Volume 4 - Chapter 1.2

Chapter 1.2
Anyway,
[Subaru: So I got my name into the credits for slaying the White Whale, and then I saved Emilia by killing “Sloth” . And now I got my beloved ground dragon… The reward is quite nice isn’t it]
[Wilhelm: Killing the White Whale, how significant that was, Subaru-dono not realizing this is something admirable indeed . Perhaps one day the world will properly thank you for this great achievement . I look forward to that day]
[Subaru: Yeah I think so too! Wait . . but wasn’t I just running around the Whale’s nose like bait all that time?]
To Subaru’s not even humble words, Wilhelm looked on with an warm smile . His insides itching from that warmth, Subaru shook his head as if trying to get rid of that feeling .
[Subaru: All that aside… I wont be seeing you for a while Wilhelm-san . Please take care of your wound]
[Wilhelm: Sorry I made you worry . It seems the distance is getting farther, the bleeding has stopped . But no matter what, the day when I fight along side Subaru-dono again will come . Until then]
Wilhelm’s wound — the unhealable wound dealt by the Previous Generation Sword Saint, Thearesia van Astria . Mentioning this brought a sharpness into Wilhelm’s gaze . His mind turned to the Sin Archbishops that assaulted Crusch, “Greed” and “Gluttony” .
If the death of the “Sword Demon”‘s wife had to do with something other than the White Whale, these two are the most likely suspects .
Subaru, same as Wilhelm, holds a strong hatred for Gluttony . No matter what, they must eventually come face to face with this Sin Archbishop . While the Witch Cult is something they would rather to avoid, “Gluttony” is an entirely different matter . For they must defeat this Sin Archbishop to retrieve those irreplaceable things… Crusch’s memory is one, and more importantly—
[Subaru-kyun, Rem-chan is settled in, want to check?]
Saying this, from the carriage window poked out a head with cat-like ears — Ferris . Seeing Ferris step out of Patrasche’s special carriage, Subaru walked over . Peeking in, in the spacious interor, some seats had been replaced with a makeshift bed, and on it, a girl was sleeping .
She was not wearing the familiar maid’s dress, but wore a soft blue sleeping gown, that matched the color of her hair . A girl in an unwaking slumber, forgotten by all the world . She loved Subaru, and Subaru loved her . Perhaps, she was that kind of girl .
[Subaru: That thing is safe right?]
[Ferris: Hey I’ve been careful, I am a healer nyan . Though Rem’s physical wounds are already healed, she is no longer a patient nyan]
Silently, Subaru gazed at her sleeping face . Ferris’ words were brash, but the side of Ferris’ face showed something different from the usual playfulness . Perhaps Ferris was feeling the pain of his own powerlessness, not in regards to Rem, but Ferris’ peerless master, Crusch .
[Ferris: You really want to bring her with you?]
[Subaru: Yes, I’ll bring her with me . She won’t get better by staying here… no I didn’t mean it’s your fau…]
[Ferris: I know nyan, Subaru-kyun isn’t that mean nyan]
Seeing Subaru’s embarrassment after his remarks, Ferris smiled awkwardly .
[Ferris: In fact]
Pointing a finger at Subaru,
[Ferris: Aside from Rem, an even bigger concern is Subaru-kyun isn’t it?]
[Subaru: Me?]
[Ferris: Don’t play dumb nyan, your gate is over-strained nyan . While healing you I had to forcefully inject a large amount of Mana through your gate, it could be a bit damaged nyan . Are you feeling weak or tired, physically and magically?]
At Ferris’ question, Subaru turned his neck and shoulders . Spinning around, he couldn’t find anything wrong . He jumped a bit and there seemed to be nothing to worry about .
[Subaru: No problem . Both the used parts and the unused parts are fine . Putting the gate aside, I don’t usually use magic anyway]
[Ferris: You’re not a magic user after all . If it’s Ferris, Ferris would have to avoid using magic except in emergencies nyan… en, that’s good nyan]
Seeing Subaru aloof to the critical condition of his health, Ferris gave up . With wide, round eyes, Ferris looked around Subaru’s neck, pulling around his collar .
[Ferris: But no more straining yourself . Even though Ferris can squeeze out every toxin from Subaru-kyun’s body, if your gate shatters into a thousand pieces Ferris won’t be able to fix it nyan . So take the time to properly recover it… about two months nyan]
[Subaru: Two months without magic… for a guy who didn’t use magic for 17 years, it’s nothing!]
Joking around after hearing the diagnosis… come to think of it, Subaru hasn’t even been in this world for two months, even though from his perspective it was more like 4 months — it all feels like a very long time .
Thinking about all that happened since he came to this world, how hard would it be to finally rest for two months? He wasn’t sure himself .
[Subaru: En… although I do always manage to get myself caught up in some disaster… Wait, did I just trigger a “Flag”!? I think I heard the sound effect!!]
[Ferris: Too bad, Ferris is no expert on treating brain problems nyan]
Subaru apparently appalled by his own remarks, Ferris looked at him rather disinterestedly .
Affected by this reaction, Subaru decided this conversation should be coming to an end . After some thought, he reached out his hand to Ferris .
[Ferris: Nyan?]
[Subaru: No, I really should thank you for everything you’ve done to help me . For healing me, and when we’re against the Whale and “Sloth” if it weren’t for you, it would’ve all been a mess…… and for Rem, thank you]
[Ferris: … . nyan . You don’t seem to be mocking me nyan, so be it]
[Subaru: Ooo! My ability > has activated! Stay calm!]
A clumsy expression of thanks, but Ferris seemed to like it . In any case, his feelings got through . Ferris held onto the out-reached hand, and they shook .
[Subaru: Such soft, slender fingers… I can’t imagine what you’d be like with masculine hands]
[Ferris: On the cute and perfect Ferris, wouldn’t that be too disappointing nyan? Be it body hair or skin, everything on Ferris is all natural nyan]
Ferris raising a hand with pride, Subaru caught a glimpse of the impeccable white legs under Ferris’ skirt . Taking in the sheer beauty of its form, Subaru’s shoulders dropped dejectedly .
[Subaru: But, he’s a guy…]
[Ferris: Yep, Ferris is a man in body and soul nyan]
[Subaru: How do you get so smug about it? Which part of that is like a man?]
Dressed like a beautiful girl, calling Ferris a man is just too much — Although Subaru isn’t traditional or anything like that, even he knew Ferris’ behavior is the opposite of what would be called manly .
Against Subaru’s question, Ferris placed a finger on the corner of those lips . And with a charming shake of the waist,
[Ferris: Because, Crusch-sama said this suits Ferris, what I am, I am, and this most suits the radiance of Ferris’ soul . —Crusch-sama’s words, Ferris shall repay with everything that I am]
[Subaru: But…]
…the current Crusch doesn’t know this… but Subaru held back his words . Even if he doesn’t say it, Ferris already knows . And if he does say it, it will only hurt .
Subaru, more than anyone, would hate to do this . If someone talked about Rem, Subaru would be just as agitated . Perhaps Ferris knew this as well .
[—No matter what becomes of the House of Karsten]
[Subaru: ……?]
Suddenly, the voice struck Subaru’s eardrums .
Quiet, cold, a voice of frozen emotion .
Who that voice belonged to… if he heard it now, it would still give him pause .
Head lowered, Ferris’ expression is hidden behind the hair of his forehead, impossible to see .
In this way, Ferris held tight onto Subaru’s hand .
[Ferris: Only Crusch-sama, I will protect with my life]
[Subaru: …Ferris?]
[Ferris: That – Is – Why]
In front of the dumbfounded Subaru, Ferris’ head suddenly lifted, smiling with a jubilant voice . But compared to the playful, mischievous eyes Subaru was so used to seeing, in this instant, it appeared as if those eyes were lying .