Road to the Capital

As the sun began its slow descent from the highest point in the sky, the warm light spilling into the room spread like a gentle, comforting blanket. Dust particles danced lazily in the golden beams, casting soft shadows that flickered gently against the wooden walls. In the midst of this serene glow, Subaru slowly opened his eyes. The sunlight filtering through his eyelashes nudged his not-yet-fully-awake mind, gently coaxing him into the waking world.

A deep yawn escaped his lips, his body still weighed down by the exhaustion of the night before. "Man, I really slept like a rock..." he murmured in a raspy voice, thick with sleep. He stretched out his limbs, his joints popping softly as if groaning in agreement. For a moment, he considered closing his eyes again and surrendering to the comfort of the blankets. But a strange sense of unease crept in—subtle, but insistent.

The room was silent... too silent. And yet, this wasn't the kind of silence that calms the nerves. It was dense, watchful. It felt like something—someone—was present. Not moving, not breathing loudly, but there, watching. A shadow waiting patiently at the edges of awareness.

Following a gut instinct, Subaru turned to his right. His vision was still adjusting, everything slightly hazy. But even through the blur, the outline beside him was impossible to mistake. Elsa lay in the same bed, arms folded behind her head like she owned the space, her expression relaxed and oddly serene, as though she'd been there for hours—maybe even longer—just waiting for him to wake.

As if sensing his eyes on her, Elsa opened her own. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Ara? So you're finally awake," she said, her voice thick with drowsiness but threaded with warmth.

Subaru blinked, completely thrown off. He jerked upright in the bed, the blanket slipping from his chest. A thousand questions crowded his mind, but he only managed to voice the most pressing one. "Um... Elsa, can I ask why exactly you're in my bed? Next to me?"

Elsa shut her eyes again and grinned in that familiar, teasing way of hers. "Hikari and Beako-chan told me you didn't sleep at all last night. They were worried. Rem and Emilia tried to come check on you, but Hikari intercepted them—said you needed rest, not a fuss. So, I took the liberty of skipping the polite route. Came in through the window and kept watch. I've been here since the sun came up."

Subaru stared at her for a few seconds, dumbfounded. Then he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as the implications sank in. There was more to her presence than simple concern—he could feel it, even if she wouldn't say it outright. "You know... it's kind of obvious you didn't come here just to monitor my sleep. But still... it means a lot that you were worried."

Elsa sat up in one smooth motion, letting the sheets fall away. A faint blush dusted her cheeks, barely there, but unmistakable. Vulnerability wasn't her usual color—it sat on her like a new garment, strange but oddly fitting. "I should be the one saying cheesy lines like that," she muttered, folding her arms and glancing away. "Don't steal my part, Subaru."

He laughed under his breath, shaking his head slightly. Her words warmed something inside him. He tossed the blanket aside and stepped onto the wooden floor, stretching again as he moved toward the desk. Papers and sketches were scattered across it—a chaotic mix of ideas scribbled in haste and diagrams drawn with precision.

Behind him, Elsa's voice came again, laced with curiosity and a tinge of amusement. "So... what kept you up all night this time? Some weird mechanical rabbit? Another one of your borderline-insane experiments?"

Subaru chuckled as he sifted through the mess on his desk. He picked up a sheet filled with intricate drawings and dense notes. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he turned and offered it to her. "Not exactly. It's about a type of energy from my world—something far more efficient and versatile than brute strength: electrical energy."

Elsa took the paper and examined it with furrowed brows. "Electricity, huh? Sounds fancy. How does it work? More importantly, can you show me?"

Subaru scratched his head. "I can't exactly demonstrate its full potential right now. Not with what I have here. But... I can give you a tiny glimpse. A sample."

He walked back over to the bed and grabbed a pillow. Rubbing it vigorously against the blanket, he created a soft rustling sound. Then, with practiced motion, he brought the pillow close to his head and let it hover. His hair, slightly messy from sleep, began to lift toward the pillow.

"See this? It's called static electricity. It's a basic example, but it's real energy—energy you can harness."

Elsa blinked, then slowly raised an eyebrow. "So... it just makes your hair stand up? That's the big reveal?" She smirked. "Also, your hair's gotten longer. When's the last time you trimmed it?"

Subaru groaned and let the pillow fall to the floor, dragging a hand down his face. "Okay, okay. Yes, it looks silly. But static electricity is just the tip of the iceberg. There's so much power hiding in it—power that can move machines, light entire cities, even save lives. It's not about making hair float. It's about potential. I'll walk you through the whole thing later."

Elsa gave a slow nod, her teasing tone giving way to something more thoughtful. "Then I guess I'll be waiting for your next big demonstration. But next time, maybe try not to start with floating hair."

Subaru laughed, the tension in his shoulders easing. As the warm light filled the room and the scent of morning air drifted in through the slightly open window, everything felt... a little more alive.

At that very moment, the atmosphere in the room shifted abruptly, as though the air itself had been disturbed by an unseen force. A faint, inexplicable pressure rolled over the room, causing the curtains to stir gently without any wind. The sudden tension was palpable, like the world holding its breath.

Then, without warning, a figure materialized right beside Subaru, his form fading into existence with the ease of someone returning home. His invisibility wasn't active this time; strands of his hair stuck out in every direction, unkempt and wild, while his eyes were half-lidded, still glazed from sleep. He stretched exaggeratedly, his joints cracking.

Flugel emerged with a yawn, his voice lazy. "Man... I haven't slept that well in ages~"

The sound alone was enough to trigger a reaction. Elsa's eyes shot open instantly. In one fluid, almost animalistic motion, she sprang to her feet, twin daggers appearing in her hands as if summoned by sheer instinct. She didn't hesitate. The blades gleamed coldly in the light, already leveled at Flugel's chest.

"Who the hell are you?! What are you doing here?! And why do you look like Subaru's twin?!"

Flugel blinked, visibly unimpressed, and raised both hands in mock surrender. "Oi, really? You're pulling blades on a ghost? Look closely—I don't even have a proper body."

True to his word, his form shimmered faintly around the edges, like light passing through water. Elsa froze, narrowing her eyes. Then she exhaled sharply and lowered her daggers.

"Tch... right. That slipped my mind."

Subaru ran a hand down his face and sighed. It was a sound that carried the weariness of someone who had long grown used to the absurd. "Calm down, Elsa. This isn't someone you need to fight. Let me introduce him properly. This is Flugel. I've formed a pact with him. He also just happens to be the great sage—yes, the one from 400 years ago."

Elsa blinked, visibly taken aback. The tension in her shoulders shifted, no longer coiled for combat but bracing against confusion. "Wait... the great sage? From centuries ago? That Flugel? Then why in the world does he look so much like you?"

Subaru's voice dropped to a hush, barely more than a breath. "Because... we share the same soul."

A long silence followed. Elsa brought both hands to her temples, rubbing them slowly as though trying to massage sense back into her brain. Her voice was tight and worn.

"You're... from another world. You emit cursed energy. The witch's miasma clings to you like a second skin. Now you tell me you've got a soul-bond with a legendary figure from four centuries ago? And he's just... casually napping in your room? Are you going to tell me you control time next?"

Flugel grinned slyly. "Actually, yes. Let's just say... I have experience with multiple timelines."

Elsa's expression turned to stone. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes sharpened, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop.

"I'm done. I'm absolutely done trying to follow this madness. Think what you like, but I'm calling him your contractor, and we're leaving it at that. Also, don't let others see him. This much absurdity in one place is dangerous. That's it. Bye."

With that, she spun around and stormed toward the door. Her steps were swift, her posture tense. Without another glance back, she disappeared down the hallway.

Subaru stood there in stunned silence, watching her leave. After a long pause, he muttered to himself, "What even was that conversation...?"

Flugel was already laughing. His laughter echoed off the walls, full of amusement. "Truth can be heavier than a blade. She's not ready to carry it yet. Give it time. The mind resists what it can't comprehend."

Subaru wandered over to the window, resting a hand against the frame. The sky outside had begun its shift into twilight. Clouds drifted lazily, glowing faintly under the amber and violet hues of the setting sun.

"It's getting late. We were supposed to leave for the capital today, weren't we? I should probably check if everything's ready."

Before leaving, he leaned closer to Flugel and whispered, "Activate your invisibility. I'm not in the mood to explain your existence to every curious soul we run into."

Without a word, Flugel vanished once more. The room felt emptier without his presence, but also less complicated. In this invisible state, only Subaru could perceive him—a decision that saved time, energy, and a great deal of sanity.

Subaru made his way out of the room, his footsteps brisk. The corridors of the mansion were quiet, bathed in the mellow glow of lantern light. He descended the grand staircase and reached the entrance hall. When he pushed open the massive front doors, a cool breeze greeted him, tinged with the scent of evening dew.

Outside in the expansive garden, Patrasche waited patiently, already tethered to the dragon carriage. Her stance was calm, noble even, as if she understood the gravity of their upcoming journey. Subaru approached her with a soft smile, his hand reaching up to gently pat her neck and fix her mane.

"Hey there, buddy. Ready for another long day?"

The dragon let out a low, deep rumble and nudged her head into his shoulder. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes. Subaru chuckled, his spirits lifted by the creature's loyalty.

He looked around. The garden was still, with no one else in sight. A moment of quiet serenity settled around him. Then, remembering he hadn't eaten since morning, he decided to swing by the kitchen. A bit of food wouldn't hurt before a journey that might demand all of his strength.

And so, with a last glance toward the fading sky, he turned and stepped back into the mansion.

As Subaru walked down the corridor, the soft clatter of utensils and the low murmur of voices drifting from ahead signaled that the kitchen was already alive with activity. The warm scent of herbs and chopped vegetables reached his nose even before he touched the door. He paused for a moment, savoring the domestic stillness—this quiet, ordinary peace was rare in a life that had been anything but ordinary.

He gently pushed the door open and stepped inside. The aroma intensified, mingling with the sight of Ram and Frederica busily preparing ingredients at the large wooden counter. The table was covered in bowls and baskets brimming with carrots, potatoes, cabbages, zucchinis, onions, and leafy greens. Their coordinated motions and efficient rhythm gave the room a sense of focused urgency.

"Yo! Need a hand?" Subaru called out with a grin, waving a little as he stepped in.

Both women turned toward him. Ram, as expected, regarded him with narrowed eyes and a disapproving frown. "Finally awake, Barusu. I must say, your laziness knows no bounds. You've already missed the morning tasks—and you didn't even show up for your protection duty."

Subaru blinked, then gave an exaggerated sigh. "Come on, Ram. Cut me some slack. I did some important resting today. Strategic resting. Vital for mental health."

Ram arched a brow. "Mental health? You're mentally unhealthy by default. No amount of sleep can fix that."

He winced but let the remark slide. He was well used to her barbs by now. Still, today wasn't the day for petty comebacks. Instead, he took a calming breath and stepped forward.

Frederica, thankfully, welcomed him with a gentle smile. "I trust you had a proper rest, Young Master. If you'd like to be helpful, you can assist us by chopping some of these vegetables."

Subaru walked over and looked at the tray she pointed to. It was filled with an impressive assortment of peeled vegetables: long orange carrots, thick potatoes, firm zucchinis, and plump radishes. He scratched his head. "Wow, that's a lot. Are we cooking for an army, or is this the castle's version of winter prep?"

Frederica handed him a well-polished kitchen knife, its blade gleaming under the light. "Your sister, Hikari-chan, recently shared some very practical food preservation techniques with us. We're drying and storing vegetables so that we won't have to rely entirely on fresh produce during the colder months. It's a precautionary measure."

Subaru accepted the knife with a nod, flipping it lightly in his hand to test the weight. "Huh. She's really got a head for this stuff, doesn't she? By the way, where is she? I didn't see her when I got up."

Still chopping, Ram answered without turning around. "Rem, Hikari, Meili, and Petra left for the village market. There were quite a few supplies we needed. Emilia and Beatrice-sama are in their rooms for the day. Roswaal-sama departed for the capital earlier this afternoon."

Subaru hummed thoughtfully. "That explains the quiet. It's kind of rare not having at least one of them orbiting around me."

He reached for a potato. "Alright, how thick should these slices be? I want to avoid getting banished from the kitchen again."

Ram held up an example—a perfectly uniform, thin slice that looked almost like it had been machine-cut. "Like this. Even. Precise. Not that I expect you to replicate it. But don't ruin everything, Barusu. I don't want to fix your mess."

Subaru gave her a sideways glance, raising an eyebrow. "Oho? Challenge accepted, madam perfectionist."

In that moment, a familiar voice stirred in his mind, whispering like the flutter of pages in a forgotten book. Flugel.

"Use your skills. Show them what you can do."

[Advanced Dagger Technique - Active]

Something in Subaru's posture shifted. He inhaled deeply, centered his grip, and flicked his wrist. The potato spun into the air, and the blade flashed in a smooth arc. One slice, two, three—the pieces fell onto the board in perfect rhythm, each one identical to the last. The knife moved with a dancer's grace and a surgeon's accuracy.

Frederica covered her mouth with a soft gasp. "Ara... Young Master, you're quite skilled. That was unexpected."

Ram crossed her arms, unimpressed. "Coincidence. Try it again. ten more times."

Subaru smirked. "Oh, I intend to."

He picked up a carrot and repeated the motion. Then a zucchini. Then a red onion. Each time, the cuts were flawless. The counter transformed into a canvas of perfectly prepared vegetables—orange, green, white, and yellow fragments arranged like an edible mosaic.

As the chopping continued, conversation began to flow more easily. Ram, though still sharp-tongued, occasionally made curt observations about knife angles and grip technique. Frederica spoke more about Hikari's preservation tips and mentioned experimenting with combining drying methods and preservation spells—something Subaru made a mental note to ask Beatrice about later.

By the time the pile of produce was finished, Subaru was sweating lightly, but clearly satisfied. He cleaned the blade with care and set it down, stepping back with a dramatic flair.

"And thus ends my noble service in the kitchen," he declared with an overly theatrical bow. "I leave the rest in your capable hands, dear masters of the culinary arts."

He made his way toward the kitchen door, but before stepping out, he turned and flashed a cocky grin. "Don't miss me too much. I'll be around—probably with more potatoes."

Above him, in the space between thought and presence, Flugel's form shimmered faintly, visible only to Subaru. His voice carried a note of tired irritation. "Fanatical freak."

Subaru laughed aloud, waving without looking back. "Flattery will get you nowhere—but I'll take it."

And with that, he stepped out into the corridor once more, his mind already shifting gears to the rest of the day's preparations. The golden light pouring through the windows was a sign—the sun was lowering, and the capital journey was drawing near.

When Subaru arrived in front of the Forbidden Library to check on Beatrice, he was immediately met with an unusual stillness in the corridor. The air around the door seemed charged, like the aftermath of a spell, and muffled voices trickled from within—low, serious, and unmistakably familiar. He paused, his breath catching for a second, then instinctively held it, allowing his senses to sharpen.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment and extended his awareness outward, scanning the lingering mana traces with practiced care. Three separate auras lingered inside the room, distinct and potent. He recognized all three immediately. One was warm and regal, another cool and ancient, and the third—fierce, steady, and comforting.

"Who else is in there with Beako?" he whispered under his breath, his brows knitting in mild concern. The thought of Emilia and Puck interrogating Beatrice wasn't too surprising, but the timing felt inconvenient.

Next to him, Flugel hovered lazily, arms crossed. He let out a dramatic sigh and rolled his translucent eyes with exaggerated weariness. Then, without waiting for permission, he floated forward and phased his ghostly head directly through the door, unhindered by walls or privacy.

"It's Emilia, Puck, and little Betty," he announced after a moment, his voice carrying that all-too-familiar note of playful sarcasm. "Looks like your girlfriend decided to dig up some answers. Better hope your secrets are boring."

Subaru pressed his palm to his face. Interrupting now would make things worse, especially if Emilia was already worked up. The meeting earlier had gone well enough, but his answers had been far from satisfying. Hikari hadn't had the chance to explain much either, and knowing Emilia, that would only fuel her determination. It was only natural she'd seek someone like Beatrice to get the truth. And Beatrice... never sugarcoated anything.

Steeling himself, Subaru lowered into a crouch. He took a long, steadying breath, letting the shadows around him gather like silent allies.

[Yin Step - Active]

His figure dissolved, melting into the darkness. A soft hiss echoed as he seeped beneath the crack in the door, a ghostly mist carried on tendrils of shadow. Flugel followed right behind him, silent as smoke.

The inside of the library hadn't changed. That familiar, otherworldly quiet was still there, heavy with ancient mana and the scent of aged parchment. Beatrice was sitting on her favorite chair, small hands folded in her lap, eyes half-lidded with a look that teetered between exhaustion and sternness.

Across from her sat Emilia, posture perfectly upright, fingers pressed nervously into her knees. Her silver hair framed her face like a shimmering curtain. Puck rested atop her shoulder, sprawled out like a sleepy cat but with one eye open—keenly attentive.

"Tell me, Beatrice," Emilia asked softly, but there was an edge to her voice. "Did Subaru get closer to Anastasia while you were away?"

Flugel nearly snorted, but instead he covered his mouth and chuckled quietly into the darkness. His eyes sparkled with amusement. Subaru, meanwhile, furrowed his brow and groaned internally.

Beatrice, as always, remained unfazed. Her voice was calm, measured. "Betty doesn't think Subaru has the energy to flirt with anyone, I suppose. During our entire stay in Kararagi, he was constantly training. Up at dawn, swinging a sword until the stars came out. There wasn't even time to sit down for tea, let alone indulge in romantic drama."

Emilia's expression didn't relax. In fact, her eyes narrowed further. "And who exactly was training with him?"

Beatrice glanced to the side, as if briefly reviewing her memory. "There was Halibel—a half-wolf warrior known as one of Kararagi's elite. And two siblings: Fraud and Iris. Both highly disciplined and unusually talented. Subaru and Elsa trained with them every single day, often well into the night."

Emilia bit her lower lip, the gears turning behind her violet eyes. Her hands clenched tightly together. "So not only does he travel with another royal candidate without informing me, he spends nearly every day with two strangers—one of them a girl—and doesn't even mention it when he returns? They trained together. Laughed. Shared time. Why didn't he tell me anything...?"

Her voice had dropped to a whisper, and the hurt beneath it was laid bare. Subaru winced. The guilt was immediate and sharp. He reached up and pressed his fingers into his temples, rubbing them slowly.

He knew this moment was coming. But it didn't make it easier.

Without another thought, he canceled his skill.

The shadows peeled away from his body like smoke lifting off embers. With a quiet step, he emerged from behind Beatrice's chair, his presence causing the entire room to flinch.

Emilia gasped audibly, her head snapping around. "Su-Subaru! Y-you... you were listening?! Since when?!"

Puck, who had pretended to be half-asleep, burst into laughter, clutching at his own sides as his tiny body rolled slightly across Emilia's shoulder. "Oh, this is too perfect! He was here the whole time, Lia. Just lurking in the gloom like some kind of ghost!"

Beatrice, meanwhile, didn't even blink. She lowered her gaze, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Betty sensed Subaru sneaking in almost immediately, I suppose. But letting him eavesdrop made everything far more entertaining."

Subaru scratched the back of his head sheepishly, giving Emilia a half-apologetic look. "Sorry. I didn't mean to spy... Okay, I kind of did. But I figured it'd be worse if I interrupted."

Emilia opened her mouth to respond, but the words didn't come. Her expression was still clouded with confusion, irritation, and something much softer beneath. Hurt.

And so the silence stretched—a fragile moment, waiting for someone to break it first.

Emilia locked eyes with Subaru, her gaze sharp and unwavering, the weight of unspoken emotion pressing heavily between them. "You gave me an explanation," she said, her voice tight with restrained frustration, "but it wasn't enough. I still felt uneasy, Subaru. That's why I asked Beatrice. I just... needed clarity. I needed to know you weren't keeping things from me. And for the record, I'm not hiding anything from you."

Subaru's shoulders sagged, his expression flickering with a mixture of guilt and resignation. "I get it," he muttered. "Honestly, I expected this kind of reaction. Look, like I said before, everything with Anastasia was political—completely strategic. Trade routes, information networks, logistics—that's all it was. As for Iris, she barely trained with me. Most of the time Halibel-san paired her with Elsa. I usually sparred with Hal-san or Fraud. There's nothing shady, nothing personal. Definitely not what you're imagining."

A heavy silence settled between them, dense like a fog refusing to lift. Emilia took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Despite that, her expression softened, some of the storm retreating from her features. "I just... I wish you had told me yourself. I don't want to know everything, Subaru. I know you carry burdens. But I want to feel like I'm a part of that weight, not a bystander. I want to feel like you trust me. That's all."

Subaru rubbed the back of his neck, his fingers trembling slightly. His voice dropped a note lower. "Mili... I did tell you everything. Or at least, I thought I did. Maybe... maybe it's not me who's holding back trust. Maybe it's you who's afraid to trust me."

Those words hung in the air like a suspended blade. Emilia's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. Her expression twisted—uncertainty and hurt giving way to anger as his accusation took root. Somewhere deep inside her, something fragile cracked. She didn't know what to say. The person in front of her felt both familiar and distant all at once.

And then, like a divine interruption from the heavens—or perhaps a poorly timed joke from the universe—a thunderous voice shattered the tension.

"OH, FOR THE LOVE OF—THIS IS SO CRINGE! ENOUGH ALREADY! JUST HUG AND TELL EACH OTHER SWEET LITTLE LIES!"

The library trembled with the force of the outburst. In a dazzling burst of swirling light and ambient energy, Flugel suddenly appeared, his invisibility dropping like a curtain. His tone was exasperated, his arms flailing.

Emilia shrieked and jumped back, completely startled. "AAAAAah!"

In the same moment, Puck reacted on reflex. With a glimmer of ice magic, a ring of frozen lances formed around him, glinting with lethal precision. But as his gaze locked onto Flugel's form, he faltered.

"Master..?" Puck murmured, his voice cracking in disbelief.

Flugel hovered lazily into view, now fully visible in his odd ethereal form. His posture relaxed, but his expression screamed of irritation. "Yes, yes, it's me. Let's skip the panic and confusion, shall we? I've detached from this idiot's soul and can now manifest freely. Yes, I'm Flugel. THE Flugel. The Great Sage from four centuries ago. Please, for the love of sanity, don't ask me to explain every little detail—I'm already tired."

Emilia stared at him, mouth slightly agape. Her mind raced to make sense of what she was seeing. Her instincts screamed danger, confusion, and awe all at once. Memories of ancient stories, childhood fairy tales, and warnings whispered in moonlit halls came crashing into her mind.

Subaru remained frozen, wide-eyed. His eyes locked with Flugel's, and in that brief connection, something ancient stirred inside him—a ripple in the still waters of his soul. The walls he'd built within himself trembled.

Trying to salvage the moment, Subaru forced a crooked smile onto his face, even though his voice sounded thin. "Okay, okay, you've made your entrance. Now could you maybe not scream at us like we're in a bad soap opera? I'll handle the explaining. Go hang out with Beako or something."

As if summoned by name, Beatrice rose from her chair without a word. There was no eye-roll, no snarky comment—just a strange, solemn calm. She walked to Flugel, and without hesitation, took his hand. Her fingers curled around his ghostlike ones, as if this was something they had done many times before. Her eyes met his, and in that moment, the connection between them was undeniable.

Without another word, they turned and walked toward the door. Puck followed quietly, his icy lances vanishing into mist, his face unreadable. He cast one final glance over his shoulder—equal parts concern and curiosity—before disappearing through the threshold.

The room settled into an uncanny quiet. The chaos had passed, but not completely. The air felt like it held its breath, like the world was giving them one brief, silent moment before the next storm.

Emilia slowly turned to Subaru. Her voice trembled. "Subaru? What just happened? Who was that really? Is this... Is this even real?"

Subaru leaned back against the nearest bookshelf, rubbing his temple with both hands. "I swear, I'm getting really tired of having to say this over and over... but yeah. That was real. That was Flugel. The Great Sage—400 years old, annoying as hell, and currently haunting my existence. We made a deal. I don't even fully remember when. We share... something. A soul? A consciousness? A space inside me?"

He laughed bitterly, the sound hollow. "He lives inside me. Pops out whenever he wants to cause chaos or make snide remarks."

Then, his expression darkened, his voice turning into a whisper more for himself than for her. "And sometimes... sometimes I wonder if the one in control is still me. Or if it's slowly becoming him."

The weight of his confession lingered, heavier than any silence. And for the first time that day, Emilia's anger faded entirely—replaced by something deeper: fear, empathy, and a dawning realization that the person she loved was shouldering far more than he ever let on.

Emilia nodded slowly, as if trying to piece everything together. Her brows furrowed slightly in thought. "Then why did he yell like that earlier? What made him so angry all of a sudden? He seemed fine one moment, and the next, it was like a storm blew through."

Subaru eased down into the seat across from her, his shoulders heavy with thought. He exhaled a long breath and let his gaze fall to the polished floor between them. "I think... it's not really about romance or drama specifically. Flugel just hates those kinds of things. He despises emotional vulnerability. I don't think he knows how to handle it—so he avoids it. Pushes it away before it gets too close. It's like his way of protecting himself. A kind of defense mechanism he's honed over centuries. But that doesn't mean he doesn't care. In fact, I think it's because he cares too much that he acts like this. It's subtle, hard to spot... but it's real."

Emilia's expression softened, her lashes casting shadows over her cheeks as she looked down. "Ah... I see. I guess I was too caught up in my own worries. I'm sorry for being so dramatic, Subaru. Do you think I should apologize to Flugel-san too?"

Subaru gave a faint chuckle and took the opportunity to slide closer to her. Gently, he reached over and patted her silver hair, his touch light and affectionate. "You don't owe me an apology. And as for Flugel... I doubt he's the type to get offended by something like that. Honestly, I'm not even sure he was listening... but knowing him, he probably was."

In the quiet of his mind, Subaru reached out with a thought: "I know you're listening, you melancholic maniac. You heard all of that."

Flugel's voice echoed back, dry and irritated. "Just don't turn this into a soap opera in front of me. Or I swear, I'll manifest right now and lecture each of you for an hour straight. No breaks."

A small laugh escaped Subaru as he looked at Emilia, who was now smiling faintly, clearly comforted by his words. They sat together in a silence that was more comforting than awkward. The fading light of the afternoon sun streamed through the tall, stained glass windows of the library, painting the room in gentle hues of amber and rose. The scent of ancient parchment and faint vanilla drifted through the air, wrapping around them like a soft blanket.

Outside, footsteps echoed on the stone corridor. The cheerful voices of returning friends reached their ears before the door burst open.

"SUBARU-NII!!" Meili's voice rang out like a bell as she barreled into the room without warning.

Subaru and Emilia quickly stood and made their way downstairs. The sight that greeted them was lively and familiar. Rem, Petra, Meili, and Hikari were busily unloading supplies from the dragon carriage parked just outside the manor's entrance. The wheels creaked under the weight of numerous baskets filled with fresh produce, travel gear, cloaks, and magical tools. Though the group looked exhausted, their faces shone with a sense of fulfillment.

Hikari's eyes immediately found Subaru. With a radiant smile, she sprinted toward him, her small figure practically glowing with joy. She threw her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.

"Subaru-nii!" she said, muffled against his chest.

Subaru smiled down at her and ruffled her hair with practiced affection. "Did you enjoy your time in the village? What kind of adventures did you get up to this time?"

Hikari tilted her head slightly, a hint of playfulness in her eyes. "Well, mostly I went shopping with Rem-nee, but Petra and Meili wouldn't stop dragging me into games. It was kind of fun, I guess. We also spoke to some villagers. They were really nice to us."

Subaru's smile deepened. "That's wonderful. You're building bridges, even if you don't realize it. People remember kindness, and you have plenty of it to offer."

He turned his attention to Rem, who was setting down a crate with a light grunt. "Welcome back, Rem. Judging by the size of your haul, I'd say you went above and beyond. When are we planning to leave?"

Rem dusted her hands off on her apron and offered him a calm smile. "Hello, Subaru-kun. We'll depart as soon as we finish loading everything. If we leave tonight, we should arrive at the Karsten Mansion by mid-morning or shortly after noon. Petra redrew our route—cutting through the valley road trimmed several hours off our journey."

Subaru gave her a nod of approval before turning back to Hikari and lifting her into his arms with ease. "If there's anything you left upstairs, now's the time to grab it. I want everything packed and ready before nightfall."

Hikari gave a little salute. "Aye aye, captain!"

She darted back inside, her footsteps echoing up the staircase. Outside, the others worked steadily. Petra passed folded cloaks to Meili, who loaded them onto the carriage's rear compartment. The dragon that would pull them—Patrasche—snorted softly from its resting place, occasionally glancing over as if keeping count.

The sun continued its descent, casting long golden rays through the colored windows. It bathed the library in a warm glow that shimmered across the floor and bookshelves. It felt like the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Moments later, Hikari returned, this time clutching Subaru's project bag with both hands like it was a national treasure. Her steps were full of theatrical exaggeration, as if each stride was part of a grand performance.

"Onii-chan, I brought this!" she announced proudly. "Also, I don't have a lot of cute dresses, you know. It would be soooo nice if someone took their adorable little sister shopping and bought her some adorable clothes!"

She finished her declaration with a wink that sparkled with feigned innocence. But Subaru knew that look. Behind that innocent smile was the quiet, unshakable force of a sibling demanding reparation.

Subaru stared at her for a second before chuckling, utterly defeated. "Of course, Hikari. Onii-chan will buy you as many cute outfits as you want. Just don't bankrupt me before we even make it to the capital."

Hikari gave him a victorious grin, clearly pleased. She skipped off toward the cart with an extra bounce in her step, humming cheerfully.

Subaru glanced at the remaining coins in his inventory: 247 gold. A cold shiver ran down his spine.

"That's... quite a lot," he thought, unease settling in his chest like a slow-moving fog. The gleam of the gold no longer sparked joy or security—it was a reminder. "Even after staying in Kararagi for two whole months, I still have this much left. Plus, I'm supposed to receive my shares from Roswaal and Anastasia..."

But rather than bringing any comfort, the thought only tightened the knot in his chest. It wasn't hope. It was obligation. Responsibility. A weight he couldn't ignore. Gold had turned into chains.

He let out a soft sigh.

Hikari, oblivious to her brother's internal conflict, beamed with pride. "That's my big bro!" she declared, leaping onto Subaru and settling herself on his shoulder with the unshakable confidence of someone who believed her brother could carry the whole world—and maybe she wasn't wrong.

Her small body was as light as ever, but in that moment, Subaru felt like he was shouldering continents.

"Let's go!"

He groaned under his breath, a crooked smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Carrying you around is turning my shoulders into steel."

Just then, a voice echoed through the back of his mind. That old, ominous tone from the depths of his consciousness. Flugel.

"Less talking, more moving."

Subaru scowled internally. "Annoying sage. Always showing up when I'm not asking for you."

He pushed the thought aside and opened the back door of the dragon carriage. Inside sat Elsa, Meili, Beatrice, Emilia, and Puck, each absorbed in their own thoughts. No words were exchanged. A thick silence hung over them like the sky before a thunderstorm. Heavy. Electric. Waiting to crack.

Rem was still inside the mansion. Her presence missed, her warmth like the last light before dusk.

Subaru gently lowered Hikari and turned to Elsa, his voice quiet but steady. "You don't have to come, Elsa. You know you're a wanted woman."

Elsa sighed—a dramatic, theatrical exhale that filled the air with faux regret, her hand resting casually on the hilt of her blade. "Yes, yes, I know. But I'm coming anyway. You do things that keep me from being bored."

He nodded slowly and leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper sharpened by tension. "Fine. Just don't let anyone see you. I'll throw you a few assassination tasks along the way—some really annoying pests that need to be dealt with."

His eyes drifted toward Emilia, careful not to let hers meet his. Her gaze always asked too many questions.

"And no, we're not telling Emilia about any of this."

Elsa smiled faintly. "Understood."

He leaned in closer, close enough to feel the chill that radiated from her amusement. His tone darkened.

"First target: the head of House Darneil. If you remember, he was the first to insult Emilia and Felt—arrogant, rotten noble blood through and through. Second: Russel Fellow. A dangerous man. He currently serves as the Director of the secretive defense group known as the 'Six Tongues.' His operations are always behind the curtain—never direct, never caught."

As he spoke, a name surfaced in Subaru's mind: Otto. Loyal, sharp-witted Otto, one of the few people Subaru trusted with his life. Otto was working under Russel now—trying to pay off his debts. Subaru's heart ached at the thought. He knew it wouldn't be long before Otto was caught in the crossfire of a Witch Cult attack.

And Subaru couldn't allow that.

That's why Russel didn't need to die. Not yet.

"Russel doesn't have to die. We just need to scare him. Leave a shadow in his life without drowning him in darkness. As for Darneil... he won't get that mercy. And I'll be right there with you. So enjoy it."

Elsa's smile curved into something colder, darker. Her lips trembled with excited anticipation. "An assassination... and a date. I want to do it right now!"

They continued to whisper and scheme a little longer, shadows sharing secrets, before Subaru moved to the front of the carriage. His steps slowed as he approached.

This time, he wanted to sit beside Rem.

Not long after, Rem arrived, her footsteps soft against the earth as she approached the waiting dragon carriage. She gently took hold of Patrasche's reins and gave a quiet, practiced signal. The earth dragon responded immediately, beginning to move forward at a measured pace before gradually quickening into a steady rhythm. The wooden wheels of the carriage rumbled over the dirt path, leaving behind faint grooves that marked the start of another chapter in their journey. A familiar sound, one that echoed with both nostalgia and an air of impending change.

"Subaru-kun," Rem spoke, her voice a calm breeze in the cool morning air. "Nee-sama, Frederica, and Petra-chan won't be joining us. They've been asked to stay behind at the mansion. But they all wished you well and told me to pass along their thoughts."

Subaru let out a small breath and smiled. It wasn't forced. It was soft—tinged with longing, yet filled with appreciation. "I guess I'm a little disappointed... but it makes sense. Everyone has their roles to play. Just knowing they're rooting for us is enough."

The road stretched ahead, long and winding, lined with trees that swayed lazily in the gentle wind. Dust kicked up faintly behind the carriage as they moved onward, and the sound of nature enveloped them—chirping birds, rustling leaves, the faint creak of wood and leather. Subaru leaned against the side of the carriage, his gaze drifting far beyond the visible horizon. He wasn't just looking at the scenery—he was searching for something deeper, perhaps a sense of clarity or meaning in the uncertainty that loomed.

A quiet voice inside him whispered this journey wouldn't be like the others. There was a weight in the air—a gravity that hadn't been there before. It felt as if invisible hands were pulling back a curtain, one that concealed events not yet set in motion. And once that curtain fell, there would be no going back. What lay ahead was unknown, but inevitable.

By the time dawn's first light painted the sky with hues of gold and rose, Subaru stirred. Slowly, his eyes blinked open, adjusting to the soft illumination that had replaced the dimness behind his eyelids. He was immediately aware of something warm beneath him—a pillow, but not one made of feathers. The scent of lavender lingered close, comforting and familiar. He lifted his head and met a sight that instantly filled him with both warmth and a touch of pain: Rem's face, calm and serene, her eyes watching the road while her lap cradled the place his head had just rested.

He'd fallen asleep in her lap. It had happened so naturally, yet felt impossibly intimate. In times past, moments like this had been rare, even with Emilia. And since the great turning of time—since the world had spun back into a different flow—he hadn't shared that kind of closeness with Emilia at all. This made the moment all the more precious, and all the more bittersweet.

Subaru sat up slowly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. His hair was a mess, sticking out at odd angles. He yawned without shame, stretching his arms until his joints popped. The carriage continued onward, moving at a patient pace. Ahead of them, the faint outline of the royal capital had begun to emerge. The towers, bathed in morning light, shimmered with golden reflections that danced across their glass and stone surfaces.

"Rem... how long was I out?" he asked groggily, offering a sheepish half-smile. "And, uh… sorry. I didn't mean to use you as a pillow."

Rem turned slightly, enough for him to catch her gentle smile—the kind that made his heart feel just a little lighter. "You didn't bother me at all, Subaru-kun. You slept peacefully. Like a baby, really. You've been asleep for about four hours. If we stay on course, we should reach the Karsten estate in another three or four."

Subaru let out a thoughtful hum as he pulled his knees up, resting his arms across them. "Four hours, huh? No wonder I feel like my brain's rebooting. I could probably do with another nap, but... I need to make a detour."

He tapped his fingers idly, eyes narrowing slightly as he listed off his mental checklist. "I've got to stop by the Hoshin Trading Company. I need some conductive wire, a few high-grade energy stones, supporting components... maybe some extra resistors and cabling while I'm at it. You never know what'll come in handy."

Without taking her eyes off the road, Rem replied softly, "If it helps, I can reroute us through the capital. That way, you'll be able to visit the company before we continue."

Subaru was about to answer when a voice—calm, distant, and strangely familiar—echoed through his mind. It came not from the air around him, but from within, deep and unmistakable.

Flugel.

"You could reach your destination faster if you made proper use of your abilities," the voice murmured. "Take Beatrice with you. Her magic will stabilize the path."

Subaru didn't flinch. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, almost amused by the intrusion. Then, with a quiet chuckle, he reached out and gently rested a hand on Rem's head, running his fingers through her soft blue hair.

"Thanks, Rem," he said, voice low but sincere. "But it's alright. I'll go ahead from here. I'll take care of the errands myself—and the road ahead will be safe for you."

She didn't respond immediately. Instead, her eyes remained fixed on the path, her hands steady on the reins. But Subaru didn't need words. Her silence was full of trust.

And as the morning light continued to brighten, casting long shadows behind them, the journey pressed on—toward the capital, toward the unknown, and toward the fragile threads of fate quietly being drawn into motion.

Rem tilted her head, a slight crease of concern forming on her brow. "Like what you did when you went all the way to Kararagi, right? That trip made everyone worry so much."

Subaru nodded, his lips curving into a wry smile. He slipped into the dragon carriage's cabin, feeling the comforting scent of wood and leather around him. Fatigue hung thick in the air, draping itself over everyone like a heavy blanket. Beatrice and Hikari were curled together, faces peaceful in sleep, while Elsa had Meili tucked close as though guarding a precious treasure. Emilia and Puck were nestled in a corner, lost in dreams, their breathing slow and steady. Outside, pale dawn light trickled through the curtains, painting soft amber patches across scattered bags and travel-worn cloaks.

A wave of affection welled up in Subaru's chest as he took in the scene. These people—this small family of his—made every trial worth enduring. He sighed softly, then leaned toward Beatrice. Gently, he lifted the still-dozing Hikari and laid her down onto a waiting blanket, careful not to wake her. Then he shook Beatrice's shoulder with practiced tenderness.

"Beako, time to get up. We've got somewhere to be."

Beatrice opened one eye a sliver, her voice muffled and grumpy. "Nnh… Betty doesn't want to… It's warm and soft right here…"

Subaru chuckled, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her into his hold like a stubborn cat. "Then you can sleep in my arms. But we're moving out. It might be chilly for a minute, but it won't last long."

Blinking blearily, Beatrice peered up at him. "Leaving where? Has the sun even properly come up yet, I suppose?"

Subaru glanced out the carriage window, feeling the steady rhythm of wheels rolling beneath them. With Beatrice cradled against his chest, he unlatched the door and swung it open. Cold morning wind rushed in, fluttering Beatrice's twin-drill hair. "Rem! I'm borrowing Beatrice!" he called out, voice sharp over the sound of wheels and wind. And then he leapt out, landing with practiced agility.

Without warning, everything vanished into darkness.

[Yin Step - Active]

Shadows flooded around them like a velvet tide, closing off the world in hushed stillness. All noise fell away, replaced by a near-suffocating silence. The shadows twisted and shimmered like black silk caught in an invisible breeze. Beatrice blinked rapidly, trying to focus on her surroundings.

"Are we… underground? It feels like we're floating in nothing," she whispered, waving her fingers through the shifting darkness. Wisps of shadow curled around her hand, dispersing and coiling back like smoke.

From the swirling gloom, a figure slowly emerged—Flugel, clad in robes that seemed woven from starlight and night sky, a sly grin on his face.

"This is the threshold between shadows, dear Betty," he said in a voice as smooth as polished stone. "Yin Step is a path hidden in the crevices of the world. Swift, silent, and nearly impossible for anyone to follow."

Subaru let out a low laugh, shifting Beatrice's weight in his arms. "Yeah, it's fast. If I tried Yang Travel instead, we'd be there in half the time—but carrying two people? Not a chance. Besides, Yang lights up the sky like fireworks. We'd be spotted immediately."

Beatrice scowled, lips pressing into a pout. "Yang? Subaru, don't be ridiculous. You're purely Yin-aligned. Trying Yang would tear you to shreds from the inside out, I suppose."

Flugel gave an exaggerated shrug, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "But the great Flugel, naturally, can wield both with flawless precision."

Subaru rolled his eyes. "And humble as always."

Beatrice folded her arms, giving a long, exasperated sigh. "Honestly… all this sneaking around before sunrise is far too dramatic for Betty's tastes. So tell me where we're headed already, I suppose."

Subaru's gaze turned sharp and resolute. "We're going to the Hoshin Company. I need conductive wires, energy stones, and components for building an electric motor. This world has bathed in magic for centuries… but it's time to introduce it to science. The future will belong to those who combine both."

Flugel nodded, his figure briefly flickering like a candle flame as shadows rippled around him. "An ambitious path. You'll need more than courage to walk it, Subaru Natsuki."

Beatrice huffed, though a faint curiosity sparkled in her eyes. "Betty supposes she'll help… but there had better be tea and cakes afterward, I suppose."

Subaru's grin widened. "Deal. And hey—if we pull this off, maybe next time we'll ride through shadows in style. Like a Yin-powered roller coaster."

Beatrice groaned, pressing her palm to her forehead. "Please… no."