After listening to Subaru's lengthy explanation, Roswaal, who was lying on the bed, nodded deeply.
The location was in Roswaal's resting room. There were only three people in the room. Otto was ignored. Ram was dissatisfied with being refused the opportunity to sit at the same table. However, Subaru could not give in at this time, so the only people involved in the conversation were Subaru and Yuexing.
, plus owner Roswaal
"However, I was really overjoyed with the result. Not only did I defeat the Witch Cult, but I even participated in the battle against the White Whale in the Rufus Plains——"
"Regarding this, please choose another day to discuss my merits and reward me. Although it is a bit embarrassing to praise my achievements, I should be able to get a good evaluation."
"I think 'not bad' is not enough to describe it, and I personally want to express my gratitude to you for helping to defeat the white whale... Where is Your Highness Wilhelm?"
Roswaal closed one of his eyes and opened only his yellow eyes. Subaru swallowed before answering.
"I didn't expect to hear Mr. Wilhelm's name from your mouth... Yes, it was Mr. Wilhelm who gave the fatal blow to the white whale. It's amazing... He is really strong."
“That’s it—that’s perfect.”
"——?"
With a particularly contented whisper, Subaru had doubts and frowned.
Wilhelm finally fulfilled his long-cherished wish to avenge his wife, and Roswaal was happy for it.
"Roswaal, do you know Mr. Wilhelm?"
"...No~ Yes, I have never met him, but we have had some interactions since we took office, so I took the liberty to applaud the "Sword Demon" for his persistence, that's it--that's it."
Although Roswaal said that was the case, his profile was filled with complicated emotions. After all, what he just said cannot be believed, but in fact, there is no room to pursue it.
"Although I care about it, let's get to the point now. Have I conveyed my proposal to you?"
"As far as I'm concerned, repaying you for your merits is also a very important topic... That's all, let's continue. Your proposal is to take the residents of Alam Village away from the "Sacred Area" first, right?"
Roswaal smiled at Subaru who urged the topic, and nodded while touching the bandage wrapped around his chest.
"Indeed, from the moment Emilia-sama entered the barrier, Jafier's prediction came true. Unless the barrier is lifted, Emilia-sama will not be able to go outside. With this insurance, it will be safe for them.
There’s no need to let the other hostages stay in the barrier——”
"This matter should make sense, because this is not a delay, nor is it an issue of abandoning the "Sanctuary", it is just a proper proposal that requires the other party to make concessions."
"Using the word appropriate - ah, actually you are worried about - other places, right? For example, when Lady Emilia's soul was frustrated by the "trial", she used the villagers as hostages to force her to
If she challenges the grave and implements the proposal, she can eliminate this possibility in advance... and so on."
Roswaal closed one eye and stared at Subaru with only the yellow pupils he was used to seeing. In response, Subaru crossed his arms and lowered his chin in depression.
"No, I'm sorry, I didn't expect this. I mean, this idea is terrible. I'm a little scared."
"Oh -? I think too much? I'm so rude, I'm sorry - did I scare you?"
In order to hide his excessive pessimism, or vicious thoughts, Roswaal chuckled. Subaru, who rolled his eyes at this, mentally denied the possibility he proposed.
If it is just an option, it is not impossible, but no one will do this. Although they have only been together for a few days, Subaru can already say this about Gafiel, Ryuzu and other residents of the "Sanctuary"
"Anyway, I understand your proposal... Is there anything else you want me to do -?"
"The proposal I just made, I hope it's not me, but you who tell Miss Lutz and the others that this time it's really... I don't seem to get along with them."
"——This time, uh-huh, what should I say?"
"That kid Jaffier seems to hate me very much. It would only be a waste of time for me to explain to the person who is angry like reading a book, so I think it is better for you to say it yourself."
In addition to his opposition to Subaru's challenge to the "Trial", Gaphiel's attitude was obviously different from the previous round. His tense attitude and almost hostile gaze were both things he had not experienced in the previous round.
, did you say something wrong or did something to offend him?
In any case, it is best to avoid contact with the current Jaffier.
"It would be troublesome if my opinion was rejected indiscriminately by the emotional guy. Ms. Ryuzu would also passively agree with Gafir, which would be a bit scary."
"That's why I'm asked to take action. OK, okay, let me explain it to that old bone. However, I am also disgusted by Jaffier. I'm not sure whether the matter can be negotiated immediately -"
Subaru, who was also hated, looked embarrassed and entrusted his hope to Roswaal's cheerful promise.
Although this proposal itself is difficult to pass, it should be accepted. Within a few days, the villagers should be allowed to go home. But this is only Subaru's first goal.
"Then - is this the only thing you want to talk to me about?"
"——Not yet, rather, including the proposal just now, this matter is more important now."
Hearing this opening statement, Roswaal's cheeks stiffened for a second, but he immediately turned the tension into a smile, then combed his long blue hair with his fingers, and asked -
"—Just tell me, what—what do you expect?"
Facing the calm question, Subaru swallowed again and continued.
"The matter of letting the hostages leave the "sacred area" is the same as before, but I want to tell the villagers who stayed in Alam Village about this first, and tell them that their families are about to go back."
"Huh - well, that is to say, this matter takes priority over lifting the barrier and liberating the hostages..."
"Only when I return to the village, of course, I will also go back to the mansion to meet Frandelica who is planning something unknown."
With a hoarse voice and heat in his eyes, Subaru sent this thought to Roswaal.
Sorting out the situation after the "Return of Death", worrying about Emilia who challenges the "Trial", and warning Gafiel, the resident of the "Sanctuary", Subaru seems to be thinking calmly at first glance
But in fact, his heart was almost bursting with endless anxiety.
"I understand your worries, but as far as I know, Frandelica will not act lightly..."
"--What do you know"
"————"
Roswaal tried to alleviate Subaru's uneasiness, but was abruptly interrupted. Subaru's deep voice was filled with dark emotions.
It's no wonder, this has nothing to do with Roswaal's personal view of Frandelica. What Subaru saw with his own eyes is the fact. "Something" will definitely happen in the future, and this matter is extremely heavy.
"Don't say anything that doesn't sound like you have a good head. Frandelica wants Emilia to take the pyroxene, which is evidence that she has intentions. You said so, right?"
"... Even so, she will not harm others, she is not that courageous - child"
"I don't have the courage, but I have reasons to fight to the death."
There is still no clear answer to the ultimate impulse that drives people. The driving force that allowed Subaru to survive all this was definitely not courage, but simply "hating this".
"Rozwaal, it only takes half a day to go back to the mansion, and you can go back and forth in one day. I ask for permission to implement it."
"If I allow it, what will you do if you have clear hostility towards Frandelica and if she acts on your hostility?"
"The child also has demi-human blood. Because she works in the mansion, she is allowed to learn the necessary martial arts. It's very - unfortunately, you can't defeat it. Of course, the moon star of the moon should be able to do it."
"————"
Roswaal's announcement became the most direct question, making Subaru's throat choke.
The enemy is Frandelica, and Elsa may be added depending on the situation. However, only Yuexing has the combat power to deal with it. Subaru may participate in the battle, but it will not be of much use. Petra and Shen Mian's
Not counting Rem, Beatrice is not even sure whether she can see her.
In this case, the combat power that can be brought back to the mansion from the "Sacred Realm" is——
"Emilia was blocked by the barrier, Roswaal was seriously injured, and Otto was not even able to fight..."
Subaru's face was ashen, but Roswaal pointed at his pale face. After Subaru's attention turned to his fingers, Roswaal smoothly bent his fingers and told him:
"I will also attach conditions to your proposal, as I just said, in order to prevent that kind of thing from happening..."
"To prevent that from happening...?"
After a pause, Roswaal said:
"——Take Ram with you, that child will definitely help you——"