Chapter 122 – Thinking About Women
It's done.
Everything that needed to be done has been accomplished. Now, it's finally time to rest a bit.
Standing at the doorway, Natsuki Subaru looked at the people coming in and out of the hall, a smile naturally forming on his face.
Though it wasn't yet a guaranteed victory, at least the odds had climbed to 70%. Still a bit low, but if everything went according to plan, the success rate should go above 80%.
"Subaru-kun… are you really going to go through with this?" "Yeah. There's no turning back now. And I have no intention of turning back." "But Subaru-kun, your body… and your mental state aren't looking so good…" "It's fine. The White Whale won't appear until tonight. I'll rest during the journey and before then. As the one who brought all this together, I can't hide behind others."
As Subaru said this, he turned to look at Rem and gently shook his head.
"I know, so you don't need to say it again. And thank you."
"…"
"Rem, I'm counting on you to handle things on this side. Help out where you can. I'll go get some rest. I'm really starting to feel it."
"Then, I'll see you off—" "No need. Let me be alone for a while."
Despite her desire to stay with him, Rem gave in to Subaru's insistence.
Deep down, she knew it was right to be by his side right now.
But she could also see it—he was exhausted. So exhausted he could barely hide it.
His small movements, the weariness deep in his eyes—none of it escaped her notice. In the end, she could only silently watch him leave.
Subaru didn't go straight to his room. Instead, he lay down on the grass in the courtyard outside.
He said he wanted to relax, but now wasn't the time to truly rest.
Until everything was resolved, he couldn't afford to let down his guard. Even a moment's lapse could cause him to miss some critical piece of information—possibly leading to failure, with no means of correcting it.
"So… saving people isn't that easy, huh…"
Murmuring softly, Subaru recalled what he'd said earlier to Crusch.
It had been too blunt—borderline threatening even. But that was all he could come up with. He wasn't exactly the brightest. At best, he just had a little cleverness…
"Found you, Subaru."
"Huh? Felix?"
"What's with that surprised face? Surprised to see me? This is where I live, you know. You're the guest here."
Subaru sat up and looked at the displeased Felix with some confusion.
"Shouldn't you be—"
"Still mad at you? Of course I was! What you said back then was so infuriating! I wanted to punch you! That smug expression, like you had everything planned out and under control—ugh, it was the worst!"
With a huff, Felix sat beside Subaru, hugging his knees like a girl and speaking in a quiet, almost inaudible voice.
"But I actually knew… I just didn't want to think about it. I didn't even dare to consider it… Thank you, and I'm sorry."
"…"
"I was against Lady Crusch fighting the White Whale from the start.
But I also knew what her goal was. So I couldn't stop her.
And I couldn't convince her either. Don't be fooled by her looks—Lady Crusch is incredibly stubborn."
Felix turned to look directly into Subaru's eyes and said seriously:
"I was scared. Scared of failure. Scared I wouldn't be able to protect Lady Crusch.
So when I thought you were a decent person, I tried to pull you to our side—to help protect her. Ever since she entered the royal selection, I've been scared. Trying to avoid it. I'm really not strong enough… I'm terrified. To me, Lady Crusch is someone incredibly important. If something happened to her, I'd never forgive myself for the rest of my life."
Hearing those words, Subaru smiled softly and reached out to gently knock Felix on the head.
"Don't think like that. Your healing powers can save many people.
Because you're here, Crusch and the others can move forward without holding back.
You're their strongest shield. If you're afraid of not being able to protect someone alone, then ask others for help.
I know very well—there are things one person simply can't do. It's not about strength; it's something even more powerless than that.
We're friends, right? So if you ever need help, just come to me. I'll be there."
"…Hmph. If Lady Crusch hadn't already stolen my heart, I might've fallen for you just now. No wonder Rem likes you so much."
"…Does that have anything to do with this? And besides, aren't you a guy?!"
"Hehe, guess what? Want me to lift my clothes and show you?"
"???????"
Seeing Subaru's expression, Felix burst into laughter, swinging his little feet back and forth as he sat.
"Honestly, when I heard the things you said at the end, I felt so relieved.
Lady Crusch accepted your request. Even if it was a bit late, I believe she'll win in the end. I'm really happy we'll be fighting the White Whale in a safer way."
Subaru looked at Felix's swaying tail, then scanned him from head to toe, narrowing his eyes and beginning to ponder.
Just as he was thinking seriously about Felix's gender, he felt something soft touch his cheek.
Turning around quickly, he saw Felix standing with a devilish smile, mischief in his eyes.
"That was your reward, Subaru. From now on, if I ever need your help, you'd better not say no."
Subaru stared at the skipping, humming Felix as he left, hand unconsciously rubbing his cheek.
His expression was one of utter confusion.
"Did I just get kissed by a guy? He is a guy… right? Probably a guy… But why didn't it feel gross?! Don't tell me there's something wrong with my sexuality!
No, no, no! That's definitely not it! Think of those beautiful girls—Rem, Ram, Emilia, Felix—wait, no, Anastasia! And then there's… uh… wait, no, Crusch!"
"Are you calling for me?"
"Ah? Uh…"
Turning around, Subaru saw Crusch standing behind him. The expression on his face was… spectacular.