Master of illusions - Natsuki Subaru

Subaru's eyes fluttered open as he lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling. The morning light streamed softly through the cracks in the curtains, but it wasn't the sunlight that had roused him. No, it was the thought of today—a thought that made his heart race with excitement. He had upgraded from a couch to a halfway decent mattress and a soft red blanket, but even the comfort of his new bed couldn't keep him still for long.

A wide grin spread across his face. He shot up in a burst of energy, but the blanket caught around his legs, threatening to send him sprawling face-first onto the floor. With an impressive display of agility, Subaru managed to catch himself mid-fall, landing awkwardly but unharmed. "Today is my date with Mili!" he shouted, his voice bubbling with the pure joy of a child on Christmas morning.

The memory of her last visit flooded his mind. He had finally mustered the courage to ask Emilia out on a date. It had taken weeks of planning, nervous excitement, and heart-racing anticipation, but he had done it. Now, they would spend the day together. He'd hardly seen her more than an hour or two a week, but today, he planned to keep her all to himself—from dawn to dusk, if possible. But then again, the more he thought about it, the more he realized he hadn't actually asked her to stay any longer than that. Maybe I should've mentioned it…

Before he could dwell on it too long, a loud voice from the other room snapped him out of his thoughts. "OI! SHUT YER TRAP, KID, AN' GO BACK TO SLEEP!" Ludwig's voice was muffled but still carried a stern tone.

"Sorry!" Subaru called out quickly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. It was far too early to be awake, especially for someone like him, who had always preferred sleeping in. But today was different. Today, everything had to be perfect. He couldn't afford any slip-ups. No mistakes. Not on a day this important.

Ludwig's voice echoed again from the other room, though this time it was tinged with something more like resigned amusement. "Just don't make a fool of yerself, alright?"

"Of course not!" Subaru grinned, standing up and stretching as he prepared himself for the day ahead. It wasn't just a date—this was his chance to impress Emilia, to show her a side of himself she hadn't seen yet. There was no way he was going to let anything ruin it.

His thoughts turned briefly to his past, to how far he'd come since his arrival in this strange new world. He had been in debt—deep in debt—but now that was behind him.

Barley any time had passed. It had been a week and two days since he'd last touched his precious condiment, mayonnaise. That golden, creamy creation had almost ruined him. Subaru had begged and pleaded with Ludwig, dropping to his knees in a dramatic dogeza.

In the end, Ludwig had agreed, but not without a warning: "If ya waste my money, yer gonna regret it."

Subaru had taken those words to heart. If he used all the ingredients and didn't create something worthwhile, Ludwig would double his debt—an offer he couldn't refuse. It was a tough deal, but as Subaru said, "It's a necessary gamble."

Lucky for him, he had pulled it off. After countless hours of trial and error, Subaru had perfected the recipe. Mayonnaise, in this world. And when he had presented it to the villagers, Emilia included, the results had been… mixed. Some were indifferent, others disliked it, but the majority had either liked it or loved it. Emilia had fallen into the "liked it" camp, which, to Subaru, was a victory in itself.

Ludwig had suggested they sell it, and just like that, the condiment became a hit. Before long, a man named Joshua had appeared on behalf of Anastasia Hoshin, offering to buy the production method of Subaru's invention. They would take care of everything—from production to distribution—while giving him a quarter of the profits. Subaru hadn't been particularly interested in the business side of things, but the money had flowed in faster than he could keep track.

Within two months after the deal, Subaru had managed to pay off his debt, and now, he rented a small living space from him. He still worked at the shop because he enjoyed the purpose it gave him, but he now had more freedom—more breaks, even days off.

With a quick tug, Subaru pulled on his jacket, which he wore over his tracksuit to shield himself from the cold. Though he had grown somewhat used to it, he still needed the extra layers. Grabbing his black beanie, Subaru stepped out into the snow, wincing as the cold air bit at his exposed skin.

He made his way around the side of the house to a new structure that had appeared in the past few weeks: his personal workshop. It wasn't a huge space, but it was his own. Inside, he could work on his various projects without fear of prying eyes—or curious villagers.

Though Emilia knew about the workshop, he had made it clear that she was never to enter. He'd given her a teasing warning, and to his relief, she had always respected it, despite her occasional curiosity.

The space was small—barely big enough for five people to fit comfortably—but it was his sanctuary. Tools of all kinds were scattered across the floor, making Subaru's eye twitch in frustration. The kids from the village just couldn't resist poking around, trying to figure out what he was hiding. "They'll never find it," Subaru muttered with a mischievous smile. He bent down, pulling up a floorboard to reveal a hidden compartment underneath.

Inside, there were two pairs of shoes. One was his size—black, with a sleek blade running across the sole. The other was a pair of blue shoes, the same design, but smaller, made for Emilia. She had not too recently bought replacements and he made a mental note of her size.

"Who knew it'd be useful so soon?" Subaru muttered to himself. He held one of the shoes up, inspecting it. They were makeshift ice skating shoes—something he had spent hours perfecting. He had even practiced on a nearby frozen lake, working to make sure they were functional and comfortable enough for Emilia to enjoy the experience.

A grin spread across his face as he imagined the day ahead. "This is perfect. I'll take her ice skating, and when she falls, I'll be all like, 'Don't worry, Emilia, I've got you,' and she'll say, 'You're amazing, Subaru!'"

His fantasy was interrupted when he looked up and saw Ludwig standing in the doorway, arms crossed, watching him with an expression of mild disappointment. Subaru froze, panic rising for a brief moment, but then quickly shifted into damage control mode. He shielded the hidden compartment with his body before Ludwig could see more.

"Ahem," Subaru cleared his throat, his voice suddenly serious. "Pretend you didn't see that."

Ludwig let out a long, drawn-out sigh, a mixture of exasperation and amusement. "Kid, yer hopeless. Ya know that?"

Subaru chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Hey, I'm just trying to impress her, okay?"

Ludwig turned away, but not before Subaru caught the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his lips. It didn't escape Subaru's notice.

He paused and his mind drifted. Kinda see myself in him. Back when I met her. The memory of his own nervous energy, of his early days with someone who had made his heart race like that, surfaced without warning. He had been younger then, just as eager to impress, and just as worried about failing. Ludwig shook his head slightly, the feeling of nostalgia lingering.

"Breakfast's almost ready, kid. Eat before ya leave, ya hear?"

Subaru nodded enthusiastically, his excitement bubbling up again. "I'll be there in a minute, old man!"

As he made his way back toward the door, he couldn't resist throwing one last jab at Ludwig. "You're a big ol' softie, aren't you?"

Ludwig didn't bother to turn around or look back. "Bah," he grumbled. "Just get inside before ya freeze to death out there."

Subaru waited until Ludwig had disappeared back into the house before letting out a relieved sigh. "Close call," he muttered. He adjusted the makeshift lock on the door, double-checking the blade and the shoes. Once he was satisfied, he returned everything to its hiding place, replaced the floorboard, and made his way back to the warmth of the house.

He couldn't wait to see her.

-----------------------

"Let's see what my least favorite chef cooked up today!" Subaru announced as he entered the room.

Ludwig was already eating quietly and let out a groan in response.

Subaru sat down in front of a visually appealing bowl of soup. But, as he knew too well, appearances could be deceiving. He lifted the wooden spoon, blew gently on the steam, and took a small sip. Closing his eyes, he let the flavors settle on his tongue. Then he turned to Ludwig with a serious expression.

"Yeah, no matter how much you spend on ingredients, you still suck at cooking, old man."

Ludwig's eyebrow twitched. He pointed his spoon at Subaru.

"Well, if you're gonna complain, don't forget you're the one who nearly burned down the kitchen last time you tried to make 'food.'"

"Hey! That was an honest mistake! I didn't know how any of your stuff worked! Another world, remember?" Subaru replied frantically.

"Ya only pull that excuse when it's convenient," Ludwig grumbled—but a small chuckle escaped him afterward.

"Was that a laugh? From the grumpy old man? Where are the flying pigs? Is the blue moon out?" Subaru clutched his head and dramatically scanned the room as if confirming reality.

This time, Ludwig didn't immediately respond. Instead, he looked at Subaru with a neutral expression.

"Hey, kid... what do you think about half-elves with silver hair?"

Subaru's eyes lit up. He slammed his hands on the table, nearly spilling his soup.

"Elves exist in this world? Well, of course they do—it is fantasy, after all! And a half-elf with silver hair? That sounds like she'd incredibly cute!"

Ludwig sighed deeply.

"Figured you'd have read about them by now, since you finally learned to read and write."

Subaru visibly shuddered at the memory.

"Don't remind me. Those kids were brutal when they found out I couldn't read," he muttered, then looked at Ludwig suspiciously. "So what's the deal? You're not telling me this 'cause you want me to find one for you, are you?" He smirked.

"Hell no!" Ludwig barked, his volume causing Subaru to flinch and sink into his seat.

Subaru opened his mouth to respond, but Ludwig cut him off.

"I should've told you earlier, but I guess you're gettin' your history lesson today." He paused before continuing, his voice more solemn. "Four hundred years ago, a terrible being appeared—Satella, the Witch of Envy. She destroyed half the world and couldn't be killed, so she was sealed by the Sage, Shaula; the Divine Dragon, Volcanica; and the Sword Saint, Reid."

He took a breath.

"She's described in the old books as a silver-haired half-elf with purple eyes."

Subaru frowned. "Okay... that's a lot of exposition for someone who's supposedly sealed away. What's the problem?"

Ludwig's expression darkened. "The problem is, people talk. And they're sayin' someone who looks like the Witch of Envy has been seen near the forest. I wouldn't be so trustin' of that friend of yours."

Subaru's expression shifted.

"Wait—you're saying Mili is the so-called Witch of Envy?"

"I'm sayin' be cautious. You're gettin' too comfortable around her."

Subaru leaned in, eyes gleaming. "Do we look like a couple yet?" he asked with a goofy grin. Then his face grew serious. "But Satella's sealed... right?"

Ludwig winced. "Don't say her name so casually... but yeah."

"Then she can't be Satella," Subaru said confidently. He smiled to himself. Emilia was far too kind—too good—to be mistaken for someone like that.

Ludwig stared at him. "You're really somethin' else, kid. Ya know that?"

"I'll take that as a compliment!" Subaru grinned and gave a thumbs up. Then he glanced at the clock—and his face turned to panic. "Shoot, it's almost time!" He scarfed down the rest of his meal, chugged his water, and bolted for the door.

"Good luck—" Ludwig began, but Subaru was already gone.

He made his way toward their meeting spot just outside the village, walking with purpose. Villagers greeted him as he passed, to which he gave quick replies.

"Sorry, not today!" he called to a group of children. Then, as if praying to the gods themselves, he put his hands together. "Please don't ruin my date with Mili, I'm begging you!"

"Okaaaaaay," the kids replied in unison—except for Lucas, who just gave him a solemn nod.

Elsewhere...

Emilia walked toward the village with Puck floating beside her.

"Lia, remember—no hand-holding and especially no kissing! That's how babies are made, and I am not ready to be a grandfather!" he declared dramatically.

Though he would suffer for it later, Puck was determined not to let his daughter be swept away by some cheeky outsider. He hadn't even met Subaru yet, and already didn't like him trying to steal her heart.

"Puck... we're just going for a walk." Emilia smiled softly, her voice light.

"Promise me—no kissing," he insisted with a nervous laugh.

Her cheeks turned pink. "Puck! It's not like that!" Her smile faded slightly. 'Besides... if he saw what I really looked like, he wouldn't even bother with me.'

She had refused every one of Subaru's attempts to get her to remove her hood. She wanted to—she didn't like deceiving him—but... she couldn't stand the thought of him looking at her like everyone else did. Not him. Not her first real friend.

"Just promise, Lia. Please," Puck asked gently.

He didn't deserve her promise—he'd lied to her about her memories, her past, even her appearance. But he still asked.

"Alright, alright. I won't let him kiss me," she sighed.

Though if not for those strange dreams...

Her face lit up, blushing all the way to her ears. She quickly shook the thought away.

Puck, however, scowled momentarily before masking it.

"And no hand-holding either. I won't let some evil man take advantage of my precious daughter."

She stopped and spun to face him with a pout.

"Subaru isn't a bad person. He's a reaaally good boy!" Her expression softened. "I don't know what the problem is... but fine. No hand-holding either."

'But would he still be kind... if he saw your face?' Puck thought bitterly but kept it to himself.

Eventually, the village came into view. Emilia's heart fluttered—two days with Subaru. Today for the outing, and tomorrow to restock supplies.

"Well, Lia, I've got to go now. Can't let them spot me." Puck hovered above. "And I've got to respect that kid... at least a little. Took some guts to ask you out like this."

She waved with a warm smile. "Thanks for everything, Puck. See you tomorrow."

She pulled her oversized hood up and made her way to the meeting spot.

To her surprise, Subaru was already waiting—twenty minutes early.

"Did you wait long?"

"Nah, I just got here," he lied.

He offered his arm. Emilia hesitated... then took it gently.

'This isn't technically hand-holding... right?' she thought.

"I know you asked me to say that, but what does it mean?" she asked curiously, her hood still shielding her eyes.

"It's the most important line in all great rom-coms!" Subaru declared, clenching a fist and raising it dramatically to the sky.

She giggled. "I don't understand.... but I can tell it's something silly."

"So where are we going on this... da-te?"

"I'm so glad you asked, Mili! First—food! Then, we let the goddess of love decide the rest!" he said proudly. His voice probably woke half the village.

They made their way to the only shop open for breakfast. Subaru had already eaten, but he still wanted to share the experience with her.

"I've never been here before," Emilia said with a faint tinge of sadness.

She wasn't exactly welcomed by the village. A hooded girl who came from the forest not long after rumors of the Witch resurfaced? Of course they were suspicious. But when she was with Subaru, their suspicions eased slightly. He was well-liked—his introduction of "radio calisthenics" had actually brightened the community.

"Well," Subaru said as he pushed open the door to the shop, "this place is perfect for a date with a lovely girl."

Emilia blushed, grateful that her hood still shaded most of her face.

"You shouldn't tease people like that, dunderhead," she muttered.

"Who even says 'dunderhead' in this day and age?" he replied, grinning.

She pouted. He always made fun of her old-fashioned speech, and it was starting to become a game between them—a game she secretly enjoyed.

The line moved forward until they reached the counter.

"One sweet bun and one meat bun, please!" Subaru said cheerfully to Rio, the shop owner.

Rio noticed the girl beside him but, to her credit, didn't say anything. She simply nodded and turned to call for the order to be packed. Emilia reached into her pouch, intending to pay for her share, but Subaru gently stopped her hand.

"Oh no you don't. Let me handle this." His tone turned playfully stern. "Let me be a man, okay?"

"But—"

"No buts."

She sighed in defeat. "Fine. But I'm paying next time!" she said with faux determination, raising her fists like a boxer ready for a challenge.

"Sure, sure," Subaru said with a chuckle, knowing full well he wouldn't let her.

"Here you go," Rio said, handing over a neatly wrapped pair of warm buns. "Enjoy, and come again!"

"Thank you!" they both said in unison.

They chose a small table by the window, light streaming in through frosty panes. Subaru gestured for her to take the first bite, and she did—hesitant at first, but the moment the soft sweetness of the bun hit her tongue, her eyes widened in delight.

"This is shoooo good!" she mumbled between hurried bites.

Subaru laughed, watching her enjoy herself made him happier than eating anything himself. He took a bite of his meat bun and swallowed before leaning forward with a mischievous grin.

"Wanna try a bite of mine?"

To his surprise, Emilia nodded eagerly. She took a bite and her face lit up again.

"I never knew what I was missing before now!"

In her dream, her worst nightmare, she had refused. But here—now—she leaned into the moment, hoping to change those unfortunate events.

"Here, try mine!" she said cheerfully, holding out her half-eaten pastry.

Subaru hesitated. There was no unbitten part left. He could try to play it cool, but his face was already turning red. An indirect kiss? In broad daylight?

Still, he couldn't say no. He took a bite, keeping it casual. Or trying to.

He glanced at her and noticed a few crumbs on her cheek.

"Hold still," he said gently, reaching across the table and brushing them away with his thumb.

Emilia flinched slightly, letting out a soft yelp at the unexpected contact. Her face turned crimson as she instinctively looked up at him.

For the first time, he saw her eyes. Deep, shimmering purple with blue pupils. They were like a pair of beautiful amethyst gems.

His breath caught.

"Beautiful..." he whispered, not meaning to say it aloud.

"Huh?" she blinked, stunned—not from embarrassment this time, but pure shock.

"Ah—sorry," he muttered, rubbing the back of his head. His tone shifted, becoming a bit more sincere. "I just don't know why you hide your eyes. They're seriously pretty."

She felt warmth blooming in her chest, something she didn't quite know how to name. Her heart pounded. She tried to look away but couldn't.

"Y-you shouldn't tease me like that, dunderhead!" she snapped, voice cracking from the flurry of emotions.

"Yeah, yeah, and again, who says dunderhead?"

She pouted again, cheeks still burning. Then she looked slightly downward, her smile fading just a little.

He didn't notice my ears or my hair, she thought. I shouldn't get my hopes up.

Just then, a whistle pierced the air.

They looked up and realized... everyone was staring.

Everyone.

"Kiss her already!"

"Ah, to be young again."

"You owe me three silvers!"

"They're not officially dating, so I'm still in the game!"

And finally, the shop owner herself:

"As entertaining as this little show is, try not to distract my customers. That said... if it brings me business, I'll allow it." She grinned.

Subaru turned beet red. Without thinking, he grabbed Emilia by the hand and bolted. 'My heart can't take any more!' 

"H-Hey! Wait—!" she called, but he didn't stop. They burst through the café doors and into the cold morning air.

The chill helped, but only slightly. His face was still burning.

He led her toward the main street, his boots crunching over the packed snow with each step. For a village this size, it was surprisingly lively—almost festive. The air buzzed with laughter and conversation. Children bundled in patchy scarves and mittens darted up and down the snow-covered road, flinging snowballs at each other with gleeful shrieks. One of them zipped by on a makeshift sled, a blur of tangled scarves and wild laughter, narrowly missing a startled passerby. The scent of firewood and baked bread lingered in the cold air, curling from chimneys and open market stalls alike.

Subaru's eyes caught on a nearby vendor nestled beside a stack of firewood and painted signs. The stall was small but colorful, lined with handwoven goods and trinkets. His face lit up like a lantern.

"Hey, let's check this one out, Mili!" he said, his voice bright with curiosity.

Emilia paused, the corners of her smile tightening. Puck's warning echoed faintly in the back of her mind, urging caution. But when she looked at Subaru—eyes wide with excitement like a child discovering treasure—she couldn't bring herself to stop him.

I'm such a bad girl for not listening to Puck, she thought, guilt threading through her chest like icewater.

"Let me know if you're looking for anything, Subaru!" chirped a friendly voice from behind the counter.

"Thanks, Reina," Subaru called back, waving.

Reina was around Subaru's age, with warm brown eyes and soft chestnut hair that curled around her cheeks. A knitted cap perched snugly on her head. She smiled easily—the kind of smile you trusted without thinking. Emilia could tell she helped out often, probably taking over for her parents when needed.

Emilia kept her head low, her hood shadowing her silver hair and pointed ears. She glanced toward Subaru, her violet eyes watching from beneath her hood as he scanned the wares with surprising intent. He didn't linger long. His hand reached out, fingers brushing over a soft purple scarf. Without hesitation, he scooped it up and tried to tuck it behind his back, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips.

Emilia caught only a glimpse of the fabric's color—just a flash of violet before it disappeared.

"I'll take this one," he said quickly, placing a few silver coins into Reina's gloved hand.

Before she could speak, Subaru turned to her. With a quiet kind of confidence, he stepped closer and gently draped the scarf around her neck, adjusting it just so.

"For you, princess," he said with a wink.

"For… me?" she whispered, her voice soft, almost disbelieving. Her fingers rose to brush against the material. "It's so soft…"

A sudden warmth crept up her throat, blooming behind her eyes. Tears threatened but stayed tucked away, as if even they didn't want to ruin the moment. There was joy, yes—but also something else. A strange heat curled in her chest. A flicker of something unfamiliar, though not unwelcome.

She didn't feel jealousy when he smiled at other girls or teased someone else. But still… he was becoming her second favorite person in the whole world—right after Puck.

Her eyes drifted to the stall again. Something caught her eye. Nestled between a stack of hats and gloves was a scarf just like hers, but in a rich, burnt-orange hue.

Without thinking, she stepped forward, picked it up, and handed over the coin.

Then, spinning on her heel, she faced Subaru fully. This time, she didn't hide her face. With a soft smile playing on her lips, she looped the scarf around his neck, tugging it snug with a playful flick.

"Now we match," she said proudly, her amethyst eyes gleaming.

Subaru blinked, momentarily caught off guard. A faint blush crept up his cheeks.

"Yeah… I guess we do, don't we?"

They wandered the market together, their steps slow, their laughter easy. Every so often, Subaru would pause to point out a curious trinket or drag her over to a stall selling roasted nuts or other treats. It was the most normal she had felt in a long time.

Eventually, Subaru drifted a few steps behind, watching her walk ahead—her silver hair occasionally peeking out from beneath her hood, catching the sunlight like spun frost. A mischievous idea sparked behind his grin.

He crouched, scooped up a handful of snow, packed it tightly, and launched it at the back of her hood.

The snowball burst with a satisfying splat.

Emilia stopped mid-step, stiff with shock. She turned slowly, her eyes narrowing into an exaggerated pout as she spotted him grinning like a fool. She opened her mouth to scold him—but another snowball met her face before the words could form.

"Oh, you're on, mister," she growled, her voice low and playfully menacing.

Subaru crouched again—but froze. Emilia wasn't forming snowballs. No, she was crafting a massive mound, rolling it like a boulder with terrifying efficiency.

"Waitwaitwait—"

Too late.

She hoisted the oversized snowball with ease and lobbed it like a cannonball. It struck him square in the chest, knocking him off his feet and burying him in a heap of snow.

A muffled groan came from beneath the mound.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Emilia called between laughs, hurrying over and grabbing his legs to drag him out.

Subaru emerged coughing, shaking snow from his hair, and fumbling for his beanie.

"You're freakishly strong," he wheezed. "Which is cool… but also kind of humiliating."

Her smile faltered for half a second—just long enough for him to notice. But he didn't let it linger. Another snowball flew her way, gentler this time, and she caught it with a giggle.

They played like that for almost an hour—tumbling, laughing, forgetting the cold entirely. When Subaru glanced up the nearby hill and saw the snow piled perfectly for sledding, his eyes gleamed.

"Alright," he said, brushing snow from his coat. "Time for the next part of the plan. Let's go sledding!"

This time, when he took her hand, Emilia didn't hesitate. She laced her fingers through his without a word, her smile soft and sure. I'll apologize to Puck later, she thought.

Subaru led her toward the base of the hill, their boots sinking slightly into the fresh powder as they walked. The slope towered above them, cloaked in white and dotted with pine trees whose branches sagged under the weight of snow. At the top, the sunlight caught the surface just right, making the snow shimmer like crushed diamonds.

From behind a half-buried tree stump, Subaru pulled out a two-seater sled—weathered but sturdy, its metal runners dulled from years of use.

"What do we do now?" Emilia asked, blinking curiously at the contraption as if it were some foreign machine.

"Just sit behind me and hold on tight," Subaru said, adjusting the sled's position near the edge. His gloved hands gripped the worn wooden sides like a practiced daredevil.

She tilted her head. "Wouldn't it make more sense for me to sit in front? I'd have a better view that way."

He turned to her, eyes wide with faux seriousness. "Mili, while your logic is flawless, I'm afraid my heart couldn't take that kind of pressure."

He patted the space behind him with exaggerated ceremony.

Still slightly puzzled, Emilia stepped forward and climbed in, her arms wrapping gently around his waist. The cold metal of the sled seeped through her clothes, but the warmth of his body made up for it. Subaru stiffened slightly at her touch and let out a surprised yelp.

"What's wrong?" she asked, peering around him.

"Nothing! I'm just… a little nervous."

Her voice softened. "I'm nervous too," she admitted. "But… since I'm with Subaru, I know I'll be okay."

"EMT!"

As she leaned in closer, a strand of silver hair slipped free from beneath her hood. She tucked it back quickly, glancing around with practiced caution.

Subaru smirked to himself and took a deep breath. "Alright, you ready? I'll go on one."

Emilia nodded and braced herself.

"Three… two—"

But he kicked off at "two."

The sled jerked forward, cutting through the snow like a blade. Emilia yelped, her grip tightening instinctively around his waist as they picked up speed.

"I thought you said you'd go on one!" she shouted, wind whipping past her face.

"Sorry! Can't hear you!" Subaru called over his shoulder, though her voice had been crystal clear. Teasing her was simply too good to pass up.

The wind roared around them as the sled sliced through the powder. Subaru leaned expertly from side to side, narrowly avoiding trees and snow-covered rocks. Emilia's laughter rang out behind him—light, clear, and free.

Just as the hill began to flatten, the sled hit a natural ramp—a small rise in the terrain hidden beneath a blanket of snow.

They lifted off the ground.

For a breathless moment, they were airborne, suspended in midair as the world held its breath.

Then they crashed into a soft drift of snow at the bottom, sending up a spray of white in every direction.

Emilia rolled out of the sled, her laughter echoing across the clearing. Her cheeks were flushed pink from the cold and the rush, her eyes shining.

"Subaru, that was reeeally fun!" she called, brushing snow off her sleeves.

Subaru groaned from where he lay half-buried, his scarf dangling from one shoulder and snow blinding his eyes.

"Remind me to never do that again," he muttered, though the enormous grin on his face betrayed him.

But then Emilia's joy faded. She went still.

Her hood—her precious disguise—had slipped down during the ride. Her silver hair glinted in the sun. Worse yet, her half-devil ears were exposed.

Panic surged in her chest as she fumbled to pull the hood back up, her fingers trembling.

Subaru blinked snow from his eyes and looked toward her. She had her back turned, hunched slightly as she adjusted her cloak.

"Emilia?" he called out, his voice laced with concern.

She turned slowly, hands still clutching her hood. For a moment, her expression was unreadable.

Subaru's lips quirked into a gentle smile.

"You wanna go again, don't you?"

It wasn't what she expected. Not fear, not suspicion. Just that familiar, easy grin. And somehow… that made her chest flutter all over again.

"That's not what I was thinking," she said, voice barely above a whisper. "But… yes."

She smiled—a radiant, genuine thing that lit up her whole face.

Subaru pointed toward the snow-covered hill. "Hey, Emilia—I think you dropped your scarf."

Her eyes widened and she looked down—but it was still wrapped securely around her neck.

By the time she realized, Subaru was already halfway up the hill.

"Race you to the top!" he shouted. "Winner gets to make the loser do anything!"

"Hey! That's not fair—you tricked me again!" she cried, breaking into a sprint after him.

"I can't hear you from dow—"

She zoomed past him like a silver bullet, the snow barely slowing her down. Subaru staggered to a stop, staring in disbelief as she reached the summit first, arms crossed in triumph.

"You owe me a favor, cheater," she said with mock authority.

Subaru threw up his hands. "Alright, my lovely angel, what does your heart desire?"

"Uhh… I don't know yet," she said, brushing off the compliment with a flustered smile. "Can I save it for later?"

"Anytime you want, Mili."

They sledded down the hill several more times, laughing all the way. Eventually, Emilia asked if she could ride in front. Subaru was reluctant… and rightfully so. Within seconds, they crashed into a tree.

Emilia pouted—until she remembered her magic.

She held out her hand and conjured a brand new sled made of ice.

She froze. She had just used magic in front of him.

But Subaru only stared in awe."Whoa… real magic! You could totally pull off a killer Sub-Zero cosplay!"

Emilia blinked. That was it? No fear? No suspicion?

Maybe he didn't know… or maybe he just didn't care.Or maybe—just maybe—it didn't matter to him.

The thought sent another unfamiliar warmth fluttering through her chest.

For the first time in a long time, she wanted to believe.

"Well, I'm beat," Subaru said, stretching his arms overhead and letting out a satisfied sigh. "Time for the grand finale!"

He and Emilia placed the sled at the top of a slope once more—this time facing the heart of the village. With a running push, they launched off, the sled slicing through powdery snow, picking up speed as laughter trailed behind them. Wind rushed across their cheeks, their scarves flapping wildly, until they finally skidded to a near-perfect stop just outside Ludwig's house, as if they'd planned it all along.

They circled around the building toward the front of the workshop, the snow crunching under their boots. Just before they reached the door, Subaru suddenly turned, eyes serious, and held up a finger.

"No peeking," he said with mock sternness, before disappearing inside.

Emilia blinked. "Eh? What's with the secrecy?" she whispered to herself, leaning forward curiously.

The door hadn't closed all the way—just barely cracked open. From inside came muffled noises: dragging wood, clinking metal, a soft grunt. She knew she shouldn't, but… she had to know what he was up to.

Slowly, she leaned forward, peeking through the narrow opening—only to lock eyes with Subaru.

His expression flattened into deadpan amusement. "Pervert," he said, drawing out the word before nudging the door shut with his foot.

"I-I'm not a pervert!" Emilia called after him, face reddening. "Geez Louise… that boy is reaaally silly sometimes," she muttered under her breath. Thank goodness he hadn't heard that part—or she'd never hear the end of it.

Moments later, the door creaked open again. Subaru emerged holding something wrapped carefully in a tattered, well-worn blanket. Whatever it was, he carried it like it was fragile—or special.

He reached out and took Emilia's hand without asking. She didn't resist.

"Alright, let's go! Onward!" he declared triumphantly, raising his other arm as if leading an army, blanket bundle still tucked beneath it.

Their boots left trailing prints in the snow as they walked, moving steadily out of the village and into the surrounding forest. The path gradually narrowed, framed by tall trees whose frost-laced branches glittered in the late afternoon sun.

It wasn't a short journey, but it wasn't far enough to feel like a chore. Just enough distance to feel like they were leaving the world behind.

As they neared a bend in the path, Subaru slowed. He turned toward her with a smile—gentle, genuine.

"Alright, Mili… close your eyes. It has to be a surprise."

Emilia hesitated, shifting slightly on her feet. "Umm… are you sure this isn't a prank?"

He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Trust me, okay?"

Her lips curved into a soft smile, warmth in her violet eyes. "Okay. I'll trust you."

"EMT is amazing!" he cheered under his breath, earning a quiet giggle from her.

Eyes closed, Emilia allowed herself to be led further along. Snow brushed at her ankles. Cold air kissed her cheeks. She could feel the faint pull of his hand guiding her, making sure she didn't stumble.

Suddenly, he stopped. She almost bumped into his back.

"Careful," he murmured, positioning her beside him.

Then, softly, "Open your eyes."

She did.

Before her lay a frozen lake, hidden in a secluded pocket of the forest. Snow-dusted pines encircled the area like silent sentries, and sunlight filtering through their branches gave the ice a crystalline shimmer. It looked untouched by the world, like a secret held in winter's quiet breath.

"Wowww…" she whispered, almost reverently. She had explored much of the forest, but had never ventured this close to the village's edge. This place felt… forgotten. Sacred.

Subaru smiled at her awe. "Come on," he said, leading her to the lake's edge.

She noticed faint scrape marks across the surface—evidence of earlier practice. He knelt and unwrapped the bundle, revealing two pairs of handmade skates. One set was painted black; the other, a delicate sky-blue just a shade lighter than her eyes.

The skates had clearly been cobbled together—crude compared to professional gear—but they had care in every detail. Each boot curved with soft stitching, and the blades gleamed where he had polished them.

He held one pair out to her. "These are for you."

She blinked, touched by the gesture. "You made these… for me?"

"Of course," he said with a proud smile.

She took them gently and sat on a nearby log to put them on. They fit perfectly, hugging her feet with surprising comfort.

She stood carefully and wobbled. "Ah—!"

He caught her before she could fall. "Easy, easy. Balance first."

Once she steadied herself, she looked up at him. "Subaru, what are we doing out here?"

"Well," he began dramatically, pointing a thumb at his chest, "today, dear student, I—Subaru Natsuki—will teach you the noble art of ice skating!"

He stepped onto the lake like it was a stage, gliding smoothly across the frozen surface. His movements weren't perfect, but they were confident—fun. He even threw in a little spin that ended with a playful bow.

Emilia watched, intrigued and a little amused.

She stepped onto the ice and immediately began to slip, arms flailing.

"Whoa—!"

Subaru rushed to steady her, chuckling. "Okay, lesson one. Bend your knees, lean forward a bit. Keep your feet slightly apart. Push off using one foot at a time, like this." He demonstrated, sliding ahead with a gentle sweep of his foot.

She mimicked him awkwardly, teetering and stumbling—but he was always nearby, catching her when she tipped too far.

"You've got this," he encouraged, "just keep going. I'm right behind you."

Gradually, Emilia's awkward steps smoothed out. Her confidence grew. She began gliding more naturally—wobbly, yes—but undeniably skating on her own.

"Subaru!" she called out. "I–I think I'm doing it!"

She turned to look at him—and noticed he was several feet to her left, grinning like a proud parent.

"Hey! You said you'd stay behind me!" she said, puffing her cheeks in mock betrayal.

"But look at you! You're doing it! You're a skating prodigy!" he called back, spinning in place.

They kept going, circling across the lake. The more they moved, the more her fear melted into exhilaration.

Then she asked nervously, "H-Hey, Subaru?"

"Yeah, Mili?"

"…How do I stop?"

His face froze. "Oh… uh. Shoot. I knew I forgot something."

"SUBARU!"

Emilia let out a squeal and shut her eyes, bracing for impact.

But she felt a sharp tug—his hand grabbing hers. Subaru twisted his body, angling them away from a nearby tree. He pulled her close, using his momentum to turn their path, and they both tumbled into a snowbank together—soft, cold, and laughing.

When the flurry settled, they lay side by side, breathless.

"So… did I look like a white knight there?" he asked between breaths.

She turned her head, smiling at him. "Weren't you the one who forgot to teach me how to stop?"

"Tch. Details."

He pushed himself upright and extended his hand gallantly. "My lady?"

Emilia placed her hand in his. "Thank you, my knight," she said in a mock-royal tone.

For a while, nothing else mattered. Not her appearance. Not the whispers. Not the fear. She felt… normal. Happy. Like she was exactly where she belonged.

Subaru finally taught her how to stop properly, and spent the next half hour showing off beginner tricks—most of which ended in comical failure.

"Watch this!" he declared, attempting a jump-spin.

He promptly face-planted.

Emilia burst into laughter, nearly falling over herself.

They kept skating until the sun began to dip behind the trees. When the shadows lengthened and the sky turned gold, Emilia sighed.

"I'm really sorry!" Emilia bowed deeply, her silver hair swinging forward. "I wanted to stay the whole day, I really did—but I forgot I had some things I had to take care of!"She kept her tone bright, apologetic, but in truth, her heart sank with guilt. There were things she couldn't do with Subaru watching—sacred things. Speaking with the spirits, visiting the elf statues she cleaned each morning—it wasn't something she could explain. Not yet.

Subaru waved her off with a grin, lifting his hand and splaying four fingers."Nah, it's fine! You've got your own life. I'm just glad you stayed four times longer than usual."

She smiled softly and reached into her satchel, pulling out the shoes he had let her borrow earlier."Here—you probably want these back."

But Subaru raised his hand, palm out, refusing them."Nah, keep them. Think of them as a memento of today. Who knows, maybe you'll start practicing in secret and end up way better than me!"

Emilia blinked, warmth blooming in her chest. Something stirred inside her—a sudden impulse she couldn't quite name. She didn't fight it.

She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. A real hug. One full of gratitude.

"Thank you, Subaru," she whispered, just loud enough for him to hear. "Today was... so much fun. And thank you for all the gifts."

Subaru stood stiffly at first, arms caught in midair like he wasn't sure what to do. But then, slowly, almost shyly, he wrapped them around her.

"Of course," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "Anything for you, Mili."

She pulled back just slightly, eyes glinting in the light as she smiled at him—a look both tender and secretive—before turning around and walking into the snowy distance, her figure gradually swallowed by the falling white.

Subaru stood there long after she was gone, the lingering warmth of her hug still clinging to his coat. He sighed, spinning slightly in place—when he spotted something odd out of the corner of his eye.

A girl.

Small. Still. Dressed in an unseasonably white dress, with long platinum hair cascading over her shoulders and icy blue eyes that stared straight into him.

"Whoa! Kid—where'd you come from?" he yelped, stepping back in surprise. "I didn't even hear you. You new around here?"

He crouched a little to meet her gaze, but she just smiled faintly. Her face was expressionless—so blank it unnerved him. It was like staring at a porcelain doll.

"You're kinda creeping me out, you know that?" he joked nervously, scratching the back of his head. She didn't react. He was about to sigh and walk away when she finally spoke.

"You should go after her," she said softly, voice devoid of emotion.

He blinked.

"What?"

"There are Wolgarms in the forest. Ma-beasts. A single bite curses the victim. When the sun sets... the curse activates. It drains the victim's life to replenish the beast's strength."

Subaru's heart seized.

"What?! Emilia—!"He didn't wait for more. He bolted."Thank you!" he shouted over his shoulder as he sprinted into the trees.

Behind him, the girl smiled ever so faintly."The power born of love... and the power born of hate. I wonder—" she whispered, almost to herself, "—which is stronger?"

A nearby villager spotted her and called out."Hey! Miss, it's freezing out here—you shouldn't be wearing that!"

But her voice was barely audible as she whispered, "I was never here."And with that, she vanished. The snow reformed beneath where she had stood, like her presence had never disturbed it.

The villager blinked, scratching his head."Huh... swear I saw someone there. Must be the alcohol." He turned and trudged back toward the village.

Subaru tore through the snow-laced forest, lungs burning, limbs aching. The cold bit into his cheeks, but he didn't stop.

"Come on, legs—don't fail me now!" he shouted, pushing harder.

He crested a hill—and saw her.

Emilia, walking peacefully through the clearing, unaware of the danger.

Relief crashed over him—until something moved in the trees. Fast. Low. Wrong.

A horned, doglike creature, dark and sleek, broke from the shadows—charging straight for her.

"No!" Subaru's panic gave him a burst of speed. He wouldn't make it in time to pull her away. So he did the only thing he could.

"EMILIA!" he bellowed, throwing his body forward and shoving her into the snow. She gasped as she tumbled.

Subaru turned just in time to face the beast—but it was already on him.

Its jaws clamped around his shoulder, teeth tearing into flesh. He screamed, falling onto his back, fists pounding against the creature's thick hide. It snarled and thrashed, trying to rip him open.

"No... no..." Emilia pushed herself up, dazed, already knowing what she'd see. Her worst fear confirmed.

Subaru. Bleeding. Being mauled.

"SUBARU!" Her voice cracked as she raised her hand."El Huma!"

A storm of ice erupted from her palm—hundreds of sharpened icicles slicing through the air. The impact sent the beast flying, whimpering as it slammed into a tree.

She scrambled to his side, eyes wide with terror, tears already streaming down her cheeks.

"No... please, not again," she whispered, cradling his broken body. Blood seeped across the snow. Her cloak. Her arms. She didn't care.

She placed her hand over his wound. A soft glow flickered—healing magic—but it wasn't enough.

"Sorry... for showing my pathetic side," Subaru croaked weakly, trying to smile through the pain.

"Stop it!" she snapped, voice shaking. "Now's not the time for your jokes!"

His skin was cold. His breath shallow. The village was too far. She couldn't risk it. There was only one place to go.

She scooped him up into her arms, bridal-style, and ran.

"I don't think I can get married now," he mumbled faintly.

"Now. Is. Not. The. Time," she said through gritted teeth, snow whipping against her face.

She didn't care about appearances. Her hood fell back. Her hair tangled in the wind. All she cared about was keeping him alive.

Puck. He was her only hope.

"PUCK!" she shouted, bursting through the door.The spirit was floating lazily inside but immediately tensed at the sight of her—blood-streaked, frantic, clutching a limp boy.

"Lia... you're—" his eyes locked on Subaru. His expression darkened. "Is this the boy?"

She nodded, chest heaving. "Yes—but that doesn't matter right now. Please, Puck—heal him!"

He hovered in hesitation. But when her tears fell again—raw, desperate—he relented.

"Please. He saved me."

Grumbling under his breath, Puck moved in, magic humming to life. He wasn't the best healer, not like his long-lost sister, but he tried. Together, they slowed the bleeding and sealed the worst of the wounds.

"You're going to explain everything," he said sternly once Subaru was stable, though worry edged his words. He was wondering how in a single day she had went from thinking of him as a friend to actually liking him, though she wasn't aware.

Emilia laid Subaru gently onto her bed and sat on the edge, clutching his hand. She was afraid that if she let go, he might vanish.

And then she began to talk.

She spoke of the day. Of the time they spent. The laughter. The warmth. She hesitated at certain parts, especially the more tender moments—but Puck insisted she not leave anything out.

He narrowed his eyes.'Great. She's hiding something,' he thought. 'So much for an honest daughter.'

"...And then I ran here. You know the rest," she finished at last.

The tears had dried, but the worry remained etched on her face. Subaru stirred occasionally, murmuring for his parents. For her.

Puck sighed. "Alright. He can stay. For now."

He floated closer, but then paused. The hour struck. Five o'clock.

He started to fade.

"Lia, whatever you do, don't—"And he was gone. Back into the green crystal she wore around her neck.

Emilia frowned. "Don't what?" she whispered to the empty room. But exhaustion overtook her.

She lay beside Subaru, back to back, his hand still in hers.

"Goodnight, Subaru," she whispered.And slowly, finally, drifted off to sleep.