Arc 8: Vincent Vollachia
Arc 8, Chapter 32 "The Chosen Members"
--The destruction of the Vollachia Empire by the "Great Calamity" and the blitzkrieg operation to prevent it.
The army of the dead continues to rise, and now that it is clear that a head-on confrontation with the army will only risk hastening its demise, what is required is a quick-fire settlement.
Since it was not possible to have a huge battle between the living and the dead, it was natural that a small group of elite soldiers would be selected for a mission to hit the enemy camp.
If there is a problem--,
"--Who's going to hit the enemy's headquarters?"
Subaru, arms folded and sitting flat on the floor in the middle of the room, looks around.
In a room in the great fortress city of Garkla, a large room perfect for a large group of people to gather together, Subaru's allies, with the exception of those involved with the empire, are all gathered in one place.
There were people who had not attended the meeting earlier to treat the wounded--Ram, Garfiel, Petra, Frederica, and Rem were all there.
Naturally, Anastasia and Julius are there, too, as they are not related to the empire--,
"I'm glad you're back in one piece, too, Halibel."
"Oh, you're so kind to be concerned about me. Little Ana is very strict with me, so I'm glad to hear you say so."
Halibel, with his back against the wall and a smoking pipe in his mouth, smiles and replies to Subaru's compliments.
The strongest wolfman in this city-state is the one who was instrumental in the victory in that battle of the dragon carriage, holding back the black dragon--the dragon zombie--that appeared prior to the attack of the corpses.
Thanks to his keeping the dragon zombies away from the dragon chariot, the damage was kept to a minimum. He even managed to single-handedly slay the dragon, so he is one hell of a shinobi.
And at such a word from Halibel, however, the mangled Anastasia looks dissatisfied.
"What is it? If you say it like that, it sounds like we are a bloodless employer. We said we would pay you for your work."
"See, it's just as I said. I've become a miserly little boy who has to settle everything on a cash account. ...... I guess Ricardo's laissez-faire has made him a bit devious, hasn't it?"
"Haaaliiiibeeeell."
"Alright, alright, I'll take my loss."
Their exchange of Kararagi dialect is settled with a lukewarm call from Anastasia.
Even though they have known each other for a long time, the ease with which they interact with each other is reminiscent of a relative's uncle and daughter. Anastasia is petite and has a childlike face, but her personality is the opposite of childlike, so it is rare to get that impression of her.
Leaving aside Subaru's impression, Halibel, who had been outspoken by Anastasia, did not end the conversation just because she was hit with "So what's this?" and continued the conversation.
"I've found out through playing with them that the zombies in Vollachia are a little different from the zombies in Kararagi. Maybe I'm not a good match for them."
"What's the difference between zombies in Vollachia and Kararagi? What does that mean? You're not telling me there's another cause for a zombie panic at this time of year, are you?"
"I don't think that's true. My impression is that...... the zombies of the empire are more formidable. I heard that the kid who set them up is doing bad things to the imperial spirits, so maybe it's just a distance thing."
"Distance......"
Halibel reveals his findings as he raises and lowers the chewed smoking pipe with his teeth.
The subtle difference in nuance is not clear to Subaru, who does not know Kararagi's corpses. Nevertheless, as long as someone as competent as Halibel felt it, there must surely be a difference.
He doesn't want to think that zombies are really being used for separate reasons at the same time, though.
"I get the impression it's more a matter of perfection than distance."
"What does that mean, Julius?"
"As long as Halibel describes them as formidable, it is probably true that the zombies that appear in the empire are more competent. However, in terms of timing, zombies in city-states appear earlier. In other words, we can infer from this......"
"The zombies in Kararagi are for practice, but the ones in Vollachia are for the real thing. Is that what Knight Julius is trying to say?"
Ram asks this of Julius, who, when asked by Anastasia, expands his reasoning while touching the scar under his left eye. At Ram's words, he pulled his chin back and said, "Yes,"
"If I'm right now, that would explain my impression of Halibel. On that basis, Halibel, may I ask why you thought you were incompatible with the imperial zombies?"
"I didn't see it firsthand, but I heard that the number of zombie children that appeared in the dragon car has increased. You see, my attacks are sold to kill only after they hit, so they are the worst match for someone who doesn't end up dead, aren't they?"
"----"
"Huh? What is this silence?"
"No, I was just surprised when Halibel said the spell was for sale."
Subaru could not believe his ears when Halibel revealed his hand so easily. But he nodded his head in agreement with Subaru's point of view,
"It doesn't really matter if they know about it. Even if they knew, there are very few people who wouldn't take a shot from me, right?"
"Nahhh, I'm not humble. Like Reinhard and Cessy, I think the strongest in each country have that in common. ......"
Subaru was deeply impressed by Halibel's strongman remark.
Not to mention Cecilus, who is a man of approval, and Reinhard, whose humility and sincerity is like walking around with clothes on, had absolute confidence in his own abilities.
In fact, it would be much more favorable if he would be magnificent about it, since there is no persuasive power in being that strong and being told "I don't care about myself".
In any case--,
"I know that Halibel can't fight a 'zomby' very well...... but what would you do if he did? Who would be the best person to ride into the Imperial Capital?"
"He was not the strongest in Kararagi, but I can attest to Halibel's skill. I think he should be in the entry team, not pampered."
"Well, I'm not going to cry and make a fuss and say I don't like it, am I?"
Halibel chuckles at Anastasia, who is harsh without arguing.
In fact, even if the spell killing suicide attack does not work on zombies, there is no doubt that Halibel is capable of fighting the black dragon on his own. Thinking that it would be a good idea to include him as a member of the team, Subaru raised his hand and asked, "May I have a word?" on the spot.
And then--,
"First off, I'm joining the raid."
Yes, before anyone else could come forward, Subaru insisted on standing his ground.
"----"
A moment of blankness is created as the eyes are drawn to Subaru, who is running for office.
Taking advantage of this void, Subaru took the opportunity to explain why he should get in.
"First of all, I'm sure everyone has figured out that Spica's power...... has the power to nullify zombie suicide revivals. But as it stands, it requires me, the guardian, to accompany her to use it. If it's too hard for even Halibel to revive the enemy, then Spica is absolutely necessary for the attack."
Spica's contribution was instrumental in the defeat of the "Poison Princess" Lamia Godwin, a difficult adversary who attacked the dragon carriage.
If she can master the power of "Gluttony", she can cut off the "Escape by Death" of the endlessly reviving corpses. In defeating Sphinx, there is no more useful strategy than Spica's.
"It's a job that neither I nor Spica can replace. ......So inevitably, I'm going to need Beako to come with me to the Imperial Capital."
"That is all I want, in fact. I don't want to be separated from Subaru anymore, I suppose."
"Sorry for that. Thanks so much."
Beatrice, sitting next to Subaru who raised his hand, squeezes his hand and agrees to accompany the group.
Reassured by his partner's reply, Subaru looked at Spica--the key to the operation--and at Rem, whom she was embracing.
Spica, who puts her arms around her own waist and hugs her, and Rem, who supports her shoulders, catch Subaru's gaze,
"......Why are you looking at me so jittery?"
"No, it's just I'm going to have to take Spica into danger again, and if Rem hates me for it, it's going to break my heart......"
"--. Why don't you ask Emilia to comfort you?"
"Huh?"
At Subaru's weakly-armed answer, Rem averts her gaze in dissatisfaction and mutters.
While Subaru was unable to digest the meaning of these words, "Rem," Ram, standing next to her, narrowed her light red eyes and said,
"What are you going to do? Tear Barusu to pieces?"
"Don't start talking nonsense all of a sudden, sister!"
"I'm kidding. If you tear him to pieces now, he'll come back to life, won't he? It's a nightmare of dead bodies and more Barusus....... Horrifying."
"Don't kill him and then horrify me with more!"
Rem chuckled and shook her head at her sister's words, a remark that was too Ram by Rem. As it was, Rem thanked her sister, saying, "Thank you,"
"I appreciate your concern, sister. But my sister is right, whatever you do now will bring it back to life, so let's put it behind us. More importantly......"
"Uuh?"
"Spica-chan, are you going to be able to stick it out with that guy?"
Rem, her smirk fading, looks down at Spica, who hugs her, and asks her that. Spica rolled her blue eyes at the question, but her face immediately became crisp.
Asked about her role, the girl shakes her head repeatedly, self-aware of what she is supposed to do,
"Awh!"
She nodded so emphatically.
Taking the unvoiced voice as an affirmation, Rem made a face of mixed loneliness and frustration. Her voice trembled as she continued to express her feelings.
"If it were true, I would like to follow you. ......But I know that even if I follow you now, I will only slow you down. But......"
"--Then don't worry about it, Rem."
Rem's plea, filled with earnestness, was interrupted by a reliable voice.
Ahead of Rem's pale blue eyes, she let out a "Huh?" at Emilia who told her so, thumping her own chest.
She nods to Rem, her beautiful purplish blue eyes filled with motivation.
"I understand reaaally well how worried you are about her and Subaru and the others who are going with her. So, I will protect them so that they will be safe no matter what happens!"
"Emilia......"
"I'll take care of it. I'm a reaaally strong person."
Emilia makes a big fist and smiles at Rem.
At Emilia's all-too-reliable words, Rem's eyes blacked out and his gaze wandered, wondering what to say.
However--,
"No, no, no! What are you talking about, Lady Emilia? There is no way I can allow Lady Emilia to go!"
"What?! Why?!"
"I don't understand why you don't listen to me?!"
Emilia rolled her eyes and looked up, but it was Otto who was even more astonished.
Otto gave the impression that he had been frowning for almost as long as he had been there since joining us at the Empire, but they finally saw his typical panicked face--one that wasn't a smiling one.
In fact, in this case, Otto's opinion is more straightforward than Emilia's.
"I don't care how much it costs, this is a mission to get into the most dangerous place in the empire. I can't send Lady Emilia to such a place."
"Whatta 'bout ya, Otto? If ya want to talk 'bout dangerous places, why didn't ya just come to Vollachia in the first place?"
"It's hard to deny, but still, there is the idea of greater or lesser danger. As Natsuki said, the Imperial Capital is the main...... stronghold of the enemy, and the defense of a village with no strategic value cannot be of the same firmness. The Imperial Capital is, without a doubt, the most dangerous zone."
"Well, guess that's true."
When confronted with a legitimate question in the face of a legitimate argument, Garfiel retracts his opinion as well.
Driven by this momentum, Otto turned his gaze toward Subaru and Beatrice,
"I'll be honest with you, I'm against Natsuki and the others going. This is a matter for the empire, and it is not right to risk our lives for other countries."
"Honesty. But, as I keep saying......"
"I know. You said it doesn't matter where it happened, in the kingdom or in the empire. I agree with you as long as there is a fear of Lugnica being the target of the Witch. I would much rather see the empire turned into a wasteland than to see my hometown appear."
"You're not hiding your blatant family consciousness anymore, are you?"
Otto has a serious side to him by nature, but the advantages and disadvantages of getting involved in the affairs of the Vollachia Empire are probably not balanced in his mind. That's why he's not keen on it for a long time.
But as Otto understood, it is not a land issue for Subaru.
Even Subaru hates the Vollachia Empire, but there are people in the empire that Subaru has grown to love, even in the empire that he hates. He wants to do everything he can for them.
For that reason--,
"--Not only Spica will be in the Imperial City, but I need to be there."
Subaru's volunteering to join the raid team is, of course, also meant to accompany Spica as a guardian in order to fully demonstrate the power of Spica's authority.
However, the main objective is to overturn the inevitable death of someone in the Imperial Capital, which will be the most fierce battleground in the Empire, and to rewrite the destiny with his own hands.
In order to win over all the swordsmiths to his side in the "Gladiator Island", Subaru went to considerable lengths.
But it was worth it. If a reward is promised, Subaru will not hesitate to take it.
"Betty doesn't want Subaru to do anything dangerous either, in fact."
Beatrice, speaking on Subaru's behalf, began to express her thoughts to Otto, who was looking at Subaru and herself.
Beatrice, with a distinctive crest in her blue eyes, looked at Otto, who looked at her, while making eye contact with her,
"But, her power will be useful in dismantling his 'Sacrament of the Immortal King', I suppose. Besides, in case we need to contain Sphinx, we'll need Betty's help, in fact."
"Contain her?"
"If Spica's powers don't work, the only way to stop Sphinx's rampage is with containment, I suppose. If she kills herself and escapes, it will be the beginning of a never-ending chase, and that's where Betty's magic comes in, in fact."
One hand holds Subaru's hand, and Beatrice thrusts out her other free hand.
The sight of her rounded hands, characteristic of a young girl, brought to Subaru's mind a scene reminiscent of Beatrice's description of "Sealing"--,the end of Roy Alfaldo, the bishop of "Gluttony" who had been successfully taken into custody at the Pleiades Watchtower.
Roy, whose entire body had been hardened like wax by shadow magic, was bound, not only unable to move, but also unable to think.
"As I recall, that same seal also caught the "Witch of Jealousy"......"
"Yes, that's right, in fact. It's a trustworthy and proven seal for the 'Witch', I suppose. If the sealing of Sphinx is essential to fixing the situation, I'm sorry to tell you and Petra, but Betty and Subaru are indispensable, in fact."
With Beatrice covering for him from a magical standpoint, Subaru looks to Otto and Petra, who is standing alongside Frederica on the other side of the room.
Petra, who has grown more dependable and promising in the time since he last saw her, naturally does not welcome the idea of Subaru riding into the Imperial City with his shrunken body.
However, she is smart enough to understand the validity of Beatrice's opinion and the exponential increase in damage that will occur if the army of corpses is not stopped here.
So she sighed very reluctantly,
"I knew it would end up like this."
"Petra......"
"Like Rem, I'm not really in a position to follow. ......At least Beatrice is following me around as a chaperone, which is a relief."
Subaru's heart aches at the thought that this overly understanding girl, the source of his anxiety, is none other than himself. Petra has placed her trust in him, and Beatrice nods her head as if to assure him of her trust.
"You know how I feel about Petra, I suppose. As long as Betty is around, I won't put Subaru in danger, in fact."
"Yes, thank you, Beatrice-chan."
"I agree. I feel safer when Beatrice is with Subaru and I'm happy too. But I would feel more at ease if those two and I were together......"
"Lady Emilia......"
"Uugh......"
Following the beautiful friendship between Beatrice and Petra, Emilia tried to bite back in a not-at-all-successful way and was shot down by Otto's stern gaze.
However, as mentioned above, Subaru also believes that Otto's opinion is correct on this matter.
If possible, Subaru would like to grant Emilia whatever she wishes, but granting this wish would take Emilia straight to the most dangerous place in the empire.
On the other hand, Garfiel had a point.
He said that even if he remained in Garkla, his personal safety would not be guaranteed.
In that sense, the ideal is to keep everyone they know by Subaru's side--,
"--I am in favor of adding Emilia to the team that is goooooing into the Imperial City."
"Sir?!"
But then, unexpectedly, an opinion came up that was 180 degrees different from the one that had come before.
Frederica was so startled by the opinion that she couldn't believe her ears and raised her voice with a look of disbelief on her face. But that was only because Frederica was the first one to speak up, and most of the people present could not hide their surprise at the opinion--Roswaal's statement.
Amidst the surprise that reigned, it was Anastasia who was relatively quick to recover. She frowned as she stroked her fox collar,
"That's another surprising opinion. I thought that all of them except Emilia were unanimous in their opposition to her."
"I'm just kidding, Emilia. I'm a representative of the camp, and I pity you too much not to hear your opinion...... I was not joking when I saaaaid that. I wasn't against it for a practical joke, eeeeither."
"......Shall we hear it out?"
Otto urged Roswaal, who shrugged his shoulders, to go on with his emotionless voice and expression.
Both Subaru and Emilia, the party being covered, wait with bated breath for Roswaal's thoughts. With those surrounding eyes on him, Roswaal closes his eyes, leaving the yellow one open,
"It's not difficult. In the alliance with the Empire, Emilia's ability is a strong point that we can propose to the other side. If Anastasia had said she would go, we would all have to stop her, but that is not the caaaase with Emilia. Everyone recognizes that when we allowed Lady Emilia to participate in the war before the zombies showed up."
"Yes, that's right! You know, I bumped into Madelyn and Mesoreia that time, too, but I made it back without a hitch."
"The situation is different from that. What is required is a surprise attack by a small number of elites, and I'm not sure that Emilia's big taste...... and bold fighting style is suited for the job."
"I think we have enough to compensate for that. And with Lady Emilia, even if the operation fails, we can incorporate the recovery into the operation. We could put half of the city on ice, couldn't we?"
This is an outrageous statement by Roswaal, who held up one finger, but it is not surprisingly absurd.
Emilia's irreplaceable unit performance has a ridiculous amount of mana that she can provide on her own, and the skill of super-range attack that she uses to her advantage.
Early on, Emilia can turn a battlefield into a snowy landscape all by herself and run around prettily and energetically in the extreme cold. In an attempt to make the most of her overwhelmingly high succession ability, Subaru devised the "Ice Brand Arts", which was also appreciated by Roswaal.
In fact, there is no doubt that Emilia is one of the best forces in the camp.
It was not a convincing opinion that Emilia could not be sent out because she was in danger, after having been involved in the Pleiades Watchtower and in the decisive battle in the Imperial Capital so many times.
In addition, Roswaal has a certainty that only he possesses.
It is--,
"Subaru would be more motivated if Lady Emilia was around, woooouldn't he?"
"You......"
Subaru bit his lip when Roswaal smiled at him with nothing but a malicious smile.
It was clear that the last-minute phrasing was a ridicule of Subaru's right to "Return by Death"--a right that only Roswaal knew.
Roswaal does not know that "death" is the trigger for Subaru to go back in time, but he knows that Subaru has such a backdoor trick.
There is also the certainty that he would spare his depths for Emilia.
That Roswaal's estimation is correct.
No matter what happens to anyone else, he will 'return by death', but if Emilia comes, Subaru's desperation and hard work will be what Roswaal is looking for or even more.
However, the only one who could be persuaded by such circumstances is Roswaal.
"Sir, like Otto, I too am against Emilia's departure."
In fact, that opinion of Roswaal did not sway the opposition's sentiments.
Even Frederica, who is relatively more likely to stand with Roswaal in the camp, opposes Emilia's joining the entry team, emphasizing the danger of the situation.
However--,
"Of course, I know that Emilia is stronger than I or Otto could ever be, but still, she is a precious......"
"--I will accompany you. Even if I saaaay so, right?"
"Huh?"
Frederica, who was still protesting that she couldn't nod her head, looked at him.
Roswaal made a short but inaudible assurance. He waved his lifted left and right hands so that everyone could see them,
"I'm going to accompany Emilia and the others on their raid on the Imperial City. Fortunately, now that I no longer have to hide my true identity, I will be able to show off my big and little tricks."
"Oh, Roswaal's coming? I mean, are you going with us?"
"Is that a surprise?"
"Because I always had the impression that Roswaal was always relaxing at his mansion."
Roswaal chuckles at Emilia's honestly surprised reaction.
Relaxing is a somewhat too Emilia-like description, but the pattern of Roswaal not being there to solve problems is largely due to the fact that he is often the cause of the problem and that he is an unreliable ally in the first place.
However, there is no sense for Roswaal to betray his trust here under the circumstances.
In a sense, the situation was much more trustworthy for Roswaal than in the kingdom, given that there was no possibility that Roswaal would be involved in any kind of dark activities in the empire.
"I also wonder what kind of ally you trust more when you're in another country......"
Except for Beatrice, who looked butch when she heard that she was accompanying Roswaal, the proposal seemed to Subaru to have only merit.
If they are talking about the highest strength of the camp, Roswaal is undeniably one of them.
"I also--"
For a moment, Otto huffed and puffed and was about to say something.
But the words he was about to say were interrupted by a gnashing of teeth, and Otto took a deep breath in and out,
"Garfiel! Please accompany Natsuki and the others."
"--. Are ya sure? The three knights're goin', 'n all the strong ones're gonna be there."
"I don't like the idea of half-assing it. I don't like the fact that it's all in the frontier count's hands, too."
"Otto is always buying me thiiiings."
Roswaal smiles a spare smile and Otto puts his hand to his forehead. And Garfiel, seeing his brother's distress, clenches his fists together in front of his chest, biting his fangs.
With a dry clang, Garfiel stomps the floor with gusto,
"Alright. I'll take care of Otto's worries, Petra's worries and my sis's worries too."
"Garf, you're missing your concern for Ram."
"I don't want ya to worry 'bout Roswaal!"
"You are an idiot. Don't worry about Master Roswaal. I'm worried about Garf.
Garfiel, who made the decision with a good feeling, is hit by a blow from Ram, and his momentum fades with a "Gah".
Then Ram, who had been a guilty woman, looked over at Roswaal, who was running for the raid team,
"Please do as you please. Show the empire what you can do, Mister Roswaal."
"Yes. The empire takes magic a little too lightly."
At the laughter of the Roswaal, Ram picked at the skirt of his traveling outfit and curtseyed.
Emilia, who had been left out of the conversation, blinked her eyes at the exchange of trust that was neither excessive nor excessive.
"Well, after all, Roswaal and Garfiel came too, and I'm going to ride into the Imperial City with Subaru and the others......, is that alright?"
"Yeah, that should be fine. Otto's right, you're at the top of your game."
Since they are accompanied by three of the Emilia camp's best, Emilia, Garfiel, and Roswaal, you could say they are performing at their best as allies.
But there are worries that Subaru, Beatrice, and Spica will drag their feet.
"Then we add Halibel to the mix?" And the rest--"
"--Subaru."
Subaru looks back as he is called to join what is undeniably the strongest member of the group.
The man who called Subaru was a man who was not included in the members just named. And if they were to gather only the strongest members, he was definitely the person they wanted to have join them.
But the man in the kimono, with his fearless face and dignified eyes, says it best.
"I will remain at Anastasia's side. Drawing the enemy's attention to the fortified city will also help you in your raid."
"----"
"Of course, those whom the Emperor trusts will be responsible for the defense of the city, and I intend to help them. Above all......"
Julius breaks off and looks at Anastasia beside him.
Anastasia, who had forced herself to rush to Vollachia to look for the missing Subaru and others. They are grateful to her and absolutely need her to return safely.
Hence, Julius tells them clearly.
"I am the first knight of Lady Anastasia."
Subaru gulped quietly at the words of this sunny self-appointment.
He understood that this was a statement by Julius expressing his position and at the same time blasting Subaru, who is in the same position.
--Just as Julius protects Anastasia, he wants Subaru to protect Emilia.
"I'm telling you, just because you stay here doesn't mean it's going to be easy. If you're not careful, you'll suffer the humiliation of the raid all over again."
"It's horrible. I still shudder every time I see the scars on my face in the mirror."
"You're talking!"
Subaru laughed off Julius's slight and stood up vigorously in his place.
Then he looks around at all of them and checks again.
"The group will be me, Beako, and Spica, with Emilia, Garfiel, and Roswaal. Emilia, Garfiel and Roswaal will be there, and Halibel will be in the group.
"Yeah, I'll do my best. Be careful of Ram and the others who will stay behind, and of Anastasia and the others who will be 'dependent' on you."
"If Emilia and the others who are going into the mainland say that, we're lost. But the degree of difficulty for Emilia and the others will depend on how spectacularly they can attract visitors here. This is where we show our skills."
Anastasia replies with a wicked smile, just as if her merchant spirit has been stimulated.
With this reassuring feeling, Subaru clenched his fist tightly against the impending decisive battle of the empire.
At all costs, we will do everything in our power to stop the "Great Calamity".
For this reason, it was necessary to hurry to the imperial capital.
Because--,
"--If Cessy, who I left behind, accidentally slays a thousand or ten thousand people, and then the Mana of the Great Spirit runs out and the empire is destroyed, I won't be able to countenance it."
In that case, it is unlikely to be able to distinguish whether it is Subaru's fault for bringing Cecilus with him or whether it is the bill of the empire that has neglected him until today.
Arc 8, Chapter 32 "The Chosen Members"
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--The destruction of the Vollachia Empire by the "Great Calamity" and the blitzkrieg operation to prevent it.
The army of the dead continues to rise, and now that it is clear that a head-on confrontation with the army will only risk hastening its demise, what is required is a quick-fire settlement.
Since it was not possible to have a huge battle between the living and the dead, it was natural that a small group of elite soldiers would be selected for a mission to hit the enemy camp.
If there is a problem--,
"--Who's going to hit the enemy's headquarters?"
Subaru, arms folded and sitting flat on the floor in the middle of the room, looks around.
In a room in the great fortress city of Garkla, a large room perfect for a large group of people to gather together, Subaru's allies, with the exception of those involved with the empire, are all gathered in one place.
There were people who had not attended the meeting earlier to treat the wounded--Ram, Garfiel, Petra, Frederica, and Rem were all there.
Naturally, Anastasia and Julius are there, too, as they are not related to the empire--,
"I'm glad you're back in one piece, too, Halibel."
"Oh, you're so kind to be concerned about me. Little Ana is very strict with me, so I'm glad to hear you say so."
Halibel, with his back against the wall and a smoking pipe in his mouth, smiles and replies to Subaru's compliments.
The strongest wolfman in this city-state is the one who was instrumental in the victory in that battle of the dragon carriage, holding back the black dragon--the dragon zombie--that appeared prior to the attack of the corpses.
Thanks to his keeping the dragon zombies away from the dragon chariot, the damage was kept to a minimum. He even managed to single-handedly slay the dragon, so he is one hell of a shinobi.
And at such a word from Halibel, however, the mangled Anastasia looks dissatisfied.
"What is it? If you say it like that, it sounds like we are a bloodless employer. We said we would pay you for your work."
"See, it's just as I said. I've become a miserly little boy who has to settle everything on a cash account. ...... I guess Ricardo's laissez-faire has made him a bit devious, hasn't it?"
"Haaaliiiibeeeell."
"Alright, alright, I'll take my loss."
Their exchange of Kararagi dialect is settled with a lukewarm call from Anastasia.
Even though they have known each other for a long time, the ease with which they interact with each other is reminiscent of a relative's uncle and daughter. Anastasia is petite and has a childlike face, but her personality is the opposite of childlike, so it is rare to get that impression of her.
Leaving aside Subaru's impression, Halibel, who had been outspoken by Anastasia, did not end the conversation just because she was hit with "So what's this?" and continued the conversation.
"I've found out through playing with them that the zombies in Vollachia are a little different from the zombies in Kararagi. Maybe I'm not a good match for them."
"What's the difference between zombies in Vollachia and Kararagi? What does that mean? You're not telling me there's another cause for a zombie panic at this time of year, are you?"
"I don't think that's true. My impression is that...... the zombies of the empire are more formidable. I heard that the kid who set them up is doing bad things to the imperial spirits, so maybe it's just a distance thing."
"Distance......"
Halibel reveals his findings as he raises and lowers the chewed smoking pipe with his teeth.
The subtle difference in nuance is not clear to Subaru, who does not know Kararagi's corpses. Nevertheless, as long as someone as competent as Halibel felt it, there must surely be a difference.
He doesn't want to think that zombies are really being used for separate reasons at the same time, though.
"I get the impression it's more a matter of perfection than distance."
"What does that mean, Julius?"
"As long as Halibel describes them as formidable, it is probably true that the zombies that appear in the empire are more competent. However, in terms of timing, zombies in city-states appear earlier. In other words, we can infer from this......"
"The zombies in Kararagi are for practice, but the ones in Vollachia are for the real thing. Is that what Knight Julius is trying to say?"
Ram asks this of Julius, who, when asked by Anastasia, expands his reasoning while touching the scar under his left eye. At Ram's words, he pulled his chin back and said, "Yes,"
"If I'm right now, that would explain my impression of Halibel. On that basis, Halibel, may I ask why you thought you were incompatible with the imperial zombies?"
"I didn't see it firsthand, but I heard that the number of zombie children that appeared in the dragon car has increased. You see, my attacks are sold to kill only after they hit, so they are the worst match for someone who doesn't end up dead, aren't they?"
"----"
"Huh? What is this silence?"
"No, I was just surprised when Halibel said the spell was for sale."
Subaru could not believe his ears when Halibel revealed his hand so easily. But he nodded his head in agreement with Subaru's point of view,
"It doesn't really matter if they know about it. Even if they knew, there are very few people who wouldn't take a shot from me, right?"
"Nahhh, I'm not humble. Like Reinhard and Cessy, I think the strongest in each country have that in common. ......"
Subaru was deeply impressed by Halibel's strongman remark.
Not to mention Cecilus, who is a man of approval, and Reinhard, whose humility and sincerity is like walking around with clothes on, had absolute confidence in his own abilities.
In fact, it would be much more favorable if he would be magnificent about it, since there is no persuasive power in being that strong and being told "I don't care about myself".
In any case--,
"I know that Halibel can't fight a 'zomby' very well...... but what would you do if he did? Who would be the best person to ride into the Imperial Capital?"
"He was not the strongest in Kararagi, but I can attest to Halibel's skill. I think he should be in the entry team, not pampered."
"Well, I'm not going to cry and make a fuss and say I don't like it, am I?"
Halibel chuckles at Anastasia, who is harsh without arguing.
In fact, even if the spell killing suicide attack does not work on zombies, there is no doubt that Halibel is capable of fighting the black dragon on his own. Thinking that it would be a good idea to include him as a member of the team, Subaru raised his hand and asked, "May I have a word?" on the spot.
And then--,
"First off, I'm joining the raid."
Yes, before anyone else could come forward, Subaru insisted on standing his ground.
"----"
A moment of blankness is created as the eyes are drawn to Subaru, who is running for office.
Taking advantage of this void, Subaru took the opportunity to explain why he should get in.
"First of all, I'm sure everyone has figured out that Spica's power...... has the power to nullify zombie suicide revivals. But as it stands, it requires me, the guardian, to accompany her to use it. If it's too hard for even Halibel to revive the enemy, then Spica is absolutely necessary for the attack."
Spica's contribution was instrumental in the defeat of the "Poison Princess" Lamia Godwin, a difficult adversary who attacked the dragon carriage.
If she can master the power of "Gluttony", she can cut off the "Escape by Death" of the endlessly reviving corpses. In defeating Sphinx, there is no more useful strategy than Spica's.
"It's a job that neither I nor Spica can replace. ......So inevitably, I'm going to need Beako to come with me to the Imperial Capital."
"That is all I want, in fact. I don't want to be separated from Subaru anymore, I suppose."
"Sorry for that. Thanks so much."
Beatrice, sitting next to Subaru who raised his hand, squeezes his hand and agrees to accompany the group.
Reassured by his partner's reply, Subaru looked at Spica--the key to the operation--and at Rem, whom she was embracing.
Spica, who puts her arms around her own waist and hugs her, and Rem, who supports her shoulders, catch Subaru's gaze,
"......Why are you looking at me so jittery?"
"No, it's just I'm going to have to take Spica into danger again, and if Rem hates me for it, it's going to break my heart......"
"--. Why don't you ask Emilia to comfort you?"
"Huh?"
At Subaru's weakly-armed answer, Rem averts her gaze in dissatisfaction and mutters.
While Subaru was unable to digest the meaning of these words, "Rem," Ram, standing next to her, narrowed her light red eyes and said,
"What are you going to do? Tear Barusu to pieces?"
"Don't start talking nonsense all of a sudden, sister!"
"I'm kidding. If you tear him to pieces now, he'll come back to life, won't he? It's a nightmare of dead bodies and more Barusus....... Horrifying."
"Don't kill him and then horrify me with more!"
Rem chuckled and shook her head at her sister's words, a remark that was too Ram by Rem. As it was, Rem thanked her sister, saying, "Thank you,"
"I appreciate your concern, sister. But my sister is right, whatever you do now will bring it back to life, so let's put it behind us. More importantly......"
"Uuh?"
"Spica-chan, are you going to be able to stick it out with that guy?"
Rem, her smirk fading, looks down at Spica, who hugs her, and asks her that. Spica rolled her blue eyes at the question, but her face immediately became crisp.
Asked about her role, the girl shakes her head repeatedly, self-aware of what she is supposed to do,
"Awh!"
She nodded so emphatically.
Taking the unvoiced voice as an affirmation, Rem made a face of mixed loneliness and frustration. Her voice trembled as she continued to express her feelings.
"If it were true, I would like to follow you. ......But I know that even if I follow you now, I will only slow you down. But......"
"--Then don't worry about it, Rem."
Rem's plea, filled with earnestness, was interrupted by a reliable voice.
Ahead of Rem's pale blue eyes, she let out a "Huh?" at Emilia who told her so, thumping her own chest.
She nods to Rem, her beautiful purplish blue eyes filled with motivation.
"I understand reaaally well how worried you are about her and Subaru and the others who are going with her. So, I will protect them so that they will be safe no matter what happens!"
"Emilia......"
"I'll take care of it. I'm a reaaally strong person."
Emilia makes a big fist and smiles at Rem.
At Emilia's all-too-reliable words, Rem's eyes blacked out and his gaze wandered, wondering what to say.
However--,
"No, no, no! What are you talking about, Lady Emilia? There is no way I can allow Lady Emilia to go!"
"What?! Why?!"
"I don't understand why you don't listen to me?!"
Emilia rolled her eyes and looked up, but it was Otto who was even more astonished.
Otto gave the impression that he had been frowning for almost as long as he had been there since joining us at the Empire, but they finally saw his typical panicked face--one that wasn't a smiling one.
In fact, in this case, Otto's opinion is more straightforward than Emilia's.
"I don't care how much it costs, this is a mission to get into the most dangerous place in the empire. I can't send Lady Emilia to such a place."
"Whatta 'bout ya, Otto? If ya want to talk 'bout dangerous places, why didn't ya just come to Vollachia in the first place?"
"It's hard to deny, but still, there is the idea of greater or lesser danger. As Natsuki said, the Imperial Capital is the main...... stronghold of the enemy, and the defense of a village with no strategic value cannot be of the same firmness. The Imperial Capital is, without a doubt, the most dangerous zone."
"Well, guess that's true."
When confronted with a legitimate question in the face of a legitimate argument, Garfiel retracts his opinion as well.
Driven by this momentum, Otto turned his gaze toward Subaru and Beatrice,
"I'll be honest with you, I'm against Natsuki and the others going. This is a matter for the empire, and it is not right to risk our lives for other countries."
"Honesty. But, as I keep saying......"
"I know. You said it doesn't matter where it happened, in the kingdom or in the empire. I agree with you as long as there is a fear of Lugnica being the target of the Witch. I would much rather see the empire turned into a wasteland than to see my hometown appear."
"You're not hiding your blatant family consciousness anymore, are you?"
Otto has a serious side to him by nature, but the advantages and disadvantages of getting involved in the affairs of the Vollachia Empire are probably not balanced in his mind. That's why he's not keen on it for a long time.
But as Otto understood, it is not a land issue for Subaru.
Even Subaru hates the Vollachia Empire, but there are people in the empire that Subaru has grown to love, even in the empire that he hates. He wants to do everything he can for them.
For that reason--,
"--Not only Spica will be in the Imperial City, but I need to be there."
Subaru's volunteering to join the raid team is, of course, also meant to accompany Spica as a guardian in order to fully demonstrate the power of Spica's authority.
However, the main objective is to overturn the inevitable death of someone in the Imperial Capital, which will be the most fierce battleground in the Empire, and to rewrite the destiny with his own hands.
In order to win over all the swordsmiths to his side in the "Gladiator Island", Subaru went to considerable lengths.
But it was worth it. If a reward is promised, Subaru will not hesitate to take it.
"Betty doesn't want Subaru to do anything dangerous either, in fact."
Beatrice, speaking on Subaru's behalf, began to express her thoughts to Otto, who was looking at Subaru and herself.
Beatrice, with a distinctive crest in her blue eyes, looked at Otto, who looked at her, while making eye contact with her,
"But, her power will be useful in dismantling his 'Sacrament of the Immortal King', I suppose. Besides, in case we need to contain Sphinx, we'll need Betty's help, in fact."
"Contain her?"
"If Spica's powers don't work, the only way to stop Sphinx's rampage is with containment, I suppose. If she kills herself and escapes, it will be the beginning of a never-ending chase, and that's where Betty's magic comes in, in fact."
One hand holds Subaru's hand, and Beatrice thrusts out her other free hand.
The sight of her rounded hands, characteristic of a young girl, brought to Subaru's mind a scene reminiscent of Beatrice's description of "Sealing"--,the end of Roy Alfaldo, the bishop of "Gluttony" who had been successfully taken into custody at the Pleiades Watchtower.
Roy, whose entire body had been hardened like wax by shadow magic, was bound, not only unable to move, but also unable to think.
"As I recall, that same seal also caught the "Witch of Jealousy"......"
"Yes, that's right, in fact. It's a trustworthy and proven seal for the 'Witch', I suppose. If the sealing of Sphinx is essential to fixing the situation, I'm sorry to tell you and Petra, but Betty and Subaru are indispensable, in fact."
With Beatrice covering for him from a magical standpoint, Subaru looks to Otto and Petra, who is standing alongside Frederica on the other side of the room.
Petra, who has grown more dependable and promising in the time since he last saw her, naturally does not welcome the idea of Subaru riding into the Imperial City with his shrunken body.
However, she is smart enough to understand the validity of Beatrice's opinion and the exponential increase in damage that will occur if the army of corpses is not stopped here.
So she sighed very reluctantly,
"I knew it would end up like this."
"Petra......"
"Like Rem, I'm not really in a position to follow. ......At least Beatrice is following me around as a chaperone, which is a relief."
Subaru's heart aches at the thought that this overly understanding girl, the source of his anxiety, is none other than himself. Petra has placed her trust in him, and Beatrice nods her head as if to assure him of her trust.
"You know how I feel about Petra, I suppose. As long as Betty is around, I won't put Subaru in danger, in fact."
"Yes, thank you, Beatrice-chan."
"I agree. I feel safer when Beatrice is with Subaru and I'm happy too. But I would feel more at ease if those two and I were together......"
"Lady Emilia......"
"Uugh......"
Following the beautiful friendship between Beatrice and Petra, Emilia tried to bite back in a not-at-all-successful way and was shot down by Otto's stern gaze.
However, as mentioned above, Subaru also believes that Otto's opinion is correct on this matter.
If possible, Subaru would like to grant Emilia whatever she wishes, but granting this wish would take Emilia straight to the most dangerous place in the empire.
On the other hand, Garfiel had a point.
He said that even if he remained in Garkla, his personal safety would not be guaranteed.
In that sense, the ideal is to keep everyone they know by Subaru's side--,
"--I am in favor of adding Emilia to the team that is goooooing into the Imperial City."
"Sir?!"
But then, unexpectedly, an opinion came up that was 180 degrees different from the one that had come before.
Frederica was so startled by the opinion that she couldn't believe her ears and raised her voice with a look of disbelief on her face. But that was only because Frederica was the first one to speak up, and most of the people present could not hide their surprise at the opinion--Roswaal's statement.
Amidst the surprise that reigned, it was Anastasia who was relatively quick to recover. She frowned as she stroked her fox collar,
"That's another surprising opinion. I thought that all of them except Emilia were unanimous in their opposition to her."
"I'm just kidding, Emilia. I'm a representative of the camp, and I pity you too much not to hear your opinion...... I was not joking when I saaaaid that. I wasn't against it for a practical joke, eeeeither."
"......Shall we hear it out?"
Otto urged Roswaal, who shrugged his shoulders, to go on with his emotionless voice and expression.
Both Subaru and Emilia, the party being covered, wait with bated breath for Roswaal's thoughts. With those surrounding eyes on him, Roswaal closes his eyes, leaving the yellow one open,
"It's not difficult. In the alliance with the Empire, Emilia's ability is a strong point that we can propose to the other side. If Anastasia had said she would go, we would all have to stop her, but that is not the caaaase with Emilia. Everyone recognizes that when we allowed Lady Emilia to participate in the war before the zombies showed up."
"Yes, that's right! You know, I bumped into Madelyn and Mesoreia that time, too, but I made it back without a hitch."
"The situation is different from that. What is required is a surprise attack by a small number of elites, and I'm not sure that Emilia's big taste...... and bold fighting style is suited for the job."
"I think we have enough to compensate for that. And with Lady Emilia, even if the operation fails, we can incorporate the recovery into the operation. We could put half of the city on ice, couldn't we?"
This is an outrageous statement by Roswaal, who held up one finger, but it is not surprisingly absurd.
Emilia's irreplaceable unit performance has a ridiculous amount of mana that she can provide on her own, and the skill of super-range attack that she uses to her advantage.
Early on, Emilia can turn a battlefield into a snowy landscape all by herself and run around prettily and energetically in the extreme cold. In an attempt to make the most of her overwhelmingly high succession ability, Subaru devised the "Ice Brand Arts", which was also appreciated by Roswaal.
In fact, there is no doubt that Emilia is one of the best forces in the camp.
It was not a convincing opinion that Emilia could not be sent out because she was in danger, after having been involved in the Pleiades Watchtower and in the decisive battle in the Imperial Capital so many times.
In addition, Roswaal has a certainty that only he possesses.
It is--,
"Subaru would be more motivated if Lady Emilia was around, woooouldn't he?"
"You......"
Subaru bit his lip when Roswaal smiled at him with nothing but a malicious smile.
It was clear that the last-minute phrasing was a ridicule of Subaru's right to "Return by Death"--a right that only Roswaal knew.
Roswaal does not know that "death" is the trigger for Subaru to go back in time, but he knows that Subaru has such a backdoor trick.
There is also the certainty that he would spare his depths for Emilia.
That Roswaal's estimation is correct.
No matter what happens to anyone else, he will 'return by death', but if Emilia comes, Subaru's desperation and hard work will be what Roswaal is looking for or even more.
However, the only one who could be persuaded by such circumstances is Roswaal.
"Sir, like Otto, I too am against Emilia's departure."
In fact, that opinion of Roswaal did not sway the opposition's sentiments.
Even Frederica, who is relatively more likely to stand with Roswaal in the camp, opposes Emilia's joining the entry team, emphasizing the danger of the situation.
However--,
"Of course, I know that Emilia is stronger than I or Otto could ever be, but still, she is a precious......"
"--I will accompany you. Even if I saaaay so, right?"
"Huh?"
Frederica, who was still protesting that she couldn't nod her head, looked at him.
Roswaal made a short but inaudible assurance. He waved his lifted left and right hands so that everyone could see them,
"I'm going to accompany Emilia and the others on their raid on the Imperial City. Fortunately, now that I no longer have to hide my true identity, I will be able to show off my big and little tricks."
"Oh, Roswaal's coming? I mean, are you going with us?"
"Is that a surprise?"
"Because I always had the impression that Roswaal was always relaxing at his mansion."
Roswaal chuckles at Emilia's honestly surprised reaction.
Relaxing is a somewhat too Emilia-like description, but the pattern of Roswaal not being there to solve problems is largely due to the fact that he is often the cause of the problem and that he is an unreliable ally in the first place.
However, there is no sense for Roswaal to betray his trust here under the circumstances.
In a sense, the situation was much more trustworthy for Roswaal than in the kingdom, given that there was no possibility that Roswaal would be involved in any kind of dark activities in the empire.
"I also wonder what kind of ally you trust more when you're in another country......"
Except for Beatrice, who looked butch when she heard that she was accompanying Roswaal, the proposal seemed to Subaru to have only merit.
If they are talking about the highest strength of the camp, Roswaal is undeniably one of them.
"I also--"
For a moment, Otto huffed and puffed and was about to say something.
But the words he was about to say were interrupted by a gnashing of teeth, and Otto took a deep breath in and out,
"Garfiel! Please accompany Natsuki and the others."
"--. Are ya sure? The three knights're goin', 'n all the strong ones're gonna be there."
"I don't like the idea of half-assing it. I don't like the fact that it's all in the frontier count's hands, too."
"Otto is always buying me thiiiings."
Roswaal smiles a spare smile and Otto puts his hand to his forehead. And Garfiel, seeing his brother's distress, clenches his fists together in front of his chest, biting his fangs.
With a dry clang, Garfiel stomps the floor with gusto,
"Alright. I'll take care of Otto's worries, Petra's worries and my sis's worries too."
"Garf, you're missing your concern for Ram."
"I don't want ya to worry 'bout Roswaal!"
"You are an idiot. Don't worry about Master Roswaal. I'm worried about Garf.
Garfiel, who made the decision with a good feeling, is hit by a blow from Ram, and his momentum fades with a "Gah".
Then Ram, who had been a guilty woman, looked over at Roswaal, who was running for the raid team,
"Please do as you please. Show the empire what you can do, Mister Roswaal."
"Yes. The empire takes magic a little too lightly."
At the laughter of the Roswaal, Ram picked at the skirt of his traveling outfit and curtseyed.
Emilia, who had been left out of the conversation, blinked her eyes at the exchange of trust that was neither excessive nor excessive.
"Well, after all, Roswaal and Garfiel came too, and I'm going to ride into the Imperial City with Subaru and the others......, is that alright?"
"Yeah, that should be fine. Otto's right, you're at the top of your game."
Since they are accompanied by three of the Emilia camp's best, Emilia, Garfiel, and Roswaal, you could say they are performing at their best as allies.
But there are worries that Subaru, Beatrice, and Spica will drag their feet.
"Then we add Halibel to the mix?" And the rest--"
"--Subaru."
Subaru looks back as he is called to join what is undeniably the strongest member of the group.
The man who called Subaru was a man who was not included in the members just named. And if they were to gather only the strongest members, he was definitely the person they wanted to have join them.
But the man in the kimono, with his fearless face and dignified eyes, says it best.
"I will remain at Anastasia's side. Drawing the enemy's attention to the fortified city will also help you in your raid."
"----"
"Of course, those whom the Emperor trusts will be responsible for the defense of the city, and I intend to help them. Above all......"
Julius breaks off and looks at Anastasia beside him.
Anastasia, who had forced herself to rush to Vollachia to look for the missing Subaru and others. They are grateful to her and absolutely need her to return safely.
Hence, Julius tells them clearly.
"I am the first knight of Lady Anastasia."
Subaru gulped quietly at the words of this sunny self-appointment.
He understood that this was a statement by Julius expressing his position and at the same time blasting Subaru, who is in the same position.
--Just as Julius protects Anastasia, he wants Subaru to protect Emilia.
"I'm telling you, just because you stay here doesn't mean it's going to be easy. If you're not careful, you'll suffer the humiliation of the raid all over again."
"It's horrible. I still shudder every time I see the scars on my face in the mirror."
"You're talking!"
Subaru laughed off Julius's slight and stood up vigorously in his place.
Then he looks around at all of them and checks again.
"The group will be me, Beako, and Spica, with Emilia, Garfiel, and Roswaal. Emilia, Garfiel and Roswaal will be there, and Halibel will be in the group.
"Yeah, I'll do my best. Be careful of Ram and the others who will stay behind, and of Anastasia and the others who will be 'dependent' on you."
"If Emilia and the others who are going into the mainland say that, we're lost. But the degree of difficulty for Emilia and the others will depend on how spectacularly they can attract visitors here. This is where we show our skills."
Anastasia replies with a wicked smile, just as if her merchant spirit has been stimulated.
With this reassuring feeling, Subaru clenched his fist tightly against the impending decisive battle of the empire.
At all costs, we will do everything in our power to stop the "Great Calamity".
For this reason, it was necessary to hurry to the imperial capital.
Because--,
"--If Cessy, who I left behind, accidentally slays a thousand or ten thousand people, and then the Mana of the Great Spirit runs out and the empire is destroyed, I won't be able to countenance it."
In that case, it is unlikely to be able to distinguish whether it is Subaru's fault for bringing Cecilus with him or whether it is the bill of the empire that has neglected him until today.