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CHAPTER 41: TIGER 

Undefended posture. Garfiel stands with his arms dangling loosely at his sides, relaxed. Seeing him blocking the path ahead, Subaru immediately glances cautiously around the surroundings. Something other than Garfiel may also be lying in wait. Although, Subaru had essentially judged the moment he saw it was Garfiel that this caution was pointless. —If it is Garfiel coming, he is almost assuredly coming alone. 

As expected, Subaru finds no one else around inside his perceptible range. Confirming his fear was indeed needless, Subaru gives a sigh, stroking the neck of a yet-battle ready Patrasche. 

Subaru: “Thought we'd left without foreshadowing it, but really rather you didn't immediately flirt with people's partners.” 

Garfiel: “Ain't the type to flatter or lie. What I'm thinkin' comes straight honest outta my mouth. Got a lotta scoldin's from the granny and Ram 'cuzza it.” 

Garfiel clicks his fangs, all traces of a smile disappearing as he looks up at Subaru. Meeting that glint of Garfiel's with his one-eyed gaze, Subaru raises a finger. 

Subaru: “Your being here's unnatural that so this's inevitable but, would you like to explain this?” 

Garfiel: “Ain't nothin' big. My amazin' self's the fangs a' SANCTUARY, and you couldn't escape from the eyes a' SANCTUARY. Thass all's to it. Eh, callit a' booby prize.” 

Garfiel gives a light wave of his hand. Subaru's brows furrow. If, as Subaru imagined, these things Garfiel called EYES were a meaningful code term similar to KEK, then EYES likely connotated a sentinel. However, 

Subaru: “Ram hasn't told me anything about there being someone like that in SANCTUARY...” 

Garfiel: “Ya really think a lot from outside SANCTUARY know everythin' 'bout the place? There's mountains a' things that asshole Roswaal don't know. This's just one'a those, yeh? ...Dunno 'f you'd all know, though.” 

Garfiel snorts at a silenced Subaru, turning his gaze to the line of carriages behind him. 

Garfiel: “...That all'a the evacuees?” 

Subaru: “Uh, uh-huh. Yeah. You know, Garfiel. It was bad of us to go and silently leave, but could you please just overlook this one? It's not a bad deal for you either, right?” 

Garfiel: “Hmm?” 

Garfiel's glare is sharp as a blade, but Subaru unconcernedly gestures to the carriages behind him. 

Subaru: “We're having the ex-hostages leave SANCTUARY to avert the possibility of further fighting arising inside. I heard some scuffles've already been happening. The point of this's as a measure before that escalates to full.” 

Garfiel goes silent. 

Subaru: “You're standing's on the same side as Lewes-san, wanting SANCTUARY's freedom, yeah? Leaving embers to smoulder inside shouldn't be ideal for you. There's merit in overlooking us.” 

Speaking quietly, Subaru attempts persuading Garfiel. His words are not simply a stopgap. Going from Garfiel's stance, there truly are many benefits in the evacuation. So long as you exclude the part where it was done behind-the-scenes. 

Subaru: “Leaving aside whether by personality you're capable of permitting that, if you could just accept for this scene alone...” 

Garfiel: “Oi, y'know you, 's looks yer misunderstandin'.” 

Subaru: “Misunderstanding?” 

Garfiel: “Yer stuck on the idea I came here entirely ter get in yer way. 'S like you say, my amazin' self's got no reason t' interfere with this evacuation. I'm tellin' you none a' those 'xcuses er wheedlin' got any point.” 

Garfiel gives a mocking snort at Subaru's presumption. Subaru shuts his mouth. He had run ahead in the conversation off his bad premonitions, but thinking rationally Garfiel was correct. 

Subaru: “Then what the heck are you doing here...” 

Garfiel: “'S just seein' yer off. If yer wanna leave that's on you, but'f nobody from SANCTUARY sees it though then 's still just you skippin' town. I can say my amazin' self saw all yer disappear, and I can shut the others up.” 

Subaru: “...You've really been thinking more than I imagined.” 

Half surprised that Garfiel possesses the thinking and brainpower to logically convince him, Subaru agrees with Garfiel's argument. Garfiel crosses his arms and nods at Subaru's rather rude statement. 

Garfiel: “Well s' obvious. My amazin' self ain't just strong n' muscle, got lotsa things I consider... my amazin' self, really is amazin'.” 

Subaru: “Well, that reply's settled me down a little. And while I'm relieved let's have that. I'll let you off without making any special mention about the thing with my right eye.” 

Garfiel: “Eh? Eh, right. Yer wound up takin' he blindfold of n' noticin', huh. 'S guys 'round here doin' things that ain't goddamn needed.“ 

Subaru points at his eye, Garfiel mentioning its loss and taking a stab at Otto. Otto draws his head in, attempting to conceal himself from Garfiel's sharp gaze. Garfiel clicks his neck at the timidness. 

Garfiel: “Now anyway,” 

Garfiel: “Aren't you just pretty fuckin' calm fer missin' an eye. Y'know, my amazin' self was prepared to get some complainin' or revenge done t' me.” 

Subaru: “I start complaining and I've got enough things to say to last the whole night, but there's no time. And even if I wanted revenge the punchline is you punch me and I lose my left eye too. Let's go without that stale joke.” 

Garfiel: “Hell's that. —Don't like it a bit.” 

Garfiel is unsatisfied with Subaru's reply. Subaru judges going further on this exchange unnecessary, lightly patting his right eye. Subaru: “You won't mind if we keep ignoring you and return everyone to the village, yeah?” Garfiel: “'S just gettin' ridda the poor form of gettin' escaped on. Do what yer want.” Subaru: “Well then, we'll be obliging...” Garfiel: “—However,” Before Subaru can raise his voice to order the line of carriages to depart, Garfiel slouches forward. 

He glares up at Subaru, mounted on Patrasche. 

Garfiel: “Not you, yer stayin'. Hostages go through. Noisy guy goes through. Ram... well, I'll let her go through. But not you.” Subaru: “...Your motive?” Garfiel: “There's you bein' a motivator for Emilia-sama doin' the TRIAL, but biggest problem's yer  existence. A bastard stinkin' this much'a witch surely ain't gonna be gettin' outside so damn easily.” Subaru: “Again with this thing...” Pinching his nose, the blond young man threatens Subaru. About fed up with this irk of Garfiel's, 

Subaru gives a nod to this condition. Subaru: “Condition is I stay behind in SANCTUARY. No objections there?” Garfiel: “Good yer get it upfront. Make th' story go too long with me, and with my amazin' self's  brains I won't remember er understand all'a it.” 

Subaru: “You really are a frank guy. ...Got it. I'll go tell everyone behind me, just wait here a minute.” The bargaining ends the second they enter the main topic. Although the conversation could hardly  be called bargaining. Subaru simply accepts Garfiel's words, going back to relay the deal with Otto  and Ram. Subaru: “And so the plan's if I stay behind, everyone gets to pass through safely. Whinging about it wouldn't get anywhere, so I'm sorta thinking to just nicely go along with it.” 

Otto: “That's an excellent condition if it lets us though, is what I would like to say, but will those behind us agree with it? These were the people stubborn enough that they resisted escaping if you weren't there, Natsuki-san.” 

Subaru: “Ah, right persuading them's gonna be an effort. ...No, but we've got the migration going this far already, and everyone's anticipating they'll get to back to the village. If the accident's just me dropping out partway through, I think their anticipation'll win and they'll accept it.” 

Ponders Subaru, hand on chin. The evacuees' desire to return home should beat out anything. Subaru was glad they put his safety on the same scale as that desire, but being that matters had proceeded this far, saying whether they remained balanced was a difficult call. 

Otto: “Natsuki-san...” Subaru: “Well, thinking like that, doubt persuading them'll be too hard. But yeah this'll definitely be  bad if I'm not doing the talking. I'll be right back, so get everyone prepared for the carriages to start...” Ram: “I don't like this.” Ram's interruption coupled with Otto's concerned takes the enthusiasm out of Subaru's start. He  looks at Ram, scratching his head. Subaru: “Y'know,” Subaru: “Garfiel just told me that too, but if you keep saying things that whittle away people's  willpower like that, that's...” Ram: “Have you not realised, Barusu? What it is you are saying.” Subaru: “What?” Subaru tilts his head, considering it but unable to figure out what Ram is saying. His brow furrows  in confusion. Ram gives a disappointed sigh. 

Ram: “If you don't understand, fine.” Being as what Roswaal-sama stated is also clear. “If that is the case, perhaps all my actions will become worthless.” Subaru: “Hold on no, what the hell've you been saying. So you goddamn do know something, too. 

You've known, and here you're..” Ram: “It's something pointless to you now. A waste of time.” Subaru: “You...” Subaru grinds his teeth at Ram, her looking down at him with a know-it-all expression. Otto cuts  into the dangerous atmosphere between the two. Otto: “Now now now!” Otto: “Let's have this quarrelling end. It is exactly as Ram-san said, a waste of time. A waste of  time, meaning a waste of a chance to make money. Let's defer to my position here and settle everything down. Alright here we go, yes concluded!” Subaru: “Tch. Anyway, explain it.” Ram: “Tch. There is no longer anything I wish to say.” 

Otto: “Could you two please not click your tongues at me while you speak!?” 

Otto drips dissatisfaction at his usual treatment, but since this is his role it is inevitable. Their group somehow remaining unfractured thanks to Otto, Subaru goes over to each of the carriages, explaining the situation. All the villagers' face turn sour at hearing the condition is for Subaru to stay behind, but between the fact that he himself accepts it and his noting that turning back would prolong the evacuee lifestyle, they reluctantly accept it. 

Grateful for their feelings, Subaru finishes with persuading everyone. He returns to Ram and Otto to report, mounts Patrasche, and now faces Garfiel. 

Subaru: “Our talks're all done. We're going on your condition. Let everyone through.” 

Garfiel: “Everyone 'cept you, 's. Get them goin' now. 'S that dragon stayin'?” 

Subaru: “Walking back'd be tight on my stamina. This'll sorta be dragging out an uncomfortable time for Patrasche, though.” 

Subaru puts his hand on the back of his partner forced to associate with Garfiel. Trembling Patrasche averts her head practically saying “it's nothing to worry abouttt, geeeez.” Interpreting her movements as that, Subaru falls in line beside Garfiel as he sees the carriages ride off, down the road out of SANCTUARY. He gives a wry smile and waves at the villagers, talking and looking down at Subaru through their carriage windows. 

Subaru: “Otto, when you're back at village don't go to the mansion. If you can just come back immediately.” 

Otto: “...? I don't quite understand that instruction, what? I personally think reporting this to Frederica-san would be essential...” 

Subaru: “It's nothing. You'll probably arrive back at the village tomorrow morning... just for caution's sake, worst case do not go there until afternoon.” 

Unable to give a confused Otto a clear answer, Subaru gestures with his chin for him to leave. Tonight is the fated fifth night—the final deadline for Elsa's attack on the mansion. If events are the same as the first loop, temporally speaking something has already happened. Even considering how indiscriminate Elsa is, it is unlikely she will go all the way to the village to massacre everyone. So long as he does not enter the mansion, Otto should avoid danger. 

Though naturally this means abandoning those in the mansion—Frederica and Petra. Beatrice, Rem. 

Subaru: “...This time, I'll allocate all my points into figuring out what happens at SANCTUARY. That should be definite.” If being greedy won't get me anything, I don't know what the purpose is in overlooking it. 

Guilt for overlooking the worst of conditions rises in Subaru's chest. He forces it down with his feelings of duty and obligation, urging the cruelty of his own heart. Iron. Heart to iron. To grasp the optimum future, he would use every plan he could get. He would weather his heart, permitting and accepting the sacrifices along the way. 

Subaru: “If there can be smiling at the end, it's my... it's our win.” 

So if he suppressed his wavering heart before there were sacrifices, good. He could not hesitate to lay the groundwork for everything he could eventually take back. There should not be a single thing for him to regret here. 

Subaru: “—” 

Subaru sighs, watching all the carriages disappear into the forest. Now, the only ones remaining in SANCTUARY were its residents and people related to Roswaal's mansion. It was probably safe to think that if he waited for tomorrow morning and figured out what would happen in SANCTUARY, this loop would have completed its purpose. 

Subaru: “Standing here forever's just gonna make the bugbites terrible, let's go back. Getting monitored by you's not a great feeling, either.” 

Garfiel: “Stop givin' me instructions. ...Thinkin' bout it, you ain't goddamn asked how Emilia¬sama's TRIAL was tonight.” 

Subaru: “That you're here's the answer to that, is how I interpreted it. Also if I said I didn't think this time'd be pretty rough, it'd be a lie.” 

Like the hostages, using Subaru's wellfare as motivation was not going to work. For Emilia to beat the TRIAL required a more fundamental change. Otherwise was the possibility that, in these rushed conditions, solving the problem of SANCTUARY was hopeless. 

Subaru: “And it's to figure that one out, too. Can't consider whether we can wait for Emilia to conquer the TRIAL without confirming what happens next.” 

The maximum number of times Subaru has died in a loop series is four. If he is aiming to break through the situation on the fifth loop, he can only die one more time. 

Subaru: “There's a mountain of things I wanna confirm, though...” 

—He was already considering his own DEATH only as a foothold to get that breakthrough. Subaru doesn't notice how warped his own statement is. Mounted, Subaru begins instructing Patrasche to return to Sanctuary, Garfiel looking up at him. 

Garfiel: “...Fuckin' talkin' like you understand goddamn everythin'. Just how much of anythin' could you fuckin' know.” 

Subaru: “Garfiel?” 

Not hearing the muttering clearly, Subaru turns back while atop Patrasche. Events come abruptly. 

Garfiel has already jumped aiming for the mounted Subaru, his hand readied to swing down a chop at his neck. 

Fingers shredding through air and closing in before him, Subaru's voice dies in astonishment at the sudden, unreal, imminent death. He had not misplaced the possibility of Garfiel attacking him, but he had not thought in the least that direct injury would come to him here. 


Air whistling, the pain of flesh tearing and its accordant bloodshed assaults Subaru. Putting his hand  to his shrieking throat tells him that fingertips have gouged a light cut beneath his adam's apple. Feeling blood dripping through his fingers, Subaru swiftly grips the reins, sending Patrasche orders, Subaru: “Garfiel! What're...” 

Garfiel: “Yer really fuckin' gonna get n' the way? The fuck's yer motive, huh?” Landing back on the ground, Garfiel yells swinging his bloodstained fingers not at Subaru, but a different direction. Grimacing in pain, Subaru looks to discover standing there a girl holding a small wand—with her pink hair swaying, her stern glare fixed on Garfiel, is Ram. 

Subaru: “Ram!?” 

Ram: “I stayed behind due to a bad premonition, and if it isn't just what I expected. Barusu, you best thank me that your neck and torso are presently connected.” Garfiel: “'F the wind hadn't screwed th' aim, his head woulda been popped off.” Speechless at their exchange, the pain of his wound fevers his thoughts. Subaru: “What're you, doing, Garfiel! You wanted to kill me!?” Garfiel: “Messed it up, though. 'F yer gonna go n' ask what I wanted t' do, then sayin' it was that  kinda thing's th' only answer I got.” 

Garfiel casually affirms his own desire to murder. Subaru's eye opens wide, lips trembling at Garfiel's incomprehensible actions. Subaru: “But then, you could've killed me anytime. When I was captive, no even before that, if you  didn't heal me and just left me I would've died then!” 

Garfiel: “Hostages'd more'n likely explode. Them bein' gone means fer the first time, my amazin' self's got the itinerary fer killin' yer ass sorted.” Subaru: “That's...” Feeling his thoughts turning red, Garfiel's words pummel Subaru. 

If Garfiel had been seeking an opportunity to kill Subaru that would not provoke any problems,   him seeing the carriages off here cohered. However, unnatural things remained. Subaru: “You kill me here, and what happens to Emilia's TRIAL. Pivot of her motivation I am, I can say without any narcissism that if I die the TRIAL'll never end.” 

For Lewes' faction, which desired SANCTUARY's freedom, there should be no situation worse. Even if hypothetically Subaru's witch stench spurred a suspicion of him, the reason would have to be huge enough as to be impossible to overlook. He lost himself to rage, would be a reason feeling appropriate for Garfiel, but seeing him having a conversation like this, his composure is plainly in tact. 

Meaning Garfiel's attack on Subaru was a composed and calculated action. Just what did it mean— 

Garfiel: “I...” 

Ram: “Listening is worthless, and attempting persuasion is pointless, Barusu.” 

Ram cuts in between the two, interrupting Garfiel with her harsh statement. Garfiel clicks his tongue as Ram points the tip of her wand at him. Ram: “Cease hiding your feelings with tenable logic, Garf. It isn't like you.” Subaru: “H-hey, Ram,” Ram: “Step down, I will speak. —As regardless, it appears Garf would like to kill you.” Ram approaches Subaru with her vigilant glare yet fixed on Garfiel, tracing along the underside of 

Patrasche's neck with a finger. 

Ram: “Good girl. Do what it is that should be. Your Master upon you is incredibly dull both to himself and to others, you see.” Patrasche: “—” Patrasche responds wordlessly to Ram's calm, rather gentle words. She licks Ram's presented  fingers, her head held low as she ignores Subaru's orders and slowly heads for the trees. Subaru: “Wh-wait. You two, what're you...” Ram: “Do not release the reins. If you abide that alone, I am sure the dragon will protect you with  her all, Barusu. No greater happiness in being born male.” Subaru: “Listen! No, tell me! What do you know you two doing this!” Ram: “Time is none and explaining is pointless. Do as said, Barusu. —I will buy you one minute. 

Run as most you can in that opening. If I can achieve that alone, it will be my single resistance.” Ram is vague to the end, but this time Subaru truly has no room to question back. Before he can finish hearing Ram's statement, Patrasche starts running with a bray. Feeling the 

WINDBREAKER BLESSING activate while jostled atop her back, she dashes into the clusters of trees, foliage scraping onto Subaru's back. Subaru: “Ram!” He yells. But there is no answer. 

The forest of trees obstructing his vision, biting his lip at this unnegotiated migration, all he can do is be taken along. 

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ 

Subaru and Patrasche gone into the forest, two people remain. Her wand readied still and not flinching an inch, Garfiel stares at Ram as he points to the forest  where Subaru disappeared. 

Garfiel: “Y'said things not fuckin' needed. Gonna be a damn pain chasin' 'em now.” Ram: “You think I will let you leave?” Garfiel: “You think y'can stop me? 'F you think th'power balance 'tween us ain't changed since then,  yer dead wrong. Bein' in love n' bein' beaten down ain't the same thing.” 

Garfiel clicks his knuckles, threatening. But he knows this girl is no coward. Ram stands without any change in her complexion. Garfiel rigorously scratches at his short, blond hair. Garfiel: “Th'hell're yer thinkin', Ram? What'll happen 'f you do this? My amazin' self ain't heard  anythin' bout it. You doin' this means it's on Roswaal's orders?” 

Ram: “...Inaccurate, Garf. My presence here is by my will, unrelated to Roswaal-sama's noble orders. For presently at least, there is no need respect his directions.” Ram speaks resolutely. Garfiel's doubt is the same as Subaru's was, and his reaction of confusedly  furrowing his brows is also identical to Subaru's. His expression turns ever more bitter. 

Garfiel: “I don't get it, Ram. Even moreso 'f this ain't you followin' Roswaal's orders, can't think'a single reason why yer did that.” Ram: “Truly?” Garfiel: “Eh?” Ram: “Truly, do you... not understand why I am doing this, Garf?” Ram asks quietly, her expression and tone no different from usual. But Garfiel, recipient of her gaze  and words, has a great change. Confusion. Doubt. Shock. And wrath. 

Garfiel: “You...” Taken a step forward, Garfiel drives his heel into the ground. Clicking his fangs in unbearable rage, his eyes narrow as he glares at Ram. 

Garfiel: “I don't goddamn believe it. You doin' this kinda fuckin' thing is...” Ram: “—For Frederica, and for you.” Garfiel: “Don't your mouth say the name of that traitor!!” Roaring, the ground caves in beneath the swing of Garfiel's foot, earth shattering. 

Smoke rises in billows, the force enough to bend the nearby trees. The forest fears, the air silencing itself in terror of his rage. Faced with that pure wrath, Ram's expression remains nonchalant. 

Ram: “Do you believe everyone will follow you if you give these obstinate and childish displays of strength? Garf, how long in this constrained forest will you be running circles?” 

Garfiel: “Don't talk like you know! You.. You, and Frederica, all you who threw away SANCTUARY,  just how much could you know!?” Ram's chiding words do not reach an enraged Garfiel. He stomps the ground, this time without the accompanying force. 

Garfiel: “Fer my amazin' self? It's fer my amazin' self? You... I got no room t'believe that at all. How fuckin' dare you say that to me, after so long...” 

Ram: “Garf...” Garfiel: “My amazin' self never asked for compassion or pity. How fuckin' high n' mighty're you gonna be. Not me, n'not granny n' the others, ever wished t' be pitied!” 

Covering his face with his hands, breathing ragged, Garfiel squeezes the statement out. His sad figure gives the illusion of him being even smaller than he is. 

Taking deep breath after deep breath, Garfiel removes his hands from his face. Garfiel: “This's enough. I dun wanna hear anythin'. You go straight back to SANCTUARY, now. Do that n' I'll overlook this one. My amazin' self, 's still gonna chase after that asshole.” 

Ram: “I refuse, Garf. If anyone will concede, it is not me but you. After I return the approaching ruin is unavoidable. I'm sure you would understand this?” 

Garfiel: “Just go back. Won't say it again. Go back, and wait 'till the TRIAL's cleaned up.” Ram: “No, I will not return or wait. There is no gain in standing still. What remains in your hands as you stagnate in this place are only the vestiges of what you believed you obtained. For such a weak, vague thing, why...” 

Garfiel: “But still! It's so much better than havin' nothing left!” 

Interrupting Ram's words with his scream, Garfiel raises his head. Etched onto his expression are anger, jealousy, and sorrow. Garfiel: “Ruin? How's that gonna happen. My amazin' self, 's gonna do somethin' fer everythin'. 

This time fer sure, everything, and everything...” Ram: “Garf, haven't I always been telling you? —That is merely compensatory behaviour.” Ram replies calmly as Garfiel's emotions detonate. 

Their stances run at parallel lines, both in direct opposition of opinion and neither willing to concede. No compromise is coming. Perhaps sensing this, Garfiel lowers his gaze, closes his eyes. 

Garfiel: “Go back, Ram. This's, my final request. With all the feelings I've ever said for you, my request. So...” Ram: “Then, Garf. —Would you abandon all except me?” 

The question is brief, but carries overwhelming pressure. 

Garfiel's expression stiffens. His lips tremble. 

Ram lightly lowers her gaze. Ram: “Out of every single thing in this world choose me, look only at me, love only me, devote only to me, be loved only by me, pardoned only by me, sacrifice your everything only to me—are you capable?” 

Garfiel: “I-I...” Ram: “I am.” Hand to her chest, Ram speaks firm. 

A quiet, but unwavering will. It alone fills her words as she raises her head. Ram: “—I am.” This was Ram's ultimatum to Garfiel. And he must have known it. The ambition vanishes from Garfiel's expression for an instant. Just  what expression arose in that moment, only Ram would ever know. He immediately shakes his head, stifling the slip of weakness and bearing his fangs. 

Garfiel: “Known it fer ages, but yer a stubborn one.” Ram: “As are you. —If you will not make me a truly important thing to you, I will not bend to you, Garf. I will not belong to anyone.” 

Garfiel: “Really.” 

Their gazes meet. Stances argued, neither surrendering. Both speak quietly, Ram: “Farewell, Garf.” Garfiel: “Goodbye, Ram.” These final words platonically were their expression of love. 

—The forest shakes. The roar echoes. 

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ 

Subaru: “Patrasche! Stop! I told you stop!!” 

Yanking back on the reins, Subaru yells desperately at Patrasche as they dart through the forest. But the dragon pays his words no heed, whole-heartedly dashing along the rugged road, putting  distance between them and the high-stakes scene. 

Stories exist of steeds driven into panic and fear, no longer obeying the commands of their rider, but that would not describe Patrasche. In an identical state as always, rationality present as always, she was consciously ignoring Subaru's directions. This evidenced that she had not recognized Subaru as an existence worthy for her to respect his commands. 

Subaru: “Was you listening to everything I've said until now just favours!?” 

Patrasche: “—” 

Paying no mind to his words, Patrasche throws off her displeased master not. Every inch of her behaviour overflows with consideration for Subaru, him jostled on her back and perhaps about to cry tears of gratitude and shame. He did not know how to ride his dragon—or such cute stories were not the circumstances here. It was him feeling disgusted at his stupidity, for not noticing that even the dragon was worried about him. This included in the present-continuous tense despairs Subaru was experiencing, another was— 

Subaru: “Ram's in trouble! I don't wanna think Garfiel'd do anything violent to her... but now's!” 

Garfiel's thoughts were turned in a direction where he had attempted to kill Subaru. That Ram blocked his path was his miscalculation, and with what plan would he rectify that miscalculation? Merely thinking it was terrifying. 

Subaru had more-or-less accepted that those in the mansion would be sacrifices this loop. But not Ram. Infringe on territory he had not decided to permit, and Subaru's insufficient resolve sliced his heart to bits, repulsive. 

Subaru: “I... hate getting hurt, but I'll recover. So...!” 

He pleads, voice teary. No leeway gives Patrasche. The dragon-become-wind loosens not her speed, giving no attention to Subaru's cry. Ram and Garfiel grow distant. A tragedy unfolding where he cannot reach. Thinking such again batters Subaru's heart. Why was his heart so weak, and could it never be strong? 

—And although constantly making blunders by focusing only on his internal issues, yet again Subaru commits the same error. 

Subaru: “—Huh?” 

The wild expansion of his vision comes as a result of Patrasche breaking through the last rows of trees. Subaru, having clung to Patrache through the field of obstacles, has his jaw drop at the scene before him. 

Otto: “Wh-what's the matter, Natsuki-san? So quickly...” 

Says Otto, his expression just as surprised as Subaru's. Supposedly having advanced is the evacuation group. Subaru and Patrasche had caught up to the  row of carriages from the side. For a Subaru who had assumed her running in the forest lacked any fixed objective, Patrasche's actions far exceeded expectations. 

Otto: “But you're not meant to pass though? What happened to Garfiel?” 

Subaru: “I-I don't really get it either... Ram and Patrasche...” 

Getting his ragged breath in order as he speaks to Otto, Subaru wipes his sweaty brow with the back of his hand. —The horrific bellow shaking the forest, came the next second. 

Subaru: “Wha—!?” Otto: “Huiih!?” 

Eyes opening wide at the surprise blocking his throat, Subaru turns back toward the sound at the same time as Otto. The thunderous roar shook the atmosphere and men's hearts, exerting pressure enough to provoke signs of terror even in the dragons. Were there any person or thing in this place not wavering, it would likely only be Subaru-mounted Patrasche. 

Thus, she was the fastest of anyone present to make her judgement. 

Otto: “Ah, Natsuki-san!?” 

Subaru: “Aguh, Patrasche!” 

Immediately directing her head toward the end of the line of carriages, Patrasche breaks into a run. She heads for the frontmost carriage—and in fact further, toward the end of the road, sprinting for SANCTUARY's exit with no hesitation. Leaving Otto's call behind, Subaru atop Patrasche's back again receives her Blessing. He understands her actions not. Just when he attempts to raise his voice to stop her, 

???: “——Ϡ!!” 

A shock shakes the ground. Subaru hears the screams behind him. Unconsciously swallowing his breath as he tilts his head back, he looks in Otto and the others' direction. 

In his left-handed vision, the sight of the dark forest arising faintly, Subaru sees it. 

Carriages gone flying. The dragons and boarded evacuees concurrently caught in the furious impact scatter through the air, shrieks and blood painting the forest sky red. 

Subaru: “—au,” 

Witnessing the tragedy unfold, there beneath the floating ruins of carriages, Subaru sees a beast. 

—Its body cloaked in golden-blond fur, Subaru sees an enormous tiger.





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