Chapter 16 – Regulus Corneas
The night air was crisp and cool, sending shivers down Subaru's spine. His travel cloak was worn and frayed, providing minimal protection against the elements. Still, he didn't mind if he was able to gather warmth in the arms of his wife.
Wife. His wife. Those words made no sense to him. An entire year had passed, and he had no idea why the hell Satella wanted to be with him.
"It's because you saved me," she would whisper as she leaned her forehead against his. She'd gently stroke his cheek as her eyes would flutter shut. "You showed me the light when the world was dark. You healed me with your gentle touch, and you held me when the nightmares struck." She'd press her lips to his, baring her heart and the remainder of her soul to him. "I love you, Subaru. That's why I married you."
With warmth like hers, the cold would never bother him.
Satella had spent so long cooped up in that mansion. She wanted to explore, to travel, and Subaru was all too happy to oblige. And so, they wandered. They had no destination in mind, but they had each other, and that was enough to make them happy.
However, a problem arose. While their emotional needs were met, they still needed earthly goods such as food, water, and shelter. For that, they needed money, and after a year of their nomadic lifestyle, the substantial amount they took from the mansion was fading.
"We could go back," suggested Subaru off-handedly. Satella stiffened and he hurriedly finished his thought. "You heard what happened with the Sanctuary. Hector's still on the loose, so there's no way Echidna's going to come back."
Satella bit her lip as she shifted uncomfortably, pulling her hood over her head to stave off the chill of the night. "Maybe... I'm not sure I'm ready quite yet." Her eyes lost a bit of their luster as she gazed into the distance. "Soon, but… not yet."
And that was the end of that.
They arrived at a small village and headed for the nearest inn. It was dingy and as cold as the air outside, but that was fine. They had both lived in worse conditions for most of their lives. The main room was empty, save for an elderly man behind the bar. He narrowed his eyes at them in distrust.
More specifically, at Satella and her pointed ears.
"We don't serve your kind here," he growled, red-faced at their mere presence. "No open rooms anyway. If a beast like you really needs shelter, go to Old Man Lector. He might let you sleep in the stables if you put out."
Subaru glared at the man as electricity danced between his fingers, but Satella's warm hand on his arm stopped him from doing anything drastic. She was used to the discrimination by now.
He grimaced but backed off. No need to raise the guards' ire over some random prick.
"We won't be sleeping in any stables," she told the man curtly. She turned around and marched off. "Let's go, Flugel."
Despite it being almost three years since arriving in Lugunica, Subaru refused to let go of his alias. It was representative of his new lease on life, and it meant too much to him.
That, and he thought it was cool to have a secret identity that only he and Satella knew.
As they neared the door, the old man behind the bar began to cough.
Satella turned to him in concern. "Are you all right, sir?" she asked, all traces of hostility gone.
The coughing fit wound down, and the old man scowled. "Why do you care, you wretched half-demon?"
Subaru couldn't help but wonder the same thing.
Her eyes softened. "I don't like seeing people in pain." Her soft voice was full of sincerity, and the old man wavered.
"It's my lungs," he said at length and coughed again. "They served me well, but they're running low on life."
She nodded. "I see. I can heal them if you want."
The old man reeled back. "I'm not gonna let you curse me," he spat.
"Please, sir," she begged, her wide eyes imploring him to listen. "I only want to help you."
At first, he looked like he was about to deny her, but it was difficult to resist those amethyst eyes. "Eh, what the hell," he muttered. "I only got about a year anyway." He inclined his neck and spoke clearly. "Do what you must, Devil."
She brushed off the slur. "Oh, thank you!" she said, relieved. She walked forward and placed a hand on the man's chest. Her eyes closed in concentration as a soft glow permeated the air.
A moment later, she stepped back. "How do you feel?" she asked softly.
The old man took a deep breath. "The hell?" He gripped his chest. "What… how?"
She smiled slyly, and said, "Isn't it obvious? I healed you."
He gaped. "I've seen dozens of healers and they couldn't do a thing."
"My husband and I aren't normal healers," she said as if it was obvious. Considering what she just achieved, perhaps it was. "Now, if you'll excuse me." She bowed her head and headed for the door.
"H-hold on!" the man called out. She turned around and looked at him quizzically. He struggled with himself and his own shifting viewpoint before forcing out his words. "There's a… Look, there's an open room," he revealed. "I'll give it to you for the night, free of charge."
She stared back at him, confounded. "But why? A moment ago, you refused us."
He shifted uncomfortably like he couldn't believe he was having this conversation with a demon. "A moment ago, I was a dying man." He took a shuddering breath as if his entire worldview had changed. "Look, do you need a place to stay or not?"
Subaru would never forget the blinding smile that lit up her face.
And so, their travels continued. Even though Satella eventually found herself ready to go back to the mansion, they mainly stayed on the road. They never wanted for money, for they could simply exchange their healing services for room and board. With time it became easier to find a willing inn to let them stay while they practiced medicine. People were far more receptive to their services, and eventually, they discovered that they were recognized.
"A half-elf and a human. Miracle healers," one innkeeper explained. "You come where you are needed most. They call you two 'the Sorceress and the Sage.'"
"The Sorceress," Satella mumbled. She looked at the innkeeper hesitantly. "Not… Not a demon?"
The innkeeper looked offended. "You're a hero," she insisted. "To call you anything else is unthinkable."
With that, they were given a new lease on life. No longer were they simple wanderers, floating from place to place with no destination in mind.
Satella grabbed her husband's hand as they faced their future together. The Sorceress and the Sage would make their mark on the world.
In the Master Study of the mansion, Subaru and Roswaal stared each other down.
They loathed each other. They needed each other.
Roswaal believed that Subaru had the potential to be just like him. Subaru hated that he was right. That didn't mean Subaru had to play twisted games with a madman.
Subaru would not be a pawn in this chess game, for he was a knight.
"We're leaving for the capital early, Roswaal," declared Subaru with a tone that brooked no argument.
Roswaal leaned forward and steepled his fingers over his mouth, making it difficult to discern his expression. "What is your reaaason for such an action?"
White hair and golden eyes flashed through Subaru's mind, but he kept his face carefully blank as he recited his prepared statement. "We simply feel that a public appearance will help Emilia's reputation before she reveals herself as a candidate."
Roswaal gave a "hmm" in consideration. "Where will you staaay?" he asked, genuine curiosity lacing his tone. "Surely you do not plan to show up to the Sword Saint's abode before the expected time of arrival."
Subaru grimaced, and said, "Do you think so little of us? An inn is fine."
Roswaal gazed at Subaru calculatingly before nodding his assent. "Very well." He snapped his fingers, summoning Ram to his side. "Ram, be a dear and prepare their carriage."
"There is no need, Lord Roswaal," she informed him with a bow. "Rem has already completed all the preparations."
Roswaal raised an eyebrow at her. "You were aware of this… development?"
Ram cast Subaru an unreadable look. "Let's just say that Barusu and I have come to an understanding regarding our similar motivations."
That was a fair way to put it. They had a long discussion the previous night and they eventually came to a compromise. Ram would cooperate with Subaru if it didn't violate Roswaal's orders. In return, Subaru would help her save Roswaal from his obsession.
Subaru would have loved to dangle Roswaal over the edge of the Great Waterfall, but he was okay with this. Ram was a powerful ally to have.
And… he missed his Ram.
"Truuuly? How… interesting." Roswaal turned his attention from Ram to Subaru. "May I assume that your preemptive action means you were not planning on taking 'no' for an answer?"
Subaru didn't say anything. He didn't need to.
Roswaal leaned back with a dramatic sigh. "Why, it seeeems that I've been backed into a corner. Very well, you may leave whenever you wish."
Subaru nodded and turned to leave, but not before catching Roswaal's victorious smile.
Soon after, Subaru, Emilia, Beatrice, and Rem set out for the capital. They settled in for a four-hour trip, but Subaru knew it would be much shorter.
"Twenty minutes away," Rem announced from the driver's seat of the carriage. "We've only been travelling for an hour. Your ground dragon is something else, Subaru."
He smiled. "What can I say? Patrasche is the best of the best."
Maybe it was just him, but he could have sworn they doubled in speed.
"What's it look like out there?" He craned his neck, but Rem's head was blocking his view.
"Nothing out of the ordinary," she responded.
"Any smoke?" he asked.
She shook her head, and he breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. We weren't too late."
He wrapped an arm around Emilia, and she leaned into his side. "I'm scared, Subaru," she admitted quietly. "Are you sure we'll be okay?"
He gave her shoulder a quick squeeze, exclaiming, "Absolutely! Have faith in your knight, Emilia-tan."
"I do, but…" She trailed off, her eyes losing focus. Subaru recalled photos of old veterans and their thousand-yard-stares.
With a burst of guilt, he saw what Puck wanted to protect her from.
Subaru shook his head to clear it. Regaining her memories was a result of saving her life, and she was a stronger person because of it. Gaining strength through suffering was a twisted worldview, but he'd prefer it if she suffered in his arms instead of alone in Echidna's Trial.
"He destroyed my home," she whispered as she buried her face into his chest, hiding from the world that caused her such pain. "Him, and…"
"Pandora," he finished. His heart filled with hatred at the mere thought of her.
If Emilia's clenching fists were any indication, she was feeling the same way. "They… Mother and Juice… they couldn't touch him. What chance do we have?"
He was thinking the same thing, but he couldn't tell her that. The moment he showed weakness, Emilia would falter. She relied on him, and he already burdened her enough.
So, instead of admitting his worries, he held her tight. "Believe in yourself," he said lowly. "You're a lot stronger than you think."
"It's futile if I can't control that power," she mumbled, bemoaning her own incapability.
He stroked her hair, knowing the calming effect it had on her. "No one says futile anymore, Emilia-tan."
Subaru's deft fingers and the familiar banter must have given Emilia a sense of comfort because she relaxed, sinking into his touch. She closed her eyes and let a soft smile fall upon her lips, knowing she was safe in her knight's arms.
It was surreal.
Subaru still hadn't fully processed what happened the previous day. Emilia said she loved him. Emilia kissed him. Subaru half-expected to wake up in Crusch's mansion after the Royal Selection fiasco, because there was no way life could be this good to him.
A light "hmph" came from Subaru's other side, and he raised an eyebrow at his spirit questioningly. "Something the matter, Beako?" he asked, though he already knew the answer. "You know you can tell me anything."
Beatrice glared out the window as if the road had personally offended her. "Nothing's wrong, I suppose."
He grabbed a lock of her hair and twirled it around his finger, much to her annoyance. "You know I can feel your emotions through our link, right?" Her face scrunched up, but Subaru didn't back off. "You're cute when you're jealous."
Emilia looked up, amused, and said, "Don't worry, Beatrice. I won't take Subaru away from you."
Beatrice flushed an adorable shade of red. "I-I'm not worried, and I'm not jealous, I suppose!"
Subaru's eyes twinkled. "Is it because your contractor had his eyes on another woman?" he teased. "Sorry, Beako, but I don't see you that way."
She flinched back, horrified. "EWWWWW, I SUPPOSE!" she screeched. "That's disgusting, in fact! Betty merely wanted a hug, and Subaru was giving all his attention to that girl, I suppose!"
Beatrice's eyes widened in mortification as she realized what she just admitted. She tried to scooch away, but Subaru reached out and pulled her in. "I'm always down for a Beako hug."
Beatrice squirmed for a moment but there was no real fight to it. Within a few moments, she gave up and wrapped her arms around one of his. "B-Betty is cute, so it's understandable that Subaru wants a hug, I suppose," she mumbled.
Subaru would have teased her further but was stopped by a "we've arrived," courtesy of Rem.
He clapped his hands together as a smirk crossed his features. "All right… time to search for Regulus's mansion!"
Apparently, that was easier said than done.
"Come on!" he whined. "It can't be that hard to find a freaking mansion!"
"There are lots of mansions here," Emilia pointed out. "We simply don't know which one belongs to Regulus."
"Thanks, EMT," he muttered, but he didn't sound very thankful. "Really helpful."
She ignored his sarcasm and flashed a smile. "We'll have to keep asking around." She pulled her hood tighter around her ears, saying, "I'll get the tavern over there. Why don't you ask one of the traders?"
He saw where she was indicating and perked up. "You know what? That's an excellent idea." Ignoring her curious expression, he casually strolled over to a pair of haggling merchants.
One of them, a tall, older fellow that Subaru didn't recognize, waved his hands over a dozen barrels of oil. "Gusteko is cold in the winter months," he was saying. "These will sell for a lot, so why the hell should I give them to you?"
The other merchant – a young, grey-haired man with green clothes, held up a box filled with metal ore. "Because these will surely sell for even more here in the capital," he argued. "Besides, you don't look like you're about to take a lengthy trip like that anytime soon."
The older man scowled. "The hell makes you think I'm not capable of traveling?" he grumbled, a hint of danger in his voice.
Realizing his mistake, the grey-haired merchant began to panic. "I-I just meant that a handsome man like you must have a family to provide for!" He held the box of ore in front of his face, hiding his fear. "It wasn't because you're old and needed help carrying your wares, I swear!"
Subaru clapped his hand on the gray-haired merchant's shoulder, smirking at the pathetic expression on the man's face. "Nice save, Otto," he said with a chuckle. "Real believable."
Otto jumped back in shock, almost dropping his box of metal. "Wh-who are you?" he asked Subaru.
Subaru's eyes widened as he forced a tear out. "You don't remember me?" he whispered brokenly. "After all we've been through? Otto, how could you?!" At Otto's bewildered expression, Subaru backed off with a chuckle. "I'm screwing with you. Heard your name around town," he lied.
Otto breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought I was losing my memory," he admitted. He shook his head to clear it. "That was a mean trick, uh," he faltered, looking even more lost. "I'm sorry, what's your name?"
Subaru grinned and posed. He loved doing this. "My name is Subaru Natsuki, and I'm the one and only knight to the most gorgeous woman in all of Lugunica!"
Otto managed a shaky smile. "It's nice to meet you, but, ah," he trailed off as his eyes flicked behind him to the older merchant. "I'm in the middle of a trade."
"Then trade with me." Subaru reached into his coat and pulled out a small pouch. He had swiped a few extra coins off Roswaal's desk out of spite, and it was time to put it to good use.
Otto eyed the bag greedily and asked, "H-how much is in there?"
"Double what he's paying you." Subaru shook the bag of coins and decided to seal the deal. "In fact, my offer comes with free room and board inside a mansion, as well as a full-time job as our Public Relations Manager."
Otto's jaw dropped for a moment before he laughed. "I get it now. You're making fun of me." He took another look at Subaru's earnest expression and his eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh," he said softly. "You're serious."
"That I am." Subaru tossed the pouch to Otto who fumbled with it for a moment. "After the Royal Selection, stop by Roswaal L. Mathers' territory and ask for Subaru Natsuki." He turned and walked away with a wave.
"Hold on!" cried Otto. "You forgot the metal!"
"Keep it!" Subaru called back over his shoulder. "Or sell it, I don't care! Just consider taking the job, all right?" He disappeared into the crowd, not waiting for Otto's response.
He met Beatrice by the fountain, and she looked up at him with hope. "What happened, I wonder?" she asked. "You look happy, I suppose.
"That's because I just got us a new PR guy," he told her with pride.
"I meant regarding the mansion's location, in fact." His grin faded and she huffed in disappointment. "You forgot to ask, didn't you, I suppose?"
"Look, I was excited, okay?" he defended, but it sounded weak, even to himself.
She glared at him and muttered about how hopeless he was.
Luckily, Emilia returned with more information. "Dozens of women were sighted going into a white mansion on the east side of town."
"Finally, a solid lead," he said, relieved. "Thanks a million, Emilia-tan."
She gave a sly smile in return. "You know, you say that I use strange expressions, but no one in Lugunica says 'thanks a million.'"
He laughed. "That's because my sayings are… out of this world."
She rolled her eyes, saying, "You act like that's an incredible pun, but I still don't understand."
Twenty minutes of light-hearted bickering later, and they found themselves in front of a gigantic building.
"Holy shit, this is huge." He had to strain his neck just to see the top of it. "Seriously, how did we not see this before?"
"I think it was blocked by the castle." She put a finger to her chin in thought. "Say, how does Regulus even afford something like this?"
"I'd love to say it's some evil undercover operation, but it's probably because a few members of the Witch's Cult like to break reality in their spare time," he pointed out like it was obvious. Platinum hair flashed before his mind, but he squashed down the image. It wouldn't do to get distracted right now. "Creating money without inducing inflation is a non-issue for them."
She blinked. "I feel like I should be more surprised," she said flatly. "Why am I not surprised?"
Beatrice crossed her arms in annoyance. "It's Subaru's fault, I suppose," she remarked. "He's always dropping truth bombs on us, so we've become desensitized to it, in fact." She frowned at the strange looks she received. "What is it, I wonder?"
Subaru looked close to tears. "You used a Subaru-ism," he said in wonder. "I'm so proud!"
Her eyes widened in fear. "N-no, I suppose! It's a normal phrase, in fact!"
"It's normal if your name is Subaru Natsuki," Emilia teased.
Beatrice stomped her feet as she screeched, "Gah, I suppose!"
Subaru grinned and said, "Looks like I don't need a motivational speech. I'd say we're significantly hyped." He frowned. "Well, actually…"
He looked over his shoulder, asking, "Are you okay, Rem? You've been so quiet, I almost forgot you were here."
Rem's stony expression didn't change. "Forgive me," she said flatly. "I'm not exactly excited when I think about the Witch's Cult."
A wry grin crossed his face. "Fair enough. So, you guys ready to split up?"
"Mhm. I'm ready."
"Ready."
"Ready, I suppose. Hmph!"
He cracked his knuckles, ignoring his anxiety and the pounding of his heart. "Let's do this."
Regulus Corneas. The Sin Archbishop of Greed. The most satisfying existence in the world. The kindest, most powerful, most beautiful, most humble, most intelligent, most worthy, most privileged individual since the Witch of Envy herself, was sitting on his throne.
It was not his preferred throne, of course. It was merely one of many, as he had yet to find the perfect one. But someday, he would. He would fulfill his Greed.
Regulus sighed. He deserved better than this pathetic excuse for a chair.
He called for Number 172, one of his darling wives. She appeared within moments.
A beautiful face. No expression. Perfect.
"What is your desire, Dearest Husband?" Her eyes, a gorgeous shade of sea-green, stared unblinking at him. It wouldn't do for her face to change, after all.
He looked at the woman he loved without a shred of interest. "I require a new throne," he pronounced.
She bowed deeply, reverently. "Yes, Dearest Husband. I shall procure one immediately." She walked away, finally disappearing from his sight.
Regulus sighed again. Why must life be so difficult?
He stared off into space for quite some time. The most beautiful of palaces, the most opulent of throne rooms…
It wasn't enough. Perhaps acquiring another wife would fill the void.
Regulus stood up but was interrupted by another approaching figure. It was likely one of his wives, he deduced. He narrowed his eyes at the woman. "Which one are you again?"
Cerulean eyes, as clear as the sky. Golden hair, making the richest of men squirm with desire. Such a shame that those colors were so… boring. "Number 184, Dearest Husband," she answered listlessly.
"Ah, yes. My lovely wife," he drawled. He brushed past her and she followed him as if she needed to speak with him. What a nuisance. She was not worthy of his Heart.
He whirled around with a snarl. "I don't have time for you." Power gathered around him, but his wonderful wife did not flinch, as her training dictated. "You are infringing upon my right to privacy. Go sit in your room like a good child."
Number 184 nodded and walked away. Her hair shined brilliantly as it caught in the light, and the change made Regulus's teeth grind. He would dispose of her later. For now, he had a task to complete.
Regulus made his way to the entrance hall and stopped short.
There she was.
The most perfect face.
Immobile, unmoving, unchanging, immortal. A face that he would not grow tired of. A face to fulfill his avarice.
A face identical to the Witch of Envy's stunning visage.
Regulus spread his arms wide. "Welcome!" he called out. The woman turned to him without a trace of emotion on her face. "I am Regulus Corneas. It's a pleasure to meet you." He smiled as joy pumped through his lifeless veins. "What brings you to my humble abode?"
Bright, amethyst eyes met his own, and he shivered in delight. Her lips, perfect for remaining shut, whispered the words he deserved to hear. "I am looking for a husband." Her soft voice tantalized his ears. He couldn't wait to silence it forever. "I would like to be your wife." She curtseyed, as graceful as an angel from up above. "If you will have me, of course. I have no intention of assuming or infringing upon your rights."
Regulus's smile widened. He was thrilled, excited, ecstatic, for the Witch had finally recognized his worth. This one would fulfill his Greed; he was sure of it. "Finally, a child that knows its place. I would love to take you as my wife, for I love you and I will act as a loving husband should."
He frowned as he realized something was wrong. Terribly, horrendously, indescribably wrong. Why must he be forced to deal with this? He deserved better. "How did you get inside?" he asked angrily. "It is disrespectful to come into a man's home uninvited. That is against my property rights, you see."
The woman, his new wife, bowed her head in such a way that it would be easy to sever her neck with his power. It was as if she was already trained. "Forgive me, Dearest Husband," she said quietly. "I was let in by Number 184."
Regulus's face contorted in rage as all sense of fulfillment fled. "That bitch calls herself my wife but does not have the decency to inform me of this development? Such disrespect! Such insolence! I shall not allow it! That child has violated my rights for the last time! I shall dispose of her as soon as possible!"
His wife bowed in reverence to her master. "As my Dearest Husband wishes," she whispered. If her decreasing volume was any indication, it seemed she was quickly adapting to her role. "However, if my Dearest Husband would be so lenient to a woman who cannot help but cling to her most cherished love, I would like to be wed first."
That was understandable, Regulus supposed. Who wouldn't want to marry him as soon as possible? "Of course," he muttered, calming down. "I can eliminate Number 184 later." He narrowed his eyes at his wife. "Still, I do not appreciate your arrogance. Requesting such a thing from your husband? Disgusting. If you did not have such a pretty face, I would have killed you for such a request."
She didn't even twitch. "Of course, Dearest Husband."
They stared at each other for several minutes. The entire time, his wife's face remained unchanging.
"No emotion," he mused. "Truly, the quintessential wife for a husband such as I." He snapped his fingers as an ingenious thought came to him. "A reward! Yes, you shall be rewarded for your devotion. I shall gift you with a name, a much better name than… whatever yours once was. Forget your false name, for it does not exist. It never has existed. You are here, so your name shall be Number 79."
"An excellent choice, Dearest Husband." She tilted her head in confusion; the first spark of life she displayed so far, and hopefully the last. "If I may ask, why 79? I was expecting 185 or higher." She bowed her head, lower than ever before. "Please forgive a wife's disgusting curiosity. I shall relinquish such vices the moment we are wed."
He waved his hand dismissively. "It is of no consequence. Even if it has a naturally pleasant disposition, a dog must undergo training before it is deemed obedient, correct?" He scowled as her lips began to part. "Don't answer," he instructed. "Don't move. Don't speak. Don't change your face. You will make me angry and I do not deserve to be angry."
He thought for a moment. What were they talking about? Number 185, right? What happened to Number 185? It had been a few days, and it had already slipped his mind. She was… ah, yes. That bitch.
"Number 185 is dead," he recalled. "Such an ugly laugh. A woman should not display such unattractive traits. If your laugh is ugly, then why laugh? The situation is no longer funny, ruining it for everyone. She didn't deserve my heart, so I tore hers out of her chest."
Regulus's face twisted. "As for Number 79," he spat, "that role remained unfulfilled. It would have gone to that elven bitch from the forest, but she was unwilling to succumb."
His wife's fists clenched, and Regulus's eyes narrowed. "Is there a problem? I believe there is no problem, and you should not believe so, either." Was that so hard to understand? Why did people not comprehend that he deserved better? "I am a perfect individual, invincible and unchanging. It was a violation of my rights to refuse me, and now you wish to do the same?"
She shook her head. Such movement was unforgivable. "Of course not, Dearest Husband."
But there it was. A shaking voice. Tense shoulders. An overwhelming pressure in the room.
Regulus approached her, unafraid of her looming aura. "Let me make one thing clear," he growled. "You. Are. Mine. You are hereby forbidden from displaying any emotion. No smiling. No laughter. No anger. No surprise. No crying. All you can show is devotion. Submit yourself to me, the Sin Archbishop of Greed, Regulus Corneas. I am the most satisfying existence in the world. You are my wife now, and you belong to me. That is a husband's love, and it is my right to claim you. My heart, my love, is shared with you, for I –"
"Holy shit, you're annoying!"
Regulus whipped around, finding a young knight carrying an unconscious girl. "Who are you? I am merely trying to have a conversation and you are interrupting me! That is a violation of my right to speak! I ask you again, who are you? Answer!"
The boy laid the child against a wall and pointed his finger towards the ceiling. "I am Subaru Natsuki," he declared, brimming with confidence, "Emilia-tan's one and only knight!" He smirked. "I'm here to crash this farce of a wedding."
Before they could confront Regulus, Subaru and Beatrice had people to save. They dashed through a long corridor, looking for any signs of life. He opened a door with a golden handle. Then another. Then another.
He scowled. "Damn it, where are his wives?" he said with a raised voice.
Beatrice looked at him questioningly. "Can't you use Cor Leonis to find them, in fact?" she asked, wary of his tone.
Subaru shook his head furiously. "I need an emotional connection to them, so I can't see them." His face scrunched up as his thoughts became increasingly violent. "We're going in blind, and this mansion is too damn big! We'll never find them! It's hopeless!" He pulled back his sleeve and scratched roughly at his arm, but Beatrice grabbed his hand before he could draw blood.
"Stop doing that, I suppose!" she cried out.
"No! This plan is stupid as hell!" He raised his voice as his emotions ran wild. "I'm putting you all in danger because of this ridiculous crusade!" He reached for his arm again, and she dove forward, grabbing onto it like her life depended on it.
"That doesn't mean you should hurt yourself," she said with fire in her eyes.
He pulled at his hair with his free arm. "Well, nothing else makes sense right now!"
Beatrice glared at him before taking a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She knew that getting upset would only make things worse. She needed to be there for her contractor, and that meant being strong.
She ran her small fingers over the scratches, draining some of his mana as she did so. She found that if she took only a tiny amount, his nervous energy would decrease and it would be easier to get through to him. He squirmed at first, knowing what she was doing, but eventually gave in to the tender ministrations of the great spirit.
She waited until he was calm before speaking. "Subaru, what did we talk about, I wonder?"
He looked down in shame. "That if I'm feeling this way, to tell you."
"Exactly, in fact." She continued to gently rub his scars, despite not draining any more mana. "No matter what happens, Betty is here to help you through this, I suppose." She laid her forehead on his arm as she hugged it tightly. "You saved Betty from those feelings, so let me save you from them, too."
He bit down hard on his lip but managed a nod. "Thanks, Beako." He chuckled derisively. "For someone who hates scars, I sure give myself a lot of them."
She pulled her head back to glare at him. "Don't even joke about that, I suppose! That's not funny, in fact!"
He tried to look apologetic, but it fooled neither of them. "You're right, sorry."
She shook her head vehemently, blond curls flailing about. "You're not sorry, I suppose!" Tears filled her eyes as she thought of all the times she healed him. "You always say sorry, and then you hurt yourself again, in fact!"
"But –"
Her gaze turned steely as she came to a resolution. "This is your last chance, in fact. If I find even one new scratch, I'm telling Emilia what it means."
His eyes widened in panic. "She can't know!" he cried desperately. "I refuse to put her through that!"
"Then stop doing it," Beatrice shot back, "and there will be nothing to tell her, I suppose."
He glared at Beatrice. The first time around, she understood and helped him hide it. Now, she wanted him to tell Emilia?
Ridiculous. He was fine.
"Look, we can discuss this later," he said with finality. "Right now, we're on a time limit."
Beatrice's lips curled downward, but she couldn't refute that statement. They had no choice but to keep looking.
A minute or so later, Subaru came across a woman in the hallway. She bore a passing resemblance to Emilia, although the hair and eye colors were different. Subaru pumped his arms and cheered as hope washed over him. "Finally, a person! My name is –"
She walked right past him. "Hey, hold on a moment!" he called out, but she didn't spare him a glance.
He raised his voice as his agitation increased. "I can free all of you! Just come with me!"
She faltered in her steps but resumed walking.
"I know the secret of Regulus's invincibility," he cried, becoming desperate. "I can counter it!"
She stopped short and turned around to lock eyes with Subaru. His eyes softened as he realized he was getting through to her. "Regulus maintains his power indefinitely using something called Lion's Heart," he explained, "but it's not working anymore. When he discovers that, he will kill you, regardless of how obedient you've been." He softened his voice, knowing this wasn't easy to hear. "Please, come with me. I can save you from all this."
Fear danced in her eyes. "What about the others?" Her voice was small, sweet. A beautiful song that had been silenced by a madman.
"I'll save them, too." His eyes implored her, begged her to listen. "You're simply the first one I've come across. Can you bring me to the rest?"
She hesitated, and her body twitched like she was about to brush him off.
But a chance to save the others… it was obvious that she would risk death for something like that.
"Come with me," said the woman. Her voice was not strong per se, but it was more confident. When was the last time hope filled such a voice? She continued walking, indicating for them to follow.
'Ask for her name, Beako,' Subaru asked his spirit telepathically.
Beatrice looked at him strangely. 'Why me, I suppose?'
'You're about to perform some funky magic on them,' he pointed out. 'It'll be easier to convince them to go along with it if you have rapport.'
She huffed. 'You're lying, I suppose. It's because knowing a pretty girl's name is the first step of seduction, in fact.' She narrowed her eyes, condemning him. 'Such a shameless pervert. I'll tell Emilia, I suppose.
Subaru rolled his eyes. He already knew the girl's name, but Beatrice didn't have to know that. 'Just do it,' he grumbled.
Beatrice didn't look happy but complied. "What's your name, I wonder?" she asked with disinterest.
The girl didn't even blink. "Number 184," she replied, lifelessly.
"What kind of mother would name their child 'Number 184,' I wonder?" Beatrice crossed her arms, even though the girl couldn't see her. "Your real name, I suppose."
It was quiet for a time. Beatrice was about to repeat her question but a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
'Give her a moment,' Subaru instructed.
They reached a door at the end of the corridor. It was plain and simple, at least compared to the extravagant entryways they had passed.
A delicate hand rested on the doorknob. "Sylphy," she said softly, hesitantly. "My name is Sylphy."
Subaru smiled. "Nice to meet you, Sylphy. Are all the wives in there?"
She nodded. "There are fifty-three of us, myself included. Soon, there will be fifty-four."
He chuckled as pride surged through him. "Damn, Emilia convinced you, too? Strange, considering she's an awful liar."
Sylphy whipped around to face him, genuine surprise on her face. "Y-you mean –"
"She's buying us time to get you out of here," confirmed Subaru.
The slightest twitch. It was imperceptible to most, but Subaru had developed keen eyes over his many trials and tribulations.
Sylphy was smiling.
She led them into the wives' bedroom, though it was clear that it was a bedroom in name only. If anything, it reminded Subaru of a prison barrack. No amenities, decorations, or even windows were present. The only furniture was the rows of tiny beds, each with impeccably folded white sheets.
Over fifty women lay atop these sheets, not even bothering to cover themselves with a blanket despite the chill coming from the north.
Over fifty women, devoid of hope, stared listlessly at the ceiling.
One by one, Sylphy gently shook the shoulder of each woman, dragging their attention back to the real world. Within moments, they stood at the side of their bed, each in the exact same position relative to each other. No expression crossed their similar faces as they stared at Subaru patiently.
He didn't know whether to feel creeped out or depressed.
He plastered a confident grin on his face. "All right, you guys ready for a prison break?"
No one moved.
At his side, Beatrice pumped her fist in the air, her face as blank as always. "Woo, I suppose!" she cheered. "Prison break, in fact!"
He ruffled her hair. 'Thanks for the backup.'
'Anytime, I suppose.'
He clapped his hands together. "Listen up, girls. Regulus's invincibility is limited, and I know how to exploit that limit." He patted Beatrice's head, much to her consternation. "Beako and I are going to take him on, but you can't be here for that. Once he discovers that we know his weakness, his first target will be you."
No reaction. Expected, but disappointing, nonetheless.
"So, I offer you a proposition." He stuck his thumb to his chest, trying to maintain his façade of fearlessness. He needed to appear strong if they were to listen to him. "Come with me, and you can start over. I've talked to the locals in the domain of Roswaal L. Mathers, and they agreed to find you jobs. You can finally attain the freedom you've all wanted, but never acknowledged as possible."
A few twitched eyebrows. A couple of clenched fists. Was he breaking through to them?
"Your life isn't over. It's starting right here, right now, from zero." Those words changed his life, and he hoped it would change theirs, too. "Please, come with me. Let me save you."
A few moments later, a strangely familiar woman with reddish-brown hair stepped forward cautiously. "W-why should we believe you?" she asked quietly.
Despite the conditioning that Regulus must have put her through, the woman retained her kind, cyan eyes. They reminded him of Petra's, and it made his heart ache to even think of her in this situation. He forced the image out of his head and managed to look her in the eye. "I'd love to say, 'I'm a knight,' and have that be enough, but that doesn't mean much when you're held captive in a city full of knights." He lifted Beatrice up and placed her in front of him. "So, I'll let Beatrice, a great spirit, explain for me."
Beatrice whipped around, panicking. "What, I wonder? I did not agree to this, I suppose!"
He patted her head fondly. "That's because I wanted to surprise you. You're cute when you're flustered."
She glared at him before taking a deep breath and facing the crowd of expectant women. "My contractor is pathetic, I suppose."
'Hey!' he cried, offended. That's not what he asked for at all!
'Shut up, I suppose,' she growled. Then, out loud, "He is weak and relies on others to get anything done, in fact. He is hopeless without Betty." Her eyes softened as she looked down, her voice becoming small. "But he saved Betty's life, I suppose. He has never once broken a promise to Betty, in fact. You can trust him, I suppose."
Subaru choked up. 'Beako?'
She didn't take her eyes off the women. 'What is it, I wonder?'
He ruffled her hair and looked at her fondly. 'I love you so much.'
She blushed. Adorable. 'B-Betty is cute, so–'
'You're allowed to say it back, you know.'
She took a deep breath and locked eyes with him. 'Betty loves her Subaru, too.' Even in their minds, her voice was soft. 'Whenever you're feeling… that way, remember that I'm here, I suppose.'
Beatrice's speech clearly influenced the women. Some were smiling, some were cautious, and some were terrified.
But they were all showing emotion.
A minute passed, and Beatrice tapped her foot as she started to lose her patience. "Are there any other questions, or can we leave now, I wonder?"
Sylphy slowly raised her hand. "Just one, if that's okay." She was still quiet, but there was a bit more confidence in her words.
Subaru beamed. It seemed there was hope for these girls. "Ask away."
She shifted uncomfortably. "Um… how are we going to leave?" she questioned with a frown. "Dearest Husband will notice our escape."
"First off, enough of that 'Dearest Husband' crap," Subaru scolded gently. "His name is Regulus Corneas, and he's a massive prick. As for our mode of transportation…" He patted his spirit's head. "Beatrice, if you would?"
Beatrice nodded and held her arms out as a portal appeared in front of her. Shadows twisted as ethereal lightning danced in front of them. It was a hurricane of power just a few steps away. The wives retreated instinctively, and Subaru couldn't blame them.
Beatrice's power was kind of scary at times.
Subaru gestured towards the portal, saying, "The moment you step through here, you will no longer be the wife of Regulus Corneas. Consider this your divorce paper." Upon receiving that information, one of the women dashed up to the portal, the mere thought invigorating her, but jumped back as a purple bolt of lightning nearly struck her. Subaru walked up to the hurricane of shadows and held out his arm. "Don't worry, it's harmless."
'This better be fucking harmless,' he grouched.
'It should be, I suppose,' she said dismissively.
'Should be?!'
The lightning danced across his skin, inflicting nothing more than a slight chill, and Subaru let slip a sigh of relief. "See? Totally safe," he declared. "This will take you to Arlam Village. Tell them Subaru Natsuki is granting you asylum."
"H-hold on a moment!" It was the woman with reddish-brown hair. "Did you say Arlam village?"
He nodded. "You're familiar with it?"
Her cyan eyes softened in a way that he could have sworn he'd seen before. "I lived there before Dear- I mean, Regulus took me."
Subaru had a sinking feeling as a realization settled in. "Th-that's nice. You could show the others around." He gulped. "Just, uh, curious… what's your name?"
Despite her imminent freedom, she gave the answer he expected. "Number 132."
He shook his head. "Your real name."
She hesitated. "I… I haven't said it in years." She paused as if making sure she had the right answer. "It's Rebecca Leyte."
Subaru's breath hitched as the room spun.
'Pathetic!' he shouted in their minds, giving Beatrice a headache. 'I'm so pathetic!'
'What are you talking about, I wonder?' Beatrice asked in a panic. She grabbed onto his arm, pre-emptively stopping him from hurting himself. If anything, that made him feel even worse.
'This whole time, I never asked her about her family! I never even…' His heart pounded in his chest as he realized he hurt yet another person. 'How long has she been holding onto this pain?
Ignoring the others' strange looks, Beatrice drained a bit of mana from Subaru, trying to take the edge off. 'Deep breaths, Subaru,' she soothed. 'It's okay, I suppose. In, out. Do it with me.'
Slowly but surely, Subaru followed her gentle guidance as his pulse went back to normal. 'Yeah,' he said at length. 'Yeah, you're right. It's more than okay. She's going to be so happy when she finds out.'
Subaru never asked Emilia about her life in Elior Forest. He never asked Rem about her childhood. He never asked Ram about her horn. He never asked Petra about her family. He never asked anyone a damn thing, choosing instead to talk about himself or wait for them to confide in him.
At that moment, Subaru vowed to ask his loved ones more about themselves.
Subaru managed a shaky smile. "Mind doing me a favor, Rebecca?"
She shifted uncomfortably. "I don't know what I can offer you, but I'll do anything within my power."
He shook his head, dismissing his concerns. "It's nothing hard. Just say hi to Petra for me, all right?"
Rebecca's eyes widened as she ran up to Subaru and grabbed his hand. "You know Petra? How is she? Is she okay?" Tears began to spill from her cyan eyes. "Oh, it's been so long since I've seen my little sister! Does she think I ran away? Does she hate me?"
Subaru knew none of that information, and that realization hurt.
He pushed down the pain and jerked his head towards the portal. "The answer to every one of your questions is through there." He managed to send a calming smile her way. "You should know that Petra's growing up to be a fine young woman. I bet she's missing you lots, so why don't you hurry on home?"
Without warning, Rebecca threw her arms around Subaru, crushing the air out of him. With a whisper of gratitude, she broke free and dashed into the portal.
Rebecca's display of confidence inspired hope in the other wives. One by one, they headed into the portal. Some gave their thanks, some nodded, and some refused to look at him.
Sylphy gave him a blinding smile and a curtsey. "We are forever in your debt."
He waved her off. "None of that," he said with a light blush. "Just stay safe, and don't go dating any sociopathic men, all right?"
Her laugh, a beautiful sound that had not been heard for years, filled the room. "I think I'll be staying away from boys for a while if that's okay."
Subaru gave her a cheeky grin. "I can't blame you."
The portal closed behind Sylphy, leaving Subaru and a panting Beatrice alone.
His spirit's arm dropped, unable to hold it up any longer. "Too much… long-distance teleportation… I suppose…" Her eyes flicked to Subaru before she ran out of energy and dragged them back to the floor. "Out of mana… in fact…"
With that, her eyes rolled back, and she fainted. Subaru barely managed to catch her before her head hit the floor.
"Guess I didn't consider how much mana that would take," he muttered. "Then again, that portal isn't too different from Al Shamak, is it?" He sighed. He still wasn't great at estimating Beatrice's mana usage. "Oh, well. I guess I'm not using magic until we can get to the Forbidden Library… or at least a very energetic Emilia. Damn. I was enjoying my super-powered loli."
This development… well, it destroyed his plans, to say the least. He would have to improvise, but against Regulus, that meant certain death. The least he could do was evaluate the situation.
Subaru closed his eyes and focused on the pinpricks of light that symbolized his loved ones. Rem was… fighting? She wasn't near Emilia, so she wasn't fighting Regulus, which meant –
Subaru swore. There were cultists here, too.
The remainder of Subaru's plans was in shambles. Beatrice was unconscious. Rem was fighting for her life. And Emilia…
Emilia was angry.
It was time to crash this farce of a wedding.
Emilia dropped her mask as her knight announced his presence. "That's a reeaally good line, Subaru!" she exclaimed as warmth filled her.
Subaru grinned and gently laid the unconscious Beatrice against the wall before walking towards Emilia. "I know, right? I thought of it on the way here. Did I look cool?"
Emilia beamed. "Super-duper cool!" Her entire body was bursting to the seams with admiration. "My knight is the best!"
Regulus directed his rage at Emilia. "What is this disgusting display?" he snarled. "You would speak to another man while we are to be wed? Such debauchery in my presence shall not be tolerated! You are a despicable wife! I will kill him and you! It is a violation –"
"Of your rights," Subaru drawled, rolling his eyes. "I've heard this a million times. Look, can we –"
Subaru stopped and yelped as Regulus appeared in front of him. A pale, cold hand wrapped around Subaru's neck. "Do. Not. Interrupt. Me." Subaru responded by kicking Regulus in the crotch. He didn't even notice.
"My rights are everything to me," Regulus shouted, "and you violated them! Unforgivable! Unfathomable! I was merely trying to have a friendly conversation, and you spat in the face of common decency!" His fingers tightened, cutting off the remains of Subaru's oxygen supply. "I, the Sin Archbishop of Greed, do not deserve such treatment!"
Emilia, careful not to hit her knight, aimed her hands at Regulus as tendrils of power flowed through her veins. She gathered it in front of her, silently calling on Puck to help her focus it. "Al Huma!" she yelled at the top of her lungs.
A massive spear of ice slammed into Regulus's side. Nothing changed except for his fingers tightening around Subaru's neck. Emilia begged and pleaded as she threw everything she had at Regulus, but he merely stood there as he crushed Subaru's windpipe.
Subaru mumbled something but it was lost amidst the blizzard. Regulus's eyes narrowed. "What is it? Speak up! I cannot be bothered to listen to such drivel!"
On the verge of unconsciousness, Subaru reached to his neck and pulled at Regulus's fingers. They loosened just enough for Subaru to gasp out a breath. "Stream…" he managed to croak. "Not burst."
Regulus punched Subaru in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him and preventing any further speech. "What is this nonsense? Are you trying to confuse me? I am the most intelligent existence, even more so than the Witch of Envy! I will not be influenced by such drivel!"
Regulus smirked as Emilia's magic slowed to a steady trickle, barely even touching him. "Even my beloved wife knows you are done. Perhaps her renewed faith in her Dearest Husband is enough for me to pardon her, for I am –"
He stiffened. "I'm… cold?"
Subaru used the Subaru used the chance to headbutt Regulus, freeing himself. He collapsed to the floor, and Emilia ran to him. "Subaru! Are you –"
His windpipe was damaged, but he managed to call out to her. "D-don't let up! We can't let him use his power!" He fell into a coughing fit as he strained his already-damaged vocal cords.
She almost reached him, aiming to kneel beside him. "But you're –" The air shifted, and a massive gash tore through her leg, cutting straight through her hamstrings. She collapsed with a cry and tried to push herself up, but a swift kick from Regulus sent her flying into a wall. Cracks formed at the point of impact as she fell limply to the floor.
"Emilia!"
The space around her warped as a fountain of blood shot out of her chest, and she moved no more.
Her light disappeared into the shadows.
Regulus directed his fury at anything and everything, destroying furniture and walls alike. "Horrible! Horrendous! I am generous and take that slut as my wife, and this is how she repays me?" He slammed his power into a wall, shattering it to pieces as he screamed. "She harmed me! Hurt me! I felt pain! Nonsense! Not possible! Where is my heart?! Why can I be touched?! Whatwhatwhat did I what did I do to deserve such unfair treatment? Everything was right! Perfect! Excellent! Why are these children ruining it? WHY DOES IT HURT?!"
Suddenly, the grand Entrance Hall was filled with mirthless laughter. It was an ugly sound, punctuated by hacks and coughs: the chortle of a dying man.
Amidst, the pain, the grief, and the sorrow, Subaru Natsuki spread his arms wide and grinned like a loon.
Regulus whipped around to face the failed knight. "What is so funny?" he screeched, eyes smoldering with fury. "You have lost! That slut is dead! The sacred spot of Number 79 was stolen from me, and you, you insolent, disgusting, selfish fool, have the audacity to laugh? What could possibly be so hilarious? What is so funny that you think you have the right to laugh at me?"
Subaru's eyes stared off into the distance as a delirious smile threatened to tear his face in two. "Don't you see? It's the funniest shit in the world!" He doubled over in a coughing fit, vomiting up blood, but rapidly straightened himself out to continue laughing. "Emilia said she loved me! How fucking funny is that?" By now, his laughter had faded to a mad giggle. "Emilia! In love with me! This shit is hilarious! Ten out of ten, best comedy!"
Regulus's scoffed. "What the hell are you talking about?" he asked with a sneer. "There is no humor in this situation! You are dying! A dead man walking! It's you! Your fault! My wife has been murdered, and it's your fault! I ask again, what is so funny?"
As if finally realizing where he was, Subaru came back to reality and stopped laughing. A truly ugly look came over his face. All that remained inside of him was self-loathing and a desire for vengeance.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" he gasped out. "There's not a single legitimate timeline where Emilia would fall for a fuck-up like me." He coughed and sputtered, but his will was that of iron, and he pushed through.
"My spirit is out of mana," Subaru announced in a raspy voice. "My only conscious ally is elsewhere, fighting for her life, and she doesn't stand a chance against you. I have a damaged windpipe and I can barely breathe. The woman I love is…" He gulped and clenched his fists. "There's no one else here. Just me, Subaru Natsuki. I'm the weakest, most pathetic person you'll ever have the displeasure of meeting."
Their eyes met as Regulus's rage confronted Subaru's burning hatred. "But I won't go down without a fight. I will live for my vengeance," Subaru declared with a fury befitting his dark, nasty eyes. "As long as the last thing I see is your corpse, I will die a happy man."
"Die a happy man?" mocked Regulus. His golden eyes narrowed as they zeroed in on his target's neck. "A mere thought and your brainless head is torn from your shoulders. You will fail because you are not me, and I never lose. I, the Sin Archbishop of Greed, cannot die, for I am perfect. You will die miserable and alone. Such is the fate of a foolish boy unable to achieve his goals."
Subaru scowled and said, "I may die, but I will always come out on top in the end. That's just who I am."
He pulled out his ruby-encrusted dagger and Regulus's eyes snapped to it. "You see this?" Subaru asked nonchalantly, deftly twirling the knife between his fingers. It was as if he wasn't gloating to an invulnerable Sin Archbishop, but a random bandit. "Spoils of war," he continued. "It's a nice reward for killing Capella, wouldn't you agree?"
For the first time, Regulus felt a spike of fear. "You killed… but how? The Sin Archbishop of Lust –"
"Can't be defeated?" Subaru interrupted, causing Regulus to snarl. "Perhaps for normal people, but you don't seem to know who you're talking to."
The failed knight trained his dagger at Regulus, directing all his pain, anger, and hate towards his foe. "I am Subaru Natsuki, slayer of Sin Archbishops. I've killed two of the Great Mabeasts, and I created the fourth. I've spat in the faces of the Witches of Sin and their Authorities. I've forced Reid Astrea into submission and bent Volcanica to my will."
Subaru's face twisted in disgust. "I am the Sage who wielded powers beyond your wildest imagination," he spat. "I sealed the Witch of Envy with my own two hands."
Regulus reeled back, speechless, but Subaru wasn't done.
"I am Subaru Natsuki, the one and only knight of Emilia… and the Champion of Satella."