate the [Witch's Remains]."
"Then I'll continue. We were attacked by the Archbishop of Sin Gluttony, Roy.
I was desperate, but something unexpected happened: that Gluttony guy got an upset stomach."
"Wait, what does that mean?"
"We mercenaries usually don't give our full names. Palbarton is Mimi's family name. Mimi and the others are like my children, so I joked once that I gave them my family name, saying things like they are my children!"
"I see. That rigid Joshua completely believed your joke, and 'Gluttony', who obtained Joshua's memories, shouted your fake name and then licked his palm. Considering this, the conditions for Gluttony to activate his ability should be: knowing the true name, touch the 'food' with his hand, chanting the opponent's true name, and finally, licking his palm."
"Exactly. Apparently, his 'meal' failed. It was as if he'd eaten a lethal poison; his entire body was shaking violently, and he was coughing and vomiting. His state was incredibly poor. My greatsword landed a solid hit. If the flood hadn't come so quickly, and if I hadn't been in a bad state, I might have turned the tables and won."
"No, it was my lack of ability."
Subaru looked at the two apologizing to each other and roughly understood that when the flood came, Julius gave up the opportunity to exterminate 'Gluttony', picked up Ricardo's severed arm, and retreated with him. The result was that both Ricardo and 'Gluttony' survived.
"Alright, alright. Anyway, regretting what has happened is useless. And I am very grateful for Sir Julius's decision to save Ricardo. As long as we are alive, there is the present and the next time. Everyone has lost terribly. Despite that, who can accept this situation? I dislike it, so I will struggle with all my might. The excuses for failure can wait until we reach the other world."
Anastasia nodded. The aura emanating from her small body was enough to make people forget that she was not a person who could personally go to the battlefield.
"Everyone is a guest in Priestella, invited by me. For you to get injured as a result… it's a total loss of face. I absolutely cannot remain silent. While you were fighting desperately, I was preparing without stopping for a single moment."
—No, that's not true.
Subaru understood that Anastasia's battlefield was right here.
"However, I don't have many private soldiers left. Saving this city still requires everyone's help."
Anastasia said this as she took out a map depicting the entire city of Priestella and spread it on the large table in the center of the group.
"The biggest crisis remains the problem with the 'Wrath' Authority. Because of the water gate opening, riots have already started in some shelters in Priestella. However, we have also made preparations. Please look?"
"Organ?"
Subaru unconsciously said, looking at the massive object outside the window.
"How could that be? Betty already destroyed it."
"That is a spare product. To ensure everyone can hear Miss Lilianna's sublime voice, I bought a total of three sets at the time: one for daily use, one spare, and one for use in other cities. That's true love, right?"
"No, I don't think such a thing requires three sets. However, I roughly understand: you plan to utilize the 'Wrath' Authority in reverse, right?"
"You catch on fast. Exactly. We will have Lady Crusch, who is the most skilled at inspiring people among us, give a speech. That should buy us at least an hour. If the shelters riot again, Miss Lilianna will sing."
"Lilianna?"
"Yes, it's an unexpected piece of good fortune. Miss Lilianna's singing can temporarily free people from the 'Wrath' Authority."
Subaru subconsciously looked at Kiritaka. His expression was twisted, and his fists were clenched. One could clearly feel the collision between his love for Lilianna and his sense of responsibility as the highest-ranking city official.
"I, the humble Lilianna, cannot stop my trembling legs when faced with such an astonishing situation, like this."
Lilianna wobbled as she stood up.
"Lilianna…"
"But what I seek is to capture hearts with my singing. That is my original intent. That means I cannot accept the situation where hearts are forcibly captured by something strange like an [Authority]. Therefore, I will sing."
"I understand. Then, I will be the one to bear witness."
Kiritaka said with a fanatical intensity.
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