"Reconciliation?"
At Roswaal's words alone, Natsuki Subaru's expression did not change in the slightest. "At a time like this... you have to be joking, right?"
"Is that not acceptable?"
The smile on Roswaal's face visibly stiffened.
"I seem to recall telling you this before."
Natsuki Subaru's tone was exceptionally calm, but his fists were slowly clenching tighter and tighter, creaking as he did. "To protect Emilia, Rem, and the others, there is nothing I will not do now... so are you going to confess everything yourself, or do I have to beat the truth out of you?"
"That certainly does not sound like you."
Roswaal sighed with feeling. "It seems that man really did raise something extraordinary. I suppose I really have lost."
"It is good that you know that."
Natsuki Subaru's expression quickly turned grave as he demanded in a low voice, "Since you have already lost, explain everything honestly... why did you deliberately summon the Great Rabbit, one of the Three Great Demon Beasts?"
"Well..."
Roswaal paused briefly in thought. "Before that, may I ask you a question?"
"Go ahead."
Natsuki Subaru frowned.
"How many times have you encountered the Great Rabbit and the Witch Cult?" Roswaal looked up at Natsuki Subaru. "And this conversation between us... is this the first time?"
"Why do you ask?"
Natsuki Subaru did not answer immediately, instead throwing the question back at him.
"I am merely curious about how great your potential truly is."
Roswaal had no intention of lying. Or rather, at this point, there was no point in lying anymore. "You possess the Authority to change the world, Natsuki Subaru... but your nature is too weak. You are someone who could become a second me, and I will never allow you to squander that talent."
"Huh?"
Natsuki Subaru seemed stunned