Chapter Text
Crusch knows that there are bigger things going on at the moment than paperwork, but the strict part of her mind couldn’t allow herself to ignore it even in times of crisis. So, even with such dire circumstances surrounding her, Crusch scribbled her pen on the paper below her. Her filling out the required material with much more speed and vigor than usual.
Exhaling through her nose, Crusch then quickly looked over her recent handiwork before placing the paper off to the side. Her eyes glanced down at the next sheet of paperwork to fill out. Closing her eyes, she leaned forward before she began to rub at her temples.
Perhaps she should just dismiss her duties for the time being. It’s not like they were going anywhere. Besides, there must be something she can do to assist her friends during this time of crisis.
She thought of Felix, a slight glimmer of sadness reflecting in her amber eyes. Crusch knew that Felix was a capable knight, but that still didn’t mean she didn’t worry over him. The same applies to everyone else who is out there right now. They could be attacked at any moment, yet they still venture out there and risk their lives.
Once again, Crusch looked down at the pile of paperwork on her desk. She shouldn’t be doing this. Despite the obvious danger, she had to go out and do something.
Rising to her feet, Crusch clenched her gloved hands with determination. There had to be something she could do. Perhaps she could ask Wilhelm if they could patrol the area or—
“Crusch-dono!” With a sudden explosive entrance, Wilhelm burst open the door to Crusch’s office. It was unorthodox of him. Usually he would knock and ask permission before entering, but here he was; flushed and worried with a foot inside her office.
Startled by the sudden intrusion, it took a few moments for Crusch to gather her bearings before addressing her butler. “Wilhelm-dono? What is the meaning of this? I gather it is important?”
Calming himself, Wilhelm steadied his breathing before giving his response. “Yes, Crusch-dono. Something dire has transpired. There has been an assassination attempt on Anastasia-dono!”
Crusch’s eyes widened, her amber eyes sparkling with intrigue and apprehensiveness. “I-Is she all right?” she asked.
Wilhelm then let out a sigh of relief. “Thankfully, yes. The attack was unsuccessful, and Anastasia-dono is unharmed. The only one who was injured was Ricardo Welkin-dono, of the Iron Fang. However he has already been treated and is doing fine.”
Crusch placed her index finger and thumb on her chin. “I see. I imagine the Acolyte Knights were responsible?”
Hesitating in his answer, Wilhelm eventually replied. “It is not certain yet, although I wouldn’t doubt the possibility. Anastasia-dono was giving a public speech in the town square, in which she was attacked by an assailant with a bow and arrow. This is when Ricardo-dono gave chase, but he was unable to apprehend her.”
“Seems quite clear that this was their doing,” Crusch surmised. “Though why would Anastasia-san do something so foolish as that?”
“I believe that it was her plan to draw them out, but it worked a little too well,” Wilhelm said. “She must have underestimated them, and for that, we should not also.”
Crusch then sighed. “Truly what a foolish plan. She should have stationed more guards, or perhaps used a protective barrier.”
“Regardless of Anastasia-dono’s decision making, what this makes clear is that the other Royal Candidates are indeed targets now. You, Emilia-dono, and Priscilla-dono may be in danger of something like what happened to Anastasia-dono.”
Frowning, Crusch clenched her fists. “Then I must warn Emilia-san and Priscilla-san. If they too are in danger, then I can’t stand her and let whatever is about to happen transpire.”
“I agree that they must be warned and put under supervision, but you shall have no part in that, Crusch-dono,” Wilhelm said.
Before Crusch could exit the door, she turned on her heel and faced Wilhelm. “What do you mean?”
Wilhelm sighed. “Given the situation, it should be obvious that you are a target of these Acolyte Knights. As such, you should stay put here while I warn Emilia-dono and Priscilla-dono.”
“But Wilhelm-dono,” Crusch countered. “If you were to accompany me as I warn the rest, then shouldn’t there be no issue?”
“I cannot be so certain that I alone will be enough to protect you. Anastasia-dono has already alerted the Royal Guard of her attack, and they will have caught on that you and the rest of the Candidates are potential targets. As such, many knights will be deployed around both your and Priscilla-dono’s manors.”
Crusch closed her eyes in exasperation. “I see. So you are telling me to wait like a sitting duck while I’m guarded by dozens of other knights, and you go out to warn Emilia-dono and the rest.”
Wilhelm nodded slowly. “I know how frustrating it must be to feel as though you are held captive, but this is the best way to ensure your safety. Plus, you will not be alone. Emilia-dono will accompany you as well, considering she and her camp have nowhere else to go.”
Standing still for a few moments, Crusch eventually relented and went over to sit down at her desk. “Very well. I will concede with your request. Though If I am to stay put in one area, I’d prefer for that to be my bedroom,” she said with a smirk.
Wilhelm chuckled lightly. “Of course. I will have guards stationed around your room and around the manor as well. I doubt those Acolytes are foolish to attack your manor straight on, but if they are, they will be confronted and many other knights will be alerted to the commotion.”
Crusch then raised a brow. “And I take it you are going to try and convince Priscilla-san of what you told me?”
“That is correct.”
“You will fail.”
“That…may be true,” Wilhelm admitted with a disgruntled face. “But as long as she is aware of the assassination attempt, it should keep her up on her guard at the very least.”
Crusch then gave a laugh. “That is true. Regardless, I wish you luck, Wilhelm-dono. She can be an…interesting person, to say the least.”
Wilhelm then bowed, before making his way to the exit. “I appreciate your words, Crusch-dono. Now, shall I escort you to your room? I’m sure there aren’t any assailants waiting behind this door, but you can never be too certain.”
Standing up, Crusch then followed Wilhelm out the door and into the halls. “Of course. For now, I will be lying in wait until the threat has subsided.”
Moments passed, and now Crusch was lying in her bed, clad in nightwear. It was evening, and she had just finished dinner that a guard had brought to her. Usually she would read or spend time with Felix afterwards, but given the circumstances, she had to lay in wait in her room until it was clear to exit.
She sighed. She hated this. She knew it was for her own good, but it seemed so…simplistic. Assassins targeting a Royal Candidate? Just coop her up in her room until they’re dealt with. Something about it just didn’t seem right to her, but she couldn’t pin it on what.
Of course, Crusch wasn’t the only one dealing with this. Emilia too was stuck in her room, but she at least had company. After Wilhelm told her the full details, she took it much more seriously and drastically than Crusch had. She was in a room opposite of where Crusch was. As if the Acolytes did attempt to attack any of the two of them, having them in a room together would make it too easy to off them both.
Still, despite that, Crusch wished she could be with Emilia right now, if only to give her peace of mind. Emilia was a very sensitive girl, and despite knowing that there were already people who hated her enough to kill her, being told she was likely a target for assassination upset her greatly.
Sitting up in her bed, Crusch rubbed at her eyes as she pondered on what to do. It was stuffy in her room, and she desperately wanted to open her window, but that would be asking to be attacked. So she dealt with the heat as it burned her body and made her feel uncomfortable. She then groaned in exasperation.
She really hoped Emilia was having a better time than she was. If she wasn’t alone, then she could at least bear with it.
Crusch then thought of Felix. She wondered how he was doing right about now. She was aware he and Subaru and a few others were investigating on the outskirts of the capital for the perpetrators, but she still wished that they were here. At least with Felix, he could offer some much needed comfort and light-heartedness.
Lying back down on her bed and turning on her side, Crusch heaved out a sigh. She supposed she could go to bed early. It was essentially the only option available for her to do. So, reluctantly, Crusch turned off the lamp, pulled the covers over her, and tried to get some sleep. It wasn’t even that late, but perhaps this could give her some peace of mind.
After quite a bit of tossing and turning, Crusch finally got comfortable, but wasn’t anywhere close to falling asleep. So she just laid there. Eventually, she thought, eventually sleep would overtake her.
As she lay on her side, trying to achieve slumber, she then heard a peculiar noise behind her.
It sounded like someone was tapping her window, but that couldn’t be possible. She was on the highest floor, somewhere way too high for any human, or even giant, to reach.
But the tapping continued. It might have been a bird, but the taps were too solid to be that of an animal. No.
This was human.
Tensing up, Crusch then heard a small screech of what sounded to be glass being cut. It lasted only for a few seconds, before she then heard the sound of the lock on her window unlatching.
This was definitely, definitely a human.
And it was clear what their intention was.
While Crusch was unsure about the characteristics of her assailant, she assumed they thought she was asleep. So the best arsenal at her disposal was the element of surprise.
If she could reach down to the edge of her bed where her sword lay, she could possibly hit him with a surprise attack.
Though she didn’t have much time. As the window was slowly being lifted up, Crusch knew she had to hurry before they made their move. This person was silent. Too silent. If she had been asleep once they entered, she would have been none the wiser. Luckily though, the absence of sleepiness was to her advantage.
As the assailant slowly stepped into the room, Crusch reached her hand down to the floor, before finding the hilt to her sword. Yes. If she played this right, she could win. Gripping it tightly, still appearing as though she was asleep, Crusch waited for the right moment to strike.
Once she heard a sharp sound that sounded like metal extending, she quickly pulled back, removing the sword from its sheath and striking.
“Gaackk!!”
Stumbling back, the tall man who attempted to take Crusch’s life raised a hand up to his face, holding onto his jaw. While Crusch couldn’t see too clearly, the moonlight was enough to show her what was happening.
In front of her was a tall, pale man with black attire and spiky black hair. His red eyes seemed to glow in the dark and he was holding onto his jaw with his right hand, which had been nearly severed from Crusch’s attack. His left arm was still raised, claws extending from a metal gauntlet on his hand.
“Fu-Fuc—Guurk!!” Attempting to speak, the man failed to do so as blood gushed from his open wound. His tongue dangling in his mouth as the lower part of his jaw threatened to fall off.
Taking her opportunity, Crusch then swung again. Despite being on a bed and unprepared, Crusch still held tremendous sword skills. The assailant blocked her attack with his claws, disoriented from his detached jaw.
Revealing claws on his right hand, the assailant then clashed both together against Crusch’s sword, finding himself winning in a battle of brute strength. Although Crusch continued to push him back, the raw power of her foe was enough to push her back off the bed and onto her back.
Before the assailant could kill her with his claws, however, Crusch dodged his attack and got back up to her feet. She continued to swing at him with all her might, though finding it difficult to fight to her fullest capability considering the conditions.
With a few more blows being exchanged, it was clear that despite Crusch’s power, the strength of her opponent was far greater. This confirmed to her that this was an Acolyte Knight in her room right now, trying to kill her like what happened to Anastasia.
Stepping back, Crusch avoided a near fatal strike as the claws swung downward, threatening to spill her gut open. How could this person fight with a nearly detached jaw?! They must be in tremendous pain, yet are still able to fight? Absurd?!
Receiving a kick so hard it launched her against the wall and nearly breaking it, Crusch slumped onto the ground in pain. Her back throbbed in agony, but she was fighting it to get back up.
Damn! She couldn’t die here. Not when there was so much for her to do!
Gripping her sword, a pale green light soon encompassed the blade. Gathering her wind magic, she lifted up her sword high above her head, before swinging it down with a loud exclamation.
“Haa!!”
Even with her being caught off guard, the strength behind her wind magic infused sword strike was impressive. The blow was enough to catch a scream out of the assailant’s mouth, before he was then hurled out of her window at tremendous speed. The window and subsequent wall to Crusch’s bedroom was destroyed, as the assailant crashed through it and was sent far away from her property.
Breathing heavily, Crusch then used what remaining strength she had left to stand up, hearing loud footsteps steadily approaching her.
“Crusch-sama!” Barging through the door, many knights including Wilhelm rushed over to Crusch, finding her injured and exhausted. Their fight hadn't been long, but with the force of their blows being enough to cause minor shockwaves and trembles throughout the mansion, a lot of energy was used up.
“Crusch-dono, are you all right?!” Wilhelm shouted in worry. Wincing in pain, Crusch turned to Wilhelm.
“I…am fine,” she eventually said.
“Crusch-sama, what happened?” a knight asked. After making sure she was all right and surveying the damage done to her room, the knights needed to know what just happened.
“I was attacked…” Crusch said slowly. “...by an Acolyte Knight.”
“I hope Al-sama is all right,” a young boy with pink hair said worriedly. “He’s been gone a long time.”
“Do not fret over that jester, Schult,” Priscilla callously responded. “Al may be a fool, but he is not so weak as to be killed. He’ll return, and when he does, I shall have him perform some tricks for you so you can stop sniveling.”
Looking over his shoulder, Schult turned to face Priscilla Barielle, who was elegantly sitting in her royal chair reading a book as if nothing was bothering her.
“So… You’re not worried about Al-sama?” Schult asked. Priscilla gave a small smile in response.
“That imbecile has to make it up to me for assisting in the search of the gutter rat. So I’m not worried. Al will not die. For he has to be alive in order for mineself to punish him,” Priscilla said matter-of-factly.
Schult exhaled heavily. “Oh… Okay. Th-That’s good, then. Though… I hope you don’t punish him too badly.”
“He’ll live. If he’s prepared,” Priscilla commented. As she flipped through the page of her book, she noticed Schult walking towards her.
“What is it, Schult?” Priscilla asked. “If you have something to say, speak.”
Schult gulped. “Well… I was just wondering… You’re not at all worried?”
Priscilla groaned. “How many times must you ask the same question, Schult!? Mineself has told you twice now that—”
“N-No! Not about Al-sama. But…about you,” he said meekly. “These bad guys might try and get you next. I-I don’t want to see you hurt.”
After a few moments of silence, Priscilla then reached a hand out and ruffled Schult’s pink hair. “Fear not. Mineself can take care of myself quite well. It is those other fools who are in danger. After all, if the Sword Saint cannot protect his own lady, then what chance do the others have? This entire scenario only further emphasizes their weakness and reaffirms as to why mineself shall win the Royal Selection. As such, I’m not worried in the slightest. Rather, I’m glad.”
“But… Wouldn’t you still feel bad?”
Priscilla narrowed her eyes. “Huh?”
Schult squeaked. “I-It’s just—In Vollachia, t-the half-elf candidate and her knight were really nice and helped us a lot. A-And the other people in their camp were nice too. I’d hate to see them get hurt…”
Priscilla looked down at Schult with an interesting expression. She usually had a quick response to everything, but right now she was silent, as if pondering her retort.
“Mineself has no connection towards any of them. So I do not care if they live or die,” she eventually said. “You shouldn’t worry either, Schult. They are not your responsibility. Your loyalty aligns with myself, so I won’t tolerate you fretting over such frivolousness. If those weaklings perish, then all the better for mineself. Do you understand?”
Schult then lowered his head, ashamed. “Y-Yes, Priscilla-sama. Please forgive me.”
“If you fetch me some tea and peeled appas, then I may forgive you. But be quick about it, Schult. Now, off you go.”
Schult quickly scurried off to get the tea and appas Priscilla desired, leaving her alone in her throne room.
First Heinkel, then Al, and now Schult. The first two foolishly went off on their own to assist in this pathetic rescue attempt, while Schult showed pity towards those Priscilla was opposed to. They will be reminded as to who they serve once they return, but Priscilla was feeling generous today. So their punishment won’t be so strict.
And as for the other royal candidates and their camps, why should Priscilla be concerned about them? It is their responsibility to take care of themselves, and if they cannot do so, then they are just weak. Priscilla has no obligation to help, and if they did want her assistance, crawling and begging would have to do it. And even then she would refuse.
She only allowed Heinkel and Al to assist them in the search just to see if it would be amusing or not. Clearly, though, it wasn’t. In fact, it was boring. And Priscilla hated things that were boring. This small nugget of assistance she offered will be all there is from her. After today, she will be sure Al will be kept on his short leash. Heinkel, she wasn’t too concerned with. He was a dirty old drunk of a man, after all. She could do without him. Al at least provided some worthwhile entertainment.
And yet… Despite her feelings being made clear…why did Schult’s words stick with her? True, she had allied herself with Emilia, Subaru, and their camp in regards to Vollachia, but that was only because it served her interests. She had no connection to them otherwise. She would have no problem lopping off any of their heads if they dare offend her. So then why…?
Why was it still nagging the back of head in such a manner?
As Priscilla pondered over what Schult had said, and thought about the relationships that she had over her life, she became so distracted that she didn’t even notice the door in front of her opening until someone had stepped into her throne room.
In a sleek, golden brown outfit and with ruffled orange hair, a man with a large battle ax stepped into the fray. He grinned sadistically, as if he was itching to fight. Once he saw that Priscilla had finally acknowledged him, he laughed sadistically.
“Hey girlie. Feelin’ scared?” he asked mockingly.
Priscilla barely looked disconcerted. “Who are you? And why have you intruded on mineself’s property?”
Grinning from ear to ear, the man slammed his battle ax into the ground, destroying her polished wooden floor. “My name’s Othmar Werner! I hate ta be th’ one ta kill such a hottie, but orders are orders!” he laughed.
Priscilla wasn’t amused. “Is that right? Very well then.” Standing up from her chair, Priscilla wasted no time in summoning her Yang Sword. In a bright glow, the majestic red sword materialized out of thin air with the hilt resting on her palm. Clutching the blade, Priscilla readied herself for combat.
“Ooooh! One of the Ten Enchanted Swords! I’ve always been itchin’ ta fight someone wit’ one’o those!” Giving a shout of exclamation, Othmar leapt forward towards Priscilla with his ax raised high. As he prepared to swing it down on her, his body was suddenly covered in white hot flames.
“Huh?! Ga–Gack!! What is this??!” he shouted. As he collapsed to the ground, he found his whole body being burned by these vicious flames. Despite him trying to put them out, they only seemed to grow stronger.
“You attacked me in my manor without even knowing of my abilities? You are a pathetic and foolish man. I shall execute you quickly as just looking at you is making me want to vomit.”
As Priscilla then led her attack with a strike from her Yang Sword, Othmar managed to dodge quickly enough to avoid getting slashed. He continued to try and put out the flames that were steadily consuming him, but to no avail. While he was distracted, Priscilla slashed right across his back, causing a big gash to form on his back with blood bursting everywhere.
“Gaaggh!!” Falling to the floor, Othmar groaned in agony as blood seeped from his wound, the flames steadily wrapping around him.
“Out of all the assassins that tried and failed to take my life—” Priscilla said calmly. “You are easily the worst one. I cannot even bring myself to feel pity towards you. This is less than pathetic. It’s absurd.”
With Priscilla continuing to mock him, Othmar grew more and more furious. He tried to hit her with his ax, swinging wildly and in a blind rage. Priscilla, of course, dodged them all effortlessly. Compared to the people she’s fought in the past, his movements were sloppy and weren’t coordinated at all.
Raising her sword to deliver the finishing blow, Priscilla sliced from his right shoulder to his left hip, causing another burst of blood. As Othmar fell to his knees in shock, Priscilla lifted up her leg to deliver a swift kick to his chest. Sending him hurling through her throne room and crashing through her wall. Him continuing to fly even after busting through a wall.
Usually, she would laugh or smile in victory. But this person was so pathetic she could only look on in boredom.
“P-P-P-Priscilla-sama!!!” Schult rushed into the room, arms flailing and face wrought with tears. “W-W-What happened???!!!”
Priscilla looked out of the freshly made hole in her wall, before scoffing.
“A fly flew into my room. I squashed it.”
“You think we’re getting any closer?” Subaru groaned. “It’s already night time. I gotta get back to the others!”
“I’m sure they are fine, Subaru,” Julius admonished. “Emilia-sama, Anastasia-sama, everyone else. They are probably all right.”
“Listen to Julius-kyun, nya!” Felix exclaimed. “Reinhard-kyun should have returned by nyow! He’ll make everything okay!”
Subaru sighed heavily. “W-Well… If you say so—”
“Quiet, everyone!” Heinkel hissed. “I think this might be the one.”
Standing outside of a desolate barn, the group of five knights looked at the ominous building.
“Ya really think they’re in here?” Al asked.
“It’s not like they were in anyplace else we looked,” Subaru grumbled. THis search was getting frustrating.
Hopefully… This would be the one.
Heinkel looked back at the group before nodding. Opening the creaky door and shining his lamp into the room, the man was surprised to see that a light was already cast in the room.
As well as…
“Everyone! Get ready!” Swinging the door open, Heinkel then suddenly brandished his sword, ready to attack at a moment’s notice. In response to Heinkel’s yell, Julius and Al also unsheathed their swords as they stared inside the barn.
Subaru and Felix stood behind the two, but they could still get a look inside as to what had caused such alarm. After having their eyes adjust to the darkness, Subaru then saw what it was that shocked Heinkel.
Sitting in a chair all by himself, a man in a white suit had his hands folded together as he slumped forward in his seat. He wore a malevolent smile, and had a cold, dark glare in his eyes.
“Well done, everyone,” he suddenly said. “You were able to deduce where we were hiding thanks to a little clue. I must commend your intelligence.”
“Huh? What is he saying?” Felix hissed.
“Is he saying the straw was placed there on purpose?”
Surveying the five that stood before him, the man in a white suit smiled to himself. “Barielle’s knight… Hoshin’s knight… Karsten’s knight…and…”
Looking straight at Subaru, he grinned. “The half-elf’s knight. How wonderful. This couldn’t have gone more perfectly.”
Subaru grimaced. “The hell are you say—Huh?!”
That voice. Subaru recognized that voice.
“Sleep now. For the rest of eternity.”
This was the guy! This was the one who killed him that one time!
“You…” Subaru growled. His hands clenched together as he trembled in both fury and fear.
The man then chuckled. “Nice to meet you all.”
Standing up from his seat, the man then removed his white gloves before holding out his hands, thin threads escaping from his fingertips.
“Prepare to die.”