...
{3rd Pov}
The entire room fell into a heavy, suffocating silence as Miklotov's words hung in the air.
His command was unmistakable — the order to arrest Natsuki Subaru.
In this medieval world, despite the advancements brought about by the widespread use of magic, its societal and cultural foundation still remained deeply rooted in the traditions and mindset of Earth's old medieval era.
The treatment of criminals and prisoners was something everyone was well aware of, an unspoken truth that needed no explanation.
Even if someone had committed only a minor offense, their official punishment might appear lenient on paper, but in reality, everything depended on the temperament of the soldiers carrying out the arrest and, even more so, on the whims and preferences of the nobles involved.
The level of cruelty or mercy shown was often determined not by justice, but by personal mood or amusement.
Everyone gathered in that room — with the exception of Subaru himself, Emilia, and, somewhat unexpectedly, Garfiel — fully understood what awaited someone branded as a criminal.
They all knew the grim reality of what it meant to be arrested in such a world, where laws were merely tools for the powerful and punishment was often nothing more than a display of dominance.
That is why, when Miklotov gave the order to arrest Natsuki Subaru, it was as if his fate had already been decided at that very moment.
From that point onward, the outcome was practically inevitable.
Perhaps, in accordance with formal procedures, there would indeed be a trial — a so-called jury convened to determine whether Subaru's alleged crimes were truly severe enough to warrant such an arrest.
Yet, the question that hung heavily in everyone's mind was simple and cruel: how could anyone possibly judge a man for a crime he had not even committed yet?
How could they determine the guilt of someone who had merely been accused of a future that had not come to pass?
In this kind of situation, the nobles and wise men of Lugunica would not bother with fairness or logic.
They would twist justice to suit their own fears and interests, branding Subaru as guilty no matter the circumstances.
To them, it was not about truth — it was about preservation of power.
If a single individual, even by rumor or speculation, could pose a threat to their authority, then that person had to be eliminated before he could ever rise against them.
After all, if the stories and warnings spoken by others were to be believed, then Natsuki Subaru was destined to become the one who would bring ruin to the Kingdom of Lugunica itself.
And if such a prophecy, no matter how uncertain, was taken as truth by those in power, there could only be one possible conclusion — one single punishment that awaited him.
For someone marked as the future destroyer of a nation, the sentence was not imprisonment or exile.
It was far simpler and far more absolute: death.
Subaru, meanwhile, remained frozen in place, his mind struggling to process the meaning of the words that had just been spoken.
The command to arrest him echoed in his ears, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't bring himself to believe it was real.
His body felt heavy, his thoughts clouded, and his heart pounded in disbelief.
When his eyes moved toward Reinhardt, he saw the red-haired knight trembling slightly, his face filled with visible distress and inner conflict.
Even someone as composed as Reinhardt seemed shaken by the absurdity and cruelty of the situation.
Julius, standing nearby, had his head lowered and his fists tightly clenched, his usual calm and noble demeanor replaced by silent frustration.
It was clear that even he could not accept the decision so easily, though his sense of duty forced him to remain quiet.
Anastasia, on the other hand, observed everything with a sharp, calculating gaze, her expression unreadable as she studied Emilia's camp.
She understood immediately what this order meant — it wasn't just about Subaru being arrested.
It was a political move that would destroy the Emilia faction's reputation and cripple their standing within the royal selection.
If they chose to comply and allowed Subaru to be taken away without resistance, the outcome was already predetermined.
No matter how hard they tried to defend him afterward, the political pressure from the nobles and council would crush any attempt at a fair trial.
The verdict would be the same regardless of evidence or reason — Natsuki Subaru would be declared guilty, and his execution would follow soon after.
On the other hand, if Emilia's group decided to fight back and resist the arrest, their defiance would instantly be labeled as an act of rebellion.
Such a move would brand them as traitors to the kingdom, effectively removing them from the royal selection altogether.
Either choice led to ruin.
With Subaru gone, the Emilia camp would lose one of its most crucial pillars — their morale, their unity, and even their hope would collapse.
And if the public were to learn the truth of what had transpired, their support would vanish completely, leaving them with nothing.
In this situation, no matter which path they chose, the Emilia camp stood on the edge of destruction — trapped between submission and rebellion, with no way to escape the consequences of either.
Anastasia had to admit, deep down, that she owed a certain amount of gratitude to Felix for stepping forward first and taking responsibility for the secret that had been exposed.
By doing so, he had unintentionally absorbed the majority of the blame and diverted suspicion away from her. It wasn't something she had planned, but it played perfectly into her hands.
Thanks to Felix's impulsive move, she now found herself in an extremely favorable and advantageous position — one where she could observe the chaos unfold while maintaining her own spotless image.
For someone as calculating as Anastasia, this was a situation that couldn't have turned out better.
Before anyone could speak further, one of the Wise Men suddenly slammed his hand against the table and shouted with authority, his voice amplified through the Mirror Metia.
"What are you waiting for?! Arrest him already!" the man bellowed, his tone filled with impatience and disdain.
The command echoed throughout the chamber, snapping everyone out of their stunned silence.
The atmosphere, which had been frozen in tension a moment ago, shifted instantly into motion.
Reinhardt, standing between Subaru and the others, found himself under immense pressure.
His expression hardened as he turned toward Subaru, his brilliant blue eyes clouded with hesitation and conflict.
Even the Sword Saint, a man known for his unwavering sense of duty, appeared torn between his obligations and his own conscience.
Subaru, on the other hand, could barely comprehend what was happening.
His body trembled, and disbelief twisted across his face.
He couldn't accept it — not this, not again.
He had been betrayed.
Someone he had trusted had sold him out, exposed him, and thrown him to the wolves.
The realization hit him like a blade to the chest.
He remembered everything that Zero — that cruel reflection of his despair — had once shown him: how hollow his friendships truly were, how easily trust could shatter, and how worthless his faith in others might be.
And now, standing here, he could see that Zero had been right.
His so-called friends — Reinhardt, Felix, Julius — the proud knights of the other royal camps — had proven that when the time came, they would always side with their duties and ambitions over loyalty or friendship.
Yet, despite knowing all that, Subaru had chosen differently.
He had chosen Emilia.
He had chosen to believe in her, in them, in the fragile hope that there was still goodness in the people around him.
The bitter irony of it all clawed at him.
Barely any time had passed since their recent victory — not even a full day, perhaps only a few short hours — and here he was again, cornered and condemned.
After everything he had endured, after fighting so hard to stand tall beside them, he once more found himself staring straight into the abyss, trapped in another hopeless situation with nowhere left to run.
"Reinhardt," Subaru called out, his voice quivering and lips trembling from the tension and fear coursing through him.
"You know me, right? You know who I am! Tell them! Tell them everything — tell them how I saved all of you! Zero… Zero isn't me! Even if he represents some version of my future self, I swear, I will never, ever become like him!"
His words struck Reinhardt like a physical blow, each syllable heavy with desperation, conviction, and raw emotion.
Subaru's gaze was locked on the Sword Saint, silently begging him to speak the truth before it was too late.
Felix, unable to remain silent any longer, opened his mouth to argue, his voice rising with indignation.
"Saved us?! You're the one who doomed us in the first place—" But before he could finish, a sudden, excruciating pain tore through his mind, freezing him in place.
"Arghhhhhh!" he screamed, collapsing to the ground, writhing in agony as the intensity of the mental assault overwhelmed him.
The room fell into stunned silence, every single person staring in disbelief at the horrifying scene before them.
When they looked closer, they realized the shocking truth: both of Felix's hands had disintegrated into ashes, crumbling as though reduced to nothingness by some unseen force.
The perpetrator was immediately apparent — a woman standing a few feet away, her presence commanding the entire room.
With striking orange hair and piercing crimson-red eyes, none other than one of the Royal Candidates, Priscilla Barielle, had just taken action.
"Enough, vermin! I've had enough of your endless nonsense—die!" Priscilla declared, her voice cold and authoritative, as she raised her Yang Sword with lethal intent.
She aimed directly for Felix's head, intending to end him in a single, decisive strike.
However, before the deadly blow could land, Wilhelm stepped forward without hesitation, placing himself between her and her target, deflecting the attack with his unwavering strength.
"Princess! What are you doing?!" Alderban shouted in shock, his voice a mix of fear, confusion, and disbelief.
He could not comprehend why Priscilla would take such a drastic and sudden step, acting with such brutality without warning.
He knew full well that her actions could place her in an extremely precarious position regarding the throne.
Even if she wasn't immediately disqualified from the Royal Selection like Emilia might face under certain circumstances, the political repercussions would be severe, and she could suffer a significant disadvantage in the race for the crown.
Yet, Priscilla seemed completely unbothered, her intent as clear and unyielding as steel.
Priscilla completely ignored Alderban's desperate protests, her attention fixed entirely on Wilhelm, the man who had just intercepted her lethal strike.
Her eyes, sharp and burning with irritation, bore into him as she spoke, her tone dripping with accusation.
"You will protect that traitor?" she demanded, her voice echoing through the room, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
Wilhelm, standing tall and unwavering, met her gaze with calm resolve.
Beside him, a green-haired woman with striking amber eyes spoke firmly, her voice steady as she addressed Priscilla.
"Whether he is a traitor or not," she said, her words deliberate and resolute, "he is a member of my camp. I will protect him, no matter what."
Her conviction radiated through the room, leaving no doubt about her loyalty or determination to defend her ally.
Instead of being intimidated, Priscilla's expression broke into a sharp, amused laughter.
The scene before her struck her as both ridiculous and entertaining, and she allowed herself a moment to savor the irony of it all.
Her amber eyes flicked toward Emilia, and a wicked grin spread across her face as she addressed the Half-elf directly.
"Do you see that wretched Half-elf?" she said, her voice teasing yet cutting.
"Despite his betrayals, despite his disgusting behavior and constant failures, her Lord still stands unwaveringly by his side. And what about you?"
Her sneer deepened as she stepped closer, the edge in her voice sharp enough to cut.
"Your own camp member has been falsely accused of a crime he did not commit. Yet instead of defending him, instead of acting to protect him, you remain frozen in place, like some lifeless ice statue."
The words hit Emilia harder than any sword could, forcing her to flinch.
In that moment, the weight of Priscilla's scorn made her painfully aware of her inaction, the blunder she had just made leaving her shaken and vulnerable.
Priscilla's grin widened as she turned her gaze to the Metia, the magical mirror reflecting the Wise Men in the Royal Capital.
She observed their reactions, their shock and hesitation mirrored in their faces, all taken aback by her sudden, audacious behavior.
Priscilla leveled her Yang Swords at them — at Reinhardt in particular, and then swept her gaze across everyone else in the chamber — and declared, "Mongrels. Natsuki Subaru is under my protection from this moment on. Anyone who dares to arrest him will have to get through me first. And remember this: those who stand against me will not be spared, even if they are other Royal Candidates."
Her words froze the room.
Faces went pale and mouths opened, then closed.
"Princess! What are you—" Alderban began, but his protest died in his throat as he met the look of cold disgust Priscilla leveled at him.
"Alderban," Priscilla said smoothly, drawing out his name as if tasting it, "even if you are jealous, do you honestly think I will tolerate that attitude? I am your sovereign — your master — above all else. If you refuse to follow my orders, I will have no hesitation in removing that helmet from your head."
Her threat landed like a physical blow, and Alderban went still.
For a few seconds he stood paralyzed, the force of her words shutting down his impulse to argue.
Then, slowly, comprehension returned to his features.
He understood the brutal truth in what she had said: even if he tried to oppose her by using his ability, the result would only be him suffering death thousands, if not millions, of times with no hope of changing her mind.
Resistance would be meaningless and suicidal.
He let out a long, resigned sigh, pushing his jealousy and pride aside.
With deliberate movements he drew his dragger and bowed his head slightly.
"You have spoken," he said, his voice even but heavy.
"I hear the Princess. I will follow her orders."
Reinhardt surveyed the rapidly deteriorating situation with a deep sense of concern, his gaze shifting toward Subaru with pleading, almost desperate eyes.
"Subaru, please," he said, his voice heavy with urgency, "surrender. I promise you that I will ensure you are treated with the respect you deserve, at least until the trial."
Subaru's body tensed, a shiver running through him as those words sank in.
His eyes darted toward Emilia and the others, seeking their silent reassurance, before returning to Reinhardt.
The weight of the consequences of his actions pressed down on him, making him painfully aware that his next move could affect everyone around him.
Deep down, he knew that the safest and most logical choice in this moment was to surrender himself, to stop further bloodshed and prevent more suffering for those he cared about.
However, just as the thought of surrender began to root itself in his mind, a sharp, deliberate sound cut through the tense air—Priscilla tapping her boots against the stone floor.
Her gaze locked onto Subaru with an intensity that was impossible to ignore, cold and unyielding.
"Natsuki Subaru," she said, her voice sharp and laced with contempt, "remember this: if you choose to surrender right now, do not expect to come begging for my protection later."
Her words carried a venomous weight, a warning that sent a chill down Subaru's spine.
Priscilla leaned slightly forward, her expression twisted with disdain as she continued, "Do you truly believe that surrendering will mean freedom for you? Do you think, after being arrested, you will be treated with respect, or even merely tolerated as a prisoner?"
Her sneer widened, and her tone hardened.
"Your fate is already sealed. The Nobles, the old fools who cling to their titles and influence, will move heaven and earth to ensure your demise. They will do everything in their power to see you dead. Perhaps, if fortune—or rather misfortune—favors them, you will even be executed in public, made an example of, blamed for everything that has transpired in Priestella."
Her words struck Subaru like a hammer, each sentence reverberating through his chest, filling him with dread.
But it wasn't only him who felt the impact.
Everyone present—the allies, the friends, the bystanders—recognized the grim truth in her words.
The chilling reality of what she was saying hung heavily over them: there would be no mercy, no leniency, no escape from the consequences of the events that had unfolded.
In that instant, the stark, unavoidable truth became undeniable, and it left an icy, oppressive silence in its wake, pressing down on everyone like a physical weight.
In truth, Priscilla's stance toward Subaru was not born out of mere curiosity or arbitrary interest.
She was only showing this particular attention to him because, as Zero had once mentioned, he was destined to become Zero in the future.
That knowledge shaped her perspective entirely.
She was already captivated by his charm, his confidence, and the unique way he carried himself.
It was impossible for her to ignore the magnetic pull he had over her, an influence so strong that it had quietly, irreversibly taken hold of her heart and mind.
The existence of Gloria, a living proof of the union that was yet to come, only reinforced this conviction.
Priscilla had already resolved, deep within herself, that Subaru was someone she would claim for herself, should the conditions of the future align as she believed they inevitably would.
Yet, even with this personal desire firmly rooted in her heart, her pride and sense of self-worth remained intact, uncompromising and sharp as ever.
She would not simply accept Subaru on a whim, nor would she allow herself to be swayed by fleeting circumstances.
Only if Subaru could rise to the level of Zero—demonstrating the strength, determination, and resolve that the title demanded—would she deem him truly worthy.
Only then could he earn the right to be her husband, the man beside whom she could proudly stand, and the father of her children, particularly Gloria, who was destined to symbolize their bond.
Her standards were non-negotiable, and her patience, though seemingly infinite, had its limits.
However, if Subaru were to falter at this crucial moment, if he showed weakness or hesitation, it would shatter her belief in his destiny.
To Priscilla, such failure would mean that he was incapable of becoming Zero, and consequently, the possibility of Gloria's existence as her daughter with Subaru would vanish entirely.
To her, this would not simply be disappointment—it would feel like an act of betrayal, almost as if Subaru himself were indirectly responsible for killing the child she was meant to bear.
The weight of such a failure would be immense, a personal affront that she could not and would not forgive.
When the time came, she would not hesitate.
She would execute him herself, her hands delivering the justice she saw as his due, the punishment for failing the destiny she had so clearly envisioned.
Subaru froze in place, his entire body going rigid as Priscilla's words echoed in his mind like a curse that refused to fade.
His breathing grew uneven, his chest rising and falling as he turned his gaze toward Reinhardt.
His eyes, wide with disbelief and anger, gradually narrowed into a sharp glare.
"Reinhardt…" he said, his voice trembling with a mix of desperation and fury, "is what she's saying true? Tell me—tell me that she's lying! Tell me that I'll be proven innocent! Promise me that I'll be released after all this is over!"
His tone cracked toward the end, betraying the fear and doubt that were clawing at his heart.
Reinhardt didn't respond immediately.
The hesitation alone was enough to make everyone's stomach tighten.
He looked down for a moment, visibly struggling for words, his usual composure faltering under the weight of the truth.
Finally, with a voice low and reluctant, he spoke, "Subaru… I will do everything within my power to make sure you are given a fair judgement."
That was the breaking point.
Subaru's entire expression twisted with disbelief and outrage.
He bit his lip so hard that a small streak of blood appeared, his trembling hand pointing accusingly toward Reinhardt.
"Shut up!" he shouted, his voice cracking with anger.
"I don't want to hear any of that crap from you! Fair judgement?! As if I'd ever believe that!"
His voice rose higher with every word, echoing off the walls.
"You all know damn well that I haven't committed any crime! I've fought beside you, bled beside you, risked my life for this Kingdom and for all of you! And this—this is what I get in return? Where the hell does the idea of arresting me even come from in the first place?!"
"Subaru," Julius interjected, his tone serious but not unkind.
He turned toward Subaru, meeting his furious gaze head-on.
"You need to understand the situation. Right now, in the eyes of the Kingdom, your actions and influence could be considered a potential threat to Lugunica's stability. You could be seen as someone who might endanger the nation. However," Julius added quickly, "because of everything you've done—your countless acts of service and loyalty—I am certain they won't go as far as execution. You will not lose your life for this."
Subaru slowly turned toward Julius, his eyes narrowing into a glare that could cut through steel.
His teeth clenched so tightly that his jaw trembled, and for a brief moment, silence filled the air.
Then he exploded.
"Shut up, Julius! Don't you dare pretend to understand me!" he snapped, stepping forward with rage burning in his eyes.
"It's because of her—that damn bitch standing behind you—that I'm in this mess in the first place!"
His voice was filled with venom, every word striking like a blade.
"Natsuki Subaru!" Julius's voice thundered back almost instantly, his composure breaking as he raised his voice in anger.
"Say what you want to me, insult me all you like, but I will not—I repeat, not—tolerate any insult toward my liege!"
His hand instinctively went to his sword, the air between the two men growing heavy with tension, every muscle ready to move, every gaze filled with restrained hostility.
"Oh yeah? Then listen to me!" Subaru snapped, voice cutting through the tense air like a blade.
"That—that fucking bitch is nothing but a money slut. She'd sell anyone for coin—her friends, her allies, even you if it served her purpose. I wouldn't put it past her to have sold her body to climb to this position!"
The words exploded from him, brutal and unfiltered, instantly setting the Anastasia camp and everyone nearby ablaze with shock and outrage.
"Natsuki Subaru!" Julius erupted, fury cracking his composure.
"Say one more word like that and I will have you beheaded right here."
His hand hovered near his sword as his eyes drilled into Subaru, danger sparking in every syllable.
Subaru only let out a short, bitter chuckle at Julius's threat.
"There you go," he said through clenched teeth, voice low and contemptuous.
"At last you've shown your true colors, Julius."
The laugh was hollow; it carried none of the mirth of a jest and every ounce of scorn.
Ricardo stepped forward, narrowing his eyes as he regarded Subaru with a cold, disapproving stare.
"Natsuki Subaru," he said in a measured tone, "you forget how much Julius has done for you. He covered for you time and again—shielded you from trouble—right up until Felix exposed everything. You're the ungrateful one here, lad."
His words were precise, meant to sting and to remind everyone of Sacramento the favors Julius had extended.
"Ungrateful?" Subaru barked, the sound more a hysterical laugh than a denial.
His emotions frayed at the edges; anger, humiliation, and panic tumbled out of him in ragged bursts.
"Ungrateful—me? You've got to be kidding."
He spun on Ricardo as if the man's calm rebuke was a personal affront, his face flushed, eyes wild.
From the Metia, Bordeaux's voice suddenly cut through the escalating chaos.
"He's losing it! Reinhardt—detain him this instant!" The command was sharp and authoritative, backed by the gravity of the council's mounting alarm.
Around them, the Wise Men shifted in their places, tension hard as stone running through the chamber.
They watched Subaru with a mix of pity and calculated fear, the realization settling over them that his presence was no longer merely problematic but dangerous to the stability of the Kingdom.
Underneath that realization lay a colder decision: once Subaru was in custody, they intended to move swiftly.
The murmured consensus among the councilors was grim and unambiguous—arrest first, then expedite the sentence.
Execution, they believed, would be the quickest way to remove what they now perceived as a root of unrest before it could spread further.
The thought of such swift, final action hung in the air like a threat, and it pushed the entire scene toward an inevitable, imminent break.
"Stay away from my Subaru!" Emilia shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos like steel.
She raised her arms, and with a surge of her magic, icicles materialized in the air, sharp and glimmering, all pointing directly toward Reinhardt and Julius as if daring them to make a single move.
"My Subaru has done nothing wrong! I will not allow anyone to harm him, not even you!" she continued, her words ringing with a surprising intensity that caught everyone present off guard.
Her tone carried both defiance and unshakable conviction, showing that she would not stand idly by while Subaru faced danger.
The shock was evident across the camps; many had underestimated the depth of her loyalty, and now it was impossible to ignore.
Garfiel, standing beside her, cracked a wide grin, his fists clenching with enthusiasm.
"That's the spirit, Princess! Don't worry, I'll make sure no one lays a hand on my Capt'n either!"
His voice carried a rough edge of humor, but beneath it lay the same fierce determination that mirrored Emilia's own resolve.
Otto, standing a little further back, looked nervously toward the other camps, sweat already dripping down his back.
He had always been loyal to Subaru and wanted desperately to support him, but the presence of Reinhardt, formidable and unyielding, made any thought of intervention seem impossible.
His mind raced, weighing every option, but the reality was grim—there was no easy way to protect Subaru in the current situation.
And then there was the larger concern looming over them all.
"Emilia," came a cold, authoritative voice from the mirror, cutting through the tension like a blade.
Miklotov's words were sharp, measured, and unyielding.
"If your camp refuses to hand over the criminal, you will be disqualified from the Royal Selection for threatening the safety of Lugunica."
The statement hit the Emilia camp like a thunderclap.
Silence fell over them, heavy and suffocating.
Otto exhaled slowly, the breath escaping as a resigned sigh.
'That… that's exactly what I feared,' he thought, his heart sinking.
Emilia herself wavered, her resolve faltering under the weight of the ultimatum.
The Royal Selection had always been more than a contest—it was her chance, her only opportunity, to achieve her dream of unfreezing the Elves and restoring her people.
If they disqualified her now, all of her hard work, all of her sacrifices, would be rendered meaningless.
That dream, the goal she had dedicated herself to her entire life, would drift forever out of reach, leaving only regret in its place.
The icicles in the air trembled slightly as Emilia's fingers flexed, the tension in her camp mirrored by the storm of conflicting emotions in her mind.
Determination warred with desperation, loyalty clashed with responsibility, and the choice she now faced would define not just Subaru's fate, but the future of everything she had fought for.
"Why are we still hesitating and arguing with them?" one of the Wise Men barked, his voice sharp and filled with disdain.
"I highly doubt that all of them are loyal. After all, what can one truly expect from a Half-Elf? I am convinced that her entire camp is nothing more than a nest of witch cultists!"
His words were venomous, deliberate, and intended to provoke fear and doubt.
Emilia's body stiffened, her hands trembling slightly as the accusation cut through her camp like a knife.
Subaru's eyes immediately snapped toward the Wise Man, burning with rage.
His voice erupted, filled with unrestrained fury, "Shut up, you old hag! Who gave you the right to speak such vile insults about her?!"
His tone was raw and accusatory, echoing through the tense space around them.
"Do you not realize what she has done? She has sacrificed more, risked more, and fought harder for this kingdom than you ever have! And you—senile fools sitting comfortably in your high chairs—dare to cast judgment? You use your positions not to protect the people, but to quench your own petty desires!"
Every word was laced with contempt, every syllable a strike at the man's pride and authority.
"The audacity of this insolence!" the Wise Man fumed, his face turning red with rage.
His hands shook slightly, whether from anger or the indignity of being publicly scolded, no one could tell, but the fury in his voice was unmistakable.
"Subaru, please, stop!" Reinhardt interjected, his voice urgent and filled with concern.
He stepped slightly forward, trying to intercept the storm of Subaru's emotions.
"Insulting the Wise Men—speaking to them in such a manner—is a crime. You must control yourself!"
Subaru's lips curled into a bitter, incredulous sneer.
"Oh yeah?" he shot back, voice dripping with scorn.
"Is insulting them a crime? Or is it the simple act of speaking the truth that you find so offensive?!"
His words rang out like a challenge, sharp and relentless, forcing everyone in the room to pause.
He turned slowly, his gaze sweeping over every person who stood in opposition to him.
Each stare, each judgmental glance, fueled the fire burning in his chest.
The weight of their authority, their age, their supposed wisdom—it meant nothing in comparison to the injustice he saw before him.
Every fiber of his being screamed against their judgment, against their hypocrisy, and against the cowardice of those who would condemn without understanding.
Priscilla let out a sharp, almost musical laugh, her eyes glinting with amusement and possessiveness.
"Natsuki Subaru," she said, her tone dripping with condescension and confidence, "what an attitude you have! Mine, my divine self, will stand firmly by your side. Under my watch, no one—absolutely no one—will dare to lay a hand on you or attempt to arrest you."
Her words carried both a promise and a warning, an unshakable declaration of her dominance and intent.
Emilia's jaw tightened, her teeth gritting as her hands moved with practiced precision.
More icicles formed in the air around her, sharp and glimmering, each one a silent threat directed toward anyone who might challenge her will.
The temperature around her dropped noticeably, the air itself turning biting cold as her mana radiated outward, manifesting the full scope of her resolve.
"Subaru," she said, her voice low but unwavering, heavy with gratitude and determination, "you've helped me again and again, standing by my side no matter how difficult the situation became. Even when everything seemed impossible, you were there. You never wavered, never faltered, and never abandoned me."
Her words carried both the weight of memory and the force of conviction, a testament to the countless times he had acted for her sake.
Her mind briefly recalled Zero's mocking words, the jeers and dismissals that had always lingered in the back of her thoughts.
And every time Subaru had helped her, saved her from danger, or stood by her side unconditionally, he had proven the mocking words right.
In all her life, no one had ever given her such unwavering support.
No one except Puck had ever stood by her so loyally, and even he, her constant companion, could not fully match Subaru's courage and dedication.
Deep in her heart, she realized that Subaru had, in fact, surpassed Puck in his steadfastness and commitment.
"Instead of worrying about what I might lose," Emilia said, her mana twisting sharply, "I would rather focus on not losing what is right in front of me."
Her gaze hardened, locked firmly on Subaru, and the icicles around her shimmered with a sharper edge, reflecting the clarity of her intent: she would not, under any circumstances, let him be taken from her or harmed while she could stand against the threat.
Hearing her words, Subaru felt his heart skip a beat.
He looked straight at Emilia; she gave him a firm nod, her expression resolute and unwavering as it met his.
A small, genuine smile spread across Subaru's lips — a brief, brittle thing, but one that carried relief.
Emilia stood by his side.(A/N: Most important thing for Subaru the simp)
A handful of his friends stood with him as well, few in number but steadfast in presence.
Then Subaru turned his gaze to Reinhardt, his own eyes hardening with resolve.
"As you heard, Reinhardt," he said, his voice dropping and taking on a dangerous edge, "I will not submit to being arrested for crimes I did not commit… and—"
He let the words hang for a heartbeat, the air around him charged.
His glare swept across the room, landing on those who threatened his friends.
"If any of you dare to harm them," he continued, each word measured and heavy with promise, "I swear to you, Reinhardt Van Astrea, and to everyone here: I will make you pay. I will take my revenge a thousand times over."
The room fell into a heavy silence as everyone absorbed the seriousness of Subaru's threat. The weight of his words pressed down on the chamber; even the air seemed to hold its breath.
Felix was the first to break the quiet, laughing coldly as he leaned back with a sneer.
"See?" he mocked, voice sharp and cruel.
"He's proven he's unstable—exactly as we warned. He needs to be controlled! Nothing's changed since Zero's warning. If he's allowed to run free, he'll bring ruin to Lugunica just like Zero did."
His words were delivered with cruel satisfaction, and they echoed through the opposing camps, finding easy purchase among those already looking for justification.
Crusch, who had spent the entire confrontation weighing her options and trying to decide where to stand, exhaled slowly.
The argument had pushed her toward a choice.
With visible reluctance, she closed her stance: she would side with Subaru's arrest.
The decision left a quiet, strained expression on her face—practical, but unwilling.
"Reinhardt," Felt announced, stepping forward from where she had been standing silently until that moment.
She put herself deliberately between Reinhardt and the others, her posture defiant as she raised her voice with authority.
"As your liege, I command you: stand down."
Her words were clear and unambiguous, carrying the weight of her position and the expectation that it be obeyed.
Reinhardt's jaw tightened.
He bowed his head slightly out of respect, but his answer was measured and heavy with duty.
"Forgive me, Lady Felt," he said, voice steady but conflicted.
"I am bound by the orders of the Wise Men. I cannot act against their command."
Felt's face flashed with anger.
She stepped forward as if to strike him, her fist drawn back in a swift, furious motion—an immediate, physical challenge to his refusal.
But Reinhardt reacted with the speed and control of a seasoned warrior: he intercepted her mid-swing.
His hand landed on the side of her neck, a firm, practiced motion intended to neutralize rather than maim.
A single, controlled touch—patting the back of her head—sent Felt collapsing into unconsciousness before she could follow through.
The suddenness of it unnerved everyone present.
The tense room watched as Felt dropped like a puppet with its strings cut, and the silence returned thicker than before, laced now with shock, anger, and the clear impression that events were about to move in a direction none of them could easily stop.
Subaru's eyes locked onto Wilhelm, burning with intensity as he called out, his voice echoing through the tense chamber.
"Wilhelm! You promised me that day—your blade is mine, in exchange for avenging your wife!"
Wilhelm's entire body stiffened, a tremor running through him as memories of that fateful day came rushing back unbidden.
His mind swirled with recollections of loss, duty, and honor, making his normally steady hands shake ever so slightly.
His eyes wavered between Crusch and Subaru, caught in the impossible weight of conflicting loyalties.
Anastasia's voice cut through the tension, her eyes glittering with sharp amusement.
"You're playing dirty, aren't you?" she said, a faint smirk curling her lips, clearly enjoying the drama unfolding before her.
Subaru's glare shifted to her, his reply laced with venom and defiance.
"I don't want to hear anything from you, bitch," he snapped, his voice sharp enough to slice through the charged air.
Ricardo interjected, his tone calm but edged with warning.
"You're starting to sound just like Zero, Subaru."
Subaru didn't falter.
He met Ricardo's remark with a sharp, unwavering retort.
"Yeah? And that's because you deserve it," he said, speaking without hesitation, the fire in his eyes leaving no room for doubt.
Then, shifting his gaze, he fixed Wilhelm with a piercing stare.
"So, old man… what is your answer?"
The challenge in his tone was clear, daring Wilhelm to choose between loyalty and personal obligation.
Wilhelm's voice trembled slightly, heavy with regret, yet resolute.
"Forgive me, Subaru-dono," he said, his words formal and weighed with sorrow, "but I am afraid I cannot betray Lady Crusch."
Subaru's eyes narrowed, the sharpness in his gaze deepening as he studied Wilhelm.
"I see," he said slowly, the edge in his tone unmistakable.
"But… you can betray me, can't you?"
Wilhelm flinched, his body reacting before his mind could catch up to the accusation.
Subaru's arms spread wide, a display of his vulnerability and defiance, his posture screaming both frustration and challenge.
His chest heaved slightly, the emotions roiling inside him spilling outward.
Anger, betrayal, and despair collided in his eyes, making it clear that this moment was pushing him further into emotional distress than ever before.
"I am going to make all of you pay," Subaru growled, his voice low and seething with restrained fury.
Every word carried the weight of his anger and the promise of vengeance, reverberating through the tense air around him.
Reinhardt immediately stepped forward, his expression set and his eyes blazing with determination.
"I will not allow that to happen, Subaru," he declared firmly, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword, ready for whatever came next.
(A/N: Shutup Reinhardt)
In the next instant, Priscilla vanished from her place, her figure flashing with supernatural speed behind Reinhardt.
With a fluid motion, she swung her Yang Sword in a deadly arc aimed directly at him.
Reinhardt reacted without hesitation, blocking the attack with his Dragon Sword.
The clash of their blades rang sharply through the room, sparks of magic and steel filling the air as their power collided.
Emilia wasted no time.
Her hands moved swiftly, unleashing a flurry of icicle attacks aimed at the surrounding opponents.
The air was instantly filled with sharp, crystalline projectiles, forcing those who would stop Subaru to dodge and retreat under the sudden, unrelenting assault.
Amidst the chaos, Otto acted decisively.
He grabbed Subaru's palm firmly, his voice urgent yet controlled.
"Subaru! Run! Now!"
Subaru's eyes swept across the battlefield.
The destruction, the power, the sheer danger pressed against him like a storm.
He gritted his teeth, the tension in his muscles coiling, and then he nodded, understanding that this was his only chance.
"Subaru! We'll cover for you!" Emilia shouted, her voice ringing with authority and determination.
"Garfiel! Otto! Take him away!"
In an instant, Emilia's magic surged outward.
The floor beneath their enemies froze solid, sending them slipping and stumbling as they tried to maintain their footing.
Her mana flowed with precision and power, creating a perfect shield of opportunity for Subaru to escape.
The scene erupted into chaos, the sound of clashing steel, breaking ice, and shouting filling the room.
The battle to arrest Subaru had officially begun, and the outcome was far from certain.
Every movement, every decision, now carried life-or-death consequences, and the tension that gripped the room showed that nothing would remain calm until this confrontation reached its climax.
To be continued...
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