10

Subaru reached the Mathers territory; they were now in Costuul a great city within Roswal land.

[ Only one stop left tomorrow finally we'll reach the mansion.] He thought agitated finally he'll reach them.

On the way, strange rumors reached their ears the people of the city were agitated and it wasn't due to the Campione arrival. Subaru had made sure to hide his presence. They described the Margrave's frantic action with fear.

" The Margrave was strange these days... He stopped working and reaching to the other nobles under him." A merchant they met in the market of Consul had told them in a hushed whisper.

" And What's so weird about that?" Subaru asked confused Beatrice was next to him holding his hand.

[ Ros-chi was always an eccentric one. For him to not do his job can't be that weird.] He thought dismissively.

" Despite his eccentricities, Mathers-sama is known as one of the most powerful men in Lugnica; he is the founder of the political party of the country. He is also one of the reasons why this country is still standing. For him to suddenly seclude himself in such a way... That's troubling." The merchant thought worriedly the matter had truly troubled the residents of the Mathers territory.

" Huh to think Roswaal was such a big deal, how funny..." Subaru shook his head bitterly.

[ So that's why that bastard thought he could get away with anything.] Subaru grimaced, remembering his last meeting with the Margrave.

[ That went horribly. Damn it I thought that Ros-chi gave up his stupid plan after I became a Campione but no... He decided to annoy me again.] His blood was boiling, thinking of the way the clown had tried to bind him left him feeling an impressive amount of bloodlust.

That startled the merchant in front of him before Subaru reined it in. Beatrice looked at him worriedly and grasped his hand strongly. That had snapped Subaru out of his murderous thoughts.

" Sorry, sorry..." Subaru apologized sheepishly to both Beatrice and the poor merchant.

" Betty isn't scared at all so it's fine I suppose." The loli proudly; reassuring her contractor.

" No need, young man as I was saying our lord doing and the Campione return are worrying us... That's bad for business." The merchant shook his head in sadness.

" The Campione return?" Subaru asked curiously.

" Indeed the Third Campione has returned to Lugnica." The man announced ominously.

People around them looked troubled.

" Well, the third Campione has shown himself as an honorable man. He is the hero that brought down the White whale and the archbishop of Sloth." One trailed off.

" Indeed his fight in Banan and Fusumi has shown that he cares about the people." A woman in the back commented.

" That and the lord have triumphed over another God. He now boasts another authority." One spoke uneasily.

The people around them nodded.

" We can't do much anyway... By the Divine Dragon mercy let's pray that no disaster strikes the country." The woman started praying and many followed suit.

Subaru looked weirded out.

[ Eeeeh I didn't know that it was such a big deal.] He thought sheepishly.

" Su-san we're done!" Zarestia yelled, interrupting Subaru's train of thoughts.

" Ah! Subaru-sama I have finished gathering supplies." Melty elaborated shyly.

" Good job you two!" Subaru responded unbothered by the people's shock around them.

Subaru turned toward the group; their faces started to pale rapidly.

" Well then thank you see ya!" Subaru declared and left the speechless inhabitant of Consul.

" Betty, thank you too I suppose." The Great spirit announced.

Subaru rejoined the group with a light jog.

" That young man was..." The merchant thanked the Dragon that he didn't start insulting the Godslayer in front of him unknowingly; it would have been a disaster.

The group could now see the mansion, they had passed a strangely silent Alram village.

[Then again with all the residents in the Sanctuary noise would have been suspicious.]Subaru thought grimly.

Subaru quickly left the carriage Pastrache neighed behind him in surprise.

" Sorry, Pastrache ?! I didn't mean to scare you!" Subaru continued his stride toward the mansion while apologizing to the poor earth dragon.

Subaru stood before the mansion's imposing door.

He took a breath and knocked.

[ I hope Rem is alright.] Subaru's heart was beating fast in his chest; he was excited about finally being reunited with Rem.

The door opened.

" Rem I'm... Huh ?!" Subaru exclaimed in surprise.

Before he stood a maid that he had never seen in the past.

The blond maid quickly bowed, realizing that the one before her was a Campione.

" My apologies, Rem is currently in the Sanctuary and not available; Natsuki-sama." Frederica quickly explained.

" I see.." Subaru muttered disheartened.

" Who are you?" He asked, remembering his manners.

The maid smiled and once again bowed.

" I am Frederica a maid under Lord Roswal employ it is an honor to meet you, my Lord." She announced respectfully.

" It's nice to meet you, then I am Natsuki Subaru !" He presented himself out of formality.

" Betty's Subaru shouldn't leave her behind I suppose!" The loli complained she was out of breath; she had finally reached her contractor after his unexpected dash.

Halibel and Zarestia were following behind at a more sedate pace.

Behind them, Otto and Melty had remained in the carriage and were led here by their respective Earth dragons.

" Su-san is it the right place ?" Tia asked curiously seeing Subaru's disappointment.

" Yes," Subaru answered promptly.

" Perhaps we should make our way towards the Sanctuary now." Subaru wondered.

" Subaru-sama, perhaps we should gather more information before leaving." Halibel suggested.

" He's right Natsuki-san, we can't rush in blindly. The situation must have changed since Miss Rem sent her letter." Otto elaborated with a sigh.

Subaru reluctantly nodded.

" Then Frederica explains what has happened since I left for Kararagi," Subaru demanded his eyes shined with such will that Frederica took a step back.

" Very well." She bowed and led them toward a room suitable for a meeting.

" Never been there in the past," Subaru noted in surprise.

He was along with his companions seated in a circle; Frederica was currently serving them tea.

Subaru was nervously tapping his finger on the table.

Frederica noticed and quickly finished serving them before straightening herself.

" The people currently trapped in the Sanctuary are slowly starving.." She started her explanation.

" Ah?! Why!?" Before being interrupted by Subaru's cry of indignation.

Frederica hesitated before restarting her speech.

" The land there is poor and the people living there along with the villagers of Alram have already consumed all the remaining rations. Even with Rem and Ram bringing more food via carriage it's still not enough." She announced soberly.

" Emilia-sama is the only one who can take the trials and free the people trapped there. She still has yet to succeed. People are getting agitated and fights are starting to become frequent between the resident and the villager." She finished grimly.

[ That's worse than I thought.] Subaru clenched his fists furious.

" Otto." He spoke up.

" Eh me? Yes!" Otto answered, startled at being called now.

" Take a few Holy gold coins and go buy supplies for the Sanctuary. Take my carriage and any other you can find there. Halibel, Melty help him." Subaru ordered.

""" Very well.""" They quickly agreed to Subaru's order.

" Zarestia, Beatrice, both of you are coming with me." Subaru stood up.

" We're leaving now." He declared loudly.

The two Great spirits nodded in agreement.

Within the dream castle, Echidna was frowning as limited as she was; she could still feel the living sun of mana approaching the Sanctuary.

" A Campione here... How fascinating." Her lips quirked in a small pleased smile.

To her, Campiones were truly the most fascinating existence in the world.

Those who overthrew fate truly had the most interesting tale.

Even her authority could not predict their acts.

And now such a being was approaching her resting place.

[ How interesting indeed.] She thought excitedly.

Meanwhile, Subaru was now standing in front of the barrier.

" I can feel something right there, how strange." He complained.

" Betty can feel it that's the barrier around the Sanctuary I suppose." Beatrice nodded at Subaru's assessment.

" Let's go then." Subaru started moving toward the barrier only for it to flicker; once he passed the threshold it returned.

" Huh?! That wasn't my doing." Subaru exclaimed, confused.

Beatrice looked just as confused as him.

" Try to pass again, Su-san," Tia suggested seriously.

Once again, before Subaru reached the barrier, it disappeared only to reappear once he passed.

" It seems that someone controls this barrier. It's most likely that person who retracted the barrier so that Su-san's magic resistance didn't shatter it." Zarestia explained seriously.

Subaru turned toward Beatrice in shock and askance. She shook her head, even she did not know how such a thing was possible.

Subaru frowned.

" If I want to destroy it I must find the one who controls this damned barrier then." Subaru shook his head even more determined than before.

After entering the Sanctuary Subaru and his spirits companions looked around searching for people.

" Subaru-kun?" A small murmur reached his ears.

[ That voice...] Subaru turned his head toward the sound in a flash.

" Rem?" He asked softly, fearing that he was wrong.

Before his eyes stood Rem, she looked the same, the same Rem he left behind months ago.

Without realizing it Subaru's feet guided him toward the blue maid.

In a second he embraced her, he promptly deepened the hug. Rem was shocked but immediately followed suit.

Beatrice looked at the scene with a small frown. While she was satisfied by her contractor's happiness she couldn't help but feel a little jealous. Zarestia looked at the scene curiously she had never seen the Campione act in such a way in the past after all.

" Subaru-kun , Subaru-kun.." Rem tearfully repeated his name.

" Rem, I'm back." Subaru smiled softly at her.

Rem blinked before smiling.

" Welcome back Subaru-kun !" She declared with a radiant smile.

The smile they shared was filled with love and nostalgia.

It may have been a month since they had parted and yet it had felt like an eternity to them.

The Sanctuary needed to be liberated, Time was running out.

But for now, both chose to enjoy each other's presence.

" Hey, who are ya ?! And how did you find this place!" A youthful voice interrupted their reunion.

Subaru reluctantly extracted himself from the hug he shared with Rem to face the source of that voice.

Before him stood a blonde young boy with a scar on his forehead.

One Rem recognized judging by the frown on her face.

" Garfiel don't interrupt Rem's reunion with Subaru-kun!" The maid scolded the boy harshly.

" Wait Subaru? My magnificent self heard that name before." The now named Garfiel muttered trying to remember where he heard the name before.

" Wait Garf-bou that man over there is not one you can insult." Shima appeared behind him.

" What are you talking about Grandma?" Garfiel asked, surprised.

Shima turned toward Subaru and bowed deeply.

" It is an honor to welcome you to this Sanctuary Campione-sama." She honestly greeted him.

Shima then slowly stood up and turned toward the two Great spirits.

" It is also an honor to welcome two Great spirits to this place." She once again bowed though less deeply than toward Subaru.

Rem looked startled hearing this. Drunk on the joy of being reunited by Subaru she had not noticed the ones accompanying him.

Subaru sighed.

" Rem this is Beatrice, you already know her. The Great spirit over there is Zarestia." He presented his companions promptly.

Beatrice huffed at being finally remembered.

Silence rang in the clearing, people were looking at them with various levels of shock.

"""" Zarestia ?!"""" They all yelled in sync even the seemingly calm half-elf that Garfiel had called Grandma.

" I'm having a feeling of deja vu right there." Subaru mused; amused by the sudden synchronization between the Sanctuary residents and Rem.

Their scream had not been left unheard, reaching the ears of a certain half-elf.

[ What's that noise?] Emilia had woken up hearing the commotion outside.

She got up from her bed. Today she had not tried to undertake the trials and had chosen to rest in her small hut. She had been lying on her bed absentmindedly until voices had reached her ears.

Emilia clothed herself and exited the small home dazedly.

Her steps were unsteady, she followed the voices and finally reached their source.

Before she stood a familiar black-haired man.

" Subaru is that you...? " Emilia muttered in surprise.

" Emilia-tan ?" Subaru asked, shocked by the half elf's disheveled appearance.

Tears started to gather in Emilia's eyes.

" It's you!" She replied happily while quickly reaching Subaru.

In one move she hugged him tightly.

[ I forgot how strong she was really. ] Subaru winced.

[ Thanks Haha-ue for giving me bones of steel.] He thanked God or in this case his divine mother that his bones were now reinforced lest they would have shattered by the half elf's strength.

Subaru returned the hug strongly.

" I'm glad that you're okay Emilia-tan," Subaru whispered in her hair.

Tears started to fall from her eyes.

" It must have been hard you did you're best Emilia-tan." Subaru consoled the sorrowful girl.

Emilia choked a sob before she started truly crying.

Subaru held her the whole time.

After Emilia calmed down, Shima guided Subaru toward a small hut. Rem had taken Emilia with her and departed to her hut reluctantly; both had wished to remain with him longer. Garfiel had disappeared while Emilia had been crying.

Subaru had frowned in annoyance, wishing to quickly destroy the barrier and be done with it only for Shima to suggest another course of action.

"It is late, it would be better if you were to rest. You can confront Roswal-sama tomorrow." She answered respectfully.

" Roswaal-sama is currently injured and cannot leave his residence. He cannot move, he shall be here tomorrow that is certain" She pointed out.

Subaru sighed as he looked toward both Zarestia and Beatrice.

" What do you think ?" He asked, wishing to hear their mind before making a decision.

The spirits shared a look before turning toward him.

" Betty's Subaru should rest I suppose," Beatrice exclaimed.

Zarestia nodded in agreement.

" The magician won't run away Su-san and even if he did we can always catch him easily later. The people of the Sanctuary have been waiting for a few months; one more day won't change much." Zarestia explained her point.

" Both of you are right I guess..." Subaru muttered petulantly.

He turned toward Shima.

" Please lead us to a place to rest." He asked the half-elf.

Shima nodded.

The next morning it was snowing, a light layer of snow was starting to cover the ground. It was cold.

Subaru entered the hut that housed a recovering Roswal L Mathers. Shadows hung on the walls ominously. Only the fireplace lit the piece. On a bed Roswal L Mathers laid; he was covered by bandages from head to toes.

The most concerning matter wasn't the state of his body but the madness that shone brilliantly in his eyes.

Subaru looked at him warily.

[Steel yourself Subaru. You're far stronger now!] Subaru reassured himself and fully stepped into the room.

" Ah you're finally here but Subaru-kun it's already too late." The Margrave spoke amused on his face as a twisted smile was making its way.

" Too late ...? What are you talking about?!" Subaru demanded.

" Indeed I have already set the stage." He declared with a smile full of malice.

" This afternoon both the Great rabbit and assassin shall attack. The assassins shall target the mansion and the Great rabbit shall aim for this very place. Can you protect both Suuuubbbbaruuu-kun?" The clown stretched his name in amusement.

"How saddening is it that Ram returned to the mansion while you were speaking with Emilia-sama right?" Roswaal's smile deepened.

[That bastard!]Subaru swore viciously.

He frowned before mocking the bedridden Lord.

" Or I could just destroy that damned grave, ya know? Can you stop me now magician ?" Subaru asked sarcastically.

"No grave no barrier. After that, I can just evacuate everyone to the mansion with Tia's help. That's no problem for me." Subaru finished his explanation with a sharp smile on his face.

Roswaal stopped smiling.

"The Great Rabbit shall reach this place in less than one hour. Can you realllyy succeed in so little time? Also, the assassins are going to strike very soon. Your window of action is limited. What will you do now Subaru-kuuun?" Roswaal asked morbidly, curious.

Subaru frowned.

"I can." He declared resolutely.

"We'll see how many times you'll redo before you accept my deal." Roswaal taunted Subaru.

"I'll never accept anything from you." Subaru spat the last word with disdain.

[Better safe than sorry.]He thought before using his mana. Subaru imposed a few curses that Beatrice taught him upon Roswaal. Roswaal gasped in pain.

"With this, you won't be able to intervene," Subaru told him bluntly. He looked one last time at the pained clown before leaving.

Subaru exited the small home that housed Roswaal, filled with determination and furry.

Snow had piled up on the ground Subaru barely spared a thought for the weather. He quickly made his way toward the hut that housed his friends. Both spirits had chosen to remain there while Subaru spoke with the clown.

" Beatrice, Zarestia I need your help," Subaru announced his slanted eyes shined with an ungodly amount of fury.

The Great rabbit, that damned barrier, the assassins in the mansion.

All would be dealt with, all would be destroyed.