The Sun Prince - Re:Zero OC

Another few months had passed, and I had found myself as a nineteen-year-old young man as my birthday had gone by, meaning I finally matched Priscilla's age.

Life had been quite calm recently, with Priscilla and I spending lots of time on dates- ahem, touring the territory, managing said territory, and aside from that, I used my personal time to slowly grow stronger with my constant training.

Now, while I said that I managed the barony, it wasn't really something that took a lot of time.

While the Barielle Barony was large, it was still quite small in comparison to a duke's territory, and as such, had fewer issues where Priscilla and I had to step in.

Of course, sometimes the local lords and mayors tried to make a play for money or power, but that was easily stopped by one of Priscilla and I's tours.

Paired with her intuition and her attitude… well, such an effect was only natural.

But recently, even that had come to an end, as they all eventually learned that messing with Priscilla Barielle was a horrible mistake to make… and was often your last one.

And so, with all the policies that needed to be implemented in place, such as the formation of a few schools and orphanages, as well as Priscilla's divine luck granting the territory with bountiful harvests, things were running incredibly smoothly.

So smoothly, in fact, that at this point, my main role was going through the letters that arrived… at least for the moment.

Most were marriage proposals, as Priscilla was a beautiful and single young woman with a large territory, but those letters were quickly used as kindling as soon as I read the first set of flowery words.

Definitely not out of any personal interests, of course. Priscilla said she didn't care about them either.

Anyway, I can only imagine that this would get even worse once Priscilla was revealed to be a royal candidate, but there wasn't really anything I could do to stop it at the moment.

Actually, once she was a royal candidate, she wouldn't be able to get married… ah, but engagement offers would probably still flood in.

Dammit, that was going to be annoying.

Of course, there were other more productive letters as well, such as merchants wanting to set up a shop in the territory, and requests from the citizens, but that was quite a rarity.

And that's what I was doing right now, going through the letters that had landed themselves at Priscilla's doorstep.

Seeing the familiar 'Dear Priscilla-sama' as I read through the first line, I was about to throw the letter out on reflex before I caught myself.

"Huh… the Sage Council," I muttered to myself in interest.

It seemed that they had finally come to a decision.

"Have those commoners finally decided to use their brains?" Priscilla asked, her feet positioned on my legs as she laid on the couch beside me.

"Yes, they have," I said. "But I don't think they're what you'd classify as 'commoners', Priscilla."

"Hmph. Anyone that mindlessly sits around as their nation treads closer to danger is either a commoner, or a commoner disguised as a noble," she said with a frown. "Read it, Selian. Though if they decide something idiotic, be prepared to cut them down for me."

Uh… I really would prefer it if you didn't order me to do that, Priscilla.

While I might be able to deal with anyone but the Sword Saint on my own, that didn't mean that I could fight off the entire royal guard.

"As you wish… it says that you have been cleared of any wrongdoings in regard to the late Baron Barielle with the return of the Dragon Stone," I said, reading through the letter. "They also ask that you come to the capital to finalize the transfer of land, as well as to confirm your candidacy for the throne, as only the late Leip Barielle was a witness…"

As we had decided to tell the whole story of what Leip had been planning with Priscilla, as well as how horribly he had been running his territory, I suppose they couldn't exactly trust his word like before.

It was also due to this that while his death was officially labelled an accident, they didn't seem to care that I had been the one to kill him, like they had been told.

How fortunate.

"I guess the world really does turn in your favour, Priscilla," I said, looking at her. "Although, now we will have to visit the capital. That will likely take a few weeks at least."

"Hmph. That's only natural," she said, shaking her head. "Besides, I have been wanting to visit that place recently." 

"You have?" I questioned.

"Indeed. That old man apparently had a mansion I have yet to grace with my presence," she said before smirking at me. "And as for you… I think it is about time that you officially become my knight."

Oh… right, that.

While I boasted about being Priscilla's knight, and did more than my fair share of the duties associated with it, I still had yet to be officially appointed as one.

"Let us depart tomorrow," she said, getting up. "You said that Schult is able to drive a carriage as of now?"

"Huh? Ah, yes. He's done great in his lessons," I said, praising the boy.

"Wonderful," she said. "Now, do ensure to prepare our bags. I'll call Schult down to help you."

And with that, she left through the door, likely heading towards the young boy's room where he was currently studying how to read and write.

But… the capital, huh?

I had been a bad brother.

Not once since meeting Priscilla had I returned to check on Felt, despite the promise I had given myself.

But with everything like this… yeah, we shouldn't have to stay apart for long.

It was fair to say that the Dragon Stone's purpose in keeping Felt in the slums was to remove the possibility of her returning to the royal family.

The Dragon Stone… it likely had wanted Felt to survive the epidemic, while also allowing the chance for the royal selection to proceed by having the entirety of the known royal family dead.

For what reason, I didn't know, but now that the selection was set in motion… I think it was fine to take her away from there.

Besides, now that I was here with Priscilla, I had created quite a nice place for us to live.

So now… now I could take my little sister back, and have us continue living together as family, just like we did before I left.

Yeah… that sounded wonderful.

—

A few days had passed since our arrival at the royal capital of Lugunica, and with Priscilla having been officially granted the Barielle Barony, as well as being confirmed as the fourth royal candidate, our official errands for being here had all but ended.

Of course, there were the matters of Felt and my knighthood, but now that we weren't so busy, we could do those on our own time.

But for now, at least for Priscilla, it was a day of rest, hence why she was staying in the mansion as I went out to buy some food for us to enjoy.

While there were many maids that could cook for her, and quite skilfully at that, Priscilla had wanted to try some of the food I had as a child, as it was quite foreign to her.

She was an interesting woman like that.

So a taste of my childhood… I would need to find a good stall for some 'commoner' food.

My walk around the capital so far had been quite boring, though there was a little excitement when I had to stop a kid from getting run over by a cart by stepping onto a road.

Honestly… it was a good thing that my teleportation magic had forced me to develop some spatial awareness, or that kid might have ended up trampled otherwise.

Anyway, as I was about to head into a bakery that seemed to have made an interesting pastry, I felt my spine tingle, my instincts screaming to prepare for battle.

Slowly turning my head towards the source of the disturbance, I prepared to unlatch my spear from my back for a fight, only to be met by the surprised eyes of a young man about my age with red hair.

And this young man… I knew of him.

"Reinhard van Astrea…" I said, feeling my heartbeat calm as I understood the situation. "Did you need to sneak up on me?"

The man simply smiled back at me.

"My apologies, Selian-sama. I simply noticed you in the street and thought it prudent to greet you. Again, my apologies," he said, bowing his head.

"Uh… no need. It's fine now," I said, waving off his apology.

Reinhard van Astrea, better known as the Sword Saint of this generation, and for me, as the walking non-aggression pact.

He was simply that ridiculously powerful.

So powerful, that he could fight all the armies of the four great nations of the world and come out victorious.

I had only heard of the man for most of my life, but that changed once I escorted Priscilla to the royal palace, where he was stationed to guard the Sage Council and verify our intentions, allowing me to meet him in person.

"But still, to not only notice me, but also be so ready to fight… you truly are strong, Selian-sama," he said, giving me another smile.

I don't want to hear that from you!

"Well… thank you, Reinhard-san," I said, shaking my head. "And just call me Selian. We're both knights, no? And considering how you're of the Astrea family, shouldn't it be me who shows respect?"

"Ah… but, you are the attendant of a royal candidate," he said. "But… if you say so, Selian. As long as you call me Reinhard in turn."

"Hmm… alright then," I said, nodding my head. "So… what did you come here for? Do you wish to accompany me in shopping?"

"Ah… unfortunately, while I am off duty, I do have some things to attend to, so I cannot accompany you," he said, his smile dropping a bit. "But, I was wondering if you would be interested in joining the Royal Knights. For someone of your strength and stature, we would welcome you openly."

I frowned a bit.

Yeah… I don't think I wanted to do that.

Being around those people, there was a chance of my origins being found out, and while I didn't really care myself, there was a lot of stuff that could be messed up if a true heir to the throne such as myself was found.

But more importantly…

"My apologies, but I'll have to refuse," I said. "After all, I already serve a lady, and she is more than enough."

Reinhard visibly deflated, but still gave me a smile.

"I understand. In fact, I had expected that answer already," he said. "But… while this may be presumptuous of me… I hope we can remain as acquaintances."

…What was with this guy?

Sounding so desperate… was he really that lonely?

Well, considering his strength, I suppose that was only natural.

He was quite literally a walking non-aggression pact, after all.

And as for him being lonely… well, so was I, in some aspects.

While I had Priscilla and Schult, and soon to be Felt as well, I was lacking a male companion my age.

In short…

"Say, how about we be friends," I said, stepping forward. "While we may not see each other for the moment, fate is sure to bring Priscilla to the throne, and then we'll be working together regardless."

His eyes widened.

"Friends… yes, I would like that quite a bit," he said. "But still… you are quite confident of Priscilla-sama winning the selection."

"Well… it's her, after all. She has all the skill and luck that the world can offer," I said. "And also… she has me."

Reinhard nodded his head. 

"I see. Then, I suppose I will await the day of her ascension," he said as he extended his hand. "Unfortunately, I have to leave for my previous obligations, but do know that you are always welcome to visit my home. I shall welcome you as a guest… friend."

"And I offer the same to you," I said, shaking his offered hand. "I'll be sure that the Barielle Barony welcomes you, should you wish to visit."

Reinhard gave me a small smile before eventually walking away, waving his hand as he did so.

He really was quite awkward, huh?

Reinhard van Astrea… a funny guy, the most powerful being in the world, and also… my friend now.

What an interesting day.

And so, with that interaction finished, I continued walking down the streets of the capital, keeping my eye out for any possible treats or things that Priscilla would like on my way to the noble district.

Unfortunately, nothing was able to catch my eye.

Ah well, maybe I could find something tomorrow-

"Wait! Haa… w-wait, Selian!"

Huh?

Turning around at my name being called, I watched as a young man ran up to me, his desperation obvious through his panting and sweat-soaked face.

"J-Just, wait for a moment," he said, taking a deep breath. "You… you're really hard to find, ya know? Dammit…"

"Uhh… okay, but… who are you?" I asked.

"O-Oh! Right… introductions," he said, shaking his head. "I'm Natsuki Subaru! I'm hopelessly clueless and broke beyond compare!"

That… was quite the introduction.

But what was with this guy?

That short black hair… that was quite uncommon here, it being a hair colour only found in the northern country of Gusteko and sometimes in the western Kararagi.

And that jacket… it was of high quality, but looked nothing like a noble or merchant's attire, much less that of a knight.

And as for the young man himself… while he had sharp, intimidating eyes, and a solid build, the strength I could sense from him… it was practically nonexistent.

"Right… Subaru… what exactly do you have to do with me?" I asked. "And… how do you know me?"

"How do I… ah, that's tough to explain, huh?" he said, shaking his head before he suddenly widened his eyes. "Wait, that's not important right now!"

Not important…?

"Felt! She's in danger!" he said, staring at me with resolve.

My eyes narrowed as my body ran cold.

"…What did you just say?"

In danger?

How… and why?

And how did this guy know about her anyway?

"S-Scary! But please, just trust me! Y-You're sister, right? She… she's gotten mixed up with some dangerous people, so once it turns night-"

"I get it," I said, grabbing his arm. "You better explain on the way, understood?"

"I-I got it!" he responded, nodding his head.

Good.

I was utterly confused as to what was happening, but I didn't think he was lying.

And Felt being in possible danger… that was of the most serious significance.

So much so that I had even left the pastries to fall to the ground as I dragged Subaru towards the slums.

Once it was night, he said… well, I guess I should take the time to clarify things before rushing over.

"So? Who are you?" I asked, deciding to get to know the young man before asking him about the Felt situation. "Those clothes aren't normal for someone around here."

"Huh? Ah, well, you could say I'm from an island to the east! That's the usual trope, right?" Subaru said. "And… can you let go of me now?"

I decided to let go of his arm as he asked, but I would be sure to grab it again if he started to slow us down or run away.

But an 'island to the east'… there was no such thing.

At least… not in this world.

That, mixed with his odd choice of dress, alongside his confusion at the surrounding sights… he was one of those, huh?

"There is no such place east of Lugunica, the nation you're in," I said, looking at him out of the corner of my eye. "So either you're lying, or… you're from a different world entirely."

Subaru froze, stopping in his tracks as his eyes widened.

Luckily, he got his senses back quickly enough, and started walking before I had to drag him.

"W-Wait! How do you know that!?" he asked.

Hmm… now how should I answer this?

After becoming old enough to read, alongside learning more of this world, I also tried to research its connection to my old one, considering the memories of my past life.

And the result?

Well, there definitely was one.

Many people had ended up transported here, the most prevalent amongst them being Hoshin of the Wastes, the great merchant of the past that had founded the nation of Kararagi to the west as well as many other inventions, and I had even met one such otherworldly traveler in person.

He was an odd mercenary that I had encountered during my years of travelling across the nation before meeting Priscilla, with an interesting helmet and a distinct lack of an arm.

Though he did seem quite weirded out by me… I wonder why? Maybe because I didn't seem to care about him being from 'beyond the Great Waterfall'?

Who knows.

But even amongst all those anomalies… I was quite special.

After all, while many had appeared in this world from mine, I had yet to know of anyone who had been reincarnated here, being reborn as a baby… although they might have just kept it secret like I was.

Anyway, back to Subaru.

"It's… extremely rare, but not unheard of, to come from beyond the Great Waterfall. It is something that happens around once a decade or so," I explained. "But it would be best to keep it to yourself, unless you want to be targeted. Knowledge from another world can be quite coveted by certain people… and others might just think of you as a fraud."

"Oh… understood," he said, nodding his head before he grew a frustrated frown. "Besides… I'd rather not have anyone know anyway… this is a whole new world, after all. With no one… never mind."

Huh? Why would he…?

No, I guess it didn't matter.

"Right. Now… it's about time you explained what exactly you meant by Felt being in danger," I said, turning to glare at him. "And do not mess with me, got it?"

"Uh… yes, got it," he replied with a hasty nod.

It was time to get to the bottom of this.

—

"Haa…"

I released a sigh as I gently rubbed my temples in annoyance.

As it turns out, according to Subaru, Felt had gone ahead and gotten herself mixed up with quite a bit of trouble.

In the beginning, I always told her not to steal, but rather to swindle.

Not only because of the moral issues, but mostly for her own safety.

After all, if she stole from a rich person, they would have the power and influence to punish her for it, as long as it was something worth doing all that work for.

And if she stole from a poor person… well, they had a lot less to lose for the sake of revenge and taking back what was lost.

But she just had to go steal an insignia from an extremely important noble lady, didn't she?

And while the lady was kind, according to Subaru at least, the people who commissioned her to steal it weren't, and would kill her after the deal was done.

I had been in the slums for long enough, and had experienced the world enough, to know that Subaru's conclusion wasn't some made up bullshit.

No… that was actually quite common amongst such backroom dealings.

After all, when dealing with such influential and risky things, it was only natural to cut off all possible loose ends afterwards.

And there was no such thing as an honour amongst thieves.

Dammit… what an idiotic mistake, Felt.

What made you feel so rushed to go and do such a thing?

You really needed a scolding from your big brother… if you even saw me as that anymore, that is.

"Okay… yes, I understand now. Thank you, Subaru, for telling me," I said as we walked towards the loot house. "But… how did you know all of this?"

Subaru's eye twitched as he began to scratch his hair.

"Well… I saw Emilia have her insignia stolen by Felt… and as for the rest… you could call it a 'gut feeling', I guess? Haha!" he said, averting his eyes as his chuckles faded out.

Those words were… not a lie. At least, from what I could tell. And after being beside Priscilla, I liked to think that my ability to read people had gotten much better.

No, those words were not a lie… but they didn't feel like the full story either, and there were quite a few significant gaps in his explanation.

But I suppose he could have his secrets. I certainly had mine, after all.

He felt trustworthy, and if he ended up not being so, then I would simply have to give him a good beating and figure out why he would lie to me like this.

Maybe to get Priscilla alone?

No… I doubt that was the case, and Priscilla was already separated from me before Subaru interrupted me, hence why I was completely fine with leaving my errands to do this.

But still… even if Subaru ended up being wrong, I guess this wasn't the worst, as I was planning on heading to the slums soon to get Felt anyway.

Besides, this would be a good excuse to make her come back with me, considering that Felt would rightfully be quite angry at me upon my return.

But once that passed… yeah, I couldn't wait for her to meet Priscilla.

Their fierce personalities would definitely clash, but I had a strong feeling that Priscilla would appreciate her honest nature, and Felt… well, she would learn to deal with Priscilla.

While appearing quite arrogant, Priscilla was different from most nobles, and one that I could proudly serve and… cherish.

"So… I'm here again," Subaru said, taking a breath to compose himself as we stood in front of the place I had called home for eleven years.

Again?

This guy really loved saying odd things… he had said he hadn't met them before, or been here, right? So what was with those words?

Well, whatever.

"Alright, just be quiet and follow my lead, got it?" I asked.

"Y-Yeah… got it," he answered.

Walking up to the door, I pounded on it a few times before the typical code words were said.

"For a rat…"

"Just open the damn door, old man, or I'll break it down for you," I said.

That seemed to do the trick, as the door then opened to reveal Rom, his body still towering over me despite me having gotten a bit taller a bit since the last time I saw him.

"Heh. Look who decided to show up, eh?" Rom said, massaging his chin. "You've grown a little, Selian."

"Yeah… that tends to happen when three years pass," I said with a smirk.

"You damn brat… just as cheeky as I remember," he said, shaking his head. "Anyway, get in. I don't know what's up with that preppy get up, but you're sure to get some odd looks standing out there like that."

It was only some basic formal wear that was still easy to move in, but I suppose that was considered 'preppy' for these parts.

As Subaru and I walked in, I immediately noticed that my little sister was not here.

Well… according to Subaru, she would only be in danger after she met the buyer, which would be happening here, so this was good.

"Ah, and what's with the lad? Got yourself a pal there?" Rom asked as he walked behind the bar.

"Hmm… yeah, you can call him that," I said, sitting down as I looked back at Subaru. "Come sit down. And what's with you gawking at everything? Never seen a second-hand store before?"

Subaru snapped out of whatever state he was in, quickly coming over to take a seat next to me.

"Sorry, it's just… it's nothing," he said, his hands trembling a bit.

Seriously, what was with this guy?

Well, he did mention that this was his first day in Lugunica, so maybe he was just worried about that?

I mean, while I didn't have any attachments to my past life, that didn't mean he was the same.

Perhaps he's worried about his parents or siblings or something.

"Well, we have to wait until Felt gets back, so… do you want a drink?" I asked him.

"What? Ah, no… I'm underage," he said.

"The drinking age is 15 in Lugunica, if you follow those laws at all… but suit yourself," I said, shrugging. "It's not like the booze here is exactly good anyway."

"Oi! Watch yer mouth, brat," Rom grunted in indignation. "But more importantly… yer waiting for Felt, eh? She's missed ya, ya know… Really missed ya."

My hand twitched as I looked down at the bar.

"Yeah… I know," I said. "I've been a pretty shitty brother, huh?"

Even though I had seen her over the years from afar, to check in and make sure she was okay… I had still not met her face to face since I left all those years ago.

"Well, not exactly… every chick needs to learn to fly, after all," he said, wiping down a glass. "But still, don't expect her to greet ya with a big smile and a hug like when ya were kids."

"Yeah… I know. I don't plan to greet her that way either," I said.

"Hmm?" Rom hummed, confused.

"She needs a good scolding first. She seems to have gotten mixed up with some bad people while I was gone," I said, narrowing my eyes. "And speaking of… why weren't you watching out for her?"

"Ha. Big words from you, kid," Rom huffed. "And why would I stop her? She's 15, so she's an adult now. Besides, she was much too motivated for an old man like me to get in the way."

Motivated?

The hell did that-

"Oi! Old Man!"

Hearing the familiar, bratty voice, I felt my back straighten in an instant.

"It's unlocked! Besides, ya have a guest!" Rom said, smirking at me.

Shit… I wasn't sure I was ready.

"A guest? Did the client come already?" she said, opening the door as I hesitantly looked over to the entrance. "Well, I got the goods, so I guess this is good… timing…"

Her words trailed off as she noticed that I was here, her red eyes widening in shock as I stood up from the barstool.

"S-So you still wear that scarf I got you, huh? Isn't it a bit old at this point?" I said, smiling at her. "I'm… sorry it took so long, but… I'm here now, Felt. I've missed you…"

She blinked once before struggling to respond, her voice shaky as she clenched her fist.

"Brother…"

She took a step forward.

"You…"

And another step.

Wait, was she coming to hug me?

Well… I certainly wouldn't refuse.

Yeah… this would truly be the best greeting I could ask for.

"Idiot!"

With my arms wide open in expectation, Felt then sprinted up to me fast enough to break the sound barrier before punching me in the stomach, causing me to instantly drop to my knees as I exhaled the breath in my lungs.

I… guess she kept up her training, huh?

What an amazing Divine Protection… and a good punch too.

"What do you think you're doin' here, eh!? Think you can leave for three years and then come back like nothing happened!" she shouted, gripping my collar as she glared at me with tears in her eyes. "And what's with those clothes!? Did you decide to become a merchant for fun!? And I even smell a woman on you! I bet you've had a great time having fun with bitch after bitch, while I was here all alone, huh!? And for what!?"

With a lot of her anger vented, she then began to cry as her hand holding my collar trembled, her grip losing some strength.

"For what, brother…? If you just come back like this… what was all that time of feeling like shit for?" she said, leaning forward into my chest as I stood up.

"I'm… sorry, Felt. But I do promise that there was a purpose for leaving… for everything," I said, gently running my hand through her hair. "I love you, little sis. You know that, so you should know that I wouldn't leave you without a good reason."

I guess we would be having quite the tearful reunion, huh?

"Besides, I think it's about time we get you out of this place, no? I even got a place for us to live," I said. "We… we don't have to be separated again."

That was if she wasn't a candidate for the throne, like I had previously guessed.

But considering that the knights had done a check of all its citizens, I believe she was in the clear… right?

She sniffed before wiping her face off on my shirt, raising her head to meet my eyes.

"Fine. But where is this place you're so proud of?" she asked, eyes narrowed in anger and suspicion.

"Ah… well, it's with the lady I've pledged my allegiance to…" I said, avoiding her eyes.

"Your what?!" she said, reigniting the flame of anger. "Your lady!? I knew there was a woman! And I thought we hated nobility!"

"I hate the bad nobility, and still do," I said, shaking my head. "But Priscilla isn't like that."

"Why? Because she lets you fuck her brains out? Is that why she 'isn't like that'!?" Felt said, incensed.

"W-What!? We… we don't do that! Where the hell did you get that idea?" I said, feeling my face heat up a bit. "Besides, ignoring that blatant disrespect, we need to have a talk about this little job you've gotten yourself into!"

Grabbing the insignia out of her side pocket, I instantly recognized what exactly it was.

You… have got to be kidding me.

She stole from a royal candidate!?

"Felt… why did you steal this?" I asked her.

"Huh? Because the commission was a lot of money, isn't that obvious?" she said. "And don't get on my ass about stealing, considering you left me alone."

"It's not about the stealing, but rather who you stole from, and for whom," I said sternly. "How much was it? The commission, I mean."

"Huh? I was promised 10 holy coins," she answered.

Fucking hell…

"Did you turn into an idiot while I was gone? That's obviously shady!" I said, preparing to flick her forehead. "Tell me, why did you do something so stupid, huh!? The little sister I knew wasn't so greedy to be an idiot!"

"W-Why…? Because I wanted to leave this place… more than anything, I wanted to get out of here!" she shouted back, her eyes beginning to tear up.

"Why would you want to do that?" I asked, calming my anger at her desperate expression. "I… I thought you were happy here…"

As I stared into her ruby red eyes, memories from the past began to appear in my head.

When I would read her bedtime stories, with her always begging me to read again before she eventually fell asleep in my lap or at my side.

How we would watch the stars on the roof, cuddled up in a blanket together, and how Felt's eyes sparkled with wonder while we created constellations to mark the sky, all fit with their own stories, both from this world's history, and pure fiction from our minds.

The time we tried our hands at baking, where it eventually devolved into a session of playtime as she decided that my face would look a lot funnier with icing and dough covering it.

"I was happy here! This place is my home, so of course I was happy!" she said, beginning to tear up again. "But… that was only because you were here… you idiot."

I… oh.

"I know you said you had something to do. I didn't understand, but I could accept it," she said, shaking her head. "But eventually, I just didn't care anymore. I… I just wanted to leave and be with you… and I needed money to do that, since I didn't even know where you were…"

With her having vented her emotions, I slowly wrapped my arms around her, feeling her accept my embrace as she leaned closer against my chest.

"I… I'm sorry, for everything. I really am," I said. "I made sure to watch over you, even if you didn't notice, but then again… that doesn't matter. What does, is that we can be together again… okay?"

She slowly nodded her head into my chest.

"Fine… but you owe me… big time," she said, sniffling lightly as she wiped off her snot on my shirt.

This girl…

"Yeah… I suppose I do," I replied, smiling.

We stayed like that for a few moments before I then looked over to Subaru, seeing him nodding to himself with a smile.

"What's with you?" I asked, a little embarrassed at having an outsider witness our intimate exchange.

"Eh? Ah… it's nothing, really," he said, scratching his ear with a smile. "I just thought that this was how it should be… a happy reunion is always heartwarming to see."

Well… whatever.

Since he was the one that made this possible… I guess he could get a pass.

But there was still a need to deal with-

"I agree~"

Hearing the foreign voice, I felt my skin tingle as a woman appeared in the doorway.

She had long black hair, a pretty face, and was wearing an erotic dress hidden by a cloak.

But most importantly… she had a pair of knives held in each hand, and a sickeningly sweet smile on her face that made my instincts rumble.

She… was dangerous.

"The bond of siblings is truly beautiful~ It makes my heart shudder with warmth~" she said, narrowing her eyes as her smile grew. "But unfortunately… I will need that insignia regardless. Along with the rest of your lives."

It didn't take a genius to know that she had come here with bad intentions.

It seems that I was right to trust Subaru's word.