Chapter 77: Entering the Royal Capital
"Then I won't be polite," said Old Man Rom as he reached out and took the Appa from Subaru Natsuki.
Seeing how spirited Subaru looked, Rom patted him on the shoulder.
"It's really great to see you safe, Subaru. When I saw your stomach cut open back then, I was seriously shocked. You really helped out a lot."
"It wasn't much help, really. Anyway, this isn't the best place to talk. I have a pile of questions to ask you. Come on, take me to some place you think is good for a meal."
"Sure."
Just as the two of them were about to leave, a voice called out from behind.
"Wait!"
Hearing the voice, Subaru and Rom turned around to see a woman dressed entirely in red. Slightly puzzled, Subaru asked,
"Is there something you need, miss?"
"What reward do you want?"
Subaru and Rom exchanged glances, both filled with confused expressions.
"Although I didn't need your help, and you didn't really help me with anything, your intentions are still worthy of a reward. Tell me what you want—whether it's wealth or status—I'll reward you based on your value."
"Oh."
Subaru replied flatly, tossed an Appa to the woman, and after she caught it, said:
"Here, an Appa. A noble lady like you should really head home early. If you offend someone again, there might not be someone to save you next time."
"Hmph, I don't need anyone to save me. As long as I stand here, someone will always serve me. Just like you did. But what kind of food is this? I've never seen it before."
"..."
"..."
The atmosphere turned awkward for a moment. Subaru weakly responded, "It's an Appa! An Appa."
"You're lying! I've eaten apples before. Apples are white, how can they be red?"
"Just take a bite!"
The woman glanced at Subaru with suspicion, then quietly took a bite. "It really is an Appa."
Watching this, Subaru became completely sure that this woman was the type of sheltered noble lady who had everything done for her.
Subaru didn't plan to waste more time with her. He tugged Rom's sleeve, and the two of them wordlessly fled from the alley.
Right after they left, a one-armed man dressed oddly walked into the alley.
"Milady, there you are. Honestly, next time you go far, at least let me know."
"You're too slow! As my guard, you should never leave my side. But since I had a pleasant encounter this time, I'll let it slide."
"Yes, yes, everything is as milady commands," the one-armed man replied helplessly.
"Let's go, Al. It's about time."
.
.
.
On the other side, Subaru and Rom didn't go to a restaurant. Instead, Rom led them to sit in another alley.
"Why aren't we going to a restaurant?" Subaru asked, confused.
Rom's expression turned troubled.
"By the way, where's Felt? Don't tell me she went out stealing again?"
"..."
"Rom, say something."
"Felt was taken away by the Sword Saint."
"Huh? Sword Saint Reinhard?"
Rom nodded. Just as Subaru was about to ask more, Rom smiled and said:
"Subaru, it's good to see you again. But don't ask any more."
Seeing the smile disappear from Rom's face and the serious look in his eyes, Subaru looked away.
"Alright, then I won't ask."
"Thanks. Well, Subaru, I'll see you next time. I should get moving now."
As Rom stood up to leave, Subaru spoke up.
"Ah, now that you mention it, I'm kind of bored. I don't know many people in the royal capital.
And now, I finally found you, Rom, only to be left behind again. So dull.
Judging by your look, you seem to be heading for something interesting. Mind taking me along?"
"Wha... Subaru, I'm not going somewhere interesting. It's dangerous. You should go back. Judging by your equipment, you've got your own tasks."
"Something dangerous, huh. Then how can I let you go alone? And it definitely has something to do with Felt, right? Then take me with you—I'll help! Besides, I want to see Felt too."
Rom looked into Subaru's eyes, realizing he wouldn't back down. He quietly said:
"You might die..."
"All the more reason I have to go with you!"
"Do what you want. But if you fall behind, I won't wait. And if things get bad, I'll abandon you to escape."
Subaru smiled, stepped up to Rom, and patted him on the arm.
"Come on, save that talk for someone else. You can't fool me. Let's go. Isn't it time already?"
Rom patted Subaru's shoulder again, this time using more strength.
But Subaru's expression didn't change. If it were the Subaru from before, that hit would've been too much.
But after dying several times in the mansion, Subaru's defense had far surpassed his other attributes.
He easily withstood it.
"Subaru, promise me... if something happens, you must take Felt and run. I'll cover you. After that, take care of her. Get her away from the capital."
"Yeah, yeah, I promise." Subaru's casual attitude made Rom shake his head helplessly.
Then the two of them left the alley together.
Following Rom, they entered an underground passage near the royal palace.
The tunnel was complex like a labyrinth, but Rom was very familiar with it.
Subaru had many questions along the way but couldn't ask now. After many twists and turns, they finally stopped. Subaru heard many voices above them.
Listening closely, it sounded like self-introductions—something about the royal selection. Among the voices, one seemed familiar.
After thinking, Subaru realized it was the woman they had met earlier.
Two others followed with their introductions, but Subaru wasn't interested.
The affairs of this country had nothing to do with him. While adjusting his mindset and waiting for Rom's signal, he heard:
"Lady Emilia and her sponsor, Roswaal L. Mathers, Margrave of the Border."
Hearing those names, Subaru froze.
He remembered that when he first arrived at the mansion, they had mentioned the royal selection.
But too many things happened after that, and he had forgotten. Besides, he hadn't really cared.
Now, Subaru focused on listening to Emilia's speech.
"My wish is just one thing—fairness. I want to create a country where all people are treated equally."
'Short and to the point.'
"Speaking of which, seeing all the knights standing by like this, I can't help but feel the budget is being misused. How troublesome~~"
'Roswaal... only you could say something like that in a situation like this,' Subaru thought, his forehead full of black lines.
After Emilia and Roswaal spoke, it was Felt's turn.
Hearing her and Reinhard's voices, Subaru nudged Rom.
Rom shook his head, signaling it wasn't the right time. Subaru had to wait quietly. Though it seemed a dispute had broken out above?
"Calling a half-elf a 'half-demon' is an outdated prejudice," Roswaal's voice came through. The man who had just referred to Emilia as a half-demon continued,
"The silver-haired half-demon has the appearance of the Witch of Envy. She should be grateful just to be allowed in the throne room. She's filthy."
Hearing this made Subaru's expression darken.
From his time at the mansion, he had come to understand how feared the Witch of Envy was in this world.
He also understood how troubled Emilia was about her appearance.
To help her, Subaru had nearly been forced into a reset by Puck.
Now, hearing the prejudice voiced so openly, Subaru—her friend—began to feel truly angry.
But he couldn't rush out. If he did, he'd put Rom in danger.
This was the royal palace, and they had snuck in. Only an idiot wouldn't realize the consequences of rash action.
At that moment, Rom gave a hand signal. Understanding that the time had come, Subaru calmed himself and watched as Rom lit a smoke bomb.