13

Chapter 13 – An Uncertain Future

It was night when the last of the carriages finally entered the Karsten Estate, finally having returned from dealing with the witch's cult. Initially high in spirits, it had only taken mere moments for it all to fade away, sinking into horror and despair as they were greeted by the site of plenty of covered-up bodies or wounded people.

It had been a sight that had struck so much concern into the people that there were some that also leaped out of the carriages to check across the wounded to see what had become of their close friends, comrades, or other close relations. Felix and Subaru had not only been among them, but the leading figures in the action as they had wasted no time immediately searching for the people they were worried for most…

"Miss Crusch! Where is Miss Crusch?!" Felix exclaimed as he hurried past the many bodies whilst Subaru wasn't far from him and with him, Emilia.

"Rem?! Rem!" Subaru called out as he frantically skimmed over all the different figures, all of those walking, standing, crouching, and laying down injured until a voice completely grabbed all of their attention.

"Subaru, Sir Felix, over here." Rem had called out of them, much to Subaru's sheer joy as he was unable to hold himself back from running over and bringing the maid into a tight hug on the spot, briefly shocking her but it didn't take long for her to happily return the action.

"Miss Crusch?!" Felix worriedly cried as he had also hurried over upon his name being called, instantly spotting Crusch resting on the ground next to them and beside her Flam and Grassis with Leo and Cecily kneeling next to the unconscious bodies.

"What happened to them?" Emilia worriedly asked after having caught up, looking down and the potentially injured three, hoping for anyone to be able to answer her.

"We were attacked by two archbishops…" Rem answered in a solum tone, making Subaru, Emilia, and Felix flinch upon hearing the response before the healer knight doubled down on his efforts in using his magic to check on Crusch's health. "They were incredibly powerful, and one of them couldn't be harmed no matter what attempts we made so we instead agreed upon escaping them. Sir Leo, Lady Cecily and I fought in the hopes of buying time for the remaining survivors to escape, but it turns out there were more dangers out there..."

"Are you alright? How's everyone else doing?!" Subaru asked in alarm whilst Rem calmly yet solemnly nodded.

"It greatly varies but… a vast number of soldiers were felled and some of them have fallen into an endless slumber much like the sleeping beauty syndrome. It is only thanks to Sir Leo's efforts that we came out unscathed."

"Then what happened for Miss Crusch to be like this if that's the case?!" Felix shot back, almost heatedly until he calmed back down again. "I can't find anything wrong with Miss Crusch, but it only makes it stranger why she's unconscious…"

"That's because Master healed her," Cecily answered, drawing attention back to the great spirit and her contractor, kneeling beside the two sleeping girls. "One of the archbishops cut her hand off instantly, but Master made sure to heal her when we rediscovered them. She's just resting now."

"Is that the same for them?" Emilia softly asked as the group of them beheld Flam and Grassis.

"When we caught up with them, they had been attacked likely by more cultists… We healed them on the spot and brought them back here…" Leo quietly answered, not even looking up as he spoke. "If I had known however was going to take place… I would have just asked them to stay at a distance."

"It's not your fault, you made logical decisions that I couldn't fault Sir Leo. You couldn't have known how it would have turned out." Rem quickly said, hoping to cheer him up slightly whilst Felix was shocked.

"Wait, you managed to reattach Miss Crusch's hand? I didn't think you were such a good healer Leo! It seems perfect to me! You made sure to use the spirit arts so you didn't further damage your gate didn't you?" Felix said as he resumed inspecting Crusch's hands, trying to find any trace of where Leo may have messed up only to fail to find even the most minor of health problems.

"Ah, yeah… water magic is both an affinity and Kou can help me as well…" Leo said with a slight awkwardness, his focus on Flam and Grassis only intensifying in an effort that the Emilia camp members could tell was deliberate in avoiding Felix's eyes.

"This is still incredible work, nya!" Felix said with clear amazement.

"Thanks… I try my best…" Leo awkwardly replied.

"You really care for the two of them, don't you?" Emilia asked as she joined in kneeling beside Leo and Cecily, carefully watching over the young maid twins.

"We've been together every day for a month at this point, and they've been earnestly taking care of me as well. How could I not?" Leo replied.

"I'm sure they'll be alright now, knowing that you were there to heal them…" Emilia said with a soft smile before something dawned on her mind. "You didn't happen to use… that to heal any of them?" she asked with a concerned expression.

"Only for Crusch." Leo firmly answered, "When we found them, their clothes were so badly torn they were little more than rags, and they were bleeding plenty with tons of wounds… but they were alive. Between Kou and Rem, there wasn't much need for that drastic of action."

"Wait, if they were in that bad of condition how come their clothes look just fine now?" Subaru couldn't help but ask as it was obvious that there was no longer a trace of blood remaining on their clothes, never mind a cut. "Did you get them new ones and change them?"

"No, there's a yang restoration spell that allows me to return an object back to its original state!" Cecily proclaimed with a bit of pride as she puffed her chest out. "And a spirit of my level can return nearly anything to looking like it was untouched as well! But… it doesn't do much to living things so I can't heal people…"

"So that's why the three of them look perfectly fine…" Subaru mumbled in realization as a moment of silence set in.

"It should be safe to move them at least, it's better if we take them inside now and let them rest in a bed until they wake up. You've got the world's best healers' approval in their condition so all they need is some rest!" Felix said, breaking the silence and looking over the nearby area until he spotted whom he was looking for. "Ah, Old Man Will! Could you help us carry Miss Crusch inside please?"

"Of course, Felix." The old butler said as he approached the group, giving a brief courteous bow to the members of the Emilia camp before proceeding to reach down to gently carry their lady.

At the same time, Leo was already attempting to gently pick up Grassis as the closer of the twins to him but to everyone's shock, it caused the girl to begin to stir in her sleep. Suddenly everyone stopped what they were doing and gave their full attention to the rousing young girl, that was causing her sister to begin to awake as well to the added joy of the situation.

"Mm… where am I?" Grassis asked as she sat upright with Flam shortly joining her whilst rubbing her sleepy eyes.

"Your awake!" Cecily cheered as she quickly hugged the pair to their shock, jolting them awake at the sudden embrace they were receiving from the spirit before both looking at her almost strangely.

"I'm so glad you two are awake… how are you feeling?" Leo asked as he also took the time to briefly hug the twins before pulling back and looking down at them, only now noticing their confused and almost concerned faces before sharing a glance with one another. "Is something wrong? Flam? Grassis?" he worriedly asked as the girls looked back at him, no less confused.

"Um, are… are those our names?" Grassis asked to everyone's shock.

"Um… which one would be mine? And… who are you?" Flam then asked, their questions leaving everyone completely stunned into silence, hastily exchanging confused glances at one another for anyone potentially having an answer.

"Do you not remember anything?" Emilia was the first to ask, breaking the silence as the twins looked at her yet still didn't look any better afterward as they solemnly shook their heads.

"Nothing at all? Not your attackers? Or your parents… or anything?" Rem then asked but once again the twins quietly shook their heads in response.

"Do you know who we are? You said we were attacked… And you are you mister?" she asked, looking Leo in the eyes with a troubled yet hopeful expression as everyone remained quiet, briefly wondering how to handle the situation whilst at the same time processing and coming to terms with it.

"You two are twin sisters called Grassis and Flam, I'm Leo and this is my contracted spirit, Cecily. I guess you could say I'm the one taking care of you two currently." Leo eventually said, doing his best to put on a friendly smile as he pointed out the sisters so they would know their own names. "I know that everything is confusing and overwhelming but… I'll explain everything about yourselves over time, alright?"

In response, the two girls slowly nodded in response whilst the adults exchanged troubled glances before noticing Crusch beginning to rouse herself…

It wasn't much later that the three different camps had relocated within the Karsten Manor with each of the three parties sitting around a large table in one of the many luxurious rooms inside the mansion.

Crusch was no longer in battle attire as she sat down beside Felix who had also now swapped from his formal knight's clothing back to his typical feminine dress as he remained close and concerned about Crusch even as the meeting began.

"I believe that it would be best to have a detailed recount of everything that happened since we went our separate ways," Wilhelm said, starting off the meeting from where he was sitting at the head of the table.

"Right, well for us it wasn't long of just heading towards Arlam village when we saw a huge wave of shadows covering the planes in the distance… was that already you guys fighting the archbishops?" Subaru replied with a firm expression with a troubled looking Emilia and Rem sat beside him as he looked further up the table to where Leo, Cecily, Flam, and Grassis were sat collectively at the other end of the table to Wilhelm.

"That's right, I would say… things were wrapping up by then." Leo quickly answered.

"Then perhaps it would be better to hear what happened to you first, so that we may keep the order of events in chronological order to better understand the events that transpired," Wilhelm said, an opinion that no one voiced any disagreement with as all attention turned to Leo as they waited for him to continue.

"Alright then… We were just making out way back to the capital as expected until it all happened at once really, there were two people who claimed to be archbishops and were incredibly powerful, in fact, one of them might even have Reinhard beat in terms of strength…" Leo said, stunning the table into silence with the exception of Rem, Cecily, and the three amnesiacs who merely looked confused instead.

"Miss Crusch, Reinhard is the sword saint and strongest person in Lagunica, he's even in the top four strongest in the world. It was thought that no one could come close to his level once he got serious, and even that might be selling it short…" Felix quickly chimed in the moment he saw the look of confusion on his lady's expression, with his explanation warping it into one of shock and horror whilst Flam and Grassis began to look fearful instead.

"And now you say that the witch's cult has someone beyond him in their ranks… just what made you believe he is capable of such power?" Crusch asked with an unusually soft voice instead of her serious, commanding tones. Something that wasn't lost on anyone's ears as with the loss of her memories came a drastic change in her behavior.

"It didn't matter how many times we attacked him, or what kind of force we hit him with, it didn't affect him at all…" Rem explained as she recalled her own fury-filled attempts to strike the archbishop down. "You yourself were the first to attempt to strike him, and you unleashed your famous One blow, one hundred felled techniques. An attack that is invisible to all and yet he still managed to protect against it without even budging in the slightest."

"For the record, nothing Cecily and I could do had any effect either. And it seemed like his any action made shockwaves that would go straight through anything with ease, tearing everything apart…" Leo added on as dread set in on the table as everyone began to understand the danger they were faced with.

"No one could blame you for failing to best such a dangerous opponent, it is a miracle that you managed to survive," Wilhelm said.

"But if you were fighting some monster that ridiculous then how did you get out? Don't tell me there was some dumb luck or deus ex machina occurred for you!?" Subaru exclaimed with most of his attention almost glaring at Leo who could only look back in shock at the sudden treatment.

"Well, they haven't explained whatever all those shadows were. We were all concerned when we saw something happening on the other side of the plains but we were persuaded that you were able to hold your own…" Felix added, "It's not like there's anyone who can attack with shadow magic nya know! Who caused it!"

"Was that an attack from the archbishops?"

"It was an authority!" Rem suddenly blurted out before Leo could respond, gaining the attention of the whole room that looked at her with either one of two expressions. Whilst the members of the Crusch camp were clearly intrigued and serious alongside Flam and Grassis, it was Subaru, Emilia, Leo, and Cecily that were frantically doing their best to suppress their shock and panic at what Rem was revealing.

"I believe that is the name of the type of powers that the sin archbishops of the witches cult possess," Wilhelm said in evaluation. "So that would be the power that the other archbishop possesses then?"

"That's right," Leo answered as the old man nodded in response whilst Rem and Subaru tensed in response. "I don't know if-"

"Sir Leo." Crusch interrupted as she locked eyes with him, her own possessing a shocking amount of intensity that had appeared from seemingly nowhere. "I'm sorry to say this, I don't know why you have done it either but… I can tell you have lied."

"Pardon?" Leo said shocked as everyone except the Emilia camp and Cecily looked at him questioningly.

"I might have forgotten myself and even some of my skills like how I used to apparently wield the blade, but my divine blessing remains as intuitive as ever and the wind of untruth blows around you," Crusch explained. "I ask again, why would you attempt to lie about such an important topic? And if that authority does not lie with the other archbishop, then who does it truly lie with?"

"It's likely his own! He's the one responsible for your memory loss!" Felix shouted out as he stood up, pointing a finger straight at the slightly panicked Leo. "Old man Will, you can't let him get away!"

"I'm not with them! I would never be!" Leo shouted back in response.

"That's right! My contractor is an amazing person with lots of gifts but he also has his misfortune too!" Cecily joined in having wasted no time in jumping to Leo's defense as Flam and Grassis shuffled closer together, uncomfortable at the recent developments.

"If you're his spirit then you're just on his side! He has the same power as the archbishops so he's with the witch! The rumors were true!" Felix shouted back.

"Rumors?" Leo instantly questioned.

"Everyone!" Crusch then shouted out, completely halting the brewing chaos in an instant, a familiar commanding tone filling her voice once more that successfully captured everyone as they all saw a glimpse of the strong Crusch they had known once more in the Crusch that was with them now. "I believe that arguing amongst ourselves will prevent us from getting anywhere compared to an orderly questioning. At the very least, Leo's last claim of not being a cultist was not a lie."

"But, Miss Crusch…" Felix tried to plead.

"Felix, please. I understand your feelings and your reasoning, but there can also be the chance for unique circumstances. I would imagine that no matter if Leo is a good or bad person, it would be natural to hide something about oneself that could link them to the cult." Crusch said preventing the demi-human from saying anything more as he begrudgingly sat back down into his chair, yet he never took his eyes off of Leo.

"I understand that this topic might be difficult for you, Sir Leo, but please see the importance of the situation and understand Milady's divine blessing as well… I do not wish to consider another person a monster from misunderstanding once more so soon." Wilhelm calmly spoke as Leo nodded in response. "Could you please confirm if you do indeed possess an authority, and why that is the case?"

"Right…" Leo said with a heavy sigh as he briefly looked down at the floor before noticing the troubled looks of both Flam and Grassis who clearly didn't know what to think of him currently. At the same time, Cecily slowly walked over to Leo's seat and sat on his lap without hesitation, fully leaning back against his chest as she grasped his hands in support that he couldn't refute from the tension filling him.

"I do indeed possess an authority but first… and it was something that I unwilling gained. I didn't even know what it was when I first got it until I spoke with a great spirit about it. At that point, I realized it was something I would be… more than shamed for…"

"But of course! It means you're with the witch!" Felix shouted in accusation.

"It might be the same kind of power as the witch but it doesn't mean I'm with her in any sense, it's a completely unique power that solely belongs to me, I don't have any link to her…" Leo blandly replied as he tried to keep his emotions out of his voice.

"He tells the truth. Leo has no connection to the witch or the witch's cult despite his authority." Crusch said, quickly defusing some of the tension in the room yet it didn't do much to ease the disdain that brewed within Felix who continued to refuse to take his eyes off of Leo.

"Then what exactly does your authority do?" Wilhelm asked.

"It allows me to drain or bestow life force from or to anything. It could be plants, animals, or people, it serves as potent healing that likely surpasses anything that can be achieved with magic, I mean, it harbors the potential to bring back the dead if I wanted to… Hell, I recently realized I'm immortal because of it as well…" Leo said as everyone in the room looked at him in complete shock with the sole exception of Subaru.

"You make it sound like you should have died! Did something happen to you?!" Emilia asked in horror.

"Yeah, the archbishops from before… the only reason I survived is because I can cheat death. Turns out… dying's painful, incredibly so. At least, if it's not something quick." Leo answered to the added dread in the room as Subaru lowered his head slightly, masking whatever expression lay on his face had someone taken notice of him.

"That's what happened to you?! Why didn't you tell me anything!" Cecily cried out as she managed to spin around and cling onto Leo, tears nearly spilling out of her eyes.

"Because I knew that you would feel like that, it's fine though. I'm alright now." Leo said as he hugged the spirit girl back in an attempt to comfort her.

"It seems that you have been through quite the ordeal on your own," Wilhelm said in a quieter voice.

"We made it through though, anyways, when the archbishops showed up, they quickly beat Crusch and so we made sure that Flam and Grassis would carry her and Hetero away to make sure that things didn't get any worse for them," Leo explained.

"It was also later during that battle that Sir Leo got gravely wounded, and Rem assumes that it was what lead to his death… during that moment he made sure that we left and when we came back the archbishops were gone," Rem added on. "We hurried after where Flam and Grassis had gone… and found them injured on the ground."

"Their wounds weren't like the ones the archbishop I fought would have caused, it must have been something else… I didn't account for there being more enemies about, I realize now that I shouldn't have sent them off alone, not that it does any good…" Leo said with his head lowered in shame.

"You're not the only one, Rem also agreed with your decision as well so Rem is equally to blame," Rem interjected.

"Please don't feel like you're to blame, it was a dangerous situation and there might have not been a correct answer. I at least don't hold anything against you, at the very least I can say that it was your decision that managed to keep us alive at least, and for that I thank you." Crusch softly said whilst hoping yet failing to ease the troubles of the pair.

It was a solum mood at the table with the sole exception of the bitter Felix that still looked up and down the table for making up his mind. "Um, Subaru, Miss Emilia, there is something that I wish to ask first." He said getting everyone's attention. "The alliance that we previously spoke of… can we just scrap that idea?"

"What's going on? How did we get to the idea of dissolving the alliance?" Subaru asked with a sense of disbelief yet Felix kept his cool.

"An alliance is formed when it benefits all parties involved, you expect us to ally ourselves with Miss Emilia when she is the witch cult's target? Can you promise that Lady Crusch won't be hurt again if we do that?"

It was a question stemming from clear genuine concern for his lady that had Subaru hesitate, not knowing how to answer as the few members of the Felt camp quietly watched from their end of the table. Even had they not silently agreed to leave the discussion of the two camps to themselves, even they didn't have an answer to counter what Felix had said.

"I am opposed to that opinion." Wilhelm finally said, breaking the tense moment.

"How can you be opposed, old man Wil?!" Felix exclaimed. "Look at what has happened to Lady Crusch! What's the point in continuing to aid Miss Emilia and her friends?!"

"We may be given an opportunity for revenge." Wilhelm calmly countered.

"Is that more important than Lady Crusch's life?!"

"Felix…" Crusch quietly mumbled at the sight of her tearing up attendant.

"I know this is hard on Lady Crusch too! She has no idea what is going on, she can't remember anything… So how can you expect her to fight?! Isn't that right? Isn't it?" Felix said as he turned back towards his master, pleading for her agreement as his breaking heart was put on full display for everyone to see. "I'm sure that I can do something about your memories! Even if it's not enough right now, I'll fix this with my magic! So please, don't put yourself in any danger!"

For a few moments, Crusch was quiet as she considered the proposition that had been made to her but it didn't take any more than a couple of seconds for her to smile again with her mind made up. "Felix, thank you for worrying about me. Right now, there is simply too much that I don't understand. I can't remember a single detail about who I used to be. I'm sure that many of you are perplexed about how you should interact with me as well."

"But to everyone who still retains their respect for me despite all this, I must express my thanks," Crusch said as she took a bow, one that was directed for everyone sat at the table with her earnest feelings before she returned to her seat. "Felix, I know that your concern is genuine and that you are trying to guide me. I could do what you say and walk the path that is safest. But I loathe the idea of going on with my life, knowing nothing. If I have a choice, I would rather choose for myself than simply do as someone says."

It was the duchesses' resolute words that brought that demi-human beside her to tears as he began to tremble, fully understanding and already imagining the numerous threats that laid down the road that his lady had chosen. Wordlessly, Crusch took his hands in gentle support as everyone quietly allowed Felix a moment as his emotions burst forth.

"If this is Miss Crusch's will, surely no one will be in favor of dissolving the alliance," Wilhelm explained to the three members of the Emilia camp.

"Right, I know I will be a great deal of trouble to you, Miss Emilia, and Mr. Natsuki Subaru," Crusch added on with a weak smile.

"Not at all." Emilia gently replied with a shake of her head, "We can't say we're all on the same page either. We need to rejoin Ram and everyone else who's at the Sanctuary, and we need to talk it over with Roswaal as well."

"I understand, then we shall be awaiting the results of your discussions then," Crusch said before turning her attention to Leo instead. "I understand that there are many who will be impacted by my loss of memory who were within my supporters, and I know that not all of them will react in a favorable light either. I hope and apologies for any trouble that might come your way should they choose to blame you for these events. Please know that I hold your actions with nothing but gratitude and will lend my held in the attempt to calm the people's feelings should you want it."

"I fear that I might start going beyond that, Miss Crusch," Wilhelm interjected as she looked back at the butler with interest. "It is already now a growing rumor amongst the people of Sir Leo's potential ties to the witch's cult, there will be a great amount of disdain and skepticism directed at him regardless of your condition."

"It's even more than that, there are those who don't actually care about you but just want a reason, even one that doesn't make any sense, to attack him." Subaru pointed out with a frown.

"I wouldn't expect any less…" Leo said with exhaustion before looking back up. "I know that you said there are rumors of a connection between me and the witch's cult but how did they start? How well believed are they"?

"It started when the archbishop of Sloth proclaimed that he was expecting pride. He first mistook Mr. Natsuki for pride but soon stated that he didn't match up with whatever his gospel was telling him." Wilhelm explained.

"Then there was some talk about the shadows we caught on the plains just before we entered the wooded area, and then talk turned to some people believing that they saw similar shadows on you during the fight with the white whale." Felix then said between his sobs as he wiped away his tears.

"Some people didn't believe, and I tried to deflect it some but then Julius has to open his mouth…" Subaru said with a scowl.

"Julius?" Leo repeated.

"Yeah, he said that his spirits detected strong miasma coming from you like the sin archbishops and that Anastasia couldn't gather any information on you like you had just suddenly appeared… that was enough for people to start doubting you."

"Rem imagines that such rumors will quickly become widespread… it might even become the most popular subject in the capital by tomorrow…" Rem said with a troubled look that reflected the poor situation that was quickly forming.

"The sword saints apprentice, the 'big brother' and attendant of a royal candidate and even a contractor to a great spirit… mew's already pretty famous in the capital because of all of that, and it would be more than a massive scandal if it turned out you were a witch cultist, or even worse a witch…" Felix said.

"First of all… I'm a guy so it would be a warlock instead of a witch…" Leo said as he sunk back into his seat, hiding his face by resting it against the back of Cecily's head which he clutched onto tighter that she returned. "Secondly… what do you all think of me?"

"What do you mean? Why are you asking something like that?" Emilia asked yet Leo didn't have the energy to face her.

"Just, please?"

"I think that Master is the greatest in the world still! People don't know what they're talking about!" Cecily instantly answered with vigor, making sure that she was the first to talk.

"Rem admits that when she first met you, Rem believed that you were a danger and a threat and only tolerated your presence due to Miss Beatrice and Lord Roswaal. But Rem has already realized the error of her previous way of thinking and has come to respect you." The blue maid answered next, her answer coming as a faint shock to Emilia until she calmed down again seemingly accepting the circumstances.

"Well, I see you as a good friend that I still owe a lot to for that day back in the loot house, I'll always be willing to help you out whenever you need it!" Emilia said with a determined smile as she excitedly pumped herself up before looking at Subaru with a sense of expectation.

"Ah, right! I mean, you helped me several times as well! The white whale subjugation might not have gone as well if you weren't there! Admittedly you were kind of the whole backup plan if things went south…" Subaru said as he awkwardly rubbed the back of his head, unintentionally getting most of the attention in the room as even Leo managed to look straight at him with pure confusion on his face, silently questioning just what he had meant by it whilst at the same time managing to guess what the sharp-eyed young man may have been thinking.

"I hold gratitude for your actions that have helped assist me finally achieve vengeance for my fallen wife, opened my eyes to my potential faults, and offered to help make them right and even help protect my lady when I could not. Although your authority may make you a being that many would despise, you have my respect." Wilhelm eventually answered as he gave Leo a small bow, filling him with an awkward feeling from the elder man's sincere feelings despite having asked for it.

"I too feel much the same. I thank you once again for saving my life and having lent your aid to me in a time of need instead of thinking to potentially save yourself despite being faced with such danger." Crusch added leaving everyone's attention on Felix who awkwardly shifted under everyone's gazes, seemingly trying to find his answer before speaking.

"As a healer, I respect you a lot. From what I've seen and what you've told me, you might be an even better healer than me even if it's because of a witch's power… but I have mixed feelings about you being able to bring back the dead… But, even if you haven't done anything wrong, I still can't help but be wary of you… it's not like there are many good things that lie ahead of staying around someone like you." Felix finally answered.

"I can't blame you for that, in fact, that's the very thing I was worried about," Leo said as he looked down.

"Um…" A quiet voice spoke up from beside Leo as he realized that Flam and Grassis were awkwardly looking up at him, hoping for the chance to speak. "It was worrying to hear that you might be a warlock…"

"But! But… we think your kind! We could tell when you hugged us before that you care a lot for us and… we trust you." Grassis added on as the two nervously looked up at him, the two clinging onto one another under all the attention that was focused on them. "We don't remember anything either but… you know a lot about us, don't you?"

"I've only known you for a little over a month, but during that time we were almost always together," Leo replied with a weak smile towards the girls. "But I think if you really want to learn everything about your past then you've better off talking with your grandparents, although… I don't know how well they'll take to the news that I failed to protect you two…"

"I have known Grim and Carol for many years, I do not doubt that they will be hurt by this news, but I know that they won't hold anything against you. I believe that just as I am grateful that Miss Crusch still lives, so will they at the fact their grandchildren still managed to return back to them." Wilhelm interjected.

"I still don't know how I'll face them thought…" Leo sighed.

"Um… I don't think you have anything to be sorry for…" Grassis said.

"We should be… um… thank you for saving our lives, Mr. Leo," Flam added on.

"You know all the gratitude is only making me more guilty here…" Leo awkwardly replied.

"Sorry…" the disheartened twins replied in unison as they cast their gazes down to Leo's panic.

"Hey, there's no need to look so glum! I mean… I'm glad that you feel that way but I just wish that I was a bit more deserving of it is all!" He hurriedly said, hoping to change their mood as everyone watched with an awkward smile, including the twins that seemingly were feeling better.

"Watching something like that makes it really~ hard to see you as a warlock if only everyone could see you this way," Emilia said with a cheery smile as nearly everyone at the table appeared to share the same sentiment leaving Leo with an increased sense of embarrassment.

"Can please not tease me, Emilia…"

"But there is some merit in her words, I imagine that in the coming days, things shall become increasingly enduring for you and all those closely associated with you, however, should you be able to show yourself a likable and respectable character then things may improve," Wilhelm explained, supplying everyone with some food for thought. "If there is an individual who may be looked at as an example, then I believe that Natsuki Subaru would be one."

"Huh? Me? What are you talking about, why would I, how could I be applied to this situation?!" Subaru exclaimed in shock.

"Because you are a wonderful person who's capable of winning over the hearts of many, Subaru! You're Rem's amazing hero who's already inspired so many!" Rem enthusiastically answered whilst Felix nodded along in agreement.

"She's right, nya. Not long before you were the joke of the capital, and now you're led the white whale's defeat with Miss Crusche and led that hunt on the witch cult successfully without casualty. You've gone from zero to hero, nya! So much so that no one cares about your witch's scent!" The healer happily explained.

"I don't quite know how I feel about that explanation but I don't think I'm deserving that much praise…" Subaru said as it was now his turn to feel awkward while scratching the back of his head.

"Please don't sell yourself short, Subaru, your achievements are truly something to be marveled at," Wilhelm said.

"Besides, the alternative is ending up in the same boat as me," Leo chimed in, managing to catch Subaru's gaze for the first time since the meeting started as the sharp-eyed young man couldn't hold back a troubled expression until an idea came to him.

"Wait, you also played a major role in beating the white whale, why can't you be given some of the credit? Wouldn't that solve everything?" Subaru pointed out but Wilhelm slowly shook his head.

"Swaying the hearts of the public is not something that easy, it won't be long before people start to hold their own opinions and merely attempting to pass credit won't be accepted and instead be seen for what it is, an attempt to lift allegations." The old butler replied.

"There were plenty that saw you and Miss Crusch giving it your all the whole time as well, it wasn't like Leo wasn't noticed but people are paying more attention to the use of his authority that they caught glimpses of." Felix tagged on.

"Point being, the bad things stick about much than the good," Leo said with a heavy sigh.

"This doesn't seem to be a problem that we'll be able to come up with an immediate answer for, especially not now…" Crusch said with a disheartened voice.

"Indeed, the for now it might be best for you to lay low and observe how the situation develops whilst taking measures to avoid things getting worse," Wilhelm said.

"Maybe people might not pay the rumors much attention and it won't be a problem like we're thinking it is!" Emilia pointed out with a hopeful smile but no one in the room was willing to reciprocate the mood.

"I'm sorry Miss Emilia, but the likelihood of something like that is incredibly low…" Rem replied.

"Yeah, considering that not only did some people notice Leo having used his authority like Ricardo, but Julius gave him out as well, not many people won't care after something like that happened," Felix explained as the half-elf quickly sunk back down at how quickly and resolutely her hopes had been shot down without a single ally whilst a couple of others reflected her emotions as they could sympathize with her eagerness…

The streets were only dimly lit as Leo made his way back with Cecily whilst carrying the sleeping figures of Grassis and Flam in his arms as their small figures rested against his chest. "I don't think they would have allowed themselves to fall asleep like this before. But a lot did happen today, and they didn't get much rest last night either…" Leo said as he glanced at the sleeping twins before releasing a heavy sigh.

"It's not your fault! Don't feel blue!" Cecily chimed, hoping to cheer up her contract as she stuck closely to his side.

The meeting had recently ended and by the end, Flam and Grassis had managed to fall asleep leaning on one another without anyone realizing until Leo, Cecily and the Emilia camp began to make their leave. It was an endearing sight for everyone before they all said their farewells for the camps to go back to their respective manors again, with everyone's slight interest in Subaru's mention of a place called Sanctuary.

It was something that had them interested, but since it was something clearly pertaining to the Emilia camp no one pressed any questions, simply accepting the fact that it was merely where they had sent the people of Arlam village after the evacuation.

"Thanks, I know you said that you don't have any need for rest and food but how are you holding up? You did a lot yourself during those fights." Leo then asked as Cecily puffed her chest out with pride.

"I'm perfectly fine, it takes a lot more than that to wear down a great spirit like me! As long as you're fine then I'm fine!" she happily replied.

"That's something good then, all that's left is how everyone else is going to react to what happened…" Leo said as they continued walking along, having entered another noble district of the capital as they made their way straight towards the Astrea Estate, going through the main gates that were then soon closed behind them by the guards that were stationed there.

The moment that Cecily opened the door for the two of them did Leo get his answer as the response of the occupants was instant. "Leo, where have you been?! Don't tell me that something happened when fighting that oversized flying fish!" Felt shouted out as she jumped down the stairs before running over to him.

"Aw, were you worried about me?" Leo teased with a grin.

"Huh? Uh, of course not! This world's all about living strong after all, and like there's nothing to worry about when it's you two fighting something, with everything you've got going for you, your fine!" Felt said in a huff, turning away from Leo in an attempt to hide her expression before looking back at him through the corner of her eye. "But what took you so long in getting back here, how long did everything take?"

"Well, a lot happened to say the least," Leo said with a heavy voice, his eyes steadily drifting back to the girls in his arms. "I won't lie, some pretty big things happened but they're all overcome now… except for one thing…"

"What's that? You're not taking your eyes off of them, did something happen to them? They are just asleep right?" Felt asked with visible concern.

"No, they're healthy but something else happened. Grim and Carol couldn't happen to be around, would they? And has Reinhard returned?"

"We are just here, Sir Leo, we are the attendants to Miss Felt after all," Carol answered as the elderly couple steadily walked down the stairs in stark contrast to Felt, their faces carrying concerned expressions as they were understandably worried about Leo's words. "We have also received word that Master Reinhard shall be returning to the manor tomorrow morning in time for breakfast, having completed the request of the wise men."

"Nothing terrible has befallen Flam and Grassis, has there?" Grimm asked as his eyes remained completely fixated on their grandchildren.

"I think I'll save the story of everything that happened until Reinhard shows up, but I should at least tell you about what happened to them at least…" Leo said with a downcast expression. "Physically, they're perfectly healthy and there's nothing to worry about… but they suffered amnesia, they forgot absolutely everything… I'm completely sorry and ashamed for not protecting them well enough…"

"How many times master? It wasn't your fault! Everything was horribly extreme and you did your best, no one could have seen it coming and you still gave everything to try and keep them safe!" Cecily cried out again.

"I know but, it doesn't change the fact that I need to do better… and Carol, Grim…" Leo said as he did his best to face the elderly two head-on.

"I see… it is most certainly heavy news to hear, but compared to the other potential disasters that could have happened on a mission like the one you undertook, this could be considered very little…" Carol replied as she reached out, running her hands through both of the twin's hair in an affectionate manner.

"But…"

"Please do not worry, we trust in you and the great spirit that you did your best for them and that is all we could ask for. Instead, may we thank you for making sure their lives weren't taken from them?" Grim interrupted with a gentle smile. "We know very well the calamity that the white whale is, for you to still manage to keep the two of them otherwise safe at the same time as battling it is nothing short of commendable."

There were a few quiet moments in the room that everyone felt the need for as they took the chance to process their emotions before Leo finally spoke again. "They were interested in who they used to be before, I said that I could tell them something, but that it would be better to talk with you two if that's alright."

"Of course, it is, we'd be glad for the chance." Carol said with a warm smile, "But if it isn't too much, I hope that we can ask you to continue looking out for them. I believed they quite enjoyed their time with you before."

"I will, thank you…" Leo said in a faint voice, glad that he was still being accepted and trusted with the twins that he had certainly started to become attached to himself.

"I would like to ask how this occurred; however, we will be willing to wait until tomorrow, I understand that I story like the one you likely have must be easier to tell everyone all at once."

"Thanks, I know that it's wrong to keep you waiting for something like that when you're so strongly connected to the impacts after all…"

"Please don't worry, you must be exhausted yourself after everything you have been through. Please leave-taking them to bed to us, it's important that you eat something and rest as much as you can today."

"I see, thank you once again," Leo said as he began to gently hand over the sleeping twins to each of the elderly pair that looked at them lovingly before taking their leave deeper into the manor

"You are alright, aren't you big bro? You better not be trying to be all cool about this." Felt then said the moment she felt like she had the room to speak.

"Really, I'm fine now. There was a slight issue here and there but I'm perfectly fine now."

"Alright, as long as you're not lying!" Felt said with a grin that soon softened into a warm smile, leaving Leo feeling it was potentially the first time that he had ever seen her smiling so gently. "I'm glad you're back big bro."

"And I'm glad to be back," Leo said with a soft smile as he took the time to ruffle the blond's hair to her irritation as she tried to push his hand off of her.

"Hey!" Felt exclaimed, with Leo finally relenting as he took his hand back still smiling all the while as she grinned back at him all the while. "If you're like that then you're perfectly fine!"

"Mm, I suppose so." He replied with a smile hum alongside a smile that managed to conceal his growing troubles that managed to return to the forefront of his mind. "I'm tired as well so I'm heading off today."

"You better explain everything that happened today then, got it?" Felt replied as Leo merely nodded in response before making his way back to his room...

Only a couple of minutes later Leo was already lying in bed, changed into his nightwear as Cecily had once again slipped under the covers beside him, lightly clinging to his side as the two of them bore troubled expressions, the same thought running through both their minds.

"Master…" Cecily eventually quietly called out in the darkness as she felt Leo continue to shift slightly beside her, telling her of his lack of sleep. "Are you still worrying about everything?"

"It's hard not to… everything might just be about to change at this rate for the worse, and for everyone who is affiliated with me," Leo replied, not taking the time to look at the spirit as he kept his back to her.

"It doesn't matter, I'm staying with you no matter what," Cecily replied as she tightly wrapped her small arms around Leo's back getting him to place his larger hand over both of hers as if wanting to better cling onto whatever comfort that she offered.

"There is little doubt in my mind that something can be worked out, the current sword saint is viewed as a hero to the kingdom, so long as you remain by his side there remains the chance that you can gradually earn back the trust of the kingdom." A certain voice sounded in his head as a small blue light slowly faded into existence with a flash before settling down beside Leo.

"That's a reassuring thought Kou, although I wouldn't like it to have to come to that, swaying the mind of the people is hard but I would like to avoid needing to completely rely on someone else's reputation."

"This isn't a situation where you should start trying to preserve your pride by holding back on the more assured possibilities to resolve the issue, doing so can allow the situation to reach an unsalvageable point." The blue quazi spirit replied, even taking the chance to bump into Leo's head as he started to shield himself against the spirit with his hand.

"I get it, I get it… thought I suppose that we should wait until tomorrow until we start deciding on just what plan of action should be taken huh?"

"That I can agree with," Kou said as it began to settle down once more. "The great spirit and I have no need for rest, we can easily spend the night trying to come up with more ideas ahead of time to suggest, and possibly ones that your pride can agree to."

"Thanks, that means a lot… but please don't push yourselves too hard over this."

"I don't get it through! They should all know that you're not a bad guy, they don't think that the scary clown guy is!" Cecily interjected as Leo could hear the pouting expression that she was likely making through her voice alone.

"Fear might be the cause, Subaru might smell of witch just the same, but he's proven powerless on his own aside from his tendency to know more than he should. Leo on the other hand…"

"Master could take on two white whales by himself and survive…"

"They should likely be better interpreted as a third of the white whale's power each considering the technique that it attempted, but that will be how the world views it. Great power combined with the potential to turn against them will have a high chance of breeding fear."

"Curse the unpredictable, irrational aspect of the public…" Leo mumbled.

"I understand your point of view, but one could also merely call it a pessimistic and worst-case scenario way of thinking as well." Kou pointed out before silence set in the room once more until a thought popped into Cecily's mind.

"Hey, are you thinking of staying with Master?" Cecily then asked Kou. "It's near the end of your temporary contract and you're still helping him a lot, you didn't even need to help him at all but you've done a lot for him."

"Mm? But haven't the circumstances changed again? Being with me won't exactly be easy…"

"The easier road is not always the better one, it can be rewarding to walk it," Kou interjected. "I shall admit that it was one of my worries upon first meeting with you, but just like back then there are still more factors that amount to it than that."

"Then what is it?" Cecily cut in with impatience in her voice.

"I choose to join you… I shall be willing to form a contract with you." Kou eventually answered, his response shocking Leo enough that he rolled over onto his chest to be able to clearly look up at the spirit that hovered just before him.

"Really?" Leo asked, using his words whilst forgetting to communicate with the spirit properly.

"It is not like there is no benefit from remaining by your side, and you've proven to be a person than I have no qualms being with. Even if you are a warlock, you're not what people might first think, you might not think it but I've begun to hold a sense of respect towards your achievements."

"You can just admit that Master is the best that a spirit can ask for!" Cecily chimed in.

"I have begun to see what you seem to see in him, great one, so perhaps that might be the case in time," Kou said as he started to float closer towards Leo as he knew to hold out a hand for the spirit to rest on. "I offer to you my gate and magic, and request your mana, protection, and for you to at least keep in mind the advice that I may offer."

"Keep your advice in mind? It's not like you've suggested anything bad before but you want to make it a part of the contract as well?" Leo inquired.

"I believe that it will help keep you on the right path," Kou replied, "Do you find fault with it?"

"Not at all, so long as we're partners that protect one another that's all I want."

"Then I agree to those terms."

"And so do I."

Despite nothing flashy occurring in the moment, Leo could immediately feel his bond with Kou change the moment they had made their agreements to the contract as he couldn't help but become even more aware of the spirit's presence much the same as he felt about Cecily whilst what could only be described as a strange rush of energy or power filled him with the established connection with Kou's gate.

"And now you contracted to both of us!" Cecily happily proclaimed with a wide smile at the sight of Leo finally forming a proper contract with the quasi-water spirit.

"And I wish that I didn't have to so soon, but I hope you don't mind me relying on you a lot for the coming days…" Leo replied with a troubled expression yet both spirits seemingly shook off his concerns as Cecily gave a visible shake of her head.

"Not at all! Actually, I'm happy that you're counting on me! We won't let you down!" She cheerfully proclaimed.

"It is like the great one says, we share a contract now, it is only natural to rely on and gain assistance from one another as you are the one that I have chosen to stay beside," Kou said with its usual monotone voice that rang through his mind.

"You should rest for now, please don't worry and leave everything to us! We'll think of something!" Cecily added on before gently pushing Leo's head back down the pillow and pulling the bed covers back over them once more, doing her best to hastily usher him to sleep. "Goodnight."

With a final sigh that quickly turned into a stifled yawn as he finally started to feel his accumulated fatigue finally catch up with him, his eyelids quickly began to feel heavy, beginning to steadily close until he was finally peacefully asleep as the two spirits carefully watched over him…