"So, here we are.
Kyoko is accompanied by Reinhard, Subaru, and Rem as they approach the grand Karsten Mansion.
The group stands in awe before the impressive structure, its architecture a blend of elegance and history. With a shared sense of anticipation, they enter the magnificent manor, where each room reveals unique characteristics and exquisite details that reflect the mansion's rich heritage. The atmosphere inside is both inviting and mysterious, promising adventures and discoveries as they explore its stunning interiors.
"Why are we here?" Subaru asked, confusedly since he actually lived in this manor temporarily for his treatment, but he left for some reason.
"You see, My Reinhard found that Karsten's family brought many weapons from blacksmiths and mercenaries. Which means——"
"—She preparing for something bigger."
"That's right."
"No wonder I saw many carriages come in and out from Karsten Mansion before."
Their walk was stopped by an old man with silver hair in a butler outfit. The old man looked at Reinhard with a frown on his face. The Sword Saint has a difficult expression, yet he keeps his stoic expression and refuses to show any unnecessary.
The old man closed his eyes before opening them back, "You changed a little bit. I believe the young girl in front of me is the one who changes you. But, that doesn't mean you can think I already forgive you."
Reinhard remains silent, closing his eyes to collect those thoughts before continuing, "I understand. Thank you for reminding me."
Kyoko, who is watching this scene, crossed her arms as she raised her left eyebrow. These two people react and talk a closer person, yet something makes them distract each other.... more like a huge wall between them that prevents them from talking from heart to heart.
"You must be Crusch's servant. I would like to meet her if she is currently free. There are some matters that I need to solve with her." She said, nonchalantly.
"Hey, Kyoko." Subaru tugged Kyoko's sleeve and whispered in her ear, "Don't talk like that. You look like a rude person. He may be an old man, but his strength is on another level."
"I believe you don't need to talk behind me, Subaru. It's not like I dislike your opinion, but I rather prefer you to talk to me face by face." The old man claimed calmly without offense.
The words from that old man made Subaru flinch before he gave a fake laugh to kick the awkwardness off. Even so, the old man pays no mind to those words too much and moves on as he guides them to the Church's office.
"Lady Kyoko, may I ask you something?"
"Go on."
The old man continues his walk without looking back, asking her, "What's exactly your purpose to come here?"
"A beast hunting. Interesting, isn't it?"
"Did you enjoy hunting something?"
"I don't know if I enjoy it or not since I have never hunted something before. But, if you ask for my opinion about it, I will say I will enjoy it."
Kyoko responded smoothly, continuing with a smirk in her corner, "Other than that, could you stop being hostile against me? You don't even try to hide your murderous intent. "
The elderly man halted his walk, trailing behind Kyoko, Reinhard, Subaru, and Rem. He remained solitary at that spot, a few meters away from them, quietly like a predator anticipating its prey.
BUMP!!!
Without a warning, the elderly man delivers a punch aimed at Kyoko's face. As soon as Kyoko caught the fist instantly and stopped the attack, the punch and the wind waves abruptly stopped. The gusts of wind tousled her hair, while her composed expression remained unchanged.
"May I know your reason for this action, Mr. Butler?" She asked.
The old man's eyes moved to Reinhard, making the Sword Saint flinch yet try his best to maintain his stoic face. He moves back to Kyoko before leaving her grip as he stands confidently without guilt, "Just a test."
"A test?"
"If he let you take that attack, that means he put a lot of trust in you, which also means he sees you as a strong person."
Kyoko took several seconds to collect all the puzzle pieces left. She realized something as she glanced at her knight, "Ah, I see. Are you talking about Reinhard? You two must have some relationship—"
"We're not." The old man claimed instantly, turning back to continue his walk. His tone is cold, refuses to elaborate again with his words.
"What with that old man?"
"Good job, Kyoko. Your obliviousness just made your future grandfather-in-law your enemy." Subaru claimed, leaving his sister behind.
Kyoko stood frozen, her heart racing as the realization washed over her like a tidal wave. "Grandfather...?" she whispered, trying to piece together the fragments of information that had eluded her until now.
It took several long seconds for the significance of those hints to seep into her mind, unraveling the mystery that seemed to hang in the air. The truth struck her with startling clarity: "HE'S REINHARD GRANDFATHER!!!?"
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[Crusch's Office]
"It's my honor to meet you today, Lady Kyoko. I don't expect your visitors this soon." Crusch greeting the guests, extends her palm to Kyoko to show her politeness. Beside her, Ferris and Reinhard's Grandfather known as Wilhelm Van Astrea, standing like a knight guarding their king.
Kyoko shakes her hand, a fake smile written on her face, "It's my pleasure to meet you again, Lady Crusch. Thank you for taking care, my brother. If he does something stupid, just punch him. I don't mind it."
"Hey!!" Subaru shouted.
"Haha! I will take note of that." Crusch responds, before guiding them to the small coffee table with two couches for guests.
Kyoko took a seat beside Subaru, as she is crossing her arms while Crusch sat in front of her as the owner of this place. Both factions take different directions of the seats while their subordinates stand back on them.
"Let's get started. What is your purpose to come to my mansion this evening?"
Straight to the point? I like that.
"Subaru, tell her," Kyoko commands, giving a glance to her brother.
Subaru nodded, starting to explain in a serious tone, "Got it. An alliance between Emilia and Crusch camps, on equal terms. The information I'll offer for that purpose is the time and location of the White Whale's appearance. That's the only card I can play."
The atmosphere grows tense with silence. Subaru can't tell if it's their disbelief or if they suspect he's deceived them. Who going to believe someone who comes out of nowhere with no true background, like a lie baseless?
But, this is about The White Whale.
The giant monster is already taking many, many, probably more than a thousand innocent lives. A beast that was created by the witch, the most terrifying creature in the world.
"The White Whale?"
Out of nowhere, a chilling, deathly pressure enveloped the room, instilling fear in everyone present. This oppressive aura radiated from Wilhelm as he fixed his piercing gaze on the Natsuki siblings, his glare absolutely unyielding, surrounded by a murderer's intent and revenge.
Subaru was surprised and felt a little bit of fear, yet he steeled his expression because he got Reinhard and Kyoko behind him. If there's any matter that happens, be sure he will save.
Wilhelm let out a heavy sigh, wiping his intimidating aura, "Please forgive my indiscretion. I suppose I still have much to learn."
Kyoko raised her left eyebrow before looking at Reinhard behind her. The Sword Saint remains expressionless, but his eyes say differently. Despite being a strong figure without weakness, he is still a human with feelings, and the topic of The White Whale really brings new emotions to him.
This is so annoying...
"So, It is rather sudden of you to bring up the White Whale." Crusch continues the conversation, bringing them back to the main topic.
Subaru answered, "Not at all. When we began this negotiation, I once mentioned the magic stones found in Elior Forest in Roswaal's domain. If sharing the mining rights is insufficient, I need to offer an additional push."
His expression conveyed a serious intent in Crusch's eyes, signaling that this negotiation was of great importance. Should it not succeed, the outcome could be severe, "Crusch-san, I'm certain that my information will aid in your plan to subjugate the White Whale.
"Let me ask you one thing, Natsuki Subaru." Crusch, opening her mouth, continues, "Who gave you all this idea? That remark was one you could pass off as a baseless accusation."
Subaru flinched, he knew this question would come but he never had enough time to find the true answer. His eyes moved to Kyoko, giving his sister a signal.
"I received some information. First, Lady Crusch, you purchased a huge amount of weapons from blacksmiths. The amount you brought isn't for backup or supplies but more like you're preparing for something bigger." Said Kyoko, entering this conversation to help Subaru's negotiations.
She raised her second finger, "Second, the increase of traffic from in and out of your mansion. I just arrived today and I could see many merchants entering your domain for some reason. Based on what I saw, the merchants you bring are the merchants who sell armor, medicine, and others."
"If others see this, they'll definitely think you're about to start a war," Subaru asserted.
"Given your significant responsibilities and status as one of the King's candidates, it's simply foolish to think that way." The confident sister extends her hand with a smirk on her lip corner.
"If you still refused our offer, that can't help. Let me remind you. This alliance is between Emilia and your camps, but you seem to forget something. Currently, Emilia Camp is on alliance terms with my camp through Subaru's presence. Even without Emilia or other allies. I, Reinhard, and Subaru could defeat the White Whale by ourselves without your help."
Crusch grows a frown on her face as she glares a at Kyoko, "Are you trying the to threaten me, or looking down on me?"
"Belia eve what you want. Each of us playsthe a critical role: Subaru possesses invaluable inthe formation, Reinhard wields formidable strength, and I stand ready as his reliable backup. We already enough to kill the White Whale."
This time, the brother carrying the conversation with self-assertive, "This two camp alliances maybe look weak to you just because Emilia don't have any support power beside Roswaal and Kyoko only have Reinhard on her side. But, that where I come from with an idea."
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Mind it if I listen to this lil's chat, too?" A familiar voice openingthe the door. Anastasia, the purple girl wore white outfit, stepped inside the room along with a tall blonde hair guy.
Her presence already made Crusch flabbergasted by her unannounced arrival. Why? Because she shouldn't be there. She doesn't even related to this topic, and now, she making this whole situation become more complicated.
"Anastasia....Hoshin? And, Russell Fellow?"
Anastasia walked and settle behind Subaru's and Kyoko's seat, "You all asked us to come but here we are, you guys already starting without us."
"I see... You already get Anastasia as your supporter. Anastasia, Kyoko and Reinhard. What a terrifying person you are, Natsuki Subaru. In short time after you leaving mansion, you already dragged all this dangerous person on your feet." Crusch's words mixed with annoying and amazed.
This boosting the brother's confidence even more as he looking at his target while spreading his legs confidently, "Anastasia could supply mercenaries for us. If we created an alliance between four camps, you could share the achievement together and take down the White Whale."
The sister crossing both of her arms and legs, showed how arrogant she is as lifted her chin to looking down of her opponent along smug on her face, "If you refuse, your prey will be stolen by us. We're going taking down the White Whale without you and leave you behind with Priscilla. Ah, did I forget to mention about Witch Cult? Yeah, that's also a good achievement if we managed to defeat them."
They're smiled.
"Kill the White Whale."
"Destroy the Witch's Cult."
"Achievement."
"Power."
Their eyes glowing in the dark.
"If Crusch-san joined——"
"You will stand in the same stage with us."
"If we managed to kill two of them——"
"Lady Crusch will see as the hero."
Kyoko and Subaru extend their hand, offering it to Crusch as if they offering a gold to beggar. They're smiled, sent a creepy sensation to the witnesses inside this room, even Reinhard himself could feel the terrifying pressure from their voice.
The golden eyes of the older sister speak arrogantly as it's glowed in the dark, making their prey petrified. The younger brother spoke confidently as his brown eyes glowed, ready to throwing himself into the hell if it's to make his dreams come true.
"What do you think.... Crusch Karsten?"
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