Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu web novel

　Holding her breath, the girl walked silently through the darkness.

"――――"

　Making her small body even smaller, she was even mindful of the rustling of her clothes as they came into contact with the air. She walked with her hand over her mouth because if she didn't physically cover it, her breathing would become hoarse.

　The truth is, I wish even my heart, which was beating so loudly, would calm down.

"――――"

　Petra, a young girl with reddish brown hair, was finally starting to get used to the mansion, but she was feeling anxious as if she had wandered into an unfamiliar world.

　Right now, I was truly thankful that there was a soft carpet laid out. Normally, I would find it difficult to walk, but thanks to it, my trembling legs were able to stay quiet.

　I vow to myself that the next time I have the chance to wash it, I will do it carefully and with all my gratitude.

　If I didn't focus on something else, my feet, which were barely able to move forward one after the other, would come to a halt. I was already moving at a speed no different to that of a caterpillar, and it was frightening to think what would happen if I stopped.

　Right now, I hated the length of that long, endless corridor.

　Petra remembers how excited she was when she was accepted to work in the big house.

　Though it was located close to the village, the mansion felt very far away to Petra. Not in terms of distance, but in terms of position.

　The Margrave, who was the lord of the mansion and owner of the mansion, would drop in to Arlam Village whenever he had free time.

　Despite being a nobleman, he has an unpretentious attitude and is able to laugh off the insults of children. I have never heard anyone in the village say anything bad about the Margrave other than his appearance.

　Petra had never paid much attention to the Margrave either.

　But I was always fascinated by the size of the mansion.

　A place that was completely out of reach for Petra, who grew up with normal parents in a small village. Even though she said she wanted to go to the royal capital and work in clothing making when she grew up, that was just a dream that suited her, because even at a young age she knew the resignation of reaching for something that was out of reach.

　At that time, Petra unexpectedly got the opportunity to work in the mansion she had always dreamed of.

　Furthermore, Petra was also accompanied by the man who had saved her life and whom she had a secret crush on. Which joy won out, but we won't tell you that the latter was slightly stronger.

　In any case, for Petra, working at the mansion was the beginning of such dreamlike days.

　The width of the corridors, the number of rooms, and the enormous amount of time it took to clean were some of the things that made her dizzy, but the hectic days still brought Petra a joy in life.

　For Petra right now, that place of longing and dreams was so terrifying that it froze her heart.

　Petra doesn't know what happened or how it came to this.

　All I know is that she had finished her work as usual and had just finished dinner, just like always, with the senior maid Frederica - the woman she called Big Sister Frederica.

　Petra used the step stool to clear the dishes in the sink, while Frederica went to retrieve the food for Lady Beatrice, who was at the mansion.

　Petra had never even seen Lady Beatrice, who lived in the mansion, and wondered if such a person really existed, but since Frederica, Emilia, and Subaru all seemed to know her, Petra simply obeyed without saying a word.

　The owners of the mansion are away on a trip somewhere.

　Apart from the servants Petra and Frederica, there were only two people left in the mansion: Lady Beatrice, who was nowhere to be seen, and the girl Subaru had brought back, named Rem.

　Neither of them would eat their food, which made Petra a little dissatisfied.

　However, Petra felt sorry for the sleeping girl called Rem, and more than anything, she had never forgotten how Subaru had treated her so gently.

　Subaru's profile as he looked at Rem's sleeping face was so painful that Petra could see such deep emotion and anguish that it made her hesitate even to feel jealous.

　that's why--,

"...I have to save Rem."

　The reason she blurted out her resolve without thinking was because that was Petra's only principle of action.

　After Frederica had brought Beatrice's dinner down, Petra cleared away the dishes and received confirmation and instructions from Frederica about the next day's work.

　In truth, she would like to help Frederica, who still had work to do, but Petra's body was still growing and could not endure working late into the night. She would always accept Petra's enthusiasm and be sent off to her room by Frederica.

　However, something different happened on the way to my room that night.

　--All the lights in the mansion went out at once.

　Surprised by the sudden darkness, Petra hugged Frederica, who was beside her. Frederica held her gently in place and spoke many reassuring words, then she choked.

　Petra will never forget that feeling of tension in the air.

　The dry air was familiar to her. Petra's grip tightened as anxiety rose up within her, but Frederica gently released her.

"Petra, you're a good girl, so listen carefully. -- Use the stairs at the back and go outside. Run away as quietly and as quickly as possible without making any noise."

"S-Sister Rederika..."

"I'll chase after you immediately. Once you're outside the mansion, run to the village. Once we've met up safely, we'll clean up in the morning."

　Petra could see that Frederica had looked ahead as she spoke gently to her.

　Then, with a light force, she was pushed back, increasing the distance between her and Frederica. At this time, the cloudy sky was hiding the moon, and there was no light source.

　I felt Frederica moving forward with quiet steps.

　Noticing this, Petra followed Frederica's instructions and walked down the mansion's corridor in the opposite direction. She somehow managed to reach the stairs and was about to go downstairs when she suddenly remembered.

"This is... just like a forest."

　I remembered where I had felt the dry, tense air.

　That was the atmosphere I had felt just two months ago when I entered the forest with the other children from the village.

　It was the same atmosphere I felt when my life was threatened in the forest, where the murderous intent of the demonic beasts was raging.

"--I have to go."

　As soon as she realized this, Petra headed upstairs instead of downstairs.

　I remember Frederica's instructions. I also feel guilty about breaking them.

　But we must not leave Rem behind in the mansion, which has become just like this forest.

　Petra hadn't forgotten the time when Subaru had taken her out of that terrifying forest.

"--ah"

　After finishing her tear-jerking recollection, Petra sensed from her stride that her destination was near.

　Don't make any noise. Don't be noticed. By stubbornly adhering to this rule, the journey in which we could only achieve the minimum speed came to an end.

　Even after they reach Rem's room, Petra is too small to escape with her.

　Petra was so overwhelmed with a sense of urgency that she couldn't think about such things. If she could just reach the room where Rem was sleeping and confirm her presence, then everything would be fine.

　The young girl is tormented by a sense of mission that is beyond her capabilities and the fear of approaching death.

　No one can blame Petra for not noticing something that she should obviously notice.

　Just a few more steps, just a few more meters, just two more doors ahead.

"――――"

　You'll soon reach your destination room.

　My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to explode, and the sound of my breathing was uncontrollable leaking from between my hands.

　Just a little bit more, just a little bit more, just a little bit more.

"――――"

　We've arrived, Petra said, looking up.

　At that exact moment, outside the window facing the corridor, clouds covering the moon were blowing in the wind.

　The moonlight streamed in through the window, bringing color to a world that had been dominated by darkness.

　And then Petra saw it.

"Oh my, what a cute maid."

　A woman in black, seemingly blending into the darkness, stood right in front of me.

　The door to the destination room is only three steps away.

　She was a tall woman with long hair.

　She was wearing a very seductive outfit that showed off her voluptuous body. She was swinging the ends of her braided hair with her hands, and there was something extraordinarily sexy about the way she walked towards me.

　Unless you noticed that in the hand opposite the one holding the hair, he was holding a large, dull, shiny knife.

"From what I've heard, there are two targets and one extra. You're the little maid."

"...ah"

"Are you shivering? It's okay. I'm sure your intestines are clean. The inside of the stomach of a child with a future is always a beautiful thing."

　I don't know what you're talking about.

　However, he was aware that the approach of a smiling woman was synonymous with the footsteps of death.

　Even though she was aware of it, Petra's legs were trembling with fear and she couldn't move.

　A large knife that seems out of proportion to the thin woman's hand.

　When that weapon is wielded, one's life will surely be taken carelessly.

　And yet,

"You're a good girl... I'll let you meet an angel."

　Mercilessly, the woman raised the knife at the trembling girl.

　The blade cut through the air and sliced ​​through Petra's torso――right before,

"Petra――!!"

　A large shadow came flying from the other side of the corridor, throwing itself between Petra and the knife, making a high-pitched noise and sending sparks flying.

　In front, protecting Petra with her long golden hair fluttering in the wind, was a familiar, reliable back.

　There is only one person with such a broad, reliable back that it's hard to believe she is a woman.

"Sister Frederica!"

"You're a bad girl, Petra. I told you to run away... but you'll be punished later."

"Yes, yes!"

　Shielding Petra with her back, Frederica turned her head and spoke in a stern voice.

　Petra shivered at being called a naughty girl, and nodded repeatedly while lying on his back, almost in tears.

"Are you the big maid? You're really quite big."

　Watching the exchange between the two, the woman whose knife had been blocked tilted her head slightly in a lowered position. Her long braids swayed in time with her movement, which seemed somehow comical and out of proportion to the woman's abnormality.

"I'm a bit worried about my size. I guess it's my father's blood."

"Yes, Father was big. If he's that big, I'm sure his intestines will be worth seeing. I'm looking forward to it."

"That's not a very good hobby."

"Women's intestines are brighter and more colorful than men's. I'll compare theirs and tell you."

　At this extremely abnormal statement from the woman, Frederica thrust both her arms out in front of her.

　His hands were equipped with gauntlets equipped with sharp claws, and it was likely these weapons that helped him block the woman's first blow.

　It could be said to be a weapon befitting Frederica, making the most of her large, powerful physique.

"It's disappointing, but you can do quite a lot."

"You seem to be pretty good, but you're probably not as good as me. I almost died in the royal capital a while ago, and now my skills have somehow improved."

"That's right. I almost feel resentful towards that person for not being able to bring you down."

　Seeing the power of the woman before her, Frederica's forehead began to break out in a cold sweat.

　The difference in their powers was obvious just by looking at each other, and could be seen from the extraordinary demonic aura that the woman was emitting. Though she appeared to be just standing there casually, a strong aura of death was emanating from her.

　Just how many lives must one take to be endowed with such demonic aura?

"Petra, this time let's leave the mansion. I'll hold that woman back."

"B-but, Sister..."

　Petra choked up as she glanced at the door to a nearby room.

　Just by looking at that, Frederica understood why Petra had disobeyed her orders and come here.

　that's why,

"I don't know who sent the request, but...it seems that Petra and I are among your targets."

"Yes, that's right. You, the little maid, and the spirit girl. I'm not happy with the numbers, but I've never opened a spirit's stomach before, so I'm looking forward to it. Last time, I was just one step away and didn't get to see it."

"You're opening your mouth so easily. Doesn't that disqualify you as a professional?"

"I don't care. You'll be mute soon, and if the client complains, we can just shut them up."

"It's bankrupt."

　It was a heady exchange of conversation.

　Frederica realized that there was no point in continuing to talk with the woman. Still, she was able to find out what she wanted to know.

"Petra. That woman's targets are me, you, and Lady Beatrice. Do you understand?"

"--Yes."

　Petra wiped her tears and nodded.

　He guessed Frederica's intentions from the previous exchange and the confirmation.

　I think he's a smart kid. He's also a good student. I don't want him to die.

"Go!"

"yes!"

　In response to Frederica's voice, Petra stumbled backwards.

　At the same time, the Woman in Black turned and threw something. Four throwing knives were hurled at Petra's back as she ran, cutting through the air. Frederica barely managed to block the brilliantly hideous attacks, which were perfectly aimed at Petra's limbs, by swiping her right claw.

　A high-pitched sound rang out and all the throwing knife bullets were deflected.

　Petra doesn't even look back as she runs away. She has complete trust in Frederica. And she must live up to that.

"Good boy."

"Yes, I'm proud of you!"

　Aiming at the woman who had stepped closest to her, Frederica slammed her left claw into her. The woman dodged it by leaning slightly. However, as her body had tilted, Frederica aimed for her torso and launched a front kick at it.

　Frederica's direct kick cuts through the wind and even shatters walls. Unlike her mother, who was just a human, Frederica's father was half human, with the blood of a fighting race in his veins. Though she couldn't fully accept the blood that flowed through her veins, she was grateful for this power right now.

　The straight kick pierced the torso of the woman, whose eyes widened slightly. The woman quickly put forward her left hand, which was not holding the knife, but the force of the kick was enough to break her thin arm and still crush her enemy――,

「Wha――?!」

"Is that surprising?"

　As Frederica gasped in shock, the upside-down woman loosened her crimson lips.

　The moment her left hand made contact with Frederica's kick, the woman performed an impossible feat in a situation where not even the slightest deviation in the strength of her kick was permitted. Putting her weight onto the tip of the kick, the woman did a handstand on one hand. Frederica, with the woman on her leg, shivered at how light she was as a feather.

"Spider Woman――!"

"That's what I was just told the other day."

　He said in an upset voice, and a ferocious slash that was out of keeping with that voice flew through the air.

　The silver flash reflected the moonlight and headed straight for Frederica's neck, and though she quickly raised her claws to block it, Frederica's arms, which should have been blocking it, cried out in pain.

　The woman had only one arm, and although it was much thinner than Frederica's, it possessed extraordinary strength.

　Sparks flew and she heard the sound of blades rubbing against each other up close, as Frederica pulled the woman down from her feet, and with that, aimed a desperate kick at the upside-down woman's faceーー,

"That's a bad idea."

　The claw and the blade were still interlocked - from that point onwards, the woman's body flipped further in mid-air.

　The woman was supposed to fall into the path of Frederica's kick, but she calmly watched as it passed directly underneath her, and then her other hand reached out towards the woman's long leg. Another sinister blade peeked out from under her lifted skirt,

"Show me the vibrant contents."

　The crossed blades of the woman, still upside down, approached Frederica from both sides with enough force to slice her torso in half.

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

"Ha! Ha! Ha!"

　Petra runs down the stairs, swinging her small arms wildly.

　A series of high-pitched sounds came from above, followed by a faint scream from Frederica.

　Petra was not so foolish as to be unable to sympathize with Frederica's feelings as she fought to help him escape, and continued to cling to her childish stubbornness.

　However, even Petra, who knows nothing about fighting, can understand it.

　That black woman is an incredible monster.

　Even though Frederica had faced her with such a frightening expression, the woman's smile remained unmoved. It wasn't because she didn't understand the difference in their strength. She clearly understood.

　If they left her like that, Frederica would be killed.

"Bea, if it's Lord Toris...!"

　There is another person present in this mansion.

　It seems that the woman in black was unaware of Rem's existence. Of course, if she were found, she would be added to her targets, but even so, as long as Petra and Frederica didn't touch her carelessly, she wouldn't notice her presence.

"This place...no, this place?!"

　Petra went downstairs and randomly opened the nearest door to check inside.

　It was hard to believe, but Beatrice was said to be living in a mobile room within the mansion. She was said to be living in a room that could be reached by opening the many doors in the mansion. That was how powerful she was as a magician, or so I had heard.

　Petra needed that magician's power right now.

　If such a being exists, he will surely help Frederica, defeat that woman in black, and protect Petra's dream mansion.

"He's not here... He's not here either... Dear sister...!"

　Petra was out of breath and on the verge of collapsing on the spot, tears streaming down her face.

　Petra had opened all the nearby doors in the servants' block. But Beatrice's room did not appear before her. How long had it been since the battle between Frederica and the woman had begun?

　We have to do it quickly, quickly.

"Hey, Summer..."

　Petra had to start running, but her legs wouldn't move.

　Petra repeatedly taps her leg with her loose hands, trying to muster up her spirit. But it's not enough. She can't find the courage. Her hope is about to wither away.

"--Subaru."

　When weakness took control of my heart, the name I clung to was the name of someone who wasn't here.

　To Petra, it was the name of the bravest person in the world.

　He is an incredible person with the courage to encourage his trembling legs and stand up to opponents he cannot defeat.

　When Petra and everyone in the village are in real danger and on the verge of death, they will be saved by this savior - that's the name they call out.

　Even though I know that person isn't here.

"Subaru, Subaru… help me, Subaru."

"Okay, I get it, Petra."

"--Eh?"

　Petra, who had been sobbing and covering her face, instinctively looked up when she heard the voice.

　My vision is blurred by tears, but someone is standing right in front of me.

　The person knelt on the floor to meet Petra's gaze as she crouched down,

"Sorry I'm late, but I came to help. I'm glad you're safe, Petra."

　The person had a familiar, evil-looking face and was giving me a troubled smile.

　Even though he was doing his best to reassure Petra, his face was not at all kind, and so Petra felt a deep sense of relief.

"Subaru… what is it? Did you come and give it to me?"

"It's me. I'm here. It's okay now."

　He nodded reassuringly and Petra reached out her hand.

　He gently touched my cheek and then leaned forward, supporting me with his weight.

　It's not an illusion or a dream, he's definitely here.

　I want to savor the relief of that feeling. But right now, I don't have the time for that.

"Subaru… Sister Frederica is fighting with a woman upstairs."

"Frederica?"

"He was black and had a big knife... he was really scary."

"A scary woman with a big black knife... yeah, I know her."

　Subaru grimaces at Petra's words.

　Convinced that they shared the same threat level, Petra pulled Subaru's arm.

"Please, help Frederica! Subaru, defeat her!"

"Alright then, leave everything to me! That's what I'd like to say, but even if I were to charge into an opponent that Frederica can't beat, I'd end up turned into a corpse in an instant!"

"----!"

　For a moment, that answer almost spread despair in Petra's heart.

　However, Subaru gently stroked Petra's head with his large palm,

"So I sent in some super strong reinforcements in my place."

　Subaru looked up at the floor above, his face imagining the scene that would unfold there, a mixture of anxiety and relief.

"It's a night with too many intruders for a reunion though."

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

　As the body was split in half, Frederica was on the verge of accepting it as a fact.

"Sorry about that... I didn't call you here."

　The voice sounded grudgingly good-natured over the clanging of steel against steel.

　It may seem contradictory, but it's true.

　The owner of the voice was in a good mood and excited, yet at the same time felt annoyed with the person in front of him.

　That, too, is to be expected.

"you..."

"How long are you going to stay on top of me upside down, huh?! -- Scatter!"

　With the blades on both of her arms blocked, the woman was hit directly in the middle by a thrusting kick. The woman was sent flying, her body bending in an U shape, and the man lowered his raised leg as he clasped both his arms together.

　A shining silver shield was firmly attached to both of his arms.

　He was carrying a one-handed shield on both arms, covering his fists.

"According to the general, there is a saying that 'the best defense is a good offense'."

　As he spoke, the man bared his sharp canines and made a clicking noise.

「Well then. Let's make it so that we can attack with a defensive shield… then the maximum offense and maximum defense will coexist, so wouldn't that make the maximum two the strongest?」

　It was a stupid, childish theory.

　However, the man put the child's theory into practice and used two shields as weapons.

　Standing with his legs apart and glaring warily at the person in front of him, the man with his short blond hair standing on end glanced back at Frederica with just his head,

"Don't you think so, sis――Wait, how big is that!?"

　In an instant, the attitude that had maintained the aura of a true warrior was shattered.

　The man - no, the boy, opened his eyes wide and looked Frederica up and down in obvious shock,

「W-are you serious?! Is this my big sister?! The big sister I know is a little smaller, a little thinner, and a little more gentle-spoken, right?! This one seems more like my big brother than my big sister…?」

"Don't be rude."

　The boy who was staring at people and rudely scolding them was hit by Frederica's knee.

　The boy who had been hit in the side tumbled to the floor and staggered to his feet. Looking at his unsteady face, Frederica noticed a white scar on his forehead.

"Gaaf, is that you?"

"So that's it, are you sure Frederica is okay with that… I can't believe it… ugh!"

"Don't call your sister by her first name."

　As he stood up, Garfiel was hit in the back with an elbow, causing him to faint.

　Their writhing appearance reminded me of my childhood. There were no toys in the Sanctuary, so we had no choice but to use each other's bodies to relieve boredom.

　Frederica used to throw Garfiel away when he lunged at her, not taking into consideration the nine-year age difference between them.

"No problem. Garf... you've grown so much."

Subaru: "When you say that to me now, it just sounds like you're being sarcastic, hey! I'm telling you, I'm going to get even bigger from here on out! Don't think you can look down on me forever!"

"Fufufu, let me correct that. Even though your body may have grown a little, your heart remains small."

"Really?!"

　Garfiel bared his fangs as he responded to Frederica's words. After this first direct exchange with his brother in ten years, Frederica was filled with an incredible sense of happiness.

　He never thought the day would come when he would be able to exchange words with Garfiel like this outside of the Sanctuary.

　--Surely, someone who went to the Sanctuary must have done a good job.

　Ram, Emilia, or perhaps Subaru. Someone.

"Also, there was Lord Otto."

"Hah, that big bro doesn't get rewarded for everything he does. When I think about it, it's normal for the Migurd tribe's bridges to collapse, so I guess that's just how it is."

　I can picture in my mind the depressed look on the grey-haired young man's face.

　Just as the siblings had come to this conclusion, suddenly, from the depths of the dark hallway,

"So, is it time for me to take action now?"

"You went out of your way to wait for me, that's a thoughtful thing to do. If you want, just forget about work and go home. If I were a woman, I'd hit you too."

"Oh, you're so kind."

　As Garfiel tries to scare the insect away, the woman smiles sweetly.

　Frederica slapped the careless Garfiel on the back,

"Gaaf. If you think that woman is what she appears to be, you will be in for a rude awakening."

"You know, that's not normal. And besides, Ram is the only person in this world I treat like a woman in the truest sense of the word."

"If you think that's cool, it's not cool at all. Ram will just laugh at you."

"Really?!"

　Garfiel turns around indignantly to see Frederica with an astonished look on her face.

　--The next moment, a silver disc was thrown from the woman's hand with incredible speed.

　A disk. No, it wasn't a disk, but a large knife spinning vertically at high speed. The bullet's speed exceeded the limit of visual visibility, leaving behind sound and the howling wind as it approached Garfiel, threatening to split his head open and send a spurt of fresh blood.

"Well you see"

"――――"

　There was the sound of metal scraping against metal and an explosion of sparks so strong it hurt the eyes.

　The attacking blade scraped the surface of the raised right shield, and with a skillful change of angle it was sent flying straight up. The tip of the flying blade pierced the ceiling, and before he could even see it, Garfiel's body slid straight ahead, sliding across the floor towards the woman, and he raised his left shield.

"I told you to just hurry up and go home, didn't I?"

"Yes, here's the answer."

　Just before the fist was about to be swung, the woman stepped back slightly and forcefully yanked her left arm.

　In the next moment, Garfiel pulls out the blade that had been stuck into the ceiling, and it spins again with the force of its return, attacking Garfiel from behind.

　There was a string tied to the end of the handle of the blade, which was connected to another knife the woman was holding.

"Gaaf!"

　Sensing the threat, Frederica shouts, but it's too late.

　The blade rotated, closing in on Garfiel's body, his left arm about to be slammed into the woman. But,

"--Shut up!!"

"--!?"

　At that exact moment, Garfiel shouted, wondering whether Frederica's voice would reach him.

　Immediately afterwards, Garfiel's left arm explodes in size as it swings. Covered in golden fur, it transforms into the thickness of a log, the arm of a beast that could not possibly be that of a human.

　Even a woman like her could see the agitation in her eyes at this.

"Rrrrrrrr!!"

　With a flash of will, Garfiel's left fist pierces the woman's torso along with her shield.

　Naturally, Garfiel didn't pay the slightest attention to dodging the blow, and the blade pierced his left arm from behind, but it was unable to cut through the beast's arm, which had grown thick and wiry with fur.

"--Huh?!"

"Blow away, black woman!!"

　Unaware of the pain of his flesh being sliced ​​away, Garfiel swung the sword with such force that he blew the woman away, and she was thrown to the ground without even being able to counter the force of the blow, bouncing and rolling away.

　Watching the woman fall, Garfiel pulled out the knife stuck in his left shoulder, biting through the string at the end of the handle with his fangs and tossing the knife out the nearest window.

"Ha! It's the one that says 'Kurgan killed his enemy even though he lost his arm'! If you think I'll cower in fear when I'm in pain, you're completely wrong, you idiot!"

"You're the idiot, of course!"

"That's it!?"

　The sister's fist pierces the back of the triumphant Garfiel's head.

　Having been hit, Garfiel crouched down and looked at him in protest at the unexpected punishment, but

"Fighting in a way that injures your body like that... Grandmother would cry if she saw that."

"Ugh... I don't really care what the old hag thinks..."

"What do you call Grandma? I don't remember raising Garf like that!"

"I can't believe that my big sister came all the way here just for a long-awaited reunion, even though we haven't seen each other since we were four years old!"

　Having been hit in a sensitive spot, Garfiel was now at a disadvantage and held his breath. Frederica was also drawn to his reaction and turned forward, where a black shadow rose up slowly.

　The woman quietly lifted her body, rotated the knife she was still holding in her hand, and licked the blood that had dripped from the corner of her mouth with her finger. Then she smiled ecstatically.

"---You're good, my dear. Very good. You're such a lively girl."

"To be honest, I didn't expect him to stand up so soon after coming in. Sorry, I underestimated him a bit."

　The woman smiles as she licks the blood, while Garfiel clasps his hands together in apology.

　As they exchanged words that did not seem to be those of someone who had killed someone beyond human comprehension, Frederica forgot the passage of time for just a moment.

　However, she quickly regained her composure and shook her head,

"Gaaf! Anyway, she's a mysterious woman. She's neither careless nor merciful..."

"I know. But more importantly, sis… sis, do you know a girl named Rem?"

"...? Yes, she is at the mansion. I heard that she is Ram's little sister."

　Frederica also had no proof on that point.

　Frederica, who has known Ram since she was a child, has no memory of the existence of this younger sister. However, Subaru explains that Rem is Ram's younger sister, and that she is a strikingly similar girl to Ram. The girl, who is still asleep, has been wiped from everyone's memories due to the effects of the witch's cult.

"Does she look like Ram?"

"They look just like each other. But that doesn't mean I can allow you to take my place."

"I wouldn't do something so trashy. I just wanted to make sure. --Is that so?"

　While the brother and sister are talking, the woman gently moves her arms and legs to check how her body is feeling.

　She's a woman whose thinking is a mystery, and I wonder if she's even allowing us time to talk.

　Anyway,

"If he's somewhere on this floor, sister, please find an opportunity to bring him out. I'll probably have my hands full dealing with him."

"Wh, what are you talking about? I'll fight too. If we work together we'll have a greater advantage..."

"I wonder about that?"

　Frederica tries to stop Garfiel from fighting alone, but a woman's voice cuts in. Frederica gives the woman a stern look, and she covers her mouth with the tip of her blade,

"Please don't look so frightened. Besides, I think your brother will attest to the fact that what I'm saying is not far-fetched."

"...Gaaf?"

　Raising her eyebrows in confusion at what the woman said, Frederica called her younger brother's name.

　Hearing this, Garfiel adjusted the angle of the shields in his hands,

「Sorry, sis. I'm not the kind of person who can do something like that while still worrying about what's behind me.」

"What...?"

　Frederica was left speechless by being told that she was just a hindrance.

　Of course, he would admit that his skills were nowhere near that woman's, but it was still humiliating to be told he was so incompetent that he was a hindrance.

"Don't get the wrong idea, big sister. I'm not saying you're a burden or anything."

"...So, what?"

"If he and I were to get serious, the surroundings would be a complete mess."

　Garfiel points at himself, then at the woman, who looks pleased with his words as she plays with the ends of her long braids and leans forward.

"That's right... so it's best for you to stay back."

"――――"

　Only truly strong people can understand the feelings of a soldier.

　Realizing that she was far from that level, Frederica was consumed with frustration.

　I can't believe I'm unable to offer any help to my younger brother whom I met again after ten years.

"Don't be thinking about stupid things, big sister."

"Gaaf..."

"Look at my arms. This shield is something that I used to play with when I was a kid. The origin of my current strength is when I started running together with my sister."

　Frederica's eyes widen at Garfiel's words.

　Hearing his voice, which sounded like it was of concern, consolation, or perhaps some other mixed emotion, Frederica felt as if she could sense the definite growth of her younger brother, even though she had been away from him, and her heart warmed.

"General, you beat me down with the power of numbers. Unfortunately, in an extreme situation, it's a different story."

　As he spoke, Garfiel stepped forward, his shield and fangs clanging and snapping.

　and,

"Bring it on, Kuro-jo. This is to celebrate you stepping outside of the 'Sanctuary'. To start with, I'll destroy that first wall completely!!"