"—Subaru-sama and Beatrice-sama have fallen into the hands of a person claiming to be Aldebaran. Regrettable. Currently, Emilia-sama is at the center of efforts to devise a response to this individual. Report."

Upon receiving Clind's report, who had flown in using the authority of 『Melancholy』, Roswaal was shaken by the disparity between the rational acceptance and the emotional acceptance of the events that had occurred. The location was the Barielle Mansion—a residence inherited by the late Priscilla Barielle from her deceased husband, Leip Barielle, and now once again without a master. Currently, Roswaal was accompanying Schult, Priscilla's servant, and had visited this place, separate from Emilia and the others. Clind had appeared and delivered his report in one of the rooms of this mansion.

—To be honest, Roswaal had not welcomed Subaru's proposal to take the heartbroken Al to the Pleiades Watchtower at all.

It had already taken considerable time to retrieve Subaru, who had been transported to the Vollachia Empire. —Although Rem had also been transported with him, Roswaal did not favor self-deception. Roswaal's primary objective was to bring Subaru back, and Rem's safety was secondary. Of course, Rem's return was a joyous occasion for everyone in the camp, but considering the time spent, there was no room for optimism. Immediate action was needed to make up for the delay in measures necessary for the Royal Selection. —Subaru's consultation about going to the Pleiades Watchtower came just as Roswaal was thinking about this.

What should be prioritized? Roswaal attempted to persuade Subaru from that perspective, but he couldn't change Subaru's mind, and ultimately, Subaru's proposal was approved. Nevertheless, Subaru's decision was not without its merits.

"Please, please take care of Al-sama..."

The one who bowed their slightly curly pink head was Schult, Priscilla Barielle's servant and a loyal retainer cherished and protected by her. Despite being a child, the wise and determined Schult, who strove to be strong, was deeply shocked by Priscilla's death but was desperately supporting himself with his slender legs to not disgrace his late master's name. Schult was also close to Al and had been worried about his deep wounds.

Subaru's consideration for Al was extremely helpful in winning over Schult's heart. Gaining Schult's favor and indebting him to the Emilia camp would be a significant advantage in the future Royal Selection strategy—particularly in dealing with the Barielle territory, which would become a blank slate. Emilia and Priscilla, who had become competitors with the start of the Royal Selection, had recognized each other through competition and became deeply connected friends. With Priscilla's passing, Emilia, inheriting her will, would support and guide the people of the Barielle territory who were under Priscilla's protection. —To establish that story, Schult, who was deeply cherished by Priscilla, was indispensable.

Emilia had also given her word, saying, "I wanted to become friends with Priscilla after the Royal Selection ended," so a little embellishment was within the usual scope. Therefore, albeit reluctantly, Roswaal decided to send Subaru and the others to the Pleiades Watchtower and chose to accompany Schult back to the Barielle territory. —However, it was a misstep.

"Subaru-sama and the others... then, what about Garf? What happened to Garf? He went along to protect Subaru-sama and the others, you know."

"Unfortunately, Garfiel was defeated by Aldebaran's strategy and sustained serious injuries. He fell unconscious. We hope for the effects of the 『Earth Spirit's Blessing』, but since the injury occurred in the Augria Sand Dunes... the miasma-filled land has hindered its effectiveness, making it weaker than expected. Feeble."

"Garf...!"

Beside the pondering Roswaal, Frederica, who accompanied them to the Barielle territory, was informed by Clind about Garfiel's condition with Subaru and the others, and she looked down in frustration. Her profile did not show disappointment or dismay towards Garfiel for not fulfilling the expected role, but rather a deep color of relief that he was alive and concern imagining his suffering. Roswaal, too, felt relief at Garfiel's survival, but—

"...It's puzzling. To begin with, Lord Al's abilities shouldn't even come close to Garfiel's. Of course, it's possible that Garfiel, whose mental state is still incomplete, was attacked mentally and caught off guard."

"...If it's Garf, that's the most plausible scenario. That child is too soft."

"Kindness is not something to be blamed. Even if it's to discipline oneself, there's no need to deliberately choose harsh words. A point."

"You, as a man, only at times like this..."

At Clind's considerate words, Frederica ground her teeth with a complex expression. The relationship between these two began more than ten years ago when Frederica left the 『Sanctuary』 and started working for Roswaal, but the gap that opened once has not been easily filled. Initially, Frederica admired Clind like an older brother and would follow him around, calling him "Brother, Brother" at every turn, but since Frederica began to grow taller, that relationship changed completely. Roswaal, who knows the circumstances, shows understanding towards Clind, but Frederica, who was suddenly distanced, is not convinced. Because of that, she continues to dislike him endlessly like a snake and scorpion, which is quite something. Anyway—

"Clind, from your attitude, I deduce that there was a situation where Garfiel cannot be simply blamed... What happened?"

"—. The dragon shell of 『Divine Dragon』 Volcanica has come to obey Aldebaran. Consequently, 『Sword Saint』 Reinhard van Astrea has already headed for suppression. Rushed."

"—, the 『Sword Saint』? But if that's the case..."

"Could it be that Lord Al even subdued Reinhard-kun?"

"To be precise, it's more appropriate to say he was contained. Correction. Along with that, various problems are occurring in the Royal Capital. We urgently seek the master's assistance. Suggestion."

At Clind's words, Roswaal narrowed his eyes and pondered. Frederica, who was unable to comprehend the torrent of information, and Roswaal's inner thoughts were roughly aligned. The difference with her was that, even amidst this overwhelming flood of information, Roswaal still had choices.

Namely, isn't this the stage where he should fulfill his promise with Subaru?

"——"

Before Subaru officially received his knighthood, when the situation surrounding the 『Sanctuary』 was resolved, Roswaal had shared his thoughts and stance with Subaru. If Natsuki Subaru vowed to pick up everything, then if he ever dropped anything in the future, Roswaal would take measures to make him redo it without mercy. That would be the incineration of what he didn't want to lose and the abandonment of the world where the subjective Roswaal of now lives.

"Priscilla-sama was a difficult judgment, but..."

Including Priscilla in what Subaru referred to as "everything" was a difficult decision. However, Roswaal judged that Priscilla's death, as a final political adversary, would be a favorable wind for Emilia, who aimed to win the royal selection. He determined that her death was outside the bounds of their contract. Furthermore, from what he had heard, he believed that Priscilla's death should not be overturned.

Priscilla Barielle's death was the result of her own choices. As long as she wasn't an indispensable asset to Roswaal's objectives, he had no objection to respecting her decision.

However, Subaru's current situation was harsh to hear about.

According to Clind, there seemed to be no significant casualties, but considering Al's situation, it was only a matter of time. If it was inevitable, Subaru should be given a chance to start over at this point. If a push was needed for that, Roswaal would provide it. However—

"—Beatrice."

Roswaal held a glimmer of hope for Beatrice, who was captured alongside Subaru. It wasn't because she was a great spirit who mastered the shadow attribute, nor because she was the supreme being created by the world's greatest magician, the 『Witch of Greed』 Echidna. It wasn't even because she would protect Subaru with strong feelings and determination as his contracted spirit. For Roswaal, it was an incomprehensible and indigestible emotion, but there was no basis for it. Roswaal simply found himself wanting to believe in Beatrice.

"—Margrave, please go."

The voice that spoke was neither Frederica nor Clind. It was Schult, who was present in the mansion's reception room to discuss the future of the Barielle territory, who interjected. Schult had repeatedly expressed surprise with "Eh" and "Ah" at Clind's sudden appearance via 'Compression' teleportation and his subsequent report, but now, the child's face, which had shed much of its previous weakness, spoke to Roswaal. The untouched makeup that concealed it was called courage or resolve.

"I apologize on behalf of Al-sama for what he has done. On that note, please don't let Al-sama do anything more dangerous."

"Schult-sama..."

"I am fine. Everyone at the mansion will help for Priscilla-sama's sake... so please, I beg you!"

Schult bowed deeply, and Frederica, watching his trembling shoulders, turned to Roswaal. Her eyes pleaded for Schult's wish to be granted and expressed her desire to support him, but—

"If we are to honor Schult-kun's wish to the fullest, we cannot leave Frederica behind. Especially if Al-dono is with the 『Divine Dragon』, right?"

"Master, what do you mean by that..."

"In that regard, I intend to handle it myself. Raise your hand."

Frederica furrowed her brows, not understanding the connection with the 『Divine Dragon』, but before answering her question, Clind volunteered himself. Frederica, not understanding the meaning, grew more confused, but Roswaal was different. Clind's words held more meaning than their surface appearance suggested. Clind, despite all the words he could muster, thought he would never make that decision again. With Roswaal's gaze upon him, Clind slightly relaxed his lips and spoke.

"I was kicked in the back by the dazzling brilliance of a soul, telling me not to remain a bystander. Envy."

△▼△▼△▼△

"He seems to have the ability to turn back time once it's passed. It doesn't seem to be for a long duration, though."

――――

The moment Old Man Rom uttered those words, the room was filled with a silence pregnant with various emotions. Emilia's large, beautiful, jewel-like eyes went wide, and Rem blinked her eyes, which sparkled like the surface of a clear lake, several times. Meanwhile, Ram looked overtly skeptical, and Meili tilted her head while fiddling with her braid,

"I don't really get what you're saying," she remarked, echoing Emilia's sentiment.

If Clind had been present, perhaps he would have received Old Man Rom's report with a bit more composure, but having just brought Rem and Ram, he had been tasked with welcoming Roswaal and the others, so his reaction was not seen. However, it might have been a small blessing in disguise that they didn't have to hear the current discussion with Roswaal before preparing themselves mentally.

"Turning back time, that means..."
『――『Return by Death』』

Beside Petra, who trembled slightly as she spoke, Subaru, with his arms crossed, muttered those words. Petra, too, couldn't afford to feel her heart flutter at this being the same answer as her beloved's.

The extraordinary power used by Al, deduced by Old Man Rom after a confrontation, was a form of authority. He repelled Garfiel and Ezzo at the Pleiades Watchtower, fought well against Reinhard in the Augria Sand Dunes with the help of the 『Divine Dragon』's power, broke through the 500-strong Felt camp under Old Man Rom's command with just three people, and ultimately abducted 『Gluttony』 Roy Alphard from the Royal Capital, evading an enraged Emilia who wasn't holding back. Finally, the dots connected on how Al managed to accomplish these heinous deeds.

It's possible. ――If Al is a user of 『Return by Death』 like Subaru.

'Al is also an otherworlder like me. So, the possibility that he awakened to a similar power was always there. I mean, isn't that a common trope in stories about other worlds? Yet, I never considered it at all, how dull of me...!'

"Then, is Al-san really the same as Subaru?"

'Yeah, that's a strong possibility. No, maybe Al's leap ability is even more convenient than mine. In these kinds of stories, it's also common for the powers not to be exactly the same, and enjoying those differences is one of the charms of otherworldly tales.'

"Your life is at stake, so who cares about tropes or charms! What's important is that we've uncovered one of Al-san's secrets and what to do about it, right?"

'Yes, yes, that's right. ...But, a lot has been unraveled. If that's the case, then maybe escaping from Reinhard or trapping him could be... possible? Could it be possible? Can 『Return by Death』 really handle Reinhard? Wouldn't you die like a hundred times?'

Realizing that Al might be a user of time leap, Subaru clutched his head. Honestly, Petra didn't think 『Sword Saint』 Reinhard van Astrea was as amazing as everyone around her made him out to be. Not knowing him personally was part of it, but since Reinhard was said to be strong, it wasn't surprising for him to do work befitting that strength. Rather, she thought Subaru, who exerted all his power and more to achieve results beyond expectations against stronger foes, was far more impressive.

Therefore, it wasn't very pleasing for Petra that this 'Subaru' underestimated himself compared to Reinhard. She wanted him to be more confident and proud of his achievements. However, it would also be troublesome if too many people started noticing Subaru's good qualities.

"Well, with me, Emilia, Rem, Beatrice, and Patrasche, I think we have a perfect lineup for now."

Petra was confident that even if someone belatedly realized Subaru's charm and tried to break in, they had an impregnable encirclement that wouldn't be easily breached. The only concern was Subaru's overly kind nature, which might lead him to side too much with others. Still, there was trust that he would always prioritize Emilia above all. —Although, that was a bit of a dilemma for Petra as well.

Anyway—

"If Old Man Rom is in his right mind and his eyes aren't deceiving him, it's troublesome."

"I'm curious about what that girl has to say, but I'm glad you understand. That's why Aldebaran managed to break through our encirclement. The reason Emilia was cornered in the Royal Capital was because of his authority."

"Um, I'm sorry. I still don't quite get it..."

As Ram and Old Man Rom, the particularly smart ones, seemed ready to advance the conversation, Emilia interrupted them. Next to her, Rem nodded cutely,

"I'm the same as Emilia-sama. Going back in time, you say? Sister, what exactly does that mean..."

"Right, Old Man Rom didn't explain enough to Rem, who just woke up and isn't in top form yet. —Take a look at this."

"Is that a gold coin?"

Ram stepped forward and showed the gold coin to Emilia and Rem. The coin was engraved with the figure of the 『Divine Dragon』Volcanica. After making sure Emilia and the others saw it, Ram spun her hand and let the coin fall to the ground.

Seeing the trajectory of the falling coin, Petra understood Ram's intention. The coin falling to the floor was meant to demonstrate the advantage of time leap—

"Watch out! Oh, Ram, you're such a klutz."

"Sister sometimes has unexpected clumsy moments. That's also part of her charm."

However, before the coin hit the floor, Emilia swiftly caught it. She returned the coin to Ram, and Rem said something halfway between consolation and encouragement. Ram's expression as she received the coin was quite complex.

'That was meant to show that if you know something will fall, you can prevent it from falling, right?'

"Probably. But since it's a good opportunity, let's leave the explanation to Emilia-sama and Rem-sama to Ram. It's not the time for me to be satisfied just talking to them."

Apologizing to Ram, Petra left the lecture to Emilia and Rem to catch up, while she focused on the next issue—specifically, how to deal with Al. She wanted to know more about Al's authority. If she could somehow refute Subaru's earlier assessment—

"—Petra-chan, are you okay?"

"Meili-chan..."

While Ram and Old Man Rom were explaining to Emilia and Rem, Meili suddenly approached Petra. Meili, too, was supposed to have little understanding of time leap, but here she prioritized Petra's complexion over understanding Al's authority. She gently touched Petra's forehead with her outstretched hand and murmured, "It's warm."

"Since we've been rushing around from the tower to here, I haven't really mentioned it, but I know that Petra read a book inside the tower, you know?"

"Yeah, that's right. ――Thank you for keeping it a secret from Emilia and the others."

"……I can trust that it's just because you don't want to worry your sisters, right?"

"Yes, of course."

Taking Meili's hand that was on her forehead, Petra squeezed it tightly with both hands. As Meili said, she probably has a slight fever. But Petra thinks it's more like a fever from overthinking rather than being unwell. Even under normal circumstances, there's a lot to think about, and now Petra's small brain is also processing Subaru's emotions and thoughts.

Considering the depth of her feelings, it's understandable, but Petra is like this just from reading Subaru's 『Book of the Dead』. Ezzo, who read more than ten books, is beyond ordinary, and the designer of that tower, believed to be Flugel, who created such a vast library that only someone extraordinary could handle, is even more so. Surely, he must be the type who thinks that what he can do, anyone can do, a mindset that, for better or worse, irritates Petra's nerves.

However, at the same time, Petra also thinks this: If that vast library hadn't existed, there might have been many things she would have ended without knowing. And among the things she was able to learn, there were indeed things Petra desired. As long as those things continue to ignite her heart, she doesn't want to stop. Even if, after everything is over, her brain boils over.

"And you know, I think."

"……Think what?"

"If what Old Man Rom said is true, and if Al's authority is as I imagine it to be……"

"Petra?"

With a finger to her thin lips, Petra lowered her eyes, and Meili and Subaru peered at her. The two, who didn't recognize each other, had such similar confused reactions that it was amusing, and Petra almost laughed inappropriately as she spoke. It was――,

"――I might have figured out Al's weakness."

△▼△▼△▼△

"――So it was Reinhard who put Reinhard's mother to sleep."

Felt bitterly thought of herself, hesitating to say something so uncharacteristic.

It wasn't because it involved Reinhard. Well, in a way, it was. From the moment they met, Felt had been thrown off balance by Reinhard, and there were many times when she couldn't make her own judgments or decisions regarding events involving him. This was partly because he had repeatedly thwarted the outcomes of her decisions by force, and more so because he had seen her cry over the stolen goods warehouse incident at the very beginning. But perhaps the biggest reason is that Reinhard has given up on many things.

That makes Felt hesitant to fully accept Reinhard. At the same time, it's also why Reinhard doesn't wholeheartedly entrust anything to Felt.

The philosophy of the slums within Felt, 'Live strong,' is a maxim. No matter where you're born or who you are, she believes that spirit will live on no matter what. If she aligns with that philosophy, Reinhard is not living strongly. As a lion, as a dragon, as a person, Reinhard is half-hearted.

But if part of the reason lies in the fact Felt just realized――,

"――No, that doesn't add up."

However, Felt quickly dismissed the hypothesis she had come up with herself. With a certain conviction, Felt suspected that Reinhard was somehow connected to his mother, Luanna Astrea, who continued to sleep. However, if Reinhard knew of this fact, his actions and words so far wouldn't make sense. Of course, there was also the possibility that Reinhard had hidden such a fact from Felt, slyly concealing his involvement in the reason his mother hadn't awakened.

"No way. That clumsy guy couldn't pull off something so skillful."

Is there anyone else in the world who would describe Reinhard this way besides Felt? Those who would impose ideals and dreams on the 『Sword Saint』 might complain, but within Felt's camp, treating Reinhard as a bumbling fool is relatively common.

The long-acquainted sisters, Flam and Grassis, often tease Reinhard with endearing sarcasm, and Gaston, Rachins, and Camberley, who were stray dogs devoid of respect, never run out of justified insults for Reinhard. Ezzo, who frequently meddles in the management of the Astrea family's territory, often found himself wondering, "How have things been managed until now...?" and Old Man Rom, who apparently doesn't have a good impression of the 『Sword Saint』, never softened his curt attitude towards Reinhard from the beginning. And of course, the one who has most belittled, badmouthed, and smeared the title of the ideal knight is Felt herself.

Reinhard has accepted the various words and actions from those in his camp. And as he accepts them, what does he do? — He laughs.

He laughs as if genuinely enjoying himself. In that moment, it seems as if he hasn't given up on anything.

"Even if that guy could hide his true feelings, he couldn't fake that kind of laughter."

That was Felt's conclusion, a thought only shared by those who, unlike those who have excessive expectations of Reinhard, see him as he truly is. Therefore, besides Felt, the only ones who would describe Reinhard this way are the members of the camp, the knights who are his close friends, and—

"The reason I think that guy can't keep secrets is probably because he's your kid, too."

As Felt scratched her head, before her eyes, Heinkel, who had been struck on the nose and was kneeling on one knee, clutched the sword that had been thrown back to him, his face pale. His grip on the sword was so tight that his fingers and hands turned white and trembled.

The emotion that caused this was neither anger, fear, nor sadness, and Felt could clearly see it in Heinkel's wavering blue eyes.

If one were to describe that emotion in a single word, despair would be the most appropriate. Having something known that should not have been known, an unavoidable and inescapable despair. That deeply ingrained despair bound and cornered Heinkel's entire being. His miserably wretched appearance was such that it almost made Felt think Heinkel's life would be snuffed out by despair. However, Heinkel probably couldn't die that easily. If despair that engulfed him could take his life, it would have happened long ago.

"—Ah, kuh, ugh, no, ugh."

Opening and closing his mouth, Heinkel continued to emit inarticulate sounds. Narrowing her red eyes at Heinkel's reaction, Felt, under the starry sky peering down at them from between the rocky crevices, thought about the relationship between the man before her and Reinhard.

――Having decided to participate in the Royal Selection, Felt chose Reinhard as her knight. To Felt, Reinhard was the world's strongest knight, known as the 『Sword Saint』, and at the same time, he was the very person who separated her from Old Man Rom. Furthermore, he was also the detestable figure who tried to impose education, dresses, and high-heeled shoes on her, much to her dismay.

With that premise in mind, Felt never deliberately tried to pry into Reinhard's affairs, but she couldn't help but overhear things. She heard about how Reinhard was treated in the Astrea family and how he was perceived by the public.

The most common topics of conversation were the various rumors surrounding the death of the previous 『Sword Saint』, Theresia van Astrea, and the reasons why Reinhard, who inherited the 『Blessing of the Sword Saint』, was officially recognized as the 『Sword Saint』. This included the incident when he was eight years old, where he thwarted an invasion orchestrated by the cunning leaders of three nations, and the indelible stain of being under the influence of Heinkel Astrea around the time he joined the knights.

Reinhard never spoke much about any of these matters, and Felt never probed him for details, but now, a sense of unease was growing within her. The most significant issue was the claim that Reinhard was under Heinkel's influence.

If that were true, then what was the meaning of Heinkel's struggles? Felt hadn't investigated Reinhard, but she had looked into Heinkel to understand the circumstances related to the authority of the Astrea family head.

Heinkel had a rather poor reputation, with many considering him a failure both as a knight and a father. However, all his efforts using the Astrea family name were aimed at finding a way to awaken the sleeping Luanna. While he wasn't living in poverty, he was far from indulging in noble luxuries, dedicating his entire lifestyle to awakening his wife, according to the impression given by the numbers. Yet――,

"If he really could have made Reinhard do his bidding, he could have done anything."

In terms of fame and martial prowess, there was no one in the kingdom who surpassed Reinhard. Reinhard himself never used these for his own benefit, believing in self-restraint. But if Heinkel were the man the rumors suggested, he would have utilized Reinhard's fame and martial prowess for anything, avoiding the need to personally visit places, negotiate directly with others, and enforce his will with swordsmanship if necessary.

Why, then, did he refrain from doing so, insisting on awakening his sleeping wife on his own without involving Reinhard as much as possible? If his wife was the most important thing to him, nothing should outweigh that on the scales. Unless there was something equally weighty placed on the other side. If that's the case――,

"Your... the way you value things is twisted beyond belief."

"――ッ"

In an instant, Heinkel, who had been cowering, clenched his back teeth, and a flash of light burst forth. A moment later, Felt felt the wind from the swelling sword aura, and realized that the flash she saw was Heinkel's sword strike. The coldness of the sword tip pressed against her neck made her understand that the sword had been drawn in an instant.

"Don't go on babbling about unnecessary things."

"Hey, just so you know..."

"Don't move!"

Heinkel's eyes were bloodshot, and foam gathered at the corners of his mouth as he shouted angrily. Felt bit the inside of her cheek, regretting that she had pushed him too far. Unlike the obvious threat from when she had struck back earlier, the current aura Heinkel emitted carried a definite 'killing intent.'

She understood that the source of this intent wasn't hatred or anger, but a kind of defensive instinct, which made her realize she had drawn out a troublesome emotion.

In front of Felt, who tensed her body, Heinkel's blue eyes shook violently as he said,

"This is our problem. I won't let an outsider meddle. Especially not a brat like you, knowing any more—"

"—Any more? So there's still something else?"

"—Shut up!"

Felt sensed something off in Heinkel's words and instinctively interrupted. Just as she thought she saw a shock ripple through Heinkel's expression, he erupted. The sword, which had momentarily withdrawn, now accelerated, thrusting forward by a step—at least, that's what it seemed like for a moment.

"Please, don't provoke the old man."

"Gah!?"

A figure leapt in, wielding a stone sword—Stone Dragon Sword—and mercilessly struck Heinkel, who was kneeling, on the side of his head, knocking him to the ground. Heinkel fell over sideways, eyes rolling back, and standing beside him, shrugging his shoulders, was Aldebaran, who had intervened at a critical moment. At Aldebaran's appearance, Felt snorted softly,

"You were watching until I was really in danger, weren't you?"

"And you, Felt-chan, had a feeling I was keeping an eye on things so you wouldn't accidentally get yourself killed while talking to the old man. Not a cute way to do things."

"I hate being called cute."

Sticking out her tongue, Felt didn't thank Aldebaran for his help. She simply confirmed that the fallen Heinkel wasn't dead and sighed. —It seemed there was still something about Reinhard that Heinkel was hiding.

The 'Sword Saint,' apparently the cause of his mother's slumber, and yet there was still something Heinkel was concealing—

"It's getting irresponsible to say I won't ask until someone speaks up."

"That's quite a declaration. Do you understand the situation?"

"From what you said, you don't intend to harm me, and once your objectives are settled, you want to resume the Royal Selection, right? I think it'd be fine if you lost, but for now, whether you win or lose, what I have to do next doesn't change."

"I have no words to return."

Felt snorted again at Aldebaran, who waved his right hand dismissively, and she matched the sheath to the sword that Heinkel clutched tightly, sheathing it. Just before it was fully sheathed, the blade of the sword engraved with 'Astrea' seemed mercilessly cold to Felt, making her feel a surge of anger.