"Hey! You listening?"

"Huh?"

With eyes wide with horror, Subaru looked in front of him as he realized he was no longer at Roswaal's manor. Right now, he was standing in front of Kadoman's stand as the man was looking at him with confusion. Subaru couldn't help but notice his body was shaking, despite the cold no longer consuming him. He couldn't help but check if his body was still intact.

"Subaru-kun?"

A young woman's voice reached Subaru's ears as he slowly turned his head towards the source. His brown eyes, filled with horror, were met with the concerning gaze of Rem. Almost in an instant, Subaru fell to the ground as he hugged the maid closely. The image of her frozen corpse, shattering in mere seconds, was still fresh in his mind. However, this was merely the beginning of what he was experiencing.

"Geez, Subaru, don't go flirting with Rem in public. Especially in front of the stand that we frequent at. Sorry about this, Kadoman."

Subaru slowly turned towards the source of the male voice that just spoke up. His brown-eyes filled with several emotions as Akira's red eyes were looking at him in concerned. The white-haired boy had no idea what came over Subaru. One moment he was acting relatively normal, now his eyes were full of several emotions as if he experienced something traumatic in mere seconds. Noticing this, Akira got down on one knee as he looked at Subaru.

"Hey, are you okay, Subaru? Do you need to see Felix and check if he can heal you or something?"

I'm sorry I hurt you....the same way my family hurt me.

Memories of the words written in Akira's letter flooded Subaru's mind. Without warning, Subaru hugged Akira closely. The white haired boy was shocked by this, mentally thankful that he didn't have his reflection active. However, just as Akira looked at Subaru's eyes, he couldn't describe what he saw. Was it sadness? Was it anger? Could it be envy? Or was it guilt? It was like an amalgamation of several emotions were eating away at Subaru, with the boy in question holding Akira tightly in his arms. Seeing him in this state, Akira stood up as he put Subaru's right arm around his shoulders to help him stand. While Subaru and himself weren't on the best terms at the moment, even Akira couldn't leave him like this. Not when his friend was at his lowest point.

"Let's head back to Crusch's manor, Rem."

"Yes, Akira-san."

"Subaru....just what on earth happened to you?"

~Karsten Manor~

It was the middle of the night as Rem, Akira, and Crusch could only watch as Felix tried his best to see what was wrong with Subaru. Sadly, there was nothing that Felix could do to help the young man. While healing him physically wouldn't be an issue, his mental state was another matter entirely. With a thought entering her mind, Crusch looked at Felix as she wanted to voice her opinion.

"Ferris, what is the likelihood of him being cursed?"

"There's nyo indication of any interference using mana. It seems as if his spirit is broken."

Crusch could only offer a look of pity as her gaze fell upon Subaru. If someone as talented in healing magic as Felix couldn't heal him, then no one in this household could. Soon her gaze fell upon Akira and Rem. The royal candidate didn't say a word to them, but both members of Emilia's camp understood what she was trying to say. Seeing as Rem was watching over Subaru in silence, Akira decided to speak for the two of them.

"There's no need to feel guilty, Crusch-san. You tried your best to treat him and it just didn't work out. We can't fault you for trying, but thanks for your concern."

"Akira-san is correct, this isn't their fault. But I believe I may have an idea on what may be causing this. A witch's miasma, I felt that just before Subaru-kun collapsed. Only a select few can detect the witch's miasma, so it can't be helped if Ferris-sama decided their was nothing they could do. But......"

As Rem's eyes fell upon Akira, she began to connect the dots on some thoughts she kept to herself. She was willing to admit she was acting more emotionally and rash when she first met Akira and Subaru due to the scent that they gave off, but this time she was more calm and thinking clearly. Without her resent towards the Witch Cult clouding her mind, the blue haired maid noticed something off when she compared the scent Subaru was releasing now to the scent Akira gave off when he confronted her.

"Akira-san also gave off a strong scent of miasma. But looking back on it..... wasn't his scent far more dangerous? Why did his scent give off a more demonic smell?"

~The Next Day~
It was early in the morning as Rem, Akira, and Subaru were all standing outside Karsten Manor as both Crusch and Felix were standing outside to see them off. Given that Subaru wouldn't be able to recover, even with the help of Felix, Rem decided that it was better for them to return to Emilia while Akira showed no objections at the moment. Soon Crusch stepped forward to the trio as she still had a few things to say to them before seeing them off.

"I apologize for being unable to help. It would be impudent of me to call this a fair trade."

"It's fine, Crusch-san. After all, we're the ones leaving part way through. You did everything you could within your power and we thank you for that."

"Thank you, Suzushima Akira. Give Emilia this message, as you're her knight. Let us compete in a manner that will bring neither of us shame."

"..........I'll be sure to let her know."

The moment Akira said this, he saw Wilhelm walking towards the group as preparations were complete. There was only one long-distance dragon carriage that the Karsten Camp could lend out since they had an operation that required a large amount of dragon carriages. However, the one they lent to Akira and Rem was still fast enough to reach Roswaal's manor before the date changes. Though before they could leave, Crusch had one more topic that was still on her mind.

"By the way, Rem, I have a question for you before you leave. I don't mind if you don't wish to answer, as this question is rather tasteless."

"A question?"

"Earlier, before getting your luggage ready, you told me that Natsuki Subaru would utter names occasionally. Your name, your sister's name, Suzushima Akira's, and Emilia's. You believe by being all together, you might be able to get a reaction out of him. My question is this: how can you devote so much of yourself to Natsuki Subaru? Your relationship is not one of a master and servant like Ferris and mine. Yet I hesitate to conclude that the glances you cast are that of a woman to a man......I apologize, forget I asked.

"No, that's not it. It's just, difficult to put into words. I suppose it's because Subaru-kun is special."

Crusch and Ferris both couldn't hide the look of shock in their eyes. As for Akira, he merely closed his eyes but the most faint of smiles could be seen forming upon his face. Little did Rem know, that one sentence told the three of them everything they needed to know. For those were the very same words that the man she was devoting herself to said during the Royal Selection. Seeing as it was silent after giving her answer, Rem began to look slightly embarrassed as her grip on Subaru's hand grew tighter.

"Um......"

"My apologies, I was stunned speechless for a moment. Natsuki Subaru is a lucky man."

"That's for sure, if he ever recovers, i'll have to tease him to the max."

With a smile on their faces, Crusch and Felix sent off the trio with a smile as they were now heading off to Roswaal's manor. The journey back to the manor was a quiet one, as Akira was in the passenger part of the carriage while Subaru and Rem were both up front. While Akira was grateful to Crusch's faction for everything they've done, he was slightly disappointed at how things turned out this way and the opportunity he missed.

"Had things gone smoothly, I was willing to have us represent Emilia and assist them with their hunt. The White Whale, thanks to Reinhard's hint, Anastasia's info, and the visitors to this manor, I was able to figure out they are planning to hunt the White Whale. If we had played a part in killing it, it would help Emilia's public image....but I can't leave Subaru like this. I'll just have to think of something else when we get back to the manor."

"Akira.....Akira ..."

"It can't be helped. There are plenty of more opportunities for Emilia to shine, but there's only one Natsuki Subaru. I can't just leave him in that state. Especially when he's calling us out like that."

As Akira said this, he looked outside the window of the carriage as he noticed it was nighttime. The moment the carriage stopped, he noticed how Rem opened the door and placed Subaru on the seat across from Akira. Seeing this, the white haired boy merely nods his head as Rem handled taking care of the dragon and lookout. The blue haired oni gathered up wood and started a fire as the dragon was resting next to her while she fed it. As minutes passed by, she began to think about the time she spent with Subaru at Karsten Manor.

"I know I mustn't let my personal feelings interfere, but I was happy to have you to myself at Crusch-sama's manor since Akira-san mostly showed up when it was time take turns watching over you. I find many faults with myself when i'm with you, Subaru-kun."

Feeling lonely whenever he got friendly with Ram. Feeling jealous of Emilia whenever he speaks to her while being red in the face. Thinking it's unfair how he plays with Beatrice. Envying Akira with how naturally he can talk to him while speaking his mind. These were all feelings that Rem had in her heart, feelings she wouldn't deny.

"Nevertheless, I get this warm feeling when I watch Subaru-kun. I can only find happiness and sorrow when i'm with him. I'm sorry, Subaru-kun. Even though I heard you quarreled with Emilia-sama, I know you'll be okay. Because you're always demonically inspired, as you say. Plus....you're a remarkable person."

"Wow, you're sounding less like a maid and more like a maiden in love."

Rem suddenly jumped at the sound of someone speaking to her. When she turned around to see who it was, she was met with the face of Akira himself. While Rem's face could be seen red with tiny drops of tears threatening to fall from her eyes, Akira merely met her gaze with a smile on his face. The smile seemingly emitting a large air of smugness along with it. Soon, the blue haired maid shook her head to compose herself as she desperately wanted to change the topic.

"W-what are you doing out here, Akira-san? You should be-"

"You've been driving this whole time. Go in the carriage and rest, i'll handle keeping an eye out. This is your chance to be beside him with no one else getting in the way, right?"

Rem didn't know what to say in this predicament. While his smug facial expression proved he heard what she was saying, he still decided to take over watching over the group and letting her rest. He even allowed her to be beside Subaru in the carriage as she would rest. With a nod of her head, Rem thanked Akira as she stood up from the ground and began to walk to the carriage. The moment she got inside of the carriage, Rem closed the door as it was now just her and Subaru.

"Despite his appearance, Akira-san really is considerate in his own way. In one way or another, he helped each of us. I wonder....if we ever helped him in the same manner."

Soon Rem sat down next to the sleeping Subaru. The young man was moving around a bit in his sleep, trying be comfortable whilst he was struggling to get into position that was relaxing enough for himself. Seeing this, Rem smiled to herself as she gently placed her hands on both sides of Subaru's head. In matter of moments, Subaru stopped moving around as his head was now resting in Rem's lap. Noticing how comfortable the boy has gotten in her lap, Rem's face could be seen with a tint of red as her gentle smile never left her face.

"Thank you, Akira-san. This was what you were trying to tell me, wasn't it? To take a chance and to be a little selfish. This behavior may not be acceptable, but just this once......I want to listen to this selfish behavior of mine and be by Subaru-kun's side."

~The Next Day~
The sound of rushing footsteps was heard as the dragon carriage was being pulled once more. Rem felt more energized since she managed to sleep well during the night after Akira volunteered to watch over everyone while she rested. Now, she was back to driving the carriage as they were heading to their destination. As Akira was sleeping inside of the carriage, Subaru was sitting next to Rem as things seemed to have been going smoothly.

A sharp sensation circulated through her body as Rem suddenly placed her right hand over her heart. Her breathing was becoming erratic as she felt a splitting headache. This was undoubtedly from the synesthesia both Ram and her shared. With great haste, Rem tried to hurry back to the manor. Normally, the blue haired oni would strive to be calm but had a fault to ignore her surroundings when she becomes serious about something. It was a fault that Ram had warned her many times.

And that very fault bared its fangs at Rem once more.

In one split moment, the earth dragon's head was decapitated as the carriage crashed onto the road. Dirt was kicked up into the air as Rem was seen holding Subaru close to her, grateful that the young man was still okay. Soon she felt a hand placed on her right shoulder as Akira stood beside her and Subaru, his gaze fixed forward as he noticed that they were all surrounded.

Suddenly one of the hooded figures leaped forward in an effort to attack the group, only to met with morningstar smashing his skull as his body was flattened onto the ground. As she held onto her weapon tightly, Rem felt it once more. The seething hatred she felt towards these people was causing her blood to boil as her horn began to show itself once more as it shined brightly with a pink light. With hatred lacing her voice, Rem released a yell full of malice.

"Don't you dare come near us, Witch Cult!!!!!"

Suddenly the hooded assailants each took out a dagger as all of them threw their weapons at the group in unison. To their surprise though, the blades never made contact with their intended targets. Before they could realize what happened, the very daggers they threw at the group were suddenly shot back at them as the blades went through their skulls. One after another, the bodies of the attackers were falling onto the ground as blood escaped from their heads due to the daggers being lodged deep within them. With a look of shock, Rem looked forward as she saw Akira standing in front of both her and Subaru.

"You bastards, do you know how hard it is to fall asleep while being moved at high speed? Just when I was finally able to get some shut eye, you bastards assault us out of nowhere. That's a violation of my rights, you know!"

The moment Akira said this, he swiftly swiped his right arm in a horizontal manner. Just as this happened, the white haired boy smirked   as he concentrated the vectors of the molecules in the air into a blade. In a matter of seconds, several members of the witch cult found themselves decapitated as blood escaped from where their heads once were. Though this was no moment to celebrate as more of them appeared from the veil of trees. While Rem wanted to assist Akira, she suddenly turned around as she saw a large fireball was hurled at both her and Subaru.

"Huma!"

With no time to spare, Rem created a shining barrier of water in front of her in hopes of blocking the attack. Steam began to fill the area as Rem hissed in pain. The attack was much stronger than she anticipated, to the point that half of her right arm was scalded. As the steam finally cleared, Rem's vision was finally restored as she saw one of the members of the cult running off with Subaru in their grasp. Suddenly several more members of the cult appeared in front of her, causing Rem to hiss with anger just as she was holding onto her morningstar again while all the cult members were aiming large amounts of fire at her.

"You bastards.......you stole my sister's horn and my reason to live, but that wasn't enough for you? Now you stole my reason to die, too!"

"Get a hold of yourself, you damn blue ogre!"

The flames that the witch cult were about to blast at Rem was slowly began to dissipate. The members of the witch cult that were trying to attack Rem were seen high in the air as spear-like pillars made of from the ground were seen piercing through their bodies. As Rem slowly turned her head, she saw Akira walking towards her with a serious look on his face. The moment he got close to her, the white haired boy chopped the top of Rem's head with his left hand. With a yelp escaping from her lips, Rem looked at Akira with tears in her eyes.

"What was that fo-"

"What's more important to you, Rem? These hooded bastards or Subaru?"

"Subaru-kun, obviously!"

"Then stop focusing on these third-strings and get your ass over to him. I can't fight these guys off AND protect you if you're just gonna act like a rabid animal. Now go! We'll regroup at Emilia's manor once you take Subaru back. I'll handle as many of these fodder as I can."

Despite the words used, the look in Akira's eyes told Rem everything. Instead of the look of someone commanding obedience, it was a look of plead. It was almost as if Akira was begging for Rem to leave him behind and to hurry to Subaru as fast as she could. Without so much as saying a word, Rem suddenly dashed into the direction of where she saw Subaru being taken while also trying to follow the scent of the witch. Seeing this, Akira smiled as he looked forward, several cult members surrounding him as all of them seemed to be ready to cast a high level spell.

"Run, Rem. Run as fast as your legs can take you. Unlike me, you still have a shot to save the one you love. I'll buy you more than enough time to do so. So please.....both you and Subaru comeback. Prove that me hoping you both come back alive isn't just optimistic thinking."

"Now with Rem gone, I guess I can finally put you lab rats to good use. Good thing Puck told me what magic I had an affinity after that Snow Festival. Jiwald."

~With Subaru~
His eyes slowly began to open, coupled with a look of confusion. When he tried to move, the sound of chains rattling echoed through the area as he felt his wrists were restrained. The moment his vision settled in, Subaru found that he was no longer in the carriage with Rem and Akira. Instead, he was met with a pair of eyes staring back at him as the figure looked as if he was waiting for a sign that he was awake. A look of panic began to form on Subaru's face as the mysterious individual finally spoke up once noticing the boy was awake.

"I see.....this is certainly interesting. You wouldn't happen to be Pride, would you?"

"........"

"I guess you're not going to answer me!"

As the man said this, he placed his left index finger between his teeth as he was biting down so hard that he could feel his own blood running down his arm. Suddenly the man stood upright as he turned around and lightly skipped towards his followers. The moment he got in front of the witch cultists, he suddenly turned around with both of his arms behind his back as he gave Subaru a bow. While slowly raising his upper body, the mysterious figure finally introduced himself.

"I am a Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult, representing sloth, Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti........DESU!"

"Ah.........aaah......"

"Ah, how comical. What a very, very, very, very, very interesting sight! Truly, truly, truly!!!!! My brain trembles! Now then, how was he brought here?"

Just as Petelgeuse said this, one of the hooded figures emerged from the very ground right beside him. Upon noticing this, Petelgeuse leaned closely towards the individual so he could hear their answer clearly. Listening closely to the witch cult member, he was finally met with a response from the hooded figure.

"Dragon.........carriage..."

"A dragon-drawn carriage! Ah, aren't ground dragons great? They obey diligently, work diligently, and play their role as a species diligently! They're just fantastic!!"

"Killed........"

"Of course! Your diligence brought the ground dragon, diligence itself, to the ground! Ah, my brain trembles, trembles, trembles, trembles!!! Ah, but a dead ground dragon is the very definition of sloth. Clean up the area at once. With the day of the Ordeal upon us, we mustn't let our existence be discovered. Now what of his friends?"

"Unknown....."

"It is unknown if his friends are alive or dead. Unknown if dead or alive, huh? You are truly slothful."

Without a second thought, Petelgeuse suddenly slammed one of the members to the ground so hard that a numerous amount of  rocks were seen slightly flying into the air from the impact. Shortly afterwards, he began to shake the body of the hooded figure before punching them relentlessly.

"With the Ordeal upon us, you let a potential problem remain! Is this the sincerity you show in return to our Gospel! Ah.....this is slothful. Sloth, sloth, sloth, sloth! Please forgive the sloth that has lead us to betray your goodwill! Love, we must repay love with love!"

"........."

"Bring the boy and girl here! If they live, kill them. If not, bring me their heads. Love, we must repay love with love!!!!"

While holding onto both sides of his own face, Petelgeuse watched as the hooded figures all began to sink into the very ground itself. Now, the only ones who remain within the cave were both Subaru and himself. With a smile upon his face, the Archbishop of Sloth turned around to face Subaru as he began to stretch his legs as if warming up. After a few minutes of stretching, Petelgeuse walked over to Subaru and grabbed the boy by his hair with his left hand as he used his right hand to take out a small book from within his robes.

"Now. Now, now. Now, now, now, now, now. You will look into my eyes. Answer me, answer me carefully. Why does such dense love hang so abundantly upon your person? Do you not own a copy of the gospel?"

"........................"

"It saddens me to be ignored! I'm treating you so kindly, and yet, and yet, and yet, yet, yet, yet, yet! In that case I will change the order of my question. Let me ask you......"

Just as he said this, Petelgeuse lifted Subaru's chin as he then proceeded to lick the young man's face. He even went as far as licking over his eyeball before suddenly pulling himself back and moving his neck in such a manner that it looked broken. The question he had ready for Subaru finally escaped his lips.

"Why do you pretend that your mind is broken?"

"......ah............"

No, no, no, no. I truly have my doubts. Why, for what reason, for what purpose, do you act crazed?"

"......ah......"

"Your insanity is far too sane. To behave so cleverly and quietly, as if asking for sympathy....it is an insult to true madness."

"Ah....aaaaah....."

Subaru began to clutch his own head, the rattling of chains echoing through the cave once more. The sounds of him trying to say something but only being able to produce inaudible noises also echoed throughout the cave as it rung in his ears, as if he was being mocked by his own state of mind. However, Petelgeuse merely looked at Subaru with a confused look. In the Archbishop's eyes, the young man was a poorly acted madman. If Subaru was truly mad, he would pay no heed to the gazes of others. Before long Subaru began to sway back and forth, tears escaping from his eyes as he couldn't mutter a single word.

"Ah .....aaaaaaaaah......."

"Ah, how comical! How comical!"

"Aaaaaa....aaaa...aaaaaaaaaaaa...."

"I pity you! I pity your wretched, ugly, lowly, diminutive, sinful being, from the bottom of my heart! Despite all that, you are so loved! You'd rather waste away in stagnation than repay the goodwill shown to you?!"

Before Subaru realized it, the Archbishop of Sloth had slammed his head against the wall of the cave. The young man simply fell down afterwards while blood escaped from the top of his head and began to run down his face. Seeing this, Petelgeuse walked a bit so he stood in front of Subaru as he lifted the black haired boy by his hair.

"You truly are slothful."

Just as he said this, the sound of rumbling echoed throughout the cave as the noise made its way to Petelgeuse's ears. In a matter of moments, one of the witch cultists was seen flying by him as their body crashed into the wall of the cave. Just as more of the witch cult emerged from the ground, the sound of chains rattling echoed through the cave as the noise grew louder and louder. Emerging from the depths of the cave was a blue haired maid holding a morningstar as her horn shined brightly. The moment she looked around, she saw Subaru on the ground with blood escaping from his head as the Archbishop stood next to him.

"Subaru-kun!"

"Ah! How fantastic this is! A girl, a lone girl, is so badly injured yet still presses on!"

"Enough of your nonsense, witch cultists! You are fools to carry out your insubordinate acts in Roswaal-sama's domain without his permission. In my absent master's stead, I, Rem, will carry out your death penalty!"

"Even in your battered state? You only came to retrieve the boy. Don't go saying things that only sound attractive."

"Don't touch him......"

"Huh! What was that?!"

Just as Rem said this, Petelgeuse snickered as more of the witch cultists emerged from the ground and were charging towards the maid. However, Rem didn't give them a chance to attack as she swung her morningstar the moment they emerged. Blood splattered on the ground as the sounds of bones breaking and flesh tearing echoed throughout the cave. Just as Rem brought her weapon back to her side, more of the cult appeared as they lunged towards her with great speed. Meanwhile, Petelgeuse could feel his own body trembling with excitement. This lone girl, badly injured, was fighting her hardest all for the sake of love.

"Fantastic! Simply fantastic! To think you would go so far for a poorly acted madman such as him!"

"You know nothing about Subaru-kun! El Huma!"

Just as she drove her left fist through the body of one of the witch cultists, Rem formed and shot multitudes of ice spears from her hand which easily pierced through the bodies of the other assailants trying to launch a sneak attack upon her. Shortly afterwards, the blue haired oni hissed in pain as one of the members charged from her blind spot and stabbed her in her left shoulder. Yet she continues to fight, pushing through the pain all for one reason, for one person.

"Rem....

As the sounds of battle continue to plague the cave, Subaru's gaze fell upon the maid. The moment he recognized her, he couldn't help but call out to her. Upon hearing his voice, Rem's expression began to soften as she just slammed her morningstar onto another witch cultist. With her gaze upon Subaru, a soft smile began to form on her face as she called out to the young man.

"Subaru-kun...."

"My brain trembles."

It was all over in an instant. Suddenly blood escaped from Rem's torso as a hole was seen through it. Blood dripped from her wound down to her legs as her body was being held in the air as if she was like a puppet. As Subaru lifted his head, he couldn't believe what he was witnessing. Noticing this, Petelgeuse smiled from ear to ear as his lifts his right hand towards Rem.

"Authority of Sloth:Unforseen Hand. Look, you must look. This is the result of your actions. By doing nothing, you practiced sloth. Because of that, the girl is dead! You killed her! How awful! How awful!  With my arms, with my fingers! You...you....you...you....you.....killed her."

".....op it."

"It hurts! It hurts! It hurts!"

While Subaru muttered under his breath, a horrific noise made its way to the boy's ears. As if trying to mimic Rem's reaction, Petelgeuse screamed out as if he was in pain. Not only that, it was coupled with the sight of Rem's arms, legs, and even her head being twisted. Right now, Subaru could only watch as Rem's body was being treated as if it was a toy that a child was actively trying his best to break. All while hearing the mocking tone of Petelgeuse.

"Help me! Help me! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!Subaru-kun!"

"..... Petelgeuse! I'll kill you! I'll kill you! I'll kill you!"

"I finally got you to call out my name. I'm deeply touched!"

His anger had reached the boiling point. His eyes were no longer void of life and instead filled with an immense hatred. The chains that shackled him continued to rattle as Subaru tried his best to escape and tear apart the Archbishop. The only thing on his mind right now was the desire to kill Petelgeuse. However, Petelgeuse looked at Subaru with zero interest as he suddenly turned around to see the majority of his allies were dead as more have just arrived to the scene.

"This place is quite a mess.....so i'll take my leave! All right, men! You will resume your duties. Rendezvous with the other fingers. The ordeal will proceed on the scheduled day. Now, as for your position in all this...."

"-bastard! I'll kill you! I'll kill you! Die, damn it!"

"I have no idea idea what it is, so i'll judge you as our Lord sees fit. I will leave you bound here! Should the Gospel find its way to you, i'm sure you'll be saved!"

"Damn you!!!!!!!!"

Petelgeuse merely walked away as he couldn't help but let out a sophisticated laugh while leaving Subaru behind in the cave. As he walked, he looked above to see Rem's body still hanging in the air. He had to admit, the young woman was truly amazing in her final moments. In his mind, both Rem and himself shared something in common.

"You are also a believer of love. You sacrificed yourself for love, defying your own fate. But you fell before your feelings reached him and your love had nowhere else to go. You truly are slothful."

Suddenly Rem's body fell onto the ground as Petelgeuse finished what he had to say. The only sound now audible in the cave was Subaru cursing Petelgeuse from the bottom of his heart. Seconds turned to minutes, minutes turned to hours, and hours turned to a day. His wrists covered in blood, his head bleeding profusely as he kept slamming it onto the ground, unaware of Rem's body just slightly creeping up to him. As he kept vowing to kill Petelgeuse, one thought did linger in his mind.

Where was Suzushima Akira?

~Roswaal's Manor~
I'm going to die.

The once lively Arlam Village was silent, corpses of both villager and witch cultists alike littering the ground. The houses were destroyed, the villagers either stabbed with daggers or their bodies became unrecognizable due to being victims of magic. The witch cultists were subjected to various ways of death, their bodies no longer showing signs of life. All that was left in Arlam Village was the snow and ice that began to cover it.

Why am I fighting this hard? Is it because the villagers died? Is it because Ram died? Is it because Emilia died? Is it because Petra died?

On the grounds of Roswaal's manor, ice and snow was covering every inch of the domain. Various corpses could be seen scattered over the ground as they were all starting to become frozen in their icy tomb. The only sounds of life were two monsters fighting. One was a large beast, one of the four major spirits that was mourning the death of his daughter. The other, a white haired boy who had lost those important to him. Yet even now, he was still fighting.

Dying sure is terrifying, isn't it? Even now, I can hear my heart beating like crazy in my ears. I'm sorry, Petra. I'm sorry, Emilia. You two shouldn't have died on your own like that.

Akira was seen with his left eye missing, his left arm frozen solid, and both of his legs frozen to the ground. As for Puck, the beast was seen lying on the ground as he lost his frontal right leg and his left hind leg. His right ear was blasted off as his own left eye was missing. Two of his fangs looked as if they were forcibly ripped out of his jaw as he had several holes in his body. If one were to look behind him, they would even see his tail was ripped off.

I'm sorry, Felt. I'm sorry, Rom. I'm sorry Reinhard. I'm sorry, Rem. I'm especially sorry to you, Subaru. I don't think i'll be able to see you all again. But even so....this short life I had in Lugunica......it was far more fun than my old one. Thank you, everyone.

"A future where everyone is treated equal. Emilia sure was a naive girl....but....I would've loved to see that kingdom she imagined."

"Though you deem it naive, you don't deem it worthless. While looking realistically, you still chose to support her. Suzushima Akira, rest along with your sister. You alone, have the right to hold the title of son to me."

"Thanks Puck, but I can't do that. A brother should lead by example, plus i'm in my rebellious phase. Even if it's you, even if Emilia is gone, i'll at least try to protect the things left in Lugunica she cherishes."

"Very well, my son. Sleep and thank you, for not laughing my daughter's naive dream."

Just as Puck said this, both himself and Akira knew it. This next attack could be their very last. In one swift motion, Akira melted the snow around him into water and effectively turned it into a high pressured water cutter as it made its way towards Puck with amazing speed. With his eyes wide, Puck suddenly released a large wave of coldness as the attack was frozen solid and just inches away from his neck. Before him was the frozen corpse Akira, now unable to fight for what both he and Emilia believed in. Soon Puck's gaze shifted to the left, two individuals in his sights. As he was carrying Rem's corpse, Subaru could only look in horror before he heard one thing from the beast.

"Sleep."

Neither of them were knights. Neither of them were heroes. They both feared death and they both couldn't save anyone. In this frozen wasteland they use to call a home, Suzushima Akira and Natsuki Subaru both died in the freezing cold. Not as a knight nor as a hero, but as mere human beings.