Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was just another sunny day in Kararagi.
The streets bustled with life—cheers and laughter rang out, vendors shouted over one another to sell their roasted skewers and colorful wares. But amid the chaos, high above it all, two stars toiled away in a quiet office.

Well... mostly two.

“Ana-pop... Ana-pop... Ana-pop~.”

One of them was less committed to the work than the other.

“Let’s go out,” Subaru whined, practically bouncing in place. “See what the street vendors are selling today!”

Anastasia didn’t even look up.
Business had been booming lately. Their sauces had taken off in Kararagi, and Subaru's strange little inventions—his so-called "knick-knacks"—were drawing crowds. But their biggest project, and the reason they were so busy, was a train.

Yes. A train.
Another one of Subaru’s “date night brainstorms” that nearly got him killed—mainly for being too loud about it in public.

“Anaaaaaa, you’re killing me…” Subaru groaned, collapsing dramatically onto the couch. “This is too much work!”

“Subaru,” Anastasia said without looking up, “all of us are working just as hard. Stop being so dramatic.”

That didn’t stop him. He flopped to the floor and started crawling toward her like some kind of desperate worm. When he reached her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her lap, looking up at her with exaggerated puppy eyes.

“Pleaaaase, Anastasia.”

She hated when he did that.
Even though his “puppy eyes” were honestly not cute at all.

“We don’t even have to bring the kids,” he whispered. “We could get some alone time. It’s been so long…”

The kids.
A soft ache tugged at her chest. She had never imagined herself as a mother—her body wasn't supposed to allow it. But Subaru had gone to Pleiades Tower, fought an Archbishop of Sin (or so he claimed), and found a solution. Whatever he did, it worked. Months later, they had twins: a boy and a girl—Nikola and Astrea.

Time alone did sound nice. Parenting had been far harder than expected. Even Tia and Halibel struggled to keep up with the twins. Only Subaru could handle them, and even he wore out sometimes.

“Hmmm… fine, Poo-baru,” she sighed with a smirk. “This lovely lady supposes she can spare some time for her foolish husband.”

“Thank you for being so considerate, you adorable adult loli.”

That earned him a hard stomp on the foot.

“OW!”

Still, the pain didn’t stop him from gently helping her up like the doting husband he was.

“Shall we, my fool—?”

But suddenly, Anastasia staggered, clutching her head as a sharp pain tore through her skull. She nearly collapsed, but Subaru caught her.

“Ana?! ANA! Are you okay?! Talk to me—what’s wrong?” he asked, voice panicked, eyes wide.

She stood with effort, still leaning heavily on him, face pale, sweat clinging to her brow. Then she locked eyes with him—really looked at him—for the first time in what felt like forever.

A beat passed.

“Holy shit... Subaru, I remember who you are!”

Meanwhile, far from Kararagi…

A twisted corpse lay crumpled in the dirt—Roy Alphard, the final Archbishop of Gluttony, lifeless at last.

Surrounding him were warriors:
A blue-haired knight.
A red-haired knight.
A silver-haired half-elf.
Twin oni sisters—one pink, one blue.
A scarred, golden-haired beastman.

The Gluttony Hunt—an expedition formed by the Emilia Camp, Felt’s knight, and Julius’s Hoshin Company—had finally succeeded. It had taken months of tracking and fighting, but it was all to help the citizens of Pristella, whose names and memories had been devoured.

They thought it had gone smoothly.
Especially with Reinhard on their side.

Then the pain came.

Every one of them fell to their knees, clutching their heads, faces twisted in agony.

No one spoke for a long time—until the silver-haired half-elf broke the silence.

“Oh Od… what have we done?”

Chapter Text

—Back in Kararagi—

Giggles filled the room as Anastasia clutched her stomach, nearly toppling over from laughter.

“Oh, Od Laguna, you really got beat up by Julius? Hahahah!”

She howled with laughter while Subaru sat on the couch, rolling his eyes.

“Yeah, laugh it up. My feelings aren’t hurt at all~,” he said, dripping with sarcasm.

Anastasia strolled over and threw herself onto the couch beside him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she leaned in.

“Oh, my poor Poo-baru~ It’s okay to get your ass kicked every now and then. Your loving wife will still love yo—HOLY CRAP! You really did slay the White Whale? And the Archbishop of Sloth? You probably even killed the Great Rabbit too, huh?”

“Did you not believe a single word I said?!”

She smiled smugly and locked eyes with him.

“I did believe you. I just believe you more now.”

“Wow. Thanks,” he replied dryly.

Anastasia only grinned, pinched his cheek, then laid her head on his shoulder.

“…Do you… Do you think they remember me? My family? The triplets, Ricardo… and… Julius?”

He pulled her tighter into the hug.

“I don’t know, Ana. I don’t even really know how this happened. But I really hope they do. From the bottom of my heart, I hope so.”

They sat in silence, embracing each other for a few quiet minutes—silently hoping for the best.

Until the peaceful moment was interrupted by the door opening.

A little girl walked into the room, chewing gum. Subaru instantly stood to pick her up.

“Astra? What are you doing here? I thought Beatrice was watching you guys.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him.

“Daddy… Beako ran away.”

—12 Hours Later—

Back in Lugunica — In the Royal Palace

Queen Felt sat on the throne, two knights at her side. Since taking power, she'd overcome her old hatred of dresses, now customizing her own and even starting new trends. The years had been kind to her—taller, sharper, more graceful. Her long blonde hair tied into a high ponytail, her crimson eyes still burning with fire. Slim and petite, but not to be underestimated.

For the past 13 years, she had torn down the noble hierarchy and built something new—giving those from the slums better lives, empowering beastmen, and cutting down the authority of the Council of Sages and the remaining noble houses.

Everything had been going well. Until today.

Because today, the world remembered.

They remembered the name.

Subaru Natsuki.

The hero of Lugunica.
The one who slayed the White Whale and the Archbishop of Sloth on the same day.
The one who defeated the Great Rabbit.
Who saved his camp.
Who helped drive the Witch Cult out of Pristella.
Who defeated the Archbishop of Greed.

And along with his name… Anastasia Hoshin.

Another candidate. Julius’s candidate. Also forgotten… until now.

It was good they were remembered. But it also spelled disaster.

Two major problems stood before her.

First—the nobles and the council. They would say Felt’s claim to the throne was invalid. That the royal selection had never ended properly. That not all candidates were accounted for. That she was not the rightful ruler.

But that wasn’t the biggest threat.

Subaru Natsuki was.

The commoner who did more for the kingdom than anyone else. And how was he repaid?

Locked up. Beaten. Tortured by some of the finest knights the kingdom had.

Now, the people were stirring. The streets were already murmuring. Whispers turning into cries.

Riot was on the horizon. Chaos was blooming. And there wasn’t much she could do.

Unless...

She turned, her voice calm but commanding.

“Reinhard… bring me Felix.”

Chapter Text

Back in Kararagi
12 hours after Beatrice ran away

“Beako~”

“Beeeako!”

“BEAKO!!!”

Subaru wandered through the grand library inside the mansion—the very one he had built just for Beatrice. It had become her favorite refuge.

“Damn it, Beatrice, where are you?” he muttered under his breath.

He walked further down the rows of bookshelves, the silence almost heavy, until he spotted something familiar: two curled, blonde twin-drill pigtails sticking out from a pile of books.

With a sigh, he sat down beside the stack, his back resting against it.

“Beatrice… We talked about this. You promised you wouldn’t beat yourself up if my name ever came back.”

A small voice finally responded.

“It hurts, I suppose.”

Her voice was muffled, fragile.

“It hurts... it hurts to know that Subaru’s Betty hurt him, in fact. That the worst moments of your life were because of Betty. And it hurts even more to know that Betty forgot what her contractor did for her before his name was taken, I suppose. Betty can’t forgive herself.”

The room fell into deep, aching silence. Minutes passed, until Subaru let out a long sigh and stood up.

Without warning, he reached over the pile of books and plucked Beatrice out.

“Agh! What are you doing to Betty, in fact!?”

Subaru spun her around in his arms with exaggerated motion, ignoring her flailing limbs.

“This is spirit abuse, in fact!!”

Finally, he stopped and pulled her into a tight hug.

“Beako... I love you so much.”

“But Betty hurt you.”

“I know. And that’s why I told you—when we met again—I said it would take time. And we’ve had a lot of time. It’s been years, Beatrice. I forgave you a long time ago. You’re part of my family.”

“You’re not mad?”

“I was. But not anymore. Sometimes... it still hurts. But then I think about all the good that’s happened since. All the memories we’ve made. I’m truly happy.”

"...I’m sorry... I’m sorry... I’m sorry..."
She repeated the words over and over, her face buried in his shoulder, crying.

A few minutes later

Beatrice’s eyes were puffy and red, but she was speaking again.

“Betty always knew her Subaru was a great contractor... to understand Betty so well.”

“I know I’m great,” he grinned. “You ready to head back now, my crybaby spirit?”

“How dare you! Betty is not a crybaby, I suppose!”

“Hehe. Well, you’re about to be once I take away your sweets for abandoning my children to sulk in the library.”

“Wha—NOOOOO! THIS IS SPIRIT ABUSE!”

Back in Lugunica

The throne room doors slammed open with force.

Multiple knights entered, two of them dragging Felix on his knees. His condition was terrible—dark circles under his eyes, disheveled hair, torn clothes, and bruises all over his body.

Reinhard followed behind them, expression solemn.

“We have succeeded in arresting former Knight Felix,” he announced.

“Good,” Felt replied coldly. “The guillotine is already prepped. His execution will take place within the hour. Is Emilia’s camp going to attend?”

Reinhard hesitated before replying grimly, “My lady… Emilia’s camp is not exactly in the right state to participate in something like this right now.”

“I figured.”

He stepped closer and whispered to her, “Felt... are you okay?”

“I don’t know,” she whispered back.

The irony of her knight asking that wasn’t lost on her—he had taken the news just as hard. Still, she stood up and turned to the guards.

“Take that scumbag to the dungeon. We’ll meet bac—”

She was interrupted as someone burst through the throne room doors.

“My queen, please reconsider this!”

Crusch stepped forward, breathless, and dropped to her knees, bowing low enough for her forehead to touch the ground.

“Even for you, Duchess Crusch, I cannot overturn his execution. He’s done too much.”

“What if I have information?” Crusch pleaded.

“Information? What could you possibly say that would stop me from killing this bastard? Spill it.”

Crusch’s voice trembled.

“Natsuki Subaru is still alive.”

Chapter Text

With Crusch’s calm words, anger welled up inside Felt.

“Telling a blatant lie just to shield your knight is beneath you, Duchess Crusch.”

“I have not spoken a single lie, Queen Felt. Subaru Natsuki is alive.”

The declaration only stoked the fire in Felt’s chest.

“That’s impossible! Ever since he escaped that night, no one’s seen him. With the injuries he took, the state of his body… he wouldn’t have lasted a week.”

Crusch’s eyes held no hesitation.
“I know he lives, because he is the one who saved me. He is the one who drew me back from the dragon’s blood.”

Felt’s scowl deepened.
“Huh…?”

Ten Years Ago

“I’ll be back soon, Lady Crusch. Just going to check the estate, make sure everything’s alright—and fetch some food for nyew.”

Felix spoke softly, unable to meet her gaze. Guilt weighed down his words as much as the dirt-stained clothes he wore.

Crusch answered with strained breath, “Alright, Felix.”

Even speaking those two words left her lungs gasping.

Felix forced a cheerful tone, forcing his usual lilt.
“Get some rest, nyew.”

With that, he left.

Five minutes later, the room was quiet, curtains drifting with the night breeze. Pain made sleep an enemy Crusch could never conquer. She lay awake, hollow-eyed, when the silhouette of a figure slipped silently through the open window.

Her voice was weak, yet sharp.
“Who… are you?”

She tried to lift her head but failed.

“If you’ve come to kill me, then do it quickly. I have no strength left to resist.”

The stranger raised his hands, palms out.
“Kill you? No, no, no… I’ve come to help.”

He approached the bedside slowly.

“The Crusch I knew would never surrender her life so easily.”

Her lips curled in bitter irony.
“Well… these days, there isn’t much of a life left to cling to.”

The sadness in her voice weighed on the air, and to her surprise, the stranger frowned as if sharing her burden.

“That’s why I’m here. To help you… to give you back the strength you once had.”

But before he could reach her, Crusch caught his hand with trembling fingers.
“Why? Why would you help me?”

The man only smiled.

“Because I couldn’t bear to leave an old friend to die like this.”

“And that,” Crusch said firmly in the present, “was the last thing I remembered before waking the next day… stronger than I had been in years.”

Felt glared at her, suspicion sharp in her eyes.
“You never saw this stranger’s face. So how can you claim it was Big Bro?”

Crusch’s expression softened, but her voice was steel.
“Trust me—I know.”

They stared each other down, eyes locking with equal ferocity. Neither yielded.

Finally, Felt let out a sharp sigh.
“Fine. Reinhard! Can you find him?”

The Sword Saint stepped forward and bowed.
“Yes, my lady. I will find him—without fail.”

In the blink of an eye, Reinhard vanished in a burst of speed.

Felt’s gaze returned to Crusch.
“Your knight is spared… for now. If Big Bro is alive, Reinhard will bring him back—and then he’ll decide what punishment your knight deserves.”

The Royal Castle – Emilia’s Camp

The chamber was drowned in silence, broken only by muffled sobs.

Otto sat at a table, drinking heavily, his eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. Garfiel leaned against his sister’s shoulder, Frederica stroking his back with grief etched on her own face.

Ram held her twin, cradling Rem’s trembling body. Even Ram’s eyes were swollen from earlier tears.

Across the room, Roswaal looked strangely alive, livelier than he had been in years.

But Emilia sat unmoving. Like a broken doll, she stared forward as tears rolled endlessly down her cheeks.

It was Garfiel who finally spoke, his voice breaking.
“What do we do now, Brotto…?”

Otto slammed his bottle down, his words slurred with bitterness.
“What the hell do you expect us to do?”

“Otto!” Frederica scolded sharply, pained by the sight of him drinking again—something he had nearly abandoned since their child was born.

He lowered his head, muttering,
“Sorry… I just don’t know what to do anymore. Emilia? Any thoughts?”

No answer.

“Thought so,” Otto whispered, taking another swig.

Then, a voice rang out—eccentric, mocking, yet strangely full of purpose.

“Well, isn’t it obvious, Ottooooo? What we must do is clear—we must find our dear, lost knight~!”

Ram tugged on Roswaal’s coat with teary eyes.
“Don’t give Ram’s sissy false hope. Barusu hasn’t been seen in years. With his condition… he’s most likely dead. We should just gather the children, return to the mansion, and rest.”

Roswaal’s grin only widened.
“Unacceptable, my dear. If there’s even a chance he’s alive, then we must find him—and bring him home. Isn’t that right, Emilia?”

Emilia’s empty gaze flickered—then ignited. She shot to her feet.
“Yes! We must find him! Now!”

Otto rose too, trying to restrain her.
“And just how do you propose we do that? We don’t even know where to start.”

“Then we’ll search everywhere!” Emilia declared, storming toward the door.

As she flung it open, a tall figure stood waiting. Red hair gleamed like fire.

“I hope you don’t mind me listening, Lady Emilia,” Reinhard said, bowing his head. “But I swear to you—I will find Subaru Natsuki and bring him back.”

Emilia’s tears finally broke into a trembling smile as she rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him.
“Thank you, Reinhard. Please… bring my knight home. Bring him back to us. Back to me.”

Reinhard nodded solemnly.
“I will not fail you, Lady Emilia.”

With that, the Sword Saint departed, leaving behind a spark of hope in every heart—that their missing hero might yet return.

Chapter Text

Julius’s Camp

On the outskirts of Lugunica, the faint glow of campfires flickered beneath the night sky. In one tent, Julius Juukulius sat slumped against his bedroll, his hands trembling as they covered his face.

“What have I done… what have I done! My lady, I have failed you. I’m no knight…”

The once-proud knight murmured his lament like a cursed hymn, repeating it as though begging the world to punish him. His polished armor lay discarded in the corner, dulled by dust and neglect.

The tent flap suddenly burst open.

“Oi! Enough with the theatrics, Juli!”

Ricardo, older now, his mane streaked with gray yet his body still as imposing as ever, stomped inside. Behind him followed the triplets—grown tall, though their faces were streaked with tears. Mimi clung to her siblings, snot stains on her clothes, while Hetaro and Tivey held her shoulders, their own eyes swollen.

Julius turned away, his voice brittle.
“Leave me, Ricardo. I ruined Anastasia’s legacy. I took her company, and still… I lost everything to that rising merchant group. I disgraced her memory.”

Ricardo’s voice dropped, heavy and uncharacteristically somber.
“Yeah. We all failed her.”

Julius blinked, startled. Turning back, he finally saw their broken expressions—Ricardo’s wild mane unkempt, the triplets’ uniforms in disarray, all of them devastated.

“But…” Ricardo’s tone hardened. “We can’t sit here bawling forever. We’ve got someone to find.”

“…What?” Julius whispered.

Ricardo’s fangs flashed in a grin, though his eyes glistened.
“We’re gonna find Ana-bo. Dead or alive, we owe her that much.”

The triplets nodded fiercely through their tears.

Julius wanted to scream, to crush the fragile hope clinging to them. “Ricardo… she was sick. Even if she survived… all we’d find is a body.”

The triplets flinched. Ricardo only glared.

“Listen, Juli. I knew Ana-bo better than anyone. That woman doesn’t just die. And I’d bet my fur she’s tied to that Kararagi merchant group that just kicked your ass.”

He clamped a hand on Julius’s shoulder.
“Even if it’s just her body, don’t you think we owe her?”

Julius’s throat tightened. His hand slowly rose, gripping Ricardo’s wrist. His violet eyes, dulled with despair, now burned with determination.

“…Let’s go. Let’s find Anastasia.”

Kararagi – Three Days Later

In a cozy room filled with warmth and the faint smell of sweets, Subaru leaned back on the couch, his arms crossed.

“Ana, are you sure you don’t want me to go look for your family? I don’t mind.”

Anastasia, perched elegantly beside him, waved a hand.
“It’s fine, Subaru. Knowing them, they’ll find us first.”

Subaru sighed, unconvinced.
“You’re stubborn, you know that? What about me going back to see my old friends?”

“Nope, I’m good right here,” he said, grinning.

Their eyes met, and after a moment both burst into laughter.

That peace didn’t last long.

The wall exploded in a shower of debris.

“Down!”

Tia tackled Subaru to the floor while Halibel scooped Anastasia into his arms, the pair standing guard as smoke filled the room.

Subaru’s eyes darted through the haze—until a familiar crimson mane appeared. His jaw dropped.
“R-R-Reinhard?!”

Anastasia’s response was far less dignified.
“MY. FUCKING. WALL!”

The Sword Saint stepped through the wreckage, divine aura blazing. Then, catching sight of Subaru, his expression softened into a smile.
“Subaru!”

Before anyone could stop him, he blurred forward and crushed Subaru in a hug.

“Oi, Rein! What the hell was that entrance?! You don’t just nuke a wall for fun!” Subaru sputtered, half-choking.

“I thought I heard a commotion! Forgive me, Subaru—I acted rashly.”

“Rashly?!” Subaru threw his arms out at the wreckage. “That was very explosively rash!”

Tia stepped forward, glaring daggers.
“…Who is this, Subaru?”

“Oh, Tia, this is Reinhard. The absurdly overpowered Sword Saint of Lugunica.”

Her tail bristled. “…Should I kill him?”

Subaru coughed. “Tia… I don’t think you can.”

Halibel, clutching his chest with a lollipop stick dangling from his lips, sighed.
“Great.Su is replacing me with a walking nuke with a sword.”

“Shut it, Hal. You know you’re not replaceable.” Subaru shot back.

Reinhard’s gaze snapped to Halibel, eyes widening.
“…The Admirer. Without your pipe?”

Halibel twirled the lollipop.
“Su and Ana made me quit. Bad for the kids.”

Reinhard blinked. “…Kids?”

And then Anastasia’s voice cut through the tension like a blade.
“Reinhard Astrea, I hope you’ve got money to pay for the wall you just destroyed.”

Reinhard stiffened, his eyes widening further. “…Lady Anastasia?!”

“Who else do you think it was!”

“Forgive me, I just… didn’t expect to find you here. With Subaru.”

“Yeah, yeah, save the excuses. Just cough up the cash.”

“Anastasia—!” Subaru groaned. “Stop shaking down the Sword Saint!”

She smirked. “Would you rather I take it out of your allowance, dear?”

Subaru froze. “…Rein, just give her the money.”

Everyone but Subaru and Reinhard burst into laughter.

When the laughter died, Subaru turned serious.
“Alright, Rein. Why are you here?”

Reinhard’s eyes softened.
“I came to find you, Subaru. By order of Queen Felt… to bring you home.”

The room went silent. All eyes turned to Subaru.

“…Yeah, no. Sorry, Rein. This is my home now. I’m not going back to Lugunica.”

Reinhard flinched, composure cracking for the first time.
“But Subaru, your friends—your family—they’ve been waiting. If you and Lady Anastasia return, you’ll be welcomed with open arms—”

Subaru cut him off.
“I already have a family. I belong here.”

“But—!”

Anastasia’s hand touched his arm, calming him. “Let me talk to him.” She pulled Subaru aside, lowering her voice.
“My love… you’ve run long enough. Maybe it’s time to face your past. For closure.”

“…Ana, I don’t need closure. I left it all behind for this family.”

She leveled him with the look—the one that stripped away his lies.

He cracked in seconds. “…How about a compromise?”

Her lips curled in a fox-like smile. “Oh? You’ve learned from me, huh?”

“I’ll go—if the whole family comes. And you agree to visit your family while we’re there.”

She sighed, defeated. “…Fine. You win, Subaru.”

They shook hands before turning back to Reinhard.

“Alright, Rein. We’ll go.”

The Sword Saint bowed deeply.
“Thank you. I’ll ensure your safe passage.”

Subaru smiled
"Thanks Rein, let me call Ashely for i could get this trip Started."

Subaru then inhaled deeply and exhaled a shout.
"ASHELLLLLY."

A brunette in sectary clothes then barged in the room.
"You called sir."

Subaru and the others started heading towards the exit
"Yeah Ashely, my family and I are heading out for awhile. I don't know when we will be back. So when we are gone you're in charge."

Ashely gave a slight bow
"Of course Sir- Wait what."

*SLAM
Before she could stop them they already left the room.
"Sir?"

As they walked, Reinhard tried once more.
“Subaru, you’ll be glad to know Lady Emilia eagerly awaits your return. She’s… remained single all this time.”

Subaru tripped flat on his face. Halibel choked on his lollipop. Tia’s tail snapped upright.

And for the first time in his life, the Sword Saint felt fear. Anastasia’s hand clamped on his shoulder.

“Oh, Reinhard. Why would my husband care if Emilia is single?”

“…Husband?”

“Yeah. My husband, Subaru. That idiot over there.”

Reinhard’s gaze flicked between them, his jaw dropping.
“You… and Subaru… married?”

“Of course.” Anastasia smirked. “Why else would we be living together?”

“Because you were good friends…” he muttered weakly.

Subaru leaned over, grinning. “Wow, Rein. Divine protection not helping you now, huh?”

Then Subaru added casually, “Oh, by the way—we’ll need to pick up Beatrice, Echidna, and the kids.”

“…The kids?”

“Yeah. Our twins.”

Reinhard froze. His jaw hit the floor harder than Subaru ever had. The Sword Saint of Lugunica—broken.

Anastasia and Subaru exchanged matching fox-like smirks.

“Want to meet them, Rein?”

“…Y-yes, of course.”

“Good. They’re just ahead. Go on, say hi.”

Halibel muttered under his breath.
“…You two are evil.”

“Not evil,” Anastasia hummed. “Just parents.”

Reinhard reached the door, steeling himself. He opened it slowly.
“Hello, it’s a plea—”

BOOM!

The room detonated in smoke and sparks. A boy’s shrill voice rang out:

“BEHOLD… SCIENCE!”

Chapter Text

Reinhard stood in the doorway, his figure cloaked in black dust from the sudden blast. For once, no divine protection spared him from the grime, and he blinked in surprise at the wreckage of what had once been Subaru’s children’s room.

A boy stared back at him, eyes sharp with curiosity rather than fear.
“Hey. You’re not Dad.”

Reinhard straightened, brushing some soot from his shoulder. “No, you’re right. I am not your father. Forgive me if I startled you. My name is Reinhard van Astrea, Sword Saint of Lugunica.” He bowed politely at the introduction.

The boy tilted his head. “...The super overpowered one?”

Reinhard allowed himself a small smile. “I wouldn’t call it that. I merely use the strength I was given.”

“Oh, so humble, Mister Sword Saint.” The boy’s grin widened. “How about you use some of that overpoweredness to help me out with something?”

“Of course,” Reinhard replied warmly. “It would be my pleasure…?”

“Nikolai,” the boy said, dropping a small black orb into Reinhard’s hand. He gestured toward the bed where his sister sat. “Now, sister—if you could?”

The girl hopped off, waiting with surprising patience for Beatrice and Erinda to climb down as well. With a practiced motion, she flipped the bed over, using it as cover.

Beatrice narrowed her eyes. “What are you planning, I suppose? Knowing you, it’s never ‘just testing.’”

“Relax, aunty Beako,” Nikolai said, already smirking. “I’m just experimenting.”

Beatrice crossed her arms, unconvinced.

“Anyway,” Nikolai continued, “press the button, Mister Sword Saint.”

Reinhard nodded. “As you wish.” He pressed his thumb against the device.

The orb thrummed instantly, glowing a dangerous blue. A tiny white fox spirit popped from the pendant at Beatrice’s neck, its fur standing on end.

“What did you do, Nikolai!?” Beatrice hissed.

“Just watch. But not too closely, or it might fry you.”

“WHAT!?” both spirits shouted.

The orb answered for him. Sparks erupted in all directions, bolts of lightning tearing through the room. Furniture charred, walls cracked, and the very air reeked of ozone. Reinhard, however, did not move. Lightning crashed against him harmlessly, splintering into harmless arcs as though the world itself acknowledged his untouchable form.

Ten long seconds passed before the orb sputtered out and fell silent. From beneath the overturned bed, four cautious heads peeked out. When the air cleared, Nikolai leapt up, patting Reinhard’s back with unrestrained excitement.

“Wow! You really are strong, Mister Sword Saint.”

“Thank you, young Nikolai.”

Beatrice’s face twisted. “That was reckless, I suppose.”

“Yes, young star,” Erinda added, shaking her head. “We could have been hurt.”

“There is no science without danger,” Nikolai declared proudly.

His sister’s voice cut through his bravado. “Brother… what are you going to tell Mother when she sees the room destroyed?”

“That’s the thing,” Nikolai said, flashing a grin. “Mother is never going to figure out what happened here.”

A cold voice slid into the room. “I’m never going to figure out what?”

Nikolai froze, every muscle in his body locking at the wave of bloodlust that rolled over him. Slowly, he turned.

“M-Mother… it was for science.”

Anastasia loomed behind him, her eyes blazing. She seized his head in a merciless grip. “Do you have any idea how much your so-called science has cost me?!”

“Mother, I’m sorry! Ughhh!” Nikolai flailed uselessly.

The scene could only be described as child abuse, yet Subaru breezed past it as if nothing unusual was happening, his eyes fixed on his daughter.

“Daddy!” Astra cried, flinging herself into his arms.

“My little star!” Subaru laughed, spinning her once before holding her close.

Reinhard, still dusted with soot, looked at the family. And despite the chaos, despite Anastasia disciplining one child while Subaru doted on the other, he could see their resemblance—both in blood and in bond.

Astra’s long black hair flowed in wavy strands like her mother’s, yet her eyes were sharp but also bore the softness of her father’s, blue-green flecks catching the light. Nikolai, taller and sharper, had spiky hair with his mother’s purple color, his hair has spikes tipped like lightning bolts, though Subaru’s sharp eyes and mischievous gleam burned in his gaze. Together, they were unique, but unmistakably theirs.

“What are you staring at, I suppose?” Beatrice’s neutral tone drew Reinhard back.

“Forgive me, Lady Beatrice. I was merely distracted. But I admit—I am surprised you’re here. Everyone thought you had died.”

“Foolish saint,” Beatrice huffed. “Betty would never die so easily, I suppose. Betty has only one place to be, and that place is at Betty’s contractor’s side, in fact.”

“Of course. I should have realized.”

“Hmph. Now tell Betty why you’re here, Sword Saint.”

Reinhard’s expression sobered. “I have come for Subaru. By the order of the queen, he must return to Lugunica.”

The room stilled. Magic sizzled in the air, Beatrice’s fury building.

“HOW DARE YOU!” Her voice shook the air. “HOW DARE YOU ASK HIM TO RETURN TO THAT PLACE!”

Her mana flared, though all knew she couldn’t best the Sword Saint. Before she could erupt, Subaru lifted her effortlessly into his arms.

“Easy, Beako. You know Reinhard always follows orders.”

The coldness in his tone cut through her rage. Beatrice stiffened; Reinhard flinched.

Subaru’s eyes softened, though his voice remained steady. “But it doesn’t matter. I’ve already made my choice. Returning to Lugunica will be a family vacation. A much-needed one. So—let’s get packing!”

A cheer rose from the family.

“Yeah!” Subaru grinned. “Let’s hurry before my assistant changes her mind about watching the place for us!”