6
After spending most of the morning sleeping the group ate lunch and then went to finally visit the city.
Subaru was enjoying Banan's festive mood.
In the same pattern as a Japanese festival, numerous stands were lined up on either side of the street.
Food, games, and other miscellaneous items were sold.
[ It looks like a summer festival. I missed this] Subaru mused.
He noticed people looking at him. They gave his group a wide berth.
[ At least they're not kneeling.] He thought exasperated.
" People still act weirdly around me huh.." he muttered.
" They are not scared of you Subaru-sama they are merely showing you respect" Melty strongly insisted.
"Su-san is considered as a benevolent Campione after all !" Tia exclaimed.
" Benevolent ?" Subaru questioned.
" Indeed you did not destroy Lugnica for the insult they dealt you with you as the other would have." The loli explained.
" Yeah, and Su-san didn't destroy Banan in yesterday's fight. Those are proof enough that you're a good one!" Zarestia continued.
""" That's why people are not running away from you"""
" I suppose" Beatrice added.
" Well that's good for me I guess?" Subaru asked himself while scratching his head.
" By the way where's Otto ?" Subaru suddenly noticed the green merchant's absence.
" Oh, Otto-san went to drink I think? He said that he needed it after last night" Melty answered meekly.
" Huh as expected of Otto disappearing for that" Subaru lightly joked.
" Well let's enjoy ourselves !" Subaru yelled cheerfully fist-pumping.
" Yes !" Tia yelled joyously.
Melty and Beatrice were sharing a look while smiling fondly.
The next hour was spent flirting from stand to stand trying numerous specialties.
" Look Beako, I won you a plush! " Subaru showed his partner the prize he just won from an archery stand.
" Betty is not a child I suppose!" She yelled embarrassed.
" You don't want it?" Subaru asked her sadly.
" No! This belongs to Betty now I suppose! " The loli exclaimed quickly, taking the plush in Subaru arms.
" That's the first gift Subaru gave to Betty, it's precious now I suppose." The blonde explained shyly, a pleased smile on her face.
[ Cute! Too cute !] Subaru took an arrow straight to his heart.
After moving weirdly he suddenly hugged Beatrice tightly.
" Don't worry Beako, that's only the first one of a long series !" He exclaimed.
Beatrice was embarrassed. Her face was red, fume started to emerge from her ears. Still, a radiant smile slowly appeared on her face.
[ Betty certainly chose well in fact I chose the best I suppose] She thought happily.
Zarestia and Melty looked warmly at this scene.
During their wandering Halibel joined them.
" Oh, Hal-san how are you?" Subaru asked the ninja.
" I'm fine Subaru-sama. I'm here to guide you through Banan. That's my job after all." Halibel responded calmly.
" Well, then I'm counting on you !" Subaru declared.
At that, the ninja nodded.
" Well let's make way, there are more to see. The main attractions of the festival will start soon after all." He explained.
" What are the people celebrating I wonder?" Melty asked shyly.
" They're celebrating Subaru-sama victory," Halibel spoke amused.
" Eeehhhhh ?! " Subaru yelled in shock.
" These people have good discernment I suppose !" Beatrice exclaimed, happy to see her contractor being recognized.
" Hahahahaha" Subaru laughed awkwardly.
The group was led by Halibel for the rest of the day.
They saw all of Banan landmarks its peculiar architectural style was making Subaru nostalgic.
He kept looking around him feeling that if he took another turn his parents would be there to greet him.
He lagged behind the group. Tia was excitedly moving around dragging Halibel with her.
The ninja was trying to curb her excitement in fear that she'd accidentally destroy something.
Melty was happily laughing looking at this scene.
Thus he was left wishful thinking of the past without anyone the wiser, only to be interrupted by a small hand holding his.
Beatrice having felt her contractor sadness, chose to snap him out of it.
" Betty will always be here with you I suppose!" she declared.
" Ahhh thank you, Beatrice, really thank you," he told her tearfully.
After a minute of comradery shared between these two who knew intimately loneliness, they rejoined the others.
Meanwhile, Otto was sitting in a bar nursing a drink. Yesterday's events shook him greatly, thus he chose to reevaluate his situation.
[ Why did I follow Natsuki-san to confront a Great spirit again? ] He thought derisively.
[ I wished to help him. I was worried about leaving him. He always manages to find himself in trouble After all.] He complained in his mind.
[ Still Campione or not he is my friend that's why I took this course of action.] He sighed in defeat.
He succeeded in selling his oil. No longer would he fear falling into debt now.
He should without a doubt return to Lugnica quickly.
Perhaps prepare himself to acquire merchandise from Banan to sell back home.
And yet a question weighed on his mind.
What about Natsuki-san ?
His musings were interrupted by someone sitting in front of him.
He looked up only to be met by a mauve-haired merchant.
Anastasia Hoshin was sitting in front of him.
After weeks Anastasia finally managed to track down Natsuki Subaru.
The news of his arrival in Banan quickly spread to the whole country of Kararagi.
She quickly made way to Banan, having been in the city closest to it.
She just arrived at noon today to learn about last night's event.
In one day Natsuki Subaru made history.
He was now known as the hero of Banan.
And had according to the local contracted the Great spirit of wind exploration.
Fearing to approach the Campione directly, she chose to use an intermediary.
Her contacts told her of the merchant who arrived along with Subaru-sama and was his friend.
Said merchant was also seen in a bar far from the Campione's entourage.
He was the perfect way to contact Natsuki-sama.
Thus she was here in this bar followed by her knight.
Anastasia quickly prayed and began the negotiation.
Otto was on guard, there was only one thing a corporation owner like Anastasia Hoshin would only want from him.
Access to Natsuki Subaru.
Behind her stood the best knight.
" Anastasia Hoshin CEO of Hoshin trading company, dragon candidate." He spoke
" Otto Suwen unsuccessful merchant who managed to earn a Campione friendship. You first met Natsuki Subaru after being saved by him from Sloth." She replied not willing to back down.
" Well, Hoshin-sama what do you want from me?" He asked, already suspecting the answer.
" I wish to contact Natsuki-sama through you Otto-san." She responded respectfully the one before she had the ear of a Campione after all.
" I see and why did you not directly send an envoy to him? Do you fear reprisal for your knight action?" Otto asked, turning towards the silent knight behind his mistress.
At that Anastasia flinched.
Otto didn't hide the distaste in his voice. Perhaps Julius Euclius was trying to protect Natsuki-san from reprisal by other knights yet he still beat his best friend to an inch of his life.
He could just have defeated him quickly without making a spectacle of his beating.
Natsuki-san and Julius Euclius collaborated to take down Sloth, thus Otto calmed down a bit.
[ Natsuki-san must have forgiven him, he's too kind after all] he thought exasperated.
[ Still for Anastasia Hoshin to move her business must have been greatly affected.] He thought shrewdly.
" Well if you wish to contact Natsuki-san you should do it directly." He spoke at last.
Anastasia looked a bit panicked.
Otto stood up from his seat, his buzz was destroyed by the one in front of him.
He chose to return to the inn and rejoin his friends.
" Well then have a nice evening," he told her while leaving.
Subaru and Beatrice were looking with wide eyes at the spectacle before them.
The main attraction of the festival was the circus currently performing at the city square.
Magic was flying in the air, fireworks like flowers appeared in the sky.
Nonetheless to say Tia and Melty were also looking intently at the spectacle before them.
A light green-haired young man appeared on the scene juggling with Blades. He was fearless, balancing over 20 blades in the air.
Upon seeing him recognition shone in Melty's eyes. Before her, her childhood friend Tiga stood.
He seemed to have recognized her too judging by the slight widening of his eyes upon seeing her.
Tiga continued his spectacle after that with extreme precision.
Melty was filled with dread.
The group returned to the inn Halibel parted with them.
They ate a hearty meal during said meal Otto joined them looking a bit frustrated.
Subaru noticed that Melty was strangely quiet.
" Ah, Otto you're there !" Subaru exclaimed.
Otto looked like he wanted to tell him something before stopping himself.
[ Did something happen?] Subaru was starting to frown seeing his friend's strange mood.
[ Melty and now Otto what did I miss, damn it?]
Tia chose to chime in.
" Ah green boy, come eat with us, the food is pretty great!" The great spirit yelled.
She was happily enjoying meals after meals. It had been centuries since she could appreciate such good food.
Before the betrayal she suffered, humans used to leave her offering of the highest quality.
Upon becoming the most beautiful shinigami such offering did not appear anymore, people were far too scared of her.
Thus she happily smiled.
" Green boy ?! My name is Otto Zarestia-sama !" Otto replied energetically.
This reassured Subaru.
" Well, Otto she's right, come eat with us !" He agreed with Tia's statement food first, he'll learn of the problem later.
Otto sighed and sat with them. He started to eat, he would explain what happened this evening later.
For now, the group ate in peace.
All gathered in Subaru's room, his room being the grandest of the inn there was more than enough of place.
They sat in a circle with Beatrice in Subaru's lap.
" Well, now Melty, Otto what's wrong ?" Subaru asked at his two downturned companions.
" Eh?! Me too?" Melty exclaimed in surprise she did not think that her inner turmoil was this apparent.
Otto turned to Melty in askance.
After a minute he chose to answer.
" Anastasia Hoshin wishes to meet you." He declared.
" Anastasia huh?" Subaru deeply scowled at that.
He may have forgiven Julius but not his mistress.
He still remembered how she scammed him and mocked him at his lowest.
Thus he did not have a good impression of her.
He disliked her.
Seeing his friend scowl Otto chose to elaborate.
" She approached me with her knight in the bar I was in. She must have used her connection to track us down" Otto speculated.
Subaru's scowl deepened.
Seeing her contractor mood Beatrice was confused.
" What did this Anastasia Hoshin and her knight did to Subaru I suppose?" she asked her contractor.
Hearing this, Subaru started to hug her tightly. She noticed a peculiar expression appearing on his face, one that she saw only once before when her contractor explained to her his numerous deaths.
Seeing this expression, Beatrice's face turned murderous.
" Betty will kill them if they hurt Betty's Subaru, don't worry I suppose" she declared.
In her mind, she was already plotting these murderers' deaths.
Seeing the young spirit's murderous intent Zarestia spoke up.
" Don't worry Su-san I 'll kill them!" She declared cheerfully.
After all, she'd happily murder any who hurt her friends.
If these people hurt Su-san in the past it must have been before his ascension. And now they were trying to contact him? Ha! Tia would violently murder them for this.
The two Great spirits' murderous intent filled the room.
Melty was starting to tremble.
Seeing this Subaru chose to interrupt.
" Ah, no need that's fine!" He yelled, still a part of him was happy at the concern shown by his companions.
[ Aah, truly being surrounded by good friends is great] He thought tearfully.
" That's different from back then. Now neither of them can hurt me. Anyway, I already forgave Julius!" He explained trying to calm his companions.
His words were being examined by his friend intently.
What did Anastasia Hoshin do to one Natsuki Subaru?
For him to not forgive her it must have been grave.
Such thoughts traversed all his companions' minds.
Beatrice changed her target to one Anastasia Hoshin.
[ Hurting Betty's Subaru is not something Betty will forgive !] She concluded that this woman must have killed her contractor in the past which wasn't exactly false.
" What did Anastasia Hoshin do to you if I may? Julius Euclius' slight against you is well known but..." Melty trailed off.
She was surprised that her kind Lord would hate the dragon candidate and not her knight.
Subaru hesitated a bit before answering.
" She used me and conned me in the past when I was at my lowest, though she certainly doesn't remember it ..." He replied derisively his anger making itself present at the end.
" And what did her knight do to Su-san ?" Zarestia asked.
" Oh, he challenged me to a duel and beat the shit out of me in front of everyone important in Lugnica." He waved off the humiliation he suffered at Julius' hands like it was nothing.
At this everyone in the room scowled even Melty.
The knight master pair would not be received well by anyone here.
After a few minutes, Subaru spoke again.
" Melty, what's wrong? You looked sad after we came back from the show." Subaru asked the nun.
" Ahhh that" she spoke softly.
" One of the performers we saw earlier, I recognized him, he was my childhood friend. It's been so long since we saw each other so I was a bit sad.." she explained, trying to hide her nervousness.
" Oh if that's the problem let's go to the circus tomorrow to meet him then !" Subaru announced.
" Yeah that would be nice" Melty answered wistfully.
Tiga could compromise her cover but not all that much. He was her friend and she did miss him.
After this tiring exchange, the group went to bed.
In his shared room with Beatrice, Subaru chose to answer his partner's untold question.
" Anastasia Hoshin didn't kill me well directly. She... to defeat Sloth I went to all the candidates to plead for help. Rem, Ram, Emilia, and the villagers all died to him in a previous loop. That's why I sought help from the other camp. They all mocked me and refused to help me Anastasia Hoshin included." He explained bitterly he still remembered the feeling of being utterly powerless to be used and insulted like he was less than a human.
For all of his cooperation with Crush, he was still weary of her except Emilia and Felt he didn't trust the candidate.
Priscilla Barielle and Anastasia Hoshin were certainly no friends of his.
Crush he would give respect at least.
Beatrice pulled him from his thought by taking his hand.
" Betty's Subaru will never be treated like this again in fact Betty will make them pay I suppose"
" No need for that Beako " he spoke softly.
" Betty's Subaru is far too kind." She sighed.
" What about the knight ?" She asked
" Ah well, Julius did kill me." He started only to be interrupted.
" He killed you!?" Beatrice hissed murder intent was written on her face.
She was reviewing in her mind the most vicious curse she knew. That knight was going to pay!
" Wait a minute Beatrice! He did it because I asked!" He explained upon seeing his partner planning murder.
" Peltelgeuse possessed me after I killed him so I asked him to kill me... I didn't want to become a monster." He whispered the last part.
At this Beatrice's expression immediately softened.
" Betty understands, still if these two do anything Betty will make them pay !" She declared her intent to protect her contractor.
Subaru smiled softly.
" Thank you Beatrice I'm glad that you chose me." He told her.
Beatrice blushed.
" Betty is happy that Subaru chose her too, I suppose, " she whispered.
Both exchanged soft smiles.
They went to sleep holding on to each other tightly.
After a good breakfast, the group moved to seek the circus.
Melty looked a bit nervous but it was covered by her excitement.
This brought a smile to Subaru's face.
[ Having a childhood friend is nice huh.] He thought wistfully. He had never been the most popular, making friends was hard for him.
Otto followed them at a more sedate pace.
Beatrice held Subaru's hand.
Zarestia was looking around excitedly.
The festival was still, this morning, going on more calmly.
Numerous stands were opened, along with some rare food stands. Most would open in the afternoon.
The group reached the circus tent.
Melty stopped and hesitated; she didn't know what to say.
Subaru strode in, directly and yelled.
" Good morning I want to see Melty's friend!"
At that Betty and Otto facepalmed.
Melty was too shocked to react.
While Zarestia was nodding in approval that was the best way to garner someone's attention to her.
After a few minutes of bewilderment on both sides.
A young man approached them.
He was both green-haired and green-eyed, he was dressed in purple. His name was Tiga Melty's childhood friend.
The youth looked hopeful and intimidated to be called by a Campione.
"I am Tiga. It is a pleasure to meet you all "he bowed.
Subaru waved him off.
"No need for that! Come on Melty wanted to see you!" He exclaimed.
Melty was blushing hard.
Tiga looked at Melty and blushed.
[ Oooh so there was more to that childhood friend story] Subaru grinned.
" Well, then I'll leave you to talk together !" Subaru declared.
Melty panicked a bit.
" Don't worry Melty we won't be far!"
" That's not the problem Subaru-sama !" Melty complained.
Well, the group exited the tent leaving the two childhood friends to catch back together.
Subaru turned to Otto.
" Oi Otto where do you think we could find Hal-san?" He asked.
" No need to ask Natsuki-san, the one observing us has already heard you and will call him," Otto explained.
Subaru nodded it made sense, that must be how Halibel found them Yesterday.
[ It makes sense that they sent ninjas to watch my going, but that's a bit insulting.] Subaru thought a bit annoyed.
" Humpf those fools should trust Betty's Subaru more I suppose" the Great spirit announced, also annoyed at the lack of trust her contractor received.
Zarestia looked a bit lost.
" Should we kill them?" She asked
"""No""""
Otto, Subaru, and Beatrice answered all at the same time a bit exasperated.
Meanwhile Melty and Tiga were speaking of the past fondly.
After an hour Melty chose to regain the group.
She found them sitting near the tent on the terrace of a restaurant.
Halibel had joined them.
Subaru had called him to discuss one Anastasia Hoshin.
If she believed she could manipulate him or get info from him freely she was sorely mistaken.
Subaru was determined he would never be humiliated in that way.
He was using the ninja informant network to uncover where and why Anastasia Hoshin was here.
He discovered that his duel with Julius deeply hurt her business and that she wanted to do damage control.
Thus she sought him.
This greatly annoyed him.
[ That fox always looks after her interest. Damn her trying to use me again.] He thought darkly.
[ Still, I forgave Julius, but her? That's another matter. I'll get Julius' name clean at least. If she asks for anything she'll greet the ground.] He thought viciously planning to humiliate the candidate the moment she committed a misstep.
Beatrice was thinking the same.
Zarestia feeling the mood also shifted to a more aggressive way of thinking. You can destroy someone without killing them After all.
Otto and Halibel looked at each other trading weary looks.
It looked like Anastasia Hoshin was going to regret steeping in Banan.
Melty approached them only to be stopped in tracks by the ominous atmosphere surrounding them.
[ What happened in one hour?!] She yelled in her mind tearfully.
The brooding mood was stopped by Melty's arrival.
Tiga had followed her waiting to know more about the Campione Melty was working under.
He approached Subaru.
" May I speak with you a moment Natsuki-sama ?" He asked respectfully.
" Oh? Of course!" He stood up and Beatrice did the same.
Subaru looked surprised by her movement.
" Betty is Subaru's partner. It's normal to be with him all time I suppose.!" She defended herself.
" Of course Beatrice you can come too!" Subaru replied cheerfully.
Beatrice nodded pleased.
Tiga could only agree he can not oppose a Great spirit and a Campione after all, Divine protection of insensitivity or not he'd die.
" Well then let's go !" Subaru exclaimed.
Tiga nodded and led them behind the tent.
Melty looked on worriedly.
" Well now, what did you want to ask?" Subaru demanded
" I wished to assert what kind of person you were. I was worried for Melty " Tiga admitted.
" Ah, I see that's normal then. Still don't worry Melty, a friend of mine I'd never hurt her." Subaru declared seriously.
His eyes shined with resolve for all he was betrayed time and time by those he thought to be his friends he'd never do the same.
Seeing this Tiga breathed a sigh of relief.
" Thank you for putting my fear to rest." He replied.
" You must have been friends with her for a long while then huh?" Subaru asked the greenhead.
" Yes, after I met her 10 years ago in Gusteko we became great friends." He explained.
" Ah, that's great then! I envy you a bit I always wanted a childhood friend !" Subaru joked.
[ Gusteko? That's a bit weird. How did she end up in Lugnica then?] Subaru thought curiously.
He exchanged a quick look with Beatrice confirming his suspicion.
Something was amiss.
Still, he discussed with Tiga some more before parting with him and slowly returned to his friends.
" Beako what do you think?"
" That's suspicious. In fact, in Gusteko people worship Oddglass fanatically for Melty to join the Divine Dragon Church. That's strange." The loli explained deep in thought.
She did feel the nun mana while teaching her.
The girl had no ill will toward her contractor though she felt afraid.
That girl was constantly afraid of something.
Some part of her always remained wary, like she was waiting for the other shoes to drop.
Beatrice explained this fact to Subaru.
Subaru was frowning.
[ The church was suspicious after all]
Subaru spoke with determination.
" If they try something I'll crush them."
Beatrice nodded.
The duo picked up their pace and rejoined the group.
Upon returning to their inn Subaru received a letter from one Anastasia Hoshin.
He sat with Beatrice in his lap.
Both quickly read the letter and scowled.
Anastasia Hoshin had invited Subaru and his companions to dinner tonight.
Subaru handed the letter to Otto.
" Huh, that's a famous restaurant she's not sparing any expense." He muttered.
"Is it?"
" Yes, Natsuki-san, that restaurant is the best of Banan. They also possess rooms where their clients can conclude business trade in secret." Otto explained.
It was also a famous place everyone would know if Subaru answered Anastasia's invitation.
A perfect place for rumors to spread.
" Tch" Subaru clicked his tongue.
" We'll go but certainly not in time. Let's make her wait one hour at last." He muttered.
" Betty approve I suppose!" Beatrice quickly exclaimed happily at her contractor decision.
A Supreme King could do as he pleases.
"Well, we need formal clothes .. huh!?" Subaru asked and stopped himself feeling Zarestia and Beatrice's intense gaze even Melty had perked up.
""" Of course!""" The three of them replied.
[ I brought this upon myself !] Subaru thought amused.
" Well then let's go shopping after lunch!" He declared.
Otto sighed. [ Do I have to come?] Still, his meeting with Hoshin grated him. Thus he chose to accompany the group.
After an afternoon of shopping guided by Otto and Halibel to the best shop, Subaru was tired.
They all choose numerous kimonos.
He happily helped Beatrice make her choice.
Melty helped Zarestia.
Otto chose for himself.
And all of them conspired against him to put him in the most majestic kimono they could find.
Surprisingly he did not spend all that much; only 10 holy gold coins were lost.
The owner of the shop was all too happy with him.
Having a Campione shopping in his store had suddenly raised his reputation by a wide margin.
Thus he gave the Campione a discount.
[ Well at last I have formal clothes now.] Subaru thought happily.
The group sat in a cafe and enjoyed themselves.
There were still two hours left before dinner.
They chose to take a break and enjoy their time.
Fully planning to arrive fashionably late.
Anastasia Hoshin was worried, she has been waiting for more than one hour now.
And Natsuki Subaru had yet to arrive.
Had the Campione chosen to ignore her?
She was desperately trying to hide her nervousness.
Her knight sitting beside her looked just as worried as her.
Finally, Subaru and his group choose to appear.
They all donned kimonos.
Subaru in black with orange flame spreading in a psychedelic pattern.
Beatrice in sky blue and white cloud pattern.
Melty is in purple with light purple flowers dotting her kimono.
And Zarestia in green with white blowing wind pattern.
They made quite the picture, overwhelming power emanated from the Campione and the two Great spirits.
Otto was in the back donning a green kimono.
Anastasia was left speechless; she quickly snapped out of it.
" Welcome Natsuki-sama, Zarestia-sama, Beatrice-sama" she greeted the most important guest.
Melty and Otto having less social standing than her she did not address them.
" It's nice to see you again Julius!" Subaru declared.
Purposely ignoring the mauve merchant.
This sentence spread quickly to the whole restaurant.
It seemed that Natsuki Subaru held no ill will towards Julius Euclius.
Anastasia breathed a small sigh of relief.
Subaru sat followed by his friends.
He spent the whole meeting ignoring Anastasia.
His whole group followed suit.
This frustrated Anastasia but there was nothing she could do.
Her knight also noticed but held his tongue.
Anastasia spent the whole night feeling lesser than a human, left powerless.
Julius Euclius was considered a friend by one Natsuki Subaru.
The Third Campione held no ill will towards the Best knight.
Such rumors quickly spread being fueled by Anastasia.
Yet the guest could still notice that Natsuki Subaru did not care or consider Anastasia Hoshin.
The Hoshin trading company was no longer in the red and recovered most of its clientele.
Most but not all.
The more savvy person noticed the disdain the third Campione held for Anastasia Hoshin.
Thus they choose to stop any business with her.
Beatrice was still pouting ignoring the mauve merchant was good for her but not enough.
She truly wanted to curse them during the dinner.
Her contractor stare stopped her in track.
[ Aaaah Betty's Subaru is far too kind] she sighed.
[ But that's what makes him Subaru I suppose.] She thought fondly.
The fox's utterly downed face toward the end of the meal ameliorated her mood.
[ That girl must still pay for conning and insulting Betty's Subaru when he needed her help I suppose.] Beatrice nodded.
Subaru found her in this position.
" What are you thinking about Beako ?"
" Betty's Subaru I suppose " She answered absentmindedly.
" Beako you're too adorable !" Subaru shouted and twirled her.
Beatrice happily smiled at this development.
The group spent one more week in Banan.
Subaru wanted to see more of Kararagi thus the group departed.
Two more people joined their group.
Zarestia chose to follow them happy to belong in this group.
Otto chose to gather more merchandise from Kararagi other cities to sell back home.
Lastly, Halibel joined them.
He was being ordered as the best shinobi of Kararagi to follow the Campione during his country-wide trip.
Subaru smiled, happy to have more companions.
Unaware of the storm that would soon hit them.