Arc 7, Chapter 68 "The Gladiator-Wolf's Guidance"
"--Wait a moment, Schwarz. I'm just going to look through it now."
Gustav, having said that, did not even glance at Subaru, who had invited him into the room. His gaze remained fixed on the desk, on the letter in his hand.
The guards led Subaru to the top level of Ginunhive. Beyond the luxurious door, Subaru was greeted by a simple and humble room.
The large room has only a work desk, a work bookshelf, and a work toolbox. The room is too big to hold more than it has, so it probably had more stuff in it originally.
The Governor's room, where everything unnecessary for work has been taken away, looks very neat and tidy, which is a relief because it shows Gustav's playless personality.
"They say you can only go so far, and there ain't no chairs."
In such a room, Subaru is at a loss when Gustav orders him to stand by.
The most important thing to remember is that you can't just take a look at the internet.
He found it, or rather, fluttered and waved his hand with a flustered look in Subaru's direction.
"Hello, Bassu, you've had a good night. You wanted to see Mr. Gustav?"
Subaru sighs and walks up to the fake Cecilus, who speaks in such a gentle manner.
Let's put it this way, the relationship between Subaru and fake Cecilus has become a bit complicated again. In a sense, Subaru's participation in "Sparka" was the result of being fired up by the fake Cecilus.
Even without the squabbling, Subaru would have joined "Sparka" even if they hadn't argued, but--,
"I'm pretty sure I had a strong desire to get back at Cessy, here."
"I'm sure it was a very ambitious goal of yours, to make me look up to you. Was that why you joined 'Sparka'? If so, I'm sorry."
"Sorry?"
"No, you see, I didn't go to see 'Sparka', which was on earlier."
Subaru's mouth suddenly opened to the fake Cecilus who bared his tongue. But the anger that immediately arose from him was "You bitch."
He saw it right in front of his eyes that Subaru was motivated by the argument with him and that he went in to turn the tables on his argument.
"Y-you son of a bitch......tsk"
"Well well well well don't get mad at me! No, no, I understand why you want to be angry, but I have my reasons too!"
"Then let me hear it! If it's a boring excuse, then......"
"I knew the result without even looking at it. Then there's no reason for me to go. I'm not even risking my life."
"----"
Subaru backed away from the unchanged tone of the fake Cecilus, even though he was being crowded out.
To be honest, Subaru is also aware of the fact that he's doing things that Hiain would just call him a creepy little kid, but--,
"Cessy's a pretty creepy kid on the side too......"
"The most important thing to remember is that the person who does the best is always difficult to be understood by others. In this case, it applies to both me and Bassu."
"I'm amazed at how much they've bought."
"I'm sure I've convinced myself this time around. So rest assured that you will continue to be unconventional, off the mark, fearless and misguided!"
"I don't want to be off the mark or misguided!"
The two of them are now in the midst of a conversation, and a heavy thumping sound on the desk is attached to the butt of their exchange.
If you look, it was Gustav who had finished reading the letter that made the noise.
Gustav rests his chin on two of his crossed arms and rests his other two arms on the desk. Subaru was impressed that with four arms, he could do such dexterous things.
"If I put all four hands together, would it be too big to put my chin on?"
"I don't know. The actual size of the face of Gustav is also big, so it might be the perfect size even if you put four hands on top of each other. Would you like me to put them on top of each other?"
"Have you no consideration for the mystery of it all? Common sense would dictate that if you're waiting for someone to read your letter, silence is respectable."
" "They didn't tell me......" "
It was a childish quibble, but Subaru and the fake Cecilus excuses overlapped.
Subaru feels sorry to Gustav for that fact. Because the fact that he is of the same opinion as the fake Cecilus means that Subaru has acted in an insane manner.
"Sorry, Gustav. It was my fault......"
"Aren't you following some kind of unconvincing thought? However, since I've admitted that I was at fault, I'll just say that everything here is Bassu's fault."
"For all the apologies uttered, Schwarz is rated as the more mysterious of the two in his day job. In addition, I don't recall ever having admitted Segmunt to my profession."
"Oh, really? Then why are you here Cessy?"
"I'm where I want to be when I want to be where I want to be, that's the policy. No one on this island can curtail my freedom, and I think I'm being treated reasonably."
The fake Cecilus, who was making a statement that obeyed no one. Subaru looks at Gustav with trepidation, but the island administrator is in conflict, closing his eyes and rubbing his brow.
The fake Cecilus story doesn't seem to be a lie, but of course Gustav isn't willing to overlook the situation, it seems to be a sort of position.
But--,
"No one can stop Cessy, huh?"
"Yes, that's right. So-called special treatment, that is to say, a world-class actor."
"I don't know what that means."
It's not hard to see what the fake Cecilus is trying to say, despite his peculiar phrasing.
However, if the fake Cecilus was not mistaken, that would be another major contradiction. And that contradiction was something that Subaru could not ignore.
"Um, so you were saying that Mr. Gustav wants me, but...... can Cessy stay here with me and listen?
"--. Segmunt."
"Don't bother. No one can get rid of me. Don't worry, if it's about me, I'll hear about it, and if it's not about me, I'll forget about it. My forgetting power is amazing. It's even possible that I'm forgetting a lot of important things at this point."
"That's not awesome at all......"
Subaru and Gustav couldn't stand the senselessness of the fake Cecilus.
Eventually, with no change in the members of the room, Subaru went to the front of Gustav. Fake Cecilus watches on with his hands folded behind his head and his back against the wall.
It was a very unusual visit to an "actor".
"Leave Cessy behind, you called me--"
"A warning, of course, of a single case of misuse of punishment."
"......Is it getting round and round?"
A low voice interrupted his statement and Subaru muttered with a dreary look on his face.
According to the rules of Gladiator Island, they're talking about warning followed by punishment, followed by death by curse rule. The final closing, but the warning comes after the punishment, which is the wrong order.
At Subaru's point, Gustav's expression didn't even twitch.
"Schwarz, you have spoken out against the order of the Gladiator Island in front of your superiors. You disregarded my warnings, and for that, you will be punished. Are you aware of that?"
"......Yeah, I do."
"Then you will swear never to speak of it again in front of your real profession. --I swear to you, I will never again speak of any attempt to escape from this island, or any other attempt to defy the Emperor's judgment."
His expression remained unchanged and unmoving. There was no change in his eyes or the color of his eyes. The tone of his voice was as quiet as a giant rock, yet overwhelmingly intimidating.
If it was more emotional, like anger or irritation, it would be easier for Subaru to understand. However, it is not anger or irritation that resides in Gustav.
"So strong, it's a mission."
"----"
"Do you owe this Czar a debt of gratitude, Mr. Gustav?"
"Is that your intention, to evade the question?"
"It's not like that."
He's not going to dodge, and he's not in a position to dodge.
Gustav doesn't seem to have any intention of leaving without getting a firm statement out of Subaru. So Subaru's question was purely out of doubt and interest in Gustav.
In a manner of speaking, from the position of knowing the person Gustav calls the Emperor himself.
"I have no personal relationship with the Emperor. I've been entrusted with the management of this island as Governor. It's only natural that I'm doing my best to fulfill my duties in my position."
"Are you saying that being earnest is just your personality?"
"It's somewhat unreasonable to describe the performance of one's natural duties as earnest, isn't it?"
The most important thing to remember is that the best way to get the most out of your car is to make sure that you have the best possible experience.
However, Gustav's answer was not what Subaru wanted. He doesn't know if this was Gustav's true intention or if it was a construction to hide his true intentions.
You don't know Gustav without knowing more about him.
"In Mr. Gustav's case, I don't think five or ten times is going to put him in the pocket......"
He thinks to himself that behind the success of Subaru's actions so far, there was a kind of 'suspension bridge effect' of being placed in extreme conditions.
In the midst of the life-threatening "Sparka", everyone who didn't have time to spare told their situation as if they were being pulled by the hand by Subaru's words with a knowing look on his face.
Getting to know them was the main reason why Natsuki Subaru was able to break through "Sparka".
However, that method is quite difficult outside of "Sparka".
"--Schwarz, what's with your face?"
"No, I'm just wondering how to melt Mr. Gustav's icy heart."
"There is no correlation between heart and ice. I ask you to refrain from saying things like Segmunt. I don't want to add to the chagrin of my day job."
Subaru's flippant remark was answered seriously, and there was a hint of the fake Cecilus's laugh in the background.
Subaru and Gustav looked at each other as they worked together to ignore it. Then they turned back to the question they hadn't answered again.
"I'll make you swear again, Schwarz. As long as you act as the gladiator of this island, you will obey the Governor, the Governor in his own right. --I will refrain from doing anything that goes against the Emperor's will."
"----"
Closing his eyes, Subaru repeated Gustav's complaint in his head.
When he left the island, Gustav gave Subaru a single warning for so proudly declaring, and since he still didn't correct him, he sent him to "Sparka" for punitive purposes.
If the gladiators are right, it's a warning followed by a punishment, and if that doesn't work, then a cursory punishment.
And there was something Subaru really needed to confirm. Because that was the confirmation that was absolutely necessary for Subaru and the others to get out of this Gladiator Island--.
"Schwarz, please respond--"
"--Never, noooo!"
"----"
In response to the low question that was piled on top of him, Subaru's voice grew louder and more majestic, his heart pounding in his chest.
Gustav wrinkled his brow at that answer and fell silent. After seeing him fall silent, Subaru immediately understood that the true meaning of his words could not be conveyed in the way he had just said them, and rephrased them.
"Nooo means no. I'm sorry, but I can't listen to you, Gustav. I've already decided that I'm going to do whatever stupid thing I have to do to get out of here."
△▼△▼△▼△
Chewing over words that may not be understood, Subaru declares again.
The Gladiator's escape from the Gladiator Island of Ginunhive, and his brazen escape against the Governor of this island, Gustav Morello, who is the administrator of the island.
"----"
Subaru's answer was not what Gustav wanted, of course. He let the stern, terrific look on his face burn, gagging on it without changing his expression or the color of his eyes.
It's like a magma waiting to erupt.
"Schwa--"
"Ahhahahahahahaha!"
A moment later, a high-pitched laugh forcefully kicked the magma that was about to erupt.
The one laughing hysterically in the back of the room was the fake Cecilus, who was huffily eavesdropping on our conversation.
Fake Cecilus laughing so hard, he wiped the tears from his own eyes with his fingers as he laughed, and said,
"Absolutely nooo! I'm sure he said Absolutely Nooo! I don't know what "Nooo" means, but I personally like it a lot because it gives me a strong sense of rebellion! I don't dislike it, in fact, I like it."
"Yeah, I see. I think Cessy's a creepy little kid."
"Ahahahaha!"
The fake Cecilus can't stop laughing as he flaps his feet on the spot.
Subaru's rebuff to Gustav doesn't go away, even if the laughter of the fake Cecilus doesn't go away.
"Schwarz, your profession has warned you and punished you for not recanting your views. "Not only that, but you've been given another chance to change your attitude, and you're still not going to do it?"
"......Yeah, I don't hate you or anything, Gustav. It's the Empire I hate."
"No one in this profession has the right to twist subjective opinions about what is good or bad for an individual."
Outspokenly, Gustav says he doesn't care if he's disliked, but it's true that Subaru doesn't dislike Gustav. He doesn't know him well enough to decide whether he likes him or not.
Making a decision about someone based on first impressions is such a ridiculous assumption.
"Unless, of course, you're kissing the hand of a girl you like."
"--?"
"It was about this guy over here, who had nothing to do with it."
Subaru glances at Gustav, reflecting on his sudden remark.
For Gustav, Subaru is the most difficult kid to deal with. He sent him to "Sparka" under the guise of punishment, and Subaru never responded.
That was not a punishment for Subaru, Gustav must have realized.
And if that happens--,
"Punish me beyond warning and punishment? Mr. Gustav."
"--. If you will not recant your views, then at worst, the profession is compelled to do so in accordance with the authority vested in it."
"I see. ......Why don't you do it then?"
"----"
Tilting his head, Subaru told Gustav like it was no big deal.
Hearing Subaru's words, Gustav's expression moved slightly. Not an action that wrinkled his brow or rubbed his brow, but his cheeks hardened.
Don't ponder it, that's the reaction of someone who's been hit in a bad spot.
"You can use that curse you've been casting on all the gladiators on this island to punish me. I'm a bratty kid who doesn't do as he's told, and you're the governor here. You can do it. But..."
"----"
"Mr. Gustav won't do it. --No, I think Mr. Gustav can't do it."
There is no rebuttal from Gustav, who is pressed into silence.
Subaru searched for what the silence meant as he continued his thoughts.
The 'curse rule' is the number one reason why the gladiators of this island are afraid of them and bind their actions.
At the will of Gustav, the Governor, the gladiators who had been inscribed with the Curse Rule would lose their lives. Subaru thought that Gustav could not use that deterrent.
"I've heard from Old Man Null and some of the other gladiators who've lived here for a long time that the island was a lawless place before Gustav came. Before Gustav came, the island was a lawless place where people died of injuries and illnesses. But things have changed a lot since Gustav's arrival. The number of deaths has decreased."
"It's a natural duty of an administrator. In the first place, a gladiator should use his life for the entertainment of the island, and he should avoid losing his life due to other reasons as much as possible. The same is true in the day-to-day fights. We provide opportunities to maintain tension and competence, but it is equally important to avoid falling to one's death in situations other than the actual performance."
"Yes, Mr. Gustav wants to keep the number of gladiators as low as possible. Surprisingly, the benefits are good."
"Behnefitz, this unfamiliar word makes my heart pound again!"
The fake Cecilus is caught up in Subaru's pursuit, but he's not going to play dictionary.
This is a rather important big game for Subaru.
"I think the reason they allow people to die in 'Sparka' is to maintain the quality of the gladiators, and maybe to tighten the spirits of the gladiators inside."
"----"
"As I said before, once you become a gladiator, the rules here are much gentler. But I don't want you to learn to be lazy in your life here. That's why we play 'Sparka'. It makes me feel more tense and also...... at ease."
"What do you mean 'at ease'?"
"At ease that we're both gladiators."
Subaru answered Gustav's question, looking him clearly in the eye.
In many ways, when he thought about Gustav's purpose and actions, that was the feeling that felt right. There's a chance he's off the mark, of course, but there's not much to lose by asking.
When they snicker at you or outright deny it, that's when.
"----"
But Gustav chose neither, he chose to shut up.
"......Gustav doesn't want the gladiator to die as much as possible. On the other hand, it is not good to be rebellious or get carried away by gladiators. We have 'Sparka' for that. It makes sense to think so."
"Sounds reasonable. But it doesn't prove anything reasonable about your day job not making the curse rule work. It's just wishful thinking on your part."
"There's one more thing I'm basing it on. ......It's the rebellious, out-of-tune Cessy."
"Oh, am I?"
The fake Cecilus rolled his eyes at Subaru who said that with a raised thumb behind his back.
The fact that he is thus proudly participating in the discussion between Subaru and Gustav makes him stand out from the other gladiators in terms of his unmanageability.
Of course, a warning and a punishment should have been given to the fake Cecilus, but in a different sense, he is the one who has not responded at all. It is no wonder, then, that the fake Cecilus was punished before Subaru.
"And yet Cessy is safe. It's possible that Cessy is Mr. Gustav's favorite and is favored by him, but that doesn't seem to be the case with Mr. Gustav."
"It's a good eye. My day job doesn't favor Segmunt. I have no intention of letting my favoritism reflect on my office."
"Huh huh huh? Are you saying that I am hated? Oh dear, I'm sorry for being the center of attention everywhere I go."
"Too mental......"
The fake Cecilus, in the spite of its fairly direct condemnation was a balm. If he's not that bold, it will seem like it will be hard to grow up to be like him.
Regardless, the existence of the fake Cecilus was a pretty strong basis for Subaru's opinion.
In other words--,
"I didn't punish Cessy either. I'm just as much or more of an eyesore to Mr. Gustav than Cessy is. And on top of that, what do you make of my refusal to say what you just said?"
"----"
"By the curse rule, punishments? ......What do we do, Mr. Gustav?"
Slightly, Gustav's eyes narrowed at Subaru's question.
The four arms on the desk, the multi-armed man with his chin on two of them and the other two resting on the desk as if he were hugging it, wait patiently for Gustav's answer.
If he had said this much, Gustav would have understood Subaru's intentions.
Subaru is not provoking him to do it. He's trying to make sure.
--He said that there is no such thing as a "curse rule" that holds the life of the sword guy in its hands.
"----"
Gustav is intimidating to those around him with his stern appearance and heavy demeanor, but I think he was very sensitive when it came to running the island.
Whatever it was that he was trying to do to comply with whatever instructions the Emperor's Lordship - Abel - had given him, Gustav, despite appearances, managed to rule the island gladiators by rule and not by violence.
If you get past "Sparka" and become a gladiator, the gladiator won't be spoiled by the situation you're in and won't go on a rampage. If you do "Sparka" regularly to tighten your mind and make him not want to participate in "Sparka" again, there will be no one to get caught in the curse rule beyond punishment.
It's a double-safety, a chain of non-existent curse rules that holds the gladiator's legs together.
That's how Subaru thinks about the magical rules surrounding this solitary island.
And whether this is right or not is shown by Gustav's actions after this.
If they were provoked to this point, if they were to question the existence of the curse rule in the first place, all the rules Gustav had laid down would be overturned.
To prevent that, he should definitely have to punish Subaru with the curse rule.
"----"
Subaru continues to stare at Gustav to find out.
At such a look from Subaru, Gustav kept silent for a while, a while, and then--.
"--. I will punish you. Schwarz, I'm sending you to the next 'Sparka'."
--Yes, as if he had lost his patience, Gustav did not take Subaru's life.
△▼△▼△▼△
"It's just like a victory, isn't it? How do you feel, Bassu?"
Fake Cecilus asks this as he walks out of Gustav's office and comes alongside him.
Subaru sighed heavily at his aloofness.
"What can I say? Is Cessy my enemy or my ally? Are you on my side?"
"Well, that's a curious question. I'm the one who went to all the trouble of pulling Bassu and the deer girl out of the lake, remember? If it weren't for me, Bassu and the others might have died, so you can easily understand my position, can't you?"
"Yeah, I guess so. So, are you my enemy or my ally? Are you on my side?"
"Which do you think is funnier?"
The fake Cecilus asks Subaru, who listens to the long, useless sentence one more time.
It was a goofy question, and the content of it made Subaru tense for a moment, but it was completely different from the time they exchanged glances with Gustav.
The exchange with Gustav was a critical juncture that could have made a big difference in the future.
But this question of the fake Cecilus--,
"I don't care which one I say, Cessy will make up his mind when he feels like it."
"You're right. I'd say I'm on your side at the moment, by the way. My intuition is telling me that it would be more interesting to watch Bassu's wacky activities for now. However, please note that even I can't trust my mood, so please be careful."
"I hope you're at least getting a good grip on your own steering wheel......"
If he's just moody, or in the case of the fake Cecilus, he's a very dangerous moody person.
It's like having a fighting maniac or a mad warrior next to you, and he thinks it's amazing how well the protagonists of various games and manga do at choosing their companions.
When he thinks about it, he feels sorry for himself, as he's been struggling to choose a companion ever since he came to the Empire.
"The shortage of Emiliase and Beatromin is about to reach lethal proportions."
"Hoho, another unfamiliar word, is that also Bassu's local language?"
"It's a term I coined, or rather, it's the dream substance that makes up half of my body."
It's not an exaggeration to say that half of Subaru's body is made up of his feelings for the people he cares about, like a medicine that's half made up of kindness. It's an exaggeration, but he's going to say it.
That's why the question and answer with Gustav earlier was so significant.
"As much as it pains me that Cessy is right, it certainly got the reaction I wanted."
"Are you joining the next Discipline? Or......"
"I'm talking about not killing me with the curse rule, of course. The 'Sparka' one is...... well, yeah."
Subaru has publicly announced his escape from the island against the wishes of the Emperor's Excellency. As long as he didn't punish that with the curse rule, it's almost impossible for Gustav to invoke the curse rule - no, he can't.
Although he was given the punishment of participating in the next "Sparka" to confirm this.
"It must hurt Bassu, who was going to join 'Sparka' anyway."
"I think it's a bit of an exaggeration to say that I was going to do it anyway. I wouldn't want to take part in a scary event like 'Sparka' if I didn't have to."
"I see what you mean. It's a common phrase to liven things up, isn't it?"
"No?!"
Subaru strokes the backside of his back teeth with his tongue as he answers the fake Cecilus who gives him a wicked guess.
If he were to participate in another "Sparka" as well as today's "Sparka", he would still have to rely on this 'pill'. It can't be helped, but it's depressing.
Anyway--,
"Another plan in my mind has gone forward. I don't know how much longer Cessy's company will last, but don't let the enemy...... or anyone else get in your way."
"I'm going to keep that in mind as it's a word that came out of a lot of conflicting emotions. Now, what in the world is Bassu going to do......"
"--?"
While talking about such things, Subaru and the fake Cecilus were descending to the level where the living quarters were crowded with gladiators. Subaru rolled his eyes at the strange voice of fake Cecilus, and when he turned his gaze in the direction he was looking--,
"--Mr. Schwarz."
The one who called out to Subaru was Tanza, who was standing at the edge of the group occupying the table in the middle of the great hall.
In the hall where Subaru and fake Cecilus came, in the space for eating, there are more gladiators than he'd ever seen, and in the center of them are Subaru's 'union' masks.
The fact that Weitz doesn't like to be socially awkward, Idola is a bit of a stage fright, and Tanza is a bit reserved, it seems odd that they would be in such a position.
However, what surprised Subaru more than the unexpectedness of such an aspect was--,
"Uh, what's going on, guys? It's so quiet all of a sudden."
Scratching his cheek, Subaru asked the people in the hall with an affectionate smile.
For some reason, as soon as Subaru and the fake Cecilus entered, they fell silent, and looked at them intently.
"----"
Pushing aside, they stare at Subaru and the others - no, they stare at Subaru.
This is the first thing that makes him uncomfortable. If they look at the fake Cecilus and shut up, he can see why they would react that way.
Fake Cecilus is a creepy little kid, feared and hated by the gladiators.
But it wasn't the fake Cecilus they were looking at, it was Subaru.
"We have been expecting you back, Mr. Schwarz."
And as Subaru wonders about his reaction, Tanza slowly approaches him.
Her polite words made Subaru's skin crawl strangely as he replied, "Ah, yes." Tanza's words were the same as usual, but somehow it felt like there was a lot of tension in the air.
In fact, it's not the two of them, Subaru and Tanza, but the whole atmosphere of the banquet hall. The uncomfortable atmosphere made his throat sound.
"You said you were waiting for me to come home...... Oh, I was wondering why Mr. Gustav called me. I'm sorry to worry you. We talked about it all right and......"
"No, it doesn't matter."
"You don't care?!"
"--More than that."
When Subaru was surprised to be cut off, Tanza approaches and silences him. Subaru recoiled with the momentum, but was caught in the back by the fake Cecilus.
He glances behind him and see that the fake Cecilus is still happily blocking Subaru's escape route, probably with an unthinking face. It pisses him off.
"I have a question for you, Mr. Schwarz. Will you answer me?"
'Oh, oh, yeah, yes, that's okay. If it's something I can answer......"
"--It's about your father, Mr. Schwarz."
"......You mean, my dad?"
Asked by Tanza with a mysterious look on her face, Subaru frowned, not understanding what she meant.
She comes in with such a pretentious vigor and asks about Subaru's father. And the strange thing is that apparently, the question is not only about Tanza's.
"----"
The heat in the gazes of the gladiators staring at Subaru is growing stronger.
The other gladiators, not to mention Hiain, Weitz, Idola, and others, were all holding their breath, and seemed to be wondering what Subaru would say to Tanza's question.
He doesn't get it at all.
However--,
"Let me tell you, when I talk about my dad, it's a long story, okay?"
"Please be brief."
"You asked me and now you're conditioning me?! Oh, come on!"
Scratching his head with a rustle, Subaru grunted grimly with an "Ah~". But even with that attitude, he couldn't shift Tanza and the others' interest.
He doesn't know why the topic of wanting to know Subaru's father came up, though.
"My dad is my idol. He's so cool, so many people love him, and he's always in the center of everyone's attention. ......He's charismatic, he's like a natural born leader, he's amazing."
"--! Always in the center of everyone's......"
"I know you have a lot of people depending on you and you have a lot of work to do, but when you have time, you take care of me and teach me a lot of things. .......I respect him a lot. He's cool."
"----"
When he talks, the face of his father and his mother, who loves him so much, come to his mind.
Something hot came up behind his eyes and Subaru grabbed his chest. Now that he is in a different world, it is a joy and a pain to remember them.
But as much as it hurts, his parents, who were very important to him, are the pillars that support the core of Subaru today.
"Mr. Schwarz, um......"
"Hm......"
Tanza hesitated a bit for her next words, wondering what she saw in Subaru's expression.
But if he's told her this much, he won't be angry no matter what she asks him. Thinking that, as Subaru waited for the rest of her words, Tanza waited for a while and then said.
"What is your father's name?"
"It's......"
Subaru hesitated to answer Tanza's question as he tried to answer.
Feeling sentimental, he tried to reply normally with "Natsuki Kenichi", but it got a little confusing. In any case, Subaru calls himself "Natsuki Schwarz" in the Gladiator Island, so the combination of his family name and his first name is the same.
But telling them under a different name, such as "Kenichi Schwarz", was not worth the added complication.
So, Subaru hesitated for a bit and then said.
"I'm sorry. I can't tell you my dad's name."
"--tk"
"Tanza?"
The moment Subaru answered that, Tanza's expression visibly hardened.
Her eyes shook wide and her round cheeks tensed up with tension. And he was surprised by Tanza's reaction in front of him, but not only that--,
"Apparently, it's not funny......"
"Is that possible? No, but that action that led us here."
"Th-that's why I told you so! How's that? Am I still crazy? Hey, hey!"
The gladiators in the hall, led by the members of Subaru's "union", all began to make noise at once.
Subaru was very puzzled as they looked at each other and started talking noisily. What on earth is the reason why everyone is so surprised?
"Uh, guys?"
"--tk!"
The wave of noise receded as soon as Subaru called out to him.
Subaru felt a touch of loneliness there, but--,
"Schwarz, whatever you are, we're not going to change our minds......"
So, it was Weitz who first said to Subaru, who looked anxious.
Weitz, with his horrific tattoos all over his face and body, but the words he said were probably to worry Subaru and try to reassure him.
"I-I agree with you. I'm more than agreed with you. I'm more than willing to work with you...... Schwarz."
"Oh, oh, yes, yes! What's the matter with you, you fuckers! He ain't no different! He's a gladiator like us. He's my brother!"
As if following Weitz's words, Idola tapped his own chest, and the rushing Hiain, shoulder to shoulder with Subaru, turned back to the sword guys and said.
Aside from Idola, Subaru's eyes were black and white at Hiain's attitude, but--.
"--Yes! Great kid, Schwarz!"
"I knew you were something else! Otherwise, there's no explanation!"
"Oh, may the Gladiator-Wolf we serve guide us! Thank you for this day's alms and for this chance meeting!"
The three words of the "union" triggered an explosion of cheers from the silent gladiators.
The voice echoing through the hall was so loud that it sounded as if it wanted to shake the entire Gladiator Island, and Subaru's surprise intensified.
But before he could fully digest his surprise, Subaru was being gulped down by Hiain and then,
"Come on, come on, we haven't even finished celebrating today's 'Sparka'! You're the one who's done the honors this time too, so make some noise, brother!"
"Hiain, you're super cash!"
"All right, come on, come on, open up a seat for the brothers! Bring meat and booze!"
Hiain, who is smiling a big, ungraceful smile, pushes him into the middle of a bunch of sword guys.
There were also Orson and the others who had returned from the healing room and fought with him in today's "Sparka", who discreetly raised their drinking cups to welcome Subaru's arrival.
"Thank you so much for today, Schwarz. --I'm glad you were there."
"----"
Yes, Subaru choked on his words in his throat as he was greeted by the teary-eyed skalets.
There were so many things he wanted to say and so many questions he had, but the words he received at this moment were more than enough to pay back for Subaru's challenge to "Sparka".
"Thanks for saving my ass."
And they decided to eat the meat on the bone which was brought to them one after another for the first time in three days.
△▼△▼△▼△
"--Don't you make a fuss with me, miss?"
"......It's a complicated position to be in."
Tanza sighed at the boy as she spoke to him, looking at the cheering crowd at a distance.
A boy who looks exactly like someone she knows, except for his height and the length of his arms and legs. She was hesitant to reveal her feelings to him because she didn't know how much he knew about the situation.
Not to mention the surprising identity of the dark-haired boy brought to her by Hiain, and Tanza's mixed feelings about such a partner.
"Empress Yorna......"
As she holds her hands to the matching kimono, Tanza thinks of her precious Empress.
And with the wish that Yorna has, the person who is not unrelated to that wish, and the boy who is apparently not unrelated to that other person, the mess was only going to get stirred up.
But if there's one thing she can say for sure--,
"--I have no other recourse but to turn to Mr. Schwarz."
The question of whether they can really believe it has been abolished, and that much is true.
After that, even if they don't know how far we can go together.
"I see, you have a really complicated expression on your face, and it's really quite melancholic."
"----"
'Well, well, Bassu is a sinful man! Well, well, however."
The only thing is, that smile looks more eerie than any other smile the boy has ever had.
Tanza felt a slight shiver and heard the boy's continued words.
It is--,
"I'm afraid my patience is about to run out if things don't start moving soon. My God."
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"--Wait a moment, Schwarz. I'm just going to look through it now."
Gustav, having said that, did not even glance at Subaru, who had invited him into the room. His gaze remained fixed on the desk, on the letter in his hand.
The guards led Subaru to the top level of Ginunhive. Beyond the luxurious door, Subaru was greeted by a simple and humble room.
The large room has only a work desk, a work bookshelf, and a work toolbox. The room is too big to hold more than it has, so it probably had more stuff in it originally.
The Governor's room, where everything unnecessary for work has been taken away, looks very neat and tidy, which is a relief because it shows Gustav's playless personality.
"They say you can only go so far, and there ain't no chairs."
In such a room, Subaru is at a loss when Gustav orders him to stand by.
The most important thing to remember is that you can't just take a look at the internet.
He found it, or rather, fluttered and waved his hand with a flustered look in Subaru's direction.
"Hello, Bassu, you've had a good night. You wanted to see Mr. Gustav?"
Subaru sighs and walks up to the fake Cecilus, who speaks in such a gentle manner.
Let's put it this way, the relationship between Subaru and fake Cecilus has become a bit complicated again. In a sense, Subaru's participation in "Sparka" was the result of being fired up by the fake Cecilus.
Even without the squabbling, Subaru would have joined "Sparka" even if they hadn't argued, but--,
"I'm pretty sure I had a strong desire to get back at Cessy, here."
"I'm sure it was a very ambitious goal of yours, to make me look up to you. Was that why you joined 'Sparka'? If so, I'm sorry."
"Sorry?"
"No, you see, I didn't go to see 'Sparka', which was on earlier."
Subaru's mouth suddenly opened to the fake Cecilus who bared his tongue. But the anger that immediately arose from him was "You bitch."
He saw it right in front of his eyes that Subaru was motivated by the argument with him and that he went in to turn the tables on his argument.
"Y-you son of a bitch......tsk"
"Well well well well don't get mad at me! No, no, I understand why you want to be angry, but I have my reasons too!"
"Then let me hear it! If it's a boring excuse, then......"
"I knew the result without even looking at it. Then there's no reason for me to go. I'm not even risking my life."
"----"
Subaru backed away from the unchanged tone of the fake Cecilus, even though he was being crowded out.
To be honest, Subaru is also aware of the fact that he's doing things that Hiain would just call him a creepy little kid, but--,
"Cessy's a pretty creepy kid on the side too......"
"The most important thing to remember is that the person who does the best is always difficult to be understood by others. In this case, it applies to both me and Bassu."
"I'm amazed at how much they've bought."
"I'm sure I've convinced myself this time around. So rest assured that you will continue to be unconventional, off the mark, fearless and misguided!"
"I don't want to be off the mark or misguided!"
The two of them are now in the midst of a conversation, and a heavy thumping sound on the desk is attached to the butt of their exchange.
If you look, it was Gustav who had finished reading the letter that made the noise.
Gustav rests his chin on two of his crossed arms and rests his other two arms on the desk. Subaru was impressed that with four arms, he could do such dexterous things.
"If I put all four hands together, would it be too big to put my chin on?"
"I don't know. The actual size of the face of Gustav is also big, so it might be the perfect size even if you put four hands on top of each other. Would you like me to put them on top of each other?"
"Have you no consideration for the mystery of it all? Common sense would dictate that if you're waiting for someone to read your letter, silence is respectable."
" "They didn't tell me......" "
It was a childish quibble, but Subaru and the fake Cecilus excuses overlapped.
Subaru feels sorry to Gustav for that fact. Because the fact that he is of the same opinion as the fake Cecilus means that Subaru has acted in an insane manner.
"Sorry, Gustav. It was my fault......"
"Aren't you following some kind of unconvincing thought? However, since I've admitted that I was at fault, I'll just say that everything here is Bassu's fault."
"For all the apologies uttered, Schwarz is rated as the more mysterious of the two in his day job. In addition, I don't recall ever having admitted Segmunt to my profession."
"Oh, really? Then why are you here Cessy?"
"I'm where I want to be when I want to be where I want to be, that's the policy. No one on this island can curtail my freedom, and I think I'm being treated reasonably."
The fake Cecilus, who was making a statement that obeyed no one. Subaru looks at Gustav with trepidation, but the island administrator is in conflict, closing his eyes and rubbing his brow.
The fake Cecilus story doesn't seem to be a lie, but of course Gustav isn't willing to overlook the situation, it seems to be a sort of position.
But--,
"No one can stop Cessy, huh?"
"Yes, that's right. So-called special treatment, that is to say, a world-class actor."
"I don't know what that means."
It's not hard to see what the fake Cecilus is trying to say, despite his peculiar phrasing.
However, if the fake Cecilus was not mistaken, that would be another major contradiction. And that contradiction was something that Subaru could not ignore.
"Um, so you were saying that Mr. Gustav wants me, but...... can Cessy stay here with me and listen?
"--. Segmunt."
"Don't bother. No one can get rid of me. Don't worry, if it's about me, I'll hear about it, and if it's not about me, I'll forget about it. My forgetting power is amazing. It's even possible that I'm forgetting a lot of important things at this point."
"That's not awesome at all......"
Subaru and Gustav couldn't stand the senselessness of the fake Cecilus.
Eventually, with no change in the members of the room, Subaru went to the front of Gustav. Fake Cecilus watches on with his hands folded behind his head and his back against the wall.
It was a very unusual visit to an "actor".
"Leave Cessy behind, you called me--"
"A warning, of course, of a single case of misuse of punishment."
"......Is it getting round and round?"
A low voice interrupted his statement and Subaru muttered with a dreary look on his face.
According to the rules of Gladiator Island, they're talking about warning followed by punishment, followed by death by curse rule. The final closing, but the warning comes after the punishment, which is the wrong order.
At Subaru's point, Gustav's expression didn't even twitch.
"Schwarz, you have spoken out against the order of the Gladiator Island in front of your superiors. You disregarded my warnings, and for that, you will be punished. Are you aware of that?"
"......Yeah, I do."
"Then you will swear never to speak of it again in front of your real profession. --I swear to you, I will never again speak of any attempt to escape from this island, or any other attempt to defy the Emperor's judgment."
His expression remained unchanged and unmoving. There was no change in his eyes or the color of his eyes. The tone of his voice was as quiet as a giant rock, yet overwhelmingly intimidating.
If it was more emotional, like anger or irritation, it would be easier for Subaru to understand. However, it is not anger or irritation that resides in Gustav.
"So strong, it's a mission."
"----"
"Do you owe this Czar a debt of gratitude, Mr. Gustav?"
"Is that your intention, to evade the question?"
"It's not like that."
He's not going to dodge, and he's not in a position to dodge.
Gustav doesn't seem to have any intention of leaving without getting a firm statement out of Subaru. So Subaru's question was purely out of doubt and interest in Gustav.
In a manner of speaking, from the position of knowing the person Gustav calls the Emperor himself.
"I have no personal relationship with the Emperor. I've been entrusted with the management of this island as Governor. It's only natural that I'm doing my best to fulfill my duties in my position."
"Are you saying that being earnest is just your personality?"
"It's somewhat unreasonable to describe the performance of one's natural duties as earnest, isn't it?"
The most important thing to remember is that the best way to get the most out of your car is to make sure that you have the best possible experience.
However, Gustav's answer was not what Subaru wanted. He doesn't know if this was Gustav's true intention or if it was a construction to hide his true intentions.
You don't know Gustav without knowing more about him.
"In Mr. Gustav's case, I don't think five or ten times is going to put him in the pocket......"
He thinks to himself that behind the success of Subaru's actions so far, there was a kind of 'suspension bridge effect' of being placed in extreme conditions.
In the midst of the life-threatening "Sparka", everyone who didn't have time to spare told their situation as if they were being pulled by the hand by Subaru's words with a knowing look on his face.
Getting to know them was the main reason why Natsuki Subaru was able to break through "Sparka".
However, that method is quite difficult outside of "Sparka".
"--Schwarz, what's with your face?"
"No, I'm just wondering how to melt Mr. Gustav's icy heart."
"There is no correlation between heart and ice. I ask you to refrain from saying things like Segmunt. I don't want to add to the chagrin of my day job."
Subaru's flippant remark was answered seriously, and there was a hint of the fake Cecilus's laugh in the background.
Subaru and Gustav looked at each other as they worked together to ignore it. Then they turned back to the question they hadn't answered again.
"I'll make you swear again, Schwarz. As long as you act as the gladiator of this island, you will obey the Governor, the Governor in his own right. --I will refrain from doing anything that goes against the Emperor's will."
"----"
Closing his eyes, Subaru repeated Gustav's complaint in his head.
When he left the island, Gustav gave Subaru a single warning for so proudly declaring, and since he still didn't correct him, he sent him to "Sparka" for punitive purposes.
If the gladiators are right, it's a warning followed by a punishment, and if that doesn't work, then a cursory punishment.
And there was something Subaru really needed to confirm. Because that was the confirmation that was absolutely necessary for Subaru and the others to get out of this Gladiator Island--.
"Schwarz, please respond--"
"--Never, noooo!"
"----"
In response to the low question that was piled on top of him, Subaru's voice grew louder and more majestic, his heart pounding in his chest.
Gustav wrinkled his brow at that answer and fell silent. After seeing him fall silent, Subaru immediately understood that the true meaning of his words could not be conveyed in the way he had just said them, and rephrased them.
"Nooo means no. I'm sorry, but I can't listen to you, Gustav. I've already decided that I'm going to do whatever stupid thing I have to do to get out of here."
△▼△▼△▼△
Chewing over words that may not be understood, Subaru declares again.
The Gladiator's escape from the Gladiator Island of Ginunhive, and his brazen escape against the Governor of this island, Gustav Morello, who is the administrator of the island.
"----"
Subaru's answer was not what Gustav wanted, of course. He let the stern, terrific look on his face burn, gagging on it without changing his expression or the color of his eyes.
It's like a magma waiting to erupt.
"Schwa--"
"Ahhahahahahahaha!"
A moment later, a high-pitched laugh forcefully kicked the magma that was about to erupt.
The one laughing hysterically in the back of the room was the fake Cecilus, who was huffily eavesdropping on our conversation.
Fake Cecilus laughing so hard, he wiped the tears from his own eyes with his fingers as he laughed, and said,
"Absolutely nooo! I'm sure he said Absolutely Nooo! I don't know what "Nooo" means, but I personally like it a lot because it gives me a strong sense of rebellion! I don't dislike it, in fact, I like it."
"Yeah, I see. I think Cessy's a creepy little kid."
"Ahahahaha!"
The fake Cecilus can't stop laughing as he flaps his feet on the spot.
Subaru's rebuff to Gustav doesn't go away, even if the laughter of the fake Cecilus doesn't go away.
"Schwarz, your profession has warned you and punished you for not recanting your views. "Not only that, but you've been given another chance to change your attitude, and you're still not going to do it?"
"......Yeah, I don't hate you or anything, Gustav. It's the Empire I hate."
"No one in this profession has the right to twist subjective opinions about what is good or bad for an individual."
Outspokenly, Gustav says he doesn't care if he's disliked, but it's true that Subaru doesn't dislike Gustav. He doesn't know him well enough to decide whether he likes him or not.
Making a decision about someone based on first impressions is such a ridiculous assumption.
"Unless, of course, you're kissing the hand of a girl you like."
"--?"
"It was about this guy over here, who had nothing to do with it."
Subaru glances at Gustav, reflecting on his sudden remark.
For Gustav, Subaru is the most difficult kid to deal with. He sent him to "Sparka" under the guise of punishment, and Subaru never responded.
That was not a punishment for Subaru, Gustav must have realized.
And if that happens--,
"Punish me beyond warning and punishment? Mr. Gustav."
"--. If you will not recant your views, then at worst, the profession is compelled to do so in accordance with the authority vested in it."
"I see. ......Why don't you do it then?"
"----"
Tilting his head, Subaru told Gustav like it was no big deal.
Hearing Subaru's words, Gustav's expression moved slightly. Not an action that wrinkled his brow or rubbed his brow, but his cheeks hardened.
Don't ponder it, that's the reaction of someone who's been hit in a bad spot.
"You can use that curse you've been casting on all the gladiators on this island to punish me. I'm a bratty kid who doesn't do as he's told, and you're the governor here. You can do it. But..."
"----"
"Mr. Gustav won't do it. --No, I think Mr. Gustav can't do it."
There is no rebuttal from Gustav, who is pressed into silence.
Subaru searched for what the silence meant as he continued his thoughts.
The 'curse rule' is the number one reason why the gladiators of this island are afraid of them and bind their actions.
At the will of Gustav, the Governor, the gladiators who had been inscribed with the Curse Rule would lose their lives. Subaru thought that Gustav could not use that deterrent.
"I've heard from Old Man Null and some of the other gladiators who've lived here for a long time that the island was a lawless place before Gustav came. Before Gustav came, the island was a lawless place where people died of injuries and illnesses. But things have changed a lot since Gustav's arrival. The number of deaths has decreased."
"It's a natural duty of an administrator. In the first place, a gladiator should use his life for the entertainment of the island, and he should avoid losing his life due to other reasons as much as possible. The same is true in the day-to-day fights. We provide opportunities to maintain tension and competence, but it is equally important to avoid falling to one's death in situations other than the actual performance."
"Yes, Mr. Gustav wants to keep the number of gladiators as low as possible. Surprisingly, the benefits are good."
"Behnefitz, this unfamiliar word makes my heart pound again!"
The fake Cecilus is caught up in Subaru's pursuit, but he's not going to play dictionary.
This is a rather important big game for Subaru.
"I think the reason they allow people to die in 'Sparka' is to maintain the quality of the gladiators, and maybe to tighten the spirits of the gladiators inside."
"----"
"As I said before, once you become a gladiator, the rules here are much gentler. But I don't want you to learn to be lazy in your life here. That's why we play 'Sparka'. It makes me feel more tense and also...... at ease."
"What do you mean 'at ease'?"
"At ease that we're both gladiators."
Subaru answered Gustav's question, looking him clearly in the eye.
In many ways, when he thought about Gustav's purpose and actions, that was the feeling that felt right. There's a chance he's off the mark, of course, but there's not much to lose by asking.
When they snicker at you or outright deny it, that's when.
"----"
But Gustav chose neither, he chose to shut up.
"......Gustav doesn't want the gladiator to die as much as possible. On the other hand, it is not good to be rebellious or get carried away by gladiators. We have 'Sparka' for that. It makes sense to think so."
"Sounds reasonable. But it doesn't prove anything reasonable about your day job not making the curse rule work. It's just wishful thinking on your part."
"There's one more thing I'm basing it on. ......It's the rebellious, out-of-tune Cessy."
"Oh, am I?"
The fake Cecilus rolled his eyes at Subaru who said that with a raised thumb behind his back.
The fact that he is thus proudly participating in the discussion between Subaru and Gustav makes him stand out from the other gladiators in terms of his unmanageability.
Of course, a warning and a punishment should have been given to the fake Cecilus, but in a different sense, he is the one who has not responded at all. It is no wonder, then, that the fake Cecilus was punished before Subaru.
"And yet Cessy is safe. It's possible that Cessy is Mr. Gustav's favorite and is favored by him, but that doesn't seem to be the case with Mr. Gustav."
"It's a good eye. My day job doesn't favor Segmunt. I have no intention of letting my favoritism reflect on my office."
"Huh huh huh? Are you saying that I am hated? Oh dear, I'm sorry for being the center of attention everywhere I go."
"Too mental......"
The fake Cecilus, in the spite of its fairly direct condemnation was a balm. If he's not that bold, it will seem like it will be hard to grow up to be like him.
Regardless, the existence of the fake Cecilus was a pretty strong basis for Subaru's opinion.
In other words--,
"I didn't punish Cessy either. I'm just as much or more of an eyesore to Mr. Gustav than Cessy is. And on top of that, what do you make of my refusal to say what you just said?"
"----"
"By the curse rule, punishments? ......What do we do, Mr. Gustav?"
Slightly, Gustav's eyes narrowed at Subaru's question.
The four arms on the desk, the multi-armed man with his chin on two of them and the other two resting on the desk as if he were hugging it, wait patiently for Gustav's answer.
If he had said this much, Gustav would have understood Subaru's intentions.
Subaru is not provoking him to do it. He's trying to make sure.
--He said that there is no such thing as a "curse rule" that holds the life of the sword guy in its hands.
"----"
Gustav is intimidating to those around him with his stern appearance and heavy demeanor, but I think he was very sensitive when it came to running the island.
Whatever it was that he was trying to do to comply with whatever instructions the Emperor's Lordship - Abel - had given him, Gustav, despite appearances, managed to rule the island gladiators by rule and not by violence.
If you get past "Sparka" and become a gladiator, the gladiator won't be spoiled by the situation you're in and won't go on a rampage. If you do "Sparka" regularly to tighten your mind and make him not want to participate in "Sparka" again, there will be no one to get caught in the curse rule beyond punishment.
It's a double-safety, a chain of non-existent curse rules that holds the gladiator's legs together.
That's how Subaru thinks about the magical rules surrounding this solitary island.
And whether this is right or not is shown by Gustav's actions after this.
If they were provoked to this point, if they were to question the existence of the curse rule in the first place, all the rules Gustav had laid down would be overturned.
To prevent that, he should definitely have to punish Subaru with the curse rule.
"----"
Subaru continues to stare at Gustav to find out.
At such a look from Subaru, Gustav kept silent for a while, a while, and then--.
"--. I will punish you. Schwarz, I'm sending you to the next 'Sparka'."
--Yes, as if he had lost his patience, Gustav did not take Subaru's life.
△▼△▼△▼△
"It's just like a victory, isn't it? How do you feel, Bassu?"
Fake Cecilus asks this as he walks out of Gustav's office and comes alongside him.
Subaru sighed heavily at his aloofness.
"What can I say? Is Cessy my enemy or my ally? Are you on my side?"
"Well, that's a curious question. I'm the one who went to all the trouble of pulling Bassu and the deer girl out of the lake, remember? If it weren't for me, Bassu and the others might have died, so you can easily understand my position, can't you?"
"Yeah, I guess so. So, are you my enemy or my ally? Are you on my side?"
"Which do you think is funnier?"
The fake Cecilus asks Subaru, who listens to the long, useless sentence one more time.
It was a goofy question, and the content of it made Subaru tense for a moment, but it was completely different from the time they exchanged glances with Gustav.
The exchange with Gustav was a critical juncture that could have made a big difference in the future.
But this question of the fake Cecilus--,
"I don't care which one I say, Cessy will make up his mind when he feels like it."
"You're right. I'd say I'm on your side at the moment, by the way. My intuition is telling me that it would be more interesting to watch Bassu's wacky activities for now. However, please note that even I can't trust my mood, so please be careful."
"I hope you're at least getting a good grip on your own steering wheel......"
If he's just moody, or in the case of the fake Cecilus, he's a very dangerous moody person.
It's like having a fighting maniac or a mad warrior next to you, and he thinks it's amazing how well the protagonists of various games and manga do at choosing their companions.
When he thinks about it, he feels sorry for himself, as he's been struggling to choose a companion ever since he came to the Empire.
"The shortage of Emiliase and Beatromin is about to reach lethal proportions."
"Hoho, another unfamiliar word, is that also Bassu's local language?"
"It's a term I coined, or rather, it's the dream substance that makes up half of my body."
It's not an exaggeration to say that half of Subaru's body is made up of his feelings for the people he cares about, like a medicine that's half made up of kindness. It's an exaggeration, but he's going to say it.
That's why the question and answer with Gustav earlier was so significant.
"As much as it pains me that Cessy is right, it certainly got the reaction I wanted."
"Are you joining the next Discipline? Or......"
"I'm talking about not killing me with the curse rule, of course. The 'Sparka' one is...... well, yeah."
Subaru has publicly announced his escape from the island against the wishes of the Emperor's Excellency. As long as he didn't punish that with the curse rule, it's almost impossible for Gustav to invoke the curse rule - no, he can't.
Although he was given the punishment of participating in the next "Sparka" to confirm this.
"It must hurt Bassu, who was going to join 'Sparka' anyway."
"I think it's a bit of an exaggeration to say that I was going to do it anyway. I wouldn't want to take part in a scary event like 'Sparka' if I didn't have to."
"I see what you mean. It's a common phrase to liven things up, isn't it?"
"No?!"
Subaru strokes the backside of his back teeth with his tongue as he answers the fake Cecilus who gives him a wicked guess.
If he were to participate in another "Sparka" as well as today's "Sparka", he would still have to rely on this 'pill'. It can't be helped, but it's depressing.
Anyway--,
"Another plan in my mind has gone forward. I don't know how much longer Cessy's company will last, but don't let the enemy...... or anyone else get in your way."
"I'm going to keep that in mind as it's a word that came out of a lot of conflicting emotions. Now, what in the world is Bassu going to do......"
"--?"
While talking about such things, Subaru and the fake Cecilus were descending to the level where the living quarters were crowded with gladiators. Subaru rolled his eyes at the strange voice of fake Cecilus, and when he turned his gaze in the direction he was looking--,
"--Mr. Schwarz."
The one who called out to Subaru was Tanza, who was standing at the edge of the group occupying the table in the middle of the great hall.
In the hall where Subaru and fake Cecilus came, in the space for eating, there are more gladiators than he'd ever seen, and in the center of them are Subaru's 'union' masks.
The fact that Weitz doesn't like to be socially awkward, Idola is a bit of a stage fright, and Tanza is a bit reserved, it seems odd that they would be in such a position.
However, what surprised Subaru more than the unexpectedness of such an aspect was--,
"Uh, what's going on, guys? It's so quiet all of a sudden."
Scratching his cheek, Subaru asked the people in the hall with an affectionate smile.
For some reason, as soon as Subaru and the fake Cecilus entered, they fell silent, and looked at them intently.
"----"
Pushing aside, they stare at Subaru and the others - no, they stare at Subaru.
This is the first thing that makes him uncomfortable. If they look at the fake Cecilus and shut up, he can see why they would react that way.
Fake Cecilus is a creepy little kid, feared and hated by the gladiators.
But it wasn't the fake Cecilus they were looking at, it was Subaru.
"We have been expecting you back, Mr. Schwarz."
And as Subaru wonders about his reaction, Tanza slowly approaches him.
Her polite words made Subaru's skin crawl strangely as he replied, "Ah, yes." Tanza's words were the same as usual, but somehow it felt like there was a lot of tension in the air.
In fact, it's not the two of them, Subaru and Tanza, but the whole atmosphere of the banquet hall. The uncomfortable atmosphere made his throat sound.
"You said you were waiting for me to come home...... Oh, I was wondering why Mr. Gustav called me. I'm sorry to worry you. We talked about it all right and......"
"No, it doesn't matter."
"You don't care?!"
"--More than that."
When Subaru was surprised to be cut off, Tanza approaches and silences him. Subaru recoiled with the momentum, but was caught in the back by the fake Cecilus.
He glances behind him and see that the fake Cecilus is still happily blocking Subaru's escape route, probably with an unthinking face. It pisses him off.
"I have a question for you, Mr. Schwarz. Will you answer me?"
'Oh, oh, yeah, yes, that's okay. If it's something I can answer......"
"--It's about your father, Mr. Schwarz."
"......You mean, my dad?"
Asked by Tanza with a mysterious look on her face, Subaru frowned, not understanding what she meant.
She comes in with such a pretentious vigor and asks about Subaru's father. And the strange thing is that apparently, the question is not only about Tanza's.
"----"
The heat in the gazes of the gladiators staring at Subaru is growing stronger.
The other gladiators, not to mention Hiain, Weitz, Idola, and others, were all holding their breath, and seemed to be wondering what Subaru would say to Tanza's question.
He doesn't get it at all.
However--,
"Let me tell you, when I talk about my dad, it's a long story, okay?"
"Please be brief."
"You asked me and now you're conditioning me?! Oh, come on!"
Scratching his head with a rustle, Subaru grunted grimly with an "Ah~". But even with that attitude, he couldn't shift Tanza and the others' interest.
He doesn't know why the topic of wanting to know Subaru's father came up, though.
"My dad is my idol. He's so cool, so many people love him, and he's always in the center of everyone's attention. ......He's charismatic, he's like a natural born leader, he's amazing."
"--! Always in the center of everyone's......"
"I know you have a lot of people depending on you and you have a lot of work to do, but when you have time, you take care of me and teach me a lot of things. .......I respect him a lot. He's cool."
"----"
When he talks, the face of his father and his mother, who loves him so much, come to his mind.
Something hot came up behind his eyes and Subaru grabbed his chest. Now that he is in a different world, it is a joy and a pain to remember them.
But as much as it hurts, his parents, who were very important to him, are the pillars that support the core of Subaru today.
"Mr. Schwarz, um......"
"Hm......"
Tanza hesitated a bit for her next words, wondering what she saw in Subaru's expression.
But if he's told her this much, he won't be angry no matter what she asks him. Thinking that, as Subaru waited for the rest of her words, Tanza waited for a while and then said.
"What is your father's name?"
"It's......"
Subaru hesitated to answer Tanza's question as he tried to answer.
Feeling sentimental, he tried to reply normally with "Natsuki Kenichi", but it got a little confusing. In any case, Subaru calls himself "Natsuki Schwarz" in the Gladiator Island, so the combination of his family name and his first name is the same.
But telling them under a different name, such as "Kenichi Schwarz", was not worth the added complication.
So, Subaru hesitated for a bit and then said.
"I'm sorry. I can't tell you my dad's name."
"--tk"
"Tanza?"
The moment Subaru answered that, Tanza's expression visibly hardened.
Her eyes shook wide and her round cheeks tensed up with tension. And he was surprised by Tanza's reaction in front of him, but not only that--,
"Apparently, it's not funny......"
"Is that possible? No, but that action that led us here."
"Th-that's why I told you so! How's that? Am I still crazy? Hey, hey!"
The gladiators in the hall, led by the members of Subaru's "union", all began to make noise at once.
Subaru was very puzzled as they looked at each other and started talking noisily. What on earth is the reason why everyone is so surprised?
"Uh, guys?"
"--tk!"
The wave of noise receded as soon as Subaru called out to him.
Subaru felt a touch of loneliness there, but--,
"Schwarz, whatever you are, we're not going to change our minds......"
So, it was Weitz who first said to Subaru, who looked anxious.
Weitz, with his horrific tattoos all over his face and body, but the words he said were probably to worry Subaru and try to reassure him.
"I-I agree with you. I'm more than agreed with you. I'm more than willing to work with you...... Schwarz."
"Oh, oh, yes, yes! What's the matter with you, you fuckers! He ain't no different! He's a gladiator like us. He's my brother!"
As if following Weitz's words, Idola tapped his own chest, and the rushing Hiain, shoulder to shoulder with Subaru, turned back to the sword guys and said.
Aside from Idola, Subaru's eyes were black and white at Hiain's attitude, but--.
"--Yes! Great kid, Schwarz!"
"I knew you were something else! Otherwise, there's no explanation!"
"Oh, may the Gladiator-Wolf we serve guide us! Thank you for this day's alms and for this chance meeting!"
The three words of the "union" triggered an explosion of cheers from the silent gladiators.
The voice echoing through the hall was so loud that it sounded as if it wanted to shake the entire Gladiator Island, and Subaru's surprise intensified.
But before he could fully digest his surprise, Subaru was being gulped down by Hiain and then,
"Come on, come on, we haven't even finished celebrating today's 'Sparka'! You're the one who's done the honors this time too, so make some noise, brother!"
"Hiain, you're super cash!"
"All right, come on, come on, open up a seat for the brothers! Bring meat and booze!"
Hiain, who is smiling a big, ungraceful smile, pushes him into the middle of a bunch of sword guys.
There were also Orson and the others who had returned from the healing room and fought with him in today's "Sparka", who discreetly raised their drinking cups to welcome Subaru's arrival.
"Thank you so much for today, Schwarz. --I'm glad you were there."
"----"
Yes, Subaru choked on his words in his throat as he was greeted by the teary-eyed skalets.
There were so many things he wanted to say and so many questions he had, but the words he received at this moment were more than enough to pay back for Subaru's challenge to "Sparka".
"Thanks for saving my ass."
And they decided to eat the meat on the bone which was brought to them one after another for the first time in three days.
△▼△▼△▼△
"--Don't you make a fuss with me, miss?"
"......It's a complicated position to be in."
Tanza sighed at the boy as she spoke to him, looking at the cheering crowd at a distance.
A boy who looks exactly like someone she knows, except for his height and the length of his arms and legs. She was hesitant to reveal her feelings to him because she didn't know how much he knew about the situation.
Not to mention the surprising identity of the dark-haired boy brought to her by Hiain, and Tanza's mixed feelings about such a partner.
"Empress Yorna......"
As she holds her hands to the matching kimono, Tanza thinks of her precious Empress.
And with the wish that Yorna has, the person who is not unrelated to that wish, and the boy who is apparently not unrelated to that other person, the mess was only going to get stirred up.
But if there's one thing she can say for sure--,
"--I have no other recourse but to turn to Mr. Schwarz."
The question of whether they can really believe it has been abolished, and that much is true.
After that, even if they don't know how far we can go together.
"I see, you have a really complicated expression on your face, and it's really quite melancholic."
"----"
'Well, well, Bassu is a sinful man! Well, well, however."
The only thing is, that smile looks more eerie than any other smile the boy has ever had.
Tanza felt a slight shiver and heard the boy's continued words.
It is--,
"I'm afraid my patience is about to run out if things don't start moving soon. My God."