——To rewind time slightly, the scene shifts to a strategy meeting en route to the Mathers domain.
"We won't tell the villagers or
"You're proposing we withhold the truth? ...Well, I suppose that goes without saying."
Julius sighed in understanding upon hearing the premise of Subaru's plan. Feeling similar reactions echo back through the connections made over the night, Subaru continued: "I appreciate that you've already figured it out. ...Just as everyone suspects, if it comes out that the Witch Cult is behind this commotion, the victims' ire is very likely to turn toward Emilia. I didn't want to believe people could be like that, but..."
Subaru already knew, from having seen it with his own eyes, that the outcome wouldn't match what he hoped for.
Even those pleasant villagers didn't make an exception when it came to Emilia's origins — she was nothing more than a detestable bloodline to be shunned.
He could go on forever about his outrage and defiance toward that twisted prejudice, but he couldn't undo it here and now. Subaru suppressed the lingering irritation smoldering in his chest, took a long breath to steady himself, and said: "Bandits — let's go with that. Something like, the ones causing trouble in the capital area have slipped into this territory, and the alliance partner Duchess Crusch's forces have arrived as reinforcements. How does that sound?"
"It's cliché, but it's not as full of holes as you'd think. The question is whether Emilia-sama and the villagers will actually buy it..."
"In practice, with the numbers we've got, plus the traveling merchant unit that went ahead, there's more than enough to divert attention from anything unnatural. Besides, I'm not planning to fool everyone. There are people who'll see through it, and I know exactly who those are."
At Subaru's confident demeanor, Julius closed one eye and replied, "I see." In his place, the one who fired off a question about Subaru's plan was— "I get that you don't want Emilia-sama to become a target of criticism, nya, but that's exactly why Feli doesn't really understand what you said earlier, nya?"
"Which part don't you understand?"
"That you don't intend to have an emotional reunion with Emilia-sama, nya, Baru-kun."
The one who mercilessly struck at the part of the plan that most troubled Subaru's heart was —
Without hesitation at Subaru's faltering, he pressed the point: "You formed an alliance with Duchess Crusch, helped hunt the
"Listing it all out like that really does make it sound like a stupid level of heroics. ...Well, considering the mess I actually made, I guess nothing less would cut it."
"Feli thinks Baru-kun should maybe try looking at his own actions a bit more objectively, nya."
At Ferris's grumbling in response to Subaru's self-punishing remark, similar sentiments of agreement reached him from those around. While he appreciated their kindness, remembering the foolishness of his parting with Emilia meant his self-mockery had no chance of subsiding.
How many great deeds would it take to erase what he'd done? An impossible amount.
"It can't be erased. That was how I really felt at the time."
Acting selfishly, getting carried away, desperately grasping at the heart of the girl he loved — that wretched version of himself. Looking back now, he wanted to look away from how ugly it was. But that, too, was him.
"That's exactly why I want to come back with a real accomplishment and apologize for everything I said that day..."
"And you can't do that?" Ferris asked.
"If she knew I was here — no, if she found out I stayed behind in the village to fight the enemy, she's not the type to obediently run away. Nine times out of ten, she'd stay behind too. Even if she left, she'd turn back halfway. That's just who she is."
"But you're fighting, aren't you? Even so..."
"If she were the kind of girl who could leave someone she'd fought with in a death zone and then sigh with relief... I wouldn't be this hung up on her."
The previous failure came down to two major things: having predicted Petelgeuse's counterattack yet letting his guard down against the man's viciousness, and forcing Emilia to meet a madman when he knew they shouldn't be anywhere near each other.
As for the former, working through the logic had started to reveal a path forward — ironic, given that this too was thanks to dying last time.
And as for the latter: "The enemy being the Witch Cult, and ensuring Emilia doesn't realize they're targeting her. Not letting her know that someone close to her — namely, me — is in the subjugation squad fighting them. Those are the non-negotiable conditions for keeping Emilia away from the battlefield. I'm calling it."
"You have to be that careful, nya? Even if Emilia-sama joined the squad, she wouldn't drag anyone down, nya. She has that great spirit with her, after all..."
"Given what happened with Duchess Crusch, I think having Emilia on the front lines would be optimal for building her reputation. But this time, I'm letting it pass. I can't put the trials of the Witch Cult — of the Sin Archbishops — on Emilia's shoulders."
At Subaru's resolute declaration, Ferris shrugged in acceptance. Looking around for any other questions and seeing none raised, Subaru let out a sigh of relief.
"For convincing the villagers, having me and... well, showing that Duchess Crusch's army is involved should put people at ease. I'd like Ferris and Wilhelm to help out with that."
"Understood." "Rogered that."
Hearing their assent, Subaru pulled a white robe from among his luggage. The sleeves and hem were somewhat longer than he'd have liked, but he slipped his arms through without issue.
Originally made larger for its proper owner, it enveloped Subaru's body without any trouble.
"The faint scent of Emilia filling my nostrils will surely enhance my fighting spirit — !"
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that. ...Though looking at it, that appears to be a robe imbued with a rather unusual enchantment."
"Truth be told, this has been my special remedy against Emilia-ase deficiency these past few restless nights. On sleepless evenings, I'd press it against my face and let it ease my pent-up frustration... Hey, what's with that look on your face? Can you blame me? Anybody would get worked up over possessing something belonging to the girl they like!"
Subaru felt indignant when he sensed Julius's earth dragon picking up speed to widen the gap between them. Julius let out an exasperated sigh, then prefaced his next remark with "Anyway—"
"Getting back on topic... that robe. The moment you put it on, your presence seemed to fade."
"Apparently it's woven with some kind of 'recognition-inhibiting' enchantment. A handy gadget handcrafted by Roswaal... It was originally Emilia's personal belonging. It just so happens — quite by coincidence — to be in my hands now. I didn't steal it!"
"I'll be looking into its provenance later, but in any case... Ah, so that's it."
Mid-sentence, Julius nodded in understanding. That gesture gave Subaru an unpleasant feeling, as though his thoughts had been read. Subaru scowled — making his already poor expression even worse — and glared at the handsome knight. But the knight himself wore a cool expression: "I've come to fully appreciate your self-sacrificing nature. To put it bluntly, it's not rational. ...You're the exact opposite of Duchess Anastasia."
"In the end, she's aiming to take everything she wants in one go, so I'd say there's no one more greedy than her. Every bit of Emilia's praise and glory — it'll all become mine. Get fired up!"
Subaru gripped the reins and bared his teeth in a grin. Julius let out yet another sigh — how many was this now — then turned forward and muttered, too quietly for anyone else to hear: "Sometimes, like just now, I find it curse-worthy that I am a knight."
—— Upon entering Mathers territory, the plan was to immediately eliminate the Witch Cult at the locations already identified.
But this time, they couldn't afford to clash with the Witch Cult members first — that would only sharpen their vigilance. They had to maintain maximum stealth, slip through the main road, take the forest path to the village, and persuade the villagers to evacuate.
Honestly, being ambushed by the Witch Cult from the side at this point would be a fatal development in the flow of the whole operation. Once they engaged the Cult, all the careful planning would go straight down the drain.
Fortunately, during the march through the most heavily guarded territory in history, no such clumsy interruption occurred.
"We made it safely... Wow wow, everyone looks tense."
By the time the subjugation squad arrived at the village entrance, the atmosphere was already thick with suspicion and paranoia.
They should have arrived at the village in a straight shot at full speed, but judging by the cluster of dragon carriages parked at the edge of the settlement, the traveling merchants had likely arrived around midnight the night before.
Considering Subaru's group had fought the White Whale in the middle of the main road and only departed after resting, it was only natural that the advance group of merchants had gained a head start of several hours despite the detour. In other words— "The blank letter of introduction should have already been delivered to the mansion by now..."
Having received it, Emilia would have been thrown into great confusion. And the person stationed beside her who would have seen the same letter— "First a merchant delivering a blank letter, and now an armed group shows up... It seems whoever this is doesn't understand whose domain this is."
She greeted Subaru's group as they strode into the village with her hands on her hips and an insolent expression, radiating hostility.
A petite girl with peach-colored hair cut short, wearing a waitress's uniform, with adorable features — though Subaru knew that beneath that cat-like cuteness lay a razor-sharp personality.
"So, what business brings all of you to this village? This commotion... it's hard to believe it has nothing to do with the merchants who showed up in the middle of the night."
"Misunderstandings happen, but don't glare at me like you want to kill me. It's been a while since we've seen each other — you could smile and do a little tap dance."
"What a selfish thing to say... I've heard that nonsense before."
To her sharp gaze, Subaru responded with a playful gesture from atop
"...Barusu?"
"That's right. Honestly, this robe is insane. Even people who know me have to squint and go half-and-half on whether it's really me. The attention to detail is scary."
Subaru flipped the hood back, revealing his face, and let out an admiring sigh. Then he twisted his body and dismounted the earth dragon with a flourish.
"Anyway, let me explain the situa— gah!"
A failed landing. A dull snap echoed from his ankle, and searing pain shot through his skull. He collapsed on the spot, half in tears: "Let — let me explain...! What exactly is the meaning behind this picture... let me tell you..."
"You never change, do you, Barusu? I heard you were dumped in the capital for being out of line... What face are you showing to come crawling back?"
"You're really merciless, you know that?! I can't exactly refute it, but I did come crawling back with my tail between my legs! It's not like I came back for free, though."
Rising to his feet with enough force to forget the pain in his ankle, Subaru gestured vigorously before Ram to demonstrate he was alive and well. As Subaru and Ram stood face-to-face talking— "Hey, the one at the front of that group..."
"Isn't that Subaru talking to Ram?"
"Oh — Subaru! He came back?"
The villagers, who had been watching the situation unfold with anxious expressions and leaving all the negotiations to Ram, pointed and began chattering among themselves.
Subaru's appearance must have upgraded the group of mysterious strangers into 'a mysterious group led by someone familiar.' "So, what business did you have that made you bring back this many people? If it's for revenge, then as the one left in charge, Ram will have no choice but to fight you to the death."
"Do you really think I'm that ungrateful!? If you do something wrong, you deserve to be scolded. But holding a grudge or sulking about it... well, I was doing that."
"As expected. Barusu will be taken hostage, and we'll force a path to the mansion."
"That's way too fast a conclusion! And I'm not holding grudges or sulking anymore, so believe me!"
He drew a small wand — no, he was only half-joking about drawing one — as Ram looked genuinely ready to make a move on his neck. Keeping her at bay, Subaru turned his palm upward: "Revenge is completely out of the question, and this isn't some elaborate prank I roped everyone into. ...Did you receive the letter of introduction from the merchant?"
"...If you can call that blank sheet a letter of introduction, then yes. Ram received it more as a challenge, though."
"Were you always this pugnacious? Stop taking everything as an attack and eat some small fish for the calcium."
He smiled wryly at Ram's constant need to bite back, then explained that the blank letter of introduction had been a mistake. Ram nodded, albeit reluctantly.
"So setting aside the content, you're saying the format itself can be trusted? In that case, what was the actual content supposed to be?"
"Why, naturally — it concerns the original purpose of my staying in the capital: the alliance between Emilia and Duchess Crusch's camp."
Ram's nostrils flared at the question, and Subaru gestured grandly to the assembled subjugation squad with a sweep of his arm. As if taking that as a signal, two shadows stepped forward from the group.
Ferris and Wilhelm. They took their places beside Subaru and greeted Ram with their respective bows.
"I am Wilhelm Trias, dispatched to this expedition as representative of Duchess
"And Feli is here as Duchess Crusch's foremost knight! Old Man Wil is the squad leader back there, and Feli is the vice-leader, nya! Pleasure to meetcha."
Wilhelm's solemn introduction, and Ferris's thoroughly flippant one — presented in sharp contrast.
Receiving such opposite greetings, Ram blinked, looking slightly taken aback for her.
"How polite. I am Ram. I serve as head of household staff at the mansion of Margrave
Switching gears instantly, she pinched the hem of her skirt and curtsied with perfect decorum. Just watching this portion of her movements, one could glimpse the polished training of an impeccable maid. Of course, once the work actually started, her abilities as a waitress left much to be desired.
"The reason we've brought them here — and the others — is simple. I'm sure Ram has noticed too... They're reinforcements to drive out the suspicious lot hiding in the forest."
"...Where did Barusu learn that?"
"It's actually pretty well-known in the capital! A margrave's territory that declared support for a half-elf and got universally cold-shouldered for it. —There's no better place for up-and-coming bandits to use as a temporary hideout."
Subaru lowered his voice and tossed off a breezy lie in response to Ram's words. Ram narrowed her eyes thoughtfully at his reply, while Ferris and Wilhelm each shifted their expressions. But— "That's the official story."
"Huh?"
"Keep your voice down, and don't shout in surprise — I don't want anyone to hear. ...The ones in the forest are the Witch Cult. Their target is Emilia, and they're planning to kill every last villager."
Subaru leaned close and whispered the truth to Ram.
At this revelation, Ram's eyes widened slightly, and she drew a sharp, choked breath. Then— "Wait wait wait, what? That's completely different from what we agreed on! Weren't we supposed to go with the bandit story and not tell anyone?"
Ferris broke in, clearly startled by the sudden change in direction. Subaru shrugged with a helpless "Come on."
"There's no way a kid's lie like that would fool everyone. I was planning to tell Ram the truth from the start. We need someone on the evacuation side who knows what's really going on, or we won't be able to handle unexpected situations."
"—Can she be trusted?" Wilhelm asked, cutting in with a sharp gaze.
Subaru met the Sword Devil's stare head-on and nodded with confidence.
"There's no one better suited to coordinate with us than Ram. After all, if the cover story falls apart and Emilia ends up in trouble — that's directly disadvantageous to Roswaal. You wouldn't make a mistake about something like that, would you?"
Subaru turned back to Ram with a probing tone and a provocative smile. At his words, Ram closed one eye, let her lips part slightly, and said: "What's gotten into you, Barusu? You've become awfully clever in the time I haven't seen you."
"Learned the hard way that if you stop thinking, things don't end well. So? What's your answer?"
As Subaru raised his hand and snapped his fingers, Ram let out a long, quiet sigh. Then, as if resigning herself, she slowly shook her head.
"—If that benefits Roswaal-sama, then Ram will do anything and cooperate with anything. Are you satisfied with that answer, Barusu?"
"Absolutely. You're the model servant, Ram."
Ram accepted the contract to deceive a provisional master on behalf of the true master she served wholeheartedly. Subaru grinned at her like a naughty boy playing a prank — no, like a brat about to pull off a scheme.
—— "I thought so from the start, but Barusu really is an idiot."
That was the first thing Ram said after Subaru had laid out the entire plan.
She had interjected with questions here and there, but she listened to Subaru's plan to the end, expressed understanding and agreement, and added those words at the very last.
"That's a weird way to be impressed."
"I'm not impressed. ...You really don't plan to tell Emilia anything at all?"
"That's what I keep — why does everyone keep prying into my lingering feelings?! I'm fine, it's fine, no problem! Besides, secretly swooping in to save the girl I care about when she's in danger? That's a blazing-hot scenario, isn't it?!"
At Subaru's unrelenting flippancy, Ram let out a sigh of resignation. Then she looked toward Wilhelm and Ferris: "Along with our apprentice maid, my sympathies go out to you."
"He has some unusual actions, words, and emotional expressions, to be sure, but Subaru-dono is a man of merit. At his age, there's much to learn from him."
"Feli hasn't been as charmed as Old Man Wil has, so I'm not sure I take Ram-chan's words to heart? Well, I guess he's gotten a little better, nya."
At Wilhelm's praise and Ferris's slight softening, Ram looked at Subaru and said: "You've won them over quite nicely."
"You... your opinion of me is abnormally low. It's technically accurate, but it still stings."
With that, the conversation with Ram reached its resting point.
Her acceptance of Subaru's plan meant most of his worries were resolved. The remaining issue was— "It's been a while, and this is awkward, but can I have everyone's attention for a second!"
Stepping into the center of the village, Subaru waved his arms wide to gather every pair of eyes.
The uncomfortable-looking merchants, the anxious villagers full of outsiders, and the members of the subjugation squad under orders to stand by — all of Subaru's gaze converged on him at once.
Just as he'd intended, but having everyone's attention focused on him like this ratcheted up the tension. Pushing back the pressure with a sense of mission, he put on a smile: "So, this whole commotion is basically my fault. Word apparently didn't get around to the right people in the right places, and I'd like to sort things out... If that's okay?"
He raised a finger and pointed it upward, addressing everyone.
Silence was the only response. That complete non-reaction left him feeling horribly left behind.
Getting zero response from this many people was emotionally devastating. He wanted to apologize to his old homeroom teacher for all those times he'd dozed off during HR — it was crueler than he'd ever realized.
As Subaru wallowed in that nostalgia— "Well then, let's hear what you have to say."
One person stepped forward toward Subaru from among the villagers.
It was a familiar figure with a distinctive head of white hair, a general villager known informally as "Muraosa," holding no official position of village chief despite his representative-caliber presence.
Muraosa ran a finger through his magnificent chin beard: "We've been anxious, not understanding the situation. If the one explaining is... the village's savior at that, we can hardly refuse to listen."
"Village savior is a stretch. I'm not really—"
"Now that's too modest, Subaru-sama. That night, if Subaru-sama hadn't gone into the forest and brought the children back, who knows what would have happened. And after that too — there's not a villager who doesn't know about it."
A young man from the youth brigade, stepping forward with a crew cut, cut off Subaru's attempt to demur, running his fingers through his short hair in rough strokes.
"Even if we weren't worried, everyone would listen. You've done as much for us as Roswaal-sama has, Subaru-sama."
"Worried? Don't see through my little 'scared rabbit' mindset... I'm happy about it, but seriously, it's so embarrassing! It makes me look like an idiot for putting on that tough face!"
Showered with unexpectedly warm words, Subaru couldn't contain the sensation of his face turning red to his ears and grabbed his head. He paced in a circle to cool down. In the meantime, the villagers gradually gathered around him, forming a listening circle.
Naturally, it took on the shape of a circle like during morning calisthenics.
"Look at that — group activities really do come in handy. Part of me wants to jump straight into our first calisthenics in ages, but we don't have time, so let's just get through this quickly."
The number of eyes on him was about the same as before, but their gazes felt familiar.
The warmth they radiated was the very essence of who he knew them to be, and joy welled up inside him. Last time, he felt he'd touched upon their darker side here, and he'd been anxious about whether he could manage this explanation smoothly. But— "If there are good sides, there are bad sides too. That's just how people are."
He murmured softly, closed his eyes, and bit down on his teeth to forget his earlier anxiety. Then, reclaiming his usual cheeky, ill-mannered brat expression, he stamped his foot and said: "Right then — quiet attention, please! This is going to be a bit of a shock for those of you who've been living peaceful, relaxed lives, but please hear me out. The truth is..."
——Interspersing the occasional witty joke, Subaru delivered the false "bandit incursion" intelligence to the villagers. Adjusting his volume so the eavesdropping merchants could also hear, he pressed forward without leaving room for questions, explaining everything to the end: "So that's the situation, and I took it upon myself to act while the lord is away. The subjugation squad that came with me is one of the capital's finest elite units, and on top of that, they belong to the Duchy! These are seasoned professionals — rest easy... What do you think?"
He delivered a reassuring sales pitch in a lighthearted tone, then tilted his head at the end to gauge reactions. He'd tried his best to stay optimistic and not fan the flames of anxiety, but given the gravity of the situation, the villagers' unease couldn't be hidden.
"Even if you say that all of a sudden, we have livestock to tend to..."
"The fields need care too. Can't we settle this without leaving the village?"
"With this many people here, couldn't we fortify the village's defenses so the bandits wouldn't dare approach?"
These were roughly the kinds of objections that began to surface.
Every one of them contained at least some merit, which was precisely why persuasion was so difficult. Subaru opened his mouth to try to cobble together some logic— "You seem to be under a misunderstanding, but I'm not giving you a choice."
"Hey—"
Ram cut in with a voice so cold it was almost heartless, vaulting past Subaru's attempt to coax and compromise his way toward some middle ground.
As the villagers looked up in shock, she crossed her arms, let out a small sniff, and said: "It may feel like a suggestion because Barusu is the one speaking, but this is a directive from higher up — an order from the lord, Roswaal-sama. Your safety, your livelihood — all of that comes secondary. Comply with the lord's representative."
"That's no way to say it! I know you're the tough-talking type, but even I can't let that slide here. These people have their lives—"
"You're just as lacking in self-awareness, Barusu."
Ram's piercing gaze pinned Subaru in place. He didn't flinch, but furrowed his brow, unable to read her intent.
"The only person in this territory who can currently claim to act as Roswaal-sama's representative is Barusu — the one entrusted with negotiations in the capital. As the lord's representative, fulfill your duty to the citizens."
"Duty...?"
"The lord has a duty to protect the citizens' lives and well-being. If evacuating them for their safety is part of the lord's responsibility, then so is providing compensation for the resulting hardship. That is your duty."
She declared this with absolute finality, then looked up at Subaru with pursed lips, as if daring him to make her say more. At her attitude and the substance of her words, Subaru scratched his head and shook it dramatically: "You are so hard to read! What is this? Or is my ability to read women just so pathetically low that this is hopeless? It's such a hassle."
"It's offensive to think Barusu could understand Ram easily. Ram's everything is devoted to Roswaal-sama. She has no desire to be understood by you."
A cold response and words drenched in adoration for her master. Isolated like that, it really did drive home that she was
As Subaru found himself inadvertently recalling his interactions with Rem and felt his face heating up, he cleared his throat and turned back to the villagers.
The villagers, anxious at the argument that had erupted between them, were met with Subaru's nod: "Ah, sorry — Ram's delivery was harsh. But honestly, my opinion is the same. Evacuating everyone... that's non-negotiable. I'd rather not make it an order if I can help it, but staying here puts your safety at risk. My view is that we should expend whatever effort we can to avoid that risk."
"———"
"I understand everyone's concerns. Livestock, fields — being told to leave suddenly with no time to prepare is tough. So for those things... I don't exactly have the authority, but I've only got one head to bow, and I'll bow it to Roswaal. I'll do everything I can to make sure no one suffers losses."
As he spoke, Subaru was painfully reminded of how short his own reach truly was.
Feeling that keenly, but determined to show his sincerity, he knelt on the ground where everyone could see.
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Ram's eyes widened too. Only the people standing behind him — Wilhelm, Ferris, and the rest — watched Subaru's gesture with expressions of helpless resignation.
"Everyone, I know you have a lot you want to say, but I'm asking you to bear with me. And beyond that — let us protect you."
"———"
"Please. That's why I came back."
The villagers fell silent, as if struck dumb.
And no wonder — the very person they considered their savior was pressing his own forehead to the ground, begging to be allowed to protect them.
The roles were completely reversed.
To an outsider, it would have made no sense. But it was, unmistakably, a very Subaru thing to do.
"Well... I guess there's no helping it, Subaru-sama."
Someone blurted it out with a laugh.
From that spark, the impulse to laugh spread outward through the crowd.
"When someone begs that hard to protect you, what can you do?"
"Oh my. It's been a while, but my heart just got all warm."
"Subaru-sama really is a troublesome person."
Timidly, Subaru raised his head.
The bright morning sun blazed over the rim of the crowd, bleaching his vision white for an instant. Shielding his eyes with his hand, he looked out upon the world he'd been born into: "...Thank you, everyone."
"Those are supposed to be our words, Subaru-sama."
Surrounded by exasperated smiles, Subaru grinned with a face that looked like he might cry.
——And so, the persuasion of the villagers concluded amicably through the utterly bizarre dynamic of the protectors bowing their heads to those being protected.
Subaru gave the merchants the same "bandit" explanation, instructing them to split into two groups — one heading for the
Subaru raised his hand, drawing the villagers' attention once more.
Their earlier discussion had largely settled things smoothly, but meeting their gazes, Subaru hesitated to voice his next suggestion.
Honestly, even he wasn't sure if it was a necessary proposal. But for two reasons, he wanted to push it through. They were— "At the mansion, there's Emilia... the half-elf girl. I'd like someone to ride with her."
At Subaru's proposal, the buzz that had filled the village fell silent in an instant.
As an awkward silence descended once more, Subaru fought to keep the look of disappointment — the "I knew it" feeling — off his face.
"I'm sure you've all heard, with the royal decree from the capital, that the Royal Selection is underway. Our lord Roswaal... is a supporter of one of the candidates, and that candidate is the half-elf girl."
"———"
"I know you're uneasy. I know there are parts you can't fully accept. But I'm asking you anyway. Please — don't let her ride in a dragon carriage alone."
He wasn't confident whether his voice had trembled with anxiety or sorrow.
Hearing Subaru's words, the villagers exchanged glances and adopted thoughtful expressions. At the very least, the fact that they were considering it was already different from before.
However, sensing that the atmosphere wasn't exactly leaning toward a positive response, Subaru quickly started to raise his hand and say "Sorry for the—"
"Petra?"
A small hand rose before he could finish his gesture.
Surprised, Subaru looked at the hand's owner. The girl puffed out her rosy cheeks, looked at the adults around her, and said: "Why won't anyone listen? Subaru is in so much trouble, and he's asking with tears in his eyes. Why won't you help him?"
It was a brutally honest, unadorned statement — and precisely because of that, it cut to the heart.
Untouched by any of the adults' reservations, it was the single most powerful blow that only a child was permitted to land.
The adults' guilt surpassed what they'd felt earlier. They grimaced and searched for words to calm the girl— "The lady from the mansion — she's always wearing white, right? During radio calisthenics, she brought us the stamp."
"Oh, ah...! That's right. The stamp lady."
Turning back, Subaru let a smile slip as he remembered those peaceful days.
Those tranquil days when they could simply enjoy the ordinary. Every morning, bringing Emilia down to the village, doing radio calisthenics with the villagers, and pressing his carved potato stamp onto their forearms as a daily routine.
Yes — memories of those happy days. And beside those days, she had been there too.
The adults, realizing they recognized the figure Subaru was talking about, began to grasp the meaning of Petra's words. And in the hesitation that kept their mouths shut, the children around Petra started raising their hands one after another: "Me too! I wanna ride with her!" "If Petra's going, I gotta be there too, right?" "Can't let my brother have all the cool moments — I'm going with Petra too." "Subaru looks like he's gonna cry, so let's help!" "Yeah, let's!"
The children burst into a clamor, with Petra smiling proudly at the center.
Her expression was too adorable to call a smug look, and Subaru placed a hand over his chest, feeling genuinely saved.
"Can I count on you? That girl is stubborn and strong-willed and headstrong, but she's lonely and needs someone watching over her, or she'll worry."
"Fine. I'll keep an eye on her since you can't."
A breath of relief escaped Subaru's lips.
Then he walked over to Petra, the one who'd made the promise, and extended his little finger toward her. Smiling at the confused girl: "This is how we do it — you stick out your pinkies and hook them together. Then you sing 'Pinky swear, pinky swear' while doing it. It's the cool way we make promises back where I come from. Can you do it?"
"I — I can!"
The reply came with more force than he expected. Subaru grinned and said "That's the spirit," then interlocked his finger with hers. Slowly, he taught the puzzled Petra the song: "Pinky swear, pinky swear—"
"If you lie, a thousand needles—!"
"——Pinky swear!"
Their fingers pulled apart, and the promise — the contract — was sealed.
Petra promised Subaru she would never leave Emilia alone. And Subaru promised them all that he would absolutely protect the village.
This promise — this time, he would never, ever break it.
"Now we can finally move without looking back. Let's do this, everyone!"
Subaru raised his fist and shouted, and everyone in the group raised theirs in kind. Just as the cheer was about to ring out— "Wait! Covert operation — everyone quiet, silent!"
Everyone scrambled to clamp their hands over their mouths, which was a little anticlimactic.
——As an addendum, not that it matters.
"Hehehe..."
The one who'd given the rallying cry was stroking a girl's head with the hand opposite the one he'd clenched.
The girl's cheeks flushed red, and she gazed at Subaru with an intensely heated look — but aside from a cat-eared knight and a peach-haired maid, no one noticed.