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[Subaru: Alright, I'll just be gone for a bit. We should be back by tomorrow and... I know I said this a few times already, but, there's no need to push yourself by taking the Trials anymore. Just rest a little]

[Emilia: I know~ I get it already. Gees Subaru, you don't have to look so worried. I'll be good and take the day off, just like you told me to]

Emilia pouted her lips as she said this, looking up at Subaru aboard the carriage.

Subaru wryly smiled in front of her adorable antics, and made an effort to hide the pain inside his heart.

The time was a little before noon on the same day as his conversation with Garfiel, and several hours had passed since he visited Emilia in her room.

[Otto: Natsuki-san, we're all set here. You can just say the word]

[Subaru: Oooh, that was quick. The speed at which you must be able to skip town after committing some heinous deed is truly impressive. From now on, shall I call you "Otto the Night-Skipper"?]

[Otto: I've no idea what the term "Night-Skipper" means, but I'm almost definitely certain it's something disreputable and so I'm afraid I'll have to firmly decline]

Otto curled his lip into a scowl and started shooting Subaru a stink look, to which Subaru only shot an unreservedly-wry smile in return. Looking past Otto, one could see the dragon carriages of Subaru's party lined up along the road.

Numbering six in total―― they would accommodate 42 people in all. Which would be the total number of refugees and hired merchants from Arlam village, if you didn't count the one extra traveling merchant who happened to be tagging along. This meant that,

[Subaru: Really, it's almost disappointing how easily they went along with the idea... Honestly, I was preparing for a little more resistance]

[Ram: That's because Barusu cleverly went behind everyone's back to negotiate with Garf beforehand, isn't it? You figured Lewes-sama can be reasoned with, so as long as Garf didn't interrupt your negotiations, there won't be any problems]

While Subaru was busy scratching his neck, Ram, dressed in her usual maid's uniform, threw these words at him from the base of the carriage. From beneath her peach colored hair, she was looking up at him with her usual expression of disdain.

[Ram: Ram would have liked to lodge a complaint about how you didn't obtain freedom for Roswaal-sama as well, but…]

[Subaru: Being the HOSTAGE OF ALL HOSTAGES, he's a bit more suited to stay behind, I think. Even if you wanted me negotiate for him, I wouldn't know what to say to them. All things considered, it was already a pretty big accomplishment getting them to let the villagers go, so please understand!]

[Ram: …you did well, for a Barusu, that's all I have to say. Now show some gratitude to Ram]

[Subaru: Why do I get the feeling that if I thanked you here I'd be losing out somehow?]

Just as all of Heaven and Earth shuddered at Ram's acknowledgement of Subaru's success, Subaru turned his eyes back on Emilia, who was fidgeting beside her.

There was anxiety and gloom within her violet eyes, but when she noticed Subaru's gaze turning towards her, she quickly chased those sentiments away.

[Emilia: Thank you…. You know, if you hadn't gone ahead and said anything, I, don't think I would've even noticed what was going on]

[Subaru: Emilia-tan already has an important enough role as Emilia-tan. All the things that are going on around you, you can just leave that stuff to us. You've only got one big task to focus on. And we'll handle everything else, so don't worry]

Watching Subaru forcefully slap a hand onto his chest, Emilia covered her mouth, but couldn't stop a giggle from leaking out. Then, wiping away the tears that had welled up in her eyes, she nodded with an [Enn], and,

[Emilia: I understand. Then I'll leave it to you, Subaru. And…..]

[Subaru: I know, I know. Don't worry, as soon as I get everyone to the village, I'll come back to you right away. Of course, I could also take the opportunity to bring back any precious stuffed animals that you may have forgotten at the Mansion?]

[Emilia: I outgrew that stuff a long time ago. Also, I'm not asking you to come back quickly. But of course, I would be happier if you did come back quickly...]

[Subaru: Then, what're you trying to say?]

[Emilia: ...come back safe. Of course, the sooner you come back the better, but, I'd be even happier if you came back safe]

[Subaru: AAGH, my heart!]

Wriggling around for a second, overwhelmed by the pain of LOVE in his chest, Subaru covered his love-sick heart with both hands and stumbled backwards. Emilia tilted her head in confusion, but Subaru, still busy hyperventilating, extended his palm towards her.

[Subaru: OK OK, I got it already. Quickly, and safely, I promise I will come back to your side. Unless you want me to pinky-promise too?]

[Emilia: That thing you did with Petra about what happens if you lie? ...Sure, ok. Let's do it]

[Subaru: Ouuuggghh, so straightforward]

Emilia took a step forward, and Subaru bent his knees to meet her. Just like this, Subaru, from up on the carriage, and Emilia, standing below, tangled their pinkies together. And then, chanting out the traditional spell, they sealed their promise as their fingers parted.

For a moment, Emilia continued to stare at her finger that had separated from Subaru's, and then, she took him into her violet eyes,

[Emilia: Subaru. To a spirit-arts user, promises are...]

[Subaru: Super important, right? I've learned my lesson, and I've become painfully aware of that. So I'll never break another promise with Emilia-tan again. Also, I'll try to keep my promises with other people too, if possible. I hope you can accept that]

[Emilia: Hmm, I suppose I'll have to]

A smile emerged on Emilia's face. And, after making sure of this, Subaru straightened up his legs, did a big stretch, turned around, looked up, and raising both his hands up into the air,

[Subaru: Al-right, let's get this show on the road! Destination: Arlam village! Total travelers: 44! This is a great migration we're doing here, I'll be counting on all of you from here on!]

A series of cheers went up in response to Subaru's shouting, and, just like this, the great migration got underway.

――After the hard-won victory at the negotiations, the released hostages embarked upon the road leading back home.

※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

After he concluded his conversation with Garfiel, while watching over the stricken Emilia in her sleep, Subaru came to the decision―― that he would accept Garfiel's condition, and negotiate to release the hostages from the Sanctuary.

Once he had put Emilia to bed, Subaru waited for everyone to wake before gathering all the key players into Lewes's house, where he planned to put forth his proposal.

Given the battle of words he had with Garfiel, he had expected a fair amount of resistance. ――But, in reality, Lewes did nothing but agree with him the whole time. Rather than oppose him, she had even offered several additional concessions. The result was that everything had gone exactly as he envisioned, but still, he couldn't quite shake the feeling that it was different from what he expected.

Later, when Emilia woke up, he explained to her everything that had happened, and then gave the same explanation to the refugees inside the Cathedral. The villagers were surprised and skeptical at first, but when they understood that they would be allowed to return home safely, Subaru was happy to see them overjoyed.

Although Subaru was the reason they ended up in this situation in the first place, once he announced they would be allowed to leave, all the villagers showered their gratitude upon him, which was rather embarrassing. And after all of that, it was finally time to put the plan into action.

[Otto: But I have to say, this was pretty unexpected]

The one who said this was Otto, who was holding the reins beside Subaru.

Just like on the way to the Sanctuary, their dragon carriage was drawn by the ground dragons, Patrasche and Furufu, only, this time, Subaru was sitting next to Otto on the driver's bench.

[Subaru: Nnnuh?]

[Otto: You were asleep just now, weren't you?]

[Subaru: I was just deep in thought, and don't say that like I was hiding something or anything. Anyway, I was only half unconscious so I didn't hear what you said. So what were you saying?]

[Otto: If you're going to cover things up, at least have the courtesy to see it through to the end... At any rate, I was trying to say this current development was pretty unexpected]

As usual, the back and forth between Subaru and Otto was all over the place. Perhaps because Otto had already gotten used to Subaru's antics, he didn't react as dramatically as before, but merely gave a perfunctory nudge at their surroundings to indicate what he was talking about.

[Otto: I didn't think they'd let them go this easily. We merchants have a saying, "You should keep hold of all the weaknesses you can in case you have use for them later"]

[Subaru: Is that really a merchant's expression? You sure that didn't come from some corrupt Edo-period magistrate? My impression of your profession just became way way way way shadier. What do you have to say for yourself?]

Thinking back, Subaru had very few memories of Otto ever acting like a merchant. There was only the one time when he made the unsubstantiated claim that he had bought too much oil, when in fact, it was entirely possible he was just a pyromaniac. Even now, the background of this so-called merchant was quite suspect.

[Otto: What's with those eyes looking at me like I'm someone suspicious?]

[Subaru: That's because I am looking at someone totally suspicious here. Are you really a merchant? I don't think I've ever seen you do anything merchant-y in front of me]

[Otto: Weren't you the one who forced me, against my will, to file those documents and ledgers loaded to the brim with confidential information!? Are you suffering from amnesia!?]

[Subaru: No, that could simply be your clever attempt to convince someone who thought you were a spy that you really are a merchant. Thinking about it that way, you're far more likely to be an enemy agent...]

[Otto: With that kind of ridiculous logic, it'd be easier for me to become a God than try to convince you of my innocence, Natsuki-san]

[Subaru: Hey, Patrasche, did you hear that? This guy sitting next to me just said he thinks he can become a God... I'm a bit worried about my safety]

[Otto: Huh? Dammit! Why did you have to... aaah! Now even Patrasche-chan is looking at me with a look of pity! Please stop it already!]

Responding to Subaru's voice, Patrasche made a short cry. Hearing this, Otto fell into despair and hugged his head with his hands. That seemed to have been Patrasche offering her own input about Otto. In times like these, one might prefer not to have the Divine Protection of "Anima-Whispering". It was then, that,

[Garfiel: Y'fools don't change no matter where y'go do'ya?]

Garfiel, who was running alongside their dragon carriage, interjected himself into the conversation.

The dragon carriages were traveling down an animal path through the middle of the forest, so they weren't at top speeds. Even if Subaru had been sprinting with all his strength, he wouldn't have managed to keep up with their current pace, but Garfiel was easily able to catch up, and accompany the winding carriages of refugees.

Not even short of breath, Garfiel was kicking off the ground and leaping great distances with each stride.

[Garfiel: Y'know, y'got the charm o' someone straight outta "The Tale of th'End of Bakimu the Horse Wrangler"]

[Subaru: Aren't idioms supposed to be short and clear ways to express your meaning to whoever you're talking to? ...It doesn't even feel like we're having the same conversation here]

[Garfiel: Huh? What ya try'n to say, y'bastard?]

Garfiel crimpled up his nose in annoyance, and Subaru simply shrugged at that carnivorous expression, saying [Come to think of it],

[Subaru: You volunteered to guide us out, but I don't see you doing much guiding. Aren't you kinda shirking on your duties?]

[Garfie: Didn't want it t'be like this. But y'fella's ground dragons're pretty smart, aren' they? They only walked this road once but they're remeberin' it perfectly]

[Subaru: Well, that's only to be expected of my girl Patrasche. This is just beginner stuff for her. Stuff like leaping through a hoop of fire, balancing on a ball, or even riding a unicyc-... hey wait, Patrasche-san, why're you swerving around!?]

In response to Subaru's outrageous claims about her acrobatic abilities, Patrasche began expressing her displeasure by running in zig-zags. Subaru, gluing himself to his seat, started making a scene aboard the carriage. Observing this display, Garfiel snorted [What in th'hell are you doin'?], and then, looking toward Otto who was trying to hang onto the reins,

[Garfiel: Lil'bro here said somethin' interestin' just now. Somethin' 'bout bein' "Profitable t'be grabin' yer opponents where he's weak"?]

[Otto: Yeah, I do think it's true. Not that I personally believe it's a good way of thinking, but...for instance, the more hostages you have at your disposal, the more options you give yourself for how to use them, right? Like, if you want to create a sense of danger, the more hostages you have, the more options you'll have to...]

[Subaru: Oyoyoy! There's some serious doubt whether this "little bro" is legitimately a merchant here. He's definitely the kind of guy who's committed some horrible atrocities and was forced to flee a country somewhere!]

[Otto: Why are you so convinced I'm some kind of criminal!?]

"I wonder why Otto always manages to fall right into those", Subaru tilted his head, thinking. Then, to get the conversation back on track, [Anyhow], he started again,

[Subaru: For the time being, basically, it's because I already talked it over with Garfiel beforehand, and decided to accept his condition.... that's why the rest of it went so smoothly]

[Otto: Accept... your condition?]

Since Subaru didn't seem to want to talk about it, Otto raised the question to Garfiel instead. Garfiel grinned with his canine fangs, before opening his mouth to speak,

[Garfiel: Simple, ain't it? Instead of the crybaby Princess-sama, our boy Subaru'll be finishin' the rest'of the Trials and liberate the Sanctuary right'n quick]

[Otto: That's...]

Otto widened his eyes at Gafiel's words, before shooting a sidelong glance at Subaru. Then, after opening and closing his mouth a few times, mumbling incoherently,

[Otto: Are you sure that's alright, Natsuki-san?]

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[Subaru: What do you mean "alright"?]

[Otto: You're already taking the Trials, so that's not the issue... but I suppose what I mean to ask is if it's alright to just take away Emilia-sama's part in the whole thing]

That was Subaru's dilemma as well. Although Otto had struggled to get the words out, he had cut to the heart of the matter. Subaru frowned, but Otto continued to push the issue,

[Otto: Of course, I have no idea what the Trials would entail, and I understand Emilia-sama's isn't doing very well. But, if Emilia is to win the Royal Selection, she needs the support from the people of the Sanctuary and the Roswaal domain, right? This is her chance to get both at once, and I don't know if throwing that away so soon is...]

[Subaru: It's time... we don't know how long it will take. If, in the meantime, her base collapses from underneath her, that would be the perfect definition of putting the cart before the horse. More important than that is Emilia herself...]

[Otto: You think she's at her limit, then? I would disagree. I've only known her a short time, but I think Emilia-sama's made of some tough stuff. Sure, right after she came out of the first trial, she was pretty out of sorts, but other than that she's been able to keep herself together pretty well, don't you think?]

Upon hearing Otto's perspective, Subaru bit down hard on his lip.

It's true that from Otto's point of view, it must look like that Subaru was selling her short.

――But, what Otto didn't see, was that she had been putting all her effort into just keeping up appearances whenever there was anyone besides Subaru around her.

Just like when she was sending him off at the start of their present journey. Whenever a third party was involved, she seemed to be able to maintain the same calm demeanor as always.

On the other hand, when it was just her and Subaru alone, the facade would fall away, and she would return to the miserable state Subaru had found her in that morning.

She depended on Subaru―― and her true state was not something anyone else could see.

Seeing Subaru holding his tongue, Otto wanted to continue speaking. But it was someone else who interrupted him,

[Garfiel: That's 'nuff. We're 'bout to pass through the Barrier o' the Sanctuary. I can't go no further than that]

[Subaru: ....Just out of curiosity, but, what would happen if you tried to force yourself through the Barrier?]

[Garfiel: Haven't tried it so I wouldn't know, but I imagin' it'd be similar to when your Princess-sama lost consciousness. But it doesn't matter either way]

Glad that the topic changed, Subaru jumped right on it, while Garfiel turned his head, and leaped into the air. Without a sound, he nimbly landed on the luggage compartment of Subaru's dragon carriage, and pointed a finger at the two on the driver's bench who were looking back over their shoulders.

[Garfiel: Accordin' to the condition, after you drop 'em off, you just turn right around and get your asses back here….. Ah, well, that lil'bro next to ya don't matter though]

[Otto: Stop joking around, of course I'm coming back. After all, I still haven't even gotten an audience with Margrave Mathers yet!]

[Subaru: Oh? Really? You still haven't introduced yourself?]

[Otto: That's right! I've been asking for a week, but no matter what time I come Ram-san tells me "Your timing is inconvenient" or "He's resting"... and keeps chasing me away!]

Angrily breathing out his nostrils with his shoulders huffing up and down, maybe Otto truly had divinely bad luck when it came to timing, but――

[Subaru: Well, that was probably on purpose. Ever since the Trials started, they've been giving me some half-assed excuses to not let me see him too]

Subaru mumbled his own guess under his breath.

After they had begun the Trials, Subaru had barely seen Roswaal at all. Always standing in between them, Ram had been rebuffing Subaru exactly as she had rebuffed Otto. On the surface, it was all for Roswaal's recuperation, but that was obviously just a pretense.

In fact, it seemed that ever since Subaru first told him that he had taken the Trial, Roswaal stopped taking any visitors.

Subaru couldn't forget the change in Roswaal's expression when he heard that Subaru had passed and Emilia had failed. At least, it was the first time he had ever seen such an expression from him before.

For just a brief moment, that care-free look on that painted clown-face fell away, and beneath it ―― was an emotion that was neither fury nor sorrow, but something more complicated altogether.

[Garfiel: Don't put t'much thought into it, yeah? Anyway, when yer comin' back just use the same road. This time I'll pay 'ttention so I don't attack ya, but don't forget the password]

[Subaru: Password?]

[Garfiel: Long as ya say the words when crossin' th' barrier, nobody will be assailin' ya, got it? The password is "Baira Baira below th'Grimoire"]

[Subaru: Huh, what? "Baibai to the grime"?]

That was the worst password ever, using a completely incomprehensible idiom.

Subaru scowled. It was immediately obvious who came up with this password.

Garfiel just stood there looking smug as it was all natural, while Otto was bewilderedly writing down the passphrase on a memo. Leaving the task of remembering important things to Otto, Subaru gave a long sigh, and,

[Subaru: Anyway, long as we say it we can come back in, no questions asked, right?]

[Garfiel: I ain't the only one who's on patrol, y'know. There're others more hot blooded than I am. From their point o' view, that migh' be the perfect time to take ya out and stop ya from completin' the Trials]

[Subaru: ...I do remember you saying something like that]

Lewes was at the head of the faction that wanted to be liberated from the Sanctuary. But there was also the other opposing faction that wanted to stay.

Garfiel's warning, then, was telling them not to let their guard down and give the other faction a chance to take advantage of their carelessness.

[Subaru: Ok, gotcha. Thanks for all the ways you've been looking out for us... I guess there's no reason to say goodbyes, since we'll be seeing each other again in half a day or so. But, thanks anyway]

[Garfiel: Jus' followin' orders from the old hag, I don't care one way or the other. More import'ntly, well uh…]

When Subaru thanked him, Garfiel waved his hand to dismiss him, but his words trailed off toward the end. Seeing something quite uncharacteristic from him, which Subaru furrowed his brows. And then, Garfiel finally continued [Uuuh],

[Garfiel: When y'get back to the mansion, is that Frederica girl gonna be there?]

[Subaru: Yeah, she should be. Speaking of which, its sounds like you know her somehow. What's up with that?]

[Garfiel: We've got a complicated relationship, that's all. Nothing I really wanna talk about, it's just...]

[Subaru: I'll tell her that you're totally thinking about her. Maybe she'll even have a message for you too]

[Garfiel: ...I ain't askin' you t'…]

Suddenly averting his eyes, as if to get away from Subaru's smirk, Garfiel jumped right off the carriage. And, as he landed on the ground, the train of dragon carriages passed through the Barrier between the Sanctuary and the Forest. Putting both of his hands on his waist, Garfiel sent them off, shouting,

[Garfiel: Don't even think'of runnin' away, Subaru! Y'better keep your promise even if it kills ya! That was my one condition for lettin' you outta here!]

[Subaru: Yeah, no worries on that count. My promise-keeping POWERS' been super buffed lately!]

Letting these words of farewell resound throughout the forest, with a smile, Subaru raised up a fist at the distant figure. And Garfiel matched it by pumping up his own fist in response.

Watching as the caravan vanished into the shadows of the forest, Garfiel continued standing there with his fist raised up in the air.

――After passing through the Barrier and coming out of the forest, they didn't encounter any problems on the rest of the road.

If nothing got in the way, it should be about eight hours journey from the Sanctuary to the Mansion. They stopped twice to rest, but since the villagers were eager to return to their homes, they kept their breaks short and forced themselves to continue.

So, all in all, it was only eight hours later when the refugees returned to Arlam Village. Having departed early in the afternoon, when they arrived, it was already several hours after the shroud of night covered over the world.

[Subaru: My butt hurts from all that sitting...but that wasn't too bad]

Getting off from the dragon carriage, and giving his waist a twist, Subaru breathed a sigh of relief.

All around the village in the night, voices of rejoicing and reunion sprung up, and there were even a few shedding tears of joy in their midst. Considering the calamities that had assailed this village, Subaru decided that it was not an overreaction after all, and that no one could really ridicule them for that.

For the first time in several days, with the return of the rest of the villagers, Arlam village came to life in spite of the night. The villagers who had mostly wallowed in gloom inside the Sanctuary now all showed the same smiles on their faces.

And the other half who had waited for them in the village, were finally relieved to see their family safely returned to them.

[Otto: Natsuki-san, are we heading back right away?]

While Subaru watched over the bustling crowd from a distance, Otto scampered over after looking around for him.

Allowing Otto to catch his breath, Subaru shook his head with a [Nah],

[Subaru: There's no rush, we can take a little break before heading back. Besides, I should stop by the Mansion to explain everything to Frederica and Petra]

[Otto: Aah, that's right. I mean, I also have some things I need to discuss with my fellow merchants]

[Subaru: Discuss what with your fellow merchants?]

Otto pointed to the owners of the six dragon carriages standing at the side.

They had been hired to evacuate the villagers, but wound up with the misfortune of getting imprisoned in the Sanctuary along with them. Now that they were freed, they were, above all, relieved, but their gazes toward Subaru were,

[Subaru: I must be imagining this, but, isn't this supposed to be a Parallel World? Why do I get the feeling their eyes all have Dollar signs in them?]

[Otto: Back when we were hired, the condition was the purchase of our goods as well as additional compensation to be negotiated later. So I'd like to come to a consensus on how much compensation we'll actually demand. I won't be proposing anything outrageous, of course, but seeing that they've been burdened with the hostage situation...it might get a little pricey, so be prepared]

[Subaru: Well, it's not like it'll be my wallet getting plundered. As long as you use appropriate discretion, it wouldn't be too bad to see Ros-chi's face go pale every once in a while?]

[Otto: That's my Natsuki-san! You understand!]

Clapping his hands, Otto happily strutted over to his fellow merchants.

Hearing the good news brought by Otto's triumphant return, the merchants' cheers resounded through the village in the night. Somehow, Subaru got the feeling their celebrations sounded even happier than the villagers having their reunions, but he decided to consciously put it out of his mind, and straightened himself up.

In any case, there shouldn't be any problems in the village for now. Otto will take care of the merchants' demands, and Roswaal will end up dealing with it. Somewhat looking forward to see what expression will come on Roswaal's face when he gets hit with the bill, Subaru headed towards the Mansion.

After walking fifteen minutes from Arlam village―― at the end of his path stood the lonely Roswaal Mansion.

In the dark of night, only the Mansion's lights asserted their existence within its shadowy contours, lending the place an eerie aura from the distance, in the hours after sunset.

Subaru remarked on this as he stood before the front gates, absentmindedly staring at the Mansion. Naturally, the majority of the Mansion's lights were out, and there were only light flowing out of the entry hall and the servant's rooms. As well as a room on the highest floor―― which, surely, must be Roswaal's office.

[Subaru: Otto sorted all the paperworks, but over the week it must have piled up again]

Frederica, being the all-powerful-maid that she is, wouldn't have lost to Otto when it came to managing paperworks, but that wasn't the only task she had to take care of. Even with Petra's assistance, maintaining the entire Mansion required a considerable amount of effort.

From the fact that she was still working away in the office in the middle of the night, one could imagine the immensity of her duties.

[Subaru: One way or another, I'll pull that Otto even deeper into this and work him like a mule as the Emilia-faction-paperwork-machine. I'll make him the official office robot]

While thinking of plots to trap that young man in the village with loose cheeks and dreams of big money, Subaru pushed open the gates and entered the Mansion grounds.

Heading to the entryway, he struck the door with the falcon-shaped knocker,

[Subaru: Apologies for the late night visit. I'm here from the Fire Departme~nt]

Sending sharp knocks ringing throughout the night, Subaru shouted out an appropriate call as usual.

Speaking of which, how do the people in this world handle fires and disasters, anyway? Subaru tilted his head, wondering about this pointless question. But,

[Subaru: There's no reply]

And here he thought Frederica would swoop in to respond, swift like the wind, but seeing that was not the case, Subaru dropped down his shoulders.

After a little while longer, Subaru decided that no one was coming and abandoned waiting. Then, grandly pushing open the door,

[Subaru: Oooo~oy, I'm ho~~me. Food! Bath! Bed!]

And, shouting these three orders like he owned the place, Subaru struck out a pose. But there was still no reply.

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Tasting the nostalgic sensation of sliding along the floor in awkward silence all by himself, Subaru headed up the stairs――to the servant quarters to look for Petra.

[Subaru: Frederica's probably in the office. I'll go find Petra first...then, I'll have to look for Beako too]

One by one, the three people who remained behind in the Mansion surfaced in Subaru's mind.

Regardless of the precocious Petra or the politely insolent Frederica, the reunion Subaru had to prepare for was the one with that Drill-Haired Loli.

Last time, the way they parted was indeed a way to part.

Without giving him a single answer to his vital questions, she had chased him out, sobbing, with an expression full of sadness.

[Subaru: I'll have to apologize... but it'll be kind of weird. I feel like I didn't really do anything wrong...]

Even so, Subaru got the feeling that something would be different if he met her again and talked.

Besides, he'd like to think that he must have advanced a little by saying farewell to his past. With his current state of mind, perhaps he would be able to face her a little differently than last time.

And so,

[Subaru: The first time was only a skirmish...well that's one way of thinking about it]

Subaru gave the door a knock, and immediately swung it open as if to surprise the person inside, but he dropped his shoulders once again.

Walking in on a delightfully-embarrassing-clothe-changing-time――was not something he was hoping for considering the target was a little girl, but no such thing happened, since there was no one in the room.

It was a room decorated to Petra's tastes, adorned with cute little items, and kept tidy and organized―― but its owner was nowhere to be found.

Inside the room lighted by the crystal lamps, Subaru tilted his head,

[Subaru: Going out without turning off the lights doesn't seem like something a dependable girl like Petra would do...if she isn't here, maybe she's in the office studying?]

It was possible, if the spartan Frederica was involved.

In addition to the chores, she might be teaching Petra office work as well to turn her into another all-powerful maid. It would be a great help, but since Petra was already overtaking Subaru in the domestic duties, if she overtook him in office work as well, Subaru will have no hole to crawl into.

[Subaru: Nonono, she can't even do all her arithmetics yet, I still have the advantage! Don't you underestimate the modern Japanese compulsory education!]

Muttering this while flying up the stairs, heading to the highest floor――he arrived at a double door in the dead center of the hallway, and, clearing his throat again, he knocked.

The heavy sound echoed outward, and surely it was sent into the room. But there was no reply.

[Subaru: ――――]

It was all too strange. Subaru's accumulated wariness so far was now raised to a whole different level. Trying to cover up that feeling with some lighthearted humor, Subaru swept his gaze down the hallway from end to end, and then, at the office door itself. He leaned his ear against the door to listen to what was inside, but no sound came through the thick, heavy door. There was nothing else he could gather if he continued to stay outside.

――Petra's room showed no sign of being disturbed. It was neatly arranged, and her bed had been made as if she was just getting ready to sleep.

It was the same for the Mansion, at least on the surface, and there seemed to be nothing out of place. Cleaned and organized with a thoroughness that could only belong to Frederica, there was not a speck of dust left on the window sills.

So Subaru's wariness was only elevated because he hadn't seen either of the girls.

[Subaru: ――――hu]

He lightly pushed on the doors, and they opened without a sound.

The next moment, light flooded out from the room into the hallway, and relying on that light, Subaru scanned the room's interiors. There was an ebony desk, and a leather chair. From the direction of the bookshelves on the wall, a wind came blowing through―― The windows were closed. But he could feel a cold wind was blowing. Intuitively, he knew that something was strange.

Sliding over the floor as he sneaked into the room, Subaru followed the direction of the wind――and saw it.

The bookshelf in the back of the room had been shifted sideways, revealing a usually-hidden door installed into the wall. Beyond it, was a spiral staircase that extended downwards, far, far beyond sight――

[Subaru: Right. There was a hidden passage here. I remember, I remember]

It was in the previous loop.

Despairing after the villagers of Arlam had been slaughtered at the Witch Cult's hands, and after finding Rem and Ram's corpses in the Estate, when his mind was an inch away from shattering, Subaru arrived here.

Then, passing through this hidden passage into the undergrounds, there――

[Subaru: I was frozen by Puck, I think]

There was no way to be sure. But he clearly remembered the frozen bodies of the Witch Cultists who must have pursued Emilia into the same passage, as well as his own similar end, and the Return by Death that followed.

After that, without placing much importance on this detail, he had forgotten to even verify the existence of this underground passage,

[Subaru: But why is it now...]

If it was being used, at least it meant there was a need to evacuate.

As for who might have used it, it could only someone within the Mansion who knew of this passage's existence――probably Frederica. If she and Petra escaped through this passage, that would be the simplest explanation. But the question is,

[Subaru: What, were they running from?]

As intelligent as Frederica is, she must have had considerable reasons to make this decision.

Since there was no sign of an attack inside the Mansion, she must have detected the imminent danger beforehand. Thinking to this point, the words "Witch Cult" flashed across Subaru's mind, but he immediately shook his head and drove off that thought,

[Subaru: If that were the case, it'd be too unnatural for Frederica to not leave a single note. Besides, the villagers in Arlam didn't notice anything either...if it was something as dangerous as the Witch Cult, she would have done something to prevent the villagers from getting caught up in it]

At least, Frederica's support for the Roswaal-backed Emilia was not in question. If so, then she would have done her best to take the optimum measures to handle this situation. If the villagers didn't know about this, then it couldn't have been the Witch Cult.

In any case,

[Subaru: Frederica and Petra probably already left the Mansion...then, I'll]

For a moment, Subaru was about to enter the passage to meet up with Frederica and Petra, but what stopped in his tracks was the girl whose name hadn't occurred to him of up to now.

If Frederica had judged beforehand that they must leave the Mansion, surely, they would have taken Rem along as well.

On the other hand, there was also,

[Subaru: As far as I know, Beatrice isn't the kind of kid who can read the mood]

There was also that impudent Drill-Haired Loli, who certainly would have refused Frederica's proposal.

She would have shut herself off inside the Forbidden Library, and made a fuss insisting that she will be fine no matter what, and kicked aside all their worries and concerns, and, at last, without a doubt, she would have sat there alone with a lonely expression on her face. Because he knew this without a doubt,

[Subaru: I'll pull her out...!]

If nobody else could bring her out, then Subaru will do it himself.

It doesn't matter how firmly she believes in the safety of her own fortress.

Knowing that danger was closing in on this place, there was no way he could leave a little girl behind.

[Subaru: And since I've made up my mind about that――!]

Turning his back to the hidden passage, Subaru took a sharp breath, and dashed out of the office.

The most sure-fire way to find Beatrice would have been to open every single door in the Mansion from end to end, but, for Subaru, somewhere along the way, he'd just somehow get the feeling that this door would be the one. And sure enough, he would see her on the other side.

So, starting from the doors on the uppermost floor――

[Subaru: T-tt?]

The foot he just swung out in his stride tangled onto something, and Subaru rolled onto the floor.

A rather embarrassing start, was the first thing that came to mind. Stumbling over right after acting cool was not quite what he was aiming for.

Pushing his hands onto the hallway carpet, Subaru turned around to see what he tripped on. And he saw, a little in front of the door to the office, something had dropped on the floor.

It was pink, and very long, and stretched on for several steps all the way to Subaru's feet. Following on from there, if you asked just where it would end, it wouldn't be very difficult to guess.

――It was something that had spilled out the side of Subaru's opened belly.

[Subaru: ――ha?]

The left side of his jacket had been cleanly sliced through, and his pink entrails were spilling out from the gap.

They trailed all the way from the door to Subaru's feet, tangling them up. In other words, somewhere along the way, his stomach had been cut open without him realizing it, or something along those lines.

[Subaru: ...oughbh]

The moment he took this in, chunks of clotting blood rose up choking in his throat, as his vision became painted with red.

He tried using his fingers to push the organs that spilled out due to his abdominal pressure back into the gap that was pushing it out, but, running out of strength, his knees collapsed from under him. Unable to hold up his body, he sprawled onto the floor.

He couldn't understand what had happened to him. Surely, he had just started running…

[???: ――Didn't I tell you? Didn't we promise?]

Suddenly, he heard a voice.

In front, above the fallen Subaru's head, someone was speaking.

He lacked the strength to raise his head. His consciousness was desperately trying to pull back the overflowing intestines, the gushing blood, and the world that was drawing away.

His body heat was rapidly dropping. With every cough, the blood clots jamming in his throat splashed onto his face, and, with eyes that were starting to blur, Subaru desperately tried to hold onto this world.

"This is the end", his intuition told him.

Somewhere in his heart, he understood this, but "Subaru cannot end like this", he scolded back.

If he didn't learn anything, he cannot let it end. Just one thing, anything, don't let it end until you've learned something. Something, something something something something something.

The footsteps sent out ripples. A black shadow was standing in the center of the corridor stained red by chunks of his blood.

Black clothes. Slender. Black hair. Looking down on him lovingly, with those lustful eyes.

Running these through his mind, and remembering the tactile sensation of "Belly Sliced Open", Subaru understood.

It wasn't the Witch Cult, but a genuine threat, nonetheless. It was――

[Elsa: That until the next time we meet, you should take good care of your bowels?]

A deviant declaration of love.

Subaru certainly caught it――as his consciousness began to fade.

Fading, fading, fading, darkening, darkening, until,

Everything vanished in the end――and started over again.

――The curtain has risen on the Fourth Death-Loop.

-=Chapter 23 End=-