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Chisha explained that his power to change his form was called Noh. [2]
He said that its detailed principles were difficult to explain, but by stealing the color of a target he wanted to become and wearing the "mask" produced, he could take on their very identity itself.
Using this, Chisha had acted as the Emperor in the guise of Vincent Vollachia, and even completely healed Subaru's wounds using the "mask" of Ferris, whom he had a previous connection with.
Hearing this explanation, for now, Subaru was simply relieved to confirm that Chisha was not the Sin Archbishop of Lust, Capella, but another thought crossed his mind.
Subaru: [If I'm not mistaken, doesn't this mean that that Goz Ralfon person who's being held as a rebel got in your way because he figured out you replaced the Emperor?]
Chisha: [I shall confirm that. General First-Class Goz is the most loyal and brave man in the Empire, therefore he will not listen to me no matter what I say if he knows I am against the Emperor. Thus, there was no other choice but to temporarily remove him from the board as I did.]
Subaru: [Of course, I had a feeling! No wonder, no matter how much information I gathered, I could only come to the conclusion that this Goz person wasn't someone who would betray the Emperor. In reality, he didn't betray him!]
Snapping his fingers, Subaru smiled in satisfaction that he was correct in his thinking. ――But after a moment of gratification, that smile faded.
After all, Chisha had clearly told Subaru. ――He was the usurper of the throne, and the mastermind of a rebellion that was causing the Vollachian Empire to fall into chaos and futility.
Subaru: […If it's the way of the Empire that the strong preying on the weak is allowed, is challenging the Emperor, challenging Vincent Vollachia, due to your ambition as a man of the Empire?]
Chisha: [Hmm, I do wonder what you think about that. My motive, is it ambition?]
Subaru: [――. I think that's probably incorrect.]
In the first place, if the way of the Vollachian Empire was such that by defeating Vincent with his own hands, Chisha could replace the summit of the country of the Sword Wolves, then it was a flawed system. Despite that, Chisha had taken the form of Vincent, hidden the absence of the Emperor, and maintained that situation.
There was no sense of sincerity toward a simplistic objective like usurping the throne in that.
Subaru: […Ultimately, your goal isn't the throne… but I can't figure out the rest.]
Chisha: [I inquire of you, is that the result of you listening to the words of Observers in the heavens above―― of the Stars?]
Subaru: [The stars? …No, I mean I like stars, but I've never been able to speak with them. That was just my impression based on experience and my idealistic desire.]
Chisha: [Desire, you say.]
Subaru: [Yeah, desire. The hope that the person I defended to the point of having my side blown off isn't a complete villain, and the desire that the person who healed that blown away side isn't a complete fiend.]
He was aware that both of those were somewhat fragile lifelines to fully depend on. But Subaru had faith that the Chisha who had saved him and even purposefully revealed top-secret information would not do something so meaningless as suddenly changing his mind and attacking him.
In response to Subaru's convenient question, Chisha calmly lowered his chin, and,
Chisha: [In order to save the Empire from a future of ruin, I am employing the necessary means.]
Subaru: […Shouldn't that be something you do together with the Emperor?]
Chisha: [His Excellency Vincent is an extraordinarily wise individual, however he is someone who knows not how to change his mind after he has made a decision. There is no doubt it shall be the most efficient method, and the one that shall deplete the fewest resources, therefore no one can defy His Excellency.]
Subaru: [But you… Chisha Gold, you disagree, is that right?]
Chisha: [Indeed.]
As Chisha nodded in agreement, Subaru touched his own side, and thought it over.
By saving Subaru with his trump card, Chisha had exposed his own schemes. If there was some lie or artifice there, Subaru could not maliciously doubt him. There was nothing about Subaru worth devoting that hand just to lay a trap for him.
From beginning to end, Chisha saw value in and had determined the Emperor and Empire as that which must be saved.
His actions that no one could comprehend stood upon two pillars of certainty.
Subaru: [There's just one thing I want to confirm.]
Chisha: [If it is something I can answer, I do not mind.]
Subaru: [That Noh, it's the power to change into another person, but is it something that can be used anytime, or any number of times?]
Chisha: [――I am afraid, I must deny that.]
Chisha informed him of this in a hushed voice, and Subaru sighed with an "I thought so."
The "mask" of Vincent he had torn off and the "mask" of Ferris that had cracked, both had vanished in the end by turning into dust. He had a sense that it had been something that should be called a disappearance or loss, that it was not the type of ability where it could be used over and over again; somehow he had possessed that intuition.
Chisha's goal was the existence of Vincent Vollachia.
For that purpose, Chisha, who had been wearing the "mask" of Vincent, put on the "mask" of Ferris that could heal even fatal wounds with its vast restorative power, and relinquished both "masks".
One that was essential for that goal, and one that could become an emergency trump card, respectively.
If he had gone that far to save his life, it would be impossible for Natsuki Subaru. ――Impossible for him to not feel any sort of gratitude toward the one who did so.
Subaru: [Please, tell me more, Chisha-san.]
Chisha: [――――]
Subaru: [I don't believe you did something like this on a whim or for show. ――If there is a future of ruin approaching like you said, it's not just someone else's problem. After all, my Rem has been taken hostage in this country. I'm also someone who has a reason to do something about the Empire.]
More than aware of that unreasonable logic, Subaru declared this to Chisha.
If there was ruin on the horizon that Vincent Vollachia, renowned as the Wise Emperor, and Chisha Gold, who was clearly clever, were both trying to oppose, then surely there would be an opportunity for Subaru with his meager power to assist them. ――No, Subaru would go and seize such an opportunity with his own limbs.
That was because――,
Chisha: [――The Great Disaster.]
Subaru: [Great Disaster… as in a large calamity?] [3]
To Subaru, who ruminated over that murmur, Chisha nodded in confirmation with a "Yes".
A large calamity ――For a description of the apparent future of ruin awaiting the Vollachian Empire, there was probably no more suitable name.
Having said that, Chisha looked straight at Subaru and continued.
His face lacked all color, yet his voice harbored a certain fervor.
Chisha: [I shall take measures to save the Vollachian Empire from this Great Disaster. Therefore, there is a board and pieces I must set up for that purpose.]
Subaru: [I understand.]
He had decided his position. As it happened, the journey to find out where Yorna Mishigure's heart lay now brought Subaru a similar chance to decide.
He was deeply concerned over Emilia, Beatrice, and everyone else in the Kingdom. He wanted to see everyone again soon. Even though she had no Memories, he wanted to have them all meet the awakened Rem.
However, whether he wanted to or not, he could not abandon the Vollachian Empire and Chisha.
Subaru: [There is no way I can't, so I'll help too. ――Bring it on, O inevitable fate.]
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???: [――Excuse me, Governor, could you please not make me repeat myself? This is a direct order from His Excellency the Emperor, Vincent Vollachia!]
???: [I understand your grievances. However, I have been given peremptory orders in my capacity, and am in the position of assuming the responsibility of the governor of this island. I cannot make a decision so lightly concerning an action that twists the enforced traditions.]
???: [Urghh! You rockhead! Big head! Who do you take me for!? I am the woman who will be His Excellency, Emperor Vincent Vollachia's Empress!]
With a big thump on his artificial chest, Natsuki Subaru―― no, having become Natsumi Schwartz once again, Subaru/Schwartz boldly spread such false information.
In front of Subaru/Schwartz, who was shamelessly using such means, was a person with such a scary face that a child remembering it during the night might be unable to get up to go to the bathroom: Gustav Morello, who had closed his mouth that his fangs protruded from and crossed his four burly arms with a stern look.
With a physique like a professional wrestler, blue skin, and more arms than the usual two, Gustav was from a race of demi-humans known as the Multi-Arm Tribe.
However, to Subaru/Schwartz, the most important thing about him was his position, which was――,
???: [――Governer of the Gladiator Island Ginunhive, Gustav Morello-dono.]
Gustav: [Correct, that is my title. I thank you for the reminder, General First-Class Chisha Gold.]
Chisha: [No, that should be my line. Or rather, I purposefully called you such because I wanted the individual I brought with me to understand.]
Subaru/Schwartz: [Mmm, what do you mean by that General First-Class Chisha? Surely you, no more than a mere General, are not criticizing me, one who receives the affection of His Excellency? You are forgetting your position, no?]
Closing his fan with a snap, Subaru/Schwartz scowled at the pale face sitting across from him―― the profile of Chisha's face, and haughtily declared so. Gustav raised his brows that lacked eyebrows at those words, but the one in question, Chisha, shrugged his shoulders with an unconcerned look, and,
Chisha: [It is criticism, I suppose. Simply put, Governor Gustav's stance is an expression of his sincere attempt to fulfill the orders of His Excellency the Emperor… in other words, it is nothing but devotion to His Excellency whom Natsumi-sama loves and reveres. It is my humble belief that those who would not understand this would not be acting in accordance with His Excellency's wishes.]
Subaru/Schwartz: [Nnn…!]
His face turned red with anger, and Subaru/Schwartz's lips trembled. Toward that behavior, Chisha shut one eye and looked at Gustav, seeing the Governor had clenched his hands at the ends of his crossed arms into fists, then moved them behind his back as if to hide those fists, and gave a small cough.
If one thought this was deserved, then Gustav had a surprisingly good personality. ――Subaru/Schwartz was also putting in a lot of effort, and playing the role of an unpleasant villainess was worth it.
Chisha, who was sincerely close to the hearts of the soldiers in the field, and the Empress Consort candidate who was ignorant of the realities of the field, Subaru/Schwartz. This carrot-and-stick (Subaru/Schwartz) strategy was necessary to put a stop to the steady expansion of the rebel's might and increase the odds of the Emperor's side winning.
――It had been some time since Subaru and Chisha united under an alliance to oppose the Great Disaster.
The strife in the Demon City of Chaosflame had subsided, and Olbart and Kafma had somehow managed to survive. Arakiya and the two men led by Abel also withdrew, and the battle ended in a draw.
However, Yorna Mishigure, with her stronghold in Chaosflame, announced her intention to take neither the Emperor's nor the rebel's side, and elected to erect defensive lines around the crumbling Demon City and seclude herself there.
In the end, part of Subaru's abdomen had been blown off and Chisha had lost the "mask" of Vincent that had been essential to his plans; it could be said that all had been in vain.
Subaru: [To make matters worse, Berstetz-san had Madelyn-chan assault a place called the Fortress City without permission…If Berstetz-san knows that Chisha-san's disguised as the Emperor, shouldn't you be more in sync with each other?]
Chisha: [Unfortunately, while I am in agreement with Prime Minister Berstetz on our course of action, there are issues we are fundamentally incompatible on. Ultimately, that elder is nothing more than a Sword Wolf of the Empire, and therefore there is a risk that our final conclusions shall clash in the end. As such…]
Subaru: [Might as well ignore it until there's a conflict at the very last minute and continue as usual?]
Chisha: [Currently, we are busy handling the growing momentum of the rebels. For now, I think we can assume Prime Minister Berstetz shall have no room to take notice of you or me.]
Chisha's opinion could be called wishful thinking in such a hopeless situation.
Berstetz, who was surprisingly quite hot-blooded despite his appearance and demeanor, had commenced an assault upon the rebel stronghold in the Fortress City the minute he had heard of the turmoil in Chaosflame.
The Fortress City was almost annihilated by a one-sided aerial onslaught by a flock of flying dragons commanded by Madelyn. There were also rumors that the insurgents had abandoned their base and scattered, but the one who brought them together, Abel―― the true Emperor, according to Chisha, would not be defeated so easily.
Abel and his allies spread rumors that the Emperor in the Imperial Capital was a fraud, throwing the public opinion into chaos. The best way to deny this was none other than to have Vincent Vollachia appear before the masses, but Chisha, who had lost the "mask" of the Emperor, could not do so.
As such, they could only respond to the situation by denying the rumors of the rebels with words and arresting those spreading such rumors as a way to deal with it.
In addition, the difference in military strength between the Imperial Army and the rebels was becoming a bit of a problem.
Chisha: [Even though he managed to survive, I anticipate it shall be some time before General Second-Class Kafma will return to the front lines. General First-Class Olbart also lost one of his arms, and failing to ally ourselves with General First-Class Yorna was a serious blow.]
Subaru: [Olbart-san, huh…]
Chisha: [I do not believe you need to wear such a gloomy face. Without your quick wit and advice, it is very likely that General First-Class Olbart would have lost more than a single arm, and General Second-Class Kafma would have lost his life. If the two of them had fallen, I am not sure we would have returned safely.]
Chisha consoled Subaru, whose face had become depressed, but his complicated feelings remained. In the unexpected struggle of life and death at Chaosflame, he had gotten mixed up in a battle between transcendent beings who did not know the meaning of restraint, and had ended up accumulating many Return by Deaths.
The most shocking occurrence of all, was that Olbart, the man called the Third who was supposed to be ranked number three in the Empire, had lost his life on several occasions from surprise attacks in the middle of the battle with Arakiya. Similar predicaments had befallen Kafma, and Subaru had attempted to prevent it over and over again.
Subaru: [Each and every time, that bandana bastard…]
Often it was Arakiya's strike that took Olbart or Kafma's life in the end. And yet, it was always that bandana bastard who made the decisive blow that created those situations.
The reason he could only call him names that sounded like insults was because despite repeatedly Returning by Death and clashing with him, he had been that thorough in not disclosing any information about himself. The bandana bastard had never let his name be called out, even by the rough-looking twin-sword wielder who seemed to be his partner.
In all honesty, he was shocked that Arakiya, who he had considered someone he was indebted to, had turned against them, and he could not conceal the shivers of fear he felt when he thought of her dreadful power as the second strongest in the Empire.
And yet, strangely enough, Subaru was more afraid of that bandana bastard than Arakiya.
A man with total murderous intent and eyes so lacking in warmth it was creepy―― where could the Emperor, chased from his throne by Chisha and reduced to a rebel, have found such a man and enticed him into supporting him.
In any case――,
Chisha: [Simply Arakiya alone as an enemy, would be liable to nullify numerical advantages on the battlefield.]
Subaru: [What nonsense… is of course what I wouldn't say after seeing the battle in Chaosflame. Such absurd power, how in the world did Arakiya-chan…?]
Chisha: [I can only say that such is her lineage, however, her title as the Second is not merely for show. In addition, although there is not much information to go on, it appears the rebels have received strong reinforcements.]
Subaru: [Arakiya-chan alone was already way too much of a problem, and yet… Hey, isn't there too much resentment toward Emperor Vincent-san? Will it be okay to return his throne to him?]
Chisha: [I calculate that I will be able to balance things out in the end.]
He would like to believe it since that calculating Chisha said so, but why did he keep dodging Subaru's questions regarding the Emperor's humanity?
If the conduct and speech of Chisha when he was wearing the "mask" of the Emperor were the conduct and speech of the actual Emperor himself, it was easy to understand the reasons why he was reluctant to speak about it. Perhaps Vincent Vollachia was such a brilliant man that mere words cannot do him justice. Those beneath him sure had it rough.
Subaru: [So, what do we do? We could put out some kind of cool announcement, to focus the soldiers and prevent betrayal… Or maybe we should just try telling the imprisoned Goz-san everything?]
Chisha: [There is a strong element of a gamble in that. Nonetheless, coming up with countermeasures for Arakiya is troubling.]
Subaru: [A brave soul who can contain Arakiya, huh? By the way, Chisha-san, you're also one of the Nine Divine Generals, but your abilities are…]
Chisha: [I have some experience, but if I faced Arakiya, I would be dust within seconds despite that.]
Subaru: [It's obvious you're the resourceful type. As expected… Though, thinking of the Nine Divine Generals, what's going on with the other Nine Divine Generals besides Yorna-san who aren't in the Imperial Capital and aren't cooperating with Abel's side?]
Suddenly, Subaru became interested in what the positions of the Nine Divine Generals were in the first place, and tilted his head.
They were called the Nine Divine Generals, so naturally there were nine individuals in total. There were a few exceptions among the Generals such as Kafma, but generally only a General First-Class could face another General-First Class on equal footing. Each and every one of them were transcendent beings equivalent to a thousand warriors, and so if discussing a countermeasure for Arakiya, one should start from within their ranks.
Chisha: [The Ninth, Madelyn Eschart, is under Prime Minister Berstetz. The Eighth, Moguro Hagane, is unable to leave the defenses of the Imperial Capital for certain reasons. The Seventh, Yorna Mishigure, is holed up in the Demon City, and the Sixth, Groovy Gumlet, is part of an expedition to the west to deal with some important matters.]
Subaru: [And then, the Fifth, Goz Ralfon-san, is a prisoner on false charges, the Fourth, Chisha Gold-san, is an insurrectionist, and the Third, Olbart Dunkelkenn-san, is injured. The Second, Arakiya-chan, is out of our control after betraying us… Huh? What about the First?]
Chisha: [――――]
Subaru: [The First hasn't come up much now that I mention it. If I'm not mistaken it was, umm, Cecilus Segmunt-san?]
Chisha: [Regarding the subject of Cecilus, well, it is fine.]
Subaru: [It most certainly isn't! I mean, if we're talking about stopping Arakiya-chan, it'd be strange if his name didn't come up immediately, right!? Pit the First against the Second! I've pitted "the strongest" against "the invincible" before! I'm very knowledgeable about it!]
Wondering why he had not thought of it before, Subaru was struck by what might have been the good idea of all good ideas.
At the very least, no rumors that the foremost of the Empire had betrayed Chisha as the Emperor or joined Abel's rebellion had reached Subaru's ears.
Then he must exist. The strongest of the Empire, the Blue Lightning of Vollachia.
Subaru: [I've heard he's a bit of a problem child, but it's a risk we should be prepared for if we want to contain Arakiya-chan…]
Chisha: [A bit? Problem child? I cannot accept that sort of perception toward that thing.]
Subaru: [That thing? Umm? Chisha-san?]
Wondering what aspect of Subaru's thoughts Chisha could not stomach, Subaru's eyes glazed over as Chisha continued despite the break in his sentences. Chisha suddenly leaned in close, unmistakable hardship and anguish bleeding from his thin face devoid of all color, and,
Chisha: [I would love to hear about the "bit of a problem" Natsuki-dono has heard of, given how much effort I have made to this day to restrain Cecilus in his role as General First-Class.]
Subaru: [Yikes, I flipped a strange switch! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It was an outsider's opinion!]
Chisha: [No, seeing that we have already opened up our hearts to each other, you and I are in the same boat now, Natsuki-dono. I would say that it is inevitable that we will have to reconcile our perceptions of each other. Well then, let us start with myself. The amount of stories I should tell of Cecilus numbers far more than I could count using all my hands and feet twice over, however――]
Subaru: [Help! Heeelp!!]
――Then, despite being drowned by a waterfall of the various emotions Chisha held toward Cecilus, sure enough, Subaru ultimately came to the conclusion that he was necessary.
Afterwards, Subaru and Chisha devised a plan, announced that Vincent Vollachia, who could no longer make appearances in public, had fallen ill, and left Berstetz to deal with the imperial citizens' reactions as they heated up into absurd arguments such as "one who collapses during a civil war lacks the qualifications of an Emperor" and "If a disease was what brought down the Emperor, then is the disease supposed to inherit the throne?", and ran off to various places.
Subaru: [Rem! Was everything okay while I was gone? No injuries or inconveniences or anything? It's really frustrating that I can't take you with me, but if there is anything, please don't hide it and talk to me. Is there anything you'd like to tell me now while you can?]
Rem: [You came back really suddenly, what happened? To begin with, you should already be finished with that errand, so why are you still in women's clothes?]
Subaru: [The situation of it being problematic if it's known that I'm involved in the Empire's quarrels is still ongoing, so it's inevitable that Natsumi Schwartz would return to the stage. It's a necessity.]
Rem: [――. ――――. ――――――――. Is that so?]
Subaru: [That pause seems to imply you don't understand!]
Rem: [It's nothing. Anyways, more than anything I'm glad you're safe.]
Subaru: [Oh! Well, half my stomach was blown off and I almost died, but…]
Rem: [Ha?]
Louis: [Uau!]
Of course, it was critical that he made sure to check in with Rem and confirm there had been no changes in her condition when he returned to the Imperial Capital.
Although there was still some numbness in her legs, Rem seemed to have reached a point where she could move around quite well, and she showed her innate caring nature doing as she pleased at Berstetz's mansion. Subaru's heart was filled to the brim with warmth as he saw glimpses of Rem despite her lack of Memories.
However, it was vexing that Louis was still scampering around as usual.
Rem: [Speaking of, this Natsumi Schwartz…]
Subaru: [Ah. Huh, what is it, what is it? Do you have something to say about Natsumi Schwartz? Like she's cute or something?]
Rem: [Incorrect… I happened to hear a rumor. That is, something like, you becoming the Empress Consort.]
Subaru: [Oh that? Rather than becoming, we're spreading rumors that it seems like I'll become that. It's part of the strategy. For various reasons, it's hard for His Excellency the Emperor to act, so I will be his representative… or more accurately, something like his representative's representative.]
Rem: [――. Isn't that dangerous?]
Subaru: [I'm not saying there isn't danger. Still, for outsiders like me and you, Rem, the Empire has always been a lion's den whether we jump in or not. In order to brazenly escape from this lion's den, I will face any danger. If at all possible, fight in the way that gives the greatest chance of victory!]
Rem: [So your way of fighting with the greatest chance of victory is crossdressing?]
Subaru: [Indeed… Huh, isn't it cute?]
Rem: [――. ――――. ――――――――. Please take this seriously.]
Receiving that support from Rem, Subaru/Schwartz headed out on a pilgrimage to secure military forces.
The purpose of the journey was to pacify and inspire the troops garrisoned all over, and Natsumi Schwartz, the candidate to become Empress Consort of the Wise Emperor, who up until now had never taken a single wife, was paramount.
His behaviour was brimming with confidence, he declared himself the representative of the Emperor, and to assuage any lack of persuasiveness, since he was accompanied by Chisha Gold of the Nine Divine Generals, it was sufficient.
And with everything going smoothly, Subaru/Schwartz and Chisha headed to their destination――,
???: [――Oya oya oya, it's rare for a guest from the outside to pay me a visit! I don't believe I've yet to properly participate in one of the island's performances, but nevertheless, rumors must have already spread, that's me for you! After all, it's hard to keep the brilliance of the starring actor of this world hidden!]
Indeed, upon the Gladiator Island, they ended up coming face to face with Cecilus Segmunt, a boy who chattered louder than a lit firecracker―― and with a more youthful appearance than rumored.
Chisha was quite opposed to calling upon Cecilus as a means to compensate for their lack of a decisive blow, but there are no replacements for those that are called the strongest existences.
Thus, Subaru/Schwartz was eager to implore Cecilus to join the swing of the sword to defend against the Great Disaster that would befall the Empire, and then――,
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???: [Well, well, well, what a big event! Those far away, heed my voice!! Those near, come see for yourself! It's the debut of the leading actor, Cecilus Segmunt!!]
The wind howled thunderously, and an unarmed Cecilus made a cheerful display, standing upon the island side of the drawbridge that connected the island and the mainland. ――He was facing the mass of black shadows that were descending upon the Gladiator Island.
Knowing in the very core of his being just what kind of existence it was and just how dangerous it was, Subaru/Schwartz could only gasp and be overwhelmed by Cecilus's composure on stage.
――Cecilus Segmunt, the First of the Nine Divine Generals; the plan to extract him from the Gladiator Island had become exceedingly more difficult.
Gustav Morello, the governor entrusted with the management of the island, was unusually stubborn and inflexible, and he had adamantly refused to agree to the appeals of Subaru/Schwartz, who had been accompanied by the embodiment of persuasiveness that was Chisha.
He had been ordered by the real Vincent to not let the island's criminals ――that is, the Gladiators, leave the island, and so he still displayed resistance to the proper procedures, causing trouble for Subaru/Schwartz and Chisha.
The "curse rule" that brought an end to any Gladiator that attempted to forcefully leave the island was particularly troublesome.
Transmitted by a Curse Tool possessed by Gustav, that cursed law had the entire island within its range, and it was applied to Subaru/Schwartz and his companions who had stepped foot on the island without knowing, preventing escape.
As a result, Subaru/Schwartz ended up being forced to face numerous unforeseen struggles, but the predicaments on the Gladiator Island did not end at Gustav.
The objective, Cecilus Segmunt, was also a difficult person that wouldn't cooperate so easily.
Cecilus: [It's surprising, but I don't consider freedom to be unconditionally good. People have the freedom to draw pictures or compose words upon paper without constraints, but the likelihood of that which is put on paper carelessly or without thought becoming a masterpiece of literature or art is exceedingly low. Every masterpiece requires passion and a unified direction.]
Subaru/Schwartz: [Stuff like client demands and delivery deadlines?]
Cecilus: [I like that. When I converse with Empress Consort Candidate-sama, my inspiration is violently stirred by your unfamiliar words and it raises my mood! And perhaps what Empress Consort Candidate-sama says is correct! They are necessary for stories. A destination to aim for.]
Subaru/Schwartz: [If so, then alongside us…]
Cecilus: [I'm still unable to determine if I can do so alongside Empress Consort Candidate-sama! After all, I'm a leading actor in great demand… for even now, the many words of support from the ladies and gentlemen who continue to have great expectations for my success are striking my heart like raindrops!]
Thus, despite seeming to lend an ear to Subaru/Schwartz's persuasion, he was not about to lend his support.
Cecilus was one or two sizes smaller than he had heard, but the part of him at his core that was difficult to deal with seemed to be alive and well, and a pain rivaling even Gustav lay there.
Even so, Subaru/Schwartz, together with Chisha, had struggled to overcome Gustav and Cecilus, the two greatest obstacles to conquering the Gladiator Island.
And then, after all of that――,
???: [――Is that… the Witch?]
As the surging waves of the billowing lake crashed down and Cecilus bathed in the spray, behind him, Gustav watched the shadows alongside Subaru/Schwartz and let out those words in a voice stifled with astonishment.
The Witch, indeed, it was the Witch. With unparalleled strength, it was an unmanageable threat of the most formidable class―― that was what had emerged at the Gladiator Island, and now stood in the way of Subaru/Schwartz and everyone else.
As Cecilus laughed, Subaru/Schwartz and Gustav trembled.
And finally, Chisha collapsed in Subaru/Schwartz's arms, tears of blood spilling down his face while showing the most pained expression he had made until now―― just moments before, the White Spider had donned the "mask" of Subaru/Schwartz.
Subaru/Schwartz: [Don't tell me, could it be because you wore my "mask"?]
The Witch of Envy had long forbidden Subaru from revealing Return by Death.
Knowing the horror of the penalty that came when he transgressed this taboo, Subaru had abandoned disclosing Return by Death and worked hard to prevent the victims of his Authority from expanding beyond himself.
It had never even occurred to him that the same taboo would be applied to Chisha wearing his "mask".
Chisha: [――Hk.]
Strictly speaking, Chisha, who was shedding tears of blood, had not worn Subaru's "mask". He had attempted to wear it, but the moment he had activated Noh, it had rejected Chisha and the "mask" had shattered into pieces.
However, the Witch was not so forgiving that she would turn a blind eye due to a failed attempt. When he came to, the color of the sky had changed, an ominous wind had begun to blow, and the world had started to come apart.
And like that, the Witch slowly arrived at the island as a herald of the end――,
Cecilus: [The world is vast, magnificent, and full of the unexpected. ――It's getting entertaining now, isn't it, everyone?]
Cecilus boldly declared so in a voice devoid of even a tinge of bravado or pretense to Subaru/Schwartz, whose body was being pummeled from the inside by his furiously pounding heart.
This predicament, his distress, the demise drawing ever close at hand; Cecilus Segmunt greeted it all with a laugh. That made Subaru/Schwartz's heart tremble. ――Whether that was out of horror or perhaps an impulse closer to admiration, he could not even make such a distinction.
Chisha: [This threat, there is no mistaking it… however, there appear to be… slight fluctuations…]
Subaru/Schwartz: [Chisha-san!]
Chisha: [I am most embarrassed to frighten you so… I would also like to avoid being looked down upon by Cecilus when he is that size.]
This was grumbled in a tone that was clearly full of bravado and pretense, and supported by Subaru/Schwartz, Chisha sat up and got on his feet.
Wiping away his bloody tears with a finger, leaving behind traces of blood on his white face, Chisha slapped Gustav, who was standing motionless, on the back, bringing the Governor of the Gladiator Island to his senses.
Gustav: [General First-Class, Chisha Gold… In my capacity…]
Chisha: [There must be a role that none but you can play. What is it that His Excellency Vincent Vollachia has ordered of you?]
Gustav: [That――]
Chisha: [We are here. ――Fulfill your duty, Gustav Morello!]
Gustav caught his breath at that forceful statement, his fanged mouth stiffened, and then he turned and rushed resolutely toward the center of the island.
Upon the Gladiator Island, there were many Gladiators alongside those who managed them. Gustav was the only one who could mobilize everyone appropriately to prevent them from being harmed.
And then――,
Chisha: [Might I suggest that you also withdraw to a safe location?]
Subaru/Schwartz: [A safe location… Where could I find that on this island?]
Shaking his head at Chisha's proposition, Subaru/Schwartz also rose to his feet and responded.
As if sucking up the dark water of the lake, the Witch's shadows swelled to the size of a small mountain and approached, so formidable that it threatened to engulf everything, no matter where one was on the island.
This penalty for violating the taboo, was it a similar development to when she had swallowed everything, upon his disclosure of Return by Death to Echidna in the Tomb of the Sanctuary? On that occasion, if he had not had Petra's handkerchief that Echidna had implanted with light, he would have been in a predicament where even suicide would not have been possible.
However, at this very moment――,
Subaru/Schwartz: [If it will be the same no matter where I go, I will see it through. ――No matter how many times it takes.]
Chisha: [A baffling way of putting it, but it is marvelous the impact it has.]
Holding his own elbow, Subaru/Schwartz resolved to not move from that spot.
In truth, there was no escape. And if those who held the strength to oppose the Witch were unable to completely resist her, then Subaru/Schwartz would simply create an opportunity and prepare a way to break out of the situation.
Before Subaru/Schwartz, who was resigned to Return by Death, Chisha stepped forward, standing alongside the blue-haired youth at the front line, and――,
Cecilus: [The long-awaited climax, the grand stage, in the spotlight! Can I expect that your resolve is set if at this moment of truth, you're standing alongside me, the flash of lightning that illuminates the world?]
Chisha: [Even when you are this size, your prattling does not shrink too… What resolve?]
Cecilus: [Hahaha, I don't care whether you lie! Haven't you been avoiding me since you came to the Gladiator Island? Empress Consort Candidate-sama tried all sorts of tricks and wiles to woo me, but you drew my interest by not interacting with me! I don't know whether that was intentional or not! With that premise, I can't help but have expectations when it comes to this situation!]
Chisha: [Expectations. ――Hearing you say that, I feel revolted.]
Having assumed his young form, Cecilus had completely forgotten his connection to Chisha. Chisha accepted this fact as if he expected it, and was likely intimately involved in Cecilus's current condition.
While thinking about that matter, Subaru/Schwartz also thought this of the two standing side-by-side:
Subaru/Schwartz: […Dependable.]
――This was the sight that Vincent Vollachia had seen.
No matter how formidable an enemy stood before them, if Chisha and Cecilus stood together before oneself, therein lay the confidence to believe that those two would crush them, force them to yield, and clear a path forward.
In front of Subaru/Schwartz, who was convinced by his heartbeat within, Chisha made the first move.
Slowly, Chisha brought his hand up to his own pale face, and put on a "mask"――
Chisha: [――Mask of the Lightning.]
His bones creaked loudly, as his constitution, the thickness of his flesh, and the structure of his body all began to change.
While seeing this grotesque Noh transformation of sorts before his eyes, Subaru/Schwartz had the transformation sequence of a hero of justice in his head.
It was undoubtedly a transformation sequence, in the sense that it created anticipation of what was to come. And when that transformation sequence ended, what was there was――,
Cecilus: [Oh, oh, oh! Well well, such a handsome young man, I couldn't help but be captivated! For some reason, it has the flavor of the appearance of someone I recognize, but what's this?]
Chisha: [I am impressed by your unwavering thoughts.]
Next to Cecilus, who had raised his voice, there stood Chisha, who had changed appearance to that of a young man with long blue hair. Standing behind them, Subaru/Schwartz knew who it was with a single glance, thanks to the object of comparison being next to him.
――Reproduced via Noh, this was the original form of Cecilus Segmunt. This was the presence of the Blue Lightning, the strongest of Vollachia, before he shrunk.
Chisha: [We shall attack the seams. Can you keep up?]
Cecilus: [Oh hoh, you took the words right out of my mouth! Don't believe that you'll be able to leave me behind just because you happen to have a beautiful face that catches eyes and etches itself into your mind. The Empress Consort candidate too, don't even blink!]
Responding to the provocation by Chisha in his own true form, and while briefly showing consideration to Subaru/Schwartz with the final words at the end, Cecilus poked the ground of the island with his zori. [4]
Beside him, Chisha made the same gesture―― Two Cecilus's, big and small, exchanged glances, and in an instant, two bolts of lightning arced in a flash across the island and launched at the incompletely manifested Witch.
It was undoubtedly a legendary scene worthy of being majestically narrated at length in an illustrated story.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime, truly eerie and wondrous performance upon a grand stage, where two surging bolts of lightning clashed against a specter of black shadows.
△▼△▼△▼△
???: [――I suppose the proper clash shall begin tomorrow.]
Chisha muttered while holding a sake cup, admiring the gleaming Crystal Palace from the balcony of the Imperial Residence.
Illuminated by the light of the night, the beautiful, dazzling rays danced upon the castle in the distance. Subaru also held a sake cup in his hand―― though its contents were milk, he stood next to Chisha, saying "I see…" with a sigh.
Chisha: [――――]
An awkward silence fell, and Subaru struggled to hold back the complicated emotions in his chest. However, to the extent one could somehow do so with superficial effort, this struggle was not a foe that could be so easily overcome.
Ever since Chaosflame, where he had saved Chisha and been saved by Chisha in turn, then made the decision to take his hand and support his aims, thus becoming involved with the affairs of the Empire, there had always been a lingering unease that would not fade; it was precisely this sort of troublesome foe, one that continued to force Subaru to reexamine himself.
Next to Subaru, who was fighting a battle of attrition with that troublesome foe, Chisha brought his sake cup to his mouth, his tongue moistened with alcohol, and called out, "Natsuki-dono,"
Chisha: [You have helped me quite a bit. Once again allow me to convey my gratitude.]
Subaru: [Oioi, you're being sentimental. Someone saying stuff like that before a battle like they're putting their affairs in order, may very well tip a flag that they're gonna mess up at a crucial moment.]
Chisha: [A flag… Would that be like what Cecilus calls "foreshadowing"? ]
Subaru: [Yeah yeah, like Ceci.]
Cecilus's characteristic way of wording things was difficult to understand, but when deciphered, Subaru found there was a lot to be impressed by in how he perceived the true nature of things and how his way of thinking got to the heart of matters.
Even if it was an imperfect manifestation, Cecilus had repelled the Witch who assailed the Gladiator Island along with Chisha, and had exclaimed, "My long-awaited grand performance!" as he cheerfully left the island, and for better or worse had been waiting in the Imperial Capital for his turn on stage without a care in the world.
The specific particulars on how Cecilus had gained a young form were unclear to him, but if even things such as his ways of thinking or feeling had also been made young, Subaru wondered if it might be the case that when he one day returned to his original form, he might lose his current vibrant sensibilities. If that was the case, he thought that would be regrettable.
Chisha: [Do not worry yourself, I suppose Cecilus has always been that way.]
Subaru: [No kidding. Then I'm… well I can't say I'm relieved, since I'll be worried in the opposite sense. The First, Ceci is like that, the Second, Arakiya-chan is how she is, Vollachia sure managed to keep running, huh?]
Chisha: [All of that is due to His Excellency the Emperor Vincent Vollachia's management. ――Consequently, I am not confident in the success of this endeavor. In truth, I suppose it has been riddled with unforeseen occurrences.]
Subaru: [Like my appearance.]
Chisha: [You said it yourself.]
The corners of his mouth relaxed, and Chisha gave a small chuckle at Subaru's words.
Talking about unforeseen circumstances, Subaru would not lose out to Chisha. From the beginning, since they were sent to the Vollachian Empire, not a single thing had gone as expected.
Subaru: [If I had to say anything, it's that Natsumi Schwartz's existence has been proven to the Empire after the Kingdom, I guess.]
Chisha: […I do not believe I possess the qualification to say this after so thoroughly using it, but I do doubt whether you learned those skills in the Kingdom.]
Subaru: [Ahh, the level-up of my skills was developed in Lugunica, but I acquired those skills elsewhere. In my hometown, beyond the so-called Great Waterfall… Oops. Beako kept getting upset with me, saying that putting it like that would cause misunderstandings, but I did it again.]
Chisha: [Beyond the Great Waterfall. ――I see, I understand now.]
Subaru felt his fingers tremble from a lack of Beatromin, and beside him Chisha nodded as if he was impressed in some way by what he had said. Based on the flow of the conversation, it wasn't regarding Subaru/Schwartz, but rather the topic after that. ――It was probably about the Great Waterfall.
Chisha: [All along, I have held some doubts. As a citizen of the Kingdom, it was natural that your values differed from ours in the Empire, Natsuki-dono, but even so, the divergence was too large.]
Subaru: [The divergence was… too large?]
Chisha: [To speak bluntly, you overvalue the worth of lives. ――Or, to be more precise, I suppose I should say the worth of other people's lives.]
Subaru blinked as Chisha spoke those words while he traced his own slender jaw with a finger.
The worth of lives, of course such a thing would have great significance. Everyone had but a single life. There may be exceptions, but setting those exceptions aside, that was an absolute truth.
And it was for that reason, he wished that no opportunities would be stolen from any lives.
Subaru: [Even you, Chisha-san, saved me in Chaosflame, you know? Back then, thanks to you tearing off the "mask" of the Emperor and donning Ferris's, you linked together the unforeseen circumstances of unforeseen circumstances.]
Chisha: [That was simply due to the fact that there was merit in using you, Natsuki-dono. If I were to speak using my own standards of value, it was simply that the loss of allowing you to die there felt far greater. However, you do not see things in such terms of advantages and disadvantages. I suppose the reason for this is the sense of values at your core.]
Subaru: […I get that things like the soil and water you grew up with can change how you view the world. Since I hate the Empire.]
Chisha: [Haha, you say it so clearly it is almost refreshing.]
Subaru: [I hate the Empire. I hate it, but I can't bring myself to completely hate everyone on that soil. That's the sort of standards of value I have, though.]
That was not a particularly special mindset, or at least Subaru did not think so.
Of course, Subaru was well aware that his ideals were naive compared to the values of the Kingdom of Lugunica, much less the values of the fierce and harsh Vollachian Empire. Even after living in another world for over a year, he did not feel like he would ever get used to the exchange of lives.
To a certain extent, he accepted that it was inevitable that this would be used as a reason for disappointment. On the other hand, when used as a reason for praise, he couldn't help but think it was not such a big deal.
Subaru: [First of all, you believe me, Chisha-san? That I came from beyond the Great Waterfall?]
Chisha: [Words I have never seen nor heard before, your way of thinking, some skills, and those values. A Witch Cultist who managed to learn social skills while being raised in a senseless environment―― Well, if I had to use such a dreadful description, I would more easily preserve the tranquility of my heart by saying they were a visitor from beyond the Great Waterfall.]
Subaru: [Seriously? Is it information that, If you don't convince yourself to that level, you can't balance the scales?… I should've taken Beako more seriously…]
For Chisha, it was apparently a story on the level of him only believing it because it was preferable to Subaru being a Witch Cultist.
Even the Emilia Camp tended to be the type to more or less let Subaru's history go in one ear and out the other, so he was grateful that Chisha believed him, even if it was through dubious logic, but from now on, he intended to be much more careful in how he broached such subjects.
Subaru: [I'm sure glad we had this talk before I carelessly reminisced about my past with Rem. I've been slowly building just a bit of momentum, but my favorability almost crashed again. Even though I'm already at rock bottom.]
Chisha: [It has been oddly low up to now.]
Rem's feelings fluctuated and were hard to evaluate, and Chisha's comment was sympathetic to that.
Over the course of opening up to each other, he had told Chisha that Rem had become a victim of the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, and as a result had forgotten her connection with Subaru.
Though, now that he thought about how the previous conversation regarding his connection to the Great Waterfall had been received, there was also the possibility Chisha had only believed this since it was preferable to Subaru being an evil stalker with a complicated attachment to Rem.
Chisha: [Originally, I had had no intention of recalling Cecilus.]
Subaru: [Huh?]
Subaru's eyes widened as he was caught off guard by the atmosphere of the sudden change in the flow of the conversation.
When he looked, Chisha had placed his sake cup on the railing of the balcony, and while opening and closing his now vacant hand, with his golden eyes he gazed upon the Crystal Palace―― no, the very Imperial Capital itself.
Given the change in atmosphere, Subaru also set down his cup and looked out upon the same scene.
Chisha: [As you may have already grasped, I changed him into that youthful form with my Noh. It was for good reason that I sent him to the Gladiator Island like that. And that, along with everything else was――]
Subaru: [To prepare for the coming Great Disaster, right? I don't get what you stood to gain from shrinking Ceci and tossing him onto an island, but… Ah, wait, maybe, was it the same as with Goz-san?]
Chisha: [You are not far from the mark, thus I shall leave it at that. After all, no one can stand on the same level as Cecilus Segmunt. ――Aside from the Sword Saint and the Admirer and such.]
Subaru: […Your name is coming up even here, you are truly worldwide, Reinhard.]
As a matter of fact, Subaru had seen with his own eyes that Cecilus's strength was something that deviated from the norm.
During the battle against the Witch that had unfolded, the true value of the Blue Lightning had certainly been demonstrated. ――However, it had not been the young Cecilus himself who had demonstrated this, but rather Chisha, having donned that "mask" and played the role of an adult Cecilus.
To Subaru's eyes, as one who had seen Reinhard's transcendent combat up close twice before, he certainly believed that the ability of the adult Cecilus could be placed in the same realm of the transcendent.
However――,
Subaru: [If we're only talking about strength, then sure, but there are more qualifications beyond just that necessary to stand alongside him.]
Chisha: [――. What do you mean by those words?]
Subaru: [Well, when Chisha-san and Ceci challenged that huge shadow on Ginunhive, it might have just been due to me having the heroine mentality of Natsumi Schwartz, but I could feel it. ――That these two, standing side-by-side, are the strongest of the Empire.]
Chisha: [――――]
Subaru: [I'm not just saying this because you had transformed into an adult Ceci, Chisha-san, got it? The dependability I felt then wasn't that sort of thing. It's like, the reason you win isn't just because you're strong, that sort of perspective is completely different… I can't put it into words very well!]
Scratching his head, Subaru searched for a way to convey the passion of that moment.
Unlike just being strong because they were strong, and also unlike equating them because they were both the same strength, it was more like one plus one not equalling two, but some much greater number; it was that sort of extraordinary feeling.
Subaru: [Honestly, you've been so selfish. Even supposing he found out Chisha-san's true intentions, His Excellency the Emperor might get so upset he would never forgive you. For my part, I believe Emperor Vincent is a lucky man though.]
Chisha: [His Excellency is a lucky man, you say? On that, I suppose we agree.]
Subaru: [Oh, not being humble about that?]
Chisha: [An accurate grasp of the capabilities of others, not to mention my own, is an essential measure of my role in the Empire. Above all, those who do not intend to make their true strength known shall only be devoured in this land of Sword Wolves.]
Subaru: [A society of super-efficiency, a super-meritocracy, a principle of super-competitiveness… I get it, but I have a bit of hope that Vollachia isn't a place only defined by that.]
Saying that, Subaru spun around and leaned his back against the railing, looking up at the night sky.
The Imperial Capital of Lupugana was modeled as a star-shaped fortress, with the shimmering Crystal Palace placed at its north, and a sky full of stars that sparkled above. Subaru squinted at those stars, whose names he did not know.
He did not know their names, these stars he did not recognize or have any connection with, this starry sky that by all rights he should never have seen, yet they seemed to him to be exactly the same as people he had met in Vollachia.
Subaru: [Berstetz-san is surprisingly passionate. You evaluated him as an ultra-imperialist, Chisha-san, but I think he's a passionate person. Probably the type that secretly treasures promises and such. Madelyn-chan doesn't often open up her heart to me, but I think she's quite caring. I think it was good to have someone by her side. I get the sense that she's kind of lost on what to do with such compassion, I guess?]
Chisha: [Well, well, I feel like that is somewhat too soft of a viewpoint… However, you have me quite intrigued, so I suppose I would like to hear more.]
Subaru: [It's nothing outrageous. Even after losing one of his arms, Olbart-san hasn't shown even a bit of tragic heroism, probably due to the wisdom of his years. He may act viciously, but it seems like he has a surprising amount of compassion for young people. I haven't had the chance to properly chat with Mogurocchi yet, but truthfully I have high expectations that he might be the most honest person in the Empire.]
After accompanying them to Chaosflame, Olbart seemed to have taken his feelings of guilt into consideration, wondering if he could attach a weapon where his lost arm had been. Since Subaru was constantly outside the city, he had had little contact with Moguro, who was in charge of guarding the Crystal Palace, but he was caring in a particularly quiet way, and often worried about Arakiya, who had left their side, and Goz, who was imprisoned.
Subaru: [As for Kafma-san, ever since the healing magic Rem remembered how to use worked on him, he's become Rem's biggest fan, which is honestly hilarious. But, given how much I'm running about, I'm grateful that there are those like Madelyn-chan who care about Rem. And, as for Ubilk… ah, well, how can I put it? He acts as a lubricant for the organization…]
Chisha: [If you cannot think of anything, I do not believe you should have to search for any good points in vain.]
Subaru: [Well, Ceci is Ceci, so I'll skip that… And then there's you, Chisha-san.]
Chisha: [――――]
Subaru: [It's been one thing after another since I was sent to the Empire, but Chisha-san was always saving me… Or manipulating me? I was forced to go along with it…]
Chisha: [Wherever you fall on the matter, you shall not get any regret from me.]
Chisha stated so with a sigh toward Subaru, who was still uncertain in his evaluation.
Putting any manipulation or forced accompaniment aside, even the evaluation that he had been saved was deemed as vexing; Chisha Gold just had that sort of hard-to-please disposition.
However, that too, was a part of the partner whom he had spent so long with in such a short time.
Subaru: [For better or worse, you've been involved in eighty percent of my events in the Empire, Chisha-san. To me, the Vollachian Empire equals Chisha Gold.]
Chisha: [Discourteous. This is the Land of the Sword Wolf, and the Vollachian Empire is none other than the land of His Excellency, Emperor Vincent Vollachia himself, thus I pray you shall amend your belief.]
Shrugging his shoulders while joking, the rebel who ousted that very Emperor Vincent Vollachia from the throne, and threw the Empire into chaos due to his own wishes said such a thing.
To that, Subaru responded with "Nice joke," and the two laughed together for a moment.
And then――,
Subaru: [This may well also be a flag or foreshadowing, so I'm unsure whether I should say it, but… well, after you achieve your goal, what will you do, Chisha-san?]
Chisha: [What, do you mean?]
Subaru: [Well, since you've done what you've done, even if you were to reveal everything, we don't know whether Emperor Vincent would forgive you, right Chisha-san? That's why… you know. If there's no place for you left in the Empire, I could show you around the Kingdom this time!]
Chisha: [Hoh, you, Natsuki Subaru from beyond the Great Waterfall, shall show me the Kingdom of Lugunica?]
Subaru: [I've been living in the Kingdom for over a year now, so I can at least show you around the area!]
At any rate, if he was able to bring Rem back to the Kingdom of Lugunica, he wanted to not only help her recall her Memories, but also to journey around to the places she had been acquainted with.
Of course, since there was also the matter of Emilia's Royal Selection, he did not have a lot of free time. Subaru felt it would not be so bad if Emilia, Beatrice, and a white Sword Wolf driven from the Empire were a part of such a journey.
Chisha: [As it is, in the position of supporting someone burdened with the complications of being a half-elf, I believe the way you extend your hand in that manner is perhaps a bit too unprincipled. If it is to this extent, I suspect the coordinator of the camp you are a part of, Natsuki-dono, surely has a lot of trouble piling up.]
Subaru: [Guh… It's fine! It's his own nature to take on troubles, and 'cuz he told me to say anything without worrying about appearances!]
Chisha: ["'Cuz", huh?]
He had responded with a pretty reasonable rebuttal, and Subaru frowned.
Did the way he changed the topic ultimately mean Subaru had been rejected? Of course, he knew offering a prospect after being chased out of the Empire to Chisha, who was standing firm for the future of the Empire, was an insensitive topic.
Subaru: [I don't like it when people try to do something somehow by putting themselves in a so-called heroic last stand, where they have nowhere to return, or nowhere to belong. That's why I will offer the hand that I want to offer.]
Chisha: [Natsuki-dono…]
Subaru: [There! Flag building on the eve of a decisive battle is over! That's all I wanted to discuss… Ah, thank you for taking care of Rem's life. Doing that for me really saved me. …It's super complicated, but I'd also like to thank Louis for that.]
While Subaru was away from the Imperial Capital, it seemed like the bond between Rem and Louis had grown deeper and deeper.
So far, she had not committed a single Sin Archbishop-like evil, and if anything seemed to be devotedly dedicating herself to Rem, but he could not fathom the root of those actions. ――Even if she was not what she appeared to be, it was going to be a headache to figure out what to do with her when he brought Rem back to the Kingdom.
Perhaps how to deal with this headache was a matter to consult Otto about.
Chisha: [――――]
Then, while Subaru was planning to make Otto's stomachache even worse in that way, Chisha furrowed his brow, which was unusual, then opened his lips like he was going to say something, before closing them. Opened, then closed. Three times.
This seemed to be born of some kind of hesitation, and Subaru tilted his head.
Subaru: [Chisha-san, did that raise some flags?]
Chisha: [――. No, in fact I suppose it is the opposite. I nearly uttered something that could have been foreshadowing, thus I restrained myself. Cecilus and you almost got me there, Natsuki-dono.]
Subaru: [Ceci and I are in the same category!? Seriously!?]
Subaru's eyes widened, taken aback by what Chisha had said with a chuckle. Without saying much about Subaru's response, Chisha picked up the sake cup he had put on the railing and took a sip of the alcohol.
A man who, unbeknownst to anyone, had worked out a plan to repel the Great Disaster that would shake the very Empire, and perhaps may have to bear living with fingers pointing at him even after the truth became clear; the fruition of his battle, in which he had deceived even his own lord that he devoted his loyalty to, was now soon at hand.
While praying that wish would be successful, at the same time, a clear path to return to the Kingdom of Lugunica was finally in sight, Subaru also clenched his fists.
Then, driven by the heat welling up within him, he raised those fists up, and,
Subaru: [Let's do it Chisha-san. This battle will be our victory!]
Chisha: [I am not the sort of person who can get that heated, but… I value that spirit.]
Saying so, Chisha raised his sake cup into the night without any momentum and brought his own fist up to Subaru's.
This was a mutual struggle―― no, a relationship of complicity, born out of an absurdity neither desired. For the great liars who deceived the Vollachian Empire, it was a night of firm oaths.
――And it would be Natsuki Subaru and Chisha Gold's final night together.
△▼△▼△▼△
With his shoulders shaken and his cheeks tapped, Natsuki Subaru was brought back to consciousness, only to find the place he had awoken was not his bedroom in Berstetz's mansion, but to his astonishment, the inside of a cramped crate.
???: [Uuu!]
The one who had played a part in rousing Subaru with that high-pitched voice was Louis Arneb, who was stuffed into the jam-packed space just like Subaru.
Seeing Rem's figure behind the beaming Louis, Subaru sprang up. He smacked his head hard against the ceiling of the box, the pain and heat making him yell "Owwww!"
And then――,
Rem: [――We are inside a dragon carriage headed toward the Kingdom of Lugunica. I heard them say so.]
Subaru: [Ha-, huh? But, why would we be? Because… no, because! The rebels are already here!]
Rem: [I don't know either! It happened so suddenly. We were forcefully crammed into this dragon carriage, and… you wouldn't wake up at all.]
Subaru: [Don't be ridiculous, I'm good at getting up, so if there was a commotion like that, I'd immediately…]
Wake up, he was about to say, before confronting the reality that he actually had not. When he did, what flashed through Subaru's mind was the milk he had drank the night before.
The milk he had been drinking while chatting with Chisha on the balcony of the Imperial Residence; it had been prepared by Chisha for Subaru, and right after they finished talking, he remembered being struck by sudden drowsiness. He had stumbled back to his assigned room, slept like a log there, and then――,
Subaru: [Chisha-san set me up…! What was I thinking… Am I an idiot? No, I am definitely an idiot. It's obvious what Chisha-san is planning.]
It was certain. Chisha's goal in orchestrating this situation was clear.
Chisha intended to do it alone. Up to this point, Chisha had been borrowing Subaru's help to arrange the pieces on the board, and at the final moment, he had decided to remove Subaru from the game board, just like he had done to the Emperor, and begin the final battle against the Great Disaster by himself.
Had he intended this from the very start, and where such deception had come from; such cowardly and futile complaints whirled through his head―― and he shut them out.
At this very moment, there was no use in lamenting that which disappointed him.
Subaru: [We have to get out somehow…]
Rem: [I think that will be difficult. I've tried several times, but this box is sturdy, and it won't budge at all. We'll be released once we've crossed the border with the Kingdom… or so it seems.]
Subaru: [But then, we won't make it in time for the decisive battle at the Imperial Capital! Hey! Heeey! Someone! Open this up! Open it! I am Natsumi Schwartz, the Empress Consort candidate of His Excellency, Emperor Vincent Vollachia!!]
Despite banging on the walls of the crate and protesting as Natsumi Schwartz, no response occurred in the dragon carriage. Obviously, they had been ordered by Chisha, who had orchestrated all of this, to not lend an ear to anything Subaru or the others might say upon waking.
Subaru: [――Tch, Invisible Providence.]
Gritting his teeth, Subaru activated the invisible arm within himself―― Invisible Providence, and intended to destroy the crate.
However, unlike the Sin Archbishop of Sloth who originally possessed this power, Subaru's version was not much different from simply being a third arm, aside from it being unable to be seen. If Subaru could not break the walls with his two actual arms, then it would be just as impossible to do it with this one.
Subaru: [If only the box had a simple lock, I could have opened it with a bit of In Prov, but…]
Feeling nothing but his body creaking in recoil, Subaru gritted his teeth at the failure of his plan.
Beside the struggling Subaru, Rem wore a tense expression, having already repeatedly gone through a similar struggle and made several dents in the wall the size of the tip of her pinky finger. ――She, too, did not believe it was right to leave the Empire at a time like this.
Rem had been placed at Berstetz's mansion as a hostage for Subaru, but during her life there, she had recalled how to use the healing arts, and became highly prized as an invaluable asset in the Empire.
Feeling that her work was fulfilling, Rem had been making relationships in the Empire in her own way. He had also heard that she had been able to make some friends as well.
Rem: [Madelyn-san and Katya-san, they will remain in the Imperial Capital, but I…]
She probably had not even been allowed to say farewell..
For Subaru too, he could not help but feel like the final words he exchanged with Chisha had been "I have to go to the bathroom before bed." His extreme drowsiness aside, what a pathetic state of affairs.
Subaru: [Shit! Let us out! At least… at least talk to me about it! Don't just go deciding things on your own!]
Louis: [Aaa, uu?]
Subaru: [Shut up! It's always the case, but right now I really don't have the time to deal with you!]
Subaru snapped at Louis, who had peered over from beside him with a look of concern as he slammed on the walls. He was aware that it was nothing more than him venting his anger, and even if she was a Sin Archbishop, he felt disgust rise up within himself for making her the target of his outburst.
Instead of Subaru, pathetic as he was, Rem softly hugged Louis from behind after she was yelled at.
And then――,
Louis: [Uuu?]
Rem: […I'm… not okay. I want to insist that I'm okay, so I don't make Louis-chan worry, but right now… Both I, and this one…]
Louis: [Uau, eu. ――Aaa, uu.]
Held in a tight embrace, Louis blinked at the words of Rem, who had tears welling in her eyes. Then, as her expression seemed to stiffen slightly, she reached out her hand and touched Subaru.
Subaru clenched his teeth at that sensation. ――It happened immediately after that.
Subaru: [――Ah?]
In the next instant, his vision suddenly seemed to blur for a split second, and Subaru found himself plopped down on the road.
Subaru: [Eh, ah, eh? Out… outside, but this is way too far outside!]
Yelling in sheer incredulity, the flustered Subaru scrambled to his feet. And Subaru was not the only one taken aback by the unexpected phenomenon. Rem, who had been holding Louis, was also sitting there.
The three of them, in the same positions as in the box, were on the road――.
Subaru: [That was, a warp… a teleport? No way.]
Louis: [Uu!]
In front of Subaru, who intuitively knew the answer, it was Louis who was enthusiastically raising her hand.
That was the power held by Louis―― No, the power of the Authority of the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony. One of the Gluttonies at the Pleiades Watchtower had devoured the ability to teleport over short distances from someone. Using that, Louis had taken Subaru and Rem and slipped out of the dragon carriage.
Rem: [Louis-chan, amazing…]
Subaru: [It annoys me to straightforwardly praise you by calling it amazing, but in this case you did great! You, can you use that warp to return us all the way back to the Imperial Capital in one go!?]
Louis: [Uuu? Au, uuuauu.]
Subaru grabbed her shoulders eagerly and rocked her back and forth, causing Louis's eyes to roll back in her head as she shook her head. Understanding that her response was a denial, Subaru felt a wave of bitter vexation.
He was grateful they had managed to escape the dragon carriage, but in all likelihood, they had probably already been taken quite far from the Imperial Capital. How long would it take to return to the Imperial Capital on foot now, especially accompanied by Rem, whose legs had yet to fully recover?
If anything, although he would feel bad for Rem, he could have her continue on past the border, while he returned to the Imperial Capital on his own―― it was as he thought of this plan.
Rem: [――――]
Suddenly, a high-pitched sound emitted from Rem, making Subaru spin around in surprise. Looking closer, he saw that the mysterious high-pitched note had come from something like a small whistle that Rem had brought to her lips.
As he wondered what it was, Rem informed the wide-eyed Subaru, "It's a dragon bone whistle,"
Rem: [I received it from Madelyn-san. Back when I mended Madelyn-san's clothes, she said she wanted to reward me, since those clothes were very precious to her. If I blow this whistle――]
Subaru: [If you blow that whistle… hey, whoa!?]
The answer to the call of the dragon bone flute Madelyn had gifted her came swooping down from the sky.
Could it have been one among the many flying dragons commanded by Madelyn, a dragonkin? Flying dragons have a ferocious temperament that made them entirely untamable by humans aside from a particular method of raising them; this one knelt before Rem, who still held the flute in her hands, and lowered its head, showing its intention to obey.
Perhaps, it had been instructed by Madelyn and ordered to obey Rem.
Subaru: [If this guy will give us a ride, then off to the Imperial Capital!]
Rem: [Just a moment ago, weren't you making a plan to leave Louis-chan and me behind to return to the Imperial Capital alone?]
Subaru: [I'm sorry! But I didn't mean anything bad by it! You're just so important and dear to me!]
Rem: [Ha? I'm not giving you a ride though?]
Subaru: [I'll say it as little as possible from now on! Just give me a ride!]
His inner conflict revealed by his impatience and agitation, a flustered Subaru pleaded with Rem. Sighing at Subaru's remarks, Rem pulled Louis close with an outstretched hand, and,
Rem: [I have no clue how fast it will go. Please hold on tight.]
Subaru: [Gotcha! Despite everything, this is the first chance I've gotten to ride a flying dragon, but I guess now isn't the time for that!]
Riding atop a living creature flying through the sky and soaring freely across the heavens, such was not a common experience. So far, the only time Subaru had flown through the sky under similar conditions was with Roswaal.
While harboring such trivial emotions, Subaru hugged Rem and Louis's waists from behind, and suddenly hoisted the two of them up as he leapt onto the flying dragon's back.
Then, offering a quick apology to the "Hey!" in protest from Rem,
Subaru: [We're coming back, Imperial Capital! Don't think we'll just end our story by dropping out like this!]
△▼△▼△▼△
???: [――Chisha-san, the time is at hand.]
Right before the decisive battle at the Imperial Capital commenced, Ubilk, who had paid a visit to Chisha, declared this revelation.
Regarding the position of the Stargazers, those contacted by the heavenly Observers, who they call "stars"―― those existences who established the principles of this world and uphold absolute separation; Chisha felt disgusted.
Chisha: [Contacted, and so on, it is all the influence of Natsuki-dono.]
Conscious of the words murmured in his own head, Chisha suddenly relaxed his lips.
Last night, Subaru and his companions Rem and Louis had been put to sleep and smuggled out of the Imperial Capital, and were now headed straight for the border between the Empire and the Kingdom. The soldiers, deeply loyal to Chisha, accepted the task without any explanation and unhesitatingly obeyed their orders that took them far from the battlefield.
Unexpectedly, Chisha was deeply moved by how much he had been blessed by the people around him.
???: [Of course, of course that would be the case! No matter what anyone says, I myself have come alongside you, so there is absolutely no room for doubt on that front!]
Chisha: […I am certain I already gave the orders to deploy, so I suppose I must wonder why you are still here.]
Then, Chisha furrowed his brow at the childish figure of the Blue Lightning whom he had encountered in the corridors of the Crystal Palace. However, holding out his hand as if such a question was naught but foolishness, Cecilus exclaimed, "Nonsense!"
Cecilus: [You know of me, don't you? As one who strives to be the leading actor of this world, it's guaranteed I'll certainly be on time to assume the spotlight. Indeed, it's for such a reason I'm properly present here at the scene of a great battle that will shake the Empire!]
Chisha: [Is that not because Natsumi Schwartz-dono and I came to fetch you?]
Cecilus: [That! Right! There! I am telling you that it was guidance visiting me in my time of need. Hypothetically speaking, you know? Say, even if it hadn't been you and Ma'am who came to get me! Or even if no one had come to get me! I surely would've ended up at this battlefield regardless. No matter what twist of fate may have come!]
Chisha: [As ever… Even a Stargazer conveys the messages of the stars in a slightly more refined way, but it matters not what is said to you.]
Cecilus: [Of course. How could someone with a weak, spineless character ever be loved as a charming leading actor? Even if one doesn't carry a sword, everyone carries their own convictions. That's not just limited to me, you and Ma'am are the same.]
Sternly thrusting his finger at him, Cecilus spoke with his usual tone. It was so overwhelmingly his usual self that, for just a moment, Chisha forgot the boy before him was currently shrunk in size.
Natsuki Schwartz, or "Ma'am" as Cecilus called him―― and by extension, Natsuki Subaru, certainly possessed the kind of conviction that could be called "naivety."
If so, did Chisha Gold possess it? ――Conviction?
Cecilus: [You do. ――Since you are also one of the actors I have acknowledged.]
Chisha: [You were not the one who chose me. Allow me to make that much clear.]
Cecilus: [Gosh, how harsh. Ohoho, looks like the battle is about to begin, huh?]
Sniffing with his nose as he gazed out the window, Cecilus narrowed his blue eyes.
Chisha had no way of knowing whether it was merely a part of his performance, or if he had genuinely gotten a whiff of the scent of combat.
However, to the one who had spun around and was heading to conquer the battlefield as he had just been ordered to, Chisha called out "Cecilus" and――,
Chisha: [Forgive me, as I have already conveyed what I wanted to convey once already, but since it is important, there is one more thing.]
Cecilus: [Hoho, what might it be? Please give the leading actor a lively send-off before he heads out onto the battlefield!]
Chisha: [Those were surprisingly pleasant days, driving the dragon carriage with you and getting its wheels stuck in a rut. ――I pray for your good fortune in battle, Cecilus Segmunt.]
Cecilus: [――――]
Yes, his own voice had sounded far calmer than he had expected, and Chisha quietly digested his surprise. At those same words, Cecilus's eyes widened, before a familiar smile broke across his face and said,
Cecilus: [――Perfect!!]
△▼△▼△▼△
He had continued to fool, fabricate, lie, trick, ensnare, entrap, and deceive and deceive and deceive.
He did not like to deceive. However, it was his expertise.
It was an accident that Noh had come to dwell within Chisha Gold, but when he thought of the results it had brought about, he could not help but feel it was inevitable ――no, that it was "foreshadowing".
Was it perhaps a bit too narrative brained to believe so?
Chisha: [However, it cannot be helped. How long have I spent alongside Cecilus, and been exposed to that cheerful and endless flood of words?]
Even if he did not empathize with that point of view, there were many ways in which it had influenced him.
Nothing, not even all of Cecilus's views, could be simply dismissed as absurd. Surprisingly, Cecilus's words were not void of any deeper meaning.
In particular, he understood the idea Cecilus espoused that everyone was an actor, and had their part to play upon the stage. ――If so, then what was the role of Chisha Gold?
???: [Contrary to my expectations, I do not feel any strong emotions. ――Even as I look up from below like this at the throne I was driven from.]
Chisha: [――――]
Chisha narrowed his golden eyes, and as he received the man who had arrived from upon the throne, that man brazenly strode across the red carpet spread out before him, as if it was his own.
The man who appeared was beautiful, with black hair, and wore a mask that was modeled after an Oni. Ironically enough, the one he faced was Chisha, whose occupation was wearing "masks", and this man was the leader of the rebels who drew near to the Imperial Capital―― no, he was the one and only true Emperor of the Sacred Vollachian Empire, Vincent Vollachia.
Vincent: [――Did you realize your desires by joining forces with Berstetz and exiling me?]
While overcoming much and suffering numerous trials, Vincent had returned to his own castle.
He was by no means outstanding physically, he had no one to rely upon in his position of being ousted from the throne, and truly his only weapons should have been his own ingenuity and the power of his words; it was the triumphant return of such an Emperor.
The peak of the Empire, Chisha Gold's lord, asked if his desires had been realized.
Chisha: [Unfortunately, I regrettably must say that they have not been realized yet. Therefore, I would like to ask for Your Excellency's cooperation for just a little while longer.]
Vincent: [You have taken this much, yet you still desire something more from me? You have an even greedier side of you than I thought. ――However, 'tis a deception.]
Chisha: [――――]
Vincent: [What you thought you would get from removing me from the throne was no more than insubstantial mist. The fires of war have spread pointlessly, and these needless flames continue to consume the Empire. ――There is a way to extinguish it all immediately.]
As he said this, Vincent brought his hands to his face, and removed the oni mask.
His true face laid bare in this way, which Chisha could no longer even meet in a mirror, having lost that "mask", was undoubtedly that of his lord's. It was probably due to the fair amount of hardship he had accumulated, but compared to when he was on the throne, his complexion was a little paler, his cheeks were thinner, and the bones more prominent.
Still, when comparing his fatigue between when he was working hard as the Emperor and his days of running around trying to reclaim his throne, it was apparent that Vincent had been neglecting himself too much.
――Yes, His Excellency, the Emperor had been neglecting himself too much.
Vincent: [I――]
Chisha: [――Your Excellency.]
He interrupted as Vincent tried to continue, and Chisha called out his lord's title.
In that moment, despite not closing his eyes, the faces of a great many people flashed by in his mind's eye. Everything he had erred in, the feelings of guilt in his heart for having deceived all of them; Chisha let out a breath, and,
Chisha: [――Taking too much of a grand view of the game board, that is your greatest weakness.]
In an instant, Chisha brought his hand from behind his back to cover his face, putting on a "mask". With a creaking sound, Chisha's body was transformed, his height shrunk, his sinewy physique deformed, and his chest swelled. And so, his trump card manifested before Vincent――,
Chisha: [――Mask of the Sun.]
Prisca Benedict.
In those days, she was called by that name, but the person who was now a candidate in the Royal Section of the neighboring country of Lugunica had another name; wearing the "mask" of Vincent Vollachia's greatest weakness, Chisha laughed.
Kicking off the floor, Chisha leapt at Vincent, who was left speechless by this inconceivable reunion. As if he was dancing unburdened, Chisha reached out toward the frozen Vincent's face, and――,
Chisha: [――Mask of the Wise Emperor]
Swiftly, he molded a new "mask" of Vincent with Noh, then casted off the "mask" of Prisca he had only just put on, donning the new mask.
As the sound of his substitution rang out once more, Chisha took further action against the frozen Vincent, while enduring his transforming body.
He snatched the oni mask Vincent had removed, and concealed the Emperor's true face with it once again.
Vincent: [You――]
For what, for whom, why?
The voice of the Emperor who was too wise trembled as if seeking an answer to the events that had occurred. However, without Chisha's words, the Emperor surely could not reach that answer.
It was just as he had informed Vincent a moment ago.
He looked at the board from a grand perspective, thought through things efficiently, and indiscriminately defined the value of every piece.
The true intentions behind Chisha's actions would likely never be conveyed to Vincent, who lacked the awareness that he himself was also an actor upon the stage.
But that was fine. It did not matter whether his true intentions were conveyed.
What he desired, was the outcome.
Would that outcome be that Chesha Trim, a being that had an inconsequential minor role, put on the "mask" of Chisha Gold, and thus deceived even everything he had gained to get what he desired?
He could not confirm it himself, but he was sure.
If he could fool the Observers, ensnare the Great Disaster, and even deceive Vincent Vollachia to the very end, then what Chisha desired would surely shine through.
Therefore――,
Vincent: [――――]
As he was pushed away, Chisha could faintly make out through the oni mask that his cheeks stiffened.
It was a look that many would undoubtedly mistake the true meaning of. The Emperor, who was too wise, and thus often omitted words that should not be omitted, was laconic even with that expression.
He suspected that he was probably the only one who could correctly interpret the meaning of that expression, given his many years alongside the Emperor.
Chisha: [Ahh, and yet――]
By some chance, maybe, perhaps, he had held some expectation.
That maybe there was someone who could look head-on at this Vincent Vollachia, a magnificently wise Emperor, and an all too foolish and self-deprecating man.
He could not help but think so.
Chisha: [――――]
When light broke through the castle wall, missed the form of Vincent as he was pushed away, and pierced Chisha's chest as he wore the "mask" of the Emperor, he saw it outside the window.
――An accomplice who should have been far away, was riding a flying dragon and flew toward this place.
None may live, having had their hearts pierced.
Consequently, that was an event inevitable, the terminus of fate as was bound to arrive.
Chisha: [――――]
The man had died.
He was Chesha Trim, became Chisha Gold, and finally as Vincent Vollachia, the man had died.
Before the lord he had devoted his loyalty to, and the accomplice who had assisted him in deceiving that lord, he had died.
――And that was the entirety of what had transpired, in that moment.
△▼△▼△▼△
――And so, the story has converged to the form it should have originally taken, and the time of the Great Disaster has come.
The hordes of the resurrected dead, commanded by the Witch desiring the destruction of the Empire, shall set the world ablaze.
Despite the gathered Nine Divine Generals joining different camps than they should have, or even having the conclusion of their whole lives changed, to exhibit their greatest valor, they shall set their lives ablaze.
The girls crossing into a neighboring country to search for the cherished boy they were separated from shall witness a heroic turning point that will arrive in the Empire, and without losing hope in the midst of it all, shall set their bonds ablaze.
And the woman like the sun, possessing one half of the two Yang Swords which should have never existed, in order to respond to the horde of the dead whose existence has been twisted and the Witch baring her rage toward her, she shall shine with her unchanging arrogant beauty and set her soul ablaze.
At the core of this story painted with flames and flames and flames, those who witnessed the death of the man who deceived all until the end, with their voices hoarse, tears of blood shed, and souls cracked, they shall set fate ablaze.
???: [――Stand! Don't give up! Giving up is the one thing I will never allow! You should have known a long time ago why that guy lied to you!!]
???: [Silence, foolish commoner. What in the world can you say about me? I am――]
???: [You are!!]
Both: [The 77th Emperor of the Sacred Vollachian Empire, Vincent Vollachia.]
With trembling knees about to buckle, the man rose.
Desperately keeping his sobbing heart in check, the boy clenched his fists.
A young girl, blaming herself for her lack of power, told herself there is still more she can do and raised her head, while a child grabbing onto her pointed toward the Great Disaster shaking the Empire and howled.
There was a large hole in the castle walls, and looking down from there, two men lined up.
Side by side, their gazes met, Natsuki Subaru and Vincent Vollachia, two people who joined together with the karma that they should have met far sooner, two people entrusted with this by the man who deceived fate until the end, they shall destroy the advancing Great Disaster, and to seize the future that man desired, they shall face forward.
Vincent: [I am your Emperor, Vincent Vollachia. ――One of the Sword Wolves of the Empire.]
Subaru: [My name is Natsuki Subaru, just a passerby shaking the realm like roaring thunder, but I am the accomplice of the great liar, Chisha Gold!]
The two of them declared their positions, the air of the Imperial Capital resounded with loud and strong voices.
Natsuki Subaru grimaced as he relayed how they had assembled the game board so that the greatest amount of military power would be concentrated in the Imperial Capital when the coming Great Disaster and terrifying hordes of enemies descended upon them.
And then――,
Subaru: [I took the baton you passed me against my will. ――Bring it on, O inevitable fate!!]
△▼△▼△▼△
――It was probably an instance where a single misstep sent the entire journey astray.
With but a single misalignment of gears, the tale twisted askew, and the rails of fate changed course with ease.
When the expected flow of events shifted, the torrent of destiny tossed people around like leaves from a tree.
And yet.
And yet, what if they still finally found their way unto that changeless shore on the other side, unyielding?
Surely, it was only when a strong, unwavering desire utterly deceived that Commandment.
It was precisely within that once-in-a-lifetime lie that the meaning of that man's life dwelled――,
Chisha: [――If this is my one and only chance for a starring performance, then I shall close the curtains like so.]
Fin.
With that, that was our annual April Fool's Day project!
He was a man who had little time on stage in the main story, and only revealed his true intentions at the very end.
He was a character who had nothing revealed except the important parts since he had almost no contact with Subaru. However, if they were to encounter each other in an alternate timeline ――This became the seventh chapter of IF.
In this timeline, the characters involved here and there are different, the development of events Subaru follows changes, and there are individuals he can be deeply involved with and those he can't, overall it is quite interesting. And yet, in either route, Subaru cross-dresses. It is his fate.
Anyways, thank you for joining me again this year!
I'm glad, since I only wanted to do this on April Fool's Day, after the Empire arc was done.
How much do the positions of the characters or who survives change between the main story and Azamuku? I think I will bring up these matters again at another time, perhaps in an activity report!
Well, thanks! Have good dreams!
Translation Notes:
[1] – A gag from a classic manga by Osamu Tezuka called Black Jack. A character called Pinoko would make a face where both hands were squishing her cheeks while saying "Acchonburike!" when surprised.
[2] – Chisha's power, Noh (『能』), literally means talent or ability, but is a reference to Noh theater, written with the same kanji. See here for more information on it:
[3] – Subaru does not seem to recognize the word 大災 (Great Disaster) at first, since it is a rare term. He repeats the word in katakana (タイサイ), which indicates he is likely sounding it out before then realizing what it means. One potentially funny interpretation is that he may have initially thought Chisha said bok choy, since one term for bok choy in Japanese is a homophone.
[4] – A zori is a traditional Japanese sandal.
If you would like to know more about this route, we have translated Tappei's supplementary notes on it, which you can read here.
A message from one of the contributors to this translation:
Not a day goes by where I don't miss Erifuru. He was one of the closest friends I've ever had. He showed me an abundance of warmth and kindness, and stuck by me and supported me during turbulent times. He etched a large mark in my life and having the privilege to know him changed me for the better. This translation is dedicated to his memory.
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