Chapter 137: Preparing to Return to the Mansion
[ "I should be able to clear the 'Trials' and liberate the Sanctuary. There's simply no need for you to torture yourself in such agony just to settle scores with your own past." Subaru spoke these words to Emilia.
"You think you can just make decisions on your own just because the Great Me is keeping quiet, you brat? Aside from that, princess… aside from Emilia-Sama, the Great Me opposes anyone else participating in the 'Trials.' No matter the reason, I absolutely refuse to let a guy like you break the barrier. Never!" Garfiel's stance was adamant, his opposition fierce. ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"If the goal was simply to achieve the liberation of the Sanctuary, wouldn't it have been better to let Natsuki do it? Why was that so undesirable to you, Garfiel?"
Anastasia questioned him, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"At the time, it was because of Roswaal… no, that's just an excuse. It was… that thing."
Garfiel scratched his cheek and admitted,
"Back then, on the surface, I was part of the faction supporting the liberation of the Sanctuary, but in truth, I was against it. I think my mindset at the time was that I couldn't actually let the Sanctuary be freed. So, I used Roswaal's so-called 'wish' as a pretext to restrict things… Ah, but that was part of your plan too, wasn't it, you bastard?"
Garfiel glared irritably at Roswaal.
Roswaal merely shrugged and replied,
"Mmm~ I simply provided you with a reason~ indeed. After all, the Sanc~ tuary is my domain. You all require my patronage; my wish~ es cannot be easily betrayed. 'It cannot be helped,' 'This is the only way'~ are these not perfect justi~ fications?"
At the time, Roswaal had stipulated that Emilia must be the one to liberate the Sanctuary, claiming it was his personal wish.
Since Roswaal's wishes were not to be lightly contradicted, Garfiel used this as the justification to prevent Subaru from attempting the Trials.
In reality, Garfiel had no desire to liberate the Sanctuary anyway.
Roswaal's lie had aligned perfectly with Garfiel's own intentions. Even if Roswaal hadn't suggested it, Garfiel likely would have fabricated another excuse.
—
[ Just as Garfiel and Roswaal described, the image showed Garfiel explaining to Birma that the restriction was due to Roswaal's wish.
"So… it really had to be… me. It really… had to be me…" Emilia's body trembled.
"No, Emilia, you don't have to—"
"Does Subaru… think I'm incapable? It's because I've performed so poorly… that Subaru feels I can't participate in the 'Trials'… and wants to complete them in my stead. Instead of facing the things I hate, I'm pushing them onto Subaru and choosing to flee… If I did that, what would become of me?" ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"I really did think that way back then,"
Emilia, outside the screen, said with a wry smile.
"Indeed. And even if that method had actually cleared the Trials, what would have happened to Emilia-Sama? She would have become a doll, devoid of growth and entirely dependent on Subaru,"
Felix remarked.
"…It's a bit like…"
Otto recalled a certain version of Emilia-Sama.
The Emilia-Sama from the world of the "Purge King."
If things had continued down that path, perhaps she truly would have become like that.
—
[ "That is enough for tonight."
"Ah…" Ram appeared, administering some kind of scent to Emilia, which caused her to lose consciousness instantly.
"What are you doing?!" Subaru scrambled to catch the collapsing Emilia.
"I merely gave Emilia-Sama a whiff of the Sleeping God's incense. Is Barusu going to scold Ram for being too brusque?"
"It was certainly a bit heavy-handed, but… it was the best way. Sorry for the trouble."
"For Barusu to actually apologize on behalf of Emilia-Sama is truly strange. When did the Great Spirit grant Barusu the status of guardian?"
"I…" Subaru found himself momentarily speechless. ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Exactly. The guy doesn't even have the confidence to argue back,"
Felt noted.
Subaru had completely transitioned into the role of the young lady's guardian, offering unconditional care and protection.
—
[ …
"I see—now. I understand the situation. A truly illustrious record of achievements," Roswaal remarked.
Following the first inevitable event, "Soothing Emilia," Subaru was now engaged in the second inevitable event: "The Conversation with Roswaal."
However, this instance differed slightly from the previous one; this time, Ram was absent.
"Regarding this matter, we already agreed to discuss the rewards at a later date. Some say my contribution was significant; thanks to those kind words, I expect a rather favorable evaluation."
"I feel it is~ more than merely favorable. Furthermore, on a personal note, I wish to ex~ press my grati~ tude for your assis~ tance in the subju~ gation of the White Whale… Where is Sir Wilhelm?" Roswaal posed a rather peculiar question.
"I didn't expect Sir Wilhelm's name to come out of your mouth… He was there. The one who dealt the final blow to the White Whale was Sir Wilhelm. He was terrifyingly… er, incredibly impressive."
"I see. That is wonder~ ful indeed~ ." There was no trace of falsehood or conspiracy in Roswaal's tone; he sounded genuinely pleased. ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Hmm… I did not expect Lord Roswaal to mention me,"
Wilhelm said, slightly surprised.
"Pay it no mind; consider it an inquiry on behalf of my grandmother,"
Roswaal responded.
This time, he did not draw out his vowels.
"…"
Beatrice narrowed her eyes, glancing between Wilhelm and Roswaal, and closed her mouth just as she was about to say something.
—
[ "Now, let's get back to the main point. You know my suggestion, right?" Subaru asked.
"That the villagers of Arlam Village should leave the 'Sanctuary~ yes? Indeed, the necessity of keeping hostages within the barrier as insurance has~ vanished. In short, I understand your suggestion… but what exactly do you wish~ me to do?"
"I want this suggestion to come from you, Roswaal, not from me. I have a feeling that this time… if I'm the one to propose it, it will be difficult to reach a consensus. You're a capricious fellow. Regardless, I want to bring this news to the people remaining in Arlam Village—to tell those who are worried that their families are coming home." ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"True. I feel Garfiel's attitude toward Natsuki-san is different this time. Ah, but his attitude toward me remains as consistent as ever—just a supporting actor,"
Otto said with a bitter smile.
"Hmm… I didn't realize I had inadvertently given Subaru a hint,"
Roswaal mused.
Specifically, his non-committal "this time."
However, Subaru hadn't picked up on it. Or perhaps, given the urgency of the situation, he had simply ignored it.
—
[ "This time. In other words, before the barrier is dissolved and the hostages are released…"
"I will return to the village alone first. Of course, to find out what Frederica is plotting, I'll need to return to the mansion as well," Subaru stated with solemn gravity. ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"This is even earlier than before. In the previous loop, the villagers weren't taken away until the third day; this time, it's roughly the first? And he intends to return alone…"
Yuriusu spoke in a low, heavy voice.
Was he intending to lead them away, or was it something else…?
—