20 - Tales of a Lost Timeline II

"And you're all good to go?" I asked Subaru.

We were currently standing next to the line of carriages holding the residents of Arlam village, the settlement that they had evacuated due to the threat of the Witch Cult, with all of them prepared to head back to their homes.

I had already said my goodbyes to Emilia and Rem, who had already gone into the front carriage, as well as Wilhelm, who was driving said carriage, so it was only Subaru who I still had to say my farewells to.

"Yeah, it's all good. We should get to the village by the afternoon, and then life can finally return to normal," he said, smiling as he looked at the rising sun in the distance. "I… really need a break, you know? That was hard as hell, especially for a guy like me."

"Well… yes, I suppose you do," I said, following his gaze.

The two of us remained standing there in silence for a few moments before I felt the mana behind us shift.

"Morning~!" a slightly familiar, high-pitched voice said.

"Huh? Puck?" Subaru said, turning around to face the floating cat spirit. "What are you doing here? Emilia even said she's been having some trouble calling you? Is that fixed now?"

"Well, don't mind that… let's just say I wanted to talk to you!" Puck said with an odd smile. "I'm sure you have some questions, right? Especially concerning that forgotten royal candidate…"

Wait… did he also retain his memory of Crusch, like Subaru?

And more importantly…

"Apologies, Great Spirit, but do you know what happened?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. "I feel it in my soul, that I should remember, and that something is off… but I have no clue as to why, and I can't remember no matter how much I try to focus… just what happened?"

Puck placed a paw on his chin as he narrowed his eyes at me.

"Hmm… you feel something off, huh? Well, I guess it makes sense…" he muttered, shaking his head. "But as for what happened to that girl, as well as the rest of the forgotten people and those who lost their memories… that would be due to the Authority of Gluttony."

"The Authority of Gluttony…?" I questioned.

That must be something related to that self-introduced Archbishop of Gluttony, Lye Batenkaitos, right?

If Crusch was fighting him along with Priscilla… was that the cause of what happened?

"Yep! I think you already realize who has that power, but in essence, it allows the user to take someone's 'name' and 'memory'," he said, twirling in place as he continued to explain. "When someone has their 'name' eaten, their existence is removed from the world, like what happened to that girl you took into your camp. And when someone has their 'memories' eaten, well… I think that's quite self-explanatory."

"I see… that makes sense, but… what about those people who are affected by the Sleeping Beauty disease?" I asked.

"Well… when one is forgotten by the world, and forgotten to themselves… then what are they but an empty existence? A husk, if you will," he said.

That… made some sense.

"So that's why… do you know how the Archbishop did it? The method? Requirements for activation?" I asked, pressing the spirit for an answer.

It couldn't be so simple as having anyone that the Archbishop wanted being affected, as Priscilla was completely fine and Crusch still had her memories despite the two having fought him directly.

So… what was it?

"Sorry, but I don't know more than that, nor how to reverse it, and more importantly… I have to go now," he said, looking down at his body beginning to disintegrate. "So, Subaru, I hate to ask you of this, but I'm leaving Lia in your care. Keep her safe for me, alright?"

"Huh? Ah, sure, I guess…" Subaru's words trailed off as Puck completely disappeared, leaving us standing alone once more. "…I was planning on doing that anyway, though."

"Well, that was… certainly something," I said, looking over to Subaru. "And I'm guessing your knowledge of the Witch Cult doesn't extend to Gluttony as well?"

"Nah, sorry… I'm not that amazing," he said, shaking his head. "But… it's probably about time I head back, right?"

"I would say so… something like defeating the White Whale deserves quite the celebration, so we will meet again," I said, turning away. "Take care, Subaru."

As I began walking, I suddenly felt my arm be grabbed, forcing me to stop and turn back to the culprit.

"Subaru…? Is there something wrong?" I asked.

"No, just… I just wanted to thank you," he said with a wide smile.

"Thank me…? But you contributed just as much against the White Whale, arguably more considering the importance of your information," I said.

What was he going on about?

"No, not that… just…" he said, shaking his head as he looked back into my eyes. "I just wanted to thank you for giving me hope, I guess… anyway, I'll see you later, alright? Let's have a nice party after everything is cleared up to celebrate a successful hunt!"

"Oh… alright," I said, watching him walk away as I remained in a state of confusion.

Giving him hope… what did he mean by that?

But more importantly… about the new information… I guess I would need to talk to Crusch, huh?

— Natsuki Subaru —

I wasn't enough, I knew that.

I wasn't near good enough.

To defeat that damned motherfucker that dared to kill Rem like that… that murdered the villagers, not even sparing the kids… the one who hurt Emilia…

To rid the world of that scum, and all of his damn followers… I needed help.

Crusch was useless, blabbering on about 'duty' and 'honour' when she wouldn't even fight without gaining something in return.

Anastasia was also a bitch, just weaseling information out of my idiotic self.

So, there was one last place to turn to.

In hindsight, I probably should have gone here first, considering how he helped me before, but that woman… Priscilla Barielle… she was a bit scary.

So, with Rem having gone to ask the knights for their aid, I found myself standing in front of the so-called Sun Princess as she sat on her throne, with Selian at her side.

"So… you wish for me to aid the half-elf in defending her territory from some cultist scum?" Priscilla said as she raised an eyebrow at me. "And what exactly do I get out of this?"

Fuck… not this again.

"I… does that really matter? There are innocent people that will die! Kids too! And I need to save Emilia!" I said, standing up in anger. "Does that… does that not matter to you too?"

I looked over at Selian, trying to gauge his thoughts, but all I saw was a frown on his face as he looked at me.

The hell?

What was his problem?

"Hmph. A village being wiped out, you say? I do not see how that affects me," Priscilla said with a snarl. "This world is a dangerous one, and there are many villages that have met their end, either due to war, monsters, disease, or famine. So tell me, why should I care about this specific one, and much less a village that is not my responsibility?"

I grit my teeth.

What the hell was wrong with these people?

All of them… did they not care about anyone but themselves?

"So… you're just like them, huh?" I spat in anger. "Fine then, you just enjoy yourselves here, and I'll go back without your help."

Dammit.

This was my last chance too…

"Wait right there," Priscilla said, causing me to look back at her as she got up from her chair. "Comparing me to those commoners is quite distasteful. And this seems amusing enough to earn my attention, so… convince me."

"Convince you… did nothing I just said convince you already?" I asked.

"No, it did not. Instead, I will have you convince me with your actions," she said, coming to stand down right in front of me. "Kneel. Kneel and lick my foot, like the dog you are, squandering your pride for the sake of your master, and just maybe… I will grant you your wish."

Lick… her foot?

I hesitantly looked over to Selian, only to see him pressing his palm to his face in annoyance, but still not doing anything.

Fuck… this crazy bitch… was she a sadist or something?

But fine… if it meant being able to get back to Emilia and show her my worth… then this was fine.

Doing as she said, I got to my knees as Priscilla took her foot out of her heel, lifting it so that I could take it into my hand.

Dammit… this was embarrassing.

Releasing a sigh, I lowered my lips down to the top of her foot, preparing to plant a kiss just as she had asked… at least, that was before she suddenly pulled away.

"So you really are such a disgusting, boring man. How foul," she spat in anger and disgust.

The foot in front of me suddenly blurred before I felt a sharp impact on my face, sending me tumbling backward across the floor before I slammed into the door of the hall, causing me to sharply exhale from the pain.

What… the hell?

"What you just performed was not loyalty, but rather the abject greed of a pig! Not only have you soured my mood, but you have angered me so greatly that I will absolutely become your enemy, no matter what camp you choose to join!" Priscilla shouted in anger, her fierce eyes trained on me before she turned back with a sigh. "Selian, take him out of here. Kill him if you must. I simply do not want to see him again. Ah, and you will need to lift my mood after this, understood?"

"I got it, Priscilla… but I think I'll just take him outside," Selian said before teleporting to my side and lifting me up by the arm as I remained in a daze. "That… wasn't a very good display, Subaru…"

I was then taken through the halls of the manor as my mind remained stunned, and before I knew it, I had been taken back outside the front gate, with my face healed from the earlier strike.

"Priscilla can be a bit… difficult, but you chose the worst words to use," he said with a sigh, bringing me out of my state. "I can probably make it so that she won't attack you like she promised, but I won't be able to change her mind. Especially after earlier."

"Oh… I see…" I said, looking down at my feet. "But… why won't they help? Isn't that something natural, especially for the strong…"

"Subaru… this world is dangerous, even for the strong," Selian said, causing me to look up at his serious face. "And more importantly, you are someone who wants to support Emilia-sama, a candidate to the throne. No matter what, your choices will have politics weaved within, especially when asking for support from another candidate… essentially an enemy."

"I… I know that, but aren't lives more important?" I said.

"Yeah, I agree… but that's how nobility is. Subjects are put under the lord, and the lord must provide protection to them in turn. It's a matter of responsibility, and as Priscilla said, Emilia-sama and Roswaal-sama are responsible for that village, not her," he said, patting my shoulder. "Try to think about the bigger picture. While lives are on the line with that supposed Witch Cult attack, the future of the kingdom itself is also at stake here with the royal selection… that's all the advice I can give you."

That… wasn't what I wanted to hear.

That wasn't an answer, dammit!

"Fine… fuck it, fine!" I said, pushing his hand off as I began walking away with an angered frown on my face. "I'll do it myself then!"

Yeah… I'll do it myself.

—

I had finally made a move, having gathered a group of merchants to use for transporting the villagers and everyone in the mansion away from danger before the Witch Cult could attack.

It was three days earlier than before, so I should get there in time.

And it was going well.

I was actually excited to finally show my cool side to Emilia, even if it would be hard to explain the future that hadn't happened yet.

But then…

"What do you mean? There wasn't anyone to our right… are you good in the head?"

Something went wrong.

"There wasn't anyone to our left either… are you truly okay, Subaru-san?"

Something was… horribly wrong.

"Subaru-san… what are you talking about? I was the only merchant you hired… are you feeling unwell?"

The pressure in the air… the subtle fog that had settled around us… instinctively, I could tell that something was very, very-

I stood stock still as a giant eye appeared on the right of the carriage, peering through the fog as it's ginormous pupil focused on me.

"W-What… the hell-!"

My words were cut off by a blaring shriek, one that forced me to curl my head into my chest at the unsettling sound.

"The White Whale!? What is the White Whale doing here!" Otto, the merchant I had hired, screamed as he snapped the reins to push the dragon carriage forward. "No… No! I don't want to die here!"

"C-Calm down!" I tried to appease him, but to no avail.

Well, it was obvious as to why.

It was because I was scared as well.

We continued down the road, the wheels of the carriage rumbling as we tried to outpace the monster called the 'White Whale'.

But yet…

"It's chasing us! Why is it chasing us!?" Otto screamed, tears beginning to pour out of his eyes.

What… what was I supposed to do?

Staring out the back of the carriage, I watched as the silhouette of the giant creature came closer, a giant horn piercing through the dense fog.

"At this pace, it will catch up to us…" Rem said, turning to look at me. "Subaru-kun… can you turn around for a moment?"

"Uh… is this really the time?" I asked, showing my back to her.

"Yes… unfortunately, this is the only time," she said, placing her hands on my back. "Subaru-kun… I love you."

I then felt a shock run through my body as I instantly fell to my knees.

Wait… I couldn't move.

Why couldn't I…

"R-Rem… what… did you do…?" I asked, struggling to turn my head to look at her.

"Rem will do what she must for the love of her life… and I know Subaru-kun is much too kind to allow me to do this, but… it is something that I must do for my own selfish sake," she said, whispering in my ear as she backed off. "Merchant, please continue to the Mathers estate no matter what. I will fend off that monster so it doesn't reach you."

W-Wait! Rem!

"D-Don't leave me-!"

I was stunned into silence as a giant pillar of light appeared behind us, the monster letting out a fierce cry as a figure appeared next to us a moment later.

"What exactly is the White Whale doing here…" Selian muttered, looking down at me with a frown. "Subaru… you are truly unlucky."

What…?

What was he doing here?

"Selian-sama!? How did you-"

"I was able to get my lady to allow me to come here, although she will definitely be angry when I get back… but I didn't think I would end up encountering one of the Three Great Mabeasts," he said, cutting Rem off as he looked back out the end of the carriage. "This is something that even the past Sword Saint couldn't beat, so while I can't say in confidence that I will kill it… I will at least ensure your escape."

"U-Understood… please, at least make sure Subaru-kun makes it out," Rem said, bowing her head.

"I intend to get you all out of here, so simply focus on moving forward," Selian said before he suddenly disappeared, the sound of the White Whale's cry of pain echoing soon after.

Rem and I continued staring out the back of the carriage, only hearing the sounds of a distant battle accompanied by a large flash, the two of us watching in worry as Otto continued driving forward.

Eventually, the fog cleared, giving us a view of… nothing.

Nothing but the passing grasslands as the night stretched into the distance.

"S-Selian?" I said, noticing that I was able to move my body again as I used my phone for light, briefly noting the time as I tried to look for any signs of… anything.

But there was nothing.

At least… that was before a body suddenly appeared at my side, crumpling onto the floor of the carriage.

"Selian!" I said, kneeling down as Rem did the same.

He… he was bleeding pretty bad, and his arm was twisted the wrong way, not to mention his leg…

"What happened?" I asked.

"Ack… it… I did not expect it to have a sonic attack," he rasped, his voice shaky. "I guess that's one of the Three Great Mabeasts for you…"

"Did you kill it?" I asked.

"No… it just suddenly flew away… but that's the best I can ask for," he said, struggling to rise to his feet before suddenly collapsing, both me and Rem reaching to grab onto him.

"Selian-sama, don't move, Rem will begin healing you," Rem said seriously, placing her hands on his injuries.

But I… I couldn't do anything.

Watching as Selian slowly drifted into unconsciousness with the glow from Rem's healing magic lighting up the carriage, I grit my teeth at the sound of his slow breaths.

He… he came for me.

Even after all the shit I did… he came for me, and even got injured in doing so.

To put it lightly… I didn't feel very cool at the moment.

And now that our transportation was gone, what was I supposed to do about the Witch Cult?

—

"Then, now that we have returned, I will continue healing Selian-sama in one of the guest rooms," Rem said, holding Selian's body over her shoulder as she headed down one of the halls.

I definitely needed to keep this to myself.

Not only would Selian be embarrassed if he knew about his current position, but I had a feeling that Priscilla wouldn't be very happy either.

"Yeah… I got it. I'll see if Emilia-tan can help too," I said, turning to look down the opposite hall. "And to do that… I need to talk to her."

"Okay… good luck, Subaru-kun," Rem said as she disappeared into a nearby room.

Right… now, I just needed to explain everything to Emilia.

Then… she would understand.

She was such a kind girl… that was why I fell in love with her so easily, so it was obvious that she would understand.

—

How did it come to this…?

Holding Emilia's cold, dead body in my arms, I felt my world crumble.

How long had it been since I tried to tell her everything, just like she wanted me to?

While I didn't expect to be able to tell her about Return by Death, when I didn't feel the usual squeezing of my heart, I thought I was finally able to remove this burden of loneliness.

But no… whatever that curse was… it went for Emilia instead.

This was all wrong.

Everything was wrong.

"Beako… just kill me already," I said, looking down at the ground with a blank expression.

What was even the point of everything?

Repeating the same mistakes over and over, failing every time… what was the point of such a power when it all led to the same conclusion?

But still… I knew that I didn't want to live right now.

Even without the power to reset, I didn't deserve to be in a world without Emilia… especially one where I killed her.

"Don't be ridiculous… if you truly want to die that badly, then do so in a place away from Betty," she said, raising her arm as the space in front of me tore open into a swirling portal, revealing a forest. "Don't make Betty sad, I suppose!"

I felt my body get dragged into the portal, landing on the hard ground a moment later, trying my best to keep Emilia's body from getting dirty.

Just… how pathetic could I be?

Laying here, doing nothing…

"Oya…? Oya oya oya~? It seems that the girl of the ordeal has already met her end!" that familiar, grating voice said, causing me to raise my head. "How very… slothful!"

Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti… that damned Archbishop of Sloth that had caused me so much pain!

The one who killed Emilia, Rem, everyone!

"What's with that anger in your gaze, boy? And not to mention the overwhelming love I sense on you… are you perhaps Pride?" he asked as he tilted his head, causing me to grit my teeth in anger.

No matter what… even if she had already dead, I would rather die then let his filthy hands get on Emilia!

Is there something here? A knife? Something to use-

"Hey, fuckers… what the hell is going on here?" a voice suddenly said.

Widening my eyes, I looked to my side to see Selian standing with his spear at the ready, looking around at the robed figures surrounding us before looking at me… as well as Emilia.

"Subaru… what happened to her? Rem and I were looking everywhere for you…" he said, eyes widening in shock as he looked over to Petelgeuse. "And you… I don't think you're a nice guy, are you? Did you do this to Emilia-sama?"

I had expected Petelgeuse to go on another crazed rant in response to being called out, but instead, when I looked at his face, I saw an emotion I had yet to see on the man.

Fear.

"Y-You… you! What are you!?" he screamed, clawing at his eyes. "No no no no no! Impossible! Impossible, impossible, impossible! This… this is impossible!"

I widened my eyes as a mass of shadow hands burst forth from his chest, rushing towards Selian all at once.

I was about to speak up and warn him… but it seems like even while weakened, Selian wasn't to be underestimated, as he instinctively teleported into the air, dodging the strike.

"You… how can you see them!?" Petelgeuse shouted.

"See what? Crazy bastard," Selian muttered, appearing before one of the cloaked enemies and running his spear through their chest, moving on to the others.

Wait… could he do this?

I watched as Petelgeuse continued to lash out, sending his hands in a crazed rant to attack Selian as he continued to dodge while taking out the other robed cultists.

But before their battle could conclude… they were both forced to stop, having their feet frozen to the ground as the temperature around the area dropped to a chilling degree.

"You… what has happened to my daughter?" a cold, emotionless voice said, resounding through the forest.

My teeth already chattering from the chill, I looked over to see Puck floating in the air in front of us, his eyes narrowed in anger as a storm of ice spears were prepared behind him.

"You two… begone," he said, another wave of cold washing over me as Puck unleashed the storm of ice spears to cover the ground, stabbing into everyone but me.

Looking to the side, I saw as both Petelgeuse and Selian were covered in frost, a collection of spears running through their bodies as Selian's bright red eyes slowly lost their light before he dropped to the ground.

No… no!

Selian!

And this freezing cold… I remembered it.

This was what killed me in the other two loops!

"P-Puck… why!?" I grunted through gritted teeth as I held Emilia close.

"Because this is a conversation for only the two of us," he said, floating down in front of me. "Subaru… you have committed three grave sins."

Sins?

What… what was he talking about?

"First, you broke your promise with Lia. You know that promises are important to spirit art users, correct? Second, you returned to the mansion against her wishes. But worst of all…" he said, his glare turning fiercer. "You let Lia die."

I felt rooted in place, whether because of the cold or fear… or perhaps, it was because I knew he was right.

I let Emilia die, and I broke our promise…

"But I do not resent you… nor do I resent anyone," he said, extending his paw. "So, as I act according to my contract… sleep."

I felt another wave of cold wash over me, my body locking up as I fell to the side, my gaze landing on the dead body of Selian.

Ah… I should have thanked him for coming back to help me.

I never did that, did I?

Fuck… he was so strong too… better than my weak and useless self.

And then finally… the world turned to nothingness, before I soon found myself back in front of that damn appa stand.

…

I was done.

I wanted to give up.

Even after all the pain of the Witch Cult, there was still that White Whale to deal with.

Overwhelming, insurmountable odds… that was what I was going against.

But… Selian was able to beat that monster back… and Petelgeuse seemed afraid of him too, for some reason, and Selian was able to contest both him and the Witch Cult before Puck intervened…

So maybe… maybe there was a chance.

"Subaru-kun?" Rem asked, causing me to turn to her and meet her blue eyes that were radiating worry. "Subaru-kun… is there something wrong?"

Was there something wrong…

"I… Rem, I don't know what to do," I said.

What was I supposed to do here?

To get out of this hopeless situation…

"Then you can simply tell Rem. Rem will always be there for Subaru-kun, after all," she said, revealing a warm smile.

A smile that I didn't deserve.

"Just… why are you so nice for a useless guy like me?" I asked, shaking my head. "You're making me feel bad here…"

As I looked at her face again, I saw that she was now wearing a frown.

"Subaru-kun… come with me," she said, reaching out to grab my hand as she began pulling me forward. "I think we need to have a talk."

Unable to protest, I simply followed her.

And that, after some emotional words with the cityscape as our background… I laid my ugly self bare to her… and she accepted it.

She was right… I didn't want to give up.

As she said, it wasn't something easy for me to do.

But this situation wasn't something I could get through with pure guts.

No… I needed to use the information I gathered in the previous loops to get everything back to normal.

So there was now only the need to plan.

And with that… my time in this isekai world truly felt like it started… 

All the way from zero.

— Selian —

"Crusch… are you busy?" I asked, gently knocking on the slightly open door.

"Ah! No, I am not. You can come in, Selian," she said, prompting me to do exactly that.

Watching as she finished running a comb through her hair, Crusch then turned to give me a small smile as she got up from her seat, a definite change in her demeanour from last night.

"You seem… better," I said, pointing out the obvious.

"Indeed, and I feel better as well. While I can't say my current situation is the best, I do feel like I can see a future to work towards, so it would be useless for me to wallow in despair," she said as her cheeks quickly flushed red. "And… about last night… m-my childish display…"

"Don't worry about it," I said, reassuring her. "Besides, there is no need to be embarrassed about feeling vulnerable. Consider it a privilege of the common folk, if you will."

Although, I think that anyone should be able to feel vulnerable with the right company.

And I could only hope I was that company for Priscilla.

"T-Thank you… but I don't plan on putting on such a shameful display again," she said. "Anyway… may I ask where you were this morning? I believe I heard you heading out before sunrise."

"Just seeing off Subaru and the villagers from the Karsten manor… and on that note, I do have a few things I need to talk to you about," I said, my tone turning serious. "But first… do you need anything? I understand that most of your personal items were lost, correct?"

"Ah… yes, but that is of no consequence. My sword and armour were kept with me, and as for the clothes, I do plan on going out to restore my wardrobe to an acceptable level," she said as she looked down at her casual blue dress, grimacing as she pinched the end of it. "While I do have to thank the maids for lending me this clothing… I do not think it suits me."

…Really?

"Hmm… well, I disagree, but if you're uncomfortable wearing such clothing, then I won't comment," I said, closing the door behind me. "You should ask Schult to help you when you go out. I'll give him some money for it as well, but his childish charm is quite useful for negotiations."

Not receiving an answer, I looked over to Crusch, who was staring at me with wide eyes.

"Crusch?" I asked, confused.

"U-Uhh, nothing! Just… you said you… disagree? No… never mind," she said, pressing her hands to her cheeks and shaking her head before she looked back to me. "Thank you for taking on the burden of payment… I promise to pay you back at a later date."

Hmm? Why did she seem so surprised at me disagreeing?

She was quite the objectively beautiful woman, so there was no way such a dress wouldn't suit her…

But I guess that didn't matter at the moment.

"No need. Consider it your first salary," I replied, waving my hand. "Now as for the second topic… I have obtained a clue as to what happened to you."

"You… did? Explain… please," she said, her eyes narrowing in seriousness as she took a seat opposite me.

And so, I did. Fully recounting my conversation with the talking spirit and the power of the Authority of Gluttony.

"So… did that Archbishop do anything during your fight that might lead to a clue?" I asked.

"Hmm… no, not really. He was skilled at evasive manoeuvres, and had terrifying agility and experience, but aside from his knives, there wasn't anything of note…" she said, her words trailing off as an odd look formed on her face. "Although… there was one moment where I was exposed and expected to get struck, but he simply touched me with his hand… and I believe I heard him say my name before licking it… could that be it?"

"It… very well may be, but that doesn't give us much, does it?" I said, a frustrated frown growing on my face. "And either way, even if that's a clue as to how it activated, we still don't know how to reverse it… perhaps only killing him would bring your 'name' back."

Honestly, what an odd condition… but if we knew it in advance, that should be helpful.

"I… could only hope so," she said, shaking her head. "But still… the Witch Cult has evaded the knights for their entire existence, so I can't expect us to chase after him for revenge… and even then, I don't find my predicament a complete tragedy. But as for those who had both their 'names' and 'memories' stolen…"

"Yeah… that will be tough," I said, tapping my finger against the desk. "For now, we know that they don't need to eat or drink, so I've asked the healers to take them into an empty barracks for storage… I'll probably ask Ferris to periodically check on them during our time in the capital to see if he can find anything."

"That… is likely for the best," she said, releasing a small sigh before she looked to me. "But ignoring that, I believe this is my first day of knighthood… Would I be able to ask you for guidance?"

"Yes… of course," I said, getting to my feet as Crusch followed suit. "I'll tell Schult to take you shopping after lunch, but for now, I'll give you a tour of the mansion and Priscilla's usual schedule… though, she usually acts to her own whims, so take it with a grain of salt."

"I see… that seems like quite the troublesome predicament," Crusch said with a smile.

"Well, she's certainly an interesting woman, and dealing with her eccentricities is the first task of being in her service," I said, opening the door to the hall. "But she found you interesting enough to take you on as her knight, so you've already gone further than anyone other than me. Honestly… I'm a little jealous."

"Fufufu, considering that display I saw after the battle, I don't think you have to worry about jealousy, Selian," Crusch said teasingly.

"Ah… right," I muttered.

I forgot that she had seen that…

But either way, with all that set, I then began the official tour of the manor.

Ah… and I should probably give one to Ferris as well once he was finished with his report to the royal knights.