"――Possibility, as compensation."

Petra confirmed the content she was told in her mind and furrowed her well-shaped eyebrows. Possibility, that was what had to be exchanged to use Clind's mysterious power of 'Teleportation.' She had imagined straightforward compensations like vast amounts of mana or rare magic stones, but――,

"Compensation being possibility, what on earth is that?"

Imaginary Subaru, sharing the same doubt as Petra, twisted his head dramatically. Taking advantage of being an intangible illusion, he spun around in mid-air, fully expressing his dissatisfaction with Clind's explanation. However, this cute display was visible only to Petra.

"By the way, did this person mention the 『Melancholy』 Witch Factor? He did, right? Witch Factor is one of those shady keywords Echidna mentioned!"

"…I don't think very highly of that 『Witch of Greed』, so I'm not sure how much I can trust her."

"Well, she's the type that easily causes misunderstandings. I don't completely trust her either, but if you think of it as a reflection of her poor interpersonal skills, it might change your perspective a bit. She's definitely not a good person. Not a good person."

"Right. With my handkerchief… never mind."

Focusing on aspects other than compensation, Petra lowered her gaze at the trembling voice of Imaginary Subaru. The despairing scene she witnessed in the 『Book of the Dead』 and the method prepared by the 『Witch』 that Subaru chose to end it were things Petra never wanted to speak of. They were not something she wanted to face, but neither could she look away from them, making it particularly troublesome. Nevertheless――,

"So, if it's a Witch Factor, does that mean the steward was also an Archbishop?"

Meili, naturally oblivious to the tension, cut into the difficult topic. The term was unfamiliar to Petra before reading the 『Book of the Dead』, but it seemed Meili had an opportunity to learn about Witch Factors somewhere. The relationship between Witch Factors and the 『Witch』—and by extension, the Archbishops—was something Petra felt she needed to question as well. Honestly――,

"If this Clind is the same kind of Archbishop as Petelgeuse, how much can we trust the amicable discussion we just had…"

"Is Subaru, who forgave Spica-chan, the 『Archbishop of Gluttony』, really saying that?"

"What are you talking about!? There's no way I'd forgive the 『Gluttony』 that put Rem through that!"

"…Maybe you should review my recent memories for a while."

Just like with Beatrice, the Subaru from the timeline Petra saw in the 『Book of the Dead』 had significant discrepancies in knowledge and relationships compared to the current Subaru. Reflecting on it, she recalled Subaru occasionally speaking ill of Echidna, suggesting that various things had happened between Subaru and Echidna beyond Petra's knowledge. Undoubtedly, she was a bad woman, confirming Petra's intuition. ――With such mental deliberations, Petra, alongside Meili, cautiously watched Clind.

While she believed Clind was not a villain and was aware of the precedent set by Spica, the former Archbishop, trusting someone unconditionally like Emilia was a different matter. Emilia's innocence was endearing and charming, and Petra hoped she would continue to grow just like that.

"Meili's doubts are understandable, but I am not an Archbishop of Sin. Denial. To begin with, the 『Melancholy』 Witch Factor is an exceptional entity. An anomaly. Even if someone is compatible with this factor, they do not become a 『Witch』 or an Archbishop of Sin. Outcast."

"――――"

"The previous owner... the one compatible with the 『Melancholy』 Witch Factor, called themselves the 『Warlock of Melancholy』. Self-proclaimed... no, it was actually others who called them that. That person wasn't particular about titles; it was simply what his wife deemed appropriate to call him. A nickname."

"Warlock..."
『Not a witch, but a warlock! Makes sense. I was worried what would happen if he started calling himself a magic man or something.』

Finding it to his liking, Imaginary Subaru snapped his fingers in admiration. Meanwhile, Petra muttered the word under her breath and looked at Clind. If the earlier explanation also applied to Clind,

"Then, does that mean Clind-nii-sama is also the 『Warlock of Melancholy』?"

"No. Denial. I am not compatible with the 『Melancholy』 Witch Factor. Therefore, I require compensation to draw out the powers of 『Melancholy』. Incompatible. Normally, those compatible with a Witch Factor do not need compensation to exercise their powers. It is the right to rewrite the world, acknowledged by Od Lagna. Official."

"The right to rewrite the world, huh. I hear that a lot, but Od Lagna should be more selective about who they give it to."

『Agreed with Meili』

Meili pouted in dissatisfaction, while Imaginary Subaru, unable to touch her head, stroked it with an invisible hand. Petra placed a finger on her lips, organizing the information.

She wanted to believe Clind's denial of being an Archbishop of Sin or a 『Warlock』. Then, she accepted the rule that the special power supposedly brought by the Witch Factor—freely usable by those compatible—requires compensation for the incompatible to use. If that is the payment for Clind's use of 'Compression' instead of 'Teleportation,'

"For example, if someone else... if I could use the Witch Factor that Clind-nii-sama has, does that mean I could 'Teleport' without paying any compensation?"

『Petra! That's definitely dangerous, so don't do it!』

"Why? Subaru, you understand, don't you? ...Subaru's 'Return by Death' is definitely the same thing as the Witch Factor Clind-nii-sama is talking about."

『That is...』

With a realization, Imaginary Subaru fell silent with a bitter expression. At the tea party with Echidna, Subaru learned the fact that he had absorbed a Witch Factor—at that time, it was said to be from the 『Archbishop of Sloth』 he had just defeated, but considering the reasons why the 『Witch of Envy』 is obsessed with Subaru, it is likely not just that. 'Return by Death' is a clearly unusual power, neither magic, sorcery, nor technique—likely a power, or authority. If so, Natsuki Subaru is also a 『Warlock』.

"In that case, I don't mind becoming a 『Witch』. As long as I'm with Subaru, I'm not afraid."

『...It might be a hasty conclusion. My 'Return by Death' might be unrelated to any authority, just a gift from a god typical of otherworldly stories that hasn't even shown its face yet.』

"Subaru, you're good at keeping secrets, but you're bad at lying."

That's why he keeps secrets to avoid letting anything slip and avoids discussions. While cherishing the kindness of her beloved, Petra closed her eyes, then looked back at Clind. Clind widened his eyes slightly, seemingly impressed by her gaze and determination, but—

"Unfortunately, that method cannot be adopted. Rejected."

"――Why?"

"First of all, it's impossible for Petra to be compatible with the 『Melancholy』 Witch Factor. Along with this, the 『Vanity』 Witch Factor is missing... no, it should be considered an exception. These are exceptional factors, each calibrated for only one compatible person—the hero and the saint. Custom-made. They won't be compatible with anyone else, and besides—"

"...and besides?"

"Even those who were compatible couldn't escape the corruption of the mind. It's regrettable."

Clind lowered his eyes and pressed his lips together. From his reaction, Petra sensed that he knew the compatible individuals—the hero and the saint. Furthermore, the sole compatible person with the 『Melancholy』 Witch Factor, who fell into mental corruption, was the 『Warlock of Melancholy』, that hero. And since Clind possesses that 『Warlock』's Witch Factor, it means that hero is no longer anywhere in this world—

"Okay, okay, I understand it's a very important conversation, but since Petra-chan's risky decision was also turned down, let's get back to the main topic, shall we?"

"Uh, risky, you say..."

"It was risky, wasn't it? Even if Petra-chan were to be favored by something like a Witch Factor, I would absolutely oppose it. You shouldn't rely on such power."

"Meili-chan..."

Without any ill intent, it was clear that these words came from Meili's genuine concern for Petra. Meili, who knew about the Witch Factors without attending the 『Witch』's tea party. From her way of speaking, she might have had encounters with beings possessing Witch Factors—like the 『Archbishop of Gluttony』. However, her advice was ironically poignant.

『――――』

Imaginary Subaru looked at Meili with a face too gentle to be called complicated. Given the incidents surrounding the 『Sanctuary』 and the Roswaal mansion, and having been captured amidst the turmoil, Meili was involved in the matter—what was seen in the 『Book of the Dead』, the deaths of Petra and Frederica. The fact that Petra and Meili's relationship didn't end as simply a victim and perpetrator of 'death' was thanks to none other than Subaru's 'Return by Death.' Therefore, Petra can't help but think that power can be used wisely, but—

"...Yeah, I understand."

"That's right. Good girl."

Meili was visibly relieved by Petra's response. Petra nodded, holding Meili's hand. In any case, if the 『Melancholy』 Witch Factor doesn't fit Petra, then the plan to replace Clind as the factor holder and ignore the cost can't be pursued. The idea of Petra being a 『Witch』 if Subaru is a 『Warlock』 is simply an appealing scenario, but if there's no benefit, it should be discarded.

"As Meili said, let's return to the main topic. Reproduction. In any case, as explained, the payment of a price is necessary. And the price is the influence on the world. Possibility."

"—. Please explain a bit more."

"For example, there's magic that can start a fire with a single chant. Its convenience is undeniable, and many futures are opened up by this magic. Promising. Cooking, medicine, metalwork, blacksmithing, warfare... the list goes on. Vast. This is influence and possibility. And—"

"...If you offer that magic as a price, all the things that were supposed to happen thanks to that magic disappear?"

"For that amount, the world retains the space of possibility that was originally supposed to be used. With that space, that margin, you can exercise the unfit 『Melancholy』 authority. Complete."

Petra understands from the way Clind concludes that he has finished the necessary explanation.

The story is clear. ――In short, it's a matter of resources. The resources managed by Od Lagna, which are used to operate the world, have their limits. Normally, these resources are used to their full capacity, but by offering something as compensation, they can be made to exceed these limits. This surplus is secretly used, which is the condition for Clind's authority to be exercised.

Having understood this much, the clever and charming Petra realizes one more thing.

"...We had Clind use his authority a lot when we went to the Empire, didn't we? What was the compensation for that?"

"――. The master. It's a secret."

"...I really hate it."

Petra feels a boiling mix of frustration and resentment in her stomach. In that situation, everyone in the camp gave their all to help Subaru and the others. Beatrice continued to sleep, believing in her reunion with Subaru, and Otto relied on his family, even bending his principles. Emilia desperately showed the way, and of course, Petra did everything she could. Yet, the fact that Roswaal, who paid the greatest price, wouldn't even speak of it was an unbearable humiliation for Petra.

"Could it be a feeling of atonement? Like saying sorry for the 『Sanctuary』 or the mansion?"

"I don't think it's such an obvious feeling. That's why I hate the master...!"

"Hmm, Petra's anger is justified..."

Imaginary Subaru, who hasn't yet fully read Petra's memories of the Empire, doesn't quite align with her emotions, which is frustrating. However, Petra doesn't want him to understand this ugly, simmering jealousy, so she throws it into the well of her heart, nails the lid shut, and ensures it can never be opened. The accumulation of dissatisfaction with Roswaal is nothing new. And she understands that Roswaal is the right person to meet the conditions for Clind's authority.

"The master has a lot of things like magic and magical tools that could be offered as compensation."

Of course, having a lot doesn't mean it's okay to give them away without regret. It's unclear if Od Lagna considers the depth of attachment in its evaluation, but it's a 'possibility' that would have influenced the world if not relinquished. Petra doesn't believe the world can be moved by something without attachment.

――'Possibility' requires passion and attachment. Offering something without these and expecting to regain something truly important with such a shallow notion of salvation is a despicable idea that cannot stand.

Therefore, Petra――,

"――I'm willing to offer something."

"Hey, hey."

Meili quietly mutters, having reached the same conclusion as Petra. As Imaginary Subaru blinks in surprise, Meili continues, "Because, you know, the reason I'm alive is thanks to your brother sparing me. It's not like I'm trying to repay that debt, but isn't it a straightforward reason?"

"Petra, stop Meili! I don't know what happened between this girl and the current me, but I didn't help her with that intention!"

"Yeah, you're right."

Imaginary Subaru's words, spoken with a changed expression, are easily accepted. Subaru helped Meili not out of a calculated desire for her to repay him someday, but simply because he wanted to help her. Subaru wouldn't want Meili to do something that would close off her possibilities.

"Meili-chan is no good. The most valuable thing Meili-chan could offer is the blessing to control magical beasts, but if she loses that, Meili-chan becomes worthless."

"Oh my! Petra-chan, that's so mean."

"Sorry. Saying 'worthless' is too much. Meili-chan would just become cute."

Honestly, Subaru and Emilia would likely say they don't mind that. However, Meili herself cannot accept becoming just a cute girl. Petra understands that painfully well. — Cute girls can't remain just cute girls as much as everyone around them thinks.

"—Petra-sama, Meili-sama."

At that moment, a voice caught them off guard, and Petra and the others quickly turned toward the dragon carriage. There, a girl jumped down from the carriage's cargo area and ran toward them—Flam. During their journey through the Augria Sand Dunes, she had voluntarily lost consciousness and now had awakened. The reason for Flam's loss of consciousness was related to her blessing—

"Flam-chan, I'm glad you're awake—"

"I have fulfilled the conditions for using the 『Blessing of Telepathy』. I can contact my sister... and Grassis. I should also be able to communicate with Felt-sama and Rachins-sama."

"——"

Flam prioritized quickly conveying her situation over confirming each other's safety. She must have wanted to contact her family immediately upon waking, regarding the clash between Reinhard and the 『Witch of Envy』, but she held back, for which there was nothing but gratitude. Undoubtedly, the Felt faction, having received contact from Flam, would also be aware of the information about Al's reckless actions and would be working towards resolving the situation.

'With Reinhard unable to move, it's uncertain how much we can rely on Felt or Old Man Rom...'

"—. No. We mustn't insist on doing this alone."

'Petra...'

"This is no longer just our problem; it's a problem for everyone in the kingdom."

Al's rampage and the abduction of Natsuki Subaru and Beatrice—by now, the situation had escalated beyond such micro issues and should be considered a national and global scale crisis involving the 『Sword Saint』, the 『Divine Dragon』, and the 『Witch of Envy』. Therefore, Petra and the others, who understood the situation best, must not withhold information.

"Flam-chan, quickly find out where Felt-sama and the others are. If Brother Clind is here, we can join them as soon as we know the location."

"—Understood."

Following Petra's organized instructions, Flam glanced at Clind for a moment, suppressing her desire to ask for detailed information, and immediately agreed. Instead, it was Meili who tugged at Petra's sleeve, saying, "Petra-chan?"

"We haven't finished discussing the compensation for the steward."

"—No, I've already decided on that."

"What?"

Meili widened her eyes at this answer. Gently releasing Meili's fingers from her sleeve, Petra quickly approached Clind and glanced sideways at Imaginary Subaru. Even though he knew it was a convenient illusion he was seeing,

"Just for a moment, cover your ears."

At Petra's request, Imaginary Subaru paused for a moment before obediently complying. Once Imaginary Subaru covered his ears, Petra stood on tiptoe and brought her mouth close to Clind's ear, whispering softly to him. It was—

"——"

"—Would that be enough compensation?"

Petra lowered her heel and whispered a question, to which Clind widened his eyes in astonishment. Tilting her head slightly, Petra made an adorably cute gesture, causing Clind to exhale.

With a long, deep sigh, he removed his monocle and looked at Petra with his bare face.

"It is possible. Approximately. But, Petra, that is—"

"I'm glad."

"——"

"I already knew. —I have the 'possibility' to move the world."

Puffing out her chest with pride, Petra didn't let Clind say anything more. The question she asked only Clind, she received an answer. With that answer, Petra felt a sense of pride—Clind is Clind. His evaluation might not align with Od Lagna's, but at the very least, Clind acknowledged the value of that 'possibility.'

"I will offer compensation, Brother Clind. Together, we will... well, honestly, I don't really care about the world. I just want to help the people I care about."

"—Understood, Petra. Among all the girls I know, you are the bravest. I am impressed."

Clind bowed deeply, speaking as he would to Annerose or Roswaal, or to someone he truly admired. After returning his smile, Petra noticed Meili's gaze on her. Seeing the hint of unease in her round eyes, Petra gently pulled her close.

"I don't know, but surely, Petra-chan is a big fool."

"Hehe, that's mean. I'm smart, cute, and cool, you know."

She retorted to Meili's harsh words, and over Meili's shoulder, Petra looked at Imaginary Subaru, who stood idly by. As Imaginary Subaru finally lowered his hand from his ear, Petra, updating her own record of cuteness, declared while looking at his endlessly endearing face.

"Subaru, I love you."