About Plots, Memories, and Tickles

6 November 423

"I see that you are more at ease with your difficult duties."

I blinked, glancing up to see that someone had entered the office without me realizing. They had knocked, I could remember this much, but I hadn't paid them any attention until they spoke up as Alice let them in as Beatrice was busy giving me some papers to finalize the paperwork for today. Miklotov looked way healthier than I last saw him, retirement was definitely paying off from the looks of it.

"That's because I managed to get through the first bumps of this election. How may I help you Miklotov?"

"Since when do my visits coincide with requests of favors?" He asked, almost offended by my direct expectation.

"Ever since you tend to visit me in the office just for that. Had it been a visit of courtesy, I would have met you elsewhere," I explained as rationally as possible. "So, how may I help you today?"

"I came here just for two things actually. First to warn you of a possible official event that might unfold in the next few days, and two… your reaction."

I blinked, feeling like this wasn't going to be a fun event to be part of. I had the chance to use these weeks to go through the efforts of decentralizing the administration by setting up a degree of ministries which some of the Sages were in charge of. It meant less paperwork for me when it came to general topics that allowed me to remain with the more important documents. Compared to Erindor, the Capital failed to have an administration that was flexible enough to make the burden this bad towards a single entity, which was the Prime Minister and then it would expand on the King, but this was due to the lack of support for any radical reforms. Nobody was really intrigued by the concept of applying full meritocracy within the government, so I just expanded the office of those Sages which were known to have a mastery over essential affairs. They were already renowned, known to be nobles or close to that class rank, and they had proved their worth and experience plenty of times now.

Still, the words of the elder drew a frown out of me as I couldn't think of anything important which could explain his serious visit. Any plot within the capital had already been monitored and properly neutralized without drawing attention or suspicions from those that might be interested in joining those. But… I decided to bite, curious to know what this was all about. Beatrice paused as I gestured to her to take a seat, Alice following the blonde's example and sitting on the chair on my left while the shorter spirit took the one on the right.

"I doubt I didn't hear anything important unfolding within the Kingdom if that's what you are talking about-"

"Emperor Vincent is planning a visit in a week from now."

My eyes widened at that flat response, but it was Bea that spoke up, shock plastered on her face.

"Isn't that too sudden, I suppose?"

"Not if the request is reasoned for good will towards our nations and an… interest from the Empress tied to your knowledge."

Miklotov was correct with that response. They had the right to make this visit so 'sudden' in a sense due to their rank and importance. A week was definitely not much to work on while handling a situation tied to a royal visit, especially those that ruled over a nation that until my visit had been mostly hostile against Lugnica, but I could tell that… something urged them to commit to a diplomatic visit. I scratched the back of my head at that, I really thought the eager blonde that wanted to know more about her ancestor would have settled with the letters exchange we agreed on. She was highly receptive of those, but questioned me about my thoughts about the side her ancestor was tied to considering my nation… was allied against his. But for this to actually demand her to visit just to spare some questions and get some answers in return when the letters already did that? I could tell something was actually wrong about the entire situation. So I asked, knowing full well that something else was driving them to this move.

"Who is going to be part of their guards?"

"I don't know the full list yet-"

"Which of the Nine Generals?" I rephrased quietly, with the elder instantly picking the unease in my tone at this questioning. "It's important."

…

"I'm aware that Cecilus Segmunt will be by the Emperor's side as usual… but they decided to bring the Second Rank General too."

Strange, confusing… or perhaps particularly damning considering I could think of a single reason why Vincent might be moving so suddenly with Arakiya of all possible individuals. She was the one that appeared in Priscilla's last step in the first test, and there was no way that they would know of this… beyond the fact they might have been investigating Priscilla ever since the Elections started. I couldn't exactly pinpoint the precise reason why they would be making a move now, but I had good reasons to believe it was all tied up to her. So, before I could proceed with this… I went with the usual premise. It was really getting old at this point...

"Miklotov, I hope you understand now I will have to request your utmost silence on the matter once I'm done explaining."

"Once more with your secrets? I suppose your spy network is so efficient to know a lot but… it feels like you have more secrets than you're willing to give, which isn't something I appreciate."

"Only because those are either too big to be let out or… in this case, granted by the secret herself to prevent a massive catastrophe if this came to the public."

His eyes narrowed. "The Emperor is visiting to check on someone?"

"Yes. Family."

The little hint was enough for realization to dawn over the old man's face, and he took a moment to actually think about it.

"Priscilla Barielle. She is tied to him, isn't she?"

"Priscilla's original name is Prisca Benedict, one of the many children of the previous Emperor. And she had a few skirmishes with Vincent before he ascended to Emperorship."

The elder nodded. "You expect he is vengeful towards her?"

…

"No," I admitted with a frown. "I think he wants to know if she is still plotting to claim the crown or not. Had it been that he wanted her head, he wouldn't have asked Arakiya to accompany him- he wanted to intimidate her into being honest by bringing her here."

"These two are actually connected? Please explain because I'm not very familiar with Vollachian affairs."

"Arakiya was her first guard. They didn't part ways in pleasant manners, so I could say he could be playing this to try and get her to be more 'open' about her emotions."

"Troublesome." Miklotov commented with a frustrated tone. "Do you plan to let this visit happen then? If they manage to finalize their investigations-"

"They would be able to make a bigger mess out of this and sour the relations between our nation again," I finished for him, a grim look on my face. "Unless… we make sure that Priscilla isn't in the capital while they are around. It should be easy to fabricate a reason, the issue would be having Priscilla to follow through by leaving four or five days before they come by and return a day or two once they are gone."

"Why would she refuse something meant to protect her chances here in the Elections?"

"She is incredibly prideful, Miklotov," I admitted quietly. "As much as I could say it's well-diluted to not be upsetting on most occasions, it will still flare at the idea of just 'running away' from a fight that is important."

For some 'mysterious reasons', the old man smiled knowingly. "I assume she would also refuse to leave your side-"

"Miklotov, please-"

Alice's giggling didn't help the situation, and I couldn't help but notice a noticeable but brief smile appear on Beatrice's face at that insinuation.

"Besieged by traitors, I see," I hummed quietly… before sighing loudly. "Still, the situation is particularly difficult, but I want to talk to her about it."

"I know for a fact she will listen. But perhaps it's… the right time to make a decision, John?" Miklotov pointed out cheekily. "In fact, speaking of… tense affairs, I heard that Lady Karsten has challenged you to a duel."

"It's not as easy as it seems from being a spectator," I flatly remarked. "And I'm preparing for that event-"

"She is training with Sir Reinhard as far as I heard, so perhaps she might have a chance to win and… inflict you a dare."

My grimace did little to lessen the teasing, but at least it wasn't too direct about it. And while this visit helped me handle the whole mess that was going to be the next two to three weeks, I still had many other plans to keep track of. Starting with the fact that I received a message from the minders assigned to a certain Archbishop and… those were some interesting reports from him. Something about him killing a fellow Archbishop in a recent skirmish. Mentioning this in an almost proud manner too from the looks of it.

Of course, my brain didn't tremble at the idea that I had given control of a larger amount of followers to a mad man.

Petelgeuse was a mad man. There was no reason for him to ignore the absolute truth after so long.

He lived as he 'died', a cackling empty husk begging love from the one he failed to praise back that day. While also murdering all those between him and that goal. A man that still remembered Flugel, a smiling but still empty man, and Satella. It almost felt ironic how his praises were ignored and outright refused at times, mostly because he wasn't looking up to 'her'. He wanted the other one, the one that he remembered thanks to that man, that Bukharin. The mere proximity forced his Sloth to retreat, almost burning away the limitations killing his mind off. With the grief long gone, Geuse only had self-disappointment to drive his sorrowful but smiling nonetheless due to determination and… facade. Maybe he liked to smile at adversity now that he had lost everything to be shocked, in pain, or shamelessly slothful about. It was truly a peculiar circumstance, the one that saw his brain rearranged by a brief moment of lucidity still painted by a sense of madness. Geuse was still Geuse, but his sloth twisted and morphed together with his mind. He remembered better, but he also hated himself more for what he had done and what he would have to do to 'punish himself and those that hurt his dear memories'. Which was why, those that sullied the good name of his old cause had to be punished as strongly as they were the moment they were caught being naughty. The Archbishop wasn't up to accept any foolishness anymore.

And as he thought of these he could feel it, a shiver echoing in his bones. His brain trembled, but it wasn't pure joy as usual. No, it was agony. He gritted his teeth, almost infuriated as he heard her speak. Busy with murdering a couple of 'dissenters', he barely failed to notice her arrival in his tent. The monstrous and grotesque thing that was Sirius the Archbishop of Wrath lurked around with eagerness and almost desire with each other step. A stubborn creature, an entity that was completely drowning in delusions that were driven by insanity that hardly matched his. She didn't feel his pain, she could never attempt to. With her vanity and her loneliness, she failed to become him and thus could never hope to be the 'same' as he was. He was unique, he was a sinful monster that regretted his decisions now that his mind had an opening into sanity. Like fresh water after drinking muddied liquids for centuries, Geuse now wanted to protect that new freedom… from a monster that dared to 'pity' his faults by making them grandiose teeth.

Fortuna's death will never be grandiose. She was, but not her unfortunate passing.

"My dear."

"My Love."

"My other half."

"My beloved truth."

Sirius was an annoyance. The cackling woman was driven by Wrath, hungry to feel her version of love through him. It was already annoying even before he had that epiphany but… these words hurt Petelgeuse, they always did. There was never a moment he could think positively of her attempts. So empty, so selfish, so infuriatingly wrong. She could feel Fortuna's eyes as she looked down on him. For not reacting, for not doing the right thing even as she was gone, for letting her memory be so slothfully ruined by his own sloth. Anger flared within his mind, but he didn't react to it. He wasn't allowed to strike while Pandora was watching them… but, as he tried to feel the usual 'probe' from the nasty little thing, he failed to feel her. As if she was 'looking' elsewhere. Willingly, trying to get him to snap, or was she genuinely unaware of the situation that was unfolding in that moment? He didn't mind, nor cared- not when he could justify that the constant pressure had finally had him think of a grand idea to reclaim some peace from such a nasty individual for once.

There was no major sound as numerous Unseen Hands entered in action, way before the woman could react. Not when she was near to her 'beloved', which would have never hurt her or anything like that. Petelgeuse grinned deviously as the body was mangled as brutally as possible, the remains already trying to regenerate through her Healing Factor tied to her longevity, but… not fast enough to counter the intense fire that suddenly coated her frame in heat that incinerated what was left of her. She had no guards to be worried about, but she left behind her chains. These were interesting to say the least due to their magical properties. He could either fit those to someone who could use them properly and bolster his ranks or sell them to a reasonable price. Almost regaining control of his full sanity for just that occasion, Geuse's eyes widened as soon as he realized that he was scratching softly at his chin, a habit that he had back before… losing it. He blinked, he scratched a little harder, but not too roughly to actually hurt himself.

A smile appeared, his mouth shut and… he understood.

John! It was meeting John!

Something from that encounter brought his past, but… why? His question was easily answered when he recollected his thought, a vivid vision tearing him from reality as he remembered something important.

"Ah, let me tell ya something, Pet. Ya ain't going to get a girl if you don't build up that confidence of yours."

"B-But why?"

So young, so innocent, so naive, so… hopeful. And he was there, among the other apprentices as he waited for his affairs with Flugel. The magician was busy with old friends, leaving the simple-looking man to wander around and end up chatting with him. Because he appeared an 'easy prey', he deduced after so long had gone by. He definitely wasn't as resolute as he had been back when he met Fortuna.

"Well, if a woman wants to have a hubby, they generally like determined guys. Those that can stand their grounds and hold them dearly. You're nice and all, but the backbone is quite important to protect those you care about."

"You have… experience about it?"

"Yep! And you would be surprised that I was so bold that my wife was the one that flatly told me to tune it down. I couldn't say she was wrong about it, I did sound like a prick at times by going too far with it and..." He paused, his smile growing warmer. "And I also got a cute baby girl, little Tonia. Kids are so cute, Pet. When you will end up ensnared and chained to a lovely woman, you will find out the joys of being a good dad."

"Uh..."

"Ah, I'm ranting! Still, beware of finding that balance and you will gain the interest of the woman you like."

Surprisingly enough, it partially worked when it came to Fortuna. And that's why he remembered, why he recollected this specific part of his past life and… why he was incredibly confused when it came to the process of who John Bukharin was to him. It wasn't the 'John' he met. Despite the many similarities they shared, both were definitely different people. One looked more at ease with the life he had, more laid back, the other was sharper, going more into the smarter aspect of conversations rather than fully conceding to feelings as the previous 'John'. There was much more that could be said about it, but the most distinct difference was their magic. The first John didn't train it and it was just a minimal element that failed to keep up with the brighter and stronger aura given off by John Bukharin's own energy. He trained himself, and he could have definitely become a perfect counter to Witches' Authorities in due time. There was a high chance they could be… related. It would make sense that, after so long, the child tied to John would end up continuing the line and allowing this second John to come to be. It was all theoretical but… Geuse could feel he was hitting the right place. He would just have to wait and see if the Prime Minister knew more about this and would bring it up, or maybe remain clueless since he didn't know anything about it.

Still, beyond his musings, Geuse knew that he had much more to do now. He grinned, almost satisfied with his work as he proceeded to take charge into 'retrieving errand lambs' running away from his flock. It was going to be rather interesting when Pandora discovered that a sizable part of the Cult was now under his control. He could already imagine her scowling and her pouting, but also the irritated retaliation which could either make or break his bid to success win through the ordeal or not. Patience was something he learned to love and be blessed with, and now he could do it even more as he found his love shifting in the right place.

Up above, he could feel it, Fortuna was granting him strength to win over. He rejoiced at the idea of being blessed by her, and… he was relieved to know his head didn't tremble, showing a clear improvement since last time he thought of this.

Fourier Lugnica, one of the candidates that could end up becoming the King of Lugnica, was now facing the greatest struggle ever. Fingers twitching, posture tense, eyes narrowed and a devious smile plastered on his visage as he spearheaded the assault to capture the main target of this 'expedition'. He wasn't alone, three more individuals joining his quest for glory as he ordered them to their respective attack patterns.

"Alice, he is trying to turn on the left!"

A giggle, the plum-haired girl rushed to intercept. "Got it!"

"Boys!"

"We are almost there!" Hans shrieked giddily as he was getting closer to their target with his brother.

The cat-eared foe tensed and finally faltered in his steps, getting caught by the task force. He struggled a tiny bit.

"N-No! Let me tease people more! This is unfair!" Felix whined loudly. "Fourier, you said you loved me. Why are you trying to sully my body?"

"I'm just removing a piece of cloth that you shouldn't bear. A duty towards all men you tricked, and maids you lied to!"

"No~!"

And thus, Felix cried fake tears while holding the shredded bikini bra he had been wearing for the occasion, his second reign of trickery razed as soon as it started. A tragedy limited to only himself, as the others were busy to reward Fritz for tackling the cat-boy first by letting him get the first turn of fishing. It was either with the fishing rod or by looking around in the lake and trying to catch those with his bare hands. He preferred the latter, saying that 'using the rod is too boring and slow, I want to hunt my food'. Which gained a quick chuckle from the rest of the cast present before they set up the rest of the turns once the fox-eared boy was done with his own. Ferris' whining ceased as soon as he was told that there were snacks that had been prepared, the knight jumping at the occasion to get some food already while most of the rest went for some water after that wild chase.

While they waited, Alice walked back to check John as he skipped the planned assault against the cat-eared knight since he had suddenly found himself busy with Beatrice. The little spirit, despite her seriousness in joining them for this little swimming/fishing activity even though she wasn't exactly happy about it, decided to ask her partner for assistance in learning how to swim. Much to the prince's surprise, John was actually serious in helping her by letting her go through exercise. Starting from the basics, allowing the blonde to build up confidence in handling that kind of pressure slowly but steadily. It almost reminded him of the times he learned how to swim himself and… he couldn't help but once more feel his gaze a little too much by his muscles. They had trained a lot but it was surprising how both had actually developed to that point once Wilhelm had given them a harsher set of training for the two to face together. It paid off, immensely, but it sure was a feature that gave some distraction from time when those were exposed. That and he kind of felt his face flushing at the sight for some strange reasons.

It was almost like what he felt when he heard Crusch demand a duel out of him. It felt so sudden as a decision that he couldn't help but wonder what was going on with this snap decision. Was Crusch finally making a decision about the dilemma of picking either him or John? It really left Fourier in a tough spot as he knew he should be feeling jealous towards John… but for some reason, he was more annoyed at Crusch for doing something that sudden. It felt so sharp and so unprovoked, almost insulting in a way and it left him feeling particularly… jealous? There was no way to determine what she had in mind to do, and considering the stakes at hand, he knew only one issue could come up. John gives Fourier less time due to Crusch starting to build a romantic relationship, same for Priscilla and others. It sounded selfish in a way, and particularly stupid. John would never stop paying him visits, giving him hugs, reminding him that despite the difference in ranks and the ongoing elections he was still his friend and… and yet he felt like something was already faltering away thanks to this very visit.

It all felt much nicer than usual, it felt like it was ages ago and… and he missed those moments. A lot. And he could tell John was aware of this from the way he caught his quiet but frustrated glance. As he was done aiding Beatrice and the blonde was busy going through the exercise on her own as Majima quietly waddled in the water beside the petite spirit, the Prime Minister turned to Fourier.

"Want to take a walk?"

The request was easily driven by worry, and Fourier didn't hesitate in nodding as both took a moment to get to a more private spot to chat. There were just the two of them, with the rest of the people there too distant to listen to what they were going to say.

"It's been a while."

"Way too long," The blond almost snapped, feeling sickened by how pleasant this all was and how it took this much time for them to have this opportunity to be there with family and friends.

John tensed up, almost surprised at the harshness, but nonetheless unwilling to steer away from him as he gave him a long look.

"I suppose I have to apologize-"

"You already did. And I don't blame you. I blame… circumstances," The prince rebuked. "I see the issue, and I know it's not you."

"It's not an issue-"

"It becomes an issue if I can't enjoy a good life. What is a king that lives shackled to only his duties, with no chance of enjoying his-!"

Shock pervaded his brain as he was suddenly hugged. The tight embrace wasn't one that was soon followed by words, as the taller man just held him close, letting him silently enjoy his hold while his temper simmered down.

"This is just the election. Once these are concluded, we will both have more time and the chance of enjoying this kind of occasion more than often."

…

"I will trust you on this. Promise."

"I promise I will treat you like a brat if you whine any further. I know you're tired, but that doesn't mean you have to be so harsh about it."

Was he being too headstrong about it? Perhaps. Or maybe he was just starting to feel another kind of toll on himself. The unease of what the near future held and how things were going to soon change through Crusch's actions. Should he be happy for them, angry, tired, jealous- his brain rallied all possible reactions but none came to mind. And he hated this. He hated being so right and wrong about wanting to react but having nothing to truly show. He just remained quiet, allowing for the hug to hold as much as it could. And much to his surprise, it held itself for a long time. John didn't let go until he felt his anger spent, only leaving just self-disappointment about it.

"It's alright, things will not change overnight."

"They will ask for more of your time," The blond finally admitted and he heard a chuckle come back at him. The head pat was much needed as a source of annoyance.

"And I will make sure that it's not stolen from you. You are a brother to me, Fourier. And I'm not letting our time together as a family go to waste. And trust me when I say that I will keep this promise, ya know."

A sigh and then… he jumped. John's fingers twitched and tickled by his sides and Fourier yelped in a mixture of surprise and amusement.

"N-No! Stop!"

"You fool! The tickle monster doesn't listen to his prey! And now, you shall be subjected to endless tickles."

"F-Ffff- S-Stop it, you jerk!" Fourier managed to say mid-laughing, but it wasn't enough. Unable to counter this devious assault on his handsome person, a chuckling prince bolted off from John and rushed back to the lake. The Prime Minister didn't hesitate in giving chase.

"Race you to swim?" John dared him, a wild grin on his face that almost stole his breath as his worries vanished. He forgot about it, the weight of friendship this intimate and close. Family, he thought numbly as he craved for this feeling to remain forever. And for their friendship to last through the odds of time and politics. His grin widened, his mood skyrocketing to the brightest he had been in days.

"As if you can catch up to me, slug!"

The rest of the day would continue just as pleasantly as that moment spent together, setting up a strong resolution for the ensuing test before them.

AN

Ah, I so like being so ambiguous about Fourier's interest in John. The reason why I do this? One of the epilogues will explain.

Also, today instead of an Omake, I present to you a story idea which might become an actual story in the future. No Self-Insert, no First Person, but… it's kind of an AU due to a single but incredible change in the plot.

Re: Love - or 'How my life changed when I was loved by the purest' (Re:Zero AU)

If someone had told Subaru that Isekai-situations weren't as idyllic as he hoped and he had read Berserk, the young man wouldn't feel as dissatisfied with how bad his luck had acted just now in setting him up for quite the unpleasant situation. The Japanese NEET was no stranger to the idea of getting mugged, with his father having told him countless times of the days where he would happily beat the crap out of any thief trying to hurt his wife. The idea was the concept that had urged Natsuki Kenichi to train his son a fair bit, but not intensely enough to genuinely get the young man to develop an interest in physical exercise by himself.

This decision that Subaru took those days of lazing around instead of training was now showing its ugly mug by presenting him with that very situation which... didn't end well. The beating had hurt a lot, but he managed to not get anything broken as he was saved by what he initially thought being an angel. Nothing wrong in being a young man with hopes of finding a beautiful woman in the near future, but he was no deviant when it came to making angelic remarks to highlight a woman's beauty.

The moment he opened his eyes after fainting on his savior's approach, Subaru's gaze faced... a young face. A gorgeous face owned by a young woman with pretty violet eyes and pretty white hair that just heightened her purity to the highest point humanly possible.

Was that truly an angel? That's what he thought at that time.

"You are awake?" She asked softly, almost surprised and... Subaru remembered that he was outright gawking at the poor girl. He just had to remember what his mother had taught him in how to deal with ladies to realize how stupid he had to look right now. While his father's approach with the friendly and outgoing personality was neat when it came to talking with boys in general, that didn't extend to girls as his mother quickly reasoned with her 'caring' manners.

"Baru-kun, trust your Mama on this. If a girl is cute, you have to be the most polite about it, or else she would dislike you. How else is your Mama getting some grandkids then?"

Of course, a six years old Subaru wasn't certain what he just heard at the time, but he understood one thing. While boys were keen to accept him being incredibly friendly... girls were to be treated with a degree of restraint. Too much of him 'being dad' and any chance of being close to possible friends would evaporate. In fact, this is why Subaru, despite his mediocre grades and standing at High School, was considered an approachable and nice guy by guys and chicks alike. Not much of a bold man, that he wasn't ashamed to admit when it came to going forward to possible relationships, but nonetheless a good man.

So, instead of being too blunt about the thoughts he had on the girl that had saved his bacon, he merely nodded at her. "Y-Yes. Thank you."

Simple, curt, and showing no weirdness that would gross her out. Still, the young woman frowned as if surprised by what he had just said. It felt odd considering he had been quite 'humble' about it, and yet the next words consolidated her shock.

"Thank... you?"

"Well, we did save him from that bunch of criminals," Another voice pointed out and his attention was briefly stolen by quite the unusual sight. A small cat with gray fur, it was flying just above the girl's head and now peeking at it. "Name's Puck. This is Emilia."

The girl tensed up, glancing up at the floating pet in a moment of annoyance and confusion. "W-Why did you tell him-"

"He looks trustworthy. He sounds trustworthy too."

That was... sudden. The NEET couldn't tell what was going on, but somehow the floating creature - a familiar perhaps - had decided to trust him on the spot? Was it because he didn't look much, or maybe he hadn't done anything to draw suspicion on himself? Despite his questions, the girl still gave him a serious look, as if personally studying him before delivering judgment about the matter.

"What's your name?" The young woman finally asked and... he gulped nervously.

"S-Subaru. Natsuki Subaru."

A blink, her frown strengthened. "Natsu...ki? Is that your name?"

"My first name is Subaru."

A slow nod, then she looks away to further think about this. Subaru tried to plan out a way to not make things any more awkward. He was still receiving a lap pillow, and he knew how girls could get annoyed of giving those so frequently to mere strangers for so long. The reason he got one was mostly tied to the fact he was still injured and that just now the soreness from that beating had started to retreat and leave him mostly tired.

"What do you... think about elves?"

Subaru blinked. "Elves? Are you-"

"Answer me," The girl tensely pressed and only now he could see her sharp ears.

...

"I guess they are... nice?"

Emilia paused, and then frowned even more. "W-What do you mean with nice?"

"I've read books that say that elves are nice," Subaru elaborated, thinking back to the time when his mother read him the Lord of the Rings when he was a kid. It was a good book and his mother was always the book-smart woman that wanted her soon to be an intelligent member of society.

That seemed to be a smart move as... the girl seemed to accept his words as true and it was enough to push in for a proper discussion. The two conversed for a while, with the girl eventually bringing up how she was looking around the capital to find an item that was stolen from her, a 'royal insignia' or something like that. Without hesitation, the NEET offered his assistance and mentioned that he wanted to return the favor for her helping him. The two were standing when he advanced that proposal, but the girl mentioned it was best for his well being that he didn't help her in anything.

"They wouldn't care if you're a good person. They would just judge you because... you're being nice with me."

Emilia wandered off without adding more to that, seemingly caught off-guard by that genuine approach, but incredibly unnerved by it as she proceeded to engage in a little run from Subaru. The young man was quite sure that he hadn't done anything to deserve that, and he was worried about what the girl had just said. The boy wasn't even trying to be rude or creepy, but there was indeed something wrong about the girl when it came to kindness for some reason. He was quite sure he hadn't said or done anything to truly offend anyone, and yet the young woman wasn't willing to call off the pursuit for a while.

Eventually it stopped, with Subaru barely holding control over his breath and ending up slowly walking up to the now stopped girl. Just as the young man managed to approach the girl close enough, he realized why the half-elf had stopped. A child, a little girl, was bawling without restraint while calling for her mother. Not unusual considering there were times where he heard of children losing sight of their parents due to massive crowds unconsciously splitting two or more groups apart. After a while, Emilia managed to convince the child she was going to help her and, much to her quiet chagrin, Subaru joined that effort too.

The little girl cried a little bit, but seemed to calm just enough to accept being escorted around until she managed to find where her mother had gone. Subaru wasn't... exactly sure he was doing a fine job. He never dealt with a child before now, so it felt incredibly awkward to try to keep things stable without messing things up. Still, he remembered that his father tended to use a lesser version of his classic 'overbearing' personality to amuse kids that wanted to test his muscles. He was a man-child to heart so, without hesitation, Subaru adopted a similar method, without of course bringing up muscles since he lacked in that department.

After a while, the two eventually brought the child back to... the 'Appa guy', someone that was selling fruits by the central square of the main market. With the little girl safely brought back to her home, Subaru and Emilia finally took a moment to talk about it once more. If before Emilia's reluctance to allow him to help her wasn't willing to give him any room of protest, now that he proved he wanted to genuinely help her gave him the argument to make her change her mind. The two agreed to help each other out of... friendship.

"After all, you have been kind to me and I think you're incredibly nice."

"Really?"

"Yes!" He happily exclaimed, failing to catch on the tiny blush on the half-elf's face at that truthful proclamation.

The two looked around, investigated a few people and... then realized what was going on. The thief that had stolen Emilia's precious item was one that was known to have her hideout near the outskirts of the city. The two wandered through the right path that led them away from the many buildings and crowds, and towards where a few poor citizens had made their home at. They stopped just once, with Emilia greeting a few spirits, small glowing entities that 'danced' at her hums and praises, leaving Subaru breathless before the fact that there was so much beauty in this world.

He was awed... but he didn't notice how the girl tensed up at his soft 'oh' as he looked at the fluttering group of magical orbs, thinking that for a moment, just for a moment, he had been staring right at her with that awe. Her blush was back again, and it made her question what was going on.

They arrived at their destination, opening the door to find out that the bar was... empty? Subaru entered inside, ignoring the sense of fear that irrationally grasped his mind as soon as he looked around the dark surroundings. Shadows left and right... but one in particular moved swiftly around, seizing the moment to strike against him.

Subaru tensed up, dread filled his heart as he felt it, the fright of coming close to die. It was night, it was close and it came to him. He turned around to run, but it was too late. A blade struck him swiftly, opening a massive wound over his stomach and almost killing him on the spit. He wasn't going to live beyond that day, and that made him feel particularly... miserable.

A squelching noise followed. Emilia had followed inside to check on him and met a terrible fate too. He felt guilty for leading her to this place, to her death. She fell near to him, her left arm stretched weakly as the girl shivered, close to death too. Maybe it was instinct, maybe it was determination, but in a moment that saw Subaru strays from the wimpy nature of his before the most frightening

"I-I'm going to save you!"

The promise of a stubborn NEET towards his new cute friend-

Yet, as his eyes forcefully closed with his life flickering away from his body, Subaru felt the hold he had over the girl's hand tightened. Emilia's soft smile, stained by a little line of blood trailing by the left side of her lips, was the last thing he saw.

A whimper came from her bloodied lips.

"T-Thank you... for caring."

-And the hopeless dream of a naive girl deprived of true happiness.