Library to Council

More than an hour had passed since Subaru had begun his training. He remained on his knees, his breath ragged, and sweat dripped steadily from his forehead, pooling on the cold stone beneath him. Every muscle in his body throbbed with exhaustion. The mana circulating through his veins still felt alien, like a foreign substance invading his very being.

"Flugel... help me," he whispered hoarsely, his voice barely more than a breath—a sound woven with desperation and pain.

The reply was instant. Flugel's voice cut through the silence like a dagger, dripping with contempt and impatience:

"Tch. Still a failure, I see. Draw your mana into your heart, idiot. Channel it inward. Focus."

Subaru closed his eyes, trying to shut out everything else. He deepened his breathing, each inhale trembling with strain. Slowly, he reached inward—into himself. Into that void-like center that pulsed within his chest like a black star.

And then— The shadows stirred. They moved with eerie slowness, slinking and writhing along the floor like sentient mist.

Without any warning, a tendril of darkness latched onto his leg. Its touch was cold—unbearably cold.

Before he could react, the shadows twisted and coiled around him like a nest of serpents.

"W-what the hell is this?!"

His eyes flew open in alarm, but it was already too late. The shadows had enveloped him. They clung to his skin like tar, penetrating deeper—through his flesh, his nerves, even his soul.

He couldn't breathe. His limbs refused to move. Panic surged in his chest as his vision began to blur.

And then came the pain.

Agonizing. Soul-rending. A pain that couldn't be described in mere words. It felt as if invisible blades were carving him from the inside out. His muscles spasmed, bones trembled, and nerves sparked with unbearable heat.

The shadow mana had infiltrated his internal mana channels. With ruthless force, it pried them open, flooding them with raw energy.

Subaru clenched his teeth until his jaw locked tight, refusing to scream. His whole body writhed, but he endured. It was a battle of will now—his body wracked with torment, his mind desperately holding the line.

It lasted only a few minutes. But to Subaru, it was an eternity of suffering.

And then... it stopped.

The shadows retreated just as silently as they had come. They peeled away from his skin with surgical precision, as if satisfied with their grim work.

Then, they vanished. Subaru collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.

But the pain… it was gone. More than that—he felt different. Lighter. Stronger.

He coughed, trying to steady his breath. His voice came out cracked but clearer than before.

"What... did you do to me?"

Flugel's voice returned, this time carrying a subtle tone of approval—pride wrapped in mockery:

"What does it look like? I forcibly opened all your mana channels. Now you might actually be capable of something. You should no longer be restricted in your movement."

Subaru slowly pushed himself to his feet, his legs trembling beneath him. He took a deep breath and released the mana he had been holding tightly within his heart.

And this time… it flowed.

Effortlessly.

The mana surged through him in waves—rushing from his chest down to his arms, his legs, even his fingertips. Every fiber of his being hummed with newfound clarity.

Then he paused. Something was... different.

"Huh...? My senses—I'm picking up on things I couldn't before. I think... someone's coming."

He turned, and sure enough, Elsa emerged from the shadows. Her form was bathed in the pale glow of the moonlight, her expression calm but alert.

"Elsa. Did you find anything? Any trace at all?"

She shook her head. Her gaze remained vigilant, but there was something distant in her tone:

"Nothing. Not a footprint, not a sound."

Subaru's brows furrowed deeply. Something in his gut twisted—a quiet, persistent whisper of warning. But it made no sense.

"Should we feel relieved by that? Or... is it time to start being afraid?"

Elsa gave a faint shrug, her answer terse yet ominous: "Maybe both."

And so, two days slipped by in silence.

Every night, Subaru and Elsa kept vigil over the mansion. They rotated shifts, pacing under the watchful eye of the moon. Not a single soul disturbed their patrols, not a single sound broke the quiet.

During those nights, Subaru committed himself to training. He honed his understanding of mana, learning to feel its rhythm, trace its currents, and mold it to his will. Each session brought small improvements—a better sense of control, a faster response to his commands.

And still, no attack came. It was too quiet. The kind of silence that set every nerve on edge.

By the time the day arrived for their departure to the capital, the mansion had become a hive of activity.

Ram and Rem orchestrated the preparations with military precision. Servants rushed through the halls, bags were packed, and supplies triple-checked.

"Nee-sama, should we bring extra food supplies?" Rem called from the kitchen, arms full of baskets.

"The trip will be long. Take every provision we can carry, little sister," Ram responded with crisp efficiency.

Every corner of the estate buzzed with purpose. Everyone had a task, and everyone saw it through with dedication.

Subaru, amid the controlled chaos, decided to check on Emilia.

He approached her room quietly, not wanting to interrupt. But when he peeked through the half-open door, he found her practicing alone.

Emilia stood tall in the center of the room. She was repeating her lines softly, adjusting her stance, and experimenting with the positioning of her hands while speaking.

Her eyes were focused, her brows slightly furrowed. She looked... determined.

But there was a charm to her effort. A kind of endearing awkwardness that made Subaru smile.

He stepped back quietly. "Oh—I'll come back later, Mili. Keep at it," he murmured to himself, then turned and walked away.

He didn't want to disturb her concentration. She had her own battles to prepare for.

And the capital awaited them all.

Most of what was needed for the meeting had already been taken care of. The logistics were settled, the presentations prepared, and the attendants informed. Subaru's inventions—innovative mechanisms, magic-tech integrations, and practical tools for commoners—were going to be showcased in full detail. The reforms in agriculture, which had already begun bearing fruit in certain regions, were going to be discussed as models for nationwide adoption. It was a spectacle designed not just to impress, but to send a clear message: The Emilia camp was no longer a fringe contender. It was a rising star.

And yet, for Subaru, something felt off. Something was missing. There was a gap he couldn't quite explain—an absence that logic, facts, and inventions alone couldn't fill. He realized that people, especially nobles, weren't just persuaded by rationality. They responded to strength. To spectacle. To presence.

"Before any speech is made, before any results are shown... we need something to seize the moment, to capture their attention the instant we walk through that door," he muttered, pacing in thought.

His steps, slow but purposeful, carried him through the dim corridors of the mansion, eventually bringing him to a familiar place—the door of the Forbidden Library. He stopped in front of it, hand hovering over the knob. Silence enveloped him. The air was thick with old magic and older memories.

Then—just as a question formed in his mind, a voice spoke, uninvited yet not unwelcome:

"Yes, Natsuki Subaru... you're finally thinking like someone who understands this world. If you were to walk into that meeting flanked by not one, but two great spirits, and you made sure the entire room saw them with their own eyes... The effect would be immediate.

There are only five great spirits known to exist, and they are creatures of legend, reverence, and fear. If two of them were to stand by your side, even temporarily, no one would question your influence. Not lords, not knights, not mages. They would feel your power—and more importantly, they'd respect it."

Subaru let out a long, burdened sigh.

"That's a good plan on paper... but how the hell do I convince Beatrice to agree to this? She's not exactly the 'do-me-a-favor' type."

Flugel's chuckle was faint, laced with mischief.

"Tell her the truth. Say it plainly. That little loli isn't as stubborn as she pretends to be. Push the right button, and she'll agree to a temporary arrangement. In fact... I daresay she's been waiting for you to ask."

With that teasing thought lingering, Subaru took a deep breath, straightened his posture, and gently pushed the door open.

The scent of old parchment and aetheric dust greeted him. Rows of books towered like silent judges. And at the heart of it all, on her usual seat with her usual expression, was Beatrice. She didn't look up.

"You want something, don't you, I suppose?"

Subaru wasted no time. He stepped in with resolve and declared: "Beako, make a spirit contract with me."

Her eyes flared open with sudden energy—and magic exploded into the room. A gust of wind magic surged forward, wild and immediate. Subaru threw himself against the doorframe, barely managing to hold his ground as books and scrolls were sent flying.

"Beako—wait! This is important! Just hear me out!" The wind faded. Beatrice slowly closed her book, set it aside, and exhaled with exasperation.

"Betty will listen... but you'd better make it quick. I have no patience for more of your nonsense today, I suppose."

Subaru nodded, catching his breath, then looked her square in the eye.

"The reason I want to form a contract isn't just for show. Yes, I'll admit—it's temporary. And yes, it's about appearances. But it's also about impact.

There are only five great spirits in this world. If two of them appear beside Emilia's faction at the royal council, it will change the entire dynamic in the room. No one will be able to ignore us. They'll respect us. They'll fear us, Beako."

His voice carried no deceit, only conviction—and a trace of desperation.

Beatrice said nothing. She stared at him, her face unreadable. Her small hands clutched the edges of her book a little tighter. She'd heard proposals before—dozens of them. She had rejected them all.

But this one… this was different. More reckless. More honest.

"So," she finally said, eyes narrowing, "you're asking me to play the role of some flashy accessory for your political parade?"

Subaru flinched but stood his ground. "No! That's not what I mean—just—"

"SHUT UP!" she snapped, her voice a sharp crack that echoed across the high shelves. The books around her trembled on their shelves. Subaru bit his tongue.

"Betty isn't here to be your tool, your puppet, or your prop, I suppose. And you think you can barge in and say, 'Beako, make a spirit contract with me because it'll look good in front of the nobles!' Really now. Is there anything more shallow than that?"

He lowered his gaze momentarily. Then looked back, unflinching.

"You're right. It is shallow. And short-term. But this meeting is important. Not just for me or for Emilia—but for everyone who's believed in us so far. This camp, this mansion—it's your home too. Don't you want to protect that future, even if it means making a temporary deal?"

Beatrice raised an eyebrow, bemused.

"What, now you're lecturing Betty about social duty? Really, I suppose?"

But her tone had shifted—just slightly. And Subaru saw it. The first crack in her wall.

Subaru let out a long, weary sigh.

"While you spend your days tucked away in this dusty old Forbidden Library, all alone... there are people out there, right now, doing everything they can to build a future. A future that includes you, too, Beatrice. Whether you like it or not."

Beatrice's expression twitched. Her lips parted, maybe to retort, maybe to deflect—but in the end, she said nothing. Her eyes shifted to the side, trying to avoid his gaze.

Subaru took a step forward, his voice gaining conviction.

"And more than that... if another Great Spirit were to stand beside Emilia—if people could see someone like you, right there with her—then they'd start to feel it. The truth. That she's someone extraordinary. Someone worth believing in."

A flicker of something bright danced in Beatrice's eyes. It was gone a moment later, buried beneath a returning scowl.

"So, let me guess... you just want to exploit Betty's power and prestige, is that it? Use her like some shiny decoration to make your point?"

Subaru shook his head slowly, with a sincerity that cut through the air.

"No. That's not it. I want people to finally understand who you are. To see what I see. You're not just powerful—you're brilliant, you're noble, you're irreplaceable. And if I get to stand beside you, even just once... it would be an honor."

Beatrice groaned, her face contorting in exaggerated disgust.

"Ugh. You and your ridiculous sugar-coated nonsense. It's nauseating, I suppose..."

She trailed off. Her voice softened. When she spoke again, it was barely above a whisper.

"Besides... Betty doesn't make spirit contracts lightly. They're not toys. They're eternal bonds—burdens of trust and power. Responsibility. A merging of hearts."

"That's why this isn't that," Subaru said quickly. "It's just temporary. Symbolic. There won't be a real bond, no eternal obligations. Just enough to show presence. And you can walk away from it any time you like. No strings attached."

Beatrice didn't respond.

For a long moment, she stood still. Then, wordlessly, she moved. Her footsteps echoed as she walked toward him. She snapped her fingers, and one of the tall library shelves slid aside with a groan. From the hollow behind it, a glowing book floated out, humming with quiet magic.

"...Temporary," she repeated, her voice colder now, deliberate. "No spirit-to-spirit resonance. No inner bond. No aftermath. And Betty... Betty will never be required to continue this contract. Not now. Not ever. Understood?"

Subaru nodded immediately, his eyes resolute. "Crystal clear."

With a dramatic huff, Beatrice lifted her chin. "Betty is only agreeing because ignoring your annoying voice any longer would've been more exhausting than just doing this, I suppose."

Subaru smiled, but his voice was earnest. "Even so, I'm grateful. Truly."

The book opened in midair. From its pages, a radiant circle formed—a complex magical sigil that floated between them. Wisps of light curled outward, reaching gently toward Subaru's hand.

In a sudden, brief flash of searing magic, the pact was formed.

For a split second, Subaru felt the pulse of mana ripple through him—flickering, unstable—then settle as quickly as it came.

Beatrice snapped the book shut with a crisp motion and let it float back into place on the shelf.

"Your mana is so pitifully underdeveloped it's offensive. Just forming the contract made me physically ill, I suppose."

"Sure, sure—but the contract's made," Subaru said with a lopsided grin. "So... you're stuck with me for now."

Beatrice turned her back to him. Her long cloak swished with the motion. "Don't get carried away. Betty still doesn't particularly like you."

"I know," Subaru said quietly, looking up at the towering ceiling above. "But... this is a good beginning."

Then, almost as if on instinct, he extended a hand toward her.

Beatrice glanced back with a look of sharp suspicion. "What are you doing now, I suppose? Don't tell me this is another one of your weird emotional gestures."

Subaru shrugged with mock innocence.

"Just thought it might be nice to hold hands with my contracted spirit. It's not every day you get to share a moment like this."

Beatrice wrinkled her nose and scoffed.

"Hmph. Betty has no need to hold your sweaty human hand. This contract is just a temporary formality. Don't overdramatize it, I suppose."

Still, a faint blush crept across her cheeks.

Without another word, she turned and began walking toward the library's exit, her pace firm and steady.

Subaru followed behind her, the corners of his mouth lifted in a quiet smile that lingered long after the pact's magic had faded.

As they descended to the lower floor, Subaru and Beatrice were greeted by the sight of Emilia and Puck waiting for them at the base of the staircase. The atmosphere was calm, the soft glow of morning light filtering in through the windows, giving the moment a gentle sense of clarity.

Hovering gently in the air, Puck tilted his head and gave them a curious look. "Huh? Seeing you two side by side... now that's a rare sight," he said with a mischievous grin.

Subaru smiled, the edges of his mouth lifting with a warmth that hadn't been there in a long time. A subtle but undeniable weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

"Yeah! We formed a pact—well, a temporary one—but still!" His voice was vibrant, brimming with excitement and just the faintest hint of pride.

Beatrice folded her arms and frowned, shooting a side glance at Subaru. "He just pressured Betty into it, I suppose," she muttered, raising her nose haughtily.

Emilia stepped forward with a gentle, sincere smile on her face. Her silver hair shimmered in the soft light. "I'm happy for you both, Subaru. And you too, Beatrice."

Her smile was genuine, full of quiet approval. Inwardly, she thought, They're really starting to come together as a team.

Puck floated down to Subaru's eye level, squinting at him with a playful intensity that made his cat-like features all the more expressive.

"Hmm... Your mana potential's higher than I expected, Subaru. Especially your spirit resonance. It's rare—very rare—for someone to form even a temporary pact with a Great Spirit. I'm honestly impressed."

Subaru nodded slightly, rubbing the back of his neck in a sheepish gesture. "I've been working on it a bit. As for the resonance... yeah, I think I felt it too. But Beako's pact is temporary, so the bond isn't complete."

Beatrice turned her gaze away, her posture straightening with pride as if the very mention of a deeper bond embarrassed her. "It's not a true spirit pact, I suppose. Betty doesn't enter permanent bonds so easily. This was purely symbolic. Protocol, really. Nothing more."

Puck nodded thoughtfully, a glimmer of understanding in his glowing eyes. "So the bond could be powerful, but you're choosing restraint. Classic Betty."

"Of course," she replied, puffing out her cheeks slightly. "Betty is not someone to be taken lightly, I suppose."

Subaru laughed, raising a hand in surrender. "So basically, I've got a super tsundere contract partner. Fantastic."

Puck winked, his tail swishing playfully. "These are good signs, Subaru. But just so you know... this little lady is still watching you."

"Betty isn't watching. She's just... cautious, I suppose," Beatrice snapped, turning her head to hide the faintest hint of pink on her cheeks.

Emilia stepped forward again, her expression warm and reassuring. "Well, I already think you make a great team."

Subaru met her gaze and gave a small but confident nod. "In time, we'll be even stronger. But for now... this is a good start."

Moments later, Rem arrived, calm and composed as ever. Her expression was serious, yet touched with a sense of routine familiarity. "It's time to leave. Please make your way to the carriage."

Subaru turned to her, walking a few steps in her direction. "Need a hand with the reins, Rem?"

Rem shook her head gently, a faint smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Subaru-kun. But Nee-sama and I can handle it."

Subaru scratched his cheek, a bit embarrassed by her polite refusal. "Got it... good luck, then."

As everyone began settling into the carriage, Subaru overheard that Roswaal had left for the capital earlier that morning.

He blinked in mild surprise, then exhaled and shrugged. "Of course he did... always off on some mysterious errand or secret scheme."

Originally, Subaru had wanted to travel with Meili and Elsa as well. The idea of moving together had seemed logical. But considering Elsa's dangerous reputation as the infamous "Bowel Hunter"—especially in the capital—such a public appearance together would only stir unnecessary panic.

With a sigh, he opened his bag and began flipping through his notes. Diagrams, plans, spells, strategies—each scribbled detail was a step forward, a preparation for whatever lay ahead.

Beatrice, ever the subtle observer, watched him from the corner of her eye. Not directly, of course. That wouldn't be very Beatrice of her. But her attention was unmistakable.

Subaru noticed. He always noticed. Her feigned indifference was as transparent as the pride she tried to hide.

With a soft smile, he extended the bag toward her, careful not to make too big a deal out of it.

"Thought you might want to see these. If you're interested... we could go through them together, Beako."

Beatrice hesitated for a moment, then slowly reached out and took the bag. Her fingers were delicate but precise as they sifted through the contents.

"Hmph... Betty is only curious because they might be slightly interesting, I suppose," she muttered.

But her eyes were already dancing across the pages, soaking in the details, analyzing every line of text and scribbled rune with genuine interest.

Subaru sat beside her, keeping his voice quiet, his presence steady.

Together, they began reviewing the notes and drawings.

Time passed gently around them—soft and undisturbed.

Outside, the carriage wheels turned. The journey had already begun.

And inside, among whispers of parchment and flickers of curiosity, a new kind of bond was slowly, quietly taking root.

Hours slipped by, unnoticed, as the road stretched on ahead.

Evening was gradually settling in, painting the sky in hues of gold and lavender.

Inside the gently rocking carriage, the atmosphere was uncharacteristically focused. Spread between Subaru and Beatrice were several parchment diagrams filled with complex symbols: technical schematics, energy conversion matrices, agricultural yield graphs plotted with precise numerals.

Subaru explained enthusiastically, pointing out key mechanisms and speculative improvements. Beatrice listened carefully, occasionally furrowing her brow before questioning a calculation or challenging a theory. They debated fervently—one moment disagreeing sharply, the next reaching an unexpected consensus.

Though she tried to mask it with her usual aloofness, Beatrice found herself thoroughly enjoying the exchange. It had been far too long since she'd had such an intricate and intellectually engaging conversation with someone who wasn't a spirit or bound to a dusty book.

And Subaru's expression—so alive, so earnest—was different from the usual boisterous facade he showed others. He wasn't just seeking power or answers. He genuinely wanted to share this with her, to include her in something meaningful.

Beatrice gently pressed the spine of a thick book against one of the diagrams spread on the satchel between them.

"This diagram is functional enough, I suppose," she remarked with a huff. "But these efficiency curves? Utter nonsense. Chaotic without reason. Betty hasn't seen such impractical ratios since... well, ever."

Subaru laughed, not out of mockery but from sheer joy. "Yeah, I'll admit—I may have eyeballed a few numbers there. Still fine-tuning." 

In the opposite corner of the carriage, Emilia sat quietly with Puck curled up beside her, the two reading a book that looked far too formal for its ridiculous title. Inlaid with elegant gold leaf, it read:

"How to Handle Idiot Nobles"

Subheading: 13 Ways to Survive Diplomacy Without Losing Your Mind

Emilia flipped a page with delicate fingers, and Puck tapped a specific paragraph with his tiny paw.

"Chapter Four," he read aloud in a mischievous tone, "If a duke belittles you, remind him of his tax obligations."

Puck broke into high-pitched giggles. "This book is a treasure! Honestly, it might be the closest thing to a holy relic I've ever read."

Emilia chuckled, utterly serious despite the absurdity. "I'm definitely bringing this to the next meeting. It's not even a question."

The carriage rolled on, wheels crunching over uneven stones as the landscape shifted from forested paths to the gentle slopes near the capital's outskirts. Overhead, the sky deepened into a glowing crimson, a silent herald of twilight.

Subaru leaned back slightly, feeling the weight of the day begin to settle into his bones, but his thoughts remained sharp. A temporary pact it might have been, but moments like these... they were the foundation of something more.

Some bonds didn't need permanence to be real. Just after dawn, with the morning light barely breaking through the misty horizon, the carriage lurched to an abrupt halt.

The sudden stop caught everyone's attention, and an uncertain tension filled the enclosed space. Subaru leaned forward, peeking through the small slit in the carriage door.

When the delay stretched on, curiosity overcame him. He opened the door fully and stepped out into the crisp morning air.

"Ram, is something wrong?" He approached the front of the carriage, where Ram sat calmly holding the reins and Rem stood just beside her, ever watchful.

Ram turned her head with practiced grace. "A supply cart ahead of us lost a wheel. They're blocking the entire trail. We'll have to wait until it's repaired."

Rem followed with her usual composure. "It's not unexpected, Subaru-kun. We're nearing the capital. Encountering merchants and trade convoys is normal around these parts."

Subaru let out a slow breath and stepped fully onto the road, stretching slightly. "I'll take a closer look. Ram, would you mind coming with me?"

Ram's expression instantly shifted into her trademark haughtiness. "Naturally, Barusu. Someone here has to know how to negotiate civilly. Unlike you."

Subaru didn't dignify that with a retort—just an exaggerated eye roll—as they walked side by side toward the obstruction.

Ahead, a bulky trade wagon stood motionless. Its left rear wheel had splintered under the weight of a heavy load. A few workers were gathered around it, one of them crouching down with a wrench, mumbling curses at the axle.

What caught Subaru's attention, however, wasn't the repair effort.

Ram called out with an unexpectedly gentle voice, one she reserved only for those she considered useful.

"Good morning, sir. Do you expect repairs to take long? If you're short on hands, we'd be happy to offer assistance."

Subaru tilted his head slightly, surprised. Hearing Ram speak with such graciousness was rarer than a royal pardon.

The merchant looked up, offering a tired but appreciative smile. "Ah, thank you kindly, miss. But I've got it mostly under control. The earth dragons are just a bit on edge today—can't blame them with all the shifting terrain lately."

Subaru's gaze traveled around the car as Ram continued to speak. It wasn't loaded with sacks of grain or barrels of vegetable oil like most trade carts.

Swords, shields, armor polished to a fine gleam. Rows of spears. And—Subaru squinted—a harpoon?

He took a careful step to the side for a better view and muttered to himself, "That's definitely a harpoon... who transports those openly?"

Then he saw it.

One of the crates had a distinctive seal on it: The coat of arms of the Karsten family.

A slow, cunning grin spread across his face. "Jackpot."

Within seconds, his mind began racing through possibilities. The Karsten family didn't move this kind of weaponry without reason.

And if he could figure out where it was headed, or why...

Well, knowledge was power—and this particular piece might prove invaluable very soon.

Then, he walked over to the front of the vehicle where the land dragons were snorting impatiently.

As the capital drew closer, using land dragons instead of horses became more and more common. They were stronger... and faster.

After taking a glance at the regular horses pulling their own carriage, Subaru could better appreciate the difference. "These are top-class... That merchant carriage is definitely not ordinary."

The gears in his mind had already begun to turn.

After a while, the merchant apologized for the trouble and continued on his way once the repairs were complete.

As Subaru turned his eyes from the retreating cart, he looked to Ram. "Ram. That merchant seems to be working for the Karsten family. There were a lot of weapons, armor... and an unusual number of harpoons in that cart. Unless they're fishing, it's either for a sea monster... or something even bigger."

Ram gave a small nod. With her usual blank expression, she responded: "I didn't expect you to notice that, Barusu. This isn't a simple delivery. Crusch Karsten... is likely after something. Maybe even on the brink of war. We should bring this up with Roswaal-sama."

Seeing the seriousness in Ram's voice helped Subaru sharpen his own thoughts. "Yeah. But at the same time, this... might be an opportunity for us."

The two returned to their carriage. When Subaru took his seat, Beatrice was busy trying to wipe ink off a book page. Without lifting her head, she asked: "What took you so long, I suppose?"

Subaru smiled faintly.

"The merchant's dragon carriage in front of us had a broken wheel. We asked if we could help."

Puck raised a paw from the corner and called out: "And? What else happened?"

Emilia slowly closed the book in her hands and turned her eyes to Subaru.

Subaru's tone grew serious. "I saw the Karsten family crest on the merchant's cart. And inside... it was packed with weapons, armor, and harpoons."

A sudden silence fell over the carriage.

Emilia furrowed her brow and asked: "You mean Crusch Karsten, Subaru?"

"Yeah, 'mili. The royal candidate, Crusch Karsten. That cart must be working directly under her. And the equipment they were carrying is anything but standard. Especially those harpoons... Maybe they're preparing to fight something like the White Whale."

Beatrice raised an eyebrow. Puck narrowed his eyes. "The White Whale... If it really has shown up, Crusch would be the type to go after it," Puck said.

Beatrice nodded slowly. "The White Whale is one of the shadows from a dark past. Defeating it isn't just slaying a beast... It's a way to etch your name into history, I suppose."

Subaru voiced the thought that had formed in his mind: "And this... is our chance."

Everyone looked at him. "Think about it: if we help them, or if we defeat the White Whale before they do, the Emilia camp will stand out on the royal stage. Standing shoulder to shoulder with a strong rival—or surpassing them—either way, it's a show of strength."

Emilia listened carefully, then gave a slight nod. "You're right... This information has major strategic value."

Puck murmured softly: "The White Whale isn't easy prey. But with the right plan, and the right team... maybe it's possible."

Subaru turned his eyes outside. The merchant's carriage was still barely visible on the horizon.

"Whatever happens... we need to be ready."

As the sun began to dip toward the west, the carriage continued its journey toward the capital. And in Subaru's mind... a new game plan was already beginning to take shape.

(A/N:There are university entrance exams in about 1 month, I have been studying for 1 year to take that exam. 

I stayed up and wrote a few chapters in advance so as not to leave you readers without chapters. I will translate it into English and upload it to the site when I have free time)