Chapter 151: How Strange, Why Do You Know Everything?
"Seriously, you're still as rough as before. We've been together for so long now, and I thought I could just read books inside here comfortably. And I'm an injured person, you know."
Natsuki Subaru rubbed his butt and stood up from the floor.
Holding the book in his hand, he started walking toward his room, when he suddenly remembered there was one more person he needed to visit. And he had to thank that person for helping him escape the hell of being lectured.
After walking down the corridor for a while, Subaru opened the guest room door. Inside, he saw Geuse sitting on the bed, turning his head to look out the window.
The room had no lights on, and if it weren't for the moonlight shining through the window, Subaru could almost have thought this was a dungeon. One reason was their distant relationship; the other was Geuse's expression in profile and the aura he gave off.
"What are you doing?" Subaru closed the door casually after entering the room, then sat down beside the bed where he had taken a nap in the afternoon.
"Nothing. Just didn't expect I'd still have the chance to look at the moon like this." "Is that so? Then, after I left, did you say anything to Emilia?" "No."
Subaru sighed. He understood Geuse wouldn't speak first.
If Emilia still remembered Geuse, then surely Geuse would have plenty to say to her. But Emilia acted like she didn't know Geuse at all, and Geuse wouldn't open up about such a sorrowful past on his own.
"Emilia forgot you…" "Isn't that a good thing? A sinner like me being remembered by her—" "Enough, you know what I mean." "..."
Subaru coldly looked at Geuse and slowly said, "Emilia didn't just forget you, but a part of her past as well. You can tell just by looking.
In a situation like that, no matter how young Emilia is, there are things she wouldn't forget. But she did forget. She forgot you, the sinner. That means she forgot her own past."
"Hm, but that's fine. Remembering those sad things won't help. It would only bring pain to Lady Emilia. Forget everything and live happily like now."
Hearing this, Subaru clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction and glared at Geuse. "That's just running away! It's not a good thing! Constantly running away won't let you grow."
"..."
Subaru calmed himself and slowly said, "I don't know why Emilia forgot those things, and I don't know how long you'll keep running away. You're already standing here. But you still choose to run.
Of course, it's not that you want to run away. You believe that if you keep things as they are, it will be fine.
Yes, that's good for Emilia—no sadness, no pain, just living carefree as usual.
Then, under your and Puck's care and affection, she can happily carry on. At first glance, I'd say that's a good choice. But with that, you won't find redemption."
"...Someone like me can get redemption?"
"Why not! If I thought you couldn't, I'd have smashed your head open a long time ago! That's all I have to say. Think it over."
At this point, Subaru decided not to continue the conversation and left the room, leaving Geuse alone to think.
Actually, Subaru knew well he could have just laid everything out and forced them both to face that sorrowful past.
But that would be arrogant and inconsiderate toward the other person.
Even if he felt unhappy about Geuse's choice and angry at his cowardice, Subaru could only wait—for Emilia to remember, for Geuse to speak.
Otherwise, he really didn't know how to handle the situation between the two.
After leaving the room, Subaru didn't immediately return to his own room but stood in the hallway looking out at the courtyard.
Everyone was laughing, everyone was enjoying the happiness and relief of victory. But who knew what sadness and pain hid deep inside those hearts?
Those who cried out loud behind their smiles—why were they crying? The past can't be changed, and the living musters how much courage and determination to keep living.
Subaru sighed and pulled back his gaze.
He was the same—he refused the chance to return home, searching alone for a way back, a way that might not even exist, and he didn't know where it might be.
How long would it take? How much effort would it require? No one could answer those questions for him. The only one who could answer was probably that god, and no one else.
"Um, are you Mr. Natsuki?" "Hm? Oh, it's you, Otto."
"Do you know me?"
Subaru saw the puzzled look on Otto's face and smiled. "Now I do."
"Uh... Mr. Natsuki, I came to thank you. If not for you, I probably would have died because of the Witch's Cult.
Thank you for bringing the troops to rescue me.
Though you didn't come specifically for me, I was saved because of you. I don't know what I can do to repay you."
"Hm, I don't have anything for you to do. How about this—you sell me the goods on your wagon."
"Eh?! How do you know I have goods on my wagon?"
"Aren't you a merchant? Merchants have goods to sell."
"But I don't think I told you my identity, not even introduced myself."
Hearing this, Subaru patted his own head. He had been thinking too much and neglected this detail. "Well, I actually investigated you."
"Eh!!! Why would a big shot like you investigate someone like me? Did I unknowingly offend you? If so, please forgive me!"
"It's not that dramatic. After all, someone brought out from the Witch's Cult's base has to be checked, right?"
Otto's expression became even stranger. Subaru saw it and spoke directly, "You bought goods on credit, but the season passed and you couldn't sell them. You can't pay your debts and will soon lose your freedom. So now I'm giving you a chance—put aside all your doubts, and I'll buy your goods. How's that deal?"
"...Though I have many questions, since you say so, I'll have to agree. Thank you, Mr. Natsuki."
"No problem. Then stay with me for now. Wait until the Roswaal returns, and then I'll pay you."
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