This is about Promotions

22 September 423

As much as I was still reluctant over the fact that I ended up picking Beatrice off as my newest companion, I quickly noticed how much of a valuable addition she was to my usual routine.

Sure, she wasn't exactly up to date regarding the affairs of the kingdom and most of her knowledge on the current time came from hearsay, but she was still capable of offering an incredible pool of info regarding centuries-old laws. Very precise, but not overly lost in details with the way she explained her points when allowed to speak.

Miklotov found her refreshing and would usually entertain some intellectual banter with her to test her wits and her unique wisdom. Each session was well-calibrated to have a modest amount of conversation between the two, sometimes even dragging each other in opposing sides about an argument, and eventually concluding with both compromising on their views of these topics. Those particular scenes were fairly hilarious to entertain, but not as much as the ones that would come up when she met with Felix and then the twins.

Ferris struck a fairly strong interest from the short blonde, the girl being a sucker for kitties and almost begging for him to crouch down so she could pet him. It was a very brief scene just as I tried to introduce them to each other, and the entire thing escalated when the brunet complied and allowed the spirit to go through with her whim.

And when she finally met the twins, the girl felt like she had won the lottery of cuteness. While not cat-boys, the foxy ears both kids had were enough to entice the petite girl to actually approach them to pet even more and… that was the spark that created quite the bond between the trio. If 'Betty' wasn't working on something together with me and we were both enjoying free time together away from the paperwork, she would more than happily play around with the children.

Nothing too rough or anything that dirtied her clothes, she was still keen to follow a refined form of etiquette that prevented her to truly dabble into the more physical aspects of children's playing. They somehow managed to work with that, either playing hide and seek or going for careful games of tag. It was heartwarming and actually relieving since I wasn't sure how much she wanted our bond to be. It was clear it wasn't going to be as close as the one she had with Subaru in the original timeline. Despite her vocal interest of sharing the same bed, the same points that were tied to her direct closeness to her contractor weren't just there to become a troublesome element for me. Either that, or I had unwittingly discovered a clause of the pact that allowed me to be this flexible about our closeness.

I was certain the latter was just plain absurd and improbable, and I stuck rightfully to the first scenario for the time being. It wasn't a big discovery but it could potentially help me dodge some unwanted drama if I ended up being wrong about this first theory.

The reaction from others, like Fourier, to Beatrice weren't as entertaining as the previous ones, but they held their own hilariousness that made them particularly fun to watch unfold. The prince himself was particularly keen to try and befriend the spirit at all costs. While his approach was akin to Barusu, his motivations were far from the ones that would have driven the former NEET to try and get close with the blonde. Where Subaru would have sought Beatrice's friendship through teasing, Fourier tried to befriend her through appeasements between each other.

It was odd to say, but from the words of Betty herself the two cases were similar 'akin to pets, yet one is a pesky cat and the other is an overbearing dog'. That comment gained an unexpected agreeing huff from Majima, the pup having more than once mentioned how there was an odd correlation between puppies and Fourier. And every time she would bring this up, I couldn't help but imagine Fourier with dog-like ears. A Golden Retriever in human form.

I would have tried to get a reaction out of Crusch, but the girl was still busy with her duties as the Duchess of Karsten. At least, that was a temporary dismay since she decided to send a letter just two days ago about planning to visit by the next week. She mentioned that the reason was 'something I surely knew about and was preparing to make sure things were fine', and that entire sentence had me alarmed since I couldn't think about what the young woman was talking about.

I was confused, distressed even as I felt that something big was indeed happening. I was further worried when I also received a letter from Priscilla mentioning that she too was going to visit the capital for important businesses and that she expected to see me soon and spend some quality time with me.

I was glad that she hadn't reverted to a more pissed state of mind after a few months of being detached from each other, but I still couldn't understand how it was possible that something important was happening and I knew nothing about it. And the worst thing was that not even Fourier knew about this entire situation.

I was left in the dark… until some strange news reached my ears during one of the usual meetings I had together with Miklotov. I was busy scribbling something down, a new tax reform or something like that, when the elder decided to calmly proclaim a development that quickly had me glancing up from the paper and right to him.

"By the way, John, I think you should know that in two days I will tender my resignation as the Prime Minister of Lugnica."

He relayed that unexpected info with such a calm and relieved voice that I was even more surprised when my brain caught up on what he had just said.

"W-What?"

The news had me perplexed, my mind overthinking about these words. I spared a quick proper look at the old man, and I couldn't find any hint of sickness that would have suggested he was seeking an earlier retirement out of health problems. Which made the entire news crazier by the minute since I knew of no major events that would have pushed him to bail the job so suddenly.

"Lord MacMahon? What are you talking about?" Beatrice asked, elaborating on our common confusion on the matter.

What I didn't expect for him to do was smile and offer me a proper document he had just finished writing. There, I found clarity about why Crusch and Priscilla were planning to visit the capital and why the old man was retiring.

The Royal Elections have opened!

My jaws dropped, my left hand was on top of my head as I tried to calm down a sudden migraine coming at the massive influx of thoughts about what the title of the paper was. I was floored, baffled even, when I started to read all the details. Locations, schedule, the military staff, the list of important nobles taking part to the event, and… the candidates to the Throne.

Fourier.

Crusch.

Priscilla.

Emilia.

Anastasia.

...Felt.

I gritted my teeth at that, my eyes narrowing at Miklotov as his smile just highlighted that he knew something that I didn't. I didn't even get the chance of asking that the elder decided to come out clean about this circumstance.

"While you did a fine job hiding away where the last candidate was, you made a few mistakes about the way you guarded her whereabouts," The old Sage explained. "You were so sure that I wouldn't have kept track of your actions that you gave my informants the chance of finding out where she was living and… I decided to arrange a surprise."

"Why?"

He sighed. "It's futile to behave annoyed. You know better than me that it's essential for the Election to start, progress smoothly and reach a safe conclusion."

"But why is this tied to the election? Why are you resigning just as something important as this one, I suppose?"

"Because we agreed that, upon the beginning of this election, I would have taken charge of the country considering he is no longer suited to handle something this important with his advancing age," I replied in his stead. "Still, the girl is not ready for this job."

"Maybe, or maybe you are just unwilling to begin a process that has long been decided," The old man calmly rebuffed. "You are a smart man, John. I know you for a long time now and I can tell your reasoning isn't to prevent her candidacy. You… are waiting for something else. What is that you are waiting for, John? What got you so worried to actually delay the due process of new governance?"

…

"The Witch Cult," I replied quietly. "I've good reasons to believe they will be quite active the moment the news will hit the public. And they have quite a hold in Lugnica despite our best efforts."

"They don't hold any major stronghold in the nation-"

"But their Archbishops have been more active in the last few months compared to the previous decade," I interrupted. "They know something big is coming and… and I know one of them tried to kill Fourier before King Randohal died."

The elder looked surprised at the news and his posture tensed up. "When precisely."

"After the Argyle situation. I managed to prevent the assassination from happening and-"

"Why didn't you notify me of this? Why didn't you gather guards to protect the prince when he needed it the most?!"

It was the first time I saw Miklotov appear so furious. It was so genuinely unpleasant, but I couldn't blame him for reacting like this. Yet, his mindset was incorrect before the outstanding issue that line of action would still present.

"Because it wouldn't have mattered," I flatly replied. "Because the individual that tried this was no low-tier grunt. It was the boss of the Cult herself."

…

"And… is there a reason why you think this is indeed the case? What is her Authority?"

…

"Vainglory. Or Vanity to be more precise," I answered tiredly. "The capacity to warp reality at her whim. Not even Reinhard at full power would be able to win against her. And her objective is… to piss off her father."

Beatrice frowned. "Her… father?"

"Satella is regarded as one of the greatest calamities, yet that truth is… incorrect. At least in good part," I explained calmly, carefully turning to regard the spirit. "Betty, what is the Witch Factor?"

The girl tensed up, surprised by the abrupt question considering how big of a deal it truly was for her. It was something she had to know about after spending so much time with Echidna when she was 'younger'. The Witch of Greed had to have dabbled and entertained the idea of playing with such a dangerous compound and, from the uneasy look on the blonde's face, she knew what I was referring to.

Still she didn't talk, prompting me to give a brief explanation about it.

"The Witch Factor is the substance that allows people to develop Authorities. There are numerous variables that allow people to create specific kinds of abilities, some of which manifest to match the immediate need of the user, with serious repercussions with their minds," I calmly mentioned. "The name comes from the fact that this 'Factor' is naturally produced by the witches' body. Or used to considering that most of them are dead at this point."

"But why is this important to this leader of the Witch Cult? Is she an Arch-bishop?"

"Witch. An imperfect one at that," I revealed and that was enough to spring a new set of worries out of the elder. "I know that she was created artificially as a proper human being by Flugel, and that she gained a modified version of the factor from the man himself. I don't know the full truth just yet, but I believe that very Witch Factor was harvested by Satella herself."

"So you decided against preventing her arrival… how? And how did you stop her from killing Fourier if she is this… dangerous?" The sage was clearly shocked by the carpet truth-bombing, but I decided to spare him the truth. It was one of the last few days in the office, and now I needed to be completely focused on the matter. I could trust him, and I definitely needed him onboard for a couple of plans if I wanted to outsmart the eternal brat.

"For some reason, I am immune to her powers. I am an obstacle within her scope of abilities that she can't beat," I replied with a sigh. "Yet, at the same time, I can only stop her… and nothing else."

"This threat. How do you intend to defeat it?"

"Right now, I'm elaborating a spell that should work against her," I admitted with a serious tone. "While her powers allow her to rewrite reality and eliminate physical death as a possible deterrent for her to worry about, her soul is still vulnerable and thus a prime target to eliminate her."

…

Miklotov let out a heavy sigh. "John, I'm deeply disappointed that you had to leave out this important detail away from our conversations. Can I at least know why you found it essential to withhold this matter?"

"Pandora, the imperfect witch, might not be trying to directly try anything against the Elections, but she has taken a liking to study my plans. The moment she notices that someone that is tied to me begins to act 'weird' in her eyes, she will take actions to remove the person itself," I answered truthfully. "Now it's the best time since she could easily rule out any cautious behaviors of yours as something tied to the fact you are leaving the office quite soon."

"You worried about my wellbeing? I guess I should be grateful… and yet I'm still disappointed. I know you mean well, yet this revelation tastes bitter to be given so late."

I bowed my head, but I didn't show any shame at the timing. "I will not apologize. It was the best course of action."

…

"And you are right," The elder agreed. "Mind you, my disappointment is more personal than objective. I understand your decision and I find it most acceptable. Yet, I can't just ignore the fact you held back something so important. I will not hate you, but I will be rather distrustful for some time regarding your knowledge about threats from now on."

A small toll to pay, I thought quietly but I still nodded.

"It's acceptable."

The old man then tapped on the table, right at the paper I had settled on the wooden surface, the one about the Elections.

"This document also requires a signature. Yours, Prime Minister Bukharin."

I blinked at the comment, but as I looked back at the paper, right at the lower edge of it, I paused before the small section that just required my signature. Written slightly above, my new title and name plastered to dignify the owner of the signature itself.

Prime Minister of the Dragon Kingdom of Lugnica, John Bukharin.

Miklotov silently passed me an inked pen and… I had to just sign it accordingly.

Yet the moment the ink hit the white paper, I couldn't help but feel like my first day as the Head of Government of this country just felt heavier than predicted. Then I would realize that the day was far from over since the old man, in a moment of pure prankness, decided to point out how he had invited Felt to finally meet her family and encounter his cousin. The elder's last trick as he left me burdened with twice the usual paperwork with that promotion thanks to his resignation.

"Betty is confused, I suppose."

I hummed quietly while holding the spirit's hand while we paced around the castle. Majima happily trotted on our left side, looking left and right as she prepared to enjoy some pure chaos created by the scene we were rushing to. Our destination was Fourier's room in an effort to save the poor Prince from facing a cruel encounter with the girl that was Felt. Despite all preparations I had started to take, I hadn't prepared the guy to handle someone as fiery as the young 'lady', and I knew that he wasn't going to be capable of holding himself well against her.

"What are you confused about, Betty?" I inquired while trying to think up ways to prevent a complete catastrophe from unfolding.

"If you're now going to become the Prime Minister… does that change anything about your life?" She asked in return, holding back for a moment about the fact my life was now of her interest since hers was tied to mine. "Like, more burdens and less free time, I think."

"Not really. I was already taking care of most of the big functions behind the role, the only thing that is left for me to suffer through is more paperwork than usual. And people now keen to bow at me for being one of the politically strongest individuals in the entire kingdom," I explained with a nod. "other than that, things are quite the same as usual. I hope you don't mind the lack of more work."

She huffed. "O-Of course I don't, I suppose. It's just… I didn't want you to work yourself to death. That would be dumb."

"It would, but I know when to stop. Especially when I might end up worrying kind people like you, Bea," I replied mirthfully, and I suddenly felt her grip tighten up the moment I was done speaking.

Her calm eyes widened in surprise as she regarded me with a fascinated look. She didn't say anything, and her reaction gained a quick query out of me.

"What?"

"That pet name. Why?"

I shrugged, looking back forward. "Since Betty is a name you are most used to hearing, I thought it would be a nice change of pace if I called you with a unique name."

She blinked, looking forward and mimicking my posture. "I-I suppose."

We arrived at our destination mere minutes later. We stopped right at the entrance to greet a familiar big man that had taken to stare at the doors that led to a great battle from the sounds coming from within it.

"Rom," I muttered quietly, the tanned giant nodding.

"John. I thought you would have been here already."

"It wasn't something I had exactly planned. The visit, I mean," I replied with a sigh. "Still, I guess nobody has died just yet."

He shook his head, and that was relieving to say the least. So, instead of wasting more time away from the heat, I decided to dive into the trouble to try and solve it. The moment I opened the door, I was regaled with an unexpected combo of two laughing morons doing some crazy stunts.

Fourier was chuckling loudly, trying to catch the highly elusive frame of his younger and giddier-looking cousin. The young man looked genuinely taken by what seemed to be a close-ranged tag-game, with Felt, a smiling pest that was using her Wind Blessing to boost her speed, doing her best to dodge his best efforts to tackle her.

The sight was pleasant, that was without a doubt, but how the heck did this begin when the two should have been disliking each other for a fair while? I was perplexed and it took me a couple of seconds to regain a composure over what was unfolding before my eyes.

"Oh, John!" Fourier greeted with a half-yell, and that was enough to disrupt Felt's concentration with her quick pace as she slammed onto the softness of the couch nearby. Two pair of red eyes turned to stare at me and I sighed.

After a quick exchange of greetings, I managed to get the two to sit down and I noticed how calm they were in each other's proximity. They were sitting beside each other, clearly having no trouble being this close to one another.

"So, how did you avoid making a mess out of this encounter?" I asked bluntly, my brain just not being there to elaborate something more subtle about this absurdity.

"He doesn't care about what I'm dressing," The girl replied with the same bluntness. "Plus, he isn't a stuck-up prick."

"Felt is really cool," Fourier added with a nod. "She is fast, she isn't prim and proper like other girls, which reminds me of Crusch, and..."

I blinked. "And?"

"And she is family."

The thief hummed. "I mean, we sure are but… I'm not completely sure about it."

"Why?" I asked and she gave me a serious look.

"Because it's too sudden. Sure, it's nice to know that I actually have a relative. And that the relative is nice, awesome, and kind of nice to have around," Felt explained. "But that doesn't mean I'm just hooked to the entire idea of being close to what is left of my family."

I nodded, and I could tell that even Fourier was reluctantly accepting of this stance. While a good part of him wanted to press on this, he seemed to know that it would just cause problems if he had her make a decision now. Time was on our side and patience was something he had learned to make use of when really needed.

"It's a point I can't stand with. Mind you that… the recent development regarding your entry in the Royal Elections weren't an expected thing and… I know it's already thought that you are now pushed into dealing with this, so we will not put you in a tougher spot," I replied.

"You are my opponents in this competition, aren't you? Why would you mind that?"

"Fourier might be the one that you will have to worry about during this entire situation. Even though I doubt he will try anything against you," I answered with a nod. "But I am actually the judge. I'm the impartial guy that will severely influence the elections for the proper course."

…

"So it's rigged from the start."

I frowned. "Nope. At least not by my end since not everyone is starting from the same point. In fact, if I have to be honest about it, you are the weakest candidate."

She huffed. "What? Why?"

"You start with not much of an economic support beyond Reinhard's own funds and other donations," I listed out. "Plus, many nobles and thus some of the sages will see you as someone unfit to the throne due to your background. You have the reputation through Reinhard, but you also have your previous years of being a thief that influence the public opinion."

"...So I'm not winning this one."

"Never say never," I admitted cryptically. "While you might have a problematic start, that doesn't literally kick you out of the competition."

"Uh, John?" Fourier asked with a confused look. "Why are you… helping her?"

"I'm not. At least, not beyond the basic description of a rule she possibly doesn't know about. Like alliances with other candidates," I replied with a nod. "Which is why I suggest trusting Reinhard about your first steps in these Elections."

The girl nodded, looking partly thankful about my explanation, while also blowing a raspberry at Fourier for having this little development strike him odd. While he was pouting, I could only shrug as there was nothing wrong in telling her this. Reinhard would have told her regardless if this conversation took this turn or not.

Nonetheless, the visit was briefer than expected and eventually Felt had to leave to check on the headquarters for her camp. I spared a few words with Fourier about the Elections' situation, and I reminded him that I was going to be as impartial as possible and that he was meant to give his all if he wanted to win.

He was going to, but I gave him the idea that there were chances of him losing if he didn't plan things correctly. A little ruse to get him to work for his success rather than wait for an easy and mostly-unwarranted win.

With that last matter solved, there was just more paperwork for me to handle. With Beat at my side, I proceeded to take the final preparations needed to validate the beginning of the Royal Election. If only I knew how much trouble was being harbored right within the rural regions of the Kingdom...

AN

Curious bit of Trivia I don't believe anyone has ever mentioned within the lore and the fandom: Beatrice is also correlated to Dante's Beatrice. Not only she is a blonde, blue-eyed example of a 'pure and angelic figure', but her existence is a big reference to Dante's poem 'Tanto Gentile e Tanto Onesta Pare' (there is an English version around, and the translation still keeps most of the references which ties her to it).

Anyways, someone asked for a continuation to the FemBaru Omake. Here is the continuation with some fluff, seriousness, and hilarious background scenes.

Omake 19: Not the Subaru I expected (2)

"You know, this isn't exactly the place you should be doing this," I flatly pointed out at the little intruder that had decided to sit right beside me in the open baths. It was a place that should never be breached by someone of the opposite gender when there was already someone inside but… she quickly proved that she was far from sane.

Then again, I had a couple of displays like this from someone as despicably dumb as her.

"Why shouldn't I be this free? We are close friends and this world is dangerous. We have to be this intimate," Subaru answered, doing nothing to cover her body. No clothes, I was glad that towels were something at my hand's reach. She dodged the first volley of white cloth, but failed to shift away from the one hitting her torso.

"Stop being a moron, cover yourself."

A huff left her lips, a pout forming and she still did nothing to cover herself. Seriously, at this point I was one step close to actually scream for help. I might be a good guy, but that intense attention I was receiving was turning into something I really wasn't keen on allowing to develop beyond that point.

"A man that says no to the desires of a gorgeous maiden?" The young woman asked in complete annoyance. "What is this? Aren't you open to accept my love as I bluntly offer it to you?"

"Gorgeous you might be, that doesn't exempt you from the simple steps needed to reach that degree of openness," I answered, failing to notice how her mind was geared to pick up info through my comments.

"Oh, so you really see me as gorgeous? And there is actually a chance I can win you over," Subaru easily picked up. Leaning down and staring at me with a frown she was clear about her intentions. "How do I get you to understand that I'm the ultimate gal?"

"How about you start by not being this forward?"

"And allow you the chance to look away from me and fall in love with someone else?" She rebuked swiftly. "If mom taught me something important about relationships, it's to never let your love interest pick up other girls to court."

"Apologies, but now I have to ask. How many restraint orders were filed against you?" I replied sarcastically and she actually seemed to think about it.

"Five," She blurted without hesitation, but then smiled and giggled. "None. I just found the idea funny. To be honest… I never tried going after other individuals for a romance. Everyone was so… serious, boring and unwilling to show anything really entertaining."

"You seek love through amusement?"

"Nope," The girl replied mirthfully. "I seek the pure amusement that only true love can dispense. You know what they say about love at first sight. You don't pick a life-long lover out of how they look, or their social status- here, if they make you laugh, if they understand your brand of amusement, then it's someone a woman can't lose to a possible candidate."

"What are you-"

"You could have said no from the very beginning, you could have been harsher than how you are right now. It's all a polite deflection of yours, but it's not one born from unwillingness to pursue a relationship with me. You are shocked that someone like me, someone like you, can be this brazen despite the fact everything is questionable and a quick death is around the corner," She interrupted, pressing on. "You might try to hide it away by pulling the 'clueless' card, but I recognize the look you always have on others. You study them, you appease them and… you looked at each corner to make sure danger isn't around to hurt you."

…

"How did you come up with this?" I asked. "You seem almost like you-"

"Know how does it feel? To be a tiny bit concerned with novelties so big and difficult to predict?"

...She was up to something. She knew something I just couldn't imagine in that moment with the way she was being so precise about it.

"That's because it's how I would react if I had taken a more cautious approach. The usual when handling our previous worlds' matters. I was quick to think a new world meant less danger but… I was proven wrong," Subaru admitted. "Your cautious approach proved to be right since you managed to never be killed once in a year or so being here. You were put in peril, Emi-chan told me this much, but you always got up on top. I'm almost jealous of your success but… it's my fault for being too risky if I ended up in some awkward circumstances."

When did she get this close?

She was now sitting beside me, leaning close to my face as she harbored a serious look.

"I understand your words. You don't like pushy people but… this isn't about pushing anyone. It's about proving a point. I can and will make your heart go doki-doki, no matter how much of a tsundere you really are, John," The girl determinedly proclaimed. "It will all be natural, I will conquer you with just my emotions and my genuine actions. And, by the end of it, you will accept me as your rightful bride. Why? Because I know it will happen."

…

"You sure have… a way with your words."

"Pops always lamented how I should have taken a route for politics. Said that I was the professional pep-talker that many just needed to hear from time to time but… I started shy, and it became troublesome just picking up a different pace," The girl explained. "Which is why here and now I have an outlet to express my feelings with ease and… desire."

I tensed up as she suddenly hugged me. "S-Stop it."

"Those abs are just too sinful to let go~!" Subaru proclaimed. "Plus, if I let go of you, I will lose my only chance at some nice homemade pizza."

"S-Stop it! H-HELP!"

Giggles and screams of my eternal distress echoes across the nearby rooms, with two girls standing just at the entrance of the big bath.

"Mou, Ram are you sure I can't just enter inside? They seem to be having fun," Emilia pouted at the Pinkette, the girl sighing tiredly.

"Lady Emilia, I doubt that daring your luck in spending some time in the bath with Barusu is a good idea. Plus, Lord Bukharin is someone that, albeit forgiving, wouldn't be this open to accept girls in the bath."

"B-but Subaru wasn't kicked out," The half-elf pointed out in a brief moment of jealousy and the eldest of the Oni twins sighed.

"That, sadly, isn't something Lord Bukharin hasn't much power about. Plus, it's not like it will be the last time he visits."

…

"I guess I can try sometime in the future but… is that Rem with just a towel?"

Ram might be someone that trusted her sister to not be too nosy of guests, but it would be the first time that the blue-haired girl disobeyed her directives and still tried to spy on others. The maid turned to the side to try and see what Emilia had pointed at with her finger and… She froze when she heard the door of the bath open and close in a rapid succession. She turned around and… Emilia was no longer there.

Despite her greatest worries, in the end she would learn that they just washed their backs together and nothing more.