Shortly after the emissary from the capital departed the mansion, those traveling began to gather their belongings and boarded a carriage drawn by a Ground-dragon. The carriage was strikingly black with colorful accents and adorned with real gold trim.
Why the gold? "Whyyyy the gold you ask, to showcase my magnificence as a court mage; how else can I display my status to the wooorld?"
In other words, it's for a shit reason.
Nonetheless, the journey included Subaru, Roswaal, Emilia, and Rem, who was serving as the coach driver. They spent nearly an entire day traveling, arriving late at night.
They checked into an inn situated close to the hilltop, with the king's castle looming in the distance. They were in the merchant district.
The capital was divided into five sections, resembling a pyramid: the royal district at the top, followed by the noble district, the merchant district, the residential area, and finally, at the base, the slums.
The stark contrast between social classes was evident here.
With morning's arrival, it was time to get down to business. At Emilia's request, Subaru was now making his way to the guards' garrison in the nobles district.
Everything seemed fine… But there was one tiny issue.
"So, Emilia… is the hand-holding really necessary?" he asked, glancing down at her hand, which was firmly clasping him like a child with a favorite toy.
"Ah! W-what do you mean? This place is very crowded, Subaru! You could easily get lost!" she replied, her cheeks tinged with a hint of red.
Truth be told, Emilia was not being honest, not even to herself. She felt an unexpected urge to hold his hand and did so without thinking, and it felt surprisingly nice to her.
Subaru felt a similar warmth inside, and his cheeks flushed slightly as well.
"You know, Emilia, you're just the cutest when you try to lie. It's reeeeally adorable," he teased, mimicking her playful way of stretching out the word "really."
"E-eh! I'm not lying! Please stop teasing me!" She pouted at him.
Subaru stared at Emilia's adorable pout, and one thought popped into his head: 'So cute.'
Emilia had this habit of puffing out her cheeks whenever she was teased, and Subaru always felt the urge to pinch them, but he restrained himself because of her position.
But now, with her wearing the identity-sealing cloak, she was free from the glares that usually came her way as a Silver-Haired Half-Elf. No one recognized her at all.
'Fuck it. I'm going for it,'
Subaru raised his hands, heading straight for her cheeks…
"If you're done with the lovey-dovey stuff, why not buy something instead?" a gruff voice interrupted. He turned to see the source.
"You and Rammy are both mood-killers, you know that?" he replied, recognizing the rude green-haired merchant who had previously kicked him out for being broke.
"So what? I'm running a business here. Either buy something or move along," the merchant retorted.
"Wow, still rude, huh? Who found your daughter, man? Lighten up a bit, smile!" Subaru said, forcing a grin.
The shopkeeper looked at him with indifference before letting out a sigh. "I suppose you have a point. I'll try to be friendlier with you, broke kid."
"Hey! I'm a working, functioning adult now, okay? Here, I'll buy something from you," Subaru insisted.
"A-actually, let me cover that for you, Subaru!"
"Absolutely not! I'm the man here; I should be the one paying."
"But I'm your lady! And I order You to let me purchase it!"
"Nah."
This quickly turned into a petty argument, while the exasperated merchant could only sigh in disbelief, questioning his life choices.
---------------------------------
After agreeing to split the cost evenly, they left with ten fresh appas in hand and quickly made their way to the nobles' district.
As he had anticipated, the nobles' district was somewhat walled off, with guards stationed at every entrance, acting as a security checkpoint.
Upon presenting the Mathers family crest on their uniforms, they were granted access without hesitation.
Once inside the nobles' district, the contrast was striking compared to the merchant and other areas.
The buildings shifted from brick and wood to marble and polished stone, the streets were wider and better maintained, and the area was much cleaner, adorned with more greenery. Lavishly decorated ground-dragon wagons moved along, guards patrolled the vicinity, and elegantly dressed individuals strolled by, often accompanied by their servants.
'Wow, I guess wealth and status are everything in this world,' he mused, once again reminded of the social hierarchy that persisted in this medieval world; not everyone was born equal.
'Not that it was any different back home; I'm living proof of that,' he reflected.
"Alright, Subaru, we're here," Emilia's voice pulled him from his thoughts. They stood before a grand building displaying the banner of a dragon atop of a wooden gate, the flag of the Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica.
"So, what's the purpose of our visit?" he asked.
"Well, since my presence was requested, I'm here to deliver a message about my arrival. The garrison here has a conversation mirror I can use," she explained.
The term piqued Subaru's interest. "Conversation mirror? What's that?" he asked.
"It's a metia that allows me to communicate with people over long distances. It's pretty neat, like the one you used to have," she said, a hint of guilt surfacing after remembering such device.
'Oh? So it's like a telephone system, but powered by magic,' he thought. Not quite as advanced as modern technology, but still impressive.
Noticing Emilia's unusual silence, he let out a sigh. "I can tell you're still feeling guilty about it, even without looking at you, right?" he remarked, feeling her grip on him tighten slightly.
"Come on, Emi. I told you not to stress over it; it was just a piece of junk I was going to sell anyway," he said, flashing her a reassuring smile, which she returned.
They shared a quiet moment until the sound of footsteps interrupted their thoughts.
"Well, if it isn't Emilia-sama," a charming voice called out. They turned to see a figure in a knight's uniform, with light purple hair and striking yellow eyes, his build impressive.
Subaru took a moment to analyze him; his gate was slightly better than Wilhelm's, and his mana reserves were bigger. He can see the mana flowing through him; he was using the flow method, it seemed. What caught his attention, however, were the six colorful spheres swirling within him.
He recognized them immediately; they were larger and more vibrant than what he was used to, unmistakably those were Quasi-Spirits. Each sphere represented a different magical attribute, which meant that he could use all types of magic with them. He could sense the connection between them and this man, Od.
His Od also bore a small, shiny white star, which was the "Divine Protection of Gathering Spirits," which essentially made him a magnet for spirits, allowing him to see, converse with, and befriend them.
Recalling Emilia's words, he realized this guy must possess an incredible spirit affinity to be contracted with six of them.
He also remembered her mentioning that he had a good spirit affinity, which is why he was able to interact with Puck and Beatrice, and she even hinted that he might be able to contract with multiple spirits.
While the idea was intriguing, he wasn't planning on doing it; years of exorcising cursed spirits had left their mark on him.
Meanwhile, the newcomer was slightly bowing, a hand over his heart. "It's great to see you again. Have you been well since our last encounter?" he asked.
"Things have been much better since we last met, Julius. You look well," Emilia replied as she turned to him.
"It fills me with joy that you remember me," he said, stepping closer and kneeling before her. "You seem to have become even more beautiful, Emilia-sama."
He then gently took her hand and kissed it, this scene felt like it was pulled straight from a fantasy film.
"Ugh, Knights and all their pompous, over-the-top actions. I forgot they did that," he muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Why, Thank you! I apologize for the sudden request, but I have some business to wrap up at the garrison. Would you be able to act as my agent inside?" she inquired.
"Absolutely, it would be a privilege to take on that role," he replied, but then noticed someone standing behind him.
"Does your business involve this young man? I must say, his demeanor and style are quite fitting," he remarked.
"Oh," she said, finally noticing Subaru. "Julius, this is Natsuki Subaru, a new butler at the Mathers' estate and also my friend," she introduced, gesturing toward Subaru.
"Heya! nam's Natsuki Subaru, nice to meet you!" he exclaimed, extending his hand for a shake, which Julius accepted.
"Likewise, it's a pleasure to meet you, Natsuki-san," he responded.
"No need for the formalities, just call me Subaru. I like it better that way," he suggested.
"As you wish, I will respect your request, Subaru," Julius said, then turned to Emilia. "Shall we go inside now?"
She nodded and then looked back at Subaru. "Subaru, please wait here for me, okay? I promise I won't be long."
He waved his hand dismissively. "Nah, take your time," he replied. Emilia and Julius went inside, leaving Subaru outside.
And he waited.
And waited—
'Yeah, This is going to take forever, isn't it?' he thought. Scanning the area, he figured there had to be something more interesting to do than just standing around like that poor guard over there.
That's when he noticed a woman in a striking red and black dress being pulled into a dimly lit alleyway.
'hoh, They got balls doing that in front of a garrison,' he mused, a sly grin spreading across his face.
---------------------------------
"Don't fuck with us!"
"Just hand over everything ya got!"
"Or we'll bust up that pretty face of yours, lady!"
Three stooges stood in an alley, surrounding a stunning woman with sun-kissed hair and sparkling red eyes that outshone the stars. She wore an elegant black and dark red dress that hugged her curves, accentuating her ample cleavage. Adorned with three red and black flowers in her hair, she was also draped in an array of dazzling jewelry.
"Don't make such a fuss, commoners. fools with no worth picking fights for the foolish of reasons," she remarked, holding a fan to her mouth, clearly amused by their angered expressions.
"Dragging and threatening a beautiful woman in an alleyway such as this, HAVE YOU NO SHAME?!"
A voice called out from behind the thugs, causing both them and the lady to turn.
It was a man in a butler outfit, sporting sunglasses and striking a heroic pose, puffing out his chest.
"You may be scared, afraid, but fear not, young lady, for I am here—" he paused as he finally took in the sight of the thugs, his bravado deflating as he stared at them.
"Oh… it's just you three," he muttered in disappointment, piquing the lady's curiosity.
"Hah? Who's… Oh, it's you! The one from a month ago!" exclaimed the thug with purple hair.
"Yep. Skinny, midget, and ogre. It's me, your favorite 'Victim,'" he replied.
As before, they were not pleased with his words, especially the midget.
"What did you just call me?!" he screeched, brandishing a dagger at Subaru.
Subaru merely smirked lazily at him. "A midget, that's what I called you. Are you deaf?"
"You—?!"
"And what's with that toy? Don't you know kids shouldn't play with sharp objects?" He said, then snapped his fingers as if struck by a brilliant idea.
"Hey, why don't you hand me that knife, and I'll set up a playdate? I heard Petra-chan would love to make some new friends," he grinned at the fuming midget.
"Why you—"
"Oh, and by the way, she's twelve, which is about your age."
This was the final straw, as the little guy lunged at Subaru, his dagger aimed at his throat, shouting, "Die!"
Subaru waited for him to close the distance, casually dodging the sluggish attack. He extended his foot, causing the midget to trip and drop his dagger.
As he tried to get back up to continue his assault, a sudden weight crashed down on him, leaving him squirming helplessly.
"Forget the playdate! How about I make you my personal chair? You're quite comfy," Subaru quipped.
The other goons watched with twitched eyebrows, clearly not happy with their buddy being humiliated. The skinny one finally decided to act and brandished a short sword, attempting to catch Subaru off guard.
But Subaru was well aware of him; his smirk grew as he saw the attack coming, and he simply extended his hand. "El Shamak!"
The thief was hit with an invincible force and collapsed in one swift motion.
"What is this?! I can't move!" he exclaimed, struggling as if his muscles were frozen.
"Oh, you like it? It's called 'El Shamak,' a yin spell. Pretty neat, right?" Subaru grinned at him before turning to the ogre.
"So, what about you, big guy? Are you going to do anything?" he asked, noticing the man was sweating and clearly rattled by the scene.
"Nothing? Aw man, you're boring," he pouted, then stood up, allowing the little guy to catch his breath.
"Now, I'm only going to say this once. Get lost, or things will get physical." He cracked his knuckles for emphasis.
The ogre gritted his teeth in anger and bolted, dragging his friends with him as they fled the alleyway, shouting, "This isn't over!"
'Well, that was fun,' he thought, before turning his attention back to the damsel in distress.
He examined her with his six eyes, noting her strong gate and vast mana reserves. While not quite on Emilia's level, she was impressive. She had an affinity for Yang magic and a small star on her Od, representing the "Divine Protection of The Sun", which enhanced her strength during the day and boosted her buffs.
He had been encountering quite a lot of individuals with divine protections lately, hadn't he?
He could also sense a connection to something powerful through her Od, akin to a contract with spirits. It was a sword, radiating immense power.
Though it didn't compare to Reinhardt's, which was in a league of its own.
And lastly… she was hot as hell, rivaling Mei Mei in that regard.
"…Usually, this is the moment I check in on you and ask about your well-being. But given it was those three, it seems pointless," he remarked.
The woman didn't reply, simply studying him from behind her fan before snapping it shut with a nod, a smile gracing her pink lips.
"I must admit, your performance has greatly entertained me, commoner. Something many before you have failed to accomplish," she complimented.
"Uh… thanks, I guess?" he replied, unsure how to interpret her words, whether it was gratitude or a jab at his status, though he knew it was true.
"And I must commend you, for worrying about my well-being would have been a pointless effort."
"Oh really? Why's that? Is it because you're strong? I can respect that if it's true," he said.
"No, it's much simpler than that," she began. "This world exists solely for my convenience; everything here is for my amusement," she declared, her chest puffed out, clearly exuding confidence or perhaps arrogance.
"Even without your intervention, I would have faced no harm, for I am never at a disadvantage."
Subaru stared at her in disbelief, unsure of how to respond. Who could blame him? This was the most outrageous claim he had ever heard.
'And people call me arrogant,' he thought, also wondering what Satoru would have done in this situation.
He probably found it hilarious or something,' he mused, a warm smile crossing his face as he recalled his cousin's antics.
"…Sure, lady. I suppose I wasn't needed after all," he finally spoke up.
She glanced at him, then at the bag he was holding, and gestured towards it with her fan, "What's in that bag?"
Subaru looked down at the bag in his hand, "Oh, this? These are Appas, the freshest ones in the capital."
The woman scoffed, "Don't make me laugh. Appas are white, not red, got it?"
Subaru gave her a flat look. "Appas are white once you peel them; the red is just their outer skin," he explained.
She simply stared at him.
"…You gotta be kidding me. You've never seen an unpeeled appa before?"
She continued to look at him blankly, and soon both of them were just staring at each other like morons.
Suddenly, Subaru tensed up, his body going completely still as he sensed something familiar yet unexpected.
'No way! It can't be here!'
"Subaru! There you are! I've been searching everywhere for you! Where have you been?" The voice belonged to none other than Emilia, standing at the entrance of the alleyway, her cloak billowing, accompanied by someone else. He turned to see who it was.
The newcomer wore a black medieval helmet adorned with a crest of red hair, an open green vest trimmed with white fur, sand-colored trousers, split-toe sandals, and a yellow scarf wrapped around his torso. His most striking feature was his missing left arm.
Subaru didn't focus on that; what mattered to him was something far more significant. He could feel it.
It was a tiny amount, almost imperceptible, but Subaru was certain it was there.
Cursed Energy.
The man in front of him possessed Cursed Energy, not enough to qualify as a sorcerer, but it was there nonetheless.
And since he hadn't encountered anyone else with it, this could only mean one thing.
'Looks like I'm not the only one who got isekai'd, huh?'
Almost unnoticed, The helmeted man flinched slightly at the sight of Subaru. Especially his sunglasses
"Subaru?" Emilia asked again, noticing he hadn't spoken. Subaru simply shook his head gently as he focused on her.
"Ah, Emilia, I'm sorry if I worried you. There was just something on my mind," he said, moving a bit closer to her.
"And I take it you're here to help her in finding me, right?" he inquired of the man in the helmet.
"Not exactly. I was searching for someone when this missy asked for my help. And wouldn't you know it, I ended up finding her too," the man replied with a cheerful tone.
"My, how thoughtful of you to wait where you knew I would be," the woman said as she approached the group.
Upon seeing the woman, Emilia quickly hid behind Subaru, who raised an eyebrow at her.
"Well, Princess, I was just fulfilling my duty as your jester," the man joked.
"Jester? You? That's tough, buddy." Subaru remarked, causing the woman to huff at him.
"Al is quite happy with his role," she stated. And the man just nodded.
"I see, well, enjoy yourselves then," he said, suddenly stopping, "oh, one more thing, here."
He grabbed an appa and tossed it to the woman, who caught it in her hand, then threw another one to the helmeted man.
"Name's Natsuki Subaru. Let's be on good terms, okay?"
The woman glanced at the apple, then back at Subaru, smiling at him. "Priscilla Barielle, make sure you remember that, commoner."
---------------------------------
As they walked back to the inn, the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over everything.
Subaru and Emilia walked closely together, both silent. Since leaving the alley, Emilia had been lost in her thoughts, and he chose not to disturb her.
"Subaru…" Emilia finally spoke, catching his attention.
"Where did you meet that woman? And how did it happen?" she inquired.
"Oh, her? I noticed she was in a bit of trouble, so I went to help. Why do you ask? Is something wrong?" he replied.
"So you didn't know…" she paused, letting out a sigh of relief.
"She's a candidate for the throne, just like me." Subaru's eyes widened in surprise.
"She is?! Really?!"
Emilia confirmed with a nod, "Yes, I'm certain. You see, candidates aren't supposed to meet before the royal selection starts; it's forbidden by the sage council. That's why I was hiding behind you back there."
"I'm sorry if I made you anxious; I just didn't know how to mention it," she said apologetically.
Subaru smiled at her, "No worries, Emilia. No harm no foul. I understand where you're coming from."
Emilia returned his smile.