Chapter Text
[Alpha: From “CB: What’s your honest opinion about the royal candidates?”]
Just the first question made them tense. That question alone instantly made each of them uneasy. After all, Subaru’s impressions were still based on his last interactions with each of them in Arc 3, since this takes place post-Arc 4 and pre-Arc 5. This also sparked their curiosity...
[Subaru: Hmmm. As for Emilia-tan, it's easy to give my opinion: I’ll make her queen with all my might! Crusch-san... she’s really incredible too, and I think I might’ve fallen for her if I hadn’t met Emilia-tan first. Felt... is cool... We didn’t interact much, but the times we did made me like her. As for Anastasia and Priscilla... I don’t have a good impression of them... But I can’t really blame them, from my point of view.]
...Their curiosity gave way to relief, in one way or another. Emilia gave a small smile when she heard Subaru’s declaration about making her queen, although she was slightly annoyed by his comment about Crusch, who in turn gave a small, amused smile while her cheeks turned faintly pink — murmuring, “Subaru-sama... you’re incorrigible.”
Anastasia was pleased Subaru didn’t seem to hold a grudge or resentment toward her, while Priscilla... was mildly indifferent and content.
[Alpha: From “ARZ: What would you think if your loved ones found out about RBD and the journey you’ve been through?”]
And after one tense question came another...
Subaru went quiet for a moment, placing a hand on his chin. Thoughtful. Trying to find an answer that felt right to him, all while appearing slightly tense about the question. He scratched the back of his head, near his neck, and sighed.
[Subaru: In a hypothetical scenario where they knew and had seen everything...? —— I want to say I’d be happy. Yes, I would be. I’d be more than happy to talk about this power, to open up, to share everything I think. But also... if they knew everything I know... everything I’ve been through... —— I don’t know. I want to say I do, but I really don’t. They’d see me as the... real pathetic loser I am... and I think they’d see me as a useless good-for-nothing whose only merit is dying and coming back, someone selfish... I think they’d be disappointed in me.]
He said in a sad tone, looking down.
Looking devastated.
Before slapping his own cheeks.
[Subaru: Sorry! I ruined the mood, I’m really sorry, Alpha-chan! But I’m back, right~!]
That left a bitter taste in nearly everyone’s mouth in the theater room, and it irritated others too — the idea that Subaru thought that’s how they would react to his journey and what he believed they’d think of him.
It upset them, and saddened them.
Because, yes. They did feel disappointment — but not toward Subaru. Not entirely, at least for most of them. The truth is, from the perspective of almost everyone there, except those too proud to admit such thoughts or who don’t care much about self-image, they were the ones who saw themselves as pathetic losers. Especially when the episodes seemed to love showing how much they would have suffered and died if Subaru hadn’t taken care of them.
[Emilia: Subaru... You’re such a gooood boy! Stop thinking like that!]
[Rem: Rem’s hero is nothing close to pathetic or useless! Subaru-kun is amazing!]
[Beatrice: Betty’s Subaru could never be useless, he’s the best of all, I suppose!]
[Otto: Natsuki-san... do I need to punch you again?!]
[Ram: Barusu really is incorrigible... Even if his skills as a butler and fighter are ridiculous, to say we’d consider him pathetic and useless after everything he’s done for everyone. Hmph! I think he needs to give himself... a bit more credit.]
These were the words from some in Emilia’s camp in response to Subaru’s own harsh words. Many others silently agreed with their feelings.
Priscilla said: “Foolish commoner... when will you stop belittling yourself and act with dignity?” She was irritated by thoughts that didn’t seem to match the boy she currently knew.
[Typhon: Baru is a good person. Why is it so hard for him to see that?]
[Sekhmet: I think Yawn he Yawn is just too hard Yawn on himself...]
[Minerva: IDIOT! STOP TREATING THE FACT THAT YOU DIE AS A GOOD THING! Urgh! I really want to punch you like that merchant did.]
The Witches shared the same opinions as the others, particularly the younger ones, who found it incomprehensible why Subaru put himself down so much.
And one remained quiet, murmuring — Satella, who wept while wishing Subaru could see that theater and how people were reacting and saying:
“You should know how much they love and value you.” She hoped Alpha would allow him to know that. And they would try to make that happen. Because in their eyes, Subaru would never be two things: Useless and pathetic. Not after all he had done for them.
[Alpha: From “TM: Hey, Subaru, if you weren’t in Emilia’s Camp, which Camp would you like to be in?”]
[Subaru: Good question... —— Hm. I think either Crusch-san’s or Felt’s! With Crusch-san, I could work with her, Felix, and Wilhelm-san, and that would be really interesting. As for Felt... I think I’d get along much better with her and Reinhard, since they were the first people I met and befriended. Definitely those two.]
[Felt: Yeah! Big bro really knows how to choose... but I think I would’ve preferred if he had picked me and Rein before the Duchess.]
[Crusch: Forgive me, but as he said first... I think his heart would have led him to us.]
[Felt: You mean to you.]
The little former thief smirked sharply when she saw Crusch blush slightly again. Emilia looked a little uncomfortable.
[Alpha: From “B1412: What would you do if Emilia ended up going insane in a way that became dangerous to your Camp, or even your son or daughter, to the point where RBD wouldn’t help stop what caused her to go mad?”]
That caught them off guard — they knew exactly what this was implying. The “Promise IF.”
Emilia became tense, waiting for Subaru’s response...
Subaru went silent for a few moments.
[Subaru: I... really don’t know what I’d do. —— I’d want to save her, I’d want to help her. And I don’t think I’d give up. Ever. But if she became a danger to everyone... even to our children, if we had any... I think I’d try to at least get her away from everyone. I’d try to keep them safe while trying to find a way to help her... even if there was no hope.]
He answered with a sad tone, expressing his desire.
And that made Emilia give a small, thankful smile. Because even though it saddened her that Subaru might be willing to sacrifice his happiness for her — and filled her with disgust remembering that version of herself — she couldn’t help but feel that selfish bit of joy.
Because she was truly grateful to think Subaru wouldn’t give up on her, no matter what hardship he had to face — even if, paradoxically, she also wished he would give up on her if it ever came to that point.
[Alpha: From “KD: What would you think if a portal suddenly opened in Gusteko leading directly to Shibuya and their army started attacking Japan while you were just living your life in the mansion?”]
[Subaru: Whoa! What a question.]
That really caught him off guard with how oddly specific the event was...
The people in the theater too.
[Subaru: Well... there wouldn't be much I could do at that moment. Because I’d only find out right after, and by the time I got there... the situation would probably already be unstable... Because, damn, they started an attack out of absolutely nowhere against people from another world. —— So probably, when I found out, it would be with the others, and I’d have to think based on how the situation was post-attack... And I don’t think my power could help prevent the start of the problem, which in this case would be the attack.]
[Wilhelm: A logical thought. Even if Subaru-dono used his power, he might not have enough time to arrive and turn things around. So in this context... analyzing it together with all of us might be the best path forward.]
[Crusch: I agree. Even though ideally, it would be better if there were no attacks from either side against the other.]
[Alpha: From “PP: Would you rather explain to Emilia how children are REALLY made, or give up mayonnaise for a month?”]
[Subaru: Mayonnaise. —— Honestly. Between going through the embarrassment of explaining something like the miracle of life or going a month without mayo, I’d still rather choose the second option. I’ll push that job onto Frederica or Ram as much as I can.]
Some were surprised by the answer, while others weren’t.
[Ram: Lazy Barusu...]
[Otto: So you are going to explain it...?]
Ram looked slightly tense upon hearing that question and glanced toward Frederica, who had also been mentioned and was now avoiding eye contact, while also eyeing Emilia, who looked curious and wide-eyed.
[Ram: Ram would rather go a month without mayonnaise too.]
Many from the Camp, except Emilia herself who huffed in irritation and frustration, agreed with that decision. While people from the other Camps felt either slightly frustrated by her innocence or by the others’ lack of commitment in explaining such an important matter to the girl. It made them turn their attention back to the screen to wrap up that topic...
[Alpha: From “P: Do you believe in reincarnation? Because many people think you’re the reincarnation of a guy named Flugel.”]
[Subaru: Flugel... like the one from that tree? Nah. Even though I’m not religious, and neither are my parents, I still can’t bring myself to believe in reincarnation.]
Some had differing opinions on that.
Because the answer to such a thing was in the hands of one person, specifically a Witch. This witch with a dark aura and dual personality wouldn’t say a word.
[Alpha: From “Boww: If you could go back to the first day in the Capital with your current knowledge, would you do everything the same way?”]
[Subaru: Going back to the beginning with my current knowledge...? Wow. —— I don’t think I would do everything the same. From that point, I’d try to make some changes, but I think three are the most important: First, I’d try not to damage my Gate, which was my biggest stupidity. Second, I’d try to avoid all those events in the Royal Capital... I wouldn’t go through that shame with Emilia-tan, even if I don’t regret much of what I said... And third — most importantly — I’d try to avoid what happened to Crusch-san and Rem-rin.]
That answer was part of what they hoped he would do if given such a chance — to fix what he considered broken.
Regarding the Gate: No one could blame him entirely. Because even though he’d been warned, based on what they saw, the situations were way too complicated for him not to give it his all amid so many hardships.
The second part would be more complicated. It touched on what would happen if he hadn’t shown up, since Puck, due to Roswaal’s plan and his own desires, would cause massive destruction against the nobles and a member of the Council. So if Subaru hadn’t been there, even with his knowledge of future events, things could’ve turned out worse due to what the great fire spirit would’ve done.
But here was something good.
Crusch and Rem couldn’t help but smile with gratitude, as did Felix, Wilhelm, and Ram, upon seeing that one of his key priorities would be to help them against Regulus and Lye. That warmed their hearts, seeing how highly he regarded them.
[Alpha: From “BY: Subaru, why are you so amazing?”]
That question made Subaru slightly surprised, blushing a little and scratching his left cheek.
[Subaru: Uh... thanks...? Well, I wouldn’t say I’m amazing... There are so many people more amazing. Reinhard, Julius, even Felix, Otto, and others. I don’t think I can call myself amazing.]
[Ricardo: And once again the mini-boss downplays himself way too much... why’s it so hard for him?]
[Mimi: Does the big boss have a screw loose? Mimi doesn’t understand why he doesn’t see what we see.]
Others couldn’t help but agree with those comments.
While those mentioned also shared those thoughts, they were happy to be seen as amazing in the eyes of the black-haired knight whom they all considered way more amazing than themselves.
[Alpha: From “HB: Do you think that just because someone has power, they have to save others? You have RBD, but does that mean you have to use it every time something goes wrong? Should someone be a hero even if it hurts them?”]
Subaru seemed to ponder for a moment, deeply thoughtful at such a personal question (others in the theater were also waiting expectantly for his answer). He sighed.
[Subaru: That’s... complicated, you know? From some perspectives: If you can help others, you should. But from other perspectives: Just because you have the power to do something doesn’t mean you’re obligated to do it. —— I thought that by using Return by Death, I could fix everything, if I just threw away my life. A cruel and disgusting thought... as some have described it (Minerva and Felix nodded vigorously). —— So... my answer is: It depends on who you are. It also depends on what you want to protect. Because while I’m willing to fight any battle to help others... I wouldn’t force anyone to do the same if it meant they’d go through what I went through.]
He answered honestly, with a more solemn and contemplative tone.
Some of them wanted to call him out on his hypocrisy — saying he wouldn’t want anyone else to suffer what he did, but that he’d go through it again if necessary. But they also saw truth in his words.
Some of them hoped Subaru would live by those words and not take responsibility for every bad thing that happened, nor carry the duty of having to protect and care for all his Camp companions and others.
They believed that: He didn’t have to try being a hero, that he could afford to be more selfish and let go of certain things. But they also knew that this very personality was what allowed him to fight against the odds and help everyone around him — especially them, the people who hurt him, who killed him. And they were grateful that he chose to help others.
[Alpha: From “LKG: Of the Witches of Sin, who do you think would make the best mother figure?”]
[Subaru: What a question... Well, Sekhmet and Typhon are mother and daughter. So, I’ll go with Sekhmet.]
[Typhon: Yes, Mommy is the best!]
Sekhmet would’ve thanked the words and the hug she got from the little witch, but she was tired. She nodded slightly in gratitude.
[Ram: But Ram knows well who wouldn’t even come close.]
Her sharp and sarcastic remark made some people huff and laugh—Otto, standing beside Ram, was among those who laughed the most—and even though she received a disapproving glance from Roswaal, her beloved, she didn’t lose her smile or the cold gaze she cast toward Echidna. The Witch of Greed remained indifferent, accepting the comment without giving a direct response, content to sip her tea calmly.
[Alpha: From “SZ: Why don’t you use your supernatural knowledge to increase Emilia Camp’s economic advantage?”]
[Subaru: I actually tried this past year… Like, I wanted to introduce the Typewriter and Printing Press to Otto… but he and Nee-Sama said it was too strange and too much work, that it might not be a good investment for Ros-Chi’s money. So… I let it go. I was able to focus on training with Garfiel and spoiling my lovely Beako~!]
The world doesn’t spin—it flips.
Because the two who had just laughed together at the Witch of Greed’s misfortune, who couldn’t even be considered seriously, lost all amusement from their faces. They gulped, eyes wide, faces pale. Their expressions seemed to say: as if they had just swallowed something extremely sour—and it only got worse as they felt the stares of everyone around them—especially the now amused gaze of the Witch of Greed.
It was only moments before...
[Ricardo: ANA-BO! ANA-BO, PLEASE! PLEASE DON’T DO THIS!]
[Julius: Anastasia-sama, please don’t lose your composure like this, I beg you!]
To everyone’s surprise, Ricardo and Julius were working together to hold Anastasia down. The small candidate with the mauve hair seemed to have gained the strength of a thousand men in that moment, and it was nearly impossible to restrain her. The triplets rushed in to hold down her legs, pulling and pushing to try to stop her.
[Anastasia: I’M GOING TO END YOU! IDIOTS, IDIOTS! YOU IDIOTS! Can’t you see how much profit you’ve lost from this?! I’LL END YOU, YOU *Censor* *Censor* *Censor*]
[Alpha: To protect the children and our more sensitive viewers… I added a little censorship to the foul language of our lovely angry candidate.]
Alpha said, looking directly at the readers, focused on the scene while munching on popcorn. It took a long time to stop her from trying to kill the two. It required the combined strength of Anastasia Camp to hold her back, which surprised some—considering her usual physical strength compared to others.
[Priscilla: I can’t believe it… Not only does she lack the basic skills of a maid… the merchant in charge of finances and internal affairs kicks over a whole pile of gold like it’s nothing… —— Half-elf! How many more times will members of your Camp disgrace us all?!]
Yelling with fresh anger and frustration, she had once believed—at least hoped—that she couldn’t be more disappointed in the figures from her rival’s camp, but she was wrong. Even the two who were supposed to be the most reasonable, especially the one in charge of the camp’s internal and financial affairs...
Ram and Otto sighed in shame.
[Otto: Damn... I think I deserve a punch——URF!]
[Anastasia: YOU DESERVE WAY MORE THAN THAT, YOU *Censor* *Censor* *Censor*]
The mauve-haired candidate somehow managed to rip out her chair and throw it at the former merchant. She then tried once again to leap onto him and strangle him with her own hands, only to be stopped by the rest of her Camp.
After a while...
Alpha fixed Anastasia’s chair. Once everyone had calmed down, they turned back to the screen and the next questions. Otto, on the other hand, had a huge bump on his head. Others looked exhausted, while Anastasia was already planning to beat up Otto when she got the chance and implement Subaru’s ideas in her Camp—and maybe even steal that black-haired knight for herself... in more than one way.
[Alpha: From “JP: If you could tell someone about your power, just one person, who would it be and why?”]
[Subaru: ———— Beatrice. Even though I’d want to tell Emilia-tan and everyone else, I think that... after everything we’ve been through together, especially some... personal moments... I think, as Spirit and Contractor, it would deepen our trust. —— I’m sorry, Emilia-tan, Rem-rin. But I think my heart would choose her.]
He gave an honest, wide smile full of excitement.
To say that Beatrice was happy to hear those words wouldn’t quite describe how she felt in that moment. Because what was being said on screen was: Out of everyone—including the girls he loved—he would choose her to be the one to know about the most important thing, his biggest secret. Something she had been doubting she even deserved, not too long ago.
She straightened herself. Wearing a smug smile, puffing out her chest with pride, nose high in arrogance.
[Beatrice: A-As expected of Betty’s Subaru, I suppose! He knows that Betty would be the best partner to share his burdens and misfortunes about his power, I-I suppose!]
Speaking in her usual proud tone, she declared with one hand on her chest in a pompous motion. No one reacted with jealousy, even though some expected it, since they all knew about the close bond those two now shared, and simply found it adorable how much Subaru trusted Beatrice with such a secret—if he ever got the chance to tell.
Alpha, at that moment, gave a sly little smile only noticed by a pale witch, as the screen kept rolling.
[Alpha: From “FW: Hey Subaru, if you found out that Beatrice had a way to fix your Gate but kept quiet to keep you dependent on her, what would you think?”]
[Subaru: What?]
He looked genuinely confused by the question, deep in thought.
Everything seemed to crash down on the Yin spirit—causing her to lose all the previous grandeur.
“Huh?”—that same thought was shared by a few in the room, not understanding what the question was referring to. Meanwhile, Beatrice grew slightly tense, and Roswaal’s smile grew a bit wider. Because among everyone present, the two of them knew what this question was really about.
[Anastasia: Beatrice-sama... what is this question referring to?]
The mauve-haired candidate asked, curious, though in her controlled tone there was also a hint of intrigue, concern, and anger. Because everyone had learned that Subaru had a broken Gate, which caused him magical poisoning that could eventually take his life. So this was a very sensitive topic from her perspective—especially for someone who had a similar problem, since hers was from birth.
Many eyes were now on the small blonde spirit, also curious. Echidna and Roswaal, however, were the only ones who remained calm.
[Roswaal: Beatrice~~ Would you like me to eee~explain it for them?]
[Beatrice: No... I don’t need you to say anything on my behalf, I suppose.]
With a sad and stern expression on her face, the spirit sighed deeply, knowing she would have to reveal something that had never been shown until now. Because even if she tried to lie, it would be impossible—since Crusch Karsten and Reinhard van Astrea possessed Divine Protections that would prevent it.
[Beatrice: Not long after Betty made the contract with Subaru following the events of Arc 4, Roswaal offered to make an Artificial Gate for Betty to replace her broken one, and he left the decision up to Betty, I suppose. And I... refused.]
[Anastasia, Felix, and Minerva: YOU DID WHAT?!]
The scream the three let out could make everything around them tremble.
Such an act wasn’t just bad — it was terrible. Horrible. Subaru’s Gate, which worried them so much during Arc 7 when he was separated from Beatrice, and still worried them — especially the merchant who understood that kind of pain — could have been replaced with a functional one by Roswaal, but was stopped by the Yin spirit.
[Emilia: Beatrice… why?]
Beatrice turned her face away when she met Emilia’s saddened gaze, as well as those around her from her Camp. Because such an act was a complete betrayal to some, if not all, when it came to something as important as a Gate. And she knew it very well.
[Otto: I-I’m not sure if that would be trustworthy, don’t you think? Coming from Roswaal——]
[Priscilla: Don’t come with such words, you foolish merchant. As she herself said, this was after they experienced Arc 4 firsthand, not merely watched it. She had no reason to doubt him back then as she does now… even after the things that clown had done. And still, she chose — she preferred — to leave the commoner without a chance to decide whether or not he wanted a new Gate, even if it came from that disgusting being. —— Do you realize he doesn’t even know about it? Clearly, she rejected the opportunity, never revealed it to him, and chose instead to leave him with a damaged Gate so he would remain dependent on her. All because she didn’t want to be abandoned by him, right? Preferring that he stay weak, so he would run to her and stay at her feet, so he’d never leave her.]
Priscilla’s cutting, cruel, and aggressive words, despite how harsh they were, made complete sense to everyone who heard her explanation. She spoke with great anger toward the blonde spirit. Beatrice, in turn, remained silent.
All the happiness, all the pride she had felt earlier from the trust Subaru placed in her in the previous question, vanished from her almost instantly.
Roswaal, on the other hand, remained silent, not trying to calm or worsen the situation, even though it involved him. He was waiting. Because while everyone was expressing their opinions, the one who mattered most hadn’t answered yet. He was watching him patiently...
[Subaru: I… would forgive her.]
That hit everyone like a punch.
But for Beatrice, it was a blow heavier than anything else.
[Subaru: I don’t know the full context of what you’re talking about. Maybe it was a situation with low odds of success… or high odds. But she still chose not to do it. Even if it truly hurt me… —— She spent 400 years alone, spent so much time by herself. I couldn’t blame her for making a decision like that for personal reasons… in a way, I’m even glad she wants me to stay with her that much. As her contractor— no, as her Subaru… I want to believe that even having made a decision like that, she didn’t do it out of malice. —— I would forgive her and try to trust her again. After all, someone has to, right?]
He replied calmly.
On his face, a small, friendly and caring smile…
Shattered. That’s how Beatrice now felt after such a confession from Subaru who — even without knowing anything, even thinking it was just a possibility — would still forgive her. Something she knew he would do even if he knew the full story.
Because that’s the kind of person Subaru was: He would forgive Beatrice instantly, even after such an act. He would find a way to forgive her, any excuse, a simple reason that would let him forgive her and stay by her side, just like they always were before this whole spectacle.
Something that particularly irritated some present, who wished he had at least some anger or resentment toward her.
Even Beatrice herself wished for that — that he would get angry, shout, maybe even hate her if he wanted.
Especially for something like this.
And now, some began to increasingly doubt Subaru’s contracted spirit who had made the decision to deny him such a chance. Regardless of the reason — good or bad, selfless or selfish. Even Beatrice herself began once more to doubt her own worth, as she sank into a growing sense of melancholy.
[Alpha: The questions are just beginning… and it’s already so much fun.]
He commented...
—————
The request for questions has been closed. And that was just the first batch of questions.
Note: For those who don’t know, let me remind you that: In one of the side/extra stories of the Re:Zero Light Novel, Roswaal truly did offer to replace Subaru’s broken Gate with an artificial one through Beatrice, but she refused — and I think she didn’t even consult Subaru about it.