Chapter 74: Arrival at the Capital
"Oh... hello, my name is Subaru Natsuki."
"I already know your name, since it's part of the deal. I was going to chat with you more, but it's getting late. We still need to report back to the capital. We'll talk when you come to the capital, Subaru."
Hearing this, Subaru didn't know how to respond.
After all, he had many questions he wanted to ask.
"Lord Wilhelm, you should have told me you were coming, even a little."
"Hmm, I just ran into someone I was curious about."
"Well, I'll forgive you this time, Lord Wilhelm. After all, I also think he's quite interesting."
Standing beside them, Subaru couldn't say a word, only watching the two talk.
After they said their goodbyes, Subaru walked to the gate and watched them leave.
When the carriage completely disappeared from sight, Subaru turned to Emilia.
After seeing Subaru's gaze, Emilia quickly turned her head and said,
"Hmm... get ready. Tomorrow we're all going to the capital."
"And then?"
"There's nothing else."
"No way! Emilia, you're obviously hiding a lot!"
"You'll find out later. Don't ask anymore."
Seeing Emilia hurry away flustered, Subaru realized he probably wouldn't get any answers. But he didn't care too much—she said he'd find out eventually.
"Let's go, Rem. Let's prepare for the trip."
"Subaru-kun looks really happy."
"Is it that obvious?" Subaru touched his face, realizing he wasn't really smiling.
"Yeah, because I'm always watching you, so I know how you feel."
"Uh... thanks?"
Rem, seeing Subaru's cheeks blush, turned her head with a slight smile.
"Why are you so happy about going to the capital, Subaru-kun?"
"Well, it's nothing I can't say, just that I have some friends there."
"Male or female?"
"Both..." Subaru wiped cold sweat from his forehead. He felt Rem's attitude shift a bit.
Ever since that day's incident, Rem's attitude was basically known by everyone in the mansion.
Subaru had talked about this with Ram.
Having never confessed or received a confession, Subaru had no idea how to handle this situation. But after discussing it with Ram, he almost got beaten up.
Later, he found time to tell Rem his feelings, but she didn't care at all, saying as long as she was by his side, it was enough.
With no choice, Subaru kept some distance between them, feeling completely helpless about the situation.
To avoid making Rem feel conflicted about his friends, Subaru grabbed her hand and ran toward the mansion.
"Let's go. There's still a lot to do today!"
"Yeah."
Feeling the warmth of Subaru's hand, Rem smiled happily.
.
.
.
The day passed quickly. After packing almost everything, everyone in the mansion boarded the carriage early the next morning and headed for the capital.
After a long ride, they finally arrived. After cleaning Roswaal's residence in the capital, they moved in.
Roswaal seemed to have something to handle and left alone soon after arriving, leaving Subaru and the others to clean the house.
After some time, the place was spotless.
Subaru, unable to contain his excitement, said goodbye to Emilia and the others and left the house, refusing Rem's offer to accompany him.
Holding a pouch of money, Subaru walked the capital's main street, observing his surroundings.
He smiled as he wandered, occasionally stopping to look at stalls.
When he first came, he couldn't read the language and had some troubles, so he never got to explore properly.
Now, free of those problems, Subaru could finally enjoy the atmosphere of this other world.
After walking for a while, Subaru reached a somewhat familiar street.
His eyes lit up, and he quickened his pace toward a fruit stall. Silently, he stopped in front of it, picked up an Appa, and said,
"Uncle, is this Appa tasty?"
"Of course. Our fruits are famous in the capital."
"Really? But you look so fierce; if you don't smile, I won't dare buy."
Hearing this, the shop owner froze for a moment, then, after seeing Subaru's face, smiled and then pretended to look fierce.
"What? So it's you, the poor kid. Go away, don't bother my business."
Subaru shook the pouch and smiled.
"Now I have money. Uncle, you better smile. If you make me happy, I'll buy more."
"Tch, if someone like me smiled, the guards would come question me." The owner laughed and threw an Appa to Subaru.
Subaru caught the Appa and exchanged a glance with the uncle before biting into it.
"Ah, it feels so nostalgic. It hasn't been that long, but it feels like ages since I last ate one."
"You're doing well, kid. If you don't buy more Appas later, I won't forgive you. Come on in and have a seat."
"Well then, I won't refuse."
Subaru entered the stall, took the stool the uncle handed him, and started chatting.
They talked about their recent lives and shared some funny stories.
After finishing the Appa, Subaru stood, asked the uncle to pack some Appas for him, and prepared to leave, remembering what Emilia had mentioned earlier.
"Here's your money, uncle."
"You gave me too much."
"Too much?"
"Yep."
"Then keep the extra to buy things for your daughter."
"You little brat, if you dare to make a move on my daughter, I won't forgive you!"
"Who would go after a kid! Don't say nonsense, uncle! See you next time!"
Waving goodbye, Subaru headed toward the slums, where he was going to visit Rom and the others.
But when he arrived in the slums and stood in front of an abandoned wooden house, he sighed, unsure where to find Rom.
"Forget it. I'll go find Reinhard first. He should know where he went."