Makoto sprinted through the mansion, barely dodging the barrage of wind attacks Ram hurled his way. What was her deal anyway? It wasn't like he had actually insulted her.
Still, thanks to her, he now had a clearer idea of what he needed to do next.
He was a little mad at himself—not for not thinking of it earlier, but for ignoring the thought when it first crossed his mind. Ever since his conversation with Roswaal began, his heart had been set on helping everyone, yet his logic kept suppressing that instinct. But talking to Ram had cleared his head.
Now, with a rough plan forming, the only person who could help him take the next step was in the room ahead.
He knocked gently on the door.
"Umm… excuse me, please." He wasn't even sure if anyone was inside.
But then the door opened.
Standing before him was a silver-haired girl with beautiful violet eyes and a soft smile. Her furry companion floated beside her.
"Makoto-kun? You look like you just ran a marathon," she said, concerned.
"In a sense… you could say I did. Ram can be terrifying at times."
Emilia chuckled. "I'm just glad you look better than you did before."
"Just how bad did I look for everyone to say that…?"
"You looked like a drenched puppy thrown into the sewer, my boy," Puck chimed in, poking Makoto's cheek. "But now you look much better."
Makoto winced. Even Puck was calling him a puppy. Seriously, did he really look like one?
(Author's Note: Yes.)
"But really, Makoto," Emilia said gently, "why are you here? Is something wrong?"
Makoto's expression shifted from soft to serious as he rubbed the back of his hand nervously.
"Well… yes, actually." His eyes clouded with worry, and Emilia didn't need to know him long to realize that look wasn't a good sign.
"Your mind is in total shambles, Makoto," Puck said, breaking the silence.
Makoto took a deep breath.
"What I'm about to tell you might sound surreal… but I need you to believe me."
Emilia swallowed, but nodded. Puck did too.
"In three days, this mansion will be attacked by an assassin. And the nearby village… it'll fall victim to mabeasts."
His tone was firmer than his gentle demeanor would suggest—and dead serious.
Emilia's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wh-What are you talking about?"
While she was confused, Puck locked eyes with Makoto. There was a long pause.
"Lia, it's true. Makoto isn't lying."
Makoto perked up at Puck's support. "Thank you, Puck." Spirits could detect lies, after all.
But Puck tilted his head. "If you think I believe you just because I can tell when someone's lying… you're wrong."
"E-Eh? Then… why?"
"I believe you simply because you're the one who said it, Makoto-kun," Puck answered, smiling.
"Jeez, Puck! I wanted to say that!" Emilia pouted. "Besides, by now we know you're not hostile, Makoto."
Makoto glanced away sheepishly.
"You're not going to say I look like someone who wouldn't hurt a fly, are you? Is that why you believe me?" he asked, already knowing the answer. One look at their faces confirmed it. "Jeez…"
Not long after, Makoto sat down with them and explained everything—everything except for Return by Death and the Royal Candidate matter.
"I just… can't believe Roswaal-san would do something like that," Emilia said softly. "But why? What would he gain by putting his staff and the villagers of Arlam in danger?"
That was the million-dollar question.
Makoto bit his lip in frustration. He knew exactly why. Roswaal's twisted test had pushed even his usually calm temperament to the brink. Just for a moment, he remembered the corpses. All of them. But he couldn't share that burden—it wasn't something he could tell anyone.
Puck seemed to notice the pain in his expression.
"Well, who cares, Lia? That clown is known for being shrewd and unhinged," Puck said, brushing it off. "Whatever his reason, I'm sure it's something important to him—but pay it no mind."
He gave a nod to Makoto, who nodded back in appreciation.
"So... Makoto," Puck continued, "do you have a plan?"
Makoto smiled confidently. "Yeah, I do. But it'll take some preparation. Once I'm ready, I'll tell everyone what to do."
He clenched a fist. "Just have faith in me."
Emilia didn't know why—but when she saw that determined smile, her anxiety faded. Moments ago, she had learned that her sponsor was plotting against her and threatening the villagers she cared about. Her mind should've been in turmoil.
But seeing Makoto like this—resolute, steady—it filled her with hope.
She hadn't even realized she was smiling at him.
Somehow, as long as Makoto was by her side…
She felt like they could overcome anything.