CHAPTER 4
THE STARS ETCHED INTO HISTORY
1
“I am sorry for being unable to aid you at the crucial moment. I have no excuse for my failure.”
Reinhard apologized as everyone’s attention focused on him. And as the Sword Saint lowered his head, no one could muster an immediate response. It would be simple enough to smooth the awkwardness over on a surface level, but they could not hide their true feelings with something so half-hearted.
It was still true that during the few hours when they most desperately needed every last bit of fighting power, Reinhard had been nowhere to be found. They could not help wondering what would have happened if he had joined the assault on city hall.
Because of that, none of them could assure him that it was all water under the bridge.
No one except—
“You got that right, you jerk. Do you know how much trouble we had while you were gone?”
—Subaru, who followed that up with a pointed little jab to the Sword Saint’s chest.
His only reaction was to look at Subaru apologetically. Subaru simply snorted.
“And if you were gonna come at all, you should have done it fifteen minutes earlier. I ended up having to give a performance way outside my comfort zone thanks to you. That was supposed to have been your job.”
“Forgive me… However, that was an excellent speech worthy of your reputation. Even if I had been asked to do the same, I would not have been able to manage a broadcast that stirred the people’s courage so magnificently. You were the right choice for that task.”
“I think people would be looking for different things if it was you and not me.”
Subaru jabbed Reinhard in the chest once more for good measure after receiving his wry smile and praise. And then, as the hero still looked apologetic, Subaru held his finger out in front of Reinhard’s face.
“Reinhard, forget a hundred other people. I’d take you over a thousand soldiers. So how ’bout it, can I pin that much hope on you? I’ll be counting on you.”
“ ”
Even that did not even begin to describe how reassuring his presence was. Having Reinhard’s help was like knowing a full army of reinforcements stood at their back.
Reinhard blinked his blue eyes at how open Subaru’s anticipation was. But his surprise soon faded as the Sword Saint’s lips curved into a smile.
“Yes, you can count on me. If that is what you want, then I’ll live up to your expectations.”
“Oooh, so reliable… I can feel my heart fluttering.” Subaru flashed Reinhard a smile, putting him at ease before turning to the others and pointing back at him. “All right, we’ve got Reinhard with us now. You guys should say whatever you want to say while you can. At times like this, it feels way worse to be all awkward and careful around one another. Besides, it isn’t every day you get a chance to tell off the Sword Saint when he’s practically begging you to be mad at him. Let him have a piece of your mind.”
“ ”
“And once you’re done picking on him, let’s get down to business and figure out how to save everyone,” Subaru announced with an easy wink.
He could hear some startled breaths but saw that Otto and Garfiel simply broke into grins at Subaru’s familiar tough act.
Well, it was fine as long as at least one or two people could tell how he really felt.
—He had just done a whole speech about not shouldering everything yourself, after all.
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