Chapter 21 - Six Tongues

——The Kingdom of Lugunica faces an unprecedented peril, a crisis of national annihilation.

"——"

On the bed, having pushed himself upright to hear that, Subaru first pinched his own cheek. It hurt. In other words, this was indeed reality and not a continuation of a dream. Namely—

"At this point I'd almost prefer someone told me it's just the continuation of a nightmare; the what-the-hells just keep piling up... Am I cursed or something? There's way too much that's shocking..."

"In that case, it wouldn't be just you who's cursed, Subaru. So rest easy."

"I can't relax in the slightest, but thanks for being cursed together with me. I love you."

"Betty too, I suppose."

He lowers the hand that had been pinching his own cheek and, with it instead, strokes Beatrice's head. The dependable partner at his bedside who asserts they share a common fate with him doesn't seem to have been given any more explanation about the current situation than Subaru has. That being the case, he'd very much like to finally ask the 『White Sheep』 here, who seems to have more information, and then Russell, all sorts of things—but—

—『Shocking』. It meant something like being surprised or agitated, did it not?

"Huh? Ah, yeah, that's right... that's right, but how come? About my hometown lingo, aside from Otto, pretty much no one can decipher it on the first go."

"No, it's nothing important. It's just that in the letters Roswaal has been sending of late, such unfamiliar words crop up from time to time. ...Since code-breaking already takes a bit of effort, I'd prefer he cut out the pranks."

"You're corresponding with Roswaal... are you?"

When Russell revealed the reason he'd been able to react to the term Subaru had uttered, Beatrice narrowed her round eyes, heightening her wariness a touch. Normally, the mention of someone from their side ought to serve as a small reassurance, but being unable to take it that simply is exactly what makes Roswaal, Roswaal. Seeming to think much the same, Russell shrugged with a "good grief."

"However Roswaal deals with Lord Natsuki and the folks in your camp, I can't help but feel uneasy about it, even as an outsider. To offer a bit of self-defense, he and I are old friends. Going on, what, fifteen years now?"

"Fifteen years...! That's quite a long association. Wait, then maybe the one who lent a hand during the White Whale subjugation was..."

"Ah, if it's that, set your mind at ease. Business and friendship lie on entirely different lines. My cooperation with Lord Natsuki at that time was a decision I made myself; there was no room for Roswaal's involvement there. If anything, had he asked, I might have refused."

"Hmph, looks like you're evaluating Roswaal correctly. If you'd said you were best friends on a Tsukā level, I'd have been out the door this instant."

"The fact that badmouthing him earns more of Beako's trust—that's so Roswaal..."

Even so, Russell's answer just now was a welcome one to Subaru. The White Whale subjugation Crusch and the others had planned, and joining it as an ally—Subaru had taken the initiative to think it through and sweet-talk Anastasia and Russell into it. If the negotiation that brought Russell on board had been arranged by Roswaal, then even if the outcome were the same, it would put a bit of a dent in his self-evaluation.

"U-um, 『Silver Fox』... perhaps we should move the conversation along?"

It was the 『White Sheep』, who had been left standing outside the topic, that interjected there. She lifted her eyes to Russell in a considerate appeal, seemingly trying to urge the smooth progression of the discussion, but that one remark added yet another element to worry about.

—『Silver Fox』, huh. Is it safe to assume you'll tell us about that in detail?

"Of course. Since we've been able to welcome Lord Natsuki like this, we must open our hearts on our side and show we're ready to ask for your cooperation. Only, before that—"

"...Before that?"

"I'd like to make sure Lord Natsuki is not a dangerous element. Yes—'check,' was it, in your homeland?"

Perhaps he'd learned that from Roswaal's letters as well; stroking the neatly trimmed beard on his jaw, Russell deepened his smile and looked at Subaru. Unknowingly, Subaru's throat clicked—a reflex to the sudden dryness in his mouth. Being called a dangerous element, the first thing that flashed through his mind was the 『Black Dog』's talk of suspicion that Subaru was among the Sin Archbishops. It was the humiliation of being treated on the same level as a bunch who deserve to be called every vile name under the sun. However—

"Mr. Russell, I don't know how I'd prove it, but that suspicion is wrong. The idea that I'm among the Sin Archbishops, or anything like that..."

"Words in your defense carry no weight. That's the terror of the Witch Cult. You know that as well."

"——"

—Therefore, please take this.

An unwavering, cold remark made Subaru start to lower his head. In Subaru’s field of view, Russell, who had walked over from the room’s entrance, suddenly held something out. Seeing it, Subaru caught his breath. What was there was—

...Cell phone?

Letting out a hoarse murmur, Subaru stared fixedly at the Cell phone he had been handed. There was no mistaking it: a Cell phone. And not just any—the very flip phone Subaru himself had loved to use, one of the few items he had brought from his original world and had already parted with long ago. He would never forget the circumstances of letting it go. He had handed it over to Russell right in front of him as compensation for his cooperation in the White Whale subjugation—moreover, he had cleverly rephrased things so it wasn’t a lie, saying the Cell phone had an effect like a sensor that warned of approaching magic beasts.

No, um, Mr. Russell... this is, well, I mean there’s no room for excuses, but it wasn’t out of malice; I did it because necessity forced my hand, and if we’re talking bad or not bad, I’m totally the one at fault, but...

Wh-what’s the matter, Subaru? You’re ridiculously tongue-tied.

I didn’t think I’d run into the symbol of the sin I abandoned here of all places... b-but! To treat me as a Sin Archbishops over this sin is going a bit too far, I mean, unlike them, I’m at least prepared to properly apologize!

—No, that’s quite all right. I’ve confirmed it. You are without a doubt Lord Natsuki.

Sin Archbishops cannot apologize. No—there may be Sin Archbishops who can toss out a superficial “thank you” or “sorry,” but there shouldn’t be any who can truly repent and apologize from the heart. So Subaru, who had been trying to use that as grounds to deny the Sin Archbishops theory, was instead shaken by Russell’s unexpected answer with a startled “Eh?”

What do you mean, confirm? I just got made to hold a Cell phone... Ah, because I knew the word “Cell phone”? Does that prove my innocence?

No, that’s not it. Before it came into my hands, we have no way of knowing where and how Lord Natsuki showed this off, or to how many people he spread its name. Therefore, rather than such external factors—I verified it with my own eyes.

Your eyes... like a merchant’s intuition?

Not a complete mistake. It’s a blessing. We call it the ‘Blessing of Appraisal’; my eyes can judge the value of what they see.

Pointing to his own eyes as he revealed the ‘Blessing of Appraisal,’ Russell then aimed that finger at the Cell phone in Subaru’s hands and continued, “And then,”

“That ‘Metia’ skyrockets in value only while it is in Lord Natsuki’s hands.”

—!

“Presumably it’s something that no one but Lord Natsuki can truly master. In my hands or anyone else’s, that ‘Metia’ gives off no radiance whatsoever. But it’s different while it’s in your hands. Though it has been silent for quite a long time...”

“...It’s probably out of battery. But is it still shining while it’s in my hands?”

“Yes, dazzlingly so.”

“I see. So even if it could be brought back to life, I’m the only one who could do it...”

As he savored the all-too-familiar feel and weight in his hands, Subaru chewed over the words and unpacked the logic Russell had used to judge the truth of the matter. The Cell phone can be used by no one but Subaru. Therefore, if it shines while held at Subaru’s fingertips, that proves he is the same existence now as he was then—

“...Huh? Does that mean, Mr. Russell, you knew from the start that you couldn’t handle the Cell phone yourself...?”

“I became certain after you ceded it to me as a reward. In my hands and my subordinates’, it possessed virtually no value. I thought that, if I ever had the chance to pursue the matter, it would surely surprise you.”

“That whole ‘the one who got tricked is at fault’... won’t work on Subaru, will it?”

“You seem to understand quite well.”

In that negotiation between equals, Subaru had gotten Russell to believe in the Cell phone’s value without telling a lie. Crusch’s ‘Blessing of Wind Reading,’ who had been present at the time, would attest to that—yet, as Beatrice said, the guilt on Subaru’s side was another matter. Even so, he hadn’t expected that the Cell phone, with which he’d had such an unexpected reunion, would vouch for his identity. He wanted to say that, but even this still didn’t mean the problem was solved.

“I don’t want to say this, but all that proves is that the me from that discussion back then and the me now are the same. What if, even before that, I—I... the Witc— Witch Cult!”

“Eek, even as a hypothetical, that sounds really painful for you!”

“That’s how much your body and soul reject it. I can understand the feeling.”

“Anyway! What if I’d been in the Witch Cult even before that? Worse yet, what if I were a Sin Archbishops?”

It’s an unpleasant assumption even to myself, but if I’m to clear suspicion, being completely innocent is preferable. Even in the worst-case scenario, there’s meaning in having Subaru say it himself. Or if they could take it as even a little something to trust him by, that’d be a lucky break, but—,

"When you say before that… you mean around when the start of the Royal Selection was announced."

"Yeah, that."

"Speaking of the start of the Royal Selection, that was when Lord Natsuki made quite a bold declaration at the Royal Castle."

"Y-Yeah, that."

"I hear it drew considerable backlash from many who were present, but fortunately there was no outburst around you, and as a result it further lowered your reputation."

"S-Seriously…?"

"In that state, would the Witch Cult really take Lord Natsuki’s place?"

"Right… At that point, even the Witch Cult would have given up on me…"

When he tried to lean on human sympathy, a merciless barrage of sound arguments broke Subaru’s heart. In truth, if the Witch Cult approached him thinking they could use him after what he’d pulled at the Royal Castle, they’d be fools, and if they had contacted him before that, then Subaru would be the fool for pulling that stunt at the castle. In other words, by the sheer stupidity of his own actions, Subaru proved his innocence.

"Is there anything about that whole event that was good besides my personal growth!?"

On top of that, from what he’d just heard, the mock battle with Julius after the fiasco seemed to have been erased due to Julius’s 'Name' being eaten, and in that case the Royal Knights’ hate toward Subaru would be off the charts. The fact that he was being hunted now—could that, perhaps, be part of the reason? In any case—,

"So then, from your point of view, Mr. Russell, I’m innocent?"

"Yes. From my perspective, including your many accomplishments, Lord Natsuki is the person I would most like to rely on in the Kingdom of Lugunica right now; it would not be an overstatement to say so."

"O-Oh, ooh… I’m saved…! My heart’s been saved just now…!"

"Why are you getting so emotional over this man’s words! Betty is right here beside you as the one who believes in Subaru the most! Emilia and the others too!"

"No, of course that makes me ridiculously happy, but being believed by family and being believed by outsiders hit differently. It’s like the difference in difficulty, you know?"

"Hmph, Betty may have had her mood spoiled. Next time you’re suspected of something, there’ll be a five-minute penalty before Betty takes your side."

"Five whole minutes without Beako on my side…!? Can I even endure that…?"

Averting her face and puffing out her cheeks, Subaru tugged Beatrice onto the bed and plopped her neatly into his cross-legged lap, then looked back to Russell with a "So." Once Russell’s appraisal of Subaru was finished, it was at last time for Subaru to start pressing from his side.

"Time you told me. The talk about the Kingdom being in trouble is important, but before we get to that, I want to know who you and yours really are, Mr. Russell. You’re not just some big-shot merchant from the Royal Capital, are you?"

Of course, given what they’d discussed so far, he could just barely fit under the label of a capable merchant. But Russell had said at the outset—The Kingdom stood on the brink of ruin, and it had been brought about by their long-standing archenemy.

"An enemy who could destroy the nation and a long-time nemesis—those aren’t things some run-of-the-mill merchant would be talking about. And the fact that Mr. Russell was called 'Silver Fox' too. Along with those 'White Sheep' over there, you’ve actually got a different line of work. That is—"

"— 'Six Tongues'"

"—!?"

Leaning sharply forward and trying to pry Russell’s mouth open, Subaru was startled by a voice from an unexpected direction and turned that way. The one who spoke was neither Russell nor the 'White Sheep.' It was someone who had apparently been silently listening in on their discussion, waiting for the right moment—

"Rachins, when did you wake up?"

"A little while ago. With this much chatter going on, you think I could keep sleeping forever? I just about blurted out when I heard Russell Fellow had shown up, though."

The one who answered was Rachins, who had pushed himself up on the long bench. Stripped of his sewage-soiled clothes and wrapped in a blanket over just his undergarments, he looked safe enough for now, and Subaru felt relieved.

"Playing possum to eavesdrop is one thing… but what did you just say? Six…?"

"'Six Tongues.' Put simply, an intelligence outfit skulking around the underbelly of Lugunica… I never doubted they existed, but I didn’t think the head would be the representative of the merchants’ guild."

"An intelligence outfit… so, a Spy organization!?"

The instant Rachins’s explanation clicked in his head, Subaru couldn’t help but let out a yelp. A Spy—while they show up often in fiction, they top the list of things one almost never encounters in Nonfiction. Ninja fall into a similar category, but he’d actually seen the real thing—and even tasted how terrifying they are. But to think it would come to this—

“Meaning, the shadow boss who oversees the Kingdom of Lugunica’s underbelly—that’s who Mr. Russell really is?!”

Eyes widening in astonishment, Subaru looked again at Russell standing there with impeccable posture. At Subaru’s overreaction, Russell raised an eyebrow slightly, then slowly shook his head and—

“Please refrain from proclaiming that so loudly. —It could cost Lord Natsuki his life.”

With that, he offered an answer that threatened to make them taste the terror of Spies as well, right on the heels of Ninja.

△▼△▼△▼△

“Originally, 『Six Tongues』 was organized for the Kingdom’s counterintelligence activities at the time of the 『Demihuman War』. One reason the civil war dragged on was that we had underestimated the demihumans’ intelligence-gathering abilities.”

“Ah, yeah, I can see that. I’ve got a friend who can mimic walls and the ground and stuff.”

“Yes. Given such traits, blessings, or 『Metia』... a specialized organization was needed—one that possessed knowledge of those things and the practical capacity to respond. That is why 『Six Tongues』 was launched, and I currently serve as its Director.”

“Director...! That’s a title I’ve never heard from this side before...!”

“Why do you have to get worked up over every little thing, Subaru? The shadiness of this lot hasn’t changed one bit. If anything, it’s getting deeper.”

“Yeah, you’re right. But in this case, with a Special Agency, the deeper the mystery, the richer the flavor...”

While poking Beatrice’s puffed cheek with a finger, Subaru snuck a glance at Russell. Russell was responding with the same posture and the same expression as ever, but knowing now that his true identity was the head of an intelligence organization lent credibility to his bearing and the pressure he exuded. In fact, the history behind the founding of 『Six Tongues』 also made sense. —The friend of Subaru’s who can mimic forms is Hiain of the Pleiades Battalion, and in the 『Demihuman War』 many demihumans are said to have taken part in the fight against the Kingdom. And in war, what proves useful is not only fighting strength.

“By the way, Lord Rachins, where did you learn of the existence of 『Six Tongues』? From your father, perhaps?”

“Huh? You think that old man would blab Kingdom secrets just because we’re family? I just figured something like that had to exist, and a few words I’d heard in rumors from time to time clicked together, that’s all. Never thought for a speck that you were the one at the top.”

“I see. As I thought, Lord Rickert Hoffman is the model of a loyal retainer. Since then, have you been in contact with your father?”

“...Hey, your bad spy habits are showing. It’s your turn to talk right now—this isn’t the part where I yap on and on for you. Don’t get carried away.”

“You’re absolutely right. My apologies.”

As Rachins’s stare—with the whites showing all around—grew even sharper, Russell offered a theatrically exaggerated bow. Even from that exchange, it seemed to confirm what Rachins had revealed in the sewers—namely, that his family really was nobility of the Kingdom. Receiving that reply, Russell turned his gaze back to Subaru, saying, “To return to the matter at hand,” and—

“I cannot speak to details that touch upon classified matters, but our paramount objective is national defense. Those affiliated with us—including myself—conceal their positions, assume false identities, and engage in counterintelligence. My title as representative of the Royal Capital’s Merchants’ Guild is also a mere camouflage to hide the truth.”

“As a cover, ‘guildmaster’ sounds a bit too grand, doesn’t it?”

“It was the result of balancing the outwardly necessary authority and voice. And don’t worry—it doesn’t mean every influential figure in the Royal Capital is a member of the organization.”

“—But from the sound of it, right now that would have been the better situation.”

“Yes, embarrassing as it is, you’re right about that as well.”

Russell slowly shook his head, putting on a solemn face at Beatrice’s remark. How much of that expression was genuine was anyone’s guess, but at last it felt like they could cut into the main issue. The peril now assailing the Kingdom of Lugunica—it surely wasn’t unrelated to the fact that Subaru and the others had been driven into a corner and that even Emilia and the others had had a baleful hand reach out toward them. And at the center of it all is—

“—『Beloved Child』. That is, at present, the name of our—no, the Kingdom’s—greatest enemy.”

“So is it fair to say they’re trying to wreck the Royal Selection?”

“Not wrong. But it’s more accurate to say that what they’re trying to destroy isn’t the Royal Selection, but the Kingdom itself.”

“The Kingdom itself... and the turmoil in the Royal Capital now is the fallout from that? ...Come to think of it, you said something about them being a long-standing enemy earlier—what did you mean?”

"Yes. According to the records... there are entries stating they were operating in the shadows more than thirty years ago."

"Thirt...y!?"

Having such an unexpected number presented to him so coolly, Subaru goggled. He could imagine five or ten years, but not thirty. If Six Tongues was an agency established after the Demihuman War, then it should have been roughly forty years since its founding.

"If thirty of those years... that means you’ve basically been fighting ever since you were formed..."

"Yes. Thus, you could say the history of Six Tongues is a history of clandestine struggle with the Beloved Child. However, the Beloved Child is an opponent whose true nature is unknown, and we were always a step behind... at best, we just barely managed to keep them from running rampant within the country."

"Ha. For an organization supposedly backed by the Kingdom, that’s pretty pathetic. You just kept getting worked over?"

"I have no rebuttal. In fact, across the Kingdom we’ve seen sudden changes of heart among lords and influential figures, and countless acts of treachery such as handing information to other nations. In the ten-odd years since I succeeded as Director, we had no decisive blow and kept applying stopgaps. —But the situation changed."

"Changed?"

"Yes. — White Sheep and Black Dog."

At that, Subaru silently looked to White Sheep, who was waiting behind Russell. Black Dog, who’d been named alongside her, wasn’t here, but apparently the two of them had helped Russell’s Six Tongues break out of the dead end they’d fallen into. As Subaru wondered how on earth they’d done it, White Sheep placed a hand to her chest, her lovely features tensing just a touch, and—

"I was originally one of the Beloved Child. Black Dog was in the same situation."

"—! You mean you got a member of the enemy to defect!?"

"There were a few coincidences that worked in our favor. But as a result, we were afforded the chance to learn what lay behind the Beloved Child, against whom we had long stood in opposition."

"Yes. ...That said, it wasn’t like I knew everything properly; there were things I could talk about and things I couldn’t."

"Even so, that’s a huge gain. I’m impressed you could make that call..."

White Sheep looked a little abashed, but that seemed to differ from Russell’s appraisal. After all, as someone who could be the key to moving a fight that had seen no progress in thirty years, to Six Tongues it must have felt akin to finding an oasis in the desert. At Subaru’s thought, White Sheep lowered her eyes slightly, and—

"—... Yes, I surprised even myself. That I had that kind of courage. ...In that case, if only I’d done it sooner..."

"—?"

"Ah, n-no, it’s nothing! Anyway, that’s the position I’m in!"

White Sheep flapped her hands in a panic, and Subaru knit his brows slightly and closed his mouth. However, before he could press that nagging point, a rough-edged voice—Rachins’s—cut in with an "Oi."

"Can you really trust this talk about betrayal? For all you know, that so-called enemy that got fed up with you lot might’ve sent them as a plant to manipulate you however they like."

"If that were the case, it would be more natural that we’d have been crushed long ago. It’s already been over a year since White Sheep and the others joined us—during that time, the Beloved Child’s covert operations we’ve foiled can’t be counted on one hand. There’d be no point in them contributing this much."

"...There might be. I’m saying your guard’s too lax."

"—Rest assured. We’ve put in place safeguards to prevent their betrayal. On that basis, they bought—no, earned—my trust."

With sharp looks, Rachins and Russell faced each other, trading their views. Subaru could see Rachins’s point, but he also couldn’t help holding a strong impression of Russell as unerringly shrewd. Because the first impact from Rachins’s days as a back-alley thug just wouldn’t fade, it felt like there was a clear difference in their caliber.

"Is it ungrateful to think that way after they helped me...?"

"If we’re just counting instances, then being given shelter here would be the bearded one’s doing, I suppose. Even if you count being saved in the sewers, it’s even between the thug and the beard."

"True. As expected of my Beako—she can do arithmetic—"

"—Um, Natsuki Subaru."

Swaying together with Beatrice nestled in his cross-legged lap, Subaru had been wavering over which side to take when, at White Sheep’s call, he let out a weird "Hn-ah?" But then, as she fixed him with a serious look, she bowed deeply. And—

"We were able to break away from the Beloved Child thanks to all of you. So I’ve always wanted to say thank you... thank you so much!"

"Uh, you’re welcome, but which thing, exactly, are you thanking me for?"

"Of course—for subjugating the Witch Cult’s Sin Archbishop of Sloth!"

"...Petelgeuse?"

Wide-eyed as he asked that back, Subaru got a vigorous nod of 「Yes!」 from 『White Sheep』. It was turning into a day when people kept dredging up things from the very start of the Royal Selection—like that incident at the Royal Castle that symbolized his cringeworthy past, or the White Whale subjugation tied to his Cell phone. Still, while he could accept being praised for defeating Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti, he couldn't see why 『White Sheep』 would be directly thanking him.

「You're not about to say you were that bastard's 『Finger』, right?」

「Fi...nger...? That's not it, but, um, because of that, Mama was all in a flurry, and we slipped away in the confusion... that's how it was.」

「Huh? Huh? Huh? Wait, wait, I'm lost again. Mama getting all flustered because Petelgeuse was gone? That confusion—what do you mean, exactly...?」

「――I didn't know who she really was either, not for the longest time. Every time we met, she looked different, and we never got to have a proper talk... But I finally figured it out.」

Though Subaru voiced his confusion, the excitedly speaking 『White Sheep』 likewise couldn't control her rising emotions. Instead of answering Subaru's questions, her eyes gleamed as if opening the lid on a secret she'd kept locked inside, and—

「The one I—we 『Beloved Child』—were made to obey all this time, that was—」

「W-wait, hold on, my feelings haven't caught up yet...」

「――Capella Emerada Lugnica」

「――Huh?」

At that suddenly ominous sound striking his eardrums, his bewildered thoughts went ice-cold in an instant. The heap of information and emotion he couldn't process fell silent as if doused with water, and holding his breath, Subaru stared fixedly at 『White Sheep』. Meeting his gaze, she nodded back, moved her thin lips once more, and said it clearly.

「――The 『Lust』 Sin Archbishops, Capella Emerada Lugnica. She's the bad person who made us 『Beloved Child』 call her Mama and obey her!」

「――.――――.――――――――. You gotta be kidding me.」

Accepting and processing the name that 『White Sheep』 had uttered took him quite a bit of time. He chewed it up, swallowed it, ruminated on it, and repeated the process again.

「――――」

While Subaru fell silent like that, Russell called, 「『White Sheep』,」 addressing 『White Sheep』. In his voice, he put a faintly reproachful nuance,

「We were going to tell it in order. Bringing up that name was a bit hasty, wasn't it.」

「Ah, s-sorry! I-I let my feelings get ahead of me...」

「I did intend to have you speak, but be careful with information. Your hand is your life. I should have taught you that many times over this past year.」

「Y-yes...」

With her shoulders drooping, 『White Sheep』 lowered her eyes at Russell's words. But though he felt sorry for the dejected 『White Sheep』, thanks to that little lecture, the shock-stalled gears in Subaru's head started turning again.

――The 『Lust』 Sin Archbishops, Capella Emerada Lugnica.

The Witch Cult's Sin Archbishops could each be summed up in a single word: the worst. Even among them, the wickedness of Capella's nature made her a standout target for Subaru's disgust. He'd only run into her once, in the battle at the city hall in the Watergate City Priestella, but to be honest, if he could help it, she's at the top of the list of people he'd never want to meet again. To think he'd end up hearing Capella's name now, of all times.

「Mama, and then 『Beloved Child』...」

「Put together like that, it's a combination of words that just makes you go 'ugh', isn't it.」

「And I can even picture that's exactly how she'd put it. ...No wonder 『White Sheep』-chan wanted to run away.」

Beatrice cast a worried look at Subaru, whose brow was furrowed and lips twisted. Fortunately, Beatrice hasn't seen Capella in the flesh, and Subaru thinks that's for the best. Any of the Sin Archbishops would be bad for Beatrice's moral education—Capella in particular, he'd like to say.

「Mama... Capella gathers children from all sorts of places and treats every one of them as her own. She wants us to think of her as our mother. But...」

「Evil, messed up, emotional abuse—yeah, I can imagine all of it. ...Hard to shake the habit?」

「Not really... It's been drilled into everyone's bodies.」

Wearing a smile far too pained to be called a wry one, 『White Sheep』 spoke of the past. Even after defecting as one of the 『Beloved Child』 and escaping Capella's rule, the fact that she still called her object of fear 『Mama』 was proof of just how great the hardship she had suffered was. And if it was Subaru and the others taking down Petelgeuse that had helped her break free of that hellish position—

「I'm glad. That you were able to get out, 『White Sheep』-chan.」

「Natsuki Subaru-san...」

「Ah, but I think that 『Black Dog』 guy is pretty lacking in gratitude. Looked like he was planning to burn me and cute Beako to a crisp, the whole package. Trying to repay a favor with spite. I won't forgive him unless he apologizes.」

「I won't forgive him either, you know.」

Matching Subaru, who pointed sharply, Beatrice also pointed at 『White Sheep』 with the same flourish. Seeing the two fingers thrust toward her and the wink Subaru and Beatrice did in unison, 『White Sheep』 blinked in surprise, then gave a small smile,

「Yes... Understood. I'll make sure to have the 『Black Dog』 apologize!」

「Do that. But the opponent is Capella... Is 『Beloved Child』 something like a unit within the Witch Cult? Like Petelgeuse's 『Finger』 or Regulus's 『Bride』...」

「If she heard you putting it that way, Sylphy would slug you. Don't say such careless things. As it is, Sylphy doesn't think much of you, Subaru.」

「I did pull my weight in taking down Regulus, though... Well, I'm glad to have more people rooting for Emilia-tan, so someday we gotta get hyped with some oshi talk.」

Even now, Sylphy—one of the members on standby at the Roswaal Mansion—was originally a woman who had been Regulus's Bride, but she is currently a staunch supporter of Emilia. With Subaru being hunted and even Emilia captured, their faction is in dire straits; among those staying behind at the manor, he's worried about Sylphy and Ryuzu, and also Meili, a replica body of Ryuzu. As for that side, among personnel who can move outside the Royal Capital—Roswaal—they can only pin their hopes on him.

「We'll worry about that side too, but... from 『White Sheep』-chan's understanding?」

「...At the very least, I myself had no such awareness. I've never met any Witch Cultists either.」

「R-right... So it's like a separate detachment from the Witch Cult, or each of the Sin Archbishops' private soldiers? Either way, 『Beloved Child』—what a nasty label.」

It's not exactly "hate the priest, hate even his robes," but the moment Subaru thinks Capella is involved, he feels like finding fault with anything.

「――――」

Subaru stole a glance, reflexively, at Crusch sleeping on the bed beside him. Setting aside Subaru's own arms and legs, the 『Dragon's Blood』 poured into Crusch's body is also a claw mark Capella left behind. In Pristella, there are many people whose forms were altered by her hand and who continue to sleep encased in ice.—Like 『Gluttony』, 『Lust』 ruins people's lives far too much.

「And it makes sense that Mr. Russell and the others couldn't pin her down for thirty years. She can change her appearance and form however she likes. So...」

「Until now, she had never been properly identified. It only became clear when the information on the Sin Archbishop of 『Lust』—who exposed her form in Pristella and wielded her Authority—matched the profile of the person known to the 『White Sheep』 and the others; only then.」

「Conspiring in the shadows and doing whatever she wants, huh...」

「Yes. The lords and other power brokers' sudden changes of heart and acts aiding the enemy are nothing mysterious.—They were all likely replaced.」

「She's someone who can pull that off. Truly the worst—」

Nodding at Russell's conjecture and about to spit out how malicious it was, Subaru realizes. If that speculation is taken further, it means affirming something unimaginably terrifying. And that is, unmistakably—a silent, thorough invasion, a crisis for the Kingdom's very survival.

「Hey, hey, hey, no way...」

「—It's the worst.」

At the same moment, perhaps having reached the same conclusion Subaru had sensed, Rachins, his face tight, spoke with a trembling voice and couldn't put the further possibility into words. Beatrice, nestled in Subaru's lap as he sat cross-legged, hunched her shoulders and shivered.

「Mr. Russell...」

「Yes. The three of you are imagining correctly. Therefore, this is the Kingdom's greatest peril.」

Afraid to hear the answer yet unable not to ask, Subaru puts the question, and Russell—having already fought through the shock and moved on to the next stage—nods deeply. And then, the Director of the 『Six Tongues』, a man bearing the mission to protect the Kingdom, announces:

「The Kingdom's 『Council of Sages』, as well as the majority of the high nobility, have been replaced by Capella Emerada Lugnica, who leads the 『Beloved Child』, and there is a high likelihood that the Dragon Stone is in the hands of that 『Lust』.」