Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu web novel

"Hey, Subaru. What was that all about?"

「Don't worry about that. Yes, that was a greeting that has been passed down in my hometown for a long time, and it means, 'That smile is so lovely, I want to lick it.'」

"So, don't say it again, okay?"

"That's surprisingly harsh!"

　"Welcome back," Emilia smiled, and there was a brief exchange afterwards.

　Emilia's smile was as refreshing as a blooming flower, washing away all the negative emotions such as anxiety and impatience that had been building up in Subaru's heart.

　In response, I was so nervous that I couldn't do anything about it, so I tried to smile as softly as I could and say "I'm home", but

"Ta-da, ta-da"

"picture?"

　And that was the end of the whole thing.

　I feel so pathetic and embarrassed that I don't even want to tell the truth.

　Subaru tried to cover it up with some light-hearted remark, but was cut off rather abruptly, feeling dejected. He and Emilia searched the mansion in search of Ram――although it turned out they found the maid they were looking for after just a few minutes.

"Oh, that was quicker than I thought."

　As he spoke, Ram, who was sitting badly on the steps of the entrance hall, looked up in his direction.

　Subaru sighed lightly at her generosity, which was far from being submissive, and she acted more like the master of the mansion.

"Even I'm surprised at your "going my own way" attitude. I think I'm pretty selfish, but I lost to you in straight sets without a decision."

"It feels good to win at any cost, so bow down, Barus. —So, have we come to an agreement?"

　The first half is a question to Subaru, and the second half is a question to Emilia who is walking behind Subaru.

　Emilia nodded slightly in response to Ram's question, "Yes," and then,

"Subaru told me the gist of it. It seems that Crusch-sama's subordinates and the people Anastasia-sama hired have come to the village. Subaru has also hired some traveling merchants… They're making preparations for an escape, right?"

"Yeah. The traveling merchant's dragon carriage can carry all the villagers, and there are many goods on board that could be used as food during the evacuation. That was a pretty good idea, wasn't it?"

"For Barusu, that's a good job, Ram will honestly praise you for it. Be happy."

"I can't be happy if you say it like that!"

　Putting aside Ram's reaction, who always placed herself above everyone else, Emilia's reaction to Subaru's proposal was smooth thanks to the previous conversation in the room.

　Normally, I think she would have wanted to resolve the situation with her own hands, but

"If you get too hung up on that and overlook the important things, then you'll end up losing the cart before the horse. I'm fine, so you don't need to look at me with such worried eyes."

"I'm not worried or anything. I can feel your trust in me from the way you're holding my hand..."

"Oh, sorry I kept holding it. I was getting in the way."

　Because of my unnecessary remark and the reminder, my hands, which had been holding each other without any hindrance up until that point, were released. "Ah," I let out a girly voice, but it was too late.

　Subaru raised his freed hands in front of his face, regretting his mistake, and left him behind.

"So, Ram. I want to evacuate the villagers, but where do you think we should go? I know that it's actually my turn to make the decision."

"Emilia-sama, you are unfamiliar with the area, so I won't ask you to do anything unreasonable. If Ram is allowed to express her opinion… I think it would be best for you to go to the Sanctuary where Roswaal-sama headed."

"Sanctuary... does it seem safe there?"

"I can't say for sure, but we have Roswaal-sama here, and although there are reasons for this, we have a defensive force. It's much more certain than being besieged here."

　Emilia put her finger to her lips as if pondering over Ram's suggestion. Subaru appeared next to her and called out to Ram, prefaced with "First of all..."

"I've been asking this a lot, but where is this sanctuary that Roz-chan is heading to? It often comes up together with a name I've heard a few times before… but if I don't know that, I can't really make a judgment."

"The decision is up to Lady Emilia. There is no need for Barusu to worry... that's cruel. But Ram has no authority to tell him that. Since Lord Roswaal has not given permission, he should worry about it as much as he can."

"With Roz's permission, you see..."

　Subaru narrows his eyes, but Ram doesn't respond. Judging from her attitude, it's impossible to get any more information from her, so Subaru recalls all the information he's heard about the Sanctuary.

　That being said, there isn't much information about it. It is the destination Roswaal is heading for, it is a place where some of the influential people within the territory are located, and from what I have just heard, it is a place where there are other defensive forces besides Roswaal.

"Can I at least ask about the distance and whether they are friendly towards us? That's essential as a criterion for judgment."

"---Roughly speaking, if we use a dragon carriage, it would take about eight hours. Since we have a cooperative relationship with Roswaal-sama, it's natural that they won't be hostile. However."

　Ram had been answering Subaru's questions fluently, but then she stopped short and, unusually for her, lightly bit her lip, revealing a hint of hesitation. Subaru frowned suspiciously at this, but Emilia guessed the meaning of his reaction more clearly.

"Are you worried that a half-elf might not be welcome?"

"I don't want to burden you, Emilia-sama, but it's true. The Sanctuary is filled with people with their own problems, so I don't know how much being a half-elf would stand out among them… but I can't say for sure."

　Here again, the issue of contempt towards half-elves comes up.

　Subaru's frustration was reaching its limit with this problem standing in his way wherever he went. However, Emilia ignored Subaru's anger and gently drew her chin back,

"I know that, it can't be helped. If you don't mind me, do you think we can evacuate the villagers to the sanctuary?"

"As the lord of the territory, Lord Roswaal would never wish for his subjects to be treated with disrespect. In that regard, Garfiel, the representative of the Sanctuary, can certainly be trusted."

　Emilia closed her eyes in understanding, seeing the answer that showed a certain trust. Then she gave a soft wink to Subaru, who was silent and trying to contain his anger,

"Subaru, do you have any other good ideas?"

"Well, that's true. If the sanctuary is only eight hours away and it's safe... I don't think there's any need to suggest an alternative route."

　In the worst case scenario, if they were unable to find a place to evacuate, they thought that returning to the royal capital would be an option. Currently, with the defeat of the White Whale, it is possible to travel along the Leafous Highway.

　If it was a dragon carriage, it would take half a day to get to the royal capital at full speed. There would be a small loss of time if they took into consideration the large number of women, children, and elderly people, but it still wouldn't take a full day.

　It would be possible for them to meet up with Crusch, who was supposed to have returned, and Rem, who was accompanying her, and it would be easier to come up with countermeasures against the Witch Cult, as they were both facing the same direction. There was also the idea that, as allies, Crusch and Emilia should meet face to face and discuss things properly.

"But there are a lot of risks involved with this."

　First, it is farther away than the so-called sanctuary.

　Given the current situation, and the uncertainty surrounding the strength of both sides, I wanted to avoid long journeys as much as possible. If I had to choose between a quarter of a day or more, I would choose the latter.

　Secondly, if the distance increases, it will take time to return to the Mathers territory. As the threat of the Witch Cult remains, they have no choice but to have the extermination force accompany Emilia and the others until they evacuate to a safe location. Even if they return after seeing them off and try to hunt down the remnants of the Witch Cult, there is no denying that the passage of time will increase the chances that they will escape.

　And thirdly, is the safety of the Leafous Road really ensured?

　Once, in a previous loop, Subaru encountered the White Whale and managed to escape alive, but not die. At that time, the traveling merchant Otto, who was accompanying him, shook Subaru off the dragon carriage and they escaped through the mist - or so it seemed.

　However, in reality, it seemed that he had been attacked by the Witch Cult afterwards and had his life stolen from him. The place where this happened was just before leaving the Leafous Highway and entering the Mathers Territory.

　Subaru thinks that there may have been members of the Witch Cult watching over the exit of the fog.

　We didn't encounter them this time, but that was probably because our forces were superior to theirs when we passed through that place this time, so they were overlooked.

　But if they returned with a large number of non-combatants, what chance would there be of them being let off the hook? Especially if they brought along Emilia, who was their objective.

"When you think about it like that, it's not even worth thinking about."

"So you think Subaru should go to the Sanctuary too?"

"That's probably the best we can do under the current circumstances. If we can talk to Roz-chan we'll be able to say something more constructive, and I don't want to burden the villagers with the move either."

　At the very least, it will be difficult to move the story forward until the full picture of the situation within the territory becomes clear. It is also unclear what stance Roswaal intends to take regarding the royal selection.

　I believe that the part where Emilia was fretting alone was heavily influenced by Roswaal's vague way of speaking.

"So, to sum it up, I'm going to give that sweet guy a good kick."

"I thought we were talking about where to run away to... how did it end up like that?"

"It couldn't be helped if I was working out all the little details on my own. And really, if he'd just spoken in more understandable terms, there weren't so many issues. That's what smart people do…"

　Because they have a quick mind, they expect others to have the same level of calculation ability. This is a common way of thinking among geniuses. Average people who are lagging behind can barely keep up.

　Anyway,

"The destination has been decided, and Ram knows the location. Once preparations are complete, we should leave immediately. Do you think it will take some time?"

"I don't have anything in particular to bring with me. Ram…"

"There are many tea leaves and valuable items I would like to take with me, but I have given up on the idea because greed often leads to bleak ends. I have packed some necessary letters and clothing, so they are always available."

　In response to Subaru's question, Ram points to a bag placed beside the stairs. It appears that the bag has already been packed, and Subaru is left impressed by Ram's foresight.

"I always thought it took a long time for girls to get ready, but this is wonderful! Now, have you forgotten anything like your bankbook or seal? If so, let's go straight to the village."

"Tucho?"

"Incan?"

　Subaru took pleasure in seeing Emilia and Ram both tilt their heads with questioning looks on their faces, then looked up at the upper floors of the mansion.

　The two others who followed his gaze must have noticed what Subaru was looking at. They parted their lips awkwardly,

"I'm sorry, Subaru. We don't know where Beatrice is. I haven't seen her even once since we returned from the royal capital."

"To be honest, I haven't seen you once since the day Roswaal-sama and his companions left for the Royal Capital... That's because you haven't shown up to our meal invitations, nor when the Great Spirit calls upon you."

"Bear girl even ignoring Puck? That's not normal."

　Hearing what the two had said, Subaru touched his chin and wondered what to do, but then he recalled the events of the previous world and quickly abandoned his thoughts, realizing that it was foolish to worry.

　I slapped my cheeks with both hands, and the dry sound brought me back to consciousness.

"I'll take Bearko, so you two go to the village first. There's Ferris and Wilhelm from Crusch's house… and a wandering mercenary named Yuri, so if we meet up with them, things should move forward. Leave Drill Loli to me."

"Are you sure you can find it?"

"I'm not confident about it, but... I feel like she won't run away from me. I think she probably really likes me."

"Well said, to that difficult person."

　Emilia chuckled at Subaru's answer, and Ram snorted with her usual "Haa." Subaru shrugged at the two of them, said "In the way," and spun around on the spot, stepping out onto the upper floor.

"What's effective in getting hikikomoris to go outside? Check out my methods as a former hikikomori."

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

"Oh, that's strange!?"

　And so, although he had made a bold bold move and come out, the search for Beatrice, which he had set off with great confidence, was proving to be difficult.

　Usually, when Subaru went to call Beatrice at mealtimes, the first door he opened would usually lead to the Forbidden Library where Beatrice was. Sometimes, especially early in the day, he would open the door to the dining hall intending to call her, only to find that it was the Forbidden Library.

　Beatrice's magic, called 『Door Crossing』, was too advanced for Subaru to understand, but it seemed to be a spatial transfer type of magic that utilized shadow magic.

　Despite being a young girl, Beatrice is an excellent user of Yin magic and uses her door-crossing to randomly move her castle, the Forbidden Library, within the mansion, always performing a nasty teleportation in which there is basically only one correct door.

　The thing that could break through that ability of hers was something Subaru had arbitrarily dubbed 『Door Breaker』; a trait unique to humans who couldn't read the atmosphere and could somehow get the right answer in one shot.

Subaru: "It's more than just disappointing that it didn't work after all this time. After all that big talk with Emilia-tan and the others, we still couldn't find it――and that's not going to be a pat or anything, please, hey."

　As he spoke, Subaru pushed open the doors of the servants' wings one after the other. He had already opened all the rooms in the first central wing, so he had wasted a considerable amount of time. It was the first time he had had such difficulty finding Beatrice, and even as he joked, he couldn't help the unpleasant sweat breaking out on his forehead.

　But Subaru was not continuing his search for Beatrice without any basis. He was certain that she was definitely still inside the mansion.

　In the previous world, when Subaru had arrived at the mansion a day late, Beatrice was certainly in this place. At the time, Subaru was also overwhelmed by the situation and was doing his best, so he wasn't able to have a proper conversation with her, but

"This time, we have more time, and everyone is a little more relaxed. I'm sure Bearko will be willing to listen to us a little…"

　He wasn't always so optimistic, but he had to be so in order to continue this lonely task. After all, from the outside, he looked like a pitiful person, constantly opening and closing doors in an empty mansion and getting disappointed.

"Damn, I can't find it! Damn! I'm running out of time! Is this no good? Should I just give up and run away? My conscience hurts when I think of Emilia-tan's trusting gaze, but I guess there's no other way! I'll tell everyone that Bear-chan had a stomachache and wouldn't come out of the bathroom, so I gave up and went back――"

"--Can't you come up with a better excuse, you know?"

　As he grumbled and scratched his head, a sudden interruption came from the other side of the open door.

　Right before his eyes, the room that should have been a toilet was filled with a stack of paper for something other than wiping one's bottom - in short, it had been transformed into a library filled to the brim with books.

　It had been a while since he'd last encountered the familiar Forbidden Library, and the girl dressed in an extravagant dress who was its guardian was standing in front of it as always.

　Entering the room, I saw a wooden stepladder directly ahead, and a girl sitting on the stepladder with a thick book open.

"Bearko was found safely in the bathroom - my hunch hasn't gone away after all."

"I guess I just felt sorry for you not giving up even after so many misses. For the sake of Betty's honor, I thought it would be troublesome if you spread strange rumors about her."

"Don't worry about it! Everyone poops sometimes, and sometimes there are times when your stomach hurts and you don't want to reply! I'm sorry for saying insensitive things when you were straining!"

"That was the most insensitive thing you said in the world!"

　Beatrice stood up from the ladder, sulking in anger and anger. Subaru waved his hand lightly at the girl, whose hair was rolling down her sleeves, and said, "Sorry, sorry."

"Anyway, it's been a while. You weren't opening up to me so much that I was about to search the whole mansion for you."

"...This is how it normally works when you're not letting your guard down. I'm sure you didn't really intend to come through here either."

"The fact that you let me in like this means I'm not being convincing! Good tsundere!"

"If I hadn't let you in, you would have been in danger of spreading scandalous rumours that were almost like blackmail!"

　After yelling at her, Beatrice immediately looked embarrassed and ashamed of her behavior. Seeing her expression change so quickly, Subaru's mouth slackened as he walked over to her,

"Anyway, I'm glad to have met you. Sorry to ask so abruptly, but could you please get ready to go out? There will be some problems if we stay behind at the mansion..."

"Betty's not going."

"a?"

　Subaru stopped in his tracks as Beatrice immediately cut off the proposal.

　Looking up, she saw Subaru's shocked face with a sigh,

"Betty said she's not going. She has no intention of leaving this Forbidden Library, much less the mansion. Just remember that and leave."

"Wait a minute, you just don't see the situation. It's no good staying here, it's dangerous, so come with me. I'll explain everything from the beginning!"

"I guess you understand even without it being explained to you. And stop treating me like a child."

　Glaring at Subaru, Beatrice reaches into the bookshelf and pulls out a book that looks like an illustrated guide that is too big for her hands, carrying it as usual as she returns to the stepladder. Sitting down and opening it on her lap, she is just like always, and doesn't seem to be serious about evacuating.

"Hey, this story isn't over. Don't go thinking you've finished it."

"I wonder if Betty has anything more to say. You are the one who wants to continue on your own, but even if you continue, Betty's conclusion won't change. Aren't you also in the same situation where you can't waste time?"

"Gh… If you understand that much, then cooperate. I'll take you. You'll be taken by me. Okay?"

"I refuse. It's the same no matter who comes. --That's right, no matter who comes, I won't let them set even one step inside this Forbidden Library."

　With her eyes still on the book, Beatrice spoke calmly but firmly.

　Subaru scratched his head at her stubborn attitude and sighed,

"Listen, it's not like I'm just a troublemaker or Ram who just brings food who comes here. I hate to say it, but it's the Witch Cult who are coming. Their lack of discretion is incredible. You who are still here in the mansion…"

"I'm sure I've shown you the power of the Doorwalk. If there are still people who try to intrude after that… I doubt Betty will show any mercy."

"--!"

　For an instant, a menacing presence emanated from Beatrice, and she coldly brushed Subaru's back.

　I held my breath and realized that what I had just experienced was the aftereffect of the magical power that had erupted from her entire body.

　That enormous torrent of mana was overwhelming, even to Subaru, who had only just come into contact with people who wield magic.

"--But even so, I'm going to take you."

"That's still not true..."

"This isn't about whether you're strong or not! You're a girl, and you're small, and that's all you need! There's no other reason why I wouldn't want to leave you in a dangerous place!"

　Even though he was overwhelmed by the force of it all, Subaru stomped his feet on the floor of the library and shouted.

　Beatrice opened her eyes wide in shock at the sight of him stepping forward and continuing to argue, then closed her eyes as if enduring pain.

　Subaru frowned at the sight, and just before he approached her to take her away,

"Betty won't go with you. Please stop misleading me any more."

"I'm not wrong. You're wrong. That's the end of my answer."

"Stubborn, I guess. --That's what I don't like about you."

　Beatrice muttered something softly. Subaru couldn't hear what she said and opened his mouth to ask again, but before he could, Beatrice rose from the ladder and,

"You understand, I'm a loser. I'll do as you say."

"Oh? Oh, that's fine then. If you understand then that's fine. For a moment, you stood up and prepared yourself to be blown away by magic."

"It would be easy for Betty to wipe you from this world, leaving only your shadow behind... but she can't be cruel enough to do that."

　Beatrice put the book back on the shelf while making a vaguely frightening remark. However, Subaru was drawn in by her movements and suddenly noticed something and raised his eyebrows. He may have let his guard down when Beatrice said she would accompany him. On a whim,

"Now that I think about it, there are a lot of books here. Do you happen to be familiar with letters other than Iroha?"

"I was wondering what you were suddenly talking about... I wonder if Iroha means the letter I. If you said that to an expert, you'd get in trouble for calling it that."

"Yes, yes, sorry, sorry. Now, to the main topic..."

　Subaru smiled fondly at Beatrice who was glaring at him, then searched his pocket and pulled out a book. It was a book bound in black, and its contents were-

"It's this thing, but I can't seem to remember the writing inside. I thought maybe you knew something about it..."

"Why do you have it in your hands now?"

　Suddenly, a firm voice cuts off Subaru's words.

　Subaru looked over to see Beatrice's large eyes widened even further, gazing at the Gospel in his hands.

　Subaru, who had approached her casually, was surprised by the sudden change in her attitude.

"Why do you have it now? Answer me."

"I had to take that shit away from that idiot from the Witch Cult. He was holding on to it like it was his last resort, so I thought there might be some kind of hint written on it."

"You took it? From the Witch Cult? Of all people, you..."

　Beatrice places her hand on her forehead and shakes her shoulders slightly, her complexion changing. Subaru is perplexed by the girl's wandering gaze as the color drains from her pale face.

　It was as if someone was reaching out to help him overcome the disorder that was about to collapse at any moment.

"Oh, hey, are you okay? If you're not feeling well, don't push yourself..."

"Betty... that's no good. But, letting him have it... Don't tell me Roswaal has gone this far...?"

"Oi? I know it's bad to look so serious, but listen up."

"I guess he's thinking about it now, so please wait a bit."

　As Subaru lurks around in concern, Beatrice silences him with a single glance. Silenced, Subaru closes his mouth and observes Beatrice, whose expression changes as she closes her eyes in front of him.

　There seemed to be no response for a while, so I boredly opened the Gospel in my hands and flipped through the pages, the contents of which I still didn't understand.

　And then, I suddenly realized.

"The second half of this book is blank... But was this page here just now?"

　The contents are written in illegible characters, and the latter half of the book is missing, as if a page had been dropped. However, I can't help but feel that there is more information on the last printed page that wasn't there before.

　It's a book with contents that are impossible to read. I could just say it's in my head, but that's about it.

"What do you want to do with that book?"

　Beatrice suddenly asked, having been in silent thought up until then.

　With her hand over her mouth, Beatrice asked Subaru what he thought of the conclusion of his thoughts. In response, Subaru continued, "No matter what you say..."

"Deciphering the contents... I have no interest in the doctrines of the Witch Cult or anything like that, I just want to know if there's any information that will be beneficial to me. If there wasn't, I wouldn't want to own a book with such a creepy owner."

"…At the very least, Betty won't be able to read the contents. However, if you don't want to have it, I wonder if I could at least keep it for you."

"look after?"

"It's a mysterious book, a book that was treasured by a mysterious owner. If you're against having it, then Betty can take it back for you."

　Beatrice timidly holds out her hand towards me.

　From her actions, it was clear that she didn't want the book at all. She probably wasn't planning on reselling it and making a huge profit.

　She spoke with good intentions. And from what she had said up until now, it seemed that she understood that this book was at least gospel. Therefore,

"Sorry, but I'm going to reject that proposal."

　Subaru declared as he lightly pressed down on the outstretched hand.

　Beatrice blinked at Subaru's words, and her lovely expression quickly turned stern,

"I wonder why. You should have an intuition that it's not a good thing. At the very least, you should know that it doesn't attract good things. So, rather than having it yourself, why not give it to Betty..."

"When someone wants something like that, I end up not wanting to give them something I don't really need, because I'm a contrarian… That's just an excuse. But honestly, that's what I'm saying."

　This book, this book called the Gospel, seems to have great significance to the followers of the Witch Cult. Moreover, the owner of this Gospel is Petelgeuse, a senior member of the Witch Cult.

　I still remember how obsessed that man was with this book. Even though we have him in our custody and have deprived him of any means of resistance, we remain vigilant.

"It's a book that a scary old man might drool over and come to take back. Just because it's scary to hold, is that what a boy would do to give it to a little girl?"

"----!"

"If it's dangerous, I'll take it. I came here to get you to safety, you know? Deliberately putting yourself in danger would be putting the cart before the horse. Please don't make me so heartless, I beg of you."

　Subaru chuckled and put the Gospel away, hiding it from Beatrice's gaze. What was Beatrice thinking when she saw that sequence of actions?

　She blinked once, then opened her lips to say something――,

"--huh."

　In the end, unable to find a word to say, he just shut his mouth and turned his face away.

　Though he sensed something unnatural about her behavior, Subaru couldn't urge her on any further as her profile seemed to refuse to be pursued. So he cracked his neck to change the subject,

"Ah, well, it's fine. Anyway, since we've decided to move, please leave it to us. It'll be a problem if you bring too much luggage, but I don't mind if you take two or three important books. Also, I think it'd be a good idea to have two or three spare dresses to replace that pointlessly extravagant one."

"...The library will follow Betty if she moves. Anyway, I wonder if you were able to persuade the other two in the mansion."

"That's a really convenient idea. I've fully convinced the two of you. You're the last one here. Let's all evacuate to the Sanctuary where Roswaal is."

"Roswaal, I wonder... I wonder what happened to the maid sister who went with you."

　Suddenly, Beatrice started talking about Rem.

　Unexpected to hear her mention Rem, Subaru raised his eyebrows in slight surprise. Then, thinking that this was a good sign, he relaxed his jaw and said,

"Rem is currently at home alone in the royal capital. On her way back she caught a huge fish. It was so big that she must have brought it back and prepared it lavishly. Once everything is taken care of, let's all go and enjoy it."

"You seem very happy when you speak. I wonder if something has happened."

"cormorant"

　Subaru couldn't help but overreact to Rem's name and speak a little too quickly. Beatrice's sharp remark hit him right on the mark, leaving him breathless. He whistled as he turned his face away,

"What? There's nothing here?"

"I guess it would be strange not to feel affection for her after being treated so intimately. Betty won't spread rumors about you, so do as you please."

Subaru: "I-I'm not planning on hiding anything, you know? However, it takes a lot of courage to suddenly tell Emilia-tan and my sister… I guess it's more like a strategic retreat."

　Subaru mumbled weakly, pointed his fingers together, turned his back to Beatrice and looked down in shame.

　The situation is a big factor, and it's also true that he doesn't have the courage to suddenly tell her. Even Emilia would be taken by surprise if he suddenly declared, "I'm going to get you and Rem!" It's something she's already decided.

「It's good to have high goals. It makes working hard more rewarding. I don't dislike hard work in general. I just haven't been able to set any goals until now――!」

　The mouth that had been making excuses to exalt itself suddenly stopped moving at a sudden sensation.

　I felt a warm sensation behind me, and someone was hugging me from behind with their arms around my waist. Their small, slender arms were around my stomach, and I naturally realized who it was.

　It's Beatrice.

"Oh, it's Bearko. What a surprise. Stop doing that out of nowhere, please."

"That reaction really pisses me off, I guess. But, that's enough."

"teeth?"

　Just as I tilted my head at the unexpected words, a bright light suddenly burned my eyelids.

　Before I realized that this was the result of the entrance door being opened by itself,

"Goodbye--"

"Uh, oh?!"

　The arms that had been wrapped around me were released, and I felt a strong pressure on my back. Unable to resist, my body leaned forward and was pushed forward.

　Just like that, he was sucked in and flew towards the door――,

"Beatrice――!"

"Betty... she can't come with us."

　He turned and shot a glance into the room just before passing through the door.

　The girl who just barely made it into my field of vision had tears in her eyes.

"----!"

　Without being able to put anything into words, his vision began to distort. His body was caught up in the distortion of space, and he found himself walking a path that shouldn't have existed, and his connection to the Forbidden Archives was severed.

　Just like that, Subaru's body was ejected from the space of the Forbidden Library and vanished somewhere far away.

"--A-sama."

　After witnessing this, Beatrice slowly closed the door that she had left open.

　There was a sound of the air being cut, and a deep silence once again fell over the Forbidden Library.

"--mother"

　Beatrice called out his name in a small, tearful voice.

　The big tears had already disappeared from her eyes, but her expression remained unchanged.

"Betty... just how much longer..."

　Beatrice, on the verge of breaking down in tears, walked over to the stepladder and collapsed, leaning her weight onto it. Then she stretched out her arms, grabbed the book that had been resting on the other side of the stepladder - the one opposite the one she usually sat on - and embraced it.

"Mother... Mother... Mother...!"

　Clinging to her heart, like a lost child, clutching the book to her chest, Beatrice's voice continued to echo like a sob in the silent Forbidden Library.

　The black-bound book in her arms gave her no answer.