19 - The Effect of Gluttony

After meeting the green-haired woman, as well as our odd conversation afterwards, we were quickly diverted from that topic considering the surrounding destruction.

It seemed that, unfortunately, the effects of the attack were just as bad as it seemed from the initial visual devastation, as many soldiers had been torn to shreds from Regulus' attacks, and nearly every soldier near the front of the line had been injured from the ambush.

And then, there were the other victims… those that hadn't been killed or injured by either of the archbishops, but still, they couldn't be called living either, as they simply slept with a calm face, completely unmoving despite all our efforts to wake them.

This was something rare, but not unheard of in this world.

The Sleeping Beauty disease.

It was a condition that nobody knew about in terms of how it came to be, nor how to cure it, but the legends concerning the ailment were prevalent nonetheless.

So how did so many suddenly end up in such a state, or at least a state similar to it?

We didn't know.

Thankfully, most of the forces near the back of the caravan had survived the attack, which included many healers, so, with me using my Yang magic to repair as many of the destroyed carriages as I could, we loaded up the casualties before continuing on our way to the Karsten estate to get everything sorted.

To think that such a great victory would come at such a cost, and not even in the battle that had slain the White Whale… it was unfortunate. And needless to say, the morale among the troops was not great despite the success.

And past the destruction and death… there was another issue.

This one concerning the green-haired woman, the supposed Crusch Karsten, from before.

"So… you say that you became Karsten Duchess after obtaining the title a few years ago from your father, and are also one of the royal candidates in line for the throne," I said as we surveyed the yard of the Karsten manor, the grass filled with the corpses and injured soldiers from the previous battle.

"Yes… that is true," Crusch said, her head hung in defeat.

"I see… but unfortunately, there are only four candidates for the royal selection, so it is hard to believe your words," I said before looking at her. "But yet… despite that, as well as how amazing your supposed past seems… I find it hard to believe that your words are a lie…"

That, at least, caused the woman to smile slightly, giving me a grateful nod as she raised her head.

"Thank you… but unfortunately, it seems that not everyone agrees with you. And even then… there is not much I could do with such a position, when the world has completely forgotten me, with even history being rewritten," she said, her face distorting as she bit down on her lip. "Truly… just how could such a thing happen? Besides being taken from the people's memories, even the very fabric of reality has been altered to erase my presence."

Indeed…

One of the first things we did upon returning to the Karsten manor and announcing our presence, was to head inside to check on Crusch's former room, as such physical evidence would eliminate much of the confusion concerning the woman.

Yet, when we arrived… the room was empty, save for the basic furniture fit for a guest room.

As Crusch had said, it was if the world had decided to erase her presence… that is, if you believed her words, which I did.

I wasn't able to explain it properly, but for some reason, I found that I trusted her, even with her outlandish claims.

An instinctual pull, you could say.

Although… the fact that so many others from the ambush of the archbishops had been forgotten certainly helped.

I wonder… was it something to do with them?

The archbishops, that is.

A power akin to the particle acceleration that Regulus had… a power that went against the rules of the world…

It had to be… right?

"Ah… she's here," Crusch suddenly said, looking over to the manor's entrance with a smile. "With this, things should become clearer… or, at least… I can only hope so."

I watched as she grew a nervous smile, her hands tightening into fists as I followed her gaze to where a carriage had passed through the front gates, with knights riding at it's side as it made its way towards us.

She must be quite scared of what could happen, along with the slight feeling of optimism.

After all, that very carriage that was approaching contained her supposed mother, Helena Karsten, the very woman who had organized this expedition with the connections gathered from Wilhelm, Subaru, and Anastasia.

Although… at this point, I had a feeling that it wasn't quite the case… and the vague memories I had about everything getting arranged seemed… inadequate.

Was this the effect of one's mind being distorted?

But even then, Priscilla said she didn't feel such oddness in her memories, so maybe it was just me?

I didn't know… so, as she said, hopefully we could clear such things up.

After all, if there was one connection that couldn't be broken by memory alterations, it would have to be the connection of a mother and a daughter.

"Then… let us go, Crusch," I said, giving her a nod as we both stepped forward.

We quickly found ourselves in front of the carriage as the side door opened to reveal a woman with long, flowing green hair and deep amber eyes.

She… really did look just like Crusch.

"Selian-dono… I see that the expedition was successful, though it seems that there were still losses…" she said, looking over to the field of casualties with a frown before looking back to me. "You called me here to discuss this matter, I presume? Although the messenger wasn't open with much of the details…"

"Yes, Helena-sama, that is exactly right… although, I must ask why you were outside the Karsten manor," I said, bowing my head as I extended my hand to help her down. "I am simply curious."

"Is that so? Well, I was just… yes, I was simply visiting an old friend, is all," she said before bringing her hand to her chin as she descended from the carriage. "Although… I do wonder why I felt so compelled to visit them than to invite them to the manor… how odd."

I see.

This certainly gave some merit to Crusch's story.

In my memories, Helena Karsten was someone I had met after helping quell the disaster of the Great Rabbit that had encroached on her territory, and we had met once more during the royal selection ceremony as she had come with the role of the Karsten Duchy's representative as her husband, the Duke, remained in their territory.

But for Crusch, in her memories, she was the Duchess, and the only reason her mother was in the capital was to give her support as a mother rather than a noblewoman, as her parents had decided to separate themselves from the political side of managing the territory to allow Crusch to have full control.

This included not living at the manor, but rather an inn in the noble district, which would explain why the current Duchess was not at her family's manor before now.

"M-Mother?" Crusch said, her voice trembling as she moved from behind me into view.

"Hm? Who are… you…" Helena said, her voice quieting as she took in Crusch's form, her eyes widening in surprise.

I felt Crusch shudder from my side, but a moment later, she steeled her resolve as she stepped forward, her head held high as she gave Helena a smile.

"I… am your daughter, Crusch Karsten," she said before her bravado faltered. "You… do you remember me, Mother?"

Helena's eyes shook at Crusch's words, but a moment later, she calmed down, her face going stern as she narrowed her eyes at the two of us.

"I see… this certainly explains the urgency of your summons, Selian-dono," she said as she looked at Crusch once more, her coldness faltering slightly. "And as for your declaration… while I do admit I see the similarities, I cannot remember you… now, I apologize, but I need to survey the situation."

And with that, Helena turned to walk away, a slight frown on her face as she averted her eyes from Crusch.

I could understand.

If someone randomly came up to me saying they were my child, I wouldn't be able to act calmly, even if there was an obvious confirmation such as a matching appearance.

But for Crusch… even if she could logically understand, such an action wasn't something she could take so easily.

"W-Wait! Mother…" Crusch said, extending her hand outward.

But Helena did not wait, instead making her way to the group of knights that were handling the organization of the remnants of the force.

Seeing the green-haired woman walk away, I turned back to Crusch, watching as her face went through a range of emotions that soon settled on despair and hopelessness as she lowered her arm.

"I… see… right, even Mother doesn't…" she muttered, her voice beginning to quiver. "Right… she always taught me to give myself space when faced with an overwhelming situation… so something like this is only natural… yes, it is only… natural…"

Such a face on the woman… while I didn't know her for long, I at least knew that it didn't fit her.

She looked so lost and so… defeated.

It was something that I couldn't allow.

I didn't know why, but my mind was screaming at me that such an expression was not right.

"Crusch… while I cannot completely empathize with your situation, at the very least, you should know that I believe you," I said, grabbing her shoulders as I turned her to face me, her eyes widening as they looked into mine. "I… still do not remember any of our previous interactions, but nonetheless, I feel a… connection with you. Instinctually… I can tell that you are not lying."

I felt her shoulders tremble within my grasp as she slowly nodded her head, having understood my words, but still keeping that same expression on her face.

"So rest assured, even if no one remembers, including me… I believe you," I continued, giving her as soothing of a smile as I could. "And if you need help in convincing others, I shall do so to the best of my ability. So even if you seem lost at the moment… at least know that I am on your side, and you are not alone."

Finally, I saw a shift in her demeanour, as she then looked up at me with an expression of shock, before I noticed her eyes begin to water.

"Selian… thank you. Truly… thank you," she said as she leaned her head forward, her forehead landing against my breastplate under my chin. "I understand, from your perspective, something like this must be odd, but please… as you're the only one I can count on… even if it's undignified…"

I was able to understand what she was saying.

With her world ripped away from her, she required comfort.

And words could only provide so much.

So, wrapping my arms around her side, I brought her in for a hug as I felt her tremble once more within my grasp.

"Of course, Crusch… simply let it out," I said, bringing a hand up to pat her head.

It really felt similar to when I would console Felt, or whenever I praised Schult for his duties.

Perhaps a sort of brotherly instinct?

But either way, my words seemed to do the trick, as I felt her begin to cry against my chest, her hands reaching out to grasp the ends of my dirtied cloak as she continued with her quieted sobs.

I… wasn't quite sure what to do here.

Crusch, from what I gathered in our time together, was a very well put together woman, as even with her issues, she did not waver until now.

And aside from Felt, who was my dearest little sister, and Priscilla, who was the woman I loved and someone whose confidence held no bounds, I had practically no experience with comforting women.

So… I simply continued patting her head, hoping to be somewhat of a reassurance in the very messed up situation she had found herself in.

A stabilizing presence, one could say.

Thankfully, her sobs soon quieted down as she seemed to calm down, having gotten all of her emotions out.

But… things could never go that smoothly.

"Fool… what in the world do you think you're doing," a voice laced in anger spoke out, making me instantly freeze as Crusch deftly exited my grasp.

Shit.

"P-Priscilla-san-!"

"Be quiet, forgotten woman," Priscilla spat, turning her head to me as she narrowed her eyes. "Selian… I will ask again, just what do you think you were doing while I was cleaning my august self."

Oh.

She… was pretty pissed.

And that… was definitely my fault.

I had promised to only look at her, after all, yet when I saw Crusch's expression… I couldn't simply stand there.

"Priscilla, I-"

"I understand that you are a man, but are you so in heat that you cannot control yourself for but an hour without latching on to another woman?" she asked, cutting me off as she went up to place her fan under my chin, her Yang magic activating as I felt it begin to heat up. "Well? Any words to defend yourself?"

"U-Uh, no… I'm sorry, my love… it was simply out of reassurance…" I said, squinting as I began to feel the pain. "So please, Priscilla…"

Her red eyes narrowed as I felt the heat began to recede, and with a click of her tongue, she finally let me go.

"Fine. But I shall remember this transgression and punish you fittingly for it… and if you shall ever repeat it again…" she said, her words trailing off with the hint of a threat.

No, not a hint. That was more like a statement, if anything.

But I didn't plan on making her angry about such a thing again.

After all, the line between seeing her cute side from jealousy and actually hurting her was one that I never intended to cross.

That would simply be mean, and if she did the same for me… I doubt I would take it well.

"And as for you, since you seemingly cannot find yours, use this for the moment," Priscilla then said, turning to Crusch as she tossed over an object that Crusch quickly caught.

As she opened her hand, it was revealed to be Priscilla's insignia that denoted her candidacy for the throne.

And… it was not glowing.

"I… see. Despite the prophecy being changed, I had a small hope that it would still recognize me," Crusch said, looking down with a sad smile, having apparently wiped her face of her tears, but her eyes still red from the previous display. "But I suppose that isn't the case…"

Right… apparently, as part of the supposed 'reality manipulation' that had even changed the objects in the world, Crusch's insignia that she kept in her manor had been lost, so we didn't validate for her possible candidacy right away.

But it seemed that, just as my memories told me, as well as those of everyone else's, there were only four candidates for the throne.

I could only assume that she was quite put down that her goal of reaching the throne was no longer possible… at least, not through the royal selection.

"Hmph. Do not lament too much, forgotten woman, for even if you were a candidate, it was all but a farce in front of my eventual victory," Priscilla said, placing her fan on her chin as she looked at Crusch.

"Ah… well, I have to admit your words bring some comfort," Crusch said, averting her eyes.

"Are you sure the comfort you feel isn't from rubbing your hands all over my knight?" Priscilla interjected.

Crusch simply froze, her cheeks gaining a flush as she quieted down.

Priscilla… was that really necessary?

"T-That… that's not-"

"Silence," Priscilla said, interrupting Crusch's stammering as she narrowed her eyes at her. "Now, assuming your claims to the past are correct, I do wonder what exactly was your reason for reaching the throne. Fame? Power? A specific reform? Indulge my curiosity, considering how your previous display has displeased me quite a bit."

"Ah… my reason…?" Crusch said, looking down to the insignia in her hand. "Yes… yes, I did have a reason."

"Oho? Continue," Priscilla said, lowering her fan from her chin.

Crusch's eyes narrowed as a small frown sprouted on her face.

"I… wished to renounce the covenant with the dragon, and have Lugunica support itself without the need of any external forces, subjecting our safety to the whims of a legendary figure," she said, prompting both Priscilla and I to glance at each other in surprise.

That was quite the reason.

"Interesting… that is quite the ambitious goal," Priscilla commented with a slight smile. "In fact, shall that dragon prove to be boring or ugly, I might do the very same thing."

Crusch's eyes widened as she looked between the two of us, her face turning into one of pondering before she eventually closed her eyes.

Her hands clenching into fists, she then opened her eyes once more, staring at the two of us with determination as a subtle pressure sprung from her being.

"Uh… what's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing… no, things simply became much clearer to me," Crusch said, shaking her head as she extended her hand to pass the insignia back to Priscilla. "I was impressed after seeing you two in battle against the White Whale, and after the fight against the archbishops, it simply assured my thoughts even more."

"Hmm? And what are exactly these thoughts, forgotten duchess?" Priscilla said as she took back her insignia, the red glow shining bright in the dimness of dusk.

Crusch looked down at the glowing insignia with a slight smile, and then, with a nod to herself… she suddenly dropped to her knee, placing her hand on her chest as she looked up at Priscilla.

"I have decided. For the echoes of the Lion Kings of the past that I see in the two of you… I wish to see such people take the throne and lead our nation to true independence, even if it is not me at the helm," she said, wearing a confident grin. "So, Priscilla-sama… allow me to serve you as your knight."

Huh… wow.

I… did not expect such a thing.

But as for Priscilla…

"Hmph. Very well," she said with a satisfied smile as she extended her hand towards Crusch's lips. "I accept your offer of loyalty… but do know that I will not treat you any differently simply for being a former competitor."

Did that mean Priscilla believed Crusch's story?

Maybe… but I guess that didn't matter now.

"I… would not ask of it, Priscilla-sama," Crusch said, hesitating for a moment before she lightly kissed the outstretched hand. "Until you reach the throne, and even afterwards… I shall be your sword."

"Good… now, rise," Priscilla said, bringing her hand back to her chin in thought. "And as my servant, I suppose you deserve a fitting reward for driving away that disgusting man-child known as Gluttony… indeed, from now on, you shall be the one to dress me in the morning and night."

Pardon?

"Uh, Priscilla?" I said, a bit confused.

Wasn't that my job?

"Fool. Did I not say you need punishment?" Priscilla said, sending me a glare that soon transformed into a smile. "And for the man who stole my lips for his whims… I simply can't trust you to control yourself in such a setting."

"Uh… right," I said, nodding my head.

I… guess that was correct.

And either way, even when I was dressing and undressing her, it was more of Priscilla doing the work since I tried to avert my eyes from her body.

Though… I did often find my gaze wandering, giving me memories that I found quite pleasing… but it would be best for a fellow women to be dressing her.

"W-Wait… then, you two…?" Crusch said, looking between us in confusion as she rose to her feet, her cheeks reddened.

Ah… right.

I suppose a knight dressing their lady wasn't particularly common… especially when that knight was a man.

"But do not worry, if you are good… then maybe I will allow you the greatest reward of disrobing mine divine self once more," Priscilla said, ignoring Crusch's flustered state as she raised her chin towards me.

"I… will try," I said, looking away.

But… please don't put it that way, Priscilla.

"Attention! The secondary forces have arrived!" one of the soldiers shouted.

Oh?

Turning my gaze back towards the entrance, I watched as a line of carriages made its way in, each of them filled with people that were not amongst the expeditionary force.

Ah… right.

Subaru did ask to bring some civilians with them upon their return, as he wished to evacuate the village near the manor.

It would certainly be a bit more crowded, considering the casualties lining the front yard, but at least we already had a field camp organized, so logistics should run smoothly.

While most of the carriages stopped near the entrance, one of them continued onward, a grey-haired young man at the helm, as it rolled to a stop in front of us with three figures immediately exiting the back.

"Subaru, Emilia-sama, Rem… it is a pleasure to see you, despite the… unfortunate circumstances," I said, stepping forward as the three stared at the surroundings with wide eyes.

"W-What… what happened here? The fight wasn't this bad, was it?" Subaru said.

"No… this was from a secondary attack from the Witch Cult on our way back… but I can explain that later," I said, shaking my head. "Did everything concerning the Archbishop of Sloth go smoothly?"

Subaru continued staring at the lines of bodies and tents serving as field hospitals before his gaze returned to me.

"Yeah… yeah, everyone's safe… but this… this is horrible," he said.

Rem went up to grab Subaru's arm, but I noticed that there was an angered glint in her eye as she surveyed the casualties.

"Just… how many people are like that?" Emilia asked with worry.

"Unfortunately… quite a lot," I replied. "The three of us were able to eventually drive away the attackers, but… much of the damage had already been done upon the initial encounter."

"I see…" Subaru said, frowning as he turned to face us as a slight smile grew on his face. "But… at least the three of you are okay, Selian, Priscilla-sama, Crusch-san. I suppose that could be called a silver lining."

"Yeah, I suppose it… could…" I said, my words trailing off as I realized what he had just said.

"Huh? Why are you looking at me like that?" Subaru asked in confusion.

"S-Subaru-dono… do you remember me?" Crusch asked, tilting her head with a hopeful glint in her eye.

"What? Of course, I do! What kind of joke is that?" Subaru said, shaking his head as he looked to Emilia and Rem. "I mean, it's not like I have short term memory loss or something, right, you two?"

He… remembered?

How?

Why?

Did… did it have something to do with an area of effect?

I mean, the capital was closer than the Mathers territory, so it could be the case, but…

The two in question simply stared at Crusch in confusion, looking between her and Subaru, as well as Priscilla and me, before Emilia eventually stepped forward.

"I'm sorry, but… Crusch-san…" she said, tilting her head. "Who are you?"

…Now I was really confused.

—

"So… let me get this straight," I said, tapping my fingers against the table as Subaru and I finished our talk. "You remember everything about Crusch, and didn't even notice a difference in anything before returning here, and you… have no clue as to why."

"Y-Yeah… although, I did notice that Ferris and Wilhelm were acting a bit weird, but I didn't think much of it," he answered, rubbing his head in confusion. "Argh, just what the hell is this? I wish I could tell you why, Crusch-san."

"No, it's fine," she said, releasing a sigh as she leaned into the chair beside me. "Just knowing that there is one person that remembers me fills me with immense relief, so for that, even if it is but the work of luck… thank you."

"Oh… no problem," Subaru said, averting his eyes at the sincere smile Crusch had just shown him.

I watched as Rem narrowed her eyes at Crusch, scooting a bit closer to Subaru's left as if to assert her dominance.

And oddly enough… I watched Emilia pout as well, deciding to reach out and grab the end of Subaru's sleeve.

I guess there was some progress between them while we were gone… and at least now, they were back on speaking terms once more.

"But still… what the hell happened? You get attacked by two strong guys, and then they randomly leave, leaving Crusch without anyone remembering her? That's such bullshit!" Subaru said, frowning in anger. "Crusch-san… would you need any of my help in clearing your name? I can tell that things have been… difficult."

"The Witch Cult again…" Rem mumbled, her eyes narrowing ever further in anger.

I guess she had quite the grudge against that group.

Crusch gave Subaru another soft smile before shaking her head.

"While I thank you for the offer… there is no need. Even with your word, we wouldn't be able to change much, especially since I am no longer considered a candidate," she said before looking over to me, and Priscilla who was to my left. "And besides… I have already found another to put my trust in, so while my condition is unfortunate, it isn't as if all is lost."

"R-Right… well, if you're fine… then I guess that's alright," Subaru said, releasing a sigh.

A soft silence fell on the room, only to be interrupted a moment later by the knocking of the door.

"Excuse me, Emilia-sama, Priscilla-sama. Allow me to make a report," Wilhelm said as he entered the room. "I have sent the Iron Fang back to their master, and Ferris has finished healing who he could amongst the injured. However, for those afflicted by the Sleeping Beauty disease… there are still no signs of recovery thus far."

Ferris then followed behind him, his head hung low, a complete difference to the usual energetic boy I knew.

I doubt it was due to the fight against Sloth, nor the destruction they discovered afterwards… instead, it seemed as if he was lost… going through the motions without a purpose…

And it wasn't hard to guess why, considering what Subaru had confirmed.

"Hmm… it seems there is a face I do not recognize," Wilhelm said, narrowing his eyes at Crusch. "But you look awfully similar to Helena-sama… she did mention having someone claim to be her daughter as I sent her off…"

"Y-Yes… that is me, Wilhelm-dono," Crusch said, releasing a sigh. "Although, I am curious… how did you end up joining the expedition to defeat the White Whale?"

He narrowed his eyes before looking down.

"I… had gotten into a disagreement and found myself under arrest for my mistake, but having heard of my goal and story, Helena-sama took it upon herself to offer me the chance to take down the White Whale," he said, his face growing a smile. "And now that has been achieved… I can only thank her for her kindness."

Yes… at least, that was what he believed in his memories.

"So it seems that Mother simply replaced me… no matter," Crusch said, shaking her head. "And? Now that your goal has been achieved, what do you plan to do now, Wilhelm-dono?"

I was interested in that as well, now that he didn't have Crusch to devote his sword towards.

Would he retire?

Return to the Royal Knights?

"That… is another reason why I had come here," he said, closing his eyes before looking over to Subaru and Emilia. "Subaru-dono… you have done me a great service in making my dearest wish come true and allowing me to avenge my late wife. And to see you with Emilia-sama, and the kindness you two share… I would be delighted to join your cause as your sword."

My eyes widened at this as I immediately looked towards Crusch.

"Uh, Crusch, do you-"

"It is most definitely alright," she said with a smile, watching as Emilia began waving her hands in a state of flustered shock. "I no longer have a cause for him to devote his sword towards, so it would be unbecoming of me to try to change his mind with a promise that he no longer remembers… especially when he seems to have found a place already."

I… see.

There was certainly some frustration in her expression, at least from what I could tell, but I also knew that she was genuinely glad that Wilhelm was moving forward.

"B-But, Crusch-san, she's the one-"

"Subaru-dono… it's quite alright," Crusch interrupted Subaru, looking at him and Emilia with a smile. "I believe the Sword Demon, now without the pains of the past holding him back, will be a great addition to your cause. All I ask is that you treat him well, although I doubt I need to worry."

Really… she was quite the strong woman.

Considering what I knew of my little sister, as well as Priscilla… it seemed that the royal selection was full of such women… although, one had unceremoniously been removed from the competition.

It truly was unfortunate.

"U-Um… if you're alright with me… I would gladly have you as part of my camp," Emilia said, bowing to Wilhelm with a smile. "I hope we can work together… oh! And if you have any problems, please don't hesitate to speak with me!"

Right… Emilia, while not showing any of the 'strength' in the ways of Priscilla, Felt, and Crusch, did have her own strength as well in the form of kindness.

Although… while it was good to have, it was something that could get in the way of ruling.

But perhaps Wilhelm's experience would help her in that sense.

"Tch. It's as if she has flowers for brains," Priscilla mumbled from the side, her foot tapping against the ground in dissatisfaction. "I do not find this gaggle of idiots very entertaining… Selian, do something."

"And what would you like me to do, Pris?" I asked, turning to face her with a smile.

Her eyes widened for a moment before she suddenly jabbed her elbow into my side, making me wince as she looked away.

"That name is not something to be used here, fool… and that does not change the annoying atmosphere around here," she said, having opted to look out the window.

Cute.

But indeed… it was getting late, and while there wasn't anything urgent, we would need to convene once again tomorrow in order to discuss the battle of the White Whale, the attack on the convoy, and how to deal with the giant corpse we had left behind near Flugel's tree.

The killing of the White Whale was sure to open up many trade routes, and I can only imagine how many merchants will be thankful now that the threat of that legendary monster was gone, so it was prudent for Priscilla to make her contribution to the battle known.

Or, well… our contribution, but that was essentially the same thing.

But that could wait until later, and with Wilhelm handled… there was one last thing to do.

"Ferris… I am guessing you don't remember me either?" Crusch said, smiling sadly at the cat-eared healer.

He had looked quite depressed as soon as he entered the room, but I doubt that was due to any trauma from the battle or in healing the casualties of the archbishops' attack.

No… he simply looked lost… empty.

A being without purpose… or rather, someone whose purpose was completely erased from their mind.

And if Crusch's story about him being her most loyal retainer and dearest friend were true… it made quite a lot of sense as to why.

"N-No… but… I can't help but want to," he said, walking forward to stand in front of Crusch. "You… I've heard that you claim to have been forgotten by everyone… did… did we know each other?"

Crusch smiles softly as she nodded her head.

"Yes… we knew each other very well," she said. "Fourier and you… you two were my dearest friends."

Ferris' eyes widened.

"F-Fourier-sama? He… he…"

"Was he the one that saved you from your parents, I presume?" Crusch asked, getting a slow nod from the shocked Ferris. "I see… well, still… while I cannot ask you to rewrite your memories from those of mine… I still would like to be your friend once more, if that is possible…"

Ferris' eyes widened.

"Y-You would?" he asked.

"Yes… in fact, like this, I would say that I would prefer our friendship starting anew, as there would be no complications of duty getting in the way," she said, standing up and extending her hand. "So, Ferris… would you like to be my friend?"

"I… I would," he replied, extending his hand to meet hers, the two of them sharing an awkward handshake before they smiled.

How heartwarming.

But still… despite that composed smile of Crusch's… I could tell that she was dissatisfied.

"Ferris-san… I believe you are currently a royal knight without a master, correct?" I asked the boy.

"Huh? Uhh… yes. I had pledged my magic to Fourier-sama before he passed… but since then, I have been staying in the Karsten Duchy with Helena-sama and Meckart-sama," he answered.

Right… Crusch's parents.

"And are you sworn to them?" I asked.

"N-No… they simply allowed me to stay with them after Fourier-sama's passing…" he said, looking down as he squeezed his fist. "It's the greatest of kindness for a useless healer like me… someone who couldn't even save their friend."

"F-Ferris…" Crusch said, her eyes turning down as she then looked back to me.

Yeah… I knew what she wanted.

And I had been planning it anyway.

I just hope that Priscilla doesn't get angry at me afterwards…

"Then, Ferris… how would you like to join Priscilla's camp?" I asked as I stood up, causing the boy to look towards me. "You could reignite your friendship with your forgotten former liege… and there are many uses for your skills within the territory."

Ferris flinched, looking towards me and Crusch for a few moments, before looking back down at his hands.

"I… yes. Please… allow me to join you," he said.

"And is mine opinion not of consideration?" Priscilla said, her fan reaching under my dirtied cloak and torn shirt to press against my bare skin, the heat of her Yang magic nearly causing me to yelp.

"B-But Priscilla… he would be very useful, and you love useful people," I said, rubbing my lower back as she retracted her fan.

"That may be true, but I do not care about how useful one is when they are a snivelling idiot like that boy," she said with a frown. "I do not have the interest in harbouring a lost, overgrown kitten, wandering aimlessly as he searches for a reason to live."

Right… I had a feeling Priscilla would hate Ferris, although they had rarely interacted.

She was quite good at forming an initial opinion of someone, and the tough thing was, she was often so accurate right off her initial glance that it took a lot to change such an opinion.

"While that is true… would it not be interesting to see if he can change? People can grow quite a bit when they have found a purpose… right?" I asked, taking her hand as I made her look into my eyes.

It was obvious who I was referencing with that last part.

She stared at me for a few moments, and her harsh glare slowly receded.

"Do not compare yourself to that wretch," she said, averting her eyes as she retracted her hand. "But fine… though, if he taints my vision, I will surely throw him out."

"That's all I can ask," I said, quickly grabbing her hand to plant a kiss on it before backing away.

Of course, I got a kick in the shin for my transgression.

A worthy exchange, in my book.

"Fool," she spat, clicking her tongue as she turned away.

And with that all cleared up, I then turned to face Subaru and Emilia, the two of them having been staring at our exchange with wide eyes.

"So, you two… what is the plan now? Will you be joining us for the negotiations regarding the White Whale?" I asked. "I am sure the council will want to hear of your fight against Sloth as well, even though the Iron Fang can explain it in your place."

"U-Uhh, well, for now, I think we're going to head back to the mansion tomorrow morning to take the villagers back to their home," Subaru said, looking back at Rem. "Right?"

"Exactly. Rem's sister has led the others to the Sanctuary, but that is a relatively short trip compared to the capital," Rem said calmly. "They should have returned by tomorrow afternoon, and by then, Roswaal-sama should be back from his previous trip."

The Sanctuary?

Was that some other village?

I was curious, but it didn't feel like my place to ask.

"And I will be joining them," Wilhelm said. "I have already talked to Helena-sama about removing myself from her employ, so there is no need for further discussions."

"I see… then, I hope to see you before you depart," I said, bowing to the two. "It's been a long day, so let us end it with this."

And with that… we all left the room, with Subaru, Emilia, and Rem heading to where I could assume the villagers were in order to relay them of tomorrow's departure, and with me following behind Priscilla as we headed back to her manor.

At least… that was before I felt something tug on my sleeve.

"Crusch…" I said, looking back at the woman, as well as Ferris, who was behind her. "Ah, right. You don't have a place now, do you? There are more than enough guests rooms in the manor, so please follow us."

"N-No! Well… thank you, but… that's not what I wanted to talk about," she said, shaking her head.

"Oh? Then what is it?" I asked, briefly looking back at Priscilla, who had stopped walking, having turned around to stare at me with narrowed eyes.

I won't hug her again, my lady, so please don't look so angry!

"It's… I just wanted to thank you… for taking me in… for giving me a chance to be friends with Ferris once more… for giving me hope… in the scariest moment of my life, you saved me, so thank you," she said, looking up at me with a smile. "While I am upset that I will no longer be able to fight for the throne… at the very least, I can still fight for the future of the nation… and by your side no less."

"I see… well, there's no need for thanks, since I know you will do your best," I said, returning a smile. "Ah, and about your former position… while I cannot ask others to treat you with respect, and especially Priscilla now that you have sworn yourself to her… would you like me to call you with honorifics?"

Crusch's eyes widened for a moment before she suddenly shook her head.

"No… in fact, that is another part of this arrangement I am thankful for," she said, her cheeks gaining a bit of a flush. "Selian… being your equal is not bad at all."

"Ah… okay then," I said, abruptly turning away.

That… was quite the nice smile.

Thinking that, I quickly hastened my steps to catch up to Priscilla, as both Crusch and Ferris followed behind.