Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu web novel

　Patrasche wrinkled her nose as she turned her head, threatening the blue-skinned earth dragon glaring at her in front of her.

　Lightly stroking the back of her neck with his palm, Subaru agreed with the enraged Patrasche in a small voice, "I feel the same way."

　Though they had only known each other for a short time, the bond between Subaru and Patrasche was strong enough that they had survived the brink of life and death together.

　Through the reins, Subaru felt as if he could understand Patrasche's thoughts exactly,

"I'm sorry to interrupt you while you're soaking up the moment, but could you please stop trying to seduce my earth dragon? Your earth dragon is quite a powerful one. It might just follow you."

「But, ​​Patrasche! Are you trying to flirt with me?! Who the hell thinks we feel the same way?! You're getting all flirtatious right before a life-or-death battle!」

"I'm sure you didn't mention that earth dragon to your big brother, after showing it off so much before we left."

　Subaru yelled at Patrasche's unexpected betrayal, while Ricardo, who was resting his chin on his hand next to him, muttered in an exasperated tone.

　Subaru choked and went quiet, and then someone stepped past him,

"You're in a good position to meet up with us in such a place, Julius. Just a few hours ago we were fighting for our lives."

"It's embarrassing to hear you say that. But let me correct myself, Ferris. I'm not a person named Julius. That's right… I'll call myself Yuri."

　Julius shrugged at Ferris' sarcastic remark and spouted off about such nonsense. Naturally, everyone's gaze narrowed at the incomprehensible pseudonym, but he brushed them off with a cool smile,

"Even if it were to be hypothetical, it is unacceptable for a person with the status of a knight to join a group of hired servants and become a mercenary. There is no evidence that a man named Julius Euclius joined the Iron Fang, and so what we have here is just a man named Yuri."

"Nyaru. As always, the chivalry of a proper family is such a pain. I'm glad Feli-chan's family is a fallen noble family."

"I don't find chivalry a hassle. I do think it's a problem to have to worry about something as simple as helping a friend. --As an aside, I should also state that the suspension that Julius Euclius received was lifted last night at midnight."

"What a stupid precaution... What's the point of using a fake name?"

　Subaru clicked his tongue and muttered these nasty words while listening to the conversation between Julius and Ferris. He averted his eyes, his lips curled up, and he looked extremely sulky, which was the truth, so there was no room for excuses.

　Hearing Subaru's little rant, Julius suddenly turned to look in his direction. He followed the Earth Dragon's footsteps and took up a position directly in front of him,

"I'm glad to see you're doing better than I thought. --I wonder how you're feeling?"

"--!"

　Subaru's brain clicked when Julius spoke, showing concern for his physical condition.

　Julius' question, which was nothing more than a mockery or sarcastic remark, was enough to bring back memories of what had happened a few days ago - although to Subaru it felt like nearly two weeks ago.

　Receiving this remark, which was the most provocative thing possible to put a check on him, Subaru felt the curse rising to his throat, but somehow managed to swallow it down and endure it.

　He cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and, with a composed expression, stroked his short bangs back in an affectation.

"Ah, well, it was just a scratch, right? It healed after you spat on it, I guess? You guys are the ones who are a bit slow to show up, considering you called yourself reinforcements. What, you got so serious with an amateur that you were busy writing a report to submit to the higher-ups?"

　Subaru responded with his usual provocative attack, guessing the background circumstances from the topic of suspension. Julius looked slightly displeased,

"That's not what I wanted to talk about. I wanted to talk about the honorable injury you received while defeating a demonic beast… but I'm glad to hear that your injury has also recovered. To begin with, it shouldn't have been as bad as it looked. You're good at getting sympathy, so you were rolling around in exaggerated pain."

"Hahahahahaha."

"Heh heh heh heh."

　Dry laughter echoed between the two of them, and an explosive atmosphere began to spread.

　While it seemed as if the people around them were trying to do something about the situation, Ferris and Ricardo just watched with amusement, while Mimi went to the other group to search for her younger brother. Inevitably, the one who took on the role of settling the situation was,

"It would be nice to rekindle old friendships, but I'm afraid now isn't the time for that, both of you."

　Stepping forward and admonishing him was the aged swordsman astride the earth dragon - Wilhelm.

　Wilhelm, carrying the precious sword entrusted to him by his master at his waist, looked directly at Julius, his eyes filled with quiet ambition as he narrowed,

"I'm extremely grateful for the reinforcements this time. Our forces were considerably weakened in the battle with the White Whale. I was worried, having been involved in your self-centeredness."

"Wilhelm-san, that's not possible…"

　Subaru interrupted Wilhelm as he spoke, lowering his voice.

　For Subaru, defeating the White Whale was one of the many obstacles he had to overcome. Subaru's self-righteous will was certainly involved, and Wilhelm would never consider it a burden.

　Subaru was frustrated that he couldn't explain everything, but he wanted to at least erase that feeling of guilt somehow. However, before he could say it,

"You have a good look now, Wilhelm-sama."

　Yes, Julius murmured quietly as he looked at the old man.

　Subaru looked up, and Julius saw the gleam in Wilhelm's eyes, as if he had been liberated from some kind of evil.

"You seem like a different person from when I last met you. … I'm sure this will bring some relief to Reinhard."

"Yes, that's right."

　Putting his hand to his chin, Wilhelm lowered his eyes.

　How much conflict could he have felt inside during that momentary hesitation?

　Subaru, unaware of the situation, could only frown at the exchange, but the eyes of those around him watching them were once again those who knew what was going on.

　Subaru was not amused at being left behind, but Wilhelm raised his head,

"I wasn't able to be straightforward about what happened. I knew that he was innocent and had no ill intentions, but I couldn't forgive him. -- One day, you will have to pay for it."

"That alone will be enough for him to gain."

　Wilhelm's voice was laced with bitterness, but Julius nodded his chin in affirmation. Julius then slowly turned his intelligent gaze towards Subaru.

　Naturally, she straightened her back, and Subaru braced himself for a resumption of the verbal battle from earlier, but,

"I guess I should say thank you."

"--a?"

　Subaru raised his voice involuntarily, and Julius lightly descended from the Earth Dragon to the ground in front of him. He then looked up at Subaru, who was still on top of Patrasche, and bent over,

"The defeat of the White Whale this time was a heavy responsibility that should have been borne by the Knights. I am grateful that we have put an end to this disaster that has been ignored by the various countries for so many years."

　Subaru was unable to respond immediately to the graceful expression of gratitude that was expressed, as he had been feeling resentful towards Julius up until that point. Then, beside Subaru, who was at a loss as to what to do, Ferris interjected, "Hey, hey,"

"After all, the subjugation of the White Whale was the initiative of Duke Karsten – Lady Crusch took credit for it, so don't misunderstand that. Old man Vil killed this, too."

"I know that. I heard from Julius, who fought him face to face, that he himself does not have the power to defeat the White Whale."

　Julius was adamant that he was a different person from Julius. After Ferris spoke, he added, "However,"

"There's no doubt that his presence played a major role in the defeat of the monsters. Ferris, don't you agree with that?"

"Meow. That's... well, that's it."

　Pointing his fingers together, Ferris stammered and retreated. Having persuaded the cat girl in this way, Julius once again turned to Subaru,

"Thanks to you, people can now forget the days of fearing the fog. -- Lady Anastasia will surely be very pleased."

"If it was just the first half I would have accepted it without hesitation, but now that the second half is added I can't help but say yes."

"And so, my friend's long-held regret... will reach a turning point."

　Julius closed his eyes and spoke with a sigh.

　Subaru knew that this friend was probably referring to the red-haired hero, but he didn't know the details of the long-held regret that handsome man had.

　Is it possible for a man like him to have a past that he should feel regretful about?

　In any case, it certainly doesn't feel bad to be able to express gratitude so honestly.

　Subaru should be happy that Wilhelm's wish had come true, and he was aware that his cooperation had been of some help in that regard. But even so, Subaru's feelings were extremely complicated when he saw Julius.

　Although he was acting tough, the first thing Subaru noticed in his mind when he was faced with this handsome man was his weak, frightened side.

　Even if they overcome that weak spot, what awaits them next is a rebellious spirit protected by a pretense of trying to hide their weakness. They may be genuinely grateful for the reinforcements, but they may also be filled with resentment at their master's bad character for stationing another force, Julius, in this place. There is no end to the list of things they are left in the dark about.

　However, Subaru never let those negative feelings show on his face.

　Swallowing those strange and complicated emotions, Subaru did just one thing instead.

"Smug."

　He would say, distorting his cheeks and laughing boldly, as if to rile up the other person.

"Villain face~"

"That really gets on your nerves."

"Oh no, I was about to do it."

"Your nostrils are so puffy!"

"Oh my, the booing from our teammates is awful! This is what happens when you brag about your success!"

　Subaru spits at the audience who are harshly criticizing him, then takes a heavy breath and turns to Julius again. He calms himself down with a loud voice and a deep breath,

"So, what do you want to do after all? What did you come here for?"

"---You really managed it."

"ah?"

　Without responding to Subaru's question, Julius muttered something that sounded somewhat sentimental.

　When Subaru asked him again, he shook his head and said, "No."

"I'm asking if you understand, but the 'Iron Fang' under contract with Anastasia-sama is only lent to Crusch-sama… no, to you, for the duration of the White Whale subjugation."

"Huh? That's right, but I'm sure Ojo's story was..."

"Please be quiet, big sister."

　Hearing what Julius said, Mimi tried to intervene, but was stopped by the cat-like beastman who had appeared beside her without her realizing it. Seeing their exchange, Subaru frowned as he listened to Julius' words.

　Seeing Subaru's attitude, Julius raised his hand slightly and continued, "In other words,"

"Once the White Whale has been defeated, there will no longer be any reason for us to cooperate. We will no longer be needed. But what are you planning to do now?"

"Julius is so forgetful. Before he went out, Ojo said a lot of things. I don't remember Mimi, though."

"I'll be quiet."

　Subaru was constantly bothered by the kitten's comedy routine, but he gradually began to understand what Julius was trying to say. In other words,

"Are you telling me to choose here, to withdraw or to continue sending reinforcements?"

"We have been instructed to sell it at a high price. Or is there a situation where our power is not necessary?"

　Showing off his back, Julius presses Subaru to make a decision.

　Even so, this was not a situation in which he could make a rash decision in the heat of irritation. It would be easy for Subaru to give in to his anger and drive them away, but that would mean committing a foolish act that would weaken his own fighting power in the face of the biggest obstacle that remained before him.

　Having said that, it would also be problematic to simply accept the "high price" Julius spoke of. Continuing to offer empty promises is a terrible move in negotiations, and above all, Subaru's decision is a matter of many lives, and the future of one young girl.

　Subaru glanced sideways at the silent man, who was waiting quietly with Wilhelm and Ferris showing no signs of interfering. If Subaru were to ask for their help here, they would likely take measures such as recruiting the Iron Fang as an appeal from the Crusch camp for the negotiations.

　However, that would only mean that the person he owed a debt to would change. Currently, Subaru and Crusch are in a state of strife, with each of them owing one another something, and it would be no good to change the current situation in which the debt he owed to Crusch is given more weight because of the kindness he owes her.

　Next, he looked towards the mercenary group led by Ricardo, who had his arms crossed and his dark eyes closed in a silent wait-and-see stance. Mimi imitated him, closing her eyes as well, occasionally twitching her orange cat ears and trembling her adorable nostrils.

　Although Ricardo's reason for joining the fight against the Witch Cult had seemed weak earlier, the moment Julius brought up this negotiation, it made sense. He knew it was a deal he couldn't refuse, and his attitude was one of asking for their cooperation.

"Dirty. As expected from a money-hungry person, so dirty..."

"You're really staring at people's faces, aren't you? I have to say, I don't really mean it. I take advantage of people's weaknesses and do things like this. But, more than anything, I just like money..."

"Your conflict is shallow! I wasn't counting on you in the first place!"

　The head of the enemy - even if he was only the boss in name only, Ricardo had no intention of asking for his help. Anyway, Subaru's only answer to this negotiation was, unpleasantly enough, yes.

　Now that Crusch's camp has restored even ties, Subaru is now also indebted to Anastasia. It's a tough decision, but Subaru can't turn down the reinforcements now, so he has to grit his teeth and bear the frustration.

　If the reinforcements could get through without causing any lending or borrowing issues then――

"The fog...the white whale...the highway, the deadline, the end...the witch."

　With his thoughts heating up, Subaru blurted out a word that had suddenly crossed his mind. The string of unrelated thoughts began to piece together, relying on the faint clue, and then,

"The hunt for the White Whale isn't over yet... what do you think?"

"---That's an interesting statement."

　Julius narrowed his eyes at Subaru's spontaneous words and spoke.

　Behind him, not only were the beastman mercenaries but also the members of the extermination squad - Wilhelm in particular was particularly striking, and Subaru found his conscience pricked.

　However, apart from the fulfillment of his old man's long-cherished wish, I realized that there was a problem that I could not leave unattended.

"The White Whale, a mist-generating demonic beast, could possibly be a pawn of the Witch Cult. I know someone who said something along those lines."

　--Was that the third world, in other words, the final scene of the previous loop?

　I think it was when he was surrounded by the Witch Cult in the forest, defeated after failing to dodge Petelgeuse's invisible hand, and kicking Emilia's corpse, leaving him overwhelmed with a sense of helplessness.

　At that time, the madman had certainly blurted it out while cursing me in a foul language.

　The road is sealed off, and no one can cross the fog.

　How could he know that? How could he speak of it as if it were his own doing? And the icing on the cake was what the beast of the end blurted out afterwards.

"Someone with a knowing look said that I was devouring the White Whale. If that's true, if that person is one of the Witch Cult's men... then his appearance must be related to where I'm going."

　If Petelgeuse had summoned the White Whale to the highway to block people from entering and leaving the Mathers territory, then his purpose was, of course, nothing other than their own insanity. In other words, the White Whale's blockade of the highway was intended to attack the mansion - Emilia.

"I need to make the Witch Cult pay for all they've done to me. This time, and the last four hundred years together. Once I do that, the subjugation of the White Whale will finally be complete."

"――――"

"Your employer has ordered you to do this job and dangled a reward in front of you, so don't give up halfway through, mercenary. Or you can just pay the penalty and quit."

　Having declared this confidently, Subaru waited to see what Julius would do.

　Deep down, he was amazed at how little evidence his own words had, but now Subaru was able to brazenly smile and pretend not to care.

　It was a guess based on scattered information from the future. Moreover, the pieces were more scattered than ever before, and he had heard it while he was in a state where his consciousness was unclear, so even he didn't trust it.

　Although I have pieced it together to make it look plausible, I don't know if this will be enough to convince him. But, if it can at least provide an opportunity to continue the negotiations――

"--Well, let's call it a passing grade."

"fart?"

"I'll try to make it sound a little better, but I think we'll go with your argument for the most part. It won't hurt Anastasia-sama's face either."

"Hey, wait a minute!"

　Subaru tried to call out to Julius, palms facing forward. However, Julius calmly accepted Subaru's panic,

"I don't know. The mercenary group will continue to cooperate. The reward has already been paid by Lady Anastasia. There's no problem, right?"

"Easy to understand...I mean, what's with that easy-going nature of yours! You..."

　As he begins to say the next thing, he suddenly realizes something very unpleasant about himself.

　Seeing Julius trying to figure out our situation and cooperate with us despite our childish arguments, I wished that he would be different in his good-natured behavior.

　Subaru realized that he wanted Julius to be a nasty guy that he could never understand.

"Well, it's not like there's no reward. If you're a stupid idiot, you'll only get a chance to make a buck once and that's it, but if you're up against a smart opponent, you'll have plenty of chances to make a buck."

"In the end, it doesn't change what you get for your money..."

　Seeing Ricardo cut into the conversation, he took advantage of the situation and joined in. Then, he found himself running away, taking the easy way out, but he felt bad about it.

　Subaru's self-loathing and hatred of others mix together, and the situation becomes increasingly tense.

　However, faced with this situation, Subaru took a deep breath,

"It's my fault. Shit, I'm sorry. Ah, damn it. I don't want to say this. I know I should have been the one to..."

　Placing his hand on his forehead, Subaru struggled to come up with a rational response, but he couldn't find the words.

　This was a moment to be grateful to Julius for bringing along reinforcements and showing his intention to join the battle. What happened before was the result of Subaru's short-sightedness, and now that he was able to look back calmly, he knew exactly who was in the wrong.

　Or even the consequences of Julius' actions back then.

"――――"

　Julius remained silent in response to Subaru's halting words.

　He would know what Subaru wanted to say, and would be able to give an answer before the speechless Subaru.

　But he didn't do that, and Subaru hated him so much for not doing that. It would have been better if he had just continued to hate and detest him, and only dislike him.

"I was wrong. I'm sorry, I apologise... I apologise."

　Subaru spoke these words in a low, squeezed-out voice.

　For Subaru, it was an awful memory to even look back on, but it was one he would have to face in order to get rid of it someday, and he was facing someone he would have to settle things with someday.

　Hearing Subaru's apology, Julius quietly closed his eyes. Then he gently pulled his chin back,

"I apologize for my rudeness. I will not retract anything I said or did back then, but I do sincerely apologize for underestimating you."

　Julius responded to Subaru's gratitude and replied back.

　His words were overflowing with sincerity, and Subaru found that the nasty feelings that had been building up inside him melted away in an incredibly simple manner.

　Realizing this, Subaru lowered himself to the ground just like the 『Knight』 who stood before him, and faced him head-on, at the same height as his tall body.

"Sorry, but..."

"Yeah"

「I hate you with all my heart. --I know I'm sorry, and I'm grateful that you came, but I hate you. Really, from the bottom of my heart, I really, really, hate you!」

　The final sentence is divided into phrases, with a pause between each phrase as he speaks.

　And so, having been slammed head-on, Julius looked stunned for a moment, before his expression suddenly changed.

"That's fine. I don't really feel like I can become your friend either."

　This seemed to annoy him, as he pushed his hair back and laughed.

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

　We need to sort things out in our heads once and for all.

　They sit in a circle, the main participants meet face to face and discuss what lies ahead.

　Subaru stood in the center, surrounded by Julius, Ferris, Ricardo, and Wilhelm.

"Ah, to be honest, I'm not good at taking charge like this, so I feel a bit embarrassed when you look at me with such serious eyes…"

　Once again, being surrounded by people with greater human strength than himself made him feel intimidated. Subaru was originally a recluse in his original world. He knew that he didn't have the personality to stand in front of others, let alone have the experience of standing in front of others.

　But, despite his timidity, they looked at him with a certain amount of trust, and Subaru didn't mind it.

"Let's wrap things up. Ah, we're heading to the Mathers territory...or rather, Roswaal's mansion. That's where the Witch Cult will probably, no, definitely show up."

"Witch Cult... is that it?"

　The mention of the Witch Cult's name caused everyone's expressions to turn serious. Many of them must have been prepared for what was to come given the flow of the conversation up to this point, but even so, it seems they were still moved when they found out who the other person was.

　Subaru didn't know how the existence of the Witch's Cult was made known in this world, or how they perceived it—but to Subaru, their existence could be called, in one word, "the worst."

　Judging from everyone's reactions, it seems safe to say that this is a common understanding.

"Subaru, how did you notice the connection between the White Whale and the Witch Cult?"

　It was Julius who casually called me by my first name, Subaru.

　Ever since his earlier confession of his true feelings, Julius had been acting strangely friendly towards him. To be honest, Subaru had mixed feelings about that attitude as well, but――

"Unfortunately, I've had some bad experiences with witch cultists. It didn't end well and I have a lot of bad memories... but someone let something slip."

"I see... so the Knights' guess was correct."

"That's right. The documents that Old Man Vil tracked down also seemed to have led to that conclusion."

"Did you know?"

　Julius agreed with Subaru's words, and Ferris agreed. Subaru expressed surprise at their attitude, but Wilhelm shook his head gently,

"I noticed the connection by chance. There seemed to be many unnatural coincidences between the distribution of White Whales' appearances and the records of the Witch Cult's activities. --It's not enough to call it conclusive proof, though."

"The White Whale's appearance was the main attraction, and the Witch Cult was just a bonus. Feli-chan was skeptical when she first heard about it though."

"Similar talk had also come out from the Knights' Order. However, it was treated as nothing more than a rumour... a laughing matter."

　Julius shrugged, and Wilhelm sighed, "That's understandable." Listening to their conversation, Subaru scratched his head,

"For now, I was lucky that I had the foundation for people to believe my story. Anyway, believing what the Witch Cult says seems pretty unreliable, but I do think that the White Whale is definitely connected to them. Originally, magical beasts were creatures created by witches, right?"

"That's what they say. The existence and origins of magical beasts are mysterious. Some reproduce like normal living things, while others appear suddenly, like the White Whale. Although, the only exceptions to this rule are the Black Snake and the Giant Rabbit."

"I feel like I heard some words I can't miss, but I'm scared so can I go ahead and do it?"

　After making sure that everyone nodded in agreement, Subaru cleared his throat and continued his story.

　Having stated that we were dealing with the Witch Cult, the next thing we needed to make known to everyone was,

"The Witch Cult's target is Emilia, and they're planning on burning down not just the mansion, but the entire nearby village. That's why we need to get rid of those bastards somehow."

"I'll chase you away. You're being very naive."

　Ferris narrowed his eyes seductively as he looked at Subaru, his words drawn out meaningfully. It was a gesture that sent chills down his spine. However, the person he was speaking to was a man.

"What do you mean, naive?"

"You should just cut them all down. Based on your record so far, that's the right way to deal with them, you know?"

"..."

　Hearing Ferris casually declare the massacre, Subaru's mouth dropped open in shock.

　I wasn't surprised by his extreme remarks, but by my own naivety in making them, as he put it.

　Even though I had been repeating in my head over and over that I wanted to kill them, that they should die, I was surprised at how my feelings had changed when I heard those sweet words.

　This was surely because Subaru's priorities had ultimately changed.

"As long as I can protect the mansion and the people in the village, that's enough for now. Drive the Witch Cult away, blow them up, crush them, kill them, twist them apart, crush them, burn them to pieces, smash them..."

"I understand. I fully understand your anger towards them."

Subaru: "--Ha! Damn it. No, that's not it. It's not like I'm filled with anger and hatred and preparing to fight. It's a wicked guess that that's the reason I approached Emilia-tan!"

"Nobody said that!"

　As he spoke, his anger began to bubble up again, which ended up scaring Julius and Ferris. However, it was also a gain from having to make unnecessary excuses.

　The motives behind Subaru's actions, which were suspect in the previous world, seem not to be suspect at all in this world. Subaru wonders what is different, but

"After taking down the White Whale with a plan that required a great deal of self-sacrifice, who could make such skeptical assumptions now? Subaru-kun, you're surprisingly distrustful of people, aren't you?"

"Misanthropy and bullshit..."

　In fact, when he had said that, Ferris and Crusch had been suspicious of him.

　However, as he laughs out loud, he doesn't seem to suspect anything at all, which is completely different from what he's pretending to be. Perhaps this, too, is a change due to a change in Subaru's will and actions.

　Anyway,

"There is no longer any room for doubt that the Witch Cult will take action. Given their actions, this was expected the moment Emilia-sama put her name forward for the royal selection."

　Julius touched his chin in understanding. Subaru was familiar with his attitude and had never had a chance to question him about it, so he raised his hand.

"I just wanted to ask you something. How did you come to the conclusion that the Witch Cult would take action if Emilia-tan mentioned her name? It's strange since everyone seems to accept it…I heard that there are many aspects of the Witch Cult that are unknown."

"You think you know the Witch Cult is moving, so you say stuff like that?"

　Ferris tilted his head in astonishment at Subaru's question. He had expected to be laughed at for his ignorance, so Subaru put his palm towards his face and said, "Now now."

"We don't have much time. Let's get this done quickly. So, what do you think about that?"

"I think it's odd for someone who doesn't know to be in charge like that… but the one the Witch Cult worships so dearly is the Jealous Witch, Satella. I know that."

"Just in case. To be honest, I only touched on it a little, but I read about it in a picture book."

"Well, it's only natural, since there are hardly any people left who saw the real thing. I've only heard a little about it myself. Well, it would be nice if I knew that the Witch Cults worshipped Satella. So, was this witch called Satella a half-elf?"

"Well, that's okay."

　The picture book Subaru had read didn't contain that much information, but he had heard about it when he asked Beatrice about witches.

　And even in the royal capital, Emilia's appearance and origins were often compared to those of the "Witch of Envy," and the topic was often brought up. Subaru, however, was outraged that this was not something she should be blamed for.

"Emilia-tan's appearance is identical to that of the Witch, isn't it? But that's no reason to blame her. It's a completely misplaced grudge."

"Most people don't think that way. That's all Satella did. So, going back to the Witch Cult...simple, they find the existence of half-elves to be a hindrance."

"teeth?"

　An astonished voice suddenly burst out of Subaru's throat.

　He turned his head to confirm the meaning of what he had been told, but the reactions of those around him showed that they did not regard Ricardo as anything special. In other words, it was a common understanding.

"Why? If you think about it normally... I hate even tracing the normal thoughts of those guys, but if you think about it normally, persecuting half-elves who are just like the witches they worship is..."

"It is precisely because they worship him and believe him to be the one and only, that they cannot tolerate an existence that is similar yet different. A fake, something similar, yet different. ーーThat existence."

　It was an extremely cold voice, filled with chilling murderous intent.

　Subaru raised his head and instantly looked towards the person who had spoken. The person then looked towards Subaru, and their eyes met. Subaru was transfixed by the gaze that seemed to peer into his soul, but the person in question,

"Nyaaah, have you tried to guess, Feli-chan?"

　His expression quickly changed and he stuck out his tongue, as if the current atmosphere hadn't happened at all.

　Subaru was at a loss for words at the sudden change, but Ferris, completely unaware of his shock, leaned forward,

"The Witch Cult's motives for being active are crazy, so that's fine, right? The problem is, I think it depends on who is leading the Witch Cult that's targeting Emilia-sama and the others."

"A Sin Archbishop, huh?"

"--!? You know that name?"

　Ricardo agreed with Ferris's change of topic, and Subaru took the bait with the word that came up.

　Archbishop of Sin - that was the title Petelgeuse had taken on, and he explained that he was in charge of "Sloth."

"Are the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishops famous?"

"That's the extent of it. Long ago, before the Witch of Envy went on a rampage, there were other witches besides Satella."

"Pride. Wrath. Sloth. Greed. Gluttony. Lust. Six witches named after deadly sins. The story goes that all of them were consumed by Satella, who was named after Envy."

　A witch bearing the name of a deadly sin - that was also a story I'd heard somewhere before.

　In this world, the only witch is Satella, the Witch of Envy, and there are no other witches who have been sinned.

"I don't know if I can call them the Witch Cult's executives, but I've heard that those in that position have taken the names of the deadly sins in place of the lost witches. Jealousy is the symbol of Satella, whom they worship. In other words, the other six—the six Archbishops of the Deadly Sins."

"Six people..."

　Subaru held his breath as he listened to Julius' explanation, and broke out into a cold sweat at the unfathomable nature of the opposing Witch Cult.

　When Petelgeuse named himself "Sloth," it was possible to predict that there would be others in charge of the other deadly sins. Speaking of the Seven Deadly Sins, to Subaru, they were wonderful words full of chuunibyou elements familiar from subculture, but the negative impression of "Sloth" that he had experienced in real life was too strong for him to take it as a word that made his heart flutter.

　just,

"We've taken down the White Whale, who was supposed to be 'Gluttony'. Another Sin Archbishop should also make an appearance in the Mathers territory, where we're heading from now on. This is our chance to bring down the Witch Cult in one fell swoop."

"Oh, you're being very bold. But, well, Feli-chan also agrees that this is a good opportunity to crush the mysterious Witch Cult. Those guys are pretty much underestimating us."

"In the sense that there are no signs of any activity, the Knights have long suffered a bitter experience against them. I'm not the only one to feel this way, many of them have. I'm grateful for this opportunity."

　Ferris and Julius agreed with Subaru's opinion, Ricardo also smiled belligerently, while Wilhelm simply nodded in response.

　If that was the case, then what Subaru needed to do was to devise a strategy using the strength he currently had and the information he had about the future. --Although the plan itself was incredibly simple, the groundwork had already been laid and it was already prepared.

"At worst, we would have had to carry out this operation with only half the number of our current forces, but thanks to Julius joining us, our worries about numbers have disappeared. I think we can do it."

"I would like to correct one thing. My name is Yuri. It's true that I am close with the eldest son of the Euclius family, but I want you to be careful."

"That setting is just a hindrance outside of official scenes! If he was serious about pretending to be someone else in the first place, he shouldn't have come dressed as a royal guard knight! It's not well thought out!"

　Yelling at Julius for his shallow cover-up, Subaru looked around at everyone, breathing heavily. Then, after clearing his throat,

"Well then, here's a simple explanation of how to hunt witch cults that even a monkey can do -- let's begin."

　Subaru distorted his cheeks and laughed like a villain as he revealed his plan.

　The moonlight was beginning to set across the plains - the final night before the clash with the Witch Cult was beginning to dawn, and the morning of the final day of this loop was beginning.