5
Subaru closed the door behind him. Only Anastasia remained in the room where the meeting had taken place a few hours earlier. It was as if she was waiting for someone. Maybe for him?
- Julius is coming with us," he announced from the entrance.
- Oh, I see. I'm very glad," she answered with a smile. - I will be calmer having him with me.
That's how I figured I'd find her here.
- Something happened to make you look at me that way?
- That means five of us are going to the Pleiades Tower. Emilia, Beatrice, me, Julius and you.
- You said it beautifully, with such firmness! As a man should. Only... I sensed a certain hostility in your voice... As if...
Subaru purposely shut the door properly before he started this conversation.
- Stop this fooling around. I know you're not Anastasia. Stop using her voice and her face.
Her smile disappeared. She slowly tilted her head, cunningly squinting her eyes.
- Well, well, well. Interesting. Why do you think I'm not Ana? - she asked in a completely different tone. Her voice was still seemingly friendly, but suddenly it was as if something essential was missing. The change was so pronounced that it was impossible not to recognize that someone else was speaking.
Subaru clenched his teeth. He had assessed the situation well.
Too bad. I was hoping I was wrong after all....
- You should have played it better. Anastasia has a very realistic approach to life, probably the hardest on the ground of all the candidates, but she never lacks empathy. It was immediately apparent that your reaction to Ricardo's disability was strange. Anastasia would never have acted so... inhuman.
- What a shame. You made me sad. Someone manages to see through me all the time, though I must admit... I was pleased that it was Ana's empathy that so caught your attention.
- Still? Anyone else besides me figured it out?
- Priscilla Barielle noticed it too. She called me Foxy. I have to watch out for her and Al.
- Priscilla? Al? They too? Damn it, I thought I was first. They didn't say anything!
They both have too many secrets! Al seems to know more than I expected, but he certainly won't say anything. I still can't figure them out....
- All the same. We'd better talk about you. Why are you pretending to be Anastasia? Are you... ?
- No, let's stipulate this at the outset, I am not the Archbishop of Lust.
Capella certainly would have no problem transforming into Anastasia, which is why she was the first to come to his mind.
She immediately denied it, but after all, she could be lying...
- So who are you? Are you gonna tell me?
- Echidna.
What did she say?
- What?
Subaru prepared himself for a long, hard guess, but she simply introduced herself. This completely knocked him off his feet. Immediately his mouth went dry, his brain stopped working. He was so startled that for a moment he forgot to breathe.
- My name is Echidna. I'm... well, I'm an artificial spirit.
- What?
- I had no choice but to take over Ana's body. The situation forced me to. I wasn't sure if I should tell you the truth, but as it turns out, lying doesn't pay. I just lost your trust. I deeply regret pretending to be her," she trailed off, ignoring Subaru. She didn't notice how he reacted to her name.
The boy listened to her carefully. Everything about this girl made him think of the Witch of Greed. That neutral tone of voice, devoid of humanity, that twisted way of speaking....
- Is this a bad joke? Are you Echidna? - He reluctantly pronounced her name.
He was convinced that he would never hear of her again.
Curiosity personified. A woman who lured me in for "tea" and then used me like a puppet. Who wanted to see everything.
- Since when do you pretend to be Anastasia? No. When did you get out? This attack on Priestella was your doing, too?
- Hm? No, wait. If that's how you reacted to my name, then...
- Shut up! Nothing good ever comes from your talking! - He knew her presence meant trouble for him. - Are you trying to use me for something again?!
- Rel... ...relax... This is a misunderstanding...
Echidna moved carefully away from the angry Subaru.
- You want me to calm down? Calm down?! You must be crazy! You think you can fool me with your talk?! You mean witch! What did you do to Anastasia?!
- I really wish you'd stop treating me like the enemy. I'm not some devious villain. Above all, I have no intention of harming Ana. I've been with her for over a decade. She's like family to me.
- But cunning is your specialty! Hey... wait... For over a decade? - He looked up.
So she could always go outside the Sanctuary? But that doesn't make sense. She was supposed to be trapped in the tomb! So she was lying? Shit! It turns out she was screwing me again! How stupid I am!
- Is it really that nice to fool people like that?
- Oh, my... I'm surprised there's so much negativity in you. I thought it would be different, after all, you have Beatrice. And you know my maker well.
- Do I know you well? This has got to be a joke.
Subaru could feel the anger growing within him. Echidna, on the contrary, was becoming more and more composed. This in turn enraged him even more. In fact, she was still getting on his nerves.
- I'm not getting involved in this. I'm sure you used the cult to...
- Artificial spirit.
- What?
- I think you were so surprised by my name that you didn't register the rest. I think that if you remember that I said "I'm an artificial spirit", this conversation will go much easier - she said, casually sitting down on a chair. She indicated Subaru to sit opposite her.
The boy said nothing, but gestured for her to decline her offer.
- Are you an artificial spirit too? - He blew his brains out. - Like Beako? You?!
- No matter how many times you ask, I will answer you the same way. That's who I am. My true form is that foxy bedspread that Ana always wears. I've been right under your nose all this time, you just didn't realize it," she said, stroking her beautiful fur.
Subaru furrowed his brow in thought. He wasn't convinced that Echidna was telling the truth.
Echidna... Or should I say Eridna? She said she was a spirit and somehow... if that makes sense? Well, I already know the Witch can create spirits. Beatrice, for example. That monster’s only good work.
- Have you now become eager to hear what I have to say?
- Only if it is clear and concise," he answered, looking into her eyes. It didn't look like Eridna was going to do anything to him, but caution was never too much.
- First, let's clear up a misunderstanding. You look at me with such distrust... But this isn't about me, it's about my namesake, isn't it?
- Continue...
- It's very simple. The Echidna you're thinking of isn't me. It's some other Echidna I don't know. I had no idea anyone else had that name. I don't know much about my past at all. Only that I was artificially created, that I'm called that, and nothing else...
- End of conversation! - Subaru slammed his palm on the tabletop.
I'm sick of this nonsense! She's just trying to tell me that she lost her memory and doesn't know who she is! This is some ridiculous story, I can't believe Echidna could come up with something so stupid! And I'm supposed to waste my time listening to such nonsense!
- This reaction surprises me greatly. After all, I just shared important information with you. I told the truth, and you're still angry.
- That's right! All of you, you don't understand human feelings at all!
- Yes, you hate my maker. - Eridna shook her head. - Think of it this way... I don't think I would start a conversation like this if I were really the evil one? After all, I would know that I would only make you angry. Why would I do that?
- Because... Because you find these things funny!
- Oh, my... She must be awful... - Eridna made a grim face.
Subaru had never seen such an expression on Anastasia's face before.
What he says makes sense. I've got so many doubts my head's full of them, but...
- Suppose you are not the Echidna I know. If that's the case, then you should know Beatrice, another artificial spirit. Although... you claim to have lost your memory... Damn, this amnesia thing is a very convenient tool.
- When I saw her, I knew who she was. You could say I could sense other spirits.
- Beatrice never said anything about you. If you two can smell each other, I think she should notice you, don't you? Don't make a fool out of her.
- I think if I moved while in my true form, she would know right away. Well... maybe it's my fault. It's possible I have some defect that makes it impossible for your Beatrice to sense me. I'm no saint.
- What do you mean?
For example, I can't make contracts. It's hard for me to use magic, so I have trouble even defending myself. But I'm pretty good at disguising myself. Well, I guess I'm not very good at it right now. - She lowered her voice and looked down.
Subaru looked at her with doubt. And then he finally understood.
- The archbishops were not looking for Beatrice, but...
- Possibly me, but we don't know for sure. I'm the one who decided that we should keep it from you. Ana really didn't want that. Now I regret it. - She lowered her head.
The boy remembered the one-on-one conversation he had with Anastasia just before the fight.
I already understand that she was looking to me for advice.
- Did she want to tell me everything then, only to change her mind at the last minute?
- She felt that withholding this information from you would only hurt us. She was very hesitant.
Subaru fell silent for a moment.
That's odd. I thought Anastasia wasn't reluctant to keep secrets, especially if she knew she could benefit from it.
- You finally decided to steal her body?
- Eh, again... I already told you it's wrong. I'm not comfortable with this situation either.
- So leave her alone. Go back to the fox skin.
- I'd love to... but I can't," she said quietly.
Subaru fell silent and thought about it. He shouldn't have trusted her. Everything she was saying seemed thickly sewn together. On the other hand, he figured the Witch wouldn't have made up such a story and began to believe Echidna in Anastasia's body.
He approached Eridna. He slowly sat down in the chair she had indicated to him earlier.
- Tell me more. What about Anastasia, anyway? - He asked.
She was surprised at this sudden change in behavior.
- Do you always play with women like this? If you can even call me a woman... With artificial spirits, gender isn't always easy to determine. But if Beatrice is a girl, I guess I'm a girl...
- You want me to leave?
- I'm sorry. I'm just glad you're finally talking to me normally.
She sounded like a real Echidna, she wanted to talk too. However, her apology looked sincere.
- I superimpose my existence on Anastasia's existence to take advantage of her From. That way I can move her body and use her gate to cast spells. Unfortunately, her gate does not function fully efficiently.
- Is it damaged?
- That's who we are, both of us. It's a special relationship. She has a malfunctioning gate, I can't bind myself to contracts...
- So Anastasia is not a spellcaster? - Subaru made sure.
Seemingly we're both connected to artificial spirits, but in very different ways.
Eridna nodded.
- Ana was born that way. I'm sure you know what a gate is for. It allows you to draw mana from the environment into your body and use it to cast spells. Ana can't do that and she's constantly running out of mana. I think you understand this very well, considering that you know a certain person who has a similar problem.
- I know? I don't know anything about that.
- Interesting. After all, that's the kind of damaged gate the Sword Saint inherited. He can draw infinite amounts of mana, but he cannot use it to cast spells. All that power is used to enhance his physical abilities.
- Reinhard does?
I heard he can't use magic, but I didn't ask for details. So that's why...
- So we're both in a similar situation. My gate has collapsed. I can't cast spells, so excess mana builds up in my body. It would destroy my Od if it weren't for Beako, who takes some every day.
- Ana's problem is the opposite. She can't draw power from the environment. She must use only what her body produces. If she used up everything, she would have to tap into what is in Od, the source of life...
- Is that why she doesn't use magic and hasn't contractually bound herself to any spirit? She has no mana to share...
I get it. Although it doesn't all add up...
- How is it possible to use the body of someone who has so little mana?
- I had no choice, I had to do it to save her. But first I asked her permission, she said yes. You have no right to interfere! - There was a flash in her eyes.
They are not bound by contract, but they are certainly close. It looks a lot like my relationship with Beatrice. Our contract is ours and no one has anything to do with it. Likewise, I have no right to interfere with what happens between them.
- The situation was unique, I had to borrow her body and mana! Otherwise, I would never have done it. Not once did I have to do it because I use very little energy.
- Wow. Beako has to grab my hand three times a day to download power.
- He just likes to do it! Normally, once would be enough. - Eridna giggled. - You two are very close.
She laughs just like Echidna. It's kind of scary to see Anastasia acting like a Witch... I wish she'd just be herself already... Julius needs her.
Subaru would feel safer then too.
- First time using her body?
- No. Fourth. But for the first time, I can't leave him and I don't know why. It's never been like this. Her consciousness fell deeply asleep in her Od. - She placed a hand on her chest. - I was surprised when you recognized that I wasn't Ana. And I was a little relieved. I'd hate to think she was so easy to fake.
For the first time he was in complete agreement with her.
I don't think it's possible to imitate someone's behavior perfectly. She couldn't become Anastasia. I'm enjoying this as much as she is.
- I wasn't the only one who realized something wasn't right. For someone who hangs out with Anastasia a lot, the change must be obvious. I'm just surprised I haven't heard from anyone.
- No, she only noticed Priscilla Barielle, so one who is not at all closely associated with her. You don't know her well either, and yet you noticed the difference. How do you explain that?
- It's probably just that her subordinates are busy with their own affairs right now. So is Julius.
Eridna squinted her eyes.
Oh? A touchy subject?
- Julius is Ana's knight, right? I thought so... Gluttony has a terrible power. Even I, an outsider, can get my memories stolen.
- Yeah. Exactly. Luckily, we're going to get information on how to deal with him... - he stopped. He quickly raised his head to look at her. After all, it was Eridna who had started talking about Shaula, and it was she who had suggested going to the Pleiades Tower.
- I love Ana. We're not bound by contract, but we've lived together for over ten years. You don't think I stayed with her that long by accident. I don't know much about people, but I think that's what they feel about family members. I want her to be healthy and happy. - She hugged herself.
There was not a hint of warmth in her impassive voice, but Subaru understood that she was overcome with strong emotions. Echidna loved Anastasia as much as Puck loved Emilia, and Beatrice loved Subaru.
- So you suggested a meeting with the Sage to...
- Yeah. To find out how to return Ana's body. That was the only thing that drove me. In fact, the fate of the victims of Lust and Gluttony doesn't concern me that much.
- How do you know that the Sage knows a way?
- I have no idea. But they say she sees and knows everything, so I just bet on the most likely option.
He only has his own goals in mind. At least I know he won't make up his mind. I just need to make sure of one more thing...
- I take it you know the way to the Pleiades Tower?
- Of course.
- You explained in the beginning that you lost your memory. If you don't remember anything, how do you know how to get there? Something doesn't add up.
- I know, that's all. I'd rather you didn't ask where... If I may use big words, it's... it is my destiny to be there," she announced solemnly.
- What do you mean? Who told you that?
- My maker.
Not good... It was created by Echidna. And surely Echidna left information in her memory about how to get to this Tower. So this place is connected to the Witch.
This meant that trouble awaited them. But on the other hand, even the Witch could be a source of a lot of valuable data.
Subaru was silent for so long that finally Eridna decided to ask:
- Have I convinced you?
He hesitated, but finally sighed.
- I wouldn't call it that... but I've come to understand a little of what you mean. You have a vested interest, but it doesn't conflict with ours.
- That's right. We'll help each other so that each one can find out from the Sage what interests them. That's not surprising.
- Oh, come on. I don't like making excuses like that.
- Oh, no!
Subaru was sick of talking to someone who looked like Anastasia, even though she wasn't. He was getting more and more uncomfortable.
The road to the Pleiades Tower will be long, these dunes are at the end of the world. And we will travel with her. We will still "enjoy" each other's company.
- I'd like to ask you something. You seem to know a lot about my creator. What is she like? Who is she?
Subaru made a reluctant face.
- A kind of... that doesn't stick in your mind.
Only the members of Emilia's camp knew that "Echidna" was the name of one of the seven Witches of Sin. No one else remembered it anymore, as the information had been erased from history along with most of the details of the events of four hundred years ago.
- Okay, I don't feel like talking to you anymore. I don't trust you right now. I'll let you know if that changes. You have your secrets, I have mine. You don't think you'd agree with me?
He didn't say it maliciously. He just thought Eridna might be hiding something and didn't want to show her all his cards right away.
She looked at him surprised.
- Why are you upset? Such a nice son, but so cruel! You're hurting me, Subaru! - she faked Anastasia's sweet tone and fixed her fox skin in her style.
She's not bad...
- You say words differently. Your dialect sounds wrong too. The Kararagians I know speak their own more coherently.
- More coherent? - she asked.
It was apparent that she intended to take Subaru's advice, even though it was not spoken in good faith. The pretense of dialect was clearly giving her a hard time.
She sighed, resigned.
I already know everything. I have no questions for her yet. Maybe Anastasia will come back to us... That only depends on the Sage's knowledge. But one more thing...
- Promise me you'll try to do better in front of Julius. So he doesn't find out. No one can know you're not Anastasia.
- Okay, fine. But why is it so important to you?
- Such a revelation would now cause unnecessary complications. Someone might get upset. But we want to get to the Sage without a hitch, right?
The worst thing would be if it turned out that the trip to the Pleiades Tower didn't work out. Then we'd have no way to help the Archbishop's victims! This can't happen.
- I'm counting on everything ending well, helping people and getting Anastasia back. And if, after the happy ending, we tell Ana's subordinates that they've been dealing with you all this time, they may get angry, but it won't have serious consequences.
- As Hoshin's motto goes, "count your profits at the end of the sale."
- I completely agree with him on this point.
That Hoshin guy was pretty good. I wonder if he was actually from Japan?
Subaru took a breath. The conversation had gone well, everything was settled. He headed for the exit.
I was relieved that Eridna didn't want to use Anastasia's body for some nefarious purpose.
- Oh, there's something else, Subaru.
- Yes?
- Or don't you have someone this trip can help?
His heart leapt into his throat. More than that, he was surprised by the sincere intentions behind the question. He wished he could have seen Echidna's face when she asked it, because when he turned around, all he saw was the fake smile of a quasi-Anastasia.
- Wouldn't it be useful to take someone affected by the Authority of Gluttony so that the Wise Woman could see for herself what was being discussed?
- It's...
- We'll stop by one of Roswaal's mansions on the way, right? After all, you need to prepare for the long journey across the desert and talk to the Count. That's where your sleeping princess is staying now... I'm not saying this in bad faith. It just seems to me that you want to save everyone, but her first... I think you can afford to give yourself that personal priority.
Her velvety voice seemed enticing, yet there was something demonic about it.
I know what she means. I know I'd love to do that...
Instead of answering Eridna, he only whispered:
- Rem...
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