--Subaru woke up in the darkness and slowly sat up.
Pushing the thin blanket that was covering his body to the side, he stretched lightly, trying not to let out a sound. He turned his head while trying to stifle a yawn, and could hear the sound of many sleeping people all around him.
He was resting in a corner of the group sleeping together, but it seemed that Subaru was the only one still awake. That was only natural - the sky visible from the large windows of the cathedral was dark, and it was still the time when the sun had not yet risen.
Although I don't know the exact time due to the inconvenience of not having a clock, I can at least tell that it is midnight and not yet the right time for human activity. Normally, I would sleep a little longer until dawn, but
"I went to bed too early so I can't fall asleep... I miss the days when I could indulge in as much laziness as I could."
Roughly scratching his head, Subaru folded up the blanket and quietly slipped out of bed.
As Subaru escapes, he sees many people sleeping around his bed - refugees from Arlam Village, who, along with Roswaal, are now under house arrest in the Sanctuary.
Leaving the private home he was assigned to in the Sanctuary, Subaru would come here and spend the night sleeping side by side with them. The reason for this wasn't particularly deep, though.
Inside the cathedral, the bed that Subaru had been given by the residents was by the front wall of the church. It was a consideration from everyone that they had given him such a livable location. However, in exchange, he had to say something about the fact that they had surrounded him with a row of children.
However, there was a history of the children throwing a tantrum and insisting that they wanted to be with Subaru, who they were attached to, and the adults were also being considerate and wanted to be as gentle as possible to the children in a restricted situation.
"It's not like me to think like this."
I chuckle bitterly at myself for thinking about things like consideration and compassion. Thinking about such complicated things would only make life more restrictive.
Careful not to step on the children who were breathing loudly in their sleep, Subaru made his way through the residents who were sleeping like mud, and out of the cathedral—A damp wind greeted Subaru as he stepped outside, and the warm air, unrelated to warmth or cold, only raised an index of discomfort.
Looking up, the sky is lined with thick clouds, obscuring the starry sky that delighted the eyes with its brilliance last night. The clouds are moving fast on the wind, but the cloud layer is even thicker than that. I don't know if the weather will worsen, but it doesn't look like it will be a day with clear skies.
"Now that I think about it, I haven't encountered any real rain since I got here. From what everyone has said, I imagine there must be something like four seasons."
I had heard that the seasons were divided into "red, blue, yellow, and green" in accordance with the attributes used in magic. If we were to add "rainy season" to the four seasons of the original world, we could call them seasons.
Perhaps a similar change is occurring in this world. The temperature is neither hot nor cold right now. Judging from the wind I can feel, it feels just like the rainy season.
"It's a hassle when laundry doesn't dry during the rainy season. It's already dangerous because the underside of the futon is always on the floor, so it's a real hassle when you can't get any sunlight on your rare day off. ...Well, it was like an everyday holiday."
Basically, he was always rolling around on the futon, so there was no opportunity to hang it out. Sometimes, my mother would get impatient and roll Subaru over from the futon, snatch the futon away, and forcefully hang it out to hang out and let it smell like the sun. This was the default in the Natsuki household.
While reminiscing on those fond memories, Subaru loosened up the various parts of his body that had become so stiff with exercises. The cathedral was a building with vast grounds that lived up to its name, and although they were all sleeping in a pile, there was enough space for everyone to stretch out their limbs. There were also enough blankets for everyone, and he had no complaints.
If I had one complaint, it would be something luxurious, but it would be that being forced to sleep on the hard ground put a strain on various parts of my body.
"I miss my own flattened futon, or the soft bed back at the mansion. If this is how it's been for me for the past four or five days, I imagine it must be even worse for the others who have had to sleep in the same room all day."
Although she appears to behave bravely in front of Subaru, it is undeniable that the burden on the residents is growing stronger with each passing day. When Subaru is excited during meals, the people around her smile, but the fact that she speaks little at other times is likely due to stress.
Unwanted evacuation, house arrest in their new home. The lord who should have been the target of their grievances was injured while trying to fulfill that role, and the residents' feelings are more fear for the future than dissatisfaction with the situation.
Normally, it would not have been strange for them to lash out at Subaru, who was on the lord's side, with more reproachful feelings, but――
"So you're not the type of people to lash out like that. To be honest, relying on the good sense of the people is a disqualification for the management team."
The fact is, the reason why the people of Arlam village did not take out their anger on Subaru was simply because they still felt a strong sense of gratitude towards him.
However, Subaru himself did not think very highly of his own achievements, and assumed that it was simply due to the honesty of the refugees' hearts.
but,
"I don't think I can last much longer if I continue to depend on everyone's feelings like that."
--Subaru and his friends had arrived at the Sanctuary and were already entering the sixth day.
The refugees who had entered the Sanctuary before Subaru and his friends had been confined for nearly another week, meaning that they had effectively been confined for nearly two weeks.
Subaru had told them that the people who had evacuated to the Royal Capital were safe, so they weren't too worried about their families being separated, but still, being holed up for two weeks with nothing to do was mentally exhausting.
With Roswaal's suicidal tactics, it was only a matter of time before the effectiveness of the sympathy tactic wore off.
If that were to happen, it would result in a clash between the ``Sanctuary'' and the people, an undesirable outcome for those hoping to gain support from both sides.
"In truth, I'm at a loss. What should I do..."
"--Don't go in any further than that."
Scratching his head in confusion, he was about to take a step forward when a threat halted him.
Subaru was frozen in an awkward position with his feet off the ground, his head twisted at an angle, and all he could see was the trees of the forest in the twilight.
Subaru had just left the cathedral and was exploring the surrounding area.
"Taking a walk so early in the morning is a nice hobby or a carefree thing to do. I feel like I'm lost between red and blue nuts."
A blonde young man leapt down from the branches of the trees above, uttering a phrase that was now familiar but unfamiliar to me.
Garfiel, his short hair standing on end, silently planted himself on all fours in the grass, and looked up at Subaru, who was looking at him with one eye closed, in that position,
"That's not that scary. There's no point in scaring me."
"I'm sure I would be shocked if I were to run into you unexpectedly, but I had a feeling I might meet you if I was wandering around here. I didn't expect it to be from up in a tree, though."
"Were you looking for me?"
Garfiel stood up with a questioning look on his face, and stood in front of Subaru, half a head shorter than him. Pointlessly puffing out his chest in front of him, Subaru replied, "Yes,"
"It was too early in the morning so I thought there was little hope, but I'm glad we met. By the way, can I ask what that threat was just now?"
"It's no big deal. From here on out, this side of the forest is my hunting grounds. If you stray into it, I'll bite you and break your neck."
"But that's not all! It's extremely important!"
Subaru was shocked by the outrageous statement and let out an angry roar.
It was enough to shatter the silence of the forest between midnight and early morning, and to drive away the sleeping birds and animals.
"...Tch. Hey, almost everyone just ran away, what are we going to do?"
「You cowards. Just eating the meat of weaklings like you will spread your weakness. With that kind of thinking, how about we just turn a blind eye to it?」
"As long as you're okay with all the meat dishes disappearing from your plate from today onwards."
"Sorry! I didn't mean to do that! Okay! I'll go fishing with Otto at the river today, then we'll make up for it!"
Otto, who has nothing to do as a merchant, seems to have recently become addicted to fishing, spending his days at the river casting his fishing rod. Unfortunately, however, he has only caught a few fish with a five-cent haircut. It is very typical of him to only take the bait.
When Otto's name was mentioned, Garfiel twisted the corners of his mouth and showed his fangs,
"Ha, that guy has been abandoned by some weird greed. He's smart and not a complete slob. But he's like that. He's the kind of guy who is so weak against rain that even the heavens lament."
"He's the kind of person who entertains people, or maybe a unique character, but well, having one in the family like that makes for good conversation. He's saved me in a lot of ways... mainly as a way to change my mood."
This was a merciless assessment of Otto, so ruthless that if Otto himself had heard it, he would likely have argued back with tears in his eyes.
Hearing this, which seemed like a compliment but wasn't, Garfiel scratched his ear and muttered, "Nice change of pace..."
"So, did this so-called change of mood have any effect at all?"
"What do you mean?"
"Don't act like you don't care. It's obvious that those guys from the cathedral are nearing their limit. It's not like you and that bro can fool them forever."
"Not only do you hit a sore spot, but you're actually quite observant of your surroundings."
Subaru's concern was addressed directly. Subaru's surprised praise made Garfiel wrinkle his nose and say,
"After all, I'm the one who meets those guys from the cathedral the most. The others, including that old hag, hardly ever show their faces. It's only natural."
"It's not rationing, but you're the one preparing the meals. When I first saw you doing it, I thought you'd gone mad."
"If you want to eat something delicious, the best thing you can do is make it yourself so that it suits your palate. But don't change the subject."
Taking a step forward, Garfiel pointed his finger at Subaru's neck,
"The hostages are almost at their limit. How long are they going to keep struggling like this?"
"I don't have any idea what you mean by desperate measures though..."
"Hah. You're right. That, that wasn't just a desperate attempt, what else could it be? --It seems they've been hesitating in the same place for three days now."
Garfiel gritted his teeth as he declared, clearly sneering at Subaru's weak tone. Subaru opened his mouth to deny what he had said, but he couldn't immediately choose what to say and ended up stammering.
Seeing this, Garfiel's narrowed green eyes showed signs of disappointment,
"Hey, what do you really think? Let's have a heart-to-heart talk, okay?"
"When you say things like 'I'm going to open up' it brings back bad memories so I don't want to hear it… but it's not the kind of atmosphere where jokes can be accepted."
Garfiel's small stature hunches even more. There is no hostility in his attitude, but his whole body exudes an unconcealable demonic aura of rage.
There was no need to worry about her directing her violent nature towards Subaru in a straightforward manner, but――
Subaru: "Firstly, let me state clearly. I am on Emilia's side. I believe that she will do it, and I have no doubts about it. So, even if it takes time, I have no doubt that she will be able to overcome the 'Trial'."
"At that point, it was a bit of a stretch to me. That sheltered princess - a coward who had been dragged out crying for three days in a row - could she really do it?"
Subaru and Garfiel's opinions are in direct conflict.
Subaru fought back against Garfiel's sharp gaze, which didn't even try to hide his contempt, sharpening his eyes as much as possible - his feelings for Emilia couldn't be defeated.
It was the morning of the sixth day since Subaru and his friends had visited the Sanctuary. Three days had already passed since the Trials began and Subaru had passed the first one.
As for what had happened during that time――
"I never would have imagined that if some of my companions couldn't pass the first one, the second Trial wouldn't even begin. Thanks to that, there has been no progress in regards to the Trials for the past three days."
"――――"
"Wouldn't it have been better for you to be alone? At the very least, you wouldn't have had to be dragged down by a hindrance and trip over a rock you should have climbed over."
Garfiel's words, without hiding his fierce sharpness, accurately described the reality that had befallen Subaru and his friends.
The Trials of the Graveyard - Ever since Subaru had passed the first Trial three days ago, there had been no progress. The reason was simple.
Emilia has yet to overcome the first trial. In other words, she has not yet overcome her own past.
"Everyone has different pasts that they need to settle. Unlike me, who has lived a carefree life, it's only natural that she's carrying a lot of stuff with her. But I don't think of her as a burden."
"Is that so? You're so kind when it comes to someone you love. But, not everyone can watch over you the same way you do, you know? To be honest, the whole time I'm doing this, I'm only lowering the Princess' opinion of me more and more."
"it is..."
"Just admit it already. If the Princess isn't here, then at least you can take on the second "Trial". It's obvious to anyone that doing so is the most realistic way to break through the conditions for liberating this place."
Garfiel's sweet proposal--but it's a decision that tramples on Emilia's resolve.
It betrays an important part of Roswaal's intentions in creating this situation, and tarnishes the nobility of Emilia, whom Subaru believed in. There is absolutely no way that I can accept this.
However, what made Subaru hesitate to shake his head at those words was,
"If we take our time, we'll definitely get through it. There's no point in rushing. I mean…"
"You know we don't have the time, right? The short-tempered ones in the Sanctuary, starting with me, are starting to get impatient, and the hostages have been locked up for too long and are reaching their limit. --It's only a matter of time before their pent-up discontent explodes, you know?"
--In the end, it's all a matter of limited time.
Whatever Emilia's past may be, Subaru has no doubt that she will overcome it in the end. But it will take time for her to overcome it, as it is so deeply rooted. If Subaru can help her, he is willing to face any hardship without hesitation.
However, the "past" that has already passed exists only within her, and Subaru, who was not there, has no opportunity to lend a hand. Just as Subaru was able to find the resolve to face his "past" thanks to Rem, Subaru cannot help but wish he could become Emilia's.
If one takes the time, the Trials will be overcome. But now is not the time.
As Garfiel had said, the two groups within Sanctuary were chipping away at their limited time and were reaching their limits.
He couldn't waste any more time, so Subaru came to a conclusion.
"---I have a suggestion."
Touching his chin, Subaru squeezed those words out.
Seeing the change in Subaru's expression, Garfiel closed one eye and twisted the corners of his mouth into a smile,
"Let me hear it."
Emilia: "I'm sure we can both agree that the biggest issue we have to consider is time. I believe that Emilia will pass the Trial, so I think that what she needs is time. Meanwhile, you two are worried about the time limit before the balance is broken. So far we're fine with that, right?"
"You're not wrong. But if I may add one thing, I really doubt that the princess can complete the 'Trial'."
"…I think that we're on the same page when it comes to that. Anyway, if we can agree on the issue of time, then I'm sure you'll be willing to consider my proposal."
As Subaru argued, Garfiel touched the white scar on his forehead and didn't say a word. Realizing that his attitude was encouraging him to continue, Subaru nodded and then,
"At present, the situation of the evacuees under house arrest is at its limit. It will break in the not-too-distant future, and in the worst case scenario, the group will split apart inside the 'Sanctuary.'"
"I don't really care if that happens. If the people in that village end up with a hundred or two hundred bundles, I'll just turn them all over."
"Forty-two people. … It's not about you. It's about the unwanted conflict that will arise and the damage that will result from it. It's not like you want to use violence against the people who regularly prepare your meals, right?"
"Well, that's true."
Garfiel averts his gaze and clicks his tongue in embarrassment. Subaru nods inwardly at how well things go,
"So in order to avoid that conflict, I would like to demand the release of those under house arrest. As things stand, I don't think those people are worth much as hostages, what do you think?"
"Hey, wait a second. That's a completely different story, isn't it? First of all, what do you mean those guys have no value as hostages?"
"Originally, it was us who had those people under house arrest… or rather, it was a means to lure Emilia here, right? We entered the 'Sanctuary' exactly as planned, and underwent the 'Trials' according to the desired conditions. Food, care, and guards for the hostages don't just appear endlessly out of nowhere. In fact, the fact that you're out hunting at a time like this, when it's hard to tell if it's night or morning, isn't unrelated to that, right?"
As far as Subaru could see, despite the Sanctuary being an extremely vast area of land, including the forest, only a small portion was in use - to put it in extreme terms, he predicted that the number of half-Japanese living in the Sanctuary was not that different from the number of refugees in Arlam Village.
In other words, simply put, the amount of food consumed in the Sanctuary has doubled since before. Due to the nature of the land, it is unlikely that they are obtaining their food through traveling merchants, and it is believed that they are mainly relying on hunting and home cultivation.
"There's no need to keep holding on to those hostages anymore, as they're only putting a strain on our finances. Even if the hostages are gone, we can't just quit the Trial halfway through."
"That's true. After all, the moment she entered the Sanctuary, the Half... Princess was bound by the curse of the land. If the Princess wanted to leave, she'd have to overcome the Trials either way... Ah, I see."
As he spoke, Garfiel seemed to have understood the meaning of Subaru's suggestion, and nodded several times, his cheeks twisting in a cruel manner. Seeing this, Subaru realized that his mind was by no means slow. He wouldn't go so far as to say that it was a pose normally, but if the conditions were right, then
"The thinking is that if we release the hostages, we can avoid the inevitable collapse, whether that be through preying on them or internal division. In reality, the only obstacle preventing the hostages from breaking out of the 'Sanctuary' is us."
"If the situation so far has gone according to your plan, shouldn't you let it continue that way until the end? Your goal is to free yourselves from the 'Sanctuary', not to lose yourselves together."
"I totally respect that old hag's opinion, but... well, let's not get into the details."
Waving his hand, Garfiel listens to Subaru's opinion for the time being.
Then he touched his chin in contemplation for a moment,
"In the first place, why did you bring this up to me? The head of this place is not me, but that old hag. If you want to convince her and move the matter forward, surely it would be best to bring it to the old hag. I hate to say it myself, but if I had brought it up, I might have just made things more complicated."
"You didn't want to make the matter any more complicated, you know? I thought that if I explained the pros and cons properly, I could convince Lewes. But in that case, it's hard to see how you would respond."
If Lewes was a person with common sense and the ability to judge practical benefits, she would not have rejected Subaru's proposal out of hand. In fact, Subaru was confident that he could get her to agree if he talked to her.
But if he were to face Garfiel after having spoken to the top brass,
"No matter what, your persuasion is the hardest part. Unfortunately, I think I would be powerless if they came at me with force. I thought it would be better to settle the pending issues first so I wouldn't have to worry about the rest of the story."
"What a cunning way to think, hey. So what you're saying is, don't you take that suggestion to the old hag, you know, my existence is just annoying. If you have a problem with that, then bring it on with force, huh?"
"You were talking rationally up until now, so why did things suddenly go in that direction..."
"I only have three minutes at most to think and speak. We've already exceeded that time limit, so there's no point in saying anything now."
"What are you saying with such confidence?"
As Garfiel flashes his clenched fists, he raises both hands in a surrendering stance. Of course, Garfiel isn't serious about it either. He sighs in boredom, and
"Ha, how pointless early in the morning. Whatever, do as you like. If you can even persuade the old hag, I have no intention of interfering. Either way, they're a nuisance. If you're going to take them out, do as you like."
"I see, then I'll take you up on that offer..."
"--However, there are conditions."
Just as Subaru was about to breathe a sigh of relief, thinking that they had finally overcome their biggest concern, a cold shower of water hit him. As Subaru frowned, Garfiel pointed a raised finger at him,
"I accepted your proposal. Wait, we won't get anywhere unless you also accept our side of the story."
"...There are benefits to that as well, right? Food and avoiding civil wars."
"It doesn't really matter to me, you know? If there's a serious shortage of food, then I can just thin out the hostages first. Even if they explode and start raging, I'll be more than enough to clean them up by myself. We're not on equal footing, you know?"
"...What do you mean, conditions?"
Subaru gritted his teeth as he spoke, and Garfiel clicked his canines again, "Quick talk." He looked Subaru up and down, and then,
"Me... No, the condition for me to leave the 『Sanctuary』 is simple. You take the 『Trial』 yourself. It will be much quicker that way."
「--! Wait, that's not right. If we do that, then we have to start from the premise...」
Indeed, it was a thought that had crossed Subaru's mind many times.
However, that was a last resort, and an option she wanted to avoid if possible. Above all, if she did that, all of Emilia's efforts up until now would be gone.
"You seem to have misunderstood, so let me explain... it's not like me or this old hag likes that we don't care who does it as long as it frees us from the 『Sanctuary』."
"――――"
"It's your own reasons that you want the Princess to get over it, and be appreciated by the hostages and the old hags alike. It's your own reasons that you want her to settle things that have been bothering her, I don't know what the past is, but it's all your own problem."
I can't argue with what Garfiel is saying.
His opinion was perfectly reasonable, and Subaru, who had no understanding of their circumstances, had no room to interject. As he had said, making Emilia undergo the Trials and wanting her to overcome them were all based on their own circumstances and intentions.
And further he
"--In the first place, is there really a need to overcome the past?"
"picture?"
"Three days, three days. I was at the tomb with you guys, witnessing the princess undergo the "Trial" and become a complete mess. Honestly, I just can't watch it anymore."
"You can't see that..."
"You got too worked up and hurt yourself too much, didn't you? You were so eager to do it, you just couldn't come back like that and now you're whining and apologizing. So why did you guys still make that princess continue with her 'Trials'?"
Garfiel talks about Emilia's appearance after undergoing the "trials" of the past three days.
The night after the Trial began, Emilia tried to take it again, but was once again faced with her past and was unable to overcome it. And worst of all, Subaru, who was about to take the Trial next to her, was also unable to take it.
At first, Subaru was left behind in the tomb and didn't understand what was going on, but after hearing Emilia's words when she returned halfway through the Trial - the reason why Subaru's Trial had not begun, which someone had told him during the Trial - it all made sense.
It is said that the second "Trial" takes place in the space beyond the first "Trial".
Inside the tomb, in the space where the first "Trial" takes place, there is a closed door at the back of the square room, and Subaru thought that if he could overcome all the "Trials", he would be able to enter through that door - but in reality, the second "Trial" was waiting beyond that, and he could only gain the qualifications to enter it by overcoming the first "Trial".
In other words, Subaru could take on the second Trial on his own. Even though he knew this, he hadn't gone further alone until now -
"Emilia will definitely overcome this Trial. That's why we…"
"Those expectations are too heavy, so isn't it the princess is suffering so much? Is it your wish to force her to face the memories that hurt her to the point that she has become like that, and is that what the princess wants to do? I'm a complete idiot, so I don't understand."
"Emilia's... will..."
Garfiel said this while scratching his head - but to Subaru, it was like having cold water poured over his sleepy face.
Up until this point, Subaru had respected Emilia's determination to take on the Trials, and he had intended to support her more devotedly than anyone else. No matter how difficult the path forward, he would continue to lend her a helping hand as long as she didn't give in.
And so she continued to stand, not knowing in which direction she was heading.
Come to think of it, Subaru doesn't even know why Emilia is trying to become king.
Her declaration, heard in the Royal Selection Hall, was merely a declaration of her will to be an equal to those around her, and was in no way her reason for wanting to become king.
Emilia's upbringing gives us a sense of her past of being treated unfairly and criticized. What does she think, feel, and believe in during this time - what makes her aim for the throne?
While he continued to strongly wish to be her support, Subaru had neglected to even ask the question that he should have asked first.
First of all, how did Emilia and Roswaal meet? Why does Roswaal want to make her, a half-elf, king? The orb on her badge proves that she has the qualifications to be a king - the qualifications to be a dragon priestess. But how did Roswaal get the opportunity to let her touch it? What common interests do Emilia and Roswaal have that have led them to cooperate - Subaru knows nothing of it.
I've come this far without knowing.
"I don't know what shocked you, but if you haven't talked, then I'm going, hey. I'm in the middle of a hunt... Regarding that proposal from earlier, if you're willing to accept my conditions, then go ahead and let that old hag pass. I don't know what the rest is."
Garfiel shrugged as Subaru stood there, and disappeared into the forest at dawn.
Before I knew it, the veil of night had already retreated in the light of the morning sunlight, and the forest, which had been shrouded in the dense darkness of night, was now enveloped in the silence of morning - it was like morning dew was on the leaves.
Left behind, Subaru looks up at the sky.
Above, the sun peeked out from between the thick clouds between the trees - but it was soon hidden by the clouds again, shedding only a fleeting light on the world before disappearing.
Subaru narrowed his eyes at the brief moment of light and began to walk away.
Subaru: "What I saw. I faced my 'past', put an end to it, and I thought it was good. But Emilia…"
Subaru had assumed that everyone would be able to settle this and move on.
I was so comforted by the warm memories I had gained that I came to believe that by saying goodbye to things that are already gone, one can begin to move forward.
Because the people around him had all been far too kind to him, Subaru had concluded that the 'past' was something that should be looked back on.
That, Subaru's thoughts were――
"---Subaru?"
Just how heavy must it have been for the silver-haired girl, slumped in the corner of the room, hugging her knees?
In the house she had been given, Emilia dropped to the side of the bed and sat on the cold floor, simply spending her time in silence.
She is not a morning person, so it is no surprise that she is awake at this early hour. Her eyes are bloodshot as she looks at me, and traces of fatigue and tears remain on her beautiful and dignified face. It is obvious that she has not slept a wink.
When she noticed Subaru's arrival, she turned her face away so that he wouldn't see her tearful face,
"Ah, sorry... sorry. M-is it time already? Is it time? It's early... but I have to do it. I have to try my best... it's already time for the ``Trial'', right?"
"Emilia-tan."
"It's okay. Today, this time, I'm sure... yes, I'll definitely do well. I'm starting to understand what's going to happen in the Trials. You see, it was Pataa, I think. Subaru was saying, yes, that, you see, I understand... yes, so, I'm okay..."
Subaru: "Emilia-tan, it's okay. Not only is it not night yet, last night hasn't even ended yet. It's just about morning. There's still a long way to go."
"I, I can tell even if you're lying. Because, look... it's dark outside. It should be bright in the morning... Ah, but, I talked to the micro-spirit children today..."
Emilia looked up at Subaru, her eyes trembling as she spoke quickly. There was shock and anger at herself for not being able to abide by the contract, and just as she seemed about to resolve it by scolding herself,
"Emilia."
"a..."
Grabbing her hand as she began to raise it, Subaru intertwined her fingers with his own.
Emilia was stunned at the sight of their joined hands, then slowly saw her own reflection reflected in Subaru's dark eyes,
"I, I..."
"Right now, I'm the only one here. So no matter how much you complain, it's okay. There's no need to rush, and there's no need to worry. I'm on your side. No matter what."
"Subaru..."
Clinging to his outstretched hand, Emilia called out Subaru's name in a feeble voice and bowed her head. She pulled him towards her, and Subaru sat down next to her.
As I slowly stroked her silver hair with my free hand, her body gradually relaxed, and after a while I could hear her breathing in relief.
She was exhausted, but still couldn't make it through the night on her own, and ended up relying entirely on Subaru.
Glancing sideways at Emilia, who was breathing softly in her sleep beside him, Subaru gently brushed his fingers over her cheek, checking for traces of tears.
--And so, I decided that I had reached my limit.