As they waited for the two ladies to return, Subaru's eyelids grew increasingly heavy. The tension that had clung to him like a second skin after the intense royal candidate meeting was finally peeling away, replaced by a deep, enveloping fatigue. It wasn't the kind of exhaustion that came from physical strain, but rather the kind born of mental wear—an accumulation of anxious thoughts, social maneuvering, and the subtle but unrelenting pressure of diplomacy. With Reinhard the only other occupant of the room, the quiet had settled into something almost sacred, magnified by the absence of any clamor or movement. It pressed gently down on Subaru, wrapping him in a cocoon of peace he hadn't realized he craved.
The silence was so complete that even the rustle of cloth or the creak of the chair felt amplified. Reinhard sat serenely in the corner, his back straight and eyes closed, though not in slumber. His tranquil expression spoke of mindfulness rather than sleep, as if he were fully aware of every second passing, every breath he took. There was something about his demeanor—a calm forged through countless battles, a poise honed over years—that made the quiet feel not empty, but purposeful. To Subaru, Reinhard looked like a man who genuinely cherished moments free from the chaos of swordplay and strategy.
Subaru himself had let his body slump slightly, head nodding forward as sleep crept in. His breaths grew slower, deeper, and just as the edge of slumber began to claim him—
The door slammed open with a sharp, echoing bang.
"Rein!!"
Felt's voice burst through the silence like a firecracker in a still night. High-pitched, bright, and unmistakably energetic, it cut through Subaru's drowsiness like a blade. He jerked upright with a start, eyes flying open, his heartbeat spiking as if an alarm had gone off. Reinhard opened his eyes too, but his reaction was a study in contrast—calm, measured, almost amused. It was as if he had anticipated this interruption all along and had merely been waiting for the moment to arrive.
Felt practically bounced into the room, her pace brisk and her expression gleaming with post-meeting energy. She held the hem of her skirt with both hands, possibly more out of habit than necessity, and her flushed cheeks betrayed a mix of excitement and frustration. Behind her walked Emilia, her movements graceful and deliberate. She entered the room like the breeze before a storm—gentle yet carrying weight. Her features were composed, lips slightly parted in a relaxed smile, and her silver hair shimmered faintly in the lamplight.
Subaru blinked the sleep from his eyes, rubbing them with the heel of his palm as he tried to clear the haze. The abrupt contrast between the serene silence and Felt's vibrant entrance left a faint tension coiled in his chest.
"What happened?" he murmured under his breath, still unsure whether he was fully awake or dreaming.
Reinhard leaned forward slightly, addressing Felt with the ever-present courtesy in his voice. "Felt-sama," he said with a respectful nod of his head, "has something happened?"
Felt let out an exaggerated sigh and threw her arms wide open as if to announce the end of an epic saga. "The meeting's finally over! About damn time, right?"
Her voice was thick with relief, but it wasn't hard to detect the simmering impatience still lingering beneath her words. Clearly, she had endured more than her fair share of tedium.
Emilia, now standing closer, offered Subaru a teasing smile. "Subaru, you were nodding off again, weren't you? Such a slacker."
Subaru chuckled, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "I was just appreciating the silence, Mili. Letting myself drift a little. Can you blame me after the day we've had?"
Reinhard glanced at him with a knowing look, the corners of his lips twitching upward in a suppressed smile. There was an unspoken understanding in his gaze—he too had felt the allure of peace, however fleeting.
"So," Subaru said, perking up slightly, "how did it go in there? Was it as bad as you feared?"
Felt wasted no time, clearly eager to vent. "Bad? It was worse. First, we had to sit through Priscilla's endless self-glorifying nonsense. I swear, she could turn a sneeze into a royal decree if you gave her the chance. Then Crusch went on and on about the nobility's divine purpose or whatever. And the rest? Just droning political rambling that would make a statue cry from boredom. Ugh."
Emilia let out a soft laugh and tilted her head. "Felt-san may not have enjoyed it, but I actually found it valuable. It was the first time I got to really observe how our rivals think and behave. I feel like I understand them better now, Subaru. And believe it or not, we made a positive impression. People took notice of us."
Felt sniffed without trying to hide his amusement. "Yes, I think it's a very good impression!
The kind that will make Priscilla want you on her side."
Subaru paled visibly. "Don't even joke about that. Anastasia, maybe. Crusch? Possibly. But Priscilla? I'd rather wrestle a mabeast."
Emilia leaned in with a mischievous look on her face. "You're not thinking of leaving me, are you, Subaru?"
Subaru's reply was immediate, firm, and without hesitation. "Not a chance, Mili. You're stuck with me, remember?"
She smiled at that, the warmth in her eyes making the fatigue in Subaru's bones feel just a little lighter. And as the moment settled, the once-fractured serenity in the room began to weave itself anew—this time not through silence, but through connection.
Reinhard listened to the friendly and earnest conversation with quiet attentiveness. His face remained composed, but behind those serene eyes, thoughts were moving quickly. He wasn't just absorbing Subaru's words—he was analyzing them, weighing implications, considering outcomes. A thought had begun to form in his mind, one that might ripple far beyond the confines of this small group.
"Hmm... I'd very much like to see those inventions you mentioned during the meeting, Subaru," Reinhard said, his tone thoughtful. "In fact, that's exactly what I wanted to speak with you about. If you're open to it, I can introduce you to a few skilled craftsmen—people who are masters in their fields. They might be able to assist you in ways you hadn't considered."
Subaru's eyes sparkled with sudden enthusiasm. His mouth curled into a broad grin, unable to contain the thrill rushing through him. "Of course, Red! How could I possibly say no to that?! Seriously, this could be huge. Let's head to the mansion I'm staying in—well, renting. I left the sewing machine and a few other prototypes there for Roswaal to look over. You seeing them in person? That'd be amazing."
Emilia smiled gently at his enthusiasm, the kind of smile that came from years of witnessing Subaru's bursts of energy and big dreams. She placed a calming hand on his arm. "Just don't forget to breathe, okay?"
Felt, leaning casually against the wall, sighed and shrugged. "As long as I don't get dragged into another long-winded explanation about fabric density or whatever nonsense you're always going on about, I guess I'll come too."
With a plan in place and shared momentum, the four companions rose from their seats and headed for the exit. The mood was light but tinged with anticipation.
When they arrived at the mansion, a familiar figure awaited them at the entrance. Ram stood poised and attentive, her posture as straight as a ruler, her gaze as sharp as ever. Nothing escaped her, not even the subtle shifts in atmosphere that followed each member of the arriving group.
Her eyes briefly scanned Reinhard and Felt before returning to Emilia. She bowed, efficient and respectful.
Subaru and Emilia exchanged a glance. They knew Ram well enough to recognize her silent evaluation. Emilia stepped forward, her voice steady.
"Ram, could you keep Reinhard and Felt's visit between us? Please don't inform Roswaal-sama."
Subaru added, his tone lighter but no less firm, "Yeah, this is just a friendly hangout. We're not here to start a political parade."
Ram's gaze moved between them again, lingering on Subaru for just a second longer. Finally, she gave a short, curt nod. "Understood."
Without another word, she stepped aside, allowing them entry. The group passed through the halls quietly, their steps echoing faintly against the polished floors as they made their way to Subaru's room.
At the door, Reinhard, ever the courteous knight, gave a small bow
Subaru entered ahead of the group. After a few moments, he reemerged carrying a well-worn leather bag in one hand and a metallic contraption cradled in the other. At first glance, it looked unimpressive—boxy and cold, with no visible magic or artistry. But within that unassuming shell lay something potentially transformative: a fully functional sewing machine.
Felt narrowed her eyes at the device. Her expression contorted in skeptical disbelief. She approached it cautiously, arms crossed.
"This is what's supposed to revolutionize life for the common folk? Looks more like a tin can someone forgot to throw away."
Subaru let out a short laugh. Setting the bag down, he gently opened the machine's top cover. As he did, the inner workings came into view—rows of polished gears, precisely mounted needle arms, tension wheels aligned with care. He tapped the frame with his finger as he explained.
"You're looking at a device that can do the work of ten tailors. Maybe more. In a matter of minutes, it can stitch an entire outfit. What used to take hours—days even—can now be done before your tea gets cold. For artisans, this isn't just helpful—it's revolutionary."
Emilia stepped closer, eyes wide with fascination. She wasn't as skeptical as Felt, but she hadn't expected the interior to be so intricate. Meanwhile, Reinhard leaned in, inspecting the exposed components.
His fingers brushed lightly over the gears. Despite his warrior's strength, his touch was impossibly gentle. He studied the machine with a kind of reverence.
"I have a blessing," he began, speaking slowly. "It's related to tailoring. I can sew with inhuman speed and accuracy. No frayed edges, no missed stitches. But this machine... this is that same power, made accessible to anyone with hands and the will to learn."
He paused, his expression growing more serious, more deliberate.
"Subaru, if you'd permit it, I'd like to bring this to a few of the Kingdom's master craftsmen. People who specialize in both mechanical design and precision manufacturing. If they can dissect and replicate it, we could increase production exponentially. Imagine entire communities having access to machines like this."
Subaru's breath caught. He hadn't expected the conversation to move in this direction so quickly, or so sincerely.
"Red... that's—wow. You really don't have to do all that. I mean, what's in it for you?"
Reinhard smiled faintly and shook his head. His voice was low, but there was conviction in every word.
"Nothing's truly free, Subaru. This would strengthen the connection between Emilia-sama's and Felt-sama's camps. Political cooperation, shared innovation—it benefits us all. It gives us credibility and influence. But more than that..."
He turned toward the machine again, eyes distant as if seeing a future not yet written.
"...I'm a knight. My duty is to protect not just people, but their hopes, their futures. If something as simple as this device can give them an easier life, safer work, more time for their families—then how can I stand idle? These aren't just machines. They're stepping stones to something better."
A long silence followed. Subaru stood motionless, overwhelmed. Gratitude surged in his chest, raw and real. For once, he didn't have the words to respond.
Then, like a whisper on the wind, a familiar, smug voice chuckled in the recesses of his mind.
Flugel: "The Blessed One is definitely smarter than you, hahaha~"
Subaru let out a sigh, but a faint smile tugged at his lips, hinting at something deeper stirring within him. The weight of the past few days pressed against his shoulders, but in that moment, surrounded by unlikely allies, there was a flicker of peace.
"Your offer sounds reasonable... I accept, Rein," he finally said, his voice calm but resolute.
Reinhard's expression softened further, his ever-composed demeanor touched with visible satisfaction. The tranquil glow on his face betrayed the success of their discussion. A glimmer of pride shimmered in his eyes—not the pride of a warrior boasting victory, but of a knight recognizing the courage and resolve in another. Subaru's insight and earnestness had left an impression, and Reinhard, despite his stoic nature, held deep respect for those who dared to challenge fate with more than just strength.
The room, once tense with anticipation, now basked in a quiet warmth. The presence of a knight like Reinhard usually cast a shadow of duty and solemnity, but here, in the company of companions rather than commanders, even he seemed more human.
Yet not everyone shared in the gravity of the moment. Off in the corner of the room, far removed from the weighty discussion, sat Felt. Her legs swung carelessly from the chair, arms crossed at first but quickly unraveling as a plate of Rem's delicately arranged cookies caught her attention. Without waiting for permission—or concern for table manners—she began snatching them up one by one, munching with reckless delight.
Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she devoured the sweets, occasionally glancing at the others to see if anyone dared protest. When no one did, she grew bolder, licking her fingers and eyeing the last few cookies with open intent.
Eventually, Reinhard, who had noticed this from the corner of his eye, turned gently toward her. His voice was soft, but carried the authority of someone long accustomed to taming storms:
"Felt-sama, please... manners while eating."
Felt groaned dramatically, throwing her head back as though she'd been unjustly scolded. Then, with theatrical defiance, she grabbed a fistful of cookies and shoved them into her mouth. Cheeks bulging, she glared at Reinhard and mumbled around the crumbs:
"Mfff!!"
Subaru snorted, stifling a laugh. His shoulders trembled with the effort of holding it in. Emilia, who had been sipping tea with practiced grace, nearly choked in surprise and giggled behind her hand, her eyes gleaming with amusement. Even Rem, standing quietly in the background, allowed herself a tiny smile.
The serious tone shattered like thin glass. In this bubble of political intrigue and delicate alliances, Felt's irreverence was a much-needed reprieve—a reminder that they were still human. Not knights, mages, or emissaries, but people.
Minutes slipped by. Subaru and Reinhard returned to the table, where Subaru unfurled a thick stack of notes and diagrams. His fingers moved quickly, gesturing at each page with the enthusiasm of someone who had labored long and hard over every detail. Rough sketches depicted machines and mechanisms—some simple, others ambitious.
"This mechanism here allows water mills to generate more rotational force with less liquid flow," Subaru explained, tracing a gear ratio with his finger. "And over here—see this? That's a design for a wind-powered grinder with energy storage potential. It could keep functioning even when the wind isn't blowing."
Reinhard leaned closer, studying each drawing carefully. His brow furrowed—not in skepticism, but concentration.
"Marvelous constructs—not born of blessings, but of intellect and diligence," he said. "I see now why you insist your contributions matter even without magic."
Their conversation deepened, veering into theories of energy conversion, the distribution of mechanical labor, and the scalability of such devices across Lugnica. Reinhard asked thoughtful questions; Subaru replied with uncharacteristic clarity. For a boy often ruled by impulse, this was where Subaru shone brightest: in the forging of ideas meant to help others.
As their exchange continued, the day wore on. Emilia, seated beside Subaru, began to lean gently against his shoulder. Her silver hair shimmered in the lamplight, her eyes fluttering closed. Felt, having finished the last of the cookies, now slouched in her seat, arms draped lazily over the armrests.
Eventually, the room fell into a rare stillness. The only sound was the faint rustling of parchment as Subaru adjusted one last blueprint.
When the time felt right, Reinhard stood, bowing his head respectfully. But as he turned to leave, he noticed Felt fast asleep, her head tilted at an awkward angle. He hesitated, then stepped over and knelt beside her.
"Felt-sama?"
No response.
He tried again, this time placing a hand lightly on her shoulder. Still, she didn't stir. Letting out a breath tinged with fond exasperation, he slipped one arm behind her knees and the other behind her back, lifting her gently. She shifted slightly, murmuring something unintelligible, then nestled into his chest.
In his arms, she looked far smaller than usual—no trace of the rebellious firebrand remained. Only a girl, worn out and safe for once.
Subaru watched them from the doorway, a faint smile on his lips. He said nothing, only nodding to Reinhard in understanding. As the knight carried Felt out into the quiet night, Subaru reached for the door and pulled it closed behind them.
Click.
The moment lingered—until it was pierced by a voice.
It wasn't external, but internal. A chill swept across Subaru's thoughts.
Flugel's voice echoed in his mind, emotionless and far away: "I have no issue with your approach to the Blessed One—for now. But I ask only this... tread carefully."
Subaru's expression darkened. He shoved his hands into his coat pockets and stood there for a moment before replying. His voice was quiet, but edged with steel:
"First of all, his name is not 'The Blessed One,' Reinhard. He is not a legend born of prophecy. He is my friend. Second... no matter what kind of fate you weave, it cannot restrict my choices. Long before I restarted this world, we fought side by side. Fight against Reinhard? That idea was never an option."
There was a pause. Then Flugel's voice returned, colder than before:
"Let's hope it stays that way."
Subaru closed his eyes. A faint tremor passed through his fingers, but he gritted his teeth and suppressed it. Fear had no place here—not when so many depended on him.
Because sometimes... the whispers of darkness don't rise from the shadows of fate alone.
Sometimes, they echo from within the uncertain chambers of one's own heart.
After Subaru's tense exchange with Flugel faded into the background of his thoughts, a sudden shift in the air tugged at his instincts, sending a ripple of warning through every fiber of his being. A chill crept down his spine, as though the shadows themselves had exhaled something ancient and familiar. It was the kind of presence that made his breath hitch and heart rate spike—a presence he could never mistake.
Without thinking, Subaru turned around. From the veil of dimness that cloaked the far corner of the room, a figure stepped forth. Graceful, precise, and lethal—the embodiment of beauty marred by danger.
Elsa Granhiert glided forward with effortless poise, her every movement radiating that unnerving calm she wore like armor. The glint in her eyes danced with mischief, and her lips curled into a smile that was half amusement, half warning.
"Ara? I see your senses have sharpened," she said playfully, her voice lilting like a melody lined with steel. She chuckled softly, then reached up and mimed a small scissor gesture beside Subaru's cheek, the gesture eerily reminiscent of her chosen craft.
Subaru exhaled, not quite with relief. His voice, low and steady, carried a hint of weariness. "Not by much. When did you arrive here?"
Elsa retracted her hand with an exaggerated pout, though the twinkle in her eyes betrayed her mock offense. "You're so cold, you know. But I suppose I'm used to that by now." She leaned back slightly, adopting a more casual stance. "I arrived this afternoon. Just before your grand little speech. I had the pleasure of watching from a distance. Quite the performance, really. Stirring."
She paused meaningfully before continuing, her tone now touched with sardonic amusement. "I would've come to greet you sooner, but... the Red Knight was in the room. Not exactly someone I'd like to run into. He would have noticed me in an instant. So I waited, like a good guest, until he left."
Subaru's brow twitched at the mention of Julius. Though he was glad for Elsa's caution, her blasé attitude never failed to unsettle him. It was hard to forget that behind her teasing demeanor lay the instincts of a killer. "You watched all that? Well... I guess I'm glad. But seriously, Elsa, you need to be more careful. You're not exactly easy to overlook."
A long, quiet breath escaped him as he shifted topics. "Where's Meili?"
At that, Elsa's features softened. The dangerous glint dulled slightly, replaced by a quiet warmth. She shrugged lightly. "Sleeping. She waited the whole day just for a glimpse of you. But you were busy being important, and she got tired. Fell asleep waiting in the next room."
Subaru turned his head slightly, eyes drifting toward the closed door beside them. A faint, almost painful warmth bloomed in his chest. It was strange, the way she could evoke that kind of feeling. "I see... Make sure she rests well. And you too, Elsa. You've had a long day. Good night."
But Elsa didn't move to leave. Instead, she stepped forward again, invading his personal space with that infuriating confidence. Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "How about I sleep with you?"
Subaru froze like a statue, his brain briefly short-circuiting. He clenched his fists to stop them from trembling and willed his face to remain neutral—but failed miserably. The blush that flooded his cheeks betrayed every effort.
Elsa laughed—clear and unrestrained. The sound filled the quiet hall like a ripple in still water. "Relax, I'm joking. You really are too easy to read, you know. Poker face doesn't suit you."
Despite himself, Subaru smiled, a reluctant chuckle escaping his lips. The tension in the air thinned, replaced by a tentative calm. For a few precious seconds, they stood there in silence, caught in a fleeting but genuine moment.
Eventually, they exchanged soft goodnights, and Elsa finally turned to leave, her steps fading quietly into the hallway.
Subaru began to undress, pulling off his jacket and setting it neatly aside. He let his body relax slightly as he approached the bed, ready to sink into sleep. But just as he reached for the covers, a soft creak broke the silence.
His door eased open. A sliver of dim hallway light spilled in, revealing a petite figure framed in the doorway. Blonde hair, doll-like features, and eyes that held centuries' worth of solitude.
Beatrice.
She stepped into the room with her usual stiff posture, arms crossed and gaze guarded. But there was a tension in her expression tonight—a heaviness.
"Betty wishes to terminate our temporary contract," she said abruptly, her voice flat, but not cold.
Subaru paused mid-motion, turning to face her more fully. He sat on the edge of the bed, eyes meeting hers. "Why?"
Beatrice looked away, eyes focusing somewhere near the floor. Her voice faltered with fatigue. "Now that the royal meeting is over, there is no more need for Betty to remain bound by a contract. There's nothing left. No purpose. And... you are not that person."
Her final sentence struck deeper than the others. Subaru inhaled sharply but didn't immediately respond. Instead, he spoke slowly, picking each word with care. "But deep down, you've wondered. Haven't you, Beako? Ever since I came here... the book your mother gave you—it went silent. That has to mean something."
Beatrice's lips quivered. Her hands clenched into small fists. Tears brimmed in her eyes, though they didn't fall. "You... Are you that person? If you are... then why did you leave Betty alone for four hundred years? Why did you let her wait and suffer? You can't be him!"
Subaru moved forward, kneeling before her with deliberate slowness. He rested his hands on his knees, so his gaze met hers evenly. "Beako. I'm not him. Because there is no 'him.' There's no predestined person who has to save you. That's not what your mother truly meant. That person... is the one you choose."
"LİAR!" Beatrice's voice cracked, a painful echo that filled the room. Her whole body trembled with the force of her outburst. "Mother never said that! She told Betty to wait—to believe!"
"Maybe she did. But maybe... she also wanted you to decide what that belief meant."
Beatrice stepped back slightly, her breathing uneven. Subaru remained still, patient. He didn't move closer. He didn't force the answer. He just waited.
And in that quiet room, between two hearts that had been waiting far too long for something to believe in, the silence spoke louder than any words.
The night, long and uncertain, continued its slow descent—but in its depths, a fragile thread of understanding had begun to weave itself into place.
Just then, Flugel's voice echoed in his mind. Cold, yet sincere in its cadence, it whispered, "Tell her the truth. She deserves at least that much."
Subaru's gaze locked onto Beatrice. In her eyes, there wasn't just anger—there was despair, raw and unshielded. And beneath it, he saw something even deeper: centuries of isolation, a child left waiting in a world that never came back for her. Her waiting, her patience, her fear, her longing... it all bled through in her trembling stare.
In the quiet stillness of the night, every heartbeat seemed deafening. Each word Subaru held on his tongue weighed more than the last. He knew—this couldn't wait. Not another second. The burden of the past wasn't just his to carry anymore. If there was a future to be built, it had to be founded on truth. And he—he could no longer turn away.
"Beako... your mother used you. You weren't her daughter. You were her experiment."
Beatrice froze. The air around her seemed to crystallize. Her wide, unblinking eyes stared into his, searching—desperately—for a lie she could hold onto. "H-huh?"
Subaru's voice didn't rise. But it was heavy—so heavy, it threatened to sink into the floor between them. "Your mother... the Witch of Greed, Echidna. She didn't abandon you out of necessity. She left you behind because she wanted to test you—test your loyalty, your faith in her. To see how long an artificial spirit would stay devoted in her name. This wasn't protection, Beatrice. This was a game. And she's still playing it."
He looked down, shame and sorrow weighing on his shoulders. "And it didn't end there. She didn't just walk away—she cursed you with a spell. A hidden enchantment, one that let her watch you. Always. Every word, every sob, every whisper you made in solitude... she saw it all. She bore witness to your pain and did nothing. Not a word. Not a hand reached out. Just silence."
Beatrice stumbled back a step. Her lips parted, her hands trembling at her sides. "Y-you! Don't you dare! Don't you DARE lie to Betty!
Mother... she wasn't like that! She was kind! She kept Betty safe! She loved me!"
Subaru's heart ached. He gave a bitter, hollow smile. How could he forget? Standing before him was no great spirit, no ancient guardian—but a little girl who had waited four hundred years for a mother who would never return.
"Maybe she did love you," he said gently, voice nearly a whisper. "But if that love was strong enough... would she have chained you to a dusty library? Would she have asked you to wait forever for someone you didn't even know? Love isn't a cage, Beatrice. Love knows when to set you free."
Beatrice's voice cracked under the weight of her breaking heart. "No... no! Betty waited because she had to! Betty made a promise! Betty stayed faithful! Betty... she stayed because she loved her too!"
Subaru slowly shook his head, his tone soft, but resolute. "And now that promise is killing you inside. That love—it's turned to chains. But they're not made of her words anymore. They're forged in your own heart."
He took a step forward, closing the last of the distance between them. Slowly, deliberately, he reached out and touched her hand. She flinched, but didn't pull away. At his fingertips, he felt it—an almost invisible, shimmering strand of magic. The thin thread of their temporary contract. It pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat that wasn't hers.
Subaru's fingers closed around it. Beatrice's breath caught in her throat.
And with the gentleness of a falling feather, he severed the thread. The air shifted. Magic dispersed like mist in the dawn.
"Now... you can go back to your prison. Your Forbidden Library awaits you," he said. His voice remained steady, but underneath, it trembled with sorrow he refused to show.
Tears gathered at the corners of Beatrice's eyes. Her lips trembled, and her entire frame seemed smaller somehow—fragile, like porcelain in an earthquake. For a single, eternal moment, she looked at him—not as a guardian, not as a spirit, but as a girl who had lost her entire world in an instant.
She turned away. Silent. Not a single word passed her lips. Her footsteps, soft and hesitant, felt louder than thunder in Subaru's ears. Each one was a strike to his chest. When the door closed behind her, the echo of its click sounded like a thunderclap splitting the silence.
Subaru stood motionless, heart aching in his chest. Then, finally, he exhaled—a long, shuddering breath.
"Flugel... did I do the right thing?"
The ever-present voice returned, older than time, yet warm with something like pride. "A bitter truth wounds, but it also frees. You did what was needed. She is no longer a child of waiting. She stands now at the threshold of becoming more."
And in the heavy quiet that followed, Subaru could only hope that what he broke tonight might one day be rebuilt stronger.
Subaru slowly shook his head. "I never wanted to make that little girl cry... But if I didn't break her chains, no one would have."
He eased himself back onto his bed, letting his arms rest beneath his head as a makeshift pillow. The room around him was dim, the faint light of dawn barely slipping through the curtains. His gaze remained fixed on the ceiling, but his mind drifted far deeper, down to the places in his heart he rarely allowed himself to visit. He imagined Beatrice's world—four hundred years of silence, of repeating days, of words read and reread in a sanctuary that became a tomb. A timeless prison bound by dusty bookshelves and the long-faded hope of a promise never fulfilled.
He thought about the strength it must have taken to smile, to argue, to simply exist after all that time. The fragility that clung to her every word, masked behind haughtiness. She had clung to the hope that her mother would return, that her waiting meant something. Subaru had torn that illusion from her. Not to hurt her, but to free her. Yet even knowing that, it didn't make the ache in his chest fade.
Still, those thoughts would do him no good now. What was done could not be undone. And to carry the weight forward, he needed to forget it for a while—let sleep dull the edges of guilt. With a tired breath, Subaru closed his eyes.
Tomorrow was another battlefield.
Dawn had barely stretched its fingers across the sky when Subaru wandered the halls of the mansion. His footsteps echoed softly off the stone, a quiet rhythm against the morning stillness. Then, without warning, he turned a corner and saw her.
Beatrice.
She was standing just ahead, and their eyes met. In that frozen second, the world held its breath. Neither said a word. They didn't need to. Her gaze was pained, guarded, but not void of recognition. Subaru held her stare, waiting—for anger, for a curse, for anything.
Instead, she turned her head sharply and began to walk away. Her footsteps quickened with each step, as if distance could shield her from what had been said the night before.
Subaru watched her go, his hand twitching at his side, unsure whether to reach out or let her go. With a soft sigh, he turned and continued toward the front door.
"I don't want to go alone," he murmured, his voice nearly lost to the air, more confession than complaint.
Flugel's voice rose gently from somewhere deep inside. "Oi, I'm still here."
A wry smile flickered on Subaru's face. "Yeah, yeah."
With that, he adjusted the strap of his bag, opened the large wooden doors, and stepped outside.
The morning was crisp, the sky above glowing in pastel tones of pink, orange, and soft lavender. The city beyond the horizon was only beginning to stir. His boots met cobblestone with a measured cadence as he walked toward the heart of the capital. The silence was pleasant, but it made the inner noise all the more difficult to ignore.
He reviewed everything he knew about Anastasia. Clever. Calculating. She never played a game she couldn't win. Subaru felt the unease building with every step. Whatever she wanted to discuss, it wouldn't be simple.
As he approached the busier districts, the sleepy stillness gave way to movement. Merchants lifted wooden shutters, stall owners set up crates, cloth canopies were unfurled. The scent of fresh bread and morning dew filled the air. Subaru took it all in, noticing things he might have missed before. A child giggling while chasing a bird. A man carefully arranging glass jars on a display. Even in the mundane, there was something... grounded.
He quickened his pace, passing through the market square until the towering facade of the Hoshin Trading Company came into view. Its presence was striking—elegant stonework, polished brass fixtures, and a banner bearing the emblem of a fox curled into a coin. The front courtyard buzzed with coordinated chaos: crates being unloaded, ledgers exchanged, names called across distances.
Stepping through the tall glass doors, Subaru was immediately surrounded by noise and movement. People of every background bustled around him—demi-humans with fur-lined cloaks, dwarves carrying heavy goods, humans in polished uniforms shouting orders or scribbling into scrolls. The air smelled of ink, spice, and ambition.
A tall demi-human woman with foxlike features and a silver-furred collar approached him. Her expression was both professional and poised, with a hint of practiced charm.
"Welcome to the Hoshin Company, esteemed guest~ May I be of service to you this fine morning?"
Subaru cleared his throat and straightened his back slightly. "I'm here to meet with Anastasia Hoshin."
Her ears twitched slightly. "Might you be Natsuki Subaru-dono, by chance? Anastasia-sama informed us you'd be arriving today."
"Yeah. That's me."
With a respectful bow, she gestured for him to follow. They moved deeper into the sprawling interior, passing rooms filled with scribes, artisans, negotiators, and financiers. The entire building was like a living organism, each part contributing seamlessly to the whole.
Subaru felt a strange calm settle over him. The efficiency, the motion, the clear sense of purpose within the halls of the trading company made him feel, for a brief moment, like the world wasn't so chaotic after all.
At last, they reached a tall double door inlaid with intricate carvings—fox motifs, swirling patterns of wind and coin, and golden accents that gleamed even in the modest light.
The guide paused, offering him one last respectful bow.
Subaru inhaled slowly, exhaled through his nose, and stepped forward. He knocked gently, waited a heartbeat, and entered the room beyond.
Whatever came next, he would face it head-on.
The room was spacious, illuminated by the gentle glow of sunlight filtering through tall windows adorned with silk curtains. It was elegantly furnished, with every item placed with care and taste. The walls were lined from floor to ceiling with intricately carved bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and newly bound volumes alike. A subtle floral fragrance—something like lilac and lavender—floated delicately in the air, lending the space a sense of calm and refinement.
Behind a grand mahogany desk sat Anastasia, focused intently on a stack of parchment documents. She wore her usual composed expression, but the moment she noticed Subaru stepping inside, she looked up, gently removed her glasses, and greeted him with a smile that warmed the room.
"Ara~ Subaru-dono, I'm truly pleased you remembered our meeting. I was half-worried you'd be swept away by your other obligations. Please, come in and make yourself comfortable."
Subaru paused for a split second, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. He quickly masked the reaction with a polite nod and took the seat opposite her. He set his worn satchel on his lap and carefully pulled out several folded pieces of parchment. As he smoothed them out on the desk, he spoke with respectful cheer:
"Forget this meeting? Anastasia-sama, please don't tease me. There's no chance I'd pass up the opportunity to discuss these projects with you."
Anastasia let out a soft, amused laugh, her teal eyes glinting with interest. "Then let's not waste any time. These are the designs you spoke of during the conference, yes?"
"Exactly," Subaru replied, handing her three sheets with different sketches. "These are conceptual plans for a sewing machine, a windmill for consistent power generation, and an agricultural improvement system designed to streamline manual labor."
Anastasia accepted the papers, and her smile gradually faded into an expression of analytical focus. Her eyes moved quickly but thoroughly across each detail. Then, a flicker of curiosity lit her expression as she tilted her head ever so slightly, her gaze drifting toward Subaru's still-bulging bag.
"Tell me, Subaru-dono..." she began in a softer, almost conspiratorial tone, leaning forward with a subtle sparkle in her eye, "What other treasures are you hiding in there? I can't imagine these three are all you brought."
Subaru hesitated for a moment, his lips twitching into a knowing smile. That directness—that glint of opportunistic mischief in her tone—was unmistakably Anastasia.
From the back of his mind, Flugel's voice chuckled like a whisper carried on the wind. "You might just be giving the Witch of Greed a run for her money."
Suppressing a chuckle, Subaru reached deeper into the bag. His fingers found the heavier, more delicate stack of diagrams he had considered leaving out. With a breath, he pulled them free and laid them in front of her. These drawings were finer, marked with dense notations in his compact handwriting: wiring paths, coil windings, magnetic field calculations, and annotations on various energy sources. It was the prototype for a rudimentary electric motor.
Anastasia's eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, she didn't speak. She gently took the diagram, holding it as one would a fragile artifact. Her expression softened into wonder, the type only reserved for those who glimpsed the edge of the future before anyone else.
She examined the motor design closely, her gloved fingers tracing the shape of the components on the page. Her gaze sharpened as she turned back to Subaru.
"Hm? This one seems more advanced. What exactly does it do, Subaru-dono?"
Subaru straightened slightly, sensing her genuine interest. "This is a motor I've designed to power machines automatically. It converts magnetic force into mechanical energy using rotating components. The goal is to allow machines to perform labor-intensive tasks in a fraction of the time it would take manually. Tasks that might take a person a full day could be done in minutes. In short, it's meant to drastically reduce the need for physical labor."
He paused briefly, the excitement in his voice dimming just a bit. "But... I don't yet have a machine that can provide it with the energy it needs to function. That part is still beyond what I can build."
Anastasia lowered her glasses to the tip of her nose and gave him a smirk—a blend of amusement and praise. Her voice came laced with teasing delight. "Subaru-dono, you're such a tease~ I took the liberty of having Roswaal-sama inspect your sewing machine model, and I must say... this kind of motor would fit beautifully within it. The gears, the moving parts, even the framework—they all complement this design."
Subaru exhaled through his nose, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly. A faint grumble escaped him as he thought, "Of course Roswaal poked into it... That explains why this meeting was arranged in such a hurry."
He gave a small bow of acknowledgment. "You're right, Anastasia-sama. Incorporating the motor into the sewing machine was one of my long-term goals. But without a stable source of electricity, it's just a theory for now. The knowledge and tools to generate that kind of power... we're still a long way off."
He lifted his gaze again, determination in his tone. "But when the time comes, I intend to pursue it fully. Integrating this kind of automation could change how we approach production entirely. It wouldn't just improve efficiency—it could reshape the foundation of our society's labor structure."
Anastasia leaned back in her chair, the parchment still in hand. She studied him silently for a moment, then gave a small nod—an acknowledgment not just of his ideas, but of the ambition behind them. The room was quiet save for the faint rustle of paper and the distant ticking of a wall-mounted clock, but the sense of potential between them was palpable.
"Then," she said softly, almost to herself, "we may be looking at the beginning of something far bigger than any of us expected."
Subaru said nothing in response, but the glint in his eyes answered for him.
This meeting was only the beginning.
Anastasia rested her chin on her hand, her gaze drifting out the window as her thoughts wandered into the depths of contemplation. The air in the room seemed to still with her silence. After a long moment, she turned her head, her piercing blue eyes fixing on Subaru with an intensity that made him instinctively straighten in his seat.
"So we're putting the motor project on hold for now. But tell me, Subaru-dono... Did you really conceive all of these projects entirely on your own? Or is there perhaps another force behind them, someone who lit the spark of inspiration within you?"
Her question lingered in the air, weighted with curiosity. Subaru gave a modest nod, folding his hands on his lap. "In truth... these ideas are born from my imagination, yes, but also from a desperate will to survive—to improve things. The challenges I faced pushed me to think differently. But the true inspiration... it came from a faraway land—Kararagi. I saw machines and devices with similar functions there. They weren't exactly the same, but the basic principles... they echoed what I've tried to replicate here."
No sooner had the words left his lips than a thunderous voice erupted in his mind, nearly making him flinch.
"FOOL! ANASTASIA IS FROM KARARAGI TOO!"
Flugel's voice boomed through his consciousness, laced with exasperation and disbelief. Subaru's gaze unfocused for a second, his spine straightening involuntarily. A bead of sweat ran down his temple. He clenched his fists slightly, willing himself to stay composed.
Anastasia tilted her head, her expression subtly shifting—as if something in Subaru's words had stirred a memory from long ago. A soft smile curled her lips.
"Actually, now that you mention it... yes. I remember seeing blueprints similar to yours. It was quite some time ago. There was a girl I met—bright, fiercely determined. She had a spark in her eye, the kind you don't easily forget. We stayed in the same inn briefly. I believe her name was... Hi—Hikari? Something along those lines."
Subaru's heart stopped for a beat. His entire body seemed to freeze, and then his eyes locked onto Anastasia's lips as though hoping to hear the name again to confirm he hadn't imagined it.
Hikari.
It was a name etched into his very soul.
Anastasia's voice grew softer, her tone distant as she recalled the encounter. "She was exceptional, truly. Her ideas were advanced, but her methods... unconventional. Unlike your machines, which rely on physical energy and motion, hers were powered by mana. She attempted to channel it through circuits—like magical currents flowing through wires. I found it strange, perhaps even a little fanciful at the time. But there was no doubting her passion. She talked about making energy accessible, about reshaping the way labor and magic interact. Yours seems more grounded in physical mechanics, but hers... hers had vision. Maybe your paths have crossed before, Subaru-dono~"
Subaru's mouth was dry. A wave of raw emotion washed over him, and he struggled to keep it from showing. Inside, his soul was screaming. The missing puzzle pieces were falling into place too quickly, leaving his thoughts scrambling to catch up.
Anastasia suddenly brightened as another detail surfaced in her mind. Her eyes widened slightly. "Ah, yes! That's it—Natsuki Hikari. That was her full name, I believe. Same family name as yours. Now that I think of it... you resemble her. Especially the eyes. The same fire, the same sadness. She stood out, but there was something... sorrowful about her. As if she were searching for something—or someone."
Subaru's breath caught. His hands trembled uncontrollably now. He leaned forward, nearly knocking over the sketches on the table. The room around him felt as though it had fallen away, leaving only Anastasia and the weight of her words.
His voice came out hoarse, nearly a whisper: "A-Anastasia-sama... that girl... please. Where is she? When did you last see her? What was she doing? Did she say anything about where she was headed?"
Anastasia blinked, caught off guard by the urgency in his voice. Her brows furrowed slightly, and she responded with measured concern.
"It was in Kararagi, about a year ago. Right before I officially received my royal crest. She was working late into the nights, surrounded by diagrams and unfinished tools. She spoke little, mostly kept to herself. But her intellect was striking. She was clearly chasing something. Subaru-dono... is she family to you?"
Subaru's throat tightened. He lowered his head, nodding slowly. The words came out broken and strained.
"She's... my sister. My little sister. Hikari. We were separated... I've been looking for her ever since."
Anastasia's face softened with heartfelt sympathy. Her usual composed expression gave way to something more genuine, more human. "I'm truly sorry to hear that. She left an impression on me—such a bright mind. I wish I had spoken with her more. But she seemed resolute. She said she had to go, though she didn't say where. Only that she had something to finish."
Despite her comforting tone, Subaru's instincts were screaming. There was something wrong—something off in all of this. Why had Flugel gone silent? Why had the voice that always filled his thoughts retreated into absolute quiet?
The silence was deafening.
He stood up abruptly, eyes steeled, the tremble in his hands now gone—replaced by resolve.
"Anastasia-sama, I'm sorry, but I need to end this conversation here. My sister is out there, and I've wasted too much time already. I have to find her. Now."
His voice carried a finality that left no room for negotiation. Anastasia simply watched him rise, her expression unreadable—but her eyes held a glint of understanding.
The past had just come crashing into the present, and Subaru would not let it slip away again.
Anastasia rose to her feet as well, the playful glint in her eyes replaced by a striking seriousness. The room seemed to quiet around her as she spoke, voice level but firm.
"If you'd like, I can offer my assistance. After all, I know Kararagi like the back of my hand. I've spent years navigating its politics, its trade routes, and its shadows. If you're truly planning to venture there, the Anastasia Faction would be more than willing to provide any and all support. You're not just a guest to us, Subaru. You're a valuable ally. And this matter... it affects more than just you. It affects the balance of this world."
Subaru watched her closely. Her words were genuine on the surface, but Subaru had learned to read between the lines. Anastasia wasn't simply offering help out of altruism. In exchange for her assistance, she expected something tangible: ideas, influence, and loyalty. Projects that would push her faction ahead, crafted with the unique insight only Subaru possessed.
He clenched his fists. Every fiber of his being screamed against chains, even metaphorical ones. He had fought too hard for every inch of freedom. But...
Hikari.
The name echoed in his heart louder than any protest. If there was even the faintest chance this support could bring him closer to finding her, then hesitation was a luxury he couldn't afford.
"I accept, Anastasia-sama," he said at last, voice steady.
Her lips curled into a satisfied smile, and she gracefully extended a hand. "Then it's a deal~ I knew you were a wise one. Now, tell me—when do you plan to make your move?"
Subaru inhaled slowly, steeling himself. His eyes narrowed with unwavering determination. "As soon as possible. Once we're prepared, I'll send you a personal letter detailing everything."
They spoke for some time, delving into strategy and specifics. Anastasia didn't hold back; she provided names, locations, the safest paths, and most crucially, the inn that would serve as their anchor point in Kararagi. Every word was calculated, efficient, like a merchant laying out the pieces of a profitable game.
Eventually, Subaru handed over a thick satchel filled with ideas, drafts, and project outlines. Anastasia took it with a businesslike nod, and with that, he exited into the cooling dusk.
Outside, the wind felt sharper. Every step he took seemed to echo louder in his ears. His thoughts spun in circles, his mind a hurricane of memories and fears. He barely noticed his feet moving, driven by instinct alone.
"Hey! You overdramatic freak, are you listening?" he shouted into the air, drawing attention from a few startled birds in the trees. "We need to talk. And don't give me some cryptic nonsense this time. I need that ridiculous wisdom of yours."
There was a pause. Then, Flugel's voice came, quieter than usual, shaken in a way Subaru wasn't used to.
"Just go. Go and find her. I can't believe I didn't see this coming... It didn't happen this way in my time."
Subaru stopped mid-step. He turned his head as if trying to look into a space only he could sense.
"What are you saying? What do you mean 'your time'?"
Flugel's voice carried a bitter weight. "Hikari... in my cycle, she never made it to this world. Or maybe she did, and was... killed before she could matter. I never even realized it. I never had the chance to save her."
The words struck Subaru like a blade. His vision blurred with emotion, breath catching in his throat. The image of Hikari—bright-eyed, holding onto his hand with childlike trust—flashed through his mind. His little sister. His only family. Gone?
No. Not if he could stop it.
Flugel's voice returned, softer now, but carved in steel. "Don't wait. Don't second guess. Time won't always grant you the same window. Every cycle plays by different rules."
That was all Subaru needed.
Without another word, he gathered mana into his legs, his whole body lighting up with urgency. Every nerve screamed the same order: Now. NOW NOW!
He reached the mansion like a gust of wind, flinging the front door open with a bang that echoed through the hallways. His footsteps thundered across the polished floor as he charged forward. Ram appeared suddenly from a side corridor, her usual composed expression overtaken by surprise.
"Barusu? What's going on?"
But he didn't stop. There was no time to explain. He brushed past her without a glance, heading straight for the hall that led to Roswaal's chambers.
Arriving at the tall ornate door, Subaru didn't bother with courtesy. He raised a foot and kicked it open, the heavy wood swinging wide with a creak of protest.
Inside, seated amidst rich fabrics and flickering candlelight, was the garishly dressed man who always seemed like part court jester, part madman. Roswaal smiled knowingly, as if he'd been expecting Subaru at that very moment.
His slit-pupiled eyes gleamed with unreadable intent. His fingers toyed idly with a crystal sphere, like a predator playing with its food.
Subaru stepped forward, his voice sharp and without hesitation.
"We need to talk. Now."
(A/N: Status update.
As of now, I have decided to significantly alter the plot.
It will deviate from the classic story, but there will be some similarities.
I will add extra characters and other elements. )