Chapter 164: No Time
When Natsuki Subaru once again opened his eyes, he realized that he was no longer in the place he had just been.
What appeared before him was the entrance to a stone-constructed building.
Around the building was an open space, but beyond that, everywhere was dense forest. Subaru couldn't see any scenery in the distance, nor could he determine his location.
With full vigilance written across his face, Subaru glanced at the gemstone in his hand, then searched his surroundings—but found no trace of Otto or Emilia.
"Teleportation? …What was the purpose of this?"
Thinking it over, Subaru understood that for now he had to first figure out his location, and then find the others he had been separated from… except… it seemed that he was the one who had been separated.
Turning to leave, Subaru's steps halted as he looked again at the stone-built structure.
Frederica had given them this gemstone—surely she had her reasons. The gemstone had shone, Emilia had fainted, and then Subaru had been transported here. If he hadn't acted quickly, it would have been Emilia sent here instead.
So there must be a reason why he was the one transported! That much was undeniable. Which meant this building before him surely contained something important.
Thinking this, Subaru took a deep breath and faced the structure. Right now, this was the best-case scenario. Rather than letting anyone else explore this mysterious, unknown place, better it be him.
If he encountered danger inside, there was still a chance to recover. But if it had been Emilia transported here, and if her curiosity had driven her inside only for her to die… then by the time Subaru found her, it would all be irreversible—just like with Rem.
"Haa… all right then, forward we go."
Steeling himself, Subaru moved without hesitation toward the building. He climbed the stone steps—neither too long nor too short—and stood at the entrance. Staring at the darkness beyond, he didn't stop to overanalyze.
As he continued forward, the surrounding darkness seemed to disperse somewhat. At the very least, he could clearly see his surroundings now.
At the end of this roughly fifty-meter passage, a grand-looking door appeared in view.
He placed his hand on the handle, gave it a light twist. As the door opened, Subaru's body tensed—but he found no danger awaiting him.
Behind the door was only a small room. Nothing was inside. The empty space, combined with the dim atmosphere, seeped an oppressive feeling into the heart with every moment.
Still, there was another door on the wall. Perhaps what Subaru sought was beyond that door.
Pushing it fully open, Subaru had only just reached the center of the room when his vision suddenly shifted.
A dazzling light forced him to shield his eyes.
When he opened them again—before him stretched a green plain dotted with small mounds.
And atop one of those mounds: a parasol, a tea table, steaming teacups, and…
Seated at the table, smiling at him—a woman with long white hair, dressed entirely in black.
Without question, she was a strikingly beautiful woman. And yet… why did her white hair, paired with jet-black eyes and jet-black clothing, give off such an indescribably eerie feeling?
"Don't just stand there staring. What, are you stunned after seeing such a great beauty like me?"
The woman's sudden words jolted Subaru from his thoughts.
Her tone was friendly, even a little overly familiar. But though she wore a smile, Subaru felt a strong sense of dissonance that he couldn't shake.
Looking closer, there was no visible flaw in her appearance. Yet the feeling of wrongness had already taken root deep within him.
On top of that, she didn't seem the least bit surprised by his arrival.
Her attitude was far too strange. He didn't even know how he had gotten here.
With all these factors together, Subaru couldn't bring himself to fully trust this nameless, originless woman.
If he had to compare her with Frederica, Subaru thought he much preferred being around Frederica. But right now, the only way forward was to play along with this woman, and hopefully extract the information he wanted.
With that thought, Subaru silently walked up the mound and sat beside her.
Casting a glance at the teacup on the table, he asked:
"Who are you? And where is this place?"
As he spoke, he discreetly pushed the teacup in front of him to the side.
"Hmm? Before you go asking questions, isn't it polite to first introduce yourself? And don't you think your behavior just now was awfully rude, considering you want answers from me?"
Still smiling, the woman lightly sipped her tea—as if to demonstrate to Subaru that it wasn't poisoned.
"Is that so? Then my name is… You really think I'd just tell you straight out? I suddenly appear in this strange place, only to find a strange person here, acting overly friendly and prepared with tea already set.
In such a situation, do you really think any normal person would drop their guard around you? Sure, maybe some people would be disarmed by your beauty. But sorry—I'm not one of them.
Compared to the woman I revere most in my heart, you're uglier by far."
"What—! What's with you? I mean, I can understand your excessive caution, but come on! No matter how you look at me, I'm clearly a beautiful young maiden, aren't I?"
Watching the woman puff up like a sulking child, Subaru only shrugged, not taking it too seriously.
The woman saw how unshaken he was, let out a sigh, and muttered:
"Hmph… what a man with no taste."
"My taste might not be great, but when it comes to comparing you with the woman I respect most, I assure you my judgment is flawless."
"You dare call that good taste?!" "As long as I believe it is, that's enough. Now, can you answer my question? Where is this place? Who are you? And why did you bring me here?"
"Hmph."
"If you don't want to answer, then send me back right now. I don't have time to waste with you."
Read ahead (60 chapters) by supporting me on buymeacoffee.com/varietl