Arc 7, 23 – 'Musician Natsumi Schwartz”

Arc 7, Chapter 23 - “Musician Natsumi Schwartz”

Subaru: [――――]

Looking at his reflection in the crude mirror, Natsuki Subaru―― or rather, the being who used to call himself that, squinted their eyes and carefully inspected themselves over and over again.

Dark eyeshadow and carefully curled eyelashes reflected back. The texture of their skin, the greatest point of difference between men and women, was coated with white powder; his lips were painted with a vermillion color that made them look fresh.

The costume had been quite the challenge, but he had been able to disguise his physique by wearing a lot of loose clothing, despite struggling to achieve a style that matched the southern climate.

At any rate, this time he would have to act not as the daughter of a nobleman, but in a looser and casual manner―― that of a traveling entertainer. Therefore, aside from gestures, the appearance needed to be more “female” in order to fit the design.

Subaru: [I’m going to gather as much of my body to my chest and stuff it to the limit...]

He had utilized every technique he could think of, pictured the encounters he had so far in his mind.

Starting with Emilia, then Felt and the loathsome Elsa, followed by Ram and Rem, plus Beatrice and Petra, setting Meili aside. After that, Priscilla, Crusch, Anastasia, and Ferris, who he should look up to as a mentor, and then Frederica. Then there were the Witches, well-dressed only in appearance, annoyingly―― he had gathered his imagination of “beauty” from all the beautiful girls, beautiful women, and beautiful girl-like beings he had met in this other world so far.

――He must constantly imagine himself as the most beautiful version of herself.

He did not need to think about anything else beyond the vision he held.

He had made the best move he could with what he currently had on hand, and arrived at the place where he needed to be.

Therefore――,

Subaru: [――This is me.]

His sight left the mirror, then he slowly took a deep breath and turned around.

Alone, after hours of trying to fight in solitude, he finally pushed open the door. Beyond it, he could see his friends with bated breath, waiting for the success or failure of this mission to take hold.

The women turned their attention to Subaru as he opened the door and stepped out.

Subaru: [――――]

There was silence, and he could feel the tense atmosphere.

His immediate anxiety refused to allow him to understand which emotion was causing the silence. Certainly, he was lacking a number of cards to play with. If he’d had that, if he’d had this, there would be no end to his regrets.

However, thinking about it, was it not about taking initiative?

One could not always go into battle in perfect condition. In any case, life was all about playing the cards one had been dealt, wasn’t it?

And it was when he found himself making excuses as if he had already lost the battle.

???: [...Brilliant.]

He heard the faint sound of air bursting and looked up.

There he saw that the true nature of this burst had been nothing of the sort. It was the sound of hands coming together. It was the sound of applause. The sound was a mixture of congratulations, admiration, and respect.

Subaru: [Mi...]

He looked at the person clapping and was about to call out in a manner unbefitting a lady, but stopped himself in time.

It was still incomplete. He gently put his hand to his throat and let the air bounce there in small puffs. Then, just as the gears clicked in his mind, he smiled,

Subaru: [Mizelda-san.]

Mizelda: [――Hk, no way, your voice? What in the world, what in the world, how in the...!?] [1]

Subaru: [Once I’ve decided to do something, it’s my duty to do my best. There are lives that can be saved if I don’t cut corners. If that’s the case, then there’s only one thing I have to do.]

Mizelda: [Ooh...!]

The smile disappeared and he pointed one finger up towards the heavens.

The close thicket of trees prevented him from seeing the sun, but it was not the heavenly beings he had to show this to, only the many friends gathered here.

Look at them, from head to toe.

It didn’t matter if it was from the front, the back, the right, the left, or anywhere in between.

――He must constantly imagine himself as the most beautiful.

If he succeeded in tracing that image, succeeded in recreating the ideal, then he would have nothing to fear.

Here, with authority――,

Subaru: [――Natsumi Schwartz’s advent.]

That’s what Natsumi Schwartz heroically―― or rather, declared like a lady.

Mizelda, the woman who had stopped clapping in front of him, nodded deeply. She then lined up next to Natsumi, supporting his back with her hand,

Mizelda: [My world was too small. You were right, Subaru... No, Natsumi.]

Subaru: [You understand now, don’t you, Mizelda-san?]

Mizelda: [Ahh, it is frustrating, but I do understand now... Beauty can be made.]

Mizelda lowered the corners of her eyes and smiled gently, while Natsumi smiled back.

The People of Shudraq that were gathered there also looked at each other as they witnessed the beautiful scene. Then, applause rained down, coming as a belated blessing.

The applause continued to pour down, congratulating Natsumi on her unveiling.

And then――,

???: [What is this?]

???: [Uh~]

The ones who couldn’t quite get over it watched the scene with their cheeks contorted into a frown.

△ ▼ △ ▼ △ ▼ △

Subaru: [And so, Natsumi Schwartz was born. I was a bit confused, since the different makeup tools and all, but I managed to get this much done.]

Rem: [Are you kidding me?]

Subaru: [Eh!?]

After returning to the meeting place and setting up another assembly, Natsumi―― or rather, Subaru’s words were answered by Rem, her gaze gelid, her tone glaciated .

Rem’s chilly attitude did not change even after showing her the results. Subaru pointed to his face and said,

Subaru: [I need fake eyelashes after all... For the wig. I managed to borrow some black hair from the Shudraq...]

Rem: [I’m not talking about that. I think the makeup and wigs are well done. But you don’t have to talk like a woman forever.]

Subaru: [Yes, but... the state of mind is also important, isn’t it? If I’m not careful on a regular basis, I never know where I might fall apart. Besides...]

Rem: [Besides?]

Subaru: [If I indulge in the fact that I’m a man, the goddess of beauty will turn her back on me and... Ouch ouch ouch!]

Just as Subaru was about to speak seriously, Rem pulled his ear quite hard.

He couldn’t help but get teary-eyed as he quickly moved away. Subaru decided to slip close to Mizelda, who was watching the proceedings.

Subaru: [Mizelda-anesama, I’m afraid of Rem-san...]

Mizelda: [Umm, don’t cry, Natsumi... Strangely enough, you look so cute, even though I know you’re Subaru. Taritta should learn from you.]

Taritta: [Sister!]

While her sister patted Subaru’s head, Taritta rolled her eyes at Mizelda’s ruthless comment.

However, Taritta’s face was much softer than it would normally be. That was because Subaru had rearranged the heavy make-up she usually wore, which could be called the war paint of the People of Shudraq, to make her look cuter.

The Shudraq were best known for their bravery and strength, but this time they were required to be both glamorous and dangerous, with a magical and sensuous quality that could drive men crazy.

Taritta and Kuna’s make-up was fun to apply once they decided to focus their beauty regimen in that direction.

Subaru: [You have a much younger face than I expected, Taritta-anesama. Your makeup looks great, it’s nice to show off your cuteness once in a while.]

Taritta: [Please don’t tease me! First of all, I can’t be as pretty as you...]

Subaru: [Well, your lack of confidence is also cute! Right, Mizelda-anesama?]

Mizelda: [Yes, dear.]

Mizelda’s cheeks relaxed as Subaru leaned up to her and spoke softly. Taritta flinched at the sight of the two of them, and turned over with a slight blush on her cheeks.

Her brown skin made it hard to see her cheeks redden, but the makeup on her eyes and lips gave the impression of a slight blush, so it was easy to see the adorable change in her appearance.

Rem: [When are you going to stop fooling around!?]

Rem shattered such a flowery scene with a single shout.

Subaru and Taritta shrank as if hit by a gust of wind. Rem glared at them with her pale blue eyes, then looked at Kuna at the edge of the room.

Kuna, who, like Taritta, also had her makeup done along with her hair, jerked away.

Kuna: [W-what is it, for the record, I have nothing to do with this...]

Rem: [Kuna-san, I’m counting on you. Looking at those two, I see you’re the only one who’s sane... Are you seriously going along with this plan?]

Kuna: [I know I’m the only sane one, but...]

Kuna, who had her hair in twin tails, looked at Subaru and Taritta with an unmotivated look in her eyes.

It was an unpleasant assessment, but Subaru could only wait to see what would happen. Her look told him that he was insane, and thus was different from Taritta, who was shaking in shock.

Kuna let out a small exhale at the reaction of Subaru and the others.

Kuna: [The reason why he couldn’t do the mission has disappeared, you understand that too, right, Rem? Natsumi... Subaru doesn’t have a problem. Yeah, he’s more of a woman than the Chieftain.]

Rem: [I think that’s too rude to say about Mizelda-san...]

Kuna: [I don’t think it’s a problem. What’ll be a problem are our results over there...]

And just as Kuna was nearly done answering Rem’s questions,

???: [――It appears everyone is here.]

Kuna: [Oh, speaking of the devil...]

A pompous, undeceiving tone of voice enveloped the meeting hall, and a new figure appeared.

When Kuna’s gaze turned in that direction, Rem had no choice but to turn in the same direction. Naturally, Subaru, Mizelda, and the others’ gazes were drawn there as well.

Everyone: [――――]

At that moment, time stopped for everyone.

――No, to be precise, time stopped for everyone aside from the figure that appeared and Subaru, who had applied makeup to them.

Subaru: [I left the fine-tuning to you, but... you’re so good at it, it’s almost disgusting.]

Abel: [It does not elate me to be praised for my makeup skills. Nevertheless, your skills are impressive. So, even a finished product may become a whole new thing, huh. It looks even better than I imagined.]

Subaru: [Kuh, my margin for victory...!]

As he said this, Subaru gently bit his pinky finger in frustration.

Of course, there was no doubting his belief that beauty could be created. Subaru was also proud to say that he had proved this with his own body, using the few cards he had in hand.

However, there was still a difference in materials.

That was why――,

Rem: [Ah, Abel-san, right?]

Abel: [Who else would it be? Do not inquire such a silly question. No, if I have changed that much, then your surprise is appropriate for reference.]

In response to Rem’s trembling words, Abel―― or rather, Bianca, the being born from makeup, a wig, and a change of costume, clutched his five thin white fingers.

His raven black hair was long and lustrous, creating a perfect harmony with his beautiful face and slit eyes. The dancer’s costume bound his waist, splitting down his legs, showing just enough skin to attract attention.

Standing there was a beautiful dancer who had recreated extreme beauty, the best joker card in hand, that was essential to this plan.

Everyone else: [――――]

Bianca’s perfection was such that even Mizelda and the others had lost their voices.

That was different from Subaru’s Natsumi, where the shock was over the magnitude of the change. This was the pure shock that was brought about by the perfection of beauty that Abel’s Bianca had in spades.

The Shudraqian jewelry, which adorned the dancer’s costume and long hair, served only as a garnish to accentuate his real beauty.

Subaru remembered the smile on Mizelda’s face when she had lent them to him.

For some reason, Subaru’s heart ached when he remembered that smile. However, out of concern for Mizelda and the others, Subaru did not have the option of cutting corners.

How could he ruin this perfection himself?

Subaru’s ego as Natsumi Schwartz would not allow for such a thing.

Subaru: [It was surprising to me that you weren’t afraid of wearing makeup...]

Abel: [What, you think it a disgrace to dress up as a woman? For the record, this is not the first time I have done this. I have undergone such things many times in my childhood.]

Subaru: [As a child?]

Abel: [Yes. Considering my position, I would state it is a good idea to possess a wide range of ways to protect oneself.]

Subaru’s lips curved at Abel’s words, not Bianca’s, a beautiful woman who crossed her arms adorably.

Perhaps his past experiences were referring to the secret feuds he’d endured as a candidate to become the next Emperor, before actually taking up the seat.

In Vollachia, where the succession to the throne was apparently much more tumultuous than in Lugunica, it was easy to imagine the possibility of assassination being employed in the battle over who became the next Emperor.

In order to survive such a harsh life, he would have sometimes had to disguise his appearance and even gender.

Abel’s willingness to make sacrifices, including his own, seemed to have been shaped by his childhood, before he won the throne of the Emperor.

That was how it had come about, and now appeared in Abel’s Bianca, now dressed as a woman.

Subaru: [Still, it’s kind of annoying that you’re aware that you’re beautiful...!]

Abel: [That is exactly what is ridiculous. How can someone be in a position where they must be capable of looking at their country from a broad perspective, and not be able to see themselves objectively? Though you seem to have subverted that objective assessment of yourself through your own skills, I have no need for those kinds of petty tricks.]

Subaru: [Guh... Hk.]

Abel: [Do you know why tigers are strong? Tigers are strong because they are strong.]

Subaru was struck by a concept that he had heard from Garfiel as well.

The theory that tigers were strong because they were tigers, became attributed to the fact that Abel was beautiful because he was Abel. It was no longer the logic of violence.

It was the same as saying that Reinhardt was strong because he was Reinhardt.

In other words, it was a blunt view of the world.

Subaru: [Well, anyway... Flora’s thinking the same thing, isn’t she!?]

Flop: [Aren’t you jumping to conclusions there, mister?!]

Behind Abel followed an astonished Flop, now disguised as Flora.

He was also dressed up, and had the type of beauty that Subaru knew would make a finished product more complete just by fully utilizing the potential of his resources. In fact, unlike Subaru and Abel, he’d had his originally long hair only slightly tweaked, so it could be said that he was the one who brought out the most charm from the materials.

In fact, Subaru was confident that if they stood side-by-side, he wouldn’t be greatly inferior. But――,

Subaru: [There is a difference in the amount of time and effort that is put in... Must be divine favoritism...!]

Flop: [I’m sorry to hear you lamenting this, but you look great mister. You’re no longer mister, you’re sir!] [2]

Subaru: [...I’m not satisfied with a compliment like that anymore.]

Flop: [Was that a compliment? I didn’t know it was.]

Flop’s frankness hadn’t changed even though he was now Flora. Anyway, that was fine in his case. Although he would need some acting guidance to follow the plan’s directions.

In this situation however, it was Abel who would be the most important.

Subaru: [Flora and I can play instruments. Therefore, your role is...]

Abel: [Dancing, huh. I do not require being told, I have the plan in my mind. The importance of my role alike. Besides...]

Subaru: [Besides?]

Abel: [I am not as excellent at dancing as my dead sister, but I am pretty close.]

His cheeks twisted, and even his triumphant, arrogant smile was beautiful.

Abel’s confident attitude was reassuring, and at the same time, it made Subaru’s heart burn with anticipation. In fact, Abel had demonstrated his devilishness without regret as a complete Bianca.

If Abel’s self-awareness was correct, Subaru could have high hopes for the dancing as well.

Subaru: [――. Alright then. If you have that much confidence, show me how good you are. After all, you can’t take back whatever you’ve spat out.]

Abel: [Whatever I spat out, huh...? Hmmm, as in, when one is being spat down upon by the clouds, you mean? That is quite a roundabout way of saying it, but that is fine. I shall display it to you.]

Subaru: [――――]

Abel: [It is the least I can do, to reward you for offering this plan.]

Abel’s arrogance did not diminish, even when dressed as a woman, as if he never doubted himself.

Feeling both reassured and threatened by this, Subaru softly looked at Rem. Unfortunately, he couldn’t let her accompany him for his plan.

But still――,

Subaru: [Please pray for my safety. I’ll do my best for you.]

Rem: [――.――――.――――――――.――――――――――.Yes.]

Subaru: [It took you long enough to pray, didn’t it!]

Subaru shouted at Rem’s late reply, who looked sincerely mystified.

Louis, beside Rem, pulled her head back in tightly as she heard this. It seemed that even she could not recognize Natsumi as Subaru.

For the moment, it was a good thing that the reaction convinced him that he had gained some momentum for the mission.

△ ▼ △ ▼ △ ▼ △

――Operation “Kumaso Takeru”.

That was the name of the operation aimed at Zikr Osman, the Womanizer, and General Second-Class of the Empire.

Inspired by a tale out of the Kojiki, the name for the operation had been Subaru’s suggestion, fortunately, no one had not raised any objections.

It was uncertain if they had respected Subaru, the one who had come up with the plan, or if no one cared about the name of the operation in the first place, but it was a good thing that there had been no trouble over it. [2]

At any rate, there was no point in a plan in which the element of luck inevitably came into play.

Of course, they would spare no effort to improve their chances of success, but it was difficult to accrete luck. However, it was not a bad thing to gain a favorable condition, even if it was a small one.

――Leaving the Buddheim Jungle, the group set course for Guaral.

The five members of the party were Subaru’s Natsumi, Abel’s Bianca, Flop’s Flora, Taritta, and Kuna. The rest of the People of Shudraq were led by Mizelda in a separate party, with Rem, Louis, and Medium among them.

Hiding away from the city, they would need to attack the walls of the Fortress City and act as a diversion if the need arose. However, that was only an insurance policy.

A less-than-ideal insurance policy in case the plan fails. If the plan were to fail, Subaru and the others would be in a very dangerous situation by then.

Anyway――,

Subaru: [Personally, I think the first checkpoint’s the most important one.]

Subaru muttered this, looking up at the main gate, in which the front was glaring down at them from high above.

They were going to challenge the main gate again, which they had once forced their way through, albeit that had passed a few days ago. Naturally, after what had happened the other day, the security level at the checkpoint was higher than before.

In preparation for another invasion by rebels, special emphasis had been placed on dragon carriages, ox carts, and other vehicles that could hide people in their cargo. He could hear the shouts of merchants and travelers as their tools of the trade were mangled, their carts turned over, and their straw carefully poked with swords.

To be honest, he felt quite bad for them. However, considering the chaos that would occur in the city ahead, he thought it might be wise of them to turn back here.

Of course, there was no way he could give them that kind of advice, but――,

???: [――Next, what about you guys?]

A stern man’s rough voice struck Subaru’s eardrums as he pondered.

Upon looking up, he saw a bald-headed guard with a strong physique beckoning toward him. The man called the group forward, and Subaru hung his head reverently at the head of the group.

Subaru: [We are a troupe of traveling entertainers. We come to this city from the north.]

Guard: [Oh, traveling entertainers...]

Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, the guard also looked at the group behind Subaru.

Flora, carrying a musical instrument on her back, waved; Taritta, carrying her luggage on her back, bowed; Kuna draped a parasol over the person next to her, whose face was covered by a veil, not allowing anyone to see her expression.

The guard’s admiration for this rather atmospheric group could be sensed.

Subaru: [――――]

On the other hand, while maintaining an amiable smile, Subaru’s insides were tense.

He was familiar with the guard. He was the one who had been in charge of the main gate when Subaru had first met Flop and Medium when entering Guaral.

In other words, he could not have been a better choice for the first obstacle.

Guard: [But coming from the north, that must’ve been tough. It’s rumored that the Lady Incandescent’s territory’s bustling with activity over there. Flocks of flying dragons are flying around.]

Subaru: [Yes, yes, that’s true. That’s why we couldn’t stay there for too long... On the other hand, this is a city protected by such a magnificent wall, so I’m sure it’s safe, right?]

Guard: [Uhhh, that’s...]

When Subaru flirted, with a faint smile on his face, the guard’s expression grew uncomfortable.

The reason for his reaction was probably that he too was aware that the Imperial Soldiers, whose camp had been burned to the ground, had fled into the city. On top of that, the commotion caused by Subaru and his companions the other day had probably made the Imperial Soldiers in the city more alert and the atmosphere tense.

That must have been the reason for the guard’s slurred speech.

That being the case, there was no reason not to take advantage of it.

Subaru: [...Are you worried about something in this city, by any chance?]

Guard: [...Yeah, kinda. It’s something that’s easy to find out even if you try to hide it. As a matter of fact, the Imperial Army’s stationed in this city right now, and they’re having trouble with the tribes to the east. So...]

Subaru: [Oh dear! That must be suffocating for the people of the city.]

Guard: [That’s right.]

Apparently exasperated, the guard leaned forward at Subaru’s words.

Although it was hard to distinguish between the two when not in contact with each other, guards and soldiers basically had different positions. Guards in a city belonged to that city only. Soldiers, on the other hand, belonged to the country, in this case the Empire. Their chain of command was also fundamentally different.

The guard in front of him was also a member of this city and had a duty to protect it.

However, the current situation was that the Imperial Army had taken over the City Hall, and the guards were being ordered to do this and that. The guards had no reason to be used as a toy by the Imperial Soldiers.

Guard: [In addition, they took over the city taverns by themselves, calling it “night patrol”. And since they don’t pay well, it’s not good for business. I can’t handle it anymore.]

Subaru: [Oh dear, oh dear, how terrible! My heart goes out to you. Between you and me, I’ve had my share of rough experiences with the arrogance of the Imperial Soldiers.]

Guard: [Oh, really? A beautiful woman like you...?]

After he threw in some agreeable reactions, the guard’s response softened at once at Subaru’s deep and loud approval. Actually, the man seemed to be quite friendly, so Subaru lowered his voice slightly, then said, “Yes,” and turned his head to look away.

Seeing that meaningful gesture, the guard said, “Oh, miss?” before he became flustered.

Guard: [Are you okay? If you don’t wanna talk, don’t bother...]

Subaru: [No, I’m fine. It’s an old, old story. It’s just that before, I was forcibly captured by the Imperial Soldiers and put in a cage and treated like a slave.]

Guard: [That’s...]

Subaru: [They sometimes did things like intentionally extend their feet to make me trip and fall, and at other times they would even threaten me with blades...]

Guard: [Tha-that’s unforgivable...!]

The guard clenched his fists in righteous indignation as Subaru tearfully recounted his past.

Seeing the man’s ears reddening in fury, Subaru muttered softly, “You’re so kind.]

Guard: [No, no, I’m not trying to be nice. Anyone’d feel the same way you do.]

Subaru: [Then, hey, Guard-sama. If you feel sorry for me, please let me in. If you do...]

Guard: [Then what?]

Subaru: [Then I’ll give a makeover to the atmosphere of this city, which the Imperial Army has made so bleak.]

His voice was quiet, but the enthusiasm in his voice was passionate.

Hearing this, the stern face of the guard flushed with surprise. His gaze turned to the troupe of traveling entertainers lined up behind Subaru.

Guard: [...Ladies, what arts exactly are you gonna show us?]

Then, Jamal turned around with his grip still on Abel’s chin and――,

Jamal: [Rejoice, traveling entertainers! I’m here to invite y’all to a feast at the City Hall. Zikr Osman, General Second-Class, who runs this city, requests your presence.]

Subaru: [Zikr Osman, the General Second-Class...!]

Jamal: [Ah, ain’t it an honor? For a traveling entertainer to be invited to join a General Second-Class of the Empire.]

――Subaru clenched his fists subconsciously, as if to say So it begins.

Jamal’s pompous words overcame the disrespectfulness of the scene and sent a shock of surprise and joy through Subaru.

Zikr Osman, General Second-Class! It seemed as though they had caught the exact fish they were trying to hook.

Jamal: [No way you traveling entertainers are gonna turn me down, right?]

Subaru: [That...]

Flop: [Of course not! We’d hoped to bring song and dance to the Imperial Soldiers! It was the true meaning of our trip!]

Jamal: [Good answer! I like that.]

Subaru’s hesitation was overshadowed by a more immediate answer from Flop.

Flop’s charm, which allowed him to open himself to any opponent, was on full display here against Jamal.

Jamal, feeling good about Flop’s crisp answer, quickly and roughly released Abel’s face, then staggered to the entrance of the room.

And then――,

Jamal: [Get ready to go. I’m taking y’all to the City Hall.]

Subaru: [What? If you’ve invited us, we’d like to join you lat...]

Jamal: [Hahaha, don’t worry ‘bout it. We’ve been told to bring you there. This is our job, too. You can change right now. I’ll also have my men in the back carry your belongings.]

Subaru: [――――]

Jamal: [It’s a Generals-only banquet tonight. We lowly soldiers can only hope for more after tomorrow. So...]

With no intention of letting them go, Jamal’s vulgar gaze harassed everyone in the room

Apparently, they could not afford to ruin his good mood. Fortunately, Subaru, Abel, and Flop were all at least dressed as women.

Taritta and Kuna, who were in most danger, were clearly women, so there was no need to worry that their lack of preparation would derail the mission. That said――,

Jamal: [Take your time.]

But the humiliation of having to clean up the room while they watched them unceremoniously change their clothes and pack their bags was hard to shake off. However――,

Flop: [Got it! Come on, everyone, let’s get ready! We don’t want to keep the soldiers waiting! Let’s get this done right!]

Subaru: [Flora ...]

Flop: [This is so unlike you, Miss Natsumi! Neither blood nor tears suit you.]

Subaru: [――――]

His boiling anger disappeared at Flop’s words, who then smiled at him.

The words which he had taken the trouble to add at the end, were taken as a dare to remind Subaru of the purpose of the Bloodless Siege.

Subaru: [――. Yes, you’re right. Here, you and Bianca prepare yourselves! Especially since Bianca is a clod who can’t do anything but dance!]

Abel: [――――]

Taking advantage of Abel’s inability to speak, Subaru delivered a scathing assessment of Bianca. Abel’s gaze stabbed him, but Subaru brushed it off.

He quickly cleared up the luggage in the room, changed his clothes to go up to City Hall, and forced himself to behave as Jamal wished.

At best, he could only whistle and enjoy watching them change.

Subaru was sure the biggest shock and regret of Jamal’s life would be waiting for him at the time the operation went according to plan.

That was the reason why――,

Flop: [No! I don’t think you have to go so far as to need to shake your butt, Miss Natsumi!]

△ ▼ △ ▼ △ ▼ △

Even to the untrained eye, there was nothing in the City Hall that looked like military equipment

Since the building was used for the management of the city during peacetime, it was only natural that no military equipment was prepared here. Even so, there were currently more than three-hundred Imperial Soldiers in the city, and more than five-hundred if the guards were included, so the defensive power was sufficient.

More importantly――,

Subaru: [We’ve succeeded in sneaking into their bosom, but...]

Inside the building, Subaru chuckled as he took a look at the map in his mind.

Operation “Kumaso Takeru” was progressing unexpectedly smoothly.

He hoped that if the beautiful traveling entertainers became the topic of conversation in the city, the General known as the Womanizer would take an interest in them―― and ultimately invite them to a banquet which would allow Subaru and the others to seize their target.

By being invited directly to the City Hall, Subaru could see an opportunity to realize their plan.

At the same time, however, another problem surfaced.

Subaru: [We’re going to have to carry out the operation tonight...]

There was no time to tell this to Mizelda and the others in the second squad.

Jamal, who had come to pick up Subaru and the others at the inn, had not allowed them to make contact with the outside world, not out of caution, but because of his perverseness.

There was no mistake that Jamal was a troublesome person, as he had bad intuition, yet compensated with good skills.

Even inside the City Hall, Subaru and his team’s activities were restricted, and since they could not take separate actions for any reason during the course of the meeting, they had yet to inform the other team of tonight’s plans.

Therefore――,

Subaru: [We need to contact the outside world from inside the City Hall.]

There was also the possibility of failure, but if Subaru and the others’ operation succeeded, it would be necessary to disarm the other Imperial Soldiers inside the city.

Naturally, this would require a certain amount of strength, so regardless of the success or failure of Operation “Kumaso Takeru”, they needed to be in a position to cooperate with the outside world.

That was why he was undergoing a lot of trial and error.

Subaru: [I don’t know what she’s thinking, but Bianca’s unreliable...]

It sounded good to say that he was concentrating on this evening’s banquet, but ever since they had been invited to City Hall and isolated in confinement within the waiting room, Abel had been silent.

Of course, he understood that cooperation with the outside world would determine the success or failure of this plan, but he had not responded to Subaru’s advice.

Flop was also extremely supportive, and to be honest, he had been a great help, but he did not pose as an appropriate person to discuss the plan to bring down the City Hall with. First of all, Subaru did not want to do something that would cause him any more trouble.

In other words――,

Subaru: [I have to do something about it.]

Clenching his fists, Subaru fired himself up in the bathroom he was led to.

Subaru and the others had been ordered not to leave the waiting room, but as expected, they would never forbid them from going to the bathroom. Nevertheless, they could not act recklessly, as the City Hall would immediately be flooded with Imperial Soldiers if they showed any suspicious behavior.

Subaru glanced at the windows, but unfortunately could not even try to go outside, as they had been fitted with iron bars, and because the waiting room itself was located on the third floor of the building.

He did not think the soldiers were particularly wary of Subaru and the others. However, the idea of leaving them completely unguarded was out of the question. That may be the manifestation of imperialism.

In the worst case scenario, the idea of reconsidering the decision to go ahead with the operation tonight at the banquet came to Subaru’s mind.

Subaru: [...Even if we could miss the banquet, we wouldn’t be able to avoid the invitation afterwards.]

They were a troupe of traveling entertainers with beautiful women.

In the first place, when it came to bringing down the so-called Womanizer, it was easy to imagine that the goal was dancing, performing arts, and the nightly fun that lay ahead.

Even if he could avoid the advances of the citizens, it would be difficult for him to refuse the advances of an Imperial Soldier, and a General at that. And there was nothing he could do if they took him to the bedroom.

After all, this was still just cross-dressing, and there was no universal guide to what to do from there on out.

Subaru: [I mean, if that happens, it’s game over with a bad ending.]

So, he needed to settle things tonight at all costs.

Besides, even if by some miracle they were able to avoid tonight’s invitation, if Jamal’s words were true, there would be a banquet tomorrow that would be attended by ordinary soldiers, rather than the Generals.

Common soldiers―― that would, of course, include the one Subaru wanted to meet the least.

Subaru: [――――]

To be honest, when Jamal had come into the inn, Subaru thought his heart would stop.

He was relieved that he had not recognized Natsumi as Subaru, but that didn’t erase all of the danger―― there was still a chance that he could have been killed by that arrow.

Subaru: [I don’t want to call that too high a hope, do I?]

It was a difficult state of mind to be in.

He did not want to see him again, yet he also did not want him to be dead. It was complicated.

Even Subaru knew that there was evil in this world that could not be allowed to live. The Sin Archbishops were one of them, and they all stood for unforgivable sins.

So, if it were a Sin Archbishop, Subaru would be willing to let them die without hesitation. But he was not one of them; he was only the object of Subaru’s fear, not evil.

First of all, if he were to put it that way, what about Louis, one of the Sin Archbishops, who he continued to overlook without a second thought?

Subaru: [――. It’s no good. Right now, I need to focus on the plan in front of me.]

It was ridiculous to be worrying about his foundation collapsing now.

Generally speaking, it was not just his foundation. Although he was now wearing makeup, his body and mind were still in tatters everywhere.

Subaru was good at making use of what little he held in hand, and that was what made him special.

Subaru: [I can’t stay here much longer, can I?]

After a thorough search of the bathroom, he concluded that, unfortunately, there was nothing there that could be used. He needed to think about other methods of contacting the outside world.

There was also the guard waiting in front of the bathroom, the watchmen who kept them from wandering around inside the City Hall, and besides, Subaru really didn’t want to be suspicious.

They may have to rethink the plan. If the situation became more pressing, Abel might understand this viewpoint.

Subaru: [I’m sorry to keep you waiting. I’ve been a little nervous.]

Guard: [Hmm, oh, don’t worry. I just found someone to talk to.]

Subaru: [Someone to talk to?]

As Subaru quietly walked out of the bathroom, the soldier on guard duty who had been waiting for him responded. He seemed to be talking to someone who was passing by, who, with a twitch of their chin, looked over and said――,

???: [――Oh, so you’re the dancer invited as this evening’s entertainment.]

――Subaru’s heart froze as he saw a face there that he definitely did not want to see.

Subaru: [Ah, ku...]

???: [Hm? What’s the matter? You look so startled. Oh, come on, I’m not going to eat you.]

Seeing Subaru’s throat tremble, the other person laughed and cracked a joke.

It was a quip that he had heard from Jamal at the inn only a short time ago. But unlike Jamal, who had delivered it because of his dirty mind, he couldn’t brush it off this time.

He wanted to ask if he really did not want to eat him.

Guard: [What, did you do something, Todd?]

Todd: [Me? Don’t be ridiculous, there’s nothing I can do. My wounds are so severe that I’ve been bedridden for quite a bit. I’m barely able to walk around.]

Guard: [That’s true, too. So it’s like she hated your face physiologically?]

Todd: [That’s rather hurtful...]

The man scratching his head and having a friendly conversation with the soldier on guard―― Todd.

The object of fear that made Natsuki Subaru most wary, and the one that made him question the morality of killing those outside of the Sin Archbishops. That was the nightmare personified that was chatting in front of him.

Subaru: [――Ah.]

He needed to say something; Subaru thought, his brain revolving at high speed.

Silence was not good. He must not give even a hint of suspicion. Todd would find out and use it as an excuse to attack.

He did not need evidence or proof. If he had a suspicion, he would try to crush it.

Therefore――,

Todd: [Hey, seriously, what’s wrong with you? Wait, have we already...]

Subaru: [Ah, I’m sorry... it’s just that...]

Todd: [It’s just that?]

The same words were repeated quietly, but his heart felt like it was going to flip over.

He wanted to end the conversation by saying he just didn’t feel well. But just before he said it, he wondered if it was really okay.

Illness was a common excuse, but it would be a lie. He felt like Todd could see through a lie.

If Subaru tried to use his knowledge gained from Return by Death, Todd would understand his intentions and thrust a knife into him. Lies would be found out. Definitely.

Lies must be avoided.

He was not just feeling bad, Subaru was having a hard time breathing right now――,

Subaru: [I’m a little, well, scared...]

Todd: [Scared? Of me?]

Subaru: [Not just you. I hate to say this, but... I was brought here a little too forcefully.]

He averted his gaze, and tried not to look Todd in the eye.

Each and every movement caused doubt to swirl in Subaru’s mind, as he tried to ascertain if he had succeeded or failed. He felt like if he were to be looked in the eye, his lie would be found. He felt like if he lied, they would see through him.

He was not lying. He was definitely afraid of Todd. There was no twisting that fact.

Hearing Subaru’s desperate answer, Todd closed one eye.

Todd: [When she says they were forced to be brought here, who was it that took them?]

Guard: [Uh, I thought it was Soldier First-Class Aurélie.]

Todd: [Oh, Jamal. That makes sense, then. Well, sorry if he scared you.]

Subaru: [Eh...]

Todd, who was convinced by the exchange with the guard, said so and apologized to Subaru.

When Subaru peeled his eyes away at his unexpected attitude, Todd scratched his cheek with his fingers.

Todd: [I wouldn’t say he’s a bad... guy. Jamal’s got a bad mouth and personality, and he’s not very smart. But he’s not a bad guy. He’s just being himself.]

Subaru: [Ha, ha...]

Todd: [If you could, would you please be open-minded and forgive him? It looks like he’s going to be my brother-in-law. His angelic sister, who looks nothing like him at all, is my fiancée.]

Subaru was puzzled by Todd’s words that came with a wry smile.

From the looks of it, Todd did not seem to be distrustful of Subaru’s words or actions. Rather, he seemed to be sympathetic and concerned about Subaru’s involvement with Jamal.

Here, Subaru was unable to hide his astonishment at the skill he had mastered for the art of cross-dressing and the fact that he had been saved by Jamal, who was usually crude and problematic.

His days of pursuing beauty, having thought they were for nothing, had not been in vain.

Even the sexual harassment he had received from Jamal proved itself useful.

???: [――Oh! Hey, Todd, what the hell are you doing out here!]

While Subaru was thinking about it, a shout of anger echoed through the corridor.

It was Jamal, raising his voice and making rough footsteps. Upon noticing Jamal’s approach, Todd put his hand on his forehead.

Todd: [Oops. You found me...]

Jamal: [I didn’t find you! The guy with a hole in his stomach should rest! You thought you can’t trust what you don’t see with your eyes, didn’t you?]

Todd: [No, no, no, I trust you. I trust you. You’re surprisingly diligent and you do your job well. But even if they work diligently, screw-ups are always gonna be screw-ups, right?]

Jamal: [That’s what I mean when I say you only trust your eyes...!]

Jamal clicked his tongue at Todd’s reply, who raised his hands and shrugged his shoulders.

But when Jamal, who was approaching with a snort, noticed Subaru beside Todd, his expression changed from anger to a smile.

Jamal: [Oh, you’re that sideshow girl, aren’t you? You’re the one I like the most out of all of them. Hey, if you don’t get invited tonight...]

Todd: [Ah, yes, yes, enough enough.]

Jamal, with a fond look in his eyes, reached out and tried to grab Subaru’s shoulder. However, of all people, it was Todd who stopped Jamal’s hand.

Todd grabbed Jamal’s wrist and gave him another “Enough” as his cheeks contorted.

Todd: [You’re scaring her with your attitude. This girl who I’d never met before got scared all of a sudden, and that stung.]

Jamal: [I didn’t do anything at all. I don’t know why you’re interrupting me in the first place... No way, you... with that woman...!?]

Todd: [Don’t joke about it, Jamal. Your sister’s the only one for me. You know that, right?]

Jamal: [It’s complicated for a brother to be told that his sister is someone’s only love...]

Jamal muttered with a venomous look on his face, as he shook off Todd’s hand.

He then glanced at Subaru, but the way his cheeks were drawn together seemed to dissuade him from messing with him any further.

Surprisingly, Jamal also had some sense. Or perhaps he had the heart to be hurt by being scared by someone he thought was a little too nice.

Either way――,

Todd: [Anyhow, let’s get going. We’re not going to be able to attend today’s banquet anyway.]

Jamal: [That said, I’m getting tired of trying to close the holes in the city’s defences.]

Todd: [It won’t be boring. It’s a guarantee, a guarantee. ―― That’s where the enemy will come from, absolutely.]

With a chuckle, Todd’s sharp words scratched Subaru’s chest.

He praised his choice in his heart, thinking that the idea of using a secret path had been seen through. Then, after praising himself――,

Todd: [By the way, what’s your name?]

Subaru: [――――]

Subaru was not sure if Todd had seen his distraction.

The feint-like question made Subaru seriously think that he was going to lose consciousness.

He had been asked for his name. Why, why, why, the questions raged.

Wouldn’t he at least ask his name? ――No, Todd wouldn’t ask. That was why Rem had been wary of Todd from the beginning. Because of his bad relationship with him, Subaru had not exchanged names with him this time. Should he give his name, or not, what should he do?

Todd: [Please, just tell me.]

The request was repeated, and Subaru gasped.

Resigned to not being able to pull off an answer, he smiled as nonchalantly as possible and reluctantly said his name.

Subaru: [――Natsumi Schwartz, that’s my name.]

So he voiced his name.

He could not think of any other choice but to do this. He hoped and prayed that it was the right answer, and waited for the other person’s response.

When he heard the reply, Todd nodded his head, stroking his chin with an “Hmm”,

Todd: [You heard her, Jamal. Aren’t you happy you got her name now?]

Jamal: [Shut up! I’m getting the fuck outta here!]

Todd: [Okay, okay... Oh, can I follow you outside too?]

Jamal: [You’re a really untrustworthy guy... Do what you want!]

Todd followed, shrugging his shoulders upon perceiving Jamal’s angry voice, the latter barking with a red face.

With that, the two men disappeared from Subaru’s sight, never once looking back. They turned a corner in the hallway and disappeared. Out of sight, out of mind.

Subaru: [...Really?]

Guard: [Hey, are you okay? You’re looking really pale.]

Subaru exhaled as he looked away, wondering if he would ever come back. The only remaining soldier on guard was concerned about Subaru, as he saw how exasperated he was.

There was no time left for Subaru to respond.

However, he managed to make amends with the soldier on lookout duty, and accompanied him back to the waiting room to join Flop and the others, who were standing by inside.

Flop: [It took you long enough, Miss Natsumi...! Are you okay? You look really pale.]

Subaru: [I’ve already heard that... For the moment, the storm has passed. But the problem remains.]

Back in the waiting room, seeing the worried look on Flop’s face, he finally had time to worry about his heartbeat and his breathing.

Slowly, Subaru calmed himself down by taking deep breaths to correct his rough physiological reactions.

Yes, he had escaped the storm he had suddenly encountered. Probably.

They could not let their guard down until the very end, but for now, the tempest should be over.

However, they still had not overcome the big obstacle that was their initial problem.

Subaru: [We have to find a way to contact the outside world. If we go on like this, even if our plan succeeds...]

Taritta: [Ah, then don’t worry, Natsumi. Kuna and I left a signal that my sister will understand.]

Subaru: [What?]

Subaru’s eyes widened as he was told that the problem he had been facing had been solved just like that.

Taritta looked apologetic for his reaction, while Kuna seemed unconcerned. His gaze, directed towards them, was asking what was going on wordlessly.

Taritta: [Well... Natsumi will be the bait, and I will signal the others, so get your job done. That’s what Bianca said.]

Subaru: [Wha, wha, wha...?]

Subaru’s eyes widened and he looked at Abel in the corner of the room.

Then, noticing his leer, Abel narrowed his eyes, shook his head loosely, and declared――

Abel: [Rather than telling you and having you move unnaturally, I used you as a natural decoy. Fortunately, you seem to have performed your task reasonably well. I shall praise you for that.]

Subaru: [Shut up! Do you know what I’ve had to deal with...!?]

Flop: [Oh, calm down, Miss Natsumi! You’re ruining your pretty face!]

Subaru: [Shut up!]

He was about to get mad at Abel’s attitude, but Flop stopped him from behind.

He really wanted to punch that arrogant demonic face, but Subaru had no choice but to remain calm. As this strategy would not be possible without that face.

It was unbelievably terrible that he would use his own face as a hostage.

Subaru: [You, I’m definitely going to hit you when it’s over...!]

Abel: [If you have so much time to think about what you shall do after its terminus, then I am sure you shall be able to perform without fault.]

Subaru: [Flora! We’re going to rehearse until it’s time!]

Flop: [Okay, okay, okay.]

Subaru gritted his teeth in anger, as if saying “you are the very epitome of always having a comeback for everything I say.”

Whatever the case, if they had made contact with the outside world, all they had to do was wait for the time in question.

At most, yes, at most――,

Subaru: [――It’ll be awful if the plan doesn’t work.]

He muttered in defeat, but Subaru had been convinced over the course of the past few days that it would definitely work.

It was really frustrating, because it seemed as though there was nothing that would not fall in love with this arrogant danseuse, except perhaps a Sin Archbishop.

Notes:

[1] - Mizelda’s reaction here is because of how much Subaru’s voice and speech mannerisms have changed. Keep in mind that, for most of the time from now on, Subaru is using feminine and polite speech.

[2] - Flop switches his honorific for Subaru temporarily, using “旦那さん” (danna-san, localized as “sir”) instead of “旦那くん” (danna-kun, localized as “mister”).

[3] - The tale in specific is that of where Yamato Takeru dressed as a maid attendant at a drinking party to kill a Kumasu (region) leade