Crusch Route: Monarch and Subject Opposed (Part 2)
「"...In return, you shall convince Emilia to withdraw from the Royal Selection and enter my service, becoming my military strategist and advisor. You will devise schemes for me until I have defeated Priscilla and Anastasia and ascended the throne."」
「The hand holding the sword trembled slightly. Knowing she could no longer avoid the truth, Crusch picked up the thread of the conversation, reciting the contents of their past agreement.」
「She closed her eyes with deep emotion. "Three years... in the blink of an eye, it has already been three years."」
「"During these three years, you utilized all sorts of ingenious ideas to multiply the funds I gave you through commerce several times over. You left Anastasia, whose business was being poached, with no time to breathe. The Hoshin Company withered; Anastasia, caught between the company and the candidate competition, was powerless to contest me for honors and prestige. After a bitter struggle, she dejectedly withdrew from the race."」
「"At that time, Priscilla's territory was flourishing, and her development was exceptional. But after you researched her Divine Protection, you advised me to simply ignore Priscilla—to forget her, to even forget her name and her existence. You told me not to think 'I am competing with Priscilla,' but to simply focus single-mindedly on my own improvement."」
「"During this period, you trained a group of people to go to Priscilla's territory. You instructed them to move at night and, in a reasonable manner that wouldn't arouse suspicion, ensure that rumors like 'Anastasia's development is going smoothly; the threat from the Crusch camp is far less than Anastasia's' reached the ears of Priscilla, her knight, and her servants."」
「"After fully adopting your proposal, those occasional instances of mysterious bad luck and various obstacles indeed decreased significantly. By the time I regained my senses and turned my attention back to Priscilla, I had already surpassed her by far."」
「"It was also you who reminded me when the rebellion broke out within the Sacred Vollachia Empire."」
「"You suggested using the excuse of 'preventing the internal strife of the Empire from spreading to the Kingdom's borders' to lead troops on a tour across the nation. This allowed me to take the opportunity to meet generals from various regions and assess the state of different cities—preparing in advance to see which capable talents to promote and which incompetent fools to reprimand once I took the throne—while simultaneously exterminating bandits and mabeasts along the way to further seize public prestige."」
「"Many important events were solved by your painstaking efforts to find the optimal solution for me. In three years, you have done too much for me."」
「Savoring the time spent striving together—those experiences, scene by scene, were stored in her heart without the slightest omission, leaving an endless aftertaste. Crusch opened her eyes, looking bitterly at Hikigaya Hachiman.」
「"You have contributed such immense aid to me, and now you intend to just walk away?"」
「"All your obstacles have been cleared. Ascending the throne with your current prestige, you only need to call out and any policy can be successfully implemented. Opponents are insignificant, like mantises trying to stop a carriage." Hikigaya Hachiman frowned, finding it difficult to understand. "You no longer need me. Why force me to stay?"」
「"It is precisely because I no longer need you to exhaust your heart and soul for me that I must insist on you staying."」
「Crusch's face was full of sincerity. Even though she possessed deeper political sophistication compared to three years ago, she remained the person with that unique charisma. "I want you to enjoy the hard-won victory with me. I want you to stand by my side from the perspective of the winner. I want you to receive everything you deserve!"」
「"According to our agreement, we are already—"」
「"After all this time, do you really still hold only feelings of 'agreement' toward me, toward my camp, and toward Felix, Sir Wilhelm, and the others?!"」
「Indignant and gritting her teeth, Crusch slammed her empty left hand onto the armrest of the chair, making a loud noise.」
「Hikigaya Hachiman was momentarily speechless, his eyelids lowering. The wide hall suddenly fell into an oppressive silence.」
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"..." At the Karsten mansion, an oppressive silence fell at the exact same time. Crusch stared blankly at this future. Seeing herself go so far as to act shamelessly and even draw a sword to intimidate Sir Hachiman just to keep him, she couldn't help but let out a tragic smile that looked worse than crying.
"Whether it's the official history, the Felt route, or the Anastasia route, the Sir Hachiman who joined someone else was always of one heart and mind, devoted... Is it really only me? Am I the only one who cannot keep Sir Hachiman? Am I the only one who cannot win his heart? Am I the only one unable to convince him?" How ridiculous, how pathetic... poor Crusch, ha ha ha.
Crusch smiled tragically in silence, full of self-mockery and self-ridicule. This appearance terrified Felix, whose hair stood on end. He immediately offered anxious comfort: "It's not like that, nya!"
He restated: "It's because in this timeline, Hachiman-chin joined Lady Crusch halfway through, and his heart was already filled with Rem-rin and Lady Emilia! That's why he wants to leave! It's not Lady Crusch's fault at all! Hachiman-chin has recognized Lady Crusch's character!"
Crusch let out a mournful sigh. "But I cannot make him stay."
"You definitely can!" Felix worked hard to guarantee.
"You definitely can! Hachiman-chin will definitely change his mind. Look, isn't the future Lady Crusch working hard right now? The current Lady Crusch can't be despondent!"
The blow was heavy... but Crusch took a deep breath and nodded slightly. Yes... it wasn't over until the dust settled.
"I must work hard, I must succeed—me from the future!!"
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"What in the world... he just finished marrying me, and then he teams up with an outsider like Crusch to bully me? The Prime Minister really has a twisted sense of humor; does he want to see me crying piteously for him?"
On the other side, Anastasia puffed out her cheeks and kicked her little feet as if declaring her dissatisfaction.
"Well... to prevent the Prime Minister from having any chance to team up with outsiders to bully me, I will definitely snatch him back. I won't show any mercy, honestly~!"
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"I see." In Class D, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka had a look of realization. "In this timeline, Hikigaya Hachiman didn't encounter the White Whale, so naturally, he couldn't use information about it to cooperate with Crusch. Having no hand to play, he could only turn himself into his only card, sacrificing his own freedom to save Emilia and the villagers of Arlam... Hmph, he really is 'kind'." When saying "kind," Ayanokouji curled his lip into a mocking arc.
"Recklessly belittling yourself... it seems this trait of yours, the man I recognized, really can't be changed."
"In other words, because they missed the appearance of the White Whale and didn't subjugate it, Crusch wouldn't encounter the attacking Gluttony and Greed. That's why she was able to successfully live until now?"
After the initial shock of Crusch pointing a sword at Hikigaya Hachiman, the development of the situation became clear. Shirogane Miyuki pondered for a moment and deduced the general development of this timeline.
Crusch Route: Reluctant Past (Part 1)
「A long silence. The consciousness of Crusch and Hikigaya Hachiman, their thoughts, seemed to drift back to that day three years ago.」
「"—You were so decisive, even before we exchanged blows, judging that the existing strength of the Emilia camp could not survive under the hands of the coming Sin Archbishop. You went so far as to offer, as conditions, convincing Emilia to withdraw from the selection and defecting to my side to request my aid."」
「Pondering for a moment, the pacing Crusch asked curiously: "Was this decision your own assertion, Sir?"」
「"...If I cannot convince Emilia, I will use other methods. I will definitely fulfill my promise within three days."」
「Clenching his fists and keeping his head lowered, Hikigaya Hachiman did not have the courage to answer directly... What he was doing now, in the eyes of others, was overstepping, an act of insubordination—a betrayal while searching for a high-sounding excuse. Doing something like this so suddenly and without reason, no one could possibly understand him, except perhaps Rem, who trusted him unconditionally.」
「...But he still had to come here to gamble. Gamble that Crusch valued his talent and would be willing to accept his request, rather than criticizing him to the bone in a fit of rage and making him crawl out of this mansion in a state of utter disgrace.」
「Frowning and contemplating for a long time, Crusch started to speak several times but held back. Finally, she simply asked calmly: "Do you know which Sin Archbishop is attacking, Sir?"」
「"The Archbishop of Sloth, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti. His authority is the 'Unseen Providence,' and his soul can switch at will between his subordinate cultists." Hikigaya Hachiman answered hurriedly, adding weight to his side as he guaranteed: "I have already mastered all his intelligence. With you and Mr. Wilhelm leading the elites to help, I can guarantee no accidents will occur. Your personnel losses will definitely not be too great!"」
「"...I see."」
「Crusch looked at the cold sweat on his forehead, at his eyes filled with a sliver of final hope, at his single-minded anxiety over whether he could successfully secure reinforcements to save Emilia while awaiting judgment, and at his sincere attitude where every word was the truth, without a breath of a lie.」
「Suddenly, she let out a deep sigh.」
「"Your character, your ability—a talent such as yourself is indeed someone I am willing to have... However, am I really to bring you into my fold in such an opportunistic, reluctant manner?"」
「Reluctant. It wasn't just Hikigaya Hachiman who was reluctant; Crusch was as well. If possible, she truly wished her own ideals had attracted the Hachiman before her, leading him to visit her of his own free will.」
「However, as the monarch of a faction, there are many times when one cannot act willfully... To exert full effort to rescue the Emilia camp, one must collect reasonable compensation; otherwise, serious problems would arise.」
「"Let us make a pact, Sir Hachiman."」
「After thinking it through, Crusch, with piercing eyes, spoke: "The content of the pact is the transaction you proposed above. Additionally, let us add one more clause: if, after I successfully seize the throne, you recognize me as a qualified monarch and are willing to assist me from the bottom of your heart, then you shall continue to stay."」
「"At that time, we shall become true lord and vassal, starting from zero, truly beginning the path forward for you and me."」
「"You mean—"」
「"Exactly. Therefore, raise your head and straighten your back, Sir Hachiman." Walking to the overjoyed Hikigaya Hachiman and helping him up from his withered, slouched state, Crusch's smiling declaration rang out with the weight of a divine decree:」
「"Your request—I grant it!"」
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"As expected of Crusch, she truly has a magnificent spirit." Kousaka Kyousuke sighed with emotion.
"In any timeline, Crusch is so dashing. It would be a loss for all of Lugunica if she didn't take the throne. And no matter the timeline, her assistance to Hikigaya-kun is immense."
"But she changed," Kousaka Kirino snorted, crossing her arms, unable to stand her brother praising another woman. Ignoring his sister's indignation, Kyousuke continued his praise: "Yes, she changed, and that makes me feel her greatness even more."
"..." In the silent Karsten mansion, Crusch—who was nearly grinding her teeth to pieces—felt lightheaded.
"With such a pact, and a full three years of time... even so, I couldn't win over Sir Hachiman? ...Anastasia, oh Anastasia!"
She had, after all, come too late again. However, if she hadn't been intercepted by Anastasia in the previous timeline, she surely could have lived a life of harmonious lord and vassal with Sir Hachiman... Every time she thought of this loss, Crusch's heart bled, and her breathing became difficult.
"In the end, why is it that the divergence points for Lady Felt and Lady Anastasia were right at the beginning, while only Crusch's divergence point is at such a late stage? This is purely a matter of luck, nyan!"
The future-condemning Felix was also incredibly frustrated; he truly felt the injustice this world showed toward Lady Crusch.
The despondency of this lord and vassal, however, could not compare to Emilia on the streets of the Royal Capital at this moment.
"—" A stunned Emilia was now pale, leaning against a wall. Her spine felt chilled, and her body temperature dropped sharply as she murmured: "Hachiman, who cannot reveal the secret of Return by Death, acting on his own, switching camps, and even forcing me to withdraw from the election..."
If it were her who knew nothing, who was happily waiting for him at Roswaal's mansion, how would she react to such a world-collapsing, sudden turn of events?
"I..." Emilia was trembling; she was afraid.
"Would I... resent Hachiman? Would I reprimand him? After he exhausted his heart and soul, haggardly searching for a way to save me, finally finding an unavoidable optimal solution—would he receive my cold alienation right off the bat?"
She didn't dare think about it.
"Lia." Puck opened its mouth, but then swallowed. It, too, feared this possibility. "Physical hardships are things he can definitely overcome... but if he doesn't receive Lia's understanding, if he has to suffer being wronged by the person he cherishes, then he—"
Emilia felt a deep, bone-chilling dread. If this was the future, she would rather keep watching Anastasia's timeline, watching Hachiman and Anastasia marry, have children, and live a loving life forever.
Praying, Emilia prayed from the bottom of her heart that she would be able to notice something. Then, the army set out, and presented on the light screen was the Subjugation of Sloth—once more.
Crusch Route: Reluctant Past (Part 2)
「"Everything for love—LOOOVE!!"」
「Accompanying Sloth's final words, a flash of sword light reduced the last remains of his body to fragments. The handsome Crusch was the most radiant sun on this battlefield; her perfectly timed strikes inspired all the warriors.」
「Despite being on Roswaal's territory, the soldiers' shouts of Crusch's name echoed everywhere.」
「Grateful for the rescue, Emilia ignored the Crusch camp's actions, which could almost be considered a provocation. She launched a terrifying barrage of ice spears, finishing off the remaining crowd of ordinary cultists, before floating gracefully down to Crusch's side.」
「"That... I'm tru~ly grateful for your help! But, why was Miss Crusch willing to come?"」
「Simple as she was, Emilia still understood basic logic regarding interests. She already had a guess in her heart: "As I thought, Hachiman must have promised some reward, right? The price must be so heavy that Rem is being secretive and doesn't dare say anything... But it's okay! Miss Crusch helped so much, no matter what it is, I'll go and get it from Roswaal, so please tell me!"」
「Crusch looked at the generous Emilia with a face full of pity. She lightly patted Emilia's shoulder and turned her head. "Regarding that... I'll let my strategist explain."」
「"Eh? Miss Crusch's strategist? Is it Ferris?"」
「Emilia followed Crusch's gaze blankly. In that direction, there was only Hikigaya Hachiman riding a land dragon, approaching with a decadent aura and a dead-eyed expression.」
「Emilia's heart skipped a beat, and she forced a smile. "...Could it be that Miss Crusch's strategist is invisible? How strange, I don't see anyone at all."」
「"Is that so? Then, let me point him out to you."」
「Step, step. Crusch's elegant strides seemed to trample on Emilia's heart. She reached out to lead Hikigaya Hachiman down from the land dragon, turned back, and stared at the stunned Emilia. Her tone was as calm as possible as she introduced him: "Hikigaya Hachiman, Sir Hachiman. The new strategist for Candidate Crusch's camp."」
「Crusch's voice was intentionally controlled to be gentle, but in Emilia's ears, it still sounded exceptionally cold and heartless. It instantly shattered her forced smile, plunging her into a state of panic and dread.」
「"This is—"」
「"This isn't a joke, nor is it a prank. This is the current reality, Emilia."」
「Before the stumbling, bloodless Emilia could speak, Hikigaya Hachiman looked up at the sky. Using his raspy, low voice, he spoke word by word: "As you can see, the monarch I now serve is... Lady Crusch."」
「Emilia's head felt as if it had exploded; her legs felt like they were filled with lead. Standing there agape, she was completely unable to move.」
「"How can this be..."」
「She suddenly remembered something and wailed for confirmation: "Is this—is this the price for the aid? Miss Crusch? Crusch!!"」
「However, Crusch had no intention of responding to her.」
「"Even though I've resigned, I am still your former Chief Knight," Hikigaya Hachiman tried to smile, attempting to pull at his stiff facial muscles, but his expression remained deathly still. "Emilia, you are such a kind person, you'll surely agree, right? To the request of your former knight. Withdraw from the Royal Selection, Emilia."」
「Bolt after bolt of lightning struck from the clear sky. Emilia wanted to say something, but she suddenly realized that simply trying to lift her hand or call out her knight's name was impossible. Her strength had vanished, leaving her like a cold ice sculpture.」
「...It wasn't a joke. Everything was serious. Joining Crusch was serious, and asking her to leave the selection was serious. Those eyes, that tone—all of it was real.」
「"Rem also agrees with Hachiman's request."」
「Having finished the battle and approached, Rem's merciless agreement acted like blades, stabbing into every part of the dazed Emilia's body.」
「"Mmm..." Scratching his head, Puck remained silent, intentionally ignoring his daughter's pleading gaze.」
「He had been convinced days ago—convinced by Rem, who was following Hikigaya Hachiman's orders.」
「Perhaps he didn't fear the Witch Cult, but the authorities of the Sin Archbishops were rumored to be bizarre. Ambushing and killing Emilia was possible, like Sloth's Unseen Providence; without preparation, Puck truly couldn't guarantee his daughter's safety.」
「And the root of the conflict was Lia's participation in the selection... Rather than letting her risk death, Puck weighed the options and chose silence, becoming Hikigaya Hachiman's accomplice.」
「She understood. She understood everything.」
「The bitter Emilia looked at the silent Puck, and she understood it all... if even Puck, who considered everything for her sake, approved of Hachiman's request.」
「"You no longer have a knight."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman himself didn't know how he managed to be so heartless... He didn't know what kind of face he was making. He could only see Emilia on the verge of tears, and then the droplets began to fall. Her shock at being betrayed, that look of disbelief—it made Hikigaya Hachiman forget to breathe, nearly suffocating.」
「...Together with Puck who cared for her, and Rem who followed Hikigaya Hachiman's orders, Emilia—who didn't say another word after that—turned and swayed into the distance.」
「Until the very end, the whispering, sobbing, trembling Emilia never showed a single second of hatred or loathing in her eyes toward Hikigaya Hachiman.」
「The direction she walked toward was the starting point of her awakening: the frozen Elior Forest.」
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"The White Whale is still at large, continuing to plague the world..."
"Petelgeuse is dead, but the exiled Emilia won't go to the Sanctuary; the truth about her foster father is buried forever in the river of history..."
"Rem is alive and well, but because of Hachiman's orders, she's spent three years in the forest taking care of a tearful Emilia, unable to be with the man she loves."
"Roswaal, too clever for his own good, has imprisoned himself in the Sanctuary, and Ram is tied there with him, separated from her beloved sister."
"A reluctant Hikigaya, a reluctant Crusch—two reluctant people."
"A defeated Anastasia hasn't found her love either."
Counting on his fingers one by one, Uesugi Fuutarou let out a bitter laugh, exchanging glances with the troubled Nakano quintuplets, who all looked like they were suffering from a stomachache:
"The Crusch Route... what kind of earthly misery is this timeline? This is just too painful!"
Crusch Route: Scummy Anastasia
"Pfft!" Anastasia covered her mouth, but a "scummy" giggle still leaked out uncontrollably. "This is bad, sniff—sorry, sorry, but I really can't help it, honestly~!"
Although she felt truly sorry for her Prime Minister, seeing her own timeline so blissful and fulfilled while Crusch's timeline was not only inferior to hers but even worse than the official history and the Felt route, she simply couldn't hold back.
Comparing the two, as long as one isn't blind and holds a favorable impression of her Prime Minister, it was clear the whole world would lean toward her "snatching" the Prime Minister back, right? No one would support Crusch, right? Blehh~
"Yay~" Mimi, wearing a face that screamed "victory again," cheered and high-fived Anastasia. Julius, however, thought of his friend.
"In this timeline, the one most pleased is probably Ferris. At least Lady Crusch wasn't attacked and didn't lose her memories like in the official history."
"Phew... that's good. Uh, wait, that's not exactly 'good' either."
On the streets of the Royal Capital, a tense Emilia felt a sense of relief, but immediately realized that while this future wasn't as bad as she had feared, it still completely sucked.
"Geuse..." After regaining her memories, seeing the maddened Petelgeuse again was a completely different experience compared to their first encounter in the official history; it was truly painful. But because there were so many tragic people in the Crusch route, Emilia for a moment didn't know who to pity first or who deserved more sympathy.
Ram, having paused for a rest midway to the Royal Capital, glanced at this future and nodded slightly.
"Confirming that Rem is alive makes this the best timeline ever."
"That, that—Sister is the best, but Rem still thinks Lady Anastasia's is the be—"
Starting from the happiness level of her beloved, Rem's voice cut off abruptly as she retreated under her sister's sly embrace.
"Oh my, Beatrice, you look quite displeased?" On the roof of the mansion, Roswaal, who had regained a bit of vitality, asked a question he already knew the answer to.
He spoke with certainty: "Don't worry. Even if there isn't a dedicated 'Beatrice Timeline' later, at least in the official history, he will definitely save you. No matter how these possibilities turn out, good or bad, they won't hinder his steps in saving reality and the official history.
After all, he is Hikigaya Hachiman."
Beatrice, who was quite envious of Emilia, Felt, Anastasia, and the others, let out a huff. "Betty never doubted that for a moment. You, on the other hand, are miserable in every single timeline."
"That is the sin I must bear." Roswaal spread his hands. Honestly, he felt that the more miserable his counterparts in the various timelines were, the better. Having awakened now, he actually found it quite cathartic to watch.
The maddened Roswaal, played like a puppet by the Witch of Greed, deserved to die a miserable death.
"Tch!" At the same time, Priscilla, far away, clicked her tongue in annoyance. her irritation was nearing its limit.
"One after another, they all dare to claim victory. What do they take Us for?"
By her count, she had already lost the Royal Selection three times! Such a thing was simply unacceptable.
"Even for a fellow We intended to take into Our collection, this is going a bit too far. Daring to go this far relying on Our favor—even We can be moved to rage."
Furthermore, she was very concerned. Both the Anastasia and Crusch routes mentioned a rebellion in the Sacred Vollachia Empire. Perhaps her "brother" really would be ousted and destroyed in the future.
Regarding this, Abel, the Emperor of the Sacred Empire, was just as focused as she was.
"Tell us more details... Sigh, won't you reveal any information?"
Now, every minister he looked at seemed like a potential traitor; it was a massive headache.
"If only I had a subordinate like Hikigaya Hachiman. Once he decides who to assist, he is single-minded and loyal—the most trustworthy confidant to whom one can entrust everything."
In the convenience store, Hikigaya Hachiman stroked Yukinoshita's smooth black hair and said open-mindedly: "Laugh if you want. You can be happy, I don't mind, Yukinoshita."
Finally, finally, after so long, there was an outstanding woman whose designs on him weren't purely romantic but focused on a lord-vassal relationship, and he hadn't grieved her... although Crusch gave an explicit confession in the Anastasia timeline, that wasn't important. In any case, seeing Crusch's situation, it was only natural for Yukinoshita—who had been suppressed by so many other-world girls—to feel a sigh of relief.
"No." But Yukinoshita refused. The subconscious sigh of relief came from her possessive love for Hikigaya-kun, but now that she had regained her composure, she obviously couldn't be so heartless as to laugh while Hikigaya-kun was in such a tragic situation.
"Hey, Kei-chan, don't you think Crusch is a bit too tragic? In the official history, she also helped Hikigaya, and while Anastasia got away clean, Crusch lost an arm and her memories. In her own dedicated timeline, she actually continues that role from the official history."
Shirogane Miyuki curled his lip. Compared to Anastasia, that scummy profiteer who caused his faith to crumble, he certainly supported Crusch crushing Anastasia.
"Mmh, rather than that, I'm thinking about something else, Brother."
"Eh?" Facing her brother's surprise, Shirogane Kei—who had previously covered her ears with a pillow but could still hear the audio and decided to face the video bravely—said: "I have a theory.
Look, Hikigaya-senpai said Priscilla's Divine Protection makes her the luckiest person in the world. In the official history, Emilia is so unlucky, Crusch is so pitiable, and even the hard-working Anastasia gets nothing for her efforts, even if she doesn't lose anything—"
"Are you trying to say that the bad luck of the other candidates is because Priscilla's Divine Protection gave them a push from the shadows?" Miyuki's eyes widened. He took a sharp breath, and upon careful thought, realized it wasn't impossible.
"If you put it that way, I feel like this Priscilla person is as malicious as a Witch or a Sin Archbishop."
In the Sanctuary, the brain-wracked Garfiel finally had a moment of realization.
"Oh! If the Princess and the Captain don't come to the Sanctuary, that means the condition for that Roswaal guy to summon the blizzard and attract the Great Rabbit doesn't exist! Of course he wouldn't do it then, so everyone in the Sanctuary survives in these timelines. Haha, not bad!" Then, he slammed his fists together.
"But as expected, my blood is already boiling! I want to follow the Captain and help him! So—none of these timelines are as good as the official history! This Great Me is a man who follows the Captain!"
Crusch Route: The Desperate Monarch
「Rather than an angry shout, Crusch's voice sounded more like a veiled plea. On her handsome face, a very rare expression of grievance surfaced; though subtle, that grievance and the hidden request were received clearly by Hikigaya Hachiman.」
「"After all this time, do you really still hold only feelings of 'agreement' toward me, toward my camp, and toward Felix, Sir Wilhelm, and the others?!"」
「This utterly aggrieved condemnation left Hikigaya Hachiman unable to answer, his thoughts drifting from three years ago and skimming over every detail of the past three years.」
「"Or is there some flaw in me, some deficiency that you find unbearable? If you feel I am lacking, you should stay and witness with your own eyes the day those errors vanish. Why be in such a hurry to leave?"」
「"If it is your dissatisfaction, I will certainly change whatever can be changed."」
「The earnest, persuasive Crusch—this side of her was something outsiders could never imagine.」
「"You are a perfect person, Crusch."」
「Declining the step she had built for him, Hikigaya Hachiman shook his head gently. "Back when Emilia announced her withdrawal from the Royal Selection and returned to her home, she didn't leave that frozen forest once in three years. It was you who dispatched garrison troops nearby to prevent other Sin Archbishops from attacking when rescue would be too late. Her and Rem's living supplies were also things you have been donating without charge."」
「"To me, you are almost flawless—an angel of impeccable character."」
「Crusch stared sharply at Hikigaya Hachiman; she wished she could make him take back all those praises. "Three years of time could not win your heart; these tributes of yours only serve to pointlessly add to my shame."」
「"That is not your fault. It is mine."」
「A heavy, oppressive atmosphere lurked in the air. Hikigaya Hachiman's eyelids lowered. "It's not that you have flaws; it's that I have flaws. It's my deficiency... I am very grateful to you, Crusch. But, I am going back."」
「Beneath Crusch's chilling countenance, her voice, laden with suppressed rage, held no warmth. "Going back? Once you enter the Elior Forest, will you ever come out again, Sir?"」
「Hikigaya Hachiman shuddered, unable to answer... No. He would absolutely never come out again. He would never leave Emilia's side again. Having betrayed her once already, he didn't dare imagine what kind of wild, paranoid thoughts Emilia would fall into if he left that forest again.」
「Forget leaving the forest—at that point, even if Crusch visited personally or sent Felix, he would likely refuse to see them... For three years, every letter Rem sent him detailed Emilia's fear and rejection of Crusch. It was so severe that she would occasionally tremble in terror in her sleep, agonizingly crying out Crusch's name.」
「To the current Emilia, the person known as Crusch was the most terrifying nightmare in the world.」
「"'Going back'... how easily you say it, Sir Hachiman. If you turn and leave now, I suppose it will be a final farewell for a lifetime."」
「Having spent three years together day and night, she had long ago mastered her strategist's personality. Crusch let out a tragic laugh born of fury, gritting her teeth: "Can you really be heartless to this extent? Do you truly have not a shred of emotion or attachment toward me, my camp, or my country?"」
「"Can three years of companionship still not make me a monarch you are willing to serve of your own free will?"」
「"Three years of companionship—three years! From the time you met Emilia to the time you separated, it wasn't even a single year. Even so, do I still hold so little weight in your heart?!"」
「Her chest heaved violently. Seeing the speechless Hikigaya Hachiman, her anger exploded, adding fuel to the fire. "Even if I am inferior to Emilia, what about Felix? What about Sir Wilhelm? They who consider you a lifelong best friend, who view you as the best colleague of their lives, who treated you with their whole hearts—does the combined weight of all this still fail to change the mind of your cold, ruthless heart of stone?!"」
「This was the first time in history that Hikigaya Hachiman had received a reprimand from Crusch. Until now, she had only ever given her Sir Hachiman praise, rewards, and smiles. Those beautiful, harmonious days were woven together, yet what they produced now was this ashen-faced verbal lashing.」
「"...I'm sorry."」
「Facing her one and only reprimand, the low-spirited Hikigaya Hachiman, eyes downcast, simply uttered those two words.」
「Those words drained every ounce of strength from Crusch's body. She swayed, a tragic smile that looked worse than crying pulling at her face in disbelief.」
「"I see. I see... I, who prided myself on knowing you well, have ultimately underestimated your ruthlessness, haven't I?"」
「—Clang!」
「Crusch twisted her wrist. The sharp blade flipped in the air; she held it by the hilt, pointing the tip toward the floor.」
「"Then try it, Sir Hachiman."」
「Bloodshot veins streaked her pupils as she stared directly at Hikigaya Hachiman, speaking word by word: "If you truly have that conviction, if you truly have that obsession, if you can be so unscrupulous just to go back—if in your heart, everyone is insignificant compared to Emilia—then try it... Take my sword, and strike me down with its blade, Sir Hachiman."」
「"Crusch, you—"」
「As if startled by a thunderclap, Hikigaya Hachiman's eyes widened and he subconsciously took a step back. He stood agape in shock, looking at the Crusch before him with a body that felt ice-cold.」
「"For someone like me, there is absolutely no need—"」
「"Take the sword! Strike!"」
「Crusch's angry shout cut him off. This military-clad beauty took a step forward, staking everything on the most terrifying gamble to force her Sir Hachiman to stay.」
「"Take the sword and strike! If you cannot do it, then I will make it so your legs no longer have the strength to approach that frozen forest ever again!!"」
「The most extreme method, the most extreme choice. Either strike her down and completely sever the three years of lord-vassal sentiment, or remain under her command from now on and never speak of farewell again.」
「"I—"」
「"Take the sword! Strike! You have only this one chance, Sir Hachiman!"」
「"I won't—"」
「Grit-teethed, Hikigaya Hachiman's mind was a chaotic mess, his breath failing him. Looking at the Crusch who was pressing in step by step, his hand trembled.」
「"Miss this chance, and I will never allow the possibility of you leaving again!"」
「"I can't—BUT I!!"」
「Ruthless hands trembled as they took the sword. A ruthless blade trembled as it cut through flesh. The dashing military uniform was tremblingly sliced open, and blood seeped out.」
「Crusch did not cover the small wound on her right shoulder. She could feel no pain there.」
「Dazed, Crusch only knew that a agony called despair had abruptly swept through her entire body, hurting so much she could no longer stand.」
「"...So this is what it feels like, Sir Hachiman."」
「The despairing Crusch closed her eyes in despair.」
Crusch Route: Crusch Abandons Her Virtue (Part 1)
At this moment, a heavy silence fell both inside and outside the entire Karsten mansion.
It wasn't just those inside; even passersby outside the estate froze in their tracks, moving on tiptoe and doing their best to minimize any sound. They looked up at the screen, staring at the Crusch who, among all the candidates in the future timelines, was the most tragic—the one for whom Hikigaya Hachiman was most unattainable, and who had even been physically wounded by him.
Anyone with a shred of empathy could more or less feel Crusch's grievance and pity, and could even guess the sheer magnitude of the fury she must be feeling right now.
Wilhelm, who had rushed back from the garden fearing his lord might do something rash, saw Crusch sitting with her brows knitted in silence. Even Felix, standing by her side, had no way of knowing what she was thinking or what her specific mood was. The Karsten mansion was filled with a chilling, eerie silence.
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"Eh? Ehhh? No way?!"
At the same time, on the streets of the Royal Capital quite some distance from the mansion, Emilia froze. Then, looking uneasy and somewhat dejected, she let her head droop. "Miss Crusch is so pitiable. Hey, Puck, let's go—"
Before she could finish, her shameful voice was drowned out by Puck's loud laughter. Puck, who was viciously punching and kicking the air, let out a long breath, looking incredibly refreshed—his face full of triumphant vindication.
"What are you saying, Lia? That's an enemy coveting Hachiman! What, do you actually wish Hachiman had said yes to her? To stay in the Capital and abandon you? If that happened, you'd be the pitiable one, don't you know!"
Forced by Puck to put herself in those shoes, Emilia imagined herself being left all alone. Shaking her head repeatedly in fear, she murmured, "That... it's not that... of course I'm ve~ry happy Hachiman chose me. But, did he really have to strike Miss Crusch?"
"There was no other way, so relax a bit, Lia. We can barely protect ourselves right now." Puck patted his daughter's shoulder; he couldn't let her continue being this overly kind.
"Look at all these soldiers nearby. Who's to say Crusch didn't send some of them to snatch Hachiman? We don't have the luxury of pitying these love rivals right now."
"...Even so..." Emilia murmured, shaking her head slightly. Watching Puck radiate murderous intent toward the nearby soldiers, she ultimately swallowed the rest of her words.
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In the Classic Literature Club, Chitanda Eru—a young lady with the same tendency toward excessive kindness as Emilia—stared with shimmering purple eyes and lamented, "Miss Crusch is so pitiable."
"Yeah, no matter how the tables turn, she really doesn't deserve this." Ibara Mayaka stood with her hands on her hips, looking like she had a stomachache.
"She's clearly the most capable of the five candidates, her conduct is nearly perfect, and you can tell she truly trusts and treats Hikigaya-kun well.
And besides, is Crusch really less charming than Emilia or Anastasia? A woman like her, who's cooler than most men—isn't that a very unique and appealing trait?"
"This has little to do with whether Crusch's charm is high or low," Oreki Houtarou sighed. "She arrived too late. That is her only sin."
Chitanda Eru seemed to realize something. She asked tentatively, "Because Hikigaya-kun is too devoted, is that it?"
Nodding slightly, Oreki Houtarou spoke with deep emotion. "If only the divergence point of Crusch's timeline had been even a day or two earlier—as long as it was before Hikigaya first received news of Sloth's attack."
The moment Hikigaya Hachiman was truly captured by Emilia and Rem was during those two loops of the battle against Petelgeuse. It was the Rem who confessed to him with a "straight ball," and the Emilia who ignored her own safety and threw herself into danger to save him. Through those two displays, these two "Genuine Things" began to completely capture the wandering, helpless Hikigaya Hachiman during that period.
Any woman who tried to enter Hikigaya Hachiman's heart after that, no matter how outstanding, would find it difficult to compete with those two.
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"Gulp..." Anastasia hugged Mimi tightly in fear. She couldn't bring herself to laugh at a time like this. Crusch's bleak ending made her involuntarily imagine: what if her own timeline's divergence point had been here?
The answer seemed self-evident. Anastasia shook her head, quickly tossing those fantasies out of her mind. She puffed out her chest.
"Hmph... regardless, this lady has already succeeded once. That is a fact, honestly~!"
Emilia's knight, the hero protecting the hero Rem, Crusch's strategist, the would-be contractor praised by Echidna... Hikigaya Hachiman could have many identities. But having seen such a beautiful future and such a happy success, Anastasia would not back down no matter what.
"I don't need any of those titles! It's enough for you to just be my Prime Minister!"
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"Tch." Ram, who could still look up at the future while traveling, clicked her tongue. "It seems Crusch hasn't realized the essence of the matter yet. That guy is willing to live in the frozen forest for a lifetime; clearly, Rem's presence played a huge role—no, the biggest role.
If she understood that and promised to let Rem leave the forest, marry that guy, and live in the Capital together, how could he possibly remain so unwavering?"
Ram felt frustrated by Crusch's lack of insight.
Compared to Hikigaya Hachiman going to the frozen forest to live with Rem and Emilia, she would much rather it be Rem and Crusch—after all, Crusch was far less of a threat than Emilia.
Rem blinked, offering no rebuttal. She believed her sister was the smartest and most incredible, so she certainly wouldn't be wrong. However, a thought surfaced in Rem's heart... What if Lady Crusch didn't lack the knowledge, but rather refused to acknowledge it?
In her heart, keeping Hachiman by her side through such means wouldn't be because of her or her camp, but by riding the coattails of the Emilia faction. That would be shameless—a "false success" even more unacceptable than failure. Thus, she may have discarded that shortcut from the very beginning.
Given Lady Crusch's character and her perfect virtue, this possibility wasn't out of the question.
"But Lady Crusch has already failed once in Lady Anastasia's timeline because of her perfect virtue. Is she going to fail yet again because of it now?" Even as a love rival, Rem felt sorrow for her.
"Those virtues are what Hachiman admires most about her, yet to keep Hachiman, her only choice is to abandon the very parts he admires."
A dilemma of choice; it was truly terrifying.
Crusch Route: Crusch Abandons Her Virtue (Part 2)
「Crusch did not fulfill the agreement.」
「In a raspy voice, she summoned Wilhelm and, under the charge of attempted murder, ordered Ferris to imprison Hikigaya Hachiman. Regarding the wound on her shoulder, she refused Ferris's treatment, letting the blood flow freely to carve this humiliation into her body and soul.」
「Though nominally a prison cell, the actual location of his confinement was Crusch's study within the Karsten mansion.」
「It was the place where she and Sir Hachiman had spent the most time together.」
「"..."」
「With no resentment, no surprise, and no resistance, a deathly silent Hikigaya Hachiman cooperated all the way here.」
「Wilhelm did not lock the door when he left; he didn't even stand guard at the entrance, disappearing to who-knows-where. The lunch sent by the guards was, as always, full of his favorite foods, without a single bit of deduction.」
「Inside the study, as the days accumulated, one could smell a faint hint of Crusch's personal fragrance—a scent identical to her vigorous and dashing presence, one that was quite captivating.」
「On the bookshelves and in the cabinets, various secret documents lay exposed without any defense. If Hikigaya Hachiman wished, he could peer into or destroy them at will.」
「He didn't touch a single thing. He simply raised his chopsticks and stirred the "final" feast placed before him... Hikigaya Hachiman had no appetite whatsoever, but he still ate bit by bit until the plate was clean.」
「He ate very slowly, until the color of the window shifted from the warm midday sun to the orange-red of the sunset.」
「Creak.」
「Accompanied by the opening of the door, light footsteps entered the study. Hikigaya Hachiman took a final sip of water and rinsed his mouth.」
「"Heigh-ho~"」
「Whether it was the voice or the way of walking, everything was adorable. Looking quite sunny and without a hint of gloom on her face, Ferris appeared with a smile. "Oh my, hee-hee... I never expected there would come a day when Hachiman-chin would actually argue with Lady Crusch. It's so rare, Ferris was startled, nyan."」
「He entered the study smiling, acting as if he didn't see Hikigaya Hachiman's resolute expression, and spoke to himself: "But still, imprisoning Hachiman-chin is a bit too much, nyan~ Ah, how about Ferris goes to find Lady Crusch and tells her to come and apologize?"」
「"But, but, Hachiman-chin has to apologize properly too, okay? Only when both sides apologize will there be no hard feelings, nyan. Mmm, are you listening?"」
「Through his words, providing a way out and smoothing things over, a constantly hinting Ferris poked Hikigaya Hachiman's forehead.」
「Feeling the pressure of that finger on his brow, Hikigaya Hachiman tilted his head back slightly, speaking in a certain tone: "You hate me right now, don't you, Ferris?"」
「"Wh—" A flash of panic crossed Ferris's eyes, and he quickly forced an extremely strained fake smile. "What kind of silly things are you saying?"」
「"We are friends... no, we are best friends, Ferris."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman's voice was tinged with sadness as he instantly shattered the harmonious atmosphere Ferris was desperately trying to maintain: "But Crusch is everything to you."」
「"Crusch is more important than your life; Crusch is more important than the whole world. Her importance is incomparable. Anyone who dares to cut Lady Crusch's flesh with a sword—even if it's a best friend—you'd want to tear them apart alive."」
「"That resentment, that killing intent... you can't hide it from me, Ferris."」
「Ferris withdrew his finger, freezing in place awkwardly while maintaining that fake smile. "Honestly, Ferris-chan didn't know Hachiman-chin was such a jokester."」
「"Ah—that!"」
「Before Hikigaya Hachiman could say more, he suddenly pointed to a bookshelf. "Lady Crusch and Hachiman-chin used to stand right there to discuss matters. It brings back memories. Lady Crusch once asked you why you paced around there, and you said you think faster and have better ideas when standing. After that, Lady Crusch started standing there with you, nyan."」
「"Ferris-chan still remembers the day after Lady Anastasia announced her withdrawal from the selection; Lady Crusch was slumped over this very desk."」
「"At that time, you pushed a piece of paper over, saying your methods of squeezing Lady Anastasia had been too harsh, and you wanted Lady Crusch to help you write an apology letter to her in your personal name."」
「"Lady Crusch was confused at first, not understanding why you didn't write it yourself. You said your handwriting was average and not as beautiful as hers. She immediately and happily wrote the letter for you."」
「"Later, Lady Crusch told Ferris-chan privately several times that the only area where she might surpass Hachiman-chin was probably just her handwriting."」
「"Ferris-chan also remembers, a few days before Lady Crusch led the troops to tour the nation during the Vollachian rebellion, Hachiman-chin cooked a meal because you were bored."」
「"Back then, Lady Crusch said your cooking was mediocre, but Ferris-chan clearly saw that it was the day Lady Crusch had the best appetite in months!"」
「Pointing at different spots, his speaking speed grew faster and faster. Unknowingly, his eyes began to moisten. Ferris clenched his fist and slammed it onto the desk with a thud.」
「"Once in winter, Lady Crusch was so busy in the study she fell asleep at the desk. Weren't you the first to notice and cover her with your own coat?"」
「"There were so many happy days, so many beautiful memories. Clearly, you liked Ferris-chan and Lady Crusch very much too. So why—"」
「"Why are you being so heartless now, Hachiman-chin? Why?!"」
「Grabbing Hikigaya Hachiman by the collar and hoisting him up, a roaring Ferris had two trails of tears streaming down his cheeks. "You bastard, do you know that Lady Crusch actually shed tears... That Lady Crusch, she actually cried! Do you understand which bastard caused that?!"」
「"Lady Crusch, who had no defenses against you; Lady Crusch, who bared her soul to you; Lady Crusch, who gave you everything... To be able to cruelly swing a sword and wound the Lady Crusch who treated you like that—just what kind of heartless monster are you, Hikigaya Hachiman!!"」
「Every roar from Ferris, every strike, hammered against Hikigaya Hachiman.」
「...He was in pain, he was suffering, but...」
「"I am... a monster of logic."」
「Under Ferris's condemnation, his answer was limited to those few words.」
Crusch Route: Consecutive Obstacles
「"Bang!"」
「A punch fueled by resentment slammed into his face. Unprepared, Hikigaya Hachiman was knocked to the ground by the momentum, a searing pain burning across his cheek.」
「"I truly misjudged you, Hikigaya Hachiman!!"」
「The normally frail-looking Ferris let out a roar, pouncing onto Hikigaya Hachiman. Without a shred of mercy, he rained down punch after punch, aiming for his face and stomach, striking with all his might in a vent of pure fury.」
「For the first and only time in his life, he committed such an act against his best friend.」
「In the three years spent in the Crusch camp, Hikigaya Hachiman had followed the Sword Demon Wilhelm in training during his spare time. Even so, he was nowhere near as powerful as Wilhelm or Julius. Having abandoned all resistance, he was left dazed by Ferris's fists, his face turning a bruised purple.」
「"Ferris, you idiot!"」
「With blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, Hikigaya Hachiman spat through gritted teeth, "You're hitting all the trivial spots. What about my heart? My neck? Put some weight into it—did you skip breakfast?!"」
「"Bang!"」
「Responding to his provocation was a blood-red glare, a shout of "Bastard!!", and punches that grew even heavier and more vengeful.」
「The floor was stained with Ferris's sweat and Hikigaya Hachiman's blood.」
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"Ferris, you..." Crusch looked at Ferris by her side with a furrowed brow. Ferris was sticking out his tongue; she wanted to scold him but couldn't bring herself to do it. However, seeing the image of Hikigaya Hachiman being brutally beaten made her chest tighten with pain.
Ferris acted cute, trying to play it off.
"Ehehe... when I meet Hachiman-chin, Ferris-chan will apologize properly. If he wants to hit me back, Ferris-chan won't fight back."
But he didn't regret it. Whether it was the future him or the current him, the moment he saw Hikigaya Hachiman swing a sword at Lady Crusch, he wanted to give the guy a thorough thrashing, regardless of whatever hidden hardships Hachiman was facing.
"After all, Lady Crusch is more important than the entire world."
Crusch let out a mournful sigh. "Regardless, what you did was truly excessive, Ferris."
If it weren't for the fact that she could see Sir Hachiman was deliberately provoking Ferris's anger—intentionally using physical pain to alleviate the guilt in his heart—she truly would have punished Ferris.
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"Too much! This is really too much!" On the streets of the Royal Capital, Emilia's lips were pressed thin as a rare anger flared within her. She didn't feel rage toward people like Elsa, Gluttony, or Greed because she expected nothing from them; she only wanted them dead. But Ferris and Julius were Hikigaya Hachiman's best friends. To be treated this way by a "best friend" was something Emilia found unacceptable.
"The root cause of Hachiman letting Lady Crusch down is clearly me! To blame all the responsibility on Hachiman is just too much, Ferris!"
"Sigh..." Puck shook his head beside her. He realized that his daughter's kindness was something that couldn't be bent. But at least she was angry. Ferris's actions actually helped lessen the debt of gratitude his daughter felt toward the Crusch camp.
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"Reinhard in the Felt route was conflicted; Julius in the Anastasia route was dismissive; now Ferris in the Crusch route fast-forwards straight to a beating." Shirogane Miyuki sighed. "If this continues and there's a Priscilla timeline, I don't even dare to imagine what Al would do to Hikigaya. Fortunately, at least Al has little contact or emotional bond with Hikigaya in the official history, so it wouldn't be too tragic if they actually tried to kill each other."
While most people felt a "stomachache" watching Ferris beat Hikigaya Hachiman, someone was actually applauding and nodding in approval.
"Well hit!" In the convenience store, Hikigaya Hachiman cheered for the roaring Ferris. In this timeline, the future Hikigaya Hachiman owed Crusch far too much. Forget beating his future self—even if Ferris wanted to hit the current him, Hachiman felt it would be perfectly justified.
If nothing else, the fact that Crusch saved Emilia and Rem was a kindness that could never be repaid. Even if it was based on a deal and a pact, a life saved is a life saved.
"One more punch! Hit him harder! Use more strength!" As much as Hikigaya Hachiman supported the beating, the pouting Anastasia was just as repulsed and pained.
"This lady's Prime Minister..." She stared wide-eyed, her heart aching as she watched him take the hits. Her accumulated gloom was building up. "Mimi will get revenge," Mimi whispered into Anastasia's ear while huddled in her arms, making sure Julius couldn't hear. "Mimi will find a chance, put a sack over his head, and give that guy a beating!" Anastasia nodded heavily.
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「Heaving for breath.」
「Having beaten his best friend until he himself was out of breath, Ferris looked at the bruised Hikigaya Hachiman, who was spitting blood and nursing a battered torso. He said hatefully, "Don't expect Ferris-chan to heal you this time!"」
「"I... cough..." Hikigaya Hachiman's wounded face was clouded with gloom. "I never had such a luxury in mind, Ferris."」
「Ferris, whose words were half-driven by anger, felt his pupils shrink. He hadn't expected Hikigaya Hachiman to say such a thing.」
「"But... in the end, you really didn't intend to strike a lethal blow against me... You big idiot, Ferris."」
「"Wh—"」
「Thud. With a move as fast as lightning, Hikigaya Hachiman landed a precise punch, knocking Ferris unconscious. The healer slumped onto the floor in a daze.」
「"You're just like Crusch—both of you are big, kindhearted idiots. That's exactly why I..."」
「Grit-teethed, Hikigaya Hachiman muttered to himself. His numbed legs limped as he carried Ferris to a chair. He took one last look at his best friend, then hunched his shoulders and turned away ruthlessly.」
「Hikigaya Hachiman was leaving the study, leaving the Karsten mansion, leaving the Royal Capital, leaving the Crusch camp—leaving everything that Emilia feared.」
「And now, he had only completed the first step.」
「Standing outside the study was an elderly gentleman.」
「The orange-red sunset had vanished. The pale yellow moon in the sky dispelled the darkness of the night. Under the moonlight, the Sword Demon Wilhelm held two swords.」
「—Schwing.」
「One of them was tossed through the air, landing in Hikigaya Hachiman's hand.」
「Wilhelm opened his eyes, his gaze as sharp as the blade he drew from its scabbard.」
「No words were needed.」
「"Come!"」
Crusch Route: The Sword Demon's Passage
"Sir Wilhelm, are you serious?" Over and over again, Crusch's face was etched with a look of troubled distress. She gazed bitterly at Wilhelm. No matter how naturally gifted Hikigaya Hachiman might be, how could he possibly improve to a level comparable to the Sword Demon in a mere three years?
Compared to her earlier numbness and despair over Hachiman's refusal to stay by her side—even to the point of swinging a blade at her—the current Crusch was filled with frantic worry, terrified that something might happen to him.
"This..." Wilhelm thought for a moment and offered sincere comfort. "Please rest easy, Lady Crusch. Most likely, I will be holding back to some degree."
"It had better be so." Crusch shook her head, sighing bitterly. Had she known her future self's "possibility" involved the entire camp taking turns beating up Hikigaya Hachiman, she would have preferred not to see it; at least then she could have held onto some hopeful daydreams.
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"...Oh!" In contrast to Crusch's anxiety in the other world, within Class D of Advanced Nurturing High School, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka's eyes lit up. He focused with intense excitement. "Let me see it—your capability in direct combat. Strategy is well and good, but a necessary means of physical self-defense is indispensable."
He never believed Hikigaya Hachiman was a martial weakling. The reason for his relatively low strength in the official history was simply a lack of time to train.
Ayanokouji only speculated on what "high level" Hachiman had reached; he didn't wonder "if he could" or "if he was capable." After all, this was a rival he acknowledged—a person he recognized.
By now, he had gained all sorts of emotions because of Hikigaya Hachiman. How could such a worthy opponent possibly fail to deliver?
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「Clang!」
「The moment Hikigaya Hachiman's blade cleared its scabbard, Wilhelm moved like a powerful wild leopard. The explosive force of his thigh muscles sent the floor tiles beneath
him sinking dozens of centimeters into the earth. His speed was so great he nearly blurred into an afterimage, impossible for the eye to track, a dazzling display of speed.
「With an unparalleled aesthetic of technique, the longsword turned into an arc of killing light. Accompanied by the whistle of the wind, it swung down with fierce momentum—only to strike not Hachiman's fragile neck, but equally indestructible steel.」
「The ear-piercing sound of clashing metal rang out. A visible smile of relief and satisfaction surfaced on Wilhelm's lips.」
「"It seems I truly have grown old."」
「'Three years of sparring... your every habit and move has long been engraved in my subconscious'—Hikigaya Hachiman simply thought this; he did not speak.」
「It was impossible for him to rely on raw strength to oppose Wilhelm; such a thing could not be done. Wilhelm could converse leisurely during a battle, but if Hachiman dared to be so arrogant, the moment he opened his mouth his breathing would falter. Without enough oxygen in his lungs, he would fall instantly.」
「The parrying blade twisted at a cunning angle, striking the incoming weapon. Then, the sword light danced as Hachiman shifted his footwork; his actions were entirely focused on the premise of slaying Wilhelm.」
「"Though I have become so incompetent, I am not yet so blind as to miss such a direct trajectory!"」
「Relying on seasoned combat experience, the second the sword tip almost reached the bridge of his nose, Wilhelm retracted his right hand. His wrist flicked violently, the hilt striking the blade of Hachiman's sword. He deflected the attack and, in doing so, forced Hachiman's body to stagger.」
「Unable to adjust in time, Hikigaya Hachiman immediately pivoted his entire body. His blade traced a circle in the air, followed by a horizontal upward slash. As the two blades met again, Wilhelm launched a steady, heavy kick, which was blocked by a prepared elbow.」
「In terms of stamina, strength, experience, or technique, Hikigaya Hachiman was entirely inferior. That he could maintain a continuous stalemate relied solely on his familiarity with Wilhelm, a familiarity so deep it felt like subconscious assistance.」
「The powerful clang-clang of clashing blades echoed incessantly in the courtyard. The pressure of the wind suppressed the air, creating a void-like zone of combat.」
「...Stamina, strength, experience, and technique were all lacking, so he would rely on the privilege of the young—the patent of youth—using every ounce of endurance to switch to an extraordinary, high-speed assault!」
」
「Both of Hachiman's arms were already aching intolerably, yet amidst the horizontal and vertical clashing of metal, he forced open a flaw. A brief gap appeared in Wilhelm's nearly perfect "sword circle." Hikigaya Hachiman charged in boldly. He didn't need to consider the risks or if it was a deceptive trap. Strike, strike—he only needed to seize the timing and burst through.」
「"If I encounter an enemy of Wilhelm's caliber, what should I do, Julius?"」
「"Run. Please run, Hachiman-kun. You can only run. Of course, if it were Sir Wilhelm himself, that would be a different story."」
「Because—」
「If the enemy was Wilhelm, Hachiman was standing on invincible ground from the very beginning!」
「"—Schwing!"」
「The sharp wind from the sword stung his scalp, but the blade stopped dead right above his head, descending not a millimeter further.」
「Wilhelm seemed to turn into a statue. His throat, his head, his chest—none of his lethal or critical vitals were in danger. Hikigaya Hachiman's blade had failed to successfully enter that fleeting gap.」
「...However, if Wilhelm's blade had fallen, Hachiman's arm and thigh would have certainly suffered deep wounds.」
「"I lost."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman spoke in an expected tone, without a trace of regret. He shrugged, seemingly about to sheathe his sword immediately.」
「"—Clang!"」
「Wilhelm's sword whirled in the air, ending in a flourish that unerringly blocked a final, two-handed sneak attack delivered by Hachiman with full strength.」
「Wilhelm's wrist trembled slightly. The weight of this strike was heavy; even the legendary Sword Demon felt the burden.」
「"You have already become a truly excellent knight, Lord Hachiman."」
「The old man's lips curled upward. He sighed with joy, peering up at the moon. His hand suddenly loosened, letting the heavy sword drop to the ground. He raised a hand over his head and let out a dejected sigh.
"It seems I am no longer your match. Truly tragic. For the current you, you surely possess the strength to protect yourself anywhere under the sun."」
「Truly sheathing his sword this time, Hikigaya Hachiman shook his head gently and stepped out of the courtyard without a backward glance. He was about to leave this mansion.」
「"...Help me... apologize to Ferris, Wilhelm."」
「These were his final words within that mansion.」
Crusch Route: The Vengeful Finest Knight
The battle between Hikigaya Hachiman and Wilhelm came as suddenly as it ended, leaving everyone blindsided.
Crusch cast a complex look at Wilhelm, who had turned his face away in a blatant attempt to avoid her gaze and pretend nothing had happened. She opened her mouth, but in the end, her heart was so heavy with conflicting emotions that she couldn't utter a word.
Over on Anastasia's side, all it took was a single confession for every member of her camp to take turns providing assists; yet on her own side, when she purely wanted to convince Sir Hachiman to stay, Wilhelm went ahead and held back in broad daylight, as bold as can be.
To think she had actually worried earlier that Wilhelm might strike too hard and had felt premature pity for her Sir Hachiman—it was all a joke!
"Anastasia, Anastasia, ahhh... Sigh!"
If it was merely annoyance or anger before, her current mutterings had transformed into genuine hatred.
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"Mmh. Although he held back a bit, Wilhelm at least put forth eighty percent of his strength. To be able to hold a stalemate against Wilhelm at eighty percent—Hikigaya Hachiman in this timeline, in terms of martial power, should be the strongest in that Lugunican Knight Order aside from Marcos and Julius."
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka commented with satisfaction. On a sudden whim, he threw several full-force punches into the empty air; the sound of the air breaking was so explosive it left Horikita Suzune and the others standing by in stunned silence.
"I can no longer beat Hikigaya Hachiman. Heh, not bad, truly not bad at all. It should be like this—give me more passion, give me more pressure to move forward, Hikigaya Hachiman."
'Is this person a monster?!'
In Class D, everyone—including the proud Koenji—felt their scalps tingle. This wasn't an "other world"; this was Earth. Could a normal human on Earth really be this powerful? One could understand high intelligence, but this physical body was preposterously beyond common sense!
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"Sister, Sister, Mr. Wilhelm is a good person!"
"Rem, Rem, don't forget we still have to get revenge on that disgusting trap!"
Rushing along their journey and seeing their beloved pass this trial unscathed, Rem let out a massive sigh of relief. She exchanged a glance with her sister, and both shared a cute smile.
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"Well done!" In the Shinomiya household, Shinomiya Kaguya cheered with joy.
She supported Anastasia, and since Crusch and Anastasia were polar opposites, the more miserable Crusch was, the happier she became.
"Dammit... think of a way to make Hikigaya change his mind, Crusch." Biting his finger, Shirogane Miyuki felt a bit gloomy. His primary support was for the original pair, Emilia and Rem, but since they had a secure victory in the official history, he naturally didn't want to see the Crusch he favored fail in these different timelines, especially since even Anastasia could succeed.
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「The land dragon beneath him galloped wildly. At his waist was the sword Wilhelm had specifically returned to him under the pretext of "blocking" him.」
「The bruises on his face did nothing to diminish Hikigaya Hachiman's aura. He didn't intentionally seek out Crusch to say goodbye, because he knew he would inevitably encounter this gallant monarch on the streets or near the gates of the Royal Capital.」
「None of his actions could escape Crusch's intelligence network.」
「...He thought so, yet next, at the deserted and desolate city gates—an area where an evacuation order had clearly been issued—what stood in his path was Julius, with his purple hair and Knight Order uniform, his eyes shining brightly.」
「This "Finest Knight," who once belonged to Anastasia, now also took orders from the new Emperor of Lugunica.」
「"Please do not misunderstand; I am not waiting here because of Lady Crusch's orders."」
「Julius spoke with a smile: "My appearance here is of my own volition, Hachiman-kun."」
「Patting the obedient land dragon and flipping down to the ground, Hikigaya Hachiman's body tensed, ready for battle at a moment's notice. Just as he respected Crusch, he also deeply admired Julius's character, but that didn't stop him from preparing for the worst.」
「"I heard that you intend to go back and live with Lady Emilia, is that correct?"」
「"...It's true that I'm going back to find Emilia." Hikigaya Hachiman negated the second half of the sentence. He didn't believe that someone like him, who had betrayed her once, had any right to live with Emilia; at most, it could only be considered going back to atone, to witness her daily life with his own eyes and ease his own unease.」
「"If it were merely that, I would offer my blessings to you and Lady Emilia. However, according to Ferris, it seems that once you go back, you do not intend to come out again, nor will you receive outside guests. Is that so?"」
「"..."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman's silence explained everything.」
「Julius nodded slightly in realization. "I see, I understand... Regrettably, this is for my own selfish reasons."」
「He bowed slightly and offered an apology. "In the decades to come, I still wish to spend my time with my best friend. Having already failed to assist Lady Anastasia, if I were to lose even the best friend I cherish, I'm afraid I would have nothing left."」
「"The current me has already returned the title of Finest Knight; I am a mere selfish and self-serving man. Let me start anew by retaining my best friend—starting from the most basic protection a knight can offer."」
「"I am truly sorry for taking advantage of your predicament."」
「The polite conversation ended. Julius, his breathing slow and steady, gradually drew his sharp blade. It was a weapon meant for enemies, yet now, for the sake of his own selfishness, he would clash here with the best friend he acknowledged.」
「"Perhaps this is also for revenge... revenge for causing Lady Anastasia's failure, and for making her feel disappointment and sorrow. It seems that I, who once grandiosely called myself the Finest Knight, am actually a shameless and despicable man, Hachiman-kun."」
「"If you dare utter another word of such self-deprecating nonsense, I'll slap your cheeks until they look just like mine."」
「The unique threat from Hikigaya Hachiman made Julius daze for a moment. Once he reacted, he couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.」
「"As I said... in front of you, I always appear so despicable and shameless... my best friend!"」
「"Come."」
「The words Wilhelm had used just now were now used by Hikigaya Hachiman.」
「"Thank you, Julius..."」
「Julius leaped forward; Hikigaya Hachiman leaped forward.」
「And then, deep within his heart, Crusch's strategist whispered: Thank you, Wilhelm.」
「Leaving the study, leaving the Karsten mansion, leaving the Royal Capital, leaving the Crusch camp, leaving everything that Emilia feared.」
「Now, it was time to put forth his full effort to achieve the third stage!」
「"PANG—!"」