*This chapter is an edited MTL

Crusch: "It's an interesting touch that the last visitor of the day is you."

　Crusch smiled, somewhat in a good mood despite the disruption to her schedule, and sat down comfortably on a chair in the reception room.

　Sitting in front of her, facing her, were Subaru and Rem. Behind Crusch stood Wilhelm and Ferris, a scene that felt familiar to Subaru..

　Subaru thought that he had seen this scene before: the first time when he announced that he was going back to the mansion. And the topic that Subaru would bring up this time was also a topic that was likely to be even more contentious than that time.

　At any rate, the topic was not just about Subaru and Rem going back to the mansion.

Crusch: "Fortunately, there is no longer any reason to have dinner outside. I have time to stay with you until the food is ready at the mansion."

Ferris: "Don't tell me anything in advance, I don't usually get this kind of time. Subaru-kyun should be thankful for Crusch-sama's generosity.”

Crusch: "Well, the fact is that my negotiating partner dumped me, so I had some free time.”

Ferris: "Oh no, Crusch-sama is so cool that she doesn't even think about putting on a front…!"

　While the squire and her servant played their usual charades, Subaru examined the way to cut to the chase in his mind.

　Considering the time limit, he couldn’t afford to be too slow. On the other hand, if his story was badly told, his objective will not be achieved.

Subaru: "Well, it's better to keep it simple as a story."

　If he prolonged the conversation in a roundabout and redundant way, it would displease Crusch's character.

　He had a definite point to make, and he couldn't talk about it if he hesitated to do so.

　Subaru changed his mind and changed his expression, and Crusch adjusted her sitting posture.

Crusch: "This is a meeting that you requested. I'll leave it to you to begin. —What do you want?”

　Subaru thought that she really was a quick talker.

　Subaru licked his dry lips to moisten them and took a deep breath in front of Crusch, who was facing him. Then,

Subaru: "A group of people called the Witch Cult are planning an attack on Roswaal’s territory. In order to crush them, I'd like to borrow your help, Crusch-san."

　Subaru was straightforward and laid out the conditions necessary to reach his goal.

　The necessary force to exterminate the Witch Cult—as long as it could not be expected from the Roswaal territory it had to be pulled from somewhere else. And Subaru knew that under Crusch that power was available, even though his stay was short.

　Subaru's words that cut to the chase elicited different reactions from the other four.

　Wilhelm's reaction was a slight movement of his eyebrows. Ferris, whose eyes widened in surprise and who was worried about Crusch's condition. Rem, who was standing next to Subaru with her lips pursed in a stiff smile and her gaze piercing into his profile.

　And then,

Crusch: "I see, the Witch Cult."

　Crusch, elbows on the parlor table and chin resting on her folded hands, laughed.

　Subaru, who had been under the strong impression of her as dignified and intense, caught a glimpse of a new side of her.

　Anyway, the fire had been set.

　Having suddenly cut to the chase, he had no choice but to go nonstop. Subaru waited for Crusch's next reaction while soothing his beating heart, which was beginning to speed up.

　However, she did not say more than that. Subaru wondered about that and raised his eyebrows slightly.

Crusch: "What's the matter?　I told you, Sir, this is the chance for you to talk."

Subaru: "No, so… that's exactly what I said..."

Crusch: "You don't mean to tell me that all you did was confront me with a demand?　Why are you asking for that demand and what is the basis for making it? What are the benefits would I gain by agreeing to your demand? If you don't tell us those things, it can't be called a negotiation."

　Crusch looked at Subaru, who choked up, and closed one eye in boredom.

　Subaru, reminded by this gesture alone that the actors are different, scolded himself for falling into the other party's pace, and continued the conversation.

Subaru: "That's right. I'm sorry, excuse me. No, I don't have much experience with this kind of negotiation either."

Crusch: "It's necessary to understand your inexperience. Don't worry about it. But I'm dividing my time between now and dinner. —I won’t forget that."

　While showing generosity, he was also made aware of the carrot and stick when she mentioned the time limit.

　Subaru reorganizes what he has to say, while also reiterating what he has to say.

Subaru: "First of all, the reason I'm asking for your help is that... we simply don't have enough strength. Our numbers are totally insufficient against the number of Witch Cultists. As a result, we can't counter the attack."

Crusch: "Sure, it's simple. But isn't Lord Mathers enough there?　His ability to annihilate a group of people is the best in Lugnica. It's not a matter of numbers."

Subaru: "If they were a single mass, that would be possible, but that's not the case. If they attack two places, it's a dead end.”

　At the very least, it was confirmed that the Witch Cult would attack the village and the mansion. And hypothetically, he had a feeling they would have attacked a passing dragon carriage. The word "exterminate" was uttered by Petelgeuse several times.

Crusch: "I see, it is not hard to understand. But isn't that negligence on Lord Mathers' part as a lord?　It is the duty of a lord to maintain an armed force in order to protect his fiefdom. If he neglected it because he was overconfident of his own strength, then I would have to lower my evaluation of him."

Subaru: "You're absolutely right about that. Anyway, that's why we can't resist the haphazard tactics of the Witch Cult. That's why we want power in the form of strength and numbers."

　If the attack could be limited to two places, then they should have a force that can defend both places at the same time. With the possibility of Roswaal's absence, if one side was left to Rem and Ram, another dependable presence was needed on the other side.

　Subaru glanced at Wilhelm as he pleaded with Crusch. If it were to go through, Wilhelm would be a force to be reckoned with.

　Wilhelm may have guessed the meaning of Subaru’s gaze, but he did not react to it. Crusch looked at Subaru, who was slightly downcast, and waved his hand to Ferris at her side.

Crusch: "But the Witch Cult, huh? After all, they seem to be making a move."

Ferris: "I’m afraid so. Well, that part was expected when the half-elf Emilia-sama took the stage."

　Ferris agreed with Crusch's words, and Subaru raised his eyebrows at his attitude.

　However, rather than questioning him about it, Subaru's attention was drawn to the heat of the passion rising up next to him. When he turned his gaze in that direction, he saw a silent Rem standing nearby with her lips pursed.

　The expression on her face, intentionally devoid of any emotion, made it clear to me that her inner feelings were far from peaceful.

　The first time Subaru heard the phrase "Witch Cult" was from Rem's mouth. The Witch Cult, which seemed to be an abomination to her, was now Subaru's greatest enemy as well. He was sure that he had a face as grim as her’s.

　Subaru cooled his head when he saw Rem's indignant face. Crusch, watching him, brushed her long green hair back and asked, “So?”, and tilted her head.

Crusch: "I understand the situation. The next step would be why you choose my family as a collaborator and your… reasoning."

Subaru: "I'm choosing you and your family as my collaborators because you are the most likely to do so, given the current situation. You are taking care of me and Rem in this way, and I think you are in a better position to join forces with us compared to the other candidates for the king's election."

　This was the part he had prepared an answer for, knowing that he would be asked.

　If Subaru really wanted to, there were other candidates who would be even easier to deal with than Crusch. But, as a result of prioritizing the current ease of contact, he decided to negotiate with them first.

Crusch: "Most likely, huh?”

　In response to Subaru's answer, Crusch muttered quietly and smiled meaningfully. While Subaru was unsure of the intent of her smile, she held up a finger and said, "Let me correct one thing”

Crusch: "I may have misled you by treating you and Rem as my guests, but there is something I would like you to correct."

Subaru: "...What is it?"

Crusch: "I am not treating you as my enemies, but the fact is that Emilia is already a political opponent of mine. You see?　I am already an enemy of her’s."

　Emphasizing his words in a surprisingly stern manner, Crusch clearly states her position.

　Subaru recalls his reaction in his first world to that attitude and said

Subaru: “But right now we’re…”

Crusch: "That's because a contract has been made. Emilia and I, albeit through a servant, have formed a contract between us for a price and a consideration, and that is why we welcome you and the others. If that agreement is no longer in place, our position is clear, and we are only in a position to fight each other in areas unrelated to the agreement."

　Cutting off Subaru's clinging voice, Crusch does not concede the line.

　Even in the first world, she clearly announced her declaration of hostility to Subaru, who was breaking the contract. That can be said to be sincere, or it could be said to be inflexible.

　In other words,

Subaru: "You mean there's no chance you’ll join hands with me?”

Crusch: "That has nothing to do with this. I told you, Natsuki Subaru. If this is a negotiation, you must present enough merit for both parties to agree to it. So far, we have only confirmed the reasons and preconditions. We need to hear the rationale and the pure advantages of lending you our forces."

　She paused, then continued,

Crusch: "As for the evidence, it’s not necessary. It was expected that the witch cult would make a move once Emilia's lineage became known to the public. Whether the source of the information is solid or a figment of your imagination, in any case, it is as close to a confirmation as you can get."

　As for the premise of this negotiation, that the Witch Cult was moving, Crusch apparently has no doubts whatsoever. This seems to be a common understanding among those living in this world, unique to this world, which is unfortunate for Subaru, who is proceeding with amateur negotiations.

　The fact that the Witch Cult was so well known in this world was, to say the least, a bit of a bugbear.

Crusch: "In other words, what is needed for negotiations is mutual advantage. In your case, you can eliminate the threat of the Witch Cult with the help of my family. Then what does my family have to gain by helping you?　Let's hear it."

Subaru: "Pur-purely helping people or..."

Crusch: "That's a funny joke. It's so funny that I'm tempted to make a joke where Wilhelm pulls out his sword."

　The two people with swords here are Wilhelm and Ferris, but when she orders Wilhelm to do so instead of her own knight, you can tell who is more powerful.

　Anyway, this is not a situation that can be avoided with a few words. Subaru shook his head with all his might and said,

Subaru: "Ah, well, you know. For example, by lending us a hand in this time of need, you could create a tremendous debt to our camp..."

Crusch: "—If we accepted that proposal, it would mean Emilia's withdrawal from the king's election, but you already knew that, didn't you?"

Subaru: "Huh?"

　Subaru's words were interrupted, and his mouth dropped open at the sharp words. However, Crusch’s gaze was as fierce as a blade as she looked at Subaru.

Crusch: "Isn't it natural?　It’s not in a king's character to leave a crisis in their own domain to another lord. How could they stand on the shoulders of his nation if they cannot protect their own people and make them obey them? Natsuki Subaru—let me correct one more misunderstanding."

　Holding up a finger, Crusch pointed it at the silent Subaru, almost stabbing him in the face.

Crusch: "Sir, you are conducting these negotiations with Emilia's camp on your back. All of the pros and cons of what you say rests with her, and what you say is instantly Emilia's weight. Judgment should not be made casually, and what is uttered cannot be easily reversed."

Subaru: "Ah, uh…"

Crusch: "On that basis, let me ask again—If you are going to be indebted to us for this, it will mean a defeat for Emilia's camp. Is that okay with you?"

　It’s not okay, no.

　After all this time, Subaru was beginning to understand where he stood.

　Subaru was not in a carefree debate forum where he did not have to assume any responsibility for what he did. This was a scene where a single comment could sway the positions of many people and even influence the course of the kingdom.

　The place where Subaru stood, as he had chosen to, was a stage where such pressure was inevitable.

Subaru: "But still…,"

　Subaru bit his lip and his voice trembled as he was almost crushed by the weight on his shoulders.

　If he were to borrow her power under the current conditions, as Crusch had stated, it would allow her to push Emilia beyond the point of no return.

　How much could she do to regain the king's election with such a gap at the beginning of the race?

　If he were to take Crusch’s current proposal, Emilia's race in the king election would end here.

　But if he was unable to help, then the only thing that awaited the territory of Roswaal was destruction by the Witch Cult.

　The balance had been shaken, and Subaru's brain was constantly filled with pain and creaking.

　The conclusion that Subaru came to through gritted teeth, while being bombarded with noise from every corner of his thoughts, was,

Subaru: "Still, I need your help."

Crusch: "...Even if it means dropping out of the king’s election?"

Subaru: “The only thing that matters in the end is that you’re alive. —If you die, you're finished."

　Subaru responded with shoulders drooped, unable to hide his disappointment and dismay.

　If he died, he was finished. Subaru did not dare to see with his own eyes once again the devastation of that village and the cruel death of Rem, who stood next to him.

　He should bow his head, endure the humiliation, and if it would save his life, then he should do it.

　And Crusch, accepting Subaru's answer, pulled her chin back and said, "All right.”

Crusch: "—Then the Karstens will not lend any of their forces to you."

　She assured him that the Karsten family would not lend any of its forces to him.

※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

—For a moment, Subaru's time was frozen, not knowing what Crusch had just said.

Subaru: "—Ha?"

The voice that leaked out was a question, but it was a mere sound that made no sense. But Crusch took it in stride, crossed her long, slender legs, and said,

Crusch: "I repeat. This family will not lend any assistance to the Mathers, as requested by you, and by extension, we will not lend our forces to Emilia."

　Again, the statement was even more clearly worded.

　Her orderly manner of speaking made Subaru, who had a low level of understanding, feel as if she was making fun of him.

Subaru: "You have to be—ghk!"

　In the next moment, Subaru was about to spit out the anger that was rising in him on his tongue, but he suppressed his temper on the verge of doing so.

　He had never seen a situation turn around after he raised his voice and ranted with all his emotions. And the other party was much more experienced and calm than he was.

　He slapped my knees, trying to loosen his spirits by getting into a rhythm.

Subaru: "Why is that...?"

　He offered the obvious question as if squeezing it out.

　Listen to what the other person has to say first, before appealing to their emotions. Then look for a compromise, and reconcile them into an answer. This is the basis of negotiation and cannot be thrown away.

　Subaru's decision is the key to killing Petelgeuse—the very survival of the village.

　In response to Subaru's low question, Crusch held up two fingers and said, "First of all”

Crusch: "Emilia's dropping out of the king's race, which you presented as our advantage and which we bitterly accepted… This is not a bargaining chip in this negotiation. Do you understand?"

Subaru: "W-why not? A reduced number of rivals is a sufficient quid pro quo on your side..."

　That's why he bedded it as the heaviest thing to ride against the scales as a consideration, because it can't be exchanged for life.

　He knew that Emilia was going for the throne, but he was weighing it against so many lives.

　Subaru grit his teeth and bit down, but Crusch shook her head and said,

Crusch: "Don't you realize what I'm saying?　When it comes to Emilia's omission, it is a matter that will occur regardless of my involvement."

Subaru: "What are you—"

　Subaru realized as he was about to continue.

　Subaru's face tightened in shock at the realization, and Crusch nodded.

Crusch: "As you said, Emilia will not be able to defend her territory without anyone's help. That would mean, as it is, Emilia's elimination from the king's election. There is no need for me to reach out to her."

　Rather, Crusch shook her finger, which had remained raised.

Crusch: "If I reach out to her poorly, it will be an advantage for the other camps to know that my camp was involved in Emilia's ouster. As you know, my family is currently in the most advantageous position in the king election. We don't want to do something here that will kick one of the other camps out of the race as soon as possible and have the other camps all look at us at the same time."

　If she stays quiet, she will get exactly the same advantages that Subaru has presented. There was no need to go out of her way to risk and pick up a chestnut in the fire for that.

　But then—

Subaru: "You're going to let those people in that village, in the… territory of Roswaal, which is going to  be attacked by the Witch Cult, die!"

Crusch: "Let me correct the misunderstanding. And don't change the subject, Natsuki Subaru."

　Crusch shot a cold look at Subaru as he shouted, her expression sharp.

Crusch: "It is Emilia who is powerless to protect her territory, and it is Emilia who will lose her people because of her incompetence. Definitely not me.”

　Helplessness, incompetence—Subaru felt a shock as if he had been hit on the head with all her might by these words.

　He wanted to refute Crusch's assertion. But all that came to mind was childish emotionalism, and he couldn’t muster the strength to resist her good arguments.

Crusch: "Apparently, you're done with what you're trying to say."

　Crusch, closing one eye, muttered at Subaru, who was repeatedly opening and closing his mouth. She looked out of the room's window at the sky with her right eye open as it was.

Crusch: "Soon, it will be earth time—time for dinner. Right on time."

　She broke off the conversation and turned to leave.

　Subaru was impatient with her uncooperative attitude.

Subaru: "Wait!"

　Subaru grabbed Crusch, who was about to stand up, with his hand, and, lifting his hips, moistened his lips and tried to continue negotiating with Crusch in a frantic racking of his head.

Subaru: "Y-you're seriously abandoning us?　The people in the village aren’t at fault, not for any reason!"

　But all that came out of Subaru's mouth was a string of effeminate words, as if he were clinging to the warmth of the other party. Hearing this, Crusch's eyes filled with faint disappointment.

Crusch: "I told you. It is not me who is not powerful enough…"

Subaru: "You know about it, and you're just going to abandon her!　Isn't that evil!　If you have the power, if you can help, why don't you!?　What's wrong with helping them!?　If you're talking about another territory, you don't know that it doesn't matter how many votes you get!”

　He interrupted and shouted his passion, knowing it was rude.

　Crusch raised her eyebrows at Subaru's fiery show, and Ferris, his eyes flashing with anger at Subaru's insolence, tried to step forward and say, "Wait,” but,

Crusch: "Ferris, it’s fine."

Ferris: "But, Crusch-sama, ...that's a little too myuch, even for you."

Crusch: “It's his bare spirit. If I don't listen, I will be disgraced."

　Ferris growled in disapproval, but quietly backed away at Crusch's command. With him in the corner of her eye, Crusch sat back in her chair once again.

Crusch: "Is it not evil to overlook, to overlook and let them die?"

　Deeply, she ruminated on Subaru's words, spilling out an exhale.

　Subaru jumped to cling to that attitude as if it were the last possible thing he could do.

Subaru: "Yes! You're going to be a king, right? You want to rule the whole country, don't you? Then what kind of a king abandons a village?”

　Subaru stands up, spits, and clenches his fists in a show of force.

　In response to Subaru's words, Crusch closed her eyes as if in thought, and then slowly, she said,

Crusch: "Let me correct one thought."

　Then, slowly, she held up two fingers and stared at Subaru with a penetrating gaze.

　When Subaru flinched at the sharpness of her gaze and frowned at the discrepancy between her fingers and her words, Crusch's lips pursed in a small, provocative smile.

Crusch: "That's the second of the two reasons I gave you. That should clear up most of your doubts."

　The first reason—that is, the reason Crusch doesn't help Emilia, is

Crusch: "The answer is—because your story is not credible enough to sway my family."

　Subaru was struck by a statement that turned his previous words and assumptions upside down.

　Those two words, "not credible," trumped all previous exchanges.

Subaru: "What?"

Crusch: "The Witch Cult, huh? I see, it's possible that they are moving. It's obvious from their doctrine and their past activities. But the question is where to go from here."

Subaru: “What's beyond that...?”

Crusch: “It's simple. Why can you tell us where they're going to target next?"

　Crusch's voice and gaze were piercing as she held up her finger and pointed it directly at Subaru.

Crusch: "Their elusiveness is inexplicable and thorough. The fact that they have survived for nearly 400 years without being eradicated is a good testament to their mysteriousness. How could you know the next folly of such people?"

Subaru: "That's…, but you said that earlier."

Crusch: “History has proven how dim their intelligence network is. If you have it, then you must show us evidence for it. If not, there is only one reason for you to know."

　On behalf of the silent Subaru, Crusch slowly bit into her words.

Crusch: "That is, if you are also a Witch cultist."

Subaru: "You've got to be kidding me—!"

　This time, a scream rushes up his throat, about to explode in anger. But it was again stopped just short.

　This time it was not the result of my conscience or self-control.

Rem: "——"

　—The dense atmosphere that Rem, who had been silently watching the endless exchange between Subaru and Crusch, emitted was what one might call a demonic spirit.

　Next to Subaru, Rem was sitting on a chair with her hands on her knees and her posture correct. However, Rem, who maintained an expressionless face, was overflowing with a high energy that almost distorted the atmosphere around her, and it was clear from the fire that this was the result of the conversation they had just had.

Rem: "Crusch-sama, please stop playing games."

　While receiving all the gazes in the room, Rem's voice sounded the same as usual, and she modestly tilted her head toward Crusch and said,

Rem: “It’s not possible for Subaru-kun to be a Witch cultist.”

Crusch: “Is that so?　If you can't speak of a reason for knowing, in light of Natsuki Subaru's statement, I have no choice but to say that it is possible. Do you have any idea, Sir?"

Subaru: "—No."

　He wondered if Crusch really noticed his momentary hesitation.

　Only Rem, who could sense the smell of the Witch from Subaru, felt something caught in Crusch's casual remark and clicked her tongue.

　Anyway,

Crusch: "In any case, those two reasons are the only reasons why our family cannot help Emilia. —In the first place, you are not authorized to act as a negotiator, are you?"

Subaru: "—Uh,"

Crusch: “I threatened earlier that Emilia's fate was on your shoulders, but that was before I knew. There is nothing for you to carry on your shoulders at this moment.”

　He was rushing forward on his own, trying to protect himself, and selfishly screwing up.

　Crusch's words cut coldly into Subaru's bare heart and tore it open.

　Subaru's passion faded away, and his heart began to change from hot to cold, and his mouth opened and closed like a fish seeking oxygen.

　Crusch looked at Subaru with pitying eyes.

Crusch: "Now Sir, you don't have the power to move me. You must be quiet and be protected by me."

Subaru: "——!"

　Those were the words that had been hurled at him over and over and over again.

　It was the rotten compassion that forced Subaru to admit his powerlessness, forced him to admit his ignorance, forced him to admit his unworthiness, and ridiculed his recklessness and reckless ineptitude.

　The feeling of shame when he thought of the fact that everything was not as he would like it to be was a constant reminder of Subaru's shame.

　Why, why, why won't anyone let him have his way? What was wrong with him? He was just trying to do the right thing. He was sure that he was trying to do the right thing, and he believed that he could help them.

Subaru: "The Witch Cult is coming! They're going to kill everyone in the village...!"

　Subaru complained with sorrow, with anger that threatened to tear his throat out.

　There were the sights he had seen. There were the deaths that had touched him.

　People close to you, people you care about, everything was frozen and transformed into white crystals.

　It was a certain thing that would happen. It was a merciless reality that will surely happen if left unchecked.

　Why couldn’t they understand this, why wouldn’t they let him stop it? Why won't anyone get out of his way and simply let Subaru change his fate?

Subaru: "Kill them, just kill them!　Just kill those Witch cultists, just kill them all!　Then everything will be all right!　You know what I mean!　They don't deserve to live!　Kill them, kill them, give me your power, kill them!"

　He kneeled down on the spot and crawled on the ground, begging.

　If he rubbed his head against the floor and pleaded with her, she would have looked down on him with pity in her eyes, and he would have done anything, even clowning around, to have her lend him her strength.

　He would take on the role of a dog, the role of an animal, anything. If that would fulfill his killing intent—

Crusch: "—Is that the source of your deeds?"

　But the deeds that do not hesitate to expose Subaru to such shame.

Crusch: "Hatred of the Witch Cult, is that why you approached Emilia?"

　—Did not inspire even a shred of pity in those in authority who have no personal feelings in their judgments.