"Garfiel's easygoing nature really isn't bad..."
Natsuki Subaru secretly shook his head, complaining inwardly.
He was the one who least wanted to free the Sanctuary, yet now he was acting as if he was sacrificing himself for a great cause.
But then again, no one had been able to pass the Sanctuary's trial for hundreds of years.
This guy probably didn't believe Emilia could succeed at all.
"This old woman heard that Gar-bo brought outsiders in again..."
Just then, a clear voice came from the doorway.
Everyone turned to look, only to see a small figure, similar in height to Garfiel, standing there.
Long pink hair cascaded like a waterfall, a doll-like delicate face bore a gentle smile, and characteristic long, pointed ears subtly appeared in the candlelight.
These features allowed Natsuki Subaru to immediately recognize her as the elf girl he had met in the forest before.
Natsuki Subaru keenly sensed something was off.
Although their appearances were identical, the aura of the girl before him was completely different.
The one he had met in the forest before was practically a robot, expressionless.
The pink-haired girl before him, however, had rich facial expressions, exuded an aged composure, and every gesture revealed a calm demeanor that came from having weathered many changes, forming a stark contrast with her small, cute appearance.
"It seems this isn't the same person I met before..."
Natsuki Subaru quickly analyzed in his mind.
Speaking of which, Ryuzu Bilma, along with Alma, Shima, and Delma, were the first four Ryuzu clones.
Although she looked only about 12 years old, her actual age exceeded 400 years. As products of the Witch of Greed Echidna's experiments, these clones held important responsibilities in the Sanctuary.
"Uhm, excuse me, who are you?"
Emilia curiously eyed the little girl before her, instinctively bending down to meet her gaze.
"My apologies for the delayed greeting, Lady Emilia." The pink-haired girl, Ryuzu Bilma, spoke with a mature tone utterly unsuited to her appearance, crossing her hands in front of her and performing a proper bow.
"This old woman is Ryuzu Bilma. I am a representative of this settlement, and as you can see from my appearance, I'm just an old bag of bones."
"Old woman? Are you very old?"
Emilia's eyes widened in surprise as she straightened up.
The girl before her looked no older than twelve, dressed in a clearly oversized white robe, its sleeves and pant legs completely covering her limbs, adding to her childishness.
But this cute appearance formed a strong contrast with her aged demeanor and speech. She added, "Though it might be hard to believe, this old woman's age is indeed comparable to that of an elder."
Ryuzu Bilma, like a true elder, gently held her waist as she spoke to Garfiel:
"This clumsy Gar-bo, an old woman has arrived, won't you offer your seat?"
"She always hates being called an old lady, yet it's only at times like these that she puts on an elder's airs..."
Garfiel mumbled softly.
"What did you say?"
Ryuzu Bilma narrowed her eyes.
"Nothing."
Garfiel clicked his tongue, reluctantly getting up to offer his seat. He meticulously brushed dust from the chair, and even offered a hand to help Ryuzu sit down, his respectful demeanor as if serving an empress dowager.
"It seems Garfiel isn't called 'Gar-bo' for nothing..." Natsuki Subaru watched the scene, thinking inwardly, "The hot-headed Garfiel shows unusual respect towards Ryuzu."
"Miss Ryuzu..." Emilia hesitated, then spoke, "As the Sanctuary's administrator, can you really not let everyone leave the Sanctuary?"
"This old woman has no other way. Simply put, it means you, Lady Emilia, must accept our request and undo the barrier enclosing the Sanctuary." After Ryuzu settled down, her expression turned serious, her weathered eyes, incongruous with her appearance, fixed on Emilia.
"So you must undergo the trial. If it's not undone, no one can leave."
"Alright... I understand."
A middle-aged woman's words were cut off, drowned out by the surrounding villagers' agreement.
"Yes, thanks to Lord Subaru's foresight."
"We've always believed that following Lord Subaru would never be wrong..."
"Lord Subaru! It's truly wonderful that you're safe... Are the village and your people alright?"
The villagers looked at Natsuki Subaru with eyes full of trust.
"Don't worry!" Natsuki Subaru patted his chest, assuring the villagers, "The dangerous elements have all been driven away, and those who evacuated to the Royal Capital have returned to the village. No one was hurt, everyone is lively and well."
After all, the attacking Witch Cult and the Archbishop of Sloth had all been eliminated by him.
"That's wonderful!"
Hearing this good news, smiles of relief immediately bloomed on the villagers' faces.
Natsuki Subaru responded to the villagers' enthusiasm while surveying the Great Sanctuary.
The stone-built structure boasted a towering ceiling, its interior filled with cool air and a silent ambiance befitting its name, "Sanctuary."
To Natsuki Subaru, the atmosphere here was quite similar to a church's chapel from his previous life. The spacious grounds were enough to accommodate hundreds of displaced residents. Although living conditions were undoubtedly inconvenient, the villagers not only didn't complain but instead expressed their concerns
about their way out.
When Natsuki Subaru stepped into the Great Sanctuary, he immediately felt a distinct change in the atmosphere.
"Lord Subaru, we always believed you would come for us!"
"Lord Subaru, you speak too highly! If you hadn't warned us in advance, we might have all..."
"I'm really worried about the crops in the fields and the livestock at home."
"It's been too long since we've seen our children..."
"Is the Lord's injury serious? He was severely wounded protecting us..."
"Thanks to Lord Subaru... for protecting us..."
They weren't concerned about their own situation, but rather their distant families and Natsuki Subaru.
This pure concern strengthened Natsuki Subaru's resolve; he had come here precisely to put an end to this situation.
"Everyone, please listen to me!" Natsuki Subaru cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.
"As I just said, the dangerous elements attacking the village have all been driven away, and the other evacuation team has safely returned to the village, waiting for everyone to reunite."
"But..."
However, at the mention of returning home, uneasy expressions appeared on the villagers' faces.
This was understandable; they were well aware of the circumstances that forced them to remain in the Sanctuary, knew that Roswaal had been severely wounded for it, and understood that attempts to break the barrier had ultimately failed.
"As you all know, leaving here isn't easy." Natsuki Subaru looked at the crowd, raising his voice, and slowly said, this wasn't a bad change.
The previously quiet space suddenly surged with noise, cheers echoing through the hall.
"It's Lord Subaru! It really is Lord Subaru!"
The villagers excitedly surrounded him, their eyes gleaming with almost devout reverence.
"Everyone, calm down, I'm perfectly fine." Natsuki Subaru chuckled, raising both hands in a gesture, "Seeing you all safe fills me with relief. After all, I'm the one who asked everyone to evacuate here, if anything went wrong, I couldn't possibly forgive myself.
"But please don't worry, because someone is striving to challenge the trial to let everyone return home!"
"Someone... Could it be Lord Subaru himself?"
A villager couldn't help but ask.
"Everyone should know her — the Royal Selection candidate, Emilia. She will be the one to challenge the trial."
After all, in the original story, it was Emilia who completed the Sanctuary's trial.
With Natsuki Subaru's announcement, silence once again fell over the Great Sanctuary.
"But I will definitely pass the trial and let everyone safely leave the barrier."
At first, Emilia's voice trembled with uncertainty, but by the end, it grew increasingly resolute.
Natsuki Subaru waved towards the entrance. The silver-haired girl waiting there hesitated for a moment, then slowly walked out.
"Thank the Dragon God for His blessing, you are safe!"
"It's not me." Natsuki Subaru shook his head, paused briefly, and swept his gaze over everyone present.
Emilia's silver hair swayed gently in the breeze. Her cheeks were stiff from nervousness.
After standing beside Natsuki Subaru, she took a deep breath and surveyed the villagers present.
Facing the villagers without the concealment of the Recognition Obstruction Cloak required immense courage.
Emilia bit her lip, then bowed deeply:
"My... my sincerest apologies for making you all wait. I will challenge the Sanctuary's trial on behalf of the injured Lord Roswaal. Although I may not be worthy..."
Hearing Emilia's declaration, the villagers exchanged glances, their expressions complex.
Their relationship with Emilia had always been delicate.
After all, Emilia bore a resemblance to the legendary Witch of Envy, Satella, and had long endured prejudiced gazes.
However, after Natsuki Subaru successfully subjugated the White Whale, defeated the Archbishop of Greed, and became a hero of the kingdom, the Arlam Village residents' view of Emilia gradually changed.
As the liege to whom Knight Natsuki Subaru pledged loyalty, Emilia's prestige in their hearts also increased.
At this moment.
Emilia kept her head down, awaiting the villagers' reaction. Her tightly bitten lip revealed her inner fear, yet she was also prepared for rejection.
"Everyone." At this moment, the aged village elder, leaning on her cane, slowly walked out from the crowd and spoke to everyone. "This old woman has lived for most of her life and seen many people, but someone like Lord Subaru, willing to go through fire and water for insignificant villagers like us, is truly the first I've ever seen."
Then, the village elder deeply turned to Emilia, a kind smile appearing on her wrinkle-filled face. "And Lady Emilia is the liege whom Knight Natsuki Subaru is willing to protect with his life. Someone whom Lord Subaru pledges such loyalty to must possess noble qualities that we ordinary folk cannot perceive."
If Lord Subaru trusts Lady Emilia, then all of us, the villagers of Arlam, are willing to trust her without reservation!
"Indeed! Lady Emilia, whom even Lord Subaru acknowledges, will surely be able to lead us out of this predicament!"
"Lady Emilia, we believe in you!"
"We completely follow Lord Subaru's arrangements, so naturally, we also trust Lady Emilia!"
The villagers below nodded in agreement.
"Thank you... Thank you for your trust. I will make sure everyone returns safely to their loved ones."
Tears shimmered in Emilia's amethyst eyes.
She had never imagined that these villagers, who once shunned her, would now offer such fervent support.
This trust was more precious to her than any crown.
After nightfall, the Sanctuary was completely different from how it appeared in daylight.
This settlement, already desolate like a poor village, was dotted with only scattered lights after nightfall. Were it not for the faint glow emanating from various windows, walking outdoors would be almost solely by starlight.
Tonight, however, the bonfire lit in the center of the settlement was exceptionally bright, its flames illuminating the path to the tomb, adding an unusual aura to this ordinary night.
Natsuki Subaru and Emilia stood side by side before the tomb of the Witch of Greed, Echidna.
The silver-haired girl closed her eyes, receiving the blessings of the Lesser Spirits swirling around her. Upon sensing Natsuki Subaru's gaze, she slowly opened her amethyst-like eyes.
"Have you received all the Lesser Spirits' blessings?"
Natsuki Subaru asked softly.
"Mm, I've received them all." Emilia nodded, then revealed a slightly shy smile, "But... I still want one last one."
"My blessing, too?"
Natsuki Subaru immediately understood and took a step forward.
"Mm... I want Subaru's blessing," Emilia said, looking up at Natsuki Subaru. "Please."
"Listen carefully, Emilia." Natsuki Subaru gently placed his hands on Emilia's shoulders, looking directly into her amethyst eyes.
"You are much stronger than you think. Remember, no matter what happens, I'll be here waiting for you.
You can do it. Believe in yourself, Emilia, you are not fighting alone."
Although he knew Emilia would fail the first trial, Natsuki Subaru still poured all his trust and encouragement into these words.
"Thank you... Subaru."
Emilia's eyes teared up slightly, but then she gently smiled.
After receiving Natsuki Subaru's spirited encouragement, Emilia once again turned her gaze to the deep tomb entrance before her, her expression resolute.
Natsuki Subaru likewise gazed up at the ruins, which appeared even more eerie in the night.
Under the moonlight, the tomb gave off an ominous aura, completely different from its daytime appearance. Natsuki Subaru couldn't help but ask Emilia:
"Just considering the tomb itself, the eerie feeling at night is more than ten times stronger than in the daytime. It really looks like a scene from a horror movie... Seriously, Emilia, are you okay?"
"I am a little uneasy..." Emilia's voice was soft, yet it conveyed an unshakeable determination.
"But this is something I must accomplish. For everyone, for Subaru's encouragement, and for those who trust me."
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind them:
"That's quite the spirit. If you weren't like this, this old man and he wouldn't have much to look forward to~"
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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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