Chapter 178 – Discussion
Although he didn't know why Ram had summoned those two people, none of that mattered anymore.
What Subaru Natsuki wanted now was simply to know why they couldn't leave this so-called "Sanctuary" — a place that felt more like a graveyard.
Back at the mansion, Rem was still lying unconscious and needed care.
True, there were people left behind at the mansion to look after her, even a former Witch Cult member remained there, so her safety and care didn't need too much worrying.
But who could guarantee it was truly safe, that no further attacks would occur? Ever since arriving at the mansion, they hadn't known a single stretch of peaceful days.
Time and again, different enemies had brought the greatest malice upon the mansion's residents. And on top of that, the villagers were still waiting for their families to return.
He couldn't afford to waste any more time in this place. Only back at the mansion could he feel the faintest shred of relief, because… even if something "irreversible" were to happen, at least he would be there to respond to it.
"Ram, you should be able to tell me the reason now, right?" Subaru fixed his gaze on Ram's face, his hands clenched tightly together on the table, his entire demeanor uncharacteristically serious.
At the sound of Subaru's voice, everyone else's attention shifted toward him, and the atmosphere — which had been somewhat relaxed just moments ago — reverted to its heavy tension.
"Well now, I heard little Garfiel brought some outsiders in again. Didn't expect it to turn out to be such an un-cute brat."
"Thanks for the compliment, but as a man, being called cute isn't exactly ideal… though I suppose there's someone who's an exception to that rule."
Subaru deliberately softened his tone, trying to appear more approachable.
"So then, may I ask, who is this self-proclaimed 'cute young lady'?"
"Old me is Ryuzu Meyer, you could say I'm the representative of this settlement. Brat, I appreciate your flattery, but don't be fooled by how young I look. In truth, old me is at an age where I could be your grandmother."
"Ehhh!!!" Before Subaru could retort, Otto — sitting at his side — let out an exaggerated cry. Muttering to himself, he added, "Well, if she's a long-lived race, then I suppose it's possible…"
Subaru wasn't interested in wasting time on such pointless chatter. Just as he was about to speak, Ram's calm voice interrupted:
"Barusu, don't be so impatient."
Her admonishing tone made Subaru click his tongue in irritation, but he still muttered back:
"Yeah, I get it."
"Um… I've been wondering from the start, Ram. Why exactly did you call all of us here?"
Emilia's question prompted a sharp, mocking laugh from the quick-tempered Garfiel.
"What? You've been sitting here this whole time and still don't know anything? You really think someone as useless-looking as this woman can actually manage to liberate the Sanctuary? And what the hell is Roswaal even thinking?"
"If you let Ram hear you speak like that again, Garfiel, she'll make sure you learn what respect means."
Clicking his tongue, Garfiel glanced at Ram's calm face, then leaned back with folded arms, choosing silence — an air of do as you like.
"Apologies. As you can see, because Lord Roswaal's condition prevents him from appearing, I must ask Miss Ryuzu to explain things to this ignorant fool, Barusu."
"Old me doesn't mind that at all," Ryuzu replied. Her gaze shifted directly onto Subaru. "Barusu, was it…? Well then, brat. From the look of you, you've been impatient all this time. So go on — say what it is you want to know."
"Before asking, let me clarify something.
My name is Subaru Natsuki, not Barusu.
Of course, you can call me however you like, but I'd appreciate it if you at least knew my real name. After all, that's the most basic courtesy when meeting someone for the first time.
I already know your name, Miss Ryuzu Meyer, so it's only right I give mine in return."
Ryuzu regarded Subaru's smiling face, her eyes showing a subtle change.
"You've left a better impression on old me now, brat. You're a good child."
"No… I'm just a stubborn brat who refuses to give in and resorts to underhandedness. I'm no good child."
Drawing a deep breath, Subaru hardened his expression again and asked:
"Then, Miss Ryuzu, please tell us — why is it that we cannot leave the Sanctuary? And what exactly is this 'liberation of the Sanctuary' Garfiel mentioned? Also, is there truly a way to leave here?"
"You should have seen it in the village square, brat."
Not understanding why she asked this, Subaru nonetheless nodded.
"Then you must have noticed the people who live here."
Subaru blinked in surprise, frowning as he thought it over.
Then the answer came quickly: when he had walked through the village earlier with Ram, everyone he saw had been demi-humans.
"Judging from your face, you've realized it. Though it's called the Sanctuary, in truth it is nothing more than a refuge. A shelter for demi-human outcasts with nowhere else to go.
The reason you cannot leave is simple: the Sanctuary is bound by a barrier, created to protect those who dwell within it. But the side effect of such a barrier… is that demi-humans cannot leave this place. Should they attempt to force their way out…"
"They'll die, right."
"…"
After a brief silence, Subaru spoke again:
"Then that means the claim we can't leave is a lie, isn't it?"
His eyes grew sharp with suspicion. Before anyone could reply, he pressed on:
"Ram said this is Roswaal's territory. No matter how slothful Roswaal may be, he wouldn't simply abandon it. When I walked through earlier, I noticed something: the living conditions here are terrible. Everyone looked underfed.
I didn't see any farmlands either. Of course, it's possible the fields are somewhere else, and I don't know how large the Sanctuary is… but one thing I can be sure of is that it's not very big. So why haven't they expanded the farmland?
Even assuming just barely enough food is grown, there must be regular supplies sent in from outside.
As the lord of this land, Roswaal would also visit here from time to time. Which means that if Roswaal can come and go freely, then that also applies to anyone here who isn't a demi-human…"
Subaru's gaze lingered briefly on Emilia's face, and his teeth clenched tightly.
"To be honest, brat, you didn't need to overthink it like that. Old me already said: demi-humans cannot leave. As for who told you otherwise, old me has no idea."
"So that means we can leave? Then why is it that Miss Ram and the villagers haven't already returned?"
At Otto's question, Subaru turned toward Ram. But in return, there was only silence.
He saw it — saw Ram's gaze lingering on him — yet she offered no explanation. A surge of betrayal welled up in Subaru's chest, betrayal by someone he had trusted.
His expression grew dark. Only one thought remained in his mind…
This place was a trap. A trap aimed directly at him!
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