Intertwined Paths
Crusch locks eyes with me, as if she understands what I'm about to ask her: to keep an eye on Ram.
Anticipating, Luan grasps my hands firmly.
"I'll join in too," she says. Her eyes challenge me, her decision echoing deep within me.
Luan shows determination. Her potential is enormous, but until she fully controls it, she'll be dangerous. She needs to learn to master her emotions and use them to her advantage.
My friends just need a little push.
"I, Otto Suwen, am ready to get them out from wherever." Even if fear envelops me, nothing will stop me. Not after all we've been through.
There will be no room for regret. I'll be the strength they need in this crucial moment.
I smile at both of them. Crusch also shows determination. I know she's hiding something from me, but I don't need to pry; she'll have her reasons. It doesn't hurt me, but I worry it might be something dangerous.
I never imagined having so many friends, people who care and fight to move forward.
I feel a tightness in my chest for a moment.
Despite everything, it's gratifying to strive for others.
"So, let's go together."
Both smiles slightly, ready for whatever comes.
"Of course!"
Due to Roswaal's injuries, he hasn't left his bed. If there's a place we need to go, it's there.
Before entering the cabin, my eyes land on her. The sunlight caresses her pink hair, and her maid outfit, a familiar sight. It reminds me of when Rem dressed like that to play a prank.
Although I've never exchanged words with her, I know there's a connection between Marco and her.
Marco's stories about her personality have reached me, as well as Rem's contrary stories, but I never imagined they shared the same vice.
"She's smoking," I say, noticing the cigarette in her hand. It's a gesture associated with the military and is treated with extreme care. Marco has warned me about the health risks, but I never imagined Ram would also pick up this habit. Perhaps, for a demihuman, the effects are different.
I watch the clothes hanging gently sway while her expression remains constantly apathetic. As I approach, her gaze meets mine. The apathetic expression gives way to annoyance, as if my presence were the most unpleasant thing today.
Although this isn't an interrogation situation, I know the information I obtain will be crucial.
"An annoying group has arrived, leave me alone," says Ram, turning her back on me in an attempt to leave. However, I quickly try to stop her, and her hand clasps mine.
Her penetrating gaze sends shivers down my spine, but I stand my ground.
"Let me talk to you," I ask, holding her gaze with determination. Ram, noticing my firmness, clicks her tongue disapprovingly and releases my hand, then shoots the three of us a look of annoyance.
"What do you want?" she asks, and although her expression is one of irritation, I sense a hint of sadness in her eyes.
I've always believed in the power of the universal language, one that goes beyond words. Eyes never lie; they can hide, but they never deceive.
"Roswaal," I pronounce his name, trusting that this will capture her attention. However, her lack of reaction suggests indifference.
"What do you need from Lord Roswaal?" Ram asks me, not mentioning that I didn't address him with his title honorifically.
Crusch will alert me to any lies, so I won't have a problem.
"How much do you know about him?" I inquire, noting that my question annoys her even more, as if I were insulting her in some way.
"What I know about Lord Roswaal is none of your business," she replies firmly.
"Then, answer me a question," I intervene, smiling as I stroke where my hand would go. Before she says anything, I must get ahead. "If someone could prevent a tragic moment, but instead, uses it to their advantage..."
What happened in your village.
Rem's endured so much trauma over time, what happened with her family, her guilt. While there's a chance she wasn't the cause, it's certain she didn't prevent it.
She knew the future, yet still let it happen. Though... the environment she was in wasn't the best.
'Even so! There were better ways.' He could've prevented Ram's horn from being cut, could've stopped so many things.
"Would you believe that person is evil or not?" I ask, keeping my gaze fixed on her. Ram watches me in silence, withholding her thoughts. In fact, according to what Marco told me, she should've left a long time ago.
Something seems to torment her, like there's a conflict in her heart.
Forgive me, Rem, but I avoided going out with you and your sister at the same time because of the fear I had of Roswaal. Now, I'll have to do things I won't be proud of.
"Would you believe that purpose is superior to the being?" I continue, feeling the gravity of my words.
There's no purpose superior to causing harm.
It's so contradictory for me to say that, after causing that war. But I didn't have the power to prevent it, didn't have the power to change the tide. Neither I, nor Marco, nor Rem, nor Miss Emilia.
He's been the only one with the power, but he's chosen not to use it.
"A person who stands still while things happen, capable of preventing it, is as guilty as the one who commits them."
Perhaps Rem doesn't know it, as she greatly appreciates Roswaal for taking them in at their worst. But, tying all the loose ends, it's clear he saved them for his own purpose. Regardless of whether he himself understands it yet.
"I don't have patience for stupid riddles. If you have something to say, just say it," Ram looks at me with annoyance, crossing her arms and tapping her feet, as if she's ready to leave.
With a sigh, I reply:
"Though the future hasn't fully revealed itself to him yet, the fact that there's a written future indicates the path is set."
"Changing the tide, choosing our fate, is only possible when we acknowledge this truth."
I sigh deeply.
"The future can be broken, can change, but as long as that book exists, we'll be stuck."
Marco and I are different in many ways. We've always argued about how he treats certain people when it comes to fulfilling his goals. Sometimes, he seems just like Roswaal.
I know something led him to be like that, I can see it. Their personalities don't seem to fit, as if he's forcing it.
"You know? Rem told me what happened with you guys," liar, yes, but necessary to unravel the truth. Rem told me she had a past she was overcoming, but I never had the courage to ask about it.
Ram widens her eyes forcefully, as if she knows where the conversation is headed.
A pang in my heart leaves me breathless.
'This is wrong.'
"The book Roswaal possesses... Do you know what it contains?"
Her lips start to tremble slightly, it seems she can't maintain composure.
I've always heard Ram has a strong personality. Rem, especially, praises her as the best woman in the world, but Marco always snaps me out of that illusion.
Troublesome, hateful, lazy. She's been described to me in multiple ways, but Marco always says it with a smile.
"She's like that, but deep down, she cares for those she loves. Of course! In her own unique way."
Her love for Roswaal is undeniable, but Rem's presence, who's endured so much suffering, surely plunges her into a sea of complex feelings. She knows that book is the most important thing to Roswaal.
She must even know that book is more important to him than both of them.
"Lord Roswaal rescued us, that's a fact. I don't care what's in my lord's book," her arms fall to her sides, her hands clench tightly, as if trying to contain the flood of emotions threatening to overflow.
I watch as Crusch blinks twice, indicating there's something more behind her words. If I want to influence her actions, I must be firmer, more determined. I'll have to manipulate her, even if it hurts to do so.
"So, Ram, let me reveal something to you that you may not know about Roswaal," my smile tries to disguise the pain I feel at remembering what I'm about to say. "Roswaal, he during..."
A sharp ache pierces my heart once again.
An image projects vividly in my mind:
We were having lunch together, just Rem and I, her face lit up by the sunlight as she gracefully placed her order. We were just two friends sharing a casual moment, but to me, it meant much more.
Her gaze, her hair gently swaying, her smile... oh, that smile that still lingers in my thoughts.
Then, I understand.
"Do you know? You're somewhat naive." Her voice, soft yet laden with meaning, resonates in my ears.
My smile fades, her words piercing deep into my being.
"You're naive, but in the best possible way." Her words are like daggers piercing my soul, revealing truths I'd rather ignore.
"You're naive, but it's because you have a huge heart. You can't help it, it's part of your charm, even if it's ironic." Her gaze locks onto mine, as my heart overflows and drags along the ground.
"I love that part of you, never change it."
Then, she gifts me the warmest, most sincere smile I've ever seen. A smile that, this time, is directed solely at me.
I grip my hand tightly, acknowledging my mistake and regretting having done this.
I glance at Ram, visibly nervous, while Luan and Crusch look at me with some discomfort. I inhale deeply, surprising everyone with my demeanor.
'I'm not Marco Luz, I'm Otto Suwen.' My essence hasn't changed, but I must continue evolving, surpassing myself. I don't need to transform; I must be authentic and improve in those areas where I shine.
I won't manipulate anyone; instead, I'll guide everyone on the right path. Because, yes, I may be a fool, but I also know I have a purpose.
"Allow me to adjust my words." I direct my gaze to Ram, who looks hesitant. Then, with confidence, I add, "Let's help Roswaal free himself from his shackles, to take a path that leads him beyond his past, you well know you're not satisfied with his attitude. I'll tell you everything, but for that, we need your help." I place my hand on my chest, then look at her determinedly. "Help us help Roswaal."
For the first time, I see true surprise in Ram's eyes.
"Let me tell you something else." Trying to show determination, she adopts a defiant posture. "If you try anything stupid, I assure you, you won't enjoy it."
I'll harness the best in everyone to bring happiness to all. With a confident smile, I hold her gaze.
"Let's discuss this in private." Crusch and Luan give me a quizzical look. I approach them and whisper in their ears, "Change of plans, I have a better idea."
I look at them firmly, trying to instill confidence in them. Although they still doubt, I'm determined to show them I can do it. I won't opt for the easy path; if there's a path to follow, it'll be the one that benefits everyone, even if it means bringing our worst enemy closer.
We arrive at the dining room; Ram is sitting there, watching me with determination.
"Well, what do you have to say, Otto Suwen?"
My smile remains intact. Faced with the threatening mention of my name, I choose silence.
Roswaal L. Mathers seems to have decided. If he's acting now, it's because he's confident of achieving what he desires. But if he succeeds, Marco will die. I must think clearly; Roswaal will never abandon his dream.
His goal is clear, he's been pursuing it for 400 years. It could be that even the very book dictates the end of its use. But without a doubt, we must snatch that future from him.
"Ram, I don't think you've been told much about me. I'm sorry, I asked Rem a huge favor to keep me secret." Yes, I did it out of fear. "There's a reason why Lord Roswaal shouldn't know of my existence."
Ram seems not to understand. Seeing that I still hide certain truths, her gaze becomes even more annoyed.
"It was Rem who told me about what happened with you, although she didn't tell me the details, she did tell me that Roswaal saved both. I'm also aware of your situation and that of Lord Roswaal." I clasp my hands, trying to contain the fear. I'm not sure if this is the right path. I'm terrified of making a mistake again. "In the past, Roswaal wasn't like this, so I still believe he can be saved, we all can. You can help him; I know you want to pull him out of the abyss he's in."
I smile, looking her straight in the eyes with confidence.
"Let's make Lord Roswaal escape from that curse that's tearing him apart inside."
Ram's eyes widen forcefully.
BAM!
He slams the table with his hands and rises. Small currents of air dance around him. Crusch and Luan plead for him to calm down, but she keeps glaring at me with anger.
"How do you know so much about Lord Roswaal? Who told you...?" Her eyes widen, realizing who might be behind my information.
Yes, the only person who seems to have answers for everything, the same one who has been orchestrating so many actions in such a short time. Her mysterious presence has us all on edge.
"It was Marco Luz, he told me." I look at Ram without hesitation as she sits back down. "I know details you might not be aware of, that's why I want to offer you my help."
She shrugs, sighing defeatedly.
"Lord Roswaal is formidable, neither you nor I can face him if he decides to fight seriously."
I smile again. I already know, Roswaal is one of the most powerful individuals in the kingdom, probably in the whole world.
We won't be able to defeat him just by wanting to help him.
"We may not be able to defeat him, but we can destroy the book." I point at her, maintaining my smile. "You're the only one capable of changing Roswaal, and to achieve that, we won't be alone."
Yes, we're not alone in this battle. I stand up and approach Ram. Without giving her more time, I extend my hand, showing her my determination to help everyone.
'I'll save them all without a doubt.'
"I'll gather more people, just wait, I'll show you that there's an opportunity." I turn towards the room, determined.
Determination drives me as I think of the first person I need to convince: Emilia, the leader with the ability to transform everything around her.
I contemplate the weight of her responsibility, the sacrifices she has made for the greater good, and the burden of her own mistakes. My admiration for her runs deep; I respect her and see her as the next queen we deserve.
With that conviction in mind, I face the challenge of bringing her back.
"I'll do everything possible to get Emilia, Marco, and Garfield to join our cause," I declare with determination, my words resonating in the room.
There's no time to waste. Every second counts, and I must instill in each one the certainty that together we can achieve it. I'll be that spark that ignites the fire in their hearts and propels them forward.
'I'm Otto Suwen, and that's my mission.'