The legend of the Crimson Demon clan started from Suqing

#393 - Aftermath

Because the difference was too obvious.

While the Sloth Archbishop's invisible arms weren't exactly earth-shattering, they were at least troublesome;

And though the Greed Archbishop couldn't learn the abilities of the 'Person of Change,' his ability to freely transform his body was a powerful form of regeneration.

In contrast, there was Natsuki Subaru.

"It's a pure case of 'seller's photos vs. buyer's reality,'" Zunzun sighed, pinching his forehead. "Subaru, if you ever really can't make it, you could team up with Beatrice and become a street performer duo; at least you wouldn't starve."

"I'll consider it carefully."

Natsuki Subaru rolled his eyes.

He didn't think that day would ever come, but Betty seemed quite interested in becoming a street performer.

"So, can I ask you for a favor?"

"Ask me what?"

"To get rid of it, of course!"

Natsuki Subaru and Thumb-Sized Natsuki Subaru looked at each other, both wearing expressions of discomfort and unease.

"Being haunted by something so terrifying would make anyone uneasy, right?"

"Indeed."

And it wasn't just that.

Natsuki Subaru knew all too well what kind of people the Archbishops of Sin were. Now that the Witch Factors of each Archbishop of Sin were converging within his body, continuous corruption could lead to major problems.

Plus, the Witch of Greed had told him about the drawbacks of Return by Death—it wouldn't activate if he felt a sense of security. If things continued like this, it would surely be too late by the time he realized it.

"Originally, I intended to not let my heart be swayed no matter how much the Witch Factor's influence increased, but..."

"Subaru."

Natsuki Subaru gripped Betty's small hand tightly.

"If there's a possibility to try, how could I not use it?" Zunzun understood his meaning and nodded. "I understand. I'll give it a try."

"Is that okay?"

"What 'okay' or not? We're friends... very, very good friends."

These were the words he had said to Garfiel when he reunited with Natsuki Subaru.

"...Thank you, Zunzun. You're a big help."

"It's nothing."

Besides, Zunzun also had something he wanted to confirm.

"In short, I just need to sever the connection between you and the Witch Factor, right?"

"Ah, that would be great."

It might mean that he would no longer be able to use the invisible arms and the Thumb-Sized Subaru, and the Greed Archbishop's invincible ability might also be lost. But compared to those, his own safety and the safety of those around him were more important.

"Alright, then—"

This was still a delicate task for Zunzun. If he accidentally severed the connection between Natsuki Subaru and Betty, they might never be able to form a contract again.

So he was very careful. After clearly sensing the foreign object within the other's body, he swung down the Dark-Light Sword in his hand.

"—Sever!"

The black light sword smoothly passed through his body without leaving any bloodstains, or even causing any pain.

"How is it?"

"...No, nothing's abnormal. If anything, it feels like I wasn't even hit."

Natsuki Subaru looked at his whole body.

His body was healthy, his limbs and head were intact, and the Thumb-Sized Subaru on his right hand was also fine.

This meant the Dark-Light Sword had no effect.

"Still can't do it...?"

"The Dark-Light Sword isn't omnipotent."

It was the same when he fought the Greed Archbishop. His Dark-Light Sword would be blocked at 30 centimeters away, and sometimes even when it struck, it wouldn't work.

But there were generally only two reasons why it wouldn't work.

One was like with Doihara Yousuke, where the curse was transferred to another place, but it still existed.

The other was like with Crusch, where she changed her body itself, making it a part of herself. But for Natsuki Subaru, it was impossible to fuse in such a short time, especially since he said he could feel it.

That would mean that these Witch Factors might have belonged to Natsuki Subaru from the very beginning... or something like that.

It was just a possibility.

But no matter what, Natsuki Subaru might be...

"Damn it!" The unsuccessful man shouted unhappily, "Can't this thing just disappear? This bone-deep nuisance is too annoying."

Indeed, from a long-term perspective, these Witch Factors were more harmful than beneficial to Natsuki Subaru, which was why he wanted to get rid of them.

"Even so, it's still a huge power-up for you, right, Subaru?"

"...That's the one thing I don't want to admit."

Whether it was the invisible arms or the Dragon Blood Curse, Natsuki Subaru was only able to barely find his place in the Watergate City defense battle thanks to these things. Without them, he would have had to cower in the city hall.

"Forget it. Since there's no way to get rid of them, I'll just have to leave them be."

"Tsundere?"

"That's not it!"

Natsuki Subaru retorted loudly.

At this moment, Emilia returned and, seeing him baring his teeth at Zunzun, asked curiously, "What's wrong, are you two fighting?"

"It's a misunderstanding, Emilia-tan. It's not a fight; if anything, I'm the one being teased." Natsuki Subaru quickly explained, while hiding his hand behind his back.

It seemed he still couldn't control Thumb-Sized Natsuki Subaru very well.

"So, Emilia-tan, have you already told Anastasia and Kirika-san about the information?"

"Yes, and they've also asked us to go to a meeting to discuss the future of Watergate City."

Watergate City had been saved, the Witch Cult had been driven out, two of the four Archbishops of Sin who attacked had been defeated, one had been captured, and the last one... no, it should be said that three had fled in a panic. It could be said to be a complete victory.

But while the Archbishops of Sin only needed to cause trouble, those who had to clean up the mess had much more to consider.

They headed to the council chamber on the second floor.

At the entrance, I saw the purple-haired, elegant knight pacing back and forth in the corridor. He had his head slightly lowered, seemingly lost in thought, occasionally touching the longsword in his hand.

It was Julius.

Speaking of which, when the Gluttony Archbishop attacked, he must have fought fiercely as well, being Anastasia's knight after all.

However, he hadn't come out to greet us since we returned. This was the first time I'd seen him.

Just as Zun Zun was about to greet Julius, Natsuki Subaru grabbed his arm first, complaining as he pushed open the door.

"What are you doing here? Aren't we supposed to be in a meeting? Hurry up and go in."

"W-wait a moment..."

The two of them walked in one after the other.

"...Huh?"

"What's wrong, Emilia?"

"That... no, it's nothing."

She shook her head.

Could she be surprised that the two of them were getting along so well? Although it might be a bit much to say that about Natsuki Subaru, he should have grown up after so many things had happened. Besides, judging from his attitude towards Julius just now, it didn't seem like they were on good terms.

Zun Zun and Emilia walked into the council chamber.

They found quite a few people gathered there.

Besides Anastasia and Kirika, who were maintaining the status quo of Priestella, there was also Crusch, whose cheeks were slightly rosy and complexion good, Felix, the arrogant Priscilla, Al, and—

"Oh, you guys finally made it!"

The boisterous and carefree Felt.

After seeing Zun Zun, this guy quickly ran over and jumped on his back, completely disregarding the difference between men and women and their status, acting like they were best buddies. Because of this, Reinhardt subconsciously said,

"It's so good to see you safe and sound, Lord Zun Zun."

"Fram... you too."

A little maid with a genuinely happy smile on her face. An awkward smile appeared on Zun Zun's face. To be honest, he had accidentally forgotten about her.

He was so immersed in the battle with the Archbishops that he had completely thrown Fram's existence to the back of his mind.

Fortunately, Fram didn't seem to mind.

Of course, more importantly—

"You're quite something, kid, successively defeating the Archbishop of Lust and the Archbishop of Greed, making quite a splash. I haven't gained anything on my end."

Zun Zun shone brightly in this battle.

It could be said that he single-handedly protected the stability of Priestella, a true hero.

Reinhardt promptly lowered his head.

"—My deepest apologies, Lady Felt, it was my fault."

"I'm not blaming you."

Felt possessed the strongest fighting force, but after being kidnapped by Heinkel—Reinhardt's father—as a hostage, she was sealed away. After being unsealed, she didn't expect to fail to defeat the Gluttony Archbishop.

She only managed to defeat a Witch Cult zombie soldier, who turned out to be the previous Sword Saint. She really lost out big time.

Crusch also lost out big time.

Not only did she fail to regain her memories, but she also almost became disfigured and wished she were dead. If Zun Zun had been there, she couldn't imagine what would have happened. But there was no room for rejoicing, because Wilhelm…

Speaking of which, Wilhelm wasn't in the council chamber.

"Old Man Wilhelm said he wanted some peace and quiet, so…"

"I see."

Felix probably knew about this too. He looked at Reinhardt with a complicated expression, but the Sword Saint simply closed his eyes as if he were a meditating monk.

"Do you people even intend to have a meeting? I specifically took time out of my schedule to listen to your reports. If you continue barking like dogs, I might get angry and cause a ruckus."

The arrogant Priscilla fanned herself, a hint of anger flashing in her sharp eyes.

An unreasonable woman.

She clearly couldn't stand the scene of the grandfather and grandson reconciling, so she specifically brought Heinkel over, but now she was annoyed because they had completely split apart.

This guy should be punished.

"You over there, staring at me like that, are you perhaps captivated by my beauty? Hmph, considering that you defeated two Archbishops of Sin, bringing me a slight bit of amusement, I'll allow you to lick my feet. Come, with adoring respect, suckle like you would at your mother's breast."

"—Alright, I understand."

Zun Zun slowly walked up to her, amidst Natsuki Subaru's exclamation of "No way, are you really going to lick them?"

"That's exactly what I have to do to an arrogant woman like you!"

"—You scoundrel!"

"W-wait, wait… don't get angry, Princess!"

Al quickly ran over to hold down Priscilla, who was in pain and about to swing her hand. She was holding a gorgeous red greatsword, which, from Zun Zun's perspective, undoubtedly contained top-notch magical power.

Felt cheered loudly, Crusch shyly lowered her head, and Emilia wanted to stop them.

Just as the scene was about to become unmanageable, Anastasia clapped her hands.

"Alright—, that's enough." The girl looked at the noisy crowd and said, "I wouldn't mind if you wanted to get closer, but shouldn't we be talking about something else right now?"

Zun Zun and Priscilla were pulled apart.

"Mm, very good." Anastasia nodded in satisfaction and said, "Then let's start the meeting… although I'd like to ask one question first."

The girl turned to look at the elegant knight at the entrance.

"Who are you?"

The words that came from her lightly parted lips were like a nightmare revisited, even said by a royal candidate to her own knight.

Full of irony.