A/N: Hey, here's the author. I've been doing some things while I was thinking about how to make the arc, but I think you'll like the result.
This arc will contain various OCs or, in other words, original characters from the fanfic, but don't worry since they will only be relevant to the arc in question, with some exceptions, of course.
I don't plan to take the story too far away from the main plot, so don't worry; rather, this arc serves as a closure of several themes that have been developed so far, such as the grimoire, Raigor, Lunara, etc., to give an example, and make room for a plot apart from Subaru's, which would be Kaoru's plot, which will be developed simultaneously, or at least, that's what I hope to achieve.
Btw, I thought about making some modifications, such as changing Kaoru's appearance to a more fitting one and changing the cover of the fanfic.
[Here new image, full body]
[Cropped]
With nothing more to say, I hope you enjoy the beginning of the arc and have a nice day. See you in the next update!
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The hours passed and the sun began to set on the horizon, tinting the sky with orange and dark purple tones. The only constant sound was the rhythmic footsteps of the earth dragons, dragging the carriage as they advanced towards their destination: The City Daughter of the Stars.
Kaoru, completely exhausted, slept soundly in his seat. Beatrice, after resisting for a while, ended up surrendering to sleep as well, gently resting her head on his shoulder. Her breathing was calm, subject to a gentle rhythm.
Ram, on the other hand, was steady, with his impeccable bearing, although fatigue was already taking its toll on his expression. Were it not for the fact that Miss Emilia was inside and Roswaal was leading the dragons outside, he probably would have allowed himself a nap by now, like Kaoru, who clearly didn't care about appearances.
It had been more than twelve hours since the trip began. Six hours earlier, they had made a brief stop at the Karsten family's ducal estate, a key point along the way. There, the land dragons rested, and the passengers had a chance to stretch their legs. Thanks to Roswaal's prior arrangements, their entry was uneventful.
[Flashback hours earlier]
Roswaal smiled in his characteristic melodic tone as he informed the group:
"We'll stop at the Karsten Family Ducal Estate; the dragons are tired. Aaah~, so we can all get some rest. They must be exhausted, riiiight~?"
Subaru sighed while taking a sip of wine. "Perfect, because I was already getting dizzy in here. I don't know how many hours we've been in this carriage."
"Karsten family, huh? I guess they're important people, right? Dukes and all that jazz."
Emilia cocked her head, clearly curious. "You don't know who they are in the Karsten family, Subaru?"
"Not really" Subaru replied simply.
Emilia smiled softly. "Well, among them is the candidate for the throne, Crusch Karsten."
"Crusch Karsten, huh? So she's a candidate... By the way, Emilia, do you know her in person?"
Emilia shook her head. "Not really. Roswaal informed me who the three candidates were and some info about them, but I've never seen their faces. I've never been very involved in politics, you know."
Subaru nodded. "I understand."
From a corner of the carriage next to Kaoru, Beatrice, with folded arms and an annoyed expression, interjected with her usual tone of impatience.
"How pathetic, really. If you're going to be the knight of a candidate, you should at least know who her rivals are, Kashira."
Subaru rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, walking encyclopedia."
Beatrice puffed out her cheeks, annoyed. "I'm not an encyclopedia; you're simply ignorant, Kashira."
Ram, with narrowed eyes and her usual air of superiority, added in a dry tone:
"Perhaps it is too much to ask Barusu to remember names other than those of big-breasted ladies."
Subaru choked on his drink. "Hey, that's slander! I'm not as shallow as you think.
Ram narrowed her eyes even more. "Oh, then tell me the names of at least two of the other candidates."
Subaru blinked. "Uh...Crusch and..." He paused, snapping his fingers.
"The other one was... hmm ...something with an 'A'..."
Beatrice let out an exaggerated sigh. "How useless, in fact. How could you forget Anastasia Hoshin's name? And you didn't even mention Priscilla Barielle, Kashira."
"I had the name on the tip of my tongue!" protested Subaru.
Meanwhile, in the back of the carriage, Kaoru was still fast asleep, oblivious to the conversation and the chaos unfolding around him.
[End of Flashback]
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Subaru looked out of the carriage window, contemplating the night sky. The moon was shining brightly, without a single cloud covering it. On the road, other carriages were moving at different paces. Some boasted luxurious emblems, belonging to the nobility, while others were simpler, probably of merchants.
"So Kaoru was right..." muttered Subaru with a small smile, without taking his eyes off the sky. "In this place, the moon is always visible."
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" commented Emilia beside him, her gaze also directed towards the night. Her amethyst eyes reflected the glow of the stars, which were slowly beginning to fill the firmament.
From the driver's seat, Roswaal glanced inside the carriage through a hatch.
"Mmm, is everyone tired?" He asked in his characteristic sing-songy tone.
He observed Kaoru and Beatrice sound asleep, while Ram was barely keeping her eyes open. With a sigh, Roswaal smiled with amusement.
"I see, I see... It must have been an exhausting journey, wasn't it~?"
In the distance, the silhouette of the city was silhouetted against the night. Giant walls loomed majestically, and at their feet, dozens of carriages were moving in and out in a steady stream. Beyond the walls, the city glowed with countless lights, illuminating the night with the bustle of nightlife.
As the carriage crossed the imposing wall, the sight that unfolded before them took Subaru's breath away. Despite coming from a world with advanced technology and large cities, what he saw now was something out of a dream.
It was gigantic. Countless ornate buildings stood with impossible majesty, a fantasy version of baroque at its finest. Sculpted towers with ornate detailing, streets lit with enchanted crystal lanterns, and arched bridges over canals of water that reflected the night lights. A sight any isekai protagonist would kill to witness.
"Kaoru will definitely hate me if I don't wake him up right now and let him miss this."
With that thought, Subaru rose from his seat and shook Kaoru's shoulder. The young man frowned slightly and opened his eyes slowly, still caught in drowsiness.
"Are we almost there...?" He mumbled with a yawn.
"Fool, we're here, look around!" Exclaimed Subaru excitedly.
Kaoru blinked a couple of times and turned his eyes to the window. His usually dull eyes immediately lit up at the vastness of the city.
"Renaissance should be eternal..." He whispered, almost without realizing it. A tear rolled down his cheek as he took in the magnificence of the place.
Subaru gave him a sidelong glance and let out a chuckle. "Aren't you being too sentimental?"
Kaoru only replied with a soft laugh and a slight shrug.
"Kaoru-kun, you slept a lot. Are you feeling better?" Asked Emilia with a beaming smile, leaning a little towards him.
"Yes, I recovered most of my mana." Kaoru clenched his fist tightly, as if emphasizing his words.
It was then that he noticed a slight weight on his shoulder. He looked down and saw Beatrice, still sound asleep, her small breathing paced and her cheeks slightly puffed out.
For an instant, the image struck him as ridiculously cute.
Kaoru smiled slightly, as if that small moment of peace in the midst of it all was more precious to him than he was willing to admit.
Subaru turned his gaze to Ram, curious about her reaction to the city.
"Hey, Ram, what do you think?"
He fell silent as he noticed that the pink oni was completely curled up in the seat, taking up two spaces with a surprisingly relaxed posture. Exhaustion had finally gotten the better of her, and it didn't look like she was going to wake up any time soon.
"I don't blame her; the trip was long," Kaoru commented, watching her casually.
"You spent the whole trip asleep! I'm the one who should say that," Subaru retorted, folding his arms.
Kaoru merely laughed softly, not bothering to defend herself.
It was then that Roswaal, who had remained silent until now, spoke up from the driver's seat.
"How do you like the view? Beautiful, isn't it? Even I was impressed the first time I saw this majestic city. Lunara is said to have the best architects in all of Od Laguna. And for a minor kingdom, it has the most advanced technological development of all," he explained in his characteristic melodic tone.
"Are you kidding? This place will make me go blind from how beautiful it is!" exclaimed Subaru, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I just see an absurd amount of carriages," Kaoru muttered, peering out the window. "They must all be here for the festival."
He turned his gaze to the night sky for a moment, and among the myriad of stars, he made out something familiar.
"The belt of—"
"Orion, right?" completed Subaru, turning his head toward him. "You noticed it too?"
"Yes..." Kaoru stood thoughtfully, watching the three aligned stars floating in the firmament of this strange world.
"We are arriving at the place where we will be staying," Roswaal announced, bringing them back to reality.
The carriage advanced into an even more luxurious area of the city, where the already impressive buildings took on an unparalleled opulence. It was evident that they had entered the district of the nobility.
A few minutes later, the carriage stopped in front of an establishment that could only be described as a palace disguised as a hotel.
A cobblestone path led to the grand entrance, covered by a silk canopy supported by decorated columns. To the sides, meticulously manicured gardens surrounded the structure, with marble fountains murmuring softly under the shade of leafy trees, their branches entwined with strands of glowing lights.
In front of the door, a servant was already waiting for them with impeccable posture.
"Here we are," Roswaal announced, addressing the occupants of the carriage.
Kaoru glanced to her side and noticed that Beatrice was still asleep on her shoulder. Carefully, he gently shook her.
"Beatrice, wake up. We're here."
The little spirit frowned and half-opened her eyes with a sleepy expression.
"Are we here...?" She mumbled, blinking slowly.
Kaoru, still with some curiosity in mind, asked, "When spirits feel sleepy, is it always because they lack mana?"
Beatrice, still half asleep, exhaled a sigh before replying, "Some of us simply sleep for pleasure, kashira. This trip has been too long..."
She paused slightly and then added with a touch of pride, "Besides, I'll be fine. I always absorb a little of everyone's mana in the mansion and keep it in reserve, Kashira."
Kaoru narrowed his eyes and eyed her suspiciously. "...You've been absorbing mana from me without me noticing?"
Beatrice gave him a most casual look. "Yes. I don't know why you're surprised. With just a little physical contact, I can do it."
Kaoru sighed, rolling his eyes with a guilty smile. "Well... I guess it all makes sense now."
At that moment, Roswaal descended from the carriage and instructed the servant to take care of the dragons. Meanwhile, Kaoru carefully climbed down, carrying a still-sleeping Ram in her arms.
The servant gave a graceful bow before speaking.
"Welcome. You are Miss Emilia-sama's camp, correct? This will be your lodging place. It has all the comforts you may need. I will take care of the dragons."
Stepping through the doors of the luxurious lodging, Subaru couldn't help but open his mouth in amazement. His eyes roamed over every corner of the lobby with an almost childlike fascination: high ceilings with gilded frescoes, crystal chandeliers casting a warm light, and elegant marble columns decorated with intricate carvings.
"Wow, this is... this is another level," Subaru murmured, turning on his heels to get a better look at everything.
"Pretty nice, isn't it?" asked Roswaal with his trademark smile.
"No doubt about it," Kaoru replied with a neutral tone, though his eyes scanned every detail with interest.
"You really impress us, Roswaal!" added Subaru, still with his amazement intact. "I never imagined I'd sleep in such an extravagant place! This is like a five-star hotel... well, medieval fantasy, but just as amazing."
"I guess this is what they call 'living in style,' indeed," Beatrice commented, folding her arms as she cast a critical eye over the place. "But I don't see the point of so much waste. Is all this glitz and opulence really necessary?"
Roswaal let out a chuckle. "Ah, but Beatriceee, in a city like Lunara, opulence is a form of language. A demonstration of status, wealth, and power."
Beatrice snorted. "Unnecessarily loud language, kashira."
"Come on, Beatrice, it's not that bad," Emilia interjected, smiling softly. "I think it's a beautiful place. Besides, if we're going to stay here during the festival, at least it'll be somewhere comfortable."
"Exactly! If we're going to do epic things, we need an epic base!" exclaimed Subaru, raising his arms. "And this place screams 'I'm epic.'"
Kaoru, who had so far only listened, exhaled a sigh. "Or it also screams 'I'm ridiculously expensive.'"
"Ha! But not for our official sponsor—Roswaal-sama," Subaru joked, nudging the eccentric mage.
Roswaal chuckled. "Oh, Subaru-kun, make no mistake. All this isn't just a luxury without purpose. Being in a place like this facilitates connections and influence in a city where appearances are eeeverything."
Kaoru looked around, assessing Roswaal's words. "So it's also part of the political game..." he muttered.
"Exactly," Roswaal replied with a sharper smile.
"Well, if it helps Emilia in any way or form, I guess I'm not complaining," Kaoru said, shrugging his shoulders.
" That's the spirit, Kaoru!" Subaru slapped him on the back. "Now, how about we explore a little? I want to see if this place has a giant bathtub or something."
Beatrice sighed heavily. "As long as you don't go into the garden fountain thinking it's a bathtub, Kashira..."
Emilia laughed softly. "Subaru, first we should check in and receive our rooms. Then we can explore more calmly."
"Yes, yes, you're right, but... what if they have a free buffet?" Subaru clasped his hands together as if praying. "I'm just saying, it would be the icing on the cake."
Kaoru shook his head and moved towards the front desk, leaving Subaru and his ramblings to run their course.
---
After receiving their rooms, everyone took a moment to explore the hotel's amenities. Spa, hot springs, food of all kinds, and 24-hour service...a true luxury paradise. Best of all, being a private hotel, they wouldn't have to share it with strangers.
"I'll leave Ram in her room," Kaoru said, adjusting the maid's weight in his arms before entering her room. Carefully, he laid her down on the bed and covered her body with a blanket. Ram's calm breathing indicated that she hadn't even felt the change.
"How tiring the trip must have been for you," Kaoru murmured, watching her for a moment before leaving the room.
Wandering through the corridors, Kaoru decided to open a door leading to the courtyard. And what he saw brought a surprised smile to his face.
In front of him, amidst natural stone formations and steam floating in the air, was a hot spring. The reflection of the moon on the surface of the water and the dim lighting of the place gave it an almost mystical air.
"This place is amazing..." he thought aloud, crossing his arms as his mind imagined the moments of peace—or chaos—that could be generated there.
"Kaoru, what are you seeing?"
Subaru's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Noticing where he was looking, Subaru's eyes lit up like those of a child seeing his dream toy.
"No way, they have hot springs here! Hehe, I can't wait until we're all here!" He exclaimed excitedly,"
Kaoru shot him a sidelong glance before he sketched a smirk.
"Let me guess... you're already imagining Emilia in her underwear enjoying the hot water, aren't you?"
The effect was immediate. Subaru stiffened, and his face flared bright red.
"W-W-W- What do you say! I don't—well...! It would be like seeing heaven..." he admitted quietly, averting his gaze.
Kaoru didn't let the opportunity pass him by and continued his provocation. "Her pale, smooth skin standing out with the steam from the water, her silver hair falling wetly over her shoulders..."
"Huh?! Kaoru!" Subaru covered his face with both hands. "S-Stop describing it like that! That's playing dirty!"
Kaoru let out a short laugh, enjoying the show.
"Just so we're clear," Subaru scowled at him, still red as a tomato, "I like Emilia, so keep your perverted eyes away from her."
"Relax, I was just kidding," Kaoru replied with an amused smile. "I wanted to see how you'd react."
Subaru snorted, still recovering from the embarrassment, before pointing an accusing finger at him.
"Don't think you're so smart, Shimizu! Someday I'll make you fall into a trap just like it, and I'll laugh twice as hard."
"When that day comes, I'll congratulate you," Kaoru replied calmly, patting him on the shoulder before looking back at the hot springs.
Subaru crossed his arms and smiled, "Still, this is going to be great; I can't wait for us all to get in here!"
Kaoru nodded slightly. Deep down, he was looking forward to it too...albeit with less enthusiasm than Subaru.
"What are you guys talking about?"
Emilia's voice took them by surprise. Subaru and Kaoru turned quickly, finding her standing behind them with a curious expression.
"E-Emilia!? S-Since when were you there?" Subaru stiffened, and his face turned red in a matter of seconds.
"Hmm? I just got here," Emilia replied with a slight nod. "They seemed to be talking about something interesting."
Kaoru, not missing his chance, let out a smirk.
"We were just talking about how much Subaru would like to bathe in the hot springs with you."
"W-W-WHAT?!" Subaru nearly choked on his own saliva. "No, wait, I didn't say that!"
Emilia blinked a couple of times before smiling innocently.
"Huh? Subaru wants to take a bath with me?"
"NO!" shouted Subaru, holding his hands to his face as if to hide his embarrassment.
Kaoru sighed with mock resignation. "Well, since Subaru has turned down such a generous opportunity, I suppose I can take his place. Emilia, if you ever want some company in the hot springs, I'm always available."
"Hmm? Well... I guess that would be okay," Emilia replied with a sweet smile. "We can bathe together in the hot springs."
"WHAT?! WAIT, WAIT, WAIT!" Subaru practically jumped at Kaoru, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and dragging him to a secluded corner.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" hissed Subaru with a scowl and a betrayed look on his face.
Kaoru looked at him with a neutral expression before blurting out dryly.
"Grow some balls already."
Subaru went blank for a second before gritting his teeth and shaking it off in frustration.
"That has nothing to do with it, asshole!"
"You just had to say "yes", dumbass," Kaoru said, squinting with amusement.
"You won't bathe with Emilia, over my dead body!" hissed Subaru, gritting his teeth.
"Is everything all right?" Emilia, still in the distance, watched them with a mixture of confusion and innocence.
They both quickly turned to her.
"Yes, everything's fine!" they replied in unison before turning around to continue their discussion.
Kaoru sighed. "Hey, I wasn't planning on doing it in the first place. I just wanted to get you to wise up a bit."
Subaru clicked his tongue and let go of Kaoru's shirt.
"I can't trust a guy who looks like a male visual novel protagonist when it comes to women."
"You're right," Kaoru replied with a smirk.
"¡¿What does that mean?!—"
Before he could protest further, a familiar voice interrupted the scene.
"So they were here," Roswaal said in his characteristic sing-songy tone as he approached along with Beatrice and the hotel servant. "Mmm~ this place has some splendid hot springs, yes, yes."
The hotel servant gave a slight bow. "I'm very glad it's to your liking, Roswaal-sama. Our facilities are first-rate."
Beatrice, with folded arms and a disdainful expression, looked at Subaru and Kaoru.
"Hmpf. The only thing splendid here is the lack of dignity of these two, kashira."
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Protested Subaru.
"It means Beako isn't surprised in the least," Kaoru replied with a lopsided grin.
Beatrice let out an exaggerated sigh. "Do commoners like you only know how to fight over nonsense? in fact. It's ridiculous, Kashira."
"We weren't fighting! Just... debating intensely," Subaru tried to excuse himself.
"Debating who's more pathetic?" Muttered Beatrice with an arched eyebrow.
Kaoru let out a laugh, while Subaru held a hand to his chest, feigning an emotional stab.
Emilia, still confused, stepped closer. "What were you two arguing about, btw?"
"Nothing!" exclaimed Subaru quickly.
Kaoru just smirked.
The hotel servant gave a slight bow before speaking in a formal tone.
"I hate to interrupt you, but I must inform you that Miss Emilia-sama has been invited to the royal banquet tonight as part of the welcome to the city, as have the other candidates."
Roswaal put a hand to his chin and smiled with amusement. "Mmmm~ I understand, I understand. What about the companions?"
"It's preferable that only two go with her," the servant replied.
"Well, no problem then." Emilia nodded matter-of-factly. "I'll go with Roswaal and—"
"I'll go!" exclaimed Subaru before she finished.
Emilia blinked, hesitating for a moment. "Subaru, I don't think it's necessary that—"
" What do you mean, it's not necessary? What kind of knight would I be if I let my dear Emilia-tan go alone to a banquet with pretentious and probably boring nobles?"
Emilia sighed patiently. "It's not like I'm going alone, Subaru. Roswaal will be with me and—"
"But you need someone who can divert attention if the conversation becomes awkward! A master of charisma like me is essential for these social situations." Subaru beat his chest proudly.
Kaoru, who was watching the scene with her arms folded, smiled mockingly. "Master of charisma? More like a well-intentioned buffoon."
"Shut up, Kaoru! I don't need you ruining my moment."
Roswaal let out a chuckle and then shot a glance towards Kaoru. "Mmmm~ but if it takes two companions... maybe Kaoru should go too, yeah, yeah. It would be interesting to see how he handles himself in that kind of environment."
Kaoru raised an eyebrow. "I'm not interested in hobnobbing with stuck-up nobles. I'll pass."
Beatrice, who had been standing idly by with a bored expression up to that point, snorted. "In fact. I don't see the point in wasting time in such a tedious and pretentious place, Kashira. If they want to see people faking smiles and double-talking, they can go on their own."
Roswaal smiled slyly. "Mmmm~ what a pity. I think someone with your sharp tongue would have been very entertaining in that setting."
Kaoru snorted. "I doubt it. Besides, Subaru already volunteered; isn't that enough?"
"Exactly!" Subaru smiled confidently. "Emilia, come on, take me; I promise I'll be useful!"
Emilia looked at him with some distrust. "Helpful how?"
Subaru held up a finger. "One, I can make any boring conversation fun. Two, if some noble tries to patronize you, I'll be able to step in and save you. And three... wouldn't it be a little sad if you went alone with Roswaal?"
Emilia sighed. "I don't think Roswaal would mind..."
But when she turned her gaze to Subaru, she saw his expression full of determination... and a hint of pleading.
"Please, Emilia-tan. Trust me."
She sighed, resigned. "It's okay... you can come."
"Yes! Victory to the great Subaru Natsuki!" Subaru raised a fist in the air.
Kaoru shrugged and looked at Beatrice. "I guess we get to relax here while the idiot gets in trouble."
Beatrice nodded with satisfaction. "That's the wisest decision you've made these days, in fact."
As Subaru celebrated, Kaoru and Beatrice hung back with complicit smiles, ready to enjoy a quiet evening... or so they hoped.
---
Some time later. Subaru, Emilia, and Roswaal departed in one of the carriages with the servant towards the center of the city, leaving behind the hotel and the tranquility it offered.
Kaoru watched as the carriage pulled away, its wheels echoing over the cobblestone streets of Lunara. With a faint smile, he turned to Beatrice, who stayed with him at the hotel.
"Well, it looks like we're on our own now. Would you like to try the buffet?" asked Kaoru with a playful look.
Beatrice, with her arms crossed and a haughty expression, sighed with some resignation. "I think I deserve a break after all that trouble, kashira."
"In that case..." Kaoru smiled mischievously before moving quickly.
Before Beatrice could react, she felt herself being lifted up with one arm and settled over Kaoru's shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
"H-Hey! W-What are you doing!" Exclaimed Beatrice, her face immediately reddening at the position she was in.
Kaoru, in a solemn but clearly mocking tone, replied, "Miss Beatrice is tired, and this gentleman is simply making the kind gesture of carrying her to her destination."
"¡Stop pretending! ¡ Put me down at once! Since when does a gentleman carry a lady like a barrel, kashira?!"
Kaoru paused, as if really considering her point. "Mmm... I guess you're right. Should I be a little more tactful?"
Before Beatrice could respond, Kaoru settled her into his arms, now holding her in a more traditional, princess-like position.
"Do you like it better this way?" he asked with a smirk.
Beatrice frowned, her blush still visible. "Ugh...I guess it's better...although I can walk, you know?"
"Yeah, yeah, but this is more efficient." Kaoru began to move forward with her in his arms.
The interior of the hotel was lit with warm light, reflected in the elegant crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The floor was made of polished marble with intricate golden patterns, and every wall had lavish paintings portraying scenes from Lunara's history. Small chandeliers of magical light created a soothing atmosphere in the corridors.
As they walked along, some hotel employees cast curious glances, but none dared to say anything when they saw the confidence with which Kaoru walked. A waitress could barely contain a chuckle, while a butler raised an eyebrow before going about his business.
Beatrice, aware of the stares, stirred in his arms. "Y-you keep this up, you'll make people misunderstand, kashira!"
Kaoru just smiled. "Oh, you want me to shout that we're on a secret mission and they shouldn't ask questions?"
"Don't you DARE!"
Kaoru laughed softly, enjoying the moment. Amidst so much chaos in his life, enjoying little moments like this was rare... and fun.
[Subaru's POV]
The carriage was moving down Lunara's main street, the wheels rumbling softly against the cobblestone. Through the windows, Subaru could see the vibrant activity of the city: merchants enthusiastically promoting their wares, nobles strolling with elegant bearing, and travelers marveling at the baroque and Renaissance architecture that gave Lunara its unmistakable charm. The city radiated a sense of grandeur, especially on this night when the welcoming banquet was being held.
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was a mixture of anticipation and tension.
"They must be nervous, right? After all, it's their first time being surrounded by such important people, riiight~?" Commented Roswaal with his characteristic melodic tone, crossing his legs and waving his hand.
Subaru let out a slight chuckle, though there was a tinge of truth in the question. "I won't lie to you; I'm a little nervous, but this is nothing when it's for Emilia-tan." He said with a confident smile, though his grip on the fabric of his pants gave it away a bit.
Emilia, who had been watching him with some concern, sighed softly before speaking. "I just hope you don't draw so much attention to yourself, Subaru. Can you promise?" Her tone wasn't stern, but it did make it clear that she was worried about Subaru doing something impulsive.
Subaru straightened up, leaving behind any trace of his relaxed attitude. "Of course. I don't plan on ruining your impression on them. I know how important tonight is."
Emilia's eyes softened, but before she could respond, Subaru took her hands firmly, leaning slightly toward her.
"But more important than that..." his voice was low, almost solemn. "Thank you for trusting me with this, Emilia." A determined smile came across his face.
For a moment, Emilia looked surprised, but then a warm smile appeared on her lips. "Yes," she replied simply, letting her hands linger in Subaru's for a few more seconds.
"There are more people in the carriage; don't get all mushy yet." Roswaal let out a chuckle between his teeth, watching them with amusement.
Subaru cleared his throat and leaned back in his seat with a forced expression of calm. Emilia, for her part, looked away, a slight blush on her cheeks.
The carriage continued to move forward, crossing a carved stone bridge that spanned a wide lake surrounding the majestic palace where the meeting would be held. The structure was imposing, with tall white marble pillars and huge windows from which warm light emanated. Everything about the building screamed opulence and power.
As they approached, Subaru noticed the number of carriages lined up at the entrance, each bearing distinct emblems representing high-ranking noble families. Servants and escorts were everywhere, making sure the evening ran smoothly.
The carriage came to a gentle stop, and the servant accompanying them guided the land dragoons to come to a complete stop. Then, he hurried to open the door to allow them to alight.
Subaru took a breath and stepped out after Roswaal and Emilia, immediately feeling the weight of multiple gazes resting on them. Although none of those present spoke aloud, the subtle expressions of some nobles denoted that they were already sizing them up.
A servant dressed in a refined uniform approached with an impeccable bow.
"The campaign of Emilia-sama, right?" His tone was respectful but neutral. "Please, follow me." I will take you to the banquet hall.
Roswaal made a slight gesture with his hand, as if the formality of the moment were the most natural thing in the world to him. Emilia maintained a firm and serene posture, as befitted someone who aspired to the crown.
Subaru, on the other hand, forced himself to maintain his composure while following the servant. Tonight was not just a test for Emilia but also for him. And he had no intention of disappointing her.
The servant guided the group through the wide corridors of the palace, where the polished marble reflected the light of the golden chandeliers. The columns carved with floral motifs and the tapestries embroidered with scenes from the history of Lunara made every corner exude an air of grandeur.
Finally, the double doors of solid wood with golden details opened, revealing the banquet hall.
A large crystal chandelier illuminated the place, reflecting golden glimmers on the shiny floor. In the center lay a sumptuous buffet with a variety of exquisite dishes: roasted meats, spiced fish, freshly baked bread, fruits arranged in delicate towers, and wine and liquor glasses perfectly aligned.
At the back, an elevated platform with an elegant golden railing dominated the room. There, without a doubt, the rulers of Lunara would appear to address the guests.
The room was already packed with people. Nobles and aristocrats were conversing in small groups, some laughing moderately, others analyzing the newcomers with critical eyes. An air of refinement mixed with political tension was palpable.
The servant who had guided them made a final bow and withdrew, leaving them to their own devices.
Subaru glanced around with curiosity. Although he tried to maintain his composure so as not to worry Emilia, he couldn't help but feel out of place among so many high society figures.
It was then that his gaze fell upon a woman with long, dark green hair, dressed unusually. She wore an elegant men's suit with a navy blue jacket adorned with golden details, a perfectly pressed white shirt, and dark trousers that accentuated her distinguished bearing. Her amber gaze was firm and determined, radiating a natural authority.
Beside her, in complete contrast, stood a tall young woman with feline ears and short, flaxen hair. Her large golden eyes sparkled with a playful air, and her blue and white dress, with a delicate fit at the torso and a multi-layered skirt, highlighted an elegant femininity.
Subaru slightly furrowed his brow, intrigued.
"Hey, Emilia-tan... Is that woman over there wearing men's clothing, or is my sense of fashion so terrible that I don't understand the trends of the nobility?"
Emilia, upon hearing his comment, turned her head with curiosity.
"Ah… I don't know. But she looks very self-assured."
"That woman over there," Roswaal interjected with his characteristic intonation, "Is Crusch Karsten, one of the candidates for the throne of Lugunica."
"What!?" Subaru blinked in surprise. "Another candidate?"
"Oh, yes~ And her companion is Félix Argyle, her personal knight and a healer of great talent."
Subaru looked at the cat girl again and narrowed his eyes.
"...That explains their presence here, but are you telling me that she (he) is a Knight?"
"That's right," Roswaal affirmed with amusement. "He is a knight with healing abilities that make him very valuable."
Subaru tilted his head, confused.
"Wait, wait... Did you say he?"
"Of course," replied Roswaal casually.
Subaru blinked slowly and looked again at Felix, who at that moment was playing with the sleeves of her dress with a carefree smile.
"Roswaal, I know you sometimes speak in riddles, but tell me the truth… How does a girl dressed so cutely have the name Felix?"
Roswaal smiled with amusement.
Subaru blinked and looked at Felix again.
---
Subaru continued observing the crowd until his eyes settled on a young-looking man conversing with Crusch and Felix. By his attire and demeanor, it was evident that he belonged to the nobility.
The Noble had a slender build and a refined appearance, fair skin, and a height similar to Kaoru's (180cm). His dark blonde hair, slightly disheveled, reached down to his shoulders, and sharp green eyes were behind a pair of round, thin glasses.
Next to him, a man who looked like a mountain of muscle stood silently. He was easily over 195cm and had a rugged, imposing appearance. His black hair was cut short, and his red eyes were like burning embers. He wore light armor combined with a black cloak, different from the other guards present in the room. If Subaru had to guess, he was surely the nobleman's personal escort or guard.
Ever since Kaoru had taught him the flow method, Subaru had begun to notice strange things about some people, especially the warriors. He couldn't describe it exactly, but it was as if he sensed an aura. And that guy's aura was terrifying.
Subaru swallowed saliva and averted his gaze. He definitely didn't want any trouble with that guy.
Moments later, when the nobleman finished his conversation with Crusch and Felix, his gaze shifted to Emilia's group. He smiled politely and approached them with graceful steps.
"You must be Miss Emilia-sama, right? It's a pleasure to meet you."
The man gave a small bow before he flashed a charming smile.
"You are a very beautiful woman."
Subaru felt a pang in his chest.
"Tsk... Really? Just like that, up front and unafraid? Who the hell does this guy think he is?"
He clenched his fist instinctively. He didn't like that a fellow out of nowhere was flirting with his Emilia-tan in his face.
"If I may" the nobleman added, taking Emilia's hand gracefully.
Subaru watched the scene warily. His instinct was screaming at him to immediately push that opportunist away.
And then, to make matters worse, the nobleman brought Emilia's hand to his lips and kissed it with refined courtesy.
Subaru felt his teeth gnash from the pressure with which he clenched his jaw. He could swear a vein was throbbing in his forehead.
"Tsk, damn it! Damn it! This is provocation! Provocation at its finest!"
But before he could do anything stupid, he felt an intense pressure on him.
The nobleman's guard, who had so far remained calm, was watching him with a withering look. He hadn't said a word, but his presence alone was enough to make Subaru think twice.
Besides... there was the promise with Emilia.
He couldn't make a fool of himself here.
"The pleasure is mine" Emilia replied politely, withdrawing her hand subtly.
The nobleman smiled and placed a hand on his chest.
"I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself sooner. Forgive my lack of politeness. My name is Lucien."
He made a graceful gesture with his hand.
"Lucien D. Margaret. I am part of the council of five that governs this kingdom, representing the nobility."
Subaru raised an eyebrow.
"Great, besides being noble, he has the name of a cocky guy. It couldn't be any other way."
Lucien then turned his gaze to Roswaal.
"I am very glad that the Marquis has accepted my invitation to come here."
Roswaal smiled in a calculated manner.
"I would never turn down such a fine opportunity for Emilia to make herself known."
"I am aware of that," Lucien replied with a slight smile. "After all, Lunara is a place where many influential people gather for this event."
"You two knew each other?" asked Emilia curiously.
Roswaal nodded.
"Yes, Miss Emilia. Lucien is one of my contacts. I have helped him by funding some of his projects. It would be good for you to forge a good relationship with him as well."
Lucien bowed his head slightly.
"It would be my pleasure to have a good relationship with Miss Emilia-sama. Any questions or requests you may have, you can turn to me."
And, without warning, he took Emilia's hand again and placed it on his chest gracefully.
"Oh, for the love of Od laguna or whoever the hell god is here!"
Subaru felt the last shred of patience slipping from his hands.
He took a step forward and pushed Emilia's hand away from Lucien's chest with a swift movement, maintaining a strained smile.
"How generous of you, Lord Lucien," Subaru commented in a passive-aggressive tone. "But, you know, there's something called personal space. They say it's important."
Lucien raised an eyebrow and averted his gaze to Subaru.
Until that moment, he hadn't even considered him worthy of attention.
His expression was subtle, but the slight displeasure in his green eyes was evident.
"Tsk, first he ignores me and now he's looking at me like I'm a bug. This bastard... "
Subaru felt the temperature in the room drop a couple of degrees.
Lucien's giant guard, who had been relaxed until now, clenched a fist and his crimson gaze settled on Subaru like a predator watching its prey.
Lucien, however, only cocked his head to one side with a condescending air.
"And who are you to Miss Emilia?" he asked in a calm but sharp tone.
Subaru straightened his back and opened his mouth to reply.
"I am her knigh—"
"He is my servant," Emilia interrupted before he could finish the sentence.
Subaru felt a dagger in his heart.
"¡¿What do you mean servant?! Emilia-tan, you've betrayed me!"
Lucien let out a faint "Oh" and a mocking smile appeared on his lips.
"So just a servant" he said with a condescending tone.
Subaru felt his pride get a kick in the face.
"This damn... I'm going to-!"
He took a deep breath of air, remembering his promise with Emilia.
"Calm down, Subaru. Breathe. Breathe. Don't make a fool of yourself. Just hold on a little longer. "
Subaru forced a smile.
"Well, yes, I guess someone has to do the heavy lifting, don't they?" He commented with a forced laugh.
Lucien let out a light laugh, clearly enjoying the humiliation implicit in the situation.
Subaru wanted to die.
"No, rather, I want this guy to die. Preferably devoured by a pack of mabeasts".
But for now, he could only grit his teeth and hold on.
The political game was just beginning, and Subaru already hated every second of it.