The air in the Garden seemed to freeze. Subaru Natsuki's breath caught in his throat for a moment.
Elsa Granhiert's fingers tightened slightly on the hilt of the dagger.
Reinhard van Astrea looked at Higashino Makoto, his eyes devoid of any emotion.
"Who to kill?"
"The Witch of Envy, Satella."
Reinhard van Astrea's expression was complex.
Satella, known as "the one who drinks all the world's bounty" and "the queen of the city of shadows," is Witch of Envy who caused a world-class catastrophe.
It is an evil that triggers massive catastrophes and devours half of the world.
"Do you know what you're saying?"
"Know."
Higashino Makoto was the giver of Subaru Natsuki's cheat ability, the origin of the Re: Zero story, and arguably the beginning of everything.
Judging from the abilities she granted Subaru Natsuki, he at least possesses time-reversal abilities.
With the addition of a colossal hand composed of countless shadows capable of devouring the world, its offensive capabilities are also considerable.
In short, he is a very troublesome opponent.
"The Witch of Envy cannot be killed by one person alone. Even though I am known as the strongest, I am still not confident."
So, you're not the only one.
Higashino Makoto lowered his hand.
I will go with you.
Reinhard van Astrea stared at him for a long time.
Why did you kill her?
"Because she's blocking my way."
Higashino Makoto's answer was concise and direct.
"In my opinion, her Witch Factor is the most precious thing in the world, and I want it."
Reinhard van Astrea's brow furrowed slightly.
"Witch Factor..."
"Yes, it's what the Sin Archbishops and witches possess—it grants appropriate Authority, a power that transcends magic and distorts the rules of the world."
Higashino Makoto spoke calmly.
"I need it. Of course, not necessarily to gain Authority, but mainly because I want to study them, perhaps it will allow me to advance further."
Reinhard van Astrea fell silent.
He looked at Higashino Makoto, his blue eyes flashing with a complex light.
Then he nodded.
"Good."
"You agreed?"
"I agreed."
Reinhard van Astrea's voice was calm.
"But not because of a deal, it's because I also want to kill the Witch of Envy. After all, she's always been a threat. Although she's sealed away, the seal isn't stable, and one day she'll awaken again. Rather than waiting until then, it's better to strike first."
He paused.
"Moreover, your suggestion has shown me a possibility."
What are the possibilities?
"The possibility of killing her."
Higashino Makoto looked at him.
Aren't you afraid I'll lie to you?
"I'm not afraid."
"Why?"
Because of your eyes.
Reinhard van Astrea's lips curled up slightly.
"Liars don't have those kinds of eyes."
Higashino Makoto did not respond.
He turned around and walked out of the Garden.
"Let's go, I'll take you to see that Prince Xuan."
Reinhard van Astrea followed behind him, his steps steady and composed.
Subaru Natsuki walked at the back, watching the red-haired man's retreating figure.
"Reinhard van Astrea..."
He said in a low voice.
This is the Sword Saint...
He recalled the words he had heard countless times in his reincarnations: the Sword Saint was called "a living legend."
He had been jealous, jealous of that innate strength, jealous of that aura of being admired by everyone.
But now, looking at the man's back, he suddenly realized that the man was not what he had imagined.
Not arrogant, not indifferent, not condescending.
He was simply a gentle, strong person who was willing to draw his sword to protect others.
"Mr. Subaru Natsuki."
Reisen's voice rang in my ears.
"It's time to go."
"Oh... okay."
He quickened his pace and caught up.
In the basement of the Loot House, Old Man Rom and Felt were still there.
Reisen has already treated the wound, but bloodstains remain on the ground.
Old Man Rom sat leaning against the wall, his gray eyes watching the five people who walked in.
Felt huddled in the corner, her red eyes filled with fear and wariness.
"Your Highness Felt."
Reinhard van Astrea walked up to her, knelt down, and looked her in the eye, the Royal Selection Badge in his hand glowing.
I've come to pick you up.
Felt looked at him, a complex light flickering in her red eyes.
"Who... who are you, and why do you call me Your Highness?"
"Reinhard van Astrea van Astreya."
He reached out his hand.
"You are a member of royal blood, and as a knight of the House Astrea, I welcome your return."
Felt was stunned.
"Royal family?"
"Right."
Reinhard van Astrea's voice was very soft.
"You are the daughter of the previous king, and you are the last chosen one recorded on the Dragon History Stone. I have come to take you home."
Felt stared at his outstretched hand for a long time.
Then she reached out and shook his hand.
She didn't care about her royal status, but her wish to leave the slums had finally been fulfilled.
In a way she never expected.
Let's go.
Reinhard van Astrea stood up.
Your Highness.
Felt and followed behind him.
Old Man Rom stood up, watching Felt's retreating figure, a complex light flashing in his gray eyes.
He didn't speak. He just watched the girl follow the red-haired man out of the basement and into the moonlight.
"Mr. Higashino Makoto."
Reinhard van Astrea stopped and turned around.
"Thank you for telling me about Princess Felt's whereabouts."
"You're welcome, it's a deal."
Higashino Makoto extended his hand.
Remember your promise.
Reinhard van Astrea looked at the hand, then reached out and grasped it.
I won't forget.
Higashino Makoto nodded and withdrew his hand.
"Let's go, it's time to see someone else."
Subaru Natsuki paused for a moment.
"Who?"
"Emilia, that silver-haired half -Elf Kingdom girl."
Subaru Natsuki's eyes lit up.
Do you know where she is?
She should be coming to see you soon.
Higashino Makoto turned around and walked towards the alley entrance.
"Because her badge is still in your hands."
Subaru Natsuki looked down at the badge in his hand.
Light seemed to flow within the gemstone, as if some long-dormant power was awakening.
He gripped the badge tightly, the metal edge digging painfully into his palm.
Let's go.
Higashino Makoto's voice came from the alley entrance.
She should be waiting.
Subaru Natsuki took a deep breath and followed.