Chapter 68: In the Middle of the Ice and Snow Festival
Winter arrived early—though only around the mansion, it was still quite good. It allowed Puck to escape his mana eruption period, and let the people in the mansion and the village have a great time.
The mansion grounds were covered in snow, and many villagers were building snowmen and making sculptures.
This event was organized by Subaru Natsuki.
Naturally, since it was an event, there were prizes.
Subaru had originally planned to use his own salary as the prize, but Roswaal insisted on providing prizes as a unilateral reward.
"This is quite fun, Subaru," said Puck, who was sitting on Subaru's shoulder, watching the lively scene. Not far away, Emilia was wearing a cloak and sculpting, her mood visibly lifted as well.
"Ah, it's really fun," Puck said.
Puck glanced curiously at Subaru's profile, but saw that Subaru's gaze was fixed ahead as if looking at something only he could see.
Puck fell silent.
He could sense Subaru's inner emotions, and amidst all the laughter and joy, Subaru alone had feelings too complex and indescribable.
"Subaru, aren't you joining in?"
"Hm, I have to be a judge, so I won't," Subaru replied.
"Subaru."
"What is it?"
"We're friends, right? If you have something on your mind, you can talk to me."
Upon hearing this, Subaru smiled, but Puck could tell there was no real happiness inside him.
Over the time they had spent together, Puck had already understood the hidden emotions within Subaru, but he was powerless to help.
All he could do was wait—wait for the day Subaru would confide in him and, meanwhile, help him as best he could.
"It's not really something I can't say... I just miss home," Subaru said.
"I see..."
"Enough of this. Let's go score everyone's works. I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone made."
"Alright."
Standing up, Subaru took his score sheet and began moving among the creations.
The villagers greeted him with calls of "Subaru-sama," and many pieces were evaluated.
"Hm, so far Petra's work has the highest score."
"That's because Subaru helped a bit. Your craftsmanship is really good, Subaru."
"Well, I just messed around a little. But Puck, what do you think of this piece?"
Subaru looked at the sculpture in front of him, unable to tell what it was supposed to be.
Its shape was bizarre beyond description.
"Hm, it's subtle... I think it's supposed to be the World Tree..."
Puck and Subaru's eyes turned to Emilia nearby, hoping for an answer, and saw her make an annoyed expression as she pointed at her work.
"This is Puck!"
"Puck, that's you!"
"I heard that. But if you keep trying not to laugh, I might actually make a full-sized ice sculpture of Subaru."
"Please don't. I don't want to be an exhibit at such a wonderful event. Okay, let's score it."
Subaru glanced at Emilia's expectant expression, sighed, and said,
"Even if you look at me like that, I can't give you a high score. Five points is already for friendship's sake. Keep trying."
Saying this, Subaru turned and left, leaving Puck and Emilia behind.
"Hmph, it really looks like you," Emilia muttered.
Puck smiled, speechless, then his eyes lit up.
"Let's make another one. This time, with my help, we'll make something that'll surprise Subaru."
Hearing this, Emilia thought for a moment and nodded with motivation—after all, seeing Subaru's shocked face would be interesting.
"Yes! Puck, let's work hard together!"
"Leave it to me!"
Unaware of all this, Subaru finished scoring many works after walking through most of the event.
Yet, he hadn't noticed Beatrice anywhere.
Sighing helplessly, Subaru turned back toward the mansion. In the hallway, he saw Beatrice standing by the window, looking out at the scenery.
"Beatrice, you're here."
"Is there something you need?"
"Yeah, something very important!"
Beatrice turned to look at Subaru, whose expression suddenly grew very serious.
At first, Beatrice thought he was here to ask her to come play, but seeing his face, she also grew serious.
Beatrice fell silent, waiting for Subaru to continue, and saw the regret and pain in his eyes.
"I'm the organizer of this event. Besides wanting to help Puck with his mana eruption period, I also wanted to see everyone's works. But after wandering below for a long time, I still haven't found the piece I most want to see.
"This is very important to me, so Beatrice, please come down and join us. I really want to see your work! If I don't, I'll die with regrets!"
Hearing this, Beatrice looked at Subaru with a deadpan expression, thinking he was being overly dramatic.
"Hmph, since you're begging, I'll graciously make a piece for you to see. You better appreciate Betty's mercy."
"Ah, I will. Beatrice, please this way."
Successfully calling Beatrice out to join, Subaru brought her to Emilia and Puck, only to find them talking quietly.
Just as Subaru was about to ask, he heard a sound from behind. Turning, he saw Beatrice already starting to work on a piece—but using magic.
"Beatrice," Subaru said.
"What is it?"
"Isn't using magic cheating? I want to see a work made by Beatrice's own hands."
Beatrice glanced at Subaru, snorted, and dispelled the magic.
"This is the only time I'll make an exception."
"Thank you so much, Beatrice. I'll look forward to seeing it later."
Subaru left the spot and continued inspecting new works in the area, when children from the village pulled him to their piece.
This time Subaru understood Puck's feelings earlier—they had sculpted Subaru himself.
Although it didn't look very much like him, it was at least humanoid. The sword they made was the best part.
After scoring the children's work, Subaru left amid their complaints, then came across a piece that left him at a loss for words.
"Subaru-kun, this is the best work by Rem and her sister."
"Hmph, if it weren't for Rem insisting, Barusu wouldn't have had a chance to participate."
Listening to their conversation, Subaru looked at the sculpture and shuddered with chills. Though well-made, it bizarrely combined him and Roswaal.
The eerie feeling was off the charts.
"Three points."
"Huh?!"
"Barusu, are you getting revenge?"
"Revenge my foot! The craftsmanship is good, but this piece is disgusting!"
"That's because Rem insisted on adding your disgusting elements, Barusu!"
"Is that my fault?"
"What are you two doing~~~ let me join too…"
The three turned to see Roswaal standing behind them.
Although still dressed like a clown, his usual smile had vanished, replaced by a calm expression that felt unsettling.
Subaru covered his face and asked,
"Lord Roswaal, how many points would you give this piece?"
"Two points."