Chapter 7
The Wrinkles that Remain on the Water’s Surface
1
A meeting was in progress in the large hall at the evacuation point, attended by those deserving of the city's defense. Nearly fifty people in total, though still many could not attend, including Garfiel and Otto.
Kiritaka was the first to speak.
- First, I must thank you all. I lack the words to express how grateful I am for the efforts you have made to defend Priestella," he said, then bowed low.
- You've been through a lot yourself. You must have been scared when Sirius kidnapped you," Subaru said.
- I was sure I was going to die, but they had something else in mind. If they wanted me dead, I certainly wouldn't be here.
- Sirius didn't want to kill you? - Subaru wondered.
Everyone was equally surprised. Kiritaka waited for the whispers to die down, then nodded with a mysterious expression.
- That's why I'm alive. Though of course I must also acknowledge the contributions of my subordinates and Lady Anastasia's Iron Fangs.
- It must be difficult for the Archbishop to escape, even with such help.
- It's true," Kiritaka lowered his gaze.
So many people risked their lives to help him. At times like this, you feel like a burden to others. It's better not to think about your powerlessness, because you can break down. I know that best myself.
- But... if she didn't want to kill you... then why all this? - asked a confused Emilia.
- Because Mr. Kiritaka is one of the members of the Council of Ten, right? - Liliana prompted. At that, she sounded extremely serious, completely unlike herself. However, when she felt that all eyes turned towards her, her seriousness immediately disappeared. She waved her hands in panic. – Well if... Well... If all the Council members died, the cult would have no way to find the Witch's remains! That's why they couldn't let him die... - she interrupted uncertainly. - Right, Lady Priscilla?
- I don't wish anyone to involve me in this whole circus. How can I know what those dirty cowards have come up with," replied Priscilla, fanning herself indifferently.
- Huh?! Why are you leaving me! - groaned the Songstress.
Priscilla ignored the girl. Instead, she swept her gaze around the room and sighed whimsically.
- Any attempt to review the thinking of these nits is pointless. If you're so keen on wasting time, perhaps you'd better think about how to extract information from the one we captured! - she announced bluntly.
- Ja, that makes sense... - Anastasia rested her chin on her hand. - Although... I'm thinking that we can't use this franchise. The Archbishops are specialists in spreading disinformation. The sooner we can catch her, the better for us.
- But then we'll lose our only clue! - Ferris protested. He clenched his teeth.
Subaru wasn't the least bit surprised by his reaction.
No wonder this solution doesn't suit him. After all, what he cares about most is helping Crusch. With knowledge, Sirius could find a way to neutralize the dragon blood. It might be his only chance.
- I'm very sorry about what happened to Ms. Crusch, but I don't think Wrath knows anything about the Authority of Lust. I think nothing will come of it.
- You're just guessing! Don't talk as if you know! - he protested angrily.
Anastasia must have understood that the idea of killing a hostage was pretty radical, because she didn't try to defend it.
- Can I say something?
In a tense atmosphere, Subaru raised his hand to speak.
- I know it's a little scary to hold a prisoner like that, but I don't think it's pointless at all.
- Please give us a clear answer. Do you think she shouldn't be killed? - Ferris asked.
- At worst, I can help Crusch. I could give her some relief by taking some of that black stuff on myself. Or maybe even all of it, why not.
- What? - Ferris was stunned.
Everyone was looking at the boy now, amazed that he was willing to do something so dangerous.
- Subaru," said Emilia with a slight resentment in her voice. - Please, avoid taking risks... Don't immediately offer to do something that could harm you. We'll only let you take on this curse as a last resort.
- I don't do these things because I like to. I just know I can ease her suffering. The situation's not that hopeless. If anything, I'm there. I can sacrifice a piece of skin to help her. What's the harm in having a black back or buttocks...
He respected Crusch and owed her a debt of gratitude. He wanted very much to help her. Ferris didn't know what to say.
- Ferris, sit down, please. Subaru is right," said Wilhelm, putting a hand on his shoulder.
- I know, I know," muttered the feline knight. There were tears in his eyes. He wanted to say something more, but gave up and sat down without saying a word.
The atmosphere had relaxed somewhat, but there was still the burning question of what to do with Sirius.
Looks like reaching an agreement won't be easy. How about the person who keeps this woman alive speak up? Besides, I would never have guessed that it would be you who would bring a captive. - Anastasia sneered at Priscilla, who did not even deign to look at her.
- Am I to be responsible for her life or death? - she said, hiding a mocking smile behind her fan. - Don't make me laugh, Fox. I didn't find her, but someone from the crowd who was walking along the canal, looking for the Songstress.
- Why didn't you kill her right away?
- You don't understand. When I drew my sword, I did it to kill her. And since she survived, it was meant to be and the rest is none of my business. I'm more comfortable with that course of action.
- Hmmm. I don't get it, but let it be...
Anastasia apparently decided there was no point in pursuing the subject further... I don't blame her at all. A normal person can't understand Priscilla. I doubt Al and Schult understand her...
- Let me give you my opinion... - Reinhard said. - I am against the execution. Of course we all wish for Lady Crusch's recovery, but it should also be remembered that this is an unprecedented situation. We have been given a wonderful opportunity to learn something about the Witch cult.
- And I think that it's better to just crucify her. - Felt immediately and without hesitation opposed her own knight. - These types are trash. You can't have a normal conversation with them. It's better to kill them before they trick you into something. Otherwise you'll be sorry...
- Lady Felt...
- And lest you think I'm saying this to spite you. This time the situation is serious.
Subaru had many times had the opportunity to watch the former thief argue with Reinhard just to upset him. This time, however, there was every indication that the girl really did have a bad feeling.
- I think - Reinhard undertook - that the fate of the Archbishop should be decided by the King, and in his absence by the Council. Let us send her to the capital and hand her over to the knights.
- Isn't that dangerous? - Anastasia remarked. - We're talking about the Archbishop of Sin. We don't know what she's capable of.
- I can escort her to the capital myself. I'll give her advice if she needs it.
- We don't doubt it. But what about your wounded? What about Lady Felt? Do you wish to leave your lady unattended?
- If he goes with Wrath to the capital, then so will I. This time it must be so," the blonde spoke up.
Everyone was somewhat surprised, and Reinhard himself was the most surprised. He had rather expected that Felt would want to get rid of him, especially since she had stood her ground just now.
- Fool, don't think of anything else! - cried the candidate, wryly. - I still think it's a bad idea, but I'm not going to leave you alone now!
- Why?
- I don't know. That's what my heart tells me! Ask her, maybe she'll answer you! - She stuck out her tongue.
Reinhard blinked, confused. Finally, he nodded uncertainly,
What is this all about? I think only they themselves understand... I'm sure Reinhard was very pleased.
- What about Camberley?
- She's got her hands full with your daddy, plus dealing with Rachins and Gaston. Get them back to the mansion as soon as possible! - decided Felt.
Reinhard nodded.
- Then it's settled! - Felt clapped her hands. - Me and Reinhard will take the Archbishop to the capital. Sound okay? Kitty? Carrot?
Ferris reluctantly nodded, and Priscilla didn't even notice that she was the one being mentioned, so she completely ignored the question.
Since Reinhard will take care of it, I guess there's nothing to worry about? The specialists from the capital will definitely pull some information out of her.
- Mr. Kiritaka, what do you think? - Anastasia asked. - Please speak up as a representative of the city.
- I have no objection. I am a councilman but matters related to Archbishop Sin are beyond my jurisdiction. Let the Sages deal with it," he replied. - There is another matter we should discuss. The Archbishops have wronged many residents. I mean...
- People turned into flies and those who lost their names. Victims of Lust and Gluttony," Anastasia finished.
Everyone held their breath.
- She hasn't transformed everyone into flies... ...but I'll take the liberty of speaking of fly people for ease of reference. There have been so many casualties that it's impossible to count... - said Kiritaka.
- That bitch... - Furious, Subaru clenched his teeth. He thought of the town hall employees. He had seen with his own eyes the horrible fate they had suffered. He also saw the man who was unlucky enough to be turned into a black dragon.
Who knows how many people she actually hurt.
- Ferris, your magic won't help them?
- No. I can remedy illnesses and wounds, but they were transformed, not wounded. Healing magic doesn't apply here. I'm sorry.
He looked exhausted. It was sad to look at him. Now he was worried not only about the condition of his mistress, but also about the fate of the inhabitants.
He must feel terribly powerless.... No wonder he looks so depressed. And the ones who are flies now? It must be hard for them.
- Do they not long for death? Since there is little chance of them becoming human again, it would be merciful to free them from this vile existence.
- Pri... Priscilla! How can you! - shouted a surprised Subaru.
- Be silent, you simpleton. - She gave him a merciless look. - They will get nothing from our empty considerations. We need to think about what we can actually do. And if nothing, then with my own hands, I will fulfill a merciful ministry.
Subaru wanted very much to protest, but he had no way.
He's right... It's cruel, but true. We can't help them by talking. What if she took the suffering of these people most seriously? She's not afraid of the thought that she might have to have their blood on her hands...
Subaru was already about to give up, but then Emilia came forward, All eyes focused on her.
- Just a minute, please. Will you let me handle this? - she said.
- Oh?
- Huh? - Priscilla crossed her arms over her stomach, provocatively displaying her breasts. She teased, certain that she had met resistance. - Interesting, What could a witch's spawn have to say? Do you think you can convince me?
- I don't know if I could, Also, I'm not at all saying there is any way to have an immediate solution.
- Phi," snorted the redhead, bursting out laughing. - What then? Are you going to cry? Do you think that will help anyone? They don't care about your tears. With every passing moment, they lose faith in the meaning of Life.
He's right. I've died so many times in dramatic circumstances, and even I can hardly imagine how people turned into insects must feel. They've probably lost hope and are terribly afraid. And the longer it goes on, the worse it gets.
- I want to show them mercy, end their suffering. And what do you propose?
- I'll get the time I need to find a way to disenchant them.
- What?
- I can make them fall asleep in the ice," the half elf replied. getting up. - I did exactly that a few hours ago, so I know I can. Yes... I definitely can! Let me take care of it! - she announced forcefully and looked around.
They all looked puzzled.
- Of course! - cried Subaru, snapping his fingers. - Cold Sleep! That'll give us plenty of time!
- Is that even possible? Won't they die? - Anastasia had her doubts.
- They'll be fine! I slept in ice myself for a hundred years! - she shrugged her shoulders.
- Excuse me?!
There was a commotion in the room.
That's brilliant! On top of that, EMA is going to show what she can do. I'm really looking forward to it! Admittedly it doesn't solve the problem, but it gives us plenty of time.
There is another way that comes to mind. It seems to me that I can defeat Capella and take her Witch Factor.
He sensed that he had two Witch Factors in him, one Sloth and the other Greed. He knew that by having these Factors, he had also taken over the Authorities. If he could also seize the power of Lust, perhaps he could change these people back.
But that's just speculation. After all, we don't even know how it works... but if nothing else, it's worth a try.
Subaru pondered the Witch Factors, and everyone else pondered Emilia's proposal. Kiritaka didn't look convinced.
- What are you worried about? - Liliana asked, then patted him on the back. - It wouldn't hurt to try!
- You think so?
The girl grabbed the lily and, tugging the strings, began to intone:
- Let's trust the beautiful Lady Emilia... Let's trust them to make it...
- Of course I want to believe that too, but we're putting a lot of people's lives on the line. Now that I'm left alone on the Council of Ten, I have to be more prudent in my conclusions....
- Don't worry! She'll make it! And you want to know why? Because great heroes and great heroines, whose names are written in history, overcame such obstacles without difficulty! It is thanks to Lady Emilia and her deeds that I will compose a song that will touch millions, move hearts and souls! - she exclaimed proudly.
Subaru felt a strange conviction that Liliana's fantasies would one day become reality. That Emilia would accomplish great deeds, and the Songstress would create a masterpiece about it. Besides, he wasn't the only one who felt that way.
Priscilla grunted, then laughed out loud.
- What bold words, Songstress! But if you're not right, you'll have to come up with some other inspiration for your piece.
- I'm right, for sure! I can vouch for that with my head! Liliana will not take back what she said! - she announced solemnly.
- Excellent! - exclaimed Priscilla. - Excellent. And you have my permission, witch’s spawn. Know that you owe it to the chirping of the Songstress.
- I'll take care of it! I'm sure it will work! - Emilia clenched her fists. She knew what she wanted to do, she knew she could do it.
Priscilla measured her with her eyes and snorted with laughter.
- Try it. If you succeed, I can treat you as my opponent.
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