51. Reject, or Accept? (Part 2)
「"Damn it!" The council member's face turned ashen. He watched Hikigaya Hachiman closing in step by step. His throat bobbed as he tried to deflect the conversation. Though he maintained a semblance of composure, it was clear he was being utterly overwhelmed.」
「"Half-devil... an existence like a half-elf, connected to the Witch of Envy, is fundamentally wrong. This is the global consensus. Hikigaya Hachiman, do you intend to be so treasonous as to deny this? To deny the entire world?!"」
「Holding a high position, the councilor still possessed some measure of IQ and social guile. He pivoted the topic rapidly, attempting to turn the tables by framing the issue around the universal hatred for the Witch of Envy, thus positioning himself back on the side of the majority.」
「This was a deep-seated, systemic prejudice of this continent, an ingrained cognitive habit. Hachiman couldn't change that in a short time, but he didn't need to!」
「"Lord Councilor, are you refusing my challenge to a duel?"」
「"I am talking about the half-elf—"」
「"Answer me!!"」
「Hachiman's voice was like a roar, echoing through the hall and vibrating in everyone's ears. He stared coldly at the ugly man: "Reject, or accept?"」
「Before the audience's mindset could be dragged toward the councilor's talk of the Witch, Hachiman firmly pulled them back to the level of [a subject fighting to the death for his monarch].」
「The councilor was dazed, looking anxiously toward the Knights.」
「But the knights...」
「Did not move a muscle.」
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"Ara ara, I truly am seeing such an interesting development for the first time. Amusing, most amusing!"
Priscilla hid a playful smile behind her fan. "I could have imagined Hikigaya Hachiman doing anything to restore that half-elf's reputation, but to actually force an old fossil of the Council into silence... this is truly, truly something. Heh."
Al saw the utter recognition and desire for his fellow countryman in her eyes and shook his head helplessly. "My loyalty to you won't lose to anyone else, Princess."
"You are wrong, Al." Priscilla laughed with great interest. "Hikigaya Hachiman isn't loyal at all. He hasn't used the suffix '-sama' for that half-elf even once. Calling himself a 'subject' is merely a small tactic to win the approval of those blindly loyal knights.
Rather than monarch and subject, Hikigaya Hachiman, in his heart of hearts, considers himself and that half-elf to be deeply connected, mutually supportive close friends.
Interesting. Truly very interesting, hohoho."
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"Good, good, good! That's it! No, that's the only way to do it!"
At a private gathering of teachers from two schools, Hiratsuka Shizuka laughed heartily. She downed three large glasses of beer in rapid succession, slapping Mutsumi Kirisu on the shoulder: "See that? That's my student. My proudest student! Hikigaya, your teacher is honored by you!"
"You have a fine student, Hiratsuka," Mafuyu Kirisu nodded, unable to help herself. "However, I also have excellent students who are just as capable."
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It was an exhilarating sight!
The Kousaka family was cheering. Kyousuke's father was particularly moved: "Exactly! Standing up for justice is right. You can't just sit by while someone is bullied! Kyousuke, do you see? You should become a man like that!"
"Yes, Father!"
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In the convenience store, Yukinoshita Yukino's eyes shimmered with a brilliant, swirling light. Through this Royal Selection event, she seemed to see the Hikigaya Hachiman who had used roundabout ways to seek justice for her during the Culture Festival—that version of him who
cared more about those close to him than himself, willing to sacrifice his own standing for others.
"You are a hero, Hikigaya-kun... You are my hero. I am honored, truly honored... Hikigaya-kun."
"If I didn't do that, I wouldn't be me," Hachiman sighed. He didn't regret it—not then, not now, and not in the future. "Similarly, I couldn't just let someone insult Emilia... does it make you unhappy, Yukinoshita?"
"Yes," Yukino nodded gently, her voice soft. "Of course I am. I'm a girl, after all, Hikigaya-kun... What girl could watch her boyfriend treat another woman so well and not feel a bit of jealousy?"
She smiled like a blooming flower, showing no trace of negative impact. "But, but... I think the same way as you."
"If you didn't do that, you wouldn't be Hikigaya-kun... You haven't forgotten the club I started, have you?"
"Yeah. I'll keep it carved into my soul for a lifetime. The Service Club." Hachiman had a thousand things to say, moved beyond words.
Yukino had a thousand things to say, and she said them: "The Service Club."
"As a girl who likes Hikigaya-kun, I will be jealous, I will be dissatisfied, and I will be envious. But as Yukinoshita Yukino, seeing Hikigaya-kun save someone else makes me feel happy from the bottom of my heart."
The girl, who was becoming increasingly open about expressing herself, tilted her head. "Of course, if you could do it through a way that benefits everyone instead of reckless self-sacrifice, that would be even better."
She had a fleeting thought that she hesitated to voice, feeling a bit ashamed of it. 'If the one being helped were a man instead of a woman, that would naturally be even better.'
"Yukinoshita."
Hachiman softly spoke the noble name of the girl beside him.
"I'm so glad I met you..."
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In Class D, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka ignored Karuizawa, Kei who was sneakily approaching him after being startled by the initial turn of events. His mind flashed back to the busy days Hachiman spent after arriving in the Capital.
"He didn't just visit guilds, contact merchants, and hire manpower. He went to specific spots to gather information. Seeing is believing—by observing the movements of the knights, he confirmed that the Lugnica Knights are the type who take their code of virtue very seriously.
At the same time, he knows Crusch, Reinhard, and Felix. He knows Crusch's personality. Drawing a sword out of indignation for one's monarch is something Crusch would absolutely admire and approve of. Thus, at least one Royal Selection camp wouldn't stand in opposition.
He investigated the powerful groups in the Capital; he knew the Council of Sages itself is a group of physically weak old men.
However, Hachiman could hardly have predicted the councilor would be this arrogant, so this was inevitably a split-second improvisation.
He knew the danger was great, but he also knew there would be people on his side. Most importantly, he couldn't just stand by and watch a distressed Emilia suffer.
Half rationality, half emotion, hm...
Not bad at all. Haha!"
52. Reject, or Accept? (Part 3)
"Why... Hachiman... why did he go to such lengths for me?"
Emilia knew she already owed him far too much. Right now, she just wanted to see Hikigaya Hachiman with her own eyes, to treat him well and make it up to him. But...
"I owe him so much, I don't even know how to repay him. Ugh... it's so strange... clearly, clearly I..."
Emilia's voice was trembling. Every time she thought Hachiman had done enough for her, this man who offered his gentleness to the world would break through the threshold again and again.
"Hey, Puck, that was in the Royal Selection Hall, right? One mistake and he would have been disgraced, battered, or even lost his life, wouldn't he?"
"Yes, that's right."
"..." Emilia kept her eyes open as two shimmering tears of emotion quietly fell. "Does Hachiman... does he feel that washing away my grievances is more important than his own reputation and life?"
"Yes, perhaps it is." Puck felt a wave of helpless, complex emotion surge in his heart. "I am no longer the only existence who treats Lia like this with all my heart."
However, seeing his daughter live a dignified, happy life without being humiliated was a higher priority than anything else.
Puck lowered his head, exhaled a breath of gloom, and wore an expression of defeat. "Well, you achieved what I couldn't... I lost this round, Hikigaya Hachiman."
Emilia, her heart fluctuating wildly, wiped her tears. She pursed her lips, and a special feeling began to grow rapidly within her.
Her heart was thumping.
She could feel a warmth spreading through her body from the inside out.
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「"Accept, or reject?"」
「If he accepted, he would be cut down by Hachiman's chaotic blade; if he rejected, he would become the stepping stone for Hachiman and Emilia's prestige.」
「Under the gaze of the crowd, the Council member was nearly suffocating.」
「"Enough, that is quite enough." After finding the situation had gone wrong, the other council members finally spoke up. They could not allow their colleague to be trampled underfoot; that would be a massive blow to the entire Council of Sages.」
「"Enough? Heh, I haven't seen enough of the show yet." Priscilla, never one to pass up a chance to stir the pot, added fuel to the fire with a sense of superiority. "This is quite amusing, why stop it?"」
「"Agreed." The heroic Crusch also lent her support. "Regardless of her status as a half-elf, to insult a monarch in front of their subject... if there isn't a satisfactory conclusion, I fear Sir Hachiman will see blood shed here today."」
「Anastasia nodded with a smile. She viewed this as a minor clash between the Royal Selection side and the high-and-mighty Council. "The half-elf indeed is... ahem... however, Emilia is now a noble Royal Selection candidate. The Lord Councilor truly lacks respect."」
「The disadvantage was overwhelming!」
「The intervention of his colleagues had not de-escalated the situation; instead, it magnified the severity. The foul-mouthed councilor opened his mouth; the entire hall was filled with malice directed at him.」
「"..."」
「"Reject, or accept?"」
「Hikigaya Hachiman arrived before him. His blade pressed against the councilor's throat, nicking the skin and drawing a few drops of blood.」
「"...I... apologize."」
「The councilor's eyes bulged with rage as he clenched his fists, attempting to raise them.」
「However, when he felt the threat of death so clearly...」
「"I am truly sorry... it was a slip of the tongue on my part. The half-elf... no, Lady Emilia, the Royal Selection candidate, please forgive me."」
「He closed his eyes in humiliation, the lowly words escaping through gritted teeth. This stubborn councilor in his seventies—in a sudden confrontation with a foreigner, a subordinate of a half-elf, and the combat-ordinary Hikigaya Hachiman—」
「In this clash, victory was handed over by his own hands!」
「Clang!!」
「The sharp sword returned to its sheath. Hikigaya Hachiman bowed with a face as calm as a still well: "Pardon my rudeness."」
「"No... it's fine." The councilor breathed heavily. Hachiman's superficially obedient and submissive manner only served to agitate his heart to the extreme, accumulating a vast amount of frustration.」
「Hachiman walked back down the steps. He gave a slight nod of the head to the upright knights who had stood up, showing his respect.」
「The Knights remained meticulous, giving no verbal response.」
「The feelings of men, standing inches apart, required no words to be understood.」
「Just now, the Council and the nobles had intended to shield the councilor and act with bias, and the reason they hadn't was the silent deterrence emanating from the knights.」
「"Sir Hachiman has certainly made a grand display." Crusch looked on with envy. The Knights were not the private army of any one faction; at most, they could win over a few individuals. But Hachiman's move had instantly increased the favor of all the knights toward him.」
「If used correctly, there was a chance this favor could be transferred to Emilia.」
「Hachiman knew this didn't come without a price. While befriending the Knights, he had also pushed the Council and the nobles to the opposite side.」
「But it didn't matter.」
「These people already loathed Emilia; it would have been difficult to win them over anyway. Furthermore, compared to filthy noble politicians, Hachiman would naturally rather associate with knights of pure soul.」
「Reinhard had a warm, sunny smile on his face. He was happy for his dear friend, who had successfully protected the person he valued.」
「"Reinhard," Julius said, his expression equally bright, speaking in a low voice, "you should have introduced such a friend to me much sooner."」
「"Ferris-chan knew him before you did too, nya." Felix teased, his ears and tail twitching happily.」
「They watched as Hachiman approached Emilia.」
「"Emilia," he said gently.」
「Emilia, who had been in a daze since the incident began, paid no attention to the councilor's reluctant apology.」
「The girl, in disbelief, reached out a trembling, delicate hand. Her lips moved, and suddenly she threw her arms around Hachiman, unable to say a word—filled only with endless emotion and lingering fear.」
「The knights looked away with satisfaction. "She did not let Hikigaya Hachiman's efforts go to waste."」
「"Perhaps... a half-elf may not necessarily be an unqualified monarch."」
「"Monarch and subject, hm?" Anastasia mused. "Maybe it's something else."」
「Crusch: "..."」
「The lady in the military uniform was currently lamenting the loss of a fine talent.」
53. Puppet King, Emilia
"He truly has quite the nerve." Ram's face was uncontrollably flooded with surprise. She turned her head to look at her younger sister.
At this moment, Rem didn't seem to be thinking about partisan struggles or romantic competitions at all. Her eyes were sparkling with intense admiration; Hikigaya Hachiman's act of risking everything to protect Lady Emilia had gripped her soft heart even tighter.
"To be able to disregard himself and throw everything away to protect those close to him... I have absolutely no further objections. Hikigaya Hachiman can indeed be a suitable match for Rem—no, he is the only one who can be Rem's match!"
Ram whispered to herself, a flash of killing intent flickering in the depths of her eyes. "I'll go ask Lord Roswaal later. If he has no special plans regarding whether Lady Emilia's face remains intact, then... I hope Lady Emilia will be sensible enough to step back on her own."
Meanwhile, the members of the Council of Sages all frowned. The one who had been humiliated had eyes nearly bursting with rage, wishing his venomous gaze could pierce through the screen to tear Hikigaya Hachiman and Emilia into ten thousand pieces.
However, that was impossible.
"Yeah!" Iroha Isshiki cheered and jumped up, high-fiving the girls around her in celebration.
Her expression was incredibly proud, as if she were looking down on the world and saying to them: 'See that? I know you all know I like Senpai, but facts prove my taste is absolutely the best. I'm the one who discovered such a reliable man!'
But as she calmed down, Iroha's body stiffened, and she pouted with worry. "Senpai did great, but won't he be retaliated against terribly next? A member of the Council of Sages... translated to our world, they'd be first-tier politicians right under the Emperor, right? That's a huge level of power."
"Don't worry, Hikigaya-kun implemented that violence only after considering that point."
Hayama Hayato wore a smile, his spirit high as if he had inexhaustible energy. He looked as if he'd been injected with a stimulant; ever since Hachiman instructed the villagers to spread his name in the Capital with those specific promotional words, Hayato had been like this.
"That councilor would blatantly insult Emilia in such a serious setting, which proves his prejudice against half-elves is deep-seated. He was bound to be Emilia's enemy. Turning an enemy into an even more hateful enemy isn't that big of a problem.
If you want to know why...
The Council members themselves don't control physical power; they issue orders to the Knights through their status. However, as everyone saw, this time it was the councilor's fault. You saw the choice the Knights made.
Furthermore, from beginning to end, Hikigaya-kun only targeted one specific individual. He remained polite toward the other councilors."
"But," Iroha still couldn't help but lean toward conspiracy theories, thinking the other councilors might be irrational. "Senpai ultimately unintentionally caused the entire Council to lose face, right? Won't the other councilors unite to set a trap just for the sake of their reputation?"
"Your thinking is limited, Isshiki."
Hayama shook his head, his face glowing with sharp insight. He stood tall, carrying immense trust in his friend.
"Hikigaya-kun... he is no longer that 'Hiki-penguin' who was looked down upon and sat at the bottom of the Sobu High social hierarchy on the surface...
Right now, he is the Hikigaya Hachiman who makes no effort to hide his talent and brilliance—the most capable assistant to a Royal Candidate at the pinnacle of the Kingdom of Lugnica, a man who has displayed merit time and time again!!"
Even Hayama showed a hint of disdain for the ugly councilor.
"There are only five candidates in the whole country, and each has the chance to become the Majesty who rules the Kingdom. How could the status of such a Royal Candidate be lower than a Council member? He only saw that Emilia's personality was soft and easily bullied, so he went out of his way to show off his superiority and push his luck."
"Now, as long as those councilors have even a bit of a brain, they won't make a move."
"Why?" Iroha was still puzzled.
Yumiko Miura showed a look of realization. She racked her brains to keep up with Hayama's "power couple" energy and finally understood his subtext, immediately cutting in:
"Because now, Emilia is no longer a 'soft persimmon' who doesn't know how to use her status and power. She has a backbone, and this backbone will use all his strength to fight everything for her—Hikigaya Hachiman himself is the strongest deterrent!!!"
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「The assembly to declare the start of the Royal Selection concluded smoothly at dusk.」
「However, while the candidates—who were supposed to part ways and race like ground dragons to oppose one another—headed out, their followers surprisingly gathered together.」
「Julius walked slowly up to Hikigaya Hachiman and extended his palm. The two men, without a word, achieved the milestone of a handshake.」
「Julius was in a very pleasant mood—so pleasant that anyone could see it. He spoke softly: "It is my honor to compete with a man like you... That said, I will still do my utmost to offer victory to Lady Anastasia."」
「"The feeling is mutual." Hikigaya Hachiman's body and soul, if one had to describe it, felt as if they had fallen into a pool of honey, surrounded by the shining 'Genuine Thing.'」
「Julius said proudly: "My friend, Hikigaya Hachiman."」
「"Friend... huh?" Hachiman lowered his head and was silent for two seconds before letting out a firm breath. "Hah."」
「The group finally went their separate ways.」
「Once they were on the dragon carriage, the heroic Hikigaya Hachiman—in this cramped space where only he and Emilia remained—shed all of his previous majestic aura, feeling tense and awkward.」
「Emilia's fair face was filled with complex emotions. She hesitated, sitting beside Hachiman, attempting to say something several times.」
「Hachiman would suddenly make nonsensical onomatopoeic noises, loudly covering it up to interrupt the dangerous, ambiguous atmosphere.」
「Using this method, he delayed things until they returned to the mansion. He immediately burst out of the carriage, wanting to head straight to his bedroom.」
「Emilia blinked in astonishment behind him.」
「She had so much, so very much she wanted to pour out.」
「But, looking at the back of the man who was clearly refusing her, silently saying 'I'm not listening, I'm not listening, I just won't listen,' she suddenly covered her mouth and doubled over, laughing out loud.」
「As she laughed, two streaks of tears appeared—tears that held no sadness, but were entirely filled with joy and relief.」
「Facing that gentle back, Emilia used the power of the spirits. She smiled and said:」
「"Goodnight... please get a good night's sleep tonight, Hachiman."」
54. Strategy Collection
「On this day, the streets and alleys of the Royal Capital became grandly boisterous, filled everywhere with heated debates.」
「There were those who supported Crusch, those who supported Anastasia, those who supported Priscilla, and even those who supported Felt. Only one person had no supporters: Emilia.」
「"A half-elf? Tsk, what on earth are those big shots at the top thinking? Can such a forbidden existence even become a candidate? What if she actually manages to usurp power by mistake!"」
「"Hey, are you joking? You've got to be kidding me. How could a thing like a half-elf possibly defeat Lady Crusch?"」
「"Ah, true, true. Hahahaha."」
「Jeers, ridicule, and contempt—all sorts of prejudices followed one after another. Hikigaya Hachiman remained expressionless, blending into the noisy crowd, looking up, very, very calm.」
「It wasn't the first time.」
「Back at Sobu High, there had been plenty of girls who mocked Yukino Yukinoshita for being self-righteous and aloof. Hachiman hadn't let his blood boil or confronted them to settle the score then, either.」
「"It's coming," he muttered to himself.」
「The moment the words left his mouth, a loud voice suddenly overpowered the crowd gathered around the Royal Selection notices: "Oh wow, so it really is this half-elf."」
「"Eh?"」
「Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice. Someone who recognized him explained to the surrounding strangers, "This guy is an honest merchant who has done business with the Hoshin Company. I've bought things from his shop; the boss is a pretty good guy."」
「"But the way he said that, isn't he involved with the half-elf?"」
「Some impulsive people were ready to lump him in with the half-elf's camp. The tall, sturdy boss frowned, his booming voice proving very useful at a time like this: "What kind of nonsense are you talking? I'm open for business; if someone comes to my door, of course I have to serve them."」
「"The half-elf bought things from you?" They froze. "But boss... don't you sell men's clothing? No matter what that half-elf is like, she wouldn't be buying clothes from you, would she?"」
「"You idiots, of course she wasn't buying them for herself," the boss snorted. "I heard she spent money to distribute them for free to the villagers under her rule. Every piece of clothing was custom-made according to the villagers' sizes."」
「Someone scoffed, "A half-elf being that kind-hearted?"」
「"Heh, you don't know jack!" The boss didn't back down an inch, pointing at Emilia's portrait. "Did you know? That hero who caught the serial killer Bowel Hunter a while back—that Hikigaya Hachiman—is currently serving under the half-elf, doing work for her."」
「"What?!"」
「Astonishment, blank stares, disbelief, and resentment born from shattered admiration.」
「'How could he? How dare he? How is he fit to be the hero who protected everyone?'」
「The violent shift in public opinion was about to complete its turn. However...」
「In the crowd, several prepared men and women suddenly spoke up: "Oh my, no wonder the half-elf is being so kind. It turns out she has a lord like that assisting her. Even if she is a half-elf, if she has the hero who protected the capital helping her, she must have been influenced by Lord Hachiman to become a leader worth following."」
「"After all, that's the Hikigaya Hachiman whom even the Sword Saint, Lord Reinhard, holds in the highest esteem! It's not strange at all for him to have that kind of influence, is it!"」
「"This..."」
「The wave of condemnation against Hikigaya Hachiman that was about to erupt was strangled in everyone's throats before it could emerge. Many people looked at each other, letting out a confused squawk like ducks, falling into a daze.」
「"It seems, uh... not impossible?" Their thinking was led astray as they began to seriously consider the possibility that Hikigaya Hachiman could lead a half-elf—who was supposed to bring misfortune—back to the righteous path.」
「"Come to think of it, if she's willing to listen to Lord Hachiman's advice, his influence must already be taking effect. And it seems we really haven't heard of that half-elf Emilia causing any serious incidents."」
「"Hey," someone shouted loudly, "think about it. If that Emilia had really done something terrible or brought misfortune in the past, wouldn't we have an impression of that name? We shouldn't be this blank on her!"」
「"Maybe her nature isn't bad after all."」
「Many people thought back carefully and found that these words actually made a lot of sense. But they quickly gave up on deep thinking and returned to the most basic starting point: "But, she's still a half-elf."」
「"What about it? Regardless, I trust Lord Hachiman. Oh right, did you hear? They say yesterday at the Royal Selection assembly, Lord Hachiman won the recognition of the entire Knights order, and even the Finest of Knights, Julius, took the initiative to befriend him!"」
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"When it comes to marketing, Hikigaya Hachiman really has it down to a science."
Anastasia sighed helplessly, stroking her chin with the posture of someone admitting a minor defeat. Then, she narrowed her eyes cunningly. "Well then, thanks for the treat, Hachiman-kun. You've taught me many new business tactics. I won't hold it against you for using the despicable method of borrowing my knight's reputation without permission~"
Julius bowed: "Lady Anastasia, to be frank, I am quite happy to lend my reputation to my dear friend."
"So the follow-up was this."
Kiyotaka Ayanokouji nodded, feeling quite satisfied. "Buying goods at a high price served several purposes: improving the villagers' lives and self-defense capabilities, befriending merchants to expand his network, and testing the Hoshin Company's foundations. Beyond those, the final point was to take the opportunity to promote Emilia's reputation for being a good person."
Crusch saw through it as well, sharing her conclusion with her knight, Felix: "He truly went to great pains. From the moment he decided to help Emilia achieve her goal and win the Royal Selection, every thought and action of Sir Hachiman has had one fundamental core idea."
"And that is to overturn Emilia's appallingly low reputation and prestige!"
"Without reputation and prestige, no matter what ideas Sir Hachiman has, his ability to act would be limited. Yes, a very good way to solve the problem—perfectly logical."
She pursed her lips and laughed heartily: "As expected of the man I set my sights on!"
Felix tilted his head. He had something he wasn't sure he should say.
'He's the man Lady Crusch set her sights on, nya, but he's Lady Emilia's man, nya.'
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「Under the momentum pushed by the 'water army' hired by Hikigaya Hachiman, the voices attempting to clear Emilia's name—though still weak—began to spread from the Capital across the entire Kingdom of Lugnica.」
「Taking a risky path and gambling his own reputation, Hikigaya Hachiman's strategy...」
「Was a resounding success!!!」
55. Complementary
Hachiman Hikigaya's brilliant reputation-cleansing plan was linked link-by-link; one could say he played the people of Lugunica like a fiddle. Yet, curiously, in reality, almost no one watching the light screen felt any sense of rebellion or resentment.
"Well, if this guy were just talking nonsense, I'd have to punch him."
But—everyone knew, didn't they? That was the Emilia.
"Hachiman Hikigaya is merely clarifying the facts and dispersing the ignorant prejudice shrouding us. If anything, we should thank him. I couldn't stand being the kind of person who so wrongly accuses a kind young girl."
The apple stall owner curled his lip and took a bite of an apple. This calm, objective attitude wasn't the majority in the crowd, but it wasn't a small portion either.
Having watched the future for so long, everyone could see Emilia's personality with perfect clarity.
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「Emilia left.」
「She and Roswaal had to return to their territory to handle some social engagements. Her intention was for Hachiman Hikigaya and Rem to return with them, but she was met with a refusal.」
「"We should split our forces," Hachiman said. He felt a sense of reluctance, but he kept those emotions buried deep. "The Capital is the place suited for me. Staying at the Roswaal mansion... I don't want to be rude, but my effectiveness would be reduced by at least half."」
「"Having angered the Council of Sages, it might be dangerous in the Capital. Rem must stay behind to protect Hachiman. I need to take care of him."」
「That was what Rem said.」
「For some reason, Emilia subconsciously asked several more times, but upon receiving Rem's definitive answer, she finally departed, looking somewhat lost.」
「She didn't even know why she felt this inexplicable, strange emotion.」
「The things Emilia subconsciously worried about did not happen. For the next ten days or so, without Emilia's gentle yet stubborn supervision, Hachiman immediately turned into a wild horse off its leash. Once again, he disregarded his physical health and sleep schedule, busying himself everywhere and treating the entire Capital as his stage.」
「Rem's heart ached for him, but she respected Hachiman's wishes more than her own.」
「Only when he truly stayed up too late, or showed signs of despondent exhaustion, would she half-push and half-persuade him into bed. She would sit by the bedside, watching him fall asleep, before tiptoeing out and closing the door.」
「Day after day, not a single boundary was crossed between Hachiman and Rem. They maintained a tacit understanding not to bring up the topic of romance. Just as Rem had promised Emilia—she would take good care of Hachiman. Simply doing that was enough to satisfy her.」
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"Even though there's zero romantic interaction, I feel like the air inside and out is filled with the warmth of love. What's going on?" Maki Shijo, who had never been in a relationship, couldn't quite describe the atmosphere.
Her best friend, Kashiwagi, draped an arm over her shoulder, not minding the trouble of imparting her knowledge and experience: "Because this is actually what life is like after marriage. Rem has positioned herself as a wife."
Kashiwagi paused.
"No, she serves Hachiman-kun even more wholeheartedly than a wife. Emotionally, it's an equal love; in action, she voluntarily takes a slightly lower position.
On the other hand, while Hachiman-kun holds a higher position in action, emotionally, as the one enjoying Rem's support, he voluntarily places himself slightly below her.
Love, ultimately, requires both sides to yield if it's to last. The way Hachiman-kun and Rem are interacting now... well, you could call it the most perfect imitation of a married couple!"
Tsubasa Tanuma, who had gone out shopping with his girlfriend only to have her "stolen" by her best friend, stood alone.
He didn't have the heart to sulk. He clapped his hands in a moment of epiphany: "Sublime! Good, good, very good!"
He looked at his girlfriend with deep affection. In truth, both could feel the "honeymoon phase" gradually fading; they had recently been troubled by how to keep their relationship thriving.
Rem and Hachiman, as successful role models, gave him a sudden spark of inspiration.
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Yukinoshita Yukino took a deep breath, chanting internally: Don't get angry, don't get angry, don't get angry.
She knew her Hachiman-kun was most defenseless against Rem's particular approach.
If Rem had bluntly said "I like you," Hachiman would have definitely cut through the mess quickly. But she didn't confess, she didn't hint, and she didn't hide it either.
It was exactly like Yui Yuigahama's previous style, which led Hachiman into a cycle of internal struggle: 'Does she like me? Is she overstepping? Should I just reject her? But she hasn't said she likes me. Is it possible I'm just full of myself? If I speak up and I'm wrong, we can't even be friends anymore, and that would be a total loss.'
The difference was that Yui did it intentionally for herself, whereas Rem...
Yukino couldn't find it in her to criticize her.
This girl was clearly, purely thinking of Hachiman.
"If I put myself in Hachiman-kun's shoes, with such a good girl around, I might not be able to resist wanting to marry her either."
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In the Re:Zero world, Ram pulled her "number one in the world" sister closer with satisfaction. "You did very well, Rem."
Rem's face was as red as the sunset, possessing a pure charm.
"It's not enough... Rem is still too useless. I don't understand Hachiman's political affairs, so I can't share his burdens."
In contrast to Ram's calm satisfaction, Puck—far away in the Capital—suddenly developed a sharp glint in his eyes. With a terrifyingly grim curl to his mouth, he raised a paw, secretly pondering how to "dispose" of his daughter's love rival without anyone noticing.
But soon, he lost the leisure for such idle thoughts.
Puck's heart leaped into his throat!
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「"Something terrible has happened!" Rem reported the intelligence with a look of distress. "Something must have happened to Lady Emilia. I have a sympathetic link with my sister, and I suddenly felt a very ominous presence today."」
「Thud!」
「Hachiman's chair toppled over as he grabbed Rem's hand: "Come with me."」
「He didn't doubt Rem, nor did he panic. Once he processed the news, he acted with lightning speed, dropping all current work to summon the merchants and mercenaries.」
「"I'm giving you exactly two hours to prepare. In two hours, we depart at full speed for the Roswaal territory."」
「It was too rushed, and it wasn't what was originally agreed upon—but under the onslaught of money, no one uttered a word of protest.」
「During those two hours, Hachiman Hikigaya made a special trip to the prison. There, the Bowel Hunter, Elsa, was still being held.」
56. The Unavoidable Threshold
"Bringing mercenaries was to increase combat power because it's currently unclear how many enemies are attacking or how strong they are. Relying on Rem alone might not be enough."
"The merchants advancing at a slower pace than the mercenaries is so they arrive just as the battle ends, using supplies to soothe the villagers who may have been attacked..."
Shirogane Miyuki's voice gradually lowered and then vanished. He had no time for analysis; he swallowed hard, following the rapidly advancing Hikigaya Hachiman. Even through the screen, one could feel a mounting sense of impending doom.
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「This heavily armed, long dragon carriage convoy snaked along the lush green path leading from the Royal Capital to the Roswaal territory. The desolate wilderness was dyed with a murderous aura by the thunderous trampling of over a dozen ground dragons.」
「The brand-new armor Hikigaya Hachiman provided for the mercenaries clattered loudly. Their arms firmly gripped greatswords and sharp blades, staying on high alert with a crisis-ready spirit, wary of enemies and battles that could appear at any time or place.」
「Hikigaya Hachiman rode together with Rem. The speeding carriage was washed into a bleak grey by the sorrowful atmosphere within. Their carriage led the way, pulled by the fastest and most resilient ground dragon; its driver was a man found a month ago who was highly skilled at handling ground dragons, named Otto.」
「Rem did not lower the morning star she held tightly in her hand for a single moment. She gazed back at the hired mercenaries; combined, those men were comparable to or slightly stronger than her. Even so, an inexplicable anxiety surged in her heart and would not dissipate.」
「"There are rumors of the White Whale appearing outside the Capital recently. For safety, we cannot use the fastest route and must detour. This will waste a full day."」
「The gloom thickened as troubles piled up, yet Hikigaya Hachiman could still shoulder this pressure. He did not lose his composure, merely waking up early the next morning at dawn to urge the mercenary group to set out again.」
「—Faster. Faster still.」
「Hachiman was nervous, but not excessively so. There was Roswaal, Ram, Beatrice, and Emilia; at the very worst, it shouldn't be possible for them not to hold out for a single day. An existence like the Sword Saint Reinhard was one of a kind.」
「Yes, that was what he originally thought.」
「But something was wrong—the closer they got to Roswaal's territory, the more Hachiman's brain and heart tightened. His entire body felt like it was ringing with alarm bells; his spirit was stretched to the absolute limit.」
「"There are no other scattered carriages on the road, no passing merchants, no villagers working at sunrise... I can't even hear the chirping of insects or birds. The ground dragons are all resisting moving further in that direction!"」
「This wasn't normal; it was far too abnormal! An extremely bad premonition swirled in his heart.」
「"No, I have to—"」
「RUMBLE—!!」
「Before Hachiman could think about what had happened, his world spun. In a flash, he was tucked under Rem's arm as she leapt from the carriage. He watched helplessly as the carriage was reduced to splattered flesh and wreckage by a sudden fireball bombardment—along with the optimistic Otto, who didn't even have time to scream.」
「"AAAAAAAAAH!!!"」
「Soaring flames and magic strikes from all directions sent the ground dragons tumbling. Mercenaries falling from the carriages skidded across the ground. Their helmets protected their faces and bodies, preventing them from becoming a bloody mess like the dragons, but they were still left dazed by the impact.」
「"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"」
「Experienced mercenaries ignored their wounds and scrambled to their feet. Those without experience dazed for a moment where they fell, becoming targets and being blown into meat paste by the subsequent magic.」
「The culprits of the ambush were... a group of black shadows. Dressed in pitch black, wearing hoods, with eerie appearances and silent movements—horrifying shadows.」
「Rem's head throbbed. Her breathing became rapid, and her bloodshot crimson eyes bulged ferociously. A flicker of lightning danced above her head as a single horn filled with mana suddenly rose.」
「"THE WITCH—CULT—AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!"」
「Her trembling lips let out a shaking scream.」
「Leaving Hachiman behind, Rem lunged into the enemy ranks like a wild beast. Her morning star, imbued with terrifying power, swung wildly, snapping several cultists in half. Their bodies flew backward like cannonballs, slamming heavily into the trees!」
「"Attack! Attack!"」
「Rem's display of divine might diluted the mercenaries' fear. The men, astonished by her overwhelming combat power, were overjoyed. Drawing their swords, they surged forward in support. For a moment, their violent morale dealt heavy casualties to the Witch Cultists!」
「"Lady Rem, please coord—Pffft!"」
「A mercenary was sent reeling backward, his silver armor deformed and shattered. Had Rem not retracted her morning star in time to deal with a closing cultist, his stomach would have been as mangled as his armor.」
「"What's going on? This woman has gone insane!" Another mercenary accidentally entered her attack range.」
「Whether enemy or ally, once someone drew Rem's attention and entered her guard zone, they would suffer a lethal, merciless strike from that morning star that symbolized the grim reaper.」
「The mercenary leader grit his teeth and grabbed Hachiman by the collar, shouting a rebuke: "What the hell is this? Hikigaya Hachiman, you never told me that when this woman starts killing, she doesn't distinguish between friend and foe!"」
「"I also... No—I'll fix it!"」
「The stunned Hachiman had received too much information to process in just a few minutes, but he understood he had to rely on these mercenaries.」
「Even if he had lost his bearings, he still had to put on a facade of having everything under control.」
「Few cultists remained under the counterattack. The mercenaries had scattered to stay far away from the crazed Rem, watching coldly as Hachiman approached her attack range—losing friends to a cultist ambush was acceptable, but dying at the hands of an ally due to the employer's concealment was the ultimate tragedy!」
「"Re—"」
「Hachiman rolled to the side, but his cheek and shoulder were still slashed by the flying morning star. Blood gushed out to a degree that could not be ignored. If not for his persistent training over the past month, he likely would have been unable to stand.」
「"What's wrong with you? Wake up! Think about Ram! Rem!"」
「His urgent calls were met with one terrifying assault after another. Hachiman's gaze darted to the single horn appearing for the first time on Rem's head. Whether it would work or not, he now had to try and grab that horn.」
「"REMMMM!!!"」
57. No Skips Allowed
"The Witch Cult, huh." Crusch shook her head with a deep sigh. "I knew the moment Emilia's candidacy was announced that this day would inevitably come. It arrived faster than I expected. Those are a bunch of lunatics who kill without blinking."
"If it weren't for the fact that we're rivals in the Royal Selection, I'd be quite happy to help Sir Hachiman," Felix added with a faint sigh.
"Those madmen of the Witch Cult... if the future Sir Hachiman could find a way to wipe them out completely, that would be for the best. Leaving them be is a constant threat."
"Well... though that's getting ahead of ourselves. He still has to get past the Oni girl first."
While the others remained relatively steady as bystanders, the moment the cultists appeared, a surge of murderous, vengeful aura erupted from the twins, Rem and Ram, in the courtyard.
"The—Witch—Cult—!" Rem's eyes turned red instantly. She grit her teeth, forcing out words of pure hatred. "Taking Sister's horn, taking Rem's peaceful life... taking so much wasn't enough? Now you want to take away the man Rem finally found and fell in love with?"
"I won't forgive you! I will never forgive you! Damn the Witch Cult!!"
Ram's chest was also heaving violently. Her blood pressure spiked as she watched the cultists inflict harm on Rem; that unforgettable hatred once again filled her body and soul.
"The Witch Cult..." Emilia's face went deathly pale. From the discussions of those around her, she finally learned something Roswaal had never told her: the "attraction" that a [half-elf] held for the Witch Cult.
What happened to her was secondary, but if others were dragged into it because of her... no, they had been dragged in. The dead mercenaries, Rem losing her mind in her Oni form and wounding Hachiman—the origin of all this was to resist the Cult that was drawn to her.
"Lia, you have to believe in Hikigaya Hachiman. He might be able to bring Rem back to her senses." Puck was still calm enough to comfort Emilia; he didn't think he would fail to protect his daughter at their home base.
Emilia prayed in a frantic daze. "Please, Rem... stop quickly. Don't hurt Hachiman or yourself anymore..."
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Meanwhile, on Earth, countless people were slack-jawed with shock, feeling a deep sense of tragedy and heartache for Hikigaya Hachiman.
"He finally had a powerful combatant he could rely on, someone who leaned on him wholeheartedly, and it turns out her 'going all out' by manifesting a horn means losing her sense of self?"
Watching the wounds gushing blood across Hachiman's body as he charged toward Rem, Kei Shirogane grit her teeth. "Honestly, can't anyone let Hikigaya-senpai catch a break? Please, I beg you, Rem-senpai, wake up quickly."
People didn't hate Rem. Anyone with a normal moral compass knew the real culprits to be condemned were the Witch Cult. But watching these two—who had been as close and synchronized as a long-married couple—suddenly turn against each other in a death match was, for many, nothing short of world-shattering.
"The environment surrounding Emilia is just too dangerous. It seems the world's hatred for half-elves isn't just hot air; it's that the half-elf bloodline itself brings about human disaster."
"True. Didn't Hachiman hear several times while he was busy in the Capital? The Witch Cult has specific 'intentions' regarding half-elves."
Kousaka Kyousuke clenched his fists. "Go! Keep going!"
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「"You guys head out first! If you encounter more cultists, kill them on sight! I'll double your commission afterward!"」
「The mercenaries had heard of the lunatics in the Witch Cult. Despite their dissatisfaction with Hachiman and Rem, for the sake of the gold—and to protect any civilians who might still be alive—they nodded and rushed ahead.」
「Clang!」
「The morning star slammed down. Hachiman barely managed to parry and dodge with his sword, but the flesh on his right forearm was nearly half-scraped away. The pain was unbearable.」
「He twitched his lips, wanting to say something 'edgy' to distract himself, but he couldn't even manage that through the agony. Now, his mind held only one thought:」
「"I'm close!"」
「The morning star was retracted; the iron chain whipped against Hachiman's waist and knees. This man, who had endured the pain of having his bowels sliced open, displayed an extraordinary level of endurance at this critical moment.」
「Hachiman forced himself to ignore injuries that would normally make anyone scream in agony. He leaped up, lunged forward, and his palm—drenched in his own blood—slammed onto the single horn on Rem's head!」
「"You can vent however you want later! But right now, I'll get on my knees and beg you if I have to—wake up, Rem! We still have important things to do!!"」
「"Pfft—!"」
「It was useless.」
「Earnest words, clutching the horn, the familiar face filling her vision—none of it worked!」
「With the enemy closing in, Rem, having abandoned her morning star, looked hideous, like a demon immersed in battle and slaughter. She threw punch after punch at Hachiman's head and stomach, each blow hitting home with a sickening thud.」
「"Haah..."」
「No matter how reluctant he was, Hachiman had to use his sword to protect himself.」
「"I really am..." He murmured dejectedly to himself, mocking his own inadequacy. "I don't know anything. I never asked. Cutting off a horn... will it be life-threatening? Someone tell me!"」
「He was going to be crushed like a berry! If he remained hesitant and indecisive!」
「"If you end up disabled, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life! If you die, I'll spend my life atoning! If you lose your memory, I'll teach you everything for the rest of my life! So... so... it's fine if you don't forgive me! I'm sorry, Rem!!"」
「Zing—!」
「Accompanied by his impassioned declaration, a flash of sword light saw the Oni horn fall to the ground.」
「Rem, who had been poised to unleash magic, saw the crimson in her eyes vanish instantly, replaced by clarity. The girl's face went blank as her strength was suddenly drained, and she stumbled, about to fall.」
「"Rem!"」
「Hachiman roared, dropping the sword that had just done the deed. His battered body caught the weakened, confused girl, paying for it with more blood and pain.」
「He only let out a muffled groan, gritting his teeth and ignoring the cost, refusing to let the now-conscious Rem see the state he was in.」
「Rem opened her mouth, her eyes and face written all over with self-reproach.」
「"Don't talk." Hachiman wasn't good at handling apologies. He preemptively cut her off, seizing the initiative. "We don't know if Emilia, Ram, or Beako are safe yet... We have a lot to do. There's no time for apologies now. Later, Rem."」
58. The Rational Monster
「Two people, both burdened with fresh wounds, supported one another. Rem, having just lost her horn, was utterly weak. Hikigaya Hachiman could have moved faster, but he slowed his pace, using the last of his strength to sustain the girl.」
「He held his sword in one hand, while layers of thick unease stacked atop one another in his heart.」
「"No sound… the mercenaries' voices have all vanished. Were they dealt with? No, wait—think positive, Hachiman. Don't let Murphy's Law become reality! The mercenaries must have finished off the cultists!"」
「With mud-caked feet, he bypassed obstacles and arrived at the place that once hummed with the smoke of cooking fires—where every person was a treasure. Those rare gems who had countless times looked at him with eyes of respect and admiration, calling him 'Lord Hachiman'; who could admit their mistakes and change; who were capable of reconciling with Emilia…」
「"…That village."」
「Gulp.」
「Village?」
「Hikigaya Hachiman finally understood why the mercenaries had fallen silent.」
「They were exactly like him at this moment—eyes glazed in the same fashion. It was hard to tell if it was a trembling fear at the cruelty of the world or anger at the cheapness of human life. Even the most elite, cold-blooded soldiers who had crossed through wars could not remain indifferent to this.」
「The charred corpse of the village chief; the hot-blooded youth holding a blade even in death with eyes wide open; the harmonious couple who died huddled together in their final moments—the corpses of the villagers gathered in the plaza were massive in number. Their deaths were agonized to the extreme, like a scroll of the most soul-shattering hellscape that should never appear in the mortal realm.」
「"Gurgle…"」
「Hachiman's vocal cords vibrated. His sword hit the ground with a clang, drawing the attention of the mercenaries, who turned back like startled birds.」
「He saw those mercenaries shaking their heads slightly, offering him inadvertent pity and sighs.」
「Rem's heart went half-cold—she cared somewhat about the villagers' lives, but right now, compared to those villagers who no longer existed, she was desperate to say something to comfort the man beside her.」
「They're all dead… all dead… Lady Emilia's hopes for the Royal Selection… the subjects are all gone. With such a massive failure, she's already out! Everything Hikigaya Hachiman did has become meaningless!」
「Anyone else would have frozen, trembled, lost their mind, or fallen into despair.」
「But Hikigaya Hachiman did not.」
「"…Follow me."」
「A brief silence. Tears silently covered his face. Hachiman couldn't help but cough, spitting out a mouthful of blood. He bent his waist shakily; his body, which seemed to have become as stiff and weak as a white-haired old man's in an instant, forced itself to banish fear, banish gloom, banish disappointment and despair.」
「In the end, only guilt and hatred remained.」
「"I have already done one wrong thing. To fail to make amends after a mistake and allow the situation to worsen… I… I don't want to repeat the same old path ever again!"」
「Hachiman's teeth were mixed with blood and foam, making his voice muffled and unclear, but this one sentence was exceptionally loud, exceptionally clear: "FOLLOW—ME!!"」
「CLANG!!!」
「No more words were needed. Witnessing the transformation unique to Hikigaya Hachiman that took place in a single second, and the soul-shaking will he radiated, the mercenaries couldn't help but follow him. Setting aside their past grievances, they remained silent, escorting this man of steel toward his destination.」
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"The Bowel Hunter, the Mabeast invasion, the Council of Sages, the hostile villagers, the lukewarm maid, the duplicitous Roswaal, the Witch Cult… laughable. It's truly laughable to the extreme!"
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka grabbed his bangs, pulling his hair back in a state of manic intensity. He laughed loudly, truly and utterly amused by the Emilia camp.
"Death, death, death! It's a dead end! Even I, if I didn't have special abilities added, could not possibly protect someone like Emilia, whom the whole world seems to be forcing to die—let alone supporting her in the Royal Selection. What a pipe dream!!"
"You," Horikita Suzune looked at him in horror. "Seeing such a terrifying scene of mass death, and all you're thinking about is that? Are you really that cold-blooded? Those were human beings."
"Whether these people die or not, I don't care," Ayanokouji sneered. "Don't get it wrong, Horikita. I'm not cold-blooded at all. I simply don't possess the emotion of pity."
"More than that, I'm only interested in when Hikigaya Hachiman's pressure resistance will finally hit its breaking point. No matter how rational he is, as long as he's human, that psychological string must have a maximum limit. I wonder what expression he'll make? I'm really looking forward to it!"
On the other side, being able to empathize more with Hachiman's tragic situation, Sakuta Azusagawa curled his lip in disdain. "Steel? Steel? Hahaha, what 'will of steel' bullshit!"
"If it weren't for having no choice—if one could happily and safely be an ordinary person—who would be bored enough to raise their threshold for enduring suffering?"
"Please… Hikigaya-kun, use your power to create a good future. I could do it, and you definitely can too!"
Azusagawa Sakuta and Sakurajima Mai offered their heartfelt blessings with deep empathy.
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「Death, death, death, deathdeathdeathdeath. At the entrance, many dead Witch Cultists could be found. They were frozen into ice sculptures, vast in number, stretching all the way into the interior of the mansion. This noble and magnificent estate had been destroyed beyond recognition.」
「Rem collapsed onto her sister Ram's corpse, weeping uncontrollably.」
「Following the trail of ice sculptures, Hachiman limped down the corridor. His face was expressionless, like a robot.」
「"He's practically a rational monster—to encounter this situation and still act entirely according to logic! He doesn't even give himself a moment to vent!!"」
「The mercenaries thought they were elite and calm enough, but toward Hikigaya Hachiman, they felt a sense of awe as if looking up at a mountain.」
「However, yes… as long as one isn't a robot—as long as one is still a person, and a normal person at that—no matter how rational they are, there will always be an unbearable moment…」
「In his field of vision, a massive expanse of ice had frozen the last of the Witch Cultists. At the same time, it had also frozen the most magnificent, most pure, most beautiful, and most kind girl on the scene.」
「One with a fatal wound, eyes closed forever, quiet as a sculpture.」
「Emi…lia.」
「Hikigaya Hachiman looked at that corpse. He looked at the Witch Cultist closest to Emilia.」
「CRACK.」
「The sound of his two rows of teeth pressing, grinding, and shattering together.」
59. The Fourth Death
"THE. WITCH. CULT!!!"
A voice that felt like being plunged into a cellar of ice accompanied a world-shaking power. People on the streets of the Royal Capital were stunned to find the surroundings suddenly frozen over with thick ice and fine snow, despite the sun shining brightly overhead.
People in thin clothing began to sneeze incessantly; some unlucky souls were grazed by rising ice spikes, instantly shivering as they contracted severe colds.
"Puck! You can't!"
As they were confusedly searching for the source, following a familiar and beautiful voice, a lovely girl—whose appearance was even more familiar than her voice—emerged from an alleyway holding a cat.
"This is..."
The crowd froze. They looked up at the video, then down at the girl. "Emilia?!"
She was just as beautiful as she appeared on the light screen, and her personality was genuinely kind enough to heal anyone's soul. Even though the screen was currently broadcasting her tragic future death, this gentle girl prioritized a sincere apology over her own pitiful fate.
Even so, a few people who had been injured couldn't help but feel a flicker of resentment—until they caught a glimpse of the cat. In its eyes, they perceived a surging, murderous intent, a Shura-like aura that seemed capable of upending the Witch Cult itself.
"No, no, no, no... you—no, You don't need to apologize. We understand."
"Thank you." Emilia was in no mood to decline. She pursed her lips; she didn't cry or choke up. Compared to death, she cared more about her own incompetence and the consequences it caused. "If it weren't for Hachiman... I would... I would..."
"The incompetent one is me, Lia."
Puck no longer had that grinning, relaxed expression. Its confidence in being able to protect its daughter had been smashed to pieces by the cold, hard facts. Puck wished it could fire itself!
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"Dead? She died again just like that?" Felt had lived in the slums and knew how cheap life could be, but... "She has power and status, and yet... How on earth did Emilia survive to this age safely?"
Reinhard did not answer her confusion. The compassionate Sword Saint had been solemn since the mercenaries and ground dragons began falling; after seeing the state of the village, even he couldn't stop a killing intent from stirring.
Meanwhile, Yukinoshita Yukino 's eyelids drooped. She had lost hope in life.
"It's over."
Yes, it was over. Back with Elsa the Bowel Hunter, even without Hikigaya Hachiman's intervention, though Emilia might have fared poorly, there was at least a chance of a counter-kill. But here with the Witch Cult, the immense horror overflowing from the screen made the severity obvious to anyone.
"Without an outside force, Emilia would have certainly died!"
This was no longer just a question about Hachiman. Before this, Yukino could comfort herself by saying that without Hachiman's help, Emilia would at most have a difficult time, but nothing catastrophic. But now, she couldn't keep up the lie; she couldn't deceive herself anymore.
"This is over a hundred fresh lives..."
If they had nothing to do with Hachiman to begin with, Yukino might have been able to endure her own nausea and forcibly keep her boyfriend. But in the original future, Hikigaya Hachiman was truly and definitively their savior!
"If I block even this, with what face can I confront my past correct self—the self who founded the Service Club? Will I become... a Yukinoshita Yukino that Hikigaya-kun no longer likes?"
Her heart trembled. The girl, caught in a mental war between angels and demons, was a mess. She looked toward her boyfriend as if seeking help; it happened that Hachiman was also looking at her with an equally conflicted gaze.
The two stared at each other, speechless for a time. Yukino bit her lip, choosing for now to escape reality: "Let's finish watching. When the video is over, we'll talk properly. I should... I think I should... not stop the decision you make."
A "thank you" would be too cheap and distant here. Hachiman nodded in silence. He turned back to the video; he wanted to know if his past self would have committed suicide to save those people.
"That's something even I am not sure of."
If he could save them, of course he would. But Return by Death was, in essence, toying with the lives of the entire world. It was a power far too frivolous and arrogant; Hachiman could never like it, so it was hard to say he would actively use it via suicide, even if he had been saved by it multiple times.
But this time, he still didn't get the chance to verify his thoughts.
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「Hikigaya Hachiman was about to die.」
「Unbeknownst to him, starting from the Roswaal mansion, even the furthest reaches of the horizon had been invaded by a blizzard. Normal weather had dropped to at least several dozen degrees below zero in mere minutes.」
「Rem's piercing cries for "Sister" could no longer be heard. The mercenaries, along with their armor and weapons, carried confusion and bewilderment into their final moments of death. They hadn't even seen the enemy—hadn't the Witch Cult already perished together with Lady Emilia?」
「"It is already too late."」
「In a world of grey and white, a cold voice of judgment rang out. Oxygen no longer existed. Hachiman could clearly feel the process of his body freezing solid.」
「"Answer me..."」
「This man exerted every ounce of strength in the final moments of his life to turn his head. He saw the spirit that was leading the world to its end. His volume was thin as a mosquito's buzz; his face held no resentment, only cold rationality.」
「"Answer me, Puck..."」
「The weak voice drew the spirit's indifferent gaze.」
「Hachiman's mouth hung open. His rationality forced him to ask the one question that could not be ignored: "Roswaal... where is he?"」
「Hachiman knew how powerful Roswaal's combat ability was. No matter how legendary the Witch Cult was, unless they moved their entire nest, could they really kill Emilia under Roswaal's protection? Even if he truly couldn't win, could he not even manage to escape?」
「There was no corpse of Roswaal here.」
「The answer was something Hachiman could already imagine. It was an answer with high probability—one combined with Roswaal's attitude during their previous showdown—an answer enough to cause a brain hemorrhage and high blood pressure.」
「He wasn't sure. He wanted to hear it confirmed with his own ears—but Hikigaya Hachiman no longer had the chance.」
「"..."」
「The moment before the pitiless spirit spoke, in this world dominated by white and devoid of warmth.」
「Hikigaya Hachiman froze into ice, turned into white crystals, shattered into pieces, and vanished into dust.」
「—Hikigaya Hachiman, Fourth Death.」
60. Crusch: I Hate That I Am Not Liu Bei, But Cao Cao
"?"
Priscilla stood as still as a wooden chicken. Proud as she was, even she was left speechless by Puck's preposterous actions, falling into a state of subconscious bewilderment.
"The Witch Cult invaded Roswaal's territory. You have such immense power yet failed to protect your own daughter. Then, when your daughter's friend and follower rushes over through immense hardship to help, you take your anger out on him and kill him?"
She had seen madmen before, but she had never seen a madman this repulsive!
"On what grounds? Seriously, on what grounds!?" Crusch was heartbroken. "A heart of pure gold, only to be bitten by the one he tried to help?"
"Puck, if you're so angry, go level the Witch Cult to the ground! Leave Sir Hachiman to me! Why did you kill him? You lunatic!!"
"Ferris agrees, nya. If Ferris were Sir Hachiman, I would harbor a bone-deep hatred for that Great Spirit after this Return by Death, nya."
"Agreed."
Not just Felix and Wilhelm; it could be said that at this moment, Puck's "transcendent" behavior immediately drew a barrage of verbal condemnation from countless viewers.
Emilia, her heart a mess of mixed emotions and her mind buzzing like a tsunami was rolling through it, bit her lip until blood appeared. She clenched her fists, clutching the hem of her dress, her mouth opening and closing as if to speak.
However, the target of her blame was Puck... realizing this, Emilia felt herself swaying. she could not stand by and watch Hachiman be wronged, but it was equally difficult for her to scold Puck, the one who loved her most in the world.
She only hoped that the future Hachiman Hikigaya would give her a harsh scolding and transfer his resentment onto her.
However, the man who had the most right to condemn him did not show a single trace of such inclination.
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「"—"」
「Hachiman Hikigaya's pen dropped onto the desk. Busy with calculations, he suddenly froze, his body stumbling. Though he was uninjured, he seemed incredibly stiff, as if he had
forgotten how to control his muscles. He made a child-level mistake, falling and landing hard
on his backside on the floor.」
「What Rem saw as she walked in with a carefully prepared bowl of tonic soup was exactly
this: a Hachiman Hikigaya with turbulent eyes and uncoordinated limbs, clearly suffering from
some crisis.」
「Rem's face filled with extreme anxiety in an instant, but before her frantic concern could
voice itself, Hachiman spoke first with calm steadiness: "Don't shout. I'm fine, Rem."」
「Immediately after, noticing that his soul and body were still lingering on the shocking
aftereffects of his freezing death, Hachiman decisively punched himself in the head. He hit
himself hard; his brain buzzed.」
「"Hachiman?!" Rem was dazed. She set the soup down and rushed over to grab both of the
man's hands.」
「She thought Hachiman was under a mental attack and was suddenly self-harming, but
looking closer, Hachiman's face was filled through and through with one concept: Rationality.
」
「Hachiman moved his ten fingers to ensure they worked normally. He sharply issued a
sudden command: "Rem, this is the request of my lifetime. Please go outside and guard the
door. Do not eavesdrop, do not let anyone in, and if any guests visit, turn them all away."」
「"Eh? Yes, Rem understands."」
「Though full of questions, Rem did not pry. She could see that Hachiman was even more
agitated than she was, acting as if he were in a desperate race against time, unable to waste a
single second.」
「Her reminder to drink the soup while it was hot was swallowed along with her curiosity and
concern. Rem left the room, the sound of the door closing as light as a ripple-less pond.」
「Hachiman picked up the pen and sat back in his chair. His eyes appeared to be staring at
the white paper meant for planning, but through the paper, he was immersed in his own
thoughts.」
『The route of the Witch Cultists' deaths suggests they were chasing Emilia. Their attack on
the Roswaal territory was almost certainly for her. This battle is unavoidable.』
『Ram, Puck, and Emilia—there were only those three types of attack traces at the scene.
Beako and Roswaal were nowhere to be found. Those two either hid or ran away; either way,
they definitely didn't resist the Cult.』
『Puck... anyone else could betray Emilia, but only Puck is trustworthy. It's impossible for that giant beast form to fail to protect Emilia, yet she still died... Is there a conditional limit to that power?』
『The total number of Cultists far exceeds my mercenaries. But Crusch has been buying up ground dragons and weapons lately. Even if I could hire more mercenaries, I wouldn't have enough dragons to transport them to the fight.』
『The freshness of the villagers' corpses suggests I wasn't too late. The massacre should have happened a few hours to a day before I arrived. Since they acted late, my time to formulate a countermeasure is relatively generous, but for these things, the earlier the better.』
『First, rule out Roswaal as a traitor and assume he and Beako were just bystanders—if Roswaal is involved in harming Emilia, then with my personal ability, there is no way to break the deadlock.』
『Once I need to seek help from other camps, Emilia's dream is shattered. Furthermore, I have no chips in my hand that would make another camp offer major assistance.』
『The enemy consists of a large number of Cultists, each comparable to elite Capital mercenaries. In the place where Emilia died, there was also someone unique who didn't wear a hood—a leader. Likely exceptionally powerful. In a normal state, Emilia and Puck could only fight and retreat; they couldn't stand their ground and were eventually killed.』
『Our combat power includes Ram, Emilia, Puck, Rem, and a group of decent mercenaries.』
『A frontal clash has low odds. But now I have information. I can lead the mercenaries back to the territory faster than last time, set traps, and use planning against planning. We might have a chance to win.』
『Before that, there are two things I must do!』
「Rip.」
「The sound of paper being torn rang out the moment his thinking concluded.」
「Hachiman looked down. The white paper was densely covered with many unconsciously drawn arrows and connecting lines, ending in a total mess.」
「"Phew..."」
「Upon realizing this, a splitting headache and utter exhaustion followed from overthinking.」
「He took a deep breath, stumbled to his feet, and opened the door. At the entrance, he spoke to the turning Rem: "Prepare the carriage. We are going to see Crusch."」
「A bewildered Rem froze. She looked at the brisk, sharp Hachiman, but beneath that piercing exterior, she could feel the hidden exhaustion.」
「"But..."」
「The hesitating girl attempted to refuse this unreasonable order. She could not stand by and watch the man she loved squander his life, but in the next second, she knew she couldn't refuse.」
「"I'm counting on you, Rem."」
「The sensitive, people-wise Hachiman Hikigaya once again beat her to the punch, saying such "cheating" words.」
「"...Yes, Rem will go prepare."」
.
.
.
"Looking for me?" Crusch raised an eyebrow, looking pleased. "It seems I've left a very good impression on Sir Hachiman. Now, whenever he has a problem, the first person he thinks of is me. If Emilia ever declares defeat, and I ask him to come serve me, he probably won't reject me so coldly, right?"
Felix stammered awkwardly, "But I think Lady Crusch might lose some 'impression points' with Sir Hachiman this time, nya."
"Yes... I can roughly guess what he wants from me. However, since I've been buying up ground dragons and weapons in bulk, there is no doubt it's for that matter... For that, even for Sir Hachiman, I will not budge."
-
-
-
「"Please state your purpose, Sir Hachiman." When Hachiman arrived, it was already dark. Crusch was in casual clothes; compared to her military uniform, she had a bit more of a girl's charm, which was quite captivating.」
「"Then, I'll speak plainly."」
「Crusch's charm was entirely ignored by the current Hachiman. It would be more accurate to say that rather than looking at Crusch, he was looking through her, his eyes full of greed for the ground dragons under her command.」
「"—Let's make a deal, Lady Crusch. I want to borrow your fleet of ground dragons!"」