〜Inside, the Theater〜
"This time, it is far more premature than before. In the previous loop, the villagers were taken on the third day; this time, perhaps the first? And he insists on returning alone…"
Yuriusu spoke, his voice heavy with contemplation.
Was he attempting to lead them to safety, or… was he prepared to discard this current vessel? Natsuki Subaru.
It was only natural for Yuriusu to harbor such suspicions.
After all, in the face of Elsa, Subaru possessed negligible combat capability. He could not even protect those remaining at the mansion; adding Subaru to the mix would simply mean one more corpse for the pile.
Yet, Subaru insisted on returning to the manor by himself.
Was he, then, intending to trade his life for intelligence?
No, the former would be preferable—that his sole objective was to evacuate them.
"Sigh. Given the Master's words, it is only natural that Subaru-sama has developed a misunderstanding regarding me,"
Frederica sighed.
—
[ …Subsequently, after Roswaal granted Subaru's request, he deemed Subaru's individual combat strength insufficient and mandated that Ram accompany him.
"Sigh, I'm truly worried," Subaru remarked, already in the final stages of preparing for departure.
"Is Barusu truly so concerned for the girls remaining at the manor?"
"It's not just Petra I'm worried about."
"Hmm? As for Lady Beatrice, she should be remaining within the Forbidden Library, I imagine." ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"As expected, there is no mention of Miss Rem,"
Otto noted.
"Hmm… come to think of it, has the Boss even told Ram about this yet?"
The Boss had informed the fourth sister-in-law about the eldest, and the elder sister about the eldest… Ah, and he had told Petra as well.
But he had not told Ram.
"After all, the pink-haired lady has been in the Sanctuary; the lad had no opportunity to speak. Yet, even after arriving at the Sanctuary, he remained silent…"
Felt observed.
As Rem's sister, if Subaru had any chance to speak, he should have informed Ram of Rem's situation immediately.
But he had not.
Inevitably, he feared facing the reality that the elder sister had no memory of the younger.
At this realization, the atmosphere among the spectators grew solemn.
—
[ Then, the screen shifted, and Garfiel appeared.
After Subaru and Ram explained the situation to Garfiel, they were permitted to proceed. The two set foot on the path leading back to the manor.
"…Ram, there is something important I must tell you. For you, it is the most important thing in the entire world."
"Aside from Roswaal-sama, there should be nothing of such importance."
"No, there truly is—so, I'm going to say it."
He braced himself—
"There is a girl named Rem."
Perhaps he felt that he would eventually have to face it, or perhaps he realized that upon returning to the manor, Ram would inevitably encounter Rem. In any case, Subaru finally mentioned Rem to Ram.
…
"Are you prepared?" Ram asked Subaru as they approached the manor.
"That is the question I should be asking you. Please, let nothing go wrong now… assuming Frederica is the enemy, the most crucial point is when she intends to act… Ah, Pe—Petra… is she…?"
"Welcome back, Subaru-sama. You've returned far sooner than expected." Petra greeted them with a smile as she opened the door. ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Oh? Looking at her now, she really is a darling girl,"
Anastasia couldn't help but praise.
"Seeing Miss Petra so lively and unscathed brings a certain sense of relief. So, Natsuki-san intends to take them away next?"
Otto remarked.
"That is likely the case, though he should probably scout the situation first. Thus, the current confirmation is… the 'Gut Hunter' will strike on the third day, and for now, it is safe…"
Yuriusu stated.
Nevertheless, he felt a lingering sense of uncertainty in his heart.
—
[ "Ugh! Ah, oh my! You—are just—too cute!"
"What is it, Subaru-sama? Wah, wah?"
Subaru could not contain himself; he pulled Petra into a hug, frantically ruffling her hair.
"What's happening? What is it? Subaru, Subaru… stop, this is embarrassing…"
"Damn it, you have no idea how I feel… really, it's just too much… I'm just relieved from the bottom of my heart—I'm home, Petra."
It seemed Subaru shared the sentiments of the others. Upon seeing Petra alive, a wave of relief washed over him.
…
"Now then, while I was away, did anything unusual occur? Especially regarding Frederica." Upon entering the manor, Subaru immediately questioned Petra.
"Sister Frederica? Sister is so gentle and meticulous when she teaches me; there has been nothing unusual at all… she only looks outside with a worried expression from time to time."
"Petra, where is Frederica now?" Ram inquired.
"Sister Frederica has gone to inspect the barriers of the forest. She said it is one of her responsibilities to ensure the barriers remain intact before the villagers return. She may be some time before she returns." ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"…Even though I have accepted this reality, it is still painful to see myself become a subject of suspicion and be questioned so,"
Frederica said, lowering her head slightly.
"Sigh, it cannot be helped. It is all Roswaal-sama's fault."
Ram cast a sidelong glance at Roswaal.
Roswaal merely shrugged, as if to say, "I have already apologized."
—
[ Next, Subaru requested that Ram meet with Rem. Ram went to spend time alone with Rem.
During this interval…
"You have returned quite early, Subaru-sama. You truly gave me a start." Frederica had returned.
…
Leaving Rem's bedroom, Subaru, Ram, and Frederica sat down on the sofa in the reception room.
"Then let us get to the main point. Why did you design a transfer trap in the 'Sanctuary'?" Subaru began.
"Hmm… Subaru-sama. What do you mean by 'transfer'?" Frederica appeared to be entirely ignorant.
"Wait, I won't be fooled by you! If you truly know nothing, then I must completely overturn my premise! Is there not a 'Status Quo Faction' in the Sanctuary? Were you not assisting them?"
"Status quo? I have no idea what you are talking about… it seems you must explain everything from the beginning." ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Look at that blank stare. Big Sis really doesn't know a thing. She was truly framed."
This time, it was Garfiel who glared at Roswaal.
—
[ "In the end, Barusu guessed incorrectly. How truly pathetic; it is almost painful to witness." Ram took a sip of her tea and remarked, "It seems that in the time you were away, your tea-brewing skills have not improved."
"My, my, brewing tea is the only thing I am truly adept at. You really are an unlovable child," Frederica responded.
"I do not need to be lovable. Ram is already far too adorable; should she become any more so, the world itself would be in peril, you know."
"Goodness, your tongue is as sharp as ever! I can't stand it…"
Then, Frederica said softly: "You really haven't changed a bit." ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Good grief, Ram is truly shameless, saying that with a straight face. Though it is true… Ah!"
Just as Garfiel was about to finish his sentence, Ram violently pinched his ear.
"At least let me finish the second half of my sentence before you react! Hmph."
—
[ Subsequently, Subaru began questioning Frederica further. It appeared she truly knew nothing. Consequently, her level of suspicion dropped significantly. ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Hmm… has it not~ come ye~t?"
If my calculations of time are correct…
Roswaal felt a sense of strangeness, tilting his head.
Come? What was supposed to come?
—