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Chapter 121 - 2 Departure — Heading to the Mathers Mansion

Departure — Heading to the Mathers Mansion

After arriving at the rendezvous point, Subaru first greeted Rem, then looked somewhat warily at Otto, who walked out from the massive group of people.

It had been almost two months since coming to the other world, and Subaru's relationship with Otto was still just at the level of acquaintances.

Even Subaru himself hadn't expected to be acting together with Otto this time.

"By the way, is it really necessary to bring so many people?"

After a brief greeting, while Rem stepped away, Subaru pointed at the nearly 30-person group and asked Otto.

"The average combat ability of mercenaries is pretty low, and we're heading to the territory of the Mathers border count, who once mysteriously launched an attack.

I think it's better to be cautious. Rather, I should ask: you planned to go alone, Subaru? Isn't that a little too careless?"

Subaru also realized that his approach may have lacked proper consideration.

After all, the others didn't know about his soul contract with Roswaal or his Return by Death ability. After becoming Felt-sama's knight yesterday and proposing to go to the Mathers territory alone, Reinhild had scolded him, and in the end, it turned into a situation where he was heading there together with Otto, who also planned to go to the Mathers territory.

That's right—now that the Royal Selection had begun, those in Felt's faction were finally permitted to go to the Mathers territory.

Though Subaru hadn't been part of the Felt camp before, he was restricted by the knights' regulations to remain near the royal capital.

Now, as an official knight loyal to Felt, he had finally gained the freedom to move around.

Still, even with that, Subaru hadn't lowered his guard against Otto.

Otto may have thought Subaru didn't know, but Subaru had clearly recognized the two people leading the mercenaries—Sethia the lancer and Brian—who had performed outstandingly in the battle at the sixth loop's front lines.

No matter how he looked at it, Otto's combat power was too high.

Of course, what made Subaru most wary was that Otto hadn't chosen to bring any guard for protection, and had even proactively pushed away Reinhild, who had planned to accompany them.

As the saying goes, "a villain easily recognizes their own kind"—Subaru himself also had reasons for not wanting Reinhild involved in this trip.

That's how he became convinced that Otto, who had taken similar measures, also had secret actions he didn't want Reinhild to know about.

"Subaru-kun, Otto-sama, Emilia-sama is ready. We can depart now."

"Got it, understood."

The group slowly set off.

When Subaru looked back, he could see Roswaal smiling annoyingly and Ram bowing respectfully.

—Let me confirm it for myself. What exactly is the situation with my Return by Death? And is there any chance I can return to Japan to say goodbye to my parents?

"Subaru-kun? What are you thinking about?"

"I was just thinking about how to win over the mansion's great spirit. Rem, do you have any advice?"

Subaru asked with a smile.

Gaining the power of the great spirit was also an important goal in his mind, especially since he could feel his own rate of improvement slowing down.

"Beatrice-sama? Beatrice-sama is the great spirit who lives in the forbidden library.

From what I remember, she usually stays in her room. If you're looking for something she likes, Beatrice-sama and Puck-sama have a very close relationship."

"That's the worst news I've heard all day."

Subaru said, clutching his head.

After all, Puck had been slashed by Reinhild and now lived in a stone, sleeping away like a useless cat.

Even the kind-hearted Emilia occasionally showed hostility towards him.

Subaru could easily imagine how Beatrice the great spirit would feel about him and his companions.

"Don't tell me she's going to attack us directly…"

Suddenly, Subaru felt Otto hadn't brought enough combat power. If Rem nodded, maybe they should just call off the whole operation.

"She shouldn't, I think. After all, Puck-sama was the one who attacked first.

Plus, Beatrice-sama isn't the impulsive type, and Roswaal-sama should have confirmed things in advance."

Subaru recalled Roswaal's meaningful smile at their parting, and he felt even more uneasy.

Still, Return by Death gave Subaru the courage to press on, and soon he continued asking about ways to increase favorability.

The June sun hung in the sky, scorching the land. The air was visibly shimmering, and black Patrasche's body had become blazing hot.

Subaru was drenched in sweat.

Rem looked over with a questioning gaze—Subaru knew it was a silent offer to cool him down, but seeing the suffering mercenaries around and considering Rem's mana, he was about to shake his head.

Suddenly, a refreshing cool breeze descended.

"Thanks, Emilia-sama!"

Subaru shouted out.

The mercenaries, who had shown slight hostility toward Emilia due to her attitude, now looked in surprise toward the carriage.

"Don't get the wrong idea. It was just getting too stuffy inside the carriage."

—She's got such a personality that always puts her at a disadvantage.

Subaru sighed in admiration.

With the mobile air-conditioning in place, the group managed to travel much further. Finally—

"I can see the Flugel Tree!"

A voice rang out from the front of the heat-exhausted group.

At first, Subaru thought it was just wishful thinking, but soon, a sky-piercing giant tree appeared in his view.

The team's low morale instantly rose, and they began speeding up. In just a few minutes, they were resting in the tree's shade.

"That's really something…"

The Flugel Tree along the Lifaus Highway was like a landmark.

Now Subaru understood why—it was a massive tree over 100 meters tall, standing on a small hill.

While marveling at it, Subaru jumped down from Patrasche's back, gave the dragon a gentle pat, and walked toward the luxurious dragon carriage parked by the tree.

"Emilia-sama, could I please have a few ice cubes?"

Subaru asked in a pitiful tone.

Emilia initially refused, but under Subaru's relentless begging and shameless behavior, she snorted in hostility and added a few ice cubes into Brian's water cup.

Subaru exchanged glances with Otto.

Otto nodded, then said something to the wary Brian.

Soon, Brian's team also received ice.

Not long after, more people approached Emilia. Eventually, the slight tension in the air faded completely.

"As expected of Subaru-kun. I was honestly worried Emilia-sama might have a falling-out with everyone."

Rem, who had appeared out of nowhere, praised him.

"It's mostly because Emilia's just too kind."

Subaru said, thinking back to the moment when ice suddenly appeared in the sky while everyone was suffering from the heat during the journey.

That moment had led to the plan he and Otto called the "Operation Beg for Ice."

And judging by the results, Emilia's hostility had now been interpreted as mere tsundere behavior.

"Our next stop is the Mathers Mansion, right?"

Subaru asked Rem, who was acting as their guide.

"Yes. Just a bit further north is Arlam Village, and then it's the Mathers Mansion."

"I see… It's finally time to uncover the truth, huh?"

Subaru said with emotion.

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