A few days later—
The long and drawn-out Royal Selection meeting had finally come to an end. Due to time constraints, Emilia had to return with the Shogun to rendezvous at the Mathers border. Early that morning, the two stood at the gates of the Karsten estate, bidding farewell to its master, Crusch, and... her attendant knight—Felix.
"Lady Crusch, thank you very much for taking care of us these past few days."
Emilia smiled sincerely and gave a slight bow of gratitude.
"No, no, you're too polite, meow, Lady Emilia."
Felix waved his hand with a wry smile.
"Mm... we are allies, after all. Such a small matter is hardly worth mentioning."
Crusch also shook her head.
"Hehe... but thank you all the same."
Emilia smiled and bowed once more.
It could be said that during these past few days, both sides had taken care of each other in many ways. There had been no hostility at all—more like friends than rivals. Then again, just a few nights ago, she had already formed an alliance with them. Going back on it now would make no sense.
Crusch valued Emilia's character and aspirations, while Emilia valued Crusch's integrity and honesty. Amid the competition of the other three candidates, this alliance provided a brief haven of stability. It was a fairly good arrangement.
Moreover, Emilia's camp was undeniably small. Combined with her personal circumstances, she was at a disadvantage in first impressions. So the two sides struck a deal.
And of course, deals came with conditions. Emilia's offer was to grant mining rights within the Elior Forest. Though her faction lacked strength, she had resources—quite literally. Since the Elior Forest fell within the territory of the Mathers border, she intended to make full use of it. Exchanging that for an alliance with the powerful Karsten faction was a wise decision. Naturally, the other party agreed, and the two reached a mutual understanding.
"Do you really have to leave today? You could stay a few more days, meow~?"
Felix asked, his tone clearly carrying a hint of reluctance.
"Felix is right. Why not rest a little longer at the estate? We will be hosting a banquet soon. If possible, I would like to invite Lady Emilia and Lady Raiden to attend."
Crusch also voiced her agreement, extending the invitation to both of them.
"..."
Emilia instinctively glanced at the Shogun. The Shogun showed no particular reaction, as if saying it was entirely up to her—she clearly intended to slack off.
"Mm... I think we'll pass. We're a bit concerned about the situation at the manor. There hasn't been any news from there these past two days."
Yes, the manor had been unusually quiet. Emilia had sent a letter a few days ago, but there had been no reply even until today. Not only that, Roswaal had not contacted her either. Logically speaking, given the travel time... her letter should have already arrived. So why?
The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. Something didn't seem right. That was why she had decided to head back today to check on things. She was afraid something might have happened. The Shogun shared the same concern—there was a need to see for themselves.
"I see. Then it can't be helped. I've already had Wilhelm prepare outside. Take care, both of you."
Crusch nodded in understanding and gestured toward the white-haired elderly man in the distance, who was wiping down a dragon carriage.
"I'm sorry. You kindly invited us, yet we're turning it down."
Emilia said apologetically.
"It's fine, meow~! Important matters come first. We'll meet again when there's another chance~!"
Felix smiled carefree, his fluffy cat ears twitching adorably as he reassured her.
"Thank you again. Take care."
After expressing her gratitude once more, Emilia turned to the Shogun.
"Let's go, Shogun."
"Mm..."
After watching Emilia pull up the hood of her coat, the Shogun nodded slightly to the two behind them and followed at her side.
Wilhelm, who had been polishing the carriage, noticed their approach through the reflection. He set down his cloth and bowed to them.
"Thank you for waiting, Mr. Wilhelm."
Emilia nodded politely.
"Not at all. It is my duty. Are we heading to the Mathers border?"
"Yes. Thank you for your trouble."
"Please, step aboard."
He personally opened the carriage door, wiped the dust from the step with his cloth, and gave a gentlemanly bow.
The Shogun was momentarily stunned by the smoothness of his actions.
So this is what gentlemanly service looks like... I'm not used to this at all.
Even in Inazuma, she had never received treatment like this. It felt a bit excessive.
Still, she merely complained inwardly before following Emilia into the carriage. They sat side by side on the soft seats as Wilhelm guided the dragon carriage south toward the Mathers border.
Whoosh—
Although it resembled a horse-drawn carriage, its smoothness rivaled that of a modern automobile. That was the Shogun's impression. Perhaps it was due to the land dragon—or Wilhelm's driving skill.
Emilia lifted her hand and gently drew back the curtain by the window, glancing at the forest road they had already entered. She let out a small breath of relief. Thankfully, nothing unexpected had happened. Everything was proceeding smoothly.
Lowering the curtain, she subconsciously turned to look at the purple-haired beauty beside her.
The Shogun had been silent the entire time, sitting quietly. There was something almost obedient about her demeanor. Looking more closely—
The midday sunlight streamed through the window, spilling across her hair, collar, and skin. A hazy beauty seemed to bloom around her. Her pale violet hair shimmered faintly, her eyes lowered. Combined with her attire, appearance, and temperament, she resembled a princess from a distant land.
In comparison, Emilia felt more like a servant standing beside her.
Thinking this, Emilia subtly leaned closer, pressing lightly against the Shogun's shoulder. She reached out and took the soft, delicate hand resting on her thigh. It felt like holding cotton—soft and gentle.
"...?"
The Shogun, lost in thought, felt the touch and blinked in mild confusion. She slowly lifted her violet eyes to meet Emilia's gaze.
"!"
That single look made Emilia's heart skip a beat.
With such breathtaking beauty combined with that natural, unintentional cuteness... it was simply unfair.
She truly felt that if she stayed by the Shogun's side any longer, her orientation might start to change.
No—perhaps it already had.
This kind of beauty reached the soul itself. It wasn't just superficial.
"What is it? Is there... something on my face?"
The Shogun gently touched her cheek and asked softly.
"No... I just think that you, Shogun..."
Emilia reached up and lightly stroked her face.
"...What about me?"
A faint tremor stirred in the Shogun's heart as she lowered her gaze and asked quietly.
"...are beautiful."
Emilia said it plainly, her tone soft—almost as if she were savoring the feeling.
"..."
The Shogun instinctively turned her head slightly and lowered her gaze back to her lap. Her lips parted gently.
"...Don't tease me...///"
Her voice was soft, tinged with shyness, and her cheeks flushed faintly pink.
"!///"
Seeing her delicate, endearing expression, Emilia nearly lost control of her heartbeat. If the situation allowed it, she might have already pounced on her.
Even though Emilia's previous words had made the Shogun a little shy, she still did not pull her hand away. Like a well-behaved child, she let Emilia continue holding it.
"Looks like we'll have to spend the night somewhere nearby."
Emilia lifted the curtain again and glanced at the sky, which was already nearing dusk, murmuring with slight concern.
"Do we have a tent?"
She asked.
"We do, but it would be best if we could find somewhere to stay."
As she spoke, Emilia continued cupping the back of the Shogun's hand with both of hers, gently kneading it with unmistakable affection.
"There's a small inn ahead. We can take a look."
Wilhelm's voice came from the front as he guided the land dragon, informing the two ladies inside the carriage.
"Mm... that might be our only option."
"...Are you feeling—"
Bzzzz—!!!
Just as she was about to ask Emilia if she was tired, a tremor rippled through space itself.
More precisely—it centered around her.
Time froze instantly.
Emilia remained turned toward her, unmoving. The land dragon and Wilhelm were frozen as well.
[What is this?]
Ei frowned.
'I'm not sure... but this feeling is familiar.'
Wasn't this just like before—
Bzzzz—
Before she could finish the thought, black magical energy began swallowing the surroundings. The space around her fractured into shards, then reassembled and reversed as if rewinding.
"!"
She instinctively tried to grab Emilia's hand, but it was useless. Emilia shattered into fragments and dispersed into the void.
Crack!
She stood up, watching as the world around her splintered apart.
When the space fully shattered, what appeared before her was like the grainy projection of a film reel.
The image showed... a village at the Mathers border under attack.
The once peaceful settlement had been reduced to blazing ruins. Villagers fled in every direction while numerous masked figures chased them—not chasing, but slaughtering them. From time to time, crimson blood sprayed into the air, staining the ground along with the fallen corpses.
"Aaaahhh!!!"
"Run!!"
"No!!"
Squelch!!
Those trying to escape were caught and executed.
Even the children were not spared.
Her fists clenched unconsciously.
Shrrr—
The scene shifted.
The Mathers mansion appeared next—already in ruins. Bodies lay collapsed in pools of blood.
Flash!
Another transition—
A deep, pitch-black cavern.
"Hehehehehe~!!!"
A sharp, manic laugh echoed through the darkness.
A man with short dark-green hair, draped in a black robe, twisted his face grotesquely as he laughed. His mouth stretched unnaturally wide at times. Every movement radiated unstable madness, like a corpse animated by insanity.
"It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!!!!"
"Hahahahaha!!!!"
Squelch!!
He writhed theatrically while ordering his masked subordinates to stab Natsuki Subaru—who was shackled to the wall—over and over again.
"Ughhhh!!! Hah—ahhh!!! Ahhhh!!!"
Natsuki Subaru's eyes rolled back. Foam spilled from his mouth as his body convulsed uncontrollably. Even his trousers were soaked.
"Why won't you answer me, desu?!"
Smack! Smack!
Two casual slaps sent his face jerking violently from side to side.
"You are... sloth~ful~ aren't you~"
Grabbing Natsuki Subaru by the hair, the man pulled him close, whispering his catchphrase with a twisted, mournful expression.
"Uhh... uh..."
Natsuki Subaru could only make incoherent sounds, his mind seemingly shattered.
"I truly cannot understand. Therefore, I shall act according to that person's will!"
Crack.
Contorting himself into a grotesque pose, he twisted his body closer and seized Natsuki Subaru's neck.
"If someone grants you the Gospel, you will be saved."
Silence filled the cavern.
"..." ×N
A few seconds passed.
"However..."
He released him and turned away.
Crack!!
Natsuki Subaru's head was violently twisted three full rotations by something invisible.
His body collapsed limply to the ground.
Bzzzt!!!
Static filled the image once more. The scene fractured again, dissolving into darkness.
This time, her consciousness drifted away as well.
...
"...?"
In a dim, hazy room, violet eyes slowly opened.
She instinctively surveyed her surroundings. The room looked familiar, though darker than usual. A small lamp glowed softly.
She moved slightly and realized she was lying in bed, covered with a blanket. Beyond the drawn curtains, no sunlight remained. It was nighttime.
This feeling... was familiar.
Just like a certain night a few days ago.
"...Shogun?"
A gentle call by her ear made her slowly turn her head.
Emilia was lying beside her, propped on her side, watching her from close range. One hand rested lightly on her body in a protective posture, as if tending to a child.
"...Emilia?"
She spoke softly.
"Mm... what is it? Did you have a nightmare?"
Emilia leaned closer, brushing aside the hair from her forehead with tender concern.
"..."
She shook her head instinctively—
Then, after a pause, nodded slightly instead.
Rustle—
Fabric shifted.
Emilia drew her fully into an embrace, cradling her head against her chest while lying on her side.
"It's alright now..."
She gently stroked her hair, soothing her.
Buried against Emilia's warmth, she glanced up at the clothes Emilia was still wearing and gathered her thoughts before speaking.
"Emilia..."
"Mm?"
Her voice resonated softly through her chest.
"Do you remember what I told you before?"
She asked cautiously.
"...Before?"
Emilia blinked in confusion.
"At the manor. In the front courtyard."
She clarified.
"...Mm. You mean about Subaru?"
Emilia asked.
"Yes."
Feeling the small nod in her arms, Emilia's movements paused. She lowered her head and met the Shogun's gaze, confusion flickering in her eyes.
"Shogun?"
"I just now... returned."
She said it plainly, her voice barely above a whisper, blending into the dim room.
"Returned...? Ah..."
Emilia hesitated for a moment before understanding.
Her eyes widened.
That meant—the Shogun before her had come back from the future.
"Do you believe me?"
The Shogun lowered her eyes and asked quietly.
"...Mm. I do. I told you before—I believe you."
Emilia smiled gently and pressed her forehead to hers.
"Welcome back, Shogun."
She whispered near her ear.
The words made her pause briefly.
Then she understood.
A soft smile curved her lips.
"Mm... I'm back."
[...]
Ei watched the silver-haired girl's gentle smile through the fissure and let out a quiet breath of relief. A faint smile appeared on her own lips as well.
Good... well done, Emilia.
Seeing her daughter treated with such tenderness warmed her heart as a mother.
Allowing her to step out into the world had truly been the right decision.