Chapter 108: End of the Conversation
"That's right. You are merely a servant in Roswaal's mansion, but whether you plan to leave in the future or not, for now, you are inevitably branded as part of Emilia's camp.
Moreover, your behavior in the royal capital has led almost everyone to consider you as one of Emilia's followers. It's not something that can be changed just because you say otherwise.
And besides, you're not at the center of the issue. As long as you remain here, you won't be in danger from the Witch Cult. So there's no need for me to lend you any combat support."
"What are you saying, Crusch…?"
"I'm just stating the facts. The Royal Selection has already begun. Emilia and I are now rivals. The reason I allowed you to stay and receive treatment from Felix was because of a deal.
So long as you stay here, you are my guest. But the moment you leave, you become my enemy."
Subaru's expression grew dejected, and a bitter smile crept across his lips.
"So what you're saying, Crusch, is that you won't agree to my request."
"That's right."
"Even if it means the people in the village and mansion might be killed by the Witch Cult?"
"Correct. And there's one more thing I hope you won't misunderstand: protecting the villagers of her domain is Emilia's responsibility. Besides, her camp withdrawing from the Royal Selection would be… no, should be welcomed by all candidates.
The Royal Selection is not child's play. We're not going to hold hands and overcome adversity together. A kingdom cannot have several kings. That's just unrealistic."
Crusch's words pierced Subaru's heart like a sword.
He understood—everything she said was true. No matter how he tried to argue or refute her, he had no words that could shake or move her.
"Hah… so no matter what I say, Crusch won't agree, huh…"
Seeing Subaru's obvious disappointment, Crusch let out a sigh and said:
"Then let me tell you this: even if I did agree to your request, I wouldn't be able to offer much. In a few days, my camp is scheduled for an operation. I no longer have spare manpower to lend you.
As a leader, I can't gamble with the lives of my subordinates. You should understand that."
Subaru gave a slight nod.
"Yeah, I understand. But if I had asked you as a friend… would your answer have been any different?"
"No. And as I just explained, we're about to depart soon, and I simply don't have the resources. Even if I gave you dragon carriages, do you really think you could save everyone?
The Witch Cult has always been full of lunatics who stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Running away won't change anything."
"I know… I know that already. But there's something I want to ask you, Crusch."
"If it's just a question, I'll answer it seriously as long as it's not too sensitive."
"Don't worry. It's not strange or private. I just want to know… what you said earlier—that once I leave here, you'll see me as your enemy. Was that really true?"
"…Yes. But even if you become my enemy, I'll still hold goodwill toward you. Because you are my friend."
Subaru looked bitterly at Crusch, who sat across from him, and slowly said:
"Thank you for taking care of me during this time. I'll be leaving tomorrow—after all, I still have things I need to do. Lately, I've noticed that you've had your hands full. If I stayed any longer, I'd only cause more trouble for you. So I'll take my leave."
"Are you angry at me?"
"No. You were only doing what you should have. I have no reason to be angry.
If anything, I just feel disappointed… Because from the way you put it, it seems like you never truly saw me as a friend. I thought after our last conversation, we were friends.
I guess I was just being naïve. Sorry—I was being arrogant."
"…Why do you want to go back? Staying in the capital isn't dangerous. You're just a servant in Emilia's camp, right? Isn't it all for money? If that's the case, then joining my side won't be a problem—I can offer you more than enough compensation.
Besides, there's no threat of the Witch Cult here. Even if you want to leave later on, I won't stop you."
Subaru didn't respond immediately.
He stood up, bowed deeply under Crusch's gaze, then straightened up and said:
"There's something I need to make clear: I want to help Emilia not because I'm part of her camp, but because she is my friend. The people in the mansion and the villagers—they all helped me. I'm just repaying their kindness.
More importantly, I can't pretend I didn't know about the danger they're in. If I did that, I'd never be able to stand beside my dearest friends."
"…"
"Then I'll take my leave. Rem and I will depart tomorrow morning. We won't cause you any more trouble. I've already caused enough.
But if you ever need help in the future, Crusch-sama, please come find me. Goodbye."
Leaving those words behind, Subaru didn't linger. He walked straight out and returned to his room.
After watching Subaru leave, a voice called out to Crusch.
"Crusch-sama…"
Felix, who had been hiding from the start, had overheard everything.
Now stepping out, he looked at Crusch and noticed a hint of sorrow on her face.
"Felix… prepare some travel funds and a dragon carriage for Subaru tomorrow."
"I understand… but are you really not going to keep him here? He said the Witch Cult would attack. He will go back, and you know as well as I do, Crusch-sama—he'll die. If we kept him here—"
"That's enough, Felix. This is his choice. And you and I both understand that even if I begged him to stay, it would be meaningless. Just like you said—he will go back, no matter what.
All we can do now is hope that he manages to defeat the Witch Cult."
"…Understood, Crusch-sama. I'll take my leave now."
"Hmm."
After Felix left, Crusch quietly raised her wine glass and slowly sipped the red wine.