――The "Great Calamity" was repelled, and the Holy Vollachian Empire had finally avoided the brink of ruin.

Centered around the Imperial Capital, the army of undead that had spread across various parts of the empire lost their command, collapsed, and fled in disarray, bringing the battle to an end. However, even though their commander Spink had disappeared, and the supply of mana from the "Obsidian" to maintain the “Sacrament of the Undead King” was cut off, the undead who had already been revived were still thrashing about in their new life until they were granted death once again.

Thus, even though the battle with the “Great Calamity” had been concluded, the scars it left behind would never vanish.
It was likely that from now on in the Vollachian Empire, troubles caused by the undead who had managed to escape would become a frequent occurrence. Even without considering that, wars themselves are such that even when they end, not everything related to them is neatly resolved.

Naturally, it would be necessary to check the numerous towns and lands that became battlefields, the people and things that were sacrificed, and undertake the process of restoring them to their pre-war condition, or better.

And sadly, banners like “Heroic Fantasy” are of no use in such post-war restoration efforts.

“That’s why, it’s true that I find myself surprisingly unoccupied...”

“――What’s this? Do you, have some sort of complaint against me?”

“It’s not a complaint, but it feels kind of, strange?”

Muttering this, Subaru chose his words carefully as he responded to the beautiful woman walking beside him—Priscilla. At Subaru’s response, she covered her mouth with the folding fan she held and let out a small “Hmph” through her nose.
Accustomed to her reaction by now, Subaru, who was walking alongside, tilted his head in wonder.

――Currently, Subaru and Priscilla were walking within the walls of the fortress city of Garkla.

The city walls, particularly those of the empire’s largest fortress, which had been fiercely contested against the undead horde, had suffered significant damage, and restoration work involving both soldiers and citizens was being carried out tirelessly through the night. It was quite a peculiar twist of fate that found Subaru and Priscilla walking through such streets together.

Both Subaru and Priscilla had participated in the battle at the Imperial Capital Lupgana, which had been the decisive battleground against the “Great Calamity” Spink, but concern about the safety of those they had left behind in the fortress city and the unsuitability of staying amidst the devastation of the Imperial Capital were major factors for their relocation.

"The Crystal Palace, praised as the most beautiful in the world, has turned to ash, and no one knows when the reservoir water might overflow and flood the city again. At this rate, it could take a hundred years to restore the imperial capital."

"The scale of this is massive... but is it okay for the culprit who burned down the castle to say that?"

"Once it started rampaging in human form, there was no way to restore it as a castle even if I hadn't intervened. So I used it in grand fashion as a sending-off flame for fulfilling its role as the 'Great Calamity.'"

"—A sending-off flame for Spinx, huh?"

Priscilla answered unapologetically, causing Subaru to lower his eyes, reminded of Spinx, their former enemy.
This was something he couldn't tell anyone who fought in the battle against the 'Great Calamity,' but at the very end, to manifest the effect of Spica's 'Star Eater,' Subaru confronted Spinx directly.

In that moment, it could be said that Subaru and Spinx laid bare their 'souls' to each other.
Perhaps because of this, Subaru found he couldn't hate Spinx as a being of pure evil. At the very least, he felt they were different from the Sin Archbishops, whom he found utterly unforgivable.
And he suspected that Priscilla might have felt something similar.

"That was a spectacular pillar of fire. Indeed, seeing something burn stirs the heart."

"Wait, do you just like burning things!?"

"What’s this? You're being noisy. Don’t just raise your voice all of a sudden. You sound like Al."

At first glance, those words sounded like an insult, but a smile played on Priscilla's lips as she spoke. Though their relationship was difficult to understand, she valued Al, her retainer, in her own way.
This was beyond doubt when one recalled Priscilla and Al’s reunion in the imperial capital.

"So, considering the situation, he probably doesn’t want to leave your side. Where did Al go?"

"As you said, he doesn't want to leave me, so I assigned him some chores. By now he's probably drooling for praise from me. You’re just the same with your own half-witch obsession."

"I can't deny it and I won’t, but it’s sad seeing Al being dragged around..."

"—Lady Priscilla!"

At the sound of an "Oh," Subaru raised an eyebrow, and his gaze caught the figure of a young boy—Schult—running towards them from down the road. The boy butler in short pants, short of breath, skidded to a halt in front of Priscilla.

"Um, Lady Priscilla, more than anything, I'm just glad you're safe! I, I am very... wabu"

"Children need not concern themselves with such trivial worries. If you were worried about me, do so openly."

With that, Priscilla embraced Schult, who had stopped in his tracks, causing the boy's head to bury in her chest. Literally buried in her chest, he felt the difference in life more than gender.

Like Al, Schult, Priscilla's servant, had been deeply worried about her not returning from the Imperial Capital, and his face was red with a blend of relief and embarrassment from their close contact.

In reality, being greeted with this level of joy upon the return of the Empire team—'Save the Volakia Empire Squad'—made it worth rushing back with the dragon carriage.

"I also found it worth getting smacked by Patrasche the moment I reunited with her in this form..."

"I would like you to convey my gratitude to Miss Emily from Lord Natsuki as well! Also, I want to be more useful to Lady Priscilla, so I would like to ask for the secret to rapid growth!"

"I'd love to see Emilia-tan's smug face when she's thanked, but my rapid growth was due to cheating. If you grew this fast through regular means, you'd probably die from the growing pains."

"To begin with, there's no need for you to grow in height recklessly. Stay as you are for now."

"Ugh, I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place..."

Caught between his own wishes and his master's wishes, Schult wore a pained expression. Subaru could sympathize with Schult's mixed feelings of affection and admiration towards Priscilla, so he understood his agony.

"Well, even if I sympathize, I can't give any useful advice."

"You're not so much trivial as you are a pitiable man. Schult, are you out walking alone?"

"No, that's not the case! Utakata is with the members of Shudrak, so I am..."

Buried in Priscilla's chest, Schult glanced behind him. Following his gaze to the street, Subaru spotted a familiar sour face—it was Heinkel. Subaru knew he had come to the Empire and helped fend off the 'Great Calamity.'

"Schult, that guy’s not bullying you, is he?"

"No, not at all! Sir Heinkel is a kind person!"

"That's absolutely a lie."

Even if it's someone close, it's not good to spread false information. Saying that Heinkel is kind is akin to describing Roswaal as a kind-hearted, honest person.
In reality, Heinkel himself seems to feel bitter about that assessment from Schult.

"Kid, quit saying unnecessary things. I'll abandon you."

"Don't spout nonsense, commoner. How Schult is treated is for me to decide. Rather, you should fear being abandoned by the Empire yourself."

"Ugh...! This time, I, to some extent... to some extent..."

"If you take pride in being useful, at least speak clearly."

With a grimace on his face, Heinkel mumbled, and Priscilla spoke to him with a bored look. Then, turning Schult, whom she held against her chest, she pushed him toward Heinkel.

"Schult, there are many people I must go around. It's this late already. Don’t stay up late."

"I, I understand…! Although I still feel wide awake for some reason, I'll do my best to go to sleep!"

Seeing Schult, who still couldn't calm down from his excitement, Priscilla nodded in approval. Then, looking at Heinkel, who had grown silent with Schult clinging to him, she said,

"Well done, Heinkel Astrea."

"Huh?"

"Your way of living is pitiful and unbearable to watch, but at least the sword skills you've honed are worth seeing. Never forget to strive, even if it seems in vain."

"...Whether or not I'm rewarded depends on you, Lady Priscilla."

Saying this, Heinkel turned his face away and walked off, roughly scratching his red hair.
As he walked off into the distance, Subaru called out,

"Garfiel was saved. ―― My 'brother' is grateful for your help."

"――Tch."

Heinkel continued walking away without even stopping, his attitude rude. As Schult, who had bowed deeply, hurried to catch up with his retreating figure, Subaru shrugged his shoulders at Priscilla.

"Before, I didn't get a proper answer. Why are you with Reinhardt's father?"

"There isn't anyone who can be called someone's father. It's a question not even worth answering."

"Ugh... When you say something sensible, it makes my chest hurt."

Subaru clutched his chest and was tapped on the head by Priscilla with her fan, saying "Fool." Subaru rubbed the spot where he was tapped, and Priscilla lightly jerked her chin.

"Now, are you planning to bore me? Play your role as a jester properly, Natsuki Subaru."

For some reason, he couldn't muster the will to defy her when she called his name again.

△▼△▼△▼△

"Have you come to add more wrinkles to my already busy brow?"

Meeting Subaru and Priscilla who had popped their faces in, Abel furrowed his brows exactly as he said.

Inside one room of the great fortress, though it wasn't a dignified study, Abel was evidently being chased by work overnight to quickly devise post-war measures. Like Priscilla, he was one of those who fought against the moving castle by wielding the 'Sun Sword.'

"You're tough as usual, it's quite unnerving. We can't even have a catfight anymore."

"I have never intended to engage in such dubious rituals with you. If you are here for trivial matters, leave at once."

Although told to leave if he was being a nuisance, Subaru looked at the sofa beside the desk where Abel was working. There, Flop and Medium were sleeping peacefully together, shoulder to shoulder. The cordial reunion of the O'Connell siblings was heartwarming, but it greatly contrasted with the stern emperor beside them.

"You’re not kicking these two out either, huh?"

"If awakened, they would only create more trouble."

"That's so like you, brother. As always, you are exceedingly lenient with the important things. It’s also because of your love that you allowed me to flee abroad."

Fan flapping as she spoke nonchalantly, Priscilla's words left Abel silent. It could be taken both as a silence due to futility of words or due to the truth being hit.

"A sister-complex emperor..."

"I do not understand its meaning, but I gather it is a supreme act of disrespect from you."

"Stop making empty threats. Due to the recent 'Great Calamity', the empire is too indebted to the kingdoms and city-states. Especially to the faction of Natsuki Subaru and company."

"Priscilla... it’s not my faction, it's Emilia-tan’s faction."

It was an extremely rare follow-up from Priscilla, but she corrected the crucial points firmly. Priscilla, who looked exasperated, commented, “You are well-trained,” while Abel quietly massaged his brows with his fingers. Subaru noticed Abel closing both his eyes and thought, “Oh?”

“What’s the matter, Natsuki Subaru? Are you planning to add more disrespect towards me?”

“That’s not it. I don’t want to fight, and if you’re busy, I’ll leave.”

Puckering his lips, Subaru did not point out the fact he had noticed. He didn’t think Abel was doing it unconsciously either. The reason and trigger for the change must have been clear. It seemed Subaru wasn’t the only one who found the change agreeable.

“Priscilla, you too. I have many things to attend to.”

“The empire over your sister, huh? It took ten years for the scales in your heart to finally settle, brother. Then—”

“What is it?”

Priscilla paused her words, causing Abel to furrow his brow slightly. In front of Abel, Priscilla pinched the hem of her dress and deeply curtsied on the spot. And then—

“—Congratulations on ascending the throne of the Holy Vollachian Empire as the 77th Emperor, Vincent Vollachia, Your Excellency. From the bottom of my heart.”

“……”

“Do your best to busy yourself with commanding the pack of swordwolves. For some time, you will continue to have restless days.”

With a serious expression, Priscilla conveyed her congratulations, followed by a smug warning. Abel—Vincent Vollachia sighed at his sister's flexible demeanor. Then, he glanced briefly at the O'Connell siblings, who were sleeping on the sofa with their shoulders together.

“Priscilla. —You are the only sister in this world I could ever trust.”

“How typically roundabout of my brother's declaration of love.”

Priscilla interpreted Abel's recent statement that way, hiding her provocative smile behind a fan she snapped open. Subaru, present there, entirely agreed with her. However, if there was something to add as a third party—

“To me, you two are annoyingly similar siblings.”

The similar-looking siblings glared at Subaru with similar annoyed expressions.

"Were you talking with Lord Vincent, Priscilla?"

"Mm, Mother?"

Having enjoyed the sibling dynamics of the royal team and the merchant team throughout the empire, Subaru and Priscilla encountered Yorna and her companion Yurgald in the fort's corridor.
It seemed their destination was Abel's room, indicating they had business with him that differed from Subaru's and Priscilla's.
Yorna narrowed her almond-shaped eyes and took a good look at Subaru and the others. This combination must have been quite unusual, Subaru thought, but he was wrong.

"I've seen him for the first time, but seeing a child who's grown this much is quite unusual."

"…Ah! Now that you mention it, the only versions of myself I've shown Yorna-san are either in female disguise or as a young boy!?"

Realizing this shocking fact, Subaru was surprised at the diverse variations he'd displayed in the empire. Seeing Subaru's surprise, Yorna covered her mouth with the back of her hand and laughed.

"My Lord, this gentleman is a knight of the kingdom. Until recently, he had shrunk into the form of a child, and when I first met him, he appeared as a beautiful woman."

"Hmm. If even my star praises his beauty, I cannot help but be intrigued."

"No, no, no, please stop that. Sure, Natsumi Schwartz is a noble lady who wouldn't be ashamed to show herself to anyone, but…"

"Though it is a skill worthy of praise for a fool, your self-assessment is quite distorted."

Priscilla commented with an exasperated tone at Subaru's response, which balanced between calmness and passion. Afterward, she cast a light glance toward Abel's room.

"Why are Mother and the 'King of Thorns' visiting my brother?"

"My remaining time must be running short. Before it ends, I want to talk about the wishes of my offspring and my star."

"Remaining time…"

In response to Yurgald's answer, Subaru lowered the corners of his eyes and looked at Yorna.
—Though Yurgald was naturally at ease with Yorna, he was also a corpse person. Like Spinx, he had an appearance indistinguishable from that of a living being, but that fact remained unchanged.

"Perhaps his fulfillment with life influences his appearance. Even for me, embracing my star with a body devoid of warmth is less preferable to this."

"Even though it may be a bond of souls rather than blood, to proudly proclaim love for her mother in front of her daughter—truly fitting of the 'King of Thorns'... So, what is Her Majesty's wish?"

"—. It concerns the binds on my soul that continues to reincarnate."

Subaru only knew the basics of Yorna's quiet words.
Yorna was once a girl called Iris, whose soul, instead of receiving the baptism of Od Laguna upon death, would return to the earth and continue to reincarnate into a new body. Therefore, what Yorna wished to ask Abel in return for her contribution to the current rebellion and the 'Great Calamity' was—

"I wish for its retraction. The Empire's order to exterminate the Wolfkin and Earthmouse people."

"What..."

"That has always been my wish. When I became one of the 'Nine Divine Generals', I prioritized receiving a city of demons to welcome my beloved children."

"I see. The binds on your soul were created by the blood and lives of the Wolfkin and Earthmouse people, piled up since ancient times. Cutting off that supply will naturally dissolve the curse."

"And at that time, it was none other than I who gave that order. If I seek its retraction from the current Emperor, neither my reputation nor my children's will be tarnished."

Saying this, Yurgald directed a gentle gaze at Yorna, who was embracing his arm.
At that moment, Subaru understood that behind the unchanging expression of the 'King of Thorns', there had long been regret and remorse smoldering within.

What sort of drama existed between Iris and the 'King of Thorns' in the ancient story told in this world is unknown.
However, if it ended in tragedy, then this is an epilogue.

"If that's the case, I think it's alright for there to be an epilogue with a bit of a better aftertaste."

"That's a difference of opinion. There are plenty of times when unnecessary actions by future generations only become a hindrance."

"Y--ou...!"

As Priscilla, who should be the daughter despite the complicated relationships involved, began to stir up trouble, Subaru intended to tell her to read the atmosphere. But before he could, she continued, saying "Yet,"

"If it's between Mother and the 'King of Thorns', then it wouldn't be uncouth."

"—. She does indeed have a resemblance to Teriora. Don't you think so, my dear?"

"Now that you mention it... No wonder I feel even more affectionate."

"Do not compare me to anyone else. Only my mother and others like her can be mentioned in the same breath."

As Priscilla said this sharply, both Yorna and Yurgald smiled. Their mysterious relationship, although not actually such, made them seem like close-knit parent and child to an outsider. Subaru felt somewhat embarrassed and scratched his cheek. Yorna observed Subaru's gesture and smiled, saying, "I must have bored you."

"We shall be leaving now. Priscilla, don't quarrel with the boy."

"Do not treat me like a child. Besides, if this fool angers me, I'll just have his head."

"Don't say such scary things! Well then, Yorna, Yurgald, see you again."

Subaru, feeling a mix of emotions, spoke to Yurgald while Yorna and Priscilla engaged in their mother-daughter-like banter. As he said "see you again," he felt this might be the last time. Yurgald must have felt the same. The former emperor looked straight at Subaru and said,

"May you enjoy your days with those you love. I wish happiness to you and your stars."

△▼△▼△▼△

"Wow, seeing Subaru and Priscilla together really surprised me!"

"For sure. We still have a lot to do, and it would be troublesome if it rained tomorrow."

As Anastasia looked out the window at the night sky, Priscilla snorted in amusement. Unexpectedly, in the break room where they had come to drink some water, they encountered Emilia and Anastasia, who were sitting together at the table.

Since their adventure at the Pleiades Watchtower, it wasn't so rare to see such a combination. As surprised as Emilia was, Subaru and Priscilla were probably even more surprising. In any case, here were two people with different roles, one involving physical labor and the other brainwork.

"Um, actually, Otto got mad at me and told me not to work today..."

"To begin with, it’s not good for us to interfere too much with the post-war handling of the Empire, right? So, we thought we'd just have a little talk before taking a break... but Emilia-san's boastful stories about Natsuki-kun just wouldn't end."

"What, my story? Emilia-tan? I really want to hear it!"

Upon hearing that there was an intriguing girl talk, Subaru leaned forward eagerly. However, Subaru's collar was grabbed from behind, resulting in him letting out a shriek, "Argh!"

Of course, the one who did it was Priscilla, who, far from just grabbing Subaru's neck, could have easily taken his head off. After letting go of Subaru's collar, she glared at Emilia and Anastasia, as if to ward them off.

"A half-demon and a vixen discussing the accomplishments of a fool? Utter nonsense. Count the stars; that would be a better use of your time."

"Oh, I get it. When I was alone in the forest, I used to pass time like that occasionally..."

"I spent more time counting the money I saved up."

"Hey, hey, it’s not good to let the topic expand based on Priscilla’s harsh words."

Telling them to count the stars was on the level of throwing everything away and just sleeping. Of course, Subaru could spend infinite time stargazing, but that wasn't the point.

Emilia, realizing that the conversation might expand greatly like the night sky, suddenly let out a small laugh, "Hehe."

"But it's kind of really strange. Even though Anastasia-san, Priscilla, and I are all candidates for the kingdom’s throne, here we are in the Empire."

"If Natsuki-kun hadn't been recklessly thrown from the tower, this wouldn't have happened."

"That was beyond my control, and if I hadn't been thrown, the Empire might have perished."

While this doesn't negate the event that started it all, considering the scale of the 'Great Calamity', it was probably not entirely wrong. Not that it was good he was thrown, but he made it meaningful.

Still, Priscilla might just snort at such a story, but—

"—Indeed. Without you all, the Empire’s history would have ended yesterday."

"Wow," "Heh," "Oh?"

"Don't all make such ridiculous noises. I was only stating a clear fact."

That's all, Priscilla said, but to Subaru and the others, it was surprising that she even said just that.

Anastasia, amused by Priscilla's unexpected words, chuckled and said, "I didn't expect that. For you to honestly say we helped."

"Do not misunderstand. The Empire is the homeland of Prisca Benedict, and it is no longer my homeland. The responsibility for the Empire's survival lies with the Emperor and his soldiers."

"Just when I thought so, here it is. Indeed, a princess should be like this, otherwise, it's not interesting."

"Oh, Priscilla, you're so contrary. Anastasia, don't tease her."

"Contrary is an outdated term these days..."

Subaru smiled wryly, equally divided between amazement and admiration for that Emilia-like perspective.
However, he couldn't completely dismiss the feelings of Emilia and Anastasia. Previously, Priscilla had been such an unknown entity to Subaru that she seemed like an incomprehensible foreign being.
Although her insight and strength were recognized, her humanity felt like a carnivorous beast that couldn't be communicated with.
Since then, the impression of Priscilla had significantly changed during their days in the Empire.

"Now, I can recognize Priscilla as being just like Emilia-tan, Anastasia, and even Crusch-san and Felt, as candidates for the throne."

"Why do I need your recognition? Mind your language, fool."

"You're saying it badly again... But we were just talking about this. Right?"

Emilia clasped her hands in front of her chest, and Anastasia smiled gently at her call.

"Remember what happened in Priestella? At that time, we didn't call out to the princess because there was no reason to..."

"Next time, let's invite Priscilla too. After all, we are all candidates for the throne."

"Fool, it seems your master does not understand what the royal selection entails."

"Cute, isn't she? This is my angel."

Although the meeting of the candidates in Priestella was not intended to be a vacation, Emilia probably felt guilty about excluding Priscilla.
That said, if it would prevent a situation where the witch cult would cause trouble, a vacation would be much better.

"In that case, let's plan for a beach vacation next time."

"Natsuki-san, you're a straightforward person with your desires, aren't you? Well, I might consider it. Of course, if the princess says she doesn't want to be invited, then we won't invite her."

"Priscilla... What do you think?"

Anastasia, who was provocative, and Emilia, who was timid like a small animal. Upon receiving invitations from these two beautiful girls and royal candidates, Priscilla shrugged her shoulders.

"Do as you please. If it interests me, that's good; if it doesn't, that's bad. There's no particular reason for me to refuse."

"—! Yes, let's do that. We are all in difficult positions and have plenty of worries... but I don't see a reason why we shouldn't be friendly with each other."

"Emilia-san, you always manage to soften everything, don't you? It can be troubling."

Priscilla's answer, which didn't indicate enthusiasm, sounded to Emilia like she was eagerly biting into the idea, causing Subaru to nod in agreement with Anastasia's comment. Priscilla, too, appeared to have no intention of correcting that impression as she looked up at the night sky—

"A pauper girl from the slums and a duke, as well as a city-state's vixen and a half-demon with silver hair and purple eyes."

"—? Priscilla?"

"It's nothing. It just seemed, when lined up like that, we resemble characters from an extraordinarily bad story."

"Extraordinarily bad is uncalled for. Besides, I don't think you're in any position to talk about others."

For someone who seemed to be acting immersed in the moment, Priscilla held the position of a princess who should have been dead within the Empire. As a title to enliven the story, it was overly flamboyant.

After saying this, Subaru felt his heart clench, thinking that perhaps he had said something to anger Priscilla. However, it was an unfounded fear—or rather, not even that.

"No doubt about it."

Saying so, Priscilla placed the tip of her fan to her lips and laughed.
It was just like a girl laughing naturally amidst a conversation with friends.

△▼△▼△▼△

Unable to find a moment to part ways, Subaru continued walking through the fortress city with Priscilla.
If he could say so himself, Subaru had worked too hard today. The same could be said for Priscilla, as well as the numerous people energetically moving around the city.
Of course, like Subaru, most of them were probably too excited to sleep.

"Could it be that everyone here is a tireless zombie…"

"What nonsense are you spouting?"

"Whoa!?"

Absentmindedly, he looked at the cityscape below from the stone corridor, where he accidentally heard people going back and forth, making comments about their appearances.

Moreover, the person he least wanted to hear it—staring daggers at Subaru with her half-lidded eyes—was Rem.

Rem, who was holding a bucket of water, seemed to be one of these sleepless people as well.

“Are you still helping treat the injured or something? I get that you're enthusiastic, but overworking isn't good. You should take a break as soon as you get tired, just like your sister does.”

“I'll return those words to you exactly as they are. No, actually, if you don't have any work to do, shouldn't your job be to go back to your room and rest?”

“Sharp as ever! ...it’s not that I don’t have work, or rather things I need to do.”

Subaru muttered back to Rem, poking his fingers together in front of his chest. Rem’s light blue eyes narrowed at this behavior, making Subaru's courage shrink even further.

Then, coming to Subaru's aid—or rather, as if to say his whining was unsightly—Priscilla sighed and said,

“It’s not a big deal. As you can see, he’s grown a bit taller than when he was a child. Because of that, he’s finding it hard to meet with those who were once involved with him when he was younger.”

“Even if I've grown, my short legs are an unnecessary comment! Though, it is true for both.”

Reading his thoughts with such ease, Subaru bit his sleeve in frustration.

The big job waiting for Subaru—just as Priscilla pointed out—was to inform everyone in the 'Pleiades Battalion' that he had returned to his original form.

They had been together ever since the Sword Slave Island, but Subaru had never once revealed the truth that he had shrunk. In fact, he hadn’t even disclosed the truth about being the secret child of the Emperor Abel, so he had been lying all along.

“If I confess, and everyone despises me, I won't be able to recover... it would be better to just say that Natsuki Schwarz died a noble death...!”

“If you tell such a lie, I will despise you. Do you want to be despised by me?”

“I don't want that either. If Rem hates me, I can't live...!”

Caught between Rem at the front gate and the warband at the rear gate, Subaru's heart is battered, leading him to voice his complaints. Sighing at his state, Rem becomes aware of Priscilla's gaze fixed on her.

Priscilla, with arms crossed to emphasize her chest, calls out to her, "Rem,"

"Your expression has changed in the short time apart. It seems the healing magic, which was a source of anguish, has been put to good use."

"Yes, I've had many opportunities to practice what you taught me, Priscilla. And... thank you. That gentle fire that you shared with all of us after the star was shot down... That was your doing, wasn't it, Priscilla?"

"Hmm. Why do you think so?"

"――. Just a hunch. Maybe it's because I spent some time with you, Priscilla."

Hugging the water bucket to her chest, Rem responds to Priscilla. Despite her words, Rem's smile is full of certainty, and seeing it, Priscilla also lets out a small chuckle.

"Very well. It seems you've acquired a core as strong as a diamond. I commend you."

"Um, well, Rem, actually, that whole star shooting incident when the city was in danger, it was me and Beako who shot it down. What about that? What do you think?"

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry for being presumptuous, please forgive me, and please praise Beako later."

Desiring praise that rivaled Priscilla's approval, Subaru is glared at by Rem with near contempt. He withdraws dejectedly, but admits Priscilla has a point. Rem now seemed to embody the strength apt for a core of diamond, thanks to her reunions with Ram, Petra, and the presence of her friend Kachua.

"Also, tell me in detail later what you did with Priscilla while I was away."

"...Please wait until everything is settled."

"Oh, then I'll help with tending to the injured or something. You can let me carry that too."

It's not that he wanted to delay talking with the warband, but the idea of leaving the fatigued yet busy Rem alone was unthinkable. At Subaru’s offer, Rem momentarily extends the water bucket.

However――,

"――No. It's all right, after all."

"What!? D-did I do something wrong? Too much consideration? Annoying!?"

"It's not to that extent. It's not to that extent, but… if you come with me, Priscilla will be left alone."

"No, no, no, then just have Priscilla help with tending to the injured too!"

"Are you serious?"

"I think it's an exaggeration, but I wasn't in my right mind when I said it!"

Subaru, reflecting on being given a look that said 'I can't believe what I'm seeing.' That said, it’s kind of strange to refuse Rem's help because of Priscilla. In the first place, the reason Subaru is with Priscilla now is just by chance without any deep reason.

It would have been a night different from this if Beatrice or Spica kept him company.

"But Beako and Spica got caught up with experts dealing with spirits and authorities..."

"Then, after all, you should stay by Miss Priscilla's side—"

"Rem, there's no need for such pointless concern. Besides, what use is there in dragging around such a fool?"

"It's weird to say 'I told you so,' but it was you who started dragging me around first!"

Being dragged out and ending up yelling like this was like the role of a clown, indeed Subaru. However, despite Subaru's complaints, Rem looked Priscilla straight in the face. While doing so, Rem struggled to find words that were still unformed in her mind,

"I don't want Miss Priscilla to be left alone."

"—. So that's the answer you come up with after taking your time. You are an incomprehensible girl."

"But, for now, my heart is at peace."

That answer from Rem had no meaning to Subaru. Probably, it was part of an exchange unknown to Subaru, between Rem and Priscilla. Priscilla took it in, paused for a moment, and then snorted softly,

"At best, strive vigorously, Rem. Daughter of the oni. — There are roles only you can fulfill, wishes only you can grant, and futures only you can achieve."

"—. Miss Priscilla?"

"Let's go, fool. Because of Rem's request, I'll make an exception and take you along."

"I'm not convinced, but where to?"

With a dignified air, Priscilla ignored Subaru’s concerns and pointed outside the corridor with her fan. It wasn't the view beneath Subaru’s eyes, nor the starlit night sky, but rather something in between—the city walls. Although the city walls had suffered damage during the siege, fortunately, these walls had largely retained their original shape. However, it didn’t appear to be a place that housed anyone or anything of note.

"Rem, follow your heart. Although your heart is trembling, those ripples are by no means unsightly."

"—Thank you very much."

After indicating where they should go, Rem and Priscilla once again engaged in a conversation that Subaru did not understand. Nevertheless, the serene expression on Rem's face gave Subaru no reason to delve deeper.

△▼△▼△▼△

It seemed that the area had been cleared of people, as there were no sentinels on top of the city walls. Considering they had just finished fighting the 'Great Calamity' and the threat of undead had not been completely eradicated, it seemed like a rather relaxed judgment.

“Well, then who would have the courage to defy the orders of the princess?”

Al, who welcomed Subaru and Priscilla, was sitting cross-legged on the empty city walls. Beside him was an expensive-looking bottle of wine and two glasses.

“Are you getting drunk celebrating the victory?”

“Don’t be silly. I wouldn’t start without the princess. I didn’t expect the brother to be with us. Isn’t this quite the rare combination?”

“Everyone I meet says that, and even I am feeling uneasy about it.”

Although Al claimed he wasn’t drunk, his voice was lively. It might not be the effect of alcohol, but the lingering high from the victory. In fact, having wandered around the city with Priscilla, Subaru could feel it keenly.

“It’s not just that they have things to do. They don’t want this to be a dream.”

“You’re quite the poet, brother. But I understand. They’re hoping dawn won’t come just yet.”

Waking up after having fallen asleep, rather than harboring the negative thought that their victory might have been a dream, they were more likely driven by the desire not to end this day of victory obtained through everyone coming together.

Sharing their sentimental feelings before dawn, Subaru and Al were suddenly poked on the back of their heads with a fan. Letting out simultaneous cries of "Gyaah!" they turned around to meet Priscilla's exasperated face.

"Here you are, the clown and the fool, talking nonsense together. More importantly... Al, have you fetched it as I instructed?"

"Huh? Oh, don't worry about it. I had the old chancellor move the guards from the city walls and got the wine from a stunning countess. This wine's price could make your eyes pop out."

"I understand. The label and the age of the bottle ooze its price. I can't drink alcohol though."

"Yeah, I get it. The box it was kept in must have done its job well too. I don't really drink either."

Pointing at each other in agreement over their ignorance about wine, Subaru and Al shared a comical moment. Priscilla shrugged at their attitude, then adeptly took the wine bottle, removing the cork.

Slowly, she poured the sweet-smelling wine into two glasses.

"There are only two wine glasses. The two of you should share one."

"Oh, I'd rather indirectly kiss the princess than... I'll shut up, sorry."

Al reluctantly withdrew, but Subaru couldn't blame him for wanting to tease a bit. While Priscilla placed her lips on her glass, Subaru, after a moment of contemplation, decided to drink from the glass handed to him.

"Hey, underage drinking."

"It's legal in this world... whoa, cough cough!"

The moment the wine passed over his tongue and its aroma reached his nose and throat, Subaru began coughing. Laughing heartily, Al took the glass from Subaru and drank it himself.

Lifting his helmet slightly with the hand holding the glass, Al poured the wine into the gap of his helmet and—

"Cough cough splutter!"

"You're coughing even more than me! Pull yourself together, drinking-age man!"

"Both of you are too noisy. The 'Witch' who lost would probably lament your inability to appreciate the taste of fine wine."

"Don't make me feel guilty for no reason..."

Not being able to savor the taste of victory's fine wine, Subaru felt a bit down at such remarks that even Sphinx wouldn't actually say.

In the end, while Subaru and Al were barely sipping their glasses of liquor, Priscilla had single-handedly consumed nearly half the bottle. Although they didn’t know the exact alcohol content, Priscilla, having drunk that much of what felt like quite strong liquor, still looked completely unaffected.

"Her Highness being a heavy drinker suits her image perfectly, doesn’t it?"

Subaru couldn’t argue back against Al, who sounded boastful. Finally, when Subaru and Al’s glasses were empty, Priscilla, seemingly having timed it perfectly, said,

"Dawn is near. I’m feeling a bit lively.—Al, accompany me."

*Cough* "Huh? Accompany you in what…Whoa!"

Saying that, Priscilla moved the empty glass and the half-empty bottle aside onto the railing, took Al's hand, and stood him up, guiding him to the center of the wall. Pulling the bewildered Al closer, she smiled at Subaru, who was staring wide-eyed, wondering what was going on.

"Natsuki Subaru, sing."

"That’s asking too much!"

"You’ve moistened your tongue with that fine liquor. Come now, if you don’t perform, I’ll tell Rem."

“Guh, that’s unfair…! Fine, I’ll do it!”

Reluctantly getting caught up in the flow, Subaru crossed his arms and constructed a setlist in his mind. Meanwhile, Al looked intently back at Priscilla.

"Your Highness, I’m missing an arm, you know?"

"So what? You have two legs and loyalty to me. —Let’s begin."

Though it wasn’t really a cue, Priscilla’s words coincided with the start of the song.

"――――"

And so, the song Subaru chose wasn’t a hit song from his original world but one of his favorite songs deeply rooted in this other world.
He avoided "The Swordsman's Love Song" because it was too long and he felt he might cry while singing it.
What Subaru chose was—

"――The sky that surpasses the sunrise"

Slowly, the night over the Vollachian Empire ended, pushing away the star-studded yesterday and noisily bringing in a new today.
This song, celebrating that, was Subaru’s favorite among the songs he had heard in this world.

"Hu"

There was no musical accompaniment, and the only source of music was Subaru's a cappella singing.
Compared to the minstrel Liliana, who made her living through song, it seemed insignificant, but Priscilla starting to dance to his song appeared to Subaru as the highest form of praise.

"Now, dance, dance, Al! Do not bore me!"

"Damn it, this is hopeless! Brother! Kick up the beat!"

As Subaru sang, Priscilla and Al twirled around on top of the castle walls.

Priscilla's dance was elegant, and although it would likely anger her to say it, it resembled the dance Abel performed when trying to seduce Zikr in Guaral. Al's awkward dance looked like a traditional bon dance; while unskilled, it was enjoyable to watch.
Most importantly, it was evident that both Priscilla and Al were having fun together.

"------"

Before he realized it, Subaru, who had been singing unwillingly, was smiling while singing.

The sky chasing after dawn—the song praised the inevitable coming of daybreak, a blessing to the world reborn after being scorched by its brilliance, fitting in a way for Vollachia, ruled by flames.
And Priscilla, who lived like a flame, was the most fitting woman of Vollachia.

"------"

Not knowing how to end, he repeated the song two, three times. As he did, the breathing of the two dancers started to synchronize, and once again, he lost the chance to end it. This cycle continued.
While they continued like this, the true sunrise began to softly illuminate the castle walls.
They had imbibed as well, and today—no, yesterday, had been excessively busy. Surely, after falling asleep today, they wouldn't be able to wake up.

In the glimmering morning sun, Priscilla dancing with Al seemed dazzlingly radiant—

"Princess?"

It was a sudden and unexpected call from Al.

"------"

Just a moment before, his unrestrained cheerfulness and barely hidden adoration were seeping into his call. The different tone in his voice caused Subaru's singing to stop abruptly.

Then Subaru blinked, rubbed his eyes again and again.
Even though he rubbed his eyes—

"Not as good as that songstress, Liliana Masquerade, but not a bad song."

Yes, Priscilla, who was nestled snugly in Al's chest as if embraced from behind, uttered words of praise.

――Priscilla's body was becoming translucent in the morning sun, about to fade away.

△▼△▼△▼△

"――――"

Shrouded in the morning mist, the walled city left Subaru staring in astonishment at Priscilla from the ramparts.
The blood-red dress, the orange hair that reflected the sunlight, the crimson eyes like flames――all of them made up the existence known as Priscilla Barielle, and none of them had changed.

"Pri, scilla...?"

"You know as well. My enemy, Spinx, in an attempt to show me the destruction of the Empire, imprisoned me in a different dimension. To escape from there, I had no choice but to burn the place down."

"――Ah."

Priscilla was wise. That's why, just from the trembling in Subaru's voice, she understood what he was thinking and what he wanted to ask, and provided him with the answer to his doubts.
With that clear answer, Subaru also understood. He understood completely.

"――――"

Like Emperor Yurgald Volakia and Yorna from an ancient era.
Priscilla Barielle had returned from a different dimension in exchange for her own life.
The reason her form was translucent in the morning sun, fading and disappearing, was unmistakably clear.

――The Priscilla Barielle standing here was already an undead.

"Such... such nonsense can't be true!!"

In place of the stunned and paralyzed Subaru, it was Al who screamed.

Holding Priscilla from behind, his voice trembled so much that it was evident even through his helmet, contorting his expression, as he hugged her tightly with just one right arm.
As if not wanting to let go of Priscilla, who continued to be killed by the slowly rising morning sun.

"No, no, this can't be real, Princess... Bro!"

"――! Yes. Yes, you're right, it's wrong, wait, Priscilla, I will...!"

At Al's desperate call, Subaru lifted his face with a start and directed his gaze to the railing.
Having ended the 'Great Calamity,' the poison capsule he had hidden in his molar was already spit out. So, if he had to choose a method to redo everything now, jumping off the rampart would be the quickest――

"Stop it."

"What do you mean, stop! I don't have any reason to stop! I can't just..."

"—Let's stop, Natsuki Subaru."

A voice called out to Subaru, who was about to throw himself off the railing. However, he ignored it and tried once more to challenge the 'Great Calamity'.
Even so—

"The abilities you and Al possess are powerful enough to alter the very fabric of fate. But remember this: There are those who wish for things that cannot be changed, even with your power and prayers."

"What are you... What the hell are you talking about? There’s no time for that! We need to right now—"

"Natsuki Subaru."

Subaru gritted his teeth, and the nails of his hands on the railing cracked, blood seeping out.
Ignoring everything and everyone, he should leap. Yes, Subaru's heart screamed, the same heart that had used his life over and over to secure victory over the 'Great Calamity' for the empire.
However, stronger than that scream was the urge to listen to what Priscilla had to say.

Caught in the conflict between his opposing reason and emotions, Subaru halted. Al, who was holding onto Priscilla, called out "Brother!" as he trembled like a child throwing a tantrum,

"Brother! I beg you... please! Don’t listen to anything! You don't have to listen! Just do it! Save her... Save Priscilla!!"

"Aldebaran."

"—Stop it, stop Priscilla! I'm not listening to you!"

Desperately crying out, Al pleaded with Subaru, shaking his head in refusal when Priscilla called his name.
Priscilla gently caressed Al's neck, calling him by a name familiar to Subaru but in a way he had never heard before.
Held from behind, the sight of Priscilla caressing the man's neck was like a painting—so fragile it seemed impossible to capture in reality.

"You two have saved the empire. Of course, there are others who have fought. But none who can match what you two have accomplished. Allow me to laud you for that."

And with a smile as irresistibly beautiful as it was infuriating, Priscilla continued.

Subaru's plea, Al's scream, neither could stop Priscilla's gently spoken words.
Her crimson lips, as if incinerating all previous impressions of Priscilla, burning away everything with the convenient flame of affection, ignited their hearts.

"I understand that for a long time, you have all done what you have in the way you have. You have never placed yourselves above others, and have lived your lives until now that way. Consequently, it might be that you have never received proper compensation even once. I shall grant that to you all."

Saying this, Priscilla closed her eyes for a moment, and reflected Subaru in her crimson pupils.
And then—

"Good work, Natsuki Subaru. You, indeed, are a true knight."

The moment those words were bestowed, the strength drained from Subaru's knees.

"—Ah"

Subaru collapsed to his knees, unable to stand up in that moment. His lips trembled, and his mind was scrambled with a whirl of emotions, unable to comprehend anything.
Yet, his legs lost their strength because he was certain. —His soul had come to understand it.

That Natsuki Subaru could not save Priscilla Barielle.

"Al, to you as well..."

"Stop it already! I won't give up! There's no way I can give up! Because, because isn’t that right!? If I give up, you... the princess will..."

Turning his eyes away from the fallen Subaru, Al desperately clung to Priscilla. He abandoned depending on Subaru, and with all his might raised his voice to change their fate.
But gradually, his voice lost its strength and vigor, weakening, with repeated sounds of sniffling filling the air. Priscilla smiled kindly at Al, whose words failed him. Like a mother would.

Ironically, that smile overlapped with Yolna's, proving their mother-child relationship. And so, Priscilla, as if comforting a sobbing child, said,

"Oh my, to think such a large man would cry and wail so helplessly."

"—!"

"Hahaha, it's fine, it's fine, I can hear you. The sound of you crying and begging to have me as your bride."

"......Ah"

With a faint voice, Al responded to Priscilla's laughter and nodded. While nodding, he hugged Priscilla's body even tighter, as if he couldn't let go of something precious, and confessed.

It was, unquestionably—

"Yes, please become mine, princess. My princess..."

This was an undeniable confession of love, no matter what anyone said. It was a love that conveyed all the affection he had packed into his entire being to the woman in his arms. Reacting to that, Priscilla's crimson eyes wavered,

"—Look, once again I have won," she declared.

As she said this, the quality of Priscilla's smile changed, returning to its familiar expression. This was indeed Priscilla Barielle—the triumphant expression full of confidence and arrogance, a portrait of haughty beauty who unhesitatingly declared that everything belonged to her.

In this brilliance, everyone was dazzled and could not help but recognize the presence of the 'Sun Princess'—

"Remember this well, you who have chosen to bear the 'Hero's Fantasy' and possess the means to oppose your destined fate."

"In the days to come, you will bear many wounds, share pains, and sip on tears. However, many of those you meet will not be virtuous. They will not even be noble.—Nor will they be perfect."

"There will be days when you regret your actions and cannot affirm them. There will be nights when you lament your decisions and bend your knees. There will be mornings when you cannot hold your head high, as you betray your own wishes."

"You will repeatedly see the unlovable aspects of those you love, and the lovable aspects of those you cannot love. And each time, you will stumble. —And each time, remember."

"That I, Priscilla Barielle, a perfect woman, praised you."

Neither Subaru nor Al could take their eyes off Priscilla as she said this.

On the empty castle wall, she offered up the greatest thing to fight against the 'Great Calamity' and smiled without a trace of regret, even as her figure began to fade away.

Because they couldn't take their eyes off her, they could see it. Priscilla's presence dissolving into light.
And then—

"So beautiful is the world. Thus—this world is made to be convenient for me."

True to those words, the figure of the woman who was loved by the world and loved the world in return more than anything else, disappeared.

Priscilla Bariel, sung as the "Sun Princess," lived like flames. She was the first candidate to be eliminated from the selection of the next king of the Kingdom of Lugnica.

※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

The long-standing Imperial Arc concludes here.
The story will tidy up the aftermath of the Vollachia Empire and return once again to the Kingdom of Lugnica.
Natsuki Subaru and his companions will face new battles — leaving behind the person who scattered in that land.

I always wanted to keep writing about her.
She was such a brilliant, fiery person.
Thank you for everything, Priscilla.