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"The annual April Fool's project, updated at the very last minute!

This story is part of a series of IF stories that have been done before, but it is a slightly different type of story. Of course, I wrote it just as I wanted to write it.
I hope you enjoy discovering what kind of story it is when we meet again in the afterword!

――It was an impossible buttoning mistake.

With a single misalignment of gears, the story twists greatly, and the rails of fate change course with ease.
If the flow that should occur is altered, the torrent of destiny tosses people about like leaves.

Even so, if there were a way to reach the unchanging afterlife without conceding, it would surely be when an unshakably firm desire utterly deceives its destiny.

That very once-in-a-lifetime lie is the meaning of the man's life.

△▼△▼△▼△

"Hah, hah...!"

Breathless and desperate, the girl runs, pulling the child by the hand.
Desperately, with all her strength, yet still slow. The girl has a disability in one leg, and this is unfamiliar land. No, to say that, for the girl, this was an unfamiliar world.
A place with no familiar sights, a world where she knows nothing of the circumstances, not even her own position.
And――,

"Oo! Oo, ah-ooh!"

The child, whose hand is drawn by the girl and who continues to make inarticulate sounds, does not even have a name she knows.

"――"

Biting her lip tightly, she shakes off the weakness that creeps into her mind and looks ahead.
Certainly, she doesn't understand anything now. However, there are things she knows. That she must not let go of this child's hand and that she must keep running.
This instinct of escape calls to her amidst the sea of unknowns. Running away was the only way to express her resistance permissible to her at that moment.

"That person is...?"

Tasting the pain of her labored breathing, she envisions a person within her extremely confused heart. A boy with black hair, a sullen look, a presence that brings forth negative urges and strange sentiment――,

"――Ah, it really is an oni. How rare."

"――!"

Suddenly, startled by an unexpectedly casual voice interrupting her thoughts, the girl turned around with a start. Reflected in the girl’s pale blue eyes was a woman with an eye patch, flying alongside—no, flying parallel to her. A beautiful woman with dusky skin bared to the wind and beast-like ears characteristic of canine people. At the appearance of this woman flying with a long wooden branch in one hand, the child being led by the girl screams. Hearing that scream, the girl instinctively tries to push the woman away with her free hand. However—

“—? You missed. Sorry, but no.”

The woman effortlessly catches the unsteady swing of the girl's arm and pulls her closer instead. They are now so close that their faces are nearly touching, and the girl sees her face reflected in the uncovered red eye of the woman. An unfamiliar face—her own face, which is as incomprehensible as the world around her.

“I’ve been told to catch you.”

“—Ah.”

Just as she recognizes her face, the woman lightly touches the center of her chest with a finger, and the girl feels a thin shock run through her body from that fingertip. It swiftly drains the strength from her limbs, causing the girl to collapse to her knees on the spot.

“Ugh!”

“And that child too.”

Beside the crumpling girl, a valiant child leaps at the woman. But the woman catches him effortlessly, as if twisting the arm of a baby, and the child receives the same shock to his forehead, collapsing limply with an “Ah-oo.” As a result, the chase of the girl and child ends abruptly.

“You, are…”

“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything bad… I don’t know. Sorry.”

As the girl strains to speak while crawling towards the dazed child, the woman apologizes. However, it is not at all comforting reassurance, nor does it offer any solace. Whether seen as sincerity or awkwardness, the girl cannot choose. Just slowly, like the child who lost consciousness before her, reality starts to fade away.

“Let’s go, demon child.”

“I, am…”

She feels herself being easily lifted by the woman, but she cannot resist. As her consciousness gradually fades, her lips tremble weakly. Being called a demon feels alien. But then, what else would she be called—

“—Rem.”

It was the name uttered by a black-haired boy, enveloped in a terribly horrifying smell.

Perhaps it was some kind of illusion. —That this most familiar name to him, an entirely empty self, seemed somehow familiar.

△▼△▼△▼△

—Something bad has happened.

Natsuki Subaru was spurred into motion by the resonance of dread and caution racing through his mind like lightning.

There was no time to stand still, questioning why, why, why.

The recollection of the events that had just transpired, the long-awaited opportunity for a reunion that had not come to fruition in the best possible way. Suppressing his grief, he thought of the important people he had become separated from and steeled himself to resist the irrational and absurd dead-end—at least, that was what he intended to do.

But—

"Kakakaka! Youth really is terrifying! Even for me, I've never seen such recklessness. Amazing, amazing."

The hoarse, hearty laughter was accompanied by a steel hand blade that pierced his heart.

Impaled from the back, with his heart being pulled out through his chest, Subaru witnessed the scene and died instantly from the intense pain and shock.

× × ×

"How could a human like you evade the eyes of the dragons? I can't comprehend, and not comprehending is utterly disrespectful."

The tantrum of the destructive presence with a delicate appearance was accompanied by a gale with a wave of her arm.

Without directly touching that slender arm, the windstorm it caused took his body, slamming him against the castle wall. Subaru experienced the pain of all his bones shattering and died instantly.

× × ×

"Deceived, my eyes. Don't know, how. Afraid."

The transforming statue in the beautiful garden expressed its fear and swung down an arm like a marble column.

He managed to evade the first and second strikes, but not indefinitely. When the third hit grazed his leg, he couldn't move, and the fourth struck directly, compressing Subaru to about a tenth of his original size, killing him instantly.

× × ×

"—! Who goes there! How dare you invade this castle, you scoundrel!"

Brave and unyielding righteous anger had a sharp thorn that flashed like a blade. Enveloped by those thorn-covered purple brambles and having every bit of flesh torn apart, Subaru, as he was devoured by the wounds from the thorns writhing as if they had their own will, succumbed to the unbearable pain and met his death.

× × ×

"There he is! Don't let him escape!!"
"You scoundrel!"
"Did you think you could get away!"

Cornered by the wielders of steel imbued with sharpened fighting spirit, driving their prey. Surrounded on all sides with no escape, not permitted a chance to explain, pierced by protruding blades, sustaining one fatal wound after another, Subaru fell and met his death.

× × ×

"In the first place—"

After experiencing the fifth 'death', Subaru grinded his teeth, wondering if he had made the wrong initial choice. At the new starting point of 'return by death', Subaru was already alone there. —Perhaps the first mistake was becoming alone here. Considering the possibility that she might be suffering the same fate as Subaru at this very moment, his heart felt as if it could crack and shatter from the mere thought.

What is it that he needs?
What possibilities must he attain?
Which checkpoint must he reach?

Walking a precariously thin tightrope, Subaru must somehow reach the other side—what must he manage to achieve?

"——"

In a situation where he has to draw attention, but if he moves carelessly, Subaru would stand no chance against formidable opponents and could be easily killed. There are many enemies. And not a single one shows mercy. —There isn't the slightest hesitation in those who intend to kill Subaru, blocking his path. In order to break through, to overcome, within the narrow gap of slim possibilities—

"——"

Running across the neatly manicured grass, Subaru headed in a direction different from any of the paths that had been closed off until now, and there he found a lavish palace. It was flashy and beautiful, yet compared to the castle Subaru had been painstakingly attempting to infiltrate until just now, it was less ostentatious and seemed to be somewhat less guarded, which offered a glimmer of hope. If he could at least gather some piece of information there, that would be good. With that intention, Subaru broke a window in an unpopulated area, unlocked it, and rolled into the palace. In the next moment—

"You fool."

He was just about to step over the window frame and touch his toes to the floor. Immediately after hearing that heavy, severe voice, Subaru's legs were swept from the side, and his head was mercilessly slammed into the floor.

"Ugh!"

As he let out a pained groan and his vision flashed red, the worst kind of thoughts crossed his mind. After all, in just about ten minutes until now, Subaru had repeatedly died, at the hands of different opponents, in different ways. It was only natural that amidst the pain, he braced himself for the same futile end here.

However—

"How did you evade the security and make it here?"

The shock of the 'death' he expected did not come, replaced instead by a question. Grimacing from the pain, Subaru lay sprawled on the floor, facing the person who questioned him—the one who had confronted him upon his sneaking into the palace.

"――――"

Standing there was a strikingly handsome man with black hair and black eyes, possessing an impression of terrifying sagacity. Clad in garments of red that instantly conveyed their quality, this individual gazed at Subaru unflinchingly with eyes as sharp as a bird of prey. Captivated by those penetrating eyes, Subaru froze as if pinned down. However, it wasn't only the handsome man's gaze that immobilized Subaru.

"Did you not hear my question? Failing to provide a single answer is disrespectful, isn't it?"

In a solemn voice and with refined language, the handsome man was trying to decide Subaru's fate cruelly. However, Subaru's consciousness was more captivated by the bizarre scene in front of him than that cruel fact—the mysterious sight in the mirror beside the handsome man looking down at him.

In the mirror, the image of the handsome man with black hair was different. There was a taller man than the reflection of the black-haired handsome figure, with white hair, wearing white clothes and a white mask, appearing.

As Subaru gasped at the oddity, the real handsome man closed one eye and snapped his fingers. Then, like a final ultimatum, he asked the question once more.

"There is no third chance. Answer my question with care."

With that repetition, Subaru blinked and his awareness was dragged back to reality. By then, the white man seen a moment ago in the mirror was nowhere to be seen, leaving only the image of the terrifyingly intimidating handsome man staring at him.

In front of that, Subaru caught his breath and then said,

"—My name is Natsuki Subaru."

It was an inappropriate answer to any of the questions the handsome man had asked. Even looking back later, Subaru himself couldn't come up with a reasonable explanation for why he gave his name, truthfully, at that moment.

It was merely an instinctive, reflexive answer derived from a mind turned chaotic by repeated, irrational, and absurd 'deaths' in a short time.

Hearing such a potentially nerve-grating answer from Subaru, the handsome man—

"—Did you say 'Child User of Lugunica’?"

With finely shaped eyebrows furrowed, and a face embodying an arrogance as if he placed every event in the world in the palm of his hand, a bewildered expression, unfitting for such arrogance, emerged as he muttered.

—That was the first misstep.

Natsuki Subaru, unpredictably transported to the Holy Vollachia Empire, and 'Vincent Vollachia', the pinnacle of the Sword Wolf's Country—a meeting between two destiny-defying individuals, whose fates were never meant to cross, was thus forged.

△▼△▼△▼△

"—He has been brought."

The one who boldly stepped into the office of the detached palace, saying so, was a girl with an overload of attributes: tanned skin, unusually revealing attire, dog ears, and an eye patch over her left eye.

Surprised by the girl's entrance, Subaru rushed over when he saw her carrying Rem on her slender shoulders and holding another unnecessary person on her side, exclaiming, "Rem!"

"Are you hurt anywhere... opossum!"

"Don't do that all of a sudden, it startles me."

As soon as he tried to ensure her safety, she twisted her toes into his unguarded solar plexus, causing Subaru to writhe in agony. The eye-patch-wearing girl had only carelessly raised her bare foot, but it wasn't strength so much as her innate, merciless footwork that accurately struck the vital point without calculation. Despite his internal organs being shocked, Subaru staggered towards Rem, carried on the girl's shoulder, verified her flushed cheeks and breathing, and let out a sigh of relief.

"...She seems alright. She’ll wake up properly, right?"

"Just put her to sleep. She’ll wake up soon. This girl too."

"I don't care about that one. Actually, I’d be fine if she slept forever."

"...Complicated relationship?"

"Not really. Rem is important, that one isn't. That's all."

Subaru cast a stern glance at the blond girl held under the girl's arm, opposite Rem. The girl widened her single red eye and curled her lips at his firm statement. Apparently, Subaru's response didn't please her, but it was the truth, so he felt sorry. But he couldn't pretend otherwise. Unlike the gallant, harmless, earnest, and kind Rem, that girl had committed too many unforgivable sins, being a great villain.

"—Rui Arneb."

The name Subaru murmured softly was hers—the name of the Sin Archbishop of 'Gluttony.' Though she seemed asleep now, she was one of the enemies who had thoroughly tormented Subaru and given him a taste of hell during the battle at the Pleiades Watchtower. It was a mystery how she, who was supposed to be an incorporeal existence, managed to manifest with a physical body, but it was certain to be no simple plot. In any case—

"Thank you for not hurting Rem. You are..."

"Arakiya."

"Thank you, Arakiya-chan! I owe you one!"

Subaru deeply bowed his head and expressed his gratitude to the girl, Arakiya. Despite the recent incident with Rui, which likely left a less than favorable impression of Subaru, he felt a strong sense of gratitude and indebtedness toward Arakiya. And it was thanks to the orders given to Arakiya by—

"You saved us. Um..."

"—Vincent Vollachia."

"——"

"Vincent Vollachia, the seventy-seventh Emperor of the Holy Vollachia Empire."

Repeating his introduction to Subaru was the handsome man with black hair sitting across the ebony desk. He was the one who intercepted Subaru, who had snuck into the detached palace, and nearly executed him for his audacious actions. If what he just claimed was true, this man was the highest authority in the empire.

"Arakiya-chan?"

"It's true... or maybe a little false?"

"A little false?"

"Arakiya, do not speak unnecessarily. —If you truly wish to reclaim what you desire, ensure you do not offend me."

"...Hmm."

Arakiya, replying in acknowledgment to Subaru's questioning gaze, was scolded by the handsome Vincent, and nodded with a slightly dissatisfied face. Arakiya then placed the two, Rem and Rui, on the reception sofa and let them lie down. Subaru wished to separate the two sleeping girls as much as possible, but he wasn't in any position to assert such a request, so he restrained himself by clenching his fists.

After all, this was the Holy Vollachia Empire. It was the imperial capital, where the cultures and customs Subaru had spent a year learning about in this other world were fundamentally different from the neighboring Lugunica Kingdom's. A place where distinguished figures resided.

"So? 'User of little girls,' explain yourself once more."

"...Can you please call me Natsuki Subaru instead? As you can see, I don't have a lovely, charming, pretty girl suitable for that title by my side right now."

"This one?"

"She's neither lovely, charming, nor pretty."

Pointing at Rui, Arakiya asked, and Subaru replied curtly. Then, turning his gaze back to Vincent, the emperor closed one black eye,

"Speak, Natsuki Subaru."

"…No matter how many times you ask, it doesn’t change much. We were at the 'Sage’s Tower' located at the eastern end of Lugunica. A lot happened at the tower, but to make a long story short… In the end, a part of the 'Witch of Envy' overflowed from a shrine near the Great Waterfall and swallowed us. When I came to, we were transported to the grounds of this castle..."

"…Sounds like a lie. Is it a lie?"

"I think it sounds incredibly suspicious too, but I’m asking you to believe me because I have no reason to tell a story that’s nothing but lies up to this point…!"

He laid out the facts, but was reasonably doubted by Arakiya. However, the one who should be explaining the situation is actually Subaru, who was involved. After finishing the battle with the 'Gluttony’ clan at the Pleiades Watchtower and losing someone he didn’t want to under the guise of a ‘trial’, his frayed heart was just beginning to calm down when this incident occurred.

"By now, Emilia-tan and the others must be really worried… I didn't expect to somehow end up in the Empire, and that too on the grounds of the imperial capital’s castle."

"Despite the skillful infiltration, the excuse being low-quality makes you the prime suspect as a spy right now. The only promising aspect was you claimed to be Natsuki Subaru."

"…It’s true and not a lie, but was that really such a meaningful thing to do?"

"The fact that the 'Loli-user' is a knight of one of the candidates for the royal selection is also known in the Empire. The threats of the Witch Cult and the Three Great Demon Beasts are not distant matters for Vollachia either."

"I see…"

"A non-aggression pact exists between the Empire and the Kingdom. Just your presence could be used as a pretense to claim you violated the pact…"

"No, please spare us from that."

It would be terrible if the two countries entered a state of war because Subaru carelessly revealed his identity. In the first place, this situation was really an unfortunate misunderstanding, an unforeseen accident. It’s pathetic that Subaru has no means of explaining it and can only desperately insist that these unbelievable facts are true, but—

"Oh my, oh my, aren't you being a bit too intimidating, Your Excellency? I can't imagine there's any room to get into a conflict with the Kingdom now, can there?"

"—! Wh-Who's there!?"

Startled by the sudden voice of a third party, Subaru turned around quickly. There, the office door was slightly ajar, and he made eye contact with a suspicious person peering inside through the gap.

The suspicious person who met his gaze waved casually at Subaru, then opened the door with a brazen smile. Striding boldly into the office, he announced,

"In accordance with the divine decree, I have arrived, Your Excellency."

"I don't recall summoning you."

"I mentioned it, didn’t I? In accordance with the divine decree. I rarely get the opportunity, so when it does come around, I must properly serve as the 'Star Reader.'"

Responding with a frivolous smile to Emperor Vincent was a gentle-looking man with long gray hair. He carried an air unlike the soldiers seen in the castle or the few transcendent individuals encountered, and in Subaru's view, he did not seem to be the fighting type.

"Um, who is this person..."

"I dislike him."

"It's not a matter of like or dislike; I'm asking about his position."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I tend to overlook such things. I'm Ubilk, who is allowed to serve as a 'Star Reader' in this Crystal Palace. Please, make your acquaintance, kingdom's 'Star Reader.'"

"Kingdom's, 'Star Reader'?"

With the same frivolous smile, the gentle man who introduced himself as Ubilk called him such, leaving Subaru puzzled as he tried to recall any familiarity with the term. However, before Subaru could verify its meaning,

"Natsuki Subaru is a 'Star Reader'? Are you sure?"

"Well, if you ask me if I'm sure, I'm not in charge of the kingdom so I can't verify it... but I suspect, Your Excellency, you have arrived at a similar hypothesis."

"A mere puppet of the stars like you can fathom my intentions?"

"Oh, no, no. I wouldn't dare presume to fathom the intentions of His Excellency, Emperor Vincent Vollachia. ...Just a hint."

"—. Speak, then."

"I have read the stars. —He will be of use to you, Your Excellency."

Tilting his chin, Ubilk lightly commented about Subaru. In response, Subaru pointed to himself and inadvertently uttered, "Me?"

Honestly, he thought an exchange about him was happening over his head, especially with the unclear "Star Reader" situation being considered.

"Given the relationship with the kingdom, trying to cut ties may inadvertently create an unbreakable bond. In that case, it might be wiser to add him as a card. After all, we've got a convenient hostage, don't we? Wouldn't it make discussions faster for both sides?"

"A convenient hostage... Are you talking about Rem? That's absurd!"

"Haha, you're honest, aren't you? If you had insisted here that your companion had no hostage value, the discussion might have taken a different turn."

"Ugh..."

"Or shall we rephrase? Claim that the young lady is a worthless existence to Natsuki Subaru from now on..."

"What? Rem is a precious existence to me, even worth exchanging my life for!"

Having unwittingly retorted like that, Subaru watched as Ubilk's smile deepened, realizing he completely fell into his trap. Nonetheless, he couldn't even lie by saying Rem was worthless to him.

"I'm not Otto. I can't say something so insincere."

'I can't stand being called morally corrupt for using bargaining tactics in emergencies!'

In the corner of his mind, an imaginary Otto was shouting loudly. While shooing that thought away, Subaru glanced over at Vincent. Vincent placed a finger on his slender chin, appearing to ponder Ubilk's proposal. From his expression, though, it was evident he had already reached a conclusion. And, as expected—

"Natsuki Subaru, your situation is far from favorable. Regardless of the truth of the shallow explanation earlier, the fact is that you've set foot in my country. That too, amidst an unparalleled national crisis, as the empire is about to enter a state of war."

"A state of war... does that mean a war is starting? With whom... where?!"

"Here."

Vincent tapped the floor with his toe without reprimanding Subaru, who had slipped out of using polite language in his panic. It didn’t immediately connect as an answer to his question, and Subaru blinked in confusion.

But soon, he grasped its significance.

"This place... could it be, an internal strife within the Empire?"

"Yes. Over this Empire's throne, the emperor and the traitors will be in conflict."

Subaru was at a loss for words when the fact of the war, especially a civil war, was confirmed. Vincent extended his hand to the speechless Subaru and informed him with the gaze and demeanor of an unequivocal powerhouse, akin to a raptor.

"No matter the circumstances, if you wish to survive, you will accompany me, Natsuki Subaru. To leave the Empire as it should be in the hands of none other than Vincent Vollachia."

—Things were seriously turning dangerous.

To Vincent Vollachia’s declaration, Subaru felt an explosion of anger within him towards the greatest injustice of fate since being summoned to another world. He had faced many unreasonable situations before, such as the hardships at the Pleiades Watchtower, which dealt him the most brutal blows of irrationality.

Yet, even those had a form of continuity. There was a progression leading up to the unreasonable situations, the circumstances gradually worsening.

But this time, there was none of that. Subaru’s arrival at the Vollachia Empire was just a sheer absurdity without any warning. It wouldn't have been surprising if it were the remote regions, or if he were sent to the Kararagi City-States or the Holy Kingdom of Gusteko instead, yet here he was. What else would you call this if not absurdity—

"Ah."

"Umm..."

Suddenly, Arakiya noticed something and voiced it, and subsequently, Rem, who was on the sofa, stirred. Recognizing it as a sign of awakening, Subaru turned back to Rem as if on impulse. He knelt beside her on the sofa, waiting for her eyelids, framed by eyelashes, to slowly open. Gazing into the soft blue eyes reflecting a blurry image of himself,

"Rem! Thank goodness, are you alright? Does anything hurt? Are you injured or feel off anywhere? If there's anything unusual, then immediately..."

"—Why are you here!"

"Guowau!"

Worrying about her condition was short-lived, as the newly awakened Rem instinctively shoved Subaru away. The force, without any restraint, sent Subaru flying, and Ubilk was in his trajectory.

"What!?" Ubilk, with widened eyes, got caught up with the flying Subaru, and the two tangled together until they rolled to the corner of the room.

Ignoring Subaru and the others, Rem got up from the sofa and glanced around.

"Where is that child... wait, you are! From earlier!"

"Your Excellency?"

"This is the Emperor's retreat. It's intolerably noisy."

Seeing Arakiya in front of her, Rem heightened her vigilance. At Rem's gaze, Arakiya turned her sleepy eyes to Vincent, and the Emperor quietly lamented. As the Emperor said, there was indeed a lack of tension in the situation—,

"Huh?"

Rui, who woke up late, rubbed his eyes and tilted his head in wonder, presenting the most tensionless sight of all.

△▼△▼△▼△

An illegal intrusion into the retreat of His Excellency Emperor Vincent Vollachia, within the 'Crystal Palace' situated at the northern edge of the imperial capital Lupgana in the Holy Vollachia Empire.

Without a doubt, an offense that could get them executed about seven times was the crime Subaru and Rem had committed. Under imperial law, Subaru and his group were undeniably criminals, but not being executed was not due to the emperor's magnanimous and compassionate generosity—of course not.

"As for myself, I would prefer to place people like you, for whom appropriate handling is challenging, under house arrest until pressing issues are resolved and to remove the option of even considering you from the agenda."

"You're pretty blunt about calling me a troublesome person."

"Aren't you aware of it yourself? In this situation, declaring yourself as a knight involved in the selection of the kingdom's ruler, regardless of its truth, would only invite unnecessary calamity."

"Unfortunately, in the kingdom, I'm known enough for people on the streets to wave at me."

Although he said that, Subaru also reflected on whether it was careless to introduce himself so casually. However, had he acted differently instead of using the name Natsuki Subaru at that moment, there was a fear he would have been dealt with by Vincent without any questions.

Considering that Vincent showed a willingness to listen, confronting him was likely the correct decision.

"The others came to take my life without a word..."

"Rather, I'm impressed that your head remains so well attached to your body. The fact that you directly headed to His Excellency’s palace also contributed to my suspicions."

Regarding that point, it was a process of elimination since all other routes led directly to bad outcomes, but it was obvious that this old man with narrow eyes wouldn't be convinced by such an explanation. The Imperial Prime Minister, Berstetz Fondalfon—that was the name and title of this old man with narrow eyes and the straightforward reason for his wariness of an outsider like Subaru.

"No matter what I say, I have no schemes or ulterior motives. Honestly, I just want to return to Lugunica as quickly as possible."

"As you said, no matter what you say. In the current situation where border crossings are restricted, it's difficult to recklessly send you, who still bears the suspicion of being an operative, back to that land."

"Being bombarded with irrefutable logic..."

With a sigh, Subaru slumped his shoulders in response to Berstetz's unforgiving words. The location was a corner of the Imperial Capital Lupgana, at Berstetz's mansion. Having received a lenient judgment for the crime of illegal intrusion into the royal palace, Subaru was currently staying at the Prime Minister's mansion. Fondly regarded by Emperor Vincent, Berstetz did not relax his vigilance toward Subaru in the slightest but was properly accommodating his custody. Although Subaru was irritated by Berstetz's distrustful attitude, he had no major complaints about the treatment he received.

If there was anything to say, it was frustrating that he had unwittingly become a pawn in Vincent's plans, preventing him from taking proactive steps to return to the kingdom. Perhaps the main reason Subaru and his party were placed under the custody of Berstetz, whose mansion had even stricter security than the Crystal Palace and its auxiliary, was—

"—I'm back."

After finishing the interrogation from Berstetz and on his way back to the assigned room, Subaru witnessed a flying dragon descending with swirling winds in the mansion's garden and a small figure dismounting from its back. Who stood there was a cute-looking girl with sky-blue hair and two black horns growing from her head—a dragonkin, possessing unbelievable combat power contrary to her adorable appearance.

"Madeline-chan," he called.

"…Is it you, human? Don’t casually put ‘-chan’ on a dragon's name," she replied.

The dragonkin girl, Madeline, who had returned, noticed Subaru calling her name and snorted softly. Like Subaru and the others, it seems Madeline is also under Berstetz's protection in this mansion, and they frequently pass by each other and have opportunities to meet. However, every time, her attitude is always this prickly, so it cannot be said they have built a good relationship. Her prickliness wasn't directed only at Subaru but at everyone in the mansion—

"Marshal Madeline, how was it? Those seeking the release of Marshal Goz..."

"I scattered them. Let me tell you, a dragon has no obligation to show consideration to your trivial matters, so I scattered them literally."

"It doesn't matter. If His Majesty the Emperor commanded you to suppress them, and you deemed that necessary, then that's the correct course of action for the Empire."

"Hmph, boring old man."

Madeline shrugged her shoulders at Berstetz's response. A weapon nearly matching the small size of her figure—a boomerang—was carried on her back. The boomerang had blood splatters on it here and there, which undoubtedly had to do with the 'suppression' they spoke of.

"Marshal Madeline Eschart and Marshal Goz Ralfon..." Subaru murmured softly, thinking beyond the walls surrounding the mansion—of the orderly buildings of the imperial capital city and sorting out the various intertwining relationships in his mind. Initially, when he was sent here, Subaru had little knowledge of the Vollachia Empire and could only fumble around, but thanks to these past few days living at the mansion, he had come to understand some things.

For example, the person in front of him, Madeline, is a member of the "Nine Divine Generals," one of the highest forces, granted a rank given only to the strongest in the empire. Then there's the story of a man named Goz Ralfon, also a member of the "Nine Divine Generals" and renowned as the "Lion Knight," who rebelled against the emperor and is currently imprisoned in the Crystal Palace. His outrageous act caused confusion among his soldiers, who had deep trust in him.

Just now, it seems the group of soldiers Madeline had dispersed were those appealing directly for clemency or release of Goz, who had turned his blade on the emperor. It's understandable to deal with them in that manner, as by siding with Goz, they possess the potential to be counted among the traitors themselves.

"I think it every day, but the culture is too different..."

Although Subaru would never claim that the Kingdom of Lugunica is as safe and peaceful as modern Japan—having lost his life in the kingdom several times—the Vollachian Empire clearly operates under different rules, making it extremely difficult to distinguish between common sense and absurdity. However, there's no time to dwell on complaints.

"If I falter, Rem will struggle. For Rem's sake too..."

"What about me?"

"Whoa-ho-hoi!?"

Just as he was psyching himself up by slapping his cheeks, he was addressed from behind, causing Subaru to jump, hands still on his cheeks, and turn around in astonishment. From the front, he was suddenly embraced with an "Uu!" and nearly toppled over.

"Rui-chan, you shouldn't get too close. He'll say something unpleasant again."

"Uu-au?"

"That's right. Just like Rem says. I will say something unpleasant to you. Don't cling to me."

"Aa, au aa-au."

Subaru, having managed to steady himself, peeled off the girl who was clinging to his waist—Rui—and tossed her gently to the side. Rui twirled with cat-like agility to evade it, then after giving a face like a stray kitten, returned to her with open arms.

Accepting Rui' return with an embrace, Rem gave Subaru a reproachful look and said,

"For such a little child, to be treated so coldly—it's incomprehensible."

"Rem, I've told you many times, that's a bomb disguised as a child. It's calm now, but we never know when it might explode. So please, trust me..."

"...Trust someone as smelly as you? Unbelievable."

"------"

"What is with that deeply moved look on your face?"

"Well, I was just feeling a bit nostalgic being called 'smelly' by you again."

"Huh?"

Rem's reaction while hugging Rui was rather distant, and Subaru's feelings were not being positively received at all. He understood it was hard for Rem, who had no 'memories' but could sense only the miasma around Subaru, to trust him entirely, so he held back his pain and endured.

"Compared to the time when we couldn't even have this kind of exchange, it's truly a world of difference..."

"...I really don't understand you."

Even when treated coldly, Subaru's reaction was more of happiness rather than pain, leaving Rem with a complex feeling. Still, the fact that she didn't completely distance Subaru citing his miasma was because she was trying to appreciate and understand Subaru's devotion when he played decoy — realizing they had landed in a perilous place — to help her and Rui, though technically just Rem, to escape during their first ordeal at the Crystal Palace.

Subaru felt truly relieved that the threat hadn't befallen Rem, as he had faced 'Return by Death' many times. Still, it would be nice if they could get a bit closer. For example—

"The dragon has returned, ogre girl. Help with the bath."

"Yes, Madeline-san, understood."

Rem responded calmly to such rather demanding requests from Madeline, akin to their relationship.

"Madeline General and Lady Rem have certainly grown closer."

Just then, Berstetz voiced exactly what Subaru was thinking. Even when he glanced at the old man's profile, nothing could be discerned from his extremely narrow eyes that hid his pupils. Whether he welcomed or disliked their relationship was unclear.

"Berstetz-san, you're not a demi-human collector, are you?"

"If it means being a collector of precious bloodlines, I cannot deny it in a broad sense. Strong breeds, contrary to their individual strength, have a weak protective force over their lineage. Considering the future of the empire, they should be treated with care to prevent extinction."

"When you talk about the future of the empire..."

"Are you particularly interested, 'user of young girls' of the kingdom?"

"Need not to know..."

Raising both hands, Subaru signaled that he withdrew his careless curiosity. They say curiosity killed the cat, but in the empire, that rule seriously applies. An empire that shows no mercy even to a cute cat would surely not hesitate with someone not cute, like Subaru. However—

"Regardless of whether dragon people like Madeline-chan are valuable or Oni tribes are rare, Rem is my Rem."

"Huh? Please don't say such selfish things. I can hear you."

"I'm not saying it so you can't hear it."

"Ugh!"

Rem, keen-eared, made a troubled face at Subaru's response upon hearing their conversation. Clinging to her waist, Rui looked delighted for some reason, grinning happily. Clinging to Subaru was troublesome enough, but seeing her warmed to Rem was mentally exhausting as well. Just when Subaru thought of forcibly pulling Rui away from Rem—

"Is Natsuki Subaru here?!"

Called loudly by name, Subaru looked puzzled. Turning around, he saw a tall figure standing at the entrance of the mansion. Seeing that it was a young man with a sharp-looking face and short green hair, Subaru twisted his lips. He vaguely remembered the young man's face—someone he had once been killed alongside.

"I'm Natsuki Subaru."

"I am Kafma Irulux, honored with the rank of second general in the glorious Vollachia Empire. Natsuki Subaru, His Majesty the Emperor summons you."

Kafma, the young man, said this with a courteous bow as he approached Subaru, who had raised his hand. Hearing that he was summoned by the Emperor, Subaru gasped. The Emperor, whom he hadn't seen in days, who must be spending his time busily, wouldn't summon Subaru without a reason. In other words—

"Kafma, do you know why His Majesty the Emperor is calling for me?"

"I do not have the authority to convey the Emperor's words in advance. What is necessary for you will be revealed by His Majesty without fail."

Of everything he had said so far, this was Kafma's most soldierly answer. The way he directed complete trust and loyalty towards the Emperor made him seem like the only knight left in the empire—a knightless empire—while the man known as the "Lion Knight" was now imprisoned as a traitor.
In any case—

"—Rem, I'm heading out for a bit. I might be late, so feel free to eat dinner without me."

"Don't say such trivial things... Please be careful."

With just those grudgingly and hesitantly added parting words, Subaru felt an unbelievable surge of energy, as if he could give his all.

△▼△▼△▼△

"...Though it's true that I recklessly thought I could give my all."

"What is it? Do you have any complaints?"

"Of course, I do."

Seated on the high-end crafted dragon carriage, resting his chin on his knee, Subaru retorted this obvious fact to the merciless emperor who had asked him.
In response to Subaru's protest, the black-haired emperor shrugged slightly,

"You should be aware of your complicated, if not downright accursed, circumstances, shouldn't you?"

"Calling it accursed is too much. I'm aware of my complicated position and feel the need to reciprocate for overlooking certain things... However—"

"——"

"Being taken so far away from Rem wasn't part of the deal!"

Exploding with dissatisfaction, Subaru was currently accompanying Vincent on his expedition. Kafma had taken him from the Berstetz mansion to the castle, and without much explanation, Vincent had imperiously ordered him to "accompany the expedition."
And so, without resistance, he was swept away and loaded onto the dragon carriage, leading to the present moment.

"Kafma-san said that His Majesty the Emperor would reveal what is necessary without concealment, didn't he?"

"Kafma Irulux words are correct. I will not hesitate to disclose the information you need."

"For all that, I haven't heard anything besides the fact that the destination is a city called Chaos Frame, have I?"

"Do you need it? More information than that?"

"I certainly do!"

A journey without being informed of anything besides the destination is reminiscent of variety shows from a decade ago. Due to compliance violations, it's probably impossible in today's world. Considering the risk of being subjected to harsh labor overseas, it's more akin to modern shadow jobs.

In any case, it's an unethical activity when judged by moral standards.

However, the emperor, who was the mastermind behind it, snorted lightly.

"When I see your current appearance, I can't imagine you harboring any anxiety about the future."

He stated plainly without any regret. Subaru understood what Vincent was implying. He was referring to the current Subaru reflected in his dark eyes—or rather, Natsumi Schwartz.

With a long, beautiful black wig and a red-themed military outfit that conceals the figure, complete with makeup, it's an impeccable lady form from every angle.

"But I don't like the insinuations made about me like that."

"…Is there a point in continuing to dress up in front of me who already knows your true identity?"

"You never know where your flaws might be revealed. Alright? They say God is in the details, and that's what it means to be sincere."

"――――"

"To begin with, the reason I'm accompanying you as Natsumi Schwartz like this is to align with Your Majesty the Emperor's wishes. Even given the circumstances, I can't leisurely leave records of myself getting involved in the Empire's internal disputes."

Though Subaru=Schwartz isn't particularly knowledgeable about international frictions, he is aware that cross-border cooperation, akin to domestic interference, can summon trouble even if it's a good deed.

Simply assisting the Empire's crisis by a knight affiliated with the kingdom isn't just a beautiful story from a fairy tale—it's the difference between legend and real-world narratives.

"And that's why it's Natsumi Schwartz."

"――. If you have no doubts about yourself, I have no issues. As long as the work is reliable, I don't intend to place restrictions on individual preferences."

"Preferences...?"

"I have no intention of engaging in trivial discussions. It was you who asked for an explanation. If it were Ubilk, there would be no need to ask questions, but it seems that's not the case with you."

"It would be troubling to be compared with that person of unclear position. By the way, what is that person exactly? A professional jester to relieve the boredom of a medieval king?"

"They certainly act like a jester, but their role is not merely to amuse me. Naturally, the role expected of you is the same. It was that person who also recommended you for this expedition."

"…Ubilk recommended me?"

Imagining the face of a frivolous, genteel man, Subaru=Schwarz tilted his head. From the very beginning, Ubilk had always maintained a mysterious distance with Subaru=Schwarz. What was even more puzzling was the reaction of Vincent and the other key figures who acknowledged Ubilk's influence. Ubilk, who was called 'Star Reader'—if his position was indeed that of a foreteller as Subaru=Schwarz vaguely speculated, it would be a characteristic element in a fantasy setting.

The problem is that there is sufficient possibility that a real foreteller exists in this world, and judging from what the suspected foreteller said, there is a fear that Subaru=Schwarz is also regarded as one.

"I don't think it's the same, but it's frustrating not being able to explain the reason."

Subaru=Schwartz's 'Return by Death' could be described as a means of foreseeing the future. Although Subaru=Schwarz simply thinks of it as a way of cheating the future, it's not surprising if his appearance of knowing impending threats through 'Return by Death' and devising means to avoid them seems prophet-like.

"Actually, a mysterious beauty who gains the favor of those in power as a foreteller is a classic trope. But being misunderstood is troubling... especially when the condition of 'Return by Death' is acting up."

Subaru Schwartz's grumbling concern was the strange change occurring with 'Return by Death.' Until he met Vincent at the Crystal Palace, Subaru Schwarz had repeated 'Return by Death' numerous times. The background for this was partly due to the imperial national character's lack of hesitation toward killing, but more significantly, it was due to the narrow time interval between the point of death and the restart point. Naturally, the closer the restart point is to 'death,' the fewer choices are available, and the less time there is to prepare. Because of this, Subaru Schwarz tasted terrifying 'deaths' repeatedly. The inexplicable anomaly occurring in 'Return by Death'—Subaru Schwarz speculated that it might be related to this not being the Kingdom of Lugunica but the Vollachia Empire.

"I don't want to rely too much on the point made by Echidna, that spiteful witch."

If it is the 'Witch of Envy' making Subaru Schwarz experience 'Return by Death,' then there is a physical distance between the 'witch' sealed at the eastern edge of the kingdom and Subaru in the empire. Thinking simply, it could be said that the 'witch's' authority is harder to reach. If so, for example, what would happen to Subaru Schwartz's 'Return by Death' if he were to fall at the western edge of the large western nation of the Kararagi City-States—there's no way to test it, and no desire to verify it.

"In any case, I've been brought here, separated from Rem. So at the very least, I want to fulfill my duties. Even if it's troublesome, you need to explain."

"Do you presume to give orders while regarding me as Emperor? It was I who said there was no need for awkward respect, but your shift is rather quick."

"For the time being, it seems likely that I won't vanish like dew on the guillotine, right?"

"The guillotine, huh. How ironic it is that this makes one think of 'Magritsa's Guillotine' here."

"—?"

"That was an unnecessary comment. —The purpose for taking you to the demon city is not a difficult matter. It's to exchange words with Yorna Mishigure, one of the 'Nine Divine Generals'."

"Yorna Mishigure... was known by the epithet 'Full Spectrum,' wasn't she?"

Subaru Schwarz claimed that the information he had gathered was proof that he hadn't been playing around. In response, Vincent, without any emotion on his face, quietly nodded. Subaru Schwarz thought that perhaps it was the Emperor's poor ability to satisfy his subordinates' desire for approval that led a person like Goz to rebel.

Unconcerned with Subaru's doubts, Vincent began to speak matter-of-factly.

"It seems Arakiya, who was dispatched to suppress the traitors, hasn't returned. We should probably assume she has been killed or captured."

"—What, Arakiya-chan!?"

Subaru Schwarz, presented with unexpected information, opened his eyes wide in surprise. Although he hadn't had the chance to meet Arakiya since the first day, Subaru Schwarz felt indebted to her. When he encountered Vincent and introduced himself, he was requested through Vincent to ensure Rem's safety, which Arakiya accomplished perfectly.

Had Rem been found by those who mercilessly took Subaru Schwartz's life, she might have been suffering now from an unpardonable misfortune. That's why Subaru Schwarz considered Arakiya a benefactor—despite the circumstances.

"Why didn't you tell me!?"

"There was no reason to tell you. She was a general of the empire; her movements are a state secret. The fact that I’m even telling you now should be considered exceptional."

"————"

"For certain reasons, with 'One' unavailable, Arakiya, who was 'Two,' was the empire's greatest military strength. If Arakiya can't be used, we need the 'Nine Divine Generals' to make careful statements regarding the Goz Ralfon matter, among others."

"For that..."

"Indeed."

Vincent, arms crossed, nodded and Subaru Schwarz lowered his gaze. Within his chest, his heart, playing cold beats, was wrung with pain, still unable to process the misfortune that had befallen Arakiya. He understood Vincent's reasoning, but if Vincent had shared the facts as soon as something happened to Arakiya...

"'Returning by Death'..."

He might have been able to save Arakiya. Even though her safety was uncertain, and he was aware it was a premature thought, the possibility unwittingly lingered in Subaru-Schwartz's mind.

"And as for this person, Yorna Mishigure, as far as I know..."

"She has twice instigated rebellions against me in the past."

"Isn't that right!? In this situation, is it really okay to visit such a person head-on?"

Vincent Vollachia's reign, which had lasted for eight years, seemed to be an unusually peaceful period in the history of the Empire, and Vincent had garnered support, referred to by the people as 'The Wise Emperor,' as Subaru-Schwarz had learned in recent days. During Vincent’s reign, Yorna Mishigure, the one engaging in genuine rebellions and repeated clashes, was not someone who would simply vanish with a puff.

"As far as I can imagine, she's definitely someone who won't miss this opportunity."

"To verify that, I will go directly. That's all there is to it."

"For someone in an irreplaceable position to take the lead... the Empire Spirit, it's formidable..."

Vincent reacted to the unfamiliar word, "spirit?" when Subaru-Schwarz, shoulders slumped in disappointment, decided not to translate modern words unless asked. Gazing out the window of the running dragon carriage, Subaru-Schwarz firmly embraced the expectations placed upon him in the magical capital.

Regardless of the intentions of his endorser, Ubilk, Vincent's expectations of Subaru-Schwarz were, in broad terms, something akin to being a preventive measure. How well Subaru-Schwartz's achievements in the Kingdom of Lugunica were known in the Vollachia Empire was uncertain, but regardless of what exaggerated rumors may have spread, upon seeing the real Subaru-Schwarz, it must have been understood with some disappointment that he wasn't all that remarkable. On the other hand, if his achievements couldn't be ignored, his role as a preventive measure stood out.

Therefore, when Subaru-Schwarz tried to slap his cheeks, he reconsidered due to the possibility of ruining his makeup. Instead, he elegantly tossed his long, lustrous black hair in a graceful move suitable for a fine woman.

"I understand, Your Majesty. For now, I will do my utmost to ensure a safe return to the imperial capital, no matter what happens. I am quite adept with a staff!"

"—I do not know what is fueling your enthusiasm, but give it your all. Do not forget that something precious to you is being held hostage at Berstetz's mansion."

"You need not threaten me deliberately; matters of Emilia-tan, Bea-ko, and Rem are constantly on my mind!"

Despite having been motivated to act without any threats, it was the emperor who unnecessarily dampened his spirits. It must be Vincent's fault for angering someone as well-regarded as Goz Ralfon.

With a slight sense of unease in his heart, Subaru Schwartz continued steadily on his journey to his destination, the 'Demon City' Chaosflame. And then—

△▼△▼△▼△

"The enemy of my late elder sister—the traveler with black hair and black eyes!!"

It was a woman with brave, fierce hatred in her eyes, whose black hair was dyed blue at the tips.
The moment the string of her powerfully drawn bow snapped and the sound of slicing through the air was heard, Subaru Schwartz thrust the emperor at his side aside, his flank torn open by the arrow.

"—ka"

Blood surged up, blocking Subaru Schwartz's throat, causing him to experience the sensation of drowning as he collapsed.
Witnessing this scene, the protected emperor—Vincent Vollachia—hardened his cheek and rushed over to Subaru Schwartz, who was spreading blood on the ground.

"Natsumi Schwartz! You dare to act out of character…!"

"Out of character, you say... I live by the motto of one good deed a day..."

"Even now, you don't shut up... tch, it's a deep wound."

Vincent pressed his hand against the wound to stop the flowing blood, realizing how much flesh was missing from the flank and regretting his awareness of the injury.
Half his side was blown away. No matter how you look at it, it's a fatal wound, not something he could survive. However, Vincent picked up Subaru Schwartz's body and began to move.

"What are you doing... if you don't flee..."

"I have no objections. Therefore, I am doing exactly that. You can just gaze at the sky."

"The sky... It will only make me feel worse..."

Responding in a hollow voice, Subaru Schwarz looked up at the sky of Chaosflame. The magical city where various races lived had architectural styles interwoven so chaotically that it felt as if the spirit of compromise had been forgotten, resulting in a chaotic melting pot that was a defining characteristic of the city known as Chaosflame. But now, that has vanished.

What now sweeps through the city is not the scenery of liberation built upon freedom, but a battle of transcendental beings destroying, warping, and shattering the cityscape beyond human understanding.

"Kahahaha! I never thought we’d clash like this, Araki!"

"If you don’t like it, step back."

"Are you giving orders so cockily in this city? Whom do you think is the master here?"

Countless explosions of flame spread across the midair, and a shadow of an eccentric elder leaped across rooftops. Chasing after him through the sky was a girl of a canine race with her legs replaced by fire. Cutting in between their clash was an oiran-style fox woman remaking the city with swirling iron towers as her foothold—

— 'The Wicked Elder' Olbart Dunkelkenn.
— 'The Spirit Devourer' Arakiya.
— 'The Kaleidoscope' Yorna Mishigure.

All known for their indomitable valor, fierce warriors among the 'Nine Divine Generals' who stand at the pinnacle of the Vollachia Empire. These three were all aligning with different factions, waging battle with Chaosflame as the stage.

"Never did I imagine Arakiya would join their side. —Was it my fault for failing to foresee her involvement?"

Amidst the scorching heatwaves and shockwaves that stirred the atmosphere, Vincent leaped across the ravaged streets, trying to distance himself from the battlefield while holding Subaru Schwarz. The highest combat force Vincent brought along to the magical city focused no attention on them, as Olbart continued to laugh while pursuing the lives of the two women. Meanwhile, Yorna, the mistress of the magical city, was moving to fulfill her duty of defensive protection. And Arakiya, who was reportedly sent for a rebel suppression mission and not expected to return, was—

“—Vincent Vollachia!”

“——”

Vincent, who had stopped at the sound of his name, looked back. In his line of sight, the source of the voice stood atop the rubble of a collapsed building. — It was a slender man garbed in red, with black hair, much like Vincent. However, with a mask modeled after a demon on his face, he concealed his identity as the ringleader of the traitors.

The man in the demon mask, said to have conspired with Gos Ralfon's rebellion and aimed at Vincent's throne, visited Yorna in Chaos Flame around the same time Vincent, Subaru Schwarz, and others came to hear Yorna's thoughts on "lacquer." And he attempted to invite Yorna to join his comrades in the battle for seizing the nation.

Of course, it goes without saying that Vincent and Subaru Schwarz couldn't allow negotiations between Yorna and the demon-masked men to succeed. To prevent these negotiations, they intervened in the discussion—

“You thief, what is your name?”

“—Abel. For now, I am Abel.”

The demon-masked man—Abel—declared to Vincent, as the air between them burned. The tense atmosphere, heated and carrying the scent of burning, and Abel's fighting spirit, who had brought along the supposedly vanished Arakiya, led to the collapse of the demonic city.

With Yorna Mishigure stance unsettled, if she didn't declare allegiance to either the emperor or the traitor, the best strategy was to ensure she didn't fall into the opponent's hands. The moment that possibility crossed the mind, the battle between those transcendents began.

“Abel…”

Vincent squinted, as if to confirm the name. Subaru Schwarz, on the verge of losing consciousness from excessive blood loss, had no means to fathom Vincent's inner thoughts at that moment. However, Abel’s other companion didn’t miss that brief pause.

“——”

As Vincent turned towards Abel, from the shadows of debris behind him emerged an assassin, moving silently and without presence. It aimed an axe at the back of Vincent's neck from behind—

“—Your Excellency!!”

Just as the axe was about to sever Vincent's slender neck, it was intercepted by a fierce surge of purple thorns. The one who raised his voice and saved the emperor from an ambush was Kafma, bleeding profusely from his entire body. Kafma, the last companion of Vincent and a member of the "Insect Cage Tribe," utilized the insects he incorporated within his body to pursue the enemy who sought to assassinate the emperor.

However—,

"Raaahhh!!"

The enemy evaded the whipping thorns with a leap, and by his side, a new figure landed, wielding two long swords. He cut down the thorns head-on and dispelled the threat. It was the bandana-wearing man with an axe and a rough-looking dual sword wielder with an eye patch on his right eye—both members of the rebels who accompanied Abel.

"—Failure, failure."

"Damn! Hey, don't mess up your only specialty!"

"Calling it my only specialty is harsh. However, the support helped. Can I still rely on you?"

"What a helpless guy. —Facing Kafma Irulux's two generals, there's no way this isn't enough."

The dual sword wielder cracked his neck with a grin, and the bandana man beside him cast a cold gaze at Vincent and Subaru Schwarz. To block that stare, the tattered Kafma stood between the two enemies and Vincent's group.

"Leave this place to me! Your Excellency, please focus on Lady Schwarz!"

"Do not pursue them recklessly. There's no hand of Olbart here. The eyes of the Shudrak are upon us."

"Understood! ...The life saved by Lady Schwarz, as well as His Excellency Vincent's, will not be squandered!"

Despite being battered and bruised, Kafma firmly took up the task, and Vincent began to run. Now determined not to stop, regardless of what Abel might say, perhaps realizing that, Abel atop the rubble did not utter any more words, and the enemies competing for the throne left the scene. And then—,

"—Natsuki Subaru, star-reader of the kingdom. If you were to die, how could that void be filled? Even I cannot decipher. Therefore—"

"—uh."

The battlefield was distant, and amidst the overwhelming ringing in his ears and his own overly weak heartbeat, Subaru Schwartz watched as Vincent placed a hand on his face.

As Vincent closed his eyes, a dimming Subaru Schwartz suddenly realized something. — He had never once seen Vincent close both eyes before. However, such a thought was immediately dispersed by the ensuing anomaly.

"The 'Blue' Mask."

Vincent muttered those words as his face peeled off in front of Subaru Schwartz. It made a sound as if peeling flesh from bone, skin from flesh, a sound one would wince upon hearing, and Vincent's face peeled away. Thus, as if peeling off a 'mask,' Vincent's face slowly unraveled in his hand and turned to dust.

—It seemed like the kind of scene from a restless nightmare or the malfunction of a brain on the brink of 'death.' However, the emperor, who had been unmasked, placed his other hand on his face and donned the next 'mask.' The next moment, Vincent's body made a sound as his skeleton slimmed and his stature began to shrink. Not only that, but his hair color, hairstyle, and features were completely transformed—

"...Felix?"

After a moment, standing there was a familiar figure with a lovely appearance and distinctive cat ears—the image of Felix, who was supposed to be constantly beside his master in the Lugunica Kingdom.

—Vincent had transformed into Felix. Faced with this indescribable scene, Subaru Schwartz was left speechless. However, the person in question ignored Subaru Schwartz's confusion and placed a white hand over his wound.

Immediately, a pale light began to heal Subaru Schwartz's blown-away abdomen. —This transcendental healing power, as if turning back time, was unmistakably Felix's.

The flesh around the vanished wound swelled, and the repair of internal organs and muscle fibers began. Although the blood that had flowed out did not return, the body pushed into activation entered a hematopoietic state, markedly changing the circulation of blood.

The consciousness that was supposed to fade away gradually began to regain color, and Subaru-Schwarz—no, Natsuki Subaru—in the guise of a woman, reached out to the shoulder in front of him.

He grabbed that slender shoulder and pulled her closer, glaring intensely at the person healing him up close,

"Are you... Capella?"

"For what reason such suspicions arose, I cannot say... no."

Even though the face and voice were Felix's, the manner of speaking was unmistakably Vincent's. At this inconsistency, Subaru gasped, and the fake Felix slowly shook their head from side to side.

Instantly, a crack appeared on Felix's lowered face.

"—!"

The crack that began on her cheek gradually widened its range, slowly expanding the damage across Felix's lovely face.

"I will utilize the mana stagnating within you with no place to go. At this rate, it will burst due to the defect in the plug regardless. I will not allow complaints."

Yet, whether there was no pain to it or not, ignoring Subaru's startled response to the spectacle, the fake Felix left the cracking face as is and continued treating Subaru's flank. The faint light of healing mended the wound, mended it, mended it, and eventually—

"Done."

The moment she stated that, the crack reached the entirety of the fake Felix's face. Just like the face of Vincent, which had peeled away and turned to dust moments before, the fake Felix's face also crumbled from the edges and turned into fine dust.

Despite being healed and having his life saved, Subaru, witnessing a nightmare little different from when his life was endangered, remained immobilized.

Beneath the peeled-off face of the fake Felix, a new face—not Vincent, nor the fake Felix, but an unfamiliar face appeared. —No, it wasn't unfamiliar. Subaru had seen that face once, though only for a brief moment.

It was the face seen mystically in the palace mirror, not deeply pursued due to it being a misperception in an emergency. With long white hair and skin that seemed devoid of color, entirely composed of white, only the eyes sparkled in golden hue, and that tall figure—

――Chisha Gold.

"Huh?"

"It seems you were mistaken in confusing me with someone else, so I responded accordingly."

Subaru realized belatedly that the man, dressed all in white and calling himself Chisha Gold, was responding to his earlier mention of Capella's name. The power he displayed, transforming his appearance in front of Subaru and even healing the fatal wounds in Felix's form, was beyond mere mimicry or disguise.

"Wait, Chisha Gold, isn't he part of the 'Nine Divine Generals'...?"

"I confirm. I am of the 'Four' rank among the 'Nine Divine Generals' and humbly serve as one of the generals of the empire."

"...An emperor's double?"

"In times of emergency. However, under the current circumstances, that's not quite correct. The most fitting way to describe me now would be—"

In front of Subaru, who opened his eyes wide in shock, Chisha, still in the emperor's attire and difficult-to-read expression, narrowed his golden eyes and declared,

"—the usurper who seized the throne of the Vollachia Empire, a traitor mocking the Sword Wolf."

This was the true encounter between Natsuki Subaru and the "White Spider," Chisha Gold—a fateful meeting between two who deceive destiny, destined never to intertwine.

△▼△▼△▼△

Chisha explained that he referred to his power of changing appearances as a 'skill.' While the detailed principles were difficult to explain, by stealing the color of the target he wished to become and wearing the resulting 'mask,' he could assume a likeness identical to that being.

Using this, Chisha posed as Vincent Vollachia and impersonated the emperor, and by using the 'mask' of Felix, with whom he had a previous connection, he even completely healed Subaru's wounds. Upon hearing this explanation, Subaru was relieved to confirm that Chisha was not Capella, the Archbishop of the Sin of Lust, and thought,

"Could it be that the person named Goz Ralfon, who is captured as a traitor, became a nuisance because he realized you were posing as the emperor?"

"I do affirm it. General Goz is one of the most loyal and brave individuals in the empire, and no matter what I say, he would not lend an ear if he knew it was to betray His Majesty the Emperor. Therefore, it was necessary to temporarily remove him from the board in the current manner."

"Yeah, I thought so! No wonder, no matter how much information we gather, the conclusion always comes to that there's no way Goz would betray the Emperor. In fact, he hadn't betrayed him!"

With a snap of his fingers, Subaru smiled satisfactorily, realizing his intuition was correct. However, he couldn't maintain that smile for long after a moment of joy. After all, Chisha had clearly told Subaru. That he is the usurper of the throne, the ringleader of a rebellion throwing the Vollachia Empire into pointless chaos.

"...If the imperial way is that the law of the jungle prevails, is your challenge against the Emperor, Vincent Vollachia, driven by the ambition of a man of the empire?"

"Hmm, and what do you think? Are my intentions fueled by ambition?"

"—I don't think so."

In the first place, if you lay it on the Vollachian imperial way, it's a flawed system where if Chisha could take down Vincent with his own hand, the pinnacle of the Sword Wolf's country would change. Yet, Chisha assumed Vincent's figure and continued the situation by obscuring the emperor's absence. There is no sincerity towards the straightforward aim of usurping the throne.

"In other words, your aim isn't the throne. ...I don't know what else though."

"That, I have to ask, was the result of listening to the words of the celestial observer — the 'stars'?"

"Stars? ...Well, I like stars, but I've never talked to them. It was more an idealistic theory based on experience and hope."

"Hope, is it?"

"Yeah, hope. A hope that the person I protected even after having my side blown away isn't a total villain, and that the person who healed my blown-away side isn't completely vile."

Both are admittedly very slender threads to rely on. However, there was a trust that having gone as far as to reveal top-secret information to save Subaru, Chisha wouldn't suddenly change and attack him, creating such a meaningless course of action. Receiving Subaru's conveniently constructed question, Chisha quietly nodded,

"I am taking the necessary measures to save the Empire from a doomed future."

"... Is it not possible to do that together with the Emperor?"

"Lord Vincent is a very wise person, but once he comes to a conclusion, he does not know how to change it. It is undoubtedly the most efficient and least exhausting method, so no one can oppose him."

"But you... are saying that Chisha Gold is different?"

"That's correct."

As Chisha nodded, Subaru touched his side and pondered. Chisha had revealed his intentions after going so far as to play his trump card to help Subaru. Subaru could not skeptically view this as lies or scheming. There's no part of Subaru that would be worth going to such lengths to trap.

Through and through, what Chisha finds value in and determines should be saved are the Emperor and the Empire. His actions, which are understood by no one, stand on two firm pillars.

"I want to confirm just one thing."

"If it's something I can answer, I don't mind."

"That 'ability' to transform into others, can you use it anytime and as often as you want?"

"—I must deny that."

With a lowered tone, Chisha declared, prompting Subaru to sigh, "I figured as much."
The 'mask' of Vincent that was peeled away and the 'mask' of Felix that had cracked both ended by turning to dust. It felt more like disappearance or loss, which intuitively suggested it wasn't something that could be repeatedly used over and over.

Chisha's objective required the presence of Vincent Vollachia. To that end, Chisha wore Vincent's 'mask' and then, with the immense healing power that could even heal mortal wounds, donned Felix's 'mask,' releasing two 'masks.'

One indispensable for his goals, the other potentially a last resort. Having been saved so thoroughly, it was impossible for Natsuki Subaru—not to feel any sense of gratitude towards someone who did that.

"Tell me a bit more in detail, Chisha-san."

"--------"

"I don't think you did this as a whim or a fancy. If a future of ruin is approaching, it's not someone else's problem for me either. After all, my Rem is being held hostage in this country. I too have a reason to do something about the Empire," Subaru declared to Chisha, fully aware of the unreasonable logic.

If the renowned 'Wise Emperor' Vincent Vollachia and the evidently wise Chisha Gold are facing impending ruin, there must be an opportunity for Subaru's small contribution to be of use. No, it's an opportunity that Subaru himself will seize with his own hands and feet. Therefore—

"The 'Great Calamity'."

"Taisai... Great, calamity?"

Subaru, having repeated the murmur, was affirmed by Chisha with a nod. The Great Calamity—there couldn't be a more fitting name for the looming future of ruin awaiting the Vollachia Empire. Chisha, who spoke those words, continued while staring directly at Subaru.

With a colorless face but a voice that held a definite warmth.

"I will devise a means to save this Vollachia Empire from that 'Great Calamity'. For this purpose, I need to construct a position on the board."

"I understand."

The resolution was made. By some coincidence, the journey Yorna Mishigure took to confirm the whereabouts of her heart has now provided Subaru with a similar opportunity for decision-making. The strong feeling of concern for the Kingdom, Emilia, and Beatrice is there. He longs to reunite with them all soon. Even without 'memories,' he wants to bring the awakened Rem to meet them. But no matter what, he cannot abandon the Vollachia Empire, cannot abandon Chisha.

"With 'no' not being an option, I'll cooperate. Destiny, bring it on."

△▼△▼△▼△

"Governor, could you please not make me repeat myself? This is a direct command from His Majesty Emperor Vincent Vollachia!"

"I understand your point. However, I too am under strict orders and have assumed the position of governor of this island. I cannot easily decide to overturn established customs."

"Screech! You blockhead! You thick-headed fool! Who do you think I am!? I am the woman destined to become the empress of Emperor Vincent Vollachia!"

Bang, went the loud thud on the fake chest as Natsuki Subaru—no, Subaru-Schwarz who had once again become Natsumi Schwarz, brazenly spread this false information. In front of the shamelessly strategic Subaru-Schwarz stood Gustav Morello, whose fearsome face could deter a child from going to the bathroom at night. He was a man with four muscular arms folded across his chest, blue skin, and a wrestler-like physique, which hinted at his origin from the demi-human tribe known as the "Multi-arm Tribe." However, what mattered most to Subaru-Schwarz about him was his position—

"—Governor of the 'Sword Slave Island' Ginunhive, Lord Gustav Morello."

"Indeed, that is my official title. I am grateful to be reminded, General Chisha Gold."

"No, that is what I should be saying. In fact, it is a sentiment I hope those I have brought along truly understand, which is why I've called this meeting."

"What do you mean by that, General Chisha? Surely you, who are merely a 'General,' do not intend to criticize someone like me, who is in the favor of His Excellency? You don't know your place, do you?"

Snapping her fan shut with a crisp sound, Subaru-Schwarz haughtily retorted as she glared at the white-faced Chisha seated next to her. While Gustav knitted his brows where none existed, Chisha calmly shrugged and responded,

"I wouldn't criticize. It's just that Governor Gustav's stance is a testament to his sincere commitment to fulfilling His Excellency the Emperor's orders… in other words, it's nothing but loyalty to the very Excellency whom you, Lady Natsumi, hold in reverence. It seems lacking in understanding of this is far more contrary to His Excellency's will, in my humble opinion."

"Wh…!"

Subaru Schwartz's face turned bright red, and his lips quivered. Chisha, winking with one eye, looked at Gustav, who clenched his fists above his crossed arms. The governor then hid his fists behind his back and cleared his throat quietly.

If one thought this was amusing, then surprisingly Gustav also had quite a personality. —Subaru Schwarz was eagerly playing the role of the unpleasant villainess, which was well worth it.

Chisha sincerely supports the soldiers on the ground, while Subaru Schwarz, the empress candidate, lacks field experience. By employing this strategy of "Carrot (Chisha) and Stick (Subaru Schwarz)," they need to curb the growing rebel forces and improve the emperor's side's chances of victory.

— It has been a while since a pact was made between Subaru and Chisha to counter the 'Great Calamity.'

After the commotion in the 'Demon City' Chaosflame settled, Olbart and Kafma managed to survive. Abel, Arakiya and the two men also retreated, resulting in a stalemate. However, Yorna Mishigure, who is based in Chaosflame, declared that they would side with neither the emperor nor the rebels and chose to build a defensive line in the ruined demon city and remain isolated.

In the end, one could say that both Subaru's sides being blown off and Chisha losing Vincent's 'Face,' which was essential to the plan, were fruitless endeavors.

"To top it off, Berstetz-san had Maderine-chan attack a fortified city on his own. ...If Berstetz-san knew Chisha-san was impersonating the emperor, wouldn't it be better to be more in sync?"

"Unfortunately, while I share the same policy with Chancellor Berstetz, there is an underlying fundamental discord between us. Ultimately, that old man is nothing other than the imperial sword wolf, and for that reason, there is a risk of a decisive divergence with us in the end. So..."

"Perhaps we should conceal the inevitable misalignment at the very end and proceed as is?"

"Currently, we're preoccupied with countering the growing momentum of the rebels. For the time being, you can assume that Chancellor Berstetz won't have the opportunity to notice you or us."

Here is Chisha's view on the situation, where hope is scarcely visible to even call it hopeful observation. Despite his appearance and demeanor, the surprisingly hot-blooded Berstetz, upon hearing the chaos at Chaosflame, quickly launched an attack on the stronghold city that was the rebels' base. The fortress city was nearly destroyed by one-sided aerial attacks from the flying dragons led by Madeline. There are stories that the rebels abandoned their base and dispersed, but according to Chisha's story, Abel, who is consolidating them, says the real Emperor will not fall easily.

Abel and his group spread the rumor that the Emperor in the Imperial capital is an imposter, causing public unrest. The best way to dispel this rumor would be for Vincent Vollachia himself to appear before the public, but Chisha, having lost the Emperor's "face," cannot do that. Therefore, they are only managing the situation by verbally denying the rebels' rumors and taking stopgap measures by capturing those spreading them. In addition, the disparity in military strength between the Imperial army and the rebels poses a slight problem.

"We have returned alive, but it will take some time for General Kafma to rejoin the front. General Olbart also lost an arm, and it was a blow that we couldn't recruit General Yorna."

"Olbart, huh..."

"I don't think you need to look so grim. Without your resourcefulness and advice, General Olbart wouldn't have gotten away with just losing an arm, and there's a high possibility that General Kafma would have lost his life. Had those two fallen, we might not have returned safely either."

Chisha consoled Subaru, who had a dark expression, but it was complex. In the unexpected death struggle at Chaosflame, Subaru got caught up in the battle of uncompromising transcenders and ended up repeatedly experiencing "return by death." The most shocking of these was that Olbart, who should have been the third-ranked mighty of the empire, repeatedly lost his life in a surprise attack during the battle with Arakiya. Kafma faced similar predicaments, and Subaru repeatedly endeavored to prevent it.

"And all of this is because of that bandana guy..."

Ultimately, it was often the blow from Arakiya that took lives, whether they were Olbart's or Kafma's. However, it was always that bandana guy who created the decisive blow that led to such situations. The reason he could only be referred to in a manner that seemed like an insult was because, despite repeatedly clashing through 'dying and returning,' he consistently withheld any personal information. Even his partner, a presumably rough dual-wielder, was never allowed by the bandana guy to call him by his name.

Frankly speaking, it was shocking that Arakiya, whom he regarded as a benefactor, turned against them, and he couldn't hide his dread of her terrifying power as the second strongest in the empire. Nevertheless, Subaru found that bandana guy scarier than Arakiya. With a thorough killing intent and an unusually cold gaze—where had the emperor, driven from his throne by Chisha and becoming a rebel, recruited such a man as an ally? At any rate—

"Just having Arakiya as an enemy alone could neutralize any advantage in numbers on the battlefield."

"There's no way I can say that's nonsense after seeing the Chaosflame's battle. Why does Arakiya-chan possess such tremendous power…"

"We can only describe it as her nature, and 'Second' is not a mere title. To add, although there isn't much information, there seemed to be powerful reinforcements for the rebels."

"She's troublesome enough just by herself. Isn't Emperor Vincent being hated a bit too much? Is it really fine to hand the throne back?"

"In the end, the balance will work out, according to our calculations."

Since it's Chisha saying this with such calculative confidence, he wanted to believe it, but why did he frequently evade answering Subaru's questions about the emperor's humanity? If Chisha's behavior when impersonating the emperor truly mirrored the emperor himself, then it was somewhat understandable why he was so reticent. Vincent Vollachia is probably so exceptionally capable that he's the type who lacks sufficient words. His subordinates must find it tough.

"So, what should we do? Maybe issue some impressive decree to strengthen the soldiers' resolve and prevent betrayal… or perhaps tell Goze-san everything since he's a captive?"

"That would be quite a gamble. Nevertheless, countermeasures against Arakiya are a troubling subject."

"A warrior who can restrain Arakiya-chan, huh? By the way, Chisha is also one of the 'Nine Divine Generals,' but in terms of skills..."

"Although I have some knowledge, if faced with Arakiya, I would be reduced to dust in a matter of seconds."

"He definitely looks like a strategist type. That's true. …Speaking of the 'Nine Divine Generals,' I was wondering, if they aren't in the Imperial Capital and aren't cooperating with Abel, aside from Yorna, what's up with the others?"

Suddenly curious about the original position of the 'Nine Divine Generals,' Subaru tilted his head. As the name suggests, there are nine in total. While there are exceptions like Kafma among the 'Generals,' typically, only one general can match another general. They are all transcendental warriors of unmatched strength, if preparing for Arakiya, one must first look among them.

"The 'Ninth' Madelyn Eschart is under Chancellor Berstetz. Due to circumstances, the 'Eighth' Moguro Hagane cannot leave the defense of the Imperial Capital. The 'Seventh' Yorna Mishigure is isolated in the Demon City, and the 'Sixth' Groovy Gumlet is on an expedition to the west for an important assignment."

"And, the 'Fifth' Goz Ralfon is imprisoned under false charges, the 'Fourth' Chisha Gold is a traitor, the 'Third' Olbart Dunkelkenn is injured. The 'Second' Arakiya-chan has betrayed us, making her uncontrollable. …Huh? What about the 'First'?"

"――――"

"Now that you mention it, the 'First' hasn't come up. If I recall, wasn't it Cecilus Segmund?"

"As for Cecilus, well, let's leave that aside."

"We can't leave that aside! I mean, if we're talking about stopping Arakiya-chan, the first name that should come up is his! Matching 'First' against 'Second'! I've matched 'invincible' with 'strongest' before! I'm well-versed in this!"

Wondering why he hadn't thought of it before, Subaru smacked his knee at the brilliance of the idea. At least, he hadn't heard any rumors that the Empire's number one had betrayed the Emperor = Chisha and sided with the rebels = Abel.

Then it must be there. The strongest in the Empire, the 'Blue Thunderbolt' of Vollachia.

"I've heard he’s a bit of a problem child, but if it's to restrain Arakiya-chan, it's a risk we should be prepared to take…"

"A bit of? A problem child? I cannot accept such a perception of that."

"That? Hang on? Chisha-san?"

Subaru widened his eyes in surprise at Chisha, who continued, dividing his sentences, expressing his discontent with what Subaru had conveyed. Chisha leaned closer to Subaru, his narrow, pale face showing unmistakable signs of hardship and anguish.

"I would like to hear about this 'minor problem' that has reached the ears of Lord Natsuki, for which I have struggled to keep Cecilus bound to the position of a general."

"Oh no, he’s triggered! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It was just an outsider’s opinion!"

"No, once the chest is open, Lord Natsuki and I are in this together. Aligning our perceptions is essential. Let me begin. The stories of Cecilus that I should share with you are far more than you could count even with twice the number of fingers and toes you have."

"Help! Heeeelp!!"

-- As Subaru was overwhelmed with the torrent of emotions Chisha harbored toward Cecilus, he ultimately determined that he indeed needed him.

Afterwards, Subaru and Chisha devised a plan and announced that Vincent Vollachia, who could no longer appear in public, had fallen ill. They left the responses of the heated empire citizens, who were heading in an incomprehensible direction with opinions like "Someone who collapses during a civil war is not qualified to be emperor" or "If he's conquered by illness, will the next emperor be an illness?", to Berstetz, and headed off to various places.

"Rem! Were you alright while I was gone? No injuries or difficulties? It frustrates me immensely not being able to bring you along, but if anything happens, please tell me everything without holding back. Is there anything you want to say to me now?"

"You suddenly came back, what is this about? First of all, the business should already be done, so why the continued cross-dressing?"

"The situation where it would be problematic if my involvement with the empire's troubles became known is still ongoing, so Natsumi Schwartz’s role is still necessary. It's something driven by necessity."

"--. -- --. -- -- -- -- --. I see."

"It seems like you don't understand me at all!"

"It's nothing. For the time being, it’s a relief to see you safe."

"Yeah! Well, my stomach almost got blown off and I nearly died, though."

"What?"

"Uah!"

Of course, it's essential to check on Rem whenever he can return to the imperial capital and ensure there's no change in her condition. Although Rem still has some lingering numbness in her legs, she seems to be moving quite well and her naturally considerate personality has come to the fore, allowing her to enjoy considerable freedom in the Berstetz mansion. Seeing glimpses of Rem, even without her 'memories', warms Subaru's heart. However, it's irritating that Rui continues to hover around as usual.

"Speaking of which, about Natsumi Schwarz..."

"Oh. Eh, what, what? Do you have something to say about Natsumi Schwarz? Like she's cute?"

"That's not it. ...I heard a rumor. Something about becoming the empress."

"That one. Rather than saying she will, it's more like spreading the rumor that she might. It's part of a strategy. Since the emperor is in a difficult position to act due to various circumstances, a proxy... to be precise, it's more like a proxy of a proxy, is doing it."

"... Isn't it dangerous?"

"I won't say there's no danger. But for outsiders like me and Rem, the empire has always been a 'no venture, no gain' tiger's den. If it's to confidently walk out of that den, I'll take risks. As much as possible, I'll fight in a way that ensures victory!"

"And that high-probability fighting method is cross-dressing?"

"That's right. ...Eh, not cute?"

".... ......... Seriously, please."

With Rem's encouragement, Subaru-Schwarz set out on a journey to secure military power. The goal along the way is to appease and inspire the imperial soldiers stationed in various areas, for which the empress candidate Natsumi Schwarz, who has never welcomed a wife before, is greatly beneficial. Behaving with full confidence, openly proclaiming himself as the emperor’s proxy, and accompanied by the 'Nine Divine Generals' Chisha Gold to compensate for any lack of persuasiveness, it was more than sufficient. And with steady progress, Subaru-Schwarz and Chisha headed to their destination--

"Oh my, my, how rare it is for visitors from outside to come looking for me! I haven't officially participated in the island's events yet, but rumors have already spread. As expected of me! Indeed, the brilliance of the leading star in this world is hard to conceal!"

Yes, like a lit firecracker, loud and noisy—the boy, with a more youthful appearance than rumored, Cecilus Segmunt, finally met on the gladiator's island.

Chisha was quite resistant to the idea of calling Cecilus to make up for the lack of a decisive blow, but there is no substitute for the strongest being. Therefore, Subaru=Schwartz eagerly persuaded Cecilus, determined to include him in the effort to prevent the 'Great Calamity' approaching the empire, and then—

△▼△▼△▼△

“Come one, come all, to the grand spectacle! Hear those from afar! Come close and see with your own eyes! Here comes the star performer, Cecilus Segmunt!!”

With the winds roaring, standing boldly on the island side of the drawbridge connecting the island and the mainland, the unarmed Cecilus strikes a pose. —Against the masses of black shadows surging upon the gladiator's island. Subaru=Schwartz, knowing how dangerous and formidable they were, could only be overwhelmed by Cecilus's stage presence, holding his breath.

—Cecilus Segmunt, ranked 'One' among the 'Nine Divine Generals', the plan to take him from the gladiator's island faced significant, significant difficulties.

The governor in charge of administering the island, Gustav Morello, was extremely stubborn and inflexible, and even with the persuasive Chisha, he refused to nod at Subaru=Schwartz's plea. He was ordered by the real Vincent not to let the criminals—the gladiators—on the island go outside, and he showed resistance even to formal procedures, causing great trouble for Subaru=Schwartz and company.

The particularly troublesome aspect was the 'curse law' that dealt a killing blow to any gladiator attempting a forced escape from the island. The curse, using a curse tool possessed by Gustav as a medium, encompassed the entire island and applied to Subaru=Schwartz and others who entered unknowingly, preventing their escape. Consequently, Subaru=Schwartz found himself repeatedly facing unexpected struggles, but Gustav wasn't the only obstacle on the gladiator's island.

The targeted Cecilus Segmunt also proved to be a formidable opponent, not easily swayed.

"I do not readily accept that I am absolutely free with this. While it is free to draw or write on paper without borders, the possibility of those works, written recklessly and without direction, becoming famous books or paintings is remarkably low. Passion and a certain direction are necessary for any masterpiece."

"Is that about the client's demands or deadlines to deliver?"

"Wonderful. Talking to a prospective empress lights up inspiration with unfamiliar words and lifts my spirits! And it's probably true, as the prospective empress says! A destination is needed for a story."

"In that case, with the two of us..."

"Whether I can join the prospective empress in that is still undecided! After all, I am a star actor in high demand... even now, the words of encouragement from those who ceaselessly expect my dynamism continue to hit my heart like raindrops!"

He seemed to be listening to Subaru Schwartz's persuasion, yet he was unresponsive. Cecilus was quite younger than expected but retained an innate difficulty of handling that rivaled Gustav's burdens.

Still, Subaru Schwarz worked with Chisha and tried to overcome the two formidable obstacles of Gustav and Cecilus in conquering the Island of Gladiatorial Slaves together.

And ultimately—

"—Is that a 'witch'?"

At the back of Cecilus, who was being splashed by the waves of the undulating lake, Gustav, who was standing beside Subaru Schwarz, let out an astonished voice with suppressed amazement as they saw a shadow.
A 'witch', yes, a 'witch'. An exceedingly powerful, uncontrollable colossal threat—manifesting on the Island of Gladiatorial Slaves, standing in the way of Subaru Schwarz and the others.

With Cecilus smiling, and Subaru Schwarz and Gustav in terror.
And collapsing into Subaru Schwartz's arms, shedding tears of blood with the most agonized expression yet, was Chisha—just before, the 'White Spider' wearing Subaru Schwartz's 'mask' had—

"Could it be, because it wore my 'mask'...?"

The 'Witch of Jealousy' had long prohibited Subaru from speaking about 'Return by Death.'

Aware of the terrifying penalties for breaking this taboo, Subaru had given up revealing his 'Return by Death' and had struggled to prevent the victims of this power from extending beyond himself.

He never imagined that this taboo would also apply to Chisha, who wore a 'mask.'

"――っ"

Chisha, shedding tears of blood, could not fully wear Subaru's 'mask.' He tried to, but at the moment of activating the 'authority,' the 'mask' rejected Chisha and shattered.

Yet, the Witch's mercy was not profound enough to overlook such an attempt. By the time Subaru realized it, the sky's color had changed, a sinister wind had begun to blow, and the world had started to break.

Thus, as if slowly heralding the end, the 'Witch' was coming to the island――.

"The world is vast, magnificent, and full of unexpected things. ――It's getting exciting, everyone."

With a voice entirely devoid of bravado or bluff, Cecilus declared boldly to Subaru=Schwartz, who was being struck internally by his pulsating heart.

Faced with this crisis, this predicament, with the impending end approaching, Cecilus Segmunt met it with laughter. This caused Subaru=Schwartz’s innermost feelings to tremble. ――Whether it was fear, or an impulse bordering on admiration, he couldn't even distinguish.

"Certainly a threat, but... I see a slight faltering..."

"Chisha-san!"

"I'm sorry to surprise you and embarrass myself. ...Being looked down upon by someone as large as Cecilus is something I wish to avoid."

Clearly feigning strength and bravado, Chisha, supported by Subaru=Schwartz, stood up and brushed his tears of blood, leaving a trace of blood on his white cheek. He patted the back of Gustav, who stood frozen, bringing the governor of the sword slave island back to sanity.

"Chisha Gold, First Shogun... in my profession..."

"You must have a role that only you can fulfill. What has His Majesty Emperor Vincent Vollachia commanded you to do?"

"That is――"

"We will handle things here. ――You must fulfill your duty, Gustav Morello!"

With a forceful statement, Gustav swallowed his breath, tightened his mouth full of fangs, then whirled around fiercely and dashed towards the island's center.

The island of sword slaves has many sword slaves and those who manage them. Only Gustav can properly move everyone so that no harm befalls them.

And then—

"I would suggest that you also withdraw to a safe place?"

"A safe place... where on this island is that?"

Shaking her head at Chisha's suggestion, Subaru-Schwarz also stood up to respond. The shadow of the "Witch," growing to the size of a small hill as if it had absorbed the lake's black water, loomed with a power that would devour everything, no matter where one stood on the island.

As a penalty for touching the forbidden, it was akin to the development when he confessed his 'Return by Death' to Echidna at the tomb of the 'Sanctuary', where everything was swallowed up. At that time, if not for the handkerchief with light that Echidna had prepared, it would have been a predicament where even suicide was not allowed.

However, at this very moment—

"If it's the same no matter where we are, I will bear witness. —No matter how many times."

"An incomprehensible turn of phrase, yet strangely fitting."

Embracing his own elbow, Subaru-Schwarz resolved not to move from that spot. In reality, there was no escape. And if those who had the power to resist that "Witch" could not hold out, Subaru-Schwarz would only prepare a means to create an opportunity and break the situation.

In front of Subaru-Schwarz, who was prepared for even 'Return by Death', Chisha stepped forward, standing alongside the blue-haired boy at the forefront—

"Awaited showcase, grand stage, splendid stage! To stand alongside me, the earthly lightning that shines in critical moments, I expect your resolve is set?"

"Even at that size, your mouth remains unfettered. …Resolve, you say?"

"Haha, you don't need to feign ignorance! You've been avoiding me since the moment you visited the island of sword slaves, haven't you? The empress candidate tried to captivate me with various stratagems, but you piqued my interest by not interacting with me! Whether or not that was your aim, with the premise of the current situation, I can't help but anticipate!"

"Expectations. —Hearing that from you, it's both detestable and something else entirely."

With a youthful appearance, Cecilus has forgotten his connection with Chisha. Chisha, accepting that fact as a matter of course, is likely deeply involved in Cecilus's current situation.

While thinking about that, Subaru Schwartz, looking at the two standing together, also thinks this:

"...Reliable."

—This is the view that Vincent Vollachia saw. No matter how formidable an enemy stands in the way, if Chisha and Cecilus stand side by side in front of him, there is a power there that can crush, overpower, and carve a path forward.

With his heartbeat convinced of this, Chisha was the first to move in front of Subaru Schwartz.

Slowly, Chisha reached for his white face and put on the "mask."

"—The mask of the 'Blue Thunder.'"

With a sound, bones creaked, and his physique, the thickness of his flesh, and the structure of his body began to change. Witnessing this rather grotesque transformation akin to a Noh play, what lingered in Subaru Schwartz’s heart was the transformation sequence of a heroic ally of justice.

In terms of expecting what might happen, it was unmistakably a transformation sequence. And when that transformation sequence concluded, there stood—

"Oh, oh, oh! This is truly a breathtakingly beautiful young man! With a touch that somehow feels familiar, what's the meaning of this?"

"I'm impressed by your unwavering impression."

Beside Cecilus who raised his voice, the figure standing there, Chisha, had transformed into a young man with long blue hair. Thanks to the figure for comparison standing right nearby, Subaru Schwartz, who stood behind the two, recognized him at a glance.

—This reproduction in the form of a Noh play was truly the original aspect of Cecilus Segmunt. Before he had shrunk, the presence of Vollachia's strongest, the "Blue Thunder."

"Attacking the flaws. Can you keep up?"

"Oh, you certainly said it! Don't think you can leave me behind just because you are a strikingly memorable beauty. Even a potential empress should not blink!"

Cecilus responded to the provocation from Chisha, who had assumed his true form, and with a final word to Subaru=Schwarz, he began tapping the ground of the island with his zori. Next to him, Chisha, performing the exact same gesture—two Cecilus, one large and one small—exchanged glances. In an instant, two streaks of lightning traced lines of lightning across the island and leapt at the 'Witch' that had manifested imperfectly.

It was truly a legendary scene that should be told grandly and at length in picture stories. The two streaks of lightning clashed with the monstrous black shadow, in a once-in-a-lifetime grand stage of unusual performance.

△▼△▼△▼△

"—By tomorrow, the real clash is likely to begin," Chisha murmured, glass in hand, while gazing at the glittering Crystal Palace from the balcony of the detached palace. Illuminated by the night's light, the castle, which scattered dazzlingly beautiful reflections, was seen from afar. Subaru also held a glass—though it contained milk—and stood beside Chisha, letting out a sigh, "I see..."

"——"

Somehow silence was born, and Subaru struggled to suppress the complex emotions swirling in his chest. However, this dilemma was not an opponent that could be easily conquered with minor efforts. Ever since he resolved to intervene in the Empire's issues by saving Chisha in the Chaos Flame, being saved by Chisha, and forming an alliance to assist his purpose, it had become an enduring thorn, continually forcing Subaru to question himself.

As Subaru engaged in an ongoing battle of attrition with this formidable conflict, Chisha sipped from his glass, wetting his palate with the liquor, and called out, "Natsuki-dono."

"You've been a tremendous help to me. Once more, I want to express my gratitude."

"Whoa, getting sentimental, huh? Saying things like tying up loose ends before the decisive battle might set you up for a flag to mess up when the time comes."

"A flag... the 'foreshadowing' that Cecilus talks about?"

"Yeah, exactly, Ceci's thing."

Cecilus's peculiar expressions are difficult to decipher, but upon interpretation, they often capture the essence of the matter, impressing with their core insights. Despite being an imperfect apparition, Cecilus, who drove back the 'Witch' assaulting the gladiator's solitary island with Chisha, ecstatically left the island, exclaiming, "The long-awaited stage!" and is now waiting eagerly in the Imperial Capital for his moment in the spotlight, for better or worse.

The specific circumstances under which Cecilus became youthful again are unclear, but if his thinking and feelings have also rejuvenated along with his appearance, will he lose this fresh sensibility once he returns to his original form? If that's the case, it seems a pity.

"Even without worrying, Cecilus has always been like that."

"Seriously? Then that should be reassuring... but it actually becomes worrying in the opposite sense. With 'One' being Ceci and 'Two' being that Arakiya, it's amazing Vollachia held together."

"Everything is due to His Excellency Emperor Vincent Vollachia's guidance. Therefore, whether this current endeavor succeeds or not, we have no certainty. In truth, there have been countless unforeseen circumstances."

"Like my appearance, for instance."

"You just had to say it yourself."

Chisha smiled slightly at Subaru's words.

Regarding unexpected events, Subaru is nowhere near losing to Chisha. From the moment he was sent to the Empire of Vollachia, nothing has proceeded as anticipated.

"If I must say, it's just that the existence of Natsumi Schwartz has now been proved not only in the Kingdom but in the Empire as well."

"...I don't think it's for us who have been extensively using it to question whether those techniques were acquired in the Kingdom."

"Ah, skill improvement was cultivated in Lugunica, but skill acquisition happened elsewhere. Back in my hometown, beyond the so-called Great Falls... whoops. Saying it like that gets misunderstood, and Beako has scolded me numerous times for it, yet I did it again."

"Beyond the Great Falls. I see, that makes sense."

Subaru felt a tremble in his fingers from the lack of Beatro-min, while beside him, Chisha nodded as if deeply resonating with their current conversation. It's probably not about Subaru = Schwartz, but the latter topic—the Great Falls.

"From the start, I had several doubts. Though it's natural for Lord Natsuki's values as a Kingdom native to differ from us in the Empire, the disparity is just too wide."

"The disparity is too wide?"

"To put it bluntly, you overestimate the value of life too highly. Or more accurately, the value of others' lives, I should say."

Subaru blinked at Chisha, who uttered those words while tracing his thin chin with his fingers. The value of life, it's only natural for it to hold great significance. There is only one life. There may be exceptions, but ignoring such special cases, it is an absolute principle.

That is why he hopes that no life should ever be deprived of opportunity.

"Even Chisha-san helped me with the Chaos Flame. At that time, because you removed the Emperor's 'face' and put on Felix's, the unexpected led to a chain of other unexpected events, right?"

"That was merely because Natsuki-dono had utility value. From our value standards, letting you die there felt like a far greater loss. However, you don't view matters based on such interests. The reason for that must be your fundamental values."

"...I understand that one's way of thinking changes depending on the soil and water they grew up in. I hate the Empire, after all."

"Haha, you say it so clearly and pleasantly."

"I hate the Empire. But even though I hate it, I can't bring myself to completely hate the people living on that land. My standard of values is just like that."

At least Subaru thinks it isn't a particularly special perspective. Of course, he's well aware that his idea might seem overly naive, not only in comparison with the harsh and rigorous values of the Vollachia Empire but also with those of the Kingdom of Lugunica. Despite living in another world for more than a year, he feels he'll never get used to dealing with matters of life and death.

If that becomes a reason for disappointment, he can accept it as being somewhat inevitable. But conversely, if it becomes a reason for appreciation, he finds it hard to believe it's anything that grand.

"In the first place, does Chisha-san believe me? That I came from beyond the Great Waterfall?"

"Considering the unfamiliar words, ways of thinking, several techniques, and those values—calling you a witch cultist who gained sociality and sociability despite being raised in an outrageous environment—rather than define you as such a terrifying thing, it's far more comforting to my heart to consider you as a visitor from beyond the Great Waterfall."

"Seriously? Is the information weighing so heavily that you can't balance the scales unless you convince yourself at that level...? I should have listened more seriously to Beako's stories..."

It seems that it's better to believe Chisha's story that he's a member of the Witch's Cult than not believing at all. Even within the Emilia camp, Subaru's background is often disregarded, so he's grateful that Chisha believes him, even if it's based on a flimsy justification. However, he should be more careful about how he reveals his past in the future.

"I'm glad I was able to talk about my past in front of Rem. Otherwise, my already dwindling favorability might have dropped even further. It had finally hit rock bottom."

"I think it was abnormally low to begin with."

Chisha's comment is sympathetic towards Rem's feelings, which are difficult to gauge. In the process of opening up to each other, Subaru has conveyed to Chisha that Rem was a victim of the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, resulting in her forgetting her relationship with Subaru. However, considering the way Chisha received the information about the Great Waterfall earlier, it's possible that he believes it's better than assuming Subaru is an evil stalker with an unhealthy obsession with Rem.

"――Originally, I had no intention of bringing Cecilus back."

"Huh?"

Caught off guard by the sudden change in conversation, Subaru's eyes widened in surprise. Looking at Chisha, he placed his wine glass on the balcony railing, opening and closing his now free hand while gazing with his golden eyes at not just the Crystal Palace but the entire Imperial Capital. With the shift in atmosphere, Subaru also placed his glass down and turned his attention to the same view.

"As you may have already realized, changing him into a young form was a result of my 'abilities.' I sent him to the Sword Slave Island for a reason. All of it was to――"

"In preparation for the coming 'Great Calamity,' right? I don't quite get how shrinking Ceci and sending him to the island accomplishes anything, but... oh, maybe, with Goz?"

"Let's just say you're not far off. After all, no one can stand on the same level as Cecilus Segmunt, except for perhaps the 'Sword Saint' or the 'Admirers' and a few others."

"...Even his name comes up here; Reinhard really is worldwide famous."

In reality, Subaru witnessed with his own eyes how Cecilus's combat power was beyond the norm. In the grand skirmish against the "witch," the true value of the "Blue Lightning" was indeed displayed. However, it was not the young Cecilus himself demonstrating this, but Chisha, disguised as the adult Cecilus, wearing the "mask."

To Subaru, who had witnessed Reinhard's extraordinary battles up close twice, the prowess of the adult Cecilus seemed to fit into the same category of transcendent beings. But—

"If we're talking about strength, sure, but the qualifications needed to stand side by side aren't just that."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, when Chisha and Ceci challenged that giant shadow in Ginunhive, I think part of it was because I was Natsumi Schwarz with a heroine mentality, but I felt it. These two standing together are the strongest in the empire."

"——"

"It's not just because Chisha could impersonate the adult Ceci, you know? The reliability I felt back then wasn't because of that. It's not that you can win just because you're strong; it's a different dimension... I can't really put it well!"

Scratching his head furiously, Subaru sought a way to convey the fervor of that moment. It's not just about being strong, or being the same strength allowing you to stand together, but a special feeling, like the answer to 1 + 1 isn't 2, but a much larger number.

"Honestly, we've done so much on our own that maybe even if the Emperor learns Chisha's true intentions, he might get extremely angry and won't forgive us. But I think Emperor Vincent is a fortunate man."

"The Emperor is fortunate, you say. I agree with that sentiment."

"Oh, you're not being modest here?"

"As for oneself, it's obviously necessary to accurately gauge others' capabilities, as it’s an indispensable measure in my role within the empire. More than anything, those who do not intend to demonstrate their own abilities are only consumed in this land of the sword wolves."

"Super capability society, super meritocracy, super competitive principle... I get it, but I find a bit of hope in the fact that Vollachia isn't just about that."

Subaru said that, then turned around with a swift motion and leaned his back against the railing, gazing at the night sky. The capital city of Lupgana, shaped like a star with its northern end holding a shining crystal palace, had a sky glittering with countless stars. Subaru squinted at those stars whose names he did not know. The stars, unfamiliar and with no connection to him, were a sight he normally would never have seen. They seemed, just like the people he'd met in Vollachia.

"Belstetsu-san is quite unexpectedly passionate, isn't he? Chisha-san evaluated him as being ultranationalist, but I thought he was a passionate person. He’s probably the type to secretly hold promises dear. Madeline-chan hasn't opened her heart much yet, but I think she's quite caring. I think the person beside her was good. Now it feels like she’s confused about how to use her compassion?"

"Well, well, I feel that perspective might be somewhat too soft... but it's quite interesting, so I would like to hear more."

"It's nothing that grand, though. Despite having lost an arm, Olbart-san doesn't let it make him look grim at all, I wonder if that's thanks to his age. He pretends to be bad, but he seems to have a soft spot for young people. I haven't really had a proper conversation with Moguro-chi yet, but I'm hoping that he might actually be the most upright person in the Empire."

After accompanying them to Chaosflame, Olbart, who seemed considerate of their guilty feelings, offered to fit a weapon on his lost arm. Having been frequently outside the city, Subaru had little interaction with Moguro, who was in charge of guarding the crystal palace. However, even in few words, there was a certain consideration, and he often showed concern for Arakiya, who left, and Goz, who was in captivity.

"Since Kafma-san was affected by the healing magic that Rem remembered how to use, it’s amusing how he’s become Rem’s ardent supporter. But it’s comforting that, in the chaos I’m in, there are people like Madeline-chan and Kafma who look out for Rem. Also, Ubilk is... um, how should I put it. He works like the lubricant of the organization..."

"If you can't think of anything, there’s no need to force yourself to find something good."

"And, as for Ceci—since Ceci is Ceci, let's skip that part... then, there’s Chisha-san left."

"------"

"One way or another, since being sent to the Empire, Chisha-san has always been helping me... or maybe leading me around? Sticking with me..."

"Regardless of where it settles, from our perspective, it is nothing but unexpected elegance."

Chisha sighed as she spoke about Subaru, whose evaluation wasn't stable. It's quite something that the evaluations that should credit him even for being helped are seen as unexpected, speaking to the difficult nature of Chisha Gold. However, even considering those parts, they were companions who spent a significant amount of time together.

"For better or worse, eight out of ten episodes of my Imperial experiences involve Chisha. To me, the Vollachia Empire is synonymous with Chisha Gold."

"That's daunting. This is the land of the Sword Wolf, the Vollachia Empire belongs to none other than Emperor Vincent Vollachia, so I would like you to reconsider that notion."

Shrugging with a joking tone, such words came from a traitor who chased Emperor Vincent Vollachia from the throne and stirred the Empire as he pleased. Subaru praised it as a "Nice joke," and the two laughed together for a while. Then—

"I’m hesitating to say this because it might become a flag or foreshadowing... but what will you do after your plan succeeds, Chisha?"

"What do you mean by 'what will you do?'"

"Well, considering what you’ve done, even if you confess everything, there’s no guarantee Emperor Vincent will forgive you, right? So... you know. If you end up with no place in the Empire, I’ll guide you around the Kingdom next time!"

"Oh, Lugunica Kingdom, led by Lord Natsuki from beyond the Great Waterfall?"

"I’ve been living in the Kingdom for over a year now, so I can guide you to nearby places at least!"

In any case, if Subaru could bring Rem back to the Kingdom of Lugunica, he didn't want to have her memories as the sole purpose. He also wanted to travel through the lands she was familiar with. Of course, with the Royal Selection of Emilia, there wouldn't be much free time. However, even if on such a journey with Emilia and Beatrice, and the white sword wolf chased from the Empire, Subaru didn't think it would be bad.

"In a position where he's supporting someone already burdened with the issue of being a half-elf, I think such open-handedness is somewhat lacking in prudence. With that in mind, Natsuki-dono’s role as an arbitrator in their faction must be fraught with great difficulty."

"Ugh… It's fine! That person tends to take on burdens, and they've told me I can say anything without putting on airs!"

"'Without putting on airs,' you say."

He received a reasonable remark, which made Subaru curve his lips into a frown. Diverting the conversation in that manner essentially meant he had been rejected. Of course, he understood that making future plans with Chisha, who was striving for the empire's tomorrow, after having been expelled from the empire, was not just being indiscreet.

"I don't like trying to deal with things by setting up a desperate situation where there's no place to return to or belong. So, I extend a helping hand."

"Natsuki-dono..."

"Alright! The flag-building on the eve of the decisive battle is over! I’ve said everything I wanted to… Ah, thanks for taking care of Rem's life. What you’ve done has been really helpful. It's incredibly complicated, but thanks to you too, Rui."

Rui seemed to have gotten even closer to Rem in Subaru’s absence from the imperial city. So far, she hasn’t committed any misdeeds typical of a Sin Archbishop, and instead, she seems to be dedicating herself loyally to Rem, but the true intention remains unknown. – Even so, when bringing Rem back to the kingdom, figuring out what to do with her is a headache. Figuring out how to address this headache might also be something to consult Otto about.

“――――”

As Subaru contemplated how to increase Otto’s stress, Chisha, unusually, furrowed her brow and opened and closed her lips, attempting to say something, three times. It seemed as though it was born of some hesitation, and Subaru tilted his head.

"Chisha-san, was there some flag you wanted to raise?"

"――. No, rather the opposite. I restrained myself because I almost made a statement that could be regrettably interpreted as foreshadowing. I could have been influenced by Cecilus or Natsuki-dono."

"I'm in the same category as Ceci!? Seriously!?"

With a chuckle, Chisha said those words, and Subaru was astonished, his eyes wide open. Without saying much in reaction to Subaru’s response, Chisha took the sake cup from the railing and gulped down the liquor.

Unseen by others, he crafted strategies to fend off the 'Great Calamity' shaking the empire, and even after the truth was revealed, he might be forced to live a life where he's talked about behind his back—a man who perhaps had no choice but to deceive even the lord to whom he pledged his loyalty. The culmination of his battle was fast approaching.

While praying that this hope would lead to success, the clear path to finally return to the Kingdom of Lugunica began to appear, and Subaru clenched his fist. Then, letting the rising heat guide him, he thrust that fist into the sky,

"Let’s do it, Chisha-san. This battle will be our victory!"

"I'm not one for getting so fired up, but... I appreciate the sentiment."

Saying that, Chisha, not driven by mere momentum, raised his sake cup to the night and matched it with Subaru's fist. Their cooperation, which began from an absurd situation neither wanted—no, their accomplice relationship. It was indeed a night of firm vows between the great liars deceiving the Volcanica Empire.

—And that was the last night for Natsuki Subaru and Chisha Gold.

△▼△▼△▼△

Shaken awake, his cheeks slapped and consciousness drawn to awareness, Natsuki Subaru was astonished that he awoke not in the bedroom of Barestesu’s mansion but in a cramped box.

“Uuu!”

With that high-pitched voice aiding Subaru's awakening, he found himself packed tightly in the narrow box, just like the other occupant, Rui Arneb. Beyond the grinning Rui, spotting Rem, Subaru sprang up, only to scrape his head painfully and intensely against the box’s ceiling, crying out in pain and heat, “Gyaoo!”

And then—

"We're inside the dragon carriage heading to the Kingdom of Lugunica. I overheard them saying so."

"Ha, huh? Why are we doing that? But... no, but! The rebel army is already!"

"I don’t understand it either! It all happened so suddenly. We were forcefully shoved into the dragon carriage... but you didn’t wake up at all."

"Don’t be ridiculous, I'm usually quick to wake up, and if such a commotion happened, I would surely..."

He was about to say he was supposed to wake up, but then he compared it to the reality of not being able to wake up. When that happened, what flashed through Subaru's mind was the milk he drank last night. The milk he drank while conversing with Chisha on the balcony of the detached palace was something Chisha had prepared for Subaru, and right after finishing their conversation, he was suddenly overcome with an intense drowsiness. He staggered back to the room he was given, and there he slept like a log—

"I got tricked by Chisha...! What was I thinking... Am I an idiot? No, I am an idiot. It’s obvious what Chisha was thinking."

It was clear. Chisha's aim in setting up this situation was evident. Chisha intended to do it alone. Having borrowed Subaru's help to prepare the board up to this point, Chisha decided to remove Subaru from the board, just like he did with the Emperor, and start the final battle with 'The Great Calamity' alone.

Thoughts like whether he planned this from the start or from where he was deceived—such pathetic laments beyond retrieval raged in his mind, only to be shut out. At this moment, lamenting "it's no good, it's no good" wouldn't help.

"Somehow, I must get out..."

"I think it’s difficult. I tried several times, but it’s a sturdy box and doesn’t budge. It seems it will open once we cross the border with the kingdom..."

"That means I won’t make it in time for the decisive battle at the Imperial Capital! Hey! Hey! Someone! Open up! Open up! I am the candidate for Empress to His Majesty Emperor Vincent Vollachia, Natsumi Schwartz!"

Even as he pounded on the walls of the box and yelled pretending to be Natsumi Schwartz, there was no action from the other side of the dragon carriage. Of course, Chisha had arranged it so that they wouldn’t listen no matter what Subaru and the others said when they woke up.

"—Invisible Providence."

Subaru clenched his molars tightly and attempted to activate the invisible arm within him, the "Invisible Providence," aiming to destroy the box. However, unlike the original owner, the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, for Subaru, it was nothing more than a third arm that was invisible. If Subaru's two arms couldn't break the wall, using this third one was equally impossible.

"If only the lock on the box were simple, I could have used the Invisible Providence to open it..."

Feeling only the creak of his body in reaction, Subaru ground his teeth at the failure of his plan. Beside Subaru, who was struggling so hard, Rem had been fighting a similar uphill battle, creating numerous small dents the size of fingertips in the wall, her expression tense. She, too, did not find it agreeable to leave the empire at this moment.

Rem, placed as a hostage in the Berstetz residence for Subaru's sake, had recalled how to use healing magic during her time there and was valued as a precious asset in the empire. Finding fulfillment in her work, Rem had formed her own friendship ties within the empire. Subaru had even heard stories that she had made friends.

"Madeline-san and Katua-san are still in the imperial capital, while I..."

She probably wasn't even allowed to say goodbye. The last words Subaru exchanged with Chisha were along the lines of "Make sure to use the bathroom before bed," which he couldn’t shake off, despite the fact that he was at the limit of his sleepiness. What a pathetic state.

"Damn it! Let us out! At least, at least let us have a discussion! Going ahead on your own!"

"Ah—, uu?"

"Shut up! It's always like this, but especially now, I don’t have time to deal with you!"

Subaru yelled at Rui, who peeked from the side with a worried expression, while he banged on the wall. Realizing it was nothing more than venting his frustration, he felt disgusted with himself for directing his anger, even at someone as dangerous as a Sin Archbishop. In place of the pathetic Subaru, Rem gently embraced Rui from behind, who had been shouted at. And then—

"Uu—?"

"…not alright. I want to insist that everything's okay so I don’t worry Rui-chan, but right now, neither I nor this person is."

"Ua, eu. ――Ah, u."

Rui, who was held tightly, blinked at Rem's words, which were on the verge of tears, then slightly hardened his expression and reached out to touch Subaru. Feeling that touch, Subaru gritted his teeth. It was right after that.

"――Huh?"

In the next moment, just as if his vision blurred unexpectedly, Subaru found himself sitting on the highway.

"Huh, uh, what? Outside... but way too outside!"

Raising his voice in confusion, Subaru stood up in a panic. He was not the only one startled by the sudden phenomenon. Rem, who was holding Rui, was also sitting there. The three of them, in the same arrangement as they were in the box, were on the highway――.

"Was that... teleportation? Transfer? No way."

"It!"

Right in front of Subaru, who instinctively grasped the answer, Rui raised her hand vigorously. It was the power Rui possessed—no, the authority of the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony. The "Gluttony" in the Pleiades Watchtower had devoured someone with the ability to teleport short distances. Using that, Rui managed to escape the dragon carriage with Subaru and Rem.

"Rui-chan, that's amazing..."

"It's amazing, and although it irks me to praise you directly, you did well here! Can't you use that teleport to take us straight back to the Imperial Capital!?"

"U-uh? Ah, uh-uh"

Enthusiastically grabbing her shoulders and shaking his head back and forth, Subaru made Rui dizzy as she shook her head. Realizing it was a gesture of denial, Subaru felt frustrated. Although grateful for escaping the dragon carriage, they had likely been taken quite far from the Imperial Capital. How long would it take to return on foot, especially with Rem, whose legs hadn't fully healed yet?

Subaru even considered, though regrettably for Rem, having her aim for the border while he returned to the capital on his own. It was at that moment.

"――――"

Suddenly, a high-pitched sound emitted from Rem, and Subaru turned around in surprise. To his astonishment, he saw that the source of the mysterious high-pitched sound was a small whistle-like object Rem held to her mouth. As Subaru widened his eyes, wondering what it was, Rem announced, "It's a dragon bone whistle."

"I received it from Madeline. Previously, I mended Madelyn's clothes, and because it was a very important garment, she wanted to repay me. When you blow this whistle――"

"When you blow the whistle... whoa!?"

The result of blowing the dragon bone whistle given by Madeline descends from the sky. Is it one of the flying dragons that the dragonoid Madeline commands? These flying dragons, known for their ferocious nature, do not warm up to humans unless raised in a special way. Yet, here it kneels before Rem, who now holds the whistle, bowing its head to show its willingness to obey.

Probably, it has been instructed by Madeline to follow Rem.

"If it lets us ride, we can get to the Imperial Capital!"

"Didn't you just plan to leave me and Rui behind and return to the Imperial Capital by yourself?"

"I'm sorry! But I didn't mean any harm! It's just that you're important and dear to me!"

"Huh? I won't let you ride?"

"Alright, I won't say anything unnecessary! Please let me ride!"

Subaru, caught in a conflict of urgency and excitement, frantically pleads with Rem. At Subaru's words, Rem sighs, and reaches out to pull Rui closer.

"We don't know what speed it will go, so hold on tight."

"Yeah! It's my first time riding a flying dragon despite everything, but that's the least of my worries now."

Riding atop a creature of the sky and freely soaring through the open air is not something frequently experienced. So far, the only time Subaru flew under similar conditions was with Roswaal. Harboring such pointless sentiments, Subaru embraces Rem and Rui from behind and swiftly lifts them onto the flying dragon's back.

And while apologizing to Rem, who protests with a "Wait!", he says,

"Let's return to the Imperial Capital! Don't think this marks the end of our story with us dropping out!"

△▼△▼△▼△

"――Chisha-san, the moment is imminent."

Just before the start of the Imperial Capital battle, Ubilk visited Chisha and conveyed this message.

Chisha feels an intense disgust for the contact made by those in the position of 'Star Readers,' the celestial observers they refer to as 'Stars,' who construct the world's principles and endorse an absolute dichotomy.

"This 'contact,' is due to the influence of Lord Natsuki, isn't it?"

Chisha consciously acknowledged the words muttered in their heart and softly relaxed their lips. Last night, Subaru, who was put to sleep and taken out of the imperial capital, along with their companions Rem and Rui, were being sent directly towards the border between the Empire and the Kingdom. The soldiers, who were highly loyal to Chisha, accepted this without any explanation and followed the orders to move away from the battlefield without hesitation. Chisha felt deeply moved and thought that, unexpectedly, they were blessed with good people.

"Of course, that's obviously true! After all, with me accompanying you, there's no room for doubt in that regard!"

"……I believe I have already assigned you a position, so why are you here?"

Chisha frowned at the youthful figure of 'Blue Lightning' they encountered in the corridor of the Crystal Palace. However, as if such a question was absurd, Cecilus extended a hand and exclaimed, "Nonsense!"

"You understand me, don't you? As someone who aims to be one of the world's leading actors, I am guaranteed to ultimately make it to the grand stage. In fact, here I am, witnessing the scene of a great war that shakes the empire."

"Isn't that because Natsumi Schwartz and I went to fetch you?"

"That is precisely what I'm saying is the guidance that arrives to me when necessary. Hypothetically, even if you, Ma'am, and others hadn't come to fetch me! Even if no one had been sent to retrieve me! I'm sure I would still find myself on this battlefield. No matter what kind of twist of fate it might be."

"As usual... even 'Stargazers' convey messages from the stars with a bit more modesty, but with you, nothing seemed to work."

"Naturally. How can someone with a personality that easily bends and twists be loved as a captivating lead actor? Even without a sword, one holds beliefs. That goes for you, Ma'am, and myself as well."

Pointing his finger assertively, Cecilus spoke in his usual manner. It was so much his usual tone that for a moment, he almost forgot how small he was.

Ma'am, as Cecilus called Natsumi Schwartz—also known as Natsuki Subaru—indeed had a conviction that could be described by him as "sweetness."

Then, what about Chisha Gold? Does he possess it too? A conviction, that is.

"Yes, I do. Because you are one of the actors I acknowledge."

"It wasn't you who chose me. I must say that."

"My, that's harsh. Oh, it seems like the opening signal for battle."

Sniffing lightly, Cecilus looked out the window, narrowing his blue eyes. Whether this was merely a gesture or if he actually sensed the signs of battle through his nose, Chisha could not tell. However, turning his back and preparing to head to the battlefield as ordered, Chisha called out to him, "Cecilus," and—

"Although I've already said what I needed to, it's a bit awkward, but one more thing."

"Oh my, what could it be? I hope it's something uplifting for an actor heading to the battlefield."

"It was unexpectedly delightful spending days traveling with you and leaving tracks with the wheels of the dragon carriage. I pray for your success in battle, Cecilus Segmunt."

"――――"

With a voice more gentle than he himself expected, Chisha quietly absorbed his own surprise. Cecilus widened his eyes slightly at the same words, then formed his familiar smile and said,

"――Perfect!!"

△▼△▼△▼△

Deceiving, pretending, lying, scheming, trapping, setting up, deceiving and deceiving repeatedly.

He didn't like to deceive. However, it was his specialty. The "ability" that had been bestowed upon Chisha Gold was by chance, but thinking of the resulting consequences, it seemed inevitable—no, like "foreshadowing." But is it a bit too much of a story-telling mindset to think that way?

"But it can't be helped. How much time have I spent with Cecilus, exposing myself to those unrestrained and lively words?"

Even if one doesn't particularly resonate with that way of thinking, there are many aspects in which one can be influenced. Not all of Cecilus's opinions can simply be dismissed as nonsense. Surprisingly, there are parts of Cecilus's words that contain some depth. In particular, there was understanding in the notion that everyone is an actor, with a role to perform on stage. — Then, what is Chisha Gold's role?

"Unexpectedly, there is not much emotion that wells up when looking up at the throne from below like this."

"——"

With a demeanor as if it belonged to him, stepping boldly on the red carpet laid out, Chisha met the man who came from the throne, narrowing his golden eyes. The one who appeared, a handsome man with black hair wearing a mask modeled after a demon, faced Chisha, who ironically made a living by wearing 'masks'. He was the leader of the rebels approaching the imperial capital—or rather, the genuine and only emperor of this Holy Vollachia Empire, Vincent Vollachia.

"——Having allied with Berstetz and exiled me, did you achieve your goal?"

Having faced many challenges and numerous ordeals, Vincent returned to his castle. Though he was never particularly strong physically, with no one to rely on while displaced from the throne, it was the emperor's return relying solely on his own wit and the power of words as weapons.

The pinnacle of the empire, Chisha Gold's master, is asking if the wish was fulfilled.

"Unfortunately, it's still difficult to say it's been achieved. Therefore, I must ask for your cooperation a little while longer."

"Even after taking so much, you still seek something more from me? You have a greedier side than I assessed. — But, it's a delusion."

"——"

"Having moved me from the throne, what you sought to obtain was nothing more than an insubstantial haze. Needless expansion of the flames of war is engulfing the empire. — Though there is a way to extinguish it immediately."

As he spoke, Vincent placed a hand on his own face and removed the mask.

His revealed face, now devoid of its "mask," undeniably belonged to his master, whose reflection he could no longer even see in the mirror. This was likely due to the significant hardships he had endured. His complexion was slightly worse than when he was on the throne, with his cheekbones more prominently exposed.

Yet, comparing the exhaustion from the days when he performed his duties as emperor, to the days when he was tirelessly working to reclaim the throne, it is clear that Vincent has neglected himself too much.

—Yes, this emperor is excessively disregarding himself.

"Me—"

"—Your Excellency."

Chisha interrupted Vincent, who was about to say something, by calling out his master's name.

At that moment, without even closing his eyes, numerous faces flashed through his mind. Holding onto the guilt of deceiving every one of them, Chisha exhaled and said,

"—Your major flaw is that you are overly detached from the map."

In that instant, Chisha placed her hands, which had been behind her back, on her own face and donned a "mask." With creaking sounds, Chisha's physique began to change, height shrinking, sinewy body reshaping, and chest swelling.

Thus, appearing before Vincent was the trump card—

"—the 'Sun' mask."

Priscilla Benedict.
Once known by that name, now a candidate in the royal selection of the neighboring Lugunica, with the mask of Vincent Vollachia's greatest weakness, Chisha smiled.

Stunned by the unbelievable encounter, Vincent gasped as Chisha launched herself from the floor. Gracefully as if dancing, Chisha reached out to the frozen Vincent's face, and then—

"—the 'Wise Emperor' mask."

Quickly, using her skill to craft a new "mask" for Vincent, she discarded the Priscilla mask she just wore and donned the newly formed one.

Amidst the sounds of another transformation, Chisha, enduring the changes in her own body, took further action against the petrified Vincent.

She seized the oni mask Vincent had removed and used it to once again conceal the emperor's true face.

"You—"

For what purpose, for whom, why.
Confronted with the events that had unfolded, the overly wise emperor's voice quivered as he sought answers. However, without Chisha’s words, the emperor would surely never reach that answer.
Just as he told Vincent a moment ago.

He observes the board, thinks about things efficiently, and defines the value of all pieces uniformly.
To Vincent, who lacks the awareness that he himself is a part of the stage, the true intention behind Chisha's actions would never be conveyed.
But that is fine. It does not matter if the true intention is never conveyed.

What is desired is the result.
Whether what the insignificant minor character Chisha Trim, who donned the ‘face’ of Chisha Gold, sought to obtain by deceiving everything he achieved would be realized.
Though he could not witness it himself, he had confidence.

If he could deceive the spectators, trap the 'Great Calamity,' and completely fool Vincent Vollachia, then what Chisha desired would surely shine brightly.
So—

He was pushed away, and he could faintly tell through the mask that his cheek hardened.

It was surely an expression that many would misunderstand. The emperor, who was too wise, often omitted words that should not be omitted, even when few words were necessary for that expression.

Perhaps it was only someone like himself, who had been with the emperor for many years, who could correctly understand the meaning of that expression.

"Ah, but—"

He allowed himself to hope—perhaps, maybe, possibly.
That there might be someone who could straightforwardly look upon Vincent Vollachia, a remarkably wise emperor, yet also a man incredibly foolish with low self-esteem.

It was inevitable to have such a thought.

When the ‘face’ Chisha wore as the emperor was penetrated by light in a way that avoided Vincent, who had been pushed against the wall seen from the window outside.

—The accomplice he thought had been distanced was riding the back of a flying dragon, leaping into this scene.

None can live once their heart has been pierced.
Therefore, it was an inevitable event, the destined conclusion that arrived as it must.

The man died.

As Chisha Trim, then as Chisha Gold, and finally as Vincent Vollachia, the man died.

He died in front of the lord to whom he swore allegiance and the accomplice who aided in deceiving that lord.

—That was all that happened at this moment.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　△▼△▼△▼△

—Thus, the story converges into its rightful form, ushering in the time of the "Great Calamity."

A horde of resurrected dead, led by a "witch" who wishes for the empire's ruin, sets the world ablaze. The assembled "Nine Divine Generals" take up positions different from the historical record, altering even their fates of life and death as they burn their lives to exert their martial prowess to the fullest. The women who crossed into a neighboring country to search for an important boy who had been separated from them witness an intense turning point visiting the empire, keeping their hope alive amid the turmoil, and they deepen their bonds. And a woman, as radiant as the sun, possessing one of the "Sun Swords" that should not rightfully exist, shines with unchanged arrogant beauty and burns her soul to respond to the anger directed at her by the "witch" towards the horde of distorted dead.

Witnessing the death of the man who completely deceived everything at the center of this story, painted with flames upon flames, those who did so hoarse their voices, shed tears of blood, and crack their souls while burning fate.

"—Get up! Don't give up! I'll never forgive you if you give up! You already know by now the reason he told those lies!!"

"Shut up, fool. What on earth can you speak of me for? I am—"

"You are!!"

"—The seventy-seventh emperor of the Holy Vollachia Empire, Vincent Vollachia!"

With trembling knees on the verge of collapse, the man stands up. Desperately holding on to a heart that seems ready to break into tears, the boy clenches his fists. Blaming herself for her inability to do more, the girl lifts her face, realizing there is still something she can do, as a young child clinging to her, points at the “Great Calamity” shaking the imperial capital, and roars.

Men line up, overlooking the cityscape from large holes in the shattered castle walls. Exchanging glances as they stand by each other, Natsuki Subaru and Vincent Vollachia, who were bound to fate earlier than now, entrusted by the man who deceived fate to thwart the approaching "Great Calamity" and seize the future that man desired, look ahead.

"I am your emperor, Vincent Vollachia. ―One of the imperial sword wolves."

"My name is Natsuki Subaru, a fleeting thunderbolt of the world, and the accomplice of the big liar, Chisha Gold!"

The two declare their positions loudly and powerfully, resonating across the skies of the Imperial Capital. As the coming 'calamity' and the dreadful enemies approach, Natsuki Subaru constructs the board so that the most forces are concentrated in the Imperial Capital, twisting his cheek. And then――,

"The baton passed to me without consent has been accepted. ―Bring it on, Fate!!"

△▼△▼△▼△

――This is a mismatch of possible buttons.

With a single gear misaligned, the story twists greatly, and the rails of fate easily change course. If the flow that should not occur changes, the torrent of destiny tosses people like leaves.

Still, even so,

If, even so, one reaches the unchanging other side while being nonconformist, it is surely when an unwavering, strong desire deceives fate.

That lie of a lifetime is the meaning of a man's life, and――,

"――This is my one-time-only grand stage and curtain call."

《End》

And so, it was the traditional April Fools' project! A man who had little role in the main story and who disappeared after bluntly revealing his true intentions at the end. Since he had almost no connection with Subaru, he was a character left unexplored except for important parts, but in a 'what-if' scenario where they could meet on a different world line――it became the seventh 'IF' chapter. In this world line, there are differences in the characters involved, the unfolding of events Subaru follows, and who he can deeply connect with or not, making it quite interesting. Regardless of the route, Subaru will cross-dress. It's fate.

Anyway, thank you for your support this year as well! I am glad I could do this only because the Imperial Chapter ended and it was April Fool’s. Regarding how much the characters' positions and survivors change between the main story and Azamuku, I hope to share that in an activity report at another time! So, thank you! Sweet dreams!