Chapter Text
By the time Harisson was once more awake and capable of walking, Subaru had come to grab him for a meeting between the camps.
Harisson’s injuries, in the end, were nothing when compared to how much damage Garfiel and Otto had taken. He only needed some rest, and he was… if not ready to get back into the action, at least capable of joining in for the discussion.
His eyes roamed over the people in the meeting. The room itself was ruined, half exposed to the outside, its roof caved in and walls turned to rubble. He found himself looking out for a moment to the city; Taking the destruction in now that the fight was over.
Buildings destroyed and torn apart, streets flooded and infrastructure damaged… it would take some time before the city would return back to normal.
Within the room, not all were present. There was the lady Anastasia, as expected, so often found leading and organising these. She was… someone Harisson found himself wary and cautious of, though he could definitely respect the efforts she’d put in for the suppression of the Witch Cult. Next to her stood Liliana, the songstress, though Harisson in his mind had aligned her with lady Priscilla, who stood aside from the group, leaning against a wall with her arms closed. Lady Felt, though he doubted she’d enjoy him calling her that, stood to the left right of those two, on another side of the table, along with Reinhard. Harisson had heard from Subaru how the fight against Regulus had gone. He knew that Reinhard was strong; The strongest, in all likelihood. But seriously…
Resurrection?! This was insane! Actual genuine denial of death. He could see the black number over Reinhard’s head. And spoilers, but it wasn’t zero!
And having apparently been sent to the damned moon and come back?!
Harisson was very, very glad that Reinhard was such a good person. Because the thought of that kind of power in the hands of someone evil, or cruel, was…
Horrifying to the highest degree.
Finally, opposite from Anastasia and Liliana, were those of the Emilia camp who could attend; Subaru, Beatrice, and lady Emilia, along with Felix and sir Wilhelm. At their lead was the lady Crush, though she seemed to have a distant look in her eyes. He noticed a similar look to his own on her face as she gazed at the ruined city.
Anastasia was the first to speak. “I’m opposed to lettin’ that Sin Archbishop live. Nothin’ good will come of it.”
Crush spoke up in response, her eyes sharpening somewhat. “I disagree. When was the last time anyone was able to capture a Sin Archbishop alive? The information we could gather on them, alone, is priceless.”
Anastasia tilted her head to the side. “Do you honestly think we’ll get anything useful on the Witch Cult out of Wrath?”
Harisson had to agree with her there. The woman was insane, plain and simple. Any information they may gather from her had just as much chance of being the mad ramblings of a crazy person as they were to be useful information; Let alone if she simply decided to feed them misinformation to try and get them killed!
Felix spoke up in support of his lady. “That’s just speculation. She still knows more than any of us do!”
Subaru raised a hand. “Personally… I don’t think talking to Wrath would be a total waste of effort.”
Harisson found himself looking towards Subaru with a surprised look. There hadn’t been any loops, that much he knew… so Subaru must have discovered something from his talk with Wrath earlier.
…If Harisson was being honest, there had been moments of almost… frightening lucidity from Wrath. He just… preferred imagining she was utterly insane.
What sort of person would it take to willingly join the Witch Cult and reach such a high rank after all?!
The boy from another world continued. “But I get why you’re uneasy about keeping her in custody.”
Harisson spoke up as well, feeling compelled to do so. “Subaru… the woman is horribly dangerous. If she managed to break out, and she’s near a population center… she could cause catastrophic damage. Especially if she didn’t show the…” He sighed. “As much as I hate to use that word, restraint she did here.” His eyes narrowed. “Is the information we might get worth the risk of what happens if it goes wrong?”
Reinhard raised a hand. “I’m also opposed to the execution of Wrath. This is a rare opportunity for the kingdom to learn about the Witch’s Cult. We should transport her to the capital and give her to the knights at once.”
Harisson’s eyes widened. “The capital?!” He exclaimed, Reinhard turning towards him. “I… no offense Reinhard, but if she happens to escape there, that would be the worst scenario wouldn’t it?!”
Felix spoke up. “Even just escorting them there…”
Reinhard took a short bow. “On that, I will assume that role.”
Well. That certainly put things in a different light.
Felt huffed. “If Reinhard’s going, I’m going, too. We’ll get her to the capital safely. You can’t complain about that, right you two?”
Harisson sighed. “Well, far be it from me to doubt your abilities, Reinhard…”
Anastasia changed the subject, seeming to consider it resolved. “That just leaves what to do with the fly folks and the nameless folks, and in particular, Lust’s victims.”
Harisson’s fists clenched, before a hand placed on his shoulder made him glance at Subaru, the boy giving him a concerned look. Harisson gave him as reassuring a smile as he could manage, but…
Od, to think the depravations of Lust went this far…
“Even I can’t heal them.” Felix said with a despondent look on his face. “No… it’s not even about whether they can be healed or not. Creatures like them have been completely remade.”
Priscilla chose this moment to speak up. “I’m sure the ones who were turned into disgusting bugs wish for death.” She had the attention of the room as she continued. “If there is no hope of returning them to their original forms, that would be the merciful thing to do.”
Subaru seemed surprised, protesting. “Priscilla, that’s…”
“Quiet, peasant. Ideals that are all talk have no value.”
Harisson gulped. “Subaru…” He said, making the raven-haired boy turn towards him.
“Harisson, you can’t…” But his words died in his throat as he saw the utterly haunted look on Harisson’s face.
“She’s right.” He said with a dead voice. “In the face of a fate like that… turned into a thing at Lust’s hands…” He continued with a grim proclamation. “Death is a preferable outcome.”
“Oh?” Priscilla said, raising an eyebrow at him.
Subaru looked pale. “B… but, Harisson, you…”
“Wait!” Emilia cried out, walking to the front. “Could you let me take care of that problem?”
“Even after that archer of yours protests? He seems to have a better eye than yourself when it comes to these matters. What could a half-devil even do?”
That particular turn of phrase made Harisson glare at the woman, eliciting only an amused smirk from her. She truly was just… insufferable!
“I can’t heal them right away, but I think I can buy time to look for a way to do so… by putting them to sleep in ice.”
That was… certainly not a bad idea, if it would work. Still…
Subaru put his fist in his hand. “Oh, yeah! Cold sleep! That would definitely buy us some time!”
Anastasia seemed unconvinced. “Put them to sleep in ice? Is that safe? It’s not just gonna freeze’em to death?”
Liliana excitedly began waving around. “No need to worry! Emilia-sama doesn’t make mistakes!”
Well, Harisson would have to disagree there, if only because that level of expectations would be crushing on just about anyone.
A moment of pause came to him as he glanced at Reinhard.
…Hadn’t he been doing just that, in truth? But the swordsaint was such a completely different existence… Surely that was fine, right?
No. No, that was… just Harisson taking the easy way out.
He’d promised himself he’d stop doing that, hadn’t he.
Liliana continued, ignorant to Harisson’s internal conflict. “And that’s because… the greatest people in history are the ones who overcome trials such as these!”
“Those are certainly big words, songstress.” Priscilla said. “And what if, perchance, your estimation proves wrong?”
Liliania offered a confident smile. “If it does, I’ll offer up my own head! Liliana never goes back on her word!”
Priscilla opened her fan, a smirk on her lips. “Fine. Out of respect for the songstress’ warbling, I shall entrust you with my compassion.”
Emilia looked firmly back at her. “You can trust me. I will make it work.”
Harisson’s eyes found themselves caught by the rising sun, even as Priscilla hummed. “Hmpf. See that you do. Once you do, I will acknowledge you as my rival.”
The sheer arrogance of the woman was incredibly offputting. It was only ever so slightly made up by the fact she seemingly could back up many of her boasts.
In the end, Emilia did indeed freeze the numerous inhabitants that had been turned into flies and other such monstrosities Lust had made of the citizens of the city.
The very sight of them was enough to make Harisson feel faint. With dread or with fury, he wasn’t sure. What he knew, was that he needed to find a way to destroy Lust.
For all those who fell. For all those she made suffer in her cruel games.
For his own sake, to an extent.
The people of the city began leaving the shelters, returning to homes that were little more than ruin and rubble. Many had fallen to their knees, tears of frustration and despair overcoming them even as others began attending the work of clearing the debris from the streets, already thinking of rebuilding the shattered parts of the city.
Harisson chose to join in that effort. Killing demi-beasts was one thing, after all. It didn’t rebuild homes, and it didn’t bring back lives lost.
Even if his magic was hardly suited for it, helping out with the clearing up… it soothed a part of his soul he hadn’t realised had been deeply bruised and battered by witnessing the sheer atrocities leveraged upon the population of the city. Though he had to admit to one thing…
He was never going to get used to being recognized.
“Oh! Archer-sama! You’re out and about huh? Keep up the good work!”
“The Burning Arrow! Mom, it’s the Burning Arrow!”
“Ah… I never thought I’d get to see my wife again. If it hadn’t been for you… those monsters would have caught me. I didn’t see your arrows until they struck their targets…”
With each citizen that reached out to him, that addressed him and called out to him, Harisson felt both flattered and paradoxically shying away from them. It was… unusual.
He didn’t know how to react. He wasn’t a knight, no hero of legend like Subaru was. He tried to look to others, but they simply grinned and waved him off, leaving him to deal with the grateful citizens by himself.
Even Ram simply took a step back and observed, her neutral expression given away by the mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
After a particularly long session doing his best to answer the questions of a group of excitable children, he found himself glaring at her. “You are enjoying this far too much.”
“Hm. I am merely ensuring you receive the recognition you deserve, Burning Arrow-sama.”
He raised a singular finger at her. “Don’t. Don’t you dare.” He growled. “They were asking me to show them my magic! And then they wanted me to tell them where to find ‘Georgeous Tiger!’”
“Hm. Quite the name he gave himself. Yours isn’t too bad either.”
“I didn’t give myself anything!”
“My, are you saying the gratefulness of the people is meaningless, then?”
“Guh! You!” He threw his hands in the air. “You’re relentless, I swear!” He sighed. “Anyways, I think I’m done here. Do you know where Subaru is? There were a few things I wanted to discuss with him that I didn’t get the chance to, given everything.”
“Hm. I believe he and lady Emilia are further that way.” She said. “I have no wishes to disturb them. Do you?”
Harisson hummed. “Not particularly. But it is fairly…”
“Kyahahahaha!”
He shivered. “Important.”
Ram’s eyes sharpened. “...Lust?”
Harisson sighed. “Yes.”
She nodded. “I understand. And remember. If you see her, use the signal.” She gave him a gentle, yet eerily bloodthirsty smile. “I would be eager to employ my skills against her.”
Harisson sighed. “...Don’t be reckless. She’s… really, really dangerous.” He said, his eyes distant. “I appreciate it though. Really.”
When Harisson did find Subaru, the boy wasn’t alone, but he wasn’t with Emilia like he’d expected.
“Hm?” Harisson said, tilting his head as he watched Subaru chat with Ricardo, the tall wolfman. “Oh, Subaru.” His call caught the attention of the two.
“Ah, if it isn’t the Burning Arrow himself!” Ricardo exclaimed, a grin on his face. “Making a bit of a reputation for yourself eh?”
Harisson sighed. “That nickname is far too embarrassing, please don’t use it.” He said, shaking his head even as his eyes lowered to the stump at his arm. “...That’s a pretty serious injury.”
“Ha! Like I was saying to Subaru here, I was lucky it was only this much!”
Harisson chuckled. “I suppose you were. Honestly, I’m amazed we’re all still alive.” He said with a sigh.
“You tell me. Multiple Sin Archbishops, and we not only push them back, but kill one and capture another?” Ricardo laughed. “Ha! A victory like that, they’ll sing songs about it for a long time!”
Harisson grinned. It was hard to remain dour with someone like Ricardo around.
Subaru frowned, before perking up. “Oh, Julius! I’ve been looking for you!” He exclaimed, addressing the lavender haired knight standing amongst a ruined building, staring at a wall cast in shadows. Subaru began making his way over. “Don’t worry me like that! Hey! You jerk!”
“Julius?” Ricardo frowned.
Harisson hummed. “Hm?”
Ricardo turned towards him. “Is this someone Subaru knows?”
Harisson blinked. “I… well yes, that’s… Ricardo, are you pulling my leg right now?”
Ricardo shook his head. “Hm. Someone familiar to the two of you then?”
Harisson felt a cold sweat break on his back. “...Ricardo, that’s not funny.” He said faintly, as Subaru reached Julius.
“I’m not joking. I…” Ricardo paused.
Harisson cursed, rushing towards Subaru and Julius.
“No, no, no…” He muttered to himself, his heart beating fast in his chest. He didn’t even notice Emilia following after him, having apparently joined the group.
Surely not. They… they had won. They’d won, damnit! This couldn’t be!
Subaru was staring at Julius with a confused expression, the lavender haired knight’s face twisted in a haunted look.
Harisson reached the two, eyes wide. “Subaru, Subaru I…”
But before he could continue Emilia spoke up, leaning in between the two. “What is it Subaru? Were you busy?”
“Oh, Harisson, Emilia.” He sighed. “Julius is acting weird.”
Emilia blinked, turning towards Julius.
Harisson’s stomach dropped at the lack of recognition on her face.
Julius’ face twisted, his eyes closing in frustration and pain.
Emilia spoke up softly. “Julius-san, are you…”
Subaru reached up to his chest, clenching his tracksuit with all his might, eyes wide as realisation came to him.
“A friend of Subaru’s?”
Harisson took a step back. “No… no, not…”
“...Huh?” Subaru’s face had turned into a look of pure horror.
Harisson felt nauseous as he looked towards the knight. Od, this… this had to be the work of Gluttony. Even a great knight like Julius had succumbed to them?!
Emilia looked between them, her expression growing worried. “Eh? Did… did I say something wrong? I’m sooooo sorry, I didn’t mean to…”
“It’s not your fault, Emilia.” Harisson spoke up, trying to keep the dread from his voice. “Sir Julius…” The way the knight’s eyes snapped towards him made him almost take a step back. “Was it…”
“Gluttony.” Julius managed to say, expression utterly downcast, voice tight. “Are you… also…”
Emilia gasped, her eyes going wide with sorrow and pity, which only seemed to make Julius’ expression tighten more in self-recrimination.
Harisson nodded. “I’m not too sure why, but… I’ve also got some resistance to that particular ability.” And what a disgusting ability it was.
“Damn it… damn it!” Subaru cursed, punching a nearby broken piece of wood. “We… we need to gather the others. We need to talk about this. We…” He shook his head. “Julius, I…”
“Subaru.” Julius said, looking down. “...Please.”
Subaru bit his lip, but nodded tightly, the group simply heading back towards the others.
The utter lack of recognition in Ricardo’s eyes was devastating to witness.
They’d gathered most of the people from the various camps present in the city in the same meeting room they’d used previously, Subaru turning to address them.
His voice trembled as he spoke. “If anyone has even the slightest recollection of him at all…” But it was clear there was none to be found amongst the various people gathered.
From the Anastasia camp stood the lady herself, on one side of the table, with the other holding the still bandaged Ricardo. Felt and Reinhard stood next to him on one side, Felix on the other.
Next to Anastasia were Beatrice and Emilia, with Subaru at the head of the table flanked by Julius and Harisson.
Julius smiled sadly, facing Subaru. “It’s all right. That’s enough, Subaru.”
Subaru grit his teeth, but seemed to accept those words, speaking in a firmer, but somber tone. “This is Julius. Julius Juukulius. I think you’ve all figured this out, but he’s one of Gluttony’s victims that’s been left nameless. But he retains his consciousness.” Subaru closed his eyes, something painful flashing on his face. “All of Gluttony’s victims until now either had their memories consumed and ended up like Lady Crusch, or had both their names and their memories consumed, like Rem.” Subaru gestured to Julius, Harisson’s eyes lingering on the cursed dragon blood that darkened and made the veins more prominent on his hand. “But Julius only had his name consumed.”
Felix leaned forward. “You mean he’s an exception? Everyone else has forgotten him, but he remembers himself?” His ears lowered, a sad expression lingering as he spoke.
Reinhard looked towards Julius. “He wears the uniform of a knight. I’m sure he was an acquaintance of myself and Ferris, or perhaps even closer than that.”
That was perhaps one of the things that frightened Harisson the most about Gluttony’s authority.
Reinhard wasn’t immune to the memory erasing ability. Reinhard. The most overpowered person Harisson knew, and even he was powerless in the face of forgetting those closest to him.
This ability… it was a vile, disgusting thing. A horror that deserved to be erased, burned away and scattered to the winds, never to be used again.
Julius smiled, his voice pained. “At the very least, I thought of you as friends.”
Subaru grit his teeth. “Damn it!”
Anastasia spoke up, petting her scarf. “Just two friends? I don’t think that’s all there is to it.” She gave the knight a smile.
Julius looked towards her. “Lady Anastasia…”
She took a breath, before her smile returned. “I’ve got a suggestion for all of ya. May I?” She waited a second, before continuing when no one interrupted her. “There are people in this city who were either transformed by Lust…” Harisson tensed at that, only to find Subaru placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “...or left nameless by Gluttony. We may have captured the Sin Archbishops, but I doubt they’re gonna just come out and tell us how to fix’em.” She paused for emphasis. “So we’re stuck.”
Felix leaned over the table. “Did you have to bring that up right now?!”
Anastasia raised a hand. “In which case… we just gotta ask someone else who probably knows.”
Emilia brought a finger to her mouth, expression thoughtful. “Someone else who probably knows? Someone really smart?”
Anastasia nodded. “That’s right. And there’s someone really smart here in this country, ain’t there?” She walked over to the destroyed wall, looking over the city.
Felt stomped her foot, looking annoyed. “Quit being vague! Just tell us who it is!”
Reinhard frowned. “You don’t mean…”
Anastasia spoke, her back still turned towards the others. “Shaula the Sage.”
Well that was… something alright. Harisson wanted to dismiss the thought as foolish. Of course. Simply go and ask the person no one had been able to talk to in hundreds of years. Go to the legendary sage and just… ask!
But this was Anastasia of the Hoshin company. Someone Harisson knew to be a dangerously clever and resourceful person. And so, this could not be an idle thought, or something simply put forward as a whim.
“Shaula?” Subaru said, his tone questioning.
“Yep.” Anastasia said, turning back towards them. “One of the three great heroes of Lugunica… Shaula the Sage.”
“That is…” Harisson found himself speaking up. “Lady Anastasia, no one has been able to reach the Sage in the past four hundred years. I understand our options are… limited but…”
“Maybe.” Anastasia said, giving him a grin, a gleam in her eyes. “But well… this is a time for exceptional events, isn’t it?” She said. “The end of the White Whale. Of the Great Rabbit. Sloth and Greed, dead. Wrath captured. Events that, by themselves, would be considered exceptional, all accomplished within a year.” She grinned. “Why not another?”
From there, the discussion devolved into the feasibility of such a plan, then to who would even be going on such a dangerous trip.
Harisson took a step back. Logistics and planning had never been his strong suit. That was far more Otto’s domain than his own.
As to who would go… Harisson obviously would. As much as he wanted to stay within the city and continue to help the people there, there were already multiple individuals that would be doing so. Otto, whose injuries were still too severe to come with them. Garfiel, who was staying to provide defence to the weakened city and help in its recovery. The Crusch camp in general, who between Wilhelm and Felix would be well suited to rescuing and helping the people of the city. Lady Crusch, who retained a keen skill for organising and planning despite her amnesia.
And well… if Subaru was going somewhere dangerous, Harisson would follow. It was as simple as that, really.
If only so he wouldn’t go mad if things went terribly wrong and he was stuck in a timeloop he had no say in, unable to help or know what was going on.
And so it was decided who would go to the legendary Pleiades Watchtower.
Lady Anastasia, of course, as the one who had come up with the idea in the first place, and was insistent on coming despite the inability for the rest of her camp to follow due to their various injuries. Julius, whom despite his inability to utilize his spirits arts, remained a fierce combatant.
From the Emilia camp, Lady Emilia of course, along with Subaru and Beatrice, as well as Harisson himself. Ram and Rem would be coming with them too; The hope was to find a cure for Gluttony of course, and so the comatose maid would be brought with them.
It was the last person of their camp that Subaru had decided to bring that made Harisson more… cautious.
Meili. The assassin girl with the divine blessing that allowed her to control mabeasts.
Harisson understood Subaru’s decision on some level. The area they were going to was full of mabeasts. Having someone who could simply turn them away was undoubtedly useful. But… the girl was off. Simply off. Something wasn’t right with her, and though Subaru had been spending the past year talking to her, making her dolls and toys, and trying to break through her shell, Harisson remained cautious.
He would never forget the part she could have played in slaughtering the mansion’s inhabitants. The role she had played once.
He’d be keeping a close eye on her. Even if it felt wrong to be ready to take down a child if needed…
He knew where his loyalties and priorities lay.
And so it was that they took a dragon carriage and started making their way back to the mansion where the others of the Emilia camp remained, intent on picking both of these individuals up.
Harisson found himself sitting on top of the carriage, his bow at the ready, unable to get himself to truly lower his guard.
Sure, they’d kicked out the Witch Cult from Priestella. But hadn’t Subaru said himself how they’d thought they’d won against Sloth, only for Lady Crusch and poor Rem to be ambushed by Greed and Gluttony? Victory didn’t mean the danger was gone.
It just made it easier to let your guard down.
Someone climbed on the carriage roof next to him, taking a seat by him.
“Ram.” He said, a smile on his face.
“Harisson.” She said simply, eyes fixed on the road ahead. “You are still intent on coming, then.”
Harisson sighed. “I am. I am not letting the rest of you walk into certain danger without being there to help.” He grinned. “I might be no Reinhard or Garfiel, but I can certainly hold my own, you know.”
Ram huffed. “You let a man kill a few demi-beasts, and he starts getting an ego. Does this lovely maiden need to punt you into the ground for a few rounds to deflate it?”
Harisson quickly flailed about. “Ah… that won’t be necessary! I know better than to get ahead of myself!”
She gave him a smirk. “Wimp.”
“...You are never truly satisfied unless you get to make fun of me.” He complained, shaking his head before looking ahead. “...Do you think it’s a good idea? Bringing Rem along, that is.”
Ram was quiet. “Despite my misgivings, I trust Barusu. If there is a solution to be found with the Sage… then I want my sister to be cured of her curse as quickly as possible, so that we may return to how we have been.”
“I get that, I do, but… with her condition, keeping her safe is…” He trailed off.
“Do you imply I cannot keep her safe, even in her state?” She said, though there was no aggression in her tone.
“Hardly. But even you have to admit it’s a dangerous place we’re heading to. If even the sword saint couldn’t make it there…”
“The sword saint is many things, but he does not strike me as the most creative of fellows.” Ram commented. “A sword swinger is all well and good, but sometimes you need someone who can think outside the box.”
“Someone like Subaru, then.” He said with a chuckle.
“Hm. Even a pervert like him has his qualities at times. Occasionally.” She said, though it seemed to pain her to admit it.
Harisson found himself glancing back to the city growing smaller and smaller in the horizon. “...Do you think they’ll be okay?” He asked quietly. “If the Witch Cult returns…”
“They’d be foolish to. They’ve already suffered the loss of two archbishops here, and failed all of their objectives. Besides. It is a pointless task at best to try and predict the Witch Cult’s actions.” She said casually. “They are insane at the best of times.”
Harisson snorted. “No argument there. But…” His mind flashed back to his encounters with… her. “...In that insanity, there’s something… dangerously intelligent, as well.”
She was silent for a moment, before poking him in the ribs, hard.
“Ow!”
“You are overthinking things. We could remain there as long as we want, and they could never attack, leaving the people to suffer foolishly. We are doing our part. The best thing to do now is focus on ensuring our success.”
Harisson gave her an amused look before sighing. “I suppose you’re right.” He lowered his voice. “...I’m with you for this Ram. We’ll get your sister back. No matter what.”
Ram didn’t answer, though he did notice her giving him a small, gentle smile before vanishing back into her regular scowl. “Cease attempting to seduce me, you fool.”
“As if I could compete with your truly atrocious taste.” He casually commented back. “If you ever did return my affections, I’d start fearing for what that may mean of my character.”
“You are treading a very, very dangerous line, Harisson.”
He let out a soft chuckle, even as the girl glared at him.
Still, he found himself feel more… relaxed now.
“Thank you Ram.” He said gently.
“Hmpf. At least you show the appropriate gratitude to this wonderful Ram.”
The campfire was warm in the cold night air, Harisson enjoying the proximity of his favored element.
“A place Reinhard failed to get into, huh?” Subaru said, staring into it. It was only him, Beatrice, Julius and Harisson as of now. “When I just hear that part, this all seems pretty hopeless.”
Beatrice glanced up. “Subaru, you’re getting a scary look on your face.” Subaru made a strange noise. “If you get so lost in thought that you neglect our physical contact, then Betty’s cuteness will go to waste, I suppose.”
Harisson snickered, eliciting a death glare from the Great Spirit that he studiously ignored even as Subaru leaned in.
“Oh, sorry! Wait, you’re right!” Subaru brought his hands to her cheeks, starting to squish them. “I only zoned out for a minute, and look how ugly you’ve gotten!”
Beatrice flailed, pushing him back though failing to leave his lap. “I have not! Argh!” She protested even as Subaru laughed.
Emilia emerged from the carriage then, walking over to them. “Beatrice. Isn’t it just about your bedtime? Would you like to sleep with me tonight?”
Beatrice yawned. “I’ll do that, I suppose.” She hopped off Subaru’s lap. “Staying up all night is bad for your health.”
Harisson watched the two leave, before snorting fondly. “You know, you’ve joked about Beatrice being you and Emilia’s kid… but honestly, at times? I can see it.” He said.
Subaru stammered. “O…oi, what are you implying, you bastard?!”
Julius sighed. “As impertinent as ever, Subaru.” He said, his eyes still locked onto the fire. “I believe I will return to the carriage and get some rest.” With that he left as well, leaving Harisson alone with Subaru.
Subaru glanced at him. “Oi, Harisson.”
“Hm?”
“Mind keeping an eye on the perimeter? And… stay close at hand. Just not visible, yeah?”
Harisson’s eyes narrowed. There had been no return by death, so this was no premonition from a loop… but it wasn’t like Subaru didn’t possess his own frightening intuition.
“How long do you need me out there?”
“Until I’ve had a chat with our second favorite merchant.”
Harisson snorted. “Aye aye, boss.” With that he got up, slinging his bow and walking off into the nearby forest.
Even from afar, however, he could still keep an eye on the camp. He was a good few hundred meters away, his bow unslung from his shoulder, magic faintly creeping through his gate, ready to be unleashed should it be needed as he saw Anastasia sit down by Subaru near the campfire.
He couldn’t hear what they were talking about from here. But, keeping in mind what Subaru had said, he kept himself ready. Lady Anastasia wasn’t their enemy; At least, Harisson didn’t think so. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t be a danger.
For all he knew, Subaru had deduced her to be an impostor; Perhaps someone taking her form, like… like her, and wanted Harisson ready in case things went badly.
When he saw Subaru suddenly tense up, his voice rising, he almost unleashed a fiery arrow straight through the merchant. But he knew better than to act recklessly… and waited for a signal.
None came. Subaru seemed to calm down. They continued talking for some time… and then Subaru signaled for him to come over.
Harisson didn’t hesitate, making his way over quietly, watching as Anastasia’s eyes flickered towards him, seemingly unsurprised.
“Aw, Natsuki-kun, you really had our friend here in ambush for me?” She said teasingly, winking at the archer.
Subaru snorted. “Until I was sure you weren’t going to be a problem, it’s best to enter a negotiation with as many advantages as you can, right? Someone clever taught me that.” He said, turning to Harisson. “She’s Anastasia’s spirit possessing her because of the damage during the Priestella battle. She wants to switch back but can’t, and hopes to find an answer from the Sage.
Harisson blinked. “What.”
Anastasia… no, the spirit in Anastasia’s body blinked. “Eh? You’re telling him, just like that?”
“Duh. I trust Harisson with my life.” Subaru said easily. “We’re keeping this quiet to avoid a mess. Don’t tell the others.”
Harisson sighed. “You… really like dropping absolutely insane stuff on me, Subaru.” He said, turning to Anastasia. “...I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear anything…”
“Echidna.”
“Foxidna.”
Harisson blinked at the dual answer. “...Isn’t Echidna…”
“Right. Which is why she’s Foxidna.”
“How rude…”
Harisson sighed.
Just another day being Subaru’s friend…
Man, he wished Otto was here. He’d get it.