Natsuki Subaru's wine glass shook violently, the crimson liquid nearly sloshing out.
Wait a minute... is this development going somewhere it shouldn't? A husband in matters of state... Don't tell me this is a marriage proposal? Crap... my heart is beating even faster!
"It... was merely a jest. You need not take it seriously."
Seeing Natsuki Subaru's stunned expression, Crusch covered her lips with her hand and let out a light chuckle. As her shoulders trembled, the black silk of her dress rippled, and the sliver of fair skin peeking from her neckline was especially dazzling in the candlelight.
Natsuki Subaru subconsciously pressed a hand to his chest, feeling the frantic pounding beneath.
This is too dangerous.
If his heart hadn't already been filled by those two figures, he might have actually agreed.
Aaargh... What am I even thinking?! I already have two people who are so important to me... Damn it!
At that thought, Natsuki Subaru downed the wine in his glass. The cool liquid slid down his throat but did nothing to quell the fire in his heart.
"Sometimes, I wonder," Crusch began, her gaze fixed on the distance, the moonlight casting fan-shaped shadows from her long eyelashes, a faint smile playing on her lips. "If you had arrived in the capital alone and without support, I would have certainly done everything in my power to recruit you. To have you join me, alongside Felix and the others..."
At this, Crusch's expression suddenly softened, as if she were recalling a warm memory. "Ah, if that person were also here, I'm sure the two of you would have gotten along very well."
That person?
Natsuki Subaru's curiosity was piqued, but seeing the slightly wistful look on Crusch's face, he ultimately didn't ask.
"Miss Crusch..." Natsuki Subaru said, looking at the beautiful and moving woman before him. "To be honest, if it were as you say, I might have really followed you."
He paused for a moment. "But..."
"I have already met people who are irreplaceable to me," Natsuki Subaru's voice was gentle yet firm, enunciating each word as if making a vow. "Yes, they are both treasures I would risk my life to protect."
A night breeze, fragrant with roses, drifted past. In his mind's eye, Natsuki Subaru clearly saw those two irreplaceable figures: Emilia's silver hair, as pure as snow, shining in the moonlight, and Rem's cornflower-blue eyes, filled with tenderness.
I really am a greedy man... I already have two such important people, yet I can still be moved by other women. Natsuki Subaru laughed at himself mockingly in his heart.
"Yes, it truly is a shame." Crusch did not seem surprised by his answer. She simply swirled her glass gently, the red wine creating an elegant arc. She looked directly at Subaru's face, the moonlight glinting in her amber eyes. "However, there is no need for too much sentiment. Life is long, and bonds can take many forms. Even if we are not in the same camp, we can still fight side by side. I have always believed that, Natsuki Subaru."
This is... the source of Crusch's charm! Always so frank, so dazzling...
Gazing at Crusch's resolute profile under the moonlight, Natsuki Subaru felt a warmth spread through him. He couldn't help but say, "Yeah! Me too, Miss Crusch. No matter what happens in the future, you will always be my important friend."
"A friend, you say..." Crusch repeated softly, a meaningful smile gracing her lips. "That is a fine title. I like it."
In the night sky, the countless stars were like diamonds, shining brilliantly. They sat facing each other, tacitly looking out at the myriad lights of the distant capital. The night wind gently brushed through their hair, carrying the fragrance of the courtyard gardens.
The next morning, bright sunlight spilled onto the stone-paved streets of the capital.
Natsuki Subaru and Emilia walked side-by-side down the bustling, lively street. Passersby came and went, yet no one recognized this seemingly ordinary young man and woman as the hero and the Royal Candidate who were the talk of the capital.
"Speaking of which, it's been a while since I've just leisurely walked around with you like this, Emilia-tan." Natsuki Subaru said cheerfully, his hands crossed behind his head.
"That's right..." Emilia's voice was as soft as the morning light. "Ever since Subaru-kun went off to the White Whale Subjugation by yourself, we've rarely had a chance to be together like this."
Natsuki Subaru glanced at the silver-haired girl beside him and saw that she was watching him with a gentle gaze, which made his heart race. Leaving Emilia in the capital was the right decision. At least she avoided the attacks from the Witch Cult and the Sin Archbishops. I missed her terribly, but her safety is more important.
"By the way, Emilia-tan, have you been alright in the capital lately? Have any of those nobles been giving you a hard time?"
"Thanks to Roswaal's arrangements, I've been studying the kingdom's politics and history. It's a bit boring, but everyone has been... very friendly." As she said this, a complex expression flickered in Emilia's purple eyes. "But, ever since Subaru-kun became the kingdom's hero for killing the White Whale and repelling the Sin Archbishop of Greed..."
"Oh, is that so," Natsuki Subaru said thoughtfully. So my actions really did help Emilia. But thinking about it, it made sense. Defeating the White Whale that had plagued the world for over four hundred years and repelling the Witch Cult's strongest Sin Archbishop were both feats worthy of changing people's perceptions of Emilia.
"Mhm," Emilia nodded lightly, her amethyst eyes gazing gently at Subaru. "Before, many people deliberately kept their distance from me because I'm a half-elf... But now, they all say, 'As expected of the silver-haired half-elf's knight'... This is all thanks to you, Subaru."
"Emilia-tan, you have to remember, your worth is never decided by me," Natsuki Subaru said, stopping and placing his hands gently on Emilia's shoulders. "Even without all this so-called glory, you are still the kind, strong Emilia who deserves everyone's respect."
Speaking of which, Emilia's gaze is always so lacking in confidence, even though she's already so amazing.
Emilia was taken aback, her amethyst eyes widening slightly. The sunlight filtering through the leaves cast dappled shadows on her delicate face. After a moment of silence, the corners of her mouth slowly turned up, blooming into a smile brighter than the sun itself.
"Subaru, you silly... you're the one who's always pushing the credit onto others."
"Haha!" Natsuki Subaru scratched the back of his head and gave Emilia a playful wink. "That was the result of everyone's combined efforts! Besides... protecting you, Emilia-tan, is my most important job. After all—I'm your one and only guardian knight!"
Emilia's smile, however, gradually faded. She lowered her head, her long silver hair falling like a waterfall.
"What's wrong, Emilia-tan?" Natsuki Subaru keenly sensed the change in her mood, his voice unconsciously softening.
"Subaru..." Emilia's voice grew smaller. "Am I... useless?"
"Why would you suddenly say that?" Natsuki Subaru said, looking at her with a dead-serious expression. "Emilia-tan is the cutest in the world! And, you know, cuteness is justice! So, you'll be forgiven for anything you do!"
It was worth noting that while Emilia had always been shunned, and besides her resemblance to the Witch of Envy, her otherworldly beauty itself made people afraid to approach her. It was like the bright moon in the night sky, so beautiful it felt profane to even look at. But paradoxically, even those who were prejudiced against half-elves would be struck by her pure, flawless beauty upon seeing her in person, and would unconsciously feel a sense of goodwill.
"I have no idea where you learn these strange theories, Subaru..." Emilia puffed up her cheeks, a childish gesture that made her look even cuter. "I'm not talking about that. I just feel like... I'm always being taken care of by others."
"Ever since I came to the capital, all I've done is read books in my room and occasionally go out to study... Even though it's in preparation for the Royal Selection, I feel like I haven't helped you at all, Subaru..."
"Tan, is that so? How come I didn't know that?" Natsuki Subaru scratched his head, deliberately playing dumb, then looked at the silver-haired girl with a gentle gaze.
You've been studying how to govern a country so hard you forget to eat or sleep. You stay up all night reading documents just to understand the kingdom's situation. I've seen all that effort... you dummy.
Emilia really didn't know how to recognize her own worth. Thinking of this, Natsuki Subaru looked at Emilia with a serious expression and said, "But think about it, Emilia-tan, you are very useful! For example, you always properly put your finished dinner plates in the kitchen sink every day! That's a very important chore!" After saying this, he even nodded with great solemnity.
"B-But... Rem does that too..." Emilia answered innocently, then quickly realized and shook her head. "I'm not talking about small things like that. I want to be like you, Subaru, and be able to truly help everyone."
Ah, Emilia's pure kindness really is both delightful and exasperating. Subaru's heart softened, and he said gently to Emilia, "I see, you want to help. I understand. Emilia-tan has always been such an upright and sincere person."
"Then... will I be a bother to you, Subaru?" Emilia looked up at him anxiously, her amethyst eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Of course not!" Natsuki Subaru immediately straightened up and patted his chest. "As Emilia-tan's knight, I will support you with all my might! You can do it!"
"Mhm! Just you watch, Subaru!" Emilia was encouraged, but in the next second, she fell back into thought, tapping her chin with her index finger. "But... even if I say that, what specifically can I do to help...?"
Suddenly, Emilia's eyes lit up, and she raised a small fist, full of energy. "I know! I can help Subaru with some physical labor!"
"Ph-Physical labor?!" Natsuki Subaru froze, his mind seemingly jumping to a certain conclusion as his face turned red at a visible rate.
Wait a minute... physical labor when the two of us are alone, this development... It couldn't be... what I'm thinking, could it?!
Just as Subaru's heart was racing, Emilia continued, "For example, helping you clean your room, taking care of your daily needs, and things like that!"
Natsuki Subaru nearly choked on his own saliva. What was I even expecting...? As a youth from a harmonious society, I shouldn't be thinking lewd thoughts.
At this thought, Natsuki Subaru hastily put on a serious face and said to Emilia, "Um... Emilia-tan, don't you think that's a little strange? You're the master, and I'm the knight... Besides, for daily chores like that, Rem should be able to handle it all, right?"
"Oh..." Hearing this, Emilia deflated like a popped balloon, her shoulders slumping. "That's true, Rem can do everything so well... Ugh... Am I really not useful at all?"
Seeing the dejected silver-haired girl before him, Natsuki Subaru suddenly spoke with a serious tone. "Emilia-tan, do you know why I could go off to fight the White Whale with peace of mind?"
"Huh?"
"Because I knew you were in the capital, studying hard, trying your best to become a worthy successor to the throne." Natsuki Subaru looked at Emilia, his voice becoming firm and gentle. "That's not something just anyone can do. Your hard work is the greatest support you could ever give me."
"But Subaru, you risked your life to fight the White Whale and the Sin Archbishops... I didn't help at all." Emilia's eyes started to well up.
"Then let's make a promise!" Natsuki Subaru suddenly held up his index finger, looking at Emilia with a bright smile. "At the next Royal Selection meeting, let's show everyone the results of your studies! We'll shock them all!"
"Subaru..." Emilia finally broke into a smile through her tears, and the sunlight seemed to shine even brighter in her grin. "Mhm! I'll do my best!"
"Yeah, you got this." Natsuki Subaru looked at the silver-haired girl who had her smile back, a warm feeling swelling in his heart.
A smile like that... is worth risking my life to protect.
The conversation of a few passersby on the side of the road drifted into Natsuki Subaru and Emilia's ears:
"Did you hear? The knight of that half-elf Royal Candidate, Sir Natsuki Subaru, is just a young boy?"
"Yeah, they say Knight Subaru killed the demon beast, the White Whale, with a single slash! He's even stronger than the Sword Saint, Reinhard!"
"For real...? He's that strong?"
"You bet! And get this, even that Sin Archbishop from the Witch Cult was so scared of Sir Natsuki Subaru's glare that he ran away wetting his pants!"
"With such a powerful knight watching over us, our kingdom is finally safe..."
"By the way, I heard that Knight Subaru has eight arms and can use multiple martial arts at the same time!"
"No wonder Sir Natsuki Subaru is so amazing! So he has eight arms!"
"They say... that Sir Natsuki Subaru... is also an eight-foot-tall, muscle-bound berserker!"
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