Within the wide expanse of the Capital of Lugunica, the crack of dawn cast over the horizon.
The inn where our cast resided was shrouded in an empty and heavy atmosphere.
Almost everyone had left, leaving only two behind, those being Xenophanes and Rem.
Xeno leaned into the balcony, watching the street below move about, his mind detached from what was happening.
"Xeno-kun, the preparations are complete." Rem's tender voice rang out from inside.
Xeno: "Right..."
The preparations for moving out were complete. Now all they needed to do was travel to Crusch's place for his treatment.
Xeno didn't move, still lost within his thoughts. Even that was only half true, as his mind was blank for the most part.
Xeno: "!!?"
His state of emptiness was disturbed when something soft and squishy pressed against his back.
Rem: "Xeno-kun, if there is something on your mind, Rem is here for you." It was Rem embracing him from behind.
Xeno: "Rem... I know you are..." He placed his hand over Rem's.
"But I'm fine, I really am... It's just I don't think I'm cut out for self-reflection."
Rem: "That is okay, Xeno-kun. Can Rem know what is bothering you? Is it related to your and Emilia-sama's talk?"
Xeno: "I guess you can say that."
Xeno's behavior was the result of Emilia and Xeno's chat. Which... unfortunately all happened off-screen.
I'm entirely at fault here. You'd be surprised how long it takes for a popcorn machine to fill three bowls.
But worry not! I will describe it to the best of my abilities.
After Xeno got kicked out of the castle, Reinhard helped him get a carriage. Getting back, it didn't take long for Emilia and Roswaal to return.
After returning, Emilia requested a private conversion with Xeno. She was serious, but beneath that she was conflicted, her emotions a mess.
Being alone, all of her fear, anger, worry, and guilt came pouring out, fully reprimanding Xenophanes.
Their argument mostly consisted of Emilia discussing how reckless Xeno's actions were while he just listened, letting her pour it all out.
Emilia couldn't deny her gratitude for him defending her. But she was terrified Xeno would be sent into the dungeons forever, or worse, executed.
When she finished, Xeno stayed silent, thinking about his response before saying he was sorry. He was her friend, and her happiness and well-being mattered a lot to him.
Seeing her almost cry had sent him over the edge. He didn't regret what he said. He was sincerely sorry nonetheless for making her worry over his survival.
Things ended on a rather positive note. Both took their time to properly understand each other's perceptive.
While she understood his side, Emilia couldn't let him off the hook so easily, mustering up all her will to look authoritative.
She "commanded" that Xeno was "grounded," leaving him here for a few days to "reflect on his actions" and to "return safely when his spine was healed."
She did all this under Roswaal's "suggestion."
Thought it more endearing then commanding.
Which left us with the current situation, where Xeno was actually trying to improve himself while Rem took care of him.
Xeno: "I'm not really sure how I should improve myself. I guess I'll try being less... emotionally unstable?"
Rem: "Rem doesn't think Xeno-kun is unstable. Rem believes Xeno-kun is too stressed. She will be sure to take your mind off things and have a lot of fun tomorrow." She purred, really excited.
It took him a few seconds to understand why.
Xeno: 'Right... We have a date tomorrow.'
"I think you're right, Rem. A break will do me some good. But for now, let's stay like this... It feels nice."
Rem: "Rem will stay like this as long as Xeno-kun likes." Her hug tightened.
Xeno: 'This feels nice... and so do her breasts. They're so soft!' That's the reason he wanted to stay like this.
...
The next day.
Xeno stood outside waiting for Rem. He had done his best to look as good as possible.
It was his first date. He couldn't mess things up because, admittedly, he was nervous. He didn't want to embarrass her or himself.
Yes, they were supposed to head over to Crusch's, but it wasn't an official appointment, so it should be fine if they were a day late.
Rem: "Xeno-kun, Rem is ready." Her hurried yet graceful steps made Xeno focus.
Only for him to go wide-eyed.
Rem looked even more stunning today, clearly putting tons of effort into looking her best.
The problem was she was still wearing her maid uniform.
Rem: "Is something wrong, Xeno-kun?" She stepped to his side.
Xeno: "Why are you still wearing your work clothes? Did you not pack any other clothes?"
Rem: "Ah, it's not that, Xeno-kun. These are the only clothes Rem has."
Xeno: "...Don't you have casual clothes?" he said, pointing to his own Earth clothes.
Rem shook her head.
"Neither Rem nor Sister saw any need for other things that weren't already present in the mansion."
Xeno: "..."
Xeno: 'I had no planning going into this date, but now? I know what kind of date we're having.'
...
The merchant district, the place they were staying at, was the perfect place for a shopping date.
The heart of commerce in the capital was jam-packed with people bustling around. All kinds of merchants and shops lined the streets.
Carts and people flowed through the crowded roads. Carriages came and went every now and then.
For Xeno and Rem, walking down the lively streets, their main focus was a store to purchase clothes. A rather hefty task.
It didn't help that Xeno and Rem stood out completely. A cripple wearing strange clothes with even stranger eyes, holding hands with a maid who had a sunny smile on her face.
It seemed like Xeno drew attention no matter where he went. Maybe he should consider wearing that monocle-patch he made.
That drew less attention than a blank right eye, right?
Xeno: "Hmm? Hey, Rem, what about that one?"
He pointed forward at a nice shop. It had two front windows showcasing numerous cleanly designed outfits for women.
Rem looked at the store hesitantly.
"Xeno-kun, that place looks like it sells clothes fit for the nobility and the wealthy. Rem doesn't think this is appropriate for someone of her status." She politely refused.
Xeno: "Don't be like that, Rem. Clothes are meant for wearing. Applying 'status' to such a basic thing is dumb."
Rem: "Xeno-kun... Rem is very happy you want to buy them for her sake. But they'll cost a lot of money."
Xeno: "Don't worry. I've been hoarding since day one. Trust me, I can handle it."
Rem: "But—"
Xeno: "Rem, we're on a date. Our status doesn't matter. Here we're not Roswaal's servants or members of Emilia's camp. We are simply Xenophanes and Rem. And I, Xenophanes, will buy any clothes his Rem wants. Simple as that."
Rem: 'H-His Rem!?'
Rem turned beet red from just those two words, finding it unfair how easily he managed to make her fluster.
With Rem thoroughly convinced, they went into the store. It was only then that Xeno realized something.
Xeno: 'Wait... Did I flirt just with her?' He blinked.
...
Inside were all kinds of clothing, from dresses, skirts, and blouses, basically anything that could fit a woman. They were pretty high quality as well.
There was basically no one here due to how early it was, all the better for Rem. At least she wouldn't feel self-conscious.
"Welcome!"
The lady behind the counter greeted them. She looked to be around her early thirties, with short green hair and matching green eyes.
"My name is Clara. I'm glad to have you in my shop. If you need anything, let me know."
She spoke cheerfully.
Xeno: "Nice to meet you. I would appreciate it if you could pick something nice for this lady here."
Clara: "Ah! So you're here to buy clothes for her, huh?" A knowing smile crept onto her face as she looked at the now-shy Rem.
Xeno: "Yeah, I don't really know much about women's clothing." He admitted honestly, ignoring the look on the shopkeeper's face.
Clara: "Aren't you an honest guy? Pretty hard to find guys like you nowadays. You got quite the catch, ma'am." She winked at Rem, which only served to make her even more nervous.
Clara: "Alright now, let's start by taking your measurements." She grabbed a measuring tape and moved away from the counter.
Clara: "Please stand still and raise your hands." She instructed.
Rem complied. It didn't take long for the tailor to finish taking Rem's measurements with immense focus.
Clara: "Now that we're done, what kind of style are you looking for?" She wrapped the measuring tape around her neck.
Rem: "I prefer something simple, please."
Xeno: "And something for special occasions too." He chimed in while leaning against the wall near the entrance.
Clara: "My, 'special occasions,' huh? That's a bit much, but okay. What kind of 'special' are you looking for?" She teased, covering her mouth with one hand, turning Rem bright red.
Xeno: "Mostly for holidays. That kind of special?" He answered, oblivious.
Clara: "Oh... that. I think I can whip something up." She said, shaking her head.
Clara: "He's quite hopeless, isn't he? It's kinda charming." She whispered to Rem.
Clara: "Now then, what kind of colour do you have in mind? I have a wide selection, so I'm sure you'll find something."
Rem: "Uhh..." Overwhelmed, Rem hesitated. She didn't have a particular colour in mind.
The two patiently awaited her answer, making sure she didn't feel pressured.
Rem: "I think blue... and purple would be nice." She said "purple" while sneaking a glance at Xeno's purple pupil.
Clara: "That's a wonderful choice. I would've proposed the same thing."
After that, the two ladies moved deeper into the store, fleshing out the details.
Xeno, on the other hand, stayed back, feeling he had nothing to add.
And from the looks of things...
Xeno: 'This is going to take a looong time. Isn't it?' The waiting game it is then.
...
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they were finally done.
Rem had picked a total of six outfits, three casual and three for special occasions. All of which she was eager to show to her hero.
To make their date more appropriate, Rem had entered one of the changing rooms a while ago, wearing one of her new casual outfits.
In the meantime, Clara expertly packed the rest, leaving the part Xeno dreaded the most.
The payment.
Being Stingy Supreme, he didn't want to let go of this much money.
Xeno: "So, Ms. Clara, how much for all this?"
Clara: "Well, originally I was going to price you 50 gold coins."
Xeno: '50!? That's more than my entire monthly salary!' It took all his willpower not to react.
Clara: "But... seeing how cute you two are reminded me of my first disastrous date with my husband–" She said fondly, actively remembering her past.
"Just for that trip down memory lane, and for being my first customers of the day, I'll give you a discount. Thirty gold coins."
Xeno: "Thirty!? Are you sure? That's a huge discount. Wouldn't that be harmful to your business?" His pupil vanished in shock.
Clara: "I knew I liked you. Instead of just accepting it, you're actually worried about my business." She giggled.
"Don't worry. I'm not going bankrupt from just a little discount."
Xeno: "I guess... if you're fine with it, sure."
Rem: "Xeno-kun, Rem is done dressing."
Rem's sweet voice called from behind.
When Xeno turned to look, he felt his heart skip a beat.
Her new casual outfit was similar to her maid uniform, yet different enough to reveal a side of Rem he had never seen before.
There she was, dressed in a perfectly fitted blue dress with elegant purple accents. It hugged her frame just right, not too tightly to be uncomfortable while perfectly complementing her figure.
Her blue-and-purple skirt showed a fair bit of her thighs, but not too much. Overall, she looked like a stunning beauty, one her maid outfit had never truly shown.
And Xeno's opinion?
The way Rem had her hands clasped behind her back, showing off just how wonderful she looked while acting like a shy high school girl... Only made his heart beat even faster.
Rem: "S-So... what does Xeno-kun think?"
Xeno: "I... Wow." He was speechless.
Clara: "Awwww, it fits you perfectly! You really look like a proper lady!" She squealed.
Rem: "R-Rem is glad you like it." She fiddled with her fingers.
Any regrets Xeno had before instantly vanished. He paid Clara with untold gratitude for blessing his eyes with this sight.
Clara: "Alright, looks good to me. Here—"
She handed the bag to Rem with a fond smile on her face.
"Now you two can be on your way. And come back soon!" She waved the happy couple goodbye, wishing for their happiness.
...
From there, Rem and Xeno explored all around the capital, enjoying the scenery, as Xeno had no plans from there.
He simply let Rem guide him, indulging in different activities here and there like a proper couple.
Along the way, they stopped by a café to unwind. After that, they went to a park full of children, where, under Xeno's insistence, they showed off their magic.
Then, using a shortcut through the alleyways to reach their next destination, they were stopped.
A bunch of muggers showed up and tried to harass Rem, who proceeded to beat the living shit out of them while Xeno cheered her on from the sidelines.
Reaching their destination, Xeno turned to Rem.
Xeno: "Rem, I think I've had plenty of fun. After this, how about we head back? What do you think?"
Rem: "Yes, Rem enjoyed today, but we should head back soon."
It had already been a few enjoyable hours.
Xeno: "Goody. Now then... Heya, did ya miss me?" He waved toward a familiar vendor.
Kadomon: "Hmm!? You're back already, kid?" The appa guy greeted him, crossing his arms.
Xeno: "Sure am. We're actually about to head back, but I thought, why not buy a few appas before ending my date?"
Kadomon: "Your date?"
Intrigued, he turned his gaze toward Rem, noticing she was holding Xeno's hand affectionately, alongside the bright smile on her face.
Rem: "Greetings, Kadomon-san. Xeno-kun has told Rem good things about you."
Kadomon: "Seriously? Don't tell me, kid, you're going to bring a different girl with you each time. And this one looks close to you as well, just like the other one. Don't remember much about her though..." He rubbed his chin before smiling teasingly.
"I didn't take you for the playboy type, kid."
Xeno: "Hey! It's not like that at all, you old geezer!" He yelled, annoyed. First Rom, now him.
Kadomon: "Who're you calling an old geezer, brat!?" He glared menacingly.
Xeno: "Ugh!" He flinched.
"D-Don't glare at your customers like that!"
Kadomon: "Alright, how many appas are you buying this time around?" He grunted.
Placing his order, the "thug" merchant went to pack a handful of appas.
It was around that time Xeno noticed a crowd had gathered around something.
Matter of fact, today there were a lot more people on the streets compared to the last two days.
Xeno's curiosity getting the better of him, he decided to check it out.
Xeno: "Rem, I'm going to check what's up. Stay here, will you?"
Rem: "Be careful, Xeno-kun." She hesitantly released his hand.
Making his way closer, he saw various pieces of paper pinned up, showcasing sketches and written notes.
Xeno: "Are these... the Royal Candidates?"
He was even more curious now.
"It's because the Royal Selection started that they put these here." Kadomon spoke beside him. Xeno snapped toward him in surprise.
Xeno: "Don't sneak up on me like that!"
"And wait... did you just leave your store unattended?"
Kadomon: "Of course not. I got it covered."
He said with a smirk.
Puzzled, Xeno looked back, only to see Rem behind the stand running his shop for him.
Xeno: "Seriously?" He said, exasperated.
Kadomon: "Anyways, your curious about the Royal Selection, right?" He avoided the topic entirely.
Xeno: "... Can you tell me more about it?"
Kadomon: "Sure thing, brat. While there are five candidates, two of them are widely known, those being Crusch Karsten and Anastasia Hoshin."
"Crusch-sama took over as the head of her house at a young age and is said to be one of the most prominent women throughout the kingdom's history."
"As for the Hoshin Trading Company, there isn't a merchant who hasn't heard of their recent breakthroughs. She is even referred to as the second coming of the Hoshin of the Wasteland."
"These two are rumoured to be the favourites, for the time being. Compared to them, the other three are unknown. I've lived in the capital for a long time, but I've never heard of them. Still, letting a half-elf run for king... what were the higher-ups thinking?"
Xeno: "Why do people fear her that much? They don't even know her all that well. Being hated just for looking like the witch is stupid." He said with bile.
Kadomon: "What's gotten into you all of a sudden?" He raised a brow.
"Even if that is true, people still make her the object of fear. As long as people see her that way, she can't win as it currently stands."
Xeno: "I know... and I hate it." He whispered.
"WAAARGH!"
Suddenly, the sound of screaming drew everyone's attention, causing them to turn toward the source.
An Earth Dragon was running rampant, recklessly charging down the streets at full speed.
Panic spread through the crowd as people hurriedly got out of the way.
Xeno and Kadomon got away as far as they could, but in the panic, Xeno felt something push him, making him fall into the path of the dragon, which was dangerously closing in.
Before anyone could intervene, its huge leg, powerful enough to smash someone's head to paste, descended upon Xeno's head with a sickening thud.
"Kid!!!!"
"Xeno-kun!!!!"
...
Rem rushed to Xeno, her eyes on the verge of tears, with Kadomon following behind her.
Rem went down on her knees to check up on Xeno, and everyone saw that he wasn't moving, his eyes blank, blood leaking from his forehead.
Interestingly enough, his head wasn't squished. He had survived because of a thin purple bubble around his head. It was heavily cracked.
It cracked further and further before shattering and disappearing.
Xeno sharply drew in a breath, his heart pounding as he clutched his chest, slowly getting up.
Rem: "Xeno-kun!!!" She hugged Xeno tightly, weeping openly into his chest.
The crowd was stunned that he survived, but they were glad either way. That could have been catastrophic.
Xeno: "I... That... God... That..." He was in a state of shock.
Kadomon: "Kid, what were ya thinking? Why were you so damn careless?" Even though the words were harsh, the fear and relief in them were clear.
Xeno blinked multiple times, then shook his head before embracing Rem, breathing heavily.
She helped him get up while Kadomon grabbed his crutch. The two moved him to a safer spot near the store.
Kadomon went and grabbed a bottle of water for Xeno, who gratefully drank it.
Rem: "Xeno-kun, here. Let Rem heal you."
The moment he was stable, Rem immediately used her water magic, healing his bleeding.
Xeno: "..."
Kadomon: "Kid, you alright now?"
Xeno: "That wasn't an accident." He said blank-eyed, still processing the information himself.
This grabbed their attention, making them turn serious.
Rem: "What do you mean, Xeno-kun?"
She had already fully healed him since the injury was light.
Xeno: "I mean it. That didn't feel like an accident. It was too forceful. Someone intentionally tried to kill me!"
It was a strange conclusion but replaying the memory that "push" felt too deliberate.
Rem: "Are you absolutely sure?" She gritted her teeth. If it was true, she was going to tear apart whoever did it.
Xeno: "I can't believe it myself, but I'm sure of it." He was admittedly very afraid and frustrated by this.
Kadomon: "Kid, just what have you gotten yourself into now?" He pinched the bridge of his nose.
Xeno: "I don't know... but I think it's better if we head home, Rem." He said to her, and she nodded.
She helped Xeno up, and the two started walking away.
Kadomon: 'Let's hope the knights can capture the culprit before something else happens.' He let out a tense sigh.
...
20 minutes later.
Walking back to the inn, Xeno was anxious, desperately hoping he was just being paranoid.
Being assassinated out in the open was terrifying. The faster he and Rem got to safety, the better.
Speaking of Rem, after the ordeal she had firmly glued herself to Xeno's arm, pressing it between her bosom.
Because of the situation, Xeno was unfortunately unable to enjoy that.
Crossing a small bridge, they had to take a detour because the road ahead was blocked for some reason.
Rem: "Xeno-kun, stay on guard." Rem suddenly warned him while pulling him even closer to her.
Xeno: "Why? What happened?"
Rem: "Doesn't it feel off, how nobody is around?" She remained vigilant, scanning the area.
Now that she mentioned it, the market plaza they found themselves in was strangely quiet.
Stalls and shops were deserted, some empty, some abandoned.
Additionally, there wasn't a single person in sight, giving the impression of a ghost town. Looking closely though, not a speck of dust was present.
Xeno: "That is strange. Maybe we took a wrong—"
Rem: "Watch out!"
She grabbed Xeno around the waist and jumped to the side, which was a good thing, as moments later the area was covered by a barrage of stone shards.
During the process, Rem dropped her bags of clothes, which Xeno quickly grabbed using Envy. He wasn't going to let those go to waste.
They landed gracefully, with Rem staying close to Xeno's side while he winced in pain.
Xeno: "W-What happened?"
Rem: "We're under attack, Xeno-kun."
She whipped out her morning star, taking a stance.
"Aren't you quick on your feet?" A figure called out, dropping down from one of the stalls.
He was a towering middle-aged man, easily one and a half heads taller than them, his bulging muscles hidden beneath his pristine white uniform.
His long red hair flowed behind his back, accompanied by a shaggy beard, an ugly scar on the side of his neck, and a broadsword hanging from his hip.
He was undeniably a knight.
"It took you long enough to be alone, you little rat. Now you have nowhere to run."
He looked at Xeno with a malicious smile.
"El Huma." A voice chanted, sending a multitude of ice shards flying toward Rem.
She swiftly dodged, only for earth spikes to shoot out of the ground, forcing her to create distance.
Not a single spell targeted Xeno. Instead, they created an opportunity to separate the two, which was all the tall knight needed.
"Ul Dona." A small tremor shook the ground as a large, thick earth wall rose between them.
Rem: "Xeno-kun!"
She tried to close the distance, but once again an earth spike stopped her.
Xeno: "Rem!" He shouted before glaring at the man.
"Who the hell are you, and what do you want with us?"
On either side of Xeno, two more people, also knights, stepped out from the shadows, flanking him.
"You know exactly why, you criminal!"
He sneered at him while the other two looked at Xeno with disgust.
"For the crime of disrespecting the knights and tarnishing the sacred honor of our kingdom and its knights, I, Carlos Jaspmen, hereby impose the death penalty upon you."
He declared triumphantly, raising his sword into the air.
Xeno: 'Disrespecting them?' It clicked what was going on, which only served to make him angrier.
Xeno: "So that's what all this is about, huh? I knew you knights were scum, but this is a new low." He dropped the bag of clothing into the corner.
"Resorting to assassinating someone. So much for honor."
Carlos: "Don't misunderstand. I would hardly lower myself to such standards. It was the doing of some other less chivalrous knight. I prefer doing things more directly."
He pointed his sword at Xeno.
"That half-devil you call your master made a mockery of us. Appointing you? A cripple with no training or experience as a knight? Your very existence is a stain on our honor."
Xeno: "What about Rem? Why drag her into this?"
Carlos: "Oh, her? She is part of that half-devil's camp, isn't she?" He rubbed his chin before continuing mercilessly.
"There's no way we'll accept that half-devil as our king. So if killing that girl makes her candidacy harder, all the better."
"You two." He addressed the other knights.
"Go help the others eliminate her. I'll execute this criminal myself."
"As you command, Carlos-sama." They slipped back into the shadows.
Xeno: "..."
Carlos: "Now face your execution, criminal."
He declared before dashing forward at superhuman speed despite his massive frame.
He made sharp turns, making it harder for any counterattack Xeno might attempt.
Within seconds he closed the distance, raising his sword to cleave Xeno's head straight off.
But before he could... His eyes widened.
Vrrrrrooom.
A massive red ball of energy spawned inches away from his body, exploding forward and completely consuming him.
A black cloud of smoke erupted from the explosion.
Carlos was launched backward but recovered quickly, turning in midair before plunging his sword into the ground to slow his momentum.
He landed on his feet, smoke rising from his body. Minor burns covered his face.
Still maintaining his focus, he sharply analyzed what had blasted him.
Only to be shocked once again.
A massive dragon skull floated beside Xeno.
It was entirely dark purple, its pupils glowing red as it glared at him with razor-sharp teeth.
Envy 726% → 721%
Xeno: "Surprised? Well, don't be. I've got a lot more where that came from." He cracked his neck.
"You know, I think of myself as a peaceful person who dislikes violence. But not only are you going to kill my Rem, kill me, and dishonor my lady..."
"I think I've decided." He snapped his fingers.
[OST: Dusttale Pyrosomni Version 2]
"I'm going to enjoy what happens next."