This is about Duty over the Past

3 October 423

One thing that I really despised to be pushed to go through was the need to apologize with someone on behalf of someone else. Someone that was distinctly told, mentioned, and almost branded with the idea that none of the sages should have committed to such a direct comment on one of the candidates without discrediting both the candidate and the council was a whole for this biased perception.

The worst that could happen in this matter was being told some unflattering things by Echidna. Not exactly something offensive or dangerous, but I still doubted she would take big risks when she was deep in enemy lines. Even with Roswaal in the same room as hers, there were just too many elements that could have made it impossible for her to get a shot at me. Which was why I made my way to the rooms assigned to Emilia's Camp together with Majima and a tense Beatrice. The blonde spirit had been alerted to the situation. She was vigilant, incredibly cautious, and yet she knew that jumping the gun would just put us at disadvantage through a legal and moral standpoint.

After all, we were just going to apologize to Emilia in a more private and official way before leaving that room and never bother approaching that area of the castle until I knew it was Echidna-free. Pausing in front of the door that would have led us to the nest of monsters and cute (and hopefully grass-eating) bunnies, I took a moment to deliver two quick but loud knocks at the door. It didn't take long for someone to respond as the door opened just enough to allow Ram to peek outside. Surprise filled her expression for a moment, just enough for her to school her features in a polite posture.

"Lord Bukharin. We weren't expecting a visit so suddenly."

"My humble apologies, I didn't mean to come without notice but… I wished to see if it was possible to speak in private with Lady Emilia and once more give her my apologies regarding what happened during the first event of these elections," I explained while bowing at her. "Of course, if she is busy, I can delay this meeting so it doesn't trouble her."

The pinkette nodded. "I shall check on her if she is willing to entertain this idea. I suppose you can wait outside until I'm done through this task."

"Be free from any hurry. I'm not here to take lengthy conversation after all."

A simple sentence that calmly addressed two elements. The first being that I had nothing much to do but… the second one denied the chance of giving up any free time for any unplanned conversation within that room. I patiently waited as Ram went back inside the room and exchanged a few words with the other occupants. I heard none of what they were discussing, and I focused part of that wait in holding back Bea's hand as tightly as she was holding mine.

Soon the maid was back and she bowed her head at us. "Lady Emilia is currently free. Please, come inside."

I nodded just once, allowing Ram the time to part the door some more before stepping inside together with the petite spirit and the familiar. The room was one of the big ones reserved for diplomatic emissaries of high rank, and it was big attached to a couple more rooms meant to host multiple people at once. Much to my instantaneous annoyance, pretty much the entire camp was there and… I realized that one of them had just been left back here and hidden away from the rest of the candidates. For good reasons.

To be fair, knowing how Garfiel tended to behave in social situations, I didn't think of it as a bad idea. Still, it was a little surprise that further added to the chance of something upsetting going to unfold if I didn't get through this conversation with Emilia as quickly as possible and left that room without further comment. It was going to be tough to get that kind of development rolling without sounding too 'fake' or even indirectly offensive to Emilia but… I had to try. I was given two chairs, with Beatrice picking the one beside me while Majima sat on my lap, matching a good protective stance in case someone attacked us.

"Lord Bukharin," Emilia greeted, while Subaru nodded silently, clearly perceiving that the situation wasn't as calm and quiet as it appeared. Good boy, the letters we were exchanging were doing great in getting him up and ready to face problematic and sometimes deadly social dilemmas. Still, that didn't seem to prevent someone else from speaking up.

"Lo-oo-rd Bukharin."

"Margrave Mathers," I replied flatly, sparing not much than a glance at where Omega was and focusing right up to Emilia. "Still, Lady Emilia, I hope what happened in the Election Room didn't cause any problem with y-"

"If I may, Lord Bukharin," Roswaal interrupted me, drawing a tense posture out of me with that disrupting comment. "I believe it would just be rightful of me to introduce you to the rest of the camp as… it is out of politeness' sake."

I could have struck him here and now with that sudden sentence, making use of his reasoning to interrupt me as a good motivation to say no to that kind of imposition but… I doubted it would have gained much support from the rest of the room. So I only nodded at him. "I suppose if it's important enough to interrupt an official session of apologies for the misbehavior of a member of the sage council, I would have to listen to this."

I noticed a hint of nervousness on the clown's face at that rebuttal. He had expected a 'submission', but he didn't expect it to be that unforgiving from my part. I might have given him the impression of someone that was a little more subtle when it came to this kind of matter, but… there was Echidna. And that made all subtlety particularly unimportant and also self-damaging most of the time. I didn't hesitate in baring some fangs when it came to this and so I was given a quick introduction to the three individuals that were now part of the half-elf's camp. First to introduce himself was Garfiel, and I tried to word out a response to his curt response. He wasn't exactly going for the friendly approach, so I tried to keep this as polite but not too intense for him to handle as possible.

"Garfiel Tinsel," He merely said, and I knew from his gaze alone that he wasn't exactly the kind of individual that liked to be either pampered or annoyed through some complicated etiquette.

"Nice to meet you. I'm John Bukharin."

Nothing else was added to that response. While I could go on and add my current role, I was sure he knew already and giving it out in my introduction would only make me sound like someone that stuck a lot by titles. I wasn't even appeasing him because I liked him as a character. That wasn't exactly the point of it. Rather I tried to keep him from formulating reasons to be too hostile about me. Once I was done with me, it was the turn of the third maid hired by Roswaal.

"My name is Frederica Baumann, maid to Margrave Rosawaal L. Mathers. It's a pleasure making your acquaintance, Prime Minister."

So polite and particularly pleasant with her response. Frederica was actually a character I loved from the series. Not only she embodied the pure qualities of a good maid, but she also did so in a way that was relatable. Sure, I wasn't trying to say her demi-human nature was relatable but… I could understand her own plights with her half-sibling. Garfiel was as violently extroverted as my sister was back home. And the poor lady was supposed to handle his bluntness at times. To be fair… Gar had his own reasons to behave like he did. More tied to his beastly nature, less to his mother which they both had to know by now was 'dead'. I pondered about going for a sudden control to Priestella but I knew better than shaking the boat this soon. So, I merely smiled politely and nodded at her.

"Likewise, Miss Baumann. I don't recall meeting you last time I visited the manor and I suppose you were hired after my visit."

The blonde smiled, her sharp teeth showing and briefly catching my attention before I turned back to look at her eyes. I knew how much of a hassle it was to avoid putting attention to her unique detail, so I politely avoided either looking too much or commenting over her teeth. She didn't notice, preventing me to avoid disaster once more before-

"I'm Omega."

This unfolded.

I blinked, trying my best to not show anything that could be used by Echidna against me. Now I knew it was her within that clone's body and I couldn't afford to give out any weakness for her to exploit. So I pulled a careful smile and nodded.

"Nice to meet you, Omega."

She 'appreciated' it, but it was clear that she wasn't satisfied with just that interaction. She seemed ready to say something more, but I tactfully moved back to the main reason why I was there, feeling no longer constrained to delay the inevitable.

"Now, I suppose we can discuss the reason why I came here. Lady Emilia, I suppose you had the chance to think and recover from what happened in the Election Room," I muttered, turning my attention back to the half-elf. "I come here on behalf of the entire sage council to properly dispense true apologies for the behavior displayed against you. The wrong part was chided and admonished, and I can assure you that any insult of that caliber aimed at you or any other candidate shall dictate further reprimands to the offending side, if not their forced retirement from the role of judge for this competition.

The white-haired girl nodded, showing a small smile as she appreciated the explanation. "Yes, Lord Bukharin. I'm… I'm mostly fine. It wouldn't be the first time I have to face this."

"Yet this shouldn't be a good reason to just ignore it, especially now that you are a candidate for this important event. Not only is it by right of your personal self-worth to defend yourself to these accusations, but you have to also keep in mind that as a candidate to become the leader of this country, you have to show exemplary and brilliant attitude to this kind of situation," I remarked with a nod. "So please, do feel within your role to react accordingly to anyone trying to draw this kind of insult on you. You will be protected as a rightful candidate to the throne."

Emilia gave me a surprised look at this but… she ultimately smiled some more and nodded.

"I will, Lord Bukharin."

Feeling like my job here was mostly over, I expected to be granted the chance to leave but… that soon proved to be a hopeless cause as Echidna said a single word. One that got me to stop from standing up with Majima in my arms and draw my entire attention on her. A smile on her lips, Omega muttered just a single name.

"Mary."

Freezing up at that name as I recognized me, I couldn't hold back a brief glare aimed at the amused brat. I composed myself back to a calmer outlook before reacting properly.

"What?"

"Mary," She repeated, seemingly uncaring of my faux cluelessness. "Mary Bukharin. Age 17, Art School Student. John Bukharin's younger sister."

…

"Yes? What about her?"

Playing it cool wasn't much of an option, but I really didn't have a choice and I had to keep talking if I didn't want to be overwhelmed by this attempt of her. I had just a clue of what she was trying to accomplish by bringing her up in that conversation, so I guarded myself up in case I was correct about this assumption.

I saw Beatrice narrowing her eyes at the weakened Witch of Greed, while Majima took a more annoyed look and aimed it at the same target. Much to my surprise and personal irritation, I saw Frederica react to this by taking a few steps to stand near to Omega, and I could feel that her role in her re-hired post was. She was Echidna's maid and… I was really confused at this point. Why were they being so clueless about the dangers of this individual? How did Emilia fail to grasp that this was a problem? Why didn't Subaru tell me anything about this worrisome circumstance?

Many questions that I just couldn't ask about without putting myself at risk of being hounded to tell more of what I knew. I wasn't in a good position, but it wasn't the worst case scenario.

"It's been almost two years since you came to be a part of this world, Lord Bukharin. So many months, so many weeks and days… and I can tell from just a glance that you still want to be able to at least know how she is doing," Omega pointed out with a nod. "What if I know of a possible way to make that true?"

I closed my eyes, thinking about that very seductive offer as I could tell that it was a lie but… still one that struck me deep. I always thought about being back. To be away from the troubles of death, of pain, to not be this stressed over everything around me, to not be forced to be reluctant to give trust to those I didn't know about. I was given a new hand of cards but it wasn't a pretty one. The numbers were high, but the game had players with also high numbers and some of those were stacked better than I was at that very moment. No matter the preparations, someone in this world would still end up having the highest chances of defeating me if I wasn't too careful about it.

Back in the worlds Subaru and I were more accustomed with, these kinds of threats were never a thing, or in most part were vanquished with the advent of modern times. The rise of technology, the abolishing nature of progress towards traditions that existed only as temporary but also permanent ink blots all over human history. A world that was dried from chances of interest for the sake of protection, safety, and relaxation. A boring world, but still one that didn't force anyone to be careful with each decision. Some mattered more than others, but if I decided to pick a milkshake, I didn't have to worry about some monstrous being to chase my car, forcing me to stop and then enjoying devouring me.

This world was one that had yet to go through the steady process of industrialization and modernity. It had taken a first taste or two, bare licks that weren't meant to sanitize the horrors around it, but rather introduce new solutions to old problems. New ideas against old threats. It was a wild and crazy world, where the order of things were subverted by magic, but lies, by deception, and by a sense of wondrous nature that tricked newcomers into believing this was the ideal fantasy scenario.

What a terrible lure, especially with how easily someone like Subaru died. While it was true that Barusu had the chance to solve some of the issues with ease if he paid much attention to details, it was also true he didn't have the cognition to be this distrustful. After being numbed by the experience of living in a modern world, with light fantasy receiving a positive light devoid of negative problems that could interest many, he just wasn't expecting the worst to hit him so badly. Did he suspect there was a catch? Maybe. Did he know this catch was actually this bad? Maybe. But it was also true that Subaru was still naive when he entered this world.

It was from a time where he had to have been feeling so disappointed, that he just thought the new world was an escape from his reality. A reality in which he was disappointed for himself, and those around him. How many times he had to have come to the point where he faulted himself for hurting his parents by not standing to the average student? How many times he had to concede to the fact that the old world of his wouldn't have granted him the hope of a bright stand?

He thought this was the change and it turned into a foolish expectation, one left him with a potential bomb within himself that could detonate the moment someone noticed his powers and spoke about them while he was around. Insta-death for the discoverers and the user himself. And myself.

Still… this wasn't about Subaru. Maybe my decision would have been just to go back home and maybe tried to live by Echidna's compromises instead of hoping to find a solution myself. But right as Omega said… it's been too long since I started thinking about this. Did I regret those times? Yes. Would I get back now that I was given the truest chance possible?

…

"I suppose I would be… happy. For you and those interested in such a spell," I finally replied, feeling a burden lifting off from my back. "But I doubt right now having the chance would mean much to me."

"Your sister-"

"Would probably be angry if she knew that I'm making this decision without a lot of doubt. At least, until she understands that I'm not doing it for pleasure, but also a sense of duty that I have with those that rely and depend on me," I interrupted calmly, smiling despite the heavy topic. "It is the duty of older siblings to worry about younger brothers or sisters. It is a… role that we have to live for the rest of our lives and deal with the painful clashes that come by being around them to make sure they are fine. Will I keep worrying about her? Definitely. But I would be foolish to baby her about her future. As you mentioned she is now an adult, and she is definitely making her first steps into that kind of mess. I would want to be there for her but… I can't. Not out of desire to not be there with her, but because I also have other duties. Some of which are saving lives as we speak."

The entire room was quiet, and I spared just a few words before leaving. I could tell Emilia had something to say, same for Subaru, and even Echidna. Yet the last character had more to think about the situation where her attempt failed. I wasn't sure what she was trying to do by latching onto me and dragging me in an agreement, but I wasn't in the mood to entertain a sociopath with anything that could endanger the nation as a whole.

Beatrice was quiet as we left that room. I almost failed to notice that she had kept herself from crying until we were out of that room. From just holding my arm, she grasped at my arm in a sense of natural instinct. I paused just a moment, realizing that I had indirectly told her how important she was together with the others. Majima was quiet too, but I could tell that my speech had left something for her mind to pick and understand. Meanwhile I lifted Bea up and carried her back until we were to the office.

While I pondered about taking some time off to relax and give some attention to the twins, Bea and Alice, I failed to realize that my words had left a strange interest in a certain pinkette. If her doubts were at first paused by her loyalty to her lord, wavered by the introduction of someone her lord was so affectionate about despite her unpleasant personality… She finally decided to entertain some fascinating thoughts about rebellion.

But of which size and intensity, it was still up to her, her duty towards her younger sister, and her other ties to the manor.

Afterthought: So I generally would take this time to talk about the chapter but… I don't have much to say except that I have a couple of ideas about the next story. One of the ideas has to do with a Xover between a popular genre and a barely popular one (but that is spreading partly thanks to me and its inherent popularity).

Now, let's start the serious bit:

A few days ago I learned that something has happened to one of the top stories in the Re:Zero community in FFN (Fanfiction dot Net). This something is tied to an author (which I consider great with the only flaw being that he needs a Beta-reader) ended up with their story's review/comment section filled with utter toxicity and trash reviews that seem more interested in throwing crap at readers or the story in general. Criticism is one thing, going as far as starting wars within the Review section sounds like a dumb idea. Second issue: a few readers of theirs, without their permissions, have spammed some Re:Zero authors with links to their story (I was spared) and it had brought further shame to this author. So, before the fact they are considering dropping the story due to this kind of mess, I find myself called to be honest and dutiful as part of the community: If you are reading this, Reactionist, I hope you continue. It's a good story and you deserve all those mad follows and faves you're getting. I really hope to read more about this and… hopefully, in the near future, to get at your same level of quantity in terms of chapter. Kudos for more, and… let's go to the Omake section.

Omake 22: The Boys will be Boys (1)

"I don't like this game anymore," I commented dryly, getting another giggle from Felix as he finished laying another card down and further pushing me into quite the awkward situation.

Today I learned that Strip Poker was a thing, and that Felix was a touch better than me when it came in winning card games. It all started when I found myself enjoying some free time for myself as the kids had gone out with Majima to check the forest around the capital, while Bea and Alice had left to check on a shop or two in town to refurbish their own reserves of papers, those that were generally used for personal writing or drawing. A very strange hobby that I felt responsible for, but that didn't seem dangerous for their current work so… I was fine with it.

Still, I was surprised when he first asked me to play with him that game. He promised nothing crazy as we were to stop once either of us reached our underwear. I didn't doubt he was being honest about it, but that didn't make it any less awkward when he went bare-chested and reminded me with his biology that he was still a guy. Nothing wrong on that front… beyond the fact he used this matter to steal some poking action at my poor abs. I had been training so much that it was just natural for that to be a thing. And while Ferris didn't slack off with his own training as a knight, that didn't mean his physique was just going to allow him to grow a proper six-pack without making it feel odd on his body. He was too slender and lacked the mass to form anything beyond his usually slim frame.

And it was there, as we started to bring this 'conflict' to an end that a degree of disaster struck us in an awkward and bizarre way. First it was a knock that was ignored due to my frustration and Felix's gloating, then the door opened slightly to allow a certain Prince to poke his head inside the room and… stare at the scene with a surprised look. Instead of just silently staring and allowing this strangeness to unfold, Fourier decided to just slip inside and frown.

"W-What are you two doing?" He asked with a mixture of surprise, confusion and minor annoyance.

His question caught us off-guard, with me panicking the most whole the cat-boy just smiled.

"Playing lite strip-poker. I'm winning."

"You're not!" I blurted out with a scoff. "And by lite he means that one loses when they reach their underwear."

Fourier nodded slowly, still staring at us with an odd look and… then huffing. "Why didn't you invite me to it?"

…

"Fourier-"

"I'm bored as you two are. I can understand that I'm the prince and all but… we're friends first and foremost."

I nodded. "Yes but-"

"And it's been a long time since we had free time together! It's been… more than just a few months."

"What about Crusch's birthday party?"

"That was… a special event that demanded us to be away from hard work and staying together with Crusch," Fourier rebuked politely, trying his best to just ignore how the woman had demanded for us to play a couple group games before going through the cake and the gifts. Some of the games were simple and fine, but a couple of those did really come close to crossing some awkward lines once or twice during the entire day.

I could say it was the girl's attempt to tease us during her special day, but it didn't mean I was going to accept that kind of behavior when it came so close to some intimate moments I wasn't enlisted to go through. She still restrained herself and… it was fine. Nothing crazy happened. I think. There might have been a part of that day where I passed out, something tied to some strong alcohol but… Felix suggested that nothing had happened. Sadly it was just a suggestion since he wasn't around to check on me.

Still, beyond that bizarre memory of mine, I still regarded the blond with a sigh. "Regardless of that, we're already close to finishing. I'm just waiting for the guy that is going to be missing head-scratches for a full month to finish me."

"Yeah..." Felix replied happily, pausing for a moment as he realized something was really wrong with what I had just said and then- he jumped at me, cards ditched for a moment. "You what?!"

"I have the freedom to show you how annoyed I am that you put me through this. So here's the punishment."

"That's unfair!" The brunet replied angrily and I shrugged.

"Never said it wasn't. I can be petty when I want to," I was reminded with a smug grin. It's been so long since I had the chance to put myself into that situation and I was quite glad it was working to my end.

Or so I thought as Felix proved to be a little more stubborn when it came to that kind of 'threats'.

"N-No!"

I hummed in surprise as the cat-eared young man took this chance to steal unauthorized nuzzles out of me. I struggled for a moment, trying to shrug him off with his sudden hugging but… failing miserably with how strong and stubborn he was.

"F-Felix, get off-"

"Noooo."

"I think he is entitled to stake his claim… Sir Bukharin."

"Don't give me that, Fourier," I replied to the smug-looking prince. "Weren't you literally lamenting how you were getting excluded from the fun? How about you take Felix for a hugging spree?"

It was a brilliant plan. Sadly, it backfired 'horribly'.

"How about I take you both for a hugging spree?" Fourier rebuked eagerly and… soon I was subjected to a double hug, with Felix giggling and enjoying the relative warmth coming out from this experience.

I could only huff at this and… merely enjoy the entire circumstance. There wasn't much I could say and do from a quick look at it and I decided to surrender to this madness. And as I did so, I noticed some strange sounds coming from beyond the door. What I hadn't noticed was that a good part of the castle had rallied by the door to listen to the situation. Reinhard being the one closest to the door, followed by a few other knights, some of the Electors' camp-members and servants, and even a certain little witch that was just passing by.

Truly an insane reaction from the world from a simple scene filled with so many meanings and misunderstandings.