Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu web novel

　There's an infinite number of things that need to be considered.

　Resuming their march towards the Mathers territory, Subaru and his companions had two major tasks to accomplish.

　"To keep Emilia and the others in the mansion and the villagers out of danger."

　"Fight the Witch Cult that is plotting an attack and kill Petelgeuse of Sloth."

　Last time, he prioritized the latter, hoping to achieve the former goal at the same time, but this was thwarted by Betelgeuse's unexpected foulness.

　It was unclear to what extent his possession worked, under what conditions, or against what kind of people. But the fact was that he had gotten ahead of Subaru and the others, ambushed them at that location, and caused that catastrophe.

　Overconfidence is a no-no - in fact, unless you take all possible measures, you won't achieve the best.

"In that case, temporary evacuation - or at worst, abandoning the mansion and the village will be necessary."

　Even Subaru could understand how heartless a decision that was for them.

　It's hard to accept being asked to throw away the foundations of your life that you've grown accustomed to and set off on a journey with nothing but the clothes on your back. But it has to be done.

　--There's no substitute for life.

　I understand that sometimes things must be prioritized over life, but life should still take top priority, except in extremely limited circumstances.

　That was one thing Subaru had absolutely no intention of giving in.

"Considering the time, we need to evacuate and attack the Witch Cult at the same time."

　It was unclear how thoroughly Betelgeuse had prepared the situation, but with a group of that size hiding around the mansion, it would be too convenient for them to not notice anything strange happening in the village. In all likelihood, there would have been guards there, just like when they attacked Subaru's dragon carriage as it passed along the highway.

　If they rushed to evacuate, there would be a higher chance that the Witch Cult would split up and take action. In that case, they needed to crush the Witch Cult before they could act.

"The procedure is almost the same as last time, so it should be fine… It bothers me that we only found eight hideouts, but hopefully we can find the rest this time."

　The odds of winning would increase dramatically. At the very least, the possibility of a surprise attack by unknown Witch Cultists would be completely eliminated. If the threat they had to deal with was limited to Betelgeuse, then it would still be a sufficient victory.

　And to deal with Betelgeuse, the biggest concern,

"I can fight the invisible hand. Without me there's no point."

　--That was the line that I would never give in on.

　Last time, the story dragged on and drew Petelgeuse's attention, and Wilhelm's surprise attack succeeded in defeating the first Petelgeuse. This time, the flow should follow suit. The problem is what happens if they encounter the second or subsequent Petelgeuses――

"No, should we consider capturing him alive? If the plot involves him dying and then possessing her, then we'd have to let him die..."

　After tasting it, I couldn't help but feel that this was a surprising blind spot.

　Up until now, Betelgeuse has acted in a way that could be considered possession twice. Both times, it was limited to when the body he had possessed died, and he was unable to narrow down the conditions for what he would possess after that, but it would be a different story if he could create a situation in which possession was not possible in the first place.

　And if a surprise attack were to work, creating the situation wouldn't be that difficult.

「That's right. Even if we kill them, there's no need to only think about killing them! I don't know if there's a way to seal them or something, but if that's possible」

　I think it's possible.

　If we could knock him unconscious with a surprise attack, we could just gag him and tie him to a tree. If we isolated him so far that even the invisible hand could not reach him, he would become nothing more than a helpless, screaming madman.

　After that, it would be even better if you could ask Pack to put it in a state of suspended animation in ice and display it in a remote place where humans can't reach it.

"You look like you're thinking of something bad, honey."

　Julius spoke to Subaru, who saw a ray of hope and twisted the corners of his mouth into a villainous smile. Running alongside him, he had been silently watching Subaru, who had been lost in thought, but he must have noticed the change in his expression and realised he had seen a solution.

　A slight smile appeared on his handsome face, and he lightly stroked his hair, which was blowing in the wind,

"If you've gathered your thoughts, I'd like to hear them. Your decision to fight."

"There might be a hole so I want to close it a bit more… I'm short on time, but would it be better if everyone stopped by once more?"

　In any case, some additions and modifications must be made to the explanation given above.

　Calling out to each of the marching members and then regrouping them in a circle was a time-consuming process. Time was tight now, and I was worried that this would dampen their spirits a little, but...

"No, that's not necessary. I'll take care of conveying your message."

　Shaking his head slightly, Julius dismissed Subaru's judgement. Unable to read the meaning behind his words, Subaru frowned slightly. Then, in front of him, Julius raised his right hand and lightly flicked it, and the next moment - light flooded the room.

"Wha――! You, that's..."

"A faint glow of will fills the air. If you were close to Lady Emilia, you have seen this beauty, right?"

　Julius smiled proudly. A pale glow swam around him, following him closely as he straddled his earth dragon.

　And Subaru knew the true nature of that light. Because he had seen it up close, time and time again, beside the girl he loved.

　it is--,

"Micro-spirits..."

"To be precise, it is a bud before it attains the status of a spirit. --It should be called a quasi-spirit."

"Jun, spirit...don't say it like it's a quasi-knight."

　Subaru somehow managed to respond to that insistence on calling him by his name, the corners of his mouth twitching.

　The reason why his face was twitching as he responded was not because he was depressed when comparing the smug look that Julius, his handsome face, gave off to him. Putting aside his random thoughts on the matter for later, Subaru was thinking about the origins of Julius, who was accompanied by a quasi-spirit――which meant,

"You were a spiritist?"

"I guess it would be more accurate to say that I am also a spiritist. As a knight, I have never neglected to hone my sword skills. If you want to be more accurate, I would like you to call me that."

　Julius closed his eyes in surprise at Subaru, and took a moment to speak as Subaru spoke.

　Following this flow and development, the next line uttered was――,

"Archmage――!!"

"A spirit knight and... hmm?"

　It was different.

　Subaru, with a trembling voice, recited the famous line, giving Julius a suspicious look. Subaru panicked, and almost blushing with embarrassment, he made a gesture to hide his embarrassment, saying, "Ah, no, that's not it," while trying to cover up his mistake.

"Ah, ah, ahem. So it's a spirit knight! Yes, a spirit knight! I see, hmm, amazing, that makes sense. Yes, really. A spirit, huh... a spirit knight?!"

"I'm glad you were surprised. I just didn't expect it to be that bad."

　Subaru pretended to be calm, swallowed it down, understood it, and then spat out in shock, making Julius smile wryly.

　As he gently stretched his arm out in front of him, the flickering lights began to gather around his arm, each one using it as a perch. Recognizing this fact, Subaru realized they were six different spirits, each emitting a different colored light.

　The fact that she is accompanied by six different colored spirits means that

"You can't tell me, you can use all six types of magic?"

"--I see. You have quite a quick mind to notice that without any prior knowledge. It seems that you weren't just spending your time under Lord Mathers."

"No, I haven't had any experience of receiving any magic lessons from Roz-chan... Ah, maybe just a little bit in the bathroom."

　The time we both dangled our crotches and received a short lecture on magic is now a distant memory. Looking back, that was also an experience lost in this world.

　Putting aside Subaru's mutterings that only a time-traveller like him could understand, Julius showed us the spirits surrounding his arm,

"As you may have guessed, with the help of these children I can control all six types of elemental powers. Right now they are still buds of quasi-spirits, but the day will come when they will blossom into beautiful flowers. When that time comes, that will be the time when the girls and I will truly rise to our feet as spirit knights."

"Sorry to interrupt but do quasi-spirits have genders? When they become spirits... are all spirits set to have bodies that are very assertive like Puck's? In his case, it seemed like he was aware that he was a man, or rather, that he was a male."

　In Puck's case, he seems to have recognized himself as Emilia's father, so there's no doubt about the gender. Although, he does sometimes seem to harbor complicated feelings as a parent, and there are times when we can see glimpses of his struggles.

　In any case, Julius tilted his head in response to Subaru's question as if it was natural,

"With such beautiful brilliance, it would be impossible not to treat them as ladies. What are you wondering?"

"I feel like I have something in common with you about that one point, and it makes me feel bad! The conversation isn't progressing, so can you go ahead?!"

"I was just joking. Please keep a good heart. Well then, Ynn and Ness, please."

　Julius shrugged in annoyance at Subaru's shout, then called out to the two lights resting on his fingertips - one white and one black - and the spirits suddenly began to intensify their light,

"They are Yin and Ness, the quasi-spirits who control yin and yang. By combining their magic and tuning their mana, it becomes possible to accomplish things that are normally considered difficult."

"Speaking of things like this..."

"A will that can be conveyed without words - in other words, the advanced communication magic 'Nect'."

　He closes one eye and winks, painting the group as light rushes through them.

　And then, as Subaru was engulfed in the light, something suddenly began to reach his mind--

"I'm hungry. I'm hungry, I'm hungry, I'm hungry, I'm hungry. Liger's fur on my back is warm, I'm sleepy, but if I sleep I'll get in trouble. If Tibby gets angry he takes my snacks away right away, how mean, even though Mimi is my big sister, grrrrrrr. I want to eat Linga."

"Shut up――――!!!"

　The thought waves of an unreachable distance and a heartfelt heartfelt energy flowed into Subaru with incredible force. There was no need to think to whom they belonged, but the waves surged in like a riptide and could not end with just one person.

『It's about two hours until we reach the Mathers territory, and after that we'll be fighting the Witch Cult. I guess I can visit Thearesia's grave after we get back to the royal capital.』 『No good, my wounds are starting to get pretty bad. I shouldn't be whining, but if I can't hold it in any longer I might have to get serious.』 『You look just like the face my big sister makes when she's hungry. I shouldn't spoil her, but if I don't it feels like a pain. It's because my big brother isn't here that I have to go through all this trouble.』 『It's an order, so it can't be helped, but I'm worried about Crusch-sama. I hope you return to the royal capital safely. You've defeated the White Whale, so it looks like Crusch-sama is in the lead in the royal selection, and it looks like it's stable? Ah, I want you to go home quickly so I can praise you.』 『Chikuwa Daimyojin』

"Who was that just now――!?"

"It's you. Let's tone it down a bit. Maybe your ability to interfere with mana is a little weak. The effect is too strong, which is also a problem."

　Seeing Subaru on the verge of being overwhelmed by the massive amount of information flowing in all at once, Julius instructed his partner spirit to slow down the momentum.

　The situation where he was being bombarded with the superficial thoughts of others had calmed down a little, and Subaru was able to selectively choose what information to take in. Then he looked back at Julius,

"So, that means this Nect magic... is the reason it doesn't need to stop?"

"It's a spell perfect for strategy meetings. The effect doesn't last very long, and it doesn't have a wide range of application. In addition, to share consciousness to a certain extent like this, there must be a certain degree of trust between the two people. It can also be used as a touchstone to measure whether or not they have opened up to each other. It's difficult to apply in combat, though."

"Is that so? If you could hear the voices in people's minds and use them in the middle of a fight, wouldn't that be incredibly powerful?"

　It's now a given that mind readers are some of the strongest characters in manga and anime.

　However, Julius smiled faintly at Subaru's easy-going thinking and shook his head,

"I told you it was empathy. If it was too weak, my thoughts wouldn't reach it like they are now, but on the other hand, if it was too strong..."

"Should I put it away?"

"You lose the sense of distinction between yourself and others. Don't you think it's a rather frightening idea to imagine yourself being slashed to death by yourself?"

"Ugh...Is that how it is?"

　It seems that intruding on other people's thoughts is surprisingly dangerous.

　Subaru groaned softly at the convenience, but there were also difficulties, and Julius continued, "However…"

"It's unusual for Yin and Ness to misjudge Nect's magic. Perhaps, Subaru, you have a high affinity with spirits."

"Affinity with spirits means you have good chemistry with them?"

"That's how it is. In this case, it's largely a matter of innate talent. Whether or not you can become a spiritist depends entirely on becoming close enough to a spirit to make a contract with it. Have you ever noticed anything like that before?"

"Well, even if you say that..."

　As he was holding the reins, he couldn't cross his arms, and he tilted his head to the side in thought. However, in the world Subaru lived in, the very existence of spirits was not even acknowledged. Even after coming here, there hadn't been an opportunity for a great spirit to rush to his aid in a crisis, and he hadn't even had any experience of coming into contact with a spirit.

"The best I could hope for was catching a glimpse of Emilia-tan talking to the micro-spirits in the mansion garden every morning. The only other spirit I've ever spoken to is Puck… Damn, my experience is so low…!"

"I suppose that could happen if we're not blessed with the opportunity. In that case, after this is over, I might try asking Lady Emilia for her guidance. I think there's a chance."

　Subaru frowned as he heard Julius's loose-lipped words.

　Julius responded, "What is it?", maintaining his elegant demeanor. Subaru replied, "No." and averted his gaze from him.

"I was wondering why he was being so cooperative. Do you think he has some other ulterior motive?"

"Spiritualists are simply few in number. Even just finding someone you can talk to is a valuable thing. Therefore, I don't mind taking the time to lend a hand."

"If I could use it right away I would consider it, but this isn't the time for that. Well, I'll be grateful for the kindness."

　Subaru puts off thinking about this unexpected possibility that has been presented to him. He has been denied the talent for either the sword or magic. He had no hope for his own talent as a spiritist, but right now he simply doesn't have the time.

"For now, I'll ask for that Nect… or was it that? A weak one, with some telepathic convenience still remaining. I'm sick of having the inside of other people's heads infiltrate my mind."

"I was able to get a rough idea of ​​the wavelength from earlier. There's no problem. —Nect."

　Julius placed his finger on his lips, and the twin spirits residing there began to glow.

　Immediately after the annoying chant, a faint light enveloped the surroundings just like before.

"Um, um, I wonder, can you all hear me?"

　Subaru cautiously transmitted his thoughts. He sent it out hoping that it would reach the person, but if by some chance the magic failed to work, it would turn out to be a poor chunibyo patient who believed that there was just a mind reader in the world.

"I can hear you, Subaru-dono."

"I can hear you, don't worry."

"Hmmm! I know you're trying to read Mimi's mind! You eager stalker!"

　The reply was roughly what Subaru had expected. There was one person who looked like a pitiful middle school student with a brain, but he ignored them lukewarmly,

『With Julius' magic, it's like telepathy or something like that. I'd like to add a few things to what I said earlier, so please listen for now. I'm open to any questions or anything else you may have.』

　Relieved that he had received approval from everyone, Subaru began to talk about the plan he had prepared earlier. It was an amateurish plan full of holes, but if everyone worked on it together it would be a better solution.

　Never stop thinking and taking action to find solutions and achieve the best results.

　Unable to swing a sword, unable to use magic, unable to do anything, that was how Subaru fought.

"So, the first change is that I want some people to go to the village first. There, I want them to meet up with the insurance I requested."

"Insurance, huh?"

　It is difficult to distinguish by tone of voice, as it reaches one's heart directly, but instead one can distinguish the other person by the waves of emotion that are transmitted. Naturally, Subaru knew that the calm tone of the voice was that of Wilhelm, and he responded by pulling his chin back, despite it being a voice from his heart,

"Oh, I accidentally nodded. Bowing repeatedly over the phone is a typical Japanese thing to do in a situation like this...!"

"Big brother, you seem a bit emotional, but make sure you use your magic properly. I'm afraid Julius-bou will get angry."

"I'm not petty enough to get angry over something like this. However, I have to give it a lower rating for the part that just wastes my limited time."

"I'll do it properly! That's what I was just about to do! Insurance! I'm talking about insurance!"

　Subaru sensed Ricardo and Julius's astonishment and, feeling a strange stammer in his mind, slowly began to explain the outline of the plan.

"Before we left for the capital, I asked Anastasia and Russell to spread the word. --Lord Mathers wants to hire some peddlers along the highway who are heading for the capital. He'll buy their cargo at any price they ask, so he wants them to lend him their services."

『--! Subaru, that is.』

『It will be a painful expense, but... you can't replace the lives of your citizens. As a feudal lord, isn't that the obvious way to think about it? Especially since that bastard is absent or whatever and is useless in crucial situations.』

　It was a situation that could be resolved with money, and if it wasn't his own money then there was no reason to hesitate, which was a pretty lame reason, but Subaru's plan seemed to work well.

　In fact, quite a number of peddlers had gathered in the previous village, and they were making preparations by lining up dragon carriages and earth dragons at various corners of the village.

　--Preparing to evacuate Emilia and the other villagers all at once.

"A personal letter... I sent it to the messenger who left the capital to deliver. It warned us that the Witch Cult might attack, and asked us to board the traveling merchants' dragon carriages to escape. I don't know if they'll be using handwriting analysis or some other complicated judgment call here, but I'm sure Emilia-chan will be able to make a proper judgment."

　I suppose there will be some confusion at first.

　Even if the letter had actually arrived safely, Subaru knew that its contents would not be easy to understand. That was why he thought the problem lay elsewhere.

　it is,

『In order to quickly reach a decision on the contents of the letter, it should be sent to someone who has a firm grasp of the situation, not just the peddlers.』

"It's good that you understood so quickly. In fact, it's almost certain that there will be a dispute between the villagers and the peddlers. I want to ease that conflict and allow them to evacuate quickly. To be honest, I know that it would be quickest for me to go."

　Subaru was familiar with the villagers and had earned their trust to a certain extent, so he knew it wouldn't take long to persuade them.

　Subaru had no fighting power and was travelling to the village as an envoy to persuade Emilia and the others at the mansion. There was no doubt that it would be the best plan for him to go.

　If Subaru goes there, the battle against the Witch Cult will inevitably be left to the remaining main forces. He doesn't think they'll lose in a simple battle with the Witch Cult, but Petelgeuse is a different matter. To face him head on,

"I need to be there to deal with the Sin Archbishop. As things stand… there's no way we can defeat him without me and Wilhelm-san."

『--May I ask your reasoning? I don't mean to be conceited, but I don't think I have the skills to be a hindrance to Wilhelm-sama. Especially since I'm sending you to the main battlefield.』

　Julius immediately countered Subaru's words.

　Subaru could understand the meaning of his pride and the reason behind it. Certainly, in terms of simple skill, Julius would be able to match up with Petelgeuse. However, that would not be enough.

　When facing that madman, skill and ambition are of no concern.

"I don't know what kind of magic the Sin Archbishops use, but they use some strange magic. It makes the people they hit lose their minds, rendering them unable to fight. I call it mental contamination, and the only people I can think of who can withstand it are myself and Wilhelm-san."

"When you say mental pollution... does it sound like the mist of the White Whale?"

　Ferris's voice reached Subaru, and he sent out thoughts of agreement.

　After that, he turned to Julius, who was running alongside him, without saying a word,

"The White Whale has used this skill to drive people insane in the same way. I have an eye on those who didn't lose their minds in that battle, but...I don't know your resistance since you never fought the White Whale."

"If I were to lose my mind then and there, I would become a hindrance to your battle... is that so?"

　Julius closed his eyes in frustration, but he could not think of any logical refutation.

　His pained expression and strong feelings of regret are now conveyed directly, making us understand his anguish at not being able to take part in the battle against the White Whale.

　Subaru felt that if he continued to directly touch on his feelings any more, it would get him into trouble, so he turned his face away.

"That's why, Wilhelm-san. I'd like you to fight the demons with me."

"My body is now Subaru-dono's sword. You hold it, I will cut. It would be rude to question my resolve on that path."

"What is that? It's so bad, it's so intense I'm getting wet."

"Where? What? "

"Your sister will be quiet."

　Subaru was so impressed by the cool performance that he wanted to be embraced by it, while the brother and sister were performing a comedy routine, leaving Subaru trembling.

　It was a very disrespectful way to hold a strategy meeting, but it could also be said that this was one of their strengths. In the first place, they were not functioning as an army, they were just a group of ruffians with the same goal.

　I want to take the lead and pull things forward, because I am apathetic, powerless, mediocre, and a person of the worst character.

　That's why Subaru doesn't waver, nor does he get more nervous than necessary.

　Let's leave what we can, do what we need to do, and figure out how to handle everything.

"Well then, I'll ask you once. --Please rely on me, cling to me, and let me carry you on my back."