Chapter Text
【 “……If that is the case, please feel free to command this old bone of mine.”
Wilhelm spoke while performing the highest salute of a knight toward Subaru, kneeling on the spot.
“Natsuki Subaru-dono, the victory in this White Whale subjugation battle was entirely thanks to your assistance. It is you who gave meaning to my life up until now, to these long years. Thank you, thank you—I offer everything I have to express my gratitude to you.” 】
。。。。。
〜Inside, the Theater〜
“So that's how he joined, huh.”
Puck said from off-screen.
I remember when we were driving the dragon carriage with the children, and this old man was there slaying Witch Cultists.
“That old man was going 'shua shua shua' just now. With him joining, we get those two reassuring words, right? 'It's settled.'”
Al said.
—
【 “The ability to kill the White Whale relies on Wilhelm-san's own strength. You focused entirely on defeating the White Whale, constantly investigating, tirelessly training, and never giving up in battle... It is because of your deep love for your wife that you were finally able to defeat the White Whale. If I helped even a little, then that is wonderful. I don't know if this is the right thing to say... Congratulations. And—thank you for your hard work.”
“...Thank you.” Wilhelm raised his head, eyes wide, and replied tremblingly.
Wilhelm stood up and looked toward Crusch.
Crusch nodded.
Wilhelm said, “I have now received permission from Crusch-sama. I shall entrust myself to Subaru-dono.”
Wilhelm joined the Witch Cult subjugation force.
“That would be a huge help, but this...”
Subaru looked at Wilhelm, who was covered in wounds.
“No problem. Ferris!” Crusch called out Ferris's name loudly.
“Coming, Crusch-sama!” Ferris ran over.
“How are the life-threateningly injured?”
“The number of people in danger is exactly zero, nya.”
“Understood. The remaining injured can be transported. If that is the case, Ferris, stop the treatment for these people here. You will go with Natsuki Subaru later and properly fulfill the responsibilities of an ally.”
“Understood. Ferris will go with Subaru next. After all, I still have to treat Grandpa Wil on the road. Oh, right.”
Ferris finished speaking and looked at Subaru.
“I forgot to mention something: Rem won't be coming along... To be precise, she should return to the Royal Capital with Crusch-sama to recuperate. I need to make that clear first.” 】
。。。。。
〜Inside, the Theater〜
“...And then...”
Ram fell silent.
Next, Rem and Crusch's party would suffer an attack from the Sin Archbishop; Crusch would have her memory stolen, and Rem's fate would be even worse.
The very existence of her memories would be stripped away.
“...Sister-sama, what happened to Subaru-kun after that?”
Rem asked Ram.
“Barusu has constantly been searching for a way to wake Rem up, and... and he has forged ahead through trials like the hero in Rem's heart.”
Hearing this, Rem smiled forlornly.
It was wonderful that Rem held a place in Subaru-kun's heart, and that he hadn't given up afterward.
But...
I'm sorry, Subaru-kun. I can no longer stay by your side.
—
【 “As for Rem... Rem will be fine! Subaru-kun is heading to a dangerous place next; how can Rem not accompany him...”
Ferris retorted:
“Saying that is useless. Aren't you unable to move? You almost single-handedly suppressed the White Whale, and you used advanced magic multiple times in succession... Right now, Little Rem's body is severely depleted and in a state of mana exhaustion. As a healer, Little Ferri won't allow you to push yourself any further. Do you understand?”
“But... Rem doesn't want this. This is too painful, utterly unbearable. Rem hopes that when Subaru-kun is in trouble, the first person to offer him a helping hand is Rem. Rem hopes that when Subaru-kun is lost, Rem is the person who can push Subaru-kun forward from behind. When Subaru-kun wants to challenge something, Rem wants to be by Subaru-kun's side to stop him from trembling. This is Rem's, this is Rem's only wish, so...”
“If that's the case, then you truly don't need to worry.”
Subaru said while gently stroking Rem's head:
“We hold hands no matter what, and you've already given me many pushes. Even if I tremble, it's fine as long as I trust you... You've saved me far too many times.”
“...Ah.”
“Relax, Rem. I will find a way to solve all the problems. I am your hero. I have already resolved to take the first step toward this. So, you absolutely don't need to worry.”
Rem was crying, her cheeks flushed red.
Subaru smiled:
“Even the White Whale was taken down by me. Your hero is supernaturally assisted, isn't he?”
“Subaru-kun... Yes. Rem's hero is the best in the world.”
Rem cried and smiled.
Then the scene shifted, and Subaru rode Patrasche, advancing alongside the Witch Cult subjugation force.
It seemed he had already parted ways with Rem. 】
。。。。。
〜Inside, the Theater〜
“Sigh, that was the last thing Rem, who had her memories, said to Subaru.”
Beatrice felt a little melancholy.
If viewed through the philosophical idea that memory constitutes “I,” this was Rem's last word to Subaru before her death.
“...Well, see you later for now, Big Sis-in-law.”
Garfiel said.
“Though that sounds a bit grammatically awkward, I won't say anything.”
Otto gave a wry smile.
“Hmm... According to memory, I should appear next... Ah, no, it's my friend 'Yuri' who appears.”
Yuriusu said something that sounded strange.
—
【 The figure riding the blue ground dragon gradually became visible.
This was clearly not the friend named “Yuri” that Yuriusu mentioned; it was none other than the Finest Knight, Yuriusu Yukuriusu.
“...Why is it you?” Subaru asked testily.
“That's quite an excessive tone to take when facing reinforcements. See? You really haven't changed at all.” Yuriusu gazed at Subaru.
“To think you only show up now to meet us, Yuriusu sure puts on airs, nya. Just a few hours ago, we were fighting for our lives.” Ferris said.
“I am truly ashamed to hear you say that. However, please allow me to correct you, Ferris. I am not the person named Yuriusu. Let me see... I shall call myself Yuri.”
“…?”
“I am merely offering a hypothetical: a person who holds the status of a knight cannot join a group composed of hired individuals; falling into the role of a mercenary is something that absolutely cannot happen. In other words, the fact that the knight named Yuriusu Yukuriusu joined the 'Iron Fang' does not exist. The man standing here is a man named Yuri. And then...” Yuriusu looked at Subaru.
“I must offer you my thanks.”
“...Huh?”
“This White Whale subjugation battle was originally a long-held ambition that should have been fulfilled by the Royal Guard. You are the one who ended the calamity that various nations have neglected for so long, and I wish to express my gratitude to you.” 】
。。。。。
〜Inside, the Theater〜
“That's wonderful. Are you going to make up?”
Emilia clapped her hands and smiled.
“Yes, Emilia-sama. It was right here that Subaru and I eased our rather tense relationship. Although neither Subaru nor I explicitly said so.”
Yuriusu replied.
—
【 “Ah... ah. That, that was my fault... Damn it, I was wrong. Ah, blast it, that's not what I wanted to say. Even back then, I felt it was me... my fault. I'm sorry, I... I apologize.” Subaru rubbed his forehead, seemingly about to apologize for the past.
“I am the one who should apologize. I will not retract everything I said and did at that time, but I still wish to express my heartfelt apology for momentarily insulting you.”
“...I'm sorry. But... I hate you the most—I feel like I was the wrong one, and I'm grateful that you're willing to help now, but I just hate you the most. I genuinely, from the bottom of my heart, super hate you!”
Yuriusu merely smiled:
“That's right. Because I don't believe we can be friends either.” 】
。。。。。
〜Inside, the Theater〜
“You two are so unforthcoming.”
Emilia said, smiling.
“Yuriusu and Subaru are tsundere, nya.”
Ferris teased.
—
【... But regardless, it seemed they had to rest and prepare for the Witch Cult subjugation battle.
After the entire team had assembled, Subaru drifted into sleep.
On the screen, several butterflies fluttered past.
Is this Natsuki Subaru's dream?
What will happen in the dream?
“Hey! Wake up! It’s already morning! Wake up, Subaru-sama!” A familiar voice rang out.
It sounded like Petra's voice. 】
。。。。