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[Roswaal: Make yourselves at home. Whether it be a long conversation or a short conversation, we should get co~~mfortable, no?]

Closing a single eye, Roswaal shot his yellow gaze towards the two standing at the door.

Tangled within that viscous gaze, Otto gulped as if drowning in its devilishness. Although the same demonic hand also reached for Subaru, having braced himself beforehand, by taking a single cough he managed to stand his ground without allowing himself to be swallowed.

[Subaru: You put on your makeup and got all dressed up just for us? I'm gonna blush]

[Roswaal: Do~~n't worry about it. After all, you were the one who to~~ld me to put on my makeup aga~~in]

[Subaru: Ah right… I did]

After sealing their contract and bet, that was indeed what Subaru had said to Roswaal before leaving the room. Though he never thought Roswaal would actually do it.

[Roswaal: You see, for me, these cosmetics are like my warpaint. In order to advance the world in accordance with the Gospel, I must never let down vi~~gilance. That's why I wear this makeup, to constantly remi~~nd myself of that]

Unexpectedly hearing this backstory, Subaru couldn't help but gawk at Roswaal's face.

The bewitching eyeliners on that white-powdered face. The red-painted lips and the peculiar shape around his left eye. So all of it had some significance other than screwing with his conversation partner.

[Subaru: Or, are you just saying that to screw with me?]

[Roswaal: You can beli~~eve me, you know? We~~ll, I'll leave it to your imaginations. Since things have already diverged from the Gospel's writ, I was ready to give up on this world and had stopped putting on my cosmetics... but now I'm wearing them once more. You can a~~lso interpret that however you li~~ke]

Listening to Roswaal's roundabout words, Subaru gritted his teeth to keep his expression steady.

If it was indeed warpaint as Roswaal suggested, then the reason he put them on once more was clear.

Chances were, it meant that he has regained his motivation and his will to live.

Even if that was because he was intending to bring this world to an end and leave everything to the self in the next world, not unlike the hope Subaru himself once harbored.

[Roswaal: Would it have been better for you if I had continued to la~~nguish?]

[Subaru: Not really. We'll still need your renown, position, and influence to put Emilia-tan on the throne. It'll be a problem if you suddenly start playing dead. So I'll be crushing what motivation you have and making you see a different kind of hope before dragging you into our team]

[Roswaal: Promising words. ...Feel free to tr~~y it, if you can]

Faced with Subaru's brazen declaration of war, Roswaal's lips twisted in delight. Then, keeping up that irritating smile, [Anyway], Roswaal turned to the one standing beside Subaru,

[Roswaal: This one spa~~cing out next to you… must be the Otto-kun previously introdu~~ced to me? Compared to how lively he was before, he's looking aw~~fully glum, i~~sn't he?]

[Subaru: He's not so much glum as he's just startled. Just when he was hoping to do some bootlicking, he got to see a creepy clown face waiting for him. It's only natural that he peed himself a little, right?]

[Otto: What're you doing suggesting that someone else peed themselves!? And don't make it sound like I came here to shamelessly curry favor! You're making my impression even worse!]

[Subaru: Your impression is already the worst it can get when you decided to go against him and help me, you know. At least try establishing yourself as a formidable opponent so you might get a higher placing in the popularity polls]

[Otto: I have precisely no idea what you're talking about!?]

Exchanging their rowdy banter as usual, Subaru could see Otto's tension loosening. And, as if realizing that back and forth was meant to relax him, Otto's face took on a complicated expression.

Watching the expressive gazes exchanged between the two, Roswaal held a finger to his cheek and gave a meaningful laugh.

[Roswaal: Conveying everything to each other through eyes alone, wha~~t a great bond you two~~ must have. And when the relationship between Subaru-kun and I was supposed to have been longer, too. I'm kind of je~~alous]

[Subaru: Stop saying gross stuff. The number one and two places in my heart are already sold out. There's absolutely no gap for you guys to... especially your ass, to slip into, you ass]

[Roswaal: Unfortunate. But, do~~esn't mean... there's no place left for Be~~atrice? Just how do you feel about her?]

[Subaru: ――――]

No single word could have checked Subaru more effectively than that.

Having never expected Roswaal to bring up Beatrice's name here, Subaru's shock was as if he had just been slapped across the face.

[Subaru: Beatrice is...]

[Roswaal: That child follows her Gospel's guidance. I~~n that sense, you could say that we are rather like-mi~~nded. Although, seeing how I am actively pursuing my Gospel's writ while she is passively keeping hers, there is a difference in our appro~~aches]

[Subaru: You're saying if she can get results just by waiting, there's no need to trouble myself? While I agree... in this case, the order for her to keep waiting is way too much of a curse]

[Roswaal: That very well ma~~y be]

On the instruction of her creator, Echidona, Beatrice had been waiting in the Forbidden Library inside Roswaal's Mansion for a "Person" that doesn't exist. As a spirit who was given this single purpose from the moment she was born, clinging mindlessly to this order was the only thing that gave her life meaning.

In terms of stubbornness, Beatrice is indeed very much like Roswaal.

Her pleas to be allowed to die still remained vivid in Subaru's memory.

So did her expression at the very end, after all that had transpired in the Mansion.

That's why――

[Subaru: I will undo that curse myself. I'll drag her out of that stinking room and take her and her book and her dress out to dry in the sun. ――As for her feelings or whatever, I'll leave that up to her]

[Roswaal: ――――]

Listening to Subaru's proclamation, Roswaal narrowed his eyes, as if looking at something dazzling. Then, he expelled a short sigh and turned his gaze to Otto, who had been waiting to join the conversation.

[Roswaal: We~~ll then? Seeing how you brought him here, and judging by that exchange between you two... Otto-kun would be the card you've been hi~~ding?]

[Otto: N-no, I'm only here to arbitrate between the two sides. I would never have the gall to challenge your intentions, Margrave...]

[Subaru: Why're you backpedalling at this point! Just come out and say it! You're pissed off about his clown makeup and wanna paint it red and white Kumadori-style as soon as he's defeated!]

[Otto: I don't remember saying that! And what on earth is a Kumadori!]

Sticking Otto with something that he didn't remember saying, Subaru shot him a pointless thumbs-up. But, watching Subaru from the side, Roswaal closed one of his eyes in thought before turning a meaningful gaze to Otto.

[Roswaal: My impression... is that Subaru-kun only managed to regain his confidence beca~~use of you. I'm su~~re that must've been a si~~ght to behold]

[Subaru: I can't exactly deny that, but... now that I think about it, story-wise, isn't it kinda weird to recover thanks to a male character's help? Normally, shouldn't it be the heroine who gets me back on my feet?]

[Otto: Even if you look at me like that, I wouldn't know what to say to you!]

Subaru dismissed Otto's defiant gaze with a flap of his hand and accepted that there was no helping it.

Having been lent the strength to stand up again, it was now Subaru's turn to take his heroine by the hand and pull her to her feet. At least, that was what his heart had decided to do.

Subaru closed his eyes and opened them once more. And, sensing a change in the sharpness of that gaze, Roswaal adjusted his posture on the bed as the atmosphere in the room shifted.

Above his sheets, Roswaal twined his fingers, with [No~~w then] as his opening salvo,

[Roswaal: When you're locked away in isolation for the sake of convalescence, you simply must find so~~mething to do. I couldn't help but get bored otherwise. And because of that... I've been keeping my ears very open]

[Subaru: Well that's a tasteless hobby]

[Roswaal: You may say that, but it looks like you've been making progress with those nefarious plo~~ts of yours. ...How this Sanctuary came to be and what complicated circumstances it's tangled in, have you gotten a little fe~~el of it yet?]

[Subaru: Yeah, with all the convoluted details going on, it's really a headache. If you add your problems and Emilia's Trials into the mix, "Getting screwed on all sides" would be an understatement]

Subaru plainly admitted to the difficulty of his circumstances, but he had already taken his slim chances into consideration.

Telling Roswaal the same thing he had told Otto, Subaru held up a single finger, indicating the lack of any intention to give up on his situation just yet,

[Subaru: The deadline for our contract and bet is in three days. I intend to get things moving significantly tomorrow and the day after... so you better not get in the way too much]

[Roswaal: I~~'m afraid that I'll have to. Fulfilling the Gospel is my dearest wish. I thought I've already told you this many ti~~mes before?]

[Subaru: Within three days I'll have Emilia pass the Trials and convince Garfiel to join me. Strengthening our faction shouldn't be a bad deal for you either? I can guarantee you that my future will be brighter than what relying on your Gospel will get you]

[Roswaal: If it is as you say, perhaps that future has so~~me merit after all]

As futile as it was at this point, Subaru nevertheless made the attempt to persuade him. Suddenly, Roswaal looked down, muttering as if pondering over the future Subaru spoke of.

But, when he lifted his head once more, there was no more indecision in his mismatched eyes.

[Roswaal: Yet it isn't certain. ――That is all the reason I need to reject your proposed future. If I obey my Gospel, my desired future is guaranteed. Even if it means making countless sacrifices to obtain it, what of it? After all, there is only one thing I desire]

[Subaru: For the one thing most important to you, you would abandon everyone who is watching over you? Everyone who's helping you… and Ram… what'll become of them?]

[Roswaal: No~~w now, that's enough of that, Subaru-kun. ――What do you think qu~~estioning my resolve will achieve at this point? My answer remains unchanged, as are the tasks you must accomplish]

[Subaru: ――――]

It was the anticipated outcome and rejection.

Roswaal had no intention of listening to Subaru. And just as Subaru rejected Roswaal's proposal and Echidona's contract, Roswaal already had his optimal solution in mind.

[Subaru: ...But you know, I'll never become you, Roswaal]

[Roswaal: Is that so. ...That is truly unfortunate, Subaru-kun]

Leaning his weight into the pillow at his back, Roswaal spilled a quiet sigh. His disappointment must be because of the expectations he had for Subaru――

――That, once all roads are cut, no doubt Natsuki Subaru would become just like him, fighting with all his life.

[Otto: We should return to the topic at hand. Is that alright with you, Margrave?]

Otto stepped forward and broke the silence that had descended upon the room. Roswaal turned his yellow gaze to the grey-haired youth and wordlessly assented.

Then, Otto looked back at Subaru, who also nodded,

[Otto: It seems both sides have agreed on the deadline of three days for reshaping the circumstances of the Sanctuary. So even if the Margrave intends to influence Natsuki-san, it would amount to nothing more than quietly observing from the sidelines until then, correct?]

[Roswaal: Quietly observing... I don't recall making any promises of tha~~t sort?]

[Otto: And yet, the fact that you haven't burned me to cinders by now is an indication of that intention, right? I assume the Head Mage of the Court of the Kingdom of Lugnica, Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers, would be able to incinerate me in the blink of an eye. Wouldn't that be the easiest, most straightforward method to foil Natsuki-san's plans while staying within the limitations of the bet?]

[Roswaal: Ho?]

Subaru held his breath as he watched Otto build up his measured and fluent logic. Though they never rehearsed this beforehand, his delivery shot fire with every syllable.

Even Roswaal looked surprised as he read the intention of Otto's words.

[Roswaal: You are an amusing one. Though I've given you a similar appraisal before... let me revise it. ――You are a rare talent, far more amusing than I thought]

[Otto: I'm honored, but... that was a compliment, right?]

[Roswaal: It is pure and unadulterated praise. Aah~~a, how splendid. Standing there at Subaru-kun's side, you proved your argument at the peril of your own life. That i~~s truly an admirable determination, ve~~ry much to my liking. Not everyone could have done what yo~~u've just done]

[Otto: That's... thank you]

Though somewhat overwhelmed by Roswaal's boldness, Otto nevertheless fearlessly faced him. As Otto himself had said, he was standing in front of a Mage who could incinerate him with the snap of a finger.

In fact, if Roswaal truly wanted to abandon all pretenses and enforce his contract with Subaru, then all he had to do was resort to the treacherous methods Otto had described. And even if he didn't do that, but simply set fire to the Sanctuary or prematurely caused the snowfall to lure the Great Rabbit here, there would be nothing Subaru could do to stop him. Subaru's bet would certainly be lost.

For Otto, who knew nothing about Return by Death, he had assumed that Subaru's survival was a necessary condition of the bet, but for Subaru and Roswaal, who did know about Return by Death, Subaru's survival was in fact irrelevant. As they sealed their contract, that had been Subaru's greatest concern, whether Roswaal would burn him to death the moment he turned his back.

So what could it mean, if Roswaal would neither resort to violence nor simply watch from the sidelines?

[Otto: In any case, I'd like your assurance, Margrave. That regardless of what we plan or do... you will not take any extreme measures until the three days' deadline is up]

[Roswaal: Asking me for assurances, how auda~~cious you are]

[Otto: I doubt we'd have a chance of winning this bet if we had to constantly watch our backs. And besides, if you're so sure that Natsuki-san will fail and that this bet is as good as won, then not doing anything to interfere shouldn't be a problem, should it?]

[Roswaal: ――――]

Gesturing with his body alongside his words, the corners of Otto's mouth rose as he spoke. Seeing this, Roswaal's gaze sharpened.

Swallowing his breath while watching the negotiations, Subaru could sense that the critical moment had arrived. If Roswaal simply accepted Otto's provocation, they will lose.

A heavy, breathtaking silence descended upon the room. However,

[Roswaal: I~~ see. Subaru-kun, you're blessed to have such a wo~~nderful friend]

[Subaru: ...Yeah, you're right. He's the kind of buddy who'll give me a good beating when I go astray, you know]

Answering the grinning Roswaal, Subaru's gaze was looking somewhere far away.

Then suddenly, he realized it: Roswaal probably never had a friend like Otto. When Subaru was about to go down the very same path, it was Otto's punches that brought him back again.

Most likely, Roswaal had no one around to correct his stubborn and twisted ideas like that.

[Subaru: No helping it, then. ――It's four hundred years late, but we'll be doing it now]

[Roswaal: ――――]

[Subaru: Roswaal! Your attitude earlier, can I take that as your agreement!]

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Roswaal wryly smiled at Subaru's pursuit, then tilted his clownish face,

[Roswaal: Very well, I'll promise. Either way, I'll need to store up my Mana for the snowfall in three days. Just so you know, even for someone as po~~werful as myself, it is a strenuous effort to contro~~l the weather. Even if only temporarily, and in a confi~~ned area]

[Subaru: So then, you'll spend your time meditating from now on? Just for reference, if you can tell me what annoys you the most when you're meditating, that'll help a lot]

[Roswaal: I~~'m not in the habit of being so charitable to my enemies. ――In any case, there is no need for me to do anything, since I kno~~w that your plans will not succeed]

No concessions to be had on that one, apparently.

Subaru snorted at those taunting words, while Otto sighed with an exhausted expression.

Nevertheless, they have safely secured their biggest goal in coming here.

While they throw everything into the bet, Roswaal will not do anything to interfere.

Getting that assurance alone was a triumph. And the fact that Otto's oration proved even more effective than anything they could've planned was huge.

[Roswaal: Incidentally, Subaru-kun]

[Subaru: ――a?]

[Roswaal: I hear that the Great Spirit-sama has le~~ft Emilia-sama's side?]

That change of topic came like a punch from above just when Subaru's mind began to relax.

Straightening his back, Subaru acknowledged Roswaal's question with [Yeah],

[Subaru: Something happened with Emilia and Puck's contract and their link's been severed. As of right now, Emilia can't be called a Spirits-Arts User anymore]

[Roswaal: I also heard that she's terribly aggrieved... with matters as precarious as they are, for her heart to receive such a wound now, will it really be alright?]

[Subaru: ...Who knows. At least, tonight's Trial has gone out the window. As for how that'll affect things tomorrow and onwards, we won't know until Emilia wakes up]

The truth is, even though Puck had warned him beforehand of how anguished Emilia would be, her sorrow was such that he still couldn't help but want to cover his eyes.

With just two days remaining, cornering Emilia like this had made his slim chances even slimmer as the gates closed around them.

But all Subaru needed was the smallest keyhole in that closed gate for him to pour all his faith and hopes into.

[Subaru: That said, it really is a headache. But, one way or another, I...]

[Roswaal: That's, rather intri~~guing...]

Interrupting Subaru's words, Roswaal wagged his lifted finger left and right. Subaru unwittingly fell silent at this gesture, while Roswaal continued, [After all],

[Roswaal: While you do seem troubled about how to get Emilia-sama back on her feet... you don't appear to be at all surprised by the fact the Great Spirit-sama broke his co~~ntract with Emilia-sama. Just why would tha~~t be?]

[Subaru: ――――]

Roswaal's nonchalant question made Subaru instantly lose his words.

Subaru didn't seem surprised because Subaru already knew it was going to happen. If he hadn't discussed it with Puck beforehand, he would probably have been helplessly paralyzed in front of the screaming and wailing Emilia.

Although, that wasn't too far from what actually happened.

[Roswaal: Did you... perhaps know about this situation beforehand? The fact that the Great Spirit-sama would leave Emilia-sama's side? Nevermind how you came to le~~arn of it]

[Subaru: Even if, hypothetically, I did... it'd make no sense for you to complain about it. I'm just doing everything I can to win this bet. So even if you...]

[Roswaal: No~~no, that's enough. ――That's all I needed to hear]

Roswall held up his palm with a satisfied nod. At this, Subaru stopped mid-sentence, expelling a rueful snort through his nostrils.

[Roswaal: I~~n any case... if the Great Spirit-sama has indeed left Emilia-sama's side, tha~~t would present something of a pro~~blem for me]

[Subaru: ...Really? Considering your objectives, shouldn't this be a turn for the b...]

[Roswaal: Not at all. If the unbearable sight of Emilia-sama breaking could set your heart aflame, that would indeed be suitable for my needs... but if Emilia-sama loses her powers as a Spirits-Arts User, then she cannot be the culprit behind the snowfall upon the Sa~~nctuary. That would be a he~~avy blow to me]

[Subaru: a...]

Roswaal was talking about the Gospel's discrepancy with reality.

In three days, the snowfall in Sanctuary will draw the Great Rabbit here. In order to match the content of the writ, Roswaal would have to bury the Sanctuary in snow.

But, that means――

[Subaru: Roswaal, I've been thinking this for a while now...]

[Roswaal: Hm? Wha~~t is it?]

[Subaru: About how this perfect Gospel of yours also has its failings]

[Roswaal: ――――]

The thin smile on Roswaal's lips disappeared at Subaru's words. The air dried up and goosebumps rose on Subaru's skin as he felt the warlock's gaze upon him.

At his side, Otto shriveled his shoulders, and for a moment, Subaru felt his throat being choked by the pressure. All the while, the warlock focused his mismatched pupils on Subaru.

[Roswaal: Go on, Subaru-kun. About these failings of the Gospel... tha~~t you mentioned]

Reaching into the pillow at his back, Roswaal produced a book with black binding―― the Gospel. Just like the one belonging to Beatrice in the Forbidden Library, its mere appearance burdened the atmosphere with a strange and oppressive heaviness.

[Subaru: T-there's always.... been something off about the way you talked about the Gospel's writ. Except I had too much on my plate so I never really gave it much thought. ...But now that I had a chance to settle down and think about it... I noticed something]

[Roswaal: Well, let's hear it?]

[Subaru: The Gospels that the Witch Cultists have... are incomplete and not very reader-friendly, but leaving that aside for now, there's also a decisive flaw about the Gospel that you have]

[Roswaal: ――――]

"Flaw", Roswaal's brows twitched as he heard that word.

The fact that he nevertheless kept his silence must be because he wished to hear what Subaru had to say. Roswaal's Gospel was literally the lifeline feeding his goals.

He had no reason not to listen when he hears words like "Failings" and "Flaw".

Taking a small breath, with his intestines trembling from the pressure clogging his throat, Subaru focused his glare onto Roswaal and spoke.

[Subaru: Going by what you said, it sounds like the Gospel has described the chains of events that would take place in the Sanctuary right up to the end. You seem to think it's to "Have me challenge the Tomb after Emilia fails", or something along those lines. To corner Emilia and make sure she fails, you'll bring snowfall upon the Sanctuary, luring the Great Rabbit here. Meanwhile, you push the Mansion into an impossible situation to force me to steel my resolve and let go of the "Useless" parts of me. ――That sound about right?]

[Roswaal: More or less, tha~~t's correct. And the defect?]

[Subaru: ...You didn't know that the snowfall will bring the Great Rabbit here. Which means your Gospel didn't mention what the result of bringing the snowfall will be. So if all it says is "It will snow" and you take it as your creed and move to make it reality―― then you're really just the book's puppet]

[Roswaal: I am aware. Even so, I don't mind. As long as I follow this book, I will receive the future I desire. As such, why should I hesitate to dance to its heartless and formless words?]

Calmly, Roswaal confirmed Subaru's reasoning.

Subaru's eyes wavered, unsure of what he should say next. But now that his reasoning had been confirmed, it brought a definite sense of reality to the hypothesis in his mind. ――And if his hypothesis was correct, then,

[Subaru: We really are both clowns]

[Roswaal: ――Ho?]

Roswaal narrowed his eyes as the room's atmosphere thickened. Subaru's sensation of his body temperature dropping must be because of the warlock's waves of quiet emotion displacing the mana in the atmosphere.

Regardless, even if it meant iring Roswaal, addressing the problem of the Gospel was necessary. Both to dispel Subaru's doubts―― and to cast doubt into Roswaal's obstinate heart.

[Subaru: Back to the point. If the Gospel's record states that "It will snow", I assume this was originally supposed to be done by Emilia. But since Emilia couldn't, or otherwise wouldn't, you have to cause the snowfall in her place. In order to follow the Gospel's writ]

[Roswaal: You are repeating yourself. Get to the point. Where is its failing and how is it flawed...]

[Subaru: Basically, if Emilia couldn't cause the snowfall, and there wasn't a Gospel telling you to cause the snowfall... it would never snow in the Sanctuary]

That would be the simple conclusion.

Roswaal was only going to cause the snowfall because the Gospel said so. So if it was never written in the Gospel, or if the Gospel never existed, then Roswaal would have had no reason to take such an action.

It was unclear why Emilia would bring snow to the Sanctuary in the first place―― but if the Gospel was correct, Emilia would have to have some reason or another to cover the Sanctuary in snow. Without knowing "what" that reason may be, the snowfall itself is pointless. Not to mention that this progression would not exist if the Gospel simply never existed――

[Subaru: Prophecies that wouldn't come true unless prophesied―― what kind of prophecy is that?]

[Roswaal: ――――]

[Subaru: Prophecies are supposed to predict events no matter how unbelievable or seemingly impossible they are. The imperfect ones the Witch Cultists have get updated as things unfold to match the progression of the world. But what about your Gospel? The one crowned with the splendid appellation of "Perfect"?]

[Roswaal: ――――]

[Subaru: If you have to bend the world just to make sure things match its contents, what's the point? If you're the one who has to make it happen, at the expense of absolutely everything else, how do you know that was what was supposed to happen in the first place? Smart as you are, you must have noticed it?]

[Roswaal: ――――]

[Subaru: You're just in denial, Roswaal]

Subaru jabbed out his finger and declared.

While being showered by those words, Roswaal didn't say a word. But the pressure encasing the room had disappeared, while Otto, released from its hold, drew quick short breaths to settle the pounding of his heart.

Closing both eyes, Roswaal sank into thoughtful silence. Subaru thought he saw a slight twitch in Roswaal's red-painted lips, but it may have been wishful thinking in the hopes that his words had swayed him.

However, he would be given no time to confirm this,

[Roswaal: To reach a progression of the world… that presupposes the existence of the prophecy... of the Gospel… naturally, one must also presuppose that there is someone who will act in accordance to its writ...]

[Subaru: Yeah. I knew you'd make that kind of rebuttal. ――So I've prepared a rebuttal to that as well]

In front of Roswaal's uncharacteristically faltering speech, Subaru cut him off, having already guessed this reaction beforehand.

Closing a single eye, Roswaal peered his yellow pupil into Subaru, emitting the same eerie gleam he had poured onto Subaru so many times before.

But this may have been the faintest Subaru had ever seen of that gleam.

Vaguely noticing this, Subaru continued:

[Subaru: Show me your Gospel. If I can see what sort of entries are written in it, I'll agree with you]

[Roswaal: ――gh. I'm afraid that is impossible. The Gospel would never reveal its contents to anyone other than its recognized owner. I am the owner of this Gospel. So even if I showed it to you, you would not be able to comprehend its contents, and there's even the risk of your mind being scorched when the book refuses to recognize you...]

[Subaru: You're getting awfully talkative, Roswaal. Is it really so much of a problem for you if I see the book?]

Seeing Roswaal getting stuck for words, Subaru's eyes widened in surprise.

Though the white cosmetics kept the color of his face from showing through, Roswaal's refusal was so intense that it could even be called an overreaction.

This rapid shift in Roswaal's attitude told Subaru that he had cornered him even more than he had imagined.

There was something in the Gospel's text that Roswaal was hiding, that he couldn't allow anyone else to know. Was his stubborn adherence to its prophecies originally spurred by that hidden something?

If not, then how could someone like Roswaal have failed to notice the contradictions within the Gospel?

[Otto: Natsuki-san, any further would be...]

Sensing the shift in Roswaal's attitude and judging that it was time to drive the point home, Subaru was suddenly stopped by Otto, who had been quietly observing them.

Subaru looked back, intending to reject Otto's advice, but when he saw the seriousness of Otto's gaze, he was dissuaded from pushing the matter further.

Otto saw something that he, in his passion, had failed to see. And those eyes were clearly telling him that it was time to bring this conversation to an end.

Recklessly forcing the issue now would only ruin everything they've gained here.

[Subaru: ――Roswaal, there's three days left. Tomorrow, the day after. And, the final day. We'll put an end to everything before then. You just sit tight and think about what I said]

[Roswaal: Yo~~u mean I'm spared? ――Then we really should thank your friend, Otto-kun. For forestalling this watershed that would've been unpleasant for you and me both]

With his face still devoid of emotion, Roswaal hid the Gospel behind his back once more. Then, as if to put in his final word as Subaru and Otto turned towards the door with a shrug,

[Roswaal: I will now begin preparing for my weather manipulation spell. And I will consecrate the Gospel's writ into reality. ――Doing so is my only guiding compass]

[Subaru: Do whatever you want. Go ahead and stubbornly cling to it if you like…]

With his hand on the doorknob, Subaru turned around, taking Roswaal into his view.

And, when his gaze met the warlock's,

[Subaru: Once all this is over, I'll dip that Gospel of yours in ink until it's all soaked and black. ――And then you'll finally be able to see in front of you with your own damn eyes]

――Having concluded their conversation with Roswaal, though it was hard to say whether it was meaningful or not, Subaru parted with Otto and headed to Emilia's residence.

[Ram: ――You're here, Barusu]

[Subaru: Yeah, I'm here. Sorry for troubling you with this for so long]

Seeing Subaru enter the room, Ram, who had been watching over Emilia, turned him a listless expression. While this kind of lackluster expression was quite usual for her, Subaru thought he caught a glimpse of something darker from the side of her face, though he might be just imagining it.

[Subaru: We're done talking with Roswaal. I'll watch over Emilia now, so you can go]

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Without delving into the topic, Subaru pulled up a chair next to Ram where he could watch over Emilia. Ram gave Subaru a glance as he sat down beside her, and,

[Ram: It's worrying, wondering whether Barusu will do something filthy to Emilia-sama while she's sleeping]

[Subaru: I didn't wanna think your faith in me is so low that you'd suspect me of doing something inappropriate in this situation, you know]

[Ram: But why would I trust you. You've revolted against Roswaal-sama, your master, and raised your banner against him in the confined space of this Sanctuary]

[Subaru: ...]

It was rather obvious, but it seems Ram knew about the contract between Subaru and Roswaal―― as well as the details of their bet.

After all, this was Ram, Roswaal's loyal servant to whom she was willing to devote everything to the very, very end. Even if, to Roswaal, she was just a pawn for actualizing the Gospel's writ and the only person he could use without suspicion.

[Subaru: And, what do you think?]

[Ram: ――――]

Ram did not reply to that subjectless question. She only turned her body towards Subaru, waiting for him to continue, while Subaru sorted through his emotions and chose his words,

[Subaru: I'm not sure how much you know about the Gospel's contents. But, if Roswaal makes those contents reality, the Sanctuary will be in ruins. We won't know if Garfiel or Lewes-san or anyone else'll safely...]

[Ram: If you think that's going to persuade me, then you're far too shallow, Barusu]

Sternly cutting him off, Ram reflected Subaru within her pale-red eyes, piercing him with her unwavering gaze.

[Ram: There is only one precious person occupying the highest place in my heart. That fact will never waver. Nothing could ever sway that position. So don't expect such words to change my mind]

[Subaru: ...]

[Ram: Besides―― Ram's problems are already entrusted elsewhere]

While Subaru regretted his poor choice of words, Ram quietly muttered. Subaru looked up as he heard this, intending to ask her what she meant, but Ram stood up before he could.

Smoothing out her skirt, Ram took one last look at the sleeping Emilia before turning back to Subaru,

[Ram: I'll leave Emilia-sama to you. I will visit again in the morning to wait on her]

[Subaru: Y-yeah... alright. Um, what did you mean just n...]

[Ram: …well, who knows]

Giving the epitome of the "I'm not going to answer" answer as her answer, Ram left the room. As much as he wanted to call out to her, Subaru couldn't think of what to say and only watched her as she left.

She closed the door behind her, leaving Subaru and Emilia alone in the room.

Since Emilia was still asleep in her bed, all that was left for Subaru to do was watch over her in her slumber.

It's been some ten hours since Subaru held the disoriented, wailing Emilia until she practically fainted out of consciousness―― the only relief was that Emilia's expression seemed untroubled by nightmares as she slept.

If her past hounded her even into her dreams, then her heart would truly lose its final refuge.

The moment she wakes, she would once again be faced with the fact that her bond with Puck had been cut. Just how much time would she need before she could come to terms with that?

Subaru didn't know how much his presence could help to alleviate that pain. And though, without a doubt, he wanted to be her strength―― just how much would it amount to?

[Emilia: ...ru]

[Subaru: ――Huh?]

Submerged in that sea of thought, suddenly, Subaru's consciousness picked up a faint call.

Looking over, he saw Emilia's head softly tilting with her open amethyst eyes gazing at him. ――She was awake.

[Subaru: You're, up... Emilia, are you alright?]

[Emilia: ――Subaru]

[Subaru: Yeah, it's me. How are you feeling? You've been asleep for... hold on, I'll bring some water]

[Emilia: It's fine]

Subaru stood up, intending to rush outside, but Emilia's call stopped him.

Startled by the surprising forcefulness of her words, Subaru unwittingly sat back into his chair.

[Subaru: ...Emilia?]

[Emilia: It's fine. I'm okay... stay here]

Subaru lowered his voice, and Emilia gave her firm reply.

The events over the past few days had led Subaru to believe that Emilia would be light-headed and fragile in the mornings. After waking, her mind would usually need some time to recover, especially after such a prolonged slumber―― yet Emilia's amethyst eyes did not give the slightest indication of that fatigue.

[Subaru: Do you… know what happened?]

[Emilia: ...Mn. I slept for the whole day today. Even though everybody has been waiting for me, what am I doing... I'm sorry]

[Subaru: That's…! No one is going to fault you for that. What I meant was...]

Facing the apologizing Emilia, Subaru was at a loss as to whether to bring up Puck. It should've been the first topic to come to mind as she recovered her bearings after waking. But instead of that, her only concern was for everyone else's sake. Unless, could it be that the shock was so great that she forgot that her contract with Puck was broken――

[Emilia: Don't worry, Subaru]

[Subaru: u, e...?]

[Emilia: I haven't... forgotten that Puck is gone. I remember. I'm not going to forget and run away]

[Subaru: You, won't...?]

[Emilia: Mn...]

Emilia gave a small nod, and Subaru realized that Emilia hadn't forgotten that fact. But, in that case, why was Emilia's expression so calm right now?

For Subaru, who had seen Emilia's state immediately after she learned that she had lost Puck, seeing her calmness now felt almost surreal.

But, while Subaru was having trouble accepting that it was as simple as it seemed,

[Emilia: I'm sorry, Subaru. I showed you so much of the unsightly parts of me... you must be reeaally worried]

[Subaru: No, you can worry me as much as you want. I don't mind. I don't, but... you're the one y...]

[Emilia: ――there were lots. Of things I thought about. In the dream]

Emilia quietly interrupted Subaru's tangled words. In front of her downcast eyes, Subaru inadvertently swallowed his breath without looking away. He saw her long eyelashes quiver as she looked back at him once more,

[Emilia: I'll definitely be fine in the morning… I want to believe that, so... Subaru, please]

[Subaru: ...a, mhm]

[Emilia: Hold my hand. Can you please stay here until the morning? If you do, then I'll definitely...]

Emilia's white fingertips timidly reached out from under the sheets.

Seeing the offered hand, Subaru immediately gripped it in his own, wrapping her delicate, silken fingers firmly in his palms,

[Subaru: If that's all you need, then it's no problem at all. But, Emilia...]

[Emilia: I'm sorry, Subaru. I know there must be lots of things you want to say and ask about. But... please, wait for morning. Because then, I can do my best]

[Subaru: ――――]

[Emilia: So please, just stay like this until it's morning―― Subaru]

Faced with Emilia's near-pleading voice, Subaru had nothing more to say.

He merely brought his chair closer to the bed and placed her enveloped hand beside her pillow. Having done so, he nodded to Emilia, who was watching him with her wavering eyes,

[Subaru: Understood. I will, Emilia]

[Emilia: Mn... thank you]

With that short exchange, Emilia's eyes closed once more.

Unlike her swooning loss of consciousness that morning, this time, she was falling into restful, self-willed sleep. When she wakes from it again, just what would he say to her then?

By her own strength, Emilia had conquered the worst of what Subaru had envisioned. Thoroughly relieved by this fact, Subaru watched over Emilia's sleeping visage.

[Emilia: ...I trust you]

Suddenly hearing Emilia's half-asleep mutter, Subaru let slip a small sigh.

――The situation will start moving again come morning.

That fateful morning was only hours away.

And――

※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

[Ram: Did anything come of the conversation with Barusu?]

[Roswaal: A painful tie… would be an a~~pt description. It seems both him and I had our gains and compromises. Though, I had planned to avoid interfering in the first place]

In the dark room, the master and servant conversed at a distance closer than necessary.

Holding Ram close at his bedside with her head resting on his chest, Roswaal reminisced on the conversation earlier.

The fact is, it would be no easy task to sway Subaru once he had hardened his resolve. Although it was unclear what Subaru's future would hold, Roswaal could clearly sense the iron will at its core.

Otto's presence at his side also caused no small problems for Roswaal. By objectively grasping the situation and effectively reining in Subaru when he did, Otto perfectly fulfilled his role as balancer by keeping both Subaru and Roswaal from going too far.

Had Otto not been present, Roswaal could very well have twisted Subaru's thinking through persuasion alone――

[Roswaal: He looked like a spectator who'd never take the stage... but he was surpri~~singly cunning and ca~~pable. Subaru-kun has found himself a wonderful friend]

[Ram: ...If he's getting in the way, would you like me to do something about it?]

[Roswaal: No need. If I was going to make that decision, I should've made it during that conversation. Once I missed that chance, I've lost my excuse anyway. More importantly... how's the task I asked of you?]

Closing a single eye, Roswaal looked down at Ram through his yellow pupil. In her master's arm and embrace, Ram shook her head, looking up from his chest,

[Ram: Without complications. I've delivered it as you wished, Roswaal-sama]

[Roswaal: I see. I'd hoped that the timing would align... what will happen now, I wonder]

Hearing Ram's affirmation, Roswaal gave a satisfied nod and patted the girl's head with his palm while Ram accepted it with an expression intoxicated and entranced.

For an instant, Roswaal's gaze towards the adoring girl in his arms was almost one of pity.

[Roswaal: Don't think badly of me, Subaru-kun. I did promise not to directly interfere. I did, but... I should at least be allowed to cause some mischief from the comfort of my bed li~~ke this?]

[Ram: ――――]

[Roswaal: Now just what will happen…]

An elated smile crept onto Roswaal's lips.

[Roswaal: When he learns that that virtue-loving girl had heard that insidious conversation... just what will Subaru-kun's face lo~~ok like?]

※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

――The room was dark.

With all the lights extinguished, the room had fallen into darkness and would remain abound in the tracks of dreams and night until the arrival of dawn beyond the window.

The closed door separated this room from the rest of the world, preserving this silent space within.

There, amid the darkness, stood a bed in the center of the room, and on it, lay a girl with closed eyes.

When the silence devoid of even the sleeper's breathing―― was broken by a sound.

[???: ...liar]

A weak and hazy whisper.

An all too minuscule complaint from the lips of the girl on the bed.

[???: Subaru, you liar]

Again, the murmur repeated.

Clenching her empty hand, left all alone in the room, Emilia denounced the lies of the boy who wasn't there.

――The arrival of the fateful morning was only a few hours away.

-=