Chapter 84 – Like a Hero
"Subaru, I'm coming in~"
As Felix pushed open the door, his smiling expression froze for a moment.
Seeing Subaru Natsuki sprawled out on the floor, he asked with a puzzled look:
"What are you doing?"
"Seriously, at least get my permission before coming in. I'm working out—because I'm bored." Subaru looked at Felix helplessly.
"Working out? That's a strange way to exercise. Does it really have any effect?"
"It works. This is how we train where I'm from. Anyway, did you need something from me, Felix?"
"Of course, I came for your treatment. Don't tell me you forgot?"
"No way, I didn't forget. But you never told me when it would happen."
Felix scratched his cheek with an awkward smile as he looked at Subaru's deadpan expression.
"I thought I already did."
"You really don't seem reliable… So, what do I need to do for the treatment?"
"Hmm, Subaru, just sit on the bed. Oh, and take off your shirt."
"I need to take my shirt off?"
Seeing Subaru's surprised expression, a slightly embarrassed look appeared on Felix's face.
"Subaru, are you getting shy?"
"…"
"It's fine. We're both guys, there's nothing to be embarrassed about."
"Yeah, we're both guys, so there's nothing to be… Wait a minute."
As Subaru started to take off his shirt, he suddenly froze, eyes wide as he stared at Felix. Though he didn't say a word, his expression clearly showed what he was thinking.
"Ah, did I never mention it? Even though I look this cute, I'm actually a guy, you know?"
"You're not joking?"
"Not joking."
"…"
Subaru twitched at the corners of his mouth as he closely examined Felix—delicate face, cute cat ears and tail, outfit, behavior—no matter how you looked at it, he didn't seem like a man. And he couldn't see an Adam's apple, either.
"Stop staring. Want me to take it all off to prove it?"
"No no no no! That's not necessary!" Subaru waved his hands in panic, then quickly took off his shirt and sat on the bed, waiting for the treatment.
"Well then, here I go, Subaru~~"
"Please don't say things that are so easy to misinterpret in that kind of voice!"
"Hahaha, Subaru, your reactions are really funny."
Felix put away his grin and sat behind Subaru on the bed.
"All right, starting the treatment now."
"Okay."
With those words, Subaru felt Felix press gently against his back.
Before he could say anything, a tingling sensation spread through his body.
Realizing the treatment had begun, Subaru put aside all other thoughts and quietly waited for it to finish.
As time passed, the tingling feeling gradually faded. Subaru knew the treatment was almost over.
But something felt off—Felix's hand… was gently caressing his back?
"Felix?"
"I wouldn't have guessed. Subaru, you've got a really nice body. Not overly bulky, but your muscles are toned and defined."
"Really? I never noticed… but, uh, is your hand part of the treatment?"
"Of course, it's part of the treatment."
"Then why does it feel so weird?"
"You're overthinking it."
"Oh…"
"Oh, right—Subaru, I've got a few things I'd like to ask you."
"What kind of questions?"
"Why were your injuries so severe? Your body has wounds all over from magical beasts—not just on the surface, even internally."
In response to Felix's curiosity, Subaru shrugged.
"It's nothing much. Just injuries I got while trying to save people."
"Ehhh~ really? I don't want to sound rude, but with your level of ability, going to save people alone—isn't that a death wish?"
"Of course I was scared. But at that moment, I was the only one who could act."
"What about Roswaal, the Margrave?"
"He wasn't there."
"What about Lady Emilia and her spirit partner?"
"…"
Subaru turned to look at the curious Felix and let out a long sigh.
He then slowly began explaining how he came to this world.
After all, it wasn't something he couldn't talk about—as long as he left out the parts he absolutely shouldn't mention.
As Subaru seriously recounted his experiences, the treatment had already ended.
Yet Felix still hadn't moved away from his back—he had become unknowingly absorbed in the story.
With Subaru continuing at a calm pace, the sky outside gradually dimmed into evening.
After finally finishing his lengthy account, Subaru spoke up.
"All right, that's everything. Can I put my shirt back on now?"
"Yes, yes."
Realizing it a bit late, Felix moved away from Subaru's back and watched as Subaru got off the bed and put his shirt back on.
His expression had changed slightly as he looked at Subaru.
"Hearing it all, it really sounded like a story."
"Well, stories are basically just the polished versions of people's experiences."
"True. Still, Subaru, you really don't want to join Lady Crusch's camp? Honestly, I'd feel a lot more at ease if you did."
"Didn't I already say? I have things I need to do—I can't tie myself to any one faction."
"Well, that's just how you feel now. Feelings change over time, you know. When they do, promise me you'll pick our side first."
"Well… we'll see when the time comes."
"Listening to your story, I really feel like you've had a run of bad luck."
"Yeah, pretty unlucky. But still, I managed to save some people, so it's not all bad."
"You really are like a hero from a story, Subaru. But you should care more about yourself.
Even if I didn't witness it myself, and you made it sound like no big deal—I know what you went through wasn't easy. Otherwise, you wouldn't need my treatment."
"…Enough of that. I'm hungry, and all that talking made me really thirsty."
Felix looked out the window, then nodded.
"Okay, let's go eat together."
"What about Rem?"
"Hmm, she's a maid, right? Maids aren't supposed to eat with us."
"Is that so? But I'm a servant too. Shouldn't that mean I can't eat with you either?"
"You're different, Subaru. Though I'm a little jealous, Lady Crusch sees you as a guest.
Who knows, you might even be our colleague someday."
"I think I'll just eat with Rem. But thanks for the offer. Just tell me where we should go."
Felix looked at Subaru's serious expression, nodded, and told him the location of the dining room. Then the two left the room together.