Roswaal: […If I were to refuse your request, would I become a target you need to eliminate?]
Subaru: [Yeah. I don't want it to come to that, but let's just say an "accident" might happen.]
Naturally, it was nothing more than an empty threat.
Subaru would not be able to justify himself to Emilia and Ram, and he did not think he could recover from the aftermath either.
His words sounded like something a villain or mastermind would say, and Subaru almost wanted to laugh at himself for it. But, now was not the time for laughter. ――He had to carry this bluff through to the bitter end.
Roswaal: […I can't order her to stop.]
Subaru: [You…!]
Roswaal: [Wait, wait. I'm not finished. You understand who's attacking the mansion, right? Do you really believe she's the kind of person who can be easily persuaded?]
Subaru, who was about to grab Roswaal, stopped in his tracks at those words.
With his eyebrows lowered in frustration, Subaru could not deny that Roswaal had a point. ――The assassin, Elsa, also known as the Bowel Hunter, was the type who would not back down, not even against someone like Reinhard.
Even if her employer withdrew the request, it was hard to imagine Elsa would simply give up on her prey.
Subaru: [Why would you hire someone so difficult to handle…?]
Roswaal: [I chose her precisely because she's difficult to handle. If I'm going to test you, Subaru-kun, then the ordeal needs to be worthy of you. Wouldn't you agree she's performing that role peeerfectly~?]
Subaru: [This isn't funny! Fuck, you really had to pick the most troublesome method possible…]
Roswaal's schemes had been exposed, and yet he continued to remain a formidable adversary. Clenching his teeth in frustration at the traps Roswaal had laid, Subaru desperately racked his brain for a solution.
He knew that calling off Elsa and her associate would be the best possible outcome, but if that was not an option, he had to make sure he was not left without any cards to play.
For instance――,
Subaru: [So you can't stop Elsa. Fine. But you can tell her to change the plan, right?]
Roswaal: [――That should be possible. But what kind of change are you proposing?]
Subaru: [It doesn't need to be anything specific. So long as we can split them up…]
Hearing Subaru's answer, Roswaal furrowed his brows.
Even he could not fully grasp what Subaru was planning, which gave Subaru a small sense of satisfaction.
That said, Subaru's plan was not overly complicated. He had already devised a strategy to deal with Meili based on Echidna's advice. All he needed was to incorporate Roswaal's involvement into that plan.
Subaru reviewed the different combinations of options he had in his mind, and then lifted his head.
He could not definitively say which combination would be the best. However, that did not matter. So long as he had cards to play, and the opportunity to fight――,
Subaru: [Then I'll just keep playing the game as many times as it takes, until I get the best hand possible.]
△▼△▼△▼△
――Just like with Garfiel, he could tell when he had hit the "jackpot".
???: [――――]
It was likely the result of the staggering number of times he had repeated Return by Death.
He was already aware that his ability to smell Death had sharpened. As that sense expanded, and the equation between failure and Death became clear, he naturally learned to instinctively recognize the signals that spelled failure.
Thinking about it that way, considering how few of his experiences had ended in success compared to Failures, it might have been more accurate to say that he simply was not picking up on the stench of defeat this time.
Subaru: [It doesn't matter, either way.]
If the result was the same, he did not care whether the path to that result was predominantly positive or negative.
The separation and diversion had been successful, leading to the enemy's isolation. All that was left was to carefully observe and ensure that the baited target did not make any unexpected moves.
???: [Huff, huff…]
Ahead of him, a girl was running down the mountain path, gasping for breath.
Repeatedly looking over her shoulder to check for pursuers was a poor choice. He understood that instinct, but fleeing without regard for appearances was the best way to ensure survival. Looking back in fear only slowed her down, and invited Death to catch up.
Though she should have understood, even without thinking about it, that being caught meant certain death.
Subaru: [Ah, right, it really is over for you when you die.]
He shook his head, correcting the discrepancy in his thinking.
――The rules of life and death were absolute, except for Natsuki Subaru.
If he lost sight of that fact, it would eventually trip him up. He needed to remind himself of it regularly.
Girl: [This is strange… so stra~nge…!]
Her voice trembling, the girl's breathing grew more frantic with each gasp.
It was no wonder. An unfamiliar mountain path, lack of stamina, and a chest full of fear made her lungs quiver, making normal functioning impossible. Subaru had experienced this before.
Though it had been a while since he had felt that kind of fear.
Girl: [This, this is just like…]
The girl, thrown into an unimaginable situation, seemed to have seen something unbelievable. If it were Subaru from a short time ago, he might have described it this way. ――It was just like a nightmare.
Girl: [Shadow Lion-chan…!]
Her cheeks stiffened as the girl let out a desperate cry from her frail throat.
The name she called out was that of a brave Witchbeast that had followed her orders to hold back her pursuers―― but, her scream never reached the Witchbeast.
Instead of the reassuring roar she had hoped for, all she heard was a bone-chilling, agonized death wail.
The Guiltilaw, a Witchbeast that had caused Subaru countless hardships, let out a blood-curdling scream as if it were vomiting blood. The death cry was cut short, likely because it had lost the ability to make a sound.
Girl: [――Hk]
It was a mistake. Instead of using the Guiltilaw to stall her pursuers, she should have used it to aid her own escape.
Had she ridden on its massive back and fled through the hills and fields, she might have had a chance. But, that opportunity had slipped away with one poor decision. Naturally, he had been the one to close off that path.
The experience from a previous encounter, where she had escaped into the mountains with the fight ending in a draw, had proven useful this time.
Considering the threat she posed, allowing her to escape was not an option. No matter what, he had to end things with this dangerous assassin here and now.
Girl: [Elsa~…!]
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stumbled over branches and roots. Her braids came undone as she awkwardly ran, calling out her companion's name in a desperate plea for help.
She called out the name of her closest ally, more dependable than the Guiltilaw, or any of the other countless Witchbeasts.
In truth, if that person had been by her side, Subaru would have stood no chance.
That was why, he had used a card he was reluctant to use in order to separate the girl from that woman.
Girl: [It's just, so wei~rd…]
Cornered and overwhelmed by her circumstances, the girl shook her head in denial.
She understood her situation: separated from her ally, and stripped of the advantage her Divine Protection once provided. Her mind was in complete disarray, struggling to comprehend the reality she found herself in.
――And, at the same time, he could tell she had no more cards to play.
Subaru: [――Finally ran out of cards, huh? You really were a pain.]
Girl: [――Hk]
Holding her breath, the girl came to a halt and collapsed to the ground. Her forehead was damp with sweat, her bangs clinging to her skin as she―― as Meili turned to look at Subaru with an expression as if she had seen a ghost.
Seeing Subaru step out from between the trees ahead of her, her throat tightened in fear.
Meili: [――Ah, ah.]
Her eyes widened in shock, confusion clear in her gaze.
Perhaps, because of their previous encounter during the Ulgarm incident, Meili might have thought that Natsuki Subaru would have been an easy target.
However, that perception had been completely overturned, as she had been utterly and decisively outmaneuvered.
It was no surprise. To her, the real threats were the Great Spirit and the combat-capable maid left back at the mansion. As for Subaru――,
Subaru: ["He wasn't even on my radar."]
Meili: [――――]
Subaru: [And that's fine. In fact, that's what allowed me to set up this situation. Sorry, but I'll have to capture you now.]
Meili had no more pawns left to use. Even knowing this, Subaru could not afford to linger. While it was true that he did not want to give her any chance to fight back, there was another, more pressing reason.
Subaru could not risk getting killed himself in the process of executing his plan to suppress Meili.
As Subaru took a step closer, Meili's expression showed a hint of relief. Realizing that she would not be killed right here, her fear seemed to ease slightly.
That reaction sparked intense anger within Subaru.
Did she have any idea, just how much suffering she and her allies had put Subaru through?
So, just before capturing Meili, Subaru decided to deliver a parting shot.
Subaru: [――I can't take Elsa down without you.]
Subaru intended to use Meili as leverage against Elsa. Oddly enough, it seemed Elsa had a soft spot for her kin. Even a villain like her, must have had a sliver of humanity.
For a moment, Meili's face twisted in shock, and she opened her mouth to bite back at Subaru. However, the Witchbeast Master, left with no Witchbeast at her side, was no match for Subaru.
Meili: [――Ah.]
Subaru pressed a handkerchief soaked in a poisonous herb, one with a sedative-like effect, over her nose and mouth, causing Meili to lose consciousness.
The herb was said to be toxic in high doses, potentially leaving lasting effects, but Subaru chose to ignore that risk. After all, he was sparing her life, which was far more merciful than what she and her comrades had ever offered him.
Meili: [N-no~…]
Her strength drained from her limbs, and Meili collapsed, her body going limp as Subaru caught her.
As her eyelids fluttered shut, tears trickled down her cheeks, but they stirred nothing within Subaru's heart. No pity, no guilt. All that lingered was a quiet sense of relief, and――,
Subaru: [――A feeling of satisfaction, that you got what you deserved.]
???: [I see. That must feel quite satisfying, I'm sure.]
A woman's voice emerged from the shadows, as though it had crawled out of the very darkness itself.
Subaru, still holding Meili, turned to face the woman who had materialized from the gloom―― a figure that seemed as if a shadow had taken solid form.
He had made it just in time, teetering on the very brink of being too late, but――,
Subaru: [Seems like I can finally settle my score with all of you. I'm really sick of seeing your face.]
Woman: [I don't recall us meeting enough times for you to grow so tired of it…]
As she spoke, the woman tightened her grip on the kukri knife in her hand, a flicker of disgust glinting in her dark eyes as she glared at Subaru.
She was being uncharacteristically emotional. Subaru found this quite satisfying, and smiled.
A twisted, mocking sneer spread across his face, dripping with malice.
Woman: [You've grown far more unpleasant since the last time I saw you in the Royal Capital.]
Watching Subaru's behavior, the woman―― Elsa Granhiert muttered with visible displeasure.
△▼△▼△▼△
Subaru: [――Don't move. I know how much you care about Meili.]
Facing Elsa, the jet-black assassin, Subaru mercilessly carried out his hostage plan.
Holding the unconscious Meili from behind, he pressed a small knife against her neck. Even with Elsa's inhuman speed, Subaru would still be able to slit her throat first.
Elsa: [――――]
As expected, Elsa narrowed her eyes and remained still, just as Subaru had demanded.
However, the dangerous killing intent radiating from her entire body did not diminish in the slightest.
Elsa: [So, what now?]
Subaru: [Huh?]
Elsa: [What are you going to do next? You've taken Meili hostage, and immobilized me. I'll give you credit for that… but what's your plan from here?]
Twirling the kukri knife in her hand in an exaggerated manner, Elsa asked Subaru what he intended to do next.
It was true that Subaru had succeeded in restricting Elsa's movements by using Meili as a hostage. But, even if he were to command Elsa to take her own life, she would not comply without a guarantee that Meili would be safe.
In fact, risking Meili's life and attacking Subaru was probably the better option for her.
He could not let that happen. That was why――,
Subaru: [You have your own rules. You won't abandon Meili. But, I also know you won't gently back down, either. So, I have a compromise.]
Elsa: [A compromise, you say? I suppose I can at least hear you out.]
Subaru: [I'll guarantee Meili's safety. In return, you'll obey me. If you do that…]
Elsa: [――I refuse.]
In an instant, a chillingly seductive voice whispered close to Subaru's ear.
At the same time, a black blade slashed through the air, aiming for Subaru's right arm, which held the knife to Meili's throat.
Her intent, was to sever his arm from the elbow, and to rescue Meili.
But――,
Subaru: [If this were the first time, you would've won.]
Looking down upon Elsa, who was poised from her strike, Subaru spoke with a cold, cruel tone.
Hearing his words, Elsa lifted her face, her expression twisting as she saw Subaru soaring above the treetops, ascending into the sky. It was clear what had enabled him to achieve this.
It was only natural. From Elsa's perspective, this was nothing short of betrayal.
Elsa: […Wasn't I acting on your request?]
???: [Yes, that's riiight~. I'm truly sorry about that.]
The one responding to Elsa's resentful remark was a jester-like warlock hovering in the air―― Roswaal L. Mathers, who had grabbed Subaru from under his shoulders, and saved him from the assassin's lethal strike.
Roswaal, the client, was now opposing Elsa, who had accepted his request.
Subaru: [It's because you didn't back down that we ended up in this ridiculous situation.]
Still holding Meili under his arm, Subaru was pulled up by Roswaal as he spoke thus to Elsa. At his words, Elsa furrowed her brow as if to say she was being unfairly accused.
Since the person in question was not aware of it, it was understandable that she would want to claim innocence. However, considering how many times they had gone through this, and how she always refused to listen, Subaru was no longer moved.
In any case――,
Subaru: [We've finally secured Meili, and guided the evacuation of the mansion and Arlam Village… now, all that's left is to finish you off.]
Elsa: [――――]
Subaru: [I'll be sure to use the same methods your sister did.]
Coldly stating this, Subaru's gaze shifted to behind Elsa. Noticing the intent in his eyes, Elsa slowly turned to glance over her shoulder.
Her back was completely exposed, but he did not make a move. There was no need to do any such thing.
Even without him having to lift a finger, Elsa had already fallen into a hopeless trap.
Elsa: [――Despicable.]
As Elsa spat out those words, an eerie presence began to close in around her, gradually tightening the noose.
It was not just one, or two. Not ten, or a hundred. There were far more than that. After all, it would take a number far greater than that to overpower the Divine Protection of Meili, the Witchbeast Master.
――The sound of evil fangs clacking together resounded, a noise that Subaru had heard countless times.
This was the trap that had been set to eliminate both Elsa and Meili, who had attacked the mansion.
Subaru: [Even knowing it's a trap, you still can't abandon Meili. You, you're a lot more human than I thought.]
Roswaal: [And, that's why we will defeeeat~ you.]
It was unpleasant for Subaru to be lumped together with Roswaal, but in truth, without his cooperation, the plan to defeat Elsa and Meili would not have succeeded.
Roswaal's presence was absolutely essential for luring the Great Rabbit, Subaru's ultimate joker.
Subaru: [Only someone with vast amounts of Mana and such great mobility could act as bait.]
Roswaal: [You're quite demanding in how you use people. But, I truly, truly admire your willingness to use whatever is avaaailable~ to you.]
Subaru: [Tch. Stop with the unnecessary――]
He was about to tell Roswaal to hold his tongue, but his words were abruptly cut off.
The reason was Elsa, who had rushed up the trunk of a tree and leapt toward him, landing right in front of Subaru.
Subaru: [――――]
Elsa's sense of timing was commendable, exploiting the brief moment of distraction caused by his conversation with Roswaal. This development caught Subaru off guard, as it was something he had not yet experienced.
Therefore, it was purely by chance that Subaru thrust Meili into the path of Elsa's blade.
Had Elsa not possessed such superhuman capabilities, she might have cut through Subaru's torso along with Meili. But, she was endowed with prodigious abilities.
Which, had allowed her to stop her blade the moment she realized it would kill Meili.
Subaru: [You really do care about your family. ――It makes me want to puke.]
Suspended in midair, Elsa was kicked away by Subaru, who spoke with disdain.
Elsa's body slowly tilted backward and fell, plummeting straight down without any means of protection. She descended into the midst of the swarm of Witchbeasts, eagerly clicking their fangs and licking their lips at their prey.
She fell, completely helpless to stop it――,
Elsa: [――You're despicable.]
Subaru: [I know.]
Once more, Elsa spat out an insult uncharacteristic of herself.
It was uncertain whether Subaru's reply had reached Elsa's ears. There was no time to confirm, as she was immediately engulfed by the swarm of Great Rabbits, biting into her from every direction.
Great Rabbit: [――――Kichi kichi.]
The slayer swung her kukri knives and flailed with her limbs, tearing into the approaching Witchbeasts. However, it did not last long. As her fingers and ankles were bitten off, her body helplessly crumbled.
Being hard to kill only served to prolong her agony before the Great Rabbit. It was nothing more than a cruel spectacle.
Roswaal: [Well done.]
As they watched down below as Elsa was devoured, Roswaal whispered to Subaru. Hearing the tone of his voice, Subaru twisted his lips in displeasure.
Roswaal: [Oh my, it's quite disheartening to see that expression. I assure you that my congratulations are sincere.]
Subaru: [Shut up. It's not over yet.]
Roswaal: [Indeed, we―― no, your esteemed self and I still have the task of luring the Great Rabbit to the Great Waaaterfall~.]
Subaru looked at Roswaal with suspicion as he shook his head and corrected himself in more formal language.
Noticing Subaru's intent to understand the reason behind the sudden formality, Roswaal smiled and continued,
Roswaal: [You are my savior. You have proven it splendidly. Therefore, I wish to offer the appropriate respect your esteemed self is due. That is all there is to it.]
Subaru: […Is that so.]
The sincere admiration, the chewing sounds of the Witchbeasts below devouring his bitter enemy, and the faint heartbeat of the girl in his arms: all of it was irritating, causing Subaru to grimace as he touched the Magic Crystal around his neck.
Only the black Magic Crystal knew the extent of Subaru's success, and the countless failures he had endured after each attempt.
His throat dry, Subaru clearly understood that this knowledge was his only solace.
Great Rabbit: [――――Kichi kichi.]
Chomp chomp, crunch crunch. The sound of the Great Rabbit's gnawing echoed loudly.
Right now, more than anything, all he wanted to hear was the aloof voice of the Witch.
△▼△▼△▼△
Shrouded in white light, his vision suddenly cleared.
What greeted Subaru was a green meadow and a cool breeze, a white table and chairs set up on a small hill, a steaming cup of tea, and sweet-smelling tea cakes.
And, the one who had prepared all this was a Witch, whose appearance was defined by the stark contrast of black and white.
Echidna: [――Well done, Natsuki Subaru. At last, you have fulfilled your dearest wish.]
As Subaru climbed the hill and stood before the table, Echidna watched him and gave a small round of applause.
Even her words of congratulations and welcome seemed laced with ulterior motives. It was almost a kind of talent. Subaru scratched his cheek, her demeanor threatening to ruin the afterglow of his sense of accomplishment.
Still, she was a familiar face. Her voice was one he had grown used to hearing.
Echidna: [――? What is the matter? You do not look very happy. Could it be, that my congratulations were too plain?]
Subaru: [No, that's not it…]
Echidna: [I even thought about making it more extravagant, decorating the place and inviting the other Witches for a grand celebration. I could have changed into a more festive dress instead of my usual outfit. You are a boy, after all, so I thought you might hope for a bit more of a welcoming spectacle…]
Subaru: [That's definitely not the case. This is fine as is.]
Misinterpreting Subaru's brief silence, Echidna tried to make everything more complex, so Subaru motioned for her to stop with his hand.
Then, he sighed and sat down in the seat prepared for him across from Echidna. Gently, Subaru picked up his cup, letting the warm aroma waft into his nostrils.
However, it was a strange tea, one whose scent gave no indication of whether it was sweet or bitter.
Echidna: [Have you grown addicted to it yet?]
Subaru: [When it comes to Dona Tea, I always tell myself that if I don't drink this, I won't be able to Return by Death next time.]
Echidna: [What a way to phrase it. Well, considering it is your lifeline, I suppose you are not entirely wrong.]
Despite her words, Echidna gave a wry smile, seemingly enjoying herself.
Perhaps, she truly was pleased that Subaru had achieved his goal.
Subaru: [That would be surprising.]
Echidna: [What do you mean by that?]
Subaru: [I thought you'd be hoping I'd struggle more.]
Echidna: [Hey now, you are being quite blunt with your words. I am still the Witch who made a Contract with you, am I not? There is no way I would dislike my contractor's wish coming true. That is something only those creatures from your memories, uh…]
Subaru: [――Demons.]
Echidna: [Yes, that was it. Only a demon would feel that way, do you not agree?]
Echidna pursed her lips, snapping her fingers and pointing at Subaru.
Subaru offered a brief apology. Whatever the truth might have been, it was true that Echidna had genuinely congratulated him on achieving his goal, even if it was just on the surface.
In that case, accepting it, even if it was just a pretense, was the proper thing to do.
Subaru: [I'll gratefully accept your lip service.]
Echidna: [I thought we were talking about how it was not just lip service…]
Echidna sighed deeply as she spoke. Then, bringing her cup to her lips, she continued, "Oh well, no matter",
Echidna: [It is hard to get you to accept things at face value… but, you have done it. That is a fact. Right?]
Subaru: [――True. Yeah, you're right.]
Reminded by Echidna, Subaru blinked a few times before nodding.
Indeed, just as Echidna had said, Subaru had finally achieved his goal after countless failures. He had resolved the problems surrounding the Sanctuary, dealt with the Great Rabbit and Garfiel, passed the Trials, and saved everyone.
He had also solved the issues at the Roswaal mansion, defeated Elsa and Meili, thwarted Roswaal's schemes, and saved all those he wanted to save.
He had found solutions to both situations, which had seemed to be at a dead end, and reached the right conclusion.
Without anyone dying, without letting anyone else die, they had all finally reached Tomorrow together.
And yet――,
Subaru: […I just don't feel it.]
Echidna: [――――]
Subaru: [Step by step, I went over everything, making sure there were no mistakes or oversights, scrutinizing every move. And, I finally made it here, but…]
Looking at his trembling hands, Subaru could not be sure if he had truly reached the opposite shore he had desired.
So long as Subaru kept pushing forward, he was able to keep his doubts at bay. He could focus entirely on how to overcome the problems right in front of him, without getting distracted by unnecessary thoughts.
However, now that all those efforts had borne fruit, what had surfaced instead were feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
He did not feel the slightest bit of a sense of accomplishment; no feeling of satisfaction filled his heart.
Subaru: [If anything, I just feel more and more anxious.]
Echidna: [Anxious? Why?]
Subaru: [I don't know! I really don't get it. I don't know the reason at all. It's just that, if things go on like they have before, then the starting point for Return by Death will probably be updated.]
If Subaru's previous experiences and Echidna's speculation were correct, Subaru had to overcome a significant challenge for the starting point of Return by Death to update.
On the other hand, while he had infinite chances to try again, Subaru could never return to a problem he had already cleared. Even if he had left something behind.
He was worried that he might have left something else behind again, just like how he could not save Rem from her coma.
Thinking that way, he felt like he was unable to contain himself.
Subaru: [Did I really not screw anything up? Is it okay for me to celebrate solving that problem? Has something irreversible happened somewhere I can't see?]
Echidna: […Within the range of what I can observe, nothing of that sort has happened.]
Subaru: [But, your sight only covers what I can already see! What about beyond that?]
Grabbing the Magic Crystal from around his neck, Subaru slammed it down on the table.
The crystal, a symbol of his Contract with Echidna, allowed her to see what Subaru saw. However, it did not extend beyond his field of vision.
If someone far away, separated from him, were to get hurt, Subaru would not be able to know.
Subaru had thought he had finally overcome the wall standing in his way, but now this anxiety and fear were coming at him in a new form――,
Echidna: [――Calm down, Natsuki Subaru.]
As Subaru trembled in fear of the unknown, a gentle voice softly reached his earlobe from close by.
Echidna, who was standing beside Subaru, gently pulled his head to her chest, cradling it softly. She stood to his right, embracing his head tenderly.
Subaru: [――――]
Subaru held his breath, and stiffened in surprise at the Witch's unexpected action. As she gently stroked his head, Echidna asked softly if he had calmed down.
Echidna: [I have heard that the sound of a human heartbeat has a calming effect on others. What do you think?]
Subaru: […I can't hear your heartbeat.]
Echidna: [Hmm, maybe that is because I am dead. I never really paid attention to that before.]
Echidna seemed surprised by this unforeseen issue, but not appearing particularly concerned about it,
Echidna: [But, I can hear your heartbeat very clearly. At first, it was fast and loud, then it jumped strongly for a moment, and now it is still a bit fast, but quieter.]
Subaru: [Gh…]
Echidna: [It seems my soft skin had some effect after all.]
Subaru: [G-get away from me!]
Subaru ground his teeth as Echidna grinned triumphantly, and he shook off her arms that were holding him. As she backed away with a playful "Whoa there", Subaru glared at her and stood up from his chair.
Subaru: [Stop messing around! I'm serious here. I've been seriously thinking and worrying…]
Echidna: [You are worried about everyone around you. I know that. I was not messing around, either.]
Subaru: [Then…!]
Echidna: [I just chose the quickest way to help. According to my calculations, we do not have much time to ease your anxiety. It seemed best to make a quick decision.]
Subaru leaned on the table with one hand, eyeing Echidna suspiciously as she answered.
Did she just say, she would ease Subaru's anxiety? But, how could she do that?
Subaru: [Is there a way to do that…?]
Echidna: [I understand the worries and concerns that torment you. It is true that I cannot see beyond your field of perception, and I had not expected this kind of pitfall. I had not expected that your heart would not be at peace after solving your problem.]
Subaru: [Answer. My. Question! Echidna! Can, you get rid of this anxiety?]
Stepping forward, Subaru closed the distance between them. He fixed his eyes on the white and black Witch, his voice rising with intensity.
Subaru wanted a straightforward answer without any pretense. How could he find relief? ――No, Subaru did not care about himself. What he wanted, was to save everything else.
To save the people around Natsuki Subaru, those who made up his world.
For that, he needed to know――,
Subaru: [What should I do!?]
Echidna: [――You should die.]
Her face was so close to his that he could feel her breath, her long eyelashes nearly brushing against him. Her otherworldly beauty stared straight into Subaru's eyes as she quietly sentenced him to death.
Die. That one word that had passed Echidna's lips made Subaru's eyes widen, and his breath catch in his throat.
Instead of reacting with immediate outrage, Subaru tried to accept and understand that Echidna's words were not a joke or jest.
And, after asking himself why over and over again, the answer became clear.
Subaru: [So, you're saying I should try again, to find a better path?]
Echidna: [――Yes, that is exactly it. You have resolved the issues of the Sanctuary and the mansion, and you have most definitely saved everyone there. But, if there exists any regret or dissatisfaction with the outcome, you can still address those as well.]
Subaru: […I, could do it better next time.]
Echidna: [I am certain you could. But, you have to do it before the one who granted you this Authority deems this situation acceptable. Before the checkpoint of Return by Death is updated.]
Spreading her arms wide, Echidna added this clarification to ensure that Subaru understood.
The new path Echidna had suggested was nothing short of a revelation to Subaru.
After all, Subaru had chosen the right path. He had made the correct choices. And yet, because the result did not sit well with him, he could throw it all away and start over, in search of something even better.
Doing such a thing would be the epitome of――,
Echidna: [――Greed.]
Hearing Echidna voice the word that had come to his mind, Subaru stared intently at her.
He expected to see her laughing with a wicked expression in response. But, Subaru was mistaken. ――Instead, Echidna's eyebrows drooped, not in mischief, but in quiet sorrow.
Echidna: [It is a cruel path which I suggest. You realize that, do you not? If you continue like this, even when you choose the right path, it is likely you will never be satisfied.]
Subaru: […And, you'd be happy to watch that, wouldn't you? To see all the different outcomes unfold.]
Echidna: [Please do not take this lightly. I am genuinely worried about you. If you keep pushing yourself, one day, your heart may crack and shatter.]
Echidna's serious gaze took Subaru by surprise, making him raise his eyebrows.
At the same time, Subaru started to wonder if he had been mistaken in his understanding of Echidna, of the Witch.
Echidna had witnessed these hundreds of journeys alongside Subaru. He had thought those experiences would not affect a Witch like her.
However, that was Subaru's way of looking at things; a view filled with pride.
Subaru: [――I won't break.]
Echidna: [You cannot be sure of that. This has already gone far beyond what we had originally envisioned…]
Subaru: [But, you're here, aren't you?]
Echidna's eyes widened in surprise as Subaru cut her off mid-sentence.
Amused by her surprise, Subaru gave a wry smile, his shoulders relaxing.
Subaru understood Echidna's concerns. He also realized that he was about to throw himself into an unimaginable struggle, and that it was reasonable to doubt his sanity.
But, if he was going to risk breaking, if he was going to walk that razor-thin line between sanity and madness, Echidna would be his reassurance.
Subaru: [Your job is to keep me from losing it, isn't it? That was part of the Contract. Have you already forgotten the terms of your own sales pitch?]
Echidna: [I-I have not forgotten. Of course, I intend to do everything I can.]
Subaru: [Then, do just that. ――I'll make sure my heart doesn't break, either.]
Subaru's argument was weak in terms of justification, but Echidna remained silent for a while after hearing it, her shoulders slumping. She pressed her hand to her forehead, and shaking her head,
Echidna: [Fine, fine. You are right. It was I who had suggested this in the first place. If you need to, you can take out your frustrations on my body however you like…]
Subaru: [Yeah, that helps. Keep a stock of neck bones ready.]
Echidna: [There are other ways to comfort you besides breaking my neck, you know!]
Echidna's voice rose in response to Subaru's excessively unscrupulous comment.
Subaru could not help but laugh, as his exchange with Echidna had become so funny to him.
To his frustration, the fear and anxiety that had been swirling around in his chest until just moments ago had subsided enough for him to take another step forward towards a reckless plan.
He had found the correct answer. And yet, seeking an even better outcome, he would plunge back into the darkness once more.
Subaru: [If I'm going to die anyway, I might as well aim for the best outcome.]
Echidna: [You know, that kind of resolve does not really suit someone about to throw themselves into death. You really are serious, right?]
Subaru: [Yeah, I'm serious. I've always been serious. It's too late for you to have any regrets now.]
Subaru extended his fist to Echidna, signaling for her to join him on this journey to hell. At first, Echidna hesitated, confused for a moment.
Seeing Echidna's uncertainty, Subaru pushed his fist forward again, making his gesture clear.
Subaru: [This is a new beginning for Natsuki Subaru. You had better hold on tight and come along for the ride.]
Echidna: [Very well. ――Truly, you are a most remarkable contractor.]
With a faint blush on her cheeks, her eyebrows lowering with a mix of sorrow and other emotions, Echidna brought her arm forward to meet Subaru's outstretched fist with her own.
And so, Natsuki Subaru decided to start anew, seeking new possibilities.
Echidna: [――Yes, you truly are an exceptional contractor.]
Watching her contractor depart with renewed determination and vigor, the Witch narrowed her dark eyes.
He moved forward with a positive attitude, diving into the darkness to pursue a better future.
She had not truly guided him. She had simply mentioned it because the opportunity presented itself, hoping for that outcome. If things went well, it would be a gain; if not, there would be no loss.
That said, it was true that she did not want to see him get hurt.
She had no hesitation in using her knowledge, experience, and resources to prevent his heart from breaking.
Echidna: [Though, it would be nice if that obsession of his made him take a bit more interest in me.]
Putting aside her previous sentiments, the Witch muttered to herself as she ran her hands over her figure.
She knew she was not lacking in charm. In fact, she considered herself to be in the better category, which made Subaru's indifference all the more perplexing.
Echidna: [Well, I suppose it is rather charming, too. Not everyone is like this single-minded boy, so devoted that he is willing to sacrifice himself time and time again. ――For now, I shall respect that obsession of his.]
After all, his determination was so powerful that he no longer viewed Death as Death, or even feared it.
If that burning desire was his driving force to move himself forward, she, the Witch of Greed, would never deny it.
――For now, she would simply wish in silence, hoping that her contractor's new challenge would be filled with the sweet unknown.