After leaving the mansion and traveling for a while, Subaru brought the dragon carriage to a halt. The sky was still shrouded in the cool tranquility of early morning; mist clung to the low-lying grasses, and the trees whispered softly as a gentle breeze danced through their leaves. The scent of damp earth and morning dew hung in the air. Subaru inhaled deeply, savoring the crispness of the hour, then slowly stood up atop the carriage. His posture was firm, but his expression betrayed a mixture of seriousness and hesitation.
"Everyone, there's something important I need to share," he said, his voice steady but resonant, the type of voice that cut through idle thoughts and brought minds to full attention.
Inside the carriage, all motion ceased. Elsa narrowed her eyes just slightly, as if trying to see past Subaru's outer calm. Meili tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her youthful eyes. Beatrice gently closed the book she had been reading, the small sound of pages pressing together marking her shift in focus. Rem, ever sensitive to Subaru's emotional state, sensed something unusual and straightened in her seat, all thoughts turned toward him.
Subaru took another breath before continuing: "Anastasia-sama has offered to help us locate Hikari. And after thinking it through... I've decided to accept her help."
He let the words settle for a moment before explaining further.
"There are two main reasons for this decision. First, Anastasia was born in Kararagi. That gives her a deep familiarity with the region—far more than anything we could gather on our own. I'm not just talking about well-traveled roads or trade routes. She knows the old tunnels used by smugglers, the uncharted paths hidden in merchant records, and even obscure local laws that most people have forgotten exist. In a region as vast and unpredictable as Kararagi, that kind of knowledge could be the difference between success and disaster."
He looked at each of them in turn, making sure his reasoning landed with weight.
"Second... she told me that roughly a year ago, she stayed at an inn where she briefly saw a girl matching Hikari's description. She didn't interact with her directly, but the memory stood out. She described a foreign-looking girl traveling alone, and that oddity lingered in her mind. Given how few leads we've had, even something as fragile as that could be a key to finding her."
Silence fell again, heavier this time, as the others processed what they had just heard. Subaru stepped down from the edge of the carriage, his boots crunching softly against the grass and soil.
"And let's not forget her access to information," he added. "Anastasia has eyes and ears all across the continent. Spy reports, trade manifests, political gossip, coded messages between merchant lords—she sees it all. Working with her gives us access to that vast network. And whether we like it or not, this search for Hikari might take us into places where our own names mean nothing. With Anastasia's help, doors might open that would otherwise remain sealed."
Elsa's voice broke the stillness, sharp and to the point: "Then why didn't you tell us this earlier?"
Subaru opened his mouth to respond, but Meili jumped in first, arms crossed and mouth pouting: "Elsa-nee, isn't it obvious? He didn't want Emilia-sama to get jealous. She couldn't come with us, and Subaru-nii teaming up with another royal candidate? That's the kind of thing that gets taken the wrong way... especially if you're the jealous type."
Elsa tilted her head toward Subaru, one eyebrow raised. Her gaze wasn't accusatory, merely inquisitive, gauging his intent and the logic behind it.
Subaru gave a tired smile, not defensive, just honest: "That's part of it, yeah. Emilia's feelings matter, and I didn't want her to misinterpret anything. But the bigger reason was political. If Roswaal caught wind of this alliance, he might've twisted it into something entirely different. And that could have led to arguments, manipulations, delays. By the time we explained ourselves, we might've missed our chance to act quickly. Honestly, slipping away quietly was the only way to avoid that web of complications."
Beatrice sighed, her eyes steady on Subaru: "Subaru... you haven't forgotten that Elsa is still a wanted criminal in Lugunica, have you?"
He blinked once, then nodded slowly, an uncomfortable realization surfacing behind his eyes.
Beatrice pressed her point: "Anastasia isn't just a royal candidate—she's surrounded by people who enforce the law, including Julius Juukulius. If they see you traveling with someone like Elsa, it won't just be your reputation at risk. It could cast a shadow over Anastasia's name as well. Even if she agrees to help, her political opponents could use that against her. And if that scandal spreads, your own standing in the royal selection could be severely damaged."
Subaru winced, the oversight hitting harder than he expected. "Damn... I was so focused on moving fast, I completely overlooked that risk. "Inside his head, he grumbled: "Oi, Flugel... You're always lecturing me. Why the hell didn't you say something about this?"
Flugel's voice echoed through his thoughts, drenched in apathy and followed by a yawn: "Natsuki Subaru, I'm not your nanny. I guide you toward growth, not perfection. Mistakes like this? Part of the process. Consider it your tuition for wisdom."
Subaru grimaced, then let out a sigh of his own. He turned back to face the group.
"Thanks for pointing it out. We'll need to be extra careful once we meet Anastasia. Maybe keep Elsa in the background unless absolutely necessary."
Elsa's expression remained unreadable, but she gave a slight nod, as if to say she understood the game they were playing.
Subaru glanced once more at the road ahead, then climbed back onto the carriage.
"Alright. Let's keep moving. The sooner we reach Kararagi, the sooner we'll see if this gamble pays off."
Rem gently took the reins and interjected: "Subaru-kun, I had considered this possibility. I prepared a large, dark cloak for Elsa. It's designed to partially cover her face as well. Please make sure she wears it before we meet Anastasia-sama. We cannot afford any mistakes today."
Flugel chuckled, "At least someone in this group is thinking ahead. Always a pleasure to witness competence."
Elsa let out a deep sigh, her slender fingers brushing a stray lock of hair back under her hood. Turning to Rem, she spoke softly: "I'm grateful, Rem. You're very thoughtful. I had been worried about causing trouble." Her voice carried a rare note of genuine warmth.
Rem responded with a gentle smile, a small warmth flickering in her eyes. "It's the least I could do. We all need to be cautious."
Subaru took a deep breath, his expression softening a bit. "At least this way, we can hide her. But we'll have to hope no one notices. Eyes and ears are everywhere."
For a brief moment, the inside of the dragon carriage was filled with silence. Everyone was lost in their own thoughts, the weight and seriousness of the upcoming meeting settling on their shoulders like an invisible cloak. Aside from the distant sound of birds carried by the wind, everything was still. Subaru had already begun considering their next steps, scenarios playing out in his mind like an intricate game of chess.
When they reached the kingdom's border, a lavish dragon carriage appearing on the horizon immediately caught their attention. The ornate details and vibrant motifs adorning the carriage made it clear it belonged to no ordinary person. Anastasia had arrived. Her timing, as always, impeccable.
Before they could get too close, Elsa swiftly donned the dark cloak. The thick fabric cast most of her face in shadow, her pale skin and sharp eyes now obscured. At least at a glance, she wouldn't be recognized—which was crucial, considering she was wanted. This journey's greatest risk lay in that fact alone. One misstep could unravel everything.
Rem slowed the dragon carriage and brought it to a stop just before the border. The soft crunch of gravel beneath the wheels marked their final approach. Subaru slowly rose from his seat, glanced around to assess the surroundings, then spoke with quiet authority:
"You all stay here. I'll speak to them first and clear things up. If necessary, I'll call for you. Stay alert."
Meili and Beatrice were quietly dozing side by side. Beatrice's head was resting lightly on Meili's shoulder, both of them wearing peaceful expressions that contrasted sharply with the tension in the air. Rem and Elsa nodded silently in agreement. Rem kept her hands on the reins, her eyes sharp and alert. Elsa, face hidden beneath her hood, watched Subaru intently, her gaze unreadable.
Subaru walked forward a few paces. His footsteps echoed softly against the white stone path. The morning sun cast long shadows, adding a surreal quality to the scene. His gaze was fixed on Anastasia's dragon carriage. It was undoubtedly impressive, yet not overly ostentatious—balancing grandeur with elegance. The deep purple fabrics trimmed with gold embroidery showed an attention to both wealth and aesthetic. Subaru thought to himself, "Exactly what I'd expect from Anastasia... projecting power without being gaudy. Calculated perfection."
He let out a slow breath, steadying himself. The stakes were high, and any misstep could spell disaster. As he neared the door, before he could even knock, it opened with a soft click.
Standing before him was Julius Juukulius. With his usual graceful posture, immaculate purple hair, and striking uniform, he looked every bit the knight. There was a calm confidence about him that Subaru couldn't help but admire.
"Ah, Subaru! You've finally arrived. Anastasia-sama was growing a bit impatient while waiting for you," he said with a friendly smile, though a subtle glint of curiosity danced in his eyes.
Subaru returned the greeting with a slight nod. "Hello, Julius. How have you been?"
Julius nodded sincerely. "Trying to be better, let's say. The world keeps spinning, and so must we. By the way, I'm truly sorry to hear about your sister. Such a long separation must be difficult. Please know I'll do whatever I can to help. You have allies here."
For a moment, Subaru felt a bit humbled by the genuine words, then offered a small smile and bowed his head. "Thank you, Julius. That's very kind of you. It means a lot."
The air between them held a moment of unspoken understanding—both men aware of the battles, both external and internal, that lay ahead.
Just then, a familiar, cheerful voice called out from inside the carriage, shattering the tension.
"Natsuki-kun? Ah, you've finally arrived! Please, come in. We have much to discuss."
Subaru nodded and stepped into the carriage. The interior welcomed him with a sense of understated luxury—spacious yet tastefully simple. Plush velvet cushions adorned the wide seats, inviting relaxation. A small, polished wooden table stood in the center, its surface gleaming softly in the filtered light. Delicately embroidered curtains, their intricate patterns woven with silver thread, framed the windows. The gentle sway of the fabric with each movement of the carriage spoke of journeys undertaken with quiet dignity. Here, comfort was clearly prioritized over ostentation—an environment that reflected the refined sensibilities of its owner.
Across from him sat Anastasia, her posture impeccable, radiating an air of composed elegance. She wore a tailored outfit in muted blues and grays, each piece carefully selected to convey authority without arrogance. Beside her, Julius sat with his usual composed demeanor, the subtle gleam of his polished armor catching the light. His presence was one of steady reassurance. As Subaru settled into his seat, he inclined his head respectfully and spoke:
"Good day, Anastasia-sama. Once again, thank you for your generous offer of assistance."
Anastasia returned his greeting with a graceful nod. "Think nothing of it, Subaru-kun. After all, in a sense, we are colleagues, are we not? If both sides stand to gain, then collaborations such as this are invaluable." Her voice was calm, each word carefully measured, carrying the practiced cadence of a seasoned negotiator.
At that moment, Flugel's familiar voice resonated within Subaru's mind. "She really does sound like a businesswoman through and through."
Subaru responded silently: "That's merchants for you—always thinking two steps ahead."
Leaning back slightly, he allowed a brief moment for contemplation before speaking again, his tone shaded with curiosity and caution:
"You're absolutely correct, Anastasia-sama. But there is one matter that puzzles me. Did you require any official permit to leave Lugunica? According to Roswaal, it was supposed to be impossible."
Anastasia tilted her head ever so slightly, a subtle smile curving her lips. "That would indeed be true if I were traveling to another nation—to Vollachia or Gusteko, for instance. However, Kararagi is my birthplace. Visiting under that pretense is well within my rights and not easily questioned. Even the royal officials have limited authority in such personal matters. I would be surprised if Roswaal were unaware of this." Her gaze flickered with a hint of knowing amusement.
Subaru managed a strained smile. "Well, sometimes even the best of us can be forgetful."
Yet inwardly, his thoughts churned: "Damn you, clown... How could you mislead me like this so easily?"
"Very well," he said aloud, regaining his composure. "When do we plan to depart?"
Anastasia straightened slightly, her turquoise eyes meeting Subaru's with an unwavering focus. "We are currently positioned precisely at the border. Prior to your arrival, I ensured that all necessary documentation was completed—permits secured, forms meticulously stamped and verified by the appropriate authorities. The guards stationed at the gate will conduct a brief inspection: identity verification, a few routine questions, and a cursory baggage check. The process is streamlined and should only take a matter of minutes. Nearly every preparation has been addressed; aside from a few minor formalities, there is nothing to impede our departure. We should be on our way shortly. In fact, the efficiency of this arrangement may surprise you."
Subaru nodded thoughtfully. "Understood. I'll return to inform Rem about the upcoming inspection."
Anastasia allowed a soft sigh to escape her lips, her tone lightening as she spoke again. "Of course, Natsuki-kun. Once we're across the border, I would very much like to engage in a more extensive conversation with you during our journey. I trust that will be acceptable?"
Rising to his feet, Subaru offered a polite smile. "Of course, Anastasia-sama. I would be honored to listen."
Exiting the dragon carriage, he adjusted his jacket with a practiced motion and began making his way back. Each step felt heavier, burdened by the undercurrents of tension swirling within him. Though a faint smile touched his lips, his mind remained a battleground of conflicting thoughts. One certainty echoed through it all:
"This journey is going to be far more complicated than I had anticipated."
Reaching the dragon carriage, Subaru paused to draw a steadying breath. The gravity of the moments ahead pressed upon him, each inhalation an attempt to center himself. The weight of all that had transpired thus far clung to him, a silent companion on this path fraught with uncertainty. Yet now, a pivotal step awaited. Gathering his resolve, he approached the carriage and called out clearly:
"Rem, the border guards will be conducting a brief inspection. Please drive the carriage up next to Anastasia's."
Rem appeared promptly, her movements fluid with practiced grace. She nodded once, her expression composed and resolute. With professional efficiency, she took her place at the reins. "Understood, Subaru-kun," she replied, her voice steady. Her hands gripped the reins firmly as she guided the carriage forward with measured precision. For a fleeting moment, her gaze met Subaru's—a glance rich with trust, silent determination, and an unspoken promise that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
When Subaru stepped back inside, the cozy warmth of the room greeted him, and he found Beatrice still curled up in her little reading nook, sound asleep beneath her frilly blankets. The soft rhythm of her breathing filled the silence. Nearby, Meili sat on a stool with her head nodding, clearly battling sleep herself. Subaru couldn't help but smile at the sight before gently kneeling down next to Beatrice and lightly shaking her shoulder.
"Hey Beako. Beakooo! Come on, rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty."
The drowsy spirit stirred with a groan, reluctantly cracking one eye open to peer up at him. "Mmh... Are you seriously disturbing Betty's precious sleep, I suppose," she mumbled, her voice muffled as she tried to bury her face back into the pillow with stubborn determination.
Subaru chuckled softly, but then his voice shifted to a more serious tone. "Yeah, Beako. I know you love your naps, but this is actually important."
Beatrice let out a long yawn, her little mouth stretching before she turned her sleepy gaze toward him. "This better be worth it," she grumbled. "What is it that you want from Betty now?"
Subaru exhaled through his nose and sat back on his heels. "We're going to be crossing the border soon. Anastasia invited us, and she told me she wants to talk along the way."
At that moment, a voice from across the room chimed in. Elsa, lounging with her arms crossed, wore a faint, amused smile. "What's the matter? Scared to be alone with a girl, Subaru? How adorably naive."
He groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It's not about that, Elsa. And anyway, Julius will be there too, so it's hardly going to be some romantic trip. The thing is... these conversations aren't just idle chatter. Anastasia isn't the type to waste breath. She'll be talking about strategy—military movements, political intentions, trade negotiations. It's going to get complicated."
He looked back to Beatrice, his gaze earnest. "I need someone who can understand that kind of thing. Someone who can keep up and jump in if I miss something."
Subaru glanced briefly at Meili, who had now fully slumped against the side of the chair, quietly snoring. A fond smile crossed his face. "I adore Meili, I really do. She's sharp in her own way. But she's still a kid, and this kind of talk isn't something I want her tangled in yet."
Turning back to Elsa, he added, "And as for you, well... you know the situation. You're still undercover. The fewer people who see you, the better. It's too risky bringing you along in public."
He stood and began pacing slowly. "Rem's driving the carriage. That rules her out, too. When I line up all the pieces, you're the one that fits, Beako."
His voice softened, his steps halting in front of her. "You're brilliant, Beako. You've got insight, knowledge, and let's be honest—when you speak, people listen. Having you with me would do more than just help me keep up with the conversation. It would show strength. A united front. People already know you're my spirit partner. Them seeing you beside me only makes that image stronger."
He leaned closer, gently placing a hand over hers. "So yeah. I want you there. But more than that, I need you there."
Beatrice blinked at him for a long moment. Then she rolled her eyes with an exaggerated sigh and looked away, trying to mask the faint smile tugging at her lips. "You've started speaking a bit more sensibly lately, I suppose," she admitted, her voice still carrying a note of stubborn pride. "What you say makes some sense. Fine. Betty will accompany you. Just make sure it's worth disrupting her nap schedule."
Subaru beamed, unable to contain his relief. He pulled her into a gentle hug, wrapping his arms around her small frame. "You're the best, Beako. Truly."
Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she mumbled under her breath. "Hmph. Betty deserves far more credit than just that, I suppose. This is a royal favor you're receiving, after all."
Before the mood could settle too deeply, a sharp knock echoed through the room. The voice that followed was firm and official, clearly belonging to someone used to being obeyed. "Pardon the interruption. Is Subaru-dono present?"
Straightening up, Subaru stepped toward the door and pulled it open. "Yes, that's me," he responded, his tone polite but guarded.
Outside stood a guard clad in full armor, polished to a mirror sheen. Beside him, a tall man in a sleek, well-tailored uniform—an inspector, clearly—was reviewing a stack of papers on a clipboard.
The guard's voice was brisk, almost mechanical as he launched into the required questions. "Purpose of your travel? Number in your party? Final destination?"
Subaru answered each one steadily. "We're heading to Kararagi, invited by Anastasia Hoshin. The trip is trade-related. Two carriages, five people total. All documentation has been arranged and submitted by Anastasia herself."
The inspector nodded while scribbling notes, his quill moving rapidly over the parchment. Subaru felt the tension in the air—how something so procedural could still carry an undertone of danger if even the slightest detail was off.
Thankfully, everything had been anticipated. Anastasia's preparations were flawless. The documents were reviewed, seals confirmed, and permits approved in swift succession. As the final papers were stamped, Subaru finally let himself breathe again.
With that final formality settled, he turned back toward the carriage, the weight of the upcoming journey finally starting to settle on his shoulders—but also a flicker of confidence building within him. With Beatrice by his side, maybe he had a real chance of holding his own.
Finally, the inspection was complete. The dragon carriages were granted passage across the border. After offering his thanks to the officer, Subaru climbed aboard Anastasia's carriage with Beatrice quietly at his side. Rem positioned her own carriage right behind Anastasia's and began to follow at a measured, steady pace.
The two carriages now crossed into Kararagi, embarking on a journey filled with unknown lands, unseen threats, and untapped opportunities. A new chapter had begun. Subaru, feeling the weight of responsibility settle onto his shoulders once more, drew silent strength from Beatrice's calm presence. Her small hand resting lightly on his arm was a quiet reassurance. Fixing his gaze on the endless stretch of road ahead, he prepared himself mentally for what was to come.
Inside Anastasia's carriage, the mood had noticeably lightened. The long wait had finally ended, and a tangible sense of relief spread through the comfortable, richly furnished space. Anastasia leaned back against her seat with a soft sigh. "It's finally done~," she murmured, her voice weary but suffused with a quiet satisfaction. It was as though an invisible weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Her gaze drifted toward the window, watching the landscape roll past in muted colors.
Subaru sank into the plush seat across from her, a grimace twisting his features. "Why does paperwork always take forever..." he grumbled, drumming his fingers rhythmically against his knees. His patience had thinned considerably—the entire process had felt like an eternity, testing both his stamina and his nerves.
Julius, ever composed and dignified, offered an explanation in his usual courteous tone. "If it had only been you crossing the border, a simple inspection of the vehicle would have sufficed. However, given Anastasia-sama's prominent status, the process required a far more thorough approach. Every detail must be examined when someone of her rank is involved. It is only natural that the procedure would take this long."
Anastasia tilted her head forward slightly, her expression softening as her mind seemed to wander through old memories. "Julius, do you remember? When we first arrived in Lugunica... we spent nearly an entire day tangled in paperwork. Back then, we were just an obscure group of merchants. No recognition, no titles. We waited and waited, unsure if we would even be allowed entry."
Subaru's eyes widened with genuine surprise. "Seriously? All that trouble just because of a shiny crest? And every candidate in the Royal Selection had to go through this mess too?" His tone mixed astonishment with faint amusement.
Anastasia chuckled softly, her smile warm and genuine. "Of course, Natsuki-kun. Politics and governance are far more intricate than they appear. Everyone carries the weight of their past with them. If I'd had the choice, I would not have entered the Royal Selection. The responsibility is immense, the stakes even greater. But there are things worth striving for, even under such burdens."
Subaru inclined his head respectfully, his voice sincere. "I wish you the best of luck in the Selection, Anastasia-sama."
For a moment, Anastasia's playful demeanor shifted to something more contemplative. Her gaze met Subaru's with a curious gleam. "Natsuki-kun, I must admit, I've been curious. Why did you choose to serve under Emilia's banner? From what I've heard, you act as her protector, and you also provide her with technical support through your engineering expertise. It's quite unusual."
Subaru paused, caught off guard by the directness of the question. His eyes drifted as memories resurfaced—the first time he had met Emilia, the trials they had faced together, the moments of unwavering kindness she had shown. A soft smile touched his lips as he replied. "Well... what can I say? Emilia-sama truly moved me. Despite being a half-elf and facing such harsh prejudice, she continues to approach this country with compassion and kindness. It's impossible not to admire her spirit. And being by her side has given me a chance to share my inventions, to contribute meaningfully. I've found my place, my purpose. Now, I know exactly what I'm fighting for."
Julius nodded thoughtfully, admiration shining in his eyes. "You speak from the heart, Subaru. That much was clear during Emilia-sama's speech at the royal court. Her words resonated deeply. If I recall correctly, even Anastasia-sama was quite moved."
Anastasia's eyes narrowed playfully, a mock pout forming on her lips. "Julius! That was my line~ you stole my moment."
Julius bowed his head apologetically. "Ah... my sincerest apologies, my lady. I spoke out of turn."
Clearing her throat softly, Anastasia regained her cheerful tone. "Well then~ since we're already exchanging secrets, why not introduce a new topic?"
And so the conversation flowed onward, expanding and deepening. They spoke of politics, of shifting alliances and potential reforms. They debated economic trends and trade possibilities between nations. They shared stories from their pasts—moments of triumph, lessons from hardship. Dreams for the future were laid bare, along with countless what-ifs and imagined scenarios. The carriage, rolling steadily along the road, became a small world unto itself. Within its walls, time seemed to blur. Hours passed unnoticed, the outside landscape forgotten, as words and ideas danced freely between them all.
Beatrice had listened attentively at first, her eyes gently opened and her head tilted to the side in quiet concentration. The discussions on strategic analysis, power dynamics, and societal structures had piqued her interest. She occasionally offered quiet nods or soft hums of agreement when a particularly insightful point was raised. But as the hours passed, the vibrant exchange dulled into repetition. When the conversations turned to aristocratic pleasantries, debates over the finest varieties of imported luxury teas, and wedding gossip from noble circles, her eyelids grew heavy with disinterest. Subaru, meanwhile, sat awkwardly throughout, offering no input. These were not his worlds—of etiquette, refinement, or high society. He neither understood them nor cared to. With a resigned sigh, Beatrice eventually leaned against Subaru's shoulder, her golden curls brushing against his arm, and drifted into a gentle slumber, the background murmurs lulling her into dreams.
As the dragon carriage continued its journey over dusty trails and beneath the fading twilight sky, the warm, layered murmur of conversation inside gave the ride a surreal, almost dreamlike quality. The wooden frame of the carriage creaked with every jolt and turn, but inside, there was a curious sense of calm. Each of its passengers carried burdens—haunted memories, burning ambitions, or secret sorrows—and yet they journeyed together. For better or worse, their paths were now intertwined, pulling them toward a horizon drenched in uncertainty, where fate itself waited silently.