[ "You shall once again obtain the qualification…" A voice rang out, without anyone opening their mouth to speak. "Let me invite you then—to attend the Witches' tea party."
The voice invited him once more, or rather, Echidna invited Subaru once again to attend the Witches' tea party.
The world gradually shifted, the pitch-black graveyard transforming into a small hill of green meadows.
Then, looking down, he found himself sitting on a white chair. Looking up again, a pure white table sat before him, and across the table sat Echidna, likewise seated. ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Te… Teacher."
Roswaal's cheeks flushed slightly.
"Mother."
Beatrice looked at Echidna with deep longing.
—
[ "That's not the right way to describe it. After all, you're actually an earthbound spirit who hasn't attained Buddhahood for over four hundred years." Subaru started his habit of talking to himself again, speaking to Echidna in this manner.
"We've only just reunited, and you're already treating me like a ghost. What a way to say hello. Besides, I miss being nineteen. My appearance should be that of a young girl who matches you quite well."
"Passing away at nineteen, that's pretty heavy… I shouldn't make fun of the deceased. I'm sorry."
"Why are you being so polite? Though I'd like to say that doesn't sound like you, our relationship isn't quite that deep yet." ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Eh? Why is he so calm?"
Emilia was a bit dazed.
It wasn't that she wished for Subaru to remain in pain, but he had been in so much agony just moments ago, and now he was so calm. It felt far too strange.
"Could the lad have turned into some kind of monster who can perfectly control his emotions?"
Felt asked.
"The only explanation is that the Witch of Greed is helping Subaru calm down,"
Yuriusu said.
"Still, passing away at such a young age. It's quite sad to think about… Ah, not that I'm empathizing with a Witch."
Otto said.
—
[ "It is very rare to invite the same guest to a tea party twice. You can be proud of that, you know."
"How can a host say something like that to a guest with a straight face? What if I refuse to thank you properly? What would you do then?"
"Oh? Does that mean you originally intended to thank me properly?"
"Ugh… I… should have… gone mad in the graveyard… but right now I'm very calm, I just feel uncomfortable. That's only normal."
"What is there to be uncomfortable about? Inviting you to the tea party wasn't purely out of malice. If I hadn't done so, your heart would have shattered long ago… You should be self-aware of this, shouldn't you?" ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"It seems to be just as Yuriusu said. The Witch of Greed used some method to calm Natsuki's mind."
Anastasia said.
"So this Witch actually saved the lad's mind? Pretty capable of her."
Felt nodded.
—
[ "So, this time, let me properly hear your gratitude again—well, go ahead and say it." Echidna smiled, puffing out her chest.
"Um… the reason my condition recovered as soon as I got here is that I drank your tea?"
"Mm, yes. It acted on your Witch Factors in the form of tea, promoting mental stability. This effect won't disappear even after you leave the tea party… By the way, where is my gratitude?"
"I see, that makes me feel a bit relieved. Can I assume this effect remains even after I return to the outside?"
"It is a matter of mental state, after all. If you've already calmed down… then as long as you remember what happened here, you should be able to keep your mind calm even when you return outside the dream. Ah, and my gratitude?" ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"No matter what, this indeed deserves a lot of thanks. Subaru should at least say something."
Emilia said.
"A Witch who keeps begging for gratitude… actually seems rather amusing."
Old Man Rom remarked.
"Ah? But if Natsuki-san leaves this place, he will forget everything that happened here. What should he do then?"
On the other side, Otto expressed concern over Echidna's final words.
—
[ "Echidna, is there a way to rewrite the oath?" It seemed Subaru was also trying to find a solution.
"Hm?"
"Is there a way for me not to forget you after leaving here? As long as the oath makes me forget you, my mind might break again, right?"
"That is true, but…"
"And it's not just a matter of my mind. Even without that problem, I want to remember you."
"Huh?"
In the next moment, Subaru lifted his rear from the chair, propping his hands on the table to lean his face close to Echidna.
"So, if you need a price, make any other demands you want. In return—don't hide in my memories."
"O-Okay…" Echidna looked somewhat flustered, even blushing slightly. ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Your flirting skills are getting better and better, Barusu."
Ram couldn't help but comment.
"Eh? Huh? What's going on?"
Emilia was a bit confused.
"Lil'Bro's choice of words is really easy to misunderstand."
Al said.
"Subaru, though we are allies, you should still watch your behavior toward Teacher. Mind your manners."
Roswaal narrowed his eyes, speaking in a deep voice. Mana gathered slightly around him.
"Does the Boss really want to take in another woman? This self doesn't like this woman at all."
Garfiel said.
"And what was with the Witch of Greed blushing at the end!"
Otto pointed at the blushing Echidna on the screen.
—
[ "You said it! That's a huge help! You're not allowed to go back on your word!"
"I wouldn't do something so shameless. Though I wouldn't do it… I do think you're being a bit unfair."
Subaru tilted his head in confusion. Seeing this, Echidna turned her face away.
Then, she gestured for Subaru to sit down.
"In any case, I understand what you mean. Sit down first, let's have a proper chat."
"Mm… well, I don't really have the time. By the way, let's solve the matter of the oath first…"
"I hope you don't misunderstand, Natsuki Subaru," Echidna said calmly.
"Huh?"
"Rewriting the oath is indeed not a difficult task. I don't dislike how you confidently say things that are hard to say. However, I hope you understand your position when you speak. This is my domain. If you are too willful, it will cause me to lose face. Having been invited to the tea party, you must observe the etiquette of a guest. That makes sense, doesn't it?" ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Exactly, that's how it should be. Let Subaru realize his position, his identity. Realize that he should respect you."
Roswaal spoke rapidly, saying words that, at first glance, didn't seem like his usual style.
"After all, setting aside whether they are hostile or not, Subaru's attitude toward the Witch of Greed is indeed far too rude."
Yuriusu said.
—
[ "The guest's… etiquette, meaning…"
"It's very simple. I am the host, you are the guest. As long as your behavior fits your role." Echidna slowly reached out her hand, pointing to the steaming cup in front of the table.
It looked somewhat familiar. Was this Echidna's bodily fluid?
Was Echidna trying to make Subaru drink her bodily fluid again? ]
.....