Natsuki Subaru stood frozen at the street corner, the polite yet cold rejections of the two Royal Selection Candidates echoing in her ears.
"I apologize, Miss Natsuki. While I believe you are not lying, if you cannot disclose your source of information, I regret that I cannot cooperate with you."
Anastasia's reaction left her even more choked up. "Oh wow~ Miss Natsuki's information is truly beneficial to me~ Since even Lady Crusch values it so much, I'll definitely give it good consideration~"
That was clearly the most standard polite refusal.
The most ironic part was that as she turned to leave, her peripheral vision caught Anastasia neatly writing down the "White Whale sighting information," her green, crystal-like eyes gleaming with shrewd calculation. She looked exactly like someone evaluating an item to be sold.
"Failed again..." Subaru mechanically kicked a pebble by the roadside.
Subaru suddenly realized she had made a fatal mistake; she had foolishly tried to sway a merchant who only believed in profit with vague, unsubstantiated predictions.
"Next... I'll go find Priscilla..." Subaru rubbed her stiff cheeks. Her fingernails left several red marks on her skin.
Subaru dragged her heavy footsteps towards Priscilla's Mansion. The sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries wafted from a street-side bakery, causing a sharp pang in her stomach. Only then did she remember that she hadn't eaten anything since early morning.
"Damn it..." She rubbed her eyes hard, her knuckles pressing against her burning eyelids. She was such a grown-up, so why was she feeling so wronged just because she was hungry?
Just as she lowered her head, preparing to continue on her way, a warm paper bag suddenly appeared before her eyes. A familiar scent lingered at her Fingers. It was... "I found you, Subaru."
This voice instantly brought a wave of sourness to her nasal cavity. She looked up, and Carlisle stood there, the paper bag in his hand still steaming, vaguely revealing golden-crisp apple pies inside.
"Ah... it's you. I'm sorry... for making you worry..." She hastily wiped her face with her sleeve, forcing a strained smile. "No, that's not right! I left a note saying I wanted to explore on my own!"
Carlisle didn't point out her reddened eyes. He simply gently held up the still-steaming paper bag.
"You're hungry, aren't you? It's already noon." He broke off a piece of pie. "Though there's no mayonnaise, just make do with this for now."
The moment Subaru's Fingers touched the pie crust, tears finally splattered onto the back of her hand. She hastily lowered her head and took a large bite. The sweet filling mixed with salty tears, creating a strange taste on her tongue.
------
On the alley steps, the two sat side by side. Carlisle's concerned words flowed like a warm current.
"Do you need anything else? Shall I go buy more food?"
"Rem is still looking for you. After you finish eating, let's go find her together."
"Eat slowly, don't choke..."
Among these gentle murmurs, not a single one was the question she had anticipated: "Why did you run off on your own?" or "What exactly are you plotting?"
This unreserved trust, instead, made her heart clench even tighter.
That's right... Is the White Whale on its way to the Mansion now? If I go earlier, will I not have to face the White Whale?
Subaru quietly looked up, Carlisle's profile in the sunlight was close by. That fragmented figure from her memories was now sitting perfectly intact beside her, even the silver threads on his uniform cuffs gleamed with an unblemished luster. This realization made her tremble involuntarily. In the previous Return by Death, it was this arm that was torn off by Sloth to save her... "No!" She shook her head sharply, her black hair brushing her cheek, bringing a faint sting. She had to find a way to get Carlisle away, even if it meant using the clumsiest excuse. Rather than seeing him covered in blood again, she would rather endure the pain of a thousand Return by Deaths.
"I'm finished eating." She suddenly stood up, apple pie crumbs rustling down from her skirt. "Let's go back. Rem must be getting anxious."
The moment she turned abruptly, a warm hand suddenly clasped her wrist.
"Are you really okay?"
This soft whisper was like a dull knife, slowly prying open her desperately held defenses. Subaru didn't dare to look back; she was afraid that if she saw those clear blue eyes, she would break down and tell him everything.
"Yes... I'm fine... Let's go back."
------
The night was deep. Subaru tiptoed as she pushed open the side door of the Mansion.
"Carlisle and Rem should both be asleep by now..." She held her breath, and after confirming there was no movement in the hallway, she quietly closed the door.
Subaru hurried through the courtyard, her mind calculating her plan.
1. If the White Whale does not appear → Immediately organize villagers to evacuate after arriving at the Mansion.
2. If the White Whale has appeared → Attempt to break through → If successful, save people / If failed, trigger Return by Death and come back to call for more help.
She didn't notice that on the second floor, Carlisle stood by the window, watching the small figure disappear into the night, a hint of struggle flashing in his blue eyes.
Finally, he sighed softly, grabbed his cloak, and followed her.
...
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