Anastasia Route: Forced Buy and Sell (Part 1)
"This is really... a little bit embarrassing, honestly~" Anastasia twirled the tip of her hair. Facing the dumbfounded gazes of Julius, Mimi, and the others, she appeared slightly restless, her face flushed red.
It wasn't unusual for her to engage in a fiery courtship.
After all, she was the type of person who could throw caution to the wind; otherwise, how could she have seized various business opportunities to consolidate such a massive Hoshin Trading Company?
However, as to whether she would actually succeed, she remained quite apprehensive until the result was set in stone—if she failed, it would become a piece of "dark history" known throughout the world.
"To be willing to stake the kingdom and wealth she possesses as a dowry... that such a dreamlike sense of absurdity would actually happen one day." The astonishment felt by Ricardo and Julius was not because Anastasia would take the initiative to court someone, but because of the price she was willing to pay to obtain Hikigaya Hachiman's favor.
"Comparing the current you to the Lady Anastasia of the past, who viewed wealth as number one with nothing else being comparable, I can very directly feel how deeply fallen you have become in the future." After a moment of contemplation, the sharp-eyed Julius—who had shifted his bets several times—finally returned to Anastasia's side at this moment, heart and soul. In matters of love, he would henceforth steadfastly support Lady Anastasia and Hikigaya Hachiman!
At the same time, in the Karsten mansion, Crusch felt a ball of resentment stifled in her chest. For someone as good-tempered as her, it was rare to sulk like this. Even now, she hadn't been able to let it go, yet she couldn't find any faults or omissions on Anastasia's part.
"Hmph, her eye for talent is certainly good, knowing to value Hachiman-kun... Dammit..." He was supposed to be hers. He was originally going to join her!
Ferris shared the same enmity. He said with conviction, "It doesn't matter, nyan! Crusch-sama's timeline will definitely be next, nyan! And it will definitely be much more impressive than Lady Anastasia's timeline, nyan!" Crusch nodded fiercely—it was rare for her to be this anxious, feeling apprehensive yet full of anticipation at the same time.
An apprehensive Anastasia, an apprehensive Crusch; at this very moment, Emilia on the streets of the Royal Capital and Rem in Kararagi Village were just as apprehensive. Even if it was only a possibility, having to watch with wide eyes as Hikigaya Hachiman accepted someone else's confession and happily formed a family was a shock of immeasurable proportions.
"Ugh..." Emilia anxiously pressed her ten fingers together. "But Anastasia-san really is amazing... In a world without me and Rem, if there is an Anastasia-san who loves Hachiman
this mu~ch, then it should also—wu." Under the stern gaze of Puck—who had sworn to teach his daughter to be "twisted"—her kindness was barely retracted.
"Seriously, this parallel world is just ridiculous!" Eriri, who had long since left Aki Tomoya and was not in the same room as him, pointed at Anastasia and said to Kato Megumi and Kasumigaoka Utaha on either side of her: "What kind of people are these! Setting aside Rem, Emilia, and Crusch who are likeable from the start, even someone like Anastasia is this charming! It's too much!" She shook her head, her twin-tails flying wildly.
"With this ingenious confession, even if she wanted to go Yuri with me, I wouldn't be able to hold out! What is with these women, each one is more..." She struggled for a long time to find the right words, until Kasumigaoka Utaha offered an assist: "Charming and unique."
"Yes!" As if enlightened, Eriri struck her palm with her fist. "That's exactly the feeling!" These girls really let people know instantly just how special they were. Each had their own unique charm that was one-of-a-kind in the world. Not only was there no "second Emilia" or "second Anastasia," but that specific "vibe" was something others simply couldn't imitate.
"Perhaps," Kato Megumi said suddenly, looking thoughtful, "this is what Hikigaya-kun calls the 'Genuine Thing'." As to what the "Genuine Thing" was, many people, including Kato Megumi, were confused, but clearly a corner of the answer had been revealed now—to say "that is a Genuine Thing," at least one prerequisite is that it must be unique and one-of-a-kind.
"I'm jealous, so jealous. I don't ask for a kingdom; I'd be happy with just a million." In the Nakano apartment, Uesugi Fuutarou, who was spurred into a state of decadence, muttered to himself, his eyes glowing with intense envy. The Nakano quintuplets were momentarily speechless; they really couldn't produce that much money. Compared to Earth, Anastasia's financial power was at least at the level of several Microsofts.
Slap. Just as their moods were turning subtle, Uesugi Fuutarou followed up by slapping both his cheeks and taking a deep breath.
"I'm already lucky enough to get a job with five times the salary. Focus, and be a good tutor! If I keep at this salary, it'll be enough to pay off the debt!"
"Oh! Do your best, Uesugi-san!!" Nakano Yotsuba cheered him on energetically.
Nakano Itsuki blinked... 'Wait, so Uesugi Fuutarou was just talking big for a second?' She had actually felt a bit of disdain for him just now.
What should she do... this was too embarrassing!
"Anastasia's proposal, huh. Heh." In Class D, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka let out a light chuckle. If it were him, he would definitely agree. Anastasia had too many resources; in that dangerous parallel world, being able to command Anastasia would provide a security guarantee. However, based on his observations of Hikigaya Hachiman—which had never been wrong so far—Ayanokouji Kiyotaka dared to assert that Anastasia was bound to return empty-handed.
At least, she wouldn't succeed this time. Whether she would in a second or third attempt in the future was another matter.
-
-
-
「"The time you're taking to think is a bit long, honestly~ Although I'd wait as long as it takes if I can get the answer I want to hear, I still hope the Prime Minister can hurry up and take this hand, don't you think?"」
「"Even if you say that..."」
「"Are there some misgivings?" A panicked Anastasia put up a strong front. "Could it be that you already have someone you like? That Yukinoshita person you mentioned before, or... could it be that Emilia's assistance four years ago made you fall for her? If it's for that reason, I won't accept it no matter what."」
「Living people can still compete, but Yukinoshita and Emilia can both be treated as 'dead' people in this context. Anastasia knew very well the iron rule that the living cannot win against the dead.」
「"People who are already dead shouldn't cling to my Prime Minister."」
「The implication was—if it really was because of those two people, then she, Anastasia, would absolutely exercise her Imperial authority and forcibly marry herself off!」
Anastasia Route: Forced Buy and Sell (Part 2)
「Four years have passed, yet Hikigaya Hachiman still clearly remembers Yukinoshita Yukino, as well as Emilia—who offered him unconditional help on the day he crossed over to this world and was subsequently killed by Elsa the Bowel Hunter.」
「His fondness for these two will not fade, but when it comes to "like" or "love," it seems he hasn't reached that point yet.」
「To reject Anastasia—a girl he has spent four whole years with in "best friend mode"—for their sake is, of course, even more of an absurdity.」
「If truth be told, Hikigaya Hachiman's mind is currently a mess. Just processing the single fact that "Anastasia likes me" has already consumed all of his brain cells; it is truly hard to believe.」
「Occupying a position above Julius and second only to the Royal Candidate herself, there were indeed women who courted him during those four years, just as Anastasia said. However, those people were all coveting his status and power. They would hint at their intentions or throw themselves at him either the moment they met or when they were barely considered acquaintances.」
「Regarding these women, if one insisted they "liked him," Hikigaya Hachiman found it hard to feel any sense of reality; naturally, he couldn't call it romantic experience, and he rejected them very cleanly.」
「Therefore—」
「"...This is my..."」
「Realizing that his silence might make the girl before him uneasy, Hikigaya Hachiman—though shy and turning his face away—finally gathered his courage after a moment of awkward dodging and murmured: "I think this is... the first time in my life I've been proactively confessed to, for real."」
「"I'm confused, and I really don't know what to say right now. Um, well, sorry, let me organize my words. I will properly tell you what I want to express, yes..."」
「After several consecutive deep breaths, Hikigaya Hachiman's body temperature became noticeably higher than usual. His cheeks were as flush red as Anastasia's. "...Anyway, I'm very happy. Until today, I never knew that being confessed to was such a joyful thing. Thank you, Anastasia."」
「"Don't say 'thank you,' say 'I love you,' honestly~"」
「"Even if you demand that, I can't comply with that specifically right now."」
「Anastasia sighed with a headache. "My Prime Minister is truly a troublesome fellow, honestly. You're so decisive when facing other matters; could it be that you dislike my chest because it's too small?"」
「"Don't paint me as the kind of person who values sexual satisfaction over feelings, my greedy Emperor."」
「She was teasing him... realizing this and seeing that his Emperor was no longer uneasy, Hikigaya Hachiman's heart relaxed accordingly, and he was no longer so helpless.」
「"You should know what I'm thinking, Anastasia... The confession came so suddenly, I really don't know right now if I will end up liking you or not. Give me some time, alright?"」
「If it were four years ago, his reaction would likely have been very different. Who the person is matters as well; because the process of getting to know each other was so convoluted and strange, and because he hated Anastasia at the very start, he is uniquely unconstrained when getting along with the girl before him.」
「Perhaps rather than "member of the opposite sex," his mind is filled more with perceptions like "this guy," or "I'm gonna scold you."」
「"A slow man won't be popular in Kararagi. Though I say that, I'm technically a person of Lugunica now, so it's fine."」
「An incredibly regretful Anastasia wanted to act nonchalant, but the embarrassment of her failed confession was written all over her face. Her outstretched hand remained frozen there, unsure of what to do.」
「"—"」
「That hand, which was hesitating whether or not to secretly withdraw, was suddenly held.」
「"Not as a man, not as the man you like, but in my capacity as Anastasia's Prime Minister—I can't let my Emperor be put in a difficult spot."」
「Feeling his reliable, thick palm at the moment their temperatures interchanged, Anastasia was enveloped by a warm current from head to toe. She looked up with a beaming smile and suddenly asked: "Do you want to try it out?"」
「"What?"」
「"Whether or not my svelte body suits your tastes. Like treating a fragile item, hold me gently in your arms, let my entire weight rest on you. You're free to touch wherever you wish."」
「"Love can also be viewed as a once-in-a-lifetime transaction. In order to complete this transaction smoothly and sell myself successfully, I have no choice but to add some weight to the scale, honestly~"」
「"Check the goods first, my dear Prime Minister."」
「Speaking these bashful words, Anastasia steeled her resolve and took half a step forward, intending to throw herself into the man's embrace.」
「Having raised his guard before she even moved, Hikigaya Hachiman snapped his palm away, placed both hands on the her's shoulders to halt her progress, and quickly fled.」
「This merchant is indeed as cunning as a fox at all times—she clearly knew that if they reached that level of intimacy, the wavering Hikigaya Hachiman would definitely take responsibility.」
「Calling it a "pre-check of goods," this is a forced buy and sell... you Merchant Emperor!」
「Echidna Fox, who had been playing dead, crawled onto Anastasia's head after Hikigaya Hachiman's back had completely vanished into the distance. "What now? It was a failure, Anna."」
「Anastasia gently pressed the hand that had held Hikigaya Hachiman's against her chest, closing her eyes in enchantment. On the rooftop, her whisper rode the wind, spreading her will to the whole world:」
「"Well, I've always been a greedy Merchant, after all."」
-
-
-
"Hmph." Ram wore a look of disdain and gave a contemptuous cold laugh. "Rem's confession succeeded instantly, while this Merchant failed even after adding so many stakes. As expected, no one can compare to Ram's sister."
"Sister is the best!" In Arlam Village, Rem and Ram—who had both let out sighs of relief—reacted quite differently. Compared to her proud sister, while Rem praised her, a lingering sense of crisis still swirled in her heart.
In fact, Hikigaya Hachiman's performance made it hard not to suspect that if Anastasia had just pushed a little harder and been a bit more proactive, she could have easily taken him down. After all, as long as it's a "Genuine Thing," Hikigaya Hachiman basically likes it.
To this, the slaves of Kararagi were the ones with the most tears in their eyes. Even if the liberation of slaves was only a future possibility, having a thought gave them hope and something to rely on. As the proposers and actors of slave liberation, the people in this world who currently want Anastasia and Hikigaya Hachiman to be happy and together the most are precisely these slaves!
Anastasia Route: The Best Friend Drowning in Shame and Indignation
「"Are you... alone?"」
「Descending the stairs, Hikigaya Hachiman encountered Julius, who was stationed by the stairwell. The startled Julius clearly knew what Anastasia had planned to do today; upon seeing an ending that was not a pair, his loathing for Hikigaya Hachiman instantly thickened significantly.」
「"..."」
「He gripped the hilt of his sword. Several times within a few short seconds, he wanted to use the scabbard to beat the man before him whom he had detested for four whole years—had it not been for Lady Anastasia's specific prior instructions, these thoughts would have translated into action the moment they appeared.」
「"Julius..."」
「"My apologies," Julius stepped aside to clear the path, looking straight ahead as he made a gesture of 'please.' "Though you are now the noble Prime Minister, as Lady Anastasia's Chief Knight, I at least have the right to refuse dialogue with you. Should you have any orders, please relay them to me through others."」
「Julius, the Finest Knight, refused to communicate. He was only this impolite and disregardful of etiquette toward Hikigaya Hachiman.」
「"I loathe you... Hikigaya Hachiman."」
「Gazing at the retreating back of the sighing Prime Minister, Julius's gaze was as sharp as a falcon's. "Lady Anastasia is far too indulgent toward you... You have never truly respected her, even if your wisdom is indispensable... I utterly despise you. I always have."」
-
-
-
"In the Felt route, it's Reinhard; in the Anastasia route, it's Julius?" Kousaka Kyousuke froze for a moment; this was truly a novel development. It should be said that by now, basically everyone felt that Hikigaya and Julius were a match made in heaven as 'best friends.' This reversal of the offensive—where they are as estranged in the Anastasia route as they were loving in the official history—caught everyone off guard.
"Is there a flaw in every version? No, rather than a flaw, it's more that a world where everything is perfect and goes exactly as one wishes simply doesn't exist. Reality is like this; there are always various regrets."
"But isn't Julius usually very mild-tempered? How did it turn out like this?" Kousaka Kirino couldn't accept it, absolutely could not accept it. Although she wasn't a fujoshi, watching the 'best friends' part ways was just too much torture!
"Kirino, in Julius's heart, the monarch he serves always comes first. Dedicating everything to his monarch is his knightly code, a principle he holds as sacred." Looking at Kirino—who had recently become less tsundere and foul-tempered and could actually speak properly—Kyousuke explained in a good mood: "In the official history, Julius had an extremely high opinion of Hikigaya from the start because Hikigaya was willing to oppose the Council of Sages for Emilia's sake. That struck a chord with Julius's values."
"But in this possible future, Hikigaya's relationship with Anastasia is somewhat akin to 'frenemies.' Moreover, his initial joining of the Anastasia camp was reluctant, and he openly slacked off. This is diametrically opposed to Julius's values."
"Therefore, the Julius of this future likely had a massive prejudice against him from the start. Once prejudice exists, it's naturally difficult to view things objectively. Over days and years, the friction only grew."
"Not to mention that Hikigaya has now actually rejected Anastasia's confession—in Julius's knightly worldview, that might be an act comparable to the ultimate insult!"
Kirino nodded blankly, barely managing to accept the explanation. But in the KTV, Hayama, Miura Yumiko, and Isshiki Iroha were covering their ears, looking at the wailing Ebina. Seeing this fujoshi act as if the sky had fallen was a sight of utter despair.
-
-
-
"This—" In the Anastasia mansion, Julius wore an extremely apologetic expression. At this moment, he desperately wanted to cover his face and leave; it was humiliating to the extreme. Everyone, who had just been lamenting Lady Anastasia's failed confession, was now casting teasing glances at him.
"Julius actually has such a bigoted side! Mimi has seen quite a spectacle! Oh!"
"No, I beg you, stop talking, really!"
Compared to the shouting Mimi, Anastasia still knew to save some face for her Chief Knight, but she was struggling very hard to suppress her laughter.
-
-
-
「Julius's loathing for him had long been deep-rooted; it wasn't a matter of a day or two. Hikigaya Hachiman had grown used to it. He didn't care much for this 'Finest Knight' anyway; he usually tried to avoid meeting him as much as possible.」
「Even as Julius's monarch, Anastasia could do little about this bit of stubbornness. She adopted the same tactic as Hikigaya Hachiman, letting her knight and her Prime Minister see each other as little as possible. This was also why the Chief Knight was sent on a mission to Kararagi during the operation to suppress the slave traders.」
「While there were factors of duty and strength involved, the fact that she dispatched Julius instead of Hikigaya Hachiman led many to guess who Anastasia was actually closer to.」
「Thump.」
「A hurried Hikigaya Hachiman returned all the way to his bedroom, locked the door, shut the windows, and drew the curtains.」
「Sitting on the bed alone in a daze, he kept his head down. For a while, the only sounds in the room were his breathing and his heartbeat.」
「His chaotic thoughts gradually calmed down amid his rhythmic breathing. He murmured to himself: "Someone actually likes me? ...Someone proactively confessed to me? ...There's actually someone who likes me enough to proactively confess? —No way? You're joking, right? It's a lie, right? That's too weird!"」
「The shadowy memories of his failed courtship back in middle school timely began to spread from a corner of his heart to his whole body—and in the next second, they were completely crushed.」
「"This kind of thing, this kind of thing... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA~!!"」
「Hikigaya Hachiman kicked off his shoes and dove onto the bed, hugging the warm quilt and rolling back and forth. He even gave the quilt a fierce kiss.」
「"Someone really likes me! It's a girl! And such a beautiful girl! It's Anastasia!! A confession! Hahahaha!!"」
-
-
-
In the convenience store, it was so quiet one could hear a pin drop. Only the sound of the future Hikigaya Hachiman laughing heartily remained.
"...Just kill me." Hikigaya Hachiman murmured, burying his entire face in Yukinoshita's fragrant, soft shoulder, lacking the courage to face the gazes being cast his way.
Yukinoshita's shoulder trembled slightly. She was suppressing her laughter with great effort. The displeasure she felt earlier from watching Anastasia confess to her boyfriend had dissipated quite a bit.
Different worlds, identical treatment—the "best friends" Hikigaya Hachiman and Julius were simultaneously plunged into the same embarrassment of being "drowned in shame and indignation."
Anastasia Route: Crusch's Resurrected Fighting Spirit
"An unexpectedly pure heart, nyan." This reminded Ferris—back in Margrave Roswaal's mansion, when Hachiman-chin was interacting closely with Lady Emilia and Rem-rin, hadn't he always been very shy?
"Then why didn't he react like that when Rem-rin confessed in the Royal Capital—" Ferris froze for a moment, then came to a realization. "I see, was it because he had a heavy burden on his shoulders back then?"
"From this, one can see that Sir Hachiman, having joined Anastasia's camp, is living quite a comfortable life." Crusch brushed her finger over her lips, an unconscious, satisfied curve forming on her face. "Though he was intercepted by another, seeing this result, it can be considered quite good for Sir Hachiman."
However, if he were under her command, Sir Hachiman would definitely live an even more comfortable life—Crusch had that confidence. Anything she possessed, she could give to him. As for his rare side—passionately rolling around on his bed because of a single confession—wasn't that quite interesting too?
-
--
-
「The Royal Capital of Lugunica was once the political center of the kingdom; since Anastasia's ascension, she has endowed it with a new significance: the Capital of Trade.」
「The prosperity of this city is now unique in the entire world. The streets are so bustling with horses and carriages laden with goods that Hikigaya Hachiman—who did not reveal his identity as Prime Minister to enjoy special privileges—was stuck in a traffic jam for over ten minutes before successfully reaching his destination.」
「Dressed in military uniform, Crusch stood with a straight back. She has now formally succeeded to the title of Duchess of the Karsten family. Although she lost her status as a Royal Candidate, she remains one of the most prominent figures in the land.」
「"It's a bit strange not seeing Ferris by your side."」
「"As the kingdom's foremost healer, he has his own duties. He cannot stay by the side of a failure forever; I am no longer a candidate for Emperor."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman took the tea Crusch had brewed and gently shook his head. "If I didn't know your broad-minded character, I would almost think you were taking a dig at me."」
「"In your eyes, Sir, am I the type of person who complains after losing?" Crusch offered a handsome smile, filled with deep emotion. "Regarding the fact that I didn't recognize your
ability in time, that my recruitment wasn't passionate enough, and that I missed out on the current Prime Minister—I still find it hard to let go."
「 'Hey, hey... this person who says she finds it hard to let go, yet doesn't have a hint of resentment... just where did this perfect angel come from? No, even the title 'angel' doesn't do her justice, right?'」
「"That's why you're like this... It really is very comfortable being with you, Crusch."」
「"Coming from you, Sir, those words of praise are very pleasing to the ear." Crusch took a sip of tea. She then estimated the time, her expression appearing a bit helpless.」
「"However, I have some tedious official business to handle later today, and my free time is not abundant. If you have serious matters to discuss, please speak plainly."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman suddenly coughed violently. He was a bit embarrassed, his body tense and hesitant... but if he didn't consult Crusch, he didn't know who else to turn to.」
「Among the people he knew and had deep relationships with, Crusch was the most capable of keeping secrets, the most serious, and the least likely to mock others.」
「"Um..." Hikigaya Hachiman asked cautiously, "Crusch, what are your views on things like 'romance' and 'marriage'?"」
「"Marriage?"」
「Crusch froze for a moment, looking Hikigaya Hachiman over very seriously. She pondered for a while. "Yes, it is indeed about that time."」
「She closed her eyes in thought for three or four seconds. When she opened them, it was as if she had made a major decision; her tone was no longer so light and casual.」
「"Although I haven't paid much attention to such matters, I know that as the current head of the Karsten house, I will eventually need to produce a successor. I have no special requirements for a partner, provided they are someone I can respect and are of a similar age.
If it is you, Sir, I do not find it objectionable. However, marriage arrangements would need to be postponed; acting too hastily would damage your reputation and that of the Karsten house.
Of course, if you have any requirements for me, you may raise them. I do not necessarily require you to marry into my family and change your surname; one successor for the Karsten house is enough. We can have two children: one bearing your surname, and one to succeed the Karsten name."」
「Like a rapid-fire cannon, Crusch rattled on, considering every aspect. She truly was an exceptionally reliable person; if one were to marry her, it seemed all preparations would be safe in her hands.」
」
「...If one were to marry her.」
「"Wait, wait a second, I actually—"」
「Hikigaya Hachiman had to interrupt her. "Anastasia confessed to me, and I don't know if I should say yes, so I wanted to ask for your opinion. I'm truly sorry for making you misunderstand."」
「How shameful... he had made a woman like Crusch say she was willing to marry him, causing such a misunderstanding. In this instant, Hikigaya Hachiman recalled many movies and TV shows he had watched before crossing over; because of that, he had to explain clearly right away.」
「What a miscalculation, a total disaster... He had been so stirred up by Anastasia's confession that he hadn't even stated his purpose clearly.」
「When bringing up the topic of love and marriage to a girl, it was only natural for her to misunderstand.」
「"...."」
「The silence from Crusch after her speech ended lasted much longer than before. But when she came to her senses, she did not blame Hikigaya Hachiman, still maintaining her smile. "Is that so? So that was your request, Sir. In that case, my advice is simple: it would be best if you turned her down."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman, who was waiting for a condemnation, did not receive a storm but a calm answer. He couldn't help but feel curious: "Do you think Anastasia and I are a bad match?"」
「Crusch disagreed: "In my view, you get along harmoniously with the current Emperor; I imagine you would be happy and fulfilled after marriage."」
「"Then you..."」
「"Because you reminded me."」
「Crusch stood up. she looked down at the confused Hikigaya Hachiman, a meaningful smile on her face. "You reminded me that it is about time I consider marriage as well. After careful thought, I believe that joining with you is the most suitable choice, both in terms of my inner thoughts and outward status."」
「"Furthermore."」
「She paused, her presence becoming magnificent. The easy-going nature of someone who had long lived in a subordinate position faded away, and it was as if she had returned to four years ago—the crisp, decisive Crusch who was sworn to ascend the throne, filled from head to toe with cool and handsome charm.」
「"I have said it before, I am not without any resentment regarding my failure—last time, you were intercepted and snatched away by Anastasia. This time, I hope to win back the round!"」
Anastasia Route: The United Anastasia Camp
"Crusch, oh Crusch." Anastasia truly hadn't expected that while she and Crusch were rivals in reality, they would still have the chance to be rivals even after the dust of the future candidate race had settled.
However, she wasn't annoyed in the slightest.
"Although it looks like it's turning into a melodramatic 'choose between two' scenario, it's quite clear that Hikigaya-kun hasn't taken Crusch's hint to heart at all. He isn't thinking about whether to choose Anastasia or Crusch; his mind is still only on whether or not to say yes to Anastasia."
Kousaka Kyousuke was very fond of his own level-headedness. "Hikigaya-kun really isn't a scumbag at all. In the official history, the reason he cared for both Emilia and Rem at the same time was that there was simply too much involvement, making it impossible to untangle completely."
But in this possible future, even if Crusch is a "Genuine Thing," without that history of entanglement and inseparable ambiguous emotions, Hikigaya Hachiman remained detached from the start. He simply assumed Crusch was acting out of spite toward Anastasia. This wasn't because he had low emotional intelligence, but because he was adhering to his own "Genuine Thing."
Most people could see through this, but the simple-minded Emilia was not among that majority.
"Even Miss Crusch?!" Surrounded on all sides, her face was blank. Emilia's mood was beyond words; too much hardship was hidden within her beautiful amethyst pupils.
In Kararagi, the werewolf Halibel laughed heartily while drinking.
"Oh my, from where I stand, the most suitable choice for his wife remains Miss Rem, haha." Crusch's love wasn't intense enough, Emilia was too much of a handful, and as for Anastasia—well, seeing as this fellow Kararagi native had sent people to gang up on his future self, he especially hoped to see the scene of Hikigaya Hachiman "beating" Anastasia again. It would be even better if the intensity exceeded the White Whale negotiations.
-
-
-
「After leaving the Karsten mansion, Hikigaya Hachiman slipped into a house that Anastasia had gifted to him.」
「As the Prime Minister of Lugunica, he should have been buried in official business. Fortunately, Anastasia herself was extremely enthusiastic about handling affairs. In her
words, it was a way to experience the feeling of power—just as pleasant as counting money. Unless the work was overflowing, she told him to just leave it all to her.
「"...Thinking about it this way, aren't I being taken care of by her again?"」
「Sighing, Hikigaya Hachiman wrote a name on a blank sheet of paper that he hadn't seen for four years. He held up the paper and looked up at it. "What should I do, Yukinoshita?"」
「Hikigaya Hachiman actually knew very well what "liking" felt like. He had once experienced love at first sight with Yukinoshita Yukino. If he hadn't crossed over, they might have ended their cold war shortly after, and if things went smoothly, he might have even started dating her. Although those were things of the past, that heart-pounding feeling remained engraved in his heart.」
「He didn't have that feeling for Anastasia.」
「No, perhaps he did... after four years of being together, he would occasionally notice something unique about this girl. In those seconds, the thought "She's amazing" would flash through his mind. The same thing happened when he was confessed to yesterday.」
「But it didn't compare to that heart-pounding feeling he had for Yukinoshita, and further down the line, it might not even compare to what he felt for Emilia. Back when he had just arrived and was isolated and helpless, the figure of Emilia appearing like an angel was truly unforgettable.」
「This didn't mean he liked those two... it was just that, if his level of "heart-pounding" wasn't even as strong as those two instances, then it probably didn't count as liking Anastasia, right? 」
「"You're a good person, my Merchant Majesty."」
「Imagining this response, Hikigaya Hachiman couldn't help but chuckle—and then he found himself out on the street catching the breeze, called out by the hulking Ricardo.」
「"You're a total monster," Ricardo said, slapping Hikigaya Hachiman's shoulder boisterously. "I've never seen a monster like you. Even the Miss can't compare to you. Just thinking about having you as an enemy makes my skin crawl. I'm really glad the Miss had the eye for talent to dig you up at any cost back then."」
「"If you're praising me, could you use a different word?"」
「"Haha, I'm not very educated." He laughed brightly. "Back then, you were a total shut-in. You talked in circles, kept all your worries to yourself, had a face full of gloom, and kept everything packed in your brain. What did you call it? Oh right, 'literary youth' and 'affectation' 」
」
「"But now, look, you're actually asking me to use a different adjective. You never would have done that four years ago."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman stopped walking. He vaguely understood what Ricardo was getting at.」
「"You've really brightened up a lot. You've changed, become more likable. You've become someone who finds it easier to make yourself happy. If you have something on your mind, you don't brood alone anymore; you find someone to talk to or just shout for help."」
「As he spoke, Ricardo also stopped walking.」
「"This is my view: I think these changes in you are, to a large extent, because of the Miss."」
「"I, long ago—before you, before Julius, before Mimi, before all of you—already knew the Miss. I see my role as being like a father to her."」
「"Though she came from the lower-class poor of Kararagi, the Miss's current achievements aren't due to some fate as a Dragon Maiden or some commercial genius."」
「He opened his heart and said solemnly: "It's optimism. The Miss has been very optimistic and very cheerful at all times and in all places, since the very beginning."」
「"You know about it too?" Hikigaya Hachiman asked, and immediately saw Ricardo nod.」
「"I have no intention of forcing you, of course. After all, your contributions to the Miss over these four years are obvious to everyone, and I've been taken care of by you as well."」
「Ricardo shrugged. All the veterans of the Anastasia camp—except for Julius—were close to Hikigaya Hachiman; it was impossible for them to pressure him.」
「"This is my private action, not at the Miss's behest."」
「Ricardo rubbed the back of his head. He tried his best not to disturb Hikigaya Hachiman's own train of thought, merely offering a reminder and a suggestion.」
「"I think... you might actually already be used to the Miss. Isn't your subtle change the best evidence?"」
「Accept her. Say yes to her. Marry her.」
「That girl who thirsts for you, Anastasia.」
「Under the watchful eyes of the three Mimi siblings nearby, Captain Ricardo delivered his suggestion and his blessing.」
Anastasia Route: Undercurrents Surging
"It's the Captain!" A cheering Mimi high-fived Captain Ricardo. These two, who had followed Anastasia since her days of hardship, were the ones in the world who most hoped her courtship would succeed.
"Seems like my use isn't just limited to fighting, haha."
"Oh! Captain is the coolest!"
In stark contrast to the elation at the Anastasia mansion... Although everyone knew it was far from a guaranteed victory and she hadn't yet exerted her full charm to its limits, losing to Anastasia once again left a heavy gloom at the Karsten mansion.
Crusch's eyes had lost their light; she swayed in her chair, unable to smile.
"Sir Hachiman, my Sir Hachiman..." Why, exactly why... why? Whether it was meeting him or favoring him, hadn't she been first?
"Anastasia." Crusch chewed on the name. She truly never imagined she would share such a—this kind of... irreconcilable enmity, akin to the grudge of having one's spouse stolen, with that woman.
"Guarding against Anastasia should be prioritized even more than guarding against Emilia."
At the same time, at the Shirogane household. "Waaa... No, absolutely not. I can't keep watching. I'll wait until we return to reality, back to the official history, before coming back." Shirogane Kei shook her head frantically, burying her face under a pillow to block her eyes and ears.
She really couldn't watch anymore! She never realized before that Anastasia was such a good person. That confession was simply too heavy—only slightly less impactful than the shock Rem gave her. But Rem was a lone individual; over here, Anastasia had various parties taking turns to assist her. It made the viewer truly hope for Anastasia's success.
But she really wanted to remain a steadfast Rem and Emilia supporter.
"I'm not defecting!—Brother, call me when we're back to the official history!"
Shirogane Miyuki sighed while nodding, a bitter, tragic smile touching his lips... He had been beaten to the punch; he had originally wanted to bury his head in the sand too.
"Anastasia... truly incredible. Perhaps even though hardship is everywhere, with so many 'Genuine Things' in this other world, the consolation and happiness Hikigaya receives are actually priceless."
If it were the Hikigaya Hachiman of the Felt route, Miyuki believed he would likely have lived out his life alone. However, judging by Hikigaya's cheerful performance in the Anastasia route, he must have been well-protected in this timeline. Having never died once so far, the
probability of him accepting someone other than Yukinoshita or Emilia—accepting Anastasia's confession—was not low.
Because he has never died and doesn't know he possesses 'Return by Death,' he wouldn't condemn himself so harshly. Naturally, he wouldn't be gloomy or feel he has no right to happiness.
"The only timeline where he hasn't died, combined with Anastasia's behavior of throwing herself at him after falling in love... Sigh." If only Emilia hadn't died, this timeline would be practically the most perfect world.
"If I hadn't seen the official history, I wouldn't be able to stop myself from supporting Anastasia... Dammit, why does this Merchant suddenly feel so cute and beautiful?!" She wasn't like this at all in the official history!
Miyuki's thoughts were complicated to the extreme... Right now, Hikigaya was his pillar of faith in love. He had been using Hikigaya's single-mindedness to encourage his own deep love for Shinomiya Kaguya. If Hikigaya marries Anastasia here, then... But on the other hand, he so desperately wanted Hikigaya to marry Anastasia! The Anastasia of this timeline is just too wonderful!!
"Hmm..." In the Classics Club, Oreki Houtarou looked pensive. "Previously, I thought that among the candidates in Lugunica, only Crusch was suitable to be Emperor. Now it seems that view was biased... Even though she's greddy, it seems Anastasia's heart isn't that black."
He thought in reverse, then shook his head. "No, rather than saying Anastasia isn't black-hearted, it's more that with Hikigaya's assistance, anyone except Priscilla could do it."
Hikigaya Hachiman is a limiter. His values dictate that no matter whom he assists, he will not sit idly by while they do something that harms the kingdom or innocent people. And except for Priscilla, who is arrogant to the point of being self-centered and selfish, everyone else would take Hikigaya's suggestions to a large extent.
Therefore, as long as he is there, any of the four could take the throne.
"They are complete extremes." In the dark forest, Petelgeuse—who had finally regained his senses after long suffering and returned to being the foster father Geuse—looked much more serene as he smiled bitterly.
"In Lady Emilia's camp, Roswaal is estranged, the maid Rem intends to compete, and the powerhouse of the Sanctuary, Garfiel, goes his own way. Along the way, Mr. Hachiman has suffered immensely.
Miss Anastasia's camp, however, is united from top to bottom to an incredible degree. Everyone is wholeheartedly looking out for her. In the timeline where he assists her as the center, Mr. Hachiman has lived the most smoothly, without dying once."
Without comparison, it wouldn't be so bad, but once compared, the Anastasia camp truly wins by too much; the two are worlds apart.
She simply gives a confession, and her knight, captain, and vice-captain all come to use their own ways of intimidation and bribery to get Hikigaya to agree. If it were Lady Emilia confessing to Mr. Hachiman, Ram—knowing her sister's feelings—would probably launch a night raid on Lady Emilia's bedroom that very night and decapitate her with a wind blade.
"Hmph..." Clutching his aching head, Geuse staggered to his feet, breathing heavily. His gaze, now clear, was incredibly firm as he looked toward the Royal Capital.
"I must go..."
After a hundred years, he was going back to see Lady Emilia. He would absolutely not go mad again; he refused to go mad again. Even though Lady Fortuna has passed, Lady Emilia is still alive. He must look after her so she can live safely, fulfill her wish to become King, and then...
"I will make Mr. Hachiman marry Lady Emilia—I am truly sorry, Mr. Hachiman, this is my own selfishness." Even with his help, Geuse understood that if Mr. Hachiman chose Lady Emilia's path, it would remain very difficult. "But for Lady Emilia's future, for Lady Emilia's happiness... Miss Anastasia, I am sorry too!"
If Lady Emilia's camp is not united and no one stands by her side except Mr. Hachiman, then let him, this sinner, come to... "Atone."
After a hundred years, a clear-headed Geuse moved steadfastly and slowly toward the Royal Capital under the morning sun.
Anastasia Route: The Loss-Making Merchant
「"Beauties like the Miss are rare in this world. If you let one go, there's one less to find."」
「Ricardo's warning echoed in his mind. When Hikigaya Hachiman snapped back to reality, he realized that he had somehow walked right up to the outside of Anastasia's office.」
「Anastasia was hunched over her desk, engrossed in handling government affairs. She had not noticed Hikigaya Hachiman's arrival.」
「"A rare beauty... huh?"」
「To deny that would be a lie against his own conscience. Long pale-purple hair, a pristine face, and fair, delicate skin—she was arguably both very pretty and very cute. Aside from her chest being somewhat close to Yukinoshita's, from the perspective of looks and figure, she was an elegant young lady capable of attracting almost any man.」
「"Hmm?" The Dona-fox seemed to have discovered something. It looked up and saw Hikigaya Hachiman standing outside, hidden behind the door, his face flushed as he silently made a "shushing" gesture. It looked at Hikigaya, then at Anastasia, and lay back down.」
「The Dona-fox playing dead allowed Hikigaya Hachiman to breathe a huge sigh of relief.」
「Although he had been egged on by Ricardo and Mimi in turns to come here... truthfully, he still hadn't figured out what to do. If Anastasia found out he was peeking, it would be far too awkward.」
「"I say, Anna, what do you plan to do?"」
「The sudden voice inside the room made Hikigaya Hachiman freeze. His body tensed up, and he hid behind the door, ready to flee at any moment.」
「"...What about?"」
「"The matter of selling yourself," the Dona-fox said. "You've already added everything you own as collateral, yet he still hasn't agreed. Does it hurt?"」
「"Not at all."」
「The sound of a pen being set down could be heard. Anastasia seemed to be lightly tapping her arm, her brisk voice as cheerful as ever. "If it doesn't work once, then twice. If twice doesn't work, then thrice. It's not like it's the first time I've been rejected by him, honestly~"」
「She said with a smile: "I haven't been his first choice since the beginning; I've long since gotten used to it. Isn't my Prime Minister just that kind of person? The things he pursues are rarer and more precious than me. But it's fine; just like four years ago, he was forcibly tied down and brought over here anyway."」
「"And if this time is different from four years ago? If, after thinking it over, he rejects you categorically?"」
「"...Then—"」
「Anastasia fell silent. Her voice and tone were audibly lower and more dejected. "Then you must promptly cover my ears. I won't be able to hear a thing; I'll have heard nothing at all."」
「"How pitiable."」
「"Pitiable? Now that's something I can't let slide, honestly~ If my persistence can earn a nod from the Prime Minister, then I'm the one making a huge profit! I never enter into a loss-making business, after all."」
「"Is this not already a loss?"」
「Anastasia said nothing more to the Dona-fox's follow-up question. Separated by a door, Hikigaya Hachiman could not see her expression.」
「...But he wanted to see it.」
.
.
.
"Back when Anastasia went back on her word and left the three-party alliance, who could have imagined that such a greedy Merchant would have a day where she deliberately let herself take a loss?" Nakano Ichika murmured to herself.
Indeed, no one could have imagined such a future. It was precisely because of this that Anastasia's willingness to pay so much to "buy" her Prime Minister's love felt so shocking. Although she hadn't sacrificed her life for Hikigaya Hachiman like Rem or Emilia, to a merchant, her assets were arguably more important than her life.
"This is ridiculous. A total 180-degree flip, right?" Felt stood with her hands on her hips, muttering. During the White Whale subjugation, Crusch stole the show with her glittering charisma. By contrast, the Anastasia of that time was like a stinking rat in a gutter—hardly likable at all. As it turns out, Crusch has suffered a total defeat, and Anastasia has begun to radiate her own charm.
It truly was unexpected.
"If things keep going this way, could it be that Yukinoshita will have her turnaround too? No way, please no—the fewer glorious images of others the better. Having Emilia is enough!"
Reinhard, on the other hand, looked gratified. Although his monarch was already chosen, if the character of the other candidates proved to be better, Reinhard was sincerely happy for them.
-
-
-
「When the sun began to set, Anastasia, having finished her work, walked out of her office only to see Hikigaya Hachiman at the door.」
「The man, who had been hesitating there for an unknown amount of time, no longer averted his gaze. He stared straight at Anastasia, forcing himself to remain calm.」
「"I... want to talk to you again, Anastasia."」
「Anastasia, who had been busy all day—this girl who had fallen in love for the first time in her life—saw the fatigue on her face vanish in an instant. A sweet smile escaped her uncontrollably.」
「"If it's my Prime Minister, you're welcome anytime, honestly~"」
「Just as she had on the rooftop, she reached out her hand to the man before her.」
「...This time, Hikigaya Hachiman took it.」
「The weight transmitted through her palm was light, like a feather, but that scorching body temperature was far more tangible and real than any ethereal feather. Every second, it reported a message to Hikigaya Hachiman.」
「That he could take this step... just how excited was his Merchant Emperor, this rare Kararagi beauty, the Miss Anastasia he had known for four years?」
「"—"」
「Julius, who was stationed on the outer perimeter and currently on patrol, froze.」
「He saw Lady Anastasia with her head bowed, her face flushed red, acting like a delicate bird. She was vaguely leaning closer and closer to Hikigaya Hachiman.」
「After a moment of being dazed, he didn't call out a greeting. He sensibly hid to one side, watching the two of them walk away.」
「"...I loathe you, Hikigaya Hachiman. That is a fact that will not change."」
「"...However. If you are willing to accept Lady Anastasia, and if you can make her happy..."」
「"...I will give you my blessing."」
「He was Lady Anastasia's Chief Knight. He lived to give his all for her; that was his knightly code, unrelated to love.」
「Therefore.」
「"To find the person you wish to dedicate yourself to... that is a wonderful thing as well, Lady Anastasia."」
Anastasia Route: Let Me Become Your Necessity
「Dismissing all the surrounding maids and strolling through the elegant, refined garden, Hikigaya Hachiman gently stroked the soft, delicate little hand he was holding, his face filled with deep contemplation.」
「At a moment like this, where he could pull the girl beside him into his arms at any time—a moment where Anastasia was anticipating his advances—the topic Hikigaya Hachiman raised upon reopening his mouth left her stunned.」
「"In the Royal Selection four years ago, even without me, your chances of success were the highest."」
「Abruptly bringing up the past and conducting a calm, logical post-mortem analysis, Hikigaya Hachiman continued: "There were originally five candidates, but only three were left at the start. Crusch's support base was the military class; you rallied the merchants and a portion of the nobility; Priscilla looked down on everyone, so her faction was thin."」
「"While Priscilla's Divine Protection made her the luckiest person under heaven, bringing her immense good fortune and rapid development, that protection cannot allow her to do the impossible."」
「"For example, if Reinhard wanted to kill her, she might suddenly have a whim and flee to an unknown location a week in advance. However, if she wanted to kill Reinhard, her Divine Protection would be powerless; no amount of luck can achieve that goal."」
「"Looking at the situation then, the advantage you and Crusch held had actually created a massive gap between you and her—so large that her luck could hardly close it. Even without me, the final winner would basically have been decided between you and Crusch."」
「"At the time, Crusch's plan was to subjugate the White Whale to gain peerless prestige and win the crown in one breath, but that plan ultimately fell through because she couldn't find the Whale's specific location."」
「"While I did indeed move up the timeline of your victory, with your financial power, the many experts in your camp, and your willingness to throw away your pride and be persistent..."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman took a deep breath, his throat trembling slightly, but he insisted on speaking the truth: "Even without me, your probability of winning was the highest."」
「Anastasia had already realized something; she didn't interrupt him, listening quietly.」
「"I am not your necessity, Anastasia."」
「Without him, the girl beside him could still live well and thrive; his arrival was, at most, the icing on the cake. Even now, with Anastasia having already claimed the throne, he couldn't even provide the "icing" anymore—he was completely useless, an optional person.」
「"I have wisdom, but yours is not inferior; I have insight, but yours is just as broad; I can take the fall for others, but you don't care at all about appearing perfectly righteous. Everything I can do, you could have achieved on your own."」
「"You don't necessarily need me—and yet."」
「His heart was racing, his mouth dry. He was somewhat afraid, but he still laid everything out clearly. Then, he turned his head slightly to look at the girl beside him.」
「"And yet... do you still want to marry yourself to me?"」
「Anastasia looked up at him as well. In the next second, she shook her head, making Hikigaya Hachiman feel as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.」
「"I don't understand what you're saying, honestly~ The Prime Minister's words are too profound. However—"」
「Before Hikigaya Hachiman could stumble back and let go of her hand, Anastasia had already stood on her tiptoes. She crashed into the man's embrace, her fox-like cunning smile and those eyes filled with joy becoming forever branded in Hikigaya Hachiman's heart.」
「"—Is my Prime Minister now willing to buy me?"」
「She didn't give a definitive answer like 'I need you.'」
「Persistently thick-skinned, Anastasia stood on her tiptoes, letting her body be embraced by her Prime Minister, and then...」
「"—"」
「The beautiful girl from Kararagi, Anastasia, delivered her first kiss.」
「A piercing light broke through the sky, seemingly dispersing the final, persistent clouds that had lingered all year. All of Hikigaya Hachiman's awkwardness, his "literary youth" sentimentality, and his affectations collapsed under Anastasia's relentless, unreserved offensive.」
「His eyes remained open, involuntarily shaken to his core by the girl before him who had proactively proposed this loss-making transaction. It was as if he were witnessing the most magnificent sight in the world.」
「Soft lips, a petite but perceptible chest, a light weight, a heart-refreshing fragrance, a slender waist, and snow-soft skin.」
「And, a scorching love.」
「...All of it, it was all his. All to be sold to him, all to be married to him, all for him—this "Prime Minister of hers"—to enjoy.」
「"..."」
「He would buy her, he would marry her, and he would enjoy this for a lifetime.」
「You like me, I like you. You love me, and I will love you too—Anastasia, you can be—no, you are my Genuine Thing.」
-
-
-
「On the outskirts of the garden, Ricardo and Mimi were peeking surreptitiously, wearing silly grins and covering their mouths, trying their best to stay hidden so they wouldn't interrupt the pair's first expression of love.」
「"Captain~" Mimi whispered in a voice so low it was almost inaudible, her face filled with ultimate satisfaction and sweetness. "Mimi wants that too~"」
「"One day, Mimi wants to be as happy as Big Sister Anna, too!"」
「"Heh." Ricardo gave a thumbs-up. He pointed it at Mimi to encourage her ambition, and also at Julius, who stood to the side with his back turned, insisting on not peeking even though he was right there.」
「Julius's body tensed; with a serious expression, he hurriedly whispered: "Lady Anastasia is currently occupied. I am truly sorry, Lady Crusch, please lower your voice."」
「Having come to the mansion with documents to consult Anastasia, Crusch was a bit dazed upon seeing the three of them acting suspiciously. After being drawn over and immediately hearing Julius's warning, she was confused.」
「She followed Mimi's line of sight, and her entire being froze instantly.」
「"...I see. I understand."」
「She didn't want to lose her composure, but Crusch couldn't stop a faint, bitter smile. "...It's you again. I've lost to you once more, Anastasia."」
「Under the brilliant sunlight, the air welcomed the sweet words of the newlywed-to-be couple.」
「"My body, my wealth, my power, my heart—it's all yours... If the Prime Minister feels he isn't a necessity to me, if he lacks confidence and fears I will abandon him..."」
「"Then let me become your necessity."」
「"If my Prime Minister needs me, if he doesn't want me to leave him, he will surely have countless ways to hold onto me."」
「"So..."」
「"I truly like you, I truly love you, my dear Prime Minister~"」
Anastasia Route: A Happy and Fulfilling Conclusion
Inside the convenience store, even though she had turned her face away with bloodshot eyes long before Anastasia's cunning kiss, Yukinoshita still inadvertently caught the expressions of everyone else in the store—faces that looked as if they were witnessing something exceptionally sweet and beautiful.
She was nearly grinding her teeth to dust; they made an audible creak-creak sound. Although the progress of Rem and Emilia had already made her see red, at least there hadn't been a definitive follow-up for a while. But over here with Anastasia, she had already made an appointment to get married immediately in just a few days!!
"I don't deny that Anastasia is a very decent person... but why, why does it have to be Hikigaya-kun? Julius is so good to her; why wouldn't she choose Julius!"
Yukinoshita's face was full of distress, her words pouring out of her. She originally thought that after going through so much, her threshold for endurance had become very high, but she hadn't expected to see something that would blow right past her lower limits.
Hikigaya Hachiman looked at Yukinoshita, then at his future self stuck to Anastasia... as per usual, he truly didn't know how to offer comfort. His position was simply too awkward.
Hikigaya Hachiman's awkwardness was something only Crusch could empathize with at this moment.
"Anastasia, you bastard!" With a bang, inside the Karsten mansion, Crusch was fuming with rage. What Anastasia had done was truly outrageous.
"Intercepting Sir Hachiman, confessing and proposing... you... I... Anastasia!!" The great opportunity she had to win over Sir Hachiman was ruined by Anastasia. Her most favored scenario of Sir Hachiman marrying Emilia had its female lead replaced, and Anastasia had even stepped over her, handing her defeat time and time again.
If it were just that, it might be fine. The problem was that after Anastasia did all these terrible things, Sir Hachiman ended up living the happiest life he'd ever had! This caused a ball of resentment to accumulate more and more within Crusch. If her Sir Hachiman hadn't benefited from it, she could freely look down on Anastasia, but in this current situation, she really couldn't say Anastasia had done a bad job. Her position was truly awkward.
After thinking it over, she could only grit her teeth and let out a "bastard" to vent her anger. Her unwillingness made Ferris nearby tremble with fear, afraid that Lady Crusch might suddenly draw her sword and hack Anastasia to death.
"Did Miss Anastasia... succeed?" On the streets of the Royal Capital, Emilia cautiously asked Puck while shielding her eyes with her hand. After receiving a positive answer, she felt a bit deflated and let out a soft sigh. "Miss Anastasia... really is incre~dible." She had gained some realization... well, although she couldn't be as amazing as Miss Anastasia, she would work hard too!
Be proactive, be thick-skinned... mm, if she could do even half of what Miss Anastasia did, she should be very impressive.
"I'll try... I won't give Hachiman to Miss Anastasia. Um, although I'm grateful for her teaching—her marrying Hachiman is really too much!"
In Arlam Village, looking up at the light curtain and seeing Anastasia instructing Mimi to arrange the wedding dress, Ram was expressionless. She immediately grabbed her sister's hand and said, "Rem, let's go."
"Yes!" Rem nodded fiercely. She knew where they were going. The Royal Capital, the place where everything began. Once she said goodbye to the enthusiastic villagers, they would set off immediately.
Ram's sense of crisis had reached a peak. It was fine if it was just Emilia in the capital, because in reality, Rem and Emilia were vaguely on the same side. No matter which of those two won, the other wouldn't lose hope entirely; they could still live close to Hikigaya Hachiman every day and have a chance to turn things around.
But Anastasia was truly terrifying. Even though she was a girl, her aggressiveness was so horrifying that she clearly didn't know the meaning of the word "reserve," and she belonged to a different camp altogether. If she snatched Hikigaya Hachiman away, Rem would have no chance at all!
"Whoo-hoo! They kissed! They kissed! Big Sister Anna is the best!!" The jubilant Mimi—both her current and future selves were saying the exact same thing—was so happy she was hopping around. She jumped onto Anastasia's lap to celebrate and even pulled out a piece of bread, taking a huge bite.
Anastasia reached out to hug Mimi, intending to wipe the breadcrumbs from her mouth, but she accidentally used too much force and smeared them onto Mimi's cheek instead. A somewhat dazed Anastasia looked at the cheering Mimi, the blessing faces of Ricardo and Julius, and finally looked up at her future self, who was overflowing with sweetness as if she had eaten food so sugary it would make one's teeth ache. She touched her chest; her heart was beating violently.
"My Prime Minister... huh?" Anastasia suddenly felt a bit of dry mouth. Her slender fingers brushed over her lips, an uncontrollable longing present in her gaze.
Ricardo shrugged. "The only regret is that Crusch will probably hate the Miss to death from now on. After all, she made her lose face so badly in front of the whole world."
"I don't care about that sort of thing at all right now, honestly~" A brilliant light bloomed in Anastasia's eyes. She raised a hand and reached toward the sky, as if trying to grasp that future. "...I want my Prime Minister!"
"I don't want that kind of thing to happen!" With a mournful face, a muttering Shirogane Miyuki slumped onto the ground. He let out long sighs, looking as if the sky had fallen. Although he
also felt Anastasia and Hikigaya Hachiman were a good match and had a silly grin on his face at the start because it was so sweet... His faith was gone!
"Of course, I'm not saying that just because Hikigaya married someone other than Rem or Emilia, I would cheat on Shinomiya... but having a firm conviction and faith is definitely better. Sigh."
Far away at the Shinomiya residence, Kaguya was admiring Anastasia, shouting, "Anastasia is wonderful! She's a perfect match for Hikigaya-kun!" while simultaneously feeling a sudden, vague sense of loss.
She shook her head to shake off this inexplicable premonition and continued to throw herself into the pro-Anastasia camp. She was the world's most steadfast Anastasia fan!
But whether they liked Anastasia or hated this "scummy" person, after reaching the perfect ending, it was finally time for Anastasia to take her bow.
-
-
-
「"I'm going to make you my necessity, Anastasia!"」
「Inside the grave, the resurrected Hikigaya Hachiman had these words echoing in his mind—words he had spoken himself. In a daze, he still firmly remembered the beauty of Anastasia wearing a white wedding dress.」
「"..."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman, having nothing to say to himself, shook his head slightly. His position was too awkward; whether he wanted to scold himself or do anything else, he had no starting point.」
「"Look closely at the non-existent present..."」
「Before he could further organize his memories, another tide-like pull surged forward, and Hikigaya Hachiman fainted once again.」
「"—Clang!"」
「The first sound appeared in the silent world. It was Crusch, standing handsome and dashing before him, boldly drawing her sword!」
「Her blade was pointed straight and true at Hikigaya Hachiman!!」
Crusch Route: Monarch and Subject Opposed (Part 1)
"——?!"
Seeing that Anastasia's timeline had finally passed and her own image was now displayed, Crusch's body jolted. Her high-spirited and excited state instantly dispelled her gloom. Her eyes lit up as she prepared to watch a beautiful world shared between herself and her very own Sir Hachiman.
However, in the next second, her future self drew her sword and pointed it at Sir Hachiman.
This reversal came so fast that it left her completely unprepared. Crusch stood speechless, her eyes filled with blank confusion.
"Is this something I would actually do? How could that be possible!"
Ferris wanted to say it was indeed impossible, but then again, he hadn't previously thought that Anastasia—who had repeatedly suffered setbacks at Hikigaya Hachiman's hands—would eventually fall in love with him.
"That... there must be some hidden reason, nyan! Don't worry, Lady Crusch, nyan! Maybe this is a performance for assassins hiding in the shadows, nyan!"
It was a very unreliable consolation... Crusch stared deathly at the light screen without blinking. She just wanted to know how she and Sir Hachiman could have reached such a point.
No matter how much they disagreed, it shouldn't have come to this!
-
-
-
「"If you shut your mouth now, Sir, I can act as if nothing happened."」
「Three years later, Crusch has grown a bit taller. Dressed in her military uniform, her handsome features remain incredibly dashing. The chilling aura radiating from her whole body makes her look more like a ruler than anyone else—as if she were born specifically to sit upon a monarch's throne.」
「Despite her unique voice and the fact that her words are a command issued from a superior position, there is a clear hint of pleading mixed in her tone. Her volume isn't high; she isn't threatening him, but rather negotiating.」
「"Don't lie to yourself, Crusch. You know very well I won't take back what I just said. My attitude will not change—I am going back, Crusch."」
「By contrast, Hikigaya Hachiman, with his resolute gaze, looks more like the one issuing a demand to Crusch, demanding that she release him immediately.」
「"Going back?" Crusch's brow furrowed tightly. Her face turned ashen, looking quite terrible. "You say 'going back,' but back where? The mansion I gifted you is right here in the Royal Capital! If you want it, this Karsten estate, passed down through generations, can be yours as well. This is your home; where else do you have to go!"」
「"That is my house, not a home."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman shook his head gently, speaking without a hint of lingering attachment: "After I leave, you should take back all those rewards. Leaving them empty is a waste."」
「Crusch interrupted him: "Don't decide things on your own! I haven't permitted your request to leave!"」
「"I don't need your permission." Hikigaya Hachiman also held his head high and chest out firmly. "The condition of our agreement was that I would assist you until you defeated Anastasia and Priscilla. Once you ascended the throne, we would be even."」
「"I have not yet ascended—"」
「The straw Crusch was clutching was ruthlessly shredded by Hikigaya Hachiman: "You should have ascended last month! We both know perfectly well what the reason and intent behind your delay are. Wake up, Crusch."」
「"From the first moment I saw you, I felt you were the most suitable person for that position. Your character earned my admiration even more. So I respected you—I truly respected you."」
「"But... don't be so pathetic anymore, Crusch. Don't let the respect I've had for you for three years vanish into ash."」
「Every word he spoke tore at Crusch's throat, making it difficult for her to breathe. Her expression grew increasingly stiff.」
「Yes, she was supposed to be that irreproachable Crusch; she was supposed to be the Crusch respected by her subjects; she was supposed to be the Crusch who could face reality bravely and fearlessly.」
「"..."」
「But if it would be effective, she would rather be pathetic, have flaws in her conduct, be less respected by her subjects, and even bury her head in the sand.」
「Watching the military-clad beauty fall into silence, attempting to use it as a way to stall for time, Hikigaya Hachiman let out a soft sigh... This day had finally come.」
「"If you are unwilling to face it, then I will."」
「Seeing Sir Hachiman take a step forward, Crusch hurriedly pulled back her hand, avoiding accidentally wounding him with her sword.」
「"It all began three years ago, with the subjugation of the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop of Sloth."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman recounted the past with a resonant voice. These memories made Crusch truly want to cover her ears. But at the very least... acting spoiled was one thing, but if she were so ignorant or cowardly that she couldn't face it, she couldn't imagine how disappointed the Sir Hachiman before her would be.」
「"Through the sisterly resonance of Rem and Ram, I sensed an anomaly in Roswaal's domain. Subsequently, I obtained intelligence on a formidable enemy—the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti."」
「"At that time, Roswaal's whereabouts were unknown. Relying solely on the remaining combat power of the Emilia camp was insufficient to oppose Petelgeuse. I came here alone to seek your aid."」
「"The agreement was that the Crusch camp would put forth its full effort to help kill Petelgeuse, and in return..."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman paused. Even today, the memory of the tragedy three years ago remains etched in his bones.」
「That time, he and Rem had rushed back for the first time, only to be ambushed and killed by the Witch Cult due to insufficient preparation.」
「The second time, they successfully met up with Emilia and Ram. They painstakingly killed most of the ordinary cultists, but in the end, they all died at the hands of Petelgeuse's 'Unseen Providence.'」
「Then the third time, the fourth time... several times in total. Before they died—even at the very moment they were killed—Rem and Emilia were never afraid. Instead, they used their last strength to turn their heads toward him, their eyes filled with worry and care.」
「That look of care almost drove him to despair... He didn't have enough power to protect the two people who trusted him. This terrifying reality forced him to endure unimaginable self-reproach, to the point of near collapse.」
「He collapsed to the point that, on the penultimate attempt, he barely supported himself as he and Rem joined Emilia. The moment he saw a living Emilia, he couldn't hold it back any longer and suddenly burst into loud, wailing sobs.」
「Even though it was so shameful, so abrupt, and so useless, the panicked Rem and Emilia still comforted him gently at the first opportunity.」
「'I must protect these two.'」
「Thinking this, yet facing tragic defeat after tragic defeat, he clearly realized that Petelgeuse was an insurmountable wall... In the end, the only path left to clear the trial was the final desperate measure.」