"What, are you scared, Otto?" Natsuki Subaru laughed, slapping the merchant's back so hard he nearly knocked the skinny young man off the sofa.
"Being scared is just a merchant's way of assessing risk beforehand, it's a necessary professional quality!" Otto protested, flustered.
Just then, Frederica cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention back to her. The atmosphere in the room immediately grew serious.
"What I am about to say is classified information regarding the Cremaldy Sanctuary..." Frederica began, then suddenly lifted her skirt in a standard curtsy. When she looked up again, a complex light swirled in her emerald-green eyes. "First, the Sanctuary's location..." She took out a faded parchment map. "From Arlam Village, one must travel through the northern ancient forest path. But the most critical part is the Cremaldy Lost Woods... The Sanctuary uses a special barrier for its protection."
She then unfolded another part of the map, which was covered in a complex magical array. "The barrier distorts one's sense of direction and repels outsiders. Even the most experienced guide will become completely lost in the forest."
Emilia couldn't help but ask, "If there's a barrier blocking the way, how are we supposed to get through? We can't just charge in and rely on luck, can we?"
"Don't worry about that, Emilia-tan." Natsuki Subaru turned to Frederica with a grin. "Since Frederica knows so much about the Sanctuary, she must have a way, right?"
"As expected of Subaru-sama, you see things so clearly." Frederica nodded slightly and took an exquisite item from her robes, presenting it to Emilia. "This is the pass."
Emilia took the necklace, which was adorned with a transparent blue gemstone, and looked at it with confusion.
"With this token, you can safely pass through the barrier of the Lost Woods and enter the Sanctuary," Frederica explained, a flicker of complex emotion in her eyes. She paused, her hands unconsciously clasped before her chest. "The place and the qualification are now met. What is needed next... is sufficient resolve and one final, important warning. There is a name you must all remember upon your arrival... Please, be extremely careful of a man named Garfiel. In the Sanctuary, he will be the one you must approach with the most caution. If possible... try to avoid direct conflict with him."
"Garfiel?" Emilia repeated, a puzzled expression on her face.
Subaru repeated the name under his breath, information from the original story flashing through his mind. If I remember correctly, Garfiel is Frederica's half-brother, a quarter beast-man, and grew up in the Sanctuary. His nickname is the 'Shield of the Sanctuary.' In the original story, he claims to be the strongest man under Roswaal, with power that rivals even top-tier knights like Julius, and perhaps even the Sword Demon, Wilhelm.
A troublesome opponent, if this were a day ago, Subaru thought, a smirk touching his lips. But now, at level 60, Garfiel poses no threat at all. Besides, my main target on this trip isn't him, but that master schemer, Roswaal.
"Wait!" Emilia's purple eyes widened. "Frederica, you're not coming with us? Then who will guide us?"
"I'm very sorry, Lady Emilia, but I must stay behind to guard the mansion."
"Not only me, Rem and I will both be staying here," Frederica added. "Going to the Sanctuary is your mission, Lady Emilia, and yours, Subaru-sama. Our duty as maids is to protect this place."
"Rem is staying at the mansion as well?" Subaru looked at the blue-haired maid, this arrangement catching him by surprise.
"Yes. A letter from Lord Roswaal specifically instructed us to maintain the mansion's daily upkeep," Rem confirmed calmly. "Sister Ram is already at the Sanctuary, so Frederica and I will remain here."
This seemingly reasonable arrangement... the calculation behind it is so obvious. Subaru's eyes narrowed. He's deliberately sending me and Emilia away to create an opportunity for the Bowel Hunter, Elsa, and Meili to attack the mansion. He wants to force me into a cruel choice between two impossible options. What a complete madman. He recalled Roswaal's true goal: to use this brutal dilemma to force him to understand the willingness to sacrifice some for the sake of a greater goal, thereby making him a more useful pawn in the plan to resurrect Echidna.
Too bad for you, Roswaal. You're underestimating me. A cold glint flashed in Subaru's eyes. I already have a counter-plan. He glanced at Rem's shadow. Hidden there were several of his elite shadow soldiers. These guards, formed from pure shadow energy, will protect Rem and Frederica 24/7. The moment Elsa shows her face, I'll sense it through them, and with [Shadow Exchange], I can return to the mansion in an instant. A confident smirk appeared on his face. The current Elsa is no longer a threat. This time, I will shatter your disgusting script!
"Well... that makes sense," Emilia said, finally understanding. "If Frederica left too, there would be no one to look after the mansion. It's true that someone should stay behind."
"Alright, we've noted all the important points," Emilia said, nodding seriously as she carefully tucked the necklace inside her collar. "We'll be sure to keep it safe, Frederica."
"Then I leave the matter of the Sanctuary in your care, Subaru-sama, Lady Emilia," Frederica said with an elegant curtsy. "And please, remember the warning about Garfiel."
"Leave it to us," Subaru said, giving a thumbs-up and a reassuring smile. "I've memorized all of Frederica's instructions. Be extra careful of Garfiel, right? I'll be sure to watch out."
"Okay, Garfiel. I'll remember the name," Emilia repeated earnestly.
"The two of you should depart soon," Frederica said, looking at the sky outside. "The Lost Woods becomes extremely dangerous at night."
At the mansion's entrance, Natsuki Subaru and Emilia climbed into the dragon carriage Otto had prepared.
"Well then, we're leaving the mansion in your hands, Rem, Frederica," Subaru said, turning on the carriage step and waving to the two maids.
"Leave it to Rem, Subaru-kun," Rem replied, her blue eyes filled with a gentle smile.
"Please rest assured," Frederica added with a curtsy. "All matters of the mansion will be handled properly, as per Lord Roswaal's instructions. And Subaru-sama, please be careful on your journey."
"I will pray for your safe return," Rem's voice drifted on the wind. "And please give my regards to Lord Roswaal and my sister."
"Got it." Subaru nodded, then suddenly turned back to Rem with a serious tone. "But before that, you have to promise me you'll take good care of yourself, too, Rem."
Rem was taken aback for a moment, then covered her mouth with a light giggle. "Oh, Subaru-kun..."
"I'm serious," he insisted, thinking to himself, A Rem this cute, considerate, and gentle... who wouldn't fall for her?
"Subaru-sama, please be sure to protect Lady Emilia," Frederica called out. She glanced at Otto in the driver's seat. "As for that gentleman with the weak presence... please do your best as well."
"Is my evaluation really that harsh...?" Otto protested from the driver's seat. "What do you mean, weak presence! I'm the important driver and guide for this trip, you know!" His complaint was met with light giggles from Emilia and Rem.
As the carriage began to move, Natsuki Subaru inadvertently glanced up, his eyes catching a fleeting glimpse of a golden figure in a second-floor window.
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Unfortunately, two of our stories were removed... so I created a new account to post them: MikuDayo.
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