"Hey!"

"Huh?"

"Don't "huh" me. You alright? You suddenly started spacing out."

Once more, Subaru found himself in front of Kadoman's stand. As he looked around, he saw them standing to the side as they looked at him in concern. Both Rem and Akira stood before the young man as the look in Subaru's eyes had Akira very concerned for the boy's well being. As the two of them nodded their heads, Rem was the first to speak up.

"Subaru-kun, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Rem......Akira...."

Deciding not to cause a scene, Subaru held Rem's hand as they began to walk together. Seeing this, Akira merely paid for the food that they got from Kadoman as he followed the two back to Crusch's manor. When he caught up, he heard what both Rem and Subaru were talking about.

"Subaru-kun, I may be mistaken but the unpleasant scent on you seems to have gotten stronger."

"Unpleasant scent, huh. Well, in that case, just keep a hold of my hand. It feels safer this way, right? Plus we have Kira Kira here too. We can handle what comes our way."

"Right!"

As Rem said this, the young maid smiled brightly as she walked next to Subaru. However, Akira still held a look of concern for the black haired boy. It was only for the briefest of moments, but he saw it. For one brief moment, Akira saw an intense hatred burning fiercely in Subaru's eyes. As he was silent on their way back to Crusch's manor, Akira thought to himself.

"Just what on Earth happened for him to make such an expression?"

"Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti...."

~Karsten Manor~
"I'm sure it will suit your desires, Wilhelm-dono. I expect the best."

The sun was beginning to set as Subaru, Rem, and Akira were all walking through the front entrance of the manor. As they were walking in, they saw Wilhelm talking to someone. It was a tall man with dull, blonde hair. The burgundy suit he wore seemed to be of good quality. Just as the enigmatic figure noticed the trio, a smile formed on his face as he decided to greet them.

"My, how unusual it is to see you. Ah, my apologies for not introducing myself first. I am the treasurer of the kingdom's merchant guild. My name is Russell Fellow. It's an honor to meet you two. Natsuki Subaru-dono, Suzushima Akira-dono."

Having introduced himself, Russell left the grounds of Karsten manor. Soon the group looked towards Wilhelm, their eyes meeting the gaze of the butler. While his face was composed, Wilhelm was a bit surprised once he noticed the look in Subaru's eyes. The boy seemed to have had a goal in mind, with his very being burning with a passionate hatred as the boy was lost in thought.

"I've already died two times, what have I even been doing. The mansion and the village were attacked half a day before I arrived. Taking that into account, my time limit is five-no. Four and a half days. When I add travel time on top of that, I only have two days to work with. I need to get more manpower during that time."

"Subaru-dono, did something happen to you whilst you were in the city? You seem to have a burning rage in your eyes."

"Will you try to avoid me, Wilhelm-san?"

"Not at all. Truth be told, I prefer your current self rather than your previous self. Now then, Subaru-dono, do you have something you wish to discuss?"

"......."

Subaru merely nodded his head as Wilhelm seemed to have understood the boy's intentions. As the butler was leading Subaru, Rem, and Akira to Crusch's study, Akira was seen staring at Subaru. It was just like before when they first arrived at Roswaal's manor. In a short amount of time, the black haired boy's demeanor had changed to a drastic degree. Plus Rem and himself were watching Subaru throughout their time in Karsten Manor, so if he left somehow, they would notice.

"Future sight, one would assume that if looking at things normally. The way he knows information he shouldn't, the way he talked to someone who should be a stranger as if they were his close friends. Then again, his behavior doesn't make sense if he only saw it. It's kind of like the perspective of someone who heard about a war versus someone who actually experienced it, each action causes a different reaction within an individual. Subaru, you wouldn't act with such nuance if you merely saw it. Instead of merely seeing a bad future, did you perhaps experience it yourself?"

~Crusch's Study~
With Felix and Wilhelm by her side, Crusch sat at her desk as Rem, Akira, and Subaru were across from her. The tension felt high in the office as both parties could tell something was off about Subaru. As she placed her arms on her desk, Crusch smiled in an effort to lighten the mood as she spoke with Subaru.

"It's quite interesting that you are my last visitor for the day. Since you asked for this discussion, i'll let you go first. What is it that you desire, Natsuki Subaru?"

"A group calling themselves the Witch's Cult plans to attack Roswaal's domain in three days. I want to ask for your help on stopping them."

"The Witch Cult...truth be told, we expected this the moment Emilia declared her intent for the throne while being a half-elf. I understand the situation, but why do you come to me for assistance?"

"To be honest, you seemed the most likely to help. You helped Akira, Rem, and I s-"

"Don't misunderstand, I helped you because I was contracted to do so. If you wish to negotiate, you need to show me what I stand to gain. Otherwise, there is nothing to negotiate. If, with my assistance, you can eliminate the threat posed by the Witch's Cult, what would my profit be? Tell me that?

Having heard Crusch's statement, Akira had an idea that could possibly work. However, before he could open his mouth, he saw Subaru glaring at him. Subaru couldn't do this, he couldn't rely on Akira all the time. Without giving the white haired boy enough time to collect his thoughts, Subaru spoke the first thing that came to his mind.

"If you help me out with this problem, i'll owe a huge debt to your camp."

"Subaru, I know you probably mean well, but that is the worst possible proposition you could offer."

"What are you on about, Akira?"

"If Crusch were to accept that proposal, it would essentially mean Emilia drops out of the royal selection. Placing the survival of Emilia's domain in Crusch's hands would essentially be the same as saying she was unfit to rule over said domain. That would also lead people to question whether or not she could rule the nation. She already has trouble gathering a following as a silver haired half-elf, but if you go through with this her slim chances will drop drastically."

"It's as Suzushima Akira has summarized for you. If you incur a debt to me through this deal, it will mean the elimination of Emilia's camp from the race. Are you sure you want that?"

Subaru felt sweat running down the side of his face. It felt as if both Akira and Crusch were against him, yet he couldn't refute the logic both of them gave. As a look of desperation was on his face, Subaru didn't even glance at the white haired boy that was looking at him in concern. With his fists clenched, Subaru told Crusch his decision.

"Even so, I still want your help. If she dies, everything ends, anyways."

"Understood. In that case, the Karsten House will offer you no assistance whatsoever."

"Huh?"

"First of all, the condition of Emilia's withdrawal, which you offered in desperation as an advantage to me, carries no weight in this negotiation."

"But why?! Isn't removing one of your rivals enough compensation?!"

Akira mentally sighed as he could tell what Crusch was getting at. If she helped them, then Emilia would withdraw from the campaign. However, if what Subaru said was true, she could just as easily do nothing and Emilia would still be out of her way. In Akira's eyes, it was just a matter of Crusch being willing to sacrifice some of her men for an outcome that could happen even if she sat back and watched. Considering she has her own agenda to fulfill, the white haired boy doubted she was willing to spare her manpower for so little. Soon Akira was broken out of his thoughts as he heard Subaru scream in desperation.

"Then you'll just let the Witch Cult slaughter all the people of the village in Roswaal's domain?!"

"Do not change the subject, Natsuki Subaru. It is Emilia who lacks the power to protect that domain and Emilia who's people will die for her incompetence. Not me."

"B-but isn't it wrong to know people will die and not stop it?! If you have the power to save them, why wouldn't you!"

"Allow me to correct one idea you have. Say the Witch's Cult does make a move. That what you say comes to pass. The problem comes afterward. How do you know when and where they'll attack?"

While Subaru looked hesitant to answer, Akira merely shook his head as he knew that Crusch effectively caught Subaru red-handed. Akira was the same as Crusch when he first met Subaru. While the boy may have good intentions, it was just too suspicious to trust his words alone. Logically speaking, anyone would refuse Subaru outright. Knowing this, Akira looked at Crusch as he could tell what the Royal Candidate was hinting at before she spoke.

"If you were a member of the Witch's Cult, that would make sense."

"That's bull--"

"Crusch-sama, please don't make any jokes."

Before Subaru could say anything further, Rem stood forward as she was ready to defend Subaru. However, Akira stood back as he had a bad feeling about this. While he didn't deny that Rem would try her hardest to defend Subaru, there was one fact that he couldn't deny. Even Rem suspected both Subaru and himself to be a part of the cult, all because of the scent that she noticed on them.

"Subaru-kun isn't a member of the Witch's Cult--"

"Really? Given what he's said, if he can't explain these details, I can draw no other conclusions. Have you never sensed such inclination in him?"

"......never."

"Regardless, I will not be lending Emilia my assistance--"

"The Witch Cult is coming! They're going to slaughter everyone in the village! Kill them...we just need to kill them! All we have to do is kill every single bastard in that cult! That will solve everything! Everything! You get that right?! We can't let those bastards live! I'm going to kill them!"

As Subaru screamed his heart out, he got close to Crusch's desk before bowing his head on the floor. He needed as much manpower as possible. He needed to kill Petelgeuse at all costs. If it meant having to stoop this low, then so be it. As he felt Crusch's gaze upon him, Subaru wanted to make his desire clear.

"Please help me!"

"Is this why you behave as you do?"

"Huh?"

"Your hatred for the Witch Cult. Is that your real reason for approaching Emilia?"

"No, I--"

"What else could one call that glint in your eyes but murderous intent?"

"Are you suggesting i'm using Emilia as a pretense for revenge against them?! My hatred for them has nothing to do with how evil they are! They can't be allowed to live! That's why we have to kill every single one of them! That will save everyone!"

His entire body was shaking, his breathing growing ragged. Subaru couldn't contain the rage building up inside of him. Just before he could step close to Crusch, he felt a hand softly touching his right shoulder. As he turned around, his eyes filled with murderous intent were met with red eyes that held a look of pity in them. With his voice laced with a hint of sadness, Akira finally broke his silence.

"That's enough, Subaru. Don't do something you can't take back."

"Why are you stopping me, Akira? Don't you care what happens?! If we don't act, everyone is gonna die. Do you want to be met with corpses of everyone we know?! Petra, Emilia, Ram, everyone! Don't you trust me, dammit?!"

"I want to trust you! If what you said is true, then of course I want to save them. I'd want nothing more than to rush over there and protect Arlam Village and Emilia! But i'm doing this because I know it takes more than emotion to save someone. Not only that.....i'm doing this to save the little respect I have for the man named Natsuki Subaru. Right now, you aren't being yourself. Because unlike what the normal you would do in this situation--.........all you said was that you want to kill the Witch Cult. How can you call yourself Emilia's knight when you haven't said that you would save Emilia once?"

The sound of a fist connecting with flesh could be heard as Rem was the only one who looked in shock. Akira was seen looking at Subaru in pity as the black haired boy had punched him in the face. Subaru merely scoffed, even his fit of rage only happened because Akira merely allowed it. He saw how the white haired boy reflected Julius's attack in the Royal Capital, he knew Akira could stop it if he wanted. Yet for some reason, he didn't even try to stop him.

"Did that make you feel better, Subaru? Have you finally calmed down? If not, you can keep punching me until you're satisfied. But let me say this, you won't be able to save anyone with the way you're approaching this. Just being emotional and acting on impulse won't save Emilia."

"Tch."

"You should listen to Suzushima Akira. I can generally tell when the person i'm speaking to is lying. I'm quite proud of the fact I have never been deceived in negotiations. Speaking from those years of experience, I can say that you are not lying. You adamantly believe your rantings are true. That is nothing short of madness, Natsuki Subaru."

Upon hearing those words from the Royal Candidate, Subaru bit his lip so hard that he was starting to bleed. Wiping his lip, he stomped to the door as he told Rem to come with him. However, the moment that Akira tried to reach out to him, Subaru slapped his hand away with a look of betrayal and anger in his eyes.

"Don't you touch me, Akira! You're seen as Emilia's knight yet you're doing nothing to save her! I don't need you to keep her safe! Keep sitting on your ass and think all you want, but i'm going to save her, you heartless jerk! As for you, Crusch...I hope you become a great ruler. The kind of dictator who abandons the weak."

Having said that, Subaru slammed the door behind him as he stormed out of Karsten Manor. Rem briefly looked towards Crusch as she bowed her head and gave her thanks in Roswaal's stead for the care given to them. As Rem was walking out the door, she saw the look in Akira's eyes just before she followed Subaru. For the first time since meeting him, Rem witnessed the man known as Suzushima Akira on the verge of tears.

"You have been quiet this whole time, Suzushima Akira. You could feel it too, couldn't you? The hostility that Natsuki Subaru has aimed at you since the Royal Selection."

"It's like you say, Crusch. Ever since that day, Subaru hasn't looked at me the same way. Instead of a friend or someone he could turn to, that incident turned me into a reminder of his insecurities and jealousy. If I had acted how I normally would, i'm sure he would've done something worse such as laying his hand on another Royal Candidate. If that had happen, things would only get worse. Both for him and Emilia."

"Then let me ask you some questions. Since it's just us, you can freely speak without worry. Do you believe Natsuki Subaru is connected to the Witch Cult?"

"No. Both Subaru and myself hail from a land that isn't apart of this continent. For arguments sake, you could say that he and I are from a place beyond the Great Waterfall. I met him around four days after I first came to Lugunica and we've stuck around together since. We didn't even know of this Witch Cult until we came into contact with someone who suffered from their actions."

"You don't seem to be lying. Then tell me, what would you have proposed if you wanted my aid?"

"I did my own research while we were staying with you. The shortage of dragon carriages, weapons being bought left and right, your visitors, and a hint given to me from a reliable source. It was meeting Russel Fellow and hearing his conversation with Wilhelm that became the last piece I needed to solve this puzzle. If you had cooperated with helping us, I would not only personally lend a hand with your hunt of the White Whale but also grant you access to Roswaal's magical stone reserves."

Felix, Wilhelm, and even Crusch couldn't hide the look of shock in their eyes. He managed to gather up enough information in such little time. This was one of the many reasons why they considered Akira to be dangerous. He was smart and observant, using Subaru's treatment as a way to gather information on them and to form a contract where both parties benefit. Crusch heard of how the boy stopped Julius and even remembers Wilhelm's words on how Akira was the most dangerous member of Emilia's camp at the moment. With the assistance of someone like him, it would've been reassuring to say the least.

"Though with how things turned our now, I doubt we can reach an agreement. I'll keep my distance, but i'll keep an eye on Subaru to keep my promise to Emilia."

"Why do you go so far for him, Suzushima Akira? He doesn't want your assistance nor your presence. He adamantly displayed his disdain for you at the current moment. So why go so far to watch over him and help him?"

"I'm simply doing for him what no one did for me. Plus unlike me.....at least he firmly believes he can save the person closest to him. I want to help him, but I can't bring myself to fully trust him. Not when he clearly doesn't trust me at all. Him, Emilia, and so many others....without me knowing, I grew attached to them. I thought I could change and be someone like Subaru, someone who can openly claim who he wants to protect and give it my all to do so. But look at me now, hurting someone close to me just for being myself and being around them.....I guess i'll never change, huh."

~With Subaru~
"Subaru-kun, what do you plan on doing? If what you say is true, then we don't have time to waste."

Currently Rem and Subaru were staying at an inn by themselves since Subaru decided to leave Akira behind. Right now, the white haired boy was the last person that Subaru wanted to see at the moment. He could only use his logic because he didn't experience what Subaru did in the previous loops. He could only act as if he was right because he had the power to make a difference. Soon he directed his gaze at Rem as Subaru noticed what the maid said.

"What do you mean "if" it is true?"

"We don't have anytime to waste. Do you plan on returning to Roswaal-sama's mansion?"

"No, even if we return now, we can't do much now since we are lacking manpower. What the hell is Roswaal doing?"

"Roswaal-sama has been required to visit some officials within the domain. He will be staying there for some days."

"That's why he can't do anything about the attack? Then we really can't get anywhere without reinforcements. What about Reinhard?!"

"He said yesterday that he would be away from the capital since himself, Felt-sama, and her family will be returning to the main house."

"Dammit! Roswaal, Reinhard, and Akira ...they're all useless when you need them most!"

As Subaru slammed his hand against the wall in frustration, he looked at Rem as he felt her worried gaze. Soon the boy began to scratch the back of his hair. He needed to think of a way to resolve this. As he took a deep breath in and proceeded to exhale, Subaru tried to calm himself down as he came up with an idea.

"We'll have to look for someone else to help us tomorrow. I'll try talking with the other royal candidates and we'll go from there."

"Okay, Subaru-kun."

As Subaru was lying on his bed, he began to think on the previous loops. Even with Akira's help, Emilia would still die. Rem would still die, he would still die. He couldn't count on the white-haired boy alone. That was the reason Subaru told himself as to why he did not want Akira around, but deep down there was another reason.

"I know he isn't wrong.....but still........why? Why do things always go well for him? He has more power than me, so why couldn't he save Emilia?"

~The next day~
"The witch cult, huh?"

"That's right! If we leave them be, Emilia won't be the only victim! I want to beat them before that happens, so please lend me your support!"

"Hahahah! How interesting, how interesting indeed. Being a fool can be an art at this rate!"

Currently, Subaru was standing before Priscilla as he decided to ask her for help. Currently Rem was waiting for him in a guest room until the negotiations were over. However, Subaru clenched his fists as the sound of the Royal Candidate's laughter reached his ears. With a look of anger plastered on his face, the black haired boy finally spoke his mind.

"What's so funny?!"

"I appreciate your desperation, but you haven't thought this through. In trying to aid your ally, you corner them, benefitting the enemy, and lose all control. You're better off dying. In fact, I could lop off your head right now. "

As Priscilla said this, her fan was right underneath Subaru's chin. However, in the face of such harsh treatment, she found Subaru's devotion that he displayed for is master commendable at the very least. If she were to compare him to a certain white haired boy from the same camp as him though, Subaru fell short. While most would see Akira as dangerous due to his unique abilities, only a fool would assume that's his only worth. That's why the royal candidate decided to test if Subaru shared the same strength that made Akira dangerous yet desirable in her eyes.

"I'll give you an opportunity."

"An opportunity?!"

"That's right, an opportunity. The thing you call a chance!"

As Priscilla said this, she used her fan to push Subaru onto the ground. While the boy was slowly getting up after landing on his back, he saw Priscilla holding up her leg as her she took her right foot out of her shoe. The moment she took off her shoe, the blonde woman held her foot just inches away from Subaru with a smirk on her face.

"Lick it. Grovel and reflect on your shame and humiliation by licking my foot like a wretched beast or like a baby suckling on its mother's teat. If you do that, i'll consider your proposal. If you don't want to, that's fine. If you'd rather savor your miniscule pride and abandon the mistress you wag your tail for to the wasteland, then fine. Either choice you make will entertain me."

"F-fine. I'll do it."

Subaru began to think about it, images of Emilia flashing before his mind. Slowly, he began to lift Priscilla's foot. His lips were inching closer and closer to her foot. While watching this, Priscilla's fan was masking her own lips so Subaru would not be able to read her expression. Just as she was able to feel the black haired boy's breath on her foot, her eyes began to hold a look of disgust.

"You really are just an insignificant man."

"What you just displayed was neither loyalty nor devotion. It's something more filthy, like a dog's dependance and a pig's greed. You're just a needy and slothful pig! A pig who only knows how to want! A pig's desire is the ugliest of all! Even if you're able to defeat the Witch's Cult, i'll destroy the camp that keeps a dumb animal like you! Your thoughtless actions and attitude have formed my resolve in doing so!"

Just as she said this, Priscilla picked up Subaru and threw the boy at the door. If it was Akira, she knew the boy would use his wits and logic to deny her. Suzushima Akira may not have much pride, but after meeting him and seeing his display during the Royal Selection, she knew one thing for certain. While his pride wasn't much, it wasn't fragile by any means. If she were to do the same test to him, she was positive the boy would immediately walk out the door and not give her the time of day. Just as Al was walking inside, he could see how furious Priscilla was.

"Once I destroy your camp, i'll take Suzushima Akira for myself. The fact you came without him and have the audacity to show a pitiful display despite having someone like him on your side....he's wasted on a dumb animal like you who's clearly the weakest link! Aldebaran!"

"Hmm, what's happened here?"

"Throw that unpleasant fool out of here! Or kill him if you want, it doesn't matter!"

"I think that does matter a bit. Come on, brother, let's go."

Just as Al picked up Subaru and put him over his shoulder, he began to walk out of the room as he was escorting the boy out. While Priscilla was alone in the room, she sat down on her throne as she was thinking to herself. Just why didn't Subaru bring Akira with him. If he had done so, the white haired boy would've entertained her far more. Soon a sigh of pure exhaustion escaped her lips.

"Only fools would see that white haired boy as a mere tool with no flaws like that pig does. Knowing him he probably let his insecurities eat away at him like a mabeast and took it out on the only person who'd give him the time of day and actually work with him. Underestimating his intellect and potential just because he wants to be your comrade in arms...... don't take him for granted, pig."

~With Subaru~
"I can't keep my eyes off you, Subaru-kun! You were gone for a short while and now you're already this injured!"

"I'm not doing this because I want to."

Currently, Subaru and Rem were standing at the entrance as Al did his job of escorting them out. Though he couldn't help but notice how Akira wasn't with them. If so, Subaru would be in a tough position finding allies without him. While Subaru may be the more expressive one, Akira was the perfect foil to him. Someone who didn't let his emotions cloud his judgement and allowed him to use his logic to the best of his abilities. If Subaru wanted to gain more manpower, he needed someone who can bring more to the table than just pleading and pretty words.

"Well then, I better head back inside. If I take too long, the princess might order me to cut you down."

"Cut down Subaru-kun?!"

"Don't make that face. I'm merely saying that's something she might say. Isn't your name Ram? Take care of him for me and tell Akira I said hello."

"I'll try to tell Akira-san what you said, but Ram is my sister's name. My name is Rem."

"Rem? Don't kid around with me, aren't you Ram?"

"I'm Rem, excuse me, but have you met my sister before?"

Al was silent for a brief moment. Subaru and Rem felt the tension in the air as it seemed as if the helmet wearing man was contemplating something. If the maid standing before him is really Rem and not Ram, one question came to Al's mind. One that he needed the answer to immediately.

"So you're Rem and your sister's name is Ram. I hate to ask this, but is your sister still alive?"

"My sister is obviously alive."

"What's all this about.........."

"Subaru-kun!"

"Yeah..."

Hostility couldn't even begin to describe the dreadful feeling Subaru and Rem were feeling from Al. Any traces of his goofy personality was gone and replaced with immense rage as if he was ready to kill someone. Soon the man calmed down after taking a deep breath. As he rubbed the back of his helmet, he merely spoke to Rem as both herself and Subaru were sweating bullets.

"Don't worry, i'm not gonna do anything to you. Hurry up and go. As you can see, it looks like i'm in a bad mood too."

"........I understand. Please tell her we're grateful for her taking the time to see us."

Having said that, Rem and Subaru quickly left the premises as they were heading back to the Royal Capital. Now Al was all alone at the entrance, as if he was still trying to calm down. As he opened the gate to head back inside, he only had one thing to say to himself.

"So it's still alive. That makes me sick."

~A few minutes later~
"That damn stuck-up bitch. She's forgetting that i'm the one who saved her when we first met!"

The moment they got back to the Royal Capital, Subaru and Rem split up. While Rem was heading to the Knight Barracks, Subaru was going to find a dragon carriage. While he was pushing anyone getting close to him out of his way, the black haired boy bit his lip so hard that it began to draw blood.

"Okay, change gears. This is no time to be bogged down by idiots!

"Sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff. That looks super painful, are you okay? You smell like blood."

"Huh?"

Subaru was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard someone speaking to him. When he looked around, he didn't see anyone stop to talk to him. Soon his gaze was casted downwards as he saw a girl with orange hair wearing white robes. Her most notable features were the cat ears and tail that were visible.

"Not just from your lip, but your nose too. Did you have a nosebleed?"

"Mimi, no getting into mischief. I'm awfully sorry she's botherin' ya. Hmm, aren't you....Natsuki-kun, right? One of Emilia's knights, Natsuki Subaru. Ain't this a coincidence."

"...... Anastasia Hoshin."

"Sorry for the inconvenience Mimi caused ya. If you don't mind, can we talk somewhere else where we can rest our legs?"

The moment Subaru nodded his head, he began to follow Anastasia and Mimi. On the way there, Subaru had told the royal candidate about how he needed a dragon carriage. This told Anastasia everything she needed to know. Subaru wasn't cooperating with Akira at all. If he was, he would've known the shortage of dragon carriages were caused by Crusch. Soon the group found themselves in a diner as Mimi, Subaru, and Anastasia all sat down. While Mimi was enjoying a sandwich, Anastasia noticed how Subaru wasn't eating at all.

"Natsuki-kun, you can eat too."

"I'll eat when my companion comes back, now about that dragon carriage..."

"Ya won't make anyone happy puttin' your own goals first. The basic rule of negotiation is to try and get on each other's good side. That's where you're lackin', Natsuki-kun."

"Sorry, but I got a real problem. I want to leave the capital tomorrow so--"

"When you're up against people like myself or that white haired fella' you're hanging around, tugging at the heartstrings is the worst possible move. But, I recognize your efforts."

As she said this, Anastasia took out a quill pen and she took a piece of paper and began to write something down. That's when she began to explain to Subaru on how dragon carriages were hard to come by as someone was buying them all up. The moment she was done writing, she was prepared to hand the paper over to Subaru after she folds up the paper and placed it on the table.

"Here. The address I wrote down should have a carriage left. I've signed it with my own name, so everything should be square."

"Don't put on airs."

"I surely will put on airs. It's no fun if I just hand it to ya normally, right? I just wanted to chat with ya about this an' that."

"Why bother, you don't gain anything from it."

"I believe there's nothing in this world that has no meaning. Ya never know who might give ya inspiration."

"When the top brass moves, people move. When people move, items move. The value of various things are changing right now, iron is especially valuable. Someone is buyin' up swords and spears."

"Iron and weapons, they aren't planning on going to war with those are they?"

"It's also possible what they want isn't the items, per se, but to get the economy rolling."

"The way you said it, it's like you're telling me it's well known who's buying up all those items."

"It's someone you know well, Natsuki-kun. Duchess Crusch Karsten."

"It's Crusch?! That would explain the stream of visitors she had and why that Russell guy was there....was that what Akira was looking into and making a plan for?"

"Russell Fellow, he's a pretty big fish. This has been quite informative. Thanks, Natsuki-kun."

Having said this, Anastasia passed the paper holding the address to the few available dragon carriages over my Subaru. Not only did she get information out of Subaru, but now she knows that Akira was the bigger fish to catch since it seemed like the boy had something planned and was waiting for the perfect chance to make it happen.

"You just left Crusch-san's place after fightin' with her last night, right? Plus you even went as far as abandoning Suzushima-kun. So I figured it would be easy to get all sorts of information from your mouth, eyes, and expressions. Especially without someone as smart as Suzushima-kun to keep you in line."

"You....you set me up from the start, didn't you?! Does it make you feel good using underhanded tactics like this?!"

"If you want to convince someone you're righteous, you've gotta show somethin' to merit it. And I see no such thing in you. The only way to change your reputation is to replace it with another. What determines your reputation are the things you've done...that is, your past. There is no changing your past, so my opinion of ya isn't going to change, either. The things you've done won't ever go away."

Just as he finished hearing this, Subaru almost stood up from his seat but was met with a staff pointed at his head as Mimi looked at the boy. However, Anastasia smiled as she thanked her for the consideration but there was no need for worry. A look of anger was present on Subaru's face when he realized why Anastasia didn't feel threatened. In her eyes, there was nothing he could do to her anyways. As he grabbed the paper Anastasia gave to him, he held it in a manner that looked as if he was gonna rip it but he couldn't go through with it.

"You two are both scum, you know that!"

"I guess Julius's efforts went to waste. But at least you're not THAT dumb. But Natsuki-kun, you only have yourself to blame. Suzushima-kun had a situation like this with me a few days ago and he left with more info out of me than I could get out of him. If you hadn't treated him as an enemy, this very situation wouldn't have happened. One piece of advice though. The key to negotiation is how prepared you are before coming to the table. Know what the other person wants and dangle it in front of 'em. Since all you do is want, that's where you're lackin'."

The moment Anastasia said this and walked out the door with Mimi, everyone within the building stood up as they followed her. That's when Subaru realized something. Each and every one of them was wearing the same robe as Mimi. Every last person in the building was on Anastasia's side. Soon Subaru was left alone in the diner as he slammed his hand against the table.

"Dammit! Priscilla didn't give two shits about me and used me for entertainment, only to threaten me and kick me out! Anastasia had me in the palm of her hand and I couldn't even do anything. And yet.....and yet......"

"Once I destroy your camp, i'll take Suzushima Akira for myself. The fact you came without him and have the audacity to show a pitiful display despite having someone like him on your side....he's wasted on a dumb animal like you who's clearly the weakest link!"

"But Natsuki-kun, you only have yourself to blame. Suzushima-kun had a situation like this with me a few days ago and he left with more info out of me than I could get out of him. If you had stopped treating him as an enemy, this very situation wouldn't have happened."

It was always Akira. While Subaru was doing nothing, Akira had already began moving and working to find a way to boost Emilia's chances for the throne. Looking into what Crusch was planning, actually managing to get info out of Anastasia without even losing anything in return, Priscilla holding him in such high regard that she would be even willing to have him join her. Akira held so many cards at his disposal, they were in the same camp....yet Subaru was the one who threw him away and called him useless.

"Why......why are you so damn perfect....Akira?"

"Subaru-kun."

As Subaru heard his voice being called out, he noticed how Rem had just walked inside. She was shocked to see the state Subaru was in. It was almost as if he was at his wits end. While slowly approaching him, Rem stood before Subaru as she asked him one question.

"What's wrong, Subaru-kun?"

"Nothing happened. How did things on your end go, Rem?"

"Not too well, I am afraid. I went to the Knight's Barracks like you said and reported about the Witch's Cult while using Roswaal-sama's name, but apparently there were similar cases of reportings. They currently lack a way of determining whether those cases are true or not."

"I see, our legitimate case is being overshadowed by the others. If it's impossible to gather up reinforcements, as vexing as it is, we'll return to the mansion. We'll go back and take Emilia and Ram with us. We'll take them somewhere else, just anywhere but the mansion! We don't have time, let's go immediately."

He lacked Akira's power which made others wary of him. He lacked his intelligence that made others silent due to having no evidence to refute him. He lacked the presence that would make others look his way and expect great things from him. He lacked the qualities of a knight that Akira possessed that made Emilia and the others trust him. Soon Subaru's mind drifted to those words, the words he read on that letter.

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.

"I know he isn't perfect, he had his own burdens before coming here......."

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.

"I know that he isn't a heartless jerk. He gets scared just like everyone else......"

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.

"I know deep down he only wants to help. Not JUST Emilia, but so many others. I know he isn't a bad guy, he's the farthest thing from that!"

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

"I know deep down, Akira is more caring and sensitive than he lets on. I don't want to feel this way. I don't want to feel this way about one of the few people who never killed me...I don't want to feel this way about my friend....but still...what everyone else says about him and I hurts. It doesn't hurt that they said it, it hurts because it's true. I know it would be easier to just work together with him. I of all people know this,but I....I just can't dammit! I just can't look at him in the face like before! Akira...I wish I could be more like you."

After meeting the royal candidates and hearing how Akira had interacted with some of them just a few days after the trouble he caused at the capital, Subaru couldn't help but feel it. That disgusting feeling whenever others or himself compared Akira to him. He wanted to stay away from the white haired boy because of this lingering feeling. Despite how strong, smart, and more capable he was, Akira still died. Not just him, Emilia and Rem still died even when Subaru relied on him. Akira wasn't perfect, he was still just as human as him. Yet this one emotion always found its way in his heart when he compared himself to Akira.

As he went to retrieve the dragon carriage with Rem, Subaru was forced to feel this emotion in silence. He knew it was wrong, he knew it was unfair to subject Akira to this. He knew that just like himself, Akira was trying in his own way. Yet he couldn't stop this feeling all the same. No matter how much he just wanted to work with Akira and save Emilia together, he couldn't ignore it. This feeling known as--

......Envy.