Fem Roswaal IF (On Hiatuis)

by WafflesWonders

Summary:

What if, as a lady, the Margrave chose to bypass the middlewoman and carry out her plan more assertively?

Chapter 1: Summoming

Subaru stood at the convenience‐store counter as the clerk rang up his purchase. “That’ll be 363 yen.” He plucked a coin from his pocket and studied its ridged edge.

“Oh,ten yen.” After paying, he stepped outside and paused at the curb.

A car roared past. Tired of waiting, he slipped his hand back into his pocket and strode into the road.

A sudden rush of wind swept over him. Subaru glanced around, shrugged, and muttered, “Anyone’s eyes would feel sore after a full day in their room gaming.” He rubbed his temples, and the world blurred into searing brightness. When he forced his eyes open, the city that met his gaze twisted his lips into a haunted grimace.

“What’s going on?” he whispered. Then, with a dramatic shout he never thought he’d utter, he blurted, “I’ve been summoned to a parallel world!”

The words echoed down a cobblestone street, and in that instant they became reality. He stood in unfamiliar medieval surroundings, wearing a damp tracksuit clinging to him with stress‐induced sweat. Subaru frowned at his attire. “Isn’t this where some goddess falls from the sky and picks me up?” he said into the empty air.

Only a low, almost drifted from a shadowed alley to his left. He took instinctive steps back, squared his shoulders, and looked up at the buildings leaning inward, their slanted rooftops vanishing into the sky. Slick stones glistened underfoot.

Subaru, walking along the street with his convenience‐store bag swinging at his side, wearing a thoughtful smile.

“Well,” he said, “I guess this is a fantasy world—medieval style.”

“WATCH OUT!” Someone screamed.
Subaru whipped around to see a boy sprawled in the middle of the cobblestone path. A massive carriage—drawn by a giant reptilian beast—barreled toward him. The crowd panicked but froze in place.

“This is it! My chance to show magic!” Subaru cried, striking a dramatic pose. He raised his hands and shouted arcane chants, but nothing happened. The carriage drew closer, the boy’s fate sealed.
At the last second, a scarlet figure swooped over a wooden fence and snatched the child into her arms. The carriage thundered past, unharmed. The crowd erupted in cheers for the mysterious savior. Subaru shrank back, cheeks burning.

“Guess I’m not ready to use magic yet,” he muttered.
He caught a whispered name drifting from the cheering crowd: “Roswaal” The hint hung in his ears. he pressed on into a bustling marketplace. Foreign script decorated many signs; he paused before one stall and read aloud,
“I can’t read this.” A burly merchant stepped forward, eyeing his damp tracksuit.

“These are odd clothes for a traveler, boy.” Subaru pointed at bright red fruits on the stand. “What are those?”

The merchant grunted, “Appas.”

Subaru nodded thoughtfully. “They understand me, huh?”
He dropped a few coins into the man’s palm. The merchant snatched them, sneered, and flung them back.

“Flat broke, are ya? Get lost—don’t interfere!” Subaru’s shoulders slumped. He wandered off, dejected.

Chapter 2: Search for the Insigna

Subaru and Roswaal had been weaving through the streets of the city district for what felt like hours, the sun dipping low and casting long shadows over the cobblestones. Eventually, they stopped at a quiet street, letting Subaru catch his breath.

Roswaal’s gaze drifted toward a small figure shivering near the corner of the street. Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

“Say, Subaru, doesn’t that little one look lost?” she asked, her voice soft yet carrying that characteristic theatrical lilt.

Subaru followed her line of sight and blinked. There, huddled and nervous, was a young girl with wide, tear-filled eyes.

“Huh?” he muttered, caught off guard.

The girl sniffled quietly, rocking back and forth as she looked around, clearly unsure of where to go or who to turn to.

“Um, but, what about asking around?” Subaru began hesitantly, already thinking of the practicalities.

Roswaal shook her head slightly, a small smile curling at her lips. “That’s important too, but leaving a lost child unattended? That’s hardly to my taste.”

The girl’s shoulders trembled as quiet whimpers escaped her.

Subaru hesitated, glancing at Roswaal. “I mean, I’m in no position to lecture, not after you saved me but, do you realize the situation we’re in?”

Roswaal’s gaze sharpened, her voice dropping to a dramatic whisper. “But, ignoring a crying child? That would be grounds for booing on any stage performance.”

Subaru swallowed, realizing the weight behind her words. “Ah.”

“If you can’t go along with me, that’s fine,” Roswaal said, her tone softening slightly, though still carrying an air of elegance. “Thank you for getting me this far, Subaru.”
Then, with a fluid, almost choreographed motion, she approached the girl, kneeling slightly to bring herself to eye level. “Sorry I’m not who you were looking for. But tell me, dear what’s wrong? Where are your parents?”

The girl’s tears spilled over at the gentle question, small sobs wracking her tiny frame. Roswaal’s expression softened, her eyes reflecting both concern and gentle amusement. “Now, now, don’t cry. Big sister won’t hurt you, I promise.”

Subaru, inspired by the moment, reached into his pocket and produced a small, grooved ten-yen coin. “What I have here is one grooved-edge ten-yen coin!” he announced, trying to muster some of his usual showmanship.

With a flourish, he executed his little trick. When he opened his hand, the coin had seemingly vanished and moments later, it appeared tucked delicately into the girl’s hair.
The child’s eyes lit up, the sobs turning into delighted laughter. “Wow! Thank you!” she exclaimed, holding the coin close like a treasure.

Subaru smiled sheepishly, feeling a small warmth in his chest. Beside him, Roswaal’s smile widened, elegant and approving. Together, they guided the girl toward the comforting embrace of her mother, Raksha, who rushed forward with relief and gratitude.

Roswaal guides Subaru to the area which she lost her insignia which was in a busy bustling market street
The small fruit stand smelled faintly of citrus and dust, the worn wooden counter betraying years of hard use. Subaru strode up boldly, chest puffed out as if declaring himself a hero returning from battle.

“So, it seems the crime happened around here,” he announced loudly, “and I valiantly declared ‘Leave it to me!’ before returning to this fruit stand!”

The shopkeeper, a grizzled man with a permanent scowl, looked up from polishing a crate. “What? I thought it was a customer, but it’s just you again, penniless brat.”

Subaru straightened, pointing emphatically behind him. “You sure you want to talk like that? I didn’t come alone this time. I brought company!”

Roswaal stepped forward, her long, flowing robes brushing the floor, folding fan raised delicately to cover her mouth. Her mismatched eyes glinted with amusement. “My, my, what a greeting,” she said, her voice smooth, almost teasing. “As a merchant, you should choose your words more carefully when facing potential patrons.”

Subaru beamed, nudging her slightly. “See? Impressive, right? A future regular customer!”

Roswaal lowered the fan slightly, her smile widening. “Unfortunately for you, I am also without funds.”
Subaru’s jaw dropped. “Eh,seriously!?”

The shopkeeper’s eyes widened in recognition, a frown replaced by a furrowed confusion. “Wait,Margrave Roswaal? You-you’re the Margrave, aren’t you? But, no money?”

Roswaal waved a hand elegantly, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm. “Indeed, the Margrave Roswaal. And yes, even those of noble title can sometimes travel lightly in the pockets.”

Subaru stifled a laugh at the absurdity. “Wow,that’s kind of awesome.”

The shopkeeper’s confusion deepened. “ I don’t understand. You’re the Margrave! Why would someone like you”

Before he could finish, a small, familiar voice cut through the air. “Big brother!”

Plum ran toward Subaru, her small arms outstretched. At the same moment, Raksha, her mother, hurried up, her eyes wide with relief. “She got lost, and they found her,” she said, nodding toward Subaru and Roswaal.

The grizzled fruit seller’s jaw dropped. “So, it’s true? You found my daughter? I owe you my thanks. Ask me anything at all.”

Roswaal’s lips curved into that sly, theatrical smile of hers, folding the fan and lowering it slowly. “Fufu,how surprisingly honorable behind the scenes,” she said, her voice almost melodic. “Then by all means, share what you know with us.”

Subaru muttered softly under his breath, his chest tightening with quiet relief. “Guess it all came around in the end"

Chapter 3

By nightfall, Subaru and Roswaal arrived at a crooked loothouse tucked into the worst corner of the slums. Its timber walls sagged with rot, crooked windows cast strange shadows across the alley, and a sour stench seeped from between the warped boards. The air was thick with the smell of mildew and old refuse, making every step feel like venturing deeper into a trap.

From inside the house came the sharp, confident voice of a young girl.

“Got it! This place is perfect. No one’ll find us here,” Felt said, her tone all bravado as she arranged the stolen trinkets across a battered table.

An older man, Rom, shuffled nearby, checking the door with a wary eye. “Remember, the buyer’s coming soon. Keep your head clear, kid. Don’t get too excited.”

Felt frowned, glancing at the doorway. “Yeah, but,who’s actually buying this stuff? I don’t even know them. How am I supposed to know they’re legit?”

Rom grunted, shaking his head. “You’ll know soon enough. Just stay focused. All that matters is making the trade and getting our cut.”

The two worked efficiently, the small room lit only by a flickering oil lamp. Stolen coins, trinkets, and small curiosities were laid out neatly, a silent promise of the value they could fetch.

Felt’s nerves were masked by her bravado, but every creak from the old floorboards and distant howl from the streets reminded her just how precarious the operation was. She had no idea that the buyer about to arrive was Elsa, someone with far more dangerous skills than any street merchant she had ever met.

Rom glanced at her with a wry smirk. “Just remember, Felt, stay sharp, and don’t let curiosity get the better of you.”

Felt straightened, puffing out her chest. “Yeah yeah, I’ve got this.”

Outside, the faint sounds of footsteps approached, carrying the tense anticipation of an unknown confrontation. The stage was set, and the little blonde thief had no idea that her next customers would change everything.

By night, the crooked loothouse sagged under its own age, shadows pooling in every corner. Inside, Felt arranged the stolen trinkets across a worn table, trying to look confident despite her nerves.

“This place should be safe. No one will stumble in here” she muttered.

Rom leaned against the wall, eyes darting toward the door. “Alright, the buyer should be here soon. Stay sharp.”

“but,who’s actually coming?” Felt whispered, twisting a ring nervously. “I’ve never seen them before”

Rom waved a dismissive hand. “Relax, it’s just a merchant. Don’t get spooked by a face.”

“But somehow, I have a bad feeling,” Felt muttered under her breath.

The tension thickened, like a charged storm about to break. Then, subtly, the air shifted.A presence entering the room like a heavy perfume, impossible to ignore. Felt froze, sensing something far more formidable than any ordinary buyer.

Through the doorway strode Subaru, with Roswaal gliding beside him. Even the dim light caught the glint in her mismatched eyes, and her long robes swept the floor as if she owned every inch of the room. The shadows seemed to bend toward her presence.

“Good evening,” Roswaal said smoothly, raising her folding fan to her face. Her voice carried the weight of authority, yet playful amusement danced just beneath the surface. “It appears we have found the little stage set for our performance.”
Felt’s jaw dropped. “Y-You,you’re—”

Roswaal tilted her head, a perfectly arched eyebrow accentuating her dramatic smirk. “Indeed. Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers, at your service.” She glanced at Subaru, eyes flicking to the small device in his hand. “ my, what is that you’re carrying?”

Subaru, red-faced, fumbled. “Uh it’s just… a phone, I guess. It’s uh, useful.”

Roswaal’s lips curved into a knowing smile, eyes narrowing slightly as a flash of memory crossed her mind.

Flashback – Roswaal’s study

The firelight flickered over the spines of  tome of wisedom. Roswaal’s gloved fingers traced the pages of the Book of Wisdom with precision.

One passage stood out:
“A young man named Natsuki Subaru will arrive in the capital. Only through acts of heroism and decisive courage can trust be earned. He will carry devices from another world, revealing his beyond the waterfall nature.”
A small, almost imperceptible smirk formed on her face.

“So he has arrived. And he bears the tools that mark him. Excellent. It seems I must allow him to prove himself.”

End flashback

Roswaal’s eyes returned to the present, glinting like twin stars. She waved a hand gracefully toward the table. “Now, then. Let us see if this child’s trinket can be returned to its rightful owner.”
Subaru stepped forward, placing Metia on the table. The glow of the screen caught Rom’s attention immediately.

“Hmph,twenty Holy Gold Coins,” Rom muttered, counting quickly. “This device is quite valuable indeed.”

Subaru swallowed nervously. “I-I guess that’s my bid.”

From the doorway, Elsa appeared, her own ten Holy Gold Coins clutched tightly. “I offer ten, and I take the emblem.”

Rom smirked, eyes gleaming. “You underestimate us. Twenty, thanks to this clever device.”

The tension erupted into a chaotic battle. Elsa lunged, daggers spinning,.

Without hesitation, Roswaal’s cape flared. “Stand back, Subaru. This one is mine.”

Steel flashed as Elsa lunged, dagger arcing for Roswaal’s throat. But Roswaal’s hand moved faster, flicking through the air with elegant precision. A torrent of fire blossomed, roaring across the shack. Elsa twisted, her smile widening even as heat scorched her skin.

“Beautiful, absolutely beautiful,” she hissed, spinning through the flames to strike again.

The clash shook the rotten beams. Fire and ice, dagger and cape each movement a dance of death. Subaru stumbled back, shielding his eyes as sparks rained down.

Old Man Rom roared, hefting his club in desperate defense of Felt, but a sudden slice caught his arm. Blood sprayed; he staggered with a pained bellow.

“Rom!” Felt cried, terror cracking her voice. She darted to his side, clutching his sleeve. “Don’t you dare die on me, old man!”

Elsa’s blades spun through the dimly lit loothouse like streaks of silver lightning, each one aimed with deadly precision. Sparks clattered against crates and scattered coins, the air vibrating with the sheer force of her assault. Rom lunged, but each step was interrupted by the chaotic whirls of Elsa’s daggers. Felt froze, eyes wide, caught between fear and awe as the room seemed to shrink around the relentless onslaught.

Subaru’s heart pounded. “I—I can’t keep dodging forever!” he shouted, clutching the royal emblem as his legs trembled.
Beside him, Roswaal’s calm composure belied the storm about to erupt.

Her eyes gleamed, each movement deliberate, measured her presence radiating a command that made even Elsa hesitate for the briefest fraction of a second.

“You’ve overstayed your welcome,” Roswaal said, voice low but carrying across the room, theatrical and unyielding. Her hands moved with an elegant precision, weaving gestures that twisted the air like threads of invisible fire.

Elsa hissed, spinning another dagger. “I don’t care who you are—I’ll take what I want!”

Roswaal’s patience snapped. A sudden intensity ignited in her eyes, and her voice rang out like the toll of a bell:
“Al Goa.”

The air itself shuddered. The walls groaned under the force of the magic as if the loothouse were protesting against the power being unleashed. A blinding sphere of fire erupted from Roswaal’s hands, expanding rapidly. The flames twisted and roiled like molten gold and crimson, coiling outward with a terrifying hunger.

Subaru stumbled back, shielding his eyes. The heat was immediate, oppressive, as if the very room had been transported into the heart of a forge. The floorboards cracked and warped beneath the sheer intensity of the spell. Coins and trinkets scattered in every direction, suspended for a heartbeat in the warped gravity of the magical inferno.

Elsa’s movements faltered.

The daggers in her hands glimmered helplessly against the tidal wave of fire that surged toward her, and her usual cold precision gave way to panic. Rom tried to intercept, but the force pushed even him back, his feet scraping against the splintered wood.

The fireball expanded, thick and radiant, consuming all air between it and Elsa. It shimmered with a terrifying brilliance, the edges searing anything they touched. And then without warning it focused, collapsing inward like the final breath of a star, concentrating every ounce of its heat and destructive force into a single, perfect annihilation.

When Subaru blinked, the world was stunned into silence. The space Elsa had occupied no longer held a figure of threat. Only drifting ash swirled in slow, ethereal eddies, black against the flickering torchlight, falling like snow onto the warped floorboards.

The scent of smoke and ozone filled the room, leaving an almost reverent quiet in its wake.
Felt’s jaw hung open. Rom coughed, scrambling backward to avoid the residual heat, eyes wide with shock and awe.
Subaru, still clutching the emblem, stared in disbelief. “she’s gone?”

Roswaal lowered her hands gracefully, the flames dissipating into embers that floated harmlessly to the floor. Her voice was calm, almost playful, but carried the weight of absolute command.

“Indeed,” she said softly. 

The loothouse, once chaotic and tense, now hung in heavy silence. Only the faint crackle of embers and the drifting ash marked the magnitude of the destruction. Subaru’s gaze met Roswaal’s, a mixture of awe, fear, and something unspoken passing between them—the realization that this Margrave was a force entirely beyond ordinary reckoning.

Roswaal dusted her gloved hands, as if dismissing the matter entirely. “How terribly dull. She lacked strength.”

Subaru’s jaw dropped. “You turned her into dust.”

Subaru’s knees buckled slightly, and he had to grip the edge of a nearby crate to steady himself. His eyes, wide and unblinking, were fixed on the swirling black ash where Elsa had once stood.

His chest heaved. For a long moment, he couldn’t breathe properly, couldn’t process the scene. Seeing a personmsomeone real reduced to nothing in an instant was different.

The heat from the spell still lingered on his skin, but the adrenaline that had pumped through him was beginning to fade, leaving an emptiness that gnawed at his stomach. He felt as if the ground beneath him had shifted, as though reality itself had been rewritten in that single instant.

He wanted to speak, to say something,anything,but no words came. The echo of Roswaal’s voice, calm and almost amused, felt alien against the enormity of what he’d just witnessed.

“She, she’s gone,” he whispered to himself, barely audible, his voice cracking. The room seemed impossibly still, the only movement the slow, ghostly drift of black ash through the faint torchlight.

Subaru’s hands trembled slightly as he reached out, almost expecting to feel her presence, to grasp at something tangible,but there was nothing. Only the memory of a moment so violent, so final, that it left his chest tight and his mind reeling.

For the first time, he truly understood that magic wasn’t just spectacle or danger,it could take life in an instant, without warning, without mercy. The weight of that realization settled on him like a physical force, heavy and oppressive.

Subaru swallowed hard, blinking rapidly to clear the tears that stung his eyes. His stomach churned. He wanted to run, to turn away, but his legs felt rooted in place. The reality of death of someone being utterly erased—was something he had never fully faced before.

He exhaled shakily, his voice barely a whisper: “I’ve never seen anyone die like that before.”
Even the air seemed to hold its breath, as if the loothouse itself recognized the magnitude of what had just occurred. Subaru’s mind raced, a storm of fear, awe, and disbelief. This was not a fight he had won,it was a moment that would haunt him for a long time to come.

Rom groaned, collapsing to one knee. Blood soaked the boards beneath him. Felt clutched his hand, desperation flashing in her eyes. “Damn it! Somebody, anybody,help us!”

The smell of char and burnt leather clung to the air. Inside, Roswaal knelt beside Rom, murmuring an incantation. Healing light pooled over the old man’s wounds, knitting flesh back together

“What happened?” Reinhard’s voice carried the weight of command even in his casual garb.

Reinhard halted at the threshold, eyes narrowing at the scene. “Elsa the Bowel Hunter. She was here.”

Roswaal’s head tilted, golden gaze amused. “Mm, she was. A pity you missed her performance; it ended rather abruptly.”

Reinhard’s hand hovered at his sword, then fell away as he saw Rom stir, breathing steady again. His eyes softened with relief. “At least  no more lives were taken.”

Subaru sagged against a splintered beam, staring in disbelief at the two titans of power standing within arm’s reach. “What kind of crazy world did I land in.?” he muttered.

Reinhard’s hand lingered over the insignia as its glow pulsed, resonating in Felt’s grip. His expression hardened, though his voice carried a gentleness that disarmed the thief girl.

“This crest, it reacts to you.” His blue eyes flicked toward her, sharp with purpose. “You’ll come with me. For your own safety and for the kingdom’s.”

“Wait, wait, what are you talking about?!” Felt snapped, clutching the jewel to her chest. “This thing’s nothing but trouble! I don’t care about your kingdom!”

Her defiance faltered under the knight’s unwavering gaze. He reached forward, not forcefully, but with the quiet weight of inevitability. With a frustrated growl, she let him guide her away, Rom staggering behind with a limp but healed leg.

Subaru, still slumped against a wall with blood drying on his lip, watched the scene unfold. He opened his mouth to protest, to ask what any of this meant but no words came.

Instead, a hand draped over his shoulder, soft but commanding. Roswaal loomed beside him, the indigo of her cloak billowing faintly as though stirred by unseen winds.

“My, my, what an entertaining evening this turned out to be,” she purred, golden eyes glinting in the half-light. “Elsa, the thief, the insignia, Reinhard’s arrival, fate seems intent on shuffling its cards tonight.”

Subaru blinked up at her, throat tight. “You saved me. Twice now.”

A smile curved her painted lips. “Mm, and you’ve amused me. That’s worth more than you realize.” She crouched so her gaze met him directly. “So here is my offer, Subaru. In exchange for your bravery and your ah, delightful incompetence, I shall take responsibility for you. From this moment, your life is mine to cultivate. You needn’t repay me, just simply remain at my side.”
The weight of her words pressed into him, heavier than any blow the thugs had landed.

Subaru swallowed, his voice cracking into a nervous laugh. “You make it sound like I just signed a contract with the devil.”

Her golden eyes narrowed, and for a heartbeat the playful mask slipped, revealing something colder. “Devil, goddess, master,savior. Labels are such fragile things.” The mask returned, and she straightened, offering a pale hand. “Stand, Subaru. Your world has ended. Mine has only just begun for you.”

Hesitating, trembling, Subaru clasped her hand. Her grip was warm, unyielding.

As Reinhard and Felt disappeared , Subaru took a shuddering breath.

The alley stank of char and blood, but beside Roswaal he felt the burn of possibility. Terrifying, exhilarating possibility.

“Guess this really is a fantasy world,” he whispered, voice half-wonder, half-dread.

Roswaal’s laugh,rich, melodic, and tinged with cruelty,echoed through the night.

And so Subaru’s first step in this strange land bound him not to a master whose game had only just begun.

The chaos of the night had finally ebbed. The loothouse was quiet, the ash settling into the corners, and Subaru’s chest rose and fell with uneven breaths. His knees gave way as exhaustion overtook him, and his eyes fluttered closed despite the adrenaline still lingering in his veins.

Roswaal observed him for a moment, one eyebrow arched beneath her ever-watchful gaze. There was no surprise in her expression, only the faintest curve of amusement. “it seems the hero’s energy has limits, after all,” she murmured softly, the words carrying both teasing and genuine concern.

With effortless grace, she knelt beside him. Her gloved hands were gentle as she lifted him into her arms, cradling him as if he were no more than a fragile prop on her stage. Subaru’s head lolled against her shoulder, the tension of the night finally giving way to unrestrained fatigue.

Outside, the soft creak of a carriage wheel alerted her to Ram’s presence. The older maid was waiting patiently, her expression unreadable, yet ready for whatever came next. Roswaal adjusted her hold, ensuring Subaru’s comfort, and stepped lightly toward the carriage.

“sleep well, Natsuki Subaru,” she whispered, her voice a melodic thread in the night air. “The stage may be set for larger performances tomorrow, but for now even heroes must rest.”

The night air was cool against her face as she lifted him into the carriage, settling him carefully onto the cushions. Ram offered a small nod of acknowledgment, taking the reins with practiced ease. Roswaal seated herself opposite Subaru, her eyes flicking to him briefly, noting the faint rise and fall of his exhausted breathing.

Outside, the city slums were cloaked in darkness, silent witnesses to the events of the evening. And inside the carriage, Subaru finally gave in to sleep, unaware of the quiet, almost imperceptible smile that curved Roswaal’s lips. The performance had ended,for now,but she knew the story was only just beginning.

Chapter 4: Curtain of the Mansion

Arc 2

Warmth.
Soft warmth wrapped around his aching body, not the rough cobblestones or the stink of alleyways, but something almost unreal.
Subaru cracked open his eyes. Above him hung a high canopy of embroidered velvet, deep crimson with golden threads. A pillow scented faintly of lavender cradled his head.
He blinked, confused.

“Uh,either I got kidnapped by the nobility, or I sleepwalked into a hotel five stars above my pay grade.”

The sound of the door opening cut him off. Subaru turned his head and froze.

A girl stepped in. Not Roswaal.

Her hair shimmered silver, flowing like strands of moonlight. The black-and-white of her maid uniform framed her pale face. And hovering by her shoulder floated a tiny gray cat, its tail curling lazily.

“Oh!” she gasped softly, then smiled.
“You’re awake.”

Subaru stared, mouth slightly open. “…This world runs on clichés. First bandaged recovery scene, then maid cosplay. I’m waiting for the love flag.”

She tilted her head. “Flag? You must still be feverish.”

The cat yawned. “He’s not feverish, just an idiot. And before you ask,yes, you’d be dead if not for Roswaal-sama. She patched you up herself.”

“Wait, herself?” Subaru’s eyes bulged. “The margrave, the eccentric noble lady, the big boss of the mansion decided to personally nurse me? That’s like the CEO scrubbing floors for an intern.”

“She was insistent,” the maid said, her tone calm, though her violet eyes studied him with quiet interest. “You should be grateful.”
“Yeah,” Subaru muttered, sinking back into the sheets. “Grateful and very, very suspicious.”

Later, still stiff but dressed in borrowed clothes, Subaru was guided through the mansion. Endless halls stretched before him high windows spilling morning light, carpets thick enough to trip on, chandeliers dripping with crystal.

At last, the maid pushed open tall double doors. Inside stretched a long dining hall.
At the far end of the table, seated with perfect posture, was Roswaal.

She cut a striking figure, wrapped in violet and gold, her two-toned eyes gleaming like mismatched jewels. She set down her fork and smiled, fan half-lifted to her lips.
“Well, well. Our little guest rises from the grave.”

“Don’t say it like that!” Subaru yelped, approaching cautiously. “I already have trauma with the word grave.”
“How do you feel, Subaru-kun?”
“Like someone reassembled me with duct tape.”

Roswaal’s painted smile only widened. “Then I’ll call my work a success.” She folded her hands, gaze never leaving him. “Now, you’re adrift here, aren’t you? No home. No coin. No ties.”

“Geez, lady, you don’t pull punches. Yeah, accurate.”

“Then why not stay here?” Her voice was silken, theatrical, as if tempting him onto a stage. “I’ll give you food. Housing. Care. Even magic lessons. A salary, too. All I ask is that you serve as butler.”

Subaru gawked. “You’re bribing me into codependence.”

Roswaal snapped her fan shut. “Mm, clever boy. That makes two of us.”

Chapter 5: Training Days

Magic Lessons

The next morning Subaru was dragged into a study lined with tomes. Roswaal paced like a conductor, her voice rich with amusement.

“Feel the mana within your gate.”
Subaru clenched his fists, forcing it out.

BOOM. Black smoke exploded, filling the room. Subaru hacked, eyes streaming.

“Bravo!” Roswaal clapped, delighted. “Your Shamak is fitting.”

“Lady, I’m literally choking to death!”

Literacy

Quill in hand, Subaru squinted at runes.
“Read this,” Roswaal ordered, pointing.
“Uh,Lu…gu…ni…ca?”

“Correct. Again.”

“No coffee break?”

“In the theater of life, Subaru-kun, there are no intermissions.”

Butler Training

Two maids,pink-haired and blue-haired stood over him like drill sergeants.
“Your bow is crooked,” one scolded.
“You spilled tea again,” the other sighed.

By evening Subaru collapsed on his bed , groaning. Roswaal peeked in, smiling like an audience member enjoying her favorite play.

The Outfit
One night, Roswaal circled him with a measuring tape.
“H-Hey! Boundaries!” Subaru sputtered, cheeks red.

Roswaal hummed, scribbling notes. “Not bad proportions for you. You’ll wear it well.”

When Subaru finally donned the crisp black butler outfit, he stared in the mirror. “I look like a disposable NPC.”

Roswaal chuckled low, voice wrapping around him. “No, Subaru-kun. You’re center stage.”

Chapter 6: Arlam Village

Arlam Village

A week later, Subaru joined the maids for a supply run to the nearby village.

The villagers were wary at first—staring at the new boy trailing behind the mansion servants,but his easy chatter melted suspicion.

Soon he was laughing in the square with children, sweat soaking his tracksuit as he chased after a ball.

For the first time in days, Subaru felt almost normal.
Then—

A tug at his pants.
He looked down. A small puppy, golden-eyed, wagging its tail. It bit into his hand with sharp teeth.

“Gah! Ow! Hey, not cute!” Subaru yelped, shaking it off.

The children laughed. “He’s harmless!”
Rubbing the sting, Subaru grinned weakly.

“Yeah, sure. Harmless.”

Chapter 7: The First Death

That night, fatigue hit like a falling anvil. His limbs trembled. His head pounded. His vision blurred even as he tried to carry trays.
Roswaal arched a brow from her seat at the table. “Playing drunk, Subaru-kun?”

“I don’t feel well” Subaru’s words slurred. He stumbled back to his room.

Collapsing into bed, sweat-soaked, he gasped for breath. His pulse slowed. His vision dimmed.

“What the hell.I’m dying from a dog bite?!”

Darkness swallowed him whole. His last thought, a spiral of disbelief.

And the world ended.

Chapter 8: The Awakening Again

Subaru’s eyes cracked open to pale sunlight streaming through a high window. The scent of lavender clung to the sheets, soft and familiar. Too familiar.

“Huh?”

A silver-haired girl leaned over him, violet eyes wide with relief.

“You’re awake. Thank goodness.”

Behind her, the little gray cat stretched and yawned.

“Finally. You sure sleep like the dead, don’t you?”

Subaru’s breath caught in his throat. He knew these words. He knew this scene. He’d lived it already.

He sat up too quickly, nearly toppling from the bed. “Wait. Wait, wait, wait,no way.” His pulse hammered in his ears. “I died. I know I did. I—”

The words choked out, strangled by disbelief. The room around him was the same. The sheets, the pillow, the expressions on their faces—every detail replayed.

Déjà vu? No. Something worse.

Chapter 9: The Spiral

When he stumbled into the hall later, the polished floors gleamed like mirrors. The air smelled faintly of roses. The exact same air. The exact same smell.

He stopped in his tracks, hands tangling in his hair.

“This isn’t real. This can’t be real. I’m looping? What the hell’s happening to me?”

“Are you unwell, guest?”

The voice was flat, cool, cutting. Subaru jerked around. Standing there was a maid with ocean,blue eyes.

Rem.

Her gaze lingered on him, too sharp, too searching. Suspicion pulsed in her stare, though her tone remained polite.
“I-I’m fine,” Subaru stammered. His laugh rang hollow. “Just… déjà vu. Yeah, that’s all. Déjà vu.”

But Rem’s eyes narrowed. And in that narrowing, Subaru felt the weight of judgment.

Later that day, Subaru found himself in the study. Shelves of tomes towered above, candles flickering. At the desk sat Roswaal, her painted smile unreadable.

“My, my” She rested her chin on her hand, mismatched eyes glinting. “You’ve changed, Subaru-kun.

Your gaze trembles when you walk familiar halls. Your words stumble, as if you’re chasing a script you’ve already read.”

Subaru’s stomach clenched cold. He forced a laugh. “Ha,don’t know what you mean. Guess I’m still woozy from the whole ‘almost died’ thing.”

Roswaal tilted her head, almost pitying, almost cruel.“Tell me,if you were forced to relive the same moments again and again, what would you do differently?”

The question struck him like an icicle through the chest.

He swallowed, his voice breaking. “That’s one hell of a hypothetical.”

Roswaal only smiled wider, as though she’d pulled a secret from him he didn’t mean to reveal.

And in the corner of the room, half-hidden by the shadows, Rem stood silently. Watching.

The days crawled forward, each one more suffocating than the last.

Roswaal’s lessons filled his mornings. He could now summon Shamak without exploding the room,a thick, suffocating fog that swallowed all sight. “Better,” she purred, watching with amused satisfaction.

Afternoons were filled with letters. Subaru traced clumsy strokes under her guidance, scratching out the language one painful syllable at a time.

But the air was different now.

Rem’s politeness was clipped, too precise.

He caught her eyes on him at odd moments, cold and measuring. Once, he heard her whisper to her sister, Ram:
“The scent. It clings stronger than before.”

Subaru laughed it off with shaky bravado. “Guess I need a bath, huh?”

But when night fell, lying alone in the grand guest bed, every creak of the house became a threat. His heart beat too fast, his breaths came shallow.

He thought of the dog’s bite. He thought of the darkness. He thought of waking again where it all began.

And sleep felt less like rest, more like a death sentence waiting to reset the board.

Chapter 10: The Butler Training Slip

The dining hall gleamed with polished silver and fresh linens. Rows of cutlery reflected the afternoon light, arranged with the precision of a ritual.

Subaru stood stiff in his new butler uniform, sleeves too tight at the shoulders, the bowtie choking his neck like a noose.

“Today,” Ram intoned, her tone flat as stone, “you will learn the order of preparation. Plates first, then goblets, then cutlery. Watch carefully.”

Subaru nodded, sweating already. He followed the demonstration clumsily, balancing stacked dishes with all the grace of a drunken juggler.

When it came time to fetch the wine glasses from the cupboard, Ram opened her mouth to direct him.

“They are kept in the—”

“Top left shelf,” Subaru blurted, already striding across the room. He swung open the cupboard, reached high, and pulled down the exact row of delicate crystal goblets. “Ta-daa! Like this, right?”

The room went still.

Ram’s eyes narrowed, her lips pressing into a thin, unimpressed line. She hadn’t told him that yet. She hadn’t told him at all.

Subaru froze, realizing his mistake too late.
“Uh, I mean… lucky guess? Yeah, total natural butler instincts, heheh…” His laugh rang false, the glasses trembling faintly in his hands.

From the far end of the hall, the sound of a fan snapping shut broke the silence.
Roswaal leaned against the doorway, painted smile curling wider. Her golden and blue eyes shimmered with sharp amusement.

“My, my,what a prodigy you are, Subaru-kun. Knowing your way around cupboards you’ve never opened before?”

Subaru’s stomach sank like lead. He stammered, “I-It’s not like that! Just a hunch, you know? Beginner’s luck!”

“Hmm” Roswaal stepped forward, heels clicking on the marble floor. She circled him slowly, gaze never leaving his face. “Luck or foresight?”

The fan brushed against her lips, hiding half her smile.

“Tell me, Subaru-kun. How many times have you stood in this hall already?”

Subaru’s breath hitched. He opened his mouth, but no words came.

Ram’s eyes flicked between them, confusion tinged with suspicion. But Roswaal’s expression told a different story entirely—calm, knowing, almost indulgent.

As if every slip of his tongue was a line in the script she had already read.

Chapter 11: The Second Death

The moon hung high above Roswaal Manor, spilling silver across the polished floors and tall, curtained windows.

Inside the guest room, Subaru lay sprawled across the bed, muscles aching, limbs trembling from exhaustion. His breaths were shallow, his chest rising and falling in fragile rhythm.

“I’ll be fine,” he whispered to himself, voice barely audible, trembling like the leaves outside the window. “It's has to be safe. I’m in the mansion… nothing will—”

A metallic clink shattered the fragile quiet.

Subaru froze, heart hammering, pulse a drumbeat in his ears. Shadows moved at the foot of the bed, stretching unnaturally, thick and black against the pale moonlight.

“Rem?” His voice was weak, uncertain, his mind refusing to grasp the shape forming in the dark.

Her face emerged from the shadows, serene yet alien.

Her eyes, once soft and calming, now glimmered with an icy precision, glinting like frost under the moonlight.

She held the morningstar, every spike reflecting silver like jagged shards of nightmare.

Subaru’s stomach sank. Panic clawed up his throat. “W-wait,what are you doing?! Rem stop!”

She whispered, voice barely more than silk over steel. “I am sorry,but the scent of the witch.I cannot ignore it witch cultist”

The chain of the morningstar rattled, whipping through the air with a metallic hiss. Time seemed to slow.

Subaru’s gaze followed the deadly arc, wide-eyed and frozen, chest tight with terror. His body refused to obey, his mind scrambling for some reason, some explanation, but nothing came.

“I-I, wait! Roswaal-” His voice cracked, words failing him.

He had no idea Roswaal had given any warning. He had no time to understand, no chance to bargain.

The weapon struck. A single, devastating crack erupted in the silence, pain so intense it tore through him like molten fire.

Every nerve screamed. Heat and pressure, ice and stone,every sensation collided in one impossible instant.

The world faded. Shadows closed over his vision. The air was gone. His thoughts scattered, fleeting flashes of confusion, fear, disbelief,then nothing. Silence swallowed him entirely.

The room remained still. Only the faint clink of the morningstar’s chain settling echoed, a cold whisper of the horror that had just passed. Subaru’s body lay motionless, the life within him extinguished before it even had the chance to scream.

He awoke again at the manor gates, bile rising in his throat.
“No,no, no, no, this isn’t real” His knees buckled, his hands trembling.

The nightmare had only just begun.

Chapter 12: Breakdown Of A Star

The first sensation was pain.

It wasn’t real not physically but it clawed at him with all the intensity of memory. His chest felt as if it had been shattered, ribs splintering, lungs burning with each ragged breath. His jaw throbbed where he imagined it had snapped. Every nerve in his body screamed with phantom agony.

And yet, when his trembling hands roamed over himself, there was nothing. No blood. No broken bones. No evidence of the horror he had lived through the night before.
He was whole. Alive.

Alive when he should have been dead.

“nnnhhhkk—hkkhhh!” He collapsed onto the mattress, bile rising with every desperate breath.

He gagged, vomited, gagged again. The phantom memory of pain made his stomach convulse, acid biting his throat, until strands of saliva clung to his trembling lips.

He couldn’t stop retching, couldn’t stop shaking, couldn’t stop hearing the metallic crack of the morningstar, the cold, whispered apology, the shadow descending over him.

His forehead pressed to the bed, breath shallow, vision tunneling. “I… I died. I know I died… why,why—”

Images flashed behind his eyelids: the swing of the chain, the gleam of metal under moonlight, the invisible shattering of his chest, the darkness swallowing him again and again.

His fingers clawed at the sheets as if trying to hold his body together, raw marks scoring his palms.

Panic churned in his chest, and each inhale became a wheeze. He couldn’t slow down. The world spun, black edges creeping into his vision. He felt like he was dying all over again.

Then,soft sunlight spilled across the room.
Subaru’s head jerked up, pupils dilating. A gentle voice cut through the chaos.

“Subaru,wake up, it’s morning.”

He froze, staring at the figure bending over him. Golden-brown hair, soft lavender eyes, the gentle calm of a face he knew. Emilia.

For a heartbeat, he couldn’t process her presence. She wasn’t supposed to be here. She wasn’t supposed to

“Uh,uh,Em” His voice was raw, broken. He tried to sit up, but limbs shook violently. “I died.I know I died—”

Emilia knelt beside him, her hand on his shoulder, steadying him. “Subaru,you’re safe. It’s morning. Nothing happened last night. You’re fine.”

Her voice was soothing, yet a tremor ran through his chest. Safe? Could anything be safe after what he had just relived?

From the shadows near the doorway, Roswaal’s silhouette appeared, fan in hand, skirts brushing the floor, ever silent, ever observing.

Her mismatched eyes glimmered like molten gold, calm, calculating, and entirely unyielding.

Subaru couldn’t tell if her presence was comfortingor a predator waiting.

“Ufufu,how fascinating,” she murmured softly, almost to herself.

A boy who bends, breaks, and yet carries every scar forward. How many times will you shatter, I wonder?”

Subaru flinched at the words. He curled into a ball, gripping the bed sheets, rocking back and forth, whimpering.

Phantom pain gnawed at him, indistinct, relentless. The line between alive, dead, and trapped somewhere in between blurred entirely.

Emilia’s voice remained a tether. “Subaru… look at me. Breathe. You’re alive. I promise.”

Above him, Roswaal’s painted smile never faltered, a silent reminder that every tremor, every slip of memory, was under her watchful gaze.

Subaru’s thoughts raced, chaotic and fractured. How much longer until she knows? How much longer until I break again?

And in that fragile quiet, he clung to Emilia’s hand, the only anchor in a world where life and death seemed indistinguishable.

Subaru’s first steps into the grand dining room were hesitant.

The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meat filled the air, rich and warm, yet the gleaming chandeliers and polished floorboards reminded him that this was not a place for ordinary mortals.

Roswaal lounged at the head of the table, cape draped elegantly over her shoulders, fan in hand. She observed him with the same theatrical poise as always.

“Ah, Subaru-kun,” she intoned, voice smooth and deliberate. “It seems our little guest survived the night. How fortunate.”
Subaru froze, swallowing nervously. “Yeah… survived”

Roswaal’s mismatched eyes gleamed, flicking toward the empty chair beside him. “Today, I propose a renewed arrangement. You shall serve as my butler,not merely performing chores, but learning under my direct guidance.

In return, your sustenance, clothing, and shelter will be impeccable. You shall receive a modest salary as well. Consider it,an incentive to remain productive, obedient and reliant on me.”

Subaru blinked. “R-reliance?”

“Indeed,” Roswaal replied, tilting her head.

“A mind that depends on nothing cannot be shaped. A mind that depends on me now, that is truly mine to guide.”

Even as he hesitated, Emilia quietly placed a tray before him, her calm presence neutralizing some of the tension.

Puck hovered beside her, giving a tiny, approving nod. Subaru’s lips twitched nervously.

Magic Lesson: Shamak Theory

Later, in a quiet wing of the manor, Roswaal began his first official lesson. Scrolls, ink, and chalk dust filled the high-ceilinged room.

“Shamak,” she explained, sweeping her fan across the table, “is the manipulation of mana through precise thought. Your intent must shape the energy, not the other way around. Otherwise” She paused, letting the words hang, “chaos ensues.”

Subaru blinked. Despite this being his first official lesson in this loop, his previous experiences helped him anticipate the motions. His hands shook slightly as he attempted a small sphere of darkness. It flickered like a candle flame but held for a moment—enough to draw a soft, approving hum from Roswaal.

“Fascinating” she murmured, eyes narrowing slightly. “You understand the basics as if you have seen them before.”
Subaru froze internally. She suspects ,she knows.

Language and Butler Training

Next, Roswaal drilled him in written language. Unlike the gentle guidance of a maid, she pointed a quill sharply, demanding that Subaru read aloud from carefully scripted passages. Mistakes were met with a subtle, theatrical sigh, not punishment,but the weight of her gaze was heavier than any lash.

By mid-morning, his uniform had been measured, fitted, and polished to perfection.

The maids Rem and Ram took over his hands-on training in domestic duties, showing him how to serve meals, polish silver, and maintain the house.

Subaru stumbled through the motions, aware that every glance from Rem and Ram lingered longer than normal. His mind screamed warnings: They know. They know something. Last loop.

He flinched once when Rem’s eyes met his across the hall. Something in her expression,a subtle tightening of her jaw, a glance too sharp.Reminded him of the night he died under her hand. His body stiffened; his breath caught.

Roswaal, noticing his tension, allowed herself a delicate smirk. “Ah,fear. Such a useful teacher, Subaru-kun. It tells more than words ever could.”

The Discovery of Curses

During one lesson on magical theory, Roswaal explained the nature of curses. She wrote diagrams in the air with her fan, threads of light sketching intricate patterns.

“Curses,” she explained, “are willful, lingering traces of negative intent. Even a seemingly minor injury can carry a malignant echo, a thread that twists over time to claim the life of the unprepared.”

Subaru’s stomach twisted as he remembered the small puppy in Arlem Village, the bite that had ended him in the last loop.

The pain, the swelling, the sudden collapse,it wasn’t natural. It was cursed.

He shivered, fingers tightening on the edge of the table. “that’s why I died because of a curse,” he muttered to himself, barely audible.

Roswaal, observing him closely, arched a brow.

“Hmm,realization comes quickly, yet you are slow to act. Curious. Very curious.”
Subaru swallowed.

Every lesson, every glance, every word from Roswaal felt like a test. Her eyes seemed to see past his skin, past his voice, into the very loops he had endured.

By the end of the day, Subaru’s body ached, his mind raced, and the shadows of paranoia stretched longer than the sun. He had survived, yes,but he now understood truth

And above all, one gnawing fear remained: the next time he fell, would anyone be there to stop him or was this manor itself a stage for his suffering, observed by a mistress who found fascination in his fear?

Chapter 13: A Star Showdown

Arlem Village Resupply — Third Loop

Third Loop: Arlem Village Resupply As Subaru cautiously left Roswaal Manor, accompanied by Ram, Emilia, and the hovering Puck, the morning sun glinted off the cobblestones. In sharp contrast to the manor's perfumed halls, the fresh air smelt of the river and the surrounding fields. With her piercing eyes scanning the streets, Ram said curtly, "Stay close." Still troubled by memories of the loops where she had attacked him, Subaru recoiled a little under her supervision. But today, she spoke in a more professional rather than menacing tone. "Yeah, got it," he said, perspiring in spite of the refreshing wind. As serene and kind as ever, Emilia walked next to him, humming softly while she balanced the supply basket. Puck circled Subaru while darting overhead and flicking his tail.

Arlem's streets were crowded. Children played with wooden hoops, merchants shouted prices, and the alleys smelt of freshly baked bread. Subaru's eyes automatically flitted around. He thought, "This is... almost exactly the same as before." However, some faces are different. The girl from the flower shop hasn't arrived yet. The blacksmith appears to be younger. Subaru had a slight advantage due to his looped knowledge, even though he was entering what should have been "first-time territory." He recalled the location of the village well, the typical stock of the vendors, and the probable route to the butcher.

He made a small adjustment to Emilia's basket. "We'll save at least ten minutes if we turn left at the intersection. Have faith in me. Emilia's eyebrow went up. That might work, I guess. Subaru, you seem self-assured. Subaru's smile was uncomfortable. Experience taught me. You'll see. Ram murmured, "Hmph," as he moved a little forward. Today, the haughtiness of that boy smells different. Less unsuspecting. Subaru shuddered as she recalled how keen her eyes had been during the previous loop. Even though she wouldn't admit it, she most likely knew something.

As they turned the corner towards the main square, kids ran by, laughing. Subaru bent down to throw a wooden hoop back into their game. For the first time in some time, he felt the sun upon his face. A puppy with golden eyes ran out from behind a stall and lightly bit Subaru's pant leg.

Hey! Ouch! "That's not very nice, little guy!" He yelled and shook it off. The puppy barked happily and wagged its tail, as if it didn't care. The kids laughed because they thought it was funny. Subaru rubbed his pants, and a strange chill ran down his spine. I know this bite... It's not just a bite from a puppy...

He forced a smile as he swallowed. "It's okay." Don't worry about me. Emilia's soft voice told him to breathe, and Ram's eyes narrowed a little as she watched the two of them talk. She is aware. Subaru thought. She probably knows I lived through that bite before.

By noon, the team had gathered everything Roswaal had asked for: bread, vegetables, a small bag of rice, and a few herbs. Subaru felt the perspiration sting his forehead as he stumbled under the weight. As Ram adjusted the basket straps, he yelled, "You're carrying that incorrectly." "Like a regular person, not a butler." Subaru flinched. "All right, I apologise." He adapted as he sensed Emilia's silent support at his side. Little sparks of light teased him as Puck hovered above.

Almost everything went smoothly on the return trip to the manor. Subaru's thoughts kept returning to the puppy and the agonising pain that had previously killed him. Every time the memory came back to him, he shuddered. He reasoned that Roswaal would notice this. She witnesses every hesitancy, every moment of fear.

As they neared the manor gates, Subaru froze. The puppy from the village square scampered into his path, tail wagging as if nothing in the world could be more innocent.

“Uh… hey there,” Subaru muttered, edging back. A faint tingle ran up his arm. Not real. Not yet. But his body remembered the pain, and instinct kept him at a distance.

Ram’s sharp eyes flicked toward him. Emilia hummed softly with concern, and Puck drifted closer, his little tail twitching as if he sensed the tension rolling off Subaru.

It’s a curse, Subaru realized. The first one—the bite that killed me—started with something just like this.

Sweat rolled down his temple. I need to be careful. Every bite, every brush of fur, I can’t ignore it this time.

By the time they returned to the manor, his clothes clung with sweat. His mind buzzed with warnings and half-formed fears. Roswaal’s gaze found him the moment he stepped inside. Golden eyes lingered too long, her fan tapping softly against her chin.

“Interesting,” she murmured. “You look unsettled. Did the village provide… entertainment?”

Subaru forced a crooked smile. “Yeah, just the usual errands.”

Roswaal tilted her head, lips curling at the edges. “How curious. I wonder what could trouble you so easily. Perhaps I should… watch more closely.”

Subaru swallowed hard. She knows. She has to know.

The manor pressed in around him, its shining floors and painted walls suddenly suffocating. He had endured enough—lessons, fear, death itself—but the thought of the cursed puppy clawed at him. The memory of its bite gnawed like something alive, and he couldn’t stand waiting for it to strike again.

His hands shook as he pulled a small kitchen knife from the prep room. The blade caught the dim light, sharp and merciless, like both salvation and damnation in his grip.

I’ll end it before it ends me, he swore, heart pounding. I won’t die again. Not like before.

Slipping past Ram, Emilia, and Puck demanded every ounce of control. He measured each step, muffled each breath. Puck circled above him, uneasy, but Subaru kept moving.

The Village — Empty Streets
By the time he reached Arlem Village, dread had settled deep in his gut. The lively streets were deserted. Stalls stood abandoned, baskets overturned, no children in sight.

“Where… where is everyone?” His voice cracked in the silence. He stepped into the square, expecting the usual laughter and bustle, but only shadows and mist answered him.

At the edge of the forest, the mist thickened. Within it, the children stood. Pale, glassy-eyed, their heads bowed. Some whimpered softly. Others didn’t make a sound at all.

This isn’t real, he told himself, panic knotting in his chest. But the memory of death pushed him forward.

Deeper in the forest, golden eyes pierced the gloom. The puppy was there—no longer alone. Dozens of creatures surrounded it, lean and sharp, eyes glowing, bodies taut with hunger.

A breeding den. It’s all connected.

His heart hammered. He lunged. The knife sank into the first beast; it yelped and crumpled. He struck again, blood splattering the dirt, iron thick in the air.

The third one was stronger. It snarled and snapped, his blade sticking deep in its flesh. Snarls echoed around him as the pack closed in. His chest tightened. He couldn’t wrench the knife free without leaving himself wide open.

“Shamak,” he hissed, fear and desperation flooding through him.

Dark smoke pooled in his hand, curling like whispers of shadow. He released it, and the air thickened, crushing the snarls into choked silence. The nearest beasts convulsed, pinned by the weight of the spell. Subaru ripped his knife free, sweat stinging his eyes.

He staggered back, panting, scanning the ring of glowing eyes. The forest seemed to breathe with him, every sound amplified, every heartbeat too loud.

I can do this. I won’t die here.

The cursed mabeasts growled low, twisted parodies of innocence. For now, they were stunned. Subaru had survived the first clash, but he knew the truth: the forest, the den, the curse—it was far from over.

.

Chapter 14: Suspicion Awakens

It was almost eerie how silent the manor was.Behind the painted mask she always wore, Roswaal's eyes were sharp as she navigated the passageways with the grace of a predatory bird.As she passed, the small change in shade was highlighted by the glimmer of candlelight reflecting off the polished floors.

Naturally, she had already completed her rounds, checking in with the residents and making sure everyone was there, but tonight she was alerted by a slight hiccup in her meticulous calculations.
She started by looking at Emilia, who was dozing off in her room.Puck hung above, slumbering softly, aware of her discomfort.Roswaal spoke softly, observing the girl's and her companion's even breathing, "Ufufu… all as expected."Here, there was consistency, trust, and serenity.

The maids then: Both Rem and Ram were in their rooms, but when she walked to her side of the corridor, she noticed a slight twinge of stress in Rem's gaze.Her intuition wavered—Rem's lingering gaze had always been acute, but it seemed... intensified tonight.Between them hung something unsaid.

Then she looked in the direction of Subaru's room.He had gone to bed as directed and had attended all of the lessons—aside from one, of course—so it ought to have been empty.
She was reminded that he had not been present at the magic lecture, which she had intended to attend.

She tilted her head in curiosity.Is Subaru's bed unchanged?
As she walked into the room, her gaze narrowed.The blanket was folded nicely, showing no signs of recent sleep.The faint imprint of something missing was faintly felt by her gloved fingers when they touched the bedside table.

Her suspicions became clear.

Gone is the kitchen knife.

Behind her fan, Roswaal's mouth curled into a sardonic smirk.She found the concept amusing, but not without some trepidation.The young dares behave without direction, I see.How daring.

With quiet, methodical strides, she moved across the floor, her gaze sweeping over every corner and shadow.Her thoughts enumerated the potential outcomes, the various combinations of peril that Subaru could have encountered on her own.

Her thoughts briefly turned to Rem and Ram. Have they noticed his absence? Their expressions at dinner were polite and neutral, but a hidden awareness flickered beneath their masks. Perhaps they, too, had noticed the boy's restless tendencies and the glimmer of desperation he concealed behind jovial smiles.

Roswaal paused at the window, looking out onto the moonlit grounds. Subaru moved beyond the manor walls, carrying a small blade. Her golden eyes reflected the faint starlight while calculating and measuring.

He wants something. Maybe he is afraid of it. Regardless, he left the stage unprepared. It's both funny and dangerous.

She straightened and folded her fan. The night was far from over, and she was going to make sure every move, every step, was documented. Subaru had decided to test the limits of freedom and fear. She, as the orchestrator, would keep a close eye on things.

The boy dances on the knife's edge, unaware that I can see every twist and stumble. Will he live tonight? Ufufu…

Roswaal moved on, leaving the manor quiet but her mind racing with plans. Every resident was accounted for—except for the one who dared to act independently.

Chapter 15: Subaru’s Rogue Hunt

Subaru's chest heaved and his lungs burnt as he crouched behind a gnarled root. The forest appeared alive, with mist curling and twisting around him like fingers. Dozens of golden eyes glinted in the shadows, watching and waiting. The first wave of snarling puppies twitched, paralysed by Shamak, but he knew it wouldn't be for long.

His grip on the knife tightened as sweat and mud mixed on his palms. Every instinct told him to flee, but somewhere deeper, a darker drive pushed him forward. "I can't..." I won't, unlike before.

Another growl echoed through the mist, low and almost human in pitch. The third mabeast, now free of Shamak's grip, lunged at him with agility and viciousness. Subaru sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the snap of fangs.

I need more distance. I need... He took a shallow breath and clenched his fists. "Shamak!"

Dark coal-like smoke formed on his palm, flickering hungrily, tasting the fear and desperation in the air. This time, he aimed for the closest cluster of the cursed brood. The shadows surged, thick and heavy, and the creatures convulsed violently, yelping, whimpering, and becoming paralysed again.

Subaru exhaled shakily and lunged forward to reposition himself behind a large tree trunk. His clothes were soaked in mud, and sweat had stuck to his hair. He could feel his heart pounding and every nerve screaming in panic.

He then noticed something strange: the forest floor was moving unnaturally. Shadows twisted, revealing the faint, glassy figures of the village children, their eyes wide and unseeing. They weren't safe; they were cursed and drawn into the same twisted nightmare as the puppies.

"It's not happening," he muttered, his voice trembling. "I… I only wanted to stop one… 'Just one…'"

The guilt spread like poison. His hands shook, and the knife slipped slightly in his grip. But there wasn't time to think. The third puppy, freed from his spell, circled him again, snarling and baring his teeth.

Subaru's eyes narrowed. He raised his hand, and the Shamak flames grew brighter. "I refuse to die..." Not like before. "Not again!"

He released the spell in a controlled burst, knocking the third puppy backward, stunned but unharmed. He dived, rolling through mud and repositioning himself deeper into the den's shadows. Every movement was precise and calculated but fuelled by fear and the memory of his previous deaths.

For a moment, he allowed himself to reflect: three down—temporarily. Shamak paralyses the remaining brood. The cursed children are still wandering, lost, and at risk.

Subaru pressed his forehead against the tree's rough bark. His heart pounded. His breaths were ragged, shallow gasps. I… I am capable of doing this. I have to; I can't fail again.

The forest loomed around him, silent save for the cursed den's whimpers and growls. Subaru tightened his grip on the knife, and Shamak prepared to move forward. Each step was a gamble, each breath a defiance of the fate that had claimed him previously.

This time, I control the loop. This time, I survived.

Subaru breathed in ragged gasps, his heart pounding as he crouched behind a twisted root. The cursed puppies circled, golden eyes gleaming in the mist, teeth bared, snarling together. Their small, lithe bodies moved unnervingly quickly, and the knife in his hand suddenly felt insufficient.

"I can't..." I can't continue using this. I require distance... I need leverage...

His eyes darted across the forest floor, looking for anything that could be used as a weapon. A thick, broken branch—long and sturdy—was partially buried in the mud. Subaru grabbed it tightly, like a spear.

The initial puppy lunged. Subaru swung the stick up, aiming for its head. The tip hit the creature squarely in the eye. A high-pitched squeal pierced the fog, echoing through the trees as the cursed puppy collapsed and stumbled backward. Blood streaked across the branch's bark.

Another emerged from the shadows. Subaru jabbed again, this time sharply and precisely, piercing its eye before it reached him. The creature yelped, flailed, and crumpled to the wet ground.

One, two... Keep moving; don't stop. His mind raced, and adrenaline sharpened his movements. Another puppy charged faster than the others, teeth snapping just short of his arm. Subaru twisted and jabbed the stick upward into its face, striking the creature in the eye. It screeched and tumbled, staggering into a patch of dense mist.

His arms burnt from the repeated strikes, and every movement was driven by desperation. The cursed puppies recoiled slightly, uncertain, their snarls mixed with whimpers. The forest seemed to close in on Subaru, with shadows twisting around him, but he refused to give up.

I have to; I can't fail.

The remaining creatures paused, circling the edge of the mist. Subaru paused to catch his breath, his heart racing and mud and sweat clinging to his skin. The stick in his hands was slick and covered in blood, but it was effective. For the first time, he felt in control.

This works. I can handle this... I can save them.

He adjusted his grip, ready to strike again, knowing that every second counted. Every move could mean the difference between survival and being claimed by the cursed den—and Subaru knew he'd come too far to die the same way he did before.

Chapter 16: El Shamak

Subaru’s lungs burnt with each ragged breath as he crouched behind a gnarled tree, the cursed puppies circling in the fog. The adrenaline thrum in his veins blended with a sharper, colder sensation—fear, panic, and the weight of responsibility pressing down on him.

Shamak, Shamak, Shamak Right now, I need it.

As vividly as though Roswaal's voice were in the clearing with him, the memory struck him:
"Subaru, listen up. There are levels to magic. By adding 'El', 'Ul', or 'Al', a basic incantation can become more powerful. Shamak is simple—a cloud of smoke that causes blindness—but with El, it dissociates the body from the senses. If you are not exact, the spell will not work.

Subaru's mouth tightened. Only in supervised lessons had he practised Shamak, stumbling through the motions while fumbling with his own unsteady hands. But now he had no choice but to deal with snarling, cursed creatures and children's echoed cries.

In a low, tense voice, he raised his hand and chanted:
"El Shamak!"

Thick and suffocating, dark smoke slithered through the mist like living shadows as it poured from his palm. The closest mabeast let out a yelp as its body froze in mid-leap, its eyes wide with helpless confusion. One more dropped backward, dangling in the dark cloud. Subaru felt his heart pound; the spell was effective.

He needed to move now. Petra, one of the cursed children, was huddled beneath a twisted root, her golden hair caked in dirt and perspiration. Subaru sprang forward and embraced her. Her small fingers dug into his sleeve as she gripped his shoulder.

"Shh. It's all right, Petra. Even though his teeth were clenched in rage, he whispered, "I've got you." His stomach churned with anger—why had this happened? What made him the only one who had to deal with this?

One child at a time was all he could carry. The others were still dispersed and in danger. Subaru whirled, raising his hand for another El Shamak burst as another howl broke through the fog. He had only a few seconds to regain his balance and reposition himself with Petra cradled tightly against his chest before the damned puppy closest to him froze once more, muscles locked in place.

Every move was risky. Every breath is a last-ditch effort. The children's cries blended with the snarls of the damned animals as the forest seemed to come to life and close in with a suffocating darkness.

Subaru's thoughts quickly returned to Roswaal's teachings and the levels of magic he had just started to comprehend. The theory was survival, not merely academic. El Shamak—it just barely works. I must be quicker, smarter, etc.

With Petra at his side and his eyes darting through the fog, he pushed forward, prepared to cast the spell once more if even one of the damned puppies managed to move. Every second felt like a slender thread tying life and death together.

I'm not going to fail. Not now.

Chapter 17: The Hunt for Subaru

Roswaal Manor's well-kept gardens were bathed in silver light from the moon that hung low over the property. But Roswaal's eyes were focused on the uneasy shadows of the village and the surrounding forests, beyond the well-known walls.

Subaru To where have you now wandered?

Her graceful fingers touched her fan's hilt, tilting it to partially hide the piercing laughter in her amber eyes. It was too quiet in the manor. With rumours of discomfort lingering like dust in the air, even the servants had fled behind closed doors.

Roswaal leaped gracefully to the sky, her cape flapping behind her as the night wind caught it. She soared over Arlem Village, moving with the fluid precision of a predator. The settlement was far from orderly from above, with smoke curling from chimneys in irregular plumes and lanterns swinging in random patterns. Voices raised in confusion and fear, villagers poured into the streets.

There were no kids. Fathers yelled questions into the darkness while mothers held empty arms, but no one responded. Roswaal's lips formed a faint, piercing smile, foreboding but disappointed that she would become aware of this disturbance so quickly.

Well, so it starts.

She noticed a glimmer of dark energy as she moved towards the edge of the cursed forest. Like a living thing, a thick, strange cloud of smoke twisted upward. Curiosity and calculation, not fear, made her heart race.

She saw him there, in the thickets: Subaru, huddled intently. Around his palm, dark tendrils of shadow gathered into a tiny but powerful sphere that glowed with an odd, stifling aura.

El Shamak

The signature of the spell was clear. Recalling the lessons she had instilled in him only days earlier, Roswaal's mind raced. He was using it with a raw instinct that was superior to the amateur skill she had seen in the manor: the timing, the control, the precision.

Cursed creatures below him froze and twisted in mid-leap, their snarls hanging as if they had been seized by the shadows themselves. A tiny, golden-haired child named Petra was clutched against his chest, her wide eyes brimming with wonder and terror.

Roswaal's amber eyes watched him, assessing, calculating. Although the boy's desperation was evident, underneath it was tenacity, resourcefulness, and—above all—proof of a looped awareness.

Thus, he has continued to carry these experiences with him.

In addition to the usual thrill of danger, she experienced a thrill of intrigue. Even though the boy—her "guest"—was anything but submissive and uncontrollable, he was still using magic in the field, improvising, and taking chances that she would never permit in the security of her hallways.

Roswaal repositioned her flight, lowering herself with deliberate elegance, keeping her presence hidden while watching every move. Subaru was frozen in fear as the El Shamak whirled around it. His magic was so powerful that the forest shook.

How many more facets of this small cunning are still hidden?

She gave herself permission to laugh quietly and cruelly. The player was unveiled, the stage was prepared, but the show had just started.

As Roswaal followed him through the shadowed forest, his golden eyes narrowed. All of her instincts, lessons learnt, and suspicions were all leading to the same conclusion.
This boy is not who he seems to be.

And she watched him move from the safety of the sky above, shadow holding the cursed beasts around him, child in arms, spell in hand.

Chapter 18

Subaru breathed in ragged gasps, his chest tightening painfully with each inhale. The El Shamak had drained him faster than he had anticipated. Darkness clung to his limbs like lead, and the adrenaline that had got him through the cursed forest was fading, leaving his muscles stiff and unresponsive.

I can't stop right now. Not just Petra, but all of them.

Another cursed puppy leapt from the mist. Subaru barely raised his arms in defence. The spell's shadows flickered and faltered. He staggered backward, pain stabbing his chest, as if the memories of previous deaths had finally caught up with him. His heart thudded painfully against his ribs, sweat stinging his eyes, and knees about to buckle.

I'm... too weak. I can't…
Then, as the creatures closed in, a golden shimmer appeared through the darkness. A calm, commanding voice, tinged with amusement, drifted through the mist: "Ufufu…leave this to me."

Subaru blinked, and there she was: Roswaal, descending like a living storm. Her cape flared behind her, creating long, theatrical shadows on the cursed forest floor. Her golden eyes glowed with the unsettlingly sharp amusement he had come to recognise.
Roswaal raised her hands, fingers tracing elegant, precise gestures, and whispered the incantation in a low, resonant voice: "Al Goa."

They warped the air around her. Shadows bent and twisted as a ball of searing flame erupted from her hands, bright and intense, a perfect sphere of incinerated heat. The cursed puppies yelped in terror, their tiny bodies silhouetted against the inferno before being devoured whole. The air vibrated with the intensity of the spell, and heat washed over Subaru from a distance.

He dropped to his knees, clutching his chest and trembling as the flames roared around him. When he dared to open his eyes again, the cursed beasts had vanished. Only a scattering of blackened ash drifted on the misty wind, like snowflakes melting before hitting the ground.

Subaru's vision blurred, his chest still ached, and his body shook with exhaustion. He wanted to thank her, but the words stuck in his throat. We could only stare, half in amazement, half in disbelief.

Roswaal's voice floated softly towards him, teasing and commanding: “Hn… Such a fragile little actor, but full of spirit. Rest now." You've done enough for one night." Even from her elevated position, he could see her eyes assessing him—not with concern, but with the calculating intrigue that always made him nervous. She moved closer, her movements effortless and almost ethereal.

Subaru sagged to the ground, knees on the damp forest floor, relief washing over him as his body gave in to exhaustion. Roswaal's presence was a shield, and her power was absolute. The cursed forest was silent except for the drifting ashes and Subaru's ragged breathing. I survived because of her.
Despite his relief, he shivered. He realised she hadn't intervened out of kindness. This was a lesson, a test, and an example of her control. A And somewhere deep in his chest, beneath the pain and adrenaline, a flicker of fear appeared.

Roswaal's gaze lingered on him, golden eyes like molten metal, and a faint smile tugged at her lips.

Chapter 19: Final Sweep

The acrid smoke of charred fur and scorched earth drifted slowly through the cursed forest. Subaru collapsed against the damp roots, chest heaving and muscles trembling, barely able to raise his head. He could still feel the phantom weight of the mabeasts and the twisted desire of the cursed energy pressing against him, but the worst was over.

Roswaal floated above, her cape flaring like molten silk in the moonlight. Her eyes cast a sharp and calculating golden glow across the forest. Her hands moved fluidly, tracing intricate sigils in the air, with each movement deliberate.

"Al Goa," she whispered again, this time with a deliberate, all-encompassing sweep.

A massive sphere of pure flame expanded from her fingertips and rolled across the forest floor. Any cursed creature that remained twitching, any trace of lingering malice, was instantly destroyed. The flames licked the roots and rocks, destroying any shadow that dared to cling to the earth.

Subaru hardly dared to look up. Even the curse's most powerful remnants—the tainted mabeasts ready to strike again—were reduced to drifting ashes. The black snow swirled in the silver moonlight, falling silently and harmlessly.

He could hear the children, including Petra, crying softly but unharmed in the clearing. The cursed forest, which had threatened to engulf them in chaos, was now silent and clean. No paw, fang, or cursed essence remained. Roswaal's magic had destroyed them all.

Hovering near Subaru, Roswaal's expression softened just enough to detect something other than amusement: acknowledgement.

"I see, little actor..." The stage is mine to command. The props, the scenery, and the threats are all within my control."

Her words were sharp, elegant, and theatrical, but there was a rare note of comfort underneath.
Subaru's body sagged further, his chest heaving from relief and exhaustion. He shot a trembling glance at the kids, then up at Roswaal.
"You saved them," he said, his voice hoarse.
"Indeed. And you, dear Subaru, might live to perform another scene. She allowed herself a small, amused chuckle, which echoed through the quiet forest. "But be careful. "Your recklessness almost cost you everything... again."

Even as her words teased, her gaze swept the forest one last time, making sure no cursed paw or claw remained. The threat was eliminated. Subaru, as well as every other child she had seen from above, were now safe.

Roswaal descended as gracefully as a wisp, landing beside him. She lifted Subaru into her arms with ease, as if he were made of silk. His head lolled against her shoulder, his limbs limp from the strain of wielding his magic.

"Sleep, little actor." Rest. The next act begins when you wake up."
Subaru could only close his eyes, letting the weight of exhaustion and relief wash over him. Roswaal's golden eyes scanned the forest one final time, content. The cursed beasts were no more.

The stage has been cleared. The kids were safe. Subaru, her unpredictable, troublesome, yet undeniably capable guest, would live to see another day.

Chapter 20

Subaru blinked awake, the familiar scent of polished wood and faint roses washing over him. His body ached in ways that made him wince, muscles stiff, chest sore from the lingering strain of overusing El Shamak. He groaned, trying to shift under the blankets—but even that small movement sent a wave of fatigue through him.

“Ah… where am I?” he muttered, his voice hoarse. The soft click of boots on the floor answered him before any other sound.

A silhouette appeared at the edge of the bed. Blue hair, calm eyes, and the posture of someone both careful and precise.

“Good morning, guest,” said Roswaal, voice smooth and teasing, hiding something beneath the elegance. She approached, folding her hands neatly. “You’ve had quite the performance tonight, haven’t you? Exhaustion, desperation, near collapse… truly, riveting.”

Subaru groaned, trying to sit up. “I… I didn’t even know if I’d make it. The… the cursed puppies…”
Roswaal’s golden eyes flicked toward him, sharp as molten glass. “Indeed. A dangerous affair. But rest assured, the stage is secure now.”

She gestured for him to remain lying down. “Let me brief you. You may find this… informative.”

Roswaal began pacing slowly, her cape trailing with every step, the dim morning sunlight filtering through the tall windows of the manor.
“The children—the ones threatened by the mabeasts—have all been rendered safe.” She paused, letting the words settle. “Thanks to my intervention, the creatures are extinct. Their curses will no longer endanger anyone.”

Subaru’s chest rose and fell rapidly. “All… all of them?”

“Yes.” Her tone was formal, yet playful. “However… the curses themselves are not fully undone. The bitings that occurred before your interference carry lingering effects.” She let a small, deliberate pause stretch between them. “Beatrice, our resident… scholar, would normally handle such matters. Her methods are precise, but time-consuming. In your case… you have been bitten too many times for the reversal to be immediate.”

Subaru’s stomach churned. “Too many? So… I’m still cursed?”

“Technically, yes.” Roswaal’s tone was dry, almost amused. “Fortunately, since the mabeasts are extinct, their influence is now dormant. You will not succumb to them while you remain here.”
Subaru exhaled shakily, running a hand through his sweat-damp hair. Relief and lingering panic warred in his chest. “So… I’m alive, and the children are safe… but… Beatrice—who’s that?”

Roswaal tilted her head, a smile flickering across her lips. “Ah… our little librarian. A most curious girl with a mind like a steel trap. You will meet her soon enough, and her library will be… enlightening.”
Her gaze softened, though only just. “For now, rest. Recover. I expect you to be fully capable for the next lesson. You will need all your strength for what comes next.”

Subaru’s mind whirled. He hadn’t even met Beatrice yet. He hadn’t seen her library. And now, with the curse only partially undone and his magic reserves nearly spent, the weight of what had happened—and what might come next—pressed down on him like the manor’s heavy roof.

Roswaal’s golden eyes lingered on him, sharp and amused. “Sleep now, little actor. There will be time for questions later… and for mistakes.”
Subaru nodded weakly, sinking back into the blankets. Exhaustion claimed him almost immediately, leaving only the faint echo of dread

Chapter 21: Health Examination

The infirmary was silent except for the ticking of a clock on the far wall Subaru sat stiffly on the bed, wearing only his trousers, his entire body tensed.

With a gloved hand raised and golden eyes shining in the lantern light, Roswaal stood above him. "Now, Subaru-kun," she purred, her voice sing-song but with a sharp edge, "I have to check everything if I want to keep you alive after your little deeds."

She put a firm palm to Subaru's chest before he could object. His breath caught as Mana soaked through her glove, heavy and cold.

"Heart rate elevated," Roswaal whispered, cocking her head as if recording each response. Sliding her hand across his ribs, she applied more pressure. When Subaru discovered the bruises, she winced and carefully poked until his breath hissed between clenched teeth.

"Oh, hmm. This is tender. Only bruises Nothing broke. She reached down and touched his stomach. Her mana was penetrating deeper and scuttling under muscle and skin as the pressure increased. Subaru's face was burning, and his shoulders were hunched.

"Is this... truly necessary?" He whispered.

Roswaal's grin became more pointed. "Oh, yes, after being bitten, clawed, and cursed. Every part of you needs to be examined. Her fingers dug into his side until he winced, then moved down towards his hip. No, internal bleeding. liver unharmed. Spleen intact. Kidneys intact. Good, hmm.

Subaru swallowed hard. He felt more like a dissected specimen than a patient.

Then Roswaal leaned close, her breath brushing his ear. "Now, the gate."

She flattened her hand on his sternum. A burning cold pierced bone and spread inward. Subaru gasped, clutching at her wrist instinctively, but Roswaal didn’t move. Her mana crawled deeper, tugging at something intangible inside him.

“Nnnnhh—!” Subaru’s chest arched, a jolt of pain flashing across his body. His vision blurred.

“Yes, yes… strained, overused, nearly torn open. You drew from it again and again until your vessel screamed.” Roswaal’s voice was almost tender, though the smile never faded. “Another night like that, Subaru-kun, and your body would fail. Your mind too. You would burn yourself into ash.”

Roswaal’s gloved hands lingered at Subaru’s ribs before she drew back just slightly. Her golden eyes flickered down, then returned to his face with a sly curve of her lips.

“Now then… We’ve checked the torso, the lungs, the heart, and the gait.” Her painted finger tapped the air like a teacher about to pose a test question. “That leaves only one region, Subaru-kun… and it is the most delicate of all.”

Subaru blinked, a flush rising hot across his face. “D-delicate?”

Roswaal tilted her head, the sing-song lilt never faltering. “The groin. The lower abdomen. Injuries or curses can travel there too, especially with mabeast bites. Hidden bruising, swelling, and even mana blockages. If left unchecked…” Her voice dropped low, silken. “…they could ruin a young man’s future entirely.”

Subaru’s ears burnt crimson. “W-wait—!” Are you seriously saying you’re gonna—”

“Check, yes.” Roswaal leaned in close, her smile as bright as her golden eyes. “But only… with your permission.”

The room seemed to shrink. Subaru’s heart hammered so loud it drowned out the clock’s ticking. His thoughts tangled in panic: this was humiliating, embarrassing—but Roswaal’s gaze pinned him, unwavering, almost daring him to refuse.

“I… I mean… if it’s really necessary…” His voice cracked, shame prickling under his skin.

Roswaal’s lips parted in a low chuckle. “Fufufu… necessary indeed. I won’t be improper, Subaru-kun. I am a healer as well as a mage.”

She tugged on fresh gloves, the snap echoing like a threat. Then she sat lightly on the edge of the bed, posture elegant despite the intimate nature of the exam.

“Relax. If you tense, I’ll think you’re hiding something.”

Subaru groaned, covering his face with one hand. “I’m never living this down…”

Her fingers pressed the fabric of his trousers, firm and unflinching. She checked for swelling, her touch precise, clinical—yet the closeness, the way her perfume clung to the air, made it feel far from impersonal.

“Mmm. No trauma. No abnormal heat. Circulation steady.” She hummed like an artist admiring her work, then leaned closer, her breath brushing his ear. “Everything… in working order.”

Subaru jolted so hard he nearly toppled off the bed. “D-don’t say it like that!”

Roswaal only laughed, a silvery chime. “Ufufu. Very well, Subaru-kun. Examination complete.” She peeled off her gloves with a snap, rising with theatrical grace. “You’ve survived curses, beasts, and now… my hands. Quite resilient, aren’t you?”

Subaru slumped back against the pillows, face still burning, wondering if death by embarrassment was now added to his long list of fates.

Roswaal snapped off her gloves with a flourish, dropping them neatly into a silver basin. Subaru sagged in relief—until he noticed her eyes hadn’t left him. Golden, unblinking. Measuring.

“…What now?” He muttered, pulling the sheet up over himself like a shield.

Roswaal tilted her head, her painted smile stretching. “You’ve proven quite the enigma, Subaru-kun. Injured, cursed, healed… And yet, you return. It leaves me curious, curious enough to want something more tangible.”

“Tangible…?”

Her fan flicked open with a soft snap, half-hiding her grin. “A sample. Your blood, your hair, perhaps… even your seed.”

Subaru choked, nearly falling off the bed. “W-what the hell do you mean by that last one!?”

Roswaal laughed softly, the sound both amused and chilling. “Fufufu… Don’t be so dramatic. I’m no perverse villain. But you are an anomaly, Subaru-kun. Your body carries mysteries I cannot yet explain. To study your essence… your lineage, your mana structure, even your very vitality… would be most enlightening.”

Subaru’s face went pale. “Y-you’re talking about—about experiments? Like I’m some kind of test subject?”

Roswaal stepped closer, her perfume curling through the air as she leaned down, eyes gleaming. “Not a subject. A partner. If you’d prefer to keep it simple, a vial of blood will suffice.”

She lifted a glass syringe from the tray, its needle gleaming in the lamplight. “But if you truly want to repay me for saving your life… why not offer me more? Blood clots, hair follicles, saliva… each strand tells a story. The story of you.”

Subaru’s throat tightened. The clinical chill of her words clashed with the playful melody in her tone. He couldn’t tell if she was serious, joking, or both at once.

“W-what the hell would you even do with all that?” He stammered.

Roswaal’s lips curved into something sharp and hungry. “Ufufu… isn’t that the fun part? You’ll just have to trust me, Subaru-kun.”

The syringe hovered between them, needle glinting like a predator’s fang.

 

The needle glinted in Roswaal’s hand, but Subaru jerked his head from side to side, voice cracking.
“B-blood’s a little much, don’t you think? Look, if you just need a sample, then—then how about something simpler?”

Roswaal tilted her head, her fan snapping shut with a click. “Simpler…?”

Subaru swallowed hard, then jabbed a finger toward his own mouth. “Saliva. You know. Spit. Gross, yeah, but way less terrifying than you stabbing me with that thing!”

For a long, silent moment, Roswaal only stared at him. Then, slowly, her painted smile widened.
“Fufufu… amusing. Very well, Subaru-kun. Let’s see what secrets your tongue might carry.”

She set the syringe aside and, with almost ritual grace, produced a small glass vial from the tray. Its crystal shimmered faintly in the lamplight, capped in silver. She held it out before him expectantly, her eyes never leaving his face.

“Well?”

Subaru’s cheeks burnt. “You’re seriously not going to give me any privacy, huh?”

“Privacy?” Roswaal’s laugh was a velvet blade. “My dear, I’ve seen your body inside and out already. What’s a little spit between doctor and patient?”

Grinding his teeth, Subaru snatched the vial, muttering curses under his breath. He spat into it—more forcefully than needed—then jammed the stopper shut. “There. Happy?”

Roswaal plucked the vial from his hand with dainty fingers, holding it up to the light as though it were liquid gold. “Mmm… satisfactory. But imagine if we had blood to compare… or hair… or—”

“Not happening!” Subaru snapped, face red as he yanked the sheet up over himself like a barrier.

Roswaal only chuckled, slipping the vial into a case of velvet-lined slots, as though it were a precious jewel. Her golden eyes gleamed with mischief and calculation.
“Saliva first, then. For now.”

Subaru shivered. For the first time since waking in this world, he realised with icy certainty—Roswaal wasn’t just eccentric. She was studying him.

Chapter 22

The Diagnosis

Roswaal's smile grew thinner and more focused as he put the vial of spit down. Her eyes narrowed in feline delight as she tapped her fan against her chin.

"Subaru-kun... I verified an extremely intriguing finding from your samples.

Subaru stiffened, still holding the sheet at his waist. "Oh, all right, strike me. How much damage has been done?

The painted lips of Roswaal curled. "There is a problem with your gate. It could be referred to as cracked. An apparatus that leaks even when it is pouring.

The word "Gate"? Subaru blinked. "The mana tap?" "Wait, you mean the magic plug, right?"

"That's one way to say it, ufufu." Leaning closer, Roswaal's perfume was sweet and thick. "Mana is not distributed correctly by your gate. Rather than dispersing, the excess mana seeps into your body when you draw on it, even in brief bursts like Shaaaamak. Your veins are slowly leaking poison.

Subaru clenched his throat. "You're saying that if I continue to use magic, I'll..."

With a light tone, Roswaal concluded, "You will die," as though reciting the weather. "Your organs will fail one by one as your blood thickens with mana corruption, but it won't happen quickly or painlessly. Headaches come first. Then fevers struck. Then paralysis. "And then..." Her fan clackingly clicked shut. "...silence."

The candlelight was oppressive, and the room felt suddenly smaller. Phantom pains were already curling through Subaru's ribs, and his chest hurt.

He laughed artificially. G-great. That's amazing. Your optimism is admirable. "Just never use magic again?" is what I should do.

Roswaal's golden eyes shone as she cocked her head. "Yes, you can. However, your cracked gate leaks even if it's not cast. Inevitably, slowly. As a result, the poison will eventually accumulate.

Subaru's mouth went parched. This is a death sentence, then.

"It's not always." Roswaal's voice became softer, almost tender. She extended her hand, bringing his eyes to hers as she brushed her fingers beneath his chin. "There's another option."

"And what is that?" "Yeah?" Despite himself, his voice trembled.

Roswaal's smile hardened. "I am able to prolong it. Before the pus festers, slowly drain it straight from your body. similar to bleeding a patient before a fever takes over."

Subaru is frozen. He became alarmed at the idea of Roswaal stealing anything from him. However, there was a certain assurance in her eyes, as though she had already decided on him.

Murmuring, "You'd need me, of course," she said. "On a regular basis. dependable. The poison will reaccumulate without my touch, ensuring your demise.

A lazy circle was made in the air by her fan. "I understand, Subaru-kun." "I now hold your life in my hands.

Subaru's mouth quivered. He wanted to yell at her, argue with her, and correct her. The ghostly pain in his chest, however, told him otherwise.

Roswaal simply grinned.

Chapter 23: Mana Draining

Mana Draining

The room was large, lavish, and filled with the subtle aroma of roses and incense. Subaru lay sprawled across the enormous canopy bed, her mind and muscles worn out from the day's struggles. He was half-relieved that he was alive and half-tense, and his eyelids drooped despite the gentle warmth of the sheets.

Across the room, a shadow moved. Roswaal emerged, her midnight-blue pyjamas glimmering dimly in the candlelight, violet striations twisting with each slight movement. Silver-laced embroidery traced arcane motifs along her neckline, and the silk fabric pooled elegantly around her like liquid starlight. The gown's ribbons at the waist allowed it to drape perfectly and freely, while the long sleeves flared delicately at the wrists and tiny jewelled buttons caught the flame. She was theatrically elegant and quietly menacing, even in her pyjamas.

She slipped under the covers without hesitation, her body close enough to Subaru's arm to feel the warmth of her silk. With her golden eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight, she whispered, "Ah… so peaceful." "Almost too quiet."

Unaware of the delicate tendrils of magic twirling through the air around him, Subaru shifted slightly in his sleep and groaned in a muffled voice. With their fingers following the unseen currents of his mana, Roswaal's hands hovered. She drew the perilous excess from his broken gate, whispering incantations from her lips that formed faintly shimmering sigils.

The procedure was subtle, painstaking, and invisible. Subaru continued to sleep, secure but increasingly bound to her authority, the bond she quietly imposed being strengthened with each stolen mana fragment.

The soft silk of her nightgown and the aroma of roses enveloped him in a comforting yet unsettling warmth as she pressed close to him. Subaru tossed a little in exhaustion and muttered something incoherently, but he did not wake.

As she channelled the energy, Roswaal's smile stayed composed, bordering on clinical. "Balance is crucial," she muttered. Subaru, if he were awake, would be reminded of her subtle dominance over him with every movement, the soft weight of her body and the elegance of her nightwear.

She let the bed settle and relaxed as the first rays of dawn peeked through the curtains. Unaware that his life force had been pulled into her hands, further tying him to her control, Subaru lay motionless, breathing evenly and shallowly.

As she moved the covers around them both, her golden eyes softened just a bit. She whispered, "Good sleep, Subaru-kun." Tomorrow... we go on."

The invisible tether of his depleted mana, the intimacy of closeness, and the shared bed all combined to create a dependence and control that Subaru had not yet realised.

Roswaal's private chamber's tall windows let in the first rays of the pale dawn. Puck and Emilia walked silently, carrying clothes and a small bucket of water. Their assignment was straightforward: clean the master bedroom, which they hardly ever did outside of important cleaning days.

Emilia pushed the door open, and it creaked just a little. A soft glow filled the vast chamber that stretched before them. Roswaal's trademark theatrical elegance was evident everywhere: elaborate furniture gleamed in the morning light, subtle arcane symbols embroidered into the carpets glimmered faintly, and the drapes pooled like liquid shadow.

But their attention was drawn to something else.

In the middle of the room was a huge bed with a canopy made of embroidered silk. And underneath the covers, partially entangled in the flowing folds of Roswaal's pyjamas, was a figure. Someone else, someone who wasn't totally Roswaal, was held by the dark, shimmering silk.

Emilia stopped. She opened her mouth a little, but nothing came out. Puck's little wings fluttered uneasily next to her. "H-Huh...?" His voice was high-pitched and panicked as he stammered.

The soft curves of midnight-blue nightwear, the subtle rise and fall of breath from the person beneath the covers, and the subtle scent of roses lingering in the sheets made for an intimate and incongruous scene. It was incorrect. Not appropriate. Puck and Emilia had not anticipated such a breach of decorum in Roswaal's room.

They looked at each other in horror. Emilia took a reflexive step back, her hand clutching the edge of her mop handle like a shield. With wide eyes, Puck hovered nearer to her shoulder.

Uncertain whether they were interrupting a personal rite, a magical experiment, or something completely different, neither dared to speak for a moment. The tension of the unsaid somehow muted the morning light, making the room feel heavier.

Emilia's cheeks turned red as there was a slight movement—the bed moved barely perceptibly, the silk rubbing against skin. At last, her voice trembled as she whispered, "Puck." I don't think we ought to be here.

Puck squeaked and flailed wildly. Yes, indeed! Let's... let's leave now!

With their hearts racing and their minds buzzing with questions they dared not ask, the two quietly withdrew. What was in Roswaal's bed, and who was it? And why—why did it feel so completely Roswaal, yet so wrong?

The smallest trace of their incredulity remained in the air as they shut the door behind them, a covert observation that neither of them could yet fully comprehend.

Subaru's eyelids opened, letting the morning light gently cascade over Roswaal's enormous bed canopy. He blinked a few times to get his bearings. Unlike the rough linen he was accustomed to, the silk sheets felt cool against his skin.

He became suddenly aware. His clothing had vanished. He was surrounded only by the gentle embrace of the bed linens. With his eyes darting around the room and his heart pounding, he bounded to his feet.

He noticed a carefully folded piece of paper on the elaborate side table next to the bed. Roswaal's handwriting was distinctively sharp, graceful, and dramatic. His fingers were shaking as he reached for it and unfolded it.

"Good morning, Subaru.
We've sent your clothes to be washed. Do not panic, please. After breakfast, which will be served soon, you can put on clean clothes. Until then, I have faith that you will act appropriately.

As Subaru read it, his cheeks turned red. "Oh, I see. I suppose that explains it." A wave of resignation and embarrassment passed over him as he rubbed the back of his neck.

The practicality of it struck him as he looked down at himself; there was no one around, and the room was silent. However, it was evident from Roswaal's note's formality and informal tone that this was expected and normal, and he was to comply without any fuss.

With a sigh, he combed through his hair. "All right, I suppose I wait for breakfast and the clothes."

He shivered a little as his eyes wandered around the room once more, taking in the silk sheets, the enormous canopy above, and the subtle perfume odour still present. Roswaal's presence, or even just her influence, was unavoidable even in these commonplace situations.

Chapter 24

Subaru's gaze shifted from the neatly folded note on the bedside table to the entirety of Roswaal's massive desk across the room. A stack of papers, meticulously arranged on parchment, glimmered faintly in the early morning light. One sheet in particular piqued his interest—Roswaal's handwriting flowed elegantly across it, with annotations and observations meticulously detailed.

 

Curiosity overcame his lingering embarrassment. He shuffled closer, the silk sheets whispering against the floor as he moved. The notes were about him—him, Subaru. Observations on his posture, his reactions, even his pulse. Small sketches detailed his movements during the previous day’s training and interactions.

“Sh… she wrote all this about me?” he muttered under his breath, voice tight with a mixture of awe and unease. His eyes darted over lines that noted his hesitation around Rem, his instinctive reactions to danger, and even subtle tells she had caught—like the way he gripped his pen too tightly or flinched at sudden sounds.

One line made his stomach turn: "The guest exhibits extreme stress responses when confronted by certain individuals—particularly those trained in combat." More observation is required to determine the potential for panic-induced mistakes."

Subaru gulped hard. "She… she really watched me that closely…" His cheeks burned with embarrassment and fear. The thoroughness of her notes left him feeling exposed, but he couldn't help but feel a strange thrill—validation that his actions, mistakes, and even fears had been noticed.

 

He leaned back slightly, staring at the sheet. “I… I guess she’s taking this ‘make you depend on me’ thing seriously.” His hands fidgeted in the sheets, and he realized just how much influence Roswaal already had over him.

The morning sunlight seemed to press down harder, the elegant room suddenly oppressive. Subaru knew one thing clearly: he could never underestimate Roswaal—not her presence, her cunning, or the meticulousness with which she observed him.

And now, even in his most private moments, her eyes seemed to follow him.

Chapter 25

The evening lamps burned low, casting amber shadows in Roswaal’s vast chamber. Subaru sat stiffly on the edge of the grand bed, still in shock from finding her detailed notes. Roswaal stood by the desk, her fingertips gliding along the margin of a thick leather book while her golden eyes studied him with their usual unreadable intensity.

“Draining your mana every night may keep you alive for now,” she said softly, closing her fan with a sharp click. “But in the long run? It’s hardly sustainable, don’t you think?”

Subaru shifted, the weight of her gaze pressing down on him. “So what’s the alternative? I can’t just walk around waiting to collapse.”

Roswaal smiled, her expression theatrical and intentional. “My dear guest, there is another way. An operation, if you will. It’s painful, delicate, but it offers hope.”

Subaru blinked. “Operation? You mean like surgery? Here? In this world?”

“Exactly.” Roswaal moved closer, her silk nightwear whispering against the carpet. She settled beside him on the bed, leaning in until her perfume enveloped him. “My father, Karl—one of my previous vessels—developed a method to create what he called an artificial gate. A replica embedded within the body, designed to take on the burden your flawed one cannot.”

Subaru’s jaw dropped. “You’re telling me… you can just replace my broken gate? Like swapping out a damaged part?”

Her laughter, light and melodic, filled the air. “In theory. But it’s not a simple fix. The process demands precision, strength, and a willingness to risk a lot for the sake of survival. Most who tried it in my father’s time… didn’t survive.”

The words sent a chill down him. His hands gripped the sheets, sweat forming on his neck. “So, you’re saying it’s basically a gamble with my life, or I let you drain me until I die anyway?”

Roswaal tilted her head, her golden eyes shining like molten coins. “A gamble, yes. But one you might win, Subaru-kun. With the right guidance. With my guidance.” She tapped his chest, just above where his heart raced. “You could live without chains. You could wield magic without fear of collapsing. You could be… useful.”

Her smile grew, enchanting yet frightening. “So tell me, my dear—will you risk your future on the surgeon’s table or stay in my bed, a vessel to be drained night after night?”

The choice lingered in the air, heavy and suffocating.

The chamber Roswaal selected for the procedure wasn’t a medical ward; it was a ritual hall. Stone floors marked with concentric circles of runes, braziers burning with pale blue flames, and a dense scent of herbs filled the space.

Subaru lay on the table at the center, his wrists limp at his sides. He opened his eyes once, unfocused, before closing them again. The steady drain of his mana had dulled his body, lulling him into a half-dream state. He couldn’t move, but he could feel the cool stone beneath him and the faint hum of magic pricking against his skin.

Roswaal stood over him in ritual robes layered with charms stitched in silver thread. She moved with slow, deliberate gestures, each flick of her wrist measured as she drew lines of glowing ink across Subaru’s chest. The runes pulsed faintly with every beat of his heart.

“Do not fear, Subaru-kun,” she murmured, her voice low like a soothing lullaby meant only for him. “You won’t remember the pain clearly. That’s the gift of sedation. But your body… ah, your body will remember the change.”

Her hands were steady. From a lacquered case, she took a shard of translucent crystal, shaped like a vein of the heart, its surface pulsing softly with stored mana. This was the artificial gate, crafted from alchemical work passed down through generations.

She pressed the shard above his abdomen, whispering binding words. The runes blazed to life, burning white-hot. Subaru’s body arched against the table, his mouth opening in a silent scream, but no sound escaped his sedated throat. The crystal sank into him—not cutting, not piercing, but melding, weaving into the flesh as if it had always been there.

Roswaal’s golden eyes narrowed, sharp with focus. “Good… accept it. Fuse with it.”

His veins glowed faintly beneath his skin, glowing blue as the foreign mana mingled with his own. The air throbbed with power. For a moment, the whole hall pulsed with Subaru’s heartbeat.

At last, the glow faded. Subaru’s chest rose and fell heavily, sweat glistening on his forehead. The runes dimmed.

Roswaal leaned down, brushing damp hair from his face with gloved fingers, her smile serene yet predatory. “There. The artificial gate is now yours. A piece of my father’s genius and my will. If you survive the adjustment, Subaru-kun, you will be reborn.”

Her hand lingered on his cheek, stroking once, almost tenderly. “If you die… well, at least you’ll die in my care.”

She extinguished the braziers one by one, shadows creeping closer around his unconscious form.

Subaru stirred awake on the same stone table, his body feeling heavy, as if molten lead flowed through his veins. Every breath pulled fire into his lungs, and each heartbeat ached like the thud of a hammer.

When his vision cleared, Roswaal was there—seated gracefully beside him, legs crossed, one hand propping up her painted cheek. She resembled a mistress admiring her art more than a surgeon.

“Ah, Subaru-kun,” she sang softly, “welcome back to the stage. You survived. How delightful.”

Subaru tried to sit up, but pain shot through his chest. He winced, clutching his side. “W-what did you… do to me?”

Roswaal’s eyes gleamed, molten gold catching the light of the torch. She leaned closer, her tone suddenly serious beneath the softness of her voice.

“Your natural gate, Subaru, was Yin-aspected. It was small, fragile—barely enough for even a beginner’s tricks. And it was cracked, too. Each time you cast a spell, it would have poisoned you. You were a candle burning from both ends.”

Her hand moved lightly across his sternum, as if tracing the hidden crystal now fused within him.

“But what I’ve given you,” she continued, her voice thickening with pride, “is something entirely different. This gate is large, stable, and most importantly… universal.”

Subaru blinked, his throat dry. “…Universal?”

“Mmm,” Roswaal purred. “With it, you are not confined to one element. Fire, water, wind, earth—all these are now within your reach. A true mage’s gate. My father’s legacy perfected within you.”

She leaned back slightly, fanning herself with lazy grace, though her smile was sharp.

“You don’t need to thank me. Surviving is gratitude enough. But remember—this new gate of yours is still raw, untested. Use it carelessly, and it will devour you just as surely as the old one.”

Her gaze softened just a bit, and she added, almost to herself:

“That’s why you’ll need me. To guide you. To drain you. To shape you into something worthy of the gift.”

Subaru shivered under her gaze, unsure if she was his savior or the one holding his chains.

Every morning after the surgery, Roswaal handed Subaru a goblet of shimmering liquid.

“Drink up, my dear,” she would murmur in that melodic voice, watching closely as he complied.

The taste was unusual—sweet like honey at first, then bitter, leaving his tongue tingling. But moments later, the fog in his chest would lift. His limbs steadied, his thoughts sharpened, and his whole body buzzed with energy.

Roswaal smiled as she brushed his hair back from his face. “See? It suits you well. You just need to trust me.”

At first, Subaru thought it was medicine—a refined mana tonic from her store. But as the days passed, he noticed something more.

Whenever Roswaal entered the room after his dose, her presence felt warmer. Comforting. His fears—about the loops, the deaths, the curses—blurred around the edges when she was near. If she leaned close, his chest relaxed; if she spoke his name, his hands stopped trembling.

He laughed it off, telling himself, You’re just grateful. She saved you. She fixed you.

But at night, lying in Roswaal’s large bed with her steady breathing filling the dark, a thought gnawed at him:

Why does it feel like I can’t breathe without her?

What Subaru didn’t realize—what Roswaal never admitted—was that the “mana dose” wasn’t just stabilizing his artificial gate. The mana harmonized with his mind, weaving subtle illusions of trust, easing panic, and clouding suspicion.

Day by day, the boy who once distrusted her gaze found himself leaning into it, caught in a spell subtler than any contract.

And Roswaal, watching with half-closed golden eyes as he unconsciously drew closer, whispered to herself:

“How quickly you learn to need me, Subaru-kun.”

Roswaal sat before her writing desk, quill poised, her golden eyes fixed on the notes scattered across the parchment. The ink flowed in looping, meticulous style:

“Subject responds to the stabilizing elixir as expected. Dependency increases daily.”

She tapped the feathered tip of the quill against her lips, smirking.

Of course Subaru had no clue. The boy drank every dose with blind trust, thinking it was just medicine to keep his new artificial gate intact. In a way, that much was true. Without it, the unstable flow of mana would tear him apart from the inside. But the brew she had crafted? It was much more than a stabilizer.

The elixir eased pain. It steadied his spirit. And—most importantly—it bound the drinker to the hand that offered it.

Dependency is a leash. A leash is control.

She had seen him change. In the first days, he had looked at her with wide, distrustful eyes, flinching at memories of hidden deaths and betrayals. But now? Now he lingered in her presence, unconsciously leaning closer. When she touched his cheek or ruffled his hair, he melted like wax in her hands.

The effect was subtle. He thought it was gratitude. He thought it was choice. That made it perfect.

She leaned back, crossing her legs, the candlelight shimmering on the silken folds of her nightwear.

“What a precious thing you are, Subaru-kun. You fight so hard for freedom, yet every breath pulls you tighter into my web.”

The addiction would grow—she knew that much. The longer he relied on her elixir, the harder it would be for him to function without it. When a day without her hand offering the goblet filled him with dread… that would be the moment he belonged to her completely.

As she dipped her quill back into the ink, she wrote her final note of the evening:

“The boy will not survive without me. Soon, he will not wish to.”

Chapter 26

Subject: Natsuki Subaru.

Roswaal tapped her quill thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing.

“Now, what drives you, I wonder…”

She had confirmed it more than once. His actions, his slips of knowledge, his trembling fear at unexpected moments—everything indicated that Subaru’s life was tied to something beyond mere luck. Death wasn't his end; it was his reset.

But how?

She outlined three possibilities:
1. Environmental Factor
Could the loop be linked to the manor or the land? She noticed he always woke in the same place and time, once again under Emilia’s gentle watch. Was there a cursed boundary woven into space and time? Or did the witch’s scent on him act as a link to a “save point” created by her power?
2. Genetic Factor
A rarer, more thrilling possibility. Was Subaru’s bloodline affected by something unnatural? Did his family back in that distant land hold remnants of the witch’s power that manifested uniquely in him? If this trait was inherited, then he wasn't just a fluke—he was a part of a lineage. That made him even more valuable.
3. Contractual / Spiritual Factor
"The most likely," she thought. Subaru wasn’t a notable mage, yet his existence radiated the Witch's presence. Perhaps he held an unseen pact, a mark imposed on him by Satella herself. Death would not free him because his soul was bound. Each death a toll, each reset a performance demanded by the Witch.

Roswaal smiled as she leaned back, her golden eyes shimmering in the candlelight.

“Ufufu… to think such a treasure came into my home.”

Each theory brought her back to the same truth: whatever the cause, it was beyond his control. He was at the mercy of a system far larger than he could understand. Yet she could observe, test, and use it.

Her quill moved again, detailing her next experiment.

“If the loop is tied to the environment, changing his surroundings at the checkpoint may distort the anchor. If genetic, his body samples might reveal abnormalities. If contractual, magical probing could uncover the link.”

Roswaal set down the quill, her smile growing wider.

“Sooner or later, Subaru-kun, I’ll uncover every layer of your little trick… And when I do, you’ll belong to me not just in body, but in truth.”

Roswaal traced her finger along the margin of her notes, her quill tapping eagerly at the mention of “genetic factor.”

“Mm… like the Sword Saint’s Divine Protection,” she murmured, her golden eyes half-closed. “That blessing runs through that bloodline, no exceptions. If Subaru’s looping is the same—passed through flesh, through heritage—then testing his essence should reveal the truth.”

She leaned back in her chair, crossing one long leg over the other, the firelight casting sharp shadows on her face.

Divine protection was usually subtle. Hidden, invisible, unless invoked. But the Sage had noted that blood carried traces of magical alignment, unique signatures that could reveal a hidden gift. If Subaru’s anomaly was inherited, his very body might whisper it.

Roswaal’s painted nail tapped against the vial of saliva she collected earlier. “Not enough,” she thought. “Saliva is surface level. Diluted. What I need is blood… marrow… perhaps even—”

Her smile sharpened.

“A genetic experiment… Oh, Subaru-kun, you’ll forgive me, won’t you? All in the name of science, ufufu.”

A plan was already formed in her mind. A simple test, disguised as routine health care: compare Subaru’s mana signature against known baselines, examine his magical circuits, and coax a few drops of blood under the pretext of monitoring his ‘fragile gate.’

“If your power echoes like the Sword Saint’s bloodline,” she whispered, “then you’re not just Satella’s pawn. You’re… an heir. A vessel. And that, Subaru-kun, makes you worth more than all the coin in the kingdom.”

Her golden eyes shone as she penned her final note for the night:

“Begin Genetic Test—compare bodily mana signature to known divine inheritances.”

She blew out the candle, plunging the room into darkness. In her mind, the game had just begun.
Roswaal’s Study - Afternoon

The air smelled faintly of old paper and wax as Subaru sat cross-legged before Roswaal’s desk. Golden sunlight streamed through the tall windows, catching dust motes that floated lazily. Roswaal stood beside him, her fan lightly tapping her palm, her smile sharp.

“Well weeeell,” she drawled, her eyes gleaming, “you’ve finally survived long enough that I can teach you properly. Consider yourself honored, Subaru. Most students don’t last through their first… bite.”

Subaru grimaced. “Great. Nothing like starting a lesson with a death joke.”

Roswaal crouched down to meet his gaze. “Magic begins with the gate. Yours is artificial—clumsily carved, but surprisingly universal. Unlike your natural Yin gate, this one doesn’t limit you. You can, in theory, experience every type of mana.”

Subaru perked up despite himself. “So I can shoot fire, freeze water, and maybe throw rocks at people? That’s actually kind of awesome.”

Roswaal’s smile grew wider. “In theory. In practice… we’ll see if you explode.”

Subaru paled. “Wait, explode—?!”

She ignored him, sweeping one hand dramatically. “Incantations are the simplest keys. Speak them, picture the element, and the mana obeys. Fire begins with Goa. Water is Shiha. Wind is Fura. Earth, Dona. Yin, Shamak. Yang, Jiwald.”

She snapped her fan shut, her gaze sparkling. “Now you try.”

Subaru raised his hand, his heart racing. “Goa!”

A burst of sparks flew from his palm, singeing the rug. Subaru yelped and scrambled back, waving his hand. “It worked! But also, uh… sorry about your carpet.”

Roswaal only chuckled, tilting her head. “Not bad for a beginner. Now—try another.”

He went through them one after another. Shiha left his sleeve damp. Fura stirred a clumsy gust that knocked a book off the shelf. Dona summoned dirt from nowhere, hitting him in the forehead. Shamak produced a smudge of shadow that quickly faded. Jiwald flashed as a small orb of warm, golden light, to his surprise.

Roswaal’s eyes widened slightly before her smile returned. “All six affinities, however weak. Most would kill for such versatility. Your artificial gate truly is… interesting.”

Subaru puffed out his chest, trying to hide the sweat on his temples. “Guess I’m not such a loser after all.”

Then, without thinking, he added, “Next, I should probably work toward Goa-El or even Goa-Ul, right?”

Roswaal froze. Her golden eyes narrowed. “…What did you just say?”

Subaru blinked. “Uh. The higher-tier chants. You add El, Ul, or even Al to the incantation to increase the power. Right?”

The silence stretched long enough that Subaru started to sweat more.

Roswaal leaned closer, her voice smooth. “My, my, my. I don’t recall ever teaching you that. Where, I wonder, did you learn such a thing?”

Subaru swallowed hard. His mind raced to create a cover, but his mouth stumbled. “Uh… intuition?”

Roswaal’s fan snapped open again, fluttering as her smile turned almost predatory. “Fascinating. Very fascinating. A boy who knows secrets he shouldn’t, speaking of spells meant for mages years ahead of him. You are becoming quite the mystery, Subaru.”

Her laughter was soft, musical, and completely unnerving. “Let’s continue, shall we? After all… the more I teach you, the more I learn about you.”

Subaru’s stomach twisted. He had wanted magic lessons but wasn’t sure he wanted this kind of attention.
Roswaal’s Study—Evening Lesson

Subaru leaned back in his chair, sweat dripping from his brow after another round of shaky spell practice. Sparks, dirt clumps, gusts of wind—his efforts left the study looking like a storm had hit. Roswaal, primly seated across from him, seemed completely unfazed, her fan fluttering lazily as if the mess amused her.

“Hey, Roswaal,” Subaru said, rubbing his wrist. “I’ve been wondering… Is there a grass element? Or maybe something like lightning? You know, like the flashy stuff from anime?”

Roswaal’s fan paused mid-snap. Her golden eyes turned to him with a sharp gleam. “Grass, no. At least not in the way you imagine. But lightning…” Her smile curled, sly and elegant. “That one, yes. It is possible. Though not simple.”

Subaru perked up. “Wait, so I can actually do lightning magic?”

Roswaal rose, moving toward the tall window. She gestured to the night sky, where faint storm clouds gathered on the horizon. “Lightning isn’t its own element. It arises from harmony… and conflict. To summon thunderclouds, one must blend fire and water. Heat and vapor, clashing until the sky quakes. Then, to draw the bolt itself, you combine earth and wind, creating a rod or a current that guides the strike.”

Her fan snapped shut. “It is fusion, Subaru. A dance of four elements. Difficult to learn, but magnificently destructive.”

Subaru's eyes lit up despite himself. “So, what—you’re saying I could drop thunderbolts like Zeus if I pull it off? That’s… that’s insane!”

Roswaal chuckled, low and melodic. “In theory. Lightning magic allows you to bring down bolts from the sky, charge a blade with searing electricity, or turn an enemy’s weapon into a lightning rod. Some skilled users weave fields that trap their prey like insects in amber. But the cost is steep, and the danger even greater. Misalign the balance, and the storm may strike… the caster.”

Subaru gulped. “So, basically, if I mess up, I’ll fry myself instead of the bad guy. Great. Real comforting.”

Roswaal leaned in closer, her perfume sweet but heavy. “You wished for grass, Subaru, yet you crave thunder. Tell me… will you settle for the safety of soil and roots, or risk everything to command the storm?”

He hesitated, feeling the weight of her words press on his chest. His heart raced. “If it means protecting the people I care about… I’ll risk it. Even if it fries me.”

Roswaal’s smile spread slowly, her fan lifting to hide the lower half of her face. Her golden eyes sparkled like lightning behind the clouds.
“Marvelous answer.”

Roswaal’s Study, Morning Observation

Roswaal leaned against the tall window frame, fan resting lightly in her hand, watching Subaru from the corner of her golden eyes. For the past two weeks, he had been disappearing into the gardens, returning with dirt-stained hands, messy notebooks, and wild ideas scribbled on scraps of parchment.

“Subaru,” she called softly, her voice drawing him from his latest pile of soil samples. He jumped slightly, almost dropping a small vial of mud.

“Y-Yeah? What is it?” he asked, blinking up at her, cheeks flushed from both effort and embarrassment.

Roswaal looked over his workspace: tiny pots of soil arranged carefully, blades of grass labeled and lined up, small glowing runes scribbled on paper beside them. Her lips curved into a teasing smile.

“Two weeks, hm?” she said, her voice light. “You have buried yourself in this little investigation. And yet, not a word to me. Interesting behavior for someone who claims to seek my guidance.”

Subaru scratched the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “I just wanted to test something. See if different soils affect mana flow and how grass interacts with elemental energy. I thought maybe it could help me figure out a new spell.”

Roswaal tilted her head, tapping her fan gently against her palm. “A very ambitious project for someone with so little patience. Yet, you persist. Fascinating.”

She drifted closer, inspecting a clump of soil Subaru had been hovering over with a small orb of magic. “You experiment like a young scholar, Subaru. Reckless, curious, and completely single-minded.”

Subaru looked down, fiddling with a blade of grass. “I just don’t want to fail again. I want to understand it and make it work.”

Roswaal’s golden eyes glimmered with a mix of amusement and admiration. “How touching. The boy who wants to control the natural world, not with brute force, but with obsessive attention to detail.”

She straightened, fanning herself slowly. “Very well, continue your research. But do not forget your lessons in proper spellcasting, or your curiosity may get you punished.”

Subaru nodded, heart racing with a mix of nerves and relief. Roswaal had noticed him. Though her words contained a warning, there was also encouragement hidden beneath the teasing, a subtle acknowledgment of his determination.

“Thank you, Roswaal,” he mumbled, barely audible.

Her fan snapped open, hiding her enigmatic smile. “Do not thank me yet, Subaru. The work has only just begun.”

Arlem Outskirts, Late Afternoon

Roswaal’s long robes rustled softly against the grass as she approached the edge of the field. Her golden eyes caught sight of the strange shimmer in the soil. Green veins had sprouted, weaving a delicate lattice across the dirt. Half-formed, only half a foot tall, yet unmistakably alive.

Her fan tapped lightly against her palm, a soft clicking echoing in the quiet field.

“Hm… fascinating,” she murmured, stepping closer. The lattice pulsed faintly with residual mana, fragile but vibrant. “So this is the boy’s handiwork…”

Then her gaze shifted, sharpening. Subaru lay sprawled on the ground nearby, face pressed into the dirt, chest rising and falling shallowly. His fingers were dirt-streaked, and his robes soaked with sweat.

“Subaru,” she said, her voice soft but firm. She knelt beside him, placing a gloved hand lightly on his shoulder. No response. His mana reserves must have collapsed completely.

She examined him quickly, noting the pale flush to his cheeks and the tremor in his limbs. “Ah, yes… overexertion, yet again. The boy cannot help but push himself to the limit.”

Her eyes flicked back to the vein lattice. “And yet… such ingenuity. Infusing water, earth, and Yang into the soil to coax the veins upward. A protective structure, clever if incomplete.”

Roswaal’s lips curved into a faint, teasing smile. “Do you always insist on risking life and limb to experiment, Subaru? Or do you enjoy the drama?”

With deliberate care, she released a small pulse of gentle healing magic over him, helping his body recover from the mana collapse. Subaru’s fingers twitched; his eyelids fluttered. She allowed herself a rare moment of satisfaction.

“Half a wall, half a life, but a beginning. I suppose I must supervise the rest, lest your curiosity kill you before your lessons even start,” she whispered, standing gracefully.

Roswaal’s fan snapped open with a flourish as she surveyed the field again. The veins shimmered faintly, suspended between growth and decay, a testament to Subaru’s reckless brilliance. “Very well, Subaru. Rest now. We shall see what happens with your little creation once you wake.”

Ram’s Perspective, Manor Grounds

Ram watched from the veranda, arms crossed, eyes narrowed as Subaru disappeared into the garden yet again, dragging small vials, notebooks, and more dirt than should reasonably be legal.

The boy’s persistence had reached a level she could no longer ignore. For two weeks, he had been obsessed with grass, soil, and the strange little experiments he called “magic testing.” And now, by the look of it, he was out there again, muttering to himself and flailing his hands like some amateur mage in a bad play.

Ram huffed softly, annoyed yet begrudgingly concerned. “Why does he insist on doing everything so recklessly?”

Her gaze shifted to the faint shimmer she noticed from the veranda—the barely grown green veins in the soil, forming a lattice. Subaru’s experiments weren’t just messy; they were impressive in a reckless, potentially dangerous way.

Then Roswaal appeared, gliding across the field with her usual theatrical elegance. Ram’s lips twitched, a rare flicker of irritation and disbelief. The way she observed Subaru—golden eyes like knives, fan tapping rhythmically—was both unsettling and fascinating.

Subaru staggered under the strain of his own magic, and before Ram could intervene, he collapsed into the dirt. Roswaal knelt beside him, murmuring quietly, her hand glowing faintly with healing energy. Ram’s eyes narrowed even further.

The scene was strangely domestic. Subaru, the reckless little human, pushing himself to the edge. Roswaal, poised, amused, yet gently tending to him as if she had orchestrated the chaos herself. And the veins in the soil—the evidence of his experiments—still quivering in suspended animation.

Ram shook her head, lips pressed tight. “I can’t decide if this is foolish or brilliant. And I’m not sure I want to know which.”

She sighed, turning back toward the manor. Someone needed to keep an eye on Subaru before he burned out entirely—or worse. But for now, she would let Roswaal handle the boy. Whatever plan she had, it seemed Subaru’s survival depended on it, and that was more than Ram could say for herself.

Yet, in the back of her mind, a warning whispered: He’s learning, and Roswaal’s watching. That combination is dangerous.

Chapter 27

Ram’s Perspective, Manor Grounds

Ram stood on the veranda, arms crossed and eyes narrowed as Subaru wandered into the garden again, dragging small vials, notebooks, and more dirt than seemed reasonable.
The boy’s persistence had reached a level she could no longer ignore. For two weeks, he had been obsessed with grass, soil, and the strange little experiments he called “magic testing.” Now, it looked like he was out there again, muttering to himself and waving his hands like a bad amateur mage.

Ram huffed softly, annoyed but somehow concerned. “Why does he insist on doing everything so recklessly?”

Her gaze shifted to the faint shimmer she saw from the veranda. The barely-grown green veins in the soil were forming a lattice. Subaru’s experiments weren’t just messy; they were impressive in a reckless, potentially dangerous way.

Then Roswaal appeared, gliding across the field with her usual dramatic flair. Ram’s lips twitched with a rare mix of irritation and disbelief. The way she observed Subaru—golden eyes sharp, fan tapping rhythmically—was both unsettling and intriguing.

Subaru staggered under the weight of his own magic, and before Ram could step in, he collapsed into the dirt. Roswaal knelt beside him, murmuring quietly as her hand glowed faintly with healing energy. Ram’s eyes narrowed even more.

The scene felt oddly domestic. Subaru, the reckless little human, pushing himself to the limit. Roswaal, poised and amused, gently caring for him as if she had caused the chaos herself. And the veins in the soil—the evidence of his experiments—were still quivering.

Ram shook her head, lips pressed tight. “I can’t decide if this is foolish or brilliant. And I’m not sure I want to know which.”

She sighed and turned back toward the manor. Someone needed to watch Subaru before he burned out completely—or worse. For now, she would let Roswaal handle the boy. Whatever her plan was, Subaru’s survival seemed to depend on it, which was more than Ram could say for herself.

Yet, in the back of her mind, a warning whispered: He’s learning, and Roswaal’s watching. That combination is dangerous.

Chapter 28

Strange Weather and Wilted Flowers

Winter had taken hold of Roswaal Manor, and its chill felt harsher than usual. The gardens, typically thriving under the twins’ care, were wilting. Ram held her pruning shears mid-air while she and Rem shared a silent glance. One flower, vibrant just a day ago, now hung lifeless, its petals rimmed with frost.

Rem touched the frozen bloom, her breath fogging the air. “It shouldn’t be this cold. Not yet.”

Roswaal's voice pierced the quiet garden like silk scraping against steel. He stepped into view, his robes flowing, golden eyes dimly shining in the soft light. “Unfortunate timing,” he said, tapping his fan against his chin. “Nature has its rhythms. Sometimes, those rhythms are disturbed.” His eyes drifted up, not to the sky but to the manor’s windows.

Behind the frosty glass, Emilia stood with Puck by her side. Frost twirled across the pane where her fingers rested, the spirit’s power leaking unwittingly due to her anxiety. Emilia bit her lip and pulled her hand back. “Puck… was that me?”

The cat spirit’s tail flicked, ears twitching. “Not entirely, Lia. Something in the air is making it stronger. Even I feel… restless.”

Elsewhere in the manor, Beatrice sat at her desk in the library, hands folded under her chin. Frustration crossed her face as she stared at the glowing frost patterns forming around the window frame. “This mana disruption is odd, I suppose. It’s not just Puck leaking energy. Something is stirring… outside the cycle.”

On the second floor, Subaru jolted awake, breath uneven, clutching his chest. The nagging sensation of icy fangs gnawed at him, remnants of a nightmare—or memory—where curses and mabeasts took his life. Sweat dripped down his forehead despite the cold. His hand shook as he reached for the blanket, trying to ground himself.

In the corner, Rem’s gentle voice steadied him. “It’s just the weather, Subaru-kun. Nothing more.” She sat quietly, her posture perfect, blue hair falling like a curtain as she kept watch. Her eyes lingered on his trembling hand, but she didn’t come closer. She understood how fragile the line was between comforting him and overwhelming him.

Subaru forced a shaky laugh. “Weather, huh? Seems more like… something’s challenging me again.” His voice cracked, revealing the fear behind his words.

Outside, the wilted flowers lay silently in the frost, a quiet omen not yet understood.

Morning Duties and Covert Testing

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, catching the dull shine of the knife in Subaru’s hand as he struggled with another stubborn potato. Each curl of skin fell neatly onto the wooden board, a sign of two weeks of practice under Rem’s watchful gaze.

“Not bad,” Subaru muttered, straightening his back with a proud smile. “If I keep this up, I might qualify for the Potato Peeling Olympics.”

Rem’s eyes never left his hands. “Focus, Subaru-kun. If you waste too much flesh, you’ll have to start over.” Her tone was soft but carried a note of command.

In the doorway, Roswaal leaned gracefully against the frame, golden eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the scene. She fanned herself idly, though her attention was sharp.

“You have improved,” she said, her words curling like smoke in the air. “But improvement without consistency is weak. Let’s see if you can perform under pressure, hmm?”

The tests began subtly. Roswaal’s smooth voice drifted into the kitchen with a suggestion here, a change there.

“Add a pinch of salt to the stew, Subaru.”

He reached for the jar, only to realize it was sugar instead—swapped on purpose. He froze, heart racing. His mind flicked back to loops where one wrong move spelled his death. Slowly, he set it aside and grabbed the right jar, pretending not to notice.

“Stir the soup clockwise,” Roswaal added, fanning herself.

Subaru stirred. A moment later, Rem silently adjusted the ladle in his hand—counterclockwise, the way she had shown him. His eyes darted between her and the pot, catching the inconsistency. His chest tightened, but he adapted smoothly, correcting the motion as if nothing had happened.

His thoughts ran wild. This is a test. It has to be. She’s watching me, waiting for me to slip. I can’t— I won’t—

By the time the last dish was plated, Subaru’s hands trembled a little, though he kept his grin intact. The food was good—better than that, even. No mistakes slipped by.

Roswaal’s fan clicked shut, her head tilting slightly. A faint nod passed between her and Rem.

Subaru noticed, of course. He noticed everything now. His stomach tightened, but a strange flicker of pride stirred beneath the tension.

One test survived.

For today, at least, that was enough.

The Warm Room in Winter

When Hatsumaki arrived, the manor turned into a frozen tomb. The air was heavy with frost, and even the hearth fires struggled against the cold. Puck’s presence, amplified by the season, made every corridor shimmer with a biting chill. Emilia handled it easily, her spirit familiar beside her. The maids adapted in silence. But for Subaru—still getting used to this world, still fragile—the cold sank deep into his bones.

Roswaal’s chambers, however, were free from frost. The air there was warm, filled with invisible currents of fire and wind mana carefully woven into the walls. Curtains swayed gently, as if the room itself was breathing.

“Subaruu~,” Roswaal sang, reclining on her couch with her fan in hand, “you’ll freeze out there before long. You’ll stay here, of course. I must see how your constitution handles this season.”

Her golden eyes sparkled, half-lidded with amusement. The warmth enveloped Subaru like a velvet blanket as he sat stiffly on the bed’s edge.

“Y-you don’t have to make it sound so strange,” he muttered, pulling the blanket tighter around his shoulders. His heartbeat quickened in his throat, sudden and uneven.

“Do try to enjoy it,” Roswaal said, her voice a lazy purr. The faint smile on her lips held more than warmth—it was teasing. Every word dripped with innuendo, leaving Subaru grappling with interpretations he wasn’t ready for.

Fear prickled at the back of his neck. Embarrassment filled his chest. Yet, deep down, an undercurrent of dependence tugged at him—this woman had saved him, stabilized his mana, given him structure where none existed. Confusion and adrenaline tangled until he could barely sit still.

Roswaal didn’t miss a detail. Her gaze followed every twitch of his hand, every blush creeping up his ears, every glance he avoided. Each flinch and hesitation was carefully noted.

“Such interesting reactions,” she whispered to herself, snapping open her fan to hide her mouth. “How long can you hold your composure… before you break?”

The warmth of the room pressed closer, leaving Subaru uncertain whether the heat on his skin was magic—or his own burning shame.

Snow Festival Organization

The manor grounds had turned into a white canvas. Frost sparkled across the rooftops of the nearby village, and laughter floated through the crisp air as villagers shaped snowbanks. Despite the biting cold of Hatsumaki, the festival buzzed with warmth.

Subaru, scarf askew around his neck, held up a handful of compacted snow like an announcer showcasing a prize. “Ladies and gentlemen, today we create art that will put Michelangelo to shame!” he shouted, using exaggerated gestures. His voice echoed across the crowd, drawing laughter from the villagers.

He crouched to demonstrate, fingers tingling with faint traces of mana. A thin veil of Shamak wrapped around the base of a half-built sculpture, keeping it stable. “See? A bit of shadow magic, and your snowman won’t tip over when it gets too heavy.”

The children watched in awe. The adults tried to mimic him awkwardly, though more snow collapsed than stood. Still, Subaru’s enthusiasm kept them going.

Beatrice stood to the side, hands tucked in her sleeves, face set in her usual pout. “Such a silly use of mana, I guess,” she grumbled, but her little feet moved closer to the nearest half-formed sculpture. When a child pulled at her sleeve for help, she sighed dramatically before lending her skill—shaping delicate spirals in the snow with a precision that left the crowd breathless.

Meanwhile, Puck floated above, scattering lazy flurries of ice crystals while making sure the biting cold didn’t become dangerous. Subaru coordinated with him, asking him to ease the frost here, and cool a slushy patch there. The two worked like mismatched partners leading an invisible orchestra, their unusual teamwork keeping the festival lively without freezing anyone solid.

Near the manor steps, Rem and Ram stood beside Subaru, their own sculpture taking shape. With Subaru directing and offering encouragement, the three of them built an impressive snow statue: a towering hybrid caricature—half Subaru, half Roswaal—complete with Subaru’s crooked smile and Roswaal’s elegant robes.

“The Wonderful Subuwaal-sama!” Subaru proclaimed, spreading his arms proudly.

The villagers roared with laughter, though Ram’s smirk hinted at satisfaction while even Rem allowed herself a small smile.

A familiar sing-song voice cut through the noise. “My, my~ what a curious creation.”

Roswaal appeared, her robes trailing over the untouched snow, golden eyes glimmering. She circled the sculpture like an art critic at a gallery, pausing to tap her fan against her chin.

“Hmmm… the proportions are awful, the symmetry questionable… and yet…” She tilted her head toward Subaru, her gaze sharpening. “Your leadership was admirable. Your ability to organize others, even in play, has its worth.”

The words were praise cloaked in riddles, but Subaru caught the underlying reward: acknowledgment. It wasn’t much, but in Roswaal’s world, it felt like a medal.

Subaru rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed yet delighted. “Guess I’m not just a commentator after all.”

The snow sparkled around them, festival laughter filling the air. But Subaru knew—even in this lighthearted moment—Roswaal’s eyes never stopped measuring him.

Banquet and Roswaal’s Manipulation

The long dining table sparkled with silverware and crystal. Firelight flickered along the walls, the warmth a fragile shield against the cold outside. Platters of roasted meats, spiced vegetables, and fine wines filled the hall, scents mingling into a rich haze.

Laughter rang around the table—light and carefree. Emilia, cheeks flushed, leaned against her goblet, while Puck floated nearby with amused smirks at her slurred claim that she could handle it. Beside her, Rem’s usually sharp demeanor faltered as she matched Emilia drink for drink, her blue eyes softening with a rare, unsteady smile.

At the far end, Subaru sat stiffly, hands gripping an untouched cup. His throat felt dry, but hesitation held him still. Memories of past loops—poison, curses, hidden blades—made the amber liquid look more like poison than a drink.

Roswaal noticed, of course. She always did.

With fluid grace, she leaned forward, golden eyes sparkling over the rim of her glass. “Ohhh… what a pity. After so much effort and discipline, to deny yourself a simple pleasure… it seems almost cruel, doesn’t it?”

Subaru swallowed, squirming under her gaze. “I-I don’t think drinking’s really for me…”

Roswaal's smile widened, her fan tapping lightly against her palm. “And yet, discipline is measured not only in denial but in control. You’ve trained so hard. Wouldn’t it be a shame to waste such progress?”

The pressure of her words weighed on him like a spell. Reluctantly, Subaru lifted the glass. The first sip burned—sharp and bitter—but Roswaal’s approving nod urged him to finish.

The alcohol hit him quickly. Heat flushed his face, his limbs felt heavy, and his thoughts turned sluggish. He tried to steady himself, but his body betrayed him, leaning toward the table.

“Ahhh… so fragile. So honest.” Roswaal’s voice coiled around him like velvet. She rose, unhurried, and with a surprising ease, slipped an arm beneath his. Subaru struggled weakly, shame prickling at the corners of his mind, but his protests dissolved into incoherence.

Gasps from the servants drew only a sly glance from Roswaal. “Our dear guest is merely tired,” she sang, sweeping Subaru against her side as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

Through the manor halls she carried him, her robes whispering across the floors. At last, she pushed open the doors to her chambers. The air inside was unnaturally warm, her magic saturating the space like a cocoon.

She laid him carefully upon the bed, golden eyes lingering on his flushed, unfocused face. Subaru murmured something—half-protest, half-plea—but Roswaal’s hand pressed gently against his chest, silencing him.

“Shhh… no need to struggle. Rest, Natsuki Subaru.” Her smile curved, both tender and predatory. “Even discipline… has its limits. And I will know them all.”

The warmth enveloped him, dragging him down into unconsciousness. And Roswaal, alone in the dim glow of the chamber, sat beside him—observing, calculating, ensuring that even in vulnerability, he remained firmly within her grasp

Chapter 29: Warning of Explict Content and Age Rating Increase

The Next Chapter isn't very toned down, so I am writing two versions of it

My Original Draft Version – Uncensored Tone – It has extremely graphic tone and things that should not happen in real life or be replicated.
The Toned Version – is the version I am publishing first.

Chapter 30: Warning of Explict Content

The soft, warm glow of candlelight filled the dimly lit room, creating dancing shadows on the walls.

The aroma of wine and the subtle sweetness of Roswaal's perfume filled the air.

Despite her slight intoxication and sluggish movements, Roswaal carried Subaru's muted form with unexpected ease.

Despite taking deliberate steps, she moved with a sense of urgency, a primal urge that propelled her ahead.

A second, more recent memory surfaced.

As was customary in Lugunica, Roswaal had underestimated Subaru, assuming the young boy could compete in a drinking contest.

Subaru should have been able to finish a bottle of wine at the age of fifteen.

However, Roswaal had underestimated Subaru's tolerance.

Roswaal had to finish the bottle by himself because Subaru was already drunk after just two glasses. Her inhibitions had been loosened and a primal desire had been aroused by the wine.

Roswaal's hands trembled slightly as she undressed Subaru, her movements deliberate and focused.

She was driven by a need that went beyond pleasure, a need to fulfil her duty and secure the future of her lineage. Her actions were those of a predator, precise and unyielding, as she positioned herself above Subaru

As Roswaal began to move, her body responded to the primal rhythm, her hips undulating in a dance as old as time. She felt a surge of satisfaction, not from the pleasure of the act, but from the knowledge that she was fulfilling her purpose. Her breaths came in ragged gasps, her heart pounding in her chest as she pushed herself closer to completion.
Roswaal straddled Subaru, her knees pressing into the mattress on either side of his hips. She could feel the heat radiating from his body and the soft rise and fall of his chest beneath her. Her hands gripped his wrists, pinning them above his head as she leaned down, her lips capturing his in a fierce, demanding kiss.

She broke away, her breath ragged, and trailed kisses down his neck, her teeth nipping at his skin. Her hands roamed lower, tracing the contours of his chest and his stomach until they reached the waistband of his pants.

She leaned forward, her hands braced on either side of Subaru's head.

Roswaal's movements became more urgent, her hips snapping against Subaru's with each thrust. She could feel the tension building, the pressure in her core threatening to explode. With a final, powerful drive, Roswaal released, her inner muscles clamping down on Subaru's waist as waves of pleasure washed over her.

Subaru, out cold and subdued, was a passive participant, his body a vessel for Roswaal's intentions. Roswaal's movements became more urgent, her grip tightening on Subaru's hips as she neared her goal. With a final, powerful thrust, Roswaal released, a guttural moan escaping her lips as she felt the warm, wet sensation of her climax.

Roswaal's body moved with a primal rhythm, her hips grinding against Subaru's in a dance of procreation. The room was filled with the sound of their bodies meeting, the soft moans of Roswaal's pleasure echoing off the walls. Her hands roamed over Subaru's body, tracing the curves and dips of his form, claiming him as her own.

Roswaal's breath was hot against Subaru's skin, her lips pressing kisses to every inch of exposed flesh. She could feel the heat building between them, the tension coiling tighter with each thrust of her hips. Her body was on fire, every nerve ending alight with a need that went beyond pleasure.

As Roswaal neared her peak, her movements became more frantic, her grip on Subaru's hips almost bruising. She could feel the tension building, the pressure in her core threatening to explode. With a final, powerful thrust, Roswaal released, her body convulsing as waves of pleasure washed over her.

She collapsed on top of Subaru, her body still trembling with the aftermath. The room was filled with the scent of their lovemaking, the air thick with the evidence of their encounter. Roswaal took a moment to savour the sensation, her body still throbbing with the echoes of her climax.

 

She collapsed on top of Subaru, her body still trembling with the aftermath. The room was filled with the scent of their lovemaking, the air thick with the evidence of their encounter. Roswaal took a moment to savour the sensation, her body still throbbing with the echoes of her climax.

As she pulled away, Roswaal could see the evidence of their encounter glistening on Subaru's thighs.

Roswaal knew that this night would change everything. She had fulfilled her duty, ensured the continuation of her lineage, and in doing so, had claimed Subaru as her own. As she dressed and prepared to leave the room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Roswaal had secured her legacy, and nothing could change that.

As the intensity of the moment began to fade, Roswaal gently pulled away, her body still trembling with the aftermath. She looked down at Subaru, a mixture of satisfaction and detachment in her eyes. She had achieved what she set out to do, and now it was time to clean up.

Roswaal gathered Subaru's tainted clothes, the fabric heavy with the evidence of their encounter. She carried them to the laundry room, her steps steady and purposeful.

Chapter 31: The Morning After

Subaru stirred awake, head pounding like a drum. His mouth was dry, his limbs heavy, and his entire body ached as though he had run a marathon he couldn’t remember.

For a moment, he didn’t notice. The blankets were warm, the room unnaturally so compared to the frozen manor halls. But then his skin prickled—bare skin. His heart lurched.

Eyes snapping open, Subaru found himself lying unclothed beneath the sheets. And beside him, in the soft, dim light, Roswaal rested in the same condition, her chest rising and falling in slow, measured breaths. Her long hair split like ink across the pillows, her golden eyes closed for once, her expression unreadable even in slumber.

Panic jolted through him. His gaze darted to the side table—there, neatly folded, were his clothes. Someone—she—had taken care to press and arrange them as though this were the most ordinary thing in the world.

Subaru’s hands trembled as he snatched them up, hastily pulling the shirt over his head, the fabric a flimsy barrier against the heavy uncertainty pressing down on him. His thoughts tumbled: What happened? Did something happen? Why can’t I remember…?

Every muscle in his body felt sore, his breath catching at even the smallest movement. The alcohol haze still clung to him, memory fragments refusing to piece together.

Roswaal stirred faintly beside him, her lips parting as though to form a word, but sleep held her in place.

Subaru froze, one sleeve half-pulled, heart hammering in his ears. He finished dressing in silence, forcing shaky breaths, trying to steady himself.

By the time he stood—fully clothed, though far from composed—he could hardly bring himself to glance back at the bed. The sight of Roswaal’s serene form against the tangled sheets burnt behind his eyes, a question with no safe answer.

Did she… or didn’t she?

The uncertainty gnawed at him, leaving a pit in his stomach. He slipped out of the room on unsteady legs, desperate for clarity, yet terrified of the truth.

 

Chapter 32

“You’re going to the capital, right? Me! I want to go too!”

Subaru’s voice cracked through the manor’s drawing room, more pleading than commanding.

Emilia blinked at him, startled, while Roswaal merely tilted his head, fanning himself lazily. Their gazes met, silent understanding passing between them.

“See?” Roswaal murmured.

“…It appears so,” Emilia admitted with a weary sigh.

That was all it took to set Subaru off. He jabbed his finger toward them, lips curling in mock anger. “Oi! Stop seeing eye to eye with each other, Jealousy! Mix me in here too—we can sing a lullaby together, the three of us!”

Roswaal chuckled, his laughter low and deliberate. Emilia flushed, hiding her face with both hands.

“In the first place, about going to the capital—” she faltered, then groaned. “… It was me, wasn’t it? I told you myself…”

Subaru grinned sheepishly, rocking back on his heels. Emilia shook her head, silver hair swaying.

“Listen, you know,” she said finally, lowering her hands, “we’re not going there for fun. We were summoned for important business. Really, very important.”

“I already know that.” Subaru leaned forward, voice rising. “The royal selection, right? The biggest event in the kingdom! And that’s exactly why you can’t leave me behind. Please take me along!”

He dropped to his knees, pressing his palms together on the carpet like a supplicant before an altar.

“Subaru…” Emilia’s voice trembled with exasperation, but her violet eyes softened with concern. She looked helplessly around the room for support.

Roswaal’s fan snapped shut with a click. “What’s wrong? A-a, pay no mind to meee. It is fine if you choose as your heart wills.”

His golden eyes lingered on Subaru, tracing every desperate twitch, every hopeful flicker.

The door creaked. Rem entered with a tea tray, the aroma of freshly steeped leaves curling through the air. Subaru lifted his head, nose twitching, but it was Roswaal who spoke first.

“This fragrance…” His fan tapped against his lips. “Could it be Ram’s treasured blend? No… even she guards it too jealously. But for Barusu—mmm, yes. That is the sort of thing he would earn through… persistence.”

Subaru nearly toppled sideways. “H-hey! Don’t make it sound weird, clown!”

Emilia’s lips curved faintly, her gaze flicking to Rem as she set down the tray. “It’s fine, isn’t it? Subaru-kun worked so hard he even made tea and brought it up here. And… he has someone he knows in the capital too, doesn’t he? In the first place, we only carried him here because of his injuries. If we bring him along… it might give him peace of mind.”

Her words carried reluctant compromise, as though she were soothing a child and herself at the same time.

Roswaal inclined his head, a smile curling sharper. Emilia thought she was merely easing Subaru’s heart. Roswaal knew better—she was binding him tighter.

Subaru burst upright, fists pumping. “Yes! Nice assist! Rem, Rem, Remmm—come here, Rem!”

Rem’s cheeks pinked as she bowed her head. “If that is your wish, Subaru-kun…”

Roswaal watched the scene unfold, golden eyes glimmering. Another string tied. Another knot tightened. How very… interesting.

Chapter 33

Subaru's shout of joy echoed through the mansion gates. Before him stood a magnificent creature, its scales shimmering softly in the morning light. The dragon's body was so large that Subaru had to tilt his head back to take it all in. Its sharp, yellow eyes held a steady gaze—an earth dragon, in all its glory, hitched to the dragon-carriage.

“Big body! Tough skin! Scary face!”

The boy bounced around the beast like a child at the zoo, his wide grin revealing pure excitement. It wasn't just admiration; it was that primal thrill every boy feels in front of something so *massive*. His energy was infectious, even if no one matched it.

Watching him, Roswaal let out a slow sigh, clearly amused. A smile spread across her crimson lips as she shook her head, her long lashes dipping low as if she were asking Emilia and Rem if they found the boy as ridiculous as she did.

“You really are just a child, Barusu,” she teased in a light, playful tone.

The earth dragon snorted and flicked its tail. Subaru froze and suddenly remembered Roswaal’s lesson from last week.

“Ground dragons are smart creatures. They cannot understand your words, but they can sense your feelings. Show them respect, or they will never bow to you.”

At the time, Subaru had laughed it off. But now—

Roswaal stepped forward gracefully, reaching out a pale hand. Subaru flinched, fearing she might be thrown across the courtyard. Instead, the dragon nudged its massive snout into her palm with a low rumble, like a cat greeting its owner.

“What? How is it… cuddling you?!”

A soft laugh escaped Roswaal. “Did you think otherwise? This dragon has known my touch since it was a hatchling. Loyalty is built, Subaru. It takes respect, patience, and devotion. Maybe you should learn that?”

Her golden eyes sparkled with unspoken meaning. Subaru's laughter faded, replaced by a blush.

“Keeping a dragon—it's seriously impressive. I mean… of course, you’d manage it…”

Ram snorted from the side. “You’re embarrassing yourself again, Barusu. Did you really think you could provoke a ground dragon and not look foolish?”

“Huh? You weren’t even watching me!”

“Ara, did it really happen?” she asked smoothly, wrinkling her nose in mock disdain.

Subaru groaned, rubbing his hair. “Give me a break…”

Ram sniffed and narrowed her eyes. “You have leaves and dirt all over you. Try not to dirty the carriage. You’ll be sitting with Roswaal-sama, after all. Don’t be a nuisance.”

“Ehhh? You’re as harsh as ever!”

While they argued, Rem quietly finished loading the luggage. The atmosphere shifted as everything settled, the dragon stamping its feet impatiently. Subaru glanced back at the mansion one last time.

*Beako didn’t even come to see us off, huh…*

Just then, the front door creaked open slightly. A pale, doll-like face peeked out, looking toward them before flinching at Subaru’s gaze. She hesitated, then withdrew, leaving only a faint glimpse of cream-colored hair in the shadows.

Subaru chuckled softly. *So she does care…*

“Subaru? What’s wrong?”

He turned around. Emilia was leaning out of the carriage door, her violet eyes curious. He reached for the handle in a panic, only to feel a delicate hand catch his—Roswaal’s hand.

“Come, Barusu,” she purred, pulling him up with surprising strength. Subaru stumbled inside, his face flushing as her perfume enveloped him. She smiled faintly and settled back beside him with queenly grace.

Once they were aboard, Rem cracked the reins. The dragon surged forward, the carriage creaking as it rolled onto the open road. Subaru leaned out of the window, waving dramatically to the retreating figure of Ram.

“See you later! Take care, you two!”

Ram's eyes narrowed, faintly amused. “If something happens, at least try to act as a meat shield. You *do* have a talent for being a decoy.”

“Hey! I’ve got to have *some* better qualities than that!”

But before he could shout again, the mansion faded into the distance. Subaru sank into the plush seat, feeling the hum of the dragon’s footsteps beneath him.

Inside, the compartment was small but elegant, cozy luxury that pressed him close between Emilia and Roswaal. He swallowed, suddenly aware of the sweet scent, the silken rustle of Roswaal’s sleeve, and Emilia’s warmth beside him.

Roswaal’s golden gaze slid toward him like a blade in silk. “Settle down, Barusu. The road to the capital is long. We wouldn’t want you wearing yourself out before the real performance starts, would we?”

Her words stuck in his mind as the scenery blurred past, the capital getting closer with every thump of the dragon’s stride.

The carriage swayed gently but far more smoothly than Subaru expected. The dragon’s pace devoured the road, the landscape flashing by the small window like the world was fast-forwarding.

“This is… incredibly fast. It’s like riding in a car, but less bumpy. Rem’s outside driving this speed? Isn’t that dangerous?!” Subaru leaned toward the window, frowning. “Won’t the wind mess her up or blow her hair everywhere?”

Emilia giggled. “It’s fine, Subaru. Earth dragons have divine protection. The ‘Protection of Wind’ means neither the carriage nor the rider feel the gusts.”

“Divine protection, huh…?” Subaru tilted his head. “That’s come up a few times, but I don’t really understand what it is.”

“Blessings you’re born with,” Emilia explained patiently, though her tone held a hint of disbelief. “They’re rare, but those who have them always know. Earth dragons with wind protection, Reinhard with his many blessings… even Felt’s speed probably comes from one.”

Roswaal chimed in, her voice low and smooth, brushing against his ear. “A world where some are born with gifts and others with nothing. Quite a cruel lottery, don’t you think, Subaru-kun?”

Her golden eyes held his gaze, unblinking.

“Ehh… so you’re saying I definitely don’t have one?” Subaru scratched his cheek nervously. “That’s a bit… depressing.”

Emilia’s expression softened, as if she had stepped on something fragile. “I’m sorry. Most people don’t, Subaru. It’s not odd.”

“Yeah, yeah. Guess that dream's over…” He slumped, then forced a grin. “Still, I’ve got something better anyway. Meeting you, Emilia-tan, is way more of a blessing than some fancy skill!”

Emilia blushed. “You always say embarrassing things like that…”

But Roswaal’s gaze never wavered from Subaru, her smile curling like a predator eyeing its prey.

“My, my, such loyalty. Perhaps… your devotion *is* your divine protection, Subaru-kun,” she whispered. The carriage rocked slightly as her shoulder brushed against him, intentionally close. “But be careful. Blessings can become a curse if misused.”

Her words hung heavy in the air. Subaru laughed it off, but his heart raced, tangled in fear and flattery.

The carriage’s close quarters pressed them together, more than was comfortable. Roswaal leaned back, her silk skirts pooling around her, while Emilia, still blushing from Subaru’s comment, turned the conversation to plans in the capital. Subaru sat stiffly between them, feeling warmth on one side and heat on the other.

Trying to lighten the mood, he raised a hand. “Hey, Emilia-tan, can I sit by the window? I just want to see the view better!”

“You’re not feeling sick, are you?” she asked, concerned.

“Nope! Just want to enjoy the scenery.”

Emilia smiled and shifted, brushing against his shoulder as they swapped seats. Subaru grinned, pleased by the faint scent she left behind.

“You’re disgusting,” Emilia muttered, half-teasing, half-serious.

But Roswaal let out a low chuckle, her golden eyes darting between them. “Ara, so easily pleased, Subaru-kun. A little warmth, a smile, a brief touch. You’d make such a compliant servant if only you’d allow yourself to be.”

Subaru stiffened. “Y-you make it sound creepy when you say it like that!”

Her laughter rang through the small space, elegant yet sharp. Emilia frowned slightly, but Roswaal’s smile remained.

The dragon's stride thundered on, bringing them closer to the capital—closer to politics, danger, and the games Roswaal was silently setting in motion.

The dragon-carriage rumbled through the broad stone-paved streets of the capital, its wheels humming against a surface smoother than the mountain paths in Roswaal’s territory. The towering spires of Lugunica's royal city loomed in the distance, sunlight glinting off the tiled roofs. Subaru pressed his face to the window like an excited child, absorbing the sights of merchants shouting prices, knights patrolling, and nobles gliding in carriages far more luxurious than theirs.

“Whoa… it’s like an RPG town on steroids. All it needs is a save point crystal!”

Emilia blinked. “A what?”

“Nothing! Just—this is a big deal for me, that’s all.” Subaru waved his hands, embarrassed.

Roswaal, seated elegantly with one leg crossed, rested her hands under her chin. “How amusing. Even now, your metaphors slip free, as if you were raised in another world.”

Her words hit too close to home. Subaru froze, a bead of sweat forming on his temple. He forced a laugh, but Roswaal’s eyes lingered with weight, as if she could peel back his layers and see what was beneath.

The carriage slowed near the central plaza. Guards raised their halberds, bowing when they recognized Roswaal’s crest painted on the lacquered doors.

Rem dismounted with sharp, precise movements, while Subaru stumbled out, stretching his cramped legs. The air buzzed with voices—vendors shouting prices, carriages creaking, pigeons scattering.

“Try not to look *too* much like a tourist, Subaru,” Emilia whispered, tugging gently at his sleeve. “We’re here for serious business.”

“Yes, yes, I know. Capital, royal selection, suitors, politics… scary stuff. Got it.” Subaru straightened, forcing seriousness onto his face, though awe shone in his eyes.

Roswaal stepped down last, her gown flowing like liquid silk onto the cobblestones. Even among the nobility, she drew attention—graceful, dangerous, commanding. She leaned slightly down, her lips brushing close to Subaru’s ear as she whispered just for him:

“Stay close to me, Subaru-kun. The capital devours the careless. You’ll find… only my shadow is safe.”

Her scent lingered as she stepped forward to address the waiting officials, leaving Subaru frozen, ears burning, his heart racing. He couldn't tell if it was comfort or a threat.