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Chapter 74
—And we're done!
Subaru raised both arms.
The movement was accompanied by the voices of the children and a good portion of the adults gathered in Arlam's plaza. Some responses came late, others too early, and several sounded nothing like the word Subaru had taught them.
It did not matter.
Laughter filled the spaces where, only a few weeks earlier, screams had still remained.
Subaru lowered his arms and took a deep breath.
The exercise had not been particularly demanding.
His body disagreed.
His left side felt heavier, and an uncomfortable pressure appeared behind his chest whenever he tried breathing too quickly.
He disguised it by stretching.
Emilia watched him from beneath the tree where she had waited during the final part of the routine.
The hood concealed most of her hair, though several silver strands escaped beside her cheeks.
—You overdid it again —she said when Subaru approached.
—That was a light routine. The advanced version includes carrying logs while Puck insults us.
The small spirit appeared on Emilia's shoulder.
—I can insult you without needing logs.
—That's why you're a professional.
The children formed a line in front of Subaru to receive their daily marks. He took the carved wooden stamp that had permanently replaced the potato versions and began stamping sheets, arms and, in one particularly insistent case, a forehead.
When the last child left, Emilia and Subaru started back toward the manor.
The walk was not long.
Even so, Emilia maintained a slower pace than usual.
Subaru noticed.
He said nothing.
He also knew why.
—The people seem calmer —Emilia commented—. The children don't look toward the forest anymore every time they hear a branch snap.
—Now they look to see if one of Link's Wolgarms is going to appear carrying a basket.
—That frightened them at first too.
—Until they discovered they can bribe them with meat.
Emilia smiled.
—I think having something normal to do every morning is good for them.
—Normal?
—More normal than fighting Mabeasts.
—I'll accept the compliment.
Subaru placed both hands behind his head.
The conversation continued as the road climbed toward the estate. He talked about expanding the exercises, organizing games for the children, and making new stamps. Emilia listened patiently, intervening whenever an idea threatened to involve fire, heights, or Puck dressed in ridiculous clothing.
For several minutes, nothing seemed different.
Then they spotted the carriage.
It was parked in front of the main entrance.
The Earth Dragon pulling it had black scales, lean musculature, and a disciplined posture. It did not bite the reins or scratch at the ground. It remained still, attentive to everything around it.
Emilia slowed down.
—We have visitors.
—Do you recognize the carriage?
—No.
A white-haired man occupied the driver's seat.
His back was straight. His hands rested calmly on his legs, but there was none of the relaxation of a coachman waiting for his passenger to finish a visit.
Subaru felt himself being watched before the old man raised his head.
Blue eyes passed over him first.
Then Emilia.
The hood and magic concealing her identity created no visible doubt.
The man descended.
He did not jump abruptly or seek support.
He simply left the seat and touched the ground without his shoes producing almost any sound.
—Welcome back, Lady Emilia.
Emilia stopped.
Subaru looked from the old man to her.
Recognition had been immediate.
—Do you know me? —Emilia asked.
—It would be a grave failing not to recognize the person we came here to visit.
The man inclined his head.
—My apologies for occupying the entrance. The envoy is inside, meeting with Lord Mathers.
—An envoy from the Capital?
—Indeed.
Part of Emilia's softness vanished.
—Does this have something to do with the Royal Selection?
—The envoy will be better suited to answer that.
Before Subaru could ask anything else, the ground began to tremble.
The black Earth Dragon raised its head.
Its pupils narrowed.
The old man turned toward the road.
A carriage appeared between the trees.
It looked nothing like the one waiting in front of the manor.
It was a heavy platform reinforced with beams and enormous metal wheels. It carried crates of ore, tools, logs, stone fragments, and a dark mechanical figure sitting among the cargo.
The vehicle was not what made the ground tremble.
Pepa advanced in front of it.
The Wagpig stood taller than the first floor of some houses in Arlam. Dark plates covered her back, and the harness around her body looked more appropriate for a siege engine than a living creature.
Link rode on top of her.
He had fitted a broad saddle between two plates. One hand held the harness straps while the other rested a tool against his shoulder.
The Earth Dragon took one step backward.
The old man took the reins.
He did not pull them.
Simply resting one hand on the animal's neck was enough.
—Steady.
The dragon stopped retreating, although it did not take its eyes off Pepa.
Pepa did not look at it at all.
Her eyes remained fixed on the entrance while her ears moved, listening for Link's commands.
—Stop.
The Wagpig halted.
The mining wagon rolled another half-meter before its weight settled completely.
Link examined the unfamiliar carriage.
Then the old man.
Finally Emilia and Subaru.
—Did something happen?
—An envoy from the Capital —Emilia answered—. He's talking with Roswaal.
—About the Royal Selection —Subaru added.
Link tilted his head slightly.
He did not look surprised.
Nor particularly interested.
—Then you should go inside.
Subaru pointed at Pepa.
—You aren't even going to ask anything?
—It isn't my summons.
—You're connected to the camp.
—Being the gardener doesn't make me a noble.
Link dismounted.
Instead of using a ladder, he descended along Pepa's side and dropped several meters.
The earth sank beneath his boots.
The old man followed the movement attentively.
Link approached the Wagpig's head and touched one of her plates.
—Wait by the shed.
Pepa snorted.
The sound made the black dragon tense its legs again.
—Without breaking anything.
The Wagpig turned toward the side road.
The wagon followed behind her.
Excadrill raised one claw from the platform.
Link returned the gesture before looking at Emilia.
—I have class with Beatrice.
—Link —Subaru said—. You're going to ignore a meeting about the Royal Selection so you can study?
—Yes.
—You won't even pretend to be curious?
—I am curious.
—Then—
—I also have things to learn.
Subaru opened his mouth.
Link was already walking toward the manor.
Emilia called to him before he reached the entrance.
—We may need to talk to you afterward.
Link stopped.
He looked back over his shoulder.
—Afterward.
He added no conditions.
Then entered.
The old man kept watching the place where Link had disappeared.
—A singular servant —he commented.
Subaru laughed.
—You have no idea.
—Subaru —Emilia admonished.
The old man bowed again.
—The envoy is waiting, Lady Emilia.
The lightness of their walk had ended.
Emilia headed into the manor.
Subaru followed.
Ferris occupied one of the sofas in the reception room.
He had accepted a cup of tea, although he had not yet tasted it. His fingers traced the edge of the porcelain while he watched Roswaal from across the table.
Ram stood near the wall.
The red collar rested against her throat. The small blue inlay barely glowed while the artifact maintained her temperature.
Roswaal held the letter he had received the night before.
—You arrived punctually —he said.
—Crusch-sama would never tolerate a communication this important being delivered late.
Ferris's voice retained its usual lightness, but there was nothing careless in his posture.
—Although I expected a somewhat less... noisy reception.
A vibration ran through the glasses inside the display cabinet.
Ram did not look toward the window.
—Pepa has returned.
—Pepa?
—The Wagpig.
Ferris looked toward the garden.
From that angle, he could only see part of a dark mass passing behind the trees.
—That thing has a name?
—It also has a wagon —Ram replied.
—Naturally.
Roswaal folded the letter.
—I'm afraid my domain has become quite a busy place.
—Crusch-sama has received reports.
The margrave's smile did not change.
—I expected nothing less.
Ferris set down the cup.
—Before discussing that, I'll fulfill my primary purpose.
He took out a narrow case and placed it on the table.
The wax sealing the document bore the emblem of the Council of Wise Men.
—The number of candidates is now complete. Emilia-sama and her sponsor are summoned to the Capital to appear before the Council and participate in the formal opening of the Royal Selection.
Roswaal showed no surprise.
—Date?
Ferris told him.
—The interval gives you time to prepare the journey without needing to rush. Naturally, arriving late would make a poor first impression.
—I had no intention of doing so.
—Crusch-sama did not expect otherwise.
The door opened.
Rem entered first.
Her expression was professional, her back straight, her hands joined in front of her apron.
Emilia followed.
—Lady Emilia has returned.
Ferris stood.
The playful smile returned to his lips when he greeted her, though it did not take any formality from his bow.
—It has been some time, Emilia-sama.
—Ferris.
Emilia looked toward the case.
—Wilhelm-san said this concerned the Royal Selection.
—Old Wil rarely gives more information than necessary.
Ferris indicated the free seat.
—Although this time there wasn't much to hide.
Emilia sat beside Roswaal.
Rem remained behind her.
Ram took the opposite position, near the door.
Ferris repeated the message without embellishment.
The discovery of the fifth candidate had removed the final reason to postpone the process. All five had to attend. There, they would be publicly recognized, state their positions, and receive the rules governing the competition.
Emilia listened to the end.
—Then it's no longer just a possibility.
—No.
Ferris tilted his head.
—After the meeting at the castle, the entire kingdom will officially know who is seeking the throne.
Emilia's fingers tightened around her skirt.
Puck appeared on her shoulder.
—We knew this would happen.
—I know —she replied—. It's just that knowing it and having the date in front of you are different things.
Roswaal placed the official letter in front of her.
—You've had time to prepare.
—I don't know whether anyone can completely prepare for something like that.
—The other candidates would probably say the same —Ferris commented—. Some more sincerely than others.
Emilia took the letter.
She read it silently.
Ferris allowed her to finish before continuing.
—There is a second matter.
Emilia raised her gaze.
—Natsuki Subaru.
Rem did not move, but her eyes focused on Ferris.
—What about Subaru?
—His request reached Crusch-sama.
Emilia sent Roswaal a brief look.
He pretended not to notice.
Ferris smiled.
—There is no need to be embarrassed. Requesting treatment for someone injured while helping your camp is not a political weakness.
—I'm not embarrassed.
—Your cheeks say something different.
Emilia brought one hand to her face.
Puck hid a laugh behind one paw.
—Subaru pushed his Gate too far —she said—. Beatrice explained that the circulation is still damaged. He can move, but he has not recovered.
—I know. The symptoms described are quite clear.
Ferris rested one finger against the table.
—Ordinary healing magic will not be enough. He needs someone to reorganize the flow inside his body over an extended period.
—Can you do it?
—I can.
The answer came immediately.
Emilia's expression relaxed.
Ferris raised another finger.
—But not here.
—Why?
—Because I didn't come prepared to remain at this manor for several days. Also because I belong to Crusch-sama's camp, while you belong to a rival candidate's camp.
The softness left his voice.
—Healing Subaru while he remains under your roof could be presented as a political favor. Doing it at the Karsten residence, under a clearly defined medical agreement, avoids unnecessary interpretations.
Roswaal rested his chin against one hand.
—A rather practical distinction.
—Crusch-sama is a practical person.
Ferris looked at Emilia.
—Subaru can travel to the Capital with you and remain at the Karsten residence during treatment. That does not constitute an alliance, a declaration of support, or an open debt between candidates. The terms will be put in writing.
—I accept —Emilia said.
Roswaal glanced at her.
—We don't know the terms yet.
—If they are reasonable, I'll accept them.
Ferris smiled a little more.
—That is what Crusch-sama expected.
Rem spoke for the first time.
—Is there any danger during the journey?
—As long as he doesn't use magic again, the damage should not worsen dramatically.
—And if he does?
—It could make the treatment more difficult.
—Then he should not use it —Rem concluded.
It did not sound like a suggestion.
Ferris observed her for a moment.
—Exactly.
Emilia let out a restrained breath.
—Subaru will want to come as soon as he knows I'm traveling.
—Then he can believe he succeeded in imposing his will —Roswaal said—, while in reality he'll be going because he needs treatment.
—That is manipulative.
—Also effective.
—I don't like it.
—You don't have to.
Ferris finally picked up his cup.
—In my experience, difficult patients rarely cooperate merely because someone explains things to them reasonably.
Rem inclined her head slightly.
—That is also correct.
Emilia looked between them.
—You two should not agree that quickly.
Ferris took a sip.
His ears moved.
—Good tea.
Ram gave no response to the compliment.
—Now —Ferris continued—, the less official matters remain.
Roswaal interlaced his fingers.
—We've reached the entertaining part.
—For you, perhaps.
Ferris pulled out a second sheet.
It carried no royal seal.
Only several short notes, merchants' names, and routes.
—During the past several weeks, contradictory reports have arrived from Mathers territory.
—Rumors travel at an admirable speed.
—Especially when a mountain no longer has the same shape.
Emilia turned toward Roswaal.
The margrave maintained his smile.
—A training accident.
—That is what one report says. Another claims it was a military test. A third insists a giant spirit descended from the sky.
Puck raised one paw.
—That wasn't me.
—There are also mentions of a flying fire creature, a pack of Wolgarms obeying human commands, a Wagpig the size of a house, and a machine capable of drilling through rock.
Ram spoke calmly.
—That last report is correct.
Ferris looked at her.
—Only the last one?
—Ram did not say that.
—What a charming home.
His tone remained light.
His eyes did not.
Ferris placed the sheet on the table.
—Crusch-sama wishes to know what position Link occupies within this camp.
Emilia answered before Roswaal.
—He is our companion.
—That describes a relationship, not a position.
—He lives here and works on the estate —Ram said—. His primary occupation is gardening.
Ferris looked toward the window.
Pepa passed between the trees once again, dragging the mining wagon.
—A gardener.
—He also cooks —Rem added.
—That resolves every doubt I had.
Roswaal laughed.
Emilia did not.
—Why does Crusch care?
Ferris looked back at her.
—Because within a few days, everyone connected to the candidates will be examined very closely. Knights, sponsors, servants, allies, and any military force that can be associated with them.
—Link is not a military force.
Roswaal tilted his head.
Ram showed no reaction.
Rem kept her gaze lowered.
Ferris waited.
Emilia pressed her lips together.
—I didn't mean that he was harmless.
—Nobody who has read these reports would think that.
—He is a person.
—I never said otherwise.
The answer was firm.
Without mockery.
Ferris continued:
—Precisely because he is a person, his decisions have consequences. If he appears in the Capital beside your camp, any action he takes will be attributed to Emilia-sama.
—He does not act under my orders.
—That is the problem.
Silence stretched between them.
Roswaal watched the exchange as though he wanted to see how far it would go.
Ferris placed one finger over the sheet.
—A knight answers to his lady. A servant answers to his employer. A mercenary answers to a contract. Who does Link answer to?
Emilia thought before replying.
—Himself.
—An honest answer.
—He is not a threat to us.
—I'm not assessing whether he cares about you. I'm asking what will happen when his wishes and the interests of your camp stop aligning.
Rem raised her eyes.
—Link would not attack Emilia-sama.
—I did not ask that either.
Ferris's precision left no space for comfortable answers.
—Suppose an authority in the Capital tries to detain him. Suppose someone judges Pepa to be a dangerous Mabeast and orders her killed. Suppose a knight tries to confiscate one of his machines. Will he obey? Negotiate? Destroy a street?
Ram answered:
—That depends on how they ask.
Ferris closed his eyes.
—Wonderful.
Emilia leaned forward.
—Link does not seek conflict.
—Conflict does not require both sides to seek it.
Ferris looked back at Roswaal.
—Is he your subordinate?
—Not exactly.
—Is he employed?
—Irregularly.
—Does he have an oath binding him to the camp?
—None.
—Do you intend to take him to the Capital?
Roswaal allowed several seconds to pass before answering.
—We haven't spoken to him yet.
Ferris picked up the cup again.
—Crusch-sama recommends doing so before you leave.
—Recommends?
—Yes.
The cat-eared young man's smile became very gentle.
—The Royal Guard will be considerably less delicate.
Emilia looked at the document.
—Does Crusch want Link to remain here?
—Crusch-sama does not give orders to people outside her camp. She wants to know what kind of presence will accompany a rival candidate.
—That still sounds like distrust.
—It is.
Ferris made no attempt to soften it.
—Also prudence.
Puck floated from Emilia's shoulder to the table.
—What information do you actually have?
—Little that can be verified. Too much to ignore.
Ferris counted on his fingers.
—We know he arrived in the territory shortly before the Mabeast incident. We know he took part in defending Arlam. We know he controls several animals that should be hostile. We know he builds magical objects without belonging to any known guild. We know the alteration of the mountain coincided with a mana discharge detected from a considerable distance.
Roswaal continued smiling.
—Your sources are good.
—Crusch-sama's sources.
—Naturally.
Ferris continued:
—We do not know what kind of magic he uses. We do not know what family he answers to. We do not know whether he is a spirit contractor, a sorcerer, a Mabeast tamer, or something else.
—He doesn't have answers for everything either —Emilia said.
—That will not reassure the Council.
—He does not need to appear before them.
—No, as long as he remains outside the castle and does not present himself as your knight.
Emilia stiffened.
—Nobody talked about making him a knight.
—Good.
Roswaal narrowed his eyes slightly.
Ferris noticed.
—Am I mistaken?
—I am merely surprised you considered the possibility.
—A candidate without a formal knight, accompanied by someone whose military capability is generating rumors. Others will make the same association.
Emilia lowered her gaze.
The idea did not seem to please her.
Not because of Link.
Because of everything implied by naming someone as her own representative.
—Link would not accept a title merely to resolve rumors —Rem said.
Ferris looked at her.
—You seem to know him well.
—Yes.
Rem's left hand rested on her skirt.
The blue-and-red ring shone when sunlight from the window reached it.
Ferris saw the jewelry.
He did not comment.
—Then perhaps you can answer something simpler. Will he travel if you travel?
Rem took a moment.
—Probably.
—Even if Emilia-sama does not order him to.
—Yes.
—Even if Roswaal-sama prefers that he remain behind.
Rem looked toward her lord.
—Link would listen to his reasons.
—That was not what I asked.
—Then he would decide.
Ferris leaned back against the sofa.
—I understand.
He did not seem satisfied.
Roswaal intervened before the conversation could continue along the same path.
—Link may be impulsive, but he is not incapable of reason. Besides, his presence has benefited the domain.
—And changed its geography.
—Details.
—A mountain is not a detail.
—It was an unproductive mountain.
Ram released a breath that almost sounded like a sigh.
Emilia brought one hand to her forehead.
Ferris looked from Roswaal toward the window.
—There is another concern.
—Another? —Emilia asked.
—His physical condition.
Rem tensed.
—What about it?
—I don't know. That is why I'm asking.
Ferris gently rotated one hand.
—The accounts mention horns, regeneration, bodily extensions, an enormous mana reserve, and recent changes associated with a curse. If he travels to the Capital, I would prefer to examine him.
—Beatrice-sama and Puck-sama have already examined him —Rem replied.
—Beatrice is a Yin Magic user. Puck is a Great Spirit. Neither is a healer specializing in anatomy or Water circulation.
Puck puffed out his cheeks.
—I can tell when someone is broken.
—Knowing that and repairing it are different things.
—Link is not sick —Emilia said.
Ferris looked at her seriously.
—I did not say he was.
Roswaal drummed his fingers against the arm of the sofa.
—An independent examination could prove useful.
Rem sent him a cold look.
—Link will refuse.
—That depends on how he is asked.
Ram corrected:
—He will refuse.
Ferris smiled.
—Now I'm curious.
—It is not a challenge —Emilia said.
—Not to me.
He put away the sheet.
—I will not force him. But if he intends to stay at the Karsten residence or enter facilities under Crusch-sama's responsibility, she may impose conditions.
—Link can stay elsewhere —Rem answered.
—Then there will be no problem.
The speed of the response made it clear Ferris had no intention of using the examination as an excuse to detain him.
He simply wanted information.
And he had no intention of pretending otherwise.
Emilia returned her attention to the Council's letter.
—Are there restrictions on what we can bring?
—Inside the castle, the usual ones. Declared weapons, identified familiars, and no animal capable of crushing the front gate.
Pepa snorted outside.
The glasses vibrated.
Ferris pointed toward the window.
—For example.
Ram picked up the teapot.
—Pepa would not travel inside the carriage.
—I'm glad to hear it.
—She would pull hers.
Ferris very carefully set down his cup.
—That was a joke.
Ram poured more tea.
She clarified nothing.
Subaru remained at the bottom of the stairs.
Rem had delivered her refusal with flawless gentleness.
That did not make it any less final.
—This is an official conversation —she explained—. Emilia-sama must attend with her sponsor and whatever staff are necessary.
—I am staff.
—You are a servant apprentice.
—That still contains the word servant.
—Nee-sama is already attending.
—I can attend with her.
—No.
Subaru looked at Emilia.
She seemed uncomfortable.
Also determined.
—I'm sorry —she said—. Go back to your room for now.
It was not a cruel expulsion.
It was worse.
It was a reasonable request.
Subaru stepped back.
—Of course.
He smiled as though it did not matter.
The expression fooled no one.
Rem accompanied Emilia upstairs.
Subaru remained motionless until both disappeared.
Then he looked toward the main entrance.
The old man from the carriage was still waiting outside.
Subaru snapped his fingers.
—Alternate plan.
Link found the Forbidden Library on his third attempt.
The first door led to a storage room.
The second led to Ram's room.
He escaped before anyone saw him.
On the third, Beatrice appeared, sitting on her staircase with an open book.
The girl raised her eyes.
Then examined the dirt covering Link's clothes.
—Out.
—I cleaned my boots.
—You brought half the quarry with you.
—It's fine dust.
—Betty does not distinguish between categories of filth, I suppose.
Link remained in the doorway.
—I'm on time.
—You arrived dirty.
—I can clean afterward.
—You can clean before.
One of Link's kagunes emerged behind him.
It picked up a cloth from a basket by the door and began brushing dirt from his shoulders.
Beatrice closed her book.
—That does not count.
—It's working.
A second kagune cleaned his back.
A third removed dust from his hair.
A fourth held his backpack.
The remaining two stayed retracted.
Beatrice watched the process.
—You will not use those things to spread dirt through the Library.
—They will not apply the curse.
—You said that yesterday.
—And they didn't.
—One afternoon without cursing furniture does not constitute a reliable history.
Link finished cleaning himself.
He retracted the extensions.
—What's the lesson?
Beatrice watched him for several seconds.
—Six currents.
She placed six small crystals on the table.
Each had a different color.
—You will maintain a different amount of mana inside each one. None may go dark. None may overflow.
—I already did that with the kagunes.
—You did it while moving them. Not while regulating six independent outputs directly from your Gate.
—Sounds easy.
Beatrice smiled unpleasantly.
—Begin.
Link placed both hands over the table.
The crystals lit up.
The first barely required any energy.
The second needed twice as much.
The third demanded spaced pulses.
The fourth rejected fire and forced him to convert the current.
The fifth drained mana whenever the sixth glowed.
Within seconds, three went dark.
Another exploded.
Beatrice raised a barrier before the fragments struck the books.
—Easy.
—You didn't explain they were connected.
—An enemy will not explain its tricks either.
Link took another crystal from the box.
—Again.
Roswaal's voice came faintly from somewhere within the manor.
Not the words.
Only the prolonged rhythm.
Link paid no attention.
Beatrice did.
—You are not going to ask about the visitors.
—No.
—You show surprisingly little interest in the Royal Selection.
—It is Emilia's meeting.
—You live in her camp.
—That doesn't mean I need to involve myself in every conversation she has.
Beatrice blinked.
—A less stupid answer than usual.
—Thank you.
—It was not praise.
—I'll keep it anyway.
The six crystals lit up again.
This time, they lasted longer.
Subaru served the best tea he could find.
Not because he intended to steal it.
Because he had calculated that an old man capable of recognizing Emilia through a concealment cloak would not respond favorably to a mediocre drink.
Wilhelm accepted the cup with both hands.
Before tasting it, he studied Subaru.
—You have an objective.
—Can't it simply be hospitality?
—It could.
Wilhelm drank.
—But it isn't.
Subaru let his shoulders fall.
—All right. You caught me.
He introduced himself.
The old man did the same.
Wilhelm.
Retainer of House Karsten.
Subaru asked about the meeting.
Wilhelm politely refused to disclose its contents.
He did not know Subaru's position and had no intention of revealing confidential information merely because the young man had offered him expensive tea.
Subaru changed tactics.
He asked about the sword Wilhelm was not carrying.
About the way he moved.
About how he had recognized Emilia.
The old man did not answer everything.
He confirmed enough to make it clear he was no ordinary coachman.
Wilhelm examined the visible scars along Subaru's arms.
—Bites and claws.
Subaru looked at his own skin.
—I had a bad week.
—You favor your left side.
—That'll get better too.
Wilhelm did not look convinced.
The conversation drifted toward Emilia.
Then, by a path Subaru could not entirely reconstruct, toward Wilhelm's wife.
The old man stated with complete seriousness that no woman could equal her beauty.
Subaru defended Emilia.
Wilhelm defended his wife.
Neither yielded.
The exchange ended without a winner.
It was probably the first argument Subaru had experienced in that world where his opponent's stubbornness had actually seemed pleasant.
Ferris put away the official document.
—That concludes the message.
Emilia still held the summons.
—Thank you for bringing it.
—It is my duty.
Ferris stood.
Roswaal did as well.
—Give Crusch my regards.
—I will.
The friendly tone concealed the distance between the two camps.
Ferris turned toward Emilia.
—Regarding Subaru, the offer remains. I'll examine him today to confirm that he can travel. Treatment will begin once he reaches the Capital.
—Thank you.
—Don't thank me yet. He may be an unbearable patient.
Rem spoke.
—He will be.
Emilia looked toward her.
—Rem.
—It is not criticism. It is a prediction.
Ferris laughed.
Ram opened the door.
In the hallway, Link walked in the opposite direction carrying three books.
Beatrice followed behind, gripping one end of his jacket to keep him from escaping before returning them.
Ferris stopped.
—Ah.
Link did too.
The two observed each other.
Ferris had seen his back from the window.
Up close, Link looked less impressive than the reports suggested.
Average height.
Tired face.
Dark hair with a small amount of dust he had failed to remove.
Two horns protruding between the strands.
The calm lasted until Ferris sent one look too carefully toward his neck, hands, and the center of his chest.
Link took half a step back.
—No.
Ferris blinked.
—I haven't asked anything yet.
—You were going to examine me.
—How did you know?
—You gathered mana in your fingers.
Ferris looked at his own hand.
The energy was so faint most mages would never have noticed it.
—Good senses.
—No.
—It would only be a brief examination.
—No.
—You don't even know what I would be looking for.
—I don't know you either.
Ferris smiled.
—I'm the best healer you'll find in the Capital.
—Congratulations.
—I could discover a problem your caretakers have overlooked.
Beatrice pulled Link's jacket.
—Betty does not overlook things, I suppose.
Ferris lowered his gaze.
—Beatrice-sama.
—Ferris.
It did not sound like an affectionate greeting.
Ferris looked back toward Link.
—I would use nothing dangerous.
—It is still no.
There was no hostility in the answer.
Nor hesitation.
Ferris studied his horns.
Then the books.
Finally the Library door.
—Crusch-sama may request an evaluation if you intend to stay beneath her roof.
—Then I won't stay beneath her roof.
—That was quick.
—The answer was simple.
Rem appeared behind Ferris.
Link looked at her.
The blue ring remained on her finger.
Her expression did not ask him to accept.
It merely evaluated the situation.
—Ferris will not force you —she said.
—Of course not.
Ferris raised both hands.
—Uncooperative people tend to produce unreliable results.
Beatrice pushed Link toward the Library.
—Class is not over.
—We finished the six crystals.
—You destroyed four.
—The latest six worked.
—For nineteen seconds.
—That is progress.
The door opened.
Beatrice stopped before entering.
—Link is under Betty's supervision. He does not need the knight of another candidate putting magic inside his body.
Ferris tilted his head.
—That sounded rather protective.
The door closed.
Link disappeared with her.
Ferris stared at the wood.
—Now I'm even more curious.
Ram passed beside him.
—It is a common defect in this manor.
When Ferris stepped outside, he found Subaru sitting beside Wilhelm.
Both held cups.
The manor's most expensive tea was in plain view.
Ram stopped in the doorway.
Subaru saw her.
The color drained from his face.
—I can explain.
—Ram expects an extremely convincing explanation.
Ferris approached before the interrogation could begin.
—Is this Subaru?
Emilia had described his appearance.
And his injuries.
The answer was obvious.
Subaru stood.
Ferris gave him no opportunity to establish distance.
One arm wrapped around his neck.
Water Magic entered his body through the contact.
Subaru stiffened.
Then screamed when Ferris added a small bite to the examination.
Wilhelm closed his eyes.
Ram showed no reaction.
—Your flow is stagnant —Ferris concluded when he moved away—. Considerably more than it should be.
Subaru brought one hand to his ear.
—WHAT KIND OF EXAMINATION WAS THAT?!
—A quick one.
—YOU BIT ME!
—That was not part of the examination.
Ferris smiled.
—That was free.
Subaru retreated.
—Don't come near me again.
—You'll have to get used to it. I'm going to treat you in the Capital.
—What?
Ferris looked toward the entrance.
—You should ask Emilia-sama.
Wilhelm set his cup on the tray.
—It is time to return.
Ferris nodded.
—Crusch-sama should not be kept waiting.
Subaru tried stopping them with more questions.
He received no useful answers.
Ferris climbed into the carriage.
Wilhelm took the driver's seat.
Before taking the reins, the old man gave Subaru one final look.
—Take care of your body, Subaru-dono.
—Everyone keeps telling me that.
—Perhaps you should listen to them.
The carriage began moving.
The black dragon passed beside the shed.
Pepa raised her head.
The draft animal accelerated.
Wilhelm kept control without forcing it to stop.
Ferris leaned half his body out the window.
—We'll see each other in the Capital!
Subaru remained in front of the manor with a red ear, a reprimand still pending over the tea, and more questions than before.
Then he remembered the most important word.
Capital.
He turned toward the entrance.
—Emilia-tan.
Ram briefly blocked his path.
—The tea.
—I'LL PAY FOR IT LATER!
—You cannot afford it.
—THEN LINK WILL PAY FOR IT!
A dry impact came from some distant window.
Subaru did not know whether it was Beatrice closing a book or Link somehow hearing the attempted betrayal.
He ran upstairs.
—IF EMILIA IS GOING TO THE CAPITAL, I'M GOING TOO!
The reception-room door had barely closed when Subaru made his declaration.
Emilia still held the summons.
Roswaal had sat down again.
Ram remained behind her lord.
Rem had returned to her position beside Emilia.
Everyone looked at Subaru.
He was breathing hard after running up the stairs.
—No —Emilia replied.
The rejection came so quickly Subaru needed a moment to react.
—You didn't even hear my reasons.
—I know them.
—That's impossible.
—You want to help me.
—Exactly.
—You want to be there.
—Yes.
—And you'll end up pushing yourself harder than your body allows.
Subaru opened his mouth.
Emilia gave him no time.
—Ferris just confirmed your Gate is damaged.
—That can be fixed.
—In the Capital.
—Then that is even more reason for me to go.
Emilia tightened her grip on the letter.
—You aren't going because of the Royal Selection.
—I can go for two things.
—Subaru.
—I can't stay here while something this important is happening to you.
—I'm not asking you not to care.
—It feels similar.
Emilia's expression changed.
It was not anger.
It was a more uncomfortable mixture.
Concern, exhaustion, and the certainty that she was repeating an argument that had not truly begun yet.
—Every time you try helping me, you end up hurt.
—And I still helped.
—That isn't the point.
—To me it is.
The silence became tense.
Rem stepped forward.
—Subaru must go to the Capital.
Emilia looked at her.
So did Subaru.
—Rem...
—He needs treatment. Ferris will not stay here, and Beatrice-sama cannot completely restore his Gate.
Subaru raised one finger.
—Exactly.
Rem continued before he could celebrate.
—That does not mean he should involve himself in Royal Selection matters.
The finger lowered.
—Partial betrayal.
—It is a medical recommendation.
—Then you agree I should go.
—For treatment.
Roswaal brought his hands together in a soft clap.
—It seems the solution is quite cleaar.
Emilia frowned.
—Roswaal.
—Subaru will travel with us.
The young man's expression brightened.
—I knew you were reasonable!
—As a patient.
The brightness diminished.
—What?
—You will not attend as an adviser, political servant, knight, or representative of Emilia. You will travel so Ferris can treat your Gate.
Subaru pointed toward the letter.
—But I'll be in the Capital.
—Yes.
—At the same time as the meeting.
—Also yes.
—Then—
—And you will remain away from official matters.
Subaru slowly lowered his hand.
—That sounds like a very specific restriction.
—Because you are extremely predictable —Ram said.
—I didn't ask you.
Roswaal turned back toward Emilia.
—This solution satisfies both needs. Subaru receives treatment and you do not have to leave him here without supervision.
—That isn't what worries me.
—I know.
Emilia looked at Subaru.
He tried showing her his most trustworthy expression.
He failed.
—Promise you won't do anything reckless.
—I promise to try—
—That isn't a promise.
—I promise not to get involved in the meeting unless it becomes absolutely necessary.
Emilia closed her eyes.
—That is even worse.
Rem intervened.
—I'll go with him.
Subaru looked at her.
She maintained a professional expression.
—I'll supervise his treatment and prevent him from using magic.
—Rem, you're the best.
—You have not heard the part where Rem will stop you by force.
—Still better than staying behind.
Emilia did not seem convinced.
Roswaal had already made the decision.
—We'll prepare for departure. We need a full day, so we'll leave early two mornings from now.
Ram nodded.
Rem did too.
Subaru raised a fist.
Emilia sighed.
Then she remembered something.
—What about Link?
Subaru's excitement diminished.
Rem raised her eyes.
Roswaal ran one finger along the second sheet Ferris had left behind.
—House Karsten asked about him.
—That doesn't answer the question —Emilia said.
—I'll speak with Link separately.
—You can't order him to go.
—Nor did I say I would.
—Do you want to take him?
Roswaal smiled.
—I want to know what he wants to do.
Ram spoke from behind him.
—If Rem travels, the answer is predictable.
Rem did not deny it.
Emilia looked toward the door.
Beyond the hallway was the Forbidden Library.
—I don't want you using him to intimidate the other candidates.
—What a dreadful opinion you have of me.
—Would you?
Roswaal remained silent.
Emilia frowned.
—Roswaal.
—It will not be necessary.
That was not a denial.
Subaru crossed his arms.
—If Link goes, they won't be able to keep him out of the castle.
Ram corrected him.
—They can keep him out. The difficult part will be surviving the attempt if they use the wrong method.
—That does not help.
—Ram was not attempting to help.
Rem looked at the ring on her hand.
—He needs to know before deciding.
—Naturally —Roswaal said—. Once he finishes his lesson.
Subaru blinked.
—He's still studying?
From the distance came the sound of a crystal shattering.
Then Beatrice's indignant voice.
—Seems so —Emilia replied.
The sixth crystal remained lit.
Link kept his hands a few centimeters above the table.
A tiny flame burned inside the first.
The second was covered in frost.
The third pulsed according to an irregular rhythm.
The remaining three exchanged energy without allowing the current to accumulate.
Twenty-seven seconds.
Twenty-eight.
Twenty-nine.
The green crystal attempted to steal mana from the blue.
Link closed the route.
The red one lost stability.
He opened another.
The yellow began heating up.
He reduced the output.
Thirty-five seconds.
Beatrice watched with her arms crossed.
—Do not use your horns to compensate.
—I'm not using them.
—They are absorbing.
—They always absorb a little.
—Reduce it.
Link restrained the incoming flow.
The change forced him to redistribute every current.
Two crystals flickered.
Neither went dark.
Forty seconds.
Three knocks struck the Library door.
Link lost concentration.
The blue crystal exploded.
Beatrice raised a barrier.
The fragments bounced against it.
—Forty-three —Link said.
—Forty-two.
—The knock distracted me.
—The knock exists.
—That isn't fair.
—Neither is magic.
Rem opened the door.
Beatrice sent her an irritated look.
—You ruined the test, I suppose.
—My apologies.
Rem entered.
Her gaze went first toward Link.
Then toward the broken crystals.
—Is class over?
—No —Beatrice answered.
—Yes —Link said.
The girl struck his arm with the book.
—Now it is.
Link gathered the fragments with one extension and dropped them into a container.
—What happened?
Rem waited until he had finished.
—The Royal Selection is formally beginning.
Link nodded.
He did not look surprised.
—Emilia-sama and Roswaal-sama will travel to the Capital in two days.
—Good.
—Subaru too.
—That was more predictable.
—He'll receive treatment from Ferris.
Link looked toward the door.
—The one with the ears?
—Yes.
—He seemed far too interested in touching people.
Rem blinked.
—He examined Subaru.
—I heard him scream.
—He also wanted to examine you.
—I refused.
—I know.
—Did he complain?
—He said you answered before he finished asking.
—He didn't need to finish.
Beatrice returned to her staircase.
—Ferris puts his hands where they do not belong, I suppose.
Rem decided not to ask.
Link put away the books.
—Who stays at the manor?
—Nee-sama and Beatrice-sama.
—And you?
Rem held his gaze.
—I'll accompany Subaru during his treatment and attend to Emilia-sama.
Link set the final book on the table.
—I understand.
The answer was too neutral.
Rem approached.
—Roswaal-sama wants to speak with you.
—To make me go?
—House Karsten asked what position you hold within the camp.
—I don't have one.
—That was part of the problem.
Link exhaled.
Beatrice turned a page.
—Betty told you so.
—You said living here made me an administrative nuisance.
—Same thing.
Rem continued:
—They also asked whether you would travel with us.
Link looked at her.
—What did you answer?
—That you probably would.
—Why?
—Because Rem is going.
There was no manipulation in her voice.
Only a conclusion.
Link held her gaze for several seconds.
Then picked up his backpack.
—Then you answered correctly.
Rem smiled.
—You still need to speak with Roswaal-sama.
—I will.
—You cannot take Pepa into the Capital.
—I wasn't planning to.
Pepa snorted somewhere outside.
The Library vibrated.
Beatrice looked up.
—Betty hopes that is true.
Link put on the backpack.
—The Wolgarms can stay with Ram. Excadrill can keep working under supervision. Charizard—
—Will not enter the castle either —Rem said.
—I didn't say I was taking him into the castle.
—You were thinking it.
Link did not answer.
Rem extended her hand.
He took it.
—Ferris also said Crusch-sama could require an examination if you intend to stay at her residence.
—I won't stay there.
—Subaru will.
—Subaru needs treatment.
—And you?
—I need a bed.
Beatrice closed her book.
—And supervision.
—I'll have Rem.
She tightened her fingers slightly around his.
—That doesn't always stop you.
—But it helps.
Rem did not argue.
Link looked at the six crystals.
Five remained intact.
One had been reduced to fragments.
He had managed to maintain six distinct currents for forty-two seconds.
In two days, they would go to the Capital, where Emilia would be presented as a candidate before the most powerful people in the kingdom and every eye would eventually fall on those accompanying her.
A place where strength would not decide who was right.
Where breaking the obstacle would probably make everything worse.
Link allowed Rem to lead him toward the door.
—Two days —he said.
—Yes.
—I'll need decent clothes.
—Rem had already thought of that.
—That concerns me.
—You will also need to bathe before trying them on.
—I bathed yesterday.
Rem looked at him.
—I'll bathe.
They left the Library.
Beatrice closed the door behind them.
Outside, Pepa remained beside the mining wagon, enormous, patient, and fully capable of breaking through a wall if Link ordered it.
Ferris's visit had left no corpses, craters, or wounds behind.
Only a summons, several questions, and a date.