Natsuki Subaru's Journey to Strategically Capture Reinhild

Chapter 19: A Completely Different Beginning

Walking through the familiar hallway, Subaru held his slightly stinging stomach with his right hand.

The pain wasn't from any knife wound—it was simply hunger.

It couldn't be helped.

Even though, in Subaru's memory, it had only been a few hours since he last ate, the magic clock hanging beside the corridor glowed blue, indicating that it was already past noon.

Regardless of his mental state, physically, Subaru had only eaten one cup of instant noodles in the past 24 hours, from yesterday's lunch until now.

His growling stomach prompted him to instinctively quicken his pace.

While he didn't know why Reinhild misunderstood that his customs involved talking during meals, for now, Subaru urgently needed food.

As he stepped into the elevated corridor, the deafening shouts he had anticipated were absent.

Below the corridor, only a few servants were cleaning up the mess left behind from training.

Winston clearly noticed Subaru's condition.

The two of them quickly walked to the familiar room—this was the third time Subaru had entered it.

Unexpectedly, unlike the previous two times, the room felt empty.

Reinhild, who usually stood by the window enjoying the view, was absent.

The table that was usually lined with food was bare. The busy servants were also gone.

The only person in the room was Otto, who smiled at Subaru.

This sudden and drastic change left Subaru feeling flustered.

As his mind drifted, his long-restrained body finally voiced its protest.

Grrrr~~ Grrrr~~

"I sincerely apologize—I'll go prepare some food right away."

Watching Winston rush out, then glancing at Otto, who scratched his head awkwardly, Subaru suddenly felt thankful for the decision he had just made.

No matter what, he didn't want the other side to remember a black-history kind of entrance like this.

Thinking about it now, perhaps it was a blessing that he hadn't groaned in front of Reinhild last time.

"I'm Natsuki Subaru. Pleased to meet you."

With his mindset adjusted, Subaru took the initiative and reached out for a handshake.

"Otto Suwen. I'm Reinhild's assistant. Pleased to meet you. Reinhild-sama just happened to be busy, so this time—"

"Yo! Didn't expect to see you so soon, kid."

Interrupting Otto's formal greeting with absolutely no regard for etiquette was Felt.

Reinhild followed behind her, nodding and giving Subaru a knight's salute before entering the room.

Behind them was Old Man Rom, with his usual liquor bottle.

"Long time no see, Felt—"

Just as Subaru greeted the approaching Felt, she delivered a front kick straight into his stomach, dropping him to his knees.

The sudden act of violence caused Subaru to groan in pain.

Felt, balancing on one leg, crossed her arms and nodded in satisfaction.

"Judging by how it felt when I kicked you, your stomach wound seems to have really healed. You okay?"

"If you're worried, you could show a little kindness, you know… Why greet me with a full-powered kick?

What if you reopened my wound when it was almost healed… Still, Ferris's healing really is top-notch."

Subaru stood back up and replied irritably.

"Felt-sama, it's great to rekindle bonds with a friend, but please come here first."

Reinhild pulled out the chair at the head of the table as he spoke.

Felt sat down without hesitation.

Old Man Rom took Reinhild's seat, and Subaru, after a moment's pause, sat opposite him.

After some light small talk, Winston entered pushing a large food cart.

He and Otto carefully set the table and then left the room.

Once the door closed, the third round of the meeting began.

...

Subaru had once heard that watching a top-tier sushi chef make sushi was a form of entertainment in itself.

Back then, he hadn't understood, but now, watching Reinhild prepare sushi with graceful movements, he was starting to get it.

Subaru's captivation wasn't just because of Reinhild's beautiful appearance.

The way Reinhild moved her hands wasn't inferior to the techniques of those national treasure chefs on TV who had spent decades mastering their craft.

In fact, Reinhild's knife skills might even surpass them.

"Hey! Are you even listening, kid?"

Felt, who had been explaining the events of the royal capital while holding the emblem, shouted in annoyance at Subaru, who had become too entranced.

"Sorry, sorry—I've got the general idea now..."

Subaru hurriedly summarized what he had learned during the first loop about the royal capital's incident.

Felt's annoyed expression finally started to fade.

Perhaps it was because Old Man Rom hadn't gotten hurt this time, or maybe it was because Subaru wasn't acting as part of the Astrea household now, but Felt's attitude toward Subaru was far better than he expected.

Subaru faintly realized that this clever girl had come to see him as a savior who, by chance, prevented the tragic consequences of her own greed—someone who saved her and her loved ones.

"Things are basically how you said. Reinhild, another plate please. By the way, your cooking is surprisingly good. I thought nobles didn't do this kind of stuff."

Felt nodded in satisfaction as she passed her empty plate to Reinhild.

"Thank you for the compliment. As long as it suits your taste, that's all that matters."

Reinhild smiled as she placed a new plate of sushi in front of her and filled Old Man Rom's sake cup.

"Ah, now that's satisfaction. So, kid, you know the situation now. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you've got any requests, speak up. This guy's the real deal, a good man."

Felt leaned back in her chair, pointing at Reinhild.

"Just as Felt-sama said, if there's anything you need or wish for, please tell me. I'll do everything in my power to make it happen."

Reinhild stopped what he was doing and turned seriously toward Subaru.

"I'd like to stay here temporarily as a guest. Actually, I'm a traveler. I'd like to spend just 7 days here learning about this continent, and after that, I plan to journey across different nations. While I'm staying in the mansion, I'd like to be free to explore. After all, this building has a 400-year history."

"I understand. I'll assign someone to guide you around the mansion.

Except for private areas, you're free to explore. I'll have someone teach you the basic information about each country.

I'll also prepare your travel documents and funds.

If needed, I can even arrange local guides for you in each nation…"

"No, no, no!"

Subaru quickly waved his hands, rejecting Reinhild's thorough arrangements.

"Just the documents and travel funds are enough. Any more than that and my pride won't survive."

"Understood, Subaru… But really, if there's anything at all, feel free to discuss it with me.

For now, please take a look around at your leisure.

Your guide will find you shortly. Felt-sama."

"Got it. I'll handle what we discussed. See you around, kid."

After saying goodbye to Felt and the others, Subaru's life as a guest formally began.