--Let's go back a little in time to a strategy meeting on the way to the Mathers territory.
Subaru: "I won't let the villagers or Emilia-tan know that the Witch Cult is approaching. I think the reason for the evacuation is… vague, like bandits or thieves having infiltrated the area or something."
"The reason for concealing the truth is... I don't think there's any need to ask."
Hearing the origins of Subaru's plan, Julius sighed in understanding. He sensed a similar reaction coming from several of the people connected via Nect,
Subaru: "Thanks for that enlightened response… Just as everyone thought, if it is discovered that the Witch Cult is involved in this turmoil, there's a high chance that the brunt of the victimization will be directed at Emilia-tan. I didn't want to think that there were people who thought that way."
Subaru knew from seeing it with his own eyes that the results would not meet his expectations.
Emilia's origins were no exception even to the good-natured villagers, as she was of an abhorrent bloodline that deserved to be shunned.
No matter how much he spoke about his resentment and rebellious spirit towards that distorted sense of discrimination, it would never be enough, but there was no way he could immediately retract it here. Subaru temporarily forgot the deep-rooted irritation he felt in his chest, and calmed himself down with a long sigh.
"Let's unify the bandits around there. The people causing trouble in the royal capital have infiltrated here, and Crusch-san's camp, who are allies with us, have come to their aid. How about something like that?"
Subaru: "Although it may be a cliché, your opinion is not so flawed. The question is whether Emilia-sama and the people of the village will be fooled by it…"
"In truth, with this many of us gathered together, and the presence of the peddler troops ahead of us, I think that's enough to divert attention from the unnaturalness. Besides, it's not like I'm planning on fooling everyone. I have an idea of who would be able to guess that."
Subaru's confident attitude made Julius close one eye and reply, "Is that so?". On his behalf, the one who asked questions about Subaru's plan was,
"I understand that Emilia-sama wants to avoid becoming the target of criticism, but I still don't really understand what Subaru-kun said earlier, do you?"
"I don't understand... I mean, what do you mean?"
"The part that says I have no intention of having an emotional reunion with Emilia-sama, Subaru-kun."
In this operation, there was one person who mercilessly struck at the part of Subaru's mind that was confusing him the most - Ferris.
He didn't hesitate when Subaru hesitated, and instead pursued his question.
"After forming an alliance with Crusch-sama, he also cooperated in the subjugation of the White Whale. And right now, he's returning with reinforcements to defeat the foreign enemy threatening his territory - this feels like something out of a heroic tale. I heard they had a brutal breakup, but I think he's more than redeemed himself with his actions."
"Looking at it like that, it seems like a pretty stupid list of achievements... Well, when I think about what I've done wrong, I don't think I can make up for it without an achievement of that magnitude."
"Subaru-kun, maybe it would be a good idea for you to look back on your actions a bit more objectively, says Ferry."
When Ferris grumbles in response to Subaru's self-blaming remarks, it seems those around him agree with him. Although he is happy about their consideration, he is reminded of the foolishness he committed when he parted ways with Emilia and can't stop mocking himself.
How many achievements would it take to erase all those foolish acts and abusive language?
"There's no way I can pretend it never happened. Those were my true feelings at the time."
I acted selfishly, got carried away, and desired the heart of my beloved. Looking back on it now, I want to turn a blind eye to that ugliness -- but that's also me.
"That's why, in truth, I want to take credit for it and go home and apologize for everything that happened back then..."
"Can't you do that?"
"If she knew I was there... No, if she knew I was going to stay behind in the village and fight the outside enemies, she's not the kind of girl to quietly run away. Nine times out of ten, she'll stay with us. Or even if she didn't, she'd probably turn back halfway through. That's the kind of girl she is."
"But you're fighting, right? But even so..."
"If she was the kind of girl who could leave the person she had a fight with in a dangerous situation and then feel relieved and relieved afterwards...I probably wouldn't have fallen for her so much."
His previous failure was that, despite predicting Petelgeuse's counterattack, he neglected to be on guard against his wickedness, and also that he let Emilia and the madman meet, even though he knew they should not have met.
As for the former, a strategy is beginning to become clear after some deductions. Ironically, this is also thanks to my death last time.
And as for the latter,
"The external enemy is the Witch Cult, and I must not let Emilia-tan realize that they are targeting her. I must not let it be known that I am the one connected to the extermination force fighting the external enemy. This is an essential condition for keeping Emilia-tan away from the battlefield. I can say it with certainty."
『Do I really have to be that cautious? Emilia-sama, if you join the extermination squad, I don't think you'll be a hindrance, you know? Even the Great Spirit is with you…』
"Considering Crusch-san's example, I think it would be best for Emilia-tan to take the lead in earning fame points… but I will have to pass on that this time. I cannot have Emilia-tan undergo the trials of the Witch Cult and the Sin Archbishop."
Ferris shrugged in agreement at Subaru's firm assertion. He then looked around to see if anyone had any other questions, and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that no one else had any.
"When it comes to persuading the villagers, they'll feel more at ease if they know that it's me and Crusch's army. I'd like Ferris and Wilhelm to cooperate."
"Understood" "Okay then"
Hearing the two voices of approval, Subaru pulled out a white robe from his luggage and put it on, though he was a little unsure about the length of the sleeves.
Made to be slightly larger than its original owner, it covered Subaru's body without any problems,
"The faint scent of Emilia-tan increases my motivation!"
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that statement, but... from what I can see, it appears to be a robe with a rather unusual magic formula attached to it."
"I won't hide it, it's the miracle cure that has protected me from the Emilyase deficiency syndrome these past few days. On sleepless nights I secretly press it against my face and it helps me release the frustration I've been feeling… hey, what's up with that face? It can't be helped! Getting turned on by the possessions of the girl you like is something that everyone goes through!"
Subaru felt indignant that Julius, the earth dragon running next to him, had put some distance between them. Julius sighed in exasperation at Subaru, and prefaced his remark with, "And then..."
"Going back to the topic... what about that robe? The moment you put it on, it seemed like your existence faded away."
"Yeah, apparently it's woven with some kind of 『Recognition Impairment』 spell or something. It's a handy item made by Roswaal... it was originally Emilia-tan's personal property. By coincidence, yes by coincidence, it's now in my hands. I didn't steal it, right?"
"We will investigate the source at some point, and then… Ah, I see."
In the middle of Subaru's response, Julius pulls his chin in as if he understands what he's saying. Subaru feels uncomfortable, as if his thoughts have been read, and "What is it?" he glares at the good-looking man, his nasty expression getting even worse. However, the knight himself remains cool,
"I guess I have come to realise once again just how much of a loser you are. To be honest, it is not rational. You are the complete opposite of Lady Anastasia."
Subaru: "In the end, I intend to get everything I want, so I don't think there are many people with more greed than me. Emilia-tan's praise and everything else is mine, exactly like that. It's getting exciting!"
Subaru gripped the reins tightly and bared his teeth in a grin, and Julius sighed for what seemed like ages, then turned forward and said in a voice that no one could hear,
"Sometimes, like now, I feel cursed to be a knight."
"That's what he muttered.
※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※
--Up until now, the policy had been to enter the Mathers territory and immediately eradicate the Witch Cult, whose locations had been split apart.
However, this time, they couldn't afford to get the Witch Cults on their guard by fighting them first. They had to get through the highway as stealthily as possible, go through the forest road, enter the village, and convince the villagers to evacuate.
To be honest, being ambushed by the Witch Cult from the side at this point would have been a fatal development in the flow of this operation. Once they had come into conflict with the Witch Cult, all of the plans they had worked so hard to come up with would have had to be wasted.
However, during the march into the territory, which they had been marching through with the greatest vigilance ever, fortunately no such uncouth interference occurred,
"Arrived safely... oh my, things are getting tense."
By the time the extermination squad arrived at the entrance to the village, the atmosphere in the village was already filled with considerable suspicion.
They should have arrived at the village in a straight line, but looking at the group of dragon carriages parked at the edge of the village, the peddlers must have arrived there midnight last night.
Considering that Subaru and his friends had fought the White Whale in the middle of the road and had rested before setting off, it was only natural that the peddlers who had taken a detour would have an advantage of several hours.
"The blank letter has already been delivered to the mansion..."
Seeing this, Emilia, the recipient, was in great confusion, and the person standing next to her who had also seen the same letter,
"Following the peddler who brought the blank letter, now an armed group has appeared... It seems they don't understand whose territory this is."
As Subaru and the others bravely entered the village, he greeted them with hostility, hands on his hips and looking up at them with disrespectful expressions.
She was a cute-looking girl with short, cropped pink hair, a petite body and a waitress' uniform - however, Subaru knew that beneath that cat-like cuteness she hid a sharp and edgy personality.
"So, what business do your people have in this village? This commotion... I don't think it's unrelated to the merchants who suddenly showed up in the middle of the night."
"I know there are a lot of misunderstandings, but don't glare at me with such hostility. It's been a long time since we last met, so you can just tap with a smile, okay?"
"Such a selfish excuse... I've heard that nonsense before."
Subaru responded to the stern gaze with a playful gesture from above Patrasche. The girl, Ram, raised her eyebrows in response as if she had noticed something. Squinting her eyes intently, she stared at Subaru, clad in a white robe,
"...Balus?"
"Y-You're right. But seriously, this robe is amazing. Even when talking to an acquaintance, he looks at it suspiciously and half-believes it. That's the level he's in. He's got the demon instincts."
Subaru flies his hood back, revealing his face, and lets out a sigh of admiration before twisting his body and dashing off the earth dragon.
"For now, let's talk about the situation---"
I failed to land. I heard a heavy thud from my ankle, and a sharp pain pierced my brain. I crouched down on the spot, half crying.
"Hmm... let's talk...! What on earth is the intention behind this scene? Let me explain it..."
"That inconsistency is so typical of Barusu. I heard that you got left behind in the royal capital in a bad mood… but how can you have the nerve to come back here?"
「You really are merciless, aren't you!? I can't really argue with that, but I've returned with a humble face! But I didn't come back for free.」
Subaru stood up, forgetting the pain in his ankle, and gestured in front of Ram to show he was in good health. Then, as Subaru and Ram were talking face to face,
"--Hey, he's at the front of that group."
"Isn't it Subaru-sama who is talking to Ram-sama?"
"Ah, it's Subaru! Are you back?"
The villagers, who up until then had been watching the situation with anxious expressions and leaving the negotiations entirely to Ram, now pointed in our direction and began speaking unanimously.
Subaru's arrival had elevated the mysterious group of strangers to a "mysterious group led by a familiar face".
"So, what was the reason for bringing back such a large number of people? If it was for retaliation, Ram, being the one in charge of the situation, will have no choice but to fight back to the end."
"Do you think I'm that ungrateful?! If you do something bad, it's only natural that you'll get scolded. And then I'd hold a grudge or get sulky... well, I did."
「I thought so. I'll take Barusu as a hostage and force my way through to the mansion.」
"You came to that conclusion too quickly! And I'm not holding any grudge or sulking right now, so just believe me!"
Subaru pulled out his small staff and, keeping Ram in check as she was about to make a move to grab his neck, pointed his outstretched palm upwards,
"Retaliation is out of the question, and I didn't get so many people involved as a prank. Have you received the personal letter from the peddler?"
"…If that blank piece of paper can be called a personal letter, then I accepted it. As for Ram, I took it as more of a challenge, though."
"Have you always been that hot-blooded? Stop being so aggressive about everything, eat some small fish, get some calcium, and calm down."
Subaru gave a wry smile as Ram kept snapping at him, and then explained that there had been a mistake regarding the blank letter. Ram nodded reluctantly, but,
"So, regardless of the contents of the letter, we can trust it as a formality. If that's the case, then what was the actual content of the letter?"
"Of course, the original reason I stayed behind in the royal capital was to discuss the alliance between Emilia-tan and Crusch-san's camps."
Subaru's nostrils flared at Ram's question and he gestured confidently with his arm to the lined up extermination squad. As if signaled by Subaru's gesture, two shadows stepped forward from the group.
Ferris and Wilhelm. They stood next to Subaru and each gave their own greeting to Ram,
"I am Wilhelm Trias, dispatched on this expedition as a representative of His Excellency Duke Crusch Karsten."
"I'm Ferris, Lady Crusch's number one knight. The leader of the group in the back is old man Vil, and Ferri-chan is the vice-leader, I believe? Nice to meet you."
In contrast to Wilhelm's solemn greeting, Ferris' was extremely frivolous.
Ram blinked in a strangely displeased manner at the contrasting greeting.
"Thank you for your kind greeting. My name is Ram. I am the Chief Chamberlain at the mansion of Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers."
She immediately changes her attitude, picks up the edge of her skirt and bows politely. Just looking at her behavior here, you can see a glimpse of the perfect maid training she has received. However, once she starts working, her serving skills tend to be rough.
"The reason I asked you two and the others to come this time is none other than that. I think Ram has noticed as well… but we're here as reinforcements to drive away the suspicious people hiding in the forest."
"...Where did you learn that, Barus?"
"It's actually a well-known story in the royal capital, you know? The territory of a margrave who declared his support for half-elves and is now widely shunned by the people around him. There's no better place for a group of bandits looking to get their feet wet to use as a temporary hideout, you know?"
Subaru lowered his voice and replied to Ram's words with a nonchalant lie. Ram narrowed her eyes thoughtfully at Subaru's reply, and Ferris and Wilhelm, who were listening, each of their faces creased in response. However,
"That's the pretense."
"teeth?"
"Keep your voice down, and don't raise your voice in surprise, I don't want the people around to hear. …It's the Witch Cult in the forest. Their target is Emilia, and they intend to kill everyone in the village as well."
"----!"
Subaru moved closer to Ram and, in a hushed voice, told her the truth.
Ram opened her eyes slightly at this revelation and gasped, choking on the breath. And then,
"Hey, hey, hey, what's wrong? This isn't what we said. Don't tell anyone, we were supposed to go in the direction of bandits, weren't we?"
Ferris interrupted, looking surprised at the sudden change in direction. Subaru shrugged and shook his head, saying, "Oh come on."
Subaru: "There's no way we can fool everyone with such childish tricks. I had intended to tell Ram the truth from the beginning. If there isn't someone on the evacuation side who is familiar with our situation, we won't be able to deal with any unforeseen circumstances."
"---Can I trust her?"
As Subaru spoke of the truth behind his revelation, Wilhelm this time questioned him with a sharp look. Subaru met the Sword Demon's gaze head on and nodded confidently, "Yes,"
"There's no one better suited to communicate with us than Ram. After all, if the cover-up doesn't go well, Emilia-tan will end up in trouble… which will be to Roswaal's disadvantage. You won't make a mistake in that regard, right?"
Subaru turned to look at Ram, his words testing her and his smile provocative. Ram closed one eye at his words, her lips parting slightly,
"What's wrong, Barus? It's been a while since I last saw you, and you've become quite the cunning thinker."
"I learned through experience that if you stop thinking, nothing good will happen to you. So, what's the real answer?"
Subaru raised his hand and shook his finger, and Ram let out a long, small sigh, then slowly shook her head as if in resignation,
"---If that is to Roswaal-sama's advantage, Ram will do anything, and cooperate in any way. Are you satisfied with this answer, Barusu?"
"Yes, perfect. You're a model servant, Ram."
For the sake of the master she truly serves, Ram accepts the contract that deceives her temporary master. Subaru looks at her and laughs, with the expression of a mischievous brat plotting something evil - no, playing a prank on her.
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"I've always thought so, but it seems that Barusu is really an idiot."
--This was Ram's first statement after hearing the entire outline of the plan.
Although she interjected questions here and there, she listened to Subaru's plan to the very end and showed understanding and approval, before adding the words she had just said at the end.
"Don't be embarrassed when you praise me so much."
"Just keep saying it... Really, you don't have to say anything to Emilia-sama?"
「That's why! None of them are dragging me down with my lingering feelings. It's fine, it's alright, there's no problem! On the contrary, wouldn't it be super exciting to secretly save that precious girl from a pinch?」
Subaru continued to maintain his nonchalant attitude, causing Ram to sigh in resignation. Then she turned to Wilhelm and Ferris,
"Just like my apprentice servant, I can imagine how worried you must be."
"Although his actions, speech, and emotional expressions are somewhat eccentric, Subaru-dono is a fascinating person. Even at this age, there is a lot I can learn from him."
"Since you haven't been conquered as much as Old Man Vil, maybe you should just take Ram's words to heart? Well, I think you're a little better now."
Wilhelm praised him highly and Ferris was a little affectionate. Ram looked at Subaru after seeing their reactions,
"You seem to have made quite an impression on me."
"You have an abnormally low opinion of me. I suppose that's fair, but it still makes me feel down."
And so the conversation with Ram came to an end.
As she accepted Subaru's plan with no objections, his concerns were almost completely dispelled. The only remaining problem was――
"It's been a while since we last met, but can I have a word with you all?"
Stepping forward to the center of the village, Subaru waved his hands widely to attract attention.
The uncomfortable-looking peddlers, the villagers who looked uneasy at being surrounded by outsiders, and the members of the extermination squad who had been ordered to wait, all looked at Subaru in unison.
Even though it was as planned, the tension grew as everyone's eyes were on him. Subaru somehow managed to push aside the pressure he felt with a sense of duty, and forced a smile.
"Anyway, this whole fuss is my fault. It seems like it was getting a bit difficult to get word out to various places. I'd like to sort it out somehow... is that okay?"
Subaru raised his finger and asked everyone a question.
Only a still, silent silence returned to the question, and I felt terribly left out.
It's mentally draining to see so many people not reacting to my appeal. I want to apologize to my homeroom teacher now for being so cruel to her in my original world, like falling asleep during homeroom class.
As Subaru was immersed in such nostalgia,
"--May I hear your story?"
Saying this, a person took a step towards Subaru.
Whoever it was, the person who emerged from among the villagers was a familiar, distinctive figure with white hair, commonly known as "Muraosa", an ordinary old man with no connection to the village chief position.
Muraosa, who looked like a representative, combed his magnificent beard with his fingers.
"I didn't understand the situation and was feeling anxious. He explained it to me... and since he was the village's benefactor, I couldn't help but listen."
"Benefactor of the village, that's an exaggeration. I don't really..."
"That is just too humble of you, Subaru-sama. What would have happened if you hadn't gone into the forest that night and brought the children back? No one in the village knew about what happened after that."
Subaru was about to respond negatively to Muraosa's words when a young man with a crew cut stepped forward and interrupted him. A member of the Youth League, he ran his fingers through his short hair and roughly scratched it,
"There's no need to look so worried. We'll all listen. Just as much as Roswaal-sama has taken care of us, we've taken care of Subaru-sama too."
"Don't tell me I look anxious or that I'm just trying to act tough. I'm happy, but I'm really embarrassed! I look like an idiot for making that face!"
Subaru was so surprised by the warm words that he couldn't bear the sensation of his ears turning red and he held his head. He then spun around for a while to cool down. Meanwhile, the villagers gathered around Subaru in droves, ready to listen.
Naturally, everyone formed a circle like they do when doing radio calisthenics.
"Oh, oh, group activities are all about doing whatever you want. I'd love to keep going and do some radio exercises for the first time in a while, but we don't have much time, so let's just get going."
The number of gazes on him was almost the same as before, but he was used to the stares they were directing at him.
Their friendly behavior was so characteristic of the people Subaru knew, and he was filled with joy. Last time, Subaru had felt that he had come across their dark side, and was worried about whether he would be able to handle this explanation session well, but
"There are good things and bad things. I'm human, after all, so it's only natural."
Subaru muttered softly, closed his eyes, and bit his teeth, forgetting the anxiety he had felt up until then. Then he regained his usual fearless and rude boyish appearance, stomped his foot on the spot, and,
"Now, please be quiet and listen. I'm going to tell you a story that will shock everyone who has been living a peaceful and carefree life, but please calm down and listen. Actually..."
--Subaru relayed the false information about the "bandits' arrival" to the villagers, throwing in some witty jokes along the way. He adjusted the volume of his voice so that the peddlers, who seemed to be listening in, could hear, and finished explaining without allowing any questions.
"And so, I took it upon myself to act in the lord's absence. The extermination force that came is one of the most elite forces in the royal capital, and what's more, it belongs to a duke family! They're hardened professionals, so you can leave it to them... how's that?"
He used a light-hearted tone to sell the villagers' sense of security like a sales pitch, and at the very end he tilted his head to the side to gauge their reaction. He tried to maintain an optimistic attitude as much as possible so as not to stir up anxiety, but the situation was so serious that he couldn't hide the villagers' agitation.
"Even if you suddenly say that, I have to take care of the livestock..."
"There is also the maintenance of the fields. Is it possible to settle this matter without leaving the village?"
"With so many of us, if we fortify the village, won't the bandits be able to lay a hand on us?"
Opinions like these are beginning to be heard here and there.
All of these things had elements that were at least somewhat agreeable, so persuading them was difficult. Subaru began to speak, trying to somehow summarise them with some sophistry, but,
"I think you're mistaken, but I'm not giving you a choice."
"Wait."
Ram overtook Subaru, who was trying to soothe and coax him into a compromise, and instead spoke in a tone so cold that it seemed almost heartless.
As the villagers looked up in shock, she folded her arms and snorted softly.
"It may seem like it's just a suggestion from Barusu, but this is a much higher order – an order from our lord, Lord Roswaal. Your safety and livelihood are all secondary. Please obey Lord Roswaal's orders."
"You can't talk like that! I know you're a bit harsh, but I can't just ignore it here. These people have their own lives..."
"Balusu is also lacking in self-awareness."
As Subaru tried to continue, Ram pierced him with a sharp gaze. Undaunted, but unable to gauge his intentions, he frowned,
"The only one who can represent Lord Roswaal here is Barusu, who was in charge of the negotiations in the royal capital. As the lord's representative, you must fulfill your duties to the people."
"Duty..."
"The lord has the duty to protect the lives and peace of his people. If it is the lord's duty to evacuate in order to protect their safety, it is also the lord's duty to guarantee against any adverse effects that may come along with that."
Ram stated this decisively, looking up at Subaru and pursing her lips as if to say, "Don't make me say this." Subaru scratched his head and shook it exaggeratedly, "Ugh!"
"You're really hard to understand. What's the matter? Or is it just that my level of understanding women's hearts is so low that there's no point in talking to you? It's so annoying."
"It pisses me off that you think you can understand Ram so easily. Everything about Ram is dedicated to Roswaal-sama. I don't want you to understand me, Barusu."
Her cold reaction and her intoxicated comments towards her master. If you just look at that part, you can see that they are sisters, apart from their appearance.
Subaru was about to blush as he remembered his pointless exchange with Rem, so he cleared his throat and turned back to face the villagers.
As the two of them began arguing in front of them, looking worried, Subaru nodded and said,
Emilia: "Ah, I'm sorry Ram for putting it so rudely. But, frankly, I agree. We need to have everyone evacuate… that's the decision. I'd rather not give orders or anything like that, but it's risky to ask whether we can ensure our safety by staying here. My opinion is that we should put all the effort we can into avoiding those risks."
"――――"
"Of course, I understand everyone's opinion. Looking after the livestock and tending the fields would be difficult if we were suddenly told to go out. So, to guarantee that... it's not like I have any authority, but I only have one head to bow, so I'll bow this head and beg Roswaal. I'll do my best to make sure that no one is inconvenienced."
As he spoke, Subaru was reminded just how short his reach was.
Although I felt ashamed, I still resolved to at least show my sincerity, so I knelt down on the spot where everyone could see.
A murmur spread across the room, and Ram's eyes widened. However, Wilhelm and Ferris, who were standing behind him, watched Subaru helplessly.
"--Everyone, I know there are many things you want to say, but I want you to swallow them all. On top of that, please let us protect you all."
"――――"
"Please. That's why I came back here."
The villagers fell silent, as if they had something choked on them.
And that was only natural - Subaru, their benefactor, was rubbing his forehead against the ground and begging, "Please let me protect you."
This was a completely upside-down situation.
From an outsider's perspective it may seem like an incomprehensible sight, but it was certainly a Subaru-like sight.
"--Ah, it can't be helped, Subaru-sama."
I heard someone say this out loud.
From that moment on, the urge to laugh spread to those around them.
"I can't help it if you say you'll protect me so hard."
"That's so cool. My heart feels so warm for the first time in a while."
"Subaru-sama is truly a troublesome person."
Subaru timidly raised his head.
The bright morning sunlight burns Subaru's eyes from beyond the fence, and for a moment everything he sees is painted white. He blocks the sunlight with the visor of his hand and turns his eyes to the world he was born into,
"...Thank you, everyone."
"--That's what I should be saying, Subaru-sama."
Surrounded by the troubled smiles, Subaru laughed with a tearful face.
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And so, the persuasion of the villagers was resolved amicably through a strange flow of negotiation in which those protecting safety bowed to those being protected.
The traveling merchants were also given a similar explanation of the "Bandits" scenario, and were instructed to split into two groups and evacuate to the Sanctuary and the Royal Capital. After allocating the dragon carriages and villagers, all that remained was for everyone to board and begin their journey.
"I have just one request."
Subaru raised his hand, attracting the villagers' attention.
Although the previous discussion had concluded relatively smoothly, the gazes they gave Subaru made him hesitate to bring up his next proposal.
To be honest, I'm not sure if this is a necessary suggestion or not. However, I want to go ahead with it for two reasons.
"Emilia is at the mansion... I want the half-elf girl and someone to come with me."
Subaru's suggestion caused the lively atmosphere to instantly fall silent.
Once again, an awkward silence began to fall on the village, and Subaru struggled to keep his disappointed feelings from showing on his face, "As I thought," he said.
"An announcement has been made in the royal capital, and I think everyone knows about the royal selection. We also know that the lord, Roswaal... is a supporter of the candidate, and that the person he is supporting is that half-elf child."
"――――"
"I know that everyone is worried. I understand that there are many things that you cannot fully digest. But with that in mind, I would like to ask you to please not let the child ride the dragon carriage alone."
I'm not sure there was any anxiety or sadness in my voice.
Hearing Subaru's words, the villagers looked at each other with thoughtful expressions. However, it seemed as though the fact that they were even considering it meant things would turn out differently than before.
However, sensing that the atmosphere was not conducive to expecting a positive response, Subaru quickly raised his hand to give up and say, "Sorry," but
"--Petra?"
Before Subaru could raise his hand to stop her, a small palm was pointed upwards.
Surprised, Subaru stared at the owner of the hand, and she puffed out her red cheeks and looked at the adults around her,
"Why won't you all listen to him? Subaru is in such trouble, and he's begging you with a tearful face. Why won't you try to help him?"
Those words were so honest and unadorned, and that was exactly why they cut to the heart.
It is the most powerful blow in the world, free from all the constraints that adults have. Only a child can do it.
The adults frowned with even more guilt than before, and tried to find words to soothe the girl, but――
"The lady at the mansion is the one who always wears white clothes, right? She brought the stamp for the Rajiotaiso."
"Hmm, ah...! Yes, that's right. It's Hanko's sister."
Looking back, Subaru couldn't help but smile as he remembered those peaceful days.
Back when things were peaceful and he was simply enjoying his daily life, every morning he would accompany Emilia down to the village, do radio exercises with the villagers, and stamp the potato stamps that Subaru had carved.
Yes, memories of happy days - and she was there, by his side during those days.
Perhaps a familiar image had popped into the back of their minds, as the adults began to realize what Petra had meant. And while their hesitation stopped them from speaking, the children around Petra began to raise their hands one by one.
"Me too! I'll ride with you!" "If Petra wants to ride, then it can't start without me." "I'm not going to let big brother have the cool look, I'll go with Petra too." "Subaru looks like he's about to cry, so let's help him." "Let's do that!"
The children burst into commotion, and Petra was in the middle of them, smiling proudly.
Subaru placed his hand on his chest, feeling relieved at the expression, which was too cute to be called a smug face.
"Can I ask you a favor? That girl is stubborn, stubborn, and stubborn, but she gets lonely easily and I'm worried she needs someone to watch over her."
"I have no choice, so I'll watch over you in Subaru's place."
"Oh," Subaru exhaled in relief.
Subaru then walked up to Petra, who had made the promise, and held out his pinky finger to her. He smiled at the confused girl,
"Like this, we hold out our pinkies and hook them together. Then we sing "Yubikiri Genman" while cutting them. That's the trendy way to make a promise in my hometown. Can you do it?"
"Y-yes."
The reply came back more enthusiastically than he had expected, and Subaru laughed, "That's the way it should be," as he intertwined his fingers with the girl's. He then slowly taught the bewildered Petra the song,
"Pink-cutting promise"
"If you lie, I'll give you a thousand needles."
"---cut your finger!"
Their fingers part, and a promise - a contract - is made.
Petra promised Subaru that she would never leave Emilia alone, and Subaru promised that he would always keep them and the village safe.
--This is the one promise I will definitely not break this time.
"This time, let's have no worries. Let's do it, everyone!"
Subaru raised his fist and shouted, and everyone in the room raised their fists in response. Just as they were about to raise their voices and erupt into cheers,
"--Ah! This is a covert operation, so everyone be quiet and still!"
And then everyone had to quickly shut their mouths, which wasn't really satisfying.
※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※
--Just a side note.
"Ehehe..."
Subaru gave the command, and with the hand opposite the one he was holding, he stroked the girl's head.
The girl's cheeks were flushed red as she was being stroked, and she was staring at Subaru with heated eyes; no one noticed this except the cat-eared knight and the pink-haired maid.