The Sun Prince - Re:Zero OC

Chapter 16: 16 - Preparing for a Hunt



As Subaru flashed a smile following his proclamation, I instantly looked over to Priscilla to gauge her reaction.

"A request… now what does the half-elf's dog have to request from one such as I?" Priscilla asked, a bit of intrigue flashing across her eyes.

I was also curious.

He had been quite hostile just a few days ago, but now he was looking at me with eyes that I could only describe as… thankful, and full of trust.

And what could possibly be his request?

Perhaps helping him with Emilia?

"My request… it is to help me defeat the White Whale," he said.

That… was not what I had expected.

Even Priscilla was shocked, judging by how she uncrossed her legs and sat up straight, glaring at Subaru with a newfound intensity.

"The White Whale, you say? What nonsense are you spouting in my presence, commoner?" Priscilla asked, narrowing her eyes.

"I… have obtained a device through some private means that allows me to know when the White Whale will appear… and with Crusch-san forming a force to take it down, along with Anastasia-sama's assistance, we are aiming to take it down with an ambush of sorts," Subaru said, causing Priscilla and I to meet each other's gazes.

She simply gave me a nod, though her eyebrow was raised in confusion still.

Priscilla was incredibly talented at discerning one's true thoughts, to the point where her skills in reading people could be considered a Divine Protection, and right now… she very likely didn't notice any falsehood.

But that only made things weirder.

After all, what kind of device did Subaru have that allowed him to know the movements of one of the Three Great Mabeasts?

"If… your words are true, then why do you wish to obtain our support?" Priscilla asked Subaru, slowly turning her head back to face him.

"Well… since Reinhard has already left the capital, we could really use some heavy hitters, you could say… and we thought that Selian would be really useful," Subaru said before raising his head. "Ah! And this has some benefit to you as well! I am sure that with Selian as part of the leading group, your camp will gain some prestige, and Anastasia-sama has offered to provide your territory with some of her connections in return for helping us…"

His words trailed off as he noticed Priscilla's unwavering gaze of indifference.

At least, that how it appeared to most people.

I knew that right now, Priscilla was contemplating something.

After all, there was no need for her to gain more prestige, nor Anastasia's connections, as she was more than enough to win the selection with her own might.

At least, she thought so in her mind… and I agreed.

But the White Whale…

"Selian… you look like you wish to join," she said, nodding her head my way.

But just as I could read her better than most… she could definitely do the same with me.

"Yes… you could say that," I replied.

"Why is that?" she asked.

"Well… aside from the benefits for you that he mentioned… becoming a legend that helped slay the White Whale would excite anyone, don't you agree?" I said with a smile.

She narrowed her eyes at me for a few moments before she suddenly nodded her head.

"Alright. You can join that gaggle of commoners as you wish, but… you must come back to me, do you understand?" she said sternly.

"Of course, my lady," I said, bowing me head.

I was quite surprised, as I would think this would be a great opportunity for her to relieve her boredom, but then again, there were times she enjoyed being more of an observer to events instead.

"Don't you worry about him being safe! With Crusch-san leading the expedition, he'll definitely come back! I'll make sure of it!" Subaru said, raising his head.

Priscilla's eye twitched in annoyance.

"No… disregard my previous words, I will be joining as well," she said.

Huh? Changing her mind so quick?

"Priscilla… why?" I asked, moving closer to her.

She instantly shot out her fan, covering my mouth as she sent me a seething glare.

"Do not misunderstand anything, fool! I simply believe that seeing my knight dice up such a disgraceful creature in person would be pleasing," she said with a frown.

But, with her being so close… I couldn't help but notice the blush forming on her cheeks.

Wait… she changed her mind after Subaru mentioned Crusch again… so was she, perhaps…

"What is that smile for?" she said, lowering her voice as she looked away from me.

I would definitely keep this to myself, but I wouldn't forget this moment for a long time.

"Nothing, my lady," I replied. "Nothing at all…"

After all, it filled me with an inexplicable joy to witness her possessiveness of me… especially when she was so adorable while doing so.

"Ah… that really is a relief," Subaru said, exhaling a sigh as he dropped his shoulders. "Oh! One more thing… there are reports of the Witch Cult moving into the Mathers territory, and the Sloth Archbishop will attack the village… could I have your help with that as well?"

The Witch Cult?

Well… considering Emilia's appearance, something like this wasn't too unexpected… but still, how did he know all this?

The Witch Cult were a constant thorn in the world, and specifically Lugunica's, side, and the reason they had not been eradicated thus far is due to their extraordinary power as a group, particularly the mysterious archbishops, and also their elusiveness that had allowed them to avoid a subjugation from the knights of the kingdom for all this time.

So how did Subaru know their moves as well?

It was suspicious, for sure… but I still believed that Subaru was a good young man.

Still…

"What an idiotic suggestion. That girl should protect her own territory. It is the bare minimum for a ruler," Priscilla said, shaking her head before a snide smile grew on her face. "Although… I suppose I can consider it if you beg on your knees and kiss my foot."

Uh… Priscilla?

What are you doing?

But before I could voice my surprise, Subaru spoke up first, shaking his head with a forced smile.

"Yeah… I'll have to refuse. I'm not making that mistake again," he said.

Again?

Did Subaru have a problem with women with a sadism streak?

"Hmm… passable," Priscilla said, flicking her fan out to cover her face. "I'll decide what I wish to do after defeating the White Whale. That is… if your information is correct…"

"I-It is… I assure you," Subaru said, bowing his head. "But still… with this, everything is set!"

He finished his exclamation by shooting to his feet, pumping his fist in the air with an excited smile.

Priscilla, who's gaze on him had changed from disdain to slight approval, instantly blanked.

"…Leave," she said coldly.

I guess she was annoyed by his excitement.

"Uh… yes," Subaru replied.

Well… I guess there was something to relieve our boredom now.

Defeating the White Whale… that was sure to be quite the battle.

"So, with your assistance, while the main strategy of the battle doesn't change, I will ask that you be the first attacking force in order to halt the beast while the magic cannons unload their first barrage," Crusch said, her eyes narrowed in seriousness as we stared down at the map.

"Err, I don't wanna doubt yer abilities, lad, but won't it be quite hard to stop the thing when it's known to… you know, fly?" Ricardo, one of the members of Anastasia's mercenary groups that was to join this battle, said.

I was about to speak up, but someone else did it for me.

"You don't have to worry about that," Crusch said, giving me a knowing smile. "Selian here has the abilities to reach it, and once the barrage brings it to the ground, the rest of the force will attack in tandem. Is this acceptable to all parties?"

A chorus of agreement resounded throughout the small meeting room, the leaders of each faction of the combined force having come together to formulate the final plan of attack before we set off.

"By the time we fight, night will have already fallen, so the night-banisher will set the stage, with Ferris remaining behind in order to provide any healing that the force requires… then, if all is well, we can set forth," Crusch said, curling up the map as everyone began heading towards the carriages that filled the Karsten resident's front yard.

There were quite a lot of people, with many being forces organized by Crusch, including many knights that had come out of retirement to slay the beast, from what I could tell, out of a mix of loyalty and revenge.

It was quite amazing to see, and served as testament to Crusch's abilities.

But to be able to organize such a thing, as well as having Anastasia's Iron Fang joining in… well, that was due to Subaru.

Honestly, just what happened to that guy?

I knew he could be better, and had room to grow, but I didn't expect him to formulate an alliance among three different camps, even if only temporary.

"Once again, I am thankful for you joining us, Selian," Crusch said as we headed towards our carriage.

"Indeed… I have been told of your strength, but I am quite excited to see it in person," Wilhelm added.

"Well… I will attempt to live up to your expectations," I said with a slight bow.

Priscilla, who had been silently observing the meeting up to this point, decided to speak up.

"Of course he will. It is I that he aims to please, so he is sure to give me a grand showing of his skills," she said, turning her head to look up at me from the side as she narrowed her ruby red eyes. "Isn't that right, Selian?"

"Y-Yes… my lady," I returned.

Whenever she gave me that look, a mix of expectation and pride… I couldn't help but think of it as incredibly seductive.

What a truly dangerous woman…

"Is that so," Crusch said with a chuckle. "Regardless, now that we are leaving, I must ask, Priscilla-sama. Will you be remaining in your current attire?"

She was, of course, referencing the large, red and black dress that Priscilla always wore, along with the red heels that adorned her feet.

Not exactly something fit for combat.

"Why, obviously! I am to be but a simple observer, and even if I decide to partake, I am more than comfortable in this," she said, snapping her fan to point at her face. "A perfect being such as I will not cover mine divine self with the boorish garments of battle armour."

Uh… both Crusch and I were dressed in battle armour, Priscilla.

Luckily, just like me, Crusch didn't seem to care about her slightly callous words. Simply giving her a nod and a smile in response.

"I see… Then, if you decide to change your mind, there are additional supplies that are being brought to the battle, so simply ask if need be," she said as we reached the carriage.

Watching as Crusch got into the carriage alongside Wilhelm, I raised my hand to Priscilla in order to help her into it, and thankfully, she did so without a word of complaint.

In fact… she even flashed a triumphant smile as she did so, one that was aimed towards Crusch who was waiting inside the carriage.

Priscilla… you are absolutely adorable right now.

Perhaps I should meet up with Crusch more often, if not due to our pleasant chemistry, then at least for how she made the love of my life act so cute.

Thinking that, I also headed inside, closing the door behind me as I nodded to Ferris, who had apparently already gotten into the carriage before us.

And with that… we were off, the soft rumble of multiple dragon carriages filled with men and supplies creating a soothing lull as we made our way through the cobbled street and towards the wall of the capital.

"So… while I have heard of the development of the Barielle estate from its former… unfortunate state, I have not heard of the details," Crusch said, breaking the silence that had befallen the small carriage. "While the former lord was known as quite an infamous noble, it seems that things have changed as of recent. Would you mind satisfying my curiosity?"

Since Priscilla had opted to look at the passing scenery out the window, seemingly ignoring Crusch's words, I decided to answer her question.

"If you don't mind quite a boring conversation, then I can do just that," I said, answering her with a smile.

"I doubt it will be boring. While I do consider myself a warrior, I am also a duchess, and as such, I have an interest in such administrative and governing matters. Please, indulge me," she said, leaning forward to rest her head on her hand.

"Of course… but you are quite casual, Crusch-san. Though I can't say I hate it," I said, noting her lack of posture.

"Well, with such a grand fight about to occur, I can't help but find myself trying to relax. And besides… I trust Wilhelm and Ferris enough to not worry about such things, and with you… well, I can't help but find myself more relaxed," she said, her smile growing. "Such is the power of bonds formed by camaraderie rather than obligation. For that reason, I must thank you once again for accompanying me for this battle. With you at my side, I can't help but feel that the outcome is already resolved."

With such profound trust and a pleasantly sweet gesture, I couldn't help but feel a heat form in my chest.

How odd… what was that feeling?

Shaking my head, I decided to ignore it before responding to her words.

"I feel the same, Crusch-san. I can't wait to see your skills once again, and with the knowledge of your trust… well, I will definitely bring my best performance," I replied.

The two of us stared at each other for a few moments in silence, with me using the time to take in her amber eyes and long green hair that she had pulled back into a ponytail.

As I thought… she was also pretty.

Not to Priscilla's level, of course, but Crusch certainly had a charm about her.

Was it due to her strength? Courage?

I wasn't sure… but, once Priscilla ascended the throne, I hoped that we could maintain our current relationship.

A ruler needed to have competent and trustful subjects, after all.

Aside from studying her face, I could, of course, also notice the subtle anger emanating from Crusch's side from Ferris, but before I could comment on it, Priscilla suddenly moved from my side.

"Hmph! This ride is much too rugged for my tastes…" she said, causing me to look over at her.

Wait… what was with that glare?

Was she jealous again?

But Crusch and I were only talking…

"Priscilla-"

"Quiet, fool," she said, abruptly standing up as she shuffled over to the side.

And then, with an action I could have never expected… she sat down.

Right onto my lap.

"O-Oh my!" Crusch exclaimed.

"P-Priscilla!" I exclaimed as well.

Even Wilhelm and Ferris were surprised, enough to quiet the healer's remarks that he was surely about to say to me.

In response, Priscilla simply gave me a quick glance before looking over to Crusch as a smirk overtook her lips.

"What is it, dear Selian? Do you believe you have a use more important than as mine seat?" she asked, rolling her hips as she cemented herself between my thighs.

"T-That… that doesn't matter right now! Please move!" I said, trying to control my breathing.

She needed to get off this instant.

After all, as soon as she sat down, I felt the blood rush to my lower half… and having her move against me wasn't helping.

But having her held so close like this… I couldn't help but notice that she smelled quite nice… a sweet scent of vanilla paired with a bit of floral notes…

Did she change her perfume? Her shampoo? 

Or was this simply her natural scent, but I had yet to be close enough to notice?

I really liked it.

Yes, I really liked her scent, and I loved how close we were… but I needed her off right away, before I did something that could embarrass both of us.

"Priscilla, please…" I begged.

Exhaling a light breath, I felt her move forward to my relief, but an instant later, she then leaned back, pressing her back against my rapidly pounding chest as I felt my lower half dig into her dress.

Did she feel it?

I could only hope not…

I raised my head, hoping that the shame I was currently feeling wasn't present on my face, only to be met by the smiling face of Wilhelm, seemingly appreciating the sight of our affections.

Somehow, that was even more embarrassing.

"A-Ahem… well, I-I… could we return to the topic of land management for the moment?" Crusch said, breaking the silence as she composed herself from her previously flustered state.

"H-Hmm… yes, we can do so," Priscilla responded, her tone a bit higher than usual.

Haa… truly, this situation was nothing like what I expected when we got into this carriage… but since I was here… I might as well enjoy it.

And so, wrapping my arms around Priscilla's midsection, I gently rested my head on her shoulder as we continued our conversation, the orange glow of dusk slowly turning to night as we did so.

By the time nightfall fell on the plains, we had arrived to Flugel's tree, where the grand battle was set to take place quite soon.

With the secondary unit led by Julius securing the highway, and many of the foot soldiers preparing the cannons and equipment across the plains where the battle would take place, I found myself with nothing to do for the moment.

Other than accompanying my lady, of course.

"Hmm… despite hearing about it, I had not found a moment to see it since arriving in this nation… it's quite a marvel of nature, don't you agree, Selian?" Priscilla said, looking up the tree that pierced the clouds.

"Yes… I can only imagine how it looks in the day," I replied with a nod. "Would you like to take a picnic here some time? It's only half a day's journey from the capital."

"Hmm… yes, I would like that," she said, nodding her head before looking behind her. "That aside… I believe the preparations are nearly complete."

My gaze then followed hers as I looked at the small army that had been gathered, the troops moving into formation with the equipment lined up and ready to barrage the monster.

"Yes… it seems that way," I said. "Will you be fine here, Priscilla?"

"Of course. I would much prefer to see my knight in action from such a view rather than participate myself," she said, pointing her chin upwards.

So I guess she would be staying behind near the tree… at least, with that, I could be assured of her protection… if she even needed it.

"Then, I will head down," I said, taking my spear from my back as I sent one last look to Priscilla. "Watch closely, because I will definitely give you a wonderful show."

"Mhmm… yes, I expect it," she said, taking a step towards me as she suddenly grasped my collar, pulling me down so that our faces were inches apart. "But don't you dare fall here, Selian. I… need you to continue to amuse me, understood?"

"Uh… yes. I promise," I said, swallowing down my nervousness.

She really was too pretty…

"Then… good," she said, letting me down as she turned her head away. "Go now, Selian. And while I will watch the spectacle to its completion, do make sure to not keep me waiting for long."

"I got it, Priscilla…" I said, taking a moment to find the courage before saying the word I wished to say. "I… I love you."

She froze, her back straightening in shock.

"Uh… yes… t-thank you…" she said, reaching up to play with her hair, still looking away.

It was not the response most would want from the words 'I love you', but to me, simply seeing her being affected by such a declaration was more than enough.

And while I couldn't be completely sure, with her moments of jealousy and slight vulnerability… I was nearing the day when I could find a place in her heart.

But I would not get complacent.

Quickly making my way down to the front lines, I immediately went to the leader of this whole group, finding myself beside Crusch as she surveyed the formation of the troops.

"Crusch-san, is everything ready?" I asked.

"Yes… I believe so," she said, looking back at me as she raised an eyebrow. "That is quite the wide smile… are you that excited for this?"

"Yeah… you can say that," I said, averting my eyes as I scratched my ear.

It was definitely the excitement coming battle that was making me like this, and not the thoughts about Priscilla.

Definitely.

"Hmm… I can understand your feelings. I am also excited to fight with you once more," she said, giving me a smile that turned a bit awkward. "Although… unfortunately, I will remain behind to act as the commander, so we will not directly fight side by side."

"That is more than fine. Despite not being near, your presence is enough to feel like you have my back… though I hope I will not require such assistance," I said, shaking my head. "Either way, I am quite excited to see your sword art once more. Especially since I have attempted to copy the same effect with my own magic… unfortunately, to no avail."

"Trying to copy my signature technique? How cruel of you," she replied with eyes narrowed in mirth. "But yes… similarly, I am quite eager to see your unconventional style of combat once more. Such a sight alone is sure to improve the morale of the troops."

Turning to me, she then stuck out her hand.

"So, on that note, Selian… let us fight a wonderful battle, and finally vanquish this foe that has brought so much destruction to this nation, all with our own hands…" she said.

"Yes… let us do so, Crusch-san" I said, clasping my hand in hers as we shared a handshake.

With the two of us looking into each other's eyes, her head then tilted to the side as her eyes averted from my gaze.

"Actually… with us being comrades once more, I would much prefer if you simply call me Crusch," she said.

"Hmm… I suppose, but I doubt that Ferris will appreciate that," I said, growing a troubled smile.

"He knows he can speak to me without honorifics as well, so there is no need to worry," she said as our hands separated.

"Alright… then, I shall accept such an honour graciously… Crusch," I said.

"Yes… good…" she replied, still looking slightly off to the side.

Hm? What… was with this atmosphere?

It was almost as if-

"Oi! Crusch-san! Selian! It's almost time!" Subaru said, breaking the silence that had fallen between us.

"A-Ah… that is correct. The men are already prepared, so we simply need to wait for the signal, correct?" Crusch said, looking at Subaru. "Speaking of that… what exactly is the signal?"

"Well… it's kinda hard to explain… but you'll definitely know it when it goes off!" he said.

Turning to look at the boy, I noticed that he had found himself atop a ground dragon, with Rem sitting directly in front of him.

"I didn't think you were familiar with riding, Subaru… but she looks quite calm," I said, looking to the ground dragon that simply huffed at me in response.

"Oh, I'm not familiar at all! Patrache is just a good girl, I guess," he said with a shrug as he patted the ground dragon's side. "Anyway, we're at the front, right? So let's get going, Selian."

"Right…" I responded.

As we began making our way towards the front, with me walking alongside the strutting ground dragon, Subaru eventually spoke up.

"So… you're supposed to be the one to stop it for the cannons, right?" he asked.

"Yes, that is true," I answered.

"Then… do you need one of these?" he asked, patting Patrache's side.

"No… I don't," I said, looking forward. "You remember my abilities from Elsa, correct? It provides me quite a dynamic range of movement."

"Dynamic range of movement… wait, you can teleport from far away too?" he asked.

I simply smiled in response.

It was then that an odd tune began to resound from Subaru's pocket, and as he pulled out his device, it was obvious that it was the signal he was talking about.

Wait… was that a phone?

And so old too… no, questions for later.

With the troops quieting down at Crusch's shout to be prepared, the unsettling tune continued, with only the sound of the passing breeze accompanying it.

This atmosphere… yes, it was slightly unnerving, but also electric… as if the world knew that a miraculous battle was about to take place.

I unconsciously clenched my fist.

"A-Are you nervous?" Subaru asked from my side. "Who am I kidding, it's only natural-"

"No," I said, cutting him off. "Instead… I'm excited."

"U-Uhh… excited?" he said, confused. "Why would you be excited?"

"Well… isn't it only natural to want to show a cool side to the one you love?" I said, glancing back at the giant tree behind us, or more specifically, at the red-clad woman who was standing underneath it. "And what's a better way to show off than in a place like this?"

"O-Oh… well, fight on, Selian!" Subaru said with a smile.

"Yes… I will," I replied.

I felt it before we saw it.

A wave of power that caused my spine to tingle and back to straighten, my spear instantly flicking forward as I held it with both hands at the ready.

An unsettling atmosphere.

An inexplicable ripple of pressure.

And then… it appeared.

It's shadow spreading across the ground as it shot past the moon, the light outlining its shape as two blood-red orbs shined down on us.

Well… that was quite the entrance, vile beast.

And you even had to send the troops into a fit of nervousness…

While I wasn't an expert in group combat or the tactics of armies, I knew this wasn't good.

An overwhelming opponent that a regular soldier had no chance of defeating… that was the cause of the drop in morale.

And the way to best lift that… is to show them that even such a monstrous opponent wasn't invincible.

"Let's kick this guy's ass!" Subaru shouted as he rode forward on his ground dragon. "Rem!"

"Ul Huma!" the maid shouted, three large crystals of ice forming and shooting forward from her outstretched hand.

So she was skilled in water magic as well… how amazing.

But that wouldn't do much against such a thing.

So, with my hand held forward, I shot a beam of light towards the White Whale, and as soon as it reached the beast, I focused on the mana that was connected to me.

And activating that property of connection… I felt the world shift, as the next moment, I was in the air, positioned right in front of the beast.

How ugly…

With my spear tracing a line through the air, I focused my mana into the spear tip as soon as it made contact, cutting a deep gash into the monster as a rain of blood rushed forth.

And with that, the start of the battle began.

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