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CHAPTER 22: WEAKNESS 

Subaru wakes up in the middle of the night. He removes his thin blanket and gives a light stretch, taking care not to make any noise while doing, and stifles a yawn as he looks around. Lots of others are there, the sound of their deep breathing audible. Seems Subaru's the only one of the group awake. Which is natural, since the sky outside the window of the cathedral is pitch dark, with not a glimpse of sunlight. 

No clocks so it's not clear what the time is exactly, but it's obviously not time for anyone to be up. Normally you'd just go back to sleep here until morning, but Subaru went to bed early and won't be able to get back to sleep so that's not gonna happen. 

Subaru folds up his blanket and gets up. The sleepers around him are the evacuees from Arlam Village. Subaru declined the private dwelling allocated to him and decided to come here to the cathedral to sleep with the villagers. 

The sleeping spot the villagers've given to Subaru is one near the front wall of the cathedral, which is a niceish spot, but he's also surrounded by children. Ultimately, the children like Subaru and really bitched about wanting to be with him, and the adults are all under restrictions too, so Subaru's coming to the cathedral was an attempt to lessen the burden on the children. 

Anyway he exits the cathedral while being careful not to step on anyone. The air outside is damp, and thick clouds cover the sky, blocking the stars from view. It's not clear if the weather's going to get worse, but it's unlikely it's going to be a sunny day. 

Subaru notes that actually he's never had a rainy day yet in this world, even though from what people've told him it seems like the place has seasons. 

He's heard that the seasons are divided into 'Red, Blue, Yellow, Green' similar to how people's magic attributes are. Subaru figures that this world has a rainy season too, since with it being neither hot or cold out the wind definitely gives an impression of being just after the rainy season. 

This segways into Subaru's habits of airing out his futon which are predictably shit and default to Naoko stealing the futon out from under Subaru and putting out to air until it's all nice and smells sunny. 

Subaru unwinds his body with some callisthenics. The cathedral grounds are spacious, and there's enough room for all the villagers to stretch out their legs while sleeping, and enough blankets for everyone. The only real downside is sleeping on the floor really makes your body feel stiff. 

Subaru expresses yearning for his old futon or otherwise the mansion's fluffy beds. Subaru's been sleeping like this for four, five days. He figures all the villagers who've been here longer are more sick of it than him. 

While the villagers try to act all hale when around Subaru, it's undeniable that their expressions are getting more and more worn by the burden each day. They smile and shit when Subaru subarus around at mealtimes or whatever, but that they don't speak much outside those times is probably due to stress. 

An undesired evacuation, right into a captive lifestyle. Their Lord got injured trying to do his job and make circumstances better for them, and situation is that people are more worried about the future than the present conditions. Being that Subaru is technically part of said Lord's faction, it wouldn't be weird for the villagers to be having more fault with him, but, 

Subaru: “They're not the type of people to throw sparks around like that. As part of the governor's group, leaning on the people's good judgment's honestly a failure.” 

Actually the reason why the Arlam villagers aren't lashing out or anything similar at Subaru is because they feel strong, honest gratitude and debts toward him. Since Subaru doesn't value his own achievements very highly, he's presupposing that the evacuees just have very genuine hearts. However, 

Subaru: “Imposing on everyone's feelings like that isn't gonna hold out for long.” 

—Subaru and the others had already entered their SIXTH DAY in SANCTUARY. 

You can add an extra week onto that for the villagers, who got here before Subaru, and have spent nearly 2 weeks getting the wonderful experience of living in captivity. They've told the villagers that those who evacuated for the Royal Capital are safe so there's no huge anxiety over being away from family members, but that they've spent 2 weeks with nothing to do is definitely taking a strain on them mentally. 

It was only a matter of time before the effects of Roswaal's self-injury to garner sympathy would wear out. 

When that time ran out, what'd probably come is a clash between Sanctuary and the villagers, an undesirable result for Subaru, who wanted support from both sides. 

Subaru: “Honestly, I got nothing. Just what to do about this...” 

???: “—Yer not goin' any further than here.” 

Tilting his head in deliberation, the threat stops Subaru's foot before he can venture onward any further. Subaru looks around, but only sees a dark forest of trees, having just taken a stroll to an area somewhat separated from the cathedral. 

???: “Goin' walkin' round this early'n the morning, 's that a nice hobby or leisurely mood ya got. Feels right like MUJIGAEMUJIGAE PICKIN' BETWEEN RED AND BLUE BERRIES.” 

Saying his familiar unfamiliar sayings, a blond young man jumps down from the branches of the trees overhead. Garfiel lands with all four limbs contacting the ground, not making a sound in doing, and he closes one eye as he looks up at Subaru, keeping that posture. 

Garfiel: “Yer ain't lookin' much surprised. That threat really do nothin'?” 

Subaru: “If I hadn't been thinking this'd happen and ran into you I'd be shocked as anything, but I had a feeling if I wandered around here I'd see you. Didn't think you'd be coming from up in the trees though.” 

Garfiel: “You were lookin' for my amazin' self?” Sceptical, Garfiel gets up and goes to stand opposite Subaru, being half a head shorter than him. Subaru: “Yeah,” Subaru: “I thought it'd be too early out so I wasn't hoping too hard, but I'm glad we got to meet. 

...Also, mind if I ask what that threat was about?” 

Garfiel: “Ain't anythin' big. Further forward, on this side'a th' forest's my amazin' self's huntin' ground. Ya get lost 'n wander'n inside, and you'll have my teeth snap yer neck bones apart 'sall.” Subaru: “That's not an 'is all'! That's something crazy serious!” Yells Subaru, shocked at how smooth and fucking outrageous that statement was, shattering the  silence of the night and sending a good deal of formerly-sleeping birds and beasts into retreat. Garfiel: “...Ugh. Oi, yer just made most all'a 'em get away, whatt'm I gonna do now?” Subaru: “The cowards. The meat of such weaklings as those would transmit their feebleness to you  just by eating. —esque train of thought is one idea, how does magnanimously letting this slide  sound?” Garfiel: “Wouldn't't be nice 'f that dinner meat sittin' on toppa yer blood dis'ppear'd t' nothin' from t'day on.” 

Subaru: “I'm sorry! I wasn't trying to do it! It was my fault! I'll go fishing at the river with Otto  today, so say it's all paid off and even!” With nothing merchantly to do, it seems Otto's been spending his days going fishing. Unfortunately, he's terrible. That he gets casts where all that happens is the bait gets eaten is truly Otto-esque. 

Garfiel: “Ha, that guy's luck's so abysmal it don't even make damn sense. Ain't like he's smart 'er  dumb. And he's still like that. 'S HEAVENS SIGH AT THE DENZEN SO LAME TO THE RAIN.” Subaru: “He's to spice things up or I guess he's a named character or, well he's helpful, in a position where when you have a guy like him around the conversations get lively. He's saved me in lots of ways... mainly as a change of pace.” 

Garfiel: “Change of pace...” Mutters Garfiel. Garfiel: “So, that change 'a pace 'er whatever really workin' out fer you?” 

Subaru: “Meaning?” 

Garfiel: “Don't play dumb. 'S plain obvious that bunch'n th' cathedr'l're almost at their limit. You n'  that guy can't keep things d'stracted forever.” Subaru: “Being that you just stabbed into a painful spot, you've really been paying unexpectedly good attention to things.” 

Garfiel scrunches his nose at Subaru's somewhat surprised praise. 

Garfiel: “'F'r whatever reason my amazin' self's met with th' cathedr'l guys most outta anyone. Almost no one else're showin' their faces, 'cludin' the granny. 'S a natural result.” Subaru: “You don't ration it out, but you are preparing meals for us. When I first saw you doing that 

“ something something thought I couldn't look away is probably the gist of this one 

Garfiel: “You wanna eat somethin' good, gettin' able 't make it yerself's gonna make it taste best 't yer palate. And, we ain't on topic.” Garfiel takes a step forward and jabs his finger toward Subaru's neck. Garfiel: “Th' hostages're 'bouta hit their limit. —Are you gonna keep up this pointless struggle  forever?” Subaru: “I don't know what you'd mean by 'pointless struggle'...” Garfiel: “Ha. 'N that's what ya goddamn tell me. Y'sayin that that ain't a pointless struggle? —When  things've been stuck at the same place f'r three fuckin' days?” Subaru's tone is weak, which Garfiel clearly recognizes as he sneers and clicks his teeth. Subaru  opens his mouth to refute him, but he can't choose the right words quickly enough and ends up shutting his mouth. Garfiel's narrowed, emerald-green eyes host discouragement. Garfiel: “Look. Bein' honest, whatddya think? Let's cut th' belly open on this n' talk.” Subaru: “When you say 'cut the belly open' it brings back some bad memories so I don't really want  to hear that but... or, this mood really isn't one where jokes'll go through.” Garfiel's slouching is even worse than usual. He's not hostile, but he can't completely conceal the  anger spilling out from his entire body. Subaru probably doesn't need to worry about Garfiel doing anything violent to him but, Subaru: “First, let me clearly put this out there. I'm on Emilia's side. I believe that she can do it, and 

I don't doubt her. So, I believe without any doubt that even if it takes time, she'll conquer the TRIAL.” Garfiel: “'S a doubtwr'thy story fer my amazin' self's side by that point, though. Gotta wonder 'f that  sheltered Princess—'f that crybaby who's been pulled outta there in tears three days 'n a row—c'n really do it.” 

Garfiel's sharp gaze hides none of his contempt, which Subaru meets by turning his sanpaku sharp as he can get. This was the morning of the sixth day since Subaru any the others entered SANCTUARY. And now three days had already passed since the day Subaru conquered the first TRIAL. If you're gonna ask if something happened over that period, then— 

Garfiel: “Sure didn't come t' mind that 'f ya had a buddy that couldn't pass the first one, ya wouldn't start th' second TRIAL. And thanks 't that, th' TRIAL ain't made any progress f'r these three days.” 

Subaru goes silent. 

Garfiel: “'F it's gonna be like this, 'dve been less crap'f you'd done it yerself, yeh? 'Least then there wouldn'tve been any damn need t' get held back by the burden 'n trip over a stone we shouldda got over.” 

Garfiel's words conceal none of their stern bite. And they are also correct. There hasn't been any progress since Subaru cleared the cemetery's first TRIAL three days ago. Reason's simple. It's because Emilia still hasn't passed the first TRIAL. That is, she hasn't conquered her PAST. 

Subaru: “The past that has to be sorted out's different by the person. Unlike me who just lived carefree, it's obvious she'd be dealing with lots of things. I don't think she's a burden at all.” 

Garfiel: “Don't you. 'S bein' kind t' someone yer into. But ain't like anyone n' everyone can just sit'n watch over it like you. Speakin' honest, all this time my 'pinion 'f the Princess's done nothin' but go down down down down down.” 

Subaru: “That's...” 

Garfiel: “Accept that this's damn enough. 'F the Princess weren't here, 'least you'd get t' challenge the second TRIAL. Bet everyone's got it figured out that doin' that'd be more realistic f'r getting' through th' conditions t' free this place.” 

It's a nice plan, but it also means stomping all over Emilia's resolve. It'd mean shirking a huge part of Roswaal's plans, and sullying Emilia's purity which Subaru believed in. He absolutely cannot approve this plan. But what makes Subaru hesitate at firmly shaking his head at it is, 

Subaru: “If she takes time, it's definite that she'll finish it. There's no point in rushing or hurrying her. There isn't, but...” 

Garfiel: “Surely y'can tell as well 's me you ain't got that time? Th' short-tempered folks 'n this SANCTUARY my amazin' self's spearheadin' 're startin' t' lose patience, 'nd the hostages're at limit f'r bearin' how long their bein' locked in's gettin' drawn out. —This growin' discontent cuttin' loose's only a matter 'f time too, yeah?” 

Ultimately, it's all a problem of limited time. 

No matter what Emilia's past is, Subaru doesn't doubt that ultimately, she'll pass it. But she needs time. And if there was a way he could help, Subaru had the spirit to challenge any hardship. But the past is already inside only Emilia, and Subaru has no chance to offer her his outstretched hand. Despite Subaru feeling compelled to think that, if he could just give Emilia the resolve to face her past, as Rem had for him. 

She could conquer the trial if she took time. Presently there was no time for it. 

Subaru: “—I have a proposal.” 

Says Subaru as he touches his chin, squeezing the words out. Seeing Subaru's expression change, Garfiel shuts one eye and his mouth twists into a smile. 

Garfiel: “'M I gonna get to hear it?” 

Subaru: “I'm sure the part that we're both seeing as the problem is time. I believe Emilia will beat the TRIAL, and think what's necessary for her is time. Your side is barely hanging in there with the time limit until equilibrium collapses. This much not a problem?” 


Garfiel: “'D say y'ain't got nothin' wrong. 'F I'm gonna add something, 'm gonna put on that my amazin' self's ser'sly doubtin' that Princess's capable'f completin' the TRIAL.” 

Subaru: “...I think we'll just have to agree to disagree there. Either way, if we agree that the coming bottleneck is time, then my proposal should interest you.” 

Garfiel listens to Subaru silently, touching the scar on his forehead. Subaru figures that that's Garfiel urging him to continue, and nods. 

Subaru: “The evacuees in captivity are at their limit. The dam will burst not long from now, and worst case is that it'll turn into a divide inside SANCTUARY.” 

Garfiel: “Y'know my amazin' self doesn't really care'f that does happen? Th' point those village humans gettin a mob'f 100, 200, all that's gonna happen 's my amazin' self beats'em back.” 

Subaru: “There's 40. ...What you're gonna do isn't the problem. We're talking about unwanted conflict springing up and the damage it'll cause. I'd bet you don't really wanna get violent with the people you're always preparing food for, either?” 

Garfiel: “Well, 's that.” 

Garfiel averts his gaze and clicks his tongue in discomfort. Subaru internally nods at Garfiel's niceness. 

Subaru: “So, to avoid that conflict, I want to request the people in confinement be let go. I don't think they have any value as hostages anymore but, what do you think?” 

Garfiel: “Oioi, holdit. This n' that're differn't stories, yeh? First tell me what yer sayin' with this 'they ain't got value as hostages' talk.” 

Subaru: “In the first place, their being confined was to lure us... or rather, to lure Emilia here. We entered SANCTUARY exactly as planned, and went along with the desired conditions and are taking the TRIAL. Food and care, and watching the hostages has to come from somewhere, and it's not like that's infinitely there. That you're out here putting your effort into hunting at an hour where you can't tell whether it's morning or night likely isn't unrelated to that.” 

A far as Subaru's seen, the populated proportion of the spacious, if you include the forest, SANCTUARY is relatively small. Subaru predicts that the half-bloods living in SANCTUARY are about the same in number as the evacuees from Arlam. Put simply, the food expenses here have doubled. Considering the characteristics of this land, it's unlikely that traders are going to come by who could supply those things, and it's possible that the people's food relies mostly on hunting or home gardening. Thus, 

Subaru: “There shouldn't be a need to hold onto a bunch of hostages who're just putting pressure on your wallet. Even if the hostages're gone, it's not like we can bow out of the TRIAL halfway through anymore.” 

Garfiel: “Really. Either way, when they enter SANCTUARY, half-bl... th' Princess got bound by the curse of this land. 'F the Princess's gonna try ta leave, she'll haveta beat the TRIAL anyhow... ahh, so that's it.” 

Perhaps now understanding Subaru's proposal, Garfiel's cheeks twist into a cruel smile as he nods. Seeing this, Subaru understands that Garfiel definitely isn't someone slow of thought. 

Garfiel: “Yer thinkin' that 'f we release the hostages, it'll avoid a trickly-'voided burnout 'f makin' 'em into food or causin' internal breakup. The hostages ain't got the problem've not leavin' SANCTUARY that we got.” 

Subaru: “If things so far've gone along with your goals, then don't you think we should carry it out to the end? Since your objective's to be released from SANCTUARY, you really shouldn't want us to topple down together.” 

Garfiel: “'F ya completely respect the granny's opinion that is what'd be, but... well, th' details don't matter.” 

Waving his hand, Garfiel lends and ear to Subaru's thoughts at least for now. He rubs his chin for a moment in thought. 

Garfiel: “Why'd ya come t' my amazin' self for this talk in the first place? Y'know th' head of this place ain't me, 's the granny, yeah? 'F yer gonna make someone agree with you n' go 'long with yer idea, 'd be proper t' go to the granny. Ain't sure what this'll sound like comin' from me, but y'know talking t' my amazin' self 'bout this mighta only made things complicat'd?” 

Subaru: “It's to keep things from getting complicat'd that I spoke about it with you. If I'm gonna explain the pros and cons clearly, I did think I could persuade Lewes-san. But if I did that, it'd be hard to tell how you'd move.” 

Being someone with good judgement and a working sense of profit, Lewes likely wouldn't be able to unrestrictedly deny Subaru's proposal. And Subaru was confident he could get her agreement. But, if he had to face Garfiel after getting everything sorted out with the top, 

Subaru: “Whatever it is, persuading you's the trick. Unfortunately, my self-assessment is that if you went for brute force I wouldn't get out an arm or a leg. Figured sorting out the unresolved points beforehand'd mean I could deal with what's coming later without worrying.” 

Garfiel: “Ain't that thinkin' just fuckin' clever, oi. So it's that, then? 'F ya went to the granny with yer idea, my bein' around's a damn problem so you ain't got no choice. 'F ya got complaints come n' duke it, auuh?” 

Subaru: “We were just talking so rationally so why do you have to go tumbling in that direction  now...” Garfiel: “My amazin' self's time fer talkin' usin' my head's three minutes best. Yer already gone over th' time limit, anythin' yer say's already useless.” 

Subaru: “What the heck are you saying, looking so satisfied.” 

Garfiel puts up his dukes, Subaru raises his arms in surrender. Of course Garfiel's not actually serious either. He gives a bored-sounding sigh. Garfiel: “Ha, bein' stupid right'n early mornin'. 'S fine, do whatever y'want. 'F y'can convince th'  granny, I ain't got any urge t' butt in. Either way th're a damn nuisance. 'F yer gonna take'em away th'n go goddamn enjoy yerself.” Subaru: “Right, then let me oblige..” Garfiel: “—But, I gotta condition.” 

Subaru furrows his brows, Garfiel jabs out his raised finger. Garfiel: “'M acceptin' yer damn proposal're whatever. So, 'd be pretty fuckin' somethin' 'f you didn't accept what I got'ta say.” 

Subaru: “...It's got pros for you too. The food, and avoids infighting.” Garfiel: “Yknow my amazin' self doesn't really care 'bout that? 'F we really start not havin' enough  food w'can just start prunin' out th' hostages. Even 'f some guys start getting' violent, my amazin' self's more'n enough t' deal with it alone. We ain't on equal footin'.” Subaru: “...What's the condition?” Subaru squeezes out the words, almost grinding his teeth. Garfiel clicks his fangs and looks Subaru  up to down. Garfiel: “Makes things quick,” 

Garfiel: “The condition my amazin's self's got... no, th' condition SANCTUARY's got's simple. You take the TRIAL. That makes everythin' faster.” 

Subaru: “—! Wait, that can't be right. If I do that, then everything from the start's...” 

Subaru's definitely has thought pass through his head more than a few times. But it was an absolute last resort, and something he wanted to avoid as much as he could. And most importantly if he did do it, then all Emilia's effort until now would be— 

Garfiel: “Looks like yer misunderstandin', so I'll tell ya... My amazin' self 'n the granny 'n the others don't really care who's th' one to free SANCTUARY.” 

Subaru goes silent. 

Garfiel: “Gettin' the Princess t' overcome it 't get good opinions from th' hostages n' the granny's side 's something that's yer lot's situation. Don't givva crap 'bout this past'er whatever, but wantin' 'er to sort out this thing she's stuckin' n' worryin' over's yer lot's situation. Every bitta everythin's yer lot's problem.” 

Subaru can't refute it. Just like he says, making Emilia take the TRIAL and wanting Emilia to overcome the TRIAL is entirely due to circumstances and intentions on Subaru's side. 

Garfiel: “—'Sides, is it really necessary t' overcome the past in the first place?” 

Subaru: “Wha?” 

Garfiel: “'S been three days, three days. You n' my amazin' self've got t' see the Princess takin' the TRIAL n' getting' covered n' tears 't the cemetery. Honestly, I can't watch 'nymore.” 

Subaru: “Can't watch, what...?” 

Garfiel: “Her gettin' hyped up n' gettin' hurt. Sh' gets overager thinkin' she's gotta do it, thn' comes back fuckin' snivelin' 'pologizin' she couldn't do it right. So then why're you lot still makin' the Princess keep goin' with the TRIAL?” 

What Garfiel's saying is an accurate assessment of the present Emilia. She failed the second time she tried challenging, and more importantly Subaru didn't even get to challenge. The reason for this, Emilia explained after returning halfway though her TRIAL, was told to her by someone during her TRIAL. 

The first TRIAL was already in place. 

Inside the tomb, the first TRIAL was in place in that single square chamber. Subaru thought that if he passed all the TRIALS he'd get to go through the sealed door in the back of the chamber, but—in actuality the second TRIAL was still waiting, and the requirement to take it was that the first TRIAL be cleared. Meaning, if Subaru did it all alone he would be able to challenge the second TRIAL. Being that he understood that, that he hadn't progressed forward by himself was— 

Subaru: “Emilia absolutely will overcome the TRIAL for us. So we...” 

Garfiel: “Ya don't think th' Priness's sufferin' like that's cause'f yer expectations bein' too heavy? Forcin' her t' face memories that're hurtin' her that much's what you lot wish, but 's it what the Princess wants 't do? My stupid amazin' self don't get it.” 

Subaru: “Emilia's... will...” 

Garfiel scratches his head—but what he's saying is a shock to Subaru like being woken up with icewater to the face. Up until now, Subaru had been respecting Emilia's guts to challenge the TRIAL, and intended to devotedly support her more than anyone. He thought that no matter how hard the road was, so long as she hadn't folded, he would keep offering his hand out to her. And she stood back up, all without him confirming just where her will was directed. 

Thinking about it, Subaru didn't know why Emilia wanted to be Ruler. What Emilia stated in the Hall for the Royal Selection about equality definitely was not a reason to become Ruler. What did Emilia think, what did she feel, what did she believe in—and aiming for Ruler? Subaru's been at her side praying fervently to become her support, but he'd slacked on asking a question he should've asked right at the start. 

How did Emilia and Roswaal even meet in the first place? Why was Roswaal trying to make half-elf Emilia the ruler? The insignia's jewel proved Emilia was qualified to be Ruler—to be the Dragon's Priestess. But why did Roswaal give her a chance to let that insignia touch her hands? What interests did Emilia and Roswaal have in common that made them cooperate with each other? Subaru didn't know a single one of the answers. He'd managed to wind up this far, knowing nothing. 

Garfiel: “Dunno what shock yer just got but, 'f you got nothin' t' say then my amazin' self's leavin'. 'N the middle 'a huntin'... 'bout that proposal, 'f acceptin' my condition's botherin' you then go ahead n' damn pass it through the granny. My amazin' self doesn't care what happens after.” 

Garfiel shrugs at Subaru, and disappears into the dawnlit forest. Morning sunlight's already driving the cloak of night away, giving open to a quiet morning, dewdrops on leaves. 

Left behind, Subaru looks up at the sky. Peeking through the gaps in the trees overhead are thick clouds, and the very slight glimpses of the sun—breaking through cloud-cover for only an instant, before disappearing. Squinting at that moment of light, Subaru starts walking. 

Subaru: “What I saw was. I faced my PAST, sorted it out, and was glad I did. But, Emilia..” 

Subaru had presupposed that it was something anyone could sort out and walk away from. But that Subaru's trial had been so healing was because all the people around him were so kind as to almost be excessive. So, to what extent did Subaru's ideas— 

Emilia: “—Su, bahru?”  weigh down on the silver-haired girl, hugging her knees in the corner of the room? 

She'd come down off the bed of the house she'd been given, onto the cold floor, silently, silently, letting time pass. Emilia's not supposed to be a morning person, but Subaru's not surprised she's up so early. Her eyes as she looks at him are bloodshot, exhaustion and teartracks remaining thick on her beautiful, dignified face. —That she hadn't slept for a second was plain as day. 

Emilia notices Subaru's arrival, and averts her head so he won't see her teary face. 

Emilia: “Ah, so... sorry. I-it's time already? It's time now? Th-that was fast... but, I have to. Have to try... I-it's, time for the TRIAL, right?” Subaru: “Emilia-tan.” Emilia: “I-I'm okay. Today definitely, this time definitely, for sure... yes, I'll do it well for sure. I-I'm  already, starting to know what happens in, the TRIAL. Right, the pahtern, I think. You say that, yeah,  um, that's, right, I know... yeah, so, I'm, fi, fine...” Subaru: “Emilia-tan, it's okay. It's not night yet, last night hasn't even ended. Morning's coming up from now on. The time's much later.” 

Emilia: “E-even if you lie I'll know it. I mean, see... outside's, still dark. If it's morning, it's gotta be  bright... ah, but, I, my talk with the minor spirits today...” Looking up at Subaru, Emilia's eyes shudder. In there was shock and anger that she hadn't abided by her contract, and seeing her look just about close to dissolving her ties with them our of reprimand for herself, 

Subaru: “Emilia.” Emilia: “Ah...” Subaru grasps her raised hand and entwines his fingers with hers. Emilia is dumbstruck seeing it,  and with her own image reflected in Subaru's dark eyes, Emilia: “I-I...” Subaru: “I'm the only one here right now. So no matter how weak you want to be, it's okay. There's  no need to rush, and don't try to fire yourself up. I'm on your side. Always.” Emilia: “Suhbarhu...” She clings to his outstretched hand, calling his name, her voice thin. He draws closer toward her,  arm and all, to sit beside her. He slowly pats her silver hair with this free hand, her body consequently losing its strength, and after a little while arrives at deep, relieving sleep. She's fully exhausted. She can't complete the nights alone, to the extent she has wound up  depending on Subaru. Glancing at the sleeping Emilia, Subaru briefly traces his finger over her cheek, confirming the traces of her tears. 

—She's hit her limit, he decides.





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