Chapter Text
Wearing his high school uniform for the first time in what felt like forever, Subaru stood in front of the school gates, staring up at the building.
To say he was overwhelmed would be an understatement.
Just yesterday, he had faced the Witch of Vainglory and ended her reign once and for all—something he wasn't supposed to come back from. And especially not back here, in Japan.
It didn’t feel like a dream. Not exactly. Everything was too vivid. Too real. If this was a delusion, illusion, or some elaborate dream, it was far too convincing.
He hated to admit it, but he had never truly imagined returning home. Not really. And yet, here he was—back in the exact same place Envy had taken him from. Even the time seemed to match, give or take a few minutes, if the convenience store clock could be trusted.
He hadn’t gone straight home, of course. That place was too familiar—too easy to replicate if this was a dream. So instead, he wandered through unfamiliar streets, checking for inconsistencies, cracks in the facade, any sign that this was fabricated. But after several hours of searching and finding nothing out of place, he finally gave in and returned home.
Despite being in another world for nearly a decade—perhaps longer if failed timelines were counted—he still looked much the same as when he left. He might’ve aged a year or two, but his physical growth had stopped around twenty, a passive side effect of the Authority of Lust.
Fortunately, that meant his return didn’t raise too many suspicions. His mother had only given him an odd look and asked why he was wearing his uniform. (Well, she gave him a lot more than an odd look, especially after he came barreling in and cried into her arms—but he’d rather not dwell on that.)
That night had been a whirlwind—trying to explain things, reacclimating himself—but the next morning, he made a decision: he would return to school as soon as possible.
The comfort of home felt foreign now. Sitting around idly in his room made him restless. As nostalgic as it was to see his old things again, he couldn't go back to being the shut-in he once was. That version of him was long gone—and maybe that was for the best.
His parents were delighted by the decision. Supportive, as always. They even gave him a generous allowance bump so he could replace the phone he had “lost.” They were, without exaggeration, the kindest people he knew.
Which only made him feel more guilty for how he used to treat them.
Not anymore.
That Subaru was gone, along with everything else he left behind in that other world.
From now on, he’d repay every ounce of their love and care, and then some. He would become someone they could be proud of—not just because he was their son, but because of who he was choosing to be.
Compared to eradicating a centuries-old terrorist cult, surely being a good son wouldn’t be that hard… right?
He already anticipated the mountain of catch-up work waiting for him. The old him would’ve run from it. Not anymore.
Taking a deep breath, Subaru stepped through the school gates, ready to face whatever the day had in store.
...He really needed to stop tempting fate like that.
Not that the schoolwork was a problem. Everything had gone relatively smoothly, aside from a few hiccups. People stared at him, of course—but that was expected. It had been a while, after all. Some girls even greeted him and asked what had happened. He tried to satisfy their curiosity without giving too much away.
The most awkward part? He could barely remember any of their names.
Apologizing didn’t help the awkwardness.
As for classes, they went as well as could be expected for someone who hadn’t attended in nearly ten years (or more, depending on your definition of time). His notes were nonexistent, his knowledge rusty—but all things considered, he managed.
His homeroom teacher, Zetsuka-sensei (who, disturbingly, reminded him of Elsa), held him back after class for an hour-long counseling session, assigned him a pile of remedial work, and gave him enough homework to keep him buried until Monday.
Still, it was all fine. Expected, even.
…Except for the foot massages.
He suspected a mild abuse of power there. But he didn’t mind too much—Zetsuka-sensei had been kind and supportive. Besides, he used to do that all the time for Prisca-nee back in the day. He was kind of a pro at it by now.
He had also taken up a part-time job at a local café—not because he needed the money, but to keep himself occupied. His butler training made him a natural, and he earned a fair number of tips thanks to it.
“I’m home!” Subaru called out as he stepped into the house, kicking off his shoes and switching to his indoor slippers.
“Subaru!” his father called, intercepting him in the hallway before he could reach the living room.
His dad looked serious— too serious. Subaru had only seen that expression a handful of times. Not even back when he dropped out of school had his father looked like this.
So for him to wear that face now… Something had to be wrong.
He stepped closer and grabbed Subaru firmly by the shoulders.
“You should’ve just told us you were seeing someone.”
“...What?”
“Don’t get us wrong, son. Your mother and I are happy you’re bettering yourself. It all seemed to come out of nowhere, and we were worried… but it turns out you’ve got a girlfriend, and—"
“ What?! ” Subaru shouted louder this time. “What are you talking about, Dad? I don’t have a girlfriend!”
“There’s no need to be shy,” his father said, patting him on the back with a knowing smile. “Your mom said she arrived earlier today looking for you. And honestly? It’s obvious she’s your type. Long white hair, pale skin—she looks just like those figures you collect.”
“ HAH?! ”
“Kenichi, is that Subaru?” his mother called from deeper in the house—probably the kitchen.
“Yes, dear!” his father replied. “I’m taking him to see our guest!”
“Please do! She’s been waiting for him for quite a while now!”
Without warning, his dad pushed him toward the living room.
And there, seated calmly on their sofa with a cup of tea in hand, was a woman with long white hair, wearing a black dress and a familiar butterfly hairpin.
The moment their eyes met, Subaru froze.
“Oh? Did I startle you?” she said sweetly, setting her cup down and smiling at him. “Hello, Subaru. It’s been a while…”
“ Echidna! ”
Despite their son's refusal to explain what had actually happened, both Naoko and Kenichi could sense that something… grave had recently occurred. It was almost like Subaru had been replaced—no, they were certain this was still their Subaru. But he had undeniably changed.
He’d gone missing one night nearly a week ago, and they had been worried sick the entire time. No calls. No messages. Nothing. They were on the verge of reporting him missing when Subaru suddenly returned home. They were ready to scold him for making them worry—until he ran straight into their arms, crying, apologizing over and over for disappearing.
It was hard to stay mad after that.
He told them he’d gone to a cosplay event in Shibuya, hence the outfit, and that he’d dropped his phone into a creek, explaining why he couldn’t contact them. The story was clearly made up, but his remorse was too genuine to challenge.
So they let it slide. Just this once. After all, their son had come home safe.
But something felt off.
For one, Subaru was now doing the dishes—without being told. A small gesture, maybe just guilt. But the next morning, they woke up to breakfast already prepared. Subaru, dressed in his school uniform with an apron over it, sat at the dining table reviewing his notes.
Naoko pinched Kenichi to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. His yelp confirmed it was real. Kenichi even poked Subaru in several places to make sure he wasn’t an illusion.
Their son, Subaru Natsuki, had become a responsible young man overnight.
And the surprises didn’t stop there. Kenichi secretly followed him after breakfast to see if he really was going to school. To his astonishment, Subaru not only went—he stayed.
Later that day, a neighbor informed Naoko that Subaru had been working as a server in a downtown café. Kenichi nearly had a stroke.
This continued for an entire week.
As welcome as these changes were, Naoko couldn’t shake the feeling that something major had happened—something Subaru wasn’t telling them.
Fortunately, a potential answer arrived before her imagination could spiral any further.
Naoko was tending the flowers in their small backyard orchard when a voice called out to her.
“Excuse me!”
She turned to find a young woman standing just a few steps away—long white hair, black dress, and deep, dark eyes. A beauty, no doubt, but her sudden appearance set Naoko instantly on edge. She hadn’t heard the gate open. And she was sure it had been locked.
“Please forgive me for intruding,” the stranger said politely. “I couldn’t help but be enchanted by your flowers.”
“Oh… it’s alright,” Naoko replied, forcing a polite smile. Still, her fingers subtly reached for her phone in her pocket. “I’m glad you like them.”
“Were they difficult to grow?”
“It wasn’t easy,” she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “But watching them bloom makes all the effort worth it.”
The woman nodded, seemingly satisfied. A butterfly fluttered between them and landed on one of the flowers, drinking deeply from its nectar.
“Oh! I almost forgot to introduce myself.” She placed her hands over her chest and bowed slightly. “My name is Echidna.”
“I’m—”
“Natsuki Naoko, correct?”
Naoko blinked. “Yes… though I don’t believe we’ve met before.”
“We haven’t,” Echidna replied, smiling. “But I’ve heard of you from Subaru.”
“You know my son?”
“Yes.”
“I see… though Subaru never mentioned you. If you don’t mind me asking, how do you know him?”
“Let’s just say…” Echidna’s smile grew brighter, almost mischievous. “I’m his responsibility.”
Naoko inhaled sharply. “Is that… what the young people call it these days?”
“...”
Echidna averted her gaze, her pale cheeks quickly turning pink. Her silence said more than words ever could.
Naoko gave her a once-over. Long white hair. Delicate features. A black dress straight out of a gothic fairytale. If she didn’t know better, she’d think this girl had walked right out of one of Subaru’s anime posters. Actually… she did look suspiciously like one of the figurines in his room.
Everything suddenly clicked into place.
So this is why... she thought, heaving a long sigh. So that’s why he’s matured overnight.
It had to be because of a girl. It always is. Kenichi had been the same way when they first met.
Just to be safe, Naoko subtly glanced at Echidna’s belly, scanning for a bulge. Nothing obvious, but she’d keep an eye out.
“You’re looking for him, I assume?”
“Yes.”
“Perfect!” Naoko grabbed her by the wrist. “He’s at school right now, but we can wait for him inside. I’ll prepare some refreshments!”
“U-Um… sure!” Echidna stammered, letting herself be pulled along.
Echidna, as far as Naoko could tell, was either the best or worst case of chuunibyou she had ever encountered— far surpassing her own son in that department.
The girl carried herself with such poise and refinement that Naoko had initially assumed she came from a prestigious family. Her calm demeanor, eloquent speech, and porcelain-doll beauty all painted the picture of someone raised in high society.
But then Echidna opened her mouth.
Naoko had only asked a simple question about her background and her relationship with Subaru.
And the answer?
"I am a witch of old, resurrected by Subaru in order to help him defeat another witch.”
She said it with absolute sincerity and conviction.
Naoko nearly dropped her teacup.
That was only the beginning. One wild story followed another:
—An
artificial
Great Spirit named Beatrice, whom she considered her daughter.
—A magical tomb that transported people's minds into a dream realm called the
Castle of Dreams
.
—And, perhaps most disturbing of all, the revelation that Subaru had once drank a tea made from Echidna’s bodily fluids.
Naoko stopped sipping her tea after that.
Out of everything she'd heard, that last detail was the most unnerving—mainly because, unlike the rest, it could actually be true .
“…Where are you from again?” Naoko finally asked, carefully setting her cup down.
“From beyond the great waterfall,” Echidna said with a serene smile. “Though I suppose it's easier to say I’m from another world, so to speak…”
Naoko narrowed her eyes.
Well, she certainly wasn’t from around here. Her Japanese was flawless, but everything else—the strange mannerisms, the ethereal aura, the completely nonsensical explanations—painted the picture of someone deeply foreign.
If Naoko had to describe her, she’d say Echidna looked like Snow White and the Evil Queen fused into one person .
Still, manners were manners.
“And where will you be staying?” Naoko asked cautiously.
“I’m afraid I have nowhere else to go at the moment,” Echidna replied. “I was hoping Subaru might offer some help, at least until I can settle somewhere properly.”
Naoko stared at her, expression blank.
So now they had a homeless, delusional foreigner in their house. One who claimed to be a resurrected witch, had no job, no luggage, no money—and nothing going for her except beauty and whatever spell she had apparently cast on her son.
Just what had Subaru gotten himself into?
Kenichi was proud.
And confused.
But
definitely
mostly proud.
The sudden changes in Subaru were baffling, sure—but from what little he’d picked up from Naoko’s vague briefing, this "Echidna" girl might just be the reason behind it. If she was his son’s girlfriend, then clearly Subaru’s confidence and self-esteem weren’t lacking after all.
Right now, both he and Naoko were “giving the couple some privacy”—by hiding in the kitchen and very obviously peeking around the corner.
“H-How are you here?” Subaru asked, visibly stunned.
“You left the jail unsupervised, and you're surprised your prisoner escaped?” Echidna replied calmly.
“As if you couldn’t leave anytime you wanted.”
“True.”
“So… why here ?”
Subaru dropped his bag and sat across from her.
“Shouldn’t he be sitting beside her instead?” Kenichi whispered.
He was immediately silenced by a swift jab from his wife.
“I’m sure Ros-chi would love to have you around.” Subaru continued.
“Had I done that, I’d have to fend off his wife’s fury on a daily basis.”
“Yeah. Ram would definitely try to kill you again.” Subaru scratched his chin. “How about my workshop in Kararagi? Ana-chan would probably pay in gold just to have you around.”
“I’ll pass. She’d keep pestering me about Alek. Besides, that place isn’t any fun without you. Your apprentice Hetaro can handle it just fine.”
“Then I still don’t get why you’re here .”
“Why? Because of you, of course!” Echidna smiled, setting her teacup down. “You disturbed my peaceful slumber and forcibly brought me back to life. The least you could do is take responsibility, don’t you think?”
“For the record, it was Ros-chi who wanted to revive you, and the fu—” Subaru abruptly stopped mid-sentence, no doubt feeling his mother’s glare boring into the back of his head.
“I mean,
what
exactly are you calling ‘peaceful’? Need I remind you how much chaos your
clone
caused? And why are you so
young
?!”
“First, you resurrected me and benefited the most from it. Second, that was my clone , so technically not me. Third, that’s rude!”
“Are we really doing this right now?”
“But I am serious, Subaru.” Echidna’s voice suddenly turned soft, her eyes filled with exaggerated sorrow. “Even though I’m a former Witch, I’m still a young maiden, you know. It hurts knowing I was discarded so quickly after being used—”
“WAAAAAAAAIT!!!”
Subaru practically leapt over the table, waving his arms wildly.
“BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR WORDING! PEOPLE WILL MISUNDERSTAND!!”
He quickly scanned the room—and his soul left his body the moment his eyes met Naoko’s glare.
She hadn’t moved from the kitchen. Neither had Kenichi. In fact, Kenichi instinctively took a cautious step away from his wife, sensing danger.
“But I already told your mother,” Echidna added cheerfully.
“HA—?!”
Subaru spun around and grabbed her by the shoulders.
“Please. Tell me
exactly
what you told my mom.”
“Oh, we talked about a lot of things since I got here this afternoon,” Echidna replied innocently.
Subaru stared at her for a second.
Then collapsed face-first onto the table.
“No… no… no…” he muttered over and over before finally falling unconscious.