Chapter 54:Outpost

　Defeat the White Whale.

　Once the preliminary negotiations were over and the word "subjugation" took on concrete form, the parties involved moved quickly.

　As declared, the two merchants, Russell and Anastasia, ran around the capital gathering all the weapons and tools they could find, while Crusch also rushed to assemble the punitive force she had been preparing for some time, and to secure a dragon carriage as a means of transportation.

　Seeing this movement, Subaru realized the reason why in the previous world, it had become difficult to arrange for dragon carriages after the third day. News of the White Whale's appearance had reached the royal capital, and that was around that date that Crusch would begin to move to deploy her troops on the highway.

　Watching people running around one after the other, I couldn't stay still, even though it was nearly late at night.

"Me too--"

"Isn't there anything you can do?"

　But before Subaru could offer to help, someone appeared and dashed his hopes. It was Ferris, who was yawning, holding his hand to his mouth and with tears in his eyes.

　Subaru glared at the woman, and the chestnut-brown cat ears on his head twitched,

"Arrangements for supplies and the formation of a subjugation force are not your domain, Subaru-kun, right? You're just going to stir things up and make things complicated, so you'd better keep quiet then."

"That's not going to work. It's because I was the one who suggested doing it that everyone else has been running around like this. And I..."

"Yes, that's the mistake."

　Pointing his finger at Subaru's mouth, Ferris sharply interrupted him. Subaru narrowed his eyes at being forced to stop speaking, and Ferris flicked his nose with the finger he had placed over his lips,

"Feri-chan, I don't really like that idea of ​​it being your fault, or rather, I don't like it at all."

"Why? Actually..."

　Could it be that Subaru's words were the reason why everyone was working through the night?

　The person who started it all was brazenly waiting for it――

"The reason why Lady Crusch decided to subjugate the White Whale was for old man Vil's sake."

　Ferris suddenly muttered in a small voice.

　Subaru responded to that with a blank voice, "Eh?"

"Slaying the White Whale is Old Vil's greatest wish. When the previous Master Swordsman, Old Vil's wife, was killed by the White Whale, Old Vil couldn't be by her side."

"The previous one..."

"I desperately tried to gather information about the White Whale. Places where it had appeared before, places where it had appeared afterwards. I listed the time, the time, the weather, and all other conditions, and finally, however faintly, I got a glimpse of a pattern. But no one would listen to my story..."

　Wilhelm was alone, poring over books and documents, his eyes burning with blood. How many nights had the old swordsman spent waiting for an opportunity to take revenge on the monster that had killed his wife?

　--That determination bore fruit, and Wilhelm gained a glimmer of hope in the path of the White Whale.

"The kingdom no longer had the courage to challenge an enemy that could wipe out the entire extermination squad, including the Sword Saint. And yet, there was no way they could recruit any other supporters. I think Old Vil must have been in a desperate state of mind."

　Even if you try to take revenge, you won't even be able to reach the feet of your hated enemy.

　Subaru knew the despair that such a feeling of powerlessness gave birth to. The sin of weakness would never let him escape.

"It seems he thought about throwing everything away and taking on the White Whale alone. I think it would be more shameful not to be able to fight than not to win. Men are stupid, aren't they? I'm sure his wife wouldn't want that."

"I agree"

　Rem, who was standing next to Subaru, agreed with Ferris.

　She had been listening to the conversation in silence up until then, but then she shook her blue hair, gazed gently at Subaru's profile, and placed her hand on her chest,

"I want those who loved Rem to always be healthy and happy. Even if she is gone, I want them to remember her with a smile."

"...It's probably too early to start talking about memories."

　Unable to resist Rem's sentimental words, Subaru lightly poked her blue hair, then turned his fist into his palm and slowly ran his fingers through her soft hair, stroking it.

　Rem narrowed her eyes lovingly as she endured Subaru's violent gestures,

"And the one who called out to Wilhelm--"

"Crusch-sama, it's meow."

　"Oh," Ferris exclaimed in admiration, recalling that moment.

"Crusch-sama is truly a kind person. Even when someone is in despair, in grief, and yet no one else would even look at them, Crusch-sama will still reach out to help them. Just like that time――Tototo."

　Ferris then hastily put his hand over his mouth, sealing off the rest of his words, and stuck out his tongue with a bashful smile.

"Yes. Nothing more. In other words, what Nyani wants to say is that it's all thanks to Subaru-kun."

"My...?"

"I'm getting sidetracked, but that was the original story, right?"

　The conversation jumped to Wilhelm's past, and Subaru remembered a topic he had forgotten about. It was originally about the origins of the frantic preparations to defeat the White Whale.

"It's not 'because', it's 'thanks'. These two words may seem similar, but they're completely different, you know? Now, old man Vil can finally repay his wife. After all, he's properly named after his family…"

"Ferris, you're being a bit too talkative."

"Meow!?"

　Ferris jumped at the voice from behind him and turned around with an embarrassed look on his face to see an elderly gentleman standing there with his hands clasped behind his back.

　He stared at Ferris, his eyes narrowed, and

"I don't think it's good taste to talk about other people's shameful matters."

"It's more like an exposé of the past, or more like a dissection of old man Vil…"

　Ferris pointed his fingers together, pouted his lips, and spoke in a fawning manner. He looked adorable and had cat ears, so it was easy to be fooled, but he was a man.

　Naturally, Wilhelm was not going to fall for her seduction.

"In any case, you shouldn't talk nonsense without first getting the person's permission."

"Yes."

　Having been bluntly dismissed, Ferris dropped his shoulders and retreated in a humble manner. As everyone watched him leave, silence fell over the room.

　Subaru had unintentionally heard about Wilhelm's past and found himself extremely awkward. He thought about evenly splitting the two and letting out some of his own dark past to offset the awkwardness, but it seemed like he was a cornered, socially awkward person, so he gave up at the last moment.

　As a result, the silence continued, and Subaru racked his brains trying to find another topic to talk about――,

"I'm sorry for making you hear such a difficult story. It's just an old man wasting his time. Please forget about it."

　However, Wilhelm spoke before him. Seeing the bitter smile that weakly adorned his lips, Subaru decided to respect his wishes.

　Don't ask me anything, that's the old man's will. I won't ask me anything.

"---You love your wife, don't you?"

　--Rem-san?!

　She was so shaken that she inwardly called him by his honorific. With that much momentum, Rem stepped into an unexpected minefield.

　Wilhelm, ignoring Subaru's nervousness, raised his eyebrows and, after a pause,

"Yes, I love my wife. More than anything, more than anyone, no matter how much time passes."

　Wilhelm's confession carries weight because of the years that have gone into it.

　Subaru had heard Wilhelm talk about how much he loved his wife on a number of occasions in the past. Each time, it was clear to see how much Wilhelm cared for his family, but thinking back on it after learning that they had passed away, Subaru felt a different kind of emotion.

"We still have some preparations to make for tomorrow, so that's all. You two, please get some rest tonight."

　He turned his back to the silent two and announced, then Wilhelm's back moved away.

"Tomorrow--"

　As he walked away, Subaru instinctively called out to him.

　Subaru saw her stop in her tracks and not turn around.

"Both Rem and I will be joining the battle tomorrow."

"it is..."

"Who would just sit back and watch their ally fight a formidable enemy? There's no need to worry, Rem can fight… and there's something I can do, too."

　Subaru spoke in rapid succession, cutting off any denial Wilhelm could say. And then,

"Let's join forces and take down that bastard whale! I'll do everything I can to help!"

　With a thumbs up and flashing teeth, Subaru pledged to fight alongside Wilhelm.

　Wilhelm was silent for a while after hearing that declaration, but then,

"My wife was a woman who loved to admire flowers."

　The words spoken were quite different from the reply to Subaru's oath,

"He didn't like swinging the sword, but he loved it more than anyone else. He was only allowed to live by the sword, and his wife accepted that fate as well."

　If one knew the strength of Reinhard, the current Sword Saint, one would know that his blessings are more than enough for a single person to receive.

　It is so extraordinary that it narrows infinitely the future and possibilities of those who are granted its protection.

"I was the one who broke his wife's sword and forced him to abandon the title of Sword Saint."

　Wilhelm had once told Subaru about himself: he was talentless.

　It is said that this is why he dedicated half his life to the sword, leading to his current realm.

　How many times had this old man experienced setbacks, how many times had he been discouraged in the process of achieving his long-cherished wish? And then――

"After she threw away the sword and became a woman, I took her as my wife. And with that, I had forgiven her, and she would be able to live as Thearesia, not the Sword Saint. —But, the sword did not let her escape."

　Why did this woman, who had supposedly thrown away her sword, join the White Whale extermination squad?

　However, Wilhelm's recollections do not touch on this point,

"Thank you, Subaru."

　In one breath,

"In tomorrow's battle, I will find the answer in my sword. I will finally be able to visit my wife's grave. I will finally be able to see her."

　With those words, Wilhelm finally left the room.

　Subaru, who was left behind, could not help but feel a certain respect for Wilhelm's resolve as a fellow man.

　People are capable of being so sincere and true to their love.

"Subaru-kun is..."

　Then, of the two people remaining in the quiet room, Rem's voice suddenly dropped.

　I silently turned my gaze in that direction, and our eyes met as she looked up at me.

"When Rem is gone, will you remember me for as long?"

"...It's bad luck, so I don't want to answer."

　Saying this in a sullen voice, Subaru lightly poked Rem's forehead with his finger.

　She placed her hand on the forehead where his fingers had touched her, and smiled happily, as if she had finally found the answer she was looking for.

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　The next morning, the time limit for defeating the White Whale was seventeen and a half hours.

"Thank you very much, Brother!!"

　That cheerful voice echoed loudly through the gardens of the Crusch mansion, still filled with the chill of the early morning air.

　It was a voice that seemed to reach every corner of the large mansion.

　Subaru was completely unhappy with the situation, having it showered on him from close range. He put his hands over his ears, grimaced violently, and glared at him in protest, but,

"I've heard about it from the young lady! Today we'll join in on the whale hunt, so please be patient!"

"Your voice is so loud! Are my actions not reflected in those big eyes?"

　He spoke to him in a voice like a strong wind, and Subaru's voice involuntarily grew louder in response. The dog-faced beastman seemed to take pleasure in Subaru's loudest voice and laughed, opening his mouth full of sharp fangs.

　Its whole body was covered in short, reddish-brown hair, and its long, mohawk-like head was decorated with darker, burnt brown hair. Its eyes were sharp, and its mouth was filled with a row of blade-like canines, but it was endearing when it smiled foolishly with the corners of its eyes curled up.

　However, his height was easily two meters, and his muscular body was wrapped in black clothing that appeared to be made of leather, giving the impression that the wild and civilization had reconciled after a fierce battle.

　He called himself a kobold, but no matter how you look at it, he doesn't have the build of a kobold. Subaru's image of a kobold is that of a bipedal dwarf with a dog's face. Two of the characteristics matched, but it was hard to imagine how a difference in the last one could change the impression so much.

"That's no good, Natsuki-kun. Ricardo has ears that can't hear anything that's inconvenient for him. The trick to getting along well with him is to keep a proper distance when you talk to him."

"So why are you standing so far away even though you were the one who introduced us? My hair, which I worked so hard to style, is now all messed up! It's not long enough to need styling though!"

　Screaming as he ran his hands through his short hair, Subaru complained to Anastasia, who was chuckling from a distance.

　Seeing Subaru's reaction, the beastman - Ricardo - nudged him on the shoulder with his large palm,

"You're so good with the young lady, bro! You're my employer, so be a little nicer to me! Basically, you don't talk to anyone without considering the money, so you must be starving for a normal friend, so now's an easy time!"

"Ricardo. I'm not good at keeping secrets, so it's better if you don't say bad things about people, okay?"

"That's not an insult! I'm worried about you, young lady! You came here from Kararagi and don't know many people, so you must be feeling lonely! That's why I'm here! Come on! Come on, it's friend number one!"

"Don't chatter away with people in between you! And don't shake people's heads so much! Your neck will come off!"

　Out of the ordinary - in this case, my head was swung around with truly superhuman strength, and my neck joints were seriously making strange noises, so I got away from the scene.

　Rolling to get out of Ricardo's range, Subaru adjusted the angle of his neck, which had been forced to turn, to check the line of his body,

「That was dangerous, that was dangerous. It's right before the final battle and they're chatting and then they get injured and have to leave. That's not funny. Even I'm in such a good mood that I can't accept that punchline...!」

"What the heck, what a strange guy. I was just saying we were good friends."

"I know it involves the use of force, but I'm not good with people who are stronger than me!"

　Shaking his head peekaboo style, Subaru used a circular motion to keep his distance from the approaching Ricardo.

　The two of them continued to glare at each other, unable to close the distance between them. Anastasia was watching their exchange from outside the circle, and to an onlooker it was a completely incomprehensible situation.

　And then,

"Looking at the situation, it looks like they've already met."

　As he spoke, a green-haired beauty stepped into the garden - Crusch Karsten.

　She wasn't wearing her usual formal attire, but a thin suit of armor with minimal decoration. The joints were open, and the emphasis was on ease of movement, which made her look a little weak in terms of defensive power, but...

"Battle attire should be easy to move in. Don't worry, this armor is inscribed with the blessing of the earth. As long as my mana lasts, it will be more durable than it looks."

"It's still a world where magic and blessings are like cheats... I haven't woken up yet, but maybe my blessings are still asleep."

"No matter how long you sleep, you still forget how to breathe, right? That's what blessings are to those who have them. If you're not aware of it, then give up."

　Subaru had had a similar experience of being rejected by someone quite some time ago, so he pursed his lips, clicked his tongue, and threw away his hopes.

　Glancing at Subaru's childish reaction, Crusch looked up at the beastman standing in front of Subaru, scratching his head,

"I see. I had heard about it, but it seems like there are even more soldiers than rumored. Sir, you are Anastasia Hoshin's..."

"I'm just an employee. As for Crusch-han, the real you are…"

　As Crusch looked up at the giant with her arms folded, Ricardo snorted and looked down at her. He wrinkled his nose and let out a throaty laugh, then,

"He's an outstanding man. This is a royal selection, isn't it quite a difficult one, my lady?"

"That's why we're selling favors like this. How much they write on the price tag depends on how well Ricardo does his job."

　Anastasia shrugged, and Ricardo burst out laughing with a loud bang.

　Subaru was worried that Ricardo's frank attitude would incur Crusch's displeasure, but Crusch, standing opposite him, showed no sign of noticing Ricardo's behavior.

　She glanced at Subaru,

"Did you get any rest last night?"

"Thanks to you. Although it wasn't that comfortable, as I was sleeping carefree while Crusch-san and the others were running around."

"The right person in the right place. Your job was fulfilled last night when you gathered myself, Russell Fellow, and Anastasia Hoshin and concluded that we should defeat the White Whale. However, it doesn't seem like you have any intention of ending it here."

　Crusch turned around and looked directly at Subaru.

　Subaru felt uneasy under her direct gaze and shrank back,

"I heard you will be taking part in the subjugation battle...but can you fight, sir?"

"I can't fight, you know? If you count me as a fighting force, I'd say you're in too much of a desperate situation, even if you want a little help from a cat. Use me as a dog's paw, even though I'm big."

"Didn't I just say something?"

"I didn't! You really have convenient ears, hey!"

　Subaru yelled back at Ricardo who had interrupted him in the middle of his conversation, and while scratching his forehead to pull himself together, he prefaced his statement with "However,"

"When it comes to fighting the White Whale, I think I'm actually quite useful as a human."

"Let me hear it. What is your reasoning?"

"I don't really want to believe it myself, but... it seems like my body odor has the property of attracting magical beasts."

　Subtly changing the nuance, Subaru explained his plans for if he were to participate.

　The lingering scent of the witch emanating from Subaru's body - how it has permeated Subaru's flesh is unknown, but just as with Juggernaut, it is safe to expect that this will play a role in attracting the White Whale.

　The problem was that the threat of the White Whale was several dozen times greater than that of Juggernaut, and Subaru alone would have no hope of avoiding the White Whale's approach, let alone intercepting it.

"So I thought it would be a good idea to get on a fast dragon carriage or something, and run right in front of the White Whale's nose to attract its attention... that would be an effective way to use it without causing any damage."

　To be honest, I'm not sure what to say about this plan.

　Although they cannot be expected to be a fighting force, they are useful as live bait, so please swing them around the battlefield.

"Surprisingly, there's no hint of a lie."

　Crusch, who had been looking skeptical with her hand on her chin, now relaxed her shoulders. The Divine Protection of the Weathervane had exposed the truth of Subaru's words, and she had likely come to consider the validity of the plan.

　She nodded once.

"In that case, I will have you use a land dragon, which has excellent speed and endurance. If you share the ride with Rem, there will be no problem with transportation. However, you will need to follow my instructions in the main."

"Ah, so Crusch-san will also be heading to the battlefield after all."

"Do you think I can sit back in my mansion and wait for good news?"

　Flipping the metal fittings of her armour with her fingers, Crusch's dignified features revealed a bold smile.

　Subaru shook his head at the manly figure and muttered a small apology, saying that he had heard something obvious.

"--It's about time."

　Accepting Subaru's gratitude, Crusch closed one eye and muttered.

　As if inspired by those words, people involved in the project began to gather at the garden one after another.

　Leading the way was Wilhelm, dressed in his battle attire.

　The lightly armed elderly swordsman was wearing only the bare minimum of armor to protect only his vital points, and he carried a total of six slender swords on his waist, one on each side.

　Ferris, following behind, was clad in a curved knight's armor that seemed to be for women, and the only weapon he had was a dagger attached to his hip. Considering his own abilities, he had resolved to focus on providing support from the rear.

　Latecomer to the office was Russell, a man with dull blond hair. He looked tired after staying up all night, but his eyes were shining brightly, revealing his enthusiasm.

　Anastasia and Russell, who had already arrived at the gardens, joined them and began some sort of conversation. As they did so, Ricardo, shaking his large frame, twisted his mouth in a ferocious laugh.

　As the main characters began to gather, following in rapid succession were veteran soldiers whose names Subaru did not know. They were likely members of the extermination force organized by Crusch. It seemed that only the most important people had been summoned here, as there were only around ten of them. And,

"The members seem to be quite young."

　Subaru muttered, blurting out the first thought that came to his mind.

　In front of him, the members of the extermination squad were lined up behind Wilhelm, and their average age seemed quite high. Wilhelm, the leader, was over sixty, and the knights accompanying him were no younger than fifties.

　Having personally experienced Wilhelm's strength, he had no doubts about the old swordsman's skills, but what about the other members?

"Apparently, all of them have some connection to the White Whale."

"Rem?"

"Yes. This is Subaru's Rem."

　As he spoke, Subaru turned his gaze to Rem, who had suddenly returned to his side.

　She had the same blank expression as always, and even though she was heading off to battle, she was still wearing her maid uniform, and when I pointed that out to her when we met up in the morning,

"This serving uniform was handmade by Roswaal-sama and is a combat maid outfit with protective blessings. So there is nothing to worry about."

　There are a wide variety of uniforms, from going out, cooking, chores, entertainment, and combat. And yet the only option is a maid uniform, so Roswaal's preference is no surprise.

　Anyway,

"If he's related to the White Whale... then he must be someone connected to the past extermination squad or something like that."

"It seems that many of them have retired from the battle, but they gathered together in response to Sir Wilhelm's call. Their training and morale seem more than sufficient."

"A situation of veterans burning with revenge... How exciting."

　On the one hand, the fact that they, who have a past connection with the White Whale, are joining this extermination force could also be a sign of Crusch's "kindness" that Ferris had spoken of last night.

　It would be counterproductive if it put the operation itself in jeopardy, but Wilhelm was not the type to compromise on something like that. Wilhelm's determination was also not one to lightly drag a hindrance onto the battlefield.

　In some cases, it may be necessary to thin out unnecessary shackles before reaching the battlefield.

"Come to think of it, that position is definitely mine this time...!"

"That's how Crusch-sama's extermination squad is, but... what about those people over there?"

　Ignoring Subaru, whose lip was trembling in fear, Rem was concerned with the group opposite the veteran soldiers of the extermination squad, stationed at the edge of the garden, which had been giving off an atmosphere of being in a different space for some time now.

　Subaru followed Rem's gaze and saw the group, then sighed in understanding, "Ahh."

"Anastasia's private soldiers... or rather, a group of mercenaries she hires. They seem to be from Kararagi, and have a unique way of speaking and appearance."

"It's full of unique features, isn't it?"

　He'll probably get used to the Kansai dialect eventually, but Subaru is having a hard time getting used to his appearance.

　The mercenary group led by Anastasia, starting with Ricardo who was the leader, was made up entirely of bipedal animalsーー in other words, a military force made up of beastmen.

　At a glance, Ricardo had great fighting ability. There were others with physiques that could rival him, as well as a fluffy, white, bear-like beastman that only reached Subaru's waist in height. Judging from the staff he was holding, he seemed to be more specialized in magic than in direct combat.

　There were around thirty of them lined up like that, really stirring up the otherworldly fantasy vibe that Subaru felt.

"It seems that since Anastasia herself can't fight, she will lend him the power of money. I heard that Ricardo is always hanging around me, so be careful not to get into any fights."

"As long as you're not harming anyone, Rem has no intention of stirring things up. Hey, Subaru, your hair is all messed up after I took the time to straighten it out."

"Yeah, this was mangled by that bastard Ricardo earlier."

"Let's blow it away."

"That's a quick conclusion!"

　Subaru hurriedly stopped Rem as her hair, which wasn't even that messed up, started to ignite.

　Then I suddenly checked the time - it was almost time to depart.

"But before that"

　A tense atmosphere began to fill the garden, and one by one, the people involved began to straighten their postures, following the example of the extermination forces that were already lined up. As Crusch stepped forward, the atmosphere began to take shape as she gave her pre-departure speech.

　Slipping through the gap, Subaru accompanied Rem to where the two merchants were conversing.

"You two are merchants - I believe you are willing to listen as long as you are willing to pay, so I have something to discuss."

　First, I decided to lay some groundwork before hunting the white whale.

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"--Four hundred years."

　At the appointed time, those words announced the beginning to the gathered warriors.

　The sound was heavy, the atmosphere tense. A sharp pain ran down her straightened spine, and Crusch stood tall and proud as everyone gathered there looked on.

　Crusch plunged the sword engraved with the Karsten family seal into the ground, placed her hand on the hilt, and took one last look around at everyone.

"The worst disaster that struck the world. The rampage of the 'Witch of Envy'. The white whale created by that witch made the world her hunting ground, trampling on the weak as if she owned the place. So much time has passed since then."

　The Witch of Jealousy destroyed half the world in the past, and is still the subject of terrifying tales.

　The Witch's servant, the Mist Beast, still enjoys his freedom even after his master has been defeated. A true monster that has caused so many casualties and swallowed up so many will to fight.

"The number of lives taken by the White Whale is countless. Combined with the vicious nature of the mist, it is safe to say that no one knows the exact number of victims. Four hundred years have passed, and the number of gravestones with inscriptions and those without even an inscription is only increasing."

　One veteran looked down at Crusch's words, gritting his teeth to hold back sobs. Another veteran dug his fingernails into his clenched fists, drawing blood.

　There was an old swordsman who stored up endless passion inside his chest, quietly waiting for an opportunity to unleash his rage.

　Their regrets, the grudges that have piled up over the years, have begun to surround the garden in a dark, stagnant atmosphere.

"But those regretful days end as of today."

"――――"

"We will end this. We will defeat the White Whale and put an end to sorrow. We will give those who could not even reach sorrow a chance to cry properly."

"----!"

"Let's put an end to this pitiful demonic beast that has already lost its master, but continues to obey endless orders."

　My heart feels warm.

　Without a word, it was clear that everyone was feeling the same emotions as Subaru.

　The veteran soldier who had been looking down, the veteran soldier who had clenched his fists, the old swordsman who had his eyes closed, now had their eyes open, gazing at Crusch who stood before them.

　Feeling the heat of their gazes, Crusch thrust her hands forward and raised her voice.

"Let's march out! The location is Leafaus Highway, Flugel's Great Tree!"

"--Ou!!"

　The voices responded together, and the thunderous sound of stomping on the ground created the illusion that the garden was shaking.

　Carried away by the heat of his rising fighting spirit, Subaru joined in, chanting loudly.

　Among them, Crusch drew her sword and thrust it towards the sky with the greatest strength and height.

"Tonight, with our own hands, we will defeat the White Whale!!"

　The battle to defeat the White Whale - the biggest operation since being summoned to another world is about to begin.