Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu web novel

　--Subaru felt an unpleasant sweat slowly trickle down his forehead.

　Subaru wondered how many times he had walked alone through the dark forest like this. If you count the time he was being chased by Urgarm and the evening chase with Rem, then running through the bare earth of the mountains was something Subaru was pretty used to.

　However, the situation was always urgent when I did it, and I can't remember ever walking down a path with a calm mind. Of course, the feeling of stepping on grass on those fresh days was the worst feeling, and that hasn't changed at all now that my purpose is the same.

　No, it could be said that his mood was now even worse than before, as his hatred for the person he was meeting was growing.

　Breathing in, breathing out, Subaru tried to control his own quickening heartbeat, and felt depressed as he thought of the malice that awaited him in the cold sweat that formed on his face.

　I want to calm my mind. I want to have a heart of steel.

　I want to have a strong, resilient, and upright mind that cannot be shaken by any passion and cannot be intimidated by any malice.

　If he could do that, I think Subaru would have been able to do many things better without hurting so many people.

　How could someone so weak, fragile and helpless be standing here like this? Why was it me?

　Weakness threatened to crush Subaru's spirit. His trembling knees tried to hold his body together against the calamity that awaited him.

　I feel like it's okay if it's not me.

"You said I was the one."

　For now, Subaru stands with only those words as his support.

　Encouraging my trembling knees and scolding my giving up heart, I look forward.

　Wiping the sweat from my brow and biting my chattering teeth, I realize my destination is just around the corner.

"――――"

　The shadows surrounding Subaru bowed their heads respectfully, and being treated like a superior in this way had made the Subaru of the past feel a strong sense of disgust.

　But now it's different. I'm smiling with satisfaction at the respect I've received from those hateful beings. --You made them do it.

"This is actually the ninth time I've said this in this forest, but stay put. Go back to your nest obediently and don't show your face for a while. I have something important to discuss with 『Sloth』 up ahead."

"――――"

　As Subaru waves his arms and speaks with a look of relief, the black-clothed men melt into the darkness. As always, they are a mysterious bunch.

　Compared to Betelgeuse, whose face is cracked, they are less threatening, but it could be said that their unknown identities make them even more creepy.

　Leaving such feelings behind, I walked straight ahead down the path made by the men in black who had disappeared.

　I jump over slippery moss and step over undulating tree roots, and suddenly my view opens up, and before me unfolds a sheer cliff blocking the way.

　And right in front of it all stands malice, welcoming us.

"We have been waiting for you, my beloved disciple---"

　With his arms outstretched, and a look of joy on his face, Petelgeuse prepared to welcome him. This was the third time he had heard those familiar words. They were the same, but it was clear that they contained his true feelings.

"I am the Witch Cult's Archbishop of the Deadly Sin of Sloth, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti... Death!"

　"I know," Subaru was about to spat out in frustration, but he managed to stop himself from interrupting the announcement midway.

　Despite having resolved to face him calmly and solemnly, Petelgeuse's insanity alone was enough to get on Subaru's nerves, irritating him more than anything.

　Exhaling, inhaling, Subaru was once again aware of the weight on his shoulders. In doing so, he regained some of his composure, and the corners of his mouth loosened into a smile.

Subaru: "Thank you for the warm welcome. It is an honor to be greeted personally by the Sin Archbishop… although I don't even think that I am worthy of that much."

"There is no need to be humble. The intense affection that gushes out from your body. It is not something that can be hidden, and it is not something that you are unaware of, is it? The affection that you harbor is already comparable to that of a Sin Archbishop!"

　In response to Subaru's words, Petelgeuse stomped his arms and spoke passionately.

　Her eyes lit up with a crazed radiance and shone brightly, her tongue stretched out as she literally licked Subaru's gaze from top to bottom.

"When I first sensed it, I never would have imagined it would be like that, but still... aren't you being arrogant?"

Subaru: "Even if you say 'pride', I don't really understand. Can you tell me a bit more about the details? Like about the Sin Archbishops… and about the Trials?"

　The word "arrogance" pops up in the conversation, and Subaru has been suspected of it many times in previous loops. Subaru jumps on the bandwagon and interjects, asking if he can find out more information about the "Trials" that Petelgeuse has mentioned many times.

　The test, in other words, would probably be the plan for this attack itself. If that information was shared, it would be easier to take countermeasures, and if hearing this enraged Betelgeuse - it would be a little early, but it would be the start of a battle.

　Subaru responded to those words, which were quite resolute,

"That doesn't matter. It will probably take some time for the news of the road closure to spread. And the same will be true for the start of the Trials - there's still plenty of time."

"Oh... the road is blocked off, right?"

　Far from becoming enraged, Petelgeuse seems rather impressed by Subaru's cooperative attitude, and he claps his hands happily as he walks towards Subaru.

　Feeling his back getting wet with cold sweat as the madman approached, Subaru tilted his head without losing his composure,

"When you say blocking the road, is that some kind of trick?"

"It's the word 'Mist'. Do you think that's a sufficient explanation?"

"I see. That's enough."

　Subaru responded briefly to that brief answer.

　And just from this exchange, he was certain that at the very least, Petelgeuse and the others had not yet heard any news about the White Whale being defeated.

　It was known that the White Whale was a minion of the Witch Cult - in this case, 『Gluttony』, but the unknowns regarding their cooperation had now become clear.

　If he believed that the highway had been blocked off with fog, then there was no way that other members of the Witch Cult could be stationed there. It seemed clear that one way to allow Emilia and the others to escape would be to have them cut through the highway.

"But you're blocking off the road with fog and calling it a 'trial' without any obstacles in the way. That's a pretty sneaky way to do it, Petelgeuse."

"Trials are sacred and inviolable! No matter what hardships we face, if we do not overcome all difficulties, it would be dishonest to love! That's right! To love! To the love that is directed at us! To the love that is given to us! We! Must respond!!"

"Oh no, I accidentally flipped the switch."

　It seems that by bringing up the topic carelessly, he had flipped on the switch of Petelgeuse's "love."

　Our voices did not reach Betelgeuse, who leaned back, looked up, and roared with his eyes wide open. He stretched his arms out to the sky in a frenzy, as if there was something invisible there, and a tear fell from his eye as he behaved like crazy.

"Everything is for love, to sacrifice oneself for love! The sin of carrying the burden of being a silver half-demon whose very existence is unruly! The trial to see if you can still walk! I must test you to see if you are truly worthy! Whether you can be diligent, not lazy! That path! I will do it with these hands, with this body, with this love――Death!!"

"Want to see if it's suitable...?"

"That's right! That's what trials are for! Therefore, one must be tested, one must be tested! To absorb the witch factor and see if one is worthy of being the vessel――!"

　Petelgeuse searched his pocket and pulled out a book bound in black.

　The madman picks up the book and lovingly turns it over with his fingers, caressing each word as it is densely filled with writing.

"My role is recorded in the Gospel, it is the proof of the love I must fulfill! If you are "Prideful", then you should be able to understand my excited feelings! It has been four hundred years since all of us Sin Archbishops have gathered together at once!"

"Wait! Witch factor and 'pride' are still relevant..."

"The gospel! I seek the presentation of the gospel! I want the love you have bestowed upon me to be burned into my eyes! Death, death death death death death death death death deeeeeeeeeeeessss!!"

　Petelgeuse closed in on him, bringing his face close to where he could feel his breath. His fishy breath reached him, and as he felt his outstretched tongue nearly reach the tip of his nose, Subaru instantly jumped back in disgust.

　Betelgeuse followed Subaru's reaction with his eyes, as if to say he was disappointed, and tilted his head by 90 degrees,

"Present the gospel--"

　Hearing her say this in a quiet voice, with crazy eyes, Subaru decided that this was the end.

　There are countless more things I want to ask, and it's hard to say that what I've managed to get out is to the point. But I can't ask any more at this point. So,

"Oh, wait."

　I put my hand into my pocket and fulfilled Petelgeuse's request.

　He wouldn't take out the gospel, but to the madman who demanded that he present something that would clarify his affiliation, he would provide an answer that would show who Subaru was.

"This is--my answer!"

　He shouted, raising his drawn arm straight up - and immediately afterwards, the glow of the magic stone emitted a white light that could be seen from anywhere in the forest.

　Petelgeuse raised his arm to shield his eyes from the burning light, but he must have immediately decided that Subaru was an enemy.

"Even though you are the one who is loved so dearly...how disrespectful!!"

　Petelgeuse glared at Subaru with an angry look on his face, and his shadow exploded, stretching out like a jet black, murderous hand.

　The demonic hand was approaching, aiming straight for Subaru's neck, and Subaru lowered his body and did a sideways jump to slip through the fingertips,

"Wilhelm-san! Twins!!"

　Leaping out of the forest at Subaru's call were Mimi and Tiby, who had been following him from behind, having made no attempt to make a sound.

　The siblings simultaneously kicked the tree and flew into the air, then spun around and leapt over Betelgeuse's small body, towards the front of the cliff - their mouths opening and a roar roaring.

"circle--!"

"teeth----!!"

　The resonant waves turn the earth, and the rock walls are swallowed up by the waves of vibration, collapsing with a loud noise. The second time he is buried alive, he is successful, and Betelgeuse blinks at the extent of the destruction. Then, from behind him, where he is exposed to the elements,

"Turning your back on the enemy--!"

　Wilhelm ran through in a low pose, crawling along the ground.

　The old swordsman moved so fast it was like the wind, and Petelgeuse noticed his approach and turned around - but it was too late.

　The blade swung up and down at the attacking sword demon was much faster than the shadow could raise its palm towards it.

　The slash made a dull sound, slicing off Petelgeuse's outstretched right arm midway through. Time froze in the vividness of the wound, as the blade, which continued to move without stopping, flashed its white edge as it swung about - and with a forceful sound, the flat of the sword struck Petelgeuse on the back of his head.

"--gh!"

　The sharp blow caused Betelgeuse's eyes to instantly lose focus, and he collapsed to his knees, unable to resist. At the same time, a large amount of blood spurted from the wound in his severed right arm.

　Subaru stares in amazement at the sudden crimson coloring of the earth, then hurries over to Betelgeuse. Taking a towel from his pocket, he attempts to stop the bleeding, knowing that it would be useless if the collapsed madman bled to death, but...

"Subaru-sama! It's still dangerous."

"It's dangerous...Whaaat!?"

　Wilhelm stopped Subaru in a sharp voice, and as Subaru turned to look at him wondering what he was going to say, he looked startled as Petelgeuse leapt to his feet in front of him.

　The madman shook his upper body violently, his eyes still rolling back, foam coming out of his mouth, but he turned his head,

"The reaction from my fingertips has stopped… What did you do…?"

　Although he was bleeding fatally, Betelgeuse paid no attention to the time his life was running out, and instead stuck out his bloody tongue and acted crazy.

　He must have endured the pain of losing consciousness, nearly biting off his tongue. This is probably possible only because of his mentality that doesn't mind self-harming, but at this point it's very unsafe.

"Wilhelm-san! It would be bad if he died, so knock him unconscious and tie him up!"

"Killing without killing--I'm not very good at it, but as expected!"

　The Sword Demon responded by shaking its body up and down and flying forward with mysterious movements.

　Petelgeuse, his face still unfocused, turned towards Wilhelm and stretched out his swelling shadow hands towards the old swordsman. But,

"It's all messed up... I guess it's because your head is damaged!"

　The number of arms stretching out increased one after another, to thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, but their movements as they reached out towards Wilhelm were uncoordinated. They wavered, trembled, and undulated aimlessly, unable to catch up with Wilhelm, who ran like the wind with no intention of avoiding them.

　And above all, Wilhelm's delusional stepping forward would not allow this.

"Seriously?!"

　Wilhelm's figure shook up and down, blurring slightly, and in the next moment the old swordsman was both above and below him. One of his two kicked the ground and jumped into the air, while the other lowered himself down to cut down the ground beneath his feet. This amazing feat caused even Petelgeuse to burst into bubbles,

"You pathetic fool who doesn't even know favor――!"

"I know nothing of the love you speak of. I have my hands full loving only one woman!"

　The sword spirit slammed into him, surpassing his threat, and Petelgeuse, pale as a pale face, waved an invisible hand. It seemed his rage had overcome the damage it could cause, as he caught up with both the upper and lower parts of Wilhelm's statue without hesitation, entangling the aged body with his fingertips and raging as if trying to tear it apart.

"I received it--Death!"

"I'm sorry."

　However, Betelgeuse's smile of satisfaction suddenly changed, and the image disappeared behind his grasping fingertips.

　Wilhelm, who should have been attacking from both above and below, disappeared――And then, the image of an old swordsman running straight across the ground, neither above nor below, came into view, right before the madman's eyes.

"You idiot...!"

"Hell and sword intent, and the application of footwork - I hope you enjoyed this masterful sword technique!"

　He twisted his body and the flat of the roaring sword struck Petelgeuse directly on the left side of his head.

　The sound of steel striking flesh rang out, and blood spurted from his split forehead for just a moment. However, Betelgeuse, who had received the blow but still did not lose consciousness, moved his head, feeling the cold blade on his left cheek.

"Your swordsmanship is incredible... You truly seem to be a hardworking person... Huh!?"

"Sorry."

　Betelgeuse tried to stick his tongue out at the blade still pressed against his cheek, but the other side of his face was pierced by the sheath of Wilhelm's sword, which he had removed from his waist.

"It was borrowed from my master. I can't imagine returning it soiled with my vile saliva."

"So, so... desuuu..."

　With a wave of both hands, he sheathed the sword with a soft clang. Then, right after returning it to his waist in a smooth motion, Wilhelm smiled faintly at the shocked gazes on his face and sat down.

"As instructed, the Sin Archbishop has been captured alive."

　The moment the old swordsman transformed into an old gentleman, the madman, who had lost consciousness, collapsed to the ground.

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

"He's unconscious now, right? Are you sure? Is it okay for me to approach him? No, I need to administer first aid quickly because I don't want him to die."

"It's a shame you're scared, big brother. I think it's fine for someone like you to just die."

"You should have been told that if you died, it would cause trouble, Onee-chan. For now, I've at least tried to stop the bleeding."

　Subaru was frightened and standing around Petelgeuse, who had fallen and was not moving, while Mimi was pointing at him and laughing. Leaving the two useless people behind, Tibby quickly wrapped a cloth around Petelgeuse's arm and treated the injury.

　Meanwhile, Wilhelm was looking around the direction of the collapsed cave, and when the old swordsman returned, Subaru looked at him with his eyes and asked for the results, to which he nodded generously,

"From what I can see, it's completely filled up. It doesn't seem like a cave with a separate exit, so I think it's safe to say that the Witch Cultists inside have been annihilated."

"I see... I guess this isn't really something to celebrate with any kind of news."

"Why?"

　Even though they are enemies, this is a situation that involves life and death.

　Subaru is not yet fully accustomed to the common sense of the other world, so he can welcome it with open arms. This is what is strange about Mimi, who, despite her lovely face, has a cruel attitude towards life and death.

"If you think about how difficult it is to defeat the enemy, there'll be no end to it. Defeat the enemy, save everyone, get paid, and go to bed and sleep. I think it's better to do that than thinking about how difficult it is."

"That's simple and nice... No, maybe it's just that I'm being too spoiled. I don't intend to argue about that. Rather..."

　Sending his gaze towards the forest, Subaru thought of the others who must have taken action at the signal. Since they were following roughly the same pattern as last time, each group's surprise attack should have been successful.

　However, this time there are two more hideouts to attack than last time. In addition, several people have been sent to the village first, which has reduced the fighting power of each area.

　I'd like to think that there wasn't any mistake, since I'd put Ricardo in a different position from us and tried hard not to reduce the fighting power of the group that seemed to have struggled last time.

"Besides, we have the important Petelgeuse under control."

　He knocks Betelgeuse, who has lost all traces of blood and is breathing shallowly, over with his foot.

　His limp, weak body was thin and weak, and if it weren't for the crazy behavior he displayed while conscious, he could pass for an invalid. His black robes were now soaked with his own blood, making him look even more like the dead.

"So what will you do with this guy? Leave him behind and put a guard on him?"

"That's tough too. There's no telling if he'll wake up and use the 'invisible hand' to escape, and if I let him go I might not be able to deal with him... For now I have no choice but to drag him around."

"The 'Invisible Hand'... huh? It may be rude to mention the mysterious nature of the Witch Cult at this point, but it's quite creepy that the technique is different from both magic and spirit arts."

"It has a different vibe to it than curses or anything like that. According to my common sense, it's probably closer to something like psychic powers. You could even say that the invisible hand is a kind of variant of psychokinesis."

　According to the will of the caster, hands invisible to others carry it out.

　That is exactly what would be considered psychokinesis if we were to apply it to the modern knowledge of the original world. Though, since Subaru could see it too, it's probably a different category altogether.

"Anyway, there's no way to prevent it. Even if we tie their hands, it won't be effective against the 'invisible hand'. By the way, how do magicians restrain people?"

"If the opponent is a magician, all you have to do is cover their mouth so they can't chant. But if the opponent is a spiritist, it's more difficult because the spirits themselves can manipulate mana."

"I see. It's true, Puck doesn't seem like the type to stay quiet even after hearing that Emilia-tan has been captured."

　After seeing its true form, my perception of the grey furred kitten is quite different.

　Regardless of Puck's usual behavior, his feelings are entirely directed towards Emilia. Even if he were to fall into the aforementioned state, it would be no problem for him to blow away anyone other than Emilia.

　Subaru wasn't sure if he would be able to talk to the peaceful boy again in the same calm state. He didn't want to think that he had changed.

"What were you doing while I was soaking, little one?"

"I'm not a shorty, I'm a Tibby. Yes, I just wanted to check your belongings."

　After finishing his treatment, Tibby rummages around in Petelgeuse's pockets.

　The inside of the black robe was surprisingly spacious, and Tibby searched inside, pulling out one by one the items stored inside.

"You've got some rations and ragmite ore. Oh, and you've got your wallet too."

"That's a surprisingly petty and surprising item list. And to be honest, that's not very well behaved. Even though you're a mercenary."

"I pride myself on being the more intelligent of the group, but at heart I'm just a mercenary. Taking spoils from the losers is a bit of a pain… What is this?"

　Tibby tilted his head as he spoke of this bleak reality, and in his hands he held a black-bound book. Subaru recognized it and let out an "ah" in surprise,

"The Gospel, or whatever Peter called it."

"--! Is this the good news?! Wow, I touched it!"

　Tiby immediately rejected Subaru's words.

　He let go of the gospel he was holding as if he sensed its heat, threw it on the ground, splashed sand on it and walked away, looking just like a panicked kitten.

"Take good care of your books... As a book lover, this is a bit disheartening. I only read light novels though."

　Reminiscing about the many stories he had read, Subaru picked up the fallen book and dusted it off. However, Tibby shook her head vigorously,

"I-I think you should give it up right away. The Gospel is something like a proof of initiation that is delivered to the Witch Cults. If you touch it, you might go crazy!"

Subaru: "I don't think my mental resistance to damage has increased over the past few days to the point that a mere book would drive me insane. …I can't read the contents of this book."

　He flicked through the contents, but from the characters written it was a mysterious language that Subaru was studying, which could be either I, RO, or HA.

　The writing may seem a little too beautifully written in hiragana, but it is so beautifully written that it is difficult to read and understand the contents.

"I guess I should retrieve it just in case. Even if I can't read it, there's no guarantee that someone else can."

　It belonged to the Archbishop of Sin. Perhaps this gospel could provide some clues as to its true nature.

　It was with such hope that he had acquired it, but Tibby could not hide the fear in his gaze as he looked my way.

"There's no need to be so scared. Besides, even though you were scared of the book, you were still searching through that guy's pockets with great enthusiasm."

"If it's between a cursed person and a book that may curse, the latter is more frightening. But it's not like it's that easy to defeat a cursed person with me and my sister."

"Oh, that's right! Mimi and Tibby are great!"

　As usual, the older sister does not get involved in the content of the conversation, but instead agrees with what her younger brother says with her actions.

　Feeling a little amused by this exchange, Subaru looked down at Betelgeuse, who was lying on the ground with the Gospel in his arms, and said,

"So, was there anything else of note? If there was a map or something, it might lead to a meeting point for the minions, or if we're lucky, a meeting place for the Witch Cult."

"I can't find any of those belongings. If you take away the Gospel, it looks as if he came out with just the clothes on his back."

　Betelgeuse's outfit was certainly a cause for concern, as it was light clothing. However, there was no way he would find the answer by racking his brains.

　Deciding that he couldn't expect any more results here, Subaru turned around and,

"For now, let's restrain him tightly and keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't wake up. If he does wake up, we'll land a hit to knock him unconscious. It's a devilish act, but can you ask me to do it, Wilhelm?"

"I am also known as the Sword Demon, so I will undertake this. After this, we will evacuate, I guess."

　Wilhelm tied up Betelgeuse with rope and asked as he carried the small body on his shoulders, to which Subaru nodded in affirmation, "That's right,"

"Eradicating the Witch Cult aside, the priority is evacuating Emilia and the others. After we get everyone away from 『Sloth』, we can decide what to do with this guy."

"We could take away his consciousness and drop him from the great waterfall into the outside world. Or we could imprison him in a sealing stone like the witch they worship."

"I'd like to hear more about it, but I guess I'll put that off for now. It's good to have so many plans to choose from."

　The details of what to do with Petelgeuse will be worked out later.

　The possibility of escape or suicide will be eliminated by Wilhelm, who is keeping a sharp eye on them. All that's left is to make sure the attacks from the other camps are successful and to make sure there are no mistakes in the finish.

"Ushi. Well then, after such a long time, I'll finally go meet my goddess."

　In some ways, this requires even more tension than facing Betelgeuse.

　With this determination in their hearts, Subaru and the others headed towards the village to meet up with them.

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

　As they passed through the trees and joined the road along the highway, Subaru and his companions were greeted by Patrasche and the others who had been waiting for them.

　The plan was for the teams that succeeded in the attack to ride the earth dragons they had left behind here and reunite at the village, so by the time Subaru and the others arrived there was only one group left.

　Though he has some misgivings, those concerns are allayed when he realizes that the remaining team is Ricardo's team, including Liger.

"For now, I think we've overcome the hurdles. I've also achieved my revenge for you from last time. You can praise me, Patrasche."

　Last time, Subaru had met his end by having his thick neck twisted off, and when Subaru had condescendingly told Patrasche, who was unaware of this, the earth dragon reluctantly took its rider's wishes into consideration and rubbed its nose against him.

"Oh oh oh, I see, you have a cute side to you too... hey, wait, it hurts, your scales are so rough and it hurts, it hurts, hey, wait, please stop...!"

　Pushed by the force, Subaru falls to the ground, and Patrasche continues to rub her body against him relentlessly. As a result, Natsuki Subaru is rolled over and over again, helpless on the ground, his best clothes in tatters and covered in dirt.

　He stood up resentfully and glared at Patrasche, but the noble earth dragon ignored the filthy rider.

「There were days when I thought we had connected, but now you treat me like that. Remember that, you lizard! One day, I'll ride you and make you moan!」

"I've been meaning to say this for a while now, but the earth dragon Subaru-dono is riding is a female."

"You were a female?"

　Subaru is shocked when his comrade's gender is unexpectedly revealed.

　If that's the case, the physical contact from earlier seems to have a new meaning. If this were a light novel, I wonder if there will be an anthropomorphic development waiting for us from now on...

「My heroine has her hands full, so it's impossible! I'm happy about your feelings, but even if you turn her into a person, I can't accept it... bufufu!」

　The sideways swing of her tail hits Subaru's side nicely, taking his breath away and making him faint. Patrasche looks down at him with the same cold gaze. It seems that the only parameter that exists between Subaru and her is affection.

"I, I'll continue to count on you from now on..."

　"That's fine," Patrasche seemed to say as she bent down and expertly placed the unsteady Subaru on her back, and together they set off in the direction of the village.

　Along the way, there was a scene where Wilhelm knocked Petelgeuse unconscious again with a blow that made him want to look away, and during that moment――,

"The village is in sight."

"---It appears that the others have already arrived."

　As the village began to catch a glimpse in the distance, Wilhelm reported to Subaru, squinting his eyes. As usual, no matter how hard Subaru squinted, he could only make out a vague outline of the village, but it made him wonder how different his body structure must have been.

　In any case, Subaru breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that his comrades, who were accompanied by the earth dragons he had kept waiting, had arrived safely.

　This time, there was no need to worry about Petelgeuse getting to the village first, and he was under arrest. If they could safely evacuate Emilia and the others from the village, they would be able to face the Witch Cult without any worries.

"...It seems like there's some kind of trouble going on."

"What? No way. Why? I think I did well this time."

　However, Wilhelm's face turned sour, leaving Subaru's sense of relief behind. Not wanting to believe that he would tell such a meaningless lie, Subaru urged Patrasche to hurry and dashed into the village grounds.

　And what Subaru saw there was,

「I beg you humbly. My name is Julius Euclius. I am a royal knight belonging to the Royal Guard Knights of the Royal Capital of Lugnica!」

　Kneeling, facing the gaze of the villagers and peddlers surrounding him, the handsome man proudly announced his name—it was Julius.