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Chapter Text

Walking down a corridor of prison cells, Julius the knights of knights prepares for another day ending. He looks to his left scanning the cells seeing various criminals. Most of the criminals assigned on this floor were for petty crimes and thus their cells received adequate commendations. A toilet, sink, bed and books to keep one occupied. Regular meals are served 3 times a day and they aren't allowed to leave until their sentence is served.

‘This was the preferible way to treat prisoners’ Julius thought to himself but was quickly reminded of some of the scum that roam Laguna. Gluttony had taken his name and brought his position of ‘Knights of knights’ into jeopardy. This infuriated him to no end. To have someone's work and effort stolen, meaningless as no one could vouch for your claims of hard work.

His skill with the sword and 6 spirits were enough to convince the commander of the royal knights to grant him temporary guard status as without his actions known, It would be seen as an unfair promotion to the rest of the guard if a suspected newcomer was granted “Royal knight” status.

He had to regain his name, he had to find Gluttony but the trail in Pristilla city went cold. That was until a suspected witch cultist was detained by the sword demon. The archbishop made himself known by falsifying a story of being a royal candidate's knight. What a mockery of an archbishop, to think someone so engulfed by the witches miasma would be accepted into a royal candidates camp much less a knight.

Reaching the end of the corridor, Julius descended a spiral staircase passing many floors, each with their respective way of treating criminals. With each step approaching the bottom floor a stench was becoming more pungent. It smelled of blood and decay mixed with other body fluids one must not dwell on.

The archbishop was his only lead to Gluttony and he would not waste it. Felix had stated that he would force Pride to talk through “Unique” methods. When Juluis first learned of these methods, he wanted to scream at the feline for even thinking this is what a knight stood for. But Felix told Julius that all other methods had failed. Pain would be Pride's companion until he told us how to cure Crush and Gluttonys whereabouts.

With the final step taken, Julius saw the 3 familiar gates separated by 10 feet. Each one with a guard on either side. Once the guards saw Julius coming, they opened the gate and the guards that followed waited patiently until the first gate closed. Per protocol, at maximum one gate could be open. A measure to ensure that no-one can get in or out without alerting the guards.

“AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!”

At the third gate opening, A scream overshadowed the sound of the grating iron scraping against the stone floor. He had recognized this scream, reveled in its sound even. To Julius it meant progress towards a goal he thought unreachable. One day he will break and give Gluttony's location then he can go back to being the Knights of knights.

At the end of the corridor, Julius was met with a familiar sight. Felix had torn into the archbishops torso with a dagger and jabbed his fingertips into the slit maximizing his blood boil technique.

“Please….. I don't know anything…..Felix, stop. I don't know.”

His begs were almost chant-like, repeated over and over as if in prayer. His cries for mercy were met with a sharp jab from Julius' wooden sword striking him on his clearly defined rib cage causing a sickening crack to be heard.

“AAAAAAHHH!”

“Felix, It's time to stop. You were summoned by Lady Crush.”

Felix, seeming to beam about being needed by his master, retracted his fingers from his open slit while stretching his fingers of course, causing the slit to increase ever so slightly in order to cause the most pain possible.

“My lady needs me right nyeoh!”

He then stood applying healing magic to Pride. Upon closing his wounds, Felix turns around to Julius and explains ever so carefully that beatings are allowed but nothing that will cause him to lose too much blood.

“He lost a lot of blood already so bruise him up while I talk to Crush.” He then took a cute cat pose standing on one leg splashing in the puddle of blood under him. “I’ll be counting on you Julius and Pride.”

After Felix leaves, Julius gets another good look at Pride's cell.

Chains on both his arms held by a pulley embedded in the roof forcing him to hang in the air. Both shoulders out of their sockets from being suspended for so long. White hair overgrown covering his nasty gaze and skin tightly wound to his skeleton showing the bones underneath with several scars adorning his entire body.

There was no bed, one sink half full and filled with bloody rags and rusty knives. There was also no toilet as his waste simply plopped onto the cold stone floor where a guard would enter and clean it up but not before punching him a few times for creating more work for them.

“Where is Gluttony?” Juluis asked Pride with a fiery glare.

His response. Silence. Wrong answer.

“AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!”

A jolt of pain is felt as the knight swung his sword into his ankle dislocating it as it hangs loosely. After a few seconds of silence.

*DRIP*

*DRIP*

*DRIP*

Pride is crying. The tears fall onto the blood below his feet as he remembers all those he misses. Julius has witnessed him cry many times and started to lift his sword, intending to strike his elbow next but before he could, A whimper escaped from his prisoner.

“Why…..”

Julius’s glare softens for just a moment. Why? You are a monster beyond comprehension, Your ally stole my life's achievement and another poisoned a royal candidate. You are not deserving of mercy.

“I SAID WHY!!” Pride shouted while glaring at Julius.

“KNIGHTS OF KNIGHTS MY ASS, YOUR NOTHING BUT A TORTURER. I TOLD YOU MANY TIMES THAT I'M INNOCENT, DID I GET A TRAIL, NO! WAS THERE EVIDENCE—”

HIs rant interrupted as the knight swiped at his jaw.

“The great spirit labeled you as such and you yourself confirmed that the witches miasma hangs off you. Your ‘Allies’ left you for dead and you still protect them so I ask you again. WHERE IS GLUTTONY!?”

“I don't know. It doesn't matter how many times you ask, I just don't know.” The boy answered horsley as his earlier shouting used most of his remaining salvia.

“Do they have a base? What is their next target? You want this to stop, then cooperate.”

“I told you to get Rienha—”

*SNAP*

Sensing where the conversation was going, Julius swung the wooden sword at the ground making it snap and unleash a wind gust due to the sheer speed of the slash.

“I’ve heard this before, You will not hurt my friend.” The knight turns, discarding the broken sword and walks towards the many spare that are leaning into the corner of the cell.

Pride chuckles while Julius picks up a new sword causing him to turn his head towards him.

“Are you afraid that he will confirm that I'm telling the truth? That the knights of knights beat the living snot out of an innocent man for–” Pride paused as he seemed to be in deep thought changing his face from a smirk, to a frown, then scrunched but ultimately giving up.

“Well, I don't know how long I have been here. Could you tell me?”

Julius then grabbed his hair leaning his head back as he pointed the tip of his new wooden sword at his throat.

“You will be here forever unless,” The tip of the sword is now pressing against Pride's throat with pressure slowly building up.”YOU TALK!”

The chained prisoner leans towards the sword causing him to choke his next words out.

“I,,,,I have been talking, Y… you just don't l…l…listen.”

Julius retracts his sword and lets go of the boy's hair. Perhaps an honest conversation can help him gain information. Pride was interrogated by both Julius and Felix. If he feels less intimated then maybe he will falter and give useful information if not. There's always choice b.

After acquiring a chair from the knights stationed outside, Julius sits down and has his sword resting behind him attempting to calm him. Still looking down, Pride recognized that he had one chance to escape this hell. They haven't killed him. NOT ONCE. Always healed, just close enough for death's cold fingertips to graze his sunken cheeks but pulled before he is embraced by healing magic.

“First things first. My name isn't Pride. It's Natsuki Subaru!”

“So I've heard. What can you tell me that will prove your innocence?”

“Did you listen to the story I told you guys at the start of all this, The whale hunt, The defeat of sloth, The Great Rabbit and then Priestella?”

“A tale you no doubt woven to get into the good graces of royal candidates.” Julius responded with a cold accusatory tone.

Subaru then looks towards Julius. “How do you explain the alliance between the three camps?”

Julius' face twitched and his memory temporally fogged as if something was obscuring his memories and only giving him vague answers to his inquiry .

“The camps wanted mining rights, My leader saw an opportunity and took it.”

“And the defeat of sloth?”

“A fateful encounter as we were heading towards the royal candidates home to report our victory, It was destiny that led my sword to take sloth’s life.”

“How did you defeat sloth?” Subaru asked again indicating he wanted to know about the battle not the circumstance.

Julius, taking note of this, started answering his question but did not want to get into a long story so he kept it short.

“It was a hard fought battle that required all of my senses and —”

“How did you see his unseen hands?” Subaru interrupted.

Julius froze as he searched his memories for the answer. He remembered seeing hands bathed in shadow sprouting from the madman but his allies could not. He recalled them saying the archbishop was floating in the air as if carried by nothing but as it approached him at the ambush point. Did he see it then or when they started to battle?

“How do you explain that I saw them then?” The knight wanted answers, He hardly believed in miracles.

“You used nect with me since I could. You saw what I saw, Do you remember seeing yourself fighting?”

A memory surfaced for just a moment. A fleeting second in which the memory was able to surface the water flooding them, obscuring them before immediately being pulled under the sea of forgotten memory. A memory of himself fighting in which his eyes were closed. Julius stood from his chair immediately as a ringing noise threatened to tear his mind. The knight chose to blame this new pain to the archbishop. No good came from talking to a mad man.

“Is this your authority Pride? To take someone’s pride and throw it to waste. I defeated Sloth by myself, An accomplishment that I am proud of. Do not claim it as yours,” Julius grabs the sword and swings it at his arm.”YOU VILE MONSTER!”

A crack is heard and despite the pain, Pride let no whimper escape his mouth. No. He still has something to say, Pain can come after.

“Why don't you ask Reinhard? Ask him to prove your claims? Do you not want them to be true, Is your honor tied to lies? Tell me ‘KNIGHTS OF KNIGHTS’!”

“You talk about honor?” Julius knows honor is nothing to the witch cult. How many atrocities are attributed to their love of the witch. How many men, women, young and old tasted their blade with no distinction whether there were threats or not.

“You slaughtered innocents across the continent. You butchered children and you talk to me about honor. I am Julius Juukulius the knights of knights and still you claim to have honor. In front of me no less.”

The knight prepares another strike but is interrupted as the sound of gates opening travel through the corridor. After a series of footsteps, the cat boy Felix has returned to do a final checkup before turning to bed.

“Hello Julius and Pride,” He closes his fist and rubs his eyes in a cat-like manner.”I see you're getting along just fine but it's time for bed so I’ll heal you before tomorrow's session. “

Felix opens the cell and approaches Pride and starts to heal his broken bones and bruises. “We need you in top condition for the fun we’ll have.” After the healing session is finished, Felix advises Julius to leave the archbishop alone and turn to bed himself.

Julius takes his advice and places the sword with the others and begins to follow Felix but is interrupted by Pride calling his name.

“I don't have anything more to say today. Tomorrow we will have a long discussion, Pride.” His tone laced with venom as he ignores the archbishop and continues his way to the cell door.

“I could have escaped, you know.” Pride snickers.

“What?” Julius could not ignore his provocation.

“I have the sloth witch factor. Unseen hands or what I call it, Invisible providence.”

“You have no such thing.”

“Are you sure? I was there when Sloth was defeated and his authority was transferred to me.”

“A feeble attempt at trickery, Your shame knows no—” Julius couldn't finish his sentence as the words caught in his throat were now being choked by an unseen force.

“You can't see it, can you?” Pride remarked.

“Ack!” The knight couldn't call for help as he was now levitating off the floor held by his neck.

“I won't kill you because we are friends,” The invisible force holding Julius suddenly disappears as he lands and is brought to his hands and knees wheezing for air. “You can't see invisible province because you could never see unseen hands.”

Julius now looked at Pride with un-filtered fury. He would have to kill the archbishop in order to stop his escape.

“I won't escape. It would mean killing all the guards and if you or Felix are here,” Pride now had an anguish look as he stared down Julius. “You guys too.”

The knights of knights wanted to kill the archbishop with every fiber of his being but doing so would mean losing his only connection to Gluttony and Crush’s salvation. As much as he would like to avoid it. Having Reinhard here could ensure his security along with the prison. Reinhard had Divine blessings against memory tampering so he wouldn't have to worry about pride.

“As much as it is undesirable,” Julius stands up using the cell's iron bars as supports.” I will bring Reinhard here as long as you don’t escape.”

Pride's face beamed and thanked the knights of knights. He promised not to escape though he said he never would.

As Julius left, Pride would be left in the dark with his own thoughts again.

Escape? I could have escaped hundreds of times by now. I could have killed them all but how far would I get? There are guards everywhere around the prison. This place is armed so getting out with no killing. Talk about impossible difficulty. After all that, the sword saint would come get me. I don't want to hurt them.

I don't want them dead. Why can't they understand? I love them all. Emilia-tan…Rem…..Beako…..Otto….Garfiel…..Ram…..Petra…..

Before Pride could continue, Tears spilled once again as his wails echo against the cold stone walls almost taunting him about his lost loved ones.

“Why? After everything i've done, Why does it never end. I wanna go home. I wanna see Emilia, I want to sleep next to Beako, bicker with ram. I just wanna *Hik* go home.”

Chapter Text

“Are you affiliated with the witch cult?” Julius asked Pride

“No, I have been taking them down.”

Julius glanced at Reinhard for confirmation to be met with a short nod of affirmation. The knights of knights struggled at his revelation but it was not done yet.

“Were you the royal candidate Emilia’s knight?”

“Yes.”

“Did you battle the archbishop of sloth?”

“Yes”

Julius could feel every answer strike his heart as every single one was deemed true. Had he truly tortured a friend, a fellow knight at that? The interrogation was far from over. Maybe these memories are remembered only by me and he could only attest to being there.

“The demise of sloth, Where was it?”

“The great plains, near the Flugel tree.”

THAT'S IT! There is a lie, Sloth was defeated underneath a cliff side overlocking jagged rocks. He had lied and felt vindicated about his punishment thus he had taken his scabbard and held the hilt of his sword, ready to swipe at the man.

Subaru seeing this wanted to clarify, to scream for a chance to explain but his voice betrayed him as fear had strangled his throat. The sword had begun to exit its scabbard when a sudden flash of wind breezed by Subaru.

“He was telling the truth, Julius.” Reinhard spoke as he held his friend's hand.

“Lunacy! I know where Sloth was defeated. His tactics had failed him. He may believe that his statement is true but it does not align with my memories!”

Julius had not known why he was so eager to disprove Pride's statements but he knew it wasn't elegant and betrayed the moniker of knights of knights. It was as if his entire mind was working, clicking and clunking against itself trying to decipher what the cultist said but when he focused on what he did know, He felt relief. As if finding a cave amidst a blizzard or a fire in the cold of night.

“Allow the prisoner to finish, my friend. Let him defend himself.” Reinhard spoke while looking in the direction of the cultist, urging him to continue.

“Petelguese didn't die at the cliff. He was still alive and re-appeared, chasing me and Otto.” Pride was looking not at the knight's eyes but his sword. He had become used to receiving strikes after every statement. He was preparing for the worst.

“My friend Otto has no recollection of such events. He rushed towards Emilia’s carriage to retrieve the dangerous fire stones that were stashed under the floorboards.” Julius retorted, almost eager to swipe his sword at the mere thought of this Cultist claiming achievements he did not own.

“I had convinced Otto to chase the carriage using his divine protection. He told me that he could catch up. When we left, Petelgeuse was hot on our trail and using one of your spirits, I set him on fire.”

“My Spirit?” Julius flinched at the mention of his little ones. After his name was eaten, they had forgotten about him and all the time they spent was washed away like lines in the sand when the tide rolls in.

He was fortunate enough that the same Spirits still wanted to contract with him and he had named them just as before. Does pride know the name of his fire spirit? Would that confirm how close they were? He was afraid to ask, would the answer destroy him?

“What was its name?”

“.....Ia”

Oh od. The frame containing Subaru's memory within Julius begins to crack as he goes down the list of people who know his spirit's name. Very few know of their names, Fewer committed it to memory but that wasn't enough to persuade him that he was innocent but it was enough for a feeling of dread to grow in the crevasse of his heart.

“You have knowledge of events and information that could have not been known unless present. I may have been wronged but the shadow of doubt still hangs over you.”

“How could I prove to you other than memories we both share?” Subaru asked Julius.

“By answering a question you have previously answered,"

Subaru knew what this question was, He had lied, triggering Reinhard's divine protection of wind reading. He had to tell the truth but how could he when the question involved.

“Are you associated with the witch of envy?” Julius asked sternly.

Just after the battle. The man calling himself Natsuki Subaru had pleaded with them about his rank under the royal candidate Emilia. Her knight was always Garfiel but Subaru claimed to be affected by gluttony. It was then that the great spirit of yin had pointed out his connection to the witch, how he was practically bathed in the witches miasma. Most members almost jumped on the alleged cultist if the great spirit didn't reiterate that the scent did not mean allegiance.

Julius then asked the question, “ Are you associated with the witch Sattela?”

“No.”

If Reinhard was not present in the room when Pride answered then they would have believed the lie spewing from his mouth but as he answered, Rienhard had come in, returning from his patrol around the city.

“It seems you are lying.”

Back at the cell, Subaru recalled these events and chose his words carefully.

“I was forced too. I am not allied with her, This stench had come from the witch and had oozed off me since I came to Lagunica.” Subaru answered with complete honesty. He knew Sattella and the witch of envy were two separate people.

“Truth.” Rienhard spoke up bewildered on how his answer changed.

The knights of knights will to torture him shattered The base of his accusations holding no weight means that his reward was for serving a royal candidate and aiding him in battle was an unjust torture session that lasted for weeks, at the hand of his friends. It hurt his heart but without his memory, he could not verify these statements. He still had to be treated with caution.

“Have you ever attempted to hurt a royal candidate?”

“No.”

“Truth.”

“Are you currently plotting against Lagunica?”

“No.”

“Truth.”

“Have you altered our minds in any way shape or form?”

“No.”

“Truth.”

“Have you altered your own mind in any way shape or form?”

“No.”

“Do you plan to harm anyone?”

“Yes.”

“Truth.”

“Who?”

“Gluttony, Lust, Anyone from the witch cult.”

“Truth.”

“Anyone else?”

“No.”

“Truth.”

Julius was perplexed by this admission, Subaru didnt plan to take revenge for the torture he was subjected to and it hurt him deeply. He didn't believe everything Subaru said but with Rienhards detector, he was out of excuses. If everything he said was the truth then he had failed as both a knight and a friend.

He will shame himself no longer. He will free this man. Julius began to approach Subaru, The prisoner flinched at this sudden motion tensing his muscles awaiting a strike. Only to hear the rustle of keys and the release of one of his arms.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?”

Suddenly Julius was thrashed aside when an angry Felix stormed towards Pride grabbing his arm and boiling his blood.

“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

At the sudden shout, Rienhard moved and pinned Felix to the wall in a flash of movement.

“Rienhard! Let me go! Is he controlling you!?”

“No my friend. We have just proven this man holds no ill intentions nor has any connection to the witch cult.”

“HE’S LYING! HE CANT LEAVE UNTIL HE HELPS LADY CRUSH!”

Julius stood up and was confused by friends apparent blood lust. The veil of anger that clouded his judgement had only begun to lift and now he was seeing what that same veil turned his friend into. An animal, A crying, lonesome, desperate monster bent on taking out his frustrations on what he perceived as his only obstacle to his lady's salvation.

It was hard to look at the healer when he thought. ‘Was that how I looked,’ The healer looked at Reinhard with rage. ‘ Only able to discern friend or foe,’. Felix began to growl at Reinhard only to look at Julius.

“Julius, Don't forget, He knows how to get your name back. Don't you want to be the knights of knights again!?”

“Yes.”

“Then put the handcuffs on his arm and help me report Reinhard to the council tomorrow!”

If Julius was confused before, now he was denying what he just heard. Reinhard? The sword saint? Report? Rienhard had never acted against Lagunica's interest and has an absurd amount of divine protections, most protecting him from various attacks, even mind attacks. Felix knew this, how could he doubt Reinhard. Is this how hard he has fallen? Was he just as awful? No.

“Are you suggesting we tell the council that the sword saint was compromised!?”

Julius stood firm, The news would question Rienhards competency even if found to be false, limiting his already limited freedom. A worse case scenario for his introverted friend. He was angry that Felix would even accept the idea.

“He’s protecting the Archbishop of pride, That is proof enough that something is wrong with him….. and with you for removing the restraints.”

“ARE YOU MAD!?,” Julius slammed his fist against the cell wall.” The sword saint is our first line of defence, He has many divine protections. He could not be corrupted. Open your eyes! WE HAVE CONDEMMED AN INNOCENT MAN TO HORRIFIC TORTURE!”

Felix glared at him with all the hate he could muster. He had taken the situation and thought about Julius' supposed change of heart.

“With Reinhard here, I assume you had him confirm he was telling the truth, then let me ask my own question.”

Julius could guess what the question was but maybe having it answered would prove his innocence more. He slowly nodded towards Rienhard.

Reinhard received the signal and turned with Felix’s hands still held firm.

“Could you help Lady Crush?”

All three waited for Subaru/Pride to answer but were met with silence. Julius counted each second, His mind wavering back into the thought that maybe he was wrong until he looked more closely at the boy. Lifting his head, he was horrified to see blood exiting the corners of his eyelids. It was as if he was crying blood.

“YOU SEE! HE DOESN'T ANSWER CAUSE HE CAN! HE JUST WONT TELL ME!” Felix lunged forward only to be stopped by Reinhard, who pulled him back.

“He is unconscious and bleeding profusely, He couldn't answer. Your blood boiling technique must have knocked him out.”

Julius walked towards the healer with vigor and purpose. “Heal him.”

“No.”

The wounds Subaru had were heavy and needed to be addressed.

“You would rather him die.”

“If he doesn't help Lady Crush then he doesn't deserve to live, much less live as a free man.”

Julius was tense and with every second that passed, he replayed the past few weeks in his head, angering him so. He was going to reach for his scabbard to threaten the healer. He had to save his life if there was even a small chance that he was telling the truth.

Reinhard had noticed that Julius had his hand hovering his hilt so he spoke towards Felix with a rare tone of disapproval.

“This man needs help. I truly believed you lived up to your title of blue. Please heal him, we can question him when he wakes.”

Felix looks towards the sword saint and stops resisting. Reinhard reads this as an act of submission so he releases the healer's hand. Julius returned to his hand to his side, a little disappointed that he would pull his sword out towards a friend.

As the healer prepares to finish his process, He urges them to keep Pride locked in the cell until he answers the question.

“I will not have an innocent man spend one more day in this cold prison. For ods sake, his excrement pools on the ground below him. I will transport him somewhere secure where you will question him there.”

“I agree, We both can guarantee he holds no ill will towards others.” Reinhard added.

“If it's a matter of security nyah, Crush’s manor will be the best place for him. The sword demon will overlook him and I can monitor his progress.”

Felix didn't like that Pride would be free so he steered the place of confinement to a place where he would have the help of the manor residents in containing Pride, mainly the sword demon.

Julius and Reinhard both knew that it wasn't the ideal place but neither wanted to argue with Felix, it may lead to Subaru staying here regardless of innocence if they didn't compromise.

—------------------------------------------ 2 days later —--------------------------------------------------

“I don't recognize this ceiling, wait, am I at Crush’s?”

“Indeed you are Pride.”

Subaru shifted up wards only to be met with a blade nudging his neck.

“You are a guest here….for now but I advise you to not make quick movements. My age sometimes prevents me from sound judgement..” The old butler hissed with venom indicating that this was indeed a warning.

“Understood, Wilhelm-san.” As Subaru finished, The sword inched closer at the mention of his name.

“Well,” The sword droops and he quickly and methodically puts the sword in the scabbard adorning his hip in an almost rehearsed manner. “I will inform Felix and Julius that you are indeed awake. Do not move.”

The sword demon rose and informed the maids just outside the door to retrieve the two knights and returned to his post on the side of Subaru’s bed. What followed was a long, uninterrupted silent competition between the boy and the old man.

The door opens slightly to reveal Julius and Felix.

“Can you stand Pride?” Felix asked in a low tone.

“I can.”

“Then let's go to Crush. Wilhelm-san, Please help me escort our guest to meet our lady. Take extreme precaution.”

Wilhelm in turn, bowed towards the healer as he helped me out of bed and lent me a shoulder.

“I can walk Wilhelm-san.”

“I insist you relent and allow me to assist you.” The sword demon sternly replied while gripping my waste with absurd strength. He has me in this position to quickly disarm me at the slightest provocation.

“Thank you.”

After a few hallways, we enter Crush’s room where she is bed-ridden being propped up by a couple of pillows.

“This is the supposed Archebishop, correct?”

“Yes it is. We brought him to confirm his intentions using your divine blessings, my lady.” Felix responded with care and attentiveness.

“I am glad to be of use.” Crush stated but her gaze was downcast, the dragon blood had taken a toll on her body.

“Well then, first.,” Felix turns to Pride.” Can you help Crush?”

“I can.”

Felix turns to Crush to verify his claim and feels a spark of hope as his lady nods affirmation. A few tears threaten to escape his eyes but now is the time to find out how.

“How?”

“If I can touch her, the dragon blood will transfer to me. I don't know why but it will.”

Felix had heard his request to touch her before but always chalked it up to malicious intent or just as bad, to sully her in some other fashion. Felix again looked at Crush who then relayed that he was telling the truth.
The healer was still nervous about the Archbishop touching her lady so he needed details.

“Where do you have to touch her? Is it something perverted?"

Subaru simply looked at the healer with a bewildered look.

“What? I can just touch her arm. Get your mind outta gutter! I don't have any perverse intentions!"

Subaru answered slightly irked that he would be questioned about his motive. It was to help her, to help everyone. It always has been.

After Crush affirmed his intentions, Wilhelm slowly brought the Archbishop to his lady.

Felix then put a palm on his back, “If anything other than healing happens, Then i will fry your blood.”

Crouching down, Subaru begins to lift his hand towards Crush's hand.

“The transfer will happen but is very painful towards me,”

“Good.” Felix replied.

“Dont fry me if I'm in pain, It means it's working.”

Their hands touched and a sudden pulse of pain emanated from his left hand, traveling up the arm and towards his torso before reaching his temple. It felt like someone driving a nail through your hand and bashing it in with a hammer, only there are a thousand hammers and nails.

Subaru's head was aching and tense as he could only focus on the pain as his brain felt like it was getting scraped by knives.

A few moments pass and Subaru collapses in Wilhelms arm. Felix rushes past him and looks at Crush.

Wilhelm noticed that Pride's left arm was infected with the dragon's blood and reached towards his torso. He grabbed the boy and started to lift him when he saw Felix crying.

“She looks so much better! You are going to be ok, Lady Crush.”

Crush could only pet the cat boy's hair as she allowed him to cry in her arms.

“Thank you….what is his name?” Crush asked while looking at Wilhelm preparing to leave.

“He told me it was Natsuki Subaru when we met, my lady.”

“Thank him for me Wilhelm.”

“I will pass the message along.”

Wilhelm spoke after leaving the room leaving Felix and Crush alone. Crush had looked towards her arm and saw that it was un-affected almost as if nothing was wrong. She had vowed to repay Natsuki Subaru next time they met.

Julius had waited outside the door as per the request of Wilhelm and was met with an unconscious Subaru. He could see that he was not hurt but exhausted. His eyes widened after gazing at his left arm currently overtaken with dragon blood.

“What happened Wiliiiam-sama?”

“He healed my lady but now I ask you to take care of this man.”

“Would you not house him based on his deeds towards your lady?”

Wilhelm shifted in his stance. ”I would like to but Felix may take issue with this arrangement.”

As if on que, Felix exits the room and addresses Julius.

“I would. He has helped lady Crush so I have no further use for him. You can take him where you want but he will not stay in the same house as lady Crush. I still think he is hiding something.”

Julius accepted his reasoning and had pulled Subaru from Wilhelm and began to head towards the gates.

“If it is true…If I was his friend. Could you tell him I'm sorry.” Felix told Julius who turned his head to address him.

Felix was not accepting such a reality, It would mean he did unspeakable things for someone who was always willing to help but a small sliver of him felt he needed to say at least that if it were true.

“Such things are better said face to face, Ferris.” He took Subaru towards the gate and began thinking about where to go next. Maybe Emilia would like to take care of him.

Chapter Text

A carriage shaking through the un-even road was headed towards Roswell Manor. The driver being the former knights of knights and its only other occupant, a supposed Archbishop of Pride. It had been 2 days since they left the capital.

2 days since they were summoned in front of the sage council.

—--------------------------------------------- 2 days ago —-----------------------------------------

Outside the main hall, The sages were getting ready for this meeting called by the sword saint. It was very peculiar that Reinhard would call one at all. He had always received orders and done them diligently so to hear him call a meeting would only imply a grave threat or in-justice headed towards the kingdom.

The sages mumbled to themselves about the various possibilities until the main door opened.

Reinhard had opened the large double doors and stepped aside allowing 2 others to join him. In between the two guests lay a gurney being wheeled in. On top of the gurney lied a white sheet covering a body, leaving only the face un disturbed.

The two beside the gurney were Felix, the knight of lady Crush and Julius, a supposed knight of Anastasia.

“We may skip the formalities as this meeting was abruptly called. Reinhard the current sword saint, why have you called this meeting?” A sage member beckoned.

Reinhard had stepped forward in front of the 2 knights and stared at the council of sages.

“We have made a grave error. A man thought to be in legion with the witch cult has been cleared of any suspension. I ask that he be set free at once.”

Various murmurs were heard as the sage council were talking amongst themselves before one had simply stood and asked Reinhard if the man in question was the supposed Archbishop of pride, Natsuki Subaru.

“Yes.”

Upon confirmation, Knights surrounding the room had leapt into action with swords pointed at the sleeping individual.

“You have exposed us to a great danger sword saint. You bring a witch cultist here.”

“How could you bring such an abomination to the heart of the kingdom!” Another sage added.

“He looks severely ill, we should execute him now as he is a danger to us all.”

The sages reprimanded Reinhard for overlooking such an absurd risk. However the sword saint was looking at them with the practiced fasade he had always performed to perfection. On the inside, he was scared about the order that would come sooner rather than later.

“Sword saint, execute the criminal to ensure our safety this instant!” a sage demand with a fist smashing against the table

The sword saint was shocked and reeling from their sudden command and urged the council to reconsider.

“You must reconsider! I have used my divine protection of wind reading and have concluded that he is no threat to the kingdom.” Reinhard then gestured towards the forgotten knight. “ Julius is a witness to this interrogation as well.”

“That may be but his status has been implemented based on skill alone, we have no history with the supposed royal knight.”

Hearing the sage's response elicited a stark reminder of what Julius has lost. His achievements, allegiances, and reputation remained scattered and unrecognizable. The same council who would look upon him with eyes of great expectation, now view him as a cautious ally.

“Reinhard, I understand that you have qualms with this order and on the account of all other orders being heeded, we will overlook this and designate the order to the other remaining knights surrounding the perpetrator. You will not have his blood on your hands.”

Reinhard had looked at the sage with a cold indifferent stare. The expectations of the kingdom and its citizens had always chained him to act in their best interest in order to avoid becoming the very thing he knew very much he was. A monster.

To be the sword saint, A beacon for those who seek shelter in the light. He would have to sacrifice one innocent man. He had worked so hard to put as much distance as he could from the monstrous persona he imposed on himself. Always running towards a batter tomorrow, content with the mere dream that one day he may fool himself as the crowds surround him with words of praise and adulation, finally giving him a respite through other people's view of himself.

Would a monster defend an innocent man? Would a sword saint execute an innocent man? No. That line of thinking was the foundation of many regrets in his past. He had always worked towards what others thought but right now he had to make a choice.. His heart started beating faster but with a steady beat almost encouraging him, preparing him to make the biggest leap of faith he’d ever take.

The knights surrounding Julius, Felix and Pride began to take steps towards the gurney, blades drawn and aimed at the defenceless man.

He swiftly turned and drew his sword, adapting great speed towards Pride. It took great strength to make this decision but as soon as it was made, a weight had lifted off Reinhard's shoulders.

“WHAT IS THIS!?”

In front of the gurney stood Reinhard, spare sword drawn and aimed at the other knights surrounding Subaru. He was scanning around for any sort of danger before responding to the sage's earlier request.

“No.”

The sage blinked and leaned in as if they had not heard him correctly. This was a day they had feared since they gained control of the kingdom. The sword saint was un-matched in power and could not be chained by any physical means.

“Why do you not head our command? Is it not your responsibility to serve your kingdom?”

“My duty is first to the kingdom and its people,”

“Then–”

“This man has done nothing against the kingdom and is a citizen of Lagunica. My strength is to be used to destroy monsters…..like me.” Reinhard had cut off the sage midsentence.

The sages were not happy and still believed Pride to be a threat, all the knights were keeping thier distance as it was suicide to go againest a rouge sword saint.

Julius was astonished along with Felix for Reinhard’s defiance of orders. He did not know whether to be proud or disappointed. The knights of knights had always followed the chain of command. He would put value on subordination but more than that he would put more value on…

“Julius, if you truly are a knight then you must execute him!”

The knight of knights would never forget a debt, His honor as a knight would be at stake regardless of his position in the kingdom, If he were to perceive himself as the heroes of old from his earlier years as a child then the obvious response would be.

“I will protect this man with my last dying breath if need be, We have all wronged him so I will begin my service to repay my debt by protecting him.” Julius had un-sheathed his blade and pointed it towards the knights who were trying to inch closer to the unconscious man.

“Some knight.”

“I knew he wasn't one of us.”

“He lied. He selfishly tied our title to his name and now he spits on it. Talk about rotten.”

“I wonder if he got that uniform off a corpse.”

The knights surrounding them could not hide their scorn for the forgotten knight.

Julius paid no mind to their insults only lamenting that they were once friends…but now he sees them approaching an enemy too sick to fight back. He feels disgrace on their part before forgiving them as they do not hold all the facts.

In front of the gurney, the cat boy looked towards the council in his knight's posture unflinching on the events that transpired.

Felix had stood still, not caring what happened to the sleeping boy. He wished never to see him again when they left the estate 3 days ago still he had only come to bring excellent news.

The cat boy moved towards the sage council who were discussing what to do.

“Excuse me, nyah. I have come to deliver some news.”

The sages quieted down and urged the healer to continue.

“Lady Crush has been healed and is expected to resume her duties as a royal candidate in the coming weeks.”

“Excellent news.” The sage turned towards Pride.”I can assume Pride had informed you on how to heal her?”

“Yes he has.” the cat boy says with distaste.

“I can attest to this, He willingly healed Lady Crush, a royal candidate. He had saved a political figure's life. What sort of witch cultist would do this?” Julius, not looking away, added to defend the boy he believed innocent.

“I understand. The healer Felix and Reinhard the sword saint, please stay so we can discuss this ‘interrogation’ further. Marcus please escort Julius and Pride to a vacant room and assign guards.”

“Understood grand sage.” Marcus had started moving, urging Julius to follow.

Julius sheathed his sword pushing the gurney and following Marcus. He would like to stay to testify for his friend but he would not trust the knights to make a hasty decision. Before he would never think about the knights even committing such an act but his own brashness had accumulated in what very well may be his biggest regret.

As the doors close behind Julius leaving Reinhard to fight for their friend. He did not trust Felix as his indifference had shown his allegiance. He held no positive thoughts for Pride and would not fight for him nor condemn him as he had saved his lady's life. To Felix, Subaru was simply a variable that the healer did not want close to his lady.

After following Marcus down a few hallways, He had opened a door and ushered us in. The room had a large window overlooking the capital. Two benches were set in the middle of the room with a table in between and a large desk situated in front of the window with bookshelves adjourning either side.

“Please remain here. We will call you when the discussion is over.” Marcus stated with a tone of authority, Julius was no stranger to this tone and began to reminisce about his earlier days at the academy when the door slamming shut shocked him out of his trance.

The knight began surveying the room and pulling a few books from the shelves to pass the time until judgement was made. He hoped for the best for his supposed friend but he also felt sorrow for the conversation with Anastasia yesterday.

—------------------The day before the council meeting at Anastasia residence—--------------------

Anastasia was busy doing documentation on supposed compromised trade routes when a knock on the door interrupted her duty. She told them to come in and from behind the door, Ricardo appeared.

“Hey Ana-bo, that knight has returned with the sword saint and a guest.”

The royal candidate was worried about her supposed knight during his 2 day impromptu disappearance, not for any sentimental value as they have essentially just met. What really worried her was the information he held about her business, things that no one would know unless they were on the inside. It’s why she didn't refuse his invitation to become her knight.

“I will be there in one moment, escort them to the adjacent room.”

“Understodd Ana-bo.”

Julius was pacing back and forth in the room worried about his meeting with his lady, he was not a fool and realized that she kept him for both his strength and wisdom about her company. Calming his mind, he began to think about what he would say to Anastasia when the door opened and the royal candidate herself walked through with Ricardo in tow.

“Hello J-Julius, Do you have any idea how worried I was?”

“I am sorry Lady Anastasia but I have come with an urgent request.”

“Ho….. and what would this request be?”

“To house a friend.”

Anastasia’s devilish grin faltered and slowly shifted to a frown.

“I may have known you well but to house another stranger on top of you would be pushing my kindness a bit too far. There is no compensation.”

“I would be paying his rent from my wage if need be.”

The royal candidate simply sighed and agreed to house the guest if Julius was paying for his lodging. She did not run a hotel but the money going to his pockets now had a way to flow back into hers.

“Before I say yes, Who exactly would I be housing?”

Julius simply stood aside, allowing the royal candidate to gaze on her potential guest. She of course became paranoid once she affirmed that it was the archbishop of pride.

“Why did you bring him here?” Anastasia asked with a disapproving tone.

“We have just finished an interrogation and realized that we have imprisoned an innocent man.”

“But why bring him here Julius. You did not condemn him nor did you wrong him in any way. Why do you feel like you owe him housing?”

Julius simply looked down in shame. He never told her what he did as it was during his time off but it was no excuse, he realized that his action of secrecy had implied that deep down he knew he was engaged in shameful acts.

Anastasia had seen his face downcast and surmised that she was not told everything, creating an even bigger rift from their supposed past relationship.

“What have you done that warrants such charity?” Anastasia asked with a demanding tone, one she used on her subordinates if needed.

“ If I am allowed to interject then I assure you he feels great remorse for his past actions.” Reinhard attempted to defend his new friend.

“Thank you for defending my knight but this is a matter that needs to be settled within my house. Julius, what EXACTLY did you do?” Anastasia directed herself towards Julius with a disapproving glare. It must have been bad.

“I tortured him.” Julius did not try to falsify nor make his actions sound endearing. He was ashamed and would not dilute what he did as a simple interrogation. The screams he heard would not classify it as anything but torture.

Anastasia was surprised at both the brutality and implication of what her knight said. She took on a calculating form as she decided what would be her next move.

Whether he feels remorse or not does not change the inherent problems that would arise if either situation were true. If Subaru were Pride, then she would be sharing a roof with a monster who toils with people’s lives to pursue a goal unbeknownst to her. If Subaru were innocent, then her knight would be labeled a monster for torturing an innocent soul.

If the public were to find out that she housed him, assuming he was innocent then she could gain reputation but behind closed doors, people would speculate that he was never safe here and her generous offer was more swapping their prison for hers. Those scars littered around Subaru's body doesn't help things either.

“I'm sorry,” Anastasia said to Julius with as much symphony as she could muster.” I can't house this man, There are too many negatives. He offers nothing to the table other than his presence and a presumption that he's innocent.”

“I understand.” Julius had figured her lady to be smart and calculating. The answer was expected.

“I’m sorry to waste your time, I will go to the rosswal manor after the sage meeting to see if they would take him.”

As Julius stood to go find an inn where he and Pride could stay, he was left perplexed by Anastasia continuing to stare at him, wanting to say one more thing.

“I'm sorry Julius but you won't be my knight anymore.”

“Wha…t.”

Julius’s worst nightmare had manifested before him, He would be stripped of his position. Apart from the one he so desperately tried to protect. The knight had evaded this outcome at first through the showing of his skill and spirit arts but now something has changed.

“If you tortured this man then I can’t have you near me. It would make sense that I trusted you to honor a knight's duty based on your old moniker, The knights of knights but now I have doubts that you will be virtuous in the future.”

The statement from his lady broke his heart in two. The very person he dedicated his life towards protecting had called him tactless and a liability. Maybe he deserved this. His guilt would try to rationalize the karma he was receiving but his grief from receiving such a slight from her overshadowed everything else.

“I’m sorry but please I need to be near you to protect you. I still have your best interest in mind. Lady–”

Anastasia puts a hand up stopping him mid sentence.

“I am not your lady anymore.”

Ricardo winced at this declaration as he imagined himself in Julius' place. He would feel bad for the guy if he knew him well.

Reinhard did the same and felt his heartstrings shatter at the mere thought of Lady Felt saying the same to him.

Julius stammered on his response and stumbled backwards, The world falling around him as his purpose was taken.

“I recognize that you have done a lot for me in the past. Your knowledge of my company's inner workings confirm that so I have a proposition.” Anastasia stated.

“I will do anything to remain by your side.” Julius quickly regained his knight's posture and looked at Anastasia with pleading eyes.

“I will provide you with a monthly allowance, a carriage, and a ground dragon.” Anastasia was listing the things he would receive lifting a finger with each one having a specific reason.

“The monthly allowance will allow you to get basic lodging. The carriage and ground dragon will allow you to go anywhere you want in case the Emilia camp won't take Pride. It's honestly the most likely outcome.”

Anastasia stepped towards Julius much to Ricardo’s dismay.

“I want you to contact me every month. If what Pride says is true then I will take you back as a knight and tell the populace that you left my service to ensure his safety, boosting my popularity. If he does not get his name back and remains Pride then think of the allowance as more of a silencing fee where you will not reveal any information about my company to my competitors.”

Julius had weighed his options and decided to bet on his heart.

“I believe he is telling the truth, I will be waiting to return to your service when the day comes….Ms.hoshin.” Calling Anastasia by her last name had hurt him more than he initially thought.

“It's alright, You can call me Anastasia. Follow Ricardo and have your pick of the ground dragon.”

The royal candidate exits the room followed by iron fang members who were patiently waiting behind the door.

Ricardo turned and gestured towards Julius to follow him.

Julius took Subaru and followed after being tailed by Reinhard.

Being led to the stables, The ground dragons had seemed eager to be picked by the knight but one in particular was thrashing on the door eyeing the unconscious man.

Julius had turned Subaru away from the dragon as Reinhard stepped forward towards her.

“I believe this one is friendly.” The ground dragon cooed at Reinhard's correct assumption.

The ground dragon did look eager to see Subaru, Julius thought but he had to be cautious.

“It behaves wildly. It glares at Subaru ....” Julius trails off as the ground dragon eyes soften upon gazing at her former master.

Julius took a cautious step towards the dragon and upon getting close, The dragon started licking the unconscious boy.

“Whats this one's name?” Julius asked Ricardo.

Ricardo had a hand on the back of his head scratching. “Her name is Patrishe, She was a ground dragon of a rival camp but was given to us after she refused to work. They already have another and told us that we could take it.”

“Well this one seems to like Subaru so we will take this one if you don't mind.” Ricardo smiled and nodded at the request before saying one last thing.

“That gluttony is no joke. If we were allies on the battlefield before then I wish you the best on your journey to becoming Anastasia's knight again.”

Julius could only smile at this, being reminded of their comradery before Gluttony.

“Thank you my friend.”

—--------------------------------------------- The day of the sage meeting —---------------------------------

The doors swung open revealing Reinhard walking with his head low towards Julius.

“What was the council's decision Reinhard?” Julius nervously asked.

“Subaru will be allowed to go free as he is deemed not a threat.” Reinhard answered with a low tone.

“Why do you seem sad?”

“I tried to do more. The council was tempted to let Subaru rot in a cell unbothered until his name was restored. I fought against this decision and they offered a compromise.” Reinhard looked up with pride.

“Subaru will be set free but I will be confined to the Astrea residence unless ordered to act for the foreseeable future.”

Julius stood astonished at his resolve but saddened at his friend's new found prison.

“Reinhard! How could you accept that?”

Reinhard looked at Julius' outrage and smiled, happy that someone is mad for his sake but reaffirmed that if given the chance, he would do it again.

“I do not regret that decision but,” Julius noticed Reinhard's previous smile turn sour, almost a look of shame had taken over.

“They will not compensate him for the unjust treatment.”

The knights of knights had not known of the sword saint's demand and questioned him.

“He should be compensated but right now he is an unknown. Why would you demand such a thing?”

“It is right that the kingdom makes amends so I urged them otherwise.”

Reinhard’s face was now filled with utter shame.

“They threatened to take away my knight's position for Lady Felt. I would have to abandon her camp and guard Subaru at my estate at all times.”

The sword saint had turned away from Julius ashamed with his lack of conviction.

“I couldn't do it.”

“I do not blame you.”

Julius had turned Reinhard towards him and pulled him into a gentle embrace. The sword saint, surprised at such an act, decided to reciprocate the hug.

After they pulled apart, a question lingered in the air.

“What do you plan on doing, Julius?”

“I will take Subaru to the Emilia Camp to see if they can house him. If not, we would leave the capital.”

“I am due to go there myself albeit two weeks from now, in order to discuss the plans for the watchtower raid. I wish I could accompany you but my house arrest starts tomorrow."

“I know Reinhard and the thought brings me great comfort. Thank you for standing up for Subaru.”

Reinhard bowed and exited the room.

Julius, preparing to leave the castle, asked one of the guards about Felix’s whereabouts.

“The healer had better things to do than to mess with a filthy Archbishop, He left shortly after you exited the council room.” The guard answered in a bored tone.

—--------------------------------------------- Present day —---------------------------------------

The trees began to make way, presenting the Roswall manor in plain sight however a sort of gloom hung in the air. Everything was spotless but mundane.

Julius paid no mind to the state of the house and knocked on the front door.

He had hoped Anastasia was wrong.

Chapter Text

Standing beyond the door, Julius waited patently for the maids of the mansion to answer but was found waiting for a few minutes. This did not seem unusual for Julius as he came unannounced.

*Click*

The door slowly opened and revealed a maid with pink hair covering one side of her face.

“Good afternoon sir… *sigh* .What is the purpose of your visit?” Ram spoke softly but was clearly out of breath. She may have gotten out of bed to answer the door.

“I am sorry to interrupt you but I had an urgent request for Lady Emilia.”

Ram looked beyond Julius and saw the carriage. She also recognized the ground dragon being from the Anastasia camp since they had just traded her not too long ago.

“Im surprised the ground dragon moved, let alone take you this far away from your camp.” Ram had put the pieces together and surmised that this man was the forgotten knight of the Anastasia camp although rumors were spread that he was relieved of that position.

“Regarding Lady Emila, she is quite busy with her studies. If you could wait, I would inform her of your arrival.”

“Thank you and I am sorry for the unannounced visit.”

“Please come in, Master Roswall will keep you company until Lady Emilia is ready.”

Ram began to lead Julius into the manor when he stopped and turned towards the carriage.

The maid was confused and wondering what was wrong when Julius reached in and proceeded to princess carry an unconscious man into the manor with him.

Ram had put her hand up stopping his advance into the manor.

“Who is this?”

“A friend, He is unwell.”

Ram looked at the unconscious boy and stood aside allowing Julius to enter.

As the maid began to lead the two guests through the manor and towards the main office, She could only speculate who the boy being carried was and why the sudden visit. Could the knight be asking Emilia and Beatrice to heal him. If she remembers correctly, Felix could heal a wound like that easily. Julius and Felix were in a good relationship when they spoke last. They were both hopeful about getting Pride to talk.

Was this man Pride? He said un well but the boy looks far beyond that, The scars scattered around his body could paint a very horrific torture but Pride had black hair, scary eyes, and an orange and black garb. The man behind her had white hair, kind eyes, and dressed in plain clothes.

She remembered the report and decided to wait for Beatrice to confirm. He also carried the scent of the witch so that will be the final test. If it is Pride then she knows where to put him, in the dungeon below the manor.

The witch cult had stolen her family, the destruction of my village and more recently my sister. I can't begin to describe the rage she felt when Ram saw her sister still and asleep. She was beyond livid that despite what happened to her village, they took another part of her family. I don't remember Rem fully. A blur is what remains of their time together in her memories but now she can only feel disdain towards herself for not protecting her. For not remembering her.

She needed leads, a path towards her salvation and If Pride is truly behind her. He may know something, I don't care what it takes even if I have to force him to speak. I will save Rem.

While Ram was leading Julius and Subaru to the office, Roswall was doing paperwork for his sponsor for Emlia. If you looked closely, it would seem he was skimming through the pages. His full attention was on the question that has plagued him for weeks. What am I missing?

Something didn't sit right with Roswall since Emlia came back from pristilla. He recalled all the events leading to his current situation. Did he really lose to Otto? Why would he start the royal selection if he still had no solid plan on making Emilia queen? Did he really hire Elsa only for the fifth candidate to be discovered?

He had planned for over 400 years and every step was calculated, meticulous to the design of the book his teacher left for him. So why such sloppy planning? Why send Elsa to the mansion to force Otto to choose between Emilia and the manor? He had no prior connections to the maid staff, It doesn't make sense.

‘Was Otto truly the one I was waiting for? He doesn't seem to have the grit to do what is necessary for my plans but he has spirit. What is his stake in this? It would seem he just moved one moment to the next where he is needed. A little too convenient. Something is wrong, what am I missing?’

Roswall could only stir with the information he was given but unbeknownst to him, his answer would walk through the door of his office preceded by his maid.

“Master Roswall, A guest has come to request a favor from Lady Emilia.”

Roswall looked at the knight in question and saw him carrying a very damaged boy.

“Myyyyyyyy, how interesting. What may this request be, I wonder?”

Julius walked in the room and placed Subaru on a couch situated in the middle of the room.

“My request is for Lady Emilia. It would seem my friend here has ties with her.”

When Julius finished his sentence, Roswall’s smile grew wider.

“And what history does she share with this man? He seems a bit woooooorse for wear.”

“It is…… a complicated situation.”

Roswall furrowed his brow at this and dismissed Ram.

“Master Roswall, I must insist that I stay.”

“I appreciate your worries my dear Ram but my guest and I will be conducting a meeting in privacy if you doooooo not mind.”

Ram bowed and left the room, closing the double doors behind her.

The silence stretched between the two as Julius did not want to reveal anything about Subaru until Emila was present.

“I wish to hear about this mysterious request you have for my royal candidate. Is it not my right as her spooooooooooooonser.”

Julius sighs and begins to explain the situation to Roswall.

“1 month ago. A man was captured. He was believed to be the Archbishop of Pride and he was detained in a cell underneath the capital prison. Unfortunately…. no I regret to say that we conducted an integration after we used other extreme methods to coerce him to talk. Once the investigation was finished, We found that he had nothing to do with the witch cult and that he was in fact a victim of Gluttony. ”

Roswall leaned in, The margrave had only a theory but now with every passing moment, with each sentence added to this story. He was beginning to think he found what he was missing.

“He told us he was the knight of Emilia and the true contractor of the great spirit of yin. The knowledge he carries are from battles he could not have known lest he was at the forefront. The sword saint has validated his words along with Lady Crush. I want the Emilia camp to house him until his name is restored.”

Roswall after hearing about Subaru instantly put two and two together and surmises that Subaru was indeed the missing piece.

“That would be an interesting favoooooooooor but what would be beneficial for us? We have no memories about his existence and we only have your word. A forgotten knight's words might I remind you.”

Roswall wanted Subaru to stay so that his piece on the board would again be at his side but he knew that he was not the one to make the final decision.

“What would you ask of me?”

‘A request that I choose, hmm.’

“Would you like to stay with the boy and protect him while serving as Emilia's knight?”

Julius' eyes widened and stared at Roswall. He was just expelled from his lady’s service, He had just made the worst mistake of his life torturing the poor boy. Would he really switch camps just to secure his safety?

“I make this request as my camp does not vieeeeeeew him kindly. It would ease everyone's worries if you were guarding him with your strength.”

“If I am untrustworthy as a forgotten knight then why would you offer this position? Is my motive not in question?”

“Your motive is to settle a debt. I would have the sword saint verify your words if the others need convincing but you seem well educated, polite and courteous. I doubt a witch cultist ally would have such a need for useless skills like that in terms of fulfilling their goal. There is also the matter of your strength. Could you not work as a mercenary and provide for the both of you?”

The knights of knights did not consider a future apart from Anastasia but the last 2 days traveling had him spiraling ways to make ends meet. The allowance for lodging would serve him just for that. He would have to work for food, showers, and other necessities such as blacksmith cost.

“Working as a mercenary is the path I am most likely to travel but Subaru would be in danger by a myriad of others hoping to slim out the competition.”

Mercenary work was tough competition especially in the lower districts where one job could determine whether you eat that night. The strong are feared but any weakness shown is another payday for them. Julius would be in constant danger if he were to make waves in the profession. It would be safer if Subaru wasn't with him.

“So why not accept my offer to become Emilia’s Kniiiiiiight. No one would target Subaru here and he would be under my protection as the margrave.”

Roswall had to convince him to stay. A strong knight from a competitor and his piece again back on his side of the board.

“I cannot. It seems Subaru had a strong attachment to his position as Emlia’s knight so it would seem disingenuous to take his spot as the world had already forgotten about him.”

“Hmm, then it's quite the predicament you find yourself in. Whether you are officially regarded as her knight or not, you could still perform the same duties as a mercenary.”

The knights of knights thought about this arrangement. He would be protecting a royal candidate as a hired guard rather than her loyal knight. No, it didn't matter. The title befits the duty after all, If I just protect her on outside excursions then I would only be considered a knight. It could also give time for Subaru to reintegrate himself into the Emilia camp.

“Yes, that is quite the proposal. I see no reason to squander what could be a beneficial relationship.”

Julius had reached over the table extending his hand towards Roswall to seal the deal.

“Welcome to myyyyyyyyyyy estate forgotten knight.”

Roswall was about to clasp Julius' hand when the door abruptly opened revealing Emilia, Beatrice, Garfiel, and Otto.

“This is where the abhorrent smell is emanating from, I suppose.”

Beatrice looked over the room with her hand pinching her nose to see the source of the witch's miasma. A young unconscious boy in terrible condition.

Emilia was the second to notice the boy and gave a disapproving glare towards him. It seems that she was uncomfortable being around the poor boy. Something Julius had picked up on.

“That's the witch bastard, huh!” Garfiel growled after following his friends' gazes.

“Why is he here Roswall?” Emilia stepped forward.

“It seeeeeems you and this man had a complicated history. He is confirmed to be a victim of gluttony.”

Roswall had cursed in his mind for this unexpected development. Ram had never informed Emilia of their guest so he could only guess that his sister smelled the scent and had her contractor follow to eliminate it.

He sponsored Emlia but knew her shortcomings all too well. She was naive and far too innocent to be running for queen but she was a means to an end. Sometimes her naivety would rear its ugly head. He would have to avoid her making a decision that would destroy his plan to keep them close.

“We were just going oveeeeeer the details of him staying here as a paid mercenary. His only request is that we house his friend. Garfiel may be your shield but you may need a sword as we are approaching the date you're set to raid the Plades Watchtower.”

Garfiel could only hear nonsense coming out of the clown's mouth and was about to jump on the unconscious boy out of pure instinct alone when Emilia raised her hand to stop Garfeil’s advance.

“ I appreciate your thoughts but I cannot accept.” Emilia spoke.

“ And why is that?”

Roswall had done away with the accent as a rare emotion began to stir within the margrave.

“ This man,” Emilia pointed at Pride.” I don't want him anywhere near me.”

Julius had not expected Emlia to have such strong feelings for the unconscious boy. Was he not forgotten? They had met once when he was arrested.

“Why do you seem agitated by Subaru’s presence if I may ask.”

“ When I first met him, he said he was my knight and friend. He said he loved me and protected me but when you asked him that question.”

Emilia’s face scrunched recalling the memory.

“Reinhard had confirmed he was lying. He was associated with the witch of envy, he saw me as her. I have been working hard to distance myself from the witch's image and a man carrying the scent had mistaken me for his witch.”

Julius thought to himself.

‘So this is yet another consequence of my careless actions. He had inadvertently caused a huge misunderstanding that caused him great pain and now he had lost his anchor. The one thing he wanted in his cell as I walked away from him.

“Why? After everything I've done, Why does it never end. I wanna go home. I wanna see Emilia, I want to sleep next to Beako, bicker with ram. I just wanna *Hik* go home.”

Those cries haunted him after he learned the truth. A stinging blade that lodged itself into his brain constantly reminding himself that he was a monster. Now Subaru’s most sincere wish cannot come true.’

Emilia looked up with an unwavering eye in the final statement she was about to give.

“I cannot be near this man.” Emilia stated.

“Princess said no and dats final!” Garfiel told Roswall.

“It would only invite risk being with him and the reputation of Emilia will go down whether or not he is with the cult.” Otto added.

Roswall was irked that the conversation was steering towards leaving them so he called on his sister.

“Beatrice, was it not you that stated that the witches scent did not mean he was in fact a part of the cult.”

The spirit looked towards the margrave with a sneer as she answered.

“While I knew that the witch's scent did not mean allegiance, The fact is that Betty’s contractor would be in danger if she were to stay in unpleasant company, I suppose.”

“I must insist that you reconsider Emilia, as future queen–”

“As future queen, I would not permit a man such as that within my borders.”

“Basing a man on qualities he cannot control would make you no different then those who claim you are the witch.” Roswall sternly replied.

Emilia stammered back at the statement but remained firm.

“You are right, it was short sighted of me but It does not excuse the fact that he holds ties to the witch of envy.”

“Parden me miss Emilia but we asked the question again in the cells and found that his connection to the witch was forced on him. He holds no allegiance to the witch whatsoever.”

Julius interjected on Subaru’s behalf.

“If that is true then explain his infatuation with me.” Emilia replied.

“He loves you.”

“I may not know what love is.” The royal candidate looked down embarrassed at such a topic. “ But I know I do not love him.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Julius swore he saw the blanket covering Subaru shifted slightly.

“With dat in mind, leave.” Garfiel pounded his fist together. “Before this awesome knight makes you.”

Julius understood that the conversation was over and carried Subaru towards the front door when Roswall stopped him.

“Before you go, we have that matter to discuss”

“What matter?”

“We can talk about it as I will escort you back to your carriage."

Julius and Roswall walked side by side away from the group. Garfiel did not like the clown and thought he was up to his usual shenanigans so he stepped forward walking behind them.

“I believe your story and while you cannot stay, I would like to help you on the financial front.”

“ Thank you but the Emilia camp must have misgivings about you helping us.”

“ This generoooooooous help comes from my own pocket, They have no say in the matter.”

“Then I will gracefully accept your offer.”

Roswall smiled at this and turned towards him as he began to exit the manor.

“I will send funds. Send me a letter with your location so I know where to send them.”

With this, Roswall will have a location on his missing piece should the need ever arise.

“I understand, thank you.”

As Julius loaded Subaru into the carriage, Roswall could only stir in silent fury at his camp's incompetence. Disregarding Subaru, Julius was a strong foe that could’ve helped in future endeavors earning reputation all the while keeping his piece close.

If the story Julius had told him is true then maybe he could lobby Subaru’s location to have a stricter leash on Emilia, If his name is returned. It is unfortunate but the royal selection keeps on and Emilia is far too dim to be a contender much less a queen. He would have to re forge her and that starts with reminding her of her mistakes.

‘Natsuki Subaru….. I sincerely hope you get your name back so we can restart this game of ours. ‘

—------------------------------------- outside the manor —-----------------------------

Julius had been driving the carriage as he looked at the setting sun bathing the trees in front. It was then that he heard the sheets behind him rustle.

The knights of knights had his ears perked when all of the sudden he heard sobs.

Turning around, Julius saw Subaru in the fettle position crying clinging onto the blanket.

“You were awake. I'm sorry I brought you back here.”

The sobs continued as Subaru wailed at the unfairness of this world.

“Why…Why…I just wanted… I JUST WANTED TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR HAPPY ENDING!!”

Julius found it hard to keep a straight face as he scrunched his face in grief for Subaru.

“Did it mean nothing? She said she doesn't love me. She doesn't love me? Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why”

“AAAAARRRRGHHHHH!”

Subaru’s wails turned into an incoherent scream.

Subaru tore the blanket off himself and jumped out of the moving carriage.

The boy rolled for a few moments before stopping and moving his head up towards the path they came.

Julius, surprised at the sudden action, pulled the reins.

Subaru stood and ran down the path. The knights of knights sprang into action and gave chase.

“It’s not true! She didn't say that! Emilia-tan is waiting for me! Beako, I’m coming! Rem, I'm on my way! —ARRGH!”

Julius tackled Subaru to the ground subdoing him as he desperately tried to leave his grip.

“EMILIA-TAN! EMILIA-TAN!”

“Subaru, calm down! She doesn't want you near her.”

“You're lying! You have to be…..otherwise.” Subaru stopped struggling as he felt all his strength leave him.

He could only cry at the reality that he was forced to confront.

Julius threw Subaru's arm over his shoulder and began to walk back towards the carriage.

The knights of knight's heart ached as he understood Subaru's pain of being forgotten.

“Why are you doing this Julius?”

Julius stopped in his tracks.

“I have an insurmountable debt and I must repay it.”

“So I’m just a debt. Could you leave me alone and we call it even.”

“No, you are far from well. My repayment starts with you getting better.”

Subaru was silent as Julius helped him onto the carriage.

After a while down the road, The stars scattered across the sky looked on as the two began to set camp.

Subaru in his bed asked Julius if he ever feels like he doesn't want to wake tomorrow.

“I do but we must press on. We will get our name’s.”

“What do we do now?”

“We leave. A lot of cities along the border are in dire need of mercenaries, protecting trade routes and the occasional odd job. I will gather the funds to procure information on Gluttony.”

“Oh.”

Subaru could only accept his plan as he wanted to live day by day without thinking about what he lost. Figures it with his rival of all people.

“Hey Julius.”

“Yes, Subaru?”

“Thanks for getting me out of there.”

“You shouldn't have been there to begin with. I am sorry.”

Julius knew that this was the first of many apologies that he would say. His lifetime was not enough to say it as many times the situation demanded.

“Still. Thank you.”

Subaru turned over ready to sleep. Julius could still hear sniffles coming from his direction.

There they were, two forgotten knights at the mercy of fate. He hoped their future endeavors proved prosperous.

It's time to think about tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Subaru shifts in his sleep turning the covers over to one side. A small groan is heard and the blanket is tugged the opposite direction leaving Subaru feeling the chill of the morning air.

‘Julius ought to be on the other side of the campfire. Does he need a body pillow?’

Subaru opens his eyes half annoyed that Julius would hog the blanket when his eyes were fixed on a white window frame overlooking a forest.

“I know that window.”

Subaru shifted upwards and checked his surroundings.

A nightstand with papers and a quilt, 2 doors, one leading to the bathroom and the other to a hallway and …..his bed. He was inside the mansion? How could I be inside the mansion?

“I’m back?” Subaru could hardly believe it.

“I'M BACK!” Subaru screamed at the top of his lungs standing on the bed with his arms raised in fist in his iconic victory pose.

“Why is Betty’s contractor so noisy?”

Subaru's eyes began to water as he turned to see the great spirit of yin rubbing her eyes still half awake.

Betty was grabbed and pulled into an impromptu hug as Subaru began wailing.

“Subaru! What's Wrong!? Did you have nightmare’s, I suppose?”

The boy could not respond as his wails did not stop. The only pause was for drawing in breath between sobs. He craved Beatrice's warmth, especially in those cold nights in the stone cell.

“Yeah….a really bad one Beako.”

“It’s ok. Your Betty is here.”

The embrace tightened and Subaru begged Beatrice to stay, to not forget him. Beatrice returned the gesture and with her free hand started to rub the boy's head.

The act was Beatrice affirming that she is there, that he is not forgotten and that everything is alright. The great spirit would ask for more details regarding the nightmare later.

She saw her contractor self harm many times in his nightmares but he never craved her presence like this. It was like she was the only thing tethering him to reality. She honestly quite liked the extra attention. It's what a great spirit deserved no doubt but she never wanted him to be sad.

After the sobs began to die down, Subaru pulled away from Beatrice and sat still. Beatrice, noting this odd behavior, decided to remind her contractor.

“Is the maid not expecting you?”

Subaru’s eyes lit up and began to be filled with life as he jumped out the bed and began to change.

“WAHH, CHANGE WHEN BETTY IS NOT HERE, IN FACT!”

The spirit screams as she dashes to the bathroom leaving Subaru bewildered by her reaction before laughing at their usual antics.

“HAHAHHAHAHHAHAH!”

His dream felt so long, It felt like he didn't laugh like that in a long time.

Subaru’s heart became lighter as he put on his butler uniform, His tracksuit neatly piled on his bed. He went to the door ready to start a new day. It was going to be another great day.

“Is Barasu ready to start his day? I thought the bed would swallow you if you became any lazier.”

Ram scolded Subaru for arriving late but noticed a few tear stains on his cheeks. Subaru could not get that dream out of his head so having his nee-sama taunt him seemed like she had said the sweetest thing.

“Really, Barasu? Crying at the thought of work. I thought as Emilia’s knight, you had grown but clearly you are just as lazy as ever.”

The maid walked forward and offered a handkerchief to the butler.

“Kindly clean your face.”

Ram held the handkerchief in the air waiting for Subaru to grab it. Subaru lifted his hand and grasped the small cloth and cleared his tears.

“Thanks nee-sama.”

Subaru’s smile was beaming in gratitude and in response, Ram turned heel ready to start the day. Her lips were curved just a bit.

After a round of cleaning the hallways, Subaru was cleaning with extra vigor. Cleaning surfaces twice over and making sure not a spec of dust remained until he heard someone approach.

“Subaru are you ok?”

Subaru hesitated to talk. The face she made when he professed his love still haunted him.

‘That damn dream was realistic but now the real Emilia-tan is asking if im ok.’

Subaru thought to himself before smiling. “I'm better now that I get to see you, Emilia-tan.”

Emilia tilted her head scanning the man up and down before closing the distance, her nose practically almost touching his.

“Um…Emilia-tan? This is kinda close.” Subaru couldn't help but blush.

“Ram told me you were crying. Are you sure you're ok?”

Subaru calmed down. “Yeah I’m fine. Just a bad dream.”

“Do you need a lap pillow?”

The butler tensed up as his cheeks were now rose colored. “Thank you Emilia-tan. I would love that.”

Emilia smiles and backs away with her hands behind her back.” Great, I'll come back later. I have a few studies that need to be done.”

Subaru watches as Emilia walks away. He smiles before getting back to work.

After work, Garfiel and Subaru could be seen racing through the obstacle course.

“Captn! Let's go for another round of training!”

“No, Garfiel,” Subaru stands arching his back clearly hurt.” I think that’s enough training today.”

Garfiel and Subaru had just finished training and were heading back to the manor when a carriage was seen coming down the road.

“Captn someone coming tonight?”

“I didn't hear anything about it.”

The carriage moved past them and the two hooded men drove on.

“I’ll head back first and see if anythin is wrong.” Garfiel explained as he started running towards the carriage.

Subaru could only watch as Garfiel became a blur vanishing into the distance as the sun set.

“Dam it!” The boy went to a dead sprint and ran after Garfiel.

The tiger was too fast for Subaru and he ended up coming behind him an hour late.

Subaru walked past the gates and saw the carriage stationed in front of the doors and Garfiel waiting for him besides the ground dragon.

“Yo… Captn!”

Subaru was barely breathing as the run took a heavier toll than expected.

The boy walked towards the tiger and could see that he was visibly angry.

“What’s wrong Garfiel?”

“Nothin just that these guys soured my mood.”

“Who’s here?”

“Some snobs that are bad at warnin a fella you know.”

Subaru looked perplexed by this and asked for a further explanation.

“Nothin serious. yet…. But the situation is under control.”

Subaru walked up the stairs preparing to face whoever came. He wanted to be in the loop but Garfiel only snarled when asked.

‘Garfiel is acting weirdly ticked off.’

“Oh. Subaru!”

“Emilia-tan?”

Subaru turned around to see Emilia in her pajama wear looking…..uncomfortable?

“Are you ready for your lap pillow mister?”

“Who even say’s mister anymore?”

Subaru deflected the question with his usual quip but quickly regretted it when Emilia grabbed one of her arms in an awkward stance.

“If you don't want to Emilia-tan then it's fine. I'm trying to find out who came today.”

“I want to!”

Emilia shouted in defence.

“Do you not?”

“I’d never turn you down but who came?”

“2 Knights came by to relay a message from the royal capital.”

“Shouldent you be there?”

“I’m coming back from the meeting now. They have some business with Roswall so I came out to give you that lap pillow.”

Subaru sighed.

“What was the meeting about?”

“A new meeting with the Royal candidates will take place tomorrow.. Someone from the prison escaped.”

“Oh ok. Who was it?”

“A scammer who infiltrated one of the camps.”

“Wow. Is it Julius?”

“Naw, He’s been tested by the sword saint.” Garfiel said.

“He had to be tested?”

“Anyway, let’s get this lap pillow done,” Emilia said with her hands pressed together. “Im getting rather sleepy.” She yawned into her hand. She is a terrible actor.

Emilia then gestured for Subaru to follow as she turned around heading towards his room.

That's strange. Every time Subaru would pick up the pace to match Emilia, she would walk faster.

Meanwhile Garfiel would start stepping faster than Subaru and be in between him and Emila.

‘Was this a race?’

Subaru began fast walking prompting his two competitors to double time.

When they reached the room, Subaru was the first one to reach the door knob.

“HAHA! Victory!”

Subaru threw a peace sign towards the two losers who looked at him astonished.

“This wasn't a race!” Emilia yelled.

“I woulda smoked you if it was!” Garfiel added.

“Then why were you guys moving so fast? And why is Garfiel with us?”

Emilia and Garfiel both looked at each other before returning their attention to Subaru.

“To make sure you don't do anything.” Garfiel snarled

…….

“What?”

Subaru started sweating at the glare Garfiel was directing towards him.

“I'm not that kind of guy man. I won't do anything to my precious Emilia-tan.”

He raised his hands defensively as if pleading his case.

“You can ask Emilia-tan, We did this countless times. You seemed fine then, What changed?”

The tiger boy moved towards Subaru and reached for the door knob behind him, never taking his eyes off him.

Garfiel slowly turned the knob.

“Liar.”

Subaru’s eyes darted past Garfield to the source of the voice.

“What are you talking about Emilia-tan? Don't you remember the field in front of the Flugel tree or the time I cried my eyes out during my second day?”

The door opened slightly.

“No I don't. I don't remember you.”

He crept forward attempting to dissuade Emilia only to be stopped by Garfiel’s shoulder.

Subaru leaned back to look at Garfiel, to command him to let him go. His breath hitched as Garfiel’s eyes held a red tint of murderous intent. He briefly remembered seeing this side of him during the sanctuary when he killed all those villagers and Otto.

The door swung open and the wind swept in causing Subaru to shield his ears. He turned around to see a stone prison with 2 chains suspended adorned with metal bracelets.

“Thats ... .thats.”

Subaru's brain was failing to comprehend the situation as the door that would normally lead to his room now contained the cell from his dreams.

“Your home.”

Garfiel kicked Subaru into the cell, shutting the door. In an instant, Subaru slammed his palms onto the stone floor pulling himself up and ran towards the door when he realized that the door was gone.

Prison bars now stood in front of him as he scanned his surroundings,

“This is a nightmare, right?”

“Clank*

Subaru froze as the gate doors began to open one by one.

“No.”

The last gate was opened and soft steps began to inch closer and closer.

“Wait.”

The cat-like figure stood outside the cell peering in with a hand caressing his cheek.

“Nyello Pride.”

Subaru stumbled backwards, trying to get as much distance from Felix as possible.

“It wasn't nice of you to escape. It took a lot of heart to make this cell a home worthy of a man of your stature.”

The prison door clicked open as Felix began to walk towards Subaru.

“Dont worry. I’m going to keep you company alllllllll night as a welcome home gift.”

*Crash*

A bundle of swords tripped by Subaru backstepping crashes to the ground clattering about until they settle, one of them under Felix’s feet.

“Nyah, This weapon is too ... .soft for you.”

Felix picks up the sword and swings it back and forth with no elegance. The swing was amateur, much like a kid pretending to sword fight.

“Never was a swordsman but my friend is one the best.”

A gate was opened behind Felix. A knight in a white uniform came forward and grabbed the sword from the cat boy.

“A sword is a tool for a knight, You can learn if you apply yourself ferris.”

“Ah, Julius, My hands are used to heal not kill.”

“A peculiar statement. Especially regarding our current situation.”

Felix took offence and raised his arms in defiance to the remark.

“He’s nyot dead!”

Julius disregarded the feline and approached Subaru.

“Pride.”

Subaru’s breath hitched.

“How do I return my name?”

“My name is—”

*SMACK*

Before Subaru could answer, Julius swiped his sword at his right forearm causing a bruise.

“You are Pride. You are the one obstacle I need to overcome in order to attain my former honor.”

*CLACK*

Julius drove the sword into the ground, insinuating that what he said would not and could not be refuted.

“How do I gain my name?”

‘Why. Why am I here?’ Subaru began to retrace his steps from that day.

‘I was with Beako, I worked with Ram, I talked with Emilia, I trained with Garfiel. Why am I here?’

Pride clutched his bruised arm and began to feel blood pouring from his wound.

‘Why? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY?’

“SUBARU!!!!!!”

Subaru’s eyes jolt open to see Julius shaking him. After seeing his eyes open the forgotten knight stops and lays him down.

“You were screaming again.”

He turned and walked towards a chest beside the carriage. Patrishe looked worried for her master while Julius was rummaging around the open chest.

“Your arm.”

Subaru felt his right arm and felt a warm liquid. ‘I must’ve scratched again.’

“I’ll only be a moment.”

Julius stood with a bandage roll that's mostly been used.

“Sorry.”

Subaru whispered as he clasped his arm.

Julius walked towards Subaru before kneeling down and bandaging his bleeding arm.

“You don't seem surprised that you're bleeding. Was this a natural occurrence before the incident?”

“It happened before, each time Beako would fix me up and we would head back to sleep.”

“I could understand if this self harm was introduced after Priestilla given what you went through but what could have possibly happened before that warranted this reaction?”

“That ... .I can't tell you.”

Julius finishes bandaging his arm as the morning sunlight starts to break over the horizon.

“You don't have too, it was mere curiosity but I am always here to lend an ear.”

Subaru got up and started to pack up the camp into the carriage as the cold morning air swept through the great plains they were stationed in. The wet grass beneath their feet sloshed with every step as they loaded supplies to the back of the carriage.

“You said that today we are heading into the city?”

Julius carrying a box of his own replied, still focused on loading the cargo.

“Yes, It’s a city on the border of kararagri and Lagunica.”

He proceeded to drone on about why it was a good place to settle for now.

“The city is named Drakkon. It was named after a dragon as you can guess.”

Julius climbed onto the carriage and began to shift the boxes further inside as he organized them to give Subaru as much space as he needed to lie down.

“A river sits adjacent to the city making it a common trade route for supply routes.”

Subaru began to hand him boxes to organize.

“They hire a lot of mercenaries as they are not loyal to one kingdom or another. They are security and are expected to deal with problems like smugglers.”

With the last box in position, Julius looks back to Subaru.

“There won't be a shortage of jobs thus we can prepare for our expedition against Gluttony by acquiring funds.”

As Julius finished his explanation and exited the carriage, The wet grass below made his feet slide and land on his backside.

“WOAH!”

Julius could only groan at his clumsiness and was about to stand up when an outstretched hand entered his view.

“Here, I'll give you a hand.”

Julius could only give a sly smile at the help but quickly returned to his guilty thoughts.

‘ I hurt a man like this. A man who would offer a hand to the one who imposed his own brand of justice on an innocent.’

He took Subaru’s hand and was getting lifted when the boy's feet slid under him landing him on the wet grass beside the forgotten knight.

Subaru leaned up and noticed Julius just staring at him. Both forgotten knights were just looking at each other.

“Pffftt… HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHH”

‘HOW THE HELL DID I EVER THINK HE WAS PRIDE!!’

Julius broke into laughter causing Subaru to lightly blush at the embarrassing moment but soon joined in.

“HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH”

As the laughter died down and Julius reached the reins. Subaru climbed in the back and took his usual spot while Julius drove.

Julius snapped the reins and Patrishe began to move towards the horizon, towards the city of Drakkon.

After a few hours, they arrived at the city of Drakkon. The city’s road is lined with cobblestone and the houses and buildings look like early medieval Europe. Clothes lines were strung from buildings, blowing in the wind and many were going through their day, un-caring for the two new residents.

“This place sure knows how to welcome a fella.”

“Mercinaries are common place so one must be perceptive even during daylight.”

Subaru listened to Julius' words but still looked outside the carriage watching as people went about their usual routine.

Children were playing in the street and noticed Subaru. The raven haired boy waved at them but the children meekly stepped back before running away terrified.

“Guess that comes with new looks.”

Julius upon hearing Subaru’s statement cursed himself again for his part in his torture. Felix may have healed most of his injuries but he still looked unwell.

Finally at an inn,. Julius jumped down and met the doorman.

“Hello, My name is….. Juli. Could you please help unload our supplies?”

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, My name is Jonathan. Do you have a way of paying for our service?”

“I was under the impression that we pay once our lodgings are in order.”

Jonathan stood firm.

“That may be the case from where you're from but we sometimes attract less than kindly gents so we ask for advance pay.”

Julius looked back at the supplies and reached for his wallet.

“How much is for off-loading what we have to our rooms.”

The door man walked past Julius and peered in the back of the carriage and gave a deep sigh.

“15 silver for the supplies, 1 holy coin for the body.”

Julius looked shocked and peered beyond the man to see Subaru waving back.

“Body?” The knights of knights asked with a raised eyebrow.

Jonathan smirked while waving his hand in the air. “It was just a joke.”

“Not a good one if I can say so boldly, I thought my companion was hurt.”

“I thought it was pretty good.” Subaru interjected.

Jonathan turned towards the boy. “Then you will have a wonderful time here sir….”

“Subaru, Natsuki Subaru.”

“I see. Pride.”

Julius looked shocked at what the doorman had just called Subaru however before he could correct it.

“HEY! IT'S THE ALLEGED ARCHBEISHOP OF PRIDE!” Subaru said this while posing and pointing to the sky.

Jonathan and Julius both looked at Subaru with puzzled expressions.

“My real name is Natsuki Subaru tho.”

“I see. Are you here to cause trouble?”

Jonathan was looking Pride up and down, scanning for any sign that he was lying.

“No. Me and this guy are just looking for a place to stay.”

The door man sighed and closed his eyes.

“As long as you have the means then I will not stop you. If you are Natsuki then may I assume that you are the forgotten knight Julius.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Julius and Juli are not far from each other in terms of sound and recognition. It's a poor nickname if I say so myself.”

Subaru could only smile as he remembered everyone at the battle of the white whale coming to the same conclusion.

“I have been told that,” Julius said while looking down in clear shame. “However it will serve its purpose in hiding my identity.”

“Dont count on it.” Both Subaru and Jonathan said in monotone.

Julius began to walk towards the entrance. “Subaru, I will check us in. Help the door man…er… Jonathan un-load everything.”

“Shall we get started, Sir Natsuki.” Jonathan stated as he gestured Subaru to grab the nearest box.

“Alright, Can’t sleep all day I guess.” Subaru grabbed the box and handed it to Jonathan as they started to hand one after another to the staff bringing it into the inn.

“If I could ask you something Jonathan?”

“Yes, Sir Natsuki?”

“Stop that, it's Subaru.”

“I believe we are not acquainted enough for such nicknames.”

“What nicknames? It's my name.”

Jonathan ignored the youth as he continued to hand items over.

“Ah, forget it. My real question is, "How did you know about me being called Pride?”

“Trade routes run along the city and with it, news from both Kararagri and Lagunica spread. I knew the name, not the face.”

“Figured I would be in wanted posters.”

“Well, no one wants you Sir Natsuki.”

Subaru flinched as he playfully put his hand over his heart feigning heartbreak.

“How could you have no class, Mister?”

“Would you even recognize class, Sir Natsuki?”

“HEY! I was taught by a great teacher. I can outclass you in circles.”

Jonathan laid the final box down, slapping his hands together after a job well done while Julius was approaching.

“Hello, Sir Juli. Where should the staff send these accommodations.”

“Send them to room 2A. Subaru, Drive Patrishe to the stalls around back.”

Subaru accepted the command and began to climb over the front.

“What about you?”

“I have to send something in the mail, After you're done, you can rest in our room.” As Julius said this, he tossed the keys towards Subaru.

“We will shop tomorrow for your weapons.”

“Weapons?”

“We are living in a city that thrives in combat. You should at least be armed to give the impression of a tough fight.”

Subaru looked forward irked. “Got it.”

Julius nodded and headed towards the mail station while Subaru snapped at the reigns.

Dear Anastasia,

I have acquired lodging and am in good health. Subaru has become more vocal over the five day trip and began to converse about our shared past. I cannot lie. Every story drives the guilt of what Felix and I have done further into my heart. He is a true hero who united warring factions to defeat a greater evil. It appears that we have had a strained relationship even before the water gate city.

He retold a story about me physically beating him in front of the knights. I could understand my actions in his story but I still lamented the results. In his words, we became frenemies. A weird mixture of rivalry and respect as he puts it. I never wanted to be a villain in anyone's story but those who deserve it. I'm afraid I have become one in both his and mine.

From the Winged Inn 2A Drakkon City Lagunica.

I will continue to report at the end of every month.

Your former knight Julius Juukulius.

Dear Roswall,

We arrived at Drakkon city and found lodging. Please send all financial help to the return address. We are both fine.

From the Winged Inn 2A Drakkon City Lagunica

Mercenary Juli.

As Roswall finished reading the letter, He opened his lower desk cabinet revealing stacks of holy coins. He proceeds to take 2 stacks each containing 10 into his jacket pocket and begins his journey to his nearest mail station.

He could not let their location leak so it was up to him to send the letters. As he was about to reach the front door, Ram had called out to him.

“Roswaal-sama.”

“Yes my deaaarr Ram.”

“The guests are awaiting you in the meeting room.”

“Tell them I’ll be just a moment.”

Roswaal then opened the door and began to fly, leaving Ram to deliver the news.

“We have all our supplies, all we need is the map.”

“The map is very valuable and as I am not going, I need assurances that it will return to me once done.”

Anastasia and Otto were discussing the price of the map that was in the possession of the head of the Hoshin company.

“How much do you want for it?”

“Want? It is priceless however I am not inconsiderate to your plight so I may be able to part with it for some time if the compensation was adequate.”

“How much?”

“100 holy coins for 3 days. 50 holy coins for each day after,”

“THATS ABSURD!!”

“It is a priceless artifact left by Flugel himself. The way I figure, the price is too low.”

“I understand, We will talk to Lord Roswaal once he is here.” Emilia decided to interrupt the two.

“Emilia, are you sure about this?” Otto asked worried about the camp's finances.

“We need to act fast so we can help those in Pristilla. I want to leave as soon as possible.”

“But 100 holy coins is not cheap, even to the margrave.”

“We will gain much more if we save the people.”

Otto resigned himself as he saw Emilia make a fair point. If the people were saved then they could raise their reputation and gain a big lead in the Royal Selection.

“Well then,” Anastasia stood. “Pleasure doing business.” She started to walk towards the door only to be met by Ram.

“Hello Miss Anastasia, The master will not return until some time. Would you like a room to stay the night?”

“Yes I would and so would my company waiting outside.”

“Understood, please follow me.”

Anastasia and Ram exit the room leaving Otto and Emilia.

*SIGH*

“I hope we can go soon.”

“Dont worry Emilia. Tomorrow, Rienhard will arrive and we can go then.”

“Thank you Otto but I don't have a good feeling about the tower.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I don't know, It's like I'm afraid of going but not because of any danger more like I'm afraid of what I’ll learn.”

“No one has been inside in a long time. We should focus on what we came for and leave.”

“I think that’s best.”

Otto leaves the room leaving Emilia who is soon joined by her contracted spirit.

“Betty is tired of waiting for her contractor, I suppose. Betty’s Emilia must get some sleep for tomorrow in fact.”

Beatrice could see Emilia staring outside the window towards the moon.

“Are you alright, I wonder?”

“Oh.” Emilia looks shocked at her sudden appearance. “Yes I'm fine, We should go to bed.”

“Betty does not like it when you lie, in fact. You should tell your spirit everything.”

“Im just tired Beatrice.”

Beatrice's face scrunched at her name being called by Emilia.

“What’s wrong?”

“Can you call Betty Beako, I suppose?”

“Beako? That’s a cute name. Sure!”

Emilia stands up from the couch and begins to walk towards the door.

“Well, Beako lets go to bed.”

Beatrice cringed but walked by her contractor all the same. She held her free hand over her heart and felt a small contract getting weaker. Her former supposed contractor was far away.

‘Something is wrong I suppose’

Chapter Text

After Julius returned from the mail station, he entered the inn and proceeded to his shared room. He stood at the door and began rummaging through his pockets for his keys when he remembered that he had tossed it to Subaru earlier.

‘Ugh. Perhaps Gluttony’s effect is the cause for this oversight.’

Julius was a man who thrived off routine and diligence. Whenever Anastasia had problems with an upcoming deadline, Julius was always the first name that she would call upon to help. He would never forget small details as trading agreements and other offers came with hidden intentions such as interest and other schemes that would make the deal less than profitable for his lady.

Similarly he would never forget his keys, sword, and other items integral to his day to day. The stress of being away from his lady has not been easy and was affecting him, chipping away at his core . Every day he is not by her side, he fears the worst. An attack that had struck true but could have been avoided had he been there. He trusted Ricardo to defend her when he could not, however he could not forgive himself if the worst were to happen.

Abandoning Subaru was not an option, his heart would not let him. A scream of pride had erupted from his heart when he had learned who he had wronged. He must repay this debt lest he will never be himself again. He would never be the knights of knights.

Julius knocked on the door three times with a pause in between each knock.

After a moment, the locks began to undo themselves and the door was left adjacent. Julius opened the door to see Subarus back as he was heading towards the bed.

“It’s naive to leave the door open to a stranger if you have yet to identify them.” Julius half whispered to Subaru.

“I knew it was you.”

“Oh? How so?”

“It seemed like a knock that screamed “Im Julius Juukulius, please come to the door.””

Julius had shut the door, turned to face Subaru and leaned his back against the door frame.

“Is there something wrong?” Subaru had asked Julius.

Julius took a deep breath. While he had heard stories from Subaru about his various feats, he had no idea what kind of role would suit him in battle. When Julius told the young boy about his plans on being a mercenary, he insisted that he would accompany the forgotten knight. At first Julius rejected the idea but as the days went on, it became clear that he would not relent and thus came the ultimatum.

“I'm not here to be baby sat, If I can't join you on your jobs then I’ll leave the first chance I get.”

Julius twitched his face in annoyance, how could he choose. Would he relent and bring him along or watch his every step as a new…prison guard. Absolutely not! He had just been removed from the side of his lady and had committed to helping Subaru. To be responsible for keeping him in a new cell would be an affront to his effort.

“I cannot keep you contained, You are free…but I want to ensure your safety.”

Julius stood and took out his sword from his scabbard. Subaru involuntarily flinched at the action much to the expectation of the knights of knights.

“How could you accompany me if the mere presence of a sword would make you hesitate.”

Subaru wanted to retort but caught his tongue. He really didn't want to say this, however it was the truth.

“I flinch at you Julius. Not the sword.”

The knights of knights face morphed into deep shame. His moniker now an insult repeatedly being hurled at him through his inner mind.

‘Knights of knights, A pillar of elegance, bravery, and strength is now the torment of a supposed true hero.’

Julius never felt so far from his moniker as he does now but a question escaped his lips. A last ditch effort to force him to stay away, to let him repay him.

“If you are afraid of me then why would you join me?”

“Because you don't see me as a cultist.”

His eyes widened. Of course, he is only with me because I may be part of the few who do not see him as Pride.

“I know my name and face are probably plastered all over the kingdom, hell probably all over the world. Every…single…poster. I bet “PRIDE” is much larger than my name.”

Julius knew this as the news of his capture was seen on every news billboard in every corner; however he also knew that the council had circulated posters saying that Subaru was only suspected to be Pride, a rash cover-up to save themselves should Subaru be telling the truth.

“It feels like the world is forgetting me. That Pride is my new name, that Natsuki Subaru was just…I don't know. A lost memory.”

Subaru gripped his shoulders.

“I hate it. I hate it more than I ever thought I could. I saw what those monsters did, how they would skewer even the innocent, young or old.”

A face of pure rage adorned Subaru. The anger was so intense that Julius had subtly moved his hands, gripping his sword. If Subaru had that face when he was in the cell then he could believe he was in fact Pride.

“My promise to kill every…single…one…has not changed but…I'm scared.”

His face softened and now looked as though he was about to cry.

“What if they never remember, will I have to start from zero or maybe…leave.”

“Leave?”

“I don't know if I can accept that they will never see me as I was. So much happened. I think I’d rather start over. Live a normal life outside the Royal Selection.”

Julius hands grasped into fist at the sheer mention of a knight abandoning his duties.

“Are you not a knight loyal to your lady? Do you not love her as you have told me? Where is your commitment ? Your loyalty? You have to fulfill your duty until the end.”

“Look at where it got me Julius..! Alone and dependent on my jailer, forgotten and thrown aside…UNLIKE YOU!”

Subaru stood pointing at Julius.

“You had the strength to back up your claims. You swung your sword around and showed everyone that you could be who you say you were but me…”

The boy looked down ashamed.

“They took one look at me and said there is no way I killed Sloth, there is no way I beat the white whale and the great rabbit… Like I was deluding myself with feats that belonged to someone else, like a child clinging to fairytales saying that he could do the impossible.”

…

Julius could only stand in silence as the campfire flickered and Subaru stood looking into the flames.

The knights of knights was blessed in that regard, his skills were unmatched by most of the royal guards and his access to information only known by the inner circles of the highest ranks had given his supposed former position a solid foundation. He realized that Subaru’s strength was not in combat but in tactics.

“Then why not start here.”

Subaru looked up and saw Julius extended hand.

Julius will help Subaru prove to the world that he had a hand in all these outlandish feats. That it was him that guided the soldiers to victory during the white whale hunt. That he and his spirit had eradicated the great rabbit. He would first have to prove that he could stand on the battlefield.

“If you want to prove to everyone else that you are who you say you are then I will allow you to accompany me. We will show the world who Natsuki Subaru is.”

The boy looked towards the hand and stepped forward grasping it. That night, a deal was struck.
Subaru would have to prove that he could defend himself while Julius trains him in both Spirit arts and Swordsmanship.

Back at the inn, Julius reminisced on their shared promise and figured that today would be a good day to contact a spirit.

“Today we will attempt to make a contract with a wild spirit.”

Subaru averted his gaze for a moment before re focusing on Julius.

“I know that you still have your contract with the great spirit of yin, however that same contract restricts your ability to contact new spirits.”

Julius stood from the door frame. He was firm about teaching him spirit arts, his little buds have come to his rescue more times then he could count. Furthermore they could be a companion to Subaru where they would converse about topics that he would otherwise be adverse to sharing. Topics that may include him.

“It’s not easy to break Julius.”

“A promise to a spirit never is.”

Subaru looked down, clasping his hands together.

“I promised her that she would never be lonely.”

In Subaru’s mind stood an image of Beatrice in her Library. The flames had advanced from all corners threatening to consume her.

“That I would never leave her side…I love her.”

The flames seem to dance around Beatrice while inching closer to Subaru.

“But… She doesn't remember.”

Upon further inspection, Beatrice was on her stool, head down fixed on her gospel slowly turning the pages with a faraway look.

“In order for you to get stronger, you will have to temporarily cut your connection with her.” Julius spoke with a tinge of sadness emanating from his voice.

“I know.”

Subaru walked closer to Beatrice before embracing her. Beatrice had not noticed or chosen to ignore him altogether and continued to flip through the pages, scanning them up and down for a mention of that person.

“I will not leave her,”

Behind Beatrice's back was a silk thread glowing white, shining against the red palette of flame encircling it. The string was flowing through the air enveloping both Beatrice and Subaru.

“I will find her once my name is back.”

Subaru, still hugging Beatrice, extended his arms past her grabbing onto the silk thread.

“I will reunite with my lovely Beako and I will give her all the headpats she deserves.”

With great effort, the thread began to splinter and wither away as Subaru tore it in half, finally breaking the contract.

Subaru felt empty without his contract to the great spirit and clutched his heart as if it was one of the hardest things he has done. “When you remember me Beako, I won't ever leave you alone.” Subaru whispered. A promise that he would keep.

“It's done Julius.”

“Then let us head to the stables to gather as many spirits as possible.” Julius responded with a somber respectful tone.

Julius opened the door motioning Subaru to walk through. Subaru stood and walked through the door heading down the stairs when Jonathan had noticed the two new guests.

“Hello, Sir Natsuki and Juli. I hope you found your rooms to be in order.”

“It's great and…wait a minute…Why do you call him Juli and me sir?”

Jonathan gave Subaru a look of bewilderment as he believed it was obvious.

“Myself and Juli have become quite acquainted you see.”

“When?”

The butler began stroking his chin.

“I believe it was earlier today when we had that whole debacle about his name being similar to his mercenary name.”

“That was like two lines.”

“Is it so hard to believe that when one gives respect, they receive it.”

“Ahem.” Julius coughed into this fist urging Subaru to continue heading down the stairs.

“Waiting any longer would deter our plans.”

Subaru descended the steps and went out the back door with Julius in tow while Jonathan returned to sweeping the floor.

Behind the inn was the stables where the residents could park their carriages and tie their ground dragon to a post. The long shacks that held the carriages surrounded the open field in the middle creating a sort of makeshift colosseum. The inn keeper told Julius that a lot of Mercenaries use this space for sparring and allowed the knight to use it as well.

Julius and Subaru are in the center with Subaru doing his radio calisthenics.

The forgotten knight would have to teach Subaru about his gate from scratch since it is very underdeveloped in his words.

“What do you know about your broken gate?” Julius started.

“Um…that it gathers mana but doesn't release it.”

“Yes and what happens if you don't release it.”

“I explode.”

“Correct. Having a spirit will solve this problem, additionally keeping the coin that would be spent on getting you to a healer each week.”

“Way to treat a guy as an expense.” Subaru deadpanned.

“We must solve problems. The funds we procured will only solve our day to day expenses.”

Julius began to think about how to best demonstrate the importance of his gate. It needs to release excess mana or the accumulation would put strain on the body causing it to deteriorate in a rapid succession of flesh tearing and blood spewing out in all directions. It's not a pretty sight.

“To summarize, think of your gate as the only door that leads to your soul. That is where all your mana accumulates. When your gate is broken, the door knob inside the room is broken. Now only an outside influence can open your gate to let excess mana out.’

Subaru nodded at the simple explanation.

“To gain mana from the environment, you have to open the door just a tiny bit to let the mana in, since you can't open it, it enters through the seams in the door but cannot escape as mana is being rushed in.”

Julius then cupped his hands together in front of him.

“Since the mana has no where to go then the room expands involuntarily causing the walls to creak and the supports to crumble, collapsing the room killing you in the process.”

Julius slowly drifted his hands apart as a demonstration of the stress the room is under.

“Sprits will passively use mana from your gate for sustenance, making your gates problem mute. Do you understand?”

Subaru cups his chin in thought.

“I guess so how do I contact spirits?”

“The same way you would cast a spell. You simply envision a call to spirits, like a prayer and the ones willing to make a contract will gather.”

“How do I do that if I can't use mana?”

Julius pointed a finger to the sky and six quasi spirits began to circle him.

“One of my little buds will manage your gate while you envision your prayer.”

Subaru snapped his fingers.

“Got it.”

Julius motioned Kua (water spirit) towards Subaru.

Subaru began thinking about the contract with Beatrice and formed his prayer around his past experience. He would only ask for their companionship and strength and they could ask for anything in return.

As Subaru began to finish his prayer, dozens of spirits both small and big began to gather around the boy in a light show of blinking lights and movement. To a passerby, it would look like the spirits are dancing around Subaru.

“Woah!” Subaru exclaimed at the many different colored spirits that surrounded him.

‘How is this possible?’ Julius thought.

‘His affinity with spirits is on a much higher level even compared to mine. He had contracted the great spirit of yin, sure but to think he could attract this many. The spirits are practically begging to be chosen.’

“Which one do I choose, Julius?”

Julius was taken from his thoughts as he began to think about what spirits suited Subaru best.

‘Wasn't Subaru’s gate small compared to a grown adult's?’

“I would say to choose what you like but limit it to two for now as your gate is not very large. Too many spirits can leave you weary throughout the day if you have insufficient mana.”

Subaru glanced around the many spirits circling him and found two that caught his eye. A quasi yin spirit and a quasi water spirit.

“What would you two like from me?”

The other spirits seem to lower themselves and soften as the two in question begin to blink and bob up and down.

“Just my mana and some stories?”

The two spirits bobbed up and down.

“I accept your conditions.”

As Subaru confirmed the contract, his gate that was full began to lighten as the two spirits circled him. The other spirits conceded into the sky.

“Have you decided on a name for your new companions?” Julius stepped forward excited to meet two new spirits.

“Hmm…how about Sona for the water spirit and Don for the yin spirit. What do you guys think?”

The two spirits blinked in unison as if to say “No problem!”

“Great.” Subaru cheered as the two blinked in succession.

Julius was quite a fan of spirits but would have to control himself as the lesson was not over.

“Now that you have contracted spirits, you will use them constantly in order to expand your gate.”

Subaru looked puzzled at this waiting for a better explanation.

“Your gate is very small. You won't be able to cast big spells until you expand it. You can achieve this by constantly flowing mana inside and outside your body.”

“If that's how you train then is everyone who can use magic constantly spewing it out?”

“No, You are a rare case as your gate is broken. Most gates would expand with time as it expels the excess mana naturally but since you cannot achieve this then you must simulate this by doing it manually.”

Subaru threw his hands in the air and fell backwards annoyed.

“Ugh…Does that mean I have to be thinking about this all day?”

“Not necessarily. Your spirits will be draining you passively but only a small portion. In order to speed up the process, you would have to meditate and work with your spirits by controlling your output?”

Subaru looked at him.

“How do I do that?”

“By constantly using a spell at a low frequency. You are very fond of Shamok, try casting that as much as you can.”

Subaru sat down in the dirt and crossed his legs. He let both hands land on his knees and began to meditate while visualizing the smallest form of Shamok.

Julius could see that Subaru's spirits were idling, most likely controlling his gate so he didn't strain himself but he saw no Shamok leave his body.

“I cannot see the Shamok, try releasing a little more.”

Subaru scrunched up his face in an effort to make a clearer picture of Shamok in his mind and then he felt a presence leave his body and droop over his sides.

“Thats…” Julius stated.

The young boy looked as if he was wearing a dark cloak of smoke. Shamok was pouring out of his body and accumulating under his feet but he had to admit…

“How is it Julius, like this?” Subaru with his eyes closed in deep focus asked the knight.

“Yes, exactly like that but…I would not meditate in public spaces.”

“Hmm…why not?”

If Subaru looked like a monk before, he now looked like a cursed shrine statue that radiated evil energy.

“Im afraid you look like a cursed statue in that state and given how most of the public perceives you…I just think it isn't the wisest choice.”

Subaru opened his eyes and felt the presence leaving his body disappear and looked below him to see clouds of dark smoke slowly evaporating.

“ah…I see what you mean.”

Julius walked towards Subaru helping him stand.

"Nevertheless, practice meditating whenever you get the chance. For now let's go to the weapon shop.”

Subaru beamed at the prospect of getting a new whip. He felt naked all this time without it attached to his whip.

Subaru walked behind Julius with his two new spirits in tow.

I'm gonna get stronger. Get ready world, for a new man’ Subaru thought as he fantasized about what new spells he would learn with his spirits.

Beatrice had been in bed with Emila but soon found herself in her library.

“Huh..? Betty’s library."

Beatrice had looked down at the book in her lap and saw that it was the gospel she used to cling to.

“This is a nightmare, I suppose.”

Tears threatened to leave Beatrice's eyes when a strong gust entered her library fanning flames that seemed to have spawned out of nowhere.

“What is this, I suppose?”

Beatrice looked around and heard the book on her lap flipping through pages. She was tempted to look forward when she spotted a man covered in darkness in front of her.

The great spirit of yin was scared as she attempted to attack the mysterious man only for her magic to fail. She carefully weighed her options as freight began to corner her.

‘Mothers book.’

Beatrice then looked down at the book and started searching for any answers to her situation. It's a nightmare, she is sure of it. She wants to leave, to wake up but though she was conscious of it being the dream, its hold was absolute.

Step after step, the figure inched forward and Beatrice with religious fever searched the book's pages again and again. The fire surrounding her began to rise and flicker around both her and the man.

A silent prayer to her contractor to wake her up was now at the forefront of her mind as the figure was now in front of her.

She prepared for the worst but was surprised to be embraced by the figure but she still searched within the book. A stranger was acting familiar with Betty and she did not know his intentions.

That was until the hands had left the embrace reaching for something behind her. She turned towards his target and saw a white glowing thread.

It felt familiar, it felt like love, commitment, security, and excitement. It was her contract with her fated person. Who was it again?

The figure then grabbed ahold of the thread and before Beatrice could yell at him to stop, the thread snapped and began to undo.

The library's fire was swept aside leaving it pristine with the man slowly fading away.

Beatrice could only feel an emptiness in her chest that rivaled her time spent alone in the library.

Before the man disappeared, he uttered a few words.

“I will reunite with my lovely Beako and I will give her all the headpats she deserves.”

The man started to disappear further causing Betty to panic and throw the book aside wishing to grab the man's hand.

“When you remember me Beako, I won't ever leave you alone.”

The man disappeared and the slow sound of a ticking clock was the only thing prevalent in the library.

Beatrice began to hyperventilate as she grabbed her coils and put her back against the door sliding down. It felt like her heart shattered.

A name had slipped her mind. Who was it? Who was it? Was repeating in her head as she rocked back and forth with tears flowing.

“BEATRICE CHOOSE ME!!” A voice echoed through the library as she was jolted awake by a worried Emilia.

“Beako!” Emilia continued to shake the small spirit.

“What is it, I wonder?”

“You were having a nightmare.” Emilia slowly reached her hand towards her spirit's face when Beatrice slapped it away.

Emilia looked hurt. “I just wanted to wipe your tears.”

“Tears?”

The spirit said confused as she ran her hand across her face, feeling that her face was indeed wet.

She quickly used her sleeves to dry them and apologized towards her contractor.

“I am sorry in fact…about your hand I suppose.” Beatrice pouted slightly

“It's fine but what was your nightmare about it if you don't mind me asking?”

“I do not remember in fact, I only remember…nothing, I suppose.” Beatrice stated as she began to drag herself out of bed.

“We must get ready to depart in fact.” She said as she strode to the door leaving Emilia bewildered.

Emilia decided she would continue the conversation later as they did need to get ready.

In the hall, Beatrice had remembered a few things from her nightmare.

‘A fire, her library, and the strange man's words.’

‘ “When you remember me, Beako, I won't ever leave you alone.” ‘

Her chest tightened but she decided to leave it be as the group was to depart for the watchtower soon. She will find this man after and get her answers.

‘Who are you?’

Chapter Text

—------------------------------------------ Mercenary Guild —----------------------------------------------

“Thank you for your interest in joining the Mercenary guild, all I need is your name and the registration fee.”

Julius planted the required coinage on the desk.

“My name will be Juli and my companion's name will be Subaru.”

Upon receiving the names, The receptionist flinched and looked downward. On the desk laid a copy of the weekly newsprint of the Lugunica Information Guild.

THE ARCHBISHOP OF PRIDE is set free. Council reaffirms Subaru Natsuki was suspected NOT CONVICTED.

She had never heard of such a peculiar name, It certainly stuck to memory.

“I am sorry but your companion Subaru will have to be named Pride. He is known throughout the kingdom as such and if requested under the name Subaru, many would feel lied to or may argue that the Guild had lied to them.”

Julius grimaced at the fact that his friend would be labeled as an Archbishop. The council has informed the public about their skepticism that he was in fact pride.

“He is only suspected as you have heard. My companion has no such ties to the witch cult.”

Him only being suspected was one of the reasons that she allowed him to register in the first place. The council was quoted saying that they had mistaken the boy and wished the citizens to treat them as they would treat each other. They could ignore the council's sayings and respond how they wished, but the final nail in the coffin was a message delivered a few days ago by one of our top contributors, The Hoshin company.

Dear Drakkon Guild of Mercenaries.

        A friend of mine named Julius will be visiting a guild in search of employment. He is to be accepted immediately, he is also expected to bring a friend along. WHOEVER that friend is, allow him to join the Guild. This is non-negotiable and if my friend and his friend are turned away, expect the immediate withdrawal of any  future contracts with the Hoshin company.

        From Anastasia.

Saying that the guild would lose money was an understatement, Most of the jobs that come through are security for traders and merchants. Having the biggest company in Kararagi be a regular contractor had affirmed the Guild's financial future. Sure the guild could technically survive without the Hoshin company since they weren't the only ones who hired help, it still presented the problem that if they were to have a bad financial term, the Hoshin company could always bail them out.

The owner of the Hoshin company, Royal Candidate Anastasia had also clearly emphasized that whoever he brings should be accepted. Did she know it was the suspected Archbishop? She kept it ambiguous so that the guild would follow orders…She never mentioned Pride, was that so she could claim ignorance? Damn it.

“I understand and will allow him to register but his name cannot be anything else. This is for the guild's sake, we have no ill will towards Mister Subaru.”  

‘It's a kindness that he is even allowed to register, I should pay the fee before they may change their minds.’

Julius relented and handed over the fee. The receptionist turns around and lays the fee onto the open window behind her. She then pulled a sheet of paper under the drawer, wrote something down and rang the bell sitting on the window.  A gruff looking man walks over and counts the coins. Once finished, The receptionist slides over the paper she wrote on.

“You have enough and all that but Pride would be in bad taste, ain't it?” The record keeper looks past the receptionist at Julius.

“Record keeper, We have the man suspected to be pride registering.”  The receptionist responded to the gruff man.

“hmm…. Suspected?”

“The news is that he was suspected, not convicted.”

“You haven't talked to him..?Ugh…welp he got the coin.”

The record keeper took the coins and grabbed a toolbox from under his desk. A mass of long iron bars are seen cluttered inside. The record keeper then grabbed a blank silver card from the drawer. He then turned over several of the iron bars until he found one that had a J stamped on it. He then placed it over the card and with a tiny hammer, began to tap it with great force.

The keeper repeated this process four times. On the fourth and final stamp, He picked up the card and blew on it scattering bits of silver dust into the air. After inspection, the card is then handed to the receptionist who then hands it to Julius.

“Here is your card, Juli. Silver is the lowest rank a new recruit can start. Other than copper.” The receptionist stated as she bowed the card towards Julius.


“If I remember correctly, Copper refers to one who has indulged in illegal activity? ” Julius questioned  

“Yes sir, the guild sometimes receives requests that offer little to no explanation as to what they entail. Our mercenaries accept these jobs but should they be deemed illegal after or before, they will receive a copper card. 5 strikes on a copper card means immediate exposition and  hunted status.”

“Hunted status?” Julius had a raised eyebrow at this. He never heard of this punishment.

“A bounty is placed on their head and whoever brings them dead or alive will receive significant merit points. If you would like to see the bounty board then it is near the cafeteria. I may direct you if you want?”

Julius responded with a hand raised, stopping the receptionist from explaining any further.

“I am not in the business of bounty hunting but I appreciate the thought.”

The forgotten knight began to think about what he knew about the merit system from his research under Anastasia.

‘Every new mercenary starts with silver, to move up to iron, you must get 10 merit points. These merit points are given in time as long as you have been working consistently or your employer tips the guild for your services. One merit point is the max per job and evidence must be presented that the job was performed and that the mercenary exceeded expectations.’

The record keeper grabbed a new card from his drawer and began digging into his toolbox.

‘Silver cards offer the ability to accept jobs, Iron cards give access to higher paying requests and access to the mercenary building that lies behind the building. Gold cards are rarely given as you not only have to have 25 merit points but you must be recommended by both the guild and another gold member.’

“Wheres the other one?” The record keeper asked as he grabbed an iron bar etched with P and started hammering.

“He is currently in another shop acquiring gear for our future jobs.”

P  - stamped

“Well, I’ll need to get a good look at him when he starts a job?”

R - stamped

“I understand, I will bring him to the counter when he begins.”

I - stamped

“It's not an issue of trust but assurance. The guild needs to verify the man’s identity before he starts using our name. ”

D - stamped

“Very well, I will retrieve him when we venture to our first job.”

E - stamped

After finishing the stamping, he held the copper card and blew the dust off. He slid the card on the counter and returned to his daily routine. Julius saw the card was copper.

“The silver card is standard issue for all new applicants, no?”Julius questioned the receptionist.

The receptionist seemed just as surprised and turned towards the Record Keeper.

“I think you made a mistake, Klark.” The receptionist peered over the window towards the man's direction.

“Aint made one in 15 years, not starting now. I'm taking a precaution and marking the kid.” Klark the record keeper said not turning around, fiddling with the tools in front of him.

“This man was to be treated like other applicants per the letter–”

“I read the letter Anna…hmph…that woman thinks she can orchestrate our downfall. If the kids good then he will get his silver card in no time. If he's bad… the sooner we get rid of him.” The record keeper gruffed.

‘A letter? Could it be..?’  Julius thought to himself.

Anna grimaced but saw merit in his deduction. The receptionist turned towards Julius and bowed.

“I am sorry for this inconvenience but this seems the best way to find out his intentions without putting the Guild's integrity at stake.”

Julius understood the guild's position and accepted the card. He would have to explain to Subaru later about his status but for now, he would meet with him at the blacksmith.

—----------------------------------------------Black smith shop—----------------------------------------------





While Julius left the guild, Subaru was currently lamenting the fact that Julius had requested him to buy a sword but did not specify how he could determine the sword's quality. He did get advice mind you but “pick whichever one speaks to you” was not helping him.

How could he pick? He had no experience with swords other than his training with Wilhelm and even then, he just swung it around. He could not determine what made a fine sword. Ugh… it was like looking at a book shelf filled with the same book with slightly altered covers. How could he know which one was good or not?

That straight sword looks good but any attempt to raise it proved worthless. Guess I haven't grown enough muscle to lift this thing. What about that short sword? Hmph… I can swing it well and it feels nice in my hand. Should I go with this one? You know what, yeah I should.

Subaru picked up a matching scabbard and a whip.

“How much for all of this?”

The shop keeper looked down at the ensemble of items and did not bother to look up.

“I’ll give it to ya for 15 silver. All of them.”

“Alright,” Subaru dug into his pockets and put the silver on the counter."Thanks."

“If your weapon is chipped or your whip is torn, give me a hollar.”

“Got it.”

Leaving the blacksmith, Subaru headed towards the Inn.

‘A shortsword huh. I really didn't like the feel of the standard sword when I trained with Wilhelm, it felt restraining.  Hopefully this is a better fit…agh. Julius did tell me to get a normal sword, will he be mad?’

Lost in thought, Subaru looked up and found himself in the public square. It was fair to say he had gotten lost.

‘Dam, where am I?’

“Subaru.”

A hand had gripped his shoulder and Subaru turned to see Julius.

“Ahhh. thank god you found me, I would've been lost without you.” Subaru sheepishly admitted while scratching the back of his head.

“Then it is fortunate I stumbled across you.” Julius looked towards Subaru's waist and found the scabbard being noticeably shorter than a long sword.

‘He told me Wilhelm informed him of his poor potential with a long sword. Did he think a short sword is easier?’

“I believe I asked you to purchase a long sword, did I not?”

“No, yeah you did but…I figured I could…change…it…up.” Subaru's speech slowed as Julius;s face twitched in annoyance.

Pinching his nose at his disregarded instructions Julius reminded Subaru that he was most proficient in the long sword due to his knights training.

“So you never used one of these?” Subaru asked while he unclipped the scabbard and held it in front of Julius.

Julius in turn, grabbed the scabbard. “I have but I prefer the long sword. During training, we had to learn the basics of many weapons. Knights could not become unfit to battle if their preferred weapon was not available. I was only drilled in the basics, I can only teach you the basics.”

“That’s fine, I only wanted to learn enough to defend myself.”

It was a good mindset to have, Julius even encouraged it but there may come a situation where offence is the only survivable outcome.

“The short sword is best used in close quarters and is very accurate for thrusting in between armor gaps. However you must be agile and be perceptive of your enemies' movements lest your weapon becomes your weakness.”

“My weakness?”

Julius throws the scabbard back to Subaru and takes his own off his belt adapting a battle stance. Subaru returns the gesture.

‘This reminds me of kendo.’ Subaru admittedly thought.

“Most weapons will out range you, so if you are not paying attention.”

*Step*

Julius then rushes Subaru on his left side swinging low. Subaru in turn swipes his scabbard low to meet the knight head on but before he could commit the swing.

*clang*

Julius scabbard had reached Subaru's neck.

‘How?’

The forgotten knight had one hand outstretched grabbing Subaru’s wrist stopping his swing and the other on the hilt of the scabbard currently resting on the boy's neck.

‘He grabbed my wrist, I can't move the sword. Dam it, if this was real my head would be flying.’

“A long sword has weight and range but will swing much slower if the wielder is not used to the weight. Even if I committed to decapitating you with both hands on the hilt, Your strike while landing true would not dig deep into my flesh.”

Julius retracted his scabbard and attached to his hip again.

“With no weight, You would have the speed but lack the power. You would have to keep your distance and attack only when the opportunity presents itself.”

“Got it.” Subaru slouched in defeat.

Juliius took a look around and saw that they became a spectacle for passerbyers.

“We should move this to the Inn. We will begin your training there.”

Having noticed the crowd of people staring at them, Subaru could only nod following Julius’s steps towards the inn.


—-------------------------------------------------- 2 hours later —----------------------------------------------

Behind the Inn, Julius had told Subaru to summon Sona. (Water spirit).

The blue floating orb left Subaru's body and began to orbit him.

“Today we will be practicing two things at once.”

“At once?!” Subaru stepped backwards, surprised.

“If you are to accompany me then you must at least accomplish this much.”  

Julius then extended his hand towards Sona.

“We will fight with scabbards. Your spirit will heal your wounds.”

“But I don't know how to heal.”

“Your spirit does and will heal you if you order it too. So you will heal your wounds when I land a hit on you and you will memorize the feeling through repeated exposure.”

Subaru understood what Julius was referring to. He was saying that there are some situations where his attention is focused elsewhere so he would have to ensure his own safety but Julius as an opponent. A  brief flash of his past perspective being chained to the roof invaded his mind. He hadn't forgiven Julius but he was his only link to a life now lost.

A life that was no longer his. The half-elfs knight, The great spirit of yin contractor, Slayer of both the great rabbit and the White Whale. Julius believes that he is telling the truth. Subaru finds himself grasping on that small tether of hope through the forgotten knight that maybe one day others will believe him too.

“What do I have to do?”

“You will have Sona heal you using your hands as guides. By applying pressure and causing pain, your spirit should instinctively start to heal you.”

“Would Sona not heal me if I don't point with my hands?”

Julius began to explain much like a teacher to student on how Spirits while having their own will are inexperienced with human anatomy.

“Your mana flows through your body like blood and while they can see where you are hurt, the actual healing process is derived from your gate.”

‘My healing comes from my gate?’

“It's done this way as your body knows what's normal and what's not. Healing magic simply hastens the process and gathers information from your od on how your body is structured.”

“Oh.” Subaru muttered. ‘Are DNA and Od interchangeable?’

“Now we will begin sparring.” Julius walks over and grabs Subaru’s scabbard placing it in his hands.

Julius mirrors this action with his own scabbard.

Both fighters are now ready. Julius and Subaru look at each other expecting the other to make the first move. However Subaru was finding his grip too strong as he faced his former jailer.

Julius could see his grip tighten but did not falter and began to shift his weight in order to strike first.

*Step*

In a flash of speed, Julius repeated the same move earlier, an attack from below swinging left towards his right side.

Subaru, having recognized this, struggled to think of his next move.

‘Again. The same move, If I just swing then He will reach me before I can attack.’

Subaru back stepped creating distance while keeping his sword center.

‘If I can't attack, I'll have to move out of his reach.’

Julius stepped forward again.

‘If I can't take his neck.’

He aimed for the sword instead, causing it to fly out of Subaru’s hand and land in the dirt beside them. With no way to defend himself, Subaru took a hit to the side after Julius disarmed him.

*Thwack*

“Ahhhh!”

Subaru rolled backwards clutching at his side while Julius took a long firm look at him and lowered his weapon.

“Your grip was too strong.” Julius stated while walking towards Subaru.

“Your hand felt the weight of my strike…” The forgotten knight bent over and grabbed Subaru’s scabbard.

“I know your tense since I am your opponent. but… the world will not pull their punches and you will have to overcome fear to be effective in battle.”

Now standing over Subaru, Julius knelt down to his level and placed the scabbard on his lap.

“Call your spirit. Request her help.”

The spirit Sona then rushed over towards Subaru's hand that was caressing the wound he received earlier. Julius' remarks about fear were true, Subaru knew this first hand but…with repetition. The strikes from the knights of knights became ingrained into his memory.

Seeing Julius scabbard connect with his body was enough to send phantom pains throughout Subaru's body. In the boy's mind the strike did not come from a scabbard but a sharpened sword.

‘It's not real. I'm fine. It was a scabbard. It was only a bruise. I’m–’

Subaru’s repeated thoughts kept him centered, reminding him that this was practice for a better tomorrow. It was then that the healing from Sona began to shower his body in warmth and comfort. A warm liquid was washing over him, making him feel as if he was floating.

‘The pain. It’s fading, It feels really nice.’

“We will begin again.”

“hmph…Wait…” Subaru panted while recovering his stance.

“Why do you have to hit me if I just healed with no problems.”

Julius stood ready as he adapted his stance.

“Because with practice, Sona will be able to navigate your body to heal automatically, your body is a series of winding roads that your spirit is unfamiliar with. As you heal again and again then Sona will begin to understand and choose the best path forward to the affected region to heal you.”

Julius changes his stance, leaving himself completely open.

“If Sona does not know where to go without your guidance then your healing will be slow, this means you will have to concentrate on just healing, something your enemies will not allow you to do.”

He gestures at Subaru with a taunt. He responds in kind as he winds back his sword over his shoulder attempting to slash at Julius’s neck.

As the swing goes in motion, Julius ducks, making the scabbard swing at air.

“Argh!” Subaru feels pain and looks down to see Julius’s hilt dug into his stomach.

He reels backwards holding his stomach as Sona begins to heal him again. Julius regains his stance and waits for Sona to finish her task before he taunts him again.

Going late into the night, The dirt surrounding the two remained marked and disturbed as they used all their speed to attempt to out maneuver their opponent. In all their sparring matches, Subaru’s scabbard had never met against flesh as his attacks were either effortlessly dodged or parried.

Their latest duel had Subaru panting and tripping over himself. He was exhausted but this ailment did not feel just physical but spiritually as well. The boy began another swing when he lost all strength in his legs, collapsing into the dirt below.

*THUD*

‘I'm tired but it's not just my legs. It's not just my arms. It's my soul.  It feels heavy, It feels like I'm carrying weights.’

Subaru shifted his head towards Julius who was putting his scabbard away and walking towards him.

‘Look at him. He didn't even break a sweat.’ Subaru grimaced at an earlier memory suddenly resurfacing.

‘Just like at the Royal Capital. He didn't break a sweat.’

Julius bent over and grabbed Subaru’s scabbard. He walked in front of the collapsed man and poked him with the end of his own scabbard.

“You're exhausted. Using mana will deplete your stamina if overused. Your sword requires you to have a lot of stamina, to move around your opponents. If you move around too much then you will be too exhausted to heal. If you heal too much then you are too exhausted to swing your sword.”

Julius began to lift Subaru, throwing his hand over his shoulder.

“Training like this isn't ideal…but if you are to join me then it is necessary…unless you’ve since changed your mind?”

The knight was looking at the boy expecting him to take the long path to strength. It was the path that Julius took and one that took great discipline. Subaru looked tired, like he was about to throw up and his feet dragging behind him as Julius took step after step only encouraged this prediction that the raven haired boy would relent and stay safe.

A sudden shift of clothes had rustled Julius out of his thoughts as he saw Subaru looking at him.

“No…not yet. I can keep going.”

*TSK* Julius clicked his tongue at Subaru not hiding his disappointment of his decision.

“This training will allow you to become stronger faster but do not expect it to transform you overnight. It will only provide a boost not a shortcut.”

“I’ll keep going. Not stopping. Im…*Hic*--” If Subaru had control of his arms, he would cover his mouth as the urge to vomit came at full force.

“Not stopping until I kill gluttony.” Spoken with resolve, Julius could only accept his decision.

Thus the two headed towards their room.



—----------------------------------------------Julius and Subaru room—------------------------------------

Julius slumped forward as he opened the door and approached the bed. With care and attention Subaru was laid down on the bed.

“When do you think I’ll *YAWN* be ready?” Subaru said fighting the urge to sleep.

“Not for a while so I will be performing some jobs while you prepare. Train even when I am not here if you want to join me faster.” Julius spoke whilst he walked towards the chair aside the table.

“Just you wait. *YAWN* I’ll get there faster than you can think.” Subaru could not fight the urge to sleep and succumbed to slumber.

Julius seeing this rested his head on the table with his arms as pillows.

‘I will be waiting.’ Julius thought as he started to slip into dreamland.


—-----------------------------------------???????????--------------------------------------------------

Julius found himself standing in the middle of a hallway lined with stone. Gates are both behind him and in front spanning miles.

A gate in front of him opens with a large grating sound, scratching against the iron bars that support it.

The forgotten knight then walked into the gate and was immediately hit with an abhorrent smell. Turning towards his source, he could see Subaru hanged with chains tied to the roof of a cell and in front of him.

“How do I restore my name?”

It was him.

*SWIPE*

“AAAHHHHHHH!!!”

“Again foul witch cultists. I ask again, "HOW DO I RESTORE MY NAME.”

“I'm not Pride. I’m not Pride. I’m not Pride. I’m not Pride. I’m not Pride. I’m SUBARU NATSUKI, EMILIAS KNIGHT–”

*SWIPE*

He remembers this.

“AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!”

Subaru looks better and his hair is black. This must have been 2 days after he was captured.

“Your falsehoods hold no bearing on me, you should cease.”

The memory Julius begins to tap his sword on the ground.

‘Please stop.’ Julius begged his past self.

“You are weak. A position of knight would not be granted to someone talentless as you ,”

‘Wrong, we were weak.’ Julius thought to himself.

“Excuse me?” The memory Julius turned facing the real Julius.

“Weak? Yes we were weak but now we are the knights of knights at least until this monster got in the way.”

(A/N :   “   “ = Memory Julius    ‘   ‘ = Actual Julius )

Julius could only gasp as his memory was talking to him. A dream. It's a dream.

“It is. You will only be the Knights of Knights in your dream unless…” The memory Julius flips the sword in his hand grabbing the blade's end and sticking the hilt through the bars.

“You finish it. Kill the monster and go earn your place among the strong.”

‘Earn my place? We tortured an innocent.’

“Tsk…an innocent? No. We tortured a monster who feigned helplessness. How could he be weak if everything he said is true. He defeated the white whale? The great rabbit? You know how feats as legendary as that are earned. They are earned through strength.”

‘His strength was not in muscle.’

“And how do you know that? How can you prove that he has done any of these things, hmm?...You can't. At best they are fabrications of a mind that has gone insane, at worst he is telling the truth?”

‘How is that bad if he is? We failed to protect him!’

“Where do you think you go from here? If he lies then you are not near Anastasia to protect her. If he tells the truth then we are responsible for torturing the equivalent of the modern hero…face it. We are at a dead end.”

‘Why? I didn't want this to happen.’

“Pffftt… HAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAH didnt want this to happen! You enjoyed it.” Memory Julius pulled back the sword and let it clatter to the ground as he began laughing.

‘No.’

“You vented your anger on him. It was deserved. It was justice!”

‘NO!’ Julius grabbed the bars shouting at his memory.

“You wanted to help a friend save his lady, you wanted to help save yourself from the pain of starting over. YOU threw it all on the line and what for-”

‘STOP!’ Julius yelled as his memory grabbed the sword and began walking towards Subaru who was thrashing trying to gain distance.

“FOR HONOR!!” Memory Julius began to swipe his sword at Subaru, cracking bones and sending blood scattering against the railings, splashing on Juliu’s face.

“YOU ARE PRIDE!!!”  was repeated with every slash.

The gates suddenly opened on both sides.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! STOP JULIUS PLLLLLLLEEEEEEAAAAAAAASEEEEE” Suabru wailed as the pain began to overwhelm him.

Julius could only stand shocked as from the few glimpses of his memories face could be seen joy.

‘STOP!!! PLEASE!!!’ He begged him to stop but he continued.    

Julius began to bang on the bars hoping to break through.

‘STOP!!!!’

He began to run at the bars slamming his shoulders into the railing.

‘HE’S INNOCENT!!!’

Memory Julius only looked in his direction, completely breaking his neck as his head turned a full 180 degrees. An un-natural smile that seemed to beam as each strike was continuing to be delivered despite his focus remaining elsewhere.

He started to mouth words at Julius who could only turn pale once he understood.

“YOU ARE PRIDE!”

—-------------------------------------------ROOM—------------------------------------------

“JULIUS!!!!”

Julius was shocked awake as the scream breached his ears. He sat up looking towards Subaru as he sat on the edge of the bed as the early morning sun rays shined through the window.

“You were thrashing around in your dream…you ok?”

Julius, still adjusting to reality, rubbed his eyes and held a hand up.

“Apoligies, I did not mean to wake you.”

“It's no problem, I actually woke up earlier.”

“Wanna talk about it?” Subaru asked with genuine concern.

“No.” Julius flatly answered as he stood and began to get his gear. It's time for his first job as Juli.

“Remember to mediate and use the dummies behind the inn.” The forgotten knight said as he left through the door.

As the knight began to descend the stairs, His dream still being in the forefront in his mind had his words echo again and again.  

Subaru on the other hand began mediating and straining his gate for it to grow.

The two forgotten knights still have a while to go before they kill gluttony but time will tell.

Chapter Text

—----------------------------------------------  1.5 weeks later —---------------------------------------------------------

*Pant*

*Pant*

In the early morning, a cloaked man had been running around the neighborhood. This had become a new routine for the residents of Drakkon. The shopkeepers always open when the sun begins to rise. From sunrise to sunset was the standard operating time for street venders and some had gotten acquainted with the man.

The man stopped and looked at the various shops around him before settling on an appa vendor. He walked towards the stand with a pouch of money hanging off his belt.

“1 appa please.”  The cloaked man said.

“2 silver.” The vendor responded.

The cloaked man had undone the knot on the pouch and emptied it. 2 silver had dropped on the table.

“Thanks for ya business as always.” The vendor threw an appa towards the man who catched it with one hand before biting into the fruit,

“Man…these are always great.”

“Glad to have another satisfied customer and one that's always on time, talk about a blessing for my pocket.”

“Keep them fresh and I'll keep buying…Although I might not be here as much.” The cloaked man said while munching on appa.

“*sigh*... just when I counted my blessings. Now I can't be giving out discounts even to repeat customers.”

“No,no, it's not that.”The cloaked man started waving his arms. “ I'm just about to start working soon and it involves me leaving town for a bit.”

“Ah…you're doing mercenary work. If you see Juli then thank him for me.”

“Juli? What did he do?”  The man looked puzzled.

“He helped me repair my stand bout a week ago. I had a job posting in the guild for the longest time but no one accepted. It was a stroke of luck when Juli came by.”

The vendor nodded. “Yep. I wouldn't be selling you or anyone else appas if he hadn't come along. All those bastards at the guild take the high paying jobs giving the working man the slip. ”

The cloaked man simply nodded and began to walk away.

“I’ll see you next time I need an appa.”

‘Julius is already making a name for himself. Man it's so easy for him huh.’  Subaru thought as he strolled towards the inn.

He couldn't help but feel inferior. Sure he wiped off some of the most atrocious beast this world has ever known but that was not attributed to his strength rather his cursed ability that allowed him to cheat death. Julius is strong, like really strong. He might be the strongest in the royal knights other than Rienhard obviously and where does his strength put him. Bottom of the pecking order.

If he was stronger, he could've saved Rem. If he was smarter, he would've ran for help when confronted by Gluttony. His ability gave him comfort that he could fix any mistake and for that he was thankful despite the fact that he had to literally die to activate it. But his stay in that damned cell convinced him otherwise, His checkpoint was on the day of imprisonment. Always repeating, pleading to his friends that he was innocent.

He hated how this world treated him. He hated how despite every effort to better himself, he was met with a greater force hurling him back into old habits. His sleep was now an active curse as his mind reels in better days only for them to turn twisted as his deaths begin marching towards  him.

“Man, talk about unlucky. If my life was an anime, no one would watch this crap.”

“While I do not know what this Ani-may is, you must not think too lowly of yourself Sir Natsuki.” The old doorman Jonathon pulled Subaru out of his thoughts.

Subaru in his absent mindedness had already reached the Inn and had been walking in circles much to the annoyance of the door man.

“Ah, well…yeah…” The boy looked embarrassed, he did not think he said that last part out loud.

“Well then…*Ahem*...Welcome back Sir Natsuki.”  The door man said as he took the newspaper from the ground beside him and began to unfold it.

“Again with Sir. What’s it gonna take to break through to your heart Sir Jonathon!” Subaru playfully pointed at the old man.

The old man could only sigh at the young man's antics.

“If you are done jesting,” Jonathan shook the paper in his hands, straightening them out.”There may be some customers who’d rather arrive with pleasant company.”

Subaru could only growl at Jonathon for the jab but was quickly taken by the headline on the newspaper he was reading.

The watchtower expectation fails for a third time! The Emilia camp says it won't be the last!

“Hey Jonathon, could I read that for a second.”  Subaru asked, extending his hand towards the paper.

“I suppose you can, sit here and wait for me to return.” Jonathon said as he rose from his chair handing the newspaper to the boy.

As soon as he got comfortable, Subaru began reading its contents eager to see how his camp fared since his departure.

        “Progress has been made.” or so the sword saint Rienhard Astrea says. “We made it past the sand but once we learned the rules of the trial, I think it's better if we prepare.” says the Half elf candidate Emilia.

        This expedition was the third attempt by the sword saint and the Emilia camp's first attempt. If the reports are to be believed, a third party had given them access to a tool that allowed them access to the watchtower; however the prospect of not leaving the tower until they conquer it left them skeptical of their success.

        The Emilia camp says that their goal remains unchanged. They will return once they acquire a plan of action and are better equipped.

‘The watchtower? What's that?’ The boy flipped through the pages. ‘ They don't explain it, maybe Julius can explain it to me when he gets back.’

Just as Subaru finished reading the paper, Jonathon came through the door and tapped his shoulder.

“Ah. Thanks for letting me read it.” Subaru spoke in gratitude as he stood and handed the paper back.

“Something that interests you?”  The old man said as he tapped the paper over the bold headline.

“Yeah, but I don't know what tower they are talking about. What is the watchtower?”

“A great library of sorts, one that has been outside of the grasp of the council though it's in Lagunica itself.”

“So they had a great library that they couldn't access. How come?”

“The tower itself has been out of reach. The sword saint described it as the sands underneath him subtly shifting, orienting him, causing him to gain no ground.”

“Hmm.”

“Well nothing that concerns us. I believe they will explore its great secrets sooner or later. Otherwise why would Flugel make an entrance.”

‘The great hero?’ Subaru instantly thought about the tree that fell on the white whale.’The guy who planted the tree?’

The raven haired boy knew that Flugel was most likely transported like him so his achievements sort of set a benchmark for Subaru. He knew that Flugel was smart and may have been the most influential person in this world's history. For Subaru to try to even approach his level of significance was ludicrous. His cursed power could only help him correct paths already taken. He sort of envied Flugel for whatever cheat power he had, It was never confirmed in the history books that he read but maybe he too had a taboo.

Maybe, a lot of history is often disregarded and written down on only the most basic points. Who felt the great calamity, who shot who, when the war ended? It would be nice to know for sure but he would prefer to think he had cheat powers. He would only feel worse if that guy accomplished all that he did without the use  of powers. Without his power, he would've been a corpse in a loot house where the assailant was long gone. Just a nameless corpse beside the royal candidate Emila. Maybe they'd blame him for her death.

“Yeah…having all that knowledge and not sharing it to the world wouldn't feel right I bet.” Subaru stood.

“In that, I agree, Sir Natsuki.” Jonathon nodded towards the boy before taking his seat by the door.

“Ah, Subaru!” A second voice had called out to Subaru as he was entering the Inn. He had turned to see Julius.

“Hey Julius. Back from helping vendors?”

Julius stalled his approach, surprised.

“Information does not lie dormant as Anastasia says.” Julius sighed not wanting Subaru to learn of his work.

“My work matters aside, how is your progress going?” Julius prodded Subaru for the answer.

“Going great. I’m running around the block like you said.” Subaru responded before entering the Inn prompting Julius to follow him.

“Good to see you Juli.” Jonathon bowed to Julius.

“Thank you for the warm reception Sir Jonathon.” The knight responded as he quickly followed Subaru past the door.  

Julius could see Subaru climbing the stairs and trailed him asking him if he knew the significance of the task he was given.

“So I could get out of your way while you work.” He responded coldly.

“Of course not. Your weapon requires quite a bit of stamina to handle.”

“I heard but I don't understand why I can't accompany you on these…” Subaru looked hurt that his supposed only friend had been leaving him.”...odd jobs. They don't require much stamina.”

The two entered the room and Subaru summoned Don to turn on the lamp. The light flickered on casting an orange tint to the room as Subaru paced back and forth.

“I mean, YOU told me that you weren't gonna just keep me around. Now I hear you doing the work without me.”

Julius suddenly grew irritated at Subaru.

“As opposed to what? Training you? I have told you my expertise on the weapon YOU choose are only the basics. We have enough for essentials, lodging, food, water but weapon maintenance, ground dragon feed and guild cost are prevalent.”

“I know!” The boy shouted quietly to respect his neighbors.”I know we have expenses but these jobs seem like…like anyone can do it. Me being here while you do those simple things has me thinking that I can't do the most basic of things… That you don't trust me.” He sat on the bed with his head in his hands.

Julius had put his hand into his jacket pocket. Fingers traversing Subaru’s copper Guild card. He had never given him his card and was planning on it tomorrow. The forgotten knight felt like the card was poison against his fingertips, the smooth metal being interrupted by the harsh stamping reading out PRIDE.

Grabbing onto the card, he motioned it towards Subaru who looked up. The face he had was one of trust, acceptance, and eagerness to prove who he was. It was only when the card left Julius’s hand that his face morphed into sorrow.

“Pride…” The boy spoke, his gaze looking past the card in his hand.

“I know that you are not Pride, however the guild believes that calling you by any other name would bring their integrity into question.”

“Can I see your card Julius?” He spoke softly.

“Yes.” Julius had handed him his card.

Subaru looked at his card and saw the boxes etched onto the card have multiple stamps. His card was silver and his was copper. Was doing odd jobs worth that much?

“Is copper where you start?” The boy asked.

“...No.” Julius wanted to avoid this conversation as he was telling his former captive that Pride was once again his identity and tied to that name was obvious differential treatment.

“You start at silver. Copper is reserved for-”

“Criminals.” Subaru interrupted with a harsh tone.

“People who the guild question on what their morals are.” Julius responded.

Subaru slapped the card a couple of times on his thigh. “Seems about right.”  He then threw Julius’s card across the room on top of his bed.

“These jobs…you could’ve joined me but I did not keep you here because I wanted you to stay safe.”

“Then why not let me tag along. I could’ve built connections, shown the guild that I could be trusted.”

“Because these jobs offer meager pay…I had to accept multiple jobs in order to make a decent wage. The jobs that we are aiming for… Mercenary jobs bring danger and I need you to take care of yourself if I am preoccupied.”

“That’s why you had me running around?”

“Your strength is your mind so you need to keep a safe distance while being a present danger. Only attacking when your opponent falters. It’s no fault to say that your biggest asset in terms of physical confrontation is your stamina.”

Julius walked to Subaru and laid a hand on his shoulder.

“You need to be out of their range but always a threat. You must dance.”

Subaru could only stare in disbelief into Julius' eyes.

“Dance?”

“Yes. Dance around your partner studying his moves, lead when given room and relinquish when he takes the initiative."

“What the hell are you talking about!?”

Julius presses on his shoulder reiterating his point.

“Your sword requires you to step forward when your enemy is distracted and step backward when they begin their assault. You have to push and pull.”

“So my sword is best at being annoying?”

“I would rather say it excels at keeping your enemy preoccupied. That's why you were tasked with running. Using spells and fighting use stamina and if you are exhausted then you are dead. You keep moving until the enemy-”

“Does not.” Subaru finished his sentence.  

“Persicsly.” Julius stood and turned moving towards his bed. “We will accept a higher paying job tomorrow. In the morning, we will go to the shopping district for more clothes.”

“Got it.” Subaru stood and walked towards the door. “You gonna sleep?”

“Yes. Last night's job was particularly draining. Continue to train, I will meet you behind the inn to train when I wake.”

Subaru waved as he left. Julius began to unlatch his sword holster and un buttoned his jacket, preparing to sleep.

Meanwhile the raven haired boy descended the steps and walked towards the back door.

—----------------------------------------------- Behind the INN —----------------------------------------------------------------------

Now standing in the clearing behind the inn, he called for Sona. (water spirit)

“Alright, time to practice that special move.”

The boy raised his hand like a gun and pointed it at a dummy. Subaru then closed his eyes and visualized his od. He thought of water splashing in waves against the ocean's shore. Water then started to seep out of his finger tips dripping onto the dirt below him.

His mana was being pulled from his od and so he imagined the mana  surrounding his od allowing no escape for the mana being expelled, Creating a mana barrier. The water on his finger tips stopped and he then squeezed his od with the mana barrier that enveloped his od. His lungs became heavy as breathing now took effort. The pressure was building and building until…he undid a spot in the barrier allowing the mana to explode out.

“Water Jet!!”

A pressurized stream of water erupted from his finger tips and hit the top of the dummy. The water bore itself into the straw dummy by a few inches before the water from Subaru’s finger tip sprouted in all directions like an erupting volcano.

Subaru fell backwards from the immense backlash. After rubbing his bottom, he stood and walked towards the dummy inspecting the damage.

‘The pressure was really weak. The mana barrier became un-done. My guess is that I didn't control the output precisely, making the barrier unstable.’

Pressurized water was used to cut metal back home so he instantly thought about this implication as soon as he contracted with a water spirit. By adding pressure and focusing it all through one small hole, the water could cut through flesh but the barrier was delicate much like a balloon. A sudden hole will undo the entire thing resulting in an explosion of water rather than a pressurized stream.

‘I think if I reinforce the area the hole is at, I can stop it from collapsing but that's gonna take sooome….’

Before Subaru could finish his thought, exhaustion overtook him for a moment as he stumbled and struggled to stand up right.

‘Ok, The most glaring problem is mana quantity.’ The boy thought while he grabbed his head hoping to alleviate the headache.

His mana pool had improved due to his training but that small stream was all of his mana pooled into a tight space and ejected. It barely shot through inches of straw, it would never cut through bone much less flesh. He essentially had a toy water gun but he would train more and someday hold enough mana to fill a water tower.

It was a stretch but a goal he wished to claim but for now maybe it's better if he sat down and rested.

Subaru walked around the clearing and laid on a heap of hay brushed against one of the stable pillars and proceeded to take a small nap.

—-----------------------------------------------------Emilia Camp (Emilia’s quarters)-----------------------------------------------


Meanwhile Emilia’s quarters were filled to the brim with books as the royal candidate flipped through them absorbing as much information as she could. The door then creaked open revealing a stack of books that was floating in the air.

“Here is the last of the books pertaining to that period, I suppose.” The floating books spoke as it began to move to an open spot for it to lay.

“Thank you Beako.” Emilia said, not looking away from the book she was reading.

The stack of books was dropped and a small blonde spirit appeared behind it. The small spirit's hair seemed odd, almost unkempt.

Beatrice would do her hair herself but ever since she left the library, she felt like someone else had done it and took great joy in doing so. She would always look cute because her contractor would help her throughout the day. With her hair, with sweets, and with hugs.

“This is important. I suppose but Betty deserves to be pampered for being a great spirit.” The spirit fumed.

“Just look at my hair, in fact! You would always brush it in the morning.” Beako pointed at the half elf who looked up.

“I'm sorry Beako but I have to free the people in Priestilla as fast as I can. I didn't start brushing her hair until two months ago when we left the city. Why not comb it yourself?” Emilia responded.

“Lies! You combed it after Betty left the library.”

“Did I?” Emilia questioned whether her memory was faulty.

“No I’m pretty sure I only started after Priestilla, at your request too.” Emilia reaffirmed her belief.

“Grr.” Beatrice was growling at the lies her contractor was spouting.

“I’ll finish these books then we will play, ok?” The royal candidate returned to her studying.

“Hmph!” The spirit only turned her head in defiance and walked out the room.

The spirit could not believe how much her contractor had changed. The days used to be fun, filled with laughter and delight but now she had often found herself alone with only the young maid. She enjoyed her company but it paled to the days she remembered talking with her contractor. What changed? Was the prevailing thought in the spirits mind.

Meanwhile the royal candidate was suffering from an identity crisis. She remembered conquering the sanctuary, she remembered saving the village from mabeast, and she knows that she passed the trails but something changed. All eyes were now on her, expectations were now sitting on her shoulders like weights, being a royal candidate came with stress but now her achievements has everyone thinking that she is the key. Was she the key? She wasn't sure herself but she had to act like it, she had to do everything she thought was right to try to meet everyone's expectations and that only drove her further away from her friends.

“No time for that thinking. It's time to study.” Emilia prepped herself for another book.

The books she was reading pertained to the era of Flugel. In the talks concerning their next attempt, it was decided that she would be in charge of knowledge of Flugel. They did not know what awaited them in the trails so they decided to attack from every angle. She would not fail the people trapped in ice whether they be in Elior forest or Priestilla, She will set them free.

—----------------------------------------------------------Behind the Inn—--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subaru was jolted awake by a foot moving his legs. He saw the sun shine directly overhead causing him to use his hand to shield him from the sun's rays.

“Subaru.”

The raven haired boy adjusted his position to see Julius standing in front of him.

“Julius…sorry I spent a lot more mana than I thought” Subaru groaned as he stood arching his back.

“You were not healing using self harm I hope.”

“No, I promise I wasn't."

“Using Shamok then?”

“...yeah. Used it too many times.”  Subaru answered.

“Hmm…alright then. We will begin sparring, tell me when you are ready.” Julius turned and left towards the center of the field while Subaru went for his short sword.

“Alright Im ready!”

“Then let us begin!”

The two exchanged blows into the night with Subaru failing to get a hit in but healing himself constantly.

—------------------------------------------------------------The Next day—--------------------------------------------------------------

Julius and Subaru were at a shop when a set of clothes were on the counter labeled custom made.

“Julius what is this?”

“This is your outfit for when you are on jobs.”

In front of them was a black cloak, shirt and blue pants. An orange line was sewn onto the edges of the cloak with a hood stitched onto the top. Beside them laid a white mask with a blue crystal embezzled into the forehead section. The mask itself was blank being all white much like a theater mask with only slits for the eyes to peer through.

“Why do I have to wear these clothes?”

Julius responded by grabbing the mask and handing it to Subaru.

“Do you recognize this?” his finger tapped on the crystal.

‘Wait that's…’ Subaru recognized this crystal.

“A barrier crystal?”  

“Yes. This will mask the witches scent that hangs off you and will allow you to wander a mabeast infected forest undisturbed provided that you are not seen.”

Subaru remembered telling him about his scent so seeing that he took it into account made him grateful and also a little bit irked. Why hadn't he tried this back at Roswal manor.

“This was really thought out but how did you afford this?”

“I had to dig into the funds I earned through the odd jobs but we will make more by doing our next job so as Anastasia would say. Sometimes you have to invest in order to gain.”

“Thanks man. For this.”

“Think nothing of it…Try it on!” Julius urged Subaru.

In the dressing room, Subaru began to undress himself taking off his iconic tracksuit. He remembers everything he went through and how it all led to this. He pulled his pants down and thought about the countless times he ran. On the great plains, away from the white whale. Away from the mansion, running away from a grief stricken Ram. He then undid the zipper on his Tracksuit. His parents, his last keepsake tucked away. He would wear it again, It holds the only connection to his parents in this cruel world.

But now he dons a new outfit. One brought not only by sincerity but necessity. He would live for a future where this mask was obsolete and he would be known as Natsuki Subaru. The mask now fixed into place and thus a new man was born. If the world was to refer him as such then who was he to argue. To his friends, he would be known as Natsuki Subaru but to the world, it would forever see him as PRIDE,

Chapter Text

Walking into the mercenary guild, Julius had led Subaru to the front counter, introducing him.

“This!This is the famous Archbishop of Pride?!” Klark bellowed from behind the window sill much to Anna's dismay.

The boy looked scrawny, malnourished, and crying for attention in his getup. Every piece of news of that accursed cult had struck fear into the hearts of those who dare listen. A whole lot of crazies and deranged executioners most called them but the record keeper couldn't see any of that in him.

“How…? I mean nothing about you screams pride if you ask me. Those pants, shirt and mask are shouting for attention tho.”

‘How would he respond to complaints about his figure?’

The record keeper thought to himself as he continued to berate Pride. Every one of them had a gimmick. However their sin could be incorporated into their actions or words.

“I mean, I think my niece can take you on.”

‘Gotta keep pushing. He may have power but he must’ve had a reason not to use it.’

“Listen here. I’m Pride alright can we move on.” Subaru started with his gaze downcast.

Acceptance…no, shame. Klark could only sigh to the side in response.

‘He didn't take the bait. That name seems more like a curse than his sin. He isn't proud to be called Pride but he takes it as his name anyway, probably knowing that others would only see him as an Archbishop.I guess I should be the first.’

“Well then Natsuki, I will stamp your card so you can start to work.” The record keeper motioned for Anna to transfer the card from his hand to his.

After the card was given, Klark had stamped all four sides with the insignia of the guild allowing him to work. From the corner of his eye, he saw his posture improve when called by his name, the guy seemed happy but maybe his pride isn't by his title but his name.

‘Aw shit…did I just tell a suspected Archbishop the fact that I have a niece…Stupid.Stupid.Stupid. Well, cant do anything about that now, best be on his good side for insurance sake.’ Klark thought as he stamped the last corner.

Handing the card to Anna who then turned it over to Subaru, she began to issue the formal speech that every new patron gets when they are about to set out on their first job.

“Thank you for choosing the Drakon Guild. We hope to hear about your victories in the coming years. Here is to a long mutually beneficial relationship.” Anna concluded with a bow.

After receiving the card, Julius and Subaru headed towards the board to scour the open jobs. Most were dangerous but a common theme is that it restricted the jobs by card type. Julius could accept most jobs but Subaru had access to only odd jobs. Fix a shelf, watch over a shop, or other meaningless things. However one job stood out. A three day trip down south towards a nobles mansion. It accepted all cards and only required a ground dragon and carriage for a great sum reward.

Subaru grabbed the page and read its contents presuming it to be a bodyguard gig.

“How about this one?”

Julius saw the paper in his hand and overlapped his own.

“I think this one would be fine to start.” Julius said while holding a sign looking for a lost dog.

Subaru nudged the paper away.

“I didn't train so I could look for a puppy, Julius.”

“It may be better to ease you into the process…but I concede that you have some merit in your statement. We will request more information from the employer and if not dangerous then we will accept.”

—--------------------------------Away from the two forgotten knights—----------------------------

A post near the entrance, leaning onto the pillar, was a large fur covered man with two weapons strapped to his back covered in cloth. He looked to be part werewolf and was smoking while puffing out the window. Beside him was a woman, about 5’4 with a cloak obscuring her figure.

“I don't think anyone is eager to join us, Ruby.” The wolfman stated bluntly.

“Abandaning my father is not an option, I’ll drag the cargo by hand if I have to.”

“I admire your spirit but without a carriage, it would be a trip in vain. How about we stay the night and try again tomorrow.”

“You seem to forget that by carriage, it’d be a 3 day ride. The noble holding my father expects his payment in 4. We can't sleep and try again.”

“You are very persuasive but if not today then…We might have to abandon the mission altogether.”

“No chance. Why don't you ask one of your mercenary friends for a quick favor and rent us their carriage.”

“Again, acquaintances, not friends. Besides, most employers provide transportation so they have no need to buy their own.”

“Hmpf.”

Sensing someone approaching them, Targa nudges Anna to look up, witnessing a man clad in white and another clad in black wearing a white mask. The man in white carried himself much like a knight while the other looked around, almost seeming paranoid.

“Hello. We are here to respond to your request for aid.” The man in white extended a paper belonging to the two.

“Yes…have you read what you will be providing?” Ruby questioned.

“We have a ground dragon and carriage.”

“hmm… What ranks are you two?”

“I am silver and my friend here is copper.”

“Why is your friend copper?”

Julius then explained that his friend was the suspected Archbishop of Pride but strongly affirmed that he was not.

“If the council had him for 2 months and didn't outright label him Pride then it's good enough for me. My name is Ruby, This silent fella is Targa.”

“ As you heard my name is Targa. Been a mercenary here for 10 years.”

“My name is Julius, a former knight and his name is Subaru.”

Subaru raised his hand once called.

“Hey.”

“A knight eh?” Targa raised an eyebrow.

“Do you have some experience?” Julius curiously asked.

“I tried to become one when I was younger. Never could pass the 2nd test.”

“Passing the 1st is a feat to be proud of.”

Julius became nostalgic about his attempt, running around the city while avoiding higher ranking knights was a good memory. It reinforced himself that from the pain of discipline, a good work ethic can truly lead you to victory.

“Maybe but I’d prefer I pass them all. Haven't tried in a while though. Always think I’m not good enough.”

“It’s always those who value themselves the lowest that end up shining the brightest. I pray for your next attempt to end in success.” Julius encouraged the man.

“Thanks, It’s really nice hearing that from a former knight. I also wanted to ask why you are not a knight now?”

Julius grimaced at the recurring memory from his dreams. Every moment away from Anastasia had him completely worried. A sudden attack? Kidnapping? If anything were to happen, then would he be to blame? He trusted the Iron Fang but…

“I was relieved from my position, for acting outside of my lady's intentions.”

“Harsh. Well I don't mind you joining but I'm still iffy about Subaru.”

“Whats wrong with me?” Subaru asked.

“You don't seem strong, Julius carries himself well but you're more sluggish. Either you're over confident or weak.”

“I can handle myself just fine.” Subaru spoke in mild frustration. .

“Mind if we do a quick sparring match then. I gotta make sure we have another competent fighter protecting Ruby.”

“I can protect Ruby just fine, in fact I can say without a doubt that If I go on the mission then there is a 100 percent chance we complete it!" Subaru posed towards the sky.

Ruby and Targa are stunned at his bold declaration. A former knight, Mercenary and experienced merchant are riding along and he thinks that he is the golden ticket?

“Well maybe you're overconfident and weak.” Targa planely stated.

Ruby nudges him playfully, agreeing with the statement but disagreeing with the way he delivered it.

“Lets have you two face against Targa. I want to make sure that you can protect me.”

The girl thought that maybe they would be better fighting together rather than apart after all the offer of transportation being accounted for was too tempting.

“I believe that is more than fair.” Julius stated.

Just then Subaru pulls Julius aside.

“Julius, did you forget that I started to train 3 weeks ago.”

“No, that has not slipped my mind.”

“THEN WHY DO YOU HAVE ME GOING AGAINST A 10 YEAR VETERAN ASSHOLE!” Subaru silently yelled.

Subaru wasn't entirely convinced that he was useless in a fight per say but past experiences had been etched into his very core that strength was something built not handed over. He had just started training with the short sword so he was confident that he could not beat Targa.

“I have a plan for you, Keep your distance and attack when you see an opening.”

“What if he prioritizes me?”

“Run. Run away and I’ll strike at him with his back turned.”

A coward's approach? He wasn't a man of honor by no means but putting a knife to his back? As Subaru began to think about other various battle situations, he realized that he is a liability on an even battlefield. Even before Priestilla, he relied on others to do his fighting for him. Only striking when they were weakened.

“I guess that's all I can do right now.” Subaru calmly stated.

‘I could use some of my new spells but Water Jet is not powerful enough and Cursed Ground has a small range. Dam, I could use Invisible providence but It will only further label me as a witch cultist.’

After their talk, The group walked behind the guild and took their stances. Some observers had followed them out creating a sort of show. As they were about to strike, Subaru swore he could hear the clatter of coins being passed around.

Targa vs Julius and Subaru.

Targa struck first by throwing a knife at Julius’s direction while sprinting towards Subaru.

Julius raised his sword and deflected the knife. Targa was closing the distance as Julius ran and pushed Subaru out of the way and parried Targa’s strike.

‘He is focusing on the weaker one. Whittling down the opponents number.’ The former knight thought as he took his stance.

Targa repositioned himself and struck blow after blow, each being effortlessly parried by Julius.

As Subaru got up, he began to encircle the fight. Their swords were a blur of silver, sparking against each other, neither one giving an opening to the other. With every step outside of Targa’s view, the mercenary would shift his position to keep Subaru within his peripherals.

‘Dam it. If I attack with him eyeing me, a single swing of his sword would render me useless.’

Julius seemed to notice this and shifted his weight onto his left leg as he began thrusting his sword at his opponent, forcing him to focus forward lest he be pierced.

Subaru then attempted to attack Targa from behind but he did a leg sweep and while Julius dodged it, jumping over the leg , Subaru failed, crashing into the ground with a loud thud.

Targa used the momentum of the sweep to carry force into his sword as he cleaved upwards. Forcing Julius to fall back due to the amount of force. If he had attempted to parry it then the force would have carried his blade above his shoulders, giving the mercenary an opening to cut his abdomen.

“This fights over.”

As Julius readies his sword, he turns to see Targa standing above Subaru with his blade end inches away from his neck.

The forgotten knight concedes and returns his sword into its scabbard as Targa mimics the same action. He then offers a hand to Subaru and helps him to his feet.

“The former knight is strong, if it were just me and him, I would’ve lost. Fortunately you were here to act as leverage.”

Subaru, offended by this statement, yanked his hand away from his grasp. Targa only shrugged his shoulders and turned to Ruby.

“The white one is good, real good but this other one will get us killed.” Targa then turned towards Julius.

He was impressed by his vigor during combat. Every parry was perfect and directed to make him overshoot his swing. If he had not had good control of his hilt, the sword would’ve slipped through his fingers. What sealed the deal in his opinion was the fight itself. There were moments where he saw his opponent flinch. At first, he thought that Julius was afraid of the sword but then his wrist shifted.

His sword parries shifted into overdrive, Targa couldn't move his sword, it was as if Julius was moving his arms for him with each strike. Targa surmised that he could’ve killed him multiple times if this was not a sparring match. When he began to thrust, all hope of winning the fight became a far away dream. That was until his comrade had stepped in, Targa's ears heard the dust being kicked up from Subaru’s oppressive charge and disarmed him while creating distance ensuring his victory.

‘Julius could be useful in the future.’ Targa thought.

“I don't think you're gonna head out on your own, leaving your friend behind. Once you get done babysitting, come find me. I can get you on the fast track to becoming gold. You have the skill for it.”

“Thank you for your consideration but leaving him is not an option.” Julius polity responded.

Ruby then moved towards the center and asked Julius about the transportation.

“The carriage and dragon, how much to rent it?”

‘The boy was too much of a liability but this knight won't leave him. I will have to settle for the dragon and carriage it seems.’ Ruby thought.

Julius perplexedly answered.

“If it was just a matter of renting, would you have not gone to the stables?”

“The main problem is that the payment is reliant on this job being completed.” Ruby shrinked a little away.

“Our only means of transportation given away on a promise of payment? It would be a deal only a fool would make.”

She had to save her father.

“Why not come with us to ensure its safe passage then?”

“As Targa said, I do not move without my friend. Even if I were to agree, the ground dragon we possess is keen on only moving when Subaru is near. It's either we accompany you or you get nothing.”

Ruby deep in thought was low on options.

“C’mon Ruby, You aren't considering this are you? The guy in black would only be a detriment to the mission, if he were to have hollow lungs then the knight would be affected.”

“I understand but they were the only ones to offer transportation and the sun is setting soon. I’m afraid this is the only card I have left to play.”

Targa gruffed at this. This was going to complicate things.

“This mission puts you in danger, we have to hire some real muscle without the anchor.”

Ruby grimaced at the idea in her head but decided it was the best course of action.

“Subaru? Would you mind being my personal body guard?”

“Huh?” Subaru was perplexed.

“Stay near me at all times and do not scurry off. Do that and we will leave post haste. Do you agree?”

Subaru went wide eyed but immediately understood where she was going with this.

“Yeah. I’ll protect you.”

“Good.”

Targa pulled her aside, grabbing her by the arm.

“Woah, woah, woah. Have you gone insane? That guy couldn't fight me in a thousand years, much less another bronze card. This circus act has gone long enough, Your safety is the top--”

“Whitch is why I asked him that in the first place.”

Targa looked confused.

“Listen, by having him near me and thinking that he is to protect me then the knight would prioritize his life ergo protecting mine. The guy seems weak but honest. They will prioritize me by proxy.”

By proxy, Ruby would be safe but could Targa really take it up to chance. He had planned to take the girl under his care but this just endangers her.. Although he has been around her long enough where he knows when she can’t be convinced otherwise.

“Its good but it's not enough.”

“I won't abandon him. I need you with me.” Ruby begged Targa.

‘Guess that’s that.’

“...fine. We leave in 25 minutes. Go get some rations for the trip while I inspect their carriage. Make sure it won't leave us stranded in the middle of the forest.” Targa told Ruby.

“Thanks, I’ll leave it to you.”

—--------------------------------------Crush;s mansion—-------------------------------------------

At the mansion, Crush was seen walking down the stairs grabbing hold of the railing for extra support. Felix overlooking her cheered her on.

“You can do it Nyan~!”

Each step was heavy and required quite a bit of balance lest she fall down the steps. Felix flinched whenever she took the next step. He would be ready to catch her if anything were to happen but she had it in the bag.

At the last step, Felix announced it as if it was a great achievement.

“Congratulations Nyan~” Felix rubbed her cheeks against Crush’s cheeks from behind playfully.

“Thank you Ferris.” Crush had leaned her face into Felix’s playful act.

“Feeling playful nya~?”

“No, I'm grateful for such a great friend.” Crush responded.

“Well, I'm happy that you are my one and only lady?”

Crush then stopped and walked a bit forward, her gaze was far as if in thought.

“Something wrong Nya~?”

“No–It’s just…I wanted to thank Subaru for this.” She said as she was caressing her arm that was infected with dragon blood.

She didn't notice but Felix’s face for a moment turned into rage. How could she think about thanking that sinful pitiful existence of a man. He could have healed her at any time, It's not my fault I didn't believe him. If he hadn't spun that story about being the slayer of two archbishops then I would have trusted him.

Him? Defeating two bishops. How can my lady even think about thanking him? She should be thanking me. Everything I did led to her being healed, If given the choice, I’d do it again. Don't you realize Crush? The man who single handedly brought you salvation was your loyal knight. Felix.

He grabbed her hand and playfully smiled at her.

“You don’t have to worry about him Nya~. You have the best healer in the kingdom by your side!”

Crush almost responded but a loud cough had made Wilhelm's presence known.

“My lady. Anastasia has come for the meeting.”

“Ah, I’ll be right over.” Crush spoke as she held onto Felix’s hand, letting go once she began walking towards the garden.

Wilhelm then walks towards Felix.

“She is asking about the young man again.”

“She is asking about Pride Wilhelm.” Felix corrected him.

“I was right in referring to him as a man. I may not have the best relationship with my grandson but I cannot deny his readings. The divine blessings that concurred that his intention was to heal my lady was confirmed by my grandson and my lady. I'd do you well to remember that he is responsible for her improved health.”

“I know…I know that he helped her but…Why didn't it transfer to me? Why did it transfer to him? Didn't you find it suspicious that the blood didn't affect him?”

“His shouts of pain said otherwise.”

“After, he was fine. There have been reports of him traveling the countryside with that wretched knight. It was all a plot! I'm sure of it.”

“To what end? Our lady is fine and well.”

“I can’t understand the absurdity of it all. I should’ve healed her, I should have been responsible for her healing. I'm Blue! The best healer in Lagunica and I had to resort to having her skin be defiled by that…SCUM!”

Felix turned and stormed towards the garden leaving the butler aside.

Wilhelm could only look upon Felix with disappointment. His lady’s health had derailed her mind into contemplating such barbaric methods such as blood boiling. He had hoped that with the return of her vitality, he would see his old friend but with every day, It seemed that something was gnawing at the back of the feline's mind.

“I won’t thank him, I can’t stop thinking about him. Something's wrong, screams are constantly playing in my ears whenever I'm alone. Why won't my mind stop?”

Felix knew this was his fault.

Chapter Text

In karagari, beneath a crumbling structure was a crying child, helpless and alone. Lost and with no familiarity, she waited, hopeful for a rescue. Crouching and regretting everything she had done prior.

At her father’s mansion, a party was being hosted to celebrate a new sale. The girl had no interest in such an event so she roamed the halls.

She was playing with her ball when it rolled past a door slightly ajar. Picking up the ball, a voice had emerged from the room.

“Sorchas is truly a fool.” A voice from behind the door spoke in a mocking fashion.

The girl inched closer, recognizing that they were talking about her father.

“His wealth is wasted on himself. Buying a field only to find it barren, now if that is not a sign of a poor merchant, then I do not know what is. Hahahahhahahahaha.”

“His irresponsible spending is abhorrent. No wonder his wife had passed; I wouldn't be caught dead with an intolerable oaf as he is. Hahhahahah.” A woman hollered.

Why are they making fun of her daddy? He was a nice man who did what he thought was best. The girl had almost grazed the wooden door, intending to interrupt their talk with her proud declaration that her dad was the best she could ever ask for.

“Missy, what are you doing? Your father is worried about you.” A maid appeared behind her and lifted her effortlessly.

Being carried down the hall and the door shrinking in her view, she decided to push against the maid. In response, the maid tightened her grip. It was inescapable. Going down the stairs and being handed off to her father, she immediately demanded her father's ear.

“Yes, dear?” Her father asked.

“Daddy, some mean people are making fun of you.”

“Really? What did they say?”

“That a field was barren and that Mom is dead because of you.”

Immediately, the father's smile faded, and he looked towards the stairs that his maid had just descended. Without warning, he handed off his daughter to the maid and began making his way up the stairs.

“Hey Ruby!?”

Ruby began to wake from her dream as her mercenary had shaken her awake.

“Targa? Is it morning?”  She said, rubbing one of her eyes, her cloak hoodie still obscuring her face.

“Yeah. I know you wanted to keep riding till we made it to the village but the dragon is huffing pretty hard. It’s better if we stop for a moment.”

Ruby nodded in agreement as Targa began to wake the other two occupants. It had been a day since they left for Iradish. They had to stop at a village on the way to pick up another shipment meant for the noble.

As Targa began to shake the knight, his eyes darted open and scanned his surroundings. His eyes rested on Subaru and began his efforts to wake the boy.

During the night, the boy was turning over and muttering in his sleep. Ruby had woken up when he thrashed against the carriage floor but she had noticed that the knight was still very much awake, grasping on one of his arms.

It had not occurred to her that they were a couple, why they were keeping it a secret was no business of hers, so she decided not to comment.

The young boy fluttered his eyes as he began to take in his surroundings. After a moment he glanced down and saw his arm and looked surprised for a moment.  Was he disappointed that the forgotten knight had let go?

“Thanks for waking me, Julius.”

The knight flashed him a smile as he stood and began reaching towards the reins. Subaru, now left with Ruby and Targa, decided to strike up a conversation.

“So, Ruby?”

“Yes, Subaru?”

“You’ve been sleeping with your hood on? Is it uncomfortable?”

“It's not. This hood is for my own protection.”  Ruby stated while shifting the top of her hood.

“I mean, I don't know the whole story about why that is but if you were to get kidnapped and we had to locate you. How would we do that without the hoodie?”

Ruby shifted her gaze towards Subaru and pointed at his mask.

“Why do you wear a mask? Your buddy, who is more skilled, has shown me his face. Why not reveal yours?”

Subaru grazed his mask with his fingers. He thought it was cool, like one of the anime he used to watch back home. A reminder that the face under the mask only spelled grief for the person wearing it and for those who witnessed it. It is cool from a story standpoint, like he thought, but being on the receiving side was a whole lot less cool.

“It's more of a fashion statement than anything. I would be happy to show you my face if you’d like?”

His face is on many posters, no doubt. He would be a hypocrite if he were to keep it on, but he felt uncomfortable whenever he took it off. He had tried when they went to sleep earlier, but the mask suddenly had a weight to it. It was fixed to his face; taking it off took commitment. It was like his mind was refusing to call himself anything else but pride. He was still in control. Natsuki Subaru is still there. Crying, grieving, wishing, and broken but present.

He grabbed the mask on both sides and began to raise it.

“Huh–?”

Only to have Targa reach over and stop his movements.

“You don’t have to. As for tracking Ruby-”

Targa pointed at Ruby with a wide grin.

“I got a pretty good nose, I can track her by smell alone. You just gotta worry about keeping her safe from being kidnapped in the first place.”

“Targa!!” Ruby started to playfully smash her fist against his huge arm.

“Sorry, Sorry. I mean I can track her because she smells funny.”

Ruby started to smack harder and harder causing Targa to lift his hands in surrender. Subaru smiled at this, thinking of them as a small family. The mask now perfectly covers his face.

The carriage then suddenly stopped when Julius peered over the drawn curtain.

“We have reached the village, we should take this time to rest.”

The group seemed to agree as they all began to descend the carriage.

“I’ll have the men bring the shipment to the stables.” Ruby said as she started to walk towards the shop.

Targa immediately grabbed her shoulder and turned her head towards him.

“You can't be alone so take Julius with you.” Targa said while pointing at the aforementioned knight.

Ruby, surprised, asked why not himself?

“Not a lot of people are friendly to demi humans and Pride here aint the best candidate as a shofer.”

“That doesn't concern me nor should it concern them.” Ruby huffed.

“But it does. Let the knight escort you.”

Ruby sighed and gestured for the knight to follow. Julius began to trace her footsteps towards the shop front as Subaru took the driver's seat. Targa grabbed onto the side railing and pulled himself onto the carriage.

“Lets head to the stables, I’ll talk to the stable head while you get us a place to nap.”

“Nap?” Subaru asked while he gently tugged Patrishe's reins to move forward. Patrishe huffed in response as she slowly pulled. It was clear that she was dead tired.

“Yeah nap. Ruby is not gonna sleep all night and we will be heading out in the dead of night.”

"Aren't we ahead in schedule? I mean, Patrishe was at top speed all day. She is amazing but she needs rest.”

“You're gonna have to convince Ruby. not me.”

Subaru only gruffed at this as they were turning the corner viewing the stables. Inside the stables, the boy took the reins off and lured Patrishe towards her quarters where she promptly fell with a thud and began to snore.

Moving his hand up and down her nose, Subaru thanked the ground dragon who responded by leaning into his gentle touch.

Leaving the stable, he headed towards the carriage where Targa was handing off a bag to the stable head. The bag clinked when released into the stable heel. He must have been paying him but even in silver coins, it sounded like a bit much.

Targa viewing Subaru approaching signaled him towards him.

“Hey, here’s the rest of the coin for the inn, Head out the stables and to the right. It's three buildings down.” Targa said while handing another leather bag to Subaru.

Subaru, still perplexed about the amount of money he had given to the stable head, decided to voice his concerns.

“You gave quite a bit to the stable guy. Any reason?”

Targa had a hand behind his head and started scratching his neck.

“Yeah, the noble we gotta pay off is pretty corrupt so I paid the guy to be extra attentive to our carriage.”

“Oh. You really think he will try anything?”

Targa looked towards the stable guy, his eyes narrowed as he watched him leave.

“No. But you could never be really sure.” Targa then looked towards Subaru. “Also would you mind not telling Ruby about this?”

Subaru looked shocked. Are they not partners?

“She wouldn't approve or what?”

“It’s just that she doesn't like money given to others, especially if it can be avoided. I don't think a low chance of the guy being crooked warrants a loss of funds in her mind…In fact, I think right about now she is arguing with the shop keeper.”

In another part of the village, Ruby could be seen arguing with the shop keeper about adding bonuses to her purchase much to the dismay of Julius.

“The cargo should be sent to the stables!”  Ruby roared.

“The purchase was for the cargo itself. You want to move it. Get to lifting.” The shopkeeper responded in an agitated tone.

“Why would the shop keep the product here when all the product is off loaded and stored in the stables?”

“If you would like for us to move it there then perhaps you could motivate us.” The shopkeeper responded while rubbing his fingers together clearly indicating he wanted to be paid.

Ruby could only slam her fist down on the counter and unclenched it, emitting a soft clink. The shopkeeper recognized this and could not contain his excitement but it quickly dulled as when she pulled back her hand, a single copper coin was visible.

Flabbergasted, the shopkeeper looked at the cloaked women and back at the coin. Offended by her clear mockery as if the transportation had cost a measly copper coin.

“WHY YOU—!”

*CLINK* *CLINK* *CLINK*

Before the shopkeeper could enact his righteous vengeance at the slight he was given, Julius had moved past her and poured three silver coins onto the counter.

“Valuable customers! We will get started and move it towards the stables.” The shopkeeper quickly changed his tune and turned towards the back of the store. The two could hear him grumble under his breath.

“It's your money but why give in to that wretched toad?” Ruby asked Julius.

Julius simply inhaled and exhaled before answering, a quirk he inherited when working under Anastasia when she got too greedy. It was meant to calm him when his lady took a more roundabout way to get what she wanted.

“My lady had once told me if you are to make a profit, sometimes you must pay others as long as the end result is that you are richer than when you started.”

Ruby only turned in place, heading towards the shop door.

“Great advice… If you have coins to spare.”

Julius internalized what she stated and found logic but worried that his lady's statement still held true. While he did not know Ruby, he reminisced about his time along with Anastasia and the handling of her assets. Perhaps he could give her a few pointers but his current predicament regarding Subaru was a higher priority so he decided against it as he followed her outside the shop and towards the inn.

At the inn, Targa could be seen with Subaru sharing a drink. Julius approached Subaru while Ruby reprimanded the wolf as soon as she got close.

“Drinking on the job. How could you do this in front of your employer?”

Targa looked up from the mug and playfully started patting her back. “C’mon it's hard being a mercenary. Risking life and death and all that.”

“I don't pay you to drink.”  Ruby said.

Targa then stone faced turned towards Ruby.

“I get paid?”

A beat passes and Ruby giggles.

“No but it doesn't mean you can get drunk. I don't want to smell alcohol for the rest of the trip.”  Ruby had flashed a face of disgust while pinching her noise at the mere thought.

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll be in the front of the carriage with my dedicated driver here!” Targa roared while he drooped an arm over Subaru’s shoulder.

“Dedicated driver?” Julius asked with an eyebrow raise.

“Yeah, Ruby is safer next to you and Targa said we are passing through a forest that is synonymous with bandit attacks.”  Subaru answered.

“Then I shall take the driver seat while you are in the carriage.” Julius responded.

Targa drinking a mug opened an eye towards Subaru to see what he would say.

“You need to protect Ruby.” Subaru countered focusing on the job rather than his own safety.

“Subaru, a more experienced driver would be more beneficial. I have traveled with Anastasia and the iron fang on multiple trade runs. I have learned how to react if an ambush were to erupt. Two sets of eyes accustomed to combat would be better than one.” Julius retorted.

Subaru looked down contemplating what he said and was about to agree when Targa started patting him on the back.

“You got a point there pal but that leaves the wagon exposed. If they were to target the cargo, Ruby and Subaru would be open to an attack while the attack in front would keep us occupied.”

Julius could only agree with his analysis, the only other alternative was him and Subaru in the back but Ruby showed clear disapproval of that. Wait, wasn't Subaru drinking?

“Subaru is drinking as well is he not?” Julius asked.

“Nope. It's just milk.” Subaru started tilting his mug towards Julius eyesight before taking a drink.

“Also that doesn't help your bottom line. The kid gotta stay with me in the front. Don't worry, I've been in a few skirmishes myself. I know these woods like the back of my hand.” Targa reassured Julius.

With that, the decision was made. Traveling the forest would be Subaru and Targa in the front and Ruby and Julius in the back. Both parties started to head towards their respective rooms. With Subaru and Julius alone in the room, The forgotten knight decided to share some of his concerns.

“Subaru, are you sure it's wise that you sit in front?” Julius asked with a tinge of worry.

“Im not made of wax, Julius. I’ve been training-”

“For two weeks… I thought this job was easy, a simple drop off as I have done many times before but this path through a bandit infested forest seems a little too convenient.”

“About that. Would it not be better to go around and that forest only had rumors of bandits.” Subaru asked.

“Going around would mean adding an extra day, something the employer can't spare and most popular trade routes are infamous for the high chance of a robbery. It's why the iron fang was needed when Anastasia was traveling with the merchandise.”

“If bandits are a high occurrence then maybe the noble we are paying off could use that as an excuse to rob the carriage. It would leave him with her father and the cargo.”  Subaru stated.

Julius’s eyes furrowed at this insinuation.

“Why would the noble do something that is underhanded? Do you have suspicions?" Julius asked with a slight edge to his tone.

‘That’s right. Julius is very touchy on noble customs and the like. He would die on a hill protecting their honor because he is a knight.’ Subaru thought.

“No but Targa does.”

“He is a mercenary. He knows little about their customs and honor.” Julius responded.

“He told me that many nobles pay for their competition to be silenced.”

Julius began walking towards his bed and un-buckling his sword, preparing to turn in for the night.

“Its not insane to think that some people use money for evil, Julius.” Subaru continued.

Julius began to take off his jacket with extreme ferocity clearly conveying his mood.

“Are you not gonna talk to me because of a danger I am cautious about?”

“Not when that danger is unfounded.” Julius responded in a curt voice.

“I know you protect them because it's your job…”

Julius started hanging his clothes and changing into his sleep wear.

”Well it was your job before you lost it.”

Julius stopped changing and stood still. The fire lamp flickered at the sudden stop of motion and a silence was now apparent between the two forgotten. After a beat, the air became heavy as the forgotten knight tilted his head so he could view Subaru, Fury was now apparent in his eyes as they scanned Subaru who remained steadfast.

Subaru was not an idiot. Even in his world, the rich would use money to engage in luxuries the poor could only dream of experiencing. However he also knew some of those were very illegal. In a medieval society such as this, where a paper trail could easily be forged. He had guessed many nobles had gotten away with a whole myriad of things. He wanted Julius to understand that everyone, EVERYONE is human. No status could clear them of that.

“My job has nothing to do with my knowledge about nobility nor does it blind me to the potential evil they could do but until you see it yourself. It. Is. Just. Rumors.” Julius reprimanded Subaru.

The last word felt like a gavel being swung by a judge when the sentence was given, Subaru looked away from his gaze. After finishing his bed wear, Julius turned off the lamp and shifted into bed un caring if Subaru was in need of the light.

Subaru was content with changing by the window with the moonlight streaming in and using what light it gave to help him change.

‘So he knows that they can be evil but chooses to believe them to be innocent until proven guilty. It’s a nice thought but it could work both ways. Criminals often use that same line of thinking to get away from the consequences of their crimes. I don't know if he knows that or chooses to ignore it. Whatever the case, I shouldn't make him mad by bringing up nobles around him anytime soon.’

With that final thought, Subaru had turned in for the night.

In the early night, Subaru and Julius packed their things and headed towards the stables. By the stable post, was the carriage and the two other passengers leaning onto the post. The cloaked women upon seeing them moved towards them with vigor.

“Your dragon won't move. She is still sleeping!” Ruby yelled.

Subaru, a little miffed at this greeting, sarcastically replied “ Well good morning to you too.”

“Yeah, good morning. We are on a schedule.”

Subaru then ignored her and went to the stables and saw his ground dragon sleeping in the hay. He silently approached her and started to rub her back.

“Hey Patrishe. I know you're tired but we need to move. One more day and we are there, then you can rest for a whole day.”

Subaru patted her back as he finished his plea to which the ground dragon giving a huff began to rise and angle its head towards the sky.

“RRWAR.” The ground dragon screeched, indicating that she would take the journey. It wasn't as loud as usual, exhaustion carried into her screech and it pained Subaru. However the deadline was approaching and he would be sure to make sure that Patrishe got the best treatment when this was over.

Taking the reins and moving towards the post, Subaru saw Targa standing there with Julius and Ruby nowhere to be found.

“Where are Julius and Ruby?”

“In the back, where else…Man. You could’ve warned me about your friend.” Targa said, looking towards the horizon. His face screamed annoyed.

“Huh?” Subaru was confused as he was tying Patrishe to the carriage.

“He has a real problem objectively viewing nobles.” Targa added.

“....Yeah. It’s for the right reasons but I don't think he knows that the nobles twist their words to seem innocent.”

Targa seemed surprised at the answer and smiled towards Subaru.

“Hmph, what a pair.” He snarked.

“What are you talking about?” Subaru was confused.

“Talking about how you are the brains and him the muscle.”  He pointed at both Subaru and Julius.

“He is not dumb. He is definitely smarter than me.”

“Sure, sure. Let's get a move on. You got it ready?” Targa dismissed his statement.

“Yeah.” Subaru said while he hoisted himself onto the driver's seat. “Let's go.”

After a few moments the sun begins to rise.. They are near the forest and Ruby, not standing the silence, decides to pry Julius for information.

“So…this lady you talked about. How successful is she?”

Julius upon receiving the question had a smile on his face. He loved remembering his time by his lady's side.

“She is one of the richest merchants in Karraguri.” Julius boasted.

Ruby scanned his face for any lies and found none. She was impressed. Why was he not employed anymore? He was strong. Did he throw away his lady for his love?

“Wow. How come you aren't working for her anymore?” Ruby asked.

As quickly as the smile came, its opposite replaced.

“I acted without her guidance. It…compromised a business venture she was pursuing.”  His face flinched while remembering his lady denouncing him.

“Hmm. Well, I understand that. If Targa messed up a big deal, I would be pretty mad. Like REALLY mad!” Ruby said obnoxiously loud, trying to lighten the mood.

Beyond the curtain, Targa replied. “It was one time. When will you let it go?”

“In a few years if you're lucky.” Ruby stated.

“After this mission, my debt is cleared. How about after this mission, you forgive me?”

“Nope. The wound is still too recent.”

“It was six years ago.”

“It still hurts.”

“You’re impossible.” Targa said, turning his attention to the road.

After that, silence. The sounds of the wind passing through trees were constant until Subaru spoke.

“So…Targa?”

“Hmm.”

“Do you have any plans after this escort?”

Targa looked dumbfounded. Ruby ears perked.

“Look…we are not close but if your offering to buy me drinks–”

“No. Just curious, well trying to make conversation. Silent rides seem to take longer anyways.”

“Well, no. Not really. Gonna take a HUGE NAP but only after I take care of a headache.”

“Literal or metaphorical?”

“A little bit of both if I'm honest.”

“Well, I wish you luck but I figure that you are still gonna be with Ruby for a while.”  Subaru said grinning.

“That is the headache I spoke of.”

“Ass.” Ruby spoke from behind the curtain.

“Wow, such profanity.” Subaru playfully acted offended.

“I know. I try to teach her proper manners but she still eats with her hands.” Targa teased.

“Julius, how much is it for you to kill the two in front?” Ruby said deadpanned.

“I would not do a task so against my beliefs. I also understood that you hate wasting money. Would this not count as they are critical to the mission succeeding?”  Julius asked.

“This is not a waste of money. Peace is always worth it.”

“Heh, If the knight is not on your side then it’s still 2 versus 1.” Targa spoke through the curtain.

“Grrrr. You, boy!”

“Geez, I have a name. Subaru. SU-BA-RU.”  Subaru said while slowly pronouncing his name.

“How much for the wolf’s head?”

“2 silver.”

Targa whiplashed his head towards Subaru.

“DAM! The hell I do to you.”

“Sorry man every cent counts.” Subaru spoke with his hand signing money.

“At least ask for a holy coin, I can’t be worth 2 damn silver.”

“You’d be worth 3 if you didn't stink of booze.”

“Fuck you! FUCK HER! God damn it, lay off!” Targa said, pointing at each one. It was clear that he wasn't really mad.

“Hahahahahah” The other 3 laughed at Targa being mad.

*ZIP*

“Ahhhh.”

Just as the laughter was coming down, an arrow zipped past Subaru and through the curtain. Julius yelped in pain.

“RAAAWWRR!”

As Subaru began to turn around, another arrow was lodged in the ground dragon's leg. Crippling her.

“Ambush!” Targa yelled as he stood and threw two daggers towards the archers direction.

Subaru immediately ducked to the side and landed on the floor with a hard thump as he scrambled to his feet and ran towards the back of the carriage. Arrows were missing him just barely as his frantic movements kept them guessing.

Now behind the carriage, He sees Julius climbing down with an arrow lodged in his left shoulder.

“Julius!”

“Im wounded but I can still fight.” Julius spoke as he helped Ruby descend the carriage.

*Step*

*Step*

*Step*

“RUBY!!” Targa rushed towards the back.

“She is fine… how about the archers.” Julius asked, strained.

“Got away. I think they were the scouts.” Targa responded.

Ruby began to look at Julius' shoulder.

“The arrow head is stopping the bleeding. Can either of you heal?” Ruby asked.

“I can.”

“You can heal basic wounds.” Julius reminded Subaru.

“I can heal you by making you recover faster.” Subaru started to heal Julius.

Julius could feel the pain fading by only a little and Subaru began to pant. He tried to move away but Ruby had a firm grip. How is she this strong?

“Why… are…you…taking more mana?” Subaru asked, finally dropping his hands out of exhaustion.

The wound closed and the arrow head clattered to the ground. Julius straightened his posture but still had difficulty moving his arm.

“I informed you before that your mana does not know how to heal others to the same degree as yourself.”

Subaru fell onto one knee and looked towards Julius.

“You had to expand a lot of mana in order to heal my arm. A lot more than you had too. Now you are exhausted.” Julius said the last bit with a bit of venom.

“Can we still move?” Julius asked Targa.

“Nah, Ground dragon is hit. She is not running with an arrow lodged into her leg.”

“DAM IT!!” Ruby yelled.

“There has to be a way!” She continued. Her eyes lock onto the boy. “Subaru, can you heal your dragon?”

“I…uh…I think-”

“No.” Julius cut Subaru off. “Human anatomy is difficult but a dragon is radically different. If he were to attempt to heal her then he could collapse from mana exhaustion.”

“We have to try.” Subaru argued. Luna had left Subaru and began blinking at him. She was warning him too.

Subaru raised himself to his feet and started to walk towards the ground dragon when Julius attempted to stop him but was grabbed by the wolf from behind.

“What is the meaning of this!!" Julius yelled.

“You gotta let your boy try for the mission.”

“You seem to forget that we are in a forest that may be filled with bandits.” Julius argued.

“Maybe but this is his choice.”  Targa responded.

Subaru approached Patrishe who winced in pain, having one leg raised in the air.

“Easy, Patrishe. I’ll get you running again.” Subaru’s hand started to hover around her stomach applying healing magic. After a moment, the wound began to close around the arrow head.

“Dam it.” Subaru said.

“Whats the problem?” Ruby asked.

“The arrow is lodged deep into her skin. It has to come out or the wound wont…huff…heal.” Subaru said.

Patrishe winced as Subaru’s hand took hold of the arrow but locked eyes towards her master after. She was ready.

*RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRRR!”

A squeal yelped from the ground dragon as blood began pouring out the wound. Subaru was pulling the arrow out but it was spiked, slashing more of the dragon's skin on its way out.  With every pull came a strangled cry as Subaru kept reassuring his dragon that he was there. That it’s ok.

*SQUELCH*

“RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRR!”

A final pull and the arrow was pulled out. Subaru immediately began to close the wound with his hand and a piece of his own cloak as he started healing. Waves of exhaustion were now pulsing through his body as he felt gravity become heavy. Breathing, once an automatic process was now manual as he fought to stay awake.

The wound began to close and a new scar was forming as the blood slowed down to a trickle. When the wound started to seer together and stop bleeding. Exhaustion finally took over and Subaru now collapsed onto the ground with a loud thud. The huge thud was not him but the ground dragon. She had collapsed as well, losing too much blood to continue.

In the end, it was an exercise in futility. The ground dragon could not make the journey even with her healed ler. The last thing Subaru could see was Julius thrashing out of Targa’s hold and running towards Subaru screaming.

‘I really was useless.’ Subaru thought as his eyes closed.

“Huh–?”

Subaru awoke to himself in the back of the carriage. Patrishe must have kept going. He is going to treat her to the best meal when they get back to Drakkon. His hands were holding something. His mask?

“You don’t have to. As for tracking Ruby-”

‘wait.’

Targa pointed at Ruby with a wide grin.

“I got a pretty good nose, I can track her by smell alone. You just gotta worry about keeping her safe from being kidnapped in the first place.”

‘I died?’

Chapter Text

‘I died?’ The transition from him hitting the ground, exhaustion taking over him to the back of the carriage a day before was seamless. He had died in his sleep. Subaru grimaced at his uselessness; of course, he died. A sleeping body traveling through bandit-infested woods might as well be a corpse.

‘Did they leave me? Take me with them while I was sleeping and died on the way?’ Subaru immediately shook his head to drive these dark thoughts out. It was confirmed that there was a threat.

“There's something wrong there, kid?” Targa interrupted his thoughts as his distress was noted.

‘This guy seems to be doing a lot of thinking out of the blue.’ he thought.

“Sorry,” Subaru said, raising one hand over his mask. “I was thinking about how cute Ruby must look.”

*SHWING*

The moment Subaru had finished his sentence, Targa had gripped one of his weapons and held it inches away from his neck.

“You try anything on this trip…. you're dead.” Targa was now in overprotective mode; Subaru had not understood why this reaction was warranted. In truth, he was just making a joke to deflect his earlier skepticism.

“I’m not. I promise, I can’t stand people who use others.” For a moment, Targa’s face turned fierce, and the blade had moved ever so slightly towards Subaru’s neck. The boy now felt the cold air surrounding the steel brush against him and held the urge to move away. It’s not that he was not afraid of death; it was the opposite. Subaru had thought of this as a test; those who moved away from the blade would show cowardice, but those who stood against it showed conviction.

Neither of these were good options, as one would label him more of a liability than he already was. The mission was already on shaky ground; anything else added would compromise it. The other would label him dangerous; a strong conviction is always a great thing to have in an ally, unless that same conviction leads them to ruin.

“Well,” Targa said while bringing the blade down. “I’ll keep an eye on you just in case.” The demi-humans face finally relaxed, and Subaru could breathe with ease once again.

‘This guy is crazy protective of her. Now that I think about it, he had every right to be wary. A stranger, much less someone who is rumored to be part of a cult known to do evil acts, just called a female colleague cute. In hindsight, it was a stupid joke.’ Subaru took note of his nature towards Ruby.

—------------------------------------------Near the Village—--------------------------------------------------

‘How long is this guy gonna stare at me?’ Targa had not let Subaru out of his sight once.

Julius draws the curtain towards the center of the carriage and informs the group that they have reached the village.

“Head for the stables.” Targa casually commanded the forgotten knight.

“What about the shop?” Ruby questioned. There was still the matter of the shipment to consider. If they were going anywhere as a group, it would make sense to stop and load the cargo.

“The cargo will still be there.”

“We could get the cargo,” Subaru spoke while gesturing towards Julius and himself. “Meet you at the inn near the stables.”

Julius turned his head and glared at the young boy while Targa had a puzzling expression on his face. Ruby looked ecstatic at the idea.

“That’s a good idea!”

“Yeah. But that would mean handing over your money, Ruby.” Targa reminded the greed-obsessed merchant.

The merchant in question simmered down as mere mention of such an atrocious act would drive her to tears. Subaru, taking note of this, decided to speak up.

“What about you, Targa? Got coin?”

“You trying to shake me down, boy?” Targa answered with a cold edge to his tone.

“No! I was wondering if Ruby could pay you back if you used your money.” The boy quickly corrected it.

A chuckle escaped Targa as he waved him off. “ It was a joke, kid.” Reaching under his cloak, Targa had pulled out a small brown sack clinking with coins.

“I got coin, but I need to pay the stable man.”

“There's no need! I will pay for the fee and we will call it even!” Ruby exclaimed!

“That’s pretty nice of you, considering it costs more to pay the shop keeper than the stable man.” Targa remarked, inching his face closer to Ruby as she looked towards the horizon with indifference.

“If funds are a problem, we could contribute however we would have to be compensated after.” Julius added.

“No need. Julius, you will go with Ruby for the merchandise while I and Subaru head towards the stables.” Targa responded.

The forgotten knight bowed and began to escort Ruby, leaving only the demi human and the man labeled as pride. As Subaru began to lead his ground dragon through the streets, Targa began to ask.

“Have you ever been here, kid?”

“You could say that.” Subaru responded.

Targa had answered with silence looking at the buildings they passed until they reached the stables next to the inn. During the ride, the demi-human was deep in thought.

‘Is he suspicious? We haven’t talked much so he doesn't know if I ever came, ’ Subaru thought to himself as he turned the reins leading Patrasche to another street where the stables came to view.

Leading the ground dragon and parking the carriage, Subaru once again saw Targa hand over a large sack of coins to the stable hand. The only difference this time was how on guard he was, shifting his position so his back is towards him, obscuring both the help and his lips from being read.

‘He already told me about the corrupt nobles. Why the secrecy?’ Subaru could only think on his past loop.

“I set up the help,” Targa spoke as he turned towards pride, breaking Subaru from his thoughts.” He will keep watch on the cargo when it gets here.”

“Why would you need to pay him extra?”

“You take care of others and they in turn, take care of you.” Targa replied as he strode past Subaru towards the inn. No doubt heading straight to the bar as he had before.

“Oh, like you scratch my back and I scratch yours.” Subaru mouthed off without thinking, following the demi-human inside.

“Weird phrase aside, that's the general idea.”

As Subaru followed Targa into the inn, Julius was walking Ruby away from the stables after confirming their cargo was delivered.

“ I don’t like taking deals as is.” Ruby stated.

“ Keeping your word as a merchant is paramount to growing a steady customer base.” Julius responded.

Julius having missed Anastasia had decided to impart some wisdom onto Ruby, learned throughout his tenure as a knight under her lieges command.

The merchant girl however could only see the negatives of his advice as she surmised that every piece of wisdom could only be employed if one was in a position of power. She had to deal under the table many times and used Targa as muscle more often than not. People saw her and thought that she was just a pretty face to screw over.

“ Why keep those dirt bags in my social circle? They are crooks, one of them even attempted to woo me into giving them a better deal.” Ruby angrily replied, shivering at the memory of that noble son getting so bold.

“While that is very un-dignified and horrible, having ties to one can lead to forming leads to other potential buyers.”

“You're saying I should’ve taken the deal.” Ruby deadpanned towards Julius.

“No.”

The forgotten knight was no stranger to merchants starting from nothing, Anastasia, having nothing, expanded her reach and had created a solid foundation for the powerhouse she is today. She even confided in Julius some stories about how she rose from the abyss, some of those tales had parallels to Ruby’s past blight. A shuddering thought and silent gratitude to Od himself that his liege had avoided doing anything that would scar her.

“Never, If all they offer is bartering and excuses then cutting them out would be better in the far future,” Juluis continued.

“Glad we are in agreement on some things then.” Ruby replied as she pushed open the doors to the inn.

Entering the Inn, they saw Subaru sitting alone at the table drinking.

“Where is Targa?” Ruby asked as she strode across the inn, uncaring about the other people occupying the inn lodge.

“He went to bed, said that me and him are to be in front while you guys sit in the back with the cargo.” Subaru replied.

Before they arrived, in the midst of their conversation, Targa abruptly stood and told Subaru to inform their comrades about the seating arrangement. He had thought it strange but decided that it was for the best as he would have time to himself to devise a plan.

*The door of the inn swung open.”

The time for said planning was interrupted not long after Targa ascended the stairs to his room. Had Targa knew they were close?

“I believe this arrangement would put you in danger. I will have to talk to Targa about changing this.” Julius said while having a quizzed look.

Ruby on the other hand remembering Subaru's off hand comment about her supposed beauty had her believe that her cloak may have shifted enough to reveal her true face while she was sleeping although she was careful to only fall asleep after them.

“I think it’s for the best and I'm your employer so what I say goes.” Ruby commanded inching her hand closer to the top of her hood, slightly shifting it downwards deepening the shadow already cast over her face.

Julius recognized this, Subaru saw this and said nothing.

With her order being relayed, she quickly strode up the stairs and towards her room.

“We should head to our quarters too.” Julius said, devoid of all emotion.

Subaru stood, walked towards the counter and paid his tab. The duo then climbed the stairs and entered their shared room. As the door inched closer behind the boy, the forgotten knight turned in place and pushed Subaru towards the door with his forearm pushing against his neck.

“What have you done?” Julius asked with a low growl.

“Ahh…urgggg….” Subaru attempted to answer but his windpipe was getting squeezed.

The forgotten knight catching onto this, lessened his hold to give him room to breathe, not to escape.

*COUGH* *COUGH*

“All I said is that she was pretty.” Subaru replied honestly.

With her shifting her hood down and Targa’s sudden cold edge at the mention of her beauty. He was no fool and connected the dots. She was self conscious of her looks, something may have happened to her because of it and so that would be a topic he would have to tread lightly.

For Julius, he had trusted Subaru to a certain extent. He believed he was a great hero and friend but his actions would prove his worth. Subaru had been respectful if not a bit strange around others but the forgotten knight had never seen him interact with the opposite sex. He had loved the half-elf Emilia, that is what he was told but until proven otherwise.

*THUD*

“When?” Julius said as he released Subaru.

Subaru, having landed on the floor, looked up towards his comrade.

“Before entering town. That's all I told her, Targa raised his weapon at me.”

“If you are being truthful then I am sorry for causing you harm however now our employer believes you may harm her given the chance, leading to the unfortunate seating arrangement.” Julius scolded the boy however he had offered a hand.

Subaru taking his hand stood.

“All I told her is that she is pretty.”

“Do you often offer false compliments?”

“I don’t know what she looks like but she sounds cute. I made a comment about it. That’s it.”

Julius understood and began preparing for his short slumber. Subaru followed shortly after.

“How about asking next time instead of heading towards violence?” Subaru said, preparing to turn over.

“You have my sincerest apologies.” Julius offered while he himself positioned himself ready for bed.

“You have a real problem with that.” Subaru un-intentionally scowled with low heat, letting sleep claim him.

“I know…..”

As the morning came and went, Subaru and Targa would sit in front of the carriage as discussed before however unlike the previous loop. The ambience took center stage as silence was the preferred way of communication this morning.

Targa would look towards the road and hushed whispers radiated behind Subaru. Too silent for him to decipher what Julius and Ruby were talking about.

Heading into the forest, Targa decided to pierce through the silence with a sincere apology.

“Sorry about swinging my axe at you earlier. I gotta protect my employer.”

“....it’s ok. I realized now that I might have said something insensitive.” Subaru responded, still looking forward as the trees began to swallow the carriage.

“You did. But I realize now that what you said wasn't out of malice…You’re a small spick of sunshine arn’t you kid. Complementing people left and right.” Targa said, dividing his attention from the road to Subaru.

“I try to–”

“Make everyone else happier, right? knew a friend who did the same. He was the first to……………….don’t…forget about yourself.” Targa said.

Unbeknownst to Subaru, grief had briefly swallowed him but just as fast as it came, he submerged it under years of harsh training. Returning to his stoic face looking at Subaru who was still surveying the road ahead.

Subaru decided to not pressure him into revealing his past, he of all people knew that some demons should remain buried.

“Some people told me the same. It is hard to do that when your happy ending revolves around everyone else being safe and happy.”

“In that perfect ending. Are you happy? Was all the pain worth it? Was-”

“Yes.” Subaru curtly responded. He had thought of this, if his happiness revolved around others then he decided that no challenge could stop him.

That damned cell haunted his dream, the pain that echoed against the walls and false hope emitting from himself that he would be saved by Emilia had driven him to a truth he struggled to accept. He had almost given up.

Targa had heard his answer and became just a tiny bit FURIOUS! His mind regressed back to his childhood. The amazing trio, undefeatable,ever inspiring and ever hoping for a brighter future. His vision was replaced with his friend usually laughing and dreaming for a better future for them who were damned and labeled as unwanted, laid dead on the cold cell floor strangled and a soft whimper behind him…

“You really believe THEY want you to be like that! A motionless puppet…maybe you really are Pride.”

Subaru had taken his insult and let it wash over him. The name was once an anchor but now he wore it as a reminder that none remembered him, a self wound that would constantly keep him moving towards one goal. Killing Gluttony.

“You don’t even look at me while I am talking to you.” Targa continued.

“I am focusing on the road in case of bandits.” Subaru replied.

“Then look at me now and–”

“DUCK!!!!” Subaru shouted as he saw a gleam of metal travel through the air.

Just as before, the arrow had missed Subaru and landed behind him, tearing through the carriage exterior and piercing inside.

However there was not a shout of pain and instead of the sound of flesh being rendered, a thick thud accompanied it. That was enough for Subaru to keep looking towards the direction the arrow came in. Julius was a former knight and a damned good one at that, though he hated to admit it. He could take care of himself.

Subaru scanning the treeline saw the figure move behind trees down the road and heading towards—

*THUD*

The boy was pushed off the carriage by an enraged demi-human.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!! MAKE SURE RUBY IS SAFE!!! I’ll keep an eye on him and the carriage!”

Subaru scrambled to get up to keep the bandit in sight as one more arrow would be fired towards the ground dragon next much to Targa’s anger.

*ZIP*

He had seen it. If the bandit casting the arrow was as precise as before, an arrow would stick itself into Patrashe’s left leg. Drawing his blade, Subaru had placed it where the arrow would dig.

*SHWING*

The arrow meeting its mark ricocheted into the dirt below as the bandit who launched the arrow stared forward almost dumbfounded at the luck his supposed target had before preparing to launch another arrow.

Just then Julius had launched himself from behind the carriage un-harmed. He had called his spirit and prepared a spell.

“GOA!!”

A fire projectile launched from his fire spirit towards the bandit and had struck true. The cloak obscuring his figure was on fire, forcing him to ditch the cloak and retreat into the forest tree line.

Everyone around the carriage tensed as they expected more attackers. Julius took his sword as Targa ran towards the back and swung his two massive axes out. Subaru raised his sword to his chest while surveying the area. Ruby retreated further into the cargo attempting to hide.

After a few minutes, the only sound was the trees whistling to the wind and the steady breathing of three warriors preparing for an attack that was never to come.

“The fiend has retreated, it is safe to come out, Ruby.” Julius remarked as he stored his sword.

Rustling was heard from inside the carriage as Targa leaned over the trunk gate and started shifting boxes, grabbing Ruby and having her planted softly onto the ground.

“Is anyone hurt?” Ruby asked, clutching her hoodie opening closed.

“Someone is about to be.” Targa commented as he stormed towards Subaru.

“You saw the arrow…” He growled as he stood towering over the boy.

“I did. If it wasn't for me focusing on the road instead of talking then it could’ve struck any of us.” Subaru replied.

“And you just happened to know an arrow would pierce your ground dragon?” Targa replied with scepticism plain on his face.

“It would have slowed us down.” He had acted with knowledge gained from another loop. A dangerous action that often leads to…

“I don’t like this. Ruby, we need to leave.” Targa pleaded, keeping his eye on Subaru.

“The cargo is fine and he saved us trouble, why would we leave?” Ruby answered back.

“This man knew where the arrow would hit, had his blade been an inch off, it would have hit his ground dragon.”

“Had you not considered he followed the arrows trajectory and deflected it?” Julius barked.

“His movements were flawless, practiced. As if he knew when and where. When we fought, he was as effective as a scared rabbit against a rabid mabeast and now you're telling me he has the GUTS to stand in front of an arrow.” Targa replied.

“Enough!” Ruby exclaimed, finally getting Targa to turn his head towards her.

“Our transportation is safe and the cargo is all right. The mission is all that matters. We move forward.” She continued.

Targa huffed and urged Ruby to join him for a quick chat as Julius came to Subaru’s side.

“Had you not issued that command, I would have been struck.” Julius admitted.

What Targa said had shaken Julius, He had trained Subaru and saw his combat effectiveness first hand. He could barely follow the arc of his sword and almost never correctly deduced when he threw a faint. It could've been dumb luck for all he knew but he would not question him with violence.

“An arrow would’ve struck you and Patrasche…” Subaru said, deep in thought.

“If their aim is true then they wanted to injure our best fighter and squander our chance to escape.” Julius had completed his thought process as he’d guessed.

“How long have they been watching us? Since the city?”

“Unlikely, My spirits would have warned me.” Julius answered.

“Could you not send your spirits to survey the area ahead?” Subaru asked.

“Having them close allows me to use many defensive spells, should we find ourselves in trouble. However this problem may be solved by changing seats. I could easily deflect an arrow if only a few aimed at the carriage, the only problem-”

“Ruby is still uncomfortable with me. “ Subaru said with his head hung low. How could such a compliment turn into a dagger.

“Perhaps we should both sit in front, Targa would stay with Ruby and we would secure the front.”

“I thought I was too weak to sit in front.”

“You have proven otherwise with your quick thinking and swift action. In the event of another ambush, I could protect you until Targa comes to our aid.” Julius said.

“Sounds like the only option we have left.” Subaru said as he began to wait for Targa and Ruby to come back.

Who saw them? Their targets were strategic, If they were seen then they would of course targeted Julius. He was still wearing a knight's uniform. It promised trouble for those who would dare attack and radiated experience from countless battles. Their dragon was their sole transportation. Maybe after this, he would have to buy Patrische armor. Perhaps design it himself.

Wait…Had that been what happened before. His prior loop had him unconscious and with them being unable to move with the cargo, the bandits attacked and struck him while he slept. They were sitting ducks, long enough for the scout to inform his comrades on his success and leading them to the wounded dogs. Subaru had cursed himself for being so useless last loop.

Just then, Ruby had returned with the demi-human in tow, clearly agitated.

“We decided–”

“You.” Targa interjected.

“WE decided to keep on the mission.” Ruby finished.

“That’s great! Julius and I will take the front seat while you and Targa remain with the cargo.” Subaru exclaimed.

“I have no problem with that.”

“...” Targa simply stared.

Julius and Subaru, now sitting in front, began traversing the road once again.

Targa sitting down next to Ruby kept her in a protective embrace, almost enveloping her in his embrace. The merchant girl simply inched closer feeling safe next to her bodyguard and life long friend.

She could still remember the day they met. During another town ball, she had seen two demi-humans, both wolf-like in appearance. The taller one was more skinny and had two curved blades on either side of his hip with a large scar running across his open chest. The shirt he had on was not buttoned all the way up almost as if he was putting the scar on display. His eyes however held swirls of viscous calculations as he met her eyes.

A moment had passed before an un-nerving smirk had struck Ruby, causing her to falter and seek shelter behind her father.

The other figure was bulker but shorter, his attention was solely on the scarred man, looking at him with ferocity that promised death. Over his shoulders were two large handles forming a x on his back, the blades revealed to be an axe based on the holster tied around his chest leading towards his back.

“You have a fine daughter.” The scarred demi-human said.

“She is my pride and joy.” Her father responded by ruffling her hair.

“Targa, take the little one while we discuss business.”

The bulkier demi-human responded with a glare but was quickly reminded of the consequences as the scarred demi-human had lazily placed his open palm against the hilt of one of his swords.

“Thank you for the offer but I’d rather have my daughter close to me.”

“Through my experience, these talks are rather boring,” This comment had earned a small glare from the girl to the scarred demi-human.

“My son will ensure that she stays within these walls, safe and sound.” The scarred demi-human assured her father.

After conversing with the maids, her father reluctantly left her daughter in the demi-humans hands as he ascended the stairs with the scarred man to continue the meeting. The maids were ordered to hover around her and her newly acquainted bodyguard.

Eating her newly acquired cake from the desert table, she sat next to the demi-human and offered him a slice of cake. The demi-human scoffed at the food.

“That is really rude! I’m just offering you one of the greatest creations mankind has ever invented.”

“Don’t want any.”

“It’s reeeeallly good.” Ruby sang while holding the cake way above her head matching his height.

The demi-human had sniffed and recoiled at the sweetness in front of his nose. He had felt a sneeze coming along and he could not stop himself.

“AACCHOOOO!!!”

After recovering from his sneeze, he had seen the plate that was once filled with a delicious cake now empty. Looking down, he was surprised to see the cake smushed on top of the little girl he was tasked to keep busy.

Said little girl wiped her face and through teary eyes turned in place and stomped away.

‘Shit. gotta take him on if I botched this.’ Targa had thought to himself, wincing at what his old man would do to him.

“HEY!!!” The little girl shouted from his side.

“What—” The demi-human mid sentence was bombarded with sweetness as he tasted cake and a slight tinge of metal.

“Don’t waste cake.” The little girl huffed planting the plate next to him, still leaving the aghast demi-human with a spoon hanging out his mouth.

This tastes sweet, was the prevailing thought that was stirring within Targa. It’s like my mouth is happy, dancing, she would’ve liked this. The demi-human closed his mouth and picked up the plate as he awkwardly held the spoon imitating the nobles in front of him as he fed himself the delicious treat.

“This is mankind's greatest creation?” Targa said half smiling, eating the pastry.

“Do you have something better?” The little girl openly mocked.

“What about lights?”

“You can eat cake in the dark.”

“Walls?”
“You can eat cake outside.”

“Money?”

“In a perfect world, everyone would be served a slice of cake morning, day, and night!” The little girl exclaimed.”

The sentiment had reached the demi-human as he thought about how absurd her world view was. Noble children really have a different mindset.

“This is completely backwards!” The girl's father states while attempting to catch up to the scarred demi-human rapidly descending the stairs.

“This is how the world works, Mister Archwad.” The scarred demi-human replied with a bored tone.

“WAIT!” Her father catches him by the shoulder and turns him around.

“The Tomber’s elicit a deal that buries me unknowingly and because I have grown wise to it, I am buried none the less. Contract or no contract. Simply through word of mouth.” He screamed, enraged at the ‘justice’ he received.

“Thier word of mouth…” The scarred demi-human shoos his hand off. “ is worth more. They have a broader reach than you can imagine. These lost contacts and customers are because you did not follow your role.”

“To be buried.”

“To be taught a lesson. Be careful who you deal with, Mister Archwad. Had your daughter simply remained quiet, this deal would have been a setback. Now it's a landfill.”

“Watch what you say about my–”

“SLAM*

The father then scanned the room to see the entire noble populace of Cruktin watching, At the end of his scan, A demi-human halfway reaching towards an open door and maids desperately running towards it.

‘Where's Ruby?’

“WHERES RUBY!” the father screamed.

Outside the hurried steps of a little girl thrashing in the rain echoed throughout the allys of the nearby buildings. This was her fault, she had to stick her nose in her fathers business. He would be happier with mom, why wasn't it her?

Exhausted, she had seen a shabby hut made from wood held together by loose nails. She hunched down and entered, shivering through the night, cold, alone, and wailing. It wasn't long until a presence towered over the small hut.

“May I come in?” The voice asked.

“Go away.” she answered.

“I was told to take care of you and bring you back.”

“He doesn't want me.”

Disregarding her permission, the bulky husk attempted to squeeze through the tiny entrance. Shaking the whole hut.

“STOP!” The girl said scared that the hut would bury her.

“Sorry. Can you see me?”

The darkness momentarily lifted as she recognized it was the wolf demi-human she served cake to.

“What do you want?”

“To bring you back.” the demi-human said.

“Tell them you couldn't find me.”

“Now listen here. We are both in a heap of trouble if I don’t come back with you in my arms.”

“Why did I speak?”

“What? Speak about what?”

“My dad is angry because I couldn’t keep my mouth shut. I thought I was helping…” She said, raising her head towards the demi-human who saw tears overflowing from her eyes.

“...”

The demi-human was not equipped for this. He had never comforted a crying girl before so he could only wait until her tears stopped flowing.

After a few minutes the tears stopped and her body began to tremble, affected by the rain and cold. She shivered involuntarily.

“You need to get warm.” The demi-human said.

“Don’t wwwaa..nnt… ttoo.” She says, shivering.

The demi-human pushes his hands into the entrance and scoops her up. She attempted to fight it but was no match for the seasoned mercenary.

Finally outside the hut, he moves towards a closed restaurant and sits under an umbrella covering an outside table. Ruby sensing the warm fur against her hands started to inch closer much to the surprise of the demi-human.

“Im sorry for hitting you.” she uttered, her face now planted into his chest.

“It’s ok.” The demi-human responded by lifting her bridal style as she nuzzled closer for more warmth.

“What’s your name?”

“Targa.”

“Ruby.”

“....”

“I’m tired.”

“We will wait for the rain to stop.”

“Goodnight Targa.”

The demi-humans' eyes widened and softened. He carried her closer as if shielding her from the world. It wasn't long until she fell asleep.

“Just like her…”

*SLAAMMMM*

The carriage suddenly rocked towards one side and Ruby was awakened as Targa shielded her as the carriage shifted towards one side.

Getting their bearings and leaving the back, they saw a wheel broken with its wooden splinters following their trail.

“What happened?” Targa spoke towards the carriage riders.

“The wheel broke.” Subaru stated as he dusted himself off.

Julius and Subaru remained un-harmed, The wheel had been creaking for the last few seconds, both were prepared to jump if it dislodged. What they couldn't predict is that the wheel tore itself in half.

Ruby however was panicking. Without transportation, they were not gonna make the deadline.

“How are we…how are we…dad…no…”

“It’s ok, they won’t do anything drastic. It’s like I told you, he will be fine.” Targa attempted to reassure Ruby.

Julius, having surveyed the situation, surmised that they could not meet the deadline now. Having to walk back to the town would take half a day. A full day would have to go to repairs.

Targa was holding Ruby who was crying.

“Ain’t this just a coincidence.” Targa spat at the two who were hired.

“What are you insinuating?”Julius took offence.

“The arrows the guy saw and deflected perfectly, the carriage wheel being damaged.”

“You were the last to check on the condition.” Julius replied.

“It was fine. Just means you two rigged it along the way.” Targa said, clasping one of the handles to his great axe.

“We would not be paid–” Julius replied by hovering his hand over his sword's hilt, summoning his spirits as their light began to glow, ready to protect their contractor.

“By us! Some noble probably paid you off!” Targa surmised swinging one axe out and preparing to loosen his second. Ruby close behind.

Subaru ran in the middle of them and attempted to stop a battle from taking place.

“STOP WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF BANDIT TERRITORY!!”

“Yeah, we are surrounded.” Targa swung out his second axe.

*SQUECH*

Just as he pulled out his second axe, an arrow had been fired behind the treeline hitting Julius in his left shoulder.

“AMBUSH!!!” Subaru yelled as he took out his two spirits.

A barrage of arrows stormed towards them as Julius fired his wind spirit creating an updraft that caught them. A stray arrow however guided by the misdirection headed straight towards Ruby who left Targa’s side attempting to run back into the carriage.

“EMM!!!”

Subaru activated his spell, removing both him and Ruby from the world as he tackled her. The arrow flew through them. As they rolled in the dirt, Ruby removed herself from Subaru to check for injuries.

“WATCH IT!!!!” Targa barked towards Julius.

“I got her!” Subaru yelled back.

If they really are surrounded, then the carriage will be their death.

‘Think, Subaru, think!’

“THATS IT!!” Subaru yelled.

“What?” Targa responded as he saw Subaru run towards the carriage grabbing Ruby's hand.

Heading towards the carriage, Subaru used his short sword to cut the reins as he mounted Patrasche with Ruby.

“I’ll head back down the road, When you finish here. Meet us in town.” Subaru said as he directed Patrasche away from the arrows and towards the road they came from.

“WAIT!!!” Targa roared as the ground dragon dashed towards the horizon at high speed.

Julius and Targa were fearsome warriors, however he and Ruby would just drag them down. If they remove themselves then he was confident that they would be alright. The forgotten knight even expressed approval of this plan by a single nod before he took off.

Would he have left Emilia? Had anyone else dear to him been in that situation, would he run? No. The mission is ruined, The girl is a non-combatant and he is strong. He will make it. Injured or not. He has too.

As Patrasche rode, Ruby began berating Subaru.

“How could you leave them behind!?”

“They both are great fighters. They will be fine.” Subaru said, turning his head.

“What about the mission?!”

“What about it? It’s done, we can’t make the deadline!”

“But if we dont–”

*SCCCREEEEECHHH*

Patrasche screeched to a halt. Subaru, confused, patted her head. She would not move forward, leering towards the edge of the forest, Subaru saw mabeast encircling them.

Subaru cursed under his breath ready to defend both the ground dragon and the girl but found that they would not move closer.

‘Wait…’

Subaru remembered the crystal embedded in his mask.

‘It’s repelling them. That's good. They can be our shield if enemies try to approach.’

Subaru thought about pushing through with his new found barrier but if they enter the town with mabeast behind, they would attack the townsfolk. It would be better to wait for Julius and Targa to deal with the threats.

“We are gonna have to stay here.” Subaru told Ruby.

“In the middle of the forest?”

“Yeah, outside that treeline could be enemies or we have mabeast chasing us into town.”

If bandits were to find us, the mabeast would charge them for sure.

“We will be fine.” Subaru assured her while he petted Patrasche.

“Will we?” Ruby asked, shifting her hoodie down.

“We will.” A third voice came forward as Targa charged forward and started slicing the mabeast.

The mabeast sensing their kin killed, roared as they surged towards the injured demi-human. Blood trickled down his shoulder and he was swinging only one axe. A part of a sword was implanted into his shoulder with scorch marks.

‘A mage and a swordsman attacked him? Wait. Where's Julius?’

A mabeast charged behind Targa as he was busy burying another's fang into the handle of his weapon. Subaru rushed towards him, causing the mabeast to scratch their nose in revulsion.

“WATER JET!!”

Subaru used Luna to create a torrent of water out of his palm, it was not narrow nor powerful enough to pierce its flesh but it pushed it away from Targa all the same.

Targa, seeing his chance, raised the mabeast whose fangs were implanted on his axe and smashed its head against a nearby stump. It laid there dead, kicking its leg for a few moments before becoming still.

The demi-human raised its axe and stepped towards Subaru and Ruby.

“TARGA!!” Ruby eagerly ran towards him, enveloping him in a hug that was short lived as he shoved her aside.

“Thanks for saving me, kid.” Targa slightly bowed towards Subaru.

“Where is Julius?” Subarui asked.

“He didn’t make it.”

*SHWING!!!*

*BLOOD SPLURT*

Blood erupted from Subaru’s shoulder as the axe had almost split him down the middle. He only had a few seconds before he faded. His last sight was Ruby looking away.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}}{}{}{}{}{}

I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{

“I got a pretty good nose, I can track her by smell alone. You just gotta worry about keeping her safe from being kidnapped in the first place.”

‘He killed me.’

—------------------------ The night before they reached the city—-------------------

Otto was managing the camp’s finances late into the night as this work that seemed bearable not so long ago became torture. He had been heavily abusing the bottle as a void was felt at the end of the day.

Someone used to come visit, talk to him. Relax him. He had remembered Garfiel doing it many times but even with him there, something was missing. Who?

“Dam it.” Otto cursed as he took another bottle from his drawer and began to take swigs.

The paper work had enveloped his life since leaving the water city. No amount of talking or distractions could take his mind off this irreplaceable void.

“Still drinking, eh?” Garfiel scolded from the door frame across the mountain of paper obscuring Otto.

“Did you want to talk?”

“Not really, hasn't felt the same.” Garfiel spoke.

“Just wanted to say not to work yourself into the grave.” He continued as he strode away from the door towards his bed.

Otto paid him no mind and went back to the paper.

In another part of the mansion, a certain Margrave was receiving a report on two mercenaries in Drakon city along with their new employers.

Roswaal scanned the page detailing their assignment.

‘ A simple delivery.’

He turned the page onto the backgrounds of the two employers who hired the duo. A demi-human wolf and merchant girl belonging to the house Archwad.

‘If I remember correctly, that house is in a dire state. I recently cut ties with them due to some unsavory rumors that could affect my standing.’

Reading Ruby's file.

Trained, agile, and self conscious. Witnesses say she looks very beautiful.

Reading further into the page, he realizes just how much is riding on this delivery.

‘Grasping onto the nearest thread regardless of the weight you bring. How predictable.’

Roswaal turned over to the demi-human page. Targa.

‘ Oh… how gruesome. A cell….many illegitimate children and….’

The margrave smile flickered towards a frown for a moment before his mask fell into place.

‘Disgusting. It serves no purpose.’

Above all else, Roswaal was a man of practicality. If it furthered no goal and offered no knowledge then it simply wasn't worth doing.

“Master Roswaal.” Ram entered the room at the scheduled time for her mana infusion.

“Yessss, Ram. I am reeeaaddyy.” He said in a sing-song attitude as the maid walked her way towards his desk.

Roswaal had taken the papers and shoved it into his top drawer, an action noticed by Ram.

“Are you having any problems?”

“Noooot at all. A friend of mine may be in more trouble than he realizes, that's all.” Margrave responded.

Ram did not offer any suggestions and simply sat on his lap.

‘Be careful, my missing piece.’ Roswaal offered a silent prayer to the night sky.