The night was as dark as ink, with only sparse starlight scattered across the sky. The outline of the Royal Capital gradually blurred in the distance, as if it were covered by a thin veil. The wheels of the earth dragon carriage rumbled dully as they rolled along the dirt road.
"Let's part ways here. I'm entrusting Felt and Old Man Rom to you."
"Yes, my friend. I will not disappoint your expectations."
"Please also take care when dealing with the Bowel Hunter's employer. She possesses a power similar to immortality, possibly a special constitution or a Divine Protection. Please be extremely careful during the interrogation."
Carlisle sat inside the earth dragon carriage as his thoughts slowly drifted. His shoulders slumped slightly as he felt the girl's warm breath gently brush against his neck. Subaru leaned against his shoulder, sleeping soundly. Her face looked especially soft in the moonlight, and her long eyelashes trembled slightly with each gentle breath.
Carlisle's thoughts could not help but return to the moment after he had parted ways with Reinhard. He had suggested finding Subaru a job in the Royal Capital, hoping she could live a stable life. However, the girl tearfully rejected his proposal, her voice trembling slightly as she said, "I want to go with you..."
At that moment, Carlisle finally saw the emotion in her eyes. It was burning love and deep dependence. She had fallen in love with him.
What should he do? Should he refuse? The image of Subaru being struck by the Bowel Hunter's scimitar, her life hanging by a thread, suddenly flashed through his mind. Although the precautions he had left behind had protected her, that dangerous scene still filled him with lingering fear. Her life had come so close to death, and he could not always be by her side to protect her.
At that moment, before he could sort out his thoughts, Emilia's voice interrupted him. She gently stated that Subaru was her benefactor, and since Subaru had nowhere to go, she might as well accompany her to Roswaal's mansion. Carlisle was also heading in the same direction, so the three of them could travel together.
"Subaru..."
Carlisle murmured softly, his voice almost inaudible. His fist clenched slightly, his fingertips pressing into his palm and causing a faint sting. The vow he had once made to Subaru flashed through his mind.
No. He could not avoid it. Since he had sworn that vow, he must protect her. If he abandoned his promise out of fear, then what kind of Knight would he be?
He took a deep breath and fixed his gaze firmly on Subaru's sleeping face.
"I'm sorry... Subaru. I still don't know how to respond to your feelings, but I will definitely protect you."
As his quiet words faded, he felt the girl gently rub against his shoulder twice. Her movements were soft, like a kitten nuzzling for comfort. Her breathing remained steady and calm, following a reassuring rhythm. Traces of fatigue still lingered on her face, but the corners of her lips curved slightly upward, as if she were dreaming of something pleasant. She looked especially peaceful.
Carlisle lowered his gaze to look at her, and his expression unconsciously softened. Moonlight streamed through the carriage window and fell across her face, bathing her in a faint silver glow, as if even time itself had slowed at that moment. Her presence was like a warm ray of light that dispelled the gloom within his heart and brought him a quiet sense of comfort.
...
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