Arc 5 – 32, 'The City Hall Raider’s Conference”

Arc 5 – Chapter 32, “The City Hall Raider’s Conference”

Ferris: “Ah, really! Healing magic has no effect, so we can only use such a primitive treatment!”

Ferris, with blood staining his cheeks, clenched his teeth in irritation, waving a hand around.

Lying in front of him, blood still flowing from her chest, was Mimi’s unconscious form.

Wholeheartedly wanting to stop the bleeding, he’d been forced to bind her wound with a magic cloth and several layers of bandages.

This was something typically used for hand and foot injuries, but it could also be applied to the chest to maintain a wound’s closure and prevent bleeding. Only, Mimi’s chest wound was just above her heart.

The amount of time she had left could only depend upon her own vitality.

Subaru leaned against the wall, watching desperate treatment as he fretted about Garfiel. Looking down, he saw that instead of looking at Mimi, Garfiel had plunged his bloody hands into his short blond hair and looked down, a far cry from his usual optimistic self.

The blood covering his body was not only Mimi’s. It was plain to see that he had his own severe wounds. Blood stained the corners of his mouth, and the amount of blood still pouring his shoulders was particularly heart-wrenching. His trousers were torn near his knees, where flesh was missing and white bone could be glimpsed.

Subaru: “Garfiel. Mimi can be entrusted to Ferris, for the time being. You also need treatment for your wounds. Can you administer healing spells yourself?”

Garfiel: “...ah, yeah.”

Nodding, Garfiel slowly pressed his palms to his wounds began to deliver the healing mana into his own body. As he watched the slowly healing wounds, Subaru looked down at the conversation mirror in his hand.

Reflected in the surface of the mirror was a silent old swordsman, his wrinkled face bearing a complex expression.

In the depths of his own heart, what kind of confusion had risen? Undoubtedly, Wilhelm must have reached the same conclusion as Subaru.

Subaru: “The wound can’t be closed, which is to say...”

Wilhelm: “In all likelihood, that’s because of the Divine Protection of the Shinigami.”

Finishing Subaru’s words, Wilhelm came to the expected conclusion.

The terrible curse of incurable healing of a wounds was given by the death god’s blessing. That Mimi’s wound couldn’t be healed by magic was probably due to such a blessing.

Then, in Subaru’s mind, only one person could conceivably have done this.

Of course, while it couldn’t be asserted that no other person could possibly have the same divine protection,

Subaru: “Wilhelm-san. Although this isn’t a happy thought... your wrist injury, how is it?”

Wilhelm: “——”

Wilhelm briefly closed his eyes, then removed his coat and presented his left hand to Subaru.

The bandage wrapped tightly against it bore no bloodstains. Then there was no bleeding— so his attacker couldn’t be near.

Wilhelm: “Even assuming that the injury was given by someone who had the same protection as my wife, as long as my wounds have not opened, her life cannot be near. Although that should be a matter of course.”

Subaru: “Wilhelm-san...”

Was he frustrated, or was he relieved? Subaru did not know.

Wilhelm had lost his wife a full fifteen years ago. Even one year ago, he’d certainly not doubted her death.

Regardless of the hopelessness of any situation, looking at a favored result with unconditional hope and choosing to believe in any modest hope was a weakness of humanity. However, even if Wilhelm succumbed to that weakness, Subaru found no shame in it whatsoever.

Therefore, at this moment, Subaru found no words he could say to Wilhelm who but of course desired neither casual comfort nor encouragement.

Behind Subaru, a change in the situation had occurred. That was,

Ricardo: “Bro. Sorry, to take your time while you’re treating a wound.”

Saying so, Ricardo sat on the ground.

Near Ferris, desperately conducting his treatment, the beastman sat in front of the bloody Garfiel, eyeing him sharply.

To meet that gaze, Garfiel slowly raised his head.

Ricardo: “I don’t know what happened. But I know that if bro hadn’t brought her here, Mimi wouldn’t have made it. So,”

Garfiel: “——”

Ricardo: “Really, thank you very much. I’m deeply grateful.”

With two fists on the ground, Ricardo kneeled and bowed his head.

As Ricardo’s forehead hit the ground, thanking Garfiel for bringing his family here, Garfiel appeared shocked.

Mimi’s status was still not optimistic. It was understandable that Garfiel held some guilt for not being able to successfully defend Mimi. But that was by no means Garfiel’s fault. What good would it do to blame him?

Ricardo had, of course, hoped for Mimi’s safe return, and, having her back in that state, he couldn’t have been calm.

Even so, in Subaru view, Ricardo’s vaulted posture was completely sincere.

At the same time, he held an unforgiving anger at those who left Mimi in that state. Therefore,

Subaru: “Garfiel. Although it must be troubling for you, tell me exactly what happened. Even you’re in such a state, which is unimaginable. Not to mention...”

As he asked Garfiel to explain the situation, an idea took root in Subaru’s mind.

It was earlier, as he sorted through their information with Julius and Wilhelm, contemplating the siege of Pristella, the idea had briefly crossed his mind.

Seizing the five control towers, the Witch Cult had turned the entire city as their hostage.

Each location must have been occupied by a mighty force. Assuming that was right— they were most likely guarded by Wrath, Greed, Lust. Then, the likelihood of Gluttony’s presence was also high.

——That Gluttony was precisely Subaru’s target.

Greed, who had Emilia, and Wrath, who regarded Subaru as Petelgeuse. Lust, whose ugly nature he’d heard earlier, and Gluttony, the target he’d been hunting.

Although the situation was indeed the worst of the worst, at the same time, there had never been an opportunity better than now.

Being entrapped in a spider web was precisely the right time to exterminate all the spiders.

Subaru: “Anyway, we have attack these guys eventually. After all, if we don’t, we’ll never be able to return safe and sound.”

Subaru: “——”

Garfiel stared at him in surprise.

Subaru nodded with encouragement, urging him to speak.

Garfiel: “...After hearin’ that broadcast, my amazin’ self and th’midget went t’the center ‘f the city. Both ‘f us hated that broadcaster’s annoyin’ voice.”

Ricardo: “We were also discussing a way we were gonna do that. Looks like you got the first chance.”

Garfiel: “On th’way t’tha City Hall, th’were no sentries, n’no appearance ‘f anythin gettin’ our way. So my amazin’ self headed straight toward the City Hall, where...”

Garfiel’s words stopped, as he clenched his teeth, his fists trembling.

This was not fear, but anger. However, Subaru believed that that anger was directed not at his opponent, but at Garfiel himself.

Issuing a fiery, angry breath, Garfiel continued.

Garfiel: “Two enemies appeared. One of ‘em was’n huge man th’lugged around two giant swords. Th’other was a thin woman’n had a slender sword. No matter what, ‘f they was serious about it, they’d match me one on one. No... they’d most likely be stronger than my amazin’ self.”

Subaru: “Even stronger than you...was one of them the broadcaster?”

Garfiel: “...most likely not.”

Subaru almost wondered whether or not there was a problem with his ears.

Crusch’s power, before losing her memory, was enough that her individual presence had made a difference in the battle of the White Whale. However, the strength of the current amnesiac Crusch was unknown to Subaru.

Honestly speaking, Subaru had thought that her newfound femininity had led to a seeming loss in her adaptability to the struggle.

Wilhelm: “Crusch-sama’s talent with with the sword has not declined. That, I can guarantee.”

Wilhelm’s words wiped away the last of Subaru’s discomfort. The old swordsman nodded, gazing through the mirror at his master’s side.

Wilhelm: “However, please be careful. I implore you, please place your safety first.”

Crusch: “It’s the obligation of the nobility to bear burden of and shed blood for the people. If innocent people weep, then I will shield them under my wing. I will fight, Wilhelm.”

Wilhelm: “...honestly. But, it’s because of this that I offer you my sword.”

Crusch spoke resolutely toward Wilhelm’s allegiance. Ferris raised his hand as he watched, face full of admiration.

Ferris: “Yes! Yes! Ferri-chan too! If Crusch-sama will fight, then please let Ferri-chan accompany you! Please!”

Crusch: “Ferris traveled between shelters to cast healing spells on those in need. I’m very proud of your contributions. But don’t mistake which battlefield you should be fighting on.”

Ferris: “Gah...”

Silenced in that manner, Ferris bowed his head, searching for any retaliation. Unable to find one, he raised a white flag with a tearful expression.

Ferris: “Wil-jii. Definitely do a good job protecting Crusch-sama, okay? Absolutely absolutely.”

Wilhelm: “Mmm, I understand. Even if my own life is in danger, even if it burns out — I will do so.”

That was Wilhelm’s answer to that trust, full of tragic determination.

Ricardo waved his sword gently, and Garfiel finished his own treatment and stood with his back leaning against the wall.

Through the mirror, Wilhelm stood with sword at his waist, and Julius wore his knight’s uniform leisurely.

This was the dawn of the decisive battle — which would also include Natsuki Subaru.

Subaru: “Gah, ugh, ahh...!”

Ferris: “S-Su-Subaru-kyun! What are you doing!?”

Biting his molars to endure the pain in his right leg, Subaru finally climbed to his feet.

Ferris, flushed in fury, slapped Subaru upside the head, glaring at his foot, which was still missing skin and muscle.

Subaru: “Ferris, that hurt!”

Ferris: “Of course it did! I’ve obviously said that you absolutely need rest, so what possessed you to try to get up? Do you want your feet to rot off?”

Subaru: “Even if it’s torn off, there are still things that I have to do. Ferris, you should understand my feelings. Do you think I can really stay here obediently and wait for results?”

Ferris: “...Muu.”

Ferris raised a hand to his mouth as Subaru pressed on.

Sending his companions to a place where survival was unlikely, then waiting for results. Subaru could never endure such a thing. If, by running around, he could come up with some clever idea and help someone, how could he lie here?

Subaru: “You can fight like this. Well, I must fight too. Beatrice protected me, and Emilia’s in danger from Greed. In this state, you want me to retreat?”

Ferris: “...is that to say that you won’t regret losing your foot?”

Subaru: “Of course I’m bound to regret it. But I’d regret not fighting more.”

Ferris: “Heh... then, Subaru-kyun also wants to play a cool role.”

With an exhausted expression, Ferris held a hand to his forehead. After that, he pressed his hand to the wound on Subaru’s leg.

Ferris: “What I’ll be doing now is giving you a bit of solace!”

Subaru: “Solace is... ah, wait a minute, Ferris-san. The injury kinda hurts, so rubbing back and forth like that is going to really hurt...?”

His hands on the wound, Ferris ravaged Subaru’s leg — was what should have happened, but, instead, a brilliant line shone from the injury, ending the pain which had been piercing through it like a sharp blade.

Subaru, shocked at the effects of that magic, looked Ferris in the face. Then,

Ferris: “You look murderous!?”

Subaru: “No, no! Although, if you have such convenient magic, don’t be so reluctant to give it to sooner! This is great, I can move!”

As Ferris’s sharp tongue bit into him Subaru jumped lightly with his right leg. While enjoying the joy of his new freedom of motion, he began to dance in place. Pain was no longer a problem.

His palm hit the wound with a smack as he celebrated the amazing change. Then, Subaru looked down, feeling something sticky and wet. His hands were covered in red, and his foot’s wound had ruptured.

Subaru: “Hey, hey, hey!? Didn’t you heal it!?”

Ferris: “I nyever said I healed it. I just asked if you’d regret it if you lost your leg. Ferri-chan removed the pain from touch. As long as you’re careful, you can keep your leg if you limit your running around.”

Subaru’s bleeding legs shook as Ferris re-bandaged the wound and cast fresh spells. The blood stopped; however, Subaru felt even more uncomfortable, realizing that he could feel nothing from his leg.

It was similar to anesthesia, but he didn’t feel quite as sluggish. Aside from not being able to feel touch, his right leg’s actions were almost normal.

However, pain itself is a necessity to avoid destroying one’s own body. For the sake of convenience those sensations have been revoked, but,

Ferris: “Of course, I’m doing this reluctantly. When we meet back up, there will definitely be some residual effects. I want to see that they’ll be very slight, so be careful!”

Subaru: “...understood. You’ve been a great help, I’m grateful.”

Ferris: “...Subaru-kyun is absolutely, certainly planning to ignore Ferri-chan’s words.”

Ferris sighed as Subaru reexamined his leg while nodding.

Although he’d like to say something like “I’d never do such a thing”, if the situation arose, he couldn’t promise that he’d comply with Ferris.

Unable to make any promises, Subaru could only thank him once more before heading back toward Garfiel and Ricardo.

Subaru: “Right, I’m coming too. It’s useless to try to stop me. I don’t think I’ll be too much help in combat, but there must be something I can do...”

Ricardo: “Why would I stop you? You’d bring with you the strength of a hundred men. I’ll be counting on you.”

Subaru: “I can do things like... huh?”

Although he had been waiting for a rejection, he had been eagerly welcomed into the party. Subaru wondered what in the world was happening as the beastman opened his mouth.

Ricardo: “The White Whale, and Sloth. Both times, I saw your efforts for myself, bro. You’d be wrong if you think only Wilhelm sees your value. I also see someone worthy of praise.”

Subaru: “Really, truly?”

Inspired by Ricardo’s words, Subaru invited himself in without any problem.

Before leaving the shelter, Subaru approached Beatrice’s bed and gently touched the forehead of that quietly sleeping girl.

Subaru: “Beatrice, I’ll be going out. I messed up and left you like this, so now it’s my turn to work hard. I’ll take care of that cult and take back Emilia. You just stay here and rest well.”

Beatrice: “——”

Silence. Comforted by her peaceful breathing, Subaru stood up.

Meanwhile, Garfiel and Ricardo spoke to Mimi, who looked miserable as she lay unconscious. Although she also gave no response, the two men showed an opposite expression, a strong determination that they would pour into conquering yet unknown territory.

Subaru: “We’ll leave the shelter and join up at the large waterway leading to the City Hall. —So, cheer up, alright?”

Before their departure, everyone exchanged glances, determination fueled by their respective oaths, fierce momentum propelling them onward.

The war to regain Pristella would commence with a central attack on the City Hall. The two swordsmen in their may, and the Sin Archbishop of Lust.

Inscribing those targets in their minds, the soldiers marched toward the battlefield.