The journey ahead was expected to take roughly ten days, a significant improvement compared to their initial arrival. Patrasche, the steadfast ground dragon pulling their carriage, was no ordinary creature. Her powerful limbs and seemingly boundless stamina allowed her to travel nearly twice the speed of a regular land dragon. On their way to Kararagi, it had taken almost twenty exhausting days to reach their destination. This time, the road back promised to be faster, smoother, and with any luck, entirely uneventful.
The wind carried the scent of blooming trees and newly stirred soil, reminding Subaru that spring had taken hold during their long absence. He leaned back slightly against the seat, letting his eyes wander to the sky beyond the fluttering edge of the carriage's canvas canopy. The clouds above moved lazily, pushed by soft gusts that mirrored the carriage's gentle rocking as they progressed along the winding road. It was peaceful—too peaceful, perhaps.
Anastasia had separated from their group about a month earlier. She had informed them of her intention to return to Lugunica ahead of time, citing business and political matters. Before her departure, she had requested a private conversation with Subaru. What Subaru thought would be a short farewell turned into a lengthy, meaningful discussion where she listened carefully to his plans and intentions. He hadn't anticipated her becoming so deeply involved, but she had gone above and beyond anything he could have expected.
Her diplomatic network had opened doors that would've otherwise remained shut. Information that would've taken Subaru weeks to gather was handed to him within hours. And it wasn't just data—Anastasia provided insight, interpretation, and suggestions. Her tactical mind proved invaluable during their time in Kararagi, especially when Subaru's own judgment was clouded by fatigue or emotion.
But perhaps the most irreplaceable thing she had done was help him find Hikari. His little sister. Without Anastasia's resources and subtle maneuvering, there was no telling how long, or even if, Subaru would've found her. That moment of reunion had etched itself into Subaru's memory permanently. It wasn't dramatic or tearful, but it was profound.
Anastasia hadn't stopped there. She had also assisted in acquiring Duskveil, a tool—or rather, a key—that Subaru still didn't fully understand. Its significance was growing clearer by the day, but the true extent of its power remained a mystery. She had provided transport, shelter, contacts, and even a few under-the-table favors. Subaru knew she was investing in him, and that someday, she would call in that investment. The thought both reassured and unsettled him. Subaru hated the feeling of owing anyone, and in Anastasia's case, the list was long.
He exhaled softly and turned his head to the right. Beatrice sat beside him, lost in her book. Her expression was calm, brows slightly furrowed in concentration. Her small hands moved with practiced grace as she flipped the pages. She looked so focused, so immersed, it brought a rare smile to Subaru's face. On his left, Hikari had fallen asleep, her head resting lightly on his shoulder, her breaths shallow and even. She looked at peace, unburdened by the chaos they had left behind.
Beatrice must have noticed him watching. Without a word, she shifted slightly closer, angling the book so they could read together. Subaru adjusted his posture and held down the corner of the page to keep it from fluttering in the breeze. Outside, twilight painted the world in pastel hues. The low murmur of wheels turning over dirt and stone, the creak of the wooden frame, and the occasional flap of canvas filled the air with a comforting rhythm.
And yet, in that serenity, a thought took root in Subaru's mind. A thought that refused to let go:
"I wonder if something important happened while we were gone."
The idea wormed its way deeper, refusing to be silenced. He had received letters—Emilia had written with cheerful details about palace meetings, local preparations for planting season, and her attempts to resolve minor disputes in the capital. It all sounded routine. Anastasia had also sent word, though her messages were more cryptic, filled with implications and veiled warnings. Nothing had been explicitly alarming. But Subaru had learned the hard way not to trust appearances.
The world could tilt in an instant, and a single moment of complacency could cost lives. Even as he listened to the soft breaths of the people beside him, Subaru couldn't shake the sense that something was shifting beyond the horizon.
Then, like a whisper brushing against his soul, a familiar voice echoed in his thoughts:
"Don't be so anxious. You've done what you needed to do. She's here—our sister is safe. Don't waste this moment."
Flugel. His voice wasn't forceful. It came with a strange warmth, almost like an older brother's reassurance. It was hard to believe this was the same man who once tormented Subaru with riddles and withheld knowledge. But in that moment, the voice offered comfort.
Subaru didn't respond. Not aloud. Instead, he turned his eyes back to the book, sharing the quiet pages with Beatrice. He didn't need to speak to acknowledge what he felt. He understood.
He would always remain vigilant. That would never change. But for now—for just a little while—he allowed himself to believe in the peace that surrounded them.
Because if there was one thing he knew without question, it was this: he did not regret going to Kararagi. That journey had tested his body, mind, and soul. And more than that, it had changed him.
It had made him stronger.
And he would never, ever look back with regret.
Night had fallen in earnest, the forest blanketed in a dense shroud of clouds. Only faint slivers of moonlight managed to pierce through the tangled canopy, casting silver streaks across the clearing. Patrasche pulled the dragon carriage into a spacious opening amid towering trees, the rhythmic clop of hooves echoing through the night. Traveling any further would have been reckless; the group decided to make camp until dawn. A profound stillness settled over the clearing, broken only by the gentle chorus of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves. The forest felt alive yet serene, filled with secrets whispered on the breeze.
Rem descended from the carriage with graceful steps, cradling a large woven basket brimming with carefully prepared sandwiches. She glanced around, assessing the camp's perimeter with a protective instinct before setting the basket down. In a lightly scolding voice, she said, "Letting you all go to sleep hungry would be unacceptable." A soft glow of pride lit her face as she unveiled the sandwiches, each one wrapped with meticulous care.
Subaru let out a chuckle, his eyes crinkling as he reached into the basket and pulled out three sandwiches. "You're a lifesaver, Rem," he said warmly. Turning, he held one out toward Beatrice, who eyed it for a moment, then nodded curtly and accepted it. She carefully laid her stack of books aside and began eating with small, precise bites, as though each taste deserved full attention.
On Subaru's left, Hikari lay curled up on a blanket, murmuring softly in her sleep. Subaru hesitated, reluctant to disturb her slumber, but he knew exactly how to wake his little sister. Since they were children, one thing never failed: the scent of food. It was Hikari's inevitable weakness.
Grinning, Subaru brought a sandwich close to her face. Hikari twitched, her nose wrinkling as the aroma reached her. Slowly, her eyelids fluttered open. "Nii-nii? Oh! Food!" she cried, suddenly wide awake. She snatched the sandwich from his hand and tore into it with enthusiastic bites. The sight drew laughter from Elsa, Meili, and even a quiet chuckle from Rem. Hikari tried to speak through a mouthful of bread and filling, her words muffled and unintelligible, causing the others to laugh even harder.
Once she finally swallowed, Hikari spun to Rem, her face glowing. "Rem-nee, you're my hero! Thank you so much! I wish onii-chan could cook like you!" Her voice was bright and musical, her eyes shining like stars.
Subaru blinked at her, affronted. "Hey… I thought my cooking was decent!" he protested, crossing his arms with mock offense.
Rem shifted her gaze away, clearly unwilling to confirm his fears out loud. Meili, however, showed no such hesitation. "Subaru-nii… your cooking is a crime against taste buds."
Elsa lifted an eyebrow, her tone casual as she murmured, "Hm? If I can chew it, that's enough for me." Her words were delivered with such calm sincerity that it was unclear whether she was joking.
Beatrice chimed in with a grave nod. "Indeed, my partner's culinary aptitude is practically nonexistent, I dare say." She clasped her hands together in solemn agreement.
Subaru fell dramatically to his knees, throwing his arms to the sky as he wailed, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Hikari quickly dropped beside him, clutching his hand, giggling as she reassured him, "Don't worry, onii-chan. As long as Rem-nee's here, we'll never go hungry!"
Their playful exchange seemed to wash away the group's fatigue. The clearing rang with laughter, echoing between the trees. After the laughter faded, the group began settling in for the night. Meili nestled close to Elsa, burying herself beneath a shared blanket, while Rem paced the perimeter of the camp, scanning the shadows for any hint of danger. Beatrice, meanwhile, picked up her book again, reading quietly until her eyelids drooped shut, surrendering at last to sleep as the forest hummed gently around them.
Yet Subaru remained awake a little while longer, long after the gentle breathing of his companions lulled the night into a fragile calm. A quiet restlessness stirred within him—not sharp or urgent, but persistent, like a whisper threading through his bones. Sleep tugged at him, but his thoughts would not let him drift. Hoping to ease the disquiet and tend to Patrasche, he slipped out of the dragon carriage with practiced quiet. He draped a cloak over his shoulders and stepped into the cool embrace of the night, the chill immediately wrapping around him like an old, familiar tension. He shivered, but the sensation was oddly grounding.
The world outside was hushed and still, save for the occasional rustling of leaves and the soft creaking of the carriage's wooden frame as it settled in place. He made his way to the back of the vehicle where they kept sacks of feed. The cloth crinkled beneath his fingers as he pulled it open and scooped out a generous handful. Turning to the front, he walked quietly toward the waiting figure of Patrasche.
The dragon was statuesque in her patience, standing quietly until Subaru approached. At the sound of his steps and the familiar scent of his presence, her ears twitched, and her head lifted in recognition. She greeted him with a low rumble that vibrated softly through the air, almost like a purring cat. Subaru knelt down, scattering the feed on the flattened earth in front of her. Patrasche dipped her head and began to eat, every motion measured and calm. Her eyes briefly met his—large, dark, and content. In that fleeting moment of connection, Subaru felt something inside him ease.
He let himself sink onto the nearby grass, folding his legs as he settled beside her. The ground was still damp with fading dew, but he didn't mind. He tilted his head up and gazed at the sky, where stars sprawled across the heavens in dizzying constellations. The moon hung low, a pale sentinel in a sea of silver pinpricks. Around him, silence stretched thick and deep, but inside his mind, a torrent surged.
Each star, to Subaru, felt like a memory suspended in space. Some glimmered with hope. Others pulsed with sorrow or regret. They were reminders of things he had survived, choices he had made, and burdens he still carried. Thoughts of Hikari, of Emilia, of Beatrice and everyone he had sworn to protect danced in and out of his consciousness. Would they be safe? Would he be strong enough the next time something terrible happened? Would this fragile peace last more than a few days?
Then, like a ripple across a still lake, a familiar voice coiled into his thoughts:
"I'm curious, Natsuki Subaru. When you look up, what do you really see beyond those stars?"
Flugel's voice emerged from the dark recesses of his mind, smooth and almost teasing—like someone poking at a wound just to see if it still hurt. He sounded amused, as always, but there was a quiet thread of genuine curiosity woven into his words.
Subaru didn't startle. He didn't even look around. His eyes remained locked on the sky. "I don't know," he said after a pause, his voice hushed but firm. "And honestly? I don't really care what I'm looking at. Stars are just stars. They don't have answers."
There was a beat of silence before Flugel responded. "Then stop being an idiot and get back inside," he said, his tone shifting into something sharper. "You don't have immunity to the illnesses of this world. You know that."
Subaru rolled his eyes, but not unkindly. There was something almost touching in Flugel's irritation—as though the ancient being was, in his own strange way, worried about him. Subaru exhaled through his nose, nodding slowly.
"Alright, alright. You win," he muttered, pushing himself up off the ground. The cold grass clung to the hem of his cloak as he stood and brushed off the moisture. Patrasche gave him a brief glance before returning to her meal.
He made his way back to the carriage. The interior was dim but warm, filled with the quiet presence of those he held dear. Hikari's head still rested gently on his arm, her soft breathing an anchor of calm. Beatrice had finally closed her book and now sat upright with her eyes closed, her chest rising and falling in a slow, even rhythm. The tension that had plagued Subaru since sunset eased just a little more.
He nestled quietly between them, careful not to wake Hikari. Drawing the blanket over his body, he allowed himself to relax into the warmth. Before closing his eyes, he reached up and gently brushed a hand through Hikari's hair, the strands soft against his fingertips. Her presence, real and peaceful, grounded him.
Perhaps by morning, a new problem would be waiting for them. Something always did. A shadow creeping over the horizon, a name whispered in fear, a sudden loss.
But not tonight.
Tonight, the stars were still. The wind was kind. The forest murmured its ancient lullaby. And the people he loved most in the world were by his side.
And in that rare and fleeting moment, Subaru remembered something simple and vital:
Life—fragile, painful, uncertain life—was still worth living.
[Ten Days Later]
After a long and exhausting journey that felt as though it would never end, the group finally reached the towering gates of Roswaal's mansion. The massive stone walls loomed high, cloaked in ivy, and the heavy iron gates creaked open as though welcoming them home. Subaru inhaled deeply, trying to steady the uneasy flutter in his chest. For the moment, everything appeared safe—no ambushes, no sudden violence. The estate lay before them exactly as he remembered it, familiar and reassuring.
In the front garden, five figures waited to greet them: Frederica standing tall and graceful, Petra struggling to hide the eager smile pulling at her lips, Ram observing everything with her cool and sharp gaze, Roswaal exuding his usual exaggerated charm, and Emilia, her silver hair glinting in the light, eyes full of tenderness and longing. The welcome was simple, but its warmth wrapped around them like a soft blanket.
Rem was the first to leap down from the dragon carriage, lifting a hand in an exuberant wave. Ram offered a small but genuine gesture in return, her own eyes softening ever so slightly. Patrasche, patient as ever, snorted and came to a halt right in the center of the garden.
Meili and Elsa wasted no time hopping out next. As their boots hit the ground, they stretched dramatically.
"My bones are screaming from that ride~," Elsa moaned with a crooked grin, rolling her shoulders. Meili heaved a sigh and nudged Elsa with her elbow, agreeing wholeheartedly.
Subaru descended carefully, turning back to the carriage with an arm outstretched. He first helped Beatrice down, then held out his hand to Hikari. He lowered his little sister gently, ensuring she landed safely on the path. Hikari held tightly to his fingers, blinking up at the new surroundings with wide, cautious eyes.
Emilia's breath caught when she saw Hikari for the first time. Her violet eyes widened as she took in the child's features—the delicate face so strikingly similar to Subaru's, paired with an innocent glow that made her even more endearing. Frederica and Ram shared a subtle glance, nodding as though silently confirming an unspoken thought. Meanwhile, Petra stared with round eyes and a tiny frown pulling at her lips, as though unsure how to react to the new arrival.
Roswaal threw his arms wide, his robes billowing like a stage curtain. "Subaru-kuuuun~ how delightful it is to see you reunited with your precious little sister. Yes, yes… it truly warms this humble magician's heart~" Though his words were light, his gaze lingered curiously on Hikari, as though measuring her worth.
Subaru immediately noticed the calculating glimmer in Roswaal's eyes. His brows knitted together as he began, "Yo—"
But he never finished, because Emilia dashed forward and wrapped her arms around him with a fierce hug. "Subaru! I missed you so much! Why were you gone for so long? I felt so lonely without you!"
A sudden sparkle of magic danced in the air as Puck appeared out of nowhere, floating down toward Beatrice.
"Betty~!" he cried in a cheerful voice.
"Nii-chan!" Beatrice squeaked, flying into Puck's tiny arms. Her usual grumpy demeanor melted into genuine affection, her eyes glowing with happiness.
The flurry of emotional reunions touched even Ram and Rem, who moved closer until their hands found each other, fingers intertwining softly. Rem's eyes glistened, as though holding back tears of relief and joy.
Still clutching Hikari's small hand, Subaru slipped his other arm around Emilia's waist and pulled her close. "I missed you too, Mili. I'm sorry it took so long. There was so much we had to get through… but I'm back now."
Emilia drew back slightly to study his face, searching his eyes with trembling lips. Then she smiled through a sheen of unshed tears. "Welcome home, Subaru."
A wave of gentle warmth radiated through the entire group, wrapping them in a sense of peace. For a few precious moments, the trials of their long journey seemed like distant memories, replaced by the comfort of being together once more.
Emilia gently pulled back from Subaru, a soft but radiant smile blooming on her lips. She lowered herself gracefully to one knee in front of Hikari, who was still gripping Subaru's legs as if afraid to let go.
"You must be Hikari. I didn't realize you'd be this incredibly adorable," Emilia said warmly, her voice ringing with genuine wonder.
Without hesitation, she enveloped the little girl in a gentle hug. Hikari stiffened for an instant, her eyes going wide with surprise, and a tiny shiver ran through her slender frame. "A-Ah… hello…" she stammered, voice barely above a whisper, as Subaru watched the scene unfold, unable to hide his affectionate grin at the sight of the shy girl.
Subaru then lifted his gaze and locked eyes with Roswaal. As if waiting for that precise cue, Roswaal stepped forward with an exaggerated sweep of his robes, eyes glimmering mischievously.
"Well theeeennnn~ please, everyone, step inside, I insist~ It's obvious we have far more than just a few tales to share, yes indeed~"
Once Emilia let go, Hikari stood there blinking, a bit lost for a moment before immediately turning back toward Subaru and clutching at his coat. Subaru gave a soft chuckle, scooping her gently into his arms. Together, the group moved into the mansion's grand hallway, heading toward the impressive meeting chamber.
Finally, after countless trials and a journey that had tested every one of them, the long-awaited reunion had arrived. Yet an undercurrent of tension hung in the air, hinting that the true conversation—the one full of secrets and difficult truths—was only about to begin.
Inside the high-ceilinged chamber, Subaru found himself rather uncomfortably wedged into a tight spot. Emilia was pressed close on his right, Beatrice leaned against him on his left, and Hikari nestled contentedly in his lap, playing absentmindedly with the buttons on his jacket. He sighed quietly, his thoughts grumbling, This is way too cramped… Hikari's soft murmurs soothed him a little, though he could still feel a palpable current of anxiety coursing through the room.
Meili and Elsa claimed one of the long side couches, adopting relaxed yet distinctly alert postures. Meili curled up with her legs tucked beneath her, her eyes moving watchfully from person to person, calculating and unreadable. Beside her, Elsa reclined with one leg crossed over the other, looking deceptively casual even as her fingers drummed lightly on the armrest, ready to spring into action.
Behind Subaru, Rem stood like a silent sentinel, her posture rigid, every sense trained on her surroundings. She radiated the quiet strength of a devoted guardian. Ram remained a step behind Roswaal, her gaze sharp as it scanned the room, seemingly poised to intervene at a second's notice. Frederica and Petra were also posted further back in the chamber, both standing at attention. Petra's bright eyes rarely left Subaru, brimming with curiosity and lingering worry, while Frederica's face was composed but marked by subtle tension.
With a single elegant clap of his hands, Roswaal commanded the room's focus. "Welcome baaack once agaiiinnn~ Now that our sweet reunion is over, might we finally unravel the tale of everything that has transpired~? I am quite eager to hear every detail~"
Subaru inhaled deeply, casting a steady gaze over the faces gathered before him. Slowly, he began to speak. He recounted his conversation with Anastasia in meticulous detail—the way her calm demeanor cloaked sharp intellect and cunning, how she offered assistance while carefully probing for leverage. Subaru described the edge behind her courteous words, the sense of being tested even as she smiled sweetly.
As he spoke, Subaru could sense a subtle tension emanating from his right. Emilia was obviously struggling to keep her emotions under control. Though she tried to mask it, her glances were fleeting, her lips pressed into a thin, strained line. There was no mistaking the flicker of jealousy and concern in her violet eyes, betraying how deeply she cared—and how uneasy she felt about everything that remained unsaid.
Subaru continued recounting the events of his journey, his voice steady but carrying the weight of hard-won experience. Each word was deliberate, not for dramatics, but because every memory he revisited still bore the sting of danger, sacrifice, and change. He began with the duel he had shared with Julius, a clash not only of blades but of pride, philosophy, and mutual growth. The sun had scorched the earth beneath their feet, and steel had sung through the air, but in the end, it wasn't victory that had mattered most. It was the bond they had reforged through combat—one built on respect and tempered by hardship.
That encounter, intense as it was, turned out to be only a precursor to something far more harrowing.
Subaru shifted to the account of their confrontation with Lucas Veilhart, the Sin Archbishop of Pride. The room grew perceptibly colder at the mere mention of the name. Lucas had not fought like the others. There was an instability to him, a wildness that made every second on the battlefield unpredictable. He was newly appointed, but his lack of experience was drowned in his insatiable desire to prove himself worthy of the Witch's favor. The man's pride bordered on delusion, twisting reality around him. He didn't just fight; he taunted, tested, and played with his prey.
As Subaru described Lucas' behavior, Roswaal visibly tensed. His fingers curled, and his eyes narrowed with concern. Still, he said nothing, allowing Subaru to continue.
Subaru described in detail how he and Julius had infiltrated the city of Ivada under the cover of night. Every step had been taken with caution, every decision weighed against the unknown dangers that lay ahead. He explained their journey toward the border town of Banan, how the roads had been riddled with traps both magical and mundane. It had been Maria and Marcus who made survival possible. He spoke their names with reverence, recounting their selflessness and the strength they had offered when his own was nearly depleted. Their loyalty had been like a lantern in the darkness.
Then came a turn in the tale that made more than one listener shift uncomfortably in their seats. Subaru recounted his encounter with Capella Emerada Lugunica, the Sin Archbishop of Lust. He had met her in the last place he expected: within the quiet of Hikari's temporary home. Her beauty was inhuman, grotesquely perfect, and her demeanor was a storm of contradictions—flirtatious cruelty, twisted affection, sadism disguised as grace. Her voice had curled through the air like poison, and her very presence made Subaru's skin crawl.
At that, Roswaal rose from his seat with alarm. "You fought two Archbishops and survived to tell the tale? That's beyond extraordinary," he said, eyes wide in disbelief.
Subaru turned his gaze toward him and tilted his head slightly, the look in his eyes not one of pride but a quiet warning. The message was clear: This is not a tale for amusement or admiration.
Roswaal cleared his throat and returned to his seat, gesturing awkwardly for Subaru to continue.
Subaru obliged, but the story grew only darker. Next came Regulus Corneas, the Sin Archbishop of Greed—a name that had haunted many and broken more. The moment Subaru spoke it, Roswaal sprang to his feet a second time, even more shocked.
"Three Archbishops?!" he exclaimed.
Silence fell over the room like a shroud.
Subaru's hand came down hard on the table. The loud crack echoed like a thunderclap. The noise cut through the stillness, yanking everyone to attention. Even the air seemed to grow heavier.
"Roswaal," Subaru said, voice low and unwavering. "If you keep interrupting, you may never hear this again. Let me finish."
There was no anger in his tone, but there was no room for negotiation either. Roswaal sat down slowly, chastened.
Subaru paused. He had reached the next chapter of his tale, the part where power took form in its most dangerous shape.
He gently shifted Hikari from his lap and rose to his feet. Without a word, he raised one hand, and a shimmer of black light sparked into existence. From it emerged Duskveil.
The cursed twin daggers floated for a moment before landing in Subaru's hands, their blades wrapped in an aura so heavy it made the very space around them feel darker. The shadows in the room deepened. Duskveil did not howl or flash; its power was quiet, but suffocating.
"This," Subaru began, his voice steady despite the weight in the air, "is one of the legendary Ten Swords: the Cursed Sword, Duskveil. It was entrusted to me by Ricard Hoshin, a high-ranking figure in Kararagi, in recognition of my battle against the Witch Cult."
The reaction was immediate. Ram and Rem flinched, pinching their noses as if the scent of decay had suddenly filled the room. Petra stumbled back in instinctive fear, and Frederica's eyes sharpened, her entire posture bracing for an unseen threat.
Subaru let the daggers linger for only a moment more before dispelling them. They vanished like a breath into the air, and with them, the crushing pressure began to lift.
But the memory of their presence remained.
He continued with his tale, now speaking of Halibel, the stoic warrior who had offered him a path to become stronger. Subaru described the offer, not as a favor, but as a challenge. Halibel had not coddled him. Instead, he had demanded effort, willpower, and endurance.
Then came Beatrice. The True Pact they had forged was not merely symbolic. It was a covenant of trust, built through shared pain and mutual growth. She had become his partner not by obligation, but by choice.
Subaru described the two months that followed in excruciating detail: the pain of training, the bruises, the nights where his magic left him gasping for air, the days where his muscles refused to respond. He spoke of learning not just how to cast spells, but how to listen to mana, how to bend it without breaking. He learned how to move in sync with the battlefield, how to fight with precision instead of desperation.
His body had changed. His spirit had hardened. And his will—the same will that had carried him through countless deaths—had been reforged into something unyielding.
All of it, every moment, had led him to this.
And now, for the first time, he was finally ready to speak it all aloud—not to boast, but to bear witness.
Because someone had to remember.
Because someone needed to understand what it cost just to survive.
Except for Beatrice and Hikari, everyone in the room was listening to Subaru with intense focus. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the walls. The orange glow touched faces pulled taut with concentration, absorbing every word that fell from Subaru's lips. Tension hung in the air, not from distrust, but from the gravity of his tale. It was a story laced with blood and despair, decisions made in seconds that cost lives, and triumphs that came at the edge of madness.
Yet, despite the tension saturating the room, Beatrice and Hikari had already drifted into a gentle slumber beside him. Beatrice's head had slumped softly against Subaru's shoulder, her small frame rising and falling with each measured breath. The strain she had carried, the concern she never voiced, now rested against him in quiet trust. Hikari, ever the stubborn little shadow, clung to the fabric of Subaru's collar. Her fingers curled like a cat kneading into a familiar warmth, a tiny, peaceful smile playing on her lips. Their quiet presence was more grounding than anything he'd said aloud. In their rest, Subaru found the silent affirmation that everything he had endured meant something—that he had kept something precious safe.
When Subaru finally finished recounting his story, his throat raw from speaking for so long, a heavy silence settled over the room. His last words hung in the air, unresolved, unanswered. Then, with a dramatic flair that somehow felt expected, Roswaal broke the silence.
"Thank you for your explanation, Subaru-kun~ The parts about battling the Archbishops were particularly fascinating," he said, stretching out the final syllable like a cat stretching in the sun. His eyes twinkled with interest, but there was a sharpness behind them. Roswaal always had more thoughts than he let on.
Subaru mustered a tired, somewhat forced smile. His lips twitched with sarcasm he didn't feel strong enough to express. "Yeah... I have to admit, it was incredibly tough—except for Lucas."
And just like that, as if summoned by irony itself, Flugel's voice burst into laughter inside his mind. It wasn't a soft chuckle or a quiet giggle. It was raucous, unapologetic laughter, like thunder rumbling through his thoughts.
"Seriously? You barely did anything. Lucas was a brand-new Archbishop who didn't even know how to use his Authority properly yet," Flugel sneered, his tone thick with contemptuous mirth. "In all that chaos, his presence was more of an uncertainty than a real threat."
Subaru winced internally. The truth was hard to refute.
"And Capella," Flugel continued, his voice now dripping with disdain, "She only cared about getting into bed with you. No true will to fight, no tactical instinct. She wasn't a predator—she was a bored animal toying with her prey. To her, the whole affair was a game. A sick, perverse little game."
There was a pause, just long enough for Subaru to brace himself.
"And Regulus..." The name alone sent a chill down Subaru's spine.
Flugel's tone changed—calmer now, but heavier, darker. "Let's not even start. I'm the one who fought him. I'm the one who analyzed his Authority, planned every maneuver, every calculated strike. You? You endured. You suffered. You survived. But you didn't win. I did. All you did was carry the pain."
Subaru's brows furrowed ever so slightly, but his face betrayed none of the conflict raging within. He couldn't deny the voice in his head. Flugel wasn't wrong—at least, not entirely. But the weight of the battles didn't vanish just because someone else carried the strategy. Every scream, every wound, every desperate breath taken between moments of collapse—they were his. They belonged to Subaru alone.
Flugel's presence in his mind was like winter wind—cold, relentless, always reminding him that comfort came at a price. And honesty, especially this kind, scraped like ice across exposed skin.
Still, despite the brutal commentary and the memories gnawing at him like old scars, Subaru remained silent. There was still so much unsaid in his heart: the crushing guilt of those he couldn't save, the growing uncertainty about who he was becoming, and the creeping exhaustion that no amount of rest seemed to ease.
But for now, it wasn't the time to express those things. He glanced down at the girls beside him.
Beatrice's quiet breaths brushed against his neck, slow and rhythmic like a lullaby from another lifetime. Hikari's fingers twitched softly against his collar, even in sleep maintaining her unconscious grip. They were both so small in that moment, so unaware of the shadows clinging to Subaru's back. And yet, they were the reason he endured.
And just like that, the weight pressing on his chest lifted—if only slightly. It was not gone, not even close. But it was less crushing. The war in his mind continued unabated, a ceaseless tide of second-guessing and half-swallowed fears. Yet within this room, with the warmth of the fire on his skin and the presence of those he cared for so deeply pressed close against him, Subaru found something like peace.
A fragile peace. Temporary. But enough.
For now.