fics I read

"Lord I-" Ah, Reinhard is about to throw away my efforts of concealing my name. Before that however, he notices Natsumi and stops himself. "Subaru!? You're here...!?" Instead he tramples upon Natsumi's efforts... Or Subaru's, I guess.

Immediately the black haired girl sighs. "Oi. I had a whole thing going you know? It was gonna be really cool when I revealed my name and befriended Musashi you know? It looks like you love trampling on people's dreams you know?" Please stop stabbing Reinhard with your words, because he's flinching a lot from them.

But then realization hits him. "Musashi...? Who's that?" A Japanese swordsman who had a very big dick, also me.

I point at myself. "A fake name that I'm going with. Sorry, but I didn't know if I should be blabbering about who I am in public, so I decided to keep it a secret until I got to meet you again." Now it's up to Reinhard.

He tilts his head. "I see... Your name and position aren't exactly public knowledge, though a few individuals do know it..." He nods to himself. "Overall it would be okay to reveal your name to Subaru, she's a trusted friend of mine." Oh, cool. I would have liked that information about my public status earlier though.

Well, I guess I can't blame Reinhard. I wasn't even supposed to leave the manor so soon, so he probably just didn't have time to tell me, specially since he was cramming so much information about the world into my head already. Being a isekai protagonist can be hard sometimes!

Subaru raises her hands. "Wait! Wait! We can still salvage this situation!" There's nothing to salvage here, because nothing went that wrong. "I'm guessing Musashi is some big shot, right...?" Reinhard nods. "I figured, but I don't need to know his real name, I can hear it when... when...! When I do something cool!" Impossible.

Rem blushes. "Ah, Subaru can be a bit of a romantic!" She covers her red face with both hands. "Your Rem shall accept it...!" And then she stops doing so. "But please don't aim at this guy, remember Lady Emilia." I'm guessing Rem is implying Subaru likes me? But she actually wants her to pursue Emilia?

This is complicated, but Subaru definitely doesn't like me that way. I remembered she had a rant about saving a girl who she likes... Who is probably Emilia...! Ah, her chances are very low as long as I get my way, please settle for Rem.

I immediately turn around to look at Subaru. "Oh? Are you Emilia's girlfriend...? Is that the girl you like...?" Have I been cucked? Does it even count as cucking when I barely know the half-elf? Probably not, but I would like to know if she's actually romantically interested in someone or not.

She seemed interested in me, since she was up for the marriage thing, but... you never know. Please let me avoid the cringe fate of trying to flirt with her when she already has a lover, I don't that pain in my life.

The probably noble girl blushes. "Well...! We aren't officially dating yet, but we did go on a date! Even if she... doesn't really know what a date is. And she just assumed we were hanging out. And I had to convince her, that no, her dad shouldn't come together with us. And she thinks I'm twelve for some reason. And she has been postponing our second date... even made a rap song about it." Ah, okay. I see it's fine for me to keep flirting with Emilia. Also they have rap here!? How!?

I pat Subaru's shoulder with a solemn face. "Ignore Emilia, aim at Rem over there. It's just a hunch, but I feel like you have a less than zero percent chance with that maybe future king." Besides, even if Emilia did share Subaru's feelings... Isn't it impossible for a nobody like her to marry a candidate of the selection? Though I guess marriage is banned in general until the selection ends anyways. Also fuck hierarchies!

Rem quickly and excitedly nods. "Yes! Follow the advice of my unexpectedly friendly enemy!" If I'm friendly, then why must I remaind an enemy!? Do I lack enough social stats to start our social link!?

Subaru sighs. "If even the legendary Musashi says it's impossible... I gotta prove him wrong and do it anyways!" I'm so, so sorry. Also if you're not interested in Rem, I beg of you to reject her already, don't mess with my little shipper heart.

Reinhard chuckles. "I'm glad to see you are all in high spirits!" He nods to himself. "So what do you need Subaru? I still owe you for that day, so I don't mind lending a hand at all." Ah! Tell me what happened between the two of you, the world must revolve around me at all times! Or something.

Her face shifts into seriousness. "The Roswaal manor... is about to be attacked by the Witch's Cult." Oh. That sounds like real bad news... I actually never heard the name before, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out what they are.

The Witch of Envy is a being who apparently ate the entire world four hundred years ago, whatever that means. It's only natural there would be some religious organization revolving around her... A cult full of crazy evil zealots. Classic JRPG stuff.

Reinhard's eyes widen. "T-the Witch's Cult!? Is that operation spearheaded by an Archbishop!? Where is Roswaal L. Matters!? How did you obtain such information!?" Ah, you know it's bad when Reinhard loses his cool and starts rapid firing questions.

Subaru looks down. "I... Yeah, there's an Archbishop or whatever there. His name is Petelgueuse Romanée-Conti... I have no clue where Ros-Chi is, definitely not at the mansion, and... I can't tell you where I got my info, but you have to trust me!"

Reinhard takes a deep breath. "I... I do trust you." I can see tears appear in the corner of Subaru's eyes, I'm guessing she must have felt a chill run down her spine when the Sword Saint started to question. "Even back on that day, it was almost like you knew... Subaru, are you a Vollachian Stargazer...?" The girl tilts her head in confusion, the knight then shakes his head. "I suppose I shouldn't question that..." You should! You're way too nice!

Reinhard continues. "My Divine Protection caught no lie, it seems Lady Emilia is in danger..." He then starts muttering. "It's strange, everyone knew this was going to happen, so why didn't Lord Roswaal prepare some way of defending his territory?"

I raise an eyebrow, ignoring how Subaru seems to be celebrating her success in the background. "What do you mean everyone knew!?" He seemed to find strange that Subaru knew, so surely it isn't common knowledge?

Reinhard sighs. "It's not that we knew of this attack specifically, but... Lady Emilia's candidacy revealed to the wider world that a woman who looks like the Witch of Envy can become king. It's only natural that the Witch's Cult would act." Ah, that makes sense... Yeah, it's definitely weird that Roswaal decided to disappear right now. Unless... unless he got killed or something?

Subaru blinks in confusion. "So it's some super big deal that Roswaal isn't around huh? Well, I always thought that, but I'm happy to see the feeling is shared." To be honest, I did meet the guy before, and he was indeed suspicious... I mean, really? A clown!?

Rem nods. "Indeed, Lord Roswaal is as shady as they come... He is the type of guy that would allow a woman who smells like the Witch to live in his manor purely out of curiosity." Is it really okay to shit talk your employer? Do you wanna get hired by Reinhard or something?

Subaru flinches. "Yeah, that's the type of dude Ros-Chi is... At least he never tried taking a bath with me." She then looks at Reinhard. "A-anyways... Is it feasible? To save the manor, I mean..." Her face looks nervous.

Reinhard makes a thinking pose, but then he smiles. "Yes, it is feasible. Don't worry Subaru, I'll lend a hand and defeat the Archbishop of Sloth." She never mentioned his title, does that mean he's known to the public? Probably, but it's strange that he's still alive if so.

He crosses his arms. "So now I have to do is ask permission to move from the Council of Wise Men." Really, bureaucracy now of all times? "They might also lend me a few men, it will be useful to rout the Witch's Cult more efficiently, I'm only one swordsman after all." The swordsman.

Subaru raises a hand. "Wait a second Reinhard! We have to move now, the attack is like... tomorrow! And I don't know if they're gonna move in the morning or later, so we better act fast!" Couldn't you have warned us sooner...!?

There's an awkward silence in the room for a few moments, but eventually Reinhard sighs. "I cannot. Don't worry, I'm sure the Council will move swiftly in a matter of such importance... Lady Emilia is a candidate so..." No, I don't think they give a single shit towards Emilia to be honest.

Subaru grits her teeth. "C'mon Reinhard, we have to go! It's not just Emilia-Tan who's in danger either! There's the staff, and the village...! Put on armor or whatever and let's bounce!"

He looks down. "My greatest apologies, but I can't...! The Sword Saint can't simply decide to move to the territory of another noble because he felt like it." He nods to himself. "There are... protocols for this type of situation, so..." He gets cut off.

It's by Subaru who's screaming. "These protocols are gonna be way too slow damn it! Didn't you get that we have so little time!? Damn it...!" I feel like the girl is just now realizing that she had not won yet. I'm on the same boat to be honest.

The Sword Saint sighs. "I... Am a knight, and as such there are rules which I must follow. This kingdom is not in a good state right now, I can't just arrive into Matters territory like a dragon breaking down walls. Again, I apologize Subaru, but I'm sure the Council will act." They definitely won't. The only reason Emilia was even allowed to be there was because Puck is scary, that's all.

Subaru is glaring at him. "I get it! I get it alright...! You're a hero, but a hero is all you can be!" He immediately flinches. "If that's the knight Reinhard... I would prefer the help of that guy back in the alleyway, that guy that was off duty, but still stepped up when I called for help." And now that awkward silence from the past has returned.

I try to break that silence, by faking a cough to draw their attention. "Okay then, we won't send Reinhard Van Astrea to the mansion... We are gonna send... Kojirou! Some random mercenary dude!" Now I need to convince Reinhard that he should definitely be a bad boy.

He raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean Musashi...? Are you suggesting I use a fake name to squirt around my responsibilities? Sorry, but I can't do that. It's as I said, I will be helping, but..." But you're definitely not gonna be helping.

I make a thinking pose. "Hey Reinhard, people have been telling me that...!" I look at Subaru and Rem. "Hey you two, can I get a moment alone with this doofus? I promise I'm gonna get through his thick head." And I don't tend to break my word!

Subaru nods. "Thanks, just don't hold your breath...!" She sighs and then leaves the room with the maid. Leaving me alone with the Sword Saint.

He sends me a serious look. "There was no need to do that Lord Iori. I ask that you trust Lugunica in this matter, we are used to dealing with the Witch's Cult. They are not a threat we are unaware of." I guessed as much.

I cross my arms. "How fast is the typical response to something like this?" If Subaru and I were freaking out for nothing, then I'll get on my knees and apologize right now. But first I need to confirm it...

He awkwardly smiles. "Well, typically it's a few days, but... Lady Emilia is a candidate to the throne, surely they will give the okay very soon. I'm fast Lord Iori, I can get there in... two... no, one minute if I'm going by myself." I have no idea how far they live, but I'm assuming that's crazy.

I nod. "That does sound comforting, but... what's the problem about you just going there real quick, fixing everything, and then apologizing later? Surely they would understand. After all you don't actually know if they're gonna give you the okay that fast..."

He sighs. "I..."

I raise an eyebrow. "Hey Reinhard, how many of these Archbishops guys has the kingdom put down? You're clearly aware of who Petelgueuse is, so I'm surprised he's still alive at all." At least throw him in jail.

He scrunches his eyebrows together. "The kingdom of Lugunica... defeated Pride and his dragon some years ago... Though I suppose that was more the work of the Divine Dragon then anything else." So the big god himself showed up?

Still, I'm guessing there are seven of these bad guys? Pride, Sloth... It's easy to guess. "Hey Reinhard, isn't that number way too low? Why can these guys just evade the knights like that?" Maybe not all of them are criminals...? It's hard to think of a cult that worships the Witch of Envy as good though.

He looks everywhere that isn't me. "They... they usually escape someway or another. We aren't aware of their methods, but it's like they always know we are coming." Strange. It immediately makes me think of spies and corruption.

I nod. "Got it. So now you realize we gotta act fast? Let's get one of those dragon carriages and rush there as fast as we can... We're gonna need to evacuate the villagers too, just to be safe, so there's no time to waste." Even if only one Witch Cultist escaped and got to the village... that could be dangerous.

He shakes his head in denial. "I can't...! I understand what you're trying to say Lord Iori, but if I act by myself... I'm only going to cause more problems." Is this a inferiority complex or something!? This is not the time to be stubborn.

I pat his shoulders. "Don't worry Rein. I don't know what kind of flaws you have, but I'll cover for them. So let's go defeat this lame first boss." If I'm gonna fight an Archbishop... Where are my other party members!?

He opens his eyes wide in shock. "I... Wait you think you're going!?"

"Ye."

"No! That's an awful idea Lord Iori! The Witch Cult is dangerous, they aren't some sort of joke...!" He grits his teeth. "They leave village after village destroyed, people horribly mutilated... They are the most awful people in the world, I can't let you near them." My future goal is killing their goddess though.

I smile. "I figured, but back to what I was saying before! Every since I got here, people have been telling me I'm a legendary hero!" I have been telling myself that too actually. "And now I'm supposed to ignore this? Hell no. I already chose to help Natsumi back in the alleyway, I can't give up this side-quest now." Oops, I let her fake name slip out...

He sighs. "I understand... but your duties are with the Cataclysm's Lord Iori. The same applies to all priestesses." He nods. "So let me go prepare my message for the Council and-" I immediately cut him off.

"You're still thinking about the Council thing!? I thought your mind had left that!" I shake my head in disbelief, it's mean to think... but now I get why Priscilla called him a boring dog, even if I disagree with her, and speaking of the blond... Ultimatum time. "Okay Rein, I got it. You can do that... you're right that we should at least warn the government, even if I think we should move afterwards ignoring their consent."

He smiles. "Y-you do...? I'm glad you finally saw reason Lord Iori. Trust me, they won't disappoint you!" They will probably disappoint you, and that disappointment will cause Emilia's death. It goes without saying that losing a party member as important as her is basically a guaranteed bad ending.

I give him a thumbs up. "Yep! That's why I'm gonna go beg Priscilla for help." His smile immediately dies out. "I mean throwing down with evil cultists? She's definitely gonna be up for it, I should probably find Felt before that and warn her as well..." Her speed Divine Protection is pretty useful.

Reinhard pauses for a moment. "You... you really think Lady Priscilla would listen to you?" I nod. She apparently rejected and kicked Subaru, but I know the blonde, she's the type of person that hates the type of person the black haired girl is. It was probably very, very personal.

And she's not the only person who I can go beg for help. Maybe Crusch will side with me, a Child of Prophecy claiming we need to stop a cultist definitely holds more sway than Subaru of all people...

Reinhard sighs. "Then I guess I have no other choice. I have been assigned as the bodyguard of the Child of Prophecy, so if he wishes to throw himself into the lion's den... I suppose I must slaughter those lions without question." If Crusch was here, she would cry.

I chuckle. "Don't worry too hard, it's just gives me more chances to get along with Emilia, now let's go tell Subaru I defeated you with the power of blackmail. And besides..." I give him a wink. "I did say I would cover for your flaws, even if they happen to be being too much of a do gooder."

"You and Felt are bad Influences. Father will be livid." Good. No one likes him.