[ "Th-that... about the benefits... C-can't you just... help me out of kindness..."
Natsuki Subaru once again said something astonishing. ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"He's really... hopeless."
Ferris was utterly speechless.
"Don't tell me, Mr. Natsuki wasn't speaking to Miss Crusch as a negotiator, but simply as a petitioner, someone begging for help?"
Otto said.
If that's the case, why on earth would she help you unconditionally?
Are you a family member or a dear friend?
Sigh, Mr. Natsuki at that time is truly hard to describe.
—
[ "To think you could have us dispatch troops for that reason alone is far too naive, wouldn't you say?" Crusch on the screen said so as well.
"Ah, right. For example, if you could help us get through this crisis, you could sell us a huge favor or something..."
"If I were to accept this proposal, Emilia would forfeit her qualification for the selection. Do you understand what your words imply? To completely throw the crisis of your own domain onto another lord to handle is no longer a question of being fit to be king. One who cannot protect the people of their own domain with law and military might has no right to bear the fate of the nation. If we were to sell you a favor in this incident, it would mean the defeat of the Emilia Camp. Do you truly agree to these terms?"
"...But, even so... I still wish to borrow your strength."
"...Even if it means Emilia will withdraw from the Royal Selection?"
"It's better than losing our lives. Once you're dead, it's all over."
Subaru shrugged, looking dejected. ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Sigh. In that case, doesn't it make no difference whether you help or not? It would be better not to help."
Anastasia said.
That is indeed the case. If she helped, the Emilia Camp would lose all face, with no hope in the Royal Selection. The Crusch Camp would have one less competitor.
If she didn't help, the Emilia Camp would be wiped out, making the Royal Selection even more impossible for them. The Crusch Camp would still have one less competitor.
Furthermore, if she really did this, she might even be suspected of forcing the Emilia Camp to withdraw. Such an act could attract the vigilance of the other camps. If something like that were to happen, then it would be even more of a reason not to help the Emilia Camp.
—
[ "I understand. In that case, House Karsten will not lend you a single soldier."
The disgraceful Subaru failed spectacularly once again.
.....
After the great failure, Subaru sought out other royal candidates, hoping to receive aid.
And the first one he chose was the Felt Camp.
He arrived at the Astrea household.
And the ones who received Subaru were an old couple... ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Grimm and Carol."
Wilhelm softly spoke their names.
"Sigh, time is unforgiving. They've become like... this."
Roswaal said.
"...My apologies, Subaru."
Reinhard offered an apology.
At this time, I should have been taking Lady Felt to my family home.
"It seems the kind-hearted Sword Saint most likely to agree wasn't even there."
Anastasia said, looking at Reinhard.
—
[ "The young master left with Lady Felt and his family two days ago and is currently on his way to the main family house. If it is an urgent matter, we do have a way to relay a message..."
The words of the two old warriors confirmed the fact that Reinhard was not present.
Perhaps considering the distance was too great, Subaru gave up.
.....
"The moment you see this mansion, you know the owner has an extremely strong desire for self-expression, no need to ask around at all... This couldn't be the previous owner's hobby, could it? How pitiful."
Next, Subaru arrived at another mansion.
"Don't say that, this really is the Princess's hobby. The construction speed back then was super fast. Although I pity the people who worked through the night, what complaints can you have when you're getting hit in the face with large bags of gold coins?"
"Hey, that's not the same as getting slapped with banknotes, don't make it sound so simple. Getting hit in the face with large bags of gold coins counts as assault."
"Hahahahaha."
The man standing before Subaru laughed heartily at his retort.
That was Al. ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"This luxurious mansion, it really is the Princess's. I didn't expect you to find the Princess, brother."
Al said.
"Oh? Interesting. I shall see what tricks this clown can perform for me."
Priscilla said with a smile.
—
[ "Alright, you have taken up my precious morning reading time... I trust you have something interesting to say, something at least more amusing than the book I was just reading."
On the screen, Priscilla crossed her legs, a mocking smile on her face.
"...Emilia, who is a fellow candidate in the Royal Selection, is in a predicament. To help her escape it, I hope you can lend me your strength."
Then Subaru began his explanation. Finally, he spoke of the main culprit:
"It's the Witch Cult. If we let those people run rampant, countless people will suffer. Emilia won't be the only victim. I want to defeat them before a tragedy occurs, and for that, I hope you can help..."
"Pfft. Hahahaha! Interesting! You, you are truly interesting. I see, this is indeed more thrilling than the book I was reading. If clowns could be like you, they would have mastered their craft to the pinnacle!"
"...What's so funny?"
"Not even knowing the reason, how comical. I don't know if you're lost or what, but what you're doing is tantamount to listing your own camp's weaknesses to the other camps, one by one. It's a purely self-defeating act that benefits the enemy. You've said all this, worrying about your lack of forces... and you really think that will convince others to help you? How naive can you be? You like to be unconventional, that's fine. But you're too thoughtless, completely brainless. Instead of saving people, you push your friends to the brink and let the enemy profit... Your actions are nothing but a hindrance. You'd be of more benefit to your allies if you were dead. However, despite suffering such cruel treatment, you still think of laying down your life for your master. That loyalty is your only redeeming quality. And so... I have decided to give you a chance."
"...A ch-chance?"
"That's right, a chance. What you would call a 'Chance'." ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"This is truly comical, hahaha!"
The Priscilla outside the screen also found it comical.
"Your pronunciation is a little off, Princess."
Al muttered under his breath.
Although no one present understood this otherworldly language, it was clear that Al had taught it to her.
"Then... what kind of chance... Eh? Eeeeeh—?!"
Natsuki Subaru watched the scene before him, stammering incoherently.
—
[ "Lick it." Priscilla on the screen did something that shocked the entire audience.
She took off her shoe, revealing her bare foot, and extended it in front of Subaru.
"Get on the ground and savor the taste of shame and humiliation. You are to lick my foot like a filthy mutt, like an infant suckling its mother's milk. If you can do that, then I shall consider your proposal." ]
.....