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{3rd Pov}
It had been nearly a full year since Reina had begun living in what little remained of the once-prosperous Sanctuary.
The place that had once been filled with life now stood as a shadow of its former self—quiet, broken, and haunted by memories of the past.
Most of the people who had once stayed there had long since left, seeking peace or safety elsewhere.
Only a handful of the elderly remained—old souls too tired or too stubborn to abandon their home.
They kept their distance from Reina, wary of her presence, whispering among themselves but never daring to interfere with her life.
They didn't trust her, but they didn't trouble her either.
Reina's days passed in a calm, repetitive rhythm.
She spent her mornings tending to the fields, carefully maintaining the small crops she had cultivated from the infertile soil.
When the sun climbed high, she would water the flowers she had planted around her cottage—vibrant blooms that stood out against the lifeless ruins, as if she were trying to bring back even a fragment of what was lost.
And every evening, without fail, she would kneel before the small wooden shrine she had built with her own hands—a shrine devoted entirely to Subaru.
She prayed to him, worshipped him, and spoke to him as if he were still there listening.
It was her way of keeping herself from falling apart, of believing that one day, he would return to her.
Her life had settled into that unchanging cycle—quiet, lonely, and filled with devotion.
But today, as she was working in the fields, her hands buried in the dirt, she suddenly froze.
Her heart began to pound violently in her chest.
'This feeling…!' she thought, eyes widening as she clutched her chest.
It was unmistakable.
That strange, indescribable sensation—something deep, something familiar—something she had only ever felt in his presence.
Reina's breath quickened as realization struck her.
She had felt this exact pulse, this stirring within her heart, countless times before—always when Subaru was near.
And now, that same feeling had returned.
When she had met the Subaru of this world before, that special feeling had never stirred within her heart—not even once.
It confirmed what she already knew beyond doubt.
This was her unique instinct, her sixth sense, her Subaru-finding sense, something that only awakened when her Subaru was truly near.
Reina quickly turned her head, scanning her surroundings with growing urgency.
Her eyes darted across the field, over the crops, the trees, and the dirt path leading to the ruins.
Then, almost as if drawn by some invisible pull, she turned around—toward the small hill behind her.
And there he was.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Subaru stood there, only a short distance away, his figure illuminated softly by the sunlight that filtered through the scattered clouds.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Reina's eyes widened, disbelief and joy flooding her at once.
Subaru was standing right before her—her Subaru.
He looked a little different now; his once-familiar eyes were no longer the same shade.
They glowed faintly with a golden hue, something otherworldly, almost divine.
But that didn't matter.
That didn't change a thing.
Because no matter how much his appearance had shifted, Reina's heart knew the truth.
It was him.
Subaru, on his part, seemed just as overwhelmed.
His entire body trembled slightly, a smile of pure relief spreading across his face even as tears rolled down his cheeks.
His lips quivered as if he wanted to say something, but no words came out—only a quiet, choked breath.
And then, before she could stop herself, Reina ran.
She sprinted toward him without a shred of hesitation, her tears spilling freely.
The world around her blurred; the only thing she could see was him.
When she reached him, she leapt forward, throwing herself into his arms.
"Subaru!" she cried, her voice breaking as she collided against him and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
For a brief moment, time seemed to stop.
Their eyes met—his golden ones filled with emotion, hers with relief and love—and without a single word spoken, both leaned in closer.
Their lips met in a desperate, unrestrained kiss, a reunion of two souls that had longed for each other beyond life and death.
And then, wordlessly, they embraced again—tighter this time, as if afraid that if they let go, the other might disappear forever.
Slowly, their lips parted, a thin strand of breath lingering between them.
Reina's face was flushed, her eyes hazy with emotion as she instinctively licked her lips, savoring the familiar taste of Subaru's saliva—the taste she had longed for, missed for so long.
It was real, unmistakably him.
"Subaru… you're here…" she whispered, her voice trembling as disbelief gave way to overwhelming relief.
Then, as if finally accepting that it wasn't a dream, her tone broke into pure joy.
"Subaru! Subaru! Subaru!" she cried, repeating his name over and over as she hugged him even tighter.
Her arms wrapped around his waist, and she pressed her face into his chest, nuzzling and rubbing her head against him like a child afraid he might vanish if she let go.
Subaru smiled softly, his expression warm and full of affection.
He placed his hand on her head, gently patting and ruffling her hair.
Her crimson locks, silky and smooth as always, slipped between his fingers like threads of silk.
"Yes, I'm Subaru," he said in a calm, reassuring tone, "your Subaru. I'm here for you now… and I'll never part from you again."
His hand lingered for a moment before he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
For a brief time, neither of them said another word.
They just stayed like that, holding onto each other, listening to the sound of their hearts beating in sync.
The silence wasn't awkward—it was comforting, something only the two of them could share after so much time apart.
After a while, Reina took Subaru's hand and led him toward her home.
The house stood nearby, a modest two-story structure made from wood and stone.
Despite its simplicity, it was solidly built and surprisingly well-maintained.
"Did you build all this by yourself?" Subaru asked as he looked around, slightly amazed.
Reina nodded, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
Thanks to her Divine Protection of Adaptation, even after losing most of her other Divine Protections, she had retained a portion of their effects.
Because of that, she had managed to construct the entire house on her own in just a single day.
Subaru watched her with quiet admiration.
He was so used to seeing her dressed in her knight uniform or in elegant gowns that suited her noble grace, but now she wore something far simpler—a plain brown cloth dress, modest and unadorned.
Yet, somehow, that sight made her look even more genuine, more human, and strangely, even more beautiful in his eyes.
However, when Subaru stepped inside Reina's house, he couldn't help but pause for a moment.
The place was surprisingly cozy—warm, lived-in, and filled with a faint, comforting scent of herbs and wood.
Everything inside looked handmade, from the neatly arranged furniture to the soft rug spread over the wooden floor.
It wasn't luxurious, but it had an undeniable warmth that felt… welcoming.
Reina, beaming with quiet pride, guided him to the table.
"Sit, Subaru," she said softly before hurrying to the kitchen area.
She brought out a simple meal—freshly prepared earlier that morning—and set it before him with a bright smile.
The dishes looked rustic, yet carefully made, and the aroma was enough to make his stomach tighten in anticipation.
As Subaru took his first bite, the familiar taste hit him—something about it struck deep inside his chest.
Before he realized it, his eyes began to sting, and a single tear rolled down his cheek.
Reina froze instantly, panic flashing across her face.
"S-Subaru… is the food not good? Ah! Wait—should I make something new? I'll fix it right away!" she said hurriedly, her voice trembling as she stood up, flustered.
Subaru let out a soft chuckle and reached out, flicking her forehead gently with his finger.
"Silly girl," he said, smiling faintly, "your bad habit of overthinking still hasn't gone away."
Reina pouted in response, rubbing the spot where he had flicked her. "
You're mean," she muttered under her breath, though her tone was more playful than upset.
But then Subaru's expression grew serious.
He placed his chopsticks down, looked at her directly, and said quietly, "Reina… this food… it felt like home. Like something I'd lost a long time ago had suddenly come back into my life."
Reina blinked in surprise, not understanding completely, but the sincerity in his voice made her heart tighten.
Subaru wasn't exaggerating.
The meal was simple—typical medieval-style food made with local ingredients—but it carried a warmth that no grand feast could match.
It was nowhere near the taste of dishes from his old world—his mother's miso soup, the spicy biryani in his life as Ayan, or her miso-marinated grilled mackerel served with a bowl of steaming rice.
He had missed all of it—the comfort, the smell, the feeling of being home.
Yet, somehow, as he ate the food Reina had made with her own hands, he felt that same warmth again.
That same quiet happiness he once felt sitting at his family's dinner table back on Earth.
For the first time in a long while, Subaru felt like he had come home.
Looking at Reina now, Subaru didn't see the image of the world's strongest warrior, nor the legendary Sword Saint, nor even the loyal knight who once stood proudly by Natsuki Subaru's side in battle.
What he saw instead was something far more personal, far more precious.
Right now, she looked like a wife—his wife—his beloved, gentle, and adorably clumsy partner who had waited for him with unwavering faith.
For the first time since he had been dragged into this foreign world, Subaru felt something deep inside him begin to settle.
The emptiness that had lingered within his chest for so long, the constant hunger that no victory or achievement could satisfy—it was finally being filled.
Without thinking, he reached out, gently pulling Reina closer until she was sitting comfortably on his lap.
The sudden movement made her flinch slightly, her cheeks turning red, but she didn't resist. Instead, she gave him a shy smile, picked up a spoon, and began feeding him bit by bit.
Subaru accepted each bite quietly, savoring the food and the moment itself.
Inside his spiritual space, his six contracted spirits watched in silence but did not interfere.
It was as if even they understood that this was a rare and sacred moment between their master and the one dearest to his heart.
Reina's body was warm against his.
She leaned back against his chest, letting her eyes slowly close as she listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Each soft thump seemed to calm her, a soothing melody that told her he was real, alive, and right there beside her.
A tender smile spread across her lips as she nestled closer, almost melting into his embrace.
Subaru wrapped his arms around her waist, his fingers resting gently on her stomach as he breathed in the faint scent of her hair.
In that simple, peaceful moment, he felt something he hadn't experienced in what felt like forever—contentment.
He didn't need anything else.
Not glory, not recognition, not the chaos of royal politics or the endless cycle of battles and death.
Sitting here, in this small, cozy house, with Reina in his arms and the gentle sound of nature outside—this was enough.
If life could continue like this, just the two of them tending to their little farm, sharing meals, and waking up beside each other every morning… Subaru felt certain that it would be more than enough for him.
It would be all he would ever need.
For a brief moment, Subaru actually considered it—just giving up everything else and settling down here permanently with Reina.
The thought felt so tempting, so peaceful, that he almost wanted to accept it right then and there.
To simply live his days with her, far away from the chaos of the world, from endless fights and responsibilities.
But as quickly as that desire came, he shook his head to dismiss it.
He couldn't.
He knew better.
There were still people out there who depended on him—people he had promised to protect, problems he couldn't just turn his back on.
No matter how much he wanted to rest, he couldn't selfishly abandon everything he had built.
Even so, when his gaze fell back on Reina, who sat comfortably in his lap, smiling contently with her eyes closed, he couldn't help but feel conflicted.
'However,' he thought, 'I will never leave her alone either.'
That, he had already decided long ago.
No matter what kind of chaos the world threw at him, no matter what kind of battles awaited, he would always make sure she was safe.
He would never let her live through loneliness again.
As he looked around her home, he could easily tell that for her, an entire year had passed since they last met.
Then his eyes caught something in one corner, and he nearly choked.
There, placed with the utmost reverence, was a shrine dedicated to him—complete with offerings, candles, and… questionable paintings of himself and Reina in rather compromising positions.
Subaru's expression froze as he stared at them for a moment, trying to process what he was seeing.
'Seriously, Reina… you truly are my waifu,' he thought with a helpless sigh, his face caught somewhere between amusement and embarrassment.
'After all, no matter how strong or great I become, I've always been an otaku at heart.'
Even in another world, even after everything that had happened, some things about him—and apparently about her—would never change.
Reina slowly opened her eyes, her expression soft yet burdened, and gently placed her hand on Subaru's chest.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she caressed him, her voice coming out low and uncertain.
"Subaru… I think I've done some irresponsible things," she said, her tone filled with guilt and hesitation.
Her eyes quivered, the weight of her actions pressing heavily on her heart.
"I… I may have killed innocent people," she admitted, her voice breaking.
She wanted to confess more—to tell him the whole truth—but the shame in her chest almost choked her words.
In truth, she hadn't only killed; she had tortured.
She had hurt those who never deserved it.
Her hands, once so proud and strong, now felt filthy to her.
Subaru, however, didn't look away.
Instead, he gave her a faint, understanding smile and reached out to ruffle her hair gently.
"Reina," he said softly, yet firmly.
Then, using his other hand, he tilted her chin upward, forcing her to meet his gaze.
His touch wasn't rough, but it was steady, grounding her in the moment.
"I'm not some hero," Subaru said.
"I'm not some flawless savior who always makes the right choice. I'm just… an average guy who was lucky enough to be surrounded by people who care for me—people I want to protect, no matter what."
His expression hardened with conviction.
"And if the day ever comes when I have to choose between being a hero who saves the world or a villain who destroys it for the sake of the ones I love… I'll choose the latter, every single time."
He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in before a faint, bittersweet smile appeared on his face.
"If God decides that makes you a sinner," he said, his voice steady yet warm, "then I'll gladly be a sinner with you. And if you're cast into hell, I'll walk right beside you, step for step."
Reina's breath hitched as tears began to spill down her cheeks.
Each word struck deep within her, shattering the guilt that had been suffocating her.
She couldn't hold it in anymore.
Her body trembled, overwhelmed by a mix of sorrow, relief, and love.
"Whatever punishment waits for us," Subaru continued, his thumb gently brushing away her tears,
"I'll face it together with you. That's my promise."
Reina could no longer speak.
Her throat tightened with emotion.
So instead, she leaned forward and pressed her lips against his, the tears still flowing freely down her face.
It was a kiss filled with guilt, forgiveness, love, and the desperate need to be understood.
And Subaru, without hesitation, wrapped his arms around her, returning the kiss with the same depth of emotion—accepting her, entirely and completely.
Soon, the air between them began to grow heavy with tension—not the kind born from words or arguments, but the unmistakable kind that came from desire that had been suppressed for far too long.
Both Subaru and Reina could feel it.
The closeness, the warmth, the scent of each other—it was too much to ignore.
Reina, who had endured an entire year without the man she loved, found her body reacting before her mind could stop it.
Her breathing grew uneven, and her cheeks flushed bright red as she shifted nervously in place.
Finally, unable to hold back any longer, she looked up at Subaru, her voice trembling yet filled with yearning.
"Subaru," she whispered, her eyes glimmering with both embarrassment and need, "I… I want you. I want to become one with you again."
Subaru froze for a brief second before a grin spread across his face.
There was mischief in his expression, but also affection—something deeply human and familiar.
"As you command, my Queen," he said, his tone teasing enough to make her face burn even more.
Reina covered her face with her hands, groaning in embarrassment.
"Idiot… don't say it like that," she muttered, though her voice betrayed the small smile tugging at her lips.
"However, before that," Subaru said suddenly, his expression shifting to something more serious.
He raised his hand, and in an instant, six radiant figures appeared around him—his spirits, each one glowing faintly as they materialized.
Without saying another word, he teleported outside the house, taking them with him.
Once outside, he turned toward them with a straight face and said flatly, "All of you gals… get out."
Before any of them could react, a powerful psychic barrier enveloped the house behind him, shimmering faintly like a dome of distorted air.
The spirits stared at the house, then at Subaru, and then back again, utterly speechless.
Beatrice's brows twitched sharply, irritation clear on her face.
"Betty hates this… Betty truly hates this, I suppose," she muttered under her breath, crossing her arms in annoyance.
"Agreed, mongrel," Gloria said curtly, nodding in reluctant agreement.
Her expression was composed but clearly annoyed as well.
The moment their eyes met, the air between them grew tense.
They glared at each other, neither backing down, as faint invisible sparks seemed to crackle in the space between them.
Their pride as Great Spirits refused to let the other have the last word, even if the situation was utterly ridiculous.
Meanwhile, the remaining four spirits exchanged awkward glances.
They didn't understand why they had to be forced out this time.
Previously, Subaru had let them remain quietly within his spiritual space even when he was intimate with Reina.
But now, for some reason, he had thrown all of them out without a second thought.
One of them sighed.
Another bubbled around helplessly.
In the end, all they could do was float there, watching as Beatrice and Gloria continued to stare daggers at each other, both seemingly on the verge of breaking into a full-on fight.
And so, while inside the psychic barrier the atmosphere grew increasingly intimate, outside, the two Great Spirits stood in tense silence, ready to explode at any moment—leaving the others to awkwardly wait and wonder why, out of all times, this had to happen now.
To be continued...
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