60

The moment the punk pressed his foot into the ground, Subaru felt the illusion as if the world had tilted.

Of course, in reality, such a thing could not possibly happen. Even the largest human could not hope to disturb the foundations of the world with a simple stamp of the foot, and the sheer weight of the earth would not budge so easily.

So, the tilting of the world can only be Subaru's illusion.

What had actually happened, was that starting from the point where Garfiel's placed down his foot, a wave spread out in the ground, and like flipping a piece of tatami, it tossed the dragon carriage into the air as it passed.

[Subaru: Impossible―― Uwah!?]

Like on the end of a see-saw, the sensation of upward momentum reached its peak, and then, as if floating, the dragon carriage glided through the air. Along with the ground dragons Patrasche and Furufu, just about exceeding one ton in weight combined, they were all blown flying. Inside the carriage, Subaru only held Emilia close within in his embrace.

Then, just like that, the dragon carriage slammed onto the ground, the sheer force of the impact sent its entire frame, inside and out, gnashing and creaking against itself. It was a high-quality dragon carriage. Its luxury did not stop at its glamorous appearance, for its quality was evidenced both in terms of comfort and durability, and this was demonstrated perfectly by the fact that it managed to avert total destruction just now. But still, in the half rolled over dragon carriage, there was no way to immediately escape.

In other words, since escape is no longer an option, the only choice remaining is to stand and fight.

[Subaru: Damn it, what was th――]

Shaking his head, which was still hanging out of the window to the coachman's platform, Subaru held a hand to his aching forehead. He had struck his head on the way down, but fortunately, other than the pain, there was no lesion or bleeding. Suddenly remembering, he looked down, and saw, lying in his arms, Emilia was unharmed.

A surge of relief washed over him, but this emotion was soon replaced by the anxiety of being reminded that the culprit who caused this was still outside.

Quickly lifting up his head, the dreaded sight that met Subaru's gaze was——

[Subaru: Patrasche——!!]

Screeching, fangs bared, the enormous jet-black ground dragon leapt toward the scrawny figure.

Making use of the loosened connection to the dragon carriage, with a twist of her body, Patrasche broke free and with rapid movements she set off against the assailant for a counter-attack.

With pointed fangs as sharp as blades, the power of her jaw can slice through human flesh and crush through bone and still have strength to spare. With speed like the wind, she aimed for Garfiel's neck, about to tear it to shred without a single question asked.

[Garfiel: Excitin' choice. Good groun'dragon... No, yer a good girl, aren't ya. Hell, "the sound o'breaking bones' a sign o'love" astheysay]

[————!]

Lodged in her closing jaws, was the front end of an outstretched arm that should by all accounts have been completely shredded.

Garfiel had held out his right arm against Patrasche's bite. And the ground dragon, zeroing in on the target, chomped down on the wrist, ripping the forearm arm clean off, and then fell upon the torso… or at least, that was what should have happened.

But instead, Patrasche froze in place. Not only her body, but even her jaw clamping on the arm lodged inside stopped moving completely.

Was some special ability being used, or was it caused by magic?

This question turned in Subaru's mind, but soon, Garfiel's action answered his doubts. Expanding the muscles of his lodged arm, it completely overpowered the force of Patrasche's jaw, stretching it open wider and wider.

[Garfiel: G'job, you. Got goin' right away, and still not givin' up, even better. Y'passed!]

[————!]

The jet-black ground dragon lowered her body, still clenching with her mouth she twisted her waist. The strength of her jaw sealed on the man's right wrist, she swung her tail whooshing upwards to swipe him flying. Subaru took a blow from her tail once, but, watching Patrasche's movements now, it's immediately obvious how much she had been holding back that time.

Literally putting her whole body behind the blow, she directed all her hostility into striking the body that was left completely open. But even so, it was casually stopped in its tracks by Garfiel's left hand.

A dry cracking sound rang out, and after the shock dissipated, all that remained was a hand grabbing onto the end of a tail. His right hand in her jaws, his left hand holding her tail, Garfiel smiled, revealing his beast-like fangs.

[Garfiel: Won't hurt ya. Sleep tight]

Making a wide swing with his arm, like some kind of joke, the circular trajectory of its motion carried Patrasche's massive body gliding through the air. Then, all of a sudden laterally spinning with an inconceivable sensation of weightlessness, Patrasche's eyes filled with confusion as she was gently tossed to the ground.

Her massive body barely bounced as it landed, and then silence: Patrasche had been defeated. In front of this scene, Subaru's parched throat let out a groan of disbelief,

[Subaru: H, he threw Patrasche?]

[Garfiel: Such'a loyal nature. Tossed y'out gently, shouldn't hurt. Let's finish this before ya get up!]

Disregarding the stunned Subaru, Garfiel lifted up his face and hopped onto the coachman's stand. Lying on the slanted coachman's stand was Otto, in a broken-looking posture, and he tried to stand up as the attacker leaped over.

[Otto: Guh... but, don't underestimate me! I am a traveling merchant you know! I am totally prepared for getting mugged by thugs on the road during my business. So come on, but if you rather not fall victim to the "Suwen-Family-Ryu-Thug-Repulsion-Technique" I suggest you surrender now... Hoowah!]

[Garfiel: Shut up, ham. What d'ya think yer doin with yer weakass skills, takin me on? Go take'a nap]

Right after striking a fighting pose, full of spirit, Otto instantly crumbled when Garfiel, suddenly coming up to him, gave him a flick in the forehead.

The flick —— or more accurately, the close-range middle finger strike, with what sounded like tremendous force, sent Otto's wiry body flying off of the coachman's platform. Holding his forehead in what looked like agony, he passed out without a word. Regardless of whether he was dead or alive, he was no longer an obstacle.

[Garfiel: Now, by th'looks of it, yer the only one left]

Snorting, the punk turned with a sharp look that could cut a man in half, murmuring.

Standing on the coachman's platform, the distance between him and Subaru was only about four paces —— but considering the way he had instantly closed his distance with Otto, there might as well be no distance between them at all.

Gasping down his breath, Subaru racked his brain but could not think of a single plan to break through. The only fighting force that might have been able to resist this man, Emilia, was still unconscious after her inexplicable collapse. But no matter what happens, he must protect her.

[Subaru: I'm...]

[Garfiel: "Flip it this way or that yer skin's still blue", I don't wanna hear it――!]

With the sound of a light tap on the floor, in the blink of an eye, Garfiel's short figure appeared in front of Subaru's face. Above, the raised arm had its five fingers spread open, and it was easy to imagine the future where the claws would swing down, ripping his stunned body apart.

And in the face of that future where his limbs would be ripped apart, there was only one thing Subaru could think to do: to prevent the damage from reaching Emilia in his arms, and to protect her with his life.

[————!]

——A few seconds passed, or perhaps it was longer.

His eyes tightly shut, shielding Emilia with his entire body, the time Subaru spent waiting for the shock to come dragged on to the point of confusion. Then, hesitantly opening his eyes, he found the five fingers spread out motionless in front of his face. Behind it, there was a perplexed look in the punk's eyes.

Keeping his gaze on Subaru, who could not help but hold his breath, he twisted his own head from side to side, making loud cracking noises with the bones in his neck.

[Garfiel: Instead of striking back y'prioritized protectin' the girl, the hell was that. After yer dead she'll be next anyway. Wasn't that a terrible decision?]

Being hit with a sound argument that he really didn't want to hear, Subaru, going through all sorts of reasons, couldn't come up with a reply. The silence making him even more displeased, Garfiel waved his sharp-clawed hand.

[Garfiel: Well, yer too slow anyway. Make a move or not, there probably wasn't much hope. You're all pretty useless either way]

[Subaru: Y, you are...]

[Garfiel: Hah?]

Remarking on their ineptitude, Garfiel gave out his merciless assessment. And as Subaru was trying to move his frozen throat, attempting to squeeze out a question, Garfiel's vicious-looking face twisted up with displeasure, and moved in even closer to Subaru's face.

[Garfiel: You're whisperin, gotta speak up. C'mon]

[Subaru: You are Garfiel... correct? You are acquainted with Roswaal and Frederica?]

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[Garfiel: ——Frederica?]

Confirming Subaru's word, for the first time, Garfiel's expression lost its aggression. Looking astounded, like a carnivorous beast that had lost the scent of blood, for an instant, he seemed almost cute and tame, but, immediately concealing it again with a bitter expression,

[Garfiel: Why d'ya know that name ... No, wait. That woman you're holdin', is the silver haired... Half-Witch?]

[Subaru: She's a Half-Elf. Don't you dare use that name in front of her]

[Garfiel: ——Hyah. Whatsthiswhatsthis, y'got some spirit got allofasudden]

Glancing down at Emilia, Subaru suddenly exploded back at the utterance of that derogatory name. The fear of moments before all disappeared in the face of pure rage, and Garfiel, hearing this, clicked his fangs together noisily, full of glee.

[Garfiel: Say, isntshe that rumored Emilia-sama? Now, a "Half-Witch" showing up around here could only have everything to do with Roswaal]

[Subaru: Son of a...]

Ignoring Subaru's previous words, Garfiel said "Half-Witch" again with special emphasis. Hearing this, Subaru stood up, but was immediately stopped by Garfiel's hand.

[Garfiel: "The dumbass who bites on molten iron only gets hurt" right. You don have a chance against me. Look at the difference in strength eh? ――I don't want you to get hurt, y'know?]

Making a fist with his outstretched hand, he cracked his knuckle-bones as a warning. Their respective strengths are obvious, without knowing his intentions, it's better not to make things any worse by resisting. To press down his anger and wait for another chance to get his revenge, would be the wisest course of action.

That's why,

[Subaru: …Eat shit]

[Garfiel: Hah?]

[Subaru: I don't want to get hurt. And you'll beat me up pretty easily I guess. But. ――I can't stand by while you continue to say things that will make this girl sad]

Gently laying Emilia down on the luggage stand, lightly touching the hair on her forehead, Subaru stood up staring at Garfiel at a distance so close that their foreheads almost touched. A distance within each other's breaths, a distance within each other's reach.

[Subaru: Take back that bullshit name… and never use it again]

[Garfiel: ...You want me to do what you say? But you don't got what it takes, do you? Your face, your gut, your shin, you want them all to get wrecked, yeah?]

[Subaru: Go ahead and try. But don't expect me to go down for free, though… If you punch my face I'll bite you, if you strike my gut I'll grab you, if you hit my shin I'll spit on you, and I will be paying you back tooth for tooth]

Responding to intimidation with intimidation, Subaru was carried up by the surge passion burning in his chest. In front of him, the hostile aura quietly emanating from Garfiel sent shivers circling all over his body. Quite literally, Subaru could be flicked away in a second if Garfiel wanted to. Judging from his offense and defense so far, this was all too obvious.

Of the strongest people Subaru had met in this Parallel World up to now, Garfiel might easily hold a place among them. Perhaps without reaching the level of Reinhardt at the pinnacle, he could, nevertheless, conceivably take on Wilhelm or Julius.

So even as Subaru's words took back a little bit of ground, the probability of him actually retaliating was really equal to zero.

But still, Subaru and Garfiel stared squarely into each other's eyes.

Even knowing he will lose, he refused to back down… because the reason he cannot back down was just behind him…

[Garfiel: ――Hihaha]

[Subaru: ――Hah?]

…It was an unexpected voice that sounded completely out of place.

In the middle of their standoff, Garfiel's laugh leaked out, cutting into the space between them. Subaru let out a confused groan, and Garfiel responded with his action,

[Garfiel: Hiyahahaha! Yer prettygood with words eh. Y'reallydiditdidntyer!]

[Subaru: Wha... Ow! Hey, wha wait, ow, st-, ow that really hurts!]

Breaking out into a wide laugh that shook his shoulders, Garfiel heartily patted Subaru in the shoulder. But even without the slightest hint of hostility or intention to attack, and even as he was holding back, the gesture, purely seeking friendly contact, was nevertheless cutting down Subaru's health points in large chunks at a time.

[Garfiel: G'job, y'passed! Went straight through! Th'Half-Witch... Half-Elf, though I don't like'em much, you have guts protectin her, I'll respect that]

[Subaru: It's good you came around... But it really hurts! When are you going to stop patting me? Are you trying to kill me!?]

His enthusiasm unabated, Garfiel's arm dropped, and Subaru moved a bit further away. Seeing this, the punk tilted his neck, then crossed his powerful arms, and,

[Garfiel: So cold. All that stuff is water under th'bridge now, so c'mon and forget it already. When a man acts petty it means his thing is petty too, y'know]

[Subaru: That's the first time I heard you use an idiom that sounds familiar... but my thing is totally none of your business! A-n-y-w-a-y!]

Garfiel shook around a little and gestured with his finger. But seeing him lift up his chin looking smug, Subaru threw his words back at him roughly.

[Subaru: You're Garfiel, and acquainted with Roswaal, right? Even though we had a fright when we came into contact all of a sudden, there's no more hostility between us now, right?!]

[Garfiel: Will ya quit making a fuss, it's getting annoying. Don't panic I won't eat ya]

[Subaru: Who do you think will believe that after that savage attitude a moment ago haaaah...?]

Sticking his fingers in his ears with irritation, Garfiel responded to Subaru's objections with a [Y'got a point I guess] as if understanding him. Even though he's incomprehensible sometimes, it's a great relief to see that they can communicate with words. And then, having escaped the dire circumstances, Subaru remembered,

[Subaru: Yeah... Hey this is no time for that! Emilia collapsed all of a sudden, what am I doing talking normally just now]

[Garfiel: Collapsed, y'mean the Half-Elf? Oy, of course she collapsed. Where do you think this is? What you panickin' about?]

Rushing over to Emilia's side, he found her still asleep and breathing irregularly, as if in pain. As Subaru was worrying by her side, Garfiel didn't seem to think much of it, and only shrugged. Noticing his knowing expression, Subaru asked [What do you mean?], which brought an incredulous frown onto Garfiel's face,

[Garfiel: Y'already heard from Roswaal and Frederica what this place was, right? They must have... No way, y'don't know?]

Even as he was just beginning to explain, Subaru shook his head from side to side, and Garfiel clicked his tongue in frustration. Spitting out [Th'pervert bastard...], it was easy to see who that insult was referring to.

[Garfiel: Frederica didn't say anything either? That's messed up, before y'know it her personality'll become like her owner's. Hopeless]

Shaking his head, Garfiel snorted out in irritation. Then, noticing Subaru's questioning eyes, he raised up his hand and said [Yeah I gettit I gettit], and,

[Garfiel: It looks pret'bad, but her life's in no danger. Only, if you don't want to see any more of that pain on her face, we needa get goin' right away. I'll guide you up to th'village]

[Subaru: When we move from here, her consciousness will return?]

[Garfiel: That's what I been sayin' isntit. Hurry up, we're gonna go, oy, how long are ya gonna keep sleepin? Get up]

Even though there wasn't much explanation, Garfiel didn't seem intent on explaining further. Turning around without even trying to conceal his thuggish expression, he went out and gave Otto a kick. Receiving the kick, the "still-passed-out" Otto let out a painful yelp [A-uu].

[Garfiel: Yer the driver aren't yer, son of'a. I'll set the turned'over carriage upright, and y'drive it up to the village. If yer slow I'll kick yer ass flying, yeah?]

[Otto: Say, what's with this situation!? Following what I just heard, I get the feeling I'm just on the losing end of everything!]

Hearing this unacceptable version of things, Otto boiled, suddenly standing up to voice his objection to Garfiel. Considering the beating he got just a few minutes ago, this must have seemed tremendously courageous, and Garfiel, who appeared to share this opinion, turned to look at Subaru,

[Garfiel: Oy. This guy, is he always such an energetic bastard?]

[Otto: If you ask that guy there's no way you'll get a proper appraisal so please stop that! Can't you just make your own observation of what I am! And apologize! Please apologize!!]

[Garfiel: Hah!? The hell, son of'a bitch's healthy lively all of'a sudden, ya underestimatin' me? Yeah I beat up a guy that didn't need a beatin', get over it!]

[Subaru: Can the two of you shut up! Emilia is still in pain, hurry up and grab the reins! And you, get the dragon carriage upright!]

While the three men were making a commotion, and started cursing at each other on the coachman's stand… placed aside on the luggage bed, Emilia, who had been unconsciousness up to now, still didn't wake up. However, a faint frown was stirring up on her pretty face, irritated by the noise,

[Emilia: ...Shut up]

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She murmured in a little voice, as if talking in her sleep.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

[Garfiel: Didn't introduce m'self did I? Name's Garfiel... Ah, just Garfiel 's good. The strongest man alive. Need anything, just ask]

[Subaru: Oh, I'm Natsuki Subaru ... Eh? What was that? You said you're the strongest? Are you saying that sober?]

As the dragon carriage got moving, sitting face-to-face inside, Subaru and Garfiel exchanged their self-introductions. Seeing Subaru suddenly pull back his outstretched hand with an astonished look, Garfiel also took on an incredulous expression,

[Garfiel: Isn't that what I said? What's so strange 'bout that?]

[Subaru: No no, I just never expected to meet someone who'd straight-out say "I'm the strongest man alive". Even so, isn't saying that going a bit too far?]

[Garfiel: Y'don't think I'm fit to be the strongest?]

[Subaru: Well you're very strong I'll admit, but if you're talking about the absolute strongest, how should I say it... No matter what, I have a guy who always comes to mind]

The form of that red-haired Knight emerged in his thoughts… compared to Garfiel in front of his eyes, Subaru's mind tried to work it out. From their previous exchange, with just his bare hands, Garfiel was a formidable fighter, and could kick a house flying if he wanted to―― No, he had flipped the carriage upright with a stamp of his foot just now. But would all this be enough to contend with the Sword Saint, after all?

Even with this in mind, Reinhard's advantage doesn't seem to disappear, and Subaru himself wasn't exactly sure why he held that Knight in such special regard.

[Garfiel: Hah, as you like. I'll correct your mistaken view sooner or later, and prove with my own hands that I'm the strongest. For now, let's just say "Th'red nosed sea-lion's afraid o'th'cold", and think of it like that]

[Subaru: I totally don't know what you just told me to think about...]

Subaru tilted his neck at that last part, and Garfiel didn't seem to be planning to explain it, and instead crossed his hands behind his head and relaxed his weight onto the back of his seat. Anyway, their conversation having come to an end, Subaru looked out the window, and brushed his fingers through Emilia's silver hair as she slept in his lap.

While Emilia has not woken up, her expression had become more restful than before. Just as Garfiel said, moving away from that place seemed to have a positive effect. So then, the next thing on his mind was,

[Subaru: Ah, I didn't get a chance to properly ask before but, you're a close acquaintance of Roswaal... aren't you?]

[Garfiel: You must've heard my reputation, right? I'll say this one more time then, out of all the people associated with Roswaal, I'm by far the strongest]

[Subaru: That's not really the point... But I do remember hearing you are an influential person, though]

Unless brute-force was the only reason he was considered "Influential"? Unlike what Subaru had expected, Garfiel was not much of a supporter in the political sense, but would perhaps be more of a supporter in the muscle-brained sense.

With the Sanctuary not far ahead, picking up someone who he at once needed to be cautious of, and who he could have friendly interactions with, really only added to the headache.

[Subaru: That's just more questions I'll need to ask Roswaal at the "Sanctuary" I guess. You know I'm supposed to be solving problems, but it feels like the number of questions just gets more and more as I go, what's with this?]

Hugging his own head, seeing the difficult road ahead just getting more difficult, Subaru's expression clouded over. Listening to this, Garfiel made a small click with his tongue, revealing just a small glimpse of his sharp canine teeth,

[Garfiel: "Sanctuary"―― eh]

Sensing some meaning in his murmur, Subaru's face raised up, and Garfiel gently waved his hand. Then, he stood up, facing the direction ahead, ―― that is, towards direction of the Sanctuary.

[Garfiel: It's because you're gulping down Roswaal's words whole without'a second thought, that you keep callin' it by that name. Things you don't know aside, the things he did tell you are all full of shit y'know that right?]

[Subaru: Even though I have the same opinion, it's not good to gossip behind someone's back... Say, did he piss you off or something?]

Garfiel became visibly displeased upon hearing the word "Sanctuary". Subaru wondered if he misspoke, and waited, but the reaction was more extreme than he anticipated.

That is, Garfiel twisted his mouth into an ironic smile that did not seem to fit,

[Garfiel: Well well, it's about time the princess-sama wakes up now. Since we're pretty far from the barrier]

[Subaru: What's the barrier... Ah, Emilia-tan?]

Just as he was about to ask his question, Subaru saw Emilia turning over in his lap and called out to her. She opened her eyes faintly, and looked around the inside of the carriage hazily. As though she wasn't completely awake yet, she stared at Subaru with her violet eyes,

[Emilia: Morning, Shubaru...] *(not a typo :3)

[Subaru: Just waking up is suuuper cute, Emilia-tan, but maybe now's not a good time. How are you feeling, does your head hurt?]

[Emilia: Ehh, not at all? I don't feel strange or anything...!]

In the middle of her answer Emilia suddenly became wide awake, and got up so fast that Subaru had to dodge his head backward. After being an inch away from banging their heads together, Subaru looked back at Emilia, who didn't seem to have noticed how close it came,

[Emilia: A,are you alright, Subaru? I said I will protect you but I passed out...]

[Subaru: I managed it somehow, so there's no need to worry! We came to an understanding through dialogue. People form ties with each other through conversation, and we took the first step in that regard. Though I ran into some communication problems at first...]

As Emilia was shoving closer and closer, Subaru touched her shoulder to try to calm her, while observing her as he spoke. It seems she could stand and walk, and the movements of her eyes and the color of her complexion, and her words and her voice were all impeccable. Also, super cute. Just like always.

[Garfiel: Right? Just like I said, yeah?]

And, as if waiting for Subaru to settle down, Garfiel laughed. But hearing this, Emilia suddenly jumped up in surprise, protecting Subaru behind her, as if only just now noticing the existence of this new stranger in the carriage.

[Emilia: ――Who are you!? I warn you, I won't let you lay a single finger on Subaru]

[Subaru: Emilia-tan, it's alright! Also would you please stop reinforcing my role as the female-lead please! My gauge can't take much more of it!]

Pulling Emilia out of her combat mode from behind, Subaru turned to Garfiel and introduced him,

[Subaru: That's Garfiel... Right after Emilia-tan collapsed, he atta... I mean came to ride on the carriage. Not that he's welcome or anything, but he's coming along until we get to the "Sanctuary"]

[Emilia: ...This is Garfiel? The person Frederica mentioned?]

[Garfiel: Well I am curious what she said about me, but we can put that off till later. Look, we're coming up to th'village soon]

Hearing Emilia make the exact same comment as Subaru did earlier, Garfiel jerked up his chin without giving them time to organize the situation. He gestured, and ahead of them, the forest was opening up, and the form of the village that was their destination came into view――

[Garfiel: Be welcome, Emilia-sama and her entourage]

He addressed them with proper title ―― however, his words did not contain any of the respect or favor, and had instead been served with more of a color of disdain, and a tinge of darkness.

Without realizing it, Subaru's gaze had turned severe, and confusion had emerged in Emilia's. Receiving both their gazes, Garfiel opened his arms wide, his attitude unchanged,

[Garfiel: The place Roswaal calls the "Sanctuary" or whatnot―― where half-wits are gathered to spend their days, in the impasse that is the Experimental Grounds, each to their pitiful ends]

[Subaru: Experimental Grounds...?]

[Emilia: Half-wit――]

While Subaru and Emilia are each drawn to a different part, Garfiel placed a hand over his mouth covering his canine teeth which were showing, smiling, as if to conceal a terribly complicated feeling.

[Garfiel: But we, the residents, call it "The Witch of Greed's Gravesite". Laughable, yeah? Heh…]

Echoes of laughter, as if in self-derision, quietly resounded in the car.

Low, and faint, like a curse, like a blessing, it resounded throughout.

Listening, Subaru only silently worried about the girl next to him.

If a Witch stands in front of her path again, he must be the one to put out the flames… firmly and resolutely, he told himself.

The "Sanctuary" approaches.

――To Natsuki Subaru, and to Emilia, it was to be a place that will alter their paths forever.