"I made everything work out all right, haven't I?!"

THWACK

The sound of wooden swords clashing could be heard from within the garden of Karsten Manor. As Subaru was seen wildly swinging the wooden weapon in his hands, Wilhelm was seen parrying each strike with minimal effort. Subaru didn't so much as think about stopping as his relentless swings continued along with the thoughts of what he said to Emilia.

"Without me it would've been a lot worse!"

THWACK

"All of it was because I was there! You should have a greater debt to me than you could ever repay!"

"Shall we put an end to this?"

As he said this, Wilhelm knocked the wooden sword out of Subaru's hands as the boy was slightly sent flying back and landed on the grass of the garden. With his back planted on the ground, the boy used one arm to cover his eyes as a look of frustration was forming upon his face. Just as this happened, Subaru looked to the side as he heard a familiar voice call out to him.

"Hey, use this to clean yourself off. It looks like someone came here to pay us a visit."

Subaru soon stood up as he saw Akira staring at him as the white haired boy was seen holding a hot towel. Seeing this, Subaru merely turned around as he walked to the entrance to see who was visiting. Noticing how rude Subaru was, Rem bowed her head and apologized as she rushed to his side to see the visitor.

"Will you not be joining them?"

"Wilhelm....the way Subaru is now, me being by his side would only make things worse. After the incident in the Royal Capital, I doubt he can even stand the thought of being around me. I'll talk to the guest once he's finished."

"I see, it seems I misjudged you. You're a good child, Suzushima Akira."

"No, far from it. More than you know."

~With Subaru~
As both he and Rem were now at the entrance of Karsten Manor, Subaru couldn't help but be a little shocked to see who came to visit him. Standing right before him was none other than the Sword Saint himself, Reinhard. The moment he noticed Subaru was present, Reinhard bowed his head as he had one thing to say.

"I'm sorry."

"What have you got to apologize for? None of this was your fault."

"No, I am a friend to you, as I am with Julius. My own lack of virtue was reason for my failure to stop the disagreement between two friends. That duel had no meaning."

"Had no....meaning..."

"What came of you two fighting there? You were hurt and Julius tarnished his own career. Why not try to have a calm, open discussion with him? I'm sure that will clear up the misunde-"

"Reinhard, I get how you feel and I appreciate it. You're a really nice guy, but I can't accept that proposal. We're done talking, so go back now."

Having said that, Subaru turned around as he was walking back into the manor. His hands were clenched tightly as a look of frustration was present on his face. Not noticing a certain white-haired boy walking by him, Subaru muttered underneath his breath.

"Mind your own damn business."

~With Akira~
"Looks like you had a rough welcoming. You okay, Reinhard?

As Reinhard heard the voice calling to him before he left, he turned around and was met with Akira's analytical gaze. The red-haired young man smiled at his friend before suddenly bowing his head before Akira. While Akira was surprised by this sudden action, he didn't say anything as he let Reinhard speak.

"I'm sorry, Akira. Because I lacked resolve at the moment, I let my friends fight as I did nothing to stop them. I also want to express my gratitude for you ending the battle before it got even worse."

"Too nice...I swear, you're so nice that it makes me realize how shitty I am by comparison. Anyways, you got it wrong, Reinhard. It was actually thanks to Julius that Subaru even made it out alive. Not everyone is as kind as you are. If Julius hadn't stepped in, it's highly likely Subaru would've been executed. As for the meaning of the fight itself, you're right. It was meaningless, at least from our perspective. But to Subaru, it was a matter of pride."

Reinhard nodded his head as he heard Akira speak. It did offer some perspective on the situation, making Reinhard want to apologize for his poor choice of words he said to Subaru.  Soon the Sword Saint looked at Akira as he could tell that something was on the boy's mind.

"Is there something troubling you?"

"Yes, actually. There is something on my mind, but I don't know how to word it without coming off as me interrogating you."

"While the meaning behind their fight was lost on me, you prevented both of our friends from suffering any further by intervening. I'll answer any question to the best of my ability."

"Thanks, Reinhard. In that case, let me ask a hypothetical question. Let's say that a hunt was going on and you had to face a beast, but that very beast makes the hunt more personal for you rather than just a normal hunt. Is there any prey like that which would make those in the house of Astrea act like that?"

"You certainly do not beat around the bush. While it is a personal matter, I can at least offer you guidance to the answer. It swims through the sky as if it were the ocean, fog appearing along with it. With those two traits, it should be easy to pinpoint."

"Thanks, Reinhard. Tell Felt I said hello when you go back to her."

"Sure thing, Akira."

Soon Reinhard left the Karsten Manor as Akira was still seen standing outside of the entrance. He felt like he was getting closer to figuring out what Crusch was up to. Before he could dwell on it any longer, he noticed how Rem was walking towards him with a look of concern on her face. Seeing this, Akira could make an educated guess on what was on her mind.

"What is it, Rem?"

"Akira-kun, would you like to head to the capital with Subaru and I tomorrow? Subaru said he wanted to buy some ringa for everyone in Karsten Manor for taking care of us."

"Sure, if it will help him be less moody. Plus a little fresh air is always good."

"Okay, i'll be sure to let him know."

As Rem ran back into the manor, Akira was seen with a solemn look on his face. He couldn't exactly shake this feeling of foreboding. Shaking his head, Akira walked back into the manor as he decided to look up the beast that Crusch was hunting by using the hint that Reinhard gave him. While this happened, Akira thought to himself.

"Subaru........don't make the same mistake I did."

~The fourth day~
Akira, Rem, and Subaru were all seen walking through the streets of the capital. While Subaru was smiling and trying to make jokes, Rem and Akira looked at each other with concern. While they were happy the boy was getting out, they could tell that he was forcing himself a bit. Just as he saw the shop nearby, Subaru began to speak up.

"Thanks for coming out with me, you two."

"Well, it beats being in the same spot day after day."

"I agree with you, Akira-kun. Plus i'm excited to meet this Kadoman fellow."

"Hehe. His face is pretty scary, so be carefu-"

"By the way, there are a lot more people here than usual."

"Yeah, it's because the royal selection started. They put up a huge board over there. The two most well known of the candidates are Crusch Karsten and Anastasia Hoshin."

"Could you tell us more about them, Kadoman?"

"Sure thing, white hair. Crusch-sama took over as head of her house at a young age and is said to be one of the most prominent women throughout the country's history. As for the Hoshin Trading Company, there is no merchant who hasn't heard of their recent breakthroughs. She's even referred to as the second coming of Hoshin of the wilderness. Those two are rumored to be the favorites for the time being. Compared to them, the other three are unknown. I lived in the capital for a long time, but I never heard of them. Still, letting a half-elf try to run for king, what were the higher ups thinking."

As Kadoman finished speaking, he was met with two different reactions. Akira was thinking about what he said about Crusch and Anastasia. While he personally believes none of the candidates were worthy of the throne at the moment, he could understand why people would claim Crusch and Anastasia as the favorites. Given their accomplishments, family names, and attitudes compared to the others, it made sense. Plus with Priscilla's attitude, Felt living in the slums, and Emilia receiving prejudice, it was easy to see why others might not want to support them.

While Akira was more calm and collected, Subaru couldn't hold in his emotions. He slammed his hands on the stand as he was glaring at Kadoman. The seller didn't know why Subaru was getting so worked up, but was cut off before he could even speak.

"Why does everyone say that? It doesn't mean she has anything to do with the witch! Don't lump them together and brush her off just because she's a half-elf! That Emilia girl...I mean...she could genuinely care about the kingdom's people, too!"

"Hang on, why are you getting so worked up?"

"I--.....is it because of the Witch of Envy?! You think half-elves are dangerous just because the witch just so happened to be one?!"

"That's right. No matter what you think, she will be an object of fear for the people. As long as people see her in that way, she can't win. Also, don't say the word witch so loudly in public. You never know who's listening and where."

As Kadoman said his, he noticed how Akira placed some money on the counter of his stand as he bought ten ringas. Seeing this, Subaru glared at Akira. Why didn't the boy speak up to defend Emilia? Why didn't he get angry at the people badmouthing her? Why was he considered to be her knight if he showed no reaction to all the scorn directed at her. Just as Rem and Akira were prepared to head back to Crusch's manor, Subaru finally spoke up.

"Akira, why didn't you say anything? As much as I hate to admit it, it's obvious most would consider you to be her knight. So why, why didn't you stop them from saying all those things! Unlike me, you have the power to make them shut their mouths so wh-"

"That would only cause more harm to her already fragile reputation, that's why. Whether we like it or not, the Witch caused history to happen. A history that neither you nor I are aware of. That fear has lived and festered in this kingdom far longer than we can imagine. Even if I could silence a few people, it wouldn't resolve the main issue. Plus as you said, people can view me as her knight. If I abuse my power and use her as an excuse, it would cause even more damage to her name. That's why what matters most in this situation and what Emilia needs most of all is results."

"......"

Subaru clenched his fists as he walked forward with Rem. He hated everything about the situation. While he was so worked up and letting his feelings decide his actions, Akira still kept a cool head and even gave him a logical answer as to why he didn't speak up. He couldn't deny his logic, yet that just made Subaru angrier.

"Akira....why.....why do you have to be so damn perfect?"

~????~
Another day went by as fast as it came. It was currently nighttime as Subaru was seen walking alone through Karsten Manor. His entire day consisted of him being thrashed by Wilhelm in sparring and Felix trying to fix his gate. While he would occasionally see Rem, Subaru didn't get the chance to see Akira as much since the boy was studying something. While he was walking up the stairs, Subaru was met with a rare situation.

"Natsuki Subaru, would you mind joining me for a bit?"

When Subaru looked forward, he saw her. Crusch Karsten stood before him as she wore a black dress with a pink ribbon, black high heels, and a pink cover over her shoulders with black frills along its edge. Seeing no point in refusing, the black-haired boy followed the royal candidate as they both were sitting at a table on the balcony as they had a clear view of the capital and the night sky.

"The breeze is pleasantly cool tonight, perfect conditions for sharing a drink while gazing at the night sky."

"I can't drink alcohol though....."

"You're more than welcome to drink water. I, myself, won't be drinking enough to get drunk."

"I see....well....cheers."

"How goes the healing of your gate?"

"Oh ....."

As Crusch asked him this question, Subaru remembered the incident. While Felix was hugging him from behind and trying to treat him, Rem suddenly tried to hug him into her chest. Of course, the situation got worse when Akira walked by and saw the whole thing. So while Subaru was struggling to break free, all he heard was the sound of laughter echoing in the room. Having remembered all that, Subaru shook his head.

"It's.....going, I guess."

"I see, Ferris is excellent with healing magic. You can trust him."

"You seem awfully busy all the time, too."

"My family is gathering people and objects in response to a certain occurrence. Plus, since word of the royal selection spread, i've received proposals everyday."

Subaru moved his head to the side as he spat his out water in surprise. The more he thought about it, it kind of make sense if they were all single at the moment. Seeing the expression on Subaru's face, Crusch merely smiled as she kept going.

"I'm already 20, it wouldn't be weird for me to be engaged to someone. It could also work in my favor depending on who it is. Maybe your loved one has also received proposals, who knows."

"HUH?! I won't allow it, even if Roscchi does!"

"Pffft. Kuhahaha. I'm sorry, Natsuki Subaru, I couldn't help myself. None of the Royal Candidates are allowed to be engaged during the selection to prevent any unnecessary faction wars. It seems you returned to your old self for just a moment, you've been worried about something since the selection started."

"....."

"Don't cast your gaze downward, Natsuki Subaru."

As Subaru heard this, his eyes looked directly at Crusch's. He didn't even notice that he was slowly looking down until the royal candidate said something. The reason behind that was because he was worried about a lot things. His relationship with Emilia, how little Akira and himself interact now after their fight as well, so many things were happening at once. Seeing the look in Subaru's eyes, Crusch spoke up.

"Don't cast your gaze downward. Your soul will darken if your eyes cloud over. It means that you have closed off your future and lost sight of the meaning in living. When you do what you know is right, what can you do by looking downward? Lift your head, face forward, and reach out your hands. I do not want to regard you as an insignificant enemy."

"You're kind, to show compassion to your enemy. Are you suggesting you're that confident you will win?"

"I don't have confidence, all I have is my will. I try as hard as I can to do what I need to do. I would like my opponents to do the same."

Subaru was at a loss for words after hearing Crusch's thoughts. Soon he began to think to himself. What was it that only he can do? His thoughts drifted to all the times he saved Emilia, all the times he died, all the times he fixed certain situations. A twisted smile was seen forming upon his face as he looked at the royal candidate.

"There is something I can do. Something that only I can do. Yeah ......that's right. You don't even have to tell me."

"Is that so? The wind is picking up. It looks like the weather tomorrow will be rough."

~Next day~
"I should really thank Reinhard the next time I see him."

As Akira was walking to the garden of Karsten Manor, he was silently reminding himself to thank Reinhard for the hint the next time he sees him. It was thanks to that hint that Akira figured out how to use the situation to his favor. However, as he was walking to the garden, he saw Subaru and Wilhelm sparring as usual. The two of them not noticing his presence as they were engaged in their own conversation.

"Your attitude seems quite different this morning."

"Crusch-san gave me some good advice last night."

"If I just get a chance, I can make any problem go away."

"Let's call it a day. I deem it meaningless to teach one who has abandoned the option to get stronger how to use a sword to make himself stronger. Plus it seems that your friend has something to tell you."

As Wilhelm said this, Subaru looked to the side as he saw Akira staring at him. The black-haired boy frowned a bit as Akira looked at him. However, the frown was slowly fading away. That was because there was something Subaru could do. Something that even Akira, who he deemed to be perfect, couldn't do. Seeing the look in Subaru's eyes, Akira turned around to walk into the manor.

"Hurry up to Crusch's office. It looks like something big is happening."

~In Crusch's office~
Subaru was sitting in a chair as both Akira and Rem were standing beside him. Across from the trio was none other than Crusch and Felix. Seeing as everyone was here, the royal candidate nodded her head towards Rem to signal her to start the debriefing.

"What I felt was something like a presence through the sense I share with my sister. My sister could've used her clairvoyance to give a clearer picture, but I...."

"So you gained an ominous sort of synesthesia from her. We don't know the details, either. Yet it came from the Mathers domain, which you know as Margrave Roswaal's territory. It seems some troubling movement has been seen in the vicinity of his domain. Parts of his territory are already on high alert. Though....we did foresee a situation like this coming when Margrave Roswaal declared his intention to back Emilia, a half-elf."

"Are you saying this is happening just because of that prejudice?"

As Subaru asked this question, he was merely met with the nod of Crusch's head. Seeing this,  Akira glanced at Subaru to see if the boy was okay. While they did have a fight, it didn't mean he would leave him completely hanging during an important situation. Just like he thought, Subaru seemed shocked by this revelation. However, Akira grew more concerned with the look on Subaru's face.

"Is he....smiling?"

"This happened the moment I left her side.  Everyone around her is an enemy. The only one who can take her side....is me."

"Well then, we have to go and help, right?"

"S-Subaru-kun! You have to follow Emilia-sama's orders to rest and heal. And I agree! Healing must take priority now."

As he was ready to walk out the door, Subaru was stopped by Rem as she tried to talk him out of this. Even Akira had to agree with the maid, Subaru's main priority should be recovery. Not only that, he knew exactly what would happen if Subaru left since Emilia told him the details of her deal with Crusch just before she left. Seeing Akira and Rem were opposed to this, Subaru merely turned around and looked at them.

"Rem.....Akira, we're the only ones who can take Emilia's side. We'll go back to the mansion and regroup with Emilia. Until it's taken care of, my healing can-"

"It's not as simple as you think, Subaru."

"Akira....what are you talking abou-"

"Crusch didn't do this out of the goodness of her heart, Subaru. Emilia told me soon after your fight with her. She entered a contract with Crusch which stated that she treated you as a guest and would treat your gate. However, if you abandon the treatment yourself, Crusch no longer will be obligated to protect you. The moment we step out of this manor, Emilia and Crusch will be enemies."

"......looks like I was wrong about you, Crusch. I thought, just maybe, you and I could get along. Yeah, of course. That was just a little joke over drinks, right? I was stupid to believe you when you told me, an enemy, to do what I could. You don't want to leave because getting Emilia out of trouble would be bad for yo-"

"I think nya got it wrong."

Subaru was stopped in his tracks as Felix spoke up. There was a lot of things the knight could handle, but blatantly disrespecting the person he was loyal to was not one of those things. As his eyes fell upon Subaru, Felix began to speak his mind whilst disregarding Crusch's request of dropping the subject.

"I'm sorry, Crusch-sama, the mistake he's making is too grave. If you leave now, nothing will change. After making a fool of yourself at the castle and being clobbered by Julius, you still don't realize that. You'll be much better off staying here and finishing your treatment."

".......I've decided that i'm going back to Emilia. Thanks for taking care of me, though it wasn't for long. Thanks to your "warning", i've finally made up my mind."

As Subaru left out of the office, Rem quickly followed the boy. This left only three people in Crusch's office. The royal candidate herself, Felix, and Akira. While Felix let a sigh escape from his lips, he soon turned his gaze towards Akira.

"Aki-nya, what do you plan on doing? It wasn't just Emilia-sama he had a fight with too, right? Are you going to stick your neck out for him?"

"He's an idiot. Always wearing his heart on his sleeve. He acts so recklessly and illogically, you'd think it's a miracle he's alive. He's reckless, emotional, and sometimes I think he is suicidal with how much he's willing to sacrifice for someone else."

"Then you-"

"That's exactly why i'm going with him."

Both Crusch and Felix were shocked by Akira's answer. Between Akira and Subaru, the white haired boy was definitely the smarter and more composed of the two. Often times thinking rationally and logically than letting his emotions getting the better of him. As he getting ready to walk out of Crusch's office, the white-haired boy heard the royal candidate ask him one question.

"Why do you go so far for Natsuki Subaru?"

"Yeah, he's someone who is often emotional and it gets the better of him. But behind that recklessness and that fragile ego, is a genuine wish. A wish to save the person who means the world to him. A wish that even I could only make when it was too late. Plus-"

As Akira opened the door to Crusch's office, he began to remember his time in the manor. From the moment Subaru first started working there, to the moment where they both saved the village in Roswaal's territory. Even when they both decided to save Rem. Hell, he even remembered all the fun they had during the snow festival. However, there was one instance, one singular moment that made Akira respect Subaru. An action he took that even the white haired boy couldn't have done in his own world.

"Please help me, Akira!"

"....do I need a reason to assist a friend who's asking for help?"

~A few minutes later~
As Akira was seen walking out of the manor, he noticed how Wilhelm was helping Subaru and Rem put their luggage onto the carriage provided for them. Just as the white-haired boy walked over to Subaru, the black-haired boy looked surprised by this.

"Kira Kira ...you're coming with us?"

"....there's no point in me staying here when the whole point of this was for you. Plus i'm just keeping my word and watching over you. How long will it take for us to get back to the manor?"

"Two days. Apparently some fog appeared the normal route we took! Even though I don't care about some fog, Rem said it was dangerous because it was fog caused by the White Whale."

"I see. Alright then, let's head off."

Having said that, Akira and Subaru got into the passenger part of the dragon-drawn carriage as Rem was driving the transportation. While they were off to head back to the manor, Subaru was staring at Akira. He didn't know why, but a part of him wanted Akira to stay behind. In his eyes, it felt like Akira would pull something off to save Emilia. Once again, Akira would prove everyone right. That he was a better knight for Emilia than him. As Subaru clenched his hands into fists, he spoke to the maid driving the carriage.

"Are you getting anything from Ram?"

"No, our shared senses is controlled consciously, to an extent. I think what I sensed earlier exceeded what my sister could control."

"So Ram didn't intend for us know. Is she trying to keep us from being involved? But why.......she needs me by her side. I can save her. Once I do, i'm sure she'll understand. She has to."

As Subaru said this, the ride to the manor was quiet and long. Time passed by as the sun was setting. Subaru was fast asleep in the carriage but Akira was still awake. When his eyes fell upon Subaru, he felt a sharp pain in his heart. Trying his hardest to live up to expectation, slowly breaking himself because he sees no other way out of this situation by himself. Trying to show he can get results no matter what it took. Akira understood these feelings Subaru was experiencing, more than most would know. Soon the vector controller felt the dragon carriage stop as Subaru was starting to wake up.

"Why did we stop? We're in a hurry!"

"Subaru. The earth dragon is a living creature too, you know. Plus it ran so long that it's already nighttime and we left this morning. It probably just needs to rest."

"Tch ....always have an answer for everything, don't you?"

"Subaru ......"

As Subaru and Akira got off the carriage, they saw that they were in a small village. Akira went into the nearest inn and managed to secure Subaru, himself, and Rem a room while being lost in his thoughts. Truth be told, he was conflicted. He wants to save Emilia and the others, but he was also considering the consequences. Not only that, Subaru was starting to worry him with the way he was acting. After everyone settled in, Akira was getting ready to head to his room but stopped in his tracks when he noticed Rem walking towards Subaru's room.

~With Subaru~
He couldn't sleep, not when he knew Emilia was in danger. As Subaru stared at the ceiling of his room, his mind began to wonder. What if he couldn't save Emilia? What if Akira actually could save everyone without him? What would he do then, why would he even be needed if Akira could do it all? Just as Subaru was thinking, he heard a knock on the door. As the door opened, Subaru was surprised to see Rem entering his room with her night gown on.

"I couldn't sleep, so I hoped we could talk."

"You too, huh? Can't be helped, you must be worried about the mansion after you what you felt through your shared sense. It'll be okay, Rem. We're not the sort of lovable little kids who get our feelings hurt so easily. We'll get right back there, and i'll fix things."

"Yes, i'll put all my faith in you, Subaru-kun."

Subaru could be help but feel his face heating up as he turned away to keep Rem from seeing his red face. His eyes widen with shock a few seconds after he felt the maid holding onto him from behind. This sudden action shocked Subaru as he asked her why she was doing this. Upon hearing this question, the blue haired maid smiled as she gave one simple response.

"Because I want to."

As Rem said this, a small light emerged from her hands as she was trying to heal his gate. While Subaru was still a bit flustered, he was slowly starting to calm down. With a heavy sigh escaping his lips, the young man spoke once more.

"She'll probably be angry with me at first, won't she?"

"If you take the time to properly face her and communicate how you feel with words, i'm sure she'll understand. You are a wonderful person."

"I am........yes, I am, right? Emilia is hopeless without me. Because I ....care about her.....so much.."

"Yes, so please keep some space for me somewhere. Please don't go anywhere, Subaru-kun."

As Subaru was now fast asleep, Rem stopped healing the boy as she took felt a bit of drowsiness hitting her. The maid soon began to lie down next to Subaru as she held the boy's hand for comfort. However, just outside of the room, one boy was seen ready to knock on the door. The white haired boy refrained from doing so as he simply turned around. He could tell what was happening to Subaru. How the boy felt with him around and knowing Emilia is in danger. However, Subaru needed this rest. That's why, just for once, Akira was going to break his promise to Emilia. Not just for her sake, but for Subaru's as well.

~The next day~
"Subaru-kun, wake up!!! Something urgent just happened!"

Subaru suddenly jumped out of his bed when he heard someone screaming his name. The moment he rubbed his eyes, he noticed Rem was right in front of him. Soon he looked out the window and saw how the sun was shining brightly. Panic began to form in his eyes as the young man looked towards the maid.

"Rem, we overslept! Get Kira Kira, quickly! We have to-"

"Subaru-kun, that's the urgent matter I wanted to tell you. Akira-kun is gone! The lobby manager said that he left during the middle of the night along with the dragon carriage."

"That bastard!"

Subaru punched the wall next to him as he felt anger boiling up inside of him. He knew it, he knew that Akira was up to something. All this time he was acting like he cared and being a friend, he had a feeling he would do something like this. Soon a vicious smile began to form on Subaru's face.

"I knew it.....it was too good to be true. Someone as smart, powerful, and perfect as him wouldn't care about someone like me."

"Subaru-kun."

"He only came with us to make us feel comfortable! In reality, he wanted to steal the glory for himself! He never cared about us, he just wanted an excuse to ditch us so he can take credit for saving Emilia!"

"Subaru-kun!"

"Suzushima Akira, you really are a one of a kind bastard you know that! You asked me to come to you for help, but all you did was stab me in the back! You never once gave a damn about any of us, did yo-"

"SUBARU-KUN!"

Before Subaru could say anything further, Rem suddenly slapped the boy across the head with a piece of paper. Just as Subaru was about to lash out, Rem opened the piece of paper to reveal the contents inside. It was a note from Akira that he left for them. Subaru snatched the paper out of Rem's hands and began to read it. Slowly, his eyes were losing the initial anger they had. A slight pain in his heart was felt as he was reading it. By the time he was done, the boy suddenly ran out of the room with Rem following behind him.

"Subaru-kun!"

"Rem, we have to hurry! We have to get to Akira and Emilia!"

~??????~
I'm sorry, Natsuki Subaru.

A cold silence was present as the once lively Arlam Village was now devoid of life. All of the villagers were seen stabbed with swords in various areas of their bodies. Their blood staining the ground and the walls of their former homes. Their corpses being seen around every corner of their village as if they were decoration.

Not only that, there were corpses of culprits responsible scattered around as well. They all wore jet black clerical robes with triangular hoods, which have two red cut-outs for the eyes and a large red symbol resembling an eye located on their forehead. These people were part of the Witch Cult. Their bodies were now lifeless. Some looked as if they were in excruciating pain just when they died and others looked as if their body exploded.

I know what it's like. To feel like all your efforts were for nothing. To feel like you would never be understood no matter how hard you worked. I know how much it hurts to be compared with someone else, like people are looking down on how hard you work.

Just further from the village, Roswaal's manor was in sight. Various corpses could be seen littering the estate. However, it wasn't just corpses of the witch cult that covered the grounds. In one of the sheds, the corpses of the children from Arlam Village were scattered across the floor. Blood escaping from their eye sockets, their necks twisted so badly that their heads could stare at their backs. Their bellies cut open by a blade as their innards were exposed to the world.

People may see you as a fool for what happened at the Royal Selection. People will think of you as nothing more than a nuisance or unreasonable for your behavior. But Subaru, I know how you feel because I went through it too. While others see it as foolish, I see your emotions for what it is. Just like me, you're hurting.

Inside of the manor, Ram's dead body was on the floor as her eyes held no life in them. Blood covered her clothes as her blood continued to form a puddle upon the floor. Soon, the silence that filled the manor was no more as a loud explosion was heard. A large tornado made of fire was seen as it was melting large glaciers that was heading straight for it.

I know what it's like, wanting to carry that burden alone. In my case, I was forced to carry it alone. Even if the situation was beyond my control, I was forced to carry the burden of a life on my shoulders. My uncle, my own mother, no one supported me when I needed it. But you're different, Natsuki Subaru.

"Why? Why do you continue to struggle, Suzushima Akira?"

"That's a good question. They're already dead, I couldn't save a single person. In the end I failed them, just like I failed Ayu. I couldn't save a single person because I was too late. So why......why am I doing this?"

Akira was seen breathing heavily as blood escaped his nose. His left arm was completely frozen, his right eyeball was missing as he kept the socket closed. While he understood the basics of magic, he wasn't at the level where he could reflect high level magic. As Akira looked behind him, he saw two corpses. The corpses of Emilia and Petra, with Petra being in Emilia's arms as they were both seen with swords impaled in their bodies as the very area around them was covered in ice.  But thanks to Akira's ability and him causing that tornado of fire, their bodies weren't frozen solid. Noticing that the girls' bodies were okay, Akira can only look forward as he stared at the beast before him.

I was alone, I had no friends or family that I could rely on. But you're different, you're far different from me. You aren't as alone as you think you are. While you and Rem rest, i'll do head to the manor. I know how worried you are about Emilia, so i'll hurry and do my best. If it's successful, then I should be back by the time you read this. But can I be honest with you...... i'm scared.

The beast before Akira had also taken some damage during this fight. Two if it's upper fangs were forcibly ripped out of its jaw. It's left frontal leg was cut off as it's body was covered in holes. As Akira took a deep breath, he suddenly swept his right arm in front of him and slashed through the air. Taking control of the vectors in airflow, a large hurricane with wind speeds of 120 meters per second blasted the beast's face. A growl escaped from it as it's right eye was completely damaged.

I'm scared beyond my damn mind. Back home, I didn't feel anything when I tried to end my own life. But now, i'm more terrified of dying than anything. The more that I thought about, the more I began to see the answer that evaded me all this time.

Akira stomped on the grounds of the manor, the ice underneath his right foot breaking apart as multiple pebbles escaped from their icy tomb. Seeing this, Akira kicked all of the pebbles towards the beast as a large explosion was heard from the moment he did this.

The vectors of the pebbles were changed and fired off faster than Mikoto Misaka's railgun, but vanished after a few millimeters. However, the pressure waves did not vanish, and the attack felt as if it tore the very air apart. The beast let out a might roar as it felt the attack going through its body. The trees and ground were flying around in the air as everything in the surrounding area was being torn apart.

Rom, Felt. Rem and Ram. Petra. Emilia. Even you, Subaru. Despite only knowing you all for a short amount of time, it was the most alive I ever felt in my life. Without me knowing it, no matter how many times I try to dumb it down to logic. I can't deny it anymore. You all became my reason to live.

Akira suddenly fell down blood escaping his mouth as he was now in front of Emilia and Petra's corpses. Soon he sat down on the ground, his vision growing hazy. When he looked at the beast in front of him, he could feel its analytical gaze. Akira could tell what the beast wanted, an answer to his earlier question. Soon the white haired boy felt cold as he looked downwards, his body slowly beginning to become trapped in ice along with Emilia and Petra.

I don't know how you do it Subaru, but you're always one who can come up with an idea that can save everyone. When it matters most, you're one reliable guy. That's why if I die, at least this time, I won't have regrets. I know that Felt and Rom will be in good hands too. Because.......I believe in the man, known as Natsuki Subaru. If I don't come back, if I truly lost my life, then do me one favor Subaru. Keep the ones you love close and don't push them away. Don't be a knight like Suzushima Akira, who died alone like a dog. Be a knight that only you can be. Goodbye......and ........i'm sorry I hurt you...the same way my family hurt me.

"I will ask again, Suzushima Akira, why do you struggle?"

"Because......it's what Emilia and Subaru would do. They both struggled in their own way, persevered in their own way. I guess you could say I admired that about them."

"You knew you were going to die. But you would've survived longer had you not cared for the condition of that young girl's body from Arlam Village. Why did you protect it so much?"

"Petra's body.....you ask why I did that? The same reason you're on a rampage, I guess."

As Akira spoke, he used his right arm to hold Petra close to his body while he could still move. Meanwhile his left frozen hand was now touching the frozen hand of Emilia's body. While looking in the distance, he saw them. Familiar black and blue hair as two figures made it to the manor. Just as he was about to freeze to death, Akira answered Puck's question.

"No child.....should ever die alone. I couldn't save her.....but the least I can do.......is hold her closely.....as I join her on the other side."

"....I see. Rest, Suzushima Akira. You are just like my daughter, it hurts to watch. Rest, my son born in the dark. Don't let your sister and the child you wanted to protect die alone."

"Thank you.....and sorry."

"I'm betting it all on you......hero (Subaru)."

Silence once again took over the area. His body frozen solid as he held the people he cherished close to him. He couldn't save them, he was far too late because he wanted to keep his promise to Emilia while trying to spare Subaru from this nightmare. However, despite this, Suzushima Akira died with a smile on his face. His last thoughts being one of faith in Subaru. However, just like back in Japan......

Akira's prayers were never answered.