Chapter 85 – A Strange Person
"Is that so? Well, if they don't want to come, then leave it at that. Just treat them with the same standard we use for ourselves," said Crusch after taking a bite of her food.
She then looked up and asked Felix, who was eating nearby:
"How did the treatment go?"
"It's been done, but... the situation is really bad. Even for me, I couldn't fully heal Subaru's body. All I could do was straighten out the chaotic state inside him and mend the internal damage," Felix replied, a bit dejected.
For someone like Felix, who was always cheerful and playful, this kind of mood was highly unusual.
Realizing that, Crusch simply concluded the topic with, "Then just do your best."
Felix nodded and didn't continue that conversation but instead opened up a new one.
"Lady Crusch, after spending some time with Subaru, I really think we should try to recruit him."
Crusch sighed, set down her knife and fork, and said:
"He has no intention of joining any camp.
He wasn't lying when he said that, and you could see it, right? He wasn't just brushing us off.
He was very serious. A person like that won't easily abandon their goals. I understand what you're thinking, Felix, but all we can do is our best."
Crusch thought the topic was over, but Felix shook his head and said:
"I know he won't easily stay, but I still want him to."
With a slightly puzzled expression, Crusch furrowed her brows and asked:
"After just an afternoon together, why do you speak so highly of him?"
"Because he deserves it.
I've already heard about his experiences — how he came to this kingdom and how he ended up as a servant in Roswaal's mansion.
It's precisely because I learned those things that I hope Subaru stays. If he did, your safety — no, everyone's safety — would be much more assured, Lady Crusch."
"Well, that's rare... I didn't expect you, Felix, to speak so highly of someone. That makes me a little curious," said Crusch.
Without hesitation, Felix told Crusch Subaru's entire story.
One spoke, and the other listened intently. As Felix went on, Crusch's expression gradually grew more serious.
When Felix finished, the dining table fell silent until Crusch finally said:
"Though I'd really like to know if he's lying, based on my impression of him, I don't think he is. Even if one person can't make a huge difference in the Royal Selection, if he truly joins Emilia's camp, we might not be able to underestimate them anymore."
"That's not the main issue, Lady Crusch! The Royal Selection has already begun.
I know you won't withdraw, but the selection is dangerous. Though I hate to admit it, accidents happen.
Neither I nor Sir Wilhelm can guarantee your safety with 100% certainty. I know you're strong... but if something happened, I wouldn't know what to do."
Felix's voice trembled slightly.
"The reason I recommend Subaru isn't because of his strength, or because he acts like a hero. It's because of the irrationality surrounding him — the things he doesn't say, but you can tell just by thinking.
For example, right after he arrived in the capital, he ran into the Bowel Hunter.
We received intel that she was active in the capital. And then there's the way two other Royal Selection members — Felt and Reinhard — treat him. What he said has to be true."
Felix took a breath and continued:
"Because it's true, I don't understand it. Why would someone so weak face the Bowel Hunter and even succeed in rescuing both Emilia and Felt, two Royal Selection candidates?"
At that point, Crusch understood what Felix was trying to convey — the illogical nature of Subaru's actions.
He had just arrived in the capital and encountered the Bowel Hunter. Why would he risk his life for two strangers?
Though the Bowel Hunter may not be feared by powerful individuals, she is certainly not weak — anyone who can keep operating under the kingdom's wanted list is no pushover.
And on top of that, Subaru came here to receive treatment.
When you consider Felix's treatment report, it's clear that there are far too many unnatural aspects to this person.
Nobody risks their life for strangers.
And more importantly... how did he know in advance that there would be an attack on the village — without anyone in the mansion noticing?
The more one thought about Subaru's actions, the more one saw the irrationality in them. Even without knowing the details, the general impression alone revealed how unusual he was.
"So what you're saying, Felix, is... if we keep him here, then if we ever face danger, he'll risk his life to protect us? That's why you want him to stay?" Crusch asked.
Felix nodded enthusiastically.
Crusch fell silent for a moment and then said, "Let things take their course."
"Lady Crusch!"
"Felix, you need to understand. If our guesses are correct, then this kind of person is simply not the type who becomes an aggressor.
Like you said, the Royal Selection is dangerous, and conflicts between factions are inevitable. Someone like him would not join in such conflicts."
"Lady Crusch! You're wrong! I'm not saying we should make him help you win! I just want him to protect you!"
"This topic is closed. We can't influence his thoughts. I understand your good intentions, but no matter what we say or do, his will is what matters most. So let things take their natural course."
"...I understand..." Felix looked at Crusch's serious expression and knew there was no room for negotiation.
"Oh, right — does he need any help?"
"Hm? Oh, he didn't say anything in particular. But when I went to find him, he was exercising in his room. His posture was really strange. He said it was a workout method from his hometown, but can you really train that way?"
Crusch ignored the comment about the odd training and instead said thoughtfully:
"Training, huh? He seems like a disciplined person. In that case, Felix, go tell him later that if he wants to work out, the courtyard outside the mansion is spacious enough. If he has any needs, he can just say so."
"Understood."
"Then let's eat."
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