〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Oh, the old man and Lil'bro are the MVPs. The old man injured the white whale, and the Lil'bro used this opportunity to see through the mystery with the green-haired lady, and then led the tree to knock down the big whale."
Al said off-screen.
"Finally defeated it. Barusu, you're pretty good."
Ram laughed, then thought of something and looked at Rem...
"…Onee-sama?"
"According to Barusu… Rem and Crusch-sama will be transporting the victims and the white whale's corpse. Rem will encounter the Archbishops of Greed and Gluttony. And then…"
"...Yes."
"Crusch-sama..."
Ferris looked at Crusch with tears in her eyes and a sad expression on her face.
"What will Rem do next... Will Rem..."
Emilia was worried that after Rem fell asleep, he would leave like Miss Elsa and the others.
"No wait, compared to this, what is this, sister-in-law?!"
Garfiel quickly pointed at the screen.
—
[ "Rem! Rem, open your eyes! Please, Rem... If you are gone..."
Subaru called out while hugging Rem, who had her eyes closed.
"…Subaru-kun."
Rem slowly opened his eyes.
"Great… Ah, it's me. Do you recognize me? It's Subaru. Rem, your body…"
"Subaru-kun... I'm glad you're okay... Demon Beast... W-What happened..."
"...It fell to the ground and has been cleaned up. It's all thanks to you!" ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"What happened?!"
Ram asked Rem anxiously.
"Ah, don't worry. This is... Rem's doing something bad."
"Doing something bad?"
Emilia tilted her head, not sure what that meant.
—
[ "It hurts, Subaru-kun..."
"I'm sorry, I was wrong. But if I don't do this, I'm afraid you'll go away."
Subaru hugged her tightly.
"Rem, can I make a... willful request?"
"... Ask for it, just ask! No matter what you ask, I'll agree to it..."
"I hope Subaru-kun can say... that he likes Rem."
"I like you."
"Ah… I'm so happy… Rem, I love Subaru. Rem only slept for a while, and when she woke up…"
"You're kidding! Stay by my side! I can't live without you in a future where we can laugh and chat."
"In Subaru-kun's future, can Rem stay by his side?"
"...Do you even need to ask? I won't let you leave me. You are mine. I won't give you to anyone else."
"…Rem accepts Subaru-kun's promise."
The next moment, Rem sat up alertly.
"Rem has already reserved a place next to Subaru-kun...you can't go back on your word." ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"Oh, Rem, really."
Ram breathed a sigh of relief.
"She's frank, yet can be a bit mischievous. If it were the old Rem-san, it would be completely unimaginable. Natsuki-san has really changed Rem-san a lot."
"After all, Subaru-kun saved Rem."
Rem said with a blush on her cheeks.
—
[ "Are you okay, Natsuki Subaru?" Crusch was walking step by step on the grass.
"Just barely. What's going on over there?" Subaru noticed that many survivors of the expedition had gathered near the fallen Frigel tree.
"We need to remove the white whale's body. The Frigel tree was sacrificed in the battle, and it must be disposed of. Even after the battle, we must not relax."
"Wait, does that mean we're already way behind?"
Subaru seemed to be thinking that Crusch's move was a great achievement and would be detrimental to Emilia's lineup.
"Your expression is quite gloomy—it doesn't look like the expression of a hero defeating the White Whale."
"Huh?"
"We are not so shameless as to claim your achievements as our own." ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"See? This is the charm of Crusch-sama."
Ferris was not stingy in praising her master.
"Sincerity and integrity..."
Emilia whispered.
There's still a big gap between Crusch-san and me.
Because of this, I need to work harder.
—
[ "Oh, oh...don't say that. I didn't do anything so great..."
Subaru was hesitant and underestimated himself.
"You accurately predicted the time and location of the white whale's appearance; you traveled extensively to replenish the already insufficient forces of the expeditionary force; you bolstered the demoralized knights, rekindling their fighting spirit; you not only risked your own life to save the enemy, but you also successfully executed your plan, securing victory."
Crusch recounted Subaru's achievements word for word.
Without a doubt, it is the core of the White Whale Raid Campaign.
"...It seems my opinion has improved quite a bit. I'm surprised." Subaru smiled bitterly.
"You don't have to be so modest. Furthermore, I must admit that my opinion of you has changed significantly since a few days ago. You have brought me a rare fortune. Your achievements were more than enough for me to welcome you into the Karsten family."
Crusch narrowed his eyes and invited Subaru to join his army. ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"This is truly a great recognition. From being overly arrogant and conceited before to being so self-deprecating now... neither one of them is good."
Yurius said from off-screen.
I used to overestimate myself, but now I underestimate myself.
Subaru seemed unaware of the significant role he played in the White Whale Raid.
"Ah, but I understand. When it happened, I felt like I didn't do anything, but after it was over and I carefully reviewed it, I realized I did a pretty good job."
Otto said.
—
[ "Let's forget about this." Subaru immediately rejected Crusch's invitation.
"You are a good man, and I think you would make a good king if elected. But... I want Emilia to be king."
"...Very well, I will repay you for your service in another way. I swear in the name of Crusch Karsten that this promise will be fulfilled."
Then she looked at her palm and said:
"Looking back, this is the first time I've been so decisively rejected. Furthermore, you didn't hesitate at all, which gave me a refreshing sense of defeat."
"…I think Crusch-sama is truly amazing. If I were still wandering alone, I would definitely rely on your help. So, I'll leave the matter of our alliance to you. No matter how hostile we may end up, until then, we must get along well."
"... Natsuki Subaru. Let me correct you on one count. Even if the opportunity to fight it out arises, I should still treat you with kindness."
"…"
"Even if the day of our separation comes, I will never forget the favor I owe you today. Therefore, even if we ever become enemies, I will treat you with respect and friendship until the very end." ]
.....
〜Inside, the Theater〜
"If brother had followed the green-haired lady from the beginning... I'm curious about what would have happened."
Al said.
If he, who was wandering alone, accepted Crusch's help...
"Subaru is so ungrateful, nya."
Ferris pouted at Subaru's refusal.
"This also proves Subaru's feelings for Emilia-sama."
Yurius said.
"...I'm very sorry, Natsuki Subaru-sama."
I also said I will never forget...
Crusch apologized.
—
[ "However, it seems that you still have some mission to complete." Crusch said.
"Yeah, it's more like I conquered the white whale just for this purpose."
"It seems that your alliance with us is also a consideration for achieving this goal. If so, it's not difficult to imagine what role you hope we will play... Do you need manpower?"
"Yes. But... to be honest, I didn't expect the battle to be so severe."
"...In that case, feel free to send this old man like me." Wilhelm, covered in wounds, walked forward. ]
....